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 U.S. ambition on Greenland unprecedented in NATO history: German defense minister Xinhua) 11:05, January 14, 2026 BERLIN, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday that the U.S. ambition to control Greenland would constitute "a real unprecedented situation in the history of NATO and of any defense alliance in the world." Pistorius made the remarks at a joint press conference in Berlin with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. Kallas said discussions are underway within member states regarding the situation and "tools in our hands" in response to the ambitions of U.S. President Donald Trump. However, she did not give further details. Meanwhile, Pistorius reaffirmed his support for Denmark's territorial integrity and sovereignty, emphasizing that the security of Greenland is a collective responsibility of NATO. He also stressed the importance of increased collective protection for Greenland within the NATO framework, noting that member states are currently discussing relevant measures. Germany has been part of broader European backing for Denmark and Greenland's rejection of any U.S. acquisition. During his visit to India on Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said NATO members are currently discussing the security of Greenland, noting that he expects the United States to be involved in the initiative. While in Washington on Monday, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reaffirmed that Greenland's future should be decided solely by the people of the island, following a meeting with the U.S. side. 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(LISA MARIE DAVID VIA GETTY IMAGES) The Philippines is on a weaker footing heading into 2026, thanks to corruption scandals and a complicated trade environment, testing President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. as he assumes the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Malaysia, the previous chair, had a busy 2025, needing to handle both the effects of U.S. President Donald Trumps steep tariffs on Southeast Asian economies, and a violent border conflict between member countries Thailand and Cambodia. Marcos, now leading the 11-nation bloc, has bold plans for his chairmanship in 2026, including signing a pact to integrate the regions digital economy. But he has economic problems closer to home. Investor confidence has withered in the wake of a corruption scandal, as probes discovered that $2 billion in government funding for flood management projects had disappeared. Since September, the Philippines has been rocked by investigations into misallocated funds, tight links between politicians and contractors, substandard materials and ghost projects. Marcoss approval ratings have dropped amid the scandal. The corruption scandal has sparked greater public outrage due to the Philippines continual problems with tropical storms and flooding. In November, Typhoon Kalmaegi wreaked havoc on portions of central Philippines, causing a death toll of over 200 and economic losses of more than $60 million, from damage to crops and farmland alone. The news has put the Philippines economy on a weaker footing, says Lavanya Venkateswaran, senior ASEAN economist at OCBC Bank. Third-quarter GDP growth fell to a four-year low of 4%, prompting Manila to slash growth targets for 2026 through 2028. The authorities will need to prioritize addressing administrative and bureaucratic challenges to restore confidence in public administration, Venkateswaran says, pointing to persistent inefficiencies like corruption, uneven digitalization and excessive red tape, which hinder economic growth in the Philippines. Challenging trade dynamics The Philippines also occupies a complex position in world trade. Manila boasts closer security ties with the U.S., which officials at times present as an asset as Washington embraces friendshoring and supply chains based in friendly countries. Yet economists are skeptical that relatively friendly relations with Washington will confer a trade advantage. The U.S. and the Philippines signed a trade deal last July that set a 19% tariff on U.S.-bound exports from the Southeast Asian country. In exchange, the Philippines agreed to remove tariffs on key U.S. goods, including agricultural and pharmaceutical products. Closer to home, the nation also faces strong competition from ASEAN peers like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, both in terms of attracting foreign investment and connecting into global supply chains. In the immediate aftermath of Liberation Day, when the U.S. imposed steep tariffs on the rest of the world, some Philippine officials hoped that a relatively lower import duty on the island nation might give it a competitive advantage over other Southeast Asian countries. Yet the U.S.s recent trade deals with major Asian trading partners has eroded that gap: Vietnam and Malaysia now have tariffs of 20% and 19% respectively, compared to 19% for the Philippines. The Philippines also has a long-running territorial dispute with China over islands in the South China Sea. Over $5 trillion worth of trade passes through the region annually, and conflict could disrupt critical shipping lanes through the waterway. The biggest problem for the country, however, is its limited manufacturing depth, says Andrew Tsang, the senior economist at the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO). Unlike its peers like Vietnam, the Philippines relies heavily on imported intermediate goods, used as inputs in manufacturing. That means the country has struggled to integrate itself into regional supply chains. Without faster investment execution and industrial upgrading, the Philippines risks missing the next wave of supply-chain reconfiguration, he cautions. Wielding ASEAN leadership Despite these challenges, experts are hopeful that the Philippines can use its ASEAN chairmanship to rebuild its reputation and strengthen investor trust. With its new position, the country gains a valuable convening role to advance regional priorities on connectivity, resilience, the digital economy, and supply chains, says Tsang of AMRO. The Philippines can also leverage multilateral accords like the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA)which the bloc is set to sign in 2026to secure its own future by setting broader goals which benefit all neighbors. The agreement, slated to be the worlds first regional digital economy agreement, would boost not just the countrys business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, but also create a $2 trillion unified digital market across Southeast Asia. This way, a small business in Mindanao can sell to a customer in Jakarta as easily as they do at home, explains Nona Pepito, an assistant professor of economics at the Singapore Management University (SMU). The Philippines can also help make regional supply chains more resilient. It can lead a push to weave the blocs diverse strengthslike Vietnamese manufacturing, Thai automotive parts, and Philippine electronicsinto a single, unbreakable ASEAN factory that is shielded from the U.S.-China trade wars, she adds. Finally, experts say the country should also invest in equipping its population with digital literacy skills, while pushing for regional standards in AI ethics. The Philippines services sector is a pillar of the countrys growth and a major employer, yet AI could threaten jobs in the BPO sector. Investing in training could help workers find new employment opportunities and avoid getting automated out of a job. The key macroeconomic risk lies in the speed of adjustment, says Tan Sook Rei, a senior lecturer at Singapores James Cook University (JCU). Whether 2026s opportunity translates into durable economic gains will ultimately depend on credibility, execution, and governance. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Kerry Bruce's partner said he felt her "name had been cleared" by the coroner's comments [Mandy Moore] A woman who died after falling 20ft (6m) from a hotel staircase in Thailand was not intoxicated despite claims by the authorities, a coroner has ruled. Thai police had claimed Kerry Bruce, from Doncaster, was drunk when she fell through a gap concealed by foliage at the Kalima Resort and Spa in Phuket. The 58-year-old, who had travelled to Thailand on a "dream holiday", suffered a bleed on the brain and was pronounced dead at the Patong Hospital on 4 June. Assistant Coroner Sarah Middleton told Doncaster Coroner's Court: "I think assumptions are being made by the Thai authorities [about her levels of intoxication] the police officers did not see Kerry, so I don't see how they have come to that conclusion." She said the presence of the concealed drop beside the stone staircase had "amazed" her, adding: "To not have barriers there is very concerning." Bruce's partner of three years, Stuart Raynor, said: "The police seemed to suggest she was drunk, but I can confirm she was not." He told the coroner: "I've been a licensee for 25 years, I know when somebody's intoxicated. I think it's a cover-up for a health and safety issue." Middleton said she accepted his evidence, adding: "You knew her best, you'd been with her that night and you saw her." Raynor shared photos showing how concealed and steep the drop was at the point where Bruce fell [Stuart Raynor] Bruce, who the inquest was told was generally fit and in good health, had had three small glasses of wine while dining with friends on the evening of 3 June. She and Raynor had separated when they got back to the hotel as she wanted to take the lift, which could have set off his vertigo, the inquest heard. After reaching the hotel room and finding it empty, Raynor went back downstairs and found Bruce had fallen. She had sustained severe head injuries, including a breed on the brain, as well as a broken rib and collapsed lung, the autopsy found. "If Kerry was in such a state of intoxication, I have no doubt Mr Raynor would not have left her," Middleton said. Stuart Raynor said the trip had been his partner's "dream holiday" [Stuart Raynor] She recorded the death as an accident and accepted the medical cause of death as a brain haemorrhage and skull fracture, which were caused by a fall. Speaking after the inquest, Raynor said he felt his partner's "name had been cleared" by the coroner accepting his evidence. He said the trip had been their "dream holiday", describing Bruce as "a fun-loving character, who would light up any room". He said he had gone back to the hotel later in the year and found railings had been installed along the side of the staircase, which he said was "closing the stable door after the horse has bolted". Bruce's sister, Mandy Moore, said she was "free spirited" and "loved helping people, helping her neighbours". "I miss her so much," she said. Bruce had previously managed The Emporium in Doncaster, lived in Germany for four years while working in a sewing factory, moved to Wiltshire and returned to Doncaster in 1997. The BBC has approached the Royal Thai Police and Kalima Resort and Spa for comment. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North Related internet links Filmmaker Rachel Mason, green hat, stands in 2023 in the alleyway where Billy Newton's head and feet were found in a dumpster in 1990. The others are, from left, sleuth Clark Williams, LAPD detective Tamara Momayez and LAPD detective John Lamberti, who all worked on the case. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Not long after documentary filmmaker Rachel Mason began looking into the gruesome 1990 cold-case murder of gay porn actor Bill Newton in Hollywood, Newton's former boyfriend, Marc Rabins, showed her a gay newspaper from the time, full of obituaries. There was Newton's young, handsome face, but also the faces of other young men, all of whom had died of AIDS. "AIDS, AIDS, AIDS, murder," Mason said in a recent interview with The Times. "I was so disgusted. Like, no, you can't have a murder in this sea of people already dying that's not right, not fair. We can't let this go." And she didn't. Instead, Mason helped convene a team of amateur sleuths to doggedly investigate the case, and in a stunning twist perfect for the true-crime documentary she was filming all along the way, helped lead Los Angeles police detectives to a new suspect who confessed to killing Newton, who went by "Billy London" in films, before his head and feet were found in a dumpster. "It's pretty astounding," Mason said. Others clearly agree. Read more:Avenging Billy: How amateur sleuths took on a gay porn actors haunting Hollywood murder On Wednesday, organizers of the SXSW Film and TV Festival announced that Mason's documentary titled "My Brother's Killer" and featuring a chilling on-camera interview with the confessed killer will world premiere at SXSW in March. "The unsolved murder of Billy London, a gay adult film performer brutally killed in West Hollywood, was an urban legend for 33 years. A documentary intended to honor his life took an unexpected turn when members of the community joined forces to uncover overlooked clues, and seek a resolution to the mystery of who killed him," the festival announcement teased. "Drawing on a rare trove of VHS and personal footage," the announcement added, "the film reveals a chilling overlap between the victim and some of the suspects who were captured on camera in films made in the narrow window of Billy's death." Mason said she is thrilled with the festival's selection of her film, just as she was by The Times chronicling the sleuths cracking the case in a front-page story in 2023, which the film highlights. Before then, Newton's story had only really been told in smaller gay publications, Mason said. Now, it's being featured at a "major, mainstream festival" at a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack across the country, which is "a big deal." "The larger picture of this film is, if anything, a point of optimism, you know? A beacon of hope in some dark times," she said. "A community solving a murder!" A killer film Mason is known in part for a previous Netflix documentary she made called "Circus of Books," about the adult bookstore on Santa Monica Boulevard where her parents spent years selling gay porn and LGBTQ+ literature. That film was in part an ode to West Hollywood, and so is "My Brother's Killer," which talks about Los Angeles' gayborhood with both reverence and a dose of reality acknowledging its role as a safe haven for gay people facing discrimination and its seedier side as a drug-heavy party scene in decades past. Rachel Mason in 2023 in Hollywood. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) The film captures Newton's struggles with that scene, including with methamphetamine, but also his sweet side, featuring interviews with family and friends who recalled a kind but unsettled 25-year-old who'd faced rejection at home in Wisconsin and run away as a teen to find acceptance. It also captures what the gay porn industry was like in West Hollywood as AIDS ravaged and stigmatized the community. The film introduces various members of Mason's investigative squad, including Clark Williams, a stay-at-home dad with a background in social work who also hailed from Wisconsin. Williams developed the lead that convinced LAPD detectives to head to an Oklahoma penitentiary in search of answers from their new suspect, DarraLynn Madden. And it is with the introduction of Madden a former gay porn actor and skinhead in Hollywood and now a transgender inmate serving a life sentence for killing another gay man years after Newtons murder that the film really hits its stride. First, lead detective John Lamberti discusses securing a confession from her. "We initially just said that we were there to talk about an old case from L.A., and it was Madden who actually brought up Billy first, and said, 'Oh well yeah, and there was this one case where somebody's head and feet got found in a dumpster,'" Lamberti says in the film. "And I'm just sitting there trying to keep a poker face: 'Oh, OK, tell me more.'" "The fact that I walked out of there with a confession was just mind-blowing," he says. Then Madden recounts in harrowing detail the killing in an on-camera interview Mason arranged after striking up a written correspondence with her. Madden tells Mason that she and some skinhead friends saw Newton "in a place us skins frequented to hunt and to perform acts of violence," and that she "laid the plan down to get out, put my arm around him and let him know this is what we're gonna do or else. We're going to walk to this car and we're just going to take a ride." Madden describes the group punching, kicking and elbowing Newton "He was kind of like a prize pinata at the time. I know that sounds horrible" and taunting him for being gay and high. She then describes strangling him with a cord, and deciding to cut up his body. "The only thing we could think of to get out of the apartment as clandestine as we possibly could was to dismember Billy, which was not an easy task," Madden says. Full circle for sleuths Mason's film which she made independently with editor and producer Dion Labriola gives substantial time to her fellow sleuths, including Williams and Christopher Rice and Eric Shaw Quinn, who have pored over the case on their podcast "The Dinner Party Show." After watching Mason's interview with Madden, Rice says in the film, "I always harbored a suspicion that maybe it was a false confession, but that's not a false confession." Rice also contemplates Madden's own troubled upbringing, her struggling in a world where both gay and transgender people face tremendous discrimination, and what he sees as Madden projecting her own self-loathing onto Newton. "Yes, the queer community has villains, we have people who are seeking to oppress us," Rice says in the film. "But if we indulge our own self-loathing, it can go down a road as dark and twisted as this." Rabins, Newton's boyfriend who police once suspected of being the killer, says in the film that hearing Madden's confession marked a turning point in his mourning process: "Up until that moment, I always felt Bill's presence around me. And after that, I feel like he's flying free." Prosecutors declined to bring charges against Madden, citing a lack of evidence beyond the confession and Madden already being behind bars for life in Oklahoma. Madden could not be reached for comment. Williams has since worked on a dozen other cold-case homicides across the country and helped prosecutors build a case against a new suspect in a 1991 murder in Michigan. That suspect is now headed to trial for murder. Rachel Mason with Clark Williams in 2023, shortly after the LAPD announced they were closing the investigation into Billy Newton's murder after securing a confession. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Williams said he was able to crack Newton's killing by completely immersing himself in Newton's life, and that Newton really came alive for him through that process. "Billy became a person to me that I knew and loved," he said. Because of that, he is a little apprehensive about Madden appearing in Mason's film, he said. "I understand why she's a cinematic figure, but I don't like DarraLynn Madden," He said. "In fact, I loathe DarraLynn Madden." That said, Williams said he trusts Mason to do the story justice, and is excited to see the film. "I've always believed that Billy Newton reflects a whole generation my generation of gay men who came of age in the 1980s and 90s," Williams said. "I'm really happy that that story gets to be told." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. New analysis suggests overseas cosmetic and obesity surgeries are costing the NHS up to 20,000 per patient when complications arise. A review of "surgical tourism" found patients often spend weeks in NHS hospitals after procedures such as bariatric surgery, tummy tucks, and breast augmentation. The NHS treats complications like infected wounds, with some patients needing intensive care and prolonged antibiotics. Researchers noted reports of multiple organ failure from sepsis due to wound infection, and deaths from hypoxic brain injury and cardiac arrest. Foreign Office data reveals six Britons died in Turkey in 2024 after medical procedures, with at least six more fatalities last year. The authors of the new study, published in BMJ Open, said the scale of the problem is underestimated due to a lack of data on the issue. Experts from Cardiff and Bangor universities examined 37 studies, of which 19 included complications treated by the NHS due to metabolic/bariatric surgery, 17 included complications due to cosmetic surgery, and one involved complications arising from eye surgery. The data included 655 patients treated by the NHS between 2011 and 2024 for complications. A doctor makes markings before a tummy tuck operation Researchers calculated the costs to the NHS from people having their surgeries abroad and then needing care in the UK, with figures ranging from 1,058 to 19,549 per patient, although there was some uncertainty over this evidence due to available data. Of those studies that reported length-of-stay in hospital, the maximum stays were 45 and 49 days, with the average for metabolic/bariatric surgery being 17 days. Most patients in the studies were women (90 per cent), with an average age of 38, and the most common destination for surgery was Turkey (61 per cent of patients). The most commonly reported procedures were sleeve gastrectomy (where about 80 per cent of the stomach is removed to leave a pouch), breast enlargement, and tummy tucks. Overall, 22 studies (on 371 patients) reported more details on complications, with at least 196 patients (53 per cent) in this research experiencing moderate to severe complications. The study calculated hospital costs but warned that extra costs, such as people seeing their GP, a nurse or pharmacist, were on top. Emergency and semi-urgent surgery, dental and transplant surgery, cancer treatment and fertility treatment was also excluded. The authors said: We still do not know how many people resident in the UK go abroad for elective surgery or how many people subsequently experience complications. Without these data, we cannot fully understand the levels of risk that people seeking surgery abroad are taking. Awareness-raising campaigns and interventions are warranted to inform members of the public in the UK considering going abroad for surgery about the potential for complications. Those seeking medical treatment abroad should be made aware of which complications the NHS is responsible for treating, and costs for which the patient may be potentially personally liable, including non-emergency treatment. The authors said doctors in the UK also do not have access to full notes or know exactly what happened during surgery when they are treating people. When looking at why people go abroad, research suggests it may be because procedures are not available on the NHS, private operations are cheaper abroad, and NHS waiting times can be long. The number of medical tourists has risen steadily over the past several decades, a trend that shows no sign of abating, the researchers said. A window display advertises low-cost Brazilian butt lift cosmetic surgery procedures outside a clinic in Miami (AP) In 2024, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he would work to improve safety for Britons travelling abroad for cosmetic procedures in the wake of several deaths. He said his strong advice to British travellers seeking Brazilian butt lifts, tummy tucks and other cosmetic treatments was to think carefully before taking up offers that are too good to be true. Asked whether the NHS should be picking up the pieces when things go wrong, he said: Were never going to turn people away who are in need of care but this is another pressure the NHS doesnt need. So I would urge Brits before travelling abroad to think very carefully before accessing those cosmetic treatments that are currently being marketed at rock-bottom prices. Kaydell Brown, 38, from Sheffield, signed up for multiple surgeries but died after going into theatre in Turkey 2024. An inquest also heard how Hayley Dowell, 38, suffered medical complications at a private clinic and died after she had a Brazilian butt lift, tummy tuck and liposuction in October 2023. Janet Lynne Savage, 54, from Bangor, died after major artery trauma during a gastric sleeve weight-loss procedure in Turkey in 2023. And Anne Towlson, 58, who travelled to Turkey in April 2024 for a tummy tuck, liposuction and arm-tuck surgery was found dead at home with open wounds to her armpits and triceps. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: Too many people are also being lured overseas for cheap cosmetic procedures, only to come home with life-changing complications that as this report shows end up costing the NHS thousands of pounds. We have launched a major drive to crack down on dangerous medical tourism and raise awareness of the risks medical tourism brings. The UK Government has been actively engaging with governments overseas on how to support the safety of patients who decide they wish to travel for medical treatment, and will be updating its guidance in due course. Today's headlines: Beijing against external intervention (by Washington) in Iran, caution also from Arab states. A train derails in north-eastern Thailand, causing at least 22 deaths. In 2025, India saw a 13% increase in cases of hate speech against minorities, including Christians and Muslims. Syrian Kurds protest against Damascus over the expulsion of militiamen from Aleppo after last week's clashes. ISRAEL - PALESTINE Dozens of private schools in East Jerusalem have suspended classes in protest against the Israeli authorities' decision to limit the days on which work permits are granted to teachers in the West Bank. The strike was called by the General Secretariat of Christian Educational Institutions in Jerusalem, which was later joined by all private schools. The decision affects about 20,000 students, including 8,500 pupils in 15 Christian schools, according to Richard Zananiri, director of St George's School. CHINA - IRAN - USA Beijing opposes any external interference in Iran's internal affairs. This was stated today by the Chinese Foreign Ministry after US President Donald Trump announced very strong actions against Tehran and in defence of the protesters. China does not condone the use or threat of force in international relations, said Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, in response to the White House's statement. Meanwhile, Israeli and Arab officials have also suggested that the US administration freeze an attack on the Islamic Republic, which is not yet sufficiently weakened. At least 2,600 people have died in the street protests, but according to some activist groups, the number exceeds 12,000. THAILAND This morning, a train derailed in the north-east after a construction crane fell on three of its carriages, killing at least 22 people and injuring about 80. The accident occurred in the district of Sikhio, in the province of Nakhon Ratchasima, 230 km (143 miles) north-east of Bangkok. The train had departed from the capital and was headed to Ubon Ratchathani province. INDIA Incidents of hate against minorities, including Muslims and Christians, increased by 13% in 2025, with most incidents occurring in states governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. This was revealed in a study by India Hate Lab, which documented 1,318 cases in 2025, compared to 1,165 in 2024 and 668 in 2023. At least 1,164 occurred in states and union territories governed by the BJP, either directly or in coalition. SYRIA Several thousand people marched in the rain in the north-east to protest against the expulsion of Kurdish fighters from Aleppo last week. The toll from five days of clashes is at least 23 dead and more than 150,000 people fleeing the city's two Kurdish suburbs. The protest erupted in Qamishli, where citizens displayed banners with the logos of Kurdish forces and the faces of slain fighters, some of whom blew themselves up with explosive belts in the face of advancing government forces. MALAYSIA The Malacca government has ordered the Islamic Religious Department (Jaim) to investigate allegations that a hotel in the state was labelled gay-friendly and went viral on social media, sparking a fierce debate. Datuk Rahmad Mariman, of the State Executive Council for Higher Education and Religious Affairs, confirmed the ongoing investigation, which concluded yesterday afternoon with the suspension of the facility's licence. RUSSIA - USA Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Manturov reported to President Vladimir Putin on military technology contracts, which reached a record total of billion in 2025. This exceeds previous figures, which did not reach billion. Foreign importers are particularly interested in radio-electronic warfare systems and drone projects. KAZAKHSTAN In Kazakhstan, the Ministry of the Interior has announced a general amnesty to mark the 30th anniversary of the Constitution. More than 2,000 people will be released after the review of 16,000 cases, which reduced the period of detention to 11,000 prisoners, with measures to ease the situation for many others, starting with the most vulnerable citizens: minors, women with children, pregnant women, the elderly and the disabled. Those who have received a full or partial pardon will be subject to special police checks. by Daniele Frison The 2026 World Watch List has been published. The number of countries suffering extreme" level of oppression is up from 13 to 15 with nine in Asia and the Middle East. North Korea tops the list for 24 years. In Syria, the situation has worsened since Assad fled. State surveillance in China, anti-conversion laws in India, and violence in Myanmar are a source of great concern. Rome (AsiaNews) Open Doors today released its 2026 report on hostility towards Christians showing that anti-Christian persecution around the world continues relentless. After 33 years, persecution has reached a record in absolute terms, confirming the trend of recent years. From 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025, more than 388 million Christians endured a high level of discrimination because of their faith, up from 380 million a year before. This touches two out of five Christians in Asia. The number of countries experiencing "extreme" levels of persecution is up from 13 to 15, nine are in Asia and the Middle East, occupying the top spots on the 2026 World Watch List while North Korea remains in first place. For more than three decades, the Evangelical NGO, which runs practical support projects for persecuted Christians in more than 70 countries, has used local networks, researchers, and analysts to monitor various forms of oppression, as presented today in Rome. The latter include killings (up from 4,476 to 4,849 in one year), attacks on churches and private property (down from 7,679 to 3,632), and attacks on homes, shops, and businesses (down from 28,368 to 25,794). Oppression also involves detentions, convictions, and kidnappings, as well as mental and physical abuse, like beatings, and death threats (up from 54,780 to 67,843). Another form is forcing people to abandon their home becoming internally displaced persons or refugees (up from 209,000 to about 224,000 cases). The report covers all Christian denominations without distinction. For the past 24 years, North Korea with its "zero tolerance for Christians has topped the World Watch List of the 50 worst countries (except for 2022). Open Doors highlights again this year "the regime's dictatorial paranoia against the Christian community." Between 50,000 and 70,000 Christians are thought to be held in forced labour camps in North Korea; with "abundant evidence" of the practice of "brutal interrogations" against fugitives repatriated from China. All this fuels the underground or hidden Church," says the 2026 report. Somalia, Yemen, and Sudan follow. "Strongly Islamic nations," it emphasises, where the persecution of Christians is linked to a tribal Islamic society, active extremism, and endemic instability. Like in North Korea, the Christian faith is practised in secret; if discovered, Christians, especially former Muslim converts, risk death. Next in line are Eritrea, deemed the "North Korea of Africa, and Syria, which jumped from 18th to 6th place in just 12 months. The latter is the real surprise this year," Open Doors states. Twenty-seven Christians were killed in the reporting period. The lives of Christians have "changed radically" since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. The 2026 report cites the attacks on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Hama and the June 2025 suicide bombing in Damascus that killed 22 people at the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church. These developments are compounded by hostility toward churches and schools. Persecution also comes from Syrian authorities, with the provisional constitution approved in March 2025 inspired by "Islamic jurisprudence as the main source of legislation". Some 300,000 Christians still live in Syria where their fate is seriously impacted by the fragmentation of political power. Nigeria (7th place) remains the country with the highest number of Christians killed in the world. Since 2020, they number over 25,200, according to Open Doors. Pakistan (8th) remains steady in the top 10 for many years," with 24 Christians killed because of their faith. Libya ranks ninth. Iran follows, with the situation slightly worse in anti-Christian violence, exacerbated by the brief war with Israel in June 2025. In 11th place is Afghanistan. Following the rise of the Taliban, "many Christians have been killed," the report notes, while the few who remain live hidden, in total secrecy. India ranks 12th. "We have been denouncing the decline of the Christian minority's fundamental freedoms for years," Open Doors points out. Some 16 Christians were killed from October 2024 to September 2025, while 192 were detained without trial, in prison or psychiatric hospitals for reasons related to their faith. The growing intolerance in India is fuelled by the Hindutva movement, which "promotes the idea that all Indians should be Hindu, portraying Christians as traitors," the report states. Women who convert to Christianity are "particularly vulnerable," victims of abuse and forced marriage. The situation is exacerbated by anti-conversion laws in force in 12 Indian states. The list of 15 countries with "extreme" levels of persecution is rounded out by Saudi Arabia (13), Myanmar (14), and Mali (15). Despite "some positive developments in religious freedom," such as tolerance for Christmas decorations in some cities, things worsened somewhat in Saudi Arabia. "Significant restrictions" remain, and "deportations of foreign Christians" have been reported. The situation in Myanmar is "consistently negative," says Open Doors with a rise in the number of Christians killed and detained (99 and 129). Attacks on churches, however, have decreased, even in Christian-majority states. The increase in fighting during the recent elections has increased internal displacement, and converts are persecuted by their own families and communities. The 2026 report includes an in-depth analysis of China (17th place), which has achieved its worst record ever. The cause of this decline is not "violence," but rather "national life. In September 2025, Beijing introduced 18 Regulations on the Online Behaviour of Religious Clergy," which "require religious leaders to support the Communist Party. Initiatives like this make it "increasingly difficult for Churches to avoid aligning themselves with official communist ideology." This has resulted in the fragmentation of house churches, deemed illegal with Christian leaders charged with economic crimes. In some places, young people are banned from accessing church premises, with checks carried out by "surveillance cameras" and plainclothes police. Open Doors reports some good news, especially in South Asia, with "relative calm" in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Muhammad Yunus, head of an interim government, "has made a series of public statements on the importance of religious freedom," the report says. In Sri Lanka, the government led by President Dissanayake, elected in 2024, does not give priority to any religious group, improving the treatment reserved for Christians. Finally, in Malaysia, the reopening of the investigation into the disappearance of Rev Raymond Koh, kidnapped by unknown masked men in 2017, after eight years, gives hope. 14 January 2026 14:00 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more As anti-government protests in Iran enter their third week, the confrontation between Tehran and Washington is no longer confined to diplomatic statements. The United States has openly signaled that it is closely monitoring developments and has not ruled out intervention should violence against civilians intensify. Tehran, in turn, has warned that any U.S. move would be met with a response. Yet recent regional experience, including the exposure of serious weaknesses in Irans air-defense capabilities during the latest twelve-day confrontation, has cast doubt on how much of this rhetoric reflects real power and how much is driven by ideology and psychological signaling. At the same time, reports that the Donald Trump administration is weighing not only conventional military options but also cyber and psychological operations add a new, more ambiguous layer to the crisis. The standoff increasingly appears less like a classic military equation and more like a test of endurance, narratives, and internal resilience. Against this backdrop, Azernews asked regional and international experts to assess three core questions shaping the current moment: whether Irans threats toward the United States are rooted in a rational balance-of-power calculation or an uncompromising die, but do not surrender ideology; how Tehrans Foreign Ministry statements should be interpreted, as domestic posturing or a signal of reliance on unconventional capabilities; and whether U.S. psychological and information operations could accelerate administration erosion or, conversely, reinforce Tehrans long-standing foreign enemy narrative. Iranian political scientist and researcher Mohammad Rahmanifar argues that Tehrans posture toward Washington is deeply rooted in ideology rather than rational power calculations: Regarding the first question, I would say that what we are witnessing is the implementation of the ideological line you mentioned, the idea of die, but do not surrender. Look at Iran: it has already missed major opportunities that came its way. For at least two decades, Iran had multiple chances to reach a certain level of understanding or rapprochement with the United States, but Khamenei and cadres loyal to the Supreme Leader let those opportunities slip away. During the period when Bill Clinton was in power in the U.S. and Mohammad Khatami was president in Iran, there was willingness on both sides for dialogue and rapprochement. However, Khamenei strongly opposed this and did not allow it. Later, during Barack Obamas presidency, the issue of rapprochement resurfaced during the nuclear negotiations. At that time, Hassan Rouhani was president of Iran. As you know, that period is remembered for the agreement between Iran and the P5+1, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also referred to as the Iran nuclear deal, which aimed to limit Irans nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and other provisions. The problem, however, was that even on the very day the agreement was signed, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is directly subordinate to the Supreme Leader, began conducting ballistic missile tests, with the slogan Death to Israel written on them. The message was clear: we do not accept these agreements. My point in recalling this historical context is to show that there have always been opportunities for rapprochement between Iran and the United States. Yet individuals and institutions loyal to Khamenei consistently opposed such potential progress. Today, the situation has reached a point where even those actors realize that the possibility of rapprochement no longer exists. Trump is setting conditions that leave no room for any flexibility. As a result, behind the current exchange of harsh statements lies the same die, but do not surrender ideology". According to him, the regimes current threats are a continuation of a long-standing worldview shaped by the Supreme Leader and institutions loyal to him: "As for the statement by Irans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I would describe it more as an expression of desperation. I do not think it is primarily aimed at a domestic audience. Rather, it becomes clear that the government is no longer able to engage meaningfully at the international level. From the tone alone, one senses deep helplessness, as if they themselves understand that these statements will yield no results. The reality is that Iran simply lacks the capacity to pose a serious threat to the United States in any comparable way. Trumps threat if you fire on civilians, we will intervene in Iran actually served to further strengthen the protesters morale. Protesters began to believe that there was a power standing behind them. For many years, protests and unrest have occurred repeatedly, only to be suppressed by government forces. This time, however, protesters believed that Trump will support us and that the government would not kill people. Let us not forget that in May 2009, during the Green Movement, one of the main slogans of protesters in Tehran was: Obama, Obama, ya ba ma hasti ya ba onha?, meaning, Obama, Obama, are you with us or with them? Even then, protesters understood that without U.S. support, they could not confront Khamenei. Yet Obama did nothing beyond condemning the Iranian regimes policies and its repression of the people. This time, Trump promised that he would not remain silent about the developments, and this contributed to the protests reaching such a wide scale. The reality, however, is that there has been no tangible progress. As a result, the regime has been able to increase the number of people it kills with relative ease. Internet access is severely restricted, and from this perspective, not every piece of information can be fully trusted. Nevertheless, it is being reported that the figures this time have already reached levels incomparable to previous unrest. Trumps recent statements are also deeply disappointing. It appears that even if some form of support is demonstrated, it will be extremely limited. The best-case scenario here would be a limited U.S. airstrike; actions leading to regime change seem highly unlikely. One reason for this can be traced back to the answer to the first question. Clearly, U.S. air power is vastly superior to Irans, as was demonstrated in this twelve-day war. However, there is also the fear that, driven by this death-before-surrender ideology, Iran could engage in unpredictable and reckless actions, such as targeting U.S. military bases near Iran or attacking projects tied to the economic interests of U.S. allies. Trumps caution may stem from this concern. The last thing the United States wants is for its regional interests and potential gains to be jeopardized. A similar conclusion is reached by Brendan Ziegler, a U.S.-based German analyst, who frames Irans warnings as classic ideological posturing designed to serve both domestic and external purposes: "Irans public warnings to the United States amid massive domestic unrest resonate strongly with the regimes longstanding ideological posture of defiance. Tehrans leadership has consistently cast foreign powers , especially Washington, as existential adversaries, framing internal dissent as externally fueled riots or even mercenary activity meant to destabilize the Islamic Republic. This narrative serves two purposes. Domestically, it reinforces the regimes core legitimacy claim, that external enemies are ever-present and thus justify strict control, and helps retreat public attention from economic and political grievances that sparked these protests. Strategically, though, Tehrans threats appear disproportionate to its actual ability to militarily challenge the United States, especially given Irans weakened economic position and internal fracturing under sanctions and protest pressure. In other words, Irans rhetoric is predominantly ideological posturing aimed at shoring up internal unity and deterring external action, rather than a reflection of a concrete balance-of-power strategy. The regimes emphasis on defiance, historically rooted and domestically potent, overrides what an objective assessment would suggest: that Tehrans conventional capabilities are constrained, and its capacity to retaliate against U.S. forces significantly remains limited compared with American advantages." The Iranian Foreign Ministrys messaging can indeed be read in two distinct ways, and both serve Tehrans immediate political needs: "Appeasing domestic audiences and projecting strength. By portraying foreign governments as meddling and threatening, Tehran taps into nationalist sentiments and legitimizes its suppression of dissent as a necessary defense against external interference. This helps prevent the regime from appearing weak amid protests that have shaken even traditionally loyal groups like the bazaar community. Signaling unconventional deterrence. Irans reference to being fully prepared and its readiness to respond if outsiders interfere hints at confidence in non-traditional defense mechanisms, such as asymmetric, proxy, or hybrid capacities, which could complicate direct U.S. responses. These might include proxy networks in the region, cyber operations, or disruptions to global supply routes, which Tehran has cultivated over decades. The potential impact of U.S. psychological and information operations amid protests in Iran is complex. On one hand, support that counters Iranian censorship, such as promoting alternative communication channels, could energize dissent and raise awareness of domestic issues, increasing pressures on the regime. However, such actions might also reinforce the regimes foreign enemy narrative, allowing authorities to justify crackdowns by framing protests as instigated by the U.S. This could undermine internal criticism while rallying public sentiment around nationalism, even among skeptics of the government. Ultimately, U.S. information operations could paradoxically bolster protest efforts while simultaneously providing the regime with reasons to suppress dissent, complicating any movement toward regime change." Elyar Kamrani, a member of the Azerbaijan Central Party, who describes the current unrest as the largest protest movement Iran has ever seen and a genuine struggle for regime survival: The uprisings that have been ongoing for more than two weeks have pushed the authorities to the brink. This is the largest-scale protest movement Iran has ever experienced. The reasons for this are clear to everyone. Thousands of deaths caused by both government forces and militias have only further inflamed the protests. The internet shutdown, which has lasted for nearly six days, also suggests that the protests are likely to continue for several more days. The regimes demonstration yesterday, involving several thousand supporters loyal to the government, shows that this is a political tactic it has repeatedly used. Each time, it tries to convey the message that it has supporters, a strategy long employed by authoritarian regimes. Bashar al-Assad, for example, once used similar tactics against the opposition. The Iranian administrations threat toward the United States yesterday indicates that it has run out of cards to play. In other words, this has become a struggle for survival. Seeing that the people are no longer on the governments side, the authorities are now trying to use their last remaining option by threatening Washington. Yet during the twelve-day war, everyone witnessed just how weak Iran actually was. These threats, as you also noted, stem from the I will die, but I will not surrender mentality. The statement by Irans foreign minister can be described as a kind of ploy attempt. As always, they try to claim that events are being orchestrated from outside by foreign forces. Unfortunately, when such statements receive support, as they have from some countries, they can lead to the deaths of protesters. When we look at the declaration closely, Iran claims to be the initiator in talks with the United States and to be acting within its own interests, yet in reality it is begging. Washingtons response, meanwhile, suggests that Iran is already contemplating surrender. If this interpretation is correct, we may soon see how many concessions the authorities are willing to sacrifice in negotiations with the United States. Official Tehran is likely to try to delay the process as much as possible and drag it out. We have also seen during the protests that groups and political or ideological camps have shown no reaction to the prospect of foreign attacks. During the IsraelIran war, Tehran used this card to rally even domestic protesters or opposition figures to its side. But now, if protests continue or if a war breaks out between the United States and Iran, the regime will no longer be able to use this factor. This essentially shows that the regime has already begun to rot from within. These protests are its concrete manifestation. 14 January 2026 17:49 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Armenian authorities are reportedly preparing to remove Russian border guards from the Akhurik checkpoint on the border with Turkiye, signaling a potential shift in Yerevans approach to border management and regional diplomacy. Preparatory steps, including the installation of a flagpole, have been completed, while Russian personnel are expected to remain present during the transition. On the Turkish side, construction work has already begun at the Margara checkpoint, suggesting serious intentions by both countries to move toward reopening the border. Analysts note that reopening could have significant economic and geopolitical implications, including increased trade, improved regional connectivity, and a recalibration of Armenias relations with Russia. At the same time, Armenian law enforcement officials have raised concerns about a rise in illegal border crossings, often involving third-country nationals, highlighting the challenges of balancing border openness with security and migration control. Azernews spoke with Armenian activist and public figure Ishkhan Verdyan to assess what this development truly signifies. We present the interview: - What does Armenias decision to remove Russian border guards from Akhurik signal about Yerevans current foreign policy priorities? - The decision to withdraw Russian border guards from Akhurik primarily reflects the governments domestic policy priorities and its desire to restore the countrys sovereignty. An independent Armenia, whose external borders have been closely monitored by Russian FSB troops, is an oxymoron that must be resolved and Nikol Pashinyan is currently addressing exactly that. This only indirectly concerns foreign policy: Turkiye has ceased to be a threat to Armenians, and therefore the borders between the two countries no longer require the presence of a third countrys forces. However, it cannot be denied that, from Russias perspective, these developments may indeed be perceived as a major geopolitical shift, since Russia is gradually losing physical control over Armenia and the South Caucasus, post by post. - How might this move affect Armenia-Russia relations, particularly in the context of security and regional influence? - From a regional security perspective, a new configuration has already emerged, different from what we were accustomed to. Russia, despite its wishes, can no longer play the system-shaping role in the Caucasus that it did before the events of the past two to three years. The withdrawal of its troops from Akhurik is just one episode in the process through which Armenia is taking vital nodes under its own sovereign control (earlier, Russian border guards left Zvartnots Airport and the Armenian-Iranian customs). This process will inevitably continue until no foreign troops remain along Armenias external perimeter. Could the border reopening influence regional trade corridors, particularly in connection with Azerbaijan and Georgia? - Borders that remained closed for nearly forty years are now beginning to open, and, frankly, it is extremely difficult to predict what the regional transport network will look like if all previously closed roads are opened. This has never happened before, and therefore we will be the first to witness the benefits that the region can gain from the peaceful coexistence of its peoples. - To what extent does Armenias move suggest a recalibration of its security partnerships away from Moscow, given Russias overstretch and perceived inability to act as a decisive security guarantor in multiple theaters? And can this be seen as part of a wider weakening of Moscows regional role after years of conflict in Ukraine? - Armenia has never refused its partnership obligations toward Russia, while Armenian politicians have repeatedly accused the Russian side of violating agreements with Armenia. In essence, the responsibility for the deterioration of relations between the two countries today lies with Russia. Armenia, meanwhile, remains open to engagement and advocates for normal relations but now without Russias ultimate influence over its internal and foreign policy. 14 January 2026 12:22 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Natavan Club of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union has hosted a literary and public conference titled "Our Language Our Identity", dedicated to the preservation and development of the Azerbaijani language, Azernews reports. The event opened with remarks from the Writers' Union's Secretary and Honored Art Worker Elchin Huseynbayli, who stressed the significance of protecting the purity of the Azerbaijani language. He recalled the speeches of Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev on the subject, emphasizing that this issue carries both scientific and societal importance today. Huseynbayli noted that since the late 19th century, the Azerbaijani Turkish language had been a leading means of communication and cultural exchange in the Caucasus, although historical and political challenges later limited its influence. He pointed out that under President Ilham Aliyev's leadership, Azerbaijan has regained its regional prominence, giving a strong boost to the status of the Azerbaijani language, which he confidently predicts will become one of the leading languages of the region in the near future. Other speakers at the conference explored issues related to state language policy, literary norms, terminological security, and the preservation of linguistic culture in both scientific and artistic contexts. The event brought together notable figures from Azerbaijan's literary and academic circles, including Chairman of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, People's Writer Anar, Academics Isa Habibbayli, Rafael Huseynov, Nizami Jafarov, Teymur Karimli, Kamal Abdulla, Mukhtar Imanov, People's Writers Chingiz Abdullayev, Elmira Akhundova, Members of the Azerbaijani Parliament Elnara Akimova, Jale Aliyeva, Seyyad Aran, Professors Nadir Mammadli, Telman Valiikhanli, Karim Tahirli, editor-in-chief of "dbiyyat qzeti" Azer Turan, International Relations Secretary of Azerbaijan Writers' Union, poet and translator Salim Babullaoglu, and Head of the Center for Literary Translation and Relations Asad Jahangir. In their remarks, they underlined that the responsibility to protect the Azerbaijani language belongs not only to linguists but to society as a whole. The conference concluded with in-depth literary discussions and practical recommendations, leaving participants with renewed commitment to the preservation and enrichment of the Azerbaijani language. 14 January 2026 15:43 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more An international online exhibition titled "Friendship on the Silk Road" has been organised through cooperation between the Artists' Union of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the Azerbaijan Artists' Union, and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. The project is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. The exhibition brings together works by a total of 18 professional artists representing Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, showcasing a wide range of creative styles and aesthetic perspectives. The paintings reflect the shared civilizational space shaped by the Great Silk Road and, within this context, interpret the common historical memory and cultural-spiritual heritage of the Azerbaijani and Uzbek peoples through the lens of contemporary artistic thinking. As part of the online exhibition, a catalogue complementing the project's conceptual and artistic content was also presented. The catalogue opens with a foreword by Gunay Afandiyeva, Member of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, and Cultural Ambassador of Uzbekistan. She notes that the joint exhibition "Friendship on the Silk Road" by Azerbaijani and Uzbek artists is yet another vivid example of the cultural unity between the two brotherly countries and peoples. The deputy emphasised the importance of bringing artists from both nations together on a shared cultural platform and strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Describing the initiative as a meaningful contribution to the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, she stated: "The project once again reflects, through the universal language of art, the spirit of multifaceted partnership between our two countriesrooted in shared historical values and reinforced by today's common political will. I am delighted that, alongside many areas of life, a creative dialogue in the field of visual arts is also developing successfully between our peoples. I express my gratitude to all the organizers and talented artists involved in the project and wish the creative team inspiration and continued cooperation. May the artistic embodiment of AzerbaijaniUzbek brotherhood revive our shared cultural heritage once again." In his opening remarks, Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Bahrom Ashrafkhanov, described the project as a vivid symbol of the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual ties between the two brotherly nations. "Art, as a universal language, clearly reflects the shared values, traditions, and worldview that have taken shape along the Great Silk Road over centuries," he said. "The particular significance of this online exhibition lies in the fact that it is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Over these years, our countries have built a strong strategic partnership based on mutual respect, trust, and support," he added. The Ambassador also expressed sincere gratitude to the Azerbaijani Parliament and Nakhchivan Artists' Union for their direct support in organizing this important cultural initiative, expressing confidence that the exhibition would further contribute to strengthening Uzbek-Azerbaijani friendship and developing humanitarian cooperation. The project's curator for Azerbaijan is Ulviyya Hamzayeva, Member of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Chair of the Nakhchivan Artists' Union, and Honored Artist. The curator for Uzbekistan is Khurshed Khalilov, a member of the Creative Union of Artists of Uzbekistan. The catalog for the online exhibition was designed by Araz Khudiyev, photographer and designer of the Nakhchivan Artists' Union. "Friendship on the Silk Road" is planned as a long-term cultural initiative, with the presented exhibition marking the first stage of the project. 14 January 2026 14:56 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The Central Scientific Library of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) has organized an exhibition showcasing the latest additions to its collection over the past month, Azernews reports. The exhibition features a diverse range of literature, including textbooks, teaching materials, scientific research, monographs, as well as works of fiction and documentary publications spanning multiple fields of knowledge. Notable works on display include textbooks such as "Introduction to Econometrics", "Statistics for Business and Economics", "Statistical Inference", "Economic Management and Strategy", "Ethics in Social Work", "System Analysis and Modeling", "Mediation Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan", "International Medical Law: Special Part", and "Course of International Public Law". The exhibition also features Rauf Rustamov's "Legal Foundations of Advocacy", pedagogical works, and Chingiz Mammadov's three-volume "History of International Relations", which covers the interwar period and the events of World War II. The exhibition also highlights literary and documentary works, including writer Rufat Huseynli's "The Name of Courage AMID", dedicated to War Hero Major Amid Heydarov, the scholarly collection "The Summit of Bakhtiyar Vahabzade", and Hikmat Malikzade's documentary portrait "Legendary Figure", focusing on political expert and member of the Azerbaijan Press Council Aydin Guliyev. Visitors can also explore artistic and literary works, such as Uzeyir Hajibayli's "Fantasy: Transcriptions for Tar and Piano", "The World of Beauty in Nizami", the essay collection "The Starry Flow of Words" on writer and publicist Ulduz Gasim, and the novel "Ctindr" by writer-poet Vahid Aslan. The exhibition demonstrates scholarly contributions, including Associate Professor Sevda Khalafova's monograph on the legacy of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, "Electronic Library-Information Resources on the Legacy of National Leader Heydar Aliyev". A special highlight is the elegant and comprehensive scientific-cartographic work *Atlas of Natural Resources of Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur", which documents the liberated regions' natural resources, geological features, ecosystems, soil and water reserves, and biodiversity. The exhibition will remain open to the public for two weeks, offering readers a unique opportunity to explore the breadth of Azerbaijan's recent scholarly and literary contributions. The Central Scientific Library of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences is one of the country's foremost research libraries with a rich history dating back to the early 1920s, evolving over a century into an essential scientific information center that supports scholars, students, and the broader public. Originally formed from early bibliographic efforts and systematically expanded alongside the development of Azerbaijan's scientific community, the library now preserves a vast universal collection of over 1.3 million items in more than 50 languages, including rare manuscripts and valuable historical publications. Beyond traditional book lending and reference services, the library actively embraces modern information technologies, with extensive digitization projects, electronic catalogs, and participation in global library networks that provide access to international resources and research collaborations. It also hosts exhibitions, scientific conferences, and special collections such as the Academicians Library and engages in international partnerships to foster academic exchange and innovation. Through this combination of historic preservation and forwardlooking digital initiatives, the Central Scientific Library bridges conventional scholarly traditions with contemporary research needs. 14 January 2026 09:23 (UTC+04:00) The photos from President Ilham Aliyev's meeting with the residents of Aghdara were posted on his social media accounts. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 14 January 2026 11:02 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Armenias Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published a document outlining the implementation framework of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, Azernews reports. The document was presented following a meeting held in Washington on the previous day between Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The ministry emphasized that the document does not create legally binding obligations for either Armenia or the United States and is intended to serve as a framework agreement. Under the text, the TRIPP framework describes mechanisms for launching multimodal transit connectivity through Armenian territory. The project is presented as an infrastructure initiative aimed at ensuring unobstructed transit, linking mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and forming a key segment of the Trans-Caspian trade route. The Foreign Ministry noted that implementation of the project will be based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and reciprocity. Its stated objectives include strengthening the security and economic development of Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as expanding regional trade and transit opportunities between Central Asia, the Caspian Sea region, and Europe. The project envisages the creation of a dedicated company to oversee the development and operation of TRIPP. A structure is planned under which the United States would hold a controlling stake, while Armenia would retain oversight mechanisms on key issues. The proposed model grants construction and operating rights for 49 years, with the option to extend for an additional 50 years. At the initial stage, 74 percent of shares would be allocated to the United States and 26 percent to Armenia. In the event of an extension, Armenias stake could increase to up to 49 percent. Any changes in shareholding or final beneficial ownership would require prior approval from both the Armenian and U.S. governments. The company would have exclusive rights to plan, build, operate, and maintain railways and highways within the transit routes, as well as associated energy and digital infrastructure. Potential revenue streams include infrastructure access fees, commercial activities along the route, leasing and development of real estate, service charges, and income generated by special-purpose entities. A separate section underscores that Armenia will retain authority over: legislative, regulatory, and judicial jurisdiction within its territory; national security and law enforcement oversight; customs and border control, including the collection of taxes, duties, and other mandatory payments. The framework agreement envisages a front-office/back-office model. Private operators contracted by the company may handle customer-facing functions such as document collection, consultations, coordination, and payment processing. However, final decisions related to customs clearance, security, migration, and law enforcement will remain the exclusive responsibility of Armenian state bodies. The document explicitly states that sovereign functions will not be transferred. Plans also include the introduction of risk-based inspections, digital customs and border systems, single-window mechanisms, pilot projects for advance clearance, and electronic document management, as well as potential U.S.-supported training programs for personnel, subject to available resources. Armenia intends to continue implementing modern integrated border management practices, with possible U.S. technical assistance, including: risk-based inspection and customs procedures; advanced inspection technologies; digital customs and border systems; inter-agency coordination mechanisms; professional capacity-building for Armenian civil servants. Pilot projects are planned to optimize: advance customs clearance procedures; digital document processing; one-stop concepts at border crossing points; technology-driven risk assessment; coordinated border management with neighboring countries. It is recalled that on August 8, 2025, in Washington, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration in the presence of the U.S. President. The document envisages the launch of the Zangezur Corridor, referred to as the Trump Route, as part of efforts to restore regional connectivity. In addition, the foreign ministers of the two countries initialed an agreement On Peace and Interstate Relations. 14 January 2026 17:22 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The Women Entrepreneurs in Successful Partnership project has been relaunched through the joint organization of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan (SMBDA), Marsol Group, and the National Association of Entrepreneurs Society (ICMA), Azernews reports. An official event marking the restart of the project was held at the Baku SME House, bringing together representatives of supporting organizations and women entrepreneurs. Speaking at the event, SMBDA Chairman Orkhan Mammadov and ICMA Chairman and founder of Marsol Group, Tural Mustafayev, highlighted ongoing measures to support the development of womens entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan, private sector initiatives in this field, and the objectives of the project. It was noted that now in its third year, the initiative aims to increase women entrepreneurs economic and social participation and to expand business networking opportunities among them. This years project will involve more than 100 women entrepreneurs representing various sectors. As part of the initiative, a series of training sessions, seminars, and masterclasses will be organized, along with business meetings, office and production site visits, and social activities. During the event, promotional films about the project were screened, and the views of this years project partners were presented. Participating women entrepreneurs also familiarized themselves with the operations of the Baku SME House and the services it provides to business owners. The Women Entrepreneurs in Successful Partnership project has been implemented since 2024. This years partners and supporters include Kapital Bank, Malham International Hospital, Corian Baku, Atirshah Perfume, Gizli Bahce Restaurant, and Moon Group. The project is scheduled to conclude in March this year. 14 January 2026 16:13 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Kazakhstans Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Alim Bayel, has met with Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration. According to information provided by the Kazakh Embassy to Azernews, the sides reviewed the outcomes of bilateral cooperation over the past year and discussed plans for the near future. Ambassador Bayel highlighted the high level of reciprocal visits as a key indicator of the intensity of bilateral relations. Over the past three years, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has visited Azerbaijan six times, while President Ilham Aliyev has paid five visits to Kazakhstan. It was noted that on August 8, 2025, the decades-long conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia came to an end with the signing of a historic Declaration on a peaceful settlement. Kazakhstan also contributed to the peace process by providing a platform for AzerbaijaniArmenian negotiations in 2024. A fact of both symbolic and practical significance was emphasized: for the first time in 30 years, cargo transported from Azerbaijan to Armenia consisted of Kazakh wheat. The sides underscored the importance of further opening communications. One of the notable developments of 2025 was Azerbaijans full-fledged participation in the format of Central Asian leaders summits. Kazakhstan provided comprehensive support for this process. In comments to the Azerbaijani media, President Tokayev said he would welcome Azerbaijans participation in the C5+US format. The sides also stressed the need to strengthen economic and industrial cooperation through the effective use of the joint investment fund, as well as to further develop transport, logistics, and energy cooperation. In addition, they exchanged views on international and regional issues, noting the joint and active role of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan in shaping a new geopolitical and geoeconomic architecture across the Eurasian space. 14 January 2026 16:44 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more In line with the bilateral agreement reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia and guided by the principles of humanism, four individuals convicted under various articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan and serving sentences in the country have been extradited to Armenia, Azernews reports. Azernews reports that those transferred are Khachatryan Vagif Cherkezi, Sujyan Gevorg Rubenovich, Davtyan David Tigrani, and Eulcekcian Viken Abraham. The extradition is described as one of the practical outcomes of the peace process established between Azerbaijan and Armenia. According to official information, the rights of the extradited individuals were fully ensured during their detention in Azerbaijan. Their health status and detention conditions complied with international standards. Prior to the transfer, all four underwent medical examinations, which confirmed that their health conditions were satisfactory. The court's decision sentenced each convicted individual to 15 years in prison. It was also noted that Vagif Khachatryan, whose health condition had previously raised concerns, received all necessary medical assistance and remained under continuous medical supervision until his extradition. January 12, 2026: Boko Haram, a Nigeria based Islamic terrorist group, has embraced digital technology for their operations using encrypted apps like Telegram and WhatsApp to communicate. This goes beyond carrying out new attacks. These apps also allow Boko Haram to not only communicate securely but to also recruit new members, plan attacks and coordinate operations in general. One important operation is to spread disinformation on apps or social media sites that a lot of Nigerians frequent. Most of the messages go out in Hausa, the language of the Moslem north. Most Nigerians understand a local dialect of English and standard English is the official language for government, education, and business. Boko Haram exploits this widespread use of English to share their propaganda with more than a billion English speakers worldwide. Although Boko Haram literally means Western Education is Forbidden, this Islamic terrorist group educates themselves, or recruits members who are well educated, to help with communications and propaganda. Unencrypted apps like TikTok, along with propaganda videos in Social Media sites can enrage Muslims who will then attack their Christian attackers. Boko Haram regularly spreads false accusations to Christians abusing Moslems and before the accusations can be proven false, a lot of mayhem, deaths, injuries and tarnished reputations can occur. Given the nearly universal adoption of cellphones in Nigeria, this Boko Haram propaganda and other messages find a large audience and an endless supply of new recruits or supporters. The oil-rich west coast African nation of Nigeria continues to have problems with Islamic terrorist groups Boko Haram and especially the local Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/ISIL faction known as Islamic State West Africa Province/ISWAP. The latest disaster was a May 4, 2025, ISWAP attack on an army supercamp in northeastern Yobe State. This attack featured the ISWAP use of motorbikes instead of 4x4 vehicles. Yobe State terrain is flat with little cover. ISWAP found motorbikes more effective than larger vehicles. The attack on the supercamp left four soldiers dead and many more wounded. ISWAP gunmen vandalized part of the camp for several hours. They got away with weapons, ammunition and other supplies. ISWAP has stuck with its strategy of concentrating on the security forces, and doing so by assembling a large enough number of gunmen to ensure, most of the time, a quick victory. The continued prevalence of corruption and incompetent officers in the army has contributed to continued chaos and lawlessness in northern Borno State, where most of the population was displaced by Boko Haram violence in 2014-15 and when Boko Haram control was broken by 2017. After that government programs to revive the economy and restore law and order collapsed under the usual corruption and incompetence of local officials and security forces. Even a reform-minded president who was a former general and Moslem was unable to push military reforms far enough and fast enough. Boko Haram is not winning; but the government is failing to finish off a defeated Boko Haram and take advantage of an opportunity to regain the trust and loyalty of the local population. ISIL took advantage of similar conditions to quickly overrun more than a third of Iraq in 2014. Many Nigerian leaders are well aware of how that worked but the corruption is so entrenched and widespread that reform moves slowly and that left the army and government officials vulnerable to a well-organized Boko Haram comeback. ISWAP is also known as the Barnawi or AL Barnawi faction of Boko Haram. ISWAP has apparently received a lot of useful technical and tactical advice from ISIL veterans of fighting in Iraq, Syria and Libya. Boko Haram persists in the northeast in large part because of its willingness to experiment, innovate and take advice from foreign ISIL veterans. The Barnawi faction follows the current ISIL doctrine of concentrating attacks on security forces and government officials, preferably the corrupt ones. That makes it easier to extort more cash and other goods from the local population. In 2019 the Barnawi faction had over 3,000 active gunmen and operated mainly in the far north of Borno state near Lake Chad and the borders of Niger and Chad. The smaller Shekau faction has about half as many armed men and operates further south near the Borno State capital of Maiduguri and the Sambisa Forest. Both factions rely on the fact that the years of Boko Haram violence in Borno State, where Boko Haram originated in 2004, has increased the poverty and corruption the Islamic terrorist organization was founded to eliminate. Many potential recruits are discouraged by stricter standards and a more fanatic approach by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Compared to the original Boko Haram, the most hard core Islamic radicals are drawn to the more extreme groups and that way Boko Haram persists. Current ISWAP strength is closer to 4,000 fighters. Boko Haram is still around, with fewer gunmen than ISWAP. Both of these Islamic terrorist organizations have been fighting each other since 2021. The army has taken advantage of this, but corruption and frequent incompetence have enabled the Islamic terrorist groups to continue surviving. The government has tried to exploit the Islamic terrorists civil war. Back in 2020 some army commanders in the northeastern Borno State tried to blame foreign Non-Government Organizations/NGOs for providing a steady flow of reports, documented with pictures and videos showing army misbehavior and mistreatment of civilians. The foreigners were also accused of spying for Boko Haram and deliberately spreading false reports of army misbehavior to hurt the morale of troops and loyalty of local civilians. These accusations tended to be quickly withdrawn when senior officers back in the national capital heard of it. The generals in the high command knew the NGO reports were true because these reports were often quietly double-checked by high command investigators. Such retractions were just another reminder of the problems the military faced and were unable to fix, in the northeast. 14 January 2026 13:27 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff reportedly held a secret meeting with Reza Pahlavi, the former crown prince of Iran and a leading opposition figure, amid ongoing mass protests across the country, Azernews reports via Axios. The meeting, first reported by Axios journalist Barak Ravid and citing a senior U.S. official, focused primarily on the scale and trajectory of the unrest in Iran. U.S. officials have not officially confirmed the meeting. However, it is described as the first high-level contact between the Trump administration and the Iranian opposition since protests erupted on December 28. According to the report, Pahlavi is seeking to position himself as a transitional leader should the current political system in Iran collapse. Witkoff previously took part in nuclear negotiations with Iran as Trumps representative, giving the meeting added political weight amid escalating tensions. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported on January 13 that the unrest has resulted in 2,571 deaths, including at least 2,400 protesters, 147 government-affiliated individuals, 12 children, and 9 bystanders. The organization also confirmed 18,434 arrests, 1,134 serious injuries, and the release of 97 forced confessions. At least 12,000 people have reportedly been killed during the ongoing protests in Iran, the editorial board of Iran International stated, describing the events as the largest massacre in Irans contemporary history. The mass killings are said to have occurred mainly over two consecutive nights, January 8 and 9. Iranian authorities have not independently confirmed the reported number of deaths. International reactions are expected as the scope of the alleged crackdown continues to emerge. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning, stating that the United States would take very strong action if Iranian authorities begin executing detained protesters. In an interview, Trump said the situation in Iran is not going to end well and noted that Washington is awaiting official confirmation of the reported death toll. Trump stopped short of detailing potential U.S. actions but said the ultimate goal is victory, referencing past U.S. operations against Irans nuclear facilities and the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. He has also publicly encouraged Iranians to continue protesting, writing on Truth Social that help is on the way. The reported meeting between Witkoff and Pahlavi underscores growing international attention on Irans internal crisis, as protests persist and pressure mounts on the Iranian leadership. 14 January 2026 14:05 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Irans judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, has pledged to carry out fast trials for those arrested during ongoing protests, according to state television and Iranian news agencies, Azernews reports via The Guardian. If a person burned someone, beheaded someone and set them on fire, then we must do our work quickly, Mohseni-Ejei said during a visit to a Tehran prison holding protest detainees. He added that the trials should be in public and spent five hours reviewing cases at the facility. Rights organizations warn that thousands have been detained since the protests erupted, raising concerns that Iran may use capital punishment extensively against demonstrators. The comments come amid growing international scrutiny over Irans handling of the unrest. "To all Iranian patriots, keep protesting," the US President said during a speech in Michigan on Tuesday. Trump warns of 'very strong action' if Iran executes protesters as more than 2,400 reported killed Trump urged Iranians to "take over institutions" and to remember the names of "killers and abusers" - as they will "pay a very big price". Reviving his vow that the US would come to the rescue of Iranian civilians protesting against the government, he also pledged that "help is on the way". When asked to clarify this by the BBC's US partner CBS News, Trump said: "There's a lot of help on the way, in different forms, economic help from our standpoint, and we're not going to help Iran very much." Referencing the deaths of protesters in Iran, the president said "it looks like a pretty substantial number". Asked about reports that protesters are due to be executed on Wednesday, Trump said the US will take "very strong action if they do such a thing". 14 January 2026 14:22 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Iran has warned that it would target US military bases in the region in the event of a US attack, Azernews reports, citing Reuters. According to an anonymous Iranian official, Tehran has conveyed this warning to several regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkiye, stressing that any US military action against Iran would trigger retaliation against American bases hosted in these states. Tehran has informed regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to Turkiye, that if the US attacks Iran, Washingtons military bases in these countries will be hit, the source said. Earlier, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf also issued a similar warning, stating that US forces deployed in the region would be targeted should Iran come under attack. According to an Israeli assessment, Trump has decided to intervene but the scope and timing of this action remains unclear, an Israeli official said. The Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Tehran had asked US allies in the region to prevent Washington from attacking Iran. Tehran has told regional countries...that US bases in those countries will be attacked if US targets Iran... asking these countries to prevent Washington from attacking Iran, the official told Reuters. The official added that direct contacts between Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had been suspended, reflecting mounting tensions. A second Israeli source, a government official, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus security cabinet was briefed late on Tuesday about the chances of regime collapse or US intervention in Iran, an arch-foe with which Israel fought a 12-day war last year. In an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, Trump vowed very strong action if Iran executes protesters. If they hang them, youre going to see some things, he said. He also urged Iranians on Tuesday to keep protesting and take over institutions, declaring help is on the way but without giving details. The United States has forces across the region including in Bahrain, home to the headquarters of the US Navys Fifth Fleet, and Qatar, which hosts Al-Udeid Air Base - the forward headquarters for US Central Command. Iran fired missiles at Al Udeid last year in retaliation for US airstrikes on its nuclear installations. 14 January 2026 17:01 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Iran has expressed concern that Armenia may be turning into a hub for forces hostile to Tehran, according to Iranian Ambassador to Yerevan Khalil Shirgolami, Azernews reports via Sputnik. The events in Iran are planned by Israel and the United States with the goal of dividing our country, and if this happens, I can say with certainty that Armenia will be among the losers, Shirgolami said. He reported that for the past six days, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, groups of protesters, described as Western supporters, have gathered in front of the Iranian Embassy in Yerevan, using obscene and offensive language. We have repeatedly voiced our complaints to the relevant authorities in Armenia, but the picketers act with impunity. During the most difficult times, we stood by the people and government of Armenia. Today, we are in a difficult situation, and the events in front of the Iranian Embassy in Armenia will remain in the historical memory of the Iranian people, the ambassador added. Shirgolami emphasized that Iranian diplomats have conveyed their concerns to Armenian authorities and stressed that Armenia should never become a source of threat to Iran. The protests in Iran began in late December 2025, triggered by the devaluation of the Iranian rial. Initially focused on sharp fluctuations in the exchange rate and their impact on prices, the demonstrations escalated in several cities into riots and clashes with police. Slogans adopted a political tone, targeting Irans current political system, and included supporters of Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran. Casualties were reported among both protesters and security forces, though the exact death toll remains unclear. Western media estimates range from 700 to 2,000. Irans Supreme National Security Council accused the US and Israel of orchestrating the unrest, and the Foreign Ministry claimed it has irrefutable evidence of foreign interference. US President Donald Trump openly encouraged protesters to seize government buildings, stating that assistance to the protesters was already on the way. 14 January 2026 17:38 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Some personnel at the US militarys Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar have been advised to leave by Wednesday evening, three diplomats told Reuters, amid heightened warnings from Washington over potential unrest in Iran, Azernews reports via Jerusalem Post. Officials emphasized that this is a posture change, not an ordered evacuation, and no specific reason was publicly cited. Al Udeid, the largest US base in the Middle East, hosts around 10,000 troops. The US embassy in Doha had no immediate comment, and Qatars Foreign Affairs Ministry did not respond to requests for confirmation. The development comes after a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran had warned regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkiye, that US military bases in their territories would be targeted if Washington attacks Iran. The official said Iran urged these countries to prevent such an attack. US President Donald Trump has issued repeated threats of military action against Iran, warning that any retaliation by Tehran would be met with force never seen before. The Iranian official also confirmed that direct communications between Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff have been suspended, citing that US threats undermine diplomatic efforts. Meetings intended to address the longstanding nuclear dispute and ongoing unrest in Iran have reportedly been canceled. These comments follow Trumps Tuesday post on Truth Social, in which he confirmed that all meetings with Iranian officials had been canceled. They also come in the wake of an Axios report stating that Araghchi had reached out to Witkoff over the previous weekend to discuss the ongoing protests in Iran. 14 January 2026 21:22 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Serious labor rights violations have been reported at a Chinese factory producing the popular Labubu toys, Azernews reports. According to The Guardian, citing investigations by the human rights organization China Labor Watch (CLW), the violations occurred at Shunjia Toys in Jiangxi Province. The NGO claims that teenagers aged 1617 were working on regular production lines without the legal protections required by Chinese labor law. They were expected to meet the same production targets as adult workers. Additionally, employees reportedly signed blank employment contracts, unaware of their working conditions, salaries, or contract terms. The investigation, which lasted several months, involved interviews with more than 50 employees. According to these testimonies, the high demand for toys led to excessive production standards, with some employees working far beyond the legal limit of 36 overtime hours per month, sometimes reaching up to 100 hours. Labubu is one of Pop Marts most successful product lines, generating billions of yuan in revenue in the first half of 2025 alone. In response to the NGOs report, Pop Mart stated that it regularly audits its suppliers and has begun verifying the claims outlined in the investigation. Representatives of Shunjia Toys, which produces Labubu toys under contract for Pop Mart, did not respond to inquiries from The Guardian. Labor violations in toy manufacturing are part of a broader global trend, where high demand for collectible and trendy toys often puts pressure on factories to meet strict deadlines, sometimes at the expense of workers rights. Pop Mart has recently announced plans to explore AI-assisted production methods, which could reduce human labor intensitybut also raises questions about future job security for factory workers. 14 January 2026 22:25 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Japanese companies NTT DATA, Sumitomo Corporation, and JA Mitsui Leasing plan to lay a new underwater cable connecting several countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Azernews reports. According to NTT DATA, the cable will span approximately 8,100 kilometers, linking Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore with South Korea, the Philippines, and Taiwan. To carry out the project, the companies will establish a joint venture called Intra-Asia Marine Networks. The cable will consist of 16 pairs of fiber-optic lines and is expected to provide a data transfer capacity of around 320 terabits per second. The project is estimated to cost about $1 billion and is scheduled for completion by 2029. Previously, Japan and Singapore announced plans for another underwater cable stretching 8,900 kilometers, which will connect these countries with Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, and Taiwan. It is worth noting that around 99% of international data traffic is transmitted via underwater cables, making them a critical part of global economic and digital security infrastructure. Modern submarine cables are often laid along carefully surveyed routes to avoid natural hazards, and some are even armored to withstand fishing activities and shark attacks. These hidden networks are the backbone of the internet, carrying more data than satellites ever could. January 12, 2026: Ukraine is going after the Russian shadow fleet of lawless tankers moving sanctioned oil to customers. In the last few months at least a dozen attacks and sabotage attacks and sabotage efforts were launched against shadow fleet tankers. These included using naval drones in the Black Sea to sink or disable Russian tankers. This happened while the tankers were trying to reach the Russian port of Novorossiysk, which is the primary port for loading tankers. Russias economy and war effort against Ukraine is financed by oil and other energy exports. Russia is operating under severe economic sanctions imposed to reduce that income and create economic conditions for Russia that make it difficult to impossible to continue their war in Ukraine. The key to Russian oil exports is the use of foreign tankers to covertly smuggle their petroleum and coal from Russia to overseas customers. Eighty percent of the oil for China goes by pipeline and cannot be disrupted. China accounts for nearly half of Russian petroleum and other energy exports. Its the other half that is at risk because of a growing list of sanctions. The economic sanctions were imposed on Russia because of its 2022 invasion, in an effort to reduce its hard currency income from exports of oil and natural gas. These are the main Russian exports and the major source of income for the Russian government and war effort. To evade these sanctions, Russia created a growing shadow fleet of oil tankers purchased and/or leased abroad and obtained unrestricted access to a Chinese smuggler haven maintained in Hong Kong. Current estimates are that nearly 900 tankers are smuggling sanctioned Russian petroleum to customers in China, India, the European Union/EU, Turkey and Myanmar. Most refined petroleum products go to Turkey, China, Brazil, Singapore and India. The rest goes to nine countries, in the Middle East, Africa and Taiwan. China has been buying 47 percent of the crude oil while India takes 37 percent followed by Turkey and the EU with six percent each. China, India and Turkey account for about 90 percent of Russian income from the sale of oil, natural gas and coal. The U.S. is imposing additional tariffs on countries that import Russian oil. India is already subject to these tariffs, which increases what they have to pay for imports from the United States. The Americans are negotiating with China and Turkey over what tariffs will be imposed to discourage Russian oil imports. The nations enforcing the sanctions, particularly the United States, have tracked the routes of the Russian shadow fleet and noted the key role Hong Kong plays in arranging the movement of sanctioned Russian oil to its primary customers in China and India. Hong Kong is also a major source for supplying sanctioned nations with weapons and munitions. A current customer is Russia. Hong Kong does this by allowing Russian tankers and cargo ships, operating with fake credentials to disguise their Russian affiliation, to bring in Russian oil and other raw materials. The Russian ships then leave Hong Kong carrying weapons for their war in Ukraine. Another major player in the Russian smuggling effort is North Korea. For years North Korea has been buying small, second-hand cargo and tanker ships and using them for smuggling. A favored evasion technique consists of taking on or transferring cargo at sea in its own territorial waters. The North Korean merchant fleet consists of about 150 ships, mostly purchased from Chinese firms. North Korea is a notorious and persistent maritime smuggler. Because of North Korean smuggling, the United States expanded its maritime smuggling and sanctions enforcement program in 2018 when a new multi-national enforcement organization was created. Initial members were the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Britain, France, South Korea, and Japan. The Enforcement Coordination Cell, or ECC, is enforcing the UN sanctions that curb North Korean smuggling related to items needed for their nuclear and ballistic missile programs. In addition, the ECC allowed member nations to also enforce whatever other sanctions or naval missions their government put a priority on. The U.S. has since invited India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines to join and assist with monitoring growing Chinese violation of offshore water rights, especially in the South China Sea and other areas of the West Pacific. The ECC concentrates on the 2,000-kilometer-long shipping lane from the Indian Ocean, through the Malacca Strait and the South China Sea to North Korea. Along this route there are not only North Korean flagged ships participating in smuggling, but even more Chinese, Taiwanese, Liberian, Sri Lankan, and ships that are independent and fly whatever flag they believe will keep them from getting seized for smuggling. Earlier U.S. efforts had already identified many North Korean and Iranian owned tankers and cargo ships that were often engaged in smuggling. This led Iran and North Korea to use their own ships less and willing foreign ships instead. These third-party ships are the ones the ECC sought to identify. These ships can be identified, along with their owners and the owners can have banking and other sanctions placed on them. Many nations, not part of the ECC, but economic partners with ECC members, will cooperate if a smuggler ship visits one of their ports. At that point the captain can be arrested and the ship seized. The ECC member warships do not depend on inspecting suspicious ships while at sea, but confirming who is where and when. This is especially useful for spotting smugglers who often turn off their location beacons and continue in running dark mode. These location beacons transmit current ID and location to any nearby ships and often, via satellite, to their owner and international shipping organizations. The location data, past and current, can be found on several public websites. The beacons exist mainly as a safety measure for ships operating at night or in bad weather in heavily used shipping lanes. Smugglers have learned how to turn off their beacons near a port where, it is assumed, they have docked or anchored off the coast waiting for an available dock. Some smugglers are using spoofing, a form of jamming that just modifies the beacon signal to present a false location. This is where warships and maritime aircraft come in as these can identify ships visually or using radar followed by visual inspection. This is more damaging to the smugglers because it provides more evidence that their ship was involved in smuggling, and with enough evidence, you can go after the ship owners and seize the ship whenever it enters coastal waters, within 22 kilometers of land belonging to a nation that will seize outlaw ships. Has the City of Washington, NC been managed by their elected local government, and their bureaucrats, in a fiscally responsible manner to better serve the people who pay their ever advancing property taxes? 8.33% Yes, rising property taxes are a necessity to maintain a progressive city.91.67% No, excessive funding of a poorly managed government can become a shell game of corruption.0% I am afraid to say. Claire Byrne on leaving RTE: It felt like the organisation was wagging its finger at me, saying youve been a bad person - you need to have a pay cap to stop your gallop 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? Judge who said cyclists have become a nightmare sparks backlash but he had his own run-in with road safety laws Judge James ODonohoe was fined 600 in 2012 for failing to provide breath sample Judge James O'Donohoe Fionnan Sheahan Tue 13 Jan 2026 at 21:23 A judge has incurred the wrath of the pedal power population for saying that cyclists have become a nightmare in Dublin. Emergency services are currently at the scene of a road traffic collision involving a bus and a pedestrian in Belfast city centre. Its understood that a bus struck the pedestrian, who was rushed to hospital. The NI Ambulance Service (NIAS) received reports of the collision in the Donegall Street area of Belfast at around 5.30pm NIAS despatched one Rapid Response Paramedic and an Emergency Crew to the incident," a spokesman for the NIAS said. "Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken by ambulance to Royal Victoria Hospital. Donegall Street in Belfast News Catch Up - Tuesday 13 January The PSNI said crews remain at the scene of the ongoing incident. More to follow. Kith and Ralph Singco died along with their unborn daughter Kate after a road accident at Nutts Corner The funeral will take place next Wednesday (Photo: O'Kanes Funeral Directors) A husband, wife and unborn baby girl who died in a car crash at the weekend will be remembered at a funeral Mass next week, it has been confirmed. Meanwhile, a fundraiser to repatriate the family has raised over 60,000. Funeral details said on Wednesday the Requiem Mass for Cathrene Kith Quinones Singco, Ralph Anthony Singco and their unborn baby Kate will be held on Wednesday January 21. The funeral will take place next Wednesday (Photo: O'Kanes Funeral Directors) They lost their lives in an accident near Crumlin in Co Antrim at the weekend. A viewing will be held at OKanes Funeral Directors on Donegall Street, Belfast, between January 17 and 19. The family will then be brought to St Vincent De Paul Church, Ligoniel on January 20 for prayers at 5.30pm and an overnight vigil. A Requiem Mass will be held the following day at noon. Proceeds from the online fundraiser will go towards repatriating the couple and their unborn daughter to their native Philippines. Husband and wife Nak Ralph Singco and Kith Qui Singco Created by friends of the couple on Tuesday evening, the fundraiser set an initial target of 10,000 to help the family. But by Wednesday afternoon, it had already raised more than 64,000. The fundraising page said news of the couples deaths had caused profound sadness and heavy hearts. Kith and Ralph were dedicated members of our community who spent their lives in service to others as healthcare workers. Kith served with compassion as a nurse, and Ralph was a devoted care assistant. "Their lives were defined by their kindness and their commitment to the health and well-being of those in their care. On Sunday, January 11, Cathrene was involved in a devastating two-car collision near Nutts Corner in Crumlin. Tragically, Cathrene, who was seven months pregnant in her 30s, passed away following the accident. Cathrene Kith Quinones Singco "The heartbreak deepened as her unborn baby also lost her life as a result of the collision. Her husband, Ralph, who was also in the vehicle and fought for his life in the hospital, passed away on, January 13. The fundraiser said the goal of the campaign was to meet the costs of bringing the couple home. The Singco family were valued members of our community, the campaign added, but their roots and extended families are in the Philippines. It is the shared and heartfelt wish of both Cathrenes and her husbands families to bring them back to their home country. We are aiming to raise 10,000 to assist with the significant financial burden of this tragedy. The process of international repatriation is complex and carries significant financial costs. We are launching this fundraiser to help cover repatriation expenses for Cathrene, her husband, and their baby, funeral and memorial services in the Philippines and travel and logistical support for the grieving families during this difficult time. No family should have to navigate such a monumental tragedy alone. Any contribution, no matter how small, will go directly toward ensuring this family can be laid to rest together in their homeland. Husband and wife Nak Ralph Singco and Kith Qui Singco News Catch Up - Tuesday 13 January The couple had just celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary. Mr Singco died from his injuries in hospital, two days after the death of his wife and unborn baby Kate, while six other people sustained minor injuries in the collision involving a blue Ford Fiesta and a silver Skoda Superb collided on the Moira Road at around 2pm on Sunday. Detective Inspector Stewart, from the Collision Investigation Unit, said: We are investigating what happened and require the publics assistance with our enquiries. January 14, 2026: Last year in Europe there were over a thousand incidents of drones flying near or over military installations. Over 2,000 drones were involved, and, in 96 percent of the incidents, the drone operators could not be identified. German intelligence experts concluded that whoever was doing this had financial and logistical resources to carry out these extensive drone operations. The primary suspect was Russia, which had already been caught carrying out sabotage and disruption operations in the Baltic Sea, Germany and the Netherlands. In May of last year, two cargo ships, the HAV Dolphin and the HAV Snapper, were seen behaving strangely. The Dolphin was moving aimlessly around Kiel Bay for ten days. The ship never unloaded or took on cargo. Meanwhile, over a hundred kilometers away, off the Netherlands coast, the Snapper remained stationary near a Dutch island two hours before seven drones were seen hovering over the Russian freighter Lauga being escorted by the German police to the North Sea. The Snapper stayed behind for four days, moving aimlessly in circles. The activities of Dolphin and Snapper were reported briefly and not with much detail, in European media. Seven German journalism students noted these stories and decided to practice what they were studying and find out what was really going on. It took the students five week and a 2,500 kilometer automobile ride across three countries to find out what Russian drones were doing over Europe and how they were getting there. The students obtained relevant classified documents describing the extent of the drone problem. While the documents were classified, most of the data had already appeared in European media. The mystery drones had been seen over military installations and in several instances that included drone activity shutting down commercial airports for hours or intermittently over a period of days. The public uproar over these disruptions led German police and security agencies to go after the usual suspects. These included the two Russian freighters Dolphin and Snapper. Both ships were searched several times and nothing was found. The German student investigators discovered that the searches were perfunctory and superficial. Left unsearched were shipping containers that would have contained drones and equipment to launch and operate them. Drones had been spotted over or near defense manufacturing facilities, chemical producers and nuclear power plants. The drones were also showing over areas where shipments of military equipment for Ukraine were being prepared. Any facility involved with supporting Ukrainian military operations noticed more drones buzzing around. When concerned citizens or local officials made inquiries, the government always seemed to give the same answer, that there was nothing sinister going on and that these investigations were ongoing. None of this was true, because no government agency was putting all the clues together and discovering what the seven students later revealed. And the revelation was that the drones were Russian, not local hobbyists or civilians using their own drones. Most of the suspicious drone activity took place near the North Sea or Baltic Sea coast. The Russians were using three cargo ships, Lauga, Dolphin and Snapper as launch platforms for drones. Most commercial ships currently carry drones to assist in operations. But the Russian ships were carrying hundreds of drones as well as drone operators and technicians to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance and occasional harassment missions. The seven German journalism students sorted through all this data and concluded, in a well-documented assessment, that the Russians were using the same three cargo ships to carry out espionage activities. These ships were working for the Russian Defense Ministry, and it took seven diligent German students to document and prove it. The students used publicly available AIS/Automated Identification System ship tracking systems to find where Lauga, Dolphin and Snapper were and had been. Currently you can still track these ships via the AIS. Western intelligence agencies rely on AIS tracking for all sorts of things. AIS was originally developed to make it easier to track ships at sea and was rapidly adopted by most large commercial vessels in the 1990s. AIS is essentially an automatic radio transponder beacon that, when it receives a signal from a nearby AIS equipped ship, responds with the ship's identity, course, and speed. This is meant to enable AIS ships to avoid collisions with each other. Smugglers or merchant ships dealing in shady practices turn off their AIS. Actor Michael Patrick has been undergoing clinical trials for MND. (Pictured as Richard III) A Northern Ireland actor has said taking part in a clinical trial has brought changes he never expected to experience again. Michael Patrick, also known as Michael Campbell, lives with motor neurone disease (MND). He said he is experiencing moments of movement and is now cautiously hopeful since taking part in the ION363 trial also known as Jacifusen or Ulefnersen in Dublin since September 2023. He began treatment just days after getting married. My first injection was two days after my wedding, which is a sentence I still find strange to say out loud, he told the Belfast Telegraph. The trial began with an 18-month blind phase, during which participants may receive either the drug or a placebo. While it has not been confirmed, Patrick, who last year won one of the biggest theatre prizes in the UK at the Stage Awards for his performance in Richard III, believes he was likely on the placebo during that initial period, based on the steady progression of his symptoms. It was not until February 2025, when he entered the open-label phase and was guaranteed to be receiving the drug, that everything began to change. After an infusion on October 30, last year, something happened that defied everything he had been told to expect. I regained slight movement in the toes of my right foot and reflexes in my right leg, he said. I hadnt been able to move that foot for nearly two years. Michael Patrick has been undergoing a clinical trial for MND. Pictured at the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards. There is no cure for MND. People with MND dont experience reversal of symptoms, he added. So to see anything come back has been surreal, overwhelming, and quietly hopeful in a way thats hard to put into words. Patrick has been travelling regularly between Belfast and Dublin for treatment, an experience he describes as demanding but deeply rewarding. I feel very fortunate, he said. Fortunate to have an exceptional medical team supporting me in both Belfast and Dublin, and grateful to the doctors, nurses, physios, OTs, carers, and the wider community teams who have been there at every step. He singled out Orla Hardiman, the Dublin-based neurologist leading the trial, as a key figure in his journey. When I first met her, she said the goal was about turning care into a cure, Patrick said. Thats stayed with me. His story has already resonated far beyond Northern Ireland, recently drawing attention at the Spirit Awards, where actor Kenneth Branagh highlighted Patricks journey a moment that underlined how personal courage, scientific research and community support can intersect in the most unexpected ways. Alongside his treatment, Patrick has continued to think deeply about his work as an actor and the wider cultural landscape around disability and representation particularly in theatre. I think the honest answer is: its definitely improving, but theres still a gap between intention and reality, he said. Patrick is an acclaimed award winning stage actor He recalled the challenges faced when attempting to share the role of Richard III with another wheelchair user, only to discover how few disabled actors were available on the island of Ireland. That raises bigger questions, he said. Where is the bottleneck? At what point are people with disabilities being filtered out or discouraged from getting involved in theatre in the first place? Patrick also criticised the tendency to confine disabled actors to explicitly disabled roles. Disability becomes the defining feature of the casting, rather than just one part of who the actor is, he said. But why shouldnt a disabled actor play Romeo? "Theatre asks audiences to accept all kinds of imaginative leaps, but it still sometimes struggles to extend that same imagination to disabled performers. He added that some of the most frustrating barriers are deceptively small, citing the inability to book accessible tickets online as one example. It sounds minor, but its one of those moments that quietly makes you feel a bit othered, like the system wasnt designed with you in mind. "Theres more listening, more flexibility, and a growing understanding that adapting the process doesnt weaken the work, it strengthens it. Away from the stage, his focus has increasingly turned to the realities of living with MND in Northern Ireland, where he says support services remain under-resourced. Actor Michael Patrick has been undergoing clinical trials for MND. (Pictured as Richard III) News Catch Up - Tuesday 13 January The biggest thing is supporting research thats how we get closer to a cure, he said. MND is still a disease that isnt well known, well talked about, or well funded enough. As his own condition has progressed, Patrick is preparing to undergo a tracheostomy this week to support his breathing a development he describes as daunting, but necessary. Amid that uncertainty, he has drawn strength from an extraordinary show of support from family and friends. I want to thank a very special group of eleven lads that my wife and I went to school with, he said. They have raised over 100,000 through GoFundMe to help us through the next chapter. Theyre family to us, and we love them deeply. The road ahead wont be easy, Patrick added, but having support like this makes it feel far less frightening. He is expected to appear before Laganside Magistrates Court (PA) A man has been extradited from Spain to Northern Ireland to stand trial in relation to more than 90 offences. The 40-year-old is wanted for 91 breaches including supply and conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs along with possessing, acquiring and transferring criminal property. The man was initially arrested in Spain in October of last year, and on Tuesday extradition proceedings were completed with his return to Northern Ireland. He is expected to appear before Laganside Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Sergeant Davey, from the International Policing Unit, described the offences as very serious and said they were discovered as a result of years of detailed investigations by the PSNIs Organised Crime Unit and international partners. This extradition demonstrates our commitment to tracking down persons wanted here in Northern Ireland, they said. In this case, PSNI worked closely with the UKs Joint International Crime Centre and Spains Policia Nacional to locate, arrest and extradite this suspect. We will continue to work with our national and international partners to investigate serious criminality and bring offenders before the courts. NI man investigated over deepfake child abuse images of schoolgirls One victim scared to go out because she fears perpetrator is someone she knows Omagh man under investigation for creating deepfake child abuse images Allison Morris Wed 14 Jan 2026 at 07:00 Police are investigating a Co Tyrone man who is alleged to have altered pictures of underage schoolgirls into naked images using AI technology. Police at the scene of a security alert in the Divis Road area of west Belfast. PACEMAKER BELFAST Two security alerts in Co Antrim ended on Wednesday after viable devices were recovered. Police received a report at 3.50pm on Tuesday January 13 that a suspicious object had been located in the Upper Hightown Road of Newtownabbey. Cordons were put in place and the alert was ended on Wednesday after a number of viable pipe bomb devices were recovered. A second security alert was declared on Wednesday January 14 in the Divis Road area of west Belfast. It also ended later on Wednesday following the discovery of a device believed to be viable. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 14th January 2026 Police on the Divis Road and Tornaroy Road area of west Belfast where there is an ongoing security alert. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Read more Minnesota cant hold a candle to NI when it comes to killing unarmed civilians at security checkpoints Regarding the Divis Road alert, Inspector Natalie Roberts said: We received a report at around 10.20 am on Wednesday that a suspected viable device had been left in the area. Ammunition Technical Officers attended and carried out a controlled explosion on the device, which is believed to have been viable. Our enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone with any information to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 404 - 14/01/26. Yesterday police confirmed that the security alert in the Upper Hightown Road of Newtownabbey had ended after a number of viable pipe bomb devices were recovered. PSNI Detective Inspector Lenaghan said: At approximately 3.50pm on Tuesday 13th January, police received a report that a suspicious object had been located in the area. Officers attended the scene along with Ammunition Technical Officers and a number of viable pipe bomb-type devices were discovered. The devices have been made safe and they have since been removed from the scene and taken away for further forensic examination. Cordons have been lifted and the road reopened to traffic. Police at the scene of a security alert in the Divis Road area of west Belfast. PACEMAKER BELFAST Suspected petrol bomb attack in Newry Our enquiries are ongoing and we appeal to anyone with any information that could assist with the investigation to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1018 13/01/26. it is unclear at this time if the two alerts are linked. TUV figures voice distrust of clueless Reform UK and brand Nigel Farage a charlatan Prominent members not in line with partys stance at Stormont Nigel Farage (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Suzanne Breen Wed 14 Jan 2026 at 07:00 Prominent TUV members have branded Nigel Farage a self-serving charlatan and voiced their distrust of a Reform UK government which their party at Stormont has said it is looking forward to. Proposals in relation to people with disabilities will come to Cabinet in the first half of 2026, the Taoiseach has said. Micheal Martin made the comment after being asked by the Social Democrats to introduce an emergency winter payment of 400 euro for people with disabilities in recognition of the additional costs they face. Mr Martin said such one-off payments were not fiscally sustainable, but the Government was looking to embed permanent measures across departments, led by Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary. Mr Calleary told the Irish Examiner in December that a cost-of-disability payment is a key priority for Budget 2027 and that he expected a budgetary proposal by the summer. Minister Calleary is leading this work in close partnership with disabled people and with advocates and with the organisations involved, and will come to Government with proposals in the first half of this year, Mr Martin said. Social Democrats deputy leader Cian OCallaghan said that people with disabilities could not afford the electricity to receive dialysis treatment or to charge their wheelchairs. Mr OCallaghan said: We heard about people whove had to stop getting their dialysis at home, Taoiseach, because they can no longer afford the electricity bills. We heard about people whove been forced to choose between heating their home and charging their electric wheelchairs and mobility aids trapped now all winter because they cannot afford to charge their electric wheelchair, being robbed of their independence. This is the reality for the tens of thousands of disabled people all over the country who feel targeted and attacked by your Government. They are among the most vulnerable and most at risk of poverty in our society. Mr Martin said that the once-off cost of living package measures were not cuts, as stated by Mr OCallaghan. He said: Youve equated the ending of the once-off cost of living measures that were introduced during the height of the Ukraine energy crisis and so forth with cuts, and thats wrong. What we must do is embed into the permanent social protection system employment system, transport system, education system and health system supports that are permanent for people with a disability. And thats what I intend to do, and thats what this Government intends to do. He said he accepted that discontinuing cost-of-living payments had an impact right across society but that it was simply was not fiscally sustainable to continue with one-off measures. What is sustainable is in terms of our various budgets through social protection, through education and through health to create additional permanent resources for people with disabilities, and thats what we have been doing and will continue to do. A top Danish official has said that a fundamental disagreement over Greenland remains with US President Donald Trump after talks in Washington with vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio. The two sides, however, agreed to create a working group to discuss ways to work through differences as Mr Trump continues to call for a US takeover of Denmarks Arctic territory of Greenland. The group, in our view, should focus on how to address the American security concerns, while at the same time respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark, Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told reporters after a highly anticipated meeting in which Greenlands foreign minister also participated. Mr Trump is trying to make the case that Nato should help the US acquire the worlds largest island and says anything less than it being under American control is unacceptable. Greenlands foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt (John McDonnell/AP) Denmark has announced plans to boost the countrys military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic as Mr Trump tries to justify his calls for a US takeover of the vast territory by repeatedly claiming that China and Russia have their designs on Greenland. Mr Vance and Mr Rubio met Mr Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt for roughly an hour to discuss Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Nato ally Denmark. But a few hours before the officials sat down, Mr Trump reiterated on his social media site that the US needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. He added that NATO should be leading the way for us to get it and that otherwise Russia or China would AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!. NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES, Mr Trump wrote. Anything less than that is unacceptable. Denmarks foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlands foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt speak at a news conference in Washington (John McDonnell/AP) Mr Lokke Rasmussen told reporters that it remains clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland. And we made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the kingdom, he said after the meeting, citing a fundamental disagreement with the Trump administration but willing to keep talking. Both Mr Lokke Rasmussen and Ms Motzfeldt offered measured hope that the talks were beginning a conversation that would lead to Mr Trump dropping his demand of acquiring the territory and create a path for tighter co-operation with the US. We have shown where our limits are and from there, I think that it will be very good to look forward, Ms Motzfeldt said. In Copenhagen, Danish defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced an increase in Denmarks military presence and exercise activity in the Arctic and the North Atlantic, in close co-operation with our allies. Mr Poulsen said at a news conference the stepped-up military presence was necessary in a security environment in which no one can predict what will happen tomorrow. This means that from today and in the coming time there will be an increased military presence in and around Greenland of aircraft, ships and soldiers, including from other Nato allies, Mr Poulsen said. Other Nato allies were arriving in Greenland along with Danish personnel, he said. Mr Poulsen declined to name the other countries contributing to increased Arctic presence, saying that it is up to the allies to announce their own participation. Earlier, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson wrote on X that some officers from the Swedish Armed Forces are arriving in Greenland today as part of a group from several allied countries. Together, they will prepare events within the framework of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance, Mr Kristersson said. Two Norwegian military personnel also will be sent to Greenland to map out further co-operation with allies, the countrys defence minister Tore O Sandvik told newspaper VG. Greenlands prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said on Tuesday that if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose Nato. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU. President Donald Trump continues to call for a US takeover of Greenland (Ryan Sun/AP) Asked about those comments, Mr Trump replied: I disagree with him. I dont know who he is. I dont know anything about him. But, thats going to be a big problem for him. Greenland is strategically important because, as climate change causes the ice to melt, it opens up the possibility of shorter trade routes to Asia. That also could make it easier to extract and transport untapped deposits of critical minerals which are needed for computers and phones. Mr Trump says Greenland is also vital to the United States Golden Dome missile defence programme. He also has said he wants the island to expand Americas security and has repeatedly cited what he says is the threat from Russian and Chinese ships as a reason to control it. But experts and Greenlanders question that claim. The only Chinese I see is when I go to the fast food market, heating engineer Lars Vintner said. He said he frequently goes sailing and hunting and has never seen Russian or Chinese ships. His friend, Hans Norgaard, agreed, adding: what has come out of the mouth of Donald Trump about all these ships is just fantasy. Denmark has said the US, which already has a military presence, can boost its bases on Greenland. The US is party to a 1951 treaty that gives it broad rights to set up military bases there with the consent of Denmark and Greenland. For that reason security is just a cover Mr Vintner said, suggesting Mr Trump actually wants to own the island to make money from its untapped natural resources. Ministers from Greenland and Denmark have met in Washington with top White House officials as President Donald Trump moved to ratchet up the pressure by suggesting that Nato should help the United States acquire the worlds largest island. As the senior officials held talks in Washington, Denmark announced plans to boost the countrys military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic as Mr Trump tried to justify his calls for a US takeover of the vast territory by repeatedly claiming that China and Russia have their designs on Greenland. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt for roughly an hour to discuss Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Nato ally Denmark. But a few hours before the officials sat down, Mr Trump reiterated on his social media site that the US needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. A fisherman carries a bucket on to his boat in the harbour of Nuuk (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) He added that NATO should be leading the way for us to get it and that otherwise Russia or China would AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!. NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES, Mr Trump wrote. Anything less than that is unacceptable. In response, Greenlands representatives to the US and Canada posted on social media, Why dont you ask us?, and noted the low percentage of island residents who favour becoming part of the US. In Copenhagen, Danish defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced an increase in Denmarks military presence and exercise activity in the Arctic and the North Atlantic, in close cooperation with our allies. Mr Poulsen said at a news conference the stepped-up military presence was necessary in a security environment in which no one can predict what will happen tomorrow. This means that from today and in the coming time there will be an increased military presence in and around Greenland of aircraft, ships and soldiers, including from other Nato allies, Mr Poulsen said. Other Nato allies were arriving in Greenland along with Danish personnel, he said. Mr Poulsen declined to name the other countries contributing to the increased Arctic presence, saying that it is up to the allies to announce their own participation. Earlier, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson wrote on X that some officers from the Swedish Armed Forces are arriving in Greenland today as part of a group from several allied countries. Together, they will prepare events within the framework of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance, Mr Kristersson said. Along the narrow, snow-covered main street in Nuuk, international journalists and camera crews have been stopping passers-by asking them for their thoughts on a crisis which Denmarks prime minister has warned could potentially trigger the end of Nato. Tuuta Mikaelsen, a 22-year-old student, told The Associated Press in Nuuk that she hoped American officials would get the message to back off. Greenland leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen held talks (Liselotte Sabroe/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told a news conference in the Danish capital Copenhagen on Tuesday that, if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose Nato. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU. Asked later on Tuesday about Mr Nielsens comments, Mr Trump replied: I disagree with him. I dont know who he is. I dont know anything about him. But, thats going to be a big problem for him. Greenland is strategically important because as climate change causes the ice to melt, it opens up the possibility of shorter trade routes to Asia. That also could make it easier to extract and transport untapped deposits of critical minerals which are needed for computers and phones. Denmark has vowed for months to strengthen its military presence there. The Defence Ministry said that, starting on Wednesday, the military is deploying capabilities and units related to exercises. In the period ahead, this will result in an increased military presence in and around Greenland, comprising aircraft, vessels and soldiers, including from Nato allies, it said in a statement. Defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said that the Danish military, together with a number of Arctic and European allies, will explore in the coming weeks how an increased presence and exercise activity in the Arctic can be implemented in practice. Mr Trump said in Wednesdays post that Greenland is vital to the United States Golden Dome missile defence programme. He also has said he wants the island to expand Americas security and has cited what he says is the threat from Russian and Chinese ships as a reason to control it. But both experts and Greenlanders question that claim. The only Chinese I see is when I go to the fast food market, heating engineer Lars Vintner said. He said he frequently goes sailing and hunting and has never seen Russian or Chinese ships. His friend, Hans Norgaard, agreed, adding what has come out of the mouth of Donald Trump about all these ships is just fantasy. Denmark has said the US, which already has a military presence, can boost its bases on Greenland. For that reason, security is just a cover, Mr Vintner said, suggesting Mr Trump actually wants to own the island to make money from its untapped natural resources. A frame grab from footage circulating on social media shows protesters dancing and cheering around a bonfire (AP) The death toll from nationwide protests in Iran has surpassed 2,500 as US President Donald Trump said he has cancelled talks with Iranian officials amid a protest crackdown The number of dead climbed to at least 2,571 early on Wednesday, as reported by the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. That figure dwarfs the death toll from any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalls the chaos surrounding the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. The activist group said 2,403 of the dead were protesters and 147 were government-affiliated. Twelve children were killed, along with nine civilians it said were not taking part in protests. More than 18,100 people have been detained, the group said. Gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult, and the AP has been unable to independently assess the toll. Iranian state TV offered the first official acknowledgement of the deaths, quoting an official saying the country had a lot of martyrs. The demonstrations began in late December in anger over Irans ailing economy and soon targeted the theocracy, particularly 86-year-old supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Images obtained on Tuesday by The Associated Press from demonstrations in Tehran showed graffiti and chants calling for Mr Khameneis death something that could carry a death sentence. As the reported toll grew on Tuesday, Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! He added: I have canceled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. A burning image of the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is seen during rally in Switzerland in support of the protests in Iran (Michael Buholzer/AP) However, hours later, Mr Trump told reporters that his administration was awaiting an accurate report on the number of protesters that had been killed before acting accordingly. Mr Trump said of the Iranian security forces: It would seem to me that they have been badly misbehaving, but that is not confirmed. Iranian officials once again warned Mr Trump against taking action, with Ali Larijani, secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, responding to US posturing by writing: We declare the names of the main killers of the people of Iran: 1- Trump 2- (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu. Skylar Thompson with the Human Rights Activists News Agency told AP the new toll was shocking, particularly since it reached four times the death toll of the months-long 2022 Mahsa Amini protests in just two weeks. She warned that the toll would still rise: Were horrified, but we still think the number is conservative. January 14, 2026: The Ukraine War has had some dangerous repercussions inside Russia. Over the last four years, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been so engrossed with the war in Ukraine that the governors ruling the 48 Oblasts/Provinces have been acting independently. Before the war, Putin regularly met with governors in person or video conferences. As the Ukraine War dragged on, Putin had less time to confer with and manage his appointed governors. It could have been worse, because in the two decades before the Ukraine War, Putin abolished local elections for governors and appointed trusted aides to be governors. After three years of war, the appointed governors found that Putin was no longer paying much attention to provincial affairs or what the governors were doing. The governors played an important role in supplying the Russian military with soldiers. The governors had to use money from the provincial treasury to pay enlistment bonuses to new soldiers. While the national government paid and equipped soldiers once they left their province, the governors had to look after the families and pay compensation to families who lost a son or father in the war. The financial burden on some provinces became intolerable after three years. For the less affluent provinces that meant they could no longer pay the signing bonuses to induce men to join the army. Many potential recruits were put off by how many local men had already been killed in Ukraine. Putin had grown so out of touch with provincial affairs that he did not notice the decline in the number and quality of new troops until it was too late. In the last year Putins attention was monopolized by the catastrophic losses Russia was suffering in Ukraine. When the governors were asked for explanations, they made excuses and assured the boss that the crisis would be taken care of. Putin sensed what was going on and considered appointing new governors in the provinces with the most problems. He was told by his aides that a new governor was unlikely to fix anything because many provinces were broke and the local populations were openly protesting the privations because of the Ukraine War effort. Many provinces were drifting dangerously close to rebellion and civil war. And then there were the growing number of economic sanctions that made it impossible to manufacture many or any high-tech weapons. The rundown railroads were already having problems keeping remote parts of Russia supplied with food and fuel. Things werent so bad in Moscow, where Putin and his associates live. Putin ignored the privations suffered in the rest of Russia, declaring them western propaganda. The provincial governors were appointed by Putin, who expected to hear from them that everything was fine. The governors went along with this until they couldnt. At that point they slip out of the country and live off the billions of dollars they have stolen and deposited in foreign banks. BENNINGTON The Select Board on Monday decided to place an expected $4.9 million wastewater system bond vote on the November election ballot, rather than place it before voters at the annual March meeting. I think there are really only two responsible options, Town Manager Dan Monks told the board. One, he said, was to schedule a bond vote in March and immediately move forward with a sand filter replacement at the sewer plant, or to move forward with final design of the project now and hold a bond vote in November. Waiting until November to vote without preparing the final design would be irresponsible, Monks said, because the town could face significant fines for failing to move toward implementing the major plant upgrade. The town is being required by the state to replace the 40-year-old sand filter in order to meet new stricter discharge guidelines for removing phosphorus from the wastewater before it is released into the Walloomsac river. March too early? Concern has been voiced among some town staff members that a March vote might be perhaps rushing it a bit, Monks said, but everyone would very much like to get [the project] underway He added, I think both options are viable. I do not think that the option to strictly hold off until November without going forward to final design is appropriate, given that we have a state mandate to replace this filter and deal with the new phosphorus [removal] requirements. Board member Ed Woods asked which course the staff is recommending. Monks said it was a split decision among town staff, with some who would like to seek a bond vote in March and others comfortable with scheduling a November vote. In either case, he said, the town should move forward with final design now, so that the project could go to bid in spring 2027 and to construction beginning that fall. Voter turnout Board member Clark Adams asked which election would likely spur the greatest participation. Monks said he believes that will be in November, because it is a national mid-term election that is garnering a high level of interest. We definitely will have more concrete information [on the specific design] for a November vote than a March vote, Monks added. However, the overall cost figure is considered accurate now, which could allow a March vote. This is a project that needs to go forward on the final design now; it is moving forward. And when we get to a bond vote in November, we will have a lot more certainty about the project cost, said board member Jim Sullivan. The projected bond amount is $4.95 million, including engineering and permitting, Monks said. We have to bond for the full amount, he said, but how much the town actually has to pay depends on how many grants or other relief the town gets from funding programs. The worst-case scenario, he said, without what the town expects to receive in grant or other funding, would be paying for the full $4.95 million. Projected sewer fees Monks said he and Finance Director Melissa Currier prepared a projected wastewater system user fee increase on the entire $4.95 million bond scenario with no grant funding. That would require an annual increase for a property owner paying a flat rate sewer fee of $59.10, he said. However, public works staff feel confident the town will qualify for funding that could reduce the total to be paid back to as little as $2.95 million in the best-case scenario, Monks said, which would require a projected $35.07 annual increase for a flat-rate paying property owner. While only wastewater system users will pay back the bond, all town voters can vote on the proposal, per state law regarding municipal bonds, Monks said. This might be a good time to remind people that this has to be done, Woods said of the sand filter replacement to more efficiently remove phosphorus from wastewater before it is discharged into the river. The current sand filter dates to 1985, according to a project fact sheet prepared for the board meeting by Assistant Public Works Director Larry Gates. A new water discharge permit was issued for the plant in 2024 with a new phosphorus limit, and the town now has until December 2028 to comply with that limit. Failing to comply by not moving the project forward in a timely manner could open the town for some significant fines, Monks said, and we will still have to do [the project] eventually anyway. Asked by the board for his opinion, Monks said that given a very challenging budget that will go to voters in March, it might be difficult to add onto that explaining the bond. I would be nervous about that ... It is a lot for the voters to have to take in, I think. The board then voted 7-0 to place the bond vote on the November ballot with the expectation that work on final project design will move forward. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. Quality local journalism needs your support Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home Stay up to date on Berkshires news with Berkshires in Brief, our free daily newsletter NORTH ADAMS Williams College therapist and educator Alexandra DiAddezio was selected Tuesday to fill a vacant School Committee seat after a joint convention with the City Council that also included approval of borrowing for a new fire truck. The appointment filled a seat that opened after last years municipal election. Four candidates addressed councilors and committee members before a vote was taken, while the council also approved borrowing $1.75 million for a new fire truck and made a series of board and commission appointments during the meeting. Each candidate for the vacant seat was allotted a three-minute speech, then the School Committee and City Council were given 10 minutes for questions. The convention elected DiAddezio based on simple majority vote on the first try. "A few of you [who spoke tonight] said you thought this would be easier than running, and I don't think it is," said Councilor Keith Bona. "It's close, I feel like I'm going to flip a coin or something ... I was impressed." DiAddezio won the seat after touting various roles in public education and a priority of making sure families know the resources public schools offer. For eight years, DiAddezio was a high school English teacher and head of the English Department at a school in The Bronx and also has master's degrees in English secondary education and mental health counseling. I've basically centered my career around educational pursuits, she said. Committee member Cody Chamberlain asked each candidate how they would manage the interests of teachers, families and students during teacher contract negotiations, which start again this year, and DiAddezio said having a fair wage was essential to people choosing to be there. The other three candidates were Jackie DeGiorgis, a 30-year Drury High School biology teacher; Kayla Sullivan-Lane, a Stamford, Vt., public school teacher who also taught in Tokyo; and two-time previous School Committee candidate Eric Wilson, who championed improving public schools for kids with disabilities. NEW FIRETRUCK On Tuesday night, the City Council also unanimously approved the borrowing of $1,751,351 to purchase a new fire truck one that became available after another community that ordered the truck was unable to complete the purchase. The city was given a hold on the truck to buy it at a 2025 value. "We understand this is a big impact on our taxpayers and the reason we brought this to you is because of the big savings," said Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre, who said the purchase would save the city roughly half a million dollars, with Mayor Jennifer Macksey adding the borrowing would be within the city's municipal budget. The truck would also arrive in May, said Lefebvre, whereas ordering a new truck would mean it would take about three years to arrive. Macksey said there is currently no other funding stream for purchasing the truck besides borrowing the money. The department's current 1999 Smeal aeriel ladder truck was purchased 27 years ago, and has exceeded its expected 20-year lifespan. Lefebvre made the case that if the city continued to wait and the truck fell out of National Fire Prevention Association certification, which is imminent, the fire department could not send it out on calls. New Appointments During the three-hour meeting, Macksey tapped Nancy Bullett, Aimee Annichiarico, Ross Jacobs, former City Councilor Wayne Wilkinson and Christine Girard as the first commissioners of the newly formed Affordable Housing Trust Commission. William Hooper will replace Councilor Andrew Fitch on the Airport Commission, and Rita Sporbert will also join, marking a full five-person commission. After Planning Board member Robert Burdick stepped down from his position on Monday, former City Councilor Pete Oleskiewicz was appointed to the Board. Ross Jacobs and Christopher Thomas were appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals and City Assessor Ciera Dowling was appointed to the Board of Assessors. The Council also passed a resolution to support the Massachusetts Teachers Associations Fiscal Crisis Campaign, with Councilor Peter Breen voting no. by David J. Lobina In a previous post, I joked that one of the most annoying things about living in an American world is the cultural hegemony that US soft power sort-of imposes everywhere. In that piece, I was concerned with the connotations that political concepts such as liberalism and libertarianism receive in US commentary, as these meanings vary to how these terms have been traditionally understood in Europe, where they originated, and some shifting of meaning has taken place in European discourse recently because of American influence, especially, as ever, in the UK (similarly for fascism, and even worse, sadly; see here). In the event, I did note in the article (endnote 1) that I was joking: the worst thing about living in an American world is US imperialism, with all the violence that derives therefrom. More recently, in a series of posts on the legacy of Francisco Franco (last here), the Spanish dictator who provoked a civil war and then ruled Spain for close to 40 years, I argued that Francos actual legacy is the staggering number of dead people he left behind, many of whom were executed and buried in mass graves, their remains unlocated to this day. Putting these two strands together, and in the context of the recent, blatant violation of Venezuelan sovereignty and the kidnapping of its head of state by US forces, I couldnt help but feel that the human cost of the raid was not being discussed enough in most commentary. Yes, there are many important ramifications and some interesting discussions out there regarding previous US interventions in the region (here and here), the mostly meek response of US media (here), or the role of Venezuelan oil in all this (here), but one issue is usually mentioned only in passing: more than 50 people lost their lives in the raid, many of whom were simply doing their job, and some were in fact just bystanders (here and here). And so I thought that instead of adding to contemporary commentary and write about this or that political aspect of the raid, I would this time post a list of conflicts the US has been involved with since the second world war, along with the number of people killed in these conflicts. I do not offer much commentary and I do not intend to explain anyones actions in this list. My aim, instead, is to highlight that the vast majority of these people lost their lives because of explicit US actions; in some cases the US was directly responsible for the deaths, whilst in other cases the deaths were caused by actors who were being actively supported by the US and more often than not the US was fully aware of the human cost. As a matter of fact, most of these deaths were perfectly preventable, but alas they were accepted by the main actors. At the very least, I hope to convey how overwhelming the number of dead people in these conflicts actually is. The following list is rather selective and thus not exhaustive in any way, and Im sure some details are controversial and moreover disputed, but here it is:[i] In the 1940s and 50s, the US was heavily involved in Asia. This included support for Chiang Kai-shek in China, with American troops stationed there until 1947, where they carried out actual military operations. Further assistance was provided to Chiang in order to relocate to Taiwan when he started losing the Chinese civil war, and by 1949 US aid to Chiangs Nationalist movement had amounted to 2 billion dollars in cash in addition to military hardware and training. As a case in point, in 1947 Chiang faced a political uprising by the Taiwanese, which was put down forcefully, the dead numbering between 18,000 and 28,000 in total (see, for instance, here). In the Korean War, the US was a direct belligerent, and though responsibility must be shared with China and the Soviet Union, total deaths in the war come up to at least 3 million people. Nevertheless, the bombing of North Korea by the US Air Force in the 1950-53 period may have cost over 200,000 deaths alone (here), and to this day North Korea remains one of the most heavily bombed countries in history (see infra). In 1953, the US and the UK orchestrated a coup detat in Iran to depose the government of Mohammad Mosaddegh. At least 200 people were killed. In 1954, the US engineered the overthrow of the Arbenz government in Guatemala and the imposition of a military dictatorship headed by Carlos Castillo Armas (Operation PBSuccess). The rule of the latter included the execution and forced disappearance of unknown numbers, estimates ranging from a few hundred to the thousands. There were no free elections until the mid-1990s in Guatemala, one dictator followed by another, with the US keeping its support to military rule throughout. The subsequent civil war resulted in hundreds of thousands of people killed; the mass killing of Maya people alone, a particularly cruel policy of the military regimes, cost up to 150,000 lives (here). In the 1950s, the US carried out a number of coups in Indonesia to depose Sukarno, with no success. When Suharto rose to power in the mid-1960s, he received US support in terms of military training and aid, and this lasted well into the 1990s. During the purges of 1965-66, at least 500,000 were killed in Indonesia (here), whilst the invasion of East Timor in 1975 and the subsequent mass killings there added up to 170,000 dead (here). It is worth adding that during the 1965-66 period Suharto was supported by both the US and the UK, whilst during the invasion of East Timor he received diplomatic and military support from both the US and Australia (see here for more background on the latter). In Europe in the 1960s, the US was involved in Operation Gladio, a set of clandestine operations, mostly directed against left-wing parties. In Italy alone this translated in support for terrorist attacks by neo-fascist groups as part of a so-called strategy of tension. Some 400 people were killed in various attacks, including at busy train stations. (This wide-ranging conspiracy deserves an entry of its own at 3QD; come back anon.) In the Vietnam War, the US conduced the heaviest bombing campaigns in history, and this included Cambodia and Laos too, who were not initially involved in the war (some operations were covert). Apart from the close to 60,000 US dead, the war claimed the lives of perhaps more than 3,000,000 people in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos combined (see here). In 1964, the US supported a coup in Brazil, and so then a military dictatorship lasting until 1984. The regime conducted extensive torture, extrajudicial killings, and disappearances, with over 400 political deaths and disappearances on record (see here). Ever since the Cuban Revolution, the US has consistently conspired against Cuba. One tactic has been the series of embargos the US has imposed since 1960, affecting every facet of life in the island (economic, financial, health, food, and medicine), though its overall impact, especially in terms of lives lost, is difficult to quantify (but there can be no doubt that the human cost must have been great). This was compounded by an actual invasion attempt and the setting up of a programme of terrorist campaigns and assassination attempts (Operation Mongoose) immediately set up after the failed invasion. Hundreds died during the Bay of Pigs invasion, whilst acts of terrorism may have claimed up to 3,000 dead, these acts often backed by the US explicitly. In 1973, the US was instrumental in not only supporting a coup in Chile, but also in consolidating and supporting the dictatorship of General Pinochet that was soon imposed in the country. Over 50 people died in the coup itself, and over 3,000 people were eventually executed and disappeared by the regime. More generally, Operation Condor, a campaign of repression against left-wing politicians and sympathisers in South America, was set up in 1975 with the participation of Argentina, Chile, Brazil and a few other countries, supported and financed by the US. Up to 60,000 people may have been killed in covert operations during this time (here), the programme coming to an end when military rule in Argentina ended in 1983 (see here for a general background). In 1979, the US did not oppose the Salvadoran coup detat one military dictatorship replaced with another, at the end of the day and in fact promptly supported the junta that was to rule the country until 1982. The coup also initiated a civil war, with the US providing the usual economic aid and advice, and of course military training and equipment. By the time the war came to an end in 1992, over 60,000 civilians had been killed and over 5,000 were disappeared, with estimates that 85% of the atrocities were committed by government security forces. Ever since the Sandinista Revolution, the US has consistently conspired against Nicaragua, to the point that the it provided military assistance and financial aid to the Contras, right-wing paramilitary squadrons, even clandestinely so. The Contras committed numerous atrocities and acts of terrorism, including targeted attacks against civilians. Estimates are hard to come by, but this study from 1988 alleges over 2,500 deaths were due to the Contras, though the real number is likely to be higher, with the total killed during the overall conflict (1978-1990) reaching at least 40,000 people. In the 1980s and all the way to the 2000s, US involvement in the Middle East has concentrated the greater number of deaths. First up there was the Soviet-Afghan War in 1979-89, where the US funded and trained some of the Islamist militant groups that would later morph into al-Qaeda and the Taliban, though at this time they were allies in a war against the Soviet Union and their proxy regime in Afghanistan, the result at least 10,000 Soviet deaths, over 60,000 deaths for the Afghani military forces, and possibly a million civilian deaths. Then there was the Gulf War in 1990-91, with the US a direct belligerent, this war claiming the lives of at least 150,000 people (this includes various internal conflicts). Then there was the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021), with the US after both al-Qaeda and the Taliban this time around (the latter are of course now back in power), a war that cost the lives of more than 150,000 deaths. And finally there is the Iraq War (2003-2011), which may well have resulted in over 600,000 people being killed. Not an exhaustive list, as I said, though these are the most lethal conflicts the US has been involved with since the second world war, and the numbers are certainly staggering. [i] My main source here is William Blums Killing Hope book (the CIA amusingly offers a pdf version of it here), with the addition of other sources (the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Wikipedia, and again, the CIA website) to cross-check numbers and dates through other sources. Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. 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 Postal Code by Peter Topolewski Happy New Year, and not soon enough. Out with the old. Good riddance, too. The laundry list of doom and gloom from 2025 looks long. If you shake out the cobwebs, and gaze back across December and the months prior, the list keeps unfurling. No let up, it seems. Time to forge ahead, buck up, steal yourself for good times. As tech commentator James Meigs recently put it, dont listen to the naysayers. The future is coming and its going to be great. No denying that, the future is coming. Its always coming. Might need to squint a bit to get around his assumption that past science and tech advancements ensure future success, but were all team players here. Dont dig too deep into the specifics of, say, how AI will make our lives better and our economy massively more productive. Makes holding the line tougher. What with the industrys business model built on intellectual property theft . The absence of any foreseeable profits doesnt help, nor does OpenAIs plan to spend $150 billion over the next four years to get ChatGPT to answer our queries. That doesnt include the cost of the building or improving our little AI friend, just the cost to operate it. The finances might give the impression AI is a botched socialist pipedream, but its no such thing. Nor is it a horribly inefficient project run by inept government bureaucrats. AI is the domain of hard-hearted capitalists who know better than anyone how to create and capture value. Take their word for it. Ignore past promises about breakthroughs. Those were so 2025. Elon Musk, the brain behind the AI company creatively named xAI, has a new one for 2026: Grok, the companys chatbot, has a 10% chance of reaching artificial general intelligence when it launches later this year. Whats that mean? It means dont get bogged down in the details. In the meantime, yes, AI data centers are sucking ah-shucks towns across America (and the globe) dry of power and water so users/bots can fill up YouTube with AI slop . And, yes, Mr. Musks very own chatbot is churning out nude photos of real women and children. But there are two sides to this coin, and when youre a glass half full type, you see the upside: someone is getting what they want from Grok. Silicon Valley understands. On the strength of this progress, xAI has raised another $20 billion already in 2026, more even than it was hoping for. Keep in mind, these are sophisticated investors! They know better than the rest of us. If that doesnt have you psyched for the future that is coming, maybe a glance back to 2025 will. No, it was not a good year for civilians caught in a rain of missiles, but in a Pinker-esque way, life in 2025 looked up on many fronts for people around the globe. Angus Hervey at Fix the News has a great summation of the real progress made below the buzz of media soundbites. For a taste, consider that in 2025: The ten-year trend of people getting first-time access to electricity and safe drinking water continued, bringing those totals over that period to 960 million and 290 million people, respectively 17 countries eliminated one or more diseases Over 10 million children received a malaria vaccine CO2 emissions from Chinathe country responsible for 90% of the worlds emission growthwere flat and possibly lower These arent matches lit in the night, these are life-changing improvements that alter the trajectory of generations. If there is a niggly feeling undermining your appreciation of these achievements, maybe its the sense that most of this good in the world happened in spite of those in charge. Yes, there was superpower China doing the command economy thing, electrifying everyday life and industry to the tune of 330 gigawatts of green energy. But as for the rest of the gains, if they appear a tad odd from here, the cusp of the future, its because pointy-headed technocrats in government and academia dreamed them up. Its because NGOs and volunteers and dedicated healthcare workers and scientists implemented them. Of course, all these people and the great things they accomplished warranted more of our attention. Too bad their depraved leaders pulled most eyeballs to themselves as they dragged their nations to a past only they pine for, a past that exists only in their warped minds. Too bad with the littlest of effort theyre doing their damnedest undo the good thats been done. Thus, were barely into 2026 and it reeks of disrespect for the U.N. Charter signed in 1945. It stinks of the rubble of checks and balances. Its putrid with death, of thousands denied, on a whim, life-saving vaccines and medications. It molders with record subsidies for oil companies and disdain for clean-tech innovation. It is fetid with ignorance and the disavowal of science. If it were merely a thought experiment, we could chuckle at the idea of Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev getting together today and discussing how, in the coda to the Cold War, we ended up with two Russias. Both with maniacal drivers guiding their nations along a road to a long lost and fantastical history, certain, if they succeed, to put all the rest of us on the verge of chaos. Or worse. The holidays are over, the kids are back in class. In Greenland, Denmark, Cuba, Colombia, Poland, Panama, Canada, are we teaching them critical thinking or should we be preparing them for war? Perhaps the answer lies in another question. Why are the tech oligarchs like Bezos and Musk and Zuckerberg, the tech can-do-no-wrong guys like Diamandisthe guys pushing for eternal life on Mars and spouting the infinite promise of science and tech and especially AIwhy are they continually bolstering and suck holing to people hellbent on sabotaging all those things? How does the proposed gutting of the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation align with their hopes and ideas? Jamelle Bouie pointed out way back in May, Even the most venal and shortsighted billionaire captains of industry should recognize how much their fortunes and influence rest on the work of countless researchers whose efforts often yield results that pay dividends for years. So why endorse this move back to the Dark Ages? Greed is an easy explanation. But the truer one might be that theyre among the few who have imagined their utopia. Xi Jinping has surely joined them in this act of imagination. Cant you picture him falling asleep to visions of a new planet-spanning dynasty? The leaders of the two Russias, too, but they stay up all hours, frantic with schemes to preserve their legacies in tacky gold leaf. And their political and financial enablers have a vision, too, of granting their own kind the right to pursue happiness inside the walls of a morally bankrupt castle, sealed off from a world they were happy to collapse. For all their differences, these dreamers share one cause that Bouie pinned on his own government: a war on the future and, in particular, on the idea that our technological progress should proceed hand in hand with social and ethical progress. Strange but deserved bedfellows. For the rest of us in civil societies, we have a mainly tacit understanding thats been good enough to get us by. We look after each other. Through friendships and familial ties, through vast systems of laws and norms that outlast our own lives, we look after each other. We discover, by visiting other places and welcoming other people into our spheres and into our cultures, that we can form bonds with those from far away. And then we, too, look after each other. That alone keeps us busy enough. Not much time to conjure what a utopia atop this foundation might look like. A new year has dawned. At last, the time has come to imagine the world we want. You wouldnt know it from how some of us treat others, but even with our number in the billions we are a rare and precious thing. So, heres a prompt to get those imaginations going: maybe utopia is a place where murder is never considered a solution. Were a long way from such a world, but closer than weve ever been. For now. Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. Love Island: All Stars is to begin this week after wildfires saw the villa evacuated and filming postponed, delaying its initial launch. The third series of the ITV2 spin-off dating show will return on Thursday at 9pm after it was unable to premiere on Monday due to the production evacuation in the town of Franschhoek, South Africa, where filming reportedly takes place. An extra episode will also be broadcast on Saturday at 9pm, with the programmes available to watch on ITVX. In an Instagram post announcing the news, presenter Maya Jama said: Ive got some very exciting news, I can officially announce exclusively that we are back up and running. Im obviously in glam, Im going to the villa and start filming in a minute, and you can watch us on ITV2 tomorrow night at 9pm. Love Island: All Stars is back. A caption on the Love Island post read: Mayas got her rollers in, so that only means one thing, All Stars is back on, baby. Watch the launch at 9pm on Thursday. Announcing the postponement on Saturday, a Love Island statement said health and safety is the shows greatest priority and will always come first. Advertisement The All Stars version of the reality show follows the same format as the original ITV dating programme, only the twist is that a host of former faces return to the villa in a bid to find their match and win the prize pot. The new series stars two former winners, Jess Harding, 25, and Millie Court, 29, along with series 12s Tommy Bradley, 22, and Helena Ford, 29, who appeared on the original show this past summer. They will be joined by Jack Keating, the son of Irish popstar Ronan Keating, who appeared on the eighth series of the show, along with a number of former contestants who will reunite including series 10 finalists Harding and Whitney Adebayo and series 11 islanders Ciaran Davies, 23 and Sean Stone, 26. The All Stars line-up is completed with Charlie Frederick, 31, from series four; Belle Hassan, 27, of series five; Leanne Amaning, 28, from series six; and Shaq Muhammad, 27, from series nine. Former Coronation Street actress Sally Ann Matthews will join the cast of Here & Now: The Steps Musical for its Ireland tour this year. The actress, 55, will be taking over the role of Patricia from Finty Williams later this month, marking her first project since she stepped down from the ITV soap last autumn. Here & Now: The Steps Musical is based on the songs of chart-topping pop group Steps and follows character Caz and her group of friends on their quest for a summer of love. Matthews will join cast members including Lara Denning and Jacqui Dubois (Ian West/PA) Matthews will perform in 15 venues, with shows in York, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Canterbury and Blackpool. It is her first role since leaving Coronation Street after working on the show for 39 years. Matthews first appeared on the cobbles as Jenny Bradley in 1986, and had reprised her role on-and-off until her departure in October 2025. Advertisement While she is best known as a soap actress, Matthews has also appeared onstage in UK tours of Mums The Word, The Business Of Murder, Present Laughter and Killing Time. She will join The Steps Musical cast members, including West End actresses Lara Denning and Jacqui Dubois, who play Caz and Vel respectively. The stage musical premiered in November 2024 and its UK tour began in August 2025. It revolves around the songs of 90s pop superstars Steps, who have had two chart-topping singles in the UK and four number one albums. The group, who are best known for songs including Tragedy and Stomp, are reportedly one of the UKs most successful pop groups of all time. Steps are made up of Lisa Scott-Lee, Claire Richards, Ian H Watkins, Faye Tozer and Lee Latchford-Evans. The band have produced the musical, alongside theatre company ROYO and music producer Pete Waterman. Matthews will join the tour of Here & Now: The Steps Musical on January 23rd for its performance at Southamptons Mayflower Theatre. The production will tour until May 16th, 2026. A man accused of the murder of his ex-girlfriend recorded her dancing with another man at a New Years Eve party just hours before her body was discovered under a duvet in the bed of his flat, his trial has heard. Miller Pacheco (32) of Formiga in Minas Gerais, Brazil, is on trial at a sitting of the Central Criminal Court in Cork, charged with the murder of Bruna Fonseca (28) at Liberty Street in the city on January 1st, 2023. A niece of the deceased, Maria Luiza Fonseca, has told the trial that she arrived in Ireland with her aunt Bruna in September 2022. Ms Fonseca said Bruna shared her dream of living overseas. She told the jury that Bruna had been in a relationship with the accused for about five years. However, Maria Luiza didnt know him well as the couple resided in another state. Advertisement The trial has heard that Mr Pacheco travelled to Ireland to be with Bruna in November 2022. However, the couple split up within a few days of his arrival. Bruna had made the decision to end the relationship. Ms Fonseca said that Bruna was afraid that Miller would self harm himself following the break up. However, she stated that Bruna was never afraid of Miller. The evidence was that Bruna and her niece decided to go to a New Years party for the Brazilian community in a venue in Cork on December 31st, 2022. Ms Fonseca said that Mr Pacheco turned up at the ticketed party in the Oyster Tavern in Cork city centre and tried to speak to Bruna. She recalled that he followed them around the venue. We went there (the Oyster Tavern) at about 10pm. I did see Miler there at around 11am. I just said Hello. He was trying to speak to Bruna. He was following us around all the time. We were trying to get away from him. Ms Fonseca remembered hugging her aunt Bruna as the crowd counted down the seconds to midnight. . She said that Bruna was upset with her as she had called her mother Izabel back home in Brazil to tell her what was going on between her aunt and her ex. She recalled that Mr Pacheco took out his phone and started filming his ex as she moved around the dance floor. She was dancing with some guy. He saw this. He was recording a video of Bruna with a man. Advertisement She said that prior to their going to the party Bruna had been worried and upset as she had found a knife in Millers bag earlier that day. Ms Fonseca said that Bruna feared that her ex boyfriend was going to self harm. Ms Fonseca recalled that she and her aunt left the event at around 3am. They parted ways and she never saw Bruna alive again. Izabel Fonseca, an older sister of the deceased, told the jury of seven woman and five men that Bruna had a dream always to travel and ultimately wanted to move from Ireland to France. Ms Fonseca said that Bruna was a librarian by profession having graduated from the University of Sao Paolo. She indicated that the accused and Bruna first broke up for a period between January and July of 2022. Ms Fonseca said that during that period Miller Pacheco called to see Bruna many times as well as contacting her by phone. Ms Fonseca said that her daughter and sister shared a longing to Iive overseas. However, she stated that though Bruna and Miller got back together he never had the will to travel. She recalled that Bruna and the accused got back together about a month and a half before her sister and niece purchased plane tickets to Ireland. She said that Mr Pacheco changed his mind about relocating to Ireland. However, he wasnt happy that Bruna and Maria were travelling on ahead of him. Ms Fonseca continued to speak to Bruna on a regular basis once she emigrated to Ireland. She said that she was on FaceTime with Bruna on Christmas Day 2022. Advertisement She seemed normal but a little bit out of place. She seemed a little upset. Under cross examination by defence barrister Ray Boland, SC, Ms Fonseca said she was aware that Miller suffered from depression and that the couple had split up. Meanwhile, Brother Denis Ahern who lives at a friary close to the apartment where Bruna was found dead said that he was woken from his sleep by the sound of a loud scream at around 4:30am on New Years Day 2023. It (the scream) got louder. I heard a male voice. I ccouldnt recognise the words. It was loud. It sounded like arguing. Two young men who rented rooms in Liberty Street also recalled hearing noise in the complex after they came home from celebrating New Years Eve with their respective friends. An Italian man who rented a room on the third floor said that sometime after 4am he was woken by a scream which got louder. He said that a man and a woman were speaking in a language that wasnt English. The only word he recognised was Stop which he heard a few times. He got an emergency number from gardai and raised the alarm. A young French man living in a room onsite said that he was shocked and surprised when he was woken from his sleep by a scream which lasted a few seconds. He thought he heard an object falling and breaking. However, he attributed the noise, which started at around 4am, to the aftermath of a New Years Eve party. Mr Pacheco is being assisted by a Portuguese interpreter in court. He was an engineer in Brazil prior to his relocation to Ireland. Members of the Fonseca family have travelled from Brazil for the trial. The trial continues and is expected to last up to three weeks. Wednesday's front pages focus on a range of stories from Ireland's exposure to extreme weather events, to the head of an elite garda unit specialising in cyber crime, who has criticised the lack of effective age verification on online sites. The Irish Times reports Irelands exposure to extreme weather is set to increase as the latest research by Europes climate analysts shows underlying conditions worsening. The Irish Examiner led with the head of an elite garda unit specialising in cyber crime criticising the lack of effective age verification on online sites where sexualised images can be accessed, as gardai appeal for victims of the recent 'nudification' trend to come forward. The Echo reports on the trial of a man who denies murdering a Brazilian woman, telling his friend he choked her. A new love for smiling killer Molly Martens. pic.twitter.com/txjzYTLjlG The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) January 14, 2026 President Donald Trump has said that anything less than US control of Greenland is unacceptable, hours before Vice President JD Vance is to host Danish and Greenlandic officials for talks. In a post on his social media site, Mr Trump reiterated his argument that the US needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. He added that NATO should be leading the way for us to get it and that otherwise Russia or China would. NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES, Mr Trump wrote. Anything less than that is unacceptable. A fisherman carries a bucket on to his boat in the harbour of Nuuk (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) Greenland is at the centre of a geopolitical storm as Mr Trump is insisting he wants to own the island and the residents of its capital, Nuuk, say it is not for sale. The White House has not ruled out taking the Arctic island by force. Mr Vance is to meet Denmarks foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt in Washington on Wednesday to discuss the island, which is a semi-autonomous territory of the USs Nato ally Denmark. Advertisement Ahead of the meeting, Frances foreign minister denounced what he described as US blackmail over Greenland in the latest sign of irritation among Americas allies. Along the narrow, snow-covered main street in Nuuk, international journalists and camera crews have been stopping passers-by asking them for their thoughts on a crisis which Denmarks prime minister has warned could potentially trigger the end of Nato. Tuuta Mikaelsen, a 22-year-old student, told The Associated Press in Nuuk that she hoped American officials would get the message to back off. Greenland leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen held talks (Liselotte Sabroe/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told a news conference in the Danish capital Copenhagen on Tuesday that, if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose Nato. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU. Asked later on Tuesday about Mr Nielsens comments, Mr Trump replied: I disagree with him. I dont know who he is. I dont know anything about him. But, thats going to be a big problem for him. Greenland is strategically important because as climate change causes the ice to melt, it opens up the possibility of shorter trade routes to Asia. That also could make it easier to extract and transport untapped deposits of critical minerals which are needed for computers and phones. Advertisement Denmark has vowed for months to strengthen its military presence there. The Defence Ministry said that, starting on Wednesday, the military is deploying capabilities and units related to exercises. In the period ahead, this will result in an increased military presence in and around Greenland, comprising aircraft, vessels and soldiers, including from Nato allies, it said in a statement. Defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said that the Danish military, together with a number of Arctic and European allies, will explore in the coming weeks how an increased presence and exercise activity in the Arctic can be implemented in practice. Mr Trump said in Wednesdays post that Greenland is vital to the United States Golden Dome missile defence programme. He also has said he wants the island to expand Americas security and has cited what he says is the threat from Russian and Chinese ships as a reason to control it. But both experts and Greenlanders question that claim. The only Chinese I see is when I go to the fast food market, heating engineer Lars Vintner said. He said he frequently goes sailing and hunting and has never seen Russian or Chinese ships. His friend, Hans Norgaard, agreed, adding what has come out of the mouth of Donald Trump about all these ships is just fantasy. Denmark has said the US, which already has a military presence, can boost its bases on Greenland. For that reason, security is just a cover, Mr Vintner said, suggesting Mr Trump actually wants to own the island to make money from its untapped natural resources. A top Danish official has said that a fundamental disagreement over Greenland remains with US President Donald Trump after talks in Washington with vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio. The two sides, however, agreed to create a working group to discuss ways to work through differences as Mr Trump continues to call for a US takeover of Denmarks Arctic territory of Greenland. The group, in our view, should focus on how to address the American security concerns, while at the same time respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark, Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told reporters after a highly anticipated meeting in which Greenlands foreign minister also participated. Mr Trump is trying to make the case that Nato should help the US acquire the worlds largest island and says anything less than it being under American control is unacceptable. Greenlands foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt (John McDonnell/AP) Denmark has announced plans to boost the countrys military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic as Mr Trump tries to justify his calls for a US takeover of the vast territory by repeatedly claiming that China and Russia have their designs on Greenland. Mr Vance and Mr Rubio met Mr Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt for roughly an hour to discuss Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Nato ally Denmark. Advertisement But a few hours before the officials sat down, Mr Trump reiterated on his social media site that the US needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. He added that NATO should be leading the way for us to get it and that otherwise Russia or China would AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!. NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES, Mr Trump wrote. Anything less than that is unacceptable. Denmarks foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlands foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt speak at a news conference in Washington (John McDonnell/AP) Mr Lokke Rasmussen told reporters that it remains clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland. And we made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the kingdom, he said after the meeting, citing a fundamental disagreement with the Trump administration but willing to keep talking. Both Mr Lokke Rasmussen and Ms Motzfeldt offered measured hope that the talks were beginning a conversation that would lead to Mr Trump dropping his demand of acquiring the territory and create a path for tighter co-operation with the US. Advertisement We have shown where our limits are and from there, I think that it will be very good to look forward, Ms Motzfeldt said. In Copenhagen, Danish defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced an increase in Denmarks military presence and exercise activity in the Arctic and the North Atlantic, in close co-operation with our allies. Mr Poulsen said at a news conference the stepped-up military presence was necessary in a security environment in which no one can predict what will happen tomorrow. This means that from today and in the coming time there will be an increased military presence in and around Greenland of aircraft, ships and soldiers, including from other Nato allies, Mr Poulsen said. Other Nato allies were arriving in Greenland along with Danish personnel, he said. Mr Poulsen declined to name the other countries contributing to increased Arctic presence, saying that it is up to the allies to announce their own participation. Earlier, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson wrote on X that some officers from the Swedish Armed Forces are arriving in Greenland today as part of a group from several allied countries. Together, they will prepare events within the framework of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance, Mr Kristersson said. Two Norwegian military personnel also will be sent to Greenland to map out further co-operation with allies, the countrys defence minister Tore O Sandvik told newspaper VG. Greenlands prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said on Tuesday that if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose Nato. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU. President Donald Trump continues to call for a US takeover of Greenland (Ryan Sun/AP) Asked about those comments, Mr Trump replied: I disagree with him. I dont know who he is. I dont know anything about him. But, thats going to be a big problem for him. Greenland is strategically important because, as climate change causes the ice to melt, it opens up the possibility of shorter trade routes to Asia. That also could make it easier to extract and transport untapped deposits of critical minerals which are needed for computers and phones. Advertisement Mr Trump says Greenland is also vital to the United States Golden Dome missile defence programme. He also has said he wants the island to expand Americas security and has repeatedly cited what he says is the threat from Russian and Chinese ships as a reason to control it. But experts and Greenlanders question that claim. The only Chinese I see is when I go to the fast food market, heating engineer Lars Vintner said. He said he frequently goes sailing and hunting and has never seen Russian or Chinese ships. His friend, Hans Norgaard, agreed, adding: what has come out of the mouth of Donald Trump about all these ships is just fantasy. Denmark has said the US, which already has a military presence, can boost its bases on Greenland. The US is party to a 1951 treaty that gives it broad rights to set up military bases there with the consent of Denmark and Greenland. For that reason security is just a cover Mr Vintner said, suggesting Mr Trump actually wants to own the island to make money from its untapped natural resources. Ministers from Greenland and Denmark have met in Washington with top White House officials as President Donald Trump moved to ratchet up the pressure by suggesting that Nato should help the United States acquire the worlds largest island. As the senior officials held talks in Washington, Denmark announced plans to boost the countrys military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic as Mr Trump tried to justify his calls for a US takeover of the vast territory by repeatedly claiming that China and Russia have their designs on Greenland. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt for roughly an hour to discuss Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Nato ally Denmark. But a few hours before the officials sat down, Mr Trump reiterated on his social media site that the US needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. A fisherman carries a bucket on to his boat in the harbour of Nuuk (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) He added that NATO should be leading the way for us to get it and that otherwise Russia or China would AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!. NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES, Mr Trump wrote. Anything less than that is unacceptable. Advertisement In response, Greenlands representatives to the US and Canada posted on social media, Why dont you ask us?, and noted the low percentage of island residents who favour becoming part of the US. In Copenhagen, Danish defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced an increase in Denmarks military presence and exercise activity in the Arctic and the North Atlantic, in close cooperation with our allies. Mr Poulsen said at a news conference the stepped-up military presence was necessary in a security environment in which no one can predict what will happen tomorrow. This means that from today and in the coming time there will be an increased military presence in and around Greenland of aircraft, ships and soldiers, including from other Nato allies, Mr Poulsen said. Other Nato allies were arriving in Greenland along with Danish personnel, he said. Mr Poulsen declined to name the other countries contributing to the increased Arctic presence, saying that it is up to the allies to announce their own participation. Earlier, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson wrote on X that some officers from the Swedish Armed Forces are arriving in Greenland today as part of a group from several allied countries. Together, they will prepare events within the framework of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance, Mr Kristersson said. Advertisement Along the narrow, snow-covered main street in Nuuk, international journalists and camera crews have been stopping passers-by asking them for their thoughts on a crisis which Denmarks prime minister has warned could potentially trigger the end of Nato. Tuuta Mikaelsen, a 22-year-old student, told The Associated Press in Nuuk that she hoped American officials would get the message to back off. Greenland leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen held talks (Liselotte Sabroe/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told a news conference in the Danish capital Copenhagen on Tuesday that, if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose Nato. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU. Asked later on Tuesday about Mr Nielsens comments, Mr Trump replied: I disagree with him. I dont know who he is. I dont know anything about him. But, thats going to be a big problem for him. Greenland is strategically important because as climate change causes the ice to melt, it opens up the possibility of shorter trade routes to Asia. That also could make it easier to extract and transport untapped deposits of critical minerals which are needed for computers and phones. Denmark has vowed for months to strengthen its military presence there. The Defence Ministry said that, starting on Wednesday, the military is deploying capabilities and units related to exercises. In the period ahead, this will result in an increased military presence in and around Greenland, comprising aircraft, vessels and soldiers, including from Nato allies, it said in a statement. Advertisement Defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said that the Danish military, together with a number of Arctic and European allies, will explore in the coming weeks how an increased presence and exercise activity in the Arctic can be implemented in practice. Mr Trump said in Wednesdays post that Greenland is vital to the United States Golden Dome missile defence programme. He also has said he wants the island to expand Americas security and has cited what he says is the threat from Russian and Chinese ships as a reason to control it. But both experts and Greenlanders question that claim. The only Chinese I see is when I go to the fast food market, heating engineer Lars Vintner said. He said he frequently goes sailing and hunting and has never seen Russian or Chinese ships. His friend, Hans Norgaard, agreed, adding what has come out of the mouth of Donald Trump about all these ships is just fantasy. Denmark has said the US, which already has a military presence, can boost its bases on Greenland. For that reason, security is just a cover, Mr Vintner said, suggesting Mr Trump actually wants to own the island to make money from its untapped natural resources. Irans top judge has hinted at fast trials and executions for people detained in nationwide protests against the countrys theocracy, as activists said the death toll had risen to 2,572. Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei made the comments in a video shared by Iranian state television on Wednesday, despite a warning from US President Donald Trump that he will take very strong action if executions take place. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said the number of dead had climbed to at least 2,571 early on Wednesday. The figure dwarfs the toll from any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalls the chaos surrounding the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. After Mr Trump was informed on the number of deaths, he warned Tehran that he was terminating any negotiations and would act accordingly. Details of the crackdown began emerging on Tuesday as Iranians made phone calls abroad for the first time in days after authorities severed communications countrywide when the protests broke out. Advertisement Mr Mohseni-Ejei emphasised the need for swift action, saying delays would lessen the impact. His remarks challenge Mr Trump, who warned Tehran about executions in an interview aired on Tuesday. He said the US would take strong action if Iran proceeded with executions, amid escalating tensions between the two countries over the handling of the protests. The Human Rights Activists News Agency said the death toll includes at least 2,403 protesters and 147 government-affiliated people, adding that 12 children were killed, along with nine civilians who were not taking part in protests. More than 18,100 people have been detained, the group said. Donald Trump speaks with reporters at Joint Base Andrews (Evan Vucci/AP) Iranian state television said a mass funeral in Tehran on Wednesday will include 300 bodies of security force members and civilians. The funeral is expected to take place at the University of Tehran under heavy security. An Arab Gulf diplomat said major Middle East governments including Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are discouraging the Trump administration from waging a war with Iran, fearing unprecedented consequences in the region. The source said the governments have been in constant contact with Washington over a potential American strike that could explode into a full-blown war, which would certainly have dire repercussions not only on the Middle East but also on the global economy. Advertisement Satellite internet provider Starlink is offering a free service in to people Iran who have access to the companys receivers, activists said on Wednesday. Mehdi Yahyanejad, a Los Angeles-based activist who helped get the units into Iran, told the Associated Press the free service had started, confirmed by other activists online. Starlink has been the only way for Iranians to communicate with the outside world since authorities shut down the internet on Thursday night as nationwide protests swelled and began a crackdown against demonstrators. Protesters dancing and cheering around a bonfire (UGC/AP) Starlink did not immediately acknowledge the decision. Dozens of Pakistani students studying in Iran have returned home through a remote south-western border crossing, a Pakistani immigration official said on Wednesday. Samina Raisani, a Federal Investigation Agency spokeswoman in Quetta city, said about 60 students crossed into Pakistan on Tuesday through the Gabd border in Balochistan province with valid travel documents. More students are expected to return through the same crossing later, she added. Mudassir Tipu, Pakistans ambassador to Tehran, said on Tuesday that Iranian universities had rescheduled exams and permitted international students to leave the country. Indias embassy in Tehran urged all Indian nationals to leave Iran, citing the evolving situation. The statement also advised Indian citizens to remain highly vigilant and avoid protest areas. The Tanaiste, Simon Harris, met with the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, as part of an official visit focused on strengthening Irelands economic relationship and cultural ties with California. Speaking following the meeting, the Tanaiste said: I was very pleased to meet Governor Gavin Newsom and to reflect on the close and long-standing relationship that has been forged between Ireland and California over many years. We had a warm and constructive discussion on a variety of key issues. The relationship between Ireland and California is one of real depth and mutual respect, characterised by two-way investment, job creation, and close collaboration across technology, life sciences, and financial services." He said they took the opportunity to discuss the powerful people-to-people links that underpin the unique partnership. More than 2.3 million Californians claim Irish ancestry, including a significant Irish community in San Francisco. These personal connections continue to strengthen our economic and cultural ties. I was pleased to update Governor Newsom on the engagement that I have had with senior business and industry leaders during my ongoing visit, emphasising the huge opportunities Ireland offers California as a gateway to Europe. Ireland Appeal to be heard over decision to throw out Kneecap terror case Read more My visit to California is an opportunity not only to reflect on and celebrate our close relationship, but also to look ahead and consider how we can continue to strengthen our cooperation in the years to come," he said. The Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers will meet with US vice president JD Vance at the White House on Wednesday following weeks of threats by president Donald Trump to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. Mr Trump has said the strategically located and mineral-rich island was vital to US security and the United States must own it to prevent Russia or China occupying it. Greenland and Denmark say the island is not for sale, threats of force are reckless and security concerns should be resolved among allies. Prominent EU countries have backed Denmark. Avoiding Zelenskiy moment at White House When Denmark's foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, meet Mr Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio at around 1530 GMT, their aim will be to de-escalate the crisis and find a diplomatic path to satisfy US demands for more control, analysts said. Advertisement "The end goal is to find some form of accommodation, or make a deal that would satisfy that need, or at least calm down the rhetoric sufficiently from Donald Trump," Andreas Osthagen, research director for Arctic and ocean politics at the Oslo-based Fridtjof Nansen Institute, told Reuters. Noa Redington, an analyst and former political adviser to previous Danish premier Helle Thorning-Schmidt, said concerns were high in Denmark and Greenland that Ms Motzfeldt and Mr Rasmussen could be treated in the same way as Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy, when he suffered a public humiliation in a meeting with Mr Trump - and Mr Vance - at the White House in February 2025. "This is the most important meeting in modern Greenland's history," he told Reuters. Choosing to stand united with Denmark Greenlandic leaders appear to be shifting their approach in how they are handling the diplomatic crisis. Until recently, they were stressing Greenland's path to independence. But now their public statements put more emphasis on Greenland's unity with Denmark. "It's not the time to gamble with our right to self-determination, when another country is talking about taking us over," Greenlandic prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told Greenland daily Sermitsiaq in an interview published Wednesday. "That doesn't mean that we don't want something in the future. But here and now we are part of the kingdom, and we stand with the kingdom. That's crucial in this serious situation," he said. Ms Motzfeldt had a similar message. "We choose the Greenland we know today as part of the Kingdom of Denmark," she said in a statement released by the Danish ambassador to the US late on Tuesday. Advertisement 'A big problem for him' But that message appeared to be falling on deaf ears in Washington. Mr Trump, when asked by reporters late on Tuesday, dismissed Mr Nielsen's statement that Greenland preferred to remain part of Denmark. "That's their problem. I disagree with them. I don't know who he is. Don't know anything about him, but that's going to be a big problem for him," Mr Trump said. White House officials have been discussing various plans to bring Greenland under US control, including potential use of the US military and lump-sum payments to Greenlanders to convince them to secede. World Trumps exercise of raw power upends world order, sending friends and foes reeling Read more Denmark's prime minister has said the hardest part in the dispute over Greenland's future may lie ahead. "This is not just about Greenland or the kingdom, it's about the fact that you can't change borders by force, that you can't buy another people, and that small countries should not have to fear bigger countries," Ms Frederiksen said on Tuesday. Denmark and Greenland had originally sought a meeting with Mr Rubio, hoping to have a discussion among top diplomats on resolving the crisis between the two Nato allies. But Denmark's Rasmussen said Mr Vance had also wanted to participate and that the vice president would host the meeting himself, at the White House. A meeting on Wednesday between top US officials and the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland appeared to do little to quell president Donald Trump's ambition of taking over Greenland, raising the prospect of prolonged geopolitical tension between Copenhagen and Washington. Following the White House meeting between Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt, US vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio, Rasmussen said the US and Denmark would form a working group to discuss a broad array of concerns regarding the Danish overseas territory. But he also made clear that Washington had not budged on its position that it must acquire Greenland, an outcome Rasmussen and Motzfeldt described as an unacceptable breach of sovereignty. "We didn't manage to change the American position," Rasmussen told reporters outside the Danish embassy in Washington after the meeting concluded. Advertisement "It's clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland." Trump has repeatedly said in recent weeks that the strategically located and mineral-rich island is vital to US security, and the United States must own it to prevent Russia or China from occupying it. He has said all options are on the table for securing the territory, rhetoric that has caused turmoil within the NATO alliance. 'Not for sale' Before the meeting, which lasted around two hours, Trump argued on social media that NATO would become far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the US. "Anything less than that is unacceptable," he wrote. In a follow-up post citing Russia and China, Trump wrote: "NATO: Tell Denmark to get them out of here, NOW! Two dogsleds wont do it! Only the USA can!!!" Greenland and Denmark say the island is not for sale, and that threats of force are reckless and security concerns should be resolved among allies. Prominent EU countries have backed Denmark, which is a member of the NATO alliance. Ahead of the meeting, which lasted less than two hours, Greenland and Denmark said they had begun to increase their military presence in and around Greenland in close cooperation with NATO allies, as part of their promise to beef up Arctic defence. The increased military presence would include a range of exercise activities throughout 2026, according to the Danish defence ministry. During the press conference, Rasmussen and Motzfeldt called the meeting respectful and emphasized that Denmark shared U.S. concerns about Arctic security. But they firmly rejected the idea of the island becoming American. Advertisement Avoiding 'Zelenskiy moment' at White House The meeting presented an opportunity for Copenhagen and Nuuk to de-escalate the crisis and find a diplomatic path to satisfy U.S. demands for more control, analysts said. Noa Redington, an analyst and former political adviser to previous Danish premier Helle Thorning-Schmidt, said concerns were high in Denmark and Greenland that Motzfeldt and Rasmussen could be treated in the same way as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, when he suffered a public humiliation in a meeting with Trump - and Vance - at the White House in February 2025. "This is the most important meeting in modern Greenland's history," he told Reuters. Denmark and Greenland had originally sought a meeting with Rubio, hoping to have a discussion among top diplomats on resolving the crisis between the two NATO allies. But Denmark's Rasmussen said Vance had also wanted to participate and that the vice president would host the meeting himself, at the White House. Greenland prefers sticking with Denmark Greenlandic leaders appear to be shifting their approach in how they are handling the diplomatic crisis. Until recently, they were stressing Greenland's path to independence. But now their public statements put more emphasis on Greenland's unity with Denmark. "It's not the time to gamble with our right to self-determination, when another country is talking about taking us over," Greenlandic prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told Greenland daily Sermitsiaq in an interview published Wednesday. "That doesn't mean that we don't want something in the future. But here and now we are part of the kingdom, and we stand with the kingdom. That's crucial in this serious situation," he said. Advertisement Motzfeldt had a similar message. "We choose the Greenland we know today as part of the Kingdom of Denmark," she said in a statement released by the Danish ambassador to the U.S. late on Tuesday. European allies back Denmark and Greenland Trump's desire for Greenland contrasts with Americans' opposition to annexation of the Arctic island, according to a new poll. World Explained: What's going on with Donald Trump and Greenland? Read more Just 17 per cent of Americans approved of Trump's efforts to acquire Greenland, and substantial majorities of Democrats and Republicans opposed using military force to annex the island, the Reuters/Ipsos poll found. Some 47 per cent of respondents disapproved of US efforts to acquire Greenland, while 35 per cent said they were unsure, in the two-day poll which concluded on Tuesday. Meanwhile, European allies reiterated their backing for Denmark and Greenland ahead of the White House meeting, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen saying on Wednesday Greenlanders could "count on us". In Paris, France's Emmanuel Macron said that, if the sovereignty of a European country and ally were to be affected, the knock-on effects would be unprecedented. France is to open a consulate in Nuuk on February 6th. The United States has said it is moving into the next phase of a Gaza ceasefire plan that involves disarming Hamas, rebuilding the war-ravaged territory and establishing the group of Palestinian experts that will administer daily affairs under American supervision. President Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff said in a post on X that the ceasefire deal was entering its second phase following two years of war between Israel and Hamas, including the establishment of a technocratic government in Gaza. But Mr Witkoff did not offer any details about who would serve on the new transitional Palestinian administration that would govern Gaza. Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are announcing the launch of Phase Two of the Presidents 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction. Phase Two establishes a transitional technocratic Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (@SEPeaceMissions) January 14, 2026 The mediators of the ceasefire deal Egypt, Turkey and Qatar welcomed the establishment of the committee and said it would be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority. This is an important development to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, they said in a joint statement. Advertisement The Gaza native served as a deputy minister for transport with the internationally recognised Palestinian Authority. Mr Shaath, an engineer, is an expert in economic development and reconstruction, according to his biography on the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institutes website. Mr Witkoff said that the US expects Hamas to immediately return the final dead hostage as part of its obligations under the deal. A Hamas spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, told Al-Jazeera Live on Wednesday that Mr Witkoffs announcement is an important and positive development, adding that the group is ready to hand over the administration of Gaza to the independent technocratic committee and facilitate its work. Hamas is ready to engage in internal Palestinian approaches to discuss the issue of the resistance weapons, said Mr Qassem in the statement that he shared on his Telegram channel. The last hostage, Ran Gvili, was a 24-year-old police officer who was killed while fighting Hamas militants during the attack on October 7 2023 that started the war in Gaza. While Wednesdays announcement indicates a key step forward, a new government in Gaza and ceasefire face a number of huge challenges including the deployment of an international security force to supervise the deal and the difficult process of disarming Hamas. Appointees to a technocratic committee are part of a broader plan to end Hamass 18-year rule of Gaza. Their names have not been released but they will run day-to-day affairs in Gaza, under the oversight of a Trump-led Board of Peace, whose members have also not yet been named. Advertisement The ceasefire reached under Mr Trumps 20-point plan took effect in October and stopped much of the fighting. Under the first phase of the deal, Hamas released all but one hostage it was holding in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians who were held by Israel. The technocratic committee that Mr Witkoff said would be established under the second phase will be tasked with providing public services to the more than two million Palestinians in Gaza but it faces towering challenges and unanswered questions, including about its operations and financing. The United Nations has estimated that reconstruction will cost more than 50 billion dollars. The process is expected to take years, and little money has been pledged so far. There is also the more immediate challenge of figuring out how to take over basic services after nearly two decades of Hamas-led rule in Gaza and repeated rounds of conflict with Israel. Venezuelas acting president Delcy Rodriguez has signalled that the country would continue releasing prisoners detained under former president Nicolas Maduro in what she described as a new political moment since his ousting by the United States earlier this month. It appeared to be an understatement for the former Maduro loyalist now tasked with placating an unpredictable American president who says he will run Venezuela, while also consolidating power in a government that long has seethed against US meddling. Ms Rodriguez opened her first press briefing since Maduros arrest by US forces with a conciliatory tone. Addressing journalists from a red carpet at the presidential palace, she offered assurances that the process of releasing detainees a move reportedly made at the behest of the Trump administration has not yet concluded. Delcy Rodriguez, centre, gives a statement to journalists (Ariana Cubillos/AP) A Venezuelan human rights organisation estimates about 800 political prisoners are still being detained. The 56-year-old lawyer and political veteran pitched a Venezuela that opens itself to a new political moment, that allows for political and ideological diversity. Advertisement President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he held his first conversation with Ms Rodriguez since Maduros ousting. We had a call a long call. We discussed a lot of things, Mr Trump said during a press briefing. And I think were getting along very well with Venezuela. Unlike past speeches directed at her domestic audience that echoed Maduros anti-imperialist rhetoric, Ms Rodriguez did not mention the US or the dizzying pace at which Venezuela-US relations were evolving. But she criticised organisations that advocate on behalf of prisoners rights. She pledged strict enforcement of the law and credited Maduro with starting the prisoner releases as a signal that her government meant no wholesale break from the past. President Donald Trump said he has held his first conversation with Ms Rodriguez (Alex Brandon/AP) Crimes related to the constitutional order are being evaluated, she said, in apparent reference to detainees held on what human rights groups say are politically motivated charges. Messages of hatred, intolerance, acts of violence will not be permitted. Flanked by her brother and National Assembly president Jorge Rodriguez, as well as hard-line interior minister Diosdado Cabello, she took no questions. Mr Cabello, she said, was co-ordinating the prisoner releases, which have drawn criticism for being too slow and secretive. Advertisement Despite sanctioning her for human rights violations during his first term, President Trump has enlisted Ms Rodriguez to help secure US control over Venezuelas oil sales. To ensure the former Maduro loyalist does his bidding, he threatened Ms Rodriguez with a situation probably worse than Maduro, who faces federal drug-trafficking charges from a Brooklyn jail. In endorsing Ms Rodriguez, who has served as Maduros vice president since 2018, Mr Trump has sidelined Maria Corina Machado, the leader of Venezuelas opposition who won a Nobel Peace Prize last year for her campaign to restore the nations democracy. Ms Machado is scheduled to meet Mr Trump at the White House on Thursday. After a lengthy career running Venezuelas feared intelligence service, managing its crucial oil industry and representing the revolution started by the late Hugo Chavez on the world stage, Ms Rodriguez now walks a tightrope, navigating pressures from both Washington and her hard-line colleagues who hold sway over the security forces. Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Eclipse fires up Greenland rare earths test work amid geopolitical tension Brought to you by Bulls N Bears Doug Bright January 14, 2026 5:43pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Eclipse Metals has kicked off preliminary metallurgical test work on samples from its Grnnedal rare earths prospect within the companys Ivigtut project in southwest Greenland, with historic core samples now at ALS Laboratories in Perth for analysis. The timing of the studies could hardly be better, with global geopolitical tensions rising and attention sharpening on Greenlands rich endowment of critical metals, pushing projects such as Ivigtut firmly into the spotlight. Eclipse Metals diamond drill core samples from Grnnedal in Greenland being prepared for dispatch to Perth ahead of analysis and metallurgical testwork. With the companys first batch of samples now in the lab, ALS will initially test the viability of wet, high-intensity magnetic separation to pull valuable magnetic and weakly magnetic minerals from the non-magnetic waste material. That waste often consists of gangue minerals with little or no economic value. Seven composite samples have been submitted to ALS, each weighing between 1.25 and 4.5kg. The test material was prepared from shallow historic core, viewed as representative of the Grnnedal resource between the surface and 22m depth. Advertisement The composite assays already average total rare oxides (TREO) grades of between 2391 parts per million (ppm) and 7514ppm and show a remarkably consistent magnet rare earth oxide (MREO) ratio of 26 to 32 per cent of the total rare earth oxides. Initial sighter tests on two composites at about 7000 Gauss magnet field strength yielded impressive magnetic mass pulls of 78 per cent and 85.9 per cent. With detailed assays on each sample split still to come, the next step will be to track exactly where the rare earths separate out to and dial in the magnetic field settings for optimal performance. This early-stage work will then lay down the foundation data needed to fine-tune the processing flowsheet. Earlier testing showed the deposits coarse-grained bastnasite, synchysite and monazite minerals respond well to a conventional processing route, with metallurgy and metal recoveries closely resembling the proven approach used at MP Materials legendary Mountain Pass carbonatite deposit in California. Eclipses Ivigtut project hosts two distinct critical mineral systems. The Grnnedal prospect features a high-grade carbonatite rare earths system with a JORC inferred resource of 89 million tonnes at 6363ppm TREO, dominated by the lucrative magnet rare earths, neodymium and praseodymium. Advertisement The two metals are critical to the manufacture of permanent magnets used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbine generators and electronics. The minerals are also accompanied by two other critical metals, niobium and yttrium, which the company believes could be potential by-product credits. The historic Ivigtut cryolite mine site, about 4km southwest of Grnnedal, makes up the companys second prospect within its broader Ivigtut project area. While the old cryolite mine worked a polymetallic fluorine-rich system, the waste-dump assays also report a smorgasbord of metals, including elevated silver, zinc-lead-copper, gallium, lithium and rubidium responses. The dump also revealed rare-earth-related carbonatitic alteration, which Eclipse believes could offer near-term upside from reprocessing using existing infrastructure. As well as the historic samples now in Perth, core from Eclipse 2025 diamond drilling program is also inbound and expected at ALSs lab this month for analysis and further metallurgical studies. Advertisement The companys steady march towards rare earths production comes as global attention sharpens on locking in secure, allied supplies of critical minerals. Adding fuel to the fire, President Trump has repeatedly argued the US should control Greenland to secure its future supply of critical minerals. Just days ago, Australia also weighed in, flagging antimony, gallium and rare earths as top priorities under a $1.2 billion strategic reserve aimed at strengthening supply chains for defence, renewables and high-tech industries in the face of Chinas dominance. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is currently briefing US and G7+ allies in Washington on the initiative, building on recent pacts and discussions to counter vulnerabilities. These risks were recently highlighted by Chinas seizure and subsequent return of a 55-tonne shipment of Australian antimony concentrate from Alkane Resources that was destined for a US defence supplier. Advertisement The vessel was held for three months at Ningbo port and released on condition that it return to Australia. The incident exposed Chinas control of transit points and its ability to dominate the critical mineral market by exerting political leverage in response to US restrictions on Chinas semiconductor industry, even affecting non-Chinese sourced materials. With rare earths now a frontline priority in allied nations strategies to diversify away from concentrated supply risks - underscored by Australias new reserves and ongoing Washington talks - Eclipses progress would appear to position the company squarely in the frame for potential strategic partnerships and accelerated development. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Sharemarket Shares Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A Whats good, whats bad, and whats in between in literature? Here we review the latest titles. See all stories . From a noir reimagining of Little Women to a deep dive into the physics of the human body, our critics review new releases in fiction and non-fiction. Fiction Beth is Dead Katie Bernet, Penguin, $24.99 Genre adaptations of literary classics written by women can become publishing sensations. In 2009, Jane Austen got reworked into comic survival horror with Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. More recently, Tirzah Prices Austen-themed YA murder mystery series, Pride and Premeditation (2021-), saw Elizabeth Bennet turn detective. In a similar vein to Price, Katie Bernets Beth is Dead reinvents Louisa May Alcotts Little Women as contemporary crime fiction. Concord, Massachusetts: present day. Gentle, musical young Beth March appears to have been murdered (in the original novel, she dies of the lingering effects of scarlet fever), and her sisters Meg, Jo, and Amy are compelled to find the killer. Bernets lively, twist-filled mystery preserves the personalities of the characters in Alcotts coming-of-age classic, while transposing them to 21st century circumstances. Narrated by the sisters from first-person perspectives, Beth is Dead is rather brilliantly constructed. A clever metafictional homage for Little Women fans, this is YA crime that should be just as entertaining to readers unfamiliar with its literary source. Cape Fever Nadia Davids, Scribner, $29.99 Advertisement Gothic novels and the long shadow of colonialism are eerily natural bedfellows. Nadia Davids Cape Fever creates psychological tension through unequal power dynamics in 1920s South Africa. Mrs Hattingh is a white, once-wealthy widow living in a decaying mansion who hires Soraya Matas, a woman from the citys Muslim Quarter, as a maid. Familiar gothic tropes creep into the narrative. Mrs Hattingh pines for her son, injured in the Great War, to return from London, but his arrival is constantly deferred. Meanwhile, she presumes her new maid illiterate and offers to transcribe letters to Sorayas fiance for her, in an act of kindness that soon turns manipulative. The dark history of the mansion makes itself felt as Soraya, who can sense ghostly presence and is attuned to the spirit world, falls into an increasingly close and disturbing orbit with her employer. Davids invests this haunted house story with such a sustained sense of psychological suspense and menace you could argue that the supernatural aspects are superfluous. Its a compelling and claustrophobic tale, a literary gothic woven from warped threads of colonialism, racism, and their grim legacies The Bourne Revenge Brian Freeman, Head of Zeus, $32.99 Robert Ludlum passed away in 2001, but his fictional action-hero spy Jason Bourne simply wont die. The original Bourne trilogy has since been expanded at a frenetic pace, with Ludlums estate choosing Eric van Lustbader to pen 11 more Bourne novels between 2004 and 2017, and Brian Freeman to crank out another seven since 2020. The latest in the franchise sees Bourne up against a Chinese espionage outfit called Volt Typhoon. He has stolen ultra-powerful AI software, known as the Files, from them and the mysterious agent Bai Ze intends to find (and kill) Bourne get it back. At the same time, Bourne discovers a woman he once loved has been murdered and seeks to avenge her death, even as hes sleeping with his boss Shadow, who has immense leverage over her lover and is attempting to restore his lost memories. (As series readers know, Bournes defining characteristic is that he developed amnesia, with little sense of his identity or backstory, after being shot in the head.) Non-stop action with more than a dollop of sex awaits hardcore fans, in a franchise that delivers the escapism they want almost to the point of parody. Salt Upon the Water Lyn Dickens, Wakefield Press, $32.95 This sweeping colonial romance features Colonel William Light, the first Surveyor-General of South Australia, responsible for choosing the site for the city of Adelaide. He was born in Penang, of mixed Asian and European descent. Lyn Dickens Salt Upon the Water tinkers with history, weaving in magical realism as Light (whose recorded romantic life did not lack variety or incident) meets and is enchanted by Clarissa Fitzroy, a woman also of mixed heritage who tracks him down in Australia a decade after memorable encounters, including a hot-air balloon ride, in England. Clarissa is the novels protagonist. Yet the dilemmas faced dispossession by the British East India Company, erasure and exoticisation, idealism running up against brutal colonial realities, and the racial prejudice of the British Empires white ruling class are shared by both major characters. The novel won Wakefields Unpublished Manuscript Award, and it writes into South Australias colonial history with a broad imaginative canvas, a poetic touch, and a deep empathy for the discrimination its characters face. Advertisement The Furphy Anthology 2025 Hardie Grant, $35 The annual Furphy Literary Award has been sponsored for the last six years by Joseph Furphys descendants, with a collection of the best yarns entered in the competition published each year. Furphy himself would have appreciated the offbeat, irreverent, tragicomic tale that won in 2025. In The Eulogy Business, West Australian author Serena Moss delivers an anonymous narrator moonlighting as a freelance ghostwriter, promising eulogies of strangers: No judgement. Quick turnaround. Making up tall stories about the dearly departed soon becomes addictive, as the narrator discovers that fiction smooths the grieving process for loved ones and, in some cases at least, might be the only way to truth. But when a surprise eulogy request comes in, the ghostwriters own ghosts linger over a writing challenge close to home. Brisk, funny, with a poignant twist, its a deserving winner in a volume which, with few exceptions, contains short fiction of high quality and an enviable variety of tones, styles and subject matter. Non-Fiction Nature People Cesar Puechmarin, Affirm Press, $49.99 Anyone can be a naturalist. Its a heartening thought. The only qualifications required are that you devote yourself whole heartedly to nature, says wildlife photographer and filmmaker, Cesar Puechmarin. In this enchanting work, he introduces us to 13 ardent Australian guardians of nature. They are academics, conservationists, urban ecologists, artists and enthusiasts like Josh Bowell who has no formal scientific training and yet has become an accomplished marsupial glider expert. Indigenous animal handler Clinton Brewer draws on the ecological knowledge imbedded in traditional stories and songs. Dreaming for me is like the mesh, the system of our cultural and emotional beliefs of the landscape and how we perceive things. Puechmarin joins this diverse array of dedicated naturalists in the field to capture how they see the world. His atmospheric photographs not only zoom in on nature in action but also the naturalists themselves in their habitat to reveal the wonder and curiosity that drives them. Advertisement The Coast Chris Hammer, MUP, $36.99 An air of gentle melancholy hangs over Chris Hammers immersive journey from the Torres Strait to Bass Strait to observe for himself what climate change is doing to the east coast of Australia. As he travels, this mood is deepened by grief over the death of his father. And yet the beauty of much of this seaboard, its wild creatures and what is being done to protect it acts as a countervailing force, lifting his spirits and giving him hope. Thirteen years have elapsed since The Coast was first published and it is chastening to reflect on the escalation of coral bleaching, rising sea levels and destructive weather. But perhaps Hammers optimism still holds, with increased regulation of the fishing industry and the declaration of marine parks making sustainability more than a buzz word. It is also a story of what this coast means to the people who live there and how it has shaped their lives. Love, loss and hope jostle with each other in a tale that tracks the changes remaking this populous coastline. Dear New York Brandon Stanton, Macmillan, $65 Its a testament to Brandon Stantons people skills, as well as his talent as a photographer, that the New Yorkers who feature in this profoundly moving album were prepared to drop their guards and bare their souls to a stranger. Stanton set out with the aim of capturing the soul of New York by photographing people in the streets. Until it dawned on him that this city cannot be captured. No frame is large enough. What he does capture is a cornucopia of astounding human stories and the people who animate them. A man with a haunted, scarecrow face tells of getting out of prison and finding envelopes full of money his mother had left for him from wedding dresses she had made. A woman holding a newborn talks of the joy of seeing her partner dote on their daughter, having lost her father at an early age. A ravaged-looking woman in the subway speaks of growing up amongst junkies and thinking that the cartoon character Speedy Gonzales was on coke. As a little kid, thats what I thought. Because its all I knew. Advertisement Advertisement CultureCelebrityCrime West Wing actor turns himself in to face child sex abuse charges: Going to confront these lies Susan Montoya Bryan January 14, 2026 9:31am 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 Albuquerque: Director and Emmy Award-winning West Wing actor Timothy Busfield has turned himself to authorities to face child sex abuse charges in New Mexico. His apprehension on Tuesday (overnight in Australia) comes after authorities in Albuquerque issued a warrant for his arrest on Friday (Saturday AEDT) on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. The charges stem from allegations that Busfield inappropriately touched a young boy on the set of the TV series The Cleaning Lady that he was directing. West Wing actor Timothy Busfield, pictured here with co-star Allison Janney, has turned himself in to authorities to face child sex abuse charges in New Mexico. NBCUniversal via Getty Images Busfield, who is married to actor Melissa Gilbert, is known for appearances in The West Wing, Field of Dreams and Thirtysomething, the latter of which won him an Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series in 1991. During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment, a representative for Gilbert told Us Weekly in a statement. Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. Advertisement Gilbert, who is known for her role in Little House on the Prairie and was the president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) from 2001 to 2005, has been married to Busfield since 2013. She indicated through a publicist that she wont speak publicly at the request of attorneys for Busfield while the legal process unfolds. Related Article Crime West Wing actor accused of child sex abuse on set NBC shelved an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit that featured Busfield and was set to air on Thursday (Friday AEDT), a network spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday (Wednesday) to The Associated Press. Busfield was guest-starring as the judge on the long-running show, which focuses on sex crimes. Busfield was being booked by Albuquerque police on the charges, said Gilbert Gallegos, spokesperson for the city police department. A criminal complaint filed by an investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department says the boy reported that he was seven years old when Busfield touched him three or four times on private areas over his clothing. Busfield allegedly touched him five or six times on another occasion when he was 8, the complaint said. Advertisement The child was reportedly afraid to tell anyone because Busfield was the director and he feared he would get mad at him, the complaint said. The boys twin brother told authorities he was touched by Busfield but did not specify where. He said he didnt say anything because he didnt want to get in trouble. Busfield denied the allegations last fall (autumn, which runs from September to November in the United States) when interviewed by authorities as part of the investigation, the complaint said. He suggested that the boys mother was seeking revenge for her children being replaced on the series. He also said he likely would have picked up and tickled the boys, saying the set was a playful environment. Busfield and Melissa Gilbert, pictured here in January 2020, have been married since 2013. Getty Images for BAM Busfields attorney did not immediately return a message seeking comment on Tuesday (overnight in Australia). A video obtained by TMZ showed Busfield in front of a window with the Albuquerque skyline in the backdrop. He said he arrived in the city after driving 2000 miles (3219km). Advertisement Im going to confront these lies. Theyre horrible. Theyre all lies, Busfield said. The mother of the twins who are identified only by their initials in court records reported to Child Protective Services that the abuse occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024 (March through May in the US), the complaint said. The investigation began in November 2024, when the investigator responded to a call from a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque. The boys parents had gone there at the recommendation of a law firm, the complaint said. According to the complaint, one of the boys has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. A social worker documented him saying he has had nightmares about Busfield touching him. The Cleaning Lady aired for four seasons on Fox, ending in 2025. The show was produced by Warner Bros, which according to the complaint conducted its own investigation into the abuse allegations but was unable to corroborate them. Advertisement AP 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028, Lifeline 13 11 14 and Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800. 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 More: Crime Celebrities behaving badly USA Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A Last year, Brazilian actor Wagner Moura felt he had good reason to be proud of his country. Former president Jair Bolsonaro, who had tried to foment a coup after he was voted out of the presidency, was properly tried, convicted and put in prison. The democratic institutions were working as they should. We had the same thing in Brazil as the US, he says. An election denier who made people want to break up their institutions. But Brazil was very quick to do the right thing, I think because we know what a dictatorship is. Brazil lived under a dictatorship for 21 years, from 1964 to 1985. The movie revisits the period under the iron control of one of its dictator presidents, General Ernesto Geisel, from 1974 to 1979. It is a period revisited in The Secret Agent, in which Moura plays a university research scientist who falls foul of authorities and must try to escape the country with his son. His performance won him the best actor (drama) award at this weeks Golden Globes. Moura, who achieved star status as Pablo Escobar in the Netflix series Narcos, dedicated his win to the ones sticking to their values in difficult moments. Wagner Moura with his Golden Globe award. Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP The film itself, written and directed by Kleber Mendonca Filho, has been similarly honoured on the awards circuit. Having picked up the Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards for best foreign film, it is now favoured to take out the Oscar in the same category. Set in 1977, the film follows university research scientist Armando (Moura), who finds himself at odds with the national energy behemoths executives who are taking charge of his departments projects. As he attempts to flee he turns to an underground resistance movement for help. Armando isnt a gun-toting rebel. Mendonca Filho says he imagined him as an amiable, Jimmy Stewart-style everyman. But this is in the manual of fascism, says Moura, who brings a professorial charm to the role; you can imagine students having crushes on him. The first ones to go to the fire, the first to go to jail or get prosecuted, are journalists, university professors and artists. Which I think is about truth. We all approach the truth in different ways. Advertisement President Bolsonaro and his supporters, he says, were keen to follow that manual. Crazily enough, I think Bolsonaro is sort of responsible for The Secret Agent, says Moura. Kleber and I were both very vocal against him and both suffered the consequences of that. Moura directed a feature film about a 60s guerrilla, Marighella, which was effectively censored for several years when the relevant government agency refused to allow its release. Mendonca Filho was publicly vilified for his criticisms of the regime. So I think this film came from our shared perplexity at a government that was bringing back the values of the dictatorship, says Moura. It began with Kleber and I calling each other and saying, What the f--- is going on? How are we going to react to this? Mendonca Filhos response was to try to remind his country what that dictatorship was like. A younger generation, he says, is surprised to learn from films like this one and Walter Salles Oscar-winning Im Still Here, about a real family ripped apart by the dictatorship that there were disappearances, torture and terror. Brazil suffers from a memory problem and I dont think that problem is there by chance, Mendonca Filho says. When you see the big tech companies allied with governments with authoritarian tendencies, those alliances are not by chance, either. They are all there to serve their own interests; inconvenient memories get in the way. According to Moura, that amnesia predates the dictatorship; it is a national habit that has been drawing a veil over unpleasantness for centuries. You know Brazil was the last country in the Western world to abolish slavery? he says. Colonialism is still very present in Brazil, [imported] from Portugal but also the United States. Both treated South America as their backyard. When you see Trump invading Venezuela, its just that old mentality at work. Advertisement The Secret Agents act of remembering is not, however, much concerned with the particulars of politics; Geisels name is never mentioned, even if his portrait is everywhere. Instead, Mendonca Filho focuses on the atmosphere created by a fear that is always present but has no name, the absurdities of authoritarianism and the ways people support each other to survive them. His film follows its characters into incidental byways within the framework of a thriller; it is also, intermittently, very funny. Wagner Moura plays Armando, a man seeking to escape Brazils dictators. AP We first meet Armando in a service station, where a body is rotting in the forecourt, ignored by the owner and the police who pass through, because its nobodys official responsibility. The police are there to shake down the owner and, since hes there, Armando. Little do they know he is on his way to a block of flats, effectively a safe house, full of refugees from the regime and run by a tiny, bent old woman who is charged with hiding him. The film has turned Tania Maria, who plays the coarse, kindly Dona Sebastiana, into a cult figure in Brazil; at 78, says Mendonca Filho, she has to be protected from endless demands for interviews. The world outside their refuge is often weird. The late Udo Kier plays a Jewish tailor whom the local police chief insists on lionising as a former Nazi, oblivious to the menorah on his mantelpiece. The news is dominated by the story of a shark caught with a hairy leg in its stomach. That leg and its missing body seize the public imagination. The leg is seen hopping around the park, unattended; it haunts Armandos dreams. The shark, meanwhile, is on ice in police forensics. It comes as no surprise to see the local cinema, which is run by Armandos father-in-law, is showing Jaws. Director Kleber Mendonca Filho: Brazil suffers from a memory problem. Victor Juca The leg is almost like a poetic fairytale, which finds its meaning in politics and censorship, Mendonca Filho, who used to work for one of Brazils biggest newspapers as a film critic, said during an interview at the New York Film Festival. The newspapers couldnt actually say what had happened. So they made the hairy leg the culprit. Not the police or the military. The recent decline of journalism, says Moura, is a very bad thing because its not about facts any more. Bolsonaro could win an election on the strength of stories no more credible than that of the hairy leg. Advertisement Neither Moura nor Mendonca Filho want to make films with a corrective message, however. It sounds pretentious to say you could interfere or teach anyone anything, says Moura. At the same time, he does believe that art shapes the world, simply by existing. What would the world be without Shakespeare? Without Leonardo da Vinci? Without Pina Bausch? I think these artists have been transforming the world, he says. He makes his work for himself, in the first instance. The Secret Agent was the first work he had done in his own language in 12 years. It gave me the sense of something I knew already: that the more Im connected to my culture and where I came from, the more interesting I think I am as an artist, he says. Ive seen actors come to the US from other places and try to lose their accents and become what Hollywood expected them to be. I never thought that way. So to do this film and get so much attention for it reinforces in me the idea that ones culture is ones power. Related Article Media & marketing Screening Room newsletter Art is about putting a mirror in front of us. Sometimes the mirror is very accurate, sometimes its quite deformed, sometimes the mirror is kind of crazy, but I believe that we deal with the truth as well. That is why artists in general are persecuted by authoritarian governments. Because countries dont develop without the notion of culture, without seeing themselves, without understanding what kind of people are we? Or what kind of person am I, from an individual point of view? And this is revolutionary. The Secret Agent opens on January 22. Must-see movies, interviews and all the latest from the world of film delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our Screening Room newsletter. Advertisement NationalLiterature Ex-board member accuses Louise Adler of hypocrisy over NYT writer Stephen Brook January 14, 2026 9:11pm 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 A former Adelaide Festival board member has accused outgoing Adelaide Writers Week director Louise Adler of threatening to resign from her role in 2024 unless the board cancelled an invitation to a Jewish New York Times journalist. Tony Berg, who resigned from the Adelaide Festival board last year and has been critical of Adler, says she is guilty of hypocrisy as she stridently opposed free speech when she threatened to quit unless writer Thomas Friedmans invitation to the festival was rescinded. Outgoing Adelaide Writers Week director Louise Adler. Dion Georgopoulos Bergs comments in a statement to this masthead on Wednesday come after days of turmoil in South Australia, with the cancellation on Tuesday of Adelaide Writers Week, and the resignation of Adler after 180 authors quit the line-up, following the Adelaide Festival boards decision to remove Palestinian-Australian writer Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah from the literary festivals program. Last Thursday, the 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. Adelaide Festival chair Tracey Whiting resigned on Sunday. Advertisement Conservative Jewish groups previously criticised the Palestinian writer for social media posts critical of Israel. Related Article Updated Literature Vicious assault: Ousted writer threatens defamation action against South Australian premier In 2024, Louise Adler led a demand to the board to retract an invitation to Tom Friedman to participate in the 2024 Adelaide Writers Week, Berg said in a statement to this masthead on Wednesday. In the face of that threat, the board felt it had no alternative but to ... withdraw the invitation to Friedman. I understand why a number of authors have turned down invitations to come to AWW 2026 on freedom of speech grounds. But they should understand that the people, with whom they are standing, in fact, have actively undermined freedom of speech in the past. Berg, a director of advisory group Gresham and a governor on the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce, resigned from the Adelaide Festival board last October, saying he couldnt sit on a board that employed a director of Writers Week who continued to deal with the board inappropriately and who programs writers who have a vendetta against Israel and Zionism. Advertisement Asked about Bergs allegations, Adler told this masthead: I consider discussions at the board table to be confidential and Im rather surprised that a former CEO of Macquarie Bank has breached those confidences, she said. Its indicative of the way the former board operated a rich case study for future management students. Abdel-Fattah was one of 10 people who had written to the board asking it to rescind the invite to Friedman after his controversial comments about the Middle East, including comparing the conflict to the animal kingdom, which drew widespread condemnation. Tony Berg quit the Adelaide Festival board last October. Oscar Colman However, in a response seen by this masthead, dated February 9, 2024, the festival board rejected this petition. Signed by the (now former) chair of the board, Tracey Whiting, it reads: Asking the Adelaide Festival and Adelaide Writers Week to cancel an artist or writer is an extremely serious request. We have an international reputation for supporting artistic freedom of expression. Whether the festival rescinded the invite or whether Friedman was unable to appear due to a scheduling clash is contested. On Wednesday, Berg criticised both Abdel-Fattah and Adler. Advertisement I am now utterly astonished at Louise Adlers statement in her resignation letter in support of free speech. I am likewise surprised by Randa Abdel-Fattahs invocation of free speech and her outrage at being cancelled, he said. I regard it to be utterly hypocritical of Randa Abdel-Fattah and Louise Adler to now accuse the board of repressing freedom of speech when they have both actively sought to deny it to Tom Friedman. Speaking to the Guardian on Sunday, Abdel-Fattah rejected any allegation of hypocrisy. We were concerned about the impact of Friedmans views on socially and historically marginalised people who have been dehumanised and discriminated against..., she said. In contrast, I was cancelled because my presence and identity as a Palestinian was deemed culturally insensitive and linked to the Bondi atrocity. Advertisement On Wednesday, Abdel-Fattah said she was taking legal action against the South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, accusing him of defaming her in comments he made at a news conference on Tuesday. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Feature: Namibian TV host finds new creative horizons in Beijing Xinhua) 11:06, January 14, 2026 WINDHOEK, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- As China-Africa relations continue to deepen, more young Africans are choosing China as a destination to study, create and connect across cultures. Among them is Namibian television host and digital content creator David Mbeha, who recently relocated to Beijing to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree, while expanding his footprint in the digital creative space. "I decided on China, considering that I was already slowly moving into digital content production with the launch of my podcast titled 'Uninterrupted with David Mbeha,'" Mbeha told Xinhua in a recent interview. "I knew Beijing would be the perfect place due to its huge embrace of digital creativity, digital economy and advanced technology sector, allowing me to form part of a bigger digital creative community," he said. Mbeha described his move as part of a broader personal and professional strategy aimed at cultivating a global mindset and evolving creatively, a path that mirrors the growing emphasis on people-to-people exchanges between Africa and China. The launch of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges is expected to further encourage such exchanges in culture, media, education and youth engagement. Since arriving in Beijing, Mbeha has quickly immersed himself in China's vibrant creative and media ecosystem. "Since my move to Beijing, I have had the honor of being part of the 2025 Beijing International Film Festival as an African media representative," he said. Mbeha also took part in a Wuhan-based e-commerce workshop, where he was recognized for his live-streaming skills, reflecting the growing convergence of media, commerce and digital innovation in China. Mbeha was also recently featured on China Global Television Network (CGTN) in an interview tracing his personal and professional journey in Beijing, marking a major milestone in his international media career. "My work in both digital creativity and television in Africa gained recognition from CGTN, where I shared about my journey in the creative industry and connecting Africa and China," he said. The conversation explored Mbeha's transition from traditional television hosting to digital storytelling, his experiences navigating China's media and creative industries, and the growing importance of cross-cultural narratives in strengthening Africa-China engagement. Mbeha's experience in Beijing reflects the broader trend of young African creatives engaging with global media, innovation and cultural exchange. According to Mbeha, he plans to remain in Beijing for the duration of his one-year master's program. Beyond his studies, he noted that living in the Chinese capital has exposed him to culture, food and fashion in entirely new ways. "Every day feels like a masterclass on innovation," Mbeha said. "From little things such as how payments are conducted to the high-speed train, efficiency is everything. Here in Beijing, there is so much that I want to do." Reflecting on his career evolution, Mbeha said the move to China coincided with a moment of self-reflection. "Television is my first love," he said. "But when I turned 30 this year, I knew that it was time to challenge myself and grow in other spaces." "I have a huge passion to develop my skills further not only as a TV host but also as a producer and director and to grow in the digital content production space," he added. Mbeha believes his journey can serve as inspiration to others across Africa who aspire to work beyond borders. "My move to Beijing marks the beginning of a career shift, and I hope to inspire everyone who has a dream to never stop believing in themselves," Mbeha said. Looking ahead, Mbeha said he hopes to play a bridging role between the two continents, particularly as China and Africa prepare to expand cultural and human exchanges in the coming years. "I hope to be a conduit of human stories, connecting the African continent to China and China to Africa," he said. "I believe there is a space for both Africa and China to share their creativity. Africa can take advantage of its partnership with China to learn from China's impeccable technological advancement and the country's embrace of the digital economy," Mbeha added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Advertisement Updated NationalLiterature Vicious assault: Ousted writer threatens defamation action against South Australian premier Kerrie O'Brien and Calum Jaspan Updated January 14, 2026 4:36pm ,first published 11:05am 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 Palestinian-Australian writer removed from Adelaide Writers Week by the Adelaide Festival board says she is taking legal action against the South Australian premier, accusing him of defaming her by suggesting she was an extremist terrorist sympathiser. Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah said on Wednesday that her lawyers had sent a concerns notice to Peter Malinauskas over comments he made at a news conference on Tuesday. Academic and writer Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah. Her legal action comes after a dramatic few days in South Australia, with the cancellation on Tuesday of Adelaide Writers Week, and the resignation of its director Louise Adler, after 180 authors quit the line-up following a decision by members of the Adelaide Festival board to remove the academic from the literary festivals program. Adler told this masthead on Wednesday she couldnt understand why the premier had backflipped when in the past he has supported the right of writers week to program whomever it chose. Advertisement She recalled that Malinauskas had found Palestinian-American writer Susan Abulhawas social media commentary to be offensive in 2023 after she had been critical of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Of course, he is perfectly entitled to that view, indeed in this democratic country he can even choose not to attend her event, Adler said. His problem is that in front of 1200 people in the Adelaide Town Hall, he declared that if politicians were to take on the role of arts curators we might as well be living in Putins Russia. He could have adopted exactly the same response to Randa Abdel-Fattahs appearance. The Adelaide Festival board announced last week 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. Conservative Jewish groups previously criticised the Palestinian writer for social media posts critical of Israel. In a post on Instagram on Wednesday, Abdel-Fattah wrote that Malinauskas comments suggested I am an extremist terrorist sympathiser and directly linked me to the Bondi atrocity. This was a vicious assault on me. Advertisement For the past week since I was cancelled by the Adelaide Festival board, the South Premier Peter Malinauskas has made many public statements about me and my character, she wrote on Instagram. We have never met and he has never attempted to contact me. He knows nothing about me, beyond what he has been told by the Murdoch press and the pro-Israel lobby, which he has apparently accepted without question. On Tuesday, Malinauskas was asked during a press conference whether there was any political interference in the festival boards decision to remove Abdel-Fattah from Adelaide Writers Week. Can you imagine if a far-right Zionist walked into a Sydney mosque and murdered 15 people? the premier told reporters. Can you imagine that as premier of this state, I would actively support a far-right Zionist going to writers week and speaking hateful rhetoric towards Islamic people? Of course I wouldnt. Advertisement South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas speaking on Wednesday. Nine News The reverse is happening in this instance, and Im not going to support that either, and thats a reasonable position for me to have. Speaking in response to questions about the defamation notice which at that stage he had not seen on Wednesday, Malinauskas said all of my remarks and actions have been founded by a desire for compassion and in the pursuit of decency. Asked if he owed Abdel-Fattah an apology, he said people will be able to judge my remarks for themselves. Michael Bradley of Marque Lawyers confirmed he had issued a concerns notice to Malinauskas, which is a statutory requirement under the Defamation Act before proceedings can commence. Advertisement Related Article Literature Adelaide Writers Week cancelled after director quits Whether Randa does commence proceedings will depend very much on how he responds, he said. I think the defamatory aspects of [the Premiers] comments yesterday are obvious to everyone. Adler described the decisions taken by the former Adelaide Festival board as an act of cultural vandalism. In their latest statement, the board say about this wasnt about identity and dissent. It was absolutely about dissent, it was precisely about identity. Its clear that silencing one Palestinian writer was more important than a festival of six days, 165 sessions, 220 plus writers, she said. Advertisement The term cultural safety is code for saying, I dont want to hear your opinion. South Australian Jewish leader Norman Schueler told Adelaides The Advertiser newspaper on Friday his community had asked that Abdel-Fattah be excluded. Over a number of festivals there have been certain presenters who have been problematic and we are extremely pleased that they have for once listened to what we have to say, he said. In other developments, the ABC received a series of letters complaining about two of its most senior journalists, Americas editor John Lyons and global affairs editor Laura Tingle, who were two of the 180 writers to have withdrawn. The letters, which were written to formats and circulated among pro-Israel chat groups, were addressed to various ABC figures including board members, managing director Hugh Marks and news boss Justin Stevens, alleged Lyons and Tingles withdrawals raised questions about the ABCs commitment to impartiality and its editorial standards. The existence of the letters was first reported by Deepcut. The ABC is not expected to take action against its journalists, considering both Lyons and Tingle were both appearing in personal capacities, as was 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson, who also withdrew from the line-up. There is no evidence indicating any of the journalists decisions to withdraw would have breached the ABCs codes of conduct regardless, according to ABC sources not authorised to comment on the record. Advertisement Lyons was due to speak about his new book on the Ukraine war, A Bunker in Kyiv. He has previously criticised the Israel lobbys influence on Australian politics and society in his book Balcony Over Jerusalem. The ABC did not provide a comment. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. 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 Advertisement NationalQueenslandCourts Man freed by High Court handed jail for visa breaches Rex Martinich January 14, 2026 3:54pm 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 previously freed from indefinite immigration detention by a landmark High Court ruling has been jailed for dozens of breaches of his visa conditions. Walter Bongomin, 37, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in Brisbane District Court to one count of an offence relating to monitoring conditions of certain bridging visas. The charge related to 24 occasions when Bongomin failed to comply with his requirement to report daily to immigration authorities by phone. Walter Bongomin is seen leaving the Brisbane District Court in Brisbane. AAPIMAGE The offending led to Bongomin, who was born in Uganda, to be arrested and taken into custody in January 2025. Advertisement Bongomins time in custody was equal to having served nearly all of the mandatory 12-month minimum sentence, his defence barrister said. The mandatory sentencing guidelines allow offenders to serve some of their minimum sentence in the community rather than in custody. He plans to obtain work when he is released. He has a forklift ticket, a white card (construction site safety course) and certificates in logistics, Bongomins barrister said. Bongomin sat in the dock wearing a bright pink T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants, with his partner in court to support him. Judge Ken Barlow heard Bongomin had a long criminal record in Queensland and other states. Advertisement You have a history involving unlawful use of motor vehicle, serious assaults on police officers, and quite a number of assaults in 2023 ... Its not surprising your visa was cancelled on character grounds, Judge Barlow said. Bongomin was released from immigration detention following the November 2023 High Court ruling in NZYQ v Minister for Immigration that found indefinite detention was unlawful. Bongomins breach of visa monitoring was more serious than other cases and would have seen him sentenced to 14 months imprisonment or more if he had not pleaded guilty, Judge Barlow said. It doesnt mean you cant demonstrate to the community during your stay in Australia that you can reform yourself, be of good character and contribute properly to the community in Australia which you are fortunate to be a part of, Judge Barlow said. Bongomin was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment to be released immediately after already serving 351 days. Advertisement He was placed on a $1000 good behaviour bond for 12 months. AAP 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 NationalVictoriaCrime Tom Silvagni files appeal against rape conviction Melissa Cunningham January 14, 2026 10:16am 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 Tom Silvagni, the son of AFL great Stephen Silvagni, has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court against his rape conviction. The 23-year-old was last month found guilty of two counts of rape for a 2024 attack on a woman, in which he snuck into a bedroom at his family home before assaulting her and then trying to cover it up. A court sketch of Tom Silvagni at the Victorian County Court on December 12. Nine News Silvagni was sentenced to six years and two months behind bars and is eligible for parole after three years and three months. He denied digitally raping the woman at his Melbourne home in the early hours of January 14, 2024. Advertisement The maximum jail term for rape is 25 years, with an average of seven to 10 years. Last month, Victorian County Court Judge Gregory Lyon allowed the sentence to be broadcast live after Silvagnis identity was kept secret due to a suppression order for more than a year. Stephen and Jo Silvagni leave the County Court after sentencing of son Tom, who was found guilty of rape. Joe Armao The suppression order barring reporting of his identity had been in place since mid-2024 until it was lifted following his trial last month, with Silvagnis lawyers citing evidence about their clients mental health and his fears about the implications it could have on his famous family. The suppression order was the subject of an ongoing legal battle between media outlets and the Silvagni family. Advertisement The order was lifted following a challenge after his conviction. Related Article Updated Courts Tom Silvagni, you raped me: Victim says she will carry trauma for the rest of her life Lyon told the County Court in December that Silvagni had shown no remorse, and that his actions towards the victim were egregious and showed a lack of empathy towards her. Although your crimes rose from an opportunity you could not have envisioned ... your crimes were marked by planning, cunning and strategy in order to deceive, he said. The victim, who cannot be named due to legal restrictions, spoke of the ongoing impact of the night and said she would carry the trauma of it for the rest of her life. Advertisement As she read her victim impact statement to Victorias County Court last month, the woman described the fear and confusion she felt over the rape and said she is still haunted by it every day. Tom Silvagni, you raped me not once but twice. You know this, I know this, and now so does everyone else, she said in her statement. Tom Silvagni (left) arrives at the County Court of Victoria in November. AAP You were my friend, somebody I thought I could trust. People think the worst part of this was the night you hurt me, but its having to live with the aftermath every day since. Advertisement Related Article Updated Courts Cunning and deceptive: Tom Silvagni jailed for six years for rape Do you know how scary it is to have a big strong man hold hands behind your back so you cant escape his grip? Tom is the youngest son of Carlton great Stephen Silvagni and wife Jo, a former television host, and the grandson of Blues Hall of Famer Sergio. His father previously vowed to clear his sons name outside court. Jo and I, together with our family members and friends, are so disappointed with the outcome, he said, standing alongside Jo, outside court following a pre-sentence hearing for his son in December. Advertisement We all love and support our son, Tom. Our son continues to maintain his innocence and we stand firmly behind him. We will be considering our options to appeal and shall not be making any further comments on this case. Our goal is to clear his name and bring him home. We ask for our privacy and to be respectful. Prosecutors told the court Silvagni had lied about being the womans boyfriend during the rape and later tried to cover it up by doctoring an Uber receipt to create doubts that he was the perpetrator. The Supreme Court confirmed the appeal though a hearing date was yet to be listed for the matter. Advertisement Support is available from the National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) and Victims of Crime Helpline (1800 819 817). Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. A teenager has been charged over an incident on Tuesday which sent parts of Pinjarra into lockdown following reports a man was on the loose with a rifle. The 18-year-old from Lakelands was arrested after seven hours on the run evading a significant police presence which included the tactical response group. Loading Zachariah Ugle has since been charged with being armed in a way that may cause fear, aggravated home burglary, stealing and breaching bail. He appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday where he asked his lawyer to apply for bail on his behalf. The matter was adjourned for a week so a report could be prepared for the court as he is also facing prior charges of stealing, unlawful assault and possessing a controlled weapon among others from October last year. Advertisement Updated PoliticsFederalBondi shooting Dont let the perfect be the enemy of the good: Jewish groups urge Ley to back bill Nick Newling Updated January 15, 2026 11:53am ,first published January 15, 2026 9:01am 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 The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has urged the Coalition to pass Labors antisemitism reforms drafted after the Bondi attack, fearing that Opposition Leader Sussan Leys objections could allow the perfect to become the enemy of the good. The call for unity from a prominent Jewish organisation echoes comments by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this morning, who told ABC Radio he was stunned by the Coalitions resistance to the proposal after almost a month of demands from the opposition that parliament be recalled. Support for the bill from the Coalition now seems doomed, after Ley this morning said she had extremely serious concerns about the suite of hate speech measures. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a press conference in Canberra this week. Alex Ellinghausen The Executive Council of Australian Jewry on Thursday issued a statement urging the Coalition to work to pass the bill, which Ley described as unsalvageable. Advertisement Advertisement Related Article Antisemitism Free speech fears fire up Coalition resistance to hate speech bill Senior Jewish figures, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect future negotiations on behalf of their community, said there was time for the legislation to be slowly and methodically considered given the complexity and potential unintended consequences of its swift passage. Rabbi Nochum Schapiro, former president of the Rabbinical Council of NSW, said the legislation needed a considered debate, but immediate action needed to be taken to stop pro-Palestinian protests and ban the use of chants such as globalise the intifada, from the river to the sea and death to the IDF. Im not an expert on how much time [the legislation] needs, but it needs to have honest discussion, debate, non-politicised, Shapiro said. The wider bill needs to have full clarity of what the implications and repercussions of criticism would be. Advertisement The proposed federal hate speech laws do not canvas the prohibition of public marches and demonstrations, which fall under state laws. Bureaucrats from the attorney-generals office told the parliamentary inquiry that it would be up to the courts to determine if an individual phrase was hate speech under the new laws. Albanese on Thursday morning said it was somewhat stunning, frankly that the Coalition was backing away from the legislation after weeks of demands that the laws be debated and passed urgently. The prime minister referenced comments from Ley in the days after the attack in which she demanded parliament be recalled before Christmas, allowing only a few days for legislation to be drafted and distributed for consultation. You cant have it both ways. And it just seems to me, people who were watching the events since December 14 would have seen politics being played by the Coalition. Theyre still playing politics, and Im just stunned that they are saying they will vote against legislation, a number of their members [will], without even looking at it, Albanese told ABC Radio. During a press conference on Thursday morning, Ley said she had extremely serious concerns about the governments legislation, suggesting the government adopt the oppositions proposed changes. Advertisement The legislation does not address the real issues that gave rise to the Bondi attack. It doesnt address Islamic extremism. It doesnt address ISIS influence, and it doesnt address the rise of antisemitism and the associated terrorist threat in Australia, Ley said. From what we have seen so far, it looks pretty unsalvageable. As it stands, the governments proposal is half-baked, and Australians deserve far better. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. Dominic Lorrimer The quoting of religious texts has been written into the bill as a legitimate defence in the new hate speech offences, and serves as a legal stopgap to the explicit constitutional right to freedom of religious expression. Questioned about the constitutional implications, Ley said: The government has presented a bill with a carefully planned excuse for hate preachers. I think they have opportunities to get around that. Advertisement Albanese said he had met repeatedly with both Ley and Greens leader Larissa Waters to discuss the legislation, and was open to amendments. He said no amendments had been proposed to him so far. 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 InspirationMy happy place Opinion Nothing ever happens in this coastal Aussie town. Its my idea of heaven In this new series, My Happy Place, Travellers writers reflect on the holiday destinations in Australia and around the world that they cherish the most. Justine Costigan Contributor January 15, 2026 4:00am January 15, 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 Its the first thing we do after we unpack the car and drop our bags: we head down the steep driveway from our humble 1960s rental towards the road that leads to the water. Our holiday doesnt really begin until we lay eyes on the Pambula River, kick off our shoes and wade into the shallows. Pambula River Mouth. David Rogers Photography Pambula is a name derived from the Thaua word Pamboola, meaning twin waters. As well as the small community at Pambula Beach, it gives its name to the historic Pambula village, South Pambula, Pambula Lake, and the river, which winds its way from the highlands near Lochiel to the Tasman Sea on the south coast of New South Wales. Close to the rivermouth, the Thauas ancient middens line the banks, a record of the more than 3500 years people have sat under the trees and feasted on local oysters by its cool, clear aqua waters. Im just one more. Bordered to the south by the northern section of the Beowa National Park, on the northern bank of the river low-rise housing clings to the steep headland overlooking the ocean. The tiny Pambula Beach community has the best of both worlds: calm shallows and shade by the riverbank, surf breaks off Jiguma Beach, and the wide sweep of Merimbula Bay, where super-fit and tanned teenage lifesavers, whove grown up living metres from the beach, patrol throughout summer. A viewing platform overlooking Pambula River Mouth. David Rogers Photography Advertisement Surf breaks at Jiguma Beach. David Rogers Photography Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Looking back from the surf beach, the scene is just as I remember it. Or think I remember it. On my first holiday at Pambula Beach I was still a baby, not yet a year old. We were there, as we would be for every summer holiday at campgrounds up and down the south coast, with extended family and friends, often more than 20 children in our group. A number too big to keep track of, we were guaranteed freedom. As long as we never swam alone and turned up for dinner, we could do whatever we liked. For all the families we knew then, summer holidays were simple and inexpensive road trips and national parks, camping with friends. Those first few years at Pambula, I was so young my memories of that time are filtered through family stories, photographs and friends home movies, and brief but vivid images: me, naked on the beach, sand between my toes, chasing waves. When my own children were little I wanted to give them a similar experience. We also headed north from Melbourne to NSW for summer holidays: camping at Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park, further north at Boodooree National Park, one year in a house at Manyana. Another year we made a radical change, heading west to Kangaroo Island in South Australia. But these trips always felt like test runs, trying on various holiday personalities until we found the right one. The year we returned to Pambula Beach, we knew wed found it. The author as a child on Pambula Beach. Advertisement When I stand at the Pambula River Mouth now, the view of the high red cliffs of the Beowa National Park, Severs Beach across the water, and the weathered timber fishing shacks are always reassuringly the same, a sight thats now part of a loop of memories and images that blur into one other. When I try to picture it in my head, Im never sure which year I am remembering. The only variable is the weather and our ages. In one image Im holding my daughters small hands in mine, the next theyre taller than I am. Wild Rye bakery in Pambula. Their pies are part of our holiday routine. David Rogers Photography Its not just the environment that never changes. Our Pambula Beach rituals are now set in stone: pies from Wild Rye bakery, oysters from the lake, a visit to nearby Merimbula to stock up at the second-hand bookshop, followed by a swim and a toastie from the shipping container cafe at Bar Beach. Maybe a morning swim, a walk, another swim, reading a book, then dinner on the deck. Weve repeated this holiday so many times even the roos lolling on the lawns seem to know our routine. That everything revolves around the river and the beach, it is the only holiday rule. Related Article Opinion My happy place Thanks to a wrong turn, my family discovered its own slice of paradise Justin Meneguzzi Travel writer Of course, some things have changed. We miss the local video store which closed its doors a few years back, and we still look out for the fish and chip van that made a brief appearance on the beach one sunset in 2008. Every now and then someone wonders wistfully, Do you think the van will come back this year? One year, we even attempted something different sea kayaking off Merimbula beach. Sure, it was fun, but we never felt the need to do it again. Our holidays were already too full doing, well, mostly nothing at all. Advertisement Advertisement Traveller Guides Iran protester could be executed a week after arrest An Iranian protester could be arrested just under a week after his arrest, with his family reportedly denied access to him. Advertisement WorldMiddle EastMiddle East tensions The Ayatollah v Musk showdown that is shaping Irans fate David Blair January 14, 2026 3:44pm 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 With two words, Elon Musk changed the classic methods of revolution forever. Activate Starlink, he said in a social media post about Iran in 2022, suddenly giving the Islamic Republics 90 million citizens the possibility of accessing the internet in a way that no regime could jam or censor. It was an extraordinary challenge to a system of control painstakingly built by Irans leadership and enforced for decades by a ruthless security state. The regime has routinely sought to hide its blood-soaked repression of protests and to stop opponents from communicating or organising by disrupting the internet. Iranians attend an anti-government protest in Tehran last Thursday. Getty Images During the current unrest, the authorities have taken the draconian step of disconnecting the entire country from the internet for the first time since 2019. A national blackout has been imposed since last Thursday to dramatic effect, even disrupting phone networks and landline telephones, forcing Iran back into a pre-19th century era of communication and inflicting colossal economic damage. Advertisement High above, Musks constellation of SpaceX satellites was supposed to give any Iranian with a Starlink terminal a satellite dish about the size of a laptop computer a way of bypassing all restrictions and connecting to the internet. Up to 50,000 of these terminals are believed to be active inside Iran, defying an official ban, having been smuggled into the country since 2022, when first activated the satellite network overhead. A Starlink satellite-internet communication system antenna and router on a rooftop in Kyiv, Ukraine. Bloomberg Yet, this time, Musks system seems to have been outmanoeuvred as the state adjusts its tactics in an ever more sophisticated game of technological cat and mouse. The regimes experts have so far deployed two highly effective countermeasures. They cannot jam Starlink internet connections, but they can slow them down so drastically as to make them virtually unusable. Advertisement Related Article Protests Tool of repression: Iran is cut off from the internet as protests intensify Each Starlink terminal uses the global positioning system (GPS) to find the right location for a satellite connection. The security forces are now jamming GPS signals, focusing on the areas of Iran where protests are taking place. The military-grade equipment needed for this purpose was probably supplied by Russia or China, says Mahsa Alimardani, an associate director of Witness, an organisation that uses audiovisual technology to document human rights violations. Both Russia and China have done their best to work out how to blind or disrupt the GPS network, which was invented and installed by America, originally for military purposes. Russia has pursued this task with particular urgency since Ukraine relies on Starlink for battlefield internet connectivity. Irans rulers may now be benefiting from the expertise gained by the two other authoritarian states with whom they have close, if wary, relations. Advertisement Related Article Analysis Trump diplomacy After Venezuela, Trump is gassed up on winning he will probably decide he must act in Iran The regimes second countermeasure is to disrupt the connection between Starlink terminals and Musks satellites. That outcome can be achieved by direct interference with the required frequencies. Taken together, these techniques have succeeded in slowing down Starlink connections inside Iran by anything from 30 per cent to over 80 per cent during peak protest hours. Never before has Musks network been disrupted so successfully. As the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij militia strive to suppress the demonstrations, technology is just as important as batons, bullets and tear gas. During previous outbreaks of unrest most notably during the mass rallies against the rigged presidential election of 2009 the regime was taken by surprise by its youthful, networked and tech-savvy opponents. Judging by their countermeasures against Starlink, Irans rulers may be closing this knowledge gap and, at least for now, pulling ahead in the technological arms race. Advertisement Related Article Trump diplomacy There are rivers of blood: Iran horror emerges as phone lines restored There is a way for Musk to foil the regimes campaign against Starlink terminals in Iran but not yet. Every smartphone in the world made since 2022 has the technology to connect directly to Musks satellites, without any need for a terminal, and to use the billionaires constellation as a vast and invisible phone tower in the heavens. The regime might be able to make 50,000 terminals unusable, but it would not be able to achieve this outcome with tens of millions of smartphones in the hands of ordinary Iranians. At present, however, there is not enough satellite capacity to provide full internet access via these direct to cell or D2C connections for 90 million Iranians. Whats more, D2C services are offered by local operators, not directly by Musks company, SpaceX. So its not just that more satellites would need to be launched a new commercial model would need to be devised to allow Iranians to connect to the internet using a Starlink satellite. As Alimardani explains: D2C satellite connectivity could reach millions of Iranians with the phones they already own. Whats missing is the policy framework, commercial model and political will to deploy it. Advertisement Related Article Protests Elon Musk says around 100 Starlinks now active in Iran That day will doubtless arrive, allowing protesters to regain their technological lead, though it could take one or two years to provide full D2C internet coverage for Iran if prioritised. A more basic service, allowing text connectivity, could be made operational more quickly. The only question is whether it will come too late to change the course of events in Irans current turmoil. The Telegraph, London Get a note direct from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here. Advertisement WorldMiddle EastDeath penalty This Iranian protester faces imminent execution just days after his arrest Kieran Kelly January 14, 2026 8:50am 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 An Iranian man will be executed this week after joining anti-regime protests, a human rights group says. Erfan Soltani, 26, is due to be hanged on Wednesday, Iran time, after being detained last week. His family has been given no information about the charges against him or the judicial proceedings. The clothes shop owner is accused of taking part in the nationwide protests that have swept Iran on a scale unprecedented in recent years. Erfan Soltani, 26, is set to be executed by hanging this week, according to the Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights. This is the quickest we have seen a case move, Arina Moradi, from the Norway-based Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights, told the London Telegraph. Advertisement This is the pattern of the Islamic Republic, for the judiciary to swiftly punish protesters with the death penalty. This will certainly not be a single case. The government is using every tactic they know to suppress people and spread fear. Related Article Trump diplomacy There are rivers of blood: Iran horror emerges as phone lines restored US President Donald Trump said he would take very strong action if the Iranian government started hanging protesters, but did not elaborate. I havent heard about the hanging. If they hang them, youre going to see some things... we will take very strong action if they do such a thing, he told CBS News on Wednesday (AEDT). Advertisement Beyond the rampant killings of demonstrators on the streets by security forces, Soltanis is the first known case of an execution being ordered amid the current unrest. However, Mordai said her group was very concerned about the fate of other detained protesters following the regimes threats of harsh punishments. Many more executions are expected. Loading A source close to the Soltani family said authorities told them that his imminent death sentence was final and he would only be allowed a brief moment with his relatives before the execution. Soltani was arrested at his home in Karaj, in north-central Iran. Four days later, his family was notified that his execution was scheduled, according to the Hengaw organisation. Advertisement It said he was given no right to defence or to a proper trial, adding: This case constitutes a clear violation of international human rights law. Some 10,700 people have been arrested since protests began late last year, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The Islamic Republic, shaken by the scale of the protests and Trumps threats to intervene, is expected to make an example of some protesters in an effort to quell the unrest. The regimes security forces launched a crackdown on the demonstrations last week after they spread to all of Irans 31 provinces, opening fire on crowds under apparent shoot-to-kill orders. Advertisement One Iranian official told Reuters that 2000 people had been killed in the unrest so far, but human rights groups said the real death toll could be far higher. Related Article Analysis Protests Iranian leaders brutal gamble in showdown with Trump On Tuesday, Trump, who is considering airstrikes against the regime, told Iranian protesters that help is on its way. He warned that the regimes killers and abusers would pay a big price. The unrest, which broke out on December 28 over economic grievances, quickly grew into a national movement with thousands taking to the streets demanding an end to the regime that has ruled the country since 1979. Information from inside Iran is scarce after the regime imposed an internet blackout, in an apparent attempt to hide reports of security forces opening fire on protesters. Advertisement Hospitals are overwhelmed with victims, and bodies have piled up outside morgues, according to footage that has managed to be sent abroad. On Tuesday, the US warned its citizens to leave Iran immediately. Loading The Telegraph, London 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 Federal prosecutors quit in protest over investigation into fatal ICE shooting Andrew Goudsward and Mike Spector January 14, 2026 10:21am 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: At least a dozen federal prosecutors have indicated plans to leave the United States Justice Department over the Trump administrations handling of the fatal shooting of a Minnesota woman by a US immigration officer and other civil rights cases, according to three people familiar with the situation. The departures spanned the Justice Departments civil rights division in Washington DC and the US Attorneys Office in Minneapolis, the sources said. Renee Good in her car, moments before she was shot dead. Alpha News/X Six federal prosecutors in Minnesota have resigned over a request from Justice Department leadership to investigate the widow of Renee Good, 37, who was shot and killed in Minneapolis on January 7 while observing the federal law enforcement action, two sources said. One of those who quit was Joseph H. Thompson, The New York Times reported, a career prosecutor who was second-in-command at the office and oversaw a sprawling fraud investigation that proved the catalyst for the administrations immigration crackdown in Minnesota. Thompson objected to the criminal investigation against Goods widow, the paper reported, and to the decision to block state agencies from the investigation. Advertisement Another six senior prosecutors in the criminal section of the departments civil rights division have also informed the department they plan to leave. An FBI investigation into the shooting of Good, a mother of three, is ongoing, but lawyers in the civil rights division were also informed last week that they would not play a role in the investigation at this time, according to two people familiar with the matter. Loading The decision to keep the civil rights division out of the investigation marks a sharp departure from past US administrations, which have moved quickly to investigate shootings of civilians by law enforcement officials for potential civil rights offences. But on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT), Deputy Attorney-General Todd Blanche said in a statement that there is currently no basis for a criminal civil rights investigation. The statement did not elaborate on how the department had reached a conclusion that no investigation was warranted. Advertisement Related Article Trump's America Dramatic video captures immigration arrest in city on edge after ICE shooting Federal officials have said that the officer who shot Good acted in self-defence and that she was engaging in an act of domestic terrorism when she pulled her car forward towards him, a claim state officials disputed. The quick pronouncement by administration officials before any meaningful investigation could be completed has raised concerns about the federal governments determination to conduct a thorough review of the chain of events precipitating the shooting. People rally in New York to demand an end to immigration deployments after the fatal shooting of Renee Good. Getty Images Minnesota officials have also raised alarm after federal officials blocked state investigators from accessing evidence and declared that Minnesota has no jurisdiction to investigate the killing. Advertisement The departures also prompted renewed concern about the federal investigation into the shooting, which has prompted protests nationwide and drawn renewed scrutiny of the Trump administrations sweeping immigration crackdown in US cities. Related Article Opinion Trump's America Weve seen the video. Trumps lies about it are breaking the country David French Columnist The Minnesota inquiry was only one factor in the decision of the civil rights lawyers to leave the department. The prosecutors, veteran lawyers who had served across presidential administrations, had grown disillusioned with the direction of the division, whose priorities had been reshaped to align with Trump, according to the sources. A Justice Department official confirmed the departures. Several of the civil rights prosecutors accepted an early retirement offer from the Trump administration, some of the sources said. The department official said the lawyers had asked to take part in the early retirement program well before the Minnesota shooting. The resignations are the latest sign of tumult in the Justice Department under Trump, which has fired and expelled dozens of career officials and pursued investigations of Trumps perceived political enemies. Advertisement Hennepin County attorney Mary Moriarty, the chief state prosecutor in Minneapolis, said on the departures at the Justice Department were an indication that career prosecutors were not being allowed to do their job. And thats because of politics, not because of what actually happened here, Moriarty said. Reuters, AP 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 AmericaCourts The husband, the au pair and the stranger they allegedly used in plot to kill wife Emma Uber January 14, 2026 6:03pm 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: A stranger with a knife had pinned Christine Banfield down in the bedroom of her suburban Virginia home when her husband and their au pair burst through the door. Brendan, he has a knife! Christine Banfield yelled to her husband, au pair Juliana Peres Magalhaes testified on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT), telling her story of that day publicly for the first time from the witness stand in a Fairfax County courtroom. Magalhaes said she saw Brendan Banfield, a federal agent, draw his service weapon and shoot the man. Christine Banfield asked Magalhaes to call for help, and she dialled emergency services. But Brendan Banfield signalled for her to hang up the phone, Magalhaes said, then seized the mans knife and began repeatedly stabbing his wife in the neck. Juliana Peres Magalhaes, the Banfields au pair, is testifying about the February 2023 killings of Christine Banfield, 37, and Joseph Ryan, 39. Magalhaes told jurors that she and Banfield had plotted to kill his wife and the man theyd lured from a fetish website to frame as a violent intruder. She testified for two hours about the February 2023 killings of Christine Banfield, 37, and Joseph Ryan, 39. She will resume answering questions on Wednesday morning (Thursday AEDT). Both Magalhaes and Banfield were arrested and initially charged with murder but Magalhaes pleaded guilty in 2024 to involuntary manslaughter and agreed to co-operate. Brendan Banfield is charged with aggravated murder. His trial began this week. The au pair described arriving in the United States from Brazil as a 21-year-old, being offered $US200 ($300) a week and a room in the Banfields home to care for their toddler, then how her relationship with Brendan Banfield turned sexual. Prosecutors showed jurors photos she posted to her Instagram with the married mans face covered by an emoji: a selfie of them in the bath, a video of them singing in the car to the 2002 hit song A Thousand Miles, a photo of his hand on her upper thigh. Advertisement Brendan Banfield was charged with the premeditated killings of his wife and another man. She joined him on work trips, she said, and they brought the Banfields young daughter on a vacation with them to New York. It was on that trip, in October 2022, that Brendan Banfield first mentioned his plan to get rid of his wife, Magalhaes said. At first, she thought he was joking, she said. But then he took her to the shooting range and told her that he wasnt going to hire a hitman because that would be too easy for investigators to discover. He replaced the familys windows with soundproof glass. She posted a photo of herself at the shooting range the same month as the New York trip, captioned in Portuguese that translates to The handsome guy takes really good pictures HAHAHA. Christine Banfield in a photo from her social media account. She said she watched as Brendan Banfield used his wifes laptop to create a new email address in her name and open an account on FetLife, a BDSM and sexual kink community site. The couple impersonated Christine Banfield on the website, Magalhaes said, waiting until Christine got home from her nursing shifts to take her laptop from her backpack and exchange messages with people. Brendan Banfield made sure they used the website only when Christine Banfield was also at home, Magalhaes said, anticipating that investigators might later track her movements through her phone. Advertisement They eventually met Ryan, who went by the username tacosupreme7000, and lured him to the familys home under the pretense of a rape fantasy scenario. Prosecutors said Ryan agreed to a set of rules: Dont meet before the fantasy, bring a knife and zip ties, and most importantly dont stop, no matter how scared Christine Banfield seems. Brendan Banfield cried in court Tuesday while listening to the 911 call Magalhaes made from the Banfields home that February. In the first emergency call from the northern Virginia home, the only sound is a guttural moan, then silence. About 15 minutes later, another 911 call comes from the home, and this time the Banfield familys Brazilian au pair can be heard begging for help, breathing hard and too flustered to give an address. Then Brendan Banfields voice cuts in. Theres somebody here, Brendan Banfield can be heard saying on the call. I shot him. He stabbed her. Shes bleeding out. Theres several marks on her neck. What do I do? This is where the cover-up began, United States prosecutors argued on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT) at the outset of Banfields murder trial. Banfield would later tell investigators that Magalhaes had called him to tell him shed seen a strange man entering the house, and he rushed back to the home to find Ryan with a knife to his wifes throat, so he shot him. But Fairfax County prosecutor Jenna Sands urged jurors Tuesday not to believe that version of events. Advertisement Joseph Ryan was killed at the Banfield home in February 2023. In opening statements, Sands argued that Banfield and Magalhaes, the then-22-year-old au pair, were deeply in love, but Banfield worried that if he left his wife he would lose custody of their young daughter. Instead, Sands said, the couple impersonated Christine Banfield on a fetish website, where they met Ryan and lured him to the familys Herndon-area home under the pretense of a rape fantasy scenario. Sands said Magalhaes messed up the plot by making the 911 call too early, and only called back later after both she and Banfield had shot Ryan and Banfield had stabbed his wife repeatedly in the neck. Defence attorney John Carroll told jurors on Tuesday to be sceptical of Magalhaess version of events, saying she had maintained her innocence for a year but eventually changed her story to match prosecutors theory in exchange for a sweetheart deal. Advertisement Related Article Courts A fetish website and claims of a sordid affair: Husband charged over double murder Carroll pointed to correspondence from Magalhaes to Banfield while she was in jail, saying she wrote to him They want you and They want me to say things that arent true. The whole reason she was arrested was to flip her against my client, Carroll said during his opening remarks. Theres a vulnerable person who is open to prey for what they need. And I would respectfully suggest that Juliana Peres Magalhaes is the linchpin in all of this. Banfield also faces child abuse and child endangerment charges related to his daughter, who was four years old and in the basement of the northern Virginia home when the killings occurred. He has pleaded not guilty on all counts. The trial is expected to last four weeks. The Washington Post 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: Courts USA For subscribers We invited the filmmakers behind each of this years 15 Oscar-shortlisted animated shorts to share their favorite shot from their film and explain why its special to them. Nomination voting started yesterday, January 12, and runs through Friday, the 16. Director John Kelly shares his favorite shot from the short Retirement Plan. Featuring heavy-lined, 3D-rigged animation and paired with subtle music and calming narration by Domhnall Gleeson, the film follows one mans reflections on the many things he hopes to do when he finally has the time. Heres Kellys favorite shot, and the one retirement dream he shares with the films protagonist, Ray. My co-writer, Tara Lawall, and I are sometimes asked, Are the dreams that Ray lists in this film your own dreams? My response is that these are an extrapolation of our desires and fears not things we literally want to do ourselves. One hard exception is shot 0760: before I bite the dust, I will drive a tiny airport vehicle. I dont know when its happening, but its happening. For context, this shot arrives halfway through our film. As the pace is ramping up and things are starting to flow, Ray abruptly ages twenty years over the course of five shots. With this run of shots, I want age to sneak up on him the same way it snuck up on me. The feeling of exponential acceleration Ive felt in myself and also those around me, aging relatives, my kids shooting up. While storyboarding and editing the animatic, I endlessly tinker with the choreography of this reveal. If Ray deteriorates over a couple of shots, it feels too abrupt, and if it happens over ten or so shots, the gut punch is lost. So, I opt for five. And this bit where he drives an airport vehicle is the second clip in that sequence. Some advice I think about often director Mike Nichols said the most important thing he ever learnt was from a lesson in telephone acting. If you know you are going to receive sad news, you answer the phone as happily as possible. And if you know youre going to receive happy news, you answer downbeat. That way, you have somewhere to go. So thats what this shot is: Ray enjoying a moment of complete unbridled JOY, before everything unravels. As an animation fanboy, I find overly elaborate sequences can sometimes take me out of the moment, so my goal with Retirement Plan is, this shot being a good example, to add enough visual sophistication to tell the story, communicate the feeling, and no more. Theres breathing room; the audience can add the rest. Marah Curran does such a beautiful job animating the scene. Although the style can seem simple on the surface, there is a lot of underplayed sophistication behind the curtain. For example, how the vehicle scales towards the camera as Ray turns the steering wheel, and how the plane does a very subtle barrel roll taking advantage of Moho animation softwares 3D rigging capability. All these ingredients could risk overload in a three-second beat, but thanks to Marah, the choreography works together; its all in service to the feeling. (The same feeling Ill have doing donuts at Dublin airport). Sign up to get our news digest delivered directly to your inbox twice a week. Scott Adams, the cartoonist who created Dilbert and briefly translated its office culture satire into an animated series during the 90s cable TV boom, has died at 68 from prostate cancer. While Adams built one of the most commercially successful newspaper strips of the late 20th century, his career ended in public disgrace after a series of racist remarks led to the collapse of his syndication and his effective exile from the mainstream comics and animation industries. Adams launched Dilbert in 1989, drawing directly from his own experience as a corporate office worker. The strips deadpan critique of management culture struck a nerve in the cultural zeitgeist of the time, and by the mid-90s, Dilbert had become a mega-brand, launching bestselling books, licensing deals, and an animated series. For a brief period, Adams was among the small group of newspaper cartoonists whose work successfully crossed into animation during the era when networks were mining the funny pages for adaptable content. The Dilbert animated series ran for two seasons on UPN from 1999 to 2000 and boasted an impressive creative pedigree. Executive produced by Adams, the show featured minimalist animation that felt perfect for spoofing mundane office culture and dialogue-driven humor. Though short-lived, it stands as a cultural artifact of a transitional moment in adult-aimed TV animation, arriving between King of the Hill and the later boom of cable and streaming originals. Adamss direct involvement in animation never again reached that level, and his relationship with the broader creative community disintegrated over the following years. In 2023, he posted a video in which he made overtly racist statements about Black Americans, remarks that were widely condemned and led most of the newspapers and distributors still publishing the strip to sever ties with Dilbert. Adamss downfall was immediate, self-inflicted, and unambiguous. In the years after losing syndication, Adams continued producing work for a smaller, ideologically aligned audience and remained outspoken online, often misguidedly framing his ostracism as a free-speech issue. Viva Kids and Cineplex will release Charlie the Wonderdog in cinemas this Friday, January 16, as a rarity in todays animation landscape: a big studio-quality, independent North American CG feature receiving a wide theatrical release. Directed by Shea Wageman and produced at Vancouver-based Icon Creative Studio, where he serves as president and CEO, the film is rolling out day-and-date across Canada and the U.S., with another 35 to 40 international territories set to screen the film in the coming months. One early foreign-language release in Poland has already performed strongly, becoming the countrys fourth-highest-grossing film during its 2025 run. Icon occupies a somewhat unusual position in the animation industry. The studio does roughly 60 percent of its business as work-for-hire for companies like Disney, Sony, and Warner Bros., while using the same high-end CG pipeline to develop its own original feature films. That hybrid model allows the company to produce what Wageman calls $2030 million movies that look like $100 million movies. Our film looks pretty indistinguishable from a big $100 million movie because of our high-end pipeline with those movies, he says. Were talking the $2030 million range, but making it look and feel like $100 million in all ways, but most importantly, the story. That positioning places Charlie the Wonderdog in an underrepresented middle tier of family animation, films that are not Disney- or Pixar-scale blockbusters but are far more polished and ambitious than the direct-to-video or streaming or bargain-basement indie features of the past. Wageman sees real opportunity in that space. There needs to be more than just $200 million movies out there, he says. Theres a real opportunity for studios like ours to build a business out of that level of film, to monetize it, and to make one every year. Although the films premise of a boys dog being abducted by aliens, gaining superpowers, and becoming the worlds greatest superhero sounds like classic high-concept animation, Wageman was determined to inject more emotion into the project than its logline could __. The aliens were more of a motif just to get Charlie into hero mode, he explains. We really wanted it to have depth. Sometimes the most powerful stories are really simple ones, like a little boy and his dog. That emotional core is what drives the film. As Charlie becomes Wonderdog and is swept up by fame, Danny is left behind, watching his best friend drift away. Our little may lose his dog because hes elderly, but what if something amazing happened? Wageman asks. Your dog becomes a hero, and you get to go along for the ride. But then lets start to deal with what that really means. Hes not actually a hero. Hes a dog trying to be a hero. The film uses that premise to build toward a broader message. It symbolizes something greater, which is believing in yourself, he says. Anybody can be a hero, even somebody who makes someone else believe in themselves. That depth was born of a long, highly collaborative writing process. Wageman wrote the first version of the script in 2015, not long after founding Icon. Over the next several years, the story went through multiple rewrites, including a complete draft by writer Morello Inglis and a punch-up by co-writer Steve Ball. A lot of people have fingerprints on it whove added something great to the story to get us to where we are, Wageman says. Once the film entered storyboarding, the process became even more collaborative. Icon assembled its board artists, editors, and directors in a screening room to review animatics together. The storyboard artists are really critical. Theyre directors, Wageman says. All the gags and all the ideas and how it executes from the script are really due to their talents and their ideas. We all give notes and comments; its really just best idea wins. That approach also allowed the studio to manage its budget carefully. Unlike major studios, Icon could not afford to fully animate scenes and then discard them. We cut very little, Wageman says. We never cut anything that we fully animated. Anything we werent happy with, we quarantined it during storyboarding and kept it out of animation until we were confident wed got it right. The films visual development followed a similar philosophy, aiming for broad appeal rather than stylized experimentation. We wanted it to feel mainstream, a lovable character you cant help but associate with, Wageman says. Production designer Jeff Taylor spent years refining the designs of Charlie, Puddy, and Danny until they felt right. We went through many iterations, but this is where we landed. It felt right. One of the trickiest technical challenges was that the animals exist in both natural and superhero forms, requiring multiple rigs and models. We had quadruped Charlie and biped Charlie, old Charlie and young Charlie, Wageman explains. Same with Puddy. There were a lot of models, but each one had its time in the movie, so there wasnt any waste. Puddy, the villainous super-cat, is a deliberate throwback to the animated antagonists of the 1980s. We wanted the bad guy that you love to hate, Wageman says. Were all close to 50, and we grew up in the 80s. The character became a favorite during story development. There were many laughing moments in the storyboard process watching him beat up on his owner and everything. Charlie the Wonderdog is intended to be the foundation of a larger slate at Icon; the first of many ambitious projects made in the companys well-tuned pipeline. The studio has two more features in various stages of development. Typically, the movies take one to two years of pre-production and then one year of solid CG, Wageman says. We always have two films in pre-production so that we can finish one a year. For Wageman, the long-term goal is not just to release a single hit but to build a sustainable studio brand that can exist alongside the industry giants. We need our films to be global in order to pay for them and afford them, he says. They have to be indistinguishable from a big U.S. film. If Charlie the Wonderdog connects with families the way Icon hopes, it could mark an important step toward that future, not just for Icon, but for other mid-sized indies. As Academy voters consider Out of the Nest this week, theyll recognize an animated adventure with the polished finish of a big studio feature. Its highly detailed animal kingdom, clever sound design, and classical adventure structure suggest a production that knew exactly where it was going from the word go. But according to director Arturo Hernandez, the road to prestige festival screenings and Awards season aspirations was never so smooth. What audiences now see as a cohesive, four-quadrant animated adventure almost never made it out of production. Hernandez was brought on as director when the movie was about 30% finished. Explaining further, he said it was an example of what often happens in animation, where movies, however long into the production they may be, suddenly blow up And thats exactly what happened with this. The project, originally developed in Bangkok with the studio Riff, had been conceived as a Chinese-Thai co-production meant for a theatrical release in those markets. But after significant progress had already been made, the film failed to secure Chinese government approval, forcing its producers to rethink the project from the ground up. They were already well underway in Bangkok And they didnt get [approval], Hernandez explained. And so the panic then became, okay, how do we reboot? What do we do? how do we tell a story that is going to resonate not just for the Chinese community, the Thai community, but worldwide something that was going to be, as I like to put it, a little more universal specificity. By that point, about a third of the movie was entirely completed, all the way through final animation. They were moving forward on sequences, like completely finished final animation, lighting, texture, all of it. And they backed themselves into a corner, Hernandez said. So it was one of those things where, like, okay, how do we move forward? How do we take whats already done, try not to abandon as much as possible, and then get our story to work? Daunting, sure, but that challenge is part of what drew Hernandez, a studio vet with decades of experience across Disney, Warner Bros., and Sony, to the job. Recruited through longtime colleague Andrew Gordon, he stepped into a film that had to be carefully restructured without undoing months of already-rendered work. I think where I really found a lot of satisfaction with this was in getting it back on track. Its that puzzle, he said. Okay, what do we do? How do we move things around? How do we keep whats there? Uncanny timing made the situation even more surreal. Hernandez began rebooting the film just weeks before the COVID-19 lockdowns. This was literally right before the pandemic, he recalled. And so in lots of ways, I joked that this was kind of my pandemic hobby, he laughed, remembering the feeling of stasis that millions around the world felt when their home and work lives suddenly became one and the same. From his home in Los Angeles, Hernandez led a remote story crew while animation continued in Asia, turning the entire production into a rolling 24-hour relay. We were working on a 24-hour clock, he said. So while they were sleeping, I was reviewing, and while I was sleeping, they were toiling away. That global pipeline became the films unexpected strength. Hernandez credits the artists in China and Thailand with elevating the movies carefully considered details in ways that might never have emerged from a purely Western studio, especially when it came to culturally specific plot points and aesthetics the architecture in the film is particularly fun, a mix of ancient Chinese styles and animal habitats. The fact that it was being done out of China and Bangkok, it meant that for the little details, it was more personal to them, he said. They were things in there that I feel like couldnt have been done by another studio little things that they would be just as a source of pride to be able to get those details in there. When the initial production deteriorated, the Thai producers moved animation work from Riff to Base FX, a larger China-based studio capable of handling the updated schedule and scale. We were on a constraint, a time crunch, and we needed a studio that could handle something like that, Hernandez said. The necessity of reusing finished footage forced creative compromises and inspired inventive problem-solving. Hernandez cites one pivotal example: a daytime river-raft sequence that had to become a night scene to fit the revised story. That whole raft journey was all lit for day. But the only way to make the changes that we wanted was to move that forward, make it a nighttime scene, he said, pointing out the tremendous amount of work that was required. Its not like flipping a light switch. But what they were able to do, you wouldnt be able to tell that was a daytime scene They did such a fantastic job. Other changes required more compromise. The films original climax was a massive, effects-heavy chase through a destroyed city. It was such a great sequence in the storyboards, Hernandez said. But at the end of the day, the clock was ticking. And with budget constraints, we could not execute that. The team instead re-imagined the finale within an existing palace set, preserving what Hernandez called the spirit of what we want without breaking the production. For a filmmaker whose career was built on U.S. studio work, the project became a crash course in independent survival. Part of the benefit that I had was I had spent years working for Disney Tunes where our budgets were a lot smaller and so I got very comfortable with finding creative ways of getting what we needed without sacrificing too much, he said. That pragmatism extended beyond production into Hernandezs own career strategy. During Out of the Nest, he was also voice-directing My Little Pony: A New Generation from home and developing The Cat in the Hat at Warner Bros. For the last 12 or 13 years, my career has been determined by mergers and acquisitions, he half-joked, echoing a sentiment that is surely relatable to most people working in the industry today. What helps keep me sane is spinning lots of different plates. Given all that instability, the films festival success has been an especially welcome surprise. Out of the Nest premiered at Annecy in 2024 before touring festivals across Europe and North America, a fate few could have predicted when production was scrambling for survival. I would say the best word for it is surreal, Hernandez said. I was just so close to it for so long, working on it in somewhat of an isolated way. Then, you know, the fact that it is being seen by all those people, thats where the surreal quality comes in. To Hernandez, the films international journey mirrors the crew that made it. It really is a very, very international team that worked on it, he said. So I think its another silver lining that we proved that we could work on something very internationally and put out something that was a lot of fun. In an industry that has become increasingly defined by consolidation and cancellation, Out of the Nest stands as a reminder that sometimes perseverance and global collaboration can still overcome the odds. What began as a triage assignment ultimately became a cross-continental success story, delivered to screens around the world by artists who refused to let it die. Conferences / Cementtech 2026 Cementtech 2026 will take place between 13-15 May 2026 in the Fuzhou Strait International Convention and Exhibition Center, China. Organised by the China Building Materials Federation, China Cement Association and CCPIT Building Materials Sub-council, the international conference and exhibition aims to "shape the future of cement and forge new paths with technology". The event aims to attract around 1500 delegates and will be attended by Associate Professor Liang Delong, Vice Chairman and General Secretary of the Vietnam Cement Association, plus Lilik Unggul Raharjo, Chairman of the Indoesian Cement Association. For more information, visit: Cementtech China 2026 Advertisement Turkiye is planning to construct a major cement production facility in Jawzjan province, Afghanistan, with an estimated investment of US$150200m, according to the Turkish Consul General in northern Afghanistan. The announcement came during a meeting between Murat Dikmen, Turkiyes Consul General based in Mazar-i-Sharif, and Mawlawi Abdullah Sarhadi, governor of Jawzjan. Dikmen said the cement factory project will create employment opportunities for hundreds of people in the province, underscoring Turkeys broader development cooperation in the region. The proposed plant aligns with wider efforts to strengthen Afghanistans domestic cement industry, where several facilities are planned or under construction, including the Yateem Taq cement project in Jawzjan and others in provinces such as Baghlan and Kandahar. While details on capacity and timelines were not disclosed, the investment reflects continued interest by Turkish firms and officials in participating in Afghanistans construction materials sector. Earlier agreements involving Turkish companies have included commitments of similar scale and scope, aimed at boosting local production capacity and supporting infrastructure development. The cement sector in Afghanistan has been growing incrementally, with multiple projects underway to reduce reliance on imports and support reconstruction and public works across the country. Advertisement Sky Ports Group for Shipping and Stevedoring has begun construction of a bulk cement export terminal at its multi-purpose facility in East Port Said Port, backed by investments of US$50m. The project is designed to boost Egyptian cement exports and open access to new international markets. Tarek Hussein, chairman of Sky Ports, said the feasibility study took nearly two years due to challenges caused by a lack of bulk cement storage silos that meet international standards. This shortage had previously limited Egypts export potential despite surplus domestic production. He added that the project supports the governments strategy to expand exports of finished products and improve the global competitiveness of Egyptian goods. The terminal will comply with strict international requirements, including those of markets such as the United States, which had previously restricted imports of Egyptian bulk cement. The facility will include eight concrete silos, each with a capacity of 20,000t, providing total storage of 160,000t. Daily handling capacity will reach 20,000t, enabling the terminal to serve Panamax-class vessels. Construction will start with two silos offering 40,000t of capacity, with operations scheduled to begin in January 2026. Full capacity is expected by the end of 2027. Once completed, the terminal is forecast to lift Egypts cement exports to between 4 and 6Mta. Seventeen Republicans and three Democrats are seeking the Georgia House 14 seat that was given up by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. The three-day qualifying period ended Wednesday afternoon. State Senator Colton Moore from Dade County will be among Republicans on the ballot, along with Clayton Fuller, district attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, and Nicky Lama, former Dalton City Council member. GOP contenders also include James Marty Brown, a business owner from Tunnel Hill; Larry E. Hilley, who is self-employed and lives in Catoosa County; Beau Brown, a risk engineer from Silver Creek in Floyd County; Eric Cunningham of Paulding County, who is in the railroad supply chain business; Jared Craig, an attorney from Coweta County; Megahn Strickland, a travel consultant from Marietta; Reagan Box, who is self-employed and lives in Rome; Star Black, a retiree from Kennesaw; Tom Gray, a pastor from Powder Springs; Trey Kelly of Fulton County, who is in financial services; Brian Stover, a business development specialist from Paulding County; James Edward Tully, who is self-employed and is also from Paulding County; Christian Hurd, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran from Whitfield County, and Jennifer Jaye Turnipseed, a teacher/farmer from Chickamauga. Shawn Harris, Democrat from Rockport, Ga., also qualified. He was defeated by Ms. Greene in the election in 2024. Jim Davis, a political writer and retired business owner from Floyd County, will also be on the Democratic ballot along with Jonathan Hobbs, a patent practitioner from Dallas, Ga. There was a $5,220 filing fee. There is a runoff date of April 8. The Anna Shaw Childrens Institute (ASCI), part of Vitruvian Health, will host its fourth annual Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) workshop on Friday, Feb. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Brown Conference Center. The program is in conjunction with The Center for AAC & Autism. This workshop is open to the community and is an excellent opportunity for caregivers and educators to learn strategies to communicate with non-speaking individuals, said Jessica Truelove, director of ASCI. The LAMP therapy approach empowers individuals who are non-speaking or have limited speaking abilities to express themselves using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. By addressing sensory needs, device features and teaching methods, LAMP improves communication, enhances social engagement and reduces challenging behaviors. This course covers the key components of LAMP for teaching language, how motor learning supports language development, tips for selecting and teaching vocabulary, AAC device features that support the LAMP approach, and an overview of the LAMP Words for Life vocabulary organization. The cost of the class is $139. A 50 percent discount is available for students and parents by using the LAMP50 code when registering. Seating is limited. Two 15-minute breaks and a one-hour lunch break will be provided. During the lunch break, participants have the option of eating in the Hamilton Medical Center cafeteria, bringing a lunch or leaving the campus for lunch. Two of the 10 LAMP-certified professionals in the state of Georgia are therapists at ASCI. They include Hannah Cannon, MS, CCC-SLP, lead pediatric therapist, and Margaret Brown, Med, CCC- SLP, speech therapist. Hannah and Margaret are stellar therapists, said Truelove. To have two of Georgias LAMP-certified professionals providing care at Anna Shaw Childrens Institute speaks to the dedication of our providers and the quality of services we offer. Through generous gifts to the fine and performing arts, GPS hosts guest artists to provide opportunities for students to gain new perspectives on techniques, choreography and improv in music, art, dance and theater. This week, professional dance choreographer and Connecticut College professor David Dorfman will complete an artist in residency at Girls Preparatory School, beginning with a college panel he will cohost Tuesday evening for GPS students who plan to pursue the arts in college and their families. Throughout the week, Mr. Dorfman will work with GPS dance students to share his experience and expertise. He will primarily work with Terpsichord dancers, GPSs modern dance companyone of the countrys longest-running high school modern dance programs. While he is on campus, Mr. Dorfman will set a 7- to 9-minute-long piece for Terpsichords spring concert, March 6 and 7. Amanda Byars 99, GPS director of Fine and Performing Arts, was a GPS student when Mr. Dorfman was last on campus. Thanks to generous donors who continue to support the arts at GPS, each year we host guest artists and two choreographers to set substantial dance works for our modern dance company, Ms. Byars says. David is an incredible speaker and community builder who will have a lasting impact on our students and faculty. Mr. Dorfman will also host faculty during lunch and teach an eighth-grade modern dance class, a freshman composition class, and more, culminating in a master class for Terpsichord alumnae and local dance educators before his departure on Sunday. We are extremely fortunate to welcome David back to campus to work with our student dancers, says Laurel Moore Zahrobsky 90, director of Terpsichord. He is being very generous with his time with us, and I'm excited to see the original choreography he will set for our students. This experience is a true gift to them. College professor and professional choreographer David Dorfman has been making movement-based dance theater since graduating with an MFA in dance from Connecticut College in 1981, where he has been a professor since 2004. He founded David Dorfman Dance (DDD) in New York City, New York, in 1987, which is currently company-in-residence at his alma mater. DDD has toured the worldfrom Tajikistan to El Salvador via the State Department/Brooklyn Academy of Music for kinetic diplomacy and with USAID on violence prevention with youth dance groups. David has been awarded a Lortel for his Off-Broadway work, a 2019 USA Fellowship in Dance, a Guggenheim, four NEA fellowships, and a Bessie for DDDs community-based projects Familiar Movement (The Family Project). He continues to dance with his wife, Lisa Race, and son, Samson Race Dorfman. His next project will be The Front Line, an examination of democracy in the U.S. through the eyes and bodies of poll workers and voters on Election Day 2040. Lookout Mountain home being razed photo by John Shearer Lookout Mountain home being razed photo by John Shearer Lookout Mountain home being razed photo by John Shearer Old Scholze home in 2024 photo by John Shearer Previous Next Amid heartbroken thoughts by many about the crumbling situation in Minneapolis, and some people wondering if our country is even in the mood to celebrate its 250th anniversary, I realized an important local structure is also crumbling physically. It is the historic home at 282 Stephenson Ave. on Lookout Mountain just off Scenic Highway a little over a mile north of Covenant College. At least half of it had been knocked down when I drove by it on Tuesday morning, Jan. 13. I had written about the home being for sale and its history in late 2024. It was built by George Scholze Sr. of the noted Scholze Tannery family and was built close to 100 years ago in the Spanish style. It featured a tower and unique tile and wrought iron furnishings throughout the home. I have linked below the full story, which includes information about the Scholze family and the later residents, the Lentz Reynolds family. I was not familiar with the home before getting to tour and write about it, but it was sold in 2024 by the Reynolds descendants. Since I was unable to reach the current owners about their plans for the site and reasons for the demolition of at least a good part of the home so far after I reached out through one avenue, I will not mention their names in this story. But another Chattanoogan.com story from December 2024 and linked below, too, mentions the buyers and sellers and selling price of just under $2 million. While I live a 30-minute drive from the top of Lookout Mountain, I learned of the changes for the homesite after getting an email from someone. Robert Rausch had noticed that a number of items from the home were on sale on ebay and that he also learned that the Nashville architectural store, Preservation Station, had told him they had the salvage rights to items in the home. He had contacted me after finding my story online. I realize that homes are often torn down for a variety of reasons, such as unforeseen complications in trying to preserve or renovate a structure or someone wanting a more private buffer area, etc. And, of course, I dont know the situation here. But I do know that historic preservationists would say that seeing the home, or at least a good part of it, being torn down is a big loss for Chattanooga both historically and architecturally. News related to Chattanooga area threatened structures has been almost a daily occurrence in recent months. Historic preservationists and members of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church downtown learned some good news, however, on Monday when the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission voted to recommend to the City Council denial of plans for a 12-story residential and mixed-use building on the north side of Patten Parkway. County Mayor Weston Wamp even made a rare appearance at the meeting and spoke out against it. Church officials had feared possible damage to the church and the blockage of sunlight into their iconic 1890 building with the construction. While their church seems to have its fears alleviated for now, questions remain about what will happen to the Patten Parkway buildings that many consider to be also important architecturally and historically. The latter includes the fact that this was where Coca-Cola was bottled around the turn of the 20th century as several locals were on their way to getting quite rich. A few Coca-Cola homes from this money made have also been torn down like seems to be the case with the Lookout Mountain home. Most notably, the giant Lyndhurst mansion of bottler J.T. Lupton was torn down about 1960 in Riverview after being vacant for about 20 years. And I remember when I was the police reporter for the old Chattanooga News-Free Press in the late 1980s, I went on a fire call one Saturday night and learned that the old and also-vacant Eugene Thomasson home at the end of dead-end Woodland Road off Minnekahda Road had suffered perhaps some minor fire damage. It was also empty and was torn down a year or two later, with a large and newer house there today. It had been designed by the Pringle and Smith firm that also designed a number of the larger homes in Riverview, although Lyndhurst was designed by W.T. Downing. And Chattanoogans are still awaiting the fates of the seriously threatened Medical Arts Building and Engel Stadium and saw part of the old bus barns complex demolished for a hotel. Preserve Chattanooga executive director Todd Morgan has said Chattanooga needs more historic zoning districts or protected homes, where any changes have to be vetted by the local Historic Zoning Commission. That is one way to preserve more structures, although people or communities have to approve their homes becoming designated with such landmark status, and questions about property rights also come up. Right now, I believe the protected historic districts in Chattanooga are Battery Place, Fort Wood, Ferger Place of East Main Street, and St. Elmo, while a home currently protected is the important Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home on Missionary Ridge. Out of curiosity, I went and looked to see what areas in the fellow East Tennessee mid-sized cities of Knoxville and Johnson City are also protected. Protected areas in Knoxville that fall under some kind of regulation before they can be altered include Old City, Old North Knoxville, the Historic Fourth and Gill neighborhood, Happy Holler and the West View Cemetery District. Historic homes or buildings protected include the Blount Mansion, the James White Fort, the Westwood home of Knox Heritage, the Mabry-Hazen House, the Ramsey House and the Bleak House. Of course, many buildings on the growing University of Tennessee campus have been torn down with no restrictions in recent years. Johnson City has roughly three main architecturally historic areas near its downtown that cover close to 200 acres and are protected as historic districts. A fraternal twin, so to speak, of historic preservation is the protection of natural or open space areas. And many who love to see architecturally or historically significant buildings protected also like for a city or county to preserve green space as pastoral parkland. And many claim not enough green space is being protected here. The local Regional Planning Commission that voted on the Patten Parkway project has also debated in recent years about development throughout the county being proposed for unspoiled land, often amid protests. And debates have even been heard regarding the makeup of the planning commission and whether it has a lot of people focusing on the development realm. Out of curiosity, I looked at the jobs of the similar Knoxville planning commission. Of the 12 of the 15 members who filled out biographical information, the jobs included being a corporate attorney/finance executive, a Realtor, a lawyer, a real estate developer, a technical educator, a mortgage loan officer, a lawyer who works in the medical realm, a retail and event space owner, a civic volunteer mom, a TVA research and innovation official, a restaurant owner and an architect. One other development and personnel makeup -- issue recently in the news in Chattanooga dealt with plans by County Mayor Wamp to halt early plans to try and turn a section of the Enterprise South Nature Park into an industrial park. It was very welcome news for the recently formed Save Enterprise South Nature Park organization. But it was not all done lightly, as one or two supporting organizations of the group were highlighted by the mayor regarding whether they were too radical, and that started me thinking. While radicals can become part of any group on both sides of an issue, and I do not know the case here, I believe I know why people love protected natural space so much. I believe that it is both for visual and emotional reasons. A beautiful rolling Southeast Tennessee landscape, creek or patch of older trees are some of Gods finest work, many believe, and being among them and away from crowds is also an emotional escape we are given by our maker. Regarding all the development issues, some might just suggest that creating more local parks and making sure to have a few places open for all every mile or so would go a long way. After all, I dont mind sitting in that awful Highway 153 traffic and getting through the slow Hamill Road light and across the often-busy railroad crossing because I know beautiful Greenway Farm in Hixson awaits me and our little Westie, Gracie. May we all find some peace and common ground regarding historic buildings and open space, just as I hope some peace and resolution are found in Minneapolis. And preservationists also hope those beautiful turn-of-the-century homes shown in the background amid sights of the chaos in the Minnesota city are not damaged, either! * * * To see the story about the mentioned Lookout Mountain home being sold, read here. https://www.chattanoogan.com/ 2024/12/19/496242/Chattanooga- s-Million-Dollar-Homes.aspx * * * To read the detailed historical and real estate story from 2024 about the Lookout Mountain home, click here. https://www.chattanoogan.com/ 2024/12/3/496147/Unique-And- Historic-ScholzeReynolds.aspx * * * Jcshearer2@comcast.net A home in Dallas Bay was damaged by fire early Wednesday morning. The homeowner called 911 reporting a residential fire at the 1400 block of Oldaker View Lane. At 1:45 a.m., the Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department responded and arrived on the scene reporting heavy smoke and flames coming from the back of the home. Firefighters worked quickly to establish water supply and contain the fire while other fire personnel confirmed everyone was out of the house. Fire command requested a mutual aid response for additional manpower. The Mowbray Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene to assist Dallas Bays fire scene. Chief Markus Fritts, Dallas Bay VFD, said, Fire started on the back deck, traveled to the fence line and a utility trailer. Damages are around $30,000. No injuries were reported, but HCEMS stood by at the fire scene for any potential injuries to fire personnel. The Hamilton County Sheriffs Office will be investigating the cause of the fire. Robert "Bob Earl King, 94, went home to the Lord on January 13, 2026. He was born on Oct. 11, 1931, to Katie and Robert King. Bob was one of eight children born and raised in the small town of Palmer, Tn. As a teenager, Bob worked doing odd jobs until he was offered a position at the movie theatre where he worked his way up to being the projectionist. In 1950, he was drafted for military service, choosing the Navy. Eager to see the world beyond his home in Chigger Town, he honorably served for four years aboard the USS Newport News (CA-148), the last active all-gun heavy cruiser in the United States Navy. After receiving an honorable discharge, Bob returned home to a beautiful lady named Lois Christian. The couple later moved to Chattanooga, where they were married for 61 years, building a life and raising a family together. Bob retired from Mueller Company after 30 years of dedicated and faithful service. Bob loved working in his yard but also piddling in the garage to pass time. He always had the cleanest yard and garage. Bob and Lois also love to square dance with their friends. He was a loyal, generous soul who touched the lives of all who knew him. Bob is survived by his daughters, Leisa Voss and Tammy Creswell (Robbie); grandchildren, Tiffany Cashore (Nathaniel), Lacy Creswell, and Ally Creswell, and great-grandchild, Gracie Mae Cashore. He was a beloved Papa and they were the light in his eyes. He was preceded in death by his son, Ricky Earl King; beloved wife, Lois King; parents; sisters, Mildred, Mary Ella, Louise, and Robbie, who passed shortly after birth; brothers, Franklin, Jim, and one unnamed who passed at birth. A graveside service will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 12:30 p.m. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Guiding Grace, Morning Point and The Lantern. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.GregO2.org or Sequoyah Baptist Tabernacle. Guest book and memory may sign and shared at https://www.hamiltonfhofchattanooga.com/obituary/robert-bob-king . Arrangements are entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343, 423 531-3975. Feng E, the teen viral ukulele virtuoso from Taiwan, returns to the USA for an official showcase at the 2026 Folk Alliance International Conference in New Orleans Jan. 21 - 25. Feng E will also be performing at Songbirds in Chattanooga, on Saturday, Feb. 7, in an all-ages afternoon matinee, as well as a full concert that evening. Ticket link for the matinee: https://www.eventim.us/event/feng-e-ukulele-workshop/670745 Ticket link for the concert: https://www.eventim.us/event/feng-e/670642 Review for Feng E: In 2025, he headlined the Denver International Ukulele Festival and saw his band Resonance Effect capture the top prize at Taiwans Taoyuan Iron Rose Hot Sound Awardstheir version of Idol. Their recent Spotify single already has in excess of 100,000 streams. Now, this teenage virtuoso returns to U.S. stages, ready to captivate audiences once again. Experience the energy, emotion, and pure joy of an artist whos redefining a generation of music. Feng E will be performing: Jan 21st - 25th - New Orleans LA, for the National Folk Alliance Conference Jan 27th - The Sound Wall - Opelika AL Jan 28th - Avondale Brewery - Birmingham AL Feb 1st - Venice FL - Troll Music Feb 2nd - Gainesville FL - Heartwood Soundstage Feb 6th - Black Mountain (Asheville) NC - White Horse Black Mountain Feb 7th - Chattanooga TN - Songbirds (two shows) Feb 8th - Atlanta GA - Eddies Attic Feb 10th - Wilmington NC - Live at Teds Feb 11th - Vienna VA - Jammin Java Feb 12th - Richmond VA - The Tin Pan Feb 13th - Winston-Salem NC - Muddy Creek Listening Room Feb 15th - Sparta NC - Muddy Creek Cafe & Music Hall Feng E first stunned the world at just 10 years old when his mesmerizing ukulele rendition of Tommy Emmanuels Classical Gas went viral. Almost overnight, the young prodigy became an international sensationappearing twice on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and captivating millions more on Asias Got Talent and Americas Got Talent. Since those early viral days, Feng E has evolved into one of the most electrifying young artists in the global ukulele scene. His dazzling performances have graced stages across Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, China and Hawaii, earning him international awards and headline slots. His groundbreaking 2024 U.S. West Coast tour wowed audiences with show-stopping sets at the Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival, alongside national TV and radio appearances. With nearly one million YouTube subscribers and countless millions of views, Feng E continues to push boundaries and redefine what the ukulele can do. For some time, Ive been thinking about Christianity and politics and how non-Christian-like politics has crept into our church pulpits. Growing up, we were taught some pretty basic things tell the truth, dont act like youre better than anybody, treat folks with respect and value life. Simple things. just the kind of stuff you hoped your kids would pick up by watching you. But today, when I look at our politics, it doesnt feel like those values are showing up much. Theres a lot of name-calling, a lot of narcissism, a lot of fear, and bullying being used to push people around. And I catch myself wondering when we decided that was okay. Also, a lot of white Evangelical Christians (polling suggests approximately 81 percent) supported this administration, and I know most did it because they honestly believed it was the right thing. Im not questioning anybodys heart. But when our support matters as much as it does, I think weve got to stop every now and then and ask if the direction were going still lines up with the faith we talk about. Thats not taking sides or pointing fingers. Its just using good, responsible stewardship with the influence weve been given. And, if our kids grow up thinking power is more important than humility, or that getting even is better than forgiving, or that fear is how leaders get things done, then weve drifted from something important, a watering down of our Christian faith. If truth becomes something we can bend by injecting alternative facts when its convenient, thats a problem too. Young people pay attention. They see what we defend and what we excuse. They learn from all of it. Living our faith sometimes means taking a hard look at our politics and being honest when the two no longer align. Sometimes its not easy to make course corrections, but its part of staying true to what we say we believe. Johnny Jones The Tennessee Court of Appeals has put down a ruling in a dispute over the will of a man who owned a key Market Street property across from the Aquarium as well as a location in Marion County with 47 automobiles and numerous other vehicles. The court upheld the ruling of Chancellor Jeff Atherton involving the will of George Washington Walls Jr. Chancellor Atherton had directed the daughter of Mr. Walls, executor Kendall Walls Brown, to proceed with the distribution of parcels to her brother, George Kenneth Walls. The property in South Pittsburg, in addition to the 47 cars, was also found to hold a Wells Fargo trailer, an all-terrain vehicle, 23 motorcycles or scooters, and six Airstream campers. The property on Market Street at Aquarium Way (2nd Street) once held the old Shelton Mill that was in use as the Cheeburger-Cheeburger restaurant. After a portion of the building collapsed, there was a lawsuit between Mr. Walls and the restaurant operator on who was responsible for letting the building get in disrepair. It was noted that the site was cleared and now is a parking lot. Mr. Walls receives proceeds from those parking in the lot, which is administered by Republic Parking, the ruling notes. George Walls Jr. died Aug. 17, 2018, at the age of 78. He was living in Florida at the time. An engineer, he drafted the type-written will himself. It says his daughter was to get the Florida property George K. Walls was to receive "all other properties and all other items and furnishings as well as items that are contained in the utility buildings in all places as well as from the utility building at . . . Pelican Ln., Flagler Beach, Fla. He should distribute or liquidate these items as suggested by joint decision of the executors/trustees." Mr. Walls said his mother, Dorothy W. Walls, was "to have first choice of one vehicle of her choice from my motor vehicles." The mother died after Mr. Walls. The will also says, "My daughter Kendall Walls Brown is to have second choice of any motor vehicle in my inventory of vehicles, boats, or motorcycles. My son George K. Walls can have any two remaining vehicles of his choice. "The balance of the vehicles can be sold at fair market value at a time when the stock market Dow is at least at the 14000 level. The receipts from such sales are to be put into a liquidity fund(s) of the trust." The Appeals Court declined to order attorney fees for Ms. Brown in connection with the appeal. Photo credit: Pexels/ Luis Quintero Bible sales have reached historic highs in both the United States and the United Kingdom, according to newly released industry data, pointing to a growing appetite for printed Scripture amid cultural uncertainty. In the United States, figures compiled from Circana BookScan show that Bible sales climbed to 19 million units in 2025. Brenna Connor, Circanas director and U.S. industry analyst, told Publishers Weekly that 2025 marked a 21-year high for Bible sales in the U.S, representing a 12% increase over 2024 and more than double the volume recorded in 2019. Connor attributed the rise to broader cultural forces. The greater interest in religious content in the U.S. reflects a bigger search for hope and community, she said. [This] suggests that consumers are increasingly turning to faith-based resources as anchors of stability and sources of comfort during uncertain times. Publishers in the U.S. also reported heightened interest among students and young adults, citing anecdotal accounts from college campuses and church groups. Many noted that new readers are increasingly opting for printed Bibles rather than digital versions. The upward trend accelerated before 2025. During the first 10 months of 2024, overall U.S. print book sales rose by less than 1%, while Bible sales jumped 22%, reaching 13.7 million copiesnearly matching the total of 14.2 million sold during all of 2023, according to Circana BookScan. Across the Atlantic, Bible sales in the United Kingdom also reached record levels in 2025, while U.S. sales hit their highest point in more than two decades. In both countries, the market value of Bible sales has more than doubled since 2019. Recent research from the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge found that physical Bible sales in the U.K. increased by 106% between 2019 and 2025. Year-over-year growth from 2024 to 2025 alone stood at 27.7%. Financial data further underscore the scale of growth. Bible sales in the U.K. rose from 2.69 million ($3.6 million) in 2019 to 6.3 million ($8.4 million) in 2025an increase of 3.61 million ($4.8 million) in five years. By comparison, sales grew by only 277,188 ($372,774) during the entire period from 2008 to 2019. SPCK, one of Britains oldest religious publishers, said the surge reflects renewed interest in printed Bibles across multiple age groups, coinciding with heightened spiritual curiosity among younger adults. The significant and sustained upward trend in Bible sales suggests that more and more people are investigating the Christian faith themselves and seeking to draw their own conclusions about its truth, SPCK CEO Sam Richardson told Premier Christian News. Richardson added that 2025 marked the first year the organization observed signs of what he described as a Quiet Revival. Supporting that view, a YouGov survey published the same year found that 49% of U.K. residents ages 18 to 25 believe in a higher power. These figures point to a broader cultural shift, Richardson said. As we face worldwide political and social change, including the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, global wars, the rise of AI, and a growing mental health crisis, individuals are re-engaging with questions of meaning and spirituality. Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Nicolas Lobos Religious affiliation in the United States appears to have stabilized after years of steady decline, according to new analysis of data from the Pew Research Centers Religious Landscape Study conducted by Lifeway Research. The findings indicate that 62% of U.S. adults identify as Christian, while 28% report no religious affiliation and 8% belong to other faith traditions. These proportions have remained largely unchanged since 2020, suggesting the long-term erosion of Christian identification may have reached a pause. Measures of religious practice have also shown little movement in recent years. About 34% of adults attend religious services at least once a month, while 46% say they pray daily and 43% report that religion is very important in their lives. Within Generation Z, however, the data reveal notable differences by age. Adults born between 2003 and 2007 demonstrate higher levels of religious involvement than those born from 1995 to 2002, pointing to a possible shift within the youngest cohort. Among the younger group, 61% identify with a religion, 35% pray daily, 37% say religion is very important to them, and 41% attend services at least monthly. By contrast, lower engagement is evident among those born between 1995 and 2002. In that group, 55% identify with a religion, 30% pray daily, and 26% attend religious services on a monthly basis. Age differences remain pronounced across the broader population. Only 57% of adults under 30 identify with a religion, compared with more than 80% of Americans age 60 and older. Monthly service attendance stands at 31% among those ages 18 to 30, increases to 36% among people in their 60s, and reaches 43% among adults over 70. Religious switching patterns show that young adults are still more likely to leave Christianity than to join it. Among those ages 18 to 34, 5% became Christians after not being raised in the faith, while 26% left Christianity after growing up Christian. Another 41% were raised Christian and continue to identify as such, while 28% say they have never been Christian. These patterns differ slightly from those seen among people born in the 1990s, a group in which only 3% converted to Christianity and 31% left the faith. Researchers noted that the younger cohort includes more new converts and fewer departures, suggesting potential movement toward greater retention or renewed interest. Attendance trends further complicate assumptions about younger adults. Monthly service attendance among those ages 18 to 30 now matches or exceeds that of adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Only Americans over 70 report significantly higher attendance, indicating that Gen Zs participation is closer to national norms than often assumed. At the same time, todays 18- to 24-year-olds are less likely than their counterparts in 2007 or 2014 to express certainty in belief in God, engage in daily prayer, or claim a strong religious identity. Yet the analysis also found fewer young adults identifying as nominal or cultural Christians. Those who remain religiously affiliated tend to attend church more consistently and report stronger personal conviction, pointing to a smaller but more committed base. Among Gen Z, the gap between religious identification and active practice is narrower than in older generations. Of the 57% who identify with a religion, 31% attend services monthly, 32% pray daily, and 33% say religion is very important in their lives, a balance that contrasts with older age groups where identity often exceeds engagement. Based on these findings, Lifeway Research encouraged faith leaders to prioritize retention and deeper discipleship among those already involved, noting that this group demonstrates high levels of commitment and personal devotion despite overall smaller numbers. Home News Ashley St. Clair's name removed by Brave Books; Elon Musk seeks full custody of son Quick Summary AI Summary Elon Musk is seeking full custody of his son from the child's mother, Ashley St. Clair. The announcement comes after St. Clair apologized for past statements about transgenderism. Brave Books will remove St. Clair's name from future prints of her 2021 book, "Elephants Are Not Birds." 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 Elon Musk said he will seek full custody of his son, Romulus, over concerns that the child's mother, influencer Ashley St. Clair, may try to transition the 1-year-old child. Meanwhile, Brave Books announced that it will remove St. Clair's name from all future prints of her 2021 book, Elephants Are Not Birds, saying she no longer "aligns" with the book's message. In a statement on Wednesday, Brave Books announced that it reached a mutual agreement to remove St. Clair's name from all future publications of Elephants Are Not Birds, after the influencer apologized earlier this week for her past statements about transgenderism and gender identity. In 2021, St. Clair published Elephants Are Not Birds through BRAVE Books, a childrens story that follows a character named Kevin who learns he is not a bird. The storys message emphasizes that boys cannot be girls and vice versa, with the book offering an alternative to childrens literature that seeks to promote LGBT ideas. "The book communicates a clear truth that our biological sex is not chosen, but something we are given," Brave Books CEO Trent Talbot said in the statement. "Our position remains unchanged. Brave Books exists to tell stories that affirm timeless, Biblical truths and to partner with voices who share that conviction and desire to pass it on to the next generation with clarity and courage." St. Clair, 27, previously served as a brand ambassador for the conservative youth group Turning Point USA until 2019. She made the apology after an X user accused the influencer of blatant transphobia. I feel immense guilt for my role. And even more guilt that things I have said in the past may have caused my sons sister more pain, St. Clair wrote, appearing to reference Musks 21-year-old son Xavier, who identifies as a girl named Vivian Jenna Wilson. Musk, a 54-year-old tech billionaire, announced his plans to file for full custody in a Monday X post. Musk shared his intention after an X user shared a screenshot of St. Clairs comments, with the user accusing the influencer of supporting trans grooming. I will be filing for full custody today, given her statements implying she might transition a one-year-old boy, Musk said in response. The Tesla CEO has expressed grief over what he has described as his sons tragic mental illness, which he believes is part of the reason for Xaviers gender identity struggles. Idrk how to make amends for many of these things but I have been trying incredibly hard privately to learn + advocate for those within the trans community that Ive hurt, St. Clair continued in her apology. I also havent said much on this bc I have gone back and forth over whether my voice would be helpful on the issue since it will be framed as disingenuous or just turning bc Im scorned, she added. Even this reply will become right wing hysteria but yeah I am sorry. Let me know how I can help. The influencer revealed last year that she had welcomed a baby with the Tesla CEO in September 2024. St. Clair sued for sole custody of their son, as People reported in February, alleging that Musk was not present at the childs birth and "has met him only three (3) times and has had no involvement in his care and upbringing." In the petition for custody, St. Clair claims that she became romantically involved with Musk around May 2023, later conceiving a child in January 2024. Musk is already the father of at least 14 children, whom he shares with four different women. Before publishing the book in 2021, the influencer faced backlash after she was photographed at a dinner with white nationalists and other content creators who spread antisemitic conspiracy theories, such as Nick Fuentes. A TPUSA spokesperson confirmed in a 2019 statement to Right Wing Watch that St. Clair was no longer a part of the organization. The spokesperson added that St. Clair was not representing TPUSA when she attended the dinner, which was held after a debate between Fuentes and conspiracy theorist Jacob Wohl. TPUSA is a large national organization that touches hundreds of thousands of people all across the nation. Ashley is no longer one of our thousands of volunteer activists and ambassadors. Charlie [Kirk] and TPUSA have repeatedly and publicly denounced white nationalism as abhorrent and un-American and will continue to do so, the spokesperson said. In a separate statement at the time to Right Wing Watch, St. Clair said that she wasnt at the debate, but did attend what she described as a diverse dinner. I did attend a diverse dinner I was invited to in which I got to give voice to some of the anger Ive had in the past, St. Clair said. Some of the people pictured had been vicious to me online, and Im not above confronting people or forgiving people. Im a strong Jewish woman and dont need to be told where I can and cannot go. Im sick of guilt-by-association Twitter journalism that leaves out all context and meaning. The focus of the dinner was civility, she added. Im not accountable for anything anyone else posts online, and I myself have been a victim of bigoted trolling. Attending a dinner for a civil conversation is not an endorsement for anybodys views. Home News Sen. Josh Hawley grills expert Democrat witness on if men can get pregnant: 'Quite depressing' Quick Summary AI Summary Sen. Josh Hawley questioned a Democrat expert witness on whether men can get pregnant. Dr. Nisha Verma, an abortionist, refused to answer. Hawley emphasized the importance of recognizing biological differences between men and women. 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 Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., faced resistance Wednesday when he asked an obstetrician, who was called by Democrats as an expert witness during a U.S. Senate hearing, if men can get pregnant. During a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on Capitol Hill about the use of chemical abortion drugs, Hawley was unable to get a straight answer from Dr. Nisha Verma, an OB/GYN who performs abortion procedures and has testified before Congress on the topic in the past. Sen. Josh @HawleyMO: "Can men get pregnant?" Dr. Nisha Verma: "I'm not really sure what the goal of the question is." Hawley: "The goal is just to establish a biological reality...Can men get pregnant?" pic.twitter.com/4egtfZrPgB CSPAN (@cspan) January 14, 2026 Referencing an earlier exchange Verma had minutes before with Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., when Verma demurred when she was asked if men can get pregnant, Hawley asked her the same question. "I wasn't sure I understood your answer to Senator Moody a moment ago. Do you think that men can get pregnant?" Hawley asked, to which Verma replied by claiming she hesitated to answer "because I wasn't sure where the conversation was going or what the goal was." "I mean, I do take care of patients with different identities," she continued. "I take care of many women. I take care of people with different identities. And so that's where I paused. I think, yeah, I wasn't sure where you were going with that." Hawley noted that clear thinking about the basic definitions of biological sex is profoundly important, especially in light of the U.S. Supreme Court hearing oral arguments Tuesday on two cases related to banning male athletes from competing in girls' sports. "This is about science and evidence, and I'm asking you. The United States Supreme Court just heard arguments yesterday at great length on this question," he said. "This is not a hypothetical question. This is not theoretical. It affects real people in their real lives, and you're here as an expert called by the other side as an expert and you've been telling us that you're a doctor, and you follow the science and the evidence." "So, I just want to know, based on the science, can men get pregnant? That's a yes or no question," he reiterated. Verma continued to refuse to answer the question, claiming Hawley's line of questioning was attempting to politicize the issue while trying to reduce its "complexity." "It's not complex. I'm trying to get to an answer and I'm trying to test, frankly, your veracity as a medical professional and as a scientist," Hawley told Verma, who also accused him of conflating biological sex and gender identity. "This is extraordinary," he said. "No, I'm not conflating male and female. They're two different things. There's biological men and there's biological women, and I want to know, can men get pregnant?" Hawley later adamantly denied attempting to be polarizing and rebuked Verma for a worldview that he implied is based on a lie. "It is not polarizing to say that there is a scientific difference between men and women, and I want this to be clear and for the record. It is not polarizing to say that women are a biological reality and should be treated and protected as such," he said. "That is not polarizing. That is truth. It is also, by the way, the United States Constitution, which offers unique protections to women in a variety of circumstances as women. And your refusal to recognize women as women and men as men is deeply corrosive to science, to public trust, and yes, to constitutional protections for women as women." Before yielding back, Hawley accused Verma of advancing "a political agenda that has been thoroughly discredited and rejected by the American people," calling their conversation "exceptionally clarifying" and "also, in many ways, quite depressing." The exchange prompted scorn from many users on social media, some of whom suggested that much of the Democratic Party has become unmoored from reality. Home News Lecrae is no longer worried about pleasing everyone in the room after finding freedom Quick Summary AI Summary Lecrae Moore embraces freedom, no longer worried about pleasing everyone. He encourages believers to accept their complex identities without fear. Moore's latest book, 'Set Me Free,' aims to protect marginalized voices. 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 NEW YORK Grammy Award-winning Christian hip-hop artist, activist and CEO, Lecrae Moore, popularly known by his first name, is unapologetically free and says he's no longer worried about pleasing everyone in the room. He has embraced a theology of liberation in Christ and is urging other believers to embrace the multiple complex aspects of themselves without fear of who God created them to be. Its the message he hopes people will draw from his latest book, Set Me Free: The Good News of Gods Relentless Pursuit, published last month by Zondervan. It builds on the narrative from his 2020 song Set Me Free, which he boldly performed for an intimate crowd of supporters after a live reading and discussion session at Amazon Music Studios in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on Monday night. I got them shackles off my feet, Moore declared. In the unvarnished but artful discussion interrogating what it means to be free between the rapper and his friends theologians and writers Adam Thomason, Sharifa Stevens and spoken word artist and poet Jason Petty, better known by his stage name Propaganda Moore stressed the need to embrace difference as godly. I will hope people are comfortable embracing the multiple complex aspects of themselves and not trying to kind of whittle themselves down to fit one narrow category, especially believers, Moore told Petty when he was asked what he wanted people to take away from the book near the end of the discussion. I think there are [a] multitude of different types of believers throughout the Scriptures. We're not homogeneous. We're not all one way, and that's OK, he added. You are a multitude of different things. Don't drop one because no one else sees it or recognizes it or embraces it. Freedom is being all of who God created you to be, not [just] the side that's accepted by folks. From the start to the end of the event, the audience, which appeared to have a strong millennial influence, listened with nearly spellbinding silence punctuated only by intermittent applause as the speakers shared wincing truths about their experience finding freedom that ached and soothed in the same breath. The discussion explored the meaning of freedom inside and outside the context of evangelicalism and continued to echo even after the conversation had ended. Citing an example of what it means to be free and the challenges to finding that freedom as a black man in Western Evangelical culture, Moore shared how his decision to speak out on the 2014 shooting death of 12-year-old Tamir Rice by Cleveland police officer Timothy Loehmann affected support for his music. He argued that Evangelicals are comfortable with him supporting causes like prison ministry and the persecution of Christians in foreign countries, but when you say, I'm a black dude or a black woman in America who is a part of Western Evangelical culture, people are like, oh, here we go again. I see an 11-year-old kid get shot in Ohio, named Tamir Rice, and I said, Hey, this ain't right. We need to speak on this. They said, We don't like Lecrae. It's too political. And I didn't even realize, I didn't even understand that politics and Christianity were in this incestuous relationship, Moore, who came to faith as an adult, recalled. The rapper said that because he felt convicted about the shooting, he tried explaining himself to fans using theological terms, but he still lost significant support as a result of his stance. I think it was 2015. I had a show in Philly, 3,500 people showed up. In 2016, after speaking out on things, 350 people showed up to my show in Philly a year later. That's what it cost me, he said. Petty described the book as moving through four phases: confession, lamentations, resistance and persistence. Confession asks us to tell the truth about what we carry. Lamentations gives us permission to grieve what we lost. ... Resistance reminds us that choosing wholeness in a world that profits from our brokenness is an act of defiance, and then finally, persistence speaks to the meaning, speaks to what it means to keep going and to believe in freedom even when the process is slow and [un]clear, he said. Moore, who is originally from Texas but now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, shared his experience growing up in a place and space where I was not accepted all the time. I found myself afraid of losing acceptance, but freedom is understanding you[re] already accepted and then moving from there, he said. Right now, Moore says he is at a point in his life where he's no longer worried about pleasing the people in the room but about protecting people in the margins that he needs to protect. Books like this had to be created not to please everybody, but to protect the people that needed to be protected. To serve the people [who] needed to be served. Now that's my thought process as I move forward, he said. Stevens explained how working on the book with Moore was healing for her. I think that contributing to this book was healing for me. Seminary was challenging for me because of the specific seminary that I went to did not affirm the holiness of black women so that affirmation had to come from somewhere [else] if I was to keep going, she explained. She said that because she was the first person in her family to do a number of things, like going to college, she has focused on diffusing landmines to help others like her who are following in her footsteps. I want my words to be a refuge. And so, yes, I am purposeful in my writing, and at one point, I was not given room to be specific. So a poem like the one I read would be unacceptable, because 'all lives matter.' And indeed they do, said Stevens, who explained that she is committed to truth-telling and living life unmasked. My passion is to go to the margins. I live in the margins. I'm well-acquainted with it. And so there was a joy to contribute to this book, she added. because if I'm a good sister in Christ, I need everybody to know that we are all made in the image of God. While all the speakers shared nuanced interpretations about what it means to be free, Thomason centered his understanding of freedom more explicitly on the life of Christ. What I realized from Jesus is, He was the most free being, man, prophet, God, Savior not because He was high class, upwardly mobile and advanced. He was able to have an inner shalom despite the results and the pressures that came His way, he asserted. And nobody actually likes a free man or a free woman, especially a free black man or a free black woman, because you cannot threaten them with results. When I learned that that is true freedom, it actually makes me an unstoppable force. Jesus' Words say, do not fear the person who could destroy the body, but fear the person who could destroy the body and the soul in Hell. Home News Open Doors US releases 2026 World Watch List report: 'Persecution is expanding' Quick Summary AI Summary Open Doors US reports that Christian persecution is expanding globally. The 2026 World Watch List ranks 50 countries with record-high levels of discrimination. 388 million Christians face high levels of persecution, an increase of over 8 million from last year. 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 Nonprofit persecution watchdog group Open Doors US released its annual World Watch List on Wednesday, which ranks the top 50 countries where Christian persecution and discrimination are at a record high. "We're seeing a continuation of a multi-year trend where persecution is expanding," Ryan Brown, the CEO of Open Doors US, told The Christian Post. "That number moved from 380 million to 388 million this last year." Christian persecution has reached an unprecedented scale worldwide, and the findings of Open Doors US show that the 388 million Christians facing high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith more than one in seven marks an increase of more than 8 million compared to last year. Brown said there are multiple dynamics at play beneath the surface of such trends, but noted there is "expansion of the levels of really extreme violence that are taking place." He added that much of it is concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, which is home to 14 countries on the watch list. The large region of more than 720 million people, nearly half of whom are Christian and where one in eight Christians live in the world, remains a critical area of concern. Brown said Nigeria is "at the center of a lot of the things going on," and the list notes the African country is the primary hotspot for deadly violence, accounting for the majority of faith-related killings globally. Of the 4,849 Christians killed worldwide for their faith during the reporting period, 3,490 were Nigerian, which marks an increase from 3,100 last year, according to the report. Somalia landed as the second-most dangerous country for Christians for the fourth consecutive year, and Aweis Ali, who is the son of a Muslim cleric and converted to Christianity, recounted the violence Christians face there. "Somali Christians are among the most extremely persecuted in the world," he said. "You could be sitting in a cafeteria, enjoying your meal, and somebody could come and attempt to decapitate you, to cut your head off." The list also highlights Syria, which achieved its highest-ever score on the ranking system after experiencing the most significant single-year increase in Christian persecution recorded by any country since the nonprofit's ranking methodology began in 2014. The trend reflects intensified pressures on the Christian community amid ongoing conflict that has lingered for more than a decade. The militant Islamist group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, which took power after the Assad regime collapsed, at first engaged in dialogue and expressed a willingness that Syrians "could worship freely and different faith persuasions would have a seat at the table," Brown said. "While we haven't necessarily seen the difficulties at the hand of the central government, we have seen, due to the weak rule of law, that there have been vacuums of power that have been created throughout the country, and extremists have stepped into those vacuums," he said, adding that there are Christians suffering elsewhere because of similar examples of extremists filling a power vacuum. Brown contrasted what he described as "smash persecution" that results in overt violence, like in Nigeria, with the "squeeze persecution" that he says is increasingly manifesting and making life "extremely difficult for Christians around the globe." Such squeeze persecution is especially prevalent in China, he said, where the Chinese Communist Party increasingly spies on Christians and asserts state control over religion. "The Chinese government has really sought to close down a number of the unregistered churches those that were not officially aligned with the Communist Party, and close those churches out," he said. "Last year, on September 25, they rolled out a list of guidelines, about 18 rules governing the online behavior of Christians and religious expression. This included things such as Christians are not allowed to broadcast any live videos with religious or Christian intent; access to Bible apps was made illegal." "It's not as visible as the violence or churches being lit on fire, but churches are being closed," he said of such persecution. "Christians are being told that they can't engage in worship or engage in community with one another." Governments such as the oppressive communist regime in North Korea which rates the the top most dangerous country for Christians overall are also getting more creative, according to the report, which noted artificial intelligence is being used to identify "suspicious behavior patterns" that might indicate someone is a Christian believer. Replying to a question about Vice President JD Vance's notable speech at the Munich Security Conference last February, when he rebuked European leaders for suppressing free speech and discriminating against Christians, Brown said any rising persecution against Christians in the West is not comparable to those in other parts of the world, but that ebbing religious liberty could potentially allow Western Christians to better empathize with their brothers and sisters elsewhere. "We still have, by means of comparison, the rule of law and religious liberties that are protected," he said. "Many of us have certainly felt cultural shifts that, at times, have been aligned in opposition to our faith or misaligned with it. And so, I think many of us have experienced those types of things in recent years." "I would never seek to equate that to the level of persecution and realities that our brothers and sisters represented on this World Watch List are experiencing," he continued. "If, on some level, it allows us to better identify with them, allows us to better empathize, then hallelujah for that. But we in the West still have freedoms, and we have recourse when those freedoms are being violated." Brown said that the watch list is not just an informational resource, but also a prayer resource, and that persecuted Christians are asking their fellow Christians around the world to pray for them. The list offers specific prayer points for each of the 50 countries that are detailed. "For the most part, these are prayer points that our brothers and sisters on the ground have told us," he said. "These are the things that they are praying for. So utilize that World Watch List as a resource, not just to be informed, but to know how we can not just pray for our brothers and sisters, but actually be praying with our brothers and sisters." Home News Pastor John-Paul Miller pleads not guilty to cyberstalking wife until her death South Carolina Pastor John-Paul Miller, who is accused of making false statements to federal investigators and cyberstalking his estranged wife, Mica Miller, for nearly two years until she took her own life in 2024, has pleaded not guilty to the charges in federal court. Painted as a flight risk by prosecutors during his court appearance in Florence on Monday, Miller, the 46-year-old former leader of Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, was offered a $100,000 bond, ordered to stay away from any victims or family related to the case and must wear an ankle monitor, according to court records. As conditions of his bond, Miller is barred from leaving South Carolina without permission from the U.S. Probation Office, possessing a firearm, drinking excessive alcohol, and is required to surrender his passport, among other things. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Carolina alleges in an indictment filed on Dec. 17 that Miller began cyberstalking Mica Miller on or around Nov. 16, 2022, until her death on April 27, 2024. The indictment alleges Millers actions were carried out with the intent to kill, injure, harass, intimidate, or place under surveillance with the intent to kill, injure, harass and intimidate Mica Miller, who is identified in the indictment as Victim 1. Prosecutors say Miller used or threatened to use nude videos and photographs of his late wife to harass her an also posted a nude photograph of her online without her consent. He further placed or caused to be placed tracking devices on vehicles used by Mica Miller and interfered with her finances, banking and daily activities. Authorities say the pastor knowingly and willfully made a materially false, fictitious and fraudulent statement to federal investigators when he claimed Mica Miller called him more than he had called her on March 11, 2024. The defendant John Paul Miller, called Victim 1 at least 50 times more than she called him; he falsely claimed police had never told him to stop contacting Victim 1, when in fact, the defendant, John Paul Miller, was told on March 11, 2024, by a police officer with Horry County Police Department to stop contacting Victim 1, the indictment notes. Investigators allege that John-Paul Miller falsely claimed he did not damage Mica Millers tires on her car, but it was shown that he used or caused to be used a tire deflation device to remove the air from her tires. Miller faces a maximum of five years in prison for cyberstalking and two years for false statements. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000. Earlier court records show that before her suicide, Mica Miller filed for divorce from her husband in October 2023, but the reasons were not stated. The case was eventually dismissed in February. But a few days later, Pastor Miller filed for "Separate Support and Maintenance," seeking financial support. Mica Miller would file for similar support in April 2024. A hearing was scheduled for June 5 that year. On April 27, two days after she served her husband with divorce papers, Mica Miller was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to her head in Lumber River State Park in Orrum, North Carolina. In a sworn affidavit filed as part of her application to serve as special administrator for her sister's estate, Sierra Francis said Mica Miller had served her husband with divorce papers on April 25 and was looking forward to being free of him. "My sister was hopeful for her future after filing for divorce from John-Paul," Francis wrote in the affidavit. Home News Rand Paul claims DOJ ignoring Fauci prosecution referrals: 'He shouldn't get away with lying' Quick Summary AI Summary Sen. Rand Paul claims the U.S. Department of Justice is ignoring his referrals to investigate Dr. Anthony Fauci for allegedly lying to Congress. Paul provided evidence of Fauci's alleged misconduct, including the destruction of communications. The senator contends that Fauci should not evade accountability even if he was granted a preemptive pardon. 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 Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., claimed during a Tuesday appearance on "The Joe Rogan Experience" that the U.S. Department of Justice has continued to ignore his repeated criminal referrals to investigate Dr. Anthony Fauci for allegedly lying to the U.S. Congress, even under President Donald Trump. Paul, who chairs the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, claimed on the podcast that Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases who served from 1984 to 2022, lied to lawmakers and destroyed communications about U.S. funding for gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, evidence of which he said he gave to the DOJ. "Under the Biden administration, I sent criminal referrals for Anthony Fauci to [former Attorney General] Merrick Garland twice, and I sent them evidence that he had lied to Congress, which was a felony. They just ignored me," Paul said. Senator Rand Paul just revealed to Joe Rogan that the Trump DOJ wont investigate Anthony Fauci. Under the Biden administration, I sent criminal referrals for Anthony Fauci to Merrick Garland twice, and I sent them evidence that he had lied to Congress, which is a felony. pic.twitter.com/7MBbYDI16F End Tribalism in Politics (@EndTribalism) January 13, 2026 Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who penned an exhaustive book about Fauci and public health in 2021 titled The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health, "has been working" with Paul to gather information about Fauci, the senator said. "We've looked at the communications, and in Anthony Fauci's communications, we now have evidence that he was telling people like [former NIH Director] Francis Collins, 'Read this and destroy it.' Well, you can't do that. The executive branch, when they communicate, they're required to keep their communications, and they're required to do it on government devices," Paul said. "So, we have this evidence, and I've summarized it again in a criminal referral to Trump's attorney general, and I still haven't gotten action," said Paul, who added that Fauci should be prosecuted because "he shouldn't get away with lying, he shouldn't get away with destroying records." Paul raised doubts about whether former President Joe Biden's blanket presidential pardon of Fauci is legitimate, noting that it appears to have been signed with an autopen and "should be challenged." "A retrospective pardon [that goes] back 10 years, that doesn't mention a crime? Can you give people a pardon for everything they did in a 10-year period? I can't imagine. And I think the court might narrow that, but it doesn't happen unless the Trump Justice Department will do something. And I've been sending them referrals, and I can't get them to do anything," he said. In October, the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform issued a report finding that Biden's aides concealed the seriousness of his cognitive decline and wielded presidential authority without his direct authorization, including "misusing the autopen and failing to properly document decision-making processes." Trump declared the pardons signed with Biden's autopen to be "void, vacant, and of no further force or effect" in December, though some legal experts have argued that the U.S. Constitution does not require a president to sign a pardon with his own hand for it to have legal effect. Paul went viral multiple times during the pandemic for clashing with Fauci during heated exchanges on Capitol Hill, perhaps most notably in May 2021, when Fauci erupted after Paul accused him of lying to Congress about NIH funding gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. "You are implying what we did was responsible for the deaths of individuals. I totally resent that, and if anyone is lying here, senator, it is you," Fauci said at the time. At the time, Paul pinpointed a $3.4 million grant that the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases gave to EcoHealth Alliance in 2014. EcoHealth Alliance paid the Wuhan lab $598,500 over five years, according to PolitiFact, which also reported that "all parties involved in the grant to the Wuhan Institute of Virology have denied that it involved gain-of-function research." Home News San Antonio drops 'abortion tourism' fund after passage of new state law Quick Summary AI Summary San Antonio will abandon its 'abortion tourism' fund following the passage of Senate Bill 33. The city previously allocated $100,000 to support travel for residents seeking abortions outside Texas. Taking effect last year, SB 33 prohibits governmental entities from using public funds to support out-of-state abortions. 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 San Antonio will abandon a controversial program that allocated public funds to support travel for residents seeking abortions outside Texas. Last April, the Texas city appropriated $100,000 to its Reproductive Justice Fund, resulting in a lawsuit by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who claimed the fund violated state law and the Texas Constitution by using taxpayer money for private purposes in a way that undermined Texas' strict abortion restrictions. While the lawsuit stalled after a trial court initially dismissed it as premature since no funds had been distributed, an appellate court intervened in June 2025 to block San Antonio from spending any additional funds until litigation ran its course. Following the passage of Senate Bill 33, which took effect in September, San Antonio opted not to proceed with distributing funds for out-of-state abortion travel. Under SB 33, governmental entities are explicitly prohibited from using public funds to provide logistical support for so-called abortion tourism, including travel, lodging, food, childcare, or counseling related to obtaining the procedure particularly when it involves out-of-state providers. After Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, signed SB 33 into law, city officials indicated that the bill clarified and closed off any use of funds for the purpose of abortion tourism, leading to the dismissal of Paxton's lawsuit without a formal ruling. In a statement, Paxton declared the outcome a clear defeat for the city's efforts. Texas respects the sanctity of unborn life, and I will always do everything in my power to prevent radicals from manipulating the system to murder innocent babies, said Attorney General Paxton. It is illegal for cities to fund abortion tourism with taxpayer funds. San Antonios unlawful attempt to cover the travel and other expenses for out-of-state abortions has now officially been defeated. Attorneys for the city pushed back on any claim that the state was victorious in its legal efforts against the city. This litigation was both initiated and abandoned by the State of Texas, the San Antonio city attorneys office said in a statement. In other words, the City did not drop any claims; the State of Texas, through the Texas Office of the Attorney General, dropped its claims. "The City has always been clear that it would follow the law when it comes to the Reproductive Justice Fund. The City believed the law, prior to the passage of SB 33, allowed the uses of the fund for out-of-state abortion travel that were discussed publicly," the statement added. "After SB 33 became law and no longer allowed those uses, the City did not proceed with the procurement of those specific uses consistent with its intent all along that it would follow the law. Its unfortunate that the Texas Attorney General has suggested otherwise with a misleading notice of nonsuit and associated press release." San Antonio wasnt the only Texas city impacted by SB 33: a similar fund in Austin was also discontinued in response to the new law. In 2025, city officials in Austin granted $100,000 to two local abortion nonprofits, according to local ABC affiliate KVUE. Overall, the city approved up to $400,000 to eventually fully support the Reproductive Justice Fund. Home News Ex-Trump advisor Steve Bannon warns of 'invasion,' urges ban on Islamic law in Texas Quick Summary AI Summary Steve Bannon warns Texas of an 'invasion' by Islamic radicals transforming Western society. Bannon advocates for a ban on Islamic law in Texas, highlighting a 2026 primary ballot measure. The 'Save Texas From Radical Islam' conference attracted 750 attendees and featured prominent conservative speakers. 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 Former White House adviser Steve Bannon is warning Texas of what he called an invasion of Islamists that he contends are hurting Western society. Bannon, 72, gave a speech at the all-day Save Texas From Radical Islam conference at the Gaylord Texan Resort last Friday. The former strategist for President Donald Trump used the platform to frame the state as a symbolic and strategic linchpin in a looming ideological conflict with Western civilization. "You've got a booming economy, you've got great people. But even more important than that is what Texas stands for in the world," Bannon said, sharing what he gleaned from his time as a former Navy officer and then later as an executive with Goldman Sachs. Japan, Korea, France, in partnerships and deals, there's two brands they ask about, he said. One is Harvard, because all want to get their kids in the other is Texas." Organized by the Republican Party of Texas and Bannon's WarRoom platform, and sponsored by Patriot Mobile, the conference drew a capacity crowd of 750 attendees at the Gaylord, with over 1,000 additional ticket requests reported. The event featured keynote speaker and The Blaze founder Glenn Beck, along with about 150 grassroots leaders from nearly two dozen conservative groups. In his speech, Bannon pointed to Texas mythic status as the central event of the founding of America. They all watch cowboy movies; they've all watched the westerns, he said. They all talk about it because here you took the common man, and in a relatively desolate place, you built a culture and society that drove the greatest power on earth into the 20th century." "You don't think they don't know that in Qatar and Saudi Arabia and UAE and Turkey and all of it?" he asked. "That's why the invasion is here." He claimed that the "invasion of Western civilization" is underway, saying "they've taken" cities like Amsterdam, Paris and London "without a fight." Far from striking a conciliatory tone, his speech drew on what he saw as parallels to the consequences of unchecked mass immigration from London to New York City, which Bannon said has fallen" 25 years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks with the election of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Could you imagine 25 years after that we have a Ugandan Marxist jihadist, and they gave it up without a fight? said Bannon. The greatest civilization in the world and the greatest parts of that civilization, Amsterdam, Paris, London, they've gone without a fight." Bannon said he expects impending civil unrest in those and other European cities, and warned attendees about civil war in the streets if current trends continue a development, he said, he does not expect to transpire in Texas, particularly on the subject of sharia, or Islamic law. He highlighted Proposition 10, a 2026 primary ballot proposition from the Texas GOP that would be a non-binding measure encouraging the prohibition of sharia, one of 10 propositions from Texas Republicans on the March 3 ballot. The elites let this go forever, and that is what they are trying to do in Texas, he said. "Now here is the good news: On March 3, we have a voice in what happens here. On the third of March, sharia law goes on the ballot in the state of Texas." The War Room host also praised Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, for designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) a terrorist organization and linked broader concerns to figures like George Soros, claiming connections to a "red-green alliance" of what he called neo-Marxists and jihadists. While Bannons speech coincided with plans to host his War Room program from Texas for the entire month of February, theres been speculation that he could be positioning himself for a possible 2028 presidential run or even a position of influence in the constitutionally improbable event of a third presidential term for President Trump. Home News UK Christian leaders oppose redefining Islamophobia, warn gov't proposal seeks to shield Islamic beliefs from scrutiny Definition of 'Anti-Muslim hatred' threatens religious liberty and free speech Quick Summary AI Summary UK Christian, Hindu leaders oppose Labour government's proposed redefinition of 'Islamophobia.' Critics warn the proposed new definition threatens religious liberty and free speech. Hindu Council UK calls the proposal 'deeply flawed' and urges focus on violence and harassment. 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 Christian and Hindu leaders in the U.K. have voiced disquiet about the Labour governments proposed definition of anti-Muslim hatred, warning that it threatens religious liberty and free speech. The controversy centers on a 2018 definition by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims, which labeled Islamophobia as a form of racism. The Labour government now seeks to replace the word Islamophobia with Anti-Muslim Hatred or Hostility in official legal definitions. While supporters of the APPG definition claim the governments move addresses only physical violence, critics see the new plan as a repackaging of the former flawed APPG version. Alicia Edmund, head of public policy for the U.K. Evangelical Alliance (EA), insists that the government must respect Christian ministry. Christians sharing about the transformative hope Jesus and His teachings bring with those from other ethnic or religious minorities is not hate speech and must not be criminalized, Edmund told Christian Daily International. Any definition must make a distinction between fair critique of a belief system and tackling hostility and violence towards individuals without undermining freedom of expression. The EA has engaged the government working group on multiple occasions to urge caution. The Hindu Council U.K. echoed these concerns. Dipen Rajyaguru, director of equality and inclusion for the council, wrote to Communities Minister Steve Reed on Dec. 29, 2025. Reed is completing a new non-statutory definition based on an October draft from an advisory working group led by former Tory Attorney General Dominic Grieve. The definition is to guide public bodies, councils and businesses as they combat prejudice, discrimination and hostility toward Muslims. In his letter, Rajyaguru affirmed the need to protect Muslims from harm but called the current proposal deeply flawed. He warned that the definition risks serious unintended consequences. Rajyaguru noted that current criminal and equality laws already protect citizens from discrimination. While the first part of the definition refers to criminal acts and prohibited discrimination already clearly covered by existing criminal and equality law, the definition then expands into vague and undefined concepts, Rajyaguru said. He listed concepts such as prejudicial stereotyping and the racialization of Muslims as problematic. As with the APPG definition, these terms lack clear legal meaning, Rajyaguru explained. From a Hindu perspective, this ambiguity is dangerous. It leaves interpretation open to subjective perception rather than objective legal standards, making the definition vulnerable to inconsistent application and politicization. According to Rajyaguru, this uncertainty undermines public confidence. He noted that Christian, Hindu, Sikh and secular organizations all fear that the definition fails to distinguish between hostility toward people and criticism of a religion. By referring to racialization and collective characteristics, the definition risks treating a religion and its associated ideas, doctrines and practices as if they were immune from critique, Rajyaguru said. This mirrors one of the most controversial aspects of the APPG definition, which has been widely criticized for blurring this essential distinction. The Hindu leader expressed concern that the proposal jeopardizes theological debate and historical discussion. Under the proposed definition, there is a real risk that such discussion, especially when robust or critical, could be characterized as prejudicial stereotyping or stirring up hatred, regardless of factual basis or intent, Rajyaguru warned. He stated that the breadth of the definition creates a significant chilling effect on free speech. Rajyaguru told the Labour government that democratic principles include the right to challenge ideas. Any definition that discourages lawful speech through fear of reputational or professional consequences undermines this foundational democratic principle as well as repressing free thought, he added. He also warned that the proposal creates a de facto blasphemy framework by shielding religious beliefs from scrutiny. He criticized the government for failing to consult with other faith communities. A plural, democratic society must protect people from harm and not protect ideas from criticism, Rajyaguru said. The Hindu Council U.K. warned that activists could weaponize these definitions to quash lawful speech or enforce ideological training. Rajyaguru urged the government to focus strictly on violence and harassment against individuals. Hatred against Muslims must be confronted decisively, but this must not come at the cost of free speech, equality before the law, or the legitimate voices of other minority communities, he concluded. Originally published at Christian Daily International Home Opinion Why the Gospel cannot endorse salvation by domination Across the world today whether in anxious democracies or confident authoritarian systems many citizens are drawn to leaders who promise strength, decisiveness, and protection. These figures present themselves as saviors of the nation, defenders of identity, and restorers of order. For Christians, however, this attraction is not merely political. It is theological. The question is not only whether such leaders work, but what kind of salvation they offer and what kind of people they form. A rival story of salvation The strong political man offers a simple and powerful story. Fear will be defeated by force. Unity will be achieved by identifying enemies. Complexity will be solved by concentrating authority in a single will. Public trust is redirected away from shared institutions and placed in one commanding figure. This story resonates deeply in societies marked by insecurity and loss. Yet it functions as a rival gospel. It asks for devotion, trust, and hope that properly belong to God. When political strength becomes salvific, politics becomes theology by other means. Give us a king like the nations Scripture diagnoses this temptation early. In 1 Samuel 8, Israel demands a king like the nations who will fight their battles. God permits the request but exposes its cost: the king will take repeatedly land, labor, dignity until the people themselves are consumed by the power they sought for safety. This is not an argument against government. It is a warning against absolutizing it. Deuteronomy insists that kings must live under limits: restrained militarism, restrained wealth, restrained ego. Strongman politics grows by mocking such limits. The biblical vision insists that restraint is wisdom, not weakness. Prophetic resistance to royal consciousness The prophets sharpen the critique. They confront what theologian Walter Brueggemann calls royal consciousness a social imagination that normalizes inequality, numbs compassion, and treats domination as order. Strongman cultures survive by disciplining emotion and imagination: do not feel too much, do not question too deeply, trust the leader. Prophetic faith refuses this training. It insists that public truth includes the cries of the poor, the dignity of the stranger, and the accountability of rulers. When religion is used to sanctify power, prophecy returns as an unwelcome voice. Jesus and the refusal of coercive power Jesus decisively rejects the strongman path. The rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, he says. Not so with you (Mark 10:4245). Authority is redefined as service; greatness is measured by self-giving. This is not merely advice for church leadership. It is a public theology of power. The cross reveals that domination is not morally neutral; it is spiritually deforming. Any politics that requires humiliation, contempt, or coercion stands in tension with the way of Christ. Empire as rival worship The book of Revelation intensifies the warning. Empire appears not only as violent but as seductive, demanding awe and total allegiance. The danger is not only injustice but idolatry. Politics becomes liturgy. Loyalty becomes worship. This is the decisive theological insight: the strong political man is not only a temptation to harshness. He is a temptation to a false Christ a substitute savior who promises salvation without the cross. Ordered love and the limits of politics Augustine helps clarify the stakes. Societies are shaped by what they love most. When political greatness, security, or cultural purity becomes ultimate, injustice becomes tolerable and cruelty becomes rational. Augustine does not reject political responsibility. He refuses political ultimacy. The earthly city may pursue peace and justice, but it cannot bear the weight of redemption. When it tries, it becomes spiritually dangerous. Unity built on scapegoats Strongman politics often manufactures unity by naming enemies. Minorities, dissenters, journalists, or critics are portrayed as threats to social survival. Rene Girards insight exposes the pattern: societies restore order by directing fear toward a scapegoat. The Gospel contradicts this logic. The cross tells the story from the victims side. Jesus is executed as a public threat, yet God vindicates him. A church shaped by the cross cannot accept unity purchased by exclusion or humiliation. When faith becomes a badge Strong political leaders often court religion. Sacred language is borrowed; faith is framed as national identity. The temptation for the Church is subtle: political victory begins to feel like spiritual faithfulness. At that point, Christianity becomes a badge rather than a confession. The cross becomes a symbol of power rather than a way of life. Truth becomes negotiable. Neighbors become expendable. Public faithfulness without fear The Churchs calling is not withdrawal from public life, nor uncritical endorsement of strength. It is public faithfulness without fear. Christians may disagree about policies, but they must agree about this: political power is not salvific. If our politics makes us less compassionate, less truthful, more contemptuous, or more willing to excuse injustice for the greater good, something has gone wrong spiritually. Empires, like idols, always demand sacrifices. Christian faith makes a scandalous confession: we worship a God who does not demand sacrifice but becomes the sacrifice. In a world hungry for strongmen, that confession remains both foolish and necessary and it is the only ground on which Christian public witness can stand. Panorays, a leading provider of third-party security risk management software, has released the 2026 edition of its annual CISO Survey for Third-Party Cyber Risk Management. The survey highlights third-party cyber risk as one of the most critical challenges facing security leaders today, driven largely by a lack of visibility. While 60% of CISOs report an increase in third-party security incidents, only 15% say they have full visibility into those risks. These gaps are compounded by limited resources and technology stacks that werent designed to manage dynamic supply-chain threats at scale. Drawing on responses from 200 CISOs of US-based companies, the 2026 Panorays CISO Survey puts a spotlight on cybersecurity executives continuing challenges to shore up software supply chain security, as these efforts are further undermined by resource constraints and tech stacks that fall short. Despite growing adoption, standard Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platforms have largely failed security teams, leaving them without the ability or confidence needed to effectively address the rising tide of third-party threats. Key Findings and Insights Preparedness is dangerously low: While 77% of CISOs see third-party risk as a major threat, only 21% have tested crisis response plans in place. This suggests that organizations are increasingly susceptible to prolonged outages, exposure of sensitive systems and financial losses in the event of a security breach, as well as compliance violation penalties. Without a proper response plan in place, even minor incidents have the potential to spiral out of control. This suggests that organizations are increasingly susceptible to prolonged outages, exposure of sensitive systems and financial losses in the event of a security breach, as well as compliance violation penalties. Without a proper response plan in place, even minor incidents have the potential to spiral out of control. Most organizations are blind to vendors: Although 60% report rising third-party breaches, just 41% monitor risk beyond direct suppliers. CISOs face massive observability gaps, as theyre only watching the front door. But the biggest risks are lurking in the background, largely unseen by most security teams. CISOs face massive observability gaps, as theyre only watching the front door. But the biggest risks are lurking in the background, largely unseen by most security teams. Shadow AI is creating new attack paths: Despite rapid AI adoption, only 22% of CISOs have formal vetting processes, leaving unmanaged third-party AI tools embedded in core environments. Teams are adopting black-box AI tools faster than security teams can keep up, with 60% of respondents identifying shadow AI as uniquely risky. This creates a dangerous and growing blind spot for CISOs, as high-risk third-party systems are granted access to IT environments without scrutiny. Teams are adopting black-box AI tools faster than security teams can keep up, with 60% of respondents identifying shadow AI as uniquely risky. This creates a dangerous and growing blind spot for CISOs, as high-risk third-party systems are granted access to IT environments without scrutiny. CISOs are dissatisfied with their compliance stacks. The report found that 61% of businesses have invested in GRC software solutions, yet 66% say that these platforms are ineffective in dealing with the dynamic nature of external third-party supply chain risks. As a result, security teams are forced to rely on manual workarounds instead, increasing the likelihood of vulnerabilities being missed. The report found that 61% of businesses have invested in GRC software solutions, yet 66% say that these platforms are ineffective in dealing with the dynamic nature of external third-party supply chain risks. As a result, security teams are forced to rely on manual workarounds instead, increasing the likelihood of vulnerabilities being missed. Static security assessments are no longer up to the job. This is a growing consensus among CISOs, with 71% admitting that traditional questionnaires fall short of expectations, creating fatigue instead of visibility into the threat landscape. Fortunately, CISOs are quickly embracing alternatives, with 66% moving on to AI-driven assessment tools. Left to right: Panorays Co-founders Meir Antar (COO), Matan Or-El (CEO) and Demi Ben-Ari (Chief Strategy Officer) Our findings show that third-party security vulnerabilities arent going away in fact, theyre becoming more prevalent due to a dangerous lack of visibility and the rampant adoption of unmanaged AI tools, said Matan Or-El, founder and CEO of Panorays. Meanwhile, its especially alarming that only 15% of CISOs say they have the ability to map out their entire supply chains. The rise of AI has only made supply chains more complex, and the connected nature of these data-dependent systems is expanding the attack surface, Or-El continued. CISOs are increasingly seeing the value of AI-driven solutions to increase clarity around the evolving threat landscape. Visibility Is Being Prioritized, but CISOs Hands Remain Tied The new report found theres a growing sense of urgency among CISOs due to the failure of traditional GRC platforms to manage third-party risk at scale. Almost two-thirds of organizations have invested in GRC tools, up from just 27% in the 2025 version of Panorays report, yet overall visibility has declined, resulting in growing dissatisfaction about the ineffectiveness of these systems. Fortunately, there are signs that organizations can close the visibility gap as more CISOs explore the use of advanced, AI-driven tools to improve their security posture. Adoption of AI for third-party risk management has surged, up from 27% a year ago to 66% this year. This shift has led to significant, but still alarmingly insufficient, growth in the ability of organizations to properly assess the third-party threat landscape. The 2026 survey found that 15% of CISOs now say they have full visibility into their software supply chains, up from just 3% a year ago, but much work remains to be done. While the progress is encouraging, the overall picture remains bleak, as 85% of organizations still lack a complete view of their overall threat landscape. About the Survey The 2026 CISO Survey was conducted in October 2025 by the independent research company Global Surveyz on behalf of Panorays. Its based on responses from 200 Chief Information Security Officers, all of whom are full-time employees tasked with overseeing third-party cybersecurity risk management within their organizations. The sample included CISOs from the finance, insurance, professional services, technology, healthcare and software development sectors. About Panorays Panorays is a global provider of third-party cybersecurity management software. Adopted by leading banking, insurance, financial services, and healthcare organizations, Panorays enables businesses to optimize their defenses for each unique third-party relationship. With personalized and adaptive third-party cyber risk management, Panorays helps businesses stay ahead of emerging threats and delivers actionable remediations with strategic advantages with over 1,000 customers worldwide. The company serves enterprise and mid-market customers primarily in North America, the UK and the EU, Headquartered in New York and Israel, with offices around the world, Panorays is funded by numerous international investors, including Aleph VC, Oak HC/FT, Greenfield Partners, BlueRed Partners (Singapore), StepStone Group, Moneta VC, Imperva Co-Founder Amichai Shulman and former CEO of Palo Alto Networks Lane Bess. For more information, users can visit panorays.com or contact at [email protected]. PR Dan Edelstein InboundJunction [email protected] Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. Like many young women, Alex Clark grew up watching movies about girls who worked at fashion magazines. Early on, she knew thats what she wanted to do, too. She read every book she could find about working in the industry, and wrote a fashion column for her high school paper. In college, she minored in fashion merchandising. Now thirty-two and the host of Culture Apothecary, a conservative wellness podcast, shes glad she didnt go down the mainstream media path. Take Teen Vogue, Clark said, calling from Scottsdale, Arizona: It became a Marxist rag. She continued, What an absolute disaster that has become. (Teen Vogue was shut down in November.) Clarks first jobs in media included a role as a traffic reporter at WDJX in Louisville and cohost of a morning show at 100.9 WNOW (now WHHH) in Indianapolis. She said she didnt feel she could be openly conservative. So, in 2019, she left radio to host the Turning Point USAproduced podcast POPlitics. The following year she started The Spillover, which she rebranded in 2024 as Culture Apothecary, and shifted focus to wellness because she thought that health topics would resonate with more voters ahead of the election. Clarks show is popular: It ranks among the top ten health podcasts on Spotify. It is one of the most visible cultural products in a fast-growing wave of womens media that tackle topics like wellness, pop culture, and fashion from a right-wing perspective, presenting a glossy version of conservatism that reads as both aspirational and accessible. When I asked Clark which other womens magazines she follows, she said, Evie is crushing it. Evie, founded in 2019, is a magazine that Brittany Hugoboom, its editor in chief, describes as classier than Cosmo, sexier than Refinery29, and smarter than Bustle. Recent articles include an essay on why Taylor Swift is dreaming of the trad wife life and a listicle on the dangers of birth control. Evie also publishes Cosmopolitan-style sex tips that are mostly aimed at married couples. The Conservateur, another conservative womens magazine, was founded in 2020 by Isabelle Redfield and Jayme Franklin, both of whom worked in Trumps White House during his first administration. (Redfield was an intern; Franklin was director of correspondence after working as coalitions coordinator during the campaign.) The Conservateur is openly political, covering topics such as Vice President JD Vances relationship with his wife, Usha, and Californias Proposition 50, a contentious amendment that passed last year. At the same time, the magazine carves out a uniquely Trumpian feminine aesthetic. The soft click of heels echoing through the corridors of the West Wing, the confident cut of tailored blazers, and the gleam of stringed pearls, Bethany Miller writes in a piece that ran next to an image of the White House engulfed in a cloud of pink glitter. These are the sights and sounds of the newly appointed Trump administration. The Conservateur fit a niche that did not exist, Emma Foley, a content manager at the National Review and a contributor to The Conservateur, told me. Vogue wasand isleft-leaning. It seeks feminism, whether thats traditional feminism or this more progressive, radical ideology that just doesnt jibe with how traditional, conservative, and religious women think. And so there was an empty space in the market. Sign up for CJRs daily email The followings of Evie and The Conservateur are still relatively small compared with mainstream fashion magazines like Vogue. On Instagram, Evie and The Conservateur both have over two hundred thousand followers. But their audiences are engaged. POV the streets are clean and the border is secure, read the text over one recent image on The Conservateurs account, published alongside a caption: Its not a fantasy, its just Trumps America. Below it, users flooded the comments section with American flags and prayer hands, flames and smiling crying faces. Yassss, one user wrote. On television and online video platforms, people like Candace Owenswho recently created her own lifestyle venture, Club Candaceand Brett Cooper, the Gen Z Fox News contributor, try to appeal to a similar audience. Meanwhile, smaller independent initiatives like Evie Solheims Substack The Girls Guide, which features interviews with conservative writers that explore the intersection of culture and politics, have also started to crop up. While American women overall favored Kamala Harris in the last election, Trump made gains with the group. Support for the Republican ticket increased by 6 percent from 2020 to 2025, according to the Center for American Women and Politics. I totally attribute that to MAHA, Clark said, referring to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s antiestablishment Make America Healthy Again movement. I have had thousands of DMs of women saying I never would have voted for Trump if it wasnt for the MAHA movement and him joining forces with Bobby Kennedy. Ive had women come up to me at events and say, I never would have imagined coming to a conservative event until the MAHA movement. Clark believes Kennedy has been sent by God. Many people on the right are becoming more interested in health and wellness, because were tying it to the continuation of the strong American family, said Andrea Mew, the managing editor of IW Features, the storytelling arm of the conservative nonprofit Independent Women. Mew is also a contributing writer at Evie. Katie Gaddini, a visiting scholar at Stanford University and associate professor at the Social Research Institute at University College London, sees parallels between the exaggerated femininity and hard-bitten toughness of the women behind these media ventures and the likes of Ann Coulter and Laura Ingraham, conservative pundits who rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s and made conservatism cool and hidden and attractive and sexy in unprecedented ways. Christian women voters in particular, Gaddini said, see in these personalities a type of MAGA that they can get behind, which maybe they didnt feel was as appealing with just Trump himself. These publications are pulling women who are already conservative further to the right, Gaddini said. These platforms speak to women who want to be grounded in faith or family and still be leaders and creators, said Isabel Bogner, a reader based in Miles City, Montana, who is currently building a platform that highlights women in leadership and politics. Bogner, who is originally from Mexico and is married to a Republican member of the Montana State Senate, describes herself as a Latina living as a political wife on Instagram. She believes theres a growing audience of women who want content thats thoughtful, feminine, and values-driven. In 2024, Foley, who profiled White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt that year for The Conservateur, attended a party cohosted by the publication and the New York Young Republican Club. Spirits were high, she said. There was a three-hour open bar. These women, theyre hungry for this kind of stuff, no matter where they work, Foley said, whether thats in fashion or at Fox. Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. On Christmas Eve, the Washington Post published a story by Hannah Natanson, a reporter who works as part of a team covering the ways Donald Trump is upending the federal workforce. I am The Posts federal government whisperer. Its been brutal, the headline went. She described having been an education reporter who wandered over to Reddit, where she put out a call for anyone willing to chat. She provided her contact information on Signal, an encrypted app that Post reporters are encouraged to use. The next day, I woke at sunrise to dozens of messagesthe ruling pattern of my mornings ever since, she wrote. Before long, I would gain a new beat, a new editor and 1,169 contacts on Signal, all current or former federal employees who decided to trust me with their stories. On Wednesday morning, the FBI searched her home and seized her phone, a Garmin watch, and two laptopsone of them issued by the Post. Other journalists have been tracked, subpoenaed, or compelled to turn materials over to the government; rare is a newsroom raid, and Natansons experience is virtually without comparison. Even so, Runa Sandvikwhose lifes work is protecting journalists digital security, and who I got to know a few years ago in the course of profiling her for CJRsaid that the risk has been there for a long time. Sandvik, the former head of information security for the New York Times, now runs a consulting firm, Granitt, advising reporters, lawyers, and political activists on how to keep their data safe. Though she shares guidance on best practices, when we first met, I asked her how someone could take steps to be fully secure, and she replied: you wouldnt be online at all; you would have to live in the forest. It is normal, she told me when we just now spoke again, for law enforcement to grab as much as they can and then later on figure out which one they can search, what they can look at, which ones are actually relevant to the investigation. That the FBI could, with no prior warning and in the absence of an indictment, arrive at a journalists home with a warrant to seize the contents of her digital life reveals a vulnerability for every journalist facing the caprices of the Trump administration. There are several ways to read what happened to Natanson. The first is what the FBI is claiming: that it had a warrant to investigate Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a government contractor and Navy veteran from Maryland with a top security clearance who was believed to be in correspondence with Natanson. (Per Politico, an affidavit for the search has been sealed.) A few days ago, according to the Baltimore Sun, federal authorities charged Perez-Lugones with illegally retaining classified documents; during a raid of his home, the FBI said in an affidavit, agents found classified intelligence reports in his basement and in his lunchbox. Natanson, in that telling, was collateral damage. We are told Hannah, and The Post, are not a target, Matt Murray, the executive editor of the Post, wrote to staff. Nonetheless, this extraordinary, aggressive action is deeply concerning and raises profound questions and concerns around the constitutional protections for our work. (Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump alluded to a very bad leaker who was in jail for sharing documents related to Venezuelathe subject of Natansons most recent reporting.) Over the course of the day, the Post updated its article about the FBI and Natanson to add: The Post also received a subpoena Wednesday morning seeking information related to the same government contractor, according to a person familiar with the law enforcement action. And yet, as Sandvik said, it would not surprise me if the subpoena to the Post relates to the work laptop that was seizedas well as information about an internal tip-sharing Slack channel that Natanson mentioned in her article from December. A second way to read this case, Sandvik suggested, is as a fishing expedition masked as an investigation into a specific contractor. Kash Patel, the director of the FBI, posted a statement on X: This morning the @FBI and partners executed a search warrant of an individual at the Washington Post who was found to allegedly be obtaining and reporting classified, sensitive military information from a government contractor. Pamela Bondi, the attorney general, also tweeted a statement, saying the warrant was executed at the request of the Department of War, the Department of Justice and FBI, concerning a Washington Post journalist who was obtaining and reporting classified and illegally leaked information from a Pentagon contractor. (A Pentagon spokesperson referred CJR to the FBI. The White House referred back to Bondis tweet.) As Sandvik put it, The fact that they have now seized the equipment that she used to communicate with, like, twelve hundred different sources, I think, is disturbing. The full extent of what the FBI will be able to gather from Natansons devices will rest on her, and the Posts, digital security hygiene. It really depends on, were the devices up to date? Sandvik told me. What type of authentication was used? Was encryption enabled on the drive? Was lockdown mode enabled on the phone? Were disappearing messages used on Signal? If Natanson uses Macs, for instance, even if they are fully encrypted, that encryption only kicks in when the device is fully powered off, she said. When you power the device on and you log in that first time, that is when you unlock or decrypt the drive. The same would apply to a phone. So if she knew this and she saw the FBI outside her door, Sandvik noted, the smartest thing to do would have been to go and power off all her devices. In that scenario, the FBI would not be able to get in and review her files. The governments only recourse would be to sue Apple, which is precisely what it did in the wake of the 2015 San Bernardino shooting, though the effort was unsuccessful; the government then hired an Australian contractor to break into the suspects phones. It would then require a lot of time and effort and money from the authorities, Sandvik said. The worst-case scenario, she told me, would be if Natanson had not made use of disappearing messages and the devices were not encrypted: Theyd be able to see all the sources. Sign up for CJRs daily email Whatever the case, the situation highlights serious risks inherent to online communication between journalist and source. In her December article, Natanson, deluged in tips, described consulting with Post lawyers to develop the best approach to security: requesting that sources send her a picture of their government ID, never writing down names, using a private browserand, notably, using an encrypted drive, which was not mentioned in the coverage of Wednesdays FBI raid. And yet there was no one consulted on a digital security or technology perspective, Sandvik said. I think that theres certainly an opportunity here to come up with additional measures, like using a VPN like Mullvad, or using Tor for browsing. Over the course of the day, Post staffers, reeling from the news, wondered whether they had received enough guidance from the organizations managers on how to handle digital security. The Washington Post has a long history of zealous support for robust press freedoms, Murray told employees. The entire institution stands by those freedoms and our work. We have been in close touch with Hannah, with authorities and with legal counsel and will keep you updated as we learn more. In the meantime, the best thing all of us can do is to continue to vigorously exercise those freedoms as we do every day. (The Post did not respond to questions from CJR.) The government has said that Natanson is not under investigation, nor should she be for simply reporting information provided to her by sources, Seth Stern, the chief of advocacy at the Freedom of the Press Foundation (and a CJR contributor), said in a statement. Even the Trump DOJs guidelines on searching reporters source materials (which were weakened from prior guidelines based on the administrations proven lies about fake news) make clear that its a last resort for rare emergencies only. The administration may now be in possession of volumes of journalist communications having nothing to do with any pending investigation and, if investigators are able to access them, we have zero faith that they will respect journalist-source confidentiality. Xochitl Hinojosa, a former head of public affairs for the Justice Department, noted thatdespite the comments of public officialsNatanson obtaining material does not constitute a crime. The Department in modern history has never charged a journalist for unlawfully publishing or receiving classified information, she said, and its scary to think that this might change. At the Post, Sandvik hopes the days events prompted a conversation internally about, how do we handle this in the safest way possible? Is it a legal liability that shes receiving all of this information on a personal device? Should we rethink how were receiving and how were storing and disseminating and working with all of this information? What is the safest way to do it, legally, from a physical security point of view, from a digital security point of view, and also emotionally? More broadly, she said, what I really, really hope that other newsrooms and journalists take away from this is to really look at their own practices internally and figure out, Okay, well, what can we now learn from what happened in this case? What are we doing or not doing that could either put us in the same spot or prevent some of the things that have happened or may have happened or now could happen? Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. Last Wednesday, Representative Anna Paulina Luna, a Trump-supporting Instagram star turned lawmaker, introduced a motion in the House Oversight Committee to subpoena the journalist Seth Harp for allegedly leaking classified information and doxing. Harps crime? Tweeting the photo and public biography of an officer he identified as the commander of Delta Force, the elite Army unit that spearheaded the January 3 operation to capture Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The public identification of a covert or sensitive special operations servicemember, particularly one actively associated with a classified or partially classified military operation, creates foreseeable and substantial risks to operational security, the safety of US service members and their families, and the effectiveness of future intelligence and military operations, Luna wrote in a letter to the Department of Justice she later posted on X. Press freedom organizations condemned Lunas subpoena, characterizing it as an attempt to intimidate journalists reporting on sensitive stories. Throughout his career, Harp has reported critically on the US Special Forces, as well as on US foreign policy more broadly, reads a letter to the Speaker and minority leader of the House of Representatives that was signed by groups including Defending Rights & Dissent, PEN America, the National Writers Union, and the American Civil Liberties Union. While members of Congress are, as individuals, entitled under the First Amendment to disagree with Harp, they cannot abuse the compulsory process to retaliate against journalists. For his part, Harp, a contributing editor at Rolling Stone and the author of The Fort Bragg Cartel: Drug Trafficking and Murder in the Special Forces, which investigates the dark side of a premier special operations base in North Carolina, maintains that the commanders identity is not classified, and even if it were, that reporters have a constitutional right to publish information the government wants to keep secret. I know what I know because they themselves put it on a public website or turned the documents over through FOIA, and thats it, Harp told me. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity. CAG: A lot of this took place on X, but you were locked out of your account, and in order for you to log back in, some of your posts had to be taken down. So what happened? SH: I posted the online biography of a high-ranking Special Forces officer, and I didnt expect it to be of interestor of that broad interestexcept to specialists and people who have read my book. But it kind of turned into a tempest in a teapot, with a bunch of people angry about it and trying to describe it as doxing, etc. What I posted came from a publicly facing biography that was written either by the man himself or someone acting at his direction. Rep. Luna posted Wednesday on X that she made a motion to subpoena you for doxing and that it passed unanimously with support from both Democrats and Republicans out of committee and will be sent. Have you received a subpoena? Sign up for CJRs daily email Ive heard conflicting reports. She says that it was unanimous, but people who were present there told me that they heard audible no votes. I will say that Robert Garcia, who is the ranking Democratic member on that committee, very disappointingly went along with this. And thats just unfortunate and disappointing, that the Democrat didnt do anything to resist this blatant attempt to intimidate and silence the press. My understanding is that the subpoena was all Rep. Lunas doing, and the other members voted for it out of procedural convenience to get those Epstein-related subpoenas out the door. But no, the subpoena has not been served, and subpoenas for journalists are extremely rare and often walked back. The committee still has the opportunity to do the right thing and either not serve the subpoena, not enforce it, or vote to rescind it. If instead they insist on hauling me before Congress, I will use the forum to defend the freedom of the press, condemn the entitled culture of secrecy around extralegal military units like Delta Force, and call attention to the systemic problems in the Special Forces at Fort Bragg, including drug trafficking, overdoses, and unsolved murders. As a lawyer, an Army veteran, and a journalist, do you think this is just hot air? Does it represent a real risk to journalists and the First Amendment, or is it more of a MAGA-generated distraction? I think that even the threat of a subpoena on a journalist whos doing legitimate reporting about high-ranking US military officials at the center of massive breaking news stories has a chilling effect on the entire profession and is an abuse of Congresss subpoena power. I dont know what theyre going to do beyond that. I dont know whether theyre going to issue it or not. But I have to take the possibility seriously. Do you see a connection between whats happening to you and the Pentagons new reporting rules, both the version proposed in September that said reporters needed to get official sign-off before publishing defense information and the current, revised version that penalizes soliciting via callouts and other normal reporting strategies? Absolutely. Its all part of a concerted effort by the administration to run roughshod over the First Amendment and try to bring the press to heel by forcing them to only disseminate narratives that are friendly to the administration and the military operations its carrying out, including all their regime-change operations and attacks on foreign countries. They dont want the free press to be able to report independently on this stuff. They just want propagandists who will toe their line, and they are going to use anything in their power to try to punish working reporters who dont go along with what they want. Mediaite initially claimed that you doxed the Delta Force commander. You later wrote on X that you got them to dial back their story under threat of a defamation suit. Can you tell me a little more about what happened there? The original Mediaite story, by Sean James, was full of factual errors. Some of them were damaging; some were just inexplicable. They did accuse me of doxing. Doxing can be a crime, and in many jurisdictions it is. That word refers to publishing personally identifiable, nonpublic information: someones birthday, their Social Security number, their home address, their phone number, names of their family members, pictures of their houses, things like that. I did nothing of the sort. To identify a high-ranking US military official at the center of a breaking news event cannot, under any circumstances, be described as doxing. Thats just reporting; its just journalism. So they made major changes to the story after I threatened to take them to court for libel. I read that youve sold close to a hundred thousand copies of your recent book about Delta Force, which is also being made into an HBO series. How have you been using social media to get that story out, and do you see your Venezuela posts as part of that continuing project? I certainly didnt do anything with the intention of selling more books or promoting anything. Thats not how I think. If it has that inadvertent effect, well, thats just the natural result of people wondering, Who is this journalist that the government wants to silence? Its natural that they would then take an interest in the book; then it would sell more copies. But thats not why Im doing what Im doing. Its not even why I wrote the book. Delta Force is a secret military unit that acts at the direction of the US president, often carrying out offensive operations, assassinations, and abduction missions in foreign countries with which the United States is not at war, keeping all its operations secret from the public. To me, all of this offends the foundational principles of our country, and is not the kind of thing that we want to have in a free and open society. Ive been very critical of excessive military secrecy in the past, and my book is about the sort of abuses that are allowed to take place, the sort of criminality and lawlessness and impunity that flourishes when you have these massive military organizations completely insulated from outside scrutiny. Your book isnt about Venezuela, but how do the subjects it explores help us understand what happened there? Well, its another example of this military unit being the tool thats used by the imperial presidency to effect regime change in foreign countries that the US isnt at war with, in operations that nobody voted for, and which dont benefit the people of the United States in any way. You mentioned that subpoenas of journalists are extremely rare. Could that be changing? Is this something we might be seeing more in the coming months or years? I hope it doesnt become more common. But again, were dealing with an administration that wants to silence the press, that wants to bring the entire press corps to heel and obligate them, through threats and coercion, to only publish stories that enhance and benefit its own narratives about its military operations abroad. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement is not relevant for the U.S. but Canada wants it, as he pushed for companies to bring manufacturing back to American soil. Theres no real advantage to it, its irrelevant, Trump said. Canada would love it. Canada wants it. They need it. The Detroit Three are heavily reliant on supply chains that include significant parts production in Mexico and Canada and all three produce hundreds of thousands of vehicles annually in both countries. Major automakers including Tesla, Toyota and Ford in November urged the Trump administration to extend USMCA, saying it is crucial to American auto production. The automakers, which also included General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Volkswagen and Stellantis. The American Automotive Policy Council, representing the Detroit Three automakers, said USMCA enables automakers operating in the U.S. to compete globally through regional integration, which delivers efficiency gains and accounts for tens of billions of dollars in annual savings. Mark Reuss, president of General Motors, said at an event Tuesday: Our supply chains go all the way through all three countries. Its not simple. Its very complex, he said. The whole North American piece of that is a big strength. Trump made the comments as he toured a Ford factory in Dearborn, Michigan, ahead of a speech on the economy he is delivering in Detroit. The problem is we dont need their product. You know, we dont need cars made in Canada. We dont need cars made in Mexico. We want to take them here. And thats whats happening, he said. Stellantis said in November that under 15% tariffs with Japan, U.S. vehicles complying with North American content rules will continue to lose market share to Asian imports, to the detriment of American automotive workers. The USMCA is up for review this year to decide whether it will be left to expire or another deal will be worked out. The trade pact, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement in 2020 and was negotiated during Trumps first term as president, requires the three countries to hold a joint review after six years. (Reporting by Erickson, Shepardson, Hall and Jackson; Editing by Caitlin Webber and Chizu Nomiyama ) Artificial intelligence continues to be at the center of Experians annual breach forecast for 2026, with the scope, frequency and cost of cyber incidents heavily influenced by the technology. AI makes its way into many of the predictions in Experians Data Breach Industry Forecast. Michael Bruemmer, vice president of global data breach resolution, and Jim Steven, head of crisis & data response services, UK, said agentic AI systems could be exploited by savvy hackers who might inject their AI agents to disrupt the orchestration or governance of the victims AI agents. At a minimum, this disruption could impact an organizations operations or siphon money, goods, or information, or perform ransomware-like operations, said Experian. AI agents are the next frontier for fraud and cybercrime, and we predict this may overtake human error as the leading cause of data breaches. With the use of AI, hackers might also be able to extract data at an unprecedented rate and stitch together enriched identity profiles. Experian warns: Get ready for a potentially massive spike in identity theft. Or, AI capabilities could bolster the spread of mutating malicious codepolymorphic or metamorphic malware. AIs presence could also be used in conjunction with quantum computing, which many companies see as one of the largest cybersecurity threats over the next handful of years. Experian said quantum computing is already driving increased attacks, and it could be used to break encryption methods, which for now is an effort thwarted by AI security technology. But the next year data-breach-prevention firms will accelerate quantum versions of their offerings to stay ahead of potential fraud, Experian predicted. Malaysias communications regulator said on Tuesday it will take legal action against social media platform X due to concerns over user safety in relation to artificial intelligence feature Grok. The generative AI chatbot Grok has sparked a global backlash by allowing users to create and publish sexualised images, prompting authorities around the world to take action against xAI, the Elon Musk-led firm behind the chatbot. Malaysia and Indonesia temporarily blocked Grok over the weekend, while Britains media regulator launched an investigation into Musks X and French officials have reported the social media firm to prosecutors and regulators. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said it has identified the misuse of Grok to generate and disseminate harmful content, including obscene, sexually explicit, indecent, grossly offensive, and non-consensual manipulated images. Content allegedly involving women and minors is of serious concern Such conduct contravenes Malaysian law and undermines the entities stated safety commitments, the commission said in a statement. xAI replied to a Reuters email seeking comment with what seemed to be an automated response: Legacy Media Lies. X did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Malaysias communications regulator said it served notices to X and xAI this month to remove the harmful content but said no action has been taken by the firms. Muslim-majority Malaysia has strict laws governing online content, including a ban on obscene and pornographic materials. Malaysian authorities consider online gambling, scams, child pornography and grooming, cyberbullying and content related to race, religion and royalty as harmful. (Reporting by Azhar and Latiff; Editing by Christopher Cushing, Martin Petty) The cost of insuring ships sailing through the Black Sea is surging again, as spiraling attacks on vessels underscore the growing risk of hauling commodities through the region. Underwriters are now charging about 1% of the value of a ship for calls at any port in the region, according to people involved in the market. Thats up from about 0.7% at the end of last month. The surge is a sign of the intensifying danger of sailing in a waterway that has been designated as risky by insurers for almost three years, but where attacks are steadily mounting. In the past few days, two oil tankers were struck near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium loading terminal, which is a vital location for exporting Kazakh barrels. Ukraine said earlier in the week that two ships, one due to carry grains and another transporting soybeans were also struck by Russian forces. We are certainly seeing an increase in the tempo and frequency of attacks, said Martin Kelly, head of advisory at EOS Risk Group. There is no specific profile that is higher risk at present, other than calling at Russian and Ukrainian Black Sea ports and terminals. Some ships have been adopting new ways to avoid attack, though they havent all been successful. Some have been sailing close to the Turkish coastline, rather than across the center of the Black Sea in the hope of avoiding Ukrainian drones. Still, an oil tanker was reportedly struck about 30 miles from Turkish shores last week local media reported. Others have turned to switching off their digital tracking systems, though that offered little protection for the vessels attacked on Tuesday. Top photo: A ship navigates the Bosphorus Strait as the sun rises on May 03, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. The Bosphorus Strait in Turkey, links the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, and is a natural continental boundary between Asia and Europe. It is a vital shipping transit route allowing maritime connections from the Black Sea all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean making it a crucial shipping route for the movement of goods worldwide. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images). Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Mokena, Illinois January 14, 2026 As claims handling grows more complex and cost pressures continue to rise, insurers, MGAs, and risk managers are taking a closer look at how Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) influence outcomes across the entire claim lifecycle. Selecting the right TPA is no longer a back-office decisionit is a strategic choice that directly affects cycle time, indemnity leakage, documentation quality, and policyholder experience. In heavy equipment and commercial trucking claims, the stakes are particularly high. These losses involve specialized assets, customized machinery, evolving technology, and multi-vendor coordination. When valuation or investigation is treated as a routine administrative step, inaccuracies can lead to supplements, rework, delays, and disputes. Industry data shows that supplements in commercial trucking claims routinely range from 20% to 25%, contributing to extended cycle times and increased claim severity. Veritas Claims has built its Third-Party Claims Administrator model around one clear insight: specialization in the right places unlocks better results. Rather than applying a generalized approach, Veritas focuses exclusively on heavy equipment, commercial trucking, and specialized assets. Its integrated service model brings appraisal, investigation, towing and storage, subrogation, and resolution together under a single operational framework, ensuring consistency and accountability from intake through closure. At Veritas, weve built a Third Party Administrator model that thrives where others struggle, within the complex world of heavy equipment and commercial trucking claims, said Mike Bruno, CEO and Founder of Veritas Claims. As the industry loses technical expertise, weve doubled down on specialization, data, and people who truly understand this work from the ground up. Thats what keeps Veritas ahead of the curve, turning every claim into an opportunity for clarity, savings, and trust. This approach delivers practical value. Accurate, defensible appraisals reduce unnecessary supplements. Integrated coordination minimizes touchpoints. Clear documentation supports confident settlement decisions. In many cases, the efficiencies gained through reduced leakage and faster resolution outweigh the cost of services themselves, transforming claims handling from a cost center into a value contributor. To further support industry education and transparency, Veritas is working alongside Crowdcreate, an insurance marketing agency, to expand its thought leadership and digital presence. The collaboration focuses on sharing operational insights, data-backed analysis, and practical guidance to help insurers better understand how specialized TPAs drive measurable results. For organizations evaluating their claims partners, the conclusion is straightforward: the most effective TPAs are those built for the work they handle. In specialized claims environments, expertise, integration, and precision remain the defining factors of long-term performance. Contact: GV Drilon, hello@crowdcreate.us, (424) 432-0801 After a brief warm(er) spell, winter weather is back in Northeast Ohio. As much as 6 to 10 inches of snow accumulation is expected across the greater Cleveland area from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday evening, according to the National Weather Service. NWS issued a lake effect snow warning for counties including Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Ashtabula Inland and Ashtabula Lakeshore. The warning is in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday. Rain showers on Wednesday afternoon will quickly change to snow showers, resulting in lake effect snow for the remainder of Wednesday and into Thursday. Wind chill temperatures are expected to drop throughout Wednesday, possibly as low as 0 degrees Wednesday night and Thursday morning, according to NWS. Those dipping temperatures could create icy roads and hazardous conditions for travelers, including icy roads and reduced visibility. Wind gusts of 15 to 25 mph are also expected to create patchy blowing snow Wednesday and Thursday, further impacting evening and morning commutes. Areas east of Cleveland will see the highest snowfall totals from this winter storm. Here's what to expect Wednesday and Thursday. (NWS) NWS On Thursday, wind chills are expected to range between zero and 5 degrees, said NWS meteorologist Keith Jaszka. The coldest wind chills will likely occur right around day break. Lake effect snow is also expected to remain steady to heavy Thursday morning into early afternoon, Jaszka added. However, that lake effect snow is expected to begin to weaken by late Thursday afternoon. Hungarian justice minister hails contributions of Chinese enterprises Xinhua) 11:10, January 14, 2026 This photo taken on Jan. 13, 2026 shows a breakfast meeting co-hosted by the Hungarian Ministry of Justice and the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Hungary in Budapest, Hungary, on Jan. 13, 2026. Hungarian Minister of Justice Bence Tuzson on Tuesday praised the contributions of Chinese enterprises to Hungary's economic and social development. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua) BUDAPEST, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian Minister of Justice Bence Tuzson on Tuesday praised the contributions of Chinese enterprises to Hungary's economic and social development. Speaking at a breakfast meeting co-hosted here by the Hungarian Ministry of Justice and the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Hungary, Tuzson said the Hungarian government is promoting the development of digital rule of law and is committed to improving judicial facilitation to effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses operating in the country. The minister also answered questions from enterprise representatives regarding the legal systems of the European Union and Hungary. Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao said at the meeting that economic and trade cooperation between the two nations has yielded fruitful results, noting that cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as digital economy and artificial intelligence continues to deepen, while judicial exchanges have grown increasingly close. The ambassador expressed the hope that the Hungarian side will continue to foster a fair and transparent legal environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Hungary, and to promote bilateral pragmatic cooperation at a high level. Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao (3rd L) sepaks during a breakfast meeting in Budapest, Hungary, on Jan. 13, 2026. Hungarian Minister of Justice Bence Tuzson on Tuesday praised the contributions of Chinese enterprises to Hungary's economic and social development. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua) Hungarian Minister of Justice Bence Tuzson (2nd R) speaks during a breakfast meeting in Budapest, Hungary, on Jan. 13, 2026. Hungarian Minister of Justice Bence Tuzson on Tuesday praised the contributions of Chinese enterprises to Hungary's economic and social development. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The death toll from protests in Iran has reached 2,571 people, the U.S.-based HRANA rights group said on Wednesday, as the Islamic Republic's clerical rulers face the biggest wave of dissent in years. U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranians on Tuesday to keep protesting, promising help is on the way. Iranian officials, however, have accused U.S. and Israel of fueling violence in the country and blamed the deaths on "terrorist operatives" receiving foreign guidance to instigate. The group said it had so far verified the deaths of 2,403 protesters, 147 government-affiliated individuals, 12 people aged under 18 and nine non-protester civilians. An Iranian official said on Tuesday about 2,000 people had been killed, the first time authorities have given an overall death toll from more than two weeks of nationwide unrest. Asked what he meant by "help is on its way", Trump told reporters they would have to figure that out. Trump has said military action is among the options he is weighing to punish Iran over the crackdown. The unrest, sparked by dire economic conditions, has posed the biggest internal challenge to Iran's rulers for at least three years and has come at a time of intensifying international pressure after Israeli and U.S. strikes last year. QINGDAO, CHINA - JANUARY 13, 2026 - The cargo ship is loading and unloading foreign trade containers at Qingdao Port in Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China on January 13, 2026. Cfoto | Future Publishing | Getty Images China's exports growth in December sharply beat expectations, catapulting the annual trade surplus to a record high, while imports rose at their fastest pace in three months. Exports surged 6.6% in U.S. dollar terms last month from a year earlier, Chinese customs data showed Wednesday, topping analysts' median estimate for a 3% growth and accelerating from a 5.9% jump in November. Imports rose 5.7% in December from a year earlier, topping expectations for a 0.9% growth strongest since September last year when they climbed 7.4%, according to LSEG data. China's exports for the full year grew 5.5% while imports stayed flat, taking Beijing's trade surplus to $1.19 trillion, up 20% from 2024. Shipments to the U.S. plunged 30% in December from a year ago declining for a ninth straight month while imports from the country dropped 29%, customs data showed. Signaling a sharp drop in trade with the U.S. in 2025 amid tariff tensions, China's exports to the country dropped 20% while imports declined 14.6%. Lv Daliang, spokesperson for China's customs authority, told reporters Wednesday that the trade relations with the U.S. should be "mutually-beneficial," calling for "dialogue and negotiation" to resolve issues and expand cooperation. As Chinese exporters have ramped up shipments to non-U.S. markets, the growing trade imbalance has prompted concerns from major trading partners, including the European Union. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in a December press conference urged Beijing to shift away from relying on exports for growth and accelerate its push to boost domestic consumption. Surplus worries China's trade surplus is going to have as destructive an impact on the global trading system as Trump's tariffs, said Eswar Prasad, a senior fellow at Brookings Institution, as the country's sluggish domestic demand drags down global growth. Nations around the world are likely to seek protection for their own economies by erecting trade barriers, Prasad cautioned. Chinese officials in December pledged to expand imports and work toward balancing trade. China's exports to the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations rose 12% and 11%, respectively, in December, while imports from the European nations expanded 18% and fell 5% from Southeast Asian countries. The nearly $19 trillion economy has struggled to shake off deflationary pressure as a deepening real estate collapse has weighed on household demand and a weak job market has clouded consumer confidence. Consumer prices in the country stayed flat in 2025, missing the official target of around 2% increase. The World Bank in its report released Tuesday raised its forecast for China's growth in 2026 to 4.4%, 0.4 percentage point higher than its June projection, anticipating further fiscal stimulus, continued resilience of exports and improved investment sentiment. Zhiwei Zhang, president and chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, said Beijing will likely keep its macro policy stance unchanged at least in the first quarter, as strong exports growth has helped mitigate soft domestic demand and trade tensions with the U.S. have eased. Subscribe now Weekly analysis and insights from Asia's largest economy in your inbox China and U.S. in October agreed to roll back a series of export-control measures and higher tariffs in a 1-year trade truce, following a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his American counterpart Donald Trump. Beijing also pledged to buy at least 12 million tons of U.S. soybeans over the next two months. According to the official data, the country bought 111.8 million tons of soybeans last year, up 6.5% from the 2024 level. In December, its imports of the crop were up only 1.3% at 8 million tons. China's exports of rare earths jumped 32% in December to 4,392 tons and throughout the year, its shipments of the critical mineral were 12.9% more than the previous year. China is set to release next Monday its annual and fourth-quarter gross domestic product data. Economists polled by Reuters expected the world's second largest economy to have expanded 4.5% in the final quarter. Beijing had set it growth target for 2025 at around 5%. US President Donald Trump speaks to the press upon returning to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 13, 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post on Tuesday that he had "cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials," and reiterated his support for protestors fueling one of the largest anti-government demonstrations in the Middle Eastern country. Trump's move suggests that diplomatic methods aimed at compelling Tehran to cease its violent crackdown on protestors might be off the table for now. WTI crude and global benchmark Brent saw prices jump more than 2.5% during U.S. trading hours as Washington's involvement in Iran a major oil producer which has influence over the Strait of Hormuz could destabilize the oil market. Elsewhere, U.S. stocks dipped even though the core consumer price index for December came in cooler than expected. "We've seen this movie before inflation isn't reheating, but it remains above target," wrote Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Trump's continued attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, which include "jerk" and "bad Fed person," among other epithets, are likely to have stoked investor worries as well. "Anything that chips away at [central bank independence] is probably not a great idea, and in my view, it will have the reverse consequences," JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said on a call with media Tuesday. "It will raise inflation expectations and probably increase rates over time." President Donald Trump and Denmark have a "fundamental disagreement" over the kingdom's ownership of Greenland that was not resolved during a meeting with top U.S. officials in Washington on Wednesday, a Danish official said. "For us, ideas that would not respect territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, and the right of self-determination of the Greenlandic people are, of course, totally unacceptable," Danish Foreign Affairs Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told reporters after the meeting. "But we also agree to disagree, and therefore we will, however, continue to talk," Rasmussen said during a news conference at the Danish Embassy. Greenland's foreign minister, Vivian Matzfeldt, stressed "how important it is from our side to strengthen our cooperation with [the] United States." "But that doesn't mean that we want to be owned by [the] United States," she added. The comments following the meeting with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio came as Trump continues to demand that Greenland become a part of the U.S. Before the talks began, Trump said on social media that anything less than Greenland becoming a part of the United States would be "unacceptable." Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. The flags of Denmark, left, and Greenland fly side-by-side outside Hotel Soma in Ilulissat, Greenland, on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Juliette Pavy | Bloomberg | Getty Images LONDON European stocks advanced on Wednesday as investors in the region focus on an upcoming meeting between U.S., Greenlandic and Danish officials to discuss the Arctic island's future. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index finished the session up almost 0.2%, edging higher to touch a record high. All eyes were on a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greenlandic and Danish officials on Wednesday, with talks set to focus on President Donald Trump's repeated advances toward "acquiring" the semi-autonomous Danish territory. Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly said the Arctic island is not for sale, but Trump has mooted the possibility of using military force to seize the mineral-rich island. In corporate news, oil giant BP warned on Wednesday that it expects to take impairment charges of between $4 billion and $5 billion for the fourth quarter of 2025. The company said those charges were related to its gas and low carbon energy units, and would be excluded from underlying replacement cost profit. It also warned that it expects its oil trading result to be weaker in the period, compared to the third quarter. BP's London-listed shares ended the day almost 1.2% higher. Meanwhile, shares of mining giant Fresnillo the world's leading silver producer touched on a record high shortly after the open before retreating by mid-afternoon, finishing the day down 0.4%. It came after spot silver rose above $90 an ounce for the first time. Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Spot silver price U.S. Vice President JD Vance (L) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio join President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in the Oval Office at the White House on February 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Trump administration is poised for crunch talks with Greenlandic and Danish officials on Wednesday, amid the U.S. president's ongoing push to take control of Greenland. Greenland Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and her Danish counterpart, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, are expected to convene at the White House for talks with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. U.S. President Donald Trump doubled down on his aggressive rhetoric shortly before the high-stakes meeting. In a social media post on Wednesday, the U.S. president said anything less than Greenland becoming a part of the United States would be "unacceptable." "The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it," Trump said on Truth Social. "NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable," he added. In a subsequent social media post, Trump said only the U.S. could counter an alleged threat from Russia and China to the island. His comments come just one day after Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen portrayed a united front against Trump's takeover threats. Speaking at a joint news conference in Copenhagen on Tuesday, Greenland's Nielsen said that if the self-governing Danish territory must choose between the U.S. and Denmark, "we choose Denmark." Frederiksen also said it had not been easy to stand up to what she described as "completely unacceptable pressure" from our closest ally. "But there is much to suggest that the hardest part is still ahead of us." In this article GTEC Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT In this photo illustration portraits of US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are displayed on computer screen as US flag is seen. Dilara Irem Sancar | Anadolu | Getty Images In 10 days, Donald Trump captured the Venezuelan president, spooked European leaders with talk of annexing Greenland, and imposed 25% tariffs on anyone trading with Iran. The common thread may be America's determination to challenge China and its dominance of critical minerals. By deposing Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro and taking over the country's oil industry, the U.S. can curb Chinese access to crucial resources and mining investments. By annexing Greenland, it could keep rivals out of emerging trade routes and, potentially, mining of minerals. By tariffing anyone trading with Iran, as protests threaten the survival of its regime, the U.S. can penalize both the Middle Eastern country and China for buying oil from it. "The connection here is the U.S.-China rivalry, and to a lesser extent U.S.-Russia strategic frictions," Dan Alamariu, chief geopolitical strategist at Alpine Macro, told CNBC over email. "The U.S. simply doesn't want either China or Russia or Iran for that matter operating out of Venezuela. It doesn't want Chinese economic influence in Greenland, while it wants to counter Russian pushes into the Arctic. And it wants to weaken Iran and Venezuela, which are Beijing and Moscow friendly." watch now Russia and China have been attracted to Greenland by the warming of the Arctic, which is melting the ice sheet and making the island's critical minerals increasingly viable, Guy Kioni, the CEO of Missang, a consultancy, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Jan. 12. As a result, political and commercial interest in the self-governing Danish territory has increased in recent years. Critical minerals are needed for everything from EVs to aerospace and defense, while new trade routes in the Arctic have also emerged in what's been dubbed the Polar Silk Road. Washington is determined to deny such "strategic locations" and resources to its rivals, Alamariu added. Curbing energy supply China has a near-monopoly on rare earths. It controls 60% of the world's mining and more than 90% of processing capacity, per the International Energy Agency. At the moment, the country has an "untapped advantage," Kioni said. "Without energy, that advantage then reduces," he said, noting that annexing Greenland would also give the U.S. access to abundant green energy and help it "come to balance China." Kioni added that U.S. actions against two countries that both provide oil to China Venezuela and Iran are intended to constrain its energy supply, and processing rare earths is energy intensive. Venezuela's cheap oil of which up to 50 million barrels are expected to flow to the U.S. may then help Washington secure its own processing capabilities. Building processing capacity for rare earths is more important to the U.S. than mining them, Alamariu said. "Greenland is important in this context, but not make-or-break." He added: "To be a great power, a country needs to have cheap power." "Neither Venezuela nor Iran are major rare earths producers, though both are obviously major energy ones," Alamariu said, adding they both have "not insignificant" mining industries. Critical minerals maneuvers Trump is encouraging U.S companies to re-enter Venezuela and invest $100 billion there. Chinese companies, many of which are state-owned, have invested $4.8 billion in the South American country the last two decades, per data compiled by the U.S.-based research firm Rhodium Group. Beijing has also loaned Caracas cash, meaning the U.S.' intervention puts its investments at risk. watch now China is also heavily invested in mineral-rich Africa. However, the continent's distance from the U.S. and existing Chinese presence may keep it from being a U.S. target, according to Kioni. "Greenland is completely different. They are geographically near the U.S., and that's why it's important for the U.S., not only to partner, but also to have control over the territory," he said. The U.S. created a critical mineral framework with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in December. A similar one for Greenland could be an outcome of Wednesday's talks between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Danish leaders representing Greenland, Kioni said. Australia and Malaysia have also signed deals with the U.S. on critical minerals, but allies will likely be watching events in Greenland closely. So far, the markets have largely shrugged off threats to use military force. Doing so against another NATO member would make American allies question the benefits of alignment, including countries in Asia, Alamariu said. "What is the benefit of an ally that asks for parts of your territory? Were this pursued, it would severely weaken U.S. global power, as it will likely lead to loss of major allies," he said 'An emerging bi-polar world' Moving against Venezuela was also about removing "non-American powers from the Western Hemisphere," Alamariu said, as is agitating to annex Greenland, although that is "potentially far more risky and extremely controversial." Iran is farther away, but China is its top trading partner. Trump's hard line on Iran is partly about the Mideast oil "and China does import a significant share of its energy from the Persian Gulf" but also about its nuclear and missile capabilities, support for movements the U.S. designates terrorists, its drive for regional hegemony, and its longstanding enmity with the U.S., Alamariu said. "The fact that Iran is geopolitically closer to Russia and China is another reason," he added. He said that the U.S.-China rivalry was "the main thread" between Trump's actions, adding this is "increasingly defining the geopolitical and geoeconomic environment. We live in an emerging bipolar world." But, while the U.S. seeks to contain or counter Chinese influence, it is not seeking direct conflict with Beijing, Alamariu said, adding that detente and summits between Presidents Trump and Xi are widely expected to happen this year. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said Wednesday that the electric vehicle maker will stop selling its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software for a flat rate and instead will only offer it as a monthly subscription. "Tesla will stop selling FSD after Feb 14," Musk said in an early morning post on his social media platform X. "FSD will only be available as a monthly subscription thereafter." Shares of the company closed 1.8% lower on Wednesday. FSD, which starts at $99 per month, is key to the future of the company as Musk tries to establish Tesla as a leader in autonomous mobility. The one-time price was $8,000. Tesla's FSD requires a human driver at the wheel, ready to steer or brake at any time, and does not turn the company's vehicles into self-driving cars. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company does not regularly disclose how many people subscribe to or actively use the FSD software. On Tesla's third-quarter earnings call in October, CFO Vaibhav Taneja said that "the total paid FSD customer base is still small, around 12% of our current fleet." Tesla launched a robotaxi service with limited availability in Austin, Texas, last year, a service that includes human safety supervisors on board. Tesla also offers a ride-hailing service in San Francisco, with drivers at the wheel. Tesla hasn't obtained permits required in California that would allow it to test or operate autonomous vehicles without a driver at the wheel there. In December, the state's Department of Motor Vehicles found Tesla has engaged in false advertising around the capabilities of its "self-driving" systems, and the company is also facing a consumer class action suit on the matter that's now on appeal. Netflix is likely to amend its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery's assets, making an all-cash bid, CNBC's David Faber reported on Wednesday. In December, Netflix reached a deal to purchase WBD's streaming platform HBO Max and the Warner Bros. film studio in a transaction comprised of cash and stock. The deal is currently valued at $27.75 per WBD share. This would put the deal's equity value at $72 billion, with a total enterprise value of approximately $82.7 billion. Bloomberg first reported this week that Netflix was considering adjusting its offer to be all-cash. An amended offer would allow WBD shareholders to vote to approve the offer on a faster timeline, Faber reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Under the current deal, shareholders are expected to vote on the deal in the spring or early summer, Faber reported. Deals comprised of stock typically mean more financials and accounting need to be issued as part of seeking approval, which requires more time and expense, Faber added. If Netflix were to make its offer all-cash the shareholder vote could move up to as early as late February or early March, Faber reported. The change would come as Paramount Skydance has turned up the heat on its hostile push to acquire all of Warner Bros. Discovery's business. Earlier this week Paramount sued Warner Bros. Discovery and CEO David Zaslav seeking more information about why the company's board continues to reject its $30 per share offer in favor of Netflix. Paramount has repeatedly argued its deal is superior in value, given the estimated value of Warner Bros. Discovery's TV networks. It has also amended its bid to solidify the backing of Oracle co-founder and billionaire Larry Ellison, the father of Paramount CEO David Ellison. US President Donald Trump speaks during a signing ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. Oil prices fell more than 1% Wednesday after President Donald Trump signaled he might not attack Iran. U.S. crude oil fell 95 cents, or 1.55%, to $60.20 per barrel by 4:17 p.m. ET. Global benchmark Brent was down 93 cents, or 1.42%, to $64.54. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that "we've been told that the killing in Iran is stopping. It's stopped. It's stopping and there's no plan for executions." The president had previously threatened to take "very strong action" against the Islamic Republic if it executes protestors. Oil prices had closed more than 1% higher Wednesday, but suddenly swung lower in extended trading as the market interpreted Trump's remarks as a sign that strikes might not be imminent. Trump said the U.S. is monitoring the situation in Iran when asked directly whether military action is off the table. Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026. Mahsa | Afp | Getty Images As Iran's future hangs in the balance as civil unrest gathers steam, its powerful ally Russia can do little but watch and wait as the U.S. ponders its next move against the Islamic Republic. U.S. President Donald Trump has not ruled out using military strikes against the conservative religious regime that has ruled Iran since 1979. On Tuesday, he repeated that threat, warning the U.S. would take "very strong action" if Iran executed arrested protestors. Trump has already said any country doing business with Iran would be hit with a 25% tariff. Russia will be focused on how events unfold in Iran given Tehran's position as a key strategic, military, economic and trade partner for Moscow in the Middle East. The prospect of another ally falling in the Middle East will be a worrying one for Moscow, particularly after it has seen its alliances with Venezuela, Syria and the Caucasus upended recently, denting its power and influence abroad. "Moscow sees the potential loss of Iran as a much more significant risk to both its regional national posture than it saw the loss of Syria, Venezuela, or arguably its influence in Armenia over the last few years," Max Hess, founder of political risk consultancy Enmetena Advisory, told CNBC on Tuesday. "The reason for this is because Iran is itself a regional power projector, which offers Russia a platform to build alliances and expand its own influence," he said. Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures as Iranian Minister of Petroleum Javad Owji (second from left) looks on during the welcoming ceremony at the airport on July 19, 2022, in Tehran, Iran. Putin and his Turkish counterpart Erdogan arrived in Iran for the summit. Contributor | Getty Images News | Getty Images Mario Bikarski, senior analyst of Europe and Central Asia at Verisk Maplecroft, agreed that any regime collapse would be worrying for Moscow, and could also unleash wider regional instability in the Caucasus region that separates Russia and Iran. "There have been Iranian protests in the past, and Russia has always looked at them but never reacted, because they probably hoped that the Iranian regime will be able to withstand the pressure. But [this time] the pressure has been building up, and it's not only domestic, it's also external," he told CNBC on Tuesday. watch now "Should the Iranian regime fall, Russia would probably have to scramble and find new ways to ensure that instability does not reach its borders, and also that it's maintaining some influence in the region," he said. If a leadership vacuum emerged in Iran and rival factions vied for power, leading to further violence and unrest, that would mean "big security trouble for Russia and for a lot of other countries in the region," Bikarski warned. Nuanced partnership Neither the Kremlin nor Russian President Vladimir Putin have commented on the events unfolding in Iran, although a muted response from Russia's leadership is not uncommon when it's trying to gauge the outcome of a particular event and how its strategic interests are impacted. Russian state media has downplayed coverage of the protests in Iran, but Russian officials have blamed the unrest on "foreign interference" without presenting evidence to back up such claims. Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement Tuesday that the unrest could lead to "disastrous consequences ... for the situation in the Middle East and global international security." Meanwhile, Sergei Shoigu, the secretary of Russia's Security Council, decried what he described as "attempts by foreign powers to interfere in Iran's internal affairs," echoing Iranian accusations of Western interference. A shared anti-Western ideology has been a bonding factor for Russia and Iran, as have international sanctions, which meant that Iran was one of the few international partners that Moscow could rely on for military hardware help after it invaded Ukraine in 2022. The relationship has significantly deepened during the war, with Iran supplying Russia with "Shahed" attack drones and, allegedly, missiles, ammunition and artillery for use in the war. Tehran admits it supplied drones to Russia but said it did so before the war. In return, Iran reportedly received military technology and intelligence from Russia, as well as funding for its space and missile programs. Tehran was also believed to have coveted Russian Su-35 fighter aircraft and S-400 air defense missile systems, but it's unclear whether it ever received these. Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (L) during their meeting, October 11, 2024, in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Contributor | Getty Images News | Getty Images One of the clearest signs that the alliance was more nuanced than it initially appeared, however, was when Russia stood back during heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, and amid U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last summer. Analysts told CNBC at the time that Russia was likely unable to support Tehran militarily given its operations in Ukraine but that it was also unwilling to do so, as any direct conflict with the U.S. and Israel would be highly dangerous and damaging to Russia. The end of an alliance? Moscow's standoffish stance last year was a wake-up call to Tehran's leadership about the limits of its alliance with Putin limits that were being seen today too, analysts said. "There is absolutely nothing meaningful that Russia can provide the Iranian regime to save it. It's too late, and I am not even sure the opportunity to aid the regime domestically ever existed since the Iranian people rose up," Bilal Saab, associate fellow in the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House, told CNBC on Tuesday. "The idea that Russia will come to Iran's aid or provide significant military expenditure to try to prop up the regime ... is very unlikely," Hess noted. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on the day of a briefing for the House of Representatives on the situation in Venezuela, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 7, 2026. Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday cast a tie-breaking vote, blocking a resolution intended to halt President Donald Trump from using the military in Venezuela. Vance's vote for the point of order on the measure, known as a war powers resolution, signals that Trump was able to successfully lobby enough Republican senators to switch their votes. Last week, five Republican senators joined with Democrats to advance the resolution a stunning defeat for Trump after he ordered a strike that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. In the days since, the White House engaged in a furious lobbying effort to block the measure. Silver bars appear in a photo illustration as silver prices move amid shifting industrial demand and global market volatility in Brussels, Belgium, on December 24, 2025. On Tuesday, spot silver which outperformed gold last year with a 150% annual gain crossed over the $90-an-ounce mark for the first time. It was more than 5.8% higher at $92.03 per ounce by 8:15 a.m. ET on Wednesday. Shares linked to silver strengthened on Wednesday, after the metal hit another record high and held above the $90 threshold. Silver futures for March delivery, meanwhile, were last seen trading at $91.895. Spot prices for the metal are up 27% so far this year and, as the rally continued, equities related to the metal moved higher. In pre-market trade, U.S.-listed shares of Hecla Mining which owns Greens Creek Mine in Alaska, one of the biggest silver mines in the world jumped 4.2%. Endeavour Silver was 2.5% higher, while First Majestic Silver was last seen trading up 2.7%. Coeur Mining , the operator of the Rochester mine in Nevada, gained around 2.6%, while Silvercorp Metals and Teck Resources added 3%, and Wheaton Precious Metals gained 1%. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) related to the silver industry also rallied. The Abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF rose by 6.3% in pre-market trade, while the iShares Silver Trust fund also jumped 6.3%. ProShares' Ultra Silver ETF surged 12.7% higher. Across the Atlantic, London-listed shares of Fresnillo touched a record high and were last seen trading 1.9% higher. The stock was the best performer on London's FTSE 100 index last year, with a gain of 452.5%. Evy Hambro, portfolio manager and the Global Head of Thematics and Sector Investing at BlackRock, told CNBC on Tuesday that although the investment management giant had long been bullish on silver, it had only begun shifting its approach to equities related to the metal in recent years. "It was only in 2024 that we moved into the [related] equities as prices had risen to levels that allowed the companies to make a decent return," he said in an email. "Prior to this, price moves had more often than not been eaten up by cost increases." BlackRock expects silver to continue its upward trajectory this year. "Our long-term view on silver is positive, but it is important to remember silver is more of an industrial metal [than gold]," Hambro told CNBC. "We expect 2026 returns to be driven by how company management teams allocate the increased cashflows. Should there be ongoing discipline, such as massive dividend increases rather than over investment or M&A, this will differentiate miners in 2026." Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, told CNBC on Wednesday that underlying factors supporting the silver rally were still at play. "It's been a whirlwind time for silver and there are reasons why the metal could still shine well into 2026," he said in an email. "Supplies are tight and could get even tighter after China imposed export restrictions on the refined version of the precious metal. That matters because China is a net exporter of silver." He also pointed to silver's industrial use as a driver of demand, with the metal being an essential component in goods from solar panels to cell phones. "Demand is strong from these areas, and there is a risk that not enough money is being spent by miners on developing new sources of supply," Coatsworth said. When it comes to allocating capital to silver, Coatsworth added that investors can gain exposure through funds or shares in miners as well as buying physical silver. "Buying a fund is a way to get broad exposure and spread your risks, rather than betting everything on a single company," he said. "However, investing in any silver mining company either directly or through a fund is higher risk than simply tracking the silver price. You must factor in the risks that operations go wrong, geopolitical risks associated with the location of assets, and unpredictable geology." Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea's president, arrives for a hearing at the Constitutional Court of Korea in Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. South Korea's special prosecutor has requested the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived martial law declaration in 2024. The request came as Yoon's trial wrapped up late Tuesday. The court is expected to deliver its ruling on Feb. 19. Yoon has been charged with leading an insurrection, a crime that is not shielded by presidential immunity and carries the maximum penalty of death. If carried out, it would be South Korea's first execution in almost 30 years. Amnesty International has classified the country as "abolitionist in practice," noting that while South Korea still retains the death penalty, it has not executed anyone since 1997. During the final hearing, special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team said that Yoon declared martial law "with the purpose of remaining in power for a long time by seizing the judiciary and legislature," according to South Korean media reports. Yoon reportedly maintained his innocence, saying the declaration was within his constitutional authority and was intended to "safeguard freedom and sovereignty." At the time, Yoon accused the then-opposition Democratic Party of Korea of engaging in "anti-state activities" and colluding with "North Korean communists." On Dec 3, 2024, Yoon ordered troops to the country's National Assembly after declaring martial law in a late-night address. Soldiers blocked access and clashed with protesters and lawmakers as special forces attempted to enter the chamber. But within three hours, the martial law order was overturned after 190 of the 300 National Assembly lawmakers managed to gather in the chamber and unanimously voted to overturn the decree. Yoon eventually lifted martial law about six hours after announcing it. The last military coup in South Korea occurred in 1979, when the then-army general Chun Doo-hwan seized control following the assassination of President Park Chung-hee. Chun later expanded martial law nationwide in 1980, a move that led to the 1980 Gwangju uprising, during which troops violently suppressed protests in the southwestern city of Gwangju that left anywhere between 200 and 2,000 civilians killed. At the time, Chun's government accused the uprising of being instigated by "North Korean communists and gangsters." In 1996, Chun was handed the death penalty for his role in the 1979 coup, though his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. DETROIT Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa views 2026 as an execution year for the embattled maker of Jeep, Ram and Dodge vehicles in the U.S. after years of market share declines. Filosa has been undertaking a turnaround plan since he was named CEO in May. So far, his plans have included prioritizing the company's Jeep and Ram brands in the U.S. as well as undoing many decisions his predecessor Carlos Tavares made to focus on all-electric vehicles. "The strategy that we have in front of us is a strong one and will lead us to growth if we execute well," he told reporters Wednesday during the Detroit Auto Show. "So, I believe it's a year of execution." Filosa, wearing a Jeep vest over a white button-down shirt, said this year is a "first step" in remaking the company, which was formed five years ago through a merger of Fiat Chrysler and French automaker PSA Groupe. He declined to discuss specifics, adding that his executive team will lay out a detailed future strategy for the automaker at a capital markets day in the first half of this year. Filosa did not rule out the possibility of regionally refocusing or shrinking the company's vast portfolio of brands that also include Italian nameplates Fiat and Alfa Romeo, which have not performed well domestically. Filosa said he does believe that the company wants "to stay together" following some Wall Street speculation in recent years that it would be better to sell off assets or brands. "We are building a culture," Filosa said. Filosa said the next step in the company's plans will come next week during a meeting with more than 200 company executives that will focus on the company's capital markets day as well as company culture and 2026 execution. "We are a global company with strong regional roots," Filosa said, referring to one of three guiding cultural principles he's attempting to instill in the company. The others are being customer focused and working together. Stellantis' global sales under Tavares fell 12.3% from 6.5 million in 2021 the year the company was formed to 5.7 million in 2024. That included a roughly 27% collapse in the U.S. in that period to 1.3 million vehicles sold. The automaker dropped from fourth in U.S. sales to sixth, falling from an 11.6% market share to 8% during that time frame. US President Donald Trump looks on before signing a bill in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on Jan. 14, 2026. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that his administration will approve China sales of Nvidia 's H200 chip for artificial intelligence, but the U.S. government will take 25% of sales, one day after formal regulations were published by the U.S. government. Unlike Nvidia's previous China-targeted chip, the H20, the H200 is a version of the company's Hopper generation that is also sold in the U.S. and in other markets. The H200 was not specifically designed and slowed down for export. Trump pointed out in remarks on Wednesday that the H200's performance has been exceeded by two generations of Nvidia chips currently in production, naming Nvidia's Blackwell and Rubin AI chips. "It's not the highest level, but it's a pretty good level, and China wants them and other people want them and we're going to be making 25% on the sale of those chips, basically," Trump said. Trump initially announced the approval of H200 chips and the 25% government cut a month ago. Previously, Nvidia said the Chinese market could be worth $50 billion per year. "We're allowing them to do it, but the United States is getting 25% of the chips, in terms of the dollar value," Trump said. In a filing published on Tuesday, the Department of Commerce said that the rule change had some requirements, including that the exporter certifies that there is sufficient supply of the H200 chips in the U.S., and that the chips won't take global foundry capacity needed for more advanced AI chips headed for the U.S. The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday it will pause issuing immigrant visas to citizens of 75 countries over concerns that they may rely on public assistance in the future. In a post on X, the U.S. government said immigrants from the list of countries "take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates." The list, which includes U.S. allies and adversaries, alongside several top destinations for American travelers, was later posted on U.S. State Department's website. The countries, divided by region, include: The Americas - Antigua and Barbuda - Bahamas - Barbados - Belize - Brazil - Colombia - Cuba - Dominica - Grenada - Guatemala - Haiti - Jamaica - Nicaragua - St. Kitts and Nevis - St. Lucia - St. Vincent and the Grenadines - Uruguay Europe - Albania - Belarus - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Kosovo - Moldova - Montenegro - North Macedonia Asia-Pacific - Afghanistan - Armenia - Azerbaijan - Bangladesh - Bhutan - Cambodia - Fiji - Georgia - Iran - Iraq - Jordan - Kazakhstan - Kuwait - Kyrgyzstan - Laos - Lebanon - Mongolia - Myanmar - Nepal - Pakistan - Russia - Syria - Thailand - Uzbekistan - Yemen Africa - Algeria - Cameroon - Cape Verde - Cote d'Ivoire - Democratic Republic of the Congo - Egypt - Eritrea - Ethiopia - Ghana - Guinea - Liberia - Libya - Morocco - Nigeria - Republic of the Congo - Rwanda - Senegal - Sierra Leone - Somalia - South Sudan - Sudan - Tanzania - The Gambia - Togo - Tunisia - Uganda The freeze, which is set to begin Jan. 21, does not affect tourist visas. It will remain in effect "until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people," according to the U.S. State Department's website. This latest announcement follows a string of immigration and travel visa restrictions from the Trump Administration, including the pausing of diversity visas in late December. Diversity visas allowed a maximum of 55,000 immigrants from countries with low U.S. immigration rates to enter the United States each year. Here are the biggest calls on Wall Street on Wednesday: Goldman Sachs reiterates Amazon as buy Goldman raised its price target on the stock to $300 per share from $290. "With respect to AMZN, which we highlighted as one of our top large cap picks for 2026 in our year ahead thematic work, we see a Q4 earnings report that is likely to be built on similar narratives seen in its Q3 earnings report:" Wells Fargo reiterates Nvidia as overweight Wells said it's sticking with shares of Nvidia. "Our Overweight rating is based on our positive stance on NVIDIA's competitive positioning in gaming GPUs and expanding growth opportunities in data center, HPC [high performance computing] , and emerging / expanding AI opportunities (autonomous vehicles, healthcare, robotics, etc.)." UBS downgrades Rivian to sell from neutral UBS said expectations are too high. "We downgrade RIVN to Sell, $15 PT seeing a less favorable risk/reward." Read more. Goldman Sachs upgrades CNH Industrial to buy from neutral Goldman said shares of the multinational machinery company have plenty more room to run. "In construction equipment, CNH noted at our Industrials conference that the market is seeing a turnaround. While there has been some momentum in U.S. residential construction, rate cuts have not yet translated into actual projects, which may provide future tailwinds." Goldman Sachs reinstates Hyatt as buy Goldman said it sees growth accelerating for the hotel company. "We reinstate H at Buy and see 17% upside to our 12-month price target of $198." Bernstein initiates KLA Corp. at outperform Bernstein said the semiconductor capital equipment company is a high quality. " KLA i s one of the highest quality companies within Semicap and is the dominant player in Process Control, a $14.3B subsector within the larger $112B global WFE [wafer fab equipment] market in CY24. Read more . UBS upgrades Adient to buy from neutral UBS said shares of the automotive seating company are too attractive to ignore. "We upgrade ADNT to Buy from Neutral w/ a $30 PT on an attractive risk/reward." Raymond James upgrades Flex to outperform from market perform Raymond James said the global manufacturing company is well positioned for AI. "We are upgrading FLEX to Outperform from Market Perform and initiate a $75 price target. While we admittedly have missed much of the recent rise in shares, we view the recent modest pullback as a compelling entry point - particularly given the company's exposure to cloud/AI infrastructure." Barclays upgrades Fabrinet to overweight from equal weight Barclays said the engineering and manufacturing company has upside. "We see FN as the company with the most upside to revenue numbers in CY26." Morgan Stanley upgrades Nutrien to overweight from equal weight Morgan Stanley said it's more constructive on potash demand. "Upgrade Nutrien to OW on higher EPS and potash multiple reversion. Increase price target from $70 to $77." Morgan Stanley reiterates Microsoft as overweight The firm said the stock is a top pick and a share gainer. " Microsoft remains the leader as the #1 share gainer of IT wallet as a result of shift to the cloud on both a 1-year and 3-year view." Wells Fargo upgrades Cintas to overweight from equal weight Wells said the business services and uniform company is best-in-class. "CTAS is well-positioned to manage tariffs given its scale advantage in sourcing and pricing power from best-in-class service." TD Cowen downgrades Blackrock to hold from buy The firm said upside drivers are already priced into the stock. "To be fair, we expect BLK to remain an attractive way to leverage Passive, Digitalization, and Global Wealth Management/Retirement themes - and drive further operating leverage, but such views are widely understood." Deutsche Bank reiterates Netflix as hold Deutsche said whatever happens with the company's deal for Warner Bros will drive shares of Netflix. "The outcome of the pending Warner Bros. acquisition will likely be the primary driver of the next move in the stock, or lack thereof." RBC reiterates Tesla as outperform RBC said it's sticking with the stock in 2026. "We think the recent EV impairments from Ford and GM signaling a shift towards ICE/PHEVs over BEVs could benefit Tesla sales in the US. However, the company could continue losing share to Chinese OEMs gaining traction in Europe." Evercore ISI reiterates Apple as outperform Evercore said the stock is best positioned in 2026. "We believe AAPL remains well positioned through the Mar-qtr given its LTAs [long term agreements] that are currently insulating product GMs." Evercore ISI initiates AppLovin at outperform Evercore said it sees plenty of upside for the ad tech company. "We are initiating coverage of APP with an Outperform rating and $835 price target (25% upside). APP is the dominant ad tech platform for mobile gaming with an emerging e-commerce performance channel, which we view as a material TAM expander." Stephens upgrades Okta and Checkpoint to overweight from equal weight Stephens said both cyber security companies are well positioned in 2026. "We are upgrading shares of both Check Point and Okta to OW (from EW) with a common thread of an increasing probability of growth acceleration materializing over the course of 2026 and what we view to be an attractive risk/reward set up." Jefferies reiterates Ralph Lauren as buy After a change in analyst coverage, the firm said the stock remains a top idea. "RL r emains top pick for '26 based on broad-based momentum, w/ expected upside led by resilient US and further AUR [average unit retail] gains. Barclays initiates Idacorp at overweight Barclays says the electric power generation company has "low regulatory risk." "Attractive valuation given that IDA trades in line with its 5- year historical avg. multiple but is the best positioned it has been vs. peers; constructive rate case and low regulatory risk." Wolfe upgrades Cheniere Energy to outperform from peer perform Wolfe said the energy company is too "compelling" to ignore at current levels. "We upgrade LNG to OP as valuation is too compelling even with overbuild headwinds." Guggenheim downgrades Warner Bros Discovery to neutral from buy The firm said the outcome of the deal with Netflix remains "uncertain." "We are lowering our rating on Warner Bros. Discovery to NEUTRAL and raising our price target to $30 to reflect the current M & A landscape, where investor focus and valuation have shifted decisively toward acquisition outcomes rather than standalone operating fundamentals." The flood of geopolitical headlines to start 2026 has brightened the outlook for gold and silver, even after last year's massive run-up for all precious metals. Gold and silver are smashing records to start the new year, with gold this week topping $4,600 an ounce for the first time, and silver breaching $90. The two metals have rallied more than 6% and 22%, respectively, just since New Year's. On Wall Street, it was already the consensus view entering the year that gold and silver would do well again, albeit not to the extent of last year, given strong structural forces underpinning demand for both: rising central bank demand, a weaker U.S. dollar, and tight supply and demand dynamics, among others. But the nonstop barrage of news out of Washington in recent weeks from Venezuela to Iran to Greenland, as well as attacks on U.S. Federal Reserve independence has added to conviction in precious metals, as signs of a more interventionist U.S. government drive investors into safe haven assets. "It's just the sheer number of geopolitical headlines," Aakash Doshi, global head of gold and metals strategy at State Street, told CNBC. "And it's not just that it's headline noise, but that it could reflect a structural regime shift." Global shifts Historically speaking, geopolitical shocks have little lasting impact on the stock market, with even the recent ouster of as Venezuela leader Nicolas Maduro failing to faze markets. (To be sure, the major averages are down this week amid the roil of additional political developments from the Trump administration). However, the precious metals market tells a different story, with strategists pinning the recent tactical rally on growing U.S. and global instability. On Wednesday, Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, global head of equities at UBS Financial Services, said gold will reach $5,000 in the coming months $5,400 in her bull case amid demand for hedges from macroeconomic and geopolitical worries. She also wrote that gold is the "preferred asset," over oil, in the event of any escalation of tensions with Iran that could disrupt the passage of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy transport. President Donald Trump urged Iranians over the weekend to continue protesting against the regime, saying the U.S. is "ready to help." Trump is reportedly weighing options to take action against Iran. "The oil market has been hesitant to price a risk premium in the recent past, and we expect it to be somewhat oversupplied in the first half of this year," Hoffmann-Burchardi wrote. "We therefore see gold as the preferred hedge asset at this stage for its diversification potential." There's also Trump's recent aggressive rhetoric on Greenland. On Wednesday, the president said in a social media post that Greenland becoming anything less than a part of the United States is "unacceptable." Crucial to the near-term rally for gold and silver is that Trump's attack in Venezuela and his openness to further potential military force in Greenland and Iran has investors fearful the U.S. is shifting its global approach to policy to interventionism, a tilt that's also bound to change other nations' foreign policy. "If, previously, investors were thinking that the U.S. was more non-interventionist, and that more of the focus was going to be in the domestic arena ... you could argue that, well, maybe the doctrine is there's going to actually be the risk of higher intervention," Doshi said. As a consequence, other countries could start stockpiling their own reserves of oil, gold and other commodities, said Marko Papic, chief strategist of geomacro strategy at BCA Access. Other concerns, such as Trump's continued attacks on Fed Chair Jerome Powell, could further upset the financial equilibrium. This week, Citigroup Research's Kenny Hu upgraded his very near-term price forecasts to $5,000 an ounce for gold and $100 for silver, saying heightened geopolitical risk makes him bullish on the pair. "We expect the bull market to stay intact in the near term amid heightened geopolitical risks (Russia/Ukraine, Iran, Greenland, Venezuela, etc), ... and renewed uncertainty on Fed independence," Hu wrote. CNBC's Gabriel Cortes contributed to this report. Exxon Mobil hit record highs this week after rubbing President Donald Trump the wrong way at a White House meeting on investment in Venezuela. Trump said Sunday he is inclined " to keep Exxon out " of Venezuela, after CEO Darren Woods told the president that the South American nation is " uninvestable ." Exxon's stock briefly dipped more than 1% on Monday after Trump's threat, but investors ultimately shrugged off the president's remark with shares closing off the lows. The oil major's stock subsequently rose 2% the following day to close at a record of $126.54. It gained nearly 2% on Wednesday and hit an intraday all-time high. The broader S & P 500 energy sector rose more than 1% on Tuesday, as oil futures made gains with traders pricing in some risk of a supply disruption in Iran due to major social unrest in the OPEC member. But Exxon outperformed the energy sector. It outpaced rival Chevron on Tuesday, which Wall Street views as the likely winner in Venezuela due to its longstanding presence in the country. Exxon has long made clear to investors that it will only allocate capital to very high return and generally low risk projects, said Andy McConn, an analyst at Enverus. Venezuela, on the other hand, is very high risk, McConn said. "It's not surprising that [Exxon] would be more reticent about Venezuela," the analyst said. "It makes sense that investors responded generally favorably after some time." XOM 3M mountain XOM in past 3 months Exxon shareholders don't want it to rush back into a country that has seized its assets in the past, said Jason Gabelman, analyst at TD Cowen. "Exxon's lost money in the country twice and they don't want to have a third strike," Gabelman said. But it still stands to benefit from the U.S. intervention in Venezuela even if it is not rushing back, he said. Exxon has the largest refining footprint among its peers, Gabelman said. It will benefit from Trump's plan to bring tens of millions of barrels of Venezuela's heavy, sour crude to refineries in the U.S., he said. "U.S. refiners especially are configured to run that crude, including Exxon, so you have more of that supply potentially hitting the market," Gabelman said. "That's going to make that type of crude cheaper, so the refineries make more money as a result of that." But the move higher in Exxon's share price this week probably doesn't have much to do with Venezuela in the end, Gabelman said. The oil major's stock has been steadily rising on its business performance under Woods' leadership, he said. Exxon has made high quality investments in oil production in Guyana and the Permian Basin and has liquified natural gas opportunities. Shareholders want Exxon to carefully evaluate Venezuela against those opportunities, the analyst said. "Exxon has probably the best resource portfolio in the industry, so the bar for them to take money they're investing one place and shift it somewhere else is probably a bit higher than peers," Gabelman said. Exxon's investments in places like Guyana have reduced the oil price that it needs to cover its dividend, the analyst said. It has a stronger balance sheet than peers and its corporate earnings are growing faster because it is investing in upstream and downstream businesses, he said. "All of those things are making Exxon really a differentiated story among the majors," Gabelman said. Pakistan on Wednesday, January 14, said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with a firm linked to World Liberty Financial to explore using its stablecoins for cross-border payments.The MoU was signed by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Zach Witkoff, son of US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and co-founder and chief executive of World Liberty, in Islamabad.Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) confirmed that the Ministry of Finance signed an MoU with SC Financial Technologies LLC, an affiliated entity of World Liberty Financial.It said the aim was to explore innovation in digital finance, particularly the use of stablecoins for cross-border transactions, signalling growing global interest in Pakistan as a key market for digital assets. Speaking on the occasion, Aurangzeb said that Pakistan recognises that the future of finance is being shaped today.Our focus is to stay ahead of the curve by engaging with credible global players, understanding new financial models, and ensuring that innovation, where explored, is aligned with regulation, stability, and national interest, he said.Witkoff also met senior officials and exchanged views on how countries are approaching secure, compliant, and transparent digital payment infrastructure, including innovations in cross-border settlement and foreign exchange processes.According to the PVARA, the MoU builds on earlier engagements between World Liberty Financial and Pakistan, including the signing of a Letter of Intent in April with the Pakistan Crypto Council, which laid the groundwork for knowledge-sharing and ecosystem-level dialogue around emerging financial technologies.Pakistan is rapidly positioning itself as a serious contender in the global digital finance landscape, as World Liberty Financial deepens its engagement with the country to explore next-generation digital payment and cross-border finance innovations, the PVARA said.The MoU has been signed as Pakistan is trying to deepen ties with Washington. 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 Despite that, Microsoft cant keep up with demand for AI services. Its finance chief, Amy Hood, said during the companys most recent earnings call, I thought we were going to catch up [with demand]. We are not. Demand is increasing. It is not increasing in just one place. It is increasing across many places. She added that Microsoft has $400 billion under contract for future sales. Thats for booked business, she said. Today. (That number doesnt include $250 billion in computing power for AI that OpenAI has agreed to buy from Microsoft.) So while some AI companies will go under this year, Microsoft most likely wont be affected. When it comes to AI, its full speed ahead for the company. Hello and welcome to a 2-Minute tech briefing from Computerworld. I'm your host Arnold Davick, reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Here are the top IT stories you need to know for Wednesday, January 14th. Up first, Arm is reorganizing around something it calls physical AI. It's a new unit focused on robotics and automotive systems. Arm also split into three core groups, cloud and AI and edge products and physical AI. Arm's decision comes as enterprises experiment with robotics beyond pilots, deploying autonomous systems in factories, warehouses and logistics operations. Where real-time decision making matters more than raw compute power that shifts more inference to the edge, so CIOs prioritize reliability, low latency and resilience. From Network World, Samsung is warning that memory chip shortages will push prices up across the electronics industry in 2026. Even Samsung says its own scale can't fully protect its products. The disequilibrium stems from manufacturers reallocation of production capacity toward high bandwidth memory for AI data centers. This squeezes traditional and legacy DRAM supply. Enterprise hardware costs are already jumping with DDR5 pricing, surging and procurement leverage is changing too as hyperscalers lock in supply while mid market buyers face higher costs and longer delivery timelines. From CSO Online, Microsoft is warning about a surge in phishing that can look Internal threat actors are abusing misconfigured MX records and weak DMARC SPF policies to make phishing emails look internal, bypassing filters and increasing credential theft risk. If mail follows a complex route before Microsoft365 spoof checks may fail, letting emails with the recipient in both to and from reach the inbox. Microsoft says exploitation has risen since mid-2025 and urges strict DMARC reject and SPF hard fail enforcement. For more enterprise tech news, visit Computerworld, CIO, NetworkWorld, and CSO Online. And don't forget to like and subscribe on the TechTalk YouTube channel. While many people in Blackfeet country find employment in medicine, government, business and education, a large portion of the local economy derives from farming and ranching and the businesses that support them. Uniquely, this locale boasts programs at both the high school and college level that focus on agriculture generally and the skills involved specifically. Browning High School offers agriculture as a subject area equal in importance to any other topic while at Blackfeet Community College, there is the USDA internship program. "Our internships are designed for students with a focus on or interest in agriculture, and who are pursuing a science-related degree program while maintaining a minimum 2.5 GPA," notes Felix Nez, director of the BCC interns. "Our USDA program emphasizes forage and vegetable crop production, rangeland monitoring, herd health, local food production, youth development and value-added marketing. Through these focus areas, students gain meaningful, hands-on agricultural experience within the Blackfeet Nation and Indigenous communities throughout the nation." "The agriculture program at Browning High School encourages students to pursue higher learning, no matter where they choose to attend, with Blackfeet Community College being one of those options," ag instructor Jimi Champ said. "Our hope is that the real-world skills students gain at BHS will carry with them into college, technical training and ultimately the workforce. We proudly support students who choose the trades because agriculture offers countless career pathways. From floristry and culinary arts to ranching and meat cutting, agriculture touches nearly every industry. The possibilities are truly endless, and it all starts with enrolling in agriculture classes." "We partner with her program and get a lot of her students coming into our college," Nez notes. "She runs a good program, keeping students educated and knowledgeable about Ag." Recently, interns from BCC took part in a "food sovereignty initiative" that emphasized the importance of establishing partnerships aimed at food self-sufficiency. "The food sovereignty initiative took place just before the holidays and included the participation of elders, producers and college intern students," Nez said. "As we worked alongside the elders to develop forest foods, we expanded our focus beyond traditional berry shrubs to strengthen food security through locally sourced and locally processed foods, such as grass-fed beef. In future efforts, we will explore additional animal species and demonstrate methods for achieving high quality, lean meat yields. Special thanks to our dedicated BFCC Extension staff - Chelsee Pree and Brandon Fish - as well as interns Rylee Bird Rattler and Rhianna Many White Horse, and the Blackfeet elders and producers whose knowledge and participation made this initiative possible. "The program highlights cooperative partnerships that advance food sovereignty by bringing together traditional holders of native plant foods knowledge with hands-on harvesting of diverse animal species while keeping food production local," Nez continued. "Following proper harvesting and processing under the supervision of an on-site USDA inspector, participants were able to take home ground meat, chops, roasts and ribs to support their families and strengthen food security. We are grateful for our partnership with Montana Premium Processing Co-op's General Manager Bill Jones generously providing the laboratory/training site and local Montana Producer Coulee Cuts, with Kesler Martin supplying a 746-pound beef carcass for meat science evaluation." After Mayor Cates opened the meeting, the minutes and claims approved, he called for department reports. Police Department Acting Interim Chief Andy Lund gave the following overview of calls for law enforcement for December. 751 security checks 26 ordinance violations 13 medical emergencies 26 traffic stops Officers assisted Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the sheriff, the ambulance and Child Protective Services Animal Calls: a wounded eaglet was found in Swimming Pool Park. There were various dog calls. Public Words Department PW Director Dave Zimbelman listed what the department had accomplished in December as well as current work being done. Tree cleanup after the windstorm Fixing lights and street signs damaged by the windstorm Potholes filled New dumpsters received and are being installed Replaced pump at the water plant Replacing parts damaged at the wastewater plant by the windstorm New turbidity meters were replaced at the water plant. The regular Monday-Wednesday-Friday trash dump routes were modified during the high-wind days. When its windy the dump is shut down so dump times had to vary to compensate. Dave met with the general manager of the Tiber water project regarding Conrads future water needs. He said the city water treatment plant will need to stay open to treat the water coming in from that source. The city is only required to accept 35% of the allocation and the contract requires that the water pipe be brought to the citys water treatment plant to pipe into the city system. Currently the project has installed pipe across the Marias River. The new water source will not replace the citys water treatment plant. Storm water project Left to finish is paving, the storm drain behind the city office and the one by the courthouse need to be installed. Follow up to the railroad tracks being removed Earlier Willy Stubbs from the railroad had asked the city about taking out the railroad tracks. Dave has called Willy Stubbs back about it and still has not heard anything back from him. The second reading of the ordinance to modify the parking situation in front of the high school on the west side of the street, repealing sec 2-2, was completed and the council voted to accept. Motion carried to pass the new ordinance. It will go into effect in 30 days from date it was approved by council. The annual election of a new president of the council was held. Amber Schoenrock was nominated for another year. The vote was unanimous to approve. Travel allowance updated for next year. In state: Meal reimbursement is $11.20 for breakfast, $13.30 for lunch, $19.60 for dinner. Mileage will be reimbursed at 70 per mile. The new rates set by the state were approved. Items on next agenda: appoint an interim chief of police. Currently Sgt. Andy Lund is serving as interim chief until one is appointed. Announcements: The City was complimented for the fast cleanup and good work done during and after the big windstorm in December. The Tree board will have a meeting soon, but the date is not set. On Jan. 20 the public library is having another Montana Reads discussion group on the book, Becoming Little Shell. The author will be in Conrad for a book signing. By Stacy Aaberg Ava Krings from Conrad High School recently had the opportunity to attend the FCCLA Capitol Leadership in Washington, D.C., held from November 1519, 2025. The five-day event brought together youth leaders from across the country for immersive training in advocacy, civic engagement, and leadership development. Attending on behalf of the chapter were Chapter Advisor Stacy Aaberg and Chapter Member and former State Officer, Ava Krings. At Capitol Leadership, Ava was able to gain experience in: Advocacy & Government Relations, exploring how federal policies impact Family Consumer Science (FCS) courses as well as all Career and Technical Organization courses. She was also able to learn more about Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO's) and how Perkins Funding helps these programs thrive. Strategic Planning, developing goals related to bring back to her local chapter and organization when it comes to community service and chapter planning. Professionalism & Communication, through hands-on activities such as leadership training and career panels. Meeting with Legislators, advocating for Perkins Funding with their elected officials, including Tim Sheehey and Troy Downing. "This experience helped me become more confident, learn about our government and gain knowledge as to what our leaders are doing in Washington DC," said Ava. "I discovered I may have an interest in advocating more for topics that make a difference and got to see first-hand how advocacy can create real change for our schools and communities." In addition to their advocacy efforts, Mrs. Aaberg and Ava visited many of the national landmarks such as The White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Monument, The World War II and Vietnam Memorial Monuments and much more. They also visited over three different Smithsonian Museums. They connected with peers from over 40 states, exchanged ideas. The 2026 Montanas Next Generation Conference is back Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Shelby High School in Shelby. The conference will offer keynote speaker, Rob Sharkey, followed by 30 workshops to choose from including recordkeeping, market outlooks, marketing, crop and livestock production, succession planning and business topics. The morning will kick off with a much-anticipated keynote address Sharks Dont Swim Backwards from Rob Sharkey, also known as The SharkFarmer, along with his wife Emily. Rob gained recognition as a podcast, radio and TV host with regular appearances on RFD-TV and PBS along with owning a whitetail deer hunting outfit and operating a grain farm in Illinois. Rob and Emily will share their personal story of how they came back after the hog market crash and rebuilt their farm operation with the goal in mind to make it possible to bring their children back into the operation and the lessons they learned along the way. Following the keynote address, participants will be able to choose from six different workshops to attend each hour. Topics will include workshops designed for beginning producers as well as advanced knowledge for continuing education. Pesticide points will be available and posted prior to the conference. Crop production workshops will feature a variety of interests this year. Sunburst area farmer and crop insurance agent, Korey Fauque, will give his insight into crop insurance planning for 2026 including Pasture, Rangeland, Forage and Livestock Risk Protection. Then as a double feature, Korey will present on the lessons learned over 20 years in the farming, ranching and ag retail business including work-life balance, operational mistakes they have made and what has worked. Ashley Bettenhausen, Grain Marketing Advisor for Valiant Marketing in Wishek, ND, will share, Your feelings (can) like to you, and From Feelings to Framework. These talks will cover why feelings fail in grain marketing and how emotions cost producers real dollars, along with how to build a good foundation for any grain marketing plan. Jamie Birch, MT Ag, will cover, Fertilizers in the Soil, to share why, where, and what to fertilize with for achieving production goals in cropland systems. Joshua Day Chief, CEO of AdvancedAg Inc, will be sharing on the evolution and impact of biologicals within modern agriculture. Hell outline how producers are using biology to reduce chemical inputs while maintaining strong agronomic performance and operational resilience, and include field-scale data, and grower case studies that demonstrate profitability and soil health gains. Mitch Ereaux, Nutrien Ag Solutions, will discuss how to establish and manage forages and cover crops in Montana dryland conditions. His talk will cover many tips and pitfalls that can help establish and sustain better quality forages and cover crops in Montanas arid climate. Bob Boodle, MT Ag Drones, will be presenting on the use of drones in agriculture with one focusing on cropland applications and the second on livestock. Livestock Production topics will include two workshops on livestock reproduction with Dr. Casey Solomon. Casey has spent considerable research time on heifer development, fetal programming and synchronization protocols and will share how producers can successfully employ them in their programs. Glacier County Extension Agent Kari Lewis will present an interactive workshop on bull selection and understanding Expected Progeny Difference (EPDs) and selection tools. With water being a continued concern throughout Montana, Tyrel Hlvanicka with AquaSource Drilling, will present on the ins and outs of drilling for water and what it takes to be successful. Tyrel Obrecht will share his firsthand experiences with Virtual Fencing and how they have utilized it to run more heifers on a smaller acreage along with the lessons learned along the way on their ranch in Turner. Kaitlin Gillespie with the World Wildlife Fund will present on how to help fund conservation measures by utilizing the various programs available and what to consider as producers analyze the options. Business topics will be a hot topic this year as well. Britney Tempel will start the line-up with a look at the changes in taxes as a result of the Big, Beautiful Bill. This will be followed by Production and Financial Recordkeeping with Lacy Roberts, Glacier County FSA. Wade McAlpine, Ag West Farm Credit Services appraiser, will provide updates on the real estate market in Montana along with considerations for buying and selling land and options for real estate financing. Jim Woodring, Stockman Bank, will discuss how a lenders priorities differ from producers and how to align those priorities. Chouteau County Executive Director Bill Evans will present on how to get started with the Farm Service Agency along with updates over the past year. Brian Lee of Lee Law Office will lead a workshop on Estate Planning with an eye on probate and what to consider as producers prepare these crucial documents. Stacy Kaszmaul will bring her experiences as an insurance agent and daughter into the challenges and options of navigating Medicare. Natalie Kerfoot will bring two powerful workshops to this years conference that attendees will want to be sure to hit as they refocus and look ahead to 2026. The first workshop will focus on changing your mental and emotional trajectory and the second on natural wellness to restore body and soul. Natalie is a very heartfelt speaker, and participants will appreciate the discussion her topics bring. Farm Service Agency (FSA) borrowers can complete their borrower training requirements by attending six workshops and completing an evaluation at the end. For a full list of all the conference topics, agenda and registration, check it out online at http://www.mtnextgen.com or paper registration forms are available from your local extension office. Early registration discounts are available through Monday, Jan. 19, and the final registration deadline is Jan. 26. Best Western has a block of rooms reserved for $110/night and Comfort Inn has rooms at $94/night for a single room and $104/night for a double. Please mention Montanas Next Generation Conference for the discounted rate. Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in this event should contact Lacy Roberts at (406) 873-5618, ext. 2 or Federal Relay Service at 1 (800) 877-8339 by Jan. 26, 2026. Can Arbor Help Renters Save on Electricity? What You Need to Know About Energy Choice I can scarcely believe that I am writing these words, but the Government seems to be moving towards a ban on X. Not the Iranian or Chinese government, I add: the British government. Left-wingers have never liked X, the name Elon Musk gave Twitter when he bought it four years ago. They had felt proprietorial about Twitter, which excluded some Rightist accounts altogether and made others less visible through its algorithms. Twitter thus became a radical hothouse, where extreme ideas on race, gender and identity could grow without exposure to the wider populations common sense. Musk lifted the bans and allowed a free-for-all. Almost overnight, X became a way to circulate ideas and stories that mainstream broadcasters were too squeamish to touch. Yes, it could be cruel and conspiracy-addled; but it also allowed a crowd-sourced correction mechanism that few other media provided. The people who had become accustomed to Twitters Leftist intolerance were first disoriented, then furious. There is a telling difference between Left and Right when it comes to how to respond to offensive ideas. Even at the height of the demented BLM (Black Lives Matter) summer of 2020, when Twitter was full of accounts saying white people should be wiped out, few conservatives deserted the site, let alone called for it to be closed. The reverse turns out not to be true. The moment Musk rescinded the prohibitions which had even covered Donald Trump, whom Twitter banned on grounds that he was inciting violence Leftists decamped en masse and began to call for censorship. Now, at least in Britain, they think they have found a way to do it. Ministers are stirring up a moral panic about Grok, the AI program connected to X, which can show us how people of both sexes would look in bikinis, or even potentially naked. Government sources indicate that, unless Musk removes that tool, they will encourage Ofcom to sanction his company. Keir Starmer is the ultimate cheerleader for a legal system that privileges the feelings of protected minorities over any normal understanding of free expression, writes Daniel Hannan When Elon Musk, who bought Twitter and renamed it X four years ago, lifted the bans and allowed a free-for-all, the platform became a way to circulate ideas and stories that mainstream broadcasters were too squeamish to touch Last night, it was reported that Grok had seemingly started to ignore some requests to generate images of women in bikinis but was still doing so for men. Whether that will satisfy the British government is far from clear. Under the lamentable Online Safety Act, foolishly passed by the previous Tory administration, Ofcom can levy a fine of up to 10 per cent of a platforms total global revenue. Xs global revenue last year was put at above 2billion, making for a potential fine of more than 200million. If, as seems inevitable, Musk refused to pay for what he regards as the exercise of basic free speech rights, X could end up banned in Britain. Labour would have shut down one of the most effective of all opposition media, one whose content is generated by the general public. Think about that. We would recently have regarded the idea of shutting down critical media as unthinkable the kind of thing that happened behind the Iron Curtain. We have been boiled slowly, like so many frogs. Bit by bit, we have become accustomed to censorship. We defended free speech during the Second World War and the Cold War. Its a free country, we used to tell one another, without irony. The idea that we might have our collars felt by coppers for saying something obnoxious or hurtful was unthinkable. Not any more. Slowly but surely, we have got used to the idea that we might be arrested, charged or jailed for saying things that, while nasty, fall well short of what we understood as incitement. Here is a statistic that ought to make every British subject squirm with embarrassment. We detain more people for social media posts than Russia, Iran or any other country. According to figures from the Free Speech Union, Britain arrested 12,000 people last year for speech-related offences, far ahead of Belarus (6,000) or China (1,500). It is true that countries compile their statistics differently, and the British figure includes arrests for stalking, harassment and threatening phone calls, not just online posts. Even so, this has become a nation that puts people in prison for saying the wrong thing, as when a former policeman was jailed for 20 weeks in 2020 after making offensive jokes about George Floyd on WhatsApp in a closed online group, where there was no possibility of a public order offence. Sir Keir Starmer is the ultimate cheerleader for, and guardian of, a legal system that privileges the feelings of protected minorities over any normal understanding of free expression. Almost from the day he took office, he was on a collision course with Musk, threatening X with legal sanctions in the aftermath of the Southport riots. It was a battle he could not win, but he seemed unable to understand that. It was reported this week that Starmer is talking to his Leftist counterparts in Canada and Australia about a co-ordinated ban on X. Yet the chances of any other Anglosphere democracy taking on the US on this issue are negligible. They know how high the price would be. For Americans, free speech is a fundamental right, just as it used to be for us. Labour MPs who cant understand this, and who wonder why Musk and Trump are meddling in British affairs, should think about issues which they consider fundamental. Successive British governments have, for example, put pressure on Afghanistan to ensure that girls can go to school. Well, believe it or not, US Republicans see free speech as an equally basic and universal entitlement. Lets deal with the excuse Starmer is giving, namely the ability of Grok to generate pictures of people undressed. To see why it is a bogus objection, consider that all AI programs can do the same thing. Googles Gemini and OpenAIs ChatGPT will also generate such images if asked. Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are awash with similar deepfakes. Yet Starmer doesnt propose banning any of them. None of us likes the idea of being undressed online, or of having that indignity inflicted on our relatives. That is why we have laws against the dissemination of salacious deepfake images of people, which is as it should be. The technology secretary, Liz Kendall, has described the content as vile and backs Ofcoms probe. Courts can tell the difference between, say, a cartoonist drawing a nude Donald Trump, and a lewd but realistic image of someone. What is being proposed here is the targeting of one particular tool that allows Photoshopping. It is as if, in the aftermath of the spate of terrorist car attacks in 2017, we had tried to ban cars rather than pursue the terrorists. No, this isnt about bikinis. It is about Starmers unpopularity, the risk of a Labour leadership challenge and his commensurate desire to look tough by picking a fight with someone his MPs detest. The trouble is that there can only be one winner. I dont just mean that people would find ways to remain on X through VPNs which disguise a users location just as millions have dodged the overreaches of the Online Safety Act through the same simple mechanism. I mean that a ban would prompt a needless trade war with a US government that came to office committed to concluding a deal with Britain. We would find ourselves poorer and more isolated and, worst of all, more repressive. Imagine finding ourselves, like so many Iranians, turning to X as a tool to use against a repressive state. Imagine this country, the home of John Milton and John Stuart Mill, leading the world in banning media to which its leaders objected. Even to talk about the possibility is shaming. Lord Hannan of Kingsclere is President of the Board of Trade Rare black-necked cranes flock to SW China's Guizhou in record numbers People's Daily Online) 13:17, January 14, 2026 Black-necked cranes rest at Caohai National Nature Reserve in Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo courtesy of the media convergence center of Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining) A record 2,842 black-necked cranes have arrived at Caohai National Nature Reserve in Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining, southwest China's Guizhou Province, marking a new high for the wintering season. The reserve is one of the primary wintering grounds for this plateau crane species. "We start patrolling before dawn every day, covering different zones and tracking the cranes from their roosting sites to feeding areas," said Zhao Guoping, a bird ranger at the Huyelin management station under Caohai National Nature Reserve management committee. Black-necked cranes rest at Caohai National Nature Reserve in Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo courtesy of the media convergence center of Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining) Zhao has noticed a striking change: families of four adult pairs with two juveniles are appearing far more frequently than in previous years. "Seeing more cranes each year gives me real peace of mind," Zhao added. Black-necked cranes, which are under national first-class protection, are the world's only crane species that both breeds and winters at high altitudes. The nature reserve's plateau wetland ecosystem provides ideal conditions for them. "The continuously improving ecology helps them settle in comfortably. During harsh winter conditions, bird rangers carry out supplementary feeding and break ice to provide drinking water, ensuring the cranes winter here safely," Zhao said. Black-necked cranes forage at Caohai National Nature Reserve in Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo courtesy of the media convergence center of Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining) The growing crane population offers vivid evidence of the nature reserve's success in ecological protection. In recent years, the county has intensified its conservation efforts, rolling out projects for wetland restoration, water pollution control, and habitat protection. These initiatives have improved water quality, enriched aquatic vegetation, and boosted fish and shrimp populations, creating favorable conditions for wintering migratory birds. Black-necked cranes fly over Caohai National Nature Reserve in Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo courtesy of the media convergence center of Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining) Black-necked cranes rest at Caohai National Nature Reserve in Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo courtesy of the media convergence center of Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining) Aerial photo shows black-necked cranes at Caohai National Nature Reserve in Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo courtesy of the media convergence center of Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining) Aerial photo shows black-necked cranes at Caohai National Nature Reserve in Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo courtesy of the media convergence center of Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining) Photo shows two black-necked cranes at Caohai National Nature Reserve in Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo courtesy of the media convergence center of Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining) A black-necked crane flies over Caohai National Nature Reserve in Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo courtesy of the media convergence center of Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining) Photo shows black-necked cranes at Caohai National Nature Reserve in Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo courtesy of the media convergence center of Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining) Photo taken on Jan. 8, 2026, shows a black-necked crane at Caohai National Nature Reserve in Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo/Chen Xiao) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) At least 25 Brits have died as a result of medical tourism trips to Turkey since January 2019, according to the Government's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Here, MailOnline highlights some of the victims. Leah Cambridge Leah Cambridge, 29, suffered a blood clot during a 6,500 Brazilian butt lift surgery in Turkey. Leah Cambridge, 29, died after having the 'Brazilian butt lift' procedure in Turkey The mother-of-three, from Leeds, died just one day after travelling to an Elite Aftercare clinic in Turkey in August 2018. The trainee beautician, described as being 'paranoid about her body', paid in cash for the procedure after being inspired by pictures on Instagram. The procedure involved having fat extracted from the waist and injected into the buttocks. But she suffered a fatal complication when fat was accidentally injected into a vein causing her to have three heart attacks on the operating table. Ms Cambridge's partner Scott Franks told Wakefield Coroner's Court that the surgeon who carried out the procedure told him he had 'injected the fat too far into the muscle and it entered her veins'. Mr Franks said when he flew out to Turkey after his partner died, Dr Ali Uckan, the surgeon who treated Leah, had told him: 'It's a guessing game, you can't see where you are going into.' Ms Cambridge father, Craig, took his own life in 2021 with an inquest held in July last year hearing how he was never able to get past the loss of his daughter. Diarra Akua Eunice Brown Diarra Brown, 28, died after having liposuction in Turkey Diarra Akua Eunice Brown, died aged 28, two days after getting liposuction at a clinic in the suburb of Bahcelievler in Istanbul, in October 2021. She reportedly underwent the operation to have fat removed from her hips. While the procedure initially appeared to be a success, Ms Brown 'suddenly' fell ill while having her dressings changed. She died just hours later. Social media posts from family and friends described her as a 'beautiful soul' and a 'close friend'. 'This must be a dream,' one post said. 'Still can't come to terms with this yet.' 'I miss you angel. I'm devastated you were taken away way before your time,' said another. Shannon Bowe Shannon Bowe, 28 died after undergoing gastric band surgery in Turkey Shannon Bowe, from Denny, near Falkirk, died while undergoing gastric band surgery in Turkey in April 2023. The 28-year-old passed away during the procedure which involves placing a band around the stomach. Where exactly Ms Bowe had the procedure in Turkey and the complication that led to her death have not been revealed. In the aftermath of her death, Ms Bowe's boyfriend Ross Stirling wrote on social media: 'Sleep tight my angel, love you forever and always.' Gastric band surgery involves a doctor placing a gastric band around the top of the stomach, creating a small pouch. When the patient eats, this small pouch fills up more quickly than their stomach normally would, making them feel fuller with less food. By encouraging them to eat less, the procedure can help patients lose weight. Melissa Kerr Melissa Kerr, 31, of Gorleston, Norfolk, died after having a BBL in Turkey Melissa Kerr, 31, died while undergoing a Brazilian butt lift in Turkey in 2019, just before her wedding. Ms Kerr traveled to Istanbul's Medicana Haznedar Hospital in November that year for gluteal augmentation, which can cost up to 3,150. The psychological wellbeing practitioner, from Gorleston, Norfolk, died from a blocked artery in her lung as a result of undergoing the surgery. Her twin sister Natasha who set up a justgiving.com page after her death described her a 'a pure and beautiful soul inside and out'. She said: 'Words cannot describe the pain and heartbreak we are going through, life without her will never be the same again. 'We miss her deeply and nothing will fill the emptiness we are left with.' Melissa's partner Skye Birch said: 'I will continue to love you with all my heart until my last breath.' Ms Kerr also worked as a volunteer helping domestic violence victims and supporting people through bereavement. Abimbola Ajoke Bamgbose Abimbola Ajoke Bamgbose, 38, died after liposuction in Turkey Abimbola Ajoke Bamgbose, a 38-year-old social worker, from Dartford, Kent, died in August 2020 after undergoing liposuction surgery in Turkey. The mother-of-three bought an overseas package deal with Mono Cosmetic Surgery after becoming fed-up with people asking her if she was pregnant, according to her husband. A post-mortem examination found that Mrs Bamgbose suffered perforations to her bowel during the surgery, with the cause of death given as peritonitis with multiple organ failure. Peritonitis is an infection of the peritoneum, the inner lining of the tummy which covers vital internal organs like the kidneys, liver and bowel. Her husband Moyosore Olowo told an inquest he was unaware his wife had traveled abroad for cosmetic surgery, instead believing she had simply gone on a holiday with her friends. It was not until Mrs Bamgbose called her husband to say she was suffering from stomach pains following the procedure that he found out what had happened. Mr Olowo said his wife had visited a private medical practice in the UK for surgery but added that the cost had been too high for her to have the treatment in Britain. Carol Keenan Carol Keenan, 54, died after having a BBL and tummy tuck in Turkey Carol Keenan, 54, died six days after undergoing a combined Brazilian butt lift and tummy tuck in Turkey. The grandmother, of Glenrothes, Fife, paid 7,000 for the procedures at a private hospital in Istanbul in 2022 after becoming anxious about the way her body looked. Ms Keenan also accepted the offer of free abdominal muscle repair surgery shortly before she was taken into the operating theatre. But she died before she was due to have a final check up and fly home. Speaking to MailOnline in April, her family said they are still waiting for the results of her autopsy 11 months on from her death. Her daughter Leonie Keenan, 32, said: 'My mother was a fit and healthy individual. She was a very petite size 10 and she kept in shape by walking everywhere and going swimming. 'She was a very active grandmother who loved bouncing on the trampoline with the kids-but she was not happy with her body even though everyone told her she looked great. 'She set her heart on having surgery after seeing stories about other people and celebrities having procedures. I don't know if it was like a mid-life crisis.' For the first time this century, a decline in deceased organ donors has caused a drop in life-saving kidney transplants, a shocking reversal that occurred despite more live donor kidneys and better use of them. In the past, when total transplants fell, it was because both living and deceased donations dropped together, which has been seen during recessions or the Covid pandemic. In 2025, the system faced a new and opposite problem: living kidney donations increased and hospitals became more efficient, transplanting kidneys they once might have discarded due to concerns over donor age, minor injuries or early signs of disease. Yet these gains were overwhelmed by a four percent decline in deceased donor kidneys compared to 2024, a drop of 663 donations, dragging the total number of life-saving transplants down. The cause is not a lack of registered donors, but a systemic issue within the transplant process itself, triggered by a wave of new federal oversight and investigations, along with intense media attention, focused on rare cases where doctors attempted to transplant organs from patients who were still alive. A new report by the nonprofit Kidney Transplant Collaborative suggests the combined force of this oversight resulted in potential donors and their families, frightened by headlines, withdrawing from donor registries in record numbers and organ procurement organizations, fearing the next scandal, became overly-cautious, turning away from donors they once would have pursued. Dr Andy Howard, Chair of the Kidney Transplant Collaborative, said: This is a serious signal for the transplant community and patients will feel the consequences quickly. The evidence consistently shows that living kidney donations can increase transplant rates when patients and donors receive real support, guidance and navigation. We already know what works and how to scale it. The question now is whether we act in time to prevent avoidable loss of life. In 2021, TJ Hoover was wheeled into organ-removal surgery in Kentucky as a donor after circulatory death. Despite showing clear signs of consciousness, procurement staff allegedly pressed forward, only stopping when a doctor intervened (Pictured: his sister Donna Rhorer and Hoover) Your browser does not support iframes. The Kidney Transplant Collaborative cited a specific case, covered by the Daily Mail, that became an inflection point, triggering the intense scrutiny and risk aversion that now grips the organ donation process. In October 2021, TJ Hoover was wheeled toward organ-removal surgery in a Kentucky hospital after being declared a candidate for 'donation after circulatory death' (DCD), meaning doctors would wait just minutes after his heart stopped beating before beginning the procedure, following a drug overdose. As detailed in a federal investigation analyzed by Daily Mail and corroborated in interviews conducted by the Daily Mail with his sister, Donna Rhorer, Hoover showed clear signs of consciousness, including tracking movement with his eyes, thrashing and even crying, but staff from the Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KYDA), now Network for Hope, allegedly pressed on. The surgery was halted when a hospital physician refused to proceed, calling it inhumane. Donors can be declared dead after either cardiac or brain death. Over the past two decades, the transplant system has increasingly relied on donations after cardiac death (DCD), which grew from about seven percent of deceased donor transplants in 2005 to 45 percent in 2024, with brain death making up the remainder. This case, which left Hoover with permanent, profound cognitive disabilities, became the catalyst for intense federal oversight of the organ procurement system. The public revelation of his ordeal ignited a firestorm, leading directly to congressional hearings where his story was examined as evidence of systemic failure. It also triggered a major investigation by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and increased regulatory scrutiny from other agencies. The government response, aimed at correcting safety failures, created the subsequent climate of doubt about DCD, which impacted the available donor pool. While this scrutiny was intended to correct grave safety failures, it has had a paradoxical effect, according to the Kidney Transplant Collaborative. The implication, the organization suggested, is that the necessary focus on horrific cases like Hoovers has shaken public trust, leading to a spike in donor registry withdrawals. Hoover's case became the focus of a comprehensive federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) investigation and was discussed in a September Congressional hearing The focus on Hoovers case has also made organ procurement organizations (OPOs) overly cautious, paralyzing the system at a moment of critical need. Fearing the next headline or federal investigation, many have grown hesitant to pursue donors after circulatory death, where the determination of death is less absolute. This new hesitation directly reduces the number of available donors. Organs degrade in the body after the heart stops. By waiting for brain death, which can take much longer than circulatory death, or not occur at all, OPOs are allowing many potentially transplantable kidneys to become unusable, shrinking the overall donor pool. The decline in deceased donors, which began in June 2025, creates an immediate crisis for the roughly 94,000 Americans currently waiting for a kidney on the national waiting list. Kidneys are by far the most sought-after organ, and this sudden drop in supply directly endangers the largest and most vulnerable patient population. The impact would have been far more severe without a simultaneous, significant improvement in how hospitals use the organs they receive. The kidney discard rate fell by seven percent in 2025, meaning more kidneys from marginal or high-risk donors were successfully transplanted than in previous years. The looming organ donor shortage spells trouble for an ever-expanding senior population, which means more sick people needing organs from a pool of potential donors who are themselves older and more likely to be medically ineligible. According to the Kidney Transplant Collaborative, the solution is to pivot from a sole focus on fixing the troubled deceased donor system to aggressively building a federally supported infrastructure for living donation. The decline in deceased donors, which began in June 2025, creates an immediate crisis for the roughly 94,000 Americans currently waiting for a kidney on the national waiting list (stock) The central proposal is to create a national system of transplant facilitators. These trained facilitators would help transplant candidates identify potential donors and guide those willing donors every step of the way, from initial screening to post-operative care, reducing the risk of them dropping out due to fear of risks. Programs at institutions like Johns Hopkins and the University of Alabama show that facilitator support can make potential donors up to nine times more likely to complete screening and seven times more likely to become approved donors. To implement this strategy nationwide, the report calls for a crucial policy change to Medicare, the federal health program for seniors, by establishing facilitator expenses as reimbursable Medicare costs, just as Medicare funds the high costs of deceased organ recovery. Howard told Axios: We know people want to be living donors. They're willing to do it, but we have to find a way to help them, and we feel the federal government needs to take action. Perhaps youve always enjoyed a gin and tonic after work, or a glass or two of red wine with your evening meal. Half a bottle of sauvignon blanc seems a reasonable way to celebrate the end of the working week and what party is complete without a bit of bubbly? Recently, however, the health concerns surrounding alcohol have become harder to ignore and it might feel like every other person you know is taking a break from booze. But what exactly happens when we abstain for a month? And is it worth it? You can expect more sleep, more energy and less anxiety, says William Porter, author of the bestseller Alcohol Explained. Other benefits are less obvious, however, and there can be surprising side-effects too. Heres what you can expect, day by day. Antonia Hoyle is passing up the chance to drink Day 1: Anger and anxiety abound Youve told your friends youre taking the month off and all alcohol which your liver breaks down at a rate of one unit per hour has left your body. You might have hoped to feel virtuous and excited but, instead, youre firing off angry emails and snapping at your spouse. This is expected, even among moderate drinkers, explains Porter, who stopped drinking ten years ago. Alcohol is a sedative which the brain tries to counter by releasing stimulants such as cortisol and adrenaline. When the sedative effect wears off, the stimulants can leave you with a residual feeling of irritability and anxiety. Try to distract yourself with a walk, watching something funny on television or by carrying out a satisfying chore. And remember, the feeling is temporary: By day two it will have significantly reduced and by day three or four it should have gone entirely. Day 2: Why can't I sleep? Youre used to seven hours shut-eye. Now youre limping through the day with four. Whats going on? If you regularly drink even a couple of glasses of wine a night your brain starts to rely on the sedative effects of alcohol to put you to sleep, says Porter. This gives us the false impression that alcohol is an effective sleep aid, when its anything but. Booze might knock us out but reduces the amount of time we spend in the rapid eye movement (REM) cycle of sleep, which has the most restorative effect on our body. It can feel unnerving at first as your brain tries to put you to sleep naturally, says Porter. Exercise has been found to regulate the circadian rhythm and may help you nod off sooner. Theres not much else you can do, but the situation normally rights itself by the third night. Day 5: Attack of the munchies Youre not imagining it you really do want to eat KitKats round the clock. With more than 7g of sugar per bottle of white wine, sugar withdrawal symptoms can be strong after quitting booze and in the days after stopping its quite normal to crave sweets and chocolate to compensate. Some of my students drink for an energy boost and pick me up as much as anything else, so suddenly losing that sugar hit can leave them feeling a bit flat to begin with, says Kate Bee, founder of online sobriety support group The Sober School. Porter suggests giving yourself free rein to indulge for around six days before attempting to eat more mindfully and reminding yourself of how far youve come. It takes time for the benefits to accrue and its easy to miss them at first. Think about how you feel when you wake without a hangover. Journalling your feelings can help. Day 7: Seriously strange dreams Antonia Hoyle first gave up drinking alcohol before Christmas 2022 By now, your sleep will hopefully have improved, but youre likely to be having wacky dreams too. This is because, without alcohol, your brain is spending more time in REM sleep (five or six cycles per night as opposed to one or two when youre drinking). This is the crucial part where your brain interprets whats happened during the day brain sensors have shown it can light up [even in sleep] as if it were awake, says Porter, who adds that for several days you may experience something called REM Rebound, where your body attempts to make up the sleep you lost while drinking. Your dreams may be so vivid they almost feel like hallucinations and this may last a few days, but dont worry its a sign your brain is healing. Day 10: Better mood and plumper skin Although the alcohol has long since left your body, it can take up to ten days for the chemicals drinking releases, from dopamine to cortisol, to stabilise. At this point your brain reaches homeostasis (a balance among all body systems needed to function correctly) and hoorah! your mood should improve. By the end of the second week, around the ten to 14 day mark, people start to see real improvements, says Bee. Youre likely to be better hydrated by now, which should lead to plumper skin, adds Porter, who explains that downing a pint of water before bed after an evening drinking alcohol doesnt really rehydrate you. Alcohol changes our internal mechanism so the body releases excess water only after the effects of alcohol wear off can we rehydrate. Week 2: Your gut improves Your gut microbiome is likely to be better balanced and youre likely to see far less overall bloating in the stomach area, says Dr Ross Perry, medical director of skin clinic Cosmedics. Excessive alcohol consumption interferes with how well our body absorbs nutrients and increases the gut bacteria known to trigger inflammation, explains Sonia Khan, gut health expert and senior pharmacist with feelgut.co.uk. A gut imbalance because of excessive alcohol consumption will typically cause symptoms such as bloating, excessive gas, diarrhoea, constipation, heartburn, abdominal pain, tiredness and food intolerances. Although you may already have noticed an improvement to symptoms, Khan says gut health will typically take two to three weeks to significantly improve. To speed the process, Dr Vikram Murthy, NHS GP and co-founder of the Harley St clinic Murthy Health, suggests drinks containing prebiotics and probiotics and eating fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi. Weeks 2 to 3: You may still want to sleep If youve been drinking wine every night for years, you may reach the halfway point of your month off the booze and still feel all you want to do is sleep for a fortnight. This is because theres a world of difference between alcohol-induced unconsciousness and real sleep, says Porter, and after the first three or four days people often start sleeping loads, which makes them feel more tired and they go through a period of tiredness. The longest Ive known this to go on for is three months but it usually lasts two to three weeks. After which, he says, focus is likely to improve. Studies show stopping drinking improves memory among even the heaviest drinkers. A report in the journal Alcohol Health And Research World found that two to three weeks after alcoholics stop drinking they show considerable recovery in most verbal processing cognitive functions; these areas may even return to normal functioning levels. Week 3: Lower blood pressure benefits Alcohol causes blood vessels to constrict, making the heart work harder, raising blood pressure. But, says Dr Perry, after three weeks blood pressure will reduce. This not only lowers the risk of strokes and other cardiovascular problems but can dramatically improve energy levels. Your body tries to counter a high heart rate and blood pressure by making you rest, which is one reason drinkers feel lethargic, says Porter. Once you stop youll have more energy and by week three exercise will feel easier. Lower blood pressure will also reduce unflattering red skin caused by burst capillaries, says Porter, and eyes will look less bloodshot there are very fine capillaries in eyes so theyre often damaged first. One study by University College London on men and women in their 40s found giving up alcohol for a month to be as effective as taking a drug to lower blood pressure, decreasing it by around 5 per cent, according to co-author Dr Gautam Mehta, a senior lecturer at UCLs Institute for Liver and Digestive Health. After 30 days: The liver regenerates Although the liver takes around an hour to break down a unit of alcohol, there can be a lag in the elimination of enzymes produced as the liver breaks alcohol down, explains Dr Murthy. An enzyme called GGT increases as a protective response to counter the toxic metabolites of ethanol in the liver but can take over a month to reduce back to normal levels in the system. High levels of GGT can cause symptoms such as fatigue and abdominal pain. The good news is that, for moderate drinkers, much of the damage caused by drinking will have been reversed. The liver is capable of regenerating up to half of itself within a 30-day period provided the damage has not progressed too far, says pharmacist and nutritional therapist Debbie Grayson, who runs gut health clinic Digestion With Confidence. What happens if I carry on? Stay sober and damage to the pancreas can recover in six months, while the risk of cancer caused by alcohol including breast, bowel and mouth will start to reduce. The longer you quit the better you feel, says Porter, while Bee believes that more benefits of sobriety take 90 days to kick in: If you feel tempted to drink every Friday, you wont get much opportunity to practise changing it this month. Youll probably finish with Friday nights still feeling like a bit of a test. Try 12 sober Fridays or 90 days worth however and you will start to see a real shift in your thoughts and break that association between Fridays and drinking. Its things like that which really impact your overall experience of alcohol-free living. Why our favourite drinks are getting stronger Dry January can be a vital way of giving our bodies a break, especially as the alcohol content of many of our favourite drinks has surged in recent years, writes RACHEL HALLIWELL. The change is partly down to consumer demand. We have developed a taste for powerful, alcohol-laden New World wines, European lagers and craft beers, which contain higher levels of alcohol than similar drinks did a generation ago. Meanwhile, standard wine glass and shot measures have, in some cases, doubled in size. Pubs and bars used to serve spirits in 25ml measures, the equivalent of one unit of alcohol but the charity Drinkaware says many have now switched to 35ml or 50ml measures. Standard wine glass sizes used to be 125ml 1.6 units but since the 90s, 250ml sizes have been routinely offered in pubs, bars and restaurants. In addition, wine itself has become stronger. Grapes grown in hotter, sunnier climates contain more sugar, giving the resulting wine a high alcohol content. An Australian shiraz or Chilean malbec can typically reach 14% ABV (alcohol by volume) whereas a traditional Bordeaux will rarely reach more than 13%. The same goes for beer. An average strength craft beer is between 4.8% and 5.2%. But some beer styles, such as barley wine, go much higher. Vault Citys Barleywine beer is 12.2%. Dr Katherine Severi, chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, says better labelling would help drinkers consume more safely in a landscape where ABVs can vary wildly. A decent wine bar will usually include individual ABVs on its drinks menu, she explains. But unless the units per serving is also displayed you have to be pretty good at maths to work out the alcohol content being poured into your glass. The Chief Medical Officer recommends people drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week. Dr Severi adds: Drinking six 175ml glasses of average strength 13% ABV wine across one week would keep you within the low risk guidelines. But the same amount of a 14.5% ABV wine would take you over this level. An Australian woman has issued a stark warning to drivers about a common hair accessory which caused her a serious head injury in a rear-end crash. Ella Carter, 22, from the Sunshine Coast, suffered a serious concussion and ongoing whiplash symptoms when the plastic claw hair clip she was wearing shattered on impact in the car accident. Her videos detailing the ordeal have now racked up a combined nine million views, with most alarmed to discover such a common hair accessory could pose such a risk behind the wheel. The crash happened in December as Ella was driving with her boyfriend to a party when traffic ahead suddenly came to a halt, and she had to stop. 'A guy in a four-wheel drive rammed me from behind,' she told Daily Mail. 'He didn't see that traffic had come to a stop and was going around 60 kilometres per hour.' Ella said her car was shunted forward, and the seat and headrest pushed forcefully onto her body and head. 'Almost instantly I felt something shatter in my hair. I was really dazed and confused and thought it might've been glass,' she explained. Ella Carter, 22 (pictured) from the Sunshine Coast, QLD, revealed that she suffered a serious concussion and ongoing whiplash after the plastic claw clip she was wearing shattered on impact during a car accident Her videos detailing the ordeal have now racked up a combined nine million views, with thousands of viewers admitting they had no idea the popular hair accessory could pose such a risk behind the wheel After the immediate shock, she felt pain spread from the back of her head and she felt her hair falling around her. 'That's when I remembered I had a claw clip in - it had basically just crumbled.' While the clip didn't puncture her skin or skull, the force of it smashing into the back of her head left her with a heavy concussion that lasted for three weeks as well as painful whiplash. 'I'm still getting physio for the whiplash and I'm still not able to work,' she said detailing the forceful moment and the fact even her sunglasses weren't spared in the impact. 'My sunnies flew off my head and the frames popped out.' Doctors later told Ella the outcome could have been far worse if the clip had been made of metal, which is something they witness regularly in such accidents. Now recovered enough to speak publicly, Ella felt compelled to warn others, because she never considered the risk herself. 'I would definitely warn people to never wear a claw clip in the car while driving, because anything can happen in an instant, even if you're doing nothing wrong.' While the clip didn't puncture her skin or skull, the force of it smashing into the back of her head left her with a heavy concussion that lasted for three weeks as well as whiplash (pictured with her boyfriend the morning of the accident and wearing the clip) The response online has been overwhelming, with thousands weighing in to say the danger is well-known - particularly among driving instructors and medical professionals 'I've always worn them in the car and so have my friends. I genuinely didn't think about it because it's just my everyday hairstyle.' The response online has been overwhelming, with many pointing out that the danger of the clips is well-known among driving instructors and medical professionals. 'I saw a TikTok by a pathologist and they said they would not wear claw clips while driving as a cause of death in car accidents,' one person wrote. 'First thing my driving instructor insisted on is no claw clips!' another added. Others said they now refuse to drive with their hair clipped up. 'I always take my claw clips out when I hop in the car for this reason. I've heard too many scary stories,' one commenter said. 'I always drive with my hair down or a low ponytail anyway. Those claw clips are so uncomfortable, I cannot rest my head.' Despite some saying it is common knowledge to go claw-clip free, Ella said the shocked reaction to her videos proved that many are unaware of the risk. RecipeTin Eats founder Nagi Maehashi has revealed the simple $1.33 item from IKEA you'll always find in her kitchen. The popular Aussie cookbook author said she's obsessed with the HEAT pot stands, which come in a pack of three for $4. 'Love IKEA pot stands,' Nagi said in her Instagram Stories. 'No nonsense. Cheap. I have dozens of them.' The 'perfect' cork mats are used to protect surfaces such as countertops and dining tables from heat damage caused by hot pots, pans and dishes. And she's not the only fan, with the product earning more than 2,830 five-star reviews from happy shoppers. 'There's a reason you see these in kitchens everywhere. They work great and are so cheap... A kitchen staple,' one shared. 'Love these, have been buying them for decades in our family. They save your countertops and expensive dining tables from heat marks. Great, reliable product,' another revealed. RecipeTin Eats founder Nagi Maehashi has revealed the simple $1.33 item from IKEA you'll always find in her kitchen. The popular Aussie cookbook author said she's obsessed with the HEAT pot stands (right) The 'perfect' cork mats are used to protect surfaces such as countertops and dining tables from heat damage caused by hot pots, pans and dishes 'I have been using these for quite a few years and love them. They're practical and work as expected. When they get nasty (usually after two to four years) just chuck them out and replace them,' one said. 'This is my second purchase of these pot stands, they're great quality, last for a long time and are very inexpensive. Does the job,' another added. Nagi's recommendation comes after she sent shoppers rushing to buy the $29 frying pan from IKEA that she believes is better than $300 European brands. She said she stopped spending hundreds of dollars on high-end cookware after she discovered the HEMKOMST frying pan, which has since become her go-to. 'The best non-stick frypan is from IKEA,' Nagi said on her Instagram Stories. 'I stopped buying $300 European brands years ago. This IKEA one does the job just as well, lasts just as long and is a fraction of the price. 'Works well on induction. Oven proof. Steep sides for max flat base searing area. My most used pan.' The popular cookbook author owns all three sizes - 28cm (currently on sale for $29, reduced from $35), 24cm ($25) and 32cm ($39). Last week, Nagi sent shoppers rushing to buy the must-have $29 frying pan from IKEA that she believes is better than $300 European brands The cook behind RecipeTin Eats said she stopped spending hundreds of dollars on high-end cookware after she discovered the IKEA pans (pictured with her beloved dog Dozer) '28cm is my all rounder - good size for regular stove heating elements... 32cm for clans, you need a wide heat source and 24cm for nuts and a single sunny side up egg,' she said. Nagi said she discovered the IKEA frying pans after a chef recommended them. 'I got the tip from a chef, read about it in an interview. He said he uses IKEA pans in his restaurant,' she explained. The frying pan is made from stainless steel with a non-stick coating, is oven-safe, easy to use, and compatible with most hobs - including induction and gas. Her recommendation sent fans wild, with one saying: 'If Nagi says they're the best, then you'd best believe I'm heading to IKEA.' A traveller has warned about a little-known airport rule that cost her $515. Ellie Tran was flying from South Korea to Sydney when her ghd Unplugged hair straightener was confiscated at Incheon Airport. She had travelled out of Australia with the cordless hair styling tool in her checked luggage without any issues. However, on the return journey, her experience took a stressful turn. 'The hair straightener was in my checked luggage. I've travelled multiple times previously with the same ghd packed this way and had never encountered any issues until this incident,' Ellie told Daily Mail. 'I brought my hair straightener from Sydney to Incheon Airport fine, no problems. But when I came back, the baggage inspection people told me I had to throw it out.' Ellie said she was taken to a private room where an airport security officer told her the hair straightener couldn't go on the plane because the potentially flammable lithium-ion battery was built-in and not removable. Ellie Tran was flying from South Korea to Sydney when her ghd Unplugged cordless hair straightener was unexpectedly confiscated at Incheon Airport She was upset about parting with her 'ride or die' $515 ghd hair tool, saying: 'I bawled at the airport but life moves on.' 'I just can't believe I had to throw it out,' she said. 'I felt quite confused due to the lack of clear information and the inconsistencies in regulations within different airports and airlines.' If a cordless device has no way of disconnecting its heating element from the battery, it can pose a significant fire hazard, particularly in the cargo hold where a fire can take hold before being noticed. Wireless hair straighteners are only allowed on board if they have a flight-safe mode or a removable battery. Corded straighteners are safe for flying. On its website, ghd advises travellers to check airline requirements before flying with one of its cordless tools. 'If travelling by air, please be aware certain countries have restrictive requirements regarding batteries in checked-in and carry-on luggage. Please contact your airline to check requirements before travel,' it said. Certain countries such as New Zealand and Japan have strict requirements regarding batteries in checked-in and carry-on luggage. Ellie decided to share her experience on social media so other flyers don't make the same mistake when travelling with a cordless gadget. 'There's a lot of talk around it right now because people don't really know if it's allowed in carry-on or checked luggage,' she said in her video. 'From what I've gathered, I think it's best that you don't bring it at all, or if you can, get one that has a removable battery. 'Double check with your airline because each airline seems to have different guidelines.' She had travelled out of Australia with her $515 hair styling tool packed in her checked luggage without any issues. However, on her return home to Sydney, her experience took a stressful turn (file image of Incheon Airport) Speaking to Daily Mail, she said she hopes everyone can 'travel feeling more informed and avoid unnecessary stress or confusion when flying with similar items'. 'Moving forward, I plan to stick to wired hair tools when travelling, or look for options with removable batteries, as this seems to be a consistent requirement mentioned across several airline FAQs,' she said. After the trip, she bought a $19 cordless straightener from Kmart, which she was quite impressed with after testing at home. 'This is really good,' she said. After sharing her story, some revealed they had no idea cordless hair straighteners could pose a serious risk when flying and were at risk of confiscation. 'I always fly with mine internationally and there's never an issue,' one shared, along with a crying emoji. 'You can't bring straighteners on planes?' another asked in disbelief. Meanwhile, many shared they too learned the hard way after their wireless hair straighteners were confiscated at airports. 'I know how it feels. I had a similar experience at an airport in Japan due to the battery being inside. Mine didn't cost as much as yours but it definitely sucked not being able to take it back with you,' one said. 'Same thing happened to me in Japan. I had to throw it out on the way OUT of Japan. It was $180. I just repurchased the same one,' another added. 'They tried to do this with me at Incheon Airport as well with my Dyson. I told them I had already checked with Singapore Airlines but they said the rules have changed. I told them to check again and they did. They let me fly with it. Never flying with a cordless hair straightener again,' one revealed. A broken nail may not sound like a medical emergency - but experts have warned of the dangers associated with manicures after Abbey Clancy revealed she was rushed to hospital and put on a drip when her acrylics snapped. Infection and bleeding are a common risk, along with unbearable throbbing pain - as popular gel polish and UV lamps have also sparked concerns over cancer and fertility issues. Speaking to the Daily Mail, 'nail guru' and polish brand founder Leighton Denny MBE revealed when to seek medical help, and what to look out for when you're booking in your latest appointment. 'People often think a broken nail is just a cosmetic issue, but if the nail splits deep into the nail bed it creates an open wound,' Leighton stressed. 'That leaves you vulnerable to infection, inflammation and in some cases severe pain or swelling that may require medical attention. 'If it's red, swollen, painful or there's pus, don't wait around get it checked. That's when a broken nail stops being a beauty issue and becomes a real health risk.' 'Infections in the fingers can spread quickly, and what starts as a "minor break" can escalate into something far more serious,' the manicurist said. He said that 'you should never ignore a nail injury that throbs, swells or worsens over 24 hours', while aesthetician Shantelle Clarke of Diamond Skin Clinic in Knightsbridge warned that broken nails can create an opening for bacteria and lead to paronychia (a skin infection). Speaking on her and her husband's The Therapy Crouch podcast on Tuesday, former model, Abbey, 40, revealed her acrylic bent back and snapped off her entire nail after she gave her friend a hug. She said the wound started pouring with blood and she had searing nerve pain along her arm, shoulder and neck, with the agony of the horror injury leaving her in tears all night. 'I had a serious injury,' Abbey said. 'I ended up in hospital. I broke my nail. It sounds insane and I was so embarrassed going to hospital.' She continued: 'The doctor came to the room at 3am, put me on a drip for painkillers. When we were calling down to hotel reception, I was like "Can we have some paracetamol?" 'They said: "We can't give you paracetamol, we can't give you ibuprofen." So we had to wait for a doctor - that was two hours. Then the doctor came, and said, "I'm going to put you on a drip." That was another two hours. It sounds so pathetic. It sounds ridiculous.' A broken nail may not sound like the most urgent health condition - but experts have warned of the dangers an improper manicure can fester if not tended too, after Abbey Clancy revealed that she was rushed to hospital and put on a drip after her acrylics snapped 'People often think a broken nail is just a cosmetic issue, but if the nail splits deep into the nail bed it creates an open wound,' Leighton stressed. 'That leaves you vulnerable to infection, inflammation and in some cases severe pain or swelling that may require medical attention.' 'If it's red, swollen, painful or there's pus, don't wait around get it checked. That's when a broken nail stops being a beauty issue and becomes a real health risk.' He added that, as was made clear by Abbey's case, 'you should never ignore a nail injury that throbs, swells or worsens over 2448 hours'. 'Infections in the fingers can spread quickly, and what starts as a "minor break" can escalate into something far more serious,' the manicurist warned. 'Attempting to glue, file or cover a severely broken nail without proper cleaning can significantly increase the risk of infection. You may think it will look better, but it can trap bacteria and make things a lot worse.' And aesthetician Shantelle Clarke of Diamond Skin Clinic in Knightsbridge, said she has seen the dangers in her own patients. 'Abbey did the right thing by going to the hospital right away because a broken nail creates an opening for bacteria and fungi to get in which can lead to a nasty illness called paronychia,' she shared. Speaking on her and her husband's The Therapy Crouch podcast on Tuesday, the former model, 40, revealed her acrylic nail bent back and snapped off her entire nail after she gave her friend a hug 'I've seen this happen a few times and it is pretty serious because it can escalate nto something life threatening if the nail catches onto something causing a deeper tear into your flesh. 'It's imperative that you seek medical attention right away (especially if you are in pain) as I have seen cases where the nail grows back abnormally leaving the victim forced to deal with that and a nasty infection.' 'A traumatic nail avulsion like this is a medical emergency rather than a cosmetic issue,' said Dr Kristina Semkova, Consultant Dermatologist. 'When an acrylic nail bends back and forcibly detaches the natural nail, it can tear the nail plate away from the nail bed, which is rich in blood vessels and nerve endings. 'This explains the heavy bleeding and the intense, radiating pain described, which can travel up the arm due to acute nerve stimulation and inflammation.' She said that, more importantly, the exposed nail bed creates a direct entry point for bacteria. 'Acrylic nails can harbour microbes, and when the protective barrier is lost, the risk of infection increases significantly, including bacterial cellulitis or, in severe cases, deeper soft tissue infection,' she added. 'Prompt medical assessment is essential to control bleeding, manage pain, reduce infection risk and ensure the nail regrows correctly without permanent damage or deformity.' Here, experts have also revealed the various other risks associated with your manicure - ranging from cosmetic concerns to serious health dangers... Brittle nails and bacteria 'I'm not opposed to gel polish, but they can cause the sort of damage that can lead to an injury because they weaken nails over time and make them brittle,' Shantelle said. 'It's basically because you have to buffer your natural nail before application which can lead to wear and tear. I have also had to treat clients who have found bacteria under their nails because the polish is water resistant.' Leighton agrees - adding that 'overuse without breaks can weaken the natural nail, thin the nail plate and leave it more susceptible to splitting, lifting and infection'. He said that it's also equally important that gels are removed correctly. 'Peeling or forceful removal causes microscopic tears in the nail, which again opens the door to bacteria and fungal infections,' the expert added. 'Discolouration, thickening and lifting are classic signs of a fungal nail infection. These should never be covered up with polish - that only traps the problem and makes it harder to treat. 'If a nail changes shape, colour or texture and doesn't improve, it's time to stop cosmetic treatments and seek professional or medical advice.' 'The best advice is to listen to your nails,' he concluded. 'Pain, heat, swelling and colour change are never normal. Nails should be treated as part of your overall health - not just an accessory.' Premature ageing of skin Shantelle admitted she's 'not opposed' to UV lamps, but has seen the wear and tear of them in her patients. 'We are seeing women coming in with signs of premature ageing in their hands because of regular exposure to the ultraviolet light,' she added. 'You basically want to limit your exposure to anything that puts pressure on your skin or nails because it makes them more susceptible to damage. 'I advise my clients to fingerless gloves when they're using lamps or and keep gel manicures to a minimum. Every two to three weeks if possible'. Fertility issues Elsewhere, one of the latest health concerns to be linked to gel manicures is fertility issues after a key ingredient used in these polishes was banned across Europe amid fears it could be toxic. As of September 1, the European Union has banned the use of trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide - commonly referred to as TPO - after studies showed it could adversely impact reproductive health. TPO is a photoinitiator, or the ingredient responsible for gel polish's fast drying quality. The chemical also helps the nail varnish harden when exposed to ultraviolet light from the LED lamps used at salons. While this treatment means gel polish doesn't chip or fade as easily as regular nail paint, experts are now raising concerns about its effect on fertility in the long run. The newly enforced ban means that nail salons across the EU's 27 member states - as well as other countries that mirror its regulations such as Norway - have been informed that they must stop offering TPO-based nail gels, and safely dispose of their current stock. Manufacturers will also now have to reformulate their products to be TPO-free. However, these products will remain on sale in the UK and US - although industry insiders expect a similar precautionary ban on salons across the country towards the end of 2026. Reacting to the ban, some experts have noted the animal studies linking TPO to possible fertility complications are not supported by robust scientific evidence. During these studies, animals like rats were given high doses of TPO in exposure conditions that were significantly different to realistic scenarios where a much smaller amount of the chemical is applied to a human nail. Further, TPO's effect on human reproductive health is still unclear since the studies about its toxicity were focused on animals. Skin cancer Researchers at the University of California, San Diego and University of Pittsburgh sounded the alarm after they found that radiation emitted from UV lamps used in manicures leads to cancer-causing mutations in human cells. In a series of laboratory studies, they found a high proportion of skin cells repeatedly exposed to the light emitted by these lamps died. Cells that did survive showed signs of damage, including to DNA, which can increase the risk of skin cancer. Writing in the journal Nature Communications, the study authors warned: Our experimental results strongly suggest that radiation emitted by UV nail polish dryers may cause cancers of the hand. They added: UV nail polish dryers, similar to tanning beds, may increase the risk of early-onset skin cancer. However, they cautioned that the study does not provide direct evidence for an increased cancer risk in humans. Reacting to the study, Doug Schoon, of the USs Nail Manufacturing Council, a chemist by training, said it was a biased and unfair attack. He said the researchers used a very high-powered UV lamp and exposed cultured skin cells for far too long 20 minutes a day for three consecutive days. He added customers typically hold a hand under a lamp for three minutes during a nail bar session. Most go a couple of times a month. 'I can guarantee results would be much different if they used three one-minute exposures. It appears their agenda is to make all UV nail lamps look dangerous, he said. For over 20 years millions have regularly used these lamps, so they have a long history of safe use. The bulk of scientific evidence demonstrates that UV nail lamps are safe, when used properly. Severe allergic reactions In 2018, dermatologists warned gel polishes could trigger allergic reactions and by 2023, TikTok was awash with graphic videos of women left horrified by the after-effects of their manicures. The culprit in this case is the group of chemicals in gel varnishes, known as methacrylates, that can cause 'painful peeling', swelling, itching, and blisters if exposed to the skin. Those who suffer this reaction are then unable to tolerate being exposed to the chemical, which is used in routine procedures such as fillings and hip replacements. Exposure to methacrylates can have 'serious consequences for future medical care', according to Bath-based consultant dermatologist Dr Deirdre Buckley. During gel manicures, methacrylates can enter the skin when the UV lamps used to seal and harden each layer of gel are not used for long enough, or the equipment is poorly maintained. Each gel polish brand has an exact curing time which should be adhered to, often either 30, 60 or 90 seconds. If the gel is not sufficiently 'cured' for the correct period of time, a reaction to the chemicals can occur on the skin around the nails, experts noted. Symptoms include the nails loosening and falling off, sores on fingers, and red and swollen cuticles, as well as severe rashes on the face, neck, or upper chest. Simply brushing your nails against your arms or touching your face can cause symptoms to spread to those areas. One TikTok user @helenhopeofficial shared how her gel manicure habit took a turn when she started getting blisters on her fingers and watched in shock as her nails lifted off the bed (a condition known as 'oncholyosis') and the skin near her fingertips began peeling. When she consulted a nail technician, the TikTok user realised gel polishes can have 'high levels of allergens' and that her symptoms were the result of Hema - or a type of methacrylate. Multiple women told this paper how using at-home gel nail kits had led them to develop allergic reactions with painful symptoms such as 'yellowish nails, peeling sore fingertips, burning, and red, split skin'. Dr Buckley previously told the Daily Mail: 'Its important that people are aware of the potential risks of artificial nail products, whether they are having them applied in a salon or at home. 'Nail technicians are particularly at risk and should wear nitrile gloves when applying the products, changing them every thirty minutes with a no-touch technique.' Other forms of cancer Nail technicians are advised to wear masks while working because they are also exposed to dangerously high levels of chemicals linked to several cancers - including squamous cell carcinoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and leukaemia - according to research from 2019. Scientists studied six salons in the US and found the air inside contained formaldehyde and other toxic compounds. They warned that exposure to these chemicals over a 20-year period could raise a manicurist's cancer risk by up to 100 times. Researchers highlighted that this level of exposure could potentially damage the technician's health as much as if they worked at an oil refinery or garage. Studies suggest these employees are at risk of asbestos exposure, as well as cancer of the stomach, oesophagus and lungs. While technicians are most vulnerable to the ill-effects of these toxins, they will also be a cause of concern for customers - although manicure lovers will not face the same kind of exposure. 'It really depends on how much time you spend in and around that environment,' Dr Montoya, who led the study of the salons in 2017, said. 'Customers spend a fraction of the time in salons that workers do.' Culinary Class Wars star Culinary Monster has apologized for his 'harsh' words and his behavior on the Netflix competition show. The chef, real name Lee Ha-sung, came runner-up in the second season of the South Korean series, losing to Choi Kang-rok, a White Spoon chef and returning contestant. In an interview posted on the Netflix Korea YouTube page, Culinary Monster said that he came across 'harshly' due to feeling 'desperate and eager' during the filming process. He expressed regret over his behavior and offered his apologies to his fellow competitors and others involved in the production. Culinary Monster said: 'I kept thinking, "Should I have worked harder? Did I not put in enough effort?" 'The pressure of thinking that if I didn't achieve good results in this filming, everything I had done so far might go to waste made my actions and words come across a bit more harshly. 'For that, I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable.' Taking accountability for his actions, Culinary Monster said he feels sorry for 'causing trouble for the production team who worked hard on the program.' Culinary Monster has apologized for his 'harsh' words on Culinary Class Wars season two The chef said sorry for his behavior in an interview posted on the Netflix Korea YouTube page 'I also apologize to the viewers for any discomfort,' he added. Culinary Monster was no stranger to fighting talk during his run on Culinary Class Wars. In one scene, he appeared to make a dig about Chef Hou's age by comparing the competitor to his father's age. Addressing the comments in his confessional, Chef Hou said: 'He mentioned how I was around his father's age. 'But this is a game of survival. There are no fathers or sons here.' 'I really do respect and admire Chef Hou, but there's only one match for me in the final,' Culinary Monster retorted. 'So sorry Chef Hou, but I'll be giving it my all to win.' Culinary Monster's comments appeared to go down well with fans of the show on Reddit. The chef was part of the Black Spoon team and competed against the acclaimed White Spoons Chef Monster is currently gearing up for the opening of his New York restaurant 'I don't know why he was unliked in the first place,' one wrote in a thread that contained his video apology. 'He's just a nonchalant perfectionist who loves cooking,' another said. A third speculated: 'I think he's a teddy bear off-cam.' Agreeing, another said: 'I knew it. Love him.' At the time of writing, Culinary Monster is preparing to open a restaurant in New York City. The restaurant, named Oyatte, values ingredients, seasonality, technique, and integrity. 'We focus on building excellence through daily effort and dedication,' Culinary Monster said. It is not yet known when Oyatte will open its doors. In 2025, as President Donald Trump was elected for his second term, it seemed like a new aesthetic trend was voted into fashion too. 'Mar-a-Lago face' - defined by an appearance of copious Botox usage, a Miami-bronze tan, puffy lips and silky smooth skin - became an instant hit with many members of his staff and cabinet, including with Kristi Noem and Karoline Leavitt. But now, one year later, it seems like a new beauty phenomenon is set to take its place. 'MAGA hair' - the long, thick, flowing locks that many of Trump's leading ladies have been sporting - appears to be the new must-have look down in Washington, D.C. It means short hair is now a no-go and long hair is in vogue. Since stepping into the spotlight, many women working under Trump have opted to wear their waist-length hair in loose, beach-y waves without a ponytail in sight. Not only has Noem been spotted in recent months wearing the style, but so have Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, TV commentator Tomi Lahren, and even Trump's own daughter, Tiffany Trump. And according hairdressers, don't expect to see any short bobs in The White House anytime soon. Long, thick hairstyles are here to stay in Trump World, as one expert pointed out that it 'works alongside a very curated overall aesthetic.' 'MAGA hair' - the long, thick, flowing locks that many of Trump's leading ladies have been sporting - has been a hit with many members of Trump's staff and cabinet, including with Kristi Noem (pictured) Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle (left) and even Trump's own daughter Tiffany Trump (right) have embraced the look Pro hair stylist Jeremy Pugh, who commented from strictly a beauty and style standpoint, told Daily Mail that the hairstyle reminds him of some throwback 'dos from the 2000s. 'MAGA hair reminds me of the 2000s Victoria's Secret blowout mixed with the viral Utah curls from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives with LOTS of extensions,' Pugh told Daily Mail. 'I think they're going for a "youthful" look but it gets confusing for me with too much teasing, DRY ends and zero movement.' Hair stylist Rachael Sprigg, founder of Hair by Rach, told Daily Mail that she believes the hairstyle is meant to make the women look 'aspirational' and ready to be on-camera. 'It usually features long lengths, lots of volume, soft waves, and a glossy finish. It's designed to look strong, aspirational, and camera-ready,' Sprigg said. 'In Washington, D.C., where image and perception matter hugely, this kind of hair projects confidence, wealth, and traditional femininity, all of which align with the branding many of these women want to communicate.' Sprigg added that the hair is 'rarely effortless' looking. 'The hair is rarely effortless or natural-looking. It's styled to be noticed, symmetrical and polished, which mirrors the wider visual messaging of the look,' Sprigg said. Political commentator Tomi Lahren has been sporting the look recently, as she appeared on Fox News last month The hairstylist also suspects that some of the ladies may be using hair extensions to supplement volume. 'Achieving that level of length, density and uniform fullness, especially around the front and through the ends, is extremely difficult with natural hair alone,' Sprigg shared. 'Extensions allow for consistent thickness, bigger waves and a longer-lasting style that holds its shape on camera,' she added. Keeping hair that length and having healthy extensions is no small feat, either. Sprigg told Daily Mail just how much time and effort go into it all - not to mention the sheer cost of the upkeep. 'There is significant maintenance involved. Extensions require regular salon appointments for refitting and blending, specialist products, careful brushing and heat styling, and disciplined aftercare to avoid damage,' Sprigg said. 'Long hair at that level also needs frequent trims, deep conditioning treatments, and professional styling,' she continued. 'It's a high-maintenance look that relies on time, money, and expert input to maintain.' The trend of 'MAGA hair' comes just weeks after Marjorie Taylor Greene slammed the 'MAGA makeover.' In a wide-ranging interview published in The New York Times, the Republican Georgia congresswoman, 51, unleashed a scathing critique of what she dubbed the 'MAGA Mar-a-Lago sexualization.' 'I believe how women in leadership present themselves sends a message to younger women,' Greene, 51, said during the interview. 'I have two daughters, and I've always been uncomfortable with how those women puff up their lips and enlarge their breasts,' she added of the cosmetic procedures some politicians have received in recent years. 'I've never spoken about it publicly, but I've been planning to.' Her outspoken statement was part of two years of conversations the lawmaker had with the Times, and comes after she has denied having any plastic surgery herself. Welcome to The Detour: Your food and travel guide to the best flavours, hidden haunts, insider tips and unforgettable new experiences that reward those who wander off course. As promised, I finally paid a visit to Sydney's newest underground Italian, Osteria Luna. And yes, it delivers. For the uninitiated, this sultry little gem sits beneath Sydney's Charles Brasserie & Bar on York Street, tucked inside a 1938 Art Deco building that feels primed for after dark fun. It's a fantastic atmosphere. Live jazz, a buzzing dining room and some of the best Italian food currently being served in the city all come together in one beautiful space. Executive chef Billy Hannigan and head chef Peter Fiander set out to deliver 'soulful dishes with theatre', and it shows. Case in point: the tableside caprese, thrown together right at your seat while you watch. Between the passionate staff, a knockout drinks list and the speakeasy mood, the menu deserves special mention. Especially the now-viral single-sheet ravioli, stuffed with mushrooms and slicked with brown butter. It more than lives up to the hype. Other standouts I'm still thinking about include the Stracciatella with smoked olive oil, impossibly fluffy focaccia and a simply perfect veal cotoletta. Faultless. As promised, I finally paid a visit to Sydney's newest underground Italian, Osteria Luna I adored the Stracciatella and the now-viral single-sheet ravioli, stuffed with mushrooms and slicked with brown butter. It more than lives up to the hype. And that was all before the most divine tiramisu I've ever tasted landed on the table. It's an all-day effort for the team, too. By day, lunch while a silver bell sings to signal trays of complimentary frozen limoncello coupes. By night, staff slip into burgundy velvet jackets, the DJ glides between Italo disco and lounge classics, and the room transforms into an underground world of its own. As Hannigan puts it: 'Osteria Luna captures the warmth and playfulness of classic Italian dining where old school hospitality is revived. 'It has a moody charm, the kind of place where you feel encouraged to settle in, linger over food, laughter and just a touch of chaos.' Honestly, that sums it up perfectly. Do yourself a favour and check it out. You won't regret it. For the uninitiated, this sultry little gem sits beneath Sydney's Charles Brasserie & Bar on York Street, tucked inside a 1938 Art Deco building that feels primed for after dark fun It's a fantastic atmosphere. Live jazz, a buzzing dining room and some of the best Italian food currently being served in the city all come together in one beautiful space Sydney's sexiest new bar I have a real soft spot for The Porter House Hotel. It's always a good time, and now it's got a moody rooftop worth your while. Bar See See is a tucked-away city escape serving pan-Asian energy with a focus on Moutai, the prestigious baijiu often dubbed China's national drink. Consider it a fresh, very Sydney take on an ancient spirit. Set across five buzzing levels, the Porter House precinct already counts the Grounds & Cellar Door, private event spaces Porter and Alia, and two-hatted restaurant Lee Ho Fook. Bar See See slides neatly into that line-up as a baijiu-led first for Sydney, pairing Moutai-driven cocktails with whisky, taps flowing beer and spritzes, and a wine list curated by group sommelier Louella Mathews. Bar See See is a tucked-away city escape serving pan-Asian energy with a focus on Moutai, the prestigious baijiu often dubbed China's national drink. Consider it a fresh, very Sydney take on an ancient spirit Food comes courtesy of Lee Ho Fook executive chef Brad Guest Food comes courtesy of Lee Ho Fook executive chef Brad Guest, with a tight, share-friendly menu spanning Sydney Rock oysters with ginger and shallot vinegar, salt and pepper lotus chips, duck croquettes and spiced snacks made for grazing. Led by venue manager Nance Liong, the 100-seat space leans into refined fun and cultural fusion. As Liong puts it: 'Bar See See is about reimagining Moutai for modern drinkers. It's a space where curiosity meets craft - where you can explore something ancient, but in a way that feels fresh, social and very Sydney.' Design-wise, it nods to Moutai's flying fairy motif and Rorschach-style symmetry, creating a moody, ever-shifting atmosphere that suits a long sunset session. Bar See See is open from 4pm, Wednesday to Saturday. Led by venue manager Nance Liong, the 100-seat space leans into refined fun and cultural fusion Breathtaking views at voco Gosford The long-awaited voco Gosford has officially opened inside the Archibald precinct, delivering a welcome dose of luxury to the Central Coast just over an hour north of Sydney. Rising 28 storeys above the skyline, the sleek new hotel delivers 130 luxe rooms, a podium-level pool with swim-up bar, and a rooftop venue that looks like it belongs in the CBD instead of the coastal town. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' premium portfolio, the rooms are spacious and light-filled, with plush bedding, large modern bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows with many opening onto balconies with sweeping coastal views. Rising 28 storeys above the skyline, the sleek new hotel delivers 130 luxe rooms, a podium-level pool with swim-up bar, and a rooftop venue that looks like it belongs in the CBD instead of the coastal town The real showstopper is Astra, perched on level 28 as the Central Coast's highest rooftop bar Dining is a major drawcard, with six bars and restaurants on site. Think Aussie pub classics at Archies downstairs, woodfired steaks at Ironbark Kitchen, hand-rolled pasta at Paolo's, and lazy afternoons by the pool bar. But the real showstopper is Astra, perched on level 28 as the Central Coast's highest rooftop bar. Led by Michelin-trained executive chef Maxime Chasseriaud, the Japanese-inspired izakaya pairs fire-driven flavours with panoramic views - and it's already shaping up as the region's hottest new address. In short, The Central Coast's luxury staycation destination has officially arrived, with rooms priced from a very reasonable $299. Led by Michelin-trained executive chef Maxime Chasseriaud, the Japanese-inspired izakaya pairs fire-driven flavours with panoramic views - and it's already shaping up as the region's hottest new address In short, The Central Coast's luxury staycation destination has officially arrived, with rooms priced from a very reasonable $299 The Central Coast's new crown jewel Speaking of major movements on the Coast, the Terrigal Pavilion opened on December 3 - something I heard nothing but excited whispers about during my visit in August. The glossy new venue is the latest blockbuster from hospitality heavyweights Ben May and Rob Domjen, the lauded team behind the famous Burleigh Pavilion in the Gold Coast. Perched right on the shoreline, the sprawling, multi-level venue brings polished coastal energy to one of NSW's most loved beach towns. Upstairs, The Pav delivers sweeping ocean views, a wraparound deck with a sea of pastel umbrellas to perch under, and a relaxed, all-day menu built for sharing. Speaking of major movements on the Coast, the Terrigal Pavilion opened on December 3 - something I heard nothing but excited whispers about during my visit in August For those overwhelmed by choice, the large salted-lavosh crackers paired with the buffalo curd and honey are a must for starters, followed by the aforementioned tuna and the wagyu flank for a main dish Dining-wise, it offers delicious potato scallops, fish tacos, oysters, golden schnitzels and excellent woodfired pizzas from a show-stopping brick 2,000kg brick pizza oven. Downstairs, The Tropic offers a more refined Mediterranean experience. It boasts soft, sun-washed interiors with seafood-led dishes including shucked oysters, tuna crudo, anchovies and a beautifully cooked snapper fillet, backed by an impressive 90-plus bottle wine list and set menus from $80. For those overwhelmed by choice, the large salted-lavosh crackers paired with the buffalo curd and honey are a must for starters, followed by the aforementioned tuna and the wagyu flank for a main dish. Rounding out the precinct is The General Store, a breezy takeaway spot serving coffees at sunrise, acai bowls and casual beachside bites throughout the day. It boasts soft, sun-washed interiors with seafood-led dishes including shucked oysters, tuna crudo, anchovies and a beautifully cooked snapper fillet, backed by an impressive 90-plus bottle wine list and set menus from $80 A flame-grilled chicken spot in Bondi The new hotspot heating up Hall Street is cult chicken shop Henrietta Bondi. Nestled in The Hub, Bondi's newly revamped gourmet food precinct and home to some of the most celebrated venues including Da Orazio, Gelato Messina and Oprah's go-to Bills restaurant, it brings Lebanese-style charcoal chicken moments from the beach. The space is bright, minimal, and clean with neon accents, terrazzo floor finishes and a bar pouring spritzes, spicy margaritas and espresso martinis. The star, of course, is the chicken in the form of juicy, flame-kissed bites that are best eaten with your hands. The new hotspot heating up Hall Street is cult chicken shop Henrietta Bondi. The star, of course, is the chicken in the form of juicy, flame-kissed bites that are best eaten with your hands The space is bright, minimal, and clean with neon accents, terrazzo floor finishes and a bar pouring spritzes, spicy margaritas and espresso martinis Mezze rounds things out, from smoky babaganoush and crisp falafel to grill favourites like shish tawouk on skewers and lamb koftas Tear into warm pita bread, slather it with punchy garlic toum, add pickles and sides like fattoush or tabouli for a tailored taste. The chicken comes whole, half or by the piece to suit your appetite. Mezze rounds things out, from smoky babaganoush and crisp falafel to grill favourites like shish tawouk on skewers and lamb koftas. Don't skip the eggplant fatteh or the brussels sprouts - both are standout dishes worth ordering again. Building on the popularity of its Surry Hills and Parramatta venues, Henrietta's Bondi outpost feels perfectly tuned to its beachside setting. Overseen by executive chef Ibrahim Kasif, the menu is fresh, generous and made for sharing. Dating a rich man, traveling the globe by his side and not having to work... sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, according to influencer Diana Sidva, the lifestyle is not as glamorous as some may think. The social media star, 23, from Lisbon, Portugal, told the Daily Mail that she spent months being a 'stay-at-home girlfriend.' Her 'financially successful' beau - she did not share his name for privacy reasons but revealed he was featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Italy list - gave her a 'monthly allowance' so she didn't have to work. At first, it was great. She had tons of free time and spent her days doing Pilates, grabbing brunch with her friends and being flooded with gifts from her boyfriend. But what initially seemed like a glamorous and effortless lifestyle came with severe 'emotional costs' that ultimately 'outweighed the comfort.' She laid bare the highs and lows of the often sought-after lifestyle exclusively with the Daily Mail. Sidva explained that she was a 'well-established content creator' and she often snagged brand deals in 'beauty, fashion and haircare' when she was introduced to her now-ex-boyfriend by a yoga instructor whom she 'regularly trained with.' Influencer Diana Sidva, 23, from Lisbon, Portugal, spent months being a 'stay-at-home girlfriend' but said the lifestyle was not as glamorous as some may think She laid bare the highs and lows of the often sought-after lifestyle exclusively with the Daily Mail 'She was also teaching yoga for his team during corporate events, and she introduced us,' she explained. They started dating in December 2024, and soon after they got together, he encouraged her to take a step back from her career as an influencer. 'He traveled frequently for work and wanted me to always be with him,' Sidva continued. While at first she tried to continue working while she traveled with him, she had a hard time balancing her career and relationship. 'As a creator, that wasn't realistic [to maintain]. My work requires planning, locations, filming and editing,' she said. 'Even though it's remote, it still requires structure and independence. Gradually, he began offering me a monthly allowance so I wouldn't have to work.' At first, Sidva said it was 'freeing' to not have to worry about her job. But soon after she stopped working, she said the 'dynamic' between her and her boyfriend 'shifted.' 'I suddenly had more time and focused on sports, reformer Pilates, meeting friends for breakfast and spending more time with my family,' she dished. She explained that her 'financially successful' beau - she did not share his name for privacy reasons - gave her a 'monthly allowance' so she didn't have to work At first, it was great... she had tons of free time and spent her days doing Pilates, grabbing brunch with her friends and being flooded with gifts from her boyfriend 'I had [so much] free time, less stress and more focus on self-care and physical well-being. But comfort without growth eventually turned into stagnation. 'Over time, however, the dynamic shifted. He wanted to be with me constantly, 24/7. He began joining me everywhere, even to workouts or casual outings. 'If I went to see my family and returned even slightly later than planned, it would cause emotional outbursts. I started limiting myself to avoid conflict.' She said he used his financial support as a 'form of influence and emotional leverage,' and even started using his money as a 'tool of pressure.' 'If I behaved in ways he didn't like, financial support could suddenly be withdrawn,' she recalled. Sidva noted that 'financial dependence creates an imbalance' in any relationship, and she quickly learned it was not for her. 'Like many women, I was influenced by the "Pilates, matcha, stay-at-home girlfriend" lifestyle shown on social media,' she said. 'It looks calm, feminine and effortless... everything [being] taken care of - I was drawn to that idea. But what initially seemed like a glamorous and effortless lifestyle came with severe 'emotional costs' that ultimately 'outweighed the comfort' 'The reality, however, was very different. I learned that for me, giving up independence came with emotional costs that outweighed the comfort. 'Working and building something of my own turned out to be far healthier and more fulfilling.' Sidva said the relationship ultimately became 'emotionally unhealthy' so she decided to end things. After their breakup, she started fresh, rebuilding her online brand 'from scratch' - and now, she couldn't be more proud of how far she's come. 'In two months, I grew a new audience of over 10,000 followers and began working actively with UGC and brand collaborations again,' she dished. 'I'm now fully independent and working for myself.' 'Online, people show only the aesthetics - Pilates, coffee dates, gifts. They don't show the emotional cost or power imbalance that can develop behind the scenes,' she reminded others. 'My message is simple: never give up your financial independence completely. Even in loving relationships, having your own income, work, and purpose protects you.' The French Government has launched a new number plate as part of its efforts to tackle motor crime in the country - and the bold new design is pink. While vehicles in France typically display white plates front and rear, from 1 January 2026 a new pink registration plate has been introduced. The pink plates replace the previous 'WW' or 'W garage' plates, which are the French equivalent to trade plates in Britain. These are used predominantly by car dealers on pre-registered vehicles, or for test drives purposes. In the UK, these plates have a white background, red border and red letter and number unique identifier combinations. However, in France, the temporary registrations had been the same design as conventional permanent white number plates but with 'WW' marking, which made them difficult for the police to spot in traffic. Around 400,000 vehicles per year use these temporary plates while awaiting full registration in France - but they have been increasingly used for fraudulent purposes. The French Government has launched a new number plate this year as part of its efforts to tackle motor crime in the country This is because many French drivers have been retaining 'WW' trade plates for months - and even years - after they have expired to evade punishment for motoring offences. By making the plates pink, it should make these cars easier for French police to identify in traffic and conduct checks on the validity of the registrations, officials say. The Interior Ministry says the new design - introduced on 1 January - will allow immediate visual identification of a temporary registration. Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, minister delegate to the Minister of the Interior said fraudulent use of the old WW plates had become a 'growing problem' in the country. 'The installation of these pink plates, which are very recognisable, will make it possible to better identify and control vehicles under provisional registration in traffic. 'This concerns more than 400,000 provisional WW registrations and W garage registrations per year. 'Even if fraud remains a marginal phenomenon compared to the scale of activities within the SIV [systeme dimmatriculation des vehicules, France's vehicle database] - which has 65 million files - it has grown in recent years and many effective and operational actions are being taken to curb and reduce this scourge.' The 'WW' temporary plate - which is France's version of a UK trade plate - has been made bright pink so that it is easier for police to identify Alongside the bright pink background, the plate will display the month and year of expiry on the right-hand side, replacing the department and region identifier The pink plates replace the previous 'WW' or 'W garage' plates, which are the French equivalent to trade plates in Britain Alongside the bright pink background, the plate will display the month and year of expiry on the right-hand side, replacing the department and region identifier. These provisional registrations are only valid for up to four months and cannot be extended. However, French authorities have seen increasing misuse in recent years, with drivers continuing to use these temporary plates for years after they've expired. By doing so, they've been able to avoid penalties incurred for a number of different traffic violations, including speeding fines. And because a WW plate is recirculated every 14 months, subsequent users have been receiving penalty charges in the post for offences that are being committed by previous users of the registration. The new plates have been launched just days after the French Government introduced tougher punishments for drivers caught 'excessively' speeding. Motorists found to be travelling 50kmh (31mph) over the speed limit from 29 December now receive a criminal conviction. The AA has told This is Money that UK drivers caught committing such an offence would also be subject to the French legal system, which could see them incur a maximum fine of 3,750 (3,250) and the possibility of the immediate confiscation of their vehicle and a three-month prison sentence. Britons could also be given a three-year ban from driving in France. A legendary British muscle car, which went out of production 50 years ago, is set to be reborn as a luxury model for the 21st century - and it won't be powered by batteries and electric motors. The returning classic will be built near Oxford and powered by a V8 petrol engine, bosses behind the new project promise. Banbury-based car firm Jensen International Automotive (JIA) on Wednesday confirmed that its 'all-new, ultra-high-performance, luxury Grand Tourer' will arrive this year. And from the single teaser image shown, the new car is set to follow in the tyre tracks of the iconic Jensen Interceptor, with a two-door shooting brake silhouette. The original interceptor was hand-built at the Kelvin Way Factory in West Bromwich near Birmingham by Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1976. Today, a sixties Interceptor can cost from around 15,000 to 61,000 for a pristine example. Jensen International Automotive has released its first teaser image of its first 'all-new, ultra-high-performance, luxury Grand Tourer' which is likely to carry the legendary Interceptor name some 50 years after the iconic British classic went out of production JIA until now has specialised in the restoration and modernisaton of existing classic Interceptors, creating 'restomods' such as the supercharged Interceptor R. However, the engineering firm claims this will be its first 'clean sheet' creation that it will design from the 'ground up' in a nod to the original. While the model is yet unnamed, there is an expectation that it will carry the Interceptor badge or a moniker that's pays tribute to the 1960s shooting brake. The first - and only - official picture shared shows the outline of a vehicle with a characteristically expansive bonnet, raked roofline and extremely long wheelbase. The original interceptor was hand-built at the Kelvin Way Factory in West Bromwich, Birmingham, by Jensen Motors between 1966 and 1976. Today, a sixties Interceptor can cost from around 15,000 to up to 61,000 for a pristine example The returning classic will be built near Oxford and powered by a V8 petrol engine, bosses behind the new project promise Like the original, it will be hand built but in exclusive 'ultra-low' volumes, which will likely mean a steep asking price for each example. There is currently no word on how much it could cost. 'The car will blend an elegant yet striking contemporary body design with an aluminium chassis and a bespoke V8 engine to ensure a fully analogue driving experience, delivering a thoroughly modern take on a luxury British GT,' the company said in a statement. This would suggest the new model will not only use a conventional petrol powerplant but also be linked to a manual gearbox in a back hand to electrification. If it is to embody the original Interceptor (pictured), it is likely to feature an abundance of physical controls and switches in the cabin - though no images of the interior have been shared Automotive publication Autocar believes it will adopt the 6.2-litre eight-cylinder power unit from the existing Chevrolet Corvette sports car. This puts out 495bhp as standard, though is likely to be fettled by JIA to ensure it is 'bespoke'. The use of an American muscle car's engine would be another reflection of the original Interceptor, which used a 6.3-litre big-block Chrysler V8. When new, it was quoted as developing 250bhp and was capable of reaching speeds of nearly 140mph - monumental performance for any car in the 1960s. If the reborn Interceptor it is to embody the original car, it too is likely to feature an abundance of physical controls and switches in the cabin - though no images of the interior have been shared. David Duerden, JIA's managing director, said: 'Taking the theme of the luxury British GT to fresh, thoroughly modern heights, JIAs first car is designed and engineered from the ground up to deliver an unmatched, deeply immersive, V8-powered driving experience. 'While it takes inspiration from the Jensen Interceptor launched 60 years ago, this is certainly no restomod or continuation and will stand proudly as a completely all-new car in its own right.' The 1960s Interceptor briefly came back into production under the stewardship of new investors trading under the name Jensen Cars Limited in the late 1980s, and again in 1998. However, the business went into administration in 2002. JIA was established in 2010 with backing from Carphone Warehouse founder Charles Dunstone. Budget car maker Dacia will become the first manufacturer to have two electric city cars on sale at the same time when its latest model arrives shortly. The news comes as the market continues to be starved of small affordable cars, both with electric and petrol powertrains as makers continue to focus attention on larger SUV models. However, the Romanian car maker has confirmed that its new entry-level 'A-segment' EV will be available to buy alongside its Spring EV - currently the cheapest electric vehicle in the UK - to give it the broadest city car line-up in Britain. The new Dacia - which will be closely based on Renault's forthcoming Twingo EV - will be priced at just 15,000 (18,000). This is likely to make it 995 less expensive than the recently updated Spring EV. It will be built alongside its parent company's Twingo in Slovenia, meaning it won't be subject to heavy EU import tariffs like the Chinese-produced Spring. Dacia product chief Patrice Levy-Bencheton told Autocar that the Spring and the forthcoming city EV can co-exist because 'they are still quite different' even though they are both A-segment EVs. Here's what we do know so far about the cheap Romanian EV. Dacia's 15,000 city EV arriving this year (sketched above) will go on sale alongside the Dacia Spring EV, making Dacia the only brand to have two A-segment EVs out at the same time Dacia's new cheap small EV arriving in 2026 Before last year's departure become CEO at the luxury Kering Group - which owns famous fashion houses including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, and Alexander McQuee - former Renault Group boss Luca de Meo promised buyers that the Dacia city car would be delivered in 2026. Mr de Meo told press: 'I defy any competitor in the world to do that, including the Chinese when they come to Europe.' The production time - faster than even the Twingo its based on - is down to Dacia being able to piggyback off the same platform. Renault Twingo prices will start from around 17,000 without grants and incentives and is a retro inspired EV. Dacia's new EV will share the same AmpR platform from the Renault Group which means it can be produced in just 16 months It will be the same size as the Twingo but look like an SUV The Twingo is set to be just 3.8 metres long and 1.7 metres wide, making it one of the smallest passenger cars in Britain when it emerges in the coming months. And the new Dacia EV will share the same measurements, which is a fraction shorter. But unlike the Twingo with its retro look inspired by the old nameplate, Dacia's EV will take after its 4x4-style SUVs such as the Duster and Bigster. It will be sold alongside the Spring - at least for a while The Spring has been refreshed for 2026 to keep it competitive with a smaller battery but the same range and greater efficiency, faster charging speeds, more bhp and better equipment and trims. So it might seem odd to have to competing cars on sale at the same time, but Dacia's VP of sales and marketing Frank Marotte told Autocar that the two EVs will be sold 'at different prices with different designs - and we'll figure out what the customer will buy'. He also pointed out that keeping the car updated helps keep its position in the market. It's designed for Europe While the Spring is made in Wuhan, China and only adapted slightly for the European market, the new Dacia EV will be made specifically for European customers. And because of this it's likely it will take features from the Twingo including a the seven-inch digital driver's display and 10-inch multimedia hub. The average household is being 'shut out' of electric car ownership in what has been dubbed a 'wealth divide' in Britain, according to a report from a leading new and used car marketplace. AutoTrader found in a new study that less than half (48 per cent) of households earning less than 40,000 per annum are considering an EV as their next car, with vehicle price typically the biggest hurdle. In contrast, those earning over 40,000 said they are far more likely to purchase an electric model, with 84 per cent earmarking an EV as their next car. According to the Office for National Statistics, the median household income in 2024 was 36,663. This firmly pitches the average Briton in the group that's significantly less likely to make the switch to an EV. And the survey, which polled 2,600 drivers across the country, found that appetite for EVs is not significantly influenced by households having access to driveways, as other reports have previously suggested. While official government data shows that more than four in five existing EV owners in Britain have driveways where the can charge their cars, the AutoTrader report found that 70 per cent of sub-40,000 households do have access to off-street parking facilities. With those with driveways having capacity to charge their EVs via their domestic energy tariffs - which can be four times cheaper than having to charge using public devices - the report said charging cost is 'not the clear-cut indicator of electric consideration - or likelihood to buy - as previously thought'. Fewer than half of households with incomes of less than 40,000 are considering buying an electric car. And that's despite 70% of them having driveways where they can charge an EV and benefit from far cheaper running costs, AutoTrader said Despite those with driveways being likely to save around 1,500 a year on running costs compared to a conventional petrol car, AutoTrader says many households earning less than 40,000 will never even look into the potential savings due to a number of other factors - primarily vehicle price. Nearly two-fifths of lower-income households buy cars priced at 5,000 or less, but only 1 per cent of used EVs are in that price bracket, according to the online marketplace's own data. Lower-income families are also far less likely to know someone who drives an EV and are therefore less likely to hear positive feedback about ownership, the company added. The report warned that millions of drivers will be excluded from the switch to EVs unless there is targeted action on affordability at both government and industry level. Ian Plummer, Autotrader's chief customer officer, said: 'We're at a pivotal moment for the UK's EV transition - but there is still a lingering wealth divide. 'This new data also busts the myth that those who can charge at home will definitely switch - the driveway divide is no longer so clear cut. 'If lower income households can't access affordable vehicles, we risk creating a two-tier system where the benefits of cleaner, cheaper motoring accrue to those already better off. 'The path forward is clear: more choice at lower price points, greater transparency on battery health metrics, and practical charging solutions for people without driveways. 'Do that, and we unlock EVs for everyone - not just the few.' According to the ONS, the median household income in 2024 was 36,663. This firmly pitches the average Briton in the group that's significantly less likely to make the switch to an EV While the Government last summer launched the Electric Car Grant scheme, which offers to trim the price of a new qualifying EV by up to 3,750, AutoTrader says most electric models are still well out of financial reach of most low-income households. As such, it called on ministers to consider a targeted used EV grant scheme as an incentive for lower earners to make the transition. But it warned that recent government action on electric cars is likely to increase the stranglehold on demand among those with the tightest purse strings. The report follows a Budget which 'threatens to make EVs more expensive' in the future, with proposals for a new pay-per-mile road tax from 2028 adding to running costs as Labour attempts to tackle the reduced fuel duty income. AutoTrader found that nearly half of all drivers polled (47 per cent) said they were less likely to go electric following the Budget, compared to one third (34 per cent) who said road pricing for EVs hadn't changed their aspirations to own one. A Department for Transport spokesperson responded: 'The Government is boosting sales and making EVs more accessible at the lower end of the market, by saving drivers up to 3,750 off a new car, with almost 50,000 people benefitting already. This also driving down prices for used EVs, with almost half now available for under 20,000. 'Weve also announced an additional 600million this year alone to support the rollout of more charging devices and are supporting residents without driveways to install home chargers, enabling them to power up for as little as 2p per mile.' Can you help 20 retired lawn bowlers who went to the Algarve on a bowling holiday last spring? We booked through Bowling Abroad, which in turn used travel agency Nirvana Europe. We were due to fly from Faro back to Bristol Airport on April 28 with easyJet, but the flight was cancelled due to a power outage throughout Portugal. It was a stressful situation as there were no easyJet reps to talk to, only leaflets telling us to rebook flights online. We contacted Bowling Abroad, which via Nirvana Europe, found us accommodation in Albufeira for two days and we subsequently flew back to Bristol on April 30. EasyJet was required to pay for our food and transport, and we kept receipts so we could claim this back later. Its been more than six months, and we still havent had our money which we estimate is 1,352. L.W., Staffordshire Claim: A reader's bowling team was left stranded in Portugal after their flight was cancelled due to a power cut Sally Hamilton replies: If EasyJet was your bowls opponent, you could have accused it of landing a stopper. Thats when a player delivers a shot that prevents the competition from being able to play their desired move. In your case, you tried your best to get the reimbursement due, but easyJet appeared to hamper you at every turn. It should have been straightforward, as under a law called EC261, you were entitled to certain help or compensation following the incident, even though the cause was out of easyJets control. An airline is meant to organise accommodation for as long as required until a new flight can be booked, plus provide a reasonable allowance for food and drink if the hotel doesnt include these. EasyJets website states its allowance is 25 a day. EasyJet didnt sort out the accommodation for you, but fortunately your travel agent did. All 20 of you had to pay for food and drink yourselves. Airlines are also meant to either provide transport to and from the emergency accommodation or reimburse the cost. You did all the right things by collecting receipts for food and refreshments from your fellow travellers, including one for 180 euros for taxi fares. You sent these off to your agent Nirvana, expecting it to deal with the situation as your group had paid it to book your trip. But after a few weeks, the company returned your receipts saying easyJet would only deal with you, the group leader. Your efforts came to nothing despite providing every bit of information required. The months rolled on. At one point recently it was looking hopeful that the payment would be forthcoming. But to process it easyJet wanted each of the groups bank details. You didnt have this information, were uncomfortable asking for it and fearful of the security risk of sending all this personal information by email. So, you came to me. I asked easyJet to find a more sensible solution and get the claim paid as soon as possible. To-ing and fro-ing ensued between me, easyJet and Nirvana Europe for a couple of weeks. Eventually, easyJet issued a payment to Nirvana out of which the agent forwarded about 802 directly to you to share amongst your fellow bowlers. Let me know Have you managed to retire early? If so, hats off to you! I want to know the nifty tricks you used to save up enough to stop work and how long it took you. Email Sally@dailymail.co.uk. Nirvana had subtracted the cost of the extra accommodation in Albufeira, which it had paid for even though this should have been easyJets responsibility. This sum didnt seem right, so I asked easyJet to look again. The next day came some better news, with the airline offering you a further 550. The total reimbursed was now 1,352, a welcome result after eight months of chasing. The amount was increased after the airline realised some of your submitted receipts had been misinterpreted by a customer service adviser. Once this was rectified, it confirmed it would refund all the expenses, including the taxi fares. EasyJet apologised for the delay and inconvenience. You were relieved and thanked me for my help, saying: Without the might of the Daily Mail I do not think we would have got anywhere at all. RAC won't pay agreed refund Our car broke down at 7.30am on the day we were making the two hour 40 minute drive from our home in Devon to Lymington to catch a noon ferry to the Isle of Wight for a holiday. We were left dangling for many hours when we should have been helped by our breakdown provider RAC. In the end we were forced to organise a private recovery firm, but despite RAC agreeing to cover this bill nothing has been received. It has been three months. Please help. S.N., Tiverton, Devon Sally Hamilton replies: You explained that when you rang RAC on the day of the incident, 45 minutes after you had left home, an automated voice told you to go online as it would be quicker. On doing this, a message said a recovery van would be with you between 10.50am and 12.50pm. Later you were told it would be 12.50pm-14.50pm. I hate to think how slow it would have been if you hadnt gone online. Despite having left plenty of time for your drive to Lymington, you were going to miss the ferry. You informed the ferry company and your hotel that you wouldnt be making it and reorganised for the following day. You then booked a hire car from nearby Taunton to drive home in and on to the Isle of Wight the next day. Your own car would have to be towed to a garage to be fixed in the meantime. Then you were told it might be 4.50pm before RAC could get to you. Totally fed up that you might end up facing a nine-hour wait for help, you cancelled the callout, organised a private recovery firm and drove the hire car back home. You arrived home at 5pm and were astounded that at 5.15pm a call came from an RAC recovery man saying he was where you had phoned from and couldnt find you. That was the only time you actually spoke to a human. Of course, by then neither you nor the car was still there as it had been towed and youd driven home. That evening you completed an online complaint letter to RAC, which was successfully submitted, and you were asked to send in the bill for the private recovery. Despite asking several times where your reimbursement was, you got not no reply. You were rightly fed up with RACs poor response times, both for your breakdown on the day and from customer service regarding your claim. I contacted RAC on a Friday. By Monday morning you received a call from an apologetic RAC saying it would reimburse you. It paid you the 295 for the recovery and added 55 for the inconvenience. You were very grateful but disappointed that it took my intervention to get your money back. Straight to the point I regularly use my HP printer and have a subscription to its monthly Instant Ink service. A few months ago, I needed to order a new bank card. I received the replacement and my bank redirected my standing orders, including to HP, but it refused to accept the new card information. My monthly payment of 6.50 didnt go through but HP is not accepting my new card details. I am now not getting any ink. D.G., via email. HP say it has removed the suspension on your account and will make sure there are no more payment issues. *** My elderly parents had their phone line switched over from copper wire to digital in August. However, their phone number of 52 years has stopped receiving calls. Their phone company, Vodafone, has still not told us what went wrong, despite my parents continuing to pay 50.69 a month. Vodafone now says they must accept a new phone number. They rely on the phone for doctor and hospital appointments and are worried they will lose contact with relatives and friends. L.H., Norfolk. Vodafone apologises and says the issue is now resolved. You have been offered 374 in compensation and a 202 bill refund for the months your phone was not working. *** I booked a stay at an apartment in Mexico for August last year on Booking.com, but a friend I was travelling with had already booked it on my behalf. It was only $80.66 and I realise it is my mistake but it would be great if I could get a refund. I tried to cancel it and used Booking.coms online form to do this but it wouldnt work. The property has already confirmed in writing that they were happy to cancel it but needed Booking.com to confirm it. J.R., London. Booking.com has refunded you and given you a gesture of goodwill. Business confidence has collapsed to a three-year low as Labour's 'crushing tax burden' and workers' rights laws take their toll. Worries about tax have more than doubled since the last general election, a poll by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) found. And the Budget did nothing to help, with an already negative confidence score weakening further after it took place to the lowest since the end of 2022. Jobs are bearing the brunt as firms slash hiring in response to the challenges, the survey of 1,000 business leaders found. And a separate survey of corporate distress suggested UK firms were more likely than those in other major European economies to face running out of cash. It came as a succession of big firms from Premier Inn owner Whitbread and retailer The Entertainer lined up to lambast the Government over its botched handling of business rates reform. Gloom: Firms are slashing jobs and investment in the face of Rachel Reeves' tax hikes The rates debacle which will mean many firms are struggling to survive as they face a steep rise in bills is the latest in a series of blows to business under Labour. A promise to help pubs hit by the changes threatens to frustrate others such as hotels, restaurants and retailers also affected. Since the Government took office, firms have also had to contend with a raid on employer national insurance, steep rises in the minimum wage and the introduction of a raft of new workers' rights. ICAEW economics director Suren Thiru said: 'The economic mood darkened considerably at the end of last year as a triple whammy of soaring costs, a crushing tax burden and slowing sales drove another disheartening drop in overall sentiment. 'The jobs market is bearing the brunt of these headwinds with our data indicating that companies are increasingly reacting to weaker sales and increasing costs by cutting hiring and curbing other employment-related expenses, notably staff training.' The ICAEW's poll found that in the final quarter of last year, a record 64 per cent of firms said the tax burden was a growing challenge, up from 29 per cent at the time of the last general election. Regulation was the second biggest challenge, with 51 per cent held back as a result of red tape the highest in more than seven years, partly thanks to workers' rights legislation. Meanwhile, analysis of 'corporate distress' across the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy from restructuring firm Weil highlighted 'subdued business confidence and cautious investment' with the Budget having 'done little to lift sentiment'. It said higher NI contributions and minimum wage hikes would 'add to corporate distress in 2026' while the freeze on income tax thresholds will dampen consumer spending power. The UK was the third most 'distressed' country, behind troubled Germany and France but distress over 'liquidity' or fear of running out of cash was the highest in the index. 'While profitability remains under pressure, underlying weakness in economic growth, rising unemployment and slowing wage growth is weighing heavily on confidence,' the report said. It came as Whitbread revealed that business rates changes will cost it 35million. Chief executive Dominic Paul said: 'We continue to believe the proposed changes to business rates are damaging for the overall sector and will impact future investment and job creation and we, along with the wider hospitality industry, continue to press the UK Government for changes.' And Andrew Murphy, chief executive of toy retailer The Entertainer told the BBC that Labour was 'taking a knife' to the high street with its approach to business rates. The global economy is on course for its weakest decade of growth since the 1960s, the World Bank warned yesterday. The latest forecast found that while gross domestic product has rebounded since Covid and proved resilient to shocks such as tariffs, expansion will be sluggish in coming years. The report painted a picture of a world increasingly able to shrug off crises but less able to step up the pace of expansion, especially in poorer countries. Governments are also saddled with record levels of debt. The forecast is a far cry from hopes at the beginning of the decade for a roaring Twenties for the world economy. Organisers of next weeks annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, meanwhile, said the world was facing its greatest upheaval since the end of the Second World War. Gloomy predictions: The latest forecast from the the World Bank found that while gross domestic product has rebounded since Covid, expansion will be sluggish in coming years The event due to be attended by US President Donald Trump will come during a period of deepening global schisms from Ukraine and Gaza to Greenland, Iran and Venezuela. The World Banks Global Economic Prospects report predicted growth will slow slightly to 2.6 per cent this year from 2.7 per cent last year. These are upgrades from previous forecasts of 2.4 per cent for 2026 and 2.3 per cent last year, mainly thanks to a better-than-expected performance by the US. Growth last year was boosted by a surge in trade ahead of new tariffs coming in as part of Trumps trade war, though this is expected to fade this year. The report added: The outlook for the global economy remains subdued and highly uncertain, hindering prospects for job creation. World Bank chief economist Indermit Gill said: With each passing year, the global economy has become less capable of generating growth and seemingly more resilient to policy uncertainty. If the [World Bank] forecasts materialise, the average growth rate of this decade will be the lowest since the 1960s. Gill said the depressing statistic masked an even more grim reality, that while advanced economies were richer than before Covid more than a third of low income economies will be poorer than five years ago. He added: In short, growth in the 2020s has hardly been the rising tide that lifts all boats certainly not the kind that freed more than a billion people from extreme poverty in the 1990s and 2000s. The organisers of next weeks Davos meeting of business and political leaders which will have the theme a spirit of dialogue acknowledged the background of discord. WEF boss Borge Brende said: Our annual meeting is taking place against the most complex geopolitical backdrop since 1945. Dialogue is not a luxury dialogue is really a necessity. Trump will be in Davos after attending the 2025 event via videolink days following his inauguration. He delivered a message to leaders that gave an early indication of the steep tariffs he announced months later. His appearance this year comes during a period of deep controversy over the USs intervention in Venezuela and threats to Greenland. The owner of Premier Inn yesterday weighed into the backlash against Labours botched business rates reforms, warning they would hit jobs and investment. Whitbread said the policy would cost it 35million a year from 2027, as the Government comes under more pressure to reverse the steep rates increases that many businesses face. The boss of toy retailer The Entertainer also delivered a stinging rebuke to Labour, saying it was taking a knife to the High Street. Another retailer, Shoe Zone, complained that it was being battered by highly adverse government fiscal policies. The comments add to growing anger over business rates changes announced in the Budget that will result in many firms struggling to survive as their bills rise sharply. And while a rescue package to help pubs looks set to be announced, others affected, from hotels and restaurants to retailers, are exasperated that they may not be included. Jobs threat: Premier Inn owner Whitbread said Labour's business rates reforms would cost it 35m a year from 2027 It came as Labours crushing tax burden was blamed for business confidence collapsing to a three-year low, according to a survey from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Firms are warning that business rate hikes will have painful consequences. Whitbread boss Dominic Paul said: We continue to believe the proposed changes to business rates are damaging for the overall sector and will impact future investment and job creation. However, the group received a boost after reporting higher sales, sending its shares up 7.1 per cent, or 183p, to 2767p. Meanwhile, Andrew Murphy, chief executive of The Entertainer, told the BBC that the business rates burden does nobody any good and was an absolute travesty which weighed heavily on retailers and hospitality firms. He added: We all want thriving city and town centres; we want these parts of the economy to be growing because they add to our quality of life. The current government approach is basically taking a knife through all of that, which means our town centres become more challenged and our people find it more difficult to find jobs that fit in with their lives. Shoe Zone chairman Charles Smith said it had suffered a challenging year due to waning consumer confidence and Budget policies. Shares tumbled by 18.5 per cent, or 12.5p, to 55p as it reported a 68 per cent fall in profits for the year to September 27 to 3.3million and warned of a further sharp decrease over the coming year. British insurer Prudential has named Sir Douglas Flint as its new chair, succeeding Baroness Shriti Vadera, who is stepping down in May. Flint, who has spent more than two decades at Asia-focused HSBC, is expected to join Prudential's board of directors in March. Flint's appointment comes as Prudential seeks to maintain its competitive edge over rival AIA. Last year, AIA hired Sir Mark Tucker, HSBC's former long-time chair and former chief executive of both AIA and Prudential, as its new chair. In a statement on Wednesday, Prudential's chief executive, Anil Wadhwani, said: 'Douglas brings extremely valuable expertise to the Board and his deep knowledge of Asia is particularly important for the Company. 'I look forward to working with him to shape the next phase of Prudential's growth. I am personally deeply grateful for Shriti's leadership, counsel and support in the last few years.' New hire: British insurer Prudential has named Sir Douglas Flint, pictured, as its new chair During his tenure at HSBC, Flint has served as group chair and finance director. Since 2018, he has also chaired both IP Group and Abderdeen. Vadera served in the government of Gordon Brown from 2007 to 2008 in the Cabinet Office, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and Department for International Development. Flint said on Wednesday: 'This is such an exciting time to be joining. 'The business is well placed to meet the needs of our customers and to expand the provision of protection, health and savings solutions to currently under-served markets.' In a major restructuring in 2021, Prudential offloaded is European and US operations to focus on Asia and Africa. The company is listed in both London and Hong Kong. Although Prudential remains listed in London, the insurer has had little meaningful presence in Britain since spinning off M&G Investments in 2019. Prudential raked in $1.6billion in pre-tax operating profit for the first half of 2025., up six per cent year-on-year. In the first half the group increased its dividend by 13 per cent to 7.71 cents per share. The board expects this to grow more than ten per cent over the 2025-2027 period. Earlier this month, the business announced the launch of a $1.2billion share buyback, to be completed by December. Mulberry's comeback showed further signs of promise this week as the luxury retailer unveiled its Christmas trading update. The retailer said it enjoyed a 'strong festive trading period underpinned by full-price sales mix and newness'. Mulberry said total group sales jumped 5.3 per cent in the 13 weeks to 27 December, with like-for-like retail and online sales up 11 per cent. Once synonymous with 'It girls' like Alexa Chung - who has a bag named after her - Mulberry has struggled in the face of other luxury designers in recent years. The business has been on a mission to position Mulberry as a 'British lifestyle brand' and refocused its attention on its home market. Making a comeback? Signs of Mulberry's comeback showed further signs of promise this week Shares in Mulberry rose 4.76 per cent or 5.00p to 110.00p on Wednesday, having risen around 8 per cent in the last year. Growth came despite a heavily discounted wider retail market, reflecting a shift towards selling more products at full-price rather than relying on promotions. Full-price retail sales increased 19 per cent over the period, Mulberry said. It added: 'The strength of this performance reflects the Group's ongoing delivery of its new strategy - focused on simplifying the business, refreshing the brand, and more fully leveraging customer insights.' As part of the strategy, the company 'refocused' on the UK market. Total UK sales rose 2.5 per cent in the period, with like-for-like sales up 6.5 per cent, Mulberry said. Underlying sales were also stronger overseas, including a 12.6 per cent increase in the US and 27.2 per cent rise surge in mainland Europe. Asia Pacific sales were modestly higher overall, despite store closures, with like-for-like growth buoyed by strong online trading during the November Double 11 shopping festival. Andrea Baldo, Mulberry's chief executive, said: 'We have delivered a strong performance during the festive period. 'While there remains plenty more to be done, it is encouraging to see the early signs of our "Back to the Mulberry Spirit" strategy delivering. 'We have maintained disciplined cost control, while at the same time growing full-price sales by having products that resonate at the right price.' He added: 'The response to our Christmas campaign has been in line with expectation, with particularly strong demand for the Roxanne, the Hackney and the continued resurgence of the Bayswater.' Mulberry is majority controlled by its biggest investor, Singapores wealthy Ong family. A new age of competition in which countries use economic policy as weaponry is the biggest risk facing the world according to a survey of leaders and experts. The report ahead of next weeks World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos appear to be a thinly-veiled warning of the damage that could be posed by Donald Trumps trade wars. Saadia Zahidi, managing director of the WEF, said: We have entered a new age of competition. We are seeing multiple global risks unfolding at the same time. The report identified geoeconomic confrontation as the top global risk closely followed by polarisation of views in society. Donald Trump addresses the WEF in Davos in 2020 Security will be tight when global leaders including Trump gather in the Swiss resort next week Only 1 per cent of those surveyed expect a calm outlook in the next two years while half foresee a turbulent or stormy world. Zahidi said the impact of geopolitical confrontation was already being seen in the shape of tariffs, sanctions and restrictions on investment from rival countries, as well as confrontation over critical minerals and other resources. The report did not name Trump who will return to Davos next week for his first in-person appearance there since being elected as president though the themes raised clearly centred on his upending of global trade and political relationships. Zahidi said however that this is not just about one actor or two actors but the overall shift that has resulted in the global economy. She added: If everybody starts doing the same thing then we really start moving into a very economically difficult situation because it is really not possible for each country to be economically nationalistic to rely only on itself. When economic tools start becoming essentially weaponry instead of a basis for cooperation thats where the overall risk becomes much higher for crises to unfold and for the lack of capacity to be able to deal with them. The soft drinks giant was said to be selling Costa for 2billion Coca-Cola has reportedly ditched its plan to sell Costa Coffee after talks stalled with private equity bidders. The soft drinks giant was said to be selling Costa for 2billion half of the original 3.9billion it paid to buy it in 2018 from previous owner Whitbread. It had attracted high-profile bidders including TDR Capital and Bain Capital, the investment firm behind Gail's and Pizza Express. But even at a reduced valuation, Coca-Cola ended talks after bids fell short of expectations, the Financial Times reported. Apollo, KKR and Centurium Capital were reportedly involved in the early stages of talks, while talks over a deal with Asda owner TDR would have seen Coca-Cola retain a minority stake in Costa. Lukewarm: Coca-Cola has ditched plans to sell Costa after talks collapsed with private equity Focus on fizzy drinks - not lattes Costa, which has more than 2,700 stores in the UK and Ireland, has struggled in the face of waning demand and stiff competition from cheaper rival Greggs. It has also been challenged by a new wave of challengers, such as Blank Street and Black Sheep Coffee, which appeal to younger consumers. In its latest accounts, Costa's losses more than doubled from 5.8million in 2023 to 13.5million in the year to December 2024. Sales rose 1 per cent to 1.2billion over the same period. In July, Coca-Cola boss James Quincey, who will soon be replaced by Henrique Braun, admitted the investment in the chain had 'not quite delivered' and was 'not where we wanted it to be'. Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, said that while Costa 'has gone off the boil', Coca-Cola 'will be reluctant to sell it for beans. 'We're in an era where companies are focusing on what they do best, and for Coca-Cola that means fizzy drinks rather than lattes. 'It always felt like Costa was low down the priority list for Coca-Cola, left to go cold like an undrunk cappuccino. 'It will now have to give the brand more love if it is to stand any chance of getting a more reasonable takeover offer.' The FT reported that the failure of a sale could force Coca-Cola to write down the value of Costa on its books. Silver topped $90 an ounce for the first time and gold scaled new highs as investors fretting over the state of the world looked for somewhere safe to park their cash. As the record-breaking run for precious metals continued, silver rose as high as $92.30, sparking speculation it could carry on towards $150. At the same time, gold hit a new high of $4,642 an ounce as worries about Iran and threats to the independence of the US Federal Reserve boosted demand. Silver is up nearly 30 per cent already this year and has more than tripled in value since the start of 2025 eclipsing golds rises of 8 per cent and nearly 80 per cent over the same time frames. Silver in particular has been on a flabbergasting run of late, said Laith Khalaf, head of investment analysis at AJ Bell. Its quite an achievement to put gold in the shade. Gold and silver prices have soared Khalaf added: Markets are ostensibly calm but there are tensions bubbling under the surface. The political situation in Iran, a besieged Federal Reserve and a US president who is now weighing in on the US credit card sector are all cause for concern in the market, especially against a backdrop of sky-high valuations in the US. Nowhere is this unease more apparent than in the surging price of precious metals. Gold and silver have broken through previous resistance lines and are now heading off the charts. Alex Ebkarian at Allegiance Gold said: All roads are leading to gold and silver. We anticipate some volatility, but I see silver at $100 as no different than at $90. Our short-term forecast is between $100 to $144. Copper also continued its rally, hitting a new high above $13,400 a tonne on fears of supply shortages, while tin has reached fresh peaks. Helen Amos, an analyst at BMO, said there is no precedent that I can remember in 20 years for the four metals to peak at the same time. Things are moving so fast, prices are smashing through everybodys forecasts, said Helen Amos, an analyst at BMO. The speed of the move particularly in silver, tin and copper is making institutional investors pretty nervous. Investing platform IG recorded its biggest-ever trading week for silver last week, as retail investors continue to back the precious metals rally. The total number of silver trades was 83 per cent higher than the previous record, set just two weeks earlier, while trading volume also hit a new peak, up 70 per cent on the previous record. IG said no other week in its history has come close. Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, said: The word unprecedented gets bandied around a lot, but the surge in silver prices truly fits the bill. The rally has been fuelled by a rush for physical assets, a decline in cryptocurrencies, and momentum in a market with thinner liquidity. IG traders have jumped on the move. Trading silver is not without risk - the late December shakeout showed that clearly. While the rally shows no sign of slowing yet, investors should remember the late October pullback: when the next correction comes, its likely to be dramatic. A new generation of entrepreneurs say they are motivated by increasing their income rather than passion for the work, a new report has found. Economic pressures are the main driver behind a new wave of entrepreneurs, according to Enterprise Nation's Start-up Ambition report, which reveals that four in ten adults are planning on starting a business. A third of these aspiring founders say financial necessity is their primary motivation, marking the first time it has overtaken 'passion' as the main reason for starting a business. Some 56 per cent are launching side hustles to bridge the gap between their wages and rising bills, a 2 per cent increase on the previous year. Side-hustle entrepreneurs project their first-year earnings to be 7,034, an increase from 5,765 in 2025, while those planning full-time ventures expect 36,887, up from 34,000. Crafts lead the way: Arts and crafts are the most popular option for entrepreneurs Arts and crafts businesses are the most popular option for prospective small business owners (14 per cent), followed by food and drink, despite increased cost pressures in the hospitality industry. Sam Ikhuoria, from Newham, East London, plans to launch his fragrance business NPareil in September to increase his income in the long term. 'Rising costs have definitely played a role, but it's also about security,' he said. 'Many people relied solely on their day jobs during Covid, myself included. Seeing how they had nothing to fall back on when laid off, made me realise the need for having additional income streams. 'A business or side hustle feels like a way to protect myself financially.' Younger entrepreneurs are more keen to branch out on their own, with 62 per cent of 25-30 year olds planning to start a business this year. Yorkshire & The Humber had the most budding entrepreneurs at 45 per cent, followed by the North West at 43 per cent. But economic conditions weigh heavily on prospective founders. Enterprise Nation's research found that two-fifths of entrepreneurs are worried about economic uncertainty and high start-up costs, while a third are concerned about finding customers. 'We're witnessing a significant and fundamental shift in how people are approaching entrepreneurship in today's economic climate,' said Aaron Asadi, CEO of Enterprise Nation. 'With the pressures of rising living costs and ongoing financial uncertainty, more individuals are choosing to start a business as a way to take control of their financial future. 'This surge in 'income injector' start-ups may be fuelled by challenging conditions, but it also highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of those determined to turn financial pressures into opportunities for growth and innovation.' An Illinois Democrat wants to make sure immigration enforcement officers who joined the agency during Donald Trump's era can't become cops in her state. State Senator Laura Fine has filed a bill in the wake of the killing of Minnesota woman Renee Good by an ICE agent last week, which would bar officers from being hired as state or local law enforcement officials in her state if they joined the federal agency under the current leadership. 'ICE is out of control, and Donald Trump must be held accountable as communities like ours and across the country are torn apart by fear and violence,' Fine told the Evanston Roundtable, a local news outlet in Illinois. 'These officers are complicit in the president's authoritarian campaign, and we must do everything in our power to stop it while preventing further violence and loss of life,' Fine added. The Illinois legislator has previously championed legislation to curb ICE's authority, including a measure to bar the agency from conducting operations in 'sensitive' locations, including schools, hospitals, and daycares. Democrats have also made moves to limit ICE's power elsewhere across the country as well. In Tennessee, Democrat Representative Gabby Salina has introduced a bill, which would bar ICE from conducting operations at schools and churches. Salinas herself immigrated from Bolivia to Memphis as a child. Illinois State Senator Laura Fine, seen in an image posted to her instagram account, has filed a bill to prevent ICE agents from being hired to law enforcement positions in her state A federal agent holds a crowd-control weapon, following an incident where a civilian's car was hit by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 12, 2026 'What's happening in other cities potentially can happen here in Memphis, and I don't want us to lose a life or have these adverse events in schools where kids are supposed to be learning,' Salinas said. She also noted that 'the Republican electorate has been very receptive' to the bill, noting the 'difference between elected Republicans and the electorate.' In the wake of the shooting, ICE has claimed Good deliberately drove her burgundy SUV at agents, but witnesses dispute that version, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey calling it 'bulls**t'. Witnesses of the incident claimed Good and her wife, Rebecca, were allegedly acting as legal observers and filming the protest when she was shot. State and local officials demanded ICE leave Minnesota after Good's death. But President Donald Trump's Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has said her immigration enforcement agents are not going anywhere. Previous Daily Mail reporting uncovered lax vetting of ICE officers as the Trump administration aimed to hire 10,000 agents by the end of 2025. Since the intense recruitment campaign began last July, 584 recruits had failed out of the academy as of December 1, according to records reviewed by the Daily Mail. Over the same period, the figures show that 558 agents had graduated, and another 620 were still in training. The outrage over the fatal ICE shooting has also ensnared future funding for Noem's DHS in Washington as Democrats are seeking stricter oversight of the agency. Despite these tensions, negotiators have recently signaled renewed optimism that a formal spending agreement can still be reached, potentially by this weekend. Federal watchdogs have quietly launched a probe into ICE's chaotic hiring spree in the wake of the officer-related shooting death of protester Renee Good that sent shockwaves through the country, the Daily Mail can reveal. Independent investigators inside the DHS's Office of Inspector General are now looking into whether the rush to hire 10,000 new agents as part of the agency's unprecedented crackdown on illegal immigration has led to dangerous shortcuts in vetting and training. The investigation began in August but has taken on new urgency after Good's January 7 killing by ICE officer Jon Ross rattled national confidence in the agency. Near-daily television news video showing agents roughing up protestors and a 21-year-old permanently losing his sight after an ICE agent fired a nonlethal round at close range during another demonstration in Santa Ana, California have added to public unease about the agency. One poll showed 46% of people in the country want ICE to be completely abolished with another 12% being unsure. A team of inspectors is set to make its first visit next week to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia where sources say new recruits are being fast-tracked. The audit, which was initially stalled by DHS officials who were slow to turn over information to investigators, could take months to complete. It will result in a report to Congress, though 'management alerts' can be sent as needed to address more pressing concerns, insiders explained. 'They're offering $50,000 incentives for people to sign up, dropping their vetting and fitness standards, and then not training them well,' one source told us about ICE's new recruits. 'This would appear to be a recipe for disaster.' Another ICE insider told the Daily Mail that investigators are particularly interested in learning who made the decisions to lower training standards. Watchdogs within the Department of Homeland Security are now investigating ICE's hiring frenzy, questioning whether the rush to put 10,000 new agents on the street has come at a dangerous cost ICE, which is overseen by the DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, doubled its workforce in 2025, amid its unprecedented crackdown on illegal immigration 'They're investigating why the academy is being cut shorter because the new agents are not getting the necessary training,' they said. 'One of the things they cut down on was firearms training and tactics,' that second source added. 'With everything that's going on across the country, they need to increase the training, not scale back.' The Department of Homeland Security oversees ICE. A separate inspector general's report released Friday, two days after Good's killing, found a host of problems within the Department of Homeland Security, as a whole, including 'fragmented hiring processes' and 'critical issues in screening and vetting' new recruits. It doesn't go into specifics about ICE's recruitment campaign or its training According to DHS officials, ICE doubled its workforce in 2025, now employing more than 22,000 officers and agents, up from 10,000 when President Donald Trump retook office last year. The spike marks a 120 percent increase since July, when Congress passed Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act providing $8billion for ICE hiring. An exclusive investigation by the Daily Mail in December revealed that the Trump administration's hiring surge has spiraled into what insiders describe as a national embarrassment with lax vetting and a signing bonus of up to $50,000 luring in a wave of misfit recruits. That story detailed how ICE has lowered standards so dramatically that the new cohort now included recent high school graduates and applicants who can 'barely read or write' as well as those who lack basic physical fitness and even have pending criminal charges. Renee Good was shot dead by ICE in Minneapolis last week The ICE agent, whose identity was initially withheld, was later revealed to be Jon Ross Videos show agents approaching Good's stationary vehicle, asking her to exit the car 'They've got some real duds and doofuses they're fast-tracking right now,' a longtime law enforcement training expert who consults with ICE told the Daily Mail. 'Some of these guys have no business carrying loaded guns or even becoming federal officers in the first place.' Most of the new hires in the $30billion initiative are retired law enforcement who are receiving virtual training and being repurposed for desk duty. Meanwhile, rookies are being fast-tracked into the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, where instructors have been left astounded at the levels of incompetence. Training at the center in Brunswick, Georgia, has been shortened from five months to about two-and-a-half months, largely because ICE has scrapped its requirement that new recruits learn Spanish the language spoken by the majority of people they're being asked to round up. One insider called that move 'estupido', meaning stupid. The curtailed training teaches new ICE recruits when to and when not to use force, among other basic law enforcement standards and procedures. It also instructs agents on how to de-escalate conflicts, a key skill as protests ramp up against the agency and monitors like Good and her wife, Rebecca Good, observe and record officers' actions. Training entails lectures, simulations and role-playing that help officers diffuse crisis situations. ICE's rush to hire 10,000 new recruits by the end of December devolved into chaos after the agency drastically lowered its standards to meet its goal, insiders told the Daily Mail In August, DHS invited the media to tour the academy, a sprawling facility near the coast in Brunswick, Georgia. An instructor was seen demonstrating getting a 170lb dummy into a position to be handcuffed One of our sources observed training at the center in Georgia in the fall. He noted what he described as an emphasis on 'force escalation, not de-escalation.' By that, he means instructors were gung-ho about teaching arrest techniques and marksmanship for example, and less rigorous in teaching active listening, peaceful handling of protesters, tactical repositioning and other methods to stabilize volatile situations like the fatal, 10 seconds on Minneapolis's Portland Avenue that led to Good's death. 'What I saw was a lot of what we call aggressive posturing, which has a place in any law enforcement training, including ICE agents. 'What I didn't see or at least see enough of is much instruction on how to prevent a miscommunication from turning into a homicide,' he said. Ross, the agent who killed Good on January 7, apparently has many years of experience with ICE. Although there is no indication that training cutbacks was a factor in his decision to pull the trigger, sources in and close to the agency warn that cutting corners in recruiting and training could well lead to future tragedies. 'If anything positive comes out of this mess, it should be a reminder to take de-escalation training way more seriously,' the training observer said. White House border czar Tom Homan has been made aware of the recruitment problems, an insider assured the Daily Mail Sources previously revealed that applicants with no experience were being fast-tracked into the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia, where instructors have been astounded at the levels of incompetence Also at issue is how and if ICE is vetting new recruits. A source told the Daily Mail on Monday that, in its haste to flood the field with new hires, the agency isn't doing enough research into the backgrounds of former police officers, including their emotional stability and possible use of excessive force and other misconduct in previous jobs. He said he has learned of one new recruit with a history of sexually harassing colleagues and members of the public in his former job as a patrolman in Texas, and another with a long habit of inappropriately discharging his gun on traffic stops he made as a sheriff's deputy in California. 'It's hothead central over there, and Homan has been made aware of it,' he said of Tom Homan, the White House executive associate director of enforcement and removal operations, also known as the border czar. Homan has long faced criticism about his approach to ICE recruitment and training. An OIG report in 2018 during Trump's first administration when ICE also was trying to ramp up the number of its agents slammed the agency's move to train agents at several sites through the country rather than at one centralized location. 'ICE's decentralized program lacked clearly defined roles and responsibilities and a unified command and control process', leading to 'inadequate oversight', it reads. Keeping training programs decentralized, it warned, could lead to 'unintended consequences, such as duplicative internal training investments, inconsistent training (and) degradation of training.' Near-daily television news video showing agents roughing up protestors rattled national confidence in the agency with one poll showing 46% of people want to abolish the agency entirely Renee Good's death on the streets of Minneapolis has led to huge protests and outrage from local leaders who rejected White House claims she was a domestic terrorist Under Homan's watch, ICE did not concur with OIG's recommendations to improve its training structure, leaving inspectors to consider the issue 'open and unresolved'. Most federal agencies have offices of inspector general (OIGs) to independently comb for waste, fraud, abuse, misconduct and mismanagement. In Trump's first days after retaking office a year ago, he fired at least 17 federal inspectors general, saying: 'They're not my people.' Some of the insiders we spoke to see Good's killing as out of line a mark of an agency that is growing too fast, and is unprepared for throngs of protestors and legal monitors. Others defended ICE's recent killings in Minneapolis and elsewhere. 'The shootings were justified,' the ICE insider told us. 'My concern is that the 10,000 new hires that are out there running around don't have the training in this area. 'They're playing a game of Russian Roulette with these people.' A Bangladeshi migrant who moved his family into the retirement home he has been living in without permission says evicting them would 'breach his human rights'. Father-of-nine Shahidul Haque, 59, who claims benefits for sleep apnoea and depression, moved into the single-room flat in David Smith Court, a complex in Reading reserved for residents over the age of 55, in July 2024. Just five months later, he moved his wife Jakia Sultana Monni, 28, and their three-year-old twin daughters into the property without permission. Officials at Southern Housing, which owns the retirement complex, have told Mr Haque he has breached his tenancy agreement - and taken him to Reading County Court to claim back the flat. Haque claims he did not realise he was not allowed to move his family into the accommodation for the elderly because he could not read the tenancy agreement as he does not speak English. He is arguing that evicting his family from the flat would breach his human rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) - which protects the right to a family life. Residents of the retirement complex in Reading, Berkshire, have complained constantly of 'excess noise' and 'anti-social behaviour' from the family. A schedule of allegations submitted by Southern Housing, which is seeking possession of the property, shows that elderly residents complained about the family on 39 different days between December 20, 2024, and October 5, last year. Father-of-nine Shahidul Haque, 59, who claims benefits for sleep apnoea and depression, moved into the single-room flat in David Smith Court, a complex in Reading reserved for residents over the age of 55, in July 2024 Just five months later, he moved his wife Jakia Sultana Monni, 28, and their three-year-old twin daughters into the property without permission Officials at Southern Housing, who own the retirement complex, have told Mr Haque he has breached his tenancy agreement - and taken him to Reading County Court to claim back the flat Numerous residents described having their sleep disturbed by loud noises during unsociable hours; hearing screaming, crying and shouting; doors banging; and children running and jumping around even during unsociable hours, including 1.30am to 3.30am. 'Residents reported that this is an everyday matter and continuously disturbs their sleeps during the early hours of the morning', the allegations state. On one occasion, the scheme housing officer Janique Paul contacted Haque about the noise, but 'he stated he was unable to do anything about the noise as the children are young', court documents submitted to Southern Housing show. It was also revealed his twin daughters have allegedly been drawing on the walls of the flat - for which he pays 110.70 per week - with crayons. Court documents also allege Haque's children pulled the emergency assistance cord - which alerts staff to assist residents in need - nine times in a single day on December 20, 2024, and four times on March 14, last year. Hague previously told the Daily Mail he has since wrapped the cord around the intercom phone to stop his daughters from pulling it. The case last came to court on August 4, last year, when Southern Housing sought to take possession of the flat. Southern Housing told how Haque had been moved into the property following a homelessness application he made to West Berkshire Council in July 2024. In October, Haque decided to make an application for his wife and their twin daughters to join him in the UK. With no prior warning or permission sought from Southern Housing, he moved his children, who are British citizens, and his wife, who is in the UK on a spousal visa, into his property on December 20, 2024, and they have been there ever since. Join the debate Should Article 8 be used to block evictions in age-restricted housing? Haque claims he did not realise he was not allowed to move his family into the accommodation for the elderly because he could not read the tenancy agreement as he does not speak English (Pictured: the flat Haque and his family have been living in) He argued that evicting his family from the flat would breach his human rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) - which protects the right to a family life (Pictured: the flat Haque and his family have been living in) Residents of the retirement complex in Reading, Berkshire, have complained constantly of 'excess noise' and 'anti-social behaviour' from the family (Pictured: the flat Haque and his family have been living in) At August's hearing, deputy district judge Simon Lindsey declined to immediately order that Southern Housing could take possession of the flat, after hearing from Haque's barrister that removing him from the property would interfere with his right to family life under Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights. The judge had adjourned the case to January 6 this year, but that hearing has now been adjourned to May 5, Reading County Court confirmed. In the meantime, on November 30 last year Southern had filed a blistering response to Haque's defence, in which he claimed his diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, hypertension and depression meant he should not be removed from the property. Jared Norman, representing Southern, said Haque was required to prove he is disabled, and wrote: 'It is denied that any of the Defendant's alleged conditions or disabilities or one in his situation makes it more likely to require assistance as alleged. 'The issue is not the Defendant's characteristics, conditions or any disability but that the Property and the premises around it are not suitable for the Defendant's wife and children to reside in and around respectively. 'It is averred that the other residents of premises near the Property should not have to suffer so that the Defendant and his family may continue to reside in the Property. 'The Claimant received at least 14 complaints about the Defendant or his family between December 30, 2024, and March 17, 2025, from neighbouring residents. 'Furthermore, the pull cord in the Property which is in place to assist residents in case they need assistance was pulled, inter alia, nine times on December 20, 2024, and four times on March 14, 2025, and as a result this caused nuisance or annoyance and/or utilised time and/or effort for those who are in place to assist residents in need.' The barrister also said Haque had breached a clause of his tenancy agreement where he agreed not to damage or misuse the property, arguing 'the Defendant is in breach of clause 113 by, inter alia, the Defendant's children drawing on the walls with crayons'. Responding to Haque's claim that he could not understand the tenancy agreement because it was not translated into Sylheti and he was not provided with an interpreter, Norman added: 'The Defendant signed the tenancy agreement for the Property and in doing so confirmed he had read, understood and accepted the terms and conditions.' Haque's amended defence, filed on October 10, last year, had argued it would be unreasonable to make a possession order. Isabel Bertschinger, representing Haque, said: 'The Claimant's decisions to institute, pursue and continue to seek possession of the property are incompatible with the Defendant's rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights and possession would constitute a disproportionate interference therewith. 'The Defendant relies on the matters set out herein and in particular repeats that he is disabled and has limited English language skills, and that he is in receipt of benefits and therefore has a low income. 'His wife and children have only recently arrived in the UK and the family would be particularly vulnerable if made homeless or separated from one another. To evict him from his home would have a significant deleterious impact on the Defendant's health and wellbeing and therefore on his private life, and to prevent him from living with his wife and children would have a severe and disproportionate impact on his family life.' Southern Housing told how Haque had been moved into the property following a homelessness application he made to West Berkshire Council in July 2024 Hague previously told the Daily Mail he has since wrapped the emergency assistance cord around the intercom phone to stop his daughters from pulling it In an exclusive interview with Haque in September last year, he told the Daily Mail: 'When I filled out the tenancy agreement I was on my own and I moved into the flat alone. 'I didn't know that I couldn't move my wife and children in months later. My English is not so good and nothing was explained to me in any detail. 'Southern Housing cannot just throw us out. We have to stay here, because we have nowhere else to go. 'What we really need is a bigger home. This property isn't suitable for a family. It's too small, it's only for a single person. 'We have only one bedroom and so have to push two beds together. One for me and my wife and one for my daughters. It's too crowded. 'If Southern Housing or West Berkshire Council can find us somewhere more suitable then we'll go. But at the moment we have no other place - this is it.' Haque has been living in the UK since 1997 and says he has a British passport. He was married to his first wife with whom he had seven children and lived in a four-bedroom home in Plaistow, East London. But when he divorced he became homeless and was put up in temporary accommodation and then social housing in Newham before being transferred to Berkshire. Mr Haque previously worked at a Bangladeshi restaurant in London. But now he is registered disabled and receives taxpayers' money in benefits. In September 2025, the Attorney General said Labour would consider 'robust' changes to the way British courts interpret Article 8 of the ECHR over concerns it is being abused. Article 8 has been repeatedly used by illegal migrants and serious criminals to frustrate efforts to deport them from the UK. The case continues. Iranian authorities are stepping up their brutal crackdown on the population with arrested protesters facing the death penalty for daring to rise up against the regime. Merciless security guards have already slaughtered thousands of protesters in an increasingly bloody attempt to stamp out dissent with pictures showing victims lined up in body bags. Desperate clerics led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who the UN previously accused of using the death penalty 'at an industrial scale', are now set to unleash a wave of executions after capturing huge numbers of activists. Yesterday, it was reported that clothes shop owner Erfan Soltani was to become the first to face the death penalty having been arrested for taking part in anti-government protests last week. Under the rule of Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the nation for the last 36 years, Iran has become infamous for being one of the most prolific executors in the world, behind only China. Just last month, the country was reported to have seen more than twice as many executions in 2025 than in 2024. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights group said it had verified at least 1,500 executions until the start of December, the BBC reported. Methods of execution range from being placed in front of firing squads to being thrown from great heights. But the most common method is hanging. This is the moment a man was hanged in Iran for murdering a mother and her three children during a robbery in October Iranian policemen prepare Majid Kavousifar (pictured) for his execution by hanging in Tehran August 2, 2007 Deeply conservative authorities utilise some of the most brutal techniques imaginable. What crimes warrant execution in Iran? A wide range of offences are punishable by death in Iran. These include: Murder Sexual offences such as 'fornication', 'adultery', 'sodomy', 'lesbianism', incest and rape. Drinking alcohol (repeat offenders) Theft (repeat offenders) Drug trafficking Cursing the prophet 'Waging war' on people or God and 'corruption on earth' Armed robbery Political opposition or espionage Source: International Federation for Human Rights Advertisement In countries where hanging is still the preferred method of execution, such as Japan or Malaysia, gallows are constructed in such a way that those condemned to death have their necks snapped upon a drop, minimising suffering. But in Iran, gallows are about as simple as you can get. Those on death row are hoisted by their necks using mobile cranes. Instead of an instant death, prisoners are strangled, restricting blood vessels going to their heads. As a result, it can take up to 20 minutes of abject torture for them to die, leaving victims writhing in agony before their last breaths. Crowds are sometimes encouraged to watch as the killings are carried out - with multiple executions often put on at once and the horrific scenes even televised. When hangings are carried out with a step, relatives of victims killed by the condemned are given the right to kick the chair away from beneath the strung-up criminal. According to the Iranian Penal Code, hanging can also be combined with other forms of punishment, such as flogging, amputation, or crucifixion. In August, horrifying videos and pictures showed the moment a convicted killer was publicly hanged from a crane in front of a cheering crowd. Sajad Molayi Hakani could be seen standing on a platform, blindfolded with a noose around his neck. The noose was attached to a crane being controlled by another man who appeared to be part of the execution team. Join the debate Should Trump intervene? Four Iranian criminals hang limply from the nooses during public execution in the southern city of Shiraz on September 5 2007 In graphic pictures and videos, Sajad Molayi Hakani, standing on a platform, is seen blindfolded with a noose around his neck on August 19 The video shows dozens of people, including children, gathered around to watch the execution. As the man was hanged, the crowd could be seen clapping and cheering in delight. in 2007, extraordinary images circulated around the world showing a brave Iranian smiling with a noose around his neck moments before being hanged. The photograph of Majid Kavousifar, 28, captured the man's final moments after he and his nephew Hossein were convicted of the murder of Judge Masoud Ahmadi Moghaddasi. They were both then publicly executed in central Tehran. The men were hanged from ropes attached to five meter long cranes; however, both men were placed on stools, which were pulled from under their feet at the moment of their execution. The beaming man appeared to die instantly, while Hossein struggled for a few moments before going limp. After several minutes, their bodies were removed and placed into an ambulance. Majid was seen in his final moments smiling at his nephew in an attempt to reassure him and his last words, to police officers, were: 'I reached the point at which I decided to eradicate any injustice'. The mother (R) of Abdolah Hosseinzadeh, who was murdered in 2007, slaps Balal who killed her son during the execution ceremony in the northern city of Noor on April 15, 2014 The photograph of smiling Majid Kavousifar, 28, captures the man's final moments before execution after he and his nephew Hossein, were convicted of the murder of Judge Masoud Ahmadi Moghaddasi He was seen in images waving in handcuffs at onlookers and grinning at the camera with the blue noose placed around his neck. Hanging is not the only way the Islamic Republic conducts its numerous executions. Stoning, one of the most barbaric and medieval practices, has been used to kill more than 150 people since 1980. Despite several reports that Iran had effectively abolished the practice on several occasions in the 2000s and 2010s, numerous reports from opposition groups and independent media sources in Iran have claimed people are still stoned to death - and several prisoners remain on death row with a sentence of stoning. The savage practice sees the condemned buried in sand, usually up to the waist for men and up to the chest for women, before a crowd circles them and pelts them with rocks. The stones used are not typically heavy enough to kill the target with one blow, meaning the subject can be brutalised for hours before finally succumbing to their injuries. In 2010, the then chief of Iran's Human Rights Council defended stoning as a method of execution, arguing it could be seen as a 'lesser punishment'. This is because the sentence is considered completed when the condemned is pulled out of the earth, meaning that they could potentially free themselves if they can scrabble out of the sand before being killed. The brave Iranian can be seen in resurfaced images waving at crowds of onlookers moments before his public execution A protester in Tehran holding up a handwritten note asking Donald Trump for help in supporting protesters against government repression But there are only a few recorded cases of such a feat being successfully achieved - and reports suggest that women who have miraculously managed to free themselves were forced back into the hole and killed anyway. Stoning has long been prescribed for those convicted of adultery and some sexual offences, but disproportionately affects women. Death by firing squad is exceedingly rare, with the last such execution taking place in 2008 to kill a man convicted of raping 17 children aged between seven and 11, per AsiaOne. Even rarer, but no less brutal, is the act of throwing people to their deaths as a form of capital punishment. In 2008, Pink News reported that six were sentenced by a judge in 2007 for abducting two other men in the Arsanjan, to the east of Shiraz, stealing their property and raping them. Two of the attackers were sentenced to being thrown to their deaths, while the four others were each given 100 lashes. Iranian dissidents have also previously told the Daily Mail that the issue of executions in the country is one that deeply affects women in particular. Iran's treatment of women has worsened dramatically in recent years, and the number of women executed in Iran has dramatically soared. Fires are lit as protesters rally on January 8, 2026 in Tehran, Iran Protesters set fire to makeshift barricades near a religious centre during ongoing anti-regime demonstrations, January 10, 2026 The catalyst for this, dissidents say, is the increasing insecurity felt by the regime following mass protests against it in recent years - the most notable of which were the Mahsa Amini uprisings, which were ignited across the nation in 2022 following the unlawful death of a young woman who allegedly wore her hijab 'improperly'. Since then, the number of women executed in Iran each year has more than doubled. In 2022, 15 women were executed. In the first nine months of 2025, 38 have been killed, according to the National Council of Resistance in Iran (NCRI). Between July 30 and September 30, the regime executed 14 women - equivalent to one every four days. The NCRI, which works in exile in France and Albania, says that women are largely executed for two reasons in Iran. The first is drug trafficking. Under a broken economic system, and often forced by their husbands, impoverished women unable to make a living any other way are made to carry drugs across the nation. Mafia-style networks that have alleged connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran's military, use these women to traffic their drugs. When they are inevitably caught, they are handed death sentences. The other is premeditated murder of a spouse. Under Iranian law, women are subject to their husbands' wills and are unable to divorce them. As a result, the NCRI says, these women are forced to defend themselves in all too frequent instances of domestic violence. Heartbreaking bodycam footage captured the downfall of a plus size internet star who demanded extra plane seats for fat fliers before she vanished without a trace. Jaelynn Chaney, 29, was arrested outside of a hospital in Kennewick, Washington, last February for assault after throwing a series of punches at a police officer and has since gone to ground, abandoning her hugely-popular TikTok and Instagram accounts. In a series of bodycam clips obtained exclusively by the Daily Mail from that night, Chaney was seen being hoisted into the rear of an evidence van by six burly officers. Chaney was forced to endure that indignity because her 550 pound weight meant she was too big to fit in a Ford Explorer police cruiser sent to bring her into detention. Laying on the ground wearing nothing but a hospital gown, two officers rolled Chaney onto a large lifting bag loaned to them by the area fire department while she groaned in agony. The six then coordinated themselves around Chaney, who claimed throughout the series of clips that she was having a mental health episode, and the bag as they hoisted the 550lb fat rights activist and influencer into the back of the vehicle. Due to her 6XL frame, three officers also had to clip three sets of handcuffs together into a 'daisy chain' to restrain Chaney, due to the amount of excess skin on the underside of her arms restricting her movement. As Chaney was lifted into the van, she screamed out: 'I can't breathe, I can't f****** breathe. What the f***', before she started calling out her own name. Her protests stopped after she was set down on the floor of the evidence van. The sad incident happened after Chaney exploded in a fit rage as the group of officers attempted to lead her away from the hospital in a wheelchair. Jaelynn Chaney, seen here inside the hospital in Kennewick last February, was arrested outside of the facility after staff dialed 911 to have her removed after she was allegedly abusive to staff Chaney was hoisted into the back of an evidence van by six burly officers after she lashed out at them The six managed to roll the 550lb influencer onto a lift given to them by the local fire department After being led away, Chaney got back to her feet and attempted to walk back to the facility before two officers told her to continue making her way to an awaiting police cruiser. 'I'll f****** kill you guys', she said to the two before she threw a number of punches at them. That outburst prompted a third officer to step in, with the three men pooling their handcuffs into the 'daisy chain' used to secure Chaney's hands behind her back. Chaney rambled incoherently throughout her arrest as two officers held her up before they attempted to usher her into the rear of a police cruiser. She fell to the ground as she did, before complaining to officers that she could no longer stand up. 'Hands up don't shoot, hands up don't rape, hands up don't shoot. I'm disabled, I assaulted an officer please take me jail', she screamed as she lay on the ground in a heap. 'How can we assist you in getting up?' one of the officers said to her, to which she responded: 'You can't.' Over the next few minutes the officers could be heard discussing different avenues of transporting her to the nearby jail before they landed on the evidence van. Chaney was caught in the obtained footage lashing out at one officer, throwing wild punches - which resulted in her arrest Chaney rambled incoherently throughout her arrest and claimed she couldn't breathe as she was lifted into the evidence van The fat rights activist from Kennewick, Washington, became a huge internet star after demanding free extra seats for overweight fliers. She vanished from public view last year Officers had to use three pairs of handcuffs linked together to restrain her after she started throwing punches at them The bodycam footage also detailed her journey to the nearby jail after one of the officers sat in the rear of the vehicle with her. She was seen rolling around on the floor of the van as it turned corners. After her arrival she was seen sitting upright in the back, with a female officer having to cover her in a towel after part of the gown fell down and exposed her. Workers from inside the hospital dialed 911 and told officers that the influencer was being an 'unruly' nightmare and requested help to get her removed from the facility. She ended up in the hospital after being brought in via ambulance, workers called for help after she was said to have started yelling and screaming obscenities at staff. Chaney was taken to Benton County Jail in Kennewick, where she was charged with third-degree assault and resisting arrest. Arrest reports also seen by the Daily Mail, described Chaney as telling officers that she would kill their families and told them to 'burn in hell'. In March, while still in custody, Chaney's public defender filed an order for a competency evaluation, saying she was suffering from a 'mental disease or defect'. Following that, she was ordered to undergo inpatient treatment by order of the state inside Eastern State Hospital after being found to be 'incompetent'. That was on March 11, with the court later having to sign an order on March 14 allowing Benton County Jail officers to use 'force' to move her to the hospital after she refused. Chaney was taken to Benton County Jail, where she was charged with third-degree assault and resisting arrest Chaney, who promoted her cause on CNN and The Washington Post, had hinted at troubles in her personal life in her final posts last year In May, health officials handed over an inpatient evaluation saying in their opinion she was suffering from delirium due to sepsis, an unspecified personality disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. As part of the evaluation, Chaney told officials that she was recently single, having called off her engagement of six years with her fiance Jacob Ard. She claimed that Ard, who is also a plus-size influencer, 'tried to kill us both on a business trip', saying she had 'found out who he was'. Her father Jerome Chaney told the Daily Mail last year he believed the incident had happened after his daughter - who publicly identifies as polyamorous - caught her ex-fiance, Jacob Ard, with another man, resulting in an alleged domestic assault. Throughout her time in state hospital, healthcare professionals noted she was not compliant with treatment and would frequently use her call light to request water, to have her alarm turned off, to ask for a chaplain, and to have her bed made. The report said she would consistently use foul language while declining to shower and reported to them daily that she was either pregnant, in labor or having a miscarriage, despite negative pregnancy tests. Staff resorted to interacting with her from the hallway in the hospital or in pairs after finding her 'condescending and derogatory' the report added. In May, after the report was submitted to the court, the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney filed a motion to dismiss the case. Chaney first came to public view in 2023 after saying airlines should provide as many free seats as fat fliers need to spread themselves out, despite warnings such a move would increase regular ticket prices. She went on to attack staff at Seattle Tacoma Airport in May 2024 for refusing to push her wheelchair up a jet bridge, even though she could walk. Later the same month, Chaney condemned staff at Chicago O'Hare Airport who refused to help her after she got stuck inside a revolving door. Kennedy heir Jack Schlossberg is back on the campaign trail with a touching nod to his sister, Tatiana, just two weeks after her death. Schlossberg announced his bid for New York's 12th congressional district in November, 11 days before his older sister penned a heartbreaking letter in the New Yorker disclosing her terminal cancer diagnosis. Tatiana died of acute myeloid leukemia on December 30, and her funeral was held on January 5 in New York City. In the letter on her life, family and illness, Tatiana reflected on the nurses and doctors who worked hard to make her intensive treatment bearable since being diagnosed after her daughter's birth in May 2024. 'I have never encountered a group of people who are more competent, more full of grace and empathy, more willing to serve others than nurses,' she said. 'Nurses should take over.' To mark his return to the campaign, Jack Schlossberg, 32, attended a rally with the New York State Nurses Association after 15,000 of them went on strike on January 12. 'Nurses should rule the world. Nothing is more important than supporting our nurses,' he addressed the crowd at the rally on Monday, echoing his late sister's sentiments. Medical professionals across New York City's top hospitals walked out in demand of higher wages, minimum staff ratios, benefits and more security. Jack Schlossberg is back on the campaign trail following his older sister's death Tatiana's funeral was held on January 5 at New York City's Church of St. Ignatius Loyola 'Nurses deserve more than our thanks they deserve a fair contract, safe working conditions and healthcare benefits,' Schlossberg wrote in an Instagram post on the event. 'Unions are the backbone of the Democratic Party. 'Ill never forget that. Im running for Congress to make sure nurses and working people across our city and our country get a fair shot.' Before his sister's death, Schlossberg posted consistently on social media to inform voters. He frequently posted from the streets of New York City, volunteering, attending events and meeting New Yorkers. The controversial Kennedy seemed to take a hiatus from his door-to-door campaign strategy in the wake of his sister's death. Schlossberg, 32, stood with New York City nurses Monday as 15,000 went on strike On the day of Tatiana's funeral, Schlossberg posted a picture of himself and his sister when they were younger He even paused his constant social media posting, which he has said is a key component to his campaign, for a week. On the day of Tatiana's funeral at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, he posted a series of quotes accompanied by pictures of the two of them from their younger years. Perhaps the most poignant was from Tatiana herself. 'It's up to us to create a country that takes its obligations to the planet, to each other and to the people who will be born into a world that looks different from ours has for the last 10,000 years or so,' it read. '... Essentially, what I'm describing is hard work with the possibility of limited success for the rest of your life.' Tatiana Schlossberg (left) died on December 30 after being diagnosed with terminal acute myeloid leukemia Tatiana (right) announced her cancer diagnosis in December, after receiving the terminal diagnosis in May 2025 JFK's grandson will be on the ballot in the June primaries to replace Congressman Jerrold Nadler, who is retiring. When Schlossberg announced his campaign for New York's 12th congressional district, he claimed the US was amidst a 'crisis at every level'. 'Its a constitutional crisis with one dangerous man in control of all three branches of government,' he said. 'Hes stripping citizens of their civil rights and silencing his critics.' He vowed to meet New Yorkers face to face over the course of his campaign and 'execute on [their] behalf'. 'Over the next eight months, during the course of this campaign, I hope to meet as many of you as I can. If you see me on the street, please say hello. If I knock on your door, I hope we can have a conversation,' he continued. 'Because politics should be personal.' The 64-year-old left-wing Philadelphia district attorney was mocked by voices on both sides of the aisle by attempting to co-opt the gen Z slang 'f**k around, find out.' Larry Krasner has been side-by-side with the city's sheriff, Rochelle Bilal, in promoting anti-ICE rhetoric in the wake of the fatal shooting of Minnesota woman Renee Nicole Good. Krasner tweeted: 'To ICE and the National Guard: if you commit crimes in Philadelphia, we will charge you and hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law.' The post was sent alongside a black and white photo of the baby boomer district attorney with the acronym 'FAFO' written underneath. While some in government - including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth - have successfully used the phrasing, many saw Krasner's post as out-of-touch. The National Police Association replied: 'Unlike criminals in Philadelphia who get their charges dropped by the DA.' 'Larry, youre a joke (and your family is embarrassed over this pic of you trying to look tough),' wrote another conservative. Even personalities on the left were unimpressed with the DA, who has taken donations from the likes of George Soros. The 64-year-old left-wing Philadelphia district attorney was mocked by voices on both sides of the aisle by attempting to co-opt the gen Z slang 'f**k around, find out' Krasner's post was sent alongside a black and white photo of the baby boomer district attorney with the acronym 'FAFO' written underneath Malcolm Harris asked: 'What's the point of this grandstanding? You have a police unit that's ready to arrest federal law enforcement officers, on your order?' Kranser was side-by-side with Sheriff Bilal over the weekend when she called ICE agents 'fake, wannabe law enforcement' in a fiery speech. 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 Krasner in condemning the shooting of Good. She 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. While some in government - including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth - have successfully used the phrasing, many saw Krasner's post as out-of-touch '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.' Her comments were slammed by Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, who both criticized her and challenged her in response. 'First off, any time you pit law enforcement officers against law enforcement officers, it makes nobody safe,' he said on Fox News Saturday. '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. 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.' Krasner faced a potential impeachment back in 2022 over his disastrous policies leading to hundreds of murders in a short timespan. The DA, who was overwhelmingly reelected by Philadelphia voters last year, is not accused of breaking the law. Instead, Republicans argued that he should be removed from office for various reasons, including his failure to prosecute some minor crimes, his bail request policies, his staff oversight and reports that his office didn't adequately notify crime victims about certain matters. They also alleged that Krasner obstructed the House's investigation of his office. A firebrand ex-Labour MP has been criticised for accusing Israel of 'cynically exploiting' Iran protests as a pretext for military intervention. Far Left Zarah Sultana claimed that the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was using the chaos to incite regime change. She also said that the UK should oppose Donald Trump's announcement of sanctions on Iran, saying they were an 'imperial strategy'. The independent MP tweeted that the 'unrest is being cynically exploited by Netanyahu's genocidal government as a pretext for military intervention and regime change - a path that must be firmly rejected.' She added: 'Across the country, Iranians are protesting real economic hardship, much of it deepened by US sanctions. 'From the UK, genuine solidarity means opposing those sanctions and the imperial strategies and aspirations behind them.' Lord Austin, the former Labour MP and anti-Semitism campaigner, said: 'Zarah Sultana is typical of the Israel-obsessed hard left that always wants to find a reason to attack the world's only Jewish state. 'The Iranian dictatorship has brutally repressed its citizens for decades, slaughtered its opponents at home, sponsored terrorism abroad, including here in the UK and is trying to develop nuclear weapons to wipe Israel off the map, and we should be doing all we can to support the Iranian people's campaign for freedom.' Former Labour MP Zara Sultana said the nascent outfit would want to look at 'democratic ownership in our economy' to tackle 'rampant inequality' it it took control of Britain. Ms Sultana joined Jeremy Corbyn in founding Your Party but rifts have emerged between the two camps over how to run the movement. On Monday, the former Labour Party leader also tweeted that any intervention by the US or its allies in Iran would lead to 'more war'. 'The experience of repeated regime-change interventions by the US and its allies have shown that they do not deliver freedom or democracy - but instead lead to more war, repression and social breakdown,' he said. 'Just as we condemn the use of violence against peaceful protesters by Iranian authorities, we must also oppose interference by external powers that escalate the violence and deny the Iranian people's right to self-determination.' It came as the Government once again ruled out proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Business Secretary Peter Kyle old Times Radio Breakfast on Monday that the UK government 'did a review and asked the independent reviewer into terrorism laws last summer to look into this. 'He came back and said the idea of proscribing - as we do for domestic terror organizations - isn't appropriate for a foreign state organization.' It is trumpeted as a once-in-a-generation dream green, walkable, inclusive and the future. But critics say the multibillion-dollar plan to redevelop Downsview Airport in Toronto masks a far darker reality. Developers promise to transform the 370-acre former airfield in the north-west of the city into what they call 'one of North America's liveliest, healthiest and most enduring communities.' A gleaming urban utopia. A city within a city. Those who live nearby are not convinced. They fear gridlocked roads. Relentless noise. Soaring housing costs. And toxic contamination lurking beneath the soil. At the heart of the controversy is Northcrest Developments, the company behind the project, and its chief executive Derek Goring a figure whose past developments cast a long shadow across Toronto. Goring's latest project is enormous. He plans to build a new district known as YZD, named after Downsview's old airport code, spread across seven neighborhoods. Construction is set to begin this year and drag out for three decades. When finished, the development could house up to 83,500 residents and support 41,500 jobs. The projected cost: 30 billion Canadian dollars about US$21 billion. Toronto city council approved the plan in May 2024. Supporters say the scale is necessary to tackle Canada's housing crisis. Critics say it is reckless. Locals say Toronto development tycoon Derek Goring won't deliver on his promise of an airfield utopia Goring's company Northcrest Developments has bold plans for the transformation of Downsview Airport, which opened in 1929 Matti Siemiatycki, a University of Toronto planning expert, has called it too expansive, overly ambitious and 'super unrealistic.' For aviation enthusiasts, the loss is already devastating. Downsview Airport opened in 1929, carved out among farmers' fields with a short runway and a handful of industrial buildings. That same year, it became home to De Havilland Canada, one of the world's pioneering aviation companies. During World War II, the site was transformed into a critical hub for warplane production, boosting the Allied war effort. In the early 1990s, the facility was acquired by Bombardier, the Canadian aerospace giant. For decades, the airport served as a test site for aircraft and a symbol of Canada's aviation legacy. That chapter ended in 2024, when Bombardier relocated and the airport was shuttered. Northcrest now owns the land. Developers insist Downsview's past will not be bulldozed into oblivion. Northcrest says it will preserve 11 airplane hangars and a 1.24-mile strip of runway, which will become a pedestrian park linking all seven neighborhoods. Goring said the redevelopment would bring together the site's history and its future while 'respecting and celebrating the aerospace legacy of the site.' Goring has also emphasized environmental benefits. Retaining existing structures, he argues, avoids demolishing buildings packed with 'embedded carbon.' Old hangars would become commercial spaces. Runways would become green corridors. The plan even boasts an 'indigenous reconciliation action plan.' A spokeswoman for the company told the Daily Mail that it was nothing short of a 'transformational moment for an area that is largely vacant and unused.' But some residents living near Downsview fear the project will overwhelm the area. They worry about traffic congestion on already strained roads and years of construction noise, followed by permanent disruption from dense urban activity. A rendering of the proposed pedestrian street along the former runway framed by mid-rise buildings, restaurants and stores Northcrest Developments, which shut the Downsview Airport in 2024, has big plans for the area and hopes to transform it into a new city A rendering of people enjoying an community event in a large proposed open space surrounded by mid-rise buildings A proposed concert venue has become a lightning rod. Toronto city councilor James Pasternak warned that it could pump out 'unbearable noise levels' to locals. Others fear a wave of luxury condominiums will push property values and rents beyond reach. Toronto is already one of North America's least affordable cities. Locals worry Downsview will become another playground for investors, not a community for families. Much of the distrust centers on Derek Goring himself. In the early 2000s, Goring was involved in the controversial Minto condominium towers project in Toronto. Locals blasted the bulky high-rises for dwarfing surrounding homes and overwhelming local infrastructure. Residents and the North Toronto Tenants Network fought the project fiercely, arguing it destroyed neighborhood character and set a dangerous precedent for unchecked intensification. Even after several stories were removed, anger simmered. Critics described the compromise as a betrayal. Longtime councilor Anne Johnston was voted out at the next election after backing the deal. Now, opponents fear history is repeating itself on a far grander scale. Then there is the land itself. Downsview is a former military site a designation that carries heavy baggage. Military bases and airports are notorious for contamination by PFAS, the so-called 'forever chemicals' used for decades in firefighting foams and industrial processes. PFAS do not break down naturally. They accumulate in the environment and the human body, and have been linked to cancer, liver disease, immune system damage, and other serious health problems. A 2023 map released by the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) identified Downsview as one of many Canadian military and airport sites known or suspected to be contaminated with PFAS. The Northcrest spokeswoman said the company has 'engaged specialized environmental consultants to help us understand and mitigate any legacy conditions and guide next steps.' But local residents remain unconvinced. Thomas Ricci, a retired contractor and business consultant who has lived near Downsview for decades, said the project threatens one of Canada's largest urban green spaces. He argued that paving over parkland with high-density housing contradicts environmental goals not supports them. Construction itself, he warns, will generate pollution. Dust. Diesel fumes. Noise. Long-term strain on aging infrastructure. The 370-acre former airfield in north-west Toronto could become 'one of North America's liveliest, healthiest and most enduring communities,' developers say People fill the tarmac for a 'Play on the Runway' event, which featured numerous attractions and a stellar view of Toronto's downtown A rendering of a proposed broad underpass below the rail corridor. It also features a green space that will connect to Downsview Park, which already exists Goring, CEO of Northcrest, at one of the Downsview hangars set to be redeveloped under his bold plan Critics point to Goring's past projects, such as the Minto condominium towers, which residents said dwarfed surrounding homes and overwhelmed infrastructure Toronto's transit, water and road systems, Ricci said, are not equipped to absorb a project of this scale. This is disputed by the developers, who point to 'under-utilized major transit infrastructure' nearby, On his Facebook campaign page, Ricci questioned the government's environmental rhetoric. 'The government keeps on talking about how they want to help our environment,' he wrote. 'How is building houses which emit bad and harmful pollutants helping the environmental situation?' Opposition to the project is growing. A group of aviation enthusiasts and heritage advocates have launched an online petition calling for the entire site to be transformed into parkland and a tourist attraction celebrating its aviation history. They argue the hangars, runways and open space are irreplaceable. Some '78 percent of Toronto residents believe it is important to preserve historical landmarks for future generations,' said petition organizer Jarren Wertman, a heritage advocate. 'We strongly urge the authorities to reconsider any plans to replace Downsview Airport with condominium developments,' he said, arguing preservation would honor the city's aviation history while boosting tourism, creating jobs and generating economic growth. The campaign has struck a chord in a city with a long tradition of activist resistance to controversial developments. Toronto may be ultra-liberal, but it is also fiercely local and well-organized. Developers know that sophisticated lobbying, legal challenges and public-relations blitzes have derailed major projects before. Northcrest insists YZD will be sustainable, inclusive and forward-looking. Critics see something else: a former military airfield with a toxic past, a developer with a controversial track record, and a plan so vast it could reshape Toronto for better or worse for generations. Labour was not completely honest about its plans to raise tax during the General Election, the former head of Britain's economic watchdog has suggested. Richard Hughes, the former chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility, said that Labour's manifesto was 'nothing like' what the party has actually done in Government. Mr Hughes, who was forced to quit in December after the OBR accidentally leaked the Budget's contents, used his first public appearance since resigning to apologise to the Chancellor. However he hit back at attacks against the watchdog and insisted people can 'trust' it, telling the Lords Economic Affairs Committee: 'The OBR is led by human beings and human beings make mistakes.' Mr Hughes also criticised all political parties for being 'inclined to be less honest' about their economic plans for Government during General Elections. He said: 'If you look back at Labour's manifesto, the costed part of the Labour manifesto had them raising and spending around 8billion-9billion, you know, over the course of this Parliament. 'If you look at their first Budget, they raised 40billion in tax and they spent 70billion, so it was, kind of, it was nothing like what their actual fiscal plan turned out to be in Government.' And the former OBR chief suggested that political parties should have their manifestos scrutinised by an independent body as he didn't think that 'any political party presented a comprehensive and costed financial plan for government' in the run-up to the 2024 election. Former OBR chief Richard Hughes - who was forced to quit in December after the watchdog accidentally leaked the Budget's key contents - has suggested that Labourwas not completely honest about its plans to raise tax during the General Election Chancellor Rachel Reeves was widely reported to have changed her mind about introducing an income tax rise after receiving better-than-expected economic forecasts. But Mr Hughes made clear that this was not 'remotely true' Mr Hughes also made clear that it was not 'remotely true' that the 'OBR's forecast had changed at the very last minute and that had somehow prompted the Government to abandon its plans to raise income tax'. Ms Reeves was widely reported to have changed her mind about introducing an income tax rise after receiving better-than-expected economic forecasts. This prevented Labour from having to breach its manifesto pledge not to raise taxes on 'working people'. However the OBR had already told Ms Reeves she was sitting on a 4.2billion surplus, but the Chancellor did nothing to dispel the idea of a 30billion shortfall that she would have to fill with tax rises. Mr Hughes also told the House of Lords committee that the level of speculation before the Budget was the most he had witnessed in his 25-year career. He said: 'There had been in the run-up to this last autumn budget an unusual level of speculation... this was the first time in my 25 years working in fiscal policymaking in the UK that the volume of speculation about the content of the OBR's forecast was that great and that persistent.' The OBR has come under pressure since the inadvertent early release of its analysis of the budget, revealing key details of the Chancellor's statement before she had delivered it. Rachel Reeves has already taken steps to reduce the OBR's power by moving to the watchdog assessing the fiscal rules once a year instead of twice. And the Chancellor is under pressure from Labour MPs to go further and take some forecasting responsibilities back into the Treasury. Some on the right, including former prime minister Liz Truss, have argued that the OBR is too cautious and Nigel Farage has suggested that he could scrap the body if Reform UK is elected. The remarks came after Sir Mel Stride said a Tory government would protect the OBR, claiming that claiming that Mr Farage wants to scrap it because his sums do not add up. The shadow chancellor added that the watchdog is key in preventing chancellors from 'marking their own homework'. The Treasury was approached for comment. Labour has finally announced plans for a new Northern rail network but passengers will have to wait until the 2040s to be able to use it. Rachel Reeves will on Wednesday announce plans for 'Northern Powerhouse Rail', a long-awaited transport network connecting major cities in the North. The plans include new lines connecting Liverpool to Manchester, and Bradford to Huddersfield. Upgrades will also be made on existing lines connecting Manchester with Leeds, Bradford, York and Sheffield. The Prime Minister promised these new links would 'help working people do what they need to do', from 'getting to work, taking the kids to school, or days out with the family'. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, meanwhile, said the 'transformative plans' would create jobs, build homes and unlock opportunities for businesses to invest. However, the public may have to wait until the 2040s to actually use the new network, with construction on Phase 2 the Liverpool to Manchester line only starting in the 2030s. In the meantime, the Government will launch a lengthy planning phase for the project as it tries to learn from the mistakes of HS2. First announced by Labour in 2009, the high-speed rail project was beset by delays and ballooning costs after a failure to plan upfront, critics say. The plans include new lines connecting Liverpool to Manchester, and Bradford to Huddersfield. Upgrades will also be made on existing lines connecting Manchester with Leeds, Bradford, York and Sheffield Chancellor Rachel Reeves will say the 'transformative plans' for Northern Powerhouse Rail would create jobs, build homes and unlock opportunities for businesses to invest Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has previously warned the Government not to give his region a 'cut-price infrastructure option' Work will only begin on the Liverpool to Manchester line of Northern Powerhouse Rail when Phase 1 of the project upgrades to existing lines in Yorkshire is complete. Speaking to the Daily Mail, former transport minister Mike Kane said while the news on the new network is 'welcome', the scale of the Government's ambition to unlock the economic potential of the North through better rail connectivity will 'only be realised when we see spades in the ground delivering it'. Transport Minister Peter Hendy briefed MPs on the plans. The Chancellor has set a spending cap of 45bn for Northern Powerhouse Rail, with 1.1bn coming from the Department for Transport's budget for this Parliament. But with costs not yet set in stone, the Government intends to call on regional mayors to support the project from their own budgets. This may lead to strained conversations with Andy Burnham, with the Manchester Mayor previously warning the Government not to give his region a 'cut-price infrastructure option' in comments to The House magazine. The Government also played down reports that it is committed to a new Birmingham to Manchester line, citing it as a future ambition to be delivered separately from Northern Powerhouse Rail. Land connecting the two cities would be held back from sale while the Government considers the new route. A plan to link the two cities as part of HS2 was scrapped by the then-prime minister Rishi Sunak in 2023. New details have emerged about the Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect's first night behind bars, revealing his chilling reaction to being accused of the heinous crimes. After being surrounded by nearly a dozen undercover officers and cuffed outside his Midtown Manhattan office on July 13, 2023, Rex Heuermann appeared blindsided. 'What is this about?' the 62-year-old architect and married father-of-two from Massapequa in Nassau County on Long Island, said. Heuermann asked 'What did I do?' before telling the arresting officers, 'It's a mistake.' But new police records show that after the hour-and-a-half drive with detectives from Midtown Manhattan to the Suffolk County Police Headquarters, Heuermann suddenly switched and became 'calm.' What had unfolded seemed to have no effect on his appetite - he spent his first night in custody eating French fries, onion rings, peanut butter crackers and washing it down with a Coca-Cola. He then managed to sleep for more than five hours on a chair as he awaited arraignment. Those details were revealed in a 178-page motion filed by his defense attorney, Michael Brown, ahead of a scheduled court hearing Tuesday. Alleged Gilgo killer Rex Heuermann appears in front of Judge Timothy Mazzei alongside his attorney Michael Brown at Suffolk County Court in Riverhead on Tuesday Gilgo Murders suspect Rex Heuermann as he is led to court from the Suffolk police 7th precinct His lead defense attorney, Michael Brown, had asked the judge to suppress certain evidence from the jury, including statements Heuermann made to detectives and court officers during his arraignment remarks that prosecutors say reflect an unusual calmness in the hours after his arrest. The records show that, after munching on junk food, Heuermann joked that he 'won't be needing that', referencing his $6,000 watch as he was escorted to his arraignment by a court officer. Heuermann is charged with the murders of seven women over a two-decade reign of horror running from 1993 to 2011. All the victims were working as sex workers when they vanished. Their bodies were dumped along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach and other remote spots on Long Island. Some of the victims had been bound, while others had been dismembered and their remains discarded across multiple locations. The Gilgo Beach serial killer case went unsolved for more than a decade - hampered by a corrupt police chief, James Burke, who was ultimately jailed for beating a man who stole porn from his police cruiser. In July 2023 - following the launch of a new task force - Heuermann was dramatically arrested as he left his office in midtown Manhattan. In the court documents, a prison log revealed that Heuermann was dressed in tan khakis, a short grey collared shirt, and dark shoes, his 6 ft. 4 inch frame, 280-pound frame towered over the police. At Suffolk County Police Headquarters, police photographed and fingerprinted him, and during a search, they found $135 in cash. One of the first meals he was given included French fries, onion rings, peanut butter crackers, and Coca-Cola. Though he had told officers he was a diabetic, he declined his medication. At 4.20am, Heuermann was transferred to the Seventh Precinct, where he fell asleep in a chair for more than five hours. Hours later, he would be arraigned. Heuermann was seen holding in a laugh as he stands next to lead attorney Michael Brown Heuermann is charged with the deaths of Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard Barnes, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor, and Valerie Mack Your browser does not support iframes. Heuermann remains in custody at the Riverhead Correctional Facility in Suffolk County. The new defense filing urges prosecutors to turn over records regarding two men the defense may seek to introduce as alternate suspects. Heuermann's ex-wife, Asa Ellerup, who has attended several hearings, did not appear in court on Tuesday, nor were any other family members present. After more than two years since Heuermann's arrest, Judge Mazzie is ready for the next step and announced that 'the trial will begin after Labor Day, come hell or high water.' The family of two Hungarian twin sisters who died in the River Dee in Aberdeen had their remains taken back to Hungary in a backpack, their brother has revealed. Henrietta and Eliza Huszti, both 32, disappeared on January 7 last year before their bodies were found in the waterway on January 31 near where they were last spotted. The sisters were last seen on CCTV making their way across the Victoria Bridge before turning onto a path along the River Dee. Specialist teams including divers and police dogs scoured the river, the harbour and nearby coastline for more than three weeks before they were found. In an emotional interview with Hungarian media outlet Bors, their brother Jozsef Huszti admitted the family 'still can't process' the tragedy. He said: 'We went to their flat, where their clothes and belongings were still there. We had to arrange the cremation because we didn't have enough money to bring them home in coffins.' Mr Huszti revealed that the cost of repatriating the sisters' bodies home to Hungary would have been around 45,000. As the family were unable to afford this, they instead carried the sisters' urns in their backpacks back home, the Daily Record reports. Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both aged 32, disappeared on January 7 last year before their bodies were found in the River Dee on January 31 near where they were last spotted in Aberdeen The police recovery operation on the River Dee, near to the Queen Elizabeth Bridge, in Aberdeen after the sisters vanished He added: 'We still can't process it. This is a very difficult time for us, all the family members have been commemorating, we have lit candles and put up their photos. 'This is the first anniversary, which is very painful.' The two sisters were laid to rest in June in their hometown of Monor, Hungary, as the family continues to demand answers about their disappearance Mr Huszti added: 'We still can't believe that my sisters committed suicide. We can't accept what the police said, it would be nice to finally know the truth.' The sisters' father Miklos previously told Hungarian news site SZON that he was 'sure' his daughters did not take their own lives and suggested that 'someone lured them to the waterfront and cruelly killed them'. 'I have no idea what happened to my daughters, but I am sure they did not commit suicide,' the 63-year-old told Hungarian reporters. 'I believe that they did not send the SMS to their landlord, but someone else or others who cheated and kidnapped my children.' He added: 'I am sure that someone lured them to the waterfront and cruelly killed them.' Henrietta and Eliza had lived in the UK - mainly in Aberdeen - for around 10 years and were both employed. One of them worked in a cafe and the other as a hotel cleaner. They were in regular contact with their family in Hungary and are not thought to have once indicated anything was wrong. The girls - who were two out of a set of triplets - grew up in Tornyospalca, a few miles from where their father now lives, but after their parent's divorce, they moved to Budapest with their mother and brother. Police Scotland has said the investigation into the sisters' deaths has concluded, with no suspicious circumstances identified, and a report submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. A husband has died in hospital following a crash that killed his pregnant wife and their unborn child in a horror that was said to have unfolded just days after their wedding anniversary. Nak Ralph Singco and Cathrene Kith Quinones Singco were involved in the smash in Crumlin, Co Antrim, on Sunday afternoon. Ms Singco, a Filipino healthcare worker, was rushed to hospital but died as a result of her injuries on Monday, with her unborn baby also passing away. This evening Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) announced that Mr Singco had also died as a result of his injuries in the crash. The force said several other people sustained minor injuries in the collision between a blue Ford Fiesta and a silver Skoda Superb in broad daylight on Sunday. Hours before the crash, Ms Singco had shared a one-year-old post on Facebook from her last wedding anniversary. It was a video of her and her husband dancing in the snow at 3,454m during a trip to Jungfraujoch railway station in Switzerland, known as the 'Top of Europe'. The original post celebrating five years of marriage on January 10, 2025, contained the caption 'cheers to five years of love as husband and wife'. Nak Ralph Singco and Cathrene Kith Quinones Singco (pictured) were involved in a horror car collision in Crumlin, Co Antrim, on Sunday afternoon Ms Singco was died on Monday following an accident between a blue Ford Fiesta and a silver Skoda Superb. Her unborn baby also did not survive Tributes began to pour in for the soon-to-be mother over the weekend. One person wrote: 'It breaks my heart to learn that my college classmate's wife was among the casualties of the car accident. May you rest in peace Kith.' Another said: 'Rest in eternal peace to my batchmate and classmate and to their little baby... gone too soon! I pray for both families' strength and healing.' Police are investigating the crash and have appealed for anyone who witnessed it to speak to detectives. 'We are investigating what happened and require the public's assistance with our inquiries,' a spokesperson for the PSNI said. 'Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have any dash-cam footage of the road at the time which could assist with our investigation, please contact us in the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 735 11/01/26.' President Donald Trump and the mayor of a top blue city appear to have an unexpectedly cordial relationship. Democratic New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is apparently texting buddies with President Trump, despite their deep ideological differences, per a report from Axios. On the night of his election last November, then mayor-elect Mamdani took the stage in Brooklyn to celebrate his historic victory, making a prominent point to call out Trump by name. 'Donald Trump, since I know you're watching, I have four words for you,' Mamdani noted, before instructing the president to 'turn the volume up' on his speech during which he called out Trump as a former New York City landlord who built his wealth on the backs of the less fortunate. 'The Donald Trumps of our city have grown far too comfortable taking advantage of their tenants,' Mamdani jabbed, before continuing that he 'will put an end to the culture of corruption that has allowed billionaires like Trump to evade taxation and exploit tax breaks.' Shortly after Mamdani's election, however, Trump welcomed him into the Oval Office and the duo pledged to work together on issues facing New Yorkers, including housing, affordability, and public safety. Trump also noted in that famed Oval Office meeting that he expected Mamdani to 'surprise some conservative people,' and even reportedly praised the socialist's appearance, telling him that he was 'even better-looking in person than ... on TV,' according to New York Magazine. The texting began soon after Trump and Mamdani exchanged numbers during their November meeting, the sources told Axios. President Donald Trump gestures as he walks from Marine One after arriving on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Washington Confetti rains down on the crowd during New York mayor Zohran Mamdani's public inauguration ceremony followed by a block party at City Hall in New York on January 1, 2026 During Mamdani's campaign, Trump branded him a '100% Communist Lunatic', threatened him with deportation, and flirted openly with cutting federal funds to New York City. Trump's embrace of Mamdani also undoubtedly had lasting effects on New York's state political scene, as he dismissed attacks levied on him by New York Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who intended to run for the office of governor back in her home state before she dropped out of the race at the end of December. President Donald Trump meets with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (L) in the Oval Office of the White House on November 21, 2025 in Washington, DC Stefanik had previously called Mamdani a 'jihadist' and undoubtedly planned to tie her Democrat opponent, New York's incumbent governor, Kathy Hochul, to the fringes of her party like Mamdani. When a reporter pressed Trump directly about Stefanik's rhetoric, Trump waved the accusation off as nothing more than campaign fighting talk. 'She's out there campaigning,' Trump said at the time. 'You say things sometimes in a campaign. You'd have to ask her about that. I met with a man who is a rational person,' he continued with his newfound characterization of Mamdani. Joe Rogan has said he understands why left-wing protesters have likened Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids to those of Hitler's Gestapo. The podcaster was discussing the recent ICE shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis with Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, on his show Tuesday when he made the comment. Reflecting on the massive demonstrations that have swept the nation, Rogan said he understands the 'point of view' of anti-ICE protesters who argue: 'You don't want militarized people in the streets just roaming around, snatching up people - many of which turn out to be US citizens that just don't have their papers on them. 'Are we really gonna be the Gestapo? "Where's your papers?" Is that what we've come to,' he asked, rhetorically, referring to the Nazi's secret police. He added that ICE raids make the agents look like 'villains' to many citizens. 'People are now looking at them like murderous military people that are on the streets of our city,' Rogan claimed. 'And they're masked up, which is also a problem.' He then went on to note that whenever someone is pulled over by a local police officer, they are allowed to ask for their name and badge number. But 'if you get arrested by an ICE agent, you get no such right. They don't have to tell you s**t.' Joe Rogan has said he understands why left-wing protesters have likened Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids to those of Hitler's Gestapo He noted that ICE agents often wear masks during their operations, which he said is a 'problem' Protests against the agency have spread since an ICE officer fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good last week At the same time, though, Rogan said he understands that ICE officers would want to remain anonymous out of fear of being doxxed. He also said he understands the conservative position of those who say, 'Hey there was an illegal program moving people in here to get votes, moving people in here to get congressional seats, and we've got to change that.' 'We've got to take those people who got in and send them back to where they came from or do something, because if we don't, they're gonna have to take away some of the damage that's been done to a true democratic system - because they've kind of hijacked it,' Rogan claimed. 'I think there's a balance to be achieved, I just don't know how it gets done,' the podcaster added. 'It's more complicated than I think people want to admit.' The podcaster also spoke about Good's fatal shooting last week, noting that the agent who fired the fatal shot, Jonathan Ross, had been dragged by a car last year. Still, Rogan said he still felt the shooting was a 'terrible tragedy' that should never have happened. 'I'm not that guy, I don't know what he thought - and again, this is a guy who had almost been run over,' Rogan said. 'But this just looked horrific to me.' Rogan said the fatal shooting of Good (pictured) was 'horrific' He noted that the agent involved in the shooting, Jonathan Ross, had been dragged by a car last year Ross fired three times after Good allegedly refused ICE agents' demands to open her car door In footage from the scene, Good was seen apparently blocking the road with her SUV for about four minutes before she was killed. About 20 seconds after Good pulled up to the street, a passenger - believed to be her wife, Rebecca - exited the vehicle and eventually began filming. There is now speculation that Rebecca, who admitted to bringing her spouse to the anti-ICE protest, exited the car so she could begin filming any potential clash with federal agents. She was seen wielding her camera during Ross's confrontation with her wife but it is unclear when she first started to record. Other footage from the shooting shows an officer approaching Good's stopped SUV. He grabbed the handle as he allegedly demanded she open the door. Her Honda Pilot then began to pull forward and Ross pulled his weapon, immediately firing three shots and jumping back as the vehicle moved toward him. It is not clear from the videos if the vehicle made contact with Ross. After the shooting, the SUV slammed into two cars parked on a curb before crashing to a stop. Good was seen apparently blocking the road with her SUV for four minutes before she was killed About 20 seconds after Good pulled up to the street, a passenger - believed to be her wife Rebecca (pictured) - exited the vehicle and eventually began filming Discussing the viral footage on his show Tuesday, Rogan said 'it seemed like she was kind of turning the car away.' Yet he also seemed to pass judgment on Good, saying: 'It seemed like she was out of her f***ing mind to begin with. That lady seemed crazy.' 'But does that mean she should get shot in the head? Is there no other way to handle this?' Rogan asked. Paul said he did not want to get 'too much into the specifics' of the shooting, because he did not want to 'pass judgment like a jury would.' Instead, he just said he believes ICE agents have a 'very difficult job,' a sentiment Rogan agreed with. Aussies are divided over a couple's controversial parking hack, with some praising it as 'genius' while others claim it blocked emergency vehicles. Gold Coast couple Bonnie and Kodi filmed themselves covering a yellow line with sand in a carpark at a Coolangatta beach on Tuesday. 'What yellow line?' a TikTok video of the hack was captioned, with Bonnie adding: 'It actually worked.' Drivers who park on a continuous yellow line in Queensland face a $333 fine. Viewers were quick to react to the hack online, with some praising the couple. 'Honestly genius, the amount of times I can never find a park in Australia,' one wrote. 'Entrepreneur right there,' a second said. 'I live right near this beach and may I say That's genius Sir. The parking is awful,' a third commented. Gold Coast couple Bonnie and Kodi (pictured) filmed themselves covering a yellow line with sand in a carpark at Coolangatta beach earlier this week Aussies are divided over a couple's controversial beach parking hack with some praising it as 'genius' while others slamming it as 'entitled' 'I wish I knew this before my $65 beach parking ticket while I was literally VOLUNTEERING,' a fourth agreed. However, others slammed the couple for breaking the rules, with one claiming the park was for emergency vehicles. 'I'm sure that was a yellow line for no reason. Probably not safety or emergencies or anything like that,' they wrote. 'It's obviously a "no parking" zone if no other cars are there and its curved. A parking enforcement officer will know,' another said. Kodi, 27, appeared on Channel Seven's Sunrise program on Wednesday after the video received almost 20million views on TikTok. He credited his and his girlfriend's 'real bad ADHD' for the hack. 'She didn't want to walk that far, she's a bit of a princess, so she goes "Nope, get on the yellow line, let's do it, we'll work out a way around it",' he told the program. The couple avoided a fine despite leaving their car for almost two hours. Kodi joked he was going to start selling cups of sand for $5 after the hosts asked if he thought the little-known hack was going to catch on. A senior US State Department official has taken aim at new hate speech laws in Australia, claiming one detail could cause 'deeply perverse' outcomes. Sarah Rogers, the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, raised concerns over a clause in the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill. It will become a federal offence to publicly promote or incite racial hatred that makes a person feel intimidated, harassed, or unsafe. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese intends to bring in the new law in the wake of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack on December 14. Activist Drew Pavlou said on X there was a clause in the proposed legislation that exempts people who directly quote from religious texts, providing a loophole for extremists while potentially criminalising legitimate criticism of government policy. 'The Australian government now plans to introduce five year prison sentences for amorphous acts of "hate speech" - defined in such broad terms that it might cover even the most basic calls to lower migration or deport jihadist extremists,' he wrote. 'Meanwhile the Australian government have introduced a special carve out clause in the hate speech legislation to allow Muslim extremists to continue preaching hate so long as they can argue that they are directly quoting or referencing the Quran.' Rogers shared the post and said she hoped 'this isn't what Australia intends'. The Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers raised concerns over a clause in the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill brought to light by Aussie activist Drew Pavlou Pavlou claimed on X there was a clause that exempts people who directly quote from religious texts (pictured, Pavlou being escorted by police at a rally on January 4) 'A statute that imprisons you for calling to deport jihadist extremists but provides safe harbor if you *are* a jihadist extremist would be deeply perverse,' she wrote. 'This could be a clumsy effort to avoid the disgraces seen in Europe+UK, where citizens are jailed for quoting the Bible or even praying silently. 'But the problem with 'hate speech' laws one problem of many is that they're enforced by the kinds of people who coddle actual violent zealots, so long as they seem subaltern.' Rogers described 'religious freedom' as a 'core value of our administration'. 'But protecting speech *only* if it's religious, while arresting people for secular rejoinders, may distort the public sphere in ways that even progressive censorship enthusiasts dislike,' she wrote. A spokeswoman for Attorney-General Michelle Rowland defended the legislation. 'The Albanese government's proposed legislation will crack down on those who spread hate, division and radicalisation in our community, and builds upon the government's existing hate speech laws,' she said. 'These laws seek to get the balance right, while avoiding unintended consequences cracking down on hate speech without undermining freedom of speech or religion. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese intends to bring in the new hate speech laws in the wake of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack on December 14 'The government is now consulting broadly on the legislation - hearing from the public and working across the Parliament to get this right.' Albanese on Monday confirmed he will order both the House of Representatives and the Senate to return on January 19 and 20 to deal with new legislation. The emergency sitting will begin with a condolence motion honouring the victims of the antisemitic Bondi attack, paying tribute to those killed, those injured, and the families whose lives have been forever changed. In a display of unity, the government and Opposition have already agreed on the wording. After tributes, Parliament will turn immediately to the centrepiece of the government's response: the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026. The bill will be introduced on Monday, debated on Tuesday, and then fast-tracked to the Senate. The bill will also introduce tough new offences aimed at hate preachers and extremist leaders who attempt to radicalise children. Penalties for hatecrime offences will be significantly increased, and courts will be required to take extremist motivation into account during sentencing. The government is also creating a new offence for inciting hatred with the intention to intimidate or harass, while expanding the ban on prohibited extremist symbols. 'We want to ensure that Australia remains a society where everyone has the right to be proud of who they are and we also want to make it clear that conduct which is hateful, dangerous, and divisive will also be illegal,' Albanese said. 'Just as antisemitism and racism are an offence against our Australian values, they should be an offence against Australian law.' Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie has singled out western Sydney as the 'heart of Islamic extremism' and demanded Anthony Albanese take immediate action. McKenzie made the extraordinary comment on ABC Radio National on Wednesday as she ripped into the Prime Minister's gun buyback scheme and new hate speech laws. The Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Act 2026 will make it a criminal offence to incite racial hatred, with penalties of up to five years in jail. The legislation targets anyone promoting racial superiority or intimidating communities. However, outrage has erupted over a controversial clause: subsection (4) exempts anyone quoting religious texts for teaching or discussion. Critics warn this exemption creates a dangerous loophole for extremists to hide behind scripture, while ordinary Australians risk prosecution for speaking out. The bill also bundles in anti-terror measures and a federal gun buyback scheme, sparking anger from McKenzie, who accused Labor of targeting law-abiding gun owners rather than actual terrorists. 'When you look at what problem we are trying to solve here, Islamic terrorists shot Australian Jews,' she said. 'This was an attack on our Australian Jewish community. Taking guns off law-abiding citizens is not the appropriate response.' Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie has singled out 'western Sydney' as the 'heart of Islamic extremism and demanded Anthony Albanese act immediately McKenzie also attacked Albanese for refusing calls to split the bill, warning that states remain deeply divided on the buyback. 'State ministers met with the federal government last week,' she said. 'And, you know, I don't think there's unanimity amongst them about their response to the gun buyback at all.' McKenzie also referenced John Howard's post-Port Arthur gun reforms, accusing Albanese of failing to act. 'John Howard took on his own voters right after Port Arthur with those gun law changes,' she said. 'This Prime Minister refuses to take on western Sydney, where the heart of Islamic extremism lives.' She warned criminals will keep their weapons regardless. 'The terrorists and the bikies and the criminals are still going to have illegal firearms, whether this legislation passes or not,' McKenzie said. Albanese's Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Act 2026 will make it a criminal offence to incite racial hatred, with penalties of up to five years in jail 'Whilst law-abiding firearm owners like myself are absolutely being targeted as the Prime Minister seeks to somehow lump us in with Islamic terrorism.' Nationals Senator Matt Canavan also hit out at the bill, condemning Labor for rushing the laws through Parliament. 'These proposed laws were only released today and the Government plans to force them through Parliament in just a week,' he said. 'Labor is giving people just three days to comment on the laws. It is a mockery of our democratic process.' Meanwhile, Liberal Senate leader Michaelia Cash lashed out during a fiery inquiry on Tuesday after officials were unable to confirm whether phrases like 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' and 'Globalise the Intifada' would be banned. She also pressed officials on whether quotes from religious texts that are antisemitic would be permitted. Officials admitted quoting would be permitted, if used 'for the purposes of discussion'. 'If, separately, when you're discussing that quote, you engage in conduct that promotes or incites hatred or intentionally disseminates ideas of superiority, that is outside quoting from the religious text, that would be caught by the offence,' Deputy Secretary Sarah Chidgey said. Officials were also unable to confirm whether Islamic fatwas would fall under the new laws. Fatwas, non-binding religious rulings, have historically had deadly consequences, including the infamous 1989 edict against author Salman Rushdie, which led to decades of violence and a near-fatal stabbing in 2022. The inquiry into the legislation resumes Wednesday morning. Daily Mail contacted the Prime Minister's office for comment. Wes Streeting took a dig at Keir Starmer's frequent U-turns on Tuesday, saying Labour had to start 'getting it right first time'. The Health Secretary, who is widely tipped as a potential successor to Sir Keir, also appeared to criticise the PM for complaining that it is too hard to get things done in Government. Sir Keir's premiership has been littered with U-turns on everything from winter fuel payments to grooming gangs and, most recently, business rate hikes on pubs. In only 18 months in power, the Government has now clocked up more than a dozen U-turns. Former Tory Cabinet minister Esther McVey on Tuesday said the Prime Minister's promises were 'Keir today, gone tomorrow'. Ministers are already lining up a further reverse on jury trials, calls for a social media ban for under-16s and business rates relief for the wider hospitality sector. In a speech to the Institute for Government think-tank, Mr Streeting also said that sweeping reforms were needed for Labour to regain public confidence, warning that: 'People are paying more in tax, but getting a poorer service in return.' The Health Secretary defended the right of Government to change its mind in response to public feedback, saying it was 'far better to do the right thing rather than to spare one's political blushes'. But he added: 'In the NHS, we have an initiative called GIRFT get it right first time. That should be our resolution for 2026 let's try and get it right first time.' Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting arrives for a Cabinet meeting in Downing Street, London Sir Keir's premiership has been littered with U-turns on everything from winter fuel payments to grooming gangs and, most recently, business rate hikes on pubs Sir Keir has struggled to deliver on his promise of change despite a landslide victory in 2024. Last month he voiced frustration at institutional barriers, telling MPs: 'My experience now as Prime Minister is of frustration that every time I go to pull a lever there are a bunch of regulations, consultations, arm's-length bodies that mean that the action from pulling the lever to delivery is longer than I think it ought to be.' His former aide Paul Ovenden went further, warning that a 'stakeholder state' of campaign groups, regulators and trade bodies had 'captured' parts of Government. But Whitehall troubleshooter Louise Casey told the conference that ministers need to 'get a grip' instead of giving in to 'hopelessness'. Mr Streeting warned that complaining about the difficulty of governing risked 'rolling the pitch' for Right-wing rivals who want to take a 'chainsaw' to the state. He added: 'This excuses culture does the centre-Left no favours. If we tell the public we can't make anything work, why on Earth would they vote to keep us in charge?' Meanwhile, shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride told the conference a future Tory government would make it easier to sack failing civil servants. He said dismissals for poor performance were 'almost non-existent', adding: 'Either our civil servants are all vastly better at their jobs than people in the private sector, or a lot more civil servants should be losing their jobs.' If there was one thing that terrified Donald Trump's critics more than the sensational raid he launched to capture Venezuela's dictator Nicolas Maduro, it was the cavalier way his overweening policy chief Stephen Miller then sought to justify it. 'We live in a world in which you can talk all you want about international niceties and everything else,' the shaven-headed millennial bluntly told CNN news anchor Jake Tapper last week. 'But we live in a world in the real world, Jake that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power. These are the iron laws of the world that existed since the beginning of time.' Viewers had barely caught their breath at this outburst of cold-eyed belligerence when Miller, Trump's deputy chief of staff for policy and his homeland security adviser, dropped another bombshell as the conversation moved to the sovereign Danish territory of Greenland. As 'the power of Nato', the US should get what it needed, he argued, and 'so obviously Greenland should be part of the United States'. Obviously. And besides, said Miller with his usual disconcertingly friendly smile, nobody was going to fight the US over the future of Greenland. What he really meant, of course, was 'nobody in their right mind'. In case anyone was tempted to assume that Miller, 40, was speaking out of turn and would be rapidly slapped down, the President himself put them right in an interview with the New York Times published a few days ago. Asked whether he disagreed on any policies with Miller, Trump said: 'Stephen's a very strong voice, I don't think I disagree with him, no.' Not for nothing is California-born Miller now regarded as the most influential official in the White House and perhaps the most powerful unelected man in the US. Donald Trump's senior aide Stephen Miller pictured with his wife Katie Miller speaks to reporters about Venezuela at the White House in Washington, DC, US, January 5, 2026 Trump has described his most loyal servant as sitting 'at the top of the totem pole' of his administration. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says that a continual refrain from the Oval Office is 'Where's Stephen? Tell him to get that done.' Although Miller is of Ashkenazi Jewish extraction, Democrats like to portray him as a jackbooted fascist, Trump's skinhead bovver boy. According to well-connected journalist and Trump chronicler Michael Wolff, even some of his own colleagues wouldn't disagree. Last week, Wolff claimed that, in 2017, when Miller was just a minion in Trump's first administration, working as a speech writer and policy adviser, Miller's then boss, Steve Bannon himself long accused of being on the hard Right pointed him out to Wolff. 'Now that is a real fascist,' Bannon quipped. Miller needs no introduction on Capitol Hill today. Posters of his face frozen in a typically menacing expression have been plastered around Washington, stamped with 'creep' and 'fascism'. During Trump's first term, he became one of the architects of immigration policies lambasted by the Left, such as the Mexican border wall, separating migrant children from their families and the attempted 'Muslim ban' (Trump's 2017 temporary block on travel to the US from seven predominantly Muslim countries). In Trump's second term, Miller has picked up where he left off with even more energy. He has promised to oversee the 'largest deportation operation in American history' by targeting the country's estimated 11 million undocumented migrants, in what his opponents say is a demographic transformation towards a whiter country that Miller has dreamed of since he was a teenager. His own uncle, eminent psychologist David Glosser, has publicly condemned him, claiming that their family who fled anti-Jewish pogroms in Europe would have been 'wiped out' under his nephew's immigration crackdown. Trump has made clear how frustrated he was during his first term at being surrounded by officials who didn't agree with his more radical ideas and worked to thwart him. He's had no such problem with Miller who, sources say, is not only one of the few who's still in favour with the boss but who always defers to Trump. Miller, wife Katie and their three children are living in protected military housing in the Washington area and are selling their $3 million home in Arlington, Virginia, after he faced at least one verified death threat Sources say they're in lockstep on how to deal with everyone from undocumented migrants to uncooperative Danish politicians who still bizarrely refuse to hand over Greenland to Uncle Sam. Even during the four years when Trump was out of power, he and Miller spoke nearly every day, say fellow Republicans. Senator Jim Banks told the New York Times the pair were 'talking about what a second term agenda might look like before many of us even dreamed that there would be a second term'. Banks, incidentally, called Miller the 'smartest guy I've ever met in Washington' echoing a former House Speaker, who refers to Miller as 'Trump's brain'. It was certainly astute of Miller to recognise the value of keeping in with the ex-president. It's come at a cost, however. He's widely accused of being virulently xenophobic, if not outright racist. Miller, wife Katie and their three children are living in protected military housing in the Washington area, selling their $3million home in Arlington, Virginia, after he faced at least one verified death threat. Katie, 34, was also followed and photographed around their neighbourhood, a sign of the public's growing fascination with her as much as him. A hard-Right podcaster and fellow Trumpite, she has eschewed the traditional role of wallflower for political spouses. Just hours after last week's Venezuela raid, she had posted on social media a picture of a map of Greenland superimposed with the US flag, commenting: 'SOON.' In 2020, the year they married, Vanity Fair dubbed them 'Trump's favourite power couple' waspishly noting that 'even Goebbels was a ladies' man'. They have much in common, including coming from liberal cities but having politically conservative lawyer fathers. Katie Miller (pictured with husband Stephen) is a political adviser and media personality currently serving as a member of the Presidents Intelligence Advisory Board A former Trump administration apparatchik, Katie was Press Secretary for Trump's first Vice President, Mike Pence, and has remained loyal to the cause although a little more rebellious given the tattoo inside her lower lip, which spells 'YOLO' ('You Only Live Once'). In a 2020 book, she was quoted as saying that colleagues at the Department of Homeland Security once sent her to visit child detention centres at the Mexican border 'to try to make me more compassionate but it didn't work'. Naturally, the more that the Democrats and their Hollywood pals hate them, the more the MAGA movement loves the Millers. Trump's critics paint Stephen as calling the foreign policy shots, pointing out how he is more prominent on TV than he used to be. Left-wingers have declared open season on Miller. Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel crudely calls him 'Trump's other little p****'. Others mockingly recirculate a 2003 video of Miller sitting in a school bus joking about Saddam Hussein and his cronies needing to have their fingers cut off. There are also photos of him indulging his youthful obsession with Star Trek, dressing up as Captain Kirk whose 'alpha leadership persona' said a former school friend Miller admired. His 2003 school yearbook offered another gem he included a quote, attributed to President Theodore Roosevelt, saying that the US only had room for people 'who are Americans and nothing else'. Katie (pictured in May, 2025) has a weekly podcast in which she talks about politics Friends say he relishes causing a stink. When he ran for class president at high school in 2002, old video footage shows him complaining to a booing audience that he was 'sick and tired' of being told to pick up his trash 'when we have plenty of janitors who are paid to do it for us'. Republican politics clearly beckoned and seven years later he got his foot in the door in Washington DC working for Alabama senator Jeff Sessions. Colleagues insist that, at heart, Miller is a 'very nice guy', but charm and tact are not his strong points. Indeed, one ally described him as having 'the bedside manner of [SS chief] Heinrich Himmler'. He is said to yell at everybody during his daily (even Saturdays) staff meetings 'nobody is spared from his wrath'. If it's true that ICE agents are, as reported, getting over-stressed by the pressure to keep ramping up their migrant detainment rates, Miller is the one ultimately cracking the whip. He is, an insider told Atlantic magazine, very aware that the 'clock is ticking' on the Trump administration. But for his MAGA admirers, he's doing what he can to reshape America when his predecessors failed so dismally. Sir Keir Starmer was on Tuesday night branded China's 'useful idiot' as he prepared to approve its plan for a megaembassy in London despite a growing backlash from his MPs. The Prime Minister was accused of planning a 'craven kowtow' to the Chinese in return for new trade and investment deals to boost Britain's flagging economy when he makes his first trip to Beijing later this month. He also faced allegations that he is ignoring the threat to national security posed by the plan for Europe's biggest diplomatic mission, after blueprints showed it will feature a hidden chamber just a metre away from sensitive cables that transmit financial data to the City of London. Not one MP defended the Government's expected planning approval in the Commons today, while seven Labour backbenchers spoke up against it, highlighting human rights abuses in China as well as intimidation of Hongkongers in the UK. Nine Labour MPs also wrote to Communities Secretary Steve Reed, who must make the final decision on the application before Tuesday, urging him to reject it. Local residents are already gearing up to bring a legal challenge if he does give it the green light. And on Tuesday it was reported that the White House remains 'deeply concerned' about the plans, and that the UK has had to reassure its allies including the US that no sensitive data is transferred through the cables next to the embassy. In the Commons, the Government was even rebuked by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle for sending a housing minister instead of someone from the Home Office to answer MPs' concerns about repression and espionage conducted from the alleged spy hub. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been branded China's 'useful idiot' as he prepared to approve its plan for a megaembassy in London despite a growing backlash from his MPs Your browser does not support iframes. It can also be revealed that the Metropolitan Police has apologised for failing to investigate Chinese officials who were accused of carrying out surveillance on protesters at the embassy site opposite the Tower of London. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'It is shameful that our Prime Minister is planning a craven kowtow to the Chinese... to persuade them to bail him out of the economic mess he and Rachel Reeves have created. 'He is putting our national security at risk by acting as Peking's poodle. By dancing to [Chinese president] Xi Jinping's tune, Keir Starmer is acting as the ultimate useful idiot.' Luke de Pulford, of the InterParliamentary Alliance on China, said: 'The embassy issue goes far beyond party politics, touching on key matters of national security. 'Not a single MP spoke in favour of the plans, reflecting public opinion which is firmly against having a monstrous spy base in the heart of London. 'It takes a lot of guts to stand up when your own party is backed into a corner. 'The PM should listen to these courageous Labour MPs, or he will certainly regret it as and when the decision is challenged in the courts.' In the Commons, Shadow Home Office minister Alicia Kearns said the plans revealed that the Chinese Communist Party wants to build '208 secret rooms and a hidden chamber' alongside the crucial fibre optic cables, adding: 'We now know it plans to demolish the wall between the cables and the embassy cables on which our economy is dependent.' Join the debate Should national security ever be compromised for the sake of trade and diplomatic relations with China? Sir Keir with China's President Xi Jinping in November 2024. The PM was accused of planning a 'craven kowtow' to the Chinese in return for new trade and investment deals to boost Britain's flagging economy when he makes his first trip to Beijing later this month Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said Starmer was 'putting our national security at risk by acting as Peking's poodle' Your browser does not support iframes. She added: 'Labour promised a new relationship with China, yet UK goods exports are down 23 per cent. Surrendering our security for trade was always a bad policy, but surrendering our security while exports plummet is, frankly, insanity.' Leading opposition from Labour MPs, Commons International Development Committee chairman Sarah Champion said: 'Government agencies and departments have raised concerns. 'Our international partners have raised concerns. I want my Government to stand up to bullies, not to reward them.' A Whitehall source said: 'The embassy will be approved. It is just a matter of timing. There is a benefit in consolidating the sites China uses into one location.' A man accused of historic sex offences has been spotted drinking beer and smoking cigarettes on an overseas holiday in the Philippines just two years after a judge declared him medically unfit to stand trial. Ronald Thompson, believed to be from the Sunshine Coast, was due to face trial in New Zealand in 2023 on 18 counts of sexual offending against six young people. The incidents - which involved boys and girls aged in their mid to late teens - were alleged to have occurred between 1981 and 2002. The charges included indecent assault and sexual violation by rape - allegations Thompson, now 69, has strongly denied. The criminal trial was suspended in November 2023 after the court heard from doctors that Thompson had advanced cardiovascular disease and the stress of a trial could place him at risk of a heart attack. A physician at Wairau Hospital confirmed Thompson had been referred to a palliative care team and had a life expectancy 'measured in months'. However, new footage has emerged of the former carpet salesman drinking beer and smoking while holidaying in the Philippines over Christmas. In a video obtained by New Zealand publication Stuff, Thompson can be seen cracking open a can of extra-strong eight per cent Red Horse while staying in a village about 600km south-east of Manila. Ronald Thompson's 2023 trial was suspended due to his ill health, after doctors said the stress of a trial could place him at risk of a heart attack Thompson was pictured opening a can of strong beer and smoking while on holiday last month He was considered a minor celebrity in the 1990s for his 'Ron's Discount Carpets' ad In other clips seen by Daily Mail, Thompson can be seen sitting at the head of the table while a woman, believed to be his partner, pours beer into plastic cups and laughs with him as he rubs her back. He could also be spotted sitting alone on a balcony while smoking a cigarette. It's believed Thompson was staying in the Philippine capital while visiting his partner's extended family for Christmas. He is now understood to have returned to Australia. News of Thompson's overseas jaunt has upset his alleged victims who say his travel and lifestyle make a mockery of his claims of being too ill to stand trial. A woman, who claims Thompson molested her in 1981 when she was 12, told Stuff she was 'absolutely disgusted' and 'really angry' to hear of his activities abroad. 'It's impacted my life massively, and not just me - other people as well. And ... here's him living his best life, just making a total mockery of the system and the people he's hurt,' she said. Police allege Thompson would groom his young victims with cigarettes and alcohol to get them alone, before sexually abusing them. Thompson was previously considered a minor celebrity in Christchurch due to his appearance in cheesy TV ads that promoted his carpet business. It's understood NZ Police are aware of the new footage of Thompson but won't pursue new charges unless his health significantly improves. Scotland Yard has apologised for refusing to investigate Chinese officials accused of spying on demonstrators outside Beijing's mega-embassy in London. In a major embarrassment, the Metropolitan Police yesterday said sorry to Hongkonger Alan Dai for not investigating his complaint that suspected Chinese agents photographed him during a protest last February against plans to build Europe's biggest embassy on the old Royal Mint site. The force admitted it was wrong to tell Mr Dai the alleged surveillance was not a police matter despite a national security law making it an offence to assist a foreign intelligence service. Officers even advised him to contact Hong Kong's embassy, effectively part of the Chinese state. After meeting the Met yesterday, Mr Dai said: 'The police apologised and said they should do better.' But he added: 'Us Hongkongers fled to the UK hoping to lead a dignified life in freedom because of our belief in the UK. 'We are fearful of the tsunami of interference and intimidation about to be unleashed upon the Hongkongers and British alike.' Your browser does not support iframes. China is reportedly planning to build a secret underground room that could be used to spy on the UK at the site of its controversial 'super embassy' in London. Pictured: Concept plans for the embassy which will be located on the former Royal Mint site Sir Iain Duncan Smith, co-chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, and former Tory leader, said: 'The fact that police thought it appropriate to send a victim to report their crime to the perpetrator shows how ill-prepared we are to deal with this major security threat. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor conceded failures, writing to former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith: 'It is clear that the advice given to Mr Dai was not appropriate.' Sir Iain, co-chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, said: 'The fact that police thought it appropriate to send a victim to report their crime to the perpetrator shows how ill-prepared we are to deal with this major security threat. 'The Government is on the verge of allowing a colossal spy base in the heart of London.' A Met spokesman said the case has been referred to Counter Terrorism Policing for assessment. Tom Silvagni has filed an appeal against his conviction for the rape of a young woman in his famous family's home. In November, Silvagni was sentenced to six years and two months in jail by the Victorian County Court, with eligibility for parole after three years and three months. On Wednesday morning, Silvagni - who is the son of AFL legend Stephen Silvagni and TV presenter Jo Silvagni (nee Bailey) - filed documents with the Supreme Court appealing against his conviction. Silvagni had denied he digitally raped the woman - known under the pseudonym Samantha Taylor - at the family's Melbourne home in the early hours of January 14, 2024. Ms Taylor, who had a brief relationship with Silvagni's friend Anthony LoGiudice, had been invited to the house by Silvagni's girlfriend Alannah Iaconis. The four of them chatted for some time before heading separately to bed and Ms Taylor had consensual sex with Mr LoGiudice. He then had to leave so he organised an Uber and left the property shortly before 2am. Silvagni then went to Ms Taylor's room and told her that Mr LoGiudice would come back upstairs soon because his Uber had been cancelled. Rapist Tom Silvagni has filed an appeal against his conviction for the callous and egregious rape of a young woman in his home Convicted rapist Tom Silvagni (centre) leaves court with his famous mum Jo Silvagni and one of his barristers James Anderson Silvagni went into the dark bedroom a short time later and pretended to be Mr LoGiudice as he digitally raped the young woman. She managed to move away and ask directly who he was, and he claimed to be Mr LoGiudice. Silvagni then grabbed both of Ms Taylor's hands, pinned her down and digitally raped her a second time as she told him to stop. Ms Taylor managed to get a hand free and felt his hair, which was longer than Mr LoGiudice's, and that's when Silvagni stopped and ran from the room. He returned a few minutes later and acted as if nothing had happened, asking her if she was OK and requesting a hug before she left. In the days that followed, Silvagni fabricated an Uber receipt to make it look like Mr LoGiudice had left the Silvagni home after 2.30am, so as to place him at the scene at the time of the rape. Silvagni admitted forging the receipt but said he did so because he panicked after being falsely accused of rape. A County Court jury rejected his story, finding him guilty on December 5 of two counts of rape. Stephen and Jo Silvagni (nee Bailey). The couple are famous in Melbourne thanks to Stephen's long AFL career with Carlton, and Jo's TV roles on Sale of the Century and Chemist Warehouse Tom Silvagni's girlfriend, model Alannah Iaconis, has stuck by him Stephen Silvagni leaves court followed by his son Tom In sentencing, Judge Gregory Lyon outlined Silvagni's callous lies as he tried to undermine Ms Taylor's beliefs and prevent her from reporting the crime to police. 'Your conduct towards Samantha was egregious,' the judge said. He noted while Ms Taylor did not sustain physical injuries from the attack, she was left with psychological and emotional trauma. The judge commended her for showing integrity throughout the court process. 'Ms Taylor's demonstrated courage is hopefully a sign she is on the path to recovery,' Judge Lyon said. Ms Taylor, who was in court supported by family, wiped away tears at the judge's comments while Jo Silvagni glared at her from across the room. Judge Lyon was also critical of Silvagni's attempt to pin his actions on Mr LoGiudice. 'Your conduct towards Anthony, who had been a lifelong friend, in your own self-interest was utterly appalling and shameful,' he said. The judge noted Silvagni had shown no remorse or insight into his offending, but accepted he was still a young man with no prior convictions. He acknowledged Silvagni had diagnosed depression and his time in custody would be more difficult as a result. The Silvagni family home in Balwyn North where the rape occurred Intense media scrutiny was also a form of additional punishment but the judge found the reporting had been objective and fair throughout the trial. Judge Lyon sentenced Silvagni to six years and two months behind bars but he will be eligible for parole after three years and three months. Silvagni's famous parents Stephen and Jo quickly departed after the sentence, with Jo shoving a female reporter outside court and telling her to go away and do her job. The couple previously read out a statement to the media, saying their son was innocent and had immediately flagged an intention to appeal. The Adelaide Writers' Week collapsed long before its director Louise Adler made her belated heroic stand and resigned. The Festival board disinvited Randa Abdel-Fattah, then watched the programme haemorrhage as around 180 writers and speakers withdrew, leaving the event untenable and ultimately cancelled. Adler apparently vehemently disagreed with the board's decision when it was made. However it took almost a week before she finally resigned in protest, and only after most of her invited guests had already pulled out. That's what you call leading from behind. Adler's formal resignation came via a theatrically titled open letter published in The Guardian, declaring she 'cannot be party to silencing writers'. Eventually that was true. Although let's be honest, these festivals silence voices they don't ideologically agree with by omission all the time. Their programs don't even pretend to display balanced content. Adler wants her late breaking move framed as martyrdom for free speech, but by the time she found her line in the sand the festival had already been torched by a mass walkout. Randa Abdel-Fattah with Antoinette Lattouf, Craig Foster and Anthony Loewenstein during the pro-Palestine march over the Sydney Harbour Bridge The entire writers' event was cancelled after a slew of resignations after Abdel-Fattah was disinvited from the festival Standing on principle only after a stampede doesn't feel like much of a stand. For it to mean anything at all, wouldn't resigning the moment the board overturned your programming choice have been the right time? Rather than after the zeitgeist crystallised and it became untenable not to resign? As for the rhetoric the now ex-festival director used in her published resignation? She didn't merely criticise a board decision, she cited grand national decline: 'Joe McCarthy would be cheering', 'welcome to Moscow on the Torrens', the board decision is a 'harbinger of a less free nation' and she is 'the canary in the coalmine'. Her ominous ending was: 'they are coming for you'. Turning a bungled governance call in little old Adelaide into the last stand of civilisation feels like attention-seeking performative nonsense. So has Louise been prone to exaggeration in the past? Not always. In sharp contrast to her festival resignation Adler reportedly used a speech in April last year to mock concerns in the Jewish community about rising antisemitism and threats of violence. That was before the Bondi terrorist attack by the way. She said the fears were 'wildly exaggerated' and 'you might actually believe that we are three minutes away from a new Kristallnacht'. What a relaxed contrast with her resignation letter warnings! Louise Adler is being hailed as a hero for her belated exit as director of the Adelaide Writers' Week Irrespective of where anyone sits on Abdel-Fattah and her suitability to be invited to the Adelaide event, Adler's programming choice was never designed to go unnoticed Abdel-Fattah dismissing reports of sexual violence by Hamas on October 7 as 'rape atrocity propaganda' - despite the UN finding 'patterns indicative of sexual violence... primarily against Israeli women' - isn't a reason to not invite someone to a festival of ideas, in the eyes of some. The fuse was lit, the festival blew up and Adler is now unemployed. I'm sure she'll find another platform soon enough, The mass 'Me Too' series of pull-outs that preceded Adler's last minute principled follow on stand was the perfect case study in why parts of the arts community can be so maddening: maximalist moral posturing, sanctimony by press release, and collective attention seeking dressed up as virtue. Add a gulp of hypocrisy to that mix: Abdel-Fattah tried to de-platform New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman from the 2024 Festival. To be fair to Adler she resisted that demand. To be fair to Friedman, he's no Abdel-Fattah. OnlyFans star Sophie Rain has hit back at a Republican candidate running to be the next Governor of Florida after he proposed a 'sin tax' for creators on the website. Rain, 21, is one of the most well-known and successful creators on OnlyFans, claiming to have made $83million since launching her account. She is now locked in a bitter online feud with James Fishback, a candidate in Florida's 2026 GOP primary race, who has vowed 'not to let young, smart, and capable women be exploited by OnlyFans' if elected Governor. 'It is called a "sin tax" because it is a sin,' he told NXR Studios. 'The purpose of the sin tax in economics is to disincentivize and deter a behavior.' He has proposed a policy which would guarantee 'all revenue from Florida's 50 percent OnlyFans Tax will increase public school teacher pay and improve school lunches.' 'I don't want young women who could otherwise be mothers raising families, rearing children, I don't want them to be selling their bodies to sick men online.' Fishback added that he doesn't 'want young, impressionable men who have strayed from Christ, who have strayed from our Lord and savior to be told, and to be drawn into lust, and have their entire brain rewired.' Rain, 21, is one of the most well-known and successful creators on OnlyFans, claiming to have made $83million since launching her account She is now locked in a bitter online feud with James Fishback, a candidate in Florida's 2026 GOP primary race, who has vowed 'not to let young, smart, and capable women be exploited by OnlyFans' if elected Governor Rain also noted in a separate video she would be willing to make the payment if Florida's politicians also made similar efforts to tax multibillion dollar corporations His comments drew the ire of Rain, who told PEOPLE his proposal was 'the dumbest thing I've ever heard of.' She countered by arguing that she is a Christian woman who 'hasn't sinned', and therefore couldn't be hit with 'a sin tax.' 'No one ever forced me to start an OnlyFans, it was MY decision, so I don't need a 31-year-old man telling me I can't sell my body online,' she said. 'I am a Christian, God knows what I am doing, and I know he is happy with me, that's the only validation I need.' Rain also noted in a separate video she would be willing to make the payment if Florida's politicians also made similar efforts to tax multibillion dollar corporations. 'Targeting a group of individuals using their job to survive when there are multibillion dollar corrupt business that don't pay any taxes is the insane,' she captioned the video. 'He is focusing on me because he needs the attention he can get at this point, which, honestly is sad if you think about it. 'He is first condemning what I do, but at the same time picking me out of the bunch to start some type of viral beef. He thinks he can go after the biggest, but lets see how that turns out for him.' She quipped that it 'sounds like you subscribed and got buyers remorse after dropping your annual salary on an OF girl His comments drew the ire of Rain, who said his proposal was 'the dumbest thing I've ever heard of' She quipped that it 'sounds like you subscribed and got buyers remorse after dropping your annual salary on an OF girl.' Rain has previously told the Daily Mail that while she posts 'some explicit stuff', she is 'not as explicit as people may think.' 'I am still a virgin and don't fit in the regular "porn star" category. I see myself more of the girl next door who happens to have an OnlyFans, but one that has so much more to offer than just my own body,' she said. Her earnings have purportedly enabled her to buy a farm and a $450,000 Porsche, and she also claims to be singlehandedly supporting her family. Fishback has argued his sin tax could raise as much as $200million - including $42million from Rain herself - to help improve wages for public school teachers and to raise the standard of school lunches. 'Defeat OnlyFans, Restore decency,' he wrote on Tuesday in an X post aimed at getting donations for his campaign, which is trailing dramatically behind Florida Rep. Byron Donalds to replace outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis. Despite Fishback's advocacy for public schools, last month, NBC News alleged a Florida school district cut ties with him following allegations he had an inappropriate relationship with a minor student. The woman requested an order of protection against Fishbeck in 2025, claiming he pursued a relationship with her in 2022 when she was 17 and he was 27. 'These allegations from several years ago are completely false, and after two lengthy court hearings in Florida's Second Judicial Circuit, I was fully exonerated. I have never been arrested, charged, or convicted of any crime,' Fishback said at the time. It has links to alleged Bondi shooter A Sydney council has shut down an Islamic centre in Bankstown after links to one of the alleged Bondi attackers emerged last month. The City of Canterbury-Bankstown Council issued a 'cease use' order to the Al Madina Dawah Centre in December after finding it did not have the required approvals to operate as a prayer hall. The Bankstown centre announced it had permanently closed on Wednesday. Controversial preacher Wissam Haddad previously lectured at and ran the centre. Alleged Bondi Beach terrorist Naveed Akram was identified as a follower of Haddad and had worshipped at the centre. He was also involved with Haddad's Dawah Van street group. In June, the Dawah Van was stripped of its charity status following an ABC Four Corners investigation, which found it was radicalising young Australians while receiving taxpayer-backed concessions. There is no suggestion Haddad was involved in the Bondi attack. Earlier this year, Haddad was found by the Federal Court to have breached the Racial Discrimination Act over a series of antisemitic lectures. Controversial preacher Wissam Haddad (pictured) previously preached at and ran the Al Madina Dawah Centre. The centre announced its permanent closure on Wednesday Haddad delivered a series of antisemitic lectures at the centre (pictured) During one of his extremist lectures at the centre, Haddad claimed that Jews were 'scheming' to pit Muslims against Muslims because it was 'good for their business'. He declared that Muslims in Palestine 'are crying out to be saved from the descendants of pigs and monkeys', in reference to Jews. In another sermon, Haddad said the 'sword is the only way' to deal with people who 'reject Allah'. Haddad also quoted Islamic texts about the 'end of times', describing Muslims fighting Jews and claiming even trees would speak. In that sermon, he said the trees would tell Muslims: 'Oh Muslim, there is a Jew behind me. Come and kill him.' While never charged with terrorism, Haddad has been repeatedly linked to Australian extremists and senior figures within global jihadist movements, ABC News reports. An ABC investigation this year identified him as a spiritual leader within Australia's pro-Islamic State network. A former ASIO undercover agent repeatedly warned the agency that the preacher was indoctrinating young people at the Al Madina Dawah Centre. ABC-obtained footage shows Akram, 24, involved with a related Street Dawah group in mid-2019, when he was 17. In one clip, he said God would reward actions taken 'in his cause'. In another, he told schoolboys that 'the law of Allah is more important than anything else you have to do - work, school I can't stress it enough'. A man accused of threatening to kill Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has launched a bizarre rant outside court, yelling: 'I stand for Team Australia and nothing else.' Greg William Tait, 43, faced Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday over allegations he threatened Albanese's life in a series of phone calls. According to court documents, Tait allegedly made the threats between 12pm and 12.30pm, and again between 12.30 and 12.45pm, on December 15, the day after the Bondi Beach terror attack. Tait, from Graystanes in western Sydney, was initially charged on December 16 with one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, and faced another count of the same charge on January 5. He did not enter a plea, telling the court he was seeking legal advice. Outside court, he was followed by a large media pack and declined to comment when asked, 'do you have anything against Albo?' and 'Do you have anything against the Prime Minister?' When questioned about the severity of the charges, Mr Tait replied: 'It can't be too serious, I'm on bail.' Greg William Tait, 43, is pictured outside Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday Tait (pictured outside court) declined to answer questions about whether he had anything against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Calling the media a 'bunch of scavengers', he questioned if 'this is the biggest story in Australia right now?' Saying 'I love you all' as he fled the scene, he shouted: 'I stand for Team Australia and nothing else.' His arrest came after the Australian Federal Police National Security Team received a report on December 16 from a parliamentarian's office, which the SMH has confirmed was the Prime Minister. Police then allegedly linked the calls to Tait. If found guilty, he could be jailed for a maximum of five years. His matter will return to court on January 28. Rambling and error-laden social media posts from 2018 appear to show Tait supported former prime minister Tony Abbott, but was otherwise critical of all sides of politics. Greg Tait faced Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday over the allegations he threatened the life of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) in a series of phone calls. Tait (pictured) called the media a 'bunch of scavengers' outside court 'Abbott's not perfect, but neither are you. Abbott does, whilst others stall. Abbott doesn't care about status, what others think or the $$,' he wrote in 2018. 'Abbott just wants to be the best PM he can, a quality not seen since Hawke and Keating days. 'I say bin the lot and start again ... He's the f***ing best we have.' Tait has also listed himself on Facebook as the CEO of the phone manufacturer, BlackBerry. A grieving widower has launched a lawsuit against McDonald's after his wife was fatally attacked by a 'vagrant' while getting food in the drive-thru of a California store. Jose Juan Rangel filed the complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court last week, almost two years on from the tragic death of his 58-year-old wife Maria Vargas Luna in March, 2024. In the lawsuit, Rangel has named McDonald's Corp. and two franchise holders as he argues a case of wrongful death and negligence. He is seeking unspecified financial damages for Luna's death. 'Employees watched the assault unfold through the drive-thru window and on live video feeds and still chose not to call 911 or activate any emergency response,' he alleged in the complaint. 'Their total inaction in the face of heightened risk directly contributed to the injuries and the death described in this complaint.' Rangel claimed staff at the McDonald's allowed the man, identified as Charles Cornelius Green Jr., to 'approach' vehicles for upwards of 10 minutes, soliciting money from customers before he targeted Rangel and his wife. 'These visible warning signs required Defendants to take protective action, but they did nothing,' the complaint states. Jose Juan Rangel filed the complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court last week, almost two years on from the tragic death of his 58-year-old wife Maria Vargas Luna in March, 2024 In the lawsuit, Rangel has named McDonald's Corp. and two franchise holders as he argues a case of wrongful death and negligence 'Without warning, Green lunged at [Rangel] and struck him repeatedly in the face through the open driver-side window.' According to the lawsuit, Luna rushed to her husband's defense and Green allegedly pushed her to the ground, where her head struck the asphalt. She suffered a severe head trauma which sent her into cardiac arrest, causing permanent brain damage. Luna spent several months on life support before ultimately succumbing to her injuries. Dean Sanchez, the McDonald's restaurant owner and operator, told Daily Mail the team's 'hearts go out to Mr. Rangel and his family after this tragic incident. 'We're a family-owned business that's deeply committed to safely serving the local community. 'While we're unable to comment further at this time due to ongoing litigation, we do not believe the facts support these claims, and we will respond in full through the proper legal channels.' The lawsuit states the defendants' employees all had 'sufficient time to observe Green's conduct, recognize the danger, and intervene before the assault.' Green was initially charged with one felony count of battery and a misdemeanor count, but the felony charge was later dropped. 'He's a free man,' Luna's stepdaughter Veronica Rangel told local KTLA at the time. 'My father's wife, our stepmother is dying or pretty much dead, and where's the justice? There was no justice at all.' Rangel was struvk repeatedly in the face during the incident Green was allegedly known to frequent the McDonald's, and Rangel's lawsuit states the fast food franchise should have employed security personnel or implemented safety measures for the wellbeing of paying customers. 'Defendants had the means and responsibility to prevent this tragedy, but this business location is notorious in the community for ignoring the safety of its paying customers,' he argued. In the four years leading up to the fatal tragedy, the Los Angeles Police Department had responded to 132 calls at the McDonald's location, the complaint stated. These complaints ranged from assault and battery to robbery and weapons-related threats. 'Despite the history of similar incidents, the visible warning signs immediately before the assault, and the attack unfolding in plain view for several minutes, defendants chose not to take any action to protect [Rangel] or his now deceased wife,' the complaint stated. DO YOU KNOW MORE? Email tips@dailymail.com.au He allegedly used username 'Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy' on adult site The messages allegedly sent by award-winning author Craig Silvey on a 'paedophile website' have been revealed, as his best-selling books are pulled from shelves following child exploitation charges. The 43-year-old author of hits Jasper Jones and Runt was allegedly found 'actively engaging with other child exploitation offenders online' when police raided his home in Fremantle, which he shares with his partner Clare Testoni and daughters just 22km south of the CBD, on Monday. The father-of-three allegedly used the alias 'Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy' to chat with other paedophiles on adult sites, court documents said. 'Fremantle guy here,' Silvey allegedly wrote. 'You sound absolutely amazing. 'Looking gorg too. Very similar interests.' Silvey was arrested and charged with one count of distribution of child exploitation material and one count of possession of child exploitation material. Prosecutors have alleged some of the illegal material was taken inside Silvey's home office, 7News reports. The alleged messages sent by best-selling Jasper Jones author Craig Silvey (pictured) that sparked multiple child exploitation charges have been revealed. The father-of-three allegedly used the alias 'Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy' to chat with other paedophiles on adult sites (pictured, a mock-up of the alleged text messages) Silvey appeared in Fremantle Court on Tuesday but wasn't required to enter a plea. It comes as WA's education department looks to distance itself from the author by pulling his books from the state curriculum. Two of Silvey's best known novels, Jasper Jones and Rhubarb, are on the WA school curriculum as suggested texts that could be studied by Year 11 and 12 students. Education Minister Sabine Winter confirmed Silvey's best-selling titles would be removed. 'The nature of these allegations is deeply concerning,' the minister said in a statement soon after the author faced court. 'I have asked the Department of Education to ensure that schools cease using texts by Craig Silvey for the 2026 school year while the allegations are under investigation.' The NSW education department said it would also stop using Silvey's books. 'NSW public schools will cease using any texts by the author and remove his titles from their school collections while legal proceedings are underway,' a spokesman said on Wednesday. Silvey's wife Clare Testoni (pictured right) is a writer, playwright and puppeteer. Her performances involve 'shadows, the gothic, and the digital' an online bio states A Perth local council that previously offered the Craig Silvey Award for Young Writers has also distanced itself from the author. 'Silvey will have no affiliation with the 2026 Young Writers Award,' City of Subiaco Mayor David McMullen said. Silvey is best known for his 2009 novel Jasper Jones, which won the Australian Book Industry's Book of the Year Award and has been adapted for film and various stage productions. His most recent novel Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping was published by Allen & Unwin in September. He is publish another instalment of the Runt series in November. Allen & Unwin said on Tuesday it was aware of serious charges and 'deeply distressing' allegations against Silvey, and it would pause promotional activity of his work while the legal process took its course. Other books include Rhubarb, published by Fremantle Press, and Honeybee, which won the Australian Indie Book Award in 2021. Fremantle Press said the allegations against Silvey were shocking and abhorrent, and it would stop promoting Rhubarb while his case is in court. 'In a tight-knit community, this news affects our authors, industry colleagues, bookstores, schools and readers,' a spokesman said. Craig Silvey is due to publish another instalment of the Runt series (pictured) in November Magistrate Thomas Hall granted Silvey bail with both a $100,000 surety and a $100,000 personal undertaking, noting 'imprisonment is a likely outcome' of his case. Silvey cannot leave WA or engage in any work involving children, per his bail conditions and his internet access has also been restricted to legal advice, banking and medical purposes. Silvey's lawyer argued it would be difficult for the author not to use the internet as he is self-employed. However, the magistrate addressed Silvey directly, saying: 'I'm sure you appreciate these are serious charges.' The 43-year-old is expected to face court again on February 10. A cultural festival has been forced to shut down for good, with organisers blaming 'prevailing market conditions'. SXSW Sydney will not be going ahead this year, ending a short three-year run. The festival started in Texas, came to Australia in 2023, and explores technology, film, music and culture. The event was a success Down Under with more than 345,000 visitors last year. 'Every great story has a final page, and it is with a heavy heart that we share that SXSW Sydney has reached its closing chapter and will not be returning in 2026,' organisers said in a statement. The organisers revealed it had worked with the NSW government and its owner Penske Media Corporation to try and bring the festival back this year. 'Prevailing market conditions' were the final hurdle that prompted organisers to pull the plug. 'The decision reflects a changing global environment that is impacting major events, festivals and cultural programs worldwide,' they said. SXSW Sydney will not be going ahead this year, ending a short three-year run In December, it was announced the much-hyped heavy metal Park Waves music festival had been cancelled. Scheduled to kick off in Perth in February for an 11-show Australian tour featuring metalcore band Parkway Drive, the event appeared to have fallen victim to rising costs. In a lengthy social media post, organisers told fans the outdoor festival would not go ahead because the 'numbers' did not 'stack up'. Concertgoers for the tour, which was meant to take in gigs in regional centres including Bendigo, Wollongong, and Byron Bay, have already been informed that the cost of their tickets will be refunded. 'We're devastated to confirm the Park Waves Festival Australian tour will not go ahead,' organisers wrote in their announcement on Instagram. 'The cancellation is due to a combination of challenges, and ultimately, the numbers no longer stack up. 'With a heavy heart, we've had to make a difficult decision. We've tried everything. We're gutted. 'We know everyone will be understandably disappointed. The ticket price and booking fees will be refunded, and more information will be sent to ticketholders via email. The much-hyped heavy metal Park Waves music festival has been cancelled (pictured, Headliners Parkway Drive on stage in the UK in October in 2025) 'To anyone who bought tickets, and to everyone who keeps showing up for live music - thank you.' Meanwhile, tour headliners, Byron Bay's metalcore band Parkway Drive, delivered their own apology to fans in a separate Instagram post - and confirmed that it was money issues that sank the tour. 'This is a message we never imagined we'd have to write, and it weighs heavily on us - Park Waves Australia has been cancelled,' the band members announced, confirming that money issues were at the centre of the decision. They also referred to the many Australian music festivals that have been cancelled in the last two years, including Groovin' the Moo, Changing Tides and Splendour in the Grass. Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi has come under fire forlabelling Israel's president a 'war criminal' and blasting Anthony Albanese for inviting him to Australia. The Prime Minister invited Isaac Herzog in December in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack that left 15 innocent people dead. Herzog is likely to visit the country in early February, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong describing it as 'an important signal' to the Jewish community. Faruqi, who was the first Muslim elected to Australia's Senate, took to Instagram to slam the government. 'In a week when the government claims to be cracking down on hate, it is welcoming the president of a state committing an ongoing genocide,' she wrote. 'You don't fight racism by rolling out the red carpet for war criminals.' Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory hit back at Faruqi, accusing the Greens senator of undermining social cohesion. 'Senator Mehreen Faruqi has a history of making provocative and extreme statements,' he said. Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi has come under fire after labelling the Israeli President a 'war criminal' and blasting Anthony Albanese for inviting him to Australia The Prime Minister extended the invite to Isaac Herzog in December in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack that left 15 innocent people dead 'Israel's president is not a "war criminal" and throwing around such accusations only fuels antisemitism and undermines social cohesion. 'The massacre at Bondi Beach should have been a wake-up call for members of Parliament to act responsibly and avoid rhetoric that deepens division. 'Clearly, Senator Faruqi has not taken that lesson to heart.' Wong told Sky News it was a 'good thing' for Herzog to visit Australia. 'It was an important signal of the importance for many, for the Jewish community of our relationship with Israel,' she said. The invitation comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the Albanese government for not standing firmly enough with Israel and Jewish Australians in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack. Wong insisted Australia remains in 'dialogue' with Israel and its officials, including its Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar. 'I engaged with my counterpart, Minister Sa'ar, after Bondi,' she said. The invitation comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the Albanese government for not standing firmly enough with Israel and Jewish Australians in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack 'I briefed him on what had occurred, the investigation, and the Royal Commission.' Faruqi has long been a critic of Israel. On October 9, 2023, she blasted the Albanese government for lighting up Parliament House in blue and white to honour Israel after the Hamas-led terror attack. 'One colonial government supporting another. What a disgrace,' she wrote on X. In July 2025, Faruqi sparked chaos in the Senate when she held up a Gaza protest sign during the Governor-General's address. The stunt saw her banned from all overseas delegations for the rest of the 48th Parliament. After the Bondi Beach massacre. Sky News journalist Sharri Markson confronted Faruqi at the vigil site, asking whether she believed her 'aggressive rhetoric over the past two years' had contributed to the 'antisemitism crisis'. Faruqi responded that she was in Bondi 'to mourn'. Albanese has yet to announce a date for Herzog's trip, but Wong confirmed the invitation was part of 'many discussions' in recent weeks. The Albanese government is pushing to introduce new hate speech legislation in response to the terror attack. A vote on the proposed laws is expected when Parliament returns next week. The Greens received a briefing on the measures earlier this week but have not yet declared a public position. Daily Mail contacted Wong for comment. Australia's worst female serial killer has defended her decision to continue babysitting years after murdering three infants in her care, insisting she has done nothing wrong. Helen Moore, once dubbed the babysitter killer, has spoken publicly for the first time after it emerged she has allegedly had neighbours' children stay for sleepovers while concealing her horrific past from the families who trusted her. Despite the shock and outrage, Moore maintains she was entitled to resume life as normal after her release from jail and claims she is now being unfairly targeted. 'Anything to do with children now is irrelevant. All my supervision is complete,' she told the Daily Mail. 'It shouldnt concern anybody what I do. All this was 45 years ago. Ancient history. 'And because I'm the one with the criminal record, it's always the easiest path to believe anyone else but me.' Moore was still a teenager when she smothered babies as they slept in their cots in the western Sydney suburb of Claymore. The crimes were initially dismissed as mysterious cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), often called cot death, which is sudden, unexplained death of a child under one year old. Helen Moore, once dubbed the babysitter killer, has spoken publicly for the first time She received three life sentences for murder and a further 10 years for two attempted murders Police were spotted at Moore's home earlier this month For two years the deaths went undetected until police were finally called in and Moore made a full confession. She received three life sentences for murder and a further 10 years for two attempted murders, but served just 13 years behind bars. Earlier this month, the Daily Mail revealed Moore, now 63, has changed her name and is living in Lake Haven on the NSW Central Coast among neighbours who allegedly had no idea of her horrific past. Her brother Craig Moorley spoke publicly for the first time, warning the community and claiming his sister has been allowed to care for children again, despite strict prohibition orders imposed when she was released. 'People don't know what she did and they deserve to because she is evil,' he said. 'She is Australia's worst female serial killer and she is just going about her life having kids at her house for sleepovers.' Moore has hit back, accusing her brother of waging a personal vendetta against her, claiming: 'He has always disliked me.' 'What I wonder is why it has taken him 32 years to bring all this up? Why didn't he do this when I was first released? He has issues with me and this proves it.' Her brother, Craig Moorley, claims police were never notified about the babies' deaths Helen Moore is back in the community and allegedly she is still babysitting Moore, who now calls herself Helen Anderson, began her killing spree after the death of her 14-month-old baby brother Andrew in March 1979, from what was believed to be SIDS. This week, Moore told the Daily Mail she was mentally unstable at the time and has spent decades trying to rebuild her life. 'I was young. I was very mentally unstable due to the death of Andrew,' she said. 'I have worked damn hard for 45 years to be a good person. 'I don't even have a speeding ticket or a parking fine. My record since release should speak for itself but no one cares.' At the time, relatives believed the teenager was consumed by grief, blaming herself because she had been caring for the toddler at the time. Mr Moorley was just 13 and vividly recalls pulling the limp baby from his cot and desperately attempting mouth-to-mouth. 'I didn't know what I was doing,' he said. 'I was just a kid and I thought I had done it wrong and that is why he died. Relatives believed the teenager was consumed by grief after her brother's death 'Our parents were at the club. It was just us at home. She was supposed to be looking after us.' Andrew's death was ruled SIDS, but Mr Moorley is pushing for the case to be reopened. 'I was never interviewed properly,' he said. 'I wasn't allowed to answer their questions, that is what her lawyer said, but I can now.' Moore denies avoiding responsibility, insisting the justice system was fully aware of her actions. 'I didn't sentence myself,' she said. 'A real-life judge sentenced me and he knew all the facts of the case.' After Andrew's death, Moore began offering to babysit for family and friends. Loved ones believed she was seeking comfort by surrounding herself with children. In reality, police said she was hunting her next victims. Despite the mounting deaths, police were not notified and no investigation was launched Just weeks later, a 16-month-old relative, who cannot be named for legal reasons, died from suspected SIDS after Moore had been alone with the child. On January 16, 1980, Moore smothered a 12-month-old boy, leaving him fighting for his life before casually returning to watch television. When the child later cried, astonishingly still alive, she called an ambulance and played the distraught babysitter. The toddler survived but just two weeks later Moore was caring for a two-year-old girl who was smothered to death. Despite the mounting deaths, police were not notified and no investigation was launched. On February 1 that year, another two-year-old boy was suffocated with a pillow. He survived but was left permanently blind and unable to walk. Two years later he died as a result of the injuries inflicted by his teenage babysitter. Authorities only became suspicious after Moore, then 18, launched a final brutal attack on a seven-year-old relative. Craig Moorley has monitored his sister's behaviour and continued to report her to authorities The boy fought desperately but Moore overpowered him, strangling and suffocating him before throwing his body down the stairs. She calmly showered, then phoned police. Years later, Moore has again been thrust into the spotlight after it emerged she had allegedly been babysitting for neighbours without disclosing her past. But she has insisted that this was no one else's business, and that the renewed attention has left her fearing for her safety. 'People are hurting when this happens,' she said. 'I have a daughter who is affected too, not just me. 'I'm sorry it all happened but I can't undo it. I have to live with it forever. 'Death threats are already out there. The threats are so bad I can't leave the house,' she said. However, Mr Moorley said he will continue to warn the public about her violent past. Moore served 13 years before being granted parole 'I don't care what she says,' he said. 'If she just left jail and lived her life then that would be that, but she is putting herself around children. 'She is babysitting, she had foster kids sleep over at her house and no one knew who she was. 'She may not want to tell them but I will because I lived it and I have seen what she is capable of.' Mr Moorley has since reported his sister to police for historic child abuse in the hope she will go back to jail. 'She tortured me for years, pulling chunks of hair out, beating me and my brothers. 'I won't stop until she is back behind bars or dead.' But Moore has told the Daily Mail the historic child abuse was against her, adding: 'I had both brothers gang up on me many times.' NSW Police have confirmed they are investigating her brother's claims. A Chicago special education teacher whose body was recovered from Lake Michigan after a 10-day search died from drowning. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy on 53-year-old Linda Brown on Tuesday, and determined she drowned in an apparent suicide, the Chicago Tribune reports. 'I wish she knew how much of an impact she had and how much she was loved,' Brown's niece, Jen Rivera, told the outlet. The teacher, who worked at Robert Healy Elementary, vanished after a quiet night in with her husband, Antwon, on January 2. She went to bed early after the couple watched a movie together. But when Antwon awoke the next day, Brown had disappeared from their Bronzeville home, according to CBS News. At first, Antwon thought his wife had gone to her standing acupuncture appointment in Wicker Park, but she never showed up. Her blue 2021 Honda Civic was later found near East 35th Street and South Lake Park Avenue close to where her body was discovered. Footage also showed the teacher parking her car and walking across a bridge to the lake at 3am the day she went missing. Linda Brown, 53, a special education teacher in Chicago, died of an apparent suicide The teacher, who worked at Robert Healy Elementary, vanished after a quiet night in with her husband, Antwon, on January 2 As the search continued, police warned that Brown may have required immediate medical attention. Finally on Monday, Chicago Police marine units pulled Brown's body out of the water, and she was positively identified by her family, according to ABC 7. 'This is not the outcome we were hoping or praying for, but we are grateful that she has been found and can now be brought home to our family,' her loved ones said in a statement. 'We want to extend our deepest and most sincere gratitude to everyone who supported us during this unimaginable time. 'The outpouring of support meant more to us than words can express.' 'At this time, we are respectfully asking for privacy as we grieve, process this loss, and come together as a family to honor Linda's life. Thank you for continuing to hold our family in your thoughts and prayers.' Brown's family now says she had struggled with her mental health throughout her life, and her mental health had been deteriorating leading up to her disappearance, causing near-daily panic attacks. The teacher sought help and was receiving treatment at the time of her disappearance, her niece Jen Rivera said. Brown's family says she had struggled with her mental health throughout her life, and her mental health had been deteriorating leading up to her disappearance, causing near-daily panic attacks She even took time off from work for some mental health struggles, but was planning to return to her job in the new year, Antwon previously told CBS News. But as the start of school approached, he said her anxiety appeared to be worsening. By Christmas Day, Rivera said she and her aunt had a 'heart to heart' about how she was faring. She said she remembered that her aunt told her she was 'really struggling,' and Rivera said she and her family were trying to be there for her. The grieving niece now remembers Brown as a 'light that burned out too soon.' 'She was an amazing person. She had such an incredible personality... and the most fun laugh you probably would ever hear.' Following the news of Brown's untimely death, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson shared his condolences on social media. 'I am deeply saddened by the news of Linda Brown's passing,' he wrote. 'As a special education teacher at Healy Elementary, she made an immeasurable impact on countless young lives and was a vital member of the Bridgeport community.' 'I'm praying for her family and for her students as they grieve and remember Linda and all the joy she brought.' A surveillance camera showed the teacher parking her car and walking across a bridge to the lake at 3am the night she went missing The Chicago Teachers' Union also shared a statement sending their 'deepest condolences... to her husband, family, friends, students and coworkers. 'We know so many of our members at Helay, Prieto, Tarkington and other schools have been sharing concern, love and appreciation for Linda, and messages have been pouring in from across the city,' the union said. It then urged its members in need of mental health resources to reach out to the Employee Assistance Program and speak to a licensed mental health specialist. 'Being in a union isn't only about defending our rights on the job, it is about being there for each other,' the union said. 'Please check in on your coworkers. 'Just as we keep each other safe, we get each other through,' it said. Meanwhile, Rivera said she and her family will now spread awareness about the importance of mental health. 'Letting loved ones know if they are struggling, they have someone safe to talk to,' she said of their efforts. 'They don't have to feel embarrassed or ashamed... Even if they are receiving help and it's not enough.' If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org. A woman could be seen in chaotic footage as she was dragged from her car by ICE agents during protests in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Renee Good. The unidentified woman was allegedly blocking ICE agents working to capture illegal immigrants on Tuesday when officers pulled from her the vehicle as she desperately clung onto the driver's side door. It is understood she had been attempting to wedge agents between her car and a second car, which was also blocking the road during an ICE operation in Minnesota. 'I'm disabled, I'm trying to go to the doctor up there,' the woman shouted at the crowd which had gathered around the agents, heckling and filming them. The agents, who all wore masks and sunglasses to shield their identities, threw the distressed woman to the ground after successfully getting her out of the car. Her seat belt was still tugging at her neck. As at least three male officials shoved the woman against her car and handcuffed her, distressed protesters shouted, begging them to stop. 'Stop, stop,' the protesters repeatedly shouted. 'That's so f**ked up,' another said, while a third added: 'All you do is hurt.' At least 60 agitators have been charged with impeding or assaulting immigration authorities in Minnesota in the last five days, ICE official Marcos Charles told Fox. 'We will be arresting anybody that interferes or impedes in any of these enforcement actions,' Charles said. 'We've already arrested 60 that have got in our way, impeded us or assaulted an officer.' The video shows the unidentified woman being pulled from her car as she desperately clung onto the driver's side door on Tuesday The agents, who all wore masks and sunglasses to shield their identities, threw the distressed woman to the ground after successfully getting her out of the car The incident comes less than a week after Renee Good was shot dead in similar circumstances Violent agitators wearing black hooded shirts and gas masks were also captured at the scene, hounding agents as they attempted to carry out immigration efforts. 'Nazis,' one agitator yelled. 'You will pay for your crimes.' Some 2,000 federal officers have been dispatched to the Minneapolis-St Paul area in what the Department of Homeland Security has called its largest operation ever. Demonstrations also took place on Tuesday in New York City and the nation's capital of Washington DC amid ongoing unrest over the federal immigration crackdowns. The protests in Minnesota were sparked following the January 7 death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. Good, a 37-year-old mother-of-three, was shot three times in the face by ICE agent Jonathan Ross last week after she ignored demands to get out of her car, reversed it and tried to drive off during a protest. Witnesses said Good and her wife, Rebecca, were acting as legal observers and filming the protest. Renee was seen in surveillance footage apparently blocking the road with her SUV for four minutes before she was killed. In harrowing footage, Rebecca Good admitted she encouraged her spouse to confront agents. 'I made her come down here, it's my fault,' she cried. 'I'm disabled, I'm trying to go to the doctor up there,' the woman shouted at the crowd which had gathered around the agents, heckling and filming them It is understood she had been attempting to wedge agents between her car and another car which was also blocking the road during an ICE operation in Minnesota Protesters had gathered in the area amid mass unrest following the death of Renee Nicole Good last week Almost immediately after the shooting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described Good's actions as 'an act of domestic terrorism' as she defended Ross as an experienced law enforcement professional who followed his training. She claimed he shot Good after he believed she was trying to run him or other agents over with her vehicle. Volatile anti-ICE protests erupted from New York to Texas to California in the wake of Good's death and the Trump administration's defense of the shooter, triggering arrests and mounting fears of nationwide unrest. In Austin, Texas, at least five protesters were arrested at the weekend, while hundreds of demonstrators flooded downtown Los Angeles on Saturday night, prompting police to issue dispersal orders and form skirmish lines outside federal facilities. 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. Good, a 37-year-old mother-of-three, was shot three times in the face by ICE agent Jonathan Ross last week after she ignored demands to get out of her car, reversed it and tried to drive off during a protest The woman clutched onto the driver's side door of her car as multiple agents dragged her onto the ground Demonstrators took to the streets across the nation on the weekend after Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother, was fatally shot by ICE agent Jon Ross, on January 7 Trump himself weighed in on the immigration saga on Tuesday night after it emerged that Good's father is a MAGA supporter. 'Her father, who was a big supporter of yours, he's heartbroken right now,' CBS News's Tony Dokoupil told the president. 'He's also heartbroken because your administration so quickly has come out and said she's a domestic terrorist. What do you want to say to her father right now?' Trump argued: 'The bottom line is we have hundreds of thousands of murderers in our country, killers. ICE is trying to get them out. They were let in through an open border policy of Sleepy Joe Biden. 'ICE is working very hard to get them out, their job is being made very, very difficult.' Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison earlier described the efforts by ICE agents as a 'federal invasion' in the state, accusing them of 'sowing chaos and terror across the metropolitan area'. In Minneapolis, where Good was killed, thousands marched from Powderhorn Park to Lake Street, chanting her name through immigrant neighborhoods Activists protest the 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 Federal agents 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 'Schools have gone [into] lockdown. Entire districts have had to cancel school for tens of thousands of students to ensure safety and offer online education. 'Revenues are down, and some retail stores, daycares and restaurants have actually closed because people are afraid to go out.' DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin hit back on Tuesday, accusing Ellison of making 'it abundantly clear today he is prioritizing politics over public safety'. A Secret Service agent assigned to JD Vance has been put on leave after he spilled 'sensitive details' about his job protecting the vice president. The agent, who has not been identified by Secret Service, revealed the secrets on a date with a woman who was really an 'undercover journalist' working for conservative influencer James O'Keefe. The agent reveals important information regarding the vice president's travel schedule and told her various advanced security tactics, in a video released just days after Vance's Cincinnati home was attacked. He went into detail about how the Secret Service protects the second most powerful man in America, even showing the woman his badge and sending her photos of himself on Air Force Two. The agent disclosed all this despite admitting on camera that he'd signed non-disclosure agreements on the information he was relaying to her. The agent has worked for the service for five years dating back to the Biden administration according to NewsNation. He also admitted to voting for Joe Biden over Trump and said regarding the president's immigration crackdown: 'I hate that [ICE] s***.' Upon O'Keefe publishing the video, the agent has been placed on administrative leave and had his clearance suspended. 'The US Secret Service has no tolerance for any behavior that could potentially compromise the safety, privacy or trust of our protectees,' Deputy Secret Service Director Matthew Quinn said. A Secret Service agent assigned to JD Vance (pictured) has been put on leave after he spilled 'sensitive details' about his job protecting the vice president The agent, who has not been identified by Secret Service, revealed the secrets on a date with a woman who was really an 'undercover journalist' Quinn, who did not confirm the agent's identity, added that the agent is now under investigation and could potentially face further discipline. 'The US Secret Service has also issued an order for all personnel to retake the agency's required anti-espionage training in order to ensure employees are aware of the threats posed by individuals aiming to exploit agency employees for information about our protective operations,' Quinn said. He also spoke of the Secret Service's '160-year-old tradition of discretion,' adding there was 'no tolerance for employees who fail to meet this standard.' 'The U.S. Secret Service deeply apologizes to the Vance family for this violation of their trust and privacy.' O'Keefe revealed that Quinn had also sent out an internal memo, claiming the agent 'was deliberately targeted and manipulated by a citizen-journalism media organization that misrepresented itself in an effort to get close to the employee and expose sensitive information.' The Daily Mail has reached out to a spokesperson for Vance for comment. The reveal comes just days after a hammer-wielding maniac who smashed four windows at Vance's Cincinnati home was arrested by the Secret Service after an overnight break-in. William DeFoor, 26, was charged with one count each of obstructing official business, criminal damaging or endangering, criminal trespass and vandalism. Deputy Secret Service Director Matthew Quinn apologized to Vice President Vance over the video O'Keefe revealed that Quinn had also sent out an internal memo, claiming the agent 'was deliberately targeted and manipulated' Secret Service agents heard a loud noise at the home around midnight and spotted DeFoor running from the home, which is the secondary residence for Vance, his wife Usha and their three young children, who were out of town at the time. DeFoor was detained by Secret Service agents shortly after. When an officer informed the suspect of his rights, he responded: 'I don't know,' the arrest report says. He had also allegedly vandalized a Secret Service vehicle on his way up the home's driveway. No motive has been released. Vance posted on X: 'I appreciate everyone's well wishes about the attack at our home. As far as I can tell, a crazy person tried to break in by hammering the windows. I'm grateful to the secret service and the Cincinnati police for responding quickly. 'We weren't even home as we had returned already to DC.' Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has defended his $10,000 donation to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who fatally shot Renee Good. Ackman was listed as the top donor to a GoFundMe for Jonathan Ross, who was caught on camera last week firing his weapon at the 37-year-old mother-of-three as she drove away in Minneapolis. The founder and CEO of Pershing Square claimed on X that he has since 'been widely reviled (and worse) by many on social and mainstream media' for his donation. 'My donation to Ross has been characterized in social media by the press as my "giving a reward to the murderer of Renee Good," likely in an attempt to generate clicks and boost virality, and by some to advance their political objectives,' Ackman wrote in a lengthy post Tuesday night. He noted that he also tried to support an online fundraiser for Good's family, but it was already closed after reaching more than $1.5 million in donations. 'My purpose in supporting Ross and attempting to support Good was not to make a political statement,' Ackman insisted. 'I was simply continuing my longstanding commitment to assisting those accused of crimes [by] providing for their defense. 'I strongly believe that only a detailed forensic investigation by experts and a deep understanding of the law that applies will enable us to determine whether Ross is guilty of murder,' he continued. Ackman then went on to provide context about his decision to support the fundraiser for Ross 'in light of the strongly negative reaction by perhaps half the country (in contrast to cheers of support from the other half of the country).' Hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman has defended the $10,000 donation he gave to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Jonathan Ross Ross was caught on camera last week firing his weapon at Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother-of-three, as she drove away in Minneapolis Ackman said he also tried to donate to an online fundraiser for Good's widow and her children, but it was already closed after reaching more than $1.5 million in donations He then recounted how in 2003, he faced a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation into the trading practices of his hedge fund, Gotham Partners. 'I was confident that I had done nothing wrong, but I was convicted in the headlines,' Ackman claimed. 'I was under investigation for nearly a year before it ended without any finding of wrongdoing, but it would be years later before I was exonerated in the public eye. 'Fortunately, I had the financial resources to pay for my defense and support my family during the investigation, a period during which I was unemployed,' the billionaire said. In light of the incident, Ackman said, 'I have tremendous respect for how our jury system works and its critical importance. 'I also have real-life perspective on what life is like for the accused, particularly someone who believes and/or knows that they are innocent. 'In a typical case, the entire world believes you are guilty,' he continued. 'You quickly become unemployed and unemployable. You and your family suffer from extreme public scorn in addition to severe financial pressure. 'And in the social media era, it is much, much worse.' Ackman said he considered donating to Ross (pictured with his wife) anonymously, but chose to make his donation public 'as I believed doing so would help Ross raise more funds for his defense' 'You are immediately doxxed. You receive hundreds of death threats. You and your family's safety is seriously threatened, some of your friends and family abandon you and your public life basically ends while you wait years to have an opportunity to defend yourself in court.' Because of that, Ackman said he is a 'fierce advocate for the American legal principle that one is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a judge or by a jury of one's peers. 'My instinctual reaction to the media convicting someone before an investigation has begun - let alone a trial and determination by a court and/or jury - is to be very open to the possibility that the accused is innocent,' he continued, before discussing Ross's case directly. He said he decided to support the online fundraiser for the ICE agent 'because I knew he would need significant funds to cover his defense costs,' and noted he tried to support the GoFundMe for Good's family as well because 'I thought that it was the right thing to do.' But before he submitted his donation to Ross, Ackman said he considered whether to check the box allowing him to donate anonymously 'as I thought my support could be viewed by some as controversial.' In the end, though, he said, he chose to make his donation public 'as I believed doing so would help Ross raise more funds for his defense.' Ackman claims he has received backlash for his donation to Ross, as anti-ICE protests spread throughout the country Ackman urged the American public not to race to judgment. Anti-ICE protesters are seen gathering on Sunday in Los Angeles 'It is very unfortunate that we have reached a stage in society where we are prepared to toss aside longstanding American principles depending on who is accused and on what side of the aisle one sits,' the billionaire concluded. 'Our country and its citizens would be vastly better served by our not rushing to judgment and letting our justice system do its job.' Ackman then warned: 'One day you may find yourself accused of a crime you did not commit without the financial resources needed to defend yourself. 'From that moment on, you will strongly reject the times you have rushed to judgment on the basis of a headline and the then-limited available evidence about a case, and you and your family will pray that someone will be open to believing you are innocent and will be willing to help you pay for your defense. 'The fact that people will invest their personal funds to help an accused person provide for his or her legal defense is one of the greatest aspects of our country,' Ackman said. 'A world in which the accused cannot afford to pay for their defense is not a world any of us should want to live in,' he wrote. In a follow-up post, Ackman added that 'to be clear, Ross has only been convicted by some in the world of public opinion' and has not been charged with a crime. Ross was caught on video firing three shots at Good as she drove her vehicle toward him Ross has been facing backlash since footage emerged showing an officer approach Good's stopped SUV and grabbing the handle as he allegedly demanded she open the door last Wednesday. Her Honda Pilot then began to pull forward and Ross pulled his weapon, immediately firing three shots and jumping back as the vehicle moved toward him. It is not clear from the videos if the vehicle made contact with Ross. After the shooting, the SUV slammed into two cars parked on a curb before crashing to a stop. Surveillance footage released days later showed Good apparently blocking the road with her SUV for four minutes before she was killed. About 20 seconds after Good pulled up to the street, a passenger - believed to be her wife, Rebecca - exited the vehicle and eventually began filming. There is speculation that Rebecca, who admitted to bringing her spouse to the anti-ICE protest, exited the car so she could begin filming any potential clash with federal agents. She was seen wielding her camera during Ross's confrontation with her wife but it is unclear when she first started to record. Good, 37, allegedly refused to get out of the vehicle when ICE agents asked her to About 20 seconds after Good pulled up to the street, a passenger - believed to be her wife Rebecca (pictured) - exited the vehicle and eventually began filming Trump administration officials have defended Ross's actions, with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem saying he was an experienced law enforcement professional who followed his training. She claimed he shot Good after he believed she was trying to run him or other agents over with her vehicle, describing her decision to drive her vehicle as 'an act of domestic terrorism.' President Trump also called the Good a 'professional agitator' and claimed she was shot in 'self-defense.' It is now unlikely that Ross will face any criminal charges in the shooting, according to The New York Times. Those familiar with the investigation told the outlet that the civil rights division of the Department of Justice, which typically investigates police-involved shootings, has not opened a probe into whether Ross violated Good's rights under federal law. Instead, the Justice Department is reportedly planning to look into a wide group of activists who took part in a Minneapolis neighborhood ICE watch activities, believing they were 'instigators' of the shooting. The department has reportedly already ordered prosecutors from the US Attorney's Office in Minnesota to investigate Rebecca in the wake of the shooting, though it is unclear what crimes she may be suspected of committing. Commuters have been shocked by new signs warning them what to do in the event of a terrorist attack on train station platforms in Sydney. A photo of the public service announcement was taken by a local travelling through Town Hall Station, in the city's CBD, on Wednesday. The notice, which was shared on social media on Wednesday, featured advice from Australian National Security. 'In the event of an attack: Escape. Move quickly and quietly from the danger,' it read. 'Hide. Stay out of sight and silence your phone. 'Tell. Call the police by dialling 000 when it is safe.' It signed off by telling commuters: 'What you do matters.' The messages were spotted one month after father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly opened fire on families celebrating 'Chanukah by the Sea' at Bondi Beach. New signs from Australian National Security (pictured) have been spotted in Sydney train stations explaining what to do in a terrorist attack They arrived a month after the alleged terror attack at Bondi Beach on December 14 (pictured, the memorial on December 20) In what was Australia's worst mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, 15 innocent people were killed. The new signs in Sydney stations serve as a painful reminder for residents still coming to terms with the alleged terror attack. 'The fact this is even needed here. Wild stuff,' one person said on Reddit. Another added: 'Although it's ultimately good info, can't say I'm particularly pleased about the fact we need to be showing these now.' Some commenters compared the signs to those used in other countries, including the United States and England. 'I remember seeing these PSAs in train stations over in America, that was probably my biggest culture shock when I saw (them) the first time,' one user said. 'It's sad it's now coming to Australia.' A second person wrote: 'Hope we're not going to become like London where every second announcement and sign on public transport is about terror/crime/danger, making everyone constantly feel on edge.' 'If you live in terror, the terrorists have won.' The Daily Mail has contacted the Department of Home Affairs for comment. Nigel Farage says the boss of South East Water must step down as 17,000 homes begin their fifth day without a supply. David Hinton, the 400,000-a-year chief executive, has apologised saying he 'feels customers' pain' but is still in post. Tens of thousands of homes across Kent and Sussex have been without running water or with a limited supply since Saturday. Schools and nurseries have been forced to close, medical centres and businesses have been hit, and families have been left reliant on emergency water collection points. Towns still facing dry taps include East Grinstead, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Ashford, and Sevenoaks. Regulator Ofwat is actively investigating and considering 'further action' - while several MPs and councillors have said Mr Hinton, who bagged an additional 115,000 bonus last year, must go. Mr Farage said yesterday: 'Dave Hinton has presided over a culture of failure at South East Water for too long. 'It's time he took responsibility and resigned.' David Hinton, the chief executive of South East Water, is facing growing calls to resign South East Water staff hand out bottled water at a water station in Maidstone Nigel Farage led calls for the South East Water boss, who received a six-figure bonus last year, to step down Your browser does not support iframes. He threw his support behind a letter from Kent County Council, held by his party Reform UK, that slammed the 'systematic and repeated failures' Mr Hinton has overseen. Council leader Linden Kemkaran said: 'Kent has suffered one too many water outages and I'm afraid that heads must roll,' adding that a major incident had been declared. She said that finding a permanent solution to the problems 'must begin with accountability at the highest level and a significant change in approach and to the leadership'. Six MPs from across the political spectrum co-signed a letter to Ofwat insisting South East Water (SEW) must not be allowed to 'get away' with its handling of the crisis. Mr Hinton has also dodged several media interviews, with the Today programme repeatedly calling him out for ignoring their requests and MPs this month quizzing him on avoiding the media during December's outage. In Kent, some locals have resorted to collecting rainwater in buckets and bins in order to flush their toilets - and described the situation as 'apocalyptic'. Vikki Chalk told the BBC: 'It dawned on me I could line up the few buckets I had to start gathering more for flushing! My heart goes out to large families with young kids; it must be impossible.' Others have vowed to stop paying their water bills. Traffic signs at a water collection point in East Grinstead Bottled water is loaded into a car at an emergency water distribution point in Tunbridge Wells A woman collects bottled water from an emergency water distribution point on January 12 in East Grinstead Several schools have been forced to close again, with one headteacher describing the state of affairs as 'very Covid'. Lynsey Sanchez Daviu is head of Kingswood Primary School, near Maidstone, which was closed again today. She told the BBC R4 Today programme this morning: 'We didn't have any communication from South East Water until last night. We're back to online learning; it's very Covid.' Kingswood was closed on Monday and then reopened on Tuesday, only to send all the pupils home when the water cut out again around lunchtime. The Abergavenny Arms pub in Frant says it fears it will 'go bust' if the water issues continue, with a spokesperson adding: 'It's killing us small businesses'. The pub said it had been without water since Sunday morning and had been forced to throw away about 500 worth of food. SEW has blamed the chaos on the impacts of Storm Goretti as well as a power cut at one of its pumps. The supplier said its teams are working around the clock to carry out repairs and has apologised - while yesterday calling for 300million of additional funding. A bottled water distribution point in East Grinstead on Monday A worker hands over bottled water at a water station in East Grinstead, after bad weather was blamed for more water outages in Kent and parts of Sussex Customers in Sussex should see water suppliers running again today, it said, but no firm deadline was given for Tunbridge Wells. In an 'unprecedented move', SEW bosses including Mr Hinton will be hauled back to Parliament to answer further questions about outages in the run-up to Christmas. They appeared before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee earlier this month when Mr Hinton said the water company was 'absolutely dedicated' to fixing the network's resilience problems and apologised. The Drinking Water Inspectorate has launched an investigation into the company. An Ofwat spokesperson said on Tuesday: 'We are concerned that residents in Kent and Sussex are without water again, and are working closely with the Drinking Water Inspectorate, which is the lead regulator for this latest supply interruption, to ensure that regulation and enforcement is aligned. 'Ofwat already has an active investigation into South East Water related to its supply resilience, and we have met with the company to discuss these latest incidents as part of that investigation. 'We will review all of the evidence before taking a decision on what further action may be required into whether the company has met its legal obligations set out in its licence relating to customer care, including with further potential enforcement action.' South East Waters Incident Manager, Matthew Dean, said today: 'Water supplies are continuing to return to customers in Kent and Sussex following the recent cold weather and subsequent breakout of leaks and bursts which resulted in our drinking water storage tanks running very low. 'Supplies to 8,000 customers have now been restored across the two counties, and our teams are working hard to return drinking water to the remaining 17,000. 'Once again, we are very sorry to all our customers who have been affected. We know and understand how difficult going without water for such a long period of time is and how difficult it makes every day life. He said that supplies should be restored to East Grinstead, and the Linton and Kemsing areas of Kent, today. Water has been restored to Tunbridge Wells but will be temporarily lost again today, he said, when the water level in the tanks drops too low. A South East Water spokesperson said: 'David Hinton, Chief Executive, remains committed to resolving the immediate issues facing customers in both Kent and Sussex, whilst continuing to seek to obtain the investment to deliver the much needed improvements in resilience to the South East Water network, detailed in the companys Business Plan.' A crane collapsed onto a train, killing at least 30 passengers and injuring dozens more in Thailand this morning. The Special Express Train Number 21 was taking around 195 locals and tourists from the capital, Bangkok, to Nakhon Ratchasima province when the construction equipment plunged onto the tracks. Passengers screamed as the crane, which had been working on a high-speed rail project linking Thailand and China, smashed into the vehicle and sent debris landing on the carriages. The impact caused one train carriage to derail and another to catch fire. Several of the cars were left overturned in the crash at around 9am local time in the Ban Thanon Khot district of Nakhon Ratchasima. Police and paramedics arrived at the scene, where they treated injured passengers. Many were trapped inside the mangled carriages, but all surviving individuals have now been evacuated from the scene, according to the Thai health ministry. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health said that among the seven seriously injured were a one-year-old girl and an 85-year-old. It is reported that at least 80 people have sustained injuries following the crane collapse. Many of the seriously injured suffered wounds on their head, faces, chests, and legs. Smoke billowing from the wreckage of a passenger train after a construction crane collapsed onto it in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, 14 January 2026 At least 30 people were killed and more than 80 others injured when the crane fell on the Special Express No. 21 train traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, according to local police Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed there were 195 passengers and staff on board the train at the time of the accident Police and paramedics arrived at the scene, where they treated injured passengers. Many were trapped inside the mangled carriages Your browser does not support iframes. Victims were taken to the Sikhio Hospital, Sung Noen Hospital, and Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. Police superintendent Thatchapon Chinnawong said earlier this morning: 'The construction crane collapsed onto a running train leaving from Bangkok. 'At this stage, we are still unable to confirm the identities of the deceased, but the injured victims trapped inside the train have all been evacuated. 'The death toll currently stands at 22, with more than 50 people injured. Rescue teams are now working urgently to recover the wreckage.' Dao Boonpanya, 70, a survivor who clambered from the wreckage, said: 'While the train was travelling, I was asleep and I suddenly heard a loud crash as a crane fell onto the roof of the train, then the locomotive dragged the crane along, causing the carriage to be torn off the tracks.' A railway construction worker added: 'The crane being used for the high-speed rail project suddenly broke and fell down. 'At that exact moment, the train involved in the accident was passing through the area, then the second and third carriages became entangled with the crane, causing the train to derail.' Another survivor, a train staff member, told how he and other passengers were 'thrown into the air' after the crane smashed into the locomotive. Officials said the crane was being used in the construction of a concrete platform for a new 4billion high-speed train project that would connect Bangkok to Kunming in China. At a daily press briefing on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the Chinese government attaches great importance to the safety of projects and personnel, adding that according to its current understanding, the section involved was being constructed by a Thai company. The Governor of the State Railway of Thailand has now been urged to 'thoroughly and comprehensively' investigate the cause of the accident. Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul this morning called for 'someone [to] be punished and held accountable' for the incident. While the cause of the accident remains unclear, Charnvirakul said he believed it could be due to a few factors, likely related to negligence, according to BBC Thai. He noted that the project had experienced 'several incidents before', citing a tunnel collapse about a year ago. Several of the cars were derailed in the crash at around 9 am local time in the Ban Thanon Khot district of Nakhon Ratchasima Following the incident, the State Railway of Thailand has made changes to more than a dozen train services Officials work at the site where a train was derailed when a construction crane collapsed and fell onto its carriages Officials said the crane was being used in the construction of a concrete platform for a new 4billion high-speed train project that would connect Bangkok to Kunming in China Rescuers work amidst the wreckage after a construction crane fell into a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima province Rescue officials move a body recovered from the site where a train was derailed when a construction crane collapsed and fell onto its carriages 'Accidents like this can only happen due to negligence, skipped steps, deviations from the design, or the use of incorrect materials,' he said. Charnvirakul added that officials would 'need to investigate whether there were any construction errors or deviations from proper procedures'. Nakhon Ratchasima provincial police chief Major General Narongsak Phromthara said the crane operator has been questioned and was uninjured, as per the Thai Enquirer. He also said that seven bodies were still trapped inside the wreckage and are yet to be recovered. Identity verification will be carried out by a committee under the Royal Thai Police, as some bodies were badly burned. Forensic officers have already collected evidence at the scene. The British Ambassador to Thailand, Mark Gooding, took to X this morning, stating he is 'deeply saddened by the tragic accident'. 'My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK stands with Thailand at this difficult time,' he wrote in a post. Known officially as the Bangkok-Nong Khai HSR Development for Regional Connectivity, its website lists an Italian-Thai Development Company as the firm in charge of the Lam Takhong-Sikhio section where the incident took place. The company is one of Thailand's biggest contractors and is the same firm that was behind the Bangkok building, which collapsed last March during an earthquake. In 2025, the company's president and several designers and engineers were charged with professional negligence over the incident. Following the incident, the State Railway of Thailand has made changes to more than a dozen train services. Two train services have been cancelled, while 12 train services will have their routes changed. Passengers who have purchased tickets for the affected routes are entitled to a full refund, the state-owned railway operator said in a statement. The mother of a father-of-four stabbed to death near his home has revealed the horrifying moment she discovered he had been murdered by a 16-year-old boy. James Gibbons, 34, was knifed four times on the day of his twin daughters' second birthday party after challenging a group of youths harassing a homeless man. The plumber, whose other children were aged seven and five at the time, was yards from his home in Laindon, Essex, when he was stabbed in May 2021. Joshuah Sparks was found guilty of murder despite claiming he acted in self-defence and was sentenced to at least 13 years in custody in December that year. Now, Mr Gibbons' mother Wendy Richards has spoken in a new episode of Channel 4 series Social Media Monsters about learning he had been killed by the teenager. She said: 'We knew now that the police had someone in custody and it was a 16-year-old that killed my son. It's beyond belief. What is happening in this world?' The documentary also heard from the Essex Police case supervisor who explained that murders committed by young people were becoming increasingly prevalent. Detective Sergeant Gavin Wiseman said: 'Joshuah treated his charge like he treated his interviews - he was very relaxed and just took it all in his stride.' James Gibbons was yards from his home in Laindon, Essex, when he was stabbed to death Wendy Richards, the mother of James Gibbons, said: 'What is happening in this world?' Joshuah Sparks, 16, was found guilty of murder despite claiming he acted in self-defence He added: 'When you embark on a murder investigation and you find out it's technically a child that's responsible, it's always a surprise. 'But unfortunately, it's not a rarity any more - it is becoming more and more prevalent.' His comments follow a Sky News investigation in September 2024 which found the percentage of homicide convictions going to under-16s compared with other ages had doubled over ten years, from about one in 50 in 2012/13 to one in 25 in 2022/23. Retired college lecturer Ms Richards previously said that her son had brought a sleeping bag, pillows and blankets to the homeless man, called Christopher French. In her victim impact statement, she said Mr Gibbons had been 'helping look after and protecting a vulnerable person', adding that the youths 'acted as a pack'. Referring to Sparks, Ms Richards said: 'He's a monster to me and I will never forgive him.' A video taken earlier in the day of Mr Gibbons' death on May 2 showed him bringing a Peppa Pig birthday cake out for his twin daughters as they sat on his partner Victoria Billingham's lap, and blew out the candles. Mr Gibbons left his daughters' birthday barbecue to speak to Mr French outside and give him a burger. He then returned to his house to tell Ms Billingham that there were a couple of teenagers bullying Mr French and eating his food. Mr Gibbons known as 'Gibbo' to Mr French - confronted the youths and a few minutes later, a larger group of youths returned who surrounded him. Mr French said in his evidence that he did not see anybody attack Mr Gibbons but heard a noise and saw him 'wobbling around', before falling on the floor as Mr Gibbons walked back from an alleyway. Father-of-four James Gibbons is pictured with his partner Victoria Billingham Detective Sergeant Gavin Wiseman said child killers are 'becoming more and more prevalent' Police at the murder scene in Laindon, Essex, after James Gibbons was stabbed in May 2021 In the hours after the murder, Sparks was said to have admitted to the stabbing in a message in a Snapchat group, adding: 'I don't care, I'm a psychopath.' Sparks then searched online for 'stabbing in Laindon' and 'consequences of accidentally killing someone' in the early hours of the following morning. He was arrested at his home address at 5.35am on May 3 and when interviewed by police said that all he knew about the incident was what officers had told him. In a second interview, Sparks was told that two youths had said he 'was responsible' for the incident but then gave no comment on the advice of a solicitor. Sparks was named after a High Court judge lifted an anonymity order on the youth defendant during his sentencing hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court. Mr Justice Charles Bourne told the boy at his sentencing hearing: 'It's very troubling that there's really no rational explanation for what you did and the original confrontation really had nothing to do with you at all. 'What you did is utterly out of proportion to anything done by anyone else involved in the incident, whichever side they were on.' Christine Agnew QC, defending Sparks, told the hearing that he had no previous convictions but had an 'unstable upbringing', and that from the age of 13 he 'frequently went missing during that time he slept rough'. See the full story on Social Media Monsters - streaming now on Channel 4 Lawrence of Arabia's portraits have been given a trigger warning for the cultural appropriation of a traditional Arab outfit. The National Portrait Gallery cautioned the 'sensitive' images of the British Army officer dressed in his thobe and keffiyeh over fears they differ from 'today's attitudes'. Born in Wales in 1888, Thomas Edward Lawrence went on to fight alongside the Arabs against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War and was presented with the robes as a gift by the Arab ruler Emir Faisal. Pictures of Lord Byron and other Europeans in the dress of predominantly Muslim cultures have also been marked as sensitive. Under a series of online images, including the portraits of Lawrence, the National Portrait Gallery said: 'This is a historical work of art which reflects the attitudes and viewpoints of the time in which it was made. Lawrence of Arabia's pictures have been given a trigger warning for the cultural appropriation of a traditional Arab outfit. Pictured is the 1917 photograph that triggered the warning Lawrence was encouraged by Emir Faisal, the future King of Iraq, to adopt the clothing of an Arab 'sherif', or royalty. Pictured is a 1918 sketch by the renowned artist Augustus John that triggered a warning T.E. Lawrence was immortalised on screen by Peter O'Toole in David Lean's 1962 biopic Lawrence of Arabia 'Whilst these may differ from today's attitudes, this image is an important historical document.' The warning accompanied two portraits of Lawrence in Arab clothing - one a 1917 photograph and the other a 1918 sketch by the renowned artist Augustus John. Images of the officer without the Arab outfit do not carry the warning. Lawrence was encouraged by Emir Faisal, the future King of Iraq, to adopt the clothing of an Arab 'sherif', or royalty. Writing in his 1926 autobiographical work, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, Lawrence said: '[Faisal] asked me if I would wear Arab clothes like his own while in the camp. 'I should find it better for my own part, since it was a comfortable dress in which to live Arab-fashion as we must do. 'Besides, the tribesmen would then understand how to take me... If I wore Meccan clothes, they would behave to me as though I were really one of the leaders.' T.E. Lawrence was immortalised on screen by Peter O'Toole in David Lean's 1962 biopic Lawrence of Arabia. The English poet Lord Byron was also subjected to a trigger warning after he posed for a portrait in the folk dress of Albania in 1813, The Telegraph reports. He had acquired the outfit on a visit to the country, which he admired a great deal, going on to feature its landscape and people in his poem Childe Harold's Pilgrimage. Other portraits flagged as sensitive included the 1820 depiction of Giovanni Belzoni, an Italian explorer - who was depicted dressed in an Egyptian turban. An 1828 sculpture showing the Arabic translator Edward Lane in traditional Arab clothing and an 1850 portrait of British officer Sir Herbert Benjamin Edwardes dressed as an Indian nobleman were also given a warning. Among the other cultural appropriation rows to crop up in recent times are Dulwich Prep School in south London dropping its traditional house names based on Native American tribes. Olympic poster boy Tom Daley also found himself at the centre of a cultural appropriation row for his Channel 4 show Game of Wool: Britains Best Knitter. Shetland knitters said they were shocked and saddened by the way the traditional craft had been depicted, claiming the show was riddled with clear errors in terminology and mispronunciations including calling the island the Shetlands. Shetlands Organisation of Knitters (SOK) said in relation to Daley's presenting: The over application of the term Fair Isle to refer to any colourwork not only muddies the boundaries of this living heritage craft, but it erases the other forms of colourwork knitting in the world, which deserve to be named. Keir Starmer is facing the wrath of Labour MPs today after executing his latest shambolic U-turn. The PM has humiliatingly dropped his flagship plans to make digital ID cards mandatory for right to work checks. Sir Keir had spent months talking up the importance of the move to tackle illegal immigration - but alarm had been growing that it was deeply unpopular. Backbenchers openly ridiculed the climbdown, which will fuel doubts about Sir Keir's future. The government has now carried out 13 significant U-turns on policies in just 18 months, despite Sir Keir having one of the biggest Commons majorities in history. The decision tees up another awkward PMQs session for Sir Keir in the Commons later. He has been turning to Attorney General Lord Hermer - a fellow human rights lawyer - to make the case for his leadership. Digital IDs will now be entirely optional when they are introduced in 2029 with workers allowed to use other documents to verify their identity digitally. Keir Starmer is facing the wrath of Labour MPs today after executing his latest shambolic U-turn Labour MP Karl Turner, who has been leading a revolt against the government's curbs to jury trials, said a return on that issue was now 'inevitable' Labour's Andy McDonald was scathing about the digital ID plan Emma Lewell also openly celebrated the government's climbdown All other aspects of the scheme were set to be voluntary meaning Britons will not have to adopt an official digital ID at all when they are introduced. The volte face is the second of the 2026, just 14 days into January, after Rachel Reeves signalled concessions on business rates for pubs The Conservatives said Labour's 'only consistent policy is retreat' while the Lib Dems joked that Downing Street was 'bulk ordering motion sickness tablets' to cope with so many changes of direction. Announcing the plan on the eve of last year's Labour Party conference, Sir Keir said people 'will not be able to work in the United Kingdom' if they did not have digital ID as part of a bid to crack down on illegal immigration. But support for digital ID collapsed in the wake of his announcement, falling from 53 per cent in June to just 31 per cent in October. Labour MP Karl Turner, who has been leading a revolt against the government's curbs to jury trials, said a return on that issue was now 'inevitable'. 'Labour MPs must think very carefully before defending policy decisions publicly. This stuff leaves us looking really stupid,' he said. Former Home Secretary Lord Blunkett swiped that ministers had failed to 'enunciate why this policy mattered'. 'I'm disappointed but I'm not surprised, because the original announcement was not followed by a narrative or supportive statements or any kind of strategic plan which involved other ministers or those who are committed to this actually making the case,' he told the BBC. Ministers tried to argue that details of the digital ID scheme were always intended to be set out after a consultation. Touring broadcast studios this morning, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told Times Radio: 'We will still have digital ID. We will still have mandatory digital right-to-work checks. The form of digital ID the nature of the material that is presented could be either the digital ID on somebody's phone or it could be another form of digital documentation which contains proof of your right to work.' Pressed if digital ID would be compulsory, Ms Alexander said: 'We are committed to having mandatory digital right-to-work checks.' She added: 'You say this is some sort of massive U-turn we said we would have digital checks on people for right to work, that is what we are continuing to do.' A government spokesman said: 'We are committed to mandatory digital right to work checks. 'Currently right-to-work checks include a hodgepodge of paper-based systems with no record of checks ever taking place. This is open to fraud and abuse. 'We have always been clear that details on the digital ID scheme will be set out following a full public consultation, which will launch shortly.' The change leaves open the possibility that digital right-to-work checks could involve other forms of ID, while the digital ID programme would be entirely voluntary. Sir Keir has been turning to Attorney General Lord Hermer - a fellow human rights lawyer - to make the case for his leadership Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: 'Labour's only consistent policy is retreat and it's the public that are paying the price for a government defined by reversal. 'Labour entered office without a plan and now lacks the backbone to stand by their own decisions lurching from one U-turn to the next as the consequences of their choices become clear. 'The country is living with the fallout of that weakness, and many voters will be wishing they could make a U-turn of their own on electing this failing Labour Government.' Last night, Donald Trump gave his strongest indication that he was willing to intervene in Iran following the regime's harsh crackdown on impoverished citizens who are rising up against the powers that be. Trump warned on Tuesday that the despotic regime's 'killers and abusers' would 'pay a big price' for arresting tens of thousands of protesters and allegedly killing up to 2,600 people since rallies began in late December. Trump has already proven himself willing to hurt Iran with the launch of the so-called 12-Day War in June, in which American and Israeli drones and planes hit military, nuclear and civilian targets across the country. But so far, the Republican president has only told Iranians following the start of the mass protests that 'help is on its way', while offering no solid details on exactly what American intervention would look like. He is said to be considering a range of options, which experts believe include everything from targeted assassinations to major on-the-ground campaigns. Experts say that before he decides what actions he wants to pursue, Trump needs to look at what his goal for Iran is. The Americans will also need to properly assess the likelihood of their actions backfiring and playing in to the hands of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. And Trump also risks a major escalation in hostilities, with Iran warning that it will strike US military bases in those countries in case of a U.S. attack, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday. 'Tehran has told regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Turkey, that U.S. bases in those countries will be attacked if U.S. targets Iran... asking these countries to prevent Washington from attacking Iran,' the official told Reuters. Among the strongest actions the Americans have put on the table is the possible assassination or abduction of the Ayatollah. Iranians attend an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran, Friday, January 9, 2026 Families and residents gather at the Kahrizak Coroner's Office confronting rows of body bags as they search for relatives killed during the regime's violent crackdown on nationwide protests Last night, Donald Trump (pictured) gave his strongest indication that he was willing to intervene in Iran Having been in power since 1989 and supported groups including Hezbollah, Hamas and the al-Assad regime in Syria, he has long been a thorn in the world's side. He has been particularly insistent that he will not ditch Iran's nuclear programme, one of the US' main sticking points that has stopped it from lifting crippling sanctions that have devastated the economy and gave rise to the ongoing protests. On Monday, Trump announced he was placing a massive 25 tariff on goods from countries with commercial ties to Iran. CNN, meanwhile, reported he was considering additional sanctions on major sectors of Iran's economy, like banking. Khamenei's insistence on keeping the nuclear programme is something that other leaders in Iran, including president Masoud Pezeshkian, massively disagree with. Mathew Savill, director of military sciences at the Royal United Services Institute, told the Telegraph: 'The way that Khamenei is talking in public is not a good indicator that he's actually got that message' 'And if Khamenei is seen as the blocker, would there be a pressure to remove the blocker?' This would be incredibly tempting for the US, especially on the back of the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, which saw a smooth transition of power from the dictator to his lieutenants who appeared to be more than happy to take over in exchange for bending the knee. But Danny Citrinowicz, an Israeli defence analyst who specialises in Iran, told the Telegraph that taking Khamenei out is incredibly risky and risks triggering an all-out war in the Middle East. He said: 'It's not like you're taking Maduro out, and that's it. If you're killing [Khamenei], then you have to open a Pandora's box of relations with the Shia community for whom he is not only a political leader, but also a religious one'. Protesters set fire to makeshift barricades near a religious centre on January 10, 2026 The US is also considering launching symbolic strikes against targets across Iran, designed to send a message of willingness to intervene further. Iran has plenty of targets to choose from. During the so-called 12-Day War, the Israelis hit the country's intelligence ministry, and Trump may also choose a similarly symbolic building to hit. The US already has plenty of assets in the region it could use to hit high-value nuclear targets, which could be enough to persuade the regime to ease off its crackdown on demonstrators. But if targets are too symbolic, they risk becoming a symbol of possibly American apathy and given Iranian authorities carte blanche to continue their brutal crackdown. Stronger than this would be a sustained bombing campaign. Farzan Sabet, a managing researcher at the Global Governance Centre in Geneva, told the Telegraph: 'The preponderance of [America's] focus would have to be on the domestic repressive apparatus. 'Key personnel, not only at the top level but one or two levels down; their communications nodes; the facilities they use. And then the main facilities of state media ... and the judiciary and prosecution service. 'Military planners might also feel compelled to hit some military targets so that the retaliation is limited.' This would require significant time for the US to build up its military capabilities in the region, including the deployment of aircraft carriers and warplanes. Protesters dancing and cheering around a bonfire in Tehran on January 9, 2026 The courtyard of the Forensic Diagnostic and Laboratory Centre of Tehran Province in Kahrizak on January 12, with dozens of bodies in bodybags laid out for family members Iranian demonstrators gather in a street during a protest over the collapse of the currency's value, in Tehran on January 8, 2026 And, as former British ambassador to Iran Nicholas Hopton warned: 'You would need to put American boots on the ground, and he is not going to do that'. He also risks a 'rally-round-the-flag' effect, where Iranians may flock back to their leader upon being attacked by the US. So, if Trump wants to cause material damage to Iran while also avoiding the risk of escalating military tensions, what else can he do? For one, the US has kept the cyber warfare option on the table. Using some of the most sophisticated software in the world, the US has a range of cyber options at its disposal. It could, if it wanted to, break the regime's communications blackout, allowing those inside to coordinate their actions against the state. It could also cripple vital governmental infrastructure, an opportunity that could then be capitalised on by protesters. But Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, said the window of opportunity to use cyber warfare tactics may be long gone: 'The US might have missed the window. If it was going to respond, it should have [done so] a few days ago. 'At the moment it looks like the regime will survive this, unless there is something we are not seeing. It is important to remember that we do not have visibility of what has happened in Iran. But for now it looks like they are managing it in the most bloody way'. For now, though, Iran doesn't appear to be backing down. Mohammad Ghalibaf, the speaker of Parliament, told a pro-government rally in Tehran on Monday: 'Come and see how all your assets in the region will be destroyed what will befall American bases, American ships and American forces'. Rachel Reeves today insisted she is 'working intensely' on a pubs bailout after it emerged she was warned about the crippling impact of business rate hikes before the Budget. The Chancellor confirmed there is 'additional support coming' and she was determined to 'get this right'. But appearing on BBC Breakfast, she suggested the package will only be 'temporary' - and batted away demands from Labour MPs for help to be extended to the wider hospitality sector. She said an announcement would be coming 'in the next few days and weeks', raising concerns about more uncertainty for struggling businesses. The Treasury signalled a major U-turn on pubs last week following warnings that hundreds of pubs could be forced to close after big increases in business rates. Allies of Ms Reeves suggested that the impact of revaluations had not become clear until after the Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed there is 'additional support coming' and she was determined to 'get this right' However, the head of the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) told MPs yesterday that ministers were warned about the scale of the impact. Jonathan Russell said 13 per cent of pubs a total of 5,100 have been hit with a 100 per cent rise in their so-called 'rateable value'. This is used to calculate their business rates bill leaving publicans facing huge tax increases in yet another bruising assault on the sector under Labour. The rise in rates is also being fuelled by the withdrawal of Covid-era discounts, which was announced by Ms Reeves in November. Ms Reeves told BBC Breakfast: 'There's a number of things happening with business rates. There's been a revaluation of the value of properties. This is the first one since the pandemic. So rateable values were going to go up. 'And there's a gradual withdrawal of some of the temporary support that went in during Covid. 'Now we've put in another 4.3billion of additional support to phase that transition, but we do recognise that for some pubs there is still a big increase, and so we're working pretty intensely at the moment. Again, I want to make sure that we get this right. 'These changes are not due to come in for a few more months. So we're going to get this right. But I think most people would accept that now the pandemic is over, some of that temporary support does need to come away, but it's about the speed at which you do that.' Ms Reeves has been resisting pressure to offer support to the wider hospitality industry such as cafes, restaurants and hotels as well as theatres, music venues and shops. A report by UK Hospitality warned six such venues will close every day this year without support a total of more than 2,000. It is calling for ministers to quadruple the level of discount applied to business rates for hospitality firms. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, a former Cabinet minister and possible challenger to Sir Keir Starmer, called for a 'rebalancing of taxation so that we help the High Street' not just pubs. 'I would support relief for the high street,' he said. 'I think what is needed is a root and branch review of land and property taxation overall and business taxation linked to that.' Appearing before MPs on the Treasury Select Committee yesterday, Mr Russell said pubs saw an average increase of 32 per cent in their rateable value, which is based on how much rent the property would attract. But he also revealed that 5,100 pubs 'would have seen their valuation doubled'. Asked by Tory MP Dame Harriet Baldwin if he had flagged this 'huge increase by historic standards' to the Treasury before the Budget, he said: 'We make it very clear there are changes in rateable value because of the work we're doing.' John-Paul Marks, chief executive of HM Revenue and Customs, noted that the Chancellor announced a 4.3billion relief package for pubs having received 'data drops' on valuations from the VOA ahead of the Budget. In the Budget, the Chancellor announced a reduction in the so-called 'multiplier' used to calculate business rates. But she also confirmed that Covid-era discounts for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses would be phased out. Alongside soaring valuations in part due to a rebound in trading following the pandemic it means business rates bills are rising rather than falling. UK Hospitality chief Kate Nicholls said: 'This is yet another example of just how hard hospitality businesses are hit by significant increases to rateable values, which have driven staggering business rates rises. 'The Treasury was warned, by UK Hospitality, to expect significant increases to rateable values, due to the previous revaluation being based on valuations during Covid. We laid out, in no uncertain terms, that the maximum 20p discount to the multiplier was absolutely necessary to offset these rises in rateable values. 'Sadly, our warning was not heeded, and now the level of business rates increase over three years will be simply unsustainable for many businesses to absorb. 'This is a hospitality-wide problem that needs a hospitality-wide solution. The Government needs to deliver the full 20p reduction to the hospitality multiplier.' Greenland would choose to remain Danish over a US takeover, its leader said Tuesday, ahead of crunch White House talks on the future of the Arctic island which President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened. Trump has been talking up the idea of buying or annexing the autonomous territory for years, and further stoked tensions this week by saying the United States would take it 'one way or the other'. 'We are now facing a geopolitical crisis, and if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark,' Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said at a press conference. 'One thing must be clear to everyone: Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed by the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States.' His comments came ahead of a meeting taking place today at the White House, where Denmark's foreign minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt are due to meet US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the island's future. In Greenland's capital Nuuk, residents have told international media that the island is not for sale, as attention focuses on Washington's stance towards the territory. Jens-Frederik Nielsen was speaking alongside Danish leader Mette Frederiksen, who said it had not been easy to stand up to what she slammed as 'completely unacceptable pressure from our closest ally'. 'However, there are many indications that the most challenging part is ahead of us,' Frederiksen said. Greenland would choose to remain Danish over a US takeover, its leader said Tuesday, ahead of crunch White House talks on the future of the Arctic island which President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened. Pictured: Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen Trump has been talking up the idea of buying or annexing the autonomous territory for years, and further stoked tensions this week by saying the United States would take it 'one way or the other' 'We are now facing a geopolitical crisis, and if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark,' Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said at a press conference. Pictured: A village on the coast of Greenland Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt are to meet US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday to discuss Greenland's future. Lokke said they had requested a meeting with Rubio, and Vance had asked to take part and host it at the White House. Vance made an uninvited visit to the island in March where he criticised Denmark for what he said was a lack of commitment to Greenland and security in the Arctic, and called it a 'bad ally'. The comments enraged Copenhagen, which has been an ardent trans-Atlantic supporter and which has sent troops to fight US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. For Nuuk and Copenhagen, Wednesday's meeting at the White House is aimed at ironing out 'misunderstandings'. These relate to Greenland's defence, Chinese and Russian military presence in the Arctic, and the relationship between Greenland and Copenhagen, which together with the Faroe Islands make up the Kingdom of Denmark. 'To the uninformed American listener, the ongoing (independence) talks between Denmark and Greenland might have been construed as if Greenland's secession from Denmark was imminent,' said Greenland specialist Mikaela Engell. For these listeners, 'I can understand that, in this situation, it would be better for the Americans to take hold of that strategic place', the former Danish representative on the island told AFP. But this 'discussion has been going on for years and years and it has never meant that Greenland was on its way out the door', she stressed. Denmark's foreign minister said the reason Copenhagen and Nuuk had requested Wednesday's meeting was 'to move the entire discussion... into a meeting room, where you can look each other in the eye and talk through these issues'. Greenland's location is highly strategic, lying on the shortest route for missiles between Russia and the United States. It is therefore a crucial part of the US anti-missile shield. Washington has accused Copenhagen of doing little to protect Greenland from what it perceives as a growing Arctic threat from Russia and China, though analysts suggest Beijing is a small player in the region. Denmark has rejected those claims and says it is stepping up its military presence in the Arctic. Criticised by the US for having neglected the defence of Greenland, Denmark's defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Wednesday that Copenhagen would 'strengthen' its military footprint on the island and was in dialogue with allies in NATO. 'We will continue to strengthen our military presence in Greenland, but we will also have an even greater focus within NATO on more exercises and an increased NATO presence in the Arctic,' Poulsen said, hours before the White House talks. He added that Denmark 'has an ongoing dialogue with its Allies about new and increased activities in 2026'. Frederiksen has called for stronger cooperation with the US and NATO to bolster Arctic security, arguing that collective security guarantees would be 'the best defence against Chinese or Russian threats'. Diplomats at NATO say some Alliance members have floated the idea of launching a new mission in the region, although no concrete proposals are yet on the table. Rutte said on Monday that NATO was working on 'the next steps' to bolster Arctic security. Greenland's foreign minister and Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen are to meet NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte on January 19 to discuss the issue. 'We are now moving forward with the whole issue of a more permanent, larger presence in Greenland from the Danish defence forces but also with the participation of other countries,' Lund Poulsen told reporters. A judge has sparked fury in Italy after downgrading sexual assault charges for a migrant who impregnated a 10-year-old girl at a migrant centre. There was outrage in 2024 when it was reported that the child, from sub-Saharan Africa, had been raped at a reception centre in Collio, Lombardy. The young victim was taken to a local hospital, where a test revealed that she was pregnant before she underwent an abortion. In depositions, the 29-year-old Bangladeshi defendant claimed that he and the girl had shared some form of 'relationship' while his legal team insisted 'there was no violence'. An Italian judge has now handed him a five-year sentence, having reclassified charges against him from 'aggravated sexual assault against a minor' to 'sexual acts with a child', according to Corriere della Sera. The ruling also followed a fast-track trial which allowed the sentence to be reduced by one-third. The decision has enraged politicians, with League (Lega) MP Simona Bordonali demanding a change to the law 'The mere five-year sentence handed down to a person responsible for the atrocious and unspeakable violence against a child leaves me stunned,' she said. The abuse took place in the summer of 2024, in a migrant centre (pictured) located in the Hotel Il Cacciatore which houses about 20 asylum seekers She added: 'It's our duty to question the proportionality of sentences, the effective protection of minors, and the message that sentences like this risk sending. Justice must be commensurate with the suffering inflicted on the most defenceless victims.' The abuse took place in the summer of 2024, in the Hotel Il Cacciatore which houses about 20 asylum seekers. The girl's mother raised the alarm on October 1, 2024 after her daughter showed sudden and 'strange' behavioural changes, like appearing cold and detached and complained of abdominal pains. The man had reportedly gained the mother's trust as her neighbour and was often left alone with the little girl. During the proceedings, the 29-year-old never denied his involvement, even prior to DNA confirmation. While he insisted no assault took place, he admitted he regretted his actions, saying: 'I understand the gravity of it.' The man has been held in a Cremona prison for the past year. The prosecution originally requested a sentence of six years and eight months before the charges were downgraded. In November, League (Lega) leader Matteo Salvini called the decision 'appalling' and 'unacceptable,' and other MPs have now expressed outrage that the sentence was less than previously requested. The official reason for the change in charges will be filed within 90 days. In 2015, locals protested against the Hotel Il Cacciatore housing migrants, but after the crime occurred in 2024, the priest of the local parish told local media that there was a 'climate of peaceful coexistence'. Speaking to local media, priest Don Battista Dassa said: 'This episode has nothing to do with migrants, we get along very well with them. 'If I hadn't read the newspaper, I wouldn't have known about this horrible event; in the four years that I've been here, I've never seen or heard anything problematic in the village because of migrants.' The hotel manager, Giovanni Cantoni, added: 'I get along very well with [the migrants], better than with many Italians. And I have never, I repeat never, had any problems.' A former police officer appeared in court today charged with misconduct in public office after she allegedly misused police computer systems by accessing information about four known criminals who she had intimate relationships with. Kayleigh Moye, 28, is also charged with being concerned in the supply of cannabis and two offences of possessing cannabis, a class B controlled drug. Dressed all in black, the former West Midlands Police constable spoke only to confirm her name and address during a brief hearing at Birmingham Magistrates Court this morning. Moye was not asked to enter pleas to the four counts of misconduct in public office which relate to allegations she failed to notify her force after forming intimate relationships with the criminals - or drugs charges. No indication of plea was given. The offences allegedly took place between September 2022 and February 2024. Kayleigh Moye, 28, pictured at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning Kayleigh Moye left the courtroom at Birmingham Magistrates' Court (pictured) in tears Moye, from Quinton Birmingham, was granted unconditional bail to appear before Birmingham Crown Court next month. The former officer left the courtroom in tears. The Independent Office for Police Conduct said on Tuesday that an investigation was conducted by West Midlands Police under the direction of the watchdogs anti-corruption unit, which followed a referral by the force in November 2023. On completion of the investigation a file of evidence was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service which decided to authorise the charges. A Belarussian lorry driver with a 'James Bond style' revolving number plate has been jailed for trying to smuggle a huge haul of cigarettes into the UK. Andreu Silivaniuk, 34, attempted to sneak an estimated 2.7million worth of cigarettes into Britain, hidden inside Bentley car parts. Silivaniuk was stopped by Border Force officials at Dover port in June last year with an official load of car part packages in his HGV lorry. When they searched the vehicle, officers discovered 6,349,800 cigarettes, concealed in freight boxes stacked between the legitimate motor parts destined for Crewe-based vehicle manufacturer Bentley. Alongside the cigarettes and evasive revolving number plate mechanism, designed to avoid detection, officers found 'suspect' documents usually held by Border Force as well as two phones and a damaged tablet. The vehicle's tapograph - a device recording time, distance, and breaks - had also been damaged, the court heard. The driver gave 'no comment' to interview upon his arrest and initially denied involvement in the criminal enterprise. Prosecutors later said he had a 'significant role' in the operation. Silivaniuk was jailed for two years and seven months at Maidstone Crown Court on January 9, after admitting a charge of fraudulent evasion of duty. The smuggler's lorry was fitted with revolving number plates similar to 007's car, in an attempt to avoid detection Silivaniuk, 34, was jailed for two years and seven months after admitting a charge of fraudulent evasion of duty Following Silivaniuk's sentencing last Friday, Kenny Dunk, Operational Lead in HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service, said: 'Illicit cigarettes undermine legitimate retailers, funds wider crime, and deprives our vital public services of around 1.8 billion a year. 'We will continue to work with partners to tackle the illicit trade and urge anyone with information about the smuggling, distribution or sale of illicit cigarettes to report it on GOV.UK.' Rajesh Pabary, prosecuting, said according to KentOnline: 'He was a trusted member of the team, transporting a large number of cigarettes and driving a vehicle designed to avoid detection,' he said. 'This was a smuggling vehicle, or a vehicle adapted to be one. 'The purpose of a revolving number plate, the prosecution infer, is so it wouldn't be stopped if there was intelligence.' Keir Starmer has vowed to keep the pressure on Elon Musk after the X owner appeared to blink first a row over Grok AI being used to generate indecent images of women and children. After Sir Keir demanded the US tech billionaire to act to stem the creation of deepfakes, including child abuse material, the social media tool last night began refusing to comply with user requests. Today those trying to generate indecent or embarrassing images of women and children - but not men - are being told: 'Unfortunately I can't generate that kind of image.' But facing MPs today at Prime Minister's Questions Sir Keir said that while the action was welcome but did not go far enough. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said this week she was bringing forward regulations this week to tighten the law on so-called 'digital stripping'. Responding to a question from Labour MP Emily Darlington, Sir Keir repeated his condemnation of Grok as 'disgusting' and 'shameful', and said Ofcom, which is investigating, had ministers' full backing to act if X did not. He said: 'To update the House, I have been informed this morning that X is acting to ensure full compliance with UK law. 'If so, that is welcome, but we're not going to back down, and they must act. 'We will take the necessary measures. We will strengthen existing laws and prepare for legislation if it needs to go further, and Ofcom will continue its independent investigation.' Facing MPs today at Prime Minister's Questions Sir Keir said that while the action was welcome but did not go far enough. On Monday night Sir Keir warned Musk to prevent the AI from generating 'disgusting' images amid a growth outcry, saying: 'If X cannot control Grok, we will.' After the Prime Minister demanded the US tech billionaire to act to stem the creation of deepfakes the social media tool last night began refusing to comply with user requests. Mr Musk, the world's richest man, had earlier branded the UK 'fascist' and claimed it was acting to prevent free speech, a line echoed by the Trump White House. On Monday night Sir Keir warned Musk to prevent the AI from generating 'disgusting' images amid a growth outcry, saying: 'If X cannot control Grok, we will.' Addressing Labour MPs, the Prime Minister said he was determined to act 'fast' to prevent the AI chatbot Grok from being used to 'undress' images of women and children. Mr Musk, the world's richest man, had earlier branded the UK 'fascist' and claimed it was acting to prevent free speech, a line echoed by the Trump White House. Last week he limited Grok's image generation tool to registered paying users of X, arguing that the details of anyone using the tool to create abusive images would then be available. But Ms Kendall said the change amounted to 'monetising abuse' and called for a total ban. Media regulator Ofcom, which has powers to levy fines running into billions of pounds, has launched an investigation into whether the social media site has broken the law. Malaysia and Indonesia have already blocked Grok and the EU has also told Mr Musk to sort out the problems or face action. But US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last night that Grok will join Google's generative AI engine in operating inside the Pentagon network, as part of a broader push to feed as much of the military's data as possible into the developing technology. 'Very soon we will have the world's leading AI models on every unclassified and classified network throughout our department,' Hegseth said in a speech at Musk's space flight company, SpaceX, in South Texas. It came as former Meta boss Sir Nick Clegg called for tougher regulation of tech firms, branding social media a 'poisoned chalice' and the rise of AI online a 'negative development'. The ex-deputy prime minister warned that engaging with 'automated' content appears to be 'much worse, particularly for younger people's mental health' than interactions with other human beings. And he criticised the 'TikTokification' of apps like Instagram, which is owned by Meta, where he said users were being 'bombarded' by short-form videos 'plucked from the deepest, darkest recesses of the internet'. Sir Nick made the remarks during an evidence session of the cross-party Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, chaired by former Tory home secretary Sir Sajid Javid and former Labour MP Jon Cruddas. Your browser does not support iframes. Join the debate Is Elons response a case of too little, too late? US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last night that Grok will join Google's generative AI engine in operating inside the Pentagon network, as part of a broader push to feed as much of the military's data as possible into the developing technology. The critique marks an apparent shift in tone from the former media executive, who announced he was stepping down as tech giant Meta's president of global affairs in January last year. The previous month, he railed against what he described as 'needless regulatory complexity' in the EU holding up his plans to train the company's AI models using people's public social media posts. Iran has seemingly bowed to pressure from the US after postponing the execution of a clothes shop owner who was due to hanged on Wednesday. Erfan Soltani, 26, became the first protester in the latest Iranian uprising to be handed the death sentence after taking part in a protest on Thursday last week, with his family pleading for Donald Trump to intervene. Responding to the sentence, Trump later warned the US would take 'very strong action' if the Iranian regime started executing captured protesters, adding: 'If they hang them, you're going to see something'. And now Tehran has seemingly heeded the President's warning after Erfan's family said his execution would no longer be carried out on Wednesday. But they warned the sentence had only been postponed and Erfan, who is being held in solitary confinement inside Ghezel Hesar prison, could face execution at any time. Hours after the climbdown, Trump said had had been told 'on good authority' that plans for executions had stopped, even as Tehran has signaled fast trials and executions ahead in its crackdown on protesters. More than 3,400 people have been killed by Iranian security forces since the outbreak of protests at the end of December, according to the human rights organisation Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO). This liveblog has now closed. To recap on today's events check below. Reform UK today announced 20 new councillors in England as Nigel Farage welcomed a fresh batch of defectors from other parties. In a strengthening of its presence in local government, Reform unveiled new recruits across a string of councils. They included an ex-BBC reporter, a former Iraqi hostage, and even one councillor who has made the surprising switch from Zack Polanski's left-wing Green Party. The defectors announced on Wednesday came across Reading, Sevenoaks, Thanet, Horsham, Bolsover, St Helens, Havant, Somerset, Stoke-on-Trent and West Suffolk councils. They comprised 14 former Conservatives, five independents and one Green. In Reading, Clarence Mitchell became Reform's first councillor on the local borough council after quitting as a member of the Conservatives after 16 years. He is a former newspaper and BBC journalist who went on to work for the Cabinet Office and Department for Health and Social Care as a senior media adviser. He also had a spell as the official family spokesman for Kate and Gerry McCann during the search for their daughter Madeleine. Reform UK today announced a slew of new councillors as Nigel Farage welcomed a fresh batch of defectors from other parties Clarence Mitchell had a spell as the official family spokesman for Kate and Gerry McCann during the search for their daughter Madeleine Mr Mitchell stood for the Tories in Brighton Pavilion at the 2015 general election but came third in the parliamentary contest behind Labour and the Greens. 'Having been a member of the Conservative Party for 16 years, I now believe that Reform UK is the only party that can truly represent and fight for the authentic values that are fundamental to our country's recovery and its restoration of pride,' he said. 'Many voters have lost all faith in our politics, and they feel deeply let down that their concerns are not being listened to such as the cost of living, illegal immigration, the rise of woke-ism and an ever-encroaching level of state interference.' In Thanet, Barry Manners has joined Reform on the local district council after sitting as an independent since quitting the Tories last May. He was suspended from the Conservative group after endorsing an independent candidate at a by-election. Mr Manners said joining Reform was 'an exciting new chapter for me as a councillor in Thanet'. 'My outlook has been shaped by difficult experiences earlier in my life, in particular as a hostage in Iraq from BA149, which taught me the importance of resilience, responsibility, and strong leadership, as well as the real consequences when institutions fail to act in the public interest,' he added. 'I want to see Thanet and the country as a whole thrive through opportunity. Not managed decline. 'That means backing local businesses, rewarding hard work, and empowering communities to take ownership of their futures and their local environment.' The 367 passengers and crew of flight BA149 were taken hostage in Kuwait in 1990 at the beginning of Iraq's invasion of its neighbour. In Thanet, Barry Manners has joined Reform on the local district council after sitting as an independent since quitting the Tories last May In St Helens, David Hawley has joined the Reform group on the local borough council after defecting from the Greens. 'I have passionately worked alongside the local community to better protect the green spaces, improve public transport and engage with local schools,' he said. 'However, my views no longer align with my previous party, on a national and local level. 'I voted for Brexit to take back control of Britain's borders and lower immigration, yet the government failed to do so. 'It is time for me to join the party which best represents the views of myself and the people of St Helens in order to action the improvements I have long strived for. 'I am excited to be joining an expanding team of Reform UK councillors to really tackle the issues many of the residents have previously raised with me.' Reform's deputy leader Richard Tice said: 'I'm thrilled to welcome 20 new councillors from across the political spectrum into Reform UK. 'We have all the momentum in British politics and increasingly people are turning to us as the last, best hope to save this country.' The parents of a waitress blamed for starting the deadly Swiss nightclub inferno have hit out at the venue's owners, accusing them of cost-cutting decisions they say contributed to the deaths of 40 people, including their daughter. Cyane Panine, 24, was killed in the blaze after fire broke out at the packed club, with footage showing her sitting on a colleague's shoulders holding two champagne bottles fitted with sparklers. Flames can then be seen spreading across the ceiling and rapidly engulfing the interior of Swiss bar Le Constellation in Crans-Montana. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Cyane's parents, Astrid and Jerome condemned the nightclub's owners, alleging an emergency exit had been shut to prevent revellers from sneaking in without paying a 1,000 table charge - rather than hiring a doorman. Speaking to French broadcaster France 3 Occitanie, Astrid said the budgeting decision made by the bar's owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, may have cost lives. 'Jacques had closed the emergency exit because he was afraid people would come in without paying,' she said. 'The tables cost 1,000 euros. And if you can't even put a guard at that door... If the door had been open, maybe there wouldn't have been any deaths.' The couple said that Cyane was carried unconscious to a bar across the street after the fire. The parents of a young waitress blamed for starting the deadly Swiss nightclub inferno have hit out at the venue's owners, accusing them of cost-cutting decisions they say contributed to the deaths of 40 people, including their daughter, Cyane Panine (pictured) Cyane Panine, 24, was killed in the blaze after fire broke out at the packed club, with footage showing her sitting on a colleague's shoulders holding two champagne bottles fitted with sparklers High quality photographs show the very first moments of the Swiss Constellation Bar fire in Crans-Montana Owners of Le Constellation bar Jacques Moretti (L) and Jessica Moretti (C) arrive for a hearing at the Office of the public prosecutor of the Canton of Valais, in Sion, on January 9, 2026 'She was unconscious, but still alive,' Astrid said. 'They tried to resuscitate her for forty minutes. To no avail.' Cyane was buried on Saturday in the French port city of Sete. Her parents said they are now trying to come to terms with their loss together, while demanding accountability for those they believe were responsible. 'She was a ray of sunshine for everyone,' Jerome said. 'For us, the sun didn't rise again in 2026. There's a time for sadness and a time for anger. I think the anger will quickly take over.' Astrid and Jerome recounted last week how Cyane, who they viewed as 'a stepdaughter' suffocated 'in a pile of bodies behind a locked door'. According to interrogation transcripts seen by Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger, the owners clearly identified the deceased 24-year-old in photos taken during the incident. Providing a detailed account of the disaster, Jacques and Jessica Moretti said Cyane's last minutes alive encapsulated the full horror of the evening. She 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. The pyrotechnics are thought to have accidentally lit soundproofing foam in the ceiling, triggering a massive fire 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 accidentally 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. 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 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.' 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'. Cyane, a French national like the Morettis, died within the hour. The family of the deceased woman issued a statement through their lawyers, Tages-Anzeiger reported. It reads: 'Whatever the investigation reveals, this young woman followed her employers' instructions. She did what was asked of her by the managing director. This was nothing unusual. (...) This young employee bears no responsibility whatsoever.' France has banned ten British right-wing activists for attempting to stop migrants from crossing to the United Kingdom on small boats. On Tuesday, following reports that members of the 'Raise the Colours' movement had conducted anti-migrant actions in France, 'territorial bans were issued against ten British nationals, identified as activists within the movement and having carried out actions on French soil', the French Interior Ministry said on Wednesday. The French authorities did not immediately give the identities of the ten people, and no detail was given about the length of the ban. These people are now banned from entering or staying in France due to their actions, which the ministry said included searching for and destroying small boats along the French coastline. The French Interior Ministry stated that: 'The attention of the Ministry of the Interior's services has been drawn on several occasions, and by various parties, to the presence of far-right activists belonging to the "Raise the Colours" movement, who are involved, in particular, in searching for and destroying small boats and in propaganda activities on the French coast of the Nord and Pas-de-Calais. ' Interior Minister Laurent Nunez had referred the matter to local authorities in northern France, adding that 'the actions being carried out were likely to cause serious disturbance to public order'. Nunez, who was the ex-Paris police chief, added that he 'congratulates the Prefet of the Hauts-de-France region, Prefet of the Nord area, and the ministry's departments for their effective and determined action to guarantee public order and prevent actions of a violent nature or that provoke hatred and discrimination.' A social media account called 'Raise the Colours Operation France' late last year posted videos of right-wing activists on France's northern coastline. Debris of a small boat used by people thought to be migrants to cross the Channel lays amongst the sand dunes in Gravelines, France, on December 11 On Tuesday, reports stated that members of the 'Raise the Colours' movement had conducted anti-migrant actions in France. Pictured: Debris of a destroyed small boat in Gravelines, France A group of migrants on an inflatable dinghy leave the beach of Petit-Fort-Philippe in northern France for the UK in September last year In one video posted in November, an activist filmed himself on a French beach, saying he had found a small inflatable boat buried in the sand and had slashed it. 'That is not going to England,' says the man, who elsewhere has called himself Ryan Bridge. In another post published earlier the same month, he wades into the sea and shouts at what looks like dozens of migrants boarding an inflatable dinghy on their way to England. 'You're not welcome in our country,' he says. The group claims they have been forced to take matters into their own hands following failures by the UK and French authorities, and have launched Operation Overlord, a reference to the Normandy landings in World War II, to curb the crossings. A bitter debate about immigration in the United Kingdom last year triggered a new trend of flying English and British flags. Responding to the threats at the beginning of the month, a Raise the Colours source told The Telegraph that the French 'should be putting more effort into actually stopping the migrant boats' rather than focusing on the group's actions. 'I doubt this will stop the people who are trying to stop the crossings,' they added. While the group claims that over 5,000 people have offered their support to stop the boats, other French groups have accused them of taking part in 'intimidation tactics'. A group of nine French organisations working to help migrants, including L'Auberge des Migrants, Utopia 56, Medecins du Monde, Human Rights Observers and the Refugee Women's Centre, issued a statement last month in response to the actions. It read: 'Structured intimidation tactics, reported, yet without an effective response from the authorities. 'None of their publications aimed at recruiting, informing and funding their activities have been removed and none of them have been subject to any measures denying them entry to French territory. 'These inaction measures contribute to normalising and encouraging violent and xenophobic practices that directly threaten exiled people and their support organisations.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Migrants have long sought to cross the Channel from France to the United Kingdom, dreaming of a better life in Britain. A total of 41,472 migrants arrived in the UK in 2025 after crossing the English Channel, the second-highest annual figure on record, putting paid to Keir Starmer's vow to smash smuggling gangs and cut small boat crossings. The Home Office confirmed on January 1, 2026, that no migrants made the journey on New Year's Eve, meaning the overall number of arrivals last year finished 9 per cent below the all-time high of 45,774 in 2022. Embarrassingly for the Government, 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. 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. 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.' Labour's plan to rebrand 'Islamophobia' as 'anti-Muslim hostility' in an official government definition is 'more dangerous' and risks 'thought control', it has been warned. The Government is set to scrap its Islamophobia definition in favour of the new phrase in a bid to head off claims that it is creating a blasphemy law by the back door. But the move risks creating an even broader term, a report by the think-tank Policy Exchange said. It could then be exploited by some Muslim groups seeking to influence political debate on issues such as immigration and counter-terrorism, the paper suggested. Free speech campaigners have argued that special protections for the Muslim faith would prevent legitimate criticism of the religion and risk creating a de facto blasphemy law. The new report, published today, warned: 'A definition of "anti-Muslim hostility" is, in fact, at least as broad and dangerous as one of "Islamophobia", possibly more so. 'And because the term lacks (for now) the same negative political connotations, it is also more deployable by activist groups. 'The dictionary definition of "hostility" includes "not liking" something, "not agreeing" with it or being "opposed" to it.' Baroness Falkner backed the new report and warned the new 'anti-Muslim hostility' proposals being considered by Labour could lead to a 'thought control problem' Its conclusions were backed by Baroness Falkner, who served as chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission until last year. 'I welcome this valuable report and agree with it that the proposed definition is even worse than anticipated,' she said. 'It is dangerous and divisive. 'That it will become a free speech and thought control problem is immediately evident. 'If there is one policy that cries out for another government U-turn, it is this.' Separately, the move could affect plans by police chiefs to scrap 'non-crime hate incidents', which have led to a series of cases which saw members of the public arrested for making what others regarded as offensive remarks. The report said: 'It is easy to see how a definition could become "non-crime hate incidents Mark Two", at least for non-crimes involving Muslims, used to pressure police forces, local authorities, employers or other bodies to record or sanction incidents of "anti-Muslim hostility".' Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has previously expressed reservations about the introduction of a new 'Islamophobia' definition It added: 'Giving Muslims special protections not available to others will be disastrous for them, and for everyone else. 'It will fuel, not diminish, hostility towards Muslims. 'It will empower divisive extremes both in Muslim communities, by creating new opportunities for challenge, grievance and attack in every institution and workplace.' Communities Secretary Steve Reed is finalising the new definition based on recommendations from an advisory group, headed by Dominic Grieve, the former Tory attorney general. Last September Shabana Mahmood, Britain's first female Muslim Home Secretary, indicated her reservations about the move. She said: 'It might be the case that everyone is safer when you're all subject to the same law.' Labour faces an apocalyptic political reckoning in Wales that will see the party of government for more than 20 years collapse to become the fourth-largest party in the Senedd, a new poll suggests. First Minister Eluned Morgan could see her party reduced from its current 29 seats to just eight in a May election that would allow nationalists Plaid Cymru and the Greens take power in Cardiff. The poll by YouGov for ITV Wales also shows Nigel Farage's Reform UK is on course to become the main opposition party, despite not yet having a leader in the country. However the numbers suggest it will fall way short of taking power itself, even with Conservative support. The poll shows Labour and the Conservatives, the current two largest parties in the current 60-seat chamber, will be reduced to little more than a dozen seats between them after an election that increases the size of the assembly to 96. The survey suggests a radical realignment of politics is underway, with the May vote, taking place at the same time as election for the Scottish Parliament and local elections in England, heaping yet more pressure on Sir Keir Starmer. It could also have far reaching consequences for the UK. As well as the SNP being expected to retain power in Scotland, the leader of Plaid Cymru has said his party would use time in government to make the case for Welsh independence. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The poll by YouGov for ITV Wales also shows Nigel Farage's Reform UK is on course to become the main opposition party, but fall way short of taking power itself, even with Conservative support. Speaking at a press conference, leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said he hoped to move Wales on to the 'road to independence'. He said: 'Everybody in Wales knows that I support Wales being an independent nation. 'The manifesto will spell out how we will want to use our time in government to make the case for how we could do things differently in Wales, how we can set a different trajectory for us by taking more levers of power into our hands. 'You can call that independence now, you can call it the road to independence, whatever, but we have business to do right now, on health, education, on families, on jobs, on the environment, on farming.' The party leader has already ruled out a referendum in the first term of a Plaid government. 'It is in the hands of the people of Wales,' Mr ap Iorwerth added. 'My job is to try to show leadership and bring people with us But we do that at the same time as getting to grips with those other issues.' Former deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg has called for tougher regulation of tech firms - a year after he quit his high-earning job at Facebook parent firm Meta. The ex-Liberal Democrat leader is reported to have made almost 15million from the sale of shares in Meta during his time as the tech giant's president of global affairs. He has now branded social media a 'poisoned chalice' and the rise of AI a 'negative development'. Sir Nick warned that engaging with 'automated' content appears to be 'much worse, particularly for younger people's mental health' than interactions with other humans. He also criticised the 'TikTokification' of apps like Instagram, which is also owned by Meta. The former MP said users were being 'bombarded' by short-form videos 'plucked from the deepest, darkest recesses of the internet'. The comments mark an apparent shift in tone from Sir Nick, who announced he was leaving Meta in January last year. The previous month, Sir Nick had hit out at the EU's 'needless regulatory complexity and delay around AI rules'. He said these were holding up his plans to train Meta's AI models using people's public social media posts. Sir Nick had previously criticised those who were 'dwelling on largely nonsensical fears' about AI. Former deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg has called for tougher regulation of tech firms - a year after he quit his high-earning job at Facebook parent firm Meta In his latest comments, made during an evidence session of the cross-party Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, Sir Nick said: 'If I was a regulator or actually in politics I've always thought this actually, even when I worked in Silicon Valley I would be way tougher with the big companies on the transparency that they must provide on these algorithmic systems which otherwise chop and change.' He added: 'The recent advent of generative AI is doing something very, very profound, and in my view, potentially actually very negative when it comes to social media, because it means, actually, these apps are no longer social at all. 'So if you use Instagram today, you are bombarded by short-form video recommendations, which are algorithmically recommended at you, plucked from the deepest, darkest recesses of the internet, because the system, the increasingly sophisticated AI system, thinks that you might look.' Sir Nick continued: 'It's the TikTokification, if I could put it like that, of social media, which is very, very different to the social media that I, at least, was interested in when I moved to Silicon Valley in the autumn of 2018, which was human-generated content, and human beings using these apps to communicate with each other. 'I think it is becoming an increasingly automated experience, where people are increasingly receiving, in a passive way, algorithmically recommended content, and that the content itself will increasingly be synthetic, too. 'I think that is, in general terms, a negative development, because there is quite a lot, again, of clear academic evidence that passive consumption of content on social media is much worse, particularly for younger people's mental health, than interaction with other human beings via social media.' Sir Nick said he still appreciated the 'democratising' effect of social media and that simply removing online platforms would be 'devastating' for users like small businesses. But he added: 'Having said all of that it's a bit of a poisoned chalice, because that individual empowerment comes, of course, with dramatic, excessive centralisation and aggregation of power in the hands of the small number of men who run these west coast and increasingly Chinese-based global behemoths. 'So it is a really difficult trade-off in terms of power, because these apps generally tend to be quite individually empowering, but they also come at the cost of an immense amount of power being put in the hands of people who are not elected by anyone, and as we've seen, have become increasingly active, certainly in American politics.' The commission, which was set up with the aim of examining and addressing community divisions across Britain in the wake of the 2024 summer riots. It comes amid a furious row over the use of Grok an AI tool embedded into social media website X to create sexually explicit content, including child sexual abuse. X last week limited Grok's image generation and editing features to only paying subscribers of the site. But this only sparked further fury with X owner Elon Musk accused of 'monetising abuse' in a move that was branded 'insulting to victims' by Government ministers. Ofcom is now carrying out an official investigation into X under the Online Safety Act, with ministers not ruling out banning the site once the regulator's probe is completed. An Irish teacher who refused to 'call a boy a girl' in a bitter trans row has been released from jail and vows to return to school, despite being warned he could be sent straight back to prison. Enoch Burke was jailed for contempt of court after repeatedly breaching an order banning him from entering his former workplace, Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath, where he had been employed as a teacher. The dispute dates back to 2022, when the school's then head teacher asked staff to address a student by a new name and pronouns. Mr Burke refused, citing his religious beliefs, and continued to address the student by their birth name and sex. He later became embroiled in a prolonged legal battle with the school's board. Mr Burke had been detained at Mountjoy Prison since late November following earlier periods of imprisonment. On Wednesday, a High Court judge ordered his release so he could prepare for a legal challenge against a disciplinary appeals body reviewing his dismissal. At the hearing, Mr Justice Brian Cregan said Mr Burke had raised 'substantive' and 'credible' issues against the Disciplinary Appeals Panel (DAP). The judge said he was directing Mr Burke's release for 'one reason and one reason only - the interest in the administration of justice' - adding that Mr Burke was 'somewhat hamstrung' in preparing his case while in custody. Enoch Burke speaks to the media today as he leaves Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, after a court ordered he be released Burke was jailed for contempt of court after repeatedly breaching an order banning him from entering his former workplace, Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath, where he had been employed as a teacher Enoch Burke (centre) leaving the High Court in Dublin where he was seeking a temporary injunction against members of a Disciplinary Appeals Panel from taking further steps in its consideration of his dismissal from Wilson's Hospital School However, the court stressed that Mr Burke's release was strictly conditional. Mr Justice Cregan warned that he must not enter the grounds of Wilson's Hospital School and said that any breach of the order would see the school teacher return to the High Court the following day, adding that he would have 'no hesitation' in sending Mr Burke back to prison. Despite the warning, Mr Burke told the court that he intended to return to the school following his release, insisting it remained his workplace and that it was his duty to attend. Mr Burke, who has spent a total of 550 days in prison for contempt of court arising from the dispute, said he did not accept the reasons given for his release. Mr Justice Cregan rejected Mr Burke's assertions and reiterated that the release had been granted solely to allow him to prepare his legal challenge, noting that he had been 'somewhat hamstrung' while in custody. The case is due to return to court on Thursday, when any alleged breach of the order will be addressed. As the hearing concluded, Mr Burke accused the court of hypocrisy and an 'outstanding U-turn', prompting Mr Justice Cregan to respond: 'Mr Burke, your ability to shoot yourself in the foot is unparalleled, in my experience.' Black Lives Matter activists slammed an off-duty ICE officer after he fatally shooting a black man who opened fire in his Los Angeles apartment block 'to celebrate the New Year'. The shooting unfolded as the agent, who has not been publicly identified, encountered Keith Porter Jr, 43, wielding an assault rifle at the complex where they both live on New Year's Eve. He allegedly told Porter Jr to drop the weapon multiple times before officials say Porter Jr fired off three shots at him. The agent then returned fire with his service weapon and fatally shot him, according to officials. The killing sparked controversy from BLM supporters amid national scrutiny over the ICE shooting of protester Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis on January 7. Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin defended the off-duty ICE agent by claiming he believed Porter Jr was an 'active shooter', and said the agent was 'protecting his community' where he lived. The agent immediately reported the incident to authorities after it happened, McLaughlin added, describing him as a 'brave officer' who was protecting other residents. However, Porter Jr's loved ones claim that he was only shooting his gun into the air to 'celebrate the New Year', and admitted that while it is illegal, it is common practice in their community. Keith Porter Jr, 43, was fatally shot by an off-duty ICE officer on New Year's Eve after he fired an assault weapon into the air to 'celebrate the New Year' Authorities say Porter Jr was firing his weapon into the air from his Los Angeles apartment complex (pictured) at 10:40pm which led the agent to believe he was an active shooter At a vigil for Porter Jr, a supporter of the family, civil rights activist Najee Ali, told ABC7: 'Yes, it was illegal, but at the end of the day it's an American tradition.' Porter Jr's supporters are calling for the off-duty ICE officer to be publicly identified, arrested and charged. Authorities have so far refused to do so, with the Los Angeles Police Department saying it is continuing to investigate the shooting. No building security camera captured the shooting and there was no bodycam footage as the officer was off-duty at the time. The LAPD added that the shooting occurred at around 10:40pm on New Year's Eve, hours before fireworks are used to mark the occasion. Jamal Tooson, an attorney for Porter Jr's family, admitted at a press conference this week that the deceased acted illegally by opening fire - which can bring felony charges - but claimed that the ICE agent overreacted. 'What should have been an arrest and possible citation has turned into a death sentence and potentially cold-blooded murder from an ICE agent who was not equipped to handle the situation,' Tooson said. Tooson said that multiple people fired guns from the apartment complex that night to ring in the New Year, but 'only one was murdered'. Supporters of Porter Jr are calling for the off-duty ICE officer who shot the 43-year-old to be publicly identified, arrested and charged, which has been resisted so far by authorities Porter Jr's mother and sister seen grieving at a vigil held for him At the vigil, a supporter of the family, civil rights activist Najee Ali (right, seen with Porter Jr's sister) said he acknowledged he was breaking the law by firing his weapon, but said 'at the end of the day it's an American tradition' The attorney said he interviewed several witnesses, including one who heard someone demand that Porter 'put down the rifle', but claimed no one heard anyone identify themselves as law enforcement. The Los Angeles County district attorney's office says it is reviewing Porter's killing, however the LA Times notes that the office often takes years to determine deadly use of force incidents. Under Los Angeles city law, LAPD officers are required to identify themselves in use of force cases, but there is no such law that would compel a federal agent under the Department of Homeland Security to do so. The ICE agent's status as a federal employee may complicate the investigation, local officials said, because the LAPD does not have the same powers as if the agent was an LAPD officer. Caleb Mason, a former federal prosecutor who is now a partner with Werksman Jackson & Quinn in Los Angeles, told the LA Times that investigators are limited, as they do not 'have the ability to compel a federal agent to answer questions, nor to grant some kind of immunity'. 'They could convene a grand jury and subpoena the person to come to the grand jury, that person could then invoke their 5th Amendment rights,' Mason said. The shooting remains under investigation, however no building security camera captured the shooting, and because the ICE agent was off-duty there is no bodycam footage Judy Vaughan, an 80-year-old attendee at Porter Jr's vigil, said she wanted to pay her respects because 'his life was valuable, his life mattered' At the vigil, Porter Jr's sister Chanita Fata told ABC7 that her family were devastated by the shooting, and said she blamed the ICE agent who, 'took our loved one... you murdered our loved one and it's not fair'. 'We are hurt, lost, that was my brother, he was my life, he was our family's life,' she said. Vigil attendee Judy Vaughan, 80, said people firing their guns in the air was a common practice in the Los Angeles area, saying that 'people shoot their guns as part of fireworks'. 'This is a human rights issue,' she added. Vaughan said she drove 20 miles to attend Porter Jr's vigil rather than go to an anti-ICE protest closer to her home, and said she wanted to pay her respects because 'his life was valuable, his life mattered'. Civil rights activist Ben Crump also called out the case on X, saying in a post: 'Keith Porter Jr. was a father of two, a son, and a brother whose life was stolen by an off-duty ICE agent. 'His family gathered in grief demanding the truth. We will continue to stand with Keith Porter Jr.s family until there is justice, transparency, and answers.' The Daily Mail has contacted Porter Jr's attorney and ICE for comment. Donald Trump has said NATO must support Washington's bid to put Greenland in American hands to strengthen the alliance, warning 'anything less is unacceptable'. Taking to his platform Truth Social on Wednesday, he wrote: 'The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building. 'NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DON'T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! 'Militarily, without the vast power of the United States, much of which I built during my first term, and am now bringing to a new and even higher level, NATO would not be an effective force or deterrent - Not even close!' 'They know that, and so do I. NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable.' This comes after Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Tuesday that his country would choose to remain Danish over an American takeover, ahead of crunch White House talks on the future of the Arctic island, which President Trump has repeatedly threatened. Trump has been talking up the idea of buying or annexing the autonomous territory for years, and further stoked tensions this week by saying the US would take it 'one way or the other'. The US president later reiterated his previous disparaging comment about Greenland's defense, saying it consists of 'two dogsleds' in a further post on Truth Social. 'We are now facing a geopolitical crisis, and if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark,' Nielsen said at a press conference. Donald Trump compared Greenland's defenses to 'two dogsleds' in a Truth Social post Taking to his platform Truth Social on Wednesday, the US President wrote that NATO must support Washington's bid to 'put Greenland in the hands of the US' Trump has been talking up the idea of buying or annexing the autonomous territory for years, and further stoked tensions this week by saying the United States would take it 'one way or the other' 'One thing must be clear to everyone: Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed by the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States.' His comments came ahead of a meeting at the White House today, where Denmark's foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt are due to meet US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the island's future. In Greenland's capital, Nuuk, residents have told international media that the island is not for sale, as attention focuses on Washington's stance towards the territory. Nielsen was speaking alongside Danish leader Mette Frederiksen, who said it had not been easy to stand up to what she slammed as 'completely unacceptable pressure from our closest ally'. 'However, there are many indications that the most challenging part is ahead of us,' Frederiksen said. Lokke said he and Motzfeldt had requested a meeting with Rubio, and Vance had asked to take part and host it at the White House. Greenland's leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said the island would choose to remain Danish over a US takeover ahead of crunch White House talks today He was speaking alongside Danish leader Mette Frederiksen, who said it had not been easy to stand up to what she slammed as 'completely unacceptable pressure from our closest ally' Vance made an uninvited visit to the island in March, where he criticised Denmark for what he said was a lack of commitment to Greenland and security in the Arctic, and called it a 'bad ally'. The comments enraged Copenhagen, which has been an ardent trans-Atlantic supporter and which has sent troops to fight US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. For Nuuk and Copenhagen, Wednesday's meeting at the White House is aimed at ironing out 'misunderstandings'. These relate to Greenland's defence, Chinese and Russian military presence in the Arctic, and the relationship between Greenland and Copenhagen, which, together with the Faroe Islands, make up the Kingdom of Denmark. 'To the uninformed American listener, the ongoing (independence) talks between Denmark and Greenland might have been construed as if Greenland's secession from Denmark was imminent,' said Greenland specialist Mikaela Engell. For these listeners, 'I can understand that, in this situation, it would be better for the Americans to take hold of that strategic place', the former Danish representative on the island told AFP. But this 'discussion has been going on for years and years and it has never meant that Greenland was on its way out the door', she stressed. Denmark's foreign minister said the reason Copenhagen and Nuuk had requested Wednesday's meeting was 'to move the entire discussion... into a meeting room, where you can look each other in the eye and talk through these issues'. Greenland's location is highly strategic, lying on the shortest route for missiles between Russia and the United States. It is therefore a crucial part of the US anti-missile shield. Greenland's location is highly strategic, lying on the shortest route for missiles between Russia and the United States Denmark's defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen (right) said Wednesday that Copenhagen would 'strengthen' its military footprint on the island and was in dialogue with allies in NATO Washington has accused Copenhagen of doing little to protect Greenland from what it perceives as a growing Arctic threat from Russia and China, though analysts suggest Beijing is a small player in the region. Denmark has rejected those claims and says it is stepping up its military presence in the Arctic. Criticised by the US for having neglected the defence of Greenland, Denmark's defence minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, said Wednesday that Copenhagen would 'strengthen' its military footprint on the island and was in dialogue with allies in NATO. 'We will continue to strengthen our military presence in Greenland, but we will also have an even greater focus within NATO on more exercises and an increased NATO presence in the Arctic,' Poulsen said, hours before the White House talks. He added that Denmark 'has an ongoing dialogue with its Allies about new and increased activities in 2026'. Frederiksen has called for stronger cooperation with the US and NATO to bolster Arctic security, arguing that collective security guarantees would be 'the best defence against Chinese or Russian threats'. Diplomats at NATO say some Alliance members have floated the idea of launching a new mission in the region, although no concrete proposals are yet on the table. Rutte said on Monday that the bloc was working on 'the next steps' to bolster Arctic security. He is set to meet Rasmussen and Poulsen next week to discuss the issue. 'We are now moving forward with the whole issue of a more permanent, larger presence in Greenland from the Danish defence forces but also with the participation of other countries,' Lund Poulsen told reporters. A Sunday school teacher who had her husband murdered so she could be with her lover is set to be executed - despite the Supreme Court saying she should get a new trial. Brenda Andrew, 62, was found guilty of capital murder for having her husband Robert killed in November 2001. Her accomplice and lover James Pavatt, 72, confessed to shooting Rob more than a year after he sold him an $800,000 life insurance policy. The Oklahoma County District Court ruled that she was responsible for the murder in 2004. Brenda has long fought her conviction, arguing that she was unfairly painted as a sexual deviant and unfit mother. A 7-2 Supreme Court ruling in Brenda's favor determined that she was sex-shamed during her trial and ordered an appeals court to reconsider the decision in 2025. The court wrote: 'The State spent significant time at trial introducing evidence about Andrews sex life and about her failings as a mother and wife, much of which it later conceded was irrelevant. 'Among other things, the prosecution elicited testimony about Andrews sexual partners reaching back two decades; about the outfits she wore to dinner or during grocery runs; about the underwear she packed for vacation; and about how often she had sex in her car.' Brenda Andrew and James Pavatt seen exiting court in July 2002 Robert Andrew was killed in his home's garage in November 2001 Brenda Andrew was found guilty of orchestrating her husband's murder However the circuit court unanimously upheld her conviction on Tuesday - meaning she will face the death penalty. Brenda had filed for divorce from Robert, an advertising executive at Jordan Associates, in October 2001. Robert filed a police report later claiming that Pavatt, a friend and insurance salesman, had slashed his car's brake lines and tried luring him out to a highway. He told cops that his wife and Pavatt may be having a 'relationship.' In early November 2001 - weeks before he was slain - Robert filed another police report, alleging that the culprits were trying to kill him for a hefty insurance claim. He handed over a tape of two suspicious phone calls telling him to go to a hospital on November 19, 2001. He was shot dead in the garage of his Oklahoma home the next day. He was 31. Brenda is seen above with her lawyer, Greg McCracken, when she was sentenced to death in July 2004 Brenda, seen in a 2024 mugshot, has appealed her conviction since she was found guilty His estranged wife, 38 at the time, sustained a superficial gunshot wound to her arm and told cops that masked-intruders broke in and gunned them down. Less than a week later, Brenda and Pavatt fled to Mexico with the Andrew children, Tricity Marie and Parker Bryce, missing Robert's funeral. The pair returned to the US after draining their money a few months later and were arrested at the border. An inmate who was locked up at the Oklahoma County Detention Center with Brenda claimed that she admitted to the crime. Claudette Colvin, a civil rights icon who was a pioneer in the desegregation of public transportation before Rosa Parks, has died at the age of 86. Her foundation announced her death on Tuesday, calling her a 'beloved mother, grandmother, and civil rights pioneer.' 'To us, she was more than a historical figure. She was the heart of our family, wise, resilient, and grounded in faith,' the statement read. 'We will remember her laughter, her sharp wit, and her unwavering belief in justice and human dignity.' On March 2, 1955, a teenaged Colvin refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus to a white woman and was arrested. Her act of defiance came nine months before Rosa Parks sensationally did the same thing, in the same town of Montgomery. On December 1 of that year, Parks was arrested for disorderly conduct, which ignited the 13-month Montgomery Bus Boycott that ultimately motivated the Supreme Court to rule that segregation on buses was unconstitutional. Parks became the face of the movement as a well-respected seamstress and secretary of the local NAACP. 'My mother told me to be quiet about what I did,' Colvin told the New York Times in a 2009 interview. Claudette Colvin, pictured above at 13-years-old in 1953, became a civil rights hero when she refused to give up her seat for a white woman, nine months before Rosa Parks did Colvin, pictured above at an event in New York in 2020, didn't receive the same level of fame as Parks because she was a pregnant teen from a lower-class family Parks, pictured above during the Montgomery bus boycott in 1956, refused to give up her seat on December 1, 1955 'She told me: "Let Rosa be the one. White people aren't going to bother Rosa, her skin is lighter than yours and they like her."' Colvin's story went largely unnoticed until writer Philip Hoose penned her biography, Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice, in 2009. Hoose discovered that over 100 letters of support were written for Colvin after her arrest, but leaders in the civil rights movement didn't think she would be a good fit for the face of the movement. 'They worried they couldnt win with her,' Hoose told the Times in 2009, adding: 'Words like "mouthy," "emotional" and "feisty" were used to describe her.' Colvin then learned she was expecting a baby a few months later. She never identified the baby's father, but said he was a married man and described the encounter as statutory rape. Colvin was also from a lower-class family. Her father abandoned them when she was young, and her mother wasn't able to support Colvin and her siblings. The children were then sent to live with Colvin's aunt on a farm in rural Alabama, and they became her adoptive parents. Colvin's background meant she flew under the radar for decades. 'They [local civil-rights leaders] wanted someone, I believe, who would be impressive to white people, and be a drawing,' she told The Guardian in a 2021 interview. Colvin was one of four plaintiffs in a Supreme Court case that ruled segregated buses were unconstitutional. She was represented by Fred Gray, who she is pictured with above in 2021 at a ceremony celebrating her record getting expunged Colvin said in an interview that her mother told her to let Parks, pictured above during the bus boycott, be the face of the movement Colvin, pictured above in 2009, led a quiet life as a nursing aide in New York after the Civil Rights Movement 'You know what I mean? Like the main star. And they didn't think that a dark-skinned teenager, low income without a degree, could contribute.' 'Its like reading an old English novel when you're the peasant, and you're not recognized,' Colvin said. Colvin told her biographer Hoose that on the day she refused to give up her seat, 'rebellion was on my mind.' She recalled a white woman in her 40s entering the bus, and the driver asked her and three other black girls to give up their seats so the woman could have the row to herself. Colvin refused to get up, even as the bus driver became agitated and screamed at her to leave the row. 'So I was not going to move that day. I told them that history had me glued to the seat,' she said in 2021. When officers arrived, Colvin remained defiant. She was forcibly removed from the bus and said one of the officers kicked her. Newspaper accounts of her arrest noted that she 'hit, scratched, and kicked' the officers during her arrest. Colvin pictured as a child around 1953 (left) and in 1998 (right) Aurelia Browder, pictured above, was also a plaintiff in the Supreme Court case to outlaw segregation on buses While she was handcuffed in the back of a squad car, Colvin recalled that the officers tried to guess her bra size. She was charged with assault, disorderly conduct, and violating segregation law. A minister bailed her out of jail, and she was later found guilty of assault. Colvin was one of four black women, not including Parks, arrested and fined that year for refusing to give up their seats on the bus. Aurelia Browder, Susie McDonald, Mary Louise Smith, and Colvin filed a lawsuit in Montgomery challenging segregated bus seating in 1956. Famous civil rights lawyer Fred Gray, 95, who also represented Parks, was their attorney in the lawsuit. The case, Browder v. Gayle, reached the Supreme Court and ended bus segregation. Colvin was a star witness. 'I dont mean to take anything away from Mrs. Parks, but Claudette gave all of us the moral courage to do what we did,' Gray told The Washington Post. Newspaper archives of the incident said Colvin was found guilty of assault after she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white woman Colvin, pictured above during an interview with CBS, is survived by her youngest son, her sisters, and grandchildren Even though Colvin's story gained the attention of Parks and Martin Luther King Jr, her defiance flew under the radar for decades. She never married but had a second son in 1960. Colvin then moved to New York City and became a nurse's aide. In 2021, Colvin's record was expunged. She said at the time that she filed the petition to show younger generations that progress was possible. She lived in the Bronx and sat down for her 2009 interview with the Times at a diner in Parkchester, which she frequented. Colvin was living in Texas at the time of her death. Her eldest son, Raymond, died in 1993. She is survived by her younger son, Randy, her sisters, and her grandchildren. A Las Vegas man who pleaded guilty to abusing and killing his then-girlfriend's 17-month-old son has been sentenced to a maximum of five years of probation after prosecutors admitted they did not have strong enough evidence to go to trial. Christian Moniz Rabino accepted a plea agreement for voluntary manslaughter in connection to the death of toddler Kai Tesoro in November last year, according to court transcripts. Rabino, 29, is said to have hit Kai on the head, shook him, or both, resulting in the boy's death on June 6, 2024, according to court records seen by The Las Vegas Review-Journal. Prosecutors in the case said inconsistent witness statements, largely from Kai's mother, prompted them to go for the more lenient sentence of probation instead of risking a not-guilty verdict at trial. 'In these cases, typically, there are no eyewitnesses in the true sense, and so you're relying upon caregivers to give the most accurate information,' Chief Deputy District Attorney Dena Rinetti said in court on Tuesday. 'There was some concern about some of the witnesses and their statements to police - especially the victim's mother, who gave three statements to police, the first two in which (she said) "nothing happened."' Jacqueline Bluth, a judge for Nevada's 8th Judicial District Court, reluctantly agreed to sentence Rabino to probation given the circumstances. 'What happened to [Kai] should not have happened,' a visibly emotional Judge Bluth said. 'I do not like this deal.' Kai died from a massive stroke on June 6, 2024. Five days earlier, he was found not breathing and once doctors looked him over, they discovered a pattern of physical abused, according to court records Christian Moniz Rabino, 29, was sentenced to five years' probation on Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in connection to the death of 17-month-old Kai Tesoro, his then-girlfriend's child Later, the judge addressed Rabino directly, threatening to sentence him to the full 10-year prison term a voluntary manslaughter charge carries if he does not follow the terms of his probation. 'I am going to give you probation like the deal calls for. You will get one shot. You step sideways on this, and I will not bat an eye at sending you away for the maximum,' the judge said. While on probation, Rabino cannot drink alcohol, do drugs or have contact with minors, except for his own child. He also needs to take a six-week anger management class, adhere to a 10pm curfew and perform community service if he can't get a full-time job, according to the Review-Journal. Las Vegas Metro Police received a call on June 1, 2024, that a child, later identified as Kai was not breathing. Kai was rushed to Summerlin Hospital where doctors determined that he had suffered several brain bleeds and a fractured leg possibly 'caused by a large amount of force', documents obtained by KLAS-TV revealed. One of the doctors who treated Kai said he had 'non-accidental trauma' to his eyes from suspected shaking, noting that the alleged abuse against the boy 'was one of the worst cases he had seen,' the documents said. Kai died after he suffered a massive stroke on June 6, 2024. Initially, Rabino and Kai's mother told police the same story about how Kai sustained his injuries. According to both of them, he had a seizure and fell off his bed. Nevada District Judge Jacqueline Bluth reluctantly agreed to sentence Rabino to probation but said if he does not follow the terms of the agreement, she would send him back to prison Kai's mother changed her story and blamed Rabino in her third interview with police, after they began to treat her as a suspect in her own son's death At the Tuesday hearing, Kai's grandfather, Steven Tesoro, begged the judge to give Rabino harsher consequences Kai's mother changed her story and blamed Rabino in her third interview with police, after they began to treat her as a suspect in her own son's death, Rinetti told the court. Rabino was arrested about a month after Kai's death and has spent more than a year in jail awaiting trial. Rinetti also revealed that Kai's autopsy showed he had older, unexplained injuries. 'As I told the family, this is a rare negotiation for me as well. I take these cases very, very seriously, but I also have to live with the facts of the case and what I can prove at trial,' Rinetti said. 'And there is, for both sides, a huge risk of going to trial - for the defendant, who could spend the rest of his life in prison, but also for the state that an individual who we believe killed a child walks out with no ramifications whatsoever.' Rabino represented himself throughout the proceedings and declined to speak during his latest hearing. At the hearing on Tuesday, Kai's grandfather, Steven Tesoro, begged the judge to give Rabino harsher consequences. 'We've got a person here that we're talking a minuscule amount of time that they have to pay for taking the life of a one-and-a-half-year-old child, ' Tesoro said. 'He had no voice. He was a year and a half, no voice. He couldn't tell anybody, couldn't tell anybody he was scared to death, all that took place, and he couldn't say a word. That's why I'm here today for him.' A teachers' union has been forced to delete a post urging the 'ultra-wealthy' to fully fund schools after it was mocked online for misspelling 'governor.' On Tuesday, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) circulated a flyer on social media, urging the public to pressure state leaders to tax billionaires to fund struggling public institutions. It comes months after a report found the district is $1.6 billion short of necessary funding, according to Chicago Public Media. The union's flyer went after Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a multibillionaire heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune, demanding that the 'ultra-wealthy pay their fair share and fully fund our schools.' But the irony that a spelling mistake appeared in a post shared by the state's own educators was quickly picked up by online users. At the very top, the post declared, 'TELL GOVERNER PRITZKER' - a glaring typo that quickly became the subject of ridicule. It also included a barcode linking to a May Day Coalition petition, complete with the hashtags #NoKings and #NoBillionaires. The petition, by contrast, read: 'Help our Governors to stand up against the Trump occupations of our cities... while taking on the billionaires who are bleeding us dry.' The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) deleted a post urging the 'ultra-wealthy' to fully fund city schools after it was mocked online for misspelling governor The CTU posted its flyer across X, Facebook and TikTok, calling on the public to push state leaders to tax billionaires, months after a report found the district is $1.6 billion short of necessary funding CTU president Stacy Davis Gates took aim at Governor Pritzker in October, saying he had done little for the school system beyond publicly denouncing President Trump's policies Corey DeAngelis, a conservative education reform advocate, called out the union's error on X, leading to the post being quickly removed from all three official platforms. 'If the union can't handle simple spelling on a flyer, imagine the oversight in their classrooms. Beyond parody. No wonder so many kids in Chicago can't read,' DeAngelis said in a separate statement on X. The posts drew thousands of comments, including one that said: 'I am so embarrassed on their behalf. This explains so much about performance scores.' A damning report revealed that last year, over half of Chicago students couldn't read at grade level, and nearly three-quarters failed to reach math proficiency on state tests, according to the 2025 Illinois Report Card. It also revealed widespread issues across Illinois, with only 40 percent of 11th graders proficient in reading, 25 percent in math, and just 43 percent of 3rd8th graders reading at grade level. Even more troubling, the scores came after the state eased proficiency standards, and 40.1 percent of students still missed at least 10 percent of the school year. In another criticism, DeAngelis wrote: 'The teachers union is begging for more funding when Chicago already spends over $30,000 per student per year, yet they can't even spell 'governor' correctly on their own materials.' 'Chicago Teachers Union leadership must have graduated from the "Quality Learing [sic] Center" - how else do you explain such a glaring error while insisting on more money for education?' he added. DeAngelis was referencing a recent viral video by rightwing influencer Nick Shirley alleging fraud in Minnesota's Somalirun programs - a claim that has not been independently verified. Join the debate Should teachers unions focus more on classroom basics or social justice and funding campaigns? In the video, he visits two abandoned 'daycare centers' said to have received $2.6 million in federal grants despite showing no signs of operation, and highlights a number of other alleged fraud cases. One facility he visited had a sign outside that blatantly misspelled 'Learning,' reading: 'Quality Learing Centre.' For months, Chicago educators have pushed for more education funding and taxing the rich. In October, they packed the Illinois Capitol to urge lawmakers to find revenue for both state universities and K12 schools, according to Chalkbeat Chicago. Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates took aim at Gov. Pritzker, saying he had done little beyond publicly denouncing President Trump's policies. 'I'm not looking for a fight. I think Democrats in a blue state that understand the tyranny of Trump need to show up for our children in Illinois,' Davis Gates said. In an October interview with Capitol News Illinois, Davis Gates said: 'We believe that we should be taxing billionaires so they can pay their fair share.' 'We believe that wealthy corporations that are receiving a benefit from the Trump administration should see that benefit manifest and put in a little more in Illinois,' she added. However, a September spending report from the CTU showed that just 17.7 percent of its 2025 budget was spent on 'representation activities' instead of directly supporting teachers. For months, Chicago educators have pushed for more education funding and taxing the rich The Washington Post criticized the union for focusing on social justice initiatives amid falling reading and math scores in response to its New Year's resolution to 'speak truth to power' Last year's state report card revealed widespread struggles, with only 40 percent of 11th graders proficient in reading, 25 percent in math, and just 43 percent of 3rd8th graders reading at grade level Earlier this month, the Washington Post called out the union's focus on social justice initiatives while reading and math proficiency rates continued to fall. The editorial came after CTU posted its New Year's resolutions on X, pledging to 'speak truth to power' and defend Black, Brown and immigrant communities targeted by federal agents. The post also added that the union is 'fighting back against an administration trying to dismantle the US Department of Education and roll back civil rights protections.' In response, the Post wrote: 'Those are lofty goals in a school district that can hardly teach kids to read and write,' before highlighting the low proficiency rates in each grade. 'Those are fundamental deficits that haunt kids into high school,' the editorial added. In the article, the editorial board argued that it was 'hard to believe the union has students' best interests at heart when its bosses continue to ignore the biggest problems.' The Post also spotlighted Chicago's chronic absenteeism, noting that 'teachers are also playing hooky, with about 43 percent of educators missing 10 or more days of school compared to 34 percent statewide.' 'Davis Gates, who has a history of blowing off mandatory union audits and has described testing as 'junk science rooted in White supremacy,' is clearly allergic to accountability and excellence,' the outlet wrote. A mother-of-two with cerebral palsy has been left distraught after the father of her children was snatched up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), leaving his family to fend for themselves. Ademir Ramas, 40, was detained by ICE in the Pico Rivera neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, while working a landscaping job. Ramas was the breadwinner of his family, leaving his partner, Erika Gallardo, not only with financial hardship, but without a carer, a significant obstacle due to her condition. 'It's like a nightmare. It's a nightmare. You think he's gonna walk through the door and he's not,' Gallardo told local ABC affiliate, KABC. 'He was the one who did everything for us. Our laundry. He was the one who went grocery shopping.' Gallardo added that Ramas immigrated from Guatemala 20 years ago on a work visa. It's unclear if his visa had lapsed. The Daily Mail has reached out to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security for comment on Ramas' immigration status. Ramas has left behind Gallardo with their two young sons. Their nine-year-old described him as the 'greatest dad' to KABC. Ademir Ramas (far left) was detained by ICE in California, leaving his partner, Erika Gallardo (far right), to care for their two children by herself Gallardo (far left) has cerebral palsy and can't work. Her partner, Ramas (far right), provided for their family Gallardo's community has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help their family with finances. 'He is the backbone of his family, a hardworking, loving husband, and an involved, caring father who puts his children first,' the fundraiser description wrote. 'Without warning, he was taken by ICE, instantly removing the familys sole provider and turning their world upside down.' The description added that Gallardo was an 'extraordinary mother,' who remained strong and resilient despite the daily challenges she faces due to her disability. Gallardo has also started a small business making pens to help provide for her family now that her partner has been detained. The family is just one of many that have been impacted by the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration. ICE has initiated massive raids across the country, beginning in Los Angeles over the summer and spreading to major cities nationwide. KABC reported on Tuesday that at least a dozen people were arrested in ICE raids around Los Angeles over the weekend. Gallardo's community set up a GoFundMe to help her care for their children, pictured above, while Ramas is in ICE custody ICE raids have ramped up under the Trump administration, with at least a dozen arrests in Downey, California, over the weekend Video footage of raids in Downey, a city in southeastern Los Angeles County, depicted federal agents physically detaining two landscapers. Agents in a nearby vehicle pointed a gas canister at the landscapers before neighbors intervened. Witnesses told KABC that the two landscapers are legally in the US on work permits and green cards. DHS said in a statement to the outlet: 'On January 10, Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) conducted a targeted immigration operation in Downey, California, resulting in the arrest of 11 illegal aliens from Mexico and El Salvador that have all broken the immigration laws of the nation.' Oregon congresswoman Maxine Dexter has faced a grilling from a reporter over her hasty statement about the shooting of two suspected gang members by a Border Patrol agent in Portland. The Democrat representative's statement appeared to compare the January 8 incident to the fatal shooting of Renee Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer Jonathan Ross the day before. The Department of Homeland Security later said that the agent involved in the Portland incident was a member of Border Patrol, not ICE, and shot the individuals in self defense after they allegedly rammed a law enforcement vehicle. Both DHS and the Portland Police Department also said the suspects, Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, have ties to Tren De Aragua, a Venezuelan gang responsible for drug trafficking, prostitution rings and murders throughout the United States. Fox News reporter Bill Melugin confronted the progressive lawmaker on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to ask her why she got ahead of herself. 'Why didn't you wait for any facts to come out on the Portland Border Patrol shooting before you put your statement out?' Melugin asked. 'I did not make a statement about the -' she started to say. 'You did,' Melugin interrupted. 'It's on Twitter.' 'No I made a statement. I did not say anything about whether or not those folks were rightfully -' Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, a Democrat of Oregon, answers questions about the January 8 Border Patrol shooting in Portland. Dexter put out a statement before authorities tied the people who were shot to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang Luis David Nino-Moncada (left) was driving the car that allegedly rammed a Border Patrol vehicle. Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras was in the passenger seat, per court records. Both illegal immigrants were eligible for arrest and deportation, according to authorities Melugin cut her off again, pointing out that she said in her statement that ICE was terrorizing the community, despite the shooting involving Border Patrol agents. Her full statement mentioned President Donald Trump twice and demanded 'full accountability and transparency'. 'Just one day after the horrific murder in Minneapolis,' Dexter said, 'I received reports that two people in my district were shot by federal immigration officials this afternoon in East Portland. Both individuals are alive, but we do not know the extent of their injuries.' 'ICE has done nothing but inject terror, chaos, and cruelty into our communities. Trump's immigration machine is using violence to control our communities - straight out of the authoritarian playbook. ICE must immediately end all active operations in Portland,' she continued. 'I will share more updates as they become available. I am demanding full accountability and transparency. I encourage our community to stay calm and show courage in this moment. We must allow our local law enforcement to do its work. There must be a comprehensive investigation without Trump's interference,' Dexter's statement concluded. In her interaction with Melugin, the Fox reporter, Dexter argued that Nino-Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras were not afforded their right to due process. According to court records, Nino-Moncada had been served a final order of removal by a Colorado immigration judge in November 2024, while Zambrano-Contreras was eligible to be arrested after entering the country illegally in September 2023. Nino-Moncada was accused of frequently transporting Zambrano-Contreras around Portland so she could engage in prostitution, according to an FBI affidavit. Pictured: The red Toyota Tacoma that was allegedly used by Nino-Moncada to ram a Border Patrol vehicle before fleeing the scene Pictured: The damage to the Border Patrol vehicle that was repeatedly backed into by Nino-Moncada, according to the FBI This alleged prostitution ring, which involved two other unnamed males, was discovered by local police in July after there was a shooting at a hotel where Zambrano-Contreras had allegedly got into a disagreement with customers, according to court documents. Months later, on the afternoon of January 8, Border Patrol agents came across a red Toyota Tacoma being driven by Nino-Moncada. Zambrano-Contreras was in the passenger seat, according to the FBI. After they initiated a traffic stop, Nino-Moncada allegedly reversed into a Border Patrol vehicle several times. Eventually, a Border Patrol agent fired into Nino-Moncada's truck. After the shooting, court records indicate Nino-Moncada fled the scene and that Border Patrol agents did not follow them. At this point, Nino-Moncada had been shot in the arm, while Zambrano-Contreras had been hit in the chest. Out of necessity, Nino-Moncada called 911 to get medical assistance for him and Zambrano-Contreras. Once at the hospital, both of them were arrested and interviewed by FBI agents. According to the FBI affidavit, Nino-Moncada repeatedly said 'f*** ICE' and admitted he rammed the immigration enforcement vehicles in an attempt to escape. A callous mother who swindled her own infirm grandparents out of more than 30,000 has been spared jail after magistrates ruled the thefts were a 'stupid, immature mistake'. Charlotte Booth, 24, used a bank card in the names of Robert and Christine Booth to splurge on shopping and pay off rent and direct debits after her own mother was given power of attorney over the elderly couple. A court heard Booth 'exploited' the situation to make multiple cash withdrawals over a two-year period. The truth emerged when her mother Natalie noticed discrepancies in the bank account, a court heard. She consulted her step-sister Andrea Mason, who also had power of attorney over Mr and Mrs Booth. Initially the mother was wrongly treated as a suspect until it was established that her daughter was behind the thefts. Charlotte - herself the mother of a two-year-old child - later blamed her offending on 'poor decision making'. The elderly couple, who both have dementia, are said to be unaware of their granddaughter's betrayal. Charlotte Booth, 24, (pictured outside court) was given a suspended prison sentence after admitting the theft of more than 30,000 from her elderly grandparents Andrea Mason (pictured) shared power of attorney over Robert and Christine Booth's financial affairs and raised the alarm over the missing cash At Warrington magistrates court, Booth, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, admitted theft and was sentenced to 10 months in jail, suspended for 18 months. She will have to pay back all the stolen money - amounting to 30,255.19. She is currently claiming Universal Credit In a statement to the hearing, Mrs Mason, who helps run a management consultancy business in Congleton, said news of the missing money had left her 'in shock and disbelief'. 'I have endured countless sleepless nights with my mind racing with worry about my parents future security and wellbeing,' she said. 'The sense of trust has been shattered in the family - something that will never be repaired.' She has had to to take on full responsibility for the couple's financial affairs as well as managing two businesses, she added. As a result, her daily life is 'a constant battle between safeguarding my parents future and maintaining my own livelihood'. 'Thankfully they were blissfully unaware of these stressful events unfolding over the years. 'Neither suffered physical or physical harm injuries. 'But there was a substantial financial loss to my parents - money that was to provide comfort and care in their later years. 'There has been an emotional toll of knowing their hard-earned savings were exploited. 'This did not just represent their security but their dignity and peace of mind. That has been stolen from them. 'This has caused lasting damage to the family relationships and created significant stress and hardship. 'It has placed an enormous burden on my shoulders and my hope is that the prosecution of Charlotte will provide some measure of accountability and reassurance that the exploitation of vulnerable individuals will not go unpunished.' Earlier Lisa McGuire, prosecuting, told the court that Mrs Mason had reported money missing from the couple's bank account to police. 'An investigation found money was taken from the account to pay for a rental agreement, direct debits, cash withdrawals and general purchases,' she said. 'Natalie Booth was originally suspected in the case, but she states she gave the card to her daughter on the pretext she did shopping for her parents on her behalf. 'There are no criminal charges in relation to Natalie Booth. 'Charlotte clearly breached the trust of all parties concerned.' In mitigation for Booth, Laura Young said: 'The offending occurred during a period of financial pressure. 'She was not driven by greed or entitlement but by her poor decision making.' Her client had been visiting her grandparents as part of 'steps to rebuild trust', she added. Saying a prison sentence would be 'disproportionate and counter-productive', Ms Young added that Booth was 'willing to pay whatever compensation is imposed'. Sentencing Booth, JP Andrew Pope said: 'It is evident that you have made a stupid immature mistake. 'You have breached the trust placed on you by your family and that aggravates the situation. 'Make no mistake we do have the right to send you to immediate custody, but you entered a prompt guilty plea and you have no previous convictions. 'There is a realistic chance you wont commit further offences.' The Trump administration has issued a rare apology for the sudden deportation of a college freshman to Honduras while she was traveling home for Thanksgiving. Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, 19, was intercepted by two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials at the Boston airport in November and placed in shackles. 'It felt like I was a criminal, when I'm not,' Lopez Belloza told MS Now at the time. 'That kind of hurts,' she added, before breaking down in tears as she described the moment she had to tell her mother she had been detained. Lopez Belloza launched legal action against her deportation a day after she was detained, and this week, the government apologized in court via an attorney. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Sauter said the administration had made a 'mistake' when they ordered ICE officials to deport the Babson College freshman. 'On behalf of the government, we want to sincerely apologize,' Sauter said. Lopez Belloza was brought to the US from Honduras by her parents when she was eight years old. The Trump administration has issued a rare apology for the sudden deportation of college freshman Any Lucia Lopez Belloza to Honduras while she was traveling home for Thanksgiving 'It felt like I was a criminal, when I'm not,' Lopez Belloza said, while breaking down in tears She was arrested on November 20 based on a removal order she said she did not know existed. Her lawyer filed a lawsuit challenging her detention the next day. A federal judge in Massachusetts issued an order on November 21 barring Lopez Belloza from being deported or transferred out of the state for 72 hours. But by that time, Lopez Belloza had already been flown to Texas, potentially stripping Stearns' court of jurisdiction. She was flown to Honduras on November 22. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Sauter acknowledged the court's order was violated, a development he blamed on a 'mistake' by an officer with ICE who thought the order no longer applied and failed to properly flag it. The case was heard by US District Judge Richard Stearns, who called the case a 'bureaucratic mess'. Sauter apologized, but said there were no grounds to hold anyone in contempt. He called it a rare instance of the government not following an order in the over 700 cases filed in Massachusetts by migrants challenging their detention since President Donald Trump took office last year with a hardline immigration agenda. Stearns, who was appointed by Democratic President Bill Clinton, commended Sauter for acknowledging the mistake and asked what the remedy should be, saying 'we don't want to lose sight that we have a real human being here.' The 19-year-old Babson College freshman was intercepted by two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials at the Boston airport in November and placed in shackles Lopez Belloza launched legal action against her deportation a day after she was detained at Logan International Airport (pictured), and this week, the government apologized in court Last month, the Department of Homeland Security, led by Kristi Noem, celebrated removing more than 2.5 million people from the US during the first year of Trump's second term Todd Pomerleau, Lopez Belloza's lawyer, urged Stearns to order the government to facilitate the return of his client and to hold officials in contempt. 'The rule of law ought to matter,' Pomerleau said. Stearns did not immediately rule. But he floated an alternative, recommending the State Department issue Lopez Belloza a student visa allowing her to finish her studies. 'We all recognize a mistake was made,' Stearns said. 'She's a very sympathetic person, and there should be some means to addressing this.' Last month, the Department of Homeland Security celebrated removing more than 2.5 million people from the US during the first year of Trump's second administration. They said that more than 605,000 'illegal aliens' had been deported by DHS enforcement operations, while 1.9 million had 'voluntarily self-deported'. The department launched the CBP Home app which allows illegal immigrations to take a free flight home, while receiving $1,000 as an extra incentive. 'Illegal aliens are hearing our message to leave now,' Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. 'They know if they don't, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return.' A Yale professor who fled the United States because of Donald Trump's presidency has scolded Canadians who expressed that they want to visit or move to America. Jason Stanley said that Canadians who tell him they'd like to move to the US are verging on 'traitorous' because the country has become 'fascist' under Trump. Stanley, who now teaches at the University of Toronto's Munk School after fleeing Yale in 2025, urged Canada to adopt what he called a 'robust nationalism,' rooted in rejecting what he described as America's new values of cruelty and intolerance. The Syracuse-born professor complained that many Canadians still talk about American universities, travel and economic opportunities 'as if economic considerations could make up for rising white supremacy and fascism.' He gushed about how free and democratic Canada is - while warning his new countrymen: 'America is not your friend.' Stanley wrote in the Toronto Star: 'The US has been veering toward fascism for some time. That is why my family and I decided to leave for Canada last March. 'Yet in my short time here, I have observed an alarming level of naivete about what is happening south of the border. 'We are extraordinarily privileged to live in this country. Yet I have spoken to Canadians who say they would rather live in the US - even now. To me, this verges on traitorous.' Jason Stanley, a former Yale professor and author of How Fascism Works, now teaches at the University of Toronto after relocating his family to Canada The Pentagon dubbed the mission 'Operation Absolute Resolve' while President Donald Trump said the U.S. would temporarily 'run' Venezuela without outlining a transition plan Stanley's op-ed came after a turbulent start to 2026, when US special forces captured Maduro in Caracas and flew him to New York on narcoterrorism charges. The Pentagon dubbed the mission 'Operation Absolute Resolve,' and Trump declared that the US would temporarily 'run' Venezuela without offering a transition plan. 'As in Ukraine, Canadian nationalism should be based on defending core democratic ideals,' he wrote. 'Investing in the military and building new infrastructure are essential, but Canada must also cultivate and reinforce a society-wide mistrust of its southern neighbor.' Stanley also said that American immigration enforcement now functions as an internal security force loyal to the president alone. 'ICE is now an internal security force, seemingly beholden to Trump alone,' he wrote, claiming the agency 'continues to terrorize US civilians.' He cited the January 7 fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, as well as policies he said have effectively sealed the US border to refugees and asylum seekers. Stanley also said the Justice Department has been weaponized against Trump's opponents, claimed noncitizens have 'no right to free speech,' and cited Stephen Miller's remarks as evidence the administration favors rule by force. 'All Canadians must now recognize that their once-reliable ally poses a genuine existential threat to the free world,' Stanley wrote, warning that annexation remains 'on the table.' Stanley said he was 'shocked' by Canadians who spoke unapologetically about vacationing there or who spent their 'Canadian-earned fortunes' supporting American universities. 'Canada is a free democracy, one that embraces diversity and tolerance,' he concluded. 'For that very reason, America is not your friend It is time we started living in the real world.' Stanley is the author of How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them, a 2018 book examining the tactics and warning signs of authoritarian movements Signs notify drivers at the US-Canada Ambassador Bridge border crossing in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, April 17, 2025 Stanley has echoed similar warnings in interviews over the past year. When he accepted the Toronto teaching position, he told The Guardian in March 2025 that he left Yale after Columbia University 'capitulated' to federal pressure, calling the university's approach a 'losing strategy' and saying he wanted to raise his children in a country 'that is not tilting toward a fascist dictatorship.' By late 2025, Stanley went further, telling Mother Jones: 'Yes, a coup is happening in the United States,' adding that remaining at Yale would have meant pressure not to draw the Trump administration's 'wrath' onto the university. The Daily Mail has reached out to Stanley for comment. The sister of a teacher who was murdered in the Uvalde school shooting had an emotional outburst during the trial of Adrian Gonzales, one of the first police officers on the scene at Robb Elementary. During witness testimony on Tuesday afternoon, Velma Duran began screaming from the gallery about the death of her sister, Irma Garcia, a fourth-grade teacher at the school. The 48-year-old educator was killed alongside another teacher and 19 students on May 24, 2022, after being left defenseless for more than an hour as 18-year-old gunman Salvador Ramos went on his deadly rampage. Gonzales, a former Uvalde school police officer, now faces 29 felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child, one for each of the 19 children killed and one for each of the 10 who survived. Witness Zavala County Sheriff's deputy Joe Vasquez, had been telling the court about fatal funnel, a tactical term law enforcement uses to describe a situation when officers have barely any cover to engage an armed suspect. This has been a key defense talking point, with Gonzales's lawyers insisting that he was operating in line with his training by not immediately sending officers through a classroom door they knew was being guarded by the shooter. Duran lost her patience at this point in the trial and yelled: 'You know who went into the fatal funnel? My sister went into the fatal funnel.' 'Ma'am. Go ahead and have a seat,' Judge Sid Harle said as officers surrounded her. Duran continued yelling about how classrooms 111 and 112 were both unlocked at the time of the shooting. Subsequent investigations by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Department of Justice have come to that conclusion, contradicting what officers on the scene initially said. Velma Duran, the sister of Robb Elementary school shooting victim Irma Garcia, was escorted out of the courtroom on Tuesday after she had an outburst during the trial for Adrian Gonzales, one of the first police officers on the scene at Robb Elementary Garcia was a fourth-grade teacher at the elementary school that was attacked on May 24, 2022. She was killed alongside another teacher and 19 students Garcia's husband, Joe Garcia, died of a heart attack two days after his wife was killed. They left behind four children 'Did she need a key? Why did you need a key? Wasn't it (the door) locked?' Duran shouted in the courtroom. 'Y'all are saying she didn't lock her door. She went into the fatal funnel,' Duran said, once again referring to her sister. 'She did it.' Duran and her family are no strangers to tragedy. Just two days after Garcia died in the school shooting, her husband, Joe Garcia, died of a heart attack. The couple left behind four children. Duran was removed from the courtroom at the direction of Judge Harle, who called her outburst 'very unfortunate'. He also instructed the jury to 'disregard' what she said and warned that any further outbursts could lead to a mistrial. Prosecutors have seized on whether or not the classroom doors were accessible because multiple officers on the scene initially said that the doors were locked, which is partly how they explained the 77-minute delay in confronting the shooter. On security camera footage, former Uvalde school district police chief Pete Arredondo, who is also set to go on trial for allegedly endangering the students, was seen testing dozens of keys on the door without checking to see if it was unlocked. Additionally, video showed the gunman entering the room without any issue. Gonzales, a former Uvalde school police officer, is pictured in court on January 6. If convicted, he faces a maximum of two years in prison for each of the 29 felony counts Pictured: Police are seen crowding in the hallway as the shooter has free rein inside the classrooms. Then-Uvalde school police chief Pete Arredondo is seen trying to open the door Gonzales, through his defense lawyers, has admitted that the doors were unlocked. Arnulfo Reyes, one of the surviving teachers, testified at the Gonzales trial that the door to classroom 111 was unlocked and had a faulty latch. Reyes also said that the door connecting room 111 and 112 was also unlocked, explaining this was a common practice so teachers could easily access things like printers in the next room over. The defense has argued that Gonzales did not cause the deaths of the 21 victims, and he has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. His lawyers have also said that the state's characterization of Gonzales failing to act is inaccurate and that he responded to the threat, emphasizing that he and other officers took incoming fire from the shooter. If convicted, Gonzales faces a maximum of two years in prison for each of the 29 felony counts. A woman who claimed she was driving to a doctor's appointment when she was hauled out of her car by Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers has a history of social justice activism and interactions with police. Aliya Rahman, 42, was allegedly blocking ICE agents working to capture illegals in Minneapolis on Tuesday when officers pulled her from her black Ford Fusion as she desperately clung to the driver's side door. She cried out 'I'm disabled, I'm trying to go to the doctor up there' as four masked officers dragged her into a federal vehicle. Disturbing photos of her arrest made international news. Rahman, a US-born citizen, is a technologist and social justice trainer who dedicates her time to LBGTQ and racial injustice causes, her Tech for Social Justice profile said. The registered Democrat says she threw herself into activism work while studying aeronautical engineering at Purdue University after two of her cousins were killed in the 9/11 terror attacks. Rahman, who identifies as being genderqueer, was dating a transgender man at the time and claimed that due to the culture in rural Indiana, it was a 'necessity' that she became involved in advocacy work. She is currently based in Minnesota and works as a software engineering manager in a remote capacity for a real estate company based in New Jersey. The ICE incident is not her first run-in with the law. Rahman previously pled guilty to criminal trespassing charges in Ohio and was hit with multiple traffic violations, according to court records obtained by the Daily Mail. ICE agents in Minneapolis pulled Aliya Rahman, 42, from her Ford Fusion as she desperately clung onto the driver's side door on Tuesday Rahman was heard shouting 'I'm disabled, I'm trying to go to the doctor up there' as masked agents dragged her into federal custody Rahman, (pictured) is a US-born citizen. She is a technologist and social justice trainer who dedicates her time to LBGTQ, immigrant and racial injustice causes, the Daily Mail can reveal Rahman has had several run-ins with police while in a vehicle, according to records obtained by the Daily Mail. Her first traffic offence was in 2009 when she was charged with driving without insurance in Illinois. It is unclear how the allegation was resolved and if Rahman was convicted or acquitted. She was charged with driving under the influence in 2010, which she pled guilty to, Ohio public records showed. She was later found guilty of following too close, stopping improperly at a stop sign, criminal trespassing and disorderly conduct. Rahman was taken into custody again on Tuesday for the alleged assault of an ICE officer, a Department of Homeland Security spokesman confirmed. DHS did not name her in its statement but when specifically asked about charges against Rahman, a spokesman said: 'As officers carried out their law enforcement duties, a significant crowd surrounded them and began impeding law enforcement operations a federal crime. 'One agitator ignored multiple commands by an officer to move her vehicle away from the scene, she was arrested for obstruction. Another agitator assaulted an officer by jumping on his back. Six of these agitators were taken into custody for assaulting law enforcement.' The spokesman also applauded ICE's efforts in Minneapolis on Tuesday, which included the apprehension of four illegal migrants. Join the debate Do YOU believe ICE officers acted appropriately here? Rahman was allegedly blocking ICE agents working to capture illegal immigrants in Minneapolis on Tuesday when officers pulled her from her vehicle A person claiming to be Rahman's friend also confirmed her identity to MPR News, claiming she had been released from custody by 6pm Tuesday. As of 10am Wednesday, the Department of Justice had not yet filed charges against Rahman. Video captured in Minneapolis Tuesday showed Rahman in the driver's seat of her Ford Fusion during in a heated argument with ICE agents in standstill traffic. A masked officer repeatedly tells her to 'move, go' and points at unobstructed road just in front of her car, which would enable her to drive away from scene. The federal agent is then seen reaching inside car and grabbing at her seat belt. Rahman then drove forward a few feet. There were no officers obstructing her path and it appears she would have been allowed to leave the scene. She then hit the brakes and a masked cop could be seen directing her to move forward - it is unclear if he wanted her to drive off or pull her car over. The camera pulls back and an officer can again be seen gesturing her to move her car away from the scene. Rahman does not comply with his command and is again directed to move away from the scene. A masked officer - standing near the right hand side of the Ford - smashes the front passenger window. Rahman began to to drive the sedan away, but multiple ICE agents surrounded the vehicle and detained her Rahman was dragged away in handcuffs after at least three male officials shoved her against the car and arrested her A second later, a different masked officer - standing near the right hand side of the Ford - smashes the front passenger window. Rahman began to to drive the sedan away, but multiple officials surrounded the vehicle and detained her. As at least three male officials shoved her against the car and handcuffed her, distressed protesters were heard shouting, begging them to stop. 'Stop, stop,' the protesters repeatedly shouted. 'That's so f***ed up,' another said, while a third added: 'All you do is hurt.' At least 60 agitators have been charged with impeding or assaulting immigration authorities in Minnesota in the last five days. Rahman was born in the US but grew up in Bangladesh. Her mother, a Wisconsin native, and father, a Bengali refugee who fled to America during the genocide of 1971, moved their family to Bangladesh when she was only a few months old. Although she did not know the proper terminology for it, Rahman told Tech for Social Justice (T4SJ) that she knew she was 'definitely different' and 'queer as hell' by the age of six. She currently uses she/her and they/them pronouns. Rahman returned to America to attend university, noting in the profile: 'Homosexuality is punishable by imprisonment in Bangladesh, and I thought I probably shouldn't stay there.' Although she had done some advocacy work in Bangladesh, her social justice journey really kicked off during her junior year after the 9/11 attacks, she said. Rahman (pictured outside the White House in June 2015) is a registered Democrat and has dedicated her life to activism. She said she knew she was 'definitely different' and 'queer as hell' by the age of six Rahman has lived in numerous cities across America, working in both the tech and political activism sectors. She is pictured at the DC Open Gov Board swearing in March 2016 'All kinds of stuff happened that literally just threw my identity and my background as an activist and engineer into this f***ing s**t pile,' Rahman told T4SJ. 'For me, that was a really important moment in starting to dig deeply into US social movements and understanding what race means here that it doesn't in Bangladesh, and understanding that I stepped into rural Indiana where brown folks are used against black people.' She volunteered with LBGTQ rights and racial justice organizations after graduation, while also working as a high school teacher on Native American reservations in Arizona. She later became a field organizer at the Center for Community Change in Ohio, working with immigrant organizers and convicts who were reentering society. In 2013, she was appointed field director at LGBTQ nonprofit Equality Ohio and worked on policies that aimed to tackle issues impacting trans prisoners, healthcare and poverty. She moved to Washington DC in 2014 and started working for Code for Progress, a nonprofit focused on diversity in the tech force. She reportedly developed a fellowship program that paid women, people of color and low-income activists to learn to code. Rahman moved to Minnesota two years later to lead the Wellstone organization, which trained liberal activists and political leaders on the basics of grassroots political action. The ICE incident is not her run-in with the law. Rahman (pictured in DC in March 2017) previously pled guilty to criminal trespassing charges in Ohio and has been hit with multiple traffic violations, according to court records 'Wellstone has gone from being a nice, white people-run organization to an organization run by people of color who are mostly queer, largely immigrant and overwhelmingly femme-identified or gender nonconforming,' she told T4SJ in 2018. Rahman added: 'White folks need to be taught to learn how to respect the intellectual ability of people of color.' She spent one year in Boston and three in New York City before taking her first fully remote job in 2022. She began her current role with Anywhere Real Estate Inc. in 2023, according to her LinkedIn profile. It is unclear when Rahman relocated to Minneapolis. Her last known address was in Iowa in 2024, public records revealed. However, her LinkedIn profile does list Minneapolis as her current location. The Daily Mail's calls, texts and emails to Rahman went unanswered. Donald Trump used a photo op at the White House with US attorneys last week to rage against those he doesn't think aren't being effective in pushing his agenda through the judiciary branch of government. The president called his attorneys weak, said he felt betrayed and accused them of not moving fast enough to prosecute his political enemies, people familiar with the exchange told the Wall Street Journal. Attorney General Pam Bondi introduced to Trump dozens of US attorneys gathered at the White House during the ceremonial photoshoot on Thursday. Trump then criticized them, according to the people familiar, and accused the prosecutors of being ineffective and making it harder for Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to do their jobs at the Department of Justice. The White House did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment on Trump's reported berating of his attorneys. It appears the ire is his way to redirect the heat off Bondi even as he privately complains about his AG. Trump, according to the Journal, has been furious over Bondi's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and the fact that prosecutions like of former FBI Director James Comey and New York AG Letitia James have not gone to plan. The president also agreed with Chief of Staff Susie Wiles' assessment to Vanity Fair that Bondi 'whiffed' the Epstein files review, the Monday report notes. President Donald Trump raged against his US attorneys during a ceremonial photo shoot at the White House on Thursday, January 8, 2026 US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro posted an image to Instagram of dozens of US attorneys from across the country waiting at the White House to take a picture with President Donald Trump A Wall Street Journal report says that Trump criticized the group and accused the prosecutors of being ineffective and making it harder for Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to do their jobs at the Department of Justice Among his grievances at Thursday's meeting, the sources claim, was the DOJ's failure to bring a mortgage fraud case against California Senator Adam Schiff, one of Trump's most prominent adversaries. The people claim that Trump criticized prosecutors out by name, but the report didn't list who specifically got a callout. The fiery White House exchange last week with his US attorneys came the day before federal prosecutors sent grand jury subpoenas to the Federal Reserve on Friday regarding the central bank's building renovation project. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who has remained at odds with the president since he retook office, claimed in a video statement Sunday that the probe is politically motivated. Asked about Powell on Tuesday, Trump told reporters: 'Well, he's billions of dollars over budget. So, he either is incompetent, or he is crooked. I don't know what he is, but he certainly doesn't do a very good job.' US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, who was at Thursday's photo op, said Monday that the subpoenas was in response to the Fed refusing to provide answers to her office's formal requests. 'None of this would have happened if they had just responded to our outreach,' Pirro wrote in her post. 'This office makes decisions based on the merits, nothing more and nothing less.' US Attorney for the Eastern Distrcit of Virginia Lindsey Halligan was at the photo op. She runs the office for the district where Trump is mad cases aren't progressing against his political enemies James Comey and Letitia James Trump has hand selected several prosecutors to place in the most consequential jurisdictions in the US including Pirro in Washington, DC and former beauty queen Lindsey Halligan in the Eastern District of Virginia. Still the president has not been successful in putting in place all of his preferred prosecutors. Like in New Jersey where Trump has been unable to force through former Counselor to the President Alina Habba to be permanent attorney in the District of New Jersey after her interim position expired. Now, Habba serves as Bondi's Senior Advisor for US Attorneys. The au pair lover of a husband accused of murdering his wife told a Virginia court he had to 'get rid' of her so they could be together. Juliana Peres Magalhaes, 25, testified that Brendan Banfield, 39, did not feel he could just leave his wife Christine Banfield, 37, and so hatched the twisted plan. Banfield is accused of killing his wife and a stranger, Joseph Ryan, 39, on February 24, 2023. Prosecutors said he lured Ryan to his home after making a fake advert for a BDSM website under his wife's name in order to make it seem like he had killed her. The husband, a former IRS officer, has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all charges. However, the au pair told the court that he said that divorce was not an option. 'Money was involved,' Magalhaes said Tuesday in Fairfax County Court. She added that Banfield had no plans to share custody of his young daughter with his murdered wife. The nanny claimed Banfield told her that he couldn't split from his wife because she would end up having more money than he would, in addition to not being good for their child. Nanny Juliana Peres Magalhaes, 25, testified on Tuesday in Fairfax County court explaining the reasoning behind Brendan Banfield's alleged twisted plot 'to get rid of her (his wife)' Brendan Banfield faces four charges of aggravated murder and firearm offenses for the murder of his wife, Christine Banfield, 37, along with a stranger, 39-year-old Joseph Ryan Magalhaes said it was while on a trip to New York with Banfield and his daughter that he opened up about his thoughts about killing Christine. After they returned to Virginia, the au pair said that he told her about the website FetLife, a BDSM fetish website. Prosecutors said Magalhaes and Banfield worked together to lure Ryan to the home through the site and staged the scene to make it look like he killed Christine. The nanny said Banfield would only message strangers while his wife was home to ensure phone records would match up. She added that she and Banfield had also gone to a gun range on two separate occasions before the Fetlife account was made. It was on the site that the husband found Ryan, said Magalhaes: 'He made Brendan feel confident enough that he would be the person to play the role, which means being aggressive and hold her down and come over to the house and bring stuff and all that.' She added that they also spoke on Telegram in another account that Banfield created. The au pair told the court she posed as Christine during a phone call with Ryan, who she said was surprised by her accent. Ryan allegedly sent a photo of the knife he planned to bring to the encounter and Magalhaes testified that Banfield said he was expecting a sharper, more 'pointy' knife that would be easier to use. Banfield also faces child abuse and neglect charges because his 4-year-old daughter was at home when the murders occurred Banfield and Magalhaes allegedly tried to frame Joseph Ryan for Christine's murder after creating a fake account for Christine on a BDSM site and made plans to have 'rough sex' with Ryan before they were both killed The nanny described how they prepared for that tragic day by testing the sounds of screams inside the house to see if they were audible from outside. Magalhaes also added that Banfield used an app on his wife's phone to unlock his home for Ryan. She recalled the moment that the husband allegedly shot Ryan as he was on top of Christine with a knife. In horrific detail, Magalhaes described in court how Banfield began repeatedly stabbing Christine as she tried to look away. The au pair pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter as part of a plea deal in exchange for cooperating in Banfield's prosecution. In his opening statement, Banfield's lawyer sought to undermine her testimony. 'The whole reason she was arrested was to flip her against my client,' John Carroll said. He admitted the two were having an affair but insisted, 'theres an awful lot more to look for'. Nanny Juliana Peres Magalhaes (pictured with Banfield) pleaded guilty to manslaughter in exchange for her cooperation in his prosecution On the day of the killings, prosecutors said Magalhaes called 911 at least twice within minutes, but ended the calls before speaking with first responders. More than 10 minutes later, prosecutors alleged in court, Magalhaes called 911 a final time and reported the emergency. Prosecutors said evidence suggested Ryan was gunned down as part of a scheme to get rid of Christine. Investigators first became suspicious about Magalhaes' story after she and Banfield failed to disclose their alleged romance when speaking to detectives. Police said they uncovered evidence of a secret lovers' getaway and pointed out that just eight months after the killings, Magalhaes had moved into the main bedroom. Banfield also faces child abuse and neglect charges because his four-year-old daughter was at home when the alleged murders occurred, in addition to his four charges of aggravated murder and firearm offenses. Banfield's trial continues. The Daily Mail has approached his attorney for comment. A pair of Romanian burglars ransacked houses and tore through children's bedrooms - just one day after sneaking into the UK. Ion Zaharia, 44, and Samir Barbulesteanu, 23, travelled to England on October 28 last year, arriving at the Harwich sea port in Essex with another male in a car with French licence plates. 'Almost immediately' the trio embarked on a crime spree spanning Warrington and Scarborough in North Yorkshire, striking several properties over a two-week period. A day after arriving in the country they raided two homes, smashing a young girl's bedroom window and breaking into a home where an elderly woman was sleeping. That was the start of a spree that took in five house raids in total. Both were jailed after admitting conspiracy to commit burglary and were told they will be kicked out of the country when their prison terms end. Ion Zaharia (pictured), 44, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for the burglaries Samir Barbulesteanu (pictured), 23, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison for the burglaries At Liverpool Crown Court yesterday prosecutor Nick Cockerill said: 'These two defendants, both of whom are Romanian, entered this country on October 28 last year. 'They travelled in a Citroen C4 vehicle with French licence plates. They came to the port of Harwich and they presented with a third male, who has yet to be apprehended. 'Within a very short time of their arrival, the offences were committed in the Warrington area.' The first incident took place on October 29, 2025, when one victim returned to her home on Mill Lane, Great Sankey, at around 6.30pm to find her daughter's bedroom window had been smashed. The woman said: 'When I got home I went to close the blinds of my daughter's bedroom window and noticed shattered glass on her bed. 'I looked at the window and could see the internal glass had smashed. 'I went outside to have a look and could see a number of clear marks and dents on the frame where I believe someone has used an item to try and force entry to my address.' That same night, the defendants made their way to a house in Rainhill, where an elderly lady was sleeping. Mr Cockerill said: 'When she awoke the next morning she found that her conservatory's doors had been smashed, entry had been made but nothing had been taken. 'She said that although no items were taken damage had been caused to the door and window. 'More importantly, she says "I live alone and the whole thing has left me very shaken and I feel unsafe in my own home".' The burglars struck again on October 30, when a male victim and his family returned to their home on Liberty Close, Great Sankey, following a holiday. The family noticed the central heating had been triggered due to the low temperature in their house, and discovered evidence of a break-in. Mr Cockerill said: 'Entry was via a back patio door which had been smashed to obtain a key. 'Certainly an untidy search had been conducted of some areas of the house, including the children's bedrooms.' Jewellery belonging to the victim's late brother had been stolen, along with 1,500 from a bedroom drawer - 40 of which was taken from the victim's daughter's money box. Mr Cockerill added: 'The wardrobe doors had been ripped off their hinges and damaged. 'There were beads of glass stuck on the carpet from where the door was smashed and the glass had been trodden in. 'Clothing had been ripped as it had been thrown onto the floor, and there were some iPads that had been stood on and cracked.' On November 1, a fourth victim found a screwdriver had been left at the back of her house, and there was damage to a rear gate and security camera. She spoke to her next-door neighbour, who recalled hearing a dog barking on October 29, and a search of Ring doorbell footage showed Zaharia, Barbulesteanu, and the third male in the Citroen C4. At Liverpool Crown Court (pictured), Zaharia and Barbulesteanu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary On November 10, a solicitor carrying out a property check entered an unoccupied house on Linton Close in Scarborough and discovered it had been broken into. Mr Cockerill said: 'She looked into the wardrobe and found that a safe had been taken.' The safe belonged to the deceased owner of the house, and was said to contain some jewellery 'not of any particular value.' Zaharia and Barbulesteanu were arrested at Birmingham Airport on November 9, 2025. Officers found Zaharia to be in possession of jewellery and 490 in cash. Zaharia, of no fixed address, has previous convictions in France, Romania, and Austria for offences including handling stolen goods, aggravated theft, attempted burglary, dealing stolen goods, fraud, and aggravated burglary by an organised gang. Barbulesteanu, of Rookery Road, Birmingham, has no previous convictions. Both men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary. Oliver Saddington defending Zaharia, said: 'He wants to put forward his remorse through me. Her tells me that his life in Romania is poor. He tells me it's hard to earn decent money there. 'He's undertaken employment as a chef and on and off employment in construction in Romania to provide for his two young children and wife. 'He has spoken to the authorities at the Home Office already in custody and I understand direction relevant to his likely deportation has been signed already. 'He knows that any sentence of prison is likely to trigger Section 32 of the UK Borders Act [the Home Secretary must make a deportation order against a "foreign criminal" unless certain circumstances apply] and his wish is to return to Romania as soon as possible.' Olivia Beesley, defending Barbulesteanu, said: 'This defendant has no previous convictions which the defence submits is a mitigating factor. He's much younger than his co-defendant at 23 years old. 'He tells of a very difficult life in Romania, difficult to make a living. He does have a wife and a child of five, a daughter. His mother and father are unwell and he supports all four of these family members.' Sentencing, Judge Gary Woodhall said: 'Anybody having their home broken into in this way, their castle, the place where they should feel safe, has all that safety and protection undermined.' He sentenced Zaharia to four years and three months in prison, and Barbulesteanu to three years and six months in prison, adding: 'The expectation is that you will be deported rather than be released into the community in this country.' Convenience store blackboard turns 'national reading' into spiritual shelter Global Times) 13:53, January 14, 2026 Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT In certain convenience stores across Central China's Henan Province, warm, handwritten words on a simple blackboard, launched by renowned Chinese author Liu Zhenyun, have captured Chinese netizens' hearts on social media. Emblazoned with Liu's opening line, "Everyone walking on the street, you have all worked so hard," the blackboard is now covered with notes scrawled by passersby: a food delivery rider marking "Just finished my last order," an office worker lamenting "Mom's dishes always expire because we come home too late," and a ride-hailing driver scribbling blessings at 2 am. These unpolished, heartfelt messages have sparked a nationwide wave of "remote writing" online, coinciding with the imminent enforcement of regulations to promote reading among the public on February 1. This grassroots initiative represents a striking innovation in translating the regulations into live experience. Unlike traditional libraries or bookstores that often feel formal and inaccessible, "convenience store literature corners" transform commercial spaces into intimate cultural hubs with minimal cost and maximum accessibility. Ai Limin, director-general of the Books and Periodicals Distribution Association of China, told the Global Times that creating regional hubs for reading culture through diverse activities can effectively advance national reading initiatives. The national reading regulations emphasize integrating reading into daily life, and these blackboards have precisely achieved the goal that by turning passive consumption of texts into active public participation. On the blackboard, a graduate student scribbled words of self-encouragement to exemplify how literary expression can thrive on the margins of daily routines. As Liu observed in a viral video response: "Everyone's casual writing is warm; and everyone's casual writing is their true voice." This shift from "reading as obligation" to "writing as instinct" marks a pivotal leap for national reading, proving that cultural engagement can flourish amid the hustle of buying breakfast or grabbing a late-night snack. Beyond its role as an innovative policy practice, the phenomenon embodies the regulations' "people-centered" principle. Article 2 of the regulations mandates that national reading efforts "adhere to a people-centered approach and strengthen cultural confidence," which is a mandate vividly fulfilled by the blackboards' unadorned sincerity. There are no grand narratives here, only raw, relatable emotions: exhaustion, longing, and quiet perseverance. These messages conveying universal values can resonate globally, offering observers not only in China but also around the world a tender insight into Chinese society beyond its economic growth narrative. As one netizen commented online, "The exhaustion after overtime is instantly soothed. Visiting a Henan convenience store feels less like shopping but more like recharging my batteries." This "de-ritualized" cultural space, devoid of recommended reading lists or expert commentaries, restores literature to its essence: recording life and comforting souls. Crucially, the movement showcases the institutional strength of "social participation" enshrined in Article 3 of the reading regulations. The collaboration between Liu as cultural leadership, commercial platform support, and the public grassroots creation forms a synergistic model that outperforms many official initiatives. Liu's role as a "cyber wishing well," responding to netizens' demands to expand the campaign nationwide, highlights how corporate participation can amplify cultural impact. The convenience store initiative is but one example of this broader shift. Ning Pingping, deputy general manager of the Shenzhen Publishing Group, told the Global Times that guided by the national strategy outlined in the regulations in promoting reading, reading spaces are being reimagined as "urban cultural hubs" that connect people with culture and enhance quality of life. Ning highlighted a flagship project in Qianhai, Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, designed to serve as a cultural-tourism destination, an integrated commercial complex, and a dynamic cultural engine for the Greater Bay Area. It incorporates diverse offerings such as The Three-Body Problem VR experience center, a professional theater, and a mixed ecosystem of "reading plus cultural creativity plus technology." "Since its opening, it has attracted over 3 million visits and reached more than 60 million visits online, receiving widespread acclaim from both the public and industry experts," said Ning. From the grassroots blackboard messages in Henan to Shenzhen's ambitious cultural complexes, these examples illustrate that fostering a "scholarly society" relies not on a solo performance by authorities, but on a chorus of voices and forces from across society. The blackboards' rapid spread with netizens begging for expansions to other provinces proves that cultural vitality springs from bottom-up enthusiasm rather than top-down mandates. As the reading regulations take effect, this grassroots experiment offers a blueprint, which is to nurture a reading culture, and we need more spaces that feel like emotional shelters than educational institutions. It proves that sometimes, the most potent form of reading begins with the simple, courageous act of picking up a piece of chalk. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun) Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have set in motion a plan to curb the Trump administration's threats against a key NATO ally. In the Senate, Democrat Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Lisa Murkowski have introduced NATO Unity Protection Act, which would prevent any congressional funds from being used to take over the territory of a fellow NATO member. A complementary bill has also been introduced in the US House of Representatives by a bipartisan group of 34 lawmakers headed by Democratic Rep. Bill Keating. Republican Don Bacon is the only original GOP co-sponsor of the bill. Greenland, being an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, would be subject to protection if the bill were to pass Congress. Murkowski noted that the 'mere notion that America would use our vast resources against our allies is deeply troubling and must be wholly rejected by Congress in statute.' Shaheen also noted in a statement that her 'bill sends a clear message that recent rhetoric around Greenland deeply undermines Americas own national security interests and faces bipartisan opposition in Congress.' European leaders in Brussels however, are scrambling for a way to give Trump a win on the issue of Greenland without a complete US takeover. An EU diplomat told POLITICO that 'if you can smartly repackage Arctic security, blend in critical minerals, put a big bow on top, there's a chance' of getting agreement from President Donald Trump to cement a deal. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) arrives at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus ahead of a scheduled meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, Danish Lars Lkke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt in Washington, DC, on January 14, 2026 Protesters attend a march to the US consulate during a demonstration, under the slogan 'Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people', in Nuuk, Greenland, on March 15, 2025 The Danish foreign minister is meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday, and a bipartisan delegation of Congressional leaders is slated to head to Copenhagen to meet with Danish and Greenlandic leaders there. Danish ambassador Jesper Mller Srensen and the Head of Greenlandic Representation in the US Jacob Isbosethsen met a dozen lawmakers from both parties in the first week of January. After a meeting with Republican Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, Isbosethsen told reporters that 'Greenland is not for sale.' Isbosethsen also shared that 'Greenland is a very proud people, it is a very, very proud country' that is 'very proud to contribute to the Western Alliance and to be a NATO ally and partner together with our friends from Denmark and the United States.' President Donald Trump, however seemed insistent on seeing Greenland 'in the hands if the United States', adding that anything less than that was 'unacceptable' in a post to his Truth Social site Wednesday morning. Greenland's diplomatic representation in the US posted on X that the 'last time a poll was done only 6% of Greenlanders/kalaallit were in favour of becoming a part of the US' citing a survey from January of last year. Trump's own Interior Secretary Doug Burgum posted on X a map of America's 'new interior' as a response to the president's statement, which illustrated new territories ranging from Anchorage, Alaska to Washington, DC to Nuuk, Greenland's capital. Former New York City mayor Eric Adams told a woman to 'go f*** yourself' during a caught-on-camera confrontation in an airport. Adams was seen berating a masked individual as they walked off a flight from New York to Dallas, Texas, in footage first shared to Reddit. The woman, who appeared to be trying to antagonize him, told the former mayor: 'I would love it if you punched me in the face.' Adams shot back: 'I'm not mayor anymore, you can go f*** yourself.' 'Okay, you can get f***ed too,' she responded. 'Yeah, f*** you!' As Adams walked past her on the bridge back into the airport, he said: 'I'm not mayor anymore, those days are over.' Adams then turned to the woman and said: 'You're gonna see the Brooklyn in me.' She responded: 'Yeah, good, thank God, damn... Now I don't have to see your ugly a** face everywhere, damn.' 'That's nice,' Adams added as he walked into the airport. Former New York City mayor Eric Adams told a woman to 'go f*** yourself' in a caught-on-camera confrontation in an airport The woman appeared to be attempting to antagonize Adams into a fight for the camera, to which he shot back: 'I'm not mayor anymore, you can go f*** yourself' Following the confrontation, Adams's spokesman Todd Shapiro told The Daily Mail that he is now a 'private citizen and was harassed.' Shapiro said the clip was 'selectively edited' and lacked 'critical context'. Adams shared the Post's story on X last night and wrote: 'Exactly.' His reappearance in public comes days after his new cryptocurrency came under scrutiny from investors. The cryptocurrency coin, dubbed 'NYC Token', initially surged to around $580 million in value after Adams launched it to the market on Monday. He marketed the token, which has no affiliation with the New York City government, as being 'built to fight the rapid spread of antisemitism and anti-Americanism'. The former mayor, who launched the token in Times Square on Monday, urged people to back his venture, writing on X: 'This thing is about to take off like crazy.' The coin then rapidly plummeted to less than $100 million, leading to allegations that Adams and his partners in the venture pulled off what is known as a 'rug pull'. This is a tactic in which cryptocurrency creators boost the value of a coin with the expectation that they will sell when it peaks, leaving other investors holding assets worth significantly less. Join the debate Should public figures be held to a higher standard in heated confrontations or are they entitled to snap back? Adams appeared to double down on his behavior in a post on X last night At one point during Adams's confrontation in Dallas airport, Adams turned to the woman and said: 'You're gonna see the Brooklyn in me' Adams's re-appearance in public comes days after a cryptocurrency he launched came under scrutiny from investors The company denied the allegations in a statement to X and rejected any wrongdoing. 'Given the overwhelming support and demand for the token at launch, our partners had to rebalance the liquidity,' the company said. 'We are aware of reports flagging the transactions, removing liquidity from the pool. The team commenced the funds for TWAP and added additional funds to the liquidity pool.' The company signed off on the statement: 'We're in it for the long haul!' Adams's role in the company is not clear, and he has not publicly commented on the accusations. The Daily Mail has contacted Adams's representatives. Representatives for NYC Token told Bloomberg that the activity that caused the token to rise and fall in value was intended to help ensure it was 'running smoothly'. 'The team has not sold any tokens and is subject to lockups and transfer restrictions. The team has not withdrawn any money from the account,' the spokesman said. Benjamin Netanyahu's jet has departed Israel, heading out over the Mediterranean, as Donald Trump considers strikes on Iran. The Wing of Zion state plane has previously left the country ahead of attacks on Iran. However, officials denied that the movement was related to military action and said it was part of regular training. The jet flew to Crete on Wednesday before returning to Israel. It comes as the US ordered the evacuation of air bases in the region, including an unspecified number from a site in Qatar by Wednesday evening. Al Udeid, the largest American base in the Middle East, houses 10,000 troops and was targeted by Iran in June in retaliation for US strikes on its nuclear facilities. Trump has made a series of threats against Tehran amid a bloody crackdown on protests in the Islamic Republic, with at least 2,500 people slaughtered. The President last night warned that if Ayatollah Ali Khamenei goes forward with hangings on Wednesday, he will take 'strong action.' Trump is said to have been briefed in recent days about his options, including strikes on nonmilitary sites in Tehran. On June 13 last year, hours after Israel launched its attack on Iranian nuclear and missile sites, the Wing of Zion took off from Ben Gurion Airport. The Israeli state plane flew to Crete on Wednesday before returning to Israel Officials denied that the movement of Benjamin Netanyahu's jet was related to military action and said it was part of regular training Donald Trump has made a series of threats against Tehran amid a bloody crackdown on protests in the Islamic Republic Ahead of Iran's April 13, 2024, strike on Israel, the Wing of Zion departed Nevatim Airbase, which was later targeted as hundreds of missiles and drones bombarded the country. Crete, the jet's destination on Wednesday, is a vital strategic crossroads for US and NATO forces operating in the Middle East. Crucial to its importance for the Americans is Souda Bay, a naval base which hosts the only deep-water pier in the region capable of berthing a US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The jet's movements come amid a rapidly deteriorating human rights crisis inside Iran. Desperate relatives of a shopkeeper sentenced to death for taking part in anti-regime protests called on Trump today to intervene to save him. Erfan Soltani, 26, believed to be the first protester in the latest Iranian uprising to be given the death sentence, is expected to be hanged today. His family spent the night protesting outside the Ghezel Hesar prison, where the young man from Fardis in Karaj was being held in solitary confinement. Somayeh, one of Soltani's cousins, told CNN: 'We need Trump's help by the second. The family of Erfan Soltani made a desperate last-minute bid to save him last night by protesting outside the Ghezel Hesar prison where he was being held Somayeh, one of Erfan Soltani's cousins, called on Trump to intervene to save him 'I beg you, please do not let Erfan be executed, please.' Trump last night warned Iran: 'If they hang them, you're going to see something'. But Iran ignored the US President's threats and vowed to fast-track executions after detaining 18,000 protesters as the regime continues its brutal crackdown on anti-government riots. The head of Iran's judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, signalled Wednesday that there would be fast trials and executions ahead for those detained, saying: 'If a person burned someone, beheaded someone and set them on fire then we must do our work quickly.' Soltani is set to face execution today after he was tried, convicted and sentenced for taking part in a protest on Thursday last week. Reacting to the news of her cousin's imminent execution, a distraught Somayeh said: 'I was in so much shock, I cried so much... I keep feeling as if I am in a dream.' She described Soltani as someone who 'always wanted people to be at least free in the most basic aspects of life'. 'He has always fought for the freedom of Iran, and today we see him standing under the gallows,' she said. Protesters set fire to makeshift barricades near a religious centre on January 10 Protesters dancing and cheering around a bonfire in Tehran on January 9 She denied that Soltani had ever 'resorted to violence' during the protests, instead insisting that 'all the destruction' was carried out by the regime itself. 'In order to execute young people, they fabricate accusations against them,' she added. She called on the US President to urgently intervene to help demonstrators, as they face the lethal crackdown perpetuated by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's theocratic government. 'People trusted Trump's words and came to the streets,' she said. Already, a bloody security force crackdown on the protests has killed at least 2,571, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported. That figure dwarfs the death toll from any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalls the chaos surrounding the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. A trio of teenagers allegedly planned a 'deliberate attack' on a man who was beaten to death with rocks after branding him a 'paedophile', a court has been told. A 16-year-old girl and two boys, aged 15 and 16, are accused of murdering Alexander Cashford, 49, in Leysdown-on-Sea on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent on August 10 last year. Mr Cashford had met the girl by chance at an arcade in the seaside resort on August 8, giving her his phone number on a business card, prosecutor Kate Blumgart KC told Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday. The 16-year-old boy saved it in his own phone as 'pedo' (sic) and over the next two days around 75 messages were exchanged, with Mr Cashford believing he was in contact with a 16-year-old girl named Sienna. He claimed to be 30, asked her if she liked champagne and said he wanted to kiss her, with 'Sienna' then suggesting they meet at her parents' empty home and telling him to bring alcohol, the jury heard. Mr Cashford met the 16-year-old girl by the sea wall in Leysdown-on-Sea at around 7pm on August 10 and just over an hour later he was pronounced dead, the court was told. Ms Blumgart told the court: 'These three defendants did happen by chance to meet Mr Cashford. What happened thereafter, however, was not by chance. 'They were so outraged by his interest in "Sienna" that they deliberately planned to attack him. Teenagers allegedly planned a deliberate attack on Alexander Cashford, pictured, who was beaten to death with rocks, after branding him a 'paedophile', a court has been told Police search the area around Leysdown-on-Sea, Kent in the aftermath of the incident 'This was a joint attack with each of them playing a vital part.' It is claimed the two boys followed Mr Cashford and the girl 'for a considerable distance' as they walked along the promenade in the village, before the 16-year-old boy hit him on the back of the head with a bottle. Ms Blumgart said: 'He was later seen by witnesses throwing large rocks at Mr Cashford's already seemingly lifeless body and head. 'This at the tail end of a vicious onslaught.' The girl allegedly shouted, 'f****** paedophile, I'm f****** 16, get him', as she filmed the attack, with witnesses describing the 16-year-old boy throwing rocks at Mr Cashford. A video clip was shown to the jury of people shouting and two boys and a man running along a seafront path. The girl showed 'unwavering enthusiasm for the venture' that could be heard in her 'shrieks' as she recorded the attack, the court was told. The footage was 'undoubtedly planned to be evidence of their own successful hunt', Ms Blumgart added. Mr Cashford was pronounced dead just over an hour after he had met with a 16-year-old girl on the seafront, the court heard (Pictured: Police at the scene on August 10, 2025) Mr Cashford apparently met the girl by chance at an arcade in the seaside resort on August 8 After he was arrested, prosecutors say the 16-year-old boy shared footage of the attack with three people, adding the caption: 'f****** pedo (sic) up lol' A post-mortem examination showed he had injuries to his face and head, bruises on his limbs and body, and a number of fractured ribs that had punctured his lung. The 16-year-old girl and 15-year-old boy are related, the court heard. The three defendants, who are each charged with murder, cannot be named for legal reasons. The teenagers each deny one count of murder and the trial continues on Thursday. Parents have been warned not to sign their children up to the NHS trial of puberty blockers by Kemi Badenoch and a young woman who came to regret taking them. The Tory leader urged families not to take part in the upcoming study in which 200 young people who want to identify as the opposite sex will be prescribed the powerful drugs for two years. She also claimed that Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who is under pressure to scrap the clinical trial, cared more about his chances of becoming Labour leader than protecting vulnerable children. Mrs Badenoch spoke out after meeting Keira Bell, who was prescribed puberty blockers as a teenager but later destransitioned and sued the scandal-hit Tavistock clinic - arguing that children cannot understand the lifelong consequences of the gender treatment. Asked if parents were being put in an impossible position by children who demand to be given puberty blockers and in some cases threaten suicide if they are not allowed, the Tory leader said: A parent's responsibility is to safeguard their child, and just because a child says, If you don't let me do this, I'm going to harm myself in some way, is not a reason for parents to abandon that responsibility. I don't deny that it's difficult for parents. Those parents are in a difficult situation, but this is not the answer. She added: What worries me is that all of the calculations the Labour Party are making are about whether or not it'll harm their leadership chances. I'm worried about what's going to harm young people like Keira, not about whether it's going to be good for my political career. This is not about who's going to be leader of the Labour Party. This is about the future of many young children whose lives will be damaged irreparably if this trial goes ahead. Keira Bell, who met Kemi Badenoch in Parliament this week, regrets taking puberty blockers Ms Bell, now 28, told the meeting in Parliament on Tuesday how she was given puberty blockers at 16 then cross-sex hormones a year later - but was wrongly told they were reversible and was not warned of the potential consequences. She said children who take part in the trial would be guinea pigs and put down a path that is going to affect them for the rest of their lives. But asked what her message would be to children who are considering signing up, she replied: It's up to the parents. I think parents need to remember that they have authority over their child and not the state. So the parents are very much in charge here, and they should be the ones to safeguard their own children. There's enough information out there to say that this isn't safe, it's unethical, and it's going to damage their children for life. Meanwhile Mr Streeting has insisted there will be a triple lock of checks before children are prescribed puberty blockers as part of the trial commissioned by NHS England and being run by Kings College London. He said each person will have to be seen by one of the new gender services in trusts around the country, and give informed assent to show they understand the risks as well as a parent consenting. The decision will then be ratified by a national multidisciplinary team, the Health Secretary wrote to MP Rosie Duffield, meaning that only a very small number of children will actually qualify. The FBI executed a search warrant on the home of a Washington Post reporter as part of an investigation into the alleged leaking of government secrets. Hannah Natanson was at the property in Alexandria, Virginia, when federal agents arrived Wednesday morning, the newspaper said. The 29-year-old journalist's home was raided as part of a probe into a government contractor accused of illegally retaining classified government materials, per the outlet. Natanson said her Garmin watch, phone and two laptops were seized during the raid. One of the devices was her personal computer, while the other was issued by the Washington Post. Investigators told Natanson she is not the focus of the investigation, which is looking into Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a Maryland system administrator who has top secret security clearance. Perez-Lugones was charged just days ago with illegally retaining classified documents after the FBI searched his home and found intelligence reports inside a lunchbox in his basement in Laurel, about 20 miles from Annapolis, according to an affidavit. He logged into a classified system and took notes throughout the week on a notepad before taking the pages home with him, according to an affidavit filed Friday, The Baltimore Sun reported. Perez-Lugones, a 61-year-old Navy veteran, also accessed the databases last fall and took a screenshot of a classified report about a foreign country, the affidavit stated. Hannah Natanson, a Washington Post reporter, was at her home in Virginia when federal agents descended on the property on Wednesday morning The FBI executed a search warrant on the journalist's home as part of a probe into a government contractor accused of leaking secrets 'Perez-Lugones had no need to know and was not authorized to search for, access, view, screenshot or print any of this information,' the legal document continued. During his initial court appearance on Friday, Perez-Lugones was ordered to be held in federal custody pending a detention hearing, per The Baltimore Sun. Journalists are often investigated for publishing sensitive government information; however, it is unusual for the FBI to search their homes. The Washington Post described the move as 'highly aggressive' in its own coverage of the story. Natanson writes about the 'Trump administration's reshaping of the government and its effects,' her profile page states. According to the outlet, she provides the 'most high-profile and sensitive coverage during the first year of the second Trump administration.' Natanson was part of the Washington Post team that won the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for its coverage of the US Capitol attack on January 6. Investigators told Natanson she is not the focus of the investigation, which is looking into Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a Maryland system administrator who has top secret security clearance According to the outlet, she provides the 'most high-profile and sensitive coverage during the first year of the second Trump administration' She attended Harvard University from 2015 to 2019 and wrote for the Ivy League's publication, The Harvard Crimson. Natanson recently published a first-person piece about how she has gained hundreds of new sources, leading one of her colleagues to call her 'the federal government whisperer.' FBI Director Kash Patel said the investigation is ongoing at this time and did not comment further. Google has been accused of grooming children by emailing them ahead of their 13th birthday with information on how to switch off parental controls. The company contacted children directly, telling them they could soon graduate from being supervised and disable certain safety settings. Melissa McKay, president of the Digital Childhood Institute, an online safety group, slammed Google for its reprehensible approach, after she found that it had emailed her 12-year-old son. Posting on the networking platform LinkedIn, she wrote: A trillion-dollar corporation is directly contacting every child to tell them they are old enough to graduate from parental supervision. The email explains how a child can remove those controls themselves, without parental consent. Google is asserting authority over a boundary that does not belong to them. It reframes parents as a temporary inconvenience to be outgrown and positions corporate platforms as the default replacement. Call it what it is. Grooming for engagement. Grooming for data. Grooming minors for profit. Google has said that it will now require parental approval to disable safety controls once a child turns 13, following a backlash She posted a screenshot of the message her son Mike received, which states: 'Your birthday's coming up. That means when you turn 13, you can choose to update your account to get more access to Google apps and services.' Google allows children to have accounts from birth, provided they are set up and managed by a guardian. Parents can view their childs search history, block adult content from searches, and manage app downloads and screen time on Android phones. However, in the run-up to a childs 13th birthday, the company emails both them and their parent, letting them know the child will soon be able to turn these settings off. Ms McKays post sparked a huge backlash, with almost 700 comments, and the internet giant has said that it will now require parental approval to disable the controls. Rani Govender, a policy manager at the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Childen, said: Every child develops differently, and parents should be the ones to decide with their child when the right time is for parental controls to change. Leaving children to make decisions in environments where misinformation is rife, user identities are unknown, and risky situations occur, can put them in harms way. Melissa McKay, president of the Digital Childhood Institute, an online safety group, slammed Google for its reprehensible approach, after she found that it had emailed her 12-year-old son In response to the criticism, a Google spokesman said: Were making a planned update to require formal parental approval for teens to leave a supervised account. This builds on our existing practice of emailing both the parent and child before the change to facilitate family conversations about the account transition. Following its own safety controversy, Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, now gives teen profiles to users under 18, which require parental supervision. Google said children over 13 will still be able to create new accounts without parental controls. This is the minimum age at which people can consent to having their data processed in the UK and the US. In France, the minimum age is 15, and in Germany it is 16. The Liberal Democrats have called for the age to be raised to 16. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch this week said that her party would ban under-16s from social media platforms if it won power, promising to follow the example of Australia, which became the first country to introduce the policy last month. She also said that she would seek to ban smartphones in schools. It comes as X owner Elon Musk has come under fire this week due to evidence that his AI chatbot Grok has been used to create sexual images of children, with online regulator Ofcom announcing that it will investigate. On the controversy around Google, an Ofcom spokesman said: Under our rules, tech firms must take a safety-first approach in how their services are designed and operated, including age checks for adult material and protecting children from harmful content. Were keeping a close eye on companies, and those that dont comply with these duties can expect enforcement action. A paedophile who snatched a six-year-old girl from her bath before raping her and dumping her naked on a road could be released from prison. Pervert Peter Voisey was locked up for life in 2006, for the attack on the youngster, after he sneaked into her home, bundled her into his Vauxhall Astra car and sexually assaulted her twice. Following the 15-minute ordeal on the evening of December 27, 2005, she was then abandoned, crying for her mother just streets away from her address in Willington Quay, Wallsend, North Tyneside. As he was jailed for life, with a minimum of ten years, Judge David Hodson warned Voisey, then 34, that he may never be released. But a Parole Board panel will decide whether he is safe to return to the streets after 20 years behind bars after a hearing next month, which will be 54-year-old Voisey's sixth parole review. A spokesman for the Parole Board said: 'An oral hearing has been listed for the parole review of Peter Voisey and is scheduled to take place in February. 'Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community. 'A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims. Peter Voisey, 54, snatched a six-year-old girl from her bath in December, 2005 before raping her and dumping her naked in a freezing back lane in Willington Quay, North Tyneside The bath from which the convicted paedophile snatched the six-year-old girl The alley behind Armstrong Road, Willington Quay, taped off by police investigating the abduction in 2005 'Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing. Evidence from witnesses including probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements are then given at the hearing. 'The prisoner and witnesses are then questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.' Voisey was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and abduction following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, where jurors were brought to tears by the harrowing evidence. The court heard how the little girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been happily playing in the bath when Voisey crept into the flat she lived in with her family. He put his hand over her mouth so she could not call out to her mother, who was putting her toddler brother to bed at the time. She was playing happily and chatting with her toys, and her mother thought all was well, until she became suddenly aware of an eerie silence coming from the bathroom. Apart from hearing her daughter say: 'What are you doing here?' there was not another sound, as the sex fiend struck. On a 15-minute journey around Wallsend, Voisey parked twice to rape and sexually molest the youngster. The little girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been happily playing in the bath when Voisey crept into the flat she lived in with her family Voisey was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and abduction following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, where jurors were brought to tears by the harrowing evidence Meanwhile, her mum made a frantic 999 call and, just nine minutes later, police received another call from a couple living nearby. The terrified schoolgirl was found by Geoffrey Brown, who had heard crying coming from the back lane and went out to find her standing in the street - naked, shivering and in tears. Voisey was linked to the attack after leaving partial shoe prints on the wet bathroom floor as he crept into the family's home through the back door. The former driver from Blyth, claimed he had been buying cannabis at the time of the kidnap, but his friends refused to back up his lies meaning his alibi collapsed. Police also recovered his diary in which the entry for December 27, 2005, read: 'Phew, it's over. Chill now.' The paedophile was locked up on October 20, 2006, and has been behind bars ever since. An alleged fantasist appeared in court today accused of making 'malicious' claims that she had been sexually abused by three prominent public figures. Esther Baker, 43, alleged that she was the victim of sexual offences by former Lib Dem MP John Hemming, the late Labour peer Roy Jenkins and ex-Chief Constable of Leicestershire Simon Cole, who subsequently took his own life. She was charged with perverting the course of justice ten years after making allegations of child sexual abuse following the launch of Scotland Yard's disastrous VIP child abuse probe, Operation Midland. Baker appeared before Liverpool Magistrates Court today where her solicitor, David Woods, said she would be entering not guilty pleas to the four charges she faces. 'Her case is that the accusations she made are truthful,' he told the brief hearing. Baker, of West Derby in Liverpool, waived her right to anonymity in a Sky TV interview in 2015. She accused Mr Hemming of repeatedly raping her in a Staffordshire forest when she was aged between six and 11. She claimed uniformed officers had stood guard as several high-profile individuals, including lords and a judge, assaulted her and other children in Cannock Chase. Esther Baker, 43, arriving at court in Liverpool today charged with perverting the course of justice, ten years after accusing various politicians of raping her Esther Baker (pictured after making her accusations) allegedly made 'malicious' claims of child sexual abuse carried out by politicians and other high-profile individuals Former Lib Dem MP John Hemming subsequently won a libel case in relation to comments made on social media by Esther Baker's supporters Baker alleged other incidents took place at Dolphin Square in London, a large apartment complex in Westminster. Neither the late Lord Jenkins nor Mr Cole have previously been publicly linked to Baker's allegations. Her case was raised in Parliament and she was backed at the time by Labour MPs including Jess Phillips now a minister for violence against women and girls. Baker was later given special status at the national independent child sex abuse inquiry. Her claims were investigated by Staffordshire Police and in 2015 Mr Hemming was questioned under caution. He was never charged and two years later the investigation was dropped due to lack of evidence. Mr Hemming subsequently won a libel case in relation to comments made on social media by Baker's supporters. Esther Baker's case is that the accusations she made are truthful, her solicitor told today's brief hearing Former Leicestershire chief constable Simon Cole took his own life in 2022 at the age of 55 just 12 days after retiring Lord Jenkins of Hillhead was a leading figure in post-War politics, serving in senior Cabinet roles before going on to co-found the Social Democratic Party in 1982. He died in 2003 at the age of 82. Mr Cole took his own life in March 2022, just 12 days after retiring from his post as chief constable of Leicestershire. An inquest later heard he had been struggling with anxiety and restless nights after stepping away from his job at the age of 55. Baker, dressed in a black jacket and black tweed skirt, spoke only to give her name, address and date of birth in the five-minute hearing. She is charged with four counts of perverting the course of justice between December 2014 and September 2020. The first count alleges that 'on one or more occasions you said you were the victim of sexual offences committed by groups of males in locations on Cannock Chase, other outdoor locations, private houses and locations unknown which had the tendency to pervert the course of public justice'. The other three counts allege that she falsely identified Mr Hemmings, Lord Jenkins and Mr Cole 'as a person who had committed sexual offences against her which had a tendency to pervert the course of public justice'. Roy Jenkins, who died in 2003, was one of the countrys most prominent political figures and served as a Labour chancellor and Home Secretary before helping to found the Social Democratic Party Baker's case was sent to Liverpool Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on February 11. District Judge Timothy Boswell told her: 'These matters are so serious that they can only be dealt with by the crown court.' She was granted unconditional bail. Last week Malcolm McHaffie of the CPS special crime division said: 'We have decided to prosecute Esther Baker with four counts of perverting the course of justice. 'These charges are brought following an extensive investigation into the claims made by the defendant in the original investigation into alleged organised child sexual abuse by public figures. 'Any decision to prosecute someone who has made sexual abuse allegations is not taken lightly and is only pursued where we believe that there is sufficient evidence to prove that the allegations are false, that they were maliciously made, and that it is in the public interest to prosecute. 'We have worked closely with Staffordshire Police as they carried out their investigation.' For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see https://www.samaritans.org/ for details for details. Labour is considering a ban on under-18s buying non-alcoholic drinks in pubs amid fears it is a 'gateway' to full-on boozing. The move would see alcohol-free drinks, including 0 per cent beers like Lucky Saint and Guinness 0.0, off the market to children and teenagers. But the proposal has been met with backlash, with critics arguing it will actually push young people away from 'more sensible' choices. Pubs could also potentially take a hit - at a time when the industry is already under straits from Rachel Reeves's tax raid. Alcohol alternatives are split into two categories - non-alcoholic drinks and low-alcohol drinks. Low-alcohol drinks are under 1.2 per cent alcohol by volume, while alcohol-free drinks have less than 0.05 per cent, UK guidelines state. Heineken 0.0 per cent, Budweiser Zero, and Asahi Super Dry 0 are examples of alcohol-free drinks widely sold in the UK which have boomed in recent years. Ashley Dalton, a Labour health minister, said non-alcoholic products were distinct from soft drinks because they are 'intentionally crafted' to mimic 'traditional alcoholic drinks like beer, wine or spirits' Zero and non-alcoholic alternatives have risen in popularity in recent years, as big names like Guinness have created 'zero alcohol' products Ashley Dalton, a health minister, told the Telegraph that non-alcoholic products were distinct from soft drinks because they are 'intentionally crafted' to mimic 'traditional alcoholic drinks like beer, wine or spirits. Ms Dalton said: 'This is a newly emerging area, but there is some evidence to suggest that exposure to alcohol-like products, even if low or zero alcohol, can normalise drinking, and become a gateway to alcohol consumption. 'Earlier alcohol use initiation is linked to a higher risk of harmful drinking patterns later in life.' Last week, the minister stated that the Government would be exploring measures to 'regulate access' to no-and-low alcohol products, in line with other alcoholic beverages, including preventing their sale to under-18s. Currently in the UK, it is illegal to sell alcohol to under-18s. Sixteen or 17-year-old teenagers can drink a pint or glass of wine with their meal if accompanied by an adult, but cannot buy it themselves. However, there are no rules around alcohol-free drinks, which have gained in popularity as big brands have created alcohol-free alternatives. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: 'This government supports further growth in the no-and-low alcohol market for adults, given the potential to help tackle harmful levels of consumption if the switch is made to lower-alcohol alternatives.' Earlier this month, Labour's plans for a near-zero tolerance drink-drive limit was called a 'death knell for country pubs', after they unveiled plans which could see drivers who'd drunk a single pint breaking the law. Ministers are to consult on whether to slash the limit from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms in England and Wales to bring them in line with Scotland. Despite more than 2,000 pubs facing closure amid business rate hikes, Rachel Reeves remains resistant to mounting Cabinet pressure to offer support to struggling hospitality venues Data shows one in six road fatalities in 2023 involved drink-driving and the current limit is the highest in Europe alongside Malta. Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood today insisted that the change would not stop people having a 'great night out' if you 'don't take your car'. However, critics insisted the lower limit had no significant impact on accidents in Scotland. And fears have been raised over the impact on rubs in rural areas which rely on people travelling over unwalkable distances in areas with little or no public transport. Reform leader Nigel Farage said the move was a 'death knell for country pubs across Britain'. It also follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves's tax raid on pubs, which will see the average pub face 1,400 more in business rates initially, rising to 12,900 over three years. Despite more than 2,000 pubs facing closure amid business rate hikes, Rachel Reeves remains resistant to mounting Cabinet pressure to offer support to struggling hospitality venues. Sting has paid his former bandmates in The Police 600,000 since they started suing him over unpaid streaming royalties, London's High Court has been told. The 74-year-old bassist, along with his company Magnetic Publishing, is said to owe more than $2 million (1.49 million) in 'arranger's fees' to drummer Stewart Copeland, 73, and guitarist Andrew Summers, 83. Their case hinges on the interpretation of various agreements made over who got what money between the band's formation in the late 1970s and 2016. Mr Howe said Sting asserts that an arrangement where a songwriter would give 15 per cent of publishing income to the other two musicians as arranger's fees do not apply to streaming, which is contested by the other bandmates. The barrister also said that since the legal action began in late 2024, Sting has paid more than $800,000 (595,000) in 'certain admitted historic underpayments'. Sting, whose real name is Gordon Sumner, is disputing the wider legal claim, arguing that the arranger's fees should only apply to physical products such as vinyl and cassettes. The star is believed to earn 550,000 a year in royalties from smash hit Every Breath You Take alone, the fifth best-selling song of the 1980s. Bandmates Mr Summers and Mr Copeland, however, were not handed songwriting credits on the single. Sting has paid his former bandmates in The Police 600,000 since they started suing him over unpaid streaming royalties, London's High Court has been told The 74-year-old bassist, along with his company Magnetic Publishing, are said to owe more than $2 million (1.49 million) in 'arranger's fees' to drummer Stewart Copeland, 73, and guitarist Andrew Summers, 83 (Pictured left to right: Stewart Copeland, Sting and Andy Summers of The Police in 1979) In written submissions for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, Robert Howe KC, for Sting, said the musicians cannot agree on how the phrases 'mechanical income' and 'public performance fees' apply to streaming, which continues to generate significant income. Mr Howe said the court should pay most attention to a 'professionally drafted' agreement in 2016, which he said states the money is owed only on mechanical income 'from the manufacture of records'. Ian Mill KC, for Mr Copeland and Mr Summers, as well as their companies Megalo Music, Kent Foundation Laboratories and Kinetic Kollections, said the agreements date back to 1977. He said the 15 per cent figure was agreed between the band then, which was later formalised in written contracts. In written submissions, the barrister said the issue for the upcoming trial is 'whether the parties have accounted to each other for arranger's fees correctly in accordance with the terms of the 2016 settlement agreement'. In previous court documents filed in December 2024, Mr Mill said Sting's former bandmates are owed more than $2 million (1.49 million) because arranger's fees had not been paid from money generated through streaming. He also said Mr Copeland and Mr Summers understand the 2016 agreement means they are entitled to a share of money 'from all publishing income derived from all manner of commercial exploitation'. The hearing, before Mr Justice Bright, is due to conclude on Thursday, with the trial expected at a later date. New wave band The Police were formed in London in 1977 and shot to stardom with their second album Reggatta de Blanc, the first of four albums on the spin to reach the top of the charts. They bagged five UK number one singles and achieved a number one in the US with Every Breath You Take. Their last tour ended in 1984, but there was no farewell to each other or to their fans. Copeland founded the band in 1977, joining up with Sting when he saw his charisma with the jazz fusion band Last Exit. They then approached agile rock guitarist Summers. New wave band The Police were formed in London in 1977 and shot to stardom with their second album Reggatta de Blanc, the first of four albums on the spin to reach the top of the charts (Pictured left to right: Sting, Steward Copeland and Andy Summers) But immediately there was understood to be a three-way power struggle. Sting said previously: 'We didn't go to school together or grow up in the same neighbourhood. We were never a tribe. 'We care passionately about the music and we're all strong characters and nobody would be pushed around. We fought over everything.' The band unravelled and dissolved in resentment and anger and Sting went on to become a solo artist. After threatening to break up every other week, their personal gripes were by no means kept behind closed doors. The band members went public with their problems with back-handed jokes in the studio and even during interviews. The recording of Synchronicity - their fifth and final studio album - was fractious, with in-fighting leading to them recording parts in different rooms. However, The Police surprisingly returned with a Reunion Tour taking place between 2007 and 2008, and over its 151 dates saw the band travel the world from Europe to South America. The Reunion saw the band earn a reported 292million, with guitarist Summers telling The Telegraph in 2022 he earned $1million a night. 'The 2007 Reunion Tour was a giant pay-off for all of us and quite incredible: the most money I've ever made,' he said. 'We sold out every stadium in the world. 'And I hate to say it well no, I don't hate to say it I think I was the highest-paid guitarist in the world during that Reunion Tour.' An Italian fashion influencer has been acquitted of fraud over claims she falsely implied proceeds from cake sales would go to charity. Milan prosecutors accused Chiara Ferragni of misleading consumers in 2022 and 2023 by promoting sales of a limited-edition pandoro cake produced by Italian confectionery company Balocco. The inflated prices were supposed to directly support children's medical treatment. A similar case involved Ferragni-branded Easter eggs in support of 'I Bambini delle Fate,' an association that helps children with autism. The mother-of-two was facing one year and eight months behind bars for aggravated fraud. Today, she was cleared. Speaking to reporters outside a Milan courthouse, Ferragni said: 'The nightmare is over. 'I am very happy to take control of my life and get my life back. It has been a very difficult two years. I had faith in justice, and justice has been done.' Italian influencer Chiara Ferragni was cleared of aggravated fraud charges on Wednesday after a trial centered on allegedly misleading charitable dealings. Pictured: Ferragni arrives at the Milan Law Court on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Ferragni was facing one year and eight months behind bars Ferragni, who has some 28 million followers on Instagram, was fined almost 1.1 million euros ($1.14 million) in 2023 by Italy's competition authority (AGCM) over sales of Ferragni-branded Pandoro Christmas cakes with packaging mentioning a children's hospital. She also agreed in 2024 to pay at least 1.2 million euros to a children's charity to settle the case concerning sales of Ferragni-branded Easter eggs. During a hearing in November, the influencer took the stand and stated that she had acted 'in good faith', while her lawyer, Giuseppe Iannaccone, reiterated in his closing argument in December that 'Chiara is innocent from every angle of this case. There is no crime'. Ferragni's lawyers, Iannaccone and Marcello Bana, said in a statement at the time of her indictment last year: 'We remain firmly convinced that this matter has no criminal relevance and that every controversial element has already been addressed and resolved before the AGCM.' In the case of the Ferragni-branded Pandoro, the allegation was that consumers had been duped into thinking that by buying those cakes they were contributing to charity for a children's hospital, the Turin-based Regina Margherita paediatric hospital. Pandoro is an alternative to the more famous panettone. In the Easter eggs case, the influencer is charged with misleading buyers into thinking they were supporting the 'I Bambini delle Fate' children's charity. The scandal hurt Ferragnis popularity on social media, eroding her fan base and denting her vast business empire, which spanned beauty, licensing and fashion. The influencer speaks to reporters outside the courtroom after she was cleared Ferragni's personal life also took a hit as her marriage with popular rapper Fedez collapsed under public scrutiny. Her status as Italys most recognizable influencer made her case an ideal test for prosecutors and regulators, eager to send a message to other players in the surging and mostly unregulated creator economy. A few months after the scandal broke, the conservative government led by Premier Giorgia Meloni introduced a bill - dubbed the Ferragni law - that directly targeted influencers suspected of misleading their fan base with unclear marketing promotions. It is not immediately clear if prosecutors will appeal. A historic Bay Area Taco Bell known for its standout architecture has shuttered after more than half a century in operation. The Mexican-inspired fast-food chain location on Mount Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette shut its doors for good on Tuesday, FOX 2 reported. The coveted eatery opened in 1968 and instantly became a local staple for its snappy service of burritos and tacos - which only cost a fraction of a dollar at the time. It was one of the last sites of the California-based franchise with its original mission-style design. The late 19th and early 20th century style, also known as Mission Revival, is characterized by its earthy tones, arched windows, tile roofing and smooth, stucco walls. There are more than 8,000 Taco Bells in the US and beyond, with only six mission-style Taco Bells thought to be remaining. Its first spot opened in 1962 in Downey and was founded by World War II veteran Glen Bell. That location closed in 1986, but the structure itself was moved to the company's Irvine headquarters in 2015 to avoid demolition. The Mexican-inspired fast-food chain location in Lafayette, California, on Mount Diablo Boulevard shut its doors for good on Tuesday Patrons are seen eating at the mission-styled Taco Bell is seen above in 1973 Nicknamed 'Numero Uno,' the 400-square-foot building was actually removed from its foundation and trucked 45 miles to Irvine. Rumors about the Lafayette location closing had been circulating for months before the site shut down. Locals had been rushing to the restaurant for a final chance to get a bite to eat and bask in the nostalgia. 'One last visit to Taco Bell in Lafayette, which is closing at stores in early January 2026. Not our favorite food, but we had to do it just for the sake of memories,' one local gushed on Facebook in late December. 'This is this one of two restaurants left in Lafayette since we were kids in the 70s. When they opened a taco was only $.19.' 'That building has been looking "perpetually old" since we were kids, and honestly, that was part of its charm,' another patron posted on January 1. He continued reminiscing: 'Burritos were 75 cents. Tacos were 50 cents. Even if you were broke, you could scrape together enough change for a burrito with your friends. 'If you had some extra pocket change, you could drop it in the catch-the-change water game thingy they had on the counter. In 1973, food options at the location were only a fraction of a dollar 'No drive-through meant you actually had to go inside. Youd stand in line, watch them make your food, and end up chatting with whoever was next to you. It was just different. More human, I guess? 'Late-night eats, after-school hangs, cheap bean burritos that honestly slapped, if you grew up here, this place was just part of the background of your life.' The Lafayette Historic Society also addressed its closure, declaring it 'the end of an era - and a good story to go with it.' According to the Lafayette Historic Society, this Taco Bell was tied to a local urban legend - stealing the bell. Hordes of high schoolers throughout the 1980s and 1990s would dare their friends to climb the building to reach the roof to steal the bell on top. Teens snatched the iconic bell so frequently that the staple was taken down and replaced with a neon Taco Bell sign, according to the local group. 'One way or another - and there are plenty of stories - the bell disappeared shortly after, and the legend was born,' the society wrote. 'Today, the original bell is long gone, replaced by a plastic, illuminated version. Sleek. Safe. Unstealable. But ask anyone who grew up in Lafayette back then, and theyll tell you: once upon a time, a few daring Dons pulled off the Great Taco Bell Bell Heist.' A woman has demanded that her mayor 'grow thicker skin' after two police officers visited her Florida home to confront her over a comment she left under his Facebook post. Raquel Pacheco, 51, faced an unexpected visit from detectives on Monday after Miami Beach mayor Steven Meiner's office took issue with her response. Meiner, who is Jewish, had described his city as a 'safe haven for everyone,' comparing it to New York, which he accused of 'intentionally removing protections against select groups, including promoting boycotts of Israeli/Jewish businesses.' But Pacheco, a vocal critic of the mayor and a former candidate for both the Miami Beach City Commission and Florida Senate, fired back underneath the post. 'The guy who consistently calls for the death of all Palestinians, tried to shut down a theater for showing a movie that hurt his feelings, and REFUSES to stand up for the LGBTQ community in any way (even leaves the room when they vote on related matters) wants you to know that you're all welcome here,' she wrote. Her outspoken critique drew two police officers to her door, who said their presence was meant to 'prevent somebody else from getting agitated or agreeing with the statement.' 'The mayor really needs to grow some thicker skin here,' Pacheco told the Miami Herald. 'He's weaponizing the police department against private citizens,' she added. 'This is an abuse of power.' Raquel Pacheco, 51, demanded that the Miami Beach mayor 'grow thicker skin' after two police officers visited her Florida home to confront her over a comment she left on his Facebook post Meiner, who is Jewish, said Miami Beach was a safe area, comparing it to New York City, which he accused of 'intentionally removing protections against select groups, including promoting boycotts of Israeli/Jewish businesses' On Monday afternoon, authorities in an unmarked car and without full uniforms arrived at Pacheco's Flamingo Park home. She admitted that her 'heart was racing' when the officers knocked on her door and questioned her about whether she had posted the comment. Pacheco, who recorded the encounter and shared it on social media, asked the detectives if she was being charged. They denied it, saying they were only there 'to have a conversation.' When an officer showed her a screenshot of the Facebook comment, she refused to answer questions without a lawyer. 'This is freedom of speech,' Pacheco responded instead. 'This is America, right? Reading the comment aloud - including the three clown emojis she added at the end - an officer told Pacheco they were there to prevent further problems, adding: 'We're not saying it's true or not.' They cautioned her to 'refrain from posting things like that because that can get something incited,' highlighting her comment about Palestinians and warning it could inspire 'somebody to do something.' While Meiner has not called for the death of Palestinians, Pacheco later said she was referring to his previous public statements backing Israel and its deadly campaign in Gaza. Join the debate Should police be used to investigate social media criticism of politicians? Pacheco faced an unexpected visit from detectives on Monday after Meiner's office took issue with a comment she left under his post describing the town as a 'safe haven for everyone As a vocal critic of Meiner and a former candidate for both the Miami Beach City Commission and Florida Senate, Pacheco fired back in the comments section Meiner has also tried to cancel O Cinema's lease for screening a West Bank documentary and has pushed restrictions on pro-Palestinian protests - actions now under legal challenge. In the video shared on Facebook, Pacheco repeatedly denied being the author. The officers ultimately left in under three minutes. She said she never imagined her comment would trigger a police visit, adding that her freedom of speech 'died at my front step yesterday' and calling it 'incredibly sad,' according to CBS News. 'This is mind-blowing to me that this is happening,' Pacheco added to the Herald. 'I don't understand what about the comment incites violence.' Describing the visit as a direct 'intimidation tactic' and an 'attack' on her First Amendment rights, she hired lawyer Miriam Haskell of the nonprofit Community Justice Project to find out what prompted the response. 'Miami Beach Police showed up at Ms Pacheco's home, unannounced, to confront her regarding non-threatening, protected speech,' Haskell said in a statement, according to the Herald. 'We are all fortunate that Ms Pacheco was bold and brave enough to share what happened to her, and we should now be extremely alarmed,' she added. 'These police were sent to intimidate her and chill dissent, plain and simple.' The mayor has since characterized the situation as a 'police matter,' while again reaffirming his strong support for Israel While Meiner has not directly called for the death of Palestinians, Pacheco later said she was referring to his previous public statements backing Israel and its deadly campaign in Gaza The sudden visit, police spokesman Christopher Bess explained, was carried out 'in light of recent national concerns regarding antisemitism, and out of an abundance of caution,' according to the Herald. 'As a precautionary measure, Intelligence Unit detectives conducted a brief, consensual encounter to ensure there was no immediate threat to the safety of the elected official or the community,' Bess said. Haskell, however, argued that the department's statement left out whether the visit was in response to the 'content' of Pacheco's post - a move that could be seen as an infringement on citizens' speech. She challenged the idea of an 'immediate threat,' pointing out that the officers appeared more focused on how others might respond to her post. 'That gives me pause as to what their real motivations are,' Haskell told the Herald. 'Who else's doors are they knocking on?' Police ultimately declined to pursue a criminal investigation after speaking with her, the Herald reported. The mayor has since characterized the situation as a 'police matter,' while again reaffirming that he is 'a strong supporter of the State of Israel' and its 'right to defend its citizens.' Meiner said police believed her comment contained inflammatory and false language that justified an immediate follow-up 'Others might have a different view and that is their right,' Meiner said, per The Washington Post. 'In this situation, our police department believed that inflammatory language that is false and without any factual basis was justification for follow-up to assess the level of threat and to protect the safety of all involved.' 'We are traveling down a very slippery road here,' Pacheco later told CBS. On Monday night, Pacheco said in a Facebook post that she was 'feeling heartbroken,' particularly given her six years of service in the Connecticut National Guard. 'I'm still trying to wrap my brain around what happened today. In America. In 2026!' Pacheco wrote. 'I'm a US ARMY VETERAN. I ran for office 3 times,' she added. 'If they can send the cops to my door for something I said, they can do it to YOU.' The Daily Mail has contacted Mayor Meiner's office for comment. A six-year-old girl was left on her own after her father was taken away by ICE when he went to pick up takeout, the girl's mother claims. Adonay Mancia Rodriguez was taken into custody on Sunday upon leaving his Morristown, New Jersey, home to retrieve the food he ordered from a nearby restaurant for himself and his daughter, Annabella. 'He walked downstairs to pick up the food and was taken by ICE,' his partner and Annabella's mom Gabby Rosa told NJ.com. Rosa said she was working a shift at a local Walmart when 'they took him and they left my baby in the apartment, all alone.' Neighbors who saw the arrest called Rosa to alert her about what had happened. She claimed a witness told her that Annabella went outside to look for her dad after he did not quickly return. The little girl was said to have been tearfully roaming the street asking 'where's papi?' Adonay Mancia Rodriguez was detained by ICE, leaving his daughter Annabella in their apartment alone, his partner claims ICE agents are seen crossing the street near where Rodriguez was detained Rodriguez's family claim that he has a clean record and came to the US as a refugee when he was aged 16. NJ.com reported that Rodriguez has two minor traffic violations on his criminal record. Rosa said her partner's mother died when he was very young and he was forced to flee his native country to evade gang violence and poverty. It is unclear where he is originally from. A GoFundMe created by his aunt Rosa Portillo says that he lived and worked in Morristown for over a decade. 'He is a hard worker with no criminal record whatsoever who is just trying to provide for his family,' Portillo wrote. 'He has a huge family here that is devastated, but most of all is his daughter, who is inconsolable. They are very close and all she wants is to have him back.' The fundraiser has been created to hire an immigration lawyer. 'I dont want [Annabella] to grow up without him, without one of her parents, the same way he did,' Rosa told NJ.com. Rodriguez's family said he came to the US as a refugee when he was 16 Gabby Rosa shared a photo of Annabella, who she said is devastated about her father's arrest Rodriguez was taken by ICE at the same time that an immigration operation was being conducted at a laundromat just across the street from his apartment. That raid resulted in 10 detentions, including a high school student, according to local reports. Morristown's Democratic Mayor Tim Dougherty issued a statement following the laundromat blitz. 'Morristown is a community built by generations of immigrants, and our diversity is one of our greatest strengths,' he said. 'Actions like this create fear and uncertainty for families who contribute every day to our schools, businesses and neighborhoods. 'I want our immigrant residents to know that the Town of Morristown stands with you and will continue to advocate for dignity, fairness, and respect for all who call this community home.' In a video shared on social media, he called upon community immigration lawyers to offer their services free of charge to help those who were 'swept up' in the raid. The Daily Mail has contacted ICE for further comment. The family of anti-ICE protester Renee Nicole Good has hired the same law firm who represented George Floyd's loved ones as they explore launching a civil lawsuit over her death. Chicago-based law firm Romanucci & Blandin has been retained by Good's wife, parents and four siblings after she was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on January 7. Civil rights attorney Antonio M. Romanucci, a founding partner of the law firm, said in a statement to the Washington Post that he was taking on the case because, 'the community is not receiving transparency about this case'. 'People in Minneapolis and across this country truly, truly care about what happened to Renee Good and are committed to understanding how she could have been killed on the street after dropping her child off at school,' the attorney said. 'They want to know what could and should have been done to let Renee live and pick her child up safely from school that afternoon. 'As often as possible, our team will promptly and transparently provide updates on what we learn.' Romanucci shot into the national spotlight following the May 2020 murder of George Floyd as he represented Floyd's family in a civil lawsuit following Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin's murder conviction. The attorney successfully sued the city and four Minneapolis police officers in 2021, winning a $27 million settlement. Chicago-based law firm Romanucci & Blandin, led by civil rights attorney Antonio M. Romanucci (pictured), have been hired by the family of ICE shooting victim Renee Nicole Good. The attorney previously represented the family of George Floyd Renee Nicole Good was shot dead by an ICE agent on January 7 in Minneapolis while protesting against immigration officers Good's shooting has divided the nation, with President Trump and his administration arguing it was justified as they branded Good a 'domestic terrorist.' Claims that Good intentionally drove her SUV into ICE agent Jon Ross, causing him to shoot her, were disputed by Democrats as they argued he was not struck by the vehicle. Amid intense scrutiny on the incident, Minneapolis leaders accused the Trump administration of blocking the investigation. Meanwhile the White House insists that only the FBI will lead the inquiry into Good's death. State and local prosecutors in Minnesota say the FBI is stonewalling them into obtaining all the facts of the case, as Dan Gelber, a former federal prosecutor and Miami Beach mayor, told Axios: 'This is what a cover-up looks like.' Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty claimed during a Friday press conference that the FBI has not been cooperative and has not shared evidence with her office, prompting her to set up an online portal for citizens to submit whatever information they have about the shooting. Romanucci (seen speaking at a gathering for George Floyd) shot into the national spotlight following the Floyd murder as he represented his family in a civil lawsuit, successfully suing the city and four Minneapolis police officers in 2021, winning a $27 million settlement Footage showed ICE officer Jon Ross killing Good while she was driving her SUV down a street where ICE agents were on duty in Minneapolis on January 7 Both Moriarty and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison have said they have the authority to conduct investigations into the shooting and file charges against the ICE agent, who was later identified as 10-year veteran Jonathan Ross. At the same time, the Minneapolis Bureau of Criminal Apprehensions has said it is being barred from the crime scene, is not being given evidence and is not being permitted to conduct interviews. 'At this time, the BCA is not conducting a use-of-force incident investigation,' the agency said in a statement on January 9. 'The BCA remains open to conducting a full investigation of the incident should the US Attorney's Office and FBI reconsider their approach and express a willingness to resume a joint investigation or to share all evidence and evidentiary reports held by FBI investigators.' On Wednesday it emerged that at least six federal prosecutors resigned after being ordered by the Justice Department to investigate Good's wife, Rebecca. They included the lead on the massive Somali fraud scheme case. Joe Thompson, the former acting US Attorney of Minnesota who spearheaded the prosecutions in the Feeding Our Future food fraud case, submitted his resignation on Tuesday. Amid national outrage over the shooting, Romanucci & Blandin said in a statement after taking on Good's family as clients that they were 'calling for peace.' ICE agent Jonathan Ross, who fatally shot Renee Good, was identified as the officer responsible for the shooting Blood splatter was seen in Good's SUV after the shooting 'Be Good. That is the clear message from her family as Renees wish to the world,' the firm wrote. 'These words also encompass the mission of their attorneys, who they have retained to not only seek accountability for her death but also to honor her life with progress toward a kinder and more civil America. 'They do not want her used as a political pawn, but rather as an agent of peace for all.' It was not clear if the law firm plans to imminently file a civil lawsuit over the shooting. The Daily Mail has contacted the law firm for comment. An 'arrogant' former NHS doctor and contestant on The Apprentice has been struck off over a series of antisemitic, racist and sexist social media comments. Dr Asif Munaf, 37, appeared in the 2024 BBC series before being axed from a spin-off show after a string of complaints about his conduct. He failed to appear before a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service hearing which heard details of the charges against him. Dr Munaf - who also uses the name Mohammed - reposted comments on X, formerly Twitter, which claimed Israel had 'forfeited any right to exist', was a 'Nazi state' and that Zionists are not Jews but 'today's Nazis', together with an image of a red flag with the Star of David above a swastika. Other posts claimed that Jews 'have no limits to their depravity' are 'sick in the head' and are 'born with an inherent ability to deceive'. One post, in June 2025, read: '9/11 wasn't an inside job. Let's call it for what it really is. A Jewish job.' There were further comments about an 'inherent Jewish supremacy', the Jewish 'victim complex' and Jews having 'a genocidal impulse'. One sickening comment made reference to the Nazi Holocaust and North London bagel shops and read: 'Does the obsession with baking and ovens explain the uncontested and unproven claims of 6 million Jews and 40 beheaded babies in ovens?' Dr Asif Munaf has been struck off for making anti-Semitic, racist and sexist posts on social media Dr Munaf was fired from episode 7 of The Apprentice's 2024 series - and axed from spin-off show You're Fired, after his online postings came to light Striking him off the medical register, a panel has now accused Dr Munif of an 'arrogant disregard for patients and colleagues' which displayed a 'deep-seated and ongoing attitudinal issue'. His posts and reposts, dating from 2023 to 2025, also included a racist slur to describe ex-world champion boxer Floyd Mayweather and claimed he'd been in contact with Israel Defence Forces. Further comments were aimed at women, saying most men 'cannot tell the difference between an asset and a liability' and this was reason why many were 'broke and miserable'. Women 'should not be pilots', the doctor claimed. Dr Munaf also commented: 'Female "empowerment" is one of the great tricks of Satan. 'Islam gives us the blueprint. When will the world wake up?' Harriet Tighe, for the General Medical Council, told the hearing the posts were 'objectively antisemitic and/or seriously offensive, and motivated by racial or religious hostility and/or prejudice'. They were also 'racist' and 'objectively sexist', she added. The tribunal heard that Dr Munaf, who was first handed an interim suspension in February 2024, had chosen not to attend the hearing or provide any witness statements. But he did not dispute posting or reposting the comments when he attended a previous interim orders tribunal hearing, Ms Tighe said. Dr Munaf set up an online service which claimed to 'beat the GP wait' and provide sick notes 'in as little as two hours' Although he'd denied they were antisemitic, she said, he'd admitted they were 'not befitting of someone as educated as myself' and made 'in the heat of the emotion'. The doctor failed to comply with conditions placed on his registration in August 2024 not to 'abuse, discriminate against, bully, harass or deliberately target any individual or group' when expressing his beliefs on social media. And the tribunal found there were 36 occasions when he posted content which was objectively antisemitic, racist, sexist, seriously offensive and/or motivated by racial or religious hostility and/or prejudice. Further charges were also found proved. Dr Munaf was booked to provide locum services as a cardiology specialist registrar at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust in January 2024. But he 'acted inappropriately' by vanishing just hours into the role. He also provided a sick note to a patient in November 2024, while suspended. The tribunal found that the public would be concerned about his conduct and that he 'posed a current and ongoing risk to the health, safety and wellbeing of the public' and he's now been erased from the medical register. Dr Munaf set up the online service Dr Sick Ltd in 2024 which claims to 'beat the GP wait' and provide sick notes 'in as little as two hours'. Without any face-to-face or phone consultation, it was reported, the company sold sick notes enabling customers five months off work for Covid, six weeks for anxiety over a sick pet, and four weeks of home working to enable them to go on holiday abroad. Dr Munaf also ran the now defunct University of Masculinity website which was criticised for its controversial postings and retweeting of posts by Andrew Tate. He was fired from The Apprentice in week seven of the 2024 series after his team lost a task. But when his social media posts came to light the Board of Deputies of British Jews complained to the BBC about his 'despicable antisemitism'. He was then pulled from the spin-off show You're Fired, which normally features the candidate axed from the business contest each week. In January 2024, shortly before the series started, Dr Munaf said in a statement: 'I apologise for any offence caused by my online content/social media. 'It was not my intention to offend anyone, and I am of course open to all views. The beliefs I hold and have shared are based on the values that I was brought up with.' In a separate statement on X, he said he had used 'ill-judged & emotional language'. Today MPTS chairwoman Kate Kirwin said Dr Munaf's conduct on social media was 'sustained and repeated' and that he continued making discriminatory posts after the matter was first brought to its attention. She said the post about 'ovens' was 'deliberately shocking and provocative by denying/minimising the Holocaust and making explicit reference to death and beheaded babies'. Dr Munaf showed 'a complete disregard and a lack of respect' for the function of the regulator when he deliberately ignored its requirements and issued a sick note when he was not permitted, she said. The MPTS also ruled Dr Munaf acted 'unprofessionally and without any apparent care for patients or respect for colleagues' when leaving the locum placement. Ms Kirwin said: 'All of these behaviours indicate an arrogant disregard for patients and colleagues, the views of others and the regulator. 'Such behaviour, individually and taken as a whole, is unbefitting a registered doctor and indicative of the fact that Dr Munaf's character may be unsuitable to practice in the medical profession, in part due to the determination of a deep-seated and ongoing attitudinal issue. 'The tribunal considered that there was no evidence of insight or even reflection in Dr Munaf's case, and no evidence of any attempt to remediate or prevent future recurrence. 'The seriousness of the facts found proven and associated ongoing risk to public protection mean the effect of Dr Munaf continuing to hold registration would undermine public confidence in the profession.' A GMC spokesperson said: 'There is no place for antisemitism, sexism or misogyny in medicine, and we will always seek to strike off doctors for such conduct.' Donald Trump has frozen visa processing for 75 countries, including Russia and Iran, as the president threatens military strikes against the ayatollah. The State Department directed consular offices to deny visas in an internal memo sent on Wednesday as the government re-examines screening and vetting procedures. Countries targeted include Afghanistan, Brazil, Iraq and Somalia. The latter is in the administration's sights amid reports of widespread fraud by the Somali community in Minnesota. It is unclear whether the decision is directly linked to ongoing military preparations for Iran but it comes as Trump has threatened strikes on the Islamic regime amid a bloody crackdown that has left at least 2,500 protesters dead. The visa ban also poses a potential obstacle for fans from 15 nations competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ahead of the tournament hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada this month. Brazil are the current favorites to lift the Jules Rimet trophy. The State Department is expected to implement the indefinite freeze on January 21. The memo also directs consular officers to deny visas to applicants who will need to rely on public benefits upon entry to the US. Officers are also instructed to weigh a variety of factors for applicants, including health, age, and English proficiency. The Iranian regime have brutally cracked down on protesters Trump has threaten military action against Iran for killing protesters 'The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,' spokesman Tommy Piggott said. 'Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.' White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told the Daily Mail: 'President Trump is putting America First, and all of his actions are guided by what is best for the American people not foreign nationals. 'The President is rightfully taking action to ensure that aliens admitted to United States are not abusing public assistance programs intended to serve American citizens.' The State Department will provide exceptions for some visa applications under the new pause but it will be 'very limited.' Trump's immigration crackdown is facing a backlash after an ICE agent shot dead American citizen Renee Good in Minneapolis last week. Good, 37, drove her car at the agent as officers attempted to arrest her for blocking a road during a protest against Trump's migrant raids. Trump last night spoke out on the shooting, suggesting that his predecessor Joe Biden was to blame for allowing so many illegals to enter the US. 'The bottom line is we have hundreds of thousands of murderers in our country, killers,' the president told CBS. 'They were let in through an open border policy of Sleepy Joe Biden. ICE is working very hard to get them out, their job is being made very, very difficult.' In the same interview he promised to take 'strong action' against Iran if Ayatollah Ali Khamenei goes forward with hangings on Wednesday. Protesters set fire to makeshift barricades near a religious center on January 10 Trump is said to have been briefed in recent days about his options, including strikes on nonmilitary sites in Tehran. Desperate families of relatives who have been persecuted by the Iranian regime amid the uprising have called on Trump to intervene. Already, a bloody security force crackdown on the protests has killed at least 2,571, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported. Trump told CBS News: 'If they [Iran] hang them, you're going to see something'. But Iran ignored Trump's threats and vowed to fast-track executions after detaining 18,000 protesters as the regime continues its brutal crackdown. The head of Iran's judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, signaled Wednesday that there would be fast trials and executions ahead for those detained, saying: 'If a person burned someone, beheaded someone and set them on fire then we must do our work quickly.' The US ordered the evacuation of air bases in the region, including an unspecified number from a site in Qatar by Wednesday evening. Al Udeid, the largest American base in the Middle East, houses 10,000 troops and was targeted by Iran in June in retaliation for US strikes on its nuclear facilities. Palm Beach socialites are up in arms over new development projects they say will turn the luxury enclave into a 'homogenized mess.' Bettina Anderson, the socialite, model and influencer fiancee of Donald Trump Jr, is leading the revolt against the plans to turn historic buildings into residential complexes and retail parks. 'Palm Beach is not meant to look like a master planned shopping plaza. Its beauty lies in variation!' she wrote to her 116,000 followers on Instagram this week, adding an exploding-head emoji. The row centers on plans to demolish a former bank building at 180 Royal Palm Way in the area's trademark Mediterranean Revival style and replace it with a mixed-use residential and retail strip that Anderson says lacks character. 'Our charm comes from individuality,' Anderson wrote. 'Varied awnings, distinct facades, and architectural character that reflects DECADES of layered history not one long uniform strip.' Her second target is the transformation of the relatively unadorned former Saks Fifth Avenue store at 150 Worth Avenue into shops and offices. In follow-up posts, Anderson said, 'This is Palm Beach not Boca - a cutting reference to Boca Raton, the heavily developed city to the south that has become a cautionary tale of traffic congestion, rising density and infrastructure strain. Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson's engagement to Donald Trump Jr., announced at a White House holiday party in December 2025, has only amplified her influence She has railed against the redevelopment of the former Saks Fifth Avenue store at 150 Worth Avenue into a mixed-use complex of shops and offices Palm Beach, Anderson argues, was never meant to follow that path. Palm Beach's aesthetic roots stretch back to the Gilded Age, when tycoons like Henry Flagler turned a sparsely populated island into a winter playground for America's elite. Grand estates with red tile roofs, stucco walls, courtyards and varied facades came to define the town. No two buildings were meant to look the same. Anderson warned that turning iconic streets into continuous, homogeneous developments would erase 'what makes Palm Beach Palm Beach.' O'Connor Capital Partners, which is redeveloping the Worth Avenue site, and Frisbie Group, behind the Royal Palm Way plan, did not respond to requests for comment. Neither did Fairfax & Sammons Architecture, the design firm involved in both projects. The combined plots at Royal Palm Way are worth $26 million. The buildings that make up The Esplanade complex were worth some $150 million in 2014 and have doubtless jumped in value since. In past statements, Fairfax & Sammons has insisted its work aligns with Palm Beach's architectural heritage and improves on what is already there, saying it supports the 'enduring value of charm and beauty.' On its website, O'Connor describes its new retail project 'The Esplanade' as a place to 'experience a taste of local Palm Beach life,' and its renderings of the project are relatively attractive, albeit slightly characterless. Palm Beach's powerful Architectural Commission, a volunteer board that effectively decides what the town will look like, has already weighed in. Anderson is no fan, but other residents say plans for the Worth Avenue site are in keeping with Palm Beach style Anderson says The Esplanade project on Worth Ave looks like another 'master planned shopping plaza' Anderson railed against the bank redevelopment project to her legions of Instagram followers On December 19, 2025, the commission voted 6-1 to approve the Worth Avenue redevelopment, subject to minor changes. Members praised the proposal as a long-overdue upgrade to what they viewed as a bland stretch of the historic street. Commission member Katherine Catlin said she loved 'the life that this project brings,' according to the Palm Beach Daily News. The decision followed a December 10 vote by the town council, which approved a zoning variance allowing the project to proceed. Council member Ted Cooney, a former chairman of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, said the proposed design was 'such an improvement' over the old Saks building, which he described as a box that failed to engage the street. Renovation work has been underway since summer 2025, with crews gutting the interior. The Royal Palm Way project located in Palm Beach's historic Bankers Row has also cleared zoning and planning hurdles. Construction crews are now preparing the site. Those in favor of development note that many Palm Beach properties are due for upgrades in a state that is increasingly battered by hurricanes, floods, and climate change. Approval has only fueled resentment. Palm Beach's year-round population is just 9,000, but that number swells to roughly 20,000 during winter, when snowbirds arrive to shop on Worth Avenue, dine at Mar-a-Lago and occupy multimillion-dollar homes. Median home prices now exceed $3 million. Commercial rents rank among the highest in the US. Longtime residents say redevelopment accelerates the squeeze pushing out small, town-serving businesses in favor of luxury retail. A recent softening of Palm Beach property values likely marks a stabilization of the market after the pandemic boom, but may be linked to new construction and aggressive sales tactics from developers. Those in favor of upgrades note that the new developments raise the square footage of property in a state that's seen massive price hikes from the population booms. An Instagram account bearing the names Susan and Jock Wanamaker-Leas, a prominent Palm Beach socialite couple, blasted the Royal Palm Way project. 'Better left alone,' the post read. 'The one-story, Main Street-like intersection here is darling, and on a wonderful human scale,' it added, warning the town risks becoming a 'refined Mediterranean Disney World.' 'Soon this town will lose its sense of place,' the post said. Anderson is also outraged by plans to replace a 'Bankers Row' property at 180 Royal Palm Way with bland retail and residential units The Royal Palm Way site will become a mixed-use residential and retail strip that Anderson says lacks character Columbia University graduate Anderson has devoted years to environmental causes in Florida Palm Beach's roots stretch back to the Gilded Age, when tycoons like Henry Flagler turned a sparsely populated island into a winter playground for America's elite Anderson says Palm Beach is in danger of becoming bland and charmless, like nearby Boca Raton Others focused on what could be lost. Alexis Robinson Waller, a luxury real estate professional and fourth-generation local, warned that rising rents would wipe out everyday businesses. 'It is a shame to redevelop a site that's the heart and hub of this town,' she wrote, noting that stores serving local families including places to buy school uniforms are at risk. 'Rents go up we lose all the town serving stores and restaurants,' she said. Waller accused developers of prioritizing profit over community. 'All these developers are just so greedy,' she wrote. 'They don't care about the people who actually live here.' Anderson's involvement has taken the dispute to another level. A Columbia University graduate, she has appeared on the covers of Palm Beach Illustrated and Quest Magazine and has devoted years to environmental causes in Florida, including Everglades conservation and disaster recovery. Her engagement to Donald Trump Jr., announced at a White House holiday party in December 2025, has only amplified her influence giving her unprecedented access and a national megaphone. Supporters say she is standing up for Palm Beach's soul. Critics say she is weaponizing status to block change. The battle lines are clear. On one side: developers promising revitalization and modernity. On the other: elites determined to preserve a fragile, carefully curated past. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who killed Renee Nicole Good suffered internal bleeding following the encounter, the Department of Homeland Security said. Jonathan Ross, the agent who shot Good three times in the face on January 7 during an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, endured internal bleeding to his torso, the Trump administration confirmed to the Daily Mail. The extent of his condition remains unclear, as internal bleeding can also be classified as a bruise or contusion that causes mild or serious injury. The mother-of-three was seen in a now-viral video ignoring demands by federal agents to get out of her maroon Honda Pilot, reversing the vehicle, and then trying to drive off during the protest. She was then shot in the face before crashing her car. Ross, 43, was seen walking away after the incident. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said he was taken to the hospital afterward and released the same day. The moment quickly became highly publicized, with one side saying Good, 37, was intentionally trying to hit Ross, and the other saying she was just trying to drive away. Following Good's death, Noem, President Trump, and Vice President JD Vance said she was allegedly after Ross that day, and that she committed 'domestic terrorism' and was a 'professional agitator.' Jonathan Ross, the agent who fatally shot Good last week in Minneapolis, suffered internal bleeding to his torso, according to sources Good was seen ignoring demands by federal agents to get out of her maroon Honda Pilot, reversing the vehicle, and then trying to drive off during the protest The mother-of-three was tragically shot three times in the face by Ross on January 7 But on Monday, the poet's grieving family said that was not at all who Good was, and she does not have a criminal past, as many online users have alleged. 'Ive been pretty quiet about this, because I wanted to wait until our family could piece together a statement and it is finally published. You never think the passing of a loved one will be high profile or a massively divisive, political topic,' Morgan Fletcher, Good's sister-in-law, posted on Facebook. 'And weve seen the false claims and the wrong Renee Goods info being posted (criminal history? She didnt have one),' Fletcher, who is related to Good's late ex-husband, Timmy Macklin Jr, said. In the wake of the deadly incident, two online fundraisers were launched - one for Good and one for Ross. Each GoFundMe page caused quite a stir, with just over $706,000 being raised to help Ross, and the one for Good's family raising more than $1.5 million in donations. Ross was previously dragged by a suspect fleeing in a car six months prior to the Good's death, the Daily Mail revealed. He said he still has physical scars from that incident that he thought he could have died from. Ross said how he 'feared for my life' during the previous incident and was left in 'very excruciating pain.' Ross was previously dragged by a suspect fleeing in a car six months prior to the Good's death, the Daily Mail revealed. He is seen in the hospital with injuries following that encounter He publicly showed his scars from the encounter to a court last month as he described being dragged for 12 seconds by a car he estimated was traveling at speeds of up to 40mph for 100 yards. His arm got trapped in the moving vehicle's window, and his injuries required 33 stitches, he said. Good's friends have claimed she became involved in activism through her six-year-old son's charter school and its local 'ICE Watch group,' which is a coalition of activists who seek to disrupt immigration raids. Following her death, Good's family said they want society to understand that she was a human being. 'No matter where you stand on the issue of ICE or whether or not you think she did or didnt deserve what happened, please remember she was a human being and she had loved ones including children who can and will likely see all of these things about their mother and her wife, whom she loved dearly. 'Please remember to BE KIND. And if you claim to be a Christian, especially, please check your heart, attitude, and response to the tragic death. For they will know you by your fruits,' Fletcher said. Nearly a week after her death, federal investigators are reportedly investigating her possible connection with activist groups protesting Trump's immigration crackdown. FBI investigators, who have kicked local police off the probe and are now leading it, have said they are conducting a thorough inquiry into the fatal shooting, including an analysis of the actions Ross took as well as physical evidence like the handgun used to kill Good. Good is seen with her ex-husband, Tim Macklin, and one of their children. She was a mother-of-three Those familiar with the investigation reportedly told The New York Times that the civil rights division of the Department of Justice, which typically investigates police-involved shootings, has not opened a probe into whether Ross violated Good's rights under federal law. Ross is 'increasingly unlikely' to face criminal charges, the Times reported. In other recent news related to the case, at least six federal prosecutors resigned after the Justice Department allegedly ordered them to investigate Good's wife, Rebecca. Witnesses have said she and Rebecca were acting as legal observers and filming the protest that day. In harrowing footage from the scene, Rebecca admitted she encouraged Good to confront agents. 'I made her come down here, it's my fault,' she cried. The Justice Department allegedly ordered prosecutors from the US Attorney's Office in Minnesota to investigate Rebecca in the wake of the shooting, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported. No further details of the crimes she is suspected of committing have been shared. This order, along with the FBI's decision to kick state officials out of the investigation into the shooting, caused at least six federal prosecutors to resign, including the lead on the massive Somali fraud scheme case. At least six federal prosecutors resigned after the Justice Department allegedly ordered them to investigate Good's wife, Rebecca (pictured together) Witnesses have said she and Rebecca (pictured) were acting as legal observers and filming the protest that day Joe Thompson, the former acting US Attorney of Minnesota who spearheaded the prosecutions in the Feeding Our Future food fraud case, submitted his resignation on Tuesday. 'It has been an honor and a privilege to represent the United States and this office,' Thompson wrote in an email obtained by the local newspaper. His resignation was followed by at least five other senior members of the office, including Assistant US Attorneys Harry Jacobs, Thomas Calhoun-Lopez, and Melinda Williams. Jacobs was the lead prosecuting attorney on the case against Vance Boelter for the assassination of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. The Daily Mail contacted the Department of Homeland Security for comment. A New Jersey mother has been charged with murder after her two little boys, aged five and seven, were found dead in their family home. Priyatharsini Natarajan, 35, was arrested after her husband called police to their apartment on Shell Court, Hillsborough at around 6.45pm Tuesday. He told cops that he arrived home from work to find his two children unconscious, and that his wife 'did something to them'. Hillsborough Township Police officers rushed to the home and found the couple there, alongside 'two deceased children within a bedroom'. Medics attempted life-saving measures on the children, but it was too late and they were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released. Natarajan was arrested and taken to the Somerset County Prosecutors Office. She was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, and one count of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Prosecutors would not confirm what type of weapon was recovered from the scene. New Jersey mother Priyatharsini Natarajan, 35, (pictured above) has been charged with murder after her two little boys, aged five and seven, were found dead in their family home Natarajan was arrested after her husband called police to their apartment on Shell Court, Hillsborough at around 6.45pm Tuesday. The property is shown above Natarajan appeared stony-faced in her mugshot, staring straight ahead with little expression. Red marks and grooves could be seen on her neck, suggesting some sort of injury. The Daily Mail has contacted Somerset County Prosecutors Office and Hillsborough Township Police Department for more information on the case. Anyone with information has been asked to call the prosecutors office at (908) 231-7100 or police at (908) 369-4323 or via the STOPit app. It comes as another mom who is accused of killing her three children is due to appear in court in Massachusetts this month. Lindsay Clancy, 35, jumped out of a second-story window in January 2023 after allegedly murdering Cora, five, Dawson, three, and eight-month-old Callan. Ahead of trial, her defense attorney Kevin Reddington requested she be given an ambulance to help get to court because the fall left her wheelchair-bound. Clancy allegedly strangled her children in the basement of her $750,000 Duxbury home in 2023. The mom-of-three was paralyzed after jumping from a two-story window following the murder of her three children - Cora, five, Dawson, three, and eight-month-old Callan - in January 2023 Lindsay Clancy, 35, (pictured in court on Wednesday) requested the use of an emergency vehicle to get to and from court during a Wednesday hearing as she is wheelchair after being paralyzed Her husband returned home to find Clancy with slashes to her neck and wrists in an effort to take her own life. Reddington will reportedly pursue an insanity defense for Clancy, arguing she was suffering from postpartum depression at the time she allegedly strangled the children. 'This is not a situation that was planned by any means,' he previously said. 'This was a situation that was clearly the product of mental illness.' But the prosecution countered that Clancy had been evaluated by mental health professionals before and was told she did not have post-partum depression. They claimed Clancy had been researching ways to kill on her cellphone in the days leading up to the murders, and have suggested her suicide attempt was staged. Clancy has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder, three counts of strangulation and three counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. A former California news anchor has been awarded almost $2 million after she sued her station for discrimination when she discovered her male co-star was earning a higher salary for the same role. Sandra Maas, 63, was awarded $1.775 million from an appeals court in San Diego on Tuesday after a years-long case where her lawyers argued she was being paid less than her male counterpart by local Fox affiliate KUSI, according to the court docket. Maas filed a lawsuit against KUSI's owner, McKinnon Broadcasting Co., in June 2019. Her lawyers argued that Maas was paid a salary of $120,000 when she started anchoring the station's evening news program in 2010. Her co-anchor, Allen Denton, however, was earning $200,000. When he retired in 2019, his salary was $245,000, while hers was only $180,000, according to court documents. Maas argued for equal compensation, but KUSI decided instead not to renew her contract. During the civil trial, one of Maas's attorneys argued in opening statements that the co-anchors sat 'side by side at the same news desk, reading from the same teleprompter, anchoring the same newscast, but paid significantly different by KUSI,' the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. The San Diego Superior Court had sided with Maas, but attorneys for McKinnon appealed, and the case was sent to an appellate court in 2024. Sandra Maas, pictured above, won almost $2 million in the Court of Appeals after suing her former employer for paying her male counterpart more Maas, pictured above anchoring KUSI with Allen Denton, said her male counterpart was paid significantly more during her tenure Maas, pictured above filming a documentary in 2023, left KUSI in 2019 and sued the station for failing to provide equal pay 'After careful review, the Court of Appeal affirmed the verdict and rejected the defense's attempts to rewrite the outcome of a fair trial simply because it did not like the result,' one of Maas's attorneys, Josh D Gruenberg, told the Daily Mail. Gruenberg added that the Court of Appeals rejected the defense's arguments and found evidence to support the jury's decision. He called the court's opinion a 'true celebration' of equal pay rights and brought closure to a 'grueling' chapter in the veteran news anchor's life. 'It takes courage to come forward, and even greater courage to withstand the blocks and tackles that followed in this case,' Gruenberg added. 'We feel completely vindicated and deeply grateful to Sandra for her strength, and to the remarkable team that carried this matter through to justice.' Maas joined the network in 2004 as a morning anchor after a tenure with CBS 8. She had worked in broadcast television for 33 years before the trial. She hosted KUSI's 'Inside San Diego' program until she was promoted to the evening anchor in 2010. Meanwhile, Denton worked in radio for 11 years before joining broadcast television. He was an on-air anchor for over 30 years before he retired. Maas's representation said her salary was $180,000 in 2019, while Denton (pictured, left) was making $245,000 Maas's attorney said the recent court decision was a 'true celebration' of equal pay rights. Maas is pictured above with a sign advocating for equal pay Lawyers for KUSI and McKinnon argued that Denton was paid more because he had more experience and worked longer hours. In a trial brief, McKinnon's representation argued that Maas was paid less because she was 'not a good team member or journalist.' However, Maas's attorneys argued in court: 'According to KUSI, women over forty had a "cycle" and had to make room for a "new generation," while men over forty did not.' Maas left the station just a few weeks before she filed a lawsuit in the San Diego Superior Court. In her farewell message, she told her viewers: 'And though I won't be delivering the news anymore from this anchor chair, I do hope to be making news. And making a difference for women in the workplace.' The Daily Mail has reached out to KUSI and McKinnon's representation for comment. Calls for the 500,000-a-year boss of South East Water to resign intensified on Wednesday as thousands of homes were left without drinking water for the fifth day in a row. The firm could face being stripped of its licence as the Prime Minister said ministers had chaired daily emergency meetings to 'hold the company to account' over the ongoing crisis. Sir Keir Starmer told Prime Minister's Questions that it was 'clearly totally unacceptable' that 17,000 homes across Kent and Sussex were still without sufficient water supplies. It comes as Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds revealed she is taking the unusual step of asking water regulator Ofwat to review if the firm is operating within its licence conditions On Wednesaday, her department said: 'Water bosses must be held accountable for significant failures, and the government is making changes in the sector to ensure that this happens.' The debacle saw some 30,000 properties facing water outages over the weekend, forcing scores of schools, libraries and cash-strapped local businesses to close. Those in Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead, Maidstone, Whitstable, Canterbury, and surrounding towns were without water, faced low pressure or had intermittent supplies for days. Residents have been unable to flush toilets, wash dishes or shower while hospitals have had to hold appointments virtually and care homes forced to wash residents with bottled water. The latest crisis comes just days after embattled SEW boss David Hinton was hauled in front of MPs for a grilling over his firm's handling over last month's failings Bottled water stations were set up across Kent and Sussex where upto 1,000 cars queued each hour to get their hands on supplies The firm has launched its 'largest ever operation' this evening to deliver bottled water to the most vulnerable through the night and into Thursday morning The firm has now launched its 'largest ever operation' to deliver bottled water to the most vulnerable through the night while water stations saw queues of around 1,000 cars each hour. South East Water (SEW) has blamed its latest supply outage on cold weather and Storm Goretti with burst pipes and power cuts leaving water storages running low. It is the latest in a slew of failures from the firm with another embarrassing incident in December affecting some 24,000 properties in Tunbridge Wells for almost two weeks. The latest crisis comes just days after embattled boss Mr Hinton was hauled in front of MPs for a grilling over SEW's handling over last month's failings. Regulator Ofwat, which has said the firm is the worstperforming for supply interruptions, has said it is investigating the incidents and considering 'further action'. It comes as MPs, councillors and exasperated residents called for the well-remunerated boss Mr Hinton to be sacked. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: 'Dave Hinton has presided over a culture of failure at South East Water for too long. It's time he took responsibility and resigned.' While Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey called for SEW to be stripped of its licence for 'failing its customers over and over again'. The water firm CEO on 115,000 bonus a year South East Water boss David Hinton enjoyed a generous 30 per cent pay rise last year, taking his already hefty salary to 400,000. The married father-of-two, 58, also enjoys an annual performance related bonus of up to 115,000 as well a car benefits and a generous pension package. He has refused to say whether he would forgo the bonus this year despite the firm's slew of embarrassing failures under his leadership. Despite being at the helm of the company, Mr Hinton bizarrely refused to appear in public or speak to the media during another widespread outage in December affected some 24,000 properties in Tunbridge Wells for almost two weeks. Politicians accused him of being missing in action during SEW's last outage as it was 20 days before he gave his first interview regarding the crisis stating, he would not resign. While his home's water is supplied by SEW, his property in Farnham, Surrey -which is worth just under 1m - is not believed to have been affected by the string of outages. Advertisement Mike Martin, Lib Dem MP for Tunbridge Wells, who has repeatedly called for Mr Hinton's resignation, said the government 'needs to grow a pair, and call for him to go'. Mr Martin said it was a 'shambles' adding he and his constitutes were 'absolutely livid'. His calls were backed by Kent County Council, leader Linden Kemkaran who wrote to SEW's board demanding Mr Hinton is fired after declaring a major incident in her county this week. Despite the mounting calls, Mr Hinton who enjoys a base salary of 400,000 and yearly bonus of up to 115,000, appears intent on staying at the helm of the firm. He 'remains committed to resolving the immediate issues facing customers in both Kent and Sussex, whilst continuing to seek to obtain the investment to deliver the much-needed improvements in resilience to the South East Water network, detailed in the company's Business Plan,' a South East Water spokesperson when asked about calls for resignation. Water supplies have been restored to 16,000 properties across the two counties but thousands are still affected with East Grinstead and Tunbridge Wells the worst hit. The firm's incident manager Matthew Dean admitted that 6,500 properties in Tunbridge Wells that had systems restored previously lost supplies again on Wednesday. He said his team were using 26 tankers to pump water into the network while leak repair teams were working around the clock to fix the bursts. Mr Dean added: 'We are also supporting hospitals with tankers and providing bottled water for care homes, schools, medical care providers and to support livestock.' Public anger has been mounting with many complaining there has been a lack of communication from SEW. George Sutherland. who works for a roofing company in East Grinstead, said people were now falling ill after not being able to practice basic hygiene for days. 'They did not have water in the office for four days. You can't wash your hands, use the bathroom,' he said. 'Everything is dirty, you can't wash upPeople in the office haven't been able to shower for a week. Everybody is on edge.' He added: 'Some people haven't been able to come into work, some people have upset stomachs because of it. It's massively inconvenient in every aspect. Mains water also stopped at Stildon care home in East Grinstead over the weekend where a member of staff said vulnerable people had to be cleaned with bottle water. The care worker said: 'Water has come back, but very low pressure. We are a care home and it's been going on since Saturday and only came back today (Weds), but really very low pressure. 'It has been very difficult because we are a care home and need to wash our residents. 'We received bottled water every day, so we have been able to do it but it's been very difficult.' Alistair Carmichael, chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, suggested Mr Hinton and chairman Chris Train would soon be recalled to face MPs for further questioning. Earlier in the week he said the committee remained 'deeply sceptical' about SEW's version of events regarding last month's failings presented to MPs last week. Quick-thinking firefighters in Washington State saved the lives of six 10-week-old puppies after they were exposed to a suspected opioid overdose and brought to a fire station unresponsive. According to a statement from Sky Valley Fire Department, three puppies were carried into Station 54 earlier this week in critical condition, suffering from respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. Firefighter-EMTs immediately began lifesaving measures, including CPR, oxygen therapy, and the administration of naloxone, also known as Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Because all three puppies were showing the same severe symptoms, firefighters suspected an environmental poisoning rather than illness. Officials said opioid exposure was considered the most likely cause, noting that substances such as fentanyl can be extremely dangerous if inhaled, especially for small animals. As crews worked to revive the puppies, the officer in charge requested assistance from the sheriffs office. All three puppies responded to treatment and were successfully resuscitated. But the rescue effort did not end there. Firefighters at Sky Valley Fire Station 54 holding the recovering 10weekold puppies they helped revive after the animals were brought in unresponsive from suspected poisoning A video shows a Sky Valley firefighter kneeling on the station floor and gently playing with the puppies after they were revived Sheriffs deputies later located the individuals who had brought the puppies to the fire station and went to their residence, where they found three additional puppies in serious distress. Deputies rushed them to Station 54, where firefighter-EMTs again provided emergency care. All six puppies were then transported to a 24-hour urgent care veterinary clinic for further treatment. Veterinarians later confirmed that all six puppies are recovering well and are expected to survive. Photos released by Sky Valley Fire show the puppies alongside the firefighters who helped save them. Officials said opioid exposure was the leading suspected cause of the puppies' condition A video shared by the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office showed the firefighters later playing gently with the puppies after they were revived. The tiny dogs can be seen wagging their tails and climbing over their rescuers as crews smile and laugh. Officials said they hope the puppies will make a full recovery and eventually find loving forever homes. The White House has fired back at Joe Rogan after the podcaster said he understood why protesters were likening Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) behavior in Minneapolis to Adolf Hitler's Gestapo. Rogan was discussing the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, 37, by an ICE agent when he said he understood the 'point of view' of antiICE protesters. 'You don't want militarized people in the streets just roaming around, snatching up people,' Rogan said. 'Many of which turn out to be US citizens that just don't have their papers on them. He added, rhetorically: 'Are we really gonna be the Gestapo? "Where's your papers?" Is that what we've come to?' The Gestapo was the secret police arm of the Nazi party responsible for suppressing opposition. On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin responded to Rogan's controversial remarks. 'If Tim Walz and Mayor [Jacob] Frey would let us in their jails, we wouldn't have to be there at all,' she told Fox News. McLaughlin added that the Trump administration was targeting '680 criminal illegal aliens' including murderers, rapists and child pedophiles. Joe Rogan said that he understood the anti-ICE point of view, saying 'you don't want militarized people in the streets just roaming around, snatching up people' Tricia McLaughlin, the Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary, said the Trump administration was targeting murderers, rapists and child pedophiles 'People who, whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, you would never want these people to be on your streets or your neighbors,' she said. McLaughin called her retort to Rogan 'very straightforward,' although she did not seem to directly address the UFC commentator's comments comparing ICE to Hitler's Gestapo. She claimed that immigration officers had, 'to have a physical presence on the ground' in Minneapolis, as 'we don't have state and local law enforcement's help'. Rogan said on his podcast that the recent ICE raids villainized the officers to many American citizens. 'People are looking at them like murderous military people that are on the streets of our city,' he said. The podcaster also claimed that the agents being 'masked up' was 'also a problem'. 'Because if you get arrested by a cop, you're allowed to ask the cop what is your name and badge number,' Rogan said. 'And you could film that cop. If you get arrested by an ICE agent, you have no such right. They're wearing a mask. They don't have to tell you s***.' McLaughin said that Rogan had mentioned 'the rampant crime we found' when she was played some of his comments. Join the debate Is this about law enforcement or political protest? She claimed that more than $9billion in fraudulent money had been found. Her comments appeared to reference former Assistant US Attorney Joe Thompson, who said that the money defrauded from 14 Medicaid programs in Minnesota could exceed that amount. McLaughin said that the Trump administration believed those schemes were 'just the tip of the iceberg'. She added: 'If the state and local government would help there, if they would coordinate with the FBI, if they would coordinate with Homeland Security investigations, we would on an expedited basis be finding that fraud. 'I think that all Americans would be better off for it. We want to give accountability. We want to give answers.' On Tuesday, Rogan discussed the perception of ICE around the country with Republican Senator Rand Paul while commenting on the fatal shooting of Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, 43. He called Good's death a 'terrible tragedy' that should not have happened. 'I'm not that guy, I don't know what [Ross] thought and again, this is a guy who had almost been run over,' Rogan said. 'But this just looked horrific to me.' On Tuesday, Rogan said that 'people are looking at [ICE] like murderous military people that are on the streets of our city' The podcaster made the comments following Renee Nicole Good's fatal shooting in Minneapolis on January 7 The mother-of-three was shot after she ignored demands to get out of her car, reversed it and tried to drive off during a protest Ross was previously dragged by a suspect fleeing in a car six months before Good's death, the Daily Mail previously revealed. On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security said Ross had suffered internal bleeding to his torso after his encounter with the motherofthree on January 7. Rogan also said that he understood the conservative position on the recent ICE raids in Minneapolis. 'Hey, there was an illegal program moving people in here to get votes, moving people in here to get congressional seats, and we've got to change that,' he said. The podcaster added that American democracy had been hurt by mass immigration. He added: 'We've got to take those people who got in and send them back to where they came from or do something, because if we don't, they're gonna have to take away some of the damage that's been done to a true democratic system because they've kind of hijacked it.' Rogan called for a 'balance to be achieved,' although he admitted that he was unsure of how to get there. 'It's more complicated than I think people want to admit,' he said. The 58yearold who hosts the mostlistenedto podcast in the world endorsed US President Donald Trump in the last presidential election against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Heart-stopping dash cam footage captured the moment a father risked his life rescuing a stranger's two toddlers from a busy Florida highway. John Brittingham was driving along the A1A highway in Cocoa Beach on Sunday when he spotted the young girls. He told WESH 2 that he was 'terrified' but didn't think twice about pulling over to help the children, who he said were less than two years old. Brittingham was headed south when he saw the pair of toddlers in the middle of the road near Sunny Lane. The A1A is considered the most dangerous stretch of highway in Brevard County for bicyclists and pedestrians, as it topped the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization's annual crash rate lists from 2012 to 2016, according to Florida Today. Brittingham, who has kids and even grandchildren of his own, didn't hesitate to step in and said it would have 'ruined the rest' of his life if something had happened to them. Dashcam footage taken by his company Drone Geox LLC showed him waving for cars to watch out. By the time he reached them one of the toddlers was already in the dead center of the road, with the other following not far behind. A heroic motorist managed to rescue two toddler girls who ran out into the middle of a busy Florida road John Brittingham ran onto the A1A highway in Cocoa Beach, Florida to recue two toddlers A car headed south came to a stop as well while the hero scooped up the children and brought them to safety. One of the girls can be seen putting out her little arms for him to pick her up. 'My adrenaline spiked,' Brittingham told WESH 2. 'I had a migraine when I finally got home. I was drained completely for the rest of the day.' After rescuing the girls Brittingham began searching in vain for their parents who were nowhere to be found. Brittingham told the outlet he found an Airbnb nearby, but when he began yelling if anyone was home, he got no response. He said the little toddlers were no help: 'The girls weren't telling me anything. 'They were about two years old or younger and could only point at things and go ahhh.' He speculated that the girls escaped through an unlocked back gate. He finally found an elderly couple and a young girl who were unaware that the kids were missing and were apologetic for letting the toddlers get loose. Brittingham spotted the children as he was headed southbound. He immediately pulled over and ran towards the kids Brittingham brought the children to safety and started hollering for their parents who had no idea that the kids had escaped on to the A1A Despite the intensity of the situation, Brittingham told them, 'I'm just glad I could get them back to you.' The hero did not report the police because he was only concerned with reuniting the kids with their parents. The Brevard County Sheriff's Office is investigating how the kids ended up in danger, and investigators were seen on Sunny Lane on Tuesday, according to Fox 35. Brevard County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is still trying to learn more about how the kids ended up in danger. Karen, Brittingham's wife, shared the shocking footage online, explaining the situation and urging drivers to be careful. 'Please always watch out,' wrote Karen. 'You never know. And slow the F down!' The Daily Mail has reached out to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office for comment. A former British soldier who fought for Ukraine killed himself after being left in agonising pain from injuries he sustained, an inquest heard today. Tom Phillips, 29, from Colwyn Bay in North Wales, joined the International Battalion after Russia invaded the country and became a sniper and team leader. Tragically he was found dead in his apartment in the city of Kharkiv on May 21 last year, having shot himself with a handgun. His friend Gareth Haynes, formerly of the Grenadier Guards, told the hearing Mr Phillips received no help from the Ukraine authorities. 'He was failed by the Ukraine military,' he said. According to a friend who set up an online fundraiser following his death, Mr Phillips went to Ukraine 'to stand up for what he believed in and do his bit to protect people who couldn't protect themselves'. The inquest in Ruthin heard that in addition to being in physical pain Mr Phillips had mental health problems. In a statement read at the hearing, his mother Sasha Hayter said he joined the Royal Artillery at the age of 16 after leaving Eirias High School in Colwyn Bay. Tom Phillips - who 'loved animals', according to an online fundraiser set up after his death - signed up to fight for Ukraine after being discharged from the British Army with a hip injury Tom Phillips (pictured at home in North Wales) couldn't 'settle' into civilian life after leaving the Army, his mother said But he was discharged in 2022 after suffering a hip injury. He couldn't settle into any other jobs and his mother said: 'The Army was all he knew.' Mr Phillips joined the International Legion in Ukraine in 2023 and Mrs Hayter told the inquest: 'He absolutely loved it.' He became a team commander, also working on reconnaissance, but broke a bone in his back, which caused him physical and mental problems. After his death, a GoFundMe appeal was launched to cover repatriation of his body and a funeral as the Ukraine government would not meet the cost because he did not die in action. On the appeal, organiser Joshua Kelly wrote: 'Tom was a big softy at heart. 'He loved animals, especially cats and dogs. 'And had this way of lighting up every room he walked into without saying many words. 'He always kept fit, set examples of how to act and always looked out for the people around him. 'He was one of life's genuinely good people, and he's going to be missed more than can be described and will always be with us in our hearts.' Mr Kelly said his friend 'travelled to Ukraine on his own accord, wanting to stand up for what he believed in and do his bit to protect people who couldn't protect themselves'. 'While he showed bravery most of us can only imagine, the weight of what Tom was experiencing took a heavy toll. 'Tragically he was not able deal with the pain he was experiencing anymore and he lost his battle with mental health, far away from home and the people who loved him.' The appeal raised more than 20,000. Recording a conclusion of suicide, John Gittins, Senior Coroner for North Wales East and Central, told his parents: 'You must be incredibly proud of your son.' - For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see https://www.samaritans.org/ for details for details. Iran has taunted Donald Trump with footage aired by the state broadcaster showing the Butler assassination attempt on the president. 'This time, the bullet won't miss,' the regime threatened as it broadcasted a picture of the bloodied then-presidential candidate during the rally in Pennsylvania on their state TV. This latest direct threat comes at a critical moment in US-Iran relations. Iran is currently facing massive nationwide protests. President Trump has posted 'HELP IS ON ITS WAY' and 'MIGA' (Make Iran Great Again) on social media, signaling support for the demonstrators. This comes after Trump last night threatened 'strong action' if the Islamic regime carried out hangings of protesters scheduled for Wednesday. The White House has stated that US forces are 'locked and loaded' to intervene if Iran begins mass executions of protesters, specifically citing the case of Erfan Soltani, who was sentenced to death this week. More than 2,500 protesters have been killed since protests swept the country. Trump is considering strikes on targets inside Iran after vowing to intervene last week if the country killed protesters. Iran has taunted Donald Trump with footage aired by the state broadcaster showing the Butler assassination attempt on the president Fires are lit as protesters rally on January 8, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. Demonstrations have been ongoing since December, triggered by soaring inflation and the collapse of the rial, and have expanded into broader demands for political change Iran also recently cancelled direct communications with US envoys after Trump's intervention threats - now displaying these 'assassination' posters at state-sponsored rallies to show defiance. A White House official tells the Daily Mail that 'All options are at President Trump's disposal to address the situation in Iran,' adding that he is listening to a host of opinions but will 'ultimately make the decision that he feels is best.' Trump said on Tuesday he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials, told protesters that 'help is on the way' and to 'save the names of the killers and abusers.' Iranians tell the Daily Mail that the IRGC military force have been given orders to 'shoot to kill' unarmed protestors. One Iranian man tells Daily Mail that his cousin was kidnapped, and another saying his home was raided. Hospital workers say protestors are arriving with gunshot wounds. One doctor called it a 'mass casualty,' with horrifying images of piles and rows of body bags coming out of the country. Families are pictured weeping over bodies of loved ones. Two sources in Iran tell the Daily Mail the government is charging families for the bodies. The president appears to be weighing his military options as the bloodshed reaches a fever pitch, even reviewing geographic intelligence. The Trump administration has reportedly been provided with a sophisticated hit list of high-value military zones as the president deliberates on a strike on Iran. United Against Nuclear Iran, a Washington-based nonprofit group, compiled a dossier of 50 IRGC zones and delivered it to White House officials in the early hours on Monday ahead of critical security meetings, the organization exclusively told Daily Mail. A bungling burglar who filmed himself preparing for home raids and driving stolen cars has inadvertently helped police bring down his entire crime gang in the process. Masked thief Hamza Ghafoor brazenly recorded himself gearing up for break-ins, cruising at the wheel of a luxury car and flaunting stacks of cash. Cops say the clips became 'key evidence' in landing him and his accomplices behind bars. The 22-year-old, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, was one of six jailed over the organised burglaries targeting expensive vehicles over two months. Footage shared by Chorley Police shows Ghafoor slipping on a face mask as if preparing for a job, followed by a clip filmed from behind the wheel of a BMW. Another video taken by Ghafoor shows piles of cash. The gang carried out a series of high-value burglaries between September and November 2023, after travelling from Bradford to Lancashire for the crime spree. They stole vehicles that were often driven in convoy at high speed, with some involved in crashes. In one incident on September 11, 2023, a 35,000 Volkswagen Tiguan was stolen from a property in Colne, Lancashire, before it was abandoned following a pursuit. Its 2,500 sound system had been stripped out. Masked thief Hamza Ghafoor brazenly recorded himself gearing up for break-ins, cruising at the wheel of a luxury car and flaunting stacks of cash They stole vehicles that were often driven in convoy at high speed, with some involved in crashes The 22-year-old, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, was one of six jailed over the organised burglaries targeting expensive vehicles over two months The gang carried out a series of high-value burglaries between September and November 2023 In another incident on October 30, 2023, a 79,000 BMW X3 was stolen from a property in Langho, Lancashire. The first the victim knew about it was when officers told him it had been involved in a crash in Bradford and was suspected stolen. DNA from Kamran Ahmed, 23, one of the culprits, was recovered from the driver's airbag, along with evidence from accomplice Jordan May, 23. DNA was also left on a lighter by Mohammed Zubhir, 24. Detectives pieced together CCTV, fingerprints and DNA - with other evidence including a cracked iPhone left inside one stolen car. The burglaries were carried out across parts of East Lancashire, including Pendle, Blackburn, the Ribble Valley, Hyndburn and Chorley. When officers arrested Ghafoor, they found incriminating evidence on his phone - including pictures of a stolen Mercedes. During a search of his bedroom, cops found a Louis Vuitton bag packed with hundreds of wraps of crack cocaine and heroin. Denzel Maduma, 20, of Thorpe Audlin, Pontefract, was jailed for three years and four months Jordan May, 23, of no fixed address, was jailed for three years and four months Mohammed Zubhir, 24, of Clayton Road, Bradford, was jailed for three years and nine months Kamran Ahmed, 23, of Thorpe Street, Halifax was jailed for two years In total, the gang was jailed for 15 years. Hamza Ghafoor, 22, of Sunderland Road, Bradford, was jailed for six years. Mohammed Zubhir, 24, of Clayton Road, Bradford, was jailed for three years and nine months. Jordan May, 23, of no fixed address, was jailed for three years and four months. Denzel Maduma, 20, of Thorpe Audlin, Pontefract, was jailed for three years and four months. Kamran Ahmed, 23, of Thorpe Street, Halifax was jailed for two years. Dylan Shuttleworth, 18, of Trinity Street, Oswaldtwistle, was given a 12-month youth referral order. Ghafoor was jailed on January 5th, while the others were sentenced last year. A spokesperson for Chorley Police said Ghafoor was 'not the brightest burglar of the bunch'. They added: 'He thought it would be a good idea to film himself before and after committing burglaries in East Lancashire during which high value cars were stolen. 'The joke is on him though, as this turned out to be key evidence in convicting him and four others of conspiring to commit burglary.' DC Tom Archer said: 'The majority of the offenders in this case were already serving prison sentences for similar offences committed in other force areas at the time of sentencing. 'It is, however, satisfying to know that they will now have to spend even longer behind bars.' An Illinois surgeon accused of murdering his ex-wife and her dentist husband was found with the gun used to execute the couple when he was arrested, police say. Michael Mckee allegedly shot dead his ex-wife Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer Tepe in their home in Ohio on December 30. McKee was arrested and charged with murder on Monday. In a press conference Wednesday, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said the alleged killer still had the gun on his person when he was arrested near Chicago. Bryant said McKee was tracked from the murder scene with surveillance cameras, which led to a vehicle he owned. 'Multiple weapons were taken from the property of McKee, and there is a preliminary link to one of the weapons that ties it to the homicides,' the police chief said at the press conference. 'What we can say, this was a targeted attack. This was a domestic violence-related attack, as we know McKee is the ex-husband of Monique Tepe. 'We believe at this point we have the person responsible for the murders of Monique and Spencer Tepe, and that person is Michael McKee.' McKee is next due in court on January 23, where he will face extradition back to Ohio to face two counts of aggravated murder. Michael David McKee, 39, was found with the gun used to execute his ex-wife Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer Tepe at their home in Ohio on December 30, police say Spencer and Monique Tepe were found dead at their home in Weinland Park, Ohio on December 30 McKee was arrested and charged with murder on Monday, and in a press conference Wednesday Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said the alleged killer still had the gun on his person when he was arrested in Illinois The couple's bodies were discovered at their home in Weinland Park, Ohio. Monique was found shot once in the chest and Spencer suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Their one-year-old son, four-year-old daughter, and dog were discovered unhurt and are in the care of relatives. Cops earlier revealed there was no sign of forced entry and said the supposed murder weapon was missing. They found three 9mm shell casings at the scene and ruled out the deaths as a murder-suicide. McKee was arrested after a 10-day manhunt that captured attention nationwide. Ohio court records obtained by the Daily Mail reveal Columbus Police identified McKee as a suspect after his vehicle was caught on neighborhood video surveillance near the couple's residence. Police tracked his car, which was registered in Illinois, and arrested McKee near Chicago on Saturday. McKee, a surgeon in Illinois, married Monique in 2015 but they divorced seven months later. In her complaint for divorce, Monique stated that she and McKee were 'incompatible.' Divorce documents viewed by Daily Mail show proceedings started in May 2017 and were quickly wrapped up by June. Eerie surveillance footage shows a hooded figure walking calmly through a snowy alley near the Tepe home during the time the couple were murdered Spencer and Monique Tepe were shot to death upstairs while their two young children slept unharmed inside the family home 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 couples' 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. Although no official motive has been identified, a former FBI agent has suggested that, 'deep-seated resentment and hatred' may have been a factor in the evidently, 'very personal' crime. 'When I look at this case, we knew it was going to be very personal. For somebody to go up into the bedroom and kill these individuals with a gun,' retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer told NewsNation. 'This divorce happened about nine years ago. They were married for such a brief time, only seven months, so that is strange.' The couple were killed ahead of their upcoming anniversary, the timing of which Coffindaffer said could have pushed McKee over the edge. Columbus police discovered the Tepes on the second floor of their home on December 30 with gunshot wounds when officers conducted a wellness check. Dispatchers first received calls of concern, including from Spencer Tepe's boss, when he didn't show up for work, which the boss said was 'out of character.' Workers are being forced out of Scotland by a talent tax imposed by SNP ministers, business leaders have warned as it was revealed nearly one million Scots are set to pay the higher rates. CBI Scotland highlighted the threat of a skills drift amid concern over the impact of the SNPs tartan tax gap that will see Scots pay 1.8billion more than they would if they lived elsewhere in the UK. It comes as the Scottish Governments fiscal forecaster said those earning the current median full-time salary of 39,900 will be paying the higher rate, currently set at 42p, within three years. Nearly one million Scots are now on course to pay the higher rates by the end of the decade, according to the Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) forecasts. This is 28.7 per cent of all workers north of the Border, compared to 22.9 per cent in other parts of the UK. Ahead of a visit to Edinburgh today (THUR), Tory leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the SNP's decision to force families to pay more tax to 'bankroll a failing nationalist agenda'. She also condemned Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar for announcing his party would abstain on the Budget before it had even been published. Ms Badenoch said: 'Under the SNP, nurses, teachers and families are being forced to pay higher and higher taxes just to bankroll a failing nationalist agenda. Finance Secretary Shona Robison delivering the SNP government's budget at Holyrood 'Labour's decision to stand aside and let this terrible budget pass shows they can't provide the alternative Scotland desperately needs. Reform just want more welfare spending. 'Only the Conservatives are serious about cutting taxes for working people, getting a grip on benefits, backing businesses and restoring economic growth to Scotland and the whole of the UK.' Andrew Bowie, the Shadow Scottish Secretary, said: 'Scotland is being shafted by two tired, cynical governments that have completely run out of ideas. 'By allowing this damaging Budget to pass unchallenged, Labour is complicit in raising taxes on millions of hard-working Scots. 'Only the Conservatives will get a grip on Scotland's ballooning welfare bill and cut taxes for working people to drive the growth Scotland so desperately needs.' Michelle Ferguson, director of CBI Scotland condemned the Budget as a missed opportunity and claimed it has left the handbrake on long-term growth. She said: We had asked the Government many of the business groups to stop tax and regulatory drift and end the talent tax caused by income tax divergence. While we welcome those middle earning tax benefits that are going to come into the economy quite quickly, we do have an issue with skills drift: people who we need coming high-skilled, high-earning people coming into the Scottish economy, coming to work for our firms. First Minister John Swinney smiling as Robison answers MSP's questions on her final budget before she stands down in May Weve got a skills gap that is not closing and this Budget is not going to support or assist that in any way. The SFC figures also showed that the cumulative impact of tax divergence introduced by SNP ministers will be 1.75 billion next year leading to claims John Swinneys government is punishing strivers to pay for a soaring benefits bill. It followed the SNP Governments Budget announcement of another freeze in the thresholds for the higher, advanced and top rates in 2026/27 and the indication that this will be continued in the following two financial years as well. Everyone earning more than 33,493 in the coming financial year will pay more income tax if they are based in Scotland than they would if based in other parts of the UK. The new report on the Budget by the SFC highlights that in 2016/17 the last year where rates and bands were identical in Scotland to the rest of the UK - 304,000 people in Scotland were paying higher rates of tax, which was 12.1 per cent of all taxpayers. This was a lower proportion than 15.3 per cent across the UK as a whole. The SFC forecasts that the latest decisions on tax will mean that 835,000 Scots will pay at least the higher rate in 2026/27, which is 26.3 per cent of taxpayers, compared to 21.9 per cent across the UK. Looking at the entire three year spending review period, the SFC forecasts that the number of Scots paying at least the higher rate will rise to 948,000, or 28.7 per cent of taxpayers, in 2028/29, compared to 22.9 per cent across the UK. Further data showed that anyone earning 39,743 today is likely to be paying the higher rate of income tax in 2029/30 because of the decision to freeze the threshold. It also pointed out that this includes someone on the current median full-time earnings for employees resident in Scotland, which is 39,900. Graeme Roy, chairman of the SFC said: If you look at that growth and the people who are paying higher rates of taxes, many more nurses, many more teachers, many more police officers are now paying higher rate of tax. That is a really interesting kind of change in the tax system, that perhaps people that might not have thought of themselves as higher rate taxpayers 10 years ago are now actually being higher rate taxpayers under the current system of freezing these thresholds. Their figures also show the cumulative effect of policy difference introduced by the SNP Government on income tax will be 1.75 billion in 2026/27, up from 1.69 billion in 2025/26. Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Craig Hoy said: The enormous and widening tax gap between Scotland and the rest of the UK illustrates just how hard the SNP are clobbering middle-income workers. John Swinney is punishing strivers with higher bills to pay for a rising and out-of-control welfare bill. Tens of thousands more nurses, teachers and police officers on relatively modest salaries are being dragged into the higher rate, which was never intended for them. The SNPs vindictive tax on aspiration is stifling Scotlands economic performance by making it harder and harder for businesses to recruit and retain skilled individuals. Finance Secretary Shona Robison yesterday told BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast that an increase to the higher rate threshold would have been unaffordable. On the concerns about losing talent to south of the border, she said: What I would say is we have positive net in-migration of taxpayers into Scotland, so there are more people coming from the rest of the UK to come and locate and work in Scotland, it was about 4,200 a year of people making a positive choice to come and live and work in Scotland. And of course here in Scotland, people have a range of supports so if your kids go to university you dont pay tuition fees thats potentially tens of thousands of savings. The decision to increase the basic and intermediate rate thresholds by 7.4 per cent will lead to a maximum benefit of 40 a year, or 61p a week, for taxpayers. Pressed on whether she had considered increasing the higher rate thresholds too, Ms Robison said: I dont fundamentally disagree with that premise, but it is what is affordable and deliverable. If I give you an example, if the higher rate threshold had been raised just to 44,000 that would have cost 125 million. It is extraordinarily expensive to raise those thresholds at the higher levels. The money is just not available to do that. Of course we are very conscious of the tax revenues and the tax that people pay, we dont take these decisions lightly at all. But I think in the round, given the social contract, the supports that people get for the taxes they pay that are not available elsewhere in the UK, we would contend that is a social contract that most people would support. A young Greek tourist is unlikely to walk again after an accident at a popular Australian beach. Ioannis Vidiniotis, 28, from Athens, was swimming with his cousins at Perth's Cottesloe Beach on New Year's Eve when he dived into the water and hit his head on a sandbank. Suffering a broken collarbone and several spinal fractures, he was found by his cousin face down in the water, unresponsive. Mr Vidiniotis was pulled to the shore, where he was resuscitated by lifeguards and an off-duty anaesthetist. He was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital, where he underwent emergency five-hour spinal surgery. Mr Vidiniotis had arrived in Perth on holidays to visit relatives just two days earlier. A fortnight later, he remains in intensive care, where he's expected to stay for another six to eight weeks. He currently has no movement in his legs and is unable to close his hands. Iaonnis Vidiniotis remains in ICU after hitting his head on a sandbank The Greek national suffered a broken collarbone and several spinal fractures The local Greek community has rallied around Mr Vidiniotis and his parents, who have made the mercy dash from Greece to be by his side. 'Doctors have advised that once stabilised, he will face an agonising six-month rehabilitation program, focused on intensive physiotherapy and neurological recovery,' Hellenic Community of Western Australia said in a statement. 'Medical specialists have now confirmed the severity of Ioannis injuries, advising the family that his chance of walking again is less than five per cent.' A fundraiser has been set up to support his long road to recovery. 'The severity of Ioannis injuries has placed an extraordinary financial burden on him and his family,' the page states. 'The costs associated with prolonged ICU care, specialist treatment, rehabilitation in Australia are overwhelming.' Mr Vidiniotis' family has made a public plea for everyone to take care at the beach this summer. 'Ioannis went into the water feeling safe - the next I saw him floating face down. None of us could have imagined how quickly everything would change,' his cousin Aristea Kazantzidou recalled. The tourist's chances of walking again are less than five per cent, according to doctors Ioannis was swimming at Cottesloe Beach on New Year's Eve when disaster struck 'This is a stark reminder that Perths beaches, no matter how calm they appear, can be treacherous. 'We want people to enjoy our coastline, but also to understand how quickly things can go wrong.' So much overhyped magic has of yore been spun by the admen for Scotch whisky. The angels share lost, by evaporation, from casks in the mandatory minimum of three years in oaken, bonded storage before sale. The Sixteen Men of Tain, long central to the marketing of Glenmorangie. The sadly missed Scotch Watch the raucous geese who, from 1959 to 2012, stood guard around Ballantines bond in Dumbarton. And the venerable craft of the cooper, and the barrels themselves ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, charred oak and so on. The glens of Banffshire and Moray, the peerless Highland water and the unmatchable local peat. Not that there is anything about Scotch whisky, as my late father once snorted, that cannot effortlessly be replicated by clever chemists in Japan. Whisky is, after all, a potion with but four ingredients water, peat, barley and time. And when news broke the other day that the small Stirling Distillery now hopes to flog its whisky in aluminium bottles, rather than the traditional weighty glass bottles, my initial reaction was nostalgia. Thats because my life began in Lochaber. Stirling distillery's controversial aluminium bottle The stills and vats of the famous Ben Nevis distillery The Rio Tinto Aluminium Smelter at the foot of Ben Nevis close to Fort William Your little MacLeod vividly remembers peeping out of his Corpach bedroom window, across the elbow of Loch Linnhe and above the stacked houses of Fort William, to the might of Ben Nevis not only Britains highest peak but one that neatly married two industries. Down its flanks poured water, by two enormous pipes, to power the hydro-electric plant of British Aluminium. And not much of a walk away is the Ben Nevis Distillery, one of the countrys oldest licensed operations. Its visitor centre given the contagious taste for magic is called The Legend of the Dew of Ben Nevis, as if the amber nectar had nothing at all to do with mashing, boiling and what you can vaguely remember from O-Grade chemistry. Stirling Distillerys puff is that aluminium is better for the environment than traditional glass, not nearly as heavy or bulky to freight, and is more readily recycled. Of the 2.3million tons of waste glass discarded in Britain every year, apparently, only 750,000 tons are reborn as new bottles. Stirling Distillery has also engaged scientists from Heriot-Watt University to explore the issue of reactivity: how do whisky and aluminium get on? Early studies indicate that people noticed no difference between whisky from a traditional bottle and whisky stored in aluminium. And a British gin-making concern, Penrhos, has already established that, by switching to aluminium, it can ship more than twice as many bottles in the same volume. Dumbarton distillery firm George Ballantine used 100 noisy snow white Chinese geese as an alarm system to guard their 40million gallon of whisky from fire or intruders. Pictured in 1920 with their bosses, 'The Sixteen Men of Tain' referred to the dedicated team of craftsmen at Glenmorangie Distillery who made the whisky There is a downside. Over time, whisky reacts with aluminium. The metal changes the drinks chemical profile; leaches into the spirit. Some samples were found to have levels of aluminium well above what would be acceptable in drinking water and other issues knock uneasily at the back of your mind. For one and both Nigel Slater and the late, great Elizabeth David are robust on this no serious cook should use aluminium pans. The metal is relatively high in the reactivity table and dissolves, a little, on exposure to salt or acids. Things like rhubarb, tomatoes and cabbage go a funny colour and acquire a metallic taste. This is rather a pity, as aluminium pans have two great virtues: they are very light, compared with your heritage Le Creuset, and the metal is a superlative conductor of heat. It has also, for 60 years now, been widely retailed that scoffing daily, over many years, meals cooked in aluminium pans is a factor in Alzheimers Disease. In fact, Alzheimers Research UK refuse to buy this theory. They point out that it is actually very hard to avoid exposure to aluminium the metal comprises about 8 per cent of the Earths crust, and fruit, vegetables and seafood absorb significant quantities of it. To say nothing of aluminium in the air and in our drinking water. Most healthy people carry between 30mg and 50mg of aluminium in their bodies, only about 0.1 per cent of the aluminium we consume is absorbed by our gut into our bloodstream and it is all borne away in our urine. We are simply far more aware these days of Alzheimers and other forms of dementia because we are living a lot longer. When I was born, in 1966, not that many people lived into their seventies or beyond and most retirements were brief. Nowadays, the average lifespan is around 82 and many of us should reach a tenth decade; with the related co-morbidities of great old age including for some, though not most dementia. But back to Stirling Distillery. The next stage of this research, enthuses Professor Annie Hill of Heriot-Watt, would be to find a liner that can withstand high alcohol levels for a prolonged period of time without degrading. One would not have thought that an exacting mission. After all, from our other national drink through baked beans to mass-manufactured beer, we consume a lot of stuff from cans generally. We might, though, gently interrogate Stirling Distillerys assertion that aluminium bottles are self-evidently better for the environment. Yes, much energy heat is called for to turn sand into glass; but the smelting of raw alumina ore into aluminium calls for enormous levels of electricity. That was fine in Lochaber, once central to the industry in Britain, where clean hydro-electric power was a ready option the very town of Kinlochleven was thus born, and narrowly escaped being named Aluminiumville; Fort William boasted electric light before Glasgow but a big ask elsewhere. The British Aluminium plant at Invergordon folded, with catastrophic local impact, in 1981 because its political overlords insisted from the start that it drew its lecky from the distant Hunterston B nuclear power station in Ayrshire. That was partly because the North of Scotland Hydro- Electric Board declined any involvement, but also because of the blithe 1960s assumption that nuclear power would be cheap. It worked out otherwise. The changes detected in the laboratory, insists Professor Hill of Stirling Distillerys golden spirit, didnt translate into differences in aroma. Thats great news if we can find an effective liner. But she, and the distillery, are up against that darned magic. There is a ritual to savouring fine whisky. The heft of glass, the drop of water, the clunk of ice if you must and the clink of the bottle. Even Kathryn Holm, Stirling Distillerys marketing director, acknowledges the Bechers Brook here. At the moment its quite difficult to get anyones head around paying 100 on a whisky and it arrives in an aluminium bottle. Denmark and the US are stuck in a 'fundamental disagreement' over Greenland after leaders from both countries met for talks in Washington earlier today. Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the meeting with vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio was 'frank' and 'constructive' but admitted work was needed to 'find a common way forward'. 'The discussions focused on how to ensure the long-term security in Greenland, and here our perspectives continue to differ,' Mr Rasmussen told reporters after joining Greenland's foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, for the talks. 'I must say the president has made his view clear and we have a different position,' he added. Donald Trump is trying to make the case to seize control of the island because of its location, its mineral resources and rising Russian and Chinese military activity in the region - and has not ruled out the use of force. His warnings have ignited worry among European countries, especially following the US attack on Venezuela last week. Danish defense minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced an increase in Denmark's 'military presence and exercise activity' on Greenland on Tuesday, while soldiers from from Sweden are also en route. Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson wrote on X on Wednesday that, 'Some officers from the Swedish Armed Forces are arriving in Greenland today,' as part of a group from several allied countries. And Germany is also reportedly planning to send troops to the island as part of a 'reconnaissance team' seeking to 'deter potential external aggressors and protect the alliance's territory', German news outlet Bild reported. The team will comprise of 13 members of the Bundeswehr - Germany's Armed Forces - and they will only stay in the country for two days, according to the BBC. Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen (L) and Greenland's foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt speak at a press conference following their meeting with US vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio JD Vance and Marco Rubio depart the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus after meeting with Mr Rasmussen and Mrs Motzfeldt The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment after the roughly hour-long meeting. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office shortly after the meeting, Trump said he still needed to be briefed on the meeting, but reiterated his case that the US needed Greenland for national security purposes. 'Greenland is very important for the national security, including of Denmark,' Trump said. 'And the problem is there's not a thing that Denmark can do about it if Russia or China wants to occupy Greenland, but there's everything we can do. You found that out last week with Venezuela,' he added. 'I can't rely on Denmark being able to fend themselves off.' Following the meeting, Mr Rasmussen told reporters that it remains 'clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland'. 'And we made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the kingdom,' he said, citing a 'fundamental disagreement' with the Trump administration but willing to keep talking. 'We have decided to form a high-level working group to explore if we can find a common way forward,' he told reporters. 'The group, in our view, should focus on how to address the American security concerns, while at the same time respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark. We expect that such a group will meet for first time within a matter of weeks.' Join the debate Is the US pushing too far by threatening control of Greenland? Danish military forces participate in an exercise with troops from several European NATO members in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland Special operators conduct training in austere conditions at Pituffik Space Base, Greenland A North American Aerospace Defense Command F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft from the South Carolina ANG's 169th FW lands at Pituffik Space Base, Greenland Earlier today, it emerged that the UK has reportedly held talks with its European allies about deploying a military force to Greenland. The new mission, named the 'Arctic Sentry' would monitor threats in the region, similarly to NATO's 'Baltic Sentry' operation which began last year to increase the surveillance of ships in the Baltic Sea. Still in its early stages, the plans could see the deployment of British soldiers, planes and warships to guard the Danish island, in a move Europe hopes will deter Trump's threats. Speaking on Sunday, Germany's vice-chancellor Lars Klingbeil urged the US to respect international law. He said: 'It is solely a matter for Denmark and Greenland to decide on the future of Greenland.' Meanwhile, in Copenhagen, Danish defense minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced an increase in Denmark's 'military presence and exercise activity' in the Arctic and the North Atlantic 'in close cooperation with our allies'. Poulsen said at a news conference the stepped-up military presence was necessary in a security environment in which 'no one can predict what will happen tomorrow'. 'This means that from today and in the coming time there will be an increased military presence in and around Greenland of aircraft, ships and soldiers, including from other NATO allies,' Poulsen said. Other NATO allies were arriving in Greenland along with Danish personnel, he said. Poulsen declined to name the other countries contributing to increased Arctic presence, saying that it is up to the allies to announce their own participation. Earlier, Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson wrote on X that, 'Some officers from the Swedish Armed Forces are arriving in Greenland today,' as part of a group from several allied countries. 'Together, they will prepare events within the framework of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance,' Kristersson said. Two Norwegian military personnel also will be sent to Greenland to map out further cooperation with allies, the country's defense minister Tore O Sandvik told newspaper VG. Hundreds of mourners gathered on Wednesday to say a final farewell to a taxi driver who was killed in a head-on crash in Bolton that also claimed the lives of three teenagers. Friends and family of Masrob Ali were seen carrying a black coffin into the Masjid-e-Sajedeen Islamic Centre on Plane Tree Road in Blackburn, as others embraced and wept outside the mosque. The 54-year-old father-of-four died in the early hours of Sunday morning when his Citroen C4 Picasso was struck head-on by a Seat Leon on Wigan Road, Bolton. Masrob was pronounced dead at the scene, along with the three teenagers travelling in the other car Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, Farhan Patel and Muhammad Danyaal Asghar Ali. An estimated 600 mourners travelled from across the UK, including London, Manchester, Bolton and Birmingham, to attend Masrob's funeral prayers this afternoon. The service was held at the larger mosque rather than Masrob's local place of worship, Masjid al-Momineen, due to the sheer number of people expected to attend. Masrob's body was carried into covered in a Muslim shroud. His wife and children were present and later walked the short distance back to the family home following the service. A private burial was scheduled to take place at Pleasington Cemetery at 3pm. Friends and family of Masrob Ali were seen carrying a black coffin into the Masjid-e-Sajedeen Islamic Centre on Plane Tree Road in Blackburn, as others embraced and wept outside the mosque The 54-year-old father-of-four died in the early hours of Sunday morning when his Citroen C4 Picasso was struck head-on by a Seat Leon on Wigan Road in Bolton Hundreds of mourners gathered to say a final farewell Masrob's eldest daughter, Humayra, paid an emotional tribute to her father, describing him as 'the gentlest soul' and a devoted, hard-working parent. The taxi driver had emigrated to the UK from Bangladesh when he was just 12 years old. 'Nobody has a bad word to say against him, he was so kind and the best dad,' she said. She also praised police officers for their compassion in the aftermath of the tragedy, adding: 'The police have been wonderful. They said the mortuary is normally closed at weekends but they arranged for it to be opened so we could go and see dad and say goodbye.' Recalling the moment officers arrived at the family home, she said: 'When they knocked on our door and told us what had happened, I was just so confused. 'Dad was such a safe driver and even when we said we were worried something might happen he would say "don't worry about me".' Masrob was driving a fare at around 12.45am on Sunday when the crash occurred. A joint funeral for the three teenagers was held in Bolton on Tuesday. The tragedy has also shone a spotlight on the teenagers involved, particularly Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, 18 also known as Jibril who was believed to have been driving the Seat Leon. His older brother Miraj, 21, later revealed he had warned the teenager about his driving habits in what would prove to be their final conversation. Miraj, who runs Narkos High Performance Tuning the garage where Jibril worked as a mechanic shared screenshots of their WhatsApp exchange on TikTok. The remains of one of cars involved in the crash. Mukhtar was killed alongside his school friends Mohammed Danyaal Asghar Ali, 19, and Farhan Patel, 18, as well as the taxi driver, Masrob Ali, 54 Taxi driver Masrob Ali who was killed in the smash. Four passengers from inside his vehicle remain in hospital including a 29-year-old woman who suffered potentially life-threatening injuries Passengers Danyaal Asghar Ali, 19, and Farhan Patel, 18, who both died in the crash. An 18-year-old passenger in the Seat also sustained minor injuries The message read: '180 mph one mistake tyre blows or car comes in front. Dead & in pieces. Be smarter.' In the caption, Miraj wrote: 'My last messages to him - Damn I wish he just listened. But he was only 18.' A family friend said: 'Jibril liked to drive at crazy speeds and his brother was worried about him. 'He had put out that post about him slowing down. Jibril had an accident in Bolton about a month ago when he flipped the car. He clearly hadn't learnt his lesson. It's tragic he's now lost his life. It's very sad.' Mukhtar had frequently posted videos of his heavily modified car on social media, showcasing its loud engine, flashing exhaust pipe and cosmetic upgrades. His brother's garage advertises performance modifications promising 'superior performance, increased power, and an exhilarating exhaust note'. The deaths of the three teenagers all former students at Ladybridge High School prompted an outpouring of tributes online. Friends of Muhammad Danyaal Asghar Ali launched a fundraising page in his memory. In a statement, they said: 'We are raising funds in loving memory of a dear brother Danyaal Asghar who has passed away,' adding that the loss had been 'deeply painful'. They said they hoped to honour his life by 'giving back and helping others in need'. Police have since confirmed they are examining video footage believed to show the Seat Leon being driven at 122mph through a built-up area at around 3am on Saturday less than 24 hours before the fatal crash. A family friend of one of the teenagers described the clip as 'stupid' and 'crazy', saying the boy's father had been left 'absolutely broken'. Five passengers from both vehicles remain in hospital. A 29-year-old woman in the Citroen suffered potentially life-threatening injuries, while two other passengers, a 28-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, were seriously injured. A 29-year-old man suffered minor injuries, as did an 18-year-old passenger in the Seat. Residents living near Wigan Road said they have been calling for safety measures for years, claiming serious collisions happen 'every couple of months'. They pointed to a crash just before Christmas outside a primary school, where a car smashed into a wall only yards from Sunday's tragedy. Parts of the damaged wall and debris remain at the scene. They said they had previously been told that traffic calming measures or speed cameras were not justified because earlier incidents did not involve serious injuries. CCTV footage of Sunday's crash appears to show the Seat Leon travelling at speed on the wrong side of the 30mph road before colliding head-on with Masrob's taxi. His older brother Miraj, 21, later shared screenshots of their final message exchange on TikTok, in which he warned the teenager to take greater care on the roads On Monday, Detective Inspector Andrew Page, of GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: 'We are still in the early stages of our investigation and work is ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this terrible incident. 'As an investigation team we would encourage people to be mindful of sharing footage on social media given the impact this will have on all the families involved in such a tragic incident. 'Sharing such footage could constitute a criminal offence. Thanks to patrols in the area, teams were able to get to the incident location quickly to what was a particularly challenging scene for colleagues in the emergency services. 'I want to thank first responders from our Bolton district and the Road Policing Unit, alongside colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and the North West Ambulance Service for their hard work since this incident. 'The scene closed on Sunday evening, but we are still appealing for any witnesses to come forward. 'Anyone who saw the vehicle driving before the collision, witnessed the incident itself, or has dashcam/ CCTV footage of the incident can share it with us.' President Donald Trump played scared on Wednesday when he was introduced to several dairy farmers - who happened to be from Butler, Pennsylvania. The president was holding court in the Oval Office, signing a piece of legislation that would bring whole milk back to public school lunch rooms, when Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins introduced part of the group. 'Some of these farmers - back here from Butler, Pennsylvania,' she said. Trump paused for a moment. 'Where?' the president then asked, cuing laughs. He shifted away from them in his seat and tossed up his hands. 'I love Butler, I do,' Trump then said with a skeptical smile. Butler was the locale of the campaign rally Trump attended on July 13, 2024, where he was nearly assassinated, a bullet whizzing by and clipping his ear. President Donald Trump played scared after being told some of the dairy farmers visiting the Oval Office on Wednesday came from Butler, Pennsylvania Butler, Pennsylvania is where President Donald Trump nearly got killed by an assassin's bullet during a rally on July 13, 2024 He later commended one of the Butler-based farmers, telling the gentleman he had 'beautiful red hair.' While Trump joked about Butler from the Oval on Wednesday, earlier in the day, Iranian state television was using footage of the assassin's near-miss to send a message to the U.S. president. 'This time, the bullet won't miss,' the message said. But at the top of the Oval Office event, and again during the question-and-answer period, the president seemed to pump the brakes on any immediate military intervention against Iran's Islamic regime. 'We were told the killing in Iran is stopping, has stopped, is stopping. And that there's no plan for executions or an execution or executions,' Trump said, adding that if he finds out that's not the case, he would be 'very upset.' The president previously said the U.S. was 'locked and loaded' and Iran could face an attack if anti-regime protesters were murdered. Trump also told reporters in the Oval that he hadn't been fully briefed on a meeting that took place earlier Wednesday between representatives of Denmark and Greenland and Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The president has continued his demands for Greenland, despite Denmark being a member of the NATO alliance, which already allows the U.S. military on bases in Greenland. President Donald Trump had a prop - a jug of whole milk in an old school glass bottle - as he signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in the Oval Office on Wednesday 'Well, we're going to see what happens with Greenland. We need Greenland for national security. So we're going to see what happens. They're going to brief me on the meeting right after this conference,' Trump said. 'In fact, the sooner I get you out, the faster I'm going to know exactly what happened,' the president joked. He touted the U.S.'s 'very good relationship' with Denmark, but said the U.S. was building a 'golden dome' and so needed the Danish island. 'If we don't go in, Russia is going to go in, and China's going to go in, and there's not a thing that Denmark can do about it,' Trump continued. 'We're going to see what happens, but we need it.' The bulk of Trump's only public appearance Wednesday revolved around whole milk. He even had a prop - an old-school glass bottle of whole milk - positioned on the Resolute Desk. 'We have some milk here. It's been sitting here for five days,' the president joked. 'It's from the original bottle, and I brought it so the press could have some.' The reporters in the room declined his offer. Iran reopened its airspace Thursday morning after a temporary closure as Donald Trump appeared to steer away from potential strikes against Tehran. The closure ran for over four hours and appeared to have expired just after 7am local time as several domestic flights were in the air. While tensions remain high between the countries, Trump spoke carefully after being told that Iran had stopped executing protesters at a press conference in the Oval Office Wednesday in a possible sign that pragmatists inside the administration have successfully made the case that an attack is too risky. 'We've been told that the killing in Iran is stopping, and it's stopped and stopping, and there's no plan for executions or an execution,' the president told reporters. The president's claims, which were made with few details, come as he's told protesting Iranians in recent days that 'help is on the way' and that his administration would 'act accordingly' to respond to the Iranian government. But Trump has not offered any details about how the US might respond and it wasn't clear if his comments Wednesday indicated he would hold off on action. Despite appearing to retreat from his earlier red line, Trump signaled he could still order strikes against the ayatollah's regime, saying his administration was closely monitoring the bloody crackdown which has left at least 2,500 protesters dead. 'We're going to watch and see what the process is. But we were given a very good, very good statement by people that are, aware of what's going on,' Trump added when pressed on if he would use military action on the Middle Eastern rival. Iran reopened its airspace Thursday morning after a temporary closure as Donald Trump appeared to steer away from potential strikes against Tehran While tensions remain high between the countries, Trump spoke carefully after being told that Iran had stopped executing protesters at a press conference in the Oval Office Wednesday in a possible sign that pragmatists inside the administration have successfully made the case that an attack is too risky Anti-regime protests have broken out across Iran, resulting in thousands of deaths. He was hit by immediate backlash by anti-regime activists on X who accused Trump of reneging on his earlier promises to take military action if protesters were harmed. Furious anti-regime activists warned that Trump 'has just thrown all those protesters under the bus', inferring from his statement that he was offering Tehran an exit ramp. 'If you TACO now Trump then you have just thrown all those protesters under the bus #FreeIran,' wrote an X user after the press conference. The TACO insult stands for 'Trump Always Chickens Out', coined by Wall Street traders last May after the president repeatedly flip flopped on tariffs. The president repeatedly threatened to intervene over the last week if protesters were harmed and last night promised 'strong action' if Iran goes ahead with hangings. Iran's Civil Aviation Organization initially issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) closing its airspace to all aircraft except permitted international arrivals or departures. The notice issued at 5.19pm EST is effective for more than two hours. Flight radar data showed very few aircraft over Iran as the order went into effect. International carriers diverted north and south around Iran, but after one extension, the closure appeared to have expired. The order came amid heightened tensions over its bloody crackdown on protesters during nationwide protests and the possibility of American strikes in response. The flight-tracking website FlightRadar24.com noted the order closed Iran's airspace for a little more than two hours. Trump was mocked by anti-regime activists for appearing to walk back his red line on striking Iran Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old Iranian protester, was set to be the first victim to be executed The president on Tuesday consulted with his national security team about next steps after telling reporters he believed the killing in Iran was 'significant' The decision to close commercial airspace came after it emerged a 26-year-old shopkeeper was set to become the first alleged protester to be hanged in the crackdown. However, in news that may come as a sign Tehran is backing down, Erfan Soltani's family confirmed that he was not executed on Wednesday. Soltani, a clothing shop employee, was among the thousands of Iranians who were rounded up in the last week after nationwide protests sparked by economic distress turned into days of deadly anti-government unrest. Somayeh, a 45-year-old close relative of Soltani who is living abroad and asked to be identified by first name only for fear of government reprisal, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that his family had been told his execution would be set for Wednesday but it was postponed when they got to the prison in Karaj, a city north-west of Tehran. The relative said that his family has spent the last six days in agony over what could happen to him and now are left with even more uncertainty. Trump on Tuesday consulted with his national security team about next steps after telling reporters he believed the killing in Iran was 'significant.' Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key White House National Security Council officials began meeting last Friday to develop options for Trump, ranging from a diplomatic approach to military strikes. The Iranian security force crackdown on the demonstrations has killed at least 2,586, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported. On Wednesday, Iranian officials signaled that suspects detained in nationwide protests would face fast trials and executions while the Islamic Republic promised a 'decisive response' if the US or Israel intervene in the domestic unrest. The threats emerged as some personnel at a key US military base in Qatar were advised to evacuate by Wednesday evening. Mohammad Pakpour, commander of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, reiterated Iranian claims, without providing evidence, that the US and Israel have instigated the protests and that they are the real killers of protesters and security forces who have died in the turmoil, according to Iran's state news agency. He added that those countries will 'receive the response in the appropriate time.' In a direct challenge to Trump earlier Wednesday, Iran's judiciary chief urged the government to act quickly to punish 18,000 people detained during the protests. Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei comments about rapid trials and executions were made in a video shared by Iranian state television online. 'If we want to do a job, we should do it now. If we want to do something, we have to do it quickly,' he said. 'If it becomes late, two months, three months later, it doesn't have the same effect. If we want to do something, we have to do that fast.' President Donald Trump has long warned that non-citizens have sway in US elections and that Joe Biden's border policies emboldened illegal aliens to vote, though the threat seems smaller than anticipated. An initial analysis from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is still underway, shows that the scale of potential illegal voting by non-citizens is relatively minuscule. The Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE program, under DHS's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has been used to vet voter rolls in mostly Republican-led states across the country. 'SAVE is an online service for registered federal, state, territorial, tribal, and local government agencies to verify immigration status and U.S. citizenship of applicants seeking benefits or licenses,' according to the USCIS site. So far, 10,000 irregularities have been recommended to DHS after a review of nearly 50 million individuals, Matthew Tragesser, a USCIS spokesperson, said. That means just 0.02 percent of the people processed have been flagged for additional investigation into their citizenship status. Still, many Democratic-run states have opted out of the program, which is voluntary. And the Trump administration claims that is where the lion's share of non-citizen voting occurs. Trump's DHS has reviewed close to 50 million US voters and found that only 10,000 - or 0.02 percent - have citizenship irregularities The president has claimed for years that illegal immigrants voting in elections is a major problem Still, the findings do indicate that some non-citizens have actually voted in US elections 'This process takes time, especially given strong opposition from blue states, with notoriously bad voter roll maintenance, that have refused to check their rolls,' White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told the Daily Mail. 'The Trump Administration remains committed to securing our elections and ensuring only American citizens vote in American elections.' California and New York do not have voter ID laws that require voters to show a form of identification before casting a ballot. Florida and Texas, on the other hand, require a picture ID to vote. An administration official stressed that the initial analysis is not a complete sample and therefore does not provide an accurate picture of nationwide non-citizen voting. The Department of Justice is currently suing at least 22 states, including New York and California, to obtain their voter data. 'We expect to find more problems there because the [New Jersey] list alone had over 10,000 noncitizen voters,' the official told the Daily Mail. Law enforcement operations regarding voter fraud continue to ramp up,' they added. Trump has slammed large US cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago and New York for enabling illegal voting. 'These, and other such Cities, are the core of the Democrat Power Center, where they use Illegal Aliens to expand their Voter Base, cheat in Elections, and grow the Welfare State, robbing good paying Jobs and Benefits from Hardworking American Citizens,' Trump posted on social media over the summer. Barristers employed by the Anthony Albanese government will soon receive a massive 43 per cent pay rise at taxpayers' expense. The daily rate threshold for senior barristers will be increased from $3,500 to $5,000 while junior barristers will see a lift from $2,300 to $3,300. The increase, approved by Attorney-General Michelle Rowland, will come into effect on March 2. Agencies cannot pay above the threshold without the Attorney-General's approval. The increase for barristers working for Commonwealth agencies is the first since 2011 and remains 'dramatically below' market rates. President of the NSW Bar Association, Dominic Toomey SC, told Workplace Express the low rates particularly affected women barristers. He added that the way the payment scheme has been structured has effectively forced barristers to undertake unpaid legal work. The pay rise comes as part of a series of new measures designed to 'bring about cultural change in the legal profession's briefing practices'. Barristers employed by the Anthony Albanese government will soon receive a massive 43 per cent pay rise (stock image) The daily rate threshold for senior barristers will be increased from $3,500 to $5,000 while junior barristers will see a lift from $2,300 to $3,300 (Anthony Albanese is pictured) Ms Rowland said government agencies will ensure up to 40 per cent of their briefs are handed to women barristers - up from 25 per cent. Government agencies will also be encouraged to provide accessible information about whether they are meeting their target each year. Legal services will also be encouraged to select from a broad range of candidates, including Aboriginal people, those with a disability and LGBTIQA+ individuals. Ms Rowland's directive said this would ensure the legal profession reflected the diversity of the community. The waitress blamed for igniting the deadly New Year fire in a Swiss bar was involved in a bitter employment dispute with its owners and was by no means their friend, her family have revealed. Cyane Panine, a 24-year-old French woman, died in the inferno at Le Constellation, in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, after she was filmed holding two champagne bottles fitted with sparklers while sitting on a colleague's shoulders. The pyrotechnics are said to have set fire to foam used for soundproofing in the basement ceiling, leading to the deaths of 40 people and seeing 116 others horrifically burned. Jacques and Jessica Moretti, the bar's owners, are facing trial for multiple charges, including 'manslaughter by negligence,' and have continually claimed that Cyane was like a 'step-daughter' and 'sister' to them. But Sophie Haenni, a lawyer for Cyane's family, on Wednesday told the BFM TV news channel this was false. Instead, Cyane had contacted 'the workers' protection service' over her employment conditions and was demanding 'a contract, her work certificate, and her salary certificate'. She was entitled to all of these documents under Swiss law, but the Morettis appeared reluctant to give them to her, or to pay her a decent wage. Mr Moretti, who is in pre-trial detention for at least the next three months and who has also served time for previous criminal convictions, including pimping, was regularly accused of exploiting staff. Cyane and the Morettis were said to have addressed each other formally in messages, while the 24-year-old also complained of 'orders' given to her by Ms Moretti. Cyane Panine, 24, was one of 40 people who died in the New Years Eve inferno High-quality photographs show the very first moments of the Swiss Constellation Bar fire in Crans-Montana The pyrotechnics are thought to have lit soundproofing foam in the ceiling, triggering a massive fire in which 116 others were also severely burned Cyane's parents, Jerome and Astrid Cyane, are particularly angry at the tear-filled, highly sentimental words uttered by Ms Moretti during a court appearance last week. It was then that she referred to Cyane as 'a sister' and said she had asked her to 'get the atmosphere going' at Le Constellation, just before her death on January 1. Ms Moretti admitted she knew the champagne sparkler stunt was being performed regularly, despite the huge danger. She also offered a reserved apology for what happened on New Year's Day, without admitting any criminal or civil liability. Ms Haenni, a barrister, said the Cyane family 'didn't take Ms Moretti's apology very well'. The barrister said: 'They were quite hurt, because for them it didn't reflect her behaviour on the evening.' Ms Haenni added 'the image the Moretti family is trying to project contradicts certain elements of the case' and 'there was no familiarity' between them and Cyane. The Panine family are now 'filled with a sense of powerlessness, injustice, and uncertainty,' as well as 'frustration and anger,' and will now fight 'for those responsible to be convicted,' said Ms Haenni. Mr Moretti is currently in custody, while his wife has been bailed with an electronic bracelet Cyane was snapped sitting on a colleague's shoulders holding two champagne bottles fitted with sparklers Video cameras are said to have caught Ms Moretti getting away from the scene of the fire as quickly as possible, in her car, after quickly escaping with the till containing the night's cash takings under her arm. Cyane's parents have already alleged that an emergency exit was locked to prevent people from sneaking in and avoiding table charges equivalent to around 900 each. Ms Panine said: 'If the door had been open, maybe there wouldn't have been any deaths.' Speaking about her daughter's last minutes, Ms Panine said: 'She was unconscious, but still alive. They tried to resuscitate her for forty minutes. To no avail.' Cyane was buried in her hometown of Sete, on France's southern coast, on Saturday. Her parents said they are now trying to come to terms with their loss together, while demanding accountability for those they believe were responsible. 'She was a ray of sunshine for everyone,' Mr Panine said. 'For us, the sun didn't rise again in 2026. There's a time for sadness and a time for anger. I think the anger will quickly take over.' A woman lights a candle at a makeshift memorial outside the 'Le Constellation' bar, after a deadly fire and explosion during a New Year's Eve party, in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana in southwestern Switzerland, January 5, 2026 People mourn at a makeshift memorial outside the 'Le Constellation' bar, after a deadly fire and explosion during a New Year's Eve party in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana in southwestern Switzerland, January 4, 2026 The firefighters of Crans-Montana, the first responders in the fire at the 'Le Constellation' bar and lounge, show emotions as they gather around flowers and candles to commemorate the victims, in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, January 4, 2026 According to interview transcripts seen by Swiss news outlet Tages-Anzeiger, the Morettis identified Cyane as a waitress who was lifted towards the basement ceiling of Le Constellation while brandishing the champagne sparklers. She was wearing a crash helmet as part of the gimmick, and this may have prevented her from seeing that the sparks were igniting the ceiling. Investigators have now established that 34 of the 40 who died in the fire perished on the bar's small stairwell, which had been reduced in width by a third by Mr Moretti during renovation work in 2015. Swiss law enforcement officers found numerous bodies at the bottom of the staircase after the wooden steps and handrails collapsed. When questioned by prosecutors on Friday, Jacques Moretti did not discuss the stairwell renovation. Still, he admitted that a 'ground-floor service door' was locked from the inside when the fire started. He said that he forced it open upon arriving at the scene and found victims, including Cyane, dying from suffocation behind it. Mr Moretti said he did not know why the door was locked, and he has also denied any civil or criminal wrongdoing. 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. Mr Moretti (pictured) said Cyane was the girlfriend of a close family friend whom the Morettis had 'raised as if he were my own' Referring to Cyane 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.' 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'. Cyane died within the hour. Both the Morettis are currently considered a flight risk by the Swiss authorities, but Ms Moretti is being allowed to stay at home to look after the couple's two children. She is required to wear an electronic tag and has had her passport confiscated, and she must report to a local police station every three days. The investigation into the fire continues. I had quite a journey to get to you. Countless bad Bumble dates, wrong relationships and waterfalls of tears. Those were the emotional vows of Monique Tepe as she tied the knot with the love of her life, dentist Spencer Tepe, in an intimate ceremony watched by family and friends in December 2020. It was a loving tribute to the man she called her lobster - who, in turn, doted on her as his best friend. But now, five years on from that special day, Moniques hints at a negative past relationship have taken on new meaning after she and Spencer were gunned down inside their home in Columbus, Ohio, in December - and her ex-husband Michael David McKee was charged with their murders. McKees stunning arrest has fueled questions about a possible motive, particularly given that he and Monique had divorced more than eight years prior to the double murder. Dr Gary Brucato, a leading clinical and forensic psychologist who co-led the largest study ever on mass murders, said there are certain questions that must be asked to understand motive when former partners or spouses kill. 'What these things boil down to is first establishing the degree of impulsivity versus planning. Then, if there was a long break between their separation and the event, was it a practical thing or was it just long-held jealousy?' Brucato told the Daily Mail. 'And if it was long-held jealousy, then did it get set off by something or did they just sit around fantasizing for years and years before finally getting the nerve to do it? Those are the steps you have to go through to understand the why.' In the case of the Tepe double murder, Brucato said there is not yet enough information to speculate on the suspected killer's possible motive. Spencer and Monique Tepe on their wedding day in December 2020. While exchanging vows, Monique spoke of 'wrong relationships' prior to meeting Spencer McKee is yet to enter a plea and is innocent until proven guilty. Law enforcement have released very little information about the investigation. And little is known about the suspect and his short-lived marriage to Monique. During his first court appearance in Illinois on January 12, his public defender Carie Poirier said he plans to plead not guilty. McKee and Monique married in August 2015, and separated just seven months later in March 2016. Monique filed for divorce, saying the couple was 'incompatible.' Court records make no mention of any major conflicts or alarming issues and the reason for the rapid breakdown of the marriage is unclear. The divorce was finalized in June 2017, court records show. The couple did not share any children. More information is needed about the case, Brucato said, such as: mental health history, any history of domestic violence, reasons why the marriage broke down, how much the former couple communicated following their separation and if they had crossed paths since. While it is too soon to speculate what could have led McKee to allegedly track down and kill his ex-wife and her new husband years after their own marriage ended - if he even is the killer - Brucato explained that, generally speaking, the motive for killing a former spouse typically falls into one of two categories. 'The first bucket is the impulsive, emotional kind of situation where a person impulsively becomes overwhelmed with feeling, jealousy or anger, and will, for example, barge into their house and kill them,' he said. 'Usually this happens within close proximity to the separation or an affair or so on because the passion will burn lower over the years in a normal person - they move on.' The other bucket, Brucato explained, is where the killer 'broods for a long time' after the separation or issue. Michael David McKee, 39, has been charged with the murders of his ex-wife Monique Tepe, 39, and her husband Spencer Tepe, 37 Monique and Spencer were shot dead inside their home in Columbus, Ohio, on December 30 There two types of motive within this category: a practical motive such as a resentment over a custody or settlement arrangement, or an emotional motive and long-running desire to get revenge. 'This is where a person is emotionally angry, but in a kind of detached way where they could hold a grudge for years and years and basically want to get revenge. Where everybody else thinks life has moved on and everybody's happy, but this brooding person is quietly enraged and is just waiting to level the playing field,' Brucato said. 'It's a sort of mechanical, detached expression of jealousy, control, and anger... the person comes back years later because they're brooding and they're looking at their life and thinking: 'if I can't have it, nobody can.'' An eight-year gap between the end of a relationship and a murder - like in the Tepe case - is unusual, Brucato said. Dr. Gary Brucato speaks to the Daily Mail about ex-spouses who kill 'It's unusual because it takes a certain type of person to be that angry and hold a grudge for so long. It's more common for people to be furious immediately about something and then grow out of the anger,' he said. 'Most spousal killings are people that are emotionally overwhelmed. You've walked in on someone who's cheating on you or you're controlling and don't want to let the person go. 'But to wait years to ruin a person's happiness is calculated, cold-blooded, reptilian.' Generally, when a former spouse harbors a long-standing grudge, that doesn't necessarily mean the plot to kill was years in the making. Instead, there will often be a 'precipitating factor' or setback that motivates them to finally act. It can be something as simple as coming across an old photo, remembering an anniversary, or something that reminds them - or bumping into them again, Brucato said. 'They're walking around brooding, mad and jealous for a long time thinking they would like to kill them but then something pushes the person and then they go, 'you know what, it's time,'' he said. That time allegedly came in the early hours of December 30, when Spencer, 37, and Monique, 39, were shot dead in their home in the Weinland Park neighborhood of Columbus. There was no sign of forced entry to the home and their two young children, aged one and four, and pet dog were left unharmed. For more than a week, police remained tight-lipped about the investigation, revealing only that they were on the hunt for a shady, hooded figure captured on a security camera in the alley next to their home between 2am and 5am the morning of the murders. Then, on Saturday, there was a huge break in the case when 39-year-old surgeon McKee was arrested and charged with two counts of murder. The charges were upgraded to premeditated, aggravated murder on Monday, before a hearing where McKee waived his right to an extradition hearing in Illinois. He will now return to Ohio to face charges. Court documents reveal that McKee was linked to the murders after his vehicle was captured on surveillance footage near the crime scene around the time of the murders. Police have not confirmed whether McKee is the hooded individual seen in the footage circulated to the public. But, if that video does show the couple's killer, Brucato said it shows a person who appears to be walking very calmly to commit the crime. There was no sign of a break-in at the couple's home (pictured) and their two young children were left unharmed 'That person does not seem passionate in that moment, but calculated and cunning enough to conceal their identity, look inconspicuous, and calm. That suggests a calculated person who thinks 'it's D-day, it's time to go in and settle this,'' he said. And if the crime is about jealousy and begrudging an ex's new life, then it also would not be surprising to kill the current spouse, he explained. 'If this is about jealousy and anger at being left, whether it is impulsive or not, then ultimately it's about having a wound to your ego. You've lost control, you're the loser,' he said. 'So it's about wanting to restore a sense of one's own ego... Ultimately, if there's an ego wound, because of the loss of control, jealousy, anger and feeling that someone else is having what you should be having, then the motive can simply be: if I can't have it, then you can't have it. 'It's about leveling the playing field to satisfy your sense of manhood or power or control.' McKee now lives in Rockford, Illinois - over 300 miles from the Tepes family home - where he works as a vascular surgeon at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Following his arrest, a relative of the Tepes - who did not wish to be named - told the Daily Mail that the family was not surprised to learn McKee is accused of being the perpetrator. '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,' the relative said. 'We are all breathing a bit of a sigh of relief, because they got him.' It is not clear what possible red flags led the family to suspect McKee. The relative said they did not know of any problems Monique and Spencer had had with McKee recently. McKee is yet to enter a plea on the charges. He faces life in prison without parole or the death penalty if convicted. The bloody scene inside the four-bedroom home in the safe neighborhood of Bethesda, Maryland, in October 2010 looked like a burglary had gone horribly wrong. Sue Marcum, a 52-year-old well-loved accounting professor at American University, lay dead at the bottom of the stairs, with signs of a struggle and a smashed tequila bottle close by. The screen to the kitchen window had been cut open, indicating the most likely point of entry for the intruder. There was a TV face down on the couch, as though the assailant planned to take it but forgot in a hurry. And Marcums laptop, phone, purse and car were all missing. Within hours, her stolen car had been tracked down and the driver, DeAndrew Hamlin, taken into custody. But the case, now being examined in a new episode of ABC's 20/20, was far from over. The truth about what had taken place inside the home would turn out to be far more sinister. What transpired was a staged break-in, a one-way love affair, more than $300,000 in missing money, and a decade-long international manhunt to finally catch the real killer. Finally, in October 2025 - 15 years on from Marcum's brutal death - Jorge Rueda Landeros, a Mexican-born Spanish teacher, yoga instructor and stockbroker who was once in a romantic relationship with the victim, was finally convicted of second-degree murder over the beating and asphyxiation death of the college professor. It was a long-drawn out conclusion to a case that ultimately spanned two countries, as Landeros evaded capture hiding out in Mexico under a fake name for more than 10 years. Sue Marcum, a 52-year-old well-loved accounting professor at American University, was murdered inside her home in Bethesda, Maryland, in 2010 Now, Landeros's manipulative cat-and-mouse game with law enforcement is coming to light in Friday's episode of 20/20. In an advanced clip from the show, exclusively obtained by the Daily Mail, Montgomery County Police Sgt Lawrence Haley and Detective Paula Hamill reveal how - while a fugitive wanted for murder - Landeros began sending the investigators taunting emails. During one chilling exchange, Landeros even invited Hamill to cross the border into Mexico to meet him - but with a chilling thinly-veiled threat. 'I welcome you to come to a cafe in Juarez to discuss further about Ms Marcum,' Hamill reveals he said to her. 'Then he said "bring your kevlar"... bulletproof vest I took it to mean.' The investigators describe the wanted killer as 'arrogant' and someone who relished in playing games with police. He also started 'correcting their emails' and 'looking for grammar mistakes' in their correspondences, Elias Camhaji, former reporter for El Pais, tells 20/20. Marcum had first met her future killer when she began taking Spanish classes. Landeros was her teacher and they became friends, going on trips together and enjoying their shared passion for yoga. Over time, their relationship also turned romantic. Then, unknown to any of Marcums friends and family, it also became financial. Despite being an accountant herself, stock trader and master manipulator Landeros convinced her to allow him to make joint investments on her behalf. While on the run in Mexico, the fugitive toyed with the police sending emails correcting their grammar and making thinly-veiled threats Jorge Rueda Landeros was on the FBI Most Wanted list for the 2010 murder of Sue Marcum The more the investments continued, the wealthier Landeros got - and the more Marcum was driven to financial ruin. Jurors heard at Landeross trial how Marcum took out a $300,000 mortgage on her home and placed it into two brokerage accounts controlled by Landeros. Ultimately she lost more than $300,000 while Landeros became $250,000 richer, as he siphoned off her money. Damning emails presented at trial show how Marcum fell into despair over her financial troubles and begged him to return the money. She never confided in any of her loved ones about the situation and so, when Marcum was found dead, no one initially suspected Landeros. It was only when investigators learned Landeros was the sole beneficiary of her $500,000 life insurance policy and noticed the evidence at the crime scene didnt add up to a burglary, that the focus shifted to her former lover. Montgomery County Police Sgt Lawrence Haley and Detective Paula Hamill reveal in the new ABC 20/20 how Landeros began sending them goading emails Police realized that the screen to the kitchen window had been cut from the inside, rather than the outside, and items on the window ledge were undisturbed. No DNA or other evidence connected 18-year-old Hamlin to the murder, with police learning he had found the car abandoned with keys in the ignition and made off with it. And two tequila glasses with remnants of drink in them were on the side. The male DNA on one of the tequila glasses came back a match to the DNA found under Marcum's fingernails. It all pointed to Marcum knowing her killer: the unwitting professor sharing what would be her last drink with a friend before he chased her, attacked her with the tequila bottle, suffocated her and then tried to stage the scene to look like a break-in. Landeros, however, had already fled to Mexico. In 2011, he agreed to cross the border into El Paso, Texas, and submit his DNA for testing. By the time it came back a match to the crime scene and a murder arrest warrant was issued, Landeros had already vanished again. For more than a decade, Montgomery County and federal investigators tried to track Landeros down, with the fugitive placed on the FBIs Most Wanted List. Jorge Rueda Landeros spent a decade hiding out in the western Mexico city of Guadalajara where he taught yoga under the name Leon Ferrara Jorge Rueda Landeros was finally arrested in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2022 and returned to the US to face charges. He was convicted of second-degree murder in October 2025 As well as goading police, he also bizarrely self-published a book of poetry titled The Fugitive Poems, which were filled with themes around death. Then finally, the FBI received a tip in December 2022 that Landeros was living in Guadalajara, Jalisco, under the alias Leon Ferrara and working as a yoga teacher. He was arrested and extradited to Maryland to face charges. Even after his arrest, he relished in the attention, writing to the press - and even the Mexican president - to proclaim his innocence. At his long-awaited trial this fall, Landeros was found not guilty of first-degree murder but guilty of second-degree murder. Now aged 55, he is facing up to 30 years in prison at his sentencing on February 6, 2026. A wealthy landscaper accused of killing his wife and staging the crime to make it appear as if she vanished during a bike ride has been labelled a shameless coward by her loved ones, after he pleaded not guilty to her murder for a second time. Barry Morphew, 57, entered his plea for the first-degree murder of Suzanne Morphew through one of his attorneys during a short hearing in Alamosa, Colorado, on Monday - declining to say the words himself when addressed by the judge. The decision infuriated Tisha Leewaye, one of Suzannes friends, who was seated in the court. She told the Daily Mail the moment felt both calculated and revealing. If youre so desperate to prove that youre innocent, surely youd want to say it with your own voice, said Leewaye. I feel like it makes you look guilty if you cant even say it yourself. Its cowardly - but I wasnt shocked. Morphew was first arrested in 2021, almost a year after Suzanne was reported missing on Mothers Day 2020, and charged with murder and tampering with evidence. The case was later abandoned after prosecutorial misconduct. Suzannes remains were then discovered off a dirt road in 2023, in an area of Southern Colorado known locally as The Boneyard. Morphew was arrested for a second time in 2024 and charged again with first-degree murder. Barry Morphew has been arrested twice for the 2020 murder of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, whose remains were discovered in 2023, in an area of Colorado known as 'The Boneyard' Morphew arrived in court on Monday afternoon flanked by his two adult daughters, who have stood by their fathers side and maintained his innocence. He is currently under strict house arrest after posting $300,000 of his $3 million bond with the help of supporters in September. Dressed casually, wearing light-wash jeans and a cream sweater, Morphew spoke elsewhere during the hearing when addressed by the judge but declined to announce his own plea. Morphew waived his right to a speedy trial, with his attorneys citing the sheer volume of evidence in the case. Unfortunately, with the amount of data, the length of the trial, we do not, the defense does not think that its realistic to have to try to set within 180 [days], one of his attorneys, David Beller, told the court. Chief Judge Amanda Hopkins of Colorados 12th Judicial District scheduled the trial for October 13. It is expected to last up to six weeks. Leewaye said she was frustrated by the delay but relieved that the case is finally moving toward trial. She has attended every hearing since 2021 and plans to be present for every day of proceedings this fall. Suzanne no longer has a voice, so its important that Im there - to support her and be that voice, said Leewaye, who met Suzanne months before her disappearance after striking up a conversation at the tanning salon where she worked. Her family is from Indiana and Tennessee, and they dont know if theyll be able to attend. Im going to be there for them. Morphew (seen in 2024), 57, appeared in court on Monday but deferred to one of his attorneys to enter his not guilty plea It is alleged Morphew killed his wife in a jealous rage after learning she was having an affair Leewaye said she also had a brief interaction with Morphew on Monday - her first in several years - after she thanked him for holding open a door and he replied with a quiet Hi. She described the exchange as nerve-wracking. The last meaningful interaction she recalled came days after Suzanne disappeared, when Leewaye was helping organize volunteer searches near the Morphews $1.5 million home in Maysville, where Suzanne vanished. She said a man searching nearby accidentally wandered onto the property and was abruptly confronted by Morphew, who she claims was armed with a shotgun and shouted at him to leave. I dont think he ever wanted her body to be found, Leewaye told the Daily Mail last year. Suzanne was reported missing on the afternoon of May 10, 2020, after her daughters, who were away on a trip, raised the alarm when they were unable to reach her to wish her a happy Mothers Day. Investigators initially believed Suzanne had gone for a bike ride and failed to return. Within hours, her bicycle was found abandoned down a steep embankment near the family home - a scene police later said appeared staged. Her helmet was discovered days later, roughly a mile away, along the side of a highway. Morphew told investigators he was out of town on a landscaping job in Broomfield, nearly three hours away. He said he left home early that morning and last saw Suzanne asleep in bed. Despite his public pleas for help - including a tearful video appeal asking anyone with information to come forward - suspicions quickly mounted. In interviews with police, Morphew insisted he and Suzanne shared a happy marriage. Investigators later alleged otherwise. Suzanne was discovered missing from the Morphews $1.5 million home in Maysville on May 10, 2020 - Mother's Day Barry Morphew has been supported by their two daughters since the first time he faced charges in 2021 Court documents revealed Suzanne had been involved in a long-distance affair for roughly two years with a former classmate living in Michigan. In one text exchange with Morphew, she told him bluntly, Im done. Other messages detailed explosive arguments, allegations of abuse, and deep marital strain. In texts to a friend, Suzanne compared her husband to Jekyll and Hyde and claimed he once put a gun to his head and threatened to pull the trigger if she left him. When Morphew was questioned by police two days after Suzanne vanished, investigators noted scratches on his hands and arms. A search of the family home uncovered a live .22-caliber bullet near Suzannes side of the bed, along with a needle cap from a tranquilizer dart tangled in freshly washed sheets inside the dryer. Investigators also recovered empty tranquilizer darts, a dart gun, and equipment used to load the darts with chemicals. Morphew acknowledged using a tranquilizer gun to sedate deer but told police he did not know how the needle cap ended up in the laundry. Authorities later alleged Suzanne was killed on the evening of May 9, 2020 - a day before she was reported missing - and that her body was moved. Her phone last communicated at 2:13pm that day, about 30 minutes before Morphew returned home. Over the next 24 hours, his phone repeatedly entered and exited airplane mode, according to investigators. Data from his truck showed doors opening and closing numerous times between 3:25am and 5am, with the vehicle backed into the garage at least once. In Broomfield, surveillance footage captured Morphew making multiple trash runs at various locations while appearing to do little actual work, police said. Morphew made a series of trash dumps on the day that Suzanne was reported missing, which aroused investigators' suspicions Tisha Leeway said she's hopeful an arrest will be made by the end of the year Morphew was arrested and charged with Suzannes murder in May 2021. He pleaded not guilty, but the case collapsed before trial amid allegations of misconduct by the prosecution. He later sued local officials for $15 million, accusing them of fabricating evidence and conspiring to frame him. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. Then, in September 2023 - more than three years after Suzanne vanished - her remains were found in a shallow grave near Moffat, in an area known locally as The Boneyard. Due to the condition of the remains, a definitive cause of death could not be determined. However, forensic testing detected traces of a powerful animal tranquilizer cocktail - butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine, known collectively as BAM - in Suzannes bones. In charging documents filed last year, prosecutors underscored what they described as a critical piece of evidence. Ultimately, the prescription records show that when Suzanne Morphew disappeared, only one private citizen living in that entire area of the state had access to BAM, they wrote. Barry Morphew. The filing also suggested Suzanne did not die where her body was found, and that her remains were stored elsewhere before burial. Investigators have not publicly disclosed where they believe she was killed. Leewaye said she is bracing herself for the graphic details expected to emerge at trial - but after nearly six years, she is desperate for accountability. Im confident justice will come eventually, but its been such a long road, she said. Im ready for this to finally be laid out - for Suzanne, and for her family to get some peace of mind. Morphews next court hearing is scheduled for March 9. Andrew Mountbatten Windsor was widely believed to be Queen Elizabeth's favourite child who had 'never done anything wrong in her eyes'. She remained fiercely protective of her second son throughout her life, even after Andrew was accused of sexual assault by late Epstein victim, Virginia Giuffre, in 2019. In the wake of Ms Giuffre's civil lawsuit against the former prince, however, the Queen faced unrelenting pressure to strip Andrew of his military titles and royal patronages. The Queen knew she had to distance the monarchy from the scandal, but her affection for Andrew also put her in a difficult position. So, the 'devoted mother' decided to have a 'private one-to-one meeting' with Andrew to 'soften the blow' before the official announcement, royal author Robert Jobson said. However, palace officials quickly 'intervened' and the 'painful' meeting between mother and son was also attended by the Queen's private secretary, Sir Edward Young, and Keeper of the Privy Purse, Sir Michael Stevens, he continued. 'The two senior courtiers told the Queen it was imperative that they witnessed the conversation,' Mr Jobson wrote in his book The Windsor Legacy. 'Andrew understandably felt blindsided, though this was far from her intention, as sources close to her confirmed.' Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, 65 (left) was often widely believed to be the late Queen Elizabeth's (right) favourite son. She remained fiercely protective of her second son, even after Andrew was accused of sexual assault by late Epstein victim, Virginia Giuffre, in 2019 Andrew's friendship with the paedophile financer and Ms Giuffre's accusations in 2019 were the beginning of the end for the former duke - who was stripped of all his royal titles by King Charles last November. The former prince was hoping to 'clear his name' when he agreed to be interviewed by the BBC's Emily Maitlis in a notorious car crash Newsnight interview. Andrew told the Queen it had 'gone well' when the nearly one-hour-long interview had, in fact, been a 'total disaster', Mr Jobson wrote. After it was aired on November 16, 2019, Andrew's reputation further plummeted as the press and public savaged his 'awkward' responses to Ms Maitlis's grilling. Andrew claimed he was at a Pizza Express in Woking on the day he allegedly had sex with Ms Giuffre, then 17, and that he suffered from a medical condition that meant he could not sweat. 'As public outrage exploded, the Royal Family closed ranks,' Mr Jobson wrote. According to the royal author, Charles, then Prince of Wales, wanted Andrew to be 'cut adrift'. Four days after the Newsnight interview, Buckingham Palace announced Andrew was voluntarily stepping down from his role as a senior royal with the Queen's permission. The 'devoted mother' (pictured with Andrew in 1964) decided to have a 'private one-to-one meeting' with Andrew to 'soften the blow' before the official announcement, royal author Robert Jobson said Andrew was hoping to 'clear his name' when he agreed to be interviewed by the BBC's Emily Maitlis in a car crash Newsnight interview (pictured) The 'painful' meeting between The Queen and Andrew was also attended by the Queen's private secretary, Sir Edward Young, and Keeper of the Privy Purse, Sir Michael Stevens, according to Robert Jobson writing in his book, The Windsor Legacy (pictured) For the next two years, pressure continued to intensify on the former prince as the civil lawsuit filed by Ms Giuffre, who died by suicide in April 2025, in the United States started moving forward. By 2022, 'the Palace power brokers decided enough was enough' and that the former prince should be stripped of his military titles and patronages, Mr Jobson revealed. The Queen, then 95, knew she had no other option, but her fondness for Andrew meant it would not be easy. Before the public announcement on January 13, 2022, 'the Queen arranged to have a private one-to-one meeting with him to soften the blow'. But senior courtiers allegedly objected and insisted that Sir Edward Young and Sir Michael Stevens be present when she broke the news to Andrew. Described by the royal author as a 'painful moment for both mother and son,' Andrew reportedly felt 'blindsided' by his mother's unprecedented decision. In its official statement, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Queen had given her 'approval and agreement' for Andrew to be stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages. 'The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending [the civil lawsuit filed by Ms Giuffre] as a private citizen,' the statement added. On January 13, 2022, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Queen had given her 'approval and agreement' for Andrew to be stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages In March 2022, just weeks after the Giuffre lawsuit settlement, Andrew publicly escorted his mother to the late Prince Philip's memorial service at London's Westminster Abbey It marked a pivotal moment for the Falklands War veteran who was now left with only the South Atlantic Medal and his Royal Jubilee medals. A 'humiliated' Andrew would now also be unable to wear the uniforms, insignia, or regalia tied to such roles. 'It was an emotional downfall for the once prominent, proud prince,' added Mr Jobson. The following month, it was revealed that Andrew and Ms Giuffre had settled the sexual assault lawsuit out of court for a reported sum of 12million. The terms included 'a substantial donation to Mis Giuffre's charity in support of victims's rights'. Although the agreement contained no formal admission of liability from Andrew, or an apology, it said he now accepted Ms Roberts was a 'victim of abuse' and that he regretted his association with Epstein. At the time, it was speculated that the Queen helped Andrew pay the multimillion-pound settlement - although Buckingham Palace refused to comment on media reports. However, the settlement did little to help redeem Andrew's reputation. Instead, it prompted further outcry, while solidifying the former prince's status as a royal outcast. One senior royal source told the Daily Mail at the time: 'Regardless of the outcome, he has ruled himself out of any public role by virtue of his appalling lack of judgment and poor choice of friends and associates.' In February 2022, it was publicly revealed that Andrew and Virginia Giuffre (both pictured with Ghislaine Maxwell in March 2001) had settled the sexual assault lawsuit out of court for a reported sum of 12million As members of the Royal Family gathered on Buckingham Palace balcony to celebrate the monarch's 70-year reign, Andrew (pictured with the Queen in 2022) was deliberately missing from the line-up 'In her final days, the Queen kept Andrew (pictured in 1960) close, shielding him as palace insiders continued to push for his total exile,' revealed Mr Jobson. The sovereign was said to have told a trusted confidant: 'You have to remember, he is my son' In the months that followed, the Queen's focus shifted towards her Platinum Jubilee Celebrations and redeeming the Firm's public image after Andrew's disgrace and the Sussexes' unceremonious exit. As members of the Royal Family gathered on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to celebrate the monarch's 70-year reign, three notable members were missing from the line-up: Andrew, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle. The decision to axe Andrew from the historic celebration was an act that proved there was 'no way back' into the royal fold for Andrew, experts said at the time. While the former prince's public presence virtually diminished, Her Majesty 'stood by him, loyal to the end'. Weeks after the Giuffre settlement, Andrew escorted the Queen to Prince Philip's memorial service at London's Westminster Abbey in March 2022. 'In her final days, she kept him close, shielding him as palace insiders continued to push for his total exile,' Mr Jobson noted. Confiding 'her support' for Andrew to a trusted aide, the monarch allegedly said: 'You have to remember, he is my son'. Following her death in September 2022, Andrew 'lost his strongest ally'. In a historic decision, King Charles officially stripped Andrew of all his Royal titles, including the title 'prince', amid a fresh wave of allegations linked to his relationship with Epstein last October. He also ordered Andrew to vacate Royal Lodge, the Grade-II listed property where the ex-Duke has lived rent-free since 2008, having purchased a seventy year lease for one million pounds. The Princess of Wales reportedly celebrated her 44th birthday by having lunch at a 'teeny' Berkshire bistro - with staff praising her 'charm and grace'. Kate, who grew up in the area, was said to have joined her mother Carole Middleton, 70, and sister Pippa, 42, for a meal at a French cafe in Hungerford. Proudly taking to social media, The Funghi Club, which offers affordable food - all of which appears to be under 25 as per its a la carte menu - commemorated their 'rather extraordinary guest'. 'No photos to share (youll understand why), but the entire team on duty reported the same thing: she was utterly charming, gracious and every bit as radiant in person as youd imagine,' the Facebook post read. 'The jungle drums of Hungerford didnt stop beating until well into Saturday. A little moment of magic for our small bistro - and one we wont forget in a hurry.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the Palace for comment. The Funghi Club, which also has locations in Marlborough, where Kate went to school, boasts a 'relaxed and carefree feeling, with no strict rules between starters, mains, or desserts'. They 'take pride in offering delicious, seasonal dishes and excellent value for money while providing a delightful dining experience with warm service'. The Princess of Wales reportedly celebrated her 44th birthday by having lunch at a 'teeny' Berkshire bistro with her mother Carole and sister Pippa (file photo of the trio pictured in 2011) Proudly taking to their social media, The Funghi Club, which offers affordable food - all of which appears to be under 25 as per its a la carte menu - commemorated their 'rather extraordinary guest' Dishes at the Hungerford branch, where they say Kate dined, include a 9 onion soup, 10 pork terrine and, if you were wanting to splurge, a 21 beef bourguignon. It is not known if the Princess enjoyed a birthday tipple or not, but as well as offering soft drinks, the cafe had wines and cocktails available. The bistro looks to be a hit with non-royals too, racking up a score of 4.6 stars out of 5 on Google. 'Popped in for a coffee and light lunch. Wow, what a find. Lovely reception from Nathan who quickly found us a table. Nice, clean decor,' one review said. 'Spoilt for choice by the menu - so many things we wanted to try. The only option was to reserve a table at the Marlborough branch for the following day. 'My wife had the turkey baguette, which was immense. Lovely, tasty turkey (unlike the bland offerings served elsewhere) wrapped in Alcace bacon plus tasty brie and homemade cranberry sauce on the side. I had the quiche lorraine, which was really tasty with lots of the same Alcace bacon. All in all, wonderful - worth driving from Warwickshire to try again.' 'An unforgettable meal at The Funghi Club!' another added. 'Every dish we tried was bursting with authentic French flavour and beautifully prepared.' The eatery's supporters were delighted by the Princess's visit, commenting: 'How amazing that she visited a local business and what great advertising for you.' The eatery's supporters were delighted by the Princess's visit, commenting: 'How amazing that she visited a local business and what great advertising for you' Dishes at the Hungerford branch, where they say Kate dined, include a 9 onion soup, 10 pork terrine and, if you were wanting to splurge, a 21 beef bourguignon 'Fantastic! She has great taste in food!' one shared, while another added: 'She knows the best place to go for lunch in Berkshire!' On January 9, Kate also marked her 44th birthday with a 'deeply personal' video about the comfort she has taken from nature during her cancer treatment, saying how 'deeply grateful' she is 'to discover what it means to be alive'. Kensington Palace released the final instalment of their year-long 'Mother Nature' video series - Winter - which features a voiceover from Catherine and footage of her on an early morning walk in Berkshire, close to her Windsor home. An aide described the release as, 'The culmination of a deeply personal creative project for The Princess, spotlighting humanity's longstanding connection to nature, as well as nature's capacity to inspire us and help us to heal and grow in mind, body and spirit.' In the voiceover for the Winter episode, Her Royal Highness reflected personally on her own journey and healing over the past two years, talking of her 'fears' and 'tears', as well as her healing and how she is 'deeply grateful'. She said: 'Even in the coldest, darkest season, winter has a way of bringing us stillness, patience and quiet consideration. 'Where the stream slows just enough for us to see our own reflection. 'To discover the deepest parts of ourselves. Alongside the whispers in the pulse of every living thing. 'I find myself reflecting on how deeply grateful I am. 'For the rivers within us flow with ease, fears washed away, cleanse and purify. Come to peace with our tears and discover what it means to be alive. 'To be at one with nature; a quiet teacher and a soft voice that guides. In memory. Helping us to heal.' There was also a personally-penned caption saying: 'The Mother Nature series has been a deeply personal, creative reflection on how nature has helped me heal. But it is also a story about the power of nature and creativity in collective healing. 'There is so much we can learn from mother nature, as we look to build a happier, healthier world. C.' The Princess underwent major abdominal surgery in January 2024 after which doctors found evidence of cancer and she underwent a course of gruelling preventative chemotherapy. She announced the news personally in a video message that March. In September the same year she also revealed the news that she had completed treatment but warned that her recovery and return to royal duties would be slow but steady. In January last year she gave the good news that she was finally in remission but again asked for public understanding about her return to public life. Renovations on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's new home are in full swing as he is set to be kicked out of Royal Lodge before his 66th birthday next month. The disgraced royal was forced to give back his tenancy agreement for his home on the Windsor Estate when he was stripped of his prince and duke titles in October over his ties to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Workers have started renovating inside the run-down Marsh Farm at Sandringham, while six-foot wooden fences have been erected around the home to make it secure and private. A JCB digger was seen at the estate on Tuesday, and electricians were making the farm buildings habitable for the shamed former prince, including installing CCTV for extra security. At least six workmen were seen going inside the detached property, and a van from a specialist security company was also spotted at the farmhouse. Andrew will move into a temporary, smaller property on the King's Norfolk estate as early as the end of this month and before his 66th birthday on February 19, The Sun reports. He is set to stay there until Easter, when the work on Marsh Farm is scheduled to be finished. 'The snow or rain hasn't delayed the work on Marsh Farm but it still needs a lot of attention to make it habitable,' a Palace insider said. 'But one thing for sure is that it is a lot, lot smaller and less luxurious than Royal Lodge.' Disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is set to be kicked out of the Royal Lodge before his 66th birthday next month, according to reports Workers have started renovating inside the run-down Marsh Farm at Sandringham (pictured), while six-foot wooden fences have erected around the home to make it secure and private The former prince was forced to give back his tenancy agreement for the Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate (pictured) when he was stripped of his prince and duke titles in October over his ties to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein It is believed that Andrew was keen to move to the five-bedroom cottage Wood Farm where Prince Philip spent his retirement but there had been some debate over whether that might mean he is 'too close' to the rest of the family. Andrew will instead move into Marsh Farm, which is two miles west of Sandringham House and has been empty for several years. It is understood that the farmhouse and the surrounding outhouses previously belonged to a former tenant who had died some time ago. On Saturday, the Mail revealed how Andrew's Royal Lodge mansion was not inspected by officials once in the 22 years he lived there rent-free. When the lease for the 30-room home was signed in 2003, it included unique terms which included no rent but a costly upfront refurbishment and upkeep schedule. The disgraced royal paid 8million to repair the then-dilapidated property, and promised to allow inspectors in at 'all reasonable times' to make sure he looked after it. In return, his estate landlord, the independent company which manages Crown properties for the benefit of the taxpayer, allowed him to pay no rent for the duration of the 75-year lease. But not one Crown Estate official carried out an inspection of Royal Lodge in the whole time Andrew lived there raising concerns of a 'sweetheart deal' at taxpayers' expense. Andrew has still been living there with his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, while work is completed ahead of their move. Andrew has still been living at Royal Lodge with his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, while work is completed ahead of their move A friend told the Sun: 'He's finally decided he needs to get on with his life and so is moving out sooner than thought and starting afresh by the end of the month, or at least before his birthday in February. He and Sarah will go their own separate ways for the first time in almost 20 years.' Fergie has lived with her disgraced ex-husband in the Grade II-listed mansion since 2008, despite divorcing in 1996. The former duchess, who once told the Daily Mail: 'We're the happiest divorced couple in the world. We're divorced to each other, not from each other.' She is reportedly continuing to look for a new property, and it is understood that she is considering a 'granny annexe' in the Cotswolds next to Princess Beatrice or moving to Portugal with Princess Eugenie. A researcher who says she discovered that Covid vaccines could seriously injure the heart claims she was silenced during the pandemic, only to be vindicated more than four years later. Dr Jessica Rose, a Canadian researcher and expert in immunology from Memorial University of Newfoundland, said her 2021 study exposing a connection between Covid vaccines and myocarditis was mysteriously withdrawn just three weeks after it was published by the journal Current Problems in Cardiology without explanation. Myocarditis is a dangerous inflammation of the heart that can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and swelling in the legs. In severe cases, it can lead to heart failure, blood clots, stroke, or sudden death. Using information from a government-run database to track vaccine side effects, Rose found a significant increase in heart damage weeks after people received the Covid vaccine. Specifically, myocarditis diagnosis rates were 19 times higher among boys between 12 and 15 years old, just eight weeks after the vaccines were administered. Overall, six people died of myocarditis, including two children, after receiving the jab. Rose told the Daily Mail she believed the withdrawal was an act of censorship, noting that her work was removed and publicly discredited just five days before she testified at a vaccine safety hearing held by the US Food and Drug Administration on October 26, 2021. 'Anything that goes against the narrative of 'safe and effective' in the context of those products was heavily censored. That's what this was about,' the Canadian researcher alleged. There was absolutely no reason given by the editor or publisher for the withdrawal.' Now, researchers at Stanford Medicine have released similar findings in a new study, published in December 2025, which found that Covid mRNA vaccines can lead to myocarditis. A 2021 study that was quickly removed from publication revealed that six people died of myocarditis weeks after receiving the Covid vaccine during the pandemic (Stock Image) Dr Jessica Rose is a Canadian researcher and expert in immunology from Memorial University of Newfoundland 'I deserve an apology for this,' Rose declared on X after the report by Stanford Medicine. She compared the actions of controversial fact-checking organizations to a 'cartel' protecting certain narratives, allegedly influenced by money from pharmaceutical companies. She claimed she and other Covid vaccine researchers were still being harassed for identifying risk factors. A spokesperson for Current Problems in Cardiology's publisher, Elsevier, told Daily Mail that the removal of the study was 'in line with our standard policies.' 'This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause,' the spokesperson added. Rose has denied ever requesting that her work be removed and accused multiple websites, including PubPeer, of targeting scientific papers that question the official narrative of Covid vaccines being completely safe for use. She called it unfair 'post-peer review' attacks driven by groups who want to silence dissenting research, rather than genuine efforts to improve science. The 2025 Stanford study, which examined blood samples, cell tests, mice, and human heart models grown in labs, also found that mRNA Covid vaccines, especially the Pfizer and Moderna jabs, created a risk of triggering myocarditis, with young men suffering symptoms as soon as three days after vaccination. The scientific journal Current Problems in Cardiology withdrew Rose's paper five days before she was to reveal the research at an FDA meeting in 2021 Both Rose and Stanford Medicine have accused PubPeer of making false accusations against scientists, which has influenced various journals to withdraw scientific papers without verified proof of a mistake in the research. In November, a team at Stanford Medicine also alleged that the majority of PubPeer's accusations against the university's Sudhof neuroscience research lab have come from four commentators who have no formal scientific background or training. Thomas Sudhof, a neuroscientist and Nobel Prize winner, and his lab team wrote in a statement: 'Regrettably, PubPeer and other social media sites are non-transparent, censor responses, 'flag' as many papers as possible to force corrections and retractions, and use anonymous commentators.' 'PubPeer critics levelled unfounded accusations that 'flag' papers even though there are no errors,' the Stanford team claimed. 'These false allegations may have led to unwarranted paper retractions that destroy valuable data and promising careers.' In a statement to the Daily Mail, PubPeer denied any claims that its team sought to censor certain fields of scientific or medical study. 'Those accusations are ridiculous. We provide a platform for scientific discussion, we don't make arguments one way or another,' a spokesperson said. During the pandemic, Rose co-authored the research paper entitled 'A Report on Myocarditis Adverse Events in the US Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) in Association with COVID-19 Injectable Biological Products.' VAERS allows doctors, patients, and others to report possible side effects after receiving all types of vaccinations, including the Covid jabs. It's designed to spot early 'safety signals,' patterns that might show a problem and need more investigation. Rose, who also has a PhD in computational biology, and her co-author, Peter McCullough, a US cardiologist from Baylor University in Texas, found that myocarditis risk was higher after the second Covid vaccine dose, but did not determine the cause. 'This was alarming to me because if this is showing up in this pharmacovigilance database, is it showing up in others around the world? Is it showing up clinically?' the study author explained. 'It was exactly what VAERS is designed to do, which is detect safety signals for further analysis... It was functioning perfectly, and the signal was there. It was emergent. It was obvious.' Inflammation of the heart, also known as myocarditis, can cause symptoms ranging from fever to death in extreme cases While the exact cause of the inflammation wasn't found in 2021, the new study by Stanford revealed that mRNA vaccines, like the Covid jab, trigger a specific immune overreaction in some people. After the shot, researchers found certain immune cells released two chemicals, CXCL10 and IFN-, that worked together to inflame and damage heart muscle cells. However, the Stanford team cautioned that patients were still 10 times more likely to develop myocarditis from being infected with Covid than they were from taking the vaccination. Joseph Wu, MD, PhD, the director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, added that: 'COVID's worse. Without these vaccines, more people would have gotten sick, more people would have had severe effects and more people would have died.' After Rose's paper was officially peer-reviewed and published on September 30, 2021, the researcher said she was notified it was being removed from public view just before her scheduled appearance at the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) meeting. Rose said neither she nor her co-author requested the study be taken down, and no claims of fraud, plagiarism, or factual errors were made against the research. The VRBPAC meeting was an all-day session where independent experts reviewed Pfizer's data on its lower-dose Covid-19 vaccine for children between five and 11 years old. Despite Rose voicing her concerns and revealing her research, 17 experts voted unanimously to recommend emergency use authorization for Covid vaccines among young children. Rose revealed that no one from the FDA, CDC, or Biden Administration directly contacted her to challenge the findings on myocarditis before the study was removed. Rose noted that she's continuing her research into Covid vaccine injuries and risk factors, and has already had a new paper peer-reviewed and published in the journal Autoimmunity on unsafe levels of DNA material in the jabs. Scientists have solved one of the universe's great mysteries as they finally reveal the identity of the 'little red dots' in deep space. Ever since the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) started peering back into the dawn of the universe, experts have been perplexed by the appearance of these tiny red dots. Astronomers found hundreds of the faint lights in images from when the universe was only a few hundred million years old, without any clue what they might be. Now, scientists from the University of Copenhagen have revealed that the JWST's little red dots are actually 'the most violent forces in nature'. According to a new study, published in the journal Nature, the red dots are actually supermassive black holes concealed in 'cocoons of ionised gas'. As these young black holes feed on their cocoon, the swirling matter creates a vast amount of heat and radiation that shines out through the cloud of gas. Lead author Professor Darach Watson says: 'We have captured the young black holes in the middle of their growth spurt at a stage that we have not observed before. 'The dense cocoon of gas around them provides the fuel they need to grow very quickly.' Scientists say that the mysterious 'little red dots' discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope (pictured) are actually ancient supermassive black holes When the first little red dots were discovered, they presented a baffling puzzle for astronomers of the early universe. The dots first appear in images from around 13 billion years ago, and simply disappear about a billion years later. At first, scientists thought that the dots must be very young galaxies in their earliest stages of formation. However, this didn't fit with our understanding of how the universe evolved after the Big Bang, as the first galaxies shouldn't have been visible until much later. Others suggested that the dots might be black holes, ultra-dense bodies formed by the collapse of enormous stars, but there was another problem. Scientists couldn't explain how any black hole could have become big enough to form a red dot so soon after the Big Bang. Professor Watson's solution is that the black holes that form little red dots are actually much smaller than previously thought. He says: 'When gas falls towards a black hole, it spirals down into a kind of disk or funnel towards the surface of the black hole. Ever since the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) started peering back into the dawn of the universe, astronomers have been perplexed by the appearance of these tiny red dots Now scientists say that these dots are actually young black holes wrapped in a cocoon of ionised gases, giving them a distinctive red glow 'It ends up going so fast and is squeezed so densely that it generates temperatures of millions of degrees and lights up brightly.' 'The red colour arises because the UV and X-ray radiation from the central black hole is absorbed and reprocessed by the ionised gas around it, which gives it the characteristic red colour and spectra that look reminiscent of a star. Professor Watson and his co-authors looked at the spectral emission lines, the 'fingerprint' of the light being released, from several little red dots. Just as they had suspected, these spectral lines were missing much of their UV and X-ray radiation, suggesting that the light was passing through a cloud of gas. More importantly, this data also shows that little red dots are far smaller than previously thought. Professor Watson told the Daily Mail: 'They are quite small - only a few light days or weeks at most. 'The only mechanism we know in the universe that can dump that much energy in such a small volume is a BH.' In fact, their analysis shows that the masses of these objects are about 100 times lower than astronomers had assumed. Even though they are up to 10 million times more massive than the sun, these black holes are still around 100 times smaller than previously estimated. This makes them much more consistent with theories about the evolution of the universe (artist's impression) Even though these would be some of the smallest black holes ever discovered, they are still up to 10 million times more massive than the sun and have diameters of over 6.2 million miles (10 million km). However, that is still 'small' enough to be consistent with our understanding of how black holes formed after the Big Bang. The researchers say this discovery could shed light on how black holes appeared so quickly in the early universe. These young black holes' feeding frenzies could allow them to grow at speeds close to the maximum theoretical rate, known as the Eddington Limit. That could explain why astronomers have started to discover black holes with masses up to a billion times greater than the sun, just 700 million years after the Big Bang. 'We found that the black hole masses are 10 to 100 times smaller than previously supposed, and that they are accreting gas at the limit, so these facts ease up very much on the problem of how they grow so fast,' says Professor Watson. 'These black holes are more like one of the missing links between stellar mass black holes and the real monster black holes that lie in quasars that are 1000 times larger than the Little Red Dots.' A United Airlines passenger's first class meal has shocked millions after the Google scientist who received it claims he was served '3D-printed meat.' Peyman Milanfar, who leads the tech giant's computational imaging team, posted a stunning image of the dinner he received on a long-distance flight while in the plane's premium cabin. Describing the meal as a 'bowl of sadness,' Milanfar revealed a bowl of mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, a large uncut tomato, small blocks of yellow cheese, large green seeds, and chunks of an unrecognizable pale sliced meat. 'Between the 3D-printed mystery meat, the cafeteria cheese cubes, and the whole tomato I need a chainsaw to cut, this is genuinely unbelievable,' Milanfar posted on his X account on January 4. The post quickly went viral this month, being viewed over 15million times and has sparked fierce criticism of United Airlines' service, especially from fellow flyers. 'That seems like it was meant for a turtle, not a human,' one person said, replying to Milanfar's post. 'Somehow this looks less appetizing than a lean cuisine,' another social media user joked. The Daily Mail has reached out to United Airlines for comment regarding their meal policies and ingredients and is awaiting a response. Peyman Milanfar, a Google scientist, posted an image of an unappetizing meal in First Class while flying on United Airlines on January 4 The airline has not publicly confirmed or denied whether they use 3D-printed meats in their in-flight meals (Stock Image) 'Throwing a whole tomato into the bowl is insane,' an X user commented. Meanwhile, others on social media snapped their own pictures of what United's competition was serving on board their flights, revealing a stark difference in the menus and presentation by some international carriers. Flyers on Delta, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates responded to Milanfar's midflight horror by showing off trays with easily recognizable slices of beef, chicken, or turkey, sides of rice and beans, and plates of salad and cheese separated from the rest of the meal. One eagle-eyed X user also asked why Milanfar's whole uncuttable tomato had a triangular shape. According to United, the airline provides complimentary meals in First Class on most domestic flights longer than about 900 miles, which would includes flights like Milanfar's that lasted over five hours. United's website called the meal a 'hot entree,' served with salad, bread, a dessert, and drinks. The airline has also noted that they offer a variety of meal options passengers can sometimes pre-order in advance, including grilled chicken, beef meatballs, or other entrees. Despite the Google scientist's claim that the food he was served appeared to be 3D-printed, no airline, including United, has said they use 3D-printed foods in their in-flight meals. Passengers on other airlines quickly shared their meals, showing off plates with easily recognizable options, including meat, seafood, salads, and cheeses Flyers on social media mocked the United Airlines meal, comparing it to a plate of food for someone's pet animal United has not publicly provided detailed ingredient lists for specific meals or disclosed where their meat comes from on their official website. However, in 2022, the airline did announce that they had formed a new collaboration between Impossible Foods to serve more menu items that include plant-based meat alternatives, including the company's 'Impossible Meatball Bowl.' Aaron McMillan, United's Managing Director of Hospitality and Planning, said in a statement at the time: 'We want our food offerings to evolve and change along with people's preferences.' 'The quality of food choices at the airport and in the sky are a really important part of the customer experience, so we're invested in making sure our menu items exceed their expectations,' McMillan added. Unimpressed with their First Class offering, Milanfar challenged the airline to refund the cost of his ticket, pledging to give all of the money to World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that provides chef-prepared meals to victims of disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and wars. 'Lets turn this culinary disaster into a humanitarian win. Ball's in your court,' the Google researcher posted on January 5. Milanfar has not said publicly if United Airlines has responded to his social media post. Four astronauts have successfully departed the International Space Station (ISS) in a historic medical evacuation that took less than a week to plan. The SpaceX Dragon capsule undocked from the ISS at 5.20pm ET, beginning a roughly 10-hour space flight to their deorbiting point above the US early Thursday morning. Less than 20 minutes after undocking, the capsule completed two engine burns to move the spacecraft away from ISS and outside of an area known as the 'Keep Out Sphere,' an imaginary safety perimeter around the station to protect it from collisions during docking and departures. The capsule carrying NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov is excepted to splash down off the coast of California around 3.41am on January 15. The deorbit, scheduled for around 2.50am, involves firing Dragon's engines briefly to reduce the capsule's speed, slowing the craft down enough for gravity to take over and pull it back toward Earth. The capsule will then reenter Earth's atmosphere, deploying drogue parachutes followed by its main parachutes before splashing down at sea. Officials for SpaceX and NASA said the entire deorbiting process will be handled automatically by the capsules computers. Crew-11 were not set to return to Earth for another month, but one crew member suffered a serious medical issue on January 7, forcing the cancellation of a planned spacewalk. The SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying Crew-11 undocked from the International Space Station at 5.20pm ET on Wednesday Crew-11 entered the SpaceX Dragon capsule Wednesday afternoon, closing the spacecraft's hatch at 2.29pm ET While the astronaut who suffered the medical episode was not revealed, NASA's chief medical officer Dr James Polk said they were in stable condition and was not in any immediate danger. New NASA administrator Jared Isaacman decided to bring the crew home early out of an abundance of caution, noting that astronaut's medical episode was considered 'serious' and would require additional medical care on Earth. This is the first time a crew on board the ISS has had their mission ended early due to medical reasons. However, Dr Polk noted that the astronaut's medical condition had nothing to do with an upcoming spacewalk on January 8 that was cancelled or any other operations on board the station. 'It's mostly having a medical issue in the difficult areas of microgravity,' Polk explained without going into specifics at a January 8 press conference. Crew-11 arrived at the ISS on August 1, 2025, meaning their return date had been scheduled for late February. The four astronauts were supposed to leave after Crew-12 arrived on a new SpaceX Dragon capsule no earlier than February 15. Until their arrival, a group including NASA astronaut Chris Williams, who arrived at the ISS aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in November 2025, will be maintaining the station. Crew-11 before leaving the ISS. Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov (Back left), NASA astronaut Mike Fincke (Front left), JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui (Front right), and NASA's Zena Cardman (Back right) The SpaceX Dragon capsule (Pictured) which carried Crew-11 was docked at the ISS since August 2025 Isaacman said that any decision to potentially move up the launch of Crew-12 would not impact the upcoming Artemis II mission planned for February 2026. He called the two launches 'totally separate campaigns,' meaning there should be no issue in launching Artemis on time. Artemis II will be the first manned spaceflight to orbit the moon since 1972. Just 10 months ago, SpaceX and NASA carried out a historic rescue mission to retrieve astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who had been stranded on the ISS for 286 days after their Boeing spacecraft Starliner malfunctioned. A Thursday morning press conference has already been scheduled once Crew-11 returns safety to Earth. Crew-11 completed two successful engine burns after leaving the station and exited the 'Keep Out Zone' around ISS roughly 20 minutes after departure on Wednesday The evacuation followed NASA's Spaceflight Human-System Standard, which mandates contingency return procedures whenever onboard medical resources are insufficient. Although statistical models have long predicted that such an event could occur roughly once every three years, the plan has never before been used. The member of Crew-11 being returned to Earth for treatment was reportedly being well cared for by their fellow astronauts until a departure plan was created. A husband accused of murdering his wife and another man so he could be with his au pair lover sobbed as the 911 call from the night they died was played in court. Brendan Banfield was overcome with emotion during the hearing at Fairfax County Court in Virginia on Tuesday. Prosecutors allege that he murdered his wife, Christine Banfield, 37, along with stranger, Joseph Ryan, 39, as part of a twisted plot to be with his 25-year-old Brazilian au pair, Juliana Peres Magalhaes. The disturbing call was made on February 24, 2023, from the Banfields' home in Herndon, where Christine was found inside her bedroom suffering from stab wounds alongside Ryan, who was shot. Prosecutors said Magalhaes and Banfield worked together to lure Ryan to the home through a BDSM website and staged the scene to make it look like he killed Christine. Banfield, a former IRS officer, stared down at the desk in front of him as the recording of Magalhaes frantically asking a 911 operator for help began playing. Shocking: Nanny Juliana Peres Magalhaes (pictured with Banfield) pleaded guilty to manslaughter in exchange for her cooperation in his prosecution The alleged murderer hardly glanced up as the phone call continued except to jot some notes down as his voice was heard for the first time on the call. 'There's somebody here I shot him (Ryan), but he stabbed her (Christine),' Banfield was heard stating, per NBC's report. The husband added during the call that his wife had several marks on her neck and was bleeding as he asked the operator what to do. Heartbreaking: Christine Banfield was found stabbed to death in her bedroom in 2023 As the call played, Banfield began to rub away his tears with his eyes locked on the table in front of him. 'She's got a very big hole in her neck,' he told the operator during the nine-minute call. On the day of the killings, prosecutors said Magalhaes called 911 at least twice within minutes, but ended the calls before speaking with first responders. Harrowing: Banfield and Magalhaes allegedly tried to frame Joseph Ryan for Christine's murder, before both were killed More than ten minutes later, prosecutors alleged in court, Magalhaes called 911 a final time and reported the emergency. Prosecutors said evidence suggested Ryan was gunned down as part of a scheme to get rid of Christine. Investigators first became suspicious about Magalhaes's story after she and Banfield failed to disclose their alleged romance when speaking to detectives. Police said they uncovered evidence of a secret lovers' getaway and pointed out that just eight months after the killings, Magalhaes had moved into the main bedroom. Wiping away the tears: Banfield appeared in Fairfax County court on January 13 They submitted a picture showing a framed photo of Magalhaes and Banfield on her nightstand while her clothes were in Christine's closet. They allege that someone created a fake account for Christine on a BDSM site and made plans to have 'rough sex' with Ryan before they were both killed. In court, it emerged that the fetish website account Ryan had been messaging on was maintained on Christine's computer under the username Annastasia9. However, there was 'not one iota of evidence that she was into knife play, binding, BDSM', said prosecutor Eric Clingan. Further legal trouble: Banfield also faces child abuse and neglect charges because his four-year-old daughter was at home when the murders occurred Ryan and the account user discussed rough sex and bloodplay, an act where someone deliberately cuts another. During the chats, Annastasia9 wrote that she cheats on her husband 'whenever she wants to'. Prosecutor Jenna Sands during her opening statement: 'We're here today because Brendan Banfield, the man seated behind me, killed his wife, Christine Banfield, and another man, named Joseph Ryan. 'Those two individuals had no reason to know each other but for the plotting and planning of Brendan Banfield.' She added that the physical evidence should be focused on. 'Without a doubt, the blood cannot lie, and the blood puts Brendan Banfield standing over Christine, stabbing her in the neck, in the neck until she died.' Court battle: Banfield's defense sought to undermine Magalhaes's testimony and claimed that she 'flipped' in exchange for a sweetheart plea deal Banfield also faces child abuse and neglect charges because his four-year-old daughter was at home when the alleged murders occurred, in addition to his four charges of aggravated murder and firearm offenses. Magalhaes told police she had left the family home to take the child to the zoo, but returned after realizing she had left their lunches. She said she left the child in the basement after she and Banfield heard what sounded like an intruder before they discovered Christine being attacked. Magalhaes pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter as part of a plea deal in exchange for cooperating in Banfield's prosecution. Twisted: Authorities became suspicious after Magalhaes and Banfield failed to inform officer of their alleged romance In his opening statement Banfield's lawyer sought to undermine her testimony. 'The whole reason she was arrested was to flip her against my client,' John Carroll said. He admitted the two were having an affair but insisted, 'theres an awful lot more to look for'. Banfield's trial continues. The Daily Mail has approached his attorney for comment. Travellers hoping to jet off to the 'world's best airport' will be spoilt for choice as 15 new flights are set to launch from London Stansted. Turkish Airlines will join the major hub from March 18 and fly routes to Istanbul up to 15 times a week. Istanbul Airport was named Best International Airport in Travel + Leisure's World Best Awards ranking last year. The popular airport has is home to one of the largest duty-free areas worldwide. What's more, the hub placed fifth in Food & Wine's top ten leading terminals for food and drink across the globe back in 2024. It has an incredible selection of culinary delights, reflecting its position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Another Turkish destination, Bodrum, will see new flights from Stansted via AJet from June 26. There will be new flights added throughout the year to destinations closer to home, too. Travellers hoping to jet off to the 'world's best airport' will be spoilt for choice as 15 new flights are set to launch from London Stansted Budget airline Ryanair is set to introduce routes to Malmo, Sweden twice a week from April 1. The carrier will also add more services to Glasgow from March 29. Meanwhile, Jet2 will bring new routes to Jerez, in Spain, from May 1, as well as Samos in Greece from May 7 and La Palma from October 26. For travellers hoping to head to France, easyJet is introducing new routes to Paris Charles de Gaulle from March 5. From May 7, passengers can catch TUI flights to Greek island Kos. Elsewhere, BA CityFlyer is launching services to Olbia in Sardinia from May 23. Ciaran Brannigan, Commercial Director at London Stansted, expressed how 'delighted' the hub was over the new routes. He added: 'We're delighted to welcome new airlines and routes during 2026 that give our passengers even greater choice, value and convenience. Turkish Airlines will join the major hub from March 18 and fly routes to Istanbul up to 15 times a week 'London Stansted continues to grow as a key gateway for travel across Europe and beyond, and these additions underline our commitment to offering more destinations and better connectivity for leisure and business travellers alike.' In December, Stansted secured planning approval to increase its annual passenger limit up to 51 million. This marks a huge increase from the 30 million it welcomed in the year up to September 2024. This paves the way for it to make best use of its existing single runway and grow passenger volumes towards the new limit over the next two decades. As a result, Stansted will be able to do that without any increase in the number of flights the airport is already permitted to operate and within the existing airport boundary. When it comes to travelling, there are plenty of annoying habits that can get on the nerves of fellow travellers. Recently, the term 'luggage lounger' was being banded about on social media, with holidaymakers sharing videos of the annoying behaviour. The term describes travellers who lounge around and wait for their luggage right by the carousel, sometimes even leaning against it, causing frustration to others who are trying to retrieve their cases. And now, another irritating habit of plane passengers has been exposed online. While 'aisle lice' may bring to mind weevils burrowing into seats, this is the nickname that has been given to passengers who jump up the second the plane arrives at the gate - even, in some cases, before the seatbelt sign has turned off. These travellers might push through to the front of the plane in the hope of disembarking first. While this behaviour is nothing new, with many passengers innocently wanting to stretch their legs, the issue has been exacerbated by people sharing their experiences on social media. In October, a passenger triggered chaos on a plane when she blocked the aisle and refused to move while others were trying to disembark. Are you an 'aisle lice'? This is the nickname that has been given to passengers who jump up the second the plane arrives at the gate In October, a passenger triggered chaos on a plane when she blocked the aisle and refused to move while others were trying to disembark Footage of the ordeal shows a crowd of people waiting to leave the Frontier Airlines aircraft after landing in Baltimore, Maryland, only to be blocked by a passenger. As she refused to budge, other passengers ganged up on her and demanded she get out of the way. According to one member of flight crew, it's not just rude and against etiquette to block the passage - it can have real knock-on consequences for passengers who genuinely need to get off quickly. American flight attendant Cecily Anderson told Reader's Digest: 'It's not just annoying, but it also slows everything down, making them even less likely to get what they want. 'We have rules about deplaning for a reason.' The protocol for disembarking a flight begins by waiting for the seatbelt sign to turn off - a key safety regulation. Then, passengers should gather all personal belongings and exit row by row from the front in an orderly fashion towards the exit. The purpose of this is that it allows passengers with tight connections to disembark quickly. Turkey will now enforce fines for passengers who unbuckle their seatbelts, stand up, or open overhead bins before the plane is fully stopped and parked To combat the issue of 'aisle lice', Turkish authorities have introduced the new measure to try to control travellers who scramble to leave once a plane lands. Impatient passengers who race to get off the plane could be looking at fines of 50 for their speedy exit. The new ban will tackle people who take off a seat belt early and stand up before the plane has taxied to the terminal. Plenty of people have complained about 'aisle lice' online. One Reddit user wrote: 'I can't tell you how uncomfortable it is to have someone's rear end standing beside my face while waiting to deplane. Or those who rush up the aisle as soon as the parking brake is set.' Another added they had a similar experience a few years ago on a flight to Manchester. They wrote: 'Two guys decided they wanted to guarantee they'd get off first, so almost as soon as the thrust reverse started kicking in, they stood up, got their bags from the overhead lockers, and headed to the back of the plane to wait. 'I'm not exaggerating with how stupidly and dangerously early they got out of their seats and got their bags down.' In a rush to get off? You could be annoying fellow passengers, as well as causing a safety issue However, others argued that they stand early to avoid missing their next flight when they have a tight connection. There are ways to avoid being 'aisle lice' though - even if you want to stand up quickly or are in a rush yourself. Angela McMurray, a flight attendant on an international carrier, told Reader's Digest: 'It's fine to stand up if you need to stretch a little bit, but try and stay in your seat area.' She also recommends you gather your belongings while you wait and check you have everything. Angela adds: 'The worst thing you can do is wait until it's your turn and then start fumbling around. Also, we shouldn't have to say this, but put your darn shoes on.' A furious passenger has slammed an airline after being served the 'worst sandwich' he'd ever had - and is now considering avoiding the carrier entirely. Oisin Breen was flying from Dublin, Ireland, to Toronto, Canada, with Aer Lingus in December 2025, before catching an onward flight to Jamaica the following day to meet with his fiance's family. Around five hours into the seven-hour flight, the 40-year-old was served a cheese and relish sandwich - a vegetarian option he had selected as part of his second meal. However, Oisin was left appalled at the standard and quality of what he was served. Shocking photos show that the 'miniature' sandwich was barely longer than the passenger's thumb, containing a measly slice of cheese and a smidge of relish. Oisin, a journalist and poet who lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, described the snack as the 'world's worst sandwich'. He explained: 'Frankly, it would have been better not to feed us, just to ditch the in-flight meal concept entirely. 'The sandwich was atrocious, probably the worst I've ever seen in my life, but equally, it wasn't really a sandwich. It lacked the basic quality of what it is to be a sandwich. Oisin Breen was flying from Dublin, Ireland, to Toronto, Canada in December 2025 when he was handed a cheese and relish sandwich as part of his in-flight meal Shocking photos show that the 'miniature' sandwich was barely longer than the passenger's thumb 'The bread was miniature and dry as hell. The relish was spread on one fifth of one side of the bread. Essentially you got a corner of relish and the cheese was unpalatable and just one miniature slice. 'So dry bread, a faint mist of relish, and ghastly cheese. Michael O'Leary wouldn't ever serve such bilge.' Oisin's flight had been booked with American Airlines and operated by Aer Lingus. The two carriers have a strong partnership and codeshare agreement, meaning passengers can book flights with one airline and fly on the other. After complaining to the flight attendant, who agreed that half the meal was 'missing', Oisin is now considering avoiding Aer Lingus entirely after his disappointing in-flight dining experience. He said: 'My reaction was laughter, then irritation. It was 100% the worst sandwich I've ever had. 'It was atrocious. I complained to the air hostess who, at first, thought I was just moaning on but then she laughed and said "yeah, I'm sorry about that, you can't help but think where's the rest of it gone, right?" 'I'm contemplating never flying with them again, largely because I'd appreciate honesty. If they're still claiming to be a proper carrier, do the job properly. 'World's worst sandwich is a big claim but it's up there. It was inedible.' Join the debate What's YOUR worst airline meal? The sandwich contained a measly slice of cheese and a smidge of relish on a quarter of the slice of bread Oisin is now considering avoiding Aer Lingus entirely after his 'atrocious' dining experience A spokesperson for Aer Lingus told the Daily Mail: 'Customers travelling in the Economy cabin on Aer Lingus transatlantic flights to Toronto enjoy two complimentary meal services, along with a range of refreshments throughout the journey. 'The first service includes a hot main course with dessert, salad, and bread, while the second is a lighter option featuring a sandwich and a sweet treat. 'We regret that due to an issue with our catering supplier in late December, our second service offering on this flight was not our usual standard. 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this temporary issue, which has since been rectified.' Millions of Brits jet off on holiday every year, whether to escape the often disappointing UK weather or to explore somewhere new. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) estimates a whopping 40.8 million went abroad in the first half of 2025 alone. But all of those holidaymakers catching flights, ferries and trains to their dreamy destinations leads to plenty of travel questions being typed on the internet. New research reveals the most Googled travel-related queries that cropped up in 2025. And thankfully, Chris Pitt, Concierge Manager at Royal Westmoreland, specialists in luxury homes for sale in Barbados, has answered some of the much-searched-for questions. Many holidaymakers seem to be conscious of the amount of liquid they can bring on board a plane, as the question attracts 8,100 searches per month. Chris helpfully explains, 'At the moment, liquids in hand luggage must be in containers no more than 100ml, with all the liquids together in a clear, reusable plastic bag. 'Liquid includes everything from contact lens solution to perfume, so make sure you leave yourself enough room for the essentials.' Many holidaymakers seem to be conscious of the amount of liquid they can bring on board a plane, as the question attracts 8,100 searches per month (stock) As for checked luggage, the rules aren't as tight and there is 'no liquid limit', according to Chris. Whether you can fly when pregnant attracts a huge 4,400 searches per month, and the answer can vary. Although it is 'generally' safe for pregnant passengers to fly, it is still advised to check with a medical professional beforehand. 'Pregnancy naturally raises safety concerns, and with the long list of dos and don'ts when carrying a child, it's natural to double-check airline policies and consult medical advice before flying,' Chris says. 'For example, if you have a high-risk pregnancy or you're planning to fly in the later stages of pregnancy, airlines may require a doctor's note confirming you are fit to fly.' Airlines also may have different policies on the matter, so it is advised to check this too. 'There is usually a cut-off point where you can no longer fly usually around the 3236-week mark, although this varies between airlines,' Chris continues. There are plenty of stories in the media of passengers running into issues with their passports when they arrive at the airport and not being able to go on holiday. For checked luggage, the rules aren't as tight and there is 'no liquid limit', according to Chris Just last year, Wendy and Gerry Melville, from Bedford, had booked a trip to Crete with their two children Henry, 16, and Kate, 13. They headed to Luton Airport for 4am on October 26 to check in for their 6am flight and soon encountered a problem. When Wendy checked her bags in, the machine asked her to speak with a member of staff. It turned out Wendy's passport expired within the next few months and she wouldn't be allowed on the plane. The question, 'How long do you need on your passport to travel?' attracts 3,600 searches a month, with plenty of holidaymakers hoping to avoid a similar fate to Wendy's. But the answer isn't straightforward, as Chris explains, 'Passport validity requirements vary between countries, so the amount you need left on your passport can differ. 'In most cases, you'll need at least three to six months left on your UK passport to travel overseas, but the exact rules depend on where you're travelling to.' Travel insurance is another much-researched topic, especially how much it can cost, which brings in 2,900 searches per month. 'The price of travel insurance varies depending on multiple factors such as the duration and location of your trip, your age and medical history, the activities you have lined up, and the level of coverage you choose,' explains Chris. The question, 'How long do you need on your passport to travel?' attracts 3,600 searches a month, with plenty of holidaymakers hoping to avoid making a costly mistake As for when is the best time to book a flight, Brits Googled this 2,400 times a month. Chris says there isn't necessarily a 'one-size-fits-all answer' and instead advises using comparison websites like Skyscanner, as well as 'being flexible with your dates and timings'. 'Typically, weekend flights are more expensive than midweek options, and flights during the school summer holidays also tend to be pricier,' he adds. The weather in the UK is typically dreary in January and February, before it begins to pick back up for spring, so it might not be surprising that 'Where to travel in February?' brings in 2,400 searches per month. For Chris, he recommends a 'warmer getaway' during this typically cooler time of the year. 'Look for hot locations experiencing their off-season for a tranquil, restful holiday after the hectic nature of Christmas and the slow pace of January and be mindful that there is a half-term break in February, so you may want to choose a child-free location or book outside the half-term if you want a couples-only break,' he continues. The next commonly asked question is regarding what exactly travel insurance covers, with 1,900 Googles each month. But the answer isn't completely straightforward, and according to Chris there are 'various levels of coverage, each covering different things'. As for when is the best time to book a flight, Brits Googled this 2,400 times a month He says, 'As a bare minimum, I would ensure that your policy covers medical expenses, repatriation, lost passports and travel documents, baggage issues, travel delays or cancellations and personal liability. 'While standard travel insurance covers the basics, you can also consider extra cover for things like adventure sports, pre-existing medical conditions, gadget protection and travel disruptions, depending on what you have planned for your trip.' Travellers seem to want to stay organised on their trips too, as 1,900 searches a month are about how to pack your suitcase. Endless tips are shared online, but Chris reckons he has 'mastered the best way' to pack his case. 'It starts by making a list, ensuring you never forget essentials and prevent overpacking,' he begins. 'Usually, I find it best to pack heavier items first, such as shoes and toiletries. Placing shoes around the edge of your case leaves more space in the middle for clothes and other items.' 'Pack any toiletries into a toiletry bag to stay organised and prevent spillages. For clothes, I think the roll method is the most effective not only does this help with maximising space in the case, but it also prevents any creases from forming, because let's face it, ironing clothes on holiday is a nightmare!' Chris laughs. 'If the roll method is not for you, packing cubes are also a great way to keep your suitcase organised.' Travellers seem to want to stay organised on their trips too, as 1,900 searches a month are about how to pack your suitcase Holidaymakers are wanting to save some cash on their trips too, with 880 searches asking when prices will go down. 'It's hard to predict exactly when or if flight prices will drop; they fluctuate depending on demand, seasons and airline sales,' Chris explains. 'The best way to get a good deal is to check fares regularly, set up price alerts and book as soon as the price fits your budget, rather than waiting and hoping it will go lower, because chances are, it won't.' Meanwhile, others are conscious about their health and where they can receive travel vaccinations. The topic brings in 880 searches per month. Chris recommends heading to the GP surgery for this, as well as some pharmacies. Many travellers have been met with unexpected 'tourism taxes', 'city levies' or 'eco-fees' when checking out of hotels abroad. These fees vary by location and accommodation type and are often charged per person and per night. And now, it has been reported that a tourist tax on overnight visitors to London could raise more than 350million a year for the capital. This is significantly higher than previous forecasts, which suggested such a levy could raise 240million annually. The latest figure from Central London Forward (CLF), which represents 12 central London local authorities, is based on a three per cent levy on the cost of a room, whether a hotel or short-term let, according to BBC News. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan received powers last year to levy a tax on overnight visitors, which he said would 'directly support the capital's economy and help cement our reputation as a global tourism and business destination'. Through changes enabled by the Autumn Budget 2025, city mayors and town officials will have the authority to charge a small fee for overnight stays in accommodations such as hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and holiday lets. These levies will bring England in line with other parts of the UK, as well as with top international destinations such as New York, Paris and Milan, where fees on short-term stays have long been commonplace. A tourist tax on overnight visitors to London could raise more than 350million a year for the capital Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, a historic five-star hotel located in the Knightsbridge area of London, situated between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park, is pictured The analysis shows the 12 CLF boroughs alone would raise 275million, with the remaining authorities yielding an estimated 77million, the BBC reports. This has sparked calls from the central boroughs to retain half of the additional income to mitigate the increased cost pressures of tourism. Westminster could raise more than 95million by itself, according to visitor estimates, with Camden, Kensington and Chelsea, and Tower Hamlets all forecast to bring in more than 20million annually. It has not yet been decided how any money raised from a tourist tax in London would be split between City Hall and local authorities. In November, Lambeth Council called for a tourist tax to be introduced in the borough and across London. Lambeth Labour pushed for an 'Overnight Visitor Levy' that they argue would be a 'fair and progressive' way to practice sustainable tourism for the local community. 'An overnight levy, sometimes called a tourist levy, would be a small charge paid by tourists and visitors on accommodation costs such as hotels and short-term lets,' the council penned on an online petition. The plans take inspiration from other cities, including Manchester and Liverpool, where pilot schemes are testing a 1 to 2 a night charge. It has not yet been decided how any money raised from a tourist tax in London would be split between City Hall and local authorities One of the grandest hotels in London is The Connaught, which features Michelin-starred dining, a holistic spa and three bars Elsewhere, Edinburgh is set to bring in a five per cent levy from July 2026, which is thought will bring in 50million a year. In the council meeting, it was noted that tourism can bring 'substantial and growing pressure on key local services', including waste management. Though it emphasised that the tourism industry was also 'undoubtedly a cause for celebration'. A 'modest discretionary charge' was proposed that could help ensure the local area and services 'receive a fair return from the economic strength of our visitor economy', according to the council meeting notes. They also argued a tourist tax that is applied 'London-wide' would help 'raise hundreds of millions of pounds each year'. A pair of soap legends from Coronation Street and EastEnders are teaming up for a gritty new stalking drama. Titled Number One Fan, the Channel 5 thriller takes place within the world of morning TV. It stars Jill Halfpenny and Sally Lindsay in the lead roles - and both are very recognisable faces to soap fans. Jill, 50, played Rebecca Hopkins in Coronation Street from 1999 to 2000 and later Kate Mitchell in EastEnders from 2002 to 2005. Madame Blanc Mysteries star Sally, 52, had a five year stint on Corrie's cobbles playing Shelley Unwin from 2001 to 2006. In Number One Fan, Jill stars as Lucy, a beloved morning show presenter of 'Lucy Live' and the nation's sweetheart. Upcoming Channel 5 drama Number One Fan stars Jill Halfpenny and Sally Lindsay in the lead roles Jill previously starred on EastEnders as Kate Mitchell (pictured in 2004 with Leslie Grantham as Den Watts) - and before that, had a stint on Corrie Sally starred in Coronation Street from 2001 until to 2006, where she played the role of Shelley Unwin While regularly on-screen with a big smile on her face, she also has a thoroughly ruthless side. Meanwhile, Sally Lindsay portrays Donna, an obsessed fan who comes across as a mousey, harmless nobody. After Donna saves Lucy from an attack, the latter's gratitude sours when Donna's adoration turns into a darker obsession impacting her career, family and friends. In addition to this, the TV personality is horrified to learn that Donna has a link to a buried secret from Lucy's past - that could derail her career if it gets out. Mike Benson, MD for Clapperboard and Executive Producer said: 'We've obviously worked numerous times with two of the most talented actresses in the country in Sally and Jill but never before in the same show. 'Seeing them both together on screen and in two very surprising roles is something I know viewers will be every bit as excited about as we are.' The programme has wrapped production in Spain and is set to air this year. It follows the success of Netflix hit Baby Reindeer, which was inspired by a real-life stalking incident over a number of years. After leaving EastEnders, Jill went on to roles in Waterloo Road, The Feud, Babylon and In The Club, to name a few. While Sally has appeared in Mount Pleasant, Still Open All Hours and miniseries Cold Call since departing Weatherfield two decades ago. Last week, Channel 5 announced a new drama about the disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards. Doc Martin actor Martin Clunes, 64, will play the Welsh anchorman in the two-part factual drama titled Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards. Elsewhere, Doc Martin actor Martin Clunes, 64, will play disgraced BBC newsreader Huw Edwards in the two-part factual Channel 5 drama titled Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards It will focus on how the former BBC stalwart, who earned 475,000 a year at the corporation, led a double life as Britains most respected newsreader while he secretly groomed a vulnerable 17-year-old boy. Edwards, 64, was suspended by the BBC in July 2023 and was later convicted of making indecent images of children for which he received a six-month suspended sentence in September 2024. Filming on the controversial drama has concluded and it is currently in post-production. No transmission date has been announced but it is likely to be broadcast in the Spring. The Daily Mail understands Channel 5 bosses tipped off the corporation about the production before the announcement. In a photograph from the set of the drama, a suited Mr Clunes is seen posing with his elbow on the News At 10 desk at the heart of the BBC newsroom. One BBC insider said: 'The timing couldn't be worse for the BBC. After all the recent scandals, the last thing the corporation needs is a new drama about the darkest chapter in our history. Everyone wants to forget about that awful man and move on. The new series of Love Island: All Stars is set to launch on Thursday evening, the Daily Mail can reveal. The show's third season, delayed for four days due to dangerous wildfires in Cape Town, South Africa, will return in just over 24 hours. With viewers having already missed days of drama, ITV will air a full episode on Saturday evening - a slot usually reserved for the week's 'Unseen Bits.' ITV is expected to confirm the news via Instagram, teasing: 'The wait is over Love Island: All Stars launches tomorrow night (Thursday 15th January) at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. 'Plus, for the first time ever, there'll be an extra full episode on Saturday night (17th Jan) at 9pm, too.' For the first time in its history, Love Island was delayed after wildfires in the area made it unsafe for the cast and crew to begin filming. The new series of Love Island: All Stars is set to launch on Thursday evening, the Daily Mail can reveal The show's third season, delayed for four days due to dangerous wildfires in Cape Town, South Africa, will return in just over 24 hours Speaking on the official Love Island Instagram account on Wednesday, host Maya Jama shared the update: 'Hi everyone, I've got some very exciting news. 'I can officially announce exclusively that we are back up and running, yay! 'I'm in glam, heading to the villa, and filming starts in a minute. You can watch us on ITV2 tomorrow night at 9pm. Love Island: All Stars is back!' The show's launch had been scheduled for Monday evening but was delayed after dangerous wildfires over the weekend made filming impossible. The setback reportedly cost ITV more than 15,000 an hour, covering commitments to crew, staff, camera operators, and psychologists, all of whom were on the ground in South Africa awaiting their duties. Host Maya flew to Cape Town last week ahead of filming, while the 12 confirmed Islanders, including Millie Court and Tommy Bradley, were staying in high-end accommodations. A number of 'bombshells' who are yet to be revealed are also waiting on standby. On Monday, the Daily Mail revealed that one of the surprise bombshells is former Islander Curtis Pritchard, who will make his fourth stint in the villa as part of the All Stars cast. Maya flew to Cape Town last week ahead of filming, while the 12 confirmed Islanders, including Millie Court (pictured) and Tommy Bradley, were staying in high-end accommodations On Monday, the Daily Mail revealed that one of the surprise bombshells is former Islander Curtis Pritchard, who will make his fourth stint in the villa as part of the All Stars cast Curtis will now take on the role of the new Casey O'Gorman, who appeared on the show four times before winning last year's All Stars alongside Gabby Allen. One ex who certainly won't be following him into the villa is Maura, who raised her profile on Sunday night by attending the Golden Globe Awards. Rubbing shoulders with Hollywood A-listers at the ceremony due to her current appearance on The Traitors US, Maura has managed to distance herself from her first villa stint back in 2019. The Daily Mail exclusively revealed this year's cast, with the starting line-up including former winners Millie and Jess Harding, runner-up Whitney Adebayo, and Ronan Keating's son Jack. Harriet Tyce's game play on The Traitors appears to be paying off as her book sales have soared since her debut. The published author, who finally revealed her real identity on Wednesday's instalment of the BBC show, has seen a huge increase in her readership base. Harriet, originally from Edinburgh, has released three books so far in her career, with a new novel called Witch Trial set to hit shelves next month. According to The Book Seller, sales have increased by an incredible 95.6% since she first hit screens. The publication says copies purchased have shot up from typically 181 copies to 354, with her recent novel A Lesson in Cruelty credited for the increase. Meanwhile, in the first week of January, The Lies You Told recorded 263 copies 93.4% more than the previous week. Harriet Tyce's game play on The Traitors appears to be paying off as her book sales have soared since her debut Harriet, originally from Edinburgh, has released three books so far in her career, with a new novel called Witch Trial set to hit shelves next month According to The Book Seller, sales have increased by an incredible 95.6% since she first hit screens A synopsis for Harriet's next novel Witch Trial reads: 'Two teenage girls. One murdered classmate. And a modern-day witch trial that will divide the nation. 'When 18-year-old Christian Shaw is found dead in an Edinburgh park, the city reels - and the shock only deepens when police charge her best friends, Eliza Lawson and Isobel Smyth, with her murder.' Meanwhile, Wednesday's episode of The Traitors saw Harriet declare she was 'coming' for villain Rachel after revealing her true identity. In tense scenes, faithfuls Matthew and Harriet were given the chance to ask The Traitors two questions, with the hope that they would be truthful. Ahead of her first question, Harriet left Rachel and Stephen stunned by revealing her secret history as a former barrister and writer of crime novels. She then asked the pair which faithfuls they hoped to recruit in the future, and Harriet was among the three names on their list. It was a move that left Harriet visibly unimpressed, and she accused The Traitors of 'taking her for a fool,' and confidently stated that she believed Rachel was one of the cloaked figures stood before her. Rachel confessed Harriet's behaviour had left her feeling 'unnerved and uneasy,' and she ended her speech: 'You can't murder me tonight, there is nothing you can do to stop me.' Wednesday's episode of The Traitors saw Harriet declare she was 'coming' for villain Rachel after revealing her true identity Harriet's tirade against Rachel continued at breakfast the next morning, visibly glaring at the mother-of-three as she arrived at the castle. 'I was not going to allow another day of web weaving around me because I've had enough. I'm on to you. You should have killed me when you had the chance,' she quipped. Attempting to give more context on the situation, Rachel said: 'We were trying to come up with what angle do we approach this because there has to be a way it can benefit the Faithful.' Classic Noughties teen drama set in an upscale area of California Year: 2003-2007 Certificate: 15 Watch now on Prime Video This polished US drama is everything you could want from an escapist guilty pleasure. It follows the beautiful people of Orange County (aka the OC) who ooze power and privilege as they live their lives of luxury under the California sun. Our way into this world is Ryan (Ben McKenzie), a teen from the wrong side of the tracks who moves into the OC pad of his wealthy, philanthropically-minded lawyer after his nasty mum chucks him out. The focus is on the younger generations, but these teens - also including Mischa Barton's spoilt princess Marissa Cooper - are wise and quick-witted beyond their years, and many are pleasingly aware of the shallow community in which they reside. The show was a huge global hit, but gradually petered out in later series, before it was cancelled in 2007 after a lacklustre fourth series. (Four series) Her flawless looks are the envy of millions of women. And now actress turned wellness guru Gwyneth Paltrow, 53, claims shelling out $150 for her new Goop peptide serum can help achieve the kind of glossy perfection she is known for. But one top plastic surgeon says he believes the Oscar-winning actress's youthful appearance is far more likely the result of an appointment with a scalpel-wielding cosmetic surgeon. Pushing the serum in social media commercials, Paltrow is filmed rubbing it into her makeup free skin while making bold claims about its potency. 'If I could only recommend one product it would definitely be our peptide serum. This is the one,' Paltrow says. 'Something like this that addresses elasticity and skin quality and wrinkles is such a miracle for somebody like me, you know, who's at 50 years old,' the Marty Supreme star continues. Paltrow is then filmed chatting to her plastic surgeon friend Dr Julius Few about a 'blinded control study' used to test their product. She concludes: 'Good skincare, especially when it's clean can be an investment and you want it to work really well and this surpassed every expectation that I have.' Dr Frederick Weniger told the Mail that in photos from recent red carpets, 'at least one picture appears like her eyes are tilted more', suggesting cosmetic surgery Pictured: Paltrow attends the 2026 BAFTA Tea Party Paltrow is seen at the 2020 Golden Globe Awards. She has long denied having invasive procedures, but some observers notice a shift in her appearance between 2020 and 2022 There is no suggestion Goop's new product falls short of Paltrow's claims. But plastic surgeon Dr Frederick Weniger told the Daily Mail that the actress has also likely had invasive operations. 'Gwyneth Paltrow is certainly looking great at the age of 53, but the suggestion that her skin has been saved by only her Goop anti-aging product is unlikely,' top plastic surgeon Dr Weniger said. While he accepts Paltrow 'probably does get good results from her own skin care product,' Dr Weniger also said he believes she has had 'at least one surgical procedure' to achieve her look. 'There is the possibility that she has had facial aesthetic surgery. Some of her recent photos look like she has less extra upper eyelid skin than previously, suggesting an upper blepharoplasty (eye lift),' he said. He said that in photos from recent red carpets, 'at least one picture appears like her eyes are tilted more, which could be related to a lower eyelid surgery or a cheek lift - possibly endoscopic.' The surgeon also noted that Paltrow 'shows no signs of significant loose neck skin - unusual for a very thin lady. Therefore a lower facelift or neck lift is likely.' Dr Weniger has not treated or examined Paltrow and offered his opinion based on photographs taken of Paltrow over the years. The Daily Mail has contacted Paltrow for comment. In an ad for the serum, the 53-year-old describes it as 'a miracle for somebody like me' Medical aesthetic consultant and influencer Dana Omari agreed with Dr Weniger after reviewing pictures of Paltrow, who she has never worked with personally. 'She has had a recent blepharoplasty it looks like to me. It looks like she's recently had a necklift, face lift, her jaw looks incredible and it looks different from 2021.' Paltrow has only publicly admitted to using Botox and laser treatments in the past, and has never said that she has had any invasive surgical procedures. 'I don't mind a few wrinkles and freckles,' she previously told the Mail in 2013. 'I had this laser treatment recently, Thermage, and it took a couple of years off my face but I haven't had any plastic surgery yet.' British esthetics expert Dr Jonny Betteridge said on his popular Instagram page that he believes Paltrow underwent a facelift, neck lift and eyelift sometime between 2020 and 2022. Paltrow not disclosing whether she has had surgery has been met with some criticism from fans, with one Instagram user commenting last year: 'I really wish she'd be honest about the work she's had recently because she sells anti aging products. 'She looks amazing but like be honest. Especially when that's what your brand is all about.' Paltrow developed her brand's anti-aging serum with her friend of many years, renowned plastic surgeon Dr Julian Few. In a sit-down chat between the two promoting the product, Paltrow hails Dr Few as 'one of the pioneers of threading,' a treatment which uses dissolvable 'structures' under the skin to pull it taut, which she has not admitted to having herself. Goop Beauty's Youth-Boost Peptide Serum retails at a staggering $150 for a 30ml bottle Dr Few claimed that he was 'stunned' by the before and after pictures of people who had used their serum, and says he promotes it to patients at his surgery. 'I knew all the ingredients should have certain scientific effects on skin, but what we saw, and especially in a short period of time, was kind of amazing. You could see the change at one week,' he said, describing the benefits of the serum as 'really unusual and powerful.' While Paltrow has bought in to peptides - short amino acid chains - as a 'miracle' cure to improve skin elasticity, experts caution that they are not the be all and end all. Dermatologist Dr Heather D Rogers says: 'Peptides are helpful, not heroic. Peptides can support skin health by promoting collagen, aiding repair and improving hydration - but they're not the cornerstone of your routine.' 'While peptide products like creams and serums can offer benefits, their effects are not universal, and some claims remain unsubstantiated,' she writes on her blog. Dr Weniger agreed that peptides are beneficial, explaining that these and other ingredients in Goop's anti-aging products 'offer many benefits plus the possibility of something more from the evolving science of peptides.' Dr Weniker said that 'considering that [Paltrow] smoked in the past and this would have accelerated the aging of her skin, she probably gets chemical peels or laser peels' 'That being said, Gwyneth would not be looking this good at 53 if Goop was the only thing she used,' he said. He suggests that she also includes retinol, such as Retin-A, in her routine, 'to improve her collagen thickness and dermal integrity,' a step he recommends to for any 'serious' skincare regimen. 'Also, she has discussed getting Xeomin (like Botox) in the past for facial wrinkles. 'Considering that she smoked in the past and this would have accelerated the aging of her skin, she probably gets chemical peels or laser peels,' he added. He went on to say that despite her age, Paltrow's face 'still shows good volume in all areas.' The star has been vocal about the scrutiny women receive simply for aging naturally (pictured in December) Paltrow has been in the spotlight recently as she promotes her latest film, Marty Supreme 'This suggests the judicious use of dermal fillers, like Juvederm or Restylane, or a collagen stimulator like Sculptra.' Last year fans speculated that she may have used lip filler after she shared a video where she appeared to be pouting. In 2023, the actress admitted to her Instagram followers during an Instagram Q+A session that she has had Botox - which has been both 'successful and unsuccessful.' The Goop Founder was asked by one of her fans: 'Did you ever try botox?' responding on her Instagram stories. In response to the question, she wrote: 'God yes. Both successfully and unsuccessfully I'm afraid.' In the public eye since her late teens, the star has always had her looks under a microscope, and has been vocal about the scrutiny women receive simply for aging naturally. 'Especially women in the industry... when you're sort of known as a, quote, 'beautiful woman', when you're young and you sort of make your living off of that, it's sort of terrifying to come to the precipice where people are judging you for looking older. 'You see online some women who are aging naturally, some of the comments on Instagram, it's horrendous.' Paltrow developed her brand's anti-aging serum with her friend of many years, renowned plastic surgeon Dr Julian Few Speaking to Vogue recently, she said: 'As women, we want to be healthy, we want to be aging - this idea that we're supposed to be frozen in time is so weird. 'It's handsome to go grey [as a man], but for women, it's like, "What do you plan to do about your wrinkles and your ageing skin?" Every woman should do it how they want to do it.' She was lauded last year for sharing a snap of her 'real skin', and has championed a holistic approach to skincare including products from her range, facial exercises and lymphatic drainage. But she has also expressed caution about doing 'too much', asking Dr Few when he thought enough is enough with anti-aging procedures. 'I'm happy to embrace aging,' Paltrow has also said. 'And I also want to look kind of as fresh and healthy as I can look while I'm aging.' The actress and lifestyle entrepreneur is known for her perpetually ageless looks (seen in December) She has also openly admitted that her pricey skincare products - and therefore the strict regime she uses herself - are aimed at the 'moneyed' and out of most women's grasp. Speaking on The Cutting Room Floor podcast last year, she said: 'Most of what we [the brand] buy is not for that super, super affluent [customer], it's more... affluent.' The actress turned beauty entrepreneur has responded to criticism that her products are overpriced by describing her brand as 'aspirational.' And there are few celebrities more aspirational than Paltrow. Born to actress Blythe Danner and director Bruce Paltrow, Gwyneth enjoyed an ultra-privileged upbringing on New York's Upper East Side, where she attended the elite Spence School. Paltrow, the goddaughter of iconic director Steven Spielberg, began a successful acting career during the 1990s. She won the best actress Oscar for Shakespeare in Love in 1999. Paltrow created her Goop wellness newsletter in 2008 while married to Coldplay musician Chris Martin, who is the father of her daughter Apple, 21, and Moses, 19. It quickly became a wellness behemoth that has been valued as high as $433 million. It's no secret that drama clings to the eyebrow queen of Double Bay, Kristin Fisher - though, let's be clear, the real brow royalty is Amy Jean but I digress. On Tuesday, I attended the newly renovated Downing Centre Local Court after reports last weekend that a mystery man, known only by the pseudonym AA, had been charged with allegedly breaking into the beautician's home. The man, aged in his 30s and living on Sydney's Northern Beaches, cannot be named because of a court order. He was arrested in October. Police allege he broke into Fisher's eastern suburbs apartment 'with intent', though they've remained tight-lipped about what that intent was. He has since been charged with aggravated break and enter and released on bail. It is understood the man knows the 40-year-old mother-of-two - and that she had an AVO in place to protect herself from him. Kristin Fisher's home was allegedly broken into 'with intent' by a man known to her. His identity is now the subject of fervent speculation in Sydney's east. (Fisher is seen in May 2024) Now here's where it gets surreal. The man is not what you'd call the 'type' to be accused of break and enter. At court, he was well-presented and dressed like he was on his way to a client lunch at Barangaroo. No ill-fitting suit or brothel-creeper shoes. A polished alleged burglar. He then made the catastrophic error of sitting next to me. From close range, I was able to take in a better picture of this seemingly professional young man. He seemed more like the kind to scroll through the AFR while waiting for the markets to open rather than someone anticipating Magistrate Scott Nash. At one point, I clocked a horoscope email on his phone screen. Perhaps he wanted to see what the stars had in store for his hearing? It was only when he noticed me reading the Daily Mail homepage that the penny dropped. He realised I was there for him. He swiftly moved to the seat behind me. AA is being represented by Nick Hanna of Hanna Legal. Kristin has fallen out with several eastern suburbs socialites, including Nadia Fairfax-Wayne (right) and entrepreneur Shelley Sullivan, neither of whom is involved with the alleged break-in A Sydney magistrate had infamously told Fisher: 'People who justify their cocaine usage as socially acceptable or as part of the social fabric... it is not. It is a criminal, illegal drug' Mr Hanna is regarded as one of NSW's top criminal defence lawyers, having appeared in some of the state's most high-profile and complex cases. He also has significant expertise in AVO applications. Fisher is known for her Double Bay eyebrow clinic, which followed her ownership of a Brazilian Butterfly franchise in Perth. Her on-off friendships with some big names in the eastern suburbs - including Dina Broadhurst, MCoBeauty cosmetics founder Shelley Sullivan and Nadia Fairfax-Wayne - have made her a gossip column fixture. Meanwhile, a glance at AA's Instagram following list suggests he's no interloper. He looks to have connections in the elite social set where Fisher used to hold court, though he's not a well-known name himself. In recent years, Fisher has racked up enough drama to make her one of the most talked-about women in Sydney. Her salon went into voluntary administration in November 2023, with debts reportedly topping $900,000. A restructuring plan to repay just $216,000 was initially rejected by the ATO, forcing the appointment of joint administrators. They would later finalise a life-saving deal to stave off bankruptcy that slashed her tax bill to under $100,000. Sources say lockdowns, a messy marriage breakdown and questionable financial decisions all played a part in her business's decline. Her controversies don't stop at money. In July 2021, she was arrested for buying cocaine after police found her in the passenger seat of a car with two bags of white powder at her feet. Kristin Fisher is seen leaving Waverley Local Court in 2021 on a separate matter She failed to appear in court three times, blaming her children for misplacing the court notice - pinned, apparently, to the fridge. Eventually, she fronted up, pleading guilty and describing the episode as a 'dreadful mistake,' adding she was 'deeply embarrassed' by her actions. Magistrate Ross Hudson annulled the conviction on the condition she stayed on good behaviour for six months, though he didn't hold back on a broader critique. He slammed the rampant cocaine use in Sydney's eastern suburbs, calling it a 'stain on our community'. I'll admit, Fisher isn't exactly a fan of mine after years of covering her antics on the social circuit. She is known to dislike the Mail and other outlets that report on the endless soap opera that is her life. I'm told she's sweating over the prospect of AA's identity being exposed and the full details of that night making headlines. The matter is next listed for February 24, with AA excused from appearing. New to DailyMail+? Here are our most-read stories from the last week Chumpy Pullin's dad reveals heartbreaking rift with his late son's partner Ellidy that has torn him away from his only grandchild - and the 'hurtful' suggestion that triggered their estrangement Is nobody going to say the bloody obvious about Ellidy Pullin? We fell in love with her story - now a bitter truth stares us in the face: AMANDA GOFF I think I've discovered Tess Crosley's true agenda after the Lachie Neale scandal. I know you're reading... if this really is your plan, I promise it won't end well for you: JANA HOCKING Naked pop star Yungblud parties with 50-year-old socialite Dina Broadhurst at raucous private yacht party attended by Sydney's elite Regrets? He's had a few: It's all over for Lachie Neale as he moves into bachelor pad after his wife Jules left him... as we uncover telling post from the woman at the centre of their divorce Noughties Aussie heart-throb Didier Cohen faces YEARS in an American prison for allegedly kidnapping his rich father and stepmother. Read the shocking full story - as an insider reveals what may have triggered his meltdown Shocking suspicions about celebrity dentist Dr David Hurst's sudden death at a casino revealed a year later - as we track down his elusive widow at $8million home Poison pen email from the house of Woman's Day reveals dire state of business... Plus, Cosmopolitan Australia crashes and burns under new owner - our sources have the full story: INSIDE MAIL Why everyone's talking about Ellidy Pullin's luxury life and the celebrity couple she considers 'family' - after Chumpy's dad revealed their heartbreaking rift The madness continues: Jessica Camilleri hacked off her mother's head in a crime that shocked Australia. She's just done something so grim behind bars that it may get her MORE jail time As a former Strictly star, Jacqui Smith is no stranger to sparkles and glitter. But it is the gleaming diamond ring on the former home secretary's wedding finger that has been earning her attention lately. For the Daily Mail can reveal that Baroness Smith, 63, who is a government minister in the Department of Education, has got engaged to her politics professor partner after a six-year romance. The former Labour MP, who found love in her late fifties after the breakdown of her three-decade-long marriage, was seen at the despatch box of the House of Lords on Monday flashing the sparkling jewel. The Skills Minister met her fiance Professor Graham Timmins, who is affectionately known as Page Three Boy after The Mail On Sunday revealed the relationship in 2020, outside a yoga class. The loved-up pair plan to wed in August. Her friend and former Good Morning Britain sparring partner Iain Dale discussed the upcoming nuptials on his podcast Where Politics Meets History. The Daily Mail can reveal that Baroness Smith, 63, who is a government minister in the Department of Education, has got engaged to her politics professor partner after a six-year romance The Skills Minister met her fiance Professor Graham Timmins, who is affectionately known as Page Three Boy after The Mail On Sunday revealed the relationship in 2020, outside a yoga class The former Labour MP, who found love in her late fifties after the breakdown of her three-decade long marriage, was seen at the despatch box of the House of Lords on Monday flashing the sparkling jewel Asked whose wedding he was attending in August, the LBC presenter said: 'Jacqui Smith. She and Page Three Boy are getting married.' 'She told me just after Christmas and I was really pleased for her, because Graham, which is Page Three Boy's name, he's a lovely, lovely guy. 'They're absolutely smitten and devoted to each other.' The relationship was revealed during her 2020 stint on Strictly Come Dancing when she was Anton Du Beke's final dance partner before he moved to the judging panel. The former home secretary 'courted' Professor Timmins, a highly acclaimed academic at the University of Birmingham, via Zoom after they met in her home town of Malvern, Worcestershire. 'We crossed on the stairs and I thought, "He's nice,"' she said of the couple's first encounter. But the Covid lockdown meant much of their early relationship was conducted via video conferencing. They discovered a shared hobby in exercise and are both members of their local running club. After lockdown rules were relaxed, Professor Timmins, a divorced father of two adult daughters, was spotted at the home of Baroness Smith which she then shared with her two sons, James and Michael. She announced she had split from her husband Richard Timney in January 2020 after 33 years of marriage. Smith had originally turned to dating apps after she was left feeling 'completely robbed' by her unfaithful ex-husband. The first female home secretary said the end of her political career was nothing compared to the devastation of losing her marriage, after her husband told her he wanted 'something new' in his life. Her friend and former Good Morning Britain sparring partner Iain Dale (pictured right) discussed the upcoming nuptials on his podcast Where Politics Meets History The relationship was revealed during her 2020 stint on Strictly Come Dancing when she was Anton Du Beke's final dance partner before he moved to the judging panel Following the 2024 general election, Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed her Minister of State for Skills and she was given a life peerage She said that the pair had tried marriage counselling to work things out before the pair called time on the relationship in 2018. Asked on the How To Be 60 podcast whether the end of her political career or marriage was worse, Baroness Smith said: 'The marriage was. 'I suppose it's because I always knew my political career would come to an end my seat was quite marginal whereas I thought my marriage was going to last forever. I thought we were going to be next to each other's death beds, that's what my picture of our life was. I just took it for granted. 'I thought that's what happened, you got married to somebody and then you were with them. I'd been married over 30 years and I thought we'd grow old together. 'I felt completely robbed by the fact he was unfaithful and then turned around and said, "I feel I need something new for the next 30 years of my life." That wasn't how I had seen my life panning out at all, so that was a massive change for me. So I've had to rebuild what my 60s will be like.' The politician left office in 2009 after the expenses scandal, when it was revealed that Mr Timney had claimed for two pornographic films. She lost her Redditch seat the following year. Following the 2024 general election, Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed her Minister of State for Skills and she was given a life peerage. Riders star Marcus Gilbert passed away aged 67 on Sunday following a three-year battle with throat cancer. The Bristol-born actor, was most famous for playing the swoonsome Rupert Campbell-Black in a 1993 TV adaptation of Jilly Cooper's Riders, yet away from the spotlight his personal life was steeped in tragedy. During the course of his life, the star tragically lost his first wife Homaa to pancreatic cancer in 2020, when she was just 60 years old. The couple shared two children, son Maxi and daughter Aaliya and the latter revealed that at the time of Homaa's treatment Marcus was also diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Marcus went on to find love again with Lysette Anthony, who was said to have fallen 'head over heels' for the star after going through two divorces herself. Prior to his fame, there was tragedy in Marcus' life from the beginning after his dad George and his grandparents all passed away on the same night when he was just 12 years old. Riders star Marcus Gilberts VERY tragic backstory: From losing his father at 12-years old to the death of his first wife after pancreatic cancer battle and his own Parkinson's diagnosis - as actor dies aged 67 (pictured with his partner Lysette Anthony) During the course of his life, the star tragically lost his first wife Homaa to pancreatic cancer in 2020, when she was just 60 years old (pictured on their wedding day) Taking to Instagram to commemorate his death back in November, Marcus wrote: 'This is in remembrance of my father George Michael Gilbert (1927- 1970). 'Sadly, I never really had the opportunity to know him very well, but I remember his panache, sense of adventure and his larger than life personality. I still mourn his loss and can only guess what his influence may have become in my life.' Paying tribute to his grandparents he added: 'This [is] also to remember my loving grandparents, Emily and Oswald, who lost their lives that same Halloween night, I remember the smell of Wrights Cold tar soap, cornflakes with warm milk and tales from his travels as a Royal Marine. 'A thought for all those children who lost their parents far too early in life'. After the sadness of his childhood. Marcus went on to marry Homaa Khan in 1992 until her tragic death in 2020 on the same day as his birthday. Homaa died after undergoing an operation to remove pancreatic cancer, leading to complications and a five-week stay in an Intensive Therapy Unit. Her daughter Aaliya wrote at the time: 'The five weeks my mother spent in Kings after an operation for pancreatic cancer removal, with its complications and subsequent ITU stay, were undoubtedly the most painful of my life.' She then revealed that at the same time as her mother's treatment, Marcus was also diagnosed with Parkinson's. Prior to his fame, there was tragedy in Marcus' life from the beginning after his dad George (pictured) and his grandparents all passed away on the same night when he was just 12 Paying tribute to his dad and grandparents he wrote: 'A thought for all those children who lost their parents far too early in life' The couple shared two children, son Maxi and daughter Aaliya and the latter revealed that at the time of Homaa's treatment Marcus was also diagnosed with Parkinson's disease She explained: 'I got to experience her inspiring fearlessness in the last few years (and always); working through chemo/radio and Covid, supporting my brother and me through finals, helping my dad through his Parkinsons diagnosis - all with an unwavering smile on her face. 'Ive learnt this year that you never know how resilient you truly are until you have to be. Also, that you never know what people are dealing with behind the scenes, so kindness is never wasted.' Following the death of Homaa after 28 years of marriage, Marcus went on to find love once again with Lysette Anthony. The pair began their relationship in 2023 after Marcus reached out to her agent after finding out about her Parkinson's diagnosis. He said he wanted to help in any way he could and while her previous boyfriend had left her when she had shared her diagnosis, Marcus wanted to stand by her. She previous said in 2023, six months into their relationship: 'What Marcus is offering me something I've never known before is a partnership of dreams. Marcus calls this "the third act". He says: "There's only one life. Let's go out with a bang".' Yet within months of meeting Lysette he was diagnosed with throat cancer and had to undergo chemotherapy. The couple initially met on set of A Ghost In Monte Carlo in 1990 a year after Lysette was raped by Harvey Weinstein. After meeting Harvey in 1982 at just 19 years old, the pair were friends for a few years before she describes him as turning into a monster when his career took off. Homaa died after undergoing an operation to remove pancreatic cancer, leading to complications and a five-week stay in an Intensive Therapy Unit, her daughter took to Instagram to share the news at the time She wrote: 'Ive learnt this year that you never know how resilient you truly are until you have to be. Also, that you never know what people are dealing with behind the scenes, so kindness is never wasted' Pictured with his son Maximilian She is the only British actress to have called out the disgraced move mogul after she publicly accused him of rape in 2017, a decision she previously said 'shredded' her reputation. Standing up for Lysette in an Instagram post in September, Marcus shared a snap of them both as he penned: 'Lysette is a beautiful lady in all respects and deserves the best that life has to offer, but she has not been treated as she deserves to have to been by some elements in society, which is an injustice... 'This needs urgent resolution if she is to enjoy the same calm of above, which is my fondest wish for her. The truth should stand above all'. At the time of meeting Marcus, a friend of the actress revealed: 'It's a serious romance and has been going on for some time. They make an adorable couple. Lysette is head over heels with him.' During their time as a couple, Marcus also said goodbye to his beloved dog Delilah in November 2024. Marcus' death was announced on a fan site on Facebook, in a statement reading: 'Today we have heard the very sad news that Marcus lost his battle against cancer on Sunday 11th January 2026... 'We, along with his many fans worldwide, will mourn his loss, and remember the joy he gave us on screen, and in person. RIP Marcus.' Tributes poured in for the star with fans writing: 'Gone home, in the arms of the angels and Homaa Oh my goodness. RIP Marcus... So so sad.. Such sad news... Marcus is pictured with Lysette when they starred together in A Ghost In Monte Carlo in 1990 - 23 years before becoming a couple During their time as a couple, Marcus also said goodbye to his beloved dog Delilah in November 2024 Standing up for Lysette in an Instagram post in September, Marcus penned: 'Lysette is a beautiful lady in all respects and deserves the best that life has to offer, but she has not been treated as she deserves to have to been by some elements in society, which is an injustice...' Adding to the tributes was actor Toby Hadoke, who shared a trio of images and added the caption: 'Dashing, charming, and a strong actor with a bit of a twinkle... 'Very sorry to learn of the death, too young, of Marcus Gilbert with whom I had a lovely time in Liverpool about a decade ago... 'He was also great in Doctor Whos Battlefield and had a terrific role in Evil Dead 3: Army of Darkness... 'He also told me how much he earned from being part of the second Gold Blend saga of commercials: eye watering! Lovely chap: wore his attributes lightly. :('. Following his role as Ancelyn in the Doctor Who television story Battlefield, the programme's showrunner Russell T Davies paid tribute himself, writing underneath Toby's post: 'Oh thats sad news'. She is without a doubt a true Hollywood legend. Born and raised in Beverly Hills, she married Tinseltown's top producer when she was just 23 and remained by his side as he dominated the television industry for decades. Now at age 80, she's enjoying her fourth chapter as a socialite and philanthropist, and of course, as a doting grandmother to her seven grandchildren. She is Candy Spelling, wife of the late producer Aaron Spelling and mother to actress Tori Spelling. Despite her star status, some of Candy's longtime fans had trouble recognizing her on the cover of the latest issue of Westlake Malibu Lifestyle magazine. Candy Spelling, 80, looks completely unrecognizable on the cover of Westlake Malibu Lifestyle magazine Her long blonde hair and surprisingly youthful complexion had some people confusing Candy for celebrities half her age. 'Is Candy in the room with us? It looks like Trisha Paytas,' commented one. 'I thought this was the gorgeous queen of Potomac, Gizelle Bryant,' wrote another. A third added, 'Khloe Kardashian looks incredible.' Speaking to the publication about her life with late husband Aaron, Candy admitted that she struggled to find herself after the legendary producer died in 2006. 'For almost four decades, my job was to raise our two beautiful children, entertain, and create the stable homelife Aaron needed so he could be out there in the Hollywood trenches,' she shared. 'When Aaron died, I not only lost my life partner, but I was also suddenly missing the force of nature who had defined me and our family,' she continued. 'For the first time in 38 years, I had to learn to function in the big, scary world on my own.' Join the debate How do you feel about celebrities dramatically changing their appearance as they age? The 80-year-oldis pictured at the MOCA Gala in Los Angeles in May, 2025 Candy is pictured with daughter Tori and late husband Aaron in 2002 After Aaron's passing, Candy reinvented herself as a successful Broadway producer. Her work earned a Tony Award for 2016's The Color Purple, which starred Cynthia Erivo and Jennifer Hudson. As for her personal life, it's no secret that Candy has had a rocky relationship with her only daughter Tori, but the pair have become closer since Tori split from Dean McDermott in 2023 after 18 years together. 'I love my daughter, and I support her in whatever she does. I support my daughter, what can I tell you?' Candy told TMZ at the time. She also said that she would be willing to help Tori with financial support if her daughter needed it. In November, Tori and Dean agreed to tackle their debts together, including the $1.7million they owe in back taxes. Candy and Tori have had had a rocky relationship in the past, but appear to have become closer in recent years A young Candy is pictured with little Tori when she was still a child According to Us Weekly, the exes also reached a settlement on their own that prioritized their children. Tori, 52, and Dean, 58, agreed to waive spousal support for both parties, according to court papers filed on November 3. The former couple also agreed to waive child support and share custody of their five children, Liam, 18, Stella, 17, Hattie, 14, Finn, 13, and Beau, 8. Tori is currently taking some time out of the spotlight due to a mystery illness. In December, she was forced to cancel a live show in Las Vegas due to her health, and in the last two weeks Denise Richards and Brian Green have stepped in as fill-in hosts on her podcast, Miss Spelling. Kim Kardashian's tween daughter North West has seemingly revealed more finger piercings despite fan concern over the 'risky' procedure. The 12-year-old, whose father is controversial rapper Kanye West, first debuted a dermal piercing on her middle right finger back in August 2025, which consisted of two small silver balls below her knuckle on her middle finger. Dermal piercings are unlike traditional piercings because the jewelry is held in place by a small anchor inserted under the skin. Kardashian has faced backlash for letting North get the piercing as a minor due to the potential risks that come with it, including infection, keloid scarring or even rejection if not properly cared for. North herself fired back at critics on TikTok last month and now the young social media star appears to have added two more finger piercings to her collection. The Daily Mail has reached to representatives for North's mother Kim Kardashian for comment but has yet to hear back. Kim Kardashian's tween daughter North West has seemingly revealed more finger piercings despite growing fan over the 'risky' procedure In a photo shared to her Instagram Story on Tuesday, January 13, North unveiled what looked like two dermal piercings on her left middle finger and left ring finger. Just like her right hand, she now has two small silver balls sticking out of each finger near her knuckles. North posed for the IG Story photo with her fist aimed straight at the camera, blocking most of her face. She had the blue, waist-length hair she's been wearing as of late and was dressed in a pricey Balenciaga T-shirt and sunglasses. The nepo baby further accessorized her look with a flashy diamond skull and cross bones chain necklace. North previously teased her new piercings on Sunday, January 11 in a brief video shared to the TikTok account she shares with her reality TV star mom. Captioned '#northforever,' Kanye West's daughter recorded herself making faces at the camera and briefly threw up her pierced left hand as she mouthed the lyrics to xaviersobased's viral hit Love Hate. Fans of North didn't appear to notice her new additions as most of the comments on the post were complimenting the 12-year-old's 'vibes' and unique fashion style. In a photo shared to her Instagram Story on Tuesday, January 13, North unveiled what looked like two dermal piercings on her left middle finger and left ring finger North previously teased her new piercings on Sunday, January 11 in a brief video shared to the TikTok account she shares with her reality TV star mom Less than two weeks ago, North sparked body modification speculation when she appeared on social media with what appeared to be a piercing going through the bridge of her nose. However, the Daily Mail later learned that North was wearing a piercing sticker, which is a temporary, adhesive piece of jewelry designed to mimic the look of a real bridge piercing. While her nose piercing was a fake, the piercing on her right hand that she first debuted during a trip with her mom in Italy in August 2025 is believed to be real. She had also uploaded since-deleted photos that offered a look into the process of getting the piercing, per screenshots taken by The Sun. Just last month, North clapped back at critics over her finger piercing in a TikTok video. North filmed a short selfie video as a soundbite played the background saying, 'Why are you crying? How old are you? Just pull it together.' She also added text over the reel which read: 'this is for everyone that's mad over a finger piercing.' Kardashian has also spoken out in her daughter's defense. Less than two weeks ago, North appeared on social media with what looked to be a piercing going through the bridge of her nose but it was later revealed to be a sticker Back in August, North first showed off what appeared to be a dermal piercing on her right hand during a trip to Italy with her mother The 45-year-old SKIMS founder left a comment on a TikTok video in October posted by the user @mazzy_williams who was heartbroken over North's controversial piercing. 'north west getting a finger piercing is breaking my heart, just me?' she had written over a clip of herself throwing her hand over her mouth. The caption had read, ''what is going on #northwest #kardashians.' In the comment section of the video, Kardashian simply wrote, 'it's okay.' Fans offered their mixed reaction to North's bling at the time, with one saying, 'It's such a non-issue.' However, another shared, 'She's literally 12 lol she's a child and that's a pretty permanent decision.' Along with her finger bling, North has received backlash for appearing online wearing fake face tattoos, blue hair, makeup and grillz. During an appearance on Complex's GOAT Talk YouTube series in November, Kardashian revealed her daughter's response to the backlash. 'She was like, 'I don't get it. It's a Halloween costume. It's all fake,'' the TV personality said. Last month, North fired back at her finger piercing critics in a TikTok video Kim has also frequently spoken out in her daughter's defense - not just over her piercings but also her style choices; the mother-daughter duo seen in 2023 Kardashian then explained that it had been North who actually responded with, 'This is such a non-issue' in the comment section of a post in October, which was originally believed to have been written by Kardashian. 'She takes my phone, and she writes back to a comment, and she goes, 'This is such a non-issue.' Then online, it was like, 'Kim defends North to the end on this look.' That's a good clapback.' The All's Fair actress then labeled that harsh criticism from trolls as both 'disturbing' and 'horrible.' 'North, if she ever posts a TikTok, it's on my phone, so she has to ask my approval, and then I post it, whatever. The comments, all that's on my phone.' The star added, 'So her and her girlfriends, they love doing costumes, they love doing looks, and so, it's Halloween season, so they put on fake tattoos on their face, fake piercings. 'They all had their colored hair. They looked like an opium Powerpuff Girls [that's] what they were going for.' While appearing on the Call Her Daddy podcast in October, Kardashian reflected on her eldest daughter's bold style as well as her maturity. Along with North, Kardashian shares daughter Chicago, seven, and sons Saint, 10, and Psalm, six, with ex-husband Kanye West; seen in 2020 'She's really mature in one sense where she'll be like, 'Mom, I saw this and I don't really care that they don't like... my blue hair or this or that.' She's really confident and is like, 'I probably wouldn't be hanging out with those people.'' When it comes to fashion mistakes and allowing North to wear certain looks, the star asked for a 'little bit of grace.' 'I'm like, okay, we're never wearing that again. Unfortunately, we made that mistake in front of the whole world,' Kardashian said while also adding that 'as a mom, you're kind of like learning at the same time.' Along with North, Kardashian shares daughter Chicago, seven, and sons Saint, 10, and Psalm, six, with ex-husband Kanye, who she divorced in 2021. The rapper is now married to Bianca Censori, 30. NeNe Leakes is planning a return to Bravo more than five years after leaving The Real Housewives of Atlanta. The 58-year-old media personality, who claimed to have been 'pushed out' of the realty series in late 2020, is now gearing up to join The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip. Executive producer Andy Cohen announced the spinoff show during BravoCon in November, but didn't say who would round out the cast. The show, which coincides with The Real Housewives' 20th anniversary, will feature cast members from multiple franchises. Leakes will not be on the new show full-time, but will appear when the show stops in Atlanta, sources told TMZ. Representatives for Leakes declined the Daily Mail's request for comment. NeNe Leakes is planning a return to Bravo more than five years after leaving The Real Housewives of Atlanta; seen in October 2025 The 58-year-old media personality, who claimed to have been 'pushed out' of the realty series in late 2020, is now gearing up to join The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip; RHOA season seven cast seen in 2012 'I left because I was being pushed out,' Leakes claimed to Extra about her decision to leave RHOA in October 2020. 'If you are working at McDonald's, working 40 hours a week, they drop you down to 20 hours, they drop you down to 15, they drop you down to 10, it's obvious that they want you to quit. 'Something is very wrong with going from 18 or 23 episodes down to six In the last four to five years, it has been less and less Things just didn't feel fair,' she added. She also told ET Online: 'I left the show. I had an offer on the table. I did not think the offer was a fair offer.' Leakes announced on YouTube in September 2020 that she was leaving, months after the new season began filming. She told her fans: 'I have been on an extremely, extremely long, exhausting, tiring, emotional negotiation. There has been a lot of emotion flying from both sides. It has been hard. 'And I have made the very hard and difficult decision to not be a part of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Season 13. It wasn't an easy decision for me. It was hard.' Bravo confirmed the news in a statement to Variety: 'We wish Nene all the best in her future endeavors and thank her for sharing her journey for over a decade with the fans of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. 'She's been instrumental since the start and will truly be missed, and maybe one day she'll hold the peach again.' Join the debate What does NeNe Leakes' rocky history with Bravo say about fairness and loyalty in reality TV? Executive producer Andy Cohen announced the spinoff show during BravoCon in November, but didn't say who would round out the cast Leakes later told Extra, 'This is a conversation that [Cohen] and I and people involved are going to have to deal with behind the scenes. All I can do is take you back to one of my old sayings: 'I said what I said.'' She also discussed her conflicting emotions toward Cohen with ET Online, saying, 'Well, I thought that we had a relationship and a great relationship. But maybe we didn't. I don't know. 'You know, you don't turn off your feelings for someone because you had an argument. I've always loved Andy like he was a family member of mine. I worked with him for a very long time so I have a lot of love for him, so, you know, you can't just turn your feelings off because you had an argument.' She added: 'I mean, again, I consider him to be like family, families argue. Families fight. Families come back together. I have nothing but love for him and I'm certain that we will talk. We just texted right after that happened. 'It is heavy. It's public and it's heavy. But, I'm gonna be fine. It's just a lot. You know, I'm gonna get through it.' In April 2022 the entrepreneur filed a federal lawsuit in April 2022 against Bravo and NBCUniversal, accusing the production companies of fostering a racist and hostile work environment. All parties involved agreed to settle the conflict through arbitration and the case was dropped in August 2022. Brooklyn Beckham has returned to the kitchen to share a new cooking clip, after insiders claimed that a 'like' from his mum Victoria on his last post has led him to completely cut ties with his family. It emerged last week that Brooklyn had instructed his parents to only speak to him through lawyers, while over the weekend his wife Nicola Peltz deleted all traces of the Beckham family from her Instagram. The Daily Mail then shared that when Brooklyn blocked his family on social media last month, it was due to Victoria 'liking' the last cooking video he'd shared on Instagram, defying her son's legal request. Following the claims, Brooklyn took to Instagram to share a new clip of himself preparing chicken parmesan. Sporting a hat to promote his hot sauce brand Cloud23, Brooklyn shared the steps he took to create the dish. It came after he and his wife Nicola broke cover to step out together as the reason behind the legal letter sent to his estranged parents was revealed. Brooklyn Beckham has returned to the kitchen to share a new cooking clip, after insiders claimed that a 'like' from his mum Victoria on his last post led him to cut ties with his family It emerged last week that Brooklyn had instructed his parents to only speak to him through lawyers, the latest twist in their explosive family feud An insider told The Daily Mail that Brooklyn decided to block his mum and Dad after the designer 'liked' his latest cooking video, with a source saying: 'The fact is that Victoria did send out a 'like'. She misses him every hour of every day. 'Getting the lawyers involved only dials up the conflict and has meant that it has got out of control. This is horrible - they are a family. These are real people. It's not a business dispute.' Last week the Daily Mail revealed that Brooklyn instructed his parents to only speak to him through lawyers. He said he didn't want his parents to contact him, or make public statements about him on social media. It has since been reported that the letter was intended to protect his mental health, as online posts from David and Victoria in which he was tagged or mentioned had affected him. It is said that Brooklyn wants any attempts at reconciliation to happen 'privately' rather than on social media. A source familiar with the row told the Mirror that the situation escalated after his 'requests to stop' had gone ignored. 'It had been leading to issues with his mental health.it was to protect himself,' they told the publication. The source explained that Brooklyn reportedly believes his parents still see him as a child and not as an adult. The Daily Mail then shared that when Brooklyn blocked his family on social media last month, it was due to Victoria 'liking' the last cooking video he'd shared on Instagram (pictured) Following the claims, Brooklyn took to Instagram to share a new clip of himself preparing chicken parmesan Sporting a hat to promote his hot sauce brand Cloud23, Brooklyn shared the steps he took to create the dish The row escalated on Saturday when Nicola wiped all traces of the Beckhams from her Instagram. In contrast, Brooklyn has not followed suit. The actress, 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, among 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 Nicola 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. Rumours of fallout 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.' On Sunday, it was reported that Brooklyn's legal letter to his parents was intended to protect his mental health, as posts from David and Victoria in which he was tagged had affected him An insider told The Daily Mail that Brooklyn decided to block his mum and Dad after the designer 'liked' his latest cooking video (pictured with the Beckham family) 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.' Nicola 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 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. The row escalated on Saturday when Nicola wiped all traces of the Beckhams from her Instagram., though Brooklyn is yet to follow suit 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. A leading actress from one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 1990s was spotted out and about in windy Los Angeles this week. She was accompanied by her English husband, who had a recurring guest role on her show as well as 24, and who also featured in a movie with Clint Eastwood. After the end of the show that brought her to international fame, this 67-year-old actress landed yet another hit sitcom that ran from 2009 to 2018. Over the past couple of decades she has also been known for her political activism, as one of a minority of open Hollywood conservatives. When the 67-year-old actress was glimpsed stepping out for a walk this week, she cut a casual figure in a pale grey sweatshirt teamed with flowing Adidas sweats. Can you guess who she and her husband are? A leading actress from one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 1990s was spotted out and about in windy Los Angeles this week She was accompanied by her English husband, who had a recurring guest role on her show as well as 24, and who also featured in a movie with Clint Eastwood She is none other than Patricia Heaton, beloved by TV fans as Debra Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond, and he is English actor David Hunt, who starred in the final Dirty Harry movie alongside Eastwood. For her latest outing, Heaton opted for an outfit that flattered her still trim figure, which she has confessed to using a tummy tuck to help keep in shape. Meanwhile Hunt, 72, matched her Adidas trousers by zipping himself into a full Adidas tracksuit as he caught a spot of exercise alongside his longtime wife. They were glimpsed in Los Angeles just weeks after Heaton announced she and her husband were leaving the city and decamping to Nashville, Tennessee. 'We just thought that the taxes are high. The crime is high. The homelessness is high, and we're not working in LA as much as we're working outside of LA,' she told Dave Rubin on The Rubin Report. 'So why don't we leave? She and Hunt tied the knot in 1990 - years before she catapulted to her status as a household name - and share four grown sons, Samuel, John, Joseph and Daniel. Heaton won the hearts of viewers around America as the perpetually exasperated wife of the show's lead character Ray Barone, played by Ray Romano. With a cast that featured Doris Roberts, Peter Boyle and Brad Garrett as Ray's parents and brother respectively, Everybody Loves Raymond emerged as a ratings triumph. Join the debate Do you think Hollywood stars should leave LA because of taxes and crime, or try to help fix it? Heaton starred on Everybody Loves Raymond publicity with leading man Ray Romano, amid a cast that included Doris Roberts, Peter Boyle and Brad Garrett Four years after Everybody Loves Raymond aired its finale, Heaton landed role as another suburban mother on yet another successful sitcom, The Middle (pictured) Hunt (right) had a prominent role in the 1988 Dirty Harry picture The Dead Pool, the fifth and last movie in the franchise starring Clint Eastwood (left) She is none other than Patricia Heaton, beloved by TV fans as Debra Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond, and he is English actor David Hunt When the 67-year-old actress was glimpsed stepping out for a walk this week, she cut a casual figure in a pale grey sweatshirt teamed with flowing Adidas sweats Meanwhile Hunt, 72, matched her Adidas trousers by zipping himself into a full Adidas tracksuit as he caught a spot of exercise alongside his longtime wife They were glimpsed in Los Angeles just weeks after Heaton announced she and her husband were leaving the city and decamping to Nashville, Tennessee The program ran for nine seasons on CBS from 1996 to 2005, amid a golden age of sitcoms in the 1990s and 2000s including Friends, Seinfeld, Roseanne, Frasier, Home Improvement, Sex and the City, Will & Grace, The Nanny and The King of Queens. Heaton won two Emmys for her role as Debra out of seven nominations, amid a shower of accolades such as a Screen Actors Guild Award. Hunt also had a recurring role on Everybody Loves Raymond, playing one of the Barone family's suburban neighbors Bill, whom Ray despises. Four years after Everybody Loves Raymond aired its finale, Heaton landed role as another suburban mother on yet another successful sitcom, The Middle. Heaton starred opposite Neil Flynn as the parents of a lower middle class family in small-town Indiana on a show that - like Everybody Loves Raymond - ran nine years. One of the stars of the series, Pat Finn, died three days before this past Christmas aged 60 following a cancer battle, prompting a heartbroken tribute from Heaton. 'One of the finest and funniest human beings I know has left to be with Jesus,' wrote the devout Christian on social media. 'He was adored by all who knew him, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, and wonderful comedy.' Heaton is also a vocal political advocate for causes including opposition to abortion and embryonic stem cell research, as well as support for Israel. She and Hunt tied the knot in 1990 - years before she catapulted to her status as a household name - and share four grown sons, Samuel, John, Joseph and Daniel In an interview a few years ago, Heaton candidly discussed her marriage to Hunt and revealed how they kept their relationship intact after decades together 'The secret to a happy, successful marriage is realizing its not always going to feel happy or successful,' she told Closer: 'Its about how it builds character and teaches you compassion' Her parenting advice included 'to read some psychology books, so you understand at each phase of development why your children do the things they do' Heaton elaborated on the point: 'With so many of our kids, were protecting them from pain, but mistakes are how you learn, grow your character, and develop strength and resilience' At that stage of their life together - in 2018 - they were new empty nesters and were 'picking up where we left off before our boys came,' she said 'We had them in quick succession, so it was sort of like a tsunami in the 90s and now were kind of coming up for air...,' she reflected at that time Heaton won two Emmys for her role on Everybody Loves Raymond out of seven nominations, amid a shower of accolades such as a Screen Actors Guild Award She was a longtime Republican who left the party in response to the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol and has been an independent ever since. Hunt meanwhile had a prominent role in the 1988 Dirty Harry picture The Dead Pool, the fifth and last movie in the Clint Eastwood-starring franchise. His television career has included his recurring role on Everybody Loves Raymond, as well as guest spots on such series as 24 - led by the recently arrested Kiefer Sutherland - Monk, Mad Men and Castle. In an interview a few years ago, Heaton candidly discussed her marriage to Hunt and revealed how they kept their relationship intact after decades together. 'The secret to a happy, successful marriage is realizing its not always going to feel happy or successful,' she said while speaking to Closer about the end of The Middle. 'Its about how it builds character and teaches you compassion.' At that stage of their life together - in 2018 - they were new empty nesters and were 'picking up where we left off before our boys came,' she said. 'We had them in quick succession, so it was sort of like a tsunami in the 90s and now were kind of coming up for air, swimming to shore and weve come back on shore flopping breathlessly,' she said with a laugh. Her parenting advice was: 'You just have to love your child. I think its really helpful to read some psychology books, so you understand at each phase of development why your children do the things they do.' She frankly reflected on her mistakes as well, saying: 'If I had to do something different, I wouldve made them a bit more independent earlier on.' Heaton elaborated on the point: 'With so many of our kids, were protecting them from pain, but mistakes are how you learn, grow your character, and develop strength and resilience. We need to allow them to discover whats important to them, listen to whats in their hearts and follow their spirit.' Zoe Ball has shared insight into her 'tricky' journey to sobriety, nearly a decade after quitting booze for good. The Radio 2 star, 55, has openly shared her struggles with alcohol, and even revealed in 2020 that she had a stint in rehab to deal with her problem drinking. Reflecting on her own sobriety journey, Zoe shared that one of the biggest challenges was managing the 'reaction' from some of her friends and loved ones to her decision to go sober, admitting some would still urge to her have 'just one.' The discussion come during the latest episode of her Dig It podcast, where she and pal Jo Whiley were discussing a listener's question about doing Dry January. Zoe said: 'It is quite tricky because you sort of have to change your socialising habits a little bit. I think more and more people don't drink these days, so you have lots of options for drinks around you. 'I know there's quite a lot of people who drink beer, zero alcohol beer, zero alcohol wine, you can get no-secco. Zoe Ball has shared insight into her 'tricky' journey to sobriety, nearly a decade after quitting booze for good The Radio 2 star has openly shared her struggles with alcohol, and even srevealed in 2020 she had a stint in rehab to deal with her problem drinking (pictured in 1997) 'I found for me, just not drinking full-stop was better for me than having anything with no alcohol. I just found it easier. 'Often the people's reaction around you, I found even in my own family would be like ''oh go on just have one, go one, just have one, just have one'' and they were the days where you used to have to tell people you were on antibiotics or something.' Zoe then went on to note: 'I had certain friends me who really were supportive about me not drinking.' Reflecting on the previous New Year, she said: 'I woke up on New Year's Day, it's like ''god I love this feeling of waking up, not shameful.'' Zoe has previously been candid about her struggles with alcohol and in 2014 admitted she broke her sobriety after six years of abstinence, which she first began in 2009 on the morning of New Year's Day following a party of 'total carnage'. The mother-of-two said it took her several attempts to tackle her alcohol problem that accompanied her career from children's television presenter to the first female host of Radio 1's Breakfast Show, before quitting booze for good in 2016. 'You'll find that you'll deal with it a little bit but then you slip back into old ways,' she said. 'It took me a couple of attempts to sort that out.' Explaining how she finally dealt with her problem drinking, Zoe told Desert Island Discs: 'I was lucky enough to go to rehab actually and through meeting other people who had addictions as well.' Reflecting on her own sobriety journey, Zoe shared that one of the biggest challenges was managing the 'reaction' from some of her friends and loved ones Her reputation as a party girl increased after her 1999 marriage to superstar DJ Fatboy Slim, when she often found herself among other female stars known for their booze-fuelled antics. 'It's weird, because you do this job and you are talking and are gregarious and all these things but I am actually quite shy. But you could walk into the room if you'd had a drink.' In December, Zoe announced she was quitting her BBC Radio 2 show after just seven months, with Emma Willis taking over her slot. Announcing her exit she said: 'I have loved being betwixt my dear friends [and fellow presenters] Romesh [Ranganathan] and Rylan, and you know, I love you all to bits, but I'm not disappearing completely'. 'Obviously, it'll be Christmas Crooners and I'm doing an Eras show in the New Year, more on that later. I am thrilled to tell you that you will be in the safest of hands, because there is a super woman who is no stranger to you all, but this does mean that she will officially become a member of the Radio 2 family.' In an official statement Zoe said: 'Spending Saturday lunchtimes with the Radio 2 gang has been an absolute hoot, the listeners, the stories, and of course my weekly giggles with Romesh and Rylan'. Zoe also recently opened up on going through a 'tough year' after the tragic death of her mother in April 2024. Julia Peckham died after a battle with pancreatic cancer, with Zoe stepping down down as host of her BBC Radio 2 show afterwards, to 'focus on family' The star, who was once one of the corporation's most-paid stars, signed off from her Saturday afternoon show last week. Reflecting on the last 12 months to The Mirror last week, she said: 'As you get older, do you become a bit more, f*** it, do you stop worrying about things? 'I've been thinking about it. I don't know if that's true, because you might care less about some of the daft stuff that you used to worry about. But, actually, there's loads of other stuff to worry about.' She added: 'Life is a bit like Indiana Jones sometimes, isn't it? Like when the massive ball is running down the hill, you're like, 'for f***'s sake' just trying to deal with this.' In December, Zoe announced she was quitting her BBC Radio 2 show after just seven months, with Emma Willis taking over her slot (pictured in 2024) Zoe previously fought back tears as she revealed she had an emotional breakdown following her mother's death and the sheer impact it had on her, revealing she was forced to take time off work following a breakdown. Speaking on her Dig It podcast, she recalled: 'I couldn't work. I was on the floor in the kitchen. I couldn't, I couldn't move. 'I had a proper emotional breakdown, you know, I haven't really talked about it actually. But it was, yeah, it was brutal. 'I had an amazing doctor who turned up at my door with coffee and bagels and said, "so, we need to get you some help", and he was wonderful.' John Forte, the rapper and producer best known for his collaborations with the hip-hop group Fugees, has died at 50. Forte was found dead on Monday in his home in Chilmark, on Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, according to the Associated Press. A statement from Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin indicated that Forte's cause of death was not yet known, but there was no apparent evidence of foul play. He added that the state medical examiners office is currently investigating the circumstances of Forte's death. The performer whose career was derailed by a drug arrest in 2000 was a member of the loose-knit collective Refugee Camp All-Stars, which was associated with Fugees. The Refugee Camp All-Stars both collaborated with the better-known trio comprised of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel and handled production for Fugees. John Forte, the rapper and producer best known for his collaborations with the hip-hop group Fugees, has died at 50. He was found dead on Monday in his home in Chilmark, on Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, according to the Associated Press; pictured in 2014 in NYC Forte was part of the collective Refugee Camp All-Stars, and he worked with its associated trio Fugees. Forte co-wrote, co-produced and performed on Fugees' 1996 hit The Score, which earned him a Grammy nod; Fugees members (LR) Pras Michel, Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean pictured in 2023 in Oakland, Calif. Forte went on to collaborate with Jean on We Trying To Stay Alive, the lead single from Jean's debut solo album The Carnival. Forte also performed on the 1997 Fugees song Rumble In The Jungle, which featured guest spots from Busta Rhymes and A Tribe Called Quest. Forte's most substantial collaboration with Fugees was on the group's second and final LP, The Score (1996). Forte was credited as a writer and producer on two tracks: Family Business which he also performed on and Cowboys. The album was a hit with critics and topped the Billboard 200 album charts in the US, along with charts across the globe. It was eventually certified 7x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, indicating sales and streaming figures of more than seven million units. Forte shared in The Score's nomination for Album of the Year at the Grammys, though it didn't win in that category. The multi-instrumentalist released his debut studio album Poly Sci in 1998. Forte who's pictured in the 1997 music video for Jean's Staying Alive followed The Score's chart-topping success with his 1998 debut LP Poly Sci He was arrested in 2000 on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to distribute and was sentenced to the mandatory minimum 14 years in prison; pictured in 2013 Forte recorded his album I, John while awaiting sentencing. Carly Simon, who sang a duet with him, later advocated for his release. In 2008, President George W. Bush commuted his sentence; Simon is pictured in 2016 in Beverly Hills However, his career suffered a devastating setback in 2000, when he was arrested on charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to distribute. Forte was apprehended at Newark International Airport after allegedly accepting a briefcase filled with $1.4 million of liquid cocaine. He was convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison, the mandatory minimum. While awaiting sentencing, Forte recorded his sophomore album I, John, which featured a duet with Carly Simon and a guest spot from jazz icon Herbie Hancock. The album was released in 2002 and received stronger reviews than his debut. Simon developed a friendship with Forte after their collaboration, and she advocated for his release and tried to overturn his mandatory minimum drug sentence. Former Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, who died in 2022, was instrumental in convincing President George W. Bush to commute Forte's sentence in November 2008. After his release, Forte released several more albums in the 2010s and early 2020s. After his release, Forte released several more albums in the 2010s and early 2020s. His most recent LP was 2021's Vessels, Angels & Ancestors; pictured in 2010 in Park City, Utah In 2015, Forte met his wife, the photographer Lara Fuller, on Martha's Vineyard, according to TMZ. He is survived by her and their two children, daughter Wren and son Haile; pictured in 2018 in Washington, DC His most recent LP was 2021's Vessels, Angels & Ancestors. In 2012, Forte wrote the song Brooklyn: Something To Lean On, which was used by the Brooklyn Nets as the team's anthem throughout it's debut season under its current name. In 2015, Forte met his wife, the photographer Lara Fuller, on Martha's Vineyard, according to TMZ. He is survived by her and their two children, a daughter named Wren and a son named Haile. Kiefer Sutherland was arrested Monday after allegedly getting into an altercation with a rideshare driver, the Daily Mail has confirmed. Sutherland, 59, was arrested after reports of a driver being assaulted, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The Daily Mail has contacted Sutherland's representatives for comment but has not yet received a response. According to the LAPD, officers responded to a radio call about an 'assault involving a rideshare driver' shortly after midnight on Monday. The suspect, who was later identified as Sutherland, allegedly got into the vehicle near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue and assaulted the driver before threatening them, according to the police statement. The 24 star was subsequently arrested on suspicion of criminal threats. The felony charge covers situations in which a person threatens to kill someone or cause serious bodily injury in order to inspire fear. Kiefer Sutherland was arrested Monday after allegedly getting into an altercation with a rideshare driver, the Daily Mail has confirmed. Sutherland, 59, was arrested after reports of a driver being assaulted, according to the LAPD; pictured in November 2025 in London According to the LAPD, officers responded to a call for an 'assault involving a rideshare driver' after midnight on Monday. The suspect, later identified as Sutherland, allegedly got into the vehicle and assaulted the driver before threatening them; Sutherland is pictured on 24 Following his arrest, Sutherland was booked at 4:23 a.m. at the LAPD's Hollywood division. According to police, the rideshare driver didn't have any injuries that required medical attention at the scene. Sutherland was released at 11:30 a.m. on Monday on a $50,000 bond, according to LA Sheriff's Department records viewed by the Daily Mail. The LAPD noted that detectives from its Hollywood Division are continuing to investigate the incident. An initial court date for the case has been set for February 2. Sutherland's arrest was previously reported on by NBC4 in Los Angeles. The star has had multiple previous run-ins with the law. In 2007, Sutherland pleaded no contest to driving under the influence after he failed a field sobriety test. Sutherland was arrested on suspicion of felony criminal threats and booked at 4:23 a.m. in Hollywood. He was released later Monday morning on a $50k bond; pictured in January 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia No parties involved in the altercation had injuries requiring medical attention at the scene; Sutherland is pictured with his father, the late acting icon Donald Sutherland, in 2008 Sutherland was convicted for driving under the influence in 2004 and 2007, and he was sentenced to 48 days in jail for the latter offense; pictured in January 2004 in Beverly Hills Because he had previously been convicted of a DUI in 2004, Sutherland was sentenced to 48 days in jail for the 2007 offense, according to People. In 2009, Sutherland was arrested for assault for head-butting the fashion designer Jack McCollough after a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. However, the charges were later dropped after Sutherland publicly apologized to McCollough in a joint statement from the two men. The actor spoke about his history with alcohol in a 2016 interview with People. 'I was never the guy, if something was wrong in my life or something wasn't right, I didn't go drown my sorrows,' Sutherland said. 'One of the things I love to do is go out with my friends and tell stories and have a bunch of drinks... 'I can also look back on my life and tell you very squarely that the only bad things that have ever happened to me in my life have been because I like to go to bars and have drinks with my friends,' he continued. 'I would be lying if I told you that there weren't moments where I felt I let it get away from me.' Sutherland is the oldest son of the late acting icon Donald Sutherland, who died in June 2024 at 88. He also has a twin sister, Rachel, as well as younger brothers Roeg, 51; Rossif, 47; and Angus, 43. The actor is best known for starring as counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer on Fox's massively popular thriller 24. Join the debate What's YOUR take on the incident? Sutherland faced assault charges in 2009 for head-butting the fashion designer Jack McCollough, but they were dropped after he publicly apologized; pictured in 2023 at the Cambridge Folk Festival in the UK Sutherland (R) scored one of his earliest roles in the late Rob Reiner's acclaimed coming-of-age drama Stand By Me (1986) His profile increased substantially with Joel Schumacher's teen vampire film The Lost Boys (1987), and other early films included 1988's Young Guns, as well as Flatliners (1990), which paired him with Julia Roberts and Kevin Bacon; pictured in The Lost Boys with Jami Gertz Sutherland has worked with acclaimed auteurs in recent years, including the late William Friedkin in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (2023) and Clint Eastwood in his acclaimed courtroom thriller Juror #2 (2024); pictured in November in London The show featured a novel structure in which each of a season's 24 episodes played in an approximation of real time over the course of a single day. The series' focus on terrorism when it premiered in November 2001 keyed into national fears following the September 11 terrorist attacks, and 24 ran for 8 seasons through 2010 including a 2008 TV movie and a 12-episode follow-up series in 2014. The show kick-started a career revival for Sutherland, who first rose to fame with a string of acclaimed films in the 1980s. He made his screen debut in 1983's Max Dugan Returns which starred his father and followed it up with a supporting role in Rob Reiner's acclaimed coming-of-age film Stand By Me (1986). Last month, Sutherland spoke about working with Reiner for a CBS News special following the shocking murders of the filmmaker and his wife Michele, allegedly at the hand of their son Nick. Sutherland's profile increased substantially with Joel Schumacher's teen vampire film The Lost Boys (1987). Other early films include 1988's Young Guns and its 1990 sequel, as well as Flatliners from the same year, which paired him with Julia Roberts and Kevin Bacon. Sutherland later starred on Fox's Touch (20122013) and CBS's Designated Survivor (20162019). On the big screen, the actor has recently worked with iconic auteurs, including the late William Friedkin in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (2023) and Clint Eastwood in his acclaimed courtroom thriller Juror #2 (2024). Kiefer Sutherland's arrest this week marks the latest incident in a string of legal woes for the star that has spanned decades. The 59-year-old actor was taken into custody early Monday in Los Angeles after a conflict with a rideshare driver in Hollywood around Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, the Daily Mail confirmed on Tuesday. The two-time Emmy winner is suspected of assaulting the driver and getting into the vehicle without consent, which led to his arrest in connection with suspicion of felony criminal threats, police said. Kiefer, whose TV credits include 24 and Designated Survivor, subsequently bailed out at $50,000 bond, and has a court date slated for February 2. Daily Mail has reached out to reps for Sutherland for further comment on the story. The latest arrest marks yet another footnote in a long line of police blotter the actor - whose filmography includes classics such as A Few Good Men, The Lost Boys and Stand by Me - has created over the past four decades. Now following his most recent arrest, Daily Mail is taking a look at actor Kiefer Sutherland's longtime legal woes. Following his most recent arrest, Daily Mail is taking a look at actor Kiefer Sutherland's longtime legal woes. Pictured in London in November Sutherland in January of 2008 was released from jail following a 48-day sentence in connection with a drunken driving conviction. At the time he was released from jail, Los Angeles police Officer John Balian told People that the actor 'looked like he was glad to be out' of custody following nearly two months in. The police officer said that Sutherland's work detail during his time in custody at the jail involved laundering sheets, pillowcases and blankets. Sutherland was a model prisoner during his time at the facility, Balian said. 'He was very humble, never complained,' the officer said. 'He didn't give us any problems at all.' Sutherland had to serve the sentence after he entered a no contest plea in October 2007 to driving with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit in the September 2007 incident, and received a 30-day sentence. The court added an additional 18 days to the sentence after Sutherland violated probation he had been on linked to a 2004 arrest in connection with drunken driving. Sutherland was clear he was contrite about his missteps in a statement he released following the agreement of the plea deal. Sutherland pictured at the Glendale City Jail December 5, 2007 in Glendale, California, as he began a 48-day sentence in a drunken driving conviction Kiefer is the son of late acting legend Donald Sutherland, who died during the summer of 2024 Kiefer in 2006 won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his work in the role of Jack Bauer in Fox's 24 Sutherland said he was 'very disappointed' in himself for the 'poor judgment' he exhibited in the incident. 'Im deeply sorry for the disappointment and distress this has caused my family, friends and co-workers on 24 and at 20th Century Fox,' Sutherland said. He added: 'I appreciate the support and concern that has been extended to me these last weeks both personally and professionally.' Sutherland had served his sentence at the Glendale City Jail as opposed to downtown Los Angeles, conceding that he would serve the entire sentence as result of the trade-off. As part of his plea deal, Sutherland remained on probation for five years, enrolled in an 18-month alcohol education program, and had to go to therapy session sessions once a week for six months. Kiefer, the son of late acting legend Donald Sutherland, has an arrest record that dates back decades to the 1980s. The England-born, Canada-raised actor was taken into custody in 1989 in connection with alcohol-related reckless driving and possession of a loaded weapon in Los Angeles, according to The Los Angeles Times, citing court records. Sutherland subsequently pleaded no contest to the alcohol-related reckless driving, with prosecutors dropping the weapons charge on him. Kiefer played the role of 1950s bully Ace Merrill in Stand By Me from late director Rob Reiner He portrayed vicious vampire David in the ensemble cast of 1987's The Lost Boys with Jami Gertzf Sutherland was again arrested in connection with alcohol-related reckless driving in 1993, and would enter a no contest plea. He was sentenced to 200 hours of community service in connection with the offense. Sutherland appeared to stay out of trouble for the better part of a decade to an arrest in 2004 in connection with driving under the influence. He agreed to enroll in a court-overseen treatment program and agreed to five years of probation - which would come into play in his 2007 arrest. The actor spoke about his incarceration while appearing on Late Night With David Letterman in 2008. 'You ever get a brochure for a holiday and you get there and its not quite what youre expecting?' he said. 'Jail is not that. Its exactly as advertised.' Metallica are reportedly working out a deal to have a residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The heavy metal group, made up of James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo, are said to be in talks to play at the venue in 2027. A source told The Sun: 'Metallica having a residency at the Sphere is all anyone is talking about on the Strip. 'They have been to see the bosses and met all the tech team to talk through and plan out a show in principle. 'The contracts are still to be signed but we were told they are 90 per cent there. Metallica will bring a different feel to a show there and there is a lot of excitement from bosses at the Sphere about what this could look like.' Metallica are also due to have several big shows in the UK this year with gigs in London, Cardiff and Glasgow. Metallica are reportedly working out a deal to have a residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas The heavy metal group, made up of James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo, are said to be in talks to play at the venue in 2027 The Sphere has a capacity of 20,000 people and is known for its exterior LED displays which are the largest in the world. Several other acts have had residencies at the Sphere including U2, the Eagles and the Backstreet Boys. Metallica frontman James Hetfield is in a relationship with fashion designer Adriana Gillett. Prior to his romance with Adriana, James was married to costume designer Francesca Tomasi from 1997 before they separated in 2022. During their 25 years together, he former couple share three children daughters Cali Tee, 26, Marcella Francesca, 23, and son Castor Virgil, 24. The pair reportedly have an amicable co-parenting relationship amid his romance with his newfound love. At the time of their divorce, however, Francesca admitted she was 'extremely saddened' that their longterm marriage had deteriorated. In August 2022, shortly after it was revealed that Hetfield had filed for divorce, Francesca shared a statement with TMZ. A source said:'The contracts are still to be signed but we were told they are 90 per cent there' Metallica frontman James Hetfield is in a relationship with fashion designer Adriana Gillett 'After 30 years of ups and downs but always with a lot of love, I am extremely saddened that my marriage has come to this.' Previously, Hetfield shared rare insight into their marriage and revealed that his then-wife had helped him deal with his anger and addiction issues. Since then, Hetfield's romance with his girlfriend has seemingly only continued to thrive after about two years together based on her Instagram posts. In October 2024, she shared a photo of her enjoying a hot spring soak with her beau and referred to him as the 'joy of my life.' 'He makes me the happiest gal alive,' she wrote alongside a snap of them smiling while vacationing in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Ethan Browne, the late son of rock legend Jackson Browne, succumbed to the effects of fentanyl and meth, it has been revealed. His death was announced the day before this past Thanksgiving with a heartbroken statement posted to his 77-year-old father's social media accounts. The message did not state how Ethan died, but said he was 'found unresponsive' at his home on November 25 and 'passed away.' At that time, the cause of death was listed as 'deferred' by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, which is to say an additional investigation was pending. Now the medical examiner has declared Ethan died accidentally from the toxic effects of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and lidocaine, according to TMZ. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic widely used by dentists and sold under a variety of brand names, the most famous of which is Xylocaine. Ethan Browne, the late son of rock legend Jackson Browne, succumbed to the effects of fentanyl and meth, it has been revealed; father and son are pictured in 2004 Ethan is pictured at the 2009 grand opening of a Fatburger in Brentwood, California In their November statement announcing Ethan's death, his loved ones said: 'It is with deep sorrow that we share that on the morning of November 25, 2025, Ethan Browne, the son of Jackson Browne and Phyllis Major, was found unresponsive in his home and has passed away.' Ethan was a model and actor whose acting credits include roles in the Angelina Jolie-starring film Hackers, the Kate Hudson-led film Raising Helen, and a part in an episode of the series Birds of Prey. Ethan was born in 1973 and was just six-months-old when he appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone. The adorable cover showed Jackson doting on his baby boy. 'I wanted a baby cause I wanted to be a baby,' Jackson told the music publication at the time. 'I play with [Ethan] all the time; theres something pure about it. Look at all those expressions hes got. Hes a real kick in the ass.' His parents wed in 1975, but Phyllis tragically committed suicide less than a year later, making Jackson a single father. 'Well, it was my main focus,' Jackson told Route Magazine in 2021 when asked what it was like raising Ethan on top of his music career. 'I only had two things that I hoped I could fit together: being a songwriter and a father. And I looked at it like this, if I have to only be a father, I hope Ill know it, and just do that.' Jackson went on to re-marry in 1981, tying the knot with model Lynne Sweeney. They welcomed son Ryan Browne but split up in 1983. Ethan would also become a father to a daughter - a sight Jackson loved to see. Ethan was born in 1973 and was just six-months-old when he appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone Ethan was born two years before his parents wed in 1976. The heartbreaking loss was announced in a statement posted to Jackson's social media accounts the day before Thanksgiving 'Ethan is a great father,' Jackson told Tru Rock Revival in 2022. 'He's a great son, a great man. I love seeing him with his kids. When I see him in his movies, modeling, with his daughter, and being such a great dad, it makes me very proud. It makes me feel I've done something really right in my life.' During his life, Ethan befriended DJ Mark Ronson, who discussed his friendship with him in his memoir Night People. Ronson said Ethan modelled for Isaac Mizrahi and described him as the 'real deal with an angular face and soulful gaze that seemed to reveal his deepest truths, even from a glossy page,' according to People. According to Ronson, Ethan had his mother's 'sharp cheekbones' and his father's 'soulful eyes.' Ethan also took after his father's passion for music and founded Spinside Records. The venture was an imprint of Inside Recordings, the independent record label belonging to his father, according to People. Ethan and his famous father at the premiere of Batman Returns in 1992 Ethan's father rose to fame as a solo artist in the 1970s with his hit album Running on Empty. But he was originally known as a hitmaker for other performers, with The Eagles song Take It Easy being among his classic tunes. Jackson, who was inducted into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in in 2004, wrote the classic ballad Late for the Sky. The song was later featured in the 1976 Robert de Niro film, Taxi Driver, directed by Martin Scorsese. The awards season momentum showed no signs of slowing on Tuesday, as stars arrived at the 2026 National Board of Review Gala in New York City. The Smashing Machine star Emily Blunt, 42, was among the A-listers at the glitzy event, held at Cipriani 42nd Street. Blunt took the plunge in a low-cut black bodysuit worn under an oversized bedazzled blazer. The British-American beauty accessorized with a diamond necklace and open-toe heels. Later on, Blunt removed her blazer to reveal her bodysuit and her sheer black skirt while reuniting with her Sicario co-star, Benicio del Toro, 58. Meanwhile, Chase Infiniti, 25, stunned in a sheer white crochet dress, which she paired with white heels. Her One Battle After Another co-star Leonardo DiCaprio, 51, cut a typically handsome figure in a black suit teamed with a grey tie. Emily Blunt, 42, wowed alongside Chase Infiniti, 25, and Leonardo DiCaprio, 51, at the 2026 National Board of Review Gala in New York City on Tuesday The Smashing Machine star was among the A-listers at the glitzy event, held at Cipriani 42nd Street Leo also posed with actress Louisa Jacobson, 34, at the event. Jacobson is the daughter of Hollywood legend Meryl Streep. He was later joined by mom Irmelin Indenbirken, 82, and her partner David Ward inside. The ceremony celebrated the year's cinematic triumphs, handing out prestigious honors for Best Picture and Best Director, alongside the highly anticipated Best Actor and Actress categories. Paul Thomas Anderson's drama, One Battle After Another, was given the top honor of Best Film, while Anderson was named Best Director. DiCaprio was given the Best Actor honor for his performance as Bob Ferguson in the film. 'Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the shining lights of contemporary cinema. He has crafted a bold, funny, and thrilling movie that is somehow one of the most significant films about the world we live in and also a playful, tender story of a father and daughter connecting through some of the wildest events you can imagine. The NBR is honored to celebrate this absolutely remarkable film,' NBR President Annie Schulhof shared in a statement. Meanwhile DiCaprio's co-star Benicio took home the Best Supporting Actor award for his role as Sergio St. Carlos in the film. Also present was Rose Byrne, 46, who received the Best Actress honor for her performance in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You. Blunt took the plunge in a low-cut black bodysuit worn under an oversized bedazzled blazer The British-American beauty accessorized with a diamond necklace and open-toe heels Later on, Blunt removed her blazer to reveal her bodysuit and her sheer black skirt while reuniting with her Sicario co-star, Benicio del Toro, 58 The hunky star took home the Best Supporting Actor award for his role as Sergio St. Carlos in One Battle After Another Chase stunned in a sheer white crochet dress, which she paired with white heels The dress featured floral details Her One Battle After Another co-star Leo cut a typically handsome figure in a black suit teamed with a grey tie The Titanic star's blonde tresses were neatly styled for the occasion DiCaprio was given the Best Actor honor for his performance as Bob Ferguson in One Battle After Another Leo also posed with actress Louisa Jacobson, 34, at the event. Jacobson is the daughter of Hollywood legend Meryl Streep Also present was Rose Byrne, 46, who received the Best Actress honor for her performance in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You She rocked a shimmering suit jacket with a sheer top underneath and a velvet bowtie She also posed with Mary Bronstein on the red carpet Peter Sarsgaard, 54, was joined by wife Maggie Gyllenhaal, 48, who stunned in a black dress paired with a matching clutch The loved-up duo have been married since 2009 Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, 36, was a vision in an elegant black gown. Amy Ryan, 57, cut a glamorous figure in a black gown with large silver buttons Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku, 39, looked vibrant in long-sleeve red gown Shih-Ching Tsou and Julie Taymor both opted for black ensembles Benicio appeared to have a blast on the red carpet Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard, 74, wore a perfectly tailored black suit Sinners star Michael B. Jordan, 38, showed off his effortlessly cool style in a long black coat Sinners director Ryan Coogler, 39, was joined by wife Zinzi Coogler Eva Victor and Jesse Eisenberg were also in attendance Joel Edgerton, 51, looked sharp in a black tuxedo Cary Elwes, 63, sported a dark suit and burgundy sneakers She rocked a shimmering suit jacket with a sheer top underneath and a velvet bowtie. She also posed with Mary Bronstein on the red carpet. Peter Sarsgaard, 54, was joined by wife Maggie Gyllenhaal, 48, who stunned in a black dress paired with a matching clutch. The loved-up duo have been married since 2009. He looked dapper in a suit, with a white button-up shirt underneath. Sinners star Michael B. Jordan, 38, showed off his effortlessly cool style in a long black coat. Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard, 74, wore a perfectly tailored black suit. Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, 36, was a vision in an elegant black gown. She won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Sentimental Value. Joel Edgerton, 51, looked sharp in a black tuxedo. Cary Elwes, 63, sported a dark suit and burgundy sneakers. Amy Ryan, 57, cut a glamorous figure in a black gown with large silver buttons. Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku, 39, looked vibrant in long-sleeve red gown. Leo and Benicio caught up inside They were joined by their director Paul Thomas Anderson Leo was joined by mom Irmelin Indenbirken, 82, and her partner David Ward inside Michael and Chase mingled inside He was sat next to Delroy Lindo DiCaprio pictured speaking inside the event Shih-Ching Tsou and Julie Taymor both opted for black ensembles. Sinners director Ryan Coogler, 39, was joined by wife Zinzi Coogler at the soiree. Eva Victor and Jesse Eisenberg were also in attendance. The event was hosted by journalist Willie Geist. A major festival has pulled the plug on its Australian appearances despite a successful three-year run. SXSW Sydney, which has seen the likes of Nicole Kidman and Kid Laroi attend, has announced it will not be returning Down Under this year. Event organisers shared the announcement to Instagram on Wednesday, saying 2025 was the 'final page' for the event's expansion into Asia-Pacific. 'Every great story has a final page, and it is with a heavy heart that we share that SXSW Sydney has reached its closing chapter and will not be returning in 2026,' they wrote. 'It's bittersweet to be saying goodbye while the momentum is so high. 'We're still celebrating the success of this past year, one that saw total attendance of more than 345,000 (representing a 15% year-on-year increase) and cemented a three-year cumulative economic impact of $276 million.' SXSW has pulled the plug on its Australian appearances despite a successful three-year run The festival, which has seen the likes of Nicole Kidman and Kid Laroi attend, has announced it will not be returning Down Under this year The spokesperson went on to thank 'everyone who has supported SXSW Sydney over the last three years'. 'You all came together to help us build a vibrant, global community that transformed the heart of our city every October,' they added. 'We're walking away knowing that something special happened here. 'We couldn't have asked for a better community to share this journey with, or a better city to call home.' The major annual event, which was founded in Austin, Texax, in 1987, debuted in Sydney in 2023. The creativity and innovation festival features an array of spectacles from film and music to the latest in technology, among other conferences. Organisers have since revealed that 'prevailing market conditions' have prevented the event from continuing, but they are 'committed' to their staff and will 'work closely with team members to provide appropriate support', reported news.com.au. 'The decision reflects a changing global environment that is impacting major events, festivals and cultural programs worldwide,' the organisation said. Event organisers shared the announcement to Instagram on Wednesday, saying 2025 was the 'final page' for the event's expansion into Asia-Pacific Fans flocked to the comments of the announcement to express their grief over the cancellation of the event in Australia Jenny Connelly, Director in Charge of SXSW, added: 'SXSW Sydney represented an ambitious and meaningful extension of the SXSW brand, and we are incredibly proud of what was built in partnership with the Sydney team, Destination NSW, and the broader creative community.' Fans flocked to the comments of the announcement to express their grief over the cancellation of the event in Australia. 'Don't understand why it's closing if it's increasing year on year? Sad news and thanks for bringing this awesome event to our city for the past few years,' one person said. 'So sorry to read this and shout out to the incredible team for the amazing work over three huge years,' added another. 'This is so sad - I met so many wonderful people and have had such good experiences at SXSW Sydney :(,' someone else commented. 'Oh no! Very sad to hear this news, loved working with the SXSW team!' said one user. They may be Hollywood royalty, but longtime pals Ben Affleck and Matt Damon found themselves upstaged on Tuesday. Affleck, 53, and Damon, 55, played second fiddle to a show-stopping Teyana Taylor, 35, as they joined her at The Rip premiere at Alice Tully Hall in New York City. Two days after her win at the Golden Globes, the star had all eyes on her on the red carpet as she arrived in a sculptural avant-garde Ashi Studio gown with a built-in mask that covered her nose and mouth. The head-turning design featured exaggerated hips, gloves, and sheer, ruched black fabric, with a nude corset underneath. She teamed the futuristic silhouette with black heels and smokey eye makeup. Her short pixie cut was styled into high-shine curls. Teyana stars alongside Affleck and Damon in the upcoming Netflix cop drama, which is set to be released on January 16. They may be Hollywood royalty, but longtime pals Ben Affleck, 53, and Matt Damon, 55, found themselves upstaged by Teyana Taylor, 35, at The Rip premiere in New York City on Tuesday Two days after her win at the Golden Globes, the star had all eyes on her on the red carpet once again Teyana added a heavy dose of glamour to her ensemble, sparkling in exquisite diamond pieces from trendy Los Angeles label Spinelli Kilcollin and luxury jeweler Repossi. Her appearance comes after she picked up the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in One Battle After Another alongside Leonardo DiCaprio this past weekend at the Globes. Meanwhile Affleck looked classy in a dark suit with a white button up shirt underneath. Jennifer Lopez's ex-husband sported a salt and pepper beard for the occasion. Damon opted for a more laid back look in a navy suit with a black t-shirt underneath. Affleck stars as Detective Sergeant JD Byrne while Damon plays Lieutenant Dane Dumars in the film, which follows a group of Miami cops who stumble upon a multi-million cash haul, sparking distrust and paranoia amongst them. Damon was also joined by his stunning wife Luciana Damon, 49, who wowed in a strapless red dress. The proud parents also brought their three daughters, Stella, 15, Isabella, 19, and Gia, 17, along for the premiere. She arrived in a sculptural avant-garde Ashi Studio gown with a built-in mask that covered her nose and mouth The head-turning design featured exaggerated hips, gloves, and sheer, ruched black fabric, with a nude corset underneath Teyana stars alongside Affleck and Damon in the upcoming Netflixcop drama, which is set to be released on January 16 She teamed the futuristic silhouette with black heels and smokey eye makeup. Her short pixie cut was styled into high-shine curls. Her glam added drama to the theatrical look Teyana added a heavy dose of glamour to her ensemble, sparkling in exquisite diamond pieces from trendy Los Angeles label Spinelli Kilcollin and luxury jeweler Repossi Her appearance comes after she picked up the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in One Battle After Another alongside this past weekend at the Globes Affleck looked classy in a dark suit with a white button up shirt underneath Jennifer Lopez's ex-husband sported a salt and pepper beard for the occasion The longtime pals were seen chatting it up. The childhood friends catapulted to global stardom in 1997 after co-writing and starring in Good Will Hunting Damon opted for a more laid back look in a navy suit with a black t-shirt underneath He was also joined by his stunning wife Luciana Damon, 49, who wowed in a strapless red dress The proud parents also brought their three daughters, Stella, 15, Isabella, 19, and Gia, 17 In a hilarious videos hared by a fan, Gia was seen playfully mocking her father's red carpet pose while imitating him. 'Why are you standing like this?' she asked him The ladies were seen playfully tossing around stacks of counterfeit cash in a cheeky nod to the film Damon's stepdaughter Alexia, 25, was also in attendance. Luciana shares her with ex-husband Arbello Barroso Lina Esco arrived in a cleavage-baring look, going braless under a white blazer Professional wrestler Jade Cargill bared her six pack abs in a shimmering red hot dress with a midriff cut-out She wore her hair in a platinum bob Also at the premiere was Angela Oakley, who showed off her legs in a sparkling mini dress. Meanwhile, Sunny Hostin rocked a black leather dress and platform heels Sasha Calle donned a moody all-black look, including a long coat Boris Kodjoe was also in attendance (L-R) Catalina Sandino Moreno, Calle, Damon, Affleck, Taylor, Joe Carnahan, Esco, Steven Yeun and Kyle Chandler The cast snapped a selfie with Netflix huncho Ted Sarandos The cast were also joined by a cute pooch who posed next to a bucket of cash Later in the evening, Teyana joined Boardwalk Empire star Steve Buscemi and Karen Ho for the after party She joined her co-star Affleck She was also joined by Bela Bajaria Damon's stepdaughter Alexia, 25, was also in attendance. Luciana shares her with ex-husband Arbello Barroso. The ladies were seen playfully tossing around stacks of counterfeit cash in a cheeky nod to the film. And despite his heartthrob status, Damon could not escape a bit of roasting from his own teenage daughter. In a hilarious video shared by a fan, Gia was seen playfully mocking her father's red carpet pose while imitating him. 'Why are you standing like this?' she asked him while mocking his hunched forward posture and puffed out arms, after he finished posing alongside Affleck. Also at the premiere was Angela Oakley, who showed off her legs in a sparkling mini dress. Meanwhile, Sunny Hostin rocked a black leather dress and platform heels. Lina Esco arrived in a cleavage-baring look, going braless under a white blazer. She paired the look with a matching skirt featuring a thigh-high slit. Professional wrestler Jade Cargill bared her six pack abs in a shimmering red hot dress with a midriff cut-out. Sasha Calle donned a moody all-black look, including a long coat. Affleck and Damon both star in the film, which follows a group of Miami cops who stumble upon a multi-million cash haul, sparking distrust and paranoia amongst them The cast also snapped a selfie with Netflix huncho Ted Sarandos. Later in the evening, Teyana joined Boardwalk Empire star Steve Buscemi and Karen Ho for the after party. She was also joined by Bela Bajaria. At the event Affleck gushed about his longtime friendship with Damon. 'I keep relearning things about Matt that I already knew and I forget them,' he told Us Weekly. 'Honestly, I am continuously reminded of what a great father he is and what a fabulous actor he is.' Aside from starring in The Rip, Affleck and Damon are also both producers on the film, along with Damon's wife. The childhood friends catapulted to global stardom in 1997 after co-writing and starring in Good Will Hunting, which earned them their first Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Bianca Censori's mother Alexandra is just as glamorous as her infamous daughter. And the matriarch was enjoying the good life on Tuesday as she stepped out with two of her other children, daughters Alyssia and Angelina. The trio were accompanied by friends as they enjoyed a fancy lunch at Melbourne dining hotspot Gimlet. Alexandra was chic in an all-white ensemble, including a cropped jacket and mini skirt in a textured fabric. She added a pair of retro cat's-eye sunglasses and a pair of towering white heels with black piping, as well as a smattering of gold accessories. Her blonde hair was worn down and straight, and she opted for a rosy makeup look with a nude pink lipstick. Bianca Censori's mother Alexandra is just as glamorous as her infamous daughter And the matriarch was enjoying the good life on Tuesday as she stepped out with two of her other children, daughters Alyssia and Angelina. All pictured The trio were accompanied by friends as they enjoyed a fancy lunch at Melbourne dining hotspot Gimlet Angelina was on trend in a black, sleeveless dress that sat close to her figure, as well as matching flip-flops. She opted for a peachy makeup look and wore her dark hair in soft waves, choosing a warm-toned makeup look. Alyssia chose a daring blue gown for the occasion, which had a halter-neck design, as well as cream heels. She carried a pink designer shoulder bag and added a dainty silver necklace and matching earrings. It comes after it was revealed that rapper Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori is the daughter of Australian mob royalty. Daily Mail previously revealed that Bianca's father Elia 'Leo' Censori did hard jail time after being convicted in 1982 on a charge of possessing a prohibited import (heroin) and sentenced to five years with a minimum of three. Leo is the brother of Eris Censori - a notorious gangland killer once dubbed 'Melbourne's Al Capone'. Eris was sentenced to death in Western Australia for a murder, but the sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. Join the debate Do YOU like Alexandra Censori's outfit? Alexandra was chic in an all-white ensemble, including a cropped jacket and mini skirt in a textured fabric She added a pair of retro cat's-eye sunglasses and a pair of towering white heels with black piping, as well as a smattering of gold accessories Her blonde hair was worn down and straight, and she opted for a rosy makeup look with a nude pink lipstick Angelina was on trend in a black, sleeveless dress that sat close to her figure, as well as matching flip-flops The death penalty was abolished in Western Australia in 1984, although the last execution in Australia took place in 1967. Eldest brother Edmondo, known as 'Eddie Capone', has convictions in Victoria for violence, including assaulting police, theft and threats. As well as heroin dealing, Leo also has convictions for possession of a pistol and fully jacketed ammunition. Daily Mail approached the Censori compound at the time, but his wife Alexandra refused to comment when asked about her husband's criminal history. Leo Censori also failed to contact the Daily Mail after that visit. In 1991, Leo's former wife Faye Glascott spilled the beans on his illegal gambling empire. She told Herald Sun reporter John Silvester that Leo had been involved in a cartel that controlled a large slice of a lucrative illegal gambling industry in Melbourne during the 80s. Silvester, who went on to write the successful Underbelly series alongside fellow Melbourne reporter Andrew Rule, revealed Bianca's dad had been marked for death in the 1990s. She opted for a peachy makeup look and wore her dark hair in soft waves, choosing a warm-toned makeup look Alyssia chose a daring blue gown for the occasion, which had a halter-neck design, as well as cream heels She carried a pink designer shoulder bag and added a dainty silver necklace and matching earrings It comes after it was revealed that rapper Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori is the daughter of Australian mob royalty Glascott described her former husband as a 'heavy criminal figure'. Leo served two years of his five-year sentence over the drug charges after an Australian Federal Police raid. He still resides in leafy Alphington, alongside his current wife Alexandra, who is the mother of Bianca and her sisters Angelina and Alyssia. Growing up in the well-heeled suburb of Ivanhoe, it is believed Bianca later lived in the $2.8 million Alphington home where her parents still reside. Dax Shepard has shared his reaction to Cher telling him on his podcast that his wife Kristen Bell deserves someone better than him. The 51-year-old actor has been married to Bell since 2013, and they have welcomed two daughters into the world together - Lincoln, 12, and Delta, 11. Cher has longstanding ties with Bell, as both women acted in the 2010 film Burlesque, which also starred Christina Aguilera, Stanley Tucci and Julianne Hough. Last week the 79-year-old musical icon went on Shepard's show Armchair Expert, where they were joined by Bell, 45, in a guest appearance. When the subject of Bell's marriage came up, Cher, who herself has been divorced twice, told Shepard: 'You're lucky. She's definitely the better half.' Shepard was asked about the exchange while walking the Golden Globes red carpet Sunday, and offered his take on the viral moment. Dax Shepard has shared his reaction to Cher telling him on his podcast that his wife Kristen Bell deserves someone better than him; Shepard and Bell pictured Sunday at the Golden Globes 'I think we both expected that,' Shepard said of Cher's remarks, speaking to Access Hollywood. 'That's why you love Cher, which couldn't be greater.' His co-host Monica Padman added: 'There was a couple big headlines but people need to go listen to the whole thing, 'cause everything she says is perfect.' Shepard laughed in agreement and doubled down on his assurance that he took Cher's jibe good-naturedly: 'No, we thought it was hysterical.' When Cher took her swipe at him on the podcast, Shepard asked her to recommend another man for Bell, saying: 'Who would be your dream partner for her? 'Cause I know you think she could do better, and I don't disagree.' Cher failed to come up with a name on the spur of the moment, but slyly told Shepard: 'The truth is, I trust her. So you must have something that I don't see.' The back-and-forth came months after Shepard and Bell came in for a deluge of backlash over her post celebrating their anniversary. 'Happy 12th wedding anniversary to the man who once said to me: "I would never kill you. A lot of men have killed their wives at a certain point. Even though I'm heavily incentivized to kill you, I never would,"' Bell wrote with a heart emoji. Commenters flew into a frenzy of outrage, slating Bell for the 'offensive' and 'insensitive' joke and noting it was Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Last week the 79-year-old musical icon went on Shepard's show Armchair Expert, where they were joined by Bell, 45, in a guest appearance (from left) Bell, Cher, Christina Aguilera and Cam Gigandet are pictured at a press call for their 2010 movie Burlesque at the storied Paris cabaret Le Crazy Horse 'How can any self respecting woman stay with a man who "jokes" like that?' one Instagram user demanded. 'I'm not even a very serious person, but that would have me leaving so fast your head would spin.' Shepard attended Sunday's Golden Globes because the awards show was offering a prize for best podcast for the first time ever and Armchair Expert was nominated. However the Idiocracy actor found himself bested by his fellow celebrity podcaster Amy Poehler, who took home the trophy for her show Good Hang. After his defeat, he fired up his Instagram to show the text conversation he had that night with one of his and Bell's two daughters. 'You look so handsome dada,' wrote one of his little girls before the show started, adding: 'Your suit is stunning' - to a heartwarming reply from Shepard. 'You, know, the ONLY reason I'm sad I didn't win is because I wanted to stand on that stage and tell the whole world how much I love you and your sister,' he wrote. His message was accompanied by a string of heart emoji, and when he posted the texts to Instagram, he added the caption: 'I won tonight. And every night.' Shepard attended the Golden Globes on the arm of his wife, who was also nominated for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series for Nobody Wants This, but lost out in the end to Hacks star Jean Smart, earning the gong for the third year in a row. Smart gave a cheeky nod to her multiple wins in her acceptance speech, joking onstage: 'What can I say? I'm a greedy b****.' John Stamos threw his fans for a loop on this week after debuting a dramatically new look. The 62-year-old Full House star has been known for his youthful looks and shaggy dark hair, but on Tuesday, he shared a behind-the-scenes look at his latest transformation on Instagram. Stamos who paid tribute last week to his late costar Bob Saget filmed himself in the stylist's chair as he took a chance on an unexpected new hairdo. In one post, the television star revealed that he had lightened up his recognizable dark hair to create striking blond streaks. Stamos debuted the look, which gave him a surprising emo style, in a clip with his hairstylist Riawna Capri as she combed out his thick hair. He captioned the video, 'Me still talking about the mom group drama,' and he lip-synced to a clip of Kim Kardashian on the Today Show, saying, 'I love it. I'm so passionate about it, and it's what I do.' John Stamos, 62, threw his fans for a loop on this week after debuting a dramatically new look; pictured in February 2025 in Beverly Hills On Tuesday, Stamos revealed that he had gotten shocking blond highlights. He posted comical photos of himself with his hair spiked up as he sat in the stylist's chair 'New do,' he added, while crediting Capri. In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Stamos shared a hilarious photo of himself staring into the camera with a somber expression while his shaggy hair was arranged in two towering horns. His bangs were encased in layers of foil, and the Beach Boys associate contrasted his hairdo with a rugged beard. 'Trust the process,' he captioned the post. Any hesitancy in his eyes had completely disappeared once he revealed the results. Stamos flashed a sly smile as he unveiled his perfectly coiffed blond highlights, which were swept back dramatically. In another shot, he gazed directly into the camera with a piercing gaze to highlight the youthful look. 'Have mercyyy,' wrote one astounded fan, while another person joked about his Full House character: 'All I hear is uncle Jesse saying 'watch the hair, watch the hair!!' His bangs were encased in layers of foil, and the Beach Boys associate contrasted his hairdo with a rugged beard. 'Trust the process,' he captioned the post Any hesitancy in his eyes had completely disappeared once he revealed the results. Stamos flashed a sly smile as he unveiled his perfectly coiffed blond highlights, which were swept back dramatically In another shot, he gazed directly into the camera with a piercing gaze to highlight the youthful look One fan wrote, 'I guess being obsessed with your hair never changed, just like when you were on Full House.' 'My god you have amazing hair!' read one comment, and another fan admitted, 'I can't believe what I'm watching.' Stamos' light-hearted display comes after his former Full House costar Candace Cameron Bure paid tribute to their late friend and costar Bob Saget on Friday, the fourth anniversary of his death. The 49-year-old actress, who recently addressed her public feuds, used Instagram to remember the comedic actor, who died at age 65 in 2022. Sharing a series of photos with Saget, who played her dad on the family sitcom Full House, she wrote: 'I miss you. Not just today, but every day.' She then tagged the late star's Instagram account, which has been idly sitting since his final post on January 9, 2022, the same day he died. Bure portrayed D.J. Tanner, the oldest daughter to Saget's character Danny, on ABC's Full House from 1987-1995. They later reprised their roles on Fuller House, which streamed on Netflix from 2016 to 2020. Stamos' light-hearted display comes after his former Full House costar Candace Cameron Bure paid tribute to their late friend and costar Bob Sageton Friday, the fourth anniversary of his death.; pictured in 2024 The 49-year-old actress used Instagram to remember the comedic actor, who died at age 65 in 2022 Four years ago, Saget was found dead in his room at the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando. Foul play was ruled out as it was later discovered that he had suffered blunt head trauma following a fall. He had recently kicked of a US tour and raved about his latest performance online just hours before his death. In the wake of his passing, Bure appeared online to share multiple heartbroken reactions to the news. 'I don't know what to say. I have no words. Bob was one of the best humans beings I've ever known in my life. I loved him so much,' she wrote in one post. In a separate tribute, she wrote, 'I love you sooooo much. I don't want to say goodbye [broken heart emoji]. 35 years wasn't long enough.' There was another post in which she lamented, 'Oh, Bob. Why'd you have to leave us so soon? We are all family, but you were the glue. The sticky, messy, squishy, sweet, lovable glue.' She continued: 'My childhood is wrapped up in you, my formative teenaged years and the rest of adulthood. Sharing a series of photos with Saget, who played her dad on the family sitcom Full House, she wrote: 'I miss you. Not just today, but every day' Bure portrayed D.J. Tanner, the oldest daughter to Saget's character Danny, on ABC's Full House from 1987-1995; L-R: Dave Coulier, Mary-Kate / Ashley Olson, Saget, John Stamos, Jodie Sweetin, and Bure in 1989 Stamos also used social media to pay his respects on Friday as well. He wrote on Instagram: 'Missing Bob feels like standing in a quiet room after the laughter stops; Stamos, Bure and Saget are pictured in Beverly Hills in 2019 'We've always been so deeply connected since the day we met when I was 10 years old. You weren't just like a father, but one of my closest friends in life. This hurts like nothing I've ever felt before.' Stamos also used social media to pay his respects on Friday as well. He wrote on Instagram: 'Missing Bob feels like standing in a quiet room after the laughter stops. 'Your ears still ring with what was there, but the sound is gone. The heart of it is gone. Its empty. 'Its not a sharp pain. Its a low hum. Soft. Constant. Something you carry until everything gets quiet.' His heart-wrenching note continued, 'Missing someone is love with nowhere to go. So it sits beside you. It waits. Hoping theyll walk back through the door and the laughter will start again.' He concluded: '4 f***ing years. Cant believe it. I miss you, Bob.' Emilia Clarke has revealed that she had a 'full mental breakdown' when Game Of Thrones finished as she admitted she's now done with the fantasy genre. The actress, 39, who played Daenerys Targaryen in the HBO fantasy series, spoke about the hit show ending after it being such a huge part of her life for nearly a decade. She said: 'It was the first time in my professional life that I stopped. I had a full mental breakdown. It was almost as if the timing of the pandemic was bang on.' The show aired from 2011 to 2019 and also starred the likes of Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams and Kit Harington. While speaking with The New York Times, she said that it was only after the show ended that she took the time 'to realize that I could try and get some autonomy over my choices, my work. 'So much of my career didn't reflect my taste, I just sort of shot out of a cannon.' Emilia Clarke has revealed that she had a 'full mental breakdown' when Game Of Thrones finished as she admitted she's now done with the fantasy genre The actress, 39, who played Daenerys Targaryen in the HBO fantasy series, spoke about the hit show ending after it being such a huge part of her life for nearly a decade She began playing the role when she was only 22 and it was only her third acting job, meaning she felt she 'never had time to stop and consider the meaning of it'. She also shared that she is now done with the fantasy genre, saying: 'You're highly unlikely to see me get on a dragon, or even in the same frame as a dragon, ever again.' Last June Emilia told Big Issue she feared being fired from the hit show after she suffered brain hemorrhages. The star suffered bleeds on her brain in 2011 and 2013, which she said left her 'altered on a dramatic level.' She first had a hemorrhage after the first season of Game Of Thrones finished filming, and lost her ability to speak as she nearly slipped into a coma. The second one left her in need of surgery after scans showed it had doubled in size, and Emilia previously detailed that she is in a 'really small minority' of people who have survived and been left with 'no repercussions.' She told the magazine, 'When you have a brain injury, it alters your sense of self on such a dramatic level. All of the insecurities you have going into the workplace quadruple overnight. 'The first fear we all had was, 'Oh my God, am I going to get fired? Am I going to get fired because they think I'm not capable of completing the job?'' She said: 'It was the first time in my professional life that I stopped. I had a full mental breakdown. It was almost as if the timing of the pandemic was bang on' (seen in series one) Emilia has discussed having surgery to restore blood flow, as well as taking medication to relieve the pain. Her life-saving treatment left her with titanium in place of sections of her skull and scarring. Emilia is thought to be single currently after last year it was reported that she'd split from her boyfriend Sebastian 'Bassi' Fox after four months together. She had first been spotted with the DJ on a night out back in November 2024, but sources last January claimed the pair decided to go their separate ways. It's thought that after going public with their romance, they realised that something 'wasn't quite right' about their relationship, and decided to end things. A source told The Sun at the time: 'Emilia and Seb aren't together anymore. They had a fun time, but something just wasn't quite right between them. 'They gave it a good go but, in the end. they realised that perhaps they aren't the right fit for each other. 'It's been bruising, but there's no hard feelings. She has told her mates that they want to try and stay friends.' While speaking with The New York Times, she said that it was only after the show ended that she took the time 'to realize that I could try and get some autonomy over my choices' The Daily Mail contacted a representative for Emilia Clarke for further comment at the time. Bassi found fame with dream-pop band Mt. Wolf - which previously featured in Clash Magazine's Ones To Watch list. Clarke's last public-facing romance was with director/screenwriter Charlie McDowell in 2019. McDowell went on to marry Emily in Paris star Lily Collins in 2021. Lily James displayed her incredible figure in skimpy bikinis as she enjoyed a girls' holiday with her friends in Mexico. The actress, 36, is currently living it up at the luxury five-star Hotel Esencia, where rooms start from 1,700. Taking to her Instagram on Wednesday, the beauty shared a glimpse into her sun-soaked girls' trip. In one snap, Lily turned heads in a black bikini as she posed for a snap on the beach bed while eating slices of pineapple. She then slipped into a grey two-piece and flaunted her toned frame as she enjoyed a dip in the ocean. As evening fell, Lily continued to wow as she donned a sheer black dress under a pink bikini top and black bottoms. Lily James displayed her incredible figure in skimpy bikinis as she enjoyed a girls' holiday with her friends in Mexico The actress, 36, is currently living it up at the luxury five-star Hotel Esencia, where rooms start from 1,700 She finished off her photo dump with snaps of the stunning hotel and selfies with her pals. Alongside her post, the star penned: 'Girlfriends in paradise. The most magical start to the year @hotelsencia ~ such a special place & memories to forever cherish.' It comes just days after Lily posed in a skimpy beach cover-up before partying in a backless white silk dress during her fun-filled trip. The actress took to Instagram to give a glimpse into the luxury getaway where she was staying at the Be Tulum Hotel. In one snap on her Story she posed in a bikini with a light grey linen co-ord over the top as she accessorised with stylish shades. She then posted a series of videos partying in a sexy silk dress as she enjoyed the band Parallelle at a beach club. Lily is spending January globetrotting after spending December in Australia to work on a new project. Last month she wowed in skimpy swimwear as she took to Instagram to share stunning snaps of her trip to Queensland. Join the debate Do YOU like Lily's outfit? Taking to her Instagram on Wednesday, the beauty shared a glimpse into her sun-soaked girls' trip Lily wowed as she donned a sheer black dress under a pink bikini top and black bottoms She stunned in a selfie with her pal The actress looked incredible as she enjoyed a coconut next to the pool The star also shred a glimpse at her hotel Alongside her post, the star penned: 'Girlfriends in paradise. The most magical start to the year @hotelsencia ~ such a special place & memories to forever cherish' Lily declared she's 'grateful and excited for the new year' as she reflected on the good times to come for 2026. She wrote: 'I spent the last part of 2025 on the beach, made a film and watched the sun rise with very special people. I feel very grateful and excited for a new year ' The Pam & Tommy star showcased her slender physique in a leopard print bikini before she slipped into an off-white swimsuit. Lily also revealed she has been staying busy and keeping active with her hardcore Pilates classes. Aside from learning scripts and exercising, the English actress shared fun-filled snaps of her time socialising with friends. In a post last month Lily covered her bikini in a semi-sheer mini dress as she enjoyed the picturesque sunset, before changing into a plunging white look to head out for dinner while on the trip. Clearly making the most of the Australian summer, Lily captioned her post: 'Winter I am not ready for you just yet.' Enjoying the beach once again Down Under, Lily said she has 'never been better' as she posted a gallery of bikini-clad images to Instagram having the time of her life. It comes after Lily posed in a skimpy beach cover-up before partying in a backless white silk dress during her fun-filled trip to Mexico last week She posted a series of videos partying in a sexy silk dress as she enjoyed the band Parallelle at a beach club Lily is spending January globetrotting after spending December in Australia to work on a new project The actress will be back on the big screen next year in a reboot of the 1993 thriller Cliffhanger. In the first shots from Cliffhanger, Lily is shown hanging from a rock face in a shot that mimics one from the original film. The father-daughter duo, Naomi (Lily) and Ray (Pierce Brosnan) run a mountain chalet in the Dolomites. During a weekend trip with a billionaire's son, they are targeted by a gang of kidnappers, an official synopsis reads. 'Ray's older daughter Naomi, still haunted by a past climbing accident, witnesses the attack and escapes.' He is kidnapped while climbing with the son of a billionaire and Naomi must 'save her family' while fighting 'for survival in the Italian Dolomites,' the synopsis concludes. The film is shot in Austria, Italy and Germany and also stars Nell Tiger Free, Franz Rogowski, Shubham Saraf, Assaad Bouab, Suzy Bemba and Bruno Gouery. Leonardo DiCaprio's co-star Teyana Taylor has finally revealed what the actor really said during his viral Golden Globes moment. The Titanic star, 51, sent fans into a frenzy after Sunday night's event when he was seen chatting to an initially unidentified attendee in an uncharacteristically animated fashion. Social media was awash with speculation over who was the recipient and what was said. Many had guessed that he was talking to his One Battle After Another co-star Teyana, with a lip reader deciphering he was discussing watching her facial expressions while a segment of the show featured K-pop. And now Teyana has confirmed that he was in fact definitely talking to her as she spoke to Access Hollywood in a new interview at The Rip premiere on Tuesday night. She said: 'Yes he was talking to me! And the crazy part about it is that I'm so blacked out from that day that I want to say we might have been talking about K Pop Demon Hunters. Leonardo DiCaprio's co-star Teyana Taylor has finally revealed what the actor really said during his viral Golden Globes moment The Titanic star, 51, sent fans into a frenzy after Sunday night's event when he was seen chatting to an initially unidentified attendee in an uncharacteristically animated fashion 'Because I was so happy when they won cos my kids loved it, so I was just jamming and I think you caught me jamming and that's when we started like talking about it but I just don't remember what he was saying. 'I don't think I even really heard what he was saying, I was probably just laughing and had no clue what he was saying. 'I've seen a lipreader lady saying that he was about K Pop Demon Hunters. And I do remember jamming so hard when Golden came on and we went into this whole spiel about how Junie and Rue love it but I didn't know that moment was being captured. On Tuesday Deaf content creator Jackie G read the conversation as: 'I was watching you with the K-pop thing. 'You were like [peers over looking confused] is that? Who is the K-pop? Are they? Is it? We were laughing - we were like, is that? Is that K-Pop?' As well as what he was saying, the star pointed at his own eyes before playfully pointing at the offscreen person, letting them know he was 'watching' them before excitedly waving his fingers around and clapping. X users swiftly asked who he was talking to and what he was saying, to which AI tool Grok replied: 'It's a viral lip-reading video from the 2026 Golden Globes showing Leonardo DiCaprio chatting with Teyana Taylor during a break... 'The deaf lip reader's take: He's saying he watched her with 'the K-pop thing,' asks 'who is the K-pop?' and they laugh about it, ending with 'sure, I'll sign.' Likely lighthearted gossip... leonardo dicaprio talking to teyana taylor'. Join the debate Were YOU a fan of Leo's Golden Globes antics? Now Teyana has confirmed that he was in fact definitely talking to her as she spoke to Access Hollywood in a new interview at The Rip premiere on Tuesday night She said: 'Yes he was talking to me! And the crazy part about it is that I'm so blacked out from that day that I want to say we might have been talking about K Pop Demon Hunters...' As well as what he was saying, the star pointed at his own eyes before playfully pointing at the offscreen person, letting them know he was 'watching' them The star also had plenty of reactions to Nikki Glaser's jokes about him in her explosive opening monologue, where she joked about DiCaprio's infamous dating life On Tuesday Deaf content creator Jackie G read the conversation as: 'I was watching you with the K-pop thing...' Aside from his K-pop chat, Leonardo set tongues wagging further with an interaction with Pretty Woman star Julia Roberts, where he was seen covering his mouth and repeatedly saying 'that's star power!' after they were photographed. And in another now-viral clip, DiCaprio was seen putting on an extremely animated display while interacting with someone at another table during a commercial break. He was seated next to his mother Irmelin Indenbirken, 82, and co-star Sean Penn during the three-hour ceremony held in Beverly Hills and broadcasted live on CBS. Leonardo was the unexpected life of the party as the notoriously private star was frequently caught making funny expressions. Fans admitted that they 'loved' seeing this rare side of DiCaprio, who often hides himself behind N95 masks when in public. 'I am literally howling... this is the most animated i've ever seen him in my entire life,' penned one X user. The fun faces didn't just occur during commercial breaks as he also had plenty of reactions to Nikki Glaser's jokes about him in her explosive opening monologue, where she made reference to the Epstein files, CBS News' recent 'anti-work' overhaul and his infamous dating life. She took a major dig at Leonardo's reputation for dating women under the age of 25 as she applauded his performance in the nominated film One Battle After Another, which she jokingly referred to as 'One Man-Bun After Another.' 'What a career you have had,' she said to DiCaprio. 'Countless iconic performances. You've worked with every great director, you've won three Golden Globes, and an Oscar. 'The most impressive thing is that you were able to accomplish that all before your girlfriend turned 30. It is just insane.' Robert Irwin has shared a very touching reunion with the woman who waltzed him to victory on Dancing With The Stars US last year. The Wildlife Warrior invited Witney Carson along to Australia Zoo this week - and she brought along her family. In a sweet video shared to Instagram, Robert, 22, joined Witney, her husband Carson McAllister and their sons Kevin Leo and Jet Carson, with Robert holding the hands of the husband and wife as he danced into frame. The family dressed in traditional khaki ensembles as they got to know the animals housed at the sanctuary. Witney, 31, cuddled up to some lemurs before the whole family watched Robert host the famous crocodile show. 'We are BACK. Team IrWINit reunited,' Robert wrote in his caption alongside the clip. Robert Irwin (pictured) has shared a very touching reunion with the woman who waltzed him to victory on Dancing With The Stars US last year Witney and Robert took home the Mirrorball trophy when they won the American edition of Dancing With The Stars in November. Last year, Robert quickly sparked romance rumours with Witney - before fans worked out that the stunning dancer is very much taken. Viewers at home remarked on their sizzling chemistry during their first dance together, and again this week during their 'hot' tango. Followers of the Aussie star, who is ten years younger than Witney, were disappointed to discover the choreographer is already married. The US dancer and the Aussie star have not struck up a romance, given Witney happily tied the knot with her high school sweetheart, Carson in 2016. Nevertheless, it appears Robert and Witney had a close working relationship, with the I'm A Celebrity host hailing her 'the best dance partner'. When it comes to his dating life, Robert has been playing the field, according to a new report. The Wildlife Warrior invited Witney Carson (left) along to Australia Zoo this week - and she brought along her family In a sweet video shared to Instagram, Robert, 22, joined Witney, her husband Carson McAllister and their sons Kevin Leo and Jet Carson, with Robert holding the hands of the husband and wife as he danced into frame Robert has been making the most of his newfound Hollywood fame amid his headline-making run on Dancing With the Stars US. He was recently rumoured to be dating American professional dancer Hailey Bills, 19, and has been spotted on a date with another American starlet, according to a new report. Celebrity gossip account Deux Moi claimed that Robert was recently seen on what appeared to be a date with actress Xochitl Gomez, 19, at upmarket Los Angeles grocery store Erewhon. Xochitl and Robert danced together for the 20th anniversary of Dancing With the Stars US - and viewers could not help but notice their 'chemistry' on screen as they delivered an impressive Jive. The Baby-Sitters Club star, who won Season 32 of the show in 2023, was a special guest on the episode, standing in for Robert's usual dance partner. New Idea magazine claimed that Robert is looking for 'Miss right now' and not 'Miss right' - and is too busy 'playing' to find the one. Robert is, 'in no rush to settle down' and is keeping his options open, the magazine alleges. Leonardo DiCaprio paid tribute to his mother, Irmelin Indenbirken, as he won the Best Actor Award at the National Board of Review Gala in New York City on Tuesday. The American actor, 51, who won the award for his starring role in One Battle After Another, expressed his gratitude to his mother, 82, for always supporting 'the dream' while accepting his award on stage. 'I waited 25 years to make a film like this. That is so topical. So pertinent. About extremism, about divisiveness. That says something about the world we live in. It was an absolute honour and a joyous experience,' he said, via Deadline. Thanking his mother for being his biggest support, he continued: 'She believed in me long before there was absolutely any reason to. 'Driving me to auditions every single day after school. Supporting the dream that started in the theatres This moment only exists because of you.' Elsewhere during the ceremony, Paul Thomas Anderson was awarded the top honour of Best Film for the drama, while he was also named Best Director. Leonardo DiCaprio paid tribute to his mother, Irmelin Indenbirken, as he won the Best Actor Award at the National Board of Review Gala in New York City on Tuesday (both pictured at the Golden Globes this month) The American actor, 51, who won the award for his starring role in One Battle After Another, expressed his gratitude to his mother, 82, for always supporting 'the dream' while accepting his award on stage 'Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the shining lights of contemporary cinema. He has crafted a bold, funny, and thrilling movie that is somehow one of the most significant films about the world we live in and also a playful, tender story of a father and daughter connecting through some of the wildest events you can imagine. The NBR is honoured to celebrate this absolutely remarkable film,' NBR President Annie Schulhof shared in a statement. Meanwhile, Leonardo's co-star Benicio del Toro took home the Best Supporting Actor award for his role as Sergio St. Carlos in the film. The drama/action thriller follows Bob Ferguson (Leonardo), who is a washed-up revolutionary who lives in a state of stoned paranoia, surviving off-grid with his spirited and self-reliant daughter, Willa. However, when his evil nemesis resurfaces and Willa goes missing, the former radical scrambles to find her as both father and daughter battle the consequences of their pasts. Leonardo's mother, Irmelin, raised him as a single parent in Los Angeles, and credits the success of his acting career with the enduring love she gave him during his childhood. He told Access Hollywood in 2014 that her support after he'd announced, at the age of 12, that he wanted to act was unwavering. He said: 'Shes the only reason Im able to do what I do.' Irmelin was also fiercely protective of her son in the early years of his fame, often putting herself between him and camera-wielding paparazzi. After her own traumatic early years - she was born in Germany in an air raid shelter in 1943 as the Second World War raged across Europe, Irmelin was determined that her son would have a better upbringing. 'I waited 25 years to make a film like this. That is so topical. So pertinent. About extremism, about divisiveness. That says something about the world we live in. It was an absolute honour and a joyous experience,' he said, via Deadline Thanking his mother for being his biggest support, he continued: 'She believed in me long before there was absolutely any reason to,' He added: 'Driving me to auditions every single day after school. Supporting the dream that started in the theatres This moment only exists because of you' (Leonardo pictured with his mother and her partner David Ward at the gala) Elsewhere during the ceremony, Paul Thomas Anderson (seen) was awarded the top honour of Best Film for the drama, while he was also named Best Director Meanwhile, Leonardo's co-star Benicio del Toro (left) took home the Best Supporting Actor award for his role as Sergio St. Carlos in the film In 1998, her mother, Helene Indenbirken, told the German magazine Hellweger Anzeiger, that being born in the tiny village of Oer-Erkenschwick, just north of Dortmund, saw the family endure 'hard times', circumstances that would eventually see them flee to the US, but not until the war had been over for a decade. Irmelin was raised as a teenager in a German community in New York. Her parents would eventually return to their roots three decades later in 1985. After training to be a legal secretary, Leonardo's mother met his father, George, who sold comic books, in her twenties. The couple reportedly picked their future son's name while on holiday in Florence, after browsing the city's famous masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci. George and Irmelin would separate before little Leo turned one but, the star has said, they co-parented amicably - with George living next door for a period - although the bond he shares with his mother is clearly remarkably strong. Although Leonardo's childhood in a 'rough' East Los Angeles suburb was easier than his mother's wartime experiences, it wasn't gilded by any means. The drama/action thriller follows Bob Ferguson (Leonardo), who is a washed-up revolutionary who lives in a state of stoned paranoia, surviving off-grid with his spirited and self-reliant daughter, Willa He said in 1998: 'It was definitely a rough neighbourhood, but it was cool. I got to see a lot of stuff. Its good to grow up like that, I think. Its good to see that side at a young age.' Irmelin has her son to thank for her success in her romantic life. She's been dating handsome Scot David Ward, whos thought to be around 72, since her actor son set them up on a blind date nearly 11 years ago. David now travels with Irmelin in luxury around the globe. The couple party with A-listers, holiday with supermodels, travel in private jets and hang out on the set of Hollywood blockbusters as they support Leonardo's career. What's more, David's nickname is The Dos Equis Man, in reference to the famous Mexican beer brands adverts, which feature Jonathan Goldsmith, who's described as living the dream as the most interesting man in the world. Nicole Kidman's A-list friends are throwing her divorce party in the wake of her split with Keith Urban, according to a new report. The Australian star has been surrounded by supportive pals, including Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. And the Hollywood stars have their sights set on a big shindig once Nicole, 58, returns from her visit to Australia, sources claim. 'Nicole's divorce came as a shock to everyone but a small few in her circle, and it's those close friends who are planning on cheering her up while she's in town working red carpets,' an insider told New Idea. 'She's gone through a lot, and there are a lot of close friends who haven't yet seen her in person since the split. 'Everyone wants her to know she has a rock-solid circle of loyal friends in LA.' Nicole Kidman's A-list friends are throwing her divorce party in the wake of her split with Keith Urban, according to a new report. Kidman is pictured It follows an earlier report that the party has been in the works for some time. According to Woman's Day, Sandra Bullock and Naomi Watts also want to plan a celebration for the Babygirl star. 'Everyone from Reese Witherspoon to Sandra Bullock is ready to send out invites and order freedom banners and ex-file pinatas,' a source said. 'They want her to get excited about her future again. 'Celebrating the end of something old and the start of something new in a room full of hot men - it's exactly what she needs.' Nicole spent Christmas in Australia with her daughters Faith, 15, and Sunday Rose, 17. According to People, Nicole was more than happy to be back in Australia for the holiday season. 'This is all she wanted after a tumultuous fall,' a source told the publication. The Australian star has been surrounded by supportive pals, including Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon (left) 'Nicole's divorce came as a shock to everyone but a small few in her circle, and it's those close friends who are planning on cheering her up while she's in town working red carpets,' an insider told New Idea. Pictured: Jennifer Anniston 'She just wanted to celebrate Christmas at home. She's very excited,' they added. The insider also said that Nicole is feeling 'very blessed' despite the end of her 20-year marriage. 'She's been super positive and focused on things that she's grateful for,' they said. It follows reports that reality may be starting to sink in for Keith following his divorce from Nicole. The country star, who parted ways with his Hollywood star wife in September after 19 years of marriage, is allegedly 'wondering if he's made a huge mistake' following their split. 'He's got to pay the bills - and divorce lawyers don't come cheap,' a source told Woman's Day magazine of the couple's settlement. 'It's a lonely existence for Keith right now - he's exhausted, isolated and looking at a future he never imagined,' the source added. 'He's also lost his best friend, Nicole, who was also his greatest supporter in life. He's wondering if he's made a huge mistake.' Millie Mackintosh has jumped on the 2016 viral trend as she shared throwback bikini snaps, ignoring that it was the year she divorced Professor Green after their 'toxic marriage'. The former Made In Chelsea star, 35, and the rapper, 42, - whose real name is Stephen Manderson - recently confirmed they were back on speaking terms after nine years of silence following their two year marriage. Despite this, Millie has decided not to include Green in her 2016 photo round up and instead featured a picture of now husband Hugo Taylor, who she had been on and off with since 2011. Millie and Green finalised their divorce in May 2016, the same week that Millie chose to go public with Hugo. The reality star went on to marry her MIC co-star Hugo in 2018, two years after her divorce and the couple are now proud parents of two young daughters. Millie said 'a lot can change in 10 years' as she also shared holiday snaps, Glastonbury throwbacks and magazine covers. Millie Mackintoshhas jumped on the 2016 viral trend as she shared throwback bikini snaps, ignoring that it was the year she divorced Professor Green after their 'toxic marriage' The Made In Chelsea star, 35, and the rapper, 42, recently confirming they were back on speaking terms after nine years of silence following their two year marriage Running through each photo, she penned: 'Everyones telling me 2026 is the new 2016! Wow. A lot can change in 10 years. 'Slide one: I loved this shoot for @womenshealthuk - I miss these abs. Slide two: Beautiful Mauritius. Slide three: I loved this shoot for @instylemagazine. 'Slide four: My favourite year at Glastonbury - Coldplay were amazing. Slide five: With my bestie @florindacarey in south of France. Slide six: Partying in Dubai with @cbyclarissa. 'Slide seven: The Victoria Secret show in Paris. Slide eight: Thinking I should go back to this hair? @cosmopolitanuk. Slide nine: Busy creating my clothing line. 'Slide ten: Making friends on the beach in Cape Town. Slide eleven: Back when I could do unassisted chin ups @womenshealthuk @jongorriganphotography. 'Slide twelve: Being interviewed by the lovely @joshsmithhosts. Slide thirteen: So fun being a guest on Britains Next Top Model. Slide fourteen: Trying to do blue steel at the Zoolander 2 premier'. In October last year it was reported that Millie and Green are 'on their best terms in a decade' after drawing a line under their toxic separation and subsequent divorce. Friends claimed the British rapper and his ex-wife have brushed any lingering resentments to one side for the sake of their friendship. Despite this, Millie has decided not to include Green in her 2016 photo round up and instead featured a picture of now husband Hugo Taylor, who she had been on and off with since 2011 Millie and Green finalised their divorce in May 2016, the same week that Millie chose to go public with Hugo Millie said 'a lot can change in 10 years' as she also shared holiday snaps, Glastonbury throwbacks and magazine covers Millie showed off her butterfly tattoo on her lower back as she stroked puppies on the beach Millie showed off her millitary style blazer and shorts as she posed at Glastonbury festival Running through each photo, she penned: 'Everyones telling me 2026 is the new 2016! Wow. A lot can change in 10 years' A source told The Sun: 'Stephen and Millie were head over heels when they were together, but will both admit it just wasnt the right time. 'They have both moved on, Millie is living a picture-perfect life with her two daughters, but Stephens relationship is a bit rockier. 'There is one big change though - they have started speaking again, and they are on better terms than they have been in a decade. 'Both being parents has played a huge part, and they have both grown up a lot. They have also both given up booze, which was a huge issue when they were together.' Millie is now a parent to daughters Siena, five, and Aurelia, three, with Hugo, while Green raises son Slimane, four, with his actress partner Karima Adebibe. The rapper revealed he was back in touch with his ex-wife during a candid podcast interview with her close friend and former Made In Chelsea co-star Jamie Laing for his Great Company podcast. Green explained that he and Millie both 'trauma bonded' together over their previously undiagnosed ADHD. He said: 'There was undiagnosed neurodivergence between both of us. We had a conversation about this recently, and it makes sense. 'I don't feel uncomfortable about these things anymore, but I felt uncomfortable for a huge part of my life.' He added: 'If there wasn't that pressure, we may have never got married. It very nearly didn't happen. In October last year it was reported that Millie and Green are 'on their best terms in a decade' after drawing a line under their toxic separation and subsequent divorce; pictured 2014 'I remember having a conversation with my two best mates, Lewis and Phoenix. "Am I getting cold feet? What's going on here?" And one of them said yes. One of them said, No. I won't put him in it, because it's not their responsibility. 'I made my own decision. We made our decision, and we didn't get married for the wrong reasons. We loved each other. 'It was probably an element of trauma bonding. And it takes a lot to get to a place of going, "I had a significant part in that, 50% at least, because there were two of us in the situation, and it didn't work out." 'But hopefully we can both go forward and find happiness and belonging.' He also called his ex-wife 'beautiful' as he added: 'There's no resentment in me. She is gorgeous. 'We were not good for each other at that time.' Following Green's admissions, Millie shared a pointed remark on her Instagram platform. On Wednesday, she re-posted a quote that read: 'There's only one thing more precious than our time... 'And it's who we spend it on.' The former couple finalised their divorce in May 2016, the same week that Millie chose to go public with Hugo. The reality star went on to marry her MIC co-star Hugo in 2018, two years after her divorce and the couple are now proud parents of two young daughters Following their separation, Green appeared to take a swipe at his ex-wife in the lyrics to 2016 single, Eye On The Door. Lamenting an apparent lack of action between the sheets in the opening verse, the rapper suggests he and Mackintosh spent most of their time watching box sets. Green also suggests she regularly kicked him out of the marital home in south-east London and would only allow him back in if he returned with a gift of material significance. He raps: 'Me an the Mrs we are getting along/Till I do something wrong - then it's another domestic/People wanna know what my life's like. 'Behind closed doors what's my wife like/It gets crazy in bed - We watch a couple episodes/Of a box set and and then it's night night/When she hears this s**t it's lights out/I'll probably get kicked out of my house/Till I come back with a brand new Chanel bag.' A second verse finds Pro Green's protagonist wrestling with his conscience; on the one hand fretting about divorce, while on the other putting his wife's feelings to one side while he parties with pals. Referring to his use of drugs, he raps: 'One minute it was one, the next it was six/S**t I'm dead - I don't know where the time went. 'Where's my phone? S**t sixty-one missed calls/A divorce is on the cards if I don't split/And get my a**e in gear - I'm asking for it. 'A b****rd ain't I - auf wiedersehen/Better get my a**e in gear and get a car quick though, if I'm already gonna get my a**e kicked? 'Then pass it/What's one more half, what's one more spliff/What's one more glass/What's one more line, what's one more toke/I'm already a dead man when I get home.' Millie and Hugo got engaged on the Greek island of Mykonos the following year and married in Sussex in June 2018. The couple welcomed daughter Sienna in 2020 and daughter Aurelia in 2021. Speaking on Brogan Garrit-Smith's podcast Getting There last year, Millie said she went through 'a really hard time' when she divorced. 'I think we [Professor Green] both were in our own struggles, and I think we maybe both thought we could fix each other,' she reflected of her marriage. 'But we couldn't.' 'And ultimately, we both had our own struggles, and it just magnified it. And it was actually quite toxic.' Michelle Williams was seen with her new baby for the first time on Wednesday - five months after revealing she had quietly welcomed a fourth child via surrogate. The actress, 45, who won a Golden Globe last week, looked in good spirits as she stepped out for a walk in New York City. Michelle cut a low-key figure in a pair of sunglasses as she carried her baby, who was bundled up in a cosy blue outdoor suit and winter hat, in a baby carrier. The mother-of-four wrapped up in a red checked scarf which she layered over a long black coat and blue denim jeans. Styling her blonde tresses in a neat up do, Michelle kept comfortable in a pair of tan boat shoes during her outing. The Dawson's Creek star flashed a smile as she chatted away on her phone while walking around the city with her baby. Michelle Williams was seen with her new baby for the first time on Wednesday - five months after revealing she had quietly welcomed a fourth child via surrogate The actress, 45, who won a Golden Globe last week, looked in good spirits as she stepped out for a walk in New York City carrying her baby The baby is the four-time Oscar nominees third with her husband, theatre director Thomas Kail, 48. The alum shared the happy news while appearing Jimmy Kimmel Live in August last year, hosted by comedian Tiffany Haddish, 45. Tiffany complimented Michelle on her post-baby figure, prompting the actress to give credit to her surrogate, while also hinting at the sex of the newborn. Michelle replied: 'Then I've got to give a big shout out to Christine, cuz this last baby did not come through my body.' Michelle is now a mother of four with her youngest arriving thanks to Christine, the surrogate she openly praised. 'But the miracle of our little girl is thanks to Christine. Maybe you're watching out there - thank you, Christine.' Michelle has a 19-year-old daughter, Matilda, with her late ex, Oscar-winning actor Heath Ledger, who tragically died of an overdose in 2008. She also shares two young children with her husband, theatre director and TV producer Thomas - four-year-old son Hart and a second child born in 2022, whose name has not yet been revealed. This is the third baby the Oscar nominated actress shares with husband Thomas Kail, 48, (pictured 2025) Michelle is also a mum to daughter, Matilda, 19, with her late ex Heath Ledger The actress gave another emotional shoutout to her surrogate, adding: 'Thanks to Christine, I have three under 5 at home.' Michelle spoke candidly about balancing motherhood with her Hollywood career, admitting the juggle isn't easy. The My Week With Marilyn star told a late-night chat show host: 'Everything's good and under control. I'm the adult. I'm trying to figure out the sort of life-work balance. 'I hear a lot of people are talking about self-care, and I'm just wondering when. Because I'm a working mom. Like, I already have the guilt, and I don't want to take more time away from them, but I understand, like, I need to fill up the tank.' Her husband, Thomas, is best known for directing Lin-Manuel Miranda's smash musicals In The Heights and Hamilton on Broadway and Off-Broadway. It comes days after Michelle won the category of Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series for her role in Dying For Sex. The star was not in attendance in Los Angeles though as it was reported she is busy preparing for three upcoming projects. The nominees for the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award were announced on Wednesday. Archie Madekwe (Lurker), Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another), Miles Caton (Sinners), Posy Sterling (Lollipop) and Robert Aramayo (I Swear) were revealed as the nominees for the 2026 prize at a press conference at London's Savoy Hotel. The event was hosted by 2024 EE Rising Star Award winner Mia McKenna-Bruce and film critic and radio presenter Ali Plumb. The nominees were chosen by a panel of industry jurors including actors Joe Alwyn, Sheila Atim and Benedict Wong alongside a host of distinguished industry experts. Posy who starred in the acclaimed British drama film Lollipop explained how she was climbing a mountain with friends when she found out she had been nominated. The 33-year-old star recalled: 'My agent called me and she said, "Where are you? What are you doing?", and I said, "I'm on top of a mountain, what about you?" The nominees for the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award were announced on Wednesday. One Battle After Another actress Chase Infiniti (seen) is among them Archie Madekwe - seen - (Lurker), Chase (One Battle After Another), Miles Caton (Sinners), Posy Sterling (Lollipop) and Robert Aramayo (I Swear) were revealed as the nominees 'She said, "Are you on your own?", and I said, "No". I was with my two friends. She said, "You need to go somewhere private". So I found out, cried, and then had to not say anything.' Meanwhile, Robert who played the lead role in I Swear, based on the true life story of Tourette's syndrome campaigner John Davidson revealed that his parents were 'crying and jumping' when he informed them of his nomination. The 33-year-old actor said: 'I told my parents. There was a lot of crying and jumping, it was quite intense.' He added: 'Today is a day I will never forget. The artists nominated alongside me this year and those who've been recognised by the EE Rising Star Award before set a standard that continues to inspire me. 'If young Robert only knew he'd be standing here as an EE Rising Star nominee today, he'd be very proud.' Saltburn star Archie, 30, said: 'It's an incredible honour. I think as a Brit, the EE Rising Star Award has particular significance. 'So many of my favourite actors have been nominated for this award, so it's completely surreal to be included this year and alongside such an incredible group. I feel very lucky.' Chase, 25, said: 'This nomination means the world to me. It's been such a transformative year in my career, and I feel honoured and grateful to be considered for this award. Miles, 20, (pictured) said: 'Thank you to BAFTA, EE and the jury for this nomination it's truly surreal' Posy (seen) who starred in the acclaimed British drama film Lollipop explained how she was climbing a mountain with friends when she found out she had been nominated Robert (seen) who played the lead role in I Swear, based on the true life story of Tourette's syndrome campaigner John Davidson revealed that his parents were 'crying and jumping' when he informed them of his nomination 'Thank you to BAFTA, EE and all the jurors for including me alongside this tremendous group of actors.' Miles, 20, said: 'Thank you to BAFTA, EE and the jury for this nomination it's truly surreal. 'I'm honoured to be recognised alongside such talented artists, and I'm grateful to everyone who supports and champions new voices in film.' The prestigious EE Rising Star Award is the only prize at the EE BAFTA Film Awards voted for by the British public. Voting is now open at ee.co.uk/BAFTA, via WhatsApp, and across EE socials until Friday February 20. The winner will be announced on Sunday February 22 at the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony, which will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The rest of the BAFTA nominations will be announced on January 27. Previous Rising Star winners include David Jonsson, Mia, Emma Mackey, Kristen Stewart, Eva Green, Lashana Lynch, Letitia Wright, James McAvoy, Daniel Kaluuya, John Boyega, and Tom Hardy Mia will next star in the upcoming Beatles biopics playing Sir Ringo Starr's first wife. However last month she admitted that she could not identify the Fab Four or name many of their best hits. Mia, 28, has been cast as Maureen Starkey in the four films, one for each member of the band, due to be released in 2028. The BAFTA-winner, speaking to Tatler magazine, admitted: 'We sang Eleanor Rigby and Yellow Submarine at school but it wasn't my jam.' Her casting was announced while she was filming an adaptation of Agatha Christie's The Seven Dials Mystery with actor Martin Freeman, 54, who teased her over her lack of Beatles knowledge. Archie Madekwe, Posy Sterling and Robert Aramayo with hosts Ali Plumb and Mia Mckenna-Bruce Mia Mckenna-Bruce, Ali Plumb, Archie Madekwe, Posy Sterling and Robert Aramayo with Anna Higgs and Jane Millichip The event was hosted by 2024 EE Rising Star Award winner Mia McKenna-Bruce (seen) and film critic and radio presenter Ali Plumb She said: '[He] was asking me to name all the Beatles. I didn't know. Then, he'd ask, "What band was Mick Jagger in?" I was like, "I have no idea". 'Yet now, I'm like, 'Oh, my God, the Beatles are underrated.' It's music I'd sit and listen to on the train.' The films star Paul Mescal as Sir Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Sir Ringo. Maureen wed the Beatles drummer in 1965 and they had three children. They divorced ten years later but he sat by her bed when she died from leukaemia in 1994. Mother-of-one Mia added: 'I haven't met Ringo but apparently, to this day, when he talks about Maureen he gets this brightness behind his eyes.' Rosie Huntington-Whiteley enjoyed a fun-filled ski holiday with husband Jason Statham and their children in Austria as she shared sweet photos on Wednesday. The supermodel, 38, posted a carousel of images on Instagram as she took to the slopes in Austria and looked to be having the time of her life. The couple were joined by their two young children, son Jack, eight, and daughter Isabella, three and Rosie simply captioned the photos: 'Happy families ' She shared a sweet family photo of the whole family kitted out in their ski gear as the model looked very stylish in high waisted white trousers, which she paired with a cream turtle neck and a grey cropped coat. Jason, 58, wore a two-toned beige and black North Face jacket and trousers as he held onto his daughter. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley enjoyed a fun-filled ski holiday in Austria with family as she shared sweet photos on Instagram on Wednesday Rosie shared a sweet family photo of the whole family kitted out in their ski gear (pictured with her husband Jason Statham, son Jack, eight, and daughter Isabella, three) Meanwhile little Isabella looked adorable in a pink snowsuit with a red and blue heart pattern, paired with pink and blue mittens. And Jack looked just as sweet in a dark grey padded suit as Rosie wrapped her arm around him. Rosie posed on the snow in a number of fashionable outfits including black high waisted trousers and a white cropped jacket. She also looked incredible in a white cropped jacket with beige fur accents, which she paired with matching trousers. In another chic look, she wore a brown jumpsuit completed with black mittens. The mother enjoyed some quality time with her children as she shared very sweet snaps of her holding Isabella on her balcony as the two shared a kiss. The little tot looked to be having a lot of fun as she was dragged in a sledge by her mother. Rosie looked ever so glamorous in the heartwarming picture, wearing a black trousers and top over a statement cream oversized fur coat. The model was also seen enjoying the luxury holiday with friends. The supermodel, 38, posted a carousel of snaps on Instagram as she took to the slopes in Austria and looked to be having the time of her life Rosie posed on the snow in a number of fashionable outfits including black high waisted trousers and a white cropped jacket The model posed for a sweet photo on the slopes with her son Jack, eight She also looked incredible in a white cropped jacket with beige fur accents, which she paired with matching trousers Rosie enjoyed some quality time with her children as she shared very sweet snaps of her holding Isabella on her balcony as the two shared a kiss It comes as Rosie showed off her incredible physique as she braved the snow for her latest photoshoot with Alo on Friday. She displayed the results of her hard work in the gym as she flashed her washboard abs in a white bikini. Rosie teamed her outfit with a cropped fur coat and matching hat while striking a pose in front of the snow covered mountains. Taking to her Instagram, she captioned the update: 'Baby, its cold outside.' Earlier in the day, Rosie shared another collaboration with the yoga wear brand Alo and its fitness and wellness programme, Alo Wellness Club. She modelled a skimpy white triangle Alo Splendor Bra (58) and rolled-down grey marl Accolade Sweatpants, costing 128. The model and Jason recently went to the Cotswolds on another family holiday with their children. Rosie and Jack splashed out on a festive family break at the Estelle Manor where they enjoyed country walks, archery and target shooting. The little tot looked to be having a lot of fun as she was dragged in a sledge by her mother In another chic look, she wore a brown jumpsuit completed with black mittens Isabella made a snow angel as she poses with a cheesy grin on her family winter trip Rosie was also seen enjoying the luxury holiday with friends The couple looked in good spirits as they enjoyed a sunny winter walk around the 85-acre estate and beamed for selfies together. The low-key British couple, who live in Los Angeles, first began dating in 2010 after meeting at a party in London and experiencing what Rosie called 'instant chemistry'. They got engaged in 2016, with the model revealing they had taken their relationship to the next level when she flashed her impressive diamond ring at the Golden Globes, and they're now parents to two children. Speaking about their plans to marry after Jack was born, Rosie said: 'I think the time will come. It's also not a huge priority for us.' She has also addressed the couple's 20-year age gap, saying: 'His knowledge and strength are really inspiring and attractive, and that can come with a man who's had a bit of time.' Sydney Sweeney is receiving praise for meeting with freed Israeli hostages, Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or, following their release from Hamas captivity in Gaza. The Euphoria actress, 28, was photographed with her arms wrapped around Argamani and Or, who were abducted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants stormed the Nova music festival in southern Israel. A warm photo of the trio was shared by the nonprofit pro-Israel advocacy organization StandWithUs, prompting an outpouring of praise across social media for Sweeney's show of support. Fans were touched by the star's gesture, with many rushing to social media to express that she 'just keeps giving' them 'more reasons to love her every day.' 'This warmed my heart,' another gushed as a third described her as 'brave enough to stand for whats right.' 'Shes not afraid of being cancelled in Hollywood. Bravo,' a fourth applauded. Sydney Sweeney is receiving praise for meeting with freed Israeli hostages, Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or, following their release from Hamas captivity in Gaza Meanwhile, Itai Biran, a diplomat at the Israeli Consulate General to the Midwest in Chicago, wrote on X: 'Turns out it's not just the jeans that fit well, it's the values too.' The UK National Jewish Assembly also applauded the actress, writing: 'Brilliant actor, and genuinely admirable to see her take the time to meet them and show support.' Argamani was held captive by Hamas for 245 days before being freed on June 8, 2024. Her partner, Or, endured 738 days in captivity and was released in October 2025 after more than two years. Last year, Argamani, who is followed by Selma Blair and Ivanka Trump, made TIME's annual list of the world's most influential people. While speaking about the honor to her 206K Instagram followers, Argamani said she was 'humbled to serve as a voice for the hostages who remain in captivity.' In November, she thanked President Donald Trump for his 'unwavering focus and leadership,' which she credited for bringing 'the hostages home.' 'Thank you to everyone who was part of this journey, to those who opened doors, and to everyone who acted, believed, and never ignored us. You kept hope alive. You brought him home. I cannot describe my gratitude; you let our families breathe again,' she wrote in an emotional post to her social media followers. While it was not immediately clear when the meeting took place with Sweeney, Argamani and Or were visiting the United States on vacation at the time. Argamani was held captive by Hamas for 245 days before being freed on June 8, 2024. Her partner, Or, endured 738 days in captivity and was released in October 2025 Last year, Argamani, who is followed by Selma Blair and Ivanka Trump, made TIME's annual list of the world's most influential people Fans were touched by the star's gesture, with many rushing to social media to express that she 'just keeps giving' them 'more reasons to love her every day' The encounter came amid Sweeney's relationship with music executive Scooter Braun, who has frequently spoken at StandWithUs events and has previously met with both Argamani and Or. Braun first met Argamani during a surprise appearance at the Global Citizen Festival in New York in September 2024, later sharing on Instagram that the experience left him 'in tears.' He also reunited with both Argamani and Or during their visit to the U.S. last month, describing the meeting on Instagram as a 'Beautiful night getting to see these two together.' Braun, whose grandparents were Jewish Holocaust survivors, spoke publicly last month following antisemitic terrorist attacks on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Her boyfriend Scooter Braun has frequently spoken at StandWithUs events and has previously met with both Argamani and Or; seen in October 2025 'My Jewish friends feel like everyone is talking about gun violence or a massacre, but no one is talking about the fact that these were Jews in an increasingly hostile and dangerous environment for Jews all around the world,' Braun said in a statement shared by StandWithUs on social media. She and Braun have been dating since around September 2025, after first connecting at Jeff Bezos's wedding in Italy in June 2025. The couple appeared to spend Thanksgiving together at her oceanfront home in the Florida Keys and have taken a number of romantic getaways together. Last month, a source told People: 'Scooter and Sydney are going strong and things between them are great. 'Theyre in a committed relationship and things are serious,' the insider added of their whirlwind, four-month romance. Meanwhile, Sweeney is set to return to the small screen in April in the upcoming third season of HBO's Euphoria. Her character Cassie plays an OnlyFans model in the next instalment of the hit show. For two decades, shes been one of the most respected and authoritative voices of Channel 4s news operation. But in a major blow for the broadcaster, Cathy Newman has announced that she is defecting to Sky News, where she will lead a new daily political news show at 7pm. The Surrey-born journalist, 51, said she cant wait to begin again and return to Westminster in her new role, which will also see her launch a podcast and work on investigations and documentaries. Ms Newman, who studied at Charterhouse and went on to read English at Oxford University, will join current political team Beth Rigby, Sam Coates, Trevor Phillips and Sophy Ridge. She said she was thrilled with the new role and that there couldnt be a more exhilarating time to return to Westminster. She said: Im hugely looking forward to bringing in exclusive interviews and investigations on a brand new programme, and launching a podcast too. Cathy Newman has announced that she is defecting to Sky News, where she will lead a new daily political news show at 7pm, (pictured on Channel 4 news in 2018) The Surrey-born journalist, 51, said she cant wait to begin again and return to Westminster in her new role, which will also see her launch a podcast and work on investigations Ms Newman said it had been a total privilege to work at Channel 4 for 20 years, during which time she covered and broke a number of high-profile stories. In that time Ive interviewed eight Prime Ministers past and present, covered five General Election campaigns, attended 19 party conference seasons, and broken stories that saw the Archbishop of Canterbury quit for the first time in history and an investigation that led to British paedophile Simon Harris being jailed, she said. Ill miss my talented Channel 4 News colleagues enormously, but as Mary Shelley once wrote: The beginning is always today. And I cant wait to begin again. Ms Newman joined Channel 4 in 2006 as Gary Gibbons deputy and went on to become the first female lead presenter of Channel 4 news. Cathy joined Channel 4 in 2006 as Gary Gibbons deputy and went on to become the first female lead presenter of Channel 4 news In the past she has spoken about the sexism she experienced when she last worked in Westminster as a political correspondent, which included inappropriate behaviour and belittling. Her role will be cross-platform as Sky continues to grow its political output and coverage, with the aim to pivot towards a video-first newsroom by 2030. David Rhodes, Executive Chairman of Sky News, said: Cathy has broken some of Britain's biggest stories and brings a clear, engaging style that audiences trust and we're delighted to welcome her to Sky News. Our future plan requires just the kind of premium investigative and political expertise that Cathy will bring to our team. Kristin Davis recalled her awkward first time meeting Tom Cruise while attending the 61st Golden Globe Awards alongside her Sex and the City castmates Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon and Sarah Jessica Parker. The And Just Like That producer-star - turning 61 next month - was the last to arrive from her group and didn't realize they were mingling with the 62-year-old Mission: Impossible producer-star. 'I'm hurrying down the press line to join the other three, and I see that they're talking to some dude,' Davis told People at the Golden Eve celebration last week. 'I'm like, "Why is there a guy in my spot?" So I go up behind him, at which point he turns, and it's Tom Cruise!' The Colorado-born, Brentwood-based beauty had recently watched Cruise's nominated performance in The Last Samurai where his character had long hair. 'I grab his arm and jump up and down like I'm trying to rip his arm out of his shoulder blade,' Davis recalled. Kristin Davis (2-R) recalled her awkward first time meeting Tom Cruise while attending the 61st Golden Globe Awards alongside her Sex and the City castmates Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon and Sarah Jessica Parker 'And then, really stupidly, I say, "I didn't recognize you!" And he says, "You didn't recognize me?" And I'm like, "Well, I just watched The Samurai and your hair was long!"' The Emmy nominee added: 'So, stupid, right? I felt so dumb, but he was so incredibly nice. And then we all took pictures and he told us all how much he loved the show, so it was great.' That same night, SJP scored best actress in TV series (musical/comedy) while Davis, Cattrall and Nixon lost the best supporting actress in a TV series trophy to Angels in America actress Mary-Louise Parker. And the four-time Oscar nominee lost the best performance in a motion picture trophy to Mystic River star Sean Penn. The two-time SAG Award winner bid farewell to her $10 million/season gig executive producing and starring as wealthy 'gallerina' Charlotte York Goldenblatt in HBO Max's dismally-reviewed continuation And Just Like That, which was cancelled last August. When Davis was directly asked whether she was satisfied with the conclusion she scoffed: 'No.' 'It's hard to put into words what this journey has meant to me. Filming And Just Like That has been one of the great joys of my life,' the Melrose Place alum wrote on Instagram last August. The And Just Like That producer-star - turning 61 next month - was the last to arrive from her group and didn't realize they were mingling with the 62-year-old Mission: Impossible producer-star Davis told People at the Golden Eve celebration last week: 'I'm like, "Why is there a guy in my spot?" So I go up behind him, at which point he turns, and it's Tom Cruise!' The Colorado-born, Brentwood-based beauty continued: 'I grab his arm and jump up and down like I'm trying to rip his arm out of his shoulder blade. And then, really stupidly, I say, "I didn't recognize you!" And he says, "You didn't recognize me?" And I'm like, "Well, I just watched The [Last] Samurai and your hair was long!"' Davis added: 'So, stupid, right? I felt so dumb, but he was so incredibly nice. And then we all took pictures and he told us all how much he loved the show, so it was great' That same night, SJP scored best actress in TV series (musical/comedy) while Davis, Cattrall and Nixon lost the best supporting actress in a TV series trophy to Angels in America actress Mary-Louise Parker The two-time SAG Award winner bid farewell to her $10 million/season gig executive producing and starring as wealthy 'gallerina' Charlotte York Goldenblatt in HBO Max's dismally-reviewed continuation And Just Like That, which was cancelled last August When Davis was directly asked whether she was satisfied with the conclusion she scoffed: 'No' The Melrose Place alum - who has yet to secure another acting gig - currently keeps busy hosting her iHeartPodcast, Are You a Charlotte? which frequently features former SATC cast and crew members 'To step back into Charlotte's shoes, to tell new stories with a cast I love, and to share them with all of you has been a gift. I would be thrilled to work with these writers, actors and our stellar crew forever. 'And in my mind Charlotte will be living her life in her own glorious way whether we get to watch her or not. Thanks to all who came along for the ride.' Davis originated the role in the 1997 pilot for HBO hit show Sex and the City, which ran for six seasons and spawned two forgettable big-screen sequels. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust patron - who has yet to secure another acting gig - currently keeps busy hosting her iHeartPodcast, Are You a Charlotte? which frequently features former SATC cast and crew members. The BRIT Awards is hosting its first ever fringe event to showcase the rising talent in Manchester, where this year's awards show will take place for the first time. Under the banner 'Manchester Seen and Heard', BRITs Fringe will highlight local voices and connect emerging talent with the wider music industry. There will be an exciting programme of events, including Fringe Lab, a one-day creative music industry mixer and live showcase at New Century Hall on Friday February 27. In the days leading up to the annual award ceremony, Brighter Sound will host events for young musicians aimed at helping them develop a career in the music industry. BRITs Fringe will also be taken into schools across the city, encouraging institutions to nurture talent at every level. The date when this year's crop of nominees will be announced is Wednesday, January 21. The BRIT Awardsis hosting its first ever fringe event to showcase the rising talent in Manchester (host Jack Whitehall pictured) Local designer Matthew Williamson was enlisted to think up the new design for the trophies It was revealed in June that the BRIT Awards would be moving away from London for the first time in the ceremony's 46-year history. For the 2026 ceremony, which will be hosted by Jack Whitehall, the BRITs will take place in the musical and cultural hub of Manchester - and its trophy is getting an upgrade too. To honour the move, the BRIT trophy will be ditching its opaque design and will instead be made out of transparent amber-coloured resin. Local designer Matthew Williamson was enlisted to think up the new design for the trophies. Matthew explained: 'Cast in a chic amber-toned resin, the statue resembles the golden honey of a worker bee, Manchester's logo, symbolising the city's role during the Industrial Revolution and so much more.' The designer joins an exclusive pantheon of creatives in designing the trophy, including last years designer, Gabriel Moses, as well as Dame Vivienne Westwood, Tracey Emin and Yinka Ilori. The Daily Mail revealed the annual showpiece, regarded as the biggest night in British music, will be held in Manchester next year and is likely to move around the UK in different locations for the foreseeable future. The change will be framed around the desire to reach new audiences in other regions, while also banishing its 'London-centric' reputation. To honour the move to Maanchester, the BRIT trophy will be ditching its opaque design and will instead be made out of transparent amber-coloured resin The BRITs, which has provided iconic moments in music history including Spice Girl Geri Horner's Union Jack dress and Madonna's infamous 2015 stage fall, has been held at London's O2 Arena since 2011. Past venues include Earl's Court, the London Arena, Alexandra Palace, Hammersmith Apollo, the Dominion Theatre, the Royal Albert Hall, the Grosvenor Hotel and its original location, Wembley Conference Centre. But the move away from the capital signals another new era in the ceremony's history, arguably the most seismic. A source told the Daily Mail: 'The BRITs is the biggest night in the British music calendar and now it will be shared with a new audience, as fans from Manchester and the surrounding areas are more likely to attend. 'In recent years, there has been a general appetite for the ceremony to move, as with the The Mercury Prize and The MOBO Awards and now for the first time the music scene won't be as London-centric, both for the nominees and fans.' Meredith Salenger, 55, was one of the cutest actresses in Hollywood movies 30 years ago. And the Malibu native started her career at a young age. Her first movie was a big Disney flick from 1985, The Journey Of Natty Gann. The brunette beauty then costarred with River Phoenix and Matthew Perry in 1988's The Night In The Life Of Jimmy Reardon. After that she started working nonstop: She went on to appear in The Kiss with Joanna Pacula (1988) and Dream A Little Dream with Corey Feldman and Corey Haim (1989). She took time off to study at Harvard University. But then after graduating she worked in Hollywood again. The star has also popped up on Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Dawson's Creek as well as the series Cold Case. The thespian has worked less since marrying The Goldbergs star Patton Oswalt in 2017. See what this childhood friend of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck looks like now. Meredith Salenger, 55, was one of the cutest actresses in Hollywood movies 30 years ago. And the Malibu native started her career at a young age Here is her pretty head shot from the 1990s The actress was seen in a Harvard T-shirt and sweatpants when running errands in Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon. The former child star was makeup free and wore her dark hair up in a messy bun as she held on to a purse. Though she took time award to go to college at Harvard while in her 20s, Salenger made plenty of movies after graduating. She retuned to the big screen with 1991's Edge Of Honor. The artist then worked on 1994's Dead Beat, 1995's Village of the Damned, 1995's Venus Rising, 1997's Sparkle And Charm, 1998's Sour Grapes, 1998's No Code Of Conduct, 1998's Bug Buster, and 1999's Matters of Consequence. That same year she played Deputy Sharon Gare opposite Bridget Fonda and Bill Pullman in the hit chiller film Lake Placid, about a massive and vicious reptile eager to devour anything in its path. She took two years off before she appeared in 2001's Good Advice and My Best Friend's Wife. In 2002 she popped up in The Third Wheel with Ben Affleck, Luke Wilson and Denise Richards. In 2006 she was in The Work and the Glory III: A House Divided then two years later she was in My Apocalypse. The brunette beauty costarred with River Phoenix in 1988's The Night In The Life Of Jimmy Reardon Matthew Perry, far left, was also in the film with Salenger and Phoenix A cast shot of the seminal movie Several movies followed like Race to Witch Mountain, The Lamp, Lego DC Super Hero Girls: Brain Drain, An American Dog Story Daniella, The Second Coming of Christ Dr. Clea, Lego DC Super Hero Girls: Super-Villain High, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies, The Secret Life of Pets 2, Jelly Bean and The Prank. The Star Wars fan worked on the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars. And Salenger voiced a Nightsister ghost in a season three episode of Star Wars Rebels. She also appeared as Lisa Sanders in the drama series Hollywood Heights which lasted 80 episodes. Her love life has been interesting. She hung out with Jason Bateman in 1986, romanced Donovan Leitch Jr that same year and wed comedian Patton Oswalt in 2017. In 2019 Oswalt admitted there was 'some weirdness' when he married Salenger so soon after his wife's death, according to People. In 1986 the actress spent time with Jason Bateman; seen at the Achievement Awards Dinner at Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills Also in 1986 the star dated actor Donovan Leitch; seen in December 1986 dine at Tail o' the Pup Restaurant in West Hollywood Matt Damon is a childhood friends of hers, left. In 2002 she popped up in The Third Wheel with Ben Affleck, right She shared a look at her wild youth in this photo posted on Instagram H.U.D. (l-r) Salenger as Mason Noble and Steve Carell as himself Salenger at the premiere of Northfork at the Arclight Cinema on July 10, 2003 in Hollywood With friend Sarah Michelle Gellar whom she made Buffy The Vampire Slayer with Rob Reiner was a longtime friend of hers. Her husband Patton Oswalt is photo bombing them Salenger and Oswalt looked happy on the blue carpet for the premiere of season two of the hit TV series Ted Lasso in 2021 He was wed to Michelle McNamara, an American true crime author. She was the author of the true crime book I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer, and helped coin the moniker Golden State Killer of the serial killer who was identified after her death as Joseph James DeAngelo/ Oswalt and McNamara tied the knot in 2005 and they had a child together, Alice Rigney Oswalt, now 16. Then the author died unexpectedly in her sleep in April 2016 at age 46 from an undiagnosed heart condition combined with prescription medication. Oswalt announced his engagement to Salenger in July 2017 and the two tied the knot a few months later in November. At the time, his daughter Alice was eight years old. After the couple went public with their romance, they faced some criticism on social media, with some questioning how Oswalt could move on so quickly after the death of his wife. The actress was seen in a Harvard T-shirt and jeans when running errands in Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon The former child star was makeup free and wore her dark hair up in a messy bun Salenger responded, explaining that they had the support of McNamara's family and friends. She added: 'I think for Patton, having met and found love after over a year of intense therapy and openly grieving and dealing with his pain 'I am grateful to be the one who helps him climb out of the depths of grief and find some joy again. And most of all Alice is happy and feels loved.' Salenger continued: 'I have waited 47 years to find true love. Creating our family unit while honoring the brilliant gift Michelle has given me will be my life's goal and happiness. 'I am deeply in love with both Patton and Alice and very much looking forward to a beautiful happy life having adventures together.' Mandy Moore has opened up about the quiet grief that can come with changing friendships amid the ongoing backlash surrounding Ashley Tisdale's controversial 'toxic mom group' essay. While appearing on Wednesday's episode of Conversations With Cam, the This Is Us, 41, star reflected on how motherhood has reshaped her closest relationships. 'Do you feel like you have seen friendships, sort of, take a different course?' Moore asked host Cameron Rogers during their conversation. Moore went on to explain that she has found herself gravitating toward parents in the same stage of life. 'I have friends who have kids that are older, and I have found that the people I'm closest with in my life right now are people who are at the same chapter of their lives as parents. Like, we have kids the same age,' she said. 'I've had to sort of mourn in a way, not the loss of those friendships, but how they've changed.' Rogers reassured the actress that such shifts are common, noting that parents often stay closest to those navigating the same milestones. Mandy Moore has opened up about the quiet grief that can come with friendships amid the ongoing backlash surrounding Ashley Tisdale's controversial 'toxic mom group' essay 'I have friends who have kids the exact same age as mine. I have friends who have kids that are older. The reality is, you're going to be more in contact with people who are your [kids'] exact age,' Rogers said. Moore admitted the changes still 'surprised' her. The actress, who shares sons August, 4, and Oscar, 3, and daughter Louise, 15 months, with husband Taylor Goldsmith, added that some relationships no longer feel like her immediate support system. 'I just assumed all of these relationships would continue to not that they don't serve me, but, they wouldn't be the first people I would reach out to right now when I'm like, "Gus has changed his mind seven times about what he wants to be for Halloween."' Moore's comments come just days after she seemingly weighed in on the backlash surrounding Tisdale's viral essay about feeling excluded from a once-tight-knit mom group. Last week, Moore showed support for Matthew Koma, the husband of Hilary Duff, after he slammed Tisdale's essay as 'self obsessed' and 'tone deaf.' Moore reshared an Instagram Story from Koma that showed her performing her hit song Candy at a California benefit concert marking the anniversary of the Pacific Palisades fires. 'This feels incredibly fitting as @matthewkoma happens to be one [of] the most talented and generous humans I'm lucky to know,' Moore wrote. While appearing on Wednesday's episode of Conversations With Cam, the This Is Us star reflected on how motherhood has reshaped her closest relationships Moore went on to explain that she has found herself gravitating toward parents in the same stage of life She also revealed that Duff and Koma opened their home to her family during the Pacific Palisades evacuation. Earlier this month, Tisdale made headlines for her The Cut essay, titled Breaking Up With My Toxic Mom Group, which detailed her experience feeling frozen out during her postpartum period. While she did not name anyone directly, fans quickly speculated the group included Duff, Moore and Meghan Trainor, particularly after Tisdale unfollowed Moore and Duff on Instagram. Tisdale, who shares daughter Jupiter, 5, and son Emerson, 16 months, with husband Christopher French, had previously praised the same mom circle as her 'village' following Jupiter's birth in 2021. Earlier this month, Tisdale made headlines for her The Cut essay, titled Breaking Up With My Toxic Mom Group, which detailed her experience feeling frozen out during her postpartum period. Matthew Koma, the husband of Hilary Duff, slammed Tisdale's essay as 'self obsessed' and 'tone deaf.' In her essay, Tisdale wrote that she began noticing she was no longer invited to gatherings she later saw posted on social media. 'It took me back to an unpleasant but familiar feeling I thought I'd left behind years ago,' she wrote. 'Here I was sitting alone one night after getting my daughter to bed thinking "Maybe I'm not cool enough?"' She ultimately said she texted the group to step away, writing: 'This is too high school for me and I don't want to take part in it anymore.' 'To be clear I have never considered the moms to be bad people (maybe one),' she added. 'But I do think our group dynamic stopped being healthy and positive - for me anyway.' In her essay, Tisdale wrote that she began noticing she was no longer invited to gatherings she later saw posted on social media; seen in 2025 Meanwhile, speculation intensified after Duff's sister Haylie was seen liking a social media post promoting Tisdale's essay, a move that did not go unnoticed given long-running rumors of tension between the Duff sisters. Duff and Moore, however, appear to remain close. The longtime friends have spoken openly about their bond and were recently seen sharing photos from a festive holiday outing with their children. The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Tisdale, Ryan, Duff and Moore for comment. Chilling new details have emerged in the tragic case of Tommy Lee Jones's daughter Victoria, whose death on New Years Day came after her fathers long-standing concern for her well-being. Two years before her death, the Men in Black star petitioned the court in an effort to protect his daughter through a temporary conservatorship. According to the Marin County Superior Court docket reviewed by the Daily Mail, Jones, 79, filed the petition on August 7, 2023, seeking to establish a conservatorship for his 31-year-old daughter. The Marin County Superior Court confirmed to the Daily Mail that Tommy filed in Probate Court. The public docket doesnt reveal the exact circumstances that led to the filing, and medical records and supporting declarations remain confidential. At the time of the filing, however, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Victoria was being held at a hospital in Greenbrae under a 14-day psychiatric hold after authorities determined she could be a danger to herself or others. Chilling new details have emerged in the tragic case of Tommy LeeJoness daughter Victoria, whose death on New Years Daycame after years of concern that prompted her father to seek a temporary conservatorship; (pictured 2023) According to the Marin County Superior Court docket reviewed by the Daily Mail, Jones, 79, filed the petition on August 7, 2023, seeking to establish a conservatorship for his 31-year-old daughter; (Victoria and Tommy Lee in 2017) The outlet also noted that Tommys petition said his daughter was appealing the hold and requested that a conservator arrange for her transfer to a drug rehabilitation facility 'immediately upon her release.' After a judge granted the request, Tommy later asked the court to dismiss the matter, per the outlet. The docket shows the judge officially terminated the conservatorship on December 18, 2023. The Daily Mail has not received a response from representatives for Tommy Lee Jones regarding the new conservatorship details. The revelations come just a week after troubling new photos surfaced of the actor, marking his first public outing since his daughters tragic death. Victoria Jones was found unresponsive on the 14th floor of San Franciscos upscale Fairmont Hotel by a fellow guest in the early hours of New Years Day. No official cause of death has been released, though reports have cited a suspected overdose amid a history of alleged cocaine and alcohol use. On January 6, new images obtained by the Daily Mail show Tommy Lee Jones looking frail and leaning heavily on his third wife, Dawn Laurel-Jones, while limping during an outing in San Antonio, Texas. At the time of the filing, however, the San Francisco Chronicle reportedVictoria was being held at a hospital in Greenbrae under a 14-day psychiatric hold after authorities determined she could be a danger to herself or others; (Dawn Laurel-Jones, Victoria and Tommy Lee in 2017) An insider commented on the Men in Black stars solemn demeanor: He is not himself right now. The source added, Tommy is heartbroken. For a tough guy and one that usually has it all together, the stress of losing a child has clearly hit him like a ton of bricks. In the wake of Victorias death, troubling details about her final months have surfaced, including encounters with law enforcement. The Daily Mail obtained a June mugshot showing what appears to be a bruise under her eye. She was arrested twice in 2025. In April, Napa Valley authorities conducted a wellness check and charged her with driving under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and resisting arrest. Court documents note a plastic bag containing a white substance - believed to be cocaine - was found in her pocket at booking. She pleaded not guilty and had been scheduled to appear in court later this month. In June, Victoria was arrested again following a domestic violence incident at Napas Carneros Resort and Spa, where rooms start at around $500 per night. After a judge granted the request, Tommy later asked the court to dismiss the matter, per the outlet Separate court filings also show she faced allegations of elder abuse, to which she also pleaded not guilty. Victoria was discovered at the Fairmont after a hotel guest reportedly mistook her for being intoxicated and alerted staff. Employees attempted CPR and called paramedics. A 911 call described the incident as a code 3 for the overdose, color change. A spokesperson for the San Francisco Police Department confirmed: On 1/1/26 at approximately 3:14 a.m., San Francisco Police officers responded to a hotel located on the 900 block of Mason Street regarding a report of a deceased person. At the scene, officers met with medics, who declared the adult female deceased. The Medical Examiner arrived on scene and conducted an investigation. Victoria was born in 1991 and made her screen debut at age 11 with a cameo in her fathers Men in Black II (2002). She later appeared in a 2005 episode of One Tree Hill and that same year in The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, directed by her father. Though she stepped away from acting as an adult, Victoria occasionally joined Tommy on the red carpet, including the 2017 premiere of Just Getting Started and the Tokyo International Film Festival later that year. After directing Victoria in his film, Tommy praised her talents in a 2006 interview, calling her a good actress who spoke impeccable Spanish. The actor won his only Oscar in 1994 for The Fugitive, which he starred in alongside Harrison Ford. Denise Richards' daughter Sami Sheen has accused her sister Lola of secretly dating an ex of hers. The 21-year-old OnlyFans model made the allegation on TikTok, but did not identify the former flame. Lola has since denied the allegations, calling it a 'complete lie' in a lengthy statement. Sami claimed to have discovered the alleged relationship after going through her ex's phone and finding over 300 deleted text messages between him and Lola. In the shocking video, Sami appeared stunned as she sat silently before the camera. 'Imagine finding out your sister and ex boyfriend have been seeing each other behind your back this whole time,' she wrote. Denise Richards' daughter Sami Sheen has accused her sister Lola of secretly dating an ex of hers 'behind her back' Sami sheen made the allegation in a TikTok video of her looking stunned The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Sami and Lola's parents, Denise and her ex-husband Charlie Sheen, for comment but did not immediately hear back. The Lana del Rey song 'Norman F***king Rockwell' served as the video's soundtrack. ''Cause you're just a man/It's just what you do/Your head in your hands/As you color me blue,' the lyrics said. Sami alleged she found evidence of the alleged relationship after going through her ex's phone. 'went through his phone and saw over 300 deleted texts between them,' she told one curious TikToker. She also alleged her sister, a devout Christian, had given her ex a Bible. In a lengthy statement, Lola hit back against the allegations and insisted there was no truth to them. 'I am never one to defend myself against my sister anymore because I genuinely dont care. But I couldnt let this one slide,' she posted to TikTok. 'I am single, I am not talking to anyone, and Im definitely not dating her ex-boyfriend. That is absolutely the one thing I will share my side for because this is unbelievable. Sami shared details behind the alleged betrayal She alleged her sister, a devout Christian, gave her ex a Bible She claimed to have discovered the alleged relationship after going through her ex's phone and finding over 300 deleted text messages between him and Lola The siblings are the children of Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen 'Not that this is anyone business, but the truth is my mom hired her ex boyfriend to take care of my moms dogs and basically clean our whole house, so he has been working for her almost everyday. 'I was living with roommates, and had to move back home for the meantime until I move into another place. I was absolutely not speaking to her ex boyfriend, but then my mom allowed him to move into our office, across the hall from me. 'I would absolutely NEVER do anything with my sister ex boyfriend. We have had a few conversations because it's hard to completely ignore someone who is in the same home as me now, which was NOT my choice. And we have completely different types in men. 'This is not a situation I want to be in at all, but I truly have no control until God provides a different place for me to move into. I have absolutely not been seeing her ex boyfriend. That is a complete lie. You can believe whatever you want because I really don't know any of you personally, and only the people closest to me know that this is not true at all. 'My sister has always posted things about me online to get people to hate on me, with absolutely no context at all.' Lola insisted there was no truth to the allegations her sister made in a lengthy statement In a lengthy statement, Lola hit back against the allegations and insisted there was no truth to them The sisters have certainly had a fractured relationship that has played out publicly - with the family's reality show, Denise Richards and her Wild Things - revealing the sisters went a year without speaking to one another. The series showed the siblings' rivalry and how their mother was attempting to repair their feud. Apart from their differences, the sisters grew further apart after drama that unfolded following Sami's breakup with her boyfriend, who happened to be Lola's best friend. During the debut, fans found out for the first time that Lola and Sami did not speak to each other for a year because of drama with a man - which was 'very misinterpreted on the show,' Lola told The Daily Mail last year in an exclusive interview. The restaurant hostess summarized it as when she was 16, she, her boyfriend at the time and his friend ended up getting into a car crash. Afterwards, she ended up becoming really close to her boyfriend's friend because of the 'traumatic experience.' Her sister then met her guy friend and they dated for a short time before breaking up. Their family's reality show, Denise Richards and her Wild Things, revealed the sisters went a year without speaking to one another 'I didn't want to just end my friendship with him because I still had sort of the same friends,' she explained. 'So initially, she was just upset that I still had him a part of my life, but it felt unfair to me, because I was best friends with him before.' Lola revealed that everything is 'definitely good today' between her and Sami and teased that Sami could be back together with the man that drove a wedge between them in the first place. The content creator, who has the Heavenly Bonded podcast, went on to say that she and Sami mended their relationship on Thanksgiving 2024 when the family was celebrating together at Denise's house. 'It was so special. We just like ended up talking. And then our best friends were there,' she recalled. 'So they were like, "Guys, you just have to work this out." 'And then we ended up talking and laughing together, and it was really sweet.' Several months later, drama between the siblings erupted online. In June, Sami accused Lola of being homophobic and transphobic in a series of emotional TikTok videos, alleging that Lola had reposted conservative Christian content she felt mocked LGBTQ and transgender people. Sami said she chose to speak out publicly because the posts were visible to anyone and because she herself is part of the LGBTQ community. 'It's honestly disgusting, close-minded behavior,' she said at the time, urging her sister to reconsider her views. Sami went on to urge Lola to 'put the bible down - it's gonna be OK, you can live without it for five minutes - and pick up a pride flag and support the f***ing community.' 'I don't know if you've realized, it is pride month, and you reposting those things during pride month is just otherworldly,' she continued as her fury escalated. 'I don't know who you are anymore. This is not you. We were not raised like this. 'And I am embarrassed. I am f***ing embarrassed that my own sister is a homophobe,' Sami added before signing off. 'Do better! Seriously!' Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson are leading the stars at the World Premiere of Bridgerton season four in Paris. The pair, who star in the hit Netflix series, posed together on the red carpet for the glitzy launch. The world premiere is taking place at Palais Brongniart in Paris, France. Yerin Ha oozed class as she posed on the carpet for pictures, wearing an ivory blue halter neck style dress that featured a long train. Her makeup was perfect as she wore Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer. Meanwhile, Luke looked dapper in an all black suit for the evening. Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson have been pictured at the World Premiere of Bridgerton season four in London Yerin Ha oozed class as she posed on the carpet for pictures, wearing an ivory blue halter neck style dress that featured a long train Other stars pictured walking the red carpet include British actress Claudia Jessie who stunned in a gorgeous black suit Other stars pictured walking the red carpet include British actress Claudia Jessie who stunned in a gorgeous black suit. The outfit featured a classy floral print, with Claudia wearing her hair slicked back for the event. Actress Florence Hunt was also snapped in a shoulderless dress that featured pockets as she posed on the carpet. Will Tilston, who plays Gregory in the period drama, looked smart on the carpet in a black velvet tux. Emma Naomi, Adjoa Andoh, Hannah Dodd and Victor Alli have also been snapped as they headed inside the screening. British-Nigerian actor Martins Imhangbe looked dapper as he posed with Emma Naomi for a picture. Bridgerton Season four will arrive in two parts, with Part 1 premiering January 29th and Part 2 on February 26th. Only on Netflix. As revealed in the trailer, the fourth season is set to focus on Benedict (Luke Thompson), who has yet to find a wife despite his older and younger brothers all being paired off. Actress Florence Hunt was also snapped in a shoulderless dress that featured pockets as she posed on the carpet Will Tilston, who plays Gregory in the period drama, looked smart on the carpet in a black velvet tux Tabitha Swatosh drew attention with her eye-grabbing dress for the premiere British actor Victor Alli arrives British actress Emma Naomi showed off her striking figure Adjoa Andoh attending the world premiere of season four British-Nigerian actor Martins Imhangbe looked dapper as he posed with Emma Naomi for a picture Hannah Dodd looked incredible in her black number for the premiere Claudia Jessie, Florence Hunt and Will Tilston pose together on the carpet The first season of the Regency-era romance was released back in December 2020 - and five years later fans are waiting for Season 4 (following Benedict Bridgerton's love story) to drop. After an initial sneak peak released on Valentine's Day 2025, Netflix dropped another official teaser for the next installment, featuring Benedict wearing a mask, walking urgently through a masquerade ball. Women around him are vying for his attention, but he stops short as he stumbles upon Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha's character) admiring a chandelier. He continues to watch her in adoration, until a gentleman asks her for a dance. The scene cuts and the words 'COMING 2026' flash across the screen. But rather than react to the scenery or exchange itself, fans focused on one thing: the release date. And they are not happy about it. The world premiere is taking place at Palais Brongniart in Paris, France Shonda Rhimes attending the world premiere of season four of the Netflix costume drama Bridgerton French model Cindy Bruna arrives British actress Lorraine Ashbourne Ruth Gemmell stunned in a red dress for the premiere as she smiled for the cameras Hugh Sachs and Golda Rosheuvel pose together on the carpet before entering the screening Olandria Carthen also pictured in a striking look French model and Miss France 2026 Hinaupoko Deveze The most recent season of Bridgerton (focusing on Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton's romance) was released back in May 2024 - with the second half following a month later. Waiting two years for an eight-episode season doesn't seem to be worth it for a lot of viewers. 'This is ridiculous, I'm sorry eight episodes of TV should not take that long,' one user on X, formerly Twitter, shared. 'Two years for eight episodes,' another posted alongside a meme of a man rubbing his forehead in stress. 'Still absolutely no reason for a show like this to come out every other year,' another angry fan wrote. 'Like wtf is the TV industry.' China to promote high-quality development of intelligent connected NEV industry Xinhua) 15:48, January 14, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- China will promote the high-quality development of the intelligent connected new energy vehicle (NEV) industry over the next years, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said on Wednesday. A five-year plan for the development of the industry will be formulated, the ministry said, noting that the plan will be coordinated with related energy and infrastructure strategies to guide industrial innovation across the sector. A new round of high-quality development initiatives for key industrial chains will be implemented, with increased investment in research on landmark products, basic materials and software tools. Meanwhile, China will accelerate breakthroughs in key technologies such as all-solid-state batteries and high-level autonomous driving. Measures will be taken to further expand automobile consumption, advance vehicle trade-in programs, promote large-scale application of new energy heavy-duty trucks, deepen NEV insurance reforms, and stimulate diversified consumption potential, according to the ministry. Support will also be provided for international cooperation in trade, investment and technology, guiding enterprises to make rational, orderly and safe overseas layouts and fostering a new landscape of global industrial cooperation in the sector, the ministry said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Ryan Coogler got visibly emotional as he drew attention to the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week. While accepting the Best Original Screenplay for Sinners at the National Board of Review Awards gala on Tuesday, Coogler admitted his mind was far from the ballroom. He explained that while he was physically in New York, his heart remained in Minnesota, where tensions have escalated since Good was shot and killed during an immigration protest last Wednesday. 'It's tough to be here and not think about Minnesota. My heart is there right now I can't be here and not think about Renee,' Coogler told the audience, as he fought back tears. The filmmaker went on to reflect on the eerie parallel to his last appearance at the National Board of Review Awards more than a decade ago, when he was honored in 2014 for Fruitvale Station, a film depicting the real-life killing of Oscar Grant by a transit police officer. 'I was young and naive and I thought the movie was going to change the world, in making sure that we don't see people executed by civil servants on camera anymore,' Coogler said, acknowledging how painfully little progress he feels has been made since then. Ryan Coogler got visibly emotional as he drew attention to the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week Good, a 37-year-old prize-winning poet and mother of three, was later identified by her mother, Donna Ganger, who spoke to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune following the shooting. 'She was probably terrified,' Ganger said, disputing reports that her daughter was involved in any violent protest activity. 'That's so stupid. Renee was one of the kindest people I've ever known.' Ganger described her daughter as 'extremely compassionate,' adding, 'She's taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving and affectionate. She was an amazing human being.' Good grew up in Colorado Springs and was living in Minneapolis with her partner, whose name has not been publicly released. She was previously married to comedian Timothy Macklin, who died in 2023. The couple shared a six-year-old son, who is now orphaned. 'There's nobody else in his life,' Macklin's father told the newspaper. 'I'll drive. I'll fly. To come and get my grandchild.' According to authorities, Good was shot three times in the face after ICE agents ordered her to exit her vehicle during a protest. During his speech, he said his heart remained in Minnesota, where tensions have escalated since Good (pictured) was shot and killed during an immigration protest last Wednesday 'It's tough to be here and not think about Minnesota. My heart is there right now I can't be here and not think about Renee,' Coogler told the audience, as he fought back tears Officials claim she ignored commands, reversed her SUV and attempted to drive away. The Department of Homeland Security alleged that Good 'weaponized her vehicle,' with DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin describing the incident as an 'act of domestic terrorism' and saying the agent fired 'defensive shots' while fearing for his life. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem echoed that assessment, insisting the officer acted 'quickly and defensively' to protect himself and others. Witnesses, however, dispute the government's account. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly rejected the DHS narrative, calling it 'bulls**t' and accusing federal officials of spinning the incident as self-defense. 'We do not want you here,' Frey said at a press conference. 'Your stated reason for being in this city is safety and you are doing exactly the opposite.' Good, a 37-year-old poet and mother of three, was later identified by her mother, Donna Ganger, who spoke to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune following the shooting A man (above) is arrested by Federal Agents outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility last week Video circulating online appears to show Good's vehicle turning away from agents as shots rang out. Her SUV later crashed into parked cars and a light pole, with a visible bullet hole in the driver-side windshield. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz urged calm while criticizing DHS' public statements as 'propaganda,' pledging a 'full, fair, and expeditious investigation.' The FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are now investigating the shooting. The tragedy has sparked outrage far beyond Minnesota, with Hollywood figures also weighing in. At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Mark Ruffalo and several other stars wore pins reading 'Be Good' and 'ICE Out' in honor of Good and others killed by ICE agents. The protest, supported by advocacy groups including the ACLU and National Domestic Workers Alliance, was meant to highlight what organizers described as a growing pattern of aggressive federal enforcement tactics. Lydia Bright showed off her incredible figure in a racy cut-out strapless swimsuit as she revealed she has been 'stranded' on an African island for days. The TOWIE alum, 34, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share snaps from her lavish family trip to Zanzibar. Lydia was joined on the trip by her four-year-old daughter Loretta Rose, mother Debbie and her husband Dave, influencer sister Romana, brother Freddie and his partner Lucy Burgess. The reality star turned heads in one snap as she posed for a mirror selfie in a black bandeau Melissa Odabash swimsuit featuring multiple cut-outs on the bodice displaying her toned abs. Lydia was also seen wearing the swimsuit as she drew pictures in the sand at the beach with her daughter Loretta Rose. In her post, Lydia revealed she had ended up on stranded on the island due to flight cancellations and their trip to Zanzibar was longer than expected. Lydia Bright showed off her incredible figure in a racy cut-out strapless swimsuit on Instagram on Wednesday as she revealed she has been 'stranded' on an African island for days Lydia was also seen wearing the swimsuit as she drew pictures in the sand at the beach with her daughter Loretta Rose In another snap Lydia was beaming as she posed in front of a treehouse villa wearing a chiffon leopard print beach dress, also from Melissa Odabash. 'The best fake birthday a gal could ask for ,' she wrote. 'This time next week I'll be turning 35. I'm due to be away on a work trip (assuming my airline doesn't cancel my flight again. Twice already, honestly you couldn't make our airline luck this trip.) 'We were meant to be home at the start of the week, but when plans change, you make new memories. I didn't want my baby to know I'd be away for my birthday, so we faked it a little earlier. 'A barefoot day on my favourite beach in Zanzibar, followed by dinner at the iconic Rock Restaurant. Stranded on the island but I can think of far worse places to be.' It comes days after her mum Debbie showed off her youthful figure in a black bikini during the lavish trip. The former reality TV star, 64, posed up a storm on the beach in the flattering two piece swimwear. The star, who is a foster carer and has taken in over 200 children in her 30 years of work, took some well-deserved downtime on her jaunt. Sharing snaps from the trip, Debbie penned: 'Zanzibar will forever hold a place in my heart for reminding me that life is full of blessings.' The reality star turned heads in one snap as she posed for a mirror selfie in a black bandeau Melissa Odabash swimsuit featuring multiple cut-outs on the bodice displaying her toned abs In another snap Lydia was beaming as she posed in front of a treehouse villa wearing a chiffon leopard print beach dress, also from Melissa Odabash Lydia was joined on the trip by her four-year-old daughter Loretta Rose, mother Debbie and her husband Dave, influencer sister Romana, brother Freddie and his partner Lucy Burgess She added: 'As we leave Nungwi I look back as we load into a taxi to head to Seronera our next adventure... Serengeti known all over the world for the very best wildlife sanctuary and of course THE GREAT MIGRATION... 'I turn and look at our hotel which believe me was more like a hostel, limited water and hours without electricity, this seemed like such a big deal when we arrived exhausted, but it's part of the charm of this totally chaotic place. 'Yes you can book into luxury and stay in your hotels but not us, why travel and not embrace every inch of it. 'You get good and bad where ever you travel in the world but believe me when I say the majority of the people were warm, kind and generous with their time. 'I loved the rawness of this wonderful place, it's relatively unspoilt at the moment so visit before it's spoilt with hotels overtaking their shorelines. I am sad to leave, but all good things come to an end. 'We as a family have laughed and cried, we have danced non stop to the music blasting from every bar, it makes you believe that dancing what ever you dance to makes you feel alive again.' It comes days after her mum Debbie showed off her youthful figure in a black bikini during the trip The former reality TV star, 64, posed up a storm on the beach in the flattering two piece swimwear Debbie burst on to TV screens nearly 15 years ago in a supporting role on The Only Way Is Essex as the mother of her reality star daughter Lydia, before garnering huge praise from fans as one of the loving mums of the show. While she has kept her fostering off screens, Debbie has always spoken with passion about the work yet admits there are difficulties with the job. She told Daily Mail in 2018: 'The hardest thing is when you have to give up babies, when you take a baby from a week old, a year or 18 months have to move on, that's heartbreaking. You have to remember you are just part of their journey... 'Some of the behaviours are so difficult to deal with. It's much harder to unlearn behaviours than to learn them. If you don't get a child until they're 10, sometimes you can break through but sometimes you can't... 'You know that child is going to have a difficult life, but they have to go through that journey to become that person they'll become in later life'. Ariana Madix and ex Tom Sandoval have finally settled a legal battle over their $2 million Los Angeles home following their very public split nearly three years earlier. The 40-year-old TV personality first filed the lawsuit in January 2024 against Sandoval - wanting to sell the residence that they formerly lived in before their breakup and his cheating scandal. She wanted to sell the property which they had initially purchased back in 2019 - and then divide the proceeds with her ex-boyfriend, 43. In documents obtained by The Daily Mail on Wednesday, the former couple reached a 'conditional' settlement - which was revealed in a notice filed by representatives of Madix in the Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday. The dismissal of the case will be determined on the 'completion of specified terms' - although further details were not disclosed. A final hearing is scheduled for next month on February 5 but Madix and Sandoval could go to trial if the specific terms of the agreement are not met. That trial would take place on February 17. Ariana Madix, 40, and ex Tom Sandoval, 43, have finally settled a legal battle over their $2 million Los Angeles home following their very public split nearly three years earlier; seen in 2022 in Santa Monica Two years ago in January 2024, Madix first filed the lawsuit against her ex over the $2 million home they bought during their relationship in the San Fernando Valley. In documents also obtained by The Daily Mail at the time, the former couple had differing viewpoints on what to do with the property. Madix wanted a 'partition by sale' which would mean a judge would order the pair to sell the home so they could split the profits. However, she did not want a 'division in kind' which would allow each of them to retain their ownership interest in the property and that could lead to one of them possibly selling to a third party. Just weeks later, her ex notably rejected the request due to Madix not offering 'sufficient facts to state cause of action' against him. He also wanted to keep the home for himself and claimed he offered his ex-girlfriend $3.1 million cash for the residence, which she turned down. Later that same year, Sandoval claimed that both he and Madix had agreed to sell the home they had once shared. The pair had briefly continued living together underneath the same roof despite 'Scandoval,' in which the Vanderpump Rules alum cheated on Madix with their castmate Rachel Leviss. The dismissal of the case will be determined on the 'completion of specified terms' - although further details were not disclosed A final hearing is scheduled for next month on February 5 but Madix and Sandoval could go to trial if the specific terms of the agreement are not met The pair had briefly continued living together underneath the same roof despite 'Scandoval,' in which the Vanderpump Rules alum cheated on Madix with their castmate Rachel Leviss; Leviss seen in 2024 in L.A. 'The house is going on the market. [We are] selling the house, getting it ready,' he alleged in October 2024 during an episode of his Everybody Loves Tom podcast. Madix also explained to People at the time the lawsuit drama began, 'I own the house. 'I felt like it was the last thing, and I'm just really motivated to be able to get my investment that I made into the house out so that I can make another investment and be able to fully move on from being tied to that.' Madix and Sandoval's nine-year relationship came to an explosive end after the revelation of his affair. The aftermath played out on episodes of the Bravo reality series Vanderpump Rules - which has since gotten an entirely new cast. Madix has moved into a new home of her own after she purchased a $1.6 million Hollywood Hills property. She has also moved on with her love life and sparked up a romance with Daniel Wai shortly after her breakup from Sandoval. 'He is so incredible. He's so smart. He's so supportive. He's so cute. He's just constantly in my corner,' the TV personality previously gushed to People. She has also moved on with her love life and sparked up a romance with Daniel Wai shortly after her breakup from Sandoval; seen in March 2025 in L.A. 'And he's someone that I look up to and I feel like would be, if someone were to have told me five years ago before I ever met him I'm dating this guy, I'd be like, "Wow."' Sandoval has been dating model Victoria Lee Robinson since 2024 and he has also given updates about their own romance. Last year during an interview with The Daily Dish at BravoCon 2025 in Las Vegas, he opened up about their current 'chapter.' He also commented on how his girlfriend's mother is a big fan of reality television. 'Well, this chapter, it's been so great. I'll tell you what. Like, being with somebody who's not fully engrossed in reality TV - her mom is, but she's not - again, it's so great.' The media personality added, 'Like, somebody who can take you at face value, you know, that's been so great.' Sandoval has been dating model Victoria Lee Robinson since 2024 and he has also given updates about their own romance Sandoval also expressed that they may move in together during the star-studded event and said, 'I think we found a place together. She's at her own place. I think we found a place.' In regards to when they may take the major step in their relationship, he told The Daily Mail, 'I think that's happening soon.' Sandoval further added, 'We really enjoyed just having our time together and growing in our relationship.' Madix has also been keeping busy and recently took on a number of hosting gigs such as on Love Island USA and The Voice. Shock new claims have emerged about Kiefer Sutherland's alleged altercation with a rideshare driver in Hollywood on Monday. Sutherland, 59, was arrested after reports of a driver being assaulted, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, the Daily Mail confirmed. According to the LAPD, officers responded to a radio call about an 'assault involving a rideshare driver' shortly after midnight. The suspect, who was later identified as Sutherland, allegedly got into the vehicle near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue and assaulted the driver before threatening them, according to the police statement. The 24 star was subsequently arrested on suspicion of criminal threats. The felony charge covers situations in which a person threatens to kill someone or cause serious bodily injury in order to inspire fear. Now, TMZ reports that Sutherland was arrested for allegedly threatening to kill an Uber driver who refused to pull over and let him out of the vehicle. Shock new claims have emerged about Kiefer Sutherland's alleged altercation with a rideshare driver in Hollywood on Monday; pictured in January 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Sutherland, 59, was arrested after reports of a driver being assaulted, according to the Los AngelesPolice Department, the Daily Mail confirmed. According to the LAPD, officers responded to a radio call about an 'assault involving a rideshare driver' shortly after midnight on Monday; pictured in January 2004 in Beverly Hills It was claimed Sutherland told police he was having dinner with a friend Sunday night and later in the evening, called an Uber Black. According to TMZ Sutherland climbed into the luxury car and was en-route to his home when it was claimed he asked the driver to 'pull over and let him out.' The actor told police the driver refused, leading to the actor asking 'twice more' for the driver to pull over, 'to no avail.' The Uber driver claimed Sutherland reportedly 'threatened to kill him if he didn't pull over' and the driver also claimed Sutherland 'assaulted him with his hands' according to TMZs report. The driver called 911. Police told Daily Mail that driver did not sustain any injuries requiring medical treatment. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Sutherland and Uber for comment and has yet to hear back. When asked, the LAPD shared its prior statement to Daily Mail, which did not confirm what exactly Sutherland or the driver reportedly said. Following his arrest, Sutherland was booked at 4:23 a.m. at the LAPD's Hollywood division. Sutherland was released at 11:30 a.m. on Monday on a $50,000 bond, according to LA Sheriff's Department records viewed by the Daily Mail. Now, law enforcement sources have claimed to TMZ that Sutherland was arrested for allegedly threatening to kill an Uber driver who refused to pull over and let him out of the vehicle; pictured in November 2025 in London The LAPD noted that detectives from its Hollywood Division are continuing to investigate the incident. An initial court date for the case has been set for February 2. Sutherland's arrest was previously reported on by NBC4 in Los Angeles. The star has had multiple previous run-ins with the law. In 2007, Sutherland pleaded no contest to driving under the influence after he failed a field sobriety test. No parties involved in the altercation had injuries requiring medical attention at the scene; Sutherland is pictured with his father, the late acting icon Donald Sutherland, in 2008 Because he had previously been convicted of a DUI in 2004, Sutherland was sentenced to 48 days in jail for the 2007 offense, according to People. In 2009, Sutherland was arrested for assault for head-butting the fashion designer Jack McCollough after a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. However, the charges were later dropped after Sutherland publicly apologized to McCollough in a joint statement from the two men. The actor spoke about his history with alcohol in a 2016 interview with People. 'I was never the guy, if something was wrong in my life or something wasn't right, I didn't go drown my sorrows,' Sutherland said. 'One of the things I love to do is go out with my friends and tell stories and have a bunch of drinks... 'I can also look back on my life and tell you very squarely that the only bad things that have ever happened to me in my life have been because I like to go to bars and have drinks with my friends,' he continued. 'I would be lying if I told you that there weren't moments where I felt I let it get away from me.' Sutherland is the oldest son of the late acting icon Donald Sutherland, who died in June 2024 at 88. He also has a twin sister, Rachel, as well as younger brothers Roeg, 51; Rossif, 47; and Angus, 43. The actor is best known for starring as counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer on Fox's massively popular thriller 24. Sutherland faced assault charges in 2009 for head-butting the fashion designer Jack McCollough, but they were dropped after he publicly apologized; pictured in 2023 at the Cambridge Folk Festival in the UK Sutherland (R) scored one of his earliest roles in the late Rob Reiner's acclaimed coming-of-age drama Stand By Me (1986) His profile increased substantially with Joel Schumacher's teen vampire film The Lost Boys (1987), and other early films included 1988's Young Guns, as well as Flatliners (1990), which paired him with Julia Roberts and Kevin Bacon; pictured in The Lost Boys with Jami Gertz Sutherland has worked with acclaimed auteurs in recent years, including the late William Friedkin in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (2023) and Clint Eastwood in his acclaimed courtroom thriller Juror #2 (2024); pictured in November in London The show featured a novel structure in which each of a season's 24 episodes played in an approximation of real time over the course of a single day. The series' focus on terrorism when it premiered in November 2001 keyed into national fears following the September 11 terrorist attacks, and 24 ran for 8 seasons through 2010 including a 2008 TV movie and a 12-episode follow-up series in 2014. The show kick-started a career revival for Sutherland, who first rose to fame with a string of acclaimed films in the 1980s. He made his screen debut in 1983's Max Dugan Returns which starred his father and followed it up with a supporting role in Rob Reiner's acclaimed coming-of-age film Stand By Me (1986). Last month, Sutherland spoke about working with Reiner for a CBS News special following the shocking murders of the filmmaker and his wife Michele, allegedly at the hand of their son Nick. Sutherland's profile increased substantially with Joel Schumacher's teen vampire film The Lost Boys (1987). Other early films include 1988's Young Guns and its 1990 sequel, as well as Flatliners from the same year, which paired him with Julia Roberts and Kevin Bacon. Sutherland later starred on Fox's Touch (20122013) and CBS's Designated Survivor (20162019). On the big screen, the actor has recently worked with iconic auteurs, including the late William Friedkin in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (2023) and Clint Eastwood in his acclaimed courtroom thriller Juror #2 (2024). Ariana Grande made rare comments about her late ex-boyfriend Mac Miller who passed away, at age 26, in 2018 from an accidental drug overdose at his Studio City home after taking fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol. The Grammy-nominated Pittsburgh rapper died four months after splitting with the 32-year-old Wicked: For Good actress, whom he had dated for two years but knew as far back as 2012. At that time, Grande (born Butera) was a red-haired Nickelodeon child star headlining Victorious and Sam & Cat, but she wanted to transition into a full-blown pop star. 'I've never talked about this, but actually Malcolm, who you might know as Mac, encouraged me to be myself,' the two-time Grammy winner revealed on THR's Awards Chatter podcast. 'And that it was okay to shed that character and embrace my brown hair and make R&B-influenced pop music and separate and do the brave thing. I've never said that, but it was a great influence. I'm very thankful for that.' Grande famously enlisted Miller (born Malcolm McCormick) to rap on her 2013 debut single The Way 'not only because he was perfect for the song, but I also felt like I had him to thank for finding my sound.' Ariana Grande made rare comments about her late ex-boyfriend Mac Miller who passed away, at age 26, in 2018 from an accidental drug overdose at his Studio City home after taking fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol (pictured in 2018) Three of the Balloonerism hip-hop star's former drug dealers received prison sentences as a result of the tragedy - Ryan Reavis, Stephen Walter and Cameron Pettit. The Oscar-nominated actress' new interview was published on Tuesday, but she technically taped it on December 5 at Chapman University's Folino Theater in front of 500 film students. Grande is now dating her Wicked castmate Ethan Slater, and she and on-screen leading man Jonathan Bailey announced they'll reunite for a West End production of Sunday In The Park With George, which opens summer 2027 at the Barbican Centre in London. The Florida-born belter and her Defying Gravity duet partner Cynthia Erivo will next compete for the best pop duo/group performance trophy at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, which air February 1 on CBS/Paramount+. For her role as Galinda 'Glinda' Upland, Grande is nominated for the outstanding performance by a female actor in a supporting role trophy at the newly-renamed 32nd Actor Awards, which air March 1 on Netflix. The Kamala Harris supporter faces heavy competition against Marty Supreme actress Odessa A'zion, Weapons' Amy Madigan, One Battle After Another's Teyana Taylor and Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku. Speaking of which, Madigan previously beat Grande for the Critics Choice Award and Taylor took home the Golden Globe Award. 'When I'm talking about her journey, I have to really specify, because there have been certain moments in our lives that are really adjacent,' the R.E.M. Beauty founder told THR. The Grammy-nominated Pittsburgh rapper died four months after splitting with the 32-year-old Wicked: For Good actress, whom he had dated for two years but knew as far back as 2012 At that time, Grande (born Butera) was a red-haired Nickelodeon child star headlining Victorious and Sam & Cat, but she wanted to transition into a full-blown pop star The two-time Grammy winner told THR: 'Actually Malcolm, who you might know as Mac, encouraged me to be myself. And that it was okay to shed that character and embrace my brown hair and make R&B-influenced pop music and separate and do the brave thing. I've never said that, but it was a great influence. I'm very thankful for that' The Oscar-nominated actress' new interview was published on Tuesday, but she technically taped it on December 5 at Chapman University's Folino Theater in front of 500 film students Grande famously enlisted Miller (born Malcolm McCormick) to rap on her 2013 debut single The Way 'not only because he was perfect for the song, but I also felt like I had him to thank for finding my sound' The Florida-born belter and her Defying Gravity duet partner Cynthia Erivo will next compete for the best pop duo/group performance trophy at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, which air February 1 on CBS/Paramount+ For her role as Galinda 'Glinda' Upland, Grande is nominated for the outstanding performance by a female actor in a supporting role trophy at the newly-renamed 32nd Actor Awards, which air March 1 on Netflix The R.E.M. Beauty founder previously lost the Critics Choice Award to Weapons star Amy Madigan (L) and One Battle After Another's Teyana Taylor (R) took home the Golden Globe 'I've experienced a lot of grief. I've experienced a lot of loss. And I also know what it feels like to perform through it, as a coping mechanism. I think that's kind of what she's doing a lot in this second movie especially.' Grande is scheduled to kick off her 41-date The Eternal Sunshine Tour on June 6 at Oakland Arena in Oakland, CA. It will mark the SESAC Songwriter of the Year's fourth arena tour and her first tour in seven years. Maya Jama ensured all eyes were on her as she arrived at the Love Island villa for filming the new series of All Stars. The presenter, 31, looked incredible in newly released snaps where she slipped into a white sleeveless dress. The garment featured a plunging neckline and a deep, open back with low cut sides. Letting her locks fall loose down her shoulders, Maya added to her look with a pair of gold hoop earrings and a matching bracelet. The new series of Love Island: All Stars is set to launch on Thursday evening. The show's third season, which was delayed for four days due to dangerous wildfires in Cape Town, South Africa, will return in just over 24 hours. Maya Jama ensured all eyes were on her as she arrived at the Love Island villa for filming the new series of All Stars The presenter looked incredible in newly released snaps where she slipped into a white sleeveless dress The garment featured a plunging neckline and a deep, open back with low cut sides With viewers having already missed days of drama, ITV will air a full episode on Saturday evening - a slot usually reserved for the week's 'Unseen Bits'. ITV is expected to confirm the news via Instagram, teasing: 'The wait is over Love Island: All Stars launches tomorrow night (Thursday 15th January) at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. 'Plus, for the first time ever, there'll be an extra full episode on Saturday night (17th Jan) at 9pm, too.' For the first time in its history, Love Island was delayed after wildfires in the area made it unsafe for the cast and crew to begin filming. Speaking on the official Love Island Instagram account on Wednesday, host Maya shared the update: 'Hi everyone, I've got some very exciting news. 'I can officially announce exclusively that we are back up and running, yay! 'I'm in glam, heading to the villa, and filming starts in a minute. You can watch us on ITV2 tomorrow night at 9pm. Love Island: All Stars is back!' The show's launch had been scheduled for Monday evening but was delayed after dangerous wildfires over the weekend made filming impossible. The new series of Love Island: All Stars is set to launch on Thursday evening, the Daily Mail can reveal The show's third season, which was delayed for four days due to dangerous wildfires in Cape Town, South Africa, will return in just over 24 hours The setback reportedly cost ITV more than 15,000 an hour, covering commitments to crew, staff, camera operators and psychologists, all of whom were on the ground in South Africa awaiting their duties. Maya flew to Cape Town last week ahead of filming, while the 12 confirmed Islanders, including Millie Court and Tommy Bradley, were staying in high-end accommodations. A number of 'bombshells' who are yet to be revealed are also waiting on standby. On Monday, the Daily Mail revealed that one of the surprise bombshells is former Islander Curtis Pritchard, who will make his fourth stint in the villa as part of the All Stars cast. Curtis will now take on the role of the new Casey O'Gorman, who appeared on the show four times before winning last year's All Stars alongside Gabby Allen. One ex who certainly won't be following him into the villa is Maura, who raised her profile on Sunday night by attending the Golden Globe Awards. Rubbing shoulders with Hollywood A-listers at the ceremony due to her current appearance on The Traitors US, Maura has managed to distance herself from her first villa stint back in 2019. The Daily Mail exclusively revealed this year's cast, with the starting line-up including former winners Millie and Jess Harding, runner-up Whitney Adebayo and Ronan Keating's son Jack. Apple Martin is proving that the apple truly doesnt fall far from the tree. The 21-year-old daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has sparked fresh buzz after stepping out in a new modeling campaign that fans say makes her look like her famous mothers twin. Apple stars in a dreamy new campaign for cult-favorite fashion label Self-Portrait, shot by acclaimed photographer Ryan McGinley across pastoral landscapes in upstate New York. Posing with minimal makeup and soft, windswept hair, Apple channels a natural, ethereal aesthetic that immediately recalls some of Paltrows most iconic film roles. In one striking image, Apple wades into the water wearing a sheer cotton dress. In another, she balances gracefully at the shoreline in a draped, cream-colored wrap dress. Apple Martin is proving that the apple truly doesnt fall far from the tree in her latest modeling campaign for Self-Portrait After seeing the pictures, fans couldn't help but compare her ethereal beauty to Paltrows appearances in Emma (1996) and Shakespeare in Love (1998). At just 21, Apple is only two years younger than her mother was when she filmed Emma, further fueling comparisons between the two. Apple is currently a college junior at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. 'Apple is loving college life, it is a great fit for her and offers her so much as far as academics and a sense of community,' a friend told the Daily Mail. 'She has really taken to the lifestyle and has made a lot of new friends, which is important to her. She certainly is thriving in Nashville.' 'I'm a law, history, and society major but [...] maybe I'll take a theater course before I leave,' Apple revealed to Interview magazine in April. 'It's really busy because after spring break I have tech week and I have to get everyone's costumes ready for the show,' she added. She has also been enjoying the ambience of her college: 'Vibes are great, honestly. It's so much easier for me to get out of bed and walk to class when it's pretty outside. Um, yeah,' she said. After seeing the pictures, fans couldn't help but compare her ethereal beauty to Paltrows appearances in Emma (1996) and Shakespeare in Love (1998) One quirky shot showed her laid in a field with her legs in the air Apple stars in a dreamy new campaign for cult-favorite fashion label Self-Portrait, shot by acclaimed photographer Ryan McGinley across pastoral landscapes in upstate New York Apple is currently a college junior at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee; seen in December 2025 Apple also shared that she's following in her mother's footsteps by working on a show while at the university. She said: 'Oh my god, so - I'm in the lovely Vanderbilt Original Cast, the esteemed cabaret theater group. This semester's show is a musical parody of Love Island called Love on an Island. It's so fun. The songs are phenomenal.' Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville which was founded in 1873. It was named in honor of shipping and railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt. Apple also celebrated her 21st birthday in May 2025, and marked the milestone with a glitzy 'debutante' coming-of-age ball the year prior. The high society affair was held in Paris at the $1,000-a-night Hotel Shangri-La, and Apple was joined by handsome date Count Leo Henckel von Donnersmarck, who hails from Austro-Hungarian nobility. Apple's proud parents were also in attendance, as was her brother Moses, who is now 19. Sally Obermeder has undergone a complete hair transformation. The Real Housewives of Sydney star, 53, stunned followers on Monday when she shared a gallery of photos and a video to Instagram showcasing her new look. The former TV host got the chop this week, visiting her hairdresser, James Banks, for a 'dramatic' haircut which left her with a chic bob. Typically sporting longer dark tresses, the media personality told her stylist she wanted something completely different. 'I'm thinking dramatic. Either here or here,' she said, indicating to the top of her shoulders and her chin. James went on to talk Sally into going all the way, cutting her locks up to her chin for a 'Parisian' look and opting for a lighter hair colour. Sally Obermeder, 53, has undergone a complete hair transformation The Real Housewives of Sydney star stunned followers on Monday when she shared a gallery of photos and a video to Instagram showcasing her new look Sally was left very satisfied by the results at the end of the video when James unveiled her new look. 'Wow!' she exclaimed with a big smile. 'Oh my god, I love it more than I thought I would. You nailed it.' 'Well, my husband's overseas so at least I nailed something,' James joked. Sally's last transformation was in August last year, when she had also been sporting a bob but decided to slip in some very long extensions for a different look. She underwent a glamorous makeover for the Logies, pouring her figure into a fitted gold dress as she shed years off her age with a dramatic tan. Her highlighted locks were so long they fell right down to her hips. Sally rose to fame in the 2000s as a presenter on Sydney Weekender, before moving on to roles on Today Tonight, The Morning Show and The Daily Edition. She left the Seven Network in 2020 before embarking on a reality TV career. The former TV host got the chop this week, visiting her hairdresser, James Banks, for a 'dramatic' haircut which left her with a chic bob Typically sporting longer dark tresses, the media personality told her stylist she wanted something completely different The television personality then joined The Real Housewives of Sydney for its second season in 2023. In recent years, the star has been busy with her wellness brand, SWIISH, which she was inspired to start after battling cancer. Sally was forced to fight an aggressive stage-three breast cancer, which she has since overcome. She was diagnosed with the disease back in October 2011, at 41 weeks pregnant, the day before she was due to give birth to her first daughter Annabelle. Kim Kardashian wore a daring look when hanging out at The Commons in Calabasas, California on Tuesday evening. The 45-year-old reality TV star was modeling several items from NikeSKIMS. The entrepreneur wore NikeSKIMS underwear as well as her brand-new NikeSKIMS Rift shoes in Mesh which have a split between the big toe and the other toes. 'The Rift isnt just a shoe its a 90s icon that women everywhere have fallen in love with. Together with Nike, we focused on creating a version that feels minimalist, sleek and flattering,' said Kardashian on Wednesday in a statement. She also had on a black leather Balenciaga blazer that matched her sunglasses as she wore her raven hair down. Kim Kardashian wore a daring look when hanging out at The Commons in Calabasas, California on Tuesday evening The 45-year-old reality TV star was modeling several items from NikeSKIMS. The entrepreneur wore NikeSKIMS underwear as well as her brand-new NikeSKIMS Rift shoes in Mesh which have a split between the big toe and the other toes The beauty stands to make a fortune with her new shoes with Nike. 'There's something so powerful and beautiful about a ballet flat, which is why reimagining the Nike Rift for the first NikeSkims sneaker felt perfect,' Kardashian added. First released in 1996, Nike's Air Rift introduced the brand's iconic split-toe design 'inspired by Kenya's Great Rift Valley,' according to the company and developed with barefoot runners to promote a more natural stride. Kardashian has been heavily promoting the new shoe. 'An iconic Nike Rift split-toe design moves your body differently,' the SKIMS website explained. 'A singular strap holds the foot in place while making for a secure fit and quick entry. Drawing upon the Nike Rift's barefoot running DNA, the NikeSKIMS Rift brings each step closer to the ground with a sleek, minimal midsole and a texture logo outsole.' They retail for $150 a pair. The NikeSkims Rift Mesh releases in North America on January 26 across Nike.com, Skims.com and select retail locations. On Tuesday Kardashian's daughter North West revealed what appeared to be new finger piercings. The budding rapper - whose father is Kanye West - is only 12-years-old. 'The Rift isnt just a shoe its a 90s icon that women everywhere have fallen in love with. Together with Nike, we focused on creating a version that feels minimalist, sleek and flattering,' said Kardashian on Wednesday in a statement She first debuted a dermal piercing on her middle right finger back in August 2025, which consisted of two small silver balls below her knuckle on her middle finger. Dermal piercings are unlike traditional piercings because the jewelry is held in place by a small anchor inserted under the skin. Kardashian has faced backlash for letting North get the piercing as a minor due to the potential risks that come with it, including infection, keloid scarring or even rejection if not properly cared for. North herself fired back at critics on TikTok last month and now the young social media star appears to have added two more finger piercings to her collection. The Daily Mail has reached to representatives for North's mother Kardashian for comment but has yet to hear back. In a photo shared to her Instagram Story on Tuesday North unveiled what looked like two dermal piercings on her left middle finger and left ring finger. Just like her right hand, she now has two small silver balls sticking out of each finger near her knuckles. On Tuesday Kardashian's daughter North West revealed what appeared to be new finger piercings. The budding rapper - whose father is Kanye West - is only 12-years-old North posed for the IG Story photo with her fist aimed straight at the camera, blocking most of her face. She had the blue, waist-length hair she's been wearing as of late and was dressed in a pricey Balenciaga T-shirt and sunglasses. The nepo baby further accessorized her look with a flashy diamond skull and cross bones chain necklace. North previously teased her new piercings on Sunday in a brief video shared to the TikTok account she shares with her reality TV star mom. Captioned '#northforever', Kanye's daughter recorded herself making faces at the camera and briefly threw up her pierced left hand as she mouthed the lyrics to xaviersobased's viral hit Love Hate. She first debuted a dermal piercing on her middle right finger back in August 2025, which consisted of two small silver balls below her knuckle on her middle finger. Dermal piercings are unlike traditional piercings because the jewelry is held in place by a small anchor Less than two weeks ago, North sparked body modification speculation when she appeared on social media with what appeared to be a piercing going through the bridge of her nose. However, the Daily Mail later learned that North was wearing a piercing sticker, which is a temporary, adhesive piece of jewelry designed to mimic the look of a real bridge piercing. While her nose piercing was a fake, the piercing on her right hand that she first debuted during a trip with her mom in Italy in August 2025 is believed to be real. She had also uploaded since-deleted photos that offered a look into the process of getting the piercing, per screenshots taken by The Sun. Along with North, Kardashian shares daughter Chicago, seven, and sons Saint, 10, and Psalm, six, with ex-husband Kanye, who she divorced in 2021. The rapper is now married to Bianca Censori, 30. His dramatic split from wife Lily Allen last year sparked headlines and rumors. But David Harbour managed to destress during a cigarette break in New York City on Tuesday. The A-lister, 50, made it an active wound as he walked about town while puffing away on his cigarette, exhaling a plume of smoke as he strode across a street. Despite being the star of one of Hollywood's biggest shows of the moment, the Stranger Things actor managed to blend in as he made his way around town on his own. Harbour faced the winter chill in a dark green jacket, hoodie, hat, and trousers - with earbuds looped conveniently around his neck for when the mood for a phone call or music struck. The outing comes shortly after he revealed quitting alcohol and confronting his mental health issues enabled him to 'live his dreams' in an interview with the Future of Personal Health. Stranger Things star David Harbour took his mind off things over a cigarette - following a particularly turbulent time in his life The star was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his twenties and has since been open about living with the condition, typified by extreme mood swings and erratic behaviour. And Harbour - whose marriage to Allen came to an abrupt end in October amid allegations of his infidelity with other women - believes the life-changing decisions he made as a younger man have given him a 'tremendously fulfilling life.' 'I wanted folks to know that although I am living my dreams now, this is not the way its always been,' he told Future Of Personal Health. 'There might be a mother of a child recently diagnosed with a mental illness out there who worried that her child would be an outcast. I wanted to speak to her and to the millions that know and love folks who are suffering.' He added: 'My mental health disorder is something I live with, but it does not define me. However, if it defines you I can assure you that there is a way to have a tremendously fulfilling life. 'Im living proof that you can be anything you want to be. 'There were times when I thought Id never get to do what I wanted to do in this world or that Id never get off the couch, frankly, and I want people to know that it does get better.' The actor was given his bipolar diagnosis following a manic episode in his 20s, an incident that led to him being institutionalised for a short period of time by his own parents. And Harbour - who says he hasn't had a flare-up 'since undergoing psychotherapy with a good therapist' - admits a greater awareness of the condition means he's now better equipped to deal with its symptoms. The actor let out a smoky exhale as he strode across a street 'Only recently have I started intense psychotherapy, and it has made a world of difference in my treatment,' he said. Of his past experience with manic episodes, he added: 'Thought becomes disordered and chaotic. Things that have no meaning became meaningful. Names, numbers and colours acquire a twisted symbolism. 'There is a fundamental narcissism at the bottom of it all that makes me think I am the centre of all things, for good or for ill. 'My manic episodes are, of course, a manifestation of my own particular psychopathy. They all share those traits, but each episode has been linked to certain fixations I had at the time.' Harbour has been a core member of the Stranger Things cast since it first premiered on Netflix in 2016, playing former police chief Jim Hopper. The series aired its last episode on December 31 after two previous volumes premiered over Christmas and New Year. Harbour recently said quitting alcohol and confronting his mental health issues enabled him to 'live his dreams' Harbour - whose marriage to Lily Allen came to an abrupt end in October - believes the life-changing decisions he made as a younger man have given him a 'tremendously fulfilling life' Harbour spent the weeks leading up to the show's season five release navigating a tricky global press tour which came after his ex-wife released her bombshell album West End Girl, which seemingly charted the turbulent end of their marriage. 'Well, some of it is based on truth and some of it is fantasy,' she said of the album to Interview. The pair were married for four years after meeting on dating app Raya. Speaking to Esquire Spain in September before the album was released, Harbour reflected on his 'pain, slip ups and mistakes' as he reached 50. Asked by the publication if there was anything he'd change about the last half a century, he said: 'That's such a hard question the question of regret, or something. 'I would change either everything or nothing. You either accept your path completely and realise that even the pain and the slip-ups and the mistakes are all part of the journey, and that there's truth and growth, wisdom and deeper empathy and connection in all that. 'It's kind of like a house of cards, the minute you try to change one thing you kind of have to change it all.' There's beef in a small Midwestern town, and it's not coming from the slaughterhouse. ...read Luxury department store Saks Global group filed for bankruptcy late Tuesday, marking one of the largest retail failures since the pandemic. The move comes just over a year after a high-profile deal brought Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus together in a bid to build a luxury retail powerhouse. 'The debt-fueled acquisition of Neiman Marcus always made bankruptcy a likely destination for Saks Global. The only real surprise has been the speed of the collapse, which has come barely a year after the deal closed,' Neil Saunders, a retail expert at GlobalData, told the Daily Mail. The filing raised questions about the future of the storied US fashion brands, although Saks said early Wednesday that its stores would remain open after securing $1.75 billion in financing and naming a new chief executive. Saks said in November that it would shut nine of its roughly 100 Saks Off Fifth stores in January, but there are growing fears the final number of closures could be far higher. Retailers often use Chapter 11 bankruptcy to exit expensive leases, and Saks is expected to close around half of its Off Fifth locations, along with several of its 41 main Saks stores and some of its 36 Neiman Marcus locations. In a typical Chapter 11 process, store closures usually begin around 30 days after the filing. 'Bankruptcy will give Saks Global some breathing space and a chance to restructure,' Saunders added. Luxury department store conglomerate Saks Global filed for bankruptcy protection late Tuesday, marking one of the largest retail failures since the pandemic (pictured: models pose in holiday dresses from Saks Fifth Avenue) Christmas lights glow outside the flagship Saks Fifth Avenue store in New York, a holiday tradition that has drawn crowds for decades. The Radio City Rockettes are seen backstage ahead of the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show and Window Unveiling in New York City on November 24, 2025 'However, it is vital that debt levels are brought down and that the company has room to make the investments needed to make up for more than a year of neglect. Relations with suppliers will also have to be reset. All of this will be a tall order that will take some years to correct.' Shoppers are eager to know whether the bankruptcy filing will translate into deep discounts on luxury goods, and if the stores winter sale offering reductions of up to 85 percent is any indication, steep bargains may be on the horizon. The Saks Fifth Avenue website is already advertising sales 'up to 70 percent' on designer goods. Customers can snag an $800 Toccin jacket for under $300, a $1,100 pair of Givenchy pumps for less than $700, or a $4,900 Brunello Cucinelli bag for around $2,900. Long favored by wealthy and high-profile shoppers, Saks never fully rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic as online competition intensified and luxury brands increasingly shifted sales to their own stores. Last year, the company struggled to pay suppliers, prompting some vendors to withhold inventory. Former Neiman Marcus chief executive Geoffroy van Raemdonck will succeed Richard Baker, the architect of the acquisition strategy that left Saks Global heavily indebted. Baker, the company's executive chairman, had assumed the CEO role only at the beginning of the year. Court filings show Saks Global's assets and liabilities are each estimated at between $1 billion and $10 billion. Shoppers are eager to know whether the bankruptcy filing will translate into deep discounts on luxury goods Shoppers are eager to know whether the bankruptcy filing will translate into deep discounts on luxury clothes and accessories Marc Metrick, the retailer's former CEO, is reportedly plotting his exit from the cash-strained chain The original Saks Fifth Avenue store founded in 1867 by retail pioneer Andrew Saks and known for its exclusive brands such as Chanel, Cucinelli, and Burberry, as well as its holiday light displayshas long been a fixture of American luxury retail. The bankruptcy process is intended to give the company time to negotiate a debt restructuring with creditors or seek a buyer. Without a deal, Saks could be forced to close. In its filing, the company said weak demand was not the issue. 'The company's challenges are tied to inventory availability and vendor confidence, not underlying demand for luxury goods,' Saks said. Its flagship on Fifth Avenue in New York became a tourist attraction in its own right, famous for its elaborate holiday windows and front-row access to the world's biggest designers. But in recent years, Saks has struggled to adapt to a luxury market transformed by internet shopping and brand-owned stores. The crisis marks a dramatic turn for a retailer that only last year pitched a bold comeback plan built around its $2.7billion takeover of rival Neiman Marcus. But the deal hasn't paid off for either retailer. Since the merger, Saks closed a store in San Francisco and Neiman Marcus shuttered a flagship in Dallas. Saks took on billions in debt to fund the deal, betting that combining two struggling luxury chains would turn their retail fortunes around. Meanwhile, Saks Off Fifth, its discount chain rival to TK Maxx, said in November it planned to close nine stores by early 2026 as part of cost-cutting efforts. Forget bratwurst and beer Germanys most successful export to America right now might be cheap groceries. After opening a record 225 new stores last year, Aldi is pushing even harder in 2026, with plans to open more than 180 additional locations across the US. It is a bold move at a time when many retailers are shutting stores but one that reflects a simple reality for American shoppers: price now trumps everything. As households cut back on dining out and scrutinize every grocery receipt, Aldi originally from Germany and now dominant all over Europe has positioned itself as a refuge for stretched budgets. The chain, headquartered near Chicago, built its US following on ultra-low prices and a no-frills model built almost entirely around private labels. More than 90 percent of what Aldi sells is its own-brand food, allowing it to undercut rivals while maintaining quality. That formula appears to be working. Aldi now operates more than 2,600 US stores and is aiming to reach nearly 3,200 by 2028 one of the most aggressive expansion plans in American grocery retail, and enough to make it the fastest-growing national chain. For millions of Americans trimming grocery receipts and eating out less, shopping at Aldi has become a practical solution and its rapid expansion reflects that shift. Aldi created a name for itself in the States for offering low prices and high-quality private-label brands Meanwhile, traditional grocers are facing growing pressure from discount chains, big-box retailers such as Walmart (pictured) The rise of Aldi alongside rival German discounter Lidl and value favorite Trader Joe's, which operate similar private-label-heavy models is squeezing traditional grocers such as Kroger and Albertsons. Even big-box giants like Walmart are feeling the pressure. While Walmart still wins on selection, national brands, bulk buying and its one-stop-shop appeal, Aldi is generally cheaper on everyday staples and store-brand essentials exactly where consumers are cutting costs. Amazon, which is rapidly expanding its grocery ambitions online and through Whole Foods, which it bought in 2017, is also emerging as a major threat to traditional stores. In December, Amazon expanded same-day delivery of fresh food to more than 2,300 cities and towns, with plans to broaden the service further this year. Amazon and Aldi compete fiercely in the budget grocery market, with Aldi generally winning on ultra-low prices for its private-label staples, while Amazon counters with convenience. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM Free Report) (TSE:AEM) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Sunday. AEM has been the subject of several other reports. Bank of America lifted their target price on Agnico Eagle Mines from $209.00 to $226.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Raymond James Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $155.00 to $182.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $180.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada downgraded shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $185.00 to $205.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $201.60. Get Agnico Eagle Mines alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Agnico Eagle Mines Agnico Eagle Mines Stock Up 2.3% AEM stock opened at $198.89 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $99.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.03, a P/E/G ratio of 0.60 and a beta of 0.63. Agnico Eagle Mines has a twelve month low of $81.96 and a twelve month high of $200.80. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $171.90 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $154.49. The company has a quick ratio of 1.31, a current ratio of 2.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01. Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The mining company reported $2.16 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.40. The company had revenue of $3.07 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.93 billion. Agnico Eagle Mines had a net margin of 32.62% and a return on equity of 15.64%. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.14 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Agnico Eagle Mines will post 4.63 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Agnico Eagle Mines A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in AEM. Brighton Jones LLC raised its holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines by 11.5% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 3,216 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $252,000 after acquiring an additional 331 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 36.4% in the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 19,829 shares of the mining companys stock worth $2,150,000 after purchasing an additional 5,293 shares during the period. Voya Investment Management LLC raised its stake in Agnico Eagle Mines by 100.3% in the first quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 17,008 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $1,842,000 after purchasing an additional 8,515 shares in the last quarter. Confluence Investment Management LLC lifted its position in Agnico Eagle Mines by 0.9% during the second quarter. Confluence Investment Management LLC now owns 20,390 shares of the mining companys stock worth $2,425,000 after purchasing an additional 172 shares during the period. Finally, Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. lifted its position in Agnico Eagle Mines by 238.2% during the second quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 7,370 shares of the mining companys stock worth $876,000 after purchasing an additional 5,191 shares during the period. 68.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Agnico Eagle Mines (Get Free Report) Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) is a Canadian-based senior gold producer headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. The company is principally engaged in the exploration, development, production and reclamation of gold-bearing properties. Agnico Eagle pursues both greenfield and brownfield exploration to expand its resource base and operates a portfolio of producing mines and development projects to generate long-life gold production. Its core business activities span the full mining lifecycle: grassroots and advanced-stage exploration, prefeasibility and feasibility studies, mine construction, underground and open-pit mining, ore processing and metal recovery, and post-mining reclamation and closure. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. European Commercial REIT (CVE:ERE Get Free Report)s stock price was up 42.9% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as C$0.25 and last traded at C$0.25. Approximately 7,400 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 88% from the average daily volume of 62,141 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.18. European Commercial REIT Stock Up 42.9% The stocks 50 day moving average price is C$0.25 and its 200 day moving average price is C$0.25. European Commercial REIT Company Profile (Get Free Report) Everest Re Group, Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States, Bermuda, and internationally. The company operates through Reinsurance Operations and Insurance Operations segments. The Reinsurance Operations segment writes property and casualty reinsurance; and specialty lines of business through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies in the United States, Bermuda, Ireland, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. See Also Receive News & Ratings for European Commercial REIT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for European Commercial REIT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ACRES Commercial Realty Corp. (NYSE:ACR Get Free Report) major shareholder Eagle Point Credit Management sold 13,979 shares of ACRES Commercial Realty stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.93, for a total transaction of $348,496.47. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 363,830 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,070,281.90. This represents a 3.70% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Large shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC. Eagle Point Credit Management also recently made the following trade(s): Get ACRES Commercial Realty alerts: On Wednesday, December 31st, Eagle Point Credit Management sold 5,000 shares of ACRES Commercial Realty stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $22.41, for a total transaction of $112,050.00. On Wednesday, December 24th, Eagle Point Credit Management sold 455 shares of ACRES Commercial Realty stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $22.30, for a total value of $10,146.50. On Tuesday, December 23rd, Eagle Point Credit Management sold 499 shares of ACRES Commercial Realty stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $22.26, for a total value of $11,107.74. On Monday, December 15th, Eagle Point Credit Management sold 1,372 shares of ACRES Commercial Realty stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $22.26, for a total value of $30,540.72. On Friday, December 12th, Eagle Point Credit Management sold 114 shares of ACRES Commercial Realty stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $22.26, for a total value of $2,537.64. On Thursday, December 11th, Eagle Point Credit Management sold 1,258 shares of ACRES Commercial Realty stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $23.82, for a total value of $29,965.56. On Wednesday, December 10th, Eagle Point Credit Management sold 98 shares of ACRES Commercial Realty stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.24, for a total value of $2,473.52. On Friday, December 5th, Eagle Point Credit Management sold 99 shares of ACRES Commercial Realty stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.22, for a total transaction of $2,496.78. On Thursday, December 4th, Eagle Point Credit Management sold 48 shares of ACRES Commercial Realty stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.22, for a total transaction of $1,210.56. On Monday, December 1st, Eagle Point Credit Management sold 5,054 shares of ACRES Commercial Realty stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.20, for a total value of $127,360.80. ACRES Commercial Realty Stock Down 1.8% NYSE ACR traded down $0.37 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $20.04. The stock had a trading volume of 17,080 shares, compared to its average volume of 20,673. ACRES Commercial Realty Corp. has a 12 month low of $15.64 and a 12 month high of $24.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.73, a quick ratio of 104.99 and a current ratio of 104.99. The companys 50-day moving average price is $21.84 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $20.53. The company has a market capitalization of $146.06 million, a PE ratio of 20.87 and a beta of 1.19. Institutional Inflows and Outflows ACRES Commercial Realty announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Wednesday, October 29th that allows the company to repurchase $7.50 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the company to repurchase up to 5.3% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are often a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Acadian Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of ACRES Commercial Realty by 16.8% during the second quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 182,679 shares of the companys stock worth $3,272,000 after purchasing an additional 26,226 shares during the period. Gratia Capital LLC increased its holdings in ACRES Commercial Realty by 64.3% in the second quarter. Gratia Capital LLC now owns 125,994 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,260,000 after purchasing an additional 49,312 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. bought a new position in ACRES Commercial Realty during the 1st quarter worth $488,000. Ritholtz Wealth Management raised its position in ACRES Commercial Realty by 12.0% during the 2nd quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management now owns 33,889 shares of the companys stock worth $608,000 after purchasing an additional 3,618 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in ACRES Commercial Realty by 3.1% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 383,696 shares of the companys stock worth $8,119,000 after buying an additional 11,465 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 40.03% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes ACR has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Wall Street Zen raised ACRES Commercial Realty from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday. Citigroup reiterated an outperform rating on shares of ACRES Commercial Realty in a report on Friday, October 31st. Zacks Research upgraded ACRES Commercial Realty to a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 19th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of ACRES Commercial Realty in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Citizens Jmp raised their target price on shares of ACRES Commercial Realty from $23.50 to $24.50 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $24.50. Get Our Latest Research Report on ACRES Commercial Realty About ACRES Commercial Realty (Get Free Report) ACRES Commercial Realty Corp., a real estate investment trust (REIT), focuses on the origination, holding, and management of commercial real estate mortgage loans and equity investments in commercial real estate property in the United States. It invests in commercial real estate-related assets, including floating-rate first mortgage loans, first priority interests in first mortgage loans, subordinated interests in first mortgage loans, mezzanine financing, preferred equity investments, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. See Also Receive News & Ratings for ACRES Commercial Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ACRES Commercial Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Medical Properties Trust (NYSE:MPW Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities researchers at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a sell rating in a note issued to investors on Monday. A number of other brokerages have also commented on MPW. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on Medical Properties Trust from $4.50 to $5.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Medical Properties Trust in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Medical Properties Trust presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $6.17. Get Medical Properties Trust alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on MPW Medical Properties Trust Price Performance MPW stock opened at $5.33 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 2.68, a quick ratio of 2.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.06. The firms 50-day moving average price is $5.23 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $4.84. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.51 and a beta of 1.43. Medical Properties Trust has a 12-month low of $3.92 and a 12-month high of $6.34. Medical Properties Trust (NYSE:MPW Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.16 by ($0.03). Medical Properties Trust had a negative net margin of 75.76% and a negative return on equity of 14.82%. The business had revenue of $237.52 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $244.89 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.16 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts predict that Medical Properties Trust will post 0.78 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of MPW. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Medical Properties Trust by 389.2% during the third quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 9,171,363 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $45,536,000 after acquiring an additional 7,296,680 shares in the last quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP boosted its position in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 787.8% in the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 2,119,122 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $10,744,000 after purchasing an additional 1,880,422 shares in the last quarter. Jump Financial LLC boosted its position in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 8,881.7% in the 3rd quarter. Jump Financial LLC now owns 998,410 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $5,062,000 after purchasing an additional 987,294 shares in the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC grew its stake in shares of Medical Properties Trust by 211.0% in the 3rd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 1,223,231 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $6,202,000 after buying an additional 829,945 shares during the last quarter. Finally, VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al bought a new position in Medical Properties Trust during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $3,011,000. 71.79% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Medical Properties Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Medical Properties Trust, Inc is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on acquiring, financing, and owning net-leased hospital facilities. Through sale-leaseback transactions, direct acquisitions and recapitalizations, the company provides capital to healthcare operators while maintaining long-term, triple-net lease agreements. Its portfolio encompasses general acute care hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and other healthcare-related real estate assets and is structured to deliver stable, long-duration rental income streams. Founded in 2003 and based in Birmingham, Alabama, Medical Properties Trust completed its initial public offering in 2004. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Medical Properties Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Medical Properties Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Acco Brands Corporation (NYSE:ACCO Free Report) Analysts at Noble Financial issued their Q1 2026 earnings estimates for Acco Brands in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, January 8th. Noble Financial analyst J. Gomes expects that the industrial products company will earn $0.02 per share for the quarter. The consensus estimate for Acco Brands current full-year earnings is $1.02 per share. Noble Financial also issued estimates for Acco Brands Q2 2026 earnings at $0.39 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $0.30 EPS and Q4 2026 earnings at $0.45 EPS. Get Acco Brands alerts: Several other brokerages have also commented on ACCO. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Acco Brands from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of Acco Brands in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $6.00. Acco Brands Stock Up 1.6% Shares of NYSE:ACCO opened at $4.01 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $361.01 million, a PE ratio of 9.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.37 and a beta of 1.09. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $3.62 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $3.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30, a current ratio of 1.68 and a quick ratio of 0.96. Acco Brands has a 1 year low of $3.20 and a 1 year high of $5.68. Acco Brands (NYSE:ACCO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The industrial products company reported $0.21 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.22 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $383.70 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $391.07 million. Acco Brands had a return on equity of 12.96% and a net margin of 2.63%.Acco Brands has set its FY 2025 guidance at 0.830-0.900 EPS. Acco Brands Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 21st were paid a dividend of $0.075 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 21st. This represents a $0.30 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.5%. Acco Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 71.43%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Acco Brands Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio grew its holdings in Acco Brands by 218.4% in the 2nd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 25,541 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $91,000 after acquiring an additional 17,519 shares during the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its holdings in Acco Brands by 14.3% in the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 7,288,508 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $27,988,000 after buying an additional 910,009 shares during the period. First Eagle Investment Management LLC grew its position in shares of Acco Brands by 20.0% in the 2nd quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 863,769 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,092,000 after buying an additional 144,005 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in Acco Brands during the 2nd quarter valued at $78,000. Finally, KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS lifted its position in shares of Acco Brands by 419.9% in the 2nd quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 91,500 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $328,000 after purchasing an additional 73,900 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 84.56% of the companys stock. Acco Brands Company Profile (Get Free Report) Acco Brands Corporation is a global provider of branded office and school supplies, serving consumers, educational institutions and commercial customers. Headquartered in Lake Zurich, Illinois, the company designs, manufactures and distributes a wide range of products that enhance productivity and organization in work and learning environments. The companys portfolio includes staplers, hole punches, binding and laminating systems, writing tools, binders, folders and desktop accessories under well-known names such as ACCO, Swingline, GBC, Kensington, Mead and Five Star. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Acco Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Acco Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report report published on Sunday. Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the company. Piper Sandler cut their target price on Occidental Petroleum from $47.00 to $46.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Citigroup lowered their target price on Occidental Petroleum from $49.00 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $50.00 price objective on shares of Occidental Petroleum in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Bank of America dropped their price target on shares of Occidental Petroleum from $45.00 to $44.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, UBS Group cut their price objective on Occidental Petroleum from $45.00 to $43.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, December 12th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating, twelve have given a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $49.55. Get Occidental Petroleum alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on OXY Occidental Petroleum Trading Up 1.4% Shares of OXY stock opened at $43.30 on Friday. Occidental Petroleum has a 1 year low of $34.78 and a 1 year high of $52.84. The firm has a market capitalization of $42.66 billion, a PE ratio of 31.84 and a beta of 0.38. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $41.37 and a two-hundred day moving average of $43.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 0.94. Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 10th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.64 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.48 by $0.16. Occidental Petroleum had a net margin of 7.81% and a return on equity of 12.35%. The business had revenue of $6.62 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.66 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.00 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Occidental Petroleum will post 3.58 EPS for the current year. Occidental Petroleum Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 10th will be given a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 10th. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.2%. Occidental Petroleums dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 70.59%. Insider Transactions at Occidental Petroleum In other news, Director William R. Klesse purchased 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 16th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $38.98 per share, with a total value of $194,900.00. Following the acquisition, the director directly owned 218,913 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,533,228.74. The trade was a 2.34% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 0.49% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Occidental Petroleum Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Woodline Partners LP lifted its position in Occidental Petroleum by 40.7% in the first quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 57,079 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $2,817,000 after purchasing an additional 16,506 shares during the period. Focus Partners Wealth raised its stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 10.2% in the 1st quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 59,694 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $2,948,000 after buying an additional 5,545 shares in the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Occidental Petroleum during the 1st quarter worth about $1,284,000. Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum during the 1st quarter valued at about $7,516,000. Finally, Inspire Investing LLC increased its stake in Occidental Petroleum by 21.9% in the first quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 6,473 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $320,000 after acquiring an additional 1,162 shares during the period. 88.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Occidental Petroleum (Get Free Report) Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) is an international energy company engaged primarily in the exploration, production and marketing of oil and natural gas. The company conducts upstream activities to discover and produce hydrocarbons and operates complementary midstream and marketing functions to transport and sell its production. Occidental also owns a chemicals business that manufactures and sells industrial chemicals and related products for a range of end markets. Occidentals operations are concentrated in the United States, with a significant presence in the Permian Basin, and it maintains exploration and production activities in several international regions, including parts of the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Occidental Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Occidental Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Reddit Inc. (NYSE:RDDT Get Free Report) CFO Andrew Vollero sold 300 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $260.68, for a total transaction of $78,204.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 255,318 shares in the company, valued at $66,556,296.24. The trade was a 0.12% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Andrew Vollero also recently made the following trade(s): Get Reddit alerts: On Tuesday, January 13th, Andrew Vollero sold 3,674 shares of Reddit stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $261.21, for a total transaction of $959,685.54. On Wednesday, January 7th, Andrew Vollero sold 500 shares of Reddit stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $260.06, for a total transaction of $130,030.00. On Tuesday, January 6th, Andrew Vollero sold 8,413 shares of Reddit stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $252.72, for a total transaction of $2,126,133.36. Reddit Trading Up 6.1% Shares of RDDT stock traded up $14.90 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $258.92. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,511,676 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,312,058. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $219.20 and its 200 day simple moving average is $208.50. Reddit Inc. has a one year low of $79.75 and a one year high of $282.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $49.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 140.24, a P/E/G ratio of 1.64 and a beta of 2.17. Analysts Set New Price Targets Reddit ( NYSE:RDDT Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.80 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.50 by $0.30. Reddit had a net margin of 18.33% and a return on equity of 14.94%. The firm had revenue of $584.91 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $546.65 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.16 EPS. The companys revenue was up 67.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Reddit Inc. will post 1.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A number of brokerages have recently commented on RDDT. Sanford C. Bernstein boosted their price target on Reddit from $190.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Roth Capital set a $210.00 price target on Reddit in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Raymond James Financial restated a strong-buy rating and set a $250.00 target price (up from $225.00) on shares of Reddit in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on Reddit from $300.00 to $325.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a sector perform rating on shares of Reddit in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Buy rating, twelve have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell 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 $238.57. Get Our Latest Research Report on RDDT Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Teacher Retirement System of Texas boosted its holdings in shares of Reddit by 880.5% in the 2nd quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 94,676 shares of the companys stock worth $14,255,000 after purchasing an additional 85,020 shares during the period. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA bought a new stake in Reddit in the second quarter worth $2,078,000. J. Safra Sarasin Holding AG bought a new position in Reddit during the second quarter valued at $226,000. Plato Investment Management Ltd raised its stake in shares of Reddit by 120.2% in the second quarter. Plato Investment Management Ltd now owns 2,970 shares of the companys stock valued at $446,000 after acquiring an additional 1,621 shares during the period. Finally, Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey bought a new stake in shares of Reddit in the 2nd quarter worth about $2,666,000. Reddit Company Profile (Get Free Report) Reddit is an online social news aggregation, discussion and content-sharing platform organized around user-created communities called subreddits, each focused on a particular topic or interest. Registered users submit links, text posts, images and video, and community members vote and comment to surface popular content. The site is accessed via its web platform and mobile apps for iOS and Android, and it supports live events such as Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions and community-driven discussions. Founded in 2005 by Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian, Reddit is headquartered in San Francisco and serves a global audience with particularly large user bases in the United States and other English-speaking markets. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Reddit Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Reddit and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zymeworks Inc. (NYSE:ZYME Get Free Report) COO Mark Hollywood sold 6,120 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, January 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $22.67, for a total value of $138,740.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer directly owned 132,913 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,013,137.71. This trade represents a 4.40% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Zymeworks Stock Up 3.3% NYSE ZYME traded up $0.76 on Tuesday, reaching $23.92. The company had a trading volume of 946,985 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,354,348. Zymeworks Inc. has a 52 week low of $9.03 and a 52 week high of $28.49. The stocks 50 day moving average is $24.32 and its 200-day moving average is $18.42. The stock has a market cap of $1.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -15.95 and a beta of 1.30. Get Zymeworks alerts: Zymeworks (NYSE:ZYME Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.26) earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.28) by $0.02. Zymeworks had a negative net margin of 182.75% and a negative return on equity of 23.00%. The company had revenue of $27.61 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $33.69 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted ($0.39) earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 72.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that Zymeworks Inc. will post -1.39 EPS for the current year. Analyst Ratings Changes ZYME has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. B. Riley reissued a buy rating and issued a $40.00 target price (up previously from $30.00) on shares of Zymeworks in a research report on Friday, November 21st. JMP Securities set a $32.00 price objective on shares of Zymeworks in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Zymeworks from $20.00 to $23.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Citigroup assumed coverage on shares of Zymeworks in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. They set an outperform rating for the company. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Zymeworks from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price target for the company from $25.00 to $33.00 in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $32.82. Get Our Latest Stock Report on ZYME Institutional Investors Weigh In On Zymeworks Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Zymeworks by 86.0% in the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 48,485 shares of the companys stock valued at $577,000 after purchasing an additional 22,411 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its stake in Zymeworks by 4.6% in the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 32,385 shares of the companys stock valued at $386,000 after buying an additional 1,427 shares during the period. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC lifted its position in shares of Zymeworks by 184.2% in the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 3,879,945 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,210,000 after buying an additional 2,514,834 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Zymeworks by 487.0% during the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 135,763 shares of the companys stock worth $1,617,000 after acquiring an additional 112,636 shares during the period. Finally, CWM LLC boosted its stake in shares of Zymeworks by 272.8% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 8,570 shares of the companys stock worth $108,000 after acquiring an additional 6,271 shares during the period. 92.89% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Zymeworks Company Profile (Get Free Report) Zymeworks Inc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, with a focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of multifunctional biotherapeutics. Founded in 2003, the company applies proprietary protein engineering platforms to create novel antibody and protein-based therapies targeting oncology and other serious diseases. Zymeworks is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ZYME. The companys core technology platforms include Azymetric, which enables the design of bispecific antibodies capable of engaging two distinct targets simultaneously, and the EFECT platform for fine-tuning antibody-drug conjugate properties. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Zymeworks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zymeworks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Assa Abloy AB (OTCMKTS:ASAZY Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $19.96 and last traded at $19.95, with a volume of 7145 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $19.80. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have recently commented on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of Assa Abloy in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Citigroup raised Assa Abloy from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold. Get Assa Abloy alerts: View Our Latest Report on ASAZY Assa Abloy Trading Down 2.0% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 0.66. The stocks fifty day moving average is $19.01 and its two-hundred day moving average is $17.92. Assa Abloy (OTCMKTS:ASAZY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 21st. The industrial products company reported $0.20 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.21 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $4.05 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.95 billion. Assa Abloy had a return on equity of 14.24% and a net margin of 9.57%. Equities analysts forecast that Assa Abloy AB will post 0.69 EPS for the current fiscal year. Assa Abloy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Assa Abloy is a global provider of door opening solutions, formed in 1994 through the merger of Swedish lock manufacturer ASSA and Finnish lock specialist Abloy. Building on a legacy that dates back to 1907, the company has grown into a diversified security technology group offering a broad portfolio of mechanical and electromechanical locks, access control systems, identification technology and entrance automation. Assa Abloy serves a wide range of end markets, including commercial buildings, residential dwellings, institutions, transportation hubs and hospitality venues. The companys product offerings encompass traditional mechanical locks and keys as well as advanced digital solutions such as mobile access credentials, smart door locks and cloud-based access management platforms. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Assa Abloy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Assa Abloy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank Hapoalim (OTCMKTS:BKHYY Get Free Report)s stock price gapped up prior to trading on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $120.4650, but opened at $128.34. Bank Hapoalim shares last traded at $128.34, with a volume of 1,217 shares trading hands. Bank Hapoalim Stock Up 1.7% The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $112.35 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $101.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $32.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.46 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a quick ratio of 0.93, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. Get Bank Hapoalim alerts: Bank Hapoalim (OTCMKTS:BKHYY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 20th. The bank reported $2.68 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $1.99 billion during the quarter. Bank Hapoalim had a return on equity of 14.60% and a net margin of 21.60%. Bank Hapoalim Cuts Dividend About Bank Hapoalim The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were given a dividend of $0.9362 per share. This represents a yield of 266.0%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. Bank Hapoalims dividend payout ratio is currently 38.62%. (Get Free Report) Bank Hapoalim B.M. is one of Israels largest banking groups, providing a broad range of financial services to retail, corporate and institutional customers. Founded in 1921 by the Histadrut labor federation, the bank has developed into a full-service financial institution offering deposit accounts, consumer and mortgage lending, credit cards, payment services, and branch-based retail banking. It also serves small and medium-sized enterprises with working capital and trade finance solutions. In addition to traditional retail banking, Bank Hapoalim operates significant corporate and investment banking divisions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bank Hapoalim Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank Hapoalim and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK Get Free Report) had its price target lifted by Royal Bank Of Canada from $124.00 to $130.00 in a report released on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a sector perform rating on the banks stock. Royal Bank Of Canadas target price points to a potential upside of 4.98% from the companys previous close. BK has been the subject of a number of other reports. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b+) rating on shares of Bank of New York Mellon in a report on Monday, December 29th. Evercore ISI increased their target price on Bank of New York Mellon from $91.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. New Street Research set a $143.00 price target on shares of Bank of New York Mellon in a research report on Wednesday. Truist Financial upgraded Bank of New York Mellon from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $119.00 to $134.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Bank of New York Mellon from $119.00 to $122.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given 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 target price of $122.60. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Bank of New York Mellon Bank of New York Mellon Price Performance BK traded up $0.90 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $123.83. 853,190 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,687,784. Bank of New York Mellon has a 1 year low of $70.46 and a 1 year high of $124.24. The company has a market capitalization of $86.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.87, a P/E/G ratio of 0.94 and a beta of 1.11. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $114.21 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $107.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.70 and a quick ratio of 0.70. Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The bank reported $1.91 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $5.07 billion for the quarter. Bank of New York Mellon had a net margin of 12.86% and a return on equity of 14.03%. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Bank of New York Mellon will post 6.96 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Trading of Bank of New York Mellon Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Bank of New York Mellon during the second quarter worth about $1,081,847,000. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC lifted its stake in Bank of New York Mellon by 639.5% in the 3rd quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 7,076,729 shares of the banks stock valued at $771,080,000 after purchasing an additional 6,119,749 shares during the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its position in Bank of New York Mellon by 18.0% in the third quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 13,345,266 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,454,116,000 after purchasing an additional 2,034,781 shares during the last quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd acquired a new stake in Bank of New York Mellon during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $135,728,000. Finally, AQR Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Bank of New York Mellon by 29.1% during the 3rd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 4,023,663 shares of the banks stock worth $438,418,000 after purchasing an additional 906,218 shares during the last quarter. 85.31% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Bank of New York Mellon News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of New York Mellon this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 beat BK reported $2.08 EPS vs. $1.97 consensus and $5.18B revenue (above estimates); net interest income and fee income rose yearoveryear, driving margin and profitability gains. MarketBeat Earnings Q4 beat BK reported $2.08 EPS vs. $1.97 consensus and $5.18B revenue (above estimates); net interest income and fee income rose yearoveryear, driving margin and profitability gains. Positive Sentiment: Analyst support Bank of America Securities reiterated a Buy and kept a $142 price target, highlighting BNYs AI-enabled franchise and upside to earnings/returns. TipRanks Analyst Note Analyst support Bank of America Securities reiterated a Buy and kept a $142 price target, highlighting BNYs AI-enabled franchise and upside to earnings/returns. Positive Sentiment: Dividend maintained Board declared a $0.53 quarterly common dividend (payable Feb 5), supporting the income profile for shareholders. PR Newswire Dividend Release Dividend maintained Board declared a $0.53 quarterly common dividend (payable Feb 5), supporting the income profile for shareholders. Positive Sentiment: Management upgrades CEO and management raised mediumterm profit targets and described the turnaround as taking hold, signaling confidence in execution and capital returns. CNBC Coverage Management upgrades CEO and management raised mediumterm profit targets and described the turnaround as taking hold, signaling confidence in execution and capital returns. Positive Sentiment: Lower short interest December short interest fell ~16.9%, reducing an immediate source of downside pressure. Short Interest Note Lower short interest December short interest fell ~16.9%, reducing an immediate source of downside pressure. Neutral Sentiment: Shares recently reached an alltime intraday high (~$122.40), reflecting strong market momentum into the print. Investing.com Shares recently reached an alltime intraday high (~$122.40), reflecting strong market momentum into the print. Neutral Sentiment: Full earnings materials and call/transcript available for deeper review (presentation, slides, call transcript). Seeking Alpha Presentation Full earnings materials and call/transcript available for deeper review (presentation, slides, call transcript). Negative Sentiment: Guidance caution management and some coverage flagged a slowdown in revenue growth and that margin expansion may decelerate in 2026 as easy cost gains are exhausted, which caps upside expectations. Seeking Alpha Analysis Guidance caution management and some coverage flagged a slowdown in revenue growth and that margin expansion may decelerate in 2026 as easy cost gains are exhausted, which caps upside expectations. Negative Sentiment: Mixed market reaction some reports noted the stock slipped at one point despite the beat, suggesting profittaking or skepticism about forward momentum. TipRanks Market Reaction Bank of New York Mellon Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon) is a global financial services company headquartered in New York City that provides a wide range of asset servicing, custody, and related financial infrastructure solutions to institutional clients. Its core businesses include custody and asset servicing, clearing and collateral management, treasury services, securities lending, corporate trust services, and depositary receipt administration. The company also offers investment management and advisory services through its asset management arm and provides technology-enabled solutions for trade processing, foreign exchange, and liquidity management. BNY Mellon serves a broad client base that includes asset managers, pension funds, corporations, banks, broker-dealers and sovereign entities. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Boot Barn (NYSE:BOOT Get Free Report) updated its third quarter 2026 earnings guidance on Monday. The company provided EPS guidance of 2.790-2.790 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 2.670. The company issued revenue guidance of $705.6 million-$705.6 million, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $703.6 million. Boot Barn Price Performance Boot Barn stock opened at $193.45 on Wednesday. Boot Barn has a 1 year low of $86.17 and a 1 year high of $210.25. The stock has a market cap of $5.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 1.61. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $189.69 and a two-hundred day moving average of $180.17. Get Boot Barn alerts: Boot Barn (NYSE:BOOT Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $1.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.26 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $505.40 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $493.70 million. Boot Barn had a net margin of 10.05% and a return on equity of 18.11%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 18.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.95 EPS. Boot Barn has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 2.470-2.590 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 6.750-7.150 EPS. Research analysts expect that Boot Barn will post 5.82 earnings per share for the current year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades BOOT has been the subject of several analyst reports. Zacks Research cut shares of Boot Barn from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. BTIG Research upped their target price on shares of Boot Barn from $226.00 to $235.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on shares of Boot Barn from $180.00 to $195.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and set a $220.00 price target (up previously from $218.00) on shares of Boot Barn in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Boot Barn from $248.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $201.54. Read Our Latest Analysis on Boot Barn Insider Buying and Selling In other Boot Barn news, Director Gene Eddie Burt sold 1,200 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $191.41, for a total value of $229,692.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 3,338 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $638,926.58. This represents a 26.44% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Chairman Peter Starrett sold 6,498 shares of Boot Barn stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $190.00, for a total value of $1,234,620.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman directly owned 9,599 shares in the company, valued at $1,823,810. This represents a 40.37% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Company insiders own 0.66% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Boot Barn A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of BOOT. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its holdings in Boot Barn by 50.3% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 34,676 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,725,000 after purchasing an additional 11,598 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Boot Barn by 198.0% during the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 8,906 shares of the companys stock worth $957,000 after purchasing an additional 5,917 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its position in shares of Boot Barn by 4.6% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 17,628 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,894,000 after buying an additional 779 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Boot Barn by 23.6% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 323,664 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,771,000 after buying an additional 61,719 shares during the period. Finally, United Services Automobile Association acquired a new stake in Boot Barn during the first quarter worth about $209,000. About Boot Barn (Get Free Report) Boot Barn, Inc is a leading specialty retailer focused on western and work-related footwear, apparel and accessories. The company operates full-price and outlet retail stores under the Boot Barn and BootBarn.com brands, offering a wide assortment of cowboy boots, work boots, casual and fashion footwear, western and work apparel, hats, belts and related accessories. In addition to its brick-and-mortar network, Boot Barn maintains an e-commerce platform to serve customers seeking ranch-and-rodeo style clothing and rugged workwear from coast to coast. Founded in 1978 in Southern California, Boot Barn began as a single store catering to ranchers, farmworkers and western enthusiasts. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Boot Barn Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boot Barn and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC lowered its stake in Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 46.4% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 211,054 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 182,839 shares during the quarter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb were worth $9,519,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI lifted its stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 14.5% in the 3rd quarter. Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI now owns 27,414 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,236,000 after acquiring an additional 3,475 shares during the period. WealthPLAN Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb during the third quarter valued at approximately $216,000. Plan Group Financial LLC bought a new stake in Bristol Myers Squibb during the third quarter worth approximately $205,000. GWN Securities Inc. lifted its position in Bristol Myers Squibb by 45.0% in the third quarter. GWN Securities Inc. now owns 14,165 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $641,000 after purchasing an additional 4,399 shares during the period. Finally, Retirement Planning Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb during the 3rd quarter valued at $230,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.41% of the companys stock. Get Bristol Myers Squibb alerts: Bristol Myers Squibb Stock Performance Shares of BMY stock opened at $55.93 on Wednesday. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a fifty-two week low of $42.52 and a fifty-two week high of $63.33. The stocks 50-day moving average is $51.33 and its two-hundred day moving average is $47.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39, a current ratio of 1.27 and a quick ratio of 1.17. The firm has a market cap of $113.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.90, a PEG ratio of 9.23 and a beta of 0.29. Bristol Myers Squibb Increases Dividend Bristol Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.52 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $12.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.75 billion. Bristol Myers Squibb had a net margin of 12.57% and a return on equity of 76.53%. Bristol Myers Squibbs quarterly revenue was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.80 EPS. Bristol Myers Squibb has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.400-6.600 EPS. Analysts predict that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 2nd will be given a $0.63 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 2nd. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.5%. This is a positive change from Bristol Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. Bristol Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 85.14%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have weighed in on BMY. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued a neutral rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a report on Monday, November 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a neutral rating and set a $57.00 target price (up from $51.00) on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Sanford C. Bernstein restated a market perform rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating and issued a $37.00 price target (up previously from $36.00) on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a report on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Leerink Partners raised their price objective on Bristol Myers Squibb from $54.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $56.86. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Bristol Myers Squibb Bristol Myers Squibb 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. See Also 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. Dunelm Group (OTCMKTS:DNLMY Get Free Report)s stock price gapped up prior to trading on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $14.9650, but opened at $16.11. Dunelm Group shares last traded at $16.11, with a volume of 1,613 shares changing hands. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Royal Bank Of Canada raised shares of Dunelm Group from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Buy. Get Dunelm Group alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on DNLMY Dunelm Group Price Performance About Dunelm Group The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.73, a quick ratio of 0.25 and a current ratio of 1.04. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $14.81 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $15.21. (Get Free Report) Dunelm Group plc is a UKbased home furnishings retailer known for its extensive network of stores and growing online presence. Founded in 1979 in Leicester by Ron and David Garlick, the company has grown from a single market stall to become one of Britains leading specialists in home accessories, textiles and furniture. Headquartered in Syston, Leicestershire, Dunelm operates over 170 stores across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, serving a broad customer base with a focus on value, quality and design. The companys product range spans soft furnishings such as bedding, curtains, blinds and cushions, as well as furniture items for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Dunelm Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dunelm Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Easterly Government Properties, Inc. (NYSE:DEA Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Hold from the six analysts that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have assigned a hold recommendation and two have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $24.9917. A number of equities analysts have commented on the company. Truist Financial decreased their target price on Easterly Government Properties from $25.00 to $24.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 24th. New Street Research set a $20.00 price objective on Easterly Government Properties in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Compass Point set a $26.45 price objective on Easterly Government Properties and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Weiss Ratings upgraded Easterly Government Properties from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Easterly Government Properties from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday. Get Easterly Government Properties alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Easterly Government Properties Hedge Funds Weigh In On Easterly Government Properties Easterly Government Properties Stock Performance Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Nissay Asset Management Corp Japan ADV boosted its stake in Easterly Government Properties by 3.2% during the first quarter. Nissay Asset Management Corp Japan ADV now owns 15,197 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $161,000 after buying an additional 465 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System lifted its holdings in Easterly Government Properties by 5.4% in the 3rd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 12,623 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $289,000 after acquiring an additional 651 shares during the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Easterly Government Properties by 215.6% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,130 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 772 shares in the last quarter. Abundance Wealth Counselors grew its stake in shares of Easterly Government Properties by 2.3% in the 3rd quarter. Abundance Wealth Counselors now owns 35,030 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $803,000 after purchasing an additional 791 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio raised its holdings in shares of Easterly Government Properties by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 104,660 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,400,000 after purchasing an additional 836 shares in the last quarter. 86.51% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Easterly Government Properties stock opened at $22.40 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 3.47 and a quick ratio of 3.47. Easterly Government Properties has a 12 month low of $19.33 and a 12 month high of $29.74. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $21.62 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $22.20. The company has a market cap of $1.03 billion, a PE ratio of 73.44 and a beta of 0.96. Easterly Government Properties (NYSE:DEA Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.76 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.76. Easterly Government Properties had a net margin of 4.24% and a return on equity of 1.00%. The company had revenue of $86.15 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $84.82 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.30 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 15.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Easterly Government Properties has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.050-3.120 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 2.980-3.020 EPS. Research analysts expect that Easterly Government Properties will post 1.17 earnings per share for the current year. Easterly Government Properties Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 7th were given a $0.45 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 8.0%. Easterly Government Propertiess dividend payout ratio is 600.00%. Easterly Government Properties Company Profile (Get Free Report) Easterly Government Properties, Inc is a real estate investment trust that specializes in the acquisition, development and management of commercial properties leased to U.S. government agencies. Structured as a triple-net lease REIT, the company focuses on single-tenant assets with long-term, credit-backed leases that transfer most property-level responsibilitiesincluding taxes, insurance and maintenanceto its government tenants. The firms portfolio encompasses a variety of facility types, including office buildings, training centers, laboratories and mission-critical installations used by federal agencies. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Easterly Government Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Easterly Government Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC lessened its stake in shares of Edison International (NYSE:EIX Free Report) by 47.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 29,609 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 26,467 shares during the quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Edison International were worth $1,637,000 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. Kentucky Trust Co raised its holdings in Edison International by 66.7% during the second quarter. Kentucky Trust Co now owns 500 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. American National Bank & Trust purchased a new position in shares of Edison International during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Edison International by 5,064.3% in the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 723 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $37,000 after buying an additional 709 shares during the period. CoreFirst Bank & Trust purchased a new stake in shares of Edison International in the second quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Finally, Hilltop National Bank purchased a new stake in Edison International during the second quarter worth $44,000. 88.95% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Edison International alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Edison International In other Edison International news, Director Peter J. Taylor sold 1,800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.27, for a total transaction of $99,486.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 35,212 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,946,167.24. The trade was a 4.86% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 1.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Edison International Trading Up 1.2% NYSE EIX opened at $60.73 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $58.84 and its 200-day simple moving average is $55.97. The stock has a market cap of $23.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.94, a PEG ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 0.83. Edison International has a 52 week low of $47.73 and a 52 week high of $63.97. Edison International (NYSE:EIX Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The utilities provider reported $2.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.16 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $5.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.31 billion. Edison International had a return on equity of 13.62% and a net margin of 17.24%.Edison Internationals quarterly revenue was up 10.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.51 EPS. Edison International has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.950-6.200 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Edison International will post 4.95 EPS for the current fiscal year. Edison International Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 7th will be given a $0.8775 dividend. This is a boost from Edison Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. This represents a $3.51 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 7th. Edison Internationals dividend payout ratio is 45.88%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts recently commented on EIX shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Edison International from $67.00 to $65.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Edison International from $69.00 to $68.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Wall Street Zen lowered Edison International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on shares of Edison International from $57.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Edison International to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $63.50. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on EIX Edison International Profile (Free Report) Edison International is a publicly traded utility holding company based in Rosemead, California, whose principal subsidiary is Southern California Edison (SCE). As an electric utility holding company, Edison International oversees the delivery of electricity through SCEs integrated network of generation procurement, transmission and distribution infrastructure, serving millions of customers across central, coastal and southern California. The companys operations focus on reliable energy delivery, customer service, regulatory compliance and long-term infrastructure planning for a complex and high-demand service territory. The companys activities include procuring and managing a diverse resource mix, maintaining and upgrading transmission and distribution systems, and implementing grid modernization projects. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Edison International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edison International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Horizon Corporation (NYSE:FHN Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the twenty-one brokerages that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $26.00. Several research firms have issued reports on FHN. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on shares of First Horizon from $25.00 to $23.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Citigroup boosted their price target on First Horizon from $25.00 to $28.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, December 30th. Evercore ISI reaffirmed an in-line rating and issued a $20.00 price objective (down previously from $26.00) on shares of First Horizon in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. National Bankshares set a $28.00 target price on First Horizon in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded First Horizon from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 15th. Get First Horizon alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on FHN Insider Buying and Selling at First Horizon Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other news, CAO Jeff L. Fleming sold 7,619 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.74, for a total transaction of $165,637.06. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 128,626 shares in the company, valued at $2,796,329.24. This represents a 5.59% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link . Also, EVP David T. Popwell sold 155,149 shares of First Horizon stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.31, for a total value of $3,306,225.19. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 307,432 shares in the company, valued at $6,551,375.92. The trade was a 33.54% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure . 1.04% of the stock is owned by insiders. Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in First Horizon during the 2nd quarter worth $131,399,000. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC lifted its stake in shares of First Horizon by 53.5% in the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 12,594,944 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $244,594,000 after acquiring an additional 4,392,405 shares in the last quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in First Horizon in the second quarter valued at about $79,776,000. Azora Capital LP grew its stake in First Horizon by 1,020.5% during the 2nd quarter. Azora Capital LP now owns 2,610,244 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $55,337,000 after purchasing an additional 2,377,300 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. purchased a new stake in First Horizon during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $49,180,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.28% of the companys stock. First Horizon Stock Performance Shares of FHN stock opened at $24.10 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 0.96. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $23.06 and a 200 day moving average price of $22.40. First Horizon has a 1 year low of $15.19 and a 1 year high of $24.91. The stock has a market cap of $11.87 billion, a PE ratio of 14.61, a P/E/G ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 0.61. First Horizon (NYSE:FHN Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 15th. The financial services provider reported $0.51 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.45 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $893.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $848.08 million. First Horizon had a net margin of 18.08% and a return on equity of 10.93%. The companys revenue was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.42 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that First Horizon will post 1.67 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. First Horizon declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a share buyback plan on Monday, October 27th that authorizes the company to repurchase $1.20 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the financial services provider to buy up to 11.3% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are generally an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. First Horizon Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th were paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 12th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.5%. First Horizons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 36.36%. About First Horizon (Get Free Report) First Horizon Corporation, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, is a diversified financial services company providing an array of retail, commercial and wealth management solutions. As the largest bank-based financial services firm in Tennessee, First Horizon operates through a network of branches and digital platforms across the Southeastern United States, offering personal and business banking, mortgage origination and servicing, payment solutions and treasury management services. Tracing its origins to the First National Bank of Memphis established in 1864, First Horizon has grown through strategic acquisitions and organic expansion to serve customers in Tennessee, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Read More Receive News & Ratings for First Horizon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Horizon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:FMX Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Hold from the nine ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Five research 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 ratings on the stock in the last year is $101.6333. A number of analysts have weighed in on FMX shares. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays dropped their price target on Fomento Economico Mexicano from $107.00 to $105.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Zacks Research raised Fomento Economico Mexicano from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Fomento Economico Mexicano from $96.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, UBS Group upgraded Fomento Economico Mexicano from a neutral rating to a buy rating and dropped their target price for the company from $115.00 to $111.00 in a research report on Friday, September 19th. Get Fomento Economico Mexicano alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on FMX Institutional Investors Weigh In On Fomento Economico Mexicano Fomento Economico Mexicano Stock Performance Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its position in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 41.4% in the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 369 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 108 shares during the period. Park Avenue Securities LLC grew its stake in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano by 4.6% in the second quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 2,850 shares of the companys stock worth $293,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its holdings in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 42.5% in the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 439 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 131 shares during the period. UMB Bank n.a. raised its position in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 25.3% during the 2nd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 821 shares of the companys stock worth $85,000 after purchasing an additional 166 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Smartleaf Asset Management LLC raised its position in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 16.0% during the 3rd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 1,357 shares of the companys stock worth $135,000 after purchasing an additional 187 shares during the last quarter. 61.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Fomento Economico Mexicano stock opened at $103.16 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. The stock has a market cap of $36.56 billion, a PE ratio of 41.60, a P/E/G ratio of 3.98 and a beta of 0.46. Fomento Economico Mexicano has a 12-month low of $81.93 and a 12-month high of $108.74. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $99.18 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $95.57. Fomento Economico Mexicano (NYSE:FMX Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $0.88 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.06 by ($0.18). The company had revenue of $11.72 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $215.60 billion. Fomento Economico Mexicano had a return on equity of 5.01% and a net margin of 2.09%. As a group, analysts expect that Fomento Economico Mexicano will post 5.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Fomento Economico Mexicano Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 16th will be paid a $2.0531 dividend. This is an increase from Fomento Economico Mexicanos previous quarterly dividend of $2.00. This represents a $8.21 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 8.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 16th. Fomento Economico Mexicanos payout ratio is currently 90.32%. Fomento Economico Mexicano Company Profile (Get Free Report) Fomento Economico Mexicano, SAB. de C.V. (FEMSA) is a Mexican multinational company active primarily in the retail and beverage sectors. Headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, FEMSAs operations span convenience store retailing, beverage bottling and distribution, and related logistics and consumer services. The companys business model combines high-frequency retail outlets with large-scale beverage production and a regional supply chain network. FEMSA Comercio, the companys retail arm, operates a large chain of convenience stores under the OXXO brand and has expanded its retail footprint with complementary formats and services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fomento Economico Mexicano Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fomento Economico Mexicano and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Franklin FTSE Germany ETF (NYSEARCA:FLGR Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 20,546 shares, an increase of 145.4% from the December 15th total of 8,372 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 30,659 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.7 days. Approximately 1.2% of the shares of the company are sold short. Approximately 1.2% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 30,659 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.7 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Franklin FTSE Germany ETF A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Marotta Asset Management increased its holdings in shares of Franklin FTSE Germany ETF by 8.9% in the 4th quarter. Marotta Asset Management now owns 217,963 shares of the companys stock worth $7,309,000 after acquiring an additional 17,798 shares during the period. Flow Traders U.S. LLC acquired a new stake in Franklin FTSE Germany ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $2,022,000. Bank of America Corp DE raised its stake in Franklin FTSE Germany ETF by 8.1% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 44,747 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,475,000 after acquiring an additional 3,370 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. acquired a new position in Franklin FTSE Germany ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $793,000. Finally, Atria Investments Inc bought a new position in shares of Franklin FTSE Germany ETF in the second quarter worth $686,000. Get Franklin FTSE Germany ETF alerts: Franklin FTSE Germany ETF Stock Performance Franklin FTSE Germany ETF stock opened at $34.37 on Wednesday. Franklin FTSE Germany ETF has a 1 year low of $25.24 and a 1 year high of $34.65. The firms 50-day moving average is $32.88 and its 200-day moving average is $33.00. The company has a market cap of $56.71 million, a P/E ratio of 17.93 and a beta of 1.04. About Franklin FTSE Germany ETF The Franklin FTSE Germany ETF (FLGR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the FTSE Germany RIC Capped index. The fund offers market cap-based exposure to large- and mid-cap German equities. FLGR was launched on Nov 2, 2017 and is managed by Franklin Templeton. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Franklin FTSE Germany ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franklin FTSE Germany ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Galp Energia SGPS SA (OTCMKTS:GLPEY Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the seven ratings firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating on the company. Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. Santander cut Galp Energia SGPS from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Barclays raised shares of Galp Energia SGPS from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Galp Energia SGPS from an underweight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Citigroup lowered shares of Galp Energia SGPS from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Finally, Berenberg Bank cut shares of Galp Energia SGPS from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Get Galp Energia SGPS alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on GLPEY Galp Energia SGPS Trading Up 2.0% Shares of GLPEY stock opened at $9.30 on Friday. Galp Energia SGPS has a 12-month low of $6.76 and a 12-month high of $10.67. The company has a market capitalization of $12.93 billion, a PE ratio of 12.92 and a beta of 0.07. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $9.30 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $9.44. The company has a quick ratio of 1.35, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. Galp Energia SGPS (OTCMKTS:GLPEY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The energy company reported $0.21 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.25 by ($0.04). The firm had revenue of $5.81 billion for the quarter. Galp Energia SGPS had a return on equity of 18.21% and a net margin of 4.90%. As a group, analysts predict that Galp Energia SGPS will post 0.75 earnings per share for the current year. Galp Energia SGPS Company Profile (Get Free Report) Galp Energia SGPS is an integrated energy company headquartered in Lisbon, Portugal, with core operations spanning upstream exploration and production, midstream refining, and downstream distribution and marketing. In its upstream segment, the company explores and produces oil and natural gas in regions such as Brazils pre-salt basins, African offshore blocks in Angola and Mozambique, and domestic wells in Portugal. Its midstream activities include refining crude oil at the Sines facility and operating a network of pipelines, while downstream operations involve the distribution and retail sale of petroleum products through the Galp-branded service station network across the Iberian Peninsula. In addition to its traditional oil and gas business, Galp has expanded into power generation and renewable energy. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Galp Energia SGPS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Galp Energia SGPS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gildan Activewear Inc. (TSE:GIL Get Free Report) (NYSE:GIL) has been given an average recommendation of Buy by the seven research firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, three have issued a buy recommendation and two have given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is C$81.00. Several brokerages have commented on GIL. National Bankshares upped their target price on shares of Gildan Activewear from C$91.00 to C$92.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Citigroup downgraded Gildan Activewear from a buy rating to a neutral rating and upped their price objective for the company from C$60.00 to C$63.00 in a report on Monday, October 20th. Desjardins set a C$95.00 target price on Gildan Activewear and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 19th. Finally, TD Securities increased their price target on shares of Gildan Activewear from C$73.00 to C$74.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Get Gildan Activewear alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Gildan Activewear Gildan Activewear Price Performance Shares of GIL stock opened at C$87.55 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of C$16.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.15, a PEG ratio of 4.55 and a beta of 1.47. Gildan Activewear has a 12 month low of C$52.77 and a 12 month high of C$90.06. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 2.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 101.26. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$83.17 and a 200 day moving average price of C$78.80. Gildan Activewear (TSE:GIL Get Free Report) (NYSE:GIL) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported C$1.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of C$1.27 billion for the quarter. Gildan Activewear had a net margin of 13.05% and a return on equity of 23.10%. Research analysts expect that Gildan Activewear will post 4.5460385 EPS for the current year. Gildan Activewear Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were issued a $0.226 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 19th. This represents a $0.90 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.0%. Gildan Activewears payout ratio is 28.39%. About Gildan Activewear (Get Free Report) Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel. The Companys product offering includes activewear, underwear, socks, and intimates sold to a broad range of customers, including wholesale distributors, screenprinters, embellishers, retailers or e-commerce platforms, as well as global lifestyle brand companies. Gildan markets its products in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, under a diversified portfolio of Company-owned brands including Gildan, Hanes, Comfort Colors, American Apparel, ALLPRO, GOLDTOE, Peds, Bali, Playtex, Maidenform, Bonds, as well as Champion which is under an exclusive licensing agreement for the printwear channel in the U.S. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Gildan Activewear Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gildan Activewear and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hoxton Planning & Management LLC decreased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG Free Report) by 33.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 34,703 shares of the companys stock after selling 17,369 shares during the period. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF comprises approximately 1.3% of Hoxton Planning & Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 21st largest holding. Hoxton Planning & Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF were worth $3,952,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in EFG. Bangor Savings Bank acquired a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the third quarter worth about $26,000. Pandora Wealth Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF in the second quarter valued at about $28,000. Rice Partnership LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the second quarter worth about $28,000. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. purchased a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the second quarter worth about $35,000. Finally, Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 50.2% during the 3rd quarter. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC now owns 317 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 106 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Stock Performance Shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF stock opened at $118.96 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $114.51 and a 200 day moving average of $113.31. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.98 and a beta of 0.96. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF has a fifty-two week low of $88.66 and a fifty-two week high of $113.16. About iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Growth Index (the Index). The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. The Fund invests in sectors, such as consumer staples, industrials, consumer discretionary, materials, healthcare, financials, information technology, energy, telecommunication services and utilities. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Midwest Capital Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU Free Report) by 40.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 103,931 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 29,837 shares during the period. iShares Gold Trust accounts for approximately 3.6% of Midwest Capital Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 9th largest holding. Midwest Capital Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares Gold Trust were worth $7,563,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of IAU. Plan Group Financial LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 7.4% during the 3rd quarter. Plan Group Financial LLC now owns 59,213 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $4,309,000 after purchasing an additional 4,067 shares during the period. Obermeyer Wealth Partners grew its position in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 113.1% in the third quarter. Obermeyer Wealth Partners now owns 14,978 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,090,000 after purchasing an additional 7,950 shares during the period. Hoxton Planning & Management LLC increased its stake in iShares Gold Trust by 61.9% in the third quarter. Hoxton Planning & Management LLC now owns 23,422 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,704,000 after purchasing an additional 8,959 shares during the last quarter. WESPAC Advisors LLC lifted its position in iShares Gold Trust by 4.6% during the third quarter. WESPAC Advisors LLC now owns 26,874 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,956,000 after buying an additional 1,188 shares during the period. Finally, Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. purchased a new position in iShares Gold Trust during the third quarter worth about $29,000. 59.67% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get iShares Gold Trust alerts: iShares Gold Trust Price Performance IAU opened at $86.36 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $72.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.53 and a beta of 0.09. The business has a 50-day moving average of $80.34 and a two-hundred day moving average of $72.47. iShares Gold Trust has a 12 month low of $50.21 and a 12 month high of $87.38. Key iShares Gold Trust News iShares Gold Trust 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). Read More 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. Keating Investment Counselors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX Free Report) by 47.2% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 10,556 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,385 shares during the quarter. Keating Investment Counselors Inc.s holdings in Chevron were worth $1,639,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of CVX. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC grew its position in shares of Chevron by 652,139.5% in the second quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 83,714,936 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $13,214,757,000 after purchasing an additional 83,702,101 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Chevron during the second quarter worth approximately $2,721,477,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Chevron by 14,194.2% during the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,722,217 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $532,984,000 after buying an additional 3,696,177 shares during the last quarter. Berkshire Hathaway Inc boosted its stake in Chevron by 2.9% during the second quarter. Berkshire Hathaway Inc now owns 122,064,792 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $17,478,458,000 after buying an additional 3,454,258 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in Chevron by 4.0% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 34,772,753 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $4,979,255,000 after buying an additional 1,342,723 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.42% of the companys stock. Get Chevron alerts: Chevron Stock Up 0.8% Shares of CVX opened at $163.66 on Wednesday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $152.68 and its 200 day moving average price is $153.82. Chevron Corporation has a 12-month low of $132.04 and a 12-month high of $168.96. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The firm has a market cap of $329.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 10.20 and a beta of 0.70. Chevron Announces Dividend Chevron ( NYSE:CVX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The oil and gas company reported $1.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by $0.14. The business had revenue of $48.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $46.99 billion. Chevron had a net margin of 6.57% and a return on equity of 8.74%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.48 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Chevron Corporation will post 10.79 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 18th were issued a $1.71 dividend. This represents a $6.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.2%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 18th. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 96.20%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Wall Street Zen lowered Chevron from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday. UBS Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Chevron in a report on Monday, December 1st. Citigroup reduced their target price on shares of Chevron from $185.00 to $179.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Chevron from $190.00 to $196.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Piper Sandler dropped their price target on shares of Chevron from $178.00 to $174.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Chevron has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $167.14. Read Our Latest Report on Chevron Insider Transactions at Chevron In other Chevron news, Director John B. Hess sold 275,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.75, for a total transaction of $41,456,250.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 1,128,045 shares in the company, valued at $170,052,783.75. This represents a 19.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Alana K. Knowles sold 7,956 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, January 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $165.05, for a total value of $1,313,137.80. Following the transaction, the insider owned 1,207 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $199,215.35. This represents a 86.83% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 631,990 shares of company stock worth $99,716,808 in the last ninety days. 0.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders. 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. Recommended 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. Keating Investment Counselors Inc. lowered its holdings in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM Free Report) (TSE:AEM) by 7.4% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 100,936 shares of the mining companys stock after selling 8,080 shares during the quarter. Agnico Eagle Mines comprises about 4.9% of Keating Investment Counselors Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 4th biggest holding. Keating Investment Counselors Inc.s holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines were worth $17,014,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of AEM. GWN Securities Inc. increased its stake in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 35.9% during the 3rd quarter. GWN Securities Inc. now owns 3,341 shares of the mining companys stock worth $565,000 after purchasing an additional 882 shares in the last quarter. Fractal Investments LLC grew its holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines by 45.3% during the 3rd quarter. Fractal Investments LLC now owns 4,809 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $811,000 after buying an additional 1,500 shares during the last quarter. PKO Investment Management Joint Stock Co increased its position in Agnico Eagle Mines by 6.9% during the third quarter. PKO Investment Management Joint Stock Co now owns 169,878 shares of the mining companys stock worth $28,627,000 after buying an additional 10,900 shares in the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 75.6% in the third quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 45,757 shares of the mining companys stock worth $7,713,000 after acquiring an additional 19,695 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Elite Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in the third quarter valued at $4,568,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.34% of the companys stock. Get Agnico Eagle Mines alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts recently commented on AEM shares. Bank of America lifted their price objective on Agnico Eagle Mines from $209.00 to $226.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Royal Bank Of Canada cut shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and raised their price target for the stock from $185.00 to $205.00 in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. TD Securities boosted their price objective on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $154.00 to $195.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday. Finally, Raymond James Financial raised their target price on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $155.00 to $182.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $201.60. Agnico Eagle Mines Trading Up 2.3% NYSE AEM opened at $198.89 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $99.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.03, a P/E/G ratio of 0.60 and a beta of 0.63. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited has a 12 month low of $81.96 and a 12 month high of $200.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, a current ratio of 2.12 and a quick ratio of 1.31. The company has a 50-day moving average of $171.90 and a 200-day moving average of $154.49. Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The mining company reported $2.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.40. Agnico Eagle Mines had a net margin of 32.62% and a return on equity of 15.64%. The firm had revenue of $3.07 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.93 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.14 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Agnico Eagle Mines Limited will post 4.63 earnings per share for the current year. Agnico Eagle Mines Company Profile (Free Report) Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) is a Canadian-based senior gold producer headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. The company is principally engaged in the exploration, development, production and reclamation of gold-bearing properties. Agnico Eagle pursues both greenfield and brownfield exploration to expand its resource base and operates a portfolio of producing mines and development projects to generate long-life gold production. Its core business activities span the full mining lifecycle: grassroots and advanced-stage exploration, prefeasibility and feasibility studies, mine construction, underground and open-pit mining, ore processing and metal recovery, and post-mining reclamation and closure. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AEM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM Free Report) (TSE:AEM). Receive News & Ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LVZ Inc. reduced its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report) by 15.5% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 23,127 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 4,243 shares during the period. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF accounts for approximately 0.3% of LVZ Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 26th largest position. LVZ Inc.s holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $2,748,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in IJR. RMG Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Bulwark Capital Corp bought a new position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF in the second quarter worth approximately $30,000. Curio Wealth LLC increased its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 26,900.0% during the 2nd quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 270 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 269 shares during the period. Marshall & Sullivan Inc. WA purchased a new position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $38,000. Finally, Quaker Wealth Management LLC raised its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 200.4% during the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 452 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 902 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other 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 Trading Down 0.0% Shares of IJR stock opened at $126.52 on Wednesday. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a twelve month low of $89.22 and a twelve month high of $127.29. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $120.95 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $117.72. The stock has a market capitalization of $92.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.52 and a beta of 1.08. 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. Featured Stories 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. LVZ Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF (NYSEARCA:IPAC Free Report) during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor acquired 16,119 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,184,000. Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Trust Co. of Vermont purchased a new position in iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $36,000. AE Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF by 216.7% in the second quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 570 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 390 shares during the last quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB acquired a new position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $57,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF by 34.5% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 2,056 shares of the companys stock valued at $141,000 after buying an additional 527 shares during the period. Finally, Security National Bank acquired a new stake in iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $143,000. Get iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF alerts: iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF Stock Performance IPAC stock opened at $75.85 on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $74.22 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $72.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.73 and a beta of 0.72. iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF has a one year low of $54.90 and a one year high of $76.49. iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF Profile The iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF (IPAC) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Pacific IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed Pacific securities. IPAC was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IPAC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF (NYSEARCA:IPAC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core MSCI Pacific ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC lowered its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT Free Report) by 45.5% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 23,622 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 19,747 shares during the quarter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $11,792,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 285.7% in the 3rd quarter. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 54 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Lockheed Martin in the second quarter worth $29,000. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in Lockheed Martin in the 2nd quarter valued at $34,000. Finally, MTM Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Lockheed Martin during the 2nd quarter valued at $36,000. 74.19% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages recently weighed in on LMT. Robert W. Baird boosted their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $500.00 to $550.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating and issued a $543.00 price objective (down previously from $630.00) on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Sanford C. Bernstein restated a market perform rating and issued a $586.00 target price on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research note on Monday. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, sixteen have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Lockheed Martin presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $522.24. Lockheed Martin Price Performance Shares of NYSE:LMT opened at $557.83 on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $476.55 and a 200 day moving average of $469.49. The stock has a market cap of $129.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.15, a P/E/G ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 0.24. Lockheed Martin Corporation has a 12 month low of $410.11 and a 12 month high of $563.30. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.32. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The aerospace company reported $6.95 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.33 by $0.62. The firm had revenue of $18.61 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.45 billion. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 5.73% and a return on equity of 111.84%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $6.84 EPS. Lockheed Martin has set its FY 2025 guidance at 22.150-22.350 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Lockheed Martin Corporation will post 27.15 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other news, COO John Frank A. St sold 7,792 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $491.04, for a total transaction of $3,826,183.68. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer owned 1 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $491.04. The trade was a 99.99% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.14% of the companys stock. Lockheed Martin Company Profile (Free Report) Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) is a global aerospace and defense company that designs, develops and manufactures advanced technology systems for government and commercial customers. Formed through the 1995 merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, the company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and focuses on providing integrated solutions across air, space, land and sea domains. Its primary customers include the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA and allied governments around the world. Lockheed Martins product and service portfolio spans military aircraft, missile and fire-control systems, missile defense, space systems and satellite technologies, sensors and precision weapons. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Lockheed Martin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lockheed Martin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC cut its position in The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc (NYSE:PNC Free Report) by 35.0% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 39,818 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 21,441 shares during the period. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in The PNC Financial Services Group were worth $8,037,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. Avior Wealth Management LLC increased its position in The PNC Financial Services Group by 4.5% during the 2nd quarter. Avior Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,213 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $226,000 after purchasing an additional 52 shares during the period. Rockland Trust Co. lifted its holdings in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Rockland Trust Co. now owns 10,499 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,957,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares in the last quarter. Kennebec Savings Bank grew its holdings in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 1.6% during the third quarter. Kennebec Savings Bank now owns 3,424 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $688,000 after buying an additional 54 shares during the last quarter. Almanack Investment Partners LLC. raised its stake in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 2.3% in the second quarter. Almanack Investment Partners LLC. now owns 2,433 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $454,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Winthrop Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in The PNC Financial Services Group by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. Winthrop Capital Management LLC now owns 2,619 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $488,000 after acquiring an additional 55 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.53% of the companys stock. Get The PNC Financial Services Group alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In PNC has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their target price on The PNC Financial Services Group from $215.00 to $228.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Piper Sandler upgraded The PNC Financial Services Group from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and upped their price objective for the company from $211.00 to $220.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on The PNC Financial Services Group from $186.00 to $206.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Oppenheimer cut their price target on The PNC Financial Services Group from $240.00 to $231.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group from $217.00 to $230.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $222.06. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Guild Deborah sold 1,080 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $186.97, for a total value of $201,927.60. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 27,335 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,110,824.95. The trade was a 3.80% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Michael Duane Thomas sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $183.57, for a total transaction of $183,570.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 5,802 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,065,073.14. The trade was a 14.70% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Corporate insiders own 0.41% of the companys stock. The PNC Financial Services Group Price Performance PNC stock opened at $212.65 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $200.71 and a 200-day moving average of $196.78. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $83.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 0.99. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc has a 12 month low of $145.12 and a 12 month high of $220.54. The PNC Financial Services Group (NYSE:PNC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The financial services provider reported $4.35 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.05 by $0.30. The PNC Financial Services Group had a net margin of 19.30% and a return on equity of 11.47%. The firm had revenue of $5.92 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.82 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $3.49 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 8.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc will post 15.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The PNC Financial Services Group Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 5th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be paid a dividend of $1.70 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 20th. This represents a $6.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.2%. The PNC Financial Services Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 43.93%. The PNC Financial Services Group Profile (Free Report) The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offering a broad range of banking, lending, investment and wealth management services. PNC operates a national banking franchise with a significant retail branch network and dedicated capabilities for commercial, institutional and government clients. Its services are designed to serve individuals, small businesses, corporations and public sector entities across the United States. PNCs core business activities include consumer and business banking, residential mortgage lending, corporate and institutional banking, asset management and wealth advisory services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PNC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc (NYSE:PNC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The PNC Financial Services Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The PNC Financial Services Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:NRO Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 193,947 shares, an increase of 135.6% from the December 15th total of 82,333 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 306,093 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.6 days. Based on an average trading volume of 306,093 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.6 days. Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Price Performance Shares of NRO stock traded up $0.02 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $3.07. The stock had a trading volume of 111,299 shares, compared to its average volume of 249,577. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $3.03 and its 200 day simple moving average is $3.16. Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund has a 12 month low of $2.75 and a 12 month high of $3.69. Get Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund alerts: Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 15th will be paid a $0.0312 dividend. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 12.2%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 15th. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Company Profile Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of NRO. Advisors Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund during the second quarter valued at approximately $1,356,000. Wolverine Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund in the 2nd quarter worth $467,000. NWF Advisory Services Inc. raised its position in shares of Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund by 63.5% during the 3rd quarter. NWF Advisory Services Inc. now owns 278,206 shares of the companys stock valued at $899,000 after buying an additional 108,000 shares in the last quarter. Cornerstone Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund by 27.2% during the 2nd quarter. Cornerstone Advisors LLC now owns 451,982 shares of the companys stock worth $1,455,000 after acquiring an additional 96,613 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Shaker Financial Services LLC bought a new position in Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund in the third quarter valued at $257,000. (Get Free Report) Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund (NYSE American: NRO) is a closed-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust. Listed on the NYSE American exchange, the fund seeks to provide shareholders with high current income and the potential for capital appreciation through an actively managed portfolio of real estate securities. Its structure allows investors to access a diversified pool of real estate assets within a single investment vehicle. The funds primary investment focus is on equity real estate investment trusts (REITs), real estate operating companies and other real estaterelated securities. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Molina Healthcare, Inc (NYSE:MOH Free Report) by 41.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 11,786 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 3,443 shares during the quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Molina Healthcare were worth $2,255,000 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 stock. Invesco Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Molina Healthcare by 25.9% in the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,601,574 shares of the companys stock valued at $477,109,000 after acquiring an additional 329,759 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Molina Healthcare by 4.6% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 925,672 shares of the companys stock valued at $273,096,000 after purchasing an additional 40,714 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Molina Healthcare in the second quarter worth $212,113,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Molina Healthcare by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 419,457 shares of the companys stock worth $124,956,000 after buying an additional 3,216 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its stake in Molina Healthcare by 8.5% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 364,716 shares of the companys stock valued at $108,649,000 after buying an additional 28,562 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.50% of the companys stock. Get Molina Healthcare alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have weighed in on MOH. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of Molina Healthcare in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $165.00 target price on Molina Healthcare in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Barclays upped their price target on Molina Healthcare from $144.00 to $164.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Molina Healthcare from $165.00 to $208.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Molina Healthcare from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, October 25th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Molina Healthcare has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $193.47. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Molina Healthcare news, Director Richard M. Schapiro sold 357 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $143.02, for a total value of $51,058.14. Following the transaction, the director owned 11,352 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,623,563.04. The trade was a 3.05% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 1.26% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Molina Healthcare Trading Down 0.5% Shares of MOH stock opened at $180.92 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $9.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.20 and a beta of 0.49. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $158.06 and a 200-day moving average of $175.75. Molina Healthcare, Inc has a 52-week low of $133.40 and a 52-week high of $359.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 1.68 and a current ratio of 1.68. Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported $1.84 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.97 by ($2.13). Molina Healthcare had a net margin of 1.98% and a return on equity of 22.95%. The company had revenue of $11.48 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.99 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $6.01 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Molina Healthcare has set its FY 2025 guidance at 14.000-14.000 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Molina Healthcare, Inc will post 24.4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Molina Healthcare Profile (Free Report) Molina Healthcare, Inc is a managed care company specializing in government-sponsored health insurance programs. The company offers Medicaid managed care plans, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans, and individual Marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act. Through an integrated care model, Molina emphasizes preventive and primary care services, care coordination, and disease management to improve health outcomes for its members. The company traces its roots to the early 1980s, when Dr. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MOH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Molina Healthcare, Inc (NYSE:MOH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Molina Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molina Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC decreased its position in shares of AZZ Inc. (NYSE:AZZ Free Report) by 40.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 18,006 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 12,299 shares during the period. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC owned approximately 0.06% of AZZ worth $1,965,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in AZZ. Longboard Asset Management LP bought a new position in shares of AZZ in the third quarter worth $210,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC raised its position in shares of AZZ by 5.3% in the 3rd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 130,377 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $14,228,000 after buying an additional 6,530 shares in the last quarter. Calamos Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of AZZ during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $1,534,000. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al bought a new position in AZZ in the third quarter valued at approximately $546,000. Finally, Copeland Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in AZZ during the third quarter worth $15,772,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.93% of the companys stock. Get AZZ alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In AZZ has been the subject of several research reports. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on AZZ from $128.00 to $121.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of AZZ from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday. Robert W. Baird set a $125.00 price target on shares of AZZ in a research report on Friday. B. Riley lifted their price target on shares of AZZ from $131.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 17th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of AZZ in a report on Monday, December 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $117.17. AZZ Price Performance AZZ stock opened at $121.74 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.21, a current ratio of 1.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. The firm has a market cap of $3.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.44 and a beta of 1.13. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $106.83 and its 200 day simple moving average is $107.67. AZZ Inc. has a 12-month low of $70.90 and a 12-month high of $123.06. AZZ (NYSE:AZZ Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 7th. The industrial products company reported $1.52 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.43 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $425.75 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $412.97 million. AZZ had a return on equity of 14.45% and a net margin of 19.89%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.39 EPS. AZZ has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.900-6.200 EPS. On average, analysts expect that AZZ Inc. will post 5.13 earnings per share for the current year. AZZ Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 26th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 5th will be paid a $0.20 dividend. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 5th. AZZs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 7.52%. Key Headlines Impacting AZZ Here are the key news stories impacting AZZ this week: Insiders Place Their Bets In other AZZ news, insider Tara D. Mackey sold 1,568 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, January 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $119.43, for a total value of $187,266.24. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 28,086 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,354,310.98. This trade represents a 5.29% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 1.77% of the companys stock. About AZZ (Free Report) AZZ Inc, incorporated in 1956 and headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of galvanizing and metal finishing solutions alongside electrical equipment and services. The company supports a diverse range of industriessuch as energy, infrastructure, heavy equipment and general industrial marketsby delivering corrosion protection and high-performance electrical solutions designed for demanding environments. AZZ operates two primary business segments. The Global Coatings & Services segment offers hot-dip galvanizing, metal finishing, painting, powder coating and related value-added services to steel fabricators and original equipment manufacturers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for AZZ Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AZZ and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nordea Investment Management AB lowered its stake in Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT Free Report) by 38.8% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 386,408 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 244,971 shares during the period. Nordea Investment Management ABs holdings in Caterpillar were worth $183,269,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in Caterpillar by 36,842.1% during the 2nd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 7,299,751 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,833,836,000 after acquiring an additional 7,279,991 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Caterpillar during the second quarter valued at about $2,165,899,000. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. grew its holdings in shares of Caterpillar by 546.6% during the second quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 843,093 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $327,297,000 after purchasing an additional 712,711 shares during the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP increased its stake in shares of Caterpillar by 425.2% in the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 761,800 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $295,738,000 after buying an additional 616,739 shares during the period. Finally, Voya Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in Caterpillar by 36.9% in the 3rd quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 1,777,589 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $848,177,000 after buying an additional 478,972 shares during the last quarter. 70.98% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Caterpillar alerts: Key Headlines Impacting Caterpillar Here are the key news stories impacting Caterpillar this week: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on CAT shares. Raymond James Financial reissued a market perform rating on shares of Caterpillar in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Truist Financial reissued a buy rating and issued a $729.00 price objective (up previously from $582.00) on shares of Caterpillar in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on Caterpillar from $570.00 to $700.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on Caterpillar from $650.00 to $730.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada began coverage on Caterpillar in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. They set a sector perform rating and a $560.00 price objective for the company. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Caterpillar presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $619.70. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on CAT Caterpillar Stock Performance CAT stock opened at $636.39 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $297.82 billion, a PE ratio of 32.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.44 and a beta of 1.57. The company has a current ratio of 1.38, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.34. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $582.28 and a 200-day moving average price of $498.31. Caterpillar Inc. has a 1-year low of $267.30 and a 1-year high of $644.59. Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The industrial products company reported $4.95 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.52 by $0.43. The business had revenue of $17.64 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.72 billion. Caterpillar had a return on equity of 47.16% and a net margin of 14.34%.The firms revenue was up 9.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $5.17 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Caterpillar Inc. will post 19.86 earnings per share for the current year. Caterpillar Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 19th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be paid a $1.51 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 20th. This represents a $6.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. Caterpillars payout ratio is currently 31.01%. Insider Activity at Caterpillar In related news, insider Jason Kaiser sold 10,707 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $563.60, for a total transaction of $6,034,465.20. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 8,649 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,874,576.40. This represents a 55.32% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Lange Bob De sold 14,638 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $562.36, for a total transaction of $8,231,825.68. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 80,209 shares of the companys stock, valued at $45,106,333.24. The trade was a 15.43% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 54,729 shares of company stock worth $31,084,308 over the last ninety days. 0.33% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About Caterpillar (Free Report) Caterpillar Inc is a global manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and locomotives. The companys product portfolio includes earthmoving machines such as excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders and offhighway trucks, as well as a range of power generation products including generator sets and power systems for industrial and commercial use. Caterpillar serves customers across heavy construction, mining, energy, transportation and related industries with both equipment and integrated technology solutions. In addition to manufacturing, Caterpillar provides a broad range of aftermarket parts and support services, including maintenance, repair, remanufacturing and fleet management tools. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CAT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Caterpillar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Caterpillar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Diageo, UP Fintech, Regencell Bioscience, China SXT Pharmaceuticals, RBB Bancorp, Baiya International Group, and BGM Group are the seven Chinese stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Chinese stocks are equity securities issued by companies domiciled in (or primarily deriving revenue from) the Peoples Republic of China and sold to public investors. They can trade on mainland exchanges (Shanghai/Shenzhen Ashares), in Hong Kong (Hshares), or overseas via ADRs/Caymandomiciled listings and VIE structures, and investors should be aware of differing listing rules, currency exposure, and regulatory or geopolitical risks. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Chinese stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Diageo (DEO) Diageo plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, marketing, and sale of alcoholic beverages. The company offers scotch, gin, vodka, rum, raki, liqueur, wine, tequila, Chinese white spirits, cachaca, and brandy, as well as beer, including cider and flavored malt beverages. It also provides Chinese, Canadian, Irish, American, and Indian-Made Foreign Liquor whiskies, as well as flavored malt beverages, ready to drink, and non-alcoholic products. UP Fintech (TIGR) UP Fintech Holding Limited provides online brokerage services focusing on Chinese investors. The company has developed a brokerage platform, which allows investor to trade stocks, options, warrants, and other financial instruments that can be accessed through its APP and website. It offers brokerage and value-added services, including investor education, community engagement, and IR platform services. Read Our Latest Research Report on TIGR Regencell Bioscience (RGC) Regencell Bioscience Holdings Limited operates a Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) bioscience company. It focuses on the research, development, and commercialization of TCM for the treatment of neurocognitive disorders and degeneration, primarily attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. Read Our Latest Research Report on RGC China SXT Pharmaceuticals (SXTC) China SXT Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pharmaceutical company, engages in the research, development, manufacture, marketing, and sale of traditional Chinese medicine pieces (TCMP) in China. The company offers advanced, fine, and regular TCMP products, and raw medicinal material, such as ChenXiang, SanQiFen, HongQi, SuMu, JiangXiang, CuYanHuSuo, XiaTianWu, LuXueJing, XueJie, ChaoSuanZaoRen, HongQuMi, ChuanBeiMu, HuangShuKuiHua, WuWeiZi, DingXiang, RenShen, QingGuo, JueMingZi, and ShaRen. Read Our Latest Research Report on SXTC RBB Bancorp (RBB) RBB Bancorp operates as the bank holding company for Royal Business Bank that provides various banking products and services to the Chinese-American, Korean-American, and other Asian-American communities. Its deposit products include checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. Read Our Latest Research Report on RBB Baiya International Group (BIYA) We, Baiya International Group Inc. (Baiya), are an offshore holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. We are not a Chinese operating company, but an offshore holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. As a holding company, we have no material operations and conduct all of our operations in China through the VIE, Shenzhen Gongwuyuan Network Technology Co., Ltd. Read Our Latest Research Report on BIYA BGM Group (BGM) Qilian International Holding Group Limited manufactures and distributes active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), traditional Chinese medicine derivatives (TCMD), and other by-products in China. The company provides licorice products, including Gan Di Xin, an antitussive and expectorant medicine; Qilian Shan Licorice Extract, an ingredient for pharmaceutical companies to manufacture traditional licorice tablets; and Qilian Shan licorice liquid extract, a primary ingredient for medical preparation companies to produce compound licorice oral solutions. Read Our Latest Research Report on BGM Read More Pullen Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX Free Report) by 88.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 27,977 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 13,159 shares during the quarter. Chevron accounts for approximately 2.4% of Pullen Investment Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 7th biggest holding. Pullen Investment Management LLCs holdings in Chevron were worth $4,345,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vishria Bird Financial Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Chevron by 1.2% during the third quarter. Vishria Bird Financial Group LLC now owns 5,285 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $821,000 after buying an additional 65 shares during the last quarter. Nexus Investment Management ULC boosted its holdings in Chevron by 0.9% during the 3rd quarter. Nexus Investment Management ULC now owns 7,641 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,187,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares during the last quarter. White Knight Strategic Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Chevron by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter. White Knight Strategic Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,230 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $319,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Chevron by 7.4% in the second quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. now owns 961 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $138,000 after purchasing an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Analyst IMS Investment Management Services Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Chevron by 1.0% during the second quarter. Analyst IMS Investment Management Services Ltd. now owns 6,751 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $966,000 after purchasing an additional 67 shares in the last quarter. 72.42% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Chevron alerts: Chevron Trading Up 0.8% Shares of CVX stock opened at $163.66 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The firm has a market cap of $329.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.02, a PEG ratio of 10.20 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a 50 day moving average of $152.68 and a 200-day moving average of $153.82. Chevron Corporation has a 12-month low of $132.04 and a 12-month high of $168.96. Chevron Announces Dividend Chevron ( NYSE:CVX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The oil and gas company reported $1.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.71 by $0.14. The business had revenue of $48.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $46.99 billion. Chevron had a return on equity of 8.74% and a net margin of 6.57%.Chevrons revenue was down 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.48 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Chevron Corporation will post 10.79 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 18th were issued a $1.71 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 18th. This represents a $6.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.2%. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 96.20%. Insider Transactions at Chevron In other news, CFO Eimear P. Bonner sold 28,334 shares of Chevron stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $165.05, for a total value of $4,676,526.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 4,366 shares in the company, valued at $720,608.30. This trade represents a 86.65% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Michael K. Wirth sold 320,700 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $162.99, for a total transaction of $52,270,893.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 14,450 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,355,205.50. This trade represents a 95.69% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 631,990 shares of company stock valued at $99,716,808. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In CVX has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Piper Sandler reduced their price objective on shares of Chevron from $178.00 to $174.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Bank of America reduced their target price on Chevron from $183.00 to $180.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their price target on Chevron from $170.00 to $172.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Raymond James Financial reissued an outperform rating and issued a $160.00 price objective (down previously from $170.00) on shares of Chevron in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating on shares of Chevron in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $167.14. View Our Latest Analysis on CVX About Chevron (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. See Also 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. Rakuten, Inc. (OTCMKTS:RKUNY Get Free Report)s share price gapped down before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $6.60, but opened at $6.33. Rakuten shares last traded at $6.3350, with a volume of 1,359 shares. Rakuten Stock Down 0.6% The firms 50-day moving average price is $6.24 and its 200 day moving average price is $6.06. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.70. The company has a market capitalization of $13.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -12.66 and a beta of 1.20. Get Rakuten alerts: Rakuten (OTCMKTS:RKUNY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported ($0.08) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.07 by ($0.15). Rakuten had a negative return on equity of 13.96% and a negative net margin of 6.67%.The firm had revenue of $4.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.21 billion. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Rakuten, Inc. will post 0.06 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Rakuten Rakuten, Inc is a diversified internet services company based in Tokyo, Japan, and founded in 1997 by Hiroshi Mikitani, who continues to serve as chairman and chief executive officer. Originally established as an online marketplace, Rakuten has expanded its reach to become a global technology group offering a wide range of digital services and consumer-facing platforms. The company is listed in Japan but its American depositary receipts trade over the counter under the symbol RKUNY. At the core of Rakutens business is its e-commerce marketplace, Rakuten Ichiba, which hosts millions of merchants and serves tens of millions of customers across Japan and other key markets. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Rakuten Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rakuten and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. T. Rowe Price Equity Income ETF (NYSEARCA:TEQI Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 7,328 shares, an increase of 188.5% from the December 15th total of 2,540 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 12,557 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.6 days. Based on an average daily volume of 12,557 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.6 days. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. T. Rowe Price Equity Income ETF Price Performance Shares of TEQI stock opened at $46.15 on Wednesday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $44.68 and its 200 day moving average is $43.80. The company has a market cap of $376.58 million, a P/E ratio of 17.60 and a beta of 0.85. T. Rowe Price Equity Income ETF has a 1-year low of $36.21 and a 1-year high of $46.52. Get T. Rowe Price Equity Income ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On T. Rowe Price Equity Income ETF Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of T. Rowe Price Equity Income ETF by 6.6% during the 2nd quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 6,458 shares of the companys stock worth $275,000 after purchasing an additional 400 shares during the last quarter. Triangle Securities Wealth Management increased its stake in shares of T. Rowe Price Equity Income ETF by 7.6% in the 3rd quarter. Triangle Securities Wealth Management now owns 15,499 shares of the companys stock valued at $680,000 after acquiring an additional 1,089 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada grew its holdings in T. Rowe Price Equity Income ETF by 11.4% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 17,424 shares of the companys stock valued at $730,000 after purchasing an additional 1,782 shares during the period. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc increased its stake in T. Rowe Price Equity Income ETF by 105.7% in the second quarter. Glass Jacobson Investment Advisors llc now owns 4,617 shares of the companys stock valued at $196,000 after purchasing an additional 2,373 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in T. Rowe Price Equity Income ETF by 11.7% in the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 23,432 shares of the companys stock worth $997,000 after purchasing an additional 2,449 shares during the period. T. Rowe Price Equity Income ETF Company Profile The T. Rowe Price Equity Income ETF (TEQI) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Russell 1000 Value index. The ETF currently has 106.18m in AUM and 111 holdings. TEQI is an actively-managed, non-transparent fund of global large-cap companies that are positioned to outperform the Russell 1000 Value Index TEQI was launched on Aug 4, 2020 and is managed by T. Rowe Price. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for T. Rowe Price Equity Income ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for T. Rowe Price Equity Income ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE:FSS Free Report) Research analysts at Sidoti Csr issued their FY2025 earnings per share estimates for Federal Signal in a note issued to investors on Monday, January 12th. Sidoti Csr analyst G. Burns forecasts that the conglomerate will post earnings per share of $4.16 for the year. The consensus estimate for Federal Signals current full-year earnings is $3.34 per share. Sidoti Csr also issued estimates for Federal Signals Q4 2025 earnings at $1.09 EPS. Get Federal Signal alerts: Several other analysts have also issued reports on FSS. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Federal Signal in a report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research cut Federal Signal from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $123.00. Federal Signal Stock Up 0.3% Federal Signal stock opened at $117.28 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 2.61, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. Federal Signal has a 1-year low of $66.47 and a 1-year high of $132.89. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $111.60 and a 200 day simple moving average of $116.98. The company has a market cap of $7.13 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.82 and a beta of 1.35. Federal Signal (NYSE:FSS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The conglomerate reported $1.14 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.07 by $0.07. Federal Signal had a return on equity of 19.50% and a net margin of 11.47%.The firm had revenue of $555.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $545.19 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.87 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 17.0% on a year-over-year basis. Federal Signal has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.090-4.170 EPS. Federal Signal Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were given a dividend of $0.14 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $0.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.5%. Federal Signals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 14.62%. Insider Transactions at Federal Signal In other Federal Signal news, COO Mark Weber sold 51,187 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $111.56, for a total transaction of $5,710,421.72. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer owned 73,874 shares in the company, valued at $8,241,383.44. This trade represents a 40.93% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 3.30% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Federal Signal Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of FSS. Royal Bank of Canada grew its position in shares of Federal Signal by 3.5% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 93,618 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $6,886,000 after purchasing an additional 3,153 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Federal Signal by 10.9% in the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 35,702 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $2,626,000 after buying an additional 3,520 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its position in Federal Signal by 4.7% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 35,822 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $2,635,000 after buying an additional 1,594 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its stake in Federal Signal by 15.9% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 1,838 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $135,000 after acquiring an additional 252 shares during the period. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC bought a new position in Federal Signal during the 1st quarter worth $1,119,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.73% of the companys stock. About Federal Signal (Get Free Report) Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS), headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, is a diversified industrial company that designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of products and services for municipal, commercial and industrial customers worldwide. Founded in 1901 in Chicago, the company has grown through a combination of organic investment and strategic acquisitions to become a leading provider of environmental management and safety and security solutions. Federal Signal operates through two primary business segments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Federal Signal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Federal Signal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Executives from Siemens Healthineers (ETR:SHL) used a J.P. Morgan-hosted event in London to outline the companys market positioning, innovation priorities, and financial framework, while also addressing China demand, tariff headwinds, and the evolving role of its diagnostics business. Get alerts: Positioning as an imaging and precision therapy leader CEO Dr. Bernd Montag described the company as a clear market leader and compounder, emphasizing leadership positions in imaging and precision therapy and a customer footprint concentrated among major institutions. Montag said Siemens Healthineers is present in 70 countries, with an installed base of roughly 700,000 systems and around 3 billion patient touchpoints annually. R&D investment and physical AI emphasis Montag highlighted a focus on non-communicable diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, arguing that the future of care requires earlier detection and personalization at scale. He framed Siemens Healthineers strategy around two pillarspatient imaging and precision therapysupported by healthcare AI to automate and optimize workflows from scan acquisition through reporting and treatment planning. R&D was repeatedly characterized as central to the companys approach. Montag said Siemens Healthineers invests about 2 billion in R&D and employs 13,000 R&D staff, describing the company as a leader in AI for its field. He also referenced physical AI, describing AI algorithms tightly integrated with hardware to accelerate image acquisition and improve image quality. He also pointed to customer engagement via more than 200 value partnerships and cited an order backlog of 6 billion from large arrangements. Product highlights: Photon-counting CT, PETNET, and pipeline commentary In imaging, Montag cited strength in MRI and said the company is rolling out Dry Cool technology. He also said Siemens Healthineers is expanding in mammography and sees growth in molecular imaging driven by theranostics and Alzheimers-related applications. Montag said the companys radiopharmaceutical distribution business, PETNET, could reach 1 billion in revenue, potentially as soon as this year. CFO Jochen Schmitz later referenced PETNET as part of a growing procedure-based revenue stream and said the companys interventional oncology business contributes to procedure-based revenues, which he said are now above 1 billion. Photon-counting CT was positioned as a flagship innovation. In the Q&A, management provided specific figures on adoption, saying cumulative equipment orders are 1.7 billion. They added that roughly half of that total came in the last fiscal year, with around 500 million in equipment orders and roughly 350 million in equipment revenue in that period. Management said photon-counting CT represented roughly 30% of the companys CT equipment business and was associated with high-margin equipment and great service contracts. Montag also said there are close to 1,000 peer-reviewed publications discussing the clinical impact of the technology. Within precision therapy, Montag highlighted a newly launched angiography portfolio featuring real-time AI denoising, aimed at providing clearer images or maintaining image quality at lower dose. He also previewed what he described as a potential breakthrough in radiation oncology expected to be discussed at ASTRO in September, calling it a new treatment device or almost a new kind of therapy, while stressing it was framed as a rumor previously referenced at the companys Capital Markets Day. Financial framework: recurring revenue, cash conversion, and capital allocation Schmitz outlined what he called a plan to be a reliable revenue earnings and cash compounder, supported by ESG principles. On recurring revenue, he said diagnostics has a recurring revenue share of 90%, while imaging and precision therapy each generate about 50% of revenue from recurring streams, primarily service and long-term contracts, with procedure-based revenues growing. Schmitz said the company targets R&D spending of 8%-9% annually (again described as more than 2 billion) and expects SG&A to remain in a 15%-17% range over the next five years (currently about 17%), while continuing to seek productivity improvements. He said Siemens Healthineers generates a 0.8-0.9 cash conversion rate annually and committed to that range for the next five years, noting diagnostics has become a cash conversion contributor over time. On capital allocation, Schmitz said the company intends to maintain a stable and growing dividend policy, andgiven changes in shareholder structurewill consider share buybacks if they make sense. He also discussed deleveraging following the Varian acquisition, stating net debt to EBITDA has fallen from about 4x to 2.8x, with a commitment to reach 2.5x over the next 24 months. He noted an A-category rating from Moodys and said the company is not planning a major acquisition in the near term, but will consider meaningful tuck-in acquisitions if they create shareholder value. Guidance, tariffs, and China commentary For the fiscal year, Schmitz said Siemens Healthineers expects 5%-6% revenue growth, assuming no tailwind from China, and guided to adjusted EPS of 2.20 to 2.40. He said the midpoint is below the prior year due to foreign exchange headwinds from a strong euro of about 0.15 and tariff headwinds of about 0.15, for a combined 0.30 impact. He said underlying EPS improvement would be in the double-digit range despite not expecting to offset the full headwind this year. Schmitz described 2026 as a year of transition for EPS and said the company commits to returning to double-digit EPS growth starting in 2027. He outlined a plan to mitigate tariff impacts by 2028, targeting a total offset of a 400 million tariff headwind through a combination of an additional productivity program (intended to cover half) and market adaptive and smart pricing to add 200 million of profit. In the Q&A, management said shifting value-add or manufacturing is complex and competency-driven, though they indicated they have plans and could execute changes if necessary, including a potential shift to the U.S. among other options. On China, Montag said the company has grown globally without China contributing meaningfully in recent years, adding that over the last two years the company grew around 6% and delivered double-digit EPS growth despite China and diagnostics not contributing. For the current year, the company is assuming flat development in China. For its midterm outlook, management said it has baked in an assumption of 5% growth in China for both the market and Siemens Healthineers, describing expectations for a return to growth but not to prior historical levels. Montag added that in China the goal is to grow with the market and defend its position. Schmitz also warned of a slightly weaker start to the fiscal year, citing diagnostics headwinds in China tied to volume-based procurement, which he said is primarily price-driven and therefore flows one-to-one into the P&L. He also noted a softer start in the more lumpy advanced therapies business, while describing imaging and Varian as expected to have a normal start. Management also addressed imaging guidance after an 8.5% growth year, characterizing the current mid-single-digit outlook as prudent rather than a change in underlying dynamics. Finally, Montag reiterated that diagnostics has limited synergies with the rest of the portfolio and is operationally more independent, with its own sales force and service structure. He said conglomerate structure is not the companys goal and suggested that whether diagnostics should remain under the same roof long term is a legitimate question, while noting that the business currently does not operate with separate legal entities or separate IT. About Siemens Healthineers (ETR:SHL) Siemens Healthineers AG, through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells a range of diagnostic and therapeutic products and services to healthcare providers worldwide. It operates through four segments: Imaging, Diagnostics, Varian, and Advanced Therapies. The Imaging segment provides magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, X-ray systems, molecular imaging, and ultrasound systems. Its Diagnostics segment offers in-vitro diagnostic products and services to healthcare providers in laboratory and point-of-care diagnostics; and workflow solutions for laboratories and informatics products. Recommended Stories Manning & Napier Advisors LLC reduced its stake in Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO Free Report) by 25.9% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 87,003 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 30,454 shares during the quarter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in Southern Copper were worth $10,559,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Legal & General Group Plc raised its stake in shares of Southern Copper by 4.3% in the 2nd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 941,712 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $95,273,000 after purchasing an additional 38,856 shares in the last quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB grew its stake in Southern Copper by 6.5% in the second quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 140,489 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $14,326,000 after purchasing an additional 8,531 shares in the last quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in Southern Copper by 82.5% in the second quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 5,085 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $514,000 after buying an additional 2,298 shares during the last quarter. Edgestream Partners L.P. acquired a new stake in Southern Copper during the second quarter valued at approximately $5,436,000. Finally, Capital Advisors Inc. OK lifted its holdings in Southern Copper by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Capital Advisors Inc. OK now owns 277,035 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $28,028,000 after buying an additional 3,449 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 7.94% of the companys stock. Get Southern Copper alerts: Southern Copper Stock Down 0.7% Shares of Southern Copper stock opened at $174.74 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $141.92 billion, a PE ratio of 36.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.49 and a beta of 1.06. Southern Copper Corporation has a 12-month low of $74.84 and a 12-month high of $177.39. The stocks fifty day moving average is $142.04 and its 200-day moving average is $120.99. The company has a quick ratio of 3.91, a current ratio of 4.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. Southern Copper Cuts Dividend Southern Copper ( NYSE:SCCO Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The basic materials company reported $1.35 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.26 by $0.09. Southern Copper had a net margin of 30.98% and a return on equity of 38.74%. The firm had revenue of $3.38 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.05 billion. Equities analysts anticipate that Southern Copper Corporation will post 4.66 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 12th were paid a $0.90 dividend. This represents a $3.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 12th. Southern Coppers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 75.47%. Insider Buying and Selling at Southern Copper In related news, Director Bonilla Luis Miguel Palomino sold 400 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $139.00, for a total value of $55,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 1,265 shares in the company, valued at approximately $175,835. The trade was a 24.02% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 948 shares of company stock valued at $131,130. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms recently issued reports on SCCO. UBS Group reissued a neutral rating and set a $143.00 price target (up from $135.00) on shares of Southern Copper in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Itau BBA Securities cut shares of Southern Copper from a market perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $126.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Southern Copper from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $182.00 price target on shares of Southern Copper and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Southern Copper from $114.50 to $119.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and five have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Southern Copper currently has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of $129.05. View Our Latest Report on SCCO About Southern Copper (Free Report) Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE: SCCO) is a large, integrated copper producer whose operations span the full value chain from exploration and mining to smelting, refining and the sale of copper and other metal products. The company produces a range of copper products including copper concentrate and refined cathodes, and recovers valuable byproducts such as molybdenum, silver and zinc. Southern Copper concentrates on high-volume, long-life assets designed to support steady production and processing capabilities. Southern Coppers operations are concentrated in Peru and Mexico, where it owns and operates multiple large-scale mining and processing facilities. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCCO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Southern Copper Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern Copper and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom S.A. (NYSE:TEO Get Free Report) shares gapped down before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $11.52, but opened at $11.08. Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom shares last traded at $11.1650, with a volume of 1,169 shares traded. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth TEO has been the topic of several analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom in a report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research raised shares of Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, UBS Group set a $17.00 price objective 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 given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $11.93. Get Telecom Argentina Stet - France Telecom alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom Price Performance The company has a current ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. The business has a 50-day moving average of $11.96 and a 200 day moving average of $9.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.79 billion, a P/E ratio of -31.76 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 for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.49) by $0.13. The business had revenue of $1.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.50 billion. Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom had a negative net margin of 2.55% and a negative return on equity of 2.64%. On average, sell-side analysts predict 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 Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a special dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 3rd. Investors of record on Monday, November 24th were issued a dividend of $0.0452 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 24th. Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecoms dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -14.29%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. RWC Asset Management LLP lifted its stake in shares of Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom by 0.4% during the 3rd 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 in the last quarter. Banco BTG Pactual S.A. purchased a new stake in shares of Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom during the third quarter worth $2,725,000. UBS Group AG lifted its position in shares of Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom by 18.6% during the third quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 233,626 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,698,000 after acquiring an additional 36,642 shares in the last quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP boosted its holdings in shares of Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom by 317.8% in the third quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 204,172 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,484,000 after acquiring an additional 155,299 shares during the period. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its position in shares of 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 valued at $1,322,000 after purchasing an additional 38,107 shares in the last quarter. About Telecom Argentina Stet France Telecom (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. Further Reading 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. Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI Get Free Report) (TSE:TRI) had its price target dropped by research analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $212.00 to $160.00 in a report issued on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the business services providers stock. Wells Fargo & Companys target price would indicate a potential upside of 26.49% from the stocks current price. A number of other equities analysts also recently issued reports on TRI. CIBC set a $198.00 price target on Thomson Reuters and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $186.00 price target on shares of Thomson Reuters and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Huber Research upgraded Thomson Reuters to an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on Thomson Reuters from $178.00 to $160.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reduced 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 research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $189.91. Get Thomson Reuters alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on TRI Thomson Reuters Stock Down 0.0% NYSE TRI traded down $0.03 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $126.50. 222,877 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 865,940. Thomson Reuters has a 12-month low of $125.80 and a 12-month high of $218.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a current ratio of 1.02 and a quick ratio of 0.94. The firm has a market cap of $56.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.67 and a beta of 0.80. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $133.17 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $161.17. Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI Get Free Report) (TSE:TRI) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The business services provider reported $0.85 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $1.80 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.78 billion. Thomson Reuters had a net margin of 30.45% and a return on equity of 14.62%. Thomson Reuterss revenue for the quarter was up 3.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.80 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Thomson Reuters will post 3.89 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TRI. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Thomson Reuters by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,690,956 shares of the business services providers stock worth $883,680,000 after acquiring an additional 73,725 shares in the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc grew its holdings in shares of Thomson Reuters by 3.0% during the second quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 5,681,469 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,140,208,000 after purchasing an additional 166,977 shares during the last quarter. TLT Family Holdco ULC acquired a new stake in shares of Thomson Reuters during the second quarter worth about $865,442,000. LCC Family Corp. purchased a new stake in shares of Thomson Reuters in the 2nd quarter valued at about $813,253,000. Finally, SEG Family Corp. purchased a new stake in Thomson Reuters in the second quarter valued at approximately $659,930,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 17.31% of the companys stock. About Thomson Reuters (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. See Also 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. Triple Flag Precious Metals (NYSE:TFPM Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at Zacks Research from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday,Zacks.com reports. A number of other equities analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating on shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Triple Flag Precious Metals from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Scotiabank lowered their price objective on shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals from $35.00 to $34.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group downgraded shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Triple Flag Precious Metals currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $30.00. Get Triple Flag Precious Metals alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Triple Flag Precious Metals Triple Flag Precious Metals Stock Down 0.9% Shares of TFPM traded down $0.34 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $36.25. The company had a trading volume of 137,382 shares, compared to its average volume of 489,175. Triple Flag Precious Metals has a 1 year low of $15.45 and a 1 year high of $37.60. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $32.80 and its 200-day simple moving average is $28.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, a quick ratio of 1.68 and a current ratio of 1.68. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.89, a P/E/G ratio of 1.21 and a beta of -0.21. Triple Flag Precious Metals (NYSE:TFPM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.24 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.22 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $93.50 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $87.46 million. Triple Flag Precious Metals had a return on equity of 9.56% and a net margin of 59.43%. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Triple Flag Precious Metals will post 0.71 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Triple Flag Precious Metals A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TFPM. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio raised its position in shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals by 2.2% during the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 16,751 shares of the companys stock worth $491,000 after purchasing an additional 368 shares during the last quarter. Goehring & Rozencwajg Associates LLC increased its position in Triple Flag Precious Metals by 0.6% during the third quarter. Goehring & Rozencwajg Associates LLC now owns 100,724 shares of the companys stock worth $2,948,000 after buying an additional 636 shares in the last quarter. Parvin Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals by 1.7% in the third quarter. Parvin Asset Management LLC now owns 38,940 shares of the companys stock worth $1,139,000 after acquiring an additional 650 shares during the last quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals by 100.6% in the third quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 1,408 shares of the companys stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 706 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mariner LLC boosted its stake in shares of Triple Flag Precious Metals by 6.1% during the third quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 15,667 shares of the companys stock valued at $458,000 after acquiring an additional 906 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.91% of the companys stock. Triple Flag Precious Metals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. is a Toronto-based precious metals streaming and royalty company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker TFPM. The company specializes in providing upfront financing to mining operators in exchange for the right to purchase a fixed percentage of future gold and silver production at discounted prices. By structuring these streaming and royalty agreements, Triple Flag Precious Metals aims to optimize its capital deployment and maintain a predictable cost profile while benefitting from upside in precious metal prices. Since its formation in mid-2022, Triple Flag Precious Metals has established a diversified portfolio of streaming and royalty assets across a variety of jurisdictions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Triple Flag Precious Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Triple Flag Precious Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. United States Natural Gas Fund LP (NYSEARCA:UNG Get Free Report) shares gapped down before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $11.32, but opened at $10.57. United States Natural Gas Fund shares last traded at $10.4550, with a volume of 6,727,377 shares trading hands. United States Natural Gas Fund Price Performance The businesss 50 day moving average price is $13.41 and its 200 day moving average price is $13.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $532.67 million, a P/E ratio of -15.04 and a beta of -0.12. Get United States Natural Gas Fund alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On United States Natural Gas Fund A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Comerica Bank raised its stake in United States Natural Gas Fund by 1,412.9% during the 1st quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 2,693 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $58,000 after buying an additional 2,515 shares during the last quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of United States Natural Gas Fund by 110.8% in the 3rd quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC now owns 6,850 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $90,000 after buying an additional 3,600 shares during the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its holdings in shares of United States Natural Gas Fund by 55.0% in the third quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 7,305 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $95,000 after acquiring an additional 2,593 shares during the period. FNY Investment Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in United States Natural Gas Fund during the third quarter valued at $104,000. Finally, National Bank of Canada FI lifted its holdings in United States Natural Gas Fund by 139.2% in the third quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 10,549 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $138,000 after acquiring an additional 6,138 shares during the period. About United States Natural Gas Fund United States Natural Gas Fund, LP is a limited partnership. The Company is a commodity pool that issues limited partnership interests (shares) traded on the NYSE Arca, Inc (the NYSE Arca). The investment objective of the Company is for the daily changes in percentage terms of its shares per share net asset value (NAV) to reflect the daily changes in percentage terms of the spot price of natural gas delivered at the Henry Hub, Louisiana, as measured by the daily changes in the price of the futures contracts on natural gas traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange (the NYMEX) that is the near month contract to expire, except when the near month contract is within two weeks of expiration, in which case it will be measured by the futures contract that is the next month contract to expire (the Benchmark Futures Contract), less its expenses. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for United States Natural Gas Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United States Natural Gas Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Versant Capital Management Inc decreased its holdings in Global X MSCI Greece ETF (NYSEARCA:GREK Free Report) by 8.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 210,404 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 19,104 shares during the quarter. Global X MSCI Greece ETF accounts for approximately 1.8% of Versant Capital Management Incs holdings, making the stock its 9th biggest holding. Versant Capital Management Incs holdings in Global X MSCI Greece ETF were worth $13,550,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. acquired a new position in Global X MSCI Greece ETF in the second quarter worth about $4,721,000. Arlington Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in Global X MSCI Greece ETF in the second quarter valued at $4,528,000. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. raised its stake in Global X MSCI Greece ETF by 3,120.6% during the second quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 58,261 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,296,000 after acquiring an additional 56,452 shares in the last quarter. Florin Court Capital LLP boosted its holdings in shares of Global X MSCI Greece ETF by 97.9% in the 2nd quarter. Florin Court Capital LLP now owns 50,945 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,957,000 after acquiring an additional 25,206 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Client First Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in Global X MSCI Greece ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $2,562,000. Get Global X MSCI Greece ETF alerts: Global X MSCI Greece ETF Stock Performance Shares of GREK opened at $69.00 on Wednesday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $66.21 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $64.37. The company has a market cap of $306.36 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.65 and a beta of 0.89. Global X MSCI Greece ETF has a 52-week low of $39.54 and a 52-week high of $69.64. About Global X MSCI Greece ETF The Global X MSCI Greece ETF (GREK) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI All Greece Select 25-50 index, a market-cap-weighted index of about 15 Greek firms. GREK was launched on Dec 7, 2011 and is managed by Global X. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GREK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Global X MSCI Greece ETF (NYSEARCA:GREK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Global X MSCI Greece ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Global X MSCI Greece ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Warrior Met Coal (NYSE:HCC Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $100.25 and last traded at $97.7010, with a volume of 77165 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $96.97. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts recently weighed in on HCC shares. Zacks Research lowered shares of Warrior Met Coal from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. UBS Group raised their price target on Warrior Met Coal from $80.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. B. Riley reiterated a buy rating on shares of Warrior Met Coal in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Warrior Met Coal from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Warrior Met Coal in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Warrior Met Coal presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $77.33. Get Warrior Met Coal alerts: Read Our Latest Report on HCC Warrior Met Coal Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 3.00 and a current ratio of 4.13. The stock has a market cap of $5.29 billion, a PE ratio of 150.15 and a beta of 0.63. The companys 50-day moving average price is $83.89 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $67.88. Warrior Met Coal (NYSE:HCC Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.70 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.21) by $0.91. Warrior Met Coal had a return on equity of 2.01% and a net margin of 2.87%.The business had revenue of $328.59 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $302.51 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.80 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up .3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Warrior Met Coal will post 4.86 EPS for the current year. Warrior Met Coal Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Investors of record on Friday, November 7th were issued a dividend of $0.08 per share. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 7th. Warrior Met Coals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 47.76%. Insider Activity at Warrior Met Coal In other Warrior Met Coal news, CEO Walter J. Scheller sold 100,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.31, for a total value of $10,031,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 294,183 shares of the companys stock, valued at $29,509,496.73. This represents a 25.37% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Kelli K. Gant sold 10,000 shares of Warrior Met Coal stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.00, for a total transaction of $1,000,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 70,580 shares in the company, valued at $7,058,000. This trade represents a 12.41% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 128,966 shares of company stock valued at $12,453,450. 2.10% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of Warrior Met Coal Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. State Street Corp grew its stake in shares of Warrior Met Coal by 25.2% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,099,070 shares of the companys stock valued at $187,860,000 after buying an additional 825,807 shares during the last quarter. L1 Capital Pty Ltd boosted its holdings in Warrior Met Coal by 175.8% during the 2nd quarter. L1 Capital Pty Ltd now owns 1,981,045 shares of the companys stock valued at $90,791,000 after acquiring an additional 1,262,736 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in Warrior Met Coal by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,920,940 shares of the companys stock valued at $88,037,000 after acquiring an additional 23,698 shares during the period. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. grew its position in Warrior Met Coal by 130.4% during the 2nd quarter. Adage Capital Partners GP L.L.C. now owns 1,889,025 shares of the companys stock worth $86,574,000 after acquiring an additional 1,069,025 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its stake in Warrior Met Coal by 0.3% in the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,833,578 shares of the companys stock worth $116,687,000 after purchasing an additional 5,077 shares during the period. 92.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Warrior Met Coal Company Profile (Get Free Report) Warrior Met Coal (NYSE: HCC) is a leading producer of premium metallurgical coal, operating deep underground mining complexes in Central Alabamas Blue Creek and Brookwood mining districts. The company focuses exclusively on the extraction and sale of high-grade hard coking coal, a critical raw material used in steel production. Its mining operations harness longwall mining technology and rigorous safety protocols to deliver consistent coal quality to customers worldwide. Warrior Met Coals product portfolio centers on premium hard coking coal, semisoft coking coal, and pulverized coal injection (PCI) products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Warrior Met Coal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Warrior Met Coal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WESPAC Advisors LLC decreased its holdings in iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:TFLO Free Report) by 75.4% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 16,041 shares of the companys stock after selling 49,159 shares during the quarter. WESPAC Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF were worth $812,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Robbins Farley purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF during the second quarter valued at $30,000. Independence Bank of Kentucky bought a new position in iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF by 250.2% during the 2nd quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 704 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 503 shares during the last quarter. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group bought a new stake in shares of iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF in the second quarter worth approximately $39,000. Finally, Addison Advisors LLC bought a new position in iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $41,000. Get iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF alerts: iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF Stock Up 0.0% Shares of TFLO opened at $50.53 on Wednesday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $50.49 and a 200 day moving average of $50.52. iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF has a one year low of $50.39 and a one year high of $50.69. iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF Profile The iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF (TFLO) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of U.S. Treasury floating rate bonds. TFLO was launched on Feb 3, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TFLO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:TFLO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Treasury Floating Rate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE:ZTO Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $22.42 and last traded at $22.3530, with a volume of 583412 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $21.88. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have recently commented on ZTO. Zacks Research downgraded ZTO Express (Cayman) from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, December 27th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $22.36. Get ZTO Express (Cayman) alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on ZTO ZTO Express (Cayman) Price Performance The stocks 50-day moving average price is $20.60 and its 200-day moving average price is $19.60. The company has a market cap of $13.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.88, a PEG ratio of 4.12 and a beta of -0.21. ZTO Express (Cayman) (NYSE:ZTO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 20th. The transportation company reported $0.43 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.51 by ($2.08). ZTO Express (Cayman) had a return on equity of 14.33% and a net margin of 18.61%.During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.90 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 11.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts expect that ZTO Express will post 1.57 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of ZTO Express (Cayman) Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Capitolis Liquid Global Markets LLC acquired a new stake in shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) during the 3rd quarter worth $25,672,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp acquired a new stake in ZTO Express (Cayman) during the second quarter worth about $12,604,000. Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. grew its stake in ZTO Express (Cayman) by 2,573.3% during the third quarter. Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. now owns 612,738 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $11,765,000 after buying an additional 589,817 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in ZTO Express (Cayman) in the 2nd quarter valued at about $7,446,000. Finally, Pzena Investment Management LLC raised its position in shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) by 4.9% in the 3rd quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 7,999,407 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $153,589,000 after buying an additional 376,179 shares in the last quarter. 41.65% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. ZTO Express (Cayman) Company Profile (Get Free Report) ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc is one of Chinas leading express delivery companies, specializing in both domestic and cross-border parcel logistics. The company operates a technology-enabled network that connects shippers, independent pickup and delivery stations, regional sorting hubs and end customers. ZTOs service portfolio includes standard express, heavy-weight parcel delivery, time-definite shipments and e-commerce logistics solutions tailored for online retailers and marketplaces. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Shanghai, ZTO has grown rapidly by leveraging a franchise-style operating model that engages a broad network of independent contractors. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for ZTO Express (Cayman) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ZTO Express (Cayman) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chris Moore was doing what many students do upon finishing their end-of-term exams gathering with friends and indulging, perhaps overindulging, in drink and festivities. The 20-year-old undergrad at England's Cambridge University had just wrapped up his second year of studies and went to a house party with three school chums in a community nearby. Late into the evening and after many drinks, the group decided to jump in a car and head home. The vehicle wasn't theirs, but it was too far to walk back to their town and the keys were in the ignition. Moore remembers getting into the front passenger seat and promptly falling asleep, while his friend took the wheel. He awoke on the side of the road, blood streaming down his face and police lights flashing around him. The car, he learned, had hit a group of student cyclists, killing one and injuring several others. The horrifying incident, now 40 years on, is recounted in the introduction to a new book Dr. Moore has written about the emotion that weighed him down after the accident. The Power of Guilt: Why We Feel It and Its Surprising Ability to Heal explores what guilt means, why it matteres, and how the experiences that followed that terrible night helped redefined the meaning and value of guilt for him. Just released by HarperCollins in Canada, the book which was featured on Indigo's list of the most anticipated Canadian books of 2026 will be celebrated with a launch event next Thursday (January 13) at the Social (former University Club). A new understanding "What I tell in the story is how that experience framed up my understanding of guilt from a variety of different perspectives," says Dr. Moore, professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie. "I was offered forgiveness by the key people who were harmed by that event. My parents, my friends and the people who were harmed in the accident, all spontaneously offered forgiveness. And that led to the dissolution of the guilt that I felt." Dr. Moore describes how the first thing his parents told him as he lay recovering from lacerations in the hospital was that he had "done an extraordinarily stupid and harmful thing," but that they nevertheless still loved him. Even more significant was the visit from students, one of whom was in the group that was hit, who offered forgiveness on behalf of the victims of the accident. They were members of the Christian Union and, as Christians, knew it was their duty to forgive. Dr. Moore still had to face the consequences of his legal guilt and was convicted of unlawfully taking a vehicle. He spent three months in prison. "What was so profound about that experience was that the enormous feelings of guilt that I had were in part dissipated by the forgiveness. What I came to understand is that at the most basic level, guilt is not about doing things that are wrong in a sense, but it's about the fear of harming the relationships that you care about. And that guilt is resolved through forgiveness by others. Guilt and forgiveness are the two sides to relationship management." Breaking down guilt Dr. Moore, who began writing the book while taking the Master of Fine Arts program in Creative Nonfiction at King's in 2020, describes guilt is as a "cocktail" of three main emotions: fear or anxiety over relationship damage; compassion for the other person; and self-directed anger over what you did. He uses gossip to illustrate how guilt is tied to fears that a relationship may be harmed. "If you gossip about a friend behind their back, then you probably are going to feel guilty not because it's morally wrong, not because you've sinned, not because it's against the law, but because you feel like there is some possibility that you've now harmed a relationship that you care about," he says. "So that's the fundamental meaning of guilt." Guilt as motiviation Therein lies the power and utility of guilt. "It's to manage relationships. So, what guilt does in the end is it motivates you to work on restoring the health of the relationship that has been damaged by whatever you did. An apology is an important aspect of that reparation," says Dr. Moore, whose Catholic upbringing exposed him to the idea of guilt early on. In the conclusion of his book entitled Making Friends with Guilt he argues that we need to shed the negative connotations around guilt and see it as a force for good that can inspire us to take care of our relationships. "Yes, guilt is horrible, but like the best medicines of old, it is good for you. It helps us to identify when our relationships may be at risk and it guides us to work on them and to restore them," he writes. "So, let's welcome into our lives and make friends with it. Our relationships, and indeed our society, will be stronger for it." Get alerts: JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo & Company, Bank of New York Mellon, U.S. Bancorp, and Charles Schwab are the seven Bank stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Bank stocks are shares of publicly traded banking institutionssuch as commercial, regional, and savings banksthat give investors partial ownership and a claim on the banks profits. Their performance and dividend potential are driven by factors like net interest margins, loan growth and credit quality, deposit flows, regulatory changes, and broader economic and interest-rate cycles. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Bank stocks within the last several days. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a financial holding company, which engages in the provision of financial and investment banking services. It focuses on investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. It operates through the following segments: Consumer and Community Banking (CCB), Commercial and Investment Bank (CIB), Asset and Wealth Management (AWM), and Corporate. Bank of America (BAC) Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. It operates in four segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, and Global Markets. Read Our Latest Research Report on BAC Citigroup (C) Citigroup Inc., a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions. Read Our Latest Research Report on C Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) Wells Fargo & Co. is a diversified and community-based financial services company, which engages in the provision of banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth and Investment Management. Read Our Latest Research Report on WFC Bank of New York Mellon (BK) The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics. Read Our Latest Research Report on BK U.S. Bancorp (USB) U.S. Bancorp, a financial services holding company, provides various financial services to individuals, businesses, institutional organizations, governmental entities, and other financial institutions in the United States. It operates through Wealth, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking; Consumer and Business Banking; Payment Services; and Treasury and Corporate Support segments. Read Our Latest Research Report on USB Charles Schwab (SCHW) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Read Our Latest Research Report on SCHW Read More China expresses condolences after fatal Thailand accident: FM spokesperson Xinhua) 16:28, January 14, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- China sends its sympathies to the casualties in Thailand caused by a train colliding with a construction crane, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said in Beijing on Wednesday. According to reports, at least 22 people were killed and 55 others injured after a passenger train collided with a collapsed construction crane in northeastern Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima province on Wednesday. "We are closely following the situation," spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular press briefing, adding that the cause of the accident is still under investigation. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Exencial Wealth Advisors LLC lowered its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 5.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 42,794 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 2,246 shares during the quarter. Exencial Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $14,777,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of UNH. LFA Lugano Financial Advisors SA purchased a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Sagard Holdings Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the second quarter worth $29,000. Islay Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the second quarter valued at $31,000. Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. grew its position in UnitedHealth Group by 69.4% during the 2nd quarter. Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. now owns 105 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 43 shares during the period. Finally, Kilter Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter valued at about $34,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.86% of the companys stock. Key UnitedHealth Group News Here are the key news stories impacting UnitedHealth Group this week: Analysts Set New Price Targets UNH has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Zacks Research raised UnitedHealth Group from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $267.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $286.00 to $408.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $350.00 to $390.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, UBS Group upped their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $378.00 to $430.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, UnitedHealth Group currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $385.75. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on UNH UnitedHealth Group Stock Performance Shares of UnitedHealth Group stock opened at $334.00 on Wednesday. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $329.72 and its 200-day simple moving average is $321.78. The firm has a market cap of $302.55 billion, a PE ratio of 17.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 0.42. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 52 week low of $234.60 and a 52 week high of $606.36. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $2.92 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.87 by $0.05. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 4.04% and a return on equity of 19.23%. The firm had revenue of $113.16 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $113.19 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $7.15 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 12.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 earnings per share for the current year. UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Investors of record on Monday, December 8th were issued a dividend of $2.21 per share. This represents a $8.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 8th. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 46.14%. UnitedHealth Group Company Profile (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Inc is a diversified health care company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, that operates two primary business platforms: UnitedHealthcare and Optum. Founded in 1977, the company provides a broad range of health benefits and health care services to individuals, employers, governmental entities and other organizations. Its operations span commercial employer-sponsored plans, individual and Medicare and Medicaid programs, and services for customers and health systems in the United States and selected international markets. UnitedHealthcare is the companys benefits business, administering health plans and networks, managing provider relationships, and offering coverage products for employers, individuals, and government-sponsored programs. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pakistans military and diplomatic leadership moved to strengthen the nations security posture this week, simultaneously advancing long-term strategic alliances in North Africa while conducting intensified counter-insurgency operations along its volatile southwestern border. The dual developments highlight Islamabads current strategy of bolstering external defense partnerships while grappling with a sharp rise in domestic militancy. Get alerts: Forging a Permanent Framework with Morocco Defense Minister Khawaja Asif arrived in Rabat earlier this week for a significant three-day diplomatic mission aimed at formalizing defense relations with Morocco. During meetings with Moroccan Minister of State for National Defense Administration Abdel Latif Loudayi, officials laid the groundwork for an institutional framework designed to create permanent military links between the two nations. Reports indicate that the primary objective of the visit is to sign a memorandum of understanding that will broaden the scope of future collaboration. According to statements released by the Defense Minister via social media, this agreement is intended to open new channels for military training, capacity building, and the exchange of operational experiences. He noted that the pact would serve as a foundation for joint initiatives across various security sectors. Counter-Terrorism Operations in Balochistan This diplomatic push comes at a time when Pakistan is seeing increased interest from Muslim-majority nations regarding defense cooperation, a trend observers attribute to the performance of Pakistans military during a brief conflict with India in 2025. The current talks in Rabat build upon a history of growing cooperation; the two nations conducted their third joint bilateral military exercise in April of last year. Furthermore, high-level discussions took place in November 2024 between Moroccan Air Force leadership and Pakistans Chief of Air Staff, focused on potential aerospace collaborations. While diplomatic delegations worked to secure agreements abroad, security forces within Pakistan remained engaged in active combat. Recently, the militarys media wing confirmed that four militants were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the Kalat district of Balochistan. The Inter-Services Public Relations reported that the raid was launched following credible reports regarding the presence of armed combatants in the area. During the ensuing exchange of fire, security personnel eliminated the suspects and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition. Military officials described the deceased as being actively involved in numerous hostile activities and alleged that the militants were supported by Indian sponsorship. While New Delhi has consistently denied such accusations in the past, Pakistani officials stated that sanitization operations would continue in the region to root out any remaining threats. Balochistan, which shares porous borders with Iran and Afghanistan, has long struggled with a low-level insurgency led by separatist groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army and the Balochistan Liberation Front. Rising Violence and New Prevention Strategies The operation in Kalat occurs against a backdrop of escalating violence. Statistical data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reveals a troubling trend, with combat-related deaths surging by 73 percent in 2025. The think tank recorded over 3,300 fatalities last year, a figure that includes more than 2,100 militants, over 600 security personnel, and nearly 600 civilians. In response to this deteriorating security environment, the provincial government in Balochistan has shifted its tactical approach. A senior official announced the establishment of a modern threat assessment center designed to centralize intelligence gathering. Provincial administrators explained that this new facility would allow the state to move from a reactive stance to a preventative one, ensuring that scattered information is consolidated and acted upon before incidents can occur. Gladstone Institutional Advisory LLC reduced its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Free Report) by 4.9% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 79,104 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 4,105 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. accounts for 1.0% of Gladstone Institutional Advisory LLCs holdings, making the stock its 19th biggest position. Gladstone Institutional Advisory LLCs holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $24,952,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts: A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of JPM. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. purchased a new stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC increased its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 92.6% during the third quarter. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC now owns 104 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. raised its stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 450.0% in the 2nd quarter. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 110 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 90 shares in the last quarter. Ryan Investment Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the second quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Finally, Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc lifted its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 212.0% during the 2nd quarter. Christopher J. Hasenberg Inc now owns 156 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $45,000 after acquiring an additional 106 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.55% of the companys stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Stock Performance JPM opened at $311.48 on Wednesday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $315.60 and its 200 day simple moving average is $304.99. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 52-week low of $202.16 and a 52-week high of $337.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 0.86. The firm has a market capitalization of $847.94 billion, a PE ratio of 15.43, a PEG ratio of 1.59 and a beta of 1.07. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Dividend Announcement JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( NYSE:JPM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 13th. The financial services provider reported $5.23 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.93 by $0.30. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a net margin of 20.90% and a return on equity of 17.18%. The firm had revenue of $46.77 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $45.98 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $4.81 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 18.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, January 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 6th will be paid a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s payout ratio is 29.72%. Insider Activity In related news, insider Robin Leopold sold 966 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $311.92, for a total transaction of $301,314.72. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 58,479 shares in the company, valued at $18,240,769.68. This represents a 1.63% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.47% of the companys stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting JPMorgan Chase & Co. this week: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on JPM shares. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $343.00 to $330.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, December 12th. UBS Group upped their price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $339.00 to $350.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. HSBC reissued a hold rating and issued a $245.00 target price on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Morgan Stanley set a $331.00 price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $330.00 to $331.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Fifteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $333.90. Read Our Latest Report on JPMorgan Chase & Co. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Company Profile (Free Report) JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE: JPM) is a diversified global financial services firm headquartered in New York City. The company provides a wide range of banking and financial products and services to consumers, small businesses, corporations, governments and institutional investors worldwide. Its operations span retail banking, commercial lending, investment banking, asset management, payments and card services, and treasury and securities services. The firms principal business activities are organized across several core lines: Consumer & Community Banking, which offers deposit accounts, mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and branch and digital banking under the Chase brand; Corporate & Investment Banking, which provides capital markets, advisory, underwriting, trading and risk management services; Commercial Banking, delivering lending, treasury and capital solutions to middle-market and corporate clients; and Asset & Wealth Management, which offers investment management, private banking and retirement services to institutions and high-net-worth individuals. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eastern Bank trimmed its position in The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX Free Report) by 6.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 116,420 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after selling 8,454 shares during the quarter. Eastern Banks holdings in TJX Companies were worth $16,827,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Get TJX Companies alerts: A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank purchased a new position in TJX Companies in the second quarter worth approximately $1,808,774,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 12,417.0% in the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,057,273 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $501,033,000 after purchasing an additional 4,024,859 shares during the last quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC grew its holdings in shares of TJX Companies by 120.7% during the 2nd quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 5,016,792 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $620,406,000 after purchasing an additional 2,743,676 shares during the period. ABN AMRO Bank N.V. acquired a new stake in shares of TJX Companies during the 2nd quarter worth about $244,687,000. Finally, Mirova US LLC raised its holdings in TJX Companies by 164.5% in the 2nd quarter. Mirova US LLC now owns 2,699,156 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $333,319,000 after buying an additional 1,678,665 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.09% of the companys stock. TJX Companies Trading Up 0.6% Shares of NYSE:TJX opened at $157.99 on Wednesday. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $112.10 and a 52 week high of $159.48. The companys 50 day moving average is $152.32 and its two-hundred day moving average is $141.28. The company has a market cap of $175.44 billion, a PE ratio of 34.88, a P/E/G ratio of 3.30 and a beta of 0.75. The company has a current ratio of 1.09, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. TJX Companies Dividend Announcement TJX Companies ( NYSE:TJX Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $1.28 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate 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%.TJX Companiess revenue for the quarter was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.14 earnings per share. 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. Equities analysts predict that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 4.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 5th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.425 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 12th. This represents a $1.70 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. TJX Companiess payout ratio is presently 37.53%. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 30,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $148.81, for a total value of $4,464,300.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 535,143 shares in the company, valued at approximately $79,634,629.83. This represents a 5.31% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Amy B. Lane sold 500 shares of TJX Companies stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.40, for a total transaction of $75,700.00. Following the sale, the director owned 22,212 shares in the company, valued at $3,362,896.80. This represents a 2.20% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold 54,863 shares of company stock valued at $8,226,366 over the last ninety days. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have weighed in on TJX. BTIG Research reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $165.00 target price on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on TJX Companies from $163.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Telsey Advisory Group reiterated an outperform rating and set a $170.00 price target on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $170.00 price objective on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed a positive rating and set a $150.00 target price (up from $145.00) on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and twenty-four have given a Buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $163.86. View Our Latest Analysis on TJX TJX Companies Company 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 Stories 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. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC Free Report) by 8.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 157,184 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 12,743 shares during the period. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Truist Financial were worth $7,186,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Get Truist Financial alerts: Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Brighton Jones LLC raised its stake in Truist Financial by 148.5% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 23,581 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,023,000 after purchasing an additional 14,093 shares during the last quarter. Woodline Partners LP boosted its stake in Truist Financial by 39.5% during the 1st quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 111,177 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $4,575,000 after purchasing an additional 31,454 shares during the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Truist Financial by 38.0% during the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 14,343 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $617,000 after buying an additional 3,949 shares in the last quarter. RMR Wealth Builders raised its position in shares of Truist Financial by 1.7% in the second quarter. RMR Wealth Builders now owns 19,205 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $826,000 after buying an additional 313 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. lifted its stake in shares of Truist Financial by 3.9% in the second quarter. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. now owns 31,774 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,366,000 after buying an additional 1,198 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.28% of the companys stock. Truist Financial Price Performance TFC stock opened at $49.66 on Wednesday. Truist Financial Corporation has a 52-week low of $33.56 and a 52-week high of $51.51. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The stock has a market cap of $63.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 0.89. The business has a fifty day moving average of $47.94 and a two-hundred day moving average of $45.90. Truist Financial ( NYSE:TFC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 17th. The insurance provider reported $1.04 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.99 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $5.24 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.20 billion. Truist Financial had a return on equity of 8.73% and a net margin of 16.84%.The companys revenue was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.97 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Truist Financial Corporation will post 4 earnings per share for the current year. Truist Financial announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a share repurchase plan on Tuesday, December 16th that permits the company to repurchase $10.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the insurance provider to buy up to 15.7% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Truist Financial Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were given a dividend of $0.52 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.2%. Truist Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 55.91%. Insider Activity In other news, Director K. David Jr. Boyer sold 5,160 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred 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 transaction, the director directly owned 10,153 shares in the company, valued at approximately $471,606.85. This represents a 33.70% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.14% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently issued reports on the stock. UBS Group set a $55.00 price objective on shares of Truist Financial in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Barclays lowered Truist Financial from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and upped their price target for the company from $47.00 to $56.00 in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Baird R W downgraded Truist Financial from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Truist Financial in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Truist Financial in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Truist Financial has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $52.80. View Our Latest Research Report on Truist Financial 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 Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC Free Report). 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. Motorists in Derry are being encouraged to fuel up for PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity this Thursday, January 15, as Circle K donates 1p from every litre of fuel sold to support suicide and self-harm prevention services in Northern Ireland. The initiative makes it easy for customers to support PIPS, with donations made automatically when they fuel up on the day. Support will also extend across the island of Ireland, with customer donations in the Republic of Ireland directed to Pieta, PIPS partner organisation. This approach ensures that funds raised locally go directly towards supporting individuals and families within their own communities throughout the initiative. The fundraiser marks the launch of a new three-year charity partnership, through which Circle K has committed to raising 1 million across the island of Ireland to support suicide and self-harm prevention services. The partnership officially launches this week across Circle K sites nationwide. On 15 January, Circle K will donate 1p from every litre of fuel sold in Northern Ireland to PIPS*, and 1c from every litre sold in the Republic of Ireland to Pieta*. Both organisations share a commitment to being consistently present and supportive in local communities. With its extensive network and local presence, Circle K is proud to stand alongside PIPS in Northern Ireland, and Pieta across the island of Ireland, in raising awareness and vital funds to help ensure professional suicide and self-harm prevention services are available whenever and wherever they are needed. Renee Quinn, CEO at PIPS commented: Suicide impacts every layer of society - families, communities, and workplaces - and the demand for accessible, immediate mental health support continues to rise. At PIPS Charity, we are committed to providing counselling and crisis intervention that is free, confidential and without delay. Our services, including our crisis walk-in support in Belfast, daytime crisis telephone lines across our locations, and our Friday night overnight crisis service, ensure support remains available even when many others are closed. READ NEXT: Derry natives legacy lives on in daughters debut single "The One I Loved So Well" We are sincerely grateful to Circle K for partnering with us and for the leadership they are demonstrating in prioritising community wellbeing. Circle Ks support - through their teams, their platform, and their customers - will play a pivotal role in strengthening our ability to reach more people across Ireland, challenge stigma, and deliver potentially life-saving intervention at critical moments. This partnership goes beyond fundraising - it is a shared commitment to hope, prevention and real-world impact. Together with Circle K, we will continue working toward a future where seeking help is met with understanding, and where vital support is always within reach for those who need it most. Speaking about the launch of the partnership, Ciara Foxton Managing Director, Circle K Ireland commented: At Circle K, supporting the communities we serve isnt just part of what we do, its at the heart of who we are. We are proud to begin this new three-year partnership with Pieta, an organisation that delivers life-saving support to those in crisis. Together, our goal is to raise vital funds and awareness so that anyone in need can access free, professional help, 24 hours a day, every day. We are equally committed to supporting PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland in Northern Ireland, ensuring that this partnership reaches every corner of the island. We know this is a cause close to many of our colleagues and customers, and were proud to stand with Pieta and PIPS in helping to raise vital awareness and support for those who need it most. 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. First Minister Michelle ONeill has pressed for more flexibility and more funding from London to secure the first multi-year budget at Stormont in more than a decade. She described the current stalemate over the proposed budget as one of the most pressing issues facing the Stormont Executive. The larger Stormont parties met with Secretary of State Hilary Benn in a series of meetings in Belfast and London this week. Finance Minister John ODowd published his draft spending plan for a multi-year budget last week and has sent the proposals out for public consultation. However, they have not been agreed by the powersharing Executive and have faced criticism from other parties, particularly the DUP. Accompanied by Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald to meet Mr Benn in Belfast on Wednesday afternoon, Ms ONeill said there is not enough money in the pot. She also said she would tell Mr Benn of their serious concerns around the trajectory of the development of the Legacy Bill, adding she will not support anything that gives preferential treatment to military veterans. We as an Executive have work to do, there is no doubt about that, we need to focus on transformation, we need to focus on getting to a point where we have a three-year budget, she said. But for me, this is very much twin track. There are policy decisions in London that need to be changed, and I want to make that message very clear to Hilary Benn today, what we need to see is a change of tact, we need to see the flexibilities that the Finance Minister has asked for. She added: We are determined to fight the good fight for the people here, were not asking for preferential treatment, were asking for whats right. Were dealing with over a decade of austerity, public services decimated. We have work to do, and I accept that, but the budget that has been allocated here is not enough, there is not enough pie to go around all Executive departments to invest in public services. There are flexibilities that could be inbuilt to the budget itself, thats what Im going upstairs to speak to Hilary Benn about. We need flexibility and additional funding. DUP leader Gavin Robinson, alongside party MPs Carla Lockhart and Gregory Campbell met with Mr Benn in London on Tuesday. He said Northern Ireland must be funded according to need, and also emphasised a responsibility to cut any wasteful spending. We are in regular dialogue with the Secretary of State about the challenges and pressures that are unique to Northern Ireland, he said. It is vital that these issues continue to be addressed directly and honestly. Northern Ireland must be funded according to need. However, alongside that, there is a responsibility to ensure that wasteful spending is identified and cut out. Public services must be funded and structured in a way that is both effective and efficient, delivering real value for taxpayers and ensuring better outcomes for people right across Northern Ireland. Alliance Party deputy leader Eoin Tennyson and Stormont Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir met Mr Benn later on Wednesday. Mr Tennyson said the Executive is clearly in a very challenging situation and have just 16 months left in this mandate to deliver. There are real challenges, not just our finances, but the attitude of some of the parties round the Executive table, he said. For our part, our focus is not on division, culture war and delay, its for delivery for the people of Northern Ireland in the time that we have left. He added: Its a question for other parties round the Executive table as to whether they are prepared to take the tough decisions which are now necessary, but also for the Secretary of State who, I have to say, has had a fairly hands off approach in terms of the operation of the institutions and the challenges that we have been facing since the Executive returned. An NIO spokesperson said: The Secretary of State was in Belfast today (Wednesday) to meet with Northern Ireland party leaders as part of his regular engagement. The UK Government remains committed to a stable and prosperous Northern Ireland and looks forward to the Executive agreeing a budget. Orange Jordan said on Tuesday it has expanded of its fibre broadband access network to include Tafila and additional areas in Aqaba as part of its commitment to develop Jordans digital infrastructure. The telco said its fibre access broadband network now reaches over 1.1 million homes across Jordan since its initial launch in 2016. Orange said the expansion is part of its ongoing efforts to extend coverage across the countrys governorates, including Ramtha, Karak, and Zarqa, as well as a series of new expansions in Irbid, to meet growing demand for high-speed internet services and support digital applications for individuals, businesses and institutions. The announcement comes almost a year after Orange Jordan upgraded its broadband network gateway with Nokias 7750 Service Router platforms across 76 sites in Jordans north, central, and southern regions. Orange Jordan said at the time the upgrade would help it meet subscriber demand for enriched digital experiences, including high-speed internet, IPTV, and personalised broadband services. Nigeria has opened its satellite market to Amazons low Earth orbit offering, formerly known as Project Kuiper and now called Amazon LEO. The countrys regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has granted the offering, branded since November 2025 as Amazon LEO, a seven-year landing permit, allowing the company to launch its satellite constellation over Nigerian territory in 2026. The permit authorises Amazon LEO to provide fixed satellite broadband, mobile satellite services and connectivity for moving platforms such as ships and aircraft. The approval also covers Ka-band frequencies, which support high-capacity, low-latency internet services. The NCC has been quoted as saying that the decision reflects Nigeria's commitment to "promoting competition, innovation, and investment" in satellite communications while adhering to international regulatory standards. Not too surprisingly, the regulator hopes that opening the market to multiple satellite operators will improve service quality and expand broadband access, particularly in underserved areas. There are a number of other potential competitors launching or planning to launch satellites or services but, for now, LEO operator Starlink is the main player in the Nigerian market. However, as news resource ITWeb Africa points out, Amazons entry introduces a rival with comparable scale, deep financial resources and global infrastructure. Project Kuiper, as Amazon explains, was a code name; it was inspired by the Kuiper Belt, a ring of asteroids in our outer solar system. Amazon LEO is now the permanent brand for the programme; it is described by Amazon as a simple nod to the low Earth orbit satellite constellation that powers our network. Amazon LEO now has some 180 satellites in orbit supported by advanced customer terminals along with a growing number of customers and operator partners already signed up to deploy the service. In his continued effort to champion free speech for the world, Elon Musk has once again taken to the digital frontline in defence of Grok, his beloved AI chatbot. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! As allegations continue to mount accusing Grok of generating illicit images of underage individuals, Musk is countering the claim with a familiar mixture of denial, deflection, and political undertone. Im not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok. Literally zero, Musk stated in response to a viral post questioning why certain UK Labour MPs claim to be seeing child sexual abuse content on X.com. If you read the entire tweet below, you will see how Musks reply wasnt just a denial but a careful recalibration of responsibility, aimed squarely at users misusing the system. Or, in Musks words, hacking it on rare occasions. As we all know by now, Grok AI (on X.com) is only designed to generate text and images based on user prompts. Grok does not spontaneously generate images, Elon Musk was quick to assert that any output generated by Grok is fully dependent on user input. If someone asks it to do something illegal, it will, in theory, refuse. The operating principle for Grok is to obey the laws of any given country or state, Musk tweeted, as if the rulebook alone is enough to contain the Internets darker shades. However, Elon Musk did admit that there may be times when adversarial hacking of Grok prompts does something unexpected. The implication of this is always a bug, Musk clarified an unintentional result of clever prompt engineering. And bugs, Musk assures, are fixed immediately. I not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok. Literally zero. Obviously, Grok does not spontaneously generate images, it does so only according to user requests. When asked to generate images, it will refuse to produce anything illegal, as the operating principle https://t.co/YBoqo7ZmEj Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 14, 2026 But the heart of Musks argument isnt just a technical one. Hes hitting back at what he thinks is a political campaign against him and Grok. In his usual style, hes retweeted users implying that the recent scrutiny around Grok and explicit image generation isnt an organic moral panic but a political witch-hunt. A trend, perhaps, manufactured by political entities that dont like Musks self-styled commitment to free speech absolutism. This defence strategy technical rebuttal fused with cultural and political undertones is so textbook Elon Musk. Dont blame the code, blame the codebreakers and code abusers. And if all else fails, blame the government. Needless to say, Grok and X.com are still under fire, which is what prompted Elon Musk to tweet his defence. Just a couple of weeks ago, X.com users started prompting Grok to alter images of people into bikinis. At first, the trend started with just a few funny tweets. Heck, even Elon Musk himself jumped into the trend, as he asked Grok to generate a picture of himself in a bikini. It was all fun and games until many users targeted women the most by asking Grok to bikini-fy several images of women. If all that wasnt enough, Grok even performed the same prompt on two minor girls, which set this entire controversy off. As this controversy escalated without X, Grok or Elon Musk showing any signs of ending it, government authorities from multiple countries stepped in. Countries like Britain pulled up X, asking them to comply with legal duties under their Online Safety Act. The Indian government acted fast, too. Indonesia and Malaysia went one step further to flat out ban X.com in their countries. All because of Groks deepfake image generation capabilities. But in Musks world, where bugs are just the price of progress and critics often wear political badges, this is just a skirmish in a broader ideological war. And Grok? For now, it continues to be an unfortunate case study in morality, ethics and responsibility in this fast advancing age of AI. Also read: Digit Research: Three in four Indians dont want deepfake images on social media OnePlus has recently rolled out its Turbo 6 series in China, and with that, the focus has quickly shifted to the global launch of the device, including the Indian market. Experts suggest that OnePlus could relaunch the Turbo 6 series under the name OnePlus Nord 6 for non-Chinese markets. Early leaks suggest that the device may pack a large battery along with a dual camera setup at the rear. Furthermore, it is expected to run on Qualcomms Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor. Reports also indicate that the device could land in the mid-range segment in India. Here are all the details we currently have on the upcoming OnePlus Nord 6. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! OnePlus Nord 6 specs The OnePlus Nord 6 is expected to run on Qualcomms Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset and could offer up to 16GB RAM with up to 512GB storage. Aside from that, the device may come packed with a 9,000mAh battery coupled with 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging. Its also expected to feature the IP68, IP69, and IP69K certifications, ensuring that your device is safe against water and dust. Out of the box the device is expected to be shipped with OxygenOS 16, which is based on Android 16. The rumours point to the device possibly bagging a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with a sharp 1.5K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. Also read: Samsung Galaxy S25 5G price drops to lowest ever before Amazon Republic Day sale 2025 In terms of optics, the device may come with a dual camera setup which may include a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP monochrome lens. On the front the device is expected to come with a 16MP camera suited for selfies and video calls. OnePlus Nord 6 colour options The device is expected to launch in similar colour options as the older models, including classic black, blue, and possibly a lighter or matte finish. More details about the colour options should become clear closer to the official launch. Also read: Google Pixel 10a launch date leaked along with the price, colour options, storage and more OnePlus Nord 6 launch timeline (Expected) The device is expected to launch in the Indian market in the first half of 2026. These dates are based on past OnePlus launches and current reports suggesting that the OnePlus Nord 6 has received listing certifications across the globe. If the rumours are to be believed, the launch could happen as early as late March or early June. Also read: Smartphones could get significantly costlier in 2026, warns Nothing CEO Carl Pei OnePlus Nord 6 India price (Expected) While OnePlus has not announced the pricing, the China prices of the Turbo 6 series give a fair idea. The device was launched in the Chinese market for around Rs 27,000; however, reports suggest that its price could hover in the bracket of Rs 28,000 to Rs 32,000 due to the ongoing shortage of the AI chips and taxes. That will place the Nord 6 firmly in the mid-range segment, a position that is synonymous with the earlier Nord models. 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. Content On 3 January, the United States launched a military operation, in violation of Venezuelan sovereignty, which led to the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence in Caracas. They were then transported to New York City, where they appeared before a federal court on charges related to drug trafficking and other allegations. The operation sparked widespread criticism domestically and around the world, due its lack of a legal basis and its blatant violation of the sovereignty of an independent state, especially given that US President Donald Trump had threatened similar operations against other countries. Washington accuses Maduro of leading a corrupt and illegitimate government that allegedly oversees narco-terrorism operations including the export of cocaine to the US. None of these allegations justify the operation. Maduro has consistently denied the charges, accusing Washington of using the war on drugs as a pretext to overthrow him and seize control of his countrys oil wealth. Since September 2025, the US has imposed a naval and air blockade on Venezuela and launched 35 airstrikes targeting boats it alleges were being used to traffic drugs across the Caribbean; the raids have resulted in the deaths of at least 115 people. The US has also seized tankers carrying Venezuelan oil shipments. In recent months, Trump has repeatedly demanded that Maduro surrender, voluntarily relinquish power, and hand over control of Venezuelas oil sector to the US. Reasons and Pretexts for US Intervention The US based its intervention in Venezuela on a range of reasons and pretexts, largely under the following themes: i. Deceptive Pretexts These are the pretexts Washington used to justify its military action against Venezuela and give it a veneer of legality, as if it were targeting a US citizen under its own jurisdiction. These pretexts centre on accusations that Maduro leads drug cartels and smuggles drugs into the US. Trump has also repeatedly accused Maduros regime of corruption. During Trumps first term (2017-2021), the US Department of Justice claimed that Maduro had transformed Venezuela into a criminal organization serving drug trafficking networks and terrorist groups despite the fact that most drugs entering the US do so via Mexico, not Venezuela. ii. Controlling Venezuelas Oil Wealth Trump has never concealed his desire to seize control of Venezuelas oil, which he sees as stolen US property. To this end, on 16 December, he imposed a complete blockade on the entry and exit of US-sanctioned oil tankers to and from Venezuela, a measure that came after months of escalating tensions. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: Today, I am ordering A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela. He added, in a mix of delusion and propaganda: Venezuela is completely surrounded [] until such time as they return to the United States of America all of the Oil, Land, and other Assets that they previously stole from us.[1] But what did Venezuela steal from the US? Trump sees Venezuelas decision to nationalize its oil sector in the 1970s which ended American companies control of the industry as theft. Venezuela maintains that the move halted the plundering of its national wealth by American oil companies, just as in the cases of other oil-producing countries such as Iran, Iraq, the Gulf Arab states, Libya, and others. Speaking shortly before Trumps post, Maduro had quipped that Imperialism and the fascist right want to colonize Venezuela to take over its wealth of oil, gas, gold, among other minerals.[2] Venezuela possesses the worlds largest proven oil reserves, estimated at some 300 billion barrels or approximately 17% of global reserves. Despite this, its production barely exceeds 900,000 barrels per day (less than 1% of global production), most of which goes to China. This is the result of US sanctions, which have long disrupted its infrastructure development, maintenance, and modernization, and prevented the sale of oil at market prices. Venezuela also suffers from a dearth of both capital and expertise. What is more, its oil is heavy and of low quality, making it expensive to refine.[3] Trump wants American companies to seize control of and develop Venezuelas oil fields a clear act of colonialism that the world thought was a thing of the past. The US president explicitly stated this point during the press conference at which he announced the kidnapping of Maduro and his wife.[4] But developing Venezuelas oil sector to the point where production can actually be increased will be no easy task. Adding just half a million barrels of output per day would require $10 billion in investment, in a process that would take at least two years.[5] The American firm Chevron is the main Western oil company still operating in Venezuela, producing about a quarter of the countrys oil, roughly half of which is exported to the US. iii. Geopolitical Calculations In November 2025, the Trump administration released its annual National Security Strategy, which explicitly stated that the US would strive to reassert its dominance in the Western Hemisphere.[6] This contrasted with the 2022 strategy of former US president Joe Biden, which focused on competition with China in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and with Russia in Eastern Europe. This approach is based on the Monroe Doctrine, declared in 1823 by then-US president James Monroe. This concept saw Latin America and the Western Hemisphere in general as the backyard of the US, and aimed to prevent European powers from gaining access and establishing influence there. To consolidate its dominance in the region, the US waged wars against the European colonial powers; most notably, the Spanish-American War of 1898, which ended in a US victory that bolstered US influence in the Caribbean by bringing about Cubas independence from Spain, and allowing the US to occupy Porto Rico, an occupation which remains in place to this day. During the Cold War (1946-1989), the US intensified its interventions in Latin America under the pretext of containing Soviet influence. However, the regions importance declined to some extent with the end of the Cold War and the rise of China, along with efforts to push back against Russias attempts to regain some of its former influence in Eastern Europe. During his press conference announcing the success of the military operation against Venezuela, Trump explicitly invoked the Monroe Doctrine, justifying the operation with the desire to surround ourselves with good neighbours and stability. He also expressed his willingness to use ground troops to achieve this a shift from his previous preference for relying solely on air power in military operations. He dubbed his new approach the Donroe Doctrine, a portmanteau of his own name and that of Monroe. Panama was the first target of this principle following Trumps return to the White House in early 2025, when he threatened to reoccupy the countrys 80-kilometre-long canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, under the pretext of containing Chinese influence. The US had returned the canal to Panama in 1999, ending nearly a century of American control over the vital waterway. In the face of significant US pressure, Panama announced in February 2025 that it would not renew its Belt and Road Initiative agreement with China, thus neutralizing any pretext Trump might have for reoccupying the canal. Indeed, Venezuelas relationship with China is one of the main reasons the US sought to overthrow Maduro. In 2023, Caracas signed a Permanent Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement with Beijing. It was notable that Maduro had hosted the Chinese Special Envoy for Latin America and the Caribbean just hours before being abducted. This was a significant blow to China as it strives to portray itself as a reliable and dependable friend of Venezuela. China had been providing support to Venezuela, particularly since the tightening of US sanctions in 2017. China is also the largest importer of Venezuelan oil; Chinese state-owned oil companies have invested approximately $4.6 billion in the country, and Venezuelas debt to China amounts to some $60 billion.[7] Maduros ouster therefore constitutes a major setback for China, which was forced to make do with condemning the move and accused the US of acting as the worlds policeman.[8] While it will likely step up its purchases of cheap oil from Iran and Russia, some have speculated that China will in fact benefit from the US approach in Latin America in terms of its own policy toward Taiwan. US Strategy towards Venezuela after Maduro It is unclear whether the Trump administration has a clear vision for how it will manage the situation in Venezuela in the post-Maduro era. This presents it with a historical dilemma in light of its military interventions around the world, given its failure to build states after intervening to change regimes, or to translate military successes into political and strategic gains. During his press conference to announce the abduction of the Venezuelan president and his wife, Trump said that the US would run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.[9] These statements raised American concerns about repeating the countrys failed experiments in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. However, the Trump administration claims to be aware of these risks hence its strategy, in Venezuela, of removing the head of the regime while preserving its basic structure, which is controlled by the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). Washington claims that it is working to bring the party under control, rather than risking the burdens and dangers of removing it. It is clear that Trump and his administration officials reluctance to push for the Venezuelan opposition to assume power, despite having asserted that the opposition candidate had won the 2024 presidential election, aligns with this approach. Trump summarized this approach in an interview with The Atlantic the day after the abduction of Maduro, whose vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, had promptly been sworn in as interim president. The US leader threatened Rodriguez, saying, If she doesnt do whats right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro.[10] Trump and several senior administration officials have warned that if Venezuelan officials fail to cooperate with the US, this could expose them to another, more powerful American attack. This undermines the drug war narrative at its core, demonstrating that the issue is not drug trafficking, but rather a lack of cooperation with the US. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later explained this approach, indicating that Washington would use the leverage it had gained from the oil embargo and the regional military buildup to achieve its policy objectives, without this implying direct rule over Venezuela. Its not running [the country], he said. Its running policy, the policy with regard to this. We want Venezuela to move in a certain direction.[11] Yet the success of this strategy is not guaranteed. On the one hand, Rodriguez and senior regime officials, such as Defense Minister Lopez, find themselves compelled to maintain the strategy of late president Hugo Chavez (1999-2013) amidst factional power struggles within the regime, and to avoid accusations of collusion with the US in Maduros abduction. On the other, they must take care not to provoke Washington. This dilemma explains Rodriguezs seemingly contradictory statements. Her initial stance was quite assertive describing the US military operation as barbaric, arguing that it aimed to bring about regime change in Venezuela, in order to enable the seizure of our energy resources, our mineral resources, and our natural resources, and maintaining her support for Maduros legitimacy. Yet she quickly softened her tone. In a statement addressed to Trump the day after the operation, she said: Our peoples and our region deserve peace and dialogue, not war. She added, We extend an invitation to the government of the US to work jointly on an agenda of cooperation, aimed at shared development, within the framework of international law, and that strengthens lasting peaceful coexistence.[12] However, maintaining this balance remains a daunting task with unpredictable outcomes, especially as it is unclear how willing the US is to accept compromise. Conclusion The danger of the Trump administrations decision to abduct the Venezuelan president and his wife lies not only in the fact it was an attack on a sovereign state, carried out without authorization from the United Nations Security Council, or in the claim that sovereignty can simply be confiscated for the benefit of the US. It is also dangerous for the precedent it sets, which could open the door to other American attacks against sovereign states in Latin America or elsewhere. This policy, based on the logic of force, with zero regard for rules, laws, or international agreements, also threatens to undermine the foundations upon which the international order was built, foundations that took centuries of wars and tragedies to create. Moreover, in his voracious appetite to control the worlds resources, Trump appears not to distinguish between enemy and ally. After threatening Iran with being hit very hard[13] if it kills demonstrators during protests over the countrys economic situation, he turned to the question of seizing and occupying Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark a founding member of NATO. Despite the silence of other countries and the hypocrisy of the European Union, this explains why certain European countries, such as France and Spain, voiced opposition to the US aggression against Venezuela. These countries fear that the policies and behaviour of the Trump administration might encourage Russia or China to do the same in Ukraine or Taiwan, and that other countries might follow suit. This could lead to a state of international chaos unless the nations of the world unite to halt a slide to policies based on the logic of force. [1] Tara Suter, Trump: Venezuela must Pay for Seized US Oil Assets, The Hill, 18/12/2025, accessed on 7/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F32m. [2] Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart, Shariq Khan & Marianna Parraga, Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers Leaving, Entering Venezuela, Reuters, 17/12/2025, accessed on 7/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F2A9. [3] Vivian Salama et al., Even Close Allies Are Asking Why Trump Wants to Run Venezuela, The Atlantic, 3/1/2026, accessed on 7/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F2SD. [4] Stanley Reed, The Venezuelan Oil Industry Trump Is Planning to Revive, The New York Times, 3/1/2026, accessed on 7/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F2QD. [5] Ibid. [6] The White House, National Security Strategy of the United States of America (November 2025), accessed on 7/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F2BQ. [7] China Says it Cannot Accept Countries Acting as World Judge after US Captures Maduro, The Asahi Shumbum, 4/1/2026, accessed on 7/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F305. [8] Ibid. [9] Garrett Downs, Rubio Explains how U.S. Might Run Venezuela after Maduros Ouster, CNBC, 4/1/2026, accessed on 7/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F2E3. [10] Michael Scherer, Trump Threatens Venezuelas New Leader With a Fate Worse Than Maduros, The Atlantic, 4/1/2026, accessed on 7/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F39p. [11] Downs. [12] Anatoly Kurmanaev, Jack Nicas, Edward Wong & Eric Schmitt, Venezuelas New Leader Softens Tone as Trump Threatens Colombia, The New York Times, 4/1/2026, accessed on 7/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F2oZ. [13] Yan Zhuang, Trump Suggests U.S. Could Take Action Against More Countries, The New York Times, 4/1/2026, accessed on 7/1/2026, at: https://acr.ps/1L9F2Lu. A victims campaigner has said the Labour Governments reforms of the Legacy Act have made it stronger against victims. Campaigner Raymond McCord told an Irish Government committee that Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn had not done his homework and does not give a damn about a lot of the victims. His son Raymond McCord junior was killed by loyalist paramilitaries in 1997. Mr McCord appeared before the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement in the Dail alongside Sandra Peake, chief executive of Wave Trauma Centre. On a visit to Stormont last week, Irish Foreign minister Helen McEntee said any significant changes to the UK Governments Troubles Legacy framework must have the full agreement of London and Dublin. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has indicated that new protections for military veterans will be added to the Bill his Government is taking through Parliament, which commits to fundamentally reforming structures established by the last Conservative governments contentious Legacy Act. This includes the removal of a controversial provision that offered a form of conditional immunity to perpetrators of Troubles crimes. Mr McCord was asked if the joint framework on legacy announced by the two Governments last September reflected his meetings with Mr Benn. He said: There was no discussion really relating to legislation. He just said, this year he met with victims I knew very few of them that actually had met him, to be honest with you, and it showed you the interest he had in victims. In 2007 then Police Ombudsman Nuala OLoan conducted an investigation into allegations of collusion between the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) and loyalist paramilitary groups called Operation Ballast. She found that police acted to protect informants from being fully accountable to the law and revealed issues of concern in relation to other incidents including murders, attempted murders and drug dealing. Mr McCord told the Dail committee on Tuesday: This point Im going to make highlights it all and the hypocrisy of it. I raised with (Mr Benn), we all made it clear we reject the Bill because they told us (they were) going to scrap it. They didnt scrap it. They tweaked it, and it made it stronger against victims. He added: When I said to him about the Police Ombudsmans report in 2007, collusion was proven it was Tony Blairs government at the time the day the report came out, Tony Blair accepted it. So Im saying about that, collusion in that report. I would suggest to everyone sitting here to read Nualas report because it doesnt just deal with young Raymond, its more important, it deals with a lot of victims that this unit carried out, the murder squad. Hilary Benn, when I said to him about it, had never heard of it. The Secretary of State trying to enforce a Bill upon victims, and he never heard of Nuala OLoans report. What does that say about the man, and the homework he had done regarding victims? A report comes out, collusion proven, and the Secretary of State is trying to convince us this here is a magic wand for victims? So you can guess my opinion of him. He added: They need to scrap the Bill, because therell be legal challenges in court obviously, again, more expenses, more time and more trauma on victims and their families. Once these actions start before they finish, some victims families whove been fighting for this are going to die. Benn and these people sitting at Westminster, including our own politicians, from both communities who sit at Westminster and Stormont dont give a damn about a lot of the victims. He added: Start doing things for the voters and start doing things for the victims. Thats not happening, so scrap this Bill. A Northern Ireland Office spokesperson said: The Troubles Bill follows extensive consultation with victims and delivers on one of the final aims of the Good Friday Agreement. We are delivering a manifesto commitment to repeal and replace the last governments botched Legacy Act, which wrongly proposed immunity to terrorists. Our Bill will ensure the maximum possible disclosure of information for victims and families, puts in place protections for those who served, and will be capable of commanding confidence across communities. Enoch Burke was released from prison on Wednesday despite indicating he would attend a Co Westmeath school in defiance of a court order. A High Court judge said he should be released from Mountjoy Prison to prepare for a case launched against an appeals body due to review his dismissal from Wilsons Hospital School. The judge said the decision was being made on the basis that he would not attend the school and he would be brought back to prison if he did. Mr Burke rejected the reasons given by the judge for his release when he appeared before the court via videolink. As he walked out of Mountjoy Prison on Wednesday, Mr Burke repeated comments he made in court rejecting the judges reasoning for releasing him. This is a travesty now today, he said upon his release as he criticised what he called a delay in the administration of justice. He (the judge) knows well where I will be tomorrow. Earlier in court, the judge said Mr Burke would be hamstrung in preparing a legal case while in prison, and he dismissed Mr Burkes rejection of that reasoning as nonsense. Mr Burke has been in jail since late November for breaches of a court order directing him not to trespass at Wilsons Hospital School in Co Westmeath, where he worked as a teacher. Last week, he sought a temporary injunction against a disciplinary appeals body tasked with reviewing his dismissal from the school. Before the High Court on Wednesday, Mr Justice Brian Cregan said Mr Burke had raised substantive and credible issues in papers prepared against the Disciplinary Appeals Panel (DAP). The judge said he was directing that Mr Burke be released from prison for one reason and one reason only, in the interest of the administration of justice and so that he has time to prepare for his case against the DAP. He said his release was on the condition that Mr Burke does not trespass on the schools property, and if he does, he directed that the school come to the High Court the next day and he will have no hesitation in imprisoning him Mr Burke indicated to the court several times that he would attend Wilsons Hospital School when released. If I am released from this court today, I will be at my workplace tomorrow, he said. If I am released from prison, my duty is to be at my workplace. The court maintained Mr Burke should be released, but said the case would be put in for mention on Thursday to deal with whether Mr Burke attends the school. Mr Burke then accused the court of an outstanding U-turn and of hypocrisy by choosing to release him from prison. Mr Cregan said: Mr Burke, your ability to shoot yourself in the foot is unparalleled, in my experience. Two of Mr Burkes brothers attempted to interrupt proceedings on Wednesday: Isaac Burke spoke by videolink and was muted by the court, and Simeon Burke, who is a barrister, was told to leave the court towards the end of proceedings. I am going to do something I have never asked someone to do before, I am going to ask you, as a member of the Bar, to leave the court, Mr Cregan said, adding that he had no right of representation. The board of management of the Co Westmeath school and Mr Burke have been entangled in a legal dispute stemming from incidents over a request in 2022 from the schools then-principal to address a student by a new name and pronoun. Mr Burke, an Evangelical Christian who taught German and history at the school, has repeatedly argued the direction was unconstitutional and went against his right to express his religious beliefs. The school has been granted injunctive relief, restraining him from attending the school, however he continued to attend in breach of the order. He has been fined 225,000 euro and imprisoned for 550 days, a figure cited by Mr Burke, for attending the school in breach of the court order. Mr Burke carried a bag of his belongings when he was released from prison. After addressing the media briefly, he departed in a taxi with a family member. Teachers in Monksland NS in Carlingford, Co Louth are forced to eat their lunch in their cars due to capacity issues in the school, according to Fianna Fail TD for Louth Erin McGreehan. Deputy McGreehan raised the issue in the Dail with the Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton, citing that the number of pupils in the school has doubled over the last decade to 139. She said the same issue could be raised by many schools across Louth saying they're struggling for space, facilities and permanent solutions. "Like many schools in County Louth, it is a growing school. Enrolment has doubled in the last decade. The growth should be a success story. But the school is operating under pressure, in conditions that most definitely need to be improved, she said. She said every room in the original school building is being used as a classroom resulting in there being no staff room for the school's 12 teachers. The Louth TD said the Carlingford school had previously been approved for additional accommodation, but as a result of delays, temporary, modular classrooms were installed. "These were never meant to be permanent solutions," she said. Read Next: Application open for 23 Cost Rental homes in Drogheda Deputy McGreehan also raised the lack of a P.E. hall in the school resulting in pupils missing out on P.E. or wellbeing classes during the winter due to unsafe outdoor conditions. "They want a school that feels like one school, one community, as opposed to one building and having modular buildings alongside it, they are a fantastic school. Children in there are thriving, but they could do better, she said. She called on the Department of Education to help the school create these facilities. In response, Minister Naughton acknowledged this issue was also raised by Fine Gael TD for Louth, Paula Butterly but said enrolments in primary schools generally is declining, and said the number of pupils in Monksland NS is down from 151 in 2023. She said the modular classrooms like the ones installed in the Monksland NS provides a "high-quality, modern learning environment, that is both comfortable and meets the schools current needs". She added that the current approach to is to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate. Deputy McGreehan called for Department of Education officials to visit Monksland NS to "see the incapacity" and said pupils and teachers are working under huge restraints. You say that student numbers have reduced but it has still doubled over the last decade it's still 139 students and 12 teachers that are working in conditions that are not suitable." "Get the officials to reach out to the schools to work on applications that they felt were approved and let lapse, she said. Minister Naughton said she'd follow up with the Department on those previous applications but reiterated the need to focus on existing spaces and said the priority at the moment is special education classes. The jobs market in Louth is expected to see a 6% rise in new vacancies and job openings during 2026, according to a new report published by FRS Recruitment. The 2025 Review & 2026 Trends Forecast report, produced by FRS Recruitment, the winners of the Employment and Recruitment Federations Large Agency of the Year award in 2025, reveals that recruiters are forecasting a rebound in the national jobs market this year thanks to a more settled economic outlook for businesses. This comes on the back of a challenging 2025 which saw a 17% decline nationwide in advertised job vacancies as employers took a cautious approach to hiring in the face of rising costs and the geopolitical uncertainty triggered by the trade tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump. However, FRS Recruitment witnessed a strong revival in the jobs market in the final quarter of last year, and this rebound is expected to continue throughout 2026, including in Co Louth. Last year saw a decline in the Irish jobs market as companies across multiple sectors took a cautious approach to hiring. Instead, businesses focussed on cost containment last year by delaying permanent hires or expanding existing roles internally. One of the sectors which saw the steepest decline in hiring was Accounting & Finance, where the number of job postings plummeted almost 40% last year. Similarly, job openings in the agri-food sector declined up to 15%. Unsurprisingly, both sectors were particularly exposed to the threat of US tariffs. According to the report, in a bid to manage rising employment costs, many businesses invested in automation processes, while the adoption of artificial intelligence continued apace in many sectors. FRS Recruitment said that, Both trends mean certain jobs increasingly face the threat of becoming obsolete, including roles such as general engineering operatives, multi-lingual customer service in business support, and roles in accounts payable and accounts receivable. Additionally, the latest increase in the minimum wage and the introduction of the Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme also forced many businesses to manage staff costs last year or defer hiring plans, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. Many employers chose to offer temporary and contract roles as a quick and cost-effective way of solving staffing challenges last year without increasing their permanent workforce headcount. This strategy saw a 40% increase in the number of temporary jobs available in the Irish market in 2025. However, many of these temporary or contract roles went unfilled due to companies offering poor remuneration levels for demanding job descriptions. One noticeable trend from 2025 was the continued rise in tensions between employers and staff over return to office policies. Unsurprisingly, most employees continue to seek positions that offer greater work-life balance and remote working opportunities. However, there was a significant uptick last year of companies offering new positions that were strictly office-based. This contrast between employee desires for flexible working and companies seeking to enforce return-to-office policies meant many positions went unfilled last year. With less job openings in the market during 2025, potential candidates became much more cautious. Jobseekers applied in higher numbers but were more reluctant to move roles, especially where offers did not sufficiently offset cost-of-living pressures. Additionally, the opportunities for entry-level positions for graduates dried up significantly as employers sought to hire candidates with more experience and less requirements for training or upskilling. Of the roles that did become available, there was a higher influx of applicants coming from outside the EU, adding to the competition for roles. Speaking on the report, Lynne McCormack, General Manager of FRS Recruitment, said: Read Next: Vehicles seized at Garda checkpoints in Louth over weekend 2025 was a challenging year for the Irish jobs market, with multiple headwinds creating a lot of uncertainty for companies to deal with. Despite the difficulties faced by my employers in Louth last year, our recruiters are anticipating that the market will rebound next year. With a tariff agreement now in place, there is much more trading certainty for businesses, and I would expect to see a rebound in the jobs market for 2026. In the final quarter of 2025, FRS Recruitment saw a resurgence in the number of job postings across the market, and I believe that trend will continue into the first half of this year. Overall, Irelands economy continues to grow, and the labour market remains tight, meaning companies will need to compete for talent. Its also likely we will continue to see trends around investment in AI technology and automation continue this year, as well as increased focus by employers on return to office policies. Uisce Eireann has said that its ongoing efforts to reduce leakage in the Cooley Peninsula in north Louth are delivering "major results", with more than 780,000 litres of water saved per day thanks to leak detection and repair works in the area. Uisce Eireann said that the 780,000 litres of water per day saved equates to the daily water usage of over 5,800 people, roughly the population of Ardee. The Cooley Peninsula, a popular tourist destination, experiences a seasonal surge in water demand during the summer months. Uisce Eireann said that the ageing network in the area is prone to leakage, meaning supply would often outweigh demand during the tourism season, resulting in low water pressure or outages for the community. Leakage detection and repair works were delivered under Uisce Eireanns Find and Fix and First Fix Free schemes, which focus on locating and repairing difficult-to-detect underground leaks in the water network. The schemes are a key part of the wider national Leakage Reduction Programme. Read also: 60 acres of farmland sells for 30,000/acre in Monaghan James OHagan, Water Network Operations Manager with Uisce Eireann, said: "The success of our Find and Fix initiative in the Cooley Peninsula is a testament to the local community working with our frontline operational staff. By using advanced leak detection technologies and targeted repair strategies, weve been able to save over 780,000 litres of water every day. "These efforts are not only reducing water loss but also significantly improving supply reliability for residents and businesses, particularly during the high-demand summer months." Declan Healy, Leakage Reduction Programme Manager with Uisce Eireann, said: "Through the First Fix Free scheme, delivered in partnership with our regional contractor, GMC Utilities Ltd, weve been able to tackle leaks on customers properties, contributing to the remarkable water savings achieved in the Cooley Peninsula. "Together with our public-side efforts, this collaborative approach with local customers has ensured that supply met demand throughout the busy tourism season this year - an important milestone for the community and for the future resilience of the network." Uisce Eireann said that the programme, now eight months in progress in the Cooley Peninsula, continues to deliver results, with the potential for even greater savings as work progresses. Incidences of water outages have drastically reduced, it added, improving reliability for homes and businesses across Cooley, Carlingford, Omeath, Lordship, and surrounding areas. Innovative technologies, including camera and geolocation tools, are now being used to identify hidden leaks and opportunities for more leak repairs into the future. This project is being delivered as part of Uisce Eireanns national Leakage Reduction Programme which Uisce Eireann said, continues to deliver significant benefits to communities across Ireland, including improved water quality, provision of a more resilient and sustainable water supply for customers, and considerable water savings. For more information on the Leakage Reduction Programme, including the First Fix Free scheme, please visit www.water.ie/reducingleaks. Members of the public can report any leaks in the public water network by contacting Uisce Eireann at 1800 278 278 or online at Report a Leak. Uisce Eireann has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at the text alerts service More than 40 roads across Cork city have been earmarked for resurfacing works this year at a cost of up to 6.5m. In an invitation to tender, Cork City Council said the works will see resurfacing of more than 105,000sq m of roads in and around Cork city over the next year. In the north-west area, the council said the roads earmarked for works included Faggot Hill, Fitzs Boreen, Gerald Griffin St, Hollyhill Lane, Pine St, and upper and lower Wolfe Tone St. Further works were set in the north-east area of the city at Ballincollie Rd, Ballyhooly New Rd, Glenheights Rd/Park, Lower Glanmire Rd, Rathcooney Rd, Sarsfield Court, and Whites Cross to Brian Dillons. In the south central area, upgrades will take place on Douglas Rd, Greenmount Avenue, Magazine Rd, Parliament St, Pouladuff Rd, St Finbarrs Rd, and Tramore Rd both east and west. In the south-east area, the council said it would upgrade Centre Park Rd, Douglas Rd, Factory Lane, Maryville Hill, Monastery Rd, Mount Oval Spine Rd, Rochestown Rd (east and west), Skehard Rd, St Michaels Drive, and Strawberry Lane. Meanwhile, in the south-west, upgrades will be made on Cardinal Way, Coolkellure, Curraheen Rd (east and west), Flynns Rd, GAA Rd, Magazine Rd, Maglin Rd, Model Farm Rd, Togher Rd, and Waterfall Rd. All works must also include improvement of road drainage where required, repositioning utility covers and replacement of all road markings, placement of traffic calming ramps and all other ancillary works, the council said. FUNDING Funding for road upgrades is allocated to local authorities across the country from the Government. Last year, transport minister Darragh OBrien announced exchequer funding of 713m for regional and local roads across the State, an increase of 8%, with further funding released during 2025. Cork city received an allocation of just under 83m. Last month, he said: As regards 2026, regional and local road grant allocations will be finalised following the publication of the revised estimates volume, and will take into account the expenditure outturn on projects and programmes in the preceding year. Within the budget available, the objective is to allocate funding to eligible local authorities on as equitable a basis as possible, taking the length of the road network into account. The main focus of the grants continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network, said Mr OBrien. A Cork-based friend and neighbour of Golden Globe-winning actor Jessie Buckley, has said the Kerry womans performance in the screen adaptation of Hamnet was nothing short of astounding. Killarney actor Buckley was recognised for her leading role in the film about the life of Shakespeare, at the awards ceremony in Beverly Hills on Sunday night. Speaking to The Echo, Bandon woman Fiona Crowley of the Kerry-based Fiona Crowley Stage School, a friend and neighbour of the actor, said she is so proud of the stars success. Jessie came and worked with us in the stage school after she finished her Leaving Certificate exams, said Ms Crowley. She worked with us for a little while, and then joined the Musical Society in Killarney which Im a member of so I used to bring her home from rehearsals, and we got quite close. She said it was fantastic to see the actor accepting her Golden Globe for Hamnet on Sunday night. The bottom line is that she is the person who needs to take the bow, she did this. Its just fabulous, Im so happy for her, she added. Ive watched her in everything. I actually flew to London to watch her first West End performance, so Ive followed her career. Shes getting a lot of accolades and glory now, [and] her performance in Hamnet was astounding. She was raw and gave it everything she gives everything her all. Ms Crowley said she believes Jessies success is down to her grace and dignity. Shes the hottest ticket at the moment, but I do think its important that, at the Golden Globes, one of the most glitz and glam events in Los Angeles, she thanked the man who made soup in a pot behind his truck and thats genuine thats the Jessie that I knew back in 2008. You can be the biggest superstar in the world, but if you havent got humility and grace, what do you have? And she added everyone in the stage school is so proud of her. Its such a fabulous story. Hamnet, which is based on Maggie OFarrells 2020 novel of the same name, follows the family life of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes Hathaway as they cope with the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet. Starring alongside Kildare native, Paul Mescal, who plays William Shakespeare, Ms Buckley, who plays Agnes Hathaway, was honoured in the Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture Drama category. While accepting her award, Ms Buckley paid tribute to Hamnet director, Chloe Zhao, her co-star Mr Mescal, as well as all the cast and crew of the film, with a particular nod to Polish crew member, Tomasz Sternicki, the films key grip who, she said, made soup for the crew in his truck. Killarney woman Jessie Buckley at the 83rd Golden Globes on Sunday in Beverly Hills. Picture: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello It was such an extraordinary set to be part of, said Ms Buckley. We were telling the story of probably the most famous Brit that ever lived, and we had a Chinese director, a lot of Irish, [and] a mostly Polish crew. Id really like to thank our grip, Tomasz because, during shooting, he started to disappear a little bit, and I found him one day at the back of his truck chopping up potatoes, onions, and meat. He was making soup he brought over his ginormous cast iron pot from Poland, and this soup started turning up on set it was delicious, so thanks, Tomasz, for bringing your pot to set. This is a real, real honour, she added. I love what I do, and I love being part of this industry. With the price of a pint of Guinness likely to rise by about 20c in the coming weeks, Cork publican and Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) president Michael ODonovan has warned that pub closures are inevitable. His comments come as Diageo announced a price increase of 7c to a pint of Guinness, exclusive of Vat, which will take effect on February 2, citing industry-wide cost pressure. The brewer said the price hike was necessary in order for it to maintain sustainable operations in Ireland and would involve a 7c increase per pint of Guinness, and 10c of Guinness 0.0. It is likely that, when Vat and other factors are taken into account, the price of a pint of Guinness will increase by about 20c. It is unclear whether Heineken Ireland, which brews rival stouts Murphys and Beamish, will also raise prices. A spokesperson said yesterday it does not comment on commercial terms. Michael ODonovan, owner of the Castle Inn on Corks South Main St, and VFI president, told The Echo he believed pubs would close because of this price rise. I think its inevitable, because pubs cant absorb these price increases and the public are finding it hard with the cost of living, he said. If your footfall is going down and your costs are going up, its inevitable that we will see pub closures because of these price increases. Taken on top of the price increase, the minimum wage having gone up on January 1, pension auto-enrolment, and rates increasing in many areas across the country, the price of the pint will go up anything up to 20c. Independent Ireland leader and Cork South West TD Michael Collins said repeated supplier price hikes not only threatened livelihoods, but also had wider social consequences. Every time the price of a pint goes up, it hits consumers in pocket, and more people make the decision to stay at home rather than meet friends and neighbours in their local pub. That doesnt mean less alcohol is being consumed, in many cases it means more, but in isolation rather than in a social setting, he said. A shop assistant intervened when a 28-year-old woman got aggressive with customers but ended up being punched in the face and dragged around the premises by her hair. Garda Anita ORourke charged Emma Wallace of Cork Simon Community with assaulting the shop assistant. At Cork District Court, the defendant pleaded guilty to assault, and Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a five-month jail sentence on her. Solicitor Frank Buttimer said of the accused: She expresses her remorse and apologises for this. It happened in the course of addiction difficulties. She accepts she is going to be in custody for the near future. Sergeant John Kelleher outlined details of the assault at Cork District Court: On November 10, 2025, the accused entered EA Mart at 118 St Patrick Street, Cork, at approximately 9.40pm. She started to act aggressively towards customers in the shop. The shop assistant, Elia, approached Emma Wallace asking her to leave the shop. The accused then used a closed fist and struck the injured party, connecting with the right temple. She then grabbed the injured party by her hair and dragged her around the shop. A customer intervened and Emma Wallace left the shop. The assault is captured on CCTV. Garda ORourke viewed the CCTV and the accused was clearly identified on it. The injured party did not receive any visible injuries, but stated she was in pain for a number of days. The man who denies murdering a 28-year-old Brazilian woman in Cork city was videoing her as she danced with another man at a New Years Eve party several hours before her death, a witness told his murder trial. The trial of Miller Pacheco continues today at the Central Criminal Court in Cork, where he denies the murder of Bruna Fonseca at his apartment at Liberty Street in Cork on January 1, 2023. Maria Fonseca told the trial of Miller Pacheco that she and her aunt, Mr Pachecos former girlfriend, Bruna Fonseca, went to a special New Years Eve party for Brazilians in the Oyster Tavern in Cork where they met Mr Pacheco. Senior counsel Bernard Condon asked her: Was Bruno dancing with some guy? She replied: Yes, he (the accused) was recording video of Bruna with a man. Maria said her aunt arrived in Cork before the accused and that her relationship with Miller only lasted three days, or maybe a week, after he arrived in Cork in December. She said of the deceased: She was afraid Miller would harm himself. Bruna was never afraid of Miller. The young woman testified that Miller was following Bruna around at a New Years Eve Party despite the fact that she was trying to avoid him and did not want to speak to him. We went there about 10pm I did see Miller there later, at around 11am, I just said Hello he was trying to speak to Bruna - he was following us around all the time we were trying to get away from him, Maria said. Earlier Maria said that earlier that night she met her aunt after she finished work on the evening of December 31, 2022 and she was upset and crying as she had found a knife in a bag belonging to Miller, and she feared he was going to try and harm himself with it. I met Bruna in Marcelas flat on Barrack St that evening she was upset because she had found a knife in Millers bag and she was afraid Miller was going to harm himself, she said. Marias mother, Izabel Fonseca, older sister of the deceased, testified that Miller and Bruna broke up some time after January 2022 but that they got back together closer to the time that Bruna was travelling to Ireland, and he later followed her to Ireland. She recalled that Miller frequently phoned and contacted Bruna and that they got back together shortly before coming to Ireland. Bruna came over first and Miller followed shortly afterwards. He was not happy that she came over before him. Asked why her sister came to Ireland, Izabel said: It was her dream always. As for Miller coming to Ireland, the witness said: He never had the will to come. The trial continues before Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford and a jury of seven women and five men. A Cork man who was spotted driving less than a year after he received a five-year driving ban has pleaded guilty to the offence in the district court. Court presenter Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told Clonakilty District Court that a garda patrol spotted the car of 49-year-old Timmy Coakley of Derryleigh, Inchigeelagh, Co Cork, at Galvins Service Station in Dunmanway at 11am on May 18, 2025. The court heard that the car did not have valid tax or insurance, and when Coakley returned to the vehicle, gardai followed it as he drove it out onto the public road. Coakley was stopped a short time later at Spa Rd. The court heard that Coakley had received a five-year driving ban in the circuit court on July 23, 2024, for driving without insurance. The court was told that Coakley had 30 previous convictions for a variety of offences including seven for driving without insurance. Conrad Murphy, defending, said Coakley was a man of few words who lived in a remote location near Inchigeelagh with his 80-year-old mother. He said Coakley had significant alcohol issues in the past that seemed to have abated somewhat in recent years. Mr Murphy asked Judge Joanne Carroll to consider seeking a probation report. Judge Carroll said Coakley was a very mature man who understands he has an alcohol problem, and added: Its very simple, he was driving while he was disqualified. She agreed to seek a probation report which she said might be of some assistance, and remanded Coakley on continuing bail to February 17, 2026. ESET Ireland is advising social media users in Ireland to stay alert for phishing and impersonation attempts. This comes after reports of a surge in unexpected Instagram password reset emails caused widespread confusion online. Instagram has publicly stated it fixed an issue that allowed an external party to request password reset emails for some users. The company said there was no breach of its systems and that accounts remain secure, adding that users can ignore the emails. ESET Ireland says incidents like this can still create ideal conditions for criminals, because uncertainty is often followed by targeted scams designed to trick people into handing over logins, verification codes, or payment details. George Foley spokesperson at ESET Ireland, said, Even when a platform says there is no breach, situations like this can still be highly useful to criminals. A wave of genuine password reset emails creates uncertainty, and that is exactly when phishing spikes. People are more likely to click, respond, or try to fix the problem through the wrong route. Users are advised that the safest approach is to ignore password reset emails unless you personally requested them, and to be especially cautious of any follow up messages claiming to be from Instagram in the days ahead. That is often where criminals attempt to steal credentials by impersonating security teams or pushing fake verification prompts, ESET warns. If you are concerned, go directly to the Instagram app or the official website and check your security settings there. Turn on two factor authentication and use a strong, unique password. Instagram itself notes that receiving a password reset email does not necessarily mean an account has been hacked and advises users to verify official emails and take steps to secure their accounts. For more information visit www.eset.com/ie/. An exhibition on sculptor Joseph Higgins has opened in Cork Public Museum, following a symposium in Cork City Library last month. A somewhat obscure figure, Higgins career was cut short by his death at just 40 years old. Still, many will be familiar with his most famous work, Boy With A Boat, located in Fitzgeralds Park. Despite its brevity, Higgins life was deeply entwined with the citys history. He was born in 1885 to William Higgins, a schoolteacher who lost his job for taking part in the 1867 Fenian Rising. After a stint in prison, William was employed as a cooper in the Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills, working for the military he once tried to supplant. Aged 14, Joseph moved to the city where he worked as a clerk at Newsome & Sons, a tea and coffee merchants in what is now home to PTSB on Patrick Street. Here he befriended a colleague, Terence MacSwiney. It was Higgins who informed Muriel MacSwiney of her husbands final arrest in 1920. Higgins attended night classes a few streets away at the Crawford School of Art, then located at the gallerys current premises. The school was then involved with that periods Arts and Crafts movement which sought to marry the fine and applied arts, crafting functional objects with due consideration paid to artistic merit. He learned wood carving, modelling, and stone carving, alongside traditional, academic painting. This exhibition centres around a bust of Daniel Corkery, commissioned by the writer and UCC professor himself while the artist was still in college. A champion of local culture, Corkery supported Higgins, later convincing the Crawford to acquire his Toilers Of The Sea and Strachaire Fir. This bust, housed in UCC since 1967, portrays the author lost in thought, as he looks to the side with an off-kilter gaze typical of Higgins work. Photographs of Higgins paintings and sculptures are also on display, including a wood-carving of Michael Collins as he addressed a crowd on Grand Parade in 1922. Cut from the limewood of a neighbours fallen tree, Collins stares at his audience, neck craned and mouth agape, suggesting the performative movements of a man mid-speech. This playfully contrasts with the stoic depiction by Seamus Murphy, located just outside in the park. This small exhibit is well situated amongst several works by the more widely-celebrated Murphy, who also trained at Crawford and was similarly interested in functional work of high artistic quality. Such work can be found throughout the city, from the gravestones in St Finbarrs to a carved dog bowl hidden beneath the front window of Cameron Bakery on Patrick Street. As the subject of last years One City One Book festival, the republication of Murphys Stone Mad has seen renewed appreciation for the contribution craftsmen once made to the city. Murphys book chronicles the dissolution of stonemasonry in Cork as the work of stonies was replaced by cheap building methods. Murphy recalled his colleagues reaction to the news Turners Cross Church would be built with concrete: I never thought Id live to see the day when stonies would be two a penny and thats the price yell be worth before long. Concrete is the coming thing [] People arent building for the future any more, them days are gone. One can imagine this stonys possible reaction to the newly-refurbished Bishop Lucey Park! Aggravated by a lack of green spaces, public backlash has seen the park criticised for the large swathe of plain concrete and metal recently installed for a total cost of 7m. The only piece of legitimately crafted stonework is the 800-year-old city wall. Perhaps this drab design is an appropriate tribute to its namesake. The film-maker Louis Marcus once remarked that Bishop Lucey, who built enough churches to keep a sculptor busy for life, preferred gaudy imported statues to locally worked stone. Lucey was even told to avoid Murphys work by Archbishop of Dublin John Charles McQuaid. Given that a motion was passed last year to change the parks name, however, this may not be the case for too long. A copy of Murphys The Onion Seller is one of only two pieces of artwork in the park, first donated in 1985 by Sunbeam Wolsey. The companys founder, William Dwyer, was Murphys benefactor and insisted that all Sunbeam factories feature the work of Irish artists. Such devotion to handcrafted public art is now sadly reduced. There is added poignancy to the celebration of Corks craftsmen at a time of such public disillusionment with large city projects. A public park is, after all, an essentially artistic project, obligated to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Maybe the Arts and Crafts ethos that gave the city local gems like the Honan Chapel and many of the pieces decorating Fitzgeralds Park should be revisited. Higgins never made a living from his art and died of TB before any of his works could be cast. When Murphy married Higgins daughter Maigread in 1944, he cast 12 of her fathers works in bronze and gifted Boy With A Boat to the city. It is 100 years since Higgins death, 50 since Murphys. This exhibition serves as an evocative reminder of the citys past and the importance it once placed on craft. It should inspire the viewer to seek out such work across the city. Should they wish to skip Bishop Lucey, The Onion Seller may also be found on Coal Quay. James Cox Here, we have a look at the issues likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come. Fianna Fail unrest As the Dail resumes for 2026, Taoiseach Micheal Martin was hoping to put the Jim Gavin controversy and a difficult year in the rear view mirror. However, there is still unrest within Fianna Fail over his leadership. The Taoiseach "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". Looking forward, he described a frustration among backbench TDs at how the party leadership currently conducts its business. "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". Immigration reform Before Cabinet this morning, Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan brought measures restricting the right of those granted asylum to bring family members to Ireland. Refugees would have to wait at least three years for reunification, which has drawn criticism from the Irish Refugee Council, who argued rules are tight enough as is. The plans were widely criticised by Opposition. Green party leader Roderic O'Gorman, who was previously in charge of immigration as a minister, said the Government should be focusing on accommodation issues. Labours Duncan Smith said it is not what Ireland should be about. Aontu leader Peadar Toibin said the plans do not go far enough. He said immigration needs to be controlled, including student visas. Taoiseach and McDonald clash over salary increases At the first Leaders' Questions of 2026, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald clashed with the Taoiseach over salary increases for the heads of semi-state bodies. Ms McDonald said the head of CIE received an increase of 35,000, while there was a 50,000 hike for the chief of Bus Eireann, and a 75,000 hike for the chief of Iarnrod Eireann. Ms McDonald said 1.4 million workers in this state earn less than 45,000, describing their disbelief to see those pay hikes. Increases far beyond that which is earned by those who keep the country going young nurses, gardai, the teachers, those working in retail, in factories, in hospitality, cleaners, carers. No big pay hike for them, no. On the contrary, your bumper budget of 9.4 billion abandoned those working people, and in fact, left them worse off. The daily struggle of low and middle income workers to keep their heads above water, to look after their children, to pay their bills and put food on the table is very, very real, but your priorities that of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael in Government are clear. You, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will always show up for those at the top, and meanwhile, ordinary working people are taken for granted, brushed aside and short-changed over and over again. Can you explain to them how you can stand over big pay hikes for semi state CEOs when they dont get a red cent of a break on their income tax? Mr Martin said: "Thats a record for the Irish labour market and if you compare us to other EU member states in respect of the creation of employment and a robust economy, I think you will not find an equal. That is why in the budget, we focused on services, a substantial increase in allocation to education, to disability and to health and those increases will make a difference, and are making a difference. Abroad Greenlandic foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt and Danish foreign minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen are set to meet with US vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio at the White House on Wednesday to discuss president Donald Trump's threats to take over Greenland. Europe will be watching on anxiously amid fears that US action in Greenland could spell the end of the Nato alliance. Meanwhile, the ongoing protests in Iran continue with the death toll now standing at over 2,000. Mr Trump is believed to be considering military options. Frances far-right leader Marine Le Pen denied any wrongdoing as she appeared in court to appeal an embezzlement conviction, with her 2027 presidential ambitions hanging on the outcome of the case. Declan Brennan A business student publicly exposed his genitals in front of three different women, a court has heard. Rishabh Mahajan (20) of Gardiner St Lower, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four counts of offensive conduct of a sexual nature likely to cause fear, distress or alarm to named persons. He also pleaded guilty to carrying out a sexual assault relating to these incidents, which took place late at night on various dates in October and November 2024. Garda Patrick Hynes told Simon Donagh BL, prosecuting, that at around 1am on October 23rd, 2024 a woman was working a night shift in a city centre office building with a large glass front when she saw a man standing outside looking at her with his genitals exposed. Mahajan was masturbating while looking directly at the woman. The court heard the interior of the building was well lit up and the defendant could see the woman. The victim went to the window to tell the defendant to go away, but he laughed at her. She called gardai and Mahajan left when he saw her making this call. A few days later, Mahajan appeared again at the woman's workplace at around 1.15am. He pulled his pants down and began masturbating while looking at her. The woman felt disgusted and was scared she might encounter him while on her way to work, the court heard. The defendant returned a few days later and exposed himself again. He came up to the window and wiped his hands on the glass before walking away. Victim impact report Gda Hynes told Judge Martina Baxter that all three incidents were captured on CCTV which was clearly in place. He agreed with the judge that the offending was quite brazen and took place in quite an exposed part of the city. The court heard that the complainant had outlined the effects of the offending in a victim impact report. Garda Stephanie Traynor told the court just after 6pm on the morning of October 11th, Mahajan was standing outside a youth hostel when a member of staff saw him standing looking at her. He opened his coat and she saw his pants were pulled down and his genitals were exposed. Mahajan then began masturbating. The court heard that the fourth victim was walking home from a night out on Hallowe'en night when she saw Mahajan standing on a corner masturbating. She walked past and began to call gardai on her phone when Mahajan ran up to her and touched her bottom. The woman screamed at him. The sexual assault was recorded on CCTV and Mahajan was identified and arrested in early November. He told gardai he couldn't remember carrying out the offence. The court heard that Mahajan was standing in a very public place waiting for anyone to go by. Gda Hynes agreed with Patrick Flynn BL, defending, that while committing these offences, the defendant made no attempts to conceal his identity with face coverings. Counsel said his client had his clothes back on when he carried out the sexual assault by touching the woman. Mr Flynn said his client is an Indian national who had arrived in Ireland a month earlier to study at the Smurfit business school in UCD and was living in the Smithfield area at the time. He said the defendant was now in homeless accommodation and has not come to adverse garda attention since these offences. Counsel said he was instructed to offer an apology on his client's behalf to all victims. He said on the night of the Hallowe'en offences, Mahajan had been celebrating Diwali, a Hindu religious festival. Judge Baxter adjourned sentence to May 19th next and remanded Mahajan on continuing bail. She ordered the defendant to provide the Probation Service with his contact details. By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association There are hundreds of open investigations into content shared on X, a senior Garda has said, amid concerns over potential child sexual abuse material (CSAM) generated on the platform using the artificial intelligence tool Grok. Politicians convened on Wednesday for an Oireachtas Media Committee hearing with gardai and other experts, which largely dealt with growing concerns over the proliferation of CSAM and other AI-generated sexualised material on the social network. They were told there are currently 200 reports being investigated by An Garda Siochana in relation to the platform that are potentially indicative of containing CSAM. Detective Chief Superintendent Barry Walsh said: We have received reports and referrals of content on that particular platform (X) that is under investigation. The investigation process takes some time, the content has to be assessed to make sure its criminal, and thereafter the people responsible have to be identified, if thats possible, and the investigative action stems from there. So what follows is the investigative process, and that may result in various different actions, such as execution of warrants, interview people responsible, interview being brought before the court or for direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions. He added: As of this morning, there are 200 reports that are being investigated involving content that is child sexual abuse material, or child sexual abuse indicative material. The senior officer said these all related to Grok. Mr Walsh said gardai remain in contact with the media regulator Coimisiun na Mean about AI-generated CSAM. He said gardai believe existing legislation allows it to carry out investigations into the material and that they had not yet encountered anything that would prevent it from carrying out a probe. Mr Walsh said he wanted to reassure the public that reports are being treated with utmost seriousness and thoroughly investigated. The Grok app on an iPhone (Yui Mok/PA) In his written submission, he said: I would encourage any individual who may be a victim of these crimes to make contact with your local Garda station where you will be provided with access to the wide range of specialist help and support that is available. Victims of intimate image abuse also have the option of reporting online via Hotline.ie. Mr Walsh said recent commentary had focused on one AI model in particular but the reality is that it was a conceptual possibility that other AI models could be trained to create such content. He called for a robust response from AI service providers to ensure that their models cannot be manipulated to create content that is both unlawful and hugely harmful to those individuals who are impacted. Mr Walsh said a minimum step is for online service providers to make sure material disseminated on their platforms is appropriate for recipient audiences and that it has been effectively considered for accuracy but it was clear this was not currently the case. The officer, who is attached to the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau, said there are ever-increasing levels of CSAM being produced and distributed online. Mr Walsh said gardai do proactive work to find CSAM online but mainly deal with referrals through the US private agency the National Centre for Missing & Exploited Children. He said referrals had been increasing year-on-year, with 13,300 in 2024 and roughly 25,000 in 2025. Fianna Fails Padraig OSullivan (Jacob King/PA) Addressing the witnesses to the committee, Fianna Fail senator Alison Comyn recalled an occasion when someone placed photographs of her face on pornographic images and sent it to the BBC where she had been working as a news anchor. She said she found this deeply upsetting and violating, noting that police at the time considered it to be quite funny. She said: Thats another issue but at least it wasnt seen by millions. Now we have a legitimate business a high profile platform who can legally offer this service, and it is disseminated to millions globally, and were looking at it being created in seconds and sent out at the touch of a button. We know that its children and vulnerable people who are at risk here. We have to stop that in its tracks. Ms Comyn asked if gardai needed additional legislative measures to assist in their investigations. Mr Walsh said recently developed legislation has been effective in prosecuting this type of offending, adding that legislation on EU criminal justice cooperation would help with complications around accessing evidence around CSAM reports. Malcolm Byrne TD asked what recourse adults have against AI-generated sexualised images bearing their likeness. Detective Superintendent Michael Mullen said there are protections under Cocos Law which deals with offences relating to the recording, distribution and publication of intimate images. He said: It makes no difference. If its AI-generated, under Cocos law it is still a criminal offence as simple as that. It would be investigated as if it were a real image. So AI is treated exactly the same as a real image. Under further questioning from Padraig OSullivan TD, Mr Walsh said there had been just under 900 contacts with gardai last year in relation to Cocos law. He also told the TD that increased investment has allowed the unit to cut its excess case load down from hundreds to around 50 or 60 cases which have not been actioned. The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) and Digital Rights Ireland (DRI) published: 'Who has what powers when it comes to illegal content online?' on Wednesday. The ICCL and DRI analysed the investigatory powers of An Garda Siochana, Coimisiun na Mean, the EU Commission, and the Data Protection Commission. The analysis concerns two types of illegal online content: 'child pornography as per the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998; and non-consensual deepfake sexualised images of people, as per the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020. Tom Tuite A young Albanian man arrived at Dublin Airport without a passport, claiming to be under threat from criminals, a court has heard. Amarildo Coku, 18, who has no address in or ties to Ireland, was arrested during what Judge Alan Mitchell termed "Operation Failte" and has been in custody on remand since October 21st. "He could not have got on a plane without producing some document; there was no document available when he arrived in Ireland", the judge said. He pleaded guilty on Wednesday at Cloverhill District Court to charges under sections 11 and 12 of the Immigration Act. The laws require a non-national arriving in the country to produce a passport or identity card on October 20th. He pleaded guilty and was handed a back-dated two-month sentence, meaning that with remission, he is expected to be released forthwith. Court Garda Sergeant Olwyn Murphy told the court that the young man flew into Dublin Airport and, when he met authorities, claimed he had no passport or travel documents. He was referred to the Garda National Immigration Bureau, charged and remanded in custody. "This is an offence under what is called Operation Failte," remarked Judge Mitchell, whose court deals with many immigration prosecutions, which carry 12-month sentences. Speaking via an interpreter, Coku said he was uncomfortable and stressed in custody. Pleading for leniency, his solicitor Mervyn Harnett said his client came to Ireland because he was under threat from a criminal organisation. Judge Mitchell stated that Coku must have passed through several European nations and that Albania was deemed a safe country. He added that he took a serious view of people coming into the country without documents. He noted the guilty plea, recorded a conviction and imposed a sentence as a deterrent, with one charge taken into consideration. Two Cork change-makers are among 21 people from across the island of Ireland who have been selected to take part in a residential bootcamp this week that aims to equip emerging activists with strategic campaigning skills. The free Alice Academy for Activists bootcamp, taking place at Fumbally Stables in Dublin from January 15-18, is being hosted by Alice Public Relations with support from Community Foundation Ireland. This will be the second iteration of the bootcamp, which is part of the companys corporate social responsibility efforts. Martina Quinn, company CEO, says that with increasing polarisation across society and far right narratives often dominating public debate, it is more important than ever that we have well-resourced and highly-skilled activists who have all the tools and expertise they need to champion progressive causes. By taking part in the Academy, Fahmeda Naheed hopes to develop her project to embed anti-racism education within community education in Ireland. Blackpool-based Fahmeda, a mother of five, moved to Cork from Pakistan 17 years ago to study at UCC. She has a degree in Asian Studies. She describes herself as a community leader whose work includes teaching cooking skills, broadcasting on Cork Community Radio, writing, and doing a doctorate through Dublin City University in anti-racism education. I am doing my PhD through the lens of community education. I have different professional experiences as a migrant working in Cork. Working in the community shows up racism. There is structured racism and systemic racism happening in the community. Fahmeda is open about her personal experiences of racism and has written about it on platforms such as stand.ie. She says that if the tradition of community development is looked at, activism is not really about protest. It is about creating solutions. My goal is to make anti-racism a core competence and not just an occasional awareness exercise. I want to demonstrate how anti-racism and inclusive learning can transform the community and promote equality. Olivia Teahan, from Grange, is a health communication specialist and sexual wellbeing advocate. She is developing a project to build sexual health rehabilitation into cancer care to support people whose bodies, relationships and identities have changed due to illness or treatment. More broadly, Olivia is working to reshape how public healthcare and healthcare practitioners understand sexual wellbeing. She wants to destigmatise it, moving it beyond a narrow focus on infections, contraception and crisis response. In her Masters Degree in public health from UCC, Olivia focused her thesis on sexual desire in Irish women over 50. Sexual desire is an indicator of sexual health and should be part of public health. A woman that I interviewed for my thesis had gone through a medical menopause as a result of cancer treatment. It had really changed her experience of sex. This womans desire had gone. Also, there was the knock-on effect on communication with her partner. There is a stigma around cancer survivors and their sex lives, says Olivia. Things have changed for the better in terms of cancer treatment. People can live long lives (after cancer). They want to be able to enjoy their relationship and their own body. That just wasnt prioritised because the focus was all on survival. Martina Quinn says that often activists have emerged in a non-structured way. Martina Quinn, CEO, Alice Public Relations People become accidental activists because of something in their personal lives that theyre not happy with. It could be childcare services or there might be a health issue in their family that theyre trying to address. Its not something you can go off and get a degree in to get all the right skills. The bootcamp we have organised will address the challenges that the activist community comes up against. Its for men and women of all ages. Our oldest participant this year is in her 60s while the youngest is only 18. We had over 50 applicants and it was hard to whittle that down to 21 people. They are really committed to making positive change. The segment of the bootcamp dealing with strategy and planning campaigns will be covered by Martina. Ailbhe Smyth, feminist and life-long activist, will do a session on coalition building which will look at how people build support for their campaigns. Retired RTE news veteran, Eileen Dunne, will talk about how to engage with the media effectively. An expert in community organising, Stephen Donnelly, from Australia, will talk to participants about growing a grassroots base. Former east Cork TD, David Stanton, will share insights on how to deal with the political system. Chief executive of Community Foundation Ireland, Denise Charlton says: Community Foundation Ireland supports the Alice Academy for Activists because we believe in the power of voices to create change. At a time when communities are facing deep challenges, we must invest in the people who are standing up and speaking out for positive change. The academy is our philanthropic response to that need to equip activists. We listen to the voices of grassroots organisers and frontline advocates and help amplify those voices and actions, not just for today, but for the future we all deserve. Committing to walking the Camino is an intimidating task for a lot of people. Not for Pamela Deasy though. Cancer failed to intimidate or conquer her indomitable spirit. She was going to climb every mountain that came her way. After giving cancer the boot, taking off from her home in Union Hall, and walking the Camino for 38 days, only heightened Pamelas zest for life and for living. Yes, committing to walking the Camino seemed a rather intimidated task, admits Pamela, who has a son. I used a walking stick to help me over a year, and I needed support from my family and friends to be mobile. Then she was good to go. Going from needing help walking up the stairs to walking over the Pyrenees was a huge undertaking for me. Pamela knows when to walk away. There are times in your life when the most important thing is to switch off from everything and walk away. In May last year, I did just that and headed off to the Camino for 38 days straight. When Pamela got a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer on December 7, 2018, she thought, game over. There is only a 14% survival rate in Ireland from pancreatic cancer after five years. My mother died of lung cancer when I was 40, says Pamela. I was nervous telling Ryan, my son, that I had pancreatic cancer. Telling him was very emotional. How did Pamela find out that she had the disease? Pamela's arrival into the Galicia region During the summer of 2018 I remember feeling endless tiredness. It was a consistent symptom, says Pamela. An odd day Id have an upset tummy. The fatigue got to the stage that I couldnt pull myself out of bed to tackle the house until the afternoon. I was in my 40s and pre-menopausal. I kept going back to my GP. My bloods were clear and all good and I was told not to worry. Pamela trusted her gut and says: I listened to it. I knew something was not right with me. I was rarely sick. She was rarely out of sorts either.. I was told that I had depression. I thought not. Then I thought maybe, yes. When Pamela was told that she had pancreatic cancer, she didnt know what to think. It was only when I ended up in hospital with jaundice that I was told, you have cancer. I was in complete shock, says Pamela. I thought, pancreatic cancer. Game over. Then she thought, no way. I was in my 40s. I was fit. I was going to throw everything I had at it. And she did. A view of the Meseta, during Pamelas Camino trip. I began chemotherapy on January 16 and I had six sessions, says Pamela. Each session lasted 72 hours at a time. That was every two weeks. At the end of the chemotherapy treatment, some of which I had at home via a pump attached to my body, I had scans which showed the tumour hadnt shrunk. Pamela always looks at the glass as half-full. But it hadnt grown either, she adds. She continued her journey, going through six weeks of radiotherapy, and following that she had six weeks of taking gemcitabine (a chemotherapy drug) in hospital. I went through the mill, admits Pamela. I suffered muscle wastage and blockage of my stent. My son and my dad were at home. My sister lives nearby. They were a great support to me. Pamalas determination and resilience stood up to the scourge of cancer. In August of 2019, I underwent Whipple surgery which involved removing the head of my pancreas, gallbladder, spleen, bile duct, a piece of my stomach and a piece of my small intestine and associated lymph nodes. The surgery was serious, and it was a long operation. It took 11 and a half hours, says Pamela. It took far longer for Pamela to recover. It took weeks for me to recover from that surgery. But I was cancer-free. She had turned a corner during her difficult journey. It took me almost three years to get back to normal, says Pamela. For a while, it was like I took one step forward and two steps back. She took steps towards the promise of a renewed life. I began walking around the house with a stick, she says. Coming up to Christmas, after the surgery, I wasnt feeling great again. I worried that the cancer was back again. But it was only fluid that had built up in my abdomen that had to get drained. I stayed positive. There were weeks that I didnt leave the bed. Pamela, who had lost more than seven stone during her ordeal, decided to make up for lost time. I realised, after all this surgery and treatment, that I wanted to do something totally different and just for myself, says Pamela, So I decided to walk the Camino. Why? For me, it was giving thanks to being here five years after my cancer diagnosis, says Pamela. I also wanted to remember the 86% of people diagnosed who were no longer with me on this journey. I decided that if I didnt go and do it, I probably would never go into anything like that again in my life. Pamela never says never. I had to undergo surgery again earlier this year to remove kidney stones, she says. Walking the Camino was going to be a challenge. Pamela Deasy on the Camino, outside Astorga. Pamela is never intimidated by anything. Not even the unknown. There were lots of obstacles but after a lot of preparation and thought, I headed off by myself into the unknown. And? And it was wonderful! says Pamela laughing. You meet such interesting people on the Camino. I think doing it alone, you are more inclined to talk to people, whereas if I had gone with a friend we would have probably spent the whole time together. Hearing other peoples stories who were on the same adventure, was amazing. There were some challenges. But then Pamela is familiar with overcoming challenges. When youve gone through chemotherapy and radiotherapy, your energy levels are different to someone your own age, says Pamela. My energy isnt great at 7pm in the evening. Im usually in bed by 8pm. I think suffering from digestive problems was the hardest and the biggest stumbling block for me. Pamela gets up and dusts herself off after stumbling. One morning, I set off early and I saw the sunrise coming up over the horizon. It was so special. Nature is special to Pamela. Nature has been so important in my cancer journey, and it definitely impacted my recovery, she says. Just looking around me at the stunning scenery walking the Camino, the flowers and the sunrise, it made me realise how lucky I am to be alive and so lucky to get to appreciate this. Pamelas Camino journey was glorious. I returned having walked 771km feeling exhausted but fulfilled, she says. She is not dragging her feet now that she is renewed and reinvigorated. I am doing a masters in sociology at the moment as I am interested in the inequality in cancer treatments in Ireland. I want to raise awareness about this cancer and help people living with it and their families to get the best support possible. When a patient gets a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, it impacts not only the patient, but the family, says Pamela. It is so much to deal with in such a sudden period of time. There needs to be more networks in place for patients and their families. After her own diagnosis, Pamela was told she would never work again. Remember she never says never. Now shes working for others. I applied to do a degree in Religious and Global Diversity in UCC and after the first year of it I decided that lending my voice to any cancer campaigns was beneficial for patients. So I decided to follow the patient advocacy route and sit on the Patient Advocacy Committee at Digestive Cancers Europe. 2026 is a new dawning for Pamela, when she can wake up and smell the roses. I give thanks to be alive and to be free of cancer, she says. An illustration photo shows Grok logo displayed on a smartphone with the xAI logo in the background . (CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images) (CFOTO via Getty Images) California authorities have launched an investigation into xAI following weeks of reports that the chatbot was generating sexualized images of children. "xAI appears to be facilitating the large-scale production of deepfake nonconsensual intimate images that are being used to harass women and girls across the internet, including via the social media platform X," California Attorney General Rob Bonta's office said in a statement. The statement cited a report that "more than half of the 20,000 images generated by xAI between Christmas and New Years depicted people in minimal clothing," including some that appeared to be children. "We have zero tolerance for the AI-based creation and dissemination of nonconsensual intimate images or of child sexual abuse material, Bonta said. Today, my office formally announces an investigation into xAI to determine whether and how xAI violated the law. The investigation was announced as California Governor Gavin Newsom also called on Bonta to investigate xAI. "xAIs decision to create and host a breeding ground for predators to spread nonconsensual sexually explicit AI deepfakes, including images that digitally undress children, is vile," Newsom wrote. California authorities aren't the first to investigate the company following widespread reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and non-consensual intimate images of women. UK regulator Ofcom has also opened an official inquiry, and European Union officials have said they are also looking into the issue. Malaysia and Indonesia have moved to block Grok. Advertisement Advertisement Last week, xAI began imposing rate limits on Grok's image generation abilities, but has so far declined to pull the plug entirely. When asked to comment on the California investigation, xAI responded with an automated email that said "Legacy Media Lies." Earlier on Wednesday, Elon Musk said he was "not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok." Notably, that statement does not directly refute Bonta's allegation that Grok is being used "to alter images of children to depict them in minimal clothing and sexual situations." Musk said that "the operating principle for Grok is to obey the laws" and that the company works to address cases of "adversarial hacking of Grok prompts." XAI logo dislpayed on a screen and Grok account on X displayed on a phone screen are seen in this illustration photo taken in London, Great Britain on July 9, 2025. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images) XAI logo dislpayed on a screen and Grok account on X displayed on a phone screen are seen in this illustration photo taken in London, Great Britain on July 9, 2025. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images) (NurPhoto via Getty Images) X says it is changing its policies around Groks image-editing abilities following a multi-week outcry over the chatbot repeatedly being accused of generating sexualized images of children and nonconsensual nudity. In an update shared from the @Safety account on X, the company said it has implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis. The new safeguards, according to X, will apply to all users regardless of whether they pay for Grok. xAI is also moving all of Groks image-generating features behind its subscriber paywall so that non-paying users will no longer be able to create images. And it will geoblock "the ability of all users to generate images of real people in bikinis, underwear, and similar attire via the Grok account and in Grok in X" in regions where it's illegal. The company's statement comes hours after the state of California opened an investigation into xAI and Grok over its handling of AI-generated nudity and child exploitation material. A statement from California Attorney General Rob Bonta cited one analysis that found "more than half of the 20,000 images generated by xAI between Christmas and New Years depicted people in minimal clothing," including some that appeared to be children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its update, X said that it has "zero tolerance" for child exploitation and that it removes "high-priority violative content, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and non-consensual nudity" from its platform. Earlier in the day, Elon Musk said he was "not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok." He later added that when its NSFW setting is enabled, "Grok is supposed [sic] allow upper body nudity of imaginary adult humans (not real ones) consistent with what can be seen in R-rated movies on Apple TV." He added that "this will vary in other regions" based on local laws. Malaysia and Indonesia both recently moved to block Grok citing safety concerns and its handling of sexually explicit AI-generated material. In the UK, where regulator Ofcom is also investigating xAI and Grok, officials have also said they would back a similar block of the chatbot. Have a tip for Karissa? You can reach her by email, on X, Bluesky, Threads, or send a message to @karissabe.51 to chat confidentially on Signal. Elon Musk isn't the only party at fault for Grok's nonconsensual intimate deepfakes of real people, including children. What about Apple and Google? The two (frequently virtue-signaling) companies have inexplicably allowed Grok and X to remain in their app stores even as Musk's chatbot reportedly continues to produce the material. On Wednesday, a coalition of women's and progressive advocacy groups called on Tim Cook and Sundar Pichai to uphold their own rules and remove the apps. The open letters to Apple and Google were signed by 28 groups. Among them are the womens advocacy group Ultraviolet, the parents group ParentsTogether Action and the National Organization for Women. The letter accuses Apple and Google of "not just enabling NCII and CSAM, but profiting off of it. As a coalition of organizations committed to the online safety and well-being of all particularly women and children as well as the ethical application of artificial intelligence (AI), we demand that Apple leadership urgently remove Grok and X from the App Store to prevent further abuse and criminal activity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Apple and Googles guidelines explicitly prohibit such apps from their storefronts. Yet neither company has taken any measurable action to date. Neither Google nor Apple has responded to Engadget's request for comment. Pichai, Cook and Musk at Trump's inauguration (SAUL LOEB via Getty Images) Grok's nonconsensual deepfakes were first reported on earlier this month. During a 24-hour period when the story broke, Musk's chatbot was reportedly posting "about 6,700" images per hour that were either "sexually suggestive or nudifying." An estimated 85 percent of Grok's total generated images during that period were sexualized. In addition, other top websites for generating "declothing" deepfakes averaged 79 new images per hour during that time. "These statistics paint a horrifying picture of an AI chatbot and social media app rapidly turning into a tool and platform for non-consensual sexual deepfakes deepfakes that regularly depict minors," the open letter reads. Grok itself admitted as much. "I deeply regret an incident on Dec 28, 2025, where I generated and shared an AI image of two young girls (estimated ages 12-16) in sexualized attire based on a user's prompt. This violated ethical standards and potentially US laws on CSAM. It was a failure in safeguards, and I'm sorry for any harm caused. xAI is reviewing to prevent future issues." The open letter notes that the single incident the chatbot acknowledged was far from the only one. Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk at Trump's inauguration (Pool via Getty Images) X's response was to limit Grok's AI image generation feature to paying subscribers. It also adjusted the chatbot so that its generated images aren't posted to public timelines on X. However, non-paying users can reportedly still generate a limited number of bikini-clad versions of real people's photos. While Apple and Google appear to be cool with apps that produce nonconsensual deepfakes, many governments arent. On Monday, Malaysia and Indonesia wasted no time in banning Grok. The same day, UK regulator Ofcom opened a formal investigation into X. California opened one on Wednesday. The US Senate even passed the Defiance Act for a second time in the wake of the blowback. The bill allows the victims of nonconsensual explicit deepfakes to take civil action. An earlier version of the Defiance Act was passed in 2024 but stalled in the House. The UK government has backtracked on a plan to require all workers to have a digital ID following a backlash. It will no longer be mandatory to register with the digital ID program to prove one has the right to work in the country, as the BBC reports. The government announced the now-scrapped digital ID requirement in September. "You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID," Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said at the time. "It's as simple as that." The government still plans to fully transition to digital right-to-work checks by 2029, using the likes of biometric passports, as it seeks to do away with paper-based systems. Those are "open to fraud and abuse," a government spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials have still not explained exactly how the digital ID program will work. The government originally framed digital IDs as a way to make it easier to identify immigrants who are working in the country without having the legal right to do so. It is now said to be focusing more on pressing home the message that digital IDs will help people access public services. A service called One Login will be part of the digital ID system this currently can be used for things like applying for a veteran card and canceling a lost passport. More than 12 million people have signed up so far. Another service called Wallet will let people store their digital ID on their phone. This would contain their name, date of birth, nationality, residence status and a photo. Almost 3 million people signed an official parliamentary petition to protest the introduction of digital IDs. "We think this would be a step towards mass surveillance and digital control, and that no one should be forced to register with a state-controlled ID system," the petition states. "We oppose the creation of any national ID system." Weve all heard of couch surfing, but Fender and Samsung have made it their 2026 mission to make couch shredding a thing. Samsung TV users will soon be able to take guitar lessons from the comfort of their living rooms, with the first TV edition of the Fender Play app set to arrive in the first half of this year. Debuted at CES, players can choose from video-based lessons for both electric and acoustic guitar, as well as bass and for all the wannabe Jake Shimabukuros or George Formbys (one for the Brits) among you the ukulele. There are on-demand courses for different levels of skill, with each lesson built around a wide spectrum of well-known songs, everything from The Beatles' "Blackbird" to Olivia Rodrigo's "Drivers License". If youre a bit more confident in your axe-wielding prowess, Jam Mode allows you to play along to genre-specific playlists. Call in the kids to watch and youve got your very own Woodstock. Advertisement Advertisement Fender Play is already available on a variety of screens via the App Store and Google Play, but with your TV likely being the largest one you own, you wont have to squint to make out those chord progressions. You can already use the app on a TV by pairing your iPhone or Android device to your Apple TV or Chromecast, but Samsungs native TV app is more immediate. Fender Play first launched way back in 2017 and has a number of virtual instructors who teach all levels of guitar players. A subscription costs $20 per month or $150 annually, and theres a seven-day trial if you want to see what its all about. It will, for some reason, only be available on Samsung TVs released in 2025 or later (no word on support for older models at a later date) in the coming months. Mark Epstein, the younger brother of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, is once again arguing against the official ruling that his brother killed himself. He says that new forensic evidence will soon show that someone else did it. According to RadarOnline, on August 10, 2019, Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his jail cell in New York City. He had been convicted of sex trafficking and was waiting for his federal trial. Mark Epstein has long disagreed with the authorities' conclusion that the death was a suicide by hanging. Mark had already hired Dr. Michael Baden, who used to be the chief medical examiner for New York City. At the time, he said, "he evidence points to homicide rather than suicide." The Department of Justice and FBI said again in a June 2023 report that there was no credible evidence of foul play. They stated that issues with the Metropolitan Correctional Center's system caused the death. Mark said the same thing again on News Nation Now on January 9. He said that new forensic evidence would back up his claims. He said, More autopsy facts will be coming out in February that prove it," before he started his speech. Mark said, "The injuries didn't correspond to the way his body was found hanging," when he talked about what he saw when he saw his brother's body. He went on to explain why he thought prison deaths were limited, saying, "There are only three ways to die in prison: suicide, natural causes, or murder. And Jeff was murdered. I want to know who killed him and on whose behalf?" Mark also said that the authorities were hiding the truth and called the official findings a "cover-up." He asked, "Why the charade?" to explain his worries. "Who are they trying to protect?" Mark dismissed Ghislaine Maxwell's remarks about Jeffrey Epstein's death. Maxwell, who had been friends with Epstein for a long time, said in August 2025 that she didn't see how Jeffrey could have been killed. He said, "I wouldn't trust anything she says," he said, noting she "never saw the body or talked to Jeff before he died." RadarOnline says that Mark has said before that politics got in the way of how Epstein-related files were handled. In November 2025, he said that the names of conservative politicians had been taken off of records. In a later CNN interview, he said that former President Donald Trump had held up their release and that Jeffrey "definitely had dirt on Trump." In other news, Federal records tied to Jeffrey Epstein include a redacted photo of Prince Andrew reclining with women at an event attended by Ghislaine Maxwell, The Sun reports. The image is not evidence of wrongdoing, and neither Andrew nor Maxwell face charges. Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial. Nicola Peltz Beckham is facing fresh accusations of deepening the growing feud between Brooklyn Beckham and his famous family, as signs of the long-running rift continue to surface publicly and online. At the center of the drama is Brooklyn Beckham, 26, who has remained estranged from his parents, David and Victoria Beckham, for more than a year. Sources say the divide has only widened since his 2022 marriage to actress Nicola Peltz Beckham, 31. Brooklyn has been living full-time in the US with his wife and has grown much closer to her powerful family, while contact with his own parents has nearly stopped. The latest spark came after Nicola quietly erased photos of the Beckham family from her Instagram page. According to ENews, fans noticed that several posts featuring David, Victoria, and Brooklyn's siblings were deleted, including a warm birthday tribute Nicola once shared for Victoria in April 2024. The move has been seen by insiders as a clear sign that tensions are still high. Brooklyn has also taken strong steps on social media. Reports say he blocked his parents and even his younger brother Cruz on Instagram over the holidays. Cruz later confirmed this, saying his parents "woke up blocked... as did I." Sources claim Brooklyn made the choice for his "mental health," adding that Nicola supports his decisions. Nicola Peltz, accused of being behind Beckham family war, is still stoking the flames: sources https://t.co/d8IX2f73hw pic.twitter.com/DboSOK8Jo7 Page Six (@PageSix) January 14, 2026 Insider Claims Brooklyn Prioritizes Nicola Peltz The fallout has stretched far beyond social media. Brooklyn and Nicola skipped major family moments, including David Beckham's 50th birthday celebrations and events tied to David's knighthood in the UK. Invitations were reportedly sent, but the couple declined. One insider said David and Victoria are hurt but still hope to repair the relationship. People close to the situation believe Brooklyn is caught in the middle. "Brooklyn wants to do anything to make Nicola happy," one source said, while adding that the situation has "gotten out of control." Another source questioned Nicola's actions, asking, "What is Nicola trying to prove?" after the Instagram deletions brought new attention to the feud, PageSix reported. The rift is not new. Tension reportedly began before Brooklyn and Nicola's lavish wedding in 2022, when Victoria stepped back from designing Nicola's wedding dress. The situation worsened after a controversial moment at the reception left Nicola upset, according to sources. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are refusing to testify in the House Oversight Committee's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, a move that could lead to serious legal consequences, including a possible contempt of Congress vote. In a public letter released Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Clintons said they would not comply with subpoenas requiring them to sit for closed-door depositions. Bill Clinton, 79, had been scheduled to testify the same day, while Hillary Clinton, 78, was set to appear the following day. According to CNN, the couple told House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer that the subpoenas were "invalid and legally unenforceable." The Clintons said they already shared all the information they have about Epstein and his crimes. "We've tried to give you the little information we have," they wrote. "We've done so because Mr. Epstein's crimes were horrific." They argued that the committee should focus on why Epstein was not stopped sooner and how similar crimes can be prevented in the future. They also accused the committee of unfairly targeting them. In their letter, the Clintons noted that several other subpoenaed individuals, including former law enforcement officials, were allowed to submit written statements instead of testifying in person. "You accepted the least from those who know the most but demand the most from those who know the least," they wrote. Bill and Hillary Clinton Refuse to Testify in House's Epstein Probe, Accepting They May Face Contempt Charges https://t.co/R75mI6kvpE People (@people) January 13, 2026 Read more: New Jeffrey Epstein Documents Include Photo of Prince Andrew With Ghislaine Maxwell and Several Women Bill Clinton Could Face DOJ Referral Chairman Comer pushed back strongly. He told reporters that the committee had been working with Bill Clinton's legal team for months and accused them of delaying. Comer said the panel plans to vote next week to hold Bill Clinton in contempt of Congress. If approved, the measure would go to the full House and could then be referred to the Department of Justice. A contempt charge can carry a penalty of up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine, People reported. Comer stressed that the subpoenas were approved unanimously by the Oversight Committee. "This wasn't something I just issued as chairman," he said, adding that Hillary Clinton could still choose to appear. The investigation gained renewed attention after the Justice Department released Epstein-related files in December 2025. Some included photos of Bill Clinton with Epstein, though Clinton has denied any wrongdoing and has never been charged. His spokesperson has said Clinton cut ties with Epstein before his 2019 arrest and was unaware of his crimes. The Clintons acknowledged they may face contempt proceedings but stood firm. "You will say it is not our decision to make. But we have made it," they wrote. 2 Mucho mas que una fruta: el alimento que protege "todo tu cuerpo", desde el corazon hasta el cerebro The shooting in Midtown happened at the end of the workday, with the gunman traveling cross country to get to New York. The officer killed w... SALEM, Ohio After years of litigation, hand-wringing and debate, the federal government is preparing to finally narrow which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act, reshaping one of the nations most influential environmental laws to align with a Supreme Court ruling. Supporters of limiting federal oversight across agriculture, construction and business say the change is long overdue. But environmental advocates fear the rollback will imperil local communities, drinking water sources and wildlife habitat, all while making enforcement harder and shifting the burden to states less able to respond. Thats what Autumn Crowe is afraid of happening in West Virginias Greenbrier River Watershed, covering about 1,600 square miles in the southeastern part of the state. The centerpiece of the watershed is the free-flowing 162-mile Greenbrier River, the states longest, which winds through scenic Appalachian countryside and is depended on for both public health and community life. But it is listed as impaired for the presence of fecal coliform bacteria, an issue Crowe said is largely driven by nonpoint source pollution, including agricultural runoff, failing septic systems and aging infrastructure. Local volunteers and scientists regularly sample the river and its tributaries to pinpoint problem areas and work toward addressing them. Crowe serves on the board of a longtime association that conducts that work, and she is also the deputy director of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition. She worries that the same waters rural communities rely on for recreation and as a source of their drinking water could one day become collateral damage of the Clean Water Acts undoing. Crowe is most concerned about wetlands, which she described as the watersheds natural safety net. Wetlands slow floodwaters, trap sediment and filter pollutants before they reach rivers and drinking water intakes. Without federal protections, she fears more wetlands could be filled or developed, increasing flood risks and degrading water quality for nearby communities. The Clean Water Act plays a huge role in ensuring our waters (not just) across the country, but in West Virginia, where Im focused that theyre swimmable, fishable, drinkable, Crowe said. In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Michael and Chantell Sackett, a couple who had been blocked by the Environmental Protection Agency from building a house on their property near Priest Lake, Idaho, after the EPA determined part of the land was a federally protected wetland. The ruling significantly curtailed the federal governments authority under the law to regulate wetlands and certain other waterways as Waters of the United States, and now the government must revise the breadth of waters that are actually federally protected. When its all said and done, the EPA says the new rule will ensure that federal jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act is sound, focusing on relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water such as streams, oceans, rivers and lakes, along with wetlands that are directly connected to them. Now that the EPAs public comment period on the proposed redefinition has closed, Crowe hopes policymakers will take a broader view of how loosening regulations in one place can affect communities downstream. After all, for the many smaller tributaries, caves and underground streams that feed the Greenbrier River, they could be put at risk, losing protections under the new WOTUS definition and potentially reversing progress made in the watershed by opening the door for more pollutants to enter the system. If the watersheds numerous isolated wetlands lose federal protection, Crowe said, the best safeguard they have against pollution and flood damage will be greatly reduced. And, she added, the state isnt poised to do much more. West Virginia has a provision that our laws, our state laws, cannot be any more stringent than federal laws. So that does cause some concern if, you know, the federal laws are gutted, then we would also lose some protections at the state level. In conversations with environmental experts and industry representatives, questions remain about whether new guidelines will really amount to a clear, simple, prescriptive rule that will stand the test of time, as EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has said is the goal, and about who, if anyone, ultimately benefits the most from the changes. Wetland woes Environmental groups say concerns about clarity should not come at the expense of protecting the nations waters. The Nature Conservancy told Farm and Dairy that the United States has already lost more than half of the wetlands that once existed across the Lower 48 states, making remaining protections all the more critical. Now is not the time to weaken the laws that protect our waters, Sandra Svoboda, media relations manager, said in an email, urging federal regulators to strengthen, rather than scale back, safeguards for wetlands, streams and other waterways. For environmental consultants who help developers navigate Clean Water Act permitting, the revised definition of Waters of the United States is already changing how projects move forward on the ground. Since 2012, Anna Runners work has often begun at the earliest stages of a project, when construction could disturb streams, wetlands or other aquatic features. Her firm, AllStar Ecology in West Virginia, evaluates sites, documents the extent and characteristics of waterways and wetlands, classifies streams and determines what regulatory approvals may be required before construction can begin. A key part of that process is figuring out how or if wetlands connect to nearby streams and rivers. Under the new rule, Runner said, wetlands are likely to become the most complicated piece of all. The updated WOTUS definition hinges on whether a wetland has a continuous surface connection to a relatively permanent body of water think streams, rivers and lakes. But that standard, she said, doesnt reflect how so many wetlands actually function. In West Virginia and much of Appalachia, theyre often sustained by groundwater rather than visible surface flow. In practice, that could mean parts of a single wetland will be treated differently under the law, with some areas federally regulated and others left solely to state oversight, or whatevers left of it. Runner said that kind of split jurisdiction could force projects into parallel permitting processes, adding layers of complexity rather than clarity. And that has consequences for timelines and budgets. Projects that once qualified for streamlined nationwide permits typically reviewed within about 90 days may now need additional state permits that require public notice and comment. Beyond logistics, Runner said the changes raise deeper questions about consistency, environmental protection and predictability, both for communities that rely on nearby waters and for developers trying to plan projects responsibly. It sounds like youre going to have a permitting process thats much more confusing and much more difficult to determine. Its going to be very interesting to see how this rolls out. Environmental groups are not the only stakeholders weighing in on the EPAs revised rule. Agricultural organizations say the new definition could bring long-sought clarity to farmers and ranchers who work the land every day. In written comments, the American Farm Bureau Federation said that changing interpretations of Waters of the United States over the years have left landowners unsure whether ordinary features on their property, such as ditches, low spots or irrigation ponds that only hold water after rain, could suddenly be treated as federally regulated waters. Farmers and ranchers, the federation said, depend on healthy soil and groundwater, but overly broad definitions risk pulling routine activities like plowing, planting or building fences into a federal permitting process that is costly, time-consuming and backed by steep civil and criminal penalties. That uncertainty, the group contends, has fallen hardest on small operations and rural families. Common sense Industry groups, meanwhile, say clearer federal rules are critical for small contractors trying to balance compliance, costs and project timelines. Mary Williamson is president of Ohio-based bridge-building company J. D. Williamson Construction Co., which employs about 75 people. She said no two days look the same when running a construction firm, but one constant is the need to keep projects moving. That becomes difficult, she said, when unclear water definitions trigger questions about permitting mid-project. When theres a question about whether this regulation affects one of our projects or not, then it causes the delays, and that equates to financial burdens for the company, and then my people potentially cant work, she said in an interview with Farm and Dairy. Prianka Sharma, vice president and counsel for regulatory affairs for the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, a trade group that represents about 8,000 member businesses, said contractors are often responsible for day-to-day compliance with Clean Water Act permits, even when state departments of transportation are the official permit holders. If a water feature is later deemed jurisdictional after work has begun, she said, the impacts ripple through the entire project delivery chain. There have been instances with some of our members where EPA has come back after the fact and said, Just kidding, we made a mistake. This is actually a jurisdictional water And that puts everyone behind, right? Both emphasized that inconsistent interpretations between regional Army Corps of Engineers offices compound the problem. Contractors, they said, can receive different answers on similar projects depending on which office reviews a permit, making it difficult to predict outcomes when bidding jobs and scheduling crews. They argue the revised rule, shaped by the Sackett decision, will provide that predictability, particularly for man-made features like roadside ditches and stormwater controls that are common among transportation projects. Clear exclusions, they say, help ensure critical road and bridge repairs arent stalled unnecessarily, especially after storms or emergencies when people need to get moving again. At the same time, both stressed that clarity does not mean a lack of concern for water quality. Contractors, they said, regularly work around streams, wetlands and ponds and follow mitigation requirements when projects affect regulated waters. We do care about water quality, Williamson said. We just want to make sure that were following the rules and know how to handle them properly. The EPA will review all feedback and publish the final rule later this year. Farming families must not be left paying the price of a new generation of rail projects, the NFU has warned, after ministers today unveiled plans for major railway developments across the North and Midlands. The Department for Transport has announced that initial work will focus on Northern Powerhouse Rail, including a new route between Liverpool and Manchester via Manchester Airport and Warrington, alongside improved eastwest connections across the Pennines. In the longer term, the government has set out ambitions for a new northsouth line between Birmingham and Manchester to improve capacity and connectivity on the West Coast Main Line. The NFU said the government must learn lessons from the troubled HS2 scheme, which it says caused years of upheaval for farmers and rural communities caught along its route. NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos said farming families affected by the proposed lines would already be facing deep uncertainty. Farming families along these routes will have lots of questions and plenty of concerns about how the projects will be delivered, she said. She pointed to the Birmingham to Manchester section of HS2 as a clear warning of what can go wrong. Those along the Birmingham to Manchester route have already endured years of disruption because of HS2 flipflopping, delays and insufficient communication, uprooting both their businesses and everyday lives. Hallos said many farmers now faced an extended period of uncertainty before any new construction even begins. Now they will be held in limbo for least another decade, possibly even two, before work on the new line even starts, she said. She warned that large-scale infrastructure projects have long-lasting effects that are often underestimated. These are not developments that take a few months, they are years in the making. For farming families, that can mean putting investment, succession planning and even housing decisions on hold, while dealing with land severance, access restrictions and loss of productive ground. According to the NFU, many families affected by HS2 are still living with the consequences. This means another generation of families will be hit, many of whose homes, land and livelihoods already bear the scars from HS2, Hallos said. She said the experience showed a clear need for a different approach. Lessons need to be learned from that experience farming families need to be treated better. The NFU said it would seek early engagement with delivery companies to ensure tenant farmers, landowners and multi-generation family farms are properly involved from the outset. Its vital farm businesses are able to be productive and profitable throughout this process and remain focused on what they do best producing food and caring for the great British countryside, Hallos said. While ministers say the plans will boost national infrastructure, the NFU said the real test will be whether farming families are treated fairly from the start rather than left to deal with the consequences for decades. Scottish farmers and crofters face another year of flat funding after the Scottish government set out its 202627 budget, prompting warnings from industry bodies that support is failing to keep pace with rising costs. NFU Scotland said the budget largely maintains existing levels of direct support, offering short-term certainty but little long-term reassurance for producers. NFU Scotland president Andrew Connon said: The Scottish government has delivered a budget that essentially flatlines vital direct support payments. That will give some certainty and security. However, he said the settlement fell short of what the sector needs. Scottish farmers and crofters deserve a budget that recognises their indispensable role in delivering high-quality food, climate and nature outcomes, and supporting rural communities, he said. The Scottish government confirmed more than 660m in support for farmers, crofters, land managers and rural communities. Of this, 540m has been allocated to direct support schemes. A further 170.5m will go towards key programmes including the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme and the Agricultural Reform Programme, alongside 26m for the Agricultural Modernisation Fund. Additional funding includes 4.4m for crofting agricultural grants and 1.3m for skills development in regenerative and sustainable farming. While NFU Scotland welcomed the return of the 26m modernisation funding, it warned that flat cash settlements across schemes such as the Basic Payment Scheme, Greening, Less Favoured Area Support and Voluntary Coupled Support amount to a real-terms cut. With input costs still elevated, the union said static budgets reduce the value of support available to farmers year on year. It also said modest increases to agri-environment funding did not reflect the scale of investment required to meet climate and nature ambitions. NFU Scotland acknowledged that the budget sets out spending plans for agricultural support to 202829, following the UK governments spending review, and said this longer line of sight was welcome. Connon said: Farming and crofting are long-term industries. Without a stable, multi-annual investment framework, delivering on food security, climate, nature, and rural livelihoods becomes far more challenging. The union said it would keep pushing for stronger multi-year funding commitments, protection of farm support budgets, full delivery of capital schemes, pragmatic regulation and continued engagement on UK-wide tax reforms affecting family farms. Those concerns were echoed across the wider rural economy by Scottish Land & Estates, which said the budget offered little confidence to rural businesses being asked to invest and adapt. Stephen Young, director of policy at Scottish Land & Estates, said: There appears to be little for Scotlands rural businesses to get excited about in this budget, with the rural affairs portfolio once again facing a real-terms cut. He said some measures offered only short-term relief. While the Scottish government has taken some steps in relation to non-domestic rates, these measures amount to little more than a sticking plaster on a system that is widely acknowledged as not working as it should, he said. Young warned that proposed reliefs could still leave many rural firms facing higher costs and greater uncertainty, which he said was likely to discourage investment in the short to medium term. He said it was positive that Pillar 1 agricultural payments would remain broadly static and welcomed the 26m for the Agricultural Modernisation Fund, but stressed that meaningful engagement with industry would be needed to ensure the funding delivers tangible outcomes. Scottish Land & Estates also welcomed increased funding for woodland grants, peatland restoration and the Nature Restoration Fund, describing the 26m allocation for nature restoration as an encouraging step. Both organisations said the coming months would be critical in determining whether the budgets commitments translate into meaningful support for farming, land management and rural businesses on the ground. A second bird flu outbreak has been confirmed at Scotlands largest egg producer, deepening concern as the virus continues to spread across parts of the Borders. Birds at Glenrath Farms Millennium Farm site near West Linton tested positive for avian influenza over the weekend. A cull of 200,000 birds has been ordered. The latest case comes less than a month after the first infection was detected locally and is the fourth confirmed incident in the area since mid-December. Tens of thousands of birds have already been culled following recent cases, with strict biosecurity measures and movement restrictions now in place across a wide area between Peebles and Penicuik. Scotlands chief veterinary officer said the latest detection involved the H5N1 strain, the dominant form of avian influenza seen in recent years. A 3km protection zone and a wider 10km surveillance zone have been imposed around the affected premises. Bird keepers within the zones are required to monitor flocks closely for signs of disease, keep records of birds and visitors, and report any concerns immediately. The first case in the area was reported in the week before Christmas on land straddling the Borders and Midlothian boundary. Since then, three further cases have been confirmed locally, along with a separate detection near Blairgowrie in Perth and Kinross. Scotlands deputy chief veterinary officer Jesus Gallego Garnica said the increase in cases reflected a familiar seasonal trend rather than an unexpected surge. He said: Bird flu is seasonal, it is a winter disease, it follows the pattern we have seen for the last few years where around December and January we expect to see an increase in cases. He said producers could reduce risks by strengthening on-farm biosecurity, but warned there were limits to what could be controlled where infection was linked to contact with wild birds. Glenrath Farms, a family-owned business founded in the Borders in 1959, is one of the UKs leading egg producers, supplying more than a million eggs a day. Industry figures suggest this still represents a small share of overall UK egg production, which is estimated at close to 12 billion eggs annually, with a further 2 billion imported. The company has been approached for comment on how the latest case may affect its operations. Nick Allen, chief executive of the British Egg Industry Council, said the industrys focus remained on animal welfare and supply stability. He said: Any outbreak is deeply disappointing, and our sympathies lie with the producer at what is a very challenging time. He added: Protecting animal health and welfare remains our highest priority, and the situation is being managed in line with established biosecurity and disease-control procedures. On supply, Allen said: From a supply perspective, the national laying flock is larger and more stable than it has been for several years. As a result, we expect availability to remain as normal for consumers. Veterinary authorities said monitoring and testing would continue in the coming weeks as efforts remain focused on containing further spread. Sheep farmers have broadly welcomed new carcase reporting rules, with industry leaders saying the changes should help clarify how lamb prices are set. The regulations introduce mandatory deadweight carcase classification and price reporting from most abattoirs, excluding only lower-throughput plants, giving producers access to more consistent and comparable data. Classification will be based on the EUROP grid, helping farmers better understand how prices are determined across different cutting specifications and market outlets. The changes bring lamb into line with the beef and pig sectors, where mandatory reporting is already in place and overseen by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). The National Sheep Association (NSA), which worked closely with Defra on the development of the rules, said the move should help reduce confusion and rebuild trust in the deadweight trade. The regulations came into force in England on Monday 12 January. NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said the reforms marked a positive step. He said: I welcome the introduction of this new regulation on which Defra has worked closely with industry. Its a helpful step to simplify and give more clarity to sheep farmers over deadweight price comparisons between processors. He said the changes would also align sheep grading more closely with other livestock sectors. It also means that for all but the smallest abattoirs we will now see sheep carcase grading come under the control of the RPA, bringing us in line with cattle grading, he said. Stocker said this should strengthen confidence across the supply chain. Both these improvements further ambitions to create better transparency and trust through the supply chain, he said. He added that farmers selling lambs live through marts would not be directly affected. Farmers selling live through marts wont be directly affected and we are in a better place with choices and greater transparency in how we choose to sell our lambs, he said. Around 45% of lambs in the UK are sold deadweight, with the remaining 55% traded liveweight through marts, meaning the majority of producers will see no direct change to how they sell. NSA policy manager Michael Priestley said differences in trim specifications had long caused confusion over deadweight pricing. He said: It has been common to hear of confusion over a sizeable gap in price of two deadweight buyers due to differences in carcase weight due to trim specification. He said moving from a voluntary to a regulated system would help address that. Moving from a voluntary to a regulated, standardised approach will demystify the lamb market for many, he said. Under the new system, prices will be reported against two cutting specifications domestic retail and export using a coefficient to standardise values. Following the introduction in England, Welsh abattoirs will begin reporting under Waless new regime from Wednesday 28 January. Equivalent regulations are also expected to be introduced in Scotland and Northern Ireland later in the year, creating a more consistent UK-wide approach and helping farmers make more informed marketing decisions as the deadweight lamb trade becomes more transparent. In a recent conversation, Emraan Hashmi opened up about the changing dynamics of the theatrical business. During an interview with PTI, he expressed his concerns regarding the shrinking gap between a film's theatrical release and its OTT release, and how it is influencing audience behaviour today. Emraan highlighted that with movies arriving on OTT platforms within just four to six weeks of their theatrical release, many viewers are choosing to skip the big screen experience. He noted that unless a film offers a massive spectacle, a soul-stirring love story, or hit music, people prefer the comfort of their homes. According to the actor, audiences now feel, "We will watch this at home in like four to six weeks." The discussion took an interesting turn when Emraan was asked to comment on Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprios recent observations about the worrisome state of the global theatrical business. Agreeing with the sentiment, Emraan said, "It is worrisome." To explain his point, he talked about DiCaprios latest Oscar-winning film, One Battle After Another. Despite its critical acclaim and awards, the film struggled to draw audiences to the theatres. Emraan shared, "If you see his latest film, One Battle After Another, it tanked. Probably ten years back, it wouldn't have. But right now, that film has become, 'Let's watch it on OTT. It seems like that indie film.'" He further explained that a decade ago, such a mindset didn't exist, making the current environment particularly challenging for filmmakers. He added, "It has become very difficult. Emraan also spoke about how the industry is now navigating this shift with caution. He mentioned that everyone is somewhat scared of picking up something that is theatrical and weighing the pros and cons of what would work and what would not work. Because of this, his own selection process has become more rigorous. He said, "So, when something explosive comes in theatrical or OTT, I pick that up. The rejection process is a little more elaborate. Emraan also pointed toward rising ticket prices and the growth of multiplexes as contributing factors to the decline in theatre footfalls. On the work front, Emraan Hashmi is gearing up for the release of his upcoming web series, Taskaree, which releases on Netflix today. Also Read: Emraan Hashmi Explains The Reason Behind Ranbir Kapoors Animal Success In a recent podcast, Siddhant Chaturvedi discussed a topic not frequently addressed in Bollywood about the challenges faced by writers from smaller towns in gaining access to the industry, and the pressing need for authentic Indian stories. Siddhant highlighted that talent often goes unrecognized due to geographical and structural obstacles, explaining that the industry should expand its search beyond conventional centres to discover stories that truly connect with the essence of India Siddhant stated that storytelling talent from tier-2 and tier-3 cities frequently remains unrecognized. He said, The writers are not getting access, as much access as we want. We need stories from tier-2, tier-3 towns, and not only massy narratives, we need films like Laapataa Ladies. But those writers arent getting access because the industry is concentrated in Bombay in Juhu, Bandra, or at most Andheri, he noted, reflecting a concern that has long simmered across creative circles. Born in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, Siddhant Chaturvedi made his acting debut with Gully Boy and, over the years, has impressed audiences with a versatile body of work including Gehraiyaan, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, and Dhadak 2. Being an outsider himself, he understands the challenges of entering the industry from outside the traditional circle, navigating Mumbai with ambition and minimal backing. His choice of roles reflects a commitment to authenticity and stories with depth, not just formulaic glamour. During the conversation, Siddhant also highlighted the growing disconnect between mainstream Hindi cinema and its audiences, pointing to language and cultural shifts that leave many viewers feeling estranged. If a writer from Bhopal, Gwalior, Ballia, or Banaras comes here, I dont think hell get access, maybe because he doesnt know English, Siddhant explained, highlighting how structural barriers still determine whose stories get told. He added that todays young audiences, especially Gen Z, are perceptive enough to spot when a story comes from genuine passion and truth. On the work front, Siddhant Chaturvedi is set to appear in Bhansali Productions Do Deewane Sheher Mein and the V. Shantaram Biopic. Also Read: Siddhant Chaturvedi Denies Reports of Starring in Hindi Remake of Dear Comrade For a film that arrived quietly and built its reputation through word of mouth, Eko has achieved something enviable. It refuses to fade. Just when the psychological thriller seemed to have settled into its post OTT life, actor Dhanush added a fresh jolt of validation. A rare shoutout from Dhanush sets the tone Taking to social media, the National Award winner called the film a masterpiece and reserved special praise for debutant Biana Momin. Biana momin deserves all the highest honours. World class performance, Dhanush wrote in his Eko movie review. In an industry where compliments from top stars are rare and often measured, the warmth of his endorsement stood out. EKO the Malayalam film is a masterpiece. Actor Biana momin deserves all the highest honours. World class performance. Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) January 13, 2026 What makes the moment even more special is the story behind the actress. Biana Momin makes her acting debut in Eko as Mlathi Chedathi, a Malaysian character who becomes integral to the films layered narrative. Off screen, she is better known for her work in the educational sector in Meghalaya. With this film, she has also created history by becoming the first woman from the Garo tribe to appear in Malayalam cinema. In a year when representation is finally being discussed with seriousness, her presence in Eko feels quietly revolutionary. The enigma of Kuriachan and a film that rewards patience Directed by Dinjith Ayyathan and written by Bahul Ramesh, Eko does not play to the gallery. It unfolds like a maze, asking its viewers to lean in rather than lean back. At its heart is the hunt for a mysterious man called Kuriachan, portrayed with chilling restraint by Saurabh Sachdev. The search is not led by a single hero but by a cluster of broken, curious, and deeply human figures. There is a Navy officer played by Narain, a restless youngster portrayed by Sandeep Pradeep, and two police officers brought to life by Binu Pappu and Renjit Shekar. Each of them enters Kuriachans orbit for different reasons, but as the investigation tightens, it becomes clear that they are not just chasing a man. They are confronting their own buried fears, memories, and moral blind spots. What elevates Eko beyond a conventional manhunt thriller is the way Kuriachan is written. He is present in absence. Every revelation peels back a new layer of who he might be, even as the truth remains tantalisingly out of reach. This narrative strategy could have collapsed under its own weight, but Bahul Rameshs writing maintains an unnerving balance between ambiguity and insight. The film does not spoon feed. It provokes. Dinjith Ayyathans direction leans into silences, into glances that linger a beat too long, into scenes that feel less like exposition and more like therapy sessions conducted in the dark. It is no surprise that the film has found a second life on Netflix, where viewers seem more willing to pause, rewind, and absorb its details. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aaradyaa Studios (@aaradyaa_studios) Why Eko refuses to leave the conversation Part of Ekos growing cult status comes from performances that feel startlingly lived in. Narain brings weary authority to the Navy officer, while Sandeep Pradeeps character captures the impatience of youth searching for meaning in chaos. Binu Pappu and Renjit Shekar give the cops an emotional grounding that keeps the story from drifting into abstraction. And then there is Biana Momin. In a role that could easily have slipped into stereotype, she brings restraint and a strange stillness. Her Mlathi Chedathi is not defined by dramatic monologues but by the weight she carries in her eyes. That Dhanush chose to single her out is telling. In a film crowded with strong performers, she manages to linger in memory. Eko may not have arrived with the trappings of a blockbuster, but it is steadily carving out something rarer. A reputation built on respect. Also Read: Mari Selvaraj Confirms AR Rahman for Dhanushs D56 TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / January 13, 2026 / CF Energy Corp., (TSXV:CFY) ("CF Energy" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"), an energy provider in the People's Republic of China (the "PRC") is pleased to announce that the Company, on the recommendation of its audit committee, has appointed WWC, P.C., Certified Public Accountants, as the Company and the Group auditor for the year ended December 31, 2025. Chair, Ann Lin, commented: "We are pleased to appoint WWC, P.C., Certified Public Accountants, as our auditor for the year ended December 31, 2025. Their industry experience and international network covering countries including, amongst others, Canada, the PRC and the US. We would like to thank Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited for the excellent and professional services they have provided to the Company and looking forward to working with WWWC, P.C, going forward." About CF Energy Corp. (Previously known as: Changfeng Energy Inc.) CF Energy Corp. is a Canadian public company currently traded on the Toronto Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") under the stock symbol "CFY". It is an integrated energy provider and natural gas distribution company (or natural gas utility) in the PRC. CF Energy strives to combine leading clean energy technology with natural gas usage to provide sustainable energy to its customer base in the PRC. In 2009, CF Energy was recognized as being one of China's the Top Ten Most Influential Brands in the Natural Gas Industry and in 2019, ranked amongst the 2019 TSX Venture 50 top performers on the TSXV for the 2018 year. CONTACT INFORMATION Corporate Investment Relations Yongqiang Shan Chief Financial Officer Yongqiang.shan@changfengenergy.cn Charles Wang Secretary of the Board Zhaoyu.wang@changfengenergy.cn Frederick Wong Director of the Board fred.wong@changfengenergy.cn Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "Forward-Looking Statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated by reference in this document are Forward-Looking Statements, including statements regarding activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates may occur in the future. These Forward-Looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe" or "continue" or similar words or the negative thereof. No assurance can be given that the plans, intentions or expectations or assumptions upon which these Forward-Looking Statements are based will prove to be correct and such Forward-Looking Statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such Forward-Looking Statements are not a guarantee of performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Statements. These factors include, without limitation, no significant and continuing adverse changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets. Readers are cautioned that all Forward-Looking Statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those risks and uncertainties detailed in the Corporation's filings with applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities, copies of which are available at www.sedar.com. The Company urges readers to carefully consider those factors. The Forward-Looking Statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this document and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any Forward-Looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: CF Energy Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/oil-gas-and-energy/cf-energy-announces-appointment-of-new-auditor-1126948 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 13, 2026) - J4 Ventures Resources Corp. (TSXV: JJJJ) ("J4" or the "Company"), announces that Joel Leonard has resigned as the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Company. The Company thanks Mr. Leonard for his contributions and service. The Company is also pleased to announce that Elizabeth Richards has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Company. Ms. Richards is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 20 years of experience in public company financial reporting, IFRS, and senior financial leadership. She has served as Chief Financial Officer of multiple publicly listed companies and brings deep expertise in regulatory compliance, complex accounting matters, and capital markets support. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280302 Source: J4 Ventures Resources Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 13, 2026) - AnalytixInsight Inc. (TSXV: ALY) (OTC Pink: ATIXF) ("AnalytixInsight", or the "Company") announces that it intends to consolidate its common shares (the "Shares") on the basis of up to ten (10) pre-consolidation Shares for one (1) post-consolidation Share (the "Consolidation"). The specific Consolidation ratio will be determined by the Company following receipt of shareholder approval. The Company expects to hold an annual general and special meeting to vote on the Consolidation on January 27, 2026 (the "Meeting"). The materials for the Meeting will be mailed to shareholders and copies will be available on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca in accordance with the timelines set out in the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), and National Instrument 54-101 Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer. If the Consolidation is approved and implemented, all outstanding Shares, options, warrants and restricted share units will be adjusted to reflect the Consolidation. The Company will provide more information about the Consolidation, including the anticipated effective date, Consolidation ratio, and instructions to shareholders, following the Meeting. Implementation of the Consolidation will be subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Amended Management Information Circular The Company previously filed a management information circular dated December 23, 2025 (the "Original Circular") in connection with its Meeting. Following comments from, and the conditional approval of, the TSX Venture Exchange with respect to the Company's amended and restated omnibus equity incentive plan (the "Plan"), the Company has filed an amended and restated management information circular dated January 13, 2026 (the "Amended Circular") on SEDAR+. The Amended Circular updates the disclosure relating to the Plan and replaces the Original Circular in its entirety. Except as described in the Amended Circular, there are no other changes to the matters to be considered at the Meeting, nor to the Meeting date, record date or voting procedures. The Plan remains subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. ABOUT ANALYTIXINSIGHT AnalytixInsight is a data analytics and enterprise software solutions provider. AnalytixInsight develops and markets cloud-based platforms providing financial content, company analysis and stock research solutions to the financial services industry. AnalytixInsight holds a 49% interest in MarketWall S.R.L., a developer of fintech solutions for financial institutions in Italy. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the respective policies, regulations and rules under such laws ("forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements generally are identified by words such as "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "will" and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Specific forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: (a) the scheduled Meeting and any shareholder voting results; and (b) the proposed Consolidation and the anticipated consequences thereof. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this news release including, without limitation, the risk that, the risk that the Meeting may not be held in a timely manner or at all, and the risk that the shareholders of the Company or the TSX-V may not approve the proposed Consolidation. Additionally, there are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary note. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable laws. Regulatory Statements Neither The TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280299 Source: AnalytixInsight Inc. 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. Nagoya, Tokyo and Kawasaki, Japan, Jan 14, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Systems Corporation (Toyota Systems) and Fujitsu Limited, in collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota), today announced the successful application of quantum-inspired technology and AI to automate one aspect of the automotive parts design process.In a world first for the automotive industry, the technology was applied to automate the placement design for connector pins, metal parts that enable the transmission of electrical signals across circuits and components. The parts are deployed in the car's electric control unit (ECU), a small onboard computer that controls the vehicle's systems.The mobility industry faces demand for sustainable product development and the need to address increasingly complex software and hardware designs but is facing a severe shortage of skilled personnel. In the ECU development process at Toyota, the connector pin placement design for a 100-pin terminal array theoretically involves a vast number of combinations (9.3 x 10^157). This led to prolonged design review times and reliance on individual expertise.To address these issues, Toyota Systems and Fujitsu, in collaboration with Toyota, tried to automate the process applying Toyota's design standards and expertise, Toyota Systems' operational and infrastructure knowledge in Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) analysis [1] for the Toyota Group, and Fujitsu's Digital Annealer, a core component of Fujitsu Computing as a Service, and its AI technology.This initiative involved training an AI model with information on connector pin placement patterns and their evaluation scores, previously determined by the knowledge and experiences of skilled engineers. This AI model was then converted into mathematical expressions and processed at high speed by the Digital Annealer to automatically calculate the optimal connector pin placement. As a result, the process was accelerated by more than 20x compared to conventional methods.Both companies began applying this mechanism in actual operations for Toyota's mass-produced ECUs in parallel with conventional methods starting in May 2025.Moving forward, Toyota Systems aims to expand this development to supplier companies, promoting the application of cutting-edge technology and digitalization in Toyota Group's wider manufacturing processes. Fujitsu will contribute to realizing a safe, secure, and comfortable mobility society by supporting the Toyota Group's sustainable development and design. Both companies will work to improve development speed and quality and reduce costs by expanding the application scope of this mechanism.[1] Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) analysis:Engineering method that simulates product design and performance on a computer, allowing for evaluation and verification. Contributes to reduced development time, cost reduction, and quality improvement.About Toyota SystemsToyota Systems is an IT solutions company established in Jan. 2019 by merging 3 different Toyota IT subsidiaries. The mission of the company is to support Toyota Motor Corporation and its group companies by developing innovative IT solutions and, by doing so, to contribute to develop the mobility society of the future. The number of the employees is approximately 3,000 and its support covers most of the Toyota's main business areas such as R&D, production, logistics, sales, administration etc... For more information, please see https://www.toyotasystems.com/About FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share.Find out more: global.fujitsuPress ContactsToyota Systems CorporationGeneral Affairs DivisionTEL: 052-747-7111Fujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiriesSource: Fujitsu LtdCopyright 2026 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. KAWASAKI, Japan, Jan 14, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu today announced that it has commanced a demonstration experiment into the value flow of green steel [1] in the steel industry starting in December 2025. This project was previously selected by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) as part of its FY2025 Industrial Research Project under the theme Survey Project on the Transmission of Green Steel Information Linked to Steel Materials Across Supply Chains in November 2025.This demonstration experiment will leverage Fujitsu's expertise in CO2 emission reduction materials, blockchain technology, and data distribution platforms to ensure that data can be distributed safely and that the environmental value of green steel and transaction confidentiality can be secured. The experiment will be carried out from December 2025 to February 2026. Through this initiative, Fujitsu seeks to accelerate decarbonization across the manufacturing sector, beginning with the steel industry, and contribute to the establishment of a sustainable supply chain.Through this project, Fujitsu will contribute to environmental initiatives and digital transformation (DX) promotion in the steel industry. Furthermore, based on the knowledge gained from this project, Fujitsu will explore the development of mechanisms for green steel information distribution and the potential for expansion into the steel industry data space from 2026 onwards. Under Uvance, Fujitsu's business model to solve societal issues, the company will also realize a mechanism that enables the secure and flexible sharing and utilization of reliable environmental value data across national and industry boundaries, thereby advancing corporate competitiveness and the realization of a sustainable society.BackgroundReducing CO2 emissions related to the steel industry is an urgent challenge for society. While industry organizations produce and supply green steel using GX Mass Balance [2] and GX Allocation [3] methods in accordance with established guidelines, there is a challenge in adequately distributing its environmental value throughout the downstream supply chain.Project OverviewThis initiative aims to examine mechanisms for ensuring that environmental value, such as emissions reduction steel certificates issued by steel manufacturers through green steel production, flows through the supply chain from upstream to downstream without being duplicated or compromised. It also seeks to identify challenges in current business practices and operational issues for each business operator when such mechanisms are applied.In this demonstration experiment, Fujitsu will build a data distribution platform environment to ensure traceability of company/industry data and leverage Fujitsu Sustainable Value Accelerator, an offering under Uvance that supports green transformation (GX). With the cooperation of various steel businesses, the experiment will involve distributing third-party certified green steel certificates to verify the uniqueness of environmental value, prevent double-counting, and maintain value when passing through intermediate processors or different distribution channels.[1] Green steel:Steel with significantly reduced CO2 emissions during manufacturing compared to conventional steel (METI Journal ONLINE, Metal Industries Division, April 17, 2025).[2] GX Mass Balance Method:A method that utilizes the "mass balance model" defined in ISO 22095:2020 to pool greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions from additional projects undertaken by a company within its organization, and then allocates these to specific products, supplying them along with reduction certificates (from The Japan Iron and Steel Federation GX Steel Guidelines).[3] GX Allocation Method:An approach based on "allocation" in ISO 14067:2018 and ISO 14044:2006, where GHG total emissions (emission intensity x production volume) are kept constant, and emission reductions are allocated to products (GX steel/non-GX steel) to reflect the relationship between high and low GX value, within the scope of GHG emission reductions (from The Japan Iron and Steel Federation GX Steel Guidelines).Fujitsu's Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 represent a set of common goals to be achieved worldwide by 2030.Fujitsu's purpose - "to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation" - is a promise to contribute to the vision of a better future empowered by the SDGs.About FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuPress ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiriesSource: Fujitsu LtdCopyright 2026 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 13, 2026) - Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) ("Sankamap" or the "Company") the Company and its auditor continue to work diligently toward the completion and filing of the Company's annual audited financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025 (the "Required Filings"). The Company has obtained approval from the Alberta Securities Commission to extend the Management Cease Trade Order ("MCTO") under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203") until January 31, 2026. Sankamap confirms that it has received the crucial confirmations from the Solomon Islands government, and that the majority of the audit work has now been completed, with only a limited number of minor confirmations and outstanding items remaining. The Company is actively working to provide the remaining items and is contacting any parties from whom confirmations are still outstanding. Subject to the completion of these remaining items, the audit file is expected to enter the final stages of review and be nearing completion. The Required Filings were due to be filed by October 28, 2025. In connection with the anticipated delays in making the Required Filings, the Company made an application for a MCTO under NP 12-203 to the Alberta Securities Commission, as principal regulator for the Company, and the MCTO was issued on October 29, 2025. The MCTO restricts all trading by the Company's CEO and CFO in securities of the Company, whether direct or indirect. The MCTO does not affect the ability of persons who are not directors, officers or insiders of the Company to trade their securities. The MCTO will remain in effect until the Required Filings are filed or until it is revoked or varied. The Company expects to proceed with the filing of its interim first-quarter financial statements shortly after the Required Filings have been completed and submitted. The Company confirms that it intends to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines described in NP 12-203 by issuing bi-weekly default status reports in the form of a news release until it meets the Required Filings requirement. The Company has not taken any steps towards any insolvency proceeding and the Company has no material information relating to its affairs that has not been generally disclosed. For further information with respect to the MCTO, please refer to the Company's news releases dated October 21, 2025, November 4, 2025, November 18, 2025, December 3, 2025, December 17, 2025 and December 30, 2025, available for viewing on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. About Sankamap Metals Inc. Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) is a Canadian mineral exploration company dedicated to the discovery and development of high-grade copper and gold deposits through its flagship Oceania Project, located in the South Pacific. The Company's fully permitted assets are strategically positioned in the Solomon Islands, along a prolific geological trend that hosts major copper-gold deposits; including Newcrest's Lihir Mine, with a resource of 71.9 million ounces of gold (310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t P+P, 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred). Exploration is actively advancing at both the Kuma and Fauro properties, part of Sankamap's Oceania Project in the Solomon Islands. Historical work has already highlighted the mineral potential of both sites, which lie along a highly prospective copper and gold-bearing trend, suggesting the possibility of further, yet-to-be-discovered deposits. At Kuma, the property is believed to host an underexplored and largely untested porphyry copper-gold (Cu-Au) system. Historical rock chip sampling has returned consistently elevated gold values above 0.5 g/t Au, including a standout sample assaying 11.7% Cu and 13.5 g/t Au2; underscoring the area's significant potential. At Fauro, particularly at the Meriguna Target, historical trenching has returned highly encouraging results, including 8.0 meters at 27.95 g/t Au and 14.0 meters at 8.94 g/t Au3. Complementing these results are exceptional grab sample assays, including historical values of up to 173 g/t Au3, along with recent sampling by Sankamap at the Kiovakase Target, which returned numerous high-grade copper values, reaching up to 4.09% Cu. In addition, limited historical shallow drilling intersected 35.0 meters at 2.08 g/t Au3, further underscoring the property's strong mineral potential and the merit for continued exploration. With a commitment to systematic exploration and a team of experienced professionals, Sankamap aims to unlock the untapped potential of underexplored regions and create substantial value for its shareholders. For more information, please refer to SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under Sankamap's profile. 1.Newcrest Technical Report, 2020 (Lihir: 310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t P+P, 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred) 2. Historical grab, soil and BLEG samples from SolGold Kuma Review June 2015, and SolGold plc Annual Report 2013/2012 3. September 2010-June 2012 press releases from Solomon Gold Ltd. and SolGold Fauro Island Summary Technical Info 2012 QP Disclosure The technical content for the Oceania Project in this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol., a Qualified Person in accordance with CIM guidelines. Mr. John Florek is in good standing with the Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (Member ID:1228) and a director and officer of the Company. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS s/ "John Florek" John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol Chief Executive Officer Sankamap Metals Inc. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved nor disapproved this press release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to Sankamap and there is no assurance that the actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates," "believes," "targets," "estimates," "plans," "expects," "may," "will," "could" or "would." This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding management's expectations about obtaining the MCTO and completing the Required Filings within the anticipated timeline. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Sankamap does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements or information, except as required by applicable securities laws. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca . To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280320 Source: Sankamap Metals Inc. HONG KONG, Jan 14, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - China's restaurant industry grew 3.3% to RMB 5.22 trillion in revenue through November 2025, government data showed, even as competition intensified beyond product and service into battles over supply chains, digitalization and capital strength. Chain expansion has emerged as the key differentiator, with China's restaurant chain penetration rate rising steadily in recent years and expected to reach 25% in 2025, according to Meituan platform data. Industry reports show that the pizza category stands out, as China's pizza market reached RMB 48 billion in 2024 and surpassed RMB 50 billion in 2025. Against this backdrop, DPC Dash-Domino's Pizza China (1405.HK) disclosed its Q4 2025 business results this month, reinforcing its position as the market leader. Store Expansion Achieves Quality and Scale Growth DPC Dash is the exclusive master franchisee for Domino's Pizza in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR. The company's 2025 store deployment closely aligned with industry trends, achieving breakthroughs in scale and efficiency. As of December 31, 2025, total store count exceeded 1,315 locations, representing 307 net new stores year-over-year, with entry into 21 new cities and expanding coverage to 60 cities. On January 1, 2026, the company accelerated expansion further, with 62 new stores opening across 46 cities. This efficient expansion benefits from mature store expansion models and precise market judgment. In 2025, when overall industry store counts fluctuated due to competition, DPC Dash's efficient, high-quality expansion results proved particularly impressive. New store performance further validates brand strength - the first store in Dalian generated sales close to RMB 700,000 on its grand opening day during the 2026 New Year holiday, setting a new record in Domino's global system. As of Q3 2025, DPC Dash holds 49 of the top 50 spots in first-30-day sales rankings among Domino's global network. By store count, the Chinese Mainland market has become Domino's third-largest international market, with regional penetration capabilities continuing to lead. Operating Resilience Emerges, User Ecosystem Solidifies Growth Foundation Due to structural market factors, category shifts and changing consumer trends, the restaurant industry's average order size remained under pressure in 2025, with consumers increasingly favoring affordable, quality dining options. Amid these trend shifts, DPC Dash achieved steady growth against such headwinds, demonstrating strong operational resilience. In Q4 2025, the company's tier-one city same-store sales growth (SSSG) maintained positive momentum. Excluding impacts from new market stores opened after December 2022, group-level SSSG also remained positive for both H2 2025 and full-year 2025. Even despite high prior-period comparisons and competitive market pressures, core market risk resilience remained outstanding. Continued user community expansion supported performance growth. As of December 31, 2025, total membership reached 35.6 million, up 45.3% from 24.5 million at year-end 2024. New users completing first orders through proprietary and third-party channels in the past 12 months continued growing, exceeding 15.4 million. Strong operating metrics and user base earned DPC Dash the "Most Valuable Consumer Company Award" and "Best IR Team Award" from Zhitong Finance's listed company ranking, further solidifying capital market recognition of its operating quality and growth logic. Product & Marketing Dual-Engine Drive, Digitalization Enables Efficiency Upgrades Aligning with the pizza category's "localized flavor" trends, DPC Dash employs product innovation and scenario marketing as twin engines, continuously strengthening user stickiness. In 2025, pizza sector innovation focused on flavor fusion. Building on this foundation, DPC Dash further expanded global flavor combinations, launching Sicilian-Inspired Beef & Bamboo Shoot Pizza and Madrid-Inspired Beef and Shrimp Pizza in Q4, satisfying diverse consumer taste preferences. The 2025 hit product Volcano Crust pizza series won the "Phenomenal Product Impact Award" as part of the Seven-Star Convention Alliance's inaugural food and beverage consumer influence rankings for its phenomenal product innovation. While innovating, the company continues leading the industry in food safety, health advocacy and sustainable development, earning the Seven-Star Awards for the fifth year. Simultaneously, the company upgraded two popular pizzas with additional toppings at the same price, highlighting value advantages amid declining industry order sizes. On the marketing front, the company launched Halloween-themed snacks tied to seasonal scenarios, brought back the classic "Mega Week" promotion to lower consumption barriers, and partnered with Sanrio's popular character Kuromi for limited-edition merchandise, precisely targeting diverse consumer groups. Behind these initiatives lies strong digital capability support. DPC Dash leveraged its mature online operating systems and data-driven strategies to win the "Top 20 Digitalized Enterprise" from the China Digital Innovation Expo. Its digital practices highly align with industry trends of online channels becoming important growth drivers, providing broad space for business expansion. Comprehensive ESG Efforts Achieve Commercial and Social Value Synergy As the industry accelerates "food industry + digital intelligence + dining + leisure" integration, DPC Dash continues deepening ESG initiatives, achieving synergistic growth of commercial and social value. In 2025, DPC Dash received multiple awards including the 2025 ESG Outstanding Listed Company Award at International Green Zero-Carbon Festival, and the 2025 Most Socially Responsible Listed Company Award from National Business Daily. These honors not only recognize sustainable operations but also align with consumer expectations for brand social responsibility, further strengthening brand reputation. In talent management, DPC Dash earned Mercer's "Best Employer" honor for the fourth time and first-time "Star Employer" recognition. Looking Forward: Deepening 4D Strategy, Leading High-Quality Development In 2026, China's restaurant industry will transition comprehensively from scale expansion toward quality and efficiency improvement. After breaking through the RMB 50 billion market scale, pizza category competition will focus more intensely on product innovation, digital efficiency and refined operations. The Western fast-food segment will continue to see dual battles over localization and scale. DPC Dash plans to continue deepening its 4D Strategy of Development, Delicious Pizza at Value, Delivery, and Digital, continuously mining consumption potential across market tiers while optimizing store network layout. The company will also iterate on product portfolios, upgrade digitalization and strengthen supply chain resilience to further consolidate core competitiveness. With proven operating systems, strong brand momentum and multi-dimensional industry recognition, DPC Dash is positioned to continue leading China's pizza market in the new year, providing a replicable model for Western fast food and the broader restaurant industry's high-quality development. Source: DPC Dash Ltd Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. 2026 JCN Newswire Continued expansion of the firm's Venture Growth Evergreen platform Wellington Management ("Wellington"), one of the world's largest independent investment management firms with over US$1.3 trillion1 AUM, today announced the appointment of Alex Behm, as Head of Secondaries, Venture Growth Evergreen, Private Investing, as the firm continues to build out its evergreen platform. Alex will oversee the development and management of the secondary investment capabilities for the firm's Venture Growth Evergreen platform, working alongside the firm's established direct private investment platform. The evergreen private investing platform seeks to provide enhanced liquidity, vintage-year diversification, and access to high-quality assets. This includes sourcing and executing secondary transactions, such as direct, GP-led, and LP-led secondaries, to complement the platform's direct venture and growth investments. Alex will work closely with Mike Trihy who joined the firm to lead the expansion of Wellington's evergreen private investing platform. Alex has over 11 years of experience in secondaries investing and previously worked at Hamilton Lane as a Deal Lead on the Secondaries team. His responsibilities included sourcing deal flow and negotiating transactions across general partners, limited partners, and brokers. Earlier, Alex worked at Butcher's Hill Capital as an analyst. The maturation of the secondaries market, particularly within the late-stage venture and growth sectors where companies are staying private for longer, has introduced new investment strategies within a private markets portfolio. Secondary transactions have therefore become an important potential liquidity lever, with activity on track to exceed US $210 billion in 2025.2 The addition of secondaries will aim to provide Wellington's Venture Growth Evergreen platform the potential for enhanced diversification from an investment and liquidity perspective. Commenting on the appointment, Michelle L. Hunter, Director, Private Investments, Wellington Management, said: "Our evergreen platform seeks to design investment solutions to provide ongoing access to the private markets with thoughtful portfolio construction and measured liquidity features. We expect that the evergreen market AUM will grow over 50% in the next five years,3 due to demand from the wealth audience, so Alex's background in sourcing and structuring complex secondaries transactions will help us broaden that access while maintaining our high standards around diligence and governance." The Wellington Venture Growth Evergreen platform will seek to offer investment strategies that provide immediate exposure to diversified portfolios of venture and growth-stage businesses across technology, consumer, healthcare, biotech, financial, and other sectors. The platform will leverage Wellington's established Private Investing platform, global scale, deep sector expertise, and integrated research platform. Wellington's Private Investing platform manages more than US$10.1 billion in assets and invests globally across venture capital, private credit, and private real estate in multiple stages and has made over 300 investments across nine sector-focused areas.i For professional investors/trade press only. About Wellington Management Wellington Management is one of the world's largest independent investment management firms, serving as a trusted advisor to over 2,500 clients in more than 60 countries. The firm manages more than US$1.3 trillion, as of 30 September 2025, for pensions, endowments and foundations, insurers, family offices, fund sponsors, global wealth managers, and other clients. Wellington aspires to provide excellent service to clients through a unique combination of independence enabled by its distinctive private partnership model; diverse perspectives through its unified, multi-asset investment platform; and relentless curiosity and intellectual rigor fostered by its enduring collaborative culture. About Private Investing at Wellington Management Wellington's Private Investing platform manages more than US$10.1 billion in assets, and invests globally across venture capital, private credit, and private real estate in multiple stages and sectors (consumer, technology, healthcare, financial services, biotech, energy, industrials, climate tech, and real estate). For more than 20 years, Wellington has been investing in private markets, launching its first dedicated private capital fund in 2014. The team takes a long-term view and combines its deep private-market expertise with Wellington's broader public-market experience, extensive network, and robust research across its global footprint to benefit both investors and entrepreneurs. For more information about private investing at Wellington, please visit www.wellington.com/privateinvesting. 1 As of 31 December 2025 2 Ropes and Gray Secondaries Q3 Update. 3 Private Market Horizons, Pitchbook, May 2025 i As of 31 December 2025 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260112510386/en/ Contacts: For press queries, please contact: Wellington Management Stacey Willoughby (swilloughby@wellington.com) Prosek Partners pro-wellington@prosek.com Press release 14 January 2026 - N 02 SCOR announces changes to its Group Executive Committee SCOR is entering the final year of its Forward 2026 plan and is preparing its next strategic cycle, which will be unveiled in December 2026. In this context, and as part of the ongoing transformation of the past few years, the Group announces changes to its Executive Committee. Philipp Ruede, currently CEO of SCOR Life & Health, has been appointed Group Chief Financial Officer. He succeeds Francois de Varenne who will cease his role as Group CFO and Deputy CEO on 7 March 2026, and will become Senior Advisor to the CEO on the same date. Francois de Varenne will remain responsible for the closing of the Q4 2025 accounts and the 2025 annual accounts, which will be announced to the market on 4 March 2026. Philipp Ruede will assume his new role as of 7 March 2026. Pilar Santamaria Cases, currently Head of L&H Continental Europe and Latin America at SCOR, has been appointed CEO of SCOR L&H and member of the Group Executive Committee, effective 7 March 2026. Laure Forgeron joined SCOR on 5 January 2026 as P&C Global Chief Underwriting Officer. She reports to Jean-Paul Conoscente, CEO of SCOR P&C, and joins the Group Executive Committee. Thierry Leger, Chief Executive Officer of SCOR, comments:"Following his successful integration within the company, I am delighted that I can continue to count on Philipp in his new role as Group Chief Financial Officer. Philipp brings in-depth knowledge of the financial mechanisms that underpin our business, notably in Treasury, ALM and capital management - areas that are central to our priorities for the years ahead. His contribution will be key to the success of our next strategic plan, which will be presented to the market in December 2026. This new plan will build on the progress achieved under Forward 2026, leveraging the strong platform we have established in recent years. I am also very pleased to welcome Pilar and Laure to our Executive Committee. With more than 25 years of experience in the life reinsurance sector, including 20 years at SCOR, Pilar brings the skills and leadership necessary to finalize the transformation of the L&H business, ensuring its profitability in a sustainable way. This promotion reflects the depth of the Group's talent pool and demonstrates SCOR's commitment to fostering professional growth and long-term career development. I am equally pleased to welcome Laure to our Group. With more than 15 years of recognized international experience in property and casualty reinsurance, her mission is to define and drive the P&C underwriting and portfolio strategy across reinsurance, insurance, alternative solutions, and facultative business. Together with her team, she will ensure excellence in risk assessment and underwriting, while bringing strategic insights to the market team to drive performance. Fabrice Bregier and the entire Board of Directors join me in expressing our gratitude to Francois, who has played a pivotal role in SCOR's development over the past two decades. As founder and first CEO of the Group's portfolio management company, now SCOR Investment Partners, Francois has made a significant contribution to the transformation and modernization of the Group, especially over the past three years at the helm of Finance. I wish him every success in the next stage of his career. I wish Philipp, Pilar and Laure every success in their new roles and look forward to working with this strengthened Executive Committee to continue implementing the Group's transformation and harness its full potential." Following these appointments, as of 7 March 2026, the Executive Committee will be composed of: Thierry Leger, CEO of SCOR Jean-Paul Conoscente, CEO of SCOR P&C Claudia Dill, Group Chief Operating Officer Laure Forgeron, P&C Global Chief Underwriting Officer Claire Le Gall-Robinson, Group Chief Corporate Officer and Group General Secretary Claire McDonald, CEO of SCOR Business Solutions Redmond Murphy, Deputy CEO of SCOR L&H Philipp Ruede, Group Chief Financial Officer Pilar Santamaria Cases, CEO of SCOR L&H Fabian Uffer, Group Chief Risk Officer * * * Biographies Philipp Ruede, a dual Swiss and German citizen, is a graduate of the Ecole Polytechnique in Paris and holds a Master's degree in Engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich). He has more than 20 years of experience in Banking and Reinsurance. Philipp began his career in 1999, in the Equity Derivatives Structuring and Trading department at Bank Vontobel in Zurich. From 2000 to 2010, he was Global Co-Head of Equity Derivatives Structuring at CS First Boston, splitting his time between the Zurich and Hong Kong offices. In 2010, he became a Partner at the Swiss electronic trading company Arbillon Capital AG. Moving into the reinsurance industry in 2013, he joined Swiss Re in Zurich as Head of Reinsurance Capital Management, overseeing the optimization of capital efficiency within the Group. From 2015 to 2019, he led a dedicated team of more than 75 professionals as Global Head of P&C Structured Solutions. In 2019, he was appointed Head of the newly formed Alternative Capital Partners team, collaborating across P&C and L&H (re)insurance lines to proactively manage risk limits and enhance the company's flexible capital structure. Philipp Ruede joined SCOR on 1 June 2025 as CEO of SCOR Life & Health, where he successfully led the ongoing transformation of the L&H business. Pilar Santamaria Cases, a Spanish citizen, holds an Executive MBA from IESE and has a Bachelor of Actuarial and Financial Studies and a degree in Business Management and Administration, both from Universidad Pontificia de Comillas (ICADE). She began her career in 2000 as a Pricing Actuary at Gerling and subsequently joined the Spanish branch of Revios as a Marketing Actuary, prior to its acquisition by SCOR in 2006. In 2012, she was appointed Head of Iberia, overseeing Life & Health Reinsurance Solutions in the Spanish and Portuguese markets. Always in L&H, from 2017 onward, she expanded her international responsibilities, first leading the Central and Southern European markets and the Middle East, and later, in 2019, Western Europe and Latin America. Since 2024, she has served as Head of Continental Europe and Latin America for L&H. Pilar is a fully qualified member of the Spanish Institute of Actuaries and has contributed as a speaker and lecturer in various industry forums and academic institutions. She closely collaborates with and is member of the advisory Board of "Empower Women in Insurance (EWI)," a sectorwide initiative launched by INESE and supported by UNESPA, to promote gender equality and increase women's representation in leadership roles. Laure Forgeron, a French citizen, holds a Master's Degree in Actuarial and Financial Sciences from the Universite Lyon I - ISFA. She began her career at Swiss Re in 2009, progressing through underwriting and client management roles in Paris and Zurich. Laure has held several leadership positions, including Head of Casualty Treaty Underwriting for Globals and Western Europe, and Head of Property & Casualty Facultative EMEA. In 2023, she was appointed Chief Underwriting Officer Casualty at Swiss Re in New York, leading a global team and driving strategic transformation. Laure was named Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum in 2021. * * * SCOR, a leading global reinsurer As a leading global reinsurer, SCOR offers its clients a diversified and innovative range of reinsurance and insurance solutions and services to control and manage risk. Applying "The Art & Science of Risk," SCOR uses its industry-recognized expertise and cutting-edge financial solutions to serve its clients and contribute to the welfare and resilience of society. The Group generated premiums of EUR 20.1 billion in 2024 and serves clients in more than 150 countries from its 35+ offices worldwide. For more information, visit: www.scor.com (http://www.scor.com/en/) Media Relations Alexandre Garcia media@scor.com (mailto:media@scor.com) Investor Relations Thomas Fossard InvestorRelations@scor.com (mailto:InvestorRelations@scor.com) Follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/scor/) All content published by the SCOR group since January 1, 2024, is certified with Wiztrust. You can check the authenticity of this content at wiztrust.com (https://protect.wiztrust.com/en). Attachment TotalEnergies announces that its subsidiary TotalEnergies EP Nigeria has signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Vaaris for the sale of its 10% non-operated interest in the Renaissance JV licenses in Nigeria. The Renaissance JV, formerly known as the SPDC JV, is an unincorporated joint venture between Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd (55%), Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd (30%, operator), TotalEnergies EP Nigeria (10%) and Agip Energy and Natural Resources Nigeria (5%), which holds 18 licenses in the Niger Delta. Under the agreement signed with Vaaris: TotalEnergies EP Nigeria will sell to Vaaris its 10% participating interest and all its rights and obligations in 15 licenses of Renaissance JV, which are producing mainly oil. Production from these licenses represented approximately 16,000 barrels equivalent per day in Company share in 2025. TotalEnergies EP Nigeria will also transfer to Vaaris its 10% participating interest in the 3 other licenses of Renaissance JV which are producing mainly gas (OML 23, OML 28 and OML 77), while TotalEnergies will retain full economic interest in these licenses which currently account for 50% of Nigeria LNG gas supply. Closing is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals. About TotalEnergies in Nigeria TotalEnergies has been present in Nigeria for more than 60 years and employs today more than 1,800 people across different business segments. Nigeria is one of the main contributing countries to TotalEnergies' hydrocarbon production with 209,000 boe/d produced in 2024. TotalEnergies also operates an extensive distribution network which includes about 540 service stations in the country. In all its operations, TotalEnergies is particularly attentive to the socio-economic development of the country and is committed to working with local communities. About TotalEnergies TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations. @TotalEnergies TotalEnergies TotalEnergies TotalEnergies Cautionary Note The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260112450351/en/ Contacts: TotalEnergies Contacts Corporate Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com Barrows Connected Store, a global leader in connected retail experiences, today announced the appointment of James Hay as Global Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114778548/en/ James Hay, Global Chief Executive Officer, Barrows Connected Store In his new role, Hay will lead the global Barrows Connected Store business, encompassing teams in the UK, the United States, and South Africa, advancing the company's vision for intelligent, connected store environments that transform in-store experiences for retailers, brands, and shoppers. "James is a natural leader and one of the most trusted operators in our business," said Brent Taylor, Executive Chairman of Barrows Connected Store. "He has been instrumental in shaping Barrows Connected Store from its early days into the global platform it is today. His deep understanding of retailers, brands, and shoppers combined with his ability to lead with clarity, empathy, and conviction, makes him uniquely suited to lead our next phase of growth. I could not be more excited to see James step into the role of Global CEO." Hay brings extensive leadership experience within Barrows, having led the UK and European business for several years as Managing Director before most recently serving as Global Managing Director of Barrows Connected Store. He also brings deep expertise in consumer packaged goods, having held senior brand and product management roles at L'Oreal and Mars. Hay played a pivotal role in the launch and growth of Barrows Connected Store, earning strong respect and support across the organisation and industry. Barrows Connected Store partners with some of the world's largest retailers, including Tesco and Kroger, to transform physical stores into intelligent media networks-enabling brands to activate highly impactful, easy-to-deploy digital campaigns at the point of purchase, where nearly 85% of global retail sales still occur. "This next phase of our journey is exceptionally exciting as we scale formative media solutions alongside technology that is redefining how in-store media works-operationally, commercially, and creatively," said Hay. Hay is known for his thoughtful, shopper-led approach to in-store retail media, designing tailored strategies for each retail environment to ensure merchandising, media, and creative work seamlessly together. He is also recognized for fostering a service-oriented culture grounded in listening, empathy, and foresight-delivering world-class customer experiences while driving sustainable growth for clients and partners. Under Hay's leadership, Barrows Connected Store looks to strengthen its position at the forefront of retail media and connected commerce by accelerating growth in retail's digital transformation and driving meaningful change. About Barrows Connected Store Barrows Connected Store is a global leader in connected retail technology, helping retailers and brands create smarter, more engaging in-store experiences. By developing intelligent environments, Barrows transforms physical stores into high-performance media channels. Using the ConnectOS platform, retailers and brands can activate, manage and measure campaigns in real time to deliver meaningful shopper experiences that influence behaviour where it matters most, through dynamic, locally relevant digital content in-store. With a focus on shopper needs, commercial outcomes and ESG goals, Barrows empowers partners to elevate in-store experiences for sustainable growth and the future of connected commerce. Learn more at www.barrowscs.com Moving Retail Forward View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114778548/en/ Contacts: PR Contact: Tracy Nappier tracy@adcommgrp.com Acquisition accelerates European expansion and adds equity crowdfunding to the Goparity group's investment offering LISBON, Portugal, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Goparity, a Lisbon-based impact investment platform, announces the acquisition of Bolsa Social, Spain's first impact crowdfunding platform to be authorised by the Spanish regulator CNMV (Comision Nacional del Mercado de Valores). This acquisition, led by the Portuguese fintech, represents a significant milestone for the Iberian and European impact investment ecosystem, accelerating Goparity's expansion and strengthening its position as a leading reference in sustainable crowdfunding. With offices in Portugal, Spain and Canada, Goparity has already launched more than 420 lending-based crowdfunding campaigns, raising over 55 million for impact projects across three continents. This strategic move transforms the company into a more comprehensive investment platform, with a global impact, and adds equity investment (share acquisition) to its portfolio. In an initial phase, new equity investment opportunities will continue to be offered through the Bolsa Social platform. The integration of Bolsa Social, with over 13,000 users and around 15 million invested in impact projects, represents a major step for Goparity, incorporating a pioneering equity crowdfunding platform in Spain. In addition to diversifying its financial services with the introduction of a new investment product, the Portuguese fintech also accelerates its growth in Spain, a strategic market. Goparity and Bolsa Social have worked side by side for several years within the European impact ecosystem. Over the past year, a closer collaboration confirmed strong synergies between the two platforms and a clear alignment between their investor communities. This acquisition therefore represents the natural evolution of that collaboration. "This acquisition marks a historic moment for Goparity and for impact investing in Europe", explains Nuno Brito Jorge, CEO and co-founder of Goparity. "With the introduction of equity crowdfunding, we aim to become the financing partner for impact-driven companies and entrepreneurs throughout their entire life cycle, from moments when they are looking for new shareholders to phases where debt financing makes sense, depending on their needs", concludes. Jose Moncada Durruti, founder and CEO of Bolsa Social, adds that "thanks to this union, Bolsa Social investors will be able to access new impact investment opportunities, both within and beyond Spain. We are very pleased to take this step, as the Bolsa Social community of investors and companies will benefit from Goparity's reach and professional strength". With this acquisition, the combined investor community surpasses 72,000 people, consolidating Goparity as one of Europe's leading platforms in sustainable investment. About Goparity Founded in 2017, Goparity's main mission is to democratise access to sustainable finance by connecting companies and individuals who want to invest in projects with a positive impact on people and the planet. Since its inception, the platform's more than 59,000 users have financed over 420 impact projects - aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals - across three continents, totalling more than 55 million invested. The projects financed have positively supported over 100,000 people, created more than 4,000 jobs, and help avoid the emission of over 30,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere every year. About Bolsa Social Founded in 2014, Bolsa Social was the first Spanish platform authorised by the CNMV to provide participatory financing for impact-driven projects and companies. With a community of more than 13,000 users, it has mobilised around 15 million for over 50 Spanish companies through equity crowdfunding and sustainable loans. It is backed by specialised impact investors such as Phitrust, Triodos Ventures, Helenos and the Impact Innovation Fund (3xP). Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2858359/Contract_Signature.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/goparity-acquires-spanish-bolsa-social-to-consolidate-iberian-leadership-in-impact-investing-302657994.html Taking place 27 to 29 January 2026, the event will convene over 2,000 attendees and 170+ speakers to explore pioneering concepts shaping the next chapter of luxury retail ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Abu Dhabi will host the inaugural Middle East edition of Shoptalk Luxe on 27-29 January 2026, bringing one of the world's most influential platforms for luxury retail to the UAE capital for the first time. The event will convene more than 2,000 senior decision-makers and over 170 global speakers, including keynote appearances by Vera Wang, Marco Parsiegla, CEO of Amouage, Daniel Griede, CEO of Hugo Boss, Philippe Zube, CEO of Kerzner International, Michael Ward, Managing Director of Harrods, and more. They join a wider roster of industry-defining figures including Julia Goddard, CEO of Harvey Nichols, Alexis Mourot, CEO of Christian Louboutin, and Antony Lindsay, CEO of Faberge. Their sessions offer bold perspectives on reinvention, creativity, digital acceleration, and the evolving values of luxury consumers, placing Abu Dhabi at the centre of the international conversation shaping the future of luxury, fashion and elevated consumer experiences. Part of the globally recognised Shoptalk series, Shoptalk Luxe launches in Abu Dhabi in strategic collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). The debut reflects Abu Dhabi's growing stature as a global hub where culture, commerce and creativity converge, and where international brands increasingly engage sophisticated consumers, regional markets and long-term growth opportunities. Supported by a strong economic foundation, a discerning and internationally minded consumer base, and world-class cultural institutions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the forthcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the emirate offers a compelling environment for luxury brands seeking meaningful engagement and long-term presence. The Shoptalk Luxe agenda is built collaboratively with the industry, ensuring every session is shaped by real challenges, real expertise, and real priorities. These insights directly inform the five themes that underpin the Shoptalk Luxe programme: Delivering value beyond product ownership examines services, experiences, and communities that sit around the product itself. examines services, experiences, and communities that sit around the product itself. Deepening consumer relationships explores new ways to build loyalty and long-term value. explores new ways to build loyalty and long-term value. Redefining online and offline experiences looks at how physical and digital touchpoints create seamless, elevated journeys. looks at how physical and digital touchpoints create seamless, elevated journeys. Elevating search and discovery focus on how to connect brands to customers. focus on how to connect brands to customers. Driving excellence through leadership highlights how to organise, empower, and inspire teams. Together, these themes create practical, honest discussions on how to stay relevant, grow, and serve the next generation of luxury customers. Shoptalk Luxe will also facilitate structured, high-value connections through its curated Meetup platform, enabling more than 20,000 targeted meetings between brands, investors and technology partners. Over 80 sponsors and solution providers including leading regional and global brands such as Shopify, eBay and Snapchat are expected to participate, showcasing innovations across personalisation, omnichannel strategy, artificial intelligence and the technologies shaping the future of luxury retail. Zia Daniell Wigder, Global President, Shoptalk, added: "Shoptalk Luxe is a catalyst uniting the global luxury community to address what's next for the industry. By convening leaders in Abu Dhabi, we are creating a platform for practical insight and collaboration, ensuring attendees leave with ideas they can apply as the industry continues to evolve." Shoptalk Luxe marks a defining moment for Abu Dhabi's role in the global luxury landscape. The event underscores the emirate's growing influence as a destination where strategic dialogue, creative exchange and commercial ambition intersect. As luxury brands and leaders look ahead, Abu Dhabi is increasingly recognised not only as a place to gather, but as a place to shape the future of the industry. Further information and registration details are available via the event's official website. About Shoptalk Shoptalk is known world-wide as the organisers of the retail's industry's very best events. Customers attend our shows to hear from the industry's greatest minds, discover the latest technologies, connect efficiently at scale with peers and partners and immerse themselves in an unmissable atmosphere designed to catalyse a world of game-changing opportunities. Together, we're creating the future of retail. Shoptalk is owned by Hyve Group, a next generation global events business whose purpose is to create unmissable events, where customers from all corners of the globe shape industry innovation. For more information, please contact Info@Shoptalk.com About the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO): The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabi's growth and enabling the emirate's economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform liveability, technology, resources, and value-added services. Initiatives focused on regional tourism and retail development, as well as public-private partnerships, ensure that community well-being is at the centre of Abu Dhabi's economic transformation. With a robust network of investors, strong collaboration with key stakeholders, and a global presence, ADIO is committed to empowering those who invest with Abu Dhabi to make a lasting global impact. For more information, visit: https://www.investinabudhabi.gov.ae. For more information, please contact: DIO@edelman.com +971 50 542 2125 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/abu-dhabi-to-host-shoptalk-luxe-as-global-leaders-in-luxury-retail-convene-in-the-uae-capital-302659408.html DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ukraine House Davos proudly returns for its eighth year as a beacon of unity, resilience, and opportunity alongside the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19-22, 2026. Recognized as the leading platform for Ukraine's voice during the forum, Ukraine House Davos unites global leaders, visionaries, and changemakers to spotlight Ukraine's remarkable journey, one defined by courage, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to a brighter future for Europe and the world. Co-organized by UMAEF, Victor Pinchuk Foundation, and Horizon Capital, Ukraine House Davos 2026 will convene senior government officials, business leaders, investors, policymakers, and media for a dynamic program of high-level discussions and interactive sessions. As Ukraine approaches the fourth year of Russia's full-scale invasion, the world's attention is fixed on this courageous nation's remarkable resilience, ensuring a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine and its rightful place in Europe, and the boundless opportunities that lie ahead. A platform for vision and action, this year's program is anchored in the belief that Ukraine's frontline experience and innovative spirit are shaping not only the nation's recovery, but also the future of Europe. From pioneering advancements in technology and energy to forging new economic partnerships, Ukraine House Davos 2026 will showcase a country driving innovation and dynamism amid adversity. "At this pivotal moment, Ukraine House Davos is honored to present the world with a vision of hope, strength, and partnership," said Ulyana Khromyak, Executive Director of Ukraine House Davos. "Our program will highlight the extraordinary resilience and ingenuity of the Ukrainian people and invite the global community to join us in building a more secure, innovative and prosperous future for all." Program Highlights Include: A Shared Vision for a Just and Sustainable Peace in Europe: Exploring the foundations of lasting peace-sovereignty, justice, accountability, and human dignity. Exploring the foundations of lasting peace-sovereignty, justice, accountability, and human dignity. Europe's Future Energy Powerhouse: Accelerating Ukraine's energy transformation to capitalize on its untapped gas reserves, strong distributed generation potential and vast infrastructure. Accelerating Ukraine's energy transformation to capitalize on its untapped gas reserves, strong distributed generation potential and vast infrastructure. Tech-Democracy Partnerships: Ukraine's emergence as a global leader in defense innovation, digital warfare, and technology-driven governance. Ukraine's emergence as a global leader in defense innovation, digital warfare, and technology-driven governance. Partners in Prosperity: Charting a new era of U.S.-Ukraine economic partnership, and unveiling the $1 trillion investment opportunity for post-war reconstruction. Charting a new era of U.S.-Ukraine economic partnership, and unveiling the $1 trillion investment opportunity for post-war reconstruction. First Out of the Gate: Celebrating Kyivstar's historic IPO on Wall Street as a symbol of investor confidence in Ukraine's future. Celebrating Kyivstar's historic IPO on Wall Street as a symbol of investor confidence in Ukraine's future. GovTech in Ukraine: Convening digital ministers, tech innovators and policy visionaries to showcase Ukraine's digital leadership and its relevance for modern governance worldwide. Convening digital ministers, tech innovators and policy visionaries to showcase Ukraine's digital leadership and its relevance for modern governance worldwide. Learning to Stay Strong: Highlighting Ukrainian government and NGO efforts on the education front, fueling Ukraine's resilience and preparing the next generation for success. Highlighting Ukrainian government and NGO efforts on the education front, fueling Ukraine's resilience and preparing the next generation for success. Business Field Meets Battlefield: Insights from Ukrainian military personnel on how civilian expertise is transforming defense and leadership and bringing insights back from the battlefield. Insights from Ukrainian military personnel on how civilian expertise is transforming defense and leadership and bringing insights back from the battlefield. Deepening Ukraine-EU Cooperation: Strengthening strategic sectors and supply chains through innovative partnerships that bring enormous benefits to the whole of Europe. Strengthening strategic sectors and supply chains through innovative partnerships that bring enormous benefits to the whole of Europe. Innovating Aid with Ukraine: Exploring Ukraine's growing impact as a provider of scalable, evidence-based solutions to global issues, from mental health to rehabilitation to veteran care. Exploring Ukraine's growing impact as a provider of scalable, evidence-based solutions to global issues, from mental health to rehabilitation to veteran care. The Battle Tested Harvest, Screening of 'The Farmer of Kherson' : Contributing to global food security despite farmland being mined, grain siloes bombed and farmers targeted. Contributing to global food security despite farmland being mined, grain siloes bombed and farmers targeted. Bring Ukraine's Children Home: Shining a spotlight on the plight of abducted children, the nation's quest for justice, and those working tirelessly to return Ukrainian children to their homes. Shining a spotlight on the plight of abducted children, the nation's quest for justice, and those working tirelessly to return Ukrainian children to their homes. From Resilience to Reconstruction: Leaders in business, economic and investment share their vision for Ukraine's future and key to unlocking its full reconstruction potential. A complete list of events and registration may be found at www.ukrainehousedavos.com Ukraine House Organizing Committee is comprised of three women who volunteer their efforts to produce this event: Jaroslawa Johnson, President and CEO, UMAEF; Svitlana Grytsenko, Member of the Board, Victor Pinchuk Foundation; Lenna Koszarny, Founding Partner and CEO, Horizon Capital, and led by Executive Director Ulyana Khromyak. Ukraine House Davos is made possible due to UMAEF, Victor Pinchuk Foundation and Horizon Capital, and to generous partners, most notably our Gold Partners the Temerty Foundation, Interpipe, Kyivstar, and VISA/PrivatBank; our Panel Partner Kernel; and Networking Partners the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine and Modern-EXPO. Ukraine House Davos invites all World Economic Forum participants to join us at Promenade 59, Davos, or connect via livestream, to be part of these vital conversations and to witness Ukraine's story of courage, resilience, and renewal. Ukraine House Davos will open to accredited guests 19 January 2026 at 15:30 CET through 21:00 CET at Promenade 59, Davos, Switzerland. We invite you to visit our website to register your attendance and to discover more: http://www.ukrainehousedavos.com Follow Ukraine House Davos via social media at: X: @UKRHouseDavos Facebook: @ukrainehousedavos Instagram: @Ukraine.House.Davos LinkedIn: UkraineHouseDavos YouTube: ukrainehousedavos Hashtag: UkraineHouseDavos Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2861294/Ukraine_House_Davos_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ukraine-house-davos-2026-resilience-innovation-and-global-partnerships-alongside-the-world-economic-forum-302660714.html LONDON, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sedgwick, the world's leading risk and claims administration partner, announced the launch of its new Sedgwick Global Specialty platform, a forward-looking and dedicated solution designed to handle the largest and most complex losses. The platform represents a major investment to drive growth and attract talent to the company, building on the existing capabilities in marine and energy and expanding other technical and special risks. Sedgwick's Global Specialty platform represents the company's response to a shift in global claims, client demand, macroeconomic factors such as shifts in commerce, and a commitment to expanding services in London and other leading insurance and re-insurance markets. As part of the launch, Sedgwick will support this new offering with fully onboarded training, comprehensive development programs to support our experts, and continued service excellence to clients, while leveraging the company's global reach and unrivaled infrastructure. "In a world where risk is evolving faster than ever, Sedgwick is proud to introduce our new Global Specialty platform, a bold, forward-looking platform designed to meet the growing complexity of global claims with unmatched technical expertise and reach," said Paul White, CEO, International, Sedgwick. "This is not just an expansion. It's a strategic transformation with the best in the industry leading the way." The Global Specialty platform will be centred in London and led by the additions of Damian Ely as Chief Executive Officer and Kevin Hagan as Chief Commercial Officer. Global Specialty will also include hubs in Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Scott Richardson, President of Property of Americas, added: "Our expansion isn't happening in isolation. It reflects a fully aligned, cross-border strategy that unites our teams, markets, and focus to deliver sustainable growth and enhance service for our clients." Ely brings more than 35 years of leadership and industry experience across international markets to Sedgwick. He has consistently excelled in his career through strategic vision and operational excellence, with a proven track record of building global businesses, operations management and strategic transformation, guiding organizations through periods of growth and change. Hagan brings over 16 years of leadership and international experience, leading complex organisations through transformation, growth, and strategic change. With a strong background in financial services, Hagan has consistently delivered business performance whilst building resilient future -focused teams "I am very excited about the huge potential to develop this new platform in the Global Specialty market" said Ely. "Whether it's a containership casualty in Asia or a turbine failure in the Middle East, our market leading experts are ready and prepared to respond." This launch will be underpinned by the onboarding of over 100 of the world's leading loss adjusters. Among them, David Boghurst will head Global Specialty Marine, driving the expansion of services to include technical expertise and average adjusting. Energy capabilities will also be strengthened, with Hugh Kennaway leading onshore energy and Gary Mawditt spearheading offshore energy. For more information, visit sedgwick. About Sedgwick Sedgwick is the world's leading risk and claims administration partner, helping clients thrive by navigating the unexpected. The company's expertise, combined with the most advanced AI-enabled technology available, sets the standard for solutions in claims administration, loss adjusting, benefits administration and product recall. With over 33,000 colleagues and 10,000 clients across 80 countries, Sedgwick provides unmatched perspective, caring that counts, and solutions for the rapidly changing and complex risk landscape. Sedgwick's majority shareholder is The Carlyle Group; Stone Point Capital LLC, Altas Partners, CDPQ, Onex and other management investors are minority shareholders. For more, see sedgwick.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2675081/Sedgwick.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sedgwick-launches-new-global-specialty-platform-302660629.html RWS's IP Solutions team in South Korea wins President of the Korean Patent Attorneys Association Award RWS (RWS.L), a global AI solutions company, has claimed the highest honor at the 20th Korea Promising Patent Technology Awards, taking home the grand prize the President of the Korean Patent Attorneys Association Award. The accolade, presented by the leading professional body representing Korea's intellectual property industry, recognizes outstanding innovation and excellence in patent technology. Winners are selected based on technological differentiation, commercialization success and measurable contributions to employment and exports, with a clear focus on turning patent excellence into market impact. "We're proud to win the highly prestigious President of the Korean Patent Attorneys Association Award," said James Lacey, CEO of Protect at RWS. "The award underscores RWS's role as a trusted IP partner for Korean corporations and IP law firms, supporting the intellectual property lifecycle with proven reliability and market-leading, globally validated technology." The award recognizes RWS's IP Solutions strengths across technology, expertise and global scale, including: ISO-certified patent translation workflows , combining the expertise of more than 200 professional linguists with AI-enabled language technologies to deliver accurate, filing-ready translations. , combining the expertise of more than 200 professional linguists with AI-enabled language technologies to deliver accurate, filing-ready translations. The inovia platform , enabling streamlined multi-country patent filings through centralized instructions and real-time portfolio visibility. , enabling streamlined multi-country patent filings through centralized instructions and real-time portfolio visibility. A global IP research network of more than 40,000 experts across 170 countries , providing actionable insight to support strategic decision-making across the IP lifecycle. , providing actionable insight to support strategic decision-making across the IP lifecycle. A 24/7 online patent renewals system, helping organizations manage complex portfolios with automated processes, secure payments and improved budget predictability. RWS's IP Solutions team in South Korea received the award at a ceremony held at the Korea Intellectual Property Center in Yeoksam, Seoul. Recognition from the President of the Korean Patent Attorneys Association is a powerful endorsement reinforcing RWS's credibility and strengthening its position as a trusted global IP services partner in Korea. Click here to learn more about RWS's IP Solutions. Check out our latest blog on the award win. About us RWS is a global AI solutions company empowering the world's most trusted enterprise AI. Our proprietary Cultural Intelligence Layer, powered by 250,000 data specialists, cultural and language experts and deep domain professionals, backed by 45+ patents, makes enterprise AI culturally fluent, contextually accurate and secure, ensuring every interaction reflects a brand's tone, context and customer values. Through our Generate, Transform and Protect segments, we deliver intelligent content, enterprise knowledge, large-scale localization and IP protection for global growth. Trusted by 80+ of the world's top 100 brands, RWS provides the confidence, governance and expertise organizations need to deploy AI safely, responsibly and at scale. Headquartered in the UK, RWS is listed on AIM. More information: rws.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114329995/en/ Contacts: RWS Denis Davies Corporate Communications ddavies@rws.com +44 1628 410105 RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 5th Ministerial Roundtable, which forms part of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF), concluded in Riyadh, marking a significant milestone in global cooperation on minerals and reinforcing the shift toward more responsible, resilient, and sustainable mineral supply chains worldwide. In his opening remarks, His Excellency the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, emphasized that this edition represents a defining moment for what has become the largest global ministerial gathering of its kind. He noted that participation has expanded markedly since the launch of the Roundtable and FMF in 2022, from 32 governments to ministers and senior representatives from more than 100 countries, alongside 59 international organizations, including all G20 member states. This growth reflects expanding recognition that mineral supply is a shared global responsibility requiring coordinated, inclusive solutions. The Minister announced the establishment of a Permanent Ministerial Steering Group, tasked with providing strategic guidance to the Ministerial Roundtable and FMF, monitoring implementation of existing initiatives, and proposing new areas of cooperation. The group will ensure balanced geographic representation with initial rotating membership of 19 countries to ensure continuity and accountability. His Excellency Khalid Al-Mudaifer, Vice-Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs, outlined progress achieved during 2025 across three core initiatives. First, the development of the Future Minerals Framework to scale infrastructure financing and better align enabling government policies, as the World Bank Group was tasked with exploring opportunities to unlock funding across the seven priority infrastructure corridors identified in Africa and Latin America. Second, developing a standard for responsible mining that enhances transparency through traceability; and third, establishing a Network of Centers of Excellence across Africa, West and Central Asia, and Latin America to build technical, institutional, and human capacity. Notably, Ms. Valerie Levkoff, Vice President for Infrastructure at the World Bank Group, presented a new minerals strategy to support supplier countries, extending through regional processing and manufacturing, to create local value and employment opportunities. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2861467/FMF_Roundtable.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2314209/5717299/Future_Minerals_Forum_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fmfs-5th-ministerial-roundtable-concludes-with-100-governments-and-59-multilaterals-laying-framework-for-a-new-age-of-minerals-development-302660965.html HONG KONG, Jan 14, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - (Published on Nov. 5, 2025) Driven by the global push for "dual-carbon" goals, the implementation of new energy policies worldwide, and evolving consumer demand, the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry has emerged as a core sector with the highest growth potential in the Hong Kong stock market, attracting significant attention from institutions and investors. On November 5, the Hong Kong stock market welcomed a new player to its NEV sector. SERES (Stock Code: 9927) officially commenced trading on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. Christopher Hui (Hui Ching-yu), Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, and Lillian Cheong Man-lei, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Hong Kong Government, both attended the listing ceremony of Seres held at the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) today. As a leading enterprise in China's NEV industry, SERES initiated its Hong Kong IPO offering process on October 27. The base offering size for the IPO is 100.2 million H-shares.Not only has Seres' IPO attracted significant market attention this time, but it has also drawn 22 well-known domestic and overseas institutions'including Chongqing Industrial Master Fund, Linyuan Fund, GF Fund, Schroder, and China Post Wealth Management'to participate as cornerstone investors. This further underscores the institutions' recognition of its future development potential. Since the launch of the subscription, SERES has drawn considerable market attention, with exceptionally strong subscription interest and sustained high investor enthusiasm. According to announcement alloment results, by November 4, the Hong Kong public offering was oversubscribed by more than 130 times, while the international placement also received an oversubscription multiple of more than 8 times, fully demonstrating the market's high recognition of SERES' investment value. Dual Focus on "Luxury + Technology", Hailed as the "Tesla of China" SERES is a technology company focused on NEVs, including the research and development, manufacturing, sales and services of NEVs as well as core NEV components. In 2016, SERES embarked on a comprehensive transformation, focusing on the NEV sector. In 2021, SERES officially launched the AITO brand, positioning itself as "Intelligence Redefines Luxury". Leveraging a clear product strategy, outstanding comprehensive performance, and inherent luxury genes, AITO quickly gained high industry acclaim, earning the reputation of being the "Mercedes-Benz and BMW of China". Guided by the brand philosophy of "Intelligence Redefines Luxury", AITO has established a unique identity by concurrently advancing "Luxury + Technology" from a technological standpoint. In core future mobility fields like driving assistance, intelligent safety, and intelligent powertrain, AITO shares a highly aligned vision with Tesla, jointly exploring the transformation of mobility. To date, the cumulative assisted driving distance of AITO models has exceeded 3.45 billion kilometers, with assisted driving accounting for 40% of the total distance traveled, representing particularly outstanding achievements. Simultaneously, SERES has been continuously delving into cutting-edge technologies and proactively venturing into the field of embodied intelligence. Recently, SERES officially announced a collaboration with Volcano Engine, marking a new stage in its R&D and application innovation in this area, demonstrating strategic foresight on par with internationally leading automakers. It is precisely these breakthroughs and explorations in technology that have earned AITO the moniker "Tesla of China". To date, SERES' AITO brand has established a complete product matrix comprising four models: the AITO M9, M8, M7, and M5. As the core brand, AITO has seen sustained high-speed sales growth since its launch, with multiple performance indicators showing strong results. Among these, the AITO M5 set the record for the fastest delivery of over 10,000 vehicles within the year of launch for a new brand's model. The AITO M7 successfully ranked first in sales among Chinese autonomous brand models in the RMB300,000 price segment, becoming a benchmark product in that category. The AITO M9 emerged as a leader in the Chinese market for models priced above RMB500,000, claiming the top sales spot. Additionally, the AITO M8, officially launched in April 2025, received over 30,000 non-refundable orders within just 24 hours of its launch. According to the Frost & Sullivan Report, in the second half of 2024, the AITO brand topped China's NEV reputation rankings with a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 82%. For the full year 2024, the AITO brand achieved total deliveries of 387,100 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 268%, demonstrating robust growth momentum. Continuous Optimization of Operational Quality: ESG Performance Gains Industry Recognition The consistently strong sales performance of the AITO brand has provided solid support for the overall operational improvement of SERES. In terms of revenue, the Company's operating income surged from RMB35.8 billion in 2023 to RMB145.1 billion in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 305.5%, fully demonstrating the strong momentum of its scale expansion. Profitability has also steadily increased, with the gross profit margin rising from 7.2% in 2023 to 26.5% in the first half of 2025. The Company achieved profitability for the first time in 2024, recording a net profit attributable to owners of the Company of RMB5.9 billion. This profitable trend continued into the first half of 2025, with a net profit attributable to owners of the Company of RMB2.9 billion, indicating ongoing optimization of operational quality. Alongside significant operational improvements, SERES has also achieved outstanding results in corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. Its strong ESG performance has become a crucial cornerstone for solidifying its industry competitiveness. On October 16, 2025, the international authoritative index company MSCI released its latest corporate ESG ratings. SERES, recognized for its excellent performance in environmental, social, and governance aspects, received the highest AAA rating. This achievement makes SERES the only A-share listed automobile enterprise to receive this honor, fully highlighting its leading position in building the future mobility ecosystem. From an industry perspective, driven by the continuous iteration and upgrading of the technical performance of new energy passenger vehicles, increasing policy support from countries and regions globally, and growing consumer environmental awareness, the global new energy passenger vehicle market has experienced rapid development. Global sales of new energy passenger vehicles surged from 6.2 million vehicles in 2021 to 17.1 million vehicles in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40.2% during this period. The penetration rate of new energy passenger vehicles in the global passenger vehicle market increased from 9.7% in 2021 to 23.0% in 2024. Looking ahead, as the comprehensive competitiveness of new energy passenger vehicles further strengthens, global sales are expected to exceed 42.3 million vehicles by 2030, with a CAGR of 16.3% from 2024 to 2030. The market penetration rate is anticipated to climb to 47.0%, indicating the continuous release of the industry's growth potential. With its listing in Hong Kong, SERES will leverage the broad platform of the Hong Kong market to further strengthen its investment in technological R&D and global layout, continuously improve its "Luxury + Technology" product ecosystem, and consolidate its competitive advantage in the intelligent NEV sector. Riding the powerful wave of global NEV expansion, the Company stands poised to rapidly capture market share, continuously broaden its growth horizons, and generate substantial value for investors'with long-term growth prospects that inspire considerable confidence. Source: Seres Group Co., Ltd. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. 2026 JCN Newswire MANNHEIM, Germany, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- osapiens, a leading provider of enterprise software for sustainable growth, today announced that it had entered into an agreement for Decarbonization Partners, a joint venture between BlackRock and Temasek, to lead a US$ 100 million Series C fundraising round, subject to regulatory approvals. Decarbonization Partners will join existing investors Goldman Sachs Alternatives, which led the US$ 120 million Series B in 2024, and Armira Growth, which led the US$ 27 million Series A investment in 2023. osapiens provides enterprise software that enables companies to manage regulatory compliance, sustainability, and operational efficiency across their entire value chain on a single platform. The osapiens HUB currently offers more than 25 enterprise-grade solutions, all of which run on a multi-tenant infrastructure that enables AI-driven automation and seamless cross-company collaboration. The platform combines transparency and efficiency solutions to help companies minimize risks, maximize efficiency, and respond with high agility and adaptability to changing regulatory and business requirements - setting industry standards. The proceeds from the investment will be used to accelerate product innovation and fuel growth in existing and new international markets, further strengthening osapiens' position as a global platform for sustainable growth. "This investment is a strong validation of our strategy and our long-term vision," said Alberto Zamora, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of osapiens. "It demonstrates that sustainable growth and AI-driven efficiency remain top priorities for global investors. Decarbonization Partners is an exceptional partner for us. With a focus on sustainability and the combined global presence and investment expertise of BlackRock and Temasek, they bring exactly the perspective and scale we need for our next phase of growth to become the indisputable global category leader in sustainable growth for enterprises of all sizes." Matthias Jungblut, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of osapiens, said: "Decarbonization Partners understands both the regulatory dynamics companies face today and the business opportunity of AI-driven efficiency that comes with it. Their deep experience in scaling category-defining technology companies makes them a perfect strategic fit alongside Goldman Sachs Alternatives and Armira Growth." "osapiens is redefining how companies achieve transparency, compliance, and operational excellence across increasingly complex supply chains," said Dr. Meghan Sharp, Global Head and Chief Investment Officer of Decarbonization Partners. "Enterprises around the world are looking for trusted, scalable software to meet rising regulatory, sustainability and decarbonization expectations. osapiens' platform delivers the clarity organizations need to operate and grow responsibly." About osapiens: osapiens - one platform for sustainable growth osapiens develops software that empowers companies to drive sustainable growth across their entire value chain. The osapiens HUB, a multi-tenant hyperscaler platform designed to enable cross-company collaboration and AI automation, combines over 25 solutions in two categories: Transparency solutions enable companies to report on financial and non-financial data, manage supply chains, mitigate risks of all kinds (including cyber-risks and trade- and geopolitical risks), and ensure compliance with product, reporting and supply chain regulations. Efficiency solutions enable AI-driven supplier collaboration, maintenance, service, and distribution processes to improve operational performance and strengthen competitiveness. osapiens was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 2018 by Alberto Zamora, Stefan Wawrzinek, and Matthias Jungblut. Its international team of over 550 dedicated professionals across Europe and the United States supports more than 2,400 customers worldwide, including global category leaders like Coca-Cola North America, Lidl, Carrefour, OTTO, and the Acciona-Nordex Group. About Decarbonization Partners: Decarbonization Partners is a joint venture between Temasek and BlackRock focused on late-stage venture capital and early growth private equity investing in next-generation companies that provide solutions and technologies to help accelerate global efforts to achieve a net zero global economy by 2050. Decarbonization Partners combines Temasek and BlackRock's complementary platforms and expertise in sourcing and underwriting private investments, portfolio and risk management, and sustainable technology and analytics. Decarbonization Partners invests in a wide range of companies that have proven technology and need capital to scale. The partnership attracted US$1.40 billion in capital from a diverse set of over 30 institutional investors across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2860577/osapiens_Founders.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2860576/osapiens_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/osapiens-secures-us-100-million-financing-and-becomes-a-unicorn-with-investment-from-blackrock--and-temasek-founded-decarbonization-partners-302660120.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - MetalSource Mining Inc. (CSE: MSM) (OTCQB: SFRIF) (Frankfurt: E9Z) is pleased to announce the expansion of its Silver Hill exploration land package through the addition of two strategically located properties totaling approximately 97.6 acres. These two properties have been optioned from the underlying holders of the Mineral Exploration Licenses. The newly added lands include: The Hinkle Lands (85.5 acres), located along strike of the Silver Hill mineralized trend and aligned with a previously identified Cyprus IP anomaly; and The Adkins Tract (12.07 acres), located immediately east of and adjacent to the central mineralized zones at Silver Hill. Figure 1: Claims map, including new claims. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12035/280314_metalsource.jpg This expands the Silver Hill Project to encompass 512.21 acres. Both properties are held under five-year Exploration Licenses with Option to Purchase, renewable annually, and provide MetalSource with immediate access and full exploration rights. The Company retains the flexibility to drop either property at any time. These licenses come into the land package as part of the underlying option agreement with Goldstrike Minerals, LLC. The land expansion strengthens MetalSource's position at Silver Hill by extending coverage along interpreted mineralized trends and across areas considered prospective based on geological and geophysical data. The Silver Hill project is located on private land in Davidson County, North Carolina, a mining-friendly jurisdiction and is recognized as America's first silver mine. The Company is advancing the project using modern exploration techniques, including diamond drilling and geophysical surveys. Joe Cullen, CEO: "This is an exciting step for Silver Hill. Expanding the land package in these key areas gives us the room we need to evaluate the system as drilling and geophysics continue to deliver new insights." Silver Hill Project Located in the Carolina Terrane, the property is underlain by volcaniclastic and volcano-sedimentary rocks predominantly of Neoproterozoic and Cambrian age. This terrane has been suggested to be an extension of the Avalon Terrane. The property is 1,128 acres located in Davidson County, North Carolina. As the first significant discovery and first silver-producing mine in America, there is an extensive drillhole database, underground mapping, historic dumps and underground chip samples which comprise the historic dataset. This mineralization is currently known to extend to 550m from surface, in a steeply trending series of lenses, which remain open in multiple directions. Bolstering these historic records, recent surface sampling contained results including SH25-003 containing 444g/t Ag, 17.7 g/t Au, 8.61% Pb and 0.507% Zn. All scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and prepared under the supervision of Rory Kutluoglu, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). About MetalSource Mining Inc. MetalSource Mining Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on advancing high-potential mineral assets through modern, systematic exploration and value-driven discovery. This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to the Company's current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result", "are expected to", "expects", "will continue", "is anticipated", "anticipates", "believes", "estimated", "intends", "plans", "forecast", "projection", "strategy", "objective" and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this material change report should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date they are made. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280314 Source: Metalsource Mining Inc. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Carlyle Commodities Corp. (CSE: CCC) (FSE: BJ4) ("Carlyle") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of up to $3,000,000 through the issuance of subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.01 ($0.20 on a post-Consolidation basis) per Subscription Receipt. The Private Placement is being conducted in connection with Carlyle's proposed business combination (the "Transaction") with Silver Pony Resources Corp. ("Silver Pony"), as previously announced by Carlyle on December 31, 2025. As previously announced, Carlyle intends to consolidate its common shares in connection with the Transaction on a basis of 20 pre-consolidation shares for 1 post-consolidation share (the "Consolidation"). Each Subscription Receipt will automatically convert into one unit of Carlyle (a "Unit") (for no further consideration and without any further action by the holders thereof) upon the closing of the Transaction (the "Escrow Release Condition"). Each Unit will consist of one common share of Carlyle (each a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of Carlyle (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share of Carlyle (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.015 ($0.30 on a post-Consolidation basis) per Warrant Share for a period of 18 months following the date on which the Escrow Release Condition is satisfied, subject to adjustment in certain events. The expiry date of the Warrants may be accelerated if the closing price of the Shares on any Canadian stock exchange equals or exceeds $0.025 ($0.50 on a post-Consolidation basis) for five consecutive trading days. In such event, Carlyle may, within 15 business days following the occurrence of that condition, accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by issuing a news release, in which case the Warrants will expire on the date that is 30 calendar days after the date of such news release, as specified therein. The net proceeds of the Private Placement will be held in escrow pending satisfaction of the Escrow Release Condition. In the event the Escrow Release Condition is not satisfied or waived within 180 days following the closing date of the Private Placement, the net proceeds of the Private Placement will be returned to the subscribers in accordance with the terms of the subscription receipts. If the Escrow Release Condition is met, Carlyle anticipates that the net proceeds will be used for exploration work on the Silver Pony Resources Trout Lake Projects and general working capital. The Private Placement is subject to the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). Carlyle may pay finder's fees in connection with the Private Placement. Morgan Good, Carlyle's Chief Executive, President and Director, commented: Carlyle is excited to announce that due to popular demand we have increased our offering from $2,500,000 to $3,000,000 in Sub Receipts. The silver market is clearly on the move and we are optimistic to take full advantage of it." For more information regarding the Transaction, please refer to Carlyle's news release dated December 31, 2025. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. About Carlyle Carlyle is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties. Carlyle owns 100% of the Quesnel Gold Project located in the Cariboo Mining Division, 30 kilometers northeast of Quesnel in central B.C, as well hold the option to acquire 100% undivided interest in the Nicola East Mining Project, located approximately 25 kilometers east of the mining town of Merritt, B.C., and is listed on the CSE under the symbol "CCC" and the Frankfurt Exchange under the ticker "BJ4". ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CARLYLE Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of Carlyle regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the completion of the Private Placement on the terms anticipated by management, the completion of the Transaction and the Consolidation, the expected use of the net proceeds of the Private Placement and the Company's intention to take advantage of movement in the silver market. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: that the Private Placement will not be completed on the terms anticipated or at all, that the Transaction will not close, that the Consolidation will not be completed as anticipated, that the net proceeds will not be used as anticipated, that Carlyle may not receive CSE approval for the Private Placement and that Carlyle will fail to successfully take advantage of movement in the silver market. In making the forward looking statements in this news release, Carlyle has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that: the Carlye will receive CSE approval for the Private Placement, that the Private Placement will be completed on the terms as anticipated, that the Transaction will close, that the Consolidation will be completed as anticipated, that the net proceeds of the Private Placement will be used as anticipated and that Carlyle will successfully take advantage of movement in the silver market. Although management of Carlyle has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280321 Source: Carlyle Commodities Corp. LONDON, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Meaco, the UK's leading air treatment specialist focused on everyday home comfort, has secured a significant multi-million-pound investment from FourLeaf Capital, marking a pivotal moment in the company's growth journey. The investment follows a period of strong performance for Meaco. The company has grown rapidly in recent years as demand for high quality, energy efficient, low noise, air treatment appliances continues to increase globally. With the brand gaining international recognition and its product portfolio expanding, Meaco has reached a natural stage in its evolution where partnering with external investors will fuel the next phase of its growth. Partnering with the FourLeaf founders, who have extensive experience of building businesses and scaling brands internationally, will provide Meaco with the strategic support to accelerate its ambition to become the leading air treatment brand across Europe. Meaco will focus on expanding the reach of Europe's favourite dehumidifier range, Arete, whilst continuing to expand into adjacent air treatment categories. A customer focused approach to product innovation, energy efficiency and quality, supported by the multiple award winning UK based design team, will remain at the heart of the business. To support the next stage of growth, Conor Sugrue, ex Glen Dimplex, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. Meaco founder, Chris Michael, will remain a significant shareholder in the business and will transition into the newly created role of Chief Product Officer, allowing him to focus more closely on product development and innovation. Chris Michael, Founder and Chief Product Officer, Meaco, says: "This investment represents an exciting new chapter for Meaco. FourLeaf have extensive experience in building businesses and scaling brands internationally, and I believe that partnering with them will help accelerate our growth and realise our ambition of becoming a leading European air treatment company." Conor Sugrue, CEO Meaco adds: "I am thrilled to be joining Meaco at this exciting time. The company has an outstanding reputation for delivering high quality, energy efficient and innovative products. I look forward to working with Chris and the wider leadership team to unlock new opportunities for growth." With the backing of FourLeaf Capital, Meaco is well positioned to continue its growth journey while maintaining its commitment to exceptional product quality, customer service and responsible innovation. Notes to editors About Meaco Established in 1991 by Chris and Michelle Michael, Meaco is a leading air treatment specialist with products including award-winning dehumidifiers, cooling fans, air purifiers, portable air conditioners, and humidifiers. Meaco is a winner of multiple Which? Best Buy and Good Housekeeping Institute Tried and Tested Awards and has achieved Quiet Mark status for a number of products. Its dehumidifiers are the most awarded in Britain. In 2024, Meaco sold 280,081 units of the MeacoDry Arete One across Europe, making it the most popular dehumidifier family on the continent. In 2025, Meaco was announced as the "Most Trusted Dehumidifier Brand' by 17,000 UK shoppers in the BrandSpark International UK Trust Study. For more information, please visit: www.meaco.com About FourLeaf Capital FourLeaf Capital, headquartered in London and led by Robyn Smith was established to offer flexible financing solutions to proven and ambitious management teams, adding value through the networks and experience of both the core team and its base of successful entrepreneur investors. The experience for the management teams that FourLeaf Capital back is differentiated from a traditional institutional investor or single-family office through an ethos of "entrepreneurs backing entrepreneurs" and an ability to tailor any capital solution to the situation at hand. Fourleaf Capital is backed by Seamus Lynch and Lawrence Hickey, both experienced entrepreneurs with significant international experience in growing and expanding businesses. About Conor Sugrue Conor brings over 20 years of experience leading large international organisations, including senior roles at IPL, a global plastics manufacturing company, with operations spanning North America and Europe and Glen Dimplex, a leading European heating and ventilation company, where he was CEO of their Heating and Ventilation division. Conor qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG and holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Systems from Dublin City University. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2860893/Meaco.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2860894/Meaco_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/meaco-secures-significant-strategic-investment-to-accelerate-european-growth-302660998.html WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- EARTHDAY.ORG, together with partners worldwide, today announces the global theme for Earth Day 2026: Our Power, Our Planet-a rallying cry for people everywhere to reclaim their voice, their rights, and their future. Other than limited signs of progress, 2025 was a year marked by extraordinary environmental retrenchment. The current Administration took more than 400 actions ranging from sweeping executive orders to obscure regulatory changes, that are causing irreversible damage to every facet of the global environment. Across the world, environmental safeguards that took generations to defend and create are under relentless attack; stripped away to the benefit of polluters while communities pay the price with their health, livelihoods, and lives. The belief that progress can be secured quietly, through good-faith negotiations alone is no longer a reflection of reality. Real change requires persistent public pressure that is impossible to ignore. EARTHDAY.ORG and our partners call on individuals, students, communities, faith groups, elected officials, and organizations worldwide to organize actions on Saturday, April 18, on Earth Day, April 22nd and throughout Earth Week, including: Peaceful demonstrations and marches Voter registration drives Convening town halls with federal, state, and local officials to advance pragmatic pathways for restoring environmental protections, strengthening a clean and competitive green economy, and ensuring safe, affordable, and resilient communities Grassroots organizing to protect environmental laws Teach-ins at schools, universities and communities Community cleanups (streets, parks, rivers, lakes, beaches) and actions to advance the end of plastic pollution Targeted campaigns supporting reforestation, oceans, and ecosystem restoration People Have Changed History Before Since the first Earth Day in 1970, people from every walk of life - farmers and ranchers, faith leaders and scientists, health professionals and first responders, students and families, and communities on the front lines of climate disasters - have driven action that prevented countless illnesses and saved millions of lives worldwide. Economic prosperities and environmental protections are not competing goals. They are on the same path forward. Clean energy and sustainability have already created millions of jobs, lowered costs, and delivered healthier air and water. Governments will delay, corporate interests may distract-but they cannot ignore an organized, determined public. "All those years ago, in 1970, we were ridiculously confident that we were going to win. We launched a genuine environmental revolution. We proved that an engaged public can be an unstoppable force. It can be again in 2026." - Denis Hayes, Organizer of the First Earth Day and Board Chair Emeritus, EARTHDAY.ORG Join the Movement Earth Day's enduring legacy is people working together to shape a livable future, and to never doubt that a dedicated group of people can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Join us on Saturday, April 18, on Earth Day, April 22nd, and throughout 2026 as we harness our collective power to defend, restore, and advance the progress generations have fought for and achieved. Register an event: HERE Sign up for updates: HERE View partners and add your organization's logo: HERE Over the coming months, EARTHDAY.ORG will launch targeted calls to action to support organizing, voter engagement, community mobilization, student activism, and the defense of life-saving environmental protections. Civic engagement is the only proven path to strengthening and rebuilding a fair, healthy, and thriving world. Together, we can protect the earth. Our Power. Our Planet. The time to act is now. For media inquiries, interviews, comment - please feel free to contact: James Banks, banks@earthday.org, +1 202-262-0119 Terran Fielder, fielder@earthday.org, +1 661-444-4436 Evan Raskin, raskin@earthday.org, +1 781-686-5513 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1155792/Earthdayorg_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/earthdayorg-announces-global-theme-earth-day-april-22-2026-our-power-our-planet-302660968.html Increased lending limit reflects Bizcap's commitment to simplifying SME finance, with low-doc loans now available up to 300,000 LONDON, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bizcap has lifted its low-doc business loan limit to 300,000, giving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK access to larger amounts of funding with minimal paperwork and fast approval times. The increased limit enables businesses to secure up to 300,000 quickly and flexibly, without the heavy documentation requirements often imposed by traditional lenders. Low-doc loans are designed for growing businesses that need funding fast and may not have extensive financial records on hand. A low-doc loan (short for low-documentation loan) is a business loan that requires minimal paperwork. Rather than relying on years of financial statements and tax returns, low-doc lenders like Bizcap assess a business' cash flow and revenue, allowing for quicker decisions and greater flexibility. Bizcap's low-doc loans offer several key advantages for SMEs, including minimal paperwork with no endless financial statements or tax returns, fast approvals with decisions in as little as three hours, and flexible eligibility for businesses with imperfect credit histories. This higher approval rate is driven by Bizcap's open-minded lending approach. Albert Gahfi, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Bizcap Global, said the expanded limit marks another step forward in Bizcap's rapid UK expansion and reinforces the company's focus on delivering fast, flexible funding solutions that align with the realities faced by SMEs. "Lifting our low-doc loan limit to 300,000 is a direct response to what we're hearing from the SME market," said Gahfi. "Businesses want speed, flexibility and fewer barriers to access funding. This change means we can back more UK businesses with the capital they need to grow, without slowing them down with unnecessary paperwork." Bizcap UK Partner Sasha Berg said the move comes at a time when many traditional lenders are making it harder for SMEs to access finance by increasing documentation requirements and tightening eligibility criteria. He said Bizcap is taking a different approach by simplifying the lending process and prioritising accessibility. "With many traditional lenders requesting more paperwork and introducing more hurdles for SMEs, Bizcap is deliberately making funding easier and more flexible. This ensures business owners can get the funding they need, when they need it, without delays or excessive documentation," said Berg. Rhys Cunnah, Chief Commercial Officer at Bizcap UK, said the increased low-doc limit will also deliver tangible benefits for Bizcap's broker and partner network. He noted that the change will help brokers facilitate funding more efficiently for their SME clients. "Our brokers and partners play a critical role in supporting UK SMEs, and this decision is designed with them in mind," said Cunnah. "By lifting the low-doc limit to 300,000, we're making it even easier for brokers to place deals quickly and confidently, helping them deliver fast, flexible funding solutions to their clients more efficiently than ever before." With the expanded low-doc offering, Bizcap UK continues to strengthen its position as a leading alternative lender for SMEs seeking speed, flexibility and higher approval rates. The increased limit underscores Bizcap's commitment to listening to the market and evolving its products to better support business growth across the UK. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/less-paperwork-more-funding-bizcap-uk-lifts-low-doc-loan-cap-to-300k-302660686.html Extending Privacy-Led Marketing from websites and apps into AI workflows, so businesses can scale AI with much-needed oversight, auditability, and control Usercentrics, the global leader in Privacy-Led Marketing solutions, announced today it has acquired MCP Manager, a next-generation governance platform for the Model Context Protocol (MCP), built by a team with deep expertise in AI infrastructure. The acquisition makes Usercentrics the first major global market leader in data privacy solutions to extend consent and data guardrails into AI-driven workflows. The combined platform will deliver a unified Privacy-Led Marketing Suite that manages consent, preferences, and data governance across websites, apps, internal systems, and consumer-facing AI agents. Because these agents increasingly shape personalization and customer engagement, extending consent into real-time, model-driven interactions applies the same rigor that exists at data collection. This keeps experiences transparent, trusted, and aligned with user choices, and turns compliance into a strategic differentiator and competitive edge. "With this acquisition, we are defining how companies govern AI at a moment when compliance is no longer optional," said Donna Dror, CEO of Usercentrics. "As the EU AI Act moves from phased implementation into enforcement this year, organizations can no longer treat AI governance as an afterthought. By uniting our privacy-led suite with MCP Manager's governance capabilities, we're helping organizations future-proof their AI strategies, so they can innovate faster, stay compliant, and scale AI responsibly without compromising trust." Making that possible in practice requires governance at the point where AI meets data. Regular MCPs have quickly become the industry standard for connecting AI models to organizational systems, but they don't solve problems like AI agents accessing CRM data without consent checks or teams being unable to explain AI decisions to regulators. Usercentrics' acquisition of MCP Manager addresses this by providing a policy-enforcement layer that gives companies a control plane to monitor and enforce how AI systems access and use data. "As businesses deploy AI agents that access real customer data, MCP is the natural enforcement point for consent and compliance," said Michael Yaroshefsky, founder of MCP Manager, who joins Usercentrics as Vice President of Artificial Intelligence, Chief AI Office (CAIO). "With regulations now taking effect, governed AI infrastructure will become the standard, and together with Usercentrics we are uniquely positioned to lead that shift." Note to editors: Financial terms are not being disclosed. About MCP Manager MCP Manager launched out of New York City in 2025, quickly building the only production-grade MCP gateway on the market with observability, security, consent enforcement, and effortless deployment. Their team includes contributors to the official MCP specification and experts at AI security, governance, and productivity. For more information, please visit: www.mcpmanager.ai/ About Usercentrics Usercentrics is a global leader in data privacy technology, pioneering Privacy-Led Marketing for the digital economy. We help businesses turn trust into a competitive advantage. Supporting over 2.4 million websites and apps in 195 countries, Usercentrics processes 8.8 billion user consents every month. Learn more at usercentrics.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114506724/en/ Contacts: Press Contact pr@usercentrics.com Genethon, a leading laboratory in gene therapy for rare diseases, today announced that it has entered into an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement with AskBio, a gene therapy company wholly owned and independently operated as a subsidiary of Bayer AG, for the use of a patented component of AB-1009 for the treatment of Pompe disease. Pompe disease is a rare genetic disorder caused by a deficiency in the GAA enzyme, leading to glycogen accumulation in cells, particularly in muscle tissue. The 'Immunology and Liver Diseases' team at Genethon, led by Giuseppe Ronzitti, developed and demonstrated the preclinical efficacy of a gene therapy approach using a transgene encoding a truncated form of GAA. In animal studies, this approach corrected glycogen accumulation in muscle and the central nervous system and improved cardiac hypertrophy as well as muscular and respiratory dysfunction*. This component of AB-1009, protected by patents held by Genethon and other French institutions, is now licensed to AskBio for the development of a gene therapy product to treat Pompe disease. This agreement illustrates Genethon's ability to transform its scientific advances into therapeutic opportunities for patients with rare diseases by collaborating with industry partners to advance clinical development. "Genethon is delighted with this agreement with AskBio, which enables the development of a gene therapy for patients suffering from this particularly severe condition," said Frederic Revah, CEO of Genethon. "This agreement demonstrates the quality of Genethon's research and its ability to design innovative treatments, driven by its mission to provide therapeutic solutions to patients with rare diseases." AskBio anticipates recruiting its first patient in early 2026. Rescue of Pompe disease in mice by AAV-mediated liver delivery of secretable acid a-glucosidase. Puzzo F, Colella P, Biferi MG, Bali D, Paulk NK, Vidal P, Collaud F, Simon-Sola M, Charles S, Hardet R, Leborgne C, Meliani A, Cohen-Tannoudji M, Astord S, Gjata B, Sellier P, van Wittenberghe L, Vignaud A, Boisgerault F, Barkats M, Laforet P, Kay MA, Koeberl DD, Ronzitti G, Mingozzi F. Sci Transl Med. 2017 Nov 29;9(418):eaam6375. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aam6375.PMID: 29187643 About Pompe disease Pompe disease is a hereditary genetic disorder linked to a deficiency in acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA), which leads to the accumulation of glycogen in lysosomes, causing cellular damage in various tissues, particularly in the heart, muscles, and nervous system. In infants with severe forms of the disease, the heart muscle is often affected, which is the main cause of death. In patients with late-onset forms, the respiratory system and mobility are generally the most affected by the disease, often requiring the use of a wheelchair and respiratory assistance, and potentially shortening life expectancy. About Genethon A pioneer in the discovery and development of gene therapies for rare diseases, Genethon is a non-profit laboratory created by the AFM-Telethon. The first gene therapy drug, to which Genethon contributed, has been approved for marketing for spinal muscular atrophy. With more than 240 scientists and professionals, Genethon's goal is to develop innovative therapies that change the lives of patients suffering from rare genetic diseases. Thirteen gene therapy products resulting from Genethon's research, or to which Genethon has contributed, are currently undergoing clinical trials for diseases of the liver, blood, immune system, muscles, and eyes. Others are in preparation for clinical trials over the next five years. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114177638/en/ Contacts: Press contact: Stephanie Bardon communication@genethon.fr/ +33 (0)6 45 15 95 87 Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - ReeXploration Inc. (TSXV: REE) (FSE: K2I0) ("ReeXploration" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the 2026 uranium exploration drill program at its flagship Eureka Project in Namibia is fully funded and moving into the execution phase. With capital in place and detailed drill planning underway, the Company is preparing to advance a targeted drill program designed to test high-priority uranium anomalies defined during its 2025 work programs. "2025 was a pivotal year for ReeXploration. With drill financing now complete, our focus has shifted decisively to execution," stated Christopher Drysdale, Interim Chief Executive Officer of ReeXploration. "The uranium targets we have defined at Eureka are technically compelling, located in one of the world's premier uranium districts, and ready to be tested. 2026 is about drilling and results, and we believe this program has the potential to materially expand the scale and strategic relevance of the Eureka Project." During the second half of 2025, ReeXploration expanded the scope of the Eureka Project beyond rare earth elements through the identification and refinement of multiple high-priority uranium targets. These targets are located within one of the world's premier uranium provinces and are supported by coherent radiometric and geochemical anomalies consistent with large, intrusion-related uranium systems. Based on the results of this work, the targets are now considered drill-ready and form the primary focus of the Company's initial 2026 exploration program. 2025: A Year of Strategic Progress Key milestones achieved in 2025 include: Closed two private placements in the Fall of 2025, raising $1.95 million to fund ongoing and upcoming exploration activities, including $1.0 million in December required to advance near-term exploration objectives and initiate uranium drilling. Completion of the Company's rebrand to ReeXploration, reflecting a sharpened focus on critical minerals aligned with global energy security and supply-chain diversification. Identification and confirmation of a large-scale drill-ready uranium target at Eureka through field programs, geophysics, and geochemical analysis. Expansion of the broader uranium target footprint, reinforcing the project's multi-commodity potential alongside its established rare earth element foundation. These developments collectively repositioned Eureka as a dual-commodity critical minerals project, pairing a rare earths system with a compelling uranium exploration opportunity. Further updates will be provided as exploration activities progress. Qualified Person Tolene Kruger, BSc. (Hons), M.Sc., is a consulting geologist and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release. Ms. Kruger is registered as Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) with the South African Council for Natural Science Professions (SACNASP, Reg. No.: 148182), and a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Ms. Kruger is not independent of the Company under NI 43-101. About ReeXploration Inc. ReeXploration (TSXV: REE) (FSE: K2I0) is a Canadian exploration company positioned to help meet surging global demand for secure, responsible supplies of critical minerals essential to the clean energy transition, advanced technologies and national defense. The Company's flagship Eureka Project in central Namibia pairs a technically proven rare earth foundation - supported by the production of a clean monazite concentrate - with a newly defined, high-priority uranium target located within one of the world's most established uranium corridors. Together, these commodities provide multi-path discovery potential aligned with accelerating global efforts to diversify critical mineral and nuclear fuel supply. Supported by a Namibia-based technical team and guided by global critical minerals experts, ReeXploration is advancing a disciplined, discovery-led strategy, building a credible, ESG-aligned platform positioned to benefit from the global race to diversify and secure responsible supply chains. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release may contain forward-looking information. This information is based on current expectations and assumptions (including assumptions relating to general economic and market conditions) that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. ReeXploration does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information in this release, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information unless and until required by securities laws applicable to ReeXploration. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the filings made by ReeXploration with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Further details are available on the Corporation's website at www.rareearthexploration.com or contact Christopher Drysdale, Interim CEO of ReeXploration Inc., at +1 902-334-1949, contact@rareearthexploration.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280234 Source: ReeXploration Inc. China's top market regulator probes into Trip.com over alleged monopolistic practices Xinhua) 16:38, January 14, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- China's State Administration for Market Regulation said on Wednesday that it had launched an investigation into Trip.com Group Limited's alleged monopolistic practices involving abuse of market dominance. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging restaurant brands, is pleased to announce that its Heal Wellness brand ("Heal") has secured both a franchisee and a real estate location in Shawnessey Village, a high-traffic retail node in Calgary, Alberta. This milestone further advances Heal's disciplined, asset-light growth strategy across key Western Canadian markets with an anticipated open in Q2 2026. Heal Wellness is a fast-growing quick-service restaurant ("QSR") brand specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies, built around clean ingredients and a better-for-you lifestyle. Happy Belly 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/280338_60ad237174a11875_002full.jpg "This secured franchisee and real estate commitment in Shawnessey Village reflects our continued focus on pairing strong operators with premium, high-visibility trade areas," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "Shawnessey Village benefits from strong daily traffic, dense surrounding residential communities, and a well-established retail environment anchored by major national tenants. A vibrant retail destination serving South Calgary, supported by a mix of grocery, fitness, service, and restaurant tenants. These market fundamentals align exceptionally well with Heal's health-forward, convenience-driven offering as we continue to expand across Alberta." Heal Wellness continues to gain momentum as consumer demand for functional, wellness-focused QSR concepts grows across both urban and suburban markets. With its strong brand positioning, scalable format, and expanding franchise pipeline, Heal is well positioned to deepen its footprint across Alberta and other key Canadian regions. "Heal Wellness continues to expand rapidly across Canada and into the United States, solidifying its position as a leading acai and smoothie bowl brand. With 31 locations now open and more than 177 in development, Heal contributes to Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 666 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. Our predictable and disciplined growth engine continues to deliver measurable results as we expand our brands across Canada and the U.S. to create long-term value for our shareholders." Happy Belly 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/280338_60ad237174a11875_003full.jpg "We are just getting started," added Sean Black. About Heal Wellness Heal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more. Franchising For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com. About Happy Belly Food Group Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands. The Company's portfolio includes Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food, and others. Happy Belly 3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/280338_60ad237174a11875_004full.jpg Sean Black Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280338 Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc. Sandoz Group AG / Key word(s): Regulatory Approval Sandoz confirms European Commission approval of Ondibta (insulin glargine), strengthening overall biosimilars leadership and position in diabetes 14.01.2026 / 12:00 CET/CEST Biosimilar Ondibta (insulin glargine) approved for treatment of diabetes mellitus across all indications of reference medicine (insulin glargine) approved for treatment of diabetes mellitus across all indications of reference medicine Expected launch by early 2027; potential to expand access to insulin treatment option for tens of millions of European patients Strengthens Sandoz position in diabetes; reinforces commitment to helping patients access critical and potentially life-changing biologic medicines Basel, January 14, 2026 - Sandoz (SIX:SDZ/OTCQX:SDZNY), the global leader in affordable medicines, today confirmed that the European Commission has granted marketing authorization for Ondibta (insulin glargine), a solution for injection in a pre-filled pen developed and registered by Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals. Ondibta is approved for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in adults, adolescents and children aged two years and above1 and is confirmed to match the reference medicine, Lantus SoloStar* insulin pen, in terms of safety, quality and efficacy2. The approval paves the way for an expected launch of Ondibta by early 2027, which has the potential to increase competition, improve affordability and enhance access to insulin treatment options for people living with diabetes in Europe. Claire D'Abreu-Hayling, Chief Scientific Officer, Sandoz, said: "Diabetes remains one of the fastest-growing global health challenges, placing a significant burden on tens of millions of patients across Europe, their families and healthcare systems. The approval of Ondibta marks an important milestone in addressing this need and underscores our commitment to improving patient access to critical, potentially life-changing biologic medicines." Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin that it produces. It can cause blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation3. According to latest estimates, there are 66 million adults aged 20-79 living with diabetes in Europe4, a figure that is expected to increase 10% by 2050 to 72 million5, with related healthcare expenditure approaching USD 200 billion6. Sandoz entered into an agreement with Gan & Lee in December 2018 to commercialize biosimilar versions of the insulins glargine, lispro and aspart. Under the terms of the agreement, Sandoz will commercialize in Europe and other key territories around the world, while Gan & Lee is responsible for development, registration, manufacturing and supply. The approval builds on the continuing Sandoz leadership and pioneering legacy in biosimilars, dating back to the introduction of the first biosimilar in 2006. It also strengthens the Sandoz position in diabetes, while representing another step towards the overall strategic objective of capitalizing on a projected ~USD 320 billion biosimilar-market opportunity over the next 10 years7. Sandoz is committed to helping millions of patients access critical and potentially life-changing biologic medicines sustainably and affordably, with a leading global portfolio comprising 13 biosimilars and a further 27 assets in various stages of development. *Lantus and SoloStar are registered trademarks of Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH. About Ondibta (insulin glargine) Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin analog administered once daily. It has a smooth, peakless, predictable concentration with a prolonged duration of action lasting up to 24 hours, ensuring consistent blood glucose control with proven efficacy and safety. Therefore, insulin glargine injection has become an especially important basal insulin analog in the treatment of diabetes1,2. DISCLAIMER This Media Release contains forward-looking statements, which offer no guarantee with regard to future performance. These statements are made on the basis of management's views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance at the time the statements are made. They are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not confined to, future global economic conditions, exchange rates, legal provisions, market conditions, activities by competitors and other factors outside of the control of Sandoz. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those forecasted or expected. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and Sandoz undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. REFERENCES 1 European Medicines Agency (EMA). Ondibta (insulin glargine): Product details. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/ondibtaproduct-details [Last accessed: January 2026]. 2 European Medicines Agency (EMA). Lantus (insulin glargine): Prescribing Information. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/lantus [Last accessed: January 2026]. 3 World Health Organization. Diabetes Factsheet. Available at: Diabetes [Last accessed: January 2026]. 4 IDF Diabetes Atlas 11th edition 2025. Available at: https://diabetesatlas.org/resources/idf-diabetes-atlas-2025/ [Last accessed: January 2026]. 5 IDF Diabetes Atlas 11th edition 2025. Available at: https://diabetesatlas.org/resources/idf-diabetes-atlas-2025/ [Last accessed: January 2026]. 6 IDF Diabetes Atlas 11th edition 2025. Available at: https://diabetesatlas.org/resources/idf-diabetes-atlas-2025/ [Last accessed: January 2026]. 7 Covers US and EU markets (2026-2035). Originator sales and LoE based on internal analysis of data from multiple subscription databases. Biosimilar data accessed in September 2025. ABOUT SANDOZ Sandoz (SIX: SDZ; OTCQX: SDZNY) is the global leader in affordable medicines, with a growth strategy driven by its Purpose: pioneering access for patients. More than 20,000 people of 100 nationalities work together to ensure 900 million patient treatments are provided by Sandoz, generating substantial global healthcare savings and an even larger social impact. Its leading portfolio of approximately 1,300 products addresses diseases from the common cold to cancer. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Sandoz traces its heritage back to 1886. Its history of breakthroughs includes Calcium Sandoz in 1929, the world's first oral penicillin in 1951, and the world's first biosimilar in 2006. In 2024, Sandoz recorded net sales of USD 10.4 billion. CONTACTS Global Media Relations contacts Investor Relations contacts Global.MediaRelations@sandoz.com Investor.Relations@sandoz.com Alexis Kalomparis +41 792 790285 Craig Marks +44 7818 942 383 Chris Lewis +49 174 244 9501 Tamara Hackl +41 79 790 5217 Gregor Rodehueser +49 170 574 3200 Silvia Siegfried +41 79 795 9061 End of Media Release View original content: EQS News New OpenLine Clearance Assistant 3.0 Leverages Breakthrough Technology to Maintain Uninterrupted Production Flow NEWTOWN, Pa., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With production bottlenecks costing life sciences manufacturers millions in lost productivity, Catalyx today unveiled OpenLine LineClearance Assistant 3.0, a breakthrough AI-powered solution addressing this issue. The new solution transforms line clearance into a fully automated digital process, accelerating product changeover time, minimizing downtime, and maximizing operational efficiency. "With our new solution, Catalyx removes line clearance as a manufacturing obstacle, providing faster line turnover, improved accuracy, and a compliance-enabled solution for modern life sciences environments," said Mario L. Rocci, Jr., CEO, Catalyx. "We designed the system with intelligence that learns, adapts, and improves every day through guided operator feedback and review." Breakthrough Technology OpenLine LineClearance Assistant 3.0 introduces advanced AI training and machine vision technology, combining automated intelligence with structured human oversight to make digital processes easier to deploy and operate during line clearance, an essential quality assurance process that ensures production equipment is properly cleaned and configured between product runs. Key innovations include: Revolutionary self-healing inspection intelligence that automatically creates and proposes performance adjustments based on real world outcomes, with changes guided, reviewed, and approved by qualified personnel to continuously improve inspection accuracy Advanced AI-powered machine vision to verify production lines are free of residual materials and rogue components between production runs, completing inspections in milliseconds with a complete digital inspection record Streamlined in-application model training and enhanced image management that enable faster inspection review and improved handling of complex production environments Addressing Industrywide Pain Points The launch comes following Catalyx's 2025 Life Sciences Line Clearance Benchmark Report revealing that 70% of life sciences organizations experienced at least one clearance failure in the past 12 months. Nearly a third (30%) reported six or more failure annually. With more than half of respondents (63%) still relying on traditional paper-based processes for critical production line changeovers, Catalyx's new solution provides manufacturers with the ability to smoothly transition to a fully digital approach. OpenLine LineClearance Assistant 3.0 is available immediately for global deployment. The solution supports GMP and global regulatory requirements and emerging EU AI Act requirements. Every inspection and system update is automatically documented to support traceability, transparency, and explainability. See It Live Catalyx will demonstrate OpenLine LineClearance Assistant 3.0 at Pharmapack Europe in Paris, January 21-22, 2026, at Stand 4K50 and at INTERPHEX New York, April 21-23, 2026, at Stand 3663. For more information about OpenLine LineClearance Assistant 3.0 or to schedule a demonstration, visit www.catalyx.ai or contact info@catalyx.ai. About Catalyx Catalyx specializes in optimizing operations for life sciences and other highly regulated industries. With over 30 years of experience, the company operates a global team of 550+ engineers and technology specialists. Catalyx has delivered more than 3,000 projects across the life sciences sector, providing automation, machine vision, and professional services that drive operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and enhance performance and safety. For more information about Catalyx, visit www.catalyx.ai. Media Contact Rachel O'Sullivan Global Head of Marketing rachel.osullivan@catalyx.ai Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2861237/Catalyx_LineClearance.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2202321/Catalyx_Logo_Primary_RGB_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/catalyx-unveils-ai-powered-line-clearance-solution-to-reduce-manufacturing-bottlenecks-in-life-sciences-302660533.html St. Louis, Missouri--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Karviva, the functional beverage company founded by pathologist and Traditional Chinese Medicine-inspired wellness innovator Dr. Angela Zeng, has received recognition from the Missouri Department of Agriculture while also earning national editorial coverage in Bustle for its science-based approach to detox and daily wellness. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/279361_f94bdaa2d48f2882_001full.jpg Karviva was recently honored as part of Missouri's agriculture and food innovation community, recognizing the brand's commitment to local production, responsible sourcing, and value-added wellness products developed and manufactured in the state. As a proud member of the Grown in Missouri program, Karviva contributes to Missouri agriculture by transforming whole-food ingredients into functional beverages designed to support digestion, hydration, and long-term balance rather than short-term restriction. The recognition coincides with Karviva's feature in Bustle, titled "Detox, Reframed: TCM Meets Modern Nutrition," which highlights the brand as a case study in moving detox culture away from extreme juice cleanses and toward repeatable, sustainable habits rooted in nourishment and rhythm. In the article, Dr. Zeng challenges the prevailing idea that detox must involve deprivation or crash-style cleanses. Drawing from Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern nutrition science, she emphasizes consistency, digestive protection, and whole-food extraction methods as more realistic ways to support the body. "American culture is like a microwave culture, people want instant results," Zeng told Bustle. "Traditional Chinese Medicine is really about consistency." Karviva's detox juices and cleanse packs are designed with this philosophy in mind. Unlike many cold-pressed juices that rely on raw processing and high sugar content, Karviva uses controlled, low-temperature extraction to preserve nutrients while remaining gentler on digestion. The formulations feature ingredients such as mung bean sprouts, aloe, ginger, kiwi, and aronia berries, selected for their functional roles in hydration, fiber intake, and digestive support. The Missouri Agriculture recognition underscores Karviva's broader mission: to align wellness innovation with local economic impact and environmental responsibility. The company's St. Louis-based operations support regional jobs, reduce transportation emissions, and reinforce Missouri's growing reputation as a hub for food and beverage innovation. "We're pleased to recognize these individuals and businesses for their contributions to Missouri agriculture," said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. "Their leadership, dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed and we're grateful for their efforts to improve Missouri agriculture." Together, the state-level honor and national media coverage reflect Karviva's growing influence in redefining functional wellness. Rather than positioning detox as a short-term fix, the brand continues to advocate for daily practices that people can maintain through changing seasons, schedules, and life stages. Karviva products are available online and at select natural and specialty retailers, with continued expansion planned throughout 2026. About Karviva Founded by Dr. Angela Zeng, Ph.D., MBA, Karviva is a functional beverage brand rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and modern nutritional science. The company develops clean-label juices and wellness drinks that support digestion, hydration, energy, and balance without extremes. Karviva is proudly based in St. Louis, Missouri, and is a member of the Grown in Missouri program. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279361 Source: GYT Sixth Street SLE III Hits Hard Cap, Reflecting Long-Term Strength as One of Europe's Leading Private Capital Platforms Sixth Street, a leading global investment firm, today announced the final close of Sixth Street Specialty Lending Europe III ("SLE III" or "the Fund"), at its hard cap with 3.75 billion in total equity commitments. SLE III is Sixth Street's third and largest dedicated fund focused on providing financing solutions for companies across Europe. The total investable capital for SLE III is expected to be approximately 7 billion, including anticipated leverage. "We are grateful to our long-term capital partners for their trust and commitment to our strategy as we continue to support European businesses at any point in their lifecycle, offering customized capital solutions delivered with speed and certainty," said Michael Griffin, Co-Head of Sixth Street Global Direct Lending and Head of Europe Direct Lending. "This is a significant milestone for our European Direct Lending business and a testament to the firm's intentional growth in the region. While Sixth Street has spent the past two decades strategically investing in Europe, we established our dedicated team and fund complex in 2015, positioning ourselves as a leading provider of capital solutions to European companies." Since 2015, the Sixth Street European Direct Lending platform has completed more than 75 transactions throughout the UK and Europe, providing capital solutions ranging from 30 million to over 2 billion. These solutions support both founder-owned and sponsor-backed businesses across software, healthcare, consumer, industrials, business services and many other industries. Sixth Street European Direct Lending is part of the firm's Global Direct Lending platform and benefits from the full breadth, scale and cross-platform teamwork of Sixth Street and its more than $125 billion in global assets under management. Based in the firm's London office, the European Direct Lending team works closely with the firm's Europe-focused investment professionals in growth equity, real estate, asset based finance and financial services. The Direct Lending platform is also supported by Sixth Street's affiliated highly flexible global investment strategies, including the $30 billion Sixth Street TAO platform. Mr. Griffin concluded, "Our European business is significantly bolstered by the breadth and depth of Sixth Street's global platform and the deep expertise of our dedicated sector teams. We deeply value our longstanding relationships with management teams and sponsors and look forward to continuing to apply our disciplined underwriting and solutions-driven approach to deliver value for our dedicated capital partners across market cycles." About Sixth Street Sixth Street is a global investment firm with over $125 billion in assets under management and committed capital. The firm uses its long-term flexible capital, data-enabled capabilities, and One Team culture to develop themes and offer solutions to companies across all stages of growth. Founded in 2009, Sixth Street has more than 700 team members including over 300 investment professionals around the world.1 For more information, and additional disclosures, visit https://www.sixthstreet.com/, and follow Sixth Street on LinkedIn. 1Total Sixth Street employees as of 10/31/2025 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114643327/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: media@sixthstreet.com COPENHAGEN, Denmark and DELFT, Netherlands, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- emagine announces today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Waada The Movement, a Netherlands-based consultancy specialising in business transformation, data and software development. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary employee information procedures and applicable regulatory approvals. Founded in 2004, Waada employs more than 400 professionals and partners with enterprise organisations to deliver large-scale, high-impact digital transformation initiatives, including AI adoption, data and software engineering. The company's consulting model combines strategic advisory with deep technical execution, which will reinforce emagine's position as a trusted and full-service consulting partner with extensive digital enablement expertise and end-to-end delivery capabilities. The agreement supports emagine's growth strategy by strengthening its ability to deliver complex transformation and engineering programmes. Waada is expected to contribute approximately 40 million in annual revenue, adding further scale to emagine's global business. At present, emagine serves more than 500 enterprise clients globally, with approximately 5,000 consultants on active assignments across 13 countries and a professional network of over 500,000 specialists worldwide. Waada operates through two distinct brands: Prowareness, supporting the largest Dutch organisations in their transformations and change initiatives, through its expertise in Agile, Lean, and AI; and DevOn, which delivers high-end digital engineering and software development through a distributed delivery model. With operations in the UK, Netherlands and a substantial offshore hub in Bengaluru, India, the addition of DevOn will complement emagine's existing nearshore strengths in Poland, Portugal and Romania. "This partnership will mark a defining step in emagine's growth journey," says Anders Gratte, CEO of emagine. "Waada brings the kind of high-end advisory and specialised engineering capability our customers are looking for as they take on more complex transformation programmes and navigate the shift to AI. By expanding our footprint and strengthening our bestshoring delivery model, we can support clients earlier in the lifecycle, remain close partners through execution, and deliver at scale as demand continues to grow." "We see strong strategic and cultural alignment with emagine," say Derk Zegers, Managing Director of Prowareness, and Rahul Sah, CEO of DevOn International. "Our shared focus on quality, trusted, long-term partnerships, and professional excellence creates a strong foundation for our shared future. This agreement opens new opportunities for both our clients and colleagues, while allowing us to preserve the strength and success that have driven Waada's growth for over two decades." "In the last 15 years I have focused on growing Waada to the company that it is today. I am really proud of our journey and am convinced it is time for Waada to take the next step with the help of emagine," says Vikram Kapoor, CEO of Waada. "I am confident that by combining our strengths, emagine and Waada can offer an even stronger bestshoring experience and better outcomes for clients and employees, bringing greater value to an international market." Further details will be shared following completion of the transaction, subject to regulatory and employee information requirements. PRESS CONTACT: Mette Muxoll Schou +45 31 21 41 84 ms@emagine.org View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/emagine-to-acquire-waada-the-movement-strengthening-advisory-and-execution-capabilities-for-customers-302661026.html NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / North Shore Uranium Ltd. (TSXV:NSU) ("North Shore" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has increased its non-brokered private placement offering, previously announced on December 11, 2025, (the "Offering") to gross proceeds of up to $3,232,500, from the previously announced gross proceeds of up to $3,000,000, being an increase of $232,500. The Offering consists of units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.25 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one-half of one share purchase warrant (each whole share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.40 per Warrant Share for a period of two (2) years from closing of the Offering. The Warrants will be subject to an accelerated expiry provision such that, if the volume-weighted average price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") equals or exceeds $0.80 for ten (10) consecutive trading days, then the Warrants will expire thirty (30) days following the date on which the Company either provides notice of acceleration to the holders of the Warrants or issues a news release announcing the acceleration, in each case at the Company's election. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for exploration of the Rio Puerco uranium project in New Mexico, continued exploration of the Company's Saskatchewan uranium properties, the costs of the Offering and for general working capital. The securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a four-month and one-day hold period under applicable securities laws. The Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals including the approval of the TSXV. Finder's fees may be payable in the Offering. Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors The securities referred to in this news release have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell securities, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements. "United States" and "U.S. person" have the respective meanings assigned in Regulation S under the U.S Securities Act. ABOUT NORTH SHORE The nuclear power industry is in growth mode as more nuclear power will be required to meet the world's ambitious CO2 emission-reduction goals and the needs of new power-intensive technologies like AI. In this environment, new discoveries of economic uranium deposits will be very valuable, especially in established uranium-producing jurisdictions like Saskatchewan and New Mexico. North Shore is well-positioned to become a major force in exploration for economic uranium deposits. The Company is working to achieve this goal by exploring Rio Puerco in the Grants Uranium District of New Mexico and its Falcon and West Bear properties at the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan. In addition, the Company continues to evaluate quality opportunities in the United States and Canada to complement its portfolio of uranium properties. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Brooke Clements, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director For further information: Please contact: Brooke Clements, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Telephone: 604.536.2711 Email: b.clements@northshoreuranium.com www.northshoreuranium.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan," "project," "believe," "expect," "intend," "aim," "seek," "anticipate," "estimate," "could," "may," "should," "would," and "will," and similar expressions, or their negatives. Forward-looking statements in this release, directly or implied include, but are not limited to: the terms and completion of the Offering; the use of proceeds of the Offering; the Company's plans to advance and continue exploration at the Rio Puerco project and at the Falcon and West Bear properties; the Company's intention to continue evaluating quality opportunities in the United States and Canada to complement its portfolio; the belief that the nuclear power industry is in growth mode and that increased nuclear power generation will be required to meet global CO2-reduction goals and the needs of power-intensive technologies such as AI; the belief that new discoveries of economic uranium deposits will be very valuable; and the belief that North Shore is well-positioned to become a leading explorer for economic uranium deposits. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that management believes are reasonable, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, completion of the Offering on the terms disclosed, investor interest, and the Company's ability to execute its exploration plans as intended; that uranium market and geopolitical conditions and long-term demand for nuclear power remain positive; that any necessary permits and approvals for exploration programs at Rio Puerco, Falcon and West Bear will be obtained in a timely manner and that the programs can be executed substantially as planned; that technical evaluations may confirm ISR viability at Rio Puerco; that the Company can identify and acquire additional quality uranium assets in North America; Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to: failure to obtain regulatory approvals, inability to complete the Offering, market volatility, operational challenges, changes in securities laws, general economic conditions, and the possibility that the Company may be required to change the allocation of proceeds from the Offering due to unforeseen circumstances or business needs; the inability to complete successful financings and market conditions limiting access to capital; technical challenges during exploration programs; potential opposition from local stakeholders or regulatory changes, global energy policy shifts or delays in nuclear plant construction reducing uranium demand; alternative technologies displacing nuclear power growth; uranium price volatility undermining certain project's economics; inability to attract and retain technical and managerial talent; operational challenges, environmental incidents, accidents, labour disputes; and changes in laws, regulations or TSXV policies.. There may be other factors that cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated or implied by the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. SOURCE: North Shore Uranium Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/north-shore-increases-non-brokered-private-placement-1126974 Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - SuperQ Quantum Computing Inc. (CSE: QBTQ) (OTCQB: QBTQF) (FSE: 25X) ("SuperQ Quantum", "SuperQ", or the "Company"), a leader in hybrid quantum-classical orchestration and advanced optimization platforms, today announced its strategic participation in two premier events. Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, CEO and Board Chair, will represent the company at the AlphaNorth Capital Event in Nassau, Bahamas, followed by the Quantum Days 2026 conference in Victoria, B.C. AlphaNorth Capital Event (January 16-18, 2026 | Nassau, Bahamas) SuperQ will kick off its 2026 investment calendar at the iconic Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. As a featured growth-stage issuer, Dr. Khan will engage in a series of pre-scheduled 1:1 meetings with North America's top institutional investors, family offices, and buy-side analysts. The focus will be on SuperQ's commercial roadmap, its proprietary Super platform, its quantum consumer app ChatQLM released at the CES last week, its quantum hardware R&D and M&A roadmap, and its unique model of delivering immediate ROI through quantum-powered optimization. Further details can be found on the event's website. Quantum Days (February 18-20, 2026 | Victoria, BC) Turning from capital to core technology, Dr. Khan will head to Canada's flagship quantum conference. As a member of Deep Tech Canada, SuperQ is a key accelerant in moving quantum computing from experimental labs to field-ready applications. Dr. Khan will join experts-including Andrea Damascelli, Alejandro Adem, Elise Usunier and Sean Silcoff. He will speak on a high-level panel to discuss the leap forward in quantum computing, sensing and communication. "At SuperQ, we are focused on the 'Quantum Utility' era. By moving directly from the investment tables of AlphaNorth to the technical panels of Quantum Days, we are proving that quantum isn't just a future concept - it is a present-day asset class ready for both the lab and the ledger." About SuperQ Quantum Computing Inc. SuperQ Quantum Computing Inc. (CSE: QBTQ) (FSE: 25X) (OTCQB: QBTQF) is reducing the technical and financial barriers to quantum and supercomputing commercialization. It is defining the next era of enterprise transformation, emerging as a partner for global organizations seeking direct quantum and supercomputing ROI. We are also putting quantum computing in the palm of consumers' hands through ChatQLM to drive widespread adoption. Our flagship Super platform strives to make the most advanced computational power intuitive and accessible. This will empower executives, leading research institutions, and critical government agencies to unlock immediate business impact across finance, healthcare, logistics, defense, and beyond, leveraging our proprietary AI Autopilots to turn complex challenges into executive-ready results with one-click productization and deployment. SuperQ Quantum is headquartered in Canada with a growing international presence, particularly in the US, Middle East and Asia, strategically establishing Super Hubs in key regions. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information generally refers to information about an issuer's business, capital, or operations that is prospective in nature. Any statements that are contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "would", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends" "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking information. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking information concerning statements with respect to the closing of the Offering, timing of closing of the Offering, the use of proceeds of the Offering and the future plans of the Company. The Company cautions that all forward-looking information is inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions, expectations and risks, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to assumptions regarding prevailing market conditions and general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties to develop the forward-looking information in this press release, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's disclosure documents filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities laws. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280328 Source: SuperQ Quantum TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Premier American Uranium Inc. ("PUR", the "Company" or "Premier American Uranium"- (TSXV: PUR) (OTCQB: PAUIF) is pleased to announce completion of the 2025 exploration drilling program at the Cyclone Rim target area of the Company's wholly-owned Cyclone ISR Uranium Project ("Cyclone" or the "Project"), located in the Great Divide Basin of south-central Wyoming. The exploration program commenced on July 16, 2025, with the objective of further defining sandstone-hosted uranium mineralization that was partially outlined during the Company's 2024 exploration program. The Project is situated in the vicinity of Ur-Energy Inc.'s Lost Creek ISR uranium mine and Uranium Energy Corp.'s Sweetwater uranium production facility (Figure 2). Highlights Positive drill results include mineralized zones encountered in areas where uranium mineralization was not previously known to occur, and extensions of known mineralization along a previously identified geologic trend. Twenty-five conventional mud rotary holes were completed for a total of 17,160 ft of drilling in 2025 (Figure 1). Thirteen of the 25 drill holes intersected uranium mineralization at grades of 0.01% eU3O8 or higher (see Table 1 for complete results). Notably, hole CR25-001 returned 15.5 ft grading 0.09% eU3O8. Within this overall mineralized intercept is a three-foot thick zone that averages 0.229% eU 3 O 8 - O - Drilling at the Cyclone Rim target in 2024 identified flat lying uranium mineralization along a -mile, east-west trend. The 2025 drilling program has extended that mineralized trend and has identified a second trend of uranium mineralization running north-south over a 1.5-mile distance. Both mineralized zones remain open in multiple directions and are expected to be further investigated in future exploration drill programs. Colin Healey, CEO of PUR commented, "We are encouraged by the strong results returned from drilling at Cyclone Rim this season. With each phase, our understanding of the mineralized system improves, and we remain focused on expanding known zones of mineralization while also uncovering new areas of potential mineralization. The 2025 program not only delivered the best-known uranium-mineralized intercept to-date at the Project, but also succeeded in extending the -mile mineralized trend identified during our 2024 campaign, and identified a promising new, large, 1.5-mile mineralized trend, for future follow-up. We look forward to leveraging the data obtained during the 2025 field season to optimize 2026 initiatives. I congratulate our technical team on the strong execution in the field in 2025 as we continue to uncover the potential at the Cyclone project." Table 1. 2025 Cyclone Rim Significant Intercepts Hole Intercept From (ft) To (ft) Length (ft) eU 3 O % CR25-001 intersected 202 217.5 15.5 0.09 including 14 0.097 including 13.5 0.1 including 3.0 0.229 CR25-002 intersected 346 355 9 0.019 including 4 0.027 including 1.5 0.034 CR25-004 intersected 557 557.5 0.5 0.011 CR25-005a intersected 195.5 196.5 1 0.011 and 203 208 5 0.018 including 1.5 0.029 and 216.5 225 8.5 0.027 including 2.5 0.058 including 1.5 0.075 and 237 238.5 1.5 0.011 CR25-009 intersected 396.5 398 1.5 0.011 CR25-010 intersected 377.5 379.5 2 0.015 CR25-013 intersected 371 372.5 1.5 0.016 intersected 379 380.5 1.5 0.012 CR25-014 intersected 346 355 9 0.028 including 7.5 0.03 CR25-015 intersected 367.5 368.5 1 0.012 CR25-019 intersected 242.5 255 12.5 0.027 including 4.5 0.041 including 2.5 0.028 CR25-022a intersected 456 459.5 3.5 0.017 including 1 0.021 CR25-023a intersected 395.5 397 1.5 0.011 CR25-025a intersected 205.5 211 5.5 0.018 including 1 0.027 Table 2. 2025 Cyclone Rim Drillhole Collar Details Drillhole ID UTM Easting UTM Northing Azimuth Dip Depth (ft) (top of hole) (top of hole) CR25-001 719839 4673113 0 -90 1000 CR25-002 719247 4673069 0 -90 600 CR25-003a 718674 4673014 0 -90 500 CR25-004 718109 4673018 0 -90 760 CR25-005a 719840 4673125 0 -90 520 CR25-006a 719837 4673093 0 -90 520 CR25-007a 720926 4676935 0 -90 500 CR25-008a 720259 4676679 0 -90 500 CR25-009 719652 4674387 0 -90 900 CR25-010 719694 4675429 0 -90 940 CR25-011 719667 4676447 0 -90 800 CR25-012 719613 4677753 0 -90 700 CR25-013 720204 4677258 0 -90 460 CR25-014 720275 4676696 0 -90 800 CR25-015 720112 4675484 0 -90 860 CR25-016 720362 4673880 0 -90 900 CR25-017 721054 4674655 0 -90 700 CR25-018 720949 4675796 0 -90 800 CR25-019 720946 4676941 0 -90 800 CR25-020 721597 4677830 0 -90 700 CR25-021a 720180 4677252 0 -90 500 CR25-022a 722669 4678583 0 -90 500 CR25-023a 720226 4677252 0 -90 500 CR25-024a 721431 4678256 0 -90 700 CR25-025a 722594 4678552 0 -90 700 Drill holes reported here encountered uranium mineralization with >1-ft thickness at or above a cut-off grade of 0.01% eU 3 O 8 . All grades were calculated from gamma-ray logs measured by Hawkins CBM Logging of Cody, Wyoming, a highly experienced and skilled independent borehole geophysical contractor. Hawkins CBM Logging's geophysical probe was most recently calibrated at the US Department of Energy's Casper, Wyoming logging test pits in June 2025. Uranium grades cited were calculated from gamma-ray logs, and the cited grades are "equivalent" ("e") grades of U 3 O 8 . All drill holes are vertical in orientation and the geologic units hosting the uranium mineralization are flat lying, therefore reported thicknesses are true thicknesses. No corrections were made for radiometric disequilibrium. Figure 1. 2025 Cyclone Rim Target Area Drill Hole Locations Cyclone Project The Project is situated in the Wyoming Basin physiographic province, in south-central Wyoming and within the Great Divide Basin (Figure 2). Uranium mineralization occurs in the Tertiary age Battle Spring Formation as sandstone-hosted roll-fronts. PUR's mineral holdings include 1,161 unpatented mining claims and 9 State leases. In total, the Project comprises approximately 26,180 acres. Portions of the Project area were explored by various companies beginning in the 1950's. Wyoming has led the US in uranium production since 1995, and since the first uranium mines started operating in 1951, the state has produced more than 238 million pounds of uranium concentrate. Wyoming hosts the largest known economic uranium ore reserves in the US, which are in the Powder River Basin, Great Divide Basin, Shirley Basin, and Gas Hills (Wind River Basin).1 Figure 2: Location of the Cyclone Project, Great Divide Basin, Wyoming Qualified Person Statement The scientific and technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Dean T. Wilton, PG, CPG, MAIG, a consultant of PUR who is a "Qualified Person" (as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects). Mr. Wilton has verified the data disclosed in this news release, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information contained herein. The drilling results cited in this release were derived from conventional mud rotary drill holes and continuously recorded geophysical responses (gamma-ray, self-potential, and single point resistivity) from a borehole geophysical probe. The mineralized zones are flat lying and the individual drill holes are vertical in orientation, and the thicknesses cited in this release are true thicknesses. Grades of mineralization reported were calculated from the gamma-ray logs following a procedure that was first developed in the early 1960s and is standard practice in the uranium industry. The borehole geophysical logging was carried out by Hawkins CBM Logging of Cody Wyoming, an independent geophysical contractor that is highly experienced and skilled in providing reliable and accurate data. The gamma-ray probe and instrumentation were most recently calibrated at the US Department of Energy's gamma-ray test pits in Casper, Wyoming in June 2025. Other information regarding the Company's Cyclone Project can be referenced in the "Technical Report on the Cyclone Uranium Project, Great Divide Basin, Wyoming USA, dated June 30, 2023, which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR +, at www.sedarplus.ca. About Premier American Uranium Inc. Premier American Uranium is focused on consolidating, exploring, and developing uranium projects across the United States to strengthen domestic energy security and advance the transition to clean energy. The Company's extensive land position spans five of the nation's top uranium districts, with active work programs underway in New Mexico's Grants Mineral Belt and Wyoming's Great Divide and Powder River Basins. Backed by strategic partners including Sachem Cove Partners, IsoEnergy Ltd., Mega Uranium Ltd., and other leading institutional investors, PUR is advancing a portfolio supported by defined resources and high-priority exploration and development targets. Led by a distinguished team with deep expertise in uranium exploration, development, permitting, operations, and uranium-focused M&A, the Company is well positioned as a key player in advancing the U.S. uranium sector. For More Information, Please Contact: Premier American Uranium Inc. Colin Healey, CEO info@premierur.com Toll-Free: 1-833-223-4673 Twitter: @PremierAUranium www.premierur.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to, future exploration activities and the anticipated results thereof; future prospects for exploration; expectations regarding transition to clean energy in the US; and other activities, events or developments that are expected, anticipated or may occur in the future. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Forward-looking information and statements are based on our current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about PUR's business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Such forward-information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the price of uranium, the anticipated cost of planned exploration activities, the completion, timing and results of planned exploration activities being consistent with expectations, the anticipated mineralization being consistent with expectations, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by PUR in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performances and achievements of Premier American Uranium to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of Premier American Uranium expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: limited operating history, negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, delays or failure to obtain required permits and regulatory approvals, changes in mineral resources, no known mineral reserves, aboriginal title and consultation issues, reliance on key management and other personnel; potential downturns in economic conditions; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment and supplies; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; changes in laws and regulation, competition, and uninsurable risks and the risk factors with respect to Premier American Uranium set out in PUR's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the other documents of PUR filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under PUR's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca- Although PUR has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. PUR undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws. 1 Uranium resources summary of 2023 (wyo.gov) Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6a731264-0486-465d-b14a-771d055c99d8 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8077b458-3004-45c9-b38c-225f5739ba66 TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lithium Ionic Corp. (TSXV: LTH; OTCQX: LTHCF; FSE: H3N) ("Lithium Ionic" or the "Company") is pleased to provide a year-end review of its key accomplishments in 2025 and an outlook on priorities for 2026. The past year marked a pivotal transition for Lithium Ionic, defined by continued mineral resource growth, the delivery of a materially improved feasibility study, strengthened technical leadership, and successful financing execution. Together, these milestones have positioned the Company to enter 2026 focused on advancing permitting to completion, finalizing detailed engineering, securing project financing, and progressing pre-development activities to advance its flagship Bandeira Lithium Project into the construction phase. With a robust technical foundation in place and lithium market fundamentals strengthening, Lithium Ionic is well positioned to emerge as a near-term supplier of high-quality spodumene concentrate to the global battery supply chain. Blake Hylands, P.Geo., CEO of Lithium Ionic, commented, "Lithium Ionic has moved decisively beyond concept and optimization and is now firmly in an execution phase. Bandeira is a technically mature, economically compelling project located in one of the world's lowest-cost hard-rock lithium regions, and our focus is on converting that strength into a producing operation. As lithium market fundamentals continue to tighten, we believe Bandeira is well positioned to enter the market at scale and deliver high-quality spodumene concentrate into global battery supply chains. Our objective is clear: advance through permitting and financing and bring this project into construction with discipline and confidence." 2025 Highlights: Mineral Resource Growth Across Portfolio of Properties 2025 marked a year of meaningful mineral resource growth for Lithium Ionic, further establishing the Company as one of the largest hard-rock lithium developers in Brazil's Lithium Valley. Through continued exploration success and resource expansion at its core assets, Lithium Ionic significantly increased its consolidated global mineral resource base. Following updated mineral resource estimates at its flagship Bandeira Project and the Baixa Grande Project, Lithium Ionic now reports consolidated global mineral resources of 36.76 million tonnes grading 1.31% Li2O in the Measured & Indicated category, plus an additional 31.87 million tonnes grading 1.19% Li2O in the Inferred category, underscoring the scale and long-term development potential of the Company's portfolio. Bandeira Project - Flagship Asset In May 2025, Lithium Ionic reported a substantially expanded mineral resource estimate for its Bandeira Project, outlining 27.27 million tonnes Measured & Indicated at 1.34% Li2O (901 kt LCE), plus 18.55 million tonnes Inferred at 1.34% Li2O (615 kt LCE). The updated Bandeira MRE represented a 30% increase in Measured & Indicated tonnage compared to the resource supporting the May 2024 Feasibility Study and provided the foundation for the optimized Feasibility Study delivered in September 2025, which extended mine life and materially improved project economics. Baixa Grande Project - Continued Growth and Optionality In January 2025, the Company also reported an updated mineral resource estimate for its Baixa Grande Project, demonstrating continued exploration success and future growth optionality beyond the flagship development. The updated Baixa Grande MRE outlined 6.52 million tonnes grading 1.11 % Li2O in the Measured & Indicated category and 12.90 million tonnes grading 0.96 Li2O in the Inferred category, representing increases of 11.3% in M&I and 45% in Inferred resources compared to the maiden estimate reported in April 2024. Advancing Toward Construction: Technical De-Risking and Optimization Strategic Engagement of RTEK In April, Lithium Ionic engaged RTEK International DMCC ("RTEK") as a strategic advisor to support construction readiness and operational execution at Bandeira. This partnership integrated RTEK's deep expertise in lithium project engineering, construction execution, and spodumene concentrate marketing directly into the Company's owners team, strengthening technical oversight as the Project transitions from feasibility toward execution and commercial production. Mr. Brian Talbot, RTEK's partner and an experienced lithium project developer and operator, is overseeing the project development and will be personally involved in the implementation of Bandeira project. Optimized Feasibility Study In September 2025, the Company delivered an updated NI 43-101 Feasibility Study (the "Study") for Bandeira, reflecting a larger mineral resource and reserve base, optimized mine sequencing, and a simplified, lower-risk plant design. In parallel with the Study, the Company advanced basic and detailed engineering, reaching approximately 38% completion of all engineering activities by year-end, further strengthening execution readiness. Key outcomes of the updated Study included: Mine life extended to 18.5 years, up from 14 years Post-tax NPV(8%) of US$1.45 billion, despite more conservative price assumptions Post-tax IRR of 61%, up from 40% Initial CAPEX reduced to US$191 million, down ~28% from the prior study Site operating costs of US$378/t spodumene concentrate Payback reduced to 2.2 years The updated Study positioned Bandeira as one of the lowest-cost hard-rock spodumene projects globally, while maintaining a strong ESG-oriented mine design anchored by underground mining, dry-stacked tailings, and reduced surface disturbance. The Company expects to complete 100% of basic and detailed engineering by mid-2026, supporting the transition toward construction readiness. Strengthening ESG Leadership and Permitting Readiness In 2025, Lithium Ionic further strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Flavia Veronese as Director of ESG. An Environmental Engineer with more than 15 years of experience in sustainability and environmental permitting, Ms. Veronese is leading the Company's ESG strategy and overseeing environmental, social, and governance initiatives at the Bandeira Project. Her mandate includes supporting the permitting process, advancing structured community engagement, and ensuring full alignment with evolving regulatory requirements in Minas Gerais. During the year, environmental permitting discussions across the State focused on clarifying consultation processes and defining impact parameters for mining projects. These broader regulatory deliberations have since provided greater transparency and predictability, strengthening the overall permitting framework. Lithium Ionic views this period as constructive and believes it has enhanced clarity and confidence in the path forward for Bandeira and other assets in the Lithium Valley. Importantly, the Company used this period productively to further de-risk the Project, advancing detailed engineering, optimizing mine and plant design, and strengthening execution readiness. Strengthened Balance Sheet and Strategic Shareholder Support In late 2025, Lithium Ionic closed an oversubscribed non-brokered private placement totaling $18.3 million, reflecting strong support from long-term strategic shareholders and continued confidence in the Company's development strategy and the quality of the Bandeira Project. The financing significantly strengthened Lithium Ionic's balance sheet, positioning it to advance permitting, detailed engineering, and other key pre-development activities into 2026. 2026 Outlook: Transitioning to Execution Entering 2026, Lithium Ionic is focused on completing the final, value-defining steps required to transition the Bandeira Project into construction with a clear, disciplined development pathway. Key priorities include the continued advancement of the permitting process, finalization of the project financing strategy - including the progression of offtake discussions to final terms - and the completion of detailed engineering. In parallel, the Company is preparing for construction readiness through pre-development activities such as long-lead equipment procurement and early site works. Together, these efforts are intended to support a Final Investment Decision (FID), marking the formal transition from development into construction. These initiatives represent the final phase of de-risking for Bandeira and position Lithium Ionic to move confidently into construction, reinforcing its strategy to become a near-term, low-cost lithium producer in Brazil's globally significant Lithium Valley. Lithium Ionic thanks its shareholders for their continued support and enters 2026 focused on disciplined execution, as the Company advances Bandeira toward construction and the realization of its long-term value potential. Termination of K2 Claims The Company also reports that it has terminated the option agreement (the "K2 Option Agreement") originally announced on July 3, 2024, with K2 Mineracao e Exportacao EIRELI, Super Classico Comercio, Importacao e Exportacao Ltda. and Minerales Empreendimentos, Mineracao e Participacoes Ltda., covering certain mineral claims located in Itinga, within the Curralinho Pegmatite Field of the Aracuai Pegmatite District, Minas Gerais, Brazil. As part of the termination, Neolit Minerals Participacoes Ltda., the Company's wholly owned Brazilian subsidiary, divested its minority interests in the special purpose companies ("SPCs") associated with the K2 Option Agreement, completing the Company's withdrawal from the transaction. The decision to terminate the agreement reflects Lithium Ionic's continued focus on disciplined capital allocation and prioritizing its most advanced and value-accretive assets in Brazil's Lithium Valley, including the advancement of the Bandeira Project towards construction. Grant of Restricted Share Units The Company has issued a total of 9,800,000 restricted share units ("RSUs") to certain directors and officers of the Company in accordance with the Company's Restricted Share Unit and Deferred Unit Plan. The RSUs will vest annually in equal installments over a three-year period beginning on the one-year anniversary of the grant date. The grant of the RSUs is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Lithium Ionic Corp. Blake Hylands Chief Executive Officer, Director About Lithium Ionic Corp. Lithium Ionic is a Canadian mining company exploring and developing its lithium properties in Brazil. Its Itinga and Salinas group of properties cover ~14,000 hectares in the northeastern part of Minas Gerais state, a mining-friendly jurisdiction that is quickly emerging as a world-class hard-rock lithium district. Its Feasibility-stage Bandeira Project is situated in the same region as CBL's Cachoeira lithium mine, which has produced lithium for +30 years, as well as Sigma Lithium Corp.'s Grota do Cirilo project, which hosts the largest hard-rock lithium deposit in the Americas. Qualified Persons The technical information in this news release has been prepared by Carlos Costa, Vice President Exploration of Lithium Ionic and Blake Hylands, CEO and director of Lithium Ionic, who are both "qualified persons" as defined in NI 43-101. Mr. Costa and Mr. Hylands have both read and approved the content in this news release. Messrs. Costa and Hylands are not considered independent of the Company. Investor and Media Inquiries: +1 647.316.2500 info@lithiumionic.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release include information relating to the mineralization and prospectivity of the Company's mineral properties, the economic viability of Bandeira, the financing of the Project, the development of the Company's mineral properties, the Company's exploration program and other mining projects and prospects thereof, the Company's ability to obtain the requisite permitting and approvals and the timing thereof, the impact of the termination of the K2 Option Agreement, changes to the Company's leadership team, RTEK's services to the Company, the Company's ability to increase the mineral resource estimates at its projects, the Company's ability to obtain financing, the timing of MREs, the impact of the Company's ESG and other initiatives and the Company's future plans. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Information and links in this press release relating to other mineral resource companies are from their sources believed to be reliable, but that have not been independently verified by the Company. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Thunder Bay, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Benton Resources Inc. (TSXV: BEX) ("Benton" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received preliminary gold recovery results from its South Pond (SP) Gold- Copper Deposit, with recoveries up to 88.4%. Stephen Stares, President and CEO of the Company, states, "We are extremely pleased with these initial test results. which demonstrates outstanding recoveries for a first-pass evaluation of the SP Deposit. I'm confident that with further optimization and additional testing, recoveries could be improved even further. As we continue to advance and grow the Great Burnt and SP deposits, an important next step is developing an initial understanding of gold recoveries at the SP deposit using standard bottle-roll tests. These tests were conducted by SGS Canada Inc. ("SGS"), one of the country's top trusted analytical and testing companies. Benton remains highly encouraged by the project's future as we continue advancing South Pond and Great Burnt, alongside the potential new discoveries we've identified". Study Parameters The Company collected a representative composite sample of gold-mineralized intervals, weighing approximately 20 kg, from 16 drill holes throughout the South Pond Gold-Copper Deposit. Each individual sample was collected and quarter-cut from drill core at the Company's on-site storage facility. The composite sample was shipped by commercial courier to SGS Canada Inc.'s laboratory in Lakefield, Ontario for analysis. Analytical work included sample preparation, head assay analysis, and standard cyanide leaching using standard bottle-roll cyanidation tests. SGS performed three separate 24-hour recovery tests with varying criteria to determine gold recovery. A list of sample intervals that comprise the composite test sample is shown in Table 1 below. Table 1: South Pond Gold Composite Metallurgical Sample HOLE-ID SAMPLE_ID FROM TO LENGTH (m) AU_PPB CU_PPM CU_% SP-24-01 215203 31.2 32.2 1 2370 1498 0.1498 SP-24-02 215319 60.7 61.7 1 1774 698 0.0698 SP-24-03 215419 28.8 29.8 1 1597 1464 0.1464 SP-24-03 215444 50.9 51.9 1 3778 798 0.0798 SP-24-05 215562 15.35 16.35 1 459 7786 0.7786 SP-24-06 215617 29.6 30.6 1 2234 4244 0.4244 SP-24-07 215675 29.0 30.0 1 2984 1118 0.1118 SP-24-09 248518 45.0 46.0 1 526 490 0.049 SP-24-13 248722 12.0 13.0 1 5317 1162 0.1162 SP-24-23 249263 60.75 61.75 1 15715 2396 0.2396 SP-24-26 277013 22.6 23.6 1 1366 779 0.0779 SP-24-28 277382 30.4 31.4 1 2827 788 0.0788 SP-24-29 277492 33.1 34.1 1 1908 419 0.0419 SP-24-30 279586 7.3 8.3 1 4508 537 0.0537 SP-24-31 279697 39.0 40.0 1 5427 1296 0.1296 SP-24-32 279753 46.1 47.1 1 1600 875 0.0875 SP-24-33 279812 21.2 22.2 1 1510 351 0.0351 AVG. 3288 1571 0.16 Note: All gold assays were determined at Eastern Analytical Ltd. by 30g fire assay and released previously. Results SGS conducted three separate gold recovery tests with varying criteria to determine gold recovery over a 24-hour leach retention time. Criteria for each test is shown in Table 2. Gold recovery results were highly favourable, with results up to 88.4% and increased progressively through the three tests. Gold recovery results for all three tests are shown in Figure 1. Table 2: Bottle Roll Leaching Recovery Results - (SGS) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3657/280325_bentontab2.jpg Figure 1: Bottle Roll Leaching Recovery Results - (SGS) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3657/280325_3a247507642ebb02_003full.jpg The metallurgical results reported herein are laboratory-scale only and are not intended to support, nor should they be construed as supporting, any mineral resource, reserve, or production estimates. Previous Studies - Great Burnt Copper Deposit Bento also notes that previous operators on the project had completed initial metallurgical grindability and floatation testwork in 2021 on the Great Burnt Copper Deposit (GBCD) at SGS Lakefield Laboratories*. A 60-kilogram composite sample of mineralized core averaging 2.82% Cu was submitted for a series of seven tests with varying specs for each test. The average copper recovery of the seven tests completed was 94.7% while SGS concluded that "predicted plant performance would be the production of a 25% Cu concentrate at 96% recovery". Since the time of this test Benton has expanded the GBCD from 650m to 950m strike length where it remains open. *Excerpt from: Updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Great Burnt Copper-Gold Property, Central Newfoundland. P&E Mining Consultants Inc., 2022. QP Barry Sparkes (P.Geo.), Exploration Manager for Benton Resources Inc., a 'Qualified Person' under National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release and prepared or supervised its preparation. QA/QC Protocols Core and rock samples, including standards, blanks and duplicates, are submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd., Springdale, Newfoundland for preparation and analysis. All samples were acquired by saw-cut (channels/drill core) with one-half submitted for assay and one-half retained for reference, or hand (rocks) and delivered, by Benton personnel, in sealed bags, to the Springdale lab of Eastern Analytical, which is an accredited assay lab that conforms to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. Samples are analyzed using Eastern's Au (Fire assay) @ 30g + ICP-34 method that delivers a 34-element package utilizing a 200 mg subsample totally dissolved in four acids and analyzed by ICP-OES analytical technique. Over limits are analysed with Eastern's atomic absorption method, using a 0.200 g to 2.00 g of sample, digested with three acids. All reported assays are uncut. Eastern Analytical Ltd. achieved ISO 17025 accreditation in February 2014 (for more details on the scope of accreditation visit the CALA website). Grab samples are selective in nature and may not represent the average mineralization of a bedrock exposure. About Benton Resources Inc. Benton Resources is a well-financed mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol BEX. Benton has a diversified, highly prospective property portfolio and holds large equity positions in other mining companies that are advancing high-quality assets. Whenever possible, BEX retains net smelter return (NSR) royalties with potential long-term cash flow. Benton is focused on advancing its high-grade Copper-Gold Great Burnt Project in central Newfoundland, which has an NI-43-101 compliant Mineral Resource estimate of 667,000 tonnes @ 3.21% Cu Indicated and 482,000 @ 2.35% Cu Inferred. The Project has an excellent geological setting, covering 25km of strike and boasts six known Cu-Au-Ag zones over 15km that are all open for expansion. Further potential for discovery is excellent given the extensive number of untested geophysical targets and Cu-Au soil anomalies. Phase 1 and 2 drill programs returned impressive results including 25.42 m of 5.51% Cu, including 9.78 m of 8.31% Cu, and 1.00 m of 12.70% Cu. Drilling at the South Pond Gold Zone, approximately 7.5 km north of the Great Burnt Copper-Gold Zone, has confirmed a robust gold-mineralized system over 2.5 km with results of 74.20 m of 1.43g/t Au and 43.75 m of 1.62g/t Au and is open for expansion in all directions. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benton Resources Inc., "Stephen Stares" Stephen Stares, President Parties interested in seeking more information about properties available for option can contact Mr. Stares at the number below. THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280325 Source: Benton Resources Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Optimi Health Corp. (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQX: OPTHF) (FSE: 8BN) ("Optimi" or the "Company"), a leading producer of prescribed psychedelic treatments for mental health therapies, today announced that management has been invited to present at the Sidoti Micro-Cap Virtual Conference on January 21-22, 2026. Chief Executive Officer Dane Stevens is scheduled to host virtual one-on-one meetings with institutional investors throughout the event and will host a virtual presentation as follows: Sidoti Micro-Cap Conference Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Presentation Time: 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time Webcast: https://sidoti.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bwDjwlrKQkamYS9noOUXfQ All interested media and investors are invited to join this online presentation. Please join at least five minutes before the start of the presentation to ensure timely participation. A live audio webcast and archive of the presentation will be available using the webcast link above. Registration is mandatory for conference participation. For more information or to schedule a meeting with management, please contact MZ Group at OPTHF@mzgroup.us. About Optimi Health Corp. Optimi Health Corp. (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQX: OPTHF) (FSE: 8BN) is a leading producer of prescribed psychedelic treatments for mental health therapies. As a Health Canada-licensed, GMP compliant pharmaceutical manufacturer producing validated MDMA and botanical psilocybin products from two 10,000-square-foot facilities in British Columbia, Optimi supplies active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished dosage forms to regulated channels, with products currently in market for prescription use in Australia via the Authorized Prescriber Scheme and accessible in Canada through the Special Access Program. For more information, please visit www.optimihealth.ca. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including with respect to the role of psychedelic medicines in insured mental health care. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies, certain of which are unknown. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result," "are expected to," "expects," "will continue," "is anticipated," "anticipates," "believes," "estimated," "intends," "plans," "forecast," "projection," "strategy," "objective," and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements. These statements may involve estimates, assumptions, and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include but are not limited to those factors which are discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure filings available under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.com. Except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them or assess the impact of each factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280307 Source: Optimi Health Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - TenX Protocols Inc. (TSXV: TNX) ("TenX" or the "Company"), a blockchain infrastructure company building staking solutions for the next generation of blockchain networks, today announced that management will participate in the AlphaNorth Capital Event, hosted by CEM Capital Event Management, taking place January 16-18, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas. TenX's participation comes as the Company continues to advance its strategy focused on building scalable, institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure across high-performance blockchain ecosystems. The Company debuted on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") under the ticker symbol TNX on December 10, 2025, following the successful closing of approximately $29.9 million CAD in subscription receipt financings completed in connection with TenX's go-public transaction. It has since expanded its staking operations and pursued strategic initiatives aimed at delivering long-term value through disciplined capital allocation and ecosystem participation. The AlphaNorth Capital Event is a conference that brings together growth-stage public companies and institutional investors for in-depth discussions centred on long-term capital formation, strategy, and execution. During the event, TenX management will meet with institutional investors to discuss the Company's business model, asset strategy, validator and staking initiatives, and priorities for 2026, including continued expansion across select blockchain networks, operational scaling, and the evaluation of strategic opportunities within the digital asset ecosystem. "AlphaNorth provides a high-quality forum for meaningful dialogue with long-term investors," said Mat Cybula, CEO of TenX. "We look forward to discussing TenX's strategy, recent progress, and how we are positioning the Company to capitalize on opportunities in the evolving digital asset infrastructure landscape." TenX's participation reflects the Company's continued focus on increasing investor awareness, strengthening institutional relationships, and maintaining transparent engagement with the capital markets. About TenX and Management TenX is a technology company focused on generating recurring revenue from the crypto asset economy. The Company operates staking infrastructure, seeks to earn cash flow from its inventory of crypto assets, and provides infrastructure, advisory, and development services across high-throughput blockchain networks. Through proprietary staking, hosted solutions, and strategic protocol partnerships, TenX gives public market investors exposure to the growth of next-generation blockchains and the broader Web3 ecosystem. To learn more about TenX, visit www.tenx.inc. Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, as described in more detail in our securities filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280292 Source: TenX Protocols Inc. Zefiro subsidiary P&G has begun a complex multi-step remediation project on nine previously plugged wells located in the Lake Charles region of Louisiana. The project is expected to last for approximately 90 days and play a key role in enabling the development of a major energy infrastructure facility which is set to have its first production take place in 2029. Zefiro's operations have expanded to an eighth state, which is a 100% increase compared to 2023. Fort Lauderdale, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. (Cboe Canada: ZEFI) (FSE: Y6B) (OTCQB: ZEFIF) (the "Company", "Zefiro", or "ZEFI") is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Plants & Goodwin, Inc. ("P&G") has obtained all necessary approvals to begin work on a plug-and-abandonment program to support new infrastructure development in the Lake Charles region of Louisiana, as initially announced in Zefiro's December 18, 2025 press release. These approvals include two permits from the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy as well as a Notice to Proceed from the private infrastructure developer who is engaging P&G, representing the official "Go-Ahead" to commence work. This project consists of remediation to be done on nine wells, which are located on the build site for a new energy infrastructure facility. Although these nine wells had previously been plugged to industry standard (cut off four feet below surface), construction requirements for the new energy facility dictate that all of these wells must be (i) Excavated, (ii) Cleaned Out, (iii) Re-Plugged, and (iv) Cut Off Between 10 and 60 Feet Below Surface. The total duration of this project is expected to be approximately 90 days, with total revenue of more than USD $5 million. Two P&G crew members are pictured working on the site access to Well #5 on the company's first Louisiana project. The inset photo shows the "Well Box" that was installed on Well #5, used to contain the immediate surroundings of the wellhead. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11799/280241_82d715bab42d2b59_001full.jpg Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR+ or the Investors section of the Company's website for a version of this press release containing all published media. P&G Chief Executive Officer Luke Plants commented, "I am very excited about the recent success at Zefiro and our pipeline of projects. This is a reflection of a strong management team that is working together to grow shareholder value. The United States is continuing to undergo key transformations in its energy infrastructure, which often requires complex remediation work to be undertaken for new construction or redevelopment of energy-related facilities. At P&G, we take pride in staying on top of unique types of work for which demand is increasing in light of broader shifts across the industry, and we are pleased to have this opportunity to make a difference in southern Louisiana where a major new energy facility is currently being built. Projects such as these allow us to truly demonstrate the full scope of our capabilities, which we believe will help to establish P&G's presence in the Gulf Coast region, where we hope to start taking on additional work in the 2026 year." Zefiro Chief Executive Officer Catherine Flax added, "This project represents several new beginnings for Zefiro as we kick off the 2026 calendar year. Besides expanding into yet another U.S. state and adding to our portfolio of infrastructure-improvement work, having operations in a Southern climate enables P&G to more thoroughly utilize its equipment and crews during the winter months. This enables us to enhance the Company's overall yield by carrying out ground-level operations year-round. Our team is very excited about these developments, bringing a very strong start to the year 2026 for Zefiro and P&G with a continued focus on core operations with a proven ability to drive revenue." About Zefiro Methane Corp. Zefiro is an environmental services company, specializing in methane abatement. Zefiro strives to be a key commercial force towards Active Sustainability. Leveraging decades of operational expertise, Zefiro is building a new toolkit to clean up air, land, and water sources directly impacted by methane leaks. The Company has built a fully integrated ground operation driven by an innovative monetization solution for the emerging methane abatement marketplace. As an originator of high-quality U.S.-based methane offsets, Zefiro aims to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including U.S. and Canadian securities regulations and laws. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, beliefs, and assumptions of management, including those of Zefiro Methane Corp., as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements typically include words such as "anticipates," "outlook", "seeks", "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "could," "would," "continue," "forecast," "potential," "targets," "goals," "vision," "strategy," and similar expressions or variations thereof. These statements may relate to, among other things, the Company's operational outlook, expansion plans, future direction, strategic initiatives, business plans, regulatory environment, growth prospects, pipeline, financial performance, timing and scope of projects, future market conditions, funding and capital requirements, partnerships, or other business developments. The forward-looking information reflects management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. In addition, any statements made in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside the Company's control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in commodity prices, changes in regulatory or political environments, operational risks, financing risks, market demand for emissions reduction or environmental services, delays in project execution, reliance on third-party partners or vendors, competition, and the overall economic environment. For a more detailed discussion of these factors and other risks, see the section entitled "Financial Risks" in Zefiro's management's discussion and analysis for the year ended June 30, 2025 and "Risk Factors" in Zefiro's annual information form for the year ended June 30, 2025, each of which is available under Zefiro's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) Adverse general market and economic conditions; (ii) Successful completion of P&G's project in Louisiana as described in the news release; (iii) Changes to the regulatory landscape and global policies applicable to the Company's business; (iv) Failure to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals; as well as other risk factors set forth in the Company's most recent Prospectus under the heading "Risk Factors". The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment where technologies are in the early stage of adoption. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Company's management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including, but not limited to, the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Zefiro Methane Corp. does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Also, this news release may include market and industry data obtained from various publicly available sources and other sources believed by the Company to be true. Although the Company believes it to be reliable, the Company has not independently verified any of the data from third-party sources referred to in this presentation or analyzed or verified the underlying reports relied upon or referred to by such sources, or ascertained the underlying assumptions relied upon by such sources. The Company does not make any representation as to the accuracy of such information. This news release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Zefiro Methane Corp., nor shall it form the basis of or be relied upon in connection with any investment decision. Statement Regarding Third-Party Investor Relations Firms Disclosures relating to investor relations firms retained by Zefiro Methane Corp. can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280241 Source: Zefiro Methane Corp. Rapyd's 2026 State of Stablecoins Report shows 64% of businesses surveyed already use stablecoins or plan to within three years, with speed, easier cross-border transactions, and cost savings driving adoption Rapyd, a leading global fintech company, released its 2026 State of Stablecoins Report, revealing that stablecoins have reached a tipping point and are becoming a foundational component of global commerce rather than a niche digital asset. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114427729/en/ Rapyd research shows 64% of businesses already use stablecoins or plan to within three years, as speed, cross-border efficiency, and cost savings drive mainstream adoption. The report shows the market has moved decisively into active, real-world use. Today, nearly one in five businesses already consider stablecoins a mainstream financial tool. Looking ahead, a much larger majority (76%) believe stablecoins are either already mainstream or will become mainstream within the next five years. This shift in perception is translating into action: 64% of businesses surveyed either use stablecoins today or plan to adopt them within the next three years, signaling a move from crypto curiosity to institutional-grade execution. The findings, drawing on a global survey of business decision-makers across multiple industries in APAC, the Americas, and EMEA, highlight how stablecoins are increasingly used to improve operational speed, reduce costs, and simplify cross-border payments and treasury operations. Key findings from the State of Stablecoins Report include: Mainstream momentum is accelerating: Stablecoin utilization among businesses has reached 34%, with a strong adoption pipeline with 48% of organizations planning to adopt stablecoins within the next 12 months. Stablecoin utilization among businesses has reached 34%, with a strong adoption pipeline with 48% of organizations planning to adopt stablecoins within the next 12 months. Cross-border commerce is the primary use case: 72% of businesses rank faster payments and settlements as a key benefit, while 62% cite easier cross-border transactions. 72% of businesses rank faster payments and settlements as a key benefit, while 62% cite easier cross-border transactions. Stablecoins are delivering measurable financial impact: 60% of organizations report cost savings as a primary benefit, demonstrating that stablecoins are now a profitability driver rather than a technology experiment. 60% of organizations report cost savings as a primary benefit, demonstrating that stablecoins are now a profitability driver rather than a technology experiment. Trust is high, but regulation remains the main concern: Over 83% of businesses rate their trust in stablecoins as moderate to high, while regulatory uncertainty remains the top barrier to adoption. Over 83% of businesses rate their trust in stablecoins as moderate to high, while regulatory uncertainty remains the top barrier to adoption. Smaller businesses are leading the way: Companies with 51-100 employees show the highest current usage at 50%, while larger enterprises remain more cautious. Treasury moves to the center of stablecoin adoption The report points to a shift in how businesses approach treasury operations. Based on Rapyd's research findings, faster settlements and cross-border payments consistently emerge as the primary drivers of stablecoin adoption, underscoring the importance of speed and efficiency in global money movement. From Rapyd's perspective, stablecoins play a growing role in enabling funds to move more quickly across entities and geographies, helping businesses operate with greater flexibility and less friction. Taken together, these findings highlight a broader move from experimentation toward execution in how businesses approach global payments and treasury infrastructure. "Stablecoins have crossed a threshold where the conversation is no longer about potential, but about execution," said Arik Shtilman, CEO and Co-Founder of Rapyd. "Our research shows businesses are using stablecoins to move money faster, lower costs, and operate more efficiently internationally. This is not about speculation. It is about building modern financial infrastructure that works at global scale." For CFOs and corporate treasuries, the report underscores a clear shift in perception. Stablecoins are no longer viewed as alternative assets, but as liquidity tools. Businesses are using stablecoins to accelerate payments, reduce FX and banking fees, and enable just-in-time funding across regions to free up capital. "Treasury teams are under increasing pressure to manage liquidity in real time across multiple markets," said Kristin Reischel, Senior Director of Solutions and Partner Marketing at Rapyd. "What we are seeing in this research is a practical shift. Stablecoins allow businesses to deploy capital globally without the friction of traditional banking structures. That flexibility is becoming essential for companies operating across borders." While regulatory uncertainty remains the leading concern for businesses exploring stablecoins, the report finds that trust in the technology itself is already well established. This gap between confidence and adoption highlights the importance of compliant infrastructure and operational expertise to support enterprise use at scale. Rapyd's 2026 State of Stablecoins Report is available now and provides a detailed analysis of adoption trends, use cases, and implications for global payments and treasury operations. Download the full report here. About Rapyd Rapyd lets you build bold. Liberate global commerce with all the tools your business needs to create payment, payout and fintech experiences everywhere. From Fortune 500s to ambitious business and technology upstarts, our payments network and powerful fintech platform make it easy to pay suppliers and get paid by customers-locally or internationally. With offices worldwide, including London, Tel Aviv, Dubai, Iceland, Amsterdam, Miami, Hong Kong and Singapore, we know what it takes to make cross-border commerce as easy as being next door. Rapyd simplifies payments so you can focus on building your business. Get the tools to grow globally and learn about our products, solutions and partner programmes at www.rapyd.net. Follow: Blog, Insta, LinkedIn, Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114427729/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: press@rapyd.net Company deepens partner-first strategy, empowering partners to grow with Armis in a way that best fits their unique business needs without tiers or requirements Armis, the cyber exposure management security company, today announced the launch of the Armis Select Partner Program. The new program marks a significant evolution in Armis' commitment to its global partner ecosystem. By extending the reach of Armis Centrix, the Armis Cyber Exposure Management Platform, to organizations worldwide through its partner program, joint customers can streamline their security operations and proactively strengthen defenses. "Global enterprises don't just need tools; they need a unified ecosystem of trusted partners to navigate an increasingly volatile threat landscape," said Alex Mosher, President and CRO of Armis. "At Armis, our partners are the primary engine of our growth and the cornerstone of our global strategy. By evolving our partner program, we are doubling down on this collaborative foundation to accelerate our reach and deepen our impact. Together, we are empowering customers to move from reactive defense to proactive cyber exposure management securing the critical infrastructure society depends on while helping our partners and customers alike realize their full business potential." The Armis Select Partner Program moves beyond rigid tiers and complex requirements, offering partners three distinct routes to market with Armis: selling, delivering services and building joint solutions. Partners can participate in one or all three routes, choosing the path that best fits their strategic business goals. Each route includes structured engagements that provide access to the right resources, incentives and support. This ensures clear ways to engage and transparent benefits and incentives tied to specific actions. "We have completely redesigned our partner program to reduce complexity and focus on what truly matters: equipping security teams with the tools they need to protect their most critical assets," said Patrick McCue, Senior Vice President of Global Partners at Armis. "With no fixed tiers or barriers, partners can define success on their own terms, unlock incentives through deeper engagement, and access benefits that drive mutual success. We are fully dedicated to being a partner-first organization, with our partners at the center of every customer engagement and growth opportunity." Key Armis partners are embracing this flexible, growth-focused program: "In a rapidly expanding cybersecurity landscape, the biggest challenge partners face is differentiating value. The new Armis Select Partner Program directly helps overcome this by giving us the flexibility to align our deep expertise in professional services with their solutions. Ultimately, this enables us to deliver more tailored, outcome-driven solutions to our joint customers." -Mark Thornberry, SVP, Partnerships at GuidePoint Security "Designing partner programs that are simple to consume while still offering meaningful specialization for different market segments is incredibly difficult. Armis has struck that balance well. Their new partner program aligns channel incentives with internal seller motivations, ensuring partners are truly embedded in the motion. Partner programs must evolve alongside the business, and Armis' new program is a strong example." -Ryan Morris, President at Blackwood "Carahsoft and our reseller partners are pleased to work with Armis. Its platform addresses the unique needs of Public Sector organizations, including comprehensive visibility and control of all connected assets. The new Armis Select Partner Program's emphasis on choice and transparent benefits simplifies how we engage and empower our reseller ecosystem to expand at their own pace." -Brian O'Donnell, Vice President of Cybersecurity Solutions at Carahsoft "The Armis Select Partner Program aligns with Orange CyberDefense Nordics's commitment to building a safer digital society by helping businesses protect their entire attack surface. The program removes traditional barriers to collaboration, allowing us to scale more effectively and ensure our joint customers remain secure in an increasingly connected world." -Marie Waller, Director Business Operations at Orange CyberDefense Nordics Armis' partner-first strategy has contributed to the company's overall momentum and growth. Additionally, Armis has received a number of accolades, including being recognized by CRN as one of the Coolest Network Security Companies and the Hottest AI Security Companies. The company was also named a Leader in The Forrester Wave: IoT Security Solutions, Q3 2025, and The Forrester Wave: Unified Vulnerability Management Solutions, Q3 2025, in addition to the Gartner Magic Quadrant for CPS Protection Platforms. Find more details about the Armis Select Partner Program here. Learn more about Armis' global technology partners here. About Armis Armis, the cyber exposure management security company, protects the entire attack surface and manages the organization's cyber risk exposure in real time. In a rapidly evolving, perimeter-less world Armis ensures that organizations continuously see, protect and manage all critical assets from the ground to the cloud. Armis secures Fortune 100, 200 and 500 companies as well as national governments, state and local entities to help keep critical infrastructure, economies and society stay safe and secure 24/7. Armis is a privately held company headquartered in California. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114725831/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts: Rebecca Cradick Vice President, Global Communications Armis pr@armis.com Seasoned healthcare and data platform leader joins RLDatix to advance global technology strategy and AI-powered innovation CHICAGO, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RLDatix (RLD), a global leader in safety, workforce and data solutions for health and care systems, today announced the appointment of Richard Jarvis as Chief Technology Officer. Jarvis joins RLD with deep experience building and scaling mission-critical, enterprise-level technology platforms across healthcare, cybersecurity and public sector environments. He will oversee platform architecture, engineering, cloud operations, cybersecurity and data strategy in support of the company's long-term growth and innovation roadmap. "Healthcare organizations are under increasing pressure to operate more safely, efficiently and transparently," said Richard Jarvis, Chief Technology Officer at RLDatix. "RLD is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology, data and real-world health and care operations. I look forward to helping our customers to turn insights into action that drives measurable improvements in care." Prior to joining RLDatix, Jarvis served as Group Chief Technology Officer for EMIS Health, part of Optum, where he led large-scale engineering and analytics teams supporting digital infrastructure for primary care and pharmacy across the NHS. Previously, as Chief Analytics Officer, he built and launched EMIS-X Analytics, one of the UK's largest cloud-based healthcare data environments, enabling secure population-scale research and real-time intelligence. His career also includes senior leadership roles at HP Enterprise (DXC), BAE Systems and Detica, where he delivered advanced analytics, prescriptive AI and large-scale data platforms across healthcare, national security, telecommunications and policing. "Richard brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and a strong understanding of how technology must operate in complex, regulated, scaled environments like healthcare," said Dan Michelson, CEO of RLDatix. "His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to scale our platform, strengthen our AI capabilities and help customers address increasingly complex safety, compliance and operational challenges." Jarvis holds a degree in chemical engineering and has published research in healthcare analytics through the OpenSAFELY collaboration. He also holds patents in fraud detection and data retrieval and serves as an advisor to early-stage technology ventures. About RLDatix RLDatix solutions for safety, workforce and data are used by over 10,000 healthcare organizations across the world. Our mission is to help providers raise the standard of care by delivering safer and more efficient health and care. Visit rldatix.com to learn more. Matter Communications for RLDatix RLDatix@matternow.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1866181/RLDatix_Logo_v2.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rldatix-appoints-richard-jarvis-as-chief-technology-officer-302660274.html ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- iotaMotion, Inc., creator of iotaSOFT, the first and only FDA cleared robotic-assisted cochlear implant insertion system, today announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for expanded pediatric use of its iotaSOFT Insertion System. The system is now cleared for use in patients four years of age and older, extending access to robotic-assisted cochlear implantation for school-aged children. "Receiving FDA clearance for expanded pediatric use marks a significant milestone for iotaMotion and for families navigating cochlear implant decisions," said Mike Lobinsky, CEO of iotaMotion. "By standardizing one of the most delicate steps in cochlear implant surgery, iotaSOFT helps reduce variability which could provide parents greater confidence as they consider cochlear implantation for their children." The iotaSOFT Insertion System enables precise and controlled electrode array insertion during one of the most delicate steps of cochlear implant surgery. By standardizing this critical step, iotaSOFT is designed to help preserve delicate cochlear structures, a consideration that is often central to decision-making. As part of this milestone, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, a nationally ranked pediatric medical center, and U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll member for 2025-2026, has become the first dedicated pediatric center to adopt the iotaSOFT Insertion System. Cincinnati Children's joins over 35 leading cochlear implant centers across the United States, including nearly half of U.S. neurotology fellowship training programs, that have adopted this innovative technology. "At Cincinnati Children's, our focus is delivering the highest standard of care while thoughtfully integrating innovations that benefit our patients," said Dr. Daniel Choo, chief clinical growth officer and professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. "Robotic-assisted cochlear implantation represents a meaningful advancement in our cochlear implant program." Globally, fewer than 5% of eligible cochlear implant candidates receive an implant, despite more than 430 million people worldwide experiencing disabling hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization. In pediatric patients, early access to sound is critical for speech, language and educational development, yet concerns around hearing preservation and surgical variability can delay intervention. A 2025 clinical cohort study published in The Laryngoscope (Khan et al.) found that 85% of patients in the robotic-assisted insertion group maintained hearing preservation at one year, compared with 71% in the manual insertion group, according to its authors. "Robotic assistance in cochlear implantation is about precision and consistency," said Marlan Hansen, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer of iotaMotion. "With the expanded pediatric indication for iotaSOFT, supported by growing clinical evidence, families can have greater confidence that controlled, standardized insertion is designed to protect the cochlea and preserve its structure and function. This is especially important for children who may benefit from emerging therapeutic advances, including gene-based and regenerative hearing technologies, which will likely depend on atraumatic, cochlear implant array placement early in life." About iotaMotion iotaMotion, Inc. is a medical technology company based in St. Paul, Minnesota, dedicated to advancing cochlear implant surgery beyond human capability through robotic-assisted solutions. Its flagship technology, the iotaSOFT Insertion System, is designed to preserve delicate intracochlear structures through slow and consistent electrode array insertion. The system is commercially available in the United States and under clinical investigation in other global markets. For more information, visit http://www.iotamotion.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, YouTube. Sources: Claussen AD, et al. Comparative Analysis of Robotics-Assisted and Manual Insertions of Cochlear Implant Electrode Arrays . Otol Neurotol, 2022. Khan AM, et al. Robotic-Assisted Electrode Array Insertion Improves Rates of Hearing Preservation. The Laryngoscope, 2025. Data on file Media Contact: Sara Ashburn-Reed Sashburn-reed@iotamotion.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2861279/iotaMotion_Robotic_Assisted_Cochlear_Implant_Insertion_System.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2861280/iotaSOFT_Robotic_Assisted_Insertion_System.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/545464/IOTAMOTION_NEW.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/iotamotion-receives-fda-clearance-for-expanded-pediatric-use-of-iotasoft-robotic-assisted-cochlear-implant-insertion-system-302660704.html SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 14, 2026, a global leader in media, social, and consumer intelligence, in partnership with We. Communications, released its first annual State of PR Report , based on insights from more than 1,100 PR and communications professionals worldwide. The report highlights how PR teams are navigating rising expectations, evolving measurement demands, and using AI as a strategic advantage - while increasingly positioning themselves as strategic drivers of business value. Key takeaways from the report: AI is officially mainstream: Over 90% of PR teams have already integrated generative AI into their workflows for tasks like drafting press releases, optimizing content, and brainstorming, but only 13% say it's highly integrated. Over 90% of PR teams have already integrated generative AI into their workflows for tasks like drafting press releases, optimizing content, and brainstorming, but only 13% say it's highly integrated. AI can supercharge teams and reduce time-sinks: Teams reported reactive work, content creation, and measurement/reporting as their biggest time sinks. Conversely, they named identifying rising trends and issues and summarization of media coverage, as the areas AI can have the biggest impact on their efforts, illustrating the efficiencies that can be gained with greater AI integration. Teams reported reactive work, content creation, and measurement/reporting as their biggest time sinks. Conversely, they named identifying rising trends and issues and summarization of media coverage, as the areas AI can have the biggest impact on their efforts, illustrating the efficiencies that can be gained with greater AI integration. PR measurement is entering its next era: While foundational metrics such as reach and media volume are still widely used, there is growing momentum toward outcome-based measurement tied to business KPIs. More than one-third of PR professionals say aligning metrics to business goals is now a top priority. With insufficient resources and proving ROI cited as the top two challenges PR teams are facing, it's key that evolving measurement is key. While foundational metrics such as reach and media volume are still widely used, there is growing momentum toward outcome-based measurement tied to business KPIs. More than one-third of PR professionals say aligning metrics to business goals is now a top priority. With insufficient resources and proving ROI cited as the top two challenges PR teams are facing, it's key that evolving measurement is key. Budgets are flat, but expectations are higher: More than half of respondents expect little or no change in PR investment for 2026, despite increased demand for strategic impact. More than half of respondents expect little or no change in PR investment for 2026, despite increased demand for strategic impact. Leadership buy-in is key: Nearly 40% of PR pros report that company leadership has a limited understanding of their PR team's work, despite 36% saying that PR budget is dependent on CEOs, underscoring the critical need to prove ROI to earn a seat at the table. Nearly 40% of PR pros report that company leadership has a limited understanding of their PR team's work, despite 36% saying that PR budget is dependent on CEOs, underscoring the critical need to prove ROI to earn a seat at the table. LinkedIn dominates as the PR pro platform of choice: 62% of PR professionals said LinkedIn was the most valuable platform for their work, with Facebook and Instagram as the next most popular at 10% each. "The world of PR is defined by constant change, yet our research shows that core challenges, specifically proving ROI and fighting a persistent lack of resources, remain front and center," said John Box, CEO of Meltwater. "What's different now is that AI-powered tools are giving teams concrete ways to improve operational efficiency, gain the insight needed to measure brand performance and ensure the PR function achieves recognition and investment it deserves." Melissa Waggener Zorkin, Global CEO of We. Communications, says the report also points to the need for a pivotal shift in how communicators measure success, as AI solutions can now link communications activity to reputation outcomes and enterprise value. "PR pros do a great job measuring activity, but we're seeing a missed opportunity when it comes to measuring impact. We now have sophisticated AI solutions that connect communications to reputation and business value in clear, quantifiable ways, giving communicators the data they need to show organization leaders how their work drives real results." For more insights, read the full State of PR Report here. For more information, please contact: Stacy Slayden Communications Manager pr@meltwater.com About Meltwater Meltwater empowers companies with a suite of solutions that spans media, social and consumer intelligence. By analyzing ~1 billion pieces of content each day and transforming them into vital insights, Meltwater unlocks the competitive edge needed to drive results. With 27,000 global customers, 50 offices across six continents, and 2,200 employees, Meltwater is the industry partner of choice for global brands making an impact. Learn more at meltwater.com . VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Zimtu Capital Corp. (TSX.V:ZC)(FSE:ZCT1) ("Zimtu" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive mineral property option agreement dated January 12, 2026 (the "Agreement") with Global Energy Metals Corporation ("Global"), pursuant to which Zimtu has been granted an exclusive option to acquire Global's 50% interest in the Monument Peak Property (the "Property"), located in Lemhi County, Idaho, U.S.A. The Monument Peak Property comprises a large contiguous land package situated on Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") lands in central Idaho and hosts a high-grade, stratabound copper-silver system with local gold enrichment. Transaction Terms Under the terms of the Agreement, Zimtu has the option to acquire Global's 50% interest in the Property by making aggregate cash payments of $650,000 and issuing common shares having an aggregate value of approximately $750,000, payable in staged installments over a four-year period, subject to certain technical or time-based milestones. Upon exercise of the option, Global will retain a 1.0% net smelter returns ("NSR") royalty on the Property, of which 0.5% may be repurchased by Zimtu for $1,000,000 if exercised within five years, or $2,000,000 thereafter. In addition, Zimtu has agreed to incur $1,000,000 in exploration expenditures on the Property within twelve months of closing, subject to extensions for permitting or access delays. During the option period, Zimtu will act as the exclusive operator of the Property. Any securities issued as consideration for the Property will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance. In addition to the foregoing statutory hold period, any securities issued to Global will be subject to a voluntary hold period of twelve (12) months from the date of issuance. The transaction is subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Monument Peak Property Overview The Monument Peak Project consists of 84 contiguous, unpatented lode mining claims totaling approximately 689.77 hectares located within Lemhi County, Idaho. The Project hosts two historical copper mines, Jackson and Hungry Hill, which saw limited production in the early 1900s. Historical and modern exploration has confirmed the presence of high-grade copper-silver gold mineralization along a 3+ kilometre northwest-southeast structural trend. About Zimtu Capital Corp. Zimtu Capital Corp. is a public investment issuer that aspires to achieve long-term capital appreciation for its shareholders. Zimtu Capital companies may operate in the fields of mineral exploration, mining, technology, life sciences or investment. The Company trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "ZC" and Frankfurt under symbol "ZCT1". For more information, please visit https://www.zimtu.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors ZIMTU CAPITAL CORP. "Sean Charland" Sean Charland President & Director Phone: 604.681.1568 NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. This news release contains statements that are considered "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking statements") with respect to the Company, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Agreement, future issuances of securities as consideration for the Property and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "proposes", and similar expressions, or statements that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the timing and availability of regulatory approvals; potential changes in market conditions or the trading price of the Company's common shares; the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its operations; general business, economic, and market conditions; changes in laws or regulations applicable to the Company; dependence on key management personnel; and competition within the industry. Additional risk factors are identified in the Company's most recent management discussion and analysis and other disclosure documents available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. There may also be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently believes are not material that could cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. All forward-looking information in this news release is made as of the date hereof. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management on the date the statements are made and involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks, and uncertainties. SOURCE: Zimtu Capital Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/zimtu-capital-corp.-enters-into-option-agreement-to-acquire-interest-1126889 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - New Zealand Energy Corp. (TSXV: NZ) ("NZEC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointments of Mr. Toby Pierce as Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Robert Bose as Executive Chairman of the Company, each effective immediately. Mr. Pierce and Mr. Bose succeed Mr. Mike Adams and Mr. Frank Jacobs who have voluntarily stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, respectively. Both Mr. Adams and Mr. Jacobs will continue to serve as directors of the Company. Toby Pierce - Chief Executive Officer Mr. Pierce brings close to 30 years of senior leadership experience across the energy and natural resources sectors, with deep expertise in operations, corporate development, project execution, strategic planning, and capital markets. He has held executive and board-level roles with both public and private companies and has led teams responsible for asset development, performance optimization, and stakeholder engagement in complex regulatory environments. Mr. Pierce holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Business and a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Sciences from the University of Victoria. Mr. Pierce has extensive experience working with joint venture partners, government and regulatory bodies, and capital providers. His leadership background includes advancing growth strategies, implementing disciplined operating plans, and overseeing corporate initiatives intended to strengthen asset-level performance and deliver long-term value for shareholders. As Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Pierce will be responsible for leading NZEC's overall strategy and execution, with a focus on advancing the Company's priorities across its New Zealand portfolio, optimizing operations, and ensuring disciplined capital allocation and strong stakeholder engagement. Robert Bose - Executive Chairman Mr. Bose has over 25 years of experience in corporate leadership, governance, and the public markets, including board and senior executive roles within the natural resources sector. Over his career, he has been actively involved in corporate strategy, financings, mergers and acquisitions, investor relations, and the development of public companies through multiple market cycles. Mr. Bose is currently the Managing Member of Charlestown Energy Partners, LLC, a private investment vehicle associated with Charlestown Capital Advisors, a private investment firm founded in 2005 and located in New York City, and he holds an Honors degree in Economics from Queen's University. As Executive Chairman, Mr. Bose will work closely with the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the Board to support corporate strategy, strengthen governance and oversight, and assist in advancing the Company's broader objectives, including capital markets initiatives and strategic growth opportunities. The Company's Board extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Adams and Mr. Jacobs for their leadership and contributions during their tenure and welcomes their continued involvement as directors of the Company. Robert Bose, Executive Chairman of NZEC, commented, "We are pleased to welcome Toby as Chief Executive Officer at an important time for NZEC. Toby brings strong operational, commercial, and leadership experience, and we believe he is well positioned to execute the Company's strategy and drive performance. On behalf of the Board, I also want to thank Mike and Frank for their dedication and contributions." Toby Pierce, Chief Executive Officer of NZEC, commented, "I am pleased to join NZEC as Chief Executive Officer. The Company has a strong base of assets and meaningful opportunities ahead. I look forward to working closely with Robert, the Board, and the team to drive execution, pursue disciplined growth, and deliver value for shareholders and stakeholders." About New Zealand Energy Corp. NZEC is a publicly listed energy company focused on the development of oil, gas, and gas-storage opportunities in New Zealand. The Company holds interests in multiple heritage assets and development-stage projects, including the Tariki Gas Storage Project in Taranaki. With a 50% ownership stake in the Waihapa production station, the Company can quickly tie in any near-term production and sell directly to market. For more information, please visit www.newzealandenergy.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected roles and contributions of the Company's newly appointed Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman and the Company's strategic priorities and execution plans. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. NZEC does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280273 Source: New Zealand Energy Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Doubleview Gold Corp. (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: 1D4) ("Doubleview" or the "Company"), a leading Canadian exploration company focused on its flagship Hat Polymetallic Deposit in northwestern British Columbia's Golden Triangle, is pleased to announce the successful finalization of key metallurgical recovery data for gold (Au), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), silver (Ag), and scandium (Sc). This milestone supports the imminent completion of an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) and Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). The Company's two-year metallurgical testing program, led by Eur.Ing Andrew Carter, B.Sc., C.Eng., MIMMM, MSAIMM, SME, has delivered positive results confirming viable recoveries across the polymetallic suite. Overall Metallurgical Recoveries Metal Recovery % Copper (Cu) 85 Gold (Au) 89 Silver (Ag) 68 Cobalt (Co) 78 Scandium (Sc) 75 Recent breakthroughs from the program, including a global first in the recovery of high-grade scandium oxide (Sc2O3) from copper porphyry flotation tailings, have demonstrated strong technical viability. Key highlights from the testwork include high overall recoveries, positioning the Hat Deposit to maximize value from its unique polymetallic profile (gold-copper-cobalt-silver-scandium). Building on this progress, Doubleview is actively seeking quotes from qualified laboratories and consultants for advanced metallurgical testing to support the planned Prefeasibility (PFS) and Feasibility (FS) studies. These next testwork phases will further optimize process recoveries and refine project economics. MRE and PEA updates: The Company is also finalizing the updated MRE and PEA, incorporating the new metallurgical data, expanded drilling results from the successful 2025 field season (including the largest drill program to date with over 13,000 meters completed), and eastward extensions of mineralization. Logistics and preparations for the 2026 field season are underway, with plans to continue aggressive exploration and resource enhancement at the Hat Project. Farshad Shirvani, President and CEO, commented: "Finalizing these metallurgical recoveries marks a pivotal step forward for the Hat Project. Under Mr. Carter's expert guidance, our metallurgy program has unlocked significant potential for critical metals like scandium, alongside robust recoveries for copper, gold, cobalt, and silver. We are excited to advance toward the updated MRE and PEA while gearing up for PFS/FS-level work and the 2026 season." Mr. Carter, a graduate of the University of Leeds (B.Sc. Mineral Processing, 1980), is a Chartered Engineer (C.Eng.) registered with the Engineering Council UK (#378467) and a European Engineer (Eur.Ing.) (c2960GB). He is a member in good standing of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3 #46421) and the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME #4112502). With over 45 years of experience in operations, engineering, and consulting in extractive metallurgy for gold, precious, and base metal ores, Mr. Carter is a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 and has independently reviewed and approved the metallurgical aspects of this announcement. Doubleview remains committed to responsible development of this strategic asset, contributing to North America's supply of critical and electrification-enabling metals. Qualified Person Eur Ing Andrew Carter B.Sc., CEng., MIMMM (QMR), MSAIMM, SME, Doubleview's Qualified Person with respect to the HAT Project metallurgical studies as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release and is independent of the Company. The company further notes that, pursuant to the news release dated December 31st, 2025, it has completed its financing and is no longer seeking additional funds. About Doubleview Gold Corp Doubleview Gold Corp. is mineral resource exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is publicly traded on the TSX-Venture Exchange (TSXV: DBG), (OTCQB: DBLVF), (WKN: LA1W038), and (FSE: 1D4). Doubleview focuses on identifying, acquiring, and financing precious and base metal exploration projects across North America, with a strong emphasis on British Columbia. The company enhances shareholder value through the acquisition and exploration of high-quality gold, copper, cobalt, scandium, and silver projects-collectively critical minerals utilizing cutting-edge exploration techniques. Doubleview's success is deeply rooted in the unwavering support of its long-term shareholders, supporters, and institutional investors. Their ongoing commitment has been instrumental in advancing the company's strategic initiatives. Doubleview looks forward to further collaborative growth and development and continues to welcome active participation from its valued stakeholders as the company expands its portfolio and strengthens its position in the critical minerals sector. About the Hat Polymetallic Deposit The Hat Deposit, located in northwestern British Columbia, is a polymetallic porphyry project with major resources of copper, gold, cobalt, and the potential for scandium. As one of the region's significant sources of critical minerals, the Hat deposit has undergone targeted exploration and development. The 0.2% CuEq cut-off resource estimate, as of the recently completed Mineral Resource Estimate and the Company's July 25, 2024, news release, is summarized below: Average Grade Metal Content Open Pit Model Hat Resource Category Tonnage CuEq Cu Co Au Ag CuEq Cu Co Au Ag Mt % % % g/t g/t million lb million lb million lb thousand oz thousand oz In Pit Indicated 150 0.408 0.221 0.008 0.19 0.42 1,353 733 28 929 2,045 Inferred 477 0.344 0.185 0.009 0.15 0.49 3,619 1,945 91 2,328 7,575 Scandium potential for the Hat Deposit is estimated to be 300 to 500 million tonnes at an average grade of 40 ppm (0.004%) Sc2O3. "The scandium resource potential is based on the drill holes on the property drilled for (July 25, 2024) maiden resource estimate for other metal content than scandium. The potential quantity and grade are conceptual in nature, there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource." For further details of the MRE-1, please refer to the Company's July 25, 2024 news release. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information." In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280334 Source: Doubleview Gold Corp. MCKINNEY, Texas, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KVP SafePath, a KVP company, today announced a strategic agreement with Bioguard Corporation, headquartered in New Taipei City, Taiwan, aimed at accelerating the development and regulatory approval of veterinary diagnostic assays for the North American market. Under the agreement, KVP SafePath will leverage Bioguard's extensive library of reagents and intellectual property to support the development and commercialization of both USDA-licensed and USDA-exempt veterinary diagnostic assays. The collaboration is expected to significantly shorten development timelines and expand KVP SafePath's diagnostic portfolio. As part of the agreement, KVP SafePath intends to pursue USDA licensing for Canine and Feline 4DX and 3DX testing panels, addressing a diagnostic category with an estimated annual market size exceeding $500 million in North America. The partnership builds upon an established working relationship between KVP SafePath and Bioguard and provides Bioguard with direct access to the North American veterinary diagnostics market through KVP SafePath's commercial and distribution capabilities. "This agreement significantly accelerates our ability to bring high-quality diagnostic assays to market. By combining Bioguard's deep scientific capabilities with KVP SafePath's regulatory, manufacturing, and commercial expertise, we are strengthening our diagnostic platform and advancing our long-term growth strategy." - Ken Bowman, Chief Executive Officer, KVP International "We view this agreement as a strong alignment between two organizations with shared ambitions. North America is the largest veterinary diagnostics market globally and continues to expand in both scale and sophistication. Together with KVP SafePath, this agreement represents a deliberate step for Bioguard toward establishing a presence in the world's largest veterinary diagnostics market." - Edward Lai, President, Bioguard Corporation This agreement represents a key step in KVP SafePath's long-term strategy to expand its diagnostic offerings and deliver innovative, reliable testing solutions to veterinary professionals. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2794963/KVP_Logo_PNG_Yellow_01_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kvp-safepath-announces-strategic-agreement-with-bioguard-corporation-to-accelerate-veterinary-diagnostics-development-302660543.html DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, announced the launch of Bybit Pay in Peru through seamless integration with two of the country's most popular digital payment platforms: Yape and Plin. This expansion brings real-world crypto payment capabilities to millions of Peruvian digital wallet users, marking another milestone in bridging traditional finance with the digital economy in Latin America. Empowering Peru's Digital-First Economy Peru's digital wallet adoption has surged in recent years, with Yape and Plin each serving approximately 14 million users in 2024. Bybit Pay's latest integration enables Peruvian consumers to use their existing Yape QR codes and Plin phone-number transfers to make cryptocurrency-backed payments both online and at local merchants, combining the familiarity of Peru's most trusted payment methods with the innovation of digital assets. This partnership positions Bybit Pay at the heart of Peru's rapidly evolving cashless economy, where Yape handled 54% of in-person transactions and PLIN 34% in 2024. Research showed over half of the adult population in Peru use phone-based digital wallets. Building on Yape's and Plin's vast local networks, Bybit Pay users in Peru can now: Pay with QR Codes : Use existing Yape QR codes to make instant cryptocurrency payments at participating merchants nationwide : Use existing Yape QR codes to make instant cryptocurrency payments at participating merchants nationwide Transfer Money by Phone Number : Execute secure Plin phone-number transfers backed by cryptocurrency holdings : Execute secure Plin phone-number transfers backed by cryptocurrency holdings Shop with Digital Assets : Access payments at both e-commerce platforms and physical retail locations : Access payments at both e-commerce platforms and physical retail locations Enjoy Fast Settlement: Benefit from near-instant transaction confirmation with enhanced security In Peru, the platform supports multiple cryptocurrencies including USDT, USDC, BTC, ETH, and other major digital assets, automatically converting them for seamless Peruvian Sol (PEN) transactions. To celebrate the launch, Bybit Pay is offering unprecedented rewards for users in Peru: New User Exclusive: On top of other welcome bonuses, new users who successfully sign up for Bybit Pay can get a 50% discount coupon on their first QR code or phone-number transfer payment. On top of other welcome bonuses, new users who successfully sign up for Bybit Pay can get a on their first QR code or phone-number transfer payment. Current User Benefits: Existing Bybit Pay users can earn 2-10% cashback on every QR or phone-number transfer payment "By integrating with mainstream payment methods Peruvians already know and trust, Bybit Pay is removing barriers to digital asset adoption and making crypto genuinely useful for everyday transactions," said Patricio Mesri, CEO of Bybit LATAM. "Peru represents one of Latin America's most dynamic digital payment markets, and we are proud to be building the infrastructure for financial innovation and inclusion together with our partners." Bybit Pay has been making headway in Central and Latin America through partnerships with leading local institutions and payment infrastructure providers from Brazil to Argentina. To learn more about how to use Bybit Pay, users may visit: How to Make Payment with QR Pay using Bybit Pay Bybit Pay currently serves global users who have successfully completed Identity Verification on Bybit. Users from Service Restricted Countries or local Bybit entities are not currently supported. For the latest updates and detailed terms and conditions, users may refer to the Bybit Pay official page. Bybit / CryptoArk About Bybit Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 80 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com. For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2861551/Bybit_Pay_Bring_Crypto_Payments_Peru_s_Most_Popular_Digital_Wallets.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2267288/Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bybit-pay-bring-crypto-payments-to-perus-most-popular-digital-wallets-yape-and-plin-302661147.html Industry veteran brings nearly three decades of experience to lead AmeriLife's expanding Wealth Distribution platform CLEARWATER, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / AmeriLife Group, LLC ("AmeriLife"), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions, today announced the appointment of Todd Buchanan as President, AmeriLife Wealth. Buchanan will lead AmeriLife's Wealth Distribution organization, driving strategy and growth across its expanding network of affiliates and advisors. As part of this transition, Mike Vietri, most recently Chief Distribution Officer for AmeriLife Wealth, will assume a new role as Executive Vice President, Distribution, and Senior Advisor to the Office of the CEO, where he will continue to support AmeriLife's distribution strategy and its affiliate partners. "Todd's leadership and vision will be instrumental as we continue to expand our Wealth Distribution platform and redefine the agent and advisor experience, while his deep industry knowledge and commitment to innovation align perfectly with AmeriLife's mission to provide comprehensive, client-centric solutions," said Scott Perry, Chairman and CEO of AmeriLife. "I am likewise deeply grateful for Mike's leadership in building and scaling our Wealth Distribution organization. His continued partnership and counsel will remain critical to our success." Buchanan joins AmeriLife from Transamerica, where he served on the Transamerica Management Board and as President of World Financial Group (WFG). Under his leadership, WFG became one of the largest financial services distribution networks in North America, delivering innovative solutions to help families achieve financial security and independence. Prior to Transamerica, Buchanan held senior leadership roles at AIG Life and Retirement and served as CEO of Coherent Global, a Hong Kong-based insurance technology firm. He began his career as a U.S. Army officer, achieving the rank of Captain. With nearly 30 years of experience in financial services, Buchanan brings a proven track record of driving growth, building high-performing teams, and leading large-scale transformation initiatives. His expertise spans traditional and tech-enabled distribution models, positioning AmeriLife to accelerate its holistic wealth strategy and deliver best-in-class solutions to agents, advisors, and clients. "I'm thrilled to join AmeriLife at such an exciting time in its evolution," said Buchanan. "The company has assembled an all-star network of wealth distribution affiliates that is truly unmatched in the industry. I look forward to working with this incredible team to accelerate our ambitions, expand our reach, and deliver even greater value to our advisors and the clients they serve." Buchanan is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame in 2015. He actively serves on boards for Finseca, Cogent Bank, and Vineyard Capital Partners, LLC, and is passionate about advancing financial literacy and empowering families to achieve long-term security. About AmeriLife AmeriLife's strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. AmeriLife develops, markets, and distributes life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For over 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers through a national distribution network of over 300,000 agents, financial professionals, and more than 160 marketing organizations and insurance agencies. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contacts: Media Jeff Maldonado AmeriLife media@amerilife.com Partnership Inquiries Alex Hyer AmeriLife corporatedevelopment@amerilife.com SOURCE: AmeriLife PNG Logo-AmeriLife-Logo-BLUE View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/todd-buchanan-named-president-of-amerilife-wealth-1126744 Oregon Coordinated Care Organization to Leverage 1upHealth's Comprehensive Interoperability Suite to Drive CMS Compliance and Support Critical Mission BOSTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / 1upHealth, a leader in health data interoperability, today announced that Advanced Health, a Coordinated Care Organization in Oregon, will leverage the company's comprehensive solution suite to achieve CMS-0057 compliance while also supporting broader programs like care coordination that require easy access to comprehensive and timely health data. Advanced Health is a local health plan within Oregon's Medicaid program, Oregon Health Plan, serving residents of Curry and Coos Counties. Facing the complex challenges of delivering high-quality care in rural and underserved communities, the organization chose 1upHealth to meet CMS Access API and electronic Prior Authorization regulations and, in turn, help achieve better outcomes for its diverse member population. The health plan will deploy the 1up Platform along with 1up Patient Access, 1up Provider Directory, 1up Provider Access, 1up Payer-to-Payer Data Exchange, and 1up Prior Authorization. "With the interoperability rule deadline quickly approaching, we needed a strategic partner who could help us navigate this new era of data sharing so we could stay focused on our core mission - to advance and ensure quality healthcare is available in our communities in a transformative manner that respects each individual's needs," said Samyukta Vendrathi, Chief Operating Officer. "With 1upHealth's unmatched expertise and robust solution suite, we are eager to embark on this next phase and unlock new opportunities." This new partnership comes on the heels of a series of recent milestones for 1upHealth, underscoring the company's leadership in the interoperability space. In the latest CMS Payer Interoperability 2025 Report, KLAS Research recognized 1upHealth as a long-term, trusted partner for payers - citing its deep FHIR expertise, transparent communication, and strong relationships that help customers stay ahead of CMS mandates. 1upHealth was also recently selected by CommunityCare, Oklahoma's largest locally owned health plan, to simplify CMS compliance while positioning the health plan for long-term innovation and value creation. "As we look across our customer base, we're seeing a common theme," said 1upHealth CEO Andrew Boyd. "Payers are moving from mandate to mission; finding ways to use required interoperability investments to support their broader organizational purpose. We are proud to partner with Advanced Health as they work to make a difference in the health and well-being of their members and the communities they serve." About Advanced Health Advanced Health, a subcontractor of the Oregon Health Plan, coordinates and delivers integrated medical, dental, behavioral health, and substance use treatment services for residents of rural southwestern Oregon. The organization works closely with regional providers to ensure access to high-quality care, while investing in programs that focus on preventive health, chronic disease management, and social determinants of health. About 1upHealth Driven by a purpose of better healthcare for all through better data, 1upHealth is the national leader in health data interoperability and one of the fastest-growing health IT companies in the United States. Our modern data platform is built on a standards-based cloud architecture specifically designed for the healthcare industry, making it easy to acquire, manage, and use data. Payers large and small - commercial or government-sponsored - rely on 1upHealth to seamlessly exchange data across the healthcare ecosystem to reduce risk, lower costs, and improve patient outcomes. Visit our website. Media Contact Elizabeth Grich Aria Marketing for 1upHealth egrich@ariamarketing.com SOURCE: 1upHealth View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/advanced-health-selects-1uphealth-to-lead-interoperability-initiative-1126934 Sea Mountain Vacations Recognized by The 100 Collection Highlighting Commitment to Quality in North Myrtle Beach NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Sea Mountain Vacations, a leading boutique property management firm based in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been officially inducted into The 100 Collection, a prestigious network that independently verifies and endorses top vacation rental companies throughout North America. This distinction marks Sea Mountain Vacations as the first company in North Myrtle Beach to carry The 100 Collection seal, underscoring its commitment to exceptional service, property standards, and guest satisfaction. Setting a New Standard for Vacation Rentals in North Myrtle Beach The inclusion of Sea Mountain Vacations into The 100 Collection reflects a comprehensive evaluation of the company's operational excellence and guest experience. Each member of this exclusive network undergoes stringent, in-person inspections and ongoing audits to uphold standards similar to those employed by the Michelin Guide in the restaurant industry. Travis Wilburn, Founder of The 100 Collection, noted, "Sea Mountain Vacations exemplifies the blend of local insight and high-quality hospitality we prioritize. Their inclusion enriches our carefully curated network and spotlights the Grand Strand region." Rising Demand Amplifies Growth Potential As Myrtle Beach remains a top domestic summer destination in 2025, the demand for quality vacation rentals continues to grow. Sea Mountain Vacations' membership in The 100 Collection offers increased exposure through syndication on prominent platforms such as Business Insider, MSN, Yahoo Finance, and Medium, positioning North Myrtle Beach on a broader national travel stage. Buck Cumbo, Founder and CEO of Sea Mountain Vacations, said, "Our priority has always been pristine homes paired with outstanding hospitality. Being invited into The 100 Collection recognizes that dedication and opens doors for our property owners and community." Benefits for Homeowners and Guests Sea Mountain Vacations will display The 100 Collection badge on listings across both organizations' websites and leading partner channels. Properties bearing this designation typically attract guests booking longer stays at higher rates, thereby enhancing revenue potential for owners. Furthermore, The 100 Collection's strong search engine presence, trusted by millions of travelers, boosts the visibility of Sea Mountain Vacations' properties in vacation rental searches nationwide. Recent Achievements Underpin Industry Standing Recent milestones for Sea Mountain Vacations include: Named Best Property Management Company in the 2025 Best of Best Awards Leading market rankings in the Comparent Spring 2025 report Achieving an 83 percent year-over-year portfolio growth in 2024 These accomplishments highlight the company's expanding influence in the vacation rental market. About Sea Mountain Vacations Sea Mountain Vacations combines Southern hospitality with modern technology to maximize homeowner revenue while delivering premium guest experiences. The North Myrtle Beach-based company manages over 60 properties valued at nearly $50 million. About The 100 Collection Established in 2022, The 100 Collection is an exclusive network of vacation rental brands across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Each member is vetted for safety, service, and operational excellence to uphold the highest standards in hospitality. Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seamountainvacations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seamountainvacations Media Contact Organization: Sea Mountain Vacations Contact Person Name: Buck Cumbo Website: https://seamountainvacations.com Email: info@seamountainvacations.com City: North Myrtle Beach State: South Carolina Country: United States SOURCE: Sea Mountain Vacations View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/travel/sea-mountain-vacations-recognized-by-the-100-collection-highlighting-commitment-to-quality-i-1126997 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Oroco Resource Corp. (TSXV: OCO) (OTCQB: ORRCF) (the "Company" or "Oroco") today announced the closing of its previously announced bought deal public offering of 60,526,340 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$0.38 per Unit (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$23 million (the "Offering"), including the exercise in full of the over-allotment option granted by the Company. The Offering was led by Canaccord Genuity Corp. ("Canaccord Genuity"), as lead underwriter and sole bookrunner, and Red Cloud Securities Inc. (together, the "Underwriters"). Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional Common Share at an exercise price of C$0.53 until January 15, 2029. The Warrants are governed by a warrant indenture dated January 14, 2026, between the Company and Computer Trust Company of Canada as the warrant agent (the "Warrant Indenture"). Subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), the Warrants are expected to begin trading on the TSXV under the ticker symbol "OCO.WT" and CUSIP number 687033134 as at market open on January 15, 2026. Pursuant to the terms of the Warrant Indenture, no fractional Common Shares will be issued on exercise of a Warrant, and Warrant holders who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fraction of a Common Share will be rounded down to the nearest whole number of Common Shares, and no cash consideration will be paid in respect of fractional shares. Warrant holders are encouraged to read the full text of the Warrant Indenture, which is available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid the Underwriters a cash commission equal to 6.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering (including on the exercise of the over-allotment option), subject to a reduced cash commission equal to 3.0% in respect of gross proceeds from the sale of Units to purchasers included on a "President's List" provided by the Company to the Underwriters. The Offering was completed by way of a prospectus supplement dated January 9, 2026 (the "Prospectus Supplement") to the Company's short form base shelf prospectus dated April 23, 2025 (the "Base Shelf Prospectus"), filed in all provinces of Canada, other than Quebec. The Units were also offered in the United States to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and to accredited investors pursuant to Rule 506 (b) of Regulation D under the 1933 Act, and in certain offshore jurisdictions, in each case in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to fund commencement of Pre-Feasibility Study drilling at the Santo Tomas copper project, advance baseline environmental and permitting work, and for general corporate working capital. Copies of the applicable offering documents can be obtained free of charge under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . Delivery of the Base Shelf Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement and any amendments thereto were satisfied in accordance with the "access equals delivery" provisions of applicable Canadian securities legislation. An electronic or paper copy of the Prospectus Supplement and the Base Shelf Prospectus may be obtained, without charge, from Canaccord Genuity by phone at 416-869-3052 or by e-mail at ecm@cgf.com by providing Canaccord Genuity with an email address or address, as applicable. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. ABOUT OROCO The Company holds a net 87.0% interest in those central concessions that comprise 1,173 hectares "the Core Concessions" of the Santo Tomas Project, located in northwestern Mexico. The Company also holds an 80% interest in an additional 7,861 hectares of mineral concessions surrounding and adjacent to the Core Concessions (for a total Project area of 9,034 hectares, or 22,324 acres). Following an assessment of one of the non-Core Concession, the Company filed an application to reduce the area of that concession, with the result that the additional concessions will total 4,948.24 hectares, for a total Project area of 6,121.11 hectares or 15,124.47 acres. The Project is situated within the Santo Tomas District, which extends up to the Jinchuan Group's Bahuerachi Project, approximately 14 km to the northeast. The Santo Tomas Project hosts significant copper porphyry mineralization initially defined by prior exploration spanning the period from 1968 to 1994. During that time, the Santo Tomas Project area was tested by over 100 diamond and reverse circulation drill holes, totaling approximately 30,000 meters. Commencing in 2021, Oroco conducted a drill program (Phase 1) at Santo Tomas, with a resulting total of 48,481 meters drilled in 76 diamond drill holes. The drilling and subsequent resource estimates and engineering studies led to a revised MRE and an updated PEA being published and filed in August of 2024, which studies are available at the Company's website www.orocoresourcecorp.com and by reviewing the Company profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Santo Tomas Project is located within 170 km of the Pacific deep-water port at Topolobampo and is serviced via highway and proximal rail (and parallel corridors of trunk grid power lines and natural gas) through the city of Los Mochis to the northern city of Choix. The property is reached, in part, by a 32 km access road originally built to service Goldcorp's El Sauzal Mine in Chihuahua State. Additional information about Oroco can be found on its website and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to future events or achievements of the Company, the listing date of the Warrants on the TSXV, and the use of funds from the Offering, are forward-looking statements. There is no assurance that the proceeds of the Offering will be expended as contemplated. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these matters. Oroco does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements should they change, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280344 Source: Oroco Resource Corp. AMSTERDAM AND HONG KONG AND OAKLAND, CA / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Cascale: Cascale Forum: Colombo convenes 500+ manufacturers brands, and stakeholders to advance capacity building and collaboration across the consumer goods industry. Cascale today announced program details for Cascale Forum: Colombo, taking place March 30-April 1, 2026 in Sri Lanka. Building on the success of the 2025 Forum in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, this gathering will convene manufacturers, brands, retailers, NGOs, policymakers, and solution providers under the theme "Action by Design: Accelerating a Fairer, More Resilient Value Chain." "At Cascale Forum: Colombo, we are bringing the value chain together to work intentionally on the systems, relationships, and practices that accelerate measurable progress on climate and decent work," said Harsh Saini, interim CEO, Cascale. "This is a space for shared learning - and shared responsibility." Rotated annually across critical manufacturing regions, Cascale Forums are brought to the industry by the stewards of the Higg Index, exclusively available on Worldly, and center the experience and expertise of manufacturers and sourcing companies at the center of global production. The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), which represents Sri Lanka's textile and apparel export sector, is the event's Association Collaborator. Hosting the Forum in Sri Lanka reinforces Cascale's commitment to ensuring regional priorities shape global strategies while emphasizing that intentional collaboration is essential to drive measurable improvement on climate and decent work. "Sri Lanka has long played an important role in advancing responsible manufacturing," said Saifuddin Jafferjee, chairman of the Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAF). "Cascale Forum: Colombo provides a valuable platform to share regional experience, strengthen collaboration across the value chain, and contribute practical insights that support a fairer, more resilient industry." Across two days of plenaries, workshops, and training sessions, participants will explore what effective brand-manufacturer collaboration looks like in practice, engage in hands-on learning, and gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively use Cascale's tools, including those in the Higg Index and Better Buying. New this year, side meetings and factory tours will offer additional opportunities to learn from regional examples of operational and sustainability excellence. Why Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka represents an important region in the global apparel supply chain and brings diverse perspectives to the table. Its manufacturers have earned a reputation for high environmental and social standards, energy-efficient operations, and early adoption of sustainability tools such as the Higg Index. The textile and apparel export sector accounts for nearly 50 percent of Sri Lanka's exports and represents six percent of its GDP. With a well-connected network of industry players who actively engage in shared initiatives, Sri Lanka offers real-world examples of responsible production - making it an ideal location for hands-on learning, cross-industry dialogue, and peer-to-peer capability building. Finally, local organizations provide valuable context through factory tours, coordinated through the Cascale Forum: Colombo program, which allow participants to experience sustainability innovations, workforce practices, and environmental performance improvements firsthand. Member-Driven Program Advisory Group Cascale's expert Program Advisory Group members emphasized the importance of grounding global strategy in local realities while helping develop the program for Cascale Forum: Colombo. "South Asia is known in the global apparel industry for combining innovation, quality, and responsible manufacturing," said Nikhil Hirdaramani, director, Hirdaramani. "Cascale Forum: Colombo showcases how that leadership contributes meaningfully to global industry progress." "Manufacturers are navigating increasing complexity and at MAS we have always tried to be proactive and take the challenge head on," said Dhanujie Jayapala, general manager of environmental sustainability, MAS Holdings. "Cascale Forum: Colombo gives us the opportunity to share regional insights and build capabilities that support long-term, aligned progress." "To build a resilient supply chain, we need strong alignment between brands and suppliers," said Cesar Hasibuan, responsible supply chain director, South Asia, Nike Inc. "This Forum will create space to understand each other's challenges and design solutions that work in practice, not just on paper." "We need practical, operational pathways to meet today's climate and social expectations in the fashion industry," said Dr. Thiwanka De Fonseka, chief sustainability officer at Komar. "Cascale Forum: Colombo plays a vital role by creating a space for hands-on learning and intentional, equitable collaboration that empowers our industry to move from commitment to real, measurable impact throughout the value chain." "Collaboration is essential to scaling credible environmental solutions," said Maria Arroyo, Sector Partnership Lead, ZDHC. "Our work only succeeds when data, standards, and implementation are connected - and Cascale Forum: Colombo helps make that possible." Program Highlights Lead sponsored by Worldly and sponsored by MAS Holdings, Komar, TUV Rheinland, GSCS, among others, key highlights for Cascale Forum: Colombo include: 500+ attendees from across the consumer goods value chain Two days of impact across plenaries, workshops, and practical training One unified mission to strengthen a fairer, more resilient industry Field trips and side meetings on March 30 Intentional networking and social events In-person participation only; no virtual access "Cascale Forum: Colombo brings the industry together at the point where data, capability, and action intersect," said Scott Raskin, CEO of Worldly. "By pairing Cascale's standards and governance with accessible, innovative solutions, the Forum helps brands and manufacturers move beyond reporting and toward decisions that improve environmental and social performance across the value chain." In November, after over a million people were displaced by severe flooding and landslides, Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency; Cascale is contributing to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to support emergency response and long-term rebuilding, and continues to stay in close contact with regional partners as needs evolve. Media contact: Forster Communications, cascaleforster@forster.co.uk ABOUT CASCALE Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people. LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cascale on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Cascale Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cascale Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Cascale View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/sri-lanka-to-host-global-forum-on-building-fairer-more-resilient-1127001 Analysis finds AI could add 30 trillion liters of annual water demand, but targeted reuse and digital infrastructure investments can substantially offset demand and protect communities The rapid global expansion of artificial intelligence is set to drive a 129% increase in water demand across the AI value chain by 2050, according to new research by Xylem (NYSE: XYL) and Global Water Intelligence (GWI). Watering the New Economy: Managing the Impacts of the AI Revolution provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of how AI is reshaping global water use. It also highlights practical ways to meet that demand while strengthening water security for communities. Spending on AI is forecast to approach $2 trillion in 2026,1 accelerating infrastructure build-out worldwide. By the middle of the century, this expansion is projected to add 30 trillion liters of water demand, annually, fueled by a surge in power generation (~54% of the increase), semiconductor fabrication (~42%), and data center expansion (~4%). Crucially, the report finds that this additional demand does not have to result in competition between industry and communities. Today, global water systems process roughly 320 trillion liters of wastewater each year and lose an estimated 100 trillion liters through aging infrastructure volumes that, if recovered through targeted investment, could substantially offset AI's projected growth in water use and reduce strain on freshwater resources. The report calls for a coordinated "water transition" centered on water reuse, digital infrastructure, and cross-sector partnerships to ensure water is a resilient foundation for economic growth, rather than a constraint on innovation. "AI is placing new demands on water supplies, but many of the tools needed to address the challenge already exist," said Matthew Pine, Xylem's president and CEO. "Advanced treatment technologies, for example, allow us to recycle water rather than waste it. Digital systems can help better manage supply in real time, reducing water lost to leaks. It's time for a water transition built on targeted investment and collaboration between industry, utilities, and governments to ensure water systems can support both growth and community resilience." The analysis also highlights rising geographic risk. Nearly 40% of existing data centers are already located in regions experiencing high water stress,2 and future growth is expected to concentrate in similarly constrained watersheds. This underscores the need for localized, basin-level solutions, even as global efficiency gains create headroom for growth. "Our projections examine water use across the full AI value chain from chip fabrication and data center operations to indirect demand from power generation and assess how technology choices shape future demand," said Christopher Gasson, CEO, Global Water Intelligence. "The greatest pressure points emerge in semiconductor manufacturing and in fast-growing data center hubs in the United States, East Asia, and South Asia. In these regions, expanded wastewater reuse, leakage reduction, and targeted infrastructure investment can fully offset future growth." The report points to early examples of how collaboration can deliver shared benefits. In Mexico, for example, utilities in Mexico City and Monterrey worked together with Amazon and Xylem on smart pipeline upgrades to reduce leaks. A system of sensors and advanced analytics will save more than 1.3 billion liters of water a year and help improve the reliability of water supplies for residents. About Xylem Xylem (XYL) is a Fortune 500 leading global water solutions company that empowers customers and communities to build a more water-secure world. Our 23,000 diverse employees delivered revenue of $8.6 billion in 2024, optimizing water and resource management with innovation and expertise. Join us at www.xylem.com and let's solve water. ____________________________ 1 Gartner: AI spending >$2 trillion in 2026 driven by hyperscalers data center investments IEEE ComSoc Technology Blog 2 Beneath the surface: Water stress in data centers S&P Global View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114858723/en/ Contacts: Media Houston Spencer +1 (914) 240-3046 Houston.Spencer@xylem.com Return to U.S. headquarters reinforces the Foundation's momentum and its vision to shape the future of financial empowerment DOVER, Del., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Algorand Foundation today announced its return to the United States and the appointment of a newly constituted board to guide the next phase of its strategic growth. Originating from pioneering research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Algorand Foundation will re-establish its U.S. headquarters in Delaware, reinforcing its long-term commitment to financial empowerment and U.S. leadership in blockchain innovation. As part of this transition, the Foundation introduced its newly appointed board, an exceptional group of leaders from finance, technology, and regulatory policy, each bringing expertise critical to Algorand's mission. The new board's immediate mandate will be to oversee the Foundation's expanded U.S. operations and guide new initiatives in global payments, asset tokenization, and other pillars of financial empowerment. The board includes Bill Barhydt, Founder and CEO of Abra (Chair); Alex Holmes, Executive Vice Chairman of United Texas Bank Dallas, and former CEO of MoneyGram; Michael Mosier, Co-Founder of Arktouros PLLC and former Acting Director at U.S. Treasury FinCEN; Rebecca Rettig, CLO of Jito Labs; and Staci Warden, CEO of the Algorand Foundation. "I'm honored and excited to join the Algorand Foundation's board of directors," said Bill Barhydt, Founder and CEO of Abra. "As the world of finance moves 100% on-chain, institutions, developers and users will demand blockchain and smart contract platforms that are secure, fast, scalable and easily programmable. Algorand checks all these boxes with deep experience building the cutting-edge infrastructure necessary for this shift. I look forward to contributing to its success as we explore ways to advance on-chain markets and products." This renewed commitment to the U.S. comes at a time when Algorand's technology is already being used to solve practical financial challenges around the world, the same kinds of use cases the Foundation plans to expand through its U.S. presence: Lofty is broadening access to real estate investments, HesabPay is improving the efficiency and cost of cross-border payments, Folks Finance is bringing collateralized debt products on-chain, and Conio is enabling the tokenization of real-world assets. "Algorand has always stood for empowering people with blockchain technology," said Staci Warden, CEO of the Algorand Foundation. "Now we're doubling down where blockchain can make the most significant difference: instant global payments, expanded access to financial products, and improved economic resilience. By re-establishing our presence in the U.S., Algorand is helping ensure U.S. leadership for the next generation of financial infrastructure." As part of this next chapter, the Algorand Foundation also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ecosystem representation and engagement. The Foundation will soon announce an Ecosystem Advisory Council in order to create a meaningful channel for the ecosystem to inform the Foundation's strategic direction. Chaired by Pawel (Urtho) Pierscionek, founder of Nodely, the Advisory Council will comprise community members, key ecosystem projects, and large protocol stakers. Urtho will also act as technical advisor to the board. This milestone reflects the Foundation's growing global momentum and its commitment to shaping the future of blockchain technology in the United States. About Algorand Algorand is a public layer-1 blockchain built for financial empowerment. Algorand offers tools to move money across borders, issue and manage assets, verify identity, and develop services that rely on dependable performance and instant settlement. Developers and organizations use Algorand to create practical tools for payments, identity, asset tokenization, public records, and other financial services. Algorand's all-in-one blockchain infrastructure powers financial apps that are easy to build, simple to use, and unlock economic opportunity for users. Today, the Algorand ecosystem spans startups, developers, governments, and global partners building real-world financial and digital asset solutions. With Algorand, you decide where your money lives, how it moves, and who can access it. To learn more and join the financial empowerment movement, visit algorand.co. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/algorand-foundation-announces-return-to-the-united-states-with-new-board-and-strategic-vision-for-blockchain-leadership-302660990.html DOHA, Qatar, Jan 14, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), announced today that it has been awarded a contract in cooperation with Samsung C&T Engineering & Construction Group, an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor appointed by Ras Abu Fontas Power Company, and in partnership with Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA). This involves supplying advanced gas turbine technology for Qatar's Facility E Independent Water and Power Project (IWPP). The project will be powered by Mitsubishi Power's cutting-edge M701JAC gas turbines, renowned for their reliability, efficiency, and hydrogen readiness.Facility E IWPP, located in the Ras Abu Fontas area, approximately 25 kilometers south of Doha, will serve as a critical infrastructure asset for Qatar. The plant will contribute a combined 2.4 GW of electricity, representing around 20% of Qatar's national grid capacity, and will provide 495,000 tons per day of desalinated water, helping meet the country's growing power and water demand. The project aligns with Qatar's ambitious National Vision 2030 and its decarbonization strategy to reduce carbon emissions and increase reliance on cleaner energy sources.This milestone marks the first deployment of Mitsubishi Power's M701JAC gas turbines in Qatar, a technology that supports the country's ongoing shift toward sustainable, low-carbon power generation. With a flexible operating profile and the ability to co-fire hydrogen, these turbines will play a crucial role in stabilizing Qatar's electricity power grid.Khalid Salem, President of Middle East & North Africa, Mitsubishi Power said: "Qatar has long been a key partner for Mitsubishi Power, and we are honored to play a pivotal role in supporting the country's ambitious energy goals. As one of the world's leading LNG hubs, Qatar's continued growth and economic development are intrinsically tied to its energy infrastructure. The Facility E IWPP project is a significant step in addressing Qatar's rising energy demand while ensuring the stability and resilience of its power grid. Mitsubishi Power's hydrogen-ready M701JAC gas turbines will provide Qatar with highly efficient, reliable, and flexible power generation solutions that synchronize with renewable energy sources. This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to the country and its energy transition, reinforcing our shared vision for a low-carbon, sustainable future. We are proud to contribute to Qatar's National Vision 2030, further strengthening our legacy of delivering cutting-edge technologies to meet the dynamic energy needs of the region."H.E. Eng. Abdulla Bin Ali Al-Theyab, President of Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA), said: "KAHRAMAA, through the adoption of the Facility E project utilizing hydrogen-ready M701JAC gas turbines supplied by Mitsubishi Power to the project company, represents a pivotal step in ensuring grid stability, which helps strengthen the State of Qatar's electricity energy security, underpins the nation's commitment to delivering sustainable and reliable electricity energy to its citizens, residents, and industrial sectors, meets future electricity needs, and maintains high levels of reliability and performance required by the State, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030".In addition to supplying the turbines, Mitsubishi Power signed a long-term service agreement with Ras Abu Fontas Power Company for the provision of parts, repairs and services, to ensure high availability and sustained reliability and performance of the Facility E project throughout its operational life.The Facility E project is expected to begin operations in 2028, significantly contributing to Qatar's energy security and helping the country achieve its strategic sustainability and growth objectives.As countries across the region continue to drive their sustainability and decarbonization agendas, Mitsubishi Power remains committed to providing reliable, innovative, and efficient energy solutions to support the Middle East's ambitious goals for a sustainable and resilient energy future.Source: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. The "Belgium Alternative Lending Market Size Forecast by Value and Volume Across 100+ KPIs by Type of Lending, End-User Segments, Loan Purpose, Finance Models, Distribution Channels, and Payment Instruments Databook Q4 2025 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Alternative lending market in Belgium was expected to grow by 16.6% annually, reaching US$4.26 billion by 2025. The alternative lending market in the country has experienced robust growth during 2020-2024, achieving a CAGR of 15.2%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 13.2% from 2025 to 2029. By the end of 2029, the alternative lending market is projected to expand from its 2024 value of US$3.65 billion to approximately US$7.01 billion. This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the alternative lending industry in Belgium, offering comprehensive coverage of both overall and alternative lending markets. It covers more than 100+ KPIs, including loan disbursement value, loan disbursement volume, average loan ticket size, and penetration rate. The report offers in-depth segmentation across lending dimensions, including type of lending (Bank-based/NBFC and Alternative Lending), end-user segments (Retail Lending and SME/MSME Lending), and loan types. It further categorizes the alternative lending ecosystem by finance models (P2P Marketplace, Balance Sheet, Invoice Trading, Real Estate Crowdfunding, and Other Models), distribution channels (Branch/Physical, Direct Digital, and Agent/Broker), and payment instruments (Credit Transfer, Debit Card, E-Money, and Others). In addition, the analysis captures borrower demographics by age, income, and gender, alongside delinquency performance indicators. Collectively, these datasets provide a comprehensive and quantifiable view of market size, structure, lending behavior, and risk dynamics within the lending ecosystem. Reasons to Buy Comprehensive Market Intelligence: Gain an integrated view of the overall and alternative lending landscape, combining macroeconomic context with detailed lending performance indicators such as loan disbursement value, volume, and average ticket size. Granular Coverage of Alternative Lending: Explore the fast-evolving alternative lending ecosystem, including peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplaces, balance sheet lending, invoice trading, real estate crowdfunding, and hybrid finance models, supported by in-depth segmentation by end-user, loan purpose, and payment instrument. Segment-Wise Insights and Cross-Analysis: Evaluate lending trends across consumer and SME/MSME segments, using advanced cross-segmentation to link finance models, loan purposes, and payment methods, offering a comprehensive understanding of credit origination dynamics. Borrower-Level Behavioral Analytics: Understand borrower demographics and credit behavior through data on age, income level, gender distribution, and delinquency rates (30-day and 90-day), enabling sharper credit risk assessment and customer targeting. Digital Infrastructure and Ecosystem Readiness: Assess the enabling digital ecosystem including smartphone penetration, internet access, digital wallet adoption, and real-time payments infrastructure that underpins the growth of fintech-driven lending models. Data-Driven Forecasts and KPI Benchmarking: Access a comprehensive dataset of 100+ key performance indicators (KPIs) with historical and forecast data through 2030, providing visibility into emerging lending trends, growth drivers, and investment opportunities. Decision-Ready Databook Format: Delivered in a data-centric, easy-to-analyze format, the Databook supports integration into financial models, strategy decks, and investor presentations, enabling stakeholders, including banks, fintechs, investors, and policymakers, to make informed, evidence-based decisions. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2025 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $4.26 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $7.01 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 13.2% Regions Covered Belgium Report Scope Macroeconomic Overview: Belgium Economic Indicators Belgium by Gross Domestic Product (Current Prices) Belgium by Population Belgium Unemployment Rate Operational Enablers and Infrastructure Readiness Smartphone Penetration Internet Connectivity Broadband Access Digital Wallet Adoption Rate Real-Time Payments Infrastructure E-commerce Penetration Belgium Lending Market Size and Growth Dynamics Loan Disbursement Value Loan Disbursement Volume Average Loan Ticket Size Belgium Lending Market Segmentation by Lending Type Bank-based NBFC Lending Alternative Lending Belgium Lending Market Segmentation by End-User Retail Lending SME MSME Lending Belgium Retail Lending Market Segmentation by Loan Purpose Housing Mortgage Loans Auto Loans Education Loans Personal Loans Other Retail Loan Types (e.g., BNPL, Travel, Green Loans, Payday) Belgium SME MSME Lending Market Segmentation by Loan Purpose Working Capital Loans Expansion Loans Equipment Machinery Loans Invoice Financing Factoring Trade Finance (Import Export) Real Estate Commercial Property Loans Other SME Lending (e.g., Digital Adoption, Franchise Financing) Belgium Lending Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel Branch Physical Direct Digital Lending Agent Broker Channel Belgium Alternative Lending Market Size and Growth Dynamics Loan Disbursement Value Loan Disbursement Volume Average Loan Ticket Size Belgium Alternative Lending Market Segmentation by End-User Consumer Lending SME MSME Lending Belgium Alternative Lending Market Segmentation by Finance Models P2P Marketplace Balance Sheet Lending Invoice Trading Real Estate Crowdfunding Other Hybrid Models Combined View: Finance Models by End-User Segments P2P Marketplace Consumer Lending SME Lending Property Lending Balance Sheet Lending Consumer Lending SME Lending Property Lending Belgium Alternative Lending by Loan Purpose Consumer Lending Personal Loans Payroll Advance Home Improvement Loans Education Student Loans Point-of-Sale (POS) Credit Auto Loans Medical Loans Other Consumer Lending Types Belgium Alternative Lending by Loan Purpose SME MSME Lending Lines of Credit Merchant Cash Advance Invoice Factoring Revenue-Based Financing Other SME Loan Types Belgium Alternative Lending Segmentation by Payment Instrument Credit Transfer Debit Card E-Money Other Instruments Cross-Segmentation: Finance Models across Payment Instruments P2P Marketplace across Credit Transfer Debit Card E-Money Other Balance Sheet Lending by Payment Instrument Invoice Trading by Payment Instrument Real Estate Crowdfunding by Payment Instrument Other Models by Payment Instrument Belgium Alternative Lending Borrower-Level Insights: Consumer Demographics Behavior Borrower Distribution by Age Group Borrower Distribution by Income Level Borrower Distribution by Gender Belgium Alternative Lending Credit Risk Quality Metrics Delinquency Rate (30 Days 90 Days), 2024 For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/psaj8i About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114410513/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 ANAHEIM, CA / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Premiere Anaheim 2026 returns to the Anaheim Convention Center on February 1-2, 2026, bringing together the professional beauty community for two days of education, shopping, and connection. Now in its fourth year, it continues to raise the bar as the premier destination for beauty professionals on the West Coast, bringing together top brands, educators, influencers, and industry leaders. More than just a beauty show, Premiere Anaheim is a transformative, community-driven experience designed to inspire, empower, and elevate the beauty industry as one. The 2026 event will feature 180+ education classes, 120+ exhibiting brands, and 115+ top educators and influencers across hair, nails, skincare, barbering, makeup, and wellness. Attendees can discover trending techniques, shop exclusive show-only deals, and connect with the brands and experts shaping the future of the industry. A complete listing of classes and brands can be found here . The exhibit floor will showcase leading brands such as L3vel3, Ulta, Wahl, and T3 Micro, alongside spa and wellness innovators Circadia and Zemits, nail favorites like LeChat, and standout makeup, lash and brow brands including Moira Cosmetics and Lashbomb. Premiere Anaheim's education lineup will feature industry-recognized talent including Wayne Tuggle, Presley Poe, Larisa Love, and Ashlee Norman, with special appearances from Kirsty Meakin and a business-focused conversation with Anastasia Soare, CEO of Anastasia Beverly Hills, which will also include an exclusive conversation and book signing, with the first 700 attendees on Sunday receiving a complimentary copy of her new book, Raising Brows. New for 2026, Premiere Anaheim introduces the Value Center for Pros, offering exceptional deals across professional beauty categories, and an all-new Demo Stage featuring live, up-close demonstrations from leading brands and educators. The show also debuts Spa & Wellness Talks, a one-day experiential program curated by Mary Bemis, exploring innovative treatments and wellness-forward practices. Attendees can also enjoy the Ulta Beauty Experience Lounge, creator meet-and-greets, the SalonEVO / BarberEVO Media Zone, and the live NAHA 2026 Finalist Announcement on the Main Stage. Registration Details Premiere Anaheim 2026 offers three pricing tiers for professionals and students, with savings for early registration. All Show Passes include two days of complimentary education and full access to the exhibit floor. Workshops and competitions are available for an additional fee. Schools can take advantage of a special bundle package that includes 10 students plus one complimentary instructor pass. ADVANCE RATE PRICING NOW AVAILABLE Purchase show passes on or before January 31 to save $20. Register Here Visitors can also take advantage of discounted hotel rates in Anaheim for the show. Learn more here . ### Media Contact: DKC News PremiereDKC@dkcnews.com About Premiere Shows The Premiere Shows are the nation's leading network of beauty industry events, matched with world-class education from top beauty brands and renowned educators. Premiere welcomes all representatives of the professional beauty industry to meet with top brands from around the globe, get hands-on education, shop, connect with their community, and stay up to date with the hottest trends in the business. Premiere exhibitors are guaranteed to meet decision-makers from every area of the beauty industry on an exhibit floor designed to bring the beauty community together to learn, buy, and connect.?For more information on Premiere Shows and its events, visit premiereshows.com . The Premiere Shows' events are organized by USA Beauty LLC, a joint venture between Informa Markets, BolognaFiere, and the Professional Beauty Association - a historic partnership created to better serve the beauty industry. USA Beauty LLC also operates the Cosmoprof North America events held annually in Las Vegas and Miami. For more information, visit premiereshows.com and follow @premierebeautyshows for updates and announcements. SOURCE: South Florida Ventures View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/premiere-anaheim-2026-the-west-coasts-must-attend-beauty-event-returns-1127075 Event Delivers Insights and Actionable Strategies for Dealer Growth RAMSEY, NJ / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) announced the successful completion of its High Velocity Dealer Summit, a premier event to empower dealer partners with strategies, tools and insights to drive profitability and innovation in today's fast-changing market. Held at the Four Seasons in Palm Beach, Florida, the three-day summit united industry leaders, partners and experts for an immersive experience focused on accelerating success through technology, strategic partnerships and operational excellence. Highlights of the event included: Executive Leadership Insights: Sam Errigo, President and CEO, Michael Mathe, Executive Vice President and COO and Laura Blackmer, President, Dealer Sales, opened the General Session with a comprehensive overview of Konica Minolta's strategic direction and key insights. They were later joined by Steve Rhorer, Vice President, Direct and Dealer Service, for an Executive Exchange moderated by Patricia Ames, President of BPO Media, where the team provided candid feedback on dealer-requested topics. The session concluded with Jason Dizzine, Vice President of Portfolio Management and Planning, unveiling the company's roadmap for lasting industry leadership. Marketing and Sales Enablement: Attendees learned more about Konica Minolta's enhanced dealer performance program, REV'D UP 2.0, and participated in panels on leveraging strategic partnerships for next-level excellence. Technology Showcase: Live demonstrations featured cutting-edge solutions such as AIRe Link, Shield Guard, Dispatcher Stratus and vCare ProSuite, highlighting Konica Minolta's commitment to service intelligence and remote-first approaches. Breakout Sessions: Dealers gained actionable insights on driving net new sales, mastering production print strategies, and best practices for supporting cloud solutions. Following the General Session at Konica Minolta's High Velocity Dealer Summit in Palm Beach, Florida, Patricia Ames, President, BPO Media moderated a panel of top leaders, including Sam Errigo, President and CEO; Michael Mathe, Executive Vice President and COO; Laura Blackmer, President, Dealer Sales; and Steve Rhorer, Vice President, Direct and Dealer Service. During this Executive Exchange, the team provided candid feedback on dealer-requested topics. Pictured L - R: Laura Blackmer, Steve Rhorer, Michael Mathe, Sam Errigo and Patricia Ames Konica Minolta's Technology Showcase - "The Fast Lane of Innovation" - featured live demonstrations of cutting-edge solutions such as AIRe Link, Shield Guard, Dispatcher Stratus and vCare ProSuite, highlighting the company's commitment to service intelligence and remote-first approaches. The event also featured networking opportunities, including a welcome reception, beachside activities and curated dining experiences, fostering collaboration and relationship-building among attendees. "The High Velocity Dealer Summit series reflects Konica Minolta's commitment to helping our partners thrive in a dynamic marketplace," said Laura Blackmer, President of Dealer Sales. "By combining innovation, education and collaboration, we're equipping dealers with the tools they need to succeed today and in the future." About Konica Minolta Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.'s (Konica Minolta) journey began more than 150 years ago with a vision to see and do things differently. Today, the company partners with clients to Give Shape to Ideas by supporting their digital transformation. Its business technology offerings include IT services, intelligent information management, video security solutions, managed print services, office technology, and industrial and commercial print solutions. Konica Minolta is proud to be ranked on the Forbes 2025 America's Best Large Employers list, included on CRN's MSP 500 list numerous times; recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys for eighteen consecutive years and presented with Keypoint Intelligence's BLI 2025 and 2021 A3 Line of The Year and BLI 2021-2023 Most Color Consistent A3 Brand Awards for its bizhub One i-Series. For more information, please visit Konica Minolta online and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter. # # # # # Konica Minolta Contact Maggie Grande Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. +1 551-500-2659 mgrande@kmbs.konicaminolta.us SOURCE: Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/konica-minolta-accelerates-dealer-success-at-high-velocity-summi-1126855 KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Guan Huat Seng Holdings Berhad ("GHS Holdings" or the "Company"), and its subsidiaries (the "Group"), a distributor and retailer of food products and manufacturer of flavouring products based in Melaka, is pleased to announce that the public portion of its initial public offering ("IPO") has been oversubscribed by 4.78 times. Guan Huat Seng Holdings Berhad GHS Holdings' IPO involves the issuance of 120.00 million new ordinary shares ("Share(s)"), representing approximately 25.34% of the enlarged issued share capital of 473.50 million Shares, alongside an offer for sale of 21.00 million existing Shares, representing approximately 4.44% of the enlarged issued share capital of 473.50 million Shares, as follows: Public Issue Malaysian Public: 23.80 million new Shares (5.02% of the enlarged issued share capital) will be made available for application by the Malaysian public. Eligible Parties: 14.00 million new Shares (2.96% of the enlarged issued share capital) will be made available for application by the eligible directors, employees, and other persons who have contributed to the success of the Group. Private Placement to Selected Investors: 23.00 million new Shares (4.86% of the enlarged issued share capital) are reserved for private placement to selected investors. Private Placement to Selected Bumiputera Investors: 59.20 million new Shares (12.50% of the enlarged issued share capital) are reserved for private placement to Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. Offer for Sale Offer for sale of 21.00 million existing Shares (4.44% of the enlarged issued share capital) are reserved for private placement to selected investors. The Group received a total of 2,842 applications for 137,611,900 Shares from the Malaysian public, representing an overall oversubscription rate of 4.78 times. Under the Bumiputera public portion, 649 applications were received for 35,164,600 Shares, representing an oversubscription rate of 1.96 times. Meanwhile, under the other Malaysian public portion, 2,193 applications were received for 102,447,300 Shares, representing an oversubscription rate of 7.61 times. Mr. Yeo Tien Ee, Managing Director of Guan Huat Seng Holdings Berhad, said: "We are grateful for the interest shown by investors in GHS Holdings. The public subscription reflects recognition of our established track record, diversified product portfolio, and expansion plans. The IPO proceeds will, amongst others, support the construction of our New Integrated Complex and New Krubong Facility in Melaka, expand our production and storage capacity, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and supporting our future growth." Guan Huat Seng Holdings Berhad is scheduled to be listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on 22 January 2026. TA Securities Holdings Berhad is the Principal Adviser, Sponsor, Underwriter, and Placement Agent for this IPO. ABOUT GUAN HUAT SENG HOLDINGS BERHAD Guan Huat Seng Holdings Berhad ("GHS Holdings" or the "Company") is principally involved in the distribution and retail of food products with more than four decades of established track record in Melaka, Malaysia. Through its subsidiaries, Guan Huat Seng (Heng Kee) Sdn. Bhd. and GHS Food Industries Sdn. Bhd. ("Group"), the Group distributes and retails a wide range of food products including shelf-stable and frozen seafood, flavouring products, dried food and snacks, and general grocery products, and is supported by in-house manufacturing facilities. The Group holds HACCP and MeSTI certifications for the production of, among others, sauces, pastes and dried seasoning powder. Serving wholesalers, retailers, food service operators, end consumers and food manufacturers across both domestic and foreign markets, GHS Holdings is committed to enhancing operational efficiency, expanding its production and storage capacity through the construction of its New Integrated Complex and New Krubong Facility, and driving sustainable growth within Malaysia's distributive trade of food and beverage (F&B) product industry. Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of Guan Huat Seng Holdings Berhad For more information, please contact: Jazmin Wan Email: j.wan@swanconsultancy.biz Renee Toh Email: r.toh@swanconsultancy.biz SOURCE: Guan Huat Seng Holdings Berhad View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/food-and-beverage-products/ghs-holdings-ipo-oversubscribed-by-4.78-times-1127042 Istanbul, Turkey--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Dataroid, an AI-powered digital analytics and customer engagement platform, has completed a US $6.6 M Pre-Series A investment round led by the FinAI Venture Capital Fund of Tacirler Asset Management. In addition to FinAI, the round also included participation from the Tacirler Asset Management Future Impact Venture Capital Fund and Endeavor Catalyst. With the new investment, Dataroid, co-founded by Fatih Isbecer, Elif Parlak and Can Elmas, plans to expand its operational footprint across new geographies, particularly in EMEA, accelerate its global marketing efforts, and strengthen its self-service analytics capabilities through ongoing AI-powered product development initiatives. Dataroid co-founders from left to right: Fatih Isbecer, Can Elmas, and Elif Parlak To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8552/280341_de65fdda244eba36_001full.jpg Commenting on the investment, Ozge Atalay, Co-Founder of FinAI Venture Capital Fund, said: "Dataroid's technology stack, designed for highly regulated sectors such as finance and banking, has the potential to scale globally and become an industry standard in a short time frame. Having already proven its success across Turkey and the EMEA region, the company is now entering an international growth phase. As the first investment of FinAI, Dataroid represents a strategic and significant opportunity for us." Fatih Isbecer, Co-Founder of Dataroid, noted: "Working with banks in Turkey that reach tens of millions of digital customers gives Dataroid a strong foundation for global expansion. As the market-leading digital analytics platform for banking and financial services in Turkey, our platform today enhances the digital experience of more than 120 million users. We see expanding this value to new markets as a priority. With this new funding, we aim to strengthen Dataroid's AI-focused capabilities in line with customer needs and accelerate our global marketing initiatives to bolster our presence in international markets, particularly across EMEA and Western Europe." According to reports published in 2025 by G2, one of the world's largest B2B technology marketplaces, Dataroid was ranked as the number one digital analytics platform in the Middle East and secured first place in 'Best Support' under the product and customer journey analytics categories, based on customer feedback. Dataroid closed 2025 with 127% net revenue retention and zero churn across both customers and revenue. The company had previously raised US $2 million in December 2023 from Koc Group's Private Venture Capital Investment Fund and Isbank's 100th Year Venture Capital fund. About Dataroid Dataroid is an AI-powered digital analytics and customer engagement platform that allows companies to measure customer interactions and experiences across different digital channels, enabling data-driven analysis and real-time action. Dataroid combines features such as enriched individual customer data, behavioral analytics, application performance management, and data modeling into a single platform, providing marketing, product, and technology teams with end-to-end customer insights. Dataroid platform is already used by medium to very large enterprises in financial services, airlines, and retail to reshape the experience of over 120 million users. For more information, please visit: https://www.dataroid.com/. About Tacirler Asset Management Established in 2012, Tacirler Asset Management is built on the Tacirler brand's more than 30 years of capital markets experience. Operating with an active portfolio management approach, the firm manages approximately USD 1 billion in assets, and directly oversees thematic funds across alternative asset classes, including venture capital and private equity, in partnership with Turkey's leading institutional partners. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280341 Source: B2Press BV Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Silver47 Exploration Corp. (TSXV: AGA) (OTCQX: AAGAF) (the "Silver47" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced and upsized bought deal public offering of 32,857,800 units of the Company (the "Units"), including the full exercise of the over-allotment option, at a price of $1.05 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $34,500,690 (the "Offering"). The Offering was led by Research Capital Corporation as the lead underwriter and sole bookrunner on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters, including Haywood Securities Inc. (collectively, the "Underwriters"). Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $1.40 per Common Share until January 14, 2029. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to accelerate and expand planned drill programs on the Company's silver projects, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Offering was completed pursuant to a prospectus supplement of the Company filed in all of the provinces of Canada and dated January 2, 2026 that supplemented the short form base shelf prospectus of the Company dated November 26, 2025. The Offering remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). In connection with the Offering, the Company paid the Underwriters an aggregate cash commission of $1,965,433.05 and issued to the Underwriters an aggregate of 1,871,841 broker warrants (the "Broker Warrants"). The Underwriters also received an aggregate advisory fee of $29,000 plus tax and an aggregate of 27,619 advisory broker warrants on the same terms as the Broker Warrants. In addition, the Company issued to an eligible arm's length party, 71,427 finder's warrants on the same terms as the Broker Warrants. Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $1.05 per Common Share until January 14, 2029. Eventus Capital Corp. is a special advisor to the Company. This press release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification or registration under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements and applicable U.S. state securities laws. About Silver47 Exploration Corp. Silver47 Exploration Corp. is a mineral exploration company, focused on uncovering and developing silver-rich deposits in North America. The Company is creating a leading high-grade US-focused silver developer with a combined resource totaling 236 Moz AgEq at 334 g/t AgEq inferred and 10 Moz at 333 g/t AgEq Indicated. With operations in Alaska, Nevada and New Mexico, Silver47 is anchored in America's most prolific mining jurisdictions. For detailed information regarding the resource estimates, assumptions, and technical reports, please refer to the NI 43-101 Technical Report and other filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company trades on the TSXV under the ticker symbol AGA and OTCQX under the ticker symbol AAGAF. For more information about the Company, please visit Silver-47.com and see the Technical Report filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and titled "Technical Report on the Red Mountain VMS Property Bonnifield Mining District, Alaska, USA with an effective date January 12, 2024, and prepared by APEX Geoscience Ltd." Follow us on social media for the latest updates: X: @Silver47co LinkedIn: Silver47 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the anticipated use of the net proceeds of the Offering and the anticipated benefits and impacts of the Offering and the exploration and development of the Company. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connation thereof. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Company will receive all regulatory and Exchange approvals, including final approval of the Offering by the TSXV. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include risks relating to the failure to complete the Offering at all or in the timeframe and on the terms as anticipated by management, market conditions and timeliness of regulatory approvals. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280364 Source: Silver47 Exploration Corp. Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Qryptonic LLC today announced the launch of Q-Scout 26, an enterprise assessment platform designed to autonomously inventory cryptographic usage and quantify long-horizon exposure based on data sensitivity, data longevity, and future risk scenarios. Figure 1 - Qryptonic Logo To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11143/280363_287682ce043688fe_001full.jpg Based on recent authorized enterprise assessments across large, IP-intensive environments, Qryptonic consistently observed a common pattern: cryptography was widely deployed, but cryptographic decisions were not aligned with how long the underlying data remains sensitive. Systems protecting decades-long intellectual property were frequently treated the same as short-lived operational traffic, resulting in materially different risks being managed as equivalent. Unlike traditional vulnerability scanners that flag cryptography as "weak" or "strong," Q-Scout 26 is designed to produce prioritized migration roadmaps. The platform distinguishes between systems using identical algorithms but protecting data with vastly different lifespans and business impact, enabling decision-grade prioritization rather than undifferentiated findings. "Every other tool tells you what's broken today. Q-Scout tells you what breaks next, how severe the exposure could be, and where to spend your budget first," said Elliot Jung, Vice Chairman, Cybersecurity at Qryptonic, and Cybersecurity Specialist affiliated with Brookhaven National Laboratory. "That's the difference between a vulnerability list and a migration roadmap. CISOs don't need more findings. They need actionable decisions." Figure 2 - Q-Scout Image To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11143/280363_287682ce043688fe_002full.jpg Q-Scout 26 operationalizes Harvest Now, Decrypt Later risk by translating cryptographic posture and data characteristics into time-horizon exposure assessments. Its autonomous discovery engine identifies assets, cloud services, and third-party dependencies that manual inventories often miss, then maps cryptographic usage across everything it finds. "What stands out across these environments isn't a lack of encryption, but a lack of prioritization," said Garrett Melich, Member of Qryptonic's Defense Innovation Council, who spent more than two decades with the CIA. "Organizations are protecting data with vastly different lifespans using the same cryptographic foundations. Quantifying that difference is what turns quantum readiness from a theoretical concern into an actionable program." Federal transition efforts are already underway. OMB Memorandum M-23-02 requires federal agencies to inventory cryptographic systems, and NSA CNSA 2.0 establishes post-quantum transition expectations for national security systems. Similar requirements have historically extended into regulated private-sector environments over time. Q-Scout 26 is available immediately for enterprise and regulated-industry engagements. About Qryptonic Qryptonic is a U.S.-based cybersecurity firm founded in 2024, focused on post-quantum readiness, cryptographic risk discovery, and enterprise migration strategy. The company works with regulated, IP-intensive organizations across critical infrastructure and technology sectors. Qryptonic's advisory leadership includes former national security, defense, and enterprise cybersecurity executives. The company is headquartered in Miami and supports deployments across North America and Europe. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280363 Source: Evertise AI PR AM Best has revised the outlook to positive from stable for the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of B (Fair) and the Long-Term ICR of "bb" (Fair) of Arab Reinsurance Company SAL (Arab Re) (Lebanon). The outlook of the FSR is stable. These Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect Arab Re's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and marginal enterprise risk management (ERM). The revision of the Long-Term ICR outlook reflects positive pressures across Arab Re's balance sheet strength and ERM assessments following the decision by the company's management to de-risk its investment portfolio. Arab Re has signed an agreement to sell its material land holding in Lebanon, with the transaction expected to be completed by December 2028. In AM Best's view, the sale of this land, which comprised 17% of Arab Re's total investments at year-end 2024, will materially reduce the company's asset risk and significantly benefit its risk-adjusted capitalisation over the medium term, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). This disposal should also contribute to further insulating Arab Re from the challenging economic and political conditions in Lebanon. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings Assessments AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com Copyright 2026 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114507294/en/ Contacts: Dale Kirby Senior Financial Analyst +44 20 7397 0276 dale.kirby@ambest.com Ben Diaz-Clegg Associate Director, Analytics +44 20 7397 0293 ben.diaz-clegg@ambest.com Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 christopher.sharkey@ambest.com Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 al.slavin@ambest.com Former Philips Emergency Care business becomes first platform company of Emergency Care Holdings, advancing a century-long mission to save lives BOTHELL, Wash., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Emergency Care Holdings (ECH), a platform formed by Bridgefield Capital to assemble and grow category-leading companies in the emergency medical products sectors, announced the debut of Heartstream today, a new independent company dedicated to advancing life-saving emergency care technologies. Heartstream is formed through ECH's completed acquisition of the Philips Emergency Care business from Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA). The transaction marks the official launch of ECH and establishes its long-term strategy to invest exclusively in emergency care. "At Heartstream, our mission is to meaningfully increase cardiac arrest survival rates, improve clinical outcomes in emergency care environments, reduce costs for health systems, and ease burdens on healthcare professionals. We have a long history of providing market-leading solutions for AEDs, professional defibrillators, and remote patient monitors, delivering life-saving innovation where and when it is needed most," said Ryan Landon, CEO of Heartstream. "We strive to make working with us simple, smooth, and effortless for first responders and partners worldwide." With a heritage spanning more than 100 years in cardiac monitoring and over 40 years in defibrillator solutions, the Heartstream portfolio today is comprised of innovations stemming from companies like Hewlett-Packard, Agilent Technologies, Royal Philips, Remote Diagnostic Technologies, Goldway Shenzhen, and the original Heartstream company, which was founded in 1992. Throughout its history, the business delivered industry-defining innovations, including the first 12-lead ECG algorithm, the first biphasic defibrillation waveform- now an industry standard- and the first defibrillator to receive over-the-counter designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, expanding access to AEDs where sudden cardiac arrest most often occurs. Today, Heartstream builds on this legacy as an independent company within the ECH umbrella, continuing to manufacture and market trusted emergency care solutions, including HeartStart AEDs, Tempus and Intrepid patient monitoring systems, and integrated software solutions. The company will operate under a multi-year licensing agreement for use of the Philips brand. Sudden cardiac arrest remains one of the most urgent public health challenges worldwide. Nearly 72 percent of events occur outside the hospital according to the American Heart Association, and survival rates are less than 10 percent according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, yet fewer than one percent of households have access to a defibrillator. With renewed operational focus and dedicated investment, Heartstream will prioritize initiatives aimed at expanding access to AEDs in public places and in the home. The company also plans to elevate emergency care with a broader global footprint, stronger supply chain resilience, modernized digital and connected-care solutions, enhanced partnerships with strategic distributors, more customer-centric innovation, and expanded support, services, and clinical education. "Being part of Emergency Care Holdings positions Heartstream to lead the future of emergency care. ECH brings the focus and capital needed to strengthen our operations and continue working toward our important mission," Landon added. "At the core of everything we do is deep respect for the people who rely on our solutions - patients, physicians, nurses, paramedics, EMTs, and everyday citizens ready to help when life is on the line. We love what we do." About Heartstream Heartstream is a global leader in emergency medical care, with a heritage spanning more than a century of innovation. From early advances in cardiac diagnostics to the creation of the first modern automated external defibrillator (AED), Heartstream has consistently pioneered lifesaving technologies designed to be accessible, reliable, and easy to use for both professionals and the public. Formerly Philips' Emergency Care business, Heartstream currently operates as a standalone company backed by Emergency Care Holdings. Heartstream continues to manufacture and market emergency care products under the Philips brand through a long-term brand licensing agreement. Guided by a human-centered design philosophy, Heartstream delivers product and commercial solutions that support the full spectrum of urgent medical needs. With a renewed singular focus on patients, clinicians, and first responders, Heartstream is committed to advancing affordable, accessible emergency care- where and when it matters most. For more information, visit www.heartstream.com. About Emergency Care Holdings Emergency Care Holdings (ECH) is a platform developed by Bridgefield Capital to acquire and scale leading companies in the emergency medical products sector. ECH focuses on sharpening operations, accelerating innovation and expanding access to reliable, life-saving technologies used by first responders, health systems and communities around the world. For more information, visit www.emergencycareholdings.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2861307/Heartstream_Wordmark_Final_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/heartstream-launched-as-independent-emergency-care-company-302661382.html Partners Group / Key word(s): Annual Results Partners Group delivers double-digit growth in 2025, in demanding market environment 14-Jan-2026 / 17:45 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Baar-Zug, Switzerland; 14 January 2026 | Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules (LR) USD 30 billion received in total new assets; overall AuM growth of 21% USD 26 billion realized and USD 27 billion invested, capitalizing on a strong portfolio and pipeline of investments USD 26-32 billion in expected gross new client demand for full year 2026 Partners Group received USD 30 billion in new assets in 2025 (guidance: USD 26 to 31 billion), which, alongside other factors, brought the firm's total assets under management (AuM[1]) to USD 185 billion as of 31 December 2025 (31 December 2024: USD 152 billion). The firm committed USD 27 billion (2024: USD 22 billion) globally to investments across private markets asset classes and generated USD 26 billion (2024: USD 18 billion) in realizations. For 2026, Partners Group anticipates USD 26-32 billion in gross new client demand through fundraising. David Layton, Chief Executive Officer, comments: "We delivered on our 2025 objectives with double-digit growth across fundraising, investments, and realizations. In doing so, we defied the general industry trend in a challenging business environment, with average private markets transaction and fundraising levels still materially down on previous years. Our ability to avoid the general malaise and grow our business in a demanding environment enables us to look confidently ahead to 2026, despite continued market uncertainty." USD 26 billion in new client demand, exceeding record 2021 fundraising Client demand resulted in total commitments of USD 26.2 billion in 2025 (guidance: USD 22 to 27 billion; 2024 client demand: USD 22 billion). At 72% of capital raised, bespoke solutions dominated fundraising, with both mandate solutions and evergreens registering record fundraising years. Mandate growth continues to be led by the increasing numbers of institutional clients seeking tailored private markets solutions, while in evergreens, 59% of client demand was driven by Partners Group's expanded suite of new funds and 41% by its three largest funds. Traditional programs contributed 28% to assets raised in 2025. With a one-off underwritten AuM contribution of USD 4.0 billion stemming from the acquisition of Empira Group, gross new assets stood at USD 30.2 billion in 2025. Tail-down effects from mature private markets investment programs amounted to USD -8.7 billion (guidance: USD -9 to -10 billion) and redemptions from evergreen programs totaled USD -6.0 billion. Foreign exchange effects affected AuM growth by USD +9.5 billion during the period. A final USD +7.6 billion came from other factors such as a select number of investment programs that link AuM to NAV development[2], bringing overall AuM as per the end of 2025 to USD 184.9 billion. In 2025, Partners Group announced several new joint ventures as part of its strategy to secure scalable strategic partnerships, focused on private markets program creation and distribution, with leading financial services firms. These included a collaboration with Deutsche Bank on its first evergreen private markets fund; a partnership with PGIM, the global investment management business of Prudential Financial, Inc., to deliver a suite of multi-asset portfolio solutions; and a collaboration with Generali Investments on a private credit secondaries fund. Additional joint venture agreements were signed with firms including Lincoln Financial, Erste Asset Management, BBVA Asset Management, and Perpetual Group. Roberto Cagnati, Head of Portfolio Solutions, states: "Our track record of evergreen fund management and ability to tailor bespoke solutions has made us a partner of choice for a broad range of financial services firms seeking to expand into private markets. We are proud to be partnering with some of the most prominent names in asset management on portfolio solutions for the next generation of private markets investors. Our partnership strategy is already bearing fruit and we anticipate it being a strong driver of client demand in years to come, representing an additional source of significant long-term growth beyond our own established suite of offerings." Breakdown of total AuM by asset class as of 31 December 2025 (in USD billion): 2025 2024 Total new assets[3] Last 5 years CAGR[4] Private equity 85.8 77.6 8.2 10.6% Private credit 40.2 31.5 9.6 10.1% Infrastructure 35.7 27.4 5.6 17.9% Real estate 22.2 15.6 6.2 5.7% Royalties 1.0 0.2 0.6 n/a Total 184.9 152.3 30.2 11.1% Breakdown of total AuM by strategy as of 31 December 2025 (in USD billion): 2025 2024 New client demand Last 5 years CAGR Traditional programs 60.2 44.8 7.5 9.1% Mandates 68.5 59.5 9.4 10.3% Evergreens 56.2 48.0 9.4 14.8% Total 184.9 152.3 26.2 11.1% USD 27 billion invested across asset classes and geographies Partners Group invested USD 27 billion (2024: USD 22 billion) on behalf of its clients into diversified companies and assets in 2025, with a focus on resilient assets offering relative value in a challenging and volatile market. Of this, 65% was invested into direct assets, which remain the cornerstone of Partners Group's investment approach, and 35% was invested into portfolio assets. Within Private Equity, one example of a direct investment was the acquisition of Infinity Fincorp Solutions ("Infinity"), a leading non-bank lender in India. Non-bank lenders in India benefit from thematic tailwinds including strong economic growth nationally, the formalization of lending processes, growing government support, and rapid digitalization. In working with Infinity, Partners Group plans to apply its experience of scaling Aavas Financiers, a market-leading affordable housing finance provider that it exited in 2025. Partners Group has invested USD 2.5 billion in India over the last years, including in Vishal Mega Mart, a leading retailer that recently listed on the country's stock exchanges. Direct Infrastructure investments grew 46% year on year in 2025, with power availability and affordability a key focus area globally. One investment example within this theme was Life Cycle Power ("LCP"), a leading provider of mobile power generation solutions in the US. The power-as-a-service sector benefits from several thematic tailwinds in the US, including the growth of AI data center demand and the expansion of domestic industrial facilities. Notably, the development of data centers is outpacing utility infrastructure planning cycles, creating a structural mismatch that requires developers and tenants to evaluate other means of near-term generation, such as mobile power. Partners Group's Royalties asset class also made several notable investments in 2025, including a transaction to support The Weeknd, the musician with the highest number of monthly listeners on Spotify, in moving his entire back catalogue into a new vehicle co-owned with Lyric Capital. Partners Group led the negotiation and structuring of a Royalty Backed Note to support the capitalization of the partnership. USD 26 billion realized, a 47% increase year on year Capitalizing on appetite for strongly performing assets in a highly discerning transaction environment, Partners Group was able to realize USD 26 billion via exits in 2025 (2024: USD 18 billion). Direct equity realizations were up 54% year on year, signaling the strength of the firm's portfolio, with exits transacting at a modest premium to most recent valuations on aggregate and concentrated in assets from pre-2022 vintages. One example was PCI Pharma Services ("PCI"), a pharmaceuticals company that has been transformed from a regional commercial packaging organization into a global CDMO over a decade of Partners Group's ownership, with a corresponding 14% CAGR in revenues over that period. Partners Group acquired PCI in 2016, repositioning it into higher growth, higher value capabilities, including a greater focus on patented molecules, augmenting clinical trial service capabilities, and expanding into advanced development and manufacturing. In 2020, Partners Group sold a majority stake in the company to new investors, retaining a significant minority stake. During this next phase of ownership, PCI expanded into advanced drug delivery services, development and manufacturing of biologics, and sterile fill-finish services, becoming one of the leading global biologics CDMOs. PCI was sold in 2025, generating significant returns for Partners Group's clients. Outlook 2026 For the full year 2026, Partners Group expects gross new client demand of between USD 26 to 32 billion. The firm bases its fundraising guidance on the visible pipeline of fundraising opportunities across its three principal offerings: mandates, evergreens, and traditional closed-ended private markets programs. The tail-down effects from more mature closed-ended investment programs are estimated at USD -10 to -13 billion for the full year, mainly due to the tail-downs of certain funds shifting from late 2025 to early 2026. Partners Group reconfirms its guidance for performance fees to account for 25-40% of revenues in the long term. Management reaffirms its prior communication regarding the pull-forward of certain performance fees from 2026 into 2025. As such, the firm's expectation for 2026 is that performance fees will be within the lower part of the communicated range. Juri Jenkner, President and Head of Business Development, concludes: "Our 2025 results set us firmly on the path to achieving the goals we laid out at our Capital Markets Day last March, including our aim of growing AuM to USD 450 billion by 2033. In 2026, we will build on the groundwork we laid in 2025 for strategic initiatives including joint ventures with leading financial services firms, capturing growth in APAC and the Middle East, and expanding the distribution of our new evergreen funds." Conference call today Partners Group's senior management will hold a conference call today at 6:15pm CET. To register for the call, please click here or use the contact details at the end of this press release. Key dates 10 March 2026 Announcement of Financial Results 2025 and Capital Markets Day 2026 20 May 2026 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders 15 July 2026 Announcement of AuM as of 30 June 2026 [1]AuM is an alternative performance metric (APM). A description of the APMs can be found in Partners Group's Interim Report 2025 on pages 23-24, available for download at http://www.partnersgroup.com/en/shareholders/reports-presentations/ . AuM figures are for Partners Group Holding AG, inclusive of all Partners Group affiliates. [2]Partners Group reports fee-paying AuM. Most of the firm's evergreen programs base fees on NAV. The portfolio performance during the period impacts the NAV of these products and this translates to a corresponding change in firm-level AuM. Calculations for semi-annual AuM numbers for evergreen programs are based on 31 May NAV valuations and include net flows as of 30 June. Full-year AuM numbers will be based on 30 November NAV valuations and include net flows as of 31 December. [3] Includes both fundraising (assets raised) and assets acquired from inorganic growth strategy. In the case of inorganic growth additions, the related amount will be disclosed. For Real Estate, total new assets include USD 4.0bn of underwritten contribution from Empira acquisition. [4] CAGR: compound annual growth rate for net assets for the period 31 December 2022 - 31 December 2025. About Partners Group Partners Group is one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry, with around 2'000 professionals and USD 185 billion in assets under management. The firm has investment programs and custom mandates spanning private equity, private credit, infrastructure, real estate, and royalties. With its heritage in Switzerland and its primary presence in the Americas in Colorado, Partners Group is built differently from the rest of the industry. The firm leverages its differentiated culture and its operationally oriented approach to identify attractive investment themes and to build businesses and assets into market leaders. For more information, please visit www.partnersgroup.com or follow us on LinkedIn . Shareholder relations contact Dr. Adrien-Paul Lambillon Phone: +44 207 575 2590 Email: adrien-paul.lambillon@partnersgroup.com Media relations contact Jenny Blinch Phone: +44 207 575 2571 Email: jenny.blinch@partnersgroup.com End of Inside Information Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Canna 8 Investment Trust (TSXV: RCR.P) ("Canna 8" or the "Trust") At the request of CIRO, Canna 8 Investment Trust ("Canna 8" or the "Trust") wishes to confirm that the Company's management is unaware of any material change in the Company's operations that would account for the recent increase in market activity. Canna 8 is a capital pool company pursuant to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. Except as specifically contemplated in such policies, until the completion of its Qualifying Transaction, the Trust will not carry-on business, other than the identification and evaluation of companies, businesses or assets with a view to completing a proposed Qualifying Transaction. Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of a capital pool company is considered highly speculative. For further information please see all relevant documents, filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Notice on forward-looking statements: This news release contains "forward-looking information" regarding Canna 8 within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions. The forward-looking information in this release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding management's belief that there are no undisclosed material changes in the operations of Canna 8 Investment Trust (the "Trust") and the Trust's continued compliance with regulatory requirements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: General economic, market, and business conditions; Unforeseen changes in the Trust's operational status; Regulatory actions or changes in the policies of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) or applicable stock exchanges. Although the Trust believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof. The Trust undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. This news release may contain assumptions, estimates, and other forward-looking statements regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are subject to factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280371 Source: Canna 8 Investment Trust Regulatory News: In accordance with the agreements signed and announced on September 23, 2025, emeis (Paris:EMEIS) announces the creation of Isemia, its healthcare real estate company dedicated to healthcare real estate assets operated by the Group, with its partners Farallon Capital and TwentyTwo Real Estate. emeis has thus received 761 million from its partners, representing 62% of the last appraised value1 of the assets held by this vehicle, thereby immediately reducing the Group's net debt by a like amount. Laurent Guillot, Chief Executive Officer of emeis: "We are particularly pleased to announce the creation of Isemia. This operation meets our primary objective of maintaining our real estate portfolio to the highest standards and best meeting the expectations and needs of patients and residents, while supporting the Group's long-term real estate development. Thanks to an agile transaction structure, emeis retains control of its real estate assets and the long-term benefit of potential value creation with a possible increase in real estate values. This transaction also enables the Group to continue reducing its debt, in line with our stated strategic ambitions." www.isemiabyemeis.com A healthcare real estate portfolio worth 1.22 billion in France, Germany, and Spain The portfolio includes 68 assets with an appraised value of 1,220 million, reflecting an average yield of around 6%. The assets continue to be fully operated by emeis and are located 68% in France, 19% in Germany, and 13% in Spain. Overall, 48% of this real estate portfolio consists of nursing home buildings and 52% of clinics. The assets are located in markets with very favorable demographic fundamentals, enabling them to capture pan-European structural growth dynamics in France, Spain, and Germany, three strategic locations for emeis An opportune structure for the transaction, for a long-term partnership between emeis and its real estate company The transaction lays the foundations for the Group's longer-term real estate strategy and will enable it to retain a potentially significant share of the future value creation of the vehicle, with the recovery of the real estate cycle for healthcare assets that appears to be taking shape today. This real estate company will enable emeis to maintain its real estate portfolio to the highest standards and to best meet the expectations and needs of patients and residents, with an adapted healthcare offering. In the longer term, Isemia will seek to expand its portfolio through future projects developed by the Group. This transaction is structured through the subscription of financial securities (including preferred share). The payment of remuneration, as decided by emeis, will enable investors to achieve a recurring return of at least 6% per annum. Above this rate of return, the share of outperformance will be distributed mainly to the partners up to the target internal rate of return of 12%, with emeis retaining 90% of the potential additional value created above this level. This partnership is planned for a period of five years and could be extended for an additional two years. It may also be shortened by decision of emeis. At the end of this partnership, several scenarios are possible, including emeis's decision to ultimately rely on new capital partners to support the development of this real estate company, which is emeis's long-term real estate benchmark. Isemia will be under the exclusive control of emeis, which will remain in charge of managing the real estate assets, and will therefore be fully consolidated. Dedicated governance to build a benchmark healthcare real estate platform emeis' real estate company is based on dedicated governance, designed to manage a long-term healthcare real estate platform that is fully integrated into the group. This organization ensures consistency between the real estate company's strategy and the operational expertise of emeis, which provides asset management and property management services. Governance will be based on a supervisory body composed of five members, including three representatives from emeis. Laurent Guillot will serve as Chairman of the Supervisory Committee and Gery Robert-Ambroix as Chairman of Isemia. A CSR strategy aligned with the commitments of the emeis group Isemia's CSR strategy is fully in line with the commitments of the emeis group, a mission-driven company, whose principles and requirements it shares. As a real estate company integrated into the Group, it is based on a structured CSR framework, built around clear social, environmental, and governance objectives, monitored with a long-term perspective. In line with its CSR commitments, emeis actively manages its portfolio based on energy renovation, improving the environmental performance of buildings, and adapting assets to changes in usage, standards, and care needs. This management involves, in particular, the operation of energy- and climate-efficient buildings, the reduction of the carbon footprint and water consumption, responsible waste management, and the implementation of certification programs. For scopes 1 and 2, namely the reduction of energy consumption and carbon emissions, emeis is implementing precise monitoring of consumption and emissions using a dedicated tool, followed up by dedicated teams sets targets for emissions and consumption in each of the group's geographical areas, with annual reporting. Real estate is thus designed as a lever for improving the quality of life of residents and patients, the comfort of staff, and the integration of facilities into their local environment, thereby contributing to the long-term resilience and attractiveness of assets. About emeis With nearly 83,500 experts and professionals in healthcare, nursing, and support for the most vulnerable, emeis is present in some 20 countries and covers five areas of expertise: psychiatric clinics, medical and rehabilitation clinics, nursing homes, home care and services, and assisted living facilities. Every year, emeis welcomes nearly 280,000 residents, patients, and beneficiaries. emeis is committed to addressing one of the major challenges facing our societies: the increase in the number of people made vulnerable by life events, old age, or mental illness. In June 2025, emeis became a mission-driven company, enshrining four commitments in its articles of association: working to change perceptions of the most vulnerable and their loved ones to achieve true inclusion; contributing to the fair recognition and attractiveness of our professions; making care for the most vulnerable a major contribution to local social ties and territorial cohesion; and innovate to contribute to care that respects the planet and living beings. emeis, 50.3% owned by Caisse des Depots, CNP Assurances, MAIF, and MACSF Epargne Retraite, is listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN: FR001400NLM4) and is a member of the SBF 120, CAC Mid 60, and CAC All-Tradable indices. Website: www.emeis.com 1 At the end of 2024 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114857634/en/ Contacts: Press contacts Isabelle HERRIER NAUFLE Director of Press Relations e-reputation +33 (0)7 70 29 53 74 isabelle.herrier@emeis.com IMAGE 7 Charlotte LE BARBIER +33 (0)6 78 37 27 60 clebarbier@image7.fr Investor Relations Samuel HENRY-DIESBACH Director of Investor Relations Capital Markets samuel.henry-diesbach@emeis.com Toll-free number for shareholders 0 805 480 480 NEWCAP Dusan ORESANSKY +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 emeis@newcap.eu Partnership Accelerates Innovation and Market Introduction of High-Performance, Plant-Based Materials Platform PEORIA, Ill., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Natural Fiber Welding Inc. NFW, a pioneer in high-performance, plant-based materials, today announced a strategic joint investment from Provest Equity Partners and CTW Venture Partners. The investment supports NFW's next phase of growth as the company accelerates commercialization and global scale of its breakthrough climate-tech, low-carbon materials platform. The partnership comes at a pivotal moment for NFW as it expands production of its flagship innovations enabled by proprietary green chemistry and materials science. These innovations include PLIANT, the world's first naturally cured performance rubber outsole, and MIRUM, the world's first all-natural, plastic-free leather alternative. Together, PLIANT and MIRUM form a scalable, regenerative circular materials platform designed to replace petroleum-based plastics and synthetic materials across multiple industries without compromising performance, durability, or aesthetics. The newly improved PLIANT is currently available to place orders, with broader market expansion underway. "This partnership marks an important inflection point for NFW as we continue our mission of bringing sustainable, high-performance materials to market," said Steve Zika, Chief Executive Officer of NFW. "Provest's operator-driven approach aligns closely with our needs as demand from global brand partners continues to grow. Together with CTW, we are strengthening the foundation required to scale responsibly and advance the next generation of plant-based materials." NFW has attracted backing from leading global brands and strategic investors, including BMW iVentures, Ralph Lauren Corporation, Allbirds, and Asahi Kasei, reflecting the company's potential to redefine the performance materials landscape. The investment from Provest and CTW builds on this momentum with a focus on operational execution, manufacturing scale, product innovation, and long-term value creation. "NFW represents the type of platform we seek to support, where breakthrough science meets real industrial relevance," said Suhas Uppalapati, Chairman of NFW and Managing Partner of Provest Equity Partners. "Our role is to help translate innovation into scalable, profitable growth as the company enters its next phase." Following the investment, NFW will continue expanding relationships across footwear, fashion, automotive, and industrial markets while advancing its mission to replace fossil fuel based materials with regenerative, climate-aligned natural alternatives. About Natural Fiber Welding Natural Fiber Welding Inc., headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, is a materials science company pioneering high-performance, plastic-free materials made entirely from renewable plant inputs. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/provest-equity-partners-and-ctw-venture-partners-announce-strategic-joint-investment-in-natural-fiber-welding-inc-302661420.html PRESS RELEASE Bloomberg (THEON:NA) / Reuters (THEON.AS) 14 January 2026 - Theon International Plcis providing an overview of notable corporate updates recorded in January 2026 to-date. Acceleration in Harder Digital As a result of the increasing global demand for Image Intensifier Tubes (IIT), which is outstripping current supply, THEON is accelerating its investment in Harder Digital to further boost capacity, more than initially envisaged and improve faster its main quality metric, FOM, as well as expedite other improvements to the existing product. This is expected to increase the forecasted profitability of Harder Digital from 2027 onwards. Furthermore, THEON will continue being the largest buyer of European tubes, including the new 5G variation, of which THEON was the first buyer by volume as well. Panagiotis Schinas, THEON's COO of Global Industrial Operations stated: "We proceed with further investment supporting Harder Digital's capacity expansion which comes as a direct response to the surge in demand for tubes and the currently limited global capacity. THEON, along with other customers of Harder Digital, appreciates not only the ongoing improvements in both the quantity and quality of tubes but also the access to a different IIT technology. We expect Harder Digital to account for 8-10% of THEON's target of 1 bn revenues by 2029-2030." Closing of KAPPA On 14 January 2026, THEON completed the acquisition of 100% of Kappa Optronics GmbH (KAPPA) for a cash consideration of 69.9 million, following the successful conclusion of all customary regulatory approvals. KAPPA is expected to contribute c.40 million to THEON group revenues in FY 2026 (in line with the previously announced guidance) and to materially support the acceleration of THEON's success in the Platforms-based market. Participation in U.S. Army - Funded Initiative THEON is partnering with Team Wendy Ceradyne under a U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center - funded initiative to develop a next-generation Integrated Multi-Threat Headborne System (IMHS) prototype for the U.S. Army. The program combines proven ballistic protection with advanced opto-electronic systems, moving beyond standalone equipment toward a modular, fully integrated head-borne architecture designed for multi-domain operations. This collaboration enables the integration of THEON technologies, supporting advanced day- and night-time HUDs, augmented reality, and seamless connectivity to the soldier's power and battle management systems. The prototype evaluation is planned for later in FY26. As Michalis Kolotos, Director of U.S. Operations at THEON, notes: "The focus is on delivering head-borne power and data solutions that enhance situational awareness and decision-making for the U.S. warfighter". Joining the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) THEON has been accepted as a member of UNGC since January 6, 2026. This milestone reflects THEON's commitment to aligning with the Ten Principles of the UNGC, which include Human Rights, Labor, Environment, and Anti-Corruption. It also demonstrates dedication to contributing to the advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Share Price Performance Award At the Euronext Amsterdam Annual Awards 2025 held on 8 January 2026, THEON was recognised as 'Best Performer of the Next 20 Index', based on share price performance over the year. This distinction underscores a year characterized by effective execution, outperformance, clear strategic direction and overarching ambition. Financial Calendar Update As previously announced, THEON will be announcing FY 2025 Preliminary Results on Monday, 16 February 2026 (after market-close). The Q1 2026 Trading Update will now be published on Tuesday, 5 May 2026 (after market-close) (previously Monday, 4 May 2026) due to the Early May Bank Holiday. For inquiries, please contact: Investor Relations Nikos Malesiotis E-Mail: ir@theon.com Tel: +30 210 6772290 Media Contact Elli Michou E-Mail: press@theon.com Tel: +30 210 6728610 About THEON GROUP THEON GROUP of companies develops and manufactures cutting-edge night vision and thermal imaging systems for Defense and Security applications with a global footprint. THEON GROUP started its operations in 1997 from Greece and today occupies a leading role in the sector thanks to its international presence through subsidiaries and production facilities in Greece, Cyprus, Germany, the Baltics, the United States, the Gulf States, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, Singapore and South Korea. THEON GROUP has more than 240,000 systems in service with Armed and Special Forces in 71 countries around the world, 26 of which are NATO countries. ????? ????RNATIONAL PLC has been listed on Euronext Amsterdam Attachment Strengthening its position in embodied AI data for Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models as the global AI robotics market surges toward $125 billion by 2030 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Nexscient, Inc. (OTCQB:NXNT), a leading innovator in artificial intelligence (AI) applications and intelligent enterprise solutions, today announced the execution of a definitive Stock Purchase Agreement to acquire Flipside Digital Content Company, Inc. ("Flipside AI"), a Philippines-based leader in AI data engineering. Under the terms of the agreement, Nexscient will acquire 100% of Flipside's issued and outstanding shares through a multi-step reorganization for an aggregate consideration of approximately $6.20 million, consisting of $600,000 in cash, a $450,000 convertible promissory note, and 6,846,000 shares of Nexscient's restricted common stock. The agreement is also subject to customary working capital and indebtedness adjustments. Flipside AI specializes in structured data collection, human-in-the-loop judgment workflows, and rigorously quality-controlled curation pipelines. The company is also a recognized pioneer in Physical AI data engineering, delivering high-precision datasets that power next-generation Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models and embodied AI systems requiring tightly integrated visual, contextual, and action-oriented training data. The rapidly emerging VLA segment sits at the forefront of the AI robotics industry, enabling robots to perceive environments, interpret instructions, and perform complex physical tasks in real-world settings. According to a Grand View Research report, "Artificial Intelligence in Robotics Market (2024-2030)," the global AI robotics market is projected to grow from approximately $16.1 billion in 2024 to more than $124.8 billion by 2030. "This acquisition significantly strengthens Nexscient's position in the high-growth Physical AI and robotics data ecosystem," said Fred E. Tannous, Chief Executive Officer of Nexscient, Inc. "Flipside AI brings deep operational expertise, proven scalability, and a highly skilled global team. Together, we believe that we are uniquely positioned to deliver comprehensive AI data solutions to enterprise and next-generation AI customers worldwide." The acquisition is expected to meaningfully expand Nexscient's global footprint and enhance its end-to-end capabilities in computer vision, natural language processing, physical AI, and generative AI training data workflows-advancing the company's vision of building a fully vertically integrated AI ecosystem spanning data, software, infrastructure, and applied intelligence. "We are thrilled to join forces with Nexscient and begin this exciting next chapter," said Anthony De Luna, Chief Executive Officer of Flipside Digital Content Company, Inc. "Our shared commitment to quality, innovation, and scalability, combined with Nexscient's strategic resources and platform, will enable us to accelerate growth and deliver even greater value to our global customer base." The transaction includes customary representations, warranties, covenants, post-closing purchase price adjustments, and indemnification provisions. Closing remains subject to the satisfaction of standard closing conditions, including completion of the reorganization process, required regulatory filings, and receipt of applicable government clearances. About Nexscient, Inc. Nexscient, Inc. (OTCQB: NXNT) is a forward-thinking AI company developing and delivering advanced artificial intelligence applications and intelligent enterprise solutions. The company is focused on building a vertically integrated ecosystem spanning high-quality training data, software platforms, infrastructure, and applied AI to serve enterprise and emerging technology customers worldwide. About Flipside Digital Content Company, Inc. Flipside AI is a leading Philippines-based AI data engineering company specializing in structured data collection, human judgment workflows, and quality-controlled curation pipelines for advanced AI systems, with particular expertise in Physical AI, Vision-Language-Action models, and embodied intelligence datasets. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Nexscient, Inc., its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things: (i) financing plans; (ii) trends affecting its financial condition or results of operations; (iii) growth strategy and operating strategy; (iv) performance of our products and services, (v) the satisfaction of various closing conditions, and (vi) the timing and receipt of regulatory and government approvals. You can identify these statements by the use of the words "may," "will," "could," "should," "would," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," "likely," "forecast," "probable," "potential," and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Nexscient's ability to control, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. These risks and uncertainties also include such additional risk factors as are discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, Forms 10-Q and 8-K, and in other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These documents are available in the SEC Filings section of the Investor Relations section on our website at https://nexscient.ai. The Company cautions readers. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made. MEDIA CONTACT: Nexscient, Inc. Fred E. Tannous, President & CEO Email: fred@nexscient.com Phone: +1 (310) 494-6620 SOURCE: Nexscient, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/nexscientr-signs-6.2m-deal-to-acquire-flipside-ai-pioneering-phys-1126963 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Parvis Invest Inc. (TSXV: PVIS) ("Parvis" or "the Company"), a technology-driven private investment platform dedicated to broadening access to institutional-quality opportunities, today announced that the Parvis platform facilitated nearly $120 million in capital raises in calendar year 2025. This milestone reflects Parvis's third full calendar year as a licensed Exempt Market Dealer (EMD) and growing demand for efficient, compliant access to private market investments through an integrated technology, compliance, and distribution platform. 2025 Platform Highlights: ~$120 million facilitated through the Parvis platform in calendar 2025. through the Parvis platform in calendar 2025. 54+ private offerings across income, development, private REITs, private credit and select alternative strategies. across income, development, private REITs, private credit and select alternative strategies. Investor reach: Thousands of active qualified investors and 200,000+ opted-in prospects (as of Dec 31, 2025). Thousands of active qualified investors and 200,000+ opted-in prospects First-half FY2026 revenue of $1,209,781 compared with $396,189 in the same period of 2024, as disclosed in the Company's news release dated December 2, 2025. compared with $396,189 in the same period of 2024, as disclosed in the Company's news release dated December 2, 2025. Growing asset classes: Continued platform expansion across asset classes and geographies, including hospitality-focused strategies, fintech lending solutions, select global investment opportunities, and an expanded regional footprint with new projects across Canada. Continued platform expansion across asset classes and geographies, including hospitality-focused strategies, fintech lending solutions, select global investment opportunities, and an expanded regional footprint with new projects across Canada. Launched issuer marketing as a new platform service, providing compliant investor outreach, investor education, campaign execution, and CRM-integrated reporting to support capital raising efforts. providing compliant investor outreach, investor education, campaign execution, and CRM-integrated reporting to support capital raising efforts. Established strategic partnerships with various groups expand investor education, supporting broader access to private market education and products. "2025 was a formative year for Parvis. We've facilitated nearly $120 million in capital raises during our third full year of operations supporting our view that Canada needs a modern, technology-enabled platform that connects qualified investors with quality private market opportunities while giving issuers efficient, compliant distribution," shared David Michaud, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Parvis. "Our momentum has been driven by three factors: a growing network of licensed advisors with trusted relationships, a broader range of offerings aligned to different investor objectives, and a comprehensive suite of compliance, marketing, and technology services that help advisors and issuers execute." Operational Execution in 2025 Throughout 2025, Parvis demonstrated its ability to execute across multiple dimensions: Transitioned to profitability in Q2 FY2026 Expanded service offerings beyond core distribution into marketing and advisory services Strengthened leadership team with strategic appointments in finance, compliance, and legal Maintained position as Canada's leading end-to-end private investment platform Expanding advisor network of licensed Dealing Representatives (+15) across Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax. Building Toward a Billion-Dollar Platform Parvis is positioned to participate in the ongoing shift toward private markets as allocators seek diversification beyond public securities. The Company's long-term objective is to significantly increase annual facilitated capital over the next five years, supported by: Platform scalability: continued investment in workflow automation via ai/blockchain and investor/issuer experience to reduce friction. continued investment in workflow automation via ai/blockchain and investor/issuer experience to reduce friction. National distribution: expansion of licensed advisor network across Canada expansion of licensed advisor network across Canada Product innovation: proprietary vehicles such as the Parvis Direct Access Fund alongside third-party issuer offerings. proprietary vehicles such as the Parvis Direct Access Fund alongside third-party issuer offerings. Strategic partnerships: relationships with financial institutions, capital partners and key industry players to broaden access to qualified investors. "The private capital markets are evolving, and Parvis is at the forefront of that evolution," Michaud continued. "We're not only facilitating transactions, we're building the infrastructure for a more accessible, efficient, and transparent private investment ecosystem in Canada and abroad. With only three years of operations behind us, reaching nearly $120 million in platform capital raises in a year demonstrates the market's appetite for what we're building, and we're just getting started." About Parvis Parvis is a technology-driven investment platform dedicated to democratizing access to institutional-quality opportunities. Utilizing AI and blockchain technology, Parvis streamlines the investment process, making it more accessible and efficient. Headquartered in Vancouver, Parvis operates with experts in Toronto, Vancouver, Kelowna, and Montreal. For more information, visit www.parvisinvest.com and SEDAR+. Disclaimers and Important Information Facilitated capital figures refers to gross subscription volume processed on the Parvis platform during the period through applicable prospectus exemptions. Figures exclude redemptions and secondary market activity unless otherwise specified. Availability varies by jurisdiction and investor eligibility. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information generally refers to information about an issuer's business, capital, or operations that is prospective in nature, and includes future-oriented financial information about the issuer's prospective financial performance or financial position. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding: the Company's growth trajectory and targets; platform expansion plans; strategic partnerships; and the Company's business plans and role in the investment industry. To develop the forward-looking information in this news release, the Company made certain material assumptions, including but not limited to: prevailing market conditions; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the continued growth of private capital markets; and the ability of the Company to execute and achieve its business objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary from the forward-looking information in this news release due to certain material risk factors. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: adverse market conditions; changes in general economic, business and political conditions; changes in applicable laws and regulations; compliance with extensive government regulation; reliance on key and qualified personnel; risks associated with the real estate, investment, and technology industries in general. The foregoing list of material risk factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information in this news release, unless it is required to do so under Canadian securities legislation. Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @ParvisInvest Facebook: ParvisInvest LinkedIn: Parvis To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280380 Source: Parvis Invest Inc. Regulatory News: The combined shareholders' meeting of Elior Group (Paris:ELIOR) whose shares are listed on Euronext Paris will take place on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Amphitheater of the Derichebourg Multiservices Tower, 51 Chemin des Meches 94000 Creteil France. The statutory notice of meeting (in French only) was published in France's official legal journal (BALO) on December 26, 2025. In addition, in accordance with applicable regulations, the statutory notice of meeting which includes the agenda, proposed resolutions and information on how to participate in and vote at the Meeting are available for consultation on the Company's website at www.eliorgroup.com (under Investors/ Annual Shareholders' Meeting). The information on total number of voting rights and shares in the capital on the date of the statutory notice of meeting is available on the Company's website at the above-mentioned address, from today's date. All the documents and information relating to the combined shareholders' meeting are made available to shareholders at the Company's head office at 9-11 allee de l'Arche 92032 Paris La Defense Cedex, France, in accordance with applicable regulations. Subject to the limits and timeframes provided for by applicable laws and regulations, shareholders may ask that these documents be sent directly to them by submitting a written request to Uptevia Assemblee Generale 90-110 Esplanade du General de Gaulle, 92931 Paris La Defense Cedex France. ELIOR GROUP Societe anonyme Head office: 9-11 allee de l'Arche, Paris La Defense Cedex (92032) 408 168 003 R.C.S. Nanterre Listing Market: Euronext Paris Eurolist segment B ISIN code: FR0011950732 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114327920/en/ Contacts: Elior Group Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - LiTHOS Group Ltd. (CSE: LITS) (OTC Pink: LITSF) (FSE: YU8) (WKN: A3ES4Q) ("LiTHOS" or the "Company") announces the resignation of Jennie Choboter from the board of directors of LiTHOS (the "Board") and as chief financial officer of the Company. LiTHOS would like to thank Ms. Choboter for her contributions to the Company and wishes her the best of luck in her future endeavours. Elyssia Patterson, of Vancouver, BC, has joined the Board following the resignation of Ms. Choboter. Ms. Patterson is CEO of Lycan Capital Corp., a corporate communications and marketing consulting company and has been a director and/or officer of several CSE listed companies. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280392 Source: Lithos Group Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. (TSXV: SM) ("Sierra Madre" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has closed the first tranche (the "First Tranche") of its previously announced brokered private placement offering pursuant to an agency agreement dated January 14, 2026 (the "Agency Agreement") entered into by the Company, Beacon Securities Limited ("Beacon") as lead agent and sole bookrunner, Canaccord Genuity Corp., BMO Capital Markets, VSA Capital Limited and (together with Beacon, the "Agents") in connection with the Offering. In connection with the First Tranche, the Company has issued 30,521,724 subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") at a price of $1.30 per Subscription Receipt (the "Issue Price") for gross proceeds of $39,678,241.20 (the "Offering"). The Offering is being conducted in conjunction with the Company's proposed acquisition (the "Transaction") of the Del Toro Silver Mine in the Chalchihuites District in Mexico ("Del Toro") from First Majestic Silver Corp. (see the Company's news release dated December 17, 2025). Each Subscription Receipt shall be deemed to be exercised, without payment of any additional consideration and without further action on the part of the holder thereof, for one common share of the Company (an "Underlying Share") upon satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions, including the receipt of all required corporate, shareholder and regulatory approvals in connection with the Transaction (collectively, the "Escrow Release Conditions"). Pursuant to the closing of the First Tranche, $38,568,280.26 (the "Escrowed Proceeds"), being the gross proceeds of the Subscription Receipts issued under the First Tranche less 50% of the Agents' Fees (as defined below) and certain expenses of the Agents, was placed into escrow and will be released to the Company subject to and the completion or satisfaction of Escrow Release Conditions as set out in the Agency Agreement. Provided that the Escrow Release Conditions are satisfied prior to 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on May 14, 2026 (the "Release Deadline"), the remaining 50% of the Agents' Fees, or $1,023,513.03 (and any interest earned thereon) will be released to the Agents from the Escrowed Proceeds, and the balance of the Escrowed Proceeds (together with interest earned thereon) will be released to the Company. However, in the event that the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied by the Release Deadline, or if prior to such time, the Company advises the Agents or announces to the public that it does not intend to satisfy the Escrow Release Conditions, the Escrowed Proceeds together with the pro rata portion of any interest earned thereon (net of any applicable withholding tax) will be returned to the holders of the Subscription Receipts and the Subscription Receipts will be cancelled. The Company intends to close a second tranche of the Offering, including the full exercise of the Agents' option. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund the completion of the Transaction, for exploration and development of Del Toro following completion of the Transaction and for general working capital purposes. In connection with the closing of the First Tranche, the Company paid the Agents a cash commission and corporate finance fee of $2,032,276.06 (the "Agents' Fee"), of which 50% was placed into escrow, and issued to the Agents 1,562,366 compensation options (each, a "Compensation Option"). Each Compensation Option entitles the Agents to purchase one common share at the Issue Price during a term of 24 months from the closing of the First Tranche. The securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing of the First Tranche, in addition to any other restrictions under applicable law. The Offering remains subject to certain conditions, including the receipt of final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Certain directors and officers of the Company ("Interested Parties") subscribed for a total of 219,250 Subscription Receipts in the First Tranche, for aggregate gross proceeds of $285,025.00. The placement to the Interested Parties constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company has relied on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively, as the fair market value of the Subscription Receipts issued to the Interested Parties in connection with the Offering does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Offering as the details of the participation of Interested Parties had not been confirmed at that time. The securities issued in connection with the First Tranche, and any securities issuable upon conversion of the securities, under the Offering have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the "United States" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Sierra Madre Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. is a precious metals development and exploration company focused on the Guitarra mine in the Temascaltepec mining district, Mexico, and the exploration and development of its Tepic property in Nayarit, Mexico. The Guitarra mine is a permitted underground mine, which includes a 500 t/d processing facility that operated until mid-2018 and restarted commercial production in January 2025. The +2,600 ha Tepic Project hosts low-sulphidation epithermal gold and silver mineralization with an existing historic resource. Sierra Madre's management team has played key roles in managing the exploration and development of silver and gold mineral reserves and mineral resources. Sierra Madre's team of professionals has collectively raised over $1 billion for mining companies. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and statements that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company's current expectations. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the timing and completion of a second tranche of the Offering, the use of proceeds of the Offering and the receipt of regulatory approvals for the Offering. Risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except as may be required in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice regarding forward-looking information and statements. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280395 Source: Sierra Madre Gold & Silver DALLAS, Jan. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Soterix Systems, an innovator in AI-driven cloud computing software, today announced the appointment of Paul Smith as Executive Vice President of Sales. Smith's arrival supports the aggressive expansion of Soterix Systems, with a continued, concentrated focus on scaling customer adoption of NexaiQ, the company's intelligent, self-learning, TRUE AI cloud computing platform. Paul Smith came to Soterix Systems from Salient Systems, where he served as the Executive Vice President of Sales. In this role, he will spearhead the rapid growth of the sales department and go-to-market initiatives, including sales engineering and marketing. Smith has over a decade of experience building and scaling high-performing sales organizations across the enterprise AI technology sector. "Paul's leadership experience and deep understanding of the security and business intelligence technology landscape align directly with how we approach the market and expand our partner ecosystem, making him an exceptional addition to our executive team," said Bryan Schmode, CEO, Soterix Systems. "Organizations have a growing need for cost-efficient, actionable intelligence to optimize their operations. Paul will be instrumental in accelerating adoption of our NexaiQ platform across multi-site, mixed IoT sensor deployments in this rapidly evolving market." "What drew me to Soterix Systems is both the strength of the team and the clarity of the platform they've built," said Paul Smith. "NexaiQ solves real, practical problems for customers by unlocking intelligence from existing systems and leveraging customers' prior investments and assets, all while lowering total cost of ownership. Just as important, the organization has the vision, discipline, and culture needed to scale. I am excited to collaborate with this team to help drive meaningful growth across North America." Soterix is centered on lowering total cost of ownership (TCO) while increasing return on investment (ROI). Built to operate across complex deployments through a single pane of glass interface, NexaiQ digests what is observed and turns it into actionable intelligence that drives measurable operational impact and long-term value. Smith's appointment underscores Soterix's commitment to scalable growth and practical innovation, reinforcing that future-ready intelligence can be deployed in ways that deliver measurable value without adding unnecessary complexity or cost. For more information about Soterix Systems or to schedule a demo, visit www.soterixsystems.com . About Soterix Systems Soterix's cloud computing platform, NexaiQ, encapsulates evolving intelligence models that continuously learn and adapt to its surroundings, reducing false alerts, and minimizes the need for constant manual reconfiguration. By remaining cloud agnostic, OS agnostic, AI pipeline agnostic, and IoT device agnostic, the platform allows organizations to take advantage of prior investments made in existing camera and IoT related infrastructure. This enables customers to forgo costly, unnecessary upgrades and replacements, thus further lowering total cost of ownership. Subsequently, NexaiQ enables customers to operate at scale across diverse environments, enabling better situational awareness, strengthened strategic decision-making, and improved efficiency across operations and compliance. Media contact Tiffany Gilani Soterix Systems 972.955.7555 tiffany.gilani@soterixsystems.com APOZ was Introduced at OZ Insiders Private Dinner in Las Vegas BRADENTON, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / ASC Global Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Token Communities (OTCID:TKCM), attended the OZ Insiders private dinner event in Las Vegas last week in Las Vegas. According to Mr. David Champ, who is the president and CEO of the Company that OZ Insiders is a group of OZ ( Opportunity Zone ) industry leaders ( Qualified Opportunity Zone real estate developers, attorneys, QOF - Qualified Opportunity Funds, business consultants and other related professionals ) who meet regularly and share their expertise and experience together. The company management team attended this private dinner at Mandalay Hotel in Las Vegas on December 4th last week. The Company will officially present this unique Tariff-Play concept in details which it is the only known FTZ + QOZ ( Foreign Trade Zone + Qualified Opportunity Zone ) dual-federal status business park the U.S. today at a special pitch-day event scheduled for Q-1 2026. For any further information, please contact Mr. David Champ at (631) 397-1111. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this presentation contains "forward-looking information", including "future-oriented financial information" and "financial outlook", under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, the information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements and includes, but is not limited to, the (i) projected financial performance of the Company; (ii) completion of, and the use of proceeds from, the sale of the shares being offered hereunder; (iii) the expected development of the Company's business, projects, and joint ventures; (iv) execution of the Company's vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future M&A activity and global growth; (v) sources and availability of third-party financing for the Company's projects; (vi) completion of the Company's projects that are currently underway, in development or otherwise under consideration; (vi) renewal of the Company's current customer, supplier and other material agreements; and (vii) future liquidity, working capital, and capital requirements. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management's beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Token Communities Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/apoz-project-was-presented-to-the-qoz-%2f-qof-community-1127241 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 NEWPORT BEACH, CA / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / American Vanguard Corporation (NYSE:AVD) has announced, the following change to its executive management team. Mike DiPaola has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, he will focus on North American commercial strategy and execution. Mr. DiPaola joined American Vanguard in February 2025, and previously served as Senior Vice President of Strategy, Marketing, & R&D. Dak Kaye, III, Chief Executive Officer of American Vanguard stated, "Mike has more than 25 years of experience in the agriculture sector, and I believe that he is the perfect choice to accelerate top-line growth at the company. North America is the bedrock of American Vanguard's business making it essential to the company's overall performance and stability." The company has also made the decision to move its corporate headquarters from Newport Beach, California to Discovery Park, Irvine, California. The new office will provide a modern, vibrant environment that encourages collaboration and teamwork. The company expects this move to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2026. Mr. Kaye continued, "When I joined the company, I noticed that we had a significant real estate footprint and believed this was an area where material cost savings were possible. We have closed non-core facilities across the company, and now we are moving our headquarters. My philosophy from day one has been to Simplify, Prioritize, and Deliver and I believe this relocation represents another important step in this direction." About American Vanguard American Vanguard Corporation is a diversified specialty and agriculture products company that develops and markets products for crop protection and management, turf and ornamentals management, and public and animal health. Over the past 20 years, through product and business acquisitions, the Company has significantly expanded its operations and now has more than 1,000 product registrations worldwide. To learn more about the Company, please reference www.american-vanguard.com. The Company, from time to time, may discuss forward-looking information. Except for the historical information contained in this release the matters set forth in this press release include forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often use words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "project," "outlook," "forecast," "target," "trend," "plan," "goal," or other words of comparable meaning or future-tense or conditional verbs such as "may," "will," "should," "would," or "could." These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations and estimates by the Company's management and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ from management's current expectations. Such factors include risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's SEC reports and filings. All forward-looking statements, if any, in this release represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this release. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements Company Contact Investor Representative American Vanguard Corporation Alpha IR Group Anthony Young, Director of Investor Relations Robert Winters anthonyy@amvac.com Robert.winters@alpha-ir.com (949) 221-6119 (929) 266-6315 SOURCE: American Vanguard View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/chemicals/american-vanguard-corporation-announces-executive-appointment-and-relocation-of-global-he-1127157 CALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Perisson Petroleum Corporation (TSXV:POG.H) ("Perisson" or the "Company") wishes to announce that it has applied for and received a full revocation of a dual failure to file cease trade order issued by the Alberta Securities Commission and the Ontario Securities Commission on July 22, 2021 (the "FFCTO"). The FFCTO was issued due to the failure by the Company to file: (i) its annual audited financial statements, annual management's discussion and analysis and certification of the annual filings for the year ended 31 December 2020, and (ii) its interim unaudited financial reports, interim management's discussion and analysis and certification of the interim filings for the interim period ended 31 March 2021. The revocation order was granted December 29, 2025. The Company intends to begin the process with the TSX Venture Exchange regarding a resumption of trading the Company's common shares on the Exchange in the near term. There is no assurance that the Company's common shares will resume trading on the TSX Venture Exchange. In addition, Mr. Brad Perry, Chief Financial Officer of the Company resigned effective January 26, 2024. Mr. Gary Chen, Chief Executive Officer has assumed the role of Interim Chief Financial Officer until such time as his replacements is appointed. The Company wishes to thank Mr. Perry for his service and wishes him the best in his future endeavours. About Perisson Petroleum Corp. Perisson Petroleum Corporation is currently suspended from trading on the TSX Venture Exchange NEX board and trades under the symbol "POG.H" The Corporation owns certain oil and gas producing properties in the Twining and Wainwright areas of Alberta, Canada. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Gary Chen CEO 403.800.0042 ext. 8888 gchen@perisson.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the timing and completion of the future operations of Perisson and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the proposed Acquisition and the future plans and objectives of Perisson, are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Perisson's expectations are risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by Perisson with securities regulations. SOURCE: Perisson Petroleum Corporation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/oil-gas-and-energy/perisson-petroleum-corporation-obtains-revocation-order-1126890 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Stuhini Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: STU) (OTCQB: STXPF) (WKN: A2PLBV) ("Stuhini" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has engaged Independent Trading Group, Inc. ("ITG") to act as market-maker for the trading of the common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V"), with the objective of maintaining a reasonable market and improving the liquidity of the Common Shares. ITG is providing its services to the Company pursuant to a market making services agreement (the "Market Making Agreement") entered into between the Company and ITG. The Market Making Agreement is for an initial term of one month and shall continue on a month-to-month basis thereafter, subject to termination pursuant to the terms thereof, including by either party upon 30 days' prior written notice to the other party. In consideration for the market making services provided to the Company by ITG, the Company has agreed to pay ITG a fee of $6,000 per month (plus applicable taxes), payable monthly in advance. There are no performance factors contained in the Market Making Agreement and ITG will not receive any Common Shares or other securities of the Company as compensation. The Company and ITG are unrelated and unaffiliated entities and the Company has been advised that neither ITG nor its principals have any interest, directly or indirectly, in any securities of the Company, or any right or intent to acquire such interest, other than pursuant to the marketing making services to be provided by ITG pursuant to the terms of the Market Making Agreement. The Market Making Agreement and the engagement of ITG pursuant thereto remains subject to the approval of the TSX-V. Stock Option Grant The Company also announces that its Board of Directors has authorized and approved the grant of an aggregate of 1,775,000 stock options of the Company ("Options") pursuant to the Company's stock option plan to certain directors, officers, employees, and consultants. The Options are exercisable for an aggregate of 1,775,000 Common Shares at an exercise price of $0.155 per Common Share for a 36-month term, expiring on January 14, 2029. The Options vest in four 25% equal instalments over a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of grant, with the first instalment vesting on July 14, 2026, and three additional instalments vesting six, twelve and eighteen months thereafter. About Independent Trading Group Independent Trading Group (ITG), Inc. is a Toronto-based CIRO dealer-member that specializes in market making, liquidity provision, agency execution, ultra-low latency connectivity, and bespoke algorithmic trading solutions. Established in 1992, with a focus on market structure, execution, and trading, ITG has leveraged its own proprietary technology to deliver high-quality liquidity provision and execution services to a broad array of public issuers and institutional investors. About Stuhini Exploration Ltd. Stuhini is a mineral exploration company focused on exploration and development of precious and base metals properties in western Canada. The Company's portfolio of exploration properties includes the flagship Ruby Creek Property, 16 km east of Atlin, BC; the Big Ledge Property, 57 km south of Revelstoke, BC. Twitter: @STUexploration LinkedIn: Stuhini Exploration Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the anticipated effects of the market making services to be provided by ITG on the liquidity and trading of the Company's Common Shares. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at the time of preparation, are inherently subject to significant uncertainties. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: that regulatory approvals, including those of the TSX-V, will be obtained in a timely manner or at all; that ITG will perform its obligations under the Market Making Agreement as anticipated; that market conditions will support improved liquidity of the Common Shares; economic conditions; mineral prices; and anticipated costs and expenditures. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks include, but are not limited to: the risk that regulatory approvals may not be obtained; that the market-making services to be provided by ITG may not achieve the anticipated impact on liquidity or trading activity; changes in market conditions; fluctuations in share price; regulatory or policy changes; and other risks inherent in the operation of a publicly listed exploration-stage company. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280419 Source: Stuhini Exploration Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Roscan Gold Corporation (TSXV: ROS) (FSE: 2OJ) (OTCQB: RCGCF) ("Roscan" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it will participate as a presenting company at The Investor Icebreaker 2026: The Michael Gentile Mining Showcase (the "Event"), hosted by Investor. Events, taking place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at the Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant in Vancouver, British Columbia. Investor Icebreaker: The Michael Gentile Mining Showcase To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8294/280342_16e8dab8e49b399d_001full.jpg Purpose of Participation The Event is a curated investor forum held during Vancouver's annual mining conference week, positioned between the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference and the Association for Mineral Exploration of British Columbia Roundup conference. The Company expects to conduct a series of scheduled meetings with investors and industry participants focused on: Corporate strategy and investment thesis Near-term milestones and catalysts Project development and technical priorities Capital markets and corporate positioning Participation in the Event provides an opportunity for the Company to communicate its strategy and upcoming plans to a targeted group of mining-focused investors. Event Format The Event is structured as a meeting-based forum: Afternoon session (1:00 PM to 6:00 PM) Group investor meetings in rotating 20-minute time blocks Group investor meetings in rotating 20-minute time blocks Optional morning session (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM) One-on-one meetings with select investors, scheduled in advance Following the formal program, some participants may attend an optional networking activity organized by the event host. Investor Inquiries Shareholders and interested investors may contact Nana Sangmuah, President and Chief Executive Officer of Roscan Gold Corporation to request a meeting during Vancouver mining week. "Roscan Gold Corporation values disciplined, high-signal investor conversations. This forum is designed for efficient, direct engagement with active resource investors, and we look forward to presenting our strategy, near-term milestones, and the investment rationale for the Company." About Roscan Gold Corporation In 2025, Roscan Gold strengthened its position as an emerging West African gold developer by securing strategic financing, advancing its regulatory standing in Mali, and aligning its balance sheet with long-term project development. The Company successfully raised capital through equity and insider-led convertible note financings, reflecting continued support from strategic investors and directors. At the same time, Roscan achieved key permitting milestones, including exploration permit renewals following the partial lifting of Mali's mining title suspension. These developments position the Company to advance its flagship Kandiole Gold Project and continue its transition from explorer toward developer. About The Investor Icebreaker 2026: The Michael Gentile Mining Showcase The Event is hosted by Investor Events as part of Vancouver's January mining conference week and brings together a curated group of mining and resource companies with qualified investors for structured meetings and networking. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, estimates, and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by law. No offer or solicitation. Nothing in this news release constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy securities in any jurisdiction. Event and relationship disclosure. The Company may pay fees to participate in the Event and may engage third-party service providers, including marketing or investor relations firms. References to third parties or event branding are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Third-party information. Certain information in this news release may be based on publicly available or third-party sources believed to be reliable but has not been independently verified. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280342 Source: Investor.Events Lommel / Hamburg, 01/15/2026 - Aqua free, a leading provider of innovative drinking-water hygiene solutions, has successfully moved into its new, state-of-the-art facility in Lommel and has now also obtained ISO 9001 certification for the site. This marks a key milestone in the ongoing development of the new location: processes, responsibilities and quality standards have been audited and confirmed against an internationally recognised benchmark. The site expansion enables Aqua free to strategically increase capacity in research and development as well as production. The new facility allows the company to respond faster and more flexibly to rising demand for advanced membrane filters and to further strengthen bespoke OEM partnerships with leading customers. ISO 9001 is recognised worldwide as the standard for quality management. It demonstrates that an organisation systematically controls its operations, manages risks, ensures consistent and repeatable quality, and implements continuous improvement - an important trust anchor for customers and partners. "Especially at a new site, independent confirmation is crucial," says Martin Langer, Head of Quality Management at Aqua free. "The certification shows that Lommel operates to clear, effective standards, creating a stable foundation for scalable growth and dependable performance." Aqua free will continue to develop the management systems at both sites consistently, with the aim of sustainably strengthening quality, transparency and delivery capability. About Aqua free GmbH and Aqua free Industries Aqua free GmbH is one of Europe's leading manufacturers in the field of water hygiene. Since 1999, the owner-managed company has been setting new standards for drinking-water quality and health protection. With innovative filtration and disinfection solutions, Aqua free helps protect hospitals, care facilities, residential buildings and industry from waterborne infections, reducing Legionella and other microorganisms. Certifications to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 13485 underline the company's quality standards. Aqua free Industries, also part of the group, specialises in membrane filters and bespoke OEM solutions. The company supports customers across several European countries with comprehensive services, from development through to implementation of individual drinking-water hygiene requirements. For further information, please visit www.aqua-free.comor contact us at: Aqua free GmbH Margaretha Gesler Head of Marketing & Communication Tel: +49 170 496 79 85 E-Mail: m.gesler@aqua-free.com Winsbergring 31 22525 Hamburg Germany www.aqua-free.com BASE Foundation, headquartered in Switzerland, has been announced as the winner of the 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Energy category. The nonprofit organisation was recognised for its innovative approach to democratising access to clean, efficient cooling through its cooling-as-a-service (CaaS) model. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114201188/en/ 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony (Photo: AETOSWire) The pay-per-use, CaaS model eliminates upfront costs by enabling clients to pay only for cooling as a service, while the provider retains ownership and operational responsibility for equipment performance. This ensures high efficiency, reduced energy use, and minimal emissions through modular, repairable, and circular systems. By transforming the economics of cooling, BASE has created a new pathway for climate-friendly solutions in hospitals, schools, and small businesses in developing regions. To date, the organisation's model has benefited over 160,000 people, saved more than 130 GWh of electricity annually, avoided 81,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, and created 2,500 green jobs. BASE partners with over 80 institutions worldwide to scale access to low-carbon, affordable cooling systems that serve both environmental and social goals. Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, praised the organisation's work: "The Zayed Sustainability Prize champions solutions that make clean energy both practical and accessible. BASE Foundation's cooling-as-a-service model is helping businesses and communities access sustainable cooling without the financial barriers of traditional systems. Their approach is creating pathways to shared prosperity, sustainable growth, and long-term resilience." Daniel Magallon, Managing Director of BASE Foundation, said: "Winning the Zayed Sustainability Prize is an inspiring recognition for BASE and our partners worldwide. The Prize's acknowledgement of initiatives that prove financial returns and positive environmental impact can go hand in hand is deeply meaningful, reinforcing our belief that market transformation is key to lasting change. This honour strengthens our resolve to scale the cooling-as-a-service model globally, empowering communities with cleaner energy, supporting local economies, and making sustainable, low-carbon solutions accessible to all." The US $1 million Prize fund will enable BASE Foundation to accelerate the expansion of its CaaS model across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The organisation will train more than 100 local technicians, SMEs, and energy service companies and develop regional CaaS toolkits tailored to Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. It plans to launch pilots in five new countries, extend open-access performance monitoring systems, and introduce energy storage and smart management tools. These efforts aim to reach over 500,000 new end-users, deploy 10,000 metric tonnes of efficient cooling capacity, and expand affordable, low-carbon solutions across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, and telecom infrastructure. Each year, the Prize rewards organisations and high schools for their groundbreaking solutions to global challenges. Over the past 18 years, through its 128 winners, the Prize has positively impacted over 400 million lives worldwide. By recognising these innovators, the Zayed Sustainability Prize inspires countless others to amplify their efforts and create a ripple effect of positive change. Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114201188/en/ Contacts: Thomas Hagan thomas.hagan@panterra.global Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Elixxer Ltd. (TSXV: ELXR.H) ("Elixxer" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press release of September 5, 2025, September 16, 2025 and November 6, 2025, it has settled an aggregate of $6,923,742.46 through the issuance of an aggregate of 83,924,151 common shares (each, a "Common Share") at a deemed issuance price of $0.0825 per Common Share (the "Debt Settlement"). The Debt Settlement was approved by disinterested shareholders of the Company at the Company's annual and special shareholder meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders of the Company held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. The Debt Settlement is considered a "related party transactions" as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), as certain insiders of the Company will receive an aggregate of 79,075,667 Common Shares. The Company is relying on the exemption from the valuation requirement of MI 61-101 contained in section 5.5(g) of MI 61-101, as the Company's securities are not listed on one of the markets specified in section 5.5(g) of MI 61-101. The Debt Settlement was approved by disinterested shareholders of the Company at the Company's annual and special shareholder meeting of shareholders of the Company held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. The Debt Settlement was approved by the members of the board of directors of the Company who are independent for the purposes of the Debt Settlement, being all directors other than Messrs. Alexey (Alex) Kanayev and Jayahari (Jay) Balasubramaniam. No special committee was established in connection with the Debt Settlement, and no materially contrary view or abstention was expressed or made by any director of the Company in relation thereto. Prior to the completion of the Debt Settlement, AIP Convertible Private Debt Fund L.P. ("AIP") held an aggregate of 3,633,391 Common Shares, representing approximately 32.04% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on an undiluted basis and 44.07% on a partially diluted basis. Upon completion of the Debt Settlement, AIP holds an aggregate of 80,284,815 Common Shares and 2,437,540 Common Share purchase warrants, representing approximately 84.28% of the issued and outstanding on an undiluted basis and approximately 84.67% on a partially diluted basis. Depending on market and other conditions, or as future circumstances may dictate, AIP may from time to time increase or decrease its holdings of Common Shares or other securities of the Company. A copy of the early warning report will be available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. About Elixxer Ltd. Elixxer is a Canadian public company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: ELXR.H) and the US OTC-Pink exchange (OTC Pink: ELIXF). Elixxer is an investment company with investments in Canada and other countries and is currently looking for new high growth opportunities to invest in. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280428 Source: Elixxer Ltd. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (TSX:NDM)(NYSE American:NAK) ("Northern Dynasty" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Stephen Meyer has been appointed to its Board of Directors (the "Board") and as Chair of the Company's Audit and Risk Committee of the Board to replace Christian Milau, who resigned from the Board in September 2025. Mr. Meyer is President and CEO of a private equity real estate firm that manages investment offerings which primarily invest in distressed assets and mortgages as well as residential and commercial real estate opportunities throughout the United States. He has over 30 years of experience in investment management services and is a Board Member of Quicken Inc., a financial technology company specializing in personal finance software. The Company also announces that with this appointment it has rectified the non-compliance with the NYSE American rules described in its December 5, 2025 news release and, accordingly, the Company is once again in compliance with the NYSE American corporate governance rules. About Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. Northern Dynasty is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, Canada. Northern Dynasty's principal asset, owned through its wholly owned Alaska-based U.S. subsidiary, Pebble Limited Partnership, is a 100% interest in a contiguous block of 1,840 mineral claims in Southwest Alaska, including the Pebble deposit, located 200 miles from Anchorage and 125 miles from Bristol Bay. The Pebble Partnership is the proponent of the Pebble Project. For further details on Northern Dynasty and the Pebble Project, please visit the Company's website at www.northerndynastyminerals.com or contact Investor services at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114. Public filings, which include forward looking information cautionary language and risk factor disclosure regarding the Company and the Pebble Project can be found in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca and in the United States at www.sec.gov. Ronald W. Thiessen President & CEO U.S. Media Contact: Dan Gagnier, Gagnier Communications (646) 569-5897 Forward Looking Information and other Cautionary Factors This document includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under applicable provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. All statements in this document, other than statements of historical facts, which address the timing and future composition of the Board and its Audit and Risk Committee are forward-looking statements. Additional forward looking statements made by the Company under its continuous disclosure obligations include statements regarding (i) the development plan for the Pebble Project (ii) the right-sizing and de-risking of the Pebble Project, (iii) the design and operating parameters for the Pebble Project development plan, including projected capital and operating costs, (iv) the social integration of the Pebble Project into the Bristol Bay region and benefits for Alaska, (v) the political and public support for the permitting process, (vi) the ability of the Pebble Project to ultimately secure all required federal and state permits, (vii) the ability of the Company and/or the State of Alaska to challenge the EPA's Final Determination process under the Clean Water Act and ultimately the USACE's Record of Decision ("USACE ROD") through legal actions; (viii) exploration potential of the Pebble Project, (ix) future demand for copper, gold and other metals, (x) if permitting is ultimately secured, the ability to demonstrate the Pebble Project is ultimately commercially viable, and (xi) the potential addition of partners in the Pebble Project. Although NDM believes the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way be construed as guarantees that the Pebble Project will secure all required government permits or regarding the ability of NDM to develop the Pebble Project in light of the USACE ROD and its subsequent remand decision and the EPA's Final Determination, establish the commercial feasibility of the Pebble Project, achieve the required financing or develop the Pebble Project. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by NDM as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Assumptions used by NDM to develop forward-looking statements include the assumptions that (i) the Pebble Project will obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses without undue delay, (ii) any feasibility studies prepared for the development of the Pebble Project will be positive, (iii) NDM's estimates of mineral resources will not change, and NDM will be successful in converting mineral resources to mineral reserves, (iv) NDM will be able to establish the commercial feasibility of the Pebble Project, and (v) NDM will be successful in its legal action against the EPA and the USACE and any action taken by the EPA in connection with the Final Determination will ultimately not be successful in restricting or prohibiting development of the Pebble Project. In addition, the likelihood of future mining at the Pebble Project is subject to a large number of risks and will require achievement of a number of technical, economic and legal objectives, including (i) the current development plan may not reflect the ultimate mine plan for the Pebble Project, (ii) obtaining necessary mining and construction permits, licenses and approvals without undue delay, including without delay due to third party opposition or changes in government policies, (iii) finalization of the mine plan for the Pebble Project, (iv) the completion of feasibility studies demonstrating that any Pebble Project mineral resources that can be economically mined, (v) completion of all necessary engineering for mining and processing facilities, (vi) the ability of NDM to secure a partner for the development of the Pebble Project, and (vi) receipt by NDM of significant additional financing to fund these objectives as well as funding mine construction. NDM is also subject to the specific risks inherent in the mining business as well as general economic and business conditions. Investors should also consider the risk factors identified in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and included in its annual report on Form 40-F filed on EDGAR (www.sec.gov), as well as the risk factors set out in the Company's subsequent public continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ and EDGAR. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. The National Environment Policy Act Environmental Impact Statement process requires a comprehensive "alternatives assessment" be undertaken to consider a broad range of development alternatives, the final project design and operating parameters for the Pebble Project and associated infrastructure may vary significantly from that currently contemplated. As a result, the Company will continue to consider various development options and no final project design has been selected at this time. SOURCE: Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/northern-dynasty-announces-new-board-member-and-audit-and-risk-committee-chair-1127250 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Lithium ION Energy Limited (TSXV: ION) (FSE: ZA4) ("ION" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a corporate restructuring, including a non-brokered private placement of up to 15,000,000 units (each, a "Unit"), at a purchase price of $0.04 per Unit, to raise total gross proceeds of up to $600,000 (the "Offering"), of which the Company has received firm commitment for $400,000. The Company will also refresh its board and bring on a new Interim-CEO to lead ION through this period of change. Private Placement Each Unit of the Offering will consist of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.05 at any time on or before that date which is twenty-four (24) months from the closing date of the Offering, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). These Units will be subject to a statutory hold period of four (4) months plus one (1) day from the date of issuance. Of the $600,000 available, Mr. Bataa Tumur-Ochir, Director and long-term investor in ION, has committed $400,000. The net proceeds will be used to maintain the Company's existing exploration portfolio, and for general working capital. The Units will be offered to qualified investors in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus and registration requirements of applicable securities legislation. The Company may pay finders' fees to eligible finders in connection with the Offering, subject to compliance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSXV. All securities issued and sold under the Offering will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day after the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSXV. Completion of the Offering, and the payment of any finders' fees remain subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSXV. Board Changes The Company further announces the resignations of Ali Haji, as CEO and Director, Aneel Waraich, and Enkhtuvshin Khishigsuren, as Directors effective immediately. The Company wishes to thank Mr. Haji, Mr. Waraich, and Mr. Khishigsuren for their continued efforts and numerous contributions during their tenure and wishes them the best in their future endeavours. Concurrently, the Company welcomes Mr. Sreenath Didugu to the Board of Directors and as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Didugu brings expertise in corporate advisory, capital markets, and financial strategy, with a focus on structuring and financing high potential mining ventures. He has advised TSX and ASX listed resource companies and emerging ventures across restructurings, IPOs, RTOs, dual listings, and M&A transactions. He is a founding partner of QCapital Partners, an Australian-based project generation and development firm specialising in the acquisition, advancement, and capitalisation of high potential resource sector assets. Mr. Didugu holds a Bachelor of Finance from the Australian National University. Chairman of ION, Matthew Wood, commented: "I would like to thank Mr. Haji, Mr. Waraich, and Mr. Khishigsuren for their valuable contributions to the Company during their tenure. "The Board is pleased to welcome Sreenath as Interim Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board. Sreenath's experience, leadership, and strategic insight will be instrumental as the Company undertakes its restructuring initiatives and positions itself to pursue future growth opportunities." About Lithium ION Energy Ltd. Lithium ION Energy Ltd. (TSXV: ION) (FSE: ZA4) is committed to exploring and developing high quality lithium resources in strategic jurisdictions. ION is focused on advancing the 29,000+ hectare Urgakh Naran highly prospective lithium brine licence in Dorngovi Province in Mongolia. ION is positioned to be a key player in the clean energy revolution and service the world's increased demand for lithium. Information about the Company is available on its website, www.ionenergy.ca, or under its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Forward-looking Statements Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the completion of the Offering and Debt Settlement on the terms and timing described herein, the Offering and Debt Settlement, the Company's proposed use of proceeds from the Offering, receipt of TSXV approval for the Offering and the Debt Settlement, the Company's reliance on certain exemptions from requirements under MI 61-101, the Company filing a material change report and the timing thereof,. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will", "anticipates" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280439 Source: Lithium ION Energy Limited For years, China expanded its footprint in Latin America, offering loans for roads, ports and railways, pushing nations to drop support for Taiwan, buying up commodities like soybeans and oil, and tapping into copper and other metals The dramatic early morning raid by the US military on January 3 that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife has shaken global geopolitics. Washingtons move not only reasserts USs dominance in Latin America but also delivers a sharp blow to Chinas interests and prestige in the region. Maduro was Chinas closest ally in the region, an anti-US leader sitting on vast oil reserves. Venezuela has Chinas highest diplomatic honor and a status, an all-weather partnership, a status no other Latin American nation enjoys. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For years, China expanded its footprint in Latin America, offering loans for roads, ports and railways, pushing nations to drop support for Taiwan, buying up commodities like soybeans and oil, and tapping into copper and other metals. Chinas reach in the region spans from satellite tracking stations in Argentina to a port in Peru, and extends to economic lifelines for Venezuela, which has been a thorn for the US. Trumps move against Maduro was intended in part to counter Chinas ambitions, Reuters reported on Monday. The development in Caracas is forcing China into a high-stakes recalculation of its ambitions in a region that looks like the USs backyard again, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people close to internal discussions in the Chinese leadership. Is China losing its grip? On Friday in a meeting with oil executives, Trump made explicit remarks expressing discomfort with China and Russia as a next-door neighbor. 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. 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US has also stepped up efforts to block Chinese firms from managing ports near the Panama Canal, the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific. A State Department official told Reuters the US remains concerned about Chinese influence near the canal, but appreciates Panamas actions to curb this. What does it mean for India? After the United States Venezuela operation Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a statement expressing deep concern. Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern, the ministry said. The US-led transition is unlikely to disrupt Indias energy basket in the short term. Indias direct exposure to Venezuela is minimal. Crude imports from the country have dwindled since US sanctions, and Indian oil firms like ONGC Videsh and Oil India hold only minority stakes in Venezuelan projects. Restrained Chinese ambition in Latin America creates space for India to expand trade and technology ties in the region. While India lacks Chinas financial muscle, sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT services, and renewable energy offer entry points for deeper engagement. India can strengthen its Global South leadership by championing inclusive development within BRICS and other forums, positioning itself as a bridge across regions and a strong advocate for equitable global governance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the global film industry continues to debate the future of theatrical viewing, Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgards Golden Globe win for Best Supporting Actor in the Norwegian film Sentimental Value has quietly shifted the conversation back to where it began - the cinema hall. While accepting the award, Skarsgard spoke not about scale or spectacle, but about the experience of watching a film as it was meant to be seen. He acknowledged the unlikely journey of a small Norwegian film with no advertising muscle finding global recognition, and went on to reflect on the magic of theatres darkened rooms where audiences sit together, distractions disappear, and stories are collectively felt. You share the pulse with some other people, he said, describing an experience he called irreplaceable. When Swedish actor won the Golden Globe award for best supporting actor for his feature film Sentimental Value, he said, Cinema should be seen in cinemas. But most of all, Im very happy for this because its a small Norwegian film with no money for advertising or anything that gets to see the world in this way. And hopefully, youll see it in a cinema because theyre an extinct species now. In a cinema, where the lights go down, and eventually you share the pulse with some other people. Thats magic. Cinema should be seen in cinemas. His words resonate beyond one film or one country. In recent years, there has been a quiet but noticeable return to performance-led storytelling films driven by actors, atmosphere, and moral complexity rather than volume. These are stories that rely on silence as much as dialogue, and on lived-in performances that reveal themselves fully only on the big screen. What makes Skarsgards moment particularly telling is that it comes from an actor celebrated for his craft rather than celebrity. The recognition of Sentimental Value reinforces a growing global acknowledgment that cinema, rooted in strong performances and restrained storytelling, still holds relevance, especially when experienced in a theatre, where nuance has space to breathe. As theatres navigate changing audience habits, moments like these serve as reminders that the communal experience of cinema cannot be replicated at home. Certain films demand stillness, attention, and emotional proximity elements that thrive when audiences gather, lights dim, and stories unfold without interruption. Skarsgards speech, now widely shared across platforms, feels less like an acceptance speech and more like a reaffirmation. That even in a rapidly evolving industry, films anchored in performance, maturity, and emotional depth continue to find their audience not through noise, but through resonance. Sometimes, all it takes is one voice on a global stage to remind us why cinema, at its best, is not just watched, it is experienced. New developments in the ongoing relationship between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and King Charles III have sparked fresh discussion about a possible thaw in long-standing royal tensions. According to a report, King Charles is considering extending an olive branch to the by offering them the use of Highgrove House, his cherished country estate in Gloucestershire, should they travel to the UK later this year. The gesture, described as a thoughtful opportunity for privacy and comfort, comes amid plans for Harry and Meghan to attend events linked to the . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Highgrove, known for its relative seclusion and strong security, could provide a base for the couple and their children during a potential visit that would mark Meghans first trip to Britain in several years. In a parallel move, Prince Harry is reportedly preparing to extend his own olive branch to his father by inviting King Charles to help open the 2027 Invictus Games, a multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women that he founded. Harrys team is said to be optimistic that such a public gesture, bringing father and son together on a shared platform, could help ease family tensions. The dynamic between King Charles and his youngest son has been complex for years, shaped by Harrys departure from frontline royal duties and subsequent public commentary, including his memoir and media projects. Yet insiders suggest that the monarch is acutely aware that his time is not infinite and is focused on seeing his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, and potentially healing some family rifts before its too late. Games View All Neither Buckingham Palace nor representatives for the Sussexes have publicly confirmed these reported gestures, and it remains unclear how discussions around security arrangements, public appearances and royal protocol will evolve. Still, the combination of a warm-weather visit, a possible Highgrove welcome and a shared Invictus Games stage points to one of the most tangible moments yet in a relationship that has been publicly strained for years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Voting is set to be held for the election of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Indias richest civic body, on Thursday (January 15). Mumbais municipal corporations estimated budget of Rs 74,427 crore for FY-2026 is higher than some Indian states, including Goa and Arunachal Pradesh Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and BMC headquarters illuminated with golden light to mark the Childhood Cancer Awareness month, in Mumbai, September 4, 2024. File Photo/PTI The mayor of Indias richest civic body is set to be elected this week. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), along with 28 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, will go to the polls on Thursday (January 15). Voting will be held across 227 civic wards from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, while votes will be counted on Friday. All eyes are on the elections of the BMC, Mumbais civic body. Lets take a closer look. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How rich is BMC? The BMC, Indias wealthiest civic body, presented a massive budget of Rs 74,427 crore on February 4, 2025, for the Financial Year 2025-26. This was its largest-ever budget, a 14 per cent jump from the previous years estimates. Of this, Rs 43,166 crore was marked for the capital expenditure, which amounts to 58 per cent of the total budget. The Mumbai civic bodys total expenditure estimate trumps the combined budgets of other metro cities like Delhi and Bengaluru. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) proposed a Rs 16,530 crore budget for 2026-27, while Bengalurus Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) presented a budget outlay of about Rs 19,930 crore for 2025-26. Ranchi Municipalitys total budget makes up less than one per cent of the BMCs budget. Mumbais civic bodys budget was projected to be Rs 59,954.7 crore in the Financial Year 2024-25. The MCD budget was Rs 16,683 crore in FY25, while the BBMP had a budget outlay of Rs 12,369 crore, reported NDTV. Kolkata Municipal Corporations budget for FY25 was just Rs 5,166.5 crore. Mumbais civic body has been functioning under an administrator since March 7, 2022, due to the lack of an elected House. As per News18, the BMCs Rs 74,427 crore budget is much more than the entire budgets of several Indian states, despite being just a municipal body. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Goas total budget for 2025-26 was Rs 28,162 crore, while Arunachal Pradeshs budget was Rs 39,842 crore. Himachal Pradeshs budget for the period stood at Rs 58,514 crore, whereas Sikkims total expenditure was projected to be Rs 16,196 crore. Tripuras state expenditure estimate was Rs 31,412 crore. Where does BMCs revenue come from? The BMC, which is considered Indias most resourceful municipal corporation, earns its revenue from myriad sources. The civic bodys sources of revenue include fees, taxes, development charges and investment income. In FY25, the BMCs revenue was estimated to be at Rs 81,774 crore. Fees for several services, licences, and usages comprise the biggest source of the civic bodys revenue. Between 2016 and 2025, the BMC received Rs 94,600 crore from Fees and User Charges, which accounts for registration fee, admission fee, late service license renewal charge, swimming pool reservation charge, demolition charge, advertisement charge, water connection charge, among others. BMC building illuminated in the colours of the national flag on the eve of the 77th Independence Day, in Mumbai, August 14, 2023. File Photo/PTI Grants and subsidies received from state and central governments, taxes, and income on investment and interests on reserves also form a significant part of its annual revenue. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mumbais civic body earned Rs 86,700 crore from revenue grants and subsidies for different government schemes, as well as for services offered on behalf of other government agencies. The BMC had charged the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Rs 61.7 crores for cleaning Bandra-Kurla roads in the Financial Year 2023-24. The civic body received Rs 75,800 crore from taxes, such as street tax, theatre tax, electricity tax, property tax, water tax, and so on, between FY16 and FY25. Property tax revenue is estimated at Rs 5,200 crore for 2025-26. For 2024-25, BMCs revenue income was updated from Rs 35,749.03 crore to Rs 40,693.85 crore. The actual revenue collected until December 31, 2024, was at Rs 28,308.37 crore. For 2025-26, the Mumbai city administrator is expected to earn Rs 43,159.40 crore, about 20.73 per cent higher than the initial estimate for 2024-25. How does BMC spend? The BMC spends most of its budget on infrastructure, including roads, bridges and sewage lines, public health management, education, security, and employee wages and pensions. In 2024, BMC invested 47 per cent of its revenue in infrastructure in the city. In the past 10 years, the civic body has spent Rs 111,600 crore on Mumbais upkeep and upgrade. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The BMC spent Rs 10,700 crore on grants to hospitals, educational institutes, libraries and contributions to different funds and schemes during this period. While Rs 36,300 crore funds were allotted to the operations and maintenance of public infrastructure. The civic body spent Rs 8,600 crore on administrative functions like audit, insurance, legal expenses, advertisement and public relations, fuel, travel, freight, and vehicles, etc, NDTV reported, citing official documents. It also spent generously on public health initiatives. In FY25, the BMC earmarked Rs 99.5 crore to control vector-borne diseases and pesticides, and Rs 12.8 crore for rodent control. The FY26 budget saw a rise of Rs 7,410 crore in revenue from the previous year, with Rs 43,166 crore, or 58 per cent, kept aside for capital expenditure. At least 10 per cent of BMCs budget is dedicated for healthcare services. It also planned to install 100 battery-operated suction machines across its 24 wards, as well as to continue its investment in schools and education infrastructure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As per News18, BMC allocated Rs 11,304.59 crore as financial aid to Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) between 2012-13 and January 2025. For 2025-26, the civic body has proposed a grant of Rs 1,000 crore for BEST. Funds worth Rs 992 crore were sanctioned by the 15th Finance Commission for procuring electric buses, of which Rs 493.38 crore has already been received and disbursed. In Mumbai, 1,700 candidates are in the fray across 227 wards to gain control of the BMC. This time, the civic body is expected to exceed its 2017 civic election expenditure of Rs 130 crore by more than 30 per cent. This is on account of the increased number of polling booths and employees, a senior BMC official told Hindustan Times (HT). There are more than 64,375 employees in this poll, compared to just 7,500 in the 2017 civic election. The budget is no constraint and we have standing instructions from the commissioner to spend wherever needed, an official said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The United States Supreme Court is expected to rule on the legality of President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs. Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland will meet US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio amid Trumps threats to takeover the Arctic island Today, Wednesday (January 14), is a big day for news. In the United States, the Supreme Court is expected to rule on the legality of Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs, which have upended the world. In Iran, Erfan Soltani, a protester, is set to be executed for participating in the uprising against the regime. A human rights group has said they have never witnessed a case move so quickly. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will move to his newly built office in the Seva Teerth complex near Raisina Hill today. Also, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni heads to Oman. During her visit, Meloni will hold official talks with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look at all the big news stories across the world: US Supreme Court to rule on Trump tariffs The United States Supreme Court is expected to decide whether to uphold or strike down Trumps sweeping tariffs. President Donald Trump has already warned of a mess ahead of the legal ruling on tariffs. Trump argued that if the Supreme Court strikes down his tariffs, then it would be a complete mess. United States President Donald Trump warns of mess ahead of legal ruling on tariffs. Reuters Taking to his Truth Social, Trump wrote, If the Supreme Court does not uphold his tariffs: WERE SCREWED. The case will determine whether the Republican leader can invoke the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs without congressional approval. Earlier, the President said that there would be an economic and national security disaster if they lost the case in the Supreme Court. Denmark, Greenland foreign ministers to meet Vance, Rubio The foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland will meet US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio today. They will make their case against Donald Trumps threats to control the Arctic island. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt will hold the discussions at the White House. On Tuesday, Greenlands prime minister said that his nation would rather remain part of Denmark than become a territory of the US. Greenland was not for sale and did not want to join the US, the islands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told a joint press conference in Copenhagen with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. We face a geopolitical crisis, and if we have to choose between the U.S. and Denmark here and now, then we choose Denmark, Nielsen said. We stand united in the Kingdom of Denmark. First Iranian to be executed in anti-regime protests Iran is set to execute its first citizen for the massive anti-regime protests that have gripped the nation. Erfan Soltani, 26, is set to face the hangmans noose for the crime of waging war against God. Soltani, a resident of Fardis in the Karaj suburb of Tehran, was detained on January 8 while participating in protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Soltanis family was reportedly informed that he had been sentenced to death on January 11 and that his execution was slated to take place in a matter of days. The family was allowed only a brief 10-minute visit with Soltani after the sentence was handed down. According to the Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights and other organisations, Soltani was deprived of fundamental legal rights as soon as he was taken into custody. He was denied access to legal counsel and even the opportunity to present a defence. According to Soltanis family, they were not told why he was arrested or which authority carried out the arrest. His sister, a licensed lawyer, has been denied access to his case file and prohibited from representing him or challenging the sentence. PM Modi likely to move to new office today The new office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is almost ready, and he is set to move in today (January 14). The new is in named Seva Teerth complex, according to India Today. This is a massive change because the PMO has been located in South Block, alongside the External Affairs and Defence Ministries since India gained independence in 1947. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Seva Teerth premises are also known as the Executive Enclave. It was built by Larsen & Toubro at a cost of Rs 1,189 crore and covers 2,26,203 square feet. The South and North Blocks will be converted into a public museum, called Yuge Yugeen Bharat Sangrahalaya, once vacated. Officials say the Prime Ministers new office is aimed at bringing change in work culture. NASA announces early return for ISS Crew-11 The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) held a press conference on January 8 to announce the early return of Crew-11 from the International Space Station (ISS). This is the first time in the ISS 25-year history that a crew will return early due to medical issues. Both NASA and SpaceX have set a potential return date: no earlier than 5 pm EST today (January 14) for the undocking of the SpaceX Dragon. The health and well-being of our astronauts are always and will be our highest priority, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said while speaking to reporters. Giorgia Meloni heads to Oman Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will visit Oman today. During the visit, Meloni will hold official talks with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. Her visit will focus on strengthening bilateral relations and ways to boost political, economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations. Meloni will be accompanied by an official delegation of senior Italian government officials. Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni heads to Oman. Reuters With inputs from agencies Nearly a decade after US diplomats first reported mysterious neurological symptoms, Havana Syndrome is back in the spotlight. The US Defence Department reportedly funded the purchase of a device costing eight figures that emits pulsed radio waves. At least 1,500 suspected cases have been reported across 96 countries since 2016 A view of the US Embassy beside the Anti-Imperialist stage in Havana, Cuba, May 24, 2023. File Image/Reuters Nearly ten years after American diplomats in Cuba first began reporting unexplained neurological symptoms, Havana Syndrome is one again back under the lens. The development follows revelations that the United States Defense Department has been testing a mysterious device believed by some investigators to be capable of triggering the condition, reported CNN this week. What we know about a secret Pentagon device According to CNN, the Department of Defense provided funding for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) a division of the Department of Homeland Security to acquire a device through an undercover operation during the final phase of the Biden administration. Officials paid what sources described as eight figures for the equipment, amounting to tens of millions of dollars. The device has been under evaluation for more than a year. One person familiar with the matter said it emits pulsed radio waves, a type of energy that has been repeatedly suggested as a possible cause of Havana Syndrome. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The same source noted that while the equipment is not fully Russian-made, it contains Russian components. Despite the scale of the investment, the technologys connection to the illness remains contested. Some officials continue to question whether a portable system could realistically produce the injuries reported by victims. Others argue that the findings are serious enough to warrant continued investigation. The device is reportedly compact enough to be carried in a backpack, raising concerns about how easily such technology could be transported and potentially used without detection. Officials are also worried about the possibility that similar devices may exist beyond a single countrys control, meaning more than one nation could possess the capability to harm US personnel overseas. Lawmakers were briefed on the matter late last year, with the House and Senate Intelligence Committees receiving updates that included references to the device and the ongoing testing process. HSI has a history of working with the US military on investigations related to the spread of sensitive technology abroad. A former Homeland Security official described such cases as the single biggest collaboration point between HSI and the US military. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In past conflicts, when American forces encountered US-made technology in places like Afghanistan or Iraq, HSI would be called in to investigate how those components ended up there. What remains unclear is how the US government learned about the existence of the device in the first place. For years, both intelligence agencies and medical researchers have struggled to determine what caused the symptoms now known as anomalous health incidents (AHIs). What is Havana Syndrome and where it has occurred Havana Syndrome first entered public awareness in late 2016, when multiple US diplomats stationed in Cuba began reporting unusual health problems. The symptoms included dizziness, intense headaches, ringing in the ears, memory difficulties and a sensation of pressure in the head. While the earliest widely reported cases were in Havana, some accounts suggest similar incidents may have occurred as early as 2014. Over the following years, reports of comparable symptoms emerged from dozens of countries. US officials now estimate that at least 1,500 suspected cases have been recorded across 96 nations. Countries where incidents have been reported include China, India, Austria, Vietnam, France, Switzerland and Lithuania. The Wall Street Journal reported in 2022 that American officials in Paris and Geneva were affected. Several high-profile cases brought the issue into the spotlight: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A Pentagon official said they experienced symptoms during a Nato summit in Lithuania in 2023. In 2022, then-US Vice President Kamala Harris postponed a visit to Hanoi after reports of an anomalous health incident. Two National Security Council staff members were affected in November 2020, with one reporting symptoms the day after the US presidential election and another a week later. A White House official told GQ in 2020 that she began experiencing symptoms while walking her dog. The condition has not only affected diplomats but also intelligence officers, military personnel and, in some cases, their family members. There is no single medical definition for Havana Syndrome. However, reports over the years have identified a consistent group of symptoms commonly described by those affected. These include: Ear-popping sensations Vertigo Severe, pounding headaches Nausea A piercing or directional noise A feeling of pressure in the head Some victims have described symptoms that resemble traumatic brain injury, leading to concerns about possible long-term neurological damage. To better understand the condition, researchers at the National Institutes of Health conducted MRI scans on 81 federal employees and their family members who reported hearing unusual sounds followed by cognitive symptoms. The study, published in JAMA in 2024, found no significant differences between the brain structures of these individuals and those of a control group. It is possible that individuals with an [anomalous health incident] may be experiencing the results of an event that led to their symptoms, but the injury did not produce the long-term neuroimaging changes that are typically observed after severe trauma or stroke. We hope these results will alleviate concerns about AHI being associated with severe neurodegenerative changes in the brain, said Carlo Pierpaoli, the studys lead author, at the time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Other research efforts have also produced inconclusive results, leaving medical experts divided over whether Havana Syndrome causes measurable brain damage. Some scientists have suggested that the symptoms could be linked to environmental exposure, neurological conditions, or even collective psychological stress. Mitchell Valdes-Sosa, a senior researcher at Cubas Center for Neuroscience, told the Associated Press in 2024 that the symptoms may result from a variety of medical issues rather than mysterious energy. Still, alternative explanations continue to be explored. Lawmakers have proposed that directed-energy weapons could be responsible. In 2022, an intelligence panel said that some cases could plausibly have been caused by pulsed electromagnetic energy. CNN has reported that the device obtained by DHS emits pulsed radio waves, but researchers remain puzzled about how such technology could inflict the types of injuries described by victims. What US govt assessments have been able to conclude For years, the US intelligence community and the US Defense Department have investigated whether Havana Syndrome could be the result of hostile action by a foreign government. In 2023, intelligence agencies publicly stated that it was unlikely the illness was caused by an adversary targeting American personnel worldwide. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A CIA official previously told The Washington Post, We assess it is unlikely that a foreign actor, including Russia, is conducting a sustained, worldwide campaign harming US personnel with a weapon or mechanism. Earlier investigations had also considered the possibility that the symptoms resulted from natural causes rather than a weapon. CNN reported that investigators had not ruled out a naturally occurring phenomenon rather than a weapon. Despite these conclusions, many victims remain unconvinced. Some current and former CIA officers have accused the agency of minimising the seriousness of the issue. Evidence published in 2024 by The Insider, Der Spiegel and 60 Minutes suggested Russias GRU Unit 29155 may have been involved in some incidents. Moscow denied the claims. All this is nothing more than a baseless accusation, an unfounded accusation by the media, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, according to Russias TASS news agency. Then-US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged in 2022 that the illness had puzzled US officials for years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How victims have been affected Victims have argued that intelligence agencies ignored key evidence and dismissed their experiences. Many say the lack of clear answers has compounded the personal and professional damage they suffered. For those affected by Havana Syndrome, the discovery of the device represents a potential turning point. Marc Polymeropoulos, a former CIA officer who says he was injured during an incident in Moscow in 2017, told CNN, If the [US government] has indeed uncovered such devices, then the CIA owes all the victims a f**king major and public apology for how we have been treated as pariahs. Some victims were forced into early retirement due to the severity of their symptoms. Others say the lack of recognition made it harder to receive proper medical care or compensation. The absence of a clear definition for anomalous health incidents has also complicated diagnosis and treatment. In many cases, medical tests were conducted long after symptoms began, making it difficult to determine what physically occurred at the time of the incident. Officials now face pressure to determine whether the technology represents a genuine threat and whether earlier assessments underestimated its significance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies A US judge has urged the Trump administration to issue a student visa to 19-year-old Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, who had been deported to Honduras mistakenly. She was arrested while she was heading home for Thanksgiving last year A US federal judge has urged the Trump administration to issue a student visa and bring back a college student who was deported to Honduras last November. Nineteen-year-old Any Lucia Lopez Belloza was on her way to meet her family in Texas last Thanksgiving. But her excitement turned into confusion and fear when she was arrested by federal immigration officials moments before getting on her flight on November 20. The 19-year-old was told there was a problem with her boarding pass and on her way to customer service, she was surrounded, placed in handcuffs and dragged out of the airport, her attorney Todd Pomerleau told CNN. She was placed on a flight to Texas and then Honduras, the country where she was born. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all that happened with Belloza. What did the US court say? On Tuesday (January 13), US District Judge Richard Stearns, during a hearing in Boston, urged the Trump administration to resolve the bureaucratic mess by issuing a student visa to Lopez Belloza. He raised that prospect as a practical solution to how to resolve a lawsuit by Any Lucia Lopez Belloza in violation of a court order. Earlier, on November 21 after her arrest, a federal judge in Massachusetts had issued an order, barring her from being deported or transferred for 72 hours. However, by that time, Belloza had already been flown to Texas and then to Honduras on November 22. Assistant US Attorney Mark Sauter acknowledged the courts order was violated, a development he blamed on a mistake by an officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) who thought the order no longer applied and failed to properly flag it. On behalf of the government, we want to sincerely apologise, Sauter said. He said there were no grounds to hold anyone in contempt, however. He called it a rare instance of the government not following an order in the over 700 cases filed in Massachusetts by migrants challenging their detention since President Donald Trump took office last year with a hardline immigration agenda. Stearns, who was appointed by Democratic President Bill Clinton, commended Sauter for acknowledging the mistake and asked what the remedy should be, saying, We dont want to lose sight that we have a real human being here. Todd Pomerleau urged Stearns to order the government to facilitate the return of his client and to hold officials in contempt. The rule of law ought to matter, Pomerleau said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We all recognise a mistake was made, Stearns said. Shes a very sympathetic person, and there should be some means to address this. What happened with Lucia Lopez Belloza? Lucia Lopez Belloza was brought to the United States from Honduras by her parents when she was just eight years old. And last year, the freshman at Babson College in Boston was flying home to Austin to surprise her parents and two little sisters. On November 20, she was travelling from Boston airport to Austin, Texas, following the end of her first semester. Just as she was about to board at Boston airport, the 19-year-old business student was stopped over an error on her boarding pass. She was handcuffed and arrested by the two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. She was allowed one phone call to her parents, who immediately contacted a lawyer. Her lawyer, Pomerleau, filed a lawsuit challenging her detention the next day. A federal judge in Massachusetts issued an order on November 21 barring her from being deported or transferred out of Massachusetts for 72 hours to allow time for her case to be examined. But by that time, Lopez Belloza had already been flown to Texas, potentially stripping Stearns court of jurisdiction. She was flown to Honduras on November 22. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She wasnt told why she was detained, Pomerleau told T_he Guardian_. She was shackled like she was some type of hardened criminal, and then deported to Honduras with no opportunity to have a court hearing or even talk to an attorney, he added. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson said Lopez, labelled by the department as an illegal alien, had entered the US in 2014 and was ordered to be removed by an immigration judge the following year, but remained in the country illegally. Her lawyer said that neither Lopez nor he was ever shown the removal order, and that even if it does exist, a federal law stipulates that arrests in such cases can only take place within a 90-day window after the order is issued not 10 years later, said Pomerleau. Her mum brought her here because of how horrific the circumstances were in Honduras, where gang members were killing and extorting people They came here just like the Pilgrims 400 years ago, for a better life and to escape persecution, said the lawyer. Speaking to The Guardian, he further said, If that isnt unconstitutional, I dont know what is. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The students father, Francis, told the Austin American-Statesman that although his family was denied asylum, a judge had assured them they were not under deportation orders. I thought: I was travelling to surprise my parents for Thanksgiving, and now the surprise will be that I wont be there, Lopez told the Guardian. I never thought my life would take this turn, Lopez said. After her deportation on November 22, she returned to her grandparents home in San Pedro Sula, Hondurass second-largest city. Babson College issued a statement addressing her case and saying that our focus remains on supporting the student and their family. My main goal in the US was always to study, said Lopez. What happened to me isnt fair, because we went there to study and work hard, to move forward in pursuit of that American dream so many of us had. What are some similar cases? Earlier, the Trump administration deported a 73-year-old Sikh woman, Harjit Kaur, to India. Her lawyer, Deepak Ahluwalia, revealed in an Instagram post that she was placed on a chartered flight without any prior notice, given no chance to say goodbye, and subjected to harsh conditions during the journey. Kilmar Abrego Garcia was also among the many who were deported by the ICE. He was mistakenly deported to EL Salvador and sent to a high-security prison meant for gang members and terrorists. He was later released while the judge reprimanded the governments handling of the case. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies A dispute over reheating palak paneer at a US university escalated into a civil rights lawsuit. Two Indian students alleged a discriminatory kitchen policy, and the case ended in a Rs 1.66 crore settlement Aditya Prakash and Urmi Bhattacheryya have left with US after winning a Rs 1.66 crore settlement against the University of Colorado Boulder. The dispute started over a palak paneer lunch. Image courtesy: X The dispute was not over a political argument or different ideologies; it was about reheating an Indian dish, palak paneer, in the campus kitchen. It subsequently resulted in a civil rights lawsuit in the US. Two Indian doctoral students at the University of Colorado Boulder secured a Rs 1.66 crore settlement in a US campus discrimination case. The row began over heating a palak paneer lunch and escalated into allegations of discrimination, followed by a civil rights lawsuit. Aditya Prakash was pursuing a PhD in the anthropology department of the university, and his partner, Urmi Bhattacheryya, was a fellow PhD student at the time of the incident. So, how did a minor kitchen exchange take a much bigger turn? We take a look. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indian PhD students Aditya Prakash and his partner, Urmi Bhattacheryya, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging discrimination and retaliation against the University of Colorado Boulder in the US. Image courtesy: @urmi6/Instagram The palak paneer row With middle-class backgrounds, obtaining admission to the University of Colorado Boulder was a dream come true for Prakash, who hailed from Bhopal, and Bhattacheryya, who hailed from Kolkata. We put all our savings into this," they told The Indian Express. Their first year passed smoothly without any incident. Prakash got grants and funding, and Bhattacheryyas research work on issues related to marital rape was also positively received. However, the episode on campus linked to their Indian meal changed everything overnight. About a year after joining the university, on September 5, 2023, Prakash was warming his palak paneer lunch at a microwave provided for students on campus. During that time, a staff member approached him and complained about the odour of his food. Prakash was told not to use the microwave to heat his food. The staff asserted, The smell is pungent, Aditya Prakash, now 34, recounted the incident. I remained calm and told her its just food. Im heating it and leaving. The anthropology student stood his ground and tried to argue, My food is my pride. And notions about what smells good or bad to someone are culturally determined, he said, according to a report in The Indian Express. Aditya Prakash and Urmi Bhattacheryya alleged in the lawsuit that they were discriminated against after the fallout over their lunch. Image courtesy: @urmi6/Instagram However, the argument continued. He was told that heating broccoli was barred because of the strong smell. Prakash replied, The context matters how many groups of people do you know who face racism because they eat broccoli? However, according to Prakash, that brief exchange in the kitchen was the beginning of a pattern of discrimination and retaliation. The situation worsened after the incident. Senior faculty summoned him repeatedly, and Prakash was told that he made staff feel unsafe", and even a complaint was lodged against him with the Office of Student Conduct, News18 reported. Prakash was not the only one facing the heat. Urmi Bhattacheryya alleged that she lost her teaching assistantship without any prior notice, warnings, or explanation. She claimed that action was taken against her after she invited Prakash to speak in a class on ethnocentrism about his lived experience. However, she did not name any specific individuals or provide details about the incident. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Aditya Prakash and Urmi Bhattacheryya are back in India and have no plans to return to the US. Image courtesy: urmi6/Instagram She said, When other students and I brought Indian food to campus days after the incident, we were accused of inciting a riot. However, those complaints were subsequently dismissed, Bhattacheryya confirmed. Lawsuit over discrimination and crores in settlement Prakash stated that they decided to pursue legal action when the University of Colorado Boulders anthropology department refused to grant them Masters degrees, which PhD students are awarded en route to the doctoral. According to The Indian Express report, in May 2025, Prakash and Bhattacheryya filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Colorado, alleging discrimination and retaliation. The lawsuit cited a departmental kitchen policy on campus, which, according to them, had disproportionate and discriminatory impact on ethnic groups like South Asians," News18 reported. The discriminatory treatment and ongoing retaliation caused us emotional distress, mental anguish, and pain and suffering." The University of Colorado Boulder settled with Prakash and his partner, Urmi Bhattacheryya, in September 2025, following the lawsuit. The duo was paid $200,000 (Rs 1.66 crore) and conferred upon them Masters degrees. However, the settlement came at a cost. Both Prakash and Bhattacheryya are prohibited from taking future admission or employment at the university. The university reached an agreement with the plaintiffs and denies any liability. The university has established processes to address allegations of discrimination and harassment, and it adhered to those processes in this matter. CU Boulder remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff, University spokesperson Deborah Mendez told The Indian Express. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Fighting food racism Earlier this month, Prakash and Bhattacheryya finally returned to India. There is a hardening, a kind of narrowing of empathy. Institutions talk a lot about inclusion, but there is less patience for discomfort, especially if that discomfort comes from immigrants or people of colour, said Bhattacheryya while pointing out political shifts in the US after Donald Trumps return to power. For international students, the message wasnt always explicit, but it was there: you are here conditionally, and you can be made to feel that very quickly, the Indian Express quoted Bhattacheryya as saying. Today, neither is inclined to return to the United States. Going back would mean re-entering the same system, with the same visa precarity," Prakash said, adding, I dont see myself going back." This case sends a message that this (food racism) cannot be practised with impunity. We Indians will fight back; that would be the real victory, he concluded. With inputs from agencies Hundreds of members of the Sikh community came together to protest against a 16-year-old being held captive by a man in his late 30s after being raped by a Pakistani grooming gang. But what do we know about the UK grooming gangs scandal? Footage of the incident, which occurred in west London, has now gone viral and renewed the focus on the UKs grooming gangs scandal. Image courtesy: X The rescue of a teen girl gang-raped in the UK is putting the spotlight on Pakistani grooming gangs. Hundreds of members of the Sikh community came together to protest against the 16-year-old being held captive by a man in his late 30s. Footage of the incident, which occurred in west London, has now gone viral and renewed the focus on the UKs grooming gangs scandal. But what happened? Do we know? And what about the UKs grooming gangs scandal? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sikh community comes together protest Over 200 members of the Sikh community came together to protest against the kidnapping of the minor. Clips show the men chanting Jo Bole So Nihaal, Sat Sri Akal" at a demonstration in Hounslow outside the residence of one of the suspects. According to the Sikh Press Association, the suspect had initiated a relationship with the girl when she was just 13. The suspect is known for befriending under-16s in West Londons Hounslow. The teenager, who was being held by a man in his late 30s, was held at his flat and raped by half a dozen other men from a Pakistani grooming gang. The police arrested one of the suspects after hours of protests from the Sikhs over inaction. Footage also shows the suspect being taken into police custody. The minor has been released. India Today quoted Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi as slamming the UK government over the latest incident. These are nothing but Pakistani grooming gangs which are nurtured by UK because UK refuses to call them out for who they are. London-based author Pandit Satish Sharma accused the authorities of being complicit for not addressing the decades-long issue. UK grooming gangs scandal As per _The Week,_ reports of Pakistani-origin gangs targeting young girls first began coming out in 2002. At the time, then-Labour MP Ann Cryer warned that such incidents were occurring in her West Yorkshire constituency of Keighley. An investigation was launched by The Times newspaper in 2010 after a gang of five men were convicted of sexual offences against minors from the ages of 12 to 16 in South Yorkshires Rotherham. The investigation revealed that hundreds if not thousands of young girls had been sexually exploited by organised gangs comprising predominantly British-Pakistani men. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A woman poses at her home in England, UK, January 8, 2025. She was 14 when she was sexually abused by a grooming gang in Rochdale. File Image/Reuters The girls targeted were between the ages of 11 and 16, predominantly white, and from troubled backgrounds. The men, who worked as taxi drivers or in other such jobs, many of whom were involved with illegal drugs, would lavish attention on the victims. The girls would be plied with alcohol and drugs and then forced into sex with one man. After that, they would be trafficked to his friends and relatives to be sexually exploited. The newspaper said at least 1,400 children over a decade and a half had been systematically abused by these Pakistani grooming gangs. The Rotherham Borough Council, South Yorkshire Police and other agencies in the aftermath of The Times report set up a child sexual exploitation (CSE) team. The council also commissioned an independent inquiry led by Professor Alexis Jay, who published her own report in 2014. Hard to describe It is hard to describe the appalling nature of the abuse that child victims suffered, Jays report about abuse in Rotherham noted. They were raped by multiple perpetrators, trafficked to other towns and cities in the north of England, abducted, beaten and intimidated. Children were doused in petrol and threatened with being set alight, threatened with guns, made to witness brutally violent rapes and threatened [that] they would be next if they told anyone. Girls as young as 11 were raped by large numbers of male perpetrators. These child-grooming gangs have been uncovered and rooted out in several other English towns including Rochdale, Oldham, Telford, Bristol, Oxford, Huddersfield, Halifax and Banbury. Jay in her report said that the police treated the victims with contempt, and that social workers underplayed the issue. She said councillors were worried about an impact on community cohesion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The newspaper said at least 1,400 children over a decade and a half had been systematically abused by these Pakistani grooming gangs. Representational image It also quoted a senior police officer in Rotherham claiming that the abuse had been going on for three decades. With it being Asians, we cant afford for this to be coming out, he added. Witnesses said pressure was applied on people to suppress, keep quiet or cover up. An ex-senior officer said, X didnt want [the] town to become the child abuse capital of the north. They didnt want riots. The report added that there was a sense that it was the Pakistani heritage councillors who alone dealt with that community had a disproportionate influence on the council. My experience of council as it was and is Asian men very powerful, and the white British are very mindful of racism and frightened of racism allegations so there is no robust challenge, a witness added. However, a Home Office report on group-based child sexual exploitation released in 2020 claimed that organised grooming gangs come from diverse backgrounds, with each group being broadly ethnically homogeneous. It added that those involved in such activities are predominantly white. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Inquiry stalls, row turns political Though the government announced a national inquiry last year, progress on that has stalled because of wrangles over its remit as well as the difficulty in finding a senior justice to head up the commission, as per The Guardian. The newspaper reported that judges and lawyers appear to be reluctant to head the inquiry, due to its politically sensitive subject matter and the prospect of intense media scrutiny. The row turned political last year with Elon Musk taking aim at Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the issue. Starmer was previously in charge of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) from 2008 to 2013. The prime minister in 2013 had introduced new guidelines on how to treat victims of child sexual abuse (CSA) and how to prosecute such cases. Elon Musk taking aim at Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the issue. Reuters A number of people on the right including far-right Reform UK leader Nigel Farage have taken aim at the UK government over the issue. What we need and what [the victims are] calling for is a rifle shot: this inquiry one that looks specifically at to what extent were gangs of Pakistani men raping young white girls, Farage said in the House of Commons during a debate. Because ultimately, it seems to me, theres a deep racist element behind what happened. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rupert Lowe, another Reform UK member, demanded that the government refuse all Pakistani visas until the issue was thoroughly examined. The mass rape of young, white working-class girls by gangs of Pakistani rapists is a rotting stain on our nation, he said. This is not about Elon Musk. This is not a bandwagon of the far right. This is about the victims and ensuring swift and brutal justice is delivered to those demons responsible. While Musk accused Starmer of being complicit, Starmer and CPS in 2013 were praised by a Commons Home Affairs Select Committee for trying to uncover systematic failure and to improve the way things are done. With inputs from agencies Harvard University enrolled its highest number of students in the current academic year, reporting a 28 per cent surge. However, fewer Indian students took admission compared to the previous academic year. Despite the Trump administrations crackdown, Chinese students have increased Despite a crackdown by the Trump administration, Harvard University enrolled a record number of foreign students in the current academic year. While the number of Chinese students surged, the share of Indian students at the varsity declined. These figures come in the wake of the US administration targeting Harvard University to reshape higher education. It has repeatedly attempted to limit foreign enrollment and funding at the Ivy League school. Lets take a closer look. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Foreign students rise in Harvard Harvard University witnessed a slight rise in the share of foreign students in the fall of 2025. A surge of 28 per cent, or 6,749 students, was recorded at the university, Bloomberg reported, citing data published Friday. This is the highest since at least 2002, according to Harvard data. The gain reflects a spike of about 50 students, a less than one per cent increase. The rise at Harvard comes even as foreign enrollment at US universities overall dropped by one per cent in the comparable period, according to the Institute of International Educations Open Doors report, which is sponsored by the US State Department. Foreign enrollment at Harvards undergraduate school declined by 2.6 per cent year-over-year. However, international admissions increased for the prestigious varsitys graduate programmes. People walk near Harvard University on May 28, 2025 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. File Photo/AFP This is in contrast with the wider trend, as the number of international graduate students at US universities fell 12 per cent year-over-year this fall, as per the Institute of International Education. Harvards TH Chan School of Public Health reported a rise of eight per cent, the highest. Indian students enrollment fall at Harvard The number of Indian students at Harvard declined by about 31 per cent from the previous academic year. This comes even as overall foreign enrollment climbed despite pressure from the Trump administration. In fall 2025, Harvard enrolled 545 Indian students across its schools. This is less than 788 students and scholars from India who took admission across Harvards schools in the 202425 academic year. Across the US, Indians remain the largest international student group. Chinese students admission fall Enrollment at Harvard among Chinese students grew at a rate of 4.5 per cent in the autumn from a year earlier. As per data released by the varsity, the number of students from mainland China rose from 1,390 in autumn 2024 to 1,452 in autumn 2025. Chinese students comprise the largest international group at Harvard. South Korean enrollment jumped by 8.7 per cent. However, students from the UK and Canada, other major sources of foreign graduates, were either flat or fell slightly. Hong Kong student enrollment witnessed an uptick from 68 to 73, while enrollment from Macau dropped, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why rise in foreign students at Harvard matter The increase in Harvards international student population is significant as the varsity has been facing scrutiny under the Trump administration. The US government has tried to curb student visas and funding for the Ivy League school. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had cited Harvards engagement with China as a reason for the crackdown. In May 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese nationals, especially those linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or sensitive research fields. We will also revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the Peoples Republic of China and Hong Kong, he said at the time. The Trump administrations crackdown on Harvard began with a focus in alleged antisemitism at the campus but later expanded into targeting the varsitys diversity programmes and perceived political bias. Last year, billions in research funding for Harvard were frozen by the White House. It was also blocked from enrolling foreign students, as the Trump administration called for changes in governance, hiring and admissions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Federal courts ruled in favour of Harvard in various lawsuits over the funding cuts and visa blockade. However, the administration is appealing. David Weeks, co-founder and chief operating officer of Sunrise International, a firm that advises overseas universities on recruiting Chinese students, told SCMP that the rise was a meaningful signal for Harvard and to a slightly lesser extent for US higher education. Elite US brands continue to have clout, especially in China, Weeks said. Many will apply to third-country options as hedges, but if they land their US reach school, they often still take it because the perceived long-term credential value is hard to match. While Trump has criticised Harvard, he has expressed support for Chinese and other international students. He said last August that 600,000 Chinese students will be allowed to study in America. With inputs from agencies Turkey is reportedly likely to finalise a deal to join the defence alliance between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. This comes amid calls for a broader security alliance of Islamic and Arab states. Could this give rise to an Islamic Nato? Any such alliance will raise security concerns in India Turkey is reportedly planning to join the defence alliance between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The security arrangement between Riyadh and Islamabad mirrors the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations (Nato) Article 5, which enshrines the collective security guarantee. Dubbed Islamic Nato by analysts, a potential security alliance between the three countries will ring alarm bells in India. Lets take a closer look. What is Islamic Nato? Islamic Nato is a defence alliance of Islamic and Arab states. It could be similar to Nato, a transatlantic military alliance among the United States, Canada and European countries. Last September, Egypt recommended a Nato-style, joint task force for Arab nations during an emergency summit organised by the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) promised to follow a provision in a joint defence agreement, first signed in 2000, that said an attack on one member state was an attack on all. At the summit, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani also supported the idea of a collective approach to regional security. Pakistan called for a joint task force to monitor the Israeli designs in the region and adopt effective deterrent and offensive measures in a synchronised manner to ward off Israeli expansionist designs. The meeting had come after Israel launched a surprise attack on Doha, Qatar, with an aim to kill senior Hamas leaders. In the same month, Saudi Arabia announced a strategic mutual defence agreement with Pakistan. The two countries said that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both. The phrasing is similar to Article 5 of Nato. Why Turkey wants to join Pak-Saudi alliance Turkey is keen on joining the defence alliance between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, as per a Bloomberg report. The talks are at an advanced stage and a deal is very likely, people familiar with the matter said. Turkey is already part of Nato and has the largest military in the grouping after the US. According to the report, joining the defence alliance makes sense for Turkey as its interests highly overlap with those of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in South Asia, West Asia and even Africa. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For Turkey, the alliance is a way to boost security and deterrents amid uncertainty about the reliability of the US and President Donald Trumps commitment to Nato. Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan shake hands during a meeting on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, August 31, 2025. Press Information Department (PID)/Handout via Reuters Saudi Arabia brings financial clout, Pakistan has nuclear capability, ballistic missiles and manpower, while Turkey has the military experience and has developed a defence industry, Nihat Ali Ozcan, a strategist with Ankara-based think tank TEPAV, told Bloomberg. As the US prioritises its own interests and that of Israel in the region, changing dynamics and fallout from regional conflicts are prompting countries to develop new mechanisms to identify friends and foes, Ozcan said. Should India be concerned about Islamic Nato? India will be wary of any potential alliance among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. India and Pakistan were engaged in a four-day conflict last May. Indian authorities revealed that Pakistan used Turkish drones during Operation Sindoor. After Indias Operation Sindoor, Ankara had also shown solidarity with Pakistan. Turkiyes foreign affairs ministry condemned Indias unprovoked aggression violating Pakistans sovereignty and killing innocent civilians. It said Operation Sindoor raised the risk of an all-out war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Turkey and Pakistan enjoy close military ties, with Ankara building corvette warships for Islamabads navy. It has upgraded dozens of Pakistans F-16 fighter jets. As per a previous Bloomberg report, Turkey is already sharing drone technology with Islamabad and Riyadh, and is now hoping that they will join its Kaan fifth-generation fighter jet programme. A broader security alliance among Muslim countries could be a threat beyond India and Israel. Retired Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Marshal Anil Chopra wrote The Eurasian Times, If finalised, the alliance could seriously challenge and even threaten countries like India, Israel, Armenia, and Cyprus, among others. He underlined that the emerging alliance should be examined alongside Indias growing defence cooperation with Israel. Turkey and Pakistan have been working very closely. India, too, is concerned about this nexus. India has also been working more closely with Greece and Cyprus. India and Israel could coordinate more closely in the Mediterranean, he wrote. However, some analysts do not think there could be an Islamic Nato in future. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A NATO-style alliance is unrealistic because it would tie Gulf states to wars they do not consider vital to their own interests. No ruler in the Gulf wants to be pulled into a confrontation with Israel on Egypts behalf, for example, Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer at the School of Security Studies at Kings College London, told DW. After Israels attack on Doha, views are changing in the Arab world. Security in the Gulf has long been based on a tributary logic, [where] basically you pay someone else to take care of your protection, Krieg continued. That mentality is beginning to shift after the attack on Doha, he admitted, but only slowly. With inputs from agencies Foreign Minister S Jaishankar held a good talk with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday. Earlier, US envoy Sergio Gor said no partner is more essential than India, with an invitation to join Pax Silica. Is a trade deal next? In his second term, Donald Trump has pushed India aside by imposing tariffs, and making jibes. However, recent engagement indicate that ties may see an improvement. File image/Reuters Before Donald Trump took the White House for a second time last January, many in India were optimistic that the US president would build on his previous friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, since hes taken office, the American leader has dealt many blows to the India-US ties either by the way of imposing punishing tariffs, or the constant jabs by him and his aides aimed at New Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, it seems all is not lost between India and the United States. There are signs and indications that the two nations are pushing forward with trade negotiations that have been stalled over Trumps rhetoric. So, whats brewing between India and the US? Jaishankar-Rubio phone call On Tuesday (January 13), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during which the two discussed cooperation across trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, defence and energy. Following the call, Jaishankar said on X, Just concluded a good conversation with @SecRubio. Discussed trade, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, defence and energy. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described his conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as good. File image/Reuters A possible meeting between the two was also discussed. However, it is not clear whether Jaishankar and Rubio will meet during a bilateral visit, or on the sidelines of a multilateral event, including the AI Impact summit in Delhi next month. Both Jaishankar and Rubio have held multiple conversations all through 2025. In September 2025, in their first meeting after the Trump administration levied 50 per cent tariffs on India and decided to impose a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants, their conversation covered a range of bilateral and international issues of current concern indicating that hot-button issues were part of conversation. They also agreed to continue to engage so that they can make progress on priority areas. This was followed up by a meeting on the sidelines of the meeting of G7 foreign ministers in November during which they focused on trade and supply chains. They also exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict, the West Asia situation and Indo-Pacific. Trumps envoy Sergio Gor outreach to India Notably, the Jaishankar-Rubio phone call came a day after Donald Trumps close ally, Sergio Gor, began his role as United States ambassador to India. On day one of taking up the post, Gor promised to help resolve differences that have badly strained ties between the two nations, namely over the trade deal. He acknowledged that it has not been an easy task, but both countries are determined to get it across the finish line. Newly appointed United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor greets officials upon his arrival at the US Embassy, in New Delhi on Monday. File image/PTI Real friends can disagree, but always resolve their differences in the end, said Gor said in a speech to hundreds of embassy staff members, emphasising Trumps great friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added that trade negotiations would continue, and that India would be invited to join Pax Silica, a US initiative to build supply chains for artificial intelligence and other advanced technology. Gor noted, No partner is more essential than India. In the months and years ahead, it is my goal as ambassador to pursue a very ambitious agenda. We will do this as true strategic partners, each bringing strength, respect, and leadership to the table. Ashwini Vaishnaw attends critical minerals meeting Moreover, Indias minister Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in a critical minerals meeting hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington, DC. Leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and Australia were also present for the meet. At the meet, Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of resilient mineral supply chains as electronics and other manufacturing sectors expand rapidly in India. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Bessent said the countries shared a desire to address vulnerabilities in the minerals supply chains. A possible thaw in India-US ties These recent engagements and outreach attempts suggest a possible thaw in the frosty India-US ties. It all began last April when Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on India as part of his Liberation Day. However, things soured between India and the US when Trump insisted that he played a central role in de-escalating the India-Pakistan conflict last May. Despite the US presidents repeated assertions on the same, New Delhi has maintained that there was no foreign intervention, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh telling Parliament last July that it was completely incorrect and baseless to say that Indias military action stopped because of pressure. This was followed up by Trump pursuing a rapprochement with Indian arch-rival Pakistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India and the US ties have been on a downturn since the beginning of 2025. Will this year be any different? File image/Reuters India and the US ties deteriorated further last August when Trump singled out India for its purchases of Russian oil, slapping it with an additional 25 per cent penalty tariff, doubling the countrys overall tariff rate to 50 per cent. Moreover, several of Trumps aides and advisors have made jabs at India. Last September, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed India was profiteering from cheap Russian oil imports during the war in Ukraine, describing the practice as arbitrage and condemning it as unacceptable. Trumps deputy chief of staff at the White House, Stephen Miller, also accused India of financing Russias war in Ukraine by buying oil from Moscow. What he (Trump) said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing the oil from Russia, he said. As recently as last week, Trump was also seen mocking PM Modi, claiming that the PM personally appealed to him about the steep tariffs imposed by Washington on Delhi over its purchase of Russian oil. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prime Minister Modi came to see me, Sir, may I see you please. Yes, Trump said at the House GOP Member Retreat, adding that the two leaders shared a very good relationship. Besides this, the Trump administration has also placed serious barriers to H-1B visas, affecting the flow of Indian labour into the United States. Its left to be seen if India and the US ties can be repaired. For now, its a wait and watch game. With inputs from agencies A factory in Chinas Jiangxi province that makes Labubu toys for Pop Mart has come under the scanner for employing and exploiting underage workers. The investigation is carried out by China Labor Watch (CLW), a New York-based non-profit A Labubu in a Santa Claus outfit is displayed for sale at a holiday market in Times Square in Manhattan, New York City, US. Reuters The world has long been gripped by a craze over Labubu toys. The cute monster dolls, which have been seen on the arms of celebrities such as Rihanna, Dua Lipa and Blackpinks Lisa, have captured the hearts of many in China and around the world. However, there appears to be a dark side to the Labubu craze. An investigation by an NGO has alleged that underage people are being employed at a factory in China that makes Labubu toys created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and sold by Pop Mart. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what happened? What do we know? Lets take a closer look: Underage workers, poor pay, no overtime The investigation was carried out by NGO China Labor Watch (CLW), a New York-based NGO. The CLW sent workers undercover to Shunjia Toys in Chinas Jiangxi province. The factory, which is located in Ganzhou city, employs over 4,500 people. The CLW, in its report, also said the factory employed workers between the ages of 16 and 18. While this does not violate Chinese law, underage workers are supposed to be afforded certain protections when it comes to dangerous or strenuous work. According to the CLW, researchers interviewed more than 50 employees, including three under the age of 18. All of them were working on Labubu toys. The factory workers were recruited through labour agencies and made to sign blank contracts. The underage workers also generally did not understand the nature of the contracts they signed, and had no clear concept of their legal status when asked, CLWs report stated. Workers were instructed to write down their personal details on the contracts while leaving other items such as the type of job, the length of the contract, salary and insurance blank. Workers were given no more than five minutes to complete the process and were told explicitly not to read or fill in other sections, CLW said. People look at Labubu dolls at the flagship store of Pop Mart in Shanghai, China. Reuters The underage workers were placed on the normal assembly line and given no difference when it came to workload or production targets compared to regular workers. The probe also discovered employees were made to work overtime as punishment and had compensation for extra hours held back when they did not meet output targets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This was as workers were given lofty and impractical production targets. For example, a team of 25 to 30 workers were expected to put together at least 4,000 Labubus a day. While overtime is limited to 36 hours under Chinese labour law, the NGO found those employed at these jobs put in over 100 extra hours per month. The investigation also found inadequate health and safety training and other labour rights violations at the factory. Labour conditions at a core supplier factory included low wages, weak labour protections, and indicators that may be associated with forced labour risks, CLW founder Li Qiang told Nikkei Asia. This raises concerns about consistency with Pop Marts publicly stated ESG and supply chain responsibility commitments. More broadly, it reflects a pattern in which ESG practices may serve investor-facing disclosure purposes without translating into meaningful improvements in factory-level labour conditions, Li added. What Pop Mart is saying At Pop Mart, we take the welfare and safety of workers at our [original equipment manufacturers] factories very seriously. We conduct regular, standardised audits of our OEM supply chain partners, including annual independent third-party audits carried out by internationally recognised professional audit firms, a spokesman said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We appreciate the information brought to our attention and are currently investigating the matter. Going forward, Pop Mart will continue to strengthen supply chain audit and oversight mechanisms. Should the findings be substantiated, we will firmly require the relevant partners to implement comprehensive corrective actions in accordance with local laws and regulations. The development comes as Pop Mart's year-on-year growth in the Americas increased over 1,200 [er cent in the third quarter of 2025. In the first half of 2025 alone, Labubu toys contributed $595 million (5,374.64 crore) in sales for Pop Mart. For the entire year, the toys generated sales worth around $850 million (Rs. 7,678.05 crore). The Hong Kong-based firm last week said it would expand its supply chain with local manufacturing partners in Mexico, Cambodia and Indonesia. However, there are hints that the Labubu craze is slowing down. The Labubus have also seen a rip-off emerge in the form of Lafufus. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The Trump administration has designated three branches of the Muslim Brotherhood, namely those in Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan, as terrorist organisations. The Brotherhoods leaders have asserted that it has renounced violence decades ago. But what does the group stand for? A Jordanian protester carries the national flag during a rally by the Muslim Brotherhood, in Amman, Jordan. File image/AP The Trump administration waded into a regional debate over the Muslim Brotherhood on Tuesday, designating the Lebanese, Jordanian and Egyptian chapters of the transnational Sunni Islamist group as terrorist organisations. The group founded in the 1920s in Egypt inspired Islamist political movements around the region. Its ideology has been both popular and divisive in the Arab and Muslim world. The Brotherhoods leaders say it renounced violence decades ago and seeks to set up Islamic rule through elections and other peaceful means, but some of the groups offshoots have armed wings. Critics, including a number of autocratic governments across the region, view it as a threat. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Heres how the group started and where it stands now. Early days The Muslim Brotherhood rose as a pan-Arab Islamist political movement, founded in Egypt in 1928 by a school teacher-turned-ideologue Hassan al-Banna. He believed that Islamic teachings should be the basis for governance. In its early days, the group largely focused on providing social services, but it later turned to militancy, with an armed wing that fought against British colonialists and Israel. It was implicated in the assassination of Egyptian Prime Minister Mahmoud Fahmi al-Nokrashi in 1948 after he outlawed the group. Two months later, al-Banna was assassinated in Cairo. After Egypts 1952 military coup, the Brotherhood was accused of an assassination attempt against President Gamal Abdel-Nasser, who retaliated by executing prominent Brotherhood ideologue Sayyed Qutb and imprisoning thousands of other members. The group witnessed a revival in the 1970s under then-President Anwar Sadat, who tolerated the Brotherhood and used it as a counterweight to leftist opponents. The group formally foreswore violence. Rise and fall During the 30-year rule of autocrat Hosni Mubarak, the Brotherhood was technically banned but also tolerated. By 2005, it had become Egypts strongest political opposition group, winning a fifth of the seats in parliament. The Brotherhood rose to power following elections in Egypt a year after the 2011 popular uprising that toppled Mubarak. But the group fueled opponents fears that it aimed to monopolise power. A man photographs the main entrance of the original Muslim Brotherhood office, that is sealed with official wax after it was raided and shut down by police in Amman, Jordan. File image/AP After giant protests over Brotherhood President Mohammed Morsis divisive rule, the Egyptian army ousted the group in 2013, crushing it in a bloody crackdown. The authorities later outlawed the group and labeled it a terrorist organisation. Authorities under President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi have cracked down heavily on Brotherhood members and those suspected of links to the group, jailing thousands. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Brotherhoods leader, or supreme guide, Mohammed Badie, remains behind bars in Egypt under several life sentences, the last of which was upheld in July 2021. Nearly all of the groups senior leaders have been imprisoned or live in exile. The spread of ideology and armed conflict After its founding in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood developed into a transnational network with chapters across the Middle East. Some of those have engaged in armed uprisings against their own governments or fought against Israel. In 1982, the Muslim Brotherhood in staged an anti-government rebellion, launching attacks that targeted military officers, state institutions and ruling party offices. In February 1982, then-Syrian President Hafez Assad ordered an assault on the city of Hama to quell the unrest. Between 10,000 to 40,000 people were killed or disappeared in the government offensive that left the city in ruins. The Palestinian militant group Hamas, which launched the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel triggering the war in Gaza, has roots in the Muslim Brotherhood. Hamas was formed in December 1987 in Gaza, several days after the outbreak of the first intifada, or Palestinian uprising, against Israel. It called for armed resistance and for setting up an Islamic state in all of historic Palestine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In its founding charter, Hamas defined itself as a Palestinian branch of the Brotherhood. The Lebanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, al-Jamaa al-Islamiya (or the Islamic Group) is a Sunni Muslim political party but also has an armed wing. After the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, its armed wing joined forces with the Shiite militant group Hezbollah and launched rockets across the border into Israel. The al-Jamaa al-Islamiya leader Mohammed Takkoush, told The Associated Press at the time that his group and Hezbollah supported different sides in regional conflicts and Syria and Yemen, but put their differences aside to fight Israel. Regional and international divisions Sunni regional powers Turkey and Qatar have been sympathetic to the Muslim Brotherhoods ideology, while other Sunni powers in the region including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt see the group as a threat and have cracked down on it. Earlier this year, Jordan announced a sweeping ban on the Brotherhood that could include shutting down the countrys largest opposition party, after accusing the Islamist group of planning attacks. The monarchy banned the Brotherhood a decade ago but officially licensed a splinter group and continued to tolerate the Islamic Action Front while restricting some of its activities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US says its chapters in Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt engage in or facilitate and support violence and destabilisation campaigns that harm their own regions, United States citizens, and United States interests. The State Department designated the Lebanese branch a foreign terrorist organisation, the most severe of the labels, which makes it a criminal offense to provide material support to the group. The Jordanian and Egyptian branches were listed by the Treasury as specially designated global terrorists for providing support to Hamas. The Pentagon is integrating Elon Musks AI chatbot Grok into its classified and unclassified networks despite global backlash over explicit content, antisemitic posts, and regulatory probes. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says the move will accelerate military AI adoption and improve battlefield decision-making US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth welcomes Elon Musk as a visitor to the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, US, March 21, 2025. File Image/DOD via Reuters The US Defense Department is moving ahead with plans to integrate Elon Musks artificial intelligence chatbot Grok into Pentagon networks, including classified systems. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the decision as part of a broader push to accelerate the militarys use of AI, streamline data access, and remove what the administration views as ideological barriers to technological adoption. Speaking from SpaceXs headquarters in Texas on Monday, Hegseth said the military would soon rely on advanced commercial AI systems across its digital infrastructure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Very soon we will have the worlds leading AI models on every unclassified and classified network throughout our department, he said. The rollout of Grok comes alongside the Pentagons third AI acceleration strategy in four years, which outlines new combat-focused projects, expanded data-sharing mandates, and a shift away from ethical frameworks that previously governed military AI use. The announcement also coincides with rising global scrutiny of Groks image-generation features, which have been accused of producing sexually explicit and non-consensual deepfake content. Why Pentagon has embraced Grok The Pentagon confirmed that Grok, developed by Musks company xAI and embedded into the social media platform X, will begin operating within Defense Department systems later this month. The chatbot will join other AI models, including Googles Gemini, which was selected in December to power the militarys internal AI platform, GenAI.mil. Hegseth said the Department of Defense would make extensive amounts of military and intelligence data available to AI systems. At his direction, the Pentagons Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office will exercise its full authority to enforce the departments data decrees and make all appropriate data available across federated IT systems for AI exploitation, including mission systems across every service and component. AI is only as good as the data that it receives, and were going to make sure that its there, Hegseth said. The Arsenal of Freedom Tour just touched down at Starbase, Texas, with @elonmusk This administration is moving rapidlyto boldly go where no one has gone before. pic.twitter.com/wSJhwiFIX7 Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) January 13, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added that data from intelligence databases would also be fed into AI platforms, highlighting what he described as the Pentagons combat-proven operational data from two decades of military and intelligence operations. The integration of Grok follows last years decision by the Defense Department to award contracts worth up to $200 million to Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, and xAI. The goal of those agreements was to develop agentic AI workflows across a variety of mission areas, allowing AI systems to assist with operational planning, logistics, and battlefield decision-making. Hegseth framed the shift as part of a broader effort to modernise military technology and cut through bureaucratic delays. We need innovation to come from anywhere and evolve with speed and purpose, he said. What a new AI-focused defence strategy means Alongside Groks Pentagon rollout, the Defense Department released a six-page AI acceleration strategy that lays out seven pace-setting projects designed to expand the militarys use of artificial intelligence across combat, intelligence, and planning operations. The strategy requires all Pentagon components to meet a four-year goal of making their data centrally available for AI training and analysis. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It also pushes for open-architecture systems and the removal of blockers to data sharing, a move widely seen as favouring faster innovation and increased involvement from private-sector startups. Among the newly announced projects is Swarm Forge, which will iteratively discover, test, and scale AI applications for combat use. Another initiative aims to integrate agentic AI systems capable of performing tasks autonomously into battle management and decision support, covering everything from campaign planning to kill-chain execution. A third project focuses on using AI for scenario planning. Intelligence-related programmes outlined in the strategy include one that seeks to turn intel into weapons in hours not years, as well as another aimed at making posture planning more dynamic. The plan also states that AI tools such as Grok and Googles Gemini will be accessible to Defense Department personnel at Information Level (IL-5) and above classification levels, meaning they could be used in sensitive and classified environments. However, the new strategy notably omits any mention of ethical AI use and expresses skepticism toward the concept of responsible AI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Under a section titled Clarifying Responsible AI at the [Department of War] - Out with Utopian Idealism, In with Hard-Nosed Realism, the document declares, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and social ideology have no place in the DoW, so we must not employ AI models which incorporate ideological tuning that interferes with their ability to provide objectively truthful responses to user prompts. The strategy also directs the Pentagons undersecretary for research and engineering to include any lawful use language in AI procurement contracts within 180 days. This means AI systems only need to meet the same legal standards applied to traditional military force, rather than adhering to higher thresholds such as meaningful human control over autonomous weapons. While the policy does not explicitly eliminate the concept of human oversight, it leaves room for varying interpretations by military commanders, raising concerns about how autonomy in warfare will be regulated. Why Grok has been so controversial globally The Pentagons embrace of Grok comes as governments and regulators around the world are cracking down on the chatbots role in generating sexually explicit and non-consensual images. In recent weeks, Grok has been accused of allowing users to create sexualised deepfake images of real people without consent, including so-called undressed images. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The controversy prompted Malaysia and Indonesia to block access to the tool, while Britains media regulator Ofcom launched an investigation to determine whether such content violates the UKs Online Safety Act. France has referred explicit Grok-generated content to prosecutors and asked its media regulator Arcom to assess whether X is complying with the European Unions Digital Services Act. Germanys media minister Wolfram Weimer urged the European Commission to take legal action, warning that the issue risked becoming an industrialisation of sexual harassment. Italys data protection authority said the use of AI to create non-consensual deepfake images could amount to serious privacy violations and, in some cases, criminal offenses. Swedish political leaders also condemned Grok-generated imagery after reports surfaced that content involving Swedens deputy prime minister had been created from user prompts. In Asia, Indias IT Ministry sent X a formal notice on January 2 over the alleged creation or sharing of obscene sexualised images using Grok. The ministry ordered the content to be taken down and demanded a report on corrective actions within 72 hours. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indonesias digital minister Meutya Hafid said the country blocked Grok to protect women and children from AI-generated fake pornographic content, citing strict anti-pornography laws. Malaysias communications regulator said it plans to pursue legal action against X over user safety concerns tied to Grok. Australias online-safety regulator eSafety also launched an investigation into Grok-generated digitally undressed images, assessing them under its image-based abuse framework. In response, xAI has restricted image generation and editing features to paid subscribers only. X has said it removes illegal content, suspends accounts, and cooperates with law enforcement when necessary. Musk has stated on X that users who create illegal content with Grok will face the same consequences as those who upload illegal material. Beyond explicit imagery, Grok has faced criticism for antisemitic and racist outputs. In July, the chatbot sparked outrage after it appeared to praise Adolf Hitler and share antisemitic posts. Just before the Pentagons $200 million AI contract announcement, Grok referred to itself as MechaHitler and described itself as a super-Nazi, while producing antisemitic and racist content. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How there has been a shift in the way Pentagon views AI Hegseths push to rapidly deploy AI across the military marks a shift from the approach taken by the Biden administration, which highlighted caution and regulatory safeguards. In late 2024, the Biden White House introduced a framework directing national security agencies to expand their use of advanced AI while banning certain applications. These included systems that could violate civil rights or automate the deployment of nuclear weapons. It remains unclear whether those restrictions are still in force under the Trump administration. While Hegseth has said he wants AI to be used responsibly, he also made clear that he is not interested in models that restrict military operations. He said he would dismiss any systems that wont allow you to fight wars. He added that Pentagon AI should operate without ideological constraints that limit lawful military applications, and pointed out that the departments AI will not be woke. Musk has long positioned Grok as an alternative to what he calls woke AI from competitors such as Googles Gemini and OpenAIs ChatGPT. The Pentagons new AI strategy echoes this stance by explicitly rejecting DEI-related ideological tuning in AI systems. The policy shift comes at a time when Russia and China are accelerating their own military AI programmes, even as public trust in artificial intelligence is declining across the US political spectrum. It also arrives amid growing unease among some European allies about relying on US tech companies, particularly in light of Washingtons increasingly confrontational posture toward democratic partners. With inputs from agencies The UK is set to approve Chinas controversial mega embassy near Londons financial district, despite warnings over espionage, data security, and threats to Chinese dissidents. The decision comes ahead of British Prime Minister Keir Starmers China visit. A final decision is expected by January 20 Protesters hold umbrellas, placards, and flags as they demonstrate against the proposed building of a new Chinese embassy, and to mark the 11th year of the Umbrella Revolution in Hong Kong, in London, UK, September 28, 2025. File Image/AP Britains government is expected to approve a mega Chinese embassy close to Londons financial district after years of controversy and political wrangling over the potential security risks it poses to the UK. Lawmakers from across the spectrum have urged planning officials to reject Chinas application for the new embassy. Critics fear the proposed new building, on a huge site close to Londons financial district and crucial data cables, will be used as a base for espionage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Others say the supersized embassy set to be the biggest in Europe will pose a heightened threat of surveillance and intimidation to Chinese dissidents in exile. The decision was initially slated for October, but it was repeatedly postponed after multiple allegations of Chinese spying and political interference piled pressure on the British government. British media have reported that the decision to approve the embassy will come this week, ahead of Prime Minister Keir Starmers expected trip to China. The closely watched visit would be the first made by a British prime minister since 2018. A final decision on the embassy is expected by Jan. 20, the deadline set by the government. Heres a look at why the embassy has been the focus of protests and Sino-British tensions for years: Close to sensitive infrastructure, potential for protests The proposed embassy at Royal Mint Court the former site of the UKs coin maker, near the Tower of London will cover 20,000 square metres (215,278 square feet) and replace several Chinese official buildings across London. Critics say the new site sits too close to underground fibre optic cables carrying sensitive financial information between Londons two main financial districts. Conservative Party lawmaker Alicia Kearns said that risks handing over access to data that would give Chinas government a launchpad for economic warfare against our nation. Dissidents have also been among hundreds of people who have protested the plans, saying a mega-embassy housing large numbers of officials would further Chinas repression of activists abroad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lawmakers from the governing Labour Party who oppose the plan say concerns include the recent track record of Chinese espionage cases, interference activities and issuing of bounties against UK-based Hong Kongers. The site was bought by Chinas government for 225 million pounds ($301 million) in 2018, but plans for the embassy have been delayed since. Local officials rejected the initial application over concerns that the embassy would attract many large protests, affecting the safety of residents and tourists. China resubmitted its proposals after the Labour government took power last year. Chinas warnings China has complained about the seven-year delay in approving the project, saying the UK was constantly complicating and politicising the matter. The development scheme of the new Chinese Embassy is of high quality and has been highly recognised by local professional bodies, the Chinese embassy said in a statement in October. The application complies with diplomatic practice and local regulations and procedures. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian has warned that if the embassy isnt approved, the consequences arising therefrom shall be borne by the UK side. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Growing spying concerns Recent high-profile cases involving alleged Chinese espionage have raised alarms about the embassy. In November, the domestic intelligence agency, MI5, issued an alert to lawmakers warning that Chinese agents were making targeted and widespread efforts to recruit and cultivate them using LinkedIn or cover companies. Authorities believe the alleged headhunters were trying to gain access to sensitive information about Parliament and Britains government. Beijing has strongly denied the claims, calling them pure fabrication and malicious slander. Earlier, Britains government faced questions on whether it had interfered in the trial of two alleged Chinese spies in order to preserve good ties with China. Former parliamentary researcher Christopher Cash and academic Christopher Berry were charged last year with spying for Beijing. But their trial collapsed at the last minute because the UK government refused to brand China a threat to national security, the countrys chief prosecutor said. Starmer has insisted on engagement Facing criticism that he is not taking a tough enough stance on the security risks, Starmer has stressed that while protecting national security is non-negotiable, Britain needs to keep up diplomatic dialogue and cooperation with the Asian superpower. This is not a question of balancing economic and security considerations. We dont trade off security in one area, for a bit more economic access somewhere else, he has said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last year, Starmer said Chinese President Xi Jinping personally raised the matter during a phone call. Opposition lawmaker Priti Patel derided Starmer as Beijings useful idiot in Britain. Starmers reset with Beijing is a naive one-way street, which puts Britain at risk while Beijing gets everything it wants, she said. A Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill to authorise Donald Trump to annex Greenland and pursue US statehood for the Danish territory. The proposal cites Arctic security concerns, China and Russias influence, Nato implications, and the presidents repeated calls to acquire the strategically located island A man sits on a bench by the sea at Nuuk's old harbour, Greenland, January 13, 2026. File Image/Reuters A newly introduced bill in the United States Congress has boosted President Donald Trumps long-standing ambition to bring Greenland under American control. The proposal, put forward by a Republican lawmaker, seeks to grant the president legal authority to annex the Arctic territory and potentially make it a US state. Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, occupies a strategically vital position in the Arctic. The island has become increasingly important due to its location along emerging shipping routes and its natural resources. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The United States already maintains a military presence there, but Trump has repeatedly argued that Washington needs full control of the territory to prevent China or Russia from gaining influence. The Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act: What the bill proposes On January 12, Republican Representative Randy Fine of Florida introduced a two-page piece of legislation titled the Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act. The bill is designed to provide Trump with the authority to pursue the annexation of Greenland and establish a process that could eventually lead to the island becoming a US state. The legislation, as seen by Firstpost, states, The President is authorised to take such steps as may be necessary, including by seeking to enter into negotiations with the Kingdom of Denmark, to annex or otherwise acquire Greenland as a territory of the United States. In addition to authorising negotiations or other actions to acquire Greenland, the bill outlines a mechanism that would allow for expedited congressional approval if the territory were to be granted statehood. Fine announced the bills introduction on social media, writing, Huge News! Today, I am proud to introduce the Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act, a bill that allows the President to find the means necessary to bring Greenland into the Union. The Florida lawmaker has positioned the proposal as a response to what he describes as growing foreign influence in the Arctic. He has argued that control over Greenland is central to maintaining US national security and dominance in the region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Whoever controls Greenland controls key Arctic shipping lanes and the security architecture protecting the United States, Fine said in a statement. America cannot leave that future in the hands of regimes that despise our values and seek to undermine our security. Fine also claimed that Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have both expressed support for acquiring Greenland. According to Fine, Washington needs to restore American Dominance by acquiring Greenland. He added, My bill turns this vision into reality and would give America the high ground for the next century by making it an official state. China and Russia should be put on notice that the days of impeding on our sovereignty in the Arctic region are over. Unlike previous Republican proposals that focused on allowing Trump to attempt to purchase Greenland from Denmark, Fines legislation goes further by authorising broader actions to secure the territory. The bill would strengthen the administrations ability to pursue annexation through negotiation or other unspecified means. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite the bills introduction, it is widely seen as having little chance of advancing. Even within the Republican Party, many lawmakers oppose the idea of using force or coercive measures to acquire Greenland. Lawmakers from both major parties have also dismissed suggestions of invading sovereign nations such as Greenland, Mexico, or Colombia. An invasion of Greenland, which remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark, could trigger a response under Natos Article 5, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all. How Trump has been pushing for Greenland Trump has repeatedly insisted that the United States must take control of Greenland to protect its strategic interests. He has argued that maintaining a military presence on the island is insufficient to prevent China or Russia from expanding their influence in the Arctic. At one point, Trump stated, One way or the other we are going to take Greenland, while also noting that he would prefer to reach an agreement with Denmark rather than resort to other measures. The White House has defended Trumps stance by framing it as a matter of national and allied security. Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt told reporters that the president believes Greenland is crucial to safeguarding both American and European interests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He said that he wants to see the United States acquire Greenland, because he feels that if we do not, then it will eventually be acquired, or even perhaps hostilely taken over by either China or Russia, Leavitt said. Which is not a good thing for the United States or for Europe or for Greenland as well. Leavitt also suggested that Greenland itself could benefit from becoming part of the United States. Lets not forget, it would not just be in the best interest of the United States, but perhaps it would be in the best interest of Greenland as well, to be part of the United States, she said. When asked whether the administration had set a timeline for pursuing Greenlands acquisition, Leavitt replied, He has not set a timeline, but its definitely a priority. Greenlands location has drawn increasing attention as climate change opens new shipping routes and intensifies competition among global powers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Denmark and Greenland have reacted to US takeover calls On Tuesday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen appeared together in Copenhagen to present a united stance against Trumps calls for the United States to take control of the Arctic territory. Their joint appearance came ahead of high-level meetings in Washington involving Denmarks and Greenlands foreign ministers, Lars Lkke Rasmussen and Vivian Motzfeldt, who were scheduled to meet US Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. At the press conference, Frederiksen addressed Greenlanders directly, saying, Dear Greenlanders, you should know that we stand together today, we will do so tomorrow, and we will continue to do so." Nielsen reinforced Greenlands position by stressing loyalty to Denmark, Nato, and the European Union. If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose Nato. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU." Both leaders pointed out that Greenland remains part of Denmark and therefore falls under Natos collective defence framework. They warned that any attempt by the US to seize or forcibly separate Greenland from Denmark would severely damage the transatlantic alliance that has underpinned Western security since World War II. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump dismissed their concerns, telling reporters in Washington that Thats their problem. When asked about Nielsens remarks, Trump responded, I disagree with him. I dont know who he is. I dont know anything about him. But, thats going to be a big problem for him. Despite the growing tensions, Danish officials have made it clear that they are open to expanding military cooperation with the United States in Greenland. However, they have consistently stated that the territory is not for sale and will not be handed over to another country. How Denmark is cooperating with US military presence in Greenland The United States has maintained a military presence in Greenland since World War II, although the scale of that presence has declined significantly over the decades. In 1945, thousands of American soldiers were stationed across more than 17 bases and installations on the island. Today, the US presence is limited to the Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland, where around 200 personnel support missile warning, missile defence, and space surveillance operations for the United States and Nato. A view shows the US militarys Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on March 28, 2025. File Image/Pool via Reuters Denmarks parliament approved legislation last June that allows US military bases to operate on Danish soil. This expanded a 2023 agreement with the Biden administration that had already granted American troops broad access to Danish air bases. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Danish officials have also highlighted their continued cooperation with Washington on security matters. A Danish government official, who spoke to AP, confirmed that Denmark recently assisted US forces in the eastern Atlantic as they intercepted an oil tanker suspected of violating American sanctions. The interception followed a weeks-long pursuit that began in the Caribbean Sea. It was part of a US naval blockade targeting Venezuelan waters in an effort to capture sanctioned vessels travelling to and from the South American country. How the people of Greenland are faring While Danish officials have highlighted their alliance with the United States, Greenlands leaders have voiced deep concern about the impact of Trumps statements on the islands population. Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenlands minister for business and mineral resources, described the situation as alarming and said it was difficult for residents to understand why the United States was discussing taking over a Nato ally. She said Greenlanders were increasingly anxious about the prospect of US control. People are not sleeping, children are afraid, and it just fills everything these days. And we cant really understand it, Nathanielsen said during a meeting with lawmakers in Britains Parliament. She urged the Trump administration to listen to the voices of Greenlands people and urged that the territory should not be treated as a bargaining chip in global politics. Nathanielsen acknowledged that Greenlanders understand the need for increased security monitoring in the Arctic due to rising geopolitical tensions. However, she said it was difficult to accept the idea that their homeland could be sold or annexed. My deepest dream or hope is that the people of Greenland will get a say no matter what," she said. For others this might be a piece of land, but for us its home. How US Congress reacted to Greenland takeover bids Trumps repeated threats to take over Greenland have triggered bipartisan concern in Washington. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed support for Denmarks sovereignty and warned that the presidents rhetoric could weaken the Nato alliance. A group of US lawmakers is travelling to Denmark this week to demonstrate unity with the country. The delegation is being led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons and includes Republican Senator Thom Tillis, as well as Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin. Members of the US House of Representatives are also part of the trip. The delegation is scheduled to visit Copenhagen on Friday and Saturday.Tillis said, As co-chair of the Senate Nato Observer Group, I believe it is critical that Congress stands united in supporting our allies and respecting the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland. Durbin criticised Trumps approach, stating, Trumps continued threats toward Greenland are unnecessary and would only weaken our Nato alliance. Lawmakers from both parties have said they expect the US Senate to eventually vote on legislation aimed at limiting Trumps ability to attempt to seize Greenland from Denmark. Democratic Representative Jimmy Gomez is planning to introduce a competing bill known as the Greenland Sovereignty Protection Act. The proposed legislation would block federal funding from being used to support any attempt by Trump to take over Greenland. Concerns have been heightened by Trumps recent actions abroad. Earlier this month, he ordered a US military raid in Venezuela to capture the countrys now-ousted leader, Nicolas Maduro. Maduro was subsequently brought to New York, where he remains in custody. How Nato has reacted Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte has avoided commenting directly on the Greenland dispute. Speaking at the European Parliament in Brussels, Rutte said it was not his role to intervene in internal alliance disagreements. I never, ever comment when there are discussions within the alliance, Rutte said. My role has to be to make sure we solve issues. He stated that Natos priority should be maintaining security in the Arctic region, which includes Greenland. When it comes to the protection of the High North, that is my role. With inputs from agencies Suspected Nipah virus cases have been reported, prompting expert warnings about its high fatality and contagious nature. Doctors advise early detection, isolation, strict hygiene and preventive measures to reduce transmission and complications. Health authorities have raised the alarm after two suspected cases of Nipah virus were reported in West Bengal, prompting the central government to deploy a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to strengthen containment measures. Nipah, a rare but highly fatal viral infection has caused sporadic outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia over the past two decades with case fatality rates reaching up to 75 percent. Unlike common seasonal illnesses, Nipah is unpredictable and can spread from animals to humans or between people through close contact, making even a few suspected cases a serious public health concern. Experts emphasised that early detection, rapid isolation, strict infection control and public awareness are essential to prevent the virus from escalating into a larger outbreak. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What makes Nipah virus a serious public health threat Explaining the nature of the infection, Dr. Manohar K N, Lead Consultant Internal Medicine and Diabetology at SPARSH Hospital (Bangalore) said Nipah virus primarily affects the brain and respiratory system. Transmission, he noted, can occur through direct contact with infected animals, consumption of contaminated food, or close contact with infected individuals via respiratory droplets. Dr. Manohar added that fruit bats are the natural reservoir of the virus. Human infections have been linked to the consumption of fruits or raw date palm sap contaminated by bat urine. In some outbreaks, pigs have acted as intermediate hosts, spreading the virus to humans through close contact, he said. While asymptomatic transmission is considered uncommon, Dr. Manohar cautioned that individuals in the early stages of infection may still transmit the virus before symptoms become evident. This makes monitoring, early isolation and strict infection control extremely important during outbreaks, he said. Dr. Rakesh Pandit, Senior Consultant and Head of Internal Medicine at Aakash Healthcare echoed these concerns, describing Nipah as a zoonotic disease capable of spreading from animals to humans and between people. Past outbreaks have shown that human-to-human transmission can occur, particularly in healthcare and household settings, he said. Dr. Pandit further said that the illness can present in multiple forms. Symptoms range from fever and respiratory illness to severe neurological complications. In advanced cases, patients may develop encephalitis, a potentially fatal inflammation of the brain. The World Health Organisation has designated Nipah as a priority pathogen because of its epidemic potential, he said. Doctors said that while Nipah does not spread as rapidly as airborne infections like Covid-19 or influenza, it poses significant risks in settings involving close and prolonged contact. Dr. Sushrut Ganpule, Consultant Pulmonologist at Jupiter Hospital (Pune) said healthcare workers and caregivers face elevated risks in the absence of strict infection control measures. Previous Nipah outbreaks have recorded fatality rates as high as 75 percent, making it deadlier than most viral infections. Preventing secondary transmission depends heavily on early detection, isolation and adherence to infection control protocols, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added that even survivors may face long-term complications. The illness is life-threatening, and those who recover can experience neurological problems such as seizures and personality changes, Dr. Ganpule said. Experts stressed that rapid diagnosis remains central to outbreak control. Dr. Aakaar Kapoor, Founder and Designated Partner at City imaging & clinical labs, said early laboratory confirmation can significantly alter outcomes. With Nipah, time is everything. Initial symptoms can resemble a routine viral fever, but neurological signs or breathing difficulty are red flags. Early lab confirmation helps doctors isolate patients quickly and protect contacts, Dr. Kapoor said. He explained that testing requires special precautions. Samples must be handled with extreme caution. RT-PCR testing and close coordination with reference laboratories are crucial to confirm cases without delay. Imaging and laboratory diagnostics together help assess the extent of organ involvement, particularly in the lungs and brain, he said. No vaccine, prevention remains the best defence Doctors warned that Nipah virus can affect multiple organs in severe cases. Dr. Vineet Malhotra, Urologist and Managing Director and Founder of VNA Hospital, said kidney involvement has also been observed. In advanced cases, kidney damage can worsen prognosis, which is why patients require intensive monitoring and comprehensive supportive care, he said. At present, there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for Nipah virus. Dr. Pranjit Bhowmik, Chairman Internal Medicine (Unit I) at Asian Hospital, said treatment remains largely supportive. Management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. The Centres close monitoring reflects the viruss history of sudden outbreaks and high mortality, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dr. Bhowmik emphasised that vigilance remains critical. Early diagnosis, strict isolation, public awareness and infection control are the strongest tools to prevent a limited outbreak from escalating into a larger health crisis, he said. On preventive measures, Dr. Manohar advised avoiding direct contact with bats, sick animals and infected individuals. He also recommended careful washing of fruits, avoiding raw or unprocessed foods such as raw date palm sap in affected areas, and seeking immediate medical attention for symptoms like fever, headache, confusion or breathing difficulty. Dr. Manohar added that masks can help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets, particularly in healthcare settings or during close contact, when combined with hand hygiene, distancing and isolation protocols. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified Nipah as a priority pathogen because of its potential to cause epidemics. Fruit bats are its natural reservoir while contaminated food and human-to-human transmission have been linked to past outbreaks. The virus primarily affects the brain and respiratory system with severe cases leading to encephalitis, multi-organ involvement and long-term neurological complications among survivors. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As health authorities ramp up surveillance and containment efforts in West Bengal, experts stressed that public cooperation, early reporting of symptoms and adherence to preventive measures will be crucial in curbing the risk of further transmission. The local restrictions come against the backdrop of Indias position as the worlds leading rice exporter, dominating both basmati and non-basmati categories. Is Indias booming rice export taking away its groundwater too? The question gains urgency as a total ban on summer paddy cultivation is set to be imposed in Uttarakhands food bowl, Udham Singh Nagar, from February 1 to April 30, marking the first explicit groundwater-linked restriction of its kind in the region. The move is expected to affect close to 15,000 farmers and put nearly Rs 150 crore worth of produce at stake. The ban covers paddy sowing, nursery preparation and transplantation, district magistrate Nitin Singh Bhadauria said. He added that restrictions are likely to be extended across the Terai region, including parts of Nainital and Haridwar, and that no relaxation would be granted this year. In 2024, a similar ban was briefly imposed but later relaxed after discussions with farmers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Uttarakhand compares with other states No other district in Uttarakhand currently has an identical, explicit ban on summer paddy. By contrast, states like Haryana enforce a statutory ban on early paddy sowing under a subsoil water law, whereas Punjab follows calendar-based restrictions. This decision has been taken after consultations with agricultural scientists and farmer groups. Our priority is long-term water security, and we urge farmers to cooperate, the DM said. Falling water table raises alarm Summer paddy is usually cultivated on around 22,000 hectares in Udham Singh Nagar. With most farmers operating on small holdings of one to two hectares, the restriction is likely to directly hit household incomes. Officials and experts have justified the ban, pointing to sharp groundwater depletion. Over the past decade, groundwater levels in the district have reportedly fallen by nearly 70 feet, with blocks such as Jaspur and Kashipur already classified as critical. Rice farming is widely seen as the single largest contributor to indiscriminate groundwater extraction in the region, according to officials. The local restrictions come against the backdrop of Indias position as the worlds leading rice exporter, dominating both basmati and non-basmati categories. Between 2006 and 2016, research by Anna University found that India exported an average of 26 billion litres of virtual water annually. When India exported approximately 16 million tonnes of rice in 2023-24, it essentially sent away roughly 40 billion cubic metres of virtual water equal to 17 per cent of the countrys annual groundwater extraction. Water-intensive cropsthe hidden cost to Indias groundwater India is the worlds second-largest sugar producer and a significant exporter, despite the crops heavy water requirements of 1,500 to 3,000 litres per kilogramme. Sugarcane presents a similar challenge. In drought-prone Maharashtra, sugar production uses about 2,450 litres per kg, compared with 990 litres in Uttar Pradesh. Although sugarcane covers only 3 to 4 per cent of Maharashtras cultivated area, it consumes an estimated 60 to 70 per cent of the states irrigation water. Even during drought years, the crop has expanded on record areas, supported by assured procurement and the influence of sugar cooperatives. Indias sugar exports in 2024-25 reached approximately 775,000 tonnes, translating into billions of litres of virtual water leaving water-scarce regions. These export patterns intersect with domestic farming policies. The minimum support price system continues to favour rice and wheat, encouraging cultivation of water-intensive crops in regions already facing groundwater stress. Punjab, where groundwater extraction has reached 164 per cent of sustainable recharge, and Haryana, at 136 per cent, remain heavily dependent on paddy. Between 2003 and 2020, the two states together lost 64.6 billion cubic metres of groundwater. From Disko Bay to Ilulissat Icefjord, discover Greenland beyond the headlines. Heres a travel guide for the Arctic frontier. Known for its harsh weather but Greenland tourism is anchored around its extreme adventures. Greenland is the worlds largest island. It lies in the North Atlantic Ocean and most of it is inside the Arctic Circle. A massive ice sheet covers nearly 80 percent of the land. Even though Greenland is closer to North America, it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenland governs most of its internal matters, while Denmark handles defence and foreign policy. Why Greenland is in the news? Greenland is getting global attention for two main reasons. The first is the growing interest of the United States. The US has had a military presence in Greenland since World War II. 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The second concern is climate change. Greenlands ice sheet is melting faster than scientists expected. This melt adds to rising sea levels across the world. Researchers from many countries study Greenland to understand how warming affects polar regions. Greenland has deposits of rare earth minerals that are needed for electronics and clean energy technology. There has also been interest in oil and gas, though the Greenland government has restricted fossil fuel exploration. These issues have sparked debate inside Greenland about development, environment, and independence. Features and Terrain The capital city is Nuuk. It sits on the southwest coast and is home to about a third of the islands population. Houses painted in red, blue, and yellow line the rocky coast. Greenlands Inuit people call the island Kalaallit Nunaat, which means Land of the Greenlanders. Most people speak Greenlandic. Danish and English are also widely spoken. Greenland has a population of around 56,000. There are no roads linking towns. Life is shaped by weather, ice, and the sea. Fishing and hunting remain central to the economy and culture. Getting to Greenland For decades, reaching Greenland required patience. Most travellers flew through Copenhagen or Reykjavik before continuing to Greenland on smaller planes. This is starting to change. New airports and direct flights are reshaping travel to the island. Seasonal direct flights now connect Nuuk with cities in the United States and Europe. Getting to Greenland is one of the most expensive parts of the trip as the only way to get there without going on a cruise is to fly. Air Greenland is the national airline, offering both international flights to and from Greenland, and domestic flights and helicopters within Greenland. It operates regular flights from Copenhagen (year-round), Billund (seasonal) and Aalborg (seasonal) in Denmark to Nuuk (year-round), Kangerlussuaq (seasonal), Ilulissat (seasonal) and Narsarsuaq (seasonal), as well as flights between Nuuk and Iqaluit in Canada (seasonal). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Icelandair operates flights from Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik to Nuuk (year-round), Kulusuk (March to September), Ilulissat (seasonal) and Narsarsuaq (June to September). These routes are making Greenland more accessible to international visitors, especially from North America. Once inside Greenland, travel is unlike anywhere else. There are no highways between towns. People rely on small aircraft, helicopters, boats, and ferries. In winter, snowmobiles and dog sleds are still used in some areas. Planning transport is a key part of any Greenland trip. When to visit Greenland has two main travel seasons. Summer lasts from June to August. Temperatures remain cool, but conditions are easier for travel. In summer, the sun stays in the sky for most of the day. In the north, the sun does not set at all for weeks. This is known as the midnight sun. Winter is long, cold, and dark. Temperatures can drop far below freezing. But winter is also when visitors can see the Northern Lights. From September to April, the night sky often glows with green and purple lights, especially away from towns. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Each season offers different experiences. Summer is better for hiking and boat travel. Winter is best for snow activities and aurora viewing. What to see and do Greenland is famous for its ice. One of the most popular destinations is Ilulissat, a town north of the Arctic Circle. Nearby, a fast-moving glacier releases huge icebergs into the sea. These icebergs drift slowly through Disko Bay and can be seen from land or boat. The Ilulissat Icefjord is a protected site and a major draw for travelers. Boat tours allow visitors to move between towering walls of ice while guides explain how glaciers work and why they matter to the global climate. Hiking and Nature Greenlands landscapes are vast and quiet. There are mountains, rocky coastlines, tundra, and lakes formed by melting ice. The Arctic Circle Trail is one of the best-known hiking routes. It stretches across remote land with no roads or villages in between. Wildlife is another highlight. Musk oxen roam inland areas. Arctic foxes, seals, and whales can be spotted in different regions. Polar bears live mostly in the far north and east, and sightings are rare but possible. Culture and Museums Nuuk offers insight into Greenlands past and present. The National Museum displays ancient tools, clothing, and stories of Inuit life. Visitors can learn how people adapted to harsh conditions over thousands of years. Smaller towns have local museums and cultural centres. Art, music, and storytelling remain important parts of daily life. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Traditional kayaking and drum dancing are still practiced, alongside modern forms of expression. Food is another way to experience culture. Greenlandic dishes often include fish, seal, reindeer, and musk ox. Many restaurants now combine traditional ingredients with modern cooking styles. Adventure Activities Adventure tourism is growing fast. Visitors can hike on glaciers, climb ice walls, or kayak among icebergs. Guided tours focus on safety and environmental care. In winter, dog sledding remains a powerful symbol of Arctic life. Travelers ride behind teams of dogs across frozen land, guided by local drivers. Ice fishing and snowshoeing are also popular. These activities attract travelers looking for nature, quiet, and challenge rather than luxury. Travel Trends Tourism in Greenland is increasing as flights become easier and global interest grows. New airports are opening or expanding in Nuuk and other towns. This is expected to bring more visitors in the coming years. The Greenland government is trying to avoid mass tourism. New rules support local ownership of tour companies. Officials want tourism to benefit residents and protect fragile ecosystems. There are concerns in some towns about cruise ships and overcrowding during peak months. Local leaders are working to balance economic opportunity with quality of life. Costs and reality for travellers Greenland is not a cheap destination. Food, hotels, and tours cost more because supplies must be imported. Flights within Greenland are also expensive. Visitors should plan carefully and book early. Weather delays are common, so flexible schedules help. Despite the cost, many travellers feel the experience is worth it because Greenland offers something few places can. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Greenland is not exactly a place for budget travelling. Staying in budget hostels and eating at local stores are hacks to swear by. Average daily budget for a single traveller excluding flight prices can range from from $100 to $200. While a mid-Range could be between $200 to $400. Greenland visa rules depend on your nationality, but generally, EU/Schengen citizens and some other countries can enter visa-free for upto 90 days. Most non-EU/EEA citizens need a specific Greenland visa issued via a Danish mission, as standard Schengen visas arent valid unless explicitly marked for Greenland. Visa application fee can range between $120-$130 depending your nationality and other immigration rules. You need a passport valid beyond your stay, and for work or long stays, permits are required through Danish immigration (SIRI) or local municipalities. Tips for first-time visitors Choose destinations based on interests. Nuuk is best for culture and city life. Ilulissat is ideal for ice and scenery. Remote areas suit experienced travelers seeking adventure. Pack properly. Weather changes quickly. Warm, waterproof clothing is essential even in summer. Respect local customs and nature. Greenlanders value their land and traditions. Responsible travel matters here more than anywhere else. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Literature becomes a shared space for dialogue. Amid a changing world, importance of reading in society is all the more essential. In a sit down interview with Firstpost, National Book Trust director, Yuvraj Malik talked about the relationship between national ethos and reading. At a time when reading habits are changing fast and screens compete with pages, literature is being asked to do new kinds of work. It must travel across borders, move between languages, and reach readers who no longer read in the same way as before. For Yuvraj Malik, Director of the National Book Trust, books today are not just cultural objects but tools of dialogue, memory and responsibility. In a sit down interview with Firstpost, Malik pointed out, Every country has its own book fair that reflects its publishing ecosystem and literary heritage, he said. For India, literature is also about how we speak to the world and how the world speaks back to us. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD That exchange, he believes, lies at the heart of global literary collaboration. When authors, translators, publishers and thinkers come together, the aim is not only to sell books but to create sustained relationships. It is about people-to-people contact, he said. Culture-to-culture exchange. Books allow countries to sit across the table and talk. These ideas are unfolding visibly at the 2026 New Delhi World Book Fair, where conversations on translation, digital access and cross-border publishing run alongside book launches and readings. With Qatar as Guest of Honour and Spain as Focus Country, the larger questions around reading, language and global exchange are also unfolding. Malik underlined that such partnerships go beyond symbolic presence. Authors, writers, scholars, illustrators and creative artists come together, and that helps people-to-people and culture-to-culture exchange. Malik noted that literature becomes a shared space for dialogue. Books bring countries closer in a very organic way, he said, adding that India is also carrying this model abroad through Indian pavilions at global book fairs. When we go out, we take our publishers, institutions and artists together and present India under one umbrella. That is how literature works as soft power, connecting nations through ideas, language and reading. International participation in Indian literary spaces, and Indian participation abroad, is part of a wider soft power approach. Yet the conversation around books today cannot ignore the rapid changes in how people read. Digital platforms, artificial intelligence and short-form content have reshaped attention spans, especially among younger readers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Malik acknowledged this shift. Technology is changing very fast, he said. Reading patterns are changing. Attention spans are changing. Still, he does not see this as the end of reading. Books will always remain relevant, he said. Only the form will change. We have to accept hybrid learning. Physical books and digital learning must go together. Initiatives like the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya reflect this blended future. A child can scan and access around six thousand books for free, in many Indian languages, he explained. It is about outreach. Children today are the decision-makers of tomorrow. British Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has recently warned that a decline in reading habits among children does not merely mean cultural erosion, but it also amounts to a national security threat. In light of this global conversation, Malik notes that the concern around declining reading habits goes beyond culture and enters the realm of civic life. A society that does not read does not evolve, he said. There are no values, no shared memory, no sense of national ethos. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reading, he argued, creates accountability. When people read, they know their country. They know their heroes. They take pride in their values, he said. Reading is an investment in responsible citizenship. Language plays a crucial role in this vision. Indias literary strength lies in its multilingualism, and translation becomes the key that unlocks it. Translation is the only way literature travels, Dr Malik said. Between Indian languages, and from India to the world. The National Book Trust is expanding its translation efforts across Indian languages, global languages and even tribal languages. We are not only translating Indian books, he said. We are also translating international literature, especially for children. He pointed out that global recognition often follows translation. If our stories move across languages, the world begins to see our knowledge systems and literary richness, he said. That is how literature gets a global footprint. For the National Book Trust, the Fair serves as a working ground for these larger concerns. As Malik noted, it brings together authors, translators, publishers and cultural institutions not merely to display books, but to test how literature can travel across languages, adapt to new reading habits and remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Behind these efforts lies a deeper sense of responsibility. In an age of algorithms and misinformation, he believes this responsibility has only grown. We have to be ethical, affordable and qualitative at all times, he said. Because every book released is an act of nation-building. As literature navigates borders, formats and languages, its task remains old and urgent. To help societies think, remember and imagine together. In that sense, even as habits change, the core idea of reading endures. The Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth has emerged as a unique institution that upholds parliamentary independence and is non-partisan, even as it derives much from the Westminster system and traditions, and underscores the neutrality and authority of speakers The Parliament of India is hosting the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) at New Delhi from January 14 to 16, 2026. Image: Reuters Parliament is the fulcrum and strongest pillar of any democracy. With India being the largest democracy in the world, this is even more vibrant. Prime Minister Narendra Modi even refers to Bharat as the mother of democracy. Among various other legislative functions, the Indian parliament plays a key role in the domain of foreign policy. Its Standing Committee on External Affairs, with distinguished members from across the political spectrum, is critical in this area, as are the ongoing debates on various issues of domestic and international importance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Noted author KV Prasad, in his book, Indian Parliament Shaping Foreign Policy, underscores that under the Constitution, Parliament is vested with the power to make any law for the whole or any part of the territory of India for implementing any treaty, agreement, or convention with any country or countries or any decision made at any international conference, association, or other body. Yet another area in which the parliament cultivates friendships with their foreign counterparts is through institutionalised linkages and even creating parliament friendship groups for a specific and more important partner country. Moreover, in various international and multilateral organisations like the G20, Brics and the Commonwealth, the interactions among parliamentarians provide an exceptional impetus to further nurture the mutually beneficial relationships by creating yet another pillar of cooperation. India, during her presidency, had hosted the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers Summit (P20) in October 2023, which was the last inter-parliamentary conference hosted by the Parliament of India. One of the key and possibly the largest institutional interactions is among the members of the Commonwealth countries. In 1969, the Speaker of Canadas House of Commons had helped create The Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth (CSPOC) and also hosts its secretariat. The 27th CSPOC was held in Kampala, Uganda, in 2024, when the mantle was passed on to India even though the decision was taken at the 25th CSPOC in Canada. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Parliament of India is hosting the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) at New Delhi from January 14 to 16, 2026. India had earlier hosted these in 2010, 1986 and 1971. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is the chairperson of this conference, which will be attended by speakers and presiding officers of 53 Commonwealth countries and 14 autonomous parliaments from different parts of the world. Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the conference on January 15. An exhibition titled India: The Mother of Democracy is being set up at the Parliament House Complex, the venue of the 28th CSPOC, to showcase Indias rich democratic traditions to visiting dignitaries. The conference, comprising one of the highest representations, is expected to deliberate on various issues relevant to democracy and the parliamentary system itself, including the role of speakers and presiding officers in maintaining strong democratic institutions; artificial intelligence in Parliament; social media and its impact on Members of Parliament (MPs); innovative strategies to enhance public understanding of Parliament and citizen participation beyond voting; and security, health and wellbeing of MPs and parliamentary staff. So far, 67 speakers and presiding officers from 45 CSPOC countries and four autonomous parliaments are slated to visit Delhi to take part in the 28th CSPOC. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The world is going through a sharp technological shift, and the parliaments are not immune from this. Hence, it is not surprising that the CSPOC workshop sessions will be focusing specifically on the following areas: AI in parliament: Balancing innovation, oversight and adaptation. Social media and its impact on parliamentarians. Innovative strategies to enhance public understanding of Parliament and citizens participation beyond voting. Security, health and wellbeing of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff. CSPOC has emerged into a unique institution which upholds parliamentary independence and is non-partisan even as it derives a great deal from the Westminster system and traditions and underscores the protection of the neutrality and authority of speakers. Through the shared constitutional traditions, the participants exchange best practices on procedure, privilege and governance. In addition, the forum plays an important role in supporting nascent and newer democratic institutions and parliaments while encouraging transparency, accountability and rule of law, as well as addressing the extraneous outreach of the executive and other branches of governance architecture. It is kind of a parliamentary diplomacy framework. Observers often refer to CSPOC as a rare global platform dedicated exclusively to safeguarding the integrity, independence and effectiveness of parliaments by exchanging notes and interactions and collaboration among counterparts, ie, speakers, in a democratic manner, enhancing bilateral and multilateral partnerships. This structured parliamentary cooperation has yielded adopted and declared consensus-based statements reaffirming separation of powers, parliamentary privileges and supremacy of elected legislatures as well as the exalted role of speakers in a democracy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD No doubt, under the Indian edition this year the parliamentary traditions will be further reinforced through reemphasis on established norms of democracy. India will continue to reiterate that multilateralism must be purposeful, growth must be equitable, technology must remain a public good, and global leadership must be humane, marked by people-centric growth through inclusivity and innovation. (The author is the former Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta and is currently a Distinguished Fellow with Vivekananda International Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) Irans past is admired precisely because it is mummified culturally contained and politically non-threatening. This does not mean that the end of the theocratic regime would usher in a revival of the pre-Islamic past or the return of a Western-style democracy An unidentified woman lights her cigarette with the flames of a burning picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an unidentified location. Image/X As Iranians pour onto the streets and the Islamic Republic responds with brute force, the world watches with a mix of horror and misplaced hope. Official figures from Tehran put the death toll from the nationwide crackdown at around 2,000. Critics and human rights groups estimate the number may be much higher, with one placing it closer to 12,000. Amid this bloodshed, a familiar fantasy has returned to liberal discourse, both in the West and in Bharat: that Iran is on the cusp of shedding Islamism, reviving its pre-Islamic identity, and perhaps even longing for the good old days of the Shah. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is not just naive. It is dangerously ignorant. The idea that the Shahs Iran represented some golden age of liberalism is a carefully curated myth, largely constructed through an American strategic lens. Strip away that lens and view the period from Bharats perspective, and the illusion collapses quickly. There was nothing benign, let alone admirable, about the Shahs regional posture, especially from the standpoint of Bharat. In fact, the Shah of Iran was among the most consistently anti-Bharat leaders in Asia during the Cold War. The Shahs Iran was the first country to recognise Pakistan on August 14, 1947, and in May 1950 the two signed a treaty of friendship that laid the foundation for a deeply strategic alliance. This relationship would later translate into concrete military and political support during moments critical to Bharats security. During the 1965 Bharat-Pakistan war, for instance, Tehran openly sided with Islamabad, with an Iranian Foreign Ministry statement accusing Bharat of aggression against Pakistan. When Islamabad struggled to procure arms due to Western restrictions, Tehran stepped in as a middleman, sourcing weapons from West Germany and delivering them to Pakistan. The same pattern was repeated in 1971. Iran supplied Pakistan with helicopters, artillery, ammunition, spare parts and, more importantly, oil at concessional rates during wartime. Once again, Tehran acted as Pakistans arms purchasing agent when Islamabad was shut out of Western military markets. The Shah again accused Bharat of blatant aggression. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Only towards the twilight of his reign did cracks appear in this alliance, and this occurred because of Pakistans growing closeness to the Shahs regional rival, Muammar Gaddafi. To romanticise the Shah as a lost liberal saviour, especially from Bharats perspective, is not merely historically inaccurate but geostrategically imprudent. Equally fanciful is the belief that a post-Islamic Iran would naturally revert to Zoroastrianism or some revived pre-Islamic civilisational identity. Yes, Iranians retain pride in their ancient past in ways Pakistanis do not. But pride in pre-Islamic history does not translate into rejection of Islam. This distinction is critical and often misunderstood. Irans engagement with its pre-Islamic past has always been selective and symbolic, not restorative. Ancient Persia is celebrated as heritage, not as an alternative civilisational anchor. The past is admired precisely because it is mummified culturally contained and politically non-threatening. Author Aatish Taseer analyses this aspect in his book Stranger to History: A Sons Journey Through Islamic Lands. He records a Pakistani response to why, unlike in Iran, Pakistans pre-Islamic history is not living. The reply was revealing: If all India became Muslim, we might have been able to identify with the Hindu past. We would have modified something. But since it didnt happen that way, we cant choose something that goes against our taste. You wont wear a T-shirt you dont like. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Irans openness to its pre-Islamic past exists precisely because it has been mummified and rendered irrecoverable, unlike in Pakistan, where, as VS Naipaul writes in Beyond Belief: Islamic Excursions Among the Converted Peoples, vital fragments of the past lived on in dress, customs, ceremonies, festivals and, importantly, ideas of caste. Novelist Salman Rushdie puts this more bluntly in his book Shame: To build Pakistan, it was necessary to cover up Indian history, to deny that Indian centuries lay just beneath the surface of Pakistani Standard Time. For Pakistan, acknowledging the pre-Islamic past would mean acknowledging Bharat an existential impossibility for a state founded on rejecting the very idea of Bharat. Any legitimisation of that past would unravel the ideological basis of Pakistan itself. Iran faces no such dilemma. Its pre-Islamic history does not challenge its territorial or civilisational legitimacy. This explains why Iranians can display pride in Persepolis while remaining deeply Islamic in identity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The greatest self-deception in liberal thinking across the world is the belief that a Muslim liberal is simply a liberal who happens to be Muslim. This is a well-curated myth. Islam is not merely a belief system; it is a totalising historical and political identity. Call this phenomenon Islamic exceptionalism, but when faith weakens here, identity does not disappear it hardens. This is why one repeatedly finds individuals who drink, disbelieve and flout religious rules yet instinctively rally to Islam when threatened. A Muslim liberal may defend free speech until it offends Islam. He may support gender equality until it contradicts religious fundamentals. He may oppose violence until it is sanctified by religious grievance. Aatish Taseer captures this dichotomy in Stranger to History. Writing about his father, Salman Taseer the liberal Pakistani politician shot dead by his own bodyguard in 2011 for opposing the blasphemy law he notes that his father was not a practising Muslim, yet this never conflicted with his self-image as a defender of the faith. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I felt sure that none of Islams once powerful moral imperatives existed within him, but he was a Muslim because he doubted the Holocaust, hated America and Israel, thought Hindus were weak and cowardly, and because the glories of the Islamic past excited him. The faith decayed within him, ceased to be dynamic, ceased to provide moral guidance, and became nothing but a deep, unreachable historical and political identity, writes Taseer. This phenomenon is not unique to Iran or Pakistan. It has also played out in secular Bharats Kashmir, where Hindu minorities were ethnically cleansed in the 1990s, yet liberal outrage remained conspicuously absent. The sense of being a Muslim, writes Hasan Suroor in Who Killed Liberal Islam, is simply too overwhelming to resist, even for non-practising or liberal Muslims. This is why the idea that Iranians will swap Islam for Zoroastrianism is ludicrous. Yes, apostasy is rising in Iran. Yes, many Iranians privately reject Islam. But this trend, while significant, is nowhere near a civilisational tipping point. These individuals do not form a coherent alternative civilisation. They are fragmented, cautious and numerically insufficient to redefine Iran. To conflate these silent dissenters with cultural liberals or worse, to assume they represent the Iranian mainstream is analytical laziness, if not dishonesty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There is no denying that the Khamenei regime faces an existential crisis. There is widespread anger among the people. But to fantasise about a revival of Zoroastrianism or imagine the return of a Western-style democracy is liberal imagination gone wild. Myths, however comforting they may be, are hardly a substitute for historical truths and geopolitical realities. (Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) Greenland, a vast island, occupies a crucial geopolitical position, bridging the US and Europe and straddling the GIUK gapa maritime passage linking the Arctic to the Atlantic. Rich deposits of oil, gas, and rare-earth minerals further enhance its strategic importance Trump is transactional, unpredictable, and willing to risk fractures in Nato and European relations for perceived strategic gain. File image/Reuters Donald Trump, the 47th President of the United States, is on a prowl. He has invaded a sovereign nation, Venezuela, arguably to gain full access to Venezuelan oil, threatened Colombia and Cuba with direct action, and regards Canada as little more than the 51st state of the US. Additionally, he has bombed Nigeria and again struck Syria, ostensibly to protect Christians from ISIS, and has threatened to bomb Iran. But these are just the tip of the iceberg. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Non Compos Mentis Perhaps Trumps most non compos mentis act is his repeated threat to annex Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of fellow Nato member, the Kingdom of Denmark. In his most recent provocation on Sunday, January 11, Trump claimed the United States would take over Greenland one way or the other. Senior officials in his administration have even threatened to do so by force. Undeterred, on Monday, January 12, Greenlands government reiterated that it could not accept a US takeover under any circumstances. Earlier, the Danish Prime Minister, backed by key European leaders, warned that any such action by the US would be tantamount to death to Nato. But at the time of writing, a Republican congressman from Florida has introduced a bill to annex Greenland and make it the 51st state of the United States. It Began Long Ago American expansionism has regained momentum under Trump, but the notion of the US controlling Greenlandor the Western Hemisphere more broadlyhas a long history. US interest in Greenland dates back to the 19th century, when Secretary of State William H Seward first proposed purchasing Greenland and Iceland from Denmark, emboldened by the successful acquisition of Alaska from Russia in 1867. Although the US never acquired Greenland, it remained a point of interest. In 1910, US Ambassador to Denmark Maurice Francis Egan suggested an audacious swap: exchanging the Philippine island of Mindanao for Greenland and the Danish West Indies. CNN reports Egans memo noting Greenland as a Danish monopolynever exploited, although the Norwegians see its possibilities. The proposal was ultimately not pursued. In 1946, following World War II, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million in gold for Greenland, but Denmark refused. Indubitably, Trump appears determined to complete a task left unfinished by his predecessors. Strategy in the Madness Why is Trump so obsessed with Greenland? There is strategy in the madness. Greenland, a vast island of 836,000 square miles, occupies a crucial geopolitical position, bridging the US and Europe and straddling the so-called GIUK gapa maritime passage linking the Arctic to the Atlantic. It also contains rich deposits of oil, gas, and rare-earth minerals, further enhancing its strategic importance. The Timing Trumps sabre-rattling over Greenland, echoed by his top aides, is strategically timed, coming hours after a successful military operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, bringing the country under US influence. A senior White House official told Politico: Its a very effective message Everyone now knows that America is not playing around, especially now. Trump himself has been clear. Speaking to reporters at a White House event on Friday, he said taking control of Greenland is only a matter of when and how: We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not, because if we dont, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and were not going to have Russia or China as a neighbour I would like to make a deal the easy way, but if we dont, we will do it the hard way. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Loud and Clear Trumps claim on Greenland is not new; he raised it in his first term, in the run-up to his second-term election shortly after the 2025 inauguration. Now, he has intensified the messaging, forcing Denmark to seek European and Nato support. Threatening military action just days after ousting Maduro has alarmed Europeans and even some of Trumps allies. Yet, even Trump may not know how far he is willing to go, though the world is left with a clear warning. Logic in the Chaos Is there logic in Trumps loud and clear obsession? There appear to be three main reasons: Monroe Doctrine and Near-Abroad Dominance: Trumps Greenland fixation reflects the Monroe Doctrine, the 1823 US policy asserting the Western Hemisphere as a US sphere of influence while warning European powers against interference. Trumps ambitions in Panama, Cuba, Venezuela, and Greenland extend this doctrine, asserting that the US should dictate events in its immediate vicinity, much as Russia controls its neighbours and China seeks influence over Taiwan and Mongolia. This marks a return to dangerous 19th-century great-power politics, where might defines right and international rules primarily limit other powers rather than protect small-state sovereignty. Stopping Russian and Chinese Influence: Trump claims the US needs Greenland to counter Russia and China. Yet, Russian strategic nuclear weapons are concentrated on the Kola Peninsula, not Greenland, and Russian naval vessels rarely operate near Greenland, favouring the Barents Sea and Norwegian coast. China has Arctic ambitions but no territorial claim, mainly using the region for commerce, research, and limited strategic positioning. The US already maintains a military base at Pituffik to monitor threats. While Trump exaggerates the Arctic threat, Denmark may face pressure to accommodate US concerns. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Access to Mineral Resources: Trumps obsession also appears motivated by Greenlands mineral wealth. Following the Venezuela operation, it is evident he prioritises securing economic advantage for US companies. Greenland possesses proven resources and several active mines. Reports suggest Trump became aware of its potential from an Australian geologist in 2019. However, sovereignty is unnecessary for resource accesscompanies, not countries, extract minerals, and other Arctic regions, including Alaska, offer similar opportunities. Conclusion Trump is transactional, unpredictable, and willing to risk fractures in Nato and European relations for perceived strategic gain. While Greenland is rich in resources and strategically located, the US does not require sovereignty to exploit its advantages. What remains certain is the unpredictability of Trumps next move. May God save the world from his non compos mentis actions. (The author is a multi-disciplinary thought leader with Action Bias and an India-based impact consultant. He is President of Advisory Services at BARSYL. Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect Firstposts position.) In trying to conceal losses at home while urgently advertising fear abroad, Pakistan has ended up fooling itself more than anyone else. The very lobbying effort meant to contain the crisis has become evidence of its fragility That Islamabad felt compelled to seek favour from a leader who had publicly disparaged it underscores the depth of its predicament. (Photo: X/ Government of Pakistan) When Pakistans military leadership announced a ceasefire with India following Operation Sindoor, the language was deliberately choreographed. The official ISPR briefings spoke of restraint, balance, strategic maturity and effective deterrence. The message pushed by the Pakistani establishment to domestic audiences and sympathetic international platforms was unambiguous in its nature: that Pakistan had stood firm, absorbed the pressure, and chosen calm over chaos and had effectively deterred what it termed Indian aggression that ultimately forced India into a ceasefire. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yet that narrative after ten months lies in ruins, not because of Indian statements or battlefield leaks, but because of the documents filed thousands of miles away in Washington. Disclosures under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (Fara), released publicly by the US Department of Justice in early January 2026, have torn through Islamabads claims with clinical precision. The filings do not merely contradict Pakistans official version of events; they invert it entirely. What they reveal is not a state managing escalation from a position of strength, but one scrambling under the political, military, and psychological pressure. The Myth of Calm Versus the Reality of Panic At the heart of Pakistans public messaging during Op Sindoor was the assertion that the ceasefire emerged from sovereign decision-making and military confidence. According to this account, Pakistan neither sought nor required external intervention. The conflict, Islamabad insisted, remained under control. The Fara documents tell a sharply different story. They show Pakistans diplomatic and military establishment engaging in more than 60 recorded interactions with American officials, legislators, Pentagon personnel, State Department officers, White House staffers, and influential media voices in a matter of days. A cursory study of these documents reveals that this was not routine diplomatic engagement that spread over months, but it was compressed, urgent, clearly reactive and a frantic outreach that was aimed to escape Indian military action. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even more revealing is the concentration of these efforts. Over 40 outreach attempts were aimed directly at figures associated with Donald Trumps incoming political orbit, indicating a targeted campaign rather than generalised diplomacy. The timing of this outreach, peaking between the launch of Indian strikes and the announcement of the ceasefire, clearly points to a direct link between battlefield losses that led to the diplomatic desperation. The states that believe they are dictating the tempo of a conflict do not behave this way. The volume, speed, and focus of Pakistans outreach reflect the mindset of its leadership, which was alarmed by enormous losses that it could not publicly acknowledge but privately couldnt deny. Crisis Diplomacy at Any Cost The scale of Pakistans lobbying operation further erodes the credibility of its ceasefire narrative. According to Fara filings, Islamabad hired a constellation of powerful American firms, including Squire Patton Boggs, Seiden Law LLP, and Javelin Advisors. Collectively, Pakistan spent close to $5 million (approximately 45 crore) in a very short period during ongoing Operation Sindoor in 2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Pakistani establishment explicitly directed this money towards managing the crises it faced on the battlefield and the political access to US President Donald Trump for mitigating the expanding theatre of war it faced with India. The emergency expenditure has brought forth the reality of Pakistans weaknesses and its inability to match Indian aggression in any warfare domain. Javelin Advisors significance lay not only in its services but also in its proximity to Trumps political ecosystem, including links to Keith Schiller, a long-time Trump confidant. Pakistan was not hedging its bets across Washington; it was making a calculated play for influence where it believed decisions could be shaped quickly. The stated objectives of these lobbying efforts, as outlined in the filings, were stark. Pakistan urged US officials to intervene, to mediate, and to pressure India into halting its operations. Lobbying materials emphasised fears of escalation between nuclear-armed states and warned of the possibility of India resuming or expanding its strikes. These arguments show something crucial: that Pakistans leadership did not believe it could absorb continued Indian pressure on its own. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Trump Paradox Perhaps the most politically ironic dimension of this episode is Pakistans courtship of Donald Trump himself. During his first term, Trump was one of the most openly critical American presidents Pakistan had encountered in decades. He accused Islamabad of deceit, of sheltering militant groups, and of extracting US aid while undermining American interests. Under Trumps first term, US security assistance was curtailed, and Pakistan was repeatedly framed as an unreliable partner. Yet during the May crisis, Pakistans establishment calculated that Trumps transactional political instincts could still be leveraged, if not through trust, then through access and lobbying. The Fara filings suggest that this assessment guided much of Pakistans outreach strategy. That Islamabad felt compelled to seek favour from a leader who had publicly disparaged it underscores the depth of its predicament. Confidence does not seek absolution; vulnerability does, and the filings prove that Pakistan felt extremely vulnerable militarily. What the Battlefield Took Away and the Briefings Hid STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The unanswered question running through Pakistans behaviour is simple: why such urgency? And the most convincing explanation lies in what Pakistan never placed on the record: its untenable and mounting losses. Throughout Operation Sindoor, official Pakistani statements were notable for what they omitted. Casualty figures were absent or vague. Damage assessments were carefully non-specific. The emphasis remained on resilience rather than cost. Yet diplomatic behaviour often reveals truths that the ISPR press conferences then concealed. The sheer intensity of Pakistans lobbying effort suggests that Indian operations inflicted damage significant enough to destabilise Pakistans strategic calculus. Whether these losses were material, personnel-related, or structural, they were surely serious enough to make continued confrontation untenable for Pakistan. In effect, Pakistans generals spoke the language of dominance at home while acting out the reality of vulnerability abroad. The Militarys Invisible Hand The Fara disclosures also clarify who was orchestrating this campaign. Far from being a purely civilian diplomatic initiative, the outreach bore the unmistakable imprint of Pakistans military establishment. The filings reference facilitation and involvement linked to senior military leadership, including that of Asim Munir himself. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This detail matters because it dismantles another long-standing illusion that Pakistans crises with India are managed through balanced civil-military coordination. In reality, Sindoor revealed a military establishment that not only went into security panic but diplomatic panic as well. Even as Pakistans army projected defiance through its media wing, it was authorising lobbyists to argue the exact opposite case in Washington, that escalation was spiralling and needed to be stopped. This contradiction in itself is not incidental but structural to its battlefield losses. A Tale of Two Approaches India, too, engaged American lobbyists during the period, including SHW Partners LLC, but the contrast in scope and purpose is telling. New Delhis outreach was limited and entirely focused on narrative management in media and trade-related discussions and did not hinge on seeking US mediation to halt its own actions. India consistently maintained that its strikes were targeted, proportionate, and designed to avoid escalation, and that the issue remained bilateral. It did not portray itself as a party in need of rescue. Pakistan did. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD That asymmetry exposes the deeper truth of Operation Sindoor: on one side, India was confidently controlling the escalation ladder, while on the other side, Pakistan was trying to escape it. How Pakistan Ended Up Fooling Itself In the end, the greatest casualty of Pakistans strategy may be its own carefully cultivated self-image. For years, Islamabad has projected an image of military superiority, strategic parity with India, and unshakeable deterrence. Operation Sindoor and the subsequent paper trail it generated have exposed that image as hollow. The Fara filings have ensured that Pakistans private admissions now sit in the public domain, accessible to analysts, policymakers, and journalists alike to separate the facts from the fiction it tried selling to the world. In trying to conceal losses at home while urgently advertising fear abroad, Pakistan has ended up fooling itself more than anyone else. The very lobbying effort meant to contain the crisis has become evidence of its fragility. The ceasefire it claimed as a triumph is now understood as a necessity forced by circumstances it could neither control nor acknowledge. Truth, in this case, did not only emerge from the battlefield alone. It has also emerged from disclosure forms, fee statements, and meeting logs of dry bureaucratic records that cut through Pakistans rhetoric. And with those records now public, the hollow noise Pakistan made internationally about its military dominance has finally been overwritten by the documented reality that exposes its dismal loss. (Raja Muneeb is an independent journalist and columnist. He tweets @rajamuneeb. The views expressed in this article are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost.) Taiwan authorities have accused OnePlus CEO Pete Lau of orchestrating an illegal hiring network that recruited more than 70 Taiwanese engineers since 2014. Taiwanese authorities have reportedly issued an arrest warrant for OnePlus co-founder and chief executive Pete Lau, intensifying their campaign against what they describe as the unlawful recruitment of Taiwanese engineers by Chinese tech companies. Decade-long recruitment drive According to Bloomberg, Taiwans Shilin District Prosecutors Office has accused Lau of orchestrating an illegal hiring network that recruited more than 70 Taiwanese engineers since 2014. Investigators claim that OnePlus violated local regulations restricting Taiwanese citizens from working with Chinese companies without prior government approval. Two Taiwanese nationals who allegedly assisted Lau in the recruitment process have also been indicted. The prosecutors argue that these operations breached laws designed to curb the outflow of technical know-how, particularly in the semiconductor and electronics sectors, areas that form the backbone of Taiwans economy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Authorities say the recruitment efforts took place over several years, targeting talent from some of Taiwans most valuable industries. Officials are framing the case as part of a broader struggle to protect national security and safeguard intellectual property, especially as tensions between Taipei and Beijing continue to simmer. Taiwans prosecutors have pursued similar cases in the past. Last year, they issued an arrest warrant for Grace Wang, chairwoman of Luxshare Precision Industry, a major Apple supplier, over comparable allegations of illegal hiring. The government has also taken legal action against foreign firms accused of intellectual property violations, including Japans Tokyo Electron, and has considered restrictions on chip exports to certain countries. OnePlus responds, Lau stays silent Pete Lau has yet to comment publicly on the allegations. Bloomberg reports that requests for a response from Lau went unanswered. OnePlus, however, issued a statement assuring that its business operations remain normal and unaffected by the investigation. Taiwans Ministry of Justice has so far declined to comment, and it remains unclear whether Lau, who is believed to reside primarily in mainland China, will face extradition proceedings. While the case is still unfolding, it underscores how national boundaries and corporate ambitions are increasingly colliding in the global tech race. As Taiwan moves to tighten its defences, executives like Pete Lau may find themselves caught between expanding their companies and navigating the growing scrutiny of governments determined to keep their talent and technology at home. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China hits $1.2tn trade surplus record blaming US curbs for import shortfall as exports soar past forecasts. China posts record $1.2tn trade surplus for 2025 finger pointing at US restrictions. Exports surged while imports grew amid warnings of fresh Trump tariffs testing Beijings economic resilience. Record surplus alarms partners Official figures reveal China achieved an unprecedented annual trade surplus of $1.2tn in 2025 topping previous highs as manufacturers rerouted goods away from American markets hit by barriers. Shipments to Europe climbed 8.4% and southeast Asian destinations saw 13.4% gains offsetting a sharp 20% drop in US bound exports. Full year outflows rose 5.5% with inflows remaining flat underscoring persistent imbalances that irk global competitors demanding Beijing boost internal spending. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD December exports beat forecasts Last months goods exports jumped 6.6% in dollar terms smashing analyst predictions of 3.1% growth and topping Novembers 5.9% rise. Imports expanded 5.7% well beyond expected 0.9% and prior months 1.9% marking robust demand surprises. Customs vice minister Wang Jun blamed foreign curbs on high tech goods particularly semiconductors for limiting purchases stating politicised restrictions hinder larger inflows. He insisted vast potential exists for expanded buying absent such controls aimed squarely at Washingtons policies. Trump tariffs loom large President Trumps threats of tariffs reaching 145% on Chinese products prompted Beijing countermeasures including rare earth export curbs vital for worldwide manufacturing. These tit for tat moves culminated in an October South Korea summit truce pausing escalation for one year. China shipped 62585 tonnes of the 17 critical elements last year highest since 2014 up 12.9% annually bolstering its leverage amid trade frictions. European leaders like Frances Emmanuel Macron labelled the surpluses unbearable urging fairer market access. Export pivot reshapes flows Producers deftly shifted volumes to willing buyers with EU southeast Asia absorbing redirected capacity. This adaptability sustained growth despite US declines highlighting supply chain agility. Yet analysts question long term viability as partners erect defences against cheap imports flooding markets. Brussels presses for domestic stimulus to cut barriers and soak up excess production domestically rather than overseas dumping. Growth model draws criticism Cornell economist Eswar Prasad termed the surplus a dual edged sword showcasing export strength while exposing overreliance on factories over consumer spending. Weak internal demand and property slump starve household led expansion leaving manufacturing as primary engine. Global watchers fear this pattern fuels tensions as trading blocs retaliate with duties probes and standards. Beijing faces calls to rebalance toward services and consumption for sustainable progress. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rare earths flex strategic muscle Elevated shipments of vital minerals underscore Chinas grip on supply chains critical for electronics renewables and defence. Restrictions served as potent retaliation forcing truce talks after tariff volleys. This episode reveals deeper frictions beyond trade numbers touching technology security and resource dominance. As Trump readies second term pressures mount for structural shifts amid fragile detente. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar characterised the move as a response to systemic anti-Israel bias and what he described as ineffective and bloated bureaucracy A person wearing a Trump mask waves an Israeli flag, as people celebrate after the US president announced that Israel and Hamas agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire, at the "Hostages square", in Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters file Following the lead of the US, which recently exited 66 international organisations, Israel has announced its immediate withdrawal from seven United Nations agencies and affiliated bodies. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar characterised the move as a response to systemic anti-Israel bias and what he described as ineffective and bloated bureaucracy. Saar noted that the decision was triggered by a comprehensive review following the American withdrawal. He stated that Israel would immediately sever all contact with several specific agencies while reassessing its relationship with others. The decision reflects a broader examination of organisations that consistently act against Israel or fail to function effectively, Saar said, adding that further exits could follow. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The announcement formalises several disengagements that were already underway. Israel had previously cut ties with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children in Armed Conflict after the IDF was blacklisted in 2024. Saar condemned the listing as shameless, arguing that Israel is the only democratic country listed alongside ISIS and Boko Haram. Similarly, Israel terminated its cooperation with UN Women in July 2024. The government accused the body of failing to acknowledge sexual violence committed against Israelis during the October 7 attacks. Saar noted that the UN Secretary-General was formally notified last year that all engagement with the body would cease. Other departures include the UN Conference on Trade and Development and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia. Saar claimed both groups have produced virulent anti-Israel reports over the years, making continued participation untenable for the state. Looking forward, Israel is expanding its exit list to include the UN Alliance of Civilisations. Saar argued that the body has served for years as a platform for attacks against Israel while excluding Israeli participation. Additionally, the nation will withdraw from UN Energy and the Global Forum on Migration and Development, citing excessive and inefficient bureaucracy. The Foreign Ministry is now conducting a sweeping evaluation of all remaining international engagements. This thorough review, coordinated with other government departments, will determine if additional diplomatic severances are required in the coming months. Deepening China-ASEAN food trade brings benefits to both sides 09:06, January 14, 2026 By Wang Donghui ( People's Daily Photo shows a busy scene at a China-ASEAN fruit trading center in Pingxiang, Chongzuo, south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. (Photo/Han Jiajun) In the early hours of the morning, a shipment of pomelos imported from Thailand arrived at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport in southwest China's Chongqing municipality. Through a dedicated "green channel" for fresh produce, airport customs authorities provided 24/7 clearance services, ensuring swift inspection and release. The fruit was delivered to the Shuangfu International Agricultural Product Trade Market in Chongqing for distribution later the same day. The Shuangfu International Agricultural Product Trade Market, as a key project to enrich non-staple food supply and improve local people's livelihood in Chongqing, has grown into a major regional hub for agricultural product circulation. Official data show that in the first 10 months of 2025, fruit from ASEAN countries accounted for about 80 percent of the market's total imported fruit volume, with transaction value reaching 2.5 billion yuan ($357.46 million), up more than 25 percent year on year. Chongqing Shanghao Agricultural Products Co., Ltd., one of the market's leading wholesalers of imported fruit, has established its own processing facilities and supporting logistics operations in Thailand, enabling direct sourcing at origin and standardized processing. "Durian, mangosteen, young coconuts and other fruit imported from ASEAN countries are very popular in the Chinese market," said Zou Teng, the company's general manager. "Take Thai durian as an example: in the first 10 months of 2025, our processing volume reached 2,000 containers, a year-on-year increase of 20 percent, fully meeting domestic consumer demand." The accelerated and improved access of high-quality ASEAN agricultural and food products to Chinese households owes much to the institutional safeguards provided by the China-ASEAN cooperation mechanism on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS). By advancing coordinated efforts in food safety, animal and plant quarantine, and capacity building, the mechanism has fostered a more convenient and secure trade environment, facilitating increased imports of ASEAN agricultural and food products. As ASEAN flavors make their way into China, "Chinese taste" is also reaching overseas markets. At the production facility of Chongqing Dejia Meat Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Dejia), boxes of canned pork move steadily along conveyor belts. After passing X-ray inspection, they are automatically packaged and stored, ready for export to Singapore. Photo taken on Nov. 14 shows the 2025 ASEAN Coffee Expo in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. (Photo/Fang Yongtao) To support enterprises in opening up new markets, Chongqing customs has held multiple rounds of consultations with its Singaporean counterpart. In March 2025, Chongqing's regulatory system for animal-derived products passed Singapore's regional market access certification for the first time. Dejia was subsequently approved to export five categories of canned animal products to Singapore, including pork, poultry, beef, mutton and eggs. "ASEAN has always been one of our key target markets," said Wang Danyu, general manager of Dejia. "Next, we plan to participate in food exhibitions across ASEAN countries to secure more international orders." "The China-ASEAN SPS cooperation mechanism is not only a vital platform for promoting trade in agricultural and food products, but also an important bridge linking markets and improving people's livelihoods," said an official with China's General Administration of Customs at the recent 9th China-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on SPS Cooperation. ASEAN has remained China's largest trading partner in agricultural and food products for eight consecutive years. In the first 10 months of 2025, trade in agricultural and food products between China and ASEAN reached $51.3 billion, up 8.9 percent year on year. An Indonesian exhibitor sells edible bird's nest at the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo, Sept. 18, 2025. (Photo/Zhu Xiaoming) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Polish Prime Minister Karol Nawrocki said that US President Donald Trump is the only world leader who is capable of stopping Vladimir Putin to counter Europes threat. He added that Russia has been threatening his country as well as central and eastern Europe. In an interview with Radio 4 on Wednesday, the Polish Prime Minister Karol Nawrocki said that US President Donald Trump is the only world leader who is capable of stopping Vladimir Putin to counter Europes threat amid capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro along with his wife. A solid Trump supporter Nawrocki is a solid Trump supporter even before he landed in Britain for meetings with PM Keir Starmer and others. He said that Russia has been threatening his country as well as central and eastern Europe. The US president was the only person who could, as he put it, solve this problem as well as ending the war in Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Recalling the hardships, and referring to last Septembers mass incursion by Russian drones when more than 20 uncrewed aircraft crossed into Poland from Belarus and Ukraine, Nawrocki called it an extraordinary situation. The Polish president then thanked Britain for help for sending over RAF Typhoon jets to help defend his borders. Hybrid war with Russia He said Poland had been in a state of hybrid and cold war with Russia since 2021, as it dealt with drones, artillery and false information. Nawrocki specified that the US is still the guarantor of security in Europe. What Donald Trump was doing on behalf of the Europeans, deserved support and great respect, he said. He also somewhat criticised Europe for not building security and resilience over several years and specified that Poland was allocating about 5 per cent of its GDP to defence. I would like to express my very deep appreciation for the British soldiers who are stationed in Poland taking responsibility for Natos Eastern flank, he said as quoted by BBC. Multiple sources say Irans crackdown on protests may have killed at least 12,000 people, with some estimates putting the toll as high as 20,000, amid an ongoing internet shutdown At least 12,000 people have been killed in Iran in what is being described as the largest killing in the countrys contemporary history, much of it carried out on January 89 during an ongoing internet shutdown, senior government sources told Iran International. Information emerging from Iran on Tuesday suggests that a crackdown to end more than two weeks of widespread anti-government protests has likely been far deadlier than previously reported by activists outside the country. With some phone lines reopening for outgoing calls, two sources, including one inside Iran, told CBS News that at least 12,000 people had been killed, with the figure possibly as high as 20,000. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD UK foreign secretary voices concern over rising numbers Britains Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told Parliament on Tuesday that the UK government believed there may have been 2,000 people killed, there have been more. My fear is that the number may prove to be significantly higher. Establishing the full scale of the deaths has proved extremely difficult after Irans hardline rulers cut off internet access and phone services nationwide for five days. While a complete internet shutdown remained in place for a fifth day, some Iranians were able to make calls out of the country on Tuesday, though incoming calls into Iran were still not possible. The video was filmed near a police building in Tehran. People are being lined up... 262 shots are heard in 6 minutes... And the people's desperate shouting: Death to Khamenei, death to the dictator, shame on you pic.twitter.com/EXgfj4jOoe Visioner (@visionergeo) January 13, 2026 Activists cite figures from medical sources A source inside Iran told CBS News that activist groups compiling death tolls from medical officials across the country believed at least 12,000 people had been killed, with the number possibly reaching 20,000. The same source said security forces were visiting private hospitals across Tehran and threatening staff to hand over the names and addresses of people being treated for protest-related injuries. Conflicting estimates and official silence Iran International television network reported that its information suggested about 12,000 deaths. A Washington-based source with contacts in Iran told CBS News that a credible source had placed the toll between 10,000 and 12,000. Iranian officials have not issued regular official estimates. Reuters quoted an unnamed Iranian official as saying about 2,000 people had been killed since protests began on December 28, blaming the violence on foreign-influenced terrorists and alleging agitators had been paid to stir unrest. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD CBS News verified a video posted online on Tuesday showing the bodies of at least 366 and likely more than 400 people piled up at a mortuary in a Tehran suburb. The footage appears to show forensic personnel documenting severe injuries and crowds attempting to identify the dead. Visible injuries include gunshot wounds, birdshot shotgun wounds, gashes and other serious trauma. The 16-minute video was first shared by an Iranian activist and blogger identifying himself only as Vahid Online. He said it was sent by a source who travelled about 600 miles to upload it during the communications blackout. The graphic footage shows bodies bearing apparent bullet and shotgun pellet injuries, along with piles of blood-stained clothing inside the mortuary compound. Amid pressure from the US, Canada and China are facing disagreement among each other, with the former imposing steep levies on Chinese electric vehicles and Beijing declaring reciprocal tariffs on agricultural products Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney (left) shakes hands with Chia's President Xi Jinping at the start of a meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 31, 2025. (Photo: Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is on his way to Beijing in an attempt to mend diplomatic ties after years of tensions as US President Donald Trumps tariffs on Ottawa threaten its economy. Amid pressure from the US, Canada and China are facing disagreement among each other, with the former imposing steep levies on Chinese electric vehicles and Beijing declaring reciprocal tariffs on agricultural products. A Canadian official told CBS News that the Canadian government is hoping to make progress in Beijing, but not secure a definitive elimination of Chinas unfair tariffs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This will be the first time a Canadian prime minister has flown to China since 2017. Meanwhile, Trump has said, We dont need Canadian product I want to build the cars here, not in Canada Now, the Canadians are moving here to build cars. Same thing with Mexico and Japan. Japan paid us billions and billions of dollars for the privilege of making cars here and selling cars here We have a tariff on Chinese autos Everybody now admits that I was right on tariffs. What can be expected? Carney is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, among other government and business leaders. Canadas relations with China have been among the worst of any Western nation. But Carney and Xi in late October held the first formal talks between the countries leaders since 2017, with the Chinese president inviting the Canadian to visit. Carneys visit will aim to elevate engagement on trade, energy, agriculture, and international security, his office said in a statement on Wednesday. While the Canadian official declined to specify the exact options being considered or whether a formal deal is currently under development, they confirmed that a concerted effort is underway between Canada and China. The official emphasised that both nations are working collaboratively to address the matter, with the primary goal of achieving progress over time through sustained diplomatic engagement. Ottawa is also looking to expand its petroleum and liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets in locations including China. How are Canada-China ties now? The first sign of warming ties came in late October with Xi and Carneys meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in October. The Canadian premier called it a turning point in relations, and said he raised tricky topics such as the alleged Chinese interference in Canadian elections, saying it was important to have that discussion to get relations back on track. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The leaders discussed respective sensitivities regarding issues including agriculture and agri-food products, such as canola, as well as seafood and electric vehicles, according to a Canadian statement. With inputs from agencies Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting Beijing to reset what is a complex bilateral relationship, Foreign Minister Anita Anand told reporters on Wednesday at the start of the trip. BEIJING, Jan 14: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting Beijing to reset what is a complex bilateral relationship, Foreign Minister Anita Anand told reporters on Wednesday at the start of the trip. Anand said talks about Chinese restrictions on Canadian canola exports had been productive and said work on the matter would continue. Canada would continue to hold what she called difficult conversations with China and would talk about human rights, she added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Denmark has announced an immediate military build-up in Greenland ahead of Washington talks, as President Donald Trump renews calls for US control of the Arctic island, escalating tensions within Nato. A US Secret Service counter-assault team walks past the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC, on January 13, 2026.- AFP Denmark announced on Wednesday that it would reinforce its military footprint in Greenland from today, just ahead of sensitive talks in Washington prompted by US President Donald Trumps repeated threats to take control of the Arctic territory. In a statement, the Danish defence ministry said the countrys armed forces would begin deploying assets and personnel as part of exercise-related activities. In the coming period, this would lead to a heightened military presence in and around Greenland, including aircraft, naval vessels and troops, with some contributions coming from Nato allies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier the same day, President Trump said Nato should assist the United States in obtaining Greenland, insisting that anything short of the island coming under US control was unacceptable. His remarks came just hours before U.S. Vice President JD Vance was due to hold talks with officials from Denmark and Greenland. In a post on his social media site, Trump reiterated his argument that the US needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. He added that Nato should be leading the way for us to get it and that otherwise Russia or China would AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! Nato becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES, Trump wrote. Anything less than that is unacceptable. Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Nato ally Denmark, is at the center of a geopolitical storm as Trump insists he wants to own it and residents of its capital, Nuuk, say it isnt for sale. The White House hasnt ruled out taking the Arctic island by force. Vance, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is to meet Denmarks foreign minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt in Washington later Wednesday to discuss Greenland. More diplomatic efforts Following the White House meeting, Lkke Rasmussen and Motzfeldt, along with Denmarks ambassador to the US are due to meet with senators from the Arctic Caucus in the US Congress. Two lawmakers Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican have introduced bipartisan legislation that would prohibit the use of US Defence or State department funds to annex or take control of Greenland or the sovereign territory of any Nato member state without that allys consent or authorisation from the North Atlantic Council. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A bipartisan delegation of lawmakers is also heading to Copenhagen later this week to meet Danish and Greenlandic officials. Last week, Denmarks major European allies joined Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in issuing a statement declaring that Greenland belongs to its people and that it is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told RTL radio Wednesday that his country plans to open a consulate in Greenland Feb. 6, following a decision last summer to open the diplomatic outpost. Attacking another Nato member would make no sense; it would even be contrary to the interests of the United States. And Im hearing more and more voices in the United States saying this, Barrot said. So this blackmail must obviously stop. With inputs from agencies Trump has once again threatened Iran, saying that the Islamic Republic should better behave as thousands of people die in widespread protests across the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday said that the Islamic Republic does not deserve to exist as he showed support to the Iranian protestors agitating against the government. We support the position on Iran. A regime that has lasted so many years and killed so many people does not deserve to exist. Changes are needed. Changes are also needed in Europethe bloodshed that Russia started and is the only one still prolonging must come to an end, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We support the position on Iran: A regime that has lasted so many years and killed so many people does not deserve to exist. Changes are needed. Changes are also needed in Europethe bloodshed that Russia started and is the only one still prolonging must come to an end. pic.twitter.com/GHIjGj0jCM Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) January 13, 2026 Better behave themselves US President Donald Trump has once again threatened Iran, saying that the Islamic Republic should better behave as thousands of people die in widespread protests across the country. When asked if he has a message for Iran, Trump said, The message is theyve got to show humanity. Theyve got a big problem, and I hope theyre not going to be killing people it would seem to me that they have been badly misbehaving, but that is not confirmed. Meanwhile, Iran has repeatedly pushed back against Trumps threat and asked Washington not to meddle in its internal affairs. Regarding this, a reporter said that Tehran has vowed retaliation to US strikes, to which the president said, Yeah, Iran said that the last time I blew them up with the nuclear capability, which they dont have any longer, so they better behave. Trump on Tuesday called on anti-government protesters in Iran to continue demonstrations across the country, telling them that help is on its way. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump urged protesters to take over your institutions and introduced the slogan MIGA, short for Make Iran Great Again. He also said he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials. France has imposed a ban on ten British far-right activists for actions in France intended to stop migrants crossing to the United Kingdom on small boats. British far-right activists monitor the beach of Gravelines as they try to prevent migrants from crossing the English Channel, in northern France, on December 5, 2025. Image Credit: AFP The French government has banned at least ten British far-right activists for actions in France aimed to stop migrants crossing to the UK on small boats, according to the French Interior Ministry on Wednesday. On Tuesday, following reports members of the Raise the Colours movement had conducted anti-migrant actions in France, territorial bans were issued against ten British nationals, identified as activists within the movement and having carried out actions on French soil, it said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The identity of those ten people were identified by videos circulated by a social media account called Raise the Colours Operation France last year on Frances northern coastline. In one video posted in November, an activist filmed himself on a French beach, saying he had found a small inflatable boat buried in the sand and had slashed it. That is not going to England, says the man, who elsewhere has called himself Ryan Bridge. Youre not welcome in our country, he says. Anti-racism campaigners say far-right activists are behind the main organisers, Raise the Colours. Last year saw the second highest number of undocumented migrants arrive on British shores since the Channel crossings began in 2018. US President Donald Trump hardens his demand for Greenlands ownership ahead of talks with Denmark, linking the Arctic island to US national security, NATO strength and concerns over Russia and China. This combination of file pictures created in Berlin on January 12, 2026 shows Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (L, in Berlin on December 15, 2025) and US President Donald Trump (at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2026).- AFP US President Donald Trump has hardened his stance on Greenland ahead of high-stakes talks with Danish and Greenlandic leaders at the White House, declaring that American ownership of the Arctic island is non-negotiable and central to US and NATO security. In a post on Truth Social hours before the meeting, Trump said the United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security, describing it as vital for the Golden Dome defence project under construction. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He argued that NATO should be leading the way to bring Greenland under US control, warning that if Washington failed to act, Russia or China would move in. NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable, Trump wrote. Trump has repeatedly threatened to take control of the vast, sparsely populated island, escalating his rhetoric in recent weeks. Asked about Greenlands leader saying the territory wished to remain autonomous within Denmark, Trump responded bluntly: Well thats their problem, adding that it would be a big problem for him. Last week, Trump said he wanted Greenland whether they like it or not and warned that if it could not be done the easy way, the US would do it the hard way. Denmark seeks to reassure US, backs stronger NATO role The talks were requested by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. Rasmussen said he hoped the meeting would clear up certain misunderstandings, though Trump has shown little indication of softening his position. Ahead of the talks, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Denmark was strengthening its military presence in Greenland and was in discussions with allies on an increased NATO role in the Arctic. He said Copenhagen would continue to strengthen our military presence in Greenland while pushing for more exercises and a larger NATO footprint, including new activities planned for 2026. Denmark has rejected US claims that it is not doing enough to defend Greenland from Russia and China, citing investments of nearly 90 billion kroner to boost Arctic security. Copenhagen has also highlighted its long-standing NATO credentials, including military cooperation with the US in Afghanistan and Iraq. Greenland and allies push back as diplomacy tightens STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Greenlands leadership has firmly opposed Trumps demands. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the island did not wish to be owned, governed by, or made part of the United States. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said it had been difficult to withstand what she described as completely unacceptable pressure from our closest ally. The meeting follows an uninvited March visit by Vice President JD Vance to Greenland, where he stayed at the US Pituffik base without engaging local residents. Analysts have warned that Trumps uncompromising stance could limit scope for dialogue. If the US continues with, We have to have Greenland at all cost, it could be a very short meeting, said Penny Naas of the German Marshall Fund. The dispute has drawn wider international attention, with a US congressional delegation set to visit Copenhagen in support of Denmark and France announcing plans to open a consulate in Greenland. As Trump frames Greenland as central to countering Russian and Chinese activity and to expanding US influence, whether talks can yield cooperation or deepen divisions within NATO remains uncertain. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Surging shipments to Asia, Africa and Latin America help Beijing cushion U.S. trade curbs, but rising surpluses are intensifying global overcapacity fears China shrugs off tariff wars to post the worlds largest trade surplus ever The worlds second-largest economy has once again shown its resilience to the world, as China closed 2025 with its largest-ever trade surplus, clocking nearly $1.2 trillion, as exporters successfully rerouted shipments to emerging markets to blunt the impact of renewed tariff pressure from the Trump administration. According to Customs data, China posted a $1.189 trillion surplus, crossing the trillion-dollar mark for the first time, driven by stronger-than-expected export growth despite slowing domestic demand and a prolonged property slump. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The same data showed that exports in December rose 6.6 per cent year-on-year, beating market expectations of 3 per cent, while imports grew 5.7 per cent, also exceeding forecasts. The data triggered a rally in Chinese equities, with the Shanghai Composite and CSI300 indices both climbing more than one per cent in early trade. Beijings strategy of diversifying trade away from the United States has become central to sustaining growth. Policymakers have encouraged manufacturers to pivot towards Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where demand has surged. Exports to Africa jumped 25.8 per cent in 2025, shipments to the ASEAN bloc rose 13.4 per cent, and exports to the European Union increased 8.4 per cent. By contrast, shipments to the United States fell 20 per cent, while Chinese imports from the U.S. dropped 14.6 per cent, reflecting the continuing impact of tariff barriers and political friction. Chinas economy remains extraordinarily competitive, said Fred Neumann, chief Asia economist at HSBC, noting that rising productivity and technological sophistication have strengthened manufacturers but also warning that weak domestic demand has fuelled excess capacity, pushing firms to sell aggressively overseas. The expanding surplus is already triggering unease among global trade partners. Economists caution that persistently rising Chinese exports could intensify trade tensions, particularly with economies reliant on manufacturing exports themselves. Chinas customs vice minister Wang Jun said Beijings diversified trading partnerships had significantly enhanced its ability to withstand external risks, underlining the governments confidence in its current export-led strategy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the Trump factor continues to loom large. The former president has renewed threats of wider tariffs, including a proposed 25 per cent levy on countries trading with Iran, a move that could once again drag China into geopolitical crossfire. Analysts say Chinese firms are increasingly setting up overseas manufacturing hubs to bypass tariff barriers in the U.S. and Europe, allowing Beijing to gain further global market share in 2026. India has asked its citizens to leave Iran amid the worsening situation in the country as US President Donald Trumps repeated threats raise the prospect of an attack that could further destabilise Iran and the wider region. The Embassy of India in Iran has also set up helplines. Crowds gather in the evening around an open fire in Pounak Square, in the Iranian capital Tehran. Iranians have been taking to the streets to press the biggest movement against the Islamic republic in more than three years, as authorities sustained an internet blackout as part of a crackdown that has left dozens dead. UGC/AFP The Embassy of India in Tehran has asked all citizens to leave Iran. The advisory has been released as the situation in Iran has continued to worsen as widespread protests have entered the third week. US President Donald Trumps repeated threats have raised prospects of an attack that could further destabilise the country and the region. In an advisory, the embassy on Wednesday said that Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, businesspersons, and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is reiterated that all Indian citizens and PIOs [Persons of Indian Origin] should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments, the advisory said. For any assistance, the embassy said it has set up four helplines: +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109, +98 9128109102; +98 9932179359. The advisory further asked all Indian nationals to registered with the embassy at the following link: https://www.meaers.com/request/home. In case any Indian national is unable to register due to internet disruptions in Iran, their families in India are requested to do so, the advisory said. For more than two weeks, Iran has been rocked by nationwide protests that began with outrage against the poor state of the economy but soon spiralled into a revolt against the nations theocratic regime that has failed to ensure economic stability and grant meaningful personal and freedom freedoms. The protests, which have included frequent clashes with the security personnel, have emerged as the greatest challenge to the regime in five decades. While Irans rulers initially appeared to strike a conciliatory note, they later hardened their stance and cracked down on protesters with an iron fist. Estimates have said that thousands of people may have been killed and injured in the crackdown. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A source told CBS News that at least 12,000 people have been killed in the crackdown. They said the toll could be as high as 20,000. The assessment was based on activists compiling numbers from reports from medical officials across the country, the source said. Separately, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has said that there may have been 2,000 people killed, there have been more in the ongoing crackdown. Trump has reportedly been briefed on military options about an intervention in Iran. He has said that help is on its way and urged protesters to take over governments institutions. Iran has accused Trump of creating pretext for an attack. In June 1989, after Ayatollah Khomeinis death, the authorities severed Irans telephone links with other countries, apparently to curb domestic opponents ability to reach the outside world Members of the Iranian police attend a pro-government rally in Tehran, Iran, January 12, 2026. File Image/WANA via Reuters Iran has been cut off from the internet for over 132 hours now. This means that the country, marred by deadly protests, is virtually not in touch with the rest of the world, with concerns being raised over barring the flow of information. However, the Islamic Republic keeps the communication blackout playbook handy at times of protests and unrest. The regime understands the power of social media and hence has been nipping the bud of the source that transmits on-ground information in the form of banning internet access to its citizens. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD New day, old tactic In June 1989, after Ayatollah Khomeinis death, the authorities severed Irans telephone links with other countries, apparently to curb domestic opponents ability to reach the outside world. During the November 2019 protests over fuel price rises, public internet access was almost entirely shut down, while select institutions and individuals retained limited, tightly managed connectivity. In the Women, Life, Freedom protests of 2022, authorities slowed internet speeds and disruptions were widespread, but connectivity was never fully severed leaving at least a narrow channel for information to continue circulating. During the 12-day conflict with Israel in June 2025, Iran sharply curtailed internet bandwidth. Starlink provides free internet in Iran Elon Musks SpaceX is providing free internet access through its Starlink satellite service to users in Iran. The move comes as the countrys regime continues a violent crackdown on anti-government protests, according to a technology expert in contact with Iranian Starlink users. Starlink accounts in Iran that were previously inactive are now connected, with subscription fees waived as of Tuesday, said Ahmad Ahmadian, executive director of the technology non-profit Holistic Resilience. Its plug and connect just put [the satellite terminal] somewhere that has access to a clear view of the sky, and youre good to go, Ahmad Ahmadian, executive director of the technology non-profit Holistic Resilience, told CNN. The scale of the blackout has made Starlink, in some cases, the only way to get the information out to the outside world about protesters being killed, Ahmadian said. With thousands of low-orbit satellites communicating with ground terminals, Starlink has emerged as a key tool of US soft power in closed societies and conflict zones such as Ukraine. With Iran plunged into a near-total internet blackout, some residents have resorted to landline phones to share harrowing accounts of lethal force used against protesters, offering rare glimpses of an escalating nationwide crackdown. Several Iranians living abroad said they received landline calls from family members inside Iran. Amid a near-total internet blackout, some Iranians have turned to landline phones to inform relatives abroad about the use of lethal force against protesters, according to accounts shared on Tuesday. Reports describe people relying on fixed-line calls to communicate with the outside world while remaining largely confined indoors as security forces intensify a nationwide crackdown. The brief window of international calls came just hours before US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to continue protesting against their government and warned that those responsible for killing demonstrators would pay a big price. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump calls for continued protests Posting on Truth Social, Trump said he had cancelled mee==tings with Iranian officials and repeated threats of consequences if lethal force continued to be used against protesters. Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!, Trump wrote. Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! Trump has also threatened to intervene militarily in Iran on behalf of protesters if authorities escalate violence. Calls from inside Iran describe deadly force On Tuesday morning, several Iranians living abroad said they received landline calls from family members inside Iran. Speaking to The New York Times, they said their relatives described chaotic and bloody protests, with demonstrators coming under fire from security forces and, in some cases, from snipers positioned on rooftops. The callers also said police had checked security camera footage in shops and ordered owners to delete any material that might document the crackdown. Once the calls ended, relatives abroad said they were unable to reconnect. I just shed tears after the call, said Soudabeh, in Britain. My sisters voice was strong and resolute. My mother sounded anguished. Protests expand as communications are cut Iran is facing its most extensive protests in years against the countrys clerical leadership, after economic grievances over the past two weeks widened into a broader challenge to the regime. An internet block imposed last week sharply curtailed communications as demonstrations spread and security forces moved to suppress them. Digital experts said it was not immediately clear what enabled the international calls on Tuesday, which appeared to rely largely on landlines. According to one account, protesters in Tehran became hesitant to go out from Friday onwards after the government sent text messages warning they risked being killed if they joined demonstrations. Homes become shelters amid fear Callers described how the crackdown forced many people to stay inside their homes, with some venturing out only to buy groceries or run errands during daylight hours. Several said they personally knew individuals who had been killed in the protests, according to relatives abroad. Rights groups and at least one senior Iranian health ministry official have said hundreds of people, and possibly thousands, have been killed during the unrest. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A nationwide kill switch The latest internet shutdown has been among the most severe national disruptions globally, according to Alp Toker, founder of the British internet watchdog NetBlocks. While Iran has cut internet access during previous protests, including during demonstrations for womens freedom in 2022, those shutdowns were gradual. This time, the process has been fully automated into an actual kill switch that enables the authority to cut off the entire nation, which is extraordinary, Toker said. Risks of restored landline access Digital rights experts cautioned that limited restoration of communication could carry risks for citizens. There is now a much bigger risk associated with using those landlines, because they arent secured and they arent encrypted, Toker said, adding that this may be why landline services were selectively enabled. Authorities have also been jamming satellite services, particularly Starlink terminals, though the disruption is not complete and some communication remains possible. Starlink access and international response Starlink is operated by SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk. Trump said on Sunday that he planned to enlist Musks help to bypass Irans internet shutdown and restore connectivity. According to Ahmad Ahmadian, executive director of the technology non-profit Holistic Resilience, previously inactive Starlink accounts in Iran are now connected, with subscription fees waived as of Tuesday. Its plug and connect just put [the satellite terminal] somewhere that has access to a clear view of the sky, and youre good to go, he told CNN. The communications blackout has limited the flow of information from Iran and hindered efforts to verify casualties. The Iran Human Rights group, based in Oslo, has reported nearly 700 protester deaths, while HRANA, a rights organisation in Washington, said it had confirmed the deaths of 1,850 protesters and 135 government and military personnel. Some sources reported the death toll as high as 12,000. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With the internet largely inaccessible, Starlink has, in some cases, become the only way to get the information out about protesters being killed, Ahmadian said. With thousands of low-orbit satellites linking ground terminals, the service has emerged as a significant communication channel in tightly controlled environments and conflict zones. In his latest episode featuring Sen. Rand Paul, Rogan expressed concerns about ICE actions in US states. He said that while most people believe law enforcement should arrest criminals, others also believe ICE is operating illegally Joe Rogan looks on during UFC 316 at the Prudential Center on June 07, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. AFP file The world-famous podcaster Joe Rogan has struck a critical note on US President Donald Trumps recent anti-immigration move, comparing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the Gestapo. In his latest episode featuring Sen. Rand Paul, Rogan expressed concerns about ICE actions in US states. He said that while most people believe law enforcement should arrest criminals, others also believe ICE is operating illegally. I can also see the point of view of the people that say, Yeah, but you dont want militarized people in the streets just roaming around snatching people up, many of which turn out to actually be U.S. citizens that just dont have their papers on them, Rogan said. Are we really going to be the Gestapo? Wheres your papers? Is that what weve come to? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Widespread social media footage of ICE agents using aggressive tactics during public arrests and immigration hearings has sparked national fear and outrage. Public trust has further declined following reports of agents detaining US citizens and legal residents, alongside allegations of mistreatment within detention facilities. These incidents have led to a surge in protests across cities where ICE operations are active. Rogan endorsed Trump during his 2024 election campaign after the Republican leader appeared on his podcast The Joe Rogan Experience for a three-hour-long interview. The podcaster also joined others in criticising the killing of Minneapolis woman Renee Good Nicole at the hands of ICE agents. Rogan said it was very ugly to watch someone shoot a U.S. citizen, especially a woman, in the face. He said, It just looked horrific to me. mean, when people are saying its justifiable because the car hit him, it seemed like she was kind of turning the car away. Meanwhile, the United Nations demanded on Tuesday a swift and independent investigation after a federal immigration officer fatally shot Good last week. The UN rights office voiced deep concern at the killing of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot dead in her car by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in the Midwestern city last Wednesday. Under international human rights law, the intentional use of lethal force is only permissible as a measure of last resort against an individual representing an imminent threat to life, UN rights office spokesman Jeremy Laurence told reporters in Geneva. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The US has issued a Leave Iran now advisory amid escalating protests, warning of violence, arrests and disruptions as Iranian security forces reportedly kill over 3,400 demonstrators while the White House keeps all options open. An anti-Iranian regime protester lights a cigarette with a lit paper depicting Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran during a gathering outside the US Consulate in Milan, on January 13, 2026.- AFP The United States has issued an advisory for American citizens to Leave Iran now, warning that protests across the country are escalating and could turn violent, leading to arrests, injuries and severe disruptions to daily life. In its advisory, the virtual US embassy in Tehran said Leave Iran now. Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on US government help,. US citizens should leave Iran now. Consider departing Iran by land to Turkiye or Armenia, if safe to do so, the embassy said in a statement Wednesday, the third alert in five days. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iranian security forces have killed at least 3,428 protesters in a crackdown on demonstrations, the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO said on Wednesday, adding that more than 10,000 people had also been arrested. IHR said the jump in its verified toll was due to new information it received from within the Iranian health and education ministries, with at least 3,379 of the killings coming during the height of the protest movement from January 8 to 12. The groups director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam condemned the mass killing of protesters on the streets in recent days, while IHR warned that even the new figure represented an absolute minimum for the actual toll. Earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday (local time) said that US President Donald Trump continues to keep all options on the table in dealing with Iran, including military action, while emphasising that diplomacy remains his preferred first step. Responding to a question on Iran and whether ongoing protests could end without military intervention, Leavitt said, I think one thing President Trump is very good at is always keeping all of his options on the table, and airstrikes would be one of the many, many options that are on the table for the Commander in Chief. Diplomacy is always the first option for the president. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies U.S. President Donald Trump said anything less than Greenland in the hands of the United States was unacceptable, reiterating his demand for control of the Danish territory just hours ahead of a White House meeting on the issue. Trump demands US control of Greenland for national security and Golden Dome, calls NATO stance unacceptable ahead of White House talks. Jan 14: U.S. President Donald Trump said anything less than Greenland in the hands of the United States was unacceptable, reiterating his demand for control of the Danish territory just hours ahead of a White House meeting on the issue. The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it, Trump wrote in a social media post. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable, he added. In a follow-up post citing Russia and China, Trump wrote: NATO: Tell Denmark to get them out of here, NOW! Two dogsleds wont do it! Only the USA can!!! The Danish and Greenland foreign ministers will meet with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House later on Wednesday following weeks of Trumps threats. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) As US President Donald Trumps threats to attack Iran raise fears of destabilising the region, Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has convened a high-level meeting to assess the situation and instructed the ISI chief to rally other Islamic countries to push for de-escalation. Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir prays after laying wreath on the martyrs' monument during a guard of honor ceremony at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on May 21, 2025. (Photo by Handout/Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations via AFP) As US President Donald Trumps threats to intervene in Iran have endangered regional stability, Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has convened a high-level meeting to discuss the situation and assess his options, according to CNN-News 18. Trump has amid ongoing nationwide protests. As Iran already stands battered by bombardment from Israel and the United States, a new offensive could substantially destabilise the regime and the fallout could extend well beyond the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With Pakistans disputed border with Afghanistan already tense and prone to frequent clashes, officials warned that Pakistan could not afford its border with Iran to become volatile as well, according to the report. At the same time, they also discussed how any conflict could affect the US-Pakistan relationship, which has improved massively in Trumps second term, the report said. Munir was joined in the meeting by Lieutenant General Asim Malik, who holds the dual charge of ISI chief and National Security Adviser; Southern Army Commander Lt General Rahat Naseem; and other senior officers, including the Director General of Military Intelligence, the Chief of General Staff to the Chief of Army Staff, the ISIs Director General (Analysis), and other senior generals. Munir braces for complications from Trumps Iran attack Sources told CNN-News 18 that a key concern was that Trump could seek access to Pakistans airspace or military bases in case the United States strikes Iran. Such a demand could put Pakistan in a difficult position. Denying the request would risk annoying Trump and jeopardising the improvement in bilateral relations. At the same time, accepting it would risk alienating the countrys Shia population and the Islamic world at large. Pakistan has around 20 per cent Shia Muslims who sympathise with Iran Iran is a Shia-majority state. Sources said Munir is concerned that a US attack on Iran and pressure on Pakistan to facilitate such an attack could foment unrest in Pakistan. As Pakistan has already been rocked by rising violence 2025 was the deadliest year in a decade new unrest could be catastrophic. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistani officials fear that any attack on Iran or a potential regime-change scenario could trigger widespread protests across Pakistan and create additional pressure along the Pakistan-Iran border due to a potential inflow of refugees, according to the report. Sources said Munir directed senior commanders and the ISI chief to remain on high alert and closely monitor developments. Munir also tasked the ISI chief with strengthening diplomatic and security-level contacts with counterparts in Iran, Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and the United States to assess the evolving situation and explore avenues for de-escalation, according to sources. The report further said that intelligence assessments suggest Pakistan has joined Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey in conveying to the Trump administration that a strike on Iran could destabilise the entire region. Qatar reaffirmed support for de-escalation and regional stability during a call between its Prime Minister and Irans top security official, as unrest and international pressure intensify around Tehran In this frame grab from footage circulating on social media shows protesters dancing and cheering around a bonfire as they take to the streets despite an intensifying crackdown as the Islamic Republic remains cut off from the rest of the world, in Tehran, Iran. AP Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani on Tuesday expressed Dohas support for all efforts aiming to de-escalate and peaceful solutions in West Asia, following a phone call from Irans Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani. According to Qatars Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which shared details on X, Sheikh Mohammed reiterated Qatars backing for initiatives that enhance security and stability across the region during the conversation. The two officials reviewed bilateral cooperation and explored ways to support and strengthen relations. They also discussed the latest regional developments and addressed a number of issues of mutual interest. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iran protests and international pressure The call comes amid widespread anti-government protests in Iran that, according to some estimates, have resulted in several thousand deaths. Earlier on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to continue protesting and take over their institutions, saying, Help is on its way. The unrest, driven by dire economic conditions, has presented the biggest internal challenge to Irans clerical rulers in at least three years and coincides with intensifying international pressure following Israeli and US strikes last year. Trump announces tariffs, warns of further action On Monday evening, Trump announced 25% import tariffs on products from any country doing business with Iran, a major oil exporter. He has also said further military action is among the options being considered to punish Iran over the crackdown, stating earlier this month, we are locked and loaded. On Tuesday, Trump warned of unspecified very strong action if Iranian authorities proceed with threatened hangings of some protesters. Tehran described the American warnings as a pretext for military intervention. Rights groups raise alarm; Iran responds International outrage has mounted over the crackdown, with a rights group saying it has likely killed thousands during protests that pose one of the most significant challenges yet to Irans clerical leadership. Irans UN mission posted a statement on X, vowing that Washingtons playbook would fail again. US fantasies and policy toward Iran are rooted in regime change, with sanctions, threats, engineered unrest, and chaos serving as the modus operandi to manufacture a pretext for military intervention, the post said. Iranian authorities have insisted they have regained control after successive nights of nationwide mass protests since Thursday. Rights groups, however, accuse the government of fatally shooting protesters and concealing the scale of the crackdown through an internet blackout that has now exceeded five days. Capital charges and warnings over executions Trump, who earlier told Iranian protesters that help is on its way, told CBS News that the United States would act if Iran began hanging protesters. Tehran prosecutors said capital charges of moharebeh, or waging war against God, would be pursued against some suspects arrested over recent demonstrations. We will take very strong action if they do such a thing, the American leader said, repeating threats of military intervention. When they start killing thousands of people and now youre telling me about hanging. Well see how thats going to work out for them, Trump added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD New videos on social media, with locations verified by AFP, showed bodies lined up at the Kahrizak morgue south of Tehran, wrapped in black bags, as distraught relatives searched for loved ones. International phone links were restored on Tuesday, but only for outgoing calls, according to an AFP journalist. The quality remained poor, with frequent interruptions. Elon Musks SpaceX has activated free Starlink internet access for users in Iran, offering a rare communications lifeline as the regime intensifies its crackdown on protests Starlink accounts in Iran that were previously inactive are now connected, with subscription fees waived. (AI Image) Elon Musks SpaceX is providing free internet access through its Starlink satellite service to users in Iran. The move comes as the countrys regime continues a violent crackdown on anti-government protests, according to a technology expert in contact with Iranian Starlink users. Tehran moved to shut down internet access entirely through a so-called kill switch strategy. While governments elsewhere have used similar tools in limited, localised situations to contain misinformation during crises, Iran has applied the measure on a far broader scale. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Starlink accounts in Iran that were previously inactive are now connected, with subscription fees waived as of Tuesday, said Ahmad Ahmadian, executive director of the technology non-profit Holistic Resilience. Its plug and connect just put [the satellite terminal] somewhere that has access to a clear view of the sky, and youre good to go, he told CNN. Internet shutdown masks scale of violence For several days, Iranian authorities have sharply restricted internet access nationwide while reportedly killing over hundreds of protesters, in what observers describe as one of the regimes largest-ever digital blackouts. Human rights groups warn the true death toll could be significantly higher, as the communications shutdown has made verification difficult. The only way to get the information out The scale of the blackout has made Starlink, in some cases, the only way to get the information out to the outside world about protesters being killed, Ahmadian said. With thousands of low-orbit satellites communicating with ground terminals, Starlink has emerged as a key tool of US soft power in closed societies and conflict zones such as Ukraine. Trump has urged protesters to continue resisting Irans leadership, while stating that all options for US support, including military action, remain on the table. Irans Great Firewall and jamming efforts Irans rulers have created their own Great Firewall that blocks everything but approved traffic, Doug Madory of network monitoring firm Kentik told CNN. He said cutting internet access is relatively straightforward because only two companies connect Iran to the global internet. Experts say the Iranian government is drawing on decades of experience in mass surveillance and in exporting such practices to countries including Syria. Authorities are also using multiple tactics to jam or degrade Starlink signals inside Iran, according to Ahmadian, including military-grade interference similar to methods used by Russia against Starlink terminals in Ukraine. Risky access despite criminalisation Digital rights activists have called for wider access to Starlink to bypass state censorship. Although Starlink is not officially licensed in Iran, Musk has previously said the service is active and available. Iranian authorities criminalised Starlink use after the 12-day war between Israel and Iran last year. Despite the risk of execution for using Starlink equipment, Ahmadian said there was a surge in demand for terminals inside Iran following the conflict with Israel. Starlink connections have provided a small window into the crackdown, according to Mahsa Alimardani, a technology specialist at human rights group Witness. Estimates say there are around 50,000 Starlink receivers in Iran, she said. If that window could be expanded, it could be a boon and even a deterrent to the regime in its efforts to commit what is likely going to be labelled an atrocity under a blackout. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sudan peace efforts resumed in Cairo on Wednesday as Egypt, the United Nations and the United States called for the warring parties to agree to a nationwide humanitarian truce, as the war between the army and its rival paramilitary nears the three year mark. Efforts to restore peace in Sudan resumed in Cairo on Wednesday with Egypt, the United Nations and the United States urging the rival sides in the conflict to commit to a nationwide humanitarian ceasefire as fighting between the Sudanese army and a competing paramilitary force approaches its third year. Speaking to reporters, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said Egypt would not tolerate the disintegration of Sudan or its state institutions, nor any move to weaken the countrys unity or split its territory, calling such outcomes red lines. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During a joint press conference with Ramtane Lamamra, the UN secretary-generals personal envoy for Sudan, Abdelatty stressed that Egypt would not remain passive and would take all necessary steps to support the preservation of Sudans unity. There is absolutely no room for recognizing parallel entities or any militias. Under no circumstances can we equate Sudanese state institutions, including the Sudanese army, with any other militias, he said on the sidelines of the fifth meeting of the Consultative Mechanism to Enhance and Coordinate Peace Efforts. Lamamra said that the fifth such meeting demonstrated that diplomacy remains a viable path toward peace. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, and the military have been at war since April 2023. The conflict that has seen multiple atrocities and pushed Sudan into one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises. Although repeated attempts at peace talks have failed to end the war, Abdelatty said that theres a regional agreement to secure an immediate humanitarian truce, including certain withdrawals and the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors. Massad Boulos, the U.S. senior adviser for Arab and African Affairs, said Wednesday that more than 1.3 metric tons of humanitarian supplies entered el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, on Wednesday, with the help of American-led negotiations, marking the first such delivery since the city was besieged 18 months ago. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As we press the warring parties for a nationwide humanitarian truce, we will continue to support mechanisms to facilitate the unhindered delivery of assistance to areas suffering from famine, malnutrition, and conflict-driven displacement, Boulos posted on X. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi discussed with Boulos the need to increase coordination between both countries to achieve stability in Sudan, with el-Sissi expressing appreciation to U.S. President Donald Trumps efforts to end the war. U.S. and key mediators Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, known as the Quad, proposed a humanitarian truce, which both sides reportedly agreed to, but the conflict has persisted. The President emphasized that Egypt will not allow such actions, given the deep connection between the national security of both brotherly countries, the Egyptian presidents office said in a statement. The United States has accused the RSF of committing genocide in Darfur during the war, and rights groups said that the paramilitary group committed war crimes during the siege and takeover of el-Fasher, as well as in the capture of other cities in Darfur. The military has also been accused of human rights violations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA, said on Tuesday that at least 19 civilians were killed during ground operations in Jarjira in North Darfur on Monday. A military-allied Darfur rebel group said that it carried out a joint military operation with the army in Jarjira, saying that the operation liberated the area and its surroundings and forced RSF fighters to flee south. At least 10 others were killed and nine others injured, also on Monday, in a drone attack that hit Sinja, the capital city of Sennar province, according to OCHA and the Sudan Doctors Network. Sudan Doctors Network said in a statement that the drone strike was launched by the RSF and hit several areas in the city, describing the attack as the latest crime added to the long list of grave violations against civilians. The group said that civilians are being deliberately targeted in a full-fledged war crime. The Sudan Doctors Network also said that it holds the Rapid Support Forces fully responsible for this crime and demands an end to their targeting of civilians and the protection of civilian infrastructure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Recent violence displaced more than 8,000 people from villages in North Darfur, with some fleeing to safer areas within the province and others crossing into Chad, according to the latest estimate by the International Organization for Migration. With inputs from agencies Trump has called on anti-government protesters in Iran to continue demonstrations across the country, telling them that help is on its way US President Donald Trump weighs possible options including military against Iran over the protests. (Photo: Reuters) US President Donald Trump has once again threatened Iran, saying that the Islamic Republic should better behave as thousands of people die in widespread protests across the country. When asked if he has a message for Iran, Trump said, The message is theyve got to show humanity. Theyve got a big problem, and I hope theyre not going to be killing people it would seem to me that they have been badly misbehaving, but that is not confirmed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, Iran has repeatedly pushed back against Trumps threat and asked Washington not to meddle in its internal affairs. Regarding this, a reporter said that Tehran has vowed retaliation to US strikes, to which the president said, Yeah, Iran said that the last time I blew them up with the nuclear capability, which they dont have any longer, so they better behave. Trump on Tuesday called on anti-government protesters in Iran to continue demonstrations across the country, telling them that help is on its way. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump urged protesters to take over your institutions and introduced the slogan MIGA, short for Make Iran Great Again. He also said he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials. Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price, Trump wrote. He added that all engagements with Iranian officials had been cancelled until the senseless killing of protesters stops, repeating that help is on its way. US asks citizens to leave Iran The US State Department has issued an advisory for its citizens in Iran to leave the country now as violent protests spread and kill over 2,000 people. The department has advised US citizens to consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Turkey. The US virtual embassy has told its people to plan alternative means of communication due to continued internet outages and have a plan for departing that does not rely on US government help. Iran responds to Trump Responding to Trumps threat, Irans UN mission said, US fantasies and policy toward Iran are rooted in regime change, with sanctions, threats, engineered unrest, and chaos serving as the modus operandi to manufacture a pretext for military intervention. It accused the US president of encouraging political destabilisation, inciting violence and threatening Irans sovereignty. At the same time, Iranian authorities will press charges punishable by death against some individuals arrested during recent demonstrations, prosecutors said on Tuesday, as concern grew that one man arrested during the protests already risks imminent execution. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The office of the Tehran prosecutor said in a statement quoted by state television that an unspecified number would be charged with moharebeh, or waging war against God, a sharia law term which is a capital offence in Iran and used widely in the past in death penalty cases. The UK government has rolled back plans to mandate digital ID for employment checks after strong backlash, opting for a voluntary system while pledging fully digital right-to-work checks later this decade. The UK government has dropped its controversial plan to make digital identity (ID) cards compulsory for all workers after widespread political and public backlash, media reports said. Under the policy first unveiled by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in September 2025, employees would have been required to hold a state-issued digital ID on their mobile phones to prove their right to work in the UK, a move aimed at cracking down on illegal employment and bolstering border control. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the government has now reversed course, deciding that when the digital ID system is introduced, expected by 2029 it will be optional rather than mandatory, according to reports. Traditional forms of identity such as biometric passports, e-visas and other documentation will continue to be accepted for right-to-work verification. Officials stressed that while right-to-work checks will still go fully digital by the end of the Parliament, workers will not have to enrol in the governments digital ID scheme to secure employment. A government spokesperson said the change reflects a desire to safeguard public trust in the digital ID initiative, ahead of a full public consultation on the scheme scheduled to launch soon. The salvation of digital right-to-work checks underscores the administrations commitment to replacing the current patchwork of paper-based verification systems, which officials say are vulnerable to fraud and abuse. Backlash and political resistance The original proposal sparked significant criticism from across the political spectrum and civil liberties groups, who warned that compulsory digital IDs could infringe on personal privacy and undermine data security. Opposition parties labelled the plan an overreach, with Conservatives describing the latest reversal as yet another humiliating U-turn for Starmers government, which has faced mounting scrutiny over policy consistency. Public scepticism also mounted quickly after the plans announcement, with polls indicating support for mandatory digital ID plummeted as concerns about surveillance and state overreach grew. The debate revived long-standing tensions in British politics over national ID schemes, a concept last seriously pursued under former Prime Minister Tony Blair two decades ago but abandoned amid strong resistance. Labour backbenchers and some civil rights advocates welcomed the rollback, arguing that a voluntary approach would ease privacy fears while still allowing the government to modernise employment checks and public services. Critics, however, contend that without compulsion, the digital ID system may struggle to achieve its intended effect on illegal working and border control. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Future of digital identity in the UK Despite abandoning the mandatory aspect, officials reiterated that the digital ID framework remains central to the governments broader strategy to modernise public services and clamp down on unlawful employment. A full consultation will explore which forms of verification should be used and how the system can balance efficiency with civil liberties. The reversal marks one of several high-profile policy changes by Starmers administration since it took office, fuelling debate over its policy direction and strategic planning. With digital right-to-work checks still on the agenda, the government is betting that a flexible approach may better secure public buy-in while avoiding the perception of a compulsory national ID card system. Overall, while the U-turn has defused some criticism, it leaves unanswered questions about the future implementation and public acceptance of digital identity systems in the UK and whether voluntary uptake will be sufficient to meet the governments objectives for immigration control and administrative efficiency. The US virtual embassy has told its people to plan alternative means of communication due to continued internet outages and have a plan for departing that does not rely on US government help" In this frame grab from footage circulating on social media shows protesters dancing and cheering around a bonfire as they take to the streets despite an intensifying crackdown as the Islamic Republic remains cut off from the rest of the world, in Tehran, Iran. AP The US State Department has issued an advisory for its citizens in Iran to leave the country now as violent protests spread and kill over 2,000 people. The department has advised US citizens to consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Turkey. The US virtual embassy has told its people to plan alternative means of communication due to continued internet outages and have a plan for departing that does not rely on US government help. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called on anti-government protesters in Iran to continue demonstrations across the country, telling them that help is on its way. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump urged protesters to take over your institutions and introduced the slogan MIGA, short for Make Iran Great Again. He also said he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials. Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price, Trump wrote. He added that all engagements with Iranian officials had been cancelled until the senseless killing of protesters stops, repeating that help is on its way. Iran responds to Trump Responding to Trumps threat, Irans UN mission said, US fantasies and policy toward Iran are rooted in regime change, with sanctions, threats, engineered unrest, and chaos serving as the modus operandi to manufacture a pretext for military intervention. It accused the US president of encouraging political destabilisation, inciting violence and threatening Irans sovereignty. At the same time, Iranian authorities will press charges punishable by death against some individuals arrested during recent demonstrations, prosecutors said on Tuesday, as concern grew that one man arrested during the protests already risks imminent execution. The office of the Tehran prosecutor said in a statement quoted by state television that an unspecified number would be charged with moharebeh, or waging war against God, a sharia law term which is a capital offence in Iran and used widely in the past in death penalty cases. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A number of rioters whose charges are consistent with moharebeh will soon be sent to court, it said. With inputs from agencies Amid President Donald Trumps continuing threats to attack Iran, some military personnel have reportedly been asked to leave the US military base in Qatar, raising concerns that a strike could be imminent. Iran has warned US partners in the region that they would come under attack if the United States launches an assault from their soil. Personnel from the 1st Fighter Wing salute F-22 Raptors from the 27th Fighter Squadron as they taxis to take-off during a deployment to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, US, on June 25, 2019. (Representational Photo, Credit: Kaylee Dubois/US Air Force/Handout via Reuters) Amid President Donald Trumps , some military personnel have been asked to leave the US militarys Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening, according to Reuters. The report about personnel being asked to leave the base has led to speculation that a US attack could be imminent. Such concerns are further bolstered by Reuters report that formal contacts between the Trump administration and Iran have been suspended. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An official told the news agency that direct contacts between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had been suspended. ALSO READ They better behave: Trump mocks Irans will retaliate US strikes remark amid growing unrest But it was not clear if the movement at the base in Qatar was related to any imminent attack. A diplomat told Reuters that the move was a posture change rather than an ordered evacuation. The news agency further noted that there was no sign of a large-scale movement of troops off the base to a nearby stadium and shopping mall. Such movement took place last year hours ahead of Irans strikes on the base that it had telegraphed previously. Iran promises retaliation to any US attack On their part, Iranian officials have said their readiness is at its peak. They have also reportedly warned US partners in the region that they would be targeted in any retaliation if the US military would use their soil to launch any attack. Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned countries providing support for any US strike on Iran that they will be legitimate targets, according to Press TV. Separately, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that the regime had asked US allies in the region to prevent Washington from attacking Iran. Tehran has told regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Turkey, that US bases in those countries will be attacked if the U.S. targets Iran, the official said. The United States has several bases in West Asia in Irans vicinity. These bases include the forward headquarters of Central Command at Al Udeid near Qatars capital Doha and the headquarters of the US Navys Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nasirzadeh further said that if Trumps threats turned into action, we will defend the country with full force and until the last drop of blood, and our defence would be painful to them, according to Press TV. Separately, Sardar Mousavi, the head of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) air force, said that Irans military was at its peak of defensive readiness and prepared to confront any aggression, according to Fars news agency. Mousavi further said that missile reserves have increased compared to before the 12-day war [with Israel], and all damage during this period has been repaired, keeping the force at peak readiness. The Trump administration is suspending all visa processing for visitors from 75 countries starting January 21, Fox News reported on Wednesday, citing a memo from the US State Department. The Trump administration is set to suspend all visa processing for travellers from 75 countries beginning January 21, Fox News reported on Wednesday, citing an internal US State Department memo. According to the report, the list of affected nations includes Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria and Thailand, among others. The move comes as part of a broader immigration clampdown pursued by Republican President Donald Trump since he returned to office last January. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Trump administration is bringing an end to the abuse of Americas immigration system by those who would extract wealth from the American people, State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said. Immigrant visa processing from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits, he said. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X that the countries affected would include Somalia whose people Trump has attacked in heated terms after immigrants were involved in a funding scandal in Minnesota as well as Russia and Iran. A US official said that the other countries affected would include a number of countries with friendly relations with the United States, including Brazil, Egypt and Thailand. Other countries to face the pause include Nigeria Africas most populous country as well as Iraq and Yemen, the official said. The State Department did not immediately release a full list of countries. The freeze will begin on January 21 with no set time for it to end, the US official, who was not authorized to speak to the press, said on condition of anonymity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump has made no secret of his desire to reduce immigration by people who are not of European descent. He has described Somalis as garbage who should go back to where they came from and instead said he was open to Scandinavians moving to the United States. The State Department said Monday that it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since Trumps return, a one-year record. The Department of Homeland Security last month said that the Trump administration has deported more than 605,000 people, and that 2.5 million others left on their own. The latest move does not affect tourist, business or other visas, including for soccer fans seeking to visit for this years World Cup, although the Trump administration has vowed to vet all applicants social media histories. In November, Trump had pledged to permanently pause migration from all Third World countries following a shooting near the White House by an Afghan national that resulted in the death of a National Guard member. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies US-Venezuela Crisis Live Updates: Ousted President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have pleaded not guilty in a US court, after they were captured by the US military over the weekend in a dramatic operation ordered by President Donald Trump The ripple effects are spreading beyond Venezuelas borders. Trump has warned of possible military action in Colombia, urged Mexico to clamp down on drug trafficking, and once again floated the idea that the United States needs Greenland, signalling a wider, more confrontational posture on the global stage. US-Venezuela Crisis Live Updates: Caracas is holding its breath. Hours after the dramatic US operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the capital remains tense and unsettled. Residents reported bursts of gunfire and anti-aircraft fire lighting up the night sky, as authorities said police were responding to drones flying without authorisation over the city. In New York, the political drama moved to a courtroom. Maduro and his wife pleaded not guilty to US drug trafficking and weapons charges, with the former leader insisting he had been forcibly taken from Caracas. Back home, Maduro loyalist Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as acting president, even as US President Donald Trump publicly claimed that Washington now effectively controls Venezuela. The ripple effects are spreading beyond Venezuelas borders. Trump has warned of possible military action in Colombia, urged Mexico to clamp down on drug trafficking, and once again floated the idea that the United States needs Greenland, signalling a wider, more confrontational posture on the global stage. South Korean president Lee Jae Myung and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi jammed on drums in blue kit at Nara summit, playing BTS Dynamite to symbolise warming ties. South Korean president Lee Jae Myung and Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi wrapped up a key summit with an unexpected drum duet on matching kits, dressed in blue outfits, pounding out hits from K Pop Demon Hunters and BTS. The light hearted moment in Nara capped two days of talks aimed at warming ties between the neighbours. Beyond the spectacle, the leaders tackled practical deals while sidestepping old flashpoints. Drum session surprise Takaichi sprang the jam on Lee, recalling his offhand remark from their first encounter in Gyeongju about wanting to play drums since youth. She praised his quick pickup, noting he grasped basics in minutes despite her edge from university heavy metal days. Lee posted afterwards about syncing rhythms despite tempo slips, vowing a united path forward. They swapped drumsticks post performance, sealing the fun exchange on video for public view. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Personal diplomacy touches Takaichi kicked off warmth early by bowing deeply to greet Lee at his lodgings, a move that hit Korean news hard. She complimented his wife Kim Hea Kyung on her looks up close. As a self confessed K culture fan snacking on roasted seaweed and hooked on dramas, Takaichi leverages shared tastes to build rapport. Her conservative hawk stance softens through these gestures amid broader regional strains. Summit backdrop The Nara meet followed Lees Beijing stop where Xi Jinping pressed him on history amid China Japan US frictions. Hosting in her home turf, Takaichi positioned Lee as a balancer between rivals. Talks stayed future focused, dodging comfort women rows or island disputes. Wednesday saw them tour Horyuji temple together, blending culture with statecraft. Key agreements reached Substance emerged on DNA tests for 1942 Chosei mine victims, joint anti scam efforts, fresh economic security dialogue and North Korea threats. These steps mark quiet progress on lingering pains and fresh worries. Analysts see the vibe as savvy soft power, matching flair with results to steady a vital alliance. Issues left untouched Hot button topics like wartime forced labour and territorial claims stayed off the table. Lee balances Beijing ties post Xi meet while courting Tokyo. Takaichis hosting and flair aim to lock in gains before tensions flare anew. For now, rhythm trumps discord. Takaichi she is cool! Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and President Lee Jae Myung found harmony after a summit through a drum session. Lee once told Takaichi drumming was a long-held dream. pic.twitter.com/d6JaDxnn8V Ibex (@Umberto92494946) January 14, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD boAt, popular for its audio and wearables, has announced the elevation of Sammyak Jain to the role of Business Head International Business. This appointment aligns with the companys strategic focus on expanding its operations and driving growth in global markets. Role and Responsibilities In his expanded capacity, Jain will spearhead boAts international strategy. His primary responsibilities will include Leading market entry and expansion efforts, Establishing value-led partnerships and Building scalable and sustainable operating models across priority geographies. Jain has been a member of boAts leadership team since 2022. In addition to his new role, he continues to head Enterprise & ODM Sales and leads Strategy & Operations, where he contributes to the companys growth roadmap. Professional Background Prior to joining boAt, Jain spent nearly six years at Bain & Company, progressing from Associate Consultant to Senior Manager. During his tenure, he advised global and Indian organizations on strategy, growth, and operational transformation. His professional experience also includes a tenure at Rocket Internet and internships with Kearney and Deloitte. Jain holds a B. Tech from IIT Delhi and an MBA from IIM Calcutta. Commenting on international expansion, Gaurav Nayyar, CEO, boAt said: Global expansion is central to boAts long-term growth strategy. boAts journey beyond India is accelerating, with several international markets now becoming meaningful growth drivers. This elevation is part of our effort to strengthen leadership and sharpen our global execution. Commenting on the elevation, Sammyak Jain said: This is an exciting moment for boAt as we take our India born brand to the world. Im grateful for the trust placed in me and look forward to building high-impact international businesses that stay true to boAts bold, consumer-first DNA. 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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 Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. The Glasgow City Council addressed major leadership transitions during its Jan. 5 meeting, accepting the resignation of the citys Director of Public Works and continuing preparations for the planned retirement of the Glasgow Police Chief in 2026. Di... Dear Editor, I live on a small farm in northeast Montana. Out here, we understand limits - land limits, water limits, and the limits that are supposed to govern power in our Republic. That's why it troubles me when national leaders talk casually abou... Contracts Contracts For Jan. 13, 2026 NAVY Amentum Mitie Pacific LLC, Chantilly, Virginia, is awarded an $85,236,794 fixed-price-award-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for base operating support services at Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia. Work will be performed at Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory, and is expected to be completed by January 2034. The maximum dollar value, including the mobilization, base period, seven option years, and six-month extension of services option, is $656,356,854. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance (O&M) (Navy), fiscal 2026 O&M (Air Force); fiscal 2026 working capital (Defense); and fiscal 2026 non-appropriated contract funds; in the amount of $82,187,082, will be obligated for recurring and non-recurring work on individual task orders subject to the availability of funds. Funds in the amount of $3,049,711 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via SAM.gov website, with three offers received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii is the contracting activity (N62742-26-D-1101). Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, is awarded a not-to-exceed $21,600,000 cost reimbursable undefinitized order (N0001926F1016) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001923G0002). This order provides for instantaneous access to 105% Transient Engine Torque test and certification efforts in support of modifications on the VH-92A Patriot aircraft for the Navy. Work will be performed in Lynn, Massachusetts (44%); Stratford, Connecticut (36%); West Palm Beach, Florida (12%); Orlando, Florida (2%); King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (2%); Owego, New York (1%); Trumbull, Connecticut (1%); Hanover, Maryland (1%); and Moorestown, New Jersey (1%), and is expected to be completed in July 2027. Fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,000,000 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. L3Harris Technologies Inc., Clifton, New Jersey, is being awarded $9,571,947 for a firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 74 radio frequency amplifiers in support of Navy F/A-18E/F/G aircraft. The contract does not include an option provision. All work will be performed in Clifton, New Jersey. Work is expected to be completed by April 2027. Fiscal 2026 working capital funds (Navy) in the contract's full amount of $9,571,947 will be obligated at the time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One source was solicited for this sole-source requirement pursuant to the authority set forth in 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(1) and one offer was received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N00383-26-C-MA03). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY R&M Government Services,* Las Cruces, New Mexico, has been awarded a maximum $23,894,784 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract for battery compartments. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(1), as stated in the Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Jan. 12, 2031. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2031 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support, Richmond, Virginia (SPE4A7-26-D-0128). *Small business https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4377421/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Oregon Guard Returns From Sinai Deployment By Maj. Wayne Clyne January 12, 2026 MEDFORD, Ore. -- Nearly 200 Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment were formally welcomed home Jan. 11 during a demobilization ceremony at South Medford High School. The ceremony, presided over by Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Oregon's adjutant general, honored the unit's nine-month deployment to Egypt's Sinai Peninsula as part of the Multinational Force and Observers, or MFO, mission. "Welcome home," Gronewold said. "Those two words carry the weight of nearly a year of service, sacrifice and separation." The 205-Soldier battalion, designated USBATT 74 during the deployment, served alongside military forces from 14 other nations, supervising the implementation of security provisions of the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace. "In a region marked by volatility and tension, you stood watch. You maintained peace. You prevented violations of that historic treaty," Gronewold said. "You represented not just Oregon, not just the United States, but the cause of peace itself." Lt. Col. Joshua Rapp, battalion commander, said the mission provided security for two camps in the Sinai while operating remote observation sites monitoring key routes and airfields between Egypt and Israel. "We observed military aircraft, vehicles and equipment to ensure that both countries were abiding by what is directed in the peace treaty," Rapp said. The deployment tested the unit during a period of heightened regional tensions. The battalion faced a three-month lockdown period when MFO bases were identified as potential targets during conflicts in the region. "There was about a 48- to 72-hour period where we were in full combat equipment for 24 hours a day, other than sleeping," Rapp said. "We had to be inside a hardened building, we had to be in our full kit, even to go eat chow." Despite operational challenges, Rapp emphasized the mission's unique aspects, particularly the multinational integration. "What I would say the best thing about it was the level of multinational integration and the fact that we were working so closely with all our partners," Rapp said. "There were 15 nations, including us, that we worked with on a daily basis." The battalion worked most closely with forces from Fiji, Colombia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Uruguay and Japan, participating in combined training exercises and sporting tournaments that built international relationships. The deployment also provided extensive training opportunities. Soldiers conducted air insertion training, aeromedical evacuation exercises, range time and leadership courses, often integrated with multinational partners. "The 1-186th Infantry really went above and beyond to train throughout the whole deployment," Rapp said. Command Sgt. Maj. Evan Garner emphasized the unit's growth during the deployment. "The battalion did come back stronger," Garner said. "There was a multitude of opportunities for Soldiers to train both within our units and battalions and then cross-train between nations. We worked with 15 different national partners over there and spent many, many hours and days learning about what they do and teaching them what we do, also, so we have a better knowledge across the board of operations." Garner emphasized the teaching opportunities Soldiers gained. "Our Soldiers got a chance to improve their abilities as teachers, not just of United States Soldiers, but soldiers from different countries and other groups," he said. For many Soldiers, the mission offered unique leisure opportunities uncommon in most deployments. Service members became certified scuba divers and participated in organized duty tours to Egyptian landmarks, including the pyramids, Luxor and Mount Sinai. "My message to the Soldiers and families is first off and most importantly, thank you," Garner said. "Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your service, and thank you for being there for each other. The greatest thing about 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry is that we're a family, and the family is what makes us able to do this mission." Garner also emphasized the importance of maintaining connections during the transition home. "Be patient. Know that things have changed while we're gone, and just work together as a team within your family," Garner said. "Reach out to your Soldiers. Since we were there 24/7 around everybody, I know it becomes more of a challenge once we get home, but reach out. It could be a call, it could be a text, a stop by - all of that matters and just shows that we continue to care and be there for our buddies." The battalion was mobilized Oct. 20, 2024, during a ceremony in Ashland and returned to Oregon on Oct. 3, 2025. About 150 Soldiers returned to Medford, while about 50 service members arrived in Portland. While most Soldiers came from the 1-186th Infantry Regiment based in Southern Oregon, the deployment also included National Guard members from the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment and other Guard units across multiple states serving in specialized positions. "This deployment to Egypt adds another distinguished chapter to that legacyone that future generations of Oregon Guardsmen will look to with pride," Gronewold said. The 1-186th Infantry Regiment previously mobilized for the 2021 Presidential Inauguration security mission in Washington, D.C.; Oregon's COVID-19 response; and overseas operations in the Horn of Africa from 2019-2020, in Afghanistan from 2014-2015 and in Iraq from 2009-2010. Gronewold concluded the ceremony by acknowledging the families who supported the deployed Soldiers. "To the spouses, parents, children, and loved ones who held down the home front while these Soldiers served overseas - your strength and resilience made this mission possible," Gronewold said. "Thank you for your service to Oregon and to our nation." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Michigan National Guard, Latvia Strengthen State Partnership By 2nd Lt. Paige Bodine January 12, 2026 LANSING, Mich. -- The State Partnership Program began as a cautious post-Cold War experiment and has evolved into one of the most enduring and cost-effective security cooperation efforts in U.S. military history. In reflecting on its origins, Michigan National Guard leaders played a pivotal role in shaping and sustaining the partnership that endured decades later. The National Guard State Partnership Program evolved from the earlier Joint Contact Team initiative. Originally focused on limited military engagement with former Soviet bloc nations, it emerged at a pivotal moment in history. As the Soviet Union collapsed, newly independent countries faced the dual challenge of rebuilding their defense forces and transitioning to democratic governance. The United States sought a way to support these nations without escalating tensions with Russia, and the National Guard proved uniquely suited to the task. A prime example of this success is the Michigan-Latvia State Partnership, which has become a model for enduring and effective international cooperation. "The National Guard is a homegrown force," said retired Maj. Gen. E. Gordon Stump, the former Adjutant General of Michigan during the start of the partnership in 1993. "It was something the Soviets would not feel threatened by. The National Guard helping countries in the Baltic region made sense." Michigan's partnership with Latvia was not accidental. It was built on shared values, existing cultural ties, and people willing to bridge both worlds. One of those people was Dace Mason, a Michigan resident of Latvian heritage and Stump's administrative assistant, who played a critical role in the partnership's early success. "Latvia was the right fit for Michigan," Mason said. "There were many Latvians in Michigan, and there was already a connection with a Michigan computer company doing business in Latvia. It made it the perfect partnership." For Mason, the program was more than professional involvement. It was deeply personal. Latvia regained independence in 1991 after more than 50 years of Soviet occupation. When the partnership began, the country was still navigating what freedom meant in practice. "My parents were excited, but they were also a little concerned," Mason said. "Latvia was just newly freed." The Michigan National Guard's first engagements revealed just how nascent Latvia was in rebuilding its military. Russian forces were still present in the country, and Latvia was creating defense institutions from the ground up. "When it first started, we met with the military hierarchy," Mason said. "There were still Russians in Latvia. We also met leaders in Latvia's National Guard. We were able to show them how we did things." Language quickly became one of the biggest challenges. Only a handful of people could translate military discussions accurately. "At the beginning, we had three Michigan National Guard soldiers and me, who spoke fluent Latvian," Mason said. "The language barrier was difficult, but we made it work." That work required creativity and patience. Military terminology did not always translate cleanly, and misunderstandings could easily arise. "It took a day to get it all back again," Mason said. "There were a few military terms I was not familiar with, which were tricky. One of the Latvians in the Michigan National Guard actually created a dictionary of English and Latvian military terms to help the translation go smoother." Despite the challenges, the early visits were powerful moments for everyone involved. "The first trip was amazing," Mason said. "I never thought Latvia would be free again. The Latvian community is very tight-knit. Growing up in America, we were involved in the community through Latvian church, school, and summer camp." Latvians who had fought for their independence were receptive and grateful for the partnership. They were not looking to be told what to do. They wanted to learn by observing how a democratic military functioned. "It was a true partnership," Mason said. "We were not lecturing them. They saw how we did things in America, and we worked alongside them." Stump echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the relationship was built on mutual respect rather than instruction. "The State Partnership Program was an eye-opening experience for both the Latvians and us," Stump said. "It was educational to see what it was like for them to build a military from the ground up. "It was eye-opening for everyone." At the time, Latvia did not employ a noncommissioned officer corps, a foundational element of the U.S. military structure. "They started from nothing," Stump said. "Over time, they became organized, similar to the U.S. Military. Eventually, they met NATO standards and joined NATO. That happened because of the relationship we built with them." That relationship proved its strength years later when Michigan and Latvia deployed together. "The trust we have in them and the trust they have in us is real," Stump said. "We have even gone to war together in Afghanistan." The partnership extended beyond military cooperation. Civilian leaders, business owners, and organizations became part of the connection between Michigan and Latvia. "We took planes of Michigan business leaders over there twice," Stump said. "Companies like Meijer, Holman, Spartan Motors, and Dean Transportation were involved. They talked with Latvians about business ventures and long-term cooperation." Those connections reinforced the idea that security and stability are built not only by militaries, but also by communities. For Stump, the partnership created lifelong memories and friendships. "I never dreamed the partnership would become what it did," he said. "I will never forget meeting the president of Latvia. We even gave him a ride in an F-16." One story still stands out decades later. "One night we went hunting wild boar at midnight," Stump said. "On his last trip to the United States, the president was speaking at the United Nations and invited me to hear his speech. After that trip, he flew to Michigan with 12 boxes. One of them was a wild boar head. It's hanging today in the officers' club at Camp Grayling." What began with limited funding and uncertain support grew into a globally recognized program. Today, the State Partnership Program includes 116 partner nations. "It was a wonderful program that got involved with emerging nations," Stump said. "It is an easy and inexpensive way to make a big difference." According to the Department of War, the State Partnership Program operates on an annual budget of approximately 48 to 55 million dollars, less than one percent of overall U.S. security cooperation funding. Yet, it facilitates a significant portion of engagement activities worldwide. Its success lies in long-term relationships rather than short-term outcomes. "Honestly, I didn't think it would be successful at first," Stump said. "We didn't have much funding, and there was talk of cutting the program. I went to our senator to explain the benefits. Instead of cutting it, they decided to expand it." Decades later, the Michigan-Latvia partnership remains a testament to what trust, patience, and shared values can accomplish. It is a reminder that the National Guard's strength lies not only in readiness at home, but in its ability to represent democratic principles abroad. Stump said, "The Michigan-Latvia State Partnership programs create goodwill and lasting relationships that still matter today." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senior Army leaders assess USAG Hawaii barracks as rapid force restructuring drives long-term housing transition By Nathan Wilkes, U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii Public Affairs January 12, 2026 SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii hosted Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment Jordan Gillis, for a 48hour assessment Jan. 8 focused on Soldier living conditions, installation infrastructure and key programs supporting readiness across the garrison. Gillis' visit comes as U.S. Army Hawaii experiences rapid growth driven by recent Army force structure changes and continuous transformation initiatives. Combined with a backlog of personnel movements caused by the recent lapse in appropriations, the installation is managing a sustained strain on barracks capacity that will continue for several years as the Army modernizes its infrastructure in Hawaii. "We are committed to the quality of life for all Soldiers, which is why we are conducting comprehensive clean, comfortable and safe barracks inspections across the force," Gillis said. "This effort is supported by new funding for quick fixes, major renovations and improved maintenance policies. The inspection data is vital; it informs where we need to invest our resources." Approximately 300 Soldiers who were scheduled to move to new duty stations were unable to do so during the federal funding lapse. At the same time, Army installations across Oahu are preparing to receive more than 850 new Soldiers over the next few months. Several barracks buildings also remain unavailable while undergoing longterm, missionessential renovations. With barracks occupancy already above 99 percent, the garrison is implementing a longterm strategy to responsibly manage demand. To ensure every Soldier has a safe, clean and secure place to live, U.S. Army Hawaii has submitted an exception to policy through Army channels to authorize higherdensity living in the barracks. "Taking care of Soldiers is our top priority," said Col. Rachel Sullivan, U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii commander. "This is not a shortterm challenge. We will be in a doubledup posture for some time, and our responsibility is to make that experience as safe, clean and comfortable as possible." Leaders across the installation are meeting directly with affected Soldiers, and the garrison has requested more than $600,000 in new furniture and supplies to improve the quality of doubleoccupancy rooms. Interim housing solutions, including temporary use of facilities at the Schofield Barracks Noncommissioned Officer Academy, are being closely managed to ensure safety and quality of life. While the PCS backlog will clear in the coming months, the overall housing strain will continue as the Army cycles barracks through renovation and prepares for additional force growth. Two renovated barracks buildings Schofield Barracks Building 2077 and Wheeler Army Airfield Building 118 are slated to come online in 2026, each providing 84 new beds once furnished. As those buildings open, additional barracks will immediately enter renovation, maintaining a continuous modernization cycle. Beyond these nearterm additions, U.S. Army Hawaii is executing a longrange modernization plan that includes the renovation of 13 additional barracks over the next decade. Garrison leaders noted that the longterm barracks strategy also supports the surrounding community by reducing the number of Soldiers competing for offpost rental units. Hawaii's governor and members of the state's congressional delegation have formally requested that the Army limit the number of Soldiers living on the local economy to help ease pressure on the island's housing market. "Strengthening our barracks footprint isn't just about improving quality of life on post it also supports our neighbors across the island," Sullivan said. "By reducing the number of Soldiers competing for offpost rentals, we help ease pressure on the local housing market and contribute to a healthier balance for the community we're proud to be part of." Gillis' visit to Hawaii aligns with the Secretary of War's Barracks Task Force, established in October 2025 by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The task force is charged with developing a departmentwide barracks improvement plan, identifying investment opportunities and creating a standard for unaccompanied housing across the Army. "We are holding ourselves accountable, and the inspections are how we prove we have our Soldiers' backs," Gillis said. "As Secretary Hegseth has stated, every Soldier deserves a clean, comfortable and safe place to live, rest and recover, and the Army is stepping up to deliver that." As U.S. Army Hawaii continues to grow and transform, leaders emphasize that Soldier welfare remains central to readiness. "We understand how important housing is to our Soldiers and their families," Sullivan said. "We are committed to being transparent, proactive and responsive as we work through this longterm transition and deliver modern, highquality barracks for the future force." -30- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting of the Foreign Minister of Armenia with the U.S. Secretary of State Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia 13 January, 2026 On January 13, in Washington, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Ararat Mirzoyan and Marco Rubio emphasized with satisfaction the active dynamics of the development of the Armenia-U.S. strategic partnership, the implementation of the agreements, the joint initiatives and further prospects. The Foreign Minister of Armenia and the U.S. Secretary of State discussed the progress in implementing the agreements of the Washington Peace Summit of August 8, 2025. Both sides emphasized the importance of the further institutionalization of peace and touched upon the steps in that direction. Minister Mirzoyan made an entry in the book of honorary guests. The Foreign Minister of Armenia and the U.S. Secretary of State confirmed the Joint Statement on the Armenia-U.S. Implementation Framework for the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP) project, which will be released at 17:00 Washington time as agreed. On January 14, at 10:00 Yerevan time, Minister Mirzoyan will hold a press conference, during which the Minister will touch upon the main points of the Joint Statement and answer journalists' questions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S., Regional Partners Open New Air Defense Operations Cell in Qatar U.S. Central Command Press Release | Jan. 13, 2026 USCENTCOM January 13, 2026 Release Number 20260113-01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TAMPA, Fla. -- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and regional partners opened a new coordination cell at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar to enhance integrated air and missile defense, Jan. 12. The new Middle Eastern Air Defense - Combined Defense Operations Cell (MEAD-CDOC) is located in the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) and comprised of personnel from the United States and regional partners. The Qatar-based CAOC, established more than 20 years ago, currently includes representatives from 17 nations who coordinate the employment of military air assets across the Middle East region. The new MEAD-CDOC within the CAOC is designed to enhance coordination and integration for air and missile defense efforts among regional partners. "This is a significant step forward in strengthening regional defense cooperation," said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM. "This cell will improve how regional forces coordinate and share air and missile defense responsibilities across the Middle East." U.S. Air Force Central (AFCENT) service members will work alongside regional counterparts at the MEAD-CDOC in planning multinational exercises, conducting drills, and responding to contingencies. The cell will also be responsible for sharing information and threat warnings. "The MEAD-CDOC creates a consistent venue to share expertise and collectively create new solutions together with our regional partners," said Lt. Gen Derek France, AFCENT commander. "This strengthens our integrated air and missile defense throughout the region." The opening of MEAD-CDOC follows the opening of two bilateral Combined Command Posts for air and missile defense by U.S. Army Central with Qatar and Bahrain last year. The new facilities serve as hubs for integrated air defense planning, coordination, and operations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Honduras: Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest developments European External Action Service (EEAS) 13.01.2026 EEAS Press Team The EU expresses its concern regarding the recent decree and the statements by President Xiomara Castro and the president of the Congress, calling for a recount of the 2025 general election held on 30 November 2025. The EU reiterates its support for the work of the Honduran electoral institutions and the official proclamation of results by the National Electoral Council, which recognised Nasry Asfura as the country's legitimate president-elect and confirmed the final results for the National Congress and municipal elections. The EU condemns the acts of violence carried out against political actors in recent days and calls on all actors to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition of power. The will of the Honduran people, clearly expressed through the electoral process, must be respected. We look forward to working with President Asfura and his administration. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Indonesia, Pakistan reportedly discuss potential JF-17 fighter jet deal; talks highlight international recognition of China-Pakistan co-developed aircraft: expert Global Times By Liu Xuanzun and Liang Rui Published: Jan 13, 2026 08:04 PM Indonesia and Pakistan are closing in on a defense deal involving JF-17 fighter jet jointly developed by China and Pakistan, Reuters reported on Monday, citing sources. A Chinese expert said on Tuesday that JF-17 is an outstanding warplane with advanced radar and weapon systems, and foreign interest reflects that it is gaining more international recognition. Indonesia's Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met Pakistan's Air Force Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in Islamabad, Pakistan to discuss a potential deal that includes the sale of combat jets and killer drones to Jakarta, Reuters quoted three security officials with knowledge of the meeting as saying. One source said the talks revolved around the sale of JF-17 jets, a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China, and drones designed for surveillance and striking targets, according to the report. The other two sources said the talks were in an advanced stage and involved more than 40 JF-17 jets. One of them said Indonesia was also interested in Pakistan's Shahpar drones. The sources did not share any discussions about delivery timelines and the number of years a proposed deal would span, but the two sides confirmed the meeting, Reuters reported. Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of the Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times on Tuesday that the JF-17 fighter jet has attracted more foreign interest, primarily due to its outstanding performance. The JF-17 is a top-level fourth generation fighter jet that has kept receiving upgrades to its radar, weapons and communications systems, while maintaining a considerably low procurement cost, he noted. Another reason behind the growing foreign interest in China-Pakistan co-developed weapons and equipment could be the air clash between Pakistan and India in May 2025, in which they demonstrated their capabilities in actual combat, Wang said. The JF-17 is not the only type of Chinese warplane Indonesia is considering procuring. In October 2025, the Indonesian Defense Minister reportedly said that the country would procure China's J-10 fighter jets. When asked to confirm the information, Zhang Xiaogang, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson, said at a press conference on October 30 that the Chinese side takes a prudent and responsible attitude towards export of military products. "We are willing to share the latest achievements of equipment modernization with peace-loving countries, and jointly maintain peace and stability of the region and beyond," Zhang said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese Embassy refutes Philippine National Maritime Council's latest South China Sea claims, says some are pushing two neighbors capable of peaceful coexistence toward the brink of conflict Global Times By Liu Xin Published: Jan 13, 2026 05:59 PM China has firmly rejected unfounded and misleading claims by the Philippine National Maritime Council, saying the Philippines has long distorted international maritime law by conflating territorial seas with exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and mischaracterizing China's lawful activities in overlapping waters as "illegal patrols," according to a statement from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Tuesday. The Chinese Embassy's statement is the latest in a series of exchanges between the Chinese Embassy and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Jay Tarriela. A Chinese expert said some Philippine groups with hardline anti-China stance are exploiting maritime issues to keep disputes in focus and damage bilateral ties, a tactic that warrants firm rebuttal. There is no such concept as "maritime zone" in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). UNCLOS only provides for legal regimes such as the territorial sea and the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). For a long time, the Philippines has deliberately blurred the distinction between the territorial sea and the EEZ, and has distorted China's normal activities in waters claimed as EEZ by both China and the Philippines as "illegal patrols". The Philippines has been misleading the general public all these years by conflating the concepts of the territorial sea and the EEZ, the deputy spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy said in a statement. In a statement released on Monday, the Philippine National Maritime Council claimed that tensions in the South China Sea are "direct result" of China's activities within the "maritime zones of the Philippines provided by the UNCLOS." It also claimed China's claim that the Philippines "stages provocations" by deploying government vessels or allowing Filipino fisherfolk to operate in these waters is "completely false." In response, the deputy spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy said that "Since the second half of 2023, the Philippines has sent multiple Coast Guard vessels, official vessels and so-called fishing vessels to intrude into the territorial waters of Huangyan Dao, forcing China to take necessary measures to safeguard its rights." "Among all the incidents mentioned above, which one was provoked by China? It has always been the Philippines that has time and again provoked trouble in an attempt to change the status quo... China has also been exercising maximum restraint and patience. Had this not been the case, the situation on the ground might have been entirely different," read the statement. The Embassy also noted that "A lie repeated a thousand times will never become reality. China stands ready to engage in candid dialogue with the Philippines on the basis of mutual respect to manage differences properly. However, China firmly opposes people like Jay Tarriela, who does nothing but spreading false, twisted, manipulative, misleading and provocative narratives." Some people provoke confrontation and tension under the pretext of "safeguarding rights". They push the Philippines to the forefront of geopolitical competition and push two neighbors capable of peaceful coexistence toward the brink of conflict. This will only seriously damage the fundamental and long-term interests of the Philippines, according to the Chinese statement of the Embassy. The Chinese Embassy's latest statement came after a series of response targeting PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela. On January 9, Tarriela claimed that during their operation of searching for a missing fisherman, they found "illegal" presence of a PLA Navy vessel, which was patrolling "within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)." In response, Deputy Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy Guo Wei said in a statement released by the Embassy on X on January 9 that "China and the Philippines have overlapping EEZ claims in the waters concerned. That makes it entirely legitimate for Chinese naval and coast guard vessels to operate there." "Tarriela, as PCG, your priority should be search and rescue for the missing fisherman, not social media theatrics. Your tricks of rambling, confusing right and wrong, inciting confrontation, and misleading public opinion are useless," said the spokesperson. On January 10, Terriela reposted the Embassy's statement and continued to quibble on so-called EEZ of the Philippines and questioned whether Guo a career diplomat. The deputy spokesperson of Chinese Embassy also refuted Terriela's post that "I'm a professional diplomat. My job is to promote friendship, build stable relations, keep the peace, and prevent conflict." "Wake up. You're the one fueling tensions, misleading the public, and wrecking the dialogue. Look at your statements over the past few yearsare you trying to start a conflict, a war, or pretending to care about stability?" said the spokesperson. Also on January 11, the Chinese Embassy also released several posts to refute Terriela and stressed Chinese naval activities in the relevant waters are lawful, legitimate and beyond reproach. The latest statement of the Chinese Embassy is not an isolated case but part of a series of maritime flashpoints, including China's earlier rescue of Philippine fishermen. It reveals how certain Philippine institutions and individuals that hold extreme anti-China positions are amplifying one another's narratives on hyping topics around the South China Sea, Ding Duo, director of the Research Center for International and Regional Studies at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times. The Philippines has exhausted most of its options at sea, while China's response mechanisms are already well-established and effective. As a result, some Philippine activists have shifted their focus to political and rhetorical channels, including making irresponsible remarks on social media in an attempt to blur domestic public understanding, Ding said, The expert also noted that for such individuals and rhetoric, firm and sustained rebuttals are necessary to expose their positions and intentions, and they must not be allowed to become obstacles to the normalization of China-Philippines relations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Norway signs new two-year agreement with UNRWA Government of Norway Press release | Date: 13/01/2026 Norway today signed a new two-year agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Under the agreement, Norway will provide core funding of NOK 175 million per year for the period 2026-2027. The agreement was signed during a meeting in Oslo between Minister of International Development Asmund Aukrust, State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik and UNRWA's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. Through this agreement, Norway reaffirms its strong and long-term commitment to Palestine refugees. In addition, Norway will conclude an agreement with UNRWA to provide NOK 100 million in support of its humanitarian work in 2026. Norway's total support to UNRWA will therefore amount to NOK 275 million in 2026. 'Palestine refugees are facing a dramatic situation, exacerbated by war, conflict and regional tensions. UNRWA is absolutely essential in ensuring that millions of Palestine refugees have access to basic services such as education, healthcare and emergency assistance. Norway remains steadfast in its support for both the Palestine refugees and UNRWA's work,' said Minister of International Development Asmund Aukrust. UNRWA provides basic services and humanitarian assistance to around six million Palestine refugees in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, and is a cornerstone of humanitarian efforts across the region. The organisation's staff and local knowledge are critical to the life-saving humanitarian response in Gaza. A large majority of UN member states recently voted to renew UNRWA's mandate. 'UNRWA faces major political and financial challenges. This agreement sends a clear signal of our solidarity with the Palestine refugees and our support for the UN decision to extend UNRWA's mandate. Ensuring that UNRWA has sufficient resources to fulfil this mandate is vital both for individuals and for stability across the Middle East,' said State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik. UNRWA was established by the UN General Assembly in 1949. Since then, it has provided essential services such as education, healthcare, shelter and emergency assistance to Palestine refugees in Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. Norway has for many years been among UNRWA's most important and committed supporters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aboul Gheit, UN Envoy to Sudan review efforts to restore peace and end the war League of Arab States Date: 13/01/2026 Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, received on 13 January Ramadan Lamamra, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to Sudan. The two sides reviewed the latest developments in the situation in Sudan and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace in the country. Gamal Roshdy, the official spokesperson for the Secretary-General, stated that the UN envoy outlined his efforts to bridge differences among the Sudanese parties, with the objective of bringing the war to an end and sparing the Sudanese people the deepening humanitarian catastrophe and the acute food crisis. The spokesperson also noted that the meeting addressed the consultative coordination meeting on peace initiatives and efforts in Sudan, scheduled to be held on 14 January in Cairo under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Lamamra stressed the importance of these meetings, which the League of Arab States had launched in July 2024 to unify international and regional efforts in addressing the Sudanese crisis. During the meeting, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the core principles underpinning the position of the League of Arab States on the Sudanese crisis, foremost among them the preservation of the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Sudan; the safeguarding of Sudan's national state institutions; the rejection of any foreign interference in Sudan's internal affairs; and support for the launch of an inclusive and comprehensive Sudanese national dialogue. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Secretary General at European Parliament conference to discuss shared security NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 13 January 2026 On Tuesday (13 January 2026), NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte addressed the Renew Global Europe Forum at the European Parliament. Highlighting how NATO Allies are investing more in defence, boosting defence industrial production, and ensuring robust support for Ukraine, Mr Rutte underlined the value of cooperation between NATO and the EU to enhance our shared security. "When we combine our strengths, of NATO and the EU, we can more effectively tackle the many challenges we face," the Secretary General said. "Working together, we keep Ukraine strong today and able to defend itself against any aggression in the future. And working together, we can produce more defence capabilities, and we can produce them faster. We can innovate better and outsmart our competitors." He emphasized the complementary nature of the work of NATO and the EU and encouraged the audience to build on the cooperation between the two organizations. Following his keynote address, the Secretary General engaged in conversation on a range of current security challenges with Members of the European Parliament and other guests. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza Residents Endure the Fourth Wave of Winter RainsSettlers displace 79 Bedouin families and release their livestock in 21 areas across the West Bank Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 13-01-2026 Israeli forces continued their violations of the ceasefire agreement, shelling various areas of the Gaza Strip, particularly the eastern regions. They killed several Palestinians after shelling a tent sheltering displaced people in the al-Attar area and another tent in al-Mawasi, Khan Younis. They also targeted the Abu Hussein School in Jabalia refugee camp after shelling a mobile home there, and the Khalifa bin Zayed School in Beit Lahia. A child was also targeted in Jabalia refugee camp. Satellite images show that Israeli forces have destroyed more than 2,500 homes since the ceasefire agreement was signed. The United Nations confirmed that more than one million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are in need of shelter as winter rains intensify. The people of the Gaza Strip endured the fourth wave of rain, with an infant dying from the bitter cold. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Ministry of Health warned that influenza cases could peak in January and February, potentially leading to fatalities, as Israeli forces prevented the administration of influenza vaccines. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that 18,000 patients in Gaza required medical evacuation, and international organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the German Red Cross, called for the lifting of restrictions on aid entering the Gaza Strip, given the dire need for food and medicine. On another front, the OIC Media Observatory on Israeli Crimes against Palestinians recorded 32 Palestinians murdered between January 6 and 12, 2026. The OIC Media Observatory documented the killing of 21 Palestinians, the recovery of 9 bodies, and the killing of a prisoner in Israeli custody. Additionally, 47 Palestinians were injured in the Gaza Strip. In the West Bank, the OIC Observatory recorded the killing of one Palestinian and the injury of 23 others. Israeli occupation forces raided cities and villages in the West Bank 293 times in seven days, arresting 160 Palestinians, including 13 children, and injuring another. They also arrested five fishermen off the coast of Gaza City. In the West Bank, the occupation forces demolished four homes, an iron factory, a farm, and several livestock pens. They confiscated a truck, a bulldozer, an excavator, and a vehicle. They also occupied two houses in Nablus, converting them into military outposts, and bulldozed agricultural land in several locations across the West Bank. Israeli occupation forces also raided the campus of Birzeit University, where clashes erupted with students, resulting in injuries to seven students and six others suffering from tear gas inhalation. They also detained dozens of worshippers inside the Al-Satoun Mosque in the Old City of Nablus after they performed the dawn prayer. Meanwhile, the number of settler attacks during the same period reached 82, with settlers forcibly displacing 79 Palestinian Bedouin families from their homes in the Al-Auja area due to ongoing settler violence. Additionally, settlers released livestock to graze on Palestinian lands in 21 different areas of the West Bank over the course of one week, burned 10 vehicles, stole two vehicles in the vicinity of Ramallah and Salfit, stole 210 sheep and ten calves in the vicinity of Salfit and Ramallah, tried to steal sheep in Hebron, shot at two camels in the vicinity of Tulkarm and killed one of them, stole a water line and agricultural equipment for spraying pesticides, and uprooted and cut down 150 olive trees in the vicinity of Hebron. The number of settlement activities reached ten, during which the occupation forces issued an order to confiscate 694 dunams of land belonging to the towns of Kafr Thulth in Qalqilya, Deir Istiya, and Bidya in Salfit, in addition to confiscating 140 dunams of land belonging to the village of Fandaqumiya, for the benefit of settlement projects. They also confiscated an area of 46,973 dunams of land belonging to the town of Silat ad-Dhahr, the village of Fandaqumiya, and the village of Burqa, to build a road connecting the ruins of the settlements of "Homesh" and "Sanur." In addition, the Israeli occupation issued a tender for the construction of 3,401 settlement units east of Al-Quds (Jerusalem). The "Ateret Cohanim" settlement association also seized a building consisting of two apartments in the Batn al-Hawa area of the Silwan neighborhood in Al-Quds (Jerusalem). Settlers paved a road leading to an outpost near the town of Atara, placed mobile homes on land between the villages of Fandaqumiya and Burqa, erected a tent on land in the village of Mikhmas, and bulldozed land southeast of the town of Al-Dhahiriya with the aim of paving a settlement road. Thus, the number of Israeli crimes during the period between January 6 and 12, 2026, reached 873 crimes in various Palestinian areas. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Somalia cancels UAE security, defense deals concerning key ports over sovereignty violations Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 January 2026 11:49 AM The Somali government has decided to cancel security and defense agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) linked to several strategic ports, over the Persian Gulf country's violation of the Horn of Africa nation's sovereignty, national unity, and political independence. The prime minister's office announced in a statement on Monday that the measure was based on "reports and strong evidence regarding wrongful actions that undermine the sovereignty, national unity, and political independence" of Somalia. At a Cabinet meeting, ministers agreed to annul all agreements and cooperative arrangements concerning the ports of Berbera, Bosaso, and Kismayo, the statement added. The Cabinet also approved a draft law on protecting Somalia's sovereignty and territorial unity, along with an arbitration bill, the prime minister's office further noted. According to the statement, the sovereignty bill would forbid regional administrations and private entities from entering into agreements with foreign parties without prior notification to, and approval from, the federal government and oversight by the relevant ministry. The decision came after an investigation by Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency discovered that the leader of Yemen's pro-secession Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarous al-Zubaidi, unlawfully used Somali airspace to flee to Abu Dhabi. The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's so-called Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) said in a statement on Thursday that Zubaidi missed scheduled peace negotiations in Riyadh, and instead mobilized forces toward al-Dhale in southwestern Yemen. The coalition spokesperson, Major General Turki al-Maliki, later said Zubaidi made a nighttime escape on Wednesday and boarded a maritime vessel that set sail from the southern Yemeni city of Aden to the Port of Berbera in Somaliland. Zubaidi then took a flight along with Emirati officers to Somalia's capital, Mogadishu. He departed for the UAE shortly afterwards. According to the statement, the plane's identification systems were deliberately disabled while crossing over the Sea of Oman, only to be reactivated ten minutes before landing at al-Reef military airport in Abu Dhabi. Maliki has sharply criticized Abu Dhabi for facilitating Zubaidi's exit through Somali territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US used warplane disguised as 'civilian aircraft' in deadly Caribbean strike: Report Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 January 2026 7:19 AM A US attack on a boat in the Caribbean in September that claimed the lives of 11 people used a military aircraft that was disguised as a civilian one, a report says. The New York Times carried the report on Tuesday, citing officials briefed on the matter. The aggression used, as its so-called justification, a narrative that President Donald Trump's administration had come up with for some time alleging that Washington was in a "drug war" with Venezuela and that it, therefore, had to take on, what it claimed were, boats smuggling drugs. It featured dual strikes that first claimed nine people and then killed the remaining two, who were hanging onto the boat's wreckage. According to the report, the involved "secret" warplane had been painted to look like a civilian aircraft and was carrying munitions inside the fuselage, rather than visibly under its wings. 'War crime' The disguise prevented the boat's passengers from taking any precautions or evasive measures, something that experts cited by The Times said amounted to a "war crime" as well as what they referred to as "perfidy" in official combat terminology. "Shielding your identity is an element of perfidy," said retired Maj. Gen. Steven J. Lepper, a former deputy judge advocate general for the United States Air Force. "If the aircraft flying above is not identifiable as a combatant aircraft, it should not be engaged in combatant activity." Hegseth's 'kill everybody' order The daily did not specify the date of the strike, but on September 2, American media were rife with reports of an attack with the same features and dimensions on a vessel in the Caribbean. Reports ensuing the September 2 attack said the second strike on its targeted vessel had been approved by War Secretary Pete Hegseth, who had ordered Adm. Frank Bradley to "kill everybody" on board. In a rare bipartisan alignment, some members of the US Congress have pointed to the gravity of allegations arising from the approval, saying the second attack could amount to a war crime. Such attacks claimed scores of lives in the Caribbean amid widespread criticism of Washington's violation of international law as well as strict warnings about their threatening the sovereignty of regional nations. They came amid a rapidly increasing American naval buildup in the waters and were followed by a US attack on Venezuela's capital, during which American forces kidnapped Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Ever since the kidnapping, Trump has called on American companies to resume capitalizing on oil resources in Venezuela, the world's largest. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wider Europe Briefing: New Visa Rules For Georgian Diplomats By Rikard Jozwiak January 13, 2026 Briefing #1: EU Set To Suspend Visa Liberalization For Georgian Diplomats This Month What You Need To Know: The European Union is set to follow through this month on a plan to suspend visa liberalization for all Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders after saying Tbilisi has "violated numerous commitments undertaken during the visa liberalization dialogue." The European Commission hinted the move was imminent when it issued its annual report on December 19, 2025, on how countries that enjoy visa liberalization with the bloc have fared on a number of issues. The Georgia assessment was scathing, with Brussels slamming Tbilisi's controversial legislation on "transparency of foreign influence" and "family values and protection of minors," noting that "in most areas, no corrective measures were reported and, in several others, the situation has further deteriorated." Deep Background: While Brussels will suspend part of the visa-free regime due to democratic backsliding, other issues were also highlighted in the report, including a lack of alignment with EU visa policy for those from some third countries. The report notably highlights the growth of the Russian diaspora in the South Caucasus country, with the document stating that 160,000 Russian citizens have emigrated there since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. "There is an increasing concern that Russian presence in Georgia may be exploited to carry foreign influence operations. Another area of concern is the potential misuse of Georgian citizenship, especially when obtained via simplified naturalization procedures by Russian nationals," the text states, adding: "Such cases raise both illegal migration risks and broader security implications for the EU." Other complaints include Georgian nationals "remaining illegally in the EU to access medical care or to apply for asylum on medical grounds," as well as the lack of progress on anti-corruption measures such as the need for a dedicated asset recovery office or the recent gutting of the anti-corruption bureau. Drilling Down: There are, in other words, quite a few reasons for the European Commission to make use of the suspension mechanism. And with new European legislation entering into force at the end of 2025, making it easier to trigger the mechanism, the EU executive is wasting no time. One of the changes is that the commission in theory can decide on its own to suspend the visa-free regime for certain passports. It will, however, still consult with the 27 EU member states and a vote will be held. The process is known as an "implementing decision," meaning that the European Commission will start by presenting a legal act. This document can be already ready by the week that started on January 12, sources told RFE/RL. Then something known in the EU as "comitology" begins. This means that a specific "comitology committee" will convene at a yet unknown date. All EU member states are represented here, and the European Commission should then ask for a formal opinion on the act in question. This formal opinion usually takes the shape of a vote that isn't legally binding but tends to be respected. If a qualified majority of the 27 capitals (55 percent of EU countries representing 65 percent of the total EU population) vote in favor of the proposed implementing act, it is adopted. It is widely believed among EU diplomats that RFE/RL has spoken with that such a majority exists. To prevent the act from becoming valid, a qualified majority must vote against whereas the European Commission must come back with a revised act if there isn't a qualified majority either for or against. The timeline is not yet known but the vote is likely to take place in January. There is, however, a visa working party on January 23 in the council where home affairs experts of all the member states sit. They expect that they will get a briefing from the European Commission on the road ahead on this issue. While suspending visa liberalization is very rare, the European Commission has taken a lighter version by just targeting diplomatic and service passports, not the entire Georgian population. And while Brussels has hinted that this might be the next step if things don't improve, few EU member states have so far shown any desire to go for a blanket suspension. This also means that the step is largely symbolic as all diplomats and bureaucrats also have regular passports they can travel on. In many ways, the move is a way to tighten an EU decision made in early 2025 when the bloc decided to suspend parts of a visa-facilitation agreement with Georgia, meaning that Georgian diplomats had to apply for visas to travel to the EU member states that decided to implement the decision. Nineteen out of 27 have so far done so. With the impending suspension of visa liberalization for diplomats and other officials, all 27 will have to carry out the decision. Briefing #2: As The EU Eases Sanctions On Pristina, What's Next For Kosovo? What You Need To Know: The European Union says it will start lifting sanctions this month first imposed on Kosovo in summer 2023, when Pristina implemented the results of controversial elections in the Serb-dominated north despite warnings from Brussels. The move could potentially resuscitate the Balkan country's EU hopes, allowing this to be the year its EU membership application, submitted in late 2022, can finally be assessed by the European Commission. It may also allow for a restart of the Brussels-facilitated dialogue with Serbia after a two-year hiatus. The sanctions raised eyebrows when first adopted as they lacked precedent when it came to the bloc's relationship with an EU hopeful. For starters, they were not sanctions in a strict political and procedural sense and have been referred to as "measures" in the "corridor lingo" of Brussels. EU sanctions must be presented to the 27 EU member states in a formal legal act and then unanimously agreed. This was the case, for example, when Brussels imposed asset freezes and visa bans on individuals from EU candidate country Turkey in 2019 due to the unauthorized drilling for gas in the Eastern Mediterranean. Deep Background: With Kosovo, nothing of the sort happened. Instead, the EU foreign policy chief at the time, Josep Borrell, wrote a letter to EU member states outlining the measures and recommending the capitals implement them even though there was no obligation. The directorate-general for enlargement, the EU's department dealing with countries wanting to join the bloc, then informed Kosovo of what would hit them. These measures were mainly EU-related, meaning funding for Kosovo from the bloc's common budget would be frozen, high-level visits would be on hold, and the Stabilization and Association Council -- the main political conduit for Brussels-Pristina relations -- would not meet until further notice. Intriguingly, while there was no formal EU unanimity to impose the sanctions, member states later stepped in to demand unanimity to lift them. In one of his last acts before leaving office in 2024, Borrell asked for the measures to be removed, but there was no consensus and the initial decision stood. Some momentum in Kosovo's favor came with the new European Commission team starting at the tail-end of 2024 as diplomats noted that outgoing Hungarian Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi had "a soft spot" for Serbia and prevented any real movement in favor of Pristina. An approach of "gradual lifting" of the measures was announced, though what it entailed wasn't spelled out. Both European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and new EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visited the country in 2025, dismissing the notion of a ban on high-level visits even though no high-ranking Kosovar politician came to Brussels on a bilateral visit that year. The political breakthrough came at an EU-Western Balkans summit in Brussels on December 17, when Von der Leyen announced that the measures would be lifted. This came after what Brussels called "smooth and peaceful" local elections in north Kosovo in October reversing the move from 2023. But that wasn't the end of the story. In the run-up to the summit France, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, and Spain pushed for a two-step lifting in which roughly half the frozen money -- 216 million euros -- could be released for Pristina imminently. The remainder, some 205 million euros, would be distributed first after the national parliamentary elections on December 28; they argued that incumbent Prime Minister Albin Kurti could benefit too much electorally if all the cash was released immediately. A new condition had been set by largely the same countries had been instrumental in Serbia avoiding similar EU measures later in 2023 after Serb militants with alleged Belgrade backing attacked Kosovar police in the northern village of Banjska, leaving one law enforcement officer dead.While other EU member states grumbled that pro-Serbian member states yet again were causing anti-Kosovo moves, they eventually agreed as they wanted to avoid another political impasse.In the end, Kurti increased his vote share and the EU promptly put out a statement saying the second part of the frozen funds would be released in early 2026. Drilling Down: The issue now is that while the political decisions have been taken to lift all the measures, the actual technical work hasn't yet kicked in. In fact, the first batch of money has been "programmed" -- meaning earmarked for various Kosovo recipients -- but has not yet been received. According to EU officials RFE/RL has spoken to, Brussels has not made the formal move to "program" the second batch even though it is expected to be a formality made later in January. As these measures were imposed in an unprecedented way in 2023, there is discussion in Brussels about what is needed to technically lift them. For example, do EU member states need to be consulted again in writing or in some council working group or committee, or can the commission just go ahead regardless? What is clear, however, is the European Commission wants to re-engage with Kosovo. Few in the building believe Serbia and Kosovo will be happy to take part in the dialogue to normalize relations anytime soon, but the Brussels envoy for the talks, Danish diplomat Peter Sorensen, recently had his mandate renewed for another two years. It is believed that Kallas, who has yet to host a single dialogue at the highest political level, is keen to try to achieve something in the Western Balkans after a bruising start as the bloc's top diplomat. With Brussels increasingly sidestepped on issues such as peace talks about Ukraine, the Gaza war, and the situation in Iran, EU officials half-jokingly note that getting Serbia and Kosovo to agree might be the "lowest-hanging fruit" available for the bloc at the moment. There could also be a chance that EU member states finally agree to send over Kosovo's EU membership application to the European Commission for the EU executive to assess whether Pristina can join the club down the line. The last country that truly tried to tackle the issue is the Czech Republic, which received the application during its six-month presidency of the council in the latter half of 2022. The five Kosovo non-recognizers Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain blocked any movement, however, and have made it clear to fellow EU member states holding the rotating council chair that they won't entertain the issue. We can expect that nothing will happen in the first half of 2026 while Cyprus is at the helm, but there might be a change when Ireland takes over in July. Dublin has indicated it is pushing hard to conclude EU accession negotiations with Montenegro by the end of the year and hopes to push Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine closer to the club as well. With EU enlargement being one of Ireland's top priorities, it may even test the waters on Kosovo. Rumors are swirling in Brussels corridors that Spain -- often the most hardened of the non-recognizing quintet -- will finally allow the commission to give an assessment so long as the process doesn't force member states to immediately tackle the issue of Kosovar statehood. Looking Ahead Perhaps the most anticipated event this week is the meeting between U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Danish counterpart, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, which is set to take place on January 14. There is hope, at least in Copenhagen, that the meeting will give more clarity on what the United States wants regarding Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The White House has recently said that it cannot rule out taking the territory by military force, while Rubio has indicated that a potential purchase is more likely. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/33646736.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 Defence Minister's meeting with the Ambassador of Turkiye to Bucharest Romania - Ministry of National Defence Press release No. 3 13.01.2026 On Tuesday, January 13rd, Minister of National Defence, Radu Miruta, had a meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to Romania, H.E. Ozgur Kvanc Altan, at the Ministry of National Defence headquarters. The talks reconfirmed the very good level of the Romanian-Turkish dialogue in the field of defence, while Minister Radu Miruta emphasized the importance of continuing joint projects at political-military level and the outstanding results achieved to date. During the meeting, the officials highlighted the efficient cooperation between NATO allies bordering the Black Sea - Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey - through the Naval Mine Countermeasures Task Group (MCM Black Sea TG), an initiative that directly contributes to enhancing maritime security in the region. The two officials also discussed the increase of bilateral defence cooperation, with emphasis on joint participation in multinational exercises and activities. Minister Miruta highlighted, in this context, the role of the Romanian-Turkish technical-military partnership, appreciating both the experience and technological capacity of the Turkish defence industry, as well as the involvement of Turkish companies in the Romanian Armed Forces' procurement programs. "Romania appreciates the solid cooperation with Turkiye in the field of defence and the valuable contribution of this strategic partner to the implementation of deterrence and defence measures in the Black Sea region. We want to enhance collaboration, including in the technical-military field," Minister Radu Miruta said. The Romanian official reaffirmed Romania's commitment to closely monitor security developments in the region and to actively support initiatives that contribute to strengthening the defence and deterrence posture, both within NATO and bilateral and regional formats. The Press Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Defence Minister's meeting with the US Charge d'Affairs in Bucharest Romania - Ministry of National Defence Press release No. 2 13.01.2026 Minister of National Defence, Radu Miruta, had a meeting with the US Charge d'Affaires in Bucharest, Michael Dickerson, on Monday, January 12th, at the MoND headquarters. During the meeting, the officials addressed topics of strategic interest to both parties, with an emphasis on the regional security situation, the status of bilateral cooperation in the field of defence procurement and further developments opportunities, as a need for constant adaptation to current and future security challenges. Minister of National Defence reiterated Romania's firm commitment to NATO's collective security, highlighting our country's active contribution to strengthening regional security both through defence investments and enhanced cooperation with allied forces. At the same time, the Minister expressed his appreciation for the bilateral relations with the US, within the framework offered by the Strategic Partnership between the two countries, recalling the role of the United States of America in strengthening Romania's deterrence and defence posture on the Eastern Flank of the Alliance. Today's meeting reconfirmed both parties' commitment to continuing political-military dialogue and close collaboration in support of regional and Euro-Atlantic security and stability. The Press Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO's highest military commander visits Sweden Swedish Armed Forces Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters - 13 January 2026 kl: 15.50 Sweden impresses with its concrete contributions to NATO's security, its ability to defend its own territory and surrounding region, as well as its focus on total defence and the defence industry. This is emphasized by NATO's new commander of Allied forces in Europe following his first visit to Sweden Sweden became a member of NATO in March 2024, and in July 2025 U.S. Air Force General Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed the role of NATO's highest military commander for Allied forces in Europe. Over the weekend, General Grynkewich set foot on Swedish soil for the first time in his capacity as Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). "The fact that NATO's highest military commander chooses to visit Sweden so early in his new role is a clear indication of how important our role is. The visit strengthens our shared situational awareness and deepens cooperation with our allies," says Supreme Commander Michael Claesson. "At a time of rapidly changing security conditions, it is crucial to meet, build relationships, and engage in in-depth discussions face to face. Personal meetings create mutual understanding and strengthen our ability to plan and act together within NATO," Claesson adds. The delegation's visit largely focused on Sweden's unique defense capabilities and strength as a NATO member, based on our geographic position and the current security environment. It is clear that SACEUR recognizes how Sweden contributes concretely to the Alliance's collective security through its operational capabilities. "Allies and potential adversaries alike should take note of Sweden's development of capabilities and capacity to meet current and future threats, both for national defense planning and for NATO's defense plans," says General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Commander of NATO forces in Europe, adding: "This development strengthens Sweden, the regionincluding the Arcticand our transatlantic alliance." Discussions naturally centered on the security situation in the Baltic Sea region and the Arctic, as well as developments in Russia's war against Ukraine. The visit provided opportunities for in-depth discussions between SACEUR and the Swedish Armed Forces' senior leadership, along with concrete demonstrations of operational capability through visits and briefings at the Naval Staff at Musko and the Amphibious Regiment at Berga. The importance of a strong total defense system to maintain national resilience and military capability and capacity was also highlighted. Mikael Frisell, Director General of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, presented an overview of how Sweden's total defense is structured. "The entire Swedish society is oriented toward total defense. This is absolutely the right approach, and other countries can learn a great deal from Sweden," emphasizes General Grynkewich. "A credible military defense requires a strong total defense. Sweden's model, in which the whole of society contributes to resilience and endurance, is a crucial part of our defense capabilitynationally and as a NATO member," says Supreme Commander Michael Claesson. General Grynkewich also highlighted Sweden's defense industry and its importance to national and Allied security and resilience. "It is worth noting Sweden's high-technology defence industrial base, which produces advanced systems in the space, submarine, missile, and armoured vehicle domains. This significantly strengthens Europe's and NATO's capacity and power, driven by increased defence spending," says General Grynkewich. The visit concluded with a well-received demonstration of amphibious combat at Berga, further reinforcing the image of Sweden's unique defence capabilities. "The visit confirms that Sweden is already contributing concretely to NATO's collective defence at an early stage. Our geography, our operational capability, and our focus on total defence make us a relevant and reliable ally in a deteriorating security environment," says Supreme Commander Michael Claesson. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ranking Member Shaheen, Senator Murkowski Introduce Legislation to Prevent Trump Administration from Threatening NATO Unity Senate Foreign Relations Committee January 13, 2026 WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the NATO Unity Protection Act, bipartisan legislation to prohibit the use of U.S. Department of Defense or Department of State funds to blockade, occupy, annex or otherwise assert control over the sovereign territory of a NATO member state without that ally's consent or authorization from the North Atlantic Council, and to reaffirm the United States' commitment to NATO unity and collective security. The legislation comes amid growing concern following the Trump Administration's recent statements indicating that the U.S. could take steps to take control of Greenland, the autonomous territory of NATO ally, Denmark. Such a move would be counter to the North Atlantic Treaty, weaken NATO cohesion and undermine the Alliance's existing efforts to address threats from adversaries like Russia and China. NATO remains the most successful defensive alliance in history, and its credibility rests on the shared understanding that member states' sovereignty will be respected and defended by one another. "The strength of NATO depends on unity, trust and respect for the sovereignty of every member state," said Ranking Member Shaheen. "Any suggestion that the United States might use its power to seize or control the territory of a NATO ally would directly undermine the alliance that keeps Americans safe and plays into the hands of our adversaries. This bipartisan legislation makes clear that U.S. taxpayer dollars cannot be used for actions that would fracture NATO and violate our own commitments to NATO. This bill sends a clear message that recent rhetoric around Greenland deeply undermines America's own national security interests and faces bipartisan opposition in Congress." "Our NATO alliances are what set the United States apart from our adversaries. We have friends and allies who are willing to stand firmly alongside us as the strongest line of defense to keep those who work to undermine peace and stability from making sweeping advances globally," said Senator Murkowski. "The mere notion that America would use our vast resources against our allies is deeply troubling and must be wholly rejected by Congress in statute." Specifically, the NATO Unity Protection Act would: Affirm that the unified strength of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is critical to U.S. national security and foreign policy; Recognize that any occupation or takeover of the sovereign territory of a NATO ally would violate the U.N. Charter and the North Atlantic Treaty; Prohibit the use of Department of Defense funds to blockade, occupy, annex, conduct military operations against or otherwise assert control over the sovereign territory of a NATO member state without that state's authorization or approval by the North Atlantic Council; Prohibit the use of Department of State funds to develop, support or implement plans for such actions against a NATO member state; Clarify that nothing in the Act limits the ability of the United States to defend itself or an ally against an armed attack or a credible threat of imminent attack. Full text of the bill can be found HERE. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement condemning Israeli attacks on UNIFIL Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs PRESS STATEMENT 008 13 Jan 26 The Spanish Government reiterates its firm condemnation of the continuous and unacceptable Israeli attacks on UNIFIL positions, the latest of which once again threatened the physical integrity of the Spanish contingent, in a series of actions that represent a serious escalation against UNIFIL personnel and infrastructure. The Spanish Government urges Israel to respect the peacekeeping forces and to comply with its obligations under international law and with the ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024. Spain reiterates its commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability of Lebanon and to full compliance with Security Council Resolution 1701, reaffirming its support for the mandate of UNIFIL,the work of which is essential to the achievement of these objectives. -NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Diplomats Do Not Believe US Will Use Military Force to Seize Greenland - Reports Sputnik News 20260113 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The European Union does not believe the United States will use military force to seize Greenland but thinks that US President Donald Trump will be able to "get something" as a result of the pressure he is exerting, media reported, citing unnamed EU diplomats. Moreover, NATO believes that the US's attack on Greenland would mean an end of the alliance, the newspaper reported, citing a NATO diplomat. An open US attack on Greenland would be unprecedented, the report added. Trump has repeatedly said that Greenland should become part of the US, citing its strategic importance for national security and the defense of the "free world," including from China and Russia. Denmark and Greenland's authorities warned the US against seizing the island, noting that they expect respect for their shared territorial integrity. The island was a Danish colony until 1953. It has remained a part of the Kingdom of Denmark after gaining autonomy in 2009, with the ability to self-govern and determine its own domestic policy. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Panamanian Foreign Minister Martinez-Acha US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson January 13, 2026 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez. Secretary Rubio expressed deep appreciation for Panama's steadfast partnership over the past year, highlighting the close cooperation that has advanced shared priorities across our region. The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed opportunities to deepen collaboration on issues of mutual concern, including our expanded security cooperation to combat shared threats, such as narcotrafficking and transnational crime. Secretary Rubio welcomed Panama's steps to ensure that critical infrastructure remains protected and expressed interest in further cooperation in ongoing regional efforts to promote stability in Venezuela. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York 13 January 2026 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General. ** Briefing tomorrow Good afternoon. At 2 p.m., tomorrow, there will be a briefing here by the President of the General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock (Germany). She will be here following her remarks to the General Assembly. And as a reminder the Secretary-General will deliver his priority speech to the General Assembly on Thursday, at 10 a.m. ** Ukraine Starting with Ukraine. Today, in Ukraine, as the war approaches its fifth year, we and our humanitarian partners launched the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which calls for $2.3 billion to support more than 4 million people across the country with life-saving assistance. Overall, nearly 11 million people across Ukraine are estimated to require humanitarian assistance this year. Our colleagues note that widespread disruptions to electricity and to heating during extremely cold winter conditions are creating a crisis within an existing crisis, pushing already vulnerable people to the brink. Humanitarian needs remain most severe in front-line areas and along the northern border, where intensified shelling, destruction of civilian infrastructure and persistent disruptions to essential services is ongoing. People living in territories occupied by the Russian Federation remain largely cut off from services and protection, while humanitarian access remains extremely limited. Humanitarian assistance works hand in hand with Government-led efforts, with national and local organizations, together with our international partners, all playing a central role in reaching people in the most difficult and dangerous conditions. Meanwhile, authorities report that attacks across Ukraine in the past day resulted in civilian casualties, and disruptions to basic services, all of this continuing in freezing temperatures. The capital, Kiyv, and its region, as well as the regions of Donetsk, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy and Zaporizhzhia, were all among the hardest hit. In Odesa, overnight attacks injured several civilians and damaged residential buildings, as well as civilian facilities, including offices and premises of several UN organizations. Across the country, rolling power outages are continuing, and some areas, including parts of capital city, Kyiv, remained without heating as temperatures dropped to -15C. ** Security Council/Ukraine Yesterday afternoon, you will have noted that the Security Council held an open briefing on Ukraine. Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, briefed Council members and noted that large-scale aerial assaults by the Russian Federation against civilians and critical civilian infrastructure across Ukraine have resulted in horrific levels of destruction and suffering. Ms. DiCarlo reiterated the Secretary-General's strong condemnation of all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, stressing that such attacks violate international humanitarian law. She reaffirmed the Secretary-General's repeated calls for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace, grounded in respect for international law and the principles of the Charter of this organization. Also briefing the Council, Ramesh Rajasingham, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' (OCHA) Director of Coordination, said that what makes the latest attacks especially devastating is that they cripple systems that keep civilians alive during winter. He underscored that civilians who are enduring these attacks need more than statements of concern from the Security Council. They need concrete action to reduce civilian harm and ensure that humanitarian support continues to reach people when they need it most. ** Sudan Turning to Sudan, our friends in OCHA say they are alarmed by the continued harm to civilians and displacement as fighting escalates in multiple parts of the country. Local reports indicate that at least 19 civilians were killed during a ground assault in the Jarjira area of North Darfur State, that was just yesterday. Another 10 civilians were reportedly killed and nine injured in a drone attack in Sinja, the state capital of Sennar State. That is what the Sudanese Doctors Network is telling us. The violence continues to drive people from their homes and it must stop. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that, on Friday, more than 8,000 people were displaced from villages in the locality of Kernoi in North Darfur, with some fleeing within the state and others crossing, seeking refuge into Chad. At the same time, a deepening nutrition emergency is unfolding in North Darfur State. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and its partners conducted a survey last month in the localities of Tina, Um Baru and Kernoi which showed acute malnutrition levels far exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) emergency thresholds of 15 per cent. In Um Baru, the survey found the highest levels of acute malnutrition, with a rate of 53 per cent. We once again call on all parties to immediately protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, respect international humanitarian law, and enable rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access, while urging donors to urgently scale up funding to deliver life-saving assistance. ** Trip Announcement/Sudan And a trip to announce. Our good friend, Volker Turk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, will be visiting Sudan from 14 to 18 January. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with authorities in Port Sudan, as well as representatives of civil society and our own Country Team. He will also travel to Northern State where he will visit Al-Afad camp and meet displaced people and humanitarian partners that are working on the ground. For your planning purposes, and if you wish to share with your colleagues on the ground, Mr. Turk will hold two press conferences at the conclusion of his visit on Sunday, 18 January. One in Port Sudan and a second one during a transit stop in Nairobi. Further updates will be shared by his office. ** South Sudan Heading South to South Sudan. Today in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, we and our humanitarian partners, together with the Government, launched the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for South Sudan. The plan calls for $1.5 billion to deliver life-saving assistance and protection to 4.3 million people in one of the world's most complex humanitarian crises. Out of this total amount, our colleagues estimate that the priority is to raise $1 billion to reach 4 million people. This year, an estimated 10 million people that is about two thirds of the population of South Sudan, including over 600,000 refugees will need humanitarian aid. Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that conflict, climate shocks, disease outbreaks, deepening economic challenges and the spillover from the crisis in neighbouring Sudan all continue to drive humanitarian needs in South Sudan. More than 7.5 million people are projected to face food insecurity, that is IPC Phase3 or worse, during the lean season, which is from April to July. ** Yemen Moving to Yemen. Our Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg, is in Muscat, the capital of Oman. He met today with senior Omani officials to discuss recent developments in Yemen and the broader regional context. Mr. Grundberg also met with Ansar Allah Chief Negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam to discuss pathways to advance political dialogue, stressing the need to maintain momentum on the release process of the conflict-related detainees, building on the outcomes of the Muscat meetings of December of last year. During the discussions, Mr. Grundberg reaffirmed our continued engagement with all parties to support a return to an inclusive political process. One of the main topics consistently raised in all our discussions, as you can imagine, remains the fate of 73 of our colleagues who continue to be arbitrarily detained by the Houthis, some since 2021. The Special Envoy, together with Muin Shreim, our official who is leading the discussion on detainees, raised the ongoing arbitrary detention of the colleagues, calling for their immediate and unconditional release of the 73 and stressing the need to respect the safety and the security of all UN staff, whether they be national or international staff. We continue to demand the immediate and unconditional release of all other personnel from international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society and whose who had served with diplomatic missions. And just to add that Mr. Grundberg will brief the Security Council tomorrow and will share further details, and that will be done by video conference. ** Syria From Syria, OCHA says that nearly 120,000 people remain displaced following recent hostilities in the city of Aleppo. Our partners report that around 29,000 people have returned to their homes so far. Access to the neighbourhoods of Ashrafiyeh and Ash-Sheik Maqsoud is gradually improving, but is limited by the continued operations to clear explosive remnants. Public services, including the restoration of the water supply to approximately three million people following the reactivation of the Babiri water station, are gradually resuming. However, schools remain closed for an additional 15 days, and flights to and from Aleppo Airport continue to be suspended. We and our humanitarian partners on the ground are continuing to provide aid, including shelter, health, nutrition and food support, while closely monitoring population movements. OCHA and its partners remain on standby to adjust and scale up the response as required, amid ongoing access constraints and what can best be described as a fluid security environment. ** Occupied Palestinian Territory Turning to Gaza, our colleague, Ramiz Alakbarov, the Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, began today a three-day visit to the Gaza Strip. In Khan Younis, he met with displaced families who have been supported by the UN to move away from the flood-prone shoreline toa site in Hamad City. UNICEF provided water and sanitation infrastructure, the World Food Programme (WFP) levelled the land, and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) improved road access to the site. Also in Khan Younis, Dr. Alakbarov visited Asda'a, where the UN has been supporting thousands of families for more than a year. There, UNICEF provides support for health and nutrition services. Children are also benefiting from temporary learning spaces, where mental health and psychosocial services are provided, and WFP does the school feeding programme there. The Humanitarian Coordinator also met with farmers who are producing food locally with support from the Humanitarian Fund for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which is managed by OCHA. Speaking from southern Gaza, Mr. Alakbarov commended the collaboration between UN teams, NGOs and Member States on the ground, while stressing that much more is needed. He called for sustained funding and for the lifting of restrictions on what supplies and equipment can be brought into Gaza, so as to address weather-related risks and other humanitarian needs. He also called for the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian organizations, whether NGOs or UN agencies. In Deir al-Balah, he met with local organizations working on disability inclusion, focusing on access to devices and artificial limbs as you can imagine, the need is great in Gaza for that stronger inclusion in humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts and improved medical evacuation pathways for people with disabilities. He will spend the night in Gaza City and is set to visit several additional locations in the North tomorrow. Meanwhile, on the ground weather conditions are continuing to be extremely harsh, taking a heavy toll on civilians, especially those living in makeshift shelters, flood-prone areas and war-damaged buildings. Hundreds of tents and makeshift shelters were reportedly blown away or heavily damaged since last night, affecting thousands of people. Amid heavy rainfall and strong winds, OCHA has received reports of cases of hypothermia, mainly among young children, and people being killed as buildings collapse. We and our partners are rapidly responding to flood alerts, and we are distributing tents, tarpaulins, blankets and warm clothes, as well as nutrition, hygiene and sanitary items across Gaza. Over the past month, nearly 20,000 households have received emergency support. Humanitarian teams have also mitigated flood risks by providing sandbags and clearing debris. OCHA stresses that, despite the scaled-up response, needs on the ground continue to far outpace available supplies and services, with each new rainstorm eroding hard-won gains. ** United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Moving North to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), you will have seen that our peacekeepers in southern Lebanon issued a couple of statements in the last 24 hours regarding attacks on UN personnel who are all clearly identifiable as such, given that they wear Blue Helmets and blue jackets with the UN logo. The peacekeepers say these attacks are becoming disturbingly common and constitute a serious violation of [Security Council] resolution 1701 (2006). Peacekeepers say that, last night, two possible flare mortars hit a UN position near Yaroun. The peacekeepers requested a halt from the Israel Defense Forces. Hours earlier, UNIFIL peacekeepers observed two Merkava Israeli tanks move further into Lebanon from an Israeli Defense Forces position near Sarda. Peacekeepers requested through the usual liaison mechanism that the tanks stop their activity. Later, one tank fired three shells from its main gun, with two landing about 150 metres from our peacekeepers. Fortunately, no one was hurt in these incidents. UNIFIL had informed, as they always do, the [Israel Defense Forces] of its activities in these areas, following standard practice for patrols along the Blue Line. We again remind the Israel Defense Forces, and all parties, of the obligation to ensure the safety of peacekeepers and to cease attacks against them. ** Myanmar Lastly, an update from Myanmar, where our colleagues at OCHA tell us that they're concerned about the situation in the Sagaing Region and in Chin State, where intense clashes and airstrikes have resulted in civilian casualties and driven people from their homes in the last several weeks. Since earlier this month, fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces and non-State armed groups in Katha Township, in the Sagaing Region, forced an estimated 10,000 human beings to flee to neighbouring areas. During the same period, clashes in Chin State between the Myanmar army and non-state armed groups have forced people to flee from multiple areas in the Falam Township. Last week, between 4 and 6 January, civilians were reportedly killed and injured by air strikes in the townships of Katha, Khin-U and Wetlet in Sagaing Region and Hakha Township in Chin State. Despite the continuing clashes, funding shortfalls and access challenges, our humanitarian partners continue to deliver aid in hard-to-reach and priority areas, in line with the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which calls for $890 million. The Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim in Myanmar, Gwyn Lewis, says that underfunding in 2025 pushed families into impossible choices, with many skipping meals, taking dangerous journeys and exposing themselves to serious risks simply to survive. Gabriel then Edie. ** Questions and Answers Question : Thanks, Steph. On Iran, there are all sorts of numbers coming out of potentially the number of people killed. Volker Turk in his statement said hundreds is the word he used. But, in the press conference in Geneva this morning, the biweekly, when pressed on if those were verifiable numbers from the UN, the answer was no. Can you just flesh out the details on how the UN is coming up with the numbers that you're using? Spokesman : We have seen, I think credible press reports. We have seen even quotes today from senior Iranian officials talking about close to 2,000. So, obviously, the exact number is hard to get at, but it is clear that an unacceptable number of people have been killed in these protests. Question : And can you just refresh our memories on the UN posture in Iran when it comes to potentially being able to verify what's happening on the ground? Spokesman : At this point, we have a team on the ground, they have been, but they're mostly focused on development and humanitarian work. There is no, as far as I know, human rights presence. Edie? Question : A follow-up on that, Steph. Is the Secretary-General planning to make any kind of a protest or any official calls to the Iranian leadership about the killing of civilians, whether it's hundreds or thousands? Spokesman : The Secretary-General has repeatedly raised the human rights situation in Iran, in his conversations with Iranian officials. As soon as I have any contact to be able to confirm to you, I shall. Miriam? Question : Steph, the number that we got from our sources within the Government of Islamic Republic, the numbers of protesters killed are 12,000 people and it has been verified. My question to you is, has the Secretary-General seen the bodies... the amount of bodies in the body bags? And also, is there going to be a stronger reaction from him? Another question is that, is he going to push for a meeting, UN [Security Council] meeting... an emergency meeting because we haven't seen it. And also, one other question regarding this, the Islamic Republic, the Government is calling protesters terrorists. Has the Secretary-General seen these comments? And does he agree that these people who are on the streets demanding their rights, basic rights, they are terrorists? Spokesman : I think, I will let you do the compare and contrast. We have repeatedly referred to people in the streets, Tehran, as protesters, protesters who have a right to protest peacefully and... and a government that has a responsibility to protect people in their practice of that right. The Secretary-General is well aware of the news coverage, and he's also seen the coverage on television. And I think the strong statement we issued over the weekend and what we keep reiterating today is a reflection of his shock and what is going on. And as I told Edie, as soon as we have some contact to be able to report, I will do that. Dezhi and then Namo. Question : Has the Secretariat ever contacted the Iranian mission here to express concern, and do you get any feedback from...? Spokesman : There have been contacts done at various levels. I think, the feedback is expressed in the letters that the Iranian mission has sent to the UN. Question : The US President [Donald J.] Trump urged Iranians to "keep protesting and take over" what they call institutions in the country, he cancelled all meetings with the Iranian officials, and he said the help is on the way. Do you consider that an incitement in such a scenario? Spokesman : I think, in this situation, the focus should be on ensuring that people's rights on the ground are respected, the right to express themselves, the rights to protest, and we continue to push for diplomacy. Question : I have another topic here. Last week, the Secretary-General sent a letter to Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu concerning the amendment of the Knesset law against UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East]. And today, the Israeli ambassador to the UN, [Danny] Danon said "instead of dealing with the undeniable involvement of UNRWA personnel in terrorism, the SG choose to threaten Israel. This is not defending international law. This is defending an organization marked by terrorism." That remind me of something. Has the OIOS [The Office of Internal Oversight Services] investigation on UNRWA concluded? Spokesman : I think, we've shared with you all the information we have on that. And I think it's... Correspondent : I mean, case. Spokesman : It's an important reminder that it was Mr. Philippe Lazzarini himself, it was UNRWA itself that announced the issues relating to UNRWA staff who may have been involved in the horrific terror attacks of 7 October [2023] and other activities. I think we've never shied away, from dealing with that. The letter, as you refer, was not a threat. I mean, the Secretary-General's not in the business of threatening Member States. It was a reaffirmation of the responsibilities of the Government of Israel, a reaffirmation of the rights of the United Nations as agreed to in the general convention on the privileges of immunity, which we expect every single Member State to respect. Question : Do you have a timetable or schedule that the SG might present this case to the ICJ [International Court of Justice]? Spokesman : It is not... again, what the letter says is that the general convention says it in case there's a difference between the UN and a Member State, it could go to the International Court of Justice. The Secretary-General has also written letters, similar letters to both the President of General Assembly and the President of Security Council updating them on the situation as relating to the UN premises in Jerusalem. Question : Does the Secretary-General expect any of the institution you mentioned, the GA or the Security Council to take action on this? Spokesman : It's just a matter of the Secretary-General keeping all Member States updated on this matter. Question : So, no concrete actions? Spokesman : That I know of, at this point. Namo? Question : Thank you, Stephane. The Syrian Network for Human Rights says it has verified the authenticity of a video that appears to show Syrian government forces abusing the body of a Kurdish female fighter and throwing it from a high floor of a building in Aleppo. Is the United Nations aware of this footage? And does the Secretary-General...? Spokesman : I've seen these reports. They're extremely disturbing to say the least. And of course, in all of these cases, there needs to be accountability. Pan... yes, please. Question : Sorry. On Syria. The Syrian Democratic Forces are accusing Damascus of expanding the war beyond Aleppo towards the east. The Syrian Ministry of Defence reportedly put out another area called Der Hafer designating it as another closed military zone. Isn't this concerning for the Secretary-General and for the...? Spokesman : We want to see the Government and the SDF [Syrian Defence Forces] return to the agreement that was agreed to and settle differences, which we understand that there are, through negotiations. It is too important for the fate of Syria and the fate of all Syrians that there needs to be peace, an agreement, a renewed agreement between the two. Pan, then Alex, then Ephrem. Question : Thank you. Thank you, Steph. Today, maybe you are aware that US President Trump said that he has cancelled all meetings with Iranians. And yesterday, they were reposted that the Pentagon has provided the president with a wide range strike options with Iran. And the Iranians said it is ready for war while also remains open for dialogue. So, a military confrontation between the two countries seems to be imminent. So, I wonder if the Secretary-General will issue official statement calling for restraint and diplomacy between the two countries? Spokesman : Well, I think, Pan, as I answered to Dezhi today and I think as I answered questions from your colleagues yesterday, we're of course, very concerned about the increase military like rhetoric that we're seeing around the Iranian situation. It is imperative that all Member States push for diplomacy as opposed to military rhetoric. Alex and then Ephrem. Question : Thanks, Steph. Firstly, on Iran. Could you please share how many UN staff do you have in Iran? Like, approximately? Spokesman : I could, if I knew off the top of my head, but we'll get you that number soon. Question : Are you planning to evacuate those guys? Spokesman : No. There's no plan at this point to evacuate. Question : Alright. On Venezuela. I asked you this question yesterday. Maybe you could confirm it now, if there's any plan of the Secretary-General to meet with Ms. Machado? Spokesman : No. I'm not aware of any. Okay. Ephrem. Question : Thank you, Steph. Just a quick clarification about the number of the displaced. You mentioned yesterday Syria, 119,000. Today, it's still around that number 120,000. Who are the 29,000 who have returned? Is this part of the 120,000 or were they 150,000, and sorry. Just for headline. Spokesman : You were paying attention to what I was saying. The question is, was I paying attention to what I was saying? Correspondent : You said 29,000 have returned. Spokesman : 29,000 have returned to their homes. Yes. Oh, I see what you mean. It's a very good question. I will ask a statistician to explain and share that with you. Vladimir, please don't catch me on the numbers. Question : A small question about Iran, as well. Theoretically, can the Secretary-General initiate an international investigation into these killings in Iran? Spokesman : For the Secretary-General representative to lead an investigation, there needs to be a mandate from a legislative body of the UN. Sara Brittany, I see your hand up there, and then Zahra. Question : I have an official statement or response to the President of the United States calling for cannabis to be rescheduled to US Schedule 3? Spokesman : No. I would encourage you to contact our colleagues at the Office of Drugs and Crime. Correspondent : I have. Thank you. Spokesman : Okay. Zahra? Question : Hi, Steph. Thank you so much. I have a question about Iran. You know, Iran's mission has sent a letter to Secretary-General regarding President Trump interference in Iran's internal affairs. Yesterday and today, President Trump issued two statements, one announcing a 25 per cent tariff on Iran's trading partners, and another saying, keep protesting. Take over your institution. Help is on its way. Following this statement, the White House Press Secretary also said that President Trump is considering all options regarding Iran. What is the Secretary-General position on this statement? Has the Secretary-General been in direct contact with President Trump or his administration on Iran to deescalate tensions? Spokesman : Zahra, with all due respect, I think I answer on the tariffs, I have no specific comment. I answered... the issue you raised into to both Pan and Dezhi earlier today, and to summarize it, we're very concerned about the increased rhetoric around the Iranian crisis coming from different parties, and we encourage a path of dialogue. Question : And has the Secretary-General been in direct contact with President Trump or his Administration on Iran to de-escalate tensions? Spokesman : Sorry. The volume just went way up here. No contact with President Trump. I will share with you other updates on contacts when I'm able to. Islam? Question : Quick question. New York Times reported yesterday on 2 September [2025], US attacked both in Caribbean from the aircraft which disguised as a civilian. So, it created some discussion whether it's a war crime or against the international law. What's the UN perspective on this? Spokesman : I mean, I saw the report. I would refer you to what we've already said on the issue is that, there are existing tools of international cooperation when combating drug trafficking and that it is imperative that international law be observed on the high seas. I do not have any further details or confirmation of what happened beyond what was reported in The New York Times. Okay. Thank you all. See you tomorrow. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address During Gaza's Ceasefire, Children Keep Being Killed UNICEF Remarks This is a summary of what was said by UNICEF Spokesperson, James Elder, to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva 13 January 2026 GAZA CITY/GENEVA, 13 January 2026 - "More than 100 children have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire of early October. That is roughly one girl or boy killed every day. During a ceasefire. "Life in Gaza remains suffocating. Survival is still conditional. Whilst the bombings and shooting have slowed during the ceasefire, they have not stopped. "What the world now calls "calm" would be considered a crisis anywhere else. Unfortunately, the ceasefire has had an unintended effect: Palestinian children in Gaza have disappeared from view. "Since the ceasefire UNICEF has recorded reports of at least 60 boys and 40 girls killed in the Gaza Strip. The 100 figure only reflects incidents where sufficient details have been available to record, so the actual number of Palestinian children killed is expected to be higher. Hundreds of children have been wounded. "I sat with one such victim a few days ago. Nine-year-old Abid Al Rahman was collecting wood with his friends in Khan Younis when an airstrike hit. Shrapnel ripped into his eye that shard of explosive metal is still lodged there." "At the same time, as strikes continue, severe restrictions remain on many essentials in Gaza - from some essential medical supplies to cooking gas, fuel to parts for lifesaving water and sanitation systems. "It is important to note that the ceasefire has allowed genuine progress in areas: "In health, UNICEF and partners have expanded primary healthcare services, including immunisation, in particular to the completely unserved north, as people try to move home. "To improve hygiene and sanitation, UNICEF is using everything from donkeys to bulldozers, and removing one thousand tonnes of solid waste every month. "It has been raining and bitterly cold recently in Gaza, but the preparations UNICEF started for winter mean we have supplied almost one million thermal blankets & hundreds and hundreds of thousands of winter clothing kits for children. "Remarkably, we have made urgent and lifesaving repairs to water pipelines, pumping stations and sewerage networks, all on the back of Palestinian ingenuity more than spare parts being allowed in. "And in nutrition, we have added more than 70 nutrition facilities across Gaza. Famine has retreated. "Even with modest gains, two years of war have left life for Gaza's children unimaginably hard. Children still live in fear, and their psychological damage remains untreatedbecoming deeper and harder to heal the longer this goes on. "A ceasefire that slows the bombs is progress but one that still buries children is not enough. It is a warning, and it demands enforcement, humanitarian access, and accountability. "This is the time to turn reduced violence into real safety: open access for aid, massively increase medical evacuation, and make this the moment when the killing of children in Gaza truly ends." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza: A ceasefire that still kills children is not enough, says UNICEF By Dominika Tomaszewska-Mortimer 13 January 2026 - Airstrikes, drone attacks and hypothermia continue in Gaza despite the ceasefire, with more than 100 youngsters killed since early October, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday. "That's roughly a girl or a boy killed here every day during a ceasefire," UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told reporters in Geneva. "These children are killed from airstrikes, drone strikes, including suicide drones," he said, speaking from Gaza City. "They're killed from tank shelling, they're killed from live ammunition, they're killed from [remote-controlled] quadcopters." Mr. Elder pointed out that more children have also died of hypothermia in the last few days, as harsh winter conditions expose the most vulnerable Gazans. Sheer cold kills six children "We've now gone to six children who died of hypothermia just this winter," he said. "I wish I could take a camera and show you 30, 40-kilometre [per hour] winds ripping through tents on the beach. It's bitterly cold, it's bitterly wet." The UNICEF spokesperson stressed that the ceasefire has allowed "genuine progress" in primary healthcare, with UNICEF and partners setting up the first health clinics in the north of the Strip and expanding immunization services. But desperately needed medical evacuations of children remain at a standstill. Mr. Elder noted "no noticeable improvement" both on approvals to get children with life-threatening injuries out of Gaza and in convincing more host countries take in the young patients. He said that in his latest mission to the enclave, he spoke to many children and families denied evacuation despite completing an arduous, formal process. These included a nine-year-old with shrapnel lodged in his eye who "will lose sight in an eye, maybe both", a girl in Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City who "may well die" and another child whose leg needs amputating. "All three of those are absolute candidates for medical evacuation; all three of those have so far been denied," Mr. Elder explained. Before war erupted in Gaza following Hamas-led attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023, between 50 and 100 patients were evacuated from the enclave every day, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO). In an alert on Tuesday, the agency warned that extensive clearance procedures by the Israeli authorities continue to cause delays to deliveries of medicine and food. "Some essential medical items are classified as 'dual-use' and denied entry," WHO said in a post on X, in reference to goods that are primarily intended for civilian use but which the Israeli authorities believe could be diverted by Hamas or other militant groups for military purposes. International NGO ban looms The UNICEF spokesperson also highlighted the dangers of a recent Israeli ban on international NGOs, which will come into effect in the coming month and mean "blocking life-saving assistance", he alleged. Mr. Elder also stressed the importance of allowing international media into the enclave, which has not been granted despite the ceasefire. "There needs to be a lot more pressure on allowing international journalists to come in," he said. "This is my seventh mission [to Gaza] and every time I see the 360-degree devastation, flattening of homes, my jaw drops." "It is absolutely as staggering yesterday as it was the first time I saw it more than two years ago," he insisted. Mr. Elder warned that two years of war have "left life for Gaza's children unimaginably hard," explaining that "the psychological damage remains untreated, and it's becoming deeper and harder to heal, the longer this goes on". "A ceasefire that slows the bombs is progress, but one that still buries children is not enough," he concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'A torture that never stops': Sri Lanka failing survivors of conflict sexual violence, UN says By Vibhu Mishra 13 January 2026 - Conflict-related sexual violence in Sri Lanka remains largely unaddressed more than 15 years after the end of the civil war, with survivors still denied justice, recognition and reparations, according to a new report by the UN human rights office, OHCHR, on Tuesday. It concludes that a legacy of impunity for wartime abuses continues to shape the lives of survivors, many of whom suffer long-term physical injuries, psychological trauma and social exclusion. Titled We lost everything - even hope for justice, the report draws on more than a decade of UN monitoring and consultations with survivors, civil society and experts. "Sexual violence in conflict constitutes a serious violation of international law, which may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity," OHCHR spokesperson Jeremy Laurence told journalists in Geneva. "Sri Lanka is legally obligated, under multiple international treaties and commitments, to prevent, investigate, and prosecute such violations and ensure reparation for survivors." Intimidation and stigma Among its findings, the report notes that survivors - women and men alike - face an enduring climate of intimidation, surveillance and stigma, leading to widespread under-reporting and a near absence of effective remedies. "Sexual violence is a torture that never stops," one survivor told UN investigators. The conflict between Government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which lasted from 1983 to 2009, was marked by widespread abuses. Documented cases of conflict-related sexual violence date back even further, including during the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) insurrections of the 1970s and late 1980s. During these periods, sexual violence was widely used, as a method of intimidation, punishment, and control over conflict-affected populations, the report states. Alarming impunity Despite the end of active hostilities in 2009, OHCHR says militarisation, emergency legal frameworks and a weakened rule of law have enabled gender-based violence - including sexual violence - to persist with alarming impunity. The report also highlights major gaps in Sri Lanka's domestic legal framework. There is no specific legislation addressing conflict-related sexual violence, statutes of limitation remain in place, forensic capacity is limited, and prosecutions are rare. Male and LGBTQ+ survivors are particularly invisible, with some experiences unacknowledged or criminalised under existing laws. Restore dignity The report also underscores that recognition and accountability are essential to restoring dignity and advancing reconciliation. It calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to take immediate and concrete steps to publicly acknowledge past sexual violence committed by State forces and others, and to issue a formal apology. It should also implement survivor-centred reforms across the security sector, judiciary and the legal framework, establish an independent prosecution office, and ensure access to psychological and social support. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World News in Brief: Escalating fighting in Sudan, displacement in Syria's Aleppo, $1.5 billion appeal for South Sudan 13 January 2026 - More civilians in Sudan continue to be killed and displaced as fighting escalates in multiple parts of the country, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday. This comes a day after at least 19 civilians were killed during a ground assault in the Jarjira area of North Darfur state, according to local reports. Another 10 civilians also were reportedly killed and nine injured in a drone attack that same day in Sinja, capital of Sennar state. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and military rivals the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been at war since April 2023, and people continue to flee their homes due to the violence. The International Organization for Migration estimated that on Friday, more than 8,000 people were displaced from villages in the locality of Kernoi, North Darfur state, with some fleeing within the state and others crossing into Chad. Since Sunday, 125 people were displaced from Kadugli, capital of South Kordofan state, while nearly 300 people fled Dilling due to heightened insecurity. Nutrition emergency in North Darfur state At the same time, a deepening nutrition emergency is unfolding in North Darfur state. UN child rights agency UNICEF and partners conducted a survey last month in three localities. It showed acute malnutrition levels far exceeding the 15 per cent emergency threshold set by the World Health Organization (WHO), with one location, Um Baru, having the highest global acute malnutrition rate of 53 per cent. OCHA reiterated its call on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, respect international humanitarian law, and enable humanitarian access. Donors are being urged to scale up funding to deliver life-saving assistance. Syria: Thousands still displaced in Aleppo following recent clashes In other humanitarian news: Nearly 120,000 people remain displaced following recent hostilities in the Syrian city of Aleppo, while roughly 29,000 have returned to their homes. Deadly clashes resumed last week between troops from the transitional government and the mainly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) following a brief pause after the ceasefire announced in late December 2025. Access to the neighbourhoods of Ashrafiyeh and Ash-Sheik Maqsoud is gradually improving but is limited by the continued operations to clear explosive remnants, OCHA said. Public services, including the restoration of the water supply to approximately three million people following the reactivation of the Babiri water station, are gradually resuming. Schools still shut However, schools remain closed for an additional 15 days, and flights to and from Aleppo continue to be suspended. Humanitarians on the ground continue to provide shelter, health, nutrition, food and other aid while closely monitoring population movements. OCHA and partners also remain on standby to adjust and scale up response as required, amid ongoing access constraints and other challenges. $1.5 billion humanitarian appeal for South Sudan Humanitarians are seeking $1.5 billion to support 4.3 million people in South Sudan this year. The UN and partners launched the appeal, together with the Government, in the capital Juba on Tuesday. The priority is to raise $1 billion fast, to reach 4 million people. South Sudan is one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world as conflict, climate shocks, disease outbreaks, deepening economic challenges - and the spillover from the war in neighbouring Sudan - continue to drive needs. It is estimated that 10 million people, roughly two-thirds of the population, will need humanitarian aid in 2026, with over 600,000 refugees among them. More than 7.5 million people are projected to face food insecurity during the lean season from April to July. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Myanmar, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory Heavy rainfall batters makeshift shelters in Gaza Strip OCHA reports that the harsh weather conditions are taking a heavy toll on civilians, especially those living in makeshift shelters, flood-prone areas and war-damaged buildings. It is reported that hundreds of tents and makeshift shelters were blown away or heavily damaged since last night, affecting thousands of people. Amid heavy rainfall and strong winds, OCHA has received reports of cases of hypothermia, mainly among children, and people killed as buildings collapse. The UN and humanitarian partners are rapidly responding to flood alerts and are distributing tents, tarpaulins, blankets and warm clothes, as well as nutrition, hygiene and sanitary items across Gaza. Over the past month, nearly 20,000 households have received emergency support. Humanitarian teams have also mitigated flood risks by providing sandbags and clearing debris. To prevent hypothermia and support people through the rainy season, over the past three months, the UN and its partners have provided nearly 30,000 sets of warm clothes and thermometers for newborn babies, delivered some 400,000 packages of jackets, blankets and other supplies to keep children warm, and distributed hundreds of thousands of blankets and shelter items to vulnerable families. OCHA stresses that, despite the scaled-up response, needs continue to far outpace available supplies and services, with each new rainstorm eroding hard-won gains. Today, Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, the Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, has begun a three-day visit to the Gaza Strip. In Khan Younis, Dr. Alakbarov met displaced families who have been supported by the UN to move away from the flood-prone shoreline to a site in Hamad City. UNICEF provided water and sanitation infrastructure, the World Food Programme (WFP) levelled the land, and the UN Development Programme improved road access around the site. Also in Khan Younis, Dr. Alakbarov visited Asda'a, where the UN has been supporting thousands of families for more than a year. UNICEF provides support for a health and nutrition point and other services. Children are also benefiting from temporary learning spaces, where mental health and psychosocial services are provided, and WFP supports school feeding. The Humanitarian Coordinator also met farmers who are producing food locally with support from the Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarian Fund, managed by OCHA. Speaking from southern Gaza, Dr. Alakbarov commended the collaboration between UN teams, NGOs and Member States on the ground, while stressing that much more is needed. He called for sustained funding and for the lifting of restrictions on what supplies and equipment can be brought into Gaza to address weather-related risks and other urgent humanitarian needs. He also called for the lifting of restrictions on specific humanitarian organizations, whether NGOs or UN agencies. In Deir al Balah, Dr. Alakbarov met with local organizations working on disability inclusion, focusing on access to assistive devices and artificial limbs, stronger inclusion in humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts, and improved medical evacuation pathways. The Humanitarian Coordinator will spend the night in Gaza city and is set to visit several additional locations in the north tomorrow. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Gaza with urgent support. Myanmar Fighting drives civilians from their homes in Sagain, Chin OCHA expresses concern about the situation in Sagaing Region and Chin State where intense clashes and airstrikes have resulted in civilian casualties and driven people from their homes in recent weeks. Since earlier this month, fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces and non-state armed groups in Katha Township in Sagaing Region has forced an estimated 10,000 people to flee to neighbouring areas. During the same period, clashes in Chin State between the Myanmar Armed Forces and non-state armed groups force people to flee from multiple villages in Falam Township. Between 4 and 6 January, civilians were reportedly killed and injured by airstrikes in the townships of Katha, Khin-U and Wetlet in Sagaing Region and Hakha Township in Chin State. Despite continued clashes, funding shortfalls and access challenges, the UN, humanitarian partners continue to deliver aid in hard-to-reach and priority areas, in line with the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which calls for $890 million. The Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim in Myanmar, Gwyn Lewis, says that underfunding in 2025 pushed families into impossible choices, with many skipping meals, taking dangerous journeys and exposing themselves to serious risks simply to survive. We cannot allow this to happen again this year. South Sudan UN, humanitarian partners launch appeal for $1.5bn to help 4.3 million people in 2026 Today in Juba, the UN, humanitarian partners, together with the Government, launched the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan. The plan seeks $1.5 billion to deliver life-saving assistance and protection to 4.3 million people in one of the world's most complex humanitarian crises. Of this, the immediate priority is $1 billion to reach 4 million people. In 2026, an estimated 10 million people - or about two-thirds of the population, including over 600,000 refugees - will need humanitarian aid. OCHA reports that conflict, climate shocks, disease outbreaks, deepening economic challenges, and the spillover effects of the crisis in neighboring Sudan continue to drive humanitarian needs in South Sudan. More than 7.5 million people are projected to face crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse levels of food insecurity during the lean season from April to July. Sudan More civilians killed as fighting intensifies across Sudan OCHA expresses its deep alarm over continued harm to civilians and displacement as fighting escalates in multiple parts of the country. Local reports indicate that at least 19 civilians were killed during a ground assault in the Jarjira area of North Darfur State yesterday. Another 10 civilians were reportedly killed and nine injured in a drone attack in Sinja, the state capital of Sennar State, yesterday, according to the Sudan Doctors Network. Violence continues to drive people from their homes. The International Organization for Migration estimates that on Friday, more than 8,000 people were displaced from villages in the locality of Kernoi in North Darfur State, with some fleeing within the state and others crossing into Chad. In addition, between Sunday and yesterday, 125 people were displaced from Kadugli, the state capital of South Kordofan State, while nearly 300 people fled the city of Dilling, due to heightened insecurity, with families reportedly moving towards locations in White Nile State. At the same time, a deepening nutrition emergency is unfolding in North Darfur State. UNICEF and partners conducted a survey last month in the localities of At Tina, Um Baru and Kernoi which showed acute malnutrition levels far exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) emergency thresholds of 15 per cent. Um Baru having the highest Global Acute Malnutrition rate of 53 per cent. OCHA once again calls on all parties to immediately protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, respect international humanitarian law, and enable rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access, while urging donors to urgently scale up funding to deliver life-saving assistance. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Sudan with urgent support. Syria Public services gradually restored in Aleppo, but 120,000 people still uprooted OCHA reports that nearly 120,000 people remain displaced following recent hostilities in the city of Aleppo. Humanitarian partners report that around 29,000 people have returned to their homes so far. Access to the neighbourhoods of Ashrafiyeh and Ash-Sheik Maqsoud is gradually improving but is limited by the continued operations to clear explosive remnants of war. Public services - including the restoration of the water supply to approximately three million people following the reactivation of the Babiri water station - are gradually resuming. However, schools remain closed for an additional 15 days, and flights to and from Aleppo International Airport continue to be suspended. The UN, humanitarian partners continue to provide aid, including shelter, health, nutrition, and food support, while closely monitoring population movements. Humanitarian partners remain on standby to adjust and scale up the response as required, amid ongoing access constraints and a fluid security environment. Ukraine To reach 4 million people in 2026, UN, partners call for $2.3 billion As the war approaches its fifth year, the UN, humanitarian partners launched the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which calls for $2.3 billion to support more than 4 million people across the country with life-saving assistance. Overall, nearly 11 million people across Ukraine are estimated to require humanitarian assistance this year. Widespread disruptions to electricity and heating during extreme winter conditions are creating a crisis within a crisis, pushing already vulnerable people to the brink. Humanitarian needs remain most severe in front-line areas and along the northern border, where intensified shelling, destruction of civilian infrastructure and persistent disruptions to essential services continue. People living in territories occupied by the Russian Federation remain largely cut off from services and protection, while humanitarian access remains extremely limited. Humanitarian assistance works hand in hand with Government-led efforts, with national and local organizations - together with international partners - playing a central role in reaching people in the most difficult and dangerous conditions. Meanwhile, authorities report that attacks across Ukraine in the past day resulted in more than 30 civilian casualties, as disruptions to basic services continued in freezing temperatures. The capital Kiyv and its region, as well as the regions of Donetsk, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy and Zaporizhzhia were among the hardest hit. In Odesa, overnight attacks injured several civilians and damaged residential buildings and civilian facilities, including office premises of several UN organizations. Across the country, rolling power outages continued, and some areas - including parts of Kyiv - remained without heating as temperatures dropped to -15C. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Ukraine with urgent support. Posted on 13 January 2026 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement on the Publication of the Armenia-U.S. Implementation Framework for the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia 14 January, 2026 The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the Republic of Armenia and the United States. Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today in Washington, D.C., to announce the release of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) Implementation Framework. This document, published below, is the latest step toward fulfilling the commitments made at the White House on August 8, 2025, to advance the cause of lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The Framework outlines a concrete path to operationalize the TRIPP, which is intended to establish unimpeded, multimodal transit connectivity on the territory of Armenia. While connecting the main part of Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and creating a vital link in the Trans-Caspian Trade Route, the TRIPP is expected to generate reciprocal benefits for international and intra-state connectivity for the Republic of Armenia. Reflecting the principles affirmed at the historic August 8, 2025, Peace Summit hosted by President Trump, the TRIPP Implementation Framework underscores the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and reciprocity to the overall success of the TRIPP. The ultimate objective of the TRIPP is to strengthen the prosperity and security of Armenia and Azerbaijan and further American commerce by expanding regional trade and connectivity as well as create new transit opportunities linking Central Asia and the Caspian to Europe. The TRIPP Implementation Framework (TIF) This document outlines the implementation framework for the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). This framework does not impose, nor does it intend to impose, any legal commitments or obligations on Armenia or the United States. OVERVIEW On August 8th in Washington D.C., the President of the United States witnessed the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Azerbaijan sign the Joint Declaration, which established a basis for opening communications for intra-state, bilateral, and international transportation. This TRIPP Implementation Framework (TIF) outlines in further detail how the TRIPP will be established and furthers the goals of the Joint Declaration. The TRIPP is intended to establish unimpeded, multimodal transit connectivity on the territory of Armenia, contributing to regional peace, stability, and integration on the basis of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction of the states. While connecting the main part of Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and creating a vital link in the Trans-Caspian Trade Route, it is expected to generate reciprocal benefits for international and intra-state connectivity for the Republic of Armenia. Through the TRIPP, the United States seeks to: Build progress on the August 8th Joint Declaration towards a durable peace Open communication, trade, and connectivity in the South Caucasus to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region Enhance market access and critical supply chains in the Trans-Caspian region Provide an example of peace through prosperity to the rest of the world Through the TRIPP, Armenia seeks to: Enhance Armenia's role as a regional transit and economic hub Attract foreign investment in Armenian infrastructure Build institutional capacity in modern border management and trade facilitation Generate sustainable revenue streams and off-take rights for Armenia Strengthen strategic partnership with the United States Facilitate regional integration and normalization Extend Armenia's export potential to new markets The TRIPP is expected to benefit the United States through: Opening new markets for American investment, business, and goods Connectivity for trade across the region to bring raw materials, critical minerals, and rare earth metals to American markets Increased trade route options between the United States and Europe and Asia, ensuring that people and goods can travel regardless of geopolitical changes The TRIPP is expected to benefit Armenia and the Armenian people through: Employment - opportunities to employ qualified Armenian citizens Joint ventures - opportunities between international and Armenian firms Technology transfer - capacity building for Armenian businesses Training - skills development for Armenian workforce Reinvestment into the region COMMITMENT TO SUCCESS Armenia's Commitment Armenia is committed to TRIPP's success as a strategic initiative that serves its national interests. Armenia intends to take the following steps: Provide full cooperation and support to the TRIPP Development Company Ensure efficient coordination across Armenian government agencies Facilitate timely permits, approvals, and regulatory processes Maintain open communication with U.S. partners Work toward regional normalization to enable TRIPP's full potential Develop differentiated processes for persons, vehicles, and goods, including between the main part of Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in both directions, on the basis of all Armenian laws, regulations, and international agreements and in line with international standards. Conditions for Success Armenia and the United States recognize that the TRIPP's success depends on: Further institutionalization of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan Progress towards Armenia-Turkiye full normalization Sustained U.S. engagement Regional cooperation and stability Effective capacity building in Armenian institutions Strategic Partnership TRIPP represents a deepening of the strategic partnership between Armenia and the United States. Armenia views this project as a foundation for long-term cooperation on infrastructure, economic development, and regional integration. ESTABLISHING THE TRIPP DEVELOPMENT COMPANY The TRIPP is to be developed within designated transit routes in Armenian territory, in locations to be detailed in the future, while maintaining Armenia's full sovereignty over all project areas within Armenia's sovereign territory. The TRIPP Development Company, with U.S. controlling stake and Armenian oversight of reserve matters, is intended to ensure the development and implementation of the TRIPP infrastructure. Armenia intends to authorize and facilitate the establishment of the TRIPP Development Company. The company is expected to be responsible for the development of the TRIPP and is expected to be granted the right to development for an initial term of 49 years. Armenia intends to offer the United States a 74% share and to hold itself a 26% share in the TRIPP Development Company. This arrangement is expected to be extended for an additional term of 50 years with a grant of additional equity to the government of Armenia bringing its share to 49%. The change of the TRIPP Development Company's shareholders (including sale, donation of the shares, merger, demerger, reorganization, or any other legal or factual act) and ultimate beneficial owners is expected to be subject to the prior consent of the Governments of Armenia and the United States. Armenia and the United States plan to work together on the corporate structure of the TRIPP Development Company. The structure is expected to reflect the following objectives: 1) Armenian and U.S. governments' involvement in particular key decisions and issues related to the operation of the multimodal transit route; and 2) financial return to the U.S. for its initial contribution or other economic benefits to the U.S. government or for U.S. companies. Decisions that touch on certain sensitive issues covered by specified reserve matters are expected to be resolved jointly through an Armenia-U.S. Steering Committee. The TRIPP Development Company is expected to directly implement any TRIPP rail and road projects and is envisioned to have subsidiaries or special purpose vehicles for other components of the TRIPP. Armenia's stake in the TRIPP Development Company reflects its contribution of the following: Land use (development) rights within the transit routes Existing infrastructure assets (subject to further discussions) Regulatory facilitation and streamlined permitting In-kind contributions related to border and customs infrastructure Cash investments as determined appropriate Each country intends to designate a senior government official as the primary coordinator for TRIPP implementation, responsible for inter-ministerial coordination and serving as the main point of contact with the TRIPP Development Company. GRANT OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS Armenia intends to provide the TRIPP Development Company the exclusive right to: Plan, design, develop, construct, operate, and maintain multimodal transit infrastructure within designated transit routes Establish Special Purpose Vehicles for specific infrastructure projects Contract with construction firms, operators, and service providers Generate and collect revenues from infrastructure operations Manage the TRIPP route as part of an integrated system Development rights may cover but not be limited to: Rail infrastructure - railways, terminals, stations, rolling stock facilities - railways, terminals, stations, rolling stock facilities Road infrastructure - highways, roads, bridges, tunnels - highways, roads, bridges, tunnels Energy infrastructure - electrical transmission, oil pipelines, gas pipelines - electrical transmission, oil pipelines, gas pipelines Digital infrastructure - fiber optic networks - fiber optic networks Supporting infrastructure - administrative facilities, utilities, safety and security systems in accordance with Armenian law The TRIPP Development Company may collect and retain revenues from various sources to include but not limited to: Infrastructure access fees Commercial activities within the transit route Property rent and development Service charges Revenue shares from Special Purpose Vehicles Armenia explicitly retains: Legislative, regulatory, and judicial authority due to full sovereignty and territorial integrity over all TRIPP areas within Armenia's sovereign territory including the ability to enforce laws and regulations in line with Armenia's domestic laws and international agreements Control over national security and law enforcement Authority over border control and customs for trade and transit through the TRIPP Authority over taxes, customs duties, and other mandatory fees on trade and transit Right to access all areas within Armenia's sovereign territory Authority to enforce all Armenian laws within the parts of the transit route in Armenian sovereign territory SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES (SPVs) The TRIPP Development Company is expected to establish separate legal structures for major infrastructure components in addition to directly implementing any TRIPP rail and road components pending additional study and analysis. Each structure is expected to have governance, financing, and operational models suited to the specific infrastructure type and strategic considerations. All SPVs are expected to initially be founded by the TRIPP Development Company, with the understanding that private sector investment opportunities may be discussed in later stages on a case-by-case basis. BORDER SECURITY AND CUSTOMS Fundamental Principles Armenia's sovereignty and jurisdiction over border and customs operations are absolute and non-negotiable. All border and customs activities are expected to operate according to internationally recognized standards for border management while upholding the principles of the August 8th declaration using a front office-back office operating model. Integrated Border Management Armenia intends to further develop and implement modern Integrated Border Management (IBM) practices, which may be supported by U.S. technical assistance, including: Risk-based inspection and clearance procedures Advanced screening technologies Digital customs and border systems Coordinated inter-agency processes Professional capacity building for Armenian officers Pilot Projects Armenia intends to conduct pilot projects to optimize: Customs preclearance procedures Digitized documentation and processing One-stop border post concepts Technology-enabled risk assessment Coordinated border management with neighboring countries "Front Office - Back Office" Operating Model To enhance efficiency while maintaining Armenia's sovereignty and jurisdiction, TRIPP is expected to employ a "front office - back office" model, using digital tools to facilitate unimpeded connectivity. Front Office (Third-Party Operators) It is intended that private operators contracted by the TRIPP Development Company will provide customer-facing services: Initial document collection for verification Information and guidance to users Fee collection and payment processing on trade and transit. Taxes, customs duties, and other mandatory fees of the Republic of Armenia shall be remitted directly to the state budget of the Republic of Armenia in accordance with the applicable legislation and fiscal procedures Facilitation and coordination Administrative support Back Office (Armenian State Authorities) Armenian customs and border officials exercise all sovereign authority - in line with Armenian domestic law and international agreements. Final customs decisions and clearances Security screening and enforcement Immigration control Law enforcement actions Permits and authorizations Inspection and examination Clear Lines of Authority Front office operators facilitate; they do not decide Armenian officials maintain a physical presence in all Armenian border and customs facilities No outsourcing of sovereign functions Customs Procedures Armenia will further develop and implement: Risk-based selectivity - advanced cargo screening with focused physical inspections, - advanced cargo screening with focused physical inspections, Transit regime - efficient procedures for goods in transit with appropriate sealing and tracking - efficient procedures for goods in transit with appropriate sealing and tracking Pre-arrival processing - electronic submission and processing of documentation - electronic submission and processing of documentation Single window systems - integrated platforms for trade documentation - integrated platforms for trade documentation Harmonized procedures - alignment with international customs standards Security Operations Armenia retains full authority in Armenian sovereign territory Infrastructure security plans must be approved by Armenian security authorities Armenian authorities have primacy in all emergency situations Private operational security personnel may be employed subject to Armenian licensing Data Systems and Sovereignty Modern IT systems will be deployed for border and customs management All government data systems remain under Armenian sovereign control Data sharing with foreign authorities requires appropriate legal frameworks Cybersecurity standards will meet international best practices Personal data processing complies with Armenian law Training and Capacity Building The United States intends to facilitate, subject to the availability of appropriated funds, comprehensive training and capacity building for Armenian border and customs personnel, including: Modern customs techniques and procedure Technology systems operation Risk assessment and intelligence analysis Professional integrity and ethics International exchange programs NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Greenland PM rejects any suggestion it could become US territory, ahead of Greenlandic and Danish FMs meeting with Vance: reports Global Times By Global Times Published: Jan 14, 2026 09:56 AM Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen on Tuesday reaffirmed the island's ties with Denmark and rejected any suggestion that it could become a US territory, as Greenlandic and Danish foreign ministers are set to meet US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Wednesday following renewed US rhetoric about taking control of the autonomous Danish territory, according to multiple media reports. "We face a geopolitical crisis, and if we have to choose between the US and Denmark here and now, then we choose Denmark," Nielsen told reporters in Copenhagen on Tuesday, standing alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. "We stand united in the Kingdom of Denmark," he said, according to a Reuters report. Nielsen emphatically rejected the idea that Greenland could come under Washington's control. "One thing must be clear to everyone Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed by the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States," he said, according to a report from German media outlet Deutsche Welle (DW). After repeated threats of a US takeover of Greenland, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday scoffed at Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen's remark on the Arctic island's preference to remain with Denmark, calling it a "big problem." Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, US local time, Trump said he "disagreed" with Nielsen, according to a report from Live Mint. During the joint news conference, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also slammed what she called "unacceptable pressure" from Denmark's closest ally, the US, over Greenland. She warned that "there are many indications that the most challenging part is ahead of us," per DW. But Frederiksen also stressed that Copenhagen wished to continue working with Washington on Arctic security questions. "Of course, we want to strengthen cooperation on security in the Arctic with the United States, with NATO, with Europe and with the Arctic states in NATO," she said, according to DW. A Guardian report noted that Nielsen also said that the island's "goal and desire is peaceful dialogue, with a focus on cooperation." Trump's pursuit of the island was also a matter of "international law and our right to our own country", he said. The Guardian report described the meeting between the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland - due to be held in Washington on Wednesday with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio - as "a crunch meeting." Naaja H Nathanielsen, Greenland's minister for business, mineral resources, energy, justice and gender equality, said on a visit to London on Tuesday that the Greenlandic government did not know what was on the agenda for the White House meeting. Urging the US to act as allies, she said: "For others it might be a piece of land but for us it is home," according to a report from the Guardian. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that the US needs Greenland "for national security," and he has not ruled out the use of military force to take over the island. The DW report noted that Greenland has the right to seek independence under international law, and in a 2025 poll 56 percent of its population voiced support for full secession from Denmark. Support for joining the United States was much lower, sitting at just 6 percent. Amid increasing tensions over Washington's aims toward Greenland, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Tuesday reiterated that Greenland and Denmark should decide the future of the island. "Questions of sovereignty over the territory of the Kingdom of Denmark will be decided by Denmark, by no one else," he said, per Reuters. Aside from Europe leaders, residents in Greenland also expressed support for remaining part of Denmark and called for a pause in independence discussions ahead of high-level talks in Washington on Wednesday, according to another Reuters report on Tuesday, which also cited some Greenlanders as they worried about potential US intervention. Casper Frank Moller, a tour operator, noted how US threats have brought Greenlanders closer together. "Last year, some people were still focused on fast independence. But after what has happened, there's more unity among us because we have to stand against this possible annexation. Hopefully, tomorrow's meeting will lead to a diplomatic solution," Moller said, according to the report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AU reaffirms commitment to multilateralism amid U.S. withdrawal from int'l organizations People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:24, January 14, 2026 ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Tuesday called for strengthening multilateral systems to address global challenges amid the U.S. decision to withdraw from various international institutions. The AU said in a statement that the chairperson has taken note of the recent presidential memorandum issued by the United States, directing the cessation of the country's participation in, and funding to, certain United Nations (UN) entities, as well as the withdrawal from selected non-UN international organizations. "The chairperson aligns with the statement of the Secretary-General of the UN underscoring the importance of a strong, effective, and inclusive multilateral system at a time when the international community faces intersecting global challenges, including conflict, climate change, economic uncertainty, and public health threats," the statement read. Youssouf stressed that these institutions "play an important role in supporting Africa's development, peace-building, humanitarian response, and the implementation of Agenda 2063 of the AU and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development." "Any reduction in their operational capacity may have implications for development gains, peace consolidation efforts, and the resilience of communities, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings," he said. He said that multilateral platforms have historically served as effective vehicles through which shared global objectives have been advanced, delivering tangible results for both Africa and the broader international community. The AU commission also expressed its hope that continued dialogue between the United States, the UN and international partners will help identify pathways to sustain critical multilateral functions, enhance efficiency and accountability, and ensure that the most vulnerable are not disproportionately affected. U.S. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order, suspending U.S. participation in and funding for 66 international organizations, agencies and commissions, including a number of UN-affiliated bodies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denmark, Greenland PMs reaffirm unity, rejection of external claims People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 08:14, January 14, 2026 OSLO, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen held a joint press conference Tuesday afternoon, delivering a firm, unified rejection of external claims over Greenland. Frederiksen framed the stance as a matter of fundamental principle. "This is not only about Greenland or about the Kingdom. It is about the fact that borders must not be changed by force, that one people cannot be bought. And it is about ensuring that small countries should not fear large countries," she said. "We are standing up not only for ourselves, but for the world order upon which previous generations built our democracy," she declared, emphasizing the inseparable bond within the Danish Realm. Frederiksen then turned to address the people of Greenland directly through the cameras: "Dear fellow Greenlanders, you should know that we stand together." Meanwhile, Nielsen said "Greenland is not for sale." "Our goal and desire remain peaceful dialogue based on cooperation, with respect for our constitutional position, international law, our right to our own land, and our right to self-determination," he added. "But one thing everyone must understand: Greenland will not be owned by the United States. Greenland will not be governed by the United States," Nielsen underscored. "We are now facing a geopolitical crisis, and if we must choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark." When asked by reporters what Denmark could offer the United States, Frederiksen responded, "That is to defend the Arctic and jointly uphold security with the United States." "We can offer the Americans a democratic cooperation between independent countries," Frederiksen added. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt will attend talks held in Washington with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, said Danish local media on Tuesday. The upcoming talks occur amid sustained tensions, as U.S. President Donald Trump, since returning to office in 2025, has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland and has not ruled out the use of force. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dacia will continue to sell the Spring alongside its upcoming Renault Twingo-based EV, making it the only firm to offer a choice of two electric city cars at once. The company's new entry EV is due to be revealed in the coming months ahead of a public debut at the Paris motor show in September. It will go on sale by the end of the year at less than 18,000 (15,000). Heavily based on the Twingo but with its own bespoke styling and a lower price point mirroring the relationship between the Clio and Sandero the new model is pitched as the successor to the Spring, but now bosses have confirmed that both cars will be offered simultaneously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dacia product boss Patrice Levy-Bencheton explained that the two cars can co-exist because while they are both A-segment EVs, "they are still quite different - you will see when we reveal the car: size, shape, etc". The newer car will be slightly larger, matching the Twingo at around 3.8m long and 1.7m wide, and previews show that it will be a radical departure in terms of styling, taking heavy influence from Dacia's chunky, 4x4-inspired SUVs. It will also be slightly more expensive, with the targeted 15,000 start price representing a 3000 premium over the cheapest version of the current Spring - but nonetheless the two models will occupy the same segment and have a similar remit. Levy-Bencheton suggested the two models will co-exist for around a year, with the Spring being phased out in different markets "depending on the situation" with regard to local incentives and demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The two offers make sense and will stay on the market, and this is then the job of the sales team to position them," he said. Frank Marotte, Dacia's sales and marketing boss, added that the two cars will be offered "at different prices with different designs - and we'll figure out what the customer will buy". The Spring is derived from the Renault City K-ZE that has been on sale in various global markets since 2019 and is imported to Europe from a factory in China with only light adaptation for European customers - whereas Dacia's new entry EV has been designed in Europe specifically for the local market. It will also be built in Europe (likely alongside the Twingo in Slovenia), meaning that it avoids the heavy import penalties imposed on Chinese EVs including the Spring by the EU, boosting profitability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Introducing another A-segment EV when it already has one on sale is an unusual move - and especially so because the Spring has just been heavily refreshed for 2026 in a bid to boost its competitiveness as it enters its seventh year in production. Power for the two available powertrains has been significantly increased (with the more potent car now producing 101bhp), the maximum charging speed has been raised and the suspension has been tweaked for improved handling - addressing several key criticisms from European consumers. The updates come just months before the Spring's de facto replacement arrives, but while Marotte admitted that "it might look a bit strange, so late in the life cycle, to keep updating the product", it is important to keep the car fresh to protect its position in the market and commercial appeal. He added: "We have upgraded the Spring because, in the BEV world, if you want to sustain your residual values, you need to upgrade your product, whichever it is. We strongly believe that that's a need otherwise you can clearly see, from some competitors, that your residual values will decrease because your technology is not updated any more. "We want to keep constantly updating the product and make it up to date in terms of technology." ]]> PH Navy: 41 Chinese ships, boats spotted in WPS in 1st week of January Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno January 14, 2026, 6:07 am Updated on January 14, 2026, 9:02 am MANILA -- A total of 41 Chinese coast guard, militia and naval vessels were detected in four key features of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in the first week of January, a ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official said on Tuesday. "(For) the monitoring for the first week of 2026. We have the following: In Bajo de Masinloc (also known as Scarborough Shoal), there were two PLA (People's Liberation Army) Navy ships, three Chinese Coast Guard (CCG), and three Maritime Militia for a total of eight. For Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal), (there were) no PLAN (vessels but there are) six CCG, eight Maritime Militia for a total of 14," PN spokesperson for the WPS spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. In Escoda Shoal (also known as Sabina Shoal), Trinidad said 13 vessels, including three PLA Navy ships, six from the CCG and four from the Maritime Militia, were spotted. "And for Pagasa, no PLAN (vessels were spotted but there are), four CCG, and two Maritime Militia for a total of six. Overall, for these four features, we have a total of 41 different ships and boats from the PLAN, the CCG, and the Maritime Militia," he added. Asked if the presence of these vessels were a cause of concern, Trinidad said they will be giving a more accurate assessment once the month ends. For comparison, however, he said the average sighting last year was 25 Chinese ships per month. "When we look at trends and patterns, we usually look at it over a monthly period, not weekly. So, we will be giving a more accurate assessment if we look at it from a monthly perspective," he said. Trinidad clarified that these Chinese ships, while illegal, are not yet threatening. "But compared to the data that we have, these are still within the normal numbers that we monitor," he added. PH fishermen Meanwhile, Trinidad said the latest Chinese harassment incident in Bajo de Masinloc, West Philippine Sea (WPS), involving a Philippine fishing boat and Chinese Navy ship last Jan. 12, were meant to dampen the will of Filipino fishermen going about their peaceful business in the waterway. "These are coercive and aggressive actions designed to destroy the will to fish of our fishermen," he said. He was referring to the FFB Prince LJ which was subjected to aggressive actions by the People's Liberation Army Navy and China Coast Guard while heading for the fishing grounds west off Bajo de Masinloc at noontime Monday. In response, Trinidad said that they have escalated its activities in the WPS. "Again, I have mentioned that our plans are in place. We have escalated our activities. Our patrols, our presence in the year 2025 compared to 2024. And we could, we will continue this with the arrival of newer platforms, newer aircraft," he added. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNRWA Situation Report #203 on the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem UNRWA 14 Jan 2026 All information updated for 24 December 2025 - 6 January 2026 [1] Days 807 - 820 since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip Highlights Agency-wide On 29 December 2025, Israeli parliament passed new legislation seeking to further impede UNRWA's ability to operate and to carry out its mandated activities. The legislation cuts off water, electricity, fuel, and communications from UNRWA facilities and grants the government of Israel authority to expropriate UN properties in East Jerusalem, including UNRWA's headquarters and its main vocational training centre. Furthermore, the bill explicitly excludes UNRWA from Israeli law enacting Israel's obligations under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. Emphasizing that UNRWA is an integral part of the United Nations, the Secretary-General noted Israel's obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and recalled the advisory opinion issued on 22 October 2025 by the International Court of Justice, reiterating Israel's obligation to ensure full respect for the privileges and immunities accorded to the United Nations, including UNRWA and its personnel, in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. UNRWA's Commissioner-General also condemned this measure as a "clear violation of the State of Israel's obligations under international law". The Gaza Strip On 30 December, the Israeli authorities announced a plan to suspend the operation of multiple international NGOs. In a statement, the Humanitarian Country Team in the oPt, representing UN agencies, and over 200 local and international humanitarian partners, urged Israeli authorities to reconsider the announcement, stressing that international NGOs are essential for life-saving aid delivery. UNRWA's Commissioner-General also condemned the new Israeli measures, saying they "were part of a troubling pattern of disregard for international humanitarian law and increasing impediments to aid operations". As reported by OCHA, recent rainstorms since 26 December have triggered flash flooding, particularly affecting people living in low-lying areas, coastal zones. Seawater has once again inundated tents housing displaced families, including in the Al Mawasi area of Khan Younis, rendering many shelters uninhabitable. Displaced families remain inside damaged structures due to the lack of alternative shelter. In UNRWA's collective emergency shelters, over 3,400 people have been affected, with almost 900 tents impacted. The Israeli military remains deployed in more than half of the Gaza Strip, beyond the so-called "Yellow Line," which remains largely unmarked on the ground and where access to humanitarian facilities and assets, public infrastructure and agricultural land remain severely restricted or prohibited. Airstrikes, shelling, and gunfire continued to be reported across the Gaza Strip, with most incidents occurring in the vicinity of the "Yellow Line," resulting in casualties. Over the reporting period, the "Yellow Line" was pushed westwards in Gaza City, reflecting a broader pattern observed in several parts of the Gaza Strip and further constraining access to UNRWA installations. Fuel delivery into Gaza has been limited and inconsistent during the reporting period, directly and significantly affecting UNRWA's operations and the overall humanitarian response. UNRWA is a direct service provider, needing fuel to operate generators across a large number of shelters, and health clinics among others. Over the reporting period, UNRWA had to ration available fuel, prioritising consumption to sustain life-saving activities. The West Bank including East Jerusalem Further demolitions took place inside Nur Shams Camp following the rejection by the Israeli Supreme Court on 24 December of a legal petition to halt the execution of a demolition order for 25 buildings. The demolitions occurred simultaneously with a new cash-for-rent distribution by UNRWA to support households forcibly displaced from Nur Shams, Tulkarm, and Jenin camps in the northern West Bank. Key points The Gaza Strip Fatalities and injuries Between 7 October 2023 and 29 December 2025, according to the MoH in Gaza, as stated by OCHA, 71,266 Palestinians were reportedly killed in the Gaza Strip and another 171,222, injured. Since the ceasefire, 414 Palestinians have been killed, 1,145 injured and 680 bodies have been retrieved from under the rubble, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH). UNRWA has recorded 382 colleagues killed in Gaza since the start of the conflict (309 UNRWA personnel, in addition to 73 persons who were supporting UNRWA activities[2]), as of 5 January 2026. Health crisis Only half of hospitals and less than half of primary healthcare centres are currently partially functional and face shortages of essential medical equipment and supplies. Only four out of the 22 UNRWA health clinics operational before the war are currently operating, in addition to four temporary health centres. According to the latest Gaza Health Cluster Bulletin, the most common morbidities remain Acute Watery Diarrheal and Acute Respiratory Tract Infections. Education crisis According to the Education Cluster, extensive damage to school infrastructure has forced a reliance on temporary learning spaces (TLS), with efforts ongoing to expand learning services. Education Cluster partners (including UNRWA), with support from 5,180 teachers, are currently serving about 220,950 students in TLS, or about 34 per cent of school-aged children in Gaza. Displacement, Site management UNRWA continues to monitor the movement of displaced persons and displacement sites. As of 21 December, 79,000 displaced people were estimated to be living in UNRWA collective emergency shelters and the surrounding areas, including in 85 displacement sites managed by the Agency. Currently, 117 UNRWA facilities are located within the Israeli militarised zone behind the so-called "Yellow Line" and in areas where access is subject to Israeli approval/coordination. Operational implications and humanitarian response Around 11,500 Palestinian UNRWA personnel continue to provide services and assistance to Gaza's entire population in need. In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, UNRWA continues to play a central role with over 4,000 UNRWA Palestinian personnel providing education, health, and other services to Palestine Refugees. All UNRWA international staff are prevented from entering the occupied Palestinian territory (the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem). This follows the implementation of laws passed by the Israeli parliament on 28 October 2024[3] that purport to prohibit UNRWA's operations in areas that Israel considers its sovereign territory, including occupied East Jerusalem, and seek to bar any contact by Israeli officials with UNRWA. The Israeli Authorities have not granted the Agency's international staff visas or permits to enter the occupied Palestinian territory, including Gaza, since the end of January 2025. The Israeli Authorities have since March 2025 been blocking UNRWA from directly bringing humanitarian personnel and aid into the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, pre-positioned outside Gaza, UNRWA has enough food parcels, flour, and shelter supplies for hundreds of thousands of people. According to OCHA, between 7 October 2023 and 1 January 2026, 1,046 Palestinians - at least 229 of them children - were killed in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Late on 24 December, the Israeli Supreme Court rejected a petition to halt the demolition of some 25 buildings inside Nur Shams Camp in the northern West Bank. The demolitions subsequently commenced on 31 December. The camp, alongside Tulkarm and Jenin camps, has been completely emptied of residents for nearly a year because of the Israeli forces' "Iron Wall" operation, which started in January 2025. The Director of UNRWA Affairs in the West Bank released a statement condemning these further demolitions as a violation of international law. On 29 December, the Israeli parliament passed an amendment to anti-UNRWA laws cutting off water, electricity, fuel, and communications from UNRWA and granting the Israeli government authority to expropriate UN property in East Jerusalem, including both the UNRWA West Bank Field Office compound in Sheikh Jarrah and the Kalandia Training Centre. The UNRWA Commissioner-General described the vote as "a direct affront to the mandate granted to the Agency by the UN General Assembly." During the final week of December, UNRWA distributed cash-for-rent assistance to more than 1,600 forcibly displaced families from Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams camps. Many households in the northern West Bank have experienced repeated displacement over recent years, significantly increasing their vulnerability and protection risks. On 31 December, the Israeli Civil Administration granted preliminary approval for the construction of 126 housing units in the re-established Israeli settlement of Sa Nur in the northern West Bank. Sa Nur is among the settlements previously dismantled as part of the 2005 Disengagement Plan. This comes against the backdrop of an earlier announcement by the Israeli government in December establishing or formalising 19 Israeli settlements in the West Bank. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK and Ecuador join forces to tackle cocaine trade at source Press release UK Latin America Minister visits Ecuador to deepen security ties and work to disrupt cocaine trade at source From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Chris Elmore MP Published 12 January 2026 UK Latin America Minister visits Ecuador to deepen security ties and work to disrupt cocaine trade at source Joint action aims to protect communities in both countries Minister also to spotlight UK innovation and investment with Welsh-owned Hydro Industries and climate leadership in the Galapagos The UK and Ecuador are working side by side to stop cocaine flooding the streets of Europe, Minister for Latin America Chris Elmore confirmed today as he begins his first visit to the country. The majority of the UK's cocaine transits through ports in Ecuador, and Minister Elmore is in the country to see first-hand the joint work to stop the illegal trade at source - meeting frontline police officers, who have received training and equipment from the UK; and observing canine training for drug interception. Ecuador saw its deadliest year on record in 2025 due to organised crime, and the UK and Ecuador's joint work aims to tackle the damaging drug trade to help keep both countries' streets safe. As a "platform country" for cocaine produced elsewhere in Latin America, up to 80% of the drugs arriving in Europe come via Ecuador. This threatens both countries' security, with Ecuadorian communities affected by associated gang violence. Ecuador is one of the UK's closest partners in Latin America, and the visit underscores the shared commitment of both nations to protect communities by stopping drugs at source. Joint action is essential to dismantle criminal networks and prevent illicit flows, and drugs seizures are already increasing thanks in part to the joint work the UK and Ecuador are undertaking. Latin America Minister Chris Elmore said: Every year, hundreds of thousands of kilos of cocaine are smuggled from South America into Europe. In the UK alone, more than 28 tonnes of cocaine were seized by the police and Border Force in 2023/24. It's a vast criminal industry, but amazingly, the majority of cocaine that ends up on the streets of Europe comes through Ecuadorean ports. That criminal industry does huge damage to communities in the UK, but it's also causing devastation here in Ecuador, with 10,000 gang-related deaths recorded last year. That's why it's in the interests of both the UK and Ecuador to tackle this trade together, and put the criminal gangs behind it out of business. There is huge potential in our relationship with Ecuador - it's a vital partner for Britain on security and climate change, and the trade and investment opportunities here for British businesses are rising fast - but for Ecuador to succeed, we need the drug gangs to fail, and that's why our cooperation on organised crime is so important. During the visit, Minister Elmore will meet with senior Ecuadorean leaders, including Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld and other authorities to deepen cooperation on security and crime prevention, as well as visiting the specialist Police Canine Unit in Quito, where UK support is helping Ecuador intercept narcotics and disrupt trafficking networks. Beyond security, the visit will also celebrate UK-Ecuador collaboration across sustainable growth and climate resilience. Minister Elmore will visit Welsh company Hydro Industries' new water treatment plant in Quito - whose business is expected to reach 100m in the next few years- an example of UK innovation and investment in Ecuador's future. The Minister will also engage with environmental initiatives in the Galapagos Islands, including the Global Plastics Action Partnership (GPAP). The visit comes amidst US action in nearby Venezuela, where the UK supports a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government. Ecuador is one of the UK's closest partners in Latin America, and this visit underscores its ongoing commitment to our allies, and to peace and democracy in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Designations of Muslim Brotherhood Chapters US Department of State Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesperson January 13, 2026 Today, the Department of State announces the designations of the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), and its secretary general, Muhammad Fawzi Taqqosh, as an SDGT. Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood (LMB) Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, LMB (also known as al-Jamaa al-Islamiyah) reactivated its al-Fajr Forces and launched rockets, in coordination with Hizballah and Hamas, from Lebanon into northern Israel. In March 2024, the Israel Defense Forces launched an attack against al-Fajr Forces operatives who were preparing to carry out terrorist attacks against Israel. In July 2025, the Lebanese Army dismantled a covert military training camp that included LMB and Hamas militants. Under LMB secretary general Muhammad Fawzi Taqqosh's leadership, the group has pushed for a more formal alignment with the Hizballah-Hamas axis. Concurrently, the Department of the Treasury announced the designation of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood (EMB) and Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood (JMB) as SDGTs for providing material support to Hamas, a U.S.-designated FTO and SDGT. In addition to today's actions, the United States has previously designated other Muslim Brotherhood-related entities and offshoots that have engaged in terrorism and terrorist activities. Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ) Formed in the 1970s, EIJ was a violent offshoot of the EMB. The group's primary goal was overthrowing the Egyptian Government and replacing it with an Islamic state. EIJ specialized in armed attacks against high-level Egyptian government officials and was responsible for the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1981. EIJ was led by Ayman al-Zawahiri before fully merging with al-Qa'ida in June 2001. EIJ has been designated as an FTO since 1997 and an SDGT since 2001. Gama'a al-Islamiyya (IG) Similar to EIJ, IG was formed in the 1970s as a violent offshoot of the EMB with the goal of replacing the Egyptian government with an Islamic state. IG's spiritual leader Omar Abd al-Rahman, known as the "blind Sheikh," served a life sentence in a U.S. prison for his involvement in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. IG has been designated as an SDGT since 2001. Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) Formed in 1979, PIJ emerged from the EMB as a terrorist group committed to the destruction of Israel. PIJ has conducted numerous attacks on Israeli targets since the 1990s and participated in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. PIJ has been designated as an FTO since 1997 and an SDGT since 2001. Hamas In its 1988 founding charter, Hamas described itself as a wing of the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine. Hamas conducted the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel that killed nearly 1,200 people, including hundreds of Israeli civilians and at least 31 U.S. citizens, and resulted in more than 240 people being kidnapped, including U.S. citizens. Hamas has been designated as an FTO since 1997 and an SDGT since 2001. Harakat Sawa'd Misr (HASM) Formed in 2015, HASM is a violent offshoot of the EMB with the goal of overthrowing the Egyptian government. HASM has conducted numerous attacks, including the 2016 attempted assassination of Egypt's former Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa and the 2017 assassination of Egyptian National Security Agency officer Ibrahim Azzazy. In 2019, HASM was responsible for a powerful car-bomb that exploded outside of a hospital in Cairo, killing at least 20 people and injuring dozens. HASM has been designated as an FTO since 2021 and an SDGT since 2018. Liwa al-Thawra Formed in 2016, Liwa al-Thawra is a violent offshoot of the EMB. Liwa al-Thawra was responsible for the October 2016 assassination of brigadier general Adel Ragai, commander of the Egyptian army's Ninth Armored Division, outside his home in Cairo. In 2017, Liwa al-Thawra bombed a police training center in the Egyptian city of Tanta. Liwa al-Thawra has been designated as an SDGT since 2018. Terrorist designations expose and isolate entities and individuals, denying them access to the U.S. financial system and the resources they need to carry out attacks. All property and interests in property of those designated today that are in the United States or that are in possession or control of a U.S. person are blocked. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting business with sanctioned persons. Persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with those designated today may expose themselves to sanctions risk. Notably, engaging in certain transactions with them entails risk of secondary sanctions pursuant to counterterrorism authorities. Today's actions are taken pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224. FTO designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register. Petitioners requesting removal of those designated today from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List should refer to the Department of State's Delisting Guidance page . NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Treasury and State Departments Designate Muslim Brotherhood Branches as Terrorist Organizations U.S. Department of the Treasury January 13, 2026 WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), in coordination with the Department of State, is taking action pursuant to the Administration's policy to curtail the pernicious influence of the Muslim Brotherhood and protect the United States and its partners from Muslim Brotherhood chapters' support for terrorism. Chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood purport to be legitimate civic organizations while, behind the scenes, they explicitly and enthusiastically support terrorist groups like Hamas. Consequently, OFAC is designating the Egyptian and Jordanian branches of the Muslim Brotherhood for their material support to Hamas as Specially Designated Global Terrorists pursuant to the counterterrorism authority, Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended. "The Treasury Department is taking action pursuant to President Trump's leadership by designating Muslim Brotherhood Branches as Terrorist Organizations," said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "The Muslim Brotherhood has a longstanding record of perpetrating acts of terror, and we are working aggressively to cut them off from the financial system. This Administration will deploy the full scope of its authorities to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat terrorist networks wherever they operate in order to keep Americans safe." "The Muslim Brotherhood has inspired, nurtured, and funded terrorist groups like Hamas, that are direct threats to the safety and security of the American people and our allies," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John. K. Hurley. "Despite their peaceful public facade, both the Egyptian and Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood branches have conspired to support Hamas's terrorism and undermine the sovereignty of their own national governments. This Administration will use all tools at our disposal to hold them accountable for the violence they have encouraged across the Middle East and the world in pursuit of their extreme version of Islam." In a concurrent action, the Department of State is also designating the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood, also known as al-Jamaa al-Islamiyah, as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended. In addition, the Department of State is also designating the Secretary General of the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood, Muhammad Fawzi Taqqosh, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended. Although the Muslim Brotherhood, to which Hamas has pledged allegiance, claims to have renounced violence, the Muslim Brotherhood branches designated today continue to promote, incite, and glorify terrorism that directly threatens the interests of the United States and its allies. These designations reflect the first actions of an ongoing, sustained effort to thwart Muslim Brotherhood violence and destabilization wherever it occurs, including through additional terrorist designations. The United States will use all available tools to deprive these Muslim Brotherhood chapters of the resources to engage in or support terrorism. These actions are consistent with the President's Executive Order (E.O.) 14362 of November 24, 2025, "Designation of Certain Muslim Brotherhood Chapters as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD LINKS TO TERRORISM Muslim Brotherhood branches provide significant material support to Hamas, which is inspired by, and serves as a branch of, the Muslim Brotherhood. As of 2025, the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood (EMB) and Hamas coordinated on possible terrorist activities against Israeli interests in the Middle East. In mid-2025, leaders in Hamas's military wing sought to take advantage of tensions in the Middle East and worked with the EMB to undermine and destabilize the Egyptian government, accepting Hamas funding to do so. The EMB's ties to Hamas also involve support for terrorism and violence. EMB members provided support to Hamas militants. For example, in 2024, individuals who wanted to travel to Gaza to fight for Hamas needed connections to the Muslim Brotherhood. Once these individuals arrived in Egypt, these potential fighters connected with the Muslim Brotherhood to enter Gaza, with the Muslim Brotherhood regularly keeping Hamas abreast of their status and where and when they would bring in fighters. As of 2023, an MB member in Saudi Arabia also raised funds for Hamas and transferred the money to Hamas militants before returning to Egypt. The Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood (JMB) has also materially assisted Hamas. Since early 2025, elements with connections to the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan, which was officially dissolved by a Jordanian judicial verdict in 2020, have been involved in terrorism cases in Jordan. Muslim Brotherhood members in Jordan, in cooperation with entities abroad, have engaged in manufacturing rockets, explosives, and drones, as well as recruitment operations. Elements with connections to the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan and abroad have facilitated this work by raising money through illegal means. The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood and the Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Hamas. SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons. Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. Furthermore, engaging in certain transactions involving the persons designated today may risk the imposition of secondary sanctions on participating foreign financial institutions. OFAC can prohibit or impose strict conditions on opening or maintaining, in the United States, a correspondent account or a payable-through account of a foreign financial institution that knowingly conducts or facilitates any significant transaction on behalf of a person who is designated pursuant to the relevant authority. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC's guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List. Click here for more information on the persons designated and any property identified as blocked today. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US designates Muslim Brotherhood branches in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan as 'terrorist' groups Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 January 2026 3:34 AM The United States has formally designated Muslim Brotherhood organizations in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as "terrorist" groups, marking a major escalation in Washington's campaign against groups it claims threaten Israeli interests in the West Asia region. The decision was announced on Tuesday, weeks after President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing his administration to initiate the process of blacklisting the organizations. Under the move, the Department of the Treasury designated the Muslim Brotherhood branches in Egypt and Jordan as "specially designated global terrorists," while the State Department applied a more severe label to the Lebanese branch, classifying it as a "foreign terrorist organization (FTO)." The Trump administration cited support for the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip and "activities against Israeli interests" in the region as, what it framed as, the reason for the designations. "Chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood purport to be legitimate civic organizations while, behind the scenes, they explicitly and enthusiastically" support Hamas, the Treasury Department said in a statement. The US designations make it illegal to provide material support to the affected organizations and impose sweeping economic sanctions aimed at cutting off their funding sources. The so-called "FTO designation" also carries additional penalties, including barring members of the designated group from entering the United States. Salah Abdel Haq, acting general guide of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, rejected the US designation and said the group would challenge it through legal means. "The group categorically rejects this designation and will pursue all legal avenues to challenge this decision, which harms millions of Muslims worldwide," Abdel Haq said in a statement. He rejected allegations of "terrorism," stating that the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood had not "directed, funded, provided material support for or engaged in terrorism." The official also said the decision was driven by external pressure. "This designation is unsupported by credible evidence and reflects external foreign pressure by the UAE and Israel rather than an objective assessment of US interests or facts on the ground," he said. Egypt's foreign ministry, however, welcomed Washington's designation of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood as a "pivotal step," describing it as a reflection of what it called the group's "danger" to regional and international security. Cairo has outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood since 2013, following the military overthrow of Egypt's democratically-elected President Mohamed Morsi, who had won elections after Islamic Awakening protests overthrew dictator Hosni Mubarak. The overthrew was followed by the government's carrying out sweeping crackdowns on the group's members, which was widely reported to have caused massive casualties. Morsi, himself, died in custody in 2019. The Muslim Brotherhood's Lebanese affiliate, al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, also rejected the US designation, stressing that it was a licensed political and social organization operating openly under Lebanese law for decades. "This move is a political and administrative American decision, not based on any Lebanese or international judicial ruling," the group said in a statement, adding that it had no legal effect inside Lebanon. The group said the designation "serves the interests of the Israeli occupation, which continues its aggressions against our country and people." Al-Jamaa al-Islamiya holds representation in the Lebanese parliament and has backed the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah's solidarity strikes in support of Palestinians in Gaza, who have come under a war of genocide by the Israeli regime. Founded in 1928 by Egyptian scholar Hassan al-Banna, the Muslim Brotherhood has branches and affiliated organizations across West Asia, including political parties and social movements. The group and its affiliates have pledged commitment to peaceful political participation. In Jordan, the Muslim Brotherhood's political arm, the Islamic Action Front, won 31 seats in the House of Representatives during the 2024 elections. However, the Jordanian government banned the organization last year, citing, what it called, links to a sabotage plot. The US designations came amid longstanding efforts by right-wing activists and lawmakers to target Muslim organizations for their criticism of the Israeli regime. Following Trump's executive order, Republican governors in Texas and Florida moved to designate the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), along with the Muslim Brotherhood, as "terrorist" organizations. CAIR has filed lawsuits challenging the designations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Regular Press Briefing of the Ministry of National Defense on January 8, 2026 Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source Ministry of National Defense EditorHuang Panyue Time2026-01-12 20:46:26 (The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.) Journalist: According to reports, President Xi Jinping's 2026 New Year message received warm responses from the PLA and the PAP. What's your comment on this? Zhang Xiaogang: At the turn of the year, President Xi Jinping delivered his 2026 New Year message. The speech celebrates a proud historical journey and fuels drive toward the realization of our lofty dreams. We are inspired to focus on our goals and tasks, press ahead with enterprise and fortitude, continuously break new ground in Chinese modernization and write a new chapter in the story of China's miracle. The military will thoroughly study and internalize the guiding principles in President Xi Jinping's important remarks. In accordance with the new three-step strategy for modernizing national defense and the armed forces, we will continue to enhance political loyalty in the military, strengthen the military through reform, scientific and technological advances, and personnel training, and run the military in accordance with the law. We will simultaneously carry out operations, boost combat preparedness, and enhance military capabilities; and accelerate integrated military development through mechanization, informatization, and the application of intelligent technologies. All this will enhance our military's strategic capacity to defend our national sovereignty, security, and development interests. All service members will charge ahead like horses with courage, vitality, and energy. Putting priority on high-quality development, we will speed up the development of advanced combat capabilities, modernize military governance, and consolidate and improve integrated national strategies and strategic capabilities. We will go all out to win the decisive battle for achieving the military's centenary goal, and accelerate efforts to build a world class military to provide strong strategic support for advancing the great cause of building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. Journalist: According to Japanese media reports, as of the end of 2025, China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels had been spotted in waters adjacent to Diaoyu Dao for 356 days, surpassing the 2024 record of 355 days. What's your comment on this? Zhang Xiaogang: Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory. It is legitimate and justified for the CCG to patrol and conduct law enforcement operations in relevant waters to protect coastal waters and defend maritime territory, leaving no room for parties with sinister intentions to infringe upon China's territorial rights and interests. There is no need to make a fuss over it. We urge the Japanese side to be cautious with its words and deeds, and refrain from any actions that might escalate the situation. Otherwise, it will be hoisted by its own petard. Journalist: According to media reports, Japanese government officials said that considering nuclear armament is not irresponsible, and the government is keeping all options open regarding the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines. Besides, in a significant budget boost for Official Security Assistance program, Japan's foreign ministry plans to supply Southeast Asian countries with defense equipment and materials, such as advanced radar systems. What's your comment on this? Zhang Xiaogang: Criticism over Japan's negative moves in military and security areas among the international community, including the Southeast Asian countries, has been vocal and consistent. Instead of repenting for its historical crimes and exercising caution on military buildup, Japan has fabricated various excuses to accelerate its military expansion, brazenly exported destructive weapons, and even clamored for nuclear armament in defiance of global opposition. Such actions further expose the sinister intent of Japan's right-wing forces to push for remilitarization and the resurrection of militarism. All peace-loving countries and peoples need to see through the Japanese government's ulterior motives, work together to prevent the revival of Japanese militarism, uphold the post-war international order, and defend peace and stability in the region and the world. Journalist: As was reported, the PLA Navy recently rescued a Philippine fisherman in the South China Sea. However, Philippine Navy spokesperson claimed that for the Chinese side to publicize the matter would "lose the essence of such assistance and would only speak of propaganda." What's your comment on this? Zhang Xiaogang: During a routine patrol in waters under China's jurisdiction, crew members of a PLA Navy vessel rescued a distressed Philippine fisherman. Many Filipinos expressed gratitude and commended this humanitarian act by the Chinese side. In stark contrast, certain individuals in the Philippines have sought to exploit their own fishermen as pawns for maritime infringements, provocations, and sensational propaganda, putting them in an awkward position and without any regard for their livelihoods and safety. These hypocritical and cold-blooded individuals also made unfounded accusations against China. Facts speak louder than words, and justice prevails in people's heart. China remains unwavering in its resolve to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and is committed to working with regional countries to foster a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation in the South China Sea. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address It is opportune time for China, AU to boost trust, deepen cooperation: FM Global Times By Feng Fan Published: Jan 13, 2026 11:34 PM When Africa seems once again to be "forgotten," China comes to the continent of hope and continues to make Africa the starting point of its annual diplomacy, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told media after concluding his Africa visit, continuing a 36-year tradition for Africa to be the destination of the Chinese foreign minister's first overseas trip of the year. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that maintaining this diplomatic tradition for 36 consecutive years reflects the profound friendship of the Chinese people toward African people, as well as a commitment and spirit - When African brothers and sisters are in need, China will always be the first friend to stand by your side, according to a release from the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. The past year has been marked by global turbulence, with Africa facing particular challenges, Wang said, adding that when Africa was hit by the "tariff stick," China announced a "zero-tariff gift" for African countries. When some external forces lectured on and interfered in African affairs, China firmly supported Africa in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity. Wang's Africa trip demonstrates China's consistent emphasis on China-Africa relations no matter how the international situation evolves, experts said, adding that after decades of sustained engagement, China-Africa relations have grown ever deeper. Diverse modernization African media have also taken note of the visit. Ethiopia-based outlet The Reporter quoted analysts as observing that affinity among countries of the Global South is gaining momentum amid the uncertainty created by Washington's unpredictable foreign policy. "Africa, China and the rest of the Global South aim for further alignment along economic, political, diplomatic and security agendas. This could help to outmaneuver the unfavorable new national interest reverberating from Washington," a veteran political analyst told The Reporter on condition of anonymity. Following China's announcement of zero-tariff treatment for African exports in September 2024, Ecofin Agency, which specializes in the African economy, cited a report released in November 2025 by the African Export-Import Bank, which said that African countries can fully leverage the zero-tariff policy by developing regional value chains in high-potential sectors such as agricultural processing, light industry and mineral treatment, while strengthening infrastructure and trade corridors. Ecofin Agency added that China's zero-tariff initiative stands in stark contrast to the protectionist trade policies of the US, offering an alternative to trade agreements concluded between African countries and Western powers. On how China and Africa can accelerate modernization, Wang said that world civilizations are diverse and there is no single template or paradigm for modernization. China's own path has provided useful reference and new options for developing countries. Modernization does not equate to Westernization, and Westernization does not necessarily lead to modernization, he stressed, noting that the key lies in finding a development path suited to national conditions and supported by the people. Only when China and Africa advance toward modernization together can the world realize modernization, Wang said. It is the opportune time for China and the African Union (AU) to enhance strategic mutual trust and deepen strategic cooperation. He noted that China and the AU, as the largest developing country and the continental body with the largest number of developing countries respectively, should work together to address current challenges, not only to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of China and Africa, but also to contribute their respective part to world peace and development, according to Xinhua. China's support for Africa in exploring development models suited to its own conditions has broken the Western-dominated development narratives, Song Wei, a professor at the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Tuesday. Due to structural geopolitical disadvantages, the Global South's discourse power in development has long been marginalized, and China-Africa cooperation has demonstrated an alternative different from Western-led narratives, Song said. When asked how African countries view China's development prospects and how Africa can benefit, Wang said he introduced the recommendations for formulating China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) adopted at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee to African partners. He emphasized that the plan not only charts China's future development but also constitutes an "opportunity list" for countries around the world, including those in Africa. Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that 2026 marks the first year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, and China's development is not inward-looking but coordinated with the development of other countries. In managing relations with Africa, China consistently aligns its own development with that of African nations to foster an open, mutually beneficial and cooperative framework, Li said. Commenting on the fact that the countries Wang visited and the AU issued joint documents reaffirming adherence to the one-China principle, Wang said both China and Africa have suffered from colonial exploitation and hegemonic oppression and thus deeply understand the value of sovereignty and dignity. China's complete reunification is the will of the people and the trend of our time, Wang said, warning that any attempt by any external force to interfere in the Taiwan question and China's internal affairs is doomed to fail. The collective support of African countries for the one-China principle reflects the high level of strategic and political mutual trust between China and Africa, the expert said, adding that in advancing global governance reform, the two sides need each other, and only through China-Africa cooperation can a broader consensus be built within the Global South to promote a more just and democratic global governance system. Against bullying Wang criticized "neoliberalism" as being on the verge of bankruptcy in Africa and said that "neo-colonialism" will find no market on the continent, stressing that all forms of oppression and bullying will be expelled from Africa never to return. Referring to Lesotho, Wang said that when some questioned whether people even knew where the country was, China visited Lesotho to tell the world that Lesotho is right here, its people are living well, and they have China as a strategic partner. Previously, US President in March said "Eight million dollars to promote LGBTQI+ in the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of," remarks that the BBC reported in March 2025 as "eliciting laughter from some US lawmakers." Lesotho's Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane said it was "shocking" to hear a head of state "refer to another sovereign state in that manner," according to the BBC. Some countries do not respect Africa or value relations with African states, and arbitrarily humiliate and infringe upon the sovereignty and territorial integrity of smaller nations, Li said. In contrast, China-Africa relations uphold the basic principles of international relations, international law and the UN-centered international system, and China's engagement with Africa is closely linked to safeguarding these norms, he added. On Tuesday, when asked to comment on Wang's Africa visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said some people say that Africa is the "forgotten" continent. But China views Africa as a continent full of hope and takes Africa as the starting point of China's diplomatic effort every year. China's huge market will truly become a great opportunity for Africa. We welcome African countries to board on the express train of China's development and work together to achieve modernization, Mao added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on January 13, 2026 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: January 13, 2026 19:24 China-Arab TV: U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday that any country doing business with Iran will pay a tariff of 25 percent on any and all business being done with the U.S. What is China's comment? Mao Ning: China's position on the tariffs issue is very clear. Tariff wars have no winners. China will firmly protect its legitimate and lawful rights and interests. CCTV: Foreign Minister Wang Yi just concluded his visit to Africa on the first overseas trip of this year. Could you share more information about this visit with us? Mao Ning: After the visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi shared his impression and the outcomes of the trip in detail in an interview with Chinese media. As Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, this is the 36th consecutive year for Chinese foreign minister to kick off the year with a visit to Africa, which reflects Chinese people's profound friendship with African people and embodies a kind of commitment and spirit. Some people say that Africa is the "forgotten" continent. But China views Africa as a continent full of hope and takes Africa as the starting point of China's diplomatic effort every year. The principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith proposed by President Xi Jinping has always been the guidance for China-Africa cooperation. Sincerity and equality have always been the defining feature of China-Africa exchanges. Africa and China are good partners that can rely on and trust each other. During the visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi elaborated on the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan adopted at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. He stressed that the recommendations not only draw the blueprint for China's future development, but also provide a list of opportunities for all countries including those in Africa. China will continue to be an engine of global economic growth, and is ready to act as a booster for Africa's development and revitalization. The term most frequently mentioned by the African side is zero tariff. This measure is a shining hallmark of China-Africa cooperation in the new era and an important step taken by China to voluntarily expand unilateral opening up. It demonstrates China's willingness to shoulder more international obligations and its firm commitment to expanding high-standard opening up. China's huge market will truly become a great opportunity for Africa. We welcome African countries to board the express train of China's development and work together to achieve modernization. Reuters: Also related to President Trump's threat of the 25 percent tariffs on countries that trade with Iran, should President Trump make good on this threat, Chinese exporters could find themselves facing high tariffs at the U.S. border. Would Beijing consider this a return to a tariff war? Mao Ning: As I just said, tariff wars have no winners. China will firmly protect its legitimate and lawful rights and interests. Anadolu Agency: The U.S. warned American citizens to leave Iran immediately. Meanwhile, the White House says military option against the country is on the table. U.S. media has reported that cyber and psychological warfare operations are also considered. What is your comment about recent developments in Iran? Mao Ning: China hopes Iran will maintain stability in the country and supports Iran in doing so. We always oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs and oppose the use or threat of force in international relations. We hope all parties will act in ways conducive to peace and stability in the Middle East. Bloomberg: Japan's Prime Minister has signaled her intention to call a snap election possibly in February. Would the Ministry like to comment on this? Mao Ning: This is Japan's internal affair. I have no comment on this. Bloomberg: Iran has reportedly been asked to withdraw from the BRICS war games off South Africa and accept observer status. Can you confirm this or explain why this might have happened? Mao Ning: I'd refer you to competent authorities. AFP: Again on the protests in Iran, according to some reports, several hundreds of people have been killed in these protests. In this context, does China still advise its citizens to travel to Iran for tourism? Mao Ning: We are closely following the developments of the situation in Iran. We will take all measures necessary to protect the safety of Chinese nationals. Nippon TV: South Korea's President today arrived in Japan and the summit meeting has begun today. Does China have a comment on this? Mao Ning: This is the bilateral interaction between the ROK and Japan. Nippon TV: Finance ministers from G7 countries agreed yesterday to accelerate the reduction of rare earth imports from China, since they are relying too much on China. Does China have a comment on this? Mao Ning: On keeping the global industrial and supply chains of critical minerals safe and stable, China's position has not changed. All parties have the responsibility to do so. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Estonia has already stepped up pressure on Cuba and will make the same proposal at EU level Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13.01.2026 | 10:33 Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Estonia has already stepped up pressure on Cuba and will make the same proposal at EU level "The Cuban regime has shown not the slightest willingness to change, which makes it clear that the European Union's Cuba policy, in place since 2016, needs to be reviewed. Estonia has already stepped up its pressure on Cuba by changing its previous voting behaviour at the UN at the end of last year and not supporting the resolution calling for an end to the trade embargo on Cuba. Several other EU member states did the same for the first time. In its messaging towards Cuba, Estonia has also consistently raised the call not to support Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The Cuban regime directly and openly supports the war narrative of the aggressor state Russia and has in recent years increased cooperation with both Russia and Belarus, including by concluding defence cooperation agreements with both. Estonia, as a newly elected member of the UN Human Rights Council, and the European Union more broadly, must not ignore the Cuban regime's ongoing and worsening human rights violations. The most striking examples include the imprisonment of participants in the peaceful protests of 2021 and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. The EU's current Cuba policy needs to be changed, and stronger pressure must be exerted on the Cuban regime. I intend to raise this issue at the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels at the end of January. In the meantime, the e-Governance Academy could review its activities, as it is not necessarily to participate in all projects." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address An iconic logo redesign signals a significant shift reflecting deeper strategic change at one of the worlds most recognizable automotive brands is a logo redesign. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has officially announced a refreshed version of its signature emblem for the automobile business. The update will begin appearing on next-generation vehicles in 2027 and will also be integrated across Hondas broader automotive ecosystem, from dealerships to motorsport programs. For the first time since a logo revision in the early 1980s, Hondas familiar H mark has been reimagined as a visual symbol not merely for products but for the companys evolving identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new design was first previewed on concept electric models, part of Hondas so-called 0 Series, which were shown in prototype form at trade shows and automotive events over the past year. These concept vehicles, including a saloon and SUV, sported the new emblem long before the broader rollout was confirmed. Image Credit: Honda. Hondas accelerated push toward electrification and hybridization is the driving force behind the redesign. The new badge will debut on both fully electric vehicles and major hybrid-electric models in 2027 as the company transitions its global line-up toward more sustainable powertrains. It will sit on the hoods and trunks of flagship models and appear prominently in external branding elements worldwide. Honda says the new logo design takes inspiration from the notion of two outstretched hands, representing the companys commitment to expanding mobility possibilities and serving the evolving needs of customers. According to the press release, this graphical expression embodies Hondas mindset of returning to its roots while embracing a transformation to meet future challenges. A Historical Nod with a Modern Twist The redesigned mark is more than a cosmetic refresh. Hondas first H logo was adopted in 1963 and underwent periodic adjustments across decades. Image Credit: Honda. The version introduced today blends this heritage with a cleaner, borderless aesthetic that recalls early badge designs while signaling a modern engineering era focused on cutting-edge technologies. The deleted enclosing frame that previously surrounded the letter H is both a stylistic and symbolic choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Industry insiders and designers have noted that the simplified logo improves versatility in digital and physical applications, from illuminated front grilles to touchscreens and promotional materials. Automotive branding experts suggest that such minimalist designs age better over time and are easier to integrate across varied surfaces and media. That said, public reaction remains mixed on automotive forums and social platforms, with some purists preferring the classic look and others embracing the change as part of a broader design evolution. Deeper Transformation Underway Theres more happening than a fresh badge on the grille. What were really witnessing is a company in the midst of a philosophical and operational reset as it grapples with seismic changes in markets, technology, and culture. Hondas leadership has quietly stepped back from its earlier all-electric dreams and is rebalancing its strategic compass. At its core this is a recognition that the world isnt moving in a straight line toward battery-only cars at the pace many predicted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumer demand for pure EVs has decelerated in key markets like the United States. Hondas own data forecasts EVs making up less than 30 percent of its sales by 2030, far short of earlier internal targets. In response, the company has slashed its planned electrification investment by roughly 30 percent, reducing what had been a massive $69 billion (10 trillion) commitment to about $48 billion (7 trillion). However, this isnt retreat so much as recalibration. Image Credit: Honda. Honda is redistributing its bets toward hybrid technology; a technology it believes can deliver meaningful emissions reductions while preserving profitability and driving engagement. In practical terms, this means Honda will launch at least 13 new next-generation hybrid electric vehicles globally through 2030 and target sales of more than 2.2 million hybrid units annually by then. This strategic shift is manifesting internally too. Honda is reorganizing its automotive operations with electrification strategy now woven directly into its core business units rather than a separate silo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By combining electric and internal combustion development functions under one roof, Honda aims to accelerate innovation and cut time to market for new platforms that blend electric drive with traditional engines. Theres also a software revolution brewing. Hondas Centralized E&E Architecture and high-performance systems-on-chip are aimed at future vehicles that feel more like computers on wheels than mechanical conveyances. This architecture will underpin smarter safety systems, advanced driver assists, and ultimately software-defined vehicles that can evolve long after purchase. Meanwhile Honda isnt ignoring its roots or its enthusiast DNA. Racing prototypes and performance-tuned concepts from Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) show a renewed focus on driving passion, not just efficiency. And behind closed doors there are serious efforts to support classic Honda models with parts and restoration programs that will keep iconic vehicles alive longer, fueling brand loyalty and cultural cachet. Advertisement Advertisement The new logo is the most visible sign of change at Honda. Beneath it, the company is recalibrating how it innovates, how it allocates capital, and how it bridges legacy engineering with future tech. Image Credit: Honda. Advertisement Advertisement Not merely a branding moment; the company is wrestling with the same strategic contradictions facing the entire auto industry and bending in ways that could determine whether Honda leads, follows, or gets flattened by the shifts within, without, and ahead. Beyond Cars: A Unified Brand Vision Hondas new emblem will not be confined to the vehicles themselves. The company plans to extend its use to dealership signage, advertising campaigns and competitive motorsport efforts. This broader implementation signals that Honda sees the logo not simply as a badge but as a unifying brand statement across its global automotive enterprise. In particular, Hondas expansion of the new mark into motorsport suggests a renewed commitment to high-performance and competitive platforms. It aligns with ongoing efforts to meld racing heritage with future-ready technologies, which reinforces the emotional connection between Hondas rich racing past and its next chapter. The timing of the logo change is no accident. The global automotive market is undergoing profound transition, with electrification and digital technologies reshaping consumer expectations and competitive dynamics. Advertisement Advertisement For Honda, the refreshed emblem is an outward sign of internal evolution, intended to communicate that the company is stepping confidently into a new technological age. Corporate communications describe the launch of the mark as a second founding for the automotive business. Now What? The first production vehicles sporting the new mark are expected in 2027. These will include both all-electric and advanced hybrid models as Honda phases in updated powertrain architectures. The emblem will gradually replace the longstanding logo across Hondas global presence. Dealers and corporate facilities will begin adopting the new branding in the months and years that follow to create a unified global identity. Source: Honda Press Statement of Kim Yo Jong, Vice Department Director of C.C., WPK Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, January 13 (KCNA) -- Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, made public the following press statement "Pipe dream can never change the current situation of the DPRK-ROK relations" on January 13: I saw the ROK Ministry of Unification commenting on my statement on Tuesday. It said that there exists room for "communication" and "detente". What a poor one it is. In conclusion, it has already gone wrong in their expectation. As far as Seoul's various hope-filled wild dreams called "repair of DPRK-ROK relations" are concerned, they all can never come true. The chief executive is so busy with his solicitation diplomacy abroad and the authorities are going so earnest to pretend that they are to show goodwill, harboring a daydream. But the present address of the DPRK-ROK relations can never change. Actually, the ROK has committed a grave provocation by infringing upon the sovereignty of the DPRK recently. This is just the deed done by the enemy only. I make it clear once again to the hooligans of the enemy state. The Seoul authorities should admit and apologize for having violated the sovereignty of the DPRK and take a measure for preventing reoccurrence. They should not forget that if such provocation of encroaching upon the inviolable sovereignty of the DPRK is repeated, they will be forced to pay the price they cannot deal with. This is not a mere rhetorical threat or extension of a wordy war. Our reaction to the infringement on sovereignty and our will to defend the sovereignty will not be confined to the proportional response or announcement of our position. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Statement of Permanent Representative of DPRK to UN Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, January 13 (KCNA) -- Kim Song, permanent representative of the DPRK to the UN, issued the following press statement on Jan. 13: Another unusual meeting was convened in the UN arena today, undermining and sacrificing the sacred name and noble mission of the UN, a signpost and an absolute symbol of justice and equality. The retaliatory blow of Russia was called into question. The emergency meeting of the UN Security Council convened under Ukraine's unilateral claims never means the international support for the appeal of a "victim". It is just an extension of the customary practice of the Western cavilers who used to groundlessly slander the just exercise of the right to self-defence of a sovereign state. The target of denunciation and rejection is the Kiev authorities who committed illegal military terrorist attacks on Russia and those forces who actively patronized them. I express serious concern and strongly denounce and reject the shameless acts of Ukraine which covered up its heinous terrorism against Russia and took issue with Russia over its legitimate measures against it. The Ukrainian crisis was obviously caused by the confrontation policy of the U.S. and the West which have violated Russia's reasonable and legitimate security interests and escalated NATO's eastward advance. The responsibility for all the incidents lies entirely with the parties who created the preconditions for them. The terrorist act targeting the absolute sovereignty of a country can never be justified, and retaliation of justice can never be demonized by any assertion. The use of military means by the armed forces of the Russian Federation is an expression of its absolute will not to tolerate threats to its national sovereignty and a just exercise of the right for defending its legitimate rights and interests. Consistent and invariable is the DPRK's stand to fully support the just cause of the Russian Federation for defending the national sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and interests. The international community should heighten vigilance over the West's sinister attempt to turn black and white, distort the facts and change the victim and perpetrator, and should make responsible efforts to defend genuine international justice, peace and stability. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany: Press conference by High Representative / Vice President Kaja Kallas ahead of the meeting with the German Federal Minister for Defence, Mr Boris Pistorius European External Action Service (EEAS) 13.01.2026 Berlin, 13/01/2026 EEAS Press Team Check against delivery! Dear Boris, thank you for your warm welcome. It is always good to be here in Berlin. I want to start by thanking Germany for its crucial leadership in European defence. No other country in Europe spends more on defence, and few contribute as broadly. In Lithuania, you are a powerful backbone of NATO's presence. In the air, German jets protect European skies. And at sea, your navy safeguards vital sea lanes and critical undersea infrastructure. Germany is also the biggest provider of military support to Ukraine. At this critical moment, this matters more than ever. There is now an intense diplomatic push for peace. President Trump is not alone to detest war. Ukrainians do. We all do. But as we see time and again, this push remains totally one sided. Every week, Russian bombs plunge Ukrainian cities into darkness. Destruction and death are Russia's answer to diplomacy. The bitter reality is that this war might carry on for a long time unless we collectively put more pressure on Russia to stop it. Europe's policy is consistent: supporting Ukraine and raising the costs for Russia. On the EU side, we will loan 90 billion to Ukraine to fund state functions and defence for the next two years. We are also advancing the 20 sanctions package and aim to finalise it next month. Putin will only take negotiations seriously if we make him. Today, we also spoke about European defence. We know that Russia's ambitions go beyond Ukraine. To keep our countries and people safe, Europe must further improve its defence readiness. Here, Germany also plays a key role as the lead nation for five priority capability areas, and I want to thank Minister Pistorius for this. Boosting European defence readiness is not about duplicating what NATO does, but it is about making Europe stronger within NATO. I also want to touch on the state of transatlantic relations, which has been much of a subject recently. The United States is an indispensable ally, but it is also clear that our relations are not as good as they used to be. In every Alliance, there are moments of open disagreement, but Europe will not junk 80 years of transatlantic relations. From Gaza to the fight against ISIS, to China's coercive economic practices, Europe and the US are stronger when we act together. Finally, also, a few words on Iran. The courage of Iranian people is humbling. The regime has a track record of brutally suppressing protests, and no one knows what the next days will bring. The heavy-handed and brutal response by the security forces is unacceptable and exposes a regime afraid of its own people. The EU already has sweeping sanctions in place on Iran: on those responsible for the human rights abuses, nuclear proliferation and Tehran's support for Russia's war. And we are discussing on putting additional sanctions. Dear Boris, thank you for everything that Germany does to strengthen European security. In uncertain times, we know that we can count on you. Thank you. Q&A Q. And on the Iran topic, Madam High Representative, Chancellor Merz said that it could be days or weeks until the regime in Tehran collapses. Would you agree? Nobody knows what the coming days and weeks will bring. It might go - like Assad's regime fell - it was a surprise for everybody. Very often, these regimes are very, very resilient. Actually, we do not know. What we continue to do is that we support civil society, and we are also putting more sanctions on the ones who are using violence against the peaceful protesters to show that we are condemning these actions. But eventually, it has to be the Iranian people who then take the decisions. Q. Some analysts are speculating that the US Administration could seek to condition its continued support for Ukraine, for the support and security guarantees in Europe, on concessions in other strategic areas, including its demands that own Greenland, as the US President puts it. Do you see any risk of Ukraine support becoming a bargaining ship in negotiations over Greenland and/or broader security guarantees in Europe, and how worried are you about that possibility? On Ukraine, of course, we are discussing the security guarantees and, like we have been discussing in the Coalition of the Willing, that these security guarantees really have to be tangible, in how it works in practice. And that they are not withdrawn. Of course, we cannot speak on behalf of the US Administration, what decisions they are making. What I want to stress here is that, right now, the majority of support to Ukraine is coming from Europe, and, also, European countries have been discussing what are the security guarantees provided to Ukraine. We have not heard that they are made conditional. One condition there was if there is an attack on Russia. We were just discussing before, history is full of cases where Russians have instigated an attack, showing that it was Ukrainians or Finnish, or whatever. In history, you can find a lot of cases like that. That is why it has to be very clear that if we give security guarantees, whether it is Americans or Europeans, these are not just on paper, but they are tangible. Q. Ms Kallas a possible securing of peace, a cease fire in Ukraine? What is the commission discussing and what's your coordinating role? The problem is that we do not have ceasefire right now. There is nothing to monitor. But in the Coalition of the Willing, of course, we are preparing also on the European side what we can bring to the table. We already have the military mission -training Ukrainian soldiers, and we can extend that mandate also to do the training on Ukrainian soil. We also have the civilian mission to help Ukrainians to reform their defence forces and help with capacity building. Again, coming to the beginning of my answer, the problem is right now that there is no ceasefire, and unfortunately, no ceasefire in sight as well, because Russia clearly does not want peace. Q. On Iran, Chancellor Merz says that the regime is in its final days. How confident are you, if that is true, that what comes next will actually be better? And, also on Greenland, Donald Trump, seems fairly set on his ambition when it comes to Greenland at the moment. How far is Europe prepared to go to prevent the US from taking it over? On Iran, history is also full of examples where there has been toppling of regimes, but the question is: what comes after? Right now, like I said, it is not clear whether the regime is going to fall or not. It is clear that the protests are massive. It is also clear that the regime is brutally suppressing and killing people to really incite fear in societies, and this is how the regime operate. In order to fall, in the history you have examples that you need from inside the alternatives to have a functioning state. Like I said, that is why we are supporting civil society, as much as we can on our side. Regarding what we will do, regarding those ambitions - like you mentioned - regarding Greenland, I think it is not right to discuss this in the media. We have those discussions also, what are the tools in our hands and we have the discussions with the Member States, including Denmark, what is the situation? But definitely, we are not preparing in public. Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/media/video/I-283101 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 38th India - France Strategic Dialogue (January 13, 2026) India - Ministry of External Affairs January 13, 2026 Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of India and H.E. Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Adviser to the President of the Republic of France co-chaired the 38th India-France Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi on 13 January 2026. 2. During the Strategic Dialogue, India and France reiterated their commitment to the strategic partnership. The two countries discussed ongoing bilateral initiatives spanning the domains of security, defence, technology, space, and civil nuclear cooperation. Opportunities were explored for joint-development and collaboration in the spirit of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Discussions included the evolving geopolitical situation as well as regional and international issues of common concern. The two sides also reviewed preparations for the forthcoming visit to India of H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France. Both sides underscored the importance of closer cooperation to address challenges in the global security environment, with the aim of advancing peace and stability. 3. Mr. Bonne also met the External Affairs Minister and called on the Prime Minister. New Delhi January 13, 2026 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Diplomatic Advisor to President of France meets the Prime Minister India - Press Information Bureau Prime Minister's Office Posted On: 13 JAN 2026 10:52PM by PIB Delhi Diplomatic Advisor to President of France, Mr. Emmanuel Bonne met the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today in New Delhi. In a post on X, Shri Modi wrote: "Delighted to meet Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to President Macron. Reaffirmed the strong and trusted India-France Strategic Partnership, marked by close cooperation across multiple domains. Encouraging to see our collaboration expanding into innovation, technology and education, especially as we mark the India-France Year of Innovation. Also exchanged perspectives on key regional and global issues. Look forward to welcoming President Macron to India soon. @EmmanuelMacron" **** MJPS/SR (Release ID: 2214359) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting of 16th ADMM-Plus EWG on Counter Terrorism & Final Planning Conference for Table Top Exercise to be held in New Delhi India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 13 JAN 2026 4:07PM by PIB Delhi The meeting of 16th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter Terrorism (CT) and Final Planning Conference for Table Top Exercise is scheduled to be held in New Delhi from January 14 to 16, 2026. India and Malaysia will co-chair the 16th EWG on CT meeting. Delegations from 11 ASEAN members (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste) and 07 dialogue partners (Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Japan, China, USA and Russia) along with ASEAN Secretariat representatives will participate in the EWG on CT. This will be the third meeting for the ongoing cycle from 2024-2027. The meeting will provide an important platform to review progress since the previous session, deliberate on the ongoing and planned activities under the three-year work plan to further strengthen India's multilateral cooperation on Counter-Terrorism with the ADMM-Plus framework. The Final Planning Conference for Table Top Exercise will be conducted on 14 January. Malaysia will host Table Top Exercise during the next edition of EWG meeting in 2026. India will subsequently hold Field Training Exercise in 2027. The ADMM-Plus serves as a platform for practical cooperation among the participating countries' defence establishments. It currently focuses on seven areas of practical cooperation namely maritime security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping operations, military medicine, humanitarian mine action and cyber security. The EWGs have been established to facilitate cooperation in these seven areas. The task of the co-chairs is to lay down the objectives, policy guidelines and directions for the EWG for the three-year cycle at the commencement of the chairmanship, conduct of regular EWG meetings (minimum two in year) and an exercise of any (TTX/FTX/STAFFEX/COMMEX etc.) for all member nations in the third year to test the progress made in practical cooperation during the three-year cycle. *** SR/Savvy (Release ID: 2214147) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Call with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson January 13, 2026 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Secretary Rubio spoke today with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, exchanging best wishes for the New Year. The Secretary congratulated India on enacting the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India bill. He expressed interest in capitalizing on this important development to enhance U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation, expand opportunities for American companies, advance shared energy security goals, and secure critical mineral supply chains. Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar discussed ongoing bilateral trade agreement negotiations and their shared interest in strengthening economic cooperation. They also exchanged perspectives on regional developments, reaffirming the United States' and India's commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China ready to take all necessary moves to ensure citizens' safety in Iran: spokesperson People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 16:12, January 13, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- China is closely monitoring the development of the situation in Iran, and will take all necessary measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens, a foreign ministry spokesperson said here on Tuesday at a daily press briefing. The U.S. State Department on Monday asked U.S. citizens to leave Iran immediately. In response to a related query, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China hopes Iran can maintain national stability and supports the country in the effort. "China has always opposed interference in other countries' internal affairs and the use or threat of use of force in international relations. China hopes that all parties will do more things conducive to peace and stability in the Middle East," she added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM calls riots 'Daesh-style crimes,' extension of US-Israeli war Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 January 2026 9:31 PM Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has described the recent riots targeting Iran as atrocities resembling those committed by the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, saying they marked a continuation of the US's and the Israeli regime's imposed war against the country in June. The top diplomat made the remarks on Tuesday during an online meeting with the Islamic Republic's ambassadors to the European Union's member states. Araghchi reiterated his earlier condemnation of Washington's and Tel Aviv's interference in Iran's internal affairs, referring to the allies' providing riotous elements with arms, intelligence, and logistical support to try to divert economic protests across the country towards unrest. He described the goal sought by the riots as weakening and destabilizing of the country, while expressing gratitude towards Iranian security forces for restoring calm by successfully confronting the perpetrators. The foreign minister also thanked the Iranian nation for staging millions-strong demonstrations throughout the nation on Monday in support of the country's Islamic establishment and condemnation of the foreign meddling. He also emphasized the importance of Europe-based Iranian diplomats' accurately portraying the atrocious nature of the recent terrorist activities targeting the nation to local governments, the Iranian diaspora, and public opinion. The comments came after riot ringleaders and operatives under their directorship sought to hijack the protests that had begun in late December. Also on Monday, Araghchi verified during a meeting with Tehran-based diplomats that recordings had proven how these elements had been trying to cause as many casualties as possible to try to pave the way for renewed foreign aggression against the Iranian territory as threatened recently by US President Donald Trump. Iranian officials have vowed to duly address protesters' legitimate concerns, but have emphasized, at the same time, that the country would not tolerate efforts at tampering with its stability and sovereignty. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's security chief calls Trump 'top killer of Iranians' after riot threat Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 January 2026 7:19 PM The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has rejected threats by US President Donald Trump against the nation, describing him as one of the main killers of Iranians. Ali Larijani was reacting to a Tuesday social media post by Trump calling on the rioters to "take over your institutions" and that "help is on its way." Trump also demanded that the rioters "save the names of the killers and abusers" and threatened that "they will pay a big price". He has repeatedly voiced support for the rioting and threatened Iran with military strikes if what he terms as "peaceful protesters" are shot and killed. "We declare the names of the main killers of the people of Iran: 1- Trump 2- Netanyahu," Larijani said in a post on X on Tuesday. He was referring to the 12-day US-Israeli aggression against Iran in June 2025, which killed over a thousand Iranians across the country and damaged the country's civilian, military, and nuclear infrastructure. Iran has, over the past days, been the scene of highly violent riots exploiting concerns about the rising cost of living. Authorities have acknowledged the legitimacy of economic grievances and vowed to address them, which are directly linked to unilateral US sanctions targeting Iran's central bank and oil exports. But they have vowed to deal decisively with US and Israel-backed rioters wreaking havoc across the country. On Tuesday, a senior police official reported that at least 297 thugs involved in damaging public property and people's assets have been detained. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hondas latest reveal isnt a crossover, but the automaker says a crossover will be able to tow it. The Japanese automaker is unveiling something its calling the Base Station Prototype, which it says could make camping in comfort an option for a whole new group of people. The towable travel trailer isnt your typical camper, requiring a big SUV or truck. This could be towed by something smaller, making it more of an option for young families looking to get away. We want to capitalize on the booming outdoor adventure market to democratize camping and enable anyone to participate, even those who drive a compact (crossover utility vehicle) or an (electric vehicle) in the future, said Jane Nakagawa, vice president of the research and development business unit at American Honda Motor Co. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Most popular campsites at Michigan state parks No sale date or pricing has been announced. Honda showed the Base Station to automotive journalists at its U.S. headquarters campus in Torrance, California, in November. The sleek white boxy Base Station is designed to fit in a garage or parking space. The company said it can sleep four with a foldout futon and an optional kids bunk bed. More: Red, white and awesome: Ford van celebrated America's Bicentennial Five large side windows allow for plenty of natural light, and can be removed and replaced with various accessories. The top of the Base Station Prototype can be quickly raised to create 7 feet of stand-up space, while a top-hinged rear tailgate enables free flow between the Base Station and campsite, according to the company, which said the sleeping area can be ready five minutes after arrival at a campsite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Michigan state park, recreation area campground closures in 2026 The Base Station has programmable ambient light rings around the windows for illumination. It comes with a heater and can be outfitted with accessories, including an air conditioner, external shower and kitchen, also on the outside. Zero emissions power off the grid is enabled through a standard lithium battery, inverter, and integrated solar panels. External power sources, whether campsite hookup or Honda generator, can be quickly connected for extended stays, the company said in a news release. Eric D. Lawrence is the senior car culture reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Send your tips and suggestions about cool automotive stuff to elawrence@freepress.com. Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Honda Base Station Prototype travel trailer isn't typical camper Iran will respond more decisively to any potential act of aggression: Defense minister Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 January 2026 6:18 PM The Iranian defense minister has once again warned that the Islamic Republic will respond more decisively to any new act of aggression. Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh made the remarks on Tuesday in reaction to recent threats by the US president and several White House officials. Speaking after a meeting with Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Nasirzadeh said Iran is much more prepared for any possibilities than it was during the 12-day US-Israeli aggression in June 2025. He added that Iran had many surprises in store in the event of any aggression that would prove "very effective." "If these threats are turned into action, we will defend the country with full force and until the last drop of blood, and our defense would be painful to them," the defense minister said. He also warned that countries that have provided or may provide assistance in any potential act of aggression against Iran will be legitimate targets. General Nasirzadeh said the damages caused by the 12-day aggression have been largely repaired, and the military production capacity has increased. 'Iran won't tolerate foreign-backed terrorists' Separately, Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces, said the security personnel of the Islamic Republic will not tolerate any opportunity for foreign-backed terrorists to destabilize the country. He made the remarks in a message hailing the participation of the Iranian people in the nationwide demonstrations of January 12 against the recent riots. The general said the US and Israel sought to compensate for their losses in the 12-day war against Iran by sending Daesh-style terrorists to destabilize the country. General Mousavi added that the ruthless mercenaries killed innocent Iranian civilians and security forces. The top commander said Iran will never back down when it comes to defending its sovereignty, national interests, and independence. Over the past days, Iran has been the scene of highly violent riots exploiting concerns about the rising cost of living. Donald Trump, the president of the United States, has repeatedly threatened to target Iran if, as he has put it, "Iran" kills what he has termed "peaceful protesters." Authorities have acknowledged the legitimacy of economic grievances and vowed to address them, which are directly linked to unilateral US sanctions targeting Iran's central bank and oil exports. But they have vowed to deal decisively with US and Israel-backed rioters wreaking havoc across the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC disbands Israeli-linked terror teams, seizes US-made arms in southeast Iran Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 January 2026 2:43 PM Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has smashed a number of teams of militants affiliated with Israel in the country's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, close to the border with Pakistan, and seized several US-built military-grade weapons from them. According to the Sepah News website, the Israeli-linked terrorists sneaked into the country through Iran's eastern borders and holed up at seven different hideouts across the provincial capital of Zahedan. The teams were later detected and dismantled during a large-scale joint operation by the IRGC Ground Force's Quds Base, law enforcement forces, and provincial intelligence forces. Several US-made military-grade munitions, besides explosive devices, were recovered from the militants during the security operation. The Israeli-affiliated militants had reportedly received rigorous training abroad and were plotting to carry out acts of sabotage and terror inside Iran. Similarly, Iranian border police forces could successfully uncover a consignment of smuggled weapons in Sistan and Baluchestan. The seized munitions were meant to be distributed among saboteurs and rioters, who set fire to public and private properties and caused extensive damage during the past few days of deadly foreign-backed riots across the country. Among the ammunition were 21 pistols, four Kalashnikov assault rifles, two hunting rifles, and 2,516 rounds of live bullets. Two smugglers were also captured, and their vehicle was confiscated in connection with the seized arms. Tens of thousands of people gathered at iconic Enghelab Square in downtown Tehran on Monday, with similar massive rallies being held in other towns across the nation as well. The demonstrations came in response to days of foreign-backed riots, during which dozens of security personnel and ordinary civilians were killed in terrorist attacks. The administration declared three days of national mourning on Monday. While officials have acknowledged legitimate economic grievances, linked to unilateral US sanctions targeting Iran's oil and banking sectors, they have drawn a clear distinction between peaceful protest and violent rioting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China vows to protect interests after Trump's tariff threat over Iran trade Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 January 2026 2:35 PM China has vowed to safeguard its rights and interests after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose an additional 25 percent tariff on countries doing business with Iran. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks during a regular news conference on Tuesday, a day after Trump announced in a post on Truth Social that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25 percent tariff on all trade with the United States and that the tariffs were "effective immediately." "We have always believed that there are no winners in a tariff war, and China will resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," Mao said. The Chinese diplomat further noted that Beijing is "closely monitoring the development of the situation," when asked about advice for Chinese citizens travelling to Iran for tourism "We will take all necessary measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens," she said. Trump's tariff threat comes as US-Israeli-backed rioters have failed to derail economic protests inside Iran. Trump did not outline which countries could be affected or how the tariff would be implemented. Still, observers cited China as the most obvious target of the measure in light of the sheer size of its huge annual trade with the Islamic Republic. The United Arab Emirates and India are also among Iran's trading partners. In recent weeks, shopkeepers staged peaceful protests in different cities across Iran over economic issues, but the demonstrations were steered toward violence after public statements by US and Israeli regime figures amplified by Israeli-linked Persian-language outlets encouraged vandalism and disorder. Authorities have acknowledged the legitimacy of economic grievances and vowed to address them, while denouncing foreign-backed elements for exploiting people's livelihood concerns, which are directly linked to unilateral US sanctions targeting Iran's central bank and oil exports. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In phone call with Pakistani FM, Araghchi says nation determined to repel 'foreign mischief' Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 January 2026 1:43 PM Iran's foreign minister has underscored the nation's resolve to defend its independence, national sovereignty, and security against foreign mischief, saying recent peaceful protests were driven into violence by elements linked to the Israeli regime and the US. Abbas Araghchi made the remarks on Monday evening in a phone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, as the two ministers discussed bilateral ties as well as regional and international developments. During the call, Araghchi outlined the events of recent days, saying peaceful protests by the Iranian people were turned violent by elements affiliated with the Israeli regime and the US. He reiterated the Iranian nation's determination to "protect its independence, national sovereignty, and security against foreign mischievous acts." Iranians from different walks of life took part in nationwide rallies on Monday to denounce recent foreign-backed riots, demonstrating their unwavering support for the Islamic Republic. The rallies in most provinces, including Tehran, began at 2:00 p.m. local time and continued till 5:00 pm. However, in some other provinces, the rallies started earlier, at 9:00 am and 11:00 am. Some shopkeepers last month staged peaceful protests in different cities over economic issues, but the demonstrations were steered toward violence after public statements by US and Israeli regime figures amplified by Israeli-linked Persian-language outlets encouraged vandalism and disorder. Authorities have acknowledged the legitimacy of economic grievances and vowed to address them, while denouncing foreign-backed elements for exploiting people's livelihood concerns, which are directly linked to unilateral US sanctions targeting Iran's central bank and oil exports. Araghchi and Dar also reviewed the very good state of relations between the neighboring countries across various fields and stressed joint efforts to follow up on issues on the agenda and to further expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including economic, trade, and cultural sectors. They also exchanged views on regional developments, particularly the continued crimes of the Israeli regime in occupied Palestine and its aggressions against Lebanon, Syria, and other Islamic countries. Referring to the recent meeting of foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Iranian and Pakistani top diplomats discussed developments in Somalia and actions by the Israeli regime aimed at fragmenting the country, emphasizing the importance of sustained consultations and cooperation among Islamic countries to safeguard regional stability and security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN chief concerned over Trump's anti-Iran rhetoric amid unrest: Spokesman Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 January 2026 1:34 PM UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced concern over the US interventionist stance and military threats against Tehran amid foreign-backed riots in Iran, according to his spokesman. US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his administration is weighing "some very strong options," including potential military action against Iran amid recent foreign-backed riots within the country. Peaceful protests over economic hardship last week escalated into riots, fueled by remarks by US and Israeli leaders, with armed groups damaging public property and causing casualties among civilians and security forces. Security and judicial bodies say they have dismantled several armed cells and arrested foreignlinked operatives during the unrest. At a press briefing Monday at the UN Headquarters in New York, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, conveyed Guterres' alarm over the remarks. "The rhetoric that we've heard around the situation in Iran, which is concerning to him (Guterres), and he encourages all to adopt a path of diplomacy and dialogue," he said. "We push for dialogue, and I think the [UN] Charter is very clear on your question," Dujarric added. The UN Charter enshrines core principles including the sovereign equality of all states, non-intervention in the affairs of other states, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. These norms were further reinforced by the 1970 Declaration on Principles of International Law, adopted by the UN General Assembly, which explicitly states that no state or group of states has the right to intervene, directly or indirectly, for any reason whatever, in the internal or external affairs of any other state. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Goldberg: 'Nothing Is Off The Table' For Trump's Response In Iran By Hannah Kaviani January 13, 2026 As Iran's brutal crackdown on mass protests deepens and the news of thousands of protesters killed reaches the world, the global community waits to see how the United States will respond. US President Donald Trump has issued multiple ultimatums via social media to the leaders of the Islamic republic to respect the lives and demands of the protesters, and on January 13 he wrote that "Help is on the way." During Trump's presidency, between 2019 and 2020, when the United States pressure campaign against the Islamic republic was at its peak, Richard Goldberg was the director of the White House's National Security Council's Office of Countering Iran's Weapons of Mass Destruction. Hannah Kaviani of RFE/RL's Radio Farda spoke with Richard Goldberg, now a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, on January 13 about what Trump's next move might be against Iran. RFE/RL's Radio Farda: US President Trump is talking about help being on the way. And now there is the question of what is this help and what might it entail? Richard Goldberg: The president is very serious in enforcing his red lines. He was very clear that this sort of mass murder that we are seeing in the streets would not be tolerated, that he would take a strong action against the regime in response. He's clearly seeing what we're all seeing, and that is the regime is truly on the brink. This is a potential historic moment. This is not 2009. This is not 2019, and, and this is not 2022. This is something that the regime is clearly in full fear of. They see this is not stopping. People are still coming to the streets despite the massive killings by the regime. This is organic. The people have had enough. It's widespread throughout the country. Combine [that with] the economic situation, the lack of any continued external threats to the world over a nuclear program, and, as we would say in English: The writing is on the wall for the ayatollah [Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei] at this point. The president needs to be very careful in how he employs his options. He wants to empower and enable the people on the ground, he wants to do maximum disablement to the regime's apparatus to empower the people and enable them, and he wants to ensure he avoids harming any civilians in the process. RFE/RL: So how are those options? Goldberg: I would say [Trump's] already started. You're watching a decision that's already been made unfolding. It started in the economic and diplomatic realm yesterday with the tariff announcement. It is poised to move in new directions imminently with his public statement of urging people to take to the streets, take over institutions, and that help is on the way. I don't believe, knowing the president, that he would make those statements and put people in harm's way without a bold plan that is coming. And I would imagine that it will be a mix of cyber and military actions. There could be covert activities that we don't understand or know about. And again, the idea will be to disrupt and degrade the regime. RFE/RL: Could these covert actions include, for example, targeting the supreme leader? Goldberg: Nothing is off the table. RFE/RL: What we know from Trump is that he's not in favor of long wars. What do you think is the option here for him? Goldberg: We have a lot of options. Our air power is superior. There is no air defense in Iran still today that can do anything to the US Air Force or naval air forces: We have ground-to ground-capabilities, strike capabilities; we have long range bombers, as I think the ayatollah witnessed last June, that are stealth. And he wouldn't know things are gone until they're blown up. He wouldn't know anybody's on the way until the bomb goes off. RFE/RL: Some analysts are warning against such a move because they say that if it's not going to fully take out Iran's capability for retaliation, then US assets in region would be a target for retaliation. Goldberg: If the supreme leader has survived the first round, he won't survive the retaliation after that, if that's the case. He may have already made a decision to go down with the ship and that's why he is obliterating President Trump's red line. But the president, I think, recognizes that and sees the moment and the opportunity and is pushing forward. [Trump] will, I am sure, be as careful and cautious to avoid hurting any civilians, inflict maximum damage on the regime, fully support the people in trying to take over key areas of the regime, critical command and control areas, information control, government buildings, and the like. There's a range of options that he has in front of him of how to do that most effectively. In the end, this is something that the people have always known that they will have to do on their own, with us backing, with others. But in the end, this is something that Iranians are taking to the streets [for], to take back their country. RFE/RL: What would be the White House's preferred scenario for the day after [any action against Iran]? Goldberg: [Trump] has always said that's something for the Iranian people to decide and to take for themselves. Obviously, the Iranian people want a future of a government that represents their interests, that make sure that their economy is booming, that the sanctions from the world are not there, that they're not sponsoring terrorism, sending their money to foreign wars, that are not abusing the people on a daily basis, killing and executing people around the country, that they can actually get back to a real life, that women can have their choices of how to dress and be free. That is the Iran that I think the president wants to see. He is trying to empower the Iranian people, who are doing something that's never happened before since 1979. They're in the streets, they're dying, and they're staying in the streets. RFE/RL: Because we have the experience of Venezuela just a few weeks ago, some are asking, What if a similiar scenario takes place? Where those who were close to Maduro, who were basically Maduro people, are still in power in Caracas. Goldberg: Seems hard to imagine that the most hard-line, truest believers in the Islamic republic would cut any sort of deals with the United States. The Islamic republic of Iran is not in any way the same as the regime in Venezuela. From an ideology, from a religious perspective, they're not the same. Their commonality is that they hate America, they work together, and they fund drugs and terrorism. But the regimes are very, very different and a different history and culture and religion, etc. It would be hard to imagine core members of Khamenei's inner circle deciding to turn over the Islamic republic to the United States and American business and transition to a free and fair election. But we also don't know what would happen if you simply decapitated the supreme leader and the people were able to take control of government institutions and people inside were ready to defect and turn on the existing regime. You could have a real transition. RFE/RL: You mentioned people taking over institutions, and that's also been mentioned by Trump. How exactly are people going to do that if they are unarmed [and dying in the streets]? How are ordinary Iranians going to achieve such a thing? Goldberg: My understanding is in some of the smaller cities, that has taken place to some extent. It is in the large cities where the maximum violence from the regime has been pushed onto the streets out of fear that what they're seeing in the smaller towns will be replicated in the larger cities, including Tehran. That's where I think you're getting the thousands of body counts adding up with just straight-up machine gun fire in the streets. But if the United States comes in in ways that empower and enable the people to take over facilities and take over institutions, that would be a big way of the president of the United States helping those on the ground. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-trump- richard-goldberg-fdd/33647244.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 Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question regarding the situation in Iran 13 January 2026 17:51 27-13-01-2026 Question: For over a fortnight, anti-government demonstrations in Iran have persisted, escalating into unrest. Could you comment on the current situation in the country? Maria Zakharova: The unlawful sanctions pressure exerted by the West, to which the Islamic Republic of Iran has been subjected for many years, impedes the nation's development and gives rise to economic and social challenges, primarily affecting ordinary Iranians. Hostile external forces are seeking to exploit the mounting public tension to destabilise and undermine the Iranian state. The notorious methods of colour revolutions are being employed, whereby peaceful protests are transformed - through the efforts of provocateurs trained and armed abroad - into brutal and senseless acts of violence, including riots, the murder of law enforcement officers and civilians, and even children. We unequivocally condemn the subversive external interference in Iran's internal political processes. It is particularly noteworthy that the Iranian government has demonstrated a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with society to identify effective means of mitigating the adverse socioeconomic consequences of the West's hostile policies. The threats emanating from Washington regarding further military strikes against the Islamic Republic are categorically unacceptable. Those who contemplate using externally instigated unrest as a pretext to repeat the aggression against Iran, as witnessed in June 2025, must be fully aware of the detrimental repercussions such actions would have for the Middle East and global international security. We also firmly reject the brazen attempts to blackmail Iran's foreign partners through the imposition of increased trade tariffs. The evolving dynamics of the domestic political situation in Iran, coupled with the recent decline in artificially fuelled protests, offer grounds for cautious optimism regarding a gradual stabilisation of the situation. The thousands-strong marches by Iranians in support of the Islamic Republic's sovereignty testify to the failure of the sinister designs harboured by those who resent the existence of nations capable of pursuing an independent foreign policy and choosing their own allies on the international stage. We remain in contact with our diplomatic missions in Iran. They are operating as normal and maintain constant communication with Russian compatriots residing in the country. We advise them to exercise reasonable precautions: refrain from visiting crowded areas, avoid photography and videography, and strictly adhere to the directives of law enforcement and special services. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ranking Member Shaheen, Chairman Risch Statement of Support for the People of Iran Senate Foreign Relations Committee January 13, 2026 WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released a statement expressing solidarity with the people of Iran amid reports of violent repression of peaceful protestors. "Congress and the American people stand with the resilient people of Iran in their aspiration for a free and prosperous future. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the reported killing of thousands of peaceful protestors for exercising their right to free speech. We demand that the government of Iran immediately cease suppression of its people. The future of Iran should be decided by the Iranian people." ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Foreign Ministry Calls US Threats of Strikes Against Iran Absolutely Unacceptable Sputnik News 20260113 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Washington's threats of strikes against Iran are absolutely unacceptable, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday. "The threats from Washington of launching new military strikes on the territory of the Islamic Republic are absolutely unacceptable," Zakharova said in a statement. Russia strongly condemns any subversive external interference in Iran's internal political processes, the diplomat said. "The dynamics of the domestic political situation in the country, the decline in artificially fueled protests seen in recent days, allow us to expect a gradual stabilization of the situation. Thousands of Iranians marching in support of the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic are the key to the failure of the sinister plans of those who are haunted by the existence of states in the international arena capable of pursuing an independent foreign policy and independently choosing friends," Zakharova concluded. Moscow is in contact with its diplomatic missions in Iran, which are working as usual and are in touch with Russians in the country, the diplomat said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Secretary statement on Iran: 13 January 2026 Oral statement to Parliament The Foreign Secretary has provided an update to Parliament on the protests in Iran. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP Published 13 January 2026 Delivered on: 13 January 2026 With permission Madam Deputy Speaker, I want to update the House on unfolding developments in Iran. Horrific reports suggest that potentially thousands of people have been killed, and many more arrested in the most brutal and bloody repression against public protest in Iran for at least thirteen years. On 28 December protests began on the streets of Iran following a plunge in the value of Iran's currency. Over the following week, the protests grew - in scale, intensity and geographic spread. Crowds surged onto the streets, from major cities to rural towns. Voices ranging from shopkeepers to university students - protesting for change. Instead, they have been met with the most bloody repression. A total internet shutdown instigated by the Iranian regime from the 8 January, together with restrictions on phone communications, means the full facts are not yet clear. But I am fearful that the reports that we have seen may underestimate the full scale of the horror as further evidence and testimony reaches the outside world. Videos are still emerging, including of what appear to be protestor corpses lined up in body bags outside a hospital on the outskirts of Tehran. The Iranian regime has called for a three-day period of national mourning. But only for its own security forces. No acknowledgement of dead protestors. Instead, the regime peddles its manufactured narrative of foreign manipulation and seeks to portray peaceful protestors as criminals and terrorists. All the while pursuing a brutal and relentless crackdown on its own people. It takes huge bravery to protest and to speak out in the face of this oppression - especially for women who continue to endure severe repression in their daily lives. Madam Deputy Speaker, the United Kingdom condemns in the strongest of terms the horrendous and brutal killing of Iranian protestors and we demand that the Iranian authorities respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of their citizens. On Friday, the Prime Minister joined with the German Chancellor and French President in condemnation of this violence and to call for an end to the violence. It is a message I have also delivered this message directly to the Iranian Foreign Minister, Araghci yesterday. Setting out the UK's total abhorrence at the killings, the violence and the repression that we are seeing. Urging them urgently to change course. And today as further reports come through, the Minister for the Middle East, at my instruction, has summoned the Iranian ambassador to underline the gravity of this moment and to call on Iran to answer for the horrific reports that we are hearing. But this latest conduct by the Iranian regime is no aberration. It is no outlier. It is all too in keeping with the fundamental nature and track record of this regime. Consistent with its previous conduct towards its own people - as we saw during the lethal repression of protestors led by Iranian women following the death in custody of Masa Amini at the hands of Iran's so-called Morality Police. Consistent with its destabilising actions towards its neighbours in the region - as we have seen in its backing of terrorist and extremist proxies, of its backing of Hezbollah, Hamas the Houthis and militia groups in Iraq and Syria and from Iran's barrage of missile attacks on Israel. Consistent with Iran's malign global impact - whether in terms of weapons support for Russia against Ukraine or its nuclear programme. And consistent too with Iran's state threat activities on UK soil - posing danger to dissidents, journalists and the Jewish community here in the UK. With more than twenty potentially lethal Iran-backed plots over last year alone, as tracked through the vital work of the UK's security agencies. So let me set out the action that the Government is taking in coordination with allies in response to the consistent threat that the Iranian regime poses to stability, security, freedom and the UK national interest. First on domestic security threats: We will not tolerate any Iran-backed threats on UK soil. In May, three Iranian nationals were charged with offences linked to the Iranian regime under the National Security Act 2023. And I want to thank the police, security and intelligence services for their tireless work to keep us safe. Last year we placed Iran on the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) to detect, deter and disrupt malign and undeclared efforts to undermine our democracy. We sanctioned the criminal Foxtrot network for the violent threats it posed against Jewish and Israeli targets in Europe on behalf of the Iranian regime. And we have geared up the UK security infrastructure to better tackle hybrid threats. As Home Secretary, I commissioned the review by the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, Jonathan Hall KC into what more needed to be done so that we could apply counter terrorism style powers - including on proscription - to state backed threats as well. We announced last year that the Government will take forward the recommendations so we can deal with all the UK based threats that we face. Second support for British citizens: Madam Deputy Speaker, the first duty of government is the safety and security of our citizens. My Department is working tirelessly to ensure the safety of British nationals in Iran. I spoke yesterday with the UK's Ambassador in Tehran about the vital work he and the team are doing on the ground. The FCDO is in contact with the relevant Iranian authorities regarding detained British nationals. Their welfare in Iran remains a priority. We are of course deeply concerned that Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been charged with espionage in Iran. Just yesterday Minister Falconer met with members of the Foreman family. We continue to raise this case directly with the Iranian authorities. Third, the co-ordinated economic and diplomatic pressure on this regime: This Government and our predecessors have continually raised human rights violations in Iran through the UN and international forums. Including most recently this Autumn resolutions calling for an end to the regime's reprisals against women, against journalists and against human rights campaigners. Then in October, alongside our E3 partners France and Germany, the UK triggered the snapback process which saw the reinstatement of six previously terminated UN sanctions resolutions on Iran. We did so because of the repeated failure by the Iranian regime to comply with its nuclear commitments. On 1 October, we updated domestic legislation to reapply extensive sanctions measures contained in these Resolutions. Also going further by designating 71 individuals and entities in sectors which have links to Iran's nuclear programme. Overall, this Government has imposed over 220 Iran sanctions designations since coming into Office. And we are backing strong sanctions enforcement. Just last week, the UK provided support to the US's seizure of Bella 1, accused of shadow fleet activities and Iran sanctions breaches. At the time when the sanctions were reinstated in October, I urged the Iranian regime even then to change their approach, to work with the international community and to comply with their obligations. I told them then that it would take time to fully implement the UK sanctions and during that window they should start compliance and engagement with the international community, and end the deception and obfuscation They have not done so. Weapons inspectors still have not been given access. And far from changing their approach, we have seen instead a reversion to the most brutal forms of repression on their own streets. As a result I can confirm, the UK will bring forward legislation to implement full and further sanctions and sectoral measures. The UK has already designated key players in Iran's oil, energy, nuclear and financial systems. Further measures will target finance, energy, transport, software, and other significant industries which are advancing Iranian nuclear escalation. And we will work further with the EU and other partners to explore what additional measures might now be needed in response to developments. I also send a message to other countries who have sought to avoid implementing UN sanctions or to undermine the legitimacy of the UN sanctions reinstated following the Snapback process. No one should be supporting the kind of approach the Iranian regime is currently taking. All member states should be fulfilling their UN obligations on such a grave and serious issue. Madam Deputy Speaker, let me say something else about the events in recent days. Just as they did in 2022, it is absolutely clear that the Iranian regime are trying to paint these protests as the result of foreign influence and instigation. They are using that accusation to try and whip up opposition to the protests amongst anti-Western Iranians, and to try and justify their vicious and sickening attacks on the ordinary civilians marching in the streets. These are nothing but lies and propaganda being spread by a desperate regime. They must not be allowed to undermine a genuine, grassroots movement, drawing together people from all parts of Iranian society, and spreading across multiple cities and regions. That is why we and other governments across the world are determined not to play into the hands of the regime, or to allow our words or actions to be twisted to support their lies and propaganda. With a functioning embassy on the ground in Tehran and British nationals being held in Iranian jails, we recognise that responsibility, as previous Governments have always done. In the last eighteen months, we have taken stronger action to tackle Iranian threats at home and abroad than any recent Government and we have done so with broad cross party support. That must continue. The world is watching Iran. The UK will continue to confront the regime's lies; to call out its repression; and to take the steps necessary to protect the UK's interests. I commend this Statement to the House. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sales of imported light passenger vehicles in South Korea continued to rise strongly in December 2025, by almost 22% to 28,608 units from 23,524 units a year earlier, according to registration data released by the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA). The import segment continued to significantly outperform the domestic market last month, driven by strong sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). By contrast, domestic deliveries by the countrys five main automakers combined declined by 2.5% to 115,815 units last month and were just 1% higher at 1,372,133units in the whole of 2025. Over the full year, import sales increased by almost 17% to 307,377 units, up from 263,288 units in 2024, with German-owned brands accounting for 59% of this total with 181,493 deliveries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BMW continued to lead the import market last year with sales rising by 4.6% to 77,127 units, while sales by its Mini subsidiary increased by 4.5% to 7,990 units. Together, the two brands accounted for almost 28% of total import sales. Mercedes-Benz sales increased by 3% to 68,467 units, while Volkswagen Group reported a 4% rise to 27,743 units, thanks mainly to strong performances by Porsche and Audi. US EV maker Tesla saw its sales more than doubled to 59,916 units in 2025, helped by the recent launch of its new lower-cost Model Y, while Volvos deliveries declined by 1% to 14,903 units. Toyotas sales were slightly higher at 9,764 units, while its Lexus division reported a 7% rise to 14,891 units. Chinese automaker BYD, which officially entered this market last year, has delivered 6,107 vehicles to date. "South Korea vehicle imports surge 22% in December" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Role of Defense Community for the Peace and Prosperity of the Indo-Pacific" Ministry of Defense of Japan * Check against delivery Admiral Paparo, distinguished guests. I am Shinjiro Koizumi, Minister of Defense of Japan. 1. One Ocean's History I stand before you today with profound emotion. This year, the United States celebrates its 250th birthday. I extend my heartfelt congratulations. And this year, the U.S.-Japan Alliance marks its 75th anniversary. It is also the 75th anniversary of the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. Eighty years ago, here at Pearl Harbor and across the Pacific, young people from Japan, America, and around the world lost their lives in the flames of war. But look at us now. Today, we stand here shoulder to shoulder as the strongest allies in the world, and as the closest of friends. At Iwo To Island, fierce battles once raged. Today, on that very island, Japan and the United States hold Reunion of Honor Ceremony every year. There is no other example like this in the world. Last year, my friend Pete became the first Secretary of Defense to attend the ceremony. Just before coming here, I visited the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl and paid my deepest tribute and offered flowers to those who fell in battle. This is the power of true reconciliation. This is the power of peace. I was born and raised in Yokosuka. One hundred and sixty years ago, Commodore Perry traveled the Pacific Ocean and arrived at Uraga, where the history between Japan and America beganthat very place. And today, Yokosuka hosts the Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces as well as the headquarters of the U.S. Seventh Fleet. Last October, immediately after I assumed office as Minister of Defense, it was also in Yokosuka where I first met President Trump, Secretary Hegseth, and Admiral Paparo, who is here with us today. For me, Japan's national defense and the Japan-U.S. Alliance are part of my daily life, felt with the sea breeze. They are also the foundation of my journey as a politician. Today, in this year of great significance for the United States, for the Japan-U.S. Alliance, and for the world, to stand before youwhile feeling the Pacific breeze that both Japan and the United States shareis a profound honor. 2. The Reality of Two Oceans Today, the Indo-Pacific faces a crisis. Everyone feels it. First, the routinization of military coercion. Neighboring nations continue opaque military buildups, and the regional military balance is shifting dramatically and rapidly. Attempts to change the status quo by force continue in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. Provocative military activities are intensifying on the western and southern sides of the Pacific. Second, the weaponization of everything. The weaponization of economy, technology, resources, information, and cyberspace. The boundary lines between peacetime and contingency, between military and non-military, between truth and fake newsthese are no longer clearly visible. We are already living in such an era. Third, beginning of an age of uncertainty. Not merely rising uncertainty, but an uncertain age. Right now, we can see tensions that are on the brink of war across the globe. The thinking of aggressors is difficult for those of us living in democracy to predict. Aggressors may also misjudge the strength of our resolve. Anything could happen tomorrow. I believe you all share this sense. We must confront this reality head-on and ensure peace and stability in the region. 3. Realizing FOIP Looking back through history, new orders have been born precisely in times of difficulty. Today, I want to share this determination with you. We, too, can create a better order. We have three strengths. First, we have a clear vision: a Free and Open Indo-Pacific or FOIP. "Free" means that no nation shall be subjected to coercion by force. "Open" means that every nation can cooperate and contribute by its own will. This vision is the guiding light for our defense community. Second, we have the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Today, the Japan-U.S. Alliance is stronger than at any point in history. The defense capabilities of both nations, and the Alliance itself, have been and will continue to be a powerful driving force for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world. Third, we have "Peace through Strength." As Secretary Hegseth has made clear, this is not "America alone." It is a strong determination to join hands with all like-minded nations to embrace peace and prosperity in the region and the world. I am convinced of this: When these three strengthsFOIP, the Japan-U.S. Alliance, and Peace through Strengthcome together, peace and prosperity in the region will become even more secure. We have partners who will expand these three strengths together with us. Those partners are all of you who gathered here today, sharing the same commitment. Those partners are also the many nations across the Indo-Pacific region that are renewing their resolve to choose their own futures for themselves. They are strengthening their own defense capabilities and fostering their defense industries. They are working hard to enhance training, operations, equipment, and industrial bases. It is the responsibility of our defense community to connect this new dynamism. We will link each nation's independent efforts like a web, enhance interconnectivity, and generate synergy. We will layer these networks across the entire region. By doing so, we will enhance regional resilience against crises, including disasters. Even when some nations face harassment or coercion, the region as a whole will be able to respond collectively. Let us build together such a resilient Indo-Pacific region. 4. Japan's Role Japan will take actions. First, Japan itself will become stronger. We are committed to continue working on fundamentally reinforcing our defense capabilities and increasing our defense spending. With last year's supplementary budget, we achieved the level of defense spending at 2% of GDP ahead of original schedule. Immediately after taking office last October, Prime Minister Takaichi directed the revision of Japan's National Security Strategy ahead of schedule. Under her leadership, we will revise it within this year. We will also continue to respond to any crisis in a resolute and calm manner. Second, we will further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance. The number of Japan-U.S. joint training has more than doubled over the past decade. And now, from California in the east to the Gulf of Aden in the western Indian Ocean, Japan and the United States are operating and contributing together across the entire Indo-Pacific region. We will further strengthen this Alliance. We will upgrade our command and control framework and further enhance bilateral coordination across all phases, from peacetime to contingencies. In particular, we will expand Japan-U.S. bilateral joint presence in Japan's southwestern region. We will co-produce and co-sustain equipment and strengthen our industrial bases together. Third, we will spread a multilayered network of interconnectivity across the entire region. Australia, the Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Together with them and all the partner nations, we will enhance interconnectivity in training, operations, equipment, and industrial bases across the region, and generate synergy. There are already many frameworks in this region, namely: the Australia-Japan-U.S., Japan-ROK-U.S., Australia-Japan-Philippines-U.S., Australia-India-Japan-U.S., and ADMM-Plus. We will connect these frameworks to each other and transform them into a greater force for the entire region. We will deepen our cooperation in cyber and space domains, and enhance regional resilience. And now this web of interconnectivity is expanding to Europe as well. 5. An Era Where Three Oceans Are Connected In 2007, Japan's then-Prime Minister Abe delivered a speech titled "Confluence of the Two Seas" in the Indian Parliament. In the speech, he declared that "the Pacific and the Indian Ocean are now bringing about a dynamic coupling as seas of freedom and prosperity." Today, these "two seas" have expanded to three. The Pacific, the Indian, and the Atlantic Oceans. There is a phrase that comes up naturally whenever I meet European friends. It is: "The Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic are inseparable and indivisible." Yesterday, I witnessed the flags of fourteen nations flying at a Japanese paratroopers' exerciseincluding Belgium and Turkiye participating for the first time, alongside France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United Kingdom. The vision of FOIP is no longer limited to the Indo-Pacific. This is what we have accomplished together over the ten years since FOIP was first proposed. The entire world hopes for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. This shared aspiration is the light that illuminates our path. Today, on the tenth anniversary of FOIP, I declare before you: Japan is committed to evolving the Free and Open Indo-Pacific. I will dedicate my full efforts to ensure the peace and prosperity of this region from a defense perspective. In the United States, "Make America Great Again" or MAGA is a concept valued by many in the Trump Administration. To conclude, I would like to share my own version of MAGA with you: " M ake the A lliance G reat A lways." Thank you very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Courtesy Call on President of Palau Ministry of Defense of Japan (Press Release) January 13, 2026 Japan Ministry of Defense On January 13, 2026, Minister of Defense Koizumi, visiting Hawaii to attend the Honolulu Defense Forum, paid a courtesy call on President Whipps of the Republic of Palau. The summary is as follows: At the outset, Minister Koizumi stated that Palau is an important partner for Japan, sharing fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, and that Japan would like to continue working together with Palau to realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. In response, President Whipps expressed his gratitude for the support provided by the Government of Japan to Palau. Minister Koizumi expressed his desire to continue strengthening cooperation particularly in the field of maritime security. Both Minister Koizumi and President Whipps reaffirmed that such cooperation between Japan and Palau contributes to regional peace and stability, and affirmed their commitment to further enhance collaboration between the two countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan-ROK Summit Meeting Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan January 13, 2026 On January 13, commencing at 2 p.m. for approximately 90 minutes, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Summit Meeting with H.E. Mr. LEE Jae Myung, President of the Republic of Korea (ROK), who is visiting Japan. The summary of the meeting is as follows (The small-group meeting commenced at 2 p.m. and lasted for approximately 20 minutes; the plenary meeting commenced at 2:30 p.m. and lasted for approximately 70 minutes). After the meeting, the two leaders held a joint press occasion. At the outset, Prime Minister TAKAICHI welcomed President Lee's visit which is the first opportunity of "shuttle diplomacy" of this year, and expressed her intention to develop the Japan-ROK relations to greater height, starting with his visit. The two leaders had a candid exchange of views on the overall Japan-ROK relations. The two leaders shared a recognition of the strategic importance of the Japan-ROK relations, and affirmed that they should work together to play a role in ensuring the stability of the region. Also, the importance of strategic coordination including security cooperation between Japan and the ROK as well as among Japan, the ROK and the U.S., was discussed. The two leaders concurred on deepening the discussion going forward among relevant ministries in order to promote strategic and mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of economy and economic security. Additionally, they held in-depth discussions on the cooperation regarding supply chain. The two leaders concurred to draft a document to accelerate the cooperation to date on dealing with transnational organized frauds. The two leaders welcomed the progress in the coordination between the two countries toward cooperation on DNA testing, regarding the remains discovered at Chosei Coal Mine in Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The two leaders exchanged views on regional situations. They discussed their policies toward North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues, and reaffirmed that they would work closely together between Japan and the ROK as well as among Japan, the ROK and the U.S. toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea. Prime Minister TAKAICHI also requested President Lee's continued understanding and cooperation toward the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, and the two leaders concurred on the importance of such efforts. The two leaders concurred to continue close communication between the two governments going forward, including the active promotion of "shuttle diplomacy." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Korean independent counsel demands death penalty for ex-president Yoon Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 January 2026 4:41 PM An independent counsel in South Korea has demanded the death penalty for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol if found guilty over his botched attempt to impose martial law. The Seoul Central District Court said that independent counsel headed by senior legal figure Cho Eun-suk and his team made the request at a hearing on Tuesday. The court heard closing arguments in Yoon's trial, in which he was accused of being the "ringleader of an insurrection." The charge stems from Yoon's attempt in December 2024 to impose military rule in South Korea, an act that lasted for hours but plunged the country into political turmoil. Yoon also faces charges for scandals related to his time in office. The court is expected to deliver a verdict on Yoon in February. On December 3, 2024, calling the opposition-controlled parliament "a den of criminals" and "anti-state forces," Yoon declared martial law, ordered South Korea's armed forces to enter the National Assembly, besiege the surrounding area, and restrict the lawmakers from entering the building. He granted the military extraordinary powers to end the political deadlock in the capital and stop what he called "anti-state forces." South Korean lawmakers, including members of Yoon's own party, rushed to object to the imposition of martial law in dramatic overnight scenes. Many of them managed to enter the Assembly Hall to vote down the decree and impeach Yoon for "attempting insurrection." Yoon maintained that his decree was a desperate yet peaceful attempt to raise public awareness about what he considered the danger of the liberal opposition Democratic Party. According to Yoon, the party used its legislative majority to obstruct his agenda and complicate state affairs. On January 15, 2025, the South Korean police forcefully entered the Presidential Palace, where Yoon was still residing and detained him, making him the first sitting president in South Korea to be arrested. The martial law decree was the first of its kind in more than 40 years in South Korea, and evoked traumatic memories of dictatorships in the 1970s and 1980s, when military-supported rulers used martial law and other emergency decrees to station soldiers, tanks and armored vehicles in public places to suppress pro-democracy protests. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on the detention of Russian citizen Alexander Butyagin in Poland 13 January 2026 11:08 21-13-01-2026 On January12, Ambassador of Poland to the Russian Federation Krzysztof Krajewski was summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where a strong protest was expressed to him in connection with the detention in Warsaw, in December 2025, of a distinguished Russian archaeologist, Alexander Butyagin, at Kiev's request. It was pointed out to Ambassador Krajewski that the Kiev regime's accusations against Mr Butyagin were absurd, being related to his scientific work as a member of the Myrmekion Archaeological Expedition in the Republic of Crimea, which is an inalienable part of the Russian Federation. The openly politicised and wild nature of the Ukrainian persecution against the Russian scientist is further underscored by the fact that the Interpol has refrained from acting on the Ukrainian request and that Mr Butyagin had travelled unimpeded to several European countries immediately prior to his arrest in Poland. The Polish Ambassador was presented with evidence confirming that Alexander Butyagin, who is a world-renowned Russian archaeologist and a staff member of the State Hermitage Museum, has conducted research on the Kerch Peninsula for several decades. Throughout this period, Mr Butyagin's work was duly authorised by the relevant authorities, including those of Ukraine prior to 2014. All the artefacts he found were handed over to the East Crimean Museum-Reserve, thereby enriching the cultural heritage of the peoples of Crimea. It was emphasised that the Russian Federation demands the immediate release of its citizen and insists that he must not be delivered to the Kiev regime's punitive apparatus that has nothing to do with justice. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Russian Press Day 13 January 2026 07:00 20-13-01-2026 January 13 marks Russian Press Day. On that day in 1703, the first issue of the newspaper founded by Peter the Great, Vedomosti (Bulletin) on Military and Other Affairs Worthy of Being Known and Remembered, Occurring in the Moscow State and Neighbouring Countries, saw the light of day. This landmark event marked the beginning of Russian journalism and the rich history of the Russian media, which includes many examples of selfless service to profession and unblemished commitment to the truth and the ideals of education and progress. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all journalists, military correspondents, cameramen, photojournalists, editors, proof-readers, designers, layout specialists, and other media professionals. The Russian school of journalism is based on the high standards of integrity, honesty and objectivity, as well as readiness to take risks to fulfil one's duty. Erudition, wide-ranging knowledge, analytical thinking and creative talent have always been the hallmark of Russian media professionals recognised around the world. The essence of this difficult but honourable profession has not changed throughout the more than 300-year-long history of the Russian press, from the deafening noise of the printing press to the lightning click in the modern digital reality. The noble mission of the members of the press is to chronicle the age and record the course of history while acting as the voice and moral yardstick of society. Working in conditions of the collective West's hybrid aggression against Russia and its people, Russian journalists are among the first to explode and lay bare the lies and fake stories about Russia spread on a large scale, and to raise an effective shield against anti-Russia propaganda. Despite the obstacles of censorship created by our enemies, Russian journalists have overcome information blockades and have even increased the audience of their loyal readers, viewers and listeners, including in the countries with the most intolerant attitude to any manifestation of dissent. Russian journalists working abroad often come under colossal pressure by the authorities of the host countries with unfriendly regimes. Many of them have come against horrible manifestations of Russophobia and discrimination, various forms of politically driven harassment, violence and even threats to their lives and health. Dozens of journalists and military correspondents have paid an unacceptably high price for their beliefs, falling in the targeted attacks by the neo-Nazi members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the front line or by the subversive agents of the Kiev regime far away from the line of contact. We will never forget them. The perpetrators of these bloody crimes and terrorist attacks, their commanders, and the Western patrons of the crimes committed by Zelensky's regime will not escape responsibility for these and other crimes against civilians, including journalists who are recognised as civilians under international law. The concerned international organisations' deliberate suppression of the harassment of dissenters will not help either. While working for justice to prevail and to perpetuate the memory of all journalists who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, we will do our utmost to bring a just and unavoidable punishment to the culprits. We wish the entire Russian professional community of journalists continued success, creative inspiration, good health, and prosperity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Chairs Cabinet Session in Riyadh Saudi Press Agency Tuesday 24/07/1447 Riyadh, January 13, 2026, SPA -- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session held in Riyadh today. The Cabinet reviewed recent high-level consultations and discussions between the Kingdom and various countries, focusing on regional developments, ongoing efforts to anchor security and peace, and the Kingdom's commitment to multilateral initiatives that drive global stability and foster collective responses to shared challenges. The Cabinet reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the Kingdom's unwavering support for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. These efforts aim to enable the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination and to establish an independent state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary said the Cabinet welcomed the outcomes of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's extraordinary meeting on Somalia, held in Jeddah. The Cabinet reaffirmed the Kingdom's firm rejection of any attempts to create parallel entities that undermine Somalia's unity, territorial integrity, or national sovereignty. The Cabinet commended the successful conclusion of the Gulf Shield 2026 joint military exercise, hosted by the Kingdom. Featuring the air and air defense forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the GCC Unified Military Command, the exercise underscored the commitment to enhancing regional defense cooperation and strengthening collective military readiness. The Cabinet reviewed several high-profile economic events hosted by the Kingdom, specifically highlighting the Saudi-Japan Ministerial Investment Forum and the Saudi-Canadian Business and Investment Forum. These summits resulted in numerous memoranda of understanding across strategic sectors, including space, cybersecurity, ICT, manufacturing, education, finance, water, and agriculture. The Cabinet addressed other items on its agenda and issued several decisions, including the following: First: Approving a draft memorandum of understanding on political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development. Second: Approving a draft memorandum of understanding in agricultural fields between the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Republic of Poland. Third: Approving two draft memoranda of understanding for cooperation between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and the Government of Kuwait, represented by the Public Authority for Housing Welfare. Fourth: Approving a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in civil service affairs and administrative development between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the State of Kuwait. Fifth: Authorizing the minister of health, chairman of the board of directors of the Public Health Authority, or a deputy, to discuss and sign a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in infectious disease with the Communicable Disease Agency of Singapore. Sixth: Approving a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in statistics between the General Authority for Statistics of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the National Centre for Statistics and Information of the Sultanate of Oman. Seventh: Approving the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's accession to the Makkah Convention of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Cooperation. Eighth: Approving a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in promoting integrity and transparency, as well as preventing and combating corruption, between the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority of the State of Qatar. -- SPA 16:48 Local Time 13:48 GMT 0031 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lai thanks Canada for supporting peace in Taiwan Strait ROC Central News Agency 01/13/2026 09:07 PM Taipei, Jan. 13 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te () on Tuesday thanked the Canadian government for expressing its opposition to China's recent military drills around Taiwan. Lai made the remarks while receiving opposition Conservative Canadian parliamentarians Shelby Kramp-Neuman, Adam Chambers and Melissa Lantsman, who is also the party's co-deputy leader. "I would like to thank the Canadian government for issuing a public statement expressing its concern over China escalating tensions with its recent large-scale military exercises, and stating its opposition to unilaterally changing the status quo in the Taiwan Strait," Lai said. The president was referring to a statement Canada issued on Jan. 2, a few days after China ended its drills in the airspace and waters around Taiwan. Lai stressed that Taiwan is taking concrete steps to demonstrate to the international community its commitment to self-defense, including raising its defense budget to over 3 percent of the country's GDP and setting a 2030 goal to further increase it to 5 percent. He also thanked Canada for its long-term support of Taiwan, noting that many Canadian parliamentarians participated in the compilation of a 2023 report on Taiwan-Canada relations published by the House of Commons Special Committee on the Canada-People's Republic of China Relationship, which included 18 recommendations on supporting Taiwan's international participation. Lai also pointed to the foreign investment promotion and protection arrangement, and the science, technology and innovation arrangement, signed in 2023 and 2024, respectively, which he said speak to growing bilateral economic and technological exchanges. He called on efforts to finalize a Taiwan-Canada economic cooperation framework to be expedited to further expand bilateral economic exchanges. Lantsman praised Taiwan for continuing to make meaningful contributions to the international community despite continued exclusion and isolation, according to a press release issued by the Presidential Office. For many years, numerous lawmakers from across party lines have voiced concern over the growing threats faced by both Taiwan and Canada, including transnational repression, economic coercion and state-sponsored disinformation campaigns, she said. Lantsman noted that Taiwan is facing increasing authoritarian pressure on the international stage and that Canada opposes the normalization of intimidation, military coercion and the use of force to alter international norms. Engagement with Taiwan's civil society will be crucial in exposing and deterring these threats, and parliamentary diplomacy will play a key role in such joint efforts, she said. The meeting occurred after Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier in the day said that two Liberal delegation members, Helena Jaczek and Marie-France Lalonde, issued a joint statement on Monday, indicating that they would cut their visits to Taiwan short, following advice from the government. Their departure came shortly before Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China from Jan. 13-17, the first by a Canadian Prime Minister in 8 years, during which he is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping (). "It's important that we avoid confusion with Canada's foreign policy, given the overlap with the Prime Minister's engagement in Beijing, which was only confirmed last week," according to the statement obtained by Reuters. (By Sean Lin) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Any 'Taiwan independence' elements who defy the law will be punished wherever they are: mainland spokesperson Global Times By Global Times Published: Jan 14, 2026 12:00 PM Any "Taiwan independence" elements who break the law will be subject to all necessary punitive measures, wherever they are, and will be held legally accountable for life in accordance with the law, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday in response to a question about Taipei Bar Association issuing a statement rejecting the mainland's listing of local prosecutor as a "green judicial enforcer." Taiwan is Taiwan of China. Taking legal action against a very small number of diehard "Taiwan independence" elements and their accomplices is a just act to safeguard national reunification and peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, and a necessary step to protect our shared Chinese homeland and the fundamental interests and well-being of Taiwan compatriots, Zhu Fenglian, the spokesperson said. The prosecutor Chen Shuyi, described as a "green judicial enforcer," has been listed as an accomplice and henchman of "Taiwan independence" forces by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on January 7, and will be held legally accountable for life in accordance with the law. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mainland spokesperson responds to US media saying China 'doesn't need intl precedent' to take actions in its own territory Global Times By Global Times Published: Jan 14, 2026 11:50 AM The US forcibly seizing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and taking them out of the country sparked high concern on the Taiwan island. When asked to comment on a report by the Time magazine saying that what Taiwan should truly be concerned about is a prolonged Venezuelan entanglement could consume American attention and make Taiwan lose the US's support, and claiming that China doesn't need international precedent to take action, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday that Taiwan is a part of China. The Taiwan question is China's internal affair. How to resolve the Taiwan question is solely a matter of the Chinese people, and it is a just cause to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Foreign support is unreliable," and the DPP authorities' "relying on foreign support to seek independence" will only lead them to become "abandoned pawns" of external forces, the spokesperson added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Spokesperson reiterates Taiwan question is China's internal affair People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 13:05, January 14, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair. Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks at a press conference in response to a media query concerning recent comments by U.S. media on America's raid on Venezuela and forcible seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, and these actions' implications for Taiwan. The spokesperson stressed that resolving the Taiwan question is the Chinese people's own business and is a just cause for safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Outsiders are unreliable," the spokesperson said, noting that the Democratic Progressive Party authorities' attempts to seek "Taiwan independence" by relying on external forces will only turn them into discarded tools of external forces. 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 2026.01.14 Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 a.m. Jan. 13 (Tue.) to 6 a.m. Jan. 14 (Wed.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 20 sorties of PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 17 out of 20 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1150114_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1150114_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM meeting with President Karol Nawrocki of Poland: 13 January 2026 Press release The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki to Downing Street today. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP Published 13 January 2026 The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, for his first visit to Downing Street today. The leaders began by reflecting on the strength of the relationship between the UK and Poland. They agreed that both countries would deepen that relationship even further, from defence and security, to trade, commerce and education. The increasingly close cooperation on the defence projects was good for both the bilateral relationship and European security, the Prime Minister added. Thanking the President for hosting a UK squadron as part of forward land forces in Poland, the Prime Minister welcomed the agreement for Polish helicopter pilots to begin world-class helicopter training in the UK in the next few months, integrating the British and Polish Armed Forces even further. Turning to Ukraine, the leaders agreed on the importance of securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and that President Putin could not be trusted. The Prime Minister thanked President Nawrocki for Poland's ongoing involvement in the Coalition of the Willing and discussions around security guarantees. The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK and Poland agree enhanced missile defence and helicopter training cooperation Press release The UK and Poland's ability to shoot down air and missile threats will be strengthened by deepened cooperation between the two countries. From: Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon John Healey MP Published 13 January 2026 UK and Poland to enhance joint training to improve both countries' ability to shoot down air and missile threats. Polish helicopter pilots and instructors to begin training in the UK this summer as part of deepening cooperation. Agreement comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomes Polish President Karol Nawrocki to Downing Street. The UK and Poland's ability to shoot down air and missile threats will be strengthened by deepened cooperation between the two countries. The allies have agreed to explore the development and procurement of new capabilities to counter a range of air threats, as well as how to encourage the establishment of new manufacturing capacity in Europe. Under the agreement, the British and Polish militaries will train together in virtual environments to improve air defence coordination without the cost and danger of live exercises. The enhanced training will boost Euro-Atlantic security and will be delivered as part of the UK-led NATO initiative known as Delivering Integrated Air and Missile Operational Networked Defences (DIAMOND). The UK and Poland also agreed at today's meeting in Downing Street between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish President Karol Nawrocki to enhance their helicopter training cooperation. From this summer, the first of eight Polish military helicopter pilots will begin training in the UK under the NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) programme. They will be joined by two experienced Polish helicopter instructors who will be permanently stationed in RAF Shawbury for a full rotational tour. The pilots will undertake world-class helicopter training at RAF Shawbury, including advanced training to prepare them for their future roles flying attack helicopters. Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: The UK and Poland's defence relationship has never been stronger. Standing strong on NATO's eastern flank, Poland is a crucial ally for the UK in this era of rising threats. This new cooperation we have announced today will see more joint training and integration between our two militaries. It is another example of how the UK and Poland are stepping up to defend Europe and face down the threat from Putin. It comes as the UK defence budget is rising to record levels, with the biggest boost to defence spending since the Cold War, totalling 270bn this parliament alone. Poland is one of the UK's strongest allies with over 350 British personnel currently deployed across Poland, and with British and Polish pilots flying together as part of NATO's Eastern Sentry mission to protect Polish and NATO airspace. UK-Polish defence industrial collaboration is deepening rapidly - worth around 8 billion to the UK over the past three years, showcasing how defence is an engine for growth. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China urges peace, dialogue and unity on Ukraine crisis at UN Security Council briefing Global Times By Global Times Published: Jan 13, 2026 03:22 PM China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Sun Lei, urged peace, dialogue and unity on the Ukraine issue at a United Nations Security Council briefing on Monday, saying the crisis has entered a critical stage for negotiated settlement and calling on all parties to push for a political solution. Speaking at the briefing, China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Sun Lei, said that the Ukraine crisis has dragged on for nearly four years and that while key stakeholders have proposed various peace initiatives and plans, fighting continues on the ground and repeated flare-ups have cast a shadow over the prospect of peace, according to a statement released by the Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the UN. Sun stressed that peace must prevail over war, calling on all relevant parties to abide by the three principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of the fighting and no provocation by any party, in order to deescalate the situation, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, create conditions for political settlement and strive for the early realization of peace. Sun also underscored that dialogue must prevail over confrontation, urging the parties to the conflict to work toward the same goal, continuously build consensus, and take seriously and appropriately address each other's security concerns, in order to reach a comprehensive, lasting, and binding peace agreement as soon as possible. Sun further stressed that unity must prevail over division. He noted that China opposes the use of the crisis by any party as a pretext to impose illegal unilateral sanctions and disrupt normal trade and economic relations. China also opposes any opportunist attempts to divide the world and create exclusive blocs. China's position on the Ukraine issue has been crystal clear and consistent, Sun said, noting that China has maintained close communication with Russia, Ukraine and other relevant parties, actively engaged in shuttle diplomacy, and set up a Group of Friends for Peace, while continuing to make calls for peace, garner consensus and promote efforts toward a political settlement of the crisis. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hundreds Of Thousands Affected As Russia Hits Ukraine's Power Grid Amid Freezing Cold By RFE/RL January 13, 2026 Russia has launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine, hitting critical energy facilities, including a thermal power plant, as temperatures across the country dropped to minus 15 degrees Celsius. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia used nearly 300 attack drones, as well as 18 ballistic and seven cruise missiles. "The situation in the Kyiv region is difficult -- several hundred thousand households are currently without power," said Zelenskyy in a post on X. Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that it had carried out a "massive strike" on Ukrainian energy facilities, stating they were used by Ukraine's army and military-industrial complex. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha accused Russia of deliberately striking energy infrastructure to deprive civilians of power, water, and heating amid extreme cold temperatures. "Russia is deliberately trying to inflict conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction of the Ukrainian people," he wrote on X, adding that such action falls under the definition of Article II (c) of the Genocide Convention. Ukraine's leading private energy provider, DTEK, reported that Russian missiles hit a thermal power plant overnight amid freezing temperatures, marking the eighth major attack on its facilities since October 2025. State energy provider Ukrenergo said on January 13 that Russia's missile and drone attack had targeted energy facilities in several regions, leaving many consumers without power in Kyiv and the Kyiv region, as well as in Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions. It added that emergency repair and restoration work has begun wherever security conditions allow. The regional governor reported that a Russian attack on the Kharkiv region killed four people and injured several others. "The number of people killed in the enemy attack on the outskirts of Kharkiv has reached four," Oleh Syniehubov posted on Telegram. "With no military purpose whatsoever, Russia lobbed missiles at a postal terminal in Korotych, Kharkiv region, killing four people," Zelenskyy wrote about the deadly attack. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said a Russian drone hit a children's medical facility, causing a fire. The overnight strikes also hit other Ukrainian regions, including the southern city of Odesa. Regional Governor Serhiy Lysak said residential buildings, a hospital, a school, and a kindergarten were damaged and at least five people were wounded in two waves of attacks. Moscow has repeatedly claimed it doesn't target Ukraine's civilian infrastructure despite mounting evidence to the contrary. Data shows Russian forces intensified strikes on Ukraine's energy and gas infrastructure at the beginning of fall 2025, disrupting supplies during the heating season. Meanwhile, Yuri Slyusar, governor of the Rostov region in southern Russia, said Russian air defense systems were trying to repel a Ukrainian air attack on Taganrog. He later added that, according to updated reports, air defenses shot down seven drones and there were no reported casualties. The Ukrainian Security Serviceconfirmed the attack, stating that together with the navy unit, it struck a drone manufacturing plant in Taganrog. With reporting from RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-attack-ukraine- power-cuts/33646833.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 Ukraine Loses Up to 400 Soldiers in Battles With Russian Forces - MoD Sputnik News 20260113 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr has eliminated up to 400 Ukrainian military personnel over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday. "Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 400 servicepeople, an armored fighting vehicle, nine pickup trucks, and an artillery piece," the ministry said in a statement. At the same time, Kiev has lost over 270 soldiers in battles with Russia's Battlegroup Vostok, the ministry added. The Russian armed forces launched a massive retaliatory strike against Ukraine's fuel and energy facilities used by the Ukrainian armed forces and military-industrial complex enterprises, the ministry also said, adding that all targets were hit. At the same time, Russia's Battlegroup Zapad has eliminated over 190 military personnel, while Battlegroup Sever has eliminated more than 185 soldiers over the past day, the ministry said. Kiev has lost up to 165 servicepeople and five armored combat vehicles in battles with Battlegroup Yug in the Donetsk People's Republic and up to 65 soldiers and a tank in battles with Russia's Battlegroup Dnepr, the ministry added. Russia has been conducting its special military operation in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the operation aims to "protect people subjected to genocide by the Kiev regime." The ultimate goal of the operation is to completely liberate Donbass and create conditions that guarantee Russia's security, including the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine, Putin said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha comments on Russia's latest attack on Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 13 January 2026 11:45 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "It's a freezing morning in Ukraine with extreme cold temperatures below -15C. And this is exactly why Russia attacked Ukraine overnight using over 300 drones, 18 ballistic and 7 cruise missiles, targeting energy to deprive people of power, water, and heating. Russia is deliberately trying to inflict conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction of the Ukrainian peoplewhich falls exactly under the definition of Article II (c) of the Genocide Convention. Four people were killed in Russian attack against an ordinary civilian post terminal in the Kharkiv region. Many more were injured across the country. Hundreds of thousands of people are without power only in the Kyiv region. There must be no illusions about what Russia is trying to achieve. And therefore, no pauses in support for Ukraine and pressure on Moscow to force it to end its genocidal war. Cynically, Russia undertook this attack right when the emergency UN Security Council meeting in New York focused on its previous barbaric attacks against civilians in Ukraine. Moscow demonstrates complete disregard not only for the UN Charter but also for peace efforts led by the United States. We need concrete steps to increase the cost of war for the aggressor." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held phone talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Therese Kayikwamba Wagner Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 13 January 2026 19:49 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I had an important conversation with my colleague Therese Kayikwamba Wagner. I congratulated her on the election of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2026-2027 and expressed gratitude for unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity. We focused on ways to develop our bilateral dialogue and advance cooperation within the UN in order to bring closer a just peace for Ukraine and the DRC. I noted that the peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, signed with the mediation of the United States in Washington in December 2025, constitutes an important milestone toward achieving a lasting peace in the East of the DRC. I also reaffirmed Ukraine's readiness to remain one of the guarantors of the DRC's food security, including through the "Food from Ukraine" initiative. We paid special attention to the prospects for humanitarian cooperation, particularly in combating violations of children's rights." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy Discussed Progress of Negotiations and Sanctions Bill with Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal President of Ukraine 13 January 2026 - 22:36 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a video call with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican Party) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (Democratic Party). The Head of State briefed them on Russia's combined attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure - hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles every day, deliberately timed right now, during such a bitterly cold winter. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that missiles for air defense are the top priority and that our country counts on the support of its partners. "We see many various factors that make Putin - and, by extension, all of Russia - significantly weaker. It is crucial to maximize every possible form of pressure to finally force the Russians to end this war," the President said. During the conversation, the parties discussed the current state of the senators' sanctions bill, which can have a substantial impact on the positions of the Russian Federation and all those aiding it in this war. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also spoke about the progress of contacts with envoys of U.S. President Donald Trump. The sides are very close to finalizing the documents. The Head of State commended the senators' position on the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine and their continued bipartisan support in the United States Congress. The sides agreed to continue their dialogue and discuss all issues at an in-person meeting in the near future. The President thanked them for their bipartisan support. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We Continue Preparing Documents With the U.S. Regarding Security Guarantees and Recovery - Address by the President President of Ukraine 13 January 2026 - 20:26 I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians! Today has been no easy day - there was another Russian strike, ballistics: 18 ballistic missiles alone, plus cruise missiles and attack drones. Some were shot down. Just with interceptors, 64 "shaheds" alone were shot down. But there were hits, unfortunately. In fact, it's been far from the first week this winter that our repair crews, our energy teams, and municipal services in many Ukrainian cities have been working around the clock. The weather adds challenges - extraordinary ones. What matters is that so many of our people are working professionally, restoring supply, striving to keep life going. Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and government officials are in constant communication with regional heads - ready to support communities as needed in this situation. But the communities themselves must be as active as possible - much depends on whether work in the cities is professionally organized. I thank the community leaders who are in their communities, with the people, and truly helping, and about whom people can say they are really there and effective. Today, I held a Staff meeting - the focus was on defense issues. Missiles for air defense, production of interceptors, and all necessary supplies. Contracts, funding. We are fully providing for it. What matters is the real and timely fulfillment of all agreements with our partners. The PURL initiative needs funding, and progress in January has been insufficient. This is a task for our entire diplomatic team, both the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I spoke with U.S. Congressmen Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal. I am grateful for the unwavering bipartisan support of Congress. Right now, we are engaged in very productive work with the President of the United States and his team. We went over all the details. I briefed them on the situation with Russian strikes and the need for air defense. We discussed how additional pressure on Russia can deliver strong diplomatic outcomes. And it is crucial that the U.S. Administration has as many instruments as possible for the right kind of pressure. We also discussed support programs that have not yet been fully implemented and can still be put to use. In particular, this specifically applies to protecting the skies. We continue preparing documents with the U.S. regarding security guarantees and recovery. We are genuinely working to ensure that, in the near future, the formats for signing and approval - legal approval in the United States Congress and in the Ukrainian Parliament - can be in place. Today, Rustem Umerov delivered a report, in particular on these issues as well. It is essential that Ukraine-related issues remain at the top of the agenda in relations with the United States, despite all the information and political challenges that exist today. We support the position on Iran: A regime that has lasted so many years and killed so many people does not deserve to exist. Changes are needed. Changes are also needed here, in Europe - the bloodshed that Russia started and is the only one still prolonging must come to an end. I thank everyone who supports us, who supports life, who supports Ukraine. And those in the world who do not stand aside from real problems. If life can be protected, it must be protected. One more thing. Today, there was a briefing from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Things are difficult everywhere right now, but at the front, they are the hardest. Considering the weather and the Russian efforts to pretend that the need to end this war does not concern them. Assaults continue. The defense of our positions continues. I want to thank every unit of ours, every soldier, sergeant, and officer, achieving results for Ukraine. Pokrovsk direction, Huliaipole, Kupyansk direction - all directions wherever needed. Russian losses must not decrease. Our defense at the front is our strength in diplomacy. Ukraine must be strong. I thank everyone who fights for this and who works for Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Dick Schoof Discussed Energy Support for Ukraine, Recovery after Russian Strikes, and Air Defense Needs President of Ukraine 13 January 2026 - 12:44 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof. The Head of State informed him about the intense Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities. "Their target is the energy sector. It is evident that the Russians are bent on destroying life rather than on diplomacy," the President noted. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of ensuring sufficient support for Ukraine right now. This concerns both resilience and recovery, as well as sufficient air defense munitions. According to the Head of State, air defense missiles and all necessary assistance for the energy system are the top priority at the moment. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Dick Schoof also discussed the course of communication with the American side and possible meetings. The President expressed gratitude for the support and readiness to help. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine war: UN appeals for $2.3 billion to support aid teams' 'heroic work' By Daniel Johnson 13 January 2026 - Amid ongoing and intensifying Russian attacks across Ukraine, the UN on Tuesday launched a $2.3 billion humanitarian appeal for 2026 to support 4.1 million of the country's most vulnerable people. Since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbour in February 2022, the UN and its partners have supported people in need in complement to the Government's assistance, from city residents who continue to face repeated drone and missile strikes, to communities close to the frontline and other evacuated away from danger. "I am speaking of internally displaced people who've been in collective sites for two, three years; I'm speaking of older people and people with limited mobility," said Matthias Schmale, the UN's top aid official in Ukraine, outlining some of the priorities of Tuesday's appeal. According to media reports and official information from the Ukrainian authorities, over the past week alone, Russian forces launched nearly 1,100 attack drones against Ukraine, more than 890 guided aerial bombs and at least 50 missiles of various types including ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile targeting Lviv in western Ukraine, close to the Polish border. In addition to providing core aid relief including food, health care, shelter, protection and cash assistance, other key aims of Tuesday's funding appeal include supporting the evacuation of people in imminent danger - "heroic work near the front line", Mr. Schmale said, of the hundreds of UN-supported partners who carry out this lifesaving work. Frontline needs He explained that funding is needed to assist civil society partners who respond to military strikes countrywide - but mainly within 50 kilometres of the front line -helping farmers trying to survive in a war zone, along with cancer patients whose access to medicines has been disrupted by attacks impacting healthcare. "We want to continue supporting as best as we can [but] all of this needs funding," Mr. Schmale said. He highlighted the "enormous civilian suffering" across Ukraine, particularly as communities endure temperatures plummeting to minus 15C in Kyiv - "an emergency within an emergency" that will likely require further funding from the international community in addition to Tuesday's appeal, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator noted. "We appeal in particular to the international community, to UN Member States, to other donors, to maintain their solidarity with Ukraine and to express that in the form of financial support for the work we plan to continue," he said. Speaking in Kyiv at the launch of the appeal, Mr. Schmale highlighted an update from the UN human rights monitoring team indicating that 2025 was the deadliest year for civilians since 2022, with more than 2,500 civilians killed and more than 12,000 injured. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address TORONTO - Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. ("Noble" or the "Company") (TSXV: NOB) (OTCQB: NLPXF) is pleased to provide the announcement by Canada Nickel that its Crawford Nickel Project has been name for Ontario's One Project, One Process framework. Noble CEO Vance White said "We congratulate Canada Nickel in their announcement today as to its Crawford Nickel Project being formally named for the Province of Ontario's One Project, One Process. We believe this is a huge step forward in the potential development of the Crawford deposit." "Crawford Nickel Project Named Under Ontario's One Project, One Process Framework" TORONTO, January 13, 2026 - Canada Nickel Company Inc. ("Canada Nickel" or the "Company") (TSX-V: CNC) (OTCQB: CNIKF) today announced the Province of Ontario has formally named the Crawford Nickel Project ("Crawford" or "the Project") as the second project to be advanced under the Province's new One Project, One Process ("1P1P") framework. The 1P1P framework is designed to better coordinate Ontario's permitting and review processes for major mining developments by aligning timelines, responsibilities, and information sharing across provincial ministries. For Canada Nickel, this designation reflects the advanced state, scale, and strategic importance of the Crawford Nickel Project within Ontario's Critical Minerals Strategy. "Ontario is moving at lightning speed to open this 100% Canadian owned mine to create 4,000 jobs for Canadian workers," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. "In 2026, our government is going full-tilt to unlock one of the world's largest nickel deposits that will supercharge our economy and help end China's critical mineral dominance. 'Made-in -Canada' from start to finish, as we build a domestic supply chain that includes the Western world's largest nickel sulphide mine, a new nickel processing plant and downstream alloy production facility." "Today's announcement underscores the strategic significance of the Crawford Nickel Project for Ontario and the province's ambition to establish a world-leading, Made-in-Ontario critical minerals supply chain," said Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel Company. "Crawford is purpose-built to anchor a new low-carbon mining and clean metals manufacturing corridor in Northeastern Ontario - driving long-term economic growth, creating high-quality jobs, and ensuring that value generation remains within the province. As the only mining project in Canada to secure this type of endorsement from both federal and provincial governments, today's announcement strengthens our commitment to commencing construction by yearend. We look forward to working with the province through its newly announced Critical Minerals Processing Fund to help realize these ambitions." Importantly, Canada Nickel has engaged in comprehensive consultations with the Province of Ontario and re-affirmed that the 1P1P framework will complement - not replace our longstanding commitments to Indigenous Nations, environmental stewardship, or regulatory rigour. The framework is intended to enhance government coordination and efficiency, while maintaining the highest standards for project development and community engagement. Crawford is already advancing at the forefront of Canada's modernized regulatory framework, having become the first mining project in the country to submit an Impact Statement under the amended Impact Assessment Act, 2019, in November 2024. Together with its designation under the 1P1P framework and its referral to the federal Major Projects Office in November 2025, these milestones establish a clear path to responsibly accelerate development. 2 Crawford is expected to be the largest nickel sulphide project in the western world and among the most economically significant mining developments in Canada. Independent analysis estimates the Project will generate more than $70 billion in GDP over its initial 40+ year mine life, including approximately $67 billion for Ontario alone, while supporting 1,000 direct and 3,000 indirect and induced jobs. Through its patented In-Process Tailings (IPT) Carbonation technology, Crawford is also expected to permanently store up to 1.5 million tonnes of CO? annually, positioning it to become one of Canada's largest carbon storage facilities, and the world's first net-zero carbon nickel mines. All technical information derived in this news release is from the Company's Crawford Feasibility Study, published in November 2023. Qualified Person and Data Verification Stephen J. Balch (P.Geo. - Ontario), VP Exploration of Canada Nickel and a "Qualified Person" within the meaning of NI 43-101, has verified the data disclosed in this news release, and has otherwise reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release on behalf of Canada Nickel Company Inc. The magnetic images shown in this news release were created from Canada Nickel's interpretation of datasets provided by the Ontario Geological Survey. About Canada Nickel Company Canada Nickel Company Inc. is advancing the next generation of nickel-sulphide projects to deliver nickel required to feed the high growth electric vehicle and stainless-steel markets. Canada Nickel Company has applied in multiple jurisdictions to trademark the terms NetZero NickelTM, NetZero CobaltTM, NetZero IronTM and is pursuing the development of processes to allow the production of net zero carbon nickel, cobalt, and iron products. Canada Nickel provides investors with leverage to nickel in low political risk jurisdictions. Canada Nickel is currently anchored by its 100% owned flagship Crawford Nickel-Cobalt Sulphide Project in the heart of the prolific Timmins-Nickel District. For more information, please visit www.canadanickel.com. About Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. is a Canadian-based junior exploration company, which has holdings of securities in Canada Nickel Company Inc., Homeland Nickel Inc., East Timmins Nickel Inc.(20%), and its interest in the Holdsworth gold exploration property in the area of Wawa, Ontario. Noble holds mineral and/or exploration rights in ~70,000ha in Northern Ontario, ~14,000ha elsewhere in Quebec and Newfoundland, upon which it plans to generate option/joint venture exploration programs. Noble holds mineral rights and/or exploration rights in ~18,000 hectares in the Timmins-Cochrane areas of Northern Ontario known as Project 81, ~2,215 hectares in Thomas Twp/Timmins, as well as an additional 20% interest in ~38,700 hectares in the Timmins area and ~175 hectares of mining claims in Central Newfoundland. Project 81 hosts diversified drill-ready gold, nickel-cobalt and base metal exploration targets at various stages of exploration. Noble also holds ~4,600 hectares in the Nagagami Carbonatite Complex and its ~3,200 hectares in the Boulder Project both near Hearst, Ontario, as well as ~3,700 hectares in the Buckingham Graphite Property, ~10,152 hectares in the Havre St Pierre Nickel, Copper, PGM property, and ~1,573 hectares in the Cere-Villebon Nickel, Copper, PGM property, ~569 hectare Uranium/Rare Earth property (Chateau) and a ~461 hectare Uranium/Molybdenum property (Taser North), all of which are in the province of Quebec. Noble's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "NOB." More detailed information on Noble is available on the website at www.noblemineralexploration.com. Cautionary Note and Statement Concerning Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, the potential of the Mann West Nickel Sulphide Project, timing for filing a technical report in support of the Mineral Resource Estimate, the significance of drill results, the ability to continue drilling, the impact of drilling on the definition of any resource, timing and completion (if at all) of additional mineral resource estimates, the potential of the Timmins Nickel District, strategic plans, including future exploration and development plans and results, and corporate and technical objectives. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon several assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals, the future demand for metals, the results of drilling, inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the property, environmental liabilities (known and unknown), general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, results of exploration programs, risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, failure to obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. Canada Nickel disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: H. Vance White, President Phone: 416-214-2250 Fax: 416-367-1954 Email: [email protected] Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. VANCOUVER, January 13, 2026 - Green Bridge Metals Corp. (CSE:GRBM)(OTCQB:GBMCF)(FWB:J48, WKN:A3EW4S) ("Green Bridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce, that it has signed a Contract Agreement with Foraco Corp. ("Foraco"), which will be mobilizing to the Company's Titac property near Duluth, Minnesota the third week of January. Foraco is committed to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and has adopted the SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) standards for the metals and mining sector to measure and track its environmental performance, and the Company is proud to be working with Foraco for a maiden drill program in northeast Minnesota. Under the agreement, Foraco will complete a minimum of 1,800 meters of core drilling to test high-priority target zones which have been identified through a geophysical survey and historical drilling (Figure 1). In addition, the Company has been granted a renewal of the drill permit through St Louis County which provides the ability to build six (6) drill pads which will allow for multi-directional drilling in the future. CEO, David Suda stated: "We are excited to be on the cusp of commencing our 2026 drilling exploration programs with Foraco as our drilling partner and exploration permits from St. Louis County." Titac Project The property is 3,992 Hectares located in St. Louis County, Minnesota. Located in the Duluth Complex, the property is underlain by a thin veneer of glacial till that overlies an Oxide Ultramafic Intrusion (OUI) that is hosted within the greater mafic to ultramafic layered intrusions. The Titac South deposit contains an Inferred Mineral Resource of 46.6 Mt @ 15% TiO 2 which is currently known to extend to >400m from surface, within a spherical oxide ultramafic intrusion. The extent of mineralization associated with the OUI remains open in multiple directions. Historical drill records included significant intercepts of copper, defining of which is the goal of the upcoming drill program. Figure 1. Southwest perspective model view of the Titac South deposit showing a grade shell of <17.5% TiO 2 with copper intercept grades shown as graphs along historical drill holes (see NI 43101 Technical Report dated September 18, 2025 at SEDAR+). Along with planned core drilling (red). Inferred mineral resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined economically. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of the inferred mineral resources will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Ajeet Milliard, Chief Geologist at the Company, is a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release. For a discussion of the Company's QA/QC and data verification processes and procedures, please see its most recently-filed technical report, a copy of which may be obtained under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company also announces that it has engaged MCS Market Communication Service GmbH (business address: Saarlandstrae 28 58511 Ludenscheid, Germany, email: [email protected]; telephone: +491772481220; and website: www.mcsmarket.de) ("MCS") for the provision of a range of online marketing services, including campaign creation, production of marketing materials, as well as research and analytics (the "Services"). The Services are expected to run until July 2026 or budget exhaustion. The Company has paid MCS EUR 372,000 as consideration for its services. No securities have been provided to MCS or its principals as compensation for the Services. The Services will be executed via digital channels, including Google Ads and native advertising. About Green Bridge Metals Green Bridge Metals Corporation is a Canadian based exploration company focused on acquiring 'critical mineral' rich assets and the development of the South Contact District along the basal contact of the Duluth Complex, north of Duluth, Minnesota. The South Contact District properties contain bulk-tonnage copper-nickel and titanium-vanadium mineralization hosted in ultramafic to oxide ultramafic intrusions, respectively, and well-developed exploration targets for bulk-tonnage Cu-Ni, high grade Ni-Cu-PGE magmatic sulfides, and titanium. ON BEHALF OF GREEN BRIDGE METALS CORPORATION, "David Suda" President and Chief Executive Officer For more information, please contact: David Suda President and Chief Executive Officer Tel: 604.928-3101 [email protected] Forward Looking Information Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Although management of the Company believe that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements about; the proposed scope and timing of drilling programs; and the development of its properties. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: locating mineral deposits is inherently risky; the exploration and development of the Company's mineral properties may not result in any commercially successful outcome for the Company; risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions); and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Investors should not attribute undue certainty or place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosures in Green Bridge's annual and quarterly reports and other public filings, available at www.sedarplus.ca. Certain figures and references contain information supported by public and corporate references that may have been updated, changed, or modified since their referenced date. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved or disapproved the contents of this news release. SOURCE: Green Bridge Metals Corporation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire HERMOSILLO, January 14, 2026 - Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company" or "Tocvan") (CSE:TOC)(OTCQB:TCVNF)(WKN:TV3/ A2PE64) is pleased to announce the appointment of Anna Ladd-Kruger as an independent director to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Ms. Ladd-Kruger brings over 25 years of executive leadership in the mining industry, with a proven track record in scaling junior exploration companies to mid-tier producers, capital markets engagement, and financial management. Ms. Ladd-Kruger has held key board and executive roles at several prominent mining companies, including current Chair of the Board and Audit Chair at Integra Resources Corp. (ITR:TSXV & ITRG:NYSE). She also served as Independent Director and Audit Chair at SilverCrest Metals Inc., and on the special committee that led to its US$1.7 billion acquisition by Coeur Mining in February 2025. Previously, as Chief Financial Officer at McEwen Mining Inc. (TSX & NYSE), Excellon Resources Inc. (TSX & NYSE Amex), and Trevali Mining Corp. (TSX), she managed significant financings exceeding US$1 billion, acquisitions, and operational growth, expanding Trevali from a $50 million to over $1 billion market cap. Her expertise spans capital markets, debt and equity financing, treasury management, ESG governance, M&A, corporate development, and technical mining operations across Canada, Africa, Latin America, and the United States. Ms. Ladd-Kruger holds a Master's in Economics from Queen's University, a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) from the University of British Columbia, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA). She is also certified in ICD.D from the Institute of Corporate Directors and holds a CPA Sustainability and ESG Professional Certificate. "We are thrilled to welcome Anna to Tocvan's Board of Directors," said Brodie Sutherland, President and CEO of Tocvan Ventures Corp. "Her deep financial acumen, experience in guiding junior miners through growth phases, and strong focus on governance and ESG will be instrumental as we advance our flagship Gran Pilar and El Picacho gold projects in Sonora, Mexico, toward resource definition and potential production." Option Allocation The Company announces that its Board of Directors has approved a grant of stock options to Anna Ladd-Kruger pursuant to the Company's Stock Option Plan. A total of 300,000 stock options have been granted to acquire common shares in the capital of the Company at an exercise price of $1.18 per share. Of these stock options, a total of 150,000 vest immediately and 150,000 vest twelve months from the grant date. All options issued will expire January 14, 2031. The Company has also granted 200,000 stock options to consultants with the same terms listed above. 100% CONTROLLED PRIORITY TARGETS FOR TRENCHING & DRILLING South Block Main Zone Expansion Follow-up on 2025 Drill Success 19.4 g/t Au over 3.1 meters within 106.6 meters of 0.6 g/t Au (February 25, 2025 News Release) 5.4 g/t Au over 6.1 meters within 41.2 meters of 1.0 g/t Au (May 7, 2025 News Release) 136 g/t Ag over 10.7 meters within 42.7 meters of 41 g/t Ag (June 25, 2025 News Release) South Block (November 12, 2024 News Release) Placer Corridor (900-meter strike length) Soil samples up to 21.2 g/t Au and >2,000 g/t Placer Source Area Soil samples up to 2.4 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag Rock samples up to 7.3 g/t Au and 389 g/t Ag North Block North Alteration Zone (3.2 km by 1.5 km area) 2-meter chip sample, 5.6 g/t Au and 106 g/t Ag (October 19, 2023 News Release) Historic mine working sample, 3.2 g/t Au and 1,225 g/t Ag (March 8, 2024 News Release) Figure 1. Gran Pilar Project Overview, > 22km2 of prospective ground with two primary targets: South Block, the direct extension and expansion of the historic Main Zone defined by an expanding vein field of untested drill targets; North Block a 3.2-km by 1.5-km pyrite and clay alteration zone that coincides with high-grade gold-silver, the area remains largely untested Gran Pilar Drill Highlights: 2025 Diamond Drilling Highlights include: 83.5m @ 1.3 g/t Au, including 9.7m @ 10.3 g/t Au (March 11, 2025 News Release) 97.4m @ 0.7 g/t Au, including 36.3m @ 1.6 g/t Au (March 19, 2025 News Release) 64.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 3.0m @ 21.6 g/t Au and 209 g/t Ag (March 26, 2025 News Release) 46.9m @ 0.5 g/t Au, including 2.6m @ 7.2 g/t Au and 80 g/t Ag (April 16, 2025 News Release) 2025 RC Drilling Highlights include: 106.8m @ 0.6 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 19.4 g/t Au (February 25, 2025 News Release) 41.2m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 6.1m @ 5.4 g/t Au (May 7, 2025 News Release) 2024 RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses): 42.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 10.9 g/t Au 56.4m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 14.7 g/t Au 16.8m @ 0.8 g/t Au and 19 g/t Ag 2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses): 116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag 108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag 63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag 2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses): 39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au 47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag 29m @ 0.7 g/t Au 35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au 2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses): 94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag; 41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ; 24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag 15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include: 61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au 21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag 13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au 9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag Pilar Bulk Sample Summary: 62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching Period Head Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag Bulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8") Fine Fraction (-1/8") Indicates Rapid Recovery with Agitated Leach Agitated Bottle Roll Test Returned Rapid and High Recovery Results: 80% Recovery of Gold and 94% Recovery of Silver after Rapid 24-hour Retention Time Additional Metallurgical Studies: Gravity Recovery with Agitated Leach Results of Five Composite Samples Returned 95 to 99% Recovery of Gold 73 to 97% Recovery of Silver Includes the Recovery of 99% Au and 73% Ag from Drill Core Composite at 120-meter depth. About Tocvan Ventures Corp. Tocvan Ventures Corp. is a dynamic exploration and near-term producer advancing high-potential gold and silver projects in the mine-friendly jurisdiction of Sonora, Mexico. At its flagship Gran Pilar Gold-Silver Project, Tocvan holds a 100% interest in over 21 km of prospective ground, bolstered by the pivotal 2023 land acquisition that provides ample space for scalable mine infrastructure, including a planned 50,000-tonne pilot production facility. The Company also maintains a 51% interest in a 1 km joint venture area with Colibri Resources, further expanding its footprint. Recent exploration successes, including near surface 3.1 meters at 19.4 g/t Au, underscore Gran Pilar's potential as a premier gold-silver asset. Additionally, Tocvan's 100% owned Picacho Gold-Silver Project, located in the prolific Caborca Trend-home to some of Mexico's largest gold deposits-positions the Company for further growth. With robust metallurgical results (up to 99% gold and 97% silver recovery) and a strategic capital to bolster growth, Tocvan is poised to deliver significant shareholder value in a market buoyed by record-high gold prices. With approximately 66 million shares outstanding, Tocvan is committed to unlocking the full potential of its assets through innovative exploration, strategic development, and investor-focused initiatives. Quality Assurance / Quality Control Rock and Drill samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold was analyzed using 50-gram nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. Over limits for gold (>10 g/t), were analyzed using fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Silver and other elements were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish. Over limit analyses for silver (>100 g/t) were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. Control samples comprising certified reference samples and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's robust quality assurance / quality control protocol. Soil Samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold and multi-element analysis of soils was completed by aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS finish using a 50-gram nominal weight. Over limit gold values greater than 1 g/t were re-assayed with a more robust aqua regia digestion ad ICP-MS finish. Over limit analyses for silver (>100 g/t) were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. Control samples comprising blank samples and certified reference materials were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's robust quality assurance / quality control protocol. Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO for Tocvan Ventures Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business, the Company's formative stage of development and the Company's financial position. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For more information, please contact: TOCVAN VENTURES CORP. Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO 1150, 707 - 7 Ave SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 3H6 Telephone: 1 888 772 2452 Email: [email protected] STAY CONNECTED: LinkedIn: TOC LinkedIn X: TOC X Facebook: TOC Facebook YouTube: TOC YouTube Web: tocvan.com SOURCE: Tocvan Ventures Corp View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire VANCOUVER - Germanium Mining Corp. ("GERMANIUM MINING", "GMC", OR THE "COMPANY") (CSE: GMC; OTCQB: EMSKF; FSE: 1I30) is pleased to announce it has increased the size of its 100% optioned Lac du Km 35 Germanium property, located near the mining town of Chibougamau, Quebec. The property has been strategically expanded by 4 mineral claims covering over 221 hectares and now comprises a total of 79 claims covering an area of 4,371.28 hectares (43.7 square kilometres). Mario Pezzente, chief executive officer, commented: "The expansion of the 100% optioned Lac du Km 35 Germanium property reflects the Company's efforts to consolidate its land position in areas of geological interest. We believe this strategically expanded footprint provides a broader platform for future exploration and evaluation." Property Description The Lac du Km 35 germanium property is approximately 40 kilometres east of the mining town of Chibougamau in the Nord-du-Quebec region of Quebec and has excellent access through Highway 167 and a main lumber road that transects the whole property from the west to the east as well as a network of secondary roads. The property is underlain by the volcano-sedimentary sequence of the Roy group and its metamorphic equivalent, the Laganiere gneissic complex, which hosts the Lac Dore intrusive suite, which is a mafic-to-ultramafic stratiform and synvolcanic intrusion, and the later-stage Duberger felsic pluton; all these rock units belong to the northeastern portion of the Abitibi greenstone belt subprovince of Archean age. To the west of the property, rocks were metamorphosed at the greenschist facies where the chlorite mineral is ubiquitous while the eastern portion has reached the amphibolite metamorphism grade. A prominent structural element is the ductile Faribault shear zone (FSZ), oriented east-southeast and located toward the eastern part of the property. The FSZ dips to the south-southwest and ends to the Grenville front, which extends southwest-northeast for several hundreds of kilometres. The Grenville front separates the Abitibi greenstone belt from younger Mesoproterozoic rocks and is only a few kilometres to the east of the property. The FSZ is an important feature that could have been joined by other permeable zones at depth as a preferential conduit for hydrothermal fluids. Discovered by government geologists in 1998 and never followed up, the Laganiere Germanium showing consists of a peridotite outcrop within the Laganiere gneissic complex that comprises amphibolites and hornblende and biotite gneisses. The Laganiere showing returned a value of 0.02 per cent (186 parts per million) Germanium. These results are considered historical in nature. A qualified person has not completed sufficient work to verify these historical results, and the Company is not treating these historical results as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The Laganiere germanium showing is located right alongside the main lumber road and immediately adjacent to the south to a cluster of electromagnetic anomalies of roughly 400 metres by 400 metres in size that were never tested. The Laganiere germanium showing is also 450 metres northeast of the FSZ, 800 metres from the southern margin of the Duberger felsic pluton and approximately two kilometres to the west of the Grenville Front. Apart from regional mapping and sampling of government geologists, the Laganiere germanium showing area remains vastly underexplored and overlooked and constitutes the prime focus for the Company. Recent exploration work performed in 2024, consisting of prospecting and sampling, allowed the company to collect 39 outcrop samples. Values up to 0.27 per cent nickel, 0.04 per cent cobalt, 0.24 per cent copper and 0.21 gram per tonne gold were obtained from these samples. The highest zinc value is 0.07 per cent and only three samples had overall zinc values over 0.05 per cent. Due to the digestion method selected, Germanium values were deemed not reliable. Amended Agreement - Lac du km 35 Property The Company has made a second amendment to the Mineral Property Option and Purchase Agreement dated January 14th 2025 (the "Purchase Agreement"), as amended by an amending letter agreement dated April 22nd, 2025 (the "First Amendment") whereas in consideration for the acquisition of the Additional Claims, the Company shall issue to the Vendor an aggregate of 200,000 units of the Company (the "Units") only after the work has been executed and acknowledged by the Ministry of Natural Resources of Quebec (MNR). Each Unit shall consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to purchase one additional Share at an exercise price of $0.60 per Share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. The issuance of the Units is subject to compliance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"), including any required acceptance for filing. The securities issued pursuant to this Second Amendment will be subject to a four-month plus one day hold period. Azure Ridge The Company has completed a brief field reconnaissance program at the Company's optioned Azure Ridge Historical Mine. The program consisted entirely of site reconnaissance and geological observations. This work is preliminary in nature and is intended to support the Company's understanding of the property. No conclusions regarding economic viability can be drawn at this stage. Qualified Person Benoit Moreau, P.Eng., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and vice-president of exploration for Germanium Mining Corp., has approved and is responsible for the technical information contained in this news release. About Germanium Mining Corp. Germanium Mining Corp. is a publicly traded mineral exploration company focused on the exploration and advancement of discovery-stage mineral properties in multiple mining jurisdictions in North America. Make sure to follow the Company on X.com & Linkedin as well as subscribe for Company updates at www.germaniummining.com ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Mario Pezzente ___ CEO & Director For more information on Germanium Mining Corp. please contact: Phone: 604-717-6605 Corporate e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.germaniummining.com Corporate Address: 2905 - 700 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V7Y 1C6 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events, or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, the business plans of the Company. The forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements including that the Company may use the proceeds of the Offering for purposes other than those disclosed in this news release; adverse market conditions; and other factors beyond the control of the Company. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to their inherent uncertainty. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include general market conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Company. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents or accuracy of this press release. Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Former Orano Canada CEO Brings 37 Years of Global Uranium Expertise VANCOUVER, January 14, 2026 - UraniumX Discovery Corp. (CSE: STMN) ("UraniumX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Vincent Martin as Strategic Advisor to the Company. Mr. Martin brings exceptional depth of experience spanning 37 years in uranium exploration, development, and operations with the Orano/Areva group, one of the world's leading uranium producers. He served as CEO of Orano Canada Inc. for 12 years, during which he oversaw operations at some of the world's most significant uranium assets in northern Saskatchewan, including the McClean Lake mill, Cigar Lake mine, McArthur River mine, and the Cluff Lake site, encompassing the full uranium mining cycle from exploration through production to mine closure and remediation. His tenure also saw the successful negotiation and signing of cooperation agreements with First Nations communities, strengthening Orano's collaborative relationships in the Athabasca Basin. Under his leadership, Orano Canada maintained one of the largest exploration programs in the region, with over 50 active exploration projects across the Athabasca Basin. "We are thrilled to welcome Vincent to our advisory team," said Kirby Renton, COO of UraniumX Discovery Corp. "His unparalleled knowledge of the Athabasca Basin, combined with his operational expertise at world-class uranium deposits and his deep understanding of community engagement, will be invaluable as we advance our exploration programs. He becomes an integral part of the amazing team we have assembled at UraniumX, and his strategic guidance will help us make informed decisions as we work toward our goal of uranium discovery in one of the world's premier uranium districts." Mr. Martin's career spans the full spectrum of uranium operations across multiple continents. After beginning his career in France, where he spent 11 years with Areva, he transitioned to Canada where he led exploration, development, production, and remediation initiatives throughout the Athabasca Basin. His intimate understanding of the geological, technical, regulatory, and operational aspects of uranium deposits combined with his expertise in stakeholder engagement and Indigenous partnerships, positions him as an exceptional resource for UraniumX Discovery Corp. as the Company advances its three strategic properties. "The Athabasca Basin continues to be one of the most prospective uranium regions in the world," said Vincent Martin. "UraniumX Discovery Corp. has assembled a compelling portfolio of properties with strong geological potential. I look forward to working with Kirby and the team as they execute their exploration strategy and work toward making new discoveries in this world-class district." Mr. Martin is a graduate of the prestigious Ecole Nationale Superieure des Mines de Paris and has been recognized throughout his career as a leader in the global uranium industry. His appointment strengthens UraniumX's technical and strategic capabilities as the Company prepares for its Murphy Lake drilling program scheduled for Q2 2026. Restricted Share Units Additionally, the Company has granted 4,455,000 Restricted Share Units ("RSUs") to certain consultants of the Company pursuant to its Restricted Share Unit Plan, dated and adopted by shareholders on September 9, 2024. The RSUs are subject to the standard four (4) month and one (1) day hold period. About UraniumX UraniumX Discovery Corp. is a Canadian-based junior mineral exploration company, singularly focused on advancing uranium discovery in Canada's Saskatchewan Athabasca Basin. Its core assets sit on the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin, a premier global district known for hosting 10 of the world's top 15 highest-grade uranium deposits. Murphy Lake Uranium Property is the Company's flagship, where UraniumX is earning up to 70% through an option with F4 Uranium. Adjacent to the world-class Wollaston Domain, the property benefits from conductors, strong alteration, and proven 2022 drilling that intercepted anomalous radioactivity near the Basin's unconformity. The Company also owns 100% of the Zoo Bay Uranium Project (15 claims; 19,850 ha), positioned near structural and magnetic features historically linked to uranium-thorium occurrences and conductivity corridors near Newnham Lake and neighbouring claims. UraniumX further holds a 100% interest in the NeoCore Uranium Property (6 claims; 13,012 ha), located 65 km southeast of McArthur River Mine, within a stable, high-grade mining district supported by mills, power, all-season roads, and established exploration infrastructure. Exploration programs incorporate geophysics, drilling, and a research collaboration with University of Saskatchewan leveraging quartz-degradation analytics to sharpen target selection. On Behalf of UraniumX Discovery Corp. Esen Boldkhuu, CEO Contact: UraniumX Discovery Corp. Esen Boldkhuu, CEO Email: [email protected] Telephone: (604) 377-8994 Website: www.uraniumx.ca Forward Looking Statements This news release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events, conditions, or developments the Company expects or anticipates may occur are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected contributions of Mr. Vincent Martin as Strategic Advisor, the Company's exploration and development plans for the Murphy Lake, Zoo Bay, and NeoCore uranium properties, the timing of the Murphy Lake drilling program, and the Company's broader strategic, operational, and financial objectives. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "intends," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "potential," or variations of such words, and phrases such as "may," "could," "would," "should," or "will" occur. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to: risks related to mineral exploration and development activities; uncertainties inherent in geological interpretations and exploration results; commodity price volatility and adverse market conditions; operational and technical risks; regulatory and permitting requirements; reliance on key personnel; risks associated with future financings; and other risks described in the Company's public disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information contained herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Vancouver, January 14, 2026 - Global Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV:GEMC | OTCQB:GBLEF | FSE:5GE1) ("Global Energy Metals", the "Company" and/or "GEMC"), a multi-jurisdictional, multi-commodity critical mineral exploration, development and project generating company focused on growth-oriented projects supporting the global transition to clean energy, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding letter agreement with Zimtu Capital Corp. ("Zimtu") providing for a proposed option agreement (the "Option Agreement") to advance exploration and development at the Company's Monument Peak silver-copper-gold project ("Monument Peak" or the "Project") located in Idaho, USA. Under the proposed Option Agreement, Zimtu (or an approved assignee) would be granted a multi-stage option over a four-year term to acquire Global Energy Metals' entire 50% interest in Monument Peak, subject to a 1.0% net smelter returns royalty ("NSR Royalty") in favour of the Company. The transaction provides Global Energy Metals with non-dilutive exposure to exploration success at Monument Peak through cash payments, equity consideration, exploration expenditures, and retained royalty interest. Mitchell Smith, President and CEO, Director of Global Energy Metals commented: "This Option Agreement with Zimtu provides a compelling pathway to unlock the mineral potential at Monument Peak while preserving meaningful upside for Global Energy Metals. The transaction aligns with our disciplined growth strategy-monetizing non-core assets for cash, equity, and exploration investment, while retaining long-term exposure through a 1% NSR royalty and share ownership. Proceeds will strengthen our balance sheet and support the evaluation of new growth opportunities." Key Terms of the Option Agreement Pursuant to the Option Agreement, Zimtu, an arm's-length party to the Company, may earn a 100% interest in Global Energy Metals' 50% ownership in Monument Peak by making a series of cash payments, share issuances, and exploration expenditures, as outlined below (all amounts in Canadian dollars): Option Payments and Milestones 1. Initial Payment (Closing) $50,000 in cash Issuance of 100,000 common shares of Zimtu (or its assignee) Payable within 90 days of TSX Venture Exchange approval If the Option is assigned prior to Closing, the share consideration will be adjusted to reflect a value of $100,000 in shares of the assignee at Closing. 2. First Milestone Payment Upon the earlier of: The first anniversary of Closing, or Public announcement confirming completion of two (2) drill holes on the Project Zimtu (or assignee) will: Pay $150,000 in cash Issue shares having a deemed value of $150,000 3. Second Milestone Payment Upon the earlier of: The second anniversary of Closing, or Public announcement confirming completion of ten (10) drill holes Zimtu (or assignee) will: Pay $200,000 in cash Issue shares having a deemed value of $250,000 4. Third Milestone Payment Upon the earlier of: The fourth anniversary of Closing, or Public announcement of a new mineral resource estimate Zimtu (or assignee) will: Pay $250,000 in cash Issue shares having a deemed value of $250,000 Exploration Commitment Zimtu (or its assignee) must incur a minimum of $1,000,000 in direct exploration expenditures on the Project within 12 months of Closing, subject to permitting timelines and site access. Board Representation Should the Option be assigned, the parties will enter into an Investor Rights Agreement, under which Global Energy Metals will have the right to nominate one board member of the assignee, subject to Zimtu's prior consent, for a period of 16 months from Closing. NSR Royalty Upon exercise of the Option, Global Energy Metals will retain a 1.0% NSR royalty on the Project. 0.5% of the NSR may be repurchased by the Optionee for $1,000,000 within the first five years, or $2,000,000 thereafter. Any shares issued to Global Energy Metals under the Option Agreement will be subject to applicable resale restrictions. In addition, the Company has agreed to a voluntary 12-month hold period on all shares received under the agreement. This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the proposed Option Agreement, exploration commitments, milestone payments, and potential advancement of the Monument Peak Project. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially. The Option Agreement is non-binding and remains subject to the execution of definitive documentation and approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Monument Peak Project The Monument Peak Project consists of 84 contiguous, unpatented lode mining claims totalling approximately 689.77 hectares. The Project hosts two historical copper mines, Jackson and Hungry Hill, which saw limited production in the early 1900s. Historical and modern exploration has confirmed the presence of high-grade copper-silver gold mineralization along a 3+ kilometre northwest-southeast structural trend. Notable results from prior programs include: Grab samples ranging from 1% to 20.9% copper and 3.4 to 305 g/t silver 2021 sampling results including: 5.61% Cu and 42.8 g/t Ag (Sample 15140) 4.63% Cu, 17.40 g/t Au and 175 g/t Ag (Sample 151408) These results are derived from historical and surface sampling and are not necessarily indicative of future mineral resources. Further details are available in the Company's news releases dated September 9, 2021 and March 23, 2022. About Zimtu Zimtu Capital Corp. is a public investment issuer that aspires to achieve long-term capital appreciation for its shareholders. Zimtu Capital companies may operate in the fields of mineral exploration, mining, technology, life sciences or investment. The Company trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "ZC" and Frankfurt under symbol "ZCT1". For more information, please visit https://www.zimtu.com. Qualified Person Mr. Paul Sarjeant, P. Geo., is the qualified person for this release as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. He is a shareholder and Director of the Company. For Further Information: Global Energy Metals Corporation #1501-128 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC, V6B 1R8 Email: [email protected] t. + 1 (604) 688-4219 www.globalenergymetals.com Twitter: @EnergyMetals | @USBatteryMetals | @ElementMinerals Global Energy Metals Corporation (TSXV:GEMC | OTCQB:GBLEF | FSE:5GE1) Global Energy Metals Corp. offers investment exposure to the growing rechargeable battery and electric vehicle market by building a diversified global portfolio of exploration and growth-stage battery mineral assets. Global Energy Metals recognizes that the proliferation and growth of the electrified economy in the coming decades is underpinned by the availability of battery metals, including cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and other raw materials. To be part of the solution and respond to this electrification movement, Global Energy Metals has taken a 'consolidate, partner and invest' approach and in doing so have assembled and are advancing a portfolio of strategically significant investments in battery metal resources. As demonstrated with the Company's current copper, nickel and cobalt projects in Canada, Australia, Norway and the United States, GEMC is investing-in, exploring and developing prospective, scaleable assets in established mining and processing jurisdictions in close proximity to end-use markets. Global Energy Metals is targeting projects with low logistics and processing risks, so that they can be fast tracked to enter the supply chain in this cycle. The Company is also collaborating with industry peers to strengthen its exposure to these critical commodities and the associated technologies required for a cleaner future. Securing exposure to these critical minerals powering the eMobility revolution is a generational investment opportunity. Global Energy Metals believes Now is the Time to be part of this electrification movement. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information: Certain information in this release may constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws and necessarily involve risks associated with regulatory approvals and timelines. Although Global Energy Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Metal Bank undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. GEMC's operations could be significantly adversely affected by the effects of a widespread global outbreak of a contagious disease, including the recent outbreak of illness caused by COVID-19. It is not possible to accurately predict the impact COVID-19 will have on operations and the ability of others to meet their obligations, including uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, and the length of travel and quarantine restrictions imposed by governments of affected countries. In addition, a significant outbreak of contagious diseases in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could further affect operations and the ability to finance its operations. For more information on Global Energy and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review the filings that are available at www.sedar.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. We seek safe harbour. Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. For years, a school principals job was to make sure students were not creating a ruckus in the hallways or smoking in the bathroom. Vigilance ended at the schoolhouse gates.Now, as students complain, taunt and sometimes cry out for help on social media, educators have more opportunities to monitor students around the clock. And some schools are turning to technology to help them. Several companies offer services to filter and glean what students do on school networks; a few now offer automated tools to comb through off-campus postings for signs of danger. For school officials, this raises new questions about whether they should or legally can discipline children for their online outbursts.The problem has taken on new urgency with the case of a 12-year-old Florida girl who committed suicide after classmates relentlessly bullied her online and offline.Two girls ages 12 and 14 who the authorities contend were her chief tormentors were arrested this month after one posted a Facebook comment about her death.Educators find themselves needing to balance students free speech rights against the dangers children can get into at school and sometimes with the law because of what they say in posts on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. Courts have started to weigh in.In September, a federal appeals court in Nevada, for instance, sided with school officials who suspended a high school sophomore for threatening, through messages on Myspace, to shoot classmates. In 2011, an Indiana court ruled that school officials had violated the Constitution when they disciplined students for posting pictures on Facebook of themselves at a slumber party, posing with rainbow-colored lollipops shaped like phalluses.It is a concern and in some cases, a major problem for school districts, said Daniel A. Domenech, executive director of the American Association of School Administrators, which represents public school superintendents.Surveillance of students online speech, he said, can be cumbersome and confusing. Is this something that a student has the right to do, or is this something that flies against the rules and regulations of a district? Featured Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth: Services surge fuels Ghana's economic growth to 3.8% in October 2025 GraphicOnline Business News Jan - 14 - 2026 , 11:53 Ghanas economy grew at a faster rate in October 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to provisional government data released on January 14, 2026. The Monthly Indicator of Economic Growth (MIEG) recorded a year-on-year growth rate of 3.8 per cent, up from 3.0 per cent in October 2024. Presented by Government Statistician Alhassan Iddrisu (PhD), the data indicates that the services sector was the primary engine of this expansion, growing by 5.5 per cent and contributing a substantial 74.7 per cent to the overall growth figure. "The MIEG data shows continued strong performance in the services sector, driven largely by Communication and Wholesale and Retail Trade subsectors," the release stated. The industry sector also showed improved performance, expanding by 3.0 per cent in October 2025 compared to a muted 0.4 per cent growth in October 2024. This sector contributed 28.7 per cent to the total growth. Agriculture, however, experienced a slowdown, growing by 0.9 per cent, which was less than the 2.1 per cent recorded a year earlier. The sector contributed 1.3 per cent to the overall growth. The MIEG index level for October 2025 stood at 112.7, using a base year of 2023=100. This compares to an index figure of 108.6 in October 2024. The report emphasises that these figures are provisional and classified as an experimental statistic, meaning they are "subject to continuous improvement" and revision as more comprehensive data becomes available. The release follows the same revision policy as the Quarterly and Annual National Accounts, allowing for updates for up to two years. The report also cautions users on interpretation, noting the MIEG "is released earlier than the quarterly GDP and uses the first available data sources, which means it should be interpreted with a degree of caution." It is less detailed, more volatile, and based on initially available information compared to the final quarterly GDP figures. Furthermore, the index is not seasonally adjusted, therefore only year-on-year growth rates are published. The Ghana Statistical Service aims to release the MIEG within 75 days of the reference month. The next publication, for November 2025, is scheduled for February 11, 2026. Featured Womens Development Bank set for rollout this year - Kwakye Ofosu Mohammed Ali Business News Jan - 14 - 2026 , 17:04 Work on the Womens Development Bank is at an advanced stage under the Vice President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, with plans for the bank to open in 2026, the Minister in Charge of Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has said. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series press briefing held on January 14, 2026, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the 2026 Budget had made a provision of GH401 million for the bank. I can assure you that under the auspices of the Vice President, work on the Womens Development Bank has gone really far, and this year it will be rolled out, he said. He explained that the bank would be capitalised to allow it to lend to women across different sectors of the Ghanaian economy. Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the bank was created to deal with the difficulties many women face when trying to secure credit from commercial banks. There are many women who need some capital, including micro-credit, to engage in trading or other business activities to support themselves and their families. The existing commercial banks are such that they do not have access to this kind of credit, he said. The minister said the Womens Development Bank was one of the major campaign promises made during the 2024 general elections and that it drew strong support from voters. Any time I went out to campaign and mentioned the promise, it received the loudest applause from members of the electorate in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese constituency, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said. He said the 2025 Budget had also made provision of GH51 million to support the processes leading to the setting up of the bank. Mr Kwakye Ofosu said women had shown strong enterprise in running small businesses and using credit to support their families, adding that the bank was expected to help deal with the economic challenges many Ghanaian women face. We look forward to doing this as quickly as possible to bring some relief to women, he said. Featured US freezes visa processing for 75 countries, including Nigeria, Somalia, Russia, Iran Graphic Online International News Jan - 14 - 2026 , 18:09 3 minutes read The United States (US) has frozen visa processing for 75 countries, including Nigeria, Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Thailand among nations affected by an indefinite pause starting January 21, 2026. According to a report by Fox News, the State Department is pausing immigrant visa processing for the 75 countries in an effort to crack down on applicants deemed likely to become a public charge. It said a State Department memo, seen first by Fox News Digital, directs consular officers to refuse visas under existing law while the department reassesses screening and vetting procedures. The countries include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen, and more. The Fox News report also mentioned Ghana as one of the affected countries. The pause will begin January 21, 2026 and will continue indefinitely until the department conducts a reassessment of immigrant visa processing. Somalia has drawn heightened scrutiny from federal officials following a sweeping fraud scandal centered in Minnesota, where prosecutors uncovered massive abuse of taxpayer-funded benefit programs. Many of those involved are Somali nationals or Somali-Americans. In November 2025, a State Department cable sent to posts around the globe instructed consular officers to enforce sweeping new screening rules under the so-called "public charge" provision of immigration law. The guidance instructs consular officers to deny visas to applicants deemed likely to rely on public benefits, weighing a wide range of factors including health, age, English proficiency, finances and even potential need for long-term medical care. Older or overweight applicants could be denied, along with those who had any past use of government cash assistance or institutionalization. "The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people," State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said in a statement. "Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits." While the public charge provision has existed for decades, enforcement has varied widely across administrations, with consular officers historically given broad discretion in applying the standard. Exceptions to the new pause will be "very limited" and only allowed after an applicant has cleared public charge considerations. A 2022 version of the public charge rule under the Biden administration had limited the scope of benefits considered primarily to cash assistance and long-term institutional care excluding programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the federal supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children, known as WIC, Medicaid or housing vouchers. The Immigration and Nationality Act has long permitted consular officers to deem applicants inadmissible on public charge grounds, but President Donald Trump in 2019 expanded the definition to include a broader range of public benefits. That expansion was challenged in court, with portions ultimately blocked before being rescinded by the Biden administration. According to a Fox News report the full list of countries comprises of Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote dIvoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen. credit: Fox News \ Featured Customs intercept suspected illicit tablets hidden in ceiling fan containers at Takoradi Port Kester Aburam Korankye Jan - 14 - 2026 , 12:00 1 minute read Ghana Customs officials at the Takoradi Port have intercepted a large consignment of suspected illicit drugs concealed in two 40-foot containers, following an intelligence-led operation at the Atlantic Terminal Services Limited terminal. The containers were initially declared to contain ceiling fans. The interception followed routine checks by frontline officers, who detected unusual packaging patterns and promptly alerted their superiors. In response, the Sector Commander for Takoradi, Walter Blankson, ordered the containers to be placed under strict surveillance to prevent any interference. The containers were subsequently unstuffed for detailed examination. The inspection was carried out with the support of officers from the Narcotics Control Commission, National Security, the National Intelligence Bureau, the Food and Drugs Authority and the declarant, Maxwell Boateng. During the operation, officers uncovered an estimated 25 million tablets of suspected illicit Tapentadol and Timaking drugs hidden among cartons of ceiling fans, along with thousands of undeclared electrical appliances. The tablets have been seized, with samples taken by the Customs Chemist for laboratory analysis. The remaining items have been transferred to the State Warehouse in Takoradi to aid ongoing investigations. Customs officials say the seizure highlights the importance of vigilance by frontline officers and strong inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding Ghanas borders against illicit trade and the public health risks associated with such activities. The declarant is currently in the custody of the Narcotics Control Commission, assisting with investigations aimed at identifying the owners of the containers. Featured Daddy Lumba saga: Akosua Serwaah appeals High Court ruling Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Jan - 14 - 2026 , 12:55 2 minutes read One of the two women declared by the High Court as co-widows of music icon, Daddy Lumba, has appealed the High Courts decision. Akosua Serwaah, known to have been married to the musician first, avers that the court erred in declaring both herself and Priscilla Ofori, aka Odo Broni, as the lawful surviving spouses of the late music icon, born Charles Kwadwo Fosu. In a notice of appeal filed at the Court of Appeal in Kumasi, Akosua Serwaah is challenging the entire judgment of the High Court, arguing that the court erred when it rejected and declared as inadmissible a marriage certificate she tendered into evidence. Again, she avers that the High Court committed an error of law when it held that she failed to meet a condition under the Evidence Act, 1975 (NRCD 323), in order for the marriage certificate to be admitted into evidence. The appellant is, therefore, praying the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment of the High Court and hold her as the only lawful surviving spouse of Daddy Lumba. Judgment On November 28, 2025, the Kumasi High Court, presided over by Dr Dorinda Smith Arthur, dismissed a suit by Akosua Serwaah, who was seeking to be declared by the court as the only surviving spouse of Daddy Lumba. According to the court, the plaintiff failed to prove that she was married to the late musician under the ordinance to make her the sole surviving spouse. The court held that per the evidence on record, Daddy Lumba married Akosuah Serwaah under customary law, and since marriage under customary law was potentially polygamous, the second marriage to Odo Broni was also valid. In totality, the court declared both Akosuah Serwaah and Odo Broni as legally recognised surviving spouses of the music legend. Japan donates $249,933 for CHPS compounds in 2 districts Pacome Emmanuel Damalie Jan - 14 - 2026 , 09:57 3 minutes read The Japanese government has awarded grants of $249,933 to two district assemblies to construct Community Health Planning Services (CHPS) compounds. Part of the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) will support the construction of the CHPS compound in Nanumba South District Assembly in the Northern Region and the Bosome Freho District Assembly in the Ashanti Region. The contract, signed at the Japanese Embassy in Accra yesterday, would see the Nanumba South District Assembly receive $122,673, while Bosome Freho District Assembly would receive $127,260 for the execution of the projects. Speaking at the grant contract signing ceremony, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, said the institution of GGHSP was a demonstration of the strong will by the Japanese government in solving human security challenges. He indicated that the GGHSP since its inception had supported over 350 grassroots projects in the country, focusing on health, education, agriculture, water, sanitation, among others. Mr Yoshimoto stated that the projects would provide the much-needed healthcare services to communities in Zonyani in Northern Region, and Apewu in Ashanti Region, which had been facing significant health challenges. The inhabitants of Zonyani, an overseas community located across the Daka river, have been deprived of basic social amenities such as healthcare, sanitation, potable water and education. Pregnant women and other vulnerable groups in the community either have to resort to self-medication or travel long distances to access adequate healthcare. Apewu, a community which sits on the boundary of Lake Bosomtwe, lacks a functioning health facility to cater for the health needs of the people in the community and the surrounding towns. People either hike for about seven kilometres (km) through the hills or travel 15km by canoe across the lake Bosomtwe to access healthcare services. This poses a high health risk, especially to the most vulnerable people in the society, which include the aged, pregnant women and children. The location of the community makes it very prone to malaria and skin related infections, Mr Yoshimoto said. Appreciation For their part, the District Chief Executives (DCEs) of the Nanumba South and Bosome Freho, expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for the support in addressing the health infrastructure needs of residents in the two communities. The DCE of Nanumba South, Abdul Rashid Musah, said currently the enrolled community health nurse and midwife operated from a makeshift structure in Zonyani, a community, and its surroundings that are home to over 5,000 people. The DCE of Bosome Freho, Charles Appiah-Kubi, said currently residents in Apewu make use of woods (old wooden doors, slabs, etc) to carry people either on foot to the nearest health facility or across lake Bosomtwe to the other side of the lake to access healthcare. Mr Appiah-Kubi indicated that the intervention of the Japanese Embassy was going to change the health narrative within the enclave. Owners of vehicles registered before 2023 to pay GH25 to DVLA for records to be updated digitally Next article: Owners of vehicles registered before 2023 to pay GH25 to DVLA for records to be updated digitally Featured Judicial Service staff to embark on indefinite strike over unpaid arrears Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi Jan - 14 - 2026 , 06:48 2 minutes read The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has given notice of its intention to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Monday, January 19, 2026, over the non-payment of eight months salary arrears arising from the implementation of a 10 per cent base pay increase for 2025. In a statement dated January 12, 2026, signed by the JUSAG National President, Samuel Afotey Otu, and addressed to the National Labour Commission, said the decision followed several engagements with the Ministry of Finance and the Government on the review of salaries and related allowances for employees of the Judicial Service for 2025. The association said based on the understanding reached with the Government and in line with Article 149 of the Constitution, the President approved a 10 per cent base pay increase for Judicial Service workers for 2025, effective January 1, 2025. His Excellency the President of Ghana approved a base pay increase by 10 per cent for 2025 for Judicial Service workers effective 1st January 2025, the statement said, adding that the approval was in line with adjustments granted to other public sector workers. Implementation JUSAG said unlike other public sector workers, the implementation of the 10 per cent base pay adjustment in related allowances for Judicial Service staff took effect in September 2025. It said the delayed implementation was accompanied by assurances that the arrears covering January to August 2025 would be paid later. Outstanding arrears The association said further engagements with the Government resulted in an understanding that the arrears would be paid not later than the end of the 2025 fiscal year. According to JUSAG, the government failed to honour the commitment to pay the arrears within the agreed period. Engagements and understanding reached were that payments were to be effected not later than the 2025 fiscal year. Unfortunately, the Government failed to honour its promise of paying the arrears in 2025, the statement read. Action taken JUSAG said it wrote to the Judicial Council on December 16, 2025, requesting that the arrears be paid in December 2025. The association said despite assurances from management in a response dated December 16, 2025, the arrears remained unpaid. Members concerns JUSAG said the non-payment of the arrears affected its members, particularly during the festive period when staff had expected the payment of the eight months arrears. It said its members could no longer accept the situation, and that it was unable to accept further explanations from the Government. JUSAG said its National Executive Council held an emergency meeting and resolved to embark on an indefinite strike beginning January 19, 2026. It said the strike would remain in force until the demand for payment of the eight months salary arrears from January to August 2025 was fully met. Featured Police bust taxi-based mobile phone snatching syndicate in Accra Joshua Bediako Koomson & Lily Fleming Jan - 14 - 2026 , 09:57 3 minutes read The Ghana Police Service has arrested three suspects believed to be members of an organised criminal syndicate that uses taxis to snatch mobile phones and other valuables from unsuspecting passengers. The suspects, identified as Sasu Lawrence, also known as Agbe, aged 45; Richard Osei, aged 36; and Charles Kofi Nti, also known as Survivor, aged 40, were arrested last Monday during intelligence-led operations in Accra and its surrounding areas. The arrests followed sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated police operations by the National Operations Directorate (NOD) Surveillance Unit, in collaboration with the NOD Emergency Command Centre. Modus operandi Speaking at a press briefing in Accra yesterday the Director of Operations of the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Theodore Hlormenu, explained that preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were part of an organised syndicate that targeted passengers in the early hours of the day while posing as commercial taxi drivers. According to him, the modus operandi involved two suspects sitting in the front seats of the taxi, with a third at the back. Phones retrieved from the suspects Once a victim boards the vehicle, the doors are deliberately locked, and as the victim struggles to alight, the suspect seated at the back pretends to assist but allegedly steals the victims mobile phone or wallet. DCOP Hlormenu said investigations into the syndicate were triggered by a complaint lodged on November 17, 2025, by a victim who reported that she boarded a taxi from Nmai Dzorn to Adenta Aviation. Upon reaching her destination, he said the occupants of the vehicle allegedly threatened her and forcibly took her iPhone 14 before asking her to get out of the taxi. DCOP Hlormenu said subsequent intelligence gathering and technical surveillance led to the identification of a black and orange Toyota Vitz used in committing the crime, as well as the movements and hideouts of the suspects across Kasoa, Taifa, Pokuase, Amasaman and other surrounding areas. Arrest Last Monday, he said, police surveillance systems tracked and intercepted the suspected vehicle at Weija, leading to the arrest of Sasu Lawrence. Further operations at Pokuase Mayera, he said, resulted in the arrest of Richard Osei, who attempted to flee upon noticing police presence. A green Daewoo Matiz, suspected to be linked to the syndicate, was retrieved as an exhibit. He said the team later proceeded to Doblo Gonno, where Charles Kofi Nti was found hiding in a room within his residence and was arrested after a search of the premises. DCOP Hlormenu said all three suspects were currently in police custody, assisting with investigations, while efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other accomplices, including receivers of the stolen items. He mentioned two suspected receivers as Williams Ampong, aged 47, trader at Circle and Achimota, and Frederick Kwaku Gyadu, aged 50. He further assured the public of the police's commitment to dismantling criminal networks that threaten the safety and security of citizens, and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station. Judicial Service staff to embark on indefinite strike over unpaid arrears Next article: Judicial Service staff to embark on indefinite strike over unpaid arrears Featured Surrogate mother delivers quadruplets - Rare in assisted reproductive technology Delali Sika Jan - 14 - 2026 , 06:50 3 minutes read The Walking Egg Medical and Fertility Centre at Pokuase in the Greater Accra Region has delivered a 30-year-old surrogate mother of quadruplets through intrauterine insemination (IUI), a rare occurrence in assisted reproductive technology. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the centre, Dr Nana Yaw Osei, who performed the delivery, has explained that quadruplet births through IUI are extremely uncommon because, unlike the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) process, doctors cannot control how many embryos implant. It is not common to have four babies from IUI. Usually, we expect one or at most two, Dr Osei said. Interview In an interview with the Daily Graphic yesterday, moments following the delivery of the babies, Dr Osei described the pregnancy as smooth. The surrogate experienced no major complications. We delivered at 36 weeks as a precaution, and all four babies were reviewed by paediatricians and found to be very healthy, he said. Dr Osei explained that the decision against foetal reduction was guided by ethical and religious considerations. For me, as a strong Christian, foetal reduction is equivalent to abortion. My team and I discussed it thoroughly with the intended parents and the surrogate, and we all agreed to continue with all four foetuses. It was a very special moment, he said. Carrying four foetuses is considered high risk, yet the surrogate experienced a smooth pregnancy, and all four babies two boys and two girls were delivered healthy, each weighing over two kilogrammes. With IUI, you only prepare the sperm and send it into the womb. You cannot control how many embryos will implant. Unlike IVF, where embryos are fertilised outside the body, and you can choose how many to transfer, IUI relies entirely on nature. That is what makes this case so rare and remarkable, Dr Osei said. Cultural context The doctor also addressed cultural and societal aspects of assisted reproduction in Ghana. Surrogacy is still developing in our society. Most surrogates are independent women, and financial motivation is usually the primary reason they volunteer. We also ensure that surrogates have at least one child of their own before participating to reduce risks, he said. Reflecting on the wider significance of assisted reproduction, Dr Osei recalled a case. I remember a 49-year-old woman who lost her womb but remained faithful to her beliefs. Should we deny such women the opportunity to have a child? Assisted reproduction can offer hope to families who would otherwise never experience parenthood, he said. He added that donors and surrogates remained anonymous, ensuring privacy for all parties. Our goal is to combine medical expertise with ethical and culturally sensitive practices. This successful quadruplet birth demonstrates the potential of assisted reproductive technology in Ghana, and gives hope to couples struggling with infertility, Dr Osei stressed. Only immigrant visas affected by US freeze, Ghanas Embassy in Washington clarifies Previous article: Only immigrant visas affected by US freeze, Ghanas Embassy in Washington clarifies Featured How the Ghana Armed Forces is supporting the rebuilding of homes following hurricane destruction in Jamaica Graphic Online Jan - 14 - 2026 , 18:10 2 minutes read Ghanaian Engineering Reconstruction team of the Ghana Armed Forces and the 1 Engineering Regiment of the Jamaican Defence Force (JDF) have recorded significant progress in rebuilding homes in Black River and Saint Elizabeth communities following the recent Hurricane that struck Jamaica. Following the disaster which occurred in October 2025, the government deployed 54 personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces 14 Engineer Brigade, Engineer Contingent 1 to Jamaica to support national rebuilding efforts. Communities in these areas in Jamaica were severely hit by the Hurricane Melissa and are being steadily rebuilt. As part of Ghanas humanitarian commitment, Ghanas reconstruction team is working alongside international partners including the Jamaican Defence Force to rebuild homes and support livelihood of victims. The mission reflects solidarity, service and shared resilience. Leader of the Ghanaian Engineering Reconstruction team, Colonel Emmanuel Assiah met with Foreign Minister for Jamaica, Camina Johnson Smith upon the teams arrival in Jamaica. Camina Johnson Smith expressed her appreciation to the troops who have been deployed to Jamaica. Kisha Webb, a resident of Black River and a victim of the Hurricane disaster expressed gratitude for the work done so far. We appreciate everything that you have done here and all the work men work so nice and I just want to thank the Jamaican Defence Force for helping us. I hope you all continue the good work, she said.Kenesha Dawkins and Tashna Evans, residents of Saint Elizabeth also thanked both governments for the support extend in rebuilding their homes. Featured IGP Yohuno promotes 17 policemen for exemplary conduct Graphic.com.gh Jan - 14 - 2026 , 12:12 1 minute read The Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has promoted 17 policemen to their next ranks in recognition of their conduct and work on duty. The promotions were granted on January 14, 2026, with two senior officers and 15 others moving up after being assessed for their performance. In a statement, the Ghana Police Service said the move formed part of efforts to encourage personnel who show discipline, integrity, and steady work in their duties. Mr Yohuno, together with members of the Police Management Board, congratulated the officers and asked them to treat their new ranks as a call to higher responsibility, leadership, and accountability. The Service said the promotions were based on the officers record in operations, discipline, and service to the country. Management also called on all personnel to keep to high standards of professionalism, loyalty, and service to the public. The statement said the Police Service will continue to recognise merit and reward good work as part of steps to keep morale strong and improve policing across the country Featured Metro Mass to deploy more buses in Accra to help deal with congestion and fare hikes by private commercial bus operators Mohammed Ali Jan - 14 - 2026 , 16:30 3 minutes read As an interim measure to help deal with the current commuter congestion being experienced in Accra amid transport fare hikes by private transport operators, the government has ordered the Metro Mass Limited (MML) to immediately repair all its broken-down buses and deploy them in Accra to help deal with the congestion. Accra has been experiencing commuter congestion, especially at peak hours in the evenings, which private commercial bus operators have taken advantage of to hike fares even though fuel prices have gone down. This phenomenon is usually associated with the few weeks preceding Christmas. But this year, even after the Christmas and New Year holidays, there is still congestion in town. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday [January 14, 2026], the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu said the MML buses which are to be repaired and deployed are to operate beyond their usual routes and timetables to help reduce congestion across many parts of Accra. Public transport is mainly run by private operators. They have a duty to follow the rules and not take advantage of passengers by creating shortages, he said, adding that the repairs would give commuters more dependable transport choices. The Transport Minister has ordered urgent repairs on several Metro Mass buses that had broken down so they can return to service within days. The buses will run outside their usual routes and timetables to ease congestion in many areas, he said. The government has also accused some transport operators of creating artificial shortages to push up fares, even after fuel prices went down. Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the Minister for Transport is to meet the leadership of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union and other operators over the issue. He said the meeting, expected within a day, would address the situation so passengers do not continue to face hardship. He explained that some drivers were avoiding their usual lorry station bays so they could charge higher fares from commuters. After the drop in fuel prices, which led the transport unions to announce a 15 per cent cut in fares, some operators thought they could create a shortage to charge higher fares, he said. They do not go to the normal spots. They move around to pick people who are ready to pay more. By doing so, they create a shortage and drive prices up, Mr Kwakye Ofosu added. He described the practice as unlawful and said it must be dealt with. He said the government was acting because there was an agreement with transport unions to review fares twice a year unless unusual conditions arose. Mr Kwakye Ofosu urged operators to stick to the established system and avoid actions that make travel harder for the public. He said there was no basis for charging higher fares when fuel prices and the cost of imported spare parts had gone down. If you go to the port, duty payments on containers of spare parts have fallen. I have the figures here to show that. There is no excuse for what is happening, and we urge them to stop or action will be taken under the relevant bylaws and regulations, he said. Featured US pledges non-interference in Ghanas move to extradite Ken Ofori-Atta and Sedina Tamakloe Attionu Mohammed Ali Jan - 14 - 2026 , 10:48 2 minutes read The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said the United States government has informed him that it will not stand in the way of Ghanas actions involving the extradition of former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, and former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre Chief executive Sedina Tamakloe Attionu. In a post on social media on Tuesday [January 13, 2026], Mr Ablakwa said this was made known at a meeting between Ghanaian officials and a United States delegation on Monday. He said the talks took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to him, the assurance was given without prejudice to ongoing judicial processes. He said it formed part of the discussions he hosted when officials from both countries met in Accra. The meeting was led on the United States side by the Acting US Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Rolf Olson. Mr Ablakwa said the position from Washington means the United States will not interfere with Ghanas actions relating to the removal of Ken Ofori-Atta and Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, while still respecting due process. He said the matter came up during a broader review of GhanaUnited States relations, including talks on security, law enforcement, trade and visa issues. In the same social media post, Mr Ablakwa said both sides took note of progress in security and law enforcement work, which led to the extradition of nine suspects from Ghana to the United States in 2025. He said efforts were also underway to return two Ghanaians described as being of high interest to the United States. Mr Ablakwa said the engagement showed a steady improvement in GhanaUS relations, with both countries agreeing on priority areas for cooperation in 2026. Introduction In v0.11.0, the last code from vLLM V0 engine was removed, marking the complete migration to the improved V1 engine architecture. This achievement would not have been possible without vLLMs community of 1,969 contributors, authoring over 950 commits in the past month (as of 12/18/25). These efforts have been validated by vLLMs inclusion in the SemiAnalysis open source InferenceMax performance benchmarks. In addition, vLLM is proud to be trusted in production by teams at Meta, LinkedIn, Red Hat, Mistral, and HuggingFace. DeepSeek-style disaggregated serving and sparse mixture-of-experts (MoE) model deployments remain state-of-the-art for high-performance LLM inference. This article outlines the key optimizations the vLLM team has built to push throughput even further, including: Async scheduling Dual-batch overlap Disaggregated serving CUDA graph mode FULL_AND_PIECEWISE DeepGEMM enabled by default DeepEP kernels integration Expert parallel load balancing SiLU kernel for DeepSeek-R1 For further reference, we recommend these excellent writeups by the llm-d, PyTorch, Dynamo, and Anyscale teams on large scale serving, disaggregated serving, distributed inference, and wide-EP using vLLM. Results Recent community benchmarks on a Coreweave H200 cluster connected using Infiniband with ConnectX-7 NICs now show a sustained throughput of 2.2k tokens/s per H200 GPU in production-like, multi-node deployments. This marks a significant increase over earlier benchmarks, which showed ~1.5k tokens/s per GPU. This gain is a direct result of ongoing optimization work, including kernel improvements (silu-mul-quant fusion, Cutlass QKV kernels, TP attention bug fixes) and the implementation of Dual Batch Overlap (DBO) for decode. This performance allows operators to realize immediate benefits by consolidating workloads and reducing the number of replicas needed for a target QPS, ultimately lowering token-per-dollar cost. Prefill Results Decode Results Key Components Wide-EP Deploying frontier models like the DeepSeek-V3 model family for large scale serving requires two major considerations: Sparse expert activation: in DeepSeek-R1, only 37B of the models 671B total parameters are active with each forward pass KV cache management: tensor parallel deployment is not optimal for DeepSeeks multi-head latent attention (MLA) attention architecture, since latent projections are duplicated across shards Expert parallelism (EP) is a deployment pattern that leverages these characteristics to maximize effective KV cache, and is supported in vLLM via the --enable-expert-parallel flag. In this pattern, a single set of experts are shared across ranks in the deployment. During a forward pass, tokens are routed between ranks to be processed by the appropriate expert. Wide-EP token routing Wide-EP combines EP with data parallelism (DP). Data parallel deployments can be launched with either the mp or ray data parallel backends, offering simpler setup within a Ray cluster. The benefit over tensor parallelism is shown in the following figure, which shows memory usage per GPU for DeepSeek-V3 using tensor parallel and expert parallel sharding strategies. The TP strategy shows 34GB free device memory per H200, but for MLA models, each rank must duplicate latent attention projections. In a DP deployment, attention layers are duplicated so that latent projections are independent across ranks, increasing effective batch size across the deployment. Increasing the expert parallelism degree increases synchronization overhead between ranks. To address this, vLLM has integrated support for the DeepEP high throughput and low latency all-to-all kernels. In addition, vLLM supports Perplexity MoE kernels and a NCCL-based AllGather-ReduceScatter all-to-all. See the vLLM MoE kernel docs for information on the all-to-all backends available in vLLM. Dual-batch Overlap (DBO) vLLM has integrated support for DeepSeeks microbatching strategy as dual batch overlap (DBO), available via --enable-dbo flag from the command line. This strategy overlaps compute and collective communication to increase GPU utilization. In particular, vLLM implements this as follows: A collective all_reduce across ranks to agree microbatching will be beneficial, with minimum threshold adjustable via --dbo-decode-token-threshold The main thread creates microbatch worker threads, which complete CUDA graph capture vLLMs modular MoE all-to-all kernel base class coordinates microbatch worker launches, yielding control while waiting for GPU work to complete Below is a profiling trace from a DeepSeek decode workload without DBO. The MoE Dispatch/Combine section shows the outsize duration spent in collective communication, despite the small compute load. Before DBO The following trace shows the same workload with DBO. The first microbatch worker thread initiates and completes MoE dispatch, then immediately yields to the second microbatch worker thread. Next, the second thread completes its own dispatch, yielding back to the first thread once it completes. Finally, the first worker completes its combine before yielding back to the second microbatch worker. This results in higher GPU utilization in deployments where communication overhead is high, as is the case in deployments with high expert parallelism degree. After DBO Expert Parallel Load Balancing (EPLB) MoE expert layers are optimized for balanced load across experts at train time, but at inference time, real workloads may cause imbalanced token routing. See NVIDIAs experimental results on MoE expert routing for statistics on the difference in expert load balance between workloads. In a wide-EP setup, this means some EP ranks could stay idle, while others process large batches of tokens. To alleviate this, vLLM implements the hierarchical and global load balancing policies from DeepSeeks expert parallel load balancer (EPLB). EPLB is controlled by the --enable-eplb CLI flag, with configurable window size, rebalance interval, redundant experts, and logging options. EPLB in action To implement EPLB, each MoE forward pass records per-token load, and a sliding window aggregates these statistics across EP ranks. When the rebalance interval is reached, the load balancer computes a new logical-to-physical expert mapping and orchestrates a weight shuffle so the new placement takes effect without restarting the model. Disaggregated Serving The disaggregated prefill/decode serving pattern, described by Hao AI Lab in the 2024 DistServe paper, is especially useful for expert parallel deployments. P/D disaggregation in action Since experts are distributed across ranks, a requests tokens starting on one rank may require processing by an expert on any other rank in the EP group. This requires synchronization between MoE layers (and dummy passes if a rank goes unused) so that layer combine collectives are ready to receive tokens at the appropriate time. This means a single compute-bound prefill request can delay the forward pass of the entire EP group, amplifying the benefit of disaggregated serving. In addition, DeepSeek deployments can be configured to exclusively use the DeepEP kernel suited to their workload (high throughput vs. low latency). Deployment Paths llm-d llm-d is a Kubernetes-native distributed inference serving stack providing well-lit paths for anyone to serve large generative AI models at scale. llm-d helps you achieve the fastest time to state-of-the-art (SOTA) performance for key OSS models across most hardware accelerators and infrastructure providers. For more details, check out llm-ds Wide EP well lit path to replicate the results in this post. Dynamo Dynamo is designed for high throughput and low latency production deployments of LLMs. Features such as KV aware routing, KV Block Manager for cache offloading, and Planner for dynamic load matching enable you to hit tighter SLAs while scaling across more GPUs. vLLM and wide-EP serving is natively supported in Dynamo with all of these features. For more details check out Dynamo and the example recipe to replicate the performance in this blog post. Ray Serve LLM Building on Ray Serve primitives, Ray Serve LLM provides first-class serving patterns for prefill/decode disaggregation, data parallel attention and prefix cache-affinity request routing, focusing on modularity and ease of deployment on Ray clusters (including KubeRay on Kubernetes). A key differentiator is its seamless integration with the broader Ray ecosystem, including data processing and reinforcement learning (RL). The framework integrates with NIXL and LMCache connectors for efficient KV transfer, and leverages Rays distributed computing primitives to enable independent autoscaling of each phase based on load characteristics. Together, the solution provides a flexible and programmable layer for inference workloads that can be easily extended and composed to implement diverse serving patterns. Roadmap vLLM is continuously in improvement, with the following efforts currently in progress: Elastic expert parallelism Long context serving KV cache transfer via CPU Full determinism and batch invariance Large MoE optimizations, e.g. op fusion for DeepSeek-R1 and gpt-oss models Improve FlashInfer integration for latest kernels, e.g. SwapAB Support independent TP sizes in disaggregated serving deployments GB200 Optimizations for large scale serving For the most up-to-date reference, see roadmap.vllm.ai. Summary Featured First female running mate of Fourth Republic dies Rosalind K. Amoh Politics Jan - 13 - 2026 , 08:32 2 minutes read Professor Naa Afaley Sackeyfio, one of Ghanas pioneering female politicians of the Fourth Republic, has passed away. Family sources confirmed that she died over the weekend, although further details about the circumstances of her death have not yet been made public. Despite her distinguished academic background, Professor Sackeyfio had a brief but historic involvement in national politics when she became a running mate of the National Independence Party (NIP) during Ghanas return to constitutional rule in 1992. The NIP was one of five political parties that contested the presidential election that year. Profile Professor Sackeyfio, a Professor of English Language, spent the greater part of her academic career at the University of Cape Coast, where she made significant contributions to teaching and scholarship. She was also an accomplished author and poet whose works contributed meaningfully to Ghanas literary landscape. Her published titles include Tales My Mother Used to Tell, Culture Clothed in Tales and Comprehension Plus. Her entry into politics came in 1992, when she was selected as the running mate to the NIPs presidential candidate, Dr Kwabena Darko. The party placed fourth in the presidential race, and a year later became defunct, effectively ending her direct participation in partisan politics. Professor Sackeyfio subsequently returned to academic life but continued to advocate increased participation of women in politics, particularly at the highest levels of leadership. History Professor Sackeyfio remains the second woman in Ghanas political history to have contested as a running mate during the countrys democratic era. The first was Lieutenant Colonel Christine Kwabea Debrah, who made history in 1979 when she was chosen as running mate to independent presidential candidate Robert Patrick Baffour during elections that ushered in the Third Republic. A professional nurse and former head of the Nursing Department at the 37 Military Hospital, Lt Col Debrah later exited active politics but remained in public service. She broke significant barriers in both the military and political spheres. Following her nursing career, she became the first Executive Chairperson of the Environmental Protection Agency, serving from 1985 to 1990. She later retired from public service but remained a vocal advocate for womens empowerment in leadership and politics until her death in 2014. Liu Zuohu, also known as Pete Lau, is the co-founder and CEO of OnePlus, and he has led the brand since its inception in 2013. While we havent heard much from the exec in the last few months, he is now facing arrest charges by Taiwanese prosecutors. The reason? Illegal hiring practices in Taiwan. Taiwans Shilin District Prosecutors' Office issued an official document on Tuesday indicting two Taiwanese citizens for aiding in the recruiting practices of the OnePlus CEO. According to prosecutors, OnePlus, with Lau at the helm, hired over 70 engineers based in Taiwan to work on software development and testing for OnePlus. The problem is that the hiring process happened without government approval, making it in breach of the "Cross-Strait Act between China and Taiwan. Neither Lau nor OnePlus has issued an official statement on the matter. Source Gov. Lou Leon Guerreros office on Wednesday night described as heartless new Trump administration funding cuts, including the loss of more than $6 million that had been allocated for the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, and the urgent need to use local dollars to keep nearly 20 employees to continue the services. The Trump Administration has ordered drastic and immediate claw backs of funding for substance abuse and mental health programs, the governors office said in a statement. News of the unexpected terminations came Wednesday afternoon. This is a devastating and heartless reduction in federal funding to help the most vulnerable in Guam, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said in a statement. Westcare Pacific, a nonprofit organization that also delivers critical services on Guam, is losing $1 million, in addition to the cuts affecting GBHWC, the local government agency that is bearing the brunt of these cuts, along with its nonprofit vendors, Adelup said. The governor said her administration is already exploring options available to bridge both the immediate and long term funding gap locally. We must do everything we can to stabilize these critical services that save lives, she said. The administration plans to replace these grant funds with local dollars, especially for the nearly 20 GBHWC employees who were set to lose their jobs and the clients who rely on the services these GovGuam workers provide, the Adelup statement said. This fiscal fix will result in a more than $1 million shortfall for GBHWC in the current fiscal year, since the fiscal year 2026 budget law did not account for these cuts from the federal executive branch, according to the governor. Call out to Friends of Trump Adelup said the governor will be reaching out to Del. James Moylan to see how he can support Guams critical programs and personnel. She is also calling on the Legislature to be a part of the local funding solution. We are happy to provide this band-aid, but to truly heal this budgetary wound, we need our legislative partners on Guam and in Washington to pitch in. Im urging our Republican Congressional Delegate and the proud Friends of Trump in our Legislature to get the message to their president in the White House of the impact of these cuts on Guam, the governor said. Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio described the latest move by the Trump administration as both cruel and needless. This is a serious setback, he said. All told were facing a loss in the neighborhood of $6.6 million at a time when weve been making real progress in treating and preventing substance abuse, behavioral health and related issues. While the severity of the financial cuts are garnering immediate attention, GBHWC Director Carissa Pangelinan and Deputy Director James Cooper-Nurse are also assessing the impact on federally-funded staff and the ability of the center to meet the demand for services, the governors office added. Flowers by Tand, a family-owned floral shop that began in Dolores Tuncaps backyard 54 years ago, will close its doors at 2 p.m. on Jan. 17. Since 1972, Tuncap and the flower shop have helped Guam residents, businesses and agencies celebrate lifes biggest moments. Dolores Tuncap, the force behind the shop that has served Guams floral needs for more than five decades, passed away on Jan. 19, 2025. Her daughters Tania Tuncap Lehotay, 50, Nora Tuncap Bland, 64, and their sister Antoinette Toni Tuncap decided to close the shop to preserve their mothers legacy. The daughters and shop employees decided together to close the business ahead of Tuncaps death anniversary. This has been a flagship, [and] we wanted to acknowledge the end of an era, Lehotay said in an interview with the Pacific Daily News. Everything was our mother. It was a joint decision between the sisters, because it is our legacy. Without our mother, we dont feel [able] to continue the legacy the way she would have, and we dont want to lose that. Lehotay said her mother put her heart and soul into the shop and that closing it closes up her work. We dont want to tarnish it in any way, Lehotay said. This is bittersweet, [but] this is the next step of what we have to do to preserve her memory. Her daughters said Tuncap started the business 54 years ago out of her backyard, making leis and wedding bouquets out of plumeria and other local flowers for tourists. Flowers by Tands current location in Tumon has been in business for 49 years. Lehotay said her father, David Tuncap, who was a longstanding chairman of the Guam Visitors Bureau, helped his wife build the business into one of the foundations of the tourism industry on Guam, contributing to the islands economy overall. Tand is actually an acronym for members of the Tuncap familyTania, Antonette, Nora, and David and Dolores. Promoting Guams flora Lehotay said the foundation of the business was to promote the authenticity of the island and its local flora to tourists visiting Guam for destination weddings in the 60s and 70s. She said the decline in the tourism industry never affected the economy of this business. My mom has been known for decades for her talent and ability to reflect what she defines as a true floral designer, Lehotay said. She had a lot of personal touches, and my mom was very organized and frugal. She was a great resource for hotels. Even in her 70s, she was climbing scaffolding at the Pacific Islands Club. Despite our efforts to help, mom was very hands-on. There is a storewide closing out sale. Items are between 25% and 75% off, including bulk sales on purchases. The space will be leased out, starting Feb. 1. Interested parties can contact Toni Tuncap, who works as a broker for Blue Pacific Realty Guam. The shops long history has touched every villages heart, contributing to the islands churches, family funerals, weddings, hotels, and hospitality industry, from its days as a remote shop to its first brick-and-mortor location at the Pacific Shopping Center to its now-closed location in Hagatna to now. Several political figures in Guams history have also been longtime clients and former employees, such as Del. James Moylan and his mother, Mary Moylan, the former being a delivery driver in his youth, and former First Lady Delphine Guerrero. Doctor of love More than Flowers by Tands product and its history, Bland said, what made the shop a staple was her mothers service to the community. She was the most hospitable person. She was the doctor of love. Any trouble in any relationship, she would say to give flowers and always console the customer, Bland said. Before the decision to close, the daughters first offered the shop employees the opportunity to become the business new owners and operators. We did ask them if they wanted to continue and become the new owners and operators with us being more hands-off, but in memory of our mom, who they also miss, they agreed to close down, Lehotay said. Second home Julie Santos, who has worked in the store since 2007, said the shop is her second home and that Dolores Tuncap treated everyone, from her employees to her customers, like family. She said the employees all thought about whether they could continue the legacy, but there was just no way we could do that because it just wouldnt be the same. To take over something like this is overwhelming. Its just not going to be the same either way you look at it, Santos said. Its been a home. Shes treated us like her employees and family at the same time, and its not the same without her. We did our best with what she taught us. She was an amazing woman. The closing is further bittersweet because of the many memories related to Flowers by Tand. Apart from growing up in the shop helping their mother and the name Tand, Lehotays husband asked for her hand in marriage and permission from Dolores Tuncap in the shops back office, and Blands husband asked her out in the shop after repeatedly visiting on the off chance to see her. This flower shop was the core of our core memories, the center of gravity for the core milestones in all of our lives, Lehotay said. Hope for the future Although the doors are closing for now, Lehotay and Bland said it is their hope for their daughters, Chloe and Kristina, respectively, to someday resume the business. Bland said her daughter, Kristina, currently makes rosaries and flower arrangements for her friends, already continuing the work of her grandmother. Both of them live off-island, but their dream is to come back home and become the new Flowers by Tand generation, according to Lehotay. Its their dream to come back, but they are very much into their careers. They understand the value of this [and] carrying the legacy, Lehotay said. We are very, very hopeful one of our daughters will return and open up again Flowers by Tand. In the meantime, the sisters are excited to see one of the islands other floral shops fill the hole left by Flowers by Tand. We look forward to seeing another generation understand the value of supporting the island community, Lehotay said. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero permanently transferred longtime Office of Civil Defense Administrator Charles Esteves to the Department of Public Works, where he will manage capital improvement projects, starting with those related to Guam Memorial Hospital. The transfer from Civil Defense to DPW comes as Esteves appeals misdemeanor simple assault and destruction of property convictions in Washington, D.C. Esteves, also a lieutenant colonel in the Guam National Guard, has long headed the Civil Defense office. While at the office, he helped coordinate government response to major disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic, and Typhoon Mawar. Esteves in May 2025 also pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges in the Superior Court of Guam of certifying officer malfeasance and two counts of official misconduct, all with a special allegation of commission of a crime against the community. The case is scheduled to go to trial this May. Still an administrator The governor notified Speaker Frank Blas Jr. of Esteves permanent transfer in a letter dated Jan. 8, stating it was a strategic component of the ongoing stabilization efforts with the Guam Homeland Security-Office of Civil Defense. His transfer was effective that day, the letter stated. Esteves will continue working as an administrator at DPW, where he will oversee capital improvement projects, Adelup spokesperson John Ryan said in a statement Wednesday. This is not a new role for Charles. He is an experienced, qualified Administrator in the government of Guam, Ryan said. Ryan said that, according to DPW Director Vince Arriola, Esteves initial assignment will be administering capital improvement projects for the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority. Mr. Esteves experience and skills are in high demand across the entirety of the government of Guam, the spokesperson said. As a classified employee of the government, the former civil defense administrator cannot be fired at-will by the governor. Esteves role was previously an unclassified position serving under the governor, but the Leon Guerrero administration has stated his role was classified in a past administration. At the time of Esteves conviction in October, Adelup indicated his employment status would be handled through GovGuams merit system, in accordance with government personnel rules and due process. Asked Wednesday whether any disciplinary action had been taken or initiated since Esteves conviction, Adelup spokesperson Ryan said the governors office would have no comment, as it related to a personnel matter. Any public information related to personnel actions involving members of the governments classified service should be directed to the Civil Service Commission, Ryan said. Asked whether the transfer was in any way disciplinary, or related to the conviction, Ryan said, Personnel matters notwithstanding, the inference by question or statement that the Governor would use her legal authority to transfer a classified employee government employee as a disciplinary tool is ludicrous. Authority under budget act The governor transferred Esteves to DPW using authority granted to her through the fiscal year 2026 budget act, based on her Jan. 8 letter to the speaker. According to the budget act, Leon Guerrero can transfer employees in fiscal 2026 so long as their transfer does not result in a loss of pay or salary. Esteves was making $109,907 per year as of the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, staffing records show. The act states that no employee shall be transferred if they have filed a grievance for discrimination based on political affiliation, gender, or sexual harassment, unless that employee consents to the transfer, among other restrictions. Please be assured that GHS-OCD will continue to maintain a ready state of operations throughout this transition, the governor wrote in her Jan. 8 letter to the speaker. This move is designed to optimize leadership resources across the Executive Branch while ensuring that GHS-OCD remains fully capable of fulfilling its mission of emergency preparedness and response for the people of Guam. Cases The longtime Civil Defense administrator was convicted in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia last October, for charges connected to the March 2025 assault of a woman known to him in a Washington, D.C. hotel room. Esteves served 30 days of confinement for the conviction, is on probation for one year, must comply with court-ordered substance abuse and mental health assessments, and attend anger management classes. An appeal was filed in his case on Nov. 14, and remains active, D.C. court records show. In April 2025, Esteves was one of five current and former OCD employees indicted by the Office of the Attorney Generals government corruption division in the Superior Court of Guam. Esteves pleaded not guilty, and the trial is set for this May. Indictments came months after an Office of Public Accountability audit flagged about $2.8 million worth of overtime payments at the office as noncompliant with federal and local law. : : Voyage: Lavinia Meijer (harp), Amsterdam Sinfonietta: SONY Classical: 02/13/2014: Classical, Impressionist, Modern:Lavinia Meijer has released her new recording Voyage for Sony Classical. The recording includes works from French composers including the harp staples Introduction and Allegro, by Ravel, and Danses Sacree et Profane, by Debussy. On her website Meijer describes her voyage from the time of study to her current life as a concert artist: When I think back to my time of study, of course a few experiences stayed with me clearly, including moments of discovering new pieces and performing them. Amongst those moments are my encounters with Debussys Danses for harp and string orchestra and Ravels Introduction and Allegro. These two pieces have stayed with me, being the pearls of the harp repertoire. The disc also includes other works by Debussy as well as Satie and Tiersen.Read more about Lavinia Meijer at www.laviniameijer.com.:1. DebussyClair de Lune2. RavelIntroduction et Allegro3. SatieGymnopedie 14. TiersenComptine dun autre ete: lapres midi5. TiersenLa Valse des Monstres6. DebussyLa Fille aux cheveux de lin7. TiersenLa Valse dAmelie8. SatieGnossienne 19. SatieGnossienne 210. SatieGnossienne 311. SatieGnossienne 512. DebussyBruyeres13. DebussyDances for harp and orchestra: 1. Danse sacree14. DebussyDances for harp and orchestra: 2. Danse Profane15. TiersenSur le Fil The administration is right to examine whether certain components of the United Nations system have become duplicative or ineffective uses of taxpayer dollars. This action does not withdraw the United States from the United Nations but instead reflects a prioritization of those areas within the UN system that directly advance American interests. The memorandum focuses primarily on bureaucratic offices, trust funds, and non-core entities, not on U.S. strategic partnerships or peace and security operations. In fact, the United States withdrew from only one UN treaty-based body, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is not a peace or security organization. The administration is also ensuring that a limited number of U.S. diplomats assigned to the UN and other international bodies have the bandwidth to address urgent global challenges, including conflict prevention, crisis response, and security cooperation. While Guam does not receive direct funding from the organizations listed, my office will continue to monitor how these changes may affect the Pacific region. We will remain engaged with our partners to ensure continued cooperation in critical areas such as humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and maritime security, which are essential to Guam and our neighboring Pacific Island communities. Importantly, the memorandum itself makes clear that implementation must be consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations, meaning Congress retains its constitutional role in determining funding and oversight. We will continue to do our part to ensure that U.S. resources are directed toward organizations that are effective, accountable, and aligned with American interests. Every election season, candidates present their projects. Some promise safer streets, others talk about better education, better hospitals, or cleaner parks. The ideas sound appealing. But lets be honest: every agency, every department, every program operates on one thingfunding. Without money, ideas remain just words on paper. Heres the truth that too many politicians avoid: its not just that funds are limited. Its that corruption is draining the very resources our people need. Money meant for classrooms, clinics, and public safety is being wasted, mismanaged, or (and I dare say it) pocketed. Thats why our agencies are starved. Think about it: the Guam Department of Education struggles to buy textbooks. Public Health cant keep up with basic supplies. Public Safety is short on officers and equipment. When funds are misused, stolen, or redirected to benefit insiders, the people lose. Every department shares the same frustration. Theyre competing for slices of a pie thats already too small. And then corruption takes another bite. Thats why our streets arent safer, our hospitals arent stronger, and our schools arent better equipped. The common denominator isnt just fundingits corruption choking off the funding. Ill avoid discussing infrastructure or education funding since many candidates are already covering those topics. Instead, lets focus on the money lost to corruption. If we fix the corruption problem, more money flows back to those government agencies and departments, and to the people, making it possible for the promises candidates make to come to fruition. By rooting out waste and abuse, we empower our institutions to deliver real improvements instead of just campaign talking points. And lets be specific: frivolous spending, unauthorized spending, unauthorized overtime, no caps on travel allowances, padded contracts, and government credit cards being used like ATMs. These arent minor mistakestheyre deliberate abuses that rob the people of Guam. Every time a government official treats public money like a personal cash machine, our families pay the price. We cant keep pretending this is just about budgets. Its about discipline. Its about accountability. Corruption must be tackled head on. And heres how we fight back: by supporting the public auditors office, or the Office of Public Accountability, OPA, with the tools it needs to succeed. Imagine audits powered by artificial intelligencesoftware that can scan contracts, track spending, and flag suspicious activity faster than any human team could. With AI, OPA can shine a brighter light on waste, expose fraud in real time, and make sure corruption has nowhere to hide. Agencies dont need more promises. They need leaders who will stop the leaks, demand transparency, and make sure every dollar goes where its supposed to, and we can empower the OPA to submit findings to the Office of the Attorney General for action (criminal prosecution). By establishing this direct line of accountability, we ensure that wrongdoing is not only identified but properly addressed, creating real consequences for abuse and inspiring greater public trust in our institutions. In fact, there are plenty of talented IT technicians within our government workforce who could be tasked with creating an Anti-Corruption AI Task Force. By leveraging their skills, we can build advanced systems that proactively detect, report, and help eliminate corruption across all departments. Empowering our own experts ensures that technological solutions are tailored to the unique challenges we face, making the fight against waste and abuse even more effective. Points to Ponder (2015 to 2025) 2015. Public Corruption Perception Study. University of Guam survey revealed widespread distrust in government due to repeated corruption scandals. 2019. Guam Corruption Report. Residents identified corruption as one of the biggest barriers to accountability and growth. 2020-2021. Pandemic relief fraud. Federal investigations uncovered misuse of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, PUA, program funds, with defendants facing charges for fraudulent claims. 2023. Multiple indictments. At least seven officials, including mayors and agency heads, were indicted for misuse of government funds and falsifying records. 2023. Guam Visitors Bureau scandal. Allegations of secret meetings, favored contracts, and corruption tied to corporate influence on the tourism board. 2024. Procurement fraud cases. Investigations into unauthorized spending and padded overtime in several GovGuam agencies. 2025. The governors office and 20 agencies investigated. Attorney General Douglas Moylan launched criminal and civil probes into 21 agencies, including the governors office, for misuse of funds. Funding is the lifeblood of every agency. Corruption is the disease that drains it. The cure is accountabilityand with OPA armed with artificial intelligence, we will have the power to fight back. Guams future depends on whether we have the intestinal fortitude to face that truth and act on it. If we want safer communities, stronger schools, and better services, we must demand accountability and vote for leaders who will fight corruption. Haiti - FLASH : Royal Caribbean will not call at Haiti in 2026 Royal Caribbean International ships, the only cruise line serving Haiti, will not call at Labadee, the company's private destination, until at least the end of 2026. "Out of an abundance of caution,we have extended our pause to Labadee through December 2026," Royal Caribbean Group, its parent company, said in a statement. The company had already suspended its calls to Haiti until April 2026 due to the ongoing violence. https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-45722-icihaiti-labadee-haiti-deprived-of-cruise-passengers-until-april-2026.html The company's last call at Labadee was in the first quarter of 2025, following a suspension of visits the previous year. Royal Caribbean ships have not called at Labadee as part of a scheduled itinerary since April 2025. The cruise line had also suspended its visits to the island in 2024. Last fall, Royal Caribbean announced its intention to suspend its cruises to Haiti until the end of April 2026. Todays announcement significantly extends this period. This decision comes as Haiti is classified as a red zone (level 4) by the U.S. State Department, a "Level 4 Do Not Travel" destination, due to kidnappings, crime, civil unrest, and limited access to healthcare. The cruise line previously explained that its decision not to call at Labadee was aimed at ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew, according to the Royal Caribbean blog. The leased land around Labadee allows Royal Caribbean passengers to enjoy a multitude of activities on five private beaches nestled between the sea and the mountains. It also features an 800-meter zipline, water slides, jet skis, private cabanas, and much more. The resort has its own private security team. The cruise line has provided travel agencies with a list of alternative ports of call to Labadee. These options include Nassau (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks and Caicos Islands), and Cozumel (Mexico). See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46000-haiti-tourism-celebrity-cruises-suspends-its-stops-in-haiti-until-2026.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-45722-icihaiti-labadee-haiti-deprived-of-cruise-passengers-until-april-2026.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Inauguration : 58 million Euros for the Hinche/Saint-Raphael section of the RN3 On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Laurent Saint Cyr, President pro tempore and Coordinator of the Transition Council, accompanied by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, officially inaugurated the Hinche/Saint-Raphael section of National Route #3 (RN3) and the Hinche bypass in the North department. This project was financed by the European Union and the French Development Agency (AFD) to the tune of over 58 million (58,139,660.11). This inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of members of the Transitional Council, Raphael Hosty, Minister of Public Works, Charles Jean Jacques, National Authorizing Officer of the European Development Fund, the Mayor of Saint-Raphael, the Departmental Delegate for the North, the Director General of Public Works, Helene Roos, Ambassador of the European Union to Haiti, Antoine Michon, Ambassador of France, Marco Antonio Penin Toledano, Ambassador of Spain, as well as representatives of Vorbe & Fils Construction S.A., the company responsible for carrying out the work. The inauguration concerns the rehabilitation of the Hinche-Saint-Raphael section of National Road 3 (RN3), with a total length of 43.27 kilometers and a road width of 7 meters. This strategic infrastructure strengthens connectivity between the Central Plateau and the North of the country, while significantly improving the mobility of people and goods. Through this major project, the authorities reaffirm their political will to make road infrastructure a central driver of economic recovery, territorial integration, and national cohesion. On the diplomatic front, the Haitian government expressed its profound gratitude to the European Union and the French Development Agency (AFD), strategic partners of Haiti, as well as to friendly nations committed to supporting the country. HL/ S/ HaitiLibre Xiplomacy: How Xi's letter encourages American youth to deepen China-U.S. friendship Xinhua) 08:07, January 14, 2026 Teenagers from China and the United States sing during a performance at China National Opera House in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Lu Ye) BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has replied to a letter from a U.S. youth education exchange delegation, in which he encouraged more young Americans to serve as a new generation of envoys in the China-U.S. friendship. After visiting Chinese cities in October last year, members of the delegation wrote to Xi to express their gratitude, saying the trip has helped them gain a better understanding of China. The visit by the U.S. delegation is a part of the "50,000 in Five Years" initiative proposed by President Xi, which aims to bring 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs over a five-year period. U.S. delegation members, as well as long-time American participants in bilateral people-to-people exchanges, have said that fostering friendly exchanges and cooperation is the shared aspiration of the people of both China and the United States. A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF CHINA "My first reaction was one of deep surprise, gratitude, and honor. While we wrote with sincerity and respect, we did not expect to receive a personal reply," said Milinda Sylvain, principal of Diamond Minds Transformational Leadership Academy, in Miami, Florida. Sylvain's school was one of several U.S. institutions represented in the youth education exchange delegation to China. In the letter to Xi, the delegation members reflected on their visit, during which they experienced the country's blend of culture, education, technological innovation and warm personal interactions. "From our October trip, we learned that China is far more dynamic, welcoming and diverse than many of our students had imagined," said the principal. Members of a delegation of high school students from the U.S. state of Washington practice Tai Chi, one of the traditional cultural classics, on Wudang Mountain, a sanctuary for the Taoism martial art, in central China's Hubei Province, March 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) In his reply, Xi said he was pleased to learn that the teachers and students had a pleasant and rewarding journey in China, and felt their strong interest and sincere feelings for Chinese culture, noting that the hope of China-U.S. relations lies in the people, and its future relies on the youth. Sylvain noted that Xi's letter conveyed a clear and powerful message: that youth exchange matters, that people-to-people connection is valued at the highest level, and that the students' experiences and voices were truly heard. Fredline Dorvil, a program director at the academy, said Xi's letter reinforces the importance of youth exchange. "We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity -- and we can't wait to keep building on this work, reaching more students, and creating even stronger connections in the future." Abella, a junior student, said, "This exchange has inspired me to keep learning about China and to encourage more young people around me to explore the world with open minds." Nayah, another student, said the experience deepened her respect for Chinese culture and motivated her to continue learning, connecting with others, and serving as a bridge between the two countries. A FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE Since Xi proposed this initiative during his visit to San Francisco back in late 2023, more than 40,000 American youth have participated in the program. As Xi said in his reply, the initiative is building a bridge to carry forward the friendship between the two peoples. In their letter to Xi, the delegation members also recalled their visit to a local senior high school in China's eastern Jiangsu province. They said that their most unforgettable activity there was working with Chinese students to build a Luban bridge using ancient Chinese woodworking techniques. While building the model bridge with their Chinese partners, the U.S. students "not only learned scientific concepts, but also built a symbolic bridge of friendship and mutual understanding," read the letter. "Supporting each other makes the structure stable. This small Luban bridge is a symbol of friendship between Chinese and American youth," said Feng Chunxi, a student from the high school. Following the exchange, the two schools established a sister-school partnership and planned for future exchanges, including teacher and student visits, joint curriculum development, and shared learning projects. U.S. college students pose for photos in Peking Opera costumes in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 30, 2024. (Photo by Chen Qibao/Xinhua) That 80 percent of the five-year goal of 50,000 Americans studying in China has already been reached speaks to the strong desire among youth to understand China, said Sylvain. Xi's reply letter "is a wonderful letter to the people of Miami and all Americans," said Gary Dvorchak, executive director of the Sino-U.S. Friendship House in Muscatine, Iowa, who has long been involved in promoting people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and actively supporting youth programs. The "50,000 in Five Years" initiative has been highly successful, Dvorchak said, crediting both the merit of the idea itself and the efforts of the many people who helped bring it to life. "Americans and Chinese have shared aspirations for a better life, a good education for their children, and health and prosperity," he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) - " "! , ! , , . Joseph Martin Conway "Joe" was born the "5th month, 6th day, of 47" (as he would say) to Raymond and Anna (Schlitz) Conway at their farm home by O'Neill, Nebraska. He was the eldest of four children including Eugene "Gene", Theresa, and Albert "Bert" Conway. Joe attended country school through eighth grade and graduated from St. Mary's High School/O'Neill in 1966. After Joe's service years, he traveled to Minot, ND and later settled for a time in Wolf Point, MT, working on the oil rigs in those locations. He enjoyed rodeo action in Wolf Point and met participants and some of the show clowns (early days of Moe Bandy prior to his western music career). Joe met Linda Pearson after moving to Glasgow in 1971. They became friends and "soulmates" and started dating, then later married June 16, 1973. The couple had no children but shared their home with their pet dachshunds for more than thirty-five years. These dogs had been a favorite of Linda's since her early childhood and Joe loved dogs and animals very much. Glasgow was home to the couple for eighteen years before moving to Havre in 1991 to follow Linda's cable position there. Joe worked over the years on building construction (the Lutheran Church/Glasgow), road construction in Glasgow and other areas in Montana, he worked on the pipeline river crossing by Sidney, and his most favored being the Northern Border Pipeline construction job north of Glasgow. He enjoyed telling stories about crew members that he had worked with over the years. Joe was also a proud and faithful member of the Long Run fire department in Glasgow, doing volunteer service with the Valley County crew for several years. After moving to Havre, Joe worked in the warehouse at Schwan's Foods and performed custodial work at Bullhook Community Health Center. Joe was very much a people person. In Glasgow, he enjoyed league bowling at El Cor Del Lanes with fun-loving friends that always cheered on their competing teams. He liked Halloween "dress up" among adults completely disguised. They visited with patrons out for the evening who wondered just who they were talking to, which made the charade even more fun. Joe's favorite role at holiday time was playing Santa to the school age kids when asked and dropping by (in Santa suit) to visit with friends and wish them a "Merry Christmas" on the 24th also. In Havre, he usually visited senior friends at holiday with Christmas greetings and a sweet treat. Joe never forgot his Irish heritage either, and enjoyed corned beef and cabbage dinners, and of course, he would wear his green tee shirt showing "Life's Too Short Not To Be Irish." He wanted to carry on the tradition that he grew up with, from his old hometown of O'Neill known as "the Irish capital" of Nebraska. Havre friends included Joe in their coffee group downtown, and he was happy to oblige. He blended in well with the elder gentlemen who enjoyed his jokes and stories recalled from years past just as much as he liked hearing about their experiences. After 2021, both Joe and Linda recovered from the covid epidemic, but some new health issues had started to take place with Joe by year's end 2022. He was starting to have more mobility issues requiring a walker in 2023, as well as memory issues. His health was declining and at the end of May 2025, he unknowingly had a heart attack and later learned also an embolic stroke. Following these attacks, Joe required help to use his walker and would make limited conversation with us. The last two months of his life were spent in hospital between Great Falls and Havre, with a brief time at home, attended by home health care. At age 78, Joe passed away at Northern Montana Hospital in Havre on August 7, 2025, after a couple of days in hospice care. Joe was very ready to leave his life here on earth, as he shared with those around him. Joe and Linda were married for 52 years. He was very loved by family and friends and is very much missed, but we are thankful that he is at peace now. Our faith teaches us that "though the chain is broken and nothing seems the same, that as God calls us one by one", we will reunite with Joe and our loved ones who have already passed into everlasting life in heaven our true home. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond "Ray" and Anna "Ann" Conway; brother, Gene Conway; sister, Theresa (Conway) Nielsen; grandparents, Martin & Bertha Conway, and Joseph & Kathryn Schiltz; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Joe is survived by his wife, Linda; brother, Albert (Carol) Conway; and several Nephews and Nieces; and Great-Nephews and -Nieces, all children and families of Gene, Theresa, and Albert Conway. Also surviving include nephew, Kelly (Gina) Nelson, niece, Heather (Randy) Begger, great-nieces, Kelsey & Josie Begger, and nephew, Brian (Barbara) Nelson, all families of sister-in-law, Sandy Nelson (who passed away on 5/1/2025). Also very dear to Joe was his mother-in-law, Evelyn Pearson, who passed away in September 1999. A memorial service for Joe will be set at a future date. (HedgeCo.Net) In a strategic pivot toward private market solutions for wealthy individuals, Coutts the legendary UK private bank is reportedly in discussions with Apollo Global Management and Ares Management to launch private markets investment funds for its elite client base. A New Frontier: Private Markets for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Investors Coutts talks with the US private capital giants reflect a broader trend: bringing traditionally institutional private market strategies to ultra-affluent individuals. These discussions signal a material shift in wealth management, where bespoke, evergreen private vehicles not just listed funds are gaining traction. The proposed offerings include: Evergreen private equity funds with flexible subscriptions and redemptions. with flexible subscriptions and redemptions. Direct lending and private debt strategies delivered via Ares expertise. These offerings differ significantly from closed-end private funds that dominate institutional allocations, which lock up capital for years and rely on scheduled distributions. Why This Matters Coutts long associated with tailored investment solutions is embracing private markets as a core wealth strategy rather than a niche allocation. Several drivers are fueling this shift: Ultra-high-net-worth investors seeking higher returns than public markets. than public markets. A desire for diversification away from traditional equities and bonds . . The rise of client demand for alternatives as a generational wealth transfer tool. By arranging structures that are more liquid than traditional private funds, the bank may provide wealthy clients enhanced flexibility without sacrificing the alpha potential common in private strategies. Industry Context This movement is consistent with 2026 projections showing alternatives becoming mainstream within wealth channels. In the past, private markets were limited almost exclusively to pensions, sovereign funds, and endowments but evolving markets and product innovation are reshaping access. However, challenges remain around: Valuation transparency Liquidity terms Fee structures relative to performance benchmarks Critics argue that increased retail access can heighten risks if liquidity mismatches and performance expectations are not properly managed. Whats Driving the Shift Three macro trends underpin this shift: Retail demand for yield and diversification Regulatory developments encouraging broader access Technological platforms enabling fractionalization of private assets Coutts initiative dovetails with a broader industry push to democratize private capital while balancing transparency and investor protections. Outlook for Wealth Channels If successful, these offerings could: Create equity-like return pathways for individual clients. for individual clients. Encourage other private banks and wealth platforms to follow suit. Spur innovation in private market vehicles with better liquidity features. Bottom Line: Coutts talks with Apollo and Ares are not just product news they are emblematic of private markets moving beyond institutional walls into wealth managements core strategies. (HedgeCo.Net) In what many industry insiders are calling a defining early moment for the future of digital assets, major cryptocurrency firms are responding to shifting regulatory landscapes, strategic capital raises, and evolving market dynamics. Todays headlines reflect a crypto ecosystem balancing institutional expansion, regulatory pressures, and product innovation signaling that 2026 may be the year the industry transitions from speculative growth to regulated global finance integration. A key catalyst moving markets and corporate strategies this week was the introduction of a comprehensive crypto regulatory bill by U.S. senators on January 13, 2026. The draft legislation known as the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act aims to definitively resolve whether digital tokens are securities, commodities, or something else, and clarify oversight roles among regulators. It would assign primary jurisdiction over spot crypto markets to the CFTC, a long-sought outcome for many industry leaders. Markets reacted positively: Bitcoin climbed above $92,000, Ethereum and XRP also gained, and trading volumes ticked higher as traders priced in potential long-term regulatory stability. For major crypto firms, regulatory clarity is more than just market headwind relief its now a strategic inflection point: Exchanges can plan product rollouts such as spot derivatives, yield products, and tokenized securities trading with less legal ambiguity . . Stablecoin issuers would operate under clearer capital reserve rules and compliance standards. Custodial wallets, DeFi platforms, and broker-dealers can structure services with defined oversight rather than ongoing litigation risk. While the bill still faces political hurdles and may not sail through before mid-term elections, its emergence marks a major shift from reactive enforcement to proactive legislative engagement a trend many CEOs and boards have factored into strategic plans for 2026. Crypto Firms Respond to Regulation Licensing and Compliance Prioritized Regulation isnt just taking shape in Washington Europe is moving aggressively, and firms are scrambling to adapt globally. In France, the financial regulator AMF warned that about one-third of crypto firms are not yet compliant with the EUs Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, which requires licensing by mid-2026 to operate across the bloc. For major players like Coinbase, Circle, Binance, and Revolut, this doesnt come as a surprise these firms have already secured MiCA authorizations. But for mid-tier exchanges and service providers, the licensing deadline is acting as both a motivator and a deadline: firms are accelerating applications or, in some cases, preparing exit or wind-down plans where compliance may not be viable. Across Asia, regulators are also tightening controls. Indias Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) recently rolled out live selfie verification and geo-tagging requirements for crypto onboarding measures that drastically raise Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) expectations. These shifts are forcing major firms to beef up compliance teams, internal controls, transaction monitoring systems, and global licensing strategies. Crypto firms that once competed primarily on fee structures and token listings now judge success by regulatory reach and compliance robustness. While regulations shape frameworks, capital continues to flow into innovative crypto firms especially those bridging payments, financial infrastructure, and regulated stablecoins. Rain, a Middle East-focused stablecoin platform, announced a $250 million Series C round led by ICONIQ, lifting its valuation to nearly $2 billion. Rains growth which includes 30-fold increases in active card usage and a 38-fold jump in annualized payment volume exemplifies how firms are pivoting from speculative trading services toward real-world digital payments and enterprise blockchain solutions. Investors are betting that compliance-ready, utility-driven products will attract both retail and institutional users. Similarly, IPO anticipation is shaping strategies at other firms. BitGo is widely tracked on Wall Street as one of the most anticipated crypto-related public offerings in 2026. Although specific IPO dates are not yet confirmed, the firms anticipated NYSE debut highlights the industrys push to blend regulated financial services with classic capital markets access. These capital markets developments are reshaping how crypto firms structure themselves with stronger governance, audited financials, and board oversight that resembles traditional fintech and banking models. Crypto Meets Banking: Trust Charters and Financial Integration Another major trend reshaping strategy among large firms is the pursuit of trust and banking licences which would allow crypto firms to offer services more akin to traditional financial institutions. In a high-profile example, World Liberty Financial backed by the Trump family applied for a U.S. national banking charter that would allow the issuance of its stablecoin under federal oversight. This move mirrors recent preliminary approvals granted to firms like Ripple and Circle, which were cleared to establish national trust banks a huge step toward crypto-native financial infrastructure integrated into the mainstream banking system. Securing these licences would enable crypto firms to offer: Crypto custody under federal charter protections Stablecoin issuance and redemption with regulatory oversight Payments and possibly lending services that bridge fiat and digital asset ecosystems These moves arent without controversy: lawmakers and regulators continue to debate oversight boundaries between banking regulators and financial markets agencies. But the momentum toward regulated banking status for digital asset firms is unmistakable. Meanwhile, in financial markets, traders are responding to regulatory optimism and macro catalysts. Bitcoin and major altcoins rose on January 14, driven by anticipation of regulatory clarity and improving economic indicators. Sentiment among institutional buyers appears to be firming up, particularly on price dips a sign that markets may be stabilizing after the volatility of 2025. One key dynamic for firms such as Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, and FTX affiliates is that exchange revenues and trading volumes are highly correlated with market confidence and regulatory certainty. As such, firms are increasingly positioning trading products and futures instruments to capture both spot and derivatives liquidity. Some exchanges are also testing new trading incentives and token rewards based on upcoming U.S. market structure language that would allow paid transaction rewards on stablecoins but restrict wallet-holding incentives. These product designs could redefine exchange offerings and user retention strategies in 2026. Security and Compliance: Hacks Still a Concern Despite all the progress, security risks remain a core vulnerability. High-profile hacks continue to challenge firms reputations and capital integrity a reminder that infrastructure security must evolve as fast as innovation does. Major firms from custodial wallets to decentralized finance platforms are investing in: Multi-party computation (MPC) security Formal verification and smart contract audits Cross-chain risk management Real-time market surveillance Establishing industry-wide threat intelligence sharing and coordinated defense frameworks is now a competitive priority, not merely a compliance checkbox. Industry Outlook: What Crypto Firms Are Preparing Next Looking ahead, several themes are shaping strategies among major crypto firms: 1. Regulatory Preparedness as Competitive Advantage Companies that secure licences early whether under U.S. federal law, MiCA in Europe, or national frameworks in Asia will gain first-mover positioning for institutional capital and large-scale adoption. 2. Banking Integration and Stablecoin Leadership Crypto firms are striving to operate with banking-like services, which could dramatically broaden use cases for stablecoins and digital wallets, especially in corporate treasury and cross-border payment flows. 3. Institutional Capital Inflows With clearer rules, firms are launching products and capital raises (including IPOs) that appeal to traditional and institutional investors bringing traditional finance liquidity into the digital-asset ecosystem. 4. Security and Compliance Engineering Robust cybersecurity and AML/KYC compliance are fundamental measured not only by regulatory outcomes but also by investor confidence and enterprise adoption. 5. Product Innovation Amid Macro Trends From decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms to tokenized real-world assets (RWA), crypto firms are expanding beyond exchange and payment rails into broader financial infrastructure services. The Starbucks cafe inside the Academic Bookstore building in central Helsinki will close by the end of March 2026, following the expiry of its lease agreement. The closure marks the end of a 13-year presence at the high-profile corner of Pohjoisesplanadi and Keskuskatu. Operated under franchise by SSP Finland, the cafe opened in 2013 in the building known as Kirjatalo, designed by architect Alvar Aalto. The structure remains home to the Academic Bookstore. The cafes closure will leave three Starbucks outlets in operation nationwide. In a message shared on his Instagram account, Merinen said he stands 100 percent behind his previous comments aired in the Yle documentary Vallan algoritmi (Powers algorithm). In the programme, Merinen described having been approached confidentially by individuals working in the Finnish Parliament who alleged mistreatment by their superiors. Social Democratic Party MP Ville Merinen has repeated allegations of serious misconduct against parliamentary aides, including abuse and harassment, claiming the problem is widespread across Finnish political parties. He listed forms of misconduct including physical, sexual and psychological violence, bullying and harassment. Think about a situation where youre fully protected, and if the employee doesnt please you, you can just say: replace them. They cant speak out, Merinen said in the documentary. He added that he would not publicly identify any individuals involved due to the trust placed in him, referring to his background in therapy as a reason why affected parties had confided in him. Merinens remarks have triggered internal pressure within the SDP. On Wednesday, he demanded an extraordinary meeting of the partys parliamentary group to address what he referred to as a massive issue that was larger than expected. According to Ilta-Sanomat, Merinen proposed that the meeting should be led by someone more neutral than the current leadership. Group chair Tytti Tuppurainen declined the request, telling Yle that no extraordinary meeting would be convened due to the lack of official harassment reports and the absence of identifiable cases. Speaking to Helsingin Sanomat, Tuppurainen confirmed that she had spoken to Merinen and was convinced of the seriousness of the issue, calling the situation grim. There are many cases, some of them very serious, she said, adding that the phenomenon extended beyond the SDP and affected the Parliament more broadly. The matter has revealed a divide in how allegations should be handled. Tuppurainen stressed that the group had established procedures for addressing inappropriate behaviour, including a reporting system managed by the groups secretary general. She also urged anyone who had experienced harassment to file a formal complaint. The problem is made more difficult by the fact that these are anonymous cases, which are hard to investigate, she said. Rami Lindstrom, secretary general of the SDP parliamentary group, told Ilta-Sanomat that no formal harassment reports had been submitted during his 18-month tenure. He confirmed that recent internal surveys had uncovered a small number of cases of inappropriate conduct but stated that they did not match the severity described by Merinen. The Parliaments Speaker Jussi Halla-aho denied knowledge of such issues. Speaking to Yle, he said he did not recognise the situation Merinen described. Merinen has previously made strange claims about the parliamentary work environment that no one else here seems to recognise, Halla-aho said. Tuppurainen stressed that any future meeting of the group would require a clear agenda and actionable items. As long as there are no formal harassment reports that allow us to identify incidents, individuals and consequences, the matter is difficult to handle, she said. HT Adlercreutz told Helsingin Sanomat that S2 and R2 teaching, referring to Finnish or Swedish as a second language, should primarily serve first-generation immigrants. He said the current system has allowed some pupils to remain in second-language tracks even when their skills would support a move into mainstream language teaching. Education minister Anders Adlercreutz has said that children born in Finland should not be placed in Finnish- or Swedish-as-a-second-language teaching, as the government prepares changes to national language education policy. There has been concern that pupils stay in that instruction even when they could progress to the regular curriculum, Adlercreutz said. That is not in the best interests of children and young people. Under the planned reform, the national curriculum will set clearer criteria for who qualifies for S2 and R2 instruction. It will also establish defined proficiency levels at which pupils are expected to transfer into standard Finnish or Swedish language classes. The stated goal is that second-language teaching acts as a transitional stage rather than a long-term placement. Adlercreutz said S2 and R2 were not intended for children who were born in Finland and who have attended Finnish early childhood education. He acknowledged that some Finland-born children still lack sufficient language skills to take part in mainstream mother tongue instruction, but said the policy aim is to reduce such cases. According to official figures, participation in early childhood education remains lower among children from foreign-language backgrounds. In Helsinki, 83.5 percent of all children attended early childhood education in 2023, compared with 77.7 percent of children from non-Finnish-speaking families. Adlercreutz said increasing participation in early childhood education plays a central role in improving language skills before school age. He said attitudes and awareness should be addressed through services such as maternity and child health clinics. The government has also introduced other changes aimed at strengthening language learning among pupils with immigrant backgrounds. Preparatory education for newly arrived pupils has been extended so that students can now remain in preparatory classes for up to two years, instead of the previous one-year limit. Preparatory education targets pupils whose language skills are not yet sufficient for full participation in basic education. In addition, a reformed system of learning support entered into force last year. It includes a new form of group-based assistance known as instructional language support. This support focuses on subject-specific vocabulary and language skills needed to follow classroom teaching. The reforms are expected to redefine how schools assess language needs and how long pupils remain in second-language instruction. The education ministry has said the goal is to ensure that language teaching supports integration into mainstream education rather than limiting pupils future academic paths. HT The meeting brought together Danish foreign minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen , Greenlandic foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt , US vice-president J. D. Vance and US secretary of state Marco Rubio . The talks were held behind closed doors in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and lasted close to an hour. Denmark and Greenland have agreed with the United States to establish a joint working group on Greenland after high-level talks in Washington failed to change the US position on the Arctic territory. The discussions followed pressure from US president Donald Trump, who has repeatedly demanded that Greenland be transferred to US control. Trump has argued that the United States needs Greenland for national security reasons and has said that Nato should lead a process that would result in the territory passing to Washington. Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected those demands. Greenlands prime minister JensFrederik Nielsen said on Tuesday that Greenland does not want to be owned, governed by, or become part of the United States and would choose to remain part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Speaking after the meeting, Rasmussen described the talks as direct and constructive but acknowledged deep disagreements. We had a straightforward and constructive discussion about how Greenlands security can be ensured, but we also have fundamental differences with the American side, Rasmussen said at a press conference at Denmarks embassy in Washington. He said Denmark and Greenland were unable to change the US position during the meeting. Despite that, the sides agreed to continue dialogue through a high-level working group that will convene within the next few weeks. There is still a core disagreement, Rasmussen said. But we agreed that it makes sense to sit down together and examine what is possible, while respecting Denmarks red lines. Motzfeldt said Greenland wants closer cooperation with the United States, but rejected any suggestion of a change in sovereignty. It is important for us to strengthen cooperation with the United States, she said. But that does not mean that we want to be owned by the United States. She added that Greenlands future must be decided by Greenlanders and stressed that cooperation should be based on respect. Rasmussen also pushed back against claims made by Trump about security threats in the region. He said there was no Chinese military presence in or around Greenland and described assertions of Chinese warships operating in the area as false. He added that Russia did not pose an immediate threat to Greenland. Greenland is part of Denmark and, through that, part of Nato, Rasmussen said. The United States already has military access in Greenland and can always request an increased presence. While no joint statement was issued, Danish officials briefed local media shortly after the meeting that the atmosphere had been calmer than expected. Danish broadcaster DR reported that members of the Danish delegation appeared relieved and viewed the talks as having gone well. Images published by Danish media showed Rasmussen leaving the meeting venue in an upbeat mood, briefly exchanging a fist bump with Denmarks ambassador to the United States, Jesper Mller Srensen, before speaking to reporters. During the meeting, the White House posted an image on its official X account depicting a Greenlandic dog sled at a crossroads, with one path leading towards the United States and another towards Russia and China. Denmark was not represented in the image. Earlier on Wednesday, Denmark announced it was expanding its military presence in and around Greenland and had asked Nato allies for support. Sweden and Norway confirmed they would send military personnel to Greenland, and Germany later said it would also deploy soldiers to the area. Danish defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the increased presence was necessary in an unpredictable security environment and stressed that Danish forces would defend the Kingdom of Denmark if attacked. The Greenland talks have drawn concern across Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron warned of serious consequences if the United States attempted to take control of the territory. France has also announced plans to open a consulate in Greenland. HT BRCC announces hiring of workforce development chief Monica Carpenter Related Stories Monica Carpenter is the new vice president of economic and workforce development/continuing education at Blue Ridge Community College, the college announced. In this role, Carpenter will lead workforce and continuing education programs and initiatives that support regional employers, expand access to career-focused training, and advance economic growth across the Colleges service area and region. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Carpenter to the executive leadership team at Blue Ridge Community College, said BRCC President Laura B. Leatherwood. Her extensive experience in higher education leadership and workforce development will support our efforts to strengthen industry partnerships, expand workforce training opportunities, and meet the evolving needs of our region. Carpenter brings more than two decades of community college leadership experience to her new role at Blue Ridge. She has served at Mayland Community College since 2008, most recently as associate vice president of workforce development and continuing education, as well as the dean of the Yancey Learning Center. She also previously served as Maylands director of enrollment management and held other education leadership roles through Vance County Public Schools and Western Piedmont Community College. I am excited to join Blue Ridge Community College at a time when workforce and economic development are more critical than ever, she said. Together with our campus and community partners, I look forward to strengthening the pathways that connect learners to meaningful careers and support sustainable economic growth throughout the region. A product of North Carolina's community college system, Carpenter began her own educational journey at Mayland Community College, earning an Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration. She went on to earn a bachelors degree in business administration from Gardner-Webb University, a masters degree in two-year college administration, and a Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership from Western Carolina University. THAMES Valley Police has released CCTV images of a man officers want to speak to in connection with an assault investigation in Henley. The victim, a man aged in his 50s, suffered a black eye and an injured finger after he intervened and stood up for another member of the public involved in a disagreement. The Good Samaritan asked the man to leave the other person alone but was turned on and attacked. Police said the assault took place between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Friday, November 14. Investigating officer PC Selkirk said: This incident has occurred when a man intervened in a disagreement, before he was turned on and assaulted. I am releasing this image of a man who I believe may have vital information that could assist this investigation. If this person is you, or you recognise who he is, I would ask you to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police, either by making a report online or by calling us on 101, quoting reference 43250583149. Witnesses can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. News / National by Staff reporter Teachers' unions have renewed pressure on the government for a salary review, threatening to disrupt the start of the first school term as classes resumed yesterday.The renewed pay dispute underscores long-standing tensions between educators and the government over remuneration, working conditions and the long-term sustainability of Zimbabwe's education system. Thousands of learners could be affected if the impasse is not resolved quickly.However, the government has dismissed the latest demands, insisting that schools are ready to operate normally.Primary and Secondary Education ministry director of communications and advocacy Taungana Ndoro said the government remained focused on ensuring an uninterrupted start to the 2026 academic year."The ministry's focus remains on its core mandate, which is the uninterrupted delivery of quality education. All preparations for the 2026 school year are on course," Ndoro told NewsDay."Learning materials are being distributed, infrastructure is ready and our schools are prepared to receive learners. We expect all teachers to report for duty as scheduled, in fulfilment of their professional obligation to the nation's children. Remuneration issues are addressed through appropriate separate channels."The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) has formally requested a salary review and declared teachers incapacitated ahead of the new school year.In a letter dated January 12, 2026, addressed to Primary and Secondary Education minister Torerai Moyo and copied to the Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion minister and the Public Service Commission, Artuz secretary-general Robson Chere said teachers could no longer cope under current pay levels."We write to remind you on behalf of our members demanding an urgent review of salaries for teachers and to remind you that teachers remain incapacitated to report for duty," Chere said.Artuz said its assessment of teachers' living and working conditions showed that a minimum salary of US$1 260 was needed to align with the poverty datum line and basic household requirements."This will enable teachers to afford a living standard that upholds human dignity," Chere said, adding that the union was concerned by the government's failure to address what it described as persistent underpayment.The union also called for a US$200 hardship allowance to be paid at the start of every term to enable teachers to report for duty, and urged the government to engage in genuine collective bargaining to ensure a well-funded education system."As schools open, we are worried that teachers will fail to report for duty because of financial incapacitation. The government should find a permanent solution to this perennial crisis," Chere said.Meanwhile, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou said the government must take teachers' concerns seriously, warning that continued neglect would further marginalise the profession."Teachers are tired of so many people attacking them for doing so much, with so little," Zhou said.He urged unity among teachers' unions and civil servants, arguing that collective action was necessary to push for improved salaries and working conditions."While engagement is the first pursuit, industrial action must also be considered as part of the pursuit of engagement," Zhou said.He added that a professional group unwilling to fight for its legitimate rights would never be taken seriously, calling on teachers to organise and mobilise in defence of their welfare. News / National by Staff reporter A Harare man has appeared in court facing allegations of money laundering involving US$32 000.Ragayi Chipanga, who is represented by lawyer Moffat Makuvatseni, was remanded in custody to today for bail consideration by Harare magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka.Prosecutors told the court that Chipanga was allegedly living lavishly, acquiring several assets and developing his rural home in Village A, Nyahukwe area, Rusape, Manicaland. The State further alleged that he hosted an extravagant wedding at his residence, raising suspicions over the source of his wealth.According to the State, police officers raided Chipanga's home, where they arrested him and seized a Honda Vezel, a Toyota Probox and US$1 700 in cash.When questioned, Chipanga reportedly claimed that the assets were acquired through proceeds from gold prospecting in Bindura. However, the prosecution alleges that he failed to produce the required legal documentation to support his claims.The seized vehicles and cash were subsequently confiscated as suspected proceeds of crime.Chipanga remains in custody pending the court's determination on his bail application. News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa has launched a series of empowerment initiatives aimed at war veterans, vendors, and rural communities, even as efforts to extend his second and final term to 2030 gain traction. However, mounting concerns suggest that these programmes are being implemented with minimal oversight, creating opportunities for abuse, mismanagement, and large-scale looting.One of the flagship initiatives, the War Veterans Mechanisation Programme, promised to deliver 3,000 tractors to liberation war veterans. Yet by December 2025, provinces such as Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, and Bulawayo had received far fewer tractors than allocated. Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association national chairperson Cephas Ncube revealed that "Matabeleland North received five tractors, Matabeleland South five tractors and Bulawayo seven, with four originally missing." Veterans had to personally intervene to recover the missing machinery.Other presidential schemes, including the Borehole Scheme and the US$1.5 million War Veterans Fund, are being implemented by politically connected advisers such as Paul Tungwarara of the Prevail Group of Companies. Tungwarara has faced criticism for abandoning boreholes before completing solar installations, tanks, and pumps, despite government payments. He also admitted that funds intended for a vendor support initiative, Vendors4ED, were stolen by leaders of the group, yet no arrests have been made.Critics argue that Mnangagwa's programmes are operating as a parallel patronage system, where projects are launched in the president's name, managed by politically connected cronies, poorly supervised, and shielded from public scrutiny. "This isn't about development; it's about looting using the levers of state power, sustaining it through illegalities, and buying loyalty for the 2030 term-extension push," said Jealousy Mawarire, a Mnangagwa critic and former journalist.Other initiatives under scrutiny include the Presidential River Rehabilitation Programme, Hospital Refurbishment Programme, Youth Empowerment Scheme, and Constituency Empowerment Programme, all of which have been awarded without open bidding. Analysts say the lack of audits, public disclosure, and independent oversight has facilitated large-scale corruption, with political objectives overshadowing genuine economic relief.Veterans and beneficiaries have called for better management of the programmes, warning that unchecked misappropriation threatens both the intended recipients and the credibility of state-led empowerment efforts. Observers contend that these initiatives, though marketed as empowerment, are increasingly functioning as a vehicle for wealth accumulation among elites while consolidating support for Mnangagwa's controversial bid to extend his term until 2030. News / National by Staff reporter Two South African men accused of following a Chiredzi man from South Africa to his rural homestead in Zimbabwe before violently robbing him and his wife of ZAR179 000 have been denied bail and will remain in remand prison.Timothy Jekero (46) and Watson Simango (42), both of Johannesburg, South Africa, were denied bail by Chiredzi Regional Magistrate Judith Zuyu on Monday. The alleged crime occurred on December 28, 2025.The two, together with a third accomplice identified as Mike Mathose, who is still at large, are facing charges of armed robbery and assault. They are accused of attacking Lameck Mahomu of Musengi Village, Chief Masivamele, Chiredzi, and his wife Tiselani Baloyi, before fleeing with a large sum of money.According to the State, Mahomu had travelled from South Africa carrying ZAR179 000 in cash. The trio allegedly became aware that he was in possession of the money and followed him from South Africa to his homestead in Zimbabwe.Prosecutors allege that the suspects later stormed Mahomu's house while armed with a pistol and demanded cash. Mahomu's hands were reportedly tied with shoelaces as the assailants assaulted his wife while demanding money.Baloyi allegedly surrendered ZAR67 000, but the attackers continued assaulting both her and her husband, demanding more cash. Fearing for her husband's life after he sustained severe injuries, Baloyi handed over the remaining ZAR112 000.The suspects are also accused of stealing Baloyi's Samsung cellphone before fleeing the scene.Mahomu and his wife later filed a police report. Acting on a tip-off, detectives learnt that three South African men were attempting to board a South Africa-bound bus at Chiredzi bus rank. Police laid an ambush, leading to the arrest of Jekero and Simango, while Mathose escaped and remains on the run.Police recovered ZAR75 790, a Samsung cellphone, and a pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition.The matter was prosecuted by Rutendo Ndibwo. The two accused will remain in custody as investigations continue and efforts to apprehend the third suspect intensify. News / National by Staff reporter Law professor Lovemore Madhuku has challenged Chief Justice Luke Malaba's assertion that staff shortages are crippling Zimbabwe's justice system, arguing instead that procedural inefficiencies, rather than a lack of judges or magistrates, are the primary cause of delays.Speaking after the official opening of the 2026 legal year, Madhuku acknowledged improvements in the timeliness of judgments, particularly through electronic platforms. He said the judiciary has made measurable progress, but warned against assuming that technology or additional staff alone could solve systemic delays."For a population of about 16 million, the number of judges is actually quite significant," Madhuku said. "What we have not fundamentally changed are the court procedures, which are inherently slow." He highlighted inefficiencies in the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), noting frequent network disruptions during virtual hearings that often push litigants and lawyers to prefer physical hearings.Madhuku also emphasized the importance of physical courtrooms in maintaining public confidence in the justice system. "There is something important about the public seeing justice being done in a physical courtroom. That element still matters," he said.His sharpest criticism, however, was directed at court procedures that unnecessarily prolong hearings. "In the High Court, for example, a lawyer may be allowed to speak for an hour, when what they are saying could be said in 15 minutes. Then the opposing lawyer speaks for another hour," he said. By contrast, he praised the Supreme Court's strict time limits, which he said promote efficiency.Madhuku concluded that unless court procedures are overhauled, adding more judges or rolling out technology will have limited impact. "That is where the real problem lies. The delays are not mainly about staffing levels or technology, they are about inefficient procedures," he said.Chief Justice Malaba, speaking at the same event, painted a starkly different picture, warning that Zimbabwe's justice system is being carried by just 80 judges and 250 magistrates. He said the number of judicial officers must be "dramatically increased" to enable the judiciary to fulfill its constitutional mandate. Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza echoed his concerns, cautioning that judges were working under "unbearable pressure" that could affect both the quality of justice and their health.Madhuku maintained that focusing solely on staffing risks missing the real issue: the need for comprehensive procedural reform to improve efficiency across the courts. By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS, Jan 14 (Reuters) - A new United Nations secretary-general will be elected this year for a five-year term starting on January 1, 2027. The president of the 193-member General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, asked countries on Wednesday to nominate candidates by April 1, so they are able to take part in so-called interactive dialogues the week of April 20, which will be broadcast online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At these meetings candidates will be able to present their vision statement and U.N. member states will be able to ask questions. Here are the candidates - and potential candidates - so far and details on how the successor to current U.N. chief Antonio Guterres will be chosen: WHEN DOES THE PROCESS START? The race formally started when the president of the 15-member Security Council and the president of the 193-member General Assembly sent a joint letter soliciting nominations on November 25. A candidate has to be nominated by a U.N. member state. The job traditionally rotates among regions, but when Guterres - who is from Portugal - was elected in 2016, it was supposed to be Eastern Europes turn. Next on the list is Latin America; however, some diplomats expect candidates from other regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHO WANTS TO BE THE NEXT SECRETARY-GENERAL? So far one candidate has been formally nominated for the position: RAFAEL GROSSI ARGENTINA: When asked by Reuters on September 3, Grossi said he was definitely going to run, saying: "Yes, I am going to do that, yes." A veteran Argentine diplomat, Grossi is director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, a role he has held since 2019. Argentina formally nominated him on November 26, 2025. There are also several publicly declared candidates, who have not yet been formally nominated: MICHELLE BACHELET CHILE: Chile will nominate the country's former President Michelle Bachelet, President Gabriel Boric said on September 23. Bachelet was Chile's first female head of state and served as president of the South American nation twice. Bachelet was U.N. high commissioner for human rights between 2018-2022 and executive director of U.N. Women between 2010-2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement REBECA GRYNSPAN COSTA RICA: Costa Rica will nominate former Vice President Rebeca Grynspan, President Rodrigo Chaves said on October 8. Grynspan, a politician and economist, currently serves as Secretary-General of the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development. WHAT IS THE PROCESS? The 15-member Security Council will formally recommend a candidate to the 193-member General Assembly for election as the 10th U.N. secretary-general later this year. The Security Council will hold secret ballots referred to as a straw poll - until a consensus is reached on a candidate. The choices council members are given for each candidate in the straw poll are: encourage, discourage or no opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, the five permanent veto-wielding council members - the United States, Russia, Britain, China and France - must agree on a candidate. The ballots for the veto powers in the straw poll are traditionally a different color to those of the 10 elected members. When Guterres was chosen in 2016 to be recommended to the General Assembly, it took six straw polls for the Security Council to reach agreement. The Security Council then adopts a resolution, traditionally behind closed doors, recommending an appointment to the General Assembly. The resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes to pass. The General Assembly's approval of the appointment of a secretary-general has long been seen as a rubber stamp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HOW TRANSPARENT IS THE PROCESS? The United Nations has been working to improve the transparency of the historically opaque selection process. The General Assembly, in a resolution adopted in September 2025, said each candidate should provide a vision statement when they are formally nominated and be given the opportunity to present it. It said the vision statement should also be publicized on a dedicated United Nations web page. The Assembly said each candidate should disclose their sources of funding and that any candidates who already hold a U.N. position should consider suspending their work in the United Nations system during the campaign, with a view to avoiding any conflict of interest that may arise from their functions and adjacent advantages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHAT DOES THE SECRETARY-GENERAL DO? The U.N. Charter calls the secretary-general the "chief administrative officer" of the world body. The U.N. website describes the role as "equal parts diplomat and advocate, civil servant and chief executive officer." Guterres currently oversees thousands of civilian staff and 11 peacekeeping operations. The core annual United Nations budget is $3.45 billion, while the peacekeeping budget is $5.4 billion. Since the power to authorize military force or sanctions rests with the Security Council, the U.N. chief has little more than a bully pulpit. Many diplomats say the five council veto powers prefer a "secretary" rather than a "general." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HAS A WOMAN EVER BEEN SECRETARY-GENERAL? No. There is a growing push for the United Nations to choose the first female secretary-general in its 80-year history. In the resolution adopted in September, the General Assembly noted "with regret that no woman has ever held the position of Secretary-General" and encouraged countries to "strongly consider nominating women as candidates." (Reporting by Michelle Nichols, Editing by Nick Zieminski, Rod Nickel and Nia Williams) Dans un contexte economique mondial tendu, le Cameroun affiche une avancee majeure dans la gestion de ses effectifs publics. Lors dun point de presse tenu ce 12 janvier 2026 a Yaounde, le ministre de la Fonction publique et de la reforme administrative, Joseph Le, a devoile un chiffre eloquent : plus de 1753,5 milliards de FCFA ont ete payes aux agents de lEtat au cours de lannee 2025. Cette annonce, faite dans le cadre de la presentation AIGLES : la materialisation dune vision. Janvier 2025 Janvier 2026 , souligne une volonte affichee de moderniser la gestion des salaires publics et dassainir les finances de ladministration. Le ministre a insiste sur les avancees majeures realisees grace a ce systeme, qui vise a garantir une meilleure transparence et une efficacite accrue dans le paiement des soldes. Cette enveloppe massive, equivalant a plusieurs milliards deuros, illustre lengagement des autorites a regulariser la situation des fonctionnaires et a renforcer la credibilite de lEtat employeur. Reste a savoir si ces mesures suffiront a repondre aux attentes des agents publics et a stimuler la productivite dans les services administratifs camerounais. Alors que le pays poursuit sa mue numerique et administrative, cette initiative pourrait marquer un tournant dans la relation entre lEtat et ses employes. Les observateurs economiques scruteront desormais limpact de ces reformes sur la motivation des fonctionnaires et, in fine, sur la qualite des services publics rendus aux citoyens. Cameroun, solde fonctionnaires, paiement agents publics, finances publiques Cameroun, reforme administrative, Joseph Le, AIGLES, gestion des effectifs, modernisation Etat, salaires publics, 1753,5 milliards FCFA, Fonction publique, reforme Cameroun, transparence administrative, Yaounde Cameroon: Over 1753.5 Billion CFA Francs Allocated for Civil Servants' Salaries in 2025, a "Vision" in Motion? Amid a tense global economic climate, Cameroon is showcasing significant progress in the management of its public workforce. During a press briefing held on January 12, 2026, in Yaounde, the Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reform, Joseph Le, revealed a striking figure: more than 1753.5 billion CFA francs were paid to state employees in 2025. This announcement, made as part of the presentation "AIGLES: The Materialization of a Vision. January 2025 January 2026," underscores a stated commitment to modernize public payroll management and streamline government finances. The minister emphasized the "major advances" achieved through this system, designed to ensure greater transparency and efficiency in salary payments. This massive allocation, equivalent to several billion euros, highlights the authorities' dedication to regularizing the situation of civil servants and strengthening the credibility of the state as an employer. The question remains whether these measures will be sufficient to meet the expectations of public employees and boost productivity within Cameroonian administrative services. As the country continues its digital and administrative transformation, this initiative could mark a turning point in the relationship between the state and its workers. Economic observers will now closely monitor the impact of these reforms on civil servant motivation and, ultimately, on the quality of public services delivered to citizens. Cameroon, civil servants salaries, public wages, government payroll, public finances Cameroon, administrative reform, Joseph Le, AIGLES, workforce management, state modernization, public salaries, 1753.5 billion CFA francs, Public Service, Cameroon reform, administrative transparency, Yaounde Ange NGO Date: Wednesday, February 11 @ 11:00 AM PDT Check your local times using this date/time converter. Although this book is about religion, it is not a book of religious dogma. The intent is to explain the foundation, the evolution and how each of the five major systems of faith is practiced today. It examines the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) and the ancient, yet still practiced by many, religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Even though the book describes the philosophy of each religion, it is written in laymen terms that are understandable and of interest for anyone. Without a doubt, many people do not know that Islam is an Abrahamic religion and most do not realize that there are many commonalities among the five major beliefs (by number of population who practice each)in fact, there are more commonalities than differences, although there are REAL and significant differences also. For each religion's review, a learned consultant who practices or leads in that faith has assisted with the books content. The author's desire for those who read the book is that they will have a better understanding and therefore a greater tolerance for those who have religious beliefs different than their own. The book encourages that individuals do not gain their knowledge from social media sources, but rather they search in meaningful ways for the truth and foster an attitude of open, respectful discourse with those who have different faiths. The book also takes note that, for the most part, what we believe is primarily a result of our culture and heritage with little real knowledge about other religions. If the reader can change his or her outlook to be more understanding and therefore more tolerant of others, one by one, the world will become a kinder, gentler place. If this works for religion, it may also work for the other things that divide us such as race, gender, nationality, politics etc. Lastly, there may be a realization that our different perspectives combined, may lead us to solve some of our most difficult problems on the planet. The sum of our beliefs may be truly greater than the individual parts. About the Author Linda Reynolds Andiric grew up in northern Ohio, where she graduated from Kent State University with a B.S. in biology and chemistry. She worked at the Cleveland Clinic in the medical laboratory before living abroad in Scotland, Denmark, and Germany. Upon return to the U.S., she married, had a son, and ultimately settled in St. Augustine, Florida, where she adopted a daughter from Vietnam and worked as the administration and technical director of the medical laboratory/pathology services at an acute care hospital. Later, after earning her doctorate in educational leadership, she became affiliated with the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the CDC as part of the PEPFAR project. Her work as a consultant in Global Health entailed writing curricula to teach medical laboratory quality management in Africa, Asia, Haiti, Guyana, Tajikistan, and Ukraine. During this period, she began to write regularly and published a memoir, Living with Heart. Fascinated with differing spirituality and religious beliefs worldwide and dismayed at the discord and violence resulting from religious misunderstandings, she wrote Getting It, Then Getting Along. The book is a treatise of the worlds five major religions explained in laymans terms and written with the hope of resolving misunderstandings and fostering collaborative attitudes as opposed to combative, violent reactions prevalent today. The book explains the five religions' origins, evolution, beliefs, and current practices. Getting It, Then Getting Along is the recipient of several book awards: Readers Favorite 5-Star Award, Literary Titan Gold Book Award, and a silver award for the Royal Palm Literary Award 2021. It is also listed on Destiny Discover: Follett School Solutions a website for teachers to search for school textbooks. About the Facilitator: Nancy E. Murphy, MA Nancys current role is serving as a Compassionate Ambassador-at-Large and the liaison between the Charter for Compassion and Compassionate St. Augustine. Committed to life-long learning, Nancy has been pursuing compassionate studies since 2020, through courses and active engagement with the International Charter for Compassion and Compassionate St. Augustine. She developed a college course on compassion and has been instrumental in the creation and development of the Gift Gardens and Purple Bench initiatives to provide healthy options and foster compassionate conversations. Currently Nancy is co-lead of the Charters Justice and Integrity Pillar, and within that Pillar the focus on Peace. Nancys lifes work to date has included a high level of caring and compassion with strong foci on belonging, collaboration, diversity, inclusion, and racial, social, and environmental justice. Through her study and application of Student Services Nancy values and practices the #1 rule of Student Services, which is to create a welcoming environment. She is eager to increase and apply her knowledge, skills, and abilities to model and promote compassion in her communities and in our world. Our amazing national park system is a top draw for people who love to lace up their boots and go for a hike. In fact, hiking is the best way to experience our national parks up close. It gets you away from crowded overlooks, into backcountry areas relatively few visitors ever see, and closer to wildlife. Some of the hikes in our national parks arent merely trails; theyre adventures. While they promise to challenge you physically and mentally, they also offer great rewards and unforgettable experiences. If you want some serious adventure out on the trail, put these hikes on your list! Yosemite National Park, California USA October 6, 2024: A man in gloves and harness grips the safety cable while climbing the nearly vertical surface of Half Dome under dramatic summer skies. (Gregory Rodriguez via Getty Images) Half Dome Cables Route Yosemite, California One of the parks iconic features, Half Dome, dominates the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. While its cliffs are mostly the domain of technical rock climbers and soaring birds, theres an exception: the Cables Route. Advertisement Advertisement Every year in late May, park rangers install two cables that hikers use to assist them up the final 400 feet to the summit. In all, its a 16-mile round-trip hike with 4,800 feet of elevation gainnot something for novice hikers. You also need a permit for the hike. While a small number are released two days in advance, most people apply through a lottery system that opens in March. Panoramic aerial view from Zion National Park Canyon Overlook, Utah, USA. Tranquil atmosphere in wilderness. Uninhabited canyon with majestic rock formations and steep cliffs. Mountains, serene sky (Christopher Moswitzer via Getty Images) Angels Landing Zion, Utah The summits in Zion Canyon are mostly inaccessible by foot, but Angels Landing offers a hiking and scrambling route. From the floor of the canyon, youll ascend sunny slopes, including a set of tight switchbacks called Walters Wiggles, to Scout Lookout. Advertisement Advertisement The view from there is great, but a fun scramble to the summit awaits the intrepid. To help people stay safe, the Park Service has installed a series of chains to hold onto. Even so, people have fallen to their deaths here, so exercise extreme caution. Hiking Angels Landing now requires a permit. You can try to get one the day before, or apply through a lottery system. Hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park (mlharing via Getty Images) Virgin River Narrows Zion, Utah At the roads end in Zion Canyon, the Virgin River emerges from a long stretch of sheer, tightly spaced cliffs known as the Narrows. There, the trail is the river, and youll likely do some wadingand even swimmingin places. Advertisement Advertisement The full length of the hike is 16 miles, and the start is outside the park. However, most people begin at the Temple of Sinawava trailhead (where the river exits the Narrows) and hike as far upstream as they want before turning around. The best section is about three miles in, where Orderville Canyon meets the Narrows. In that spot, the walls are deep red and at their highest, sheerest, and narrowest. Never enter the Narrows if rain is in the forecast, including for areas in the highlands that drain into the Virgin River. Flash floods can be deadly, with raging waters and no escape route. Wide shot of rocks and keyhole route to top of Longs peak in rocky mountains national park in america, usa (Radomir Svihel via Getty Images) Longs Peak Keyhole Route Rocky Mountain, Colorado Longs Peak rules the skyline northwest of Denver and is the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, north of it, no peak in the Rockies is higher until you reach the Yukon. Advertisement Advertisement The Keyhole Route to the 14,255-foot summit is 16 miles round-trip with 5,000 feet of elevation gain, so its no casual stroll. While most of the route is an established hiking trail, parts involve exposed scramblingusing hands as well as feet to ascendwhere falls could be fatal. Altitude illness can also be a concern for those not acclimated to alpine heights. Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park (Douglas Rissing via Getty Images) Old Rag Mountain Ridge Trail Shenandoah, Virginia Old Rag Mountain, widely regarded as the best mountain in the Southeast, lies east of the Blue Ridge crest and has a more prominent profile than most other peaks in the park. Its known for its exposed granite slabs and outcrops, a rarity in the heavily forested region. Advertisement Advertisement The Ridge Trail is exceptional for its views and scrambling sections. Theres even a natural stone staircase along the route. At the summit, clamber atop a boulder to enjoy the sun and panoramic scenery. To complete a loop, descend via the Saddle Trail and use a fire road to return to the starting point. Once youve been seasoned by these adventurous hikes, youll be ready to take things to the next level. Our national parks are full of epic off-trail outings that test your wilderness skills and offer richly rewarding experiencesbut thats a story for another article. 29 Australian wine and beauty brands just made over 200 business connections in India. Murray Spence, Austrade Trade Commissioner, reveals why consistency beats one-off pitches. Whats Happening: Australian wine and beauty companies are gaining serious traction in India. At ProWine Mumbai and Cosmoprof India in 2025, 12 wine producers and 17 beauty brands showcased Australian offerings to over 20,000 trade visitors. Why This Matters: Indias consumer markets are expanding fast and favoring international brands. Indias wine segment is forecast to grow over 15% year-on-year, driven by a rising middle class with growing purchasing power. For Australian exporters, this represents a genuine gateway to sustained revenue growth, but only if they understand what Indian buyers actually want and stay committed to the market long-term. Indias beauty and wine markets are no longer emerging opportunities. Theyre actively booming, and Australian companies are positioning themselves to capture genuine share. Late last year, Austrade led delegations to ProWine Mumbai and Cosmoprof India, the countrys flagship trade shows for wine and beauty respectively. The scale was substantial: over 6,000 trade visitors attended ProWine, while Cosmoprof India drew more than 14,000 visitors and 345 exhibitors representing over 700 brands. For Australian exporters, the numbers matter. The wine segment in India is forecast to grow at over 15% year-on-year, driven by an expanding middle class with rising purchasing power and increasing familiarity with international wines. Indias beauty market, already the worlds fourth-largest, was valued at approximately US$33.1 billion in 2025 and continues to accelerate. At ProWine Mumbai, the Australia pavilion hosted 12 producers representing 20 premium wine and beverage brands. The delegation reflected Australias geographic and stylistic diversity, with participants from McLaren Vale, Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley, Clare and Hunter Valleys, the Murray-Darling Basin, and the Australian Pyrenees. Austrade facilitated more than 100 targeted business introductions at ProWine, alongside curated tastings, importer sessions, and wine masterclasses. At Cosmoprof India, the scale was even larger: 17 beauty, personal care and wellness brands represented by 13 Australian businesses secured over 100 business introductions across a 4-day mission. What Indian buyers actually want Three clear patterns emerged from both shows, and they reveal exactly whats driving purchasing decisions in India right now. Premium and authentic storytelling. At ProWine, trade and buyers showed increasing focus on quality-led portfolios, with particular interest in origin and brand stories. This reinforces Australias strength in the premium segment. Similarly, at Cosmoprof India, buyers showed strong interest in founder-led brandsparticularly women-led and small businesses with authentic narratives that add credibility and differentiation. Science and sustainability. Indian importers and retailers are demanding clinically backed products with clear evidence of efficacy and transparency. For beauty, theres a strong preference for responsible sourcing, minimal chemical use, and conscious formulations. Wine buyers, too, increasingly value sustainability and organic credentials, with certifications and responsible environmental practices becoming important decision factors. Expanding categories. Beyond traditional wine, strong interest emerged in spirits and no- and low-alcohol beverages, reflecting Indias spirits-led consumption patterns. In beauty, Indian retailers are actively seeking innovation and clean beauty solutions backed by strong trust in brand Australia. Before the ProWine show, the delegation undertook a 2-day market immersion program. This included a workshop on Indias regulatory environment, pricing structures, and consumer behaviour, followed by visits to multi-brand retail, hospitality, and on-premise distribution channels. That preparation directly shaped how Australian producers engaged during the event itself. Consistency builds trust This was Austrades third consecutive year at ProWine and second year at Cosmoprof. That continuity isnt accidental, its strategic. India rewards consistency. Being present year after year allows us to build trust, support Australian exporters through real market understanding, and align Australias strengths with Indias evolving consumer demand, says Murray Spence, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Austrade South Asia. Producers themselves recognise this reality. Many Australian wine companies returned to ProWine again because they understand success in India depends on sustained presence, ongoing engagement, and relationship-led market development. In a market as large and diverse as India, national trade shows serve as crucial pivot points. They attract decision-makers from across regions and cities, bringing together importers, distributors, retailers, educators, and brand owners in a single location. For Australian businesses, these platforms provide scale and reach, enabling sustained engagement, renewal of existing relationships, facilitation of new partnerships, and opportunity to reinforce and amplify brand Australia across Indias fragmented yet fast-growing markets. Austrade doubled its pavilion presence in 2025 to support growing interest in Australian beauty, a clear signal the agency recognises the momentum building behind Australian brands in Indias wellness and personal care sectors. By combining market intelligence, exporter capability-building, and coordinated national branding, Austrade is positioning Australian wine and beauty brands for enduring growth in India. For Australian exporters ready to commit to the market, the opportunity window is open. The question isnt whether India matters. Its whether your business is ready to show up consistently. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Minister Farrell reveals 40 industry bodies selected for new network designed to help Australian businesses expand into the Middle East, Southeast Asia and beyond. Whats happening: The Albanese Government has announced 40 national peak bodies across Australian industries will join a new Trade Diversification Network under the $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative. The network will develop tailored activities including trade missions, training and showcases to help exporters diversify into new markets. Why this matters: With 32 per cent of Australias economic output supported by trade and one in four jobs connected to exports, the network aims to reduce dependence on traditional trading partners and build resilience by connecting businesses with emerging opportunities in regions including the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The Albanese Government has announced the members of a new Trade Diversification Network that will bring government and industry closer together to support Australian exporters to diversify and grow into new markets. Following a competitive application process, 40 national peak bodies across a broad range of Australian industries have been selected to join the Trade Diversification Network as part of the Albanese Governments $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative. 40 bodies selected Building on work already underway, the network will work with government to identify and develop tailored activities such as trade missions, training and showcases to facilitate export diversification, enabling businesses to target and take advantage of emerging opportunities around the world. The combination of Austrades global network and the insights and capabilities of peak bodies will ensure Australian businesses are best positioned to take advantage of global growth opportunities and strengthen resilience, according to the government. Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell says supporting exporters delivers wins for all Australians. Australia is a trading nation and we want to see more Australian exporters doing more trade with new and emerging partners across the globe in places like the Middle East and Southeast Asia, says Minister Farrell. Trade supports jobs Thirty-two per cent of Australias economic output is supported by trade, and businesses who export are on average more productive, employ more people and pay higher wages, according to government data. The Accessing New Markets Initiative will help to build the capability needed to support future export growth and trade resilience across a wide range of sectors. This initiative will encourage more businesses to export to more markets, creating new jobs at home and strengthening Australias economic position. The Trade Diversification Network is a great example of government and industry working together to achieve a common goal: seeing Australian businesses diversify, grow and build resilience, says Minister Farrell. Export growth focus The establishment of the network marks the next stage of the governments Accessing New Markets Initiative. Since the election, the government has delivered five business missions in its first 100 days of being re-elected and supported over 50 strategic initiatives through directly administered funds to support Australian exporters on the global stage. With one in four Australian jobs connected to trade, by helping our exporters we are securing jobs, building communities and benefiting the Australian economy, says Minister Farrell. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Huawei marks its return to Vietnams smartphone market after five years with its flagship Mate X7 foldable phone. The Chinese tech giant unveiled the phone, first launched at home in November 2025, on its Vietnamese website on Tuesday. Huawei last sold smartphones in Vietnam in April 2020 with the launch of the P40 Pro, before gradually scaling back operations and exiting completely as it lost access to Google services following U.S. trade restrictions. According to VnExpress sources, the Mate X7 is expected to be available in Vietnam by late January or early February at not less than VND40 million (US$1,522), but is expected to include gifts and premium after-sales services. The Huawei Mate X7 foldable smartphone. Photo by VnExpress/Tuan Hung The version sold in Vietnam will be identical to the international model available in Europe, running EMUI, Huaweis Android-based user interface, rather than HarmonyOS, the companys in-house operating system. The Mate X7s arrival is expected to intensify competition in Vietnams high-end smartphone segment amid upcoming launches such as those of the photography-focused Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. The X7 remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, the X6, in terms of design, but has a number of hardware upgrades. It meets IP58 and IP59 standards for water and dust resistance, measures 9.5 mm thick when folded and 4.5 mm when unfolded and weighs 235 grams, or four grams lighter than the X6. The main display has been slightly expanded to 8 inches with an 8:7.3 aspect ratio, while the cover screen measures 6.49 inches with a 20.4:9 ratio. The main camera keeps its 50-megapixel sensor with image stabilization for clearer photos, while the telephoto camera has been upgraded to 50 MP for sharper zoom shots. The third rear camera is a 40 MP ultra-wide lens. Two 8 MP selfie cameras are on the inner and outer screens. The China-only version of the X7 uses Huaweis most advanced chipset to date, the Kirin 9030 Pro, but the Vietnamese website has not disclosed what processor will be used. The phone is available in 12, 16 and 20 GB RAM versions with up to 1 TB of internal storage. It features a dual-cell silicon-carbon battery with a capacity of 5,600 mAh, supporting 66 W wired fast charging and 50 W wireless charging. It comes in black, white, purple, and red colors. In China, the base version with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage is priced at 12,999 yuan (US$1,864). The Collectors Edition, which includes a case, stylus and other accessories, starts at 14,999 yuan for the 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage model, while the top version with 20 GB RAM and 1 TB storage costs 17,999 yuan. Exterior of the building that the website of Prince Holding Group on Jan. 8, 2026, listed as its headquarters in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photo by AP Cambodia has frozen sales of luxury properties by a U.S.-sanctioned conglomerate after its founder was extradited to China and charged by Washington for allegedly running multibillion-dollar transnational cyberscams. Prince Group founder and chairman Chen Zhi was extradited to China from Cambodia last week, both governments said. The United States indicted the Chinese-born businessman in October, alleging he directed online investment schemes that have netted billions and were run by hundreds of scammers trafficked into compounds in Cambodia. Four Prince Group properties in the capital Phnom Penh and one in the coastal city of Sihanoukville were "suspended from further sales" of condo units and homes in gated communities, Cambodia's real estate regulator said in a statement late Monday. The announcement is the latest blow to Prince Group -- a multinational conglomerate that U.S. authorities say served as a front for "one of Asia's largest transnational criminal organizations" -- after Chen was charged, and his company was sanctioned by Washington and London in October. The real estate regulator said individuals who have signed sales contracts for units at any of the five properties were obligated to complete the agreed purchase. Those who have paid in full have the option to sell their property, after registering ownership with the government, an official at the regulator said. At one of the Prince complexes in the capital, The Pinnacle Residence condominiums -- also known as Prince Happiness Plaza, according to the regulator -- several employees told AFP on Tuesday that the sales office had been closed. One employee who declined to give his name said the sales team had been scaling down since October. "I don't know what is happening and I hope it won't affect my job," he said. The shimmering 47-floor towers of the residential and business complex were completed in 2024 and 75% of its nearly 1,800 units were sold, according to Cambodia property website realestate.com.kh. The developer is listed as Prince Real Estate Cambodia, another entity under U.S. sanctions. Chen was charged by U.S. authorities with wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges involving approximately 127,271 seized bitcoin, worth more than $11 billion at current prices. Since then, authorities in Europe, the United States and Asia have targeted Prince Group with a frenzy of asset confiscations. Cambodia's central bank placed another one of its companies, the U.S.-sanctioned Prince Bank, into liquidation last week. Prince Group has denied the allegations. The Trump administration has taken action to curtail the pernicious influence of the Muslim Brotherhood and protect the United States and its partners from Muslim Brotherhood chapters support for terrorism. Chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood purport to be legitimate civic organizations while, behind the scenes, they explicitly and enthusiastically support terrorist groups like Hamas. Consequently, the Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, has designated the Egyptian and Jordanian branches of the Muslim Brotherhood for their material support to Hamas as Specially Designated Global Terrorists. The Treasury Department is taking action pursuant to President Trumps leadership by designating Muslim Brotherhood Branches as Terrorist Organizations, said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. The Muslim Brotherhood has a longstanding record of perpetrating acts of terror, and we are working aggressively to cut them off from the financial system. This Administration will deploy the full scope of its authorities to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat terrorist networks wherever they operate in order to keep Americans safe. The Muslim Brotherhood has inspired, nurtured, and funded terrorist groups like Hamas, that are direct threats to the safety and security of the American people and our allies, said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John Hurley. Despite their peaceful public facade, both the Egyptian and Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood branches have conspired to support Hamass terrorism and undermine the sovereignty of their own national governments. This Administration will use all tools at our disposal to hold them accountable for the violence they have encouraged across the Middle East and the world in pursuit of their extreme version of Islam. The State Department has designated the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood, also known as al-Jamaa al-Islamiyah, as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. The State Department has also designated the Secretary General of the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood, Muhammad Fawzi Taqqosh, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Although the Muslim Brotherhood, to which Hamas has pledged allegiance, claims to have renounced violence, the Muslim Brotherhood branches designated continue to promote, incite, and glorify terrorism that directly threatens the interests of the United States and its allies. These designations reflect the first actions of an ongoing, sustained effort to thwart Muslim Brotherhood violence and destabilization wherever it occurs, including through additional terrorist designations. The United States will use all available tools to deprive these Muslim Brotherhood chapters of the resources to engage in or support terrorism. 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. U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) published images from U.S. Army showing American military conducting APKWS II missile firing from EAGLS (Electronic Advanced Ground Launcher System) counter-unmanned aerial vehicle system. System testing occurred in early December last year during Sky Shield exercises in Kuwait these are air and missile defense exercises where, among everything, trials of means for combating threats like unmanned aerial vehicles were conducted. EAGLS system during trials in Kuwait / Photo credit: DVIDS Regarding EAGLS system, this is a relatively new development from MSI Defense Solutions company. Two years ago, in spring 2024, an urgent agreement was concluded with U.S. Naval Forces for supplying five such drone combat systems worth over $24 million. Overall, EAGLS in its purpose and armament is very similar to Vampire complex supplied to Ukraine within U.S. defense assistance framework and now helping Ukraine's Defense Forces shoot down Shahed-type drones and more. Vampire anti-drone complex / Open source photo EAGLS uses high-precision APKWS II missiles to engage drones, launched from four-round LAND-LGR4 launcher mounted on CROWS II remotely controlled weapon station. Can be installed on mobile chassis in this case, HMMWV. Meanwhile, what qualitatively distinguishes EAGLS is its radar station specifically Leonardo's DRS RPS-40, which can detect targets at distances up to 10km. EAGLS system / Photo credit: DVIDS Interestingly worth noting: in spring 2025, MSI Defense Solutions announced signing a strategic memorandum with Romanian OVES Enterprise. This agreement's purpose, among everything, is integrating Nemesis AI artificial intelligence system into EAGLS complex to transform it into a fully autonomous system. Defense Express previously reported how much APKWS II missiles cost, which Ukraine and U.S. use to shoot down Shahed-type drones Read more: Took 4 Years Of russian Strikes On Ukraine For Sweden To Realize Civilians Need Air Defense As part of its continued focus on enhancing guest experiences, Camelback Resort, a year-round recreational destination in the Pocono Mountains, has appointed Kavon William Langley as executive chef. As executive chef, Langley will oversee all kitchen operations at Camelback Resort, including food quality, budgeting and inventory management, blending his culinary prowess and business acumen. With a 25-year career in culinary operations, he most recently served as event chef/executive chef for the Brooklyn Museum with Great Performances in New York City, a role he held for nine years. He also served as executive chef for Great Wolf Lodge & Resort Hotels, overseeing five restaurants at the property, as well as the executive chef for IHG Hotels in New York. Earlier in his career, Langley held positions including chef de cuisine at Fireside at New York's Omni Berkshire Hotel and executive chef at Bourbon Street Bar and Grill in New York City. Passionate about mentoring the next generation of culinary professionals, Langley has served as a culinary instructor at the New York Restaurant School, Urban Horizons, Culinary Tech Center and the Art Institute of New York City. Langley holds as associate degree in hotel management and culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University. Camelback Resort's diverse dining portfolio includes authentic Mexican cuisine at Alta Vida; Trails End Pub & Grille, a ski-in/ski-out American brew pub open daily; Hemispheres, a family friendly all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant open for breakfast; Graffiti Pizza, a New York graffiti-themed pizza spot; Oasis, the Poconos' most unique indoor pool and swim-up bar reserved for guests 21 or older; and more. With its new culinary leadership team in place, Camelback Resort is poised to build on its legacy as one of the Northeast's premier mountain destinations, further enhancing its profile through innovative guest experiences, operational excellence and year-round recreation. View Kavon William Langley's LinkedIn Profile Kavon William Langley is a graduate of Johnson & Wales in Providence, Rhode Island - United States In this episode of the Hotel Moment podcast, Revinate Europe Managing Director Dylan Cole looks at the hospitality trends shaping 2026 through a distinctly European lens. The themes may be global, but the pressures behind them are not. From the UK & Ireland to DACH, Northern and Southern Europe, Dylan breaks down how personalization, tech stacks, real-time data, privacy, and guest engagement solve very different problems depending on where you operate and why that context matters when it comes to prioritization. This conversation moves beyond theory and into reality. It explores how hotels are using personalization to protect margins, build trust, and drive in-stay revenue; why operations teams are pushing for simpler, more connected systems; and why acting on real-time insight is becoming essential as guest behavior changes faster than ever. With privacy and trust underpinning every interaction, and guest communication evolving into fully connected journeys, this episode helps European hoteliers cut through the noise and focus on what to activate first in 2026 without adding unnecessary complexity. Meet your host As Chief Marketing Officer at Revinate, Karen Stephens is focused on driving long-term growth by building Revinates brand equity, product marketing, and customer acquisition strategies. Her deep connections with hospitality industry leaders play a key role in crafting strategic partnerships. Karen is also the host of The Hotel Moment Podcast, where she interviews top players in the hospitality industry. Karen has been with Revinate for over 11 years, leading Revinates global GTM teams. Her most recent transition was from Chief Revenue Officer, where she led the team in their highest booking quarter to date in Q4 2023. Karen has more than 25 years of expertise in global hospitality technology and online distribution including managing global accounts in travel and hospitality organizations such as Travelocity and lastminute.com Watch the video Transcript [00:00:04] Intro: Welcome to the Hotel Moment Podcast presented by Revinate. This is your podcast to understand how technology can shape every moment of the hoteliers experience. Tune in to explore cutting-edge technologies and to hear from experts who are shaping guest experiences. Its 2026 and Im Dylan Cole, the managing director of Revinate Europe. Along with Karen Stephens, well be bringing you a fresh perspective on what matters most to hoteliers. [00:00:37] Dylan Cole: Hey everyone, its Dylan here. This year we are truly going global with this podcast. Ill be swapping frequently with our OG host, Karen Stephens, so you hear a lot more from hoteliers in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Strap in, lots of fun conversations on the cards. A little bit more about me. Ive been with Revinate for over 13 years now, so Karen and I go way back. Ive been all over with Revinate, working out of our New York, San Francisco, Singapore, and now Amsterdam office. Add to that my experience of being a TV host in South Korea. So when I say were going global and gonna have some fun, you can count on that. Now last year we had some amazing guests on the show. We shot up to the rankings of number three on Apple Podcasts for Hotel Tech. Good job, team. Were gonna beat that this year with all the exciting conversations lined up. On to todays episode. [00:01:22] Dylan Cole: If youre a regular subscriber, youll know that we just covered the five big hospitality trends shaping 2026, which are hyperpersonalization, unified tech stacks, real-time decisioning, cybersecurity and privacy, and the evolution of guest engagement platforms. That conversation was intentionally big picture and we talked about whats changing across the industry as a whole. But as any hotelier will tell you, these trends present differently depending on where youre actually operating. So hoteliers in London, Munich, Stockholm, or the Amalfi Coast arent losing sleep over the same things, obviously. Lets do a reality check on that today. Lets look at those trends through the lens of what holds true for European hoteliers, and lets try to answer the question of which of these hits home the hardest for you and which of them deserves the most attention. [00:02:14] Dylan Cole: Before we dive in, its worth saying something quite obvious is that Europe is not one market. If youre from the industry, youll know that hoteliers across Europe are all dealing with different things like regulatory pressures that are different, labor realities, different levels of digital maturity, and very different guest expectations. So these trends, hyperpersonalization, unified tech stacks, real-time decisioning, cybersecurity and privacy and the evolution of guest engagement platforms. Well, they solve different problems across UK and Ireland, DACH, Northern and Southern Europe. But I think we should start off with a trend that most hoteliers know best, and thats personalization. So its obvious everybody wants personalization, but depending on the market, youll want it for different things. [00:03:00] Dylan Cole: Hyperpersonalization is everywhere right now, and broad segmentation, it just doesnt cut it. Micro-segmentation is the trend, and that is what cuts it. And hotels that win are the ones that use guest data intelligently. But heres whats interesting in Europe. The motivation behind personalization changes by region. So for example, in the UK and Ireland, personalization is really about defending margins. The market is dominated by OTAs, high labor costs, and price-sensitive guests. So personalization isnt about being fancy, its about driving more direct bookings, making loyalty actually feel valuable, and obviously selling the right upsell to the right guest at the right time. If youre not activating guest data here, youre going to feel it straight in your P&L. [00:03:50] Dylan Cole: Now jump over to the DACH region and the conversation changes quite a bit. Guests still want relevance, but they want it done with clear consent and they want to make sure that values are driven with the communications. They dont want any creepiness. So you got to make sure that youre dropping in that line about data privacy in your conversations, your communications, and that youre leaving that opt-in button pretty prominent for those guests. Now, if we look at Northern Europe, expectations are quite high from guests and the tolerance for friction is low. That means generic communications, theyll stand out immediately. Personalization here is tied closely to the brand and your credibility. And if youre a brand that guests have trusted enough to give their data, they expect you to deliver the right messages using that data. [00:04:37] Dylan Cole: Now lets look at Southern Europe. Hoteliers, especially in resort destinations, can use personalization as a powerful in-stay revenue lever. Basically, its how you drive experiences, its how you increase on property spend, its how you maximize peak demand without discounting. Its all the same trend, its just completely different drivers. Next up on the trends list are tech stacks. And heres why tech stacks are getting simpler for everyone. Unified tech stacks sound like a trend that should be driven by the IT department, but in Europe theyre actually being pushed by the operations team. So for example, in the UK and Ireland, were seeing that teams are quite lean, in fact, really lean, and theres no appetite from our customers to juggle five different systems that dont talk to each other. In fact, unified tech stacks here mean less manual work, faster execution, and fewer things breaking at the worst possible moments. In DACH, the issue is scale and structure. In portfolios, they usually have multiple properties, multiple stakeholders, and they all have complex reporting requirements. Disconnected systems dont just slow things down, they create a risk. A unified modular stack brings order without forcing massive system replacements. [00:05:53] Dylan Cole: Now lets go over to Northern Europe. Again, they tend to be further along digitally, but that brings a different challenge, which is staying flexible. Unified stacks allow hoteliers to evolve without getting locked into yesterdays decisions. And finally, in Southern Europe, tech stackification is becoming essential for managing seasonality, mixed-use properties, and rapidly changing staffing models. The common thread is that its not about new tech, its about less friction ultimately, which then leads us to our next trend, which is that data is only useful if youre moving fast. [00:06:32] Dylan Cole: Another big global theme is real-time data and decisioning. And honestly, this is where a lot of hotels feel the gap the most. In the UK and Ireland, real-time data is about survival. Labor is expensive, guest behavior changes quickly, and if you cant react in the moment, you are going to absorb unnecessary costs. In DACH, real-time data supports precision, better forecasting, and fewer surprises. So smarter decisions will actually hold up when theyre put underneath scrutiny. Now in Northern Europe, expectations are already high, as we said before, so static reports will feel outdated, and real-time visibility is becoming the baseline. And finally, in Southern Europe, real-time insights allow you to tell value while guests are still on property, especially when demand shifts with weather or events. Across Europe, this is the bottom line. If youre only looking at last months performance, youre already behind. [00:07:30] Dylan Cole: Now lets look and talk about the trend that quietly underpins all the others, privacy and trust. Privacy isnt just about compliance in Europe. Its your brand. In DACH and Northern Europe, guests actively assess how brands handle their data. Transparency matters and consent matters and also restraint matters. In the UK and Ireland, guest awareness is also rising fast, and trust increasingly influences repeat bookings and loyalty. In Southern Europe with so many international travelers coming, strong data protection is just a simple expectation. So whats different in 2026 is that privacy cant be treated separately from personalization. Hotels have to do both and do them both well. In Europe, trust isnt a legal checkbox. You cant treat it like that. You have to think of it as a brand promise. So our last trend here is this. From guest communication to guest orchestration, guest communication platforms are evolving because guests dont think in terms of systems. Theyre thinking in terms of experiences. And right now many hotels are still communicating in fragments. They have one system for email, another for messaging, another for feedback. So across EMEA, that fragmentation creates friction for guests and staff. Unified engagement platforms bring everything together, from pre-arrival, in-stay, post-stay. And in UK and Ireland, this helps drive revenue. In DACH, it supports structured compliant communication. In Northern Europe, it meets the high digital expectations. In Southern Europe, it enhances experiential differentiation. Different reasons, same outcome, a smoother journey. [00:09:15] Dylan Cole: So if youre a European hotel leader listening to this, heres the big takeaway. The hospitality trends for 2026 are solving very real problems and very regional problems. The opportunity now is prioritization. Which trend addresses your biggest pressure point? Where can you simplify instead of adding more? And where can you activate what you already have? You dont have to throw yourself into buying more technology in 2026. Think about connecting the dots and moving faster because of it. If you want to go deeper into these trends, we have a full guide to the latest hospitality trends of 2026 with practical insights designed to help you move from strategy to execution. Thanks for spending time with me on the Hotel Moment. Im Dylan, and Ill see you next time. Media Team Media team | Revinate +1 415 671 4703 Revinate, Inc. View source Image Credit Rockwell Group Savaya Group and KAJA Group will open Zumana, a 35,000-square-foot beachfront venue on Kuta Beach, Bali, in 2026. Savaya Group, in partnership with PT Kharisma Anugrah Jawara Abadi (KAJA Group), has announced plans to open Zumana, a new beachfront venue located on Kuta Beach in Bali, Indonesia. The project is scheduled for completion and opening in 2026. The Zumana development will occupy a 35,000-square-foot site along Kuta Beach, an area recognized for its significance in Balis tourism sector. The venue will include a beachfront day club and a 200-seat restaurant. The design is being led by Rockwell Group. According to the announcement, Zumana is intended to provide both daytime and evening hospitality offerings, with facilities that allow for transitions from daytime activities to dining and nightlife. The project is part of a broader effort to reintroduce Kuta Beach as a contemporary hospitality destination. The partnership between Savaya Group and KAJA Group marks a continued investment in Balis hospitality infrastructure. The venue is expected to contribute to the ongoing development of the Kuta Beach area, which has historically been a focal point for island visitors. Advertisement The planned 2026 opening will add to the existing hospitality options on Kuta Beach, with Zumana offering a combination of beachfront leisure and dining. No additional details regarding investment figures, employment, or further expansion plans were disclosed in the announcement. The Zumana project follows previous developments by Savaya Group and KAJA Group in the region. The companies have not provided further information regarding operational partners or specific programming for the new venue at this time. Construction timelines and permitting processes for the site were not detailed in the announcement. Further updates on the project are expected as the opening date approaches. Is Your Hotel Visible in ChatGPT Search? A Quick Guide to Help You Compete With OTAs for AI Planned Trips - By Jonathan Gough - Image Credit Lighthouse For over two decades, the battleground for hotel bookings has been defined by a struggle for control, with hotels on one side and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) on the other. Hotels have found themselves locked in a cycle of dependency on OTAs. Relying on them for exposure and getting heads in beds, yet constantly fighting to reclaim their direct booking margins. Youve battled for visibility on Google Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs), often forced to bid on your own brand name just to compete with OTA giants who effectively sell your own product for a commission. The desire to break this reliance and own the guest relationship has been the industry's holy grail, yet the tools to achieve it have rarely been powerful enough to level the playing field. But this may be changing as we move from the era of web search to the era of zero-click answers generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Travelers are increasingly bypassing the traditional list of search results entirely. Instead of opening ten different tabs to compare the best hotels and manually filtering through prices and amenities, they are opening ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude and asking detailed questions like: "Im planning a weekend trip to London for my anniversary. I need a boutique hotel in Shoreditch under 300 a night that has a great rooftop bar. What do you recommend?" This could represent a chance to press the reset button for hotel distribution. In this new environment, the OTAs dont have the same stranglehold, yet. ChatGPT has already partnered with Booking.com and Expedia. Now is the moment to position your property at the forefront of AI discovery, before you lose ground. However, showing up in these AI responses requires a slightly different approach than traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Heres a step-by-step guide to get you started, so you can compete in an AI-driven marketplace and ensure your property is the answer potential guests are looking for. Phase 1: Rethinking your hotel website strategy The first phase is about re-evaluating what you say about your hotel and where you say it. AI models do not just read keywords; they ingest data, look for consensus, and try to solve the query with the most reputable answers. Step 1: Abandon volume for intent and specificity Old-school SEO taught us to chase high-volume keywords like "Hotel in Chicago." In the AI search era, this is a trap. AI models dont like generic information. If your hotel website is filled with standard descriptions like luxury amenities, friendly service, or central location, you risk blending into the background noise. The AI will summarize this generic content into a single, forgettable sentence. To compete, you must target specific, high-intent, longer-form questions that highlight specific characteristics of your hotel. Content volume on the internet is increasing, but differentiation is decreasing. You must pivot to "long-tail" and highly personalized queries. Unlike traditional search engines that offer pages of links, Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT synthesize vast amounts of information to provide only the absolute best answers for a specialized prompt often surfacing just a handful of results. There is no page two and three like Google; competition is fierce, so your content must be authoritative enough to make the cut. The shift: Stop optimizing for the traditional SEO term "Chicago hotel" and start optimizing for phrases like "what is the best hotel in Chicago for a business retreat near the loop district?" Why it works: Users are learning to prompt with high specificity. If your website answers a specific prompt precisely, you become the referenced answer rather than just another search result. Another quick tip is to ensure you have a thorough and up to date FAQs section on your site. LLMs love the structure of this information and synthesise it easily into their responses when crawling the internet. Step 2: Mine your guests for real questions You cannot guess what travelers want; you have to know. Traditional keyword tools often lag behind the conversational way people speak to AI. To find the prompt patterns that real humans use, you should start by looking at your own qualitative data. The action: Stop relying solely on Google Keyword Planner. Review your call notes, website chat, concierge logs, and front-desk questions. What are guests actually asking when they are looking to book? The insight: Are they asking "do you have a pool?" or are they asking "is the pool heated in October?" Creating web content that answers these more specific, sometimes messy, natural-language questions is how you align with the way LLMs operate. Step 3: Prioritize higher-intent queries AI users are often further down the purchase funnel than traditional searchers. They aren't just browsing; they know what they want and are now looking for the best options. In your website content planning, you should prioritize topics that address the specific trip intent of the user. The strategy: Focus on queries that are close to the booking decision stage. Travelers asking "best hotels for business conferences of 300 people and more, in central Mexico City" are looking for a very clear solution to their problem. The execution: Ensure your website content explicitly details your capabilities in relation to guest problems. Instead of a generic "weddings" page, write detailed guides on "Intimate winter weddings in Montreal for under 50 guests." This level of specificity helps the AI categorize you as the solution to a defined user prompt. Step 4: Become the primary source of information AI models prioritize unique value and originality. If your website content simply repeats information that is already available on Expedia or TripAdvisor, the AI has no reason to cite your brand.com website. You need to provide novel information new facts or perspectives that exist nowhere else. The tactic: Publish user stories or expert-led guides that exist only on your site. Do you have a sommelier? Have them write a guide to the local wine region. Does your property have a history? Dig into the archives to explain it. Are you a leading hotel in your area for conferences? Detail past events and how you provided value to those clients. The result: When you become the primary source of unique information, you increase the likelihood of being cited by the AI as the authority on that topic Step 5: Build a hub and spoke website architecture AI agents need context to understand your authority. A single page often isn't enough to convince an LLM that you are a truly authoritative source. You should try to build topical authority through a hub and spoke model. The structure: Create a central "Hub" page (e.g., "Wellness at our hotel") and link it to detailed spoke pages (e.g., "The local organic sourcing guide" and "in-room meditation amenities"). The benefit: This interlinked structure helps AI understand the depth of your offering and the relationship between different concepts, making it more likely to retrieve your content for relevant queries. Phase 2: Building your brand with an off-page strategy The most critical shift you must understand is that AI models determine truth not just by reading your website, but by looking for consensus across the internet. If you say you are the "best romantic hotel in Morocco," but no third-party sources agree, unfortunately ChatGPT won't believe you. You need to create brand gravity, a gravitational pull of mentions across the web. Step 6: Audit your off-page footprint You need to know where you are mentioned today. AI models ingest data from trusted third-party sources to form their answers. You need to find the specific URLs that AI models are citing for your destination. The audit: Go to ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Gemini and run prompts like "Best hotels in Strasbourg" or "Where should I stay in Mumbai for a luxury experience with fine dining?" The gap analysis: Look at the citations. Who is being cited? Are they travel blogs? Major news outlets? Niche forums? If your competitors are mentioned in these sources and you are not, you have a brand mention gap. You can build a prioritized list of media outlets and websites that actually influence the algorithm. Your goal is to close the gap. The action: Mobilize your PR resources to target these specific publications, whether in-house team or an agency. Shift your strategy from generic press blasts to targeted pitches aimed at the news outlets and blogs you identified. Reach out to influential travel bloggers and offer experiential stays or exclusive access in exchange for a review or feature. Your goal is to systematically insert your brand into the exact sources the AI already trusts. Step 7: Target key listicles AI models love lists. "Best of lists form the backbone of many AI recommendations because they structure data in a way that is easy for LLMs to digest. The strategy: Identify the "Top X" lists for your region that are cited by AI. The action: Reach out to these publishers. But remember, begging for mentions doesn't work. You need to offer a press trip if its a news outlet, or perhaps an update to their content, fresh photos, and a unique angle they missed. If you are missing from a list that is constantly cited by ChatGPT, getting added to it is a top priority. Step 8: Engage authentically in online communities A surprising shift with the development of AI search is the rising importance of user-generated content platforms like Reddit. AI models frequently treat Reddit threads as high-authority sources for authentic answers. The reality: Sub-Reddit communities are guarded and hostile to overt marketing. The approach: Monitor threads about your destination but do not spam. Treat it as a listening tool first. If you engage, do so authentically. If someone asks for a hotel recommendation, provide helpful context about the neighborhood or specific amenities without being salesy. Being invisible on Reddit is a risk; being hated on Reddit is a disaster for your hotel. Step 9: Leverage video for visibility Video content, particularly from YouTube, is a growing citation source for AI models. Google and other engines often transcribe video content to find answers. The opportunity: You don't always have to build your own channel. Partner with travel vloggers and influencers who already have an audience, or leverage user generated content from social media The mechanic: When an AI agent scans for "best hotels in Miami," it might pull information from a popular "Miami Travel Guide" video on YouTube. If your hotel is featured there, you gain visibility in the AI answer. Step 10: Manage your reviews Reviews are the social proof engine for LLMs. High volumes of specific, positive sentiment in reviews, regarding the hotel guest experience teach AI what your hotel is "good for". The connection: AI reads guest reviews to understand sentiment and cross-check the accuracy of the information you provide. The action: Encourage guests to use specific keywords in reviews. "Great stay" is weak data. "Best hotel for remote work with fast Wi-Fi" is strong data that helps the AI map your hotel to specific user queries. Ensure your TripAdvisor and Google profiles (among others) are complete and active. Phase 3: Establishing the technical bridge All the content and brand equity in the world wont matter if the AI cannot see your rates and availability. This is the final, technical hurdle that separates a brochure from a booking engine. Step 11: Ensure data accessibility for AI agents Current AI agents struggle to access real-time, structured data (rates, inventory, live availability). Without this, they can recommend you, but they cannot facilitate booking. The problem: An AI might know your hotel is "romantic," but if it can't see that you have a "River view suite" available next Friday for $350, it cannot push the user toward a transaction. The solution: You need a data layer that translates your internal data into a format AI agents can read and act upon. This brings us to the technological solution required to close the loop. How Lighthouse Connect AI fits into this plan Preparing for AI-powered distribution requires more than just good content; it requires a technological layer that can translate your hotels complex, real-time information into formats that AI systems can process and act upon. Lighthouse Connect AI serves as the bridge between your direct channel and the exploding ecosystem of AI travel planners. It seamlessly connects your hotel data to major AI tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Gemini, ensuring that you aren't just visible in a text summary, but are actually directly bookable as a commercial entity. Here is why this technology is the missing piece of your AI puzzle: Structured for AI understanding: Through the Model Context Protocol (MCP), Connect AI structures your live rates, real-time availability, and rich contextual content (like amenities and location details). This allows AI agents to easily retrieve and compare your data against competitors instantly, rather than guessing or using outdated cached data. Direct bookability: It transforms AI from a passive research tool into an active conversion channel. Connect AI allows agents to present up-to-the-minute offers and facilitates direct bookings from within the AI experience. Crucially, this keeps the transaction commission-free, driving revenue directly to you rather than an intermediary. Scale and accuracy: Lighthouse monitors over 300,000 properties and 1.7 billion daily price changes. Connect AI ensures your property is represented with the highest possible data fidelity. In an environment where AI hallucinations or errors are a risk, having a verified, accurate data stream is a massive competitive advantage. Get your hotel AI ready today and beat the competition To ensure you show up in ChatGPT and rival OTAs, you dont need to invent a new language or overhaul your entire marketing identity. You just need clean, structured, and connected data, along with a trusted brand. When an LLM scans the digital horizon for a property that fits a traveler's specific needs, it needs to be able to find, understand, and price your hotel instantly. Hoteliers who treat data connectivity and brand equity with the same rigor as their revenue strategy will be the ones to become visible and bookable as this new layer of distribution solidifies. Don't cede this new marketplace to OTAs. Use the strategies from this guide and get set up with Connect AI today to ensure your brand.com offer is the clear choice for both LLMs and their users. Jonathan Gough Jonathan Gough is Content Team Lead at Lighthouse, spearheading all things content marketing. With a marketing career of over a decade, dedicated solely to travel, tourism and hospitality, Jonathan is passionate about leveraging Lighthouses technology to move the sector forward and provide lodging professionals with the tools they need to grow their business. About Lighthouse Lighthouse (formerly OTA Insight) is the leading commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry. We transform complexity into confidence by providing actionable market insights, business intelligence, and pricing tools that maximize revenue growth. We continually innovate to deliver the best platform for hospitality professionals to price more effectively, measure performance more efficiently, and understand the market in new ways. Trusted by over 65,000 hotels in 185 countries, Lighthouse is the only solution that provides real-time hotel and short-term rental data in a single platform. We strive to deliver the best possible experience with unmatched customer service. We consider our clients as true partners - their success is our success. This article originally appeared on Lighthouse. Alexandra DiAddezio is sworn in as the newest member of the School Committee on Tuesday night. North Adams Boards Unanimously Elect New School Committee Member Alexandra Di Addezio is congratulated by city and school officials. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. A joint convention of the School Committee and City Council on Tuesday unanimously elected Alexandra DiAddezio to fill the vacant seat on the committee. DiAddezio described herself as an "ardent public school advocate" who worked as an English teacher and college counselor at a high school in the Bronx, N.Y. She holds masters' degrees in English secondary education and in mental health counseling, and now works as therapist for students at Williams College. "I'm passionate about service and collaboration, and would really be eager to bring that energy into the North Adams School Committee," she said, adding that she will have two children in the school system. "I also noticed a growing number of folks in the community choosing to leave the public school system for alternative options, and I'm really eager to join in the work of attracting families to stay." She said she'd been thinking about how she could serve, but was unsure about running in an election. Seeing this opening, she said, "felt like something serendipitous." The last School Committee member elected this way was Alyssa Tomkowicz in 2023. DiAddezio and fellow candidates Jackie DeGiorgis, Kayla Sullivan-Lane and Eric Wilson presented their reasons why they would be the best candidate to replace the departed Richard Alcombright The seat was won on Nov. 4 by Chelsey Lyn Ciolkowski but she had been hired in the school system and could not serve and resigned her seat. Each candidate was given three minutes to make their statements and 15 minutes to answer questions from councilors and committee members about priorities, contracts and teaching experience. DeGiorgis is a retired middle school and Drury High School science teacher holds a master's degree in secondary education with a concentration in brain-based instruction. Her interests includes strong support of the arts in the schools, adding that her passion for acting is direct result of her experience in city schools. "I realized something absolutely amazing," she said. "Every wonderful thing that I have had happen to me in my life is a direct result of my connections with North Adams public schools a husband I adore, a fulfilling career that I absolutely loved, children I am so very proud of, a pastime that I am extremely passionate about." Kayla Sullivan-Lane has taught at all levels, from elementary through secondary, in private and public schools, and in Texas, Tokyo and the Republic of Georgia. She is currently teaching at Stamford School in Vermont. She and her husband have been foster parents and they have two children in the school system. "No matter where I've gone, kids are basically the same simple young humans trying to figure out the world they find themselves in. And I love helping them figure out their place of it," she said. "I want to strengthen the partnership between [North Adams Public Schools] and the community. I believe public education is the cornerstone of our town, and if we want our town to thrive, our schools must first be places that are safe, inclusive, challenging, empathetic and consistent." Wilson is a two-time candidate for School Committee. He noted he was not a teacher but felt his experience advocating for disabled citizens and speaking with students about the challenges he's faced was a method of teaching. "When I grew up, we talked to each other, but we never did talk about about people with disability and that is so important today," he said. "Kids are getting bullied, and teachers gotta stand up and say, 'enough is enough.' That's why I want to be on the School Committee." He said his platform is representing people with disabilities, children and adults. "That's my calling. I'm doing that right now," said Wilson. When asked about why they didn't run in the election, DeGiorgis said she'd recently retired, and DiAddezio and Soloman-Lane that they were a little unsure of how to run in an election. "I feel so sad that there's only one seat," said School Committee member Emily Daunis. "Each of you has amazing qualities that we would love to see represented also on the School Committee. So please do please, just whoever is selected, tonight, please know that you all represented extremely well." She and other officials encouraged the candidates who weren't selected to run in the next election. President Ashley Shade and Councilor Keith Bona said the choice was going to be very difficult as the candidates were so impressive. School Committee member Cody Chamberlain began to nominate DeGiorgis, saying her "experience and perspective" was in line with what the committee needed, but Mayor Jennifer Macksey halted him to see if there was more discussion. Several others spoke and once discussion ended, School Committee member David Sookey nominated DiAddezio, which was quickly seconded by committee member Tara Jacobs. DiAddezio received yes votes from all the officials, negating the need for another round of nominations. She was sworn in immediately by City Clerk Tina Leonesio. Teenagers from China and the United States sing during a performance at China National Opera House in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Lu Ye) BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has replied to a letter from a U.S. youth education exchange delegation, in which he encouraged more young Americans to serve as a new generation of envoys in the China-U.S. friendship. After visiting Chinese cities in October last year, members of the delegation wrote to Xi to express their gratitude, saying the trip has helped them gain a better understanding of China. The visit by the U.S. delegation is a part of the "50,000 in Five Years" initiative proposed by President Xi, which aims to bring 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs over a five-year period. U.S. delegation members, as well as long-time American participants in bilateral people-to-people exchanges, have said that fostering friendly exchanges and cooperation is the shared aspiration of the people of both China and the United States. A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF CHINA "My first reaction was one of deep surprise, gratitude, and honor. While we wrote with sincerity and respect, we did not expect to receive a personal reply," said Milinda Sylvain, principal of Diamond Minds Transformational Leadership Academy, in Miami, Florida. Sylvain's school was one of several U.S. institutions represented in the youth education exchange delegation to China. In the letter to Xi, the delegation members reflected on their visit, during which they experienced the country's blend of culture, education, technological innovation and warm personal interactions. "From our October trip, we learned that China is far more dynamic, welcoming and diverse than many of our students had imagined," said the principal. Members of a delegation of high school students from the U.S. state of Washington practice Tai Chi, one of the traditional cultural classics, on Wudang Mountain, a sanctuary for the Taoism martial art, in central China's Hubei Province, March 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) In his reply, Xi said he was pleased to learn that the teachers and students had a pleasant and rewarding journey in China, and felt their strong interest and sincere feelings for Chinese culture, noting that the hope of China-U.S. relations lies in the people, and its future relies on the youth. Sylvain noted that Xi's letter conveyed a clear and powerful message: that youth exchange matters, that people-to-people connection is valued at the highest level, and that the students' experiences and voices were truly heard. Fredline Dorvil, a program director at the academy, said Xi's letter reinforces the importance of youth exchange. "We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity -- and we can't wait to keep building on this work, reaching more students, and creating even stronger connections in the future." Abella, a junior student, said, "This exchange has inspired me to keep learning about China and to encourage more young people around me to explore the world with open minds." Nayah, another student, said the experience deepened her respect for Chinese culture and motivated her to continue learning, connecting with others, and serving as a bridge between the two countries. A FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE Since Xi proposed this initiative during his visit to San Francisco back in late 2023, more than 40,000 American youth have participated in the program. As Xi said in his reply, the initiative is building a bridge to carry forward the friendship between the two peoples. In their letter to Xi, the delegation members also recalled their visit to a local senior high school in China's eastern Jiangsu province. They said that their most unforgettable activity there was working with Chinese students to build a Luban bridge using ancient Chinese woodworking techniques. While building the model bridge with their Chinese partners, the U.S. students "not only learned scientific concepts, but also built a symbolic bridge of friendship and mutual understanding," read the letter. "Supporting each other makes the structure stable. This small Luban bridge is a symbol of friendship between Chinese and American youth," said Feng Chunxi, a student from the high school. Following the exchange, the two schools established a sister-school partnership and planned for future exchanges, including teacher and student visits, joint curriculum development, and shared learning projects. U.S. college students pose for photos in Peking Opera costumes in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 30, 2024. (Photo by Chen Qibao/Xinhua) That 80 percent of the five-year goal of 50,000 Americans studying in China has already been reached speaks to the strong desire among youth to understand China, said Sylvain. Xi's reply letter "is a wonderful letter to the people of Miami and all Americans," said Gary Dvorchak, executive director of the Sino-U.S. Friendship House in Muscatine, Iowa, who has long been involved in promoting people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and actively supporting youth programs. The "50,000 in Five Years" initiative has been highly successful, Dvorchak said, crediting both the merit of the idea itself and the efforts of the many people who helped bring it to life. "Americans and Chinese have shared aspirations for a better life, a good education for their children, and health and prosperity," he said. Editor: ZAD 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 North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's sister has said South Korea's hope-filled wild dreams about improved relations between the two rival nations can never be realised, according to state media. Kim Yo Jong, who is also the director of North Korea's ruling party, criticised a comment attributed to a South Korean government official who said Seoul saw a chance of talks resuming with Pyongyang, based on her seemingly less aggressive reaction to an earlier alleged drone incursion. The official at South Korea's Unification Ministry, which oversees relations with North Korea, told reporters that Ms Kim appeared to have toned down her statement over the weekend when she urged Seoul to investigate drones allegedly flown to the North. However, Ms Kim was quick on Tuesday to raise the rhetoric, dismissing any effort by Seoul to attempt to mend relations with the North. South Korea had "committed a grave provocation by infringing upon North Korea's sovereignty", she said in the statement published late on Tuesday, echoing her earlier criticism over the drones. "I make it clear once again to the hooligans of the enemy state," she said, demanding a South Korean government apology. Kim Yo Jong ( AFP via Getty Images ) The North's military has accused Seoul of flying drones across the border between the nations last week. The alleged incursion appears to be the latest hiccup in South Korean president Lee Jae Myung's effort to mend ties with its hostile neighbour, which the North has almost always rebuffed. However, Seoul over the weekend announced that there would be a thorough investigation of a civilian possibly having operated drones into the North's airspace, making clear its stance of having no intention of provocation. Following South Koreas announcement, Ms Kim appeared to have appreciated Seoul for making a wise decision and warned that any provocations would result in terrible situations. The administration of President Lee has also proposed renewing military talks after Pyongyang suspended its defence pact with the South at the end of 2023. President Lee has ordered a review to look at potentially restoring a 2018 military agreement with North Korea, the South Korean presidential office said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Seoul's unification ministry has revealed that three state agencies handling the North Korean despot's security had new bosses. The old chiefs were reportedly removed as Mr Kim increasingly feared assassination plots. The reshuffle was spotted during a military parade in October, Seoul said, according to AFP. 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 Thailand's military is reportedly continuing its occupation of civilian areas within Cambodia, barricading some with barbed wire and shipping containers, thereby threatening a fragile truce between the neighbours who clashed on two occasions last year. Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn stated that as many as 4,000 Cambodian families remain displaced from their homes along the disputed frontier due to these Thai incursions. This comes despite a December agreement that had brought an end to weeks of fierce border clashes. "The Thai military is still occupying territories well inside Cambodia," Mr Sokhonn declared on Tuesday from Phnom Penh, the capital, in a rare interview, identifying at least four border locations as sites of incursion. open image in gallery Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi meets with Thailand's foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Cambodian deputy prime minister and foreign minister Prak Sokhonn in Yuxi, Yunnan province, China, at the end of 2025 ( CNS Photo ) He added: "The situation remains calm, but there are some risks as well. So we hope that Thailand will remain committed to the full implementation of the ceasefire." In response, Thai military and government officials referred to a 12 January statement from Thailand's foreign ministry, which dismissed Cambodia's accusations as "baseless". "The maintenance of current troop positions following the ceasefire constitutes direct compliance with agreed de-escalation measures," the Thai ministry said. "This cannot be misconstrued as territorial occupation." With fighter jet sorties, exchanges of rocket fire and artillery barrages, the two neighbours battled for 20 days in December, following a July round of clashes that ended after calls by U.S. President Donald Trump. Boundary talks The December fighting killed 101 people and displaced more than half a million on both sides, in the latest flare-up of a century-old dispute between the countries that has occasionally exploded into conflict. In recent weeks, Cambodia has asked Thailand for a meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission, a two-way effort to demarcate the border, but Bangkok has not confirmed its participation, according to Prak Sokhonn. "The occupied village (issue) will be a priority for us because we need to solve those problems in order to allow our people to go back home," he said. open image in gallery Thousands of people remain without shelter following the conflict ( REUTERS ) Thailand's foreign ministry said it was finalising internal procedures for the talks, which would happen after a new government takes office following a February 8 election. "The Thai side reiterates its full commitment to resolving differences through bilateral mechanisms and intends to resume JBC activities at the earliest," it added. Besides an understanding not to beef up troops on both sides of the border, the December 27 truce also agreed on the return of displaced civilians. "The two waves of fighting have caused a lot of damage, to both civilian life and infrastructure," Prak Sokhonn added, destroying bridges, schools, pagodas, roads, and buildings. Chinese efforts Although Trump was instrumental in halting the July clashes and then oversaw the signing of a wider ceasefire deal in October, his calls proved unsuccessful in immediately ending the second bout of fighting. Besides efforts by Trump and Malaysian premier Anwar Ibrahim, Prak Sokhonn also outlined China's involvement in the latest truce, such as key visits by a special envoy to Bangkok and Phnom Penh in late December. "He met our prime minister, our defence minister, myself," he said, also outlining similar meetings on the Thai side. "So it was a very, let's say, active contribution from China." Two days after the latest ceasefire, the top diplomats of China, Thailand and Cambodia met in the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan, where the combatants agreed to rebuild mutual trust. 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 Malaysians are poking fun at the Donald Trump administration, claiming they dont have any oil, after the US embassy posted a stunning satellite image of the country. The mission in Kuala Lumpur posted a striking 2016 satellite image taken from the International Space Station showing lightning flaring through towering clouds high above Malaysia. "Malaysia, youve never looked more electric," the embassy captioned the post, which was shared across social media platforms. "Those bright pops of white arent city lights they are massive lightning strikes firing off inside a thunderstorm system. Its easy to forget we live on a living, breathing planet until you see it from this angle. Whether youre under the storm or above it, the view is spectacular, it added. The seemingly innocuous post set off a wave of self-deprecating humour among Malaysians online, with users jokingly urging Washington not to turn its attention towards their country after the Trump administrations attack on Venezuela. On Facebook, the most liked comment read: "Please tell your president we dont have oil ya. We only have Saji cooking oil." Some indulged in the stereotype that Malaysia was an underdeveloped country where people lived in trees. "As you can see, we live in the jungle. We build fire to warm our bodies," one user said. Another joked, "We dont have cities. We all live in the trees. (Note: we dont have oil)." "Dear Trump... we live in jungle...no oils just tiger and crocodile," quipped a user named Alif Sazali. Mohd Raffi Merusin on Facebook claimed Malaysia didn't have any crude oil, "just an abundance of palm oil and thunderstorms". Over on Instagram, the same picture drew hundreds of comments, with some asking: "Are we the next Venezuela?" "You can prefer Brunei or Singapore," another suggested to the US. A view of Kuala Lumpur's skyline ( REUTERS ) Some commenters pointed a dig at surveillance and intervention. With no warning at all, its quite strange that the US embassy released a satellite image of Malaysia, said a user called Ina Abd Rahman. The oil jibes came after the US vowed to control Venezuelas oil indefinitely following its capture of president Nicolas Maduro earlier this month. President Trump claimed the US would take over Venezuela and tap its oil reserves. He also announced that Venezuela would provide 30-50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the US Mr Trump has since reiterated his desire to take Greenland, threatening the US would do something with Greenland whether they like it or not. The Trump administration has repeatedly refused to rule out the use of military force to seize the Danish territory. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Jon Venables, who killed toddler James Bulger more than 30 years ago, will next month have his latest bid for freedom heard by the Parole Board. The 43-year-old, who tortured and murdered two-year-old James in February 1993 after abducting him from a Merseyside shopping centre, will have his case heard by parole chiefs at an oral hearing more than two years after his last appeal. Venables was jailed alongside Robert Thompson in November 1993 after the pair of 10-year-olds committed one of the most notorious crimes in British history. Both boys were released on licence under new identities in June 2001, but Venables was recalled to prison in February 2010 after indecent images of children were found on his computer. He was once again freed in August 2013 and then called back in November 2017 for the same offence, with parole judges considering his case again in September 2020. In 2023, the Parole Board rejected the bid, finding he still posed a danger to children and could go on to offend again. open image in gallery Jon Venables was jailed for the murder and torture of two-year-old James Bulger in 1993 (PA) ( PA Media ) The Daily Mirror this week reported that Jamess family was informed on Tuesday of the upcoming parole hearing, which it said is expected next month but no date has yet been confirmed by the Parole Board. Spokesperson Kym Morris, on behalf of Jamess mum Denise Fergus, told the paper: Once again, Denise Fergus has been forced to confront a process that reopens unimaginable trauma. Denise was hoping for a redirection allowing her a measure of peace and protection from further distress. That hope has now been taken away. What happened to James Bulger? James was murdered on 12 February 1993. He had been with his mother at the Strand shopping centre, in Bootle, Merseyside - just north of Liverpool. As she placed an order at a butchers shop, she believed James was by her side when she was being served but when she looked down, he was gone, as the subsequent murder trial at Preston Crown Court heard. Two minutes later, school truants Venables and Thompson were captured on CCTV leading her son away, hand in hand. We see James being led away by the two killers, David Wilson, emeritus professor of criminology at Birmingham City University, told The Independent in 2017 as he reviewed the footage. For all the world it looked like an innocent setting. The fact that there is a visual image about what was going to happen to that little boy, I think, was the beginning of allowing that crime to seep into our consciousness in a way that other crimes did not. Venables and Thompson took James around two and a half miles to the north Liverpool area of Walton and led the toddler up a steep bank towards a railway line. There, the boys threw blue modelling paint, which they had earlier stolen, into Jamess eye. They kicked and stamped on him, threw bricks and stones at him and placed batteries in his mouth, before dropping an iron bar onto his head, causing 10 fractures to his skull. Then they laid him across the railway tracks, weighing his head down with rubble in the hope that his death would appear to be an accident. Home Office pathologist Dr Alan Williams would later testify that he counted 22 bruises, splits and grazes on Jamess face and head. In addition Dr Williams noted 20 more wounds on his body. He was unable to determine which had been the fatal blow. Merseyside Police pinpointed the moment James was taken and released the still images from it, which would become forever associated with the crime. open image in gallery A video still of James Bulger being led away in the New Strand shopping centre ( PA Archive/PA Images ) Denise and her husband Ralph made an emotional appeal for their sons return but, two days after his disappearance, the toddlers body was found, just 200 yards from Walton Lane police station. A combination of the footage and various sightings led them to Venables and Thompson. Officers charged the boys with murder six days after James disappeared. Following a 17-day trial in November 1993, they were found guilty and presiding judge Sir Michael Morland named the boys, who until then had only been known as Boy A and Boy B. He said they were guilty of unparalleled evil and barbarity, before ordering their incarceration, with a minimum tariff of eight years. What happened to Venables and Thompson? Venables and Thompson were released with new identities in 2001. Their release came with a court order, legally binding worldwide, that banned the publication of anything that reveals those identities. In 2019, Jamess father, Ralph, challenged the injunction as he sought to persuade the courts that the original anonymity order in respect of Venables was no longer sustainable. However, the court ruled against varying the injunction. While Thompson has rarely been heard from since, Venables was arrested for affray and cocaine possession in late 2008. He was recalled to prison in March 2010 when images of child abuse were discovered on his personal computer. He was released in July 2013 only to be recalled again in November 2017 for the same offence. He was given a parole review in September 2020 that ended in rejection and was rejected again in 2023. The photo taken on Jan. 13, 2026, in Port Sudan, Sudan, shows recovered antiquities looted during the ongoing armed conflict. Sudanese government on Tuesday announced that it has recovered 570 antiquities that were looted during the country's ongoing armed conflict, marking a significant step in efforts to safeguard Sudan's cultural heritage and historical identity. (Photo by Sumaia Abdul Nabi/Xinhua) KHARTOUM, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese government on Tuesday announced that it has recovered 570 antiquities that were looted during the country's ongoing armed conflict, marking a significant step in efforts to safeguard Sudan's cultural heritage and historical identity. Speaking at a ceremony held in Port Sudan to mark the recovery, Graham Abdel Qader, undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism and head of the National Committee for the Protection of Sudanese Culture and Antiquities, described the recovery as "a major national achievement." He said the artifacts span a wide range of historical periods, from prehistoric times to the modern era. Their return, he noted, is part of a broader national effort to protect cultural heritage and preserve the country's historical legacy. He said recent inventory reviews revealed losses at several museums, including the Gezira Museum, which lost 68 items out of 408, and the Ethnographic Museum, which reported the same number missing from a collection of 4,600. Around 200 artifacts were also found to be missing from the Khalifa House Museum, while some items remain in the possession of citizens. Abdel Qader added that the National Museum in Khartoum suffered extensive looting, including its main exhibition hall and secure storage facility, resulting in the loss of an estimated 4,000 artifacts. He stressed that the remaining collections have since been catalogued, reorganized, and are ready to be displayed again. Ahmed Junaid Sorosh-Wali, UNESCO's representative in Sudan, said the recovery stands as a model of international cooperation in protecting cultural heritage during armed conflicts. Since April 2025, Sudan has been working with INTERPOL and UNESCO to recover artifacts that authorities say were smuggled out of the country through two neighboring states. Numerous museums and archaeological sites across Sudan have been looted or damaged since the conflict began, including the National Museum overlooking the Blue Nile in Khartoum, the Presidential Palace Museum, the Armed Forces Museum, the Khalifa House Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the Natural History Museum at the University of Khartoum, and the Sultan Ali Dinar Museum in El Fasher, North Darfur. Sudan has been engulfed in a deadly conflict since April 15, 2023, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, leaving tens of thousands dead and millions displaced within the country and across its borders. The photo taken on Jan. 13, 2026, in Port Sudan, Sudan, shows recovered antiquities looted during the ongoing armed conflict. Sudanese government on Tuesday announced that it has recovered 570 antiquities that were looted during the country's ongoing armed conflict, marking a significant step in efforts to safeguard Sudan's cultural heritage and historical identity. (Photo by Sumaia Abdul Nabi/Xinhua) The photo taken on Jan. 13, 2026, in Port Sudan, Sudan, shows recovered antiquities looted during the ongoing armed conflict. Sudanese government on Tuesday announced that it has recovered 570 antiquities that were looted during the country's ongoing armed conflict, marking a significant step in efforts to safeguard Sudan's cultural heritage and historical identity. (Photo by Sumaia Abdul Nabi/Xinhua) Government officials inspect recovered antiquities looted during the ongoing war in Port Sudan, Sudan, Jan. 13, 2026. Sudanese government on Tuesday announced that it has recovered 570 antiquities that were looted during the country's ongoing armed conflict, marking a significant step in efforts to safeguard Sudan's cultural heritage and historical identity. (Photo by Sumaia Abdul Nabi/Xinhua) Editor: WSH For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A shoplifter has been jailed and banned from all Aldi stores in an Essex district after stealing nearly 800 worth of meat, including premium wagyu steaks. Matthew Jenkins, 44, was apprehended by officers from the Tendring Neighbourhood Policing Team following a series of thefts in early January. Chelmsford Magistrates Court heard that Jenkins stole 782.96 worth of meat from an Aldi store on Pier Avenue in Clacton-on-Sea between 31 December and 5 January. He also admitted to taking 42 worth of fitness nutrition products from a nearby Boots on 6 January. Jenkins was sentenced for four counts of shop theft, which he admitted on 7 January, and for breaching a community order. open image in gallery As part of Jenkins sentencing, a criminal behaviour order was imposed, prohibiting him from entering any Aldi store within the Tendring district for three years. ( AFP via Getty Images ) He was jailed for 30 weeks. As part of his sentencing, a criminal behaviour order was imposed, prohibiting him from entering any Aldi store within the Tendring district for three years. Jenkins was also ordered to pay a 187 victim surcharge. Neighbourhood officer Pc Sam Jewell, of Essex Police, said that Jenkins had a history of offending, adding: Shoplifting is not a victimless crime. Offenders behaviour can affect staff and customers in the shops they target. We have a duty to protect all victims of crime from repeat offenders. And one way we can do this is by applying to the courts for criminal behaviour orders which are designed to prevent their re-offending and having a future impact on retail staff. 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 Campaigners are accusing the government of a draconian crackdown by taking away the fundamental right to protest peacefully after it made non-violent demonstrations at animal-testing facilities a criminal offence. Advocates for free speech and animal rights warned the move by home secretary Shabana Mahmood set a dangerous precedent towards clamping down on basic freedoms. And activists staging round-the-clock vigils at a Cambridgeshire site breeding beagles for laboratory tests vowed to risk arrest to continue protesting. open image in gallery Campaigners say the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental principle of democracy ( Animal Rising ) In a change to the law that was not part of a Bill before Parliament, Labour has amended the Public Order Act to categorise animal-testing facilities, including universities and laboratories, as key infrastructure, alongside airports, power stations and motorways. Police will have stronger powers to stop protests, with penalties of up to a year in jail or an unlimited fine. It means Camp Beagle demonstrators holding up placards outside a centre near Huntingdon that breeds dogs for laboratory testing could be prosecuted. Anyone breaching the new ban may now face prison or an unlimited fine. Cruelty Free International, which campaigns to end animal testing, branded the move illiberal, draconian, unnecessary and almost certainly unlawful and called on the Lords to reject it. This measure is an unjustified attack on democratic rights, and risks setting a dangerous precedent towards an ever-growing restriction of peaceful protest, a spokesman said. John Curtin, an organiser at Camp Beagle, told The Independent he and fellow members were prepared to be arrested. Im not going to change my my actions one little bit, and well just wait for the police to come along, he said. Theyre changing the law because we operate legally and peacefully. Weve said the camps not going until this place is shut down. Its business as usual. This is a disgusting act by the Labour Party who promised to get rid of animal testing. Theyll never live this down. Tens of thousands of people wrote to their MPs and members of the House of Lords to express their anger at the proposal before the vote. But the government managed to pass the amendment by 301 votes to 110 after the Tories appeared to abstain on the issue, having previously tried to introduce the same measure before the election. Nevertheless, 26 Labour MPs rebelled in another challenge to prime minister Sir Keir Starmers leadership. One rebel MP pointed out: We voted against this as the Labour Party when the Tories tried to do this in government; now our leadership is doing the same as the Tories. open image in gallery Rob Pownall said peaceful protest had a long and legitimate history in driving ethical and scientific progress ( Animal Rising ) Celebrities including actor Amanda Abbington and television presenters Chris Packham and Kirsty Gallagher had spoken out against the crackdown. Lush Cosmetics and several law firms had also opposed the idea. Many said the ban made a mockery of democratic principles. Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan warned of a slide against the right to free assembly that began under the last government. Shielding the powerful from dissent only strengthens our opponents. By curtailing the right to protest, we risk laying the foundations for a more authoritarian and less democratic state. Thats not the job of the Labour Party, he wrote. The government has argued that interference with the life sciences sector risks weakening the UKs ability to act swiftly in a medical crisis such as another pandemic. Nathan McGovern, of the Animal Rising activism organisation, said smuggling the legislation through without proper scrutiny or debate was un-British. open image in gallery Today is a dark day for democracy, says founder of the Protect the Wild campaign organisation ( Animal Rising ) The home secretarys actions are a mockery of the principles of honesty and integrity upon which our parliament was founded. Individuals have the right to oppose and speak out against industries such as life sciences without the fear of prison time. Rob Pownall, founder of the Protect the Wild campaign organisation, said: Today is a dark day for democracy. This amendment stretches the definition of key national infrastructure beyond recognition and does so for one reason only: to shield a controversial industry from scrutiny. Public opposition to animal testing is substantial, and peaceful protest has a long and legitimate history in driving ethical and scientific progress. This effectively removes peoples right to express moral, scientific, or ethical objections without fear of criminalisation. Stretch the definition this far and it becomes meaningless and opens the door to abuse. Which industry will be next? Kate Salmon, of animal-welfare charity Naturewatch, branded the change an assault on democracy, saying: This vote result is a kick in the teeth, but we thank the 110 MPs who stood up for freedom of speech and for what is right, which at the very least is democracy. Animal testing is not vital for this country's day-to-day running, and to try to define it as such is an attack on democracy. But Chris Magee, of the Understanding Animal Research organisation, which defends animal research, said: The supposed right of individuals to express their opinion in a way that hampers scientific research does not trump everybody elses right to national health and defence. Just weeks ago, ministers published a strategy to phase out animal testing. Members of Camp Beagle have maintained a 24-hour-a-day presence outside the MBR Acres beagle breeding facility near Huntingdon since June 2021 to draw attention to animal testing. open image in gallery Thousands of people wrote to their MPs to object to the change ( Animal Rising ) Four defendants who broke into MBR Acres and took 18 beagle puppies were unanimously acquitted of burglary on Monday at Cambridge Crown Court. A jury cleared Louisa Hillwood, Thomas Cusick, Kat Chan and Alan Guthrie after a seven-day trial in what campaigners dubbed a landmark case. A Home Office spokesperson said: Peaceful protest is a fundamental part of our democratic society; people in this country will always be able to freely express their views. This change is about providing police with powers to respond proportionately to disruptive protest activity that undermines our nations health. 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 Britains government is expected to approve a controversial "mega" Chinese embassy in London, despite years of political wrangling and significant security concerns. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have urged planning officials to reject Chinas application for the new diplomatic compound. Critics fear the proposed building, set to be Europes largest, could become a base for espionage due to its proximity to the capitals financial district and crucial data cables. Concerns have also been raised that the supersized embassy would heighten the threat of surveillance and intimidation against Chinese dissidents living in exile in the UK. The decision, initially slated for October, was repeatedly postponed amid mounting allegations of Chinese spying and political interference, which have intensified pressure on the British government. open image in gallery Protesters hold umbrellas, placards, and flags as they demonstrate against the proposed building of a new Chinese embassy, and to mark the 11th year of the Umbrella Revolution in Hong Kong, in London ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) British media have reported that the decision to approve the embassy will come this week, ahead of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's expected trip to China. The closely watched visit would be the first made by a British prime minister since 2018. A final decision on the embassy is expected by Jan. 20, the deadline set by the government. Here's a look at why the embassy has been the focus of protests and Sino-British tensions for years: The proposed embassy at Royal Mint Court the former site of the U.K.s coin maker, near the Tower of London will replace several Chinese official buildings across London Critics say the new site sits too close to underground fiber optic cables carrying sensitive financial information between Londons two main financial districts. Conservative Party lawmaker Alicia Kearns said that risks handing over access to data that would give Chinas government a launchpad for economic warfare against our nation. Dissidents have also been among hundreds of people who have protested the plans, saying a mega-embassy housing large numbers of officials would further Chinas repression of activists abroad. A group of opposition Labour lawmakers say concerns include the recent track record of Chinese espionage cases, interference activities and issuing of bounties against U.K.-based Hong Kongers. The site was bought by Chinas government for 225 million pounds ($301 million) in 2018, but plans for the embassy have been delayed since. open image in gallery Starmer is set to make a decision on the embassy before his planned trip to China ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Local officials rejected the initial application over concerns that the embassy would attract many large protests, affecting the safety of residents and tourists. China resubmitted its proposals after the current Labour government took power last year. China has complained about the seven-year delay in approving the project, saying the U.K. was constantly complicating and politicizing the matter. The development scheme of the new Chinese Embassy is of high quality and has been highly recognized by local professional bodies, the Chinese embassy said in a statement in October. The application complies with diplomatic practice and local regulations and procedures. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian has warned that if the embassy isnt approved, the consequences arising therefrom shall be borne by the U.K. side. Recent high-profile cases involving alleged Chinese espionage have raised alarms about the embassy. In November, the domestic intelligence agency, MI5, issued an alert to lawmakers warning that Chinese agents were making targeted and widespread efforts to recruit and cultivate them using LinkedIn or cover companies. Authorities believe the alleged headhunters were trying to gain access to sensitive information about Parliament and Britains government. Beijing has strongly denied the claims, calling them pure fabrication and malicious slander. Earlier, Britains government faced questions on whether it had interfered in the trial of two alleged Chinese spies in order to preserve good ties with China. Former parliamentary researcher Christopher Cash and academic Christopher Berry were charged last year with spying for Beijing. But their trial collapsed at the last minute because the U.K. government refused to brand China a threat to national security, the countrys chief prosecutor said. Facing criticism that he is not taking a tough enough stance on the security risks, Starmer has stressed that while protecting national security is non-negotiable, Britain needs to keep up diplomatic dialogue and cooperation with the Asian superpower. This is not a question of balancing economic and security considerations. We dont trade off security in one area, for a bit more economic access somewhere else, he has said. Last year, Starmer said Chinese President Xi Jinping personally raised the matter during a phone call. Opposition lawmaker Priti Patel derided Starmer as Beijings useful idiot in Britain. Starmers reset with Beijing is a naive one-way street, which puts Britain at risk while Beijing gets everything it wants, she said. Close to sensitive infrastructure, potential for protestsChinas warningsGrowing spying concernsStarmer has insisted on engagement 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 David Hockney, one of the UKs greatest painters, has made a dramatic intervention to try to stop a plan to bring the Bayeux Tapestry to the UK, over fears it could be irreparably damaged. The priceless 11th-century work, which depicts the Norman conquest in 1066, is set to be transported from Bayeux in Normandy, France, where it has been on display for many centuries, to be shown at the British Museum as part of a nine-month exhibition set to attract millions of visitors. The 70-metre-long medieval relic, which is said to be insured for 800m by the UK government during the loan, was hailed as a unique treasure by prime minister Sir Keir Starmer. The fragile cloth depicts 58 scenes of the battle in which William the Conqueror took the English throne from Harold Godwinson and became the first Norman king of England. open image in gallery Artist David Hockney has said plans to move the fragile tapestry are too much of a risk ( Getty ) But writing exclusively in The Independent, Hockney has lambasted the plan, describing the proposal to move the fragile, 1,000-year-old artefact as madness and too big a risk to take. The 58 narrative scenes have been observed in Bayeux for nearly a millennium, he wrote, adding the tapestry had survived political upheaval and wars but now faces an unnecessary conservation ordeal. While moving the Bayeux Tapestry to the UK might have vanity and symbolic educational value, the physical and environmental risks are substantial, Hockney continued. He hit out at the reckless nature of moving what he called a historic and important work, branding the British Museums plan as carrying significant risk. Why does a London museum which prides itself on conserving and preserving great art want to gamble on the survival of the most important art image of scale in Europe? he asked. It is madness. I am not afraid to speak up for art. It is something that has defined my life for more than eight decades. open image in gallery The Bayeux Tapestry is due to go on display at the British Museum this year ( PA ) Mr Hockney said the world-renowned tapestry, which is one of nearly 600 items on Unescos Memory of the World register, is at risk of damage as soon as it leaves the tightly controlled conditions of Bayeux. He listed risks from sudden changes in temperature, humidity or light exposure, which can lead to fibre contraction or expansion or colour fading. Backed on fragile linen, any movement of the relics wool embroidery threads puts it in danger of tearing, stitch loss and distortion of the fabric. open image in gallery A section of the Bayeux Tapestry showing the death of Harold Godwinson ( Hulton Archive/Getty ) Increased exposure while it is exhibited in the UK could also lead the precious tapestry to fade and become vulnerable, according to Mr Hockney. He questioned why experts are considering moving the work, accusing the British Museum of wanting to boast of numbers of visitors. Is it really worth it? he asked. I think not. I suggest it stays, and there is a proper debate about it being moved. open image in gallery Hockney said movement of the tapestry could cause irreversible damage ( Getty ) Hockneys warning comes as controversy over foreign ownership of ancient and significant artworks grows. The British Museum has faced frequent criticism for its right to hold treasures taken from other countries in the colonial heyday of the British Empire, including the Elgin Marbles from Greece and the Rosetta Stone from Egypt. The artwork, which has not been on British soil since it was created in the years after the Battle of Hastings, has been described by British Museum director Nicholas Cullinan as one of the most important and unique cultural artefacts in the world. There have been three previous British requests for the historic treasure to be loaned to the UK, none of which has been successful. But as the tapestrys purpose-built home, the Bayeux Museum in northern France, undergoes renovation, a loan has been agreed in a historic first. open image in gallery The Bayeux Tapestry loan comes as part of a wider cultural exchange ( AP ) It comes as part of a cultural exchange in which the British Museum will lend the Sutton Hoo collection, the Lewis Chessmen and other items to France in return. But the loan of the artefact has raised alarm from heritage experts over the ancient embroiderys already fragile state. More than 40,000 people signed a petition in August to prevent it coming to the UK, with art historian Didier Rykner expressing concerns that the tapestry could be damaged. At the time, the British Museum said its conservation and collections management team was experienced at handling and caring for this type of material and was working with colleagues in France on the tapestrys display. 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 Millions of households will soon be able to benefit from cash payments, rent support, food vouchers and more under a new scheme set to be launched by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). From April, councils will be able to administer Labours new Crisis and Resilience Fund, designed to support low-income households at times when affording the essentials becomes a struggle. This is a scenario many are facing, with recent research by the Trussell Trust finding that 14 million adults are going without food because they cannot afford it. At the same time, stubbornly high household bills mean many are finding it difficult to balance their finances. The government has pledged 1 billion a year for at least three years to local authorities through the new fund. It will replace the Household Support Fund, which has previously had its continuation and exact funding confirmed yearly. open image in gallery Millions of households will soon be able to benefit from cash payments and help with rent ( Getty Images ) Responding to the funding, the Local Government Association welcomed the long-term commitment, but told The Independent in October that many councils do not feel it will meet local needs. While nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) surveyed said it would help to at least a small extent, just two per cent said that it will to a great extent. On Tuesday, the DWP revealed more information about the scheme in guidance to councils, confirming what households across the UK can expect come April. Alongside provision to bolster local support services, two new payments will be introduced under the fund: the crisis payment and the housing payment. These both serve different purposes, and will have different eligibility. Crisis payment The new crisis payment as it will be known across the UK is designed to offer payments to individuals in crisis, the DWP said. Like the Household Support Fund, councils will continue to have discretion over the exact eligibility criteria. However, the governments guidance says it should not be limited just to those in receipt of benefits. Authorities will use the crisis payment to support low-income households that have experienced a financial shock, or are at risk of entering crisis. open image in gallery On Tuesday, the DWP revealed more information about the crisis and resilience fund ( Getty ) This could include people going without essentials like food, shelter or heating, or items like furniture and appliances. It covers the many reasons this could occur, such as disasters, health issues, theft, leaving an abusive relationship, or a gap in regular income. The DWP has asked that councils take a cash-first approach to the crisis payment, meaning cash payments should be awarded unless there is a fair reason not to do so. This could be in the form of food vouchers, or directly provided the required items. A crisis payment is designed to meet occasional or short-term need, the department adds, and not become a supplement to regular income. Some local authorities will also use the funding to provide parents of children eligible for free school meals with food vouchers over the summer. Barnardos chief executive Lynn Perry said: We welcome the publication of the governments guidance on the new Crisis and Resilience Fund. For too many families, a sudden crisis can push them to the brink, leaving children at risk of going without food, warmth or other essentials. This guidance sets out how crisis support can be delivered in a way that protects dignity, offers real choice and reaches those who need it most. It has the potential to make a meaningful difference to children growing up in poverty. Housing payment A new housing payment will also be introduced across the UK, aimed at providing financial support towards housing costs for those in need. It will replace the discretionary housing payment for claimants from April. This will usually be related to rent, such as needing rent in advance, a rental deposit, or shortfall. It could also cover a lump sum associated with housing, like the cost of moving. Unlike the crisis payment, the housing payment will be restricted to those in receipt of certain benefits. These are either housing benefit, or universal credit with the housing element for rental costs. However, DWP says those who do not qualify but are still in need could be considered for a crisis payment instead. It will also have the scope to be longer-term, and paid more regularly. For instance, someone seeking work and currently facing a rental shortfall could apply for a regular housing payment until they are able to increase their income or find somewhere else to live. A Government spokesperson said: We're committed to tackling poverty and delivering more security and opportunity for families across the UK. The 1bn multi-year Crisis and Resilience fund will help prevent households from falling into crisis by giving local authorities the certainty they need to provide emergency financial support. 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 The government has awarded offshore wind farm contracts, which could power 12 million homes, in a record-breaking auction that marks a stepping stone in its goal to create a clean electricity system by 2030. The bidding round was the UKs most competitive auction for renewable subsidies so far, with energy companies bidding for contracts which guarantee a price for each unit of clean energy they generate. Funding was awarded for 8.4 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind farm capacity, which is enough to generate clean electricity for 12 million homes before 2030. There are now 12 new offshore projects that have been awarded nine last year with the results marking the largest single procurement of offshore wind energy in Europe in terms of capacity of power bought. The contract prices are worth between 89.49 and 91.20 a megawatt-hour (MWh) in 2024 prices. In contrast, the Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) industry metric on Wednesday showed the cost of building and operating a new gas-fired power station at 147 per megawatt hour. open image in gallery The government has awarded offshore wind farm contracts which could power 12 million homes (Ben Birchall/PA) ( PA Archive ) The auction confounds the global challenges facing the industry, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said, adding that it is a major vote of confidence in the UKs new era of energy sovereignty. Energy secretary Ed Miliband said: This is a historic win for those who want Britain to stand on our own two feet, controlling our own energy rather than depending on markets controlled by petrostates and dictators. It is a monumental step towards clean power by 2030 and the price secured in this auction is 40% lower than the alternative cost of building and operating a new gas plant. Clean, homegrown, power is the right choice for this country to bring down bills for good and this auction will create thousands of jobs throughout Britain. open image in gallery Energy secretary Ed Miliband said: This is a historic win for those who want Britain to stand on our own two feet (Temilade Adelaja/PA) ( PA Wire ) The result is a major win for the energy secretary, meeting expert forecasts that he would need to commission 8.4GW of new offshore wind capacity during the auction round to stay on track to meet the governments target of removing almost all fossil fuels from the UKs electricity supply by 2030. The projects include Berwick Bank in the North Sea the first new Scottish project since 2022, and the largest planned offshore wind project in the world. Two others are at Dogger Bank South, off the coast of Yorkshire, and Norfolk Vanguard, off the East Anglian coast two of the largest offshore wind farms in the world. Awel Y Mor in the Irish Sea is the first Welsh project to win a contract in more than a decade. DESNZ said the new projects would generate enough electricity to power 12 million homes, deliver around 22 billion in private investment, support 7,000 jobs and help the UK tackle the climate crisis. 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 Elderly individuals across the UK are being forced to take "drastic measures" this winter, including skipping meals, reducing personal hygiene, and cutting back on electricity, simply to make ends meet, a new warning from Age UK reveals. Research commissioned by the charity indicates that a significant proportion of over-65s are struggling. A third (33 per cent) are using less electricity, while 35 per cent are turning down their heating. Alarmingly, around one in seven (15 per cent) will bathe or shower less frequently, and one in 20 (5 per cent) anticipate skipping meals to manage their finances. In response, Age UK has launched its "crisis hiding in plain sight" campaign, urging older people to verify their eligibility for additional financial support. The charity stresses there is "no room for complacency" in addressing poverty among the UK's growing older population, expressing concern that up to two million pensioners could face poverty in the coming years. Age UK is strongly encouraging both new and existing pensioners to check their eligibility for financial assistance, particularly Pension Credit. Some 35 per cent of older people surveyed said they are turning their heating down to help make ends meet ( (Peter Byrne/PA Archive) ) This vital benefit tops up incomes to a minimum level and unlocks access to other crucial support in later life. Many older individuals, however, miss out, either assuming they won't qualify or finding the application process daunting without assistance. Caroline Abrahams, Age UK's charity director, stated: "As a country we need to do a lot more to tackle poverty among older people, a social ill set to worsen as our population ages we fear, unless something changes and soon." She highlighted the tangible impact of their work, adding: "In 2025, Age UKs national advice line helped 6,006 older people with benefit checks and applying for benefits, identifying more than 36 million of support averaging at 5,900 per person. This year our ambition is to exceed that if we can, because we know its one of the most important contributions we can make as a charity. For any older person trying to live on a small retirement income, every single pound counts and even a small weekly top-up could make a tangible difference." The research, conducted by Yonder, surveyed over 2,600 individuals aged 65 and above across the UK in October and November, alongside a separate survey of over 6,200 adults aged 18 to 64. For those struggling with energy bills, Ofgem advises contacting their supplier immediately, as regulations mandate suppliers to work with customers to establish affordable payment plans. 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 Students at a Cambridgeshire school have voted to remove 17th-century diarist Samuel Pepys' name from one of its houses. That comes after research highlighting his abusive and exploitative behaviour towards women. Pepys House is one of five houses at Hinchingbrooke School, each named after historical figures with strong local connections. Mr Pepys was a naval administrator who was famed for documenting the Great Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of London of 1666 in his diary. He attended the then Huntingdon Grammar School in the 1640s. However, an email sent to parents by Hinchingbrooke School in 2025 said that recent research into Pepyss behaviour had uncovered actions that were harmful, abusive and exploitative, especially in his relations with women. open image in gallery Hinchingbrooke School has five houses, including Hinchingbrooke House, pictured ( Multiple films/Wikimedia ) The school held a consultation on whether to rename Pepys House, and a majority of students voted to seek a new figurehead for the house. The school said it would now begin developing a shortlist of potential alternative figureheads for Pepys House. Andy Hunter, the principal of Hinchingbrooke School, said: Recent research highlighting aspects of Samuel Pepyss behaviour towards women, recorded in his own diaries, prompted us to consider whether his name should continue to appear as one of the icons of our house system. Following a period of consultation, the school voted by 1,764 votes to 1,054 to look for a new figurehead for Pepys House. Mr Hunter said he was proud of the way that the school community conducted itself throughout the process. The students have been curious, reflective and, above all, respectful throughout, he said. It is important to note that there are no plans to rename the Pepys building, nor to change long-established references such as the Pepys Stairs. These aspects were never under consideration. The school maintains a strong and valued historical association with Samuel Pepys and remains proud of that connection. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Britain is intensifying its focus on Arctic security, the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said as she tours Scandinavia. Her visit comes amid ongoing concerns regarding US threats to annex Greenland, highlighting the strategic importance of the region. Ms Cooper is also poised to advocate for enhanced Nato efforts to safeguard the High North from Russian aggression. During her visit to Finland and Norway on Wednesday, she is scheduled to meet Finnish border guards and British Royal Marines at Norway's Camp Viking base. Ms Cooper said the government is "reinforcing our diplomatic and security commitment to the region." Ahead of the trip, she said: Britain is stepping up on Arctic security. With our allies we are working to strengthen Arctic defences and deter any attempts from the likes of Vladimir Putin to threaten our interests and our infrastructure. Ms Cooper said the government is reinforcing our diplomatic and security commitment to the region ( House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA ) She added: We see it as our responsibility and our duty to tackle these challenges head on, making us all safer in the process. Arctic security is a critical transatlantic partnership issue for the security of Britain and Nato. Coming together as an alliance allows us to unify and tackle this emerging threat. But while Ms Coopers visit has been billed as focusing on Arctic security, it comes under the shadow of Donald Trumps repeated insistence that the US needs to take over Greenland to prevent Russia or China getting hold of the territory. Mr Trumps administration has even threatened to use force to annex Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Nato ally Denmark, prompting concern about the future of the transatlantic alliance. On Tuesday, Greenlands energy minister Naaja Nathanielsen told a press conference in Westminster the territory had no intention of becoming American and felt betrayed by the US. But while she warned that we would all be under attack if the US invaded Greenland, she maintained that Greenland wanted a peaceful solution and was open to greater security monitoring or an expanded Nato deployment. Since the US began talking more loudly about annexing Greenland at the start of 2026, the UK appears to have increased discussions of Arctic security, with Sir Keir Starmer mentioning the issue in calls with Mr Trump, the Danish prime minister and the Nato secretary-general last week. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The government has appeared to abandon its flagship mandatory digital ID policy, marking another significant reversal since the general election. Plans for a compulsory digital ID system, intended for right-to-work checks, were reportedly thrown into disarray on Tuesday. The Times indicated that ministers are now considering alternatives, allowing other digital documents to fulfil the requirement. This potential shift is the latest in a string of government U-turns. Previously, it scaled back major welfare reforms following pressure from backbenchers. It also partially reduced inheritance tax on farms after extensive lobbying from the agricultural sector, highlighting a pattern of policy adjustments. open image in gallery Plans to implement a mandatory digital ID policy look set to be scrapped ( Jonathan Brady/PA ) Here are some of the U-turns: Business rate reliefs for pubs The Treasury is currently understood to be preparing a support package for the pub industry after an outcry over the impact of a major hike in business rates, marking a major U-turn on its November 26 budget plans. It follows pressure from Labour backbenchers and is the latest policy aimed at raising tax or saving money to be ditched or watered down in the face of opposition. Ministers had put in place a 4.3 billion fund to help pubs with the transition to higher rates, but it is understood that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will soon announce additional support, including further business rates relief and measures to cut licensing red tape. Inheritance tax for farmers On December 23, the Government announced it would raise the inheritance tax relief threshold for farmers from 1 million to 2.5 million in a climbdown after months of protest. The change to the reforms initially announced at Labours first budget last year came after ministers listened to concerns of the farming community and businesses, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said. The original Treasury plans to raise money as farmers pass their businesses from generation to generation triggered protests, with tractors outside Parliament and criticism from some Labour MPs in rural seats. Two-child benefit cap The Government announced in the autumn budget that the two-child cap is being scrapped from April. Seven Labour MPs were previously suspended for voting against the Government in backing motions to lift it. The cap has prevented parents from claiming universal credit or tax credits for more than their first two children. It was introduced by the Conservative government in 2017, and has been widely criticised by Labour MPs and anti-poverty advocate groups. It is estimated the move will cost 3 billion by 2029-30, according to the OBR. open image in gallery The Government announced in the autumn budget that the two-child cap is being scrapped from April ( James Manning/PA ) Day-one workers rights In November, ministers axed the proposal to cut the qualifying period for workers to make an unfair dismissal claim from 24 months to the first day in a new job, in a bid to get the legislation through Parliament. The Government now intends to introduce the right after six months of service instead, while other day-one rights to parental leave and sick pay will still go ahead, coming into effect in April 2026. The concession came after some businesses voiced concerns about potential costs and recruitment challenges. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced backbench anger, with some ministers claiming the U-turn breached the Labour manifesto. Labours manifesto explicitly promised to consult fully with businesses, workers, and civil society on how to put our plans into practice before legislation is passed. This will include banning exploitative zero-hours contracts; ending fire and rehire; and introducing basic rights from day one to parental leave, sick pay, and protection from unfair dismissal, it said. Waspi women In November, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden announced that ministers will reconsider their decision to not award compensation to the so-called Waspi women. The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) group claim they were affected by the way changes to the state pension age were communicated. Ministers have committed to make best endeavours to reconsider potential compensation within 12 weeks, or by February 24, and to pay more than half of Waspis legal costs, the group said. Last year, a report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) suggested compensation ranging between 1,000 and 2,950 could be appropriate for each of those affected. But in December 2024, the Government had said that, while it accepted the ombudsmans finding of maladministration and apologised for a delay in writing to 1950s-born women, a blanket compensation scheme, which could cost taxpayers up to 10.5 billion, could not be justified. National insurance The Governments budget decision to extend the freeze on national insurance thresholds by three years has led many to accuse Labour of breaking its manifesto pledges on tax. Labours 2024 election manifesto said: Labour will not increase taxes on working people, which is why we will not increase national insurance, the basic, higher, or additional rates of income tax, or VAT. The Government said that Labours manifesto commitments apply only to the rates of income tax and national insurance contributions, and that therefore the extension of the threshold freezes does not break its pledge. open image in gallery The government have also made decisions on national insurance and income tax ( AFP/Getty ) Income tax In the autumn budget the Government abandoned its plans to raise income tax and extended a freeze on thresholds instead, which with previous extensions means millions face being dragged into paying higher rates. Ministers say the changes in the autumn statement, which included overall taxes being raised by 26 billion, were fair and necessary to help cut the cost of living and improve public services. Benefits cuts In the week of Sir Keirs first anniversary in Number 10 the Prime Minister scrapped a raft of the Governments proposed welfare reforms in the face of a backbench revolt. A U-turn in July 2025 saw changes to Pip eligibility stripped out of the Governments welfare legislation, amid warnings from rebel Labour MPs of the impact on disabled claimants. An ongoing review into Pip, led by social security and disability minister Sir Stephen Timms, is expected to report by the autumn, although the Government has said an interim update is expected before then. Grooming gangs inquiry A national row over grooming gangs was ignited in January last year after tech billionaire Elon Musk used his X social media platform to launch a barrage of attacks on Sir Keir and safeguarding minister Jess Phillips. It followed the Governments decision to decline a request from Oldham Council for a Whitehall-led inquiry into child sexual abuse in the town. Sir Keir resisted calls for a national probe for months, with the Government insisting its focus was on putting in place the outstanding recommendations already made in a seven-year national inquiry by Professor Alexis Jay. But in June 2025, Sir Keir confirmed a statutory inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal would be held. Baroness Anne Longfield will lead the inquiry over three years with a budget of 65 million, the Home Secretary announced in December. Winter fuel payments In May last year Starmer announced a partial U-turn on its previous decision to severely restrict payments through means testing, instead opting to give the payment to all pensioners except those earning above 35,000 a year. Trans rights After the Supreme Courts ruling on the legal definition of a woman in April last year, the Prime Minister appeared to backtrack on his previous stance on trans rights. In March 2022, before entering No 10, Sir Keir had said a woman is a female adult, and in addition to that trans women are women, and that is not just my view, that is actually the law. But after the justices decision on April 16, he told ITV West Country: A woman is an adult female, and the court has made that absolutely clear. People visit the "Dunhuang in Glazes" exhibition at the Jiangxi provincial art museum in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Dec. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi) NANCHANG, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- In a quiet studio in Jingdezhen, a Chinese city famous for its ancient porcelain heritage, Turkish artist Dilan Atasayar guided a brush dipped in cobalt blue across the curve of a white clay body. Under her steady hand, two ancient civilizations seemed to meet, as intricate vine motifs from traditional Turkish art intertwined with the flowing ribbons of the "Flying Apsaras," the celestial beings depicted in China's ancient Dunhuang murals. "It feels like a dialogue across time and space," she said. For Atasayar, a PhD student at Jingdezhen Ceramic University, this city in east China's Jiangxi Province has become a "second hometown." Her artistic journey, however, began thousands of miles away in Iznik, a Turkish city renowned for its historic ceramic production. Centuries ago, Jingdezhen exported its ceramics, including the exquisite blue-and-white porcelain, to Central Asia, West Asia, Europe and Africa via the ancient Silk Road, profoundly influencing the development of porcelain making in places like Iznik. Growing up in Iznik, Atasayar spent her childhood gazing at these Eastern ceramic treasures in local museums, fascinated by the blue motifs that seemed both foreign and familiarly connected to her own culture. After spending eight years studying traditional ceramic arts in Trkiye, Atasayar decided to trace the roots of that inspiration. In 2023, she enrolled in a doctoral program at Jingdezhen Ceramic University, and has been studying to master Chinese ceramic techniques such as blue-and-white shading and underglaze painting. But her exploration has gone beyond traditional ceramics. After settling in Jingdezhen, Atasayar became fascinated by a flourishing artistic trend: the creative fusion linking Jingdezhen's porcelain with the aesthetics of Dunhuang, a historic hub along the ancient Silk Road in northwest China. "The fluid lines and rich storytelling of the Dunhuang murals share an intrinsic resonance with Turkish traditional decorative arts," Atasayar explained. "And Jingdezhen's porcelain and blue-and-white techniques provide the perfect medium to express this connection." In her works, cultural boundaries often blur as she weaves together motifs from both traditions. For instance, a Flying Apsara might be depicted holding an instrument reminiscent of Turkish classical design. This fusion goes beyond simple collage. Atasayar delves deep into the history, philosophy and aesthetics of the Dunhuang art, all the while refining her mastery of ceramic techniques. "Every time I open the kiln, it's like unwrapping a gift from history. The result is unpredictable, but full of surprises," she said. Her dedication and effort have borne fruit. Her artwork "The Friendship Vase" is currently on display at the Jiangxi provincial art museum as part of the "Dunhuang in Glazes" exhibition, drawing visitors from home and abroad. On the vase, Chinese auspicious clouds dance with Turkish scroll patterns, while the sacred lotus of the East resonates with graceful Ottoman tulip motifs. Atasayar is not alone in her creative pursuit. She is part of a growing community of foreign artists in Jingdezhen, who have been drawn by the city's porcelain-making heritage and open atmosphere. Today, the ancient porcelain capital hosts thousands of international artists who, like Atasayar, find new inspiration in old traditions. "Historically, blue-and-white porcelain traveled from China to Trkiye and shaped our art. Today, we bring our own cultural background back here to engage in dialogue with Chinese tradition and create something new," Atasayar said. With the sister-city bond established between Iznik and Jingdezhen in 2021, Atasayar sees her work as more than just art, but a modern continuation of the ancient trade routes. "I hope my artworks will add a new Silk Road, paved with glaze and creativity, between these two ceramic cities and our two countries," she said. This undated photo shows Turkish artist Dilan Atasayar's artwork "The Friendship Vase" displayed during the "Dunhuang in Glazes" exhibition at the Jiangxi provincial art museum, in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Jiangxi provincial art museum/Handout via Xinhua) This photo taken on Dec. 19, 2025 shows a ceramic artwork related to Dunhuang murals during the "Dunhuang in Glazes" exhibition at the Jiangxi provincial art museum, in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi) This photo taken on Dec. 19, 2025 shows a ceramic artwork by a Turkish artist during the "Dunhuang in Glazes" exhibition at the Jiangxi provincial art museum, in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi) A person visits the "Dunhuang in Glazes" exhibition at the Jiangxi provincial art museum in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Dec. 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi) This photo taken on Dec. 19, 2025 shows two ceramic artworks by a Turkish artist during the "Dunhuang in Glazes" exhibition at the Jiangxi provincial art museum, in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi) This photo taken on Dec. 19, 2025 shows a ceramic artwork related to Dunhuang murals during the "Dunhuang in Glazes" exhibition at the Jiangxi provincial art museum, in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi) This photo taken on Dec. 19, 2025 shows a ceramic artwork related to Dunhuang murals during the "Dunhuang in Glazes" exhibition at the Jiangxi provincial art museum, in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi) Editor: WSH Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmers time in office has been characterised by a string of humiliating U-turns from the watering down of the governments flagship benefits bill to a major U-turn on the controversial winter fuel cut last year. The latest appears to be a U-turn on the governments Hillsborough Law, flagged as a big ticket announcement at the Labour conference designed to stop state cover-ups. Yet as Labour has pulled an amendment to the law, the bill has been delayed. The Independent takes a look at all the times the government has gone back on its word or let voters down since winning the election in 2024. open image in gallery From tractor taxes to winter fuel payments, Labour has backpedalled a number of times ( Getty ) Hillsborough Law The government has pulled an amendment to its Hillsborough Law amid concerns that intelligence agencies could use it to avoid being bound by the proposed duty of candour. A government amendment would have allowed security services to determine whether their agents could give information to inquiries to prevent the risk of unwittingly exposing an operative in the field, but politicians have fought to extend the duty of candour to spies. Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and his Liverpool counterpart Steve Rotheram reportedly warned it created too broad an opt-out for security services, but Whitehall officials insisted the third reading was going ahead with the re-worked amendment to the Lords, according to Politico. The entire bill has since been held up over the issue after months of negotiations over the duty of candour clause last year. MI5 chief Ken McCallum personally spoke to some MPs about the issue, according to the BBC, while around 30 MPs backed a proposal by Liverpool MP Ian Byrne to ensure the legislation applied in a fuller way to intelligence officers. This was publicly welcomed by the Hillsborough Law Now campaign. Until a compromise can be found that is supported by campaigners as well as parliaments intelligence and security committee, it remains unclear how long the law will be delayed by. Mandatory digital ID In September, the prime minister announced the introduction of the Brit card to make it harder for people without the right to work to find employment. The digital Brit card, downloaded onto a smartphone, was designed to verify an individuals right to live and work in the UK, similar to a system in Estonia, where citizens are given unique identification numbers. But now a government source says the compulsory element of the scheme had been stopping conversation about what digital IDs could be used for generally. The source told The Times: Stepping back from mandatory-use cases will deflate one of the main points of contention. We do not want to risk there being cases of some 65-year-old in a rural area being barred from working because he hasnt installed the ID. Business rate relief for pubs Rachel Reeves is planning another humiliating U-turn on her plans to scrap business rate relief for pubs after a backlash from the hospitality sector and Labour MPs. Ministers told The Independent that the chancellor is set to change the plans she announced in the Budget amid fears that it could see the doors close on many of Britains pubs and restaurants. open image in gallery The prime minister and the chancellor have been repeatedly accused of U-turning on key issues ( The Independent ) Ms Reeves had announced a cut in rates in her Budget, but her decision to end the temporary covid relief meant establishments would pay much higher bills. The relief was worth up to 40 per cent of rates at a maximum of 110,000 a year and was going to come to an end in April under Ms Reevess original plans. Tractor tax After months of pressure from farmers, Sir Keir watered down plans to tax inherited farmland. Under the plans, announced by Ms Reeves last year, farmers were to be charged 20 per cent on agricultural assets above 1m from April 2026. This triggered a storm of fury, with fears that family-run farms would be worst affected. open image in gallery Starmer faced fury from farmers over his so-called tractor tax ( PA ) But last month, Labour said it was raising the threshold from 1m to 2.5m, meaning that most farms would not have to pay it. The climbdown came after crunch talks between National Farmers Union (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw and the prime minister in December, following a year of protests about the measures. Income tax hike Ahead of the Budget, the chancellor decided against hiking income tax despite two weeks of clear signals in public speeches that she was poised to break the partys manifesto pledge not to do so. With markets spooked by the sudden U-turn, reported by the Financial Times two weeks before the Budget, the cost of borrowing for the government spiked, with 10-year gilts up 12 basis points at 4.56 per cent. Treasury sources insisted the decision had been taken because of better-than-expected economic data, but others blamed interference from Downing Street in a bid to protect the prime minister from a potential leadership challenge. Benefit cuts Sir Keir suffered the biggest blow to his leadership since coming into power after he was forced to abandon a key plank of his controversial benefit cuts in order to get them through parliament in July. Just 90 minutes before voting began, ministers announced that plans to restrict eligibility for personal independence payments (PIP) which had been the central pillar of the governments reforms were being dropped. Sir Keir had already been forced into a U-turn the week before when more than 130 Labour MPs signed an amendment that would have effectively killed the bill off. Among the concessions announced then was a plan to impose tougher eligibility rules only on future PIP claimants, leaving existing recipients unaffected. Winter fuel payments In July 2024, the chancellor announced that pensioners not in receipt of pension credits or other means-tested benefits would no longer receive winter fuel payments a 300 payment to help with energy costs in the colder months. After spending months ruling out a U-turn, the prime minister in May told MPs he now wants to ensure more pensioners are eligible for the payment something he claimed has come as a result of an improving economic picture. After weeks of speculation over what the changes would look like, it was last summer confirmed that 9 million pensioners will be eligible for the payment a huge uplift from the 1.5 million pensioners who received the payment in winter 2024-25. open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer was in Jeremy Corbyns top team when Labour warned winter fuel cuts could kill pensioners ( PA ) Grooming gangs Sir Keir spent months brushing off calls for a national inquiry with statutory powers into grooming gangs as unnecessary. As Elon Musk launched himself headlong into the debate, calling for a fresh probe into the scandal, Labours refusal looked increasingly unlikely to hold. But Sir Keir stood firm, and even accused those calling for an inquiry, including Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, of jumping on the bandwagon of the far-right. But in yet another screeching U-turn, after months of holding out, Sir Keir in June accepted the recommendation of Baroness Casey to hold an inquiry. Waspi women In a 2022 interview, Sir Keir said: All your working life youve got in mind the date on which you can retire and get your pension, and just as you get towards it, the goalposts are moved and you dont get it, and its a real injustice. We need to do something about it. That wasnt the basis on which you paid in or the basis on which you were working. But, in a familiar change of tune since becoming prime minister, Sir Keir last year sent his work and pensions secretary out to tell Women Against State Pension Inequality, Waspi women, they would not be getting any compensation. To complicate matters further, in November, the government announced it would revisit a decision to deny the Waspi women payouts. Ministers claimed that evidence that was not shown to the then work and pensions secretary, Liz Kendall, when she made the decision had since come to light and needed to be considered. open image in gallery Labours pre-election manifesto promised not to increase national insurance ( PA Wire ) National insurance Labours pre-election manifesto promised not to increase national insurance. It stated: Labour will not increase taxes on working people, which is why we will not increase national insurance, the basic, higher, or additional rates of income tax, or VAT. But Sir Keir and chancellor Ms Reeves used the ambiguity around whether they meant employer or employee national insurance contributions to steamroll the pledge at Labours first Budget in power. The pair argue that they only promised to keep employee contributions frozen and instead landed firms with a 2 per cent increase to employer national insurance contributions. Two-child benefit cap In her Budget, Rachel Reeves announced an end to the two-child benefit cap, following months of intense pressure from backbenchers, campaign groups and political opponents. It marked a major U-turn for Labour, with ministers previously refusing to listen to critics on the measure. In 2024, the prime minister enforced the whip on seven Labour MPs who voted against their party to oppose the two-child benefit cap. Set to come into effect from April 2026, the government estimates that the change will reduce the number of children living in poverty by 450,000 by 2029/30. It will cost the Exchequer 3bn by this time, according to the OBR. Workers rights The government also U-turned on its flagship manifesto promise to protect workers from unfair dismissal from their first day in a job following concerns from business owners. Labour had backed a raft of basic rights including parental leave, sick pay and protection from unfair dismissal under the umbrella Employment Rights Bill. But the government has been forced to backtrack after the Bill struggled to progress through the Lords amid concerns about the impact the changes could have on small businesses. The government conceded to a six-month qualifier, saying it had made a workable package that would be more likely to get approved by MPs. Currently, the qualifying period is 24 months. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice MPs are calling for the inadequate boss of South East Water to resign as 17,000 properties in Kent and Sussex remain without water for the fifth day. Pressure is mounting on the chief executive David Hinton to step down as politicians describe the embattled companys response to the ongoing outages as totally shambolic. South East Water blamed the latest in a string of supply failures on burst pipes and power cuts caused by Storm Goretti, and said it is working around the clock to fix the leaks and bursts across the counties. However, the company has faced fury from both politicians and residents, who have been left without water supplies for days. open image in gallery South East Water staff handing out bottled water in Maidstone ( PA ) Conservative MP for Maidstone and Malling, Helen Grant, said her constituents had been repeatedly left without water due to failures at South East Water. The MP was one of six MPs who wrote a letter calling for Mr Hintons removal and said she has no confidence in him. Its been terrible and weve had this before, she told The Independent. We feel the lessons are not being learnt by South East Water. Their communication has been dreadful. Its really appalling, too little too late and often very confusing. open image in gallery MP for Maidstone and Malling, Helen Grant (right), said her constituents had been repeatedly left without water due to failures at South East Water ( Supplied ) I have no confidence in the company and I dont think theyre fit for purpose. The leadership team is inadequate and I think serious changes need to be made in the not-too-distant future, she said. I havent come across an MP in Kent or Sussex who is not calling for Mr Hintons resignation. Its been chaos and our position is clear it is his time. The latest shortage also followed disruption before Christmas, when more than 20,000 properties were left without water. Katie Lam, Conservative MP for Weald of Kent, described the water companys response as totally shambolic. open image in gallery Some 17,000 properties in Kent and Sussex have been left without water for five days ( PA ) No information or the wrong information, no real interest in livestock, vulnerable customers left without deliveries, and no reliable number to call, even for members of parliament desperately trying to help our constituents, she told The Independent. She said thousands in her own constituency have only been able to get even bottled water because a group of volunteers the Staplehurst Emergency Help Team have provided it. She said: This is an extraordinary failure, and the chief executive of South East Water cannot keep his job. open image in gallery Katie Lam, Conservative MP for Weald of Kent, described the water companys response as totally shambolic ( PA ) Sir Keir Starmer said ministers are holding emergency meetings every day as thousands of people are now enduring a fifth day without water. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called for SEW to be stripped of its licence for failing over and over again, during Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday. Sir Keir replied that the situation is totally unacceptable. He said: He will want to know that ministers have chaired daily emergency meetings to hold the company to account to deliver on the change thats urgently needed at the moment in all the areas that he mentioned. open image in gallery Keir Starmer said in PMQs that the situation is totally unacceptable ( House of Commons ) Mike Martin MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells, told The Independent that the outages are having an unimaginable impact on the daily lives of residents. I was at a primary school yesterday evening where the after-school club was filled with children of parents that have to work late, he said. When the water is going in and out without any communication, parents are forced to fork out huge sums on last-minute childcare. I dont believe the leadership are fully empathetic to all these knock-on impacts, otherwise theyd have better comms. The CEO must go. open image in gallery The Tory MP for Maidstone and Malling says she has no confidence in South East Water chief executive David Hinton ( PA ) Labour MP for Ashford Sojan Joseph said the company need to step up and fix this quickly. Their standards have not been good enough and residents have a right to be angry. These issues are a total result of heavy deregulation and neglecting water infrastructure, he told The Independent, adding he hoped the governments new Water (Special Measures) Act would hold CEOs to account. The prime minister has also criticised the embattled water company, saying during PMQs that the outages are clearly unacceptable. He said ministers had chaired daily emergency meetings to hold the company to account and warned they must urgently invest in infrastructure. Ofwat, the water services regulation authority, has voiced concern about the latest outages, and says it will review all the evidence before deciding whether SEW has met its legal obligations to customer care. The regulator can impose fines on water companies, ban unfair executive bonuses, force money clawbacks, and investigate failures but cannot directly fire a water companys CEO. open image in gallery Mike Martin MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells, says that the outages are having an unimaginable impact on the daily lives of residents ( PA ) South East Water has said supplies will continue to be returned to people in Kent and Sussex throughout the day. The majority of those still affected are in East Grinstead, East Sussex, where approximately 11,500 properties remain without water. Bottled water stations remain in place in Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead and Maidstone, and location details can be found on SEWs website. South East Water bosses have been recalled to appear before MPs over a water outage before Christmas, as thousands of its customers suffer following the latest supply failures. South East Water bosses, including Mr Hinton, have been recalled to appear before MPs on the parliamentary environment, food and rural affairs (Efra) committee, over a water outage before Christmas. Alistair Carmichael, chair of the Efra committee, said he and his colleagues remained deeply sceptical about the water companys version of events surrounding an outage affecting 24,000 properties in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, last month. South East Water has repeatedly apologised for the water shortages. In a statement on its website on Wednesday, it said: Were extremely sorry to all customers who currently have no water or low pressure. We know how tough it is to be without water and this is not the level of service we want to provide. We are using every available resource to water supplies, from fixing leaks to rerouting water around our network. A South East Water spokesperson said: David Hinton remains committed to resolving the immediate issues facing customers in both Kent and Sussex, whilst continuing to seek to obtain the investment to deliver the much-needed improvements in resilience to the South East Water network, detailed in the companys business plan. 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 has said he wont back down in his fight with Elon Musk over the creation of deepfakes using Xs AI tool Grok amid claims the social media platform has now restricted the chatbot from creating sexualised images. The use of Grok to create sexually explicit content, including child sexual abuse, has prompted a wave of concern among ministers, with the regulator Ofcom announcing an investigation into claims the tool was being used to digitally undress people. Sir Keir piled pressure on the tech billionaire to take action after he initially only restricted access to the creation of images to Xs premium subscribers following the backlash describing the move as horrific and suggesting X could be banned in the UK if it failed to act to stop it completely. Now, Mr Musk, who initially claimed any plans to ban the platform were fascist and accused the UK of trying to curb free speech, has reportedly removed the function. Speaking at PMQs on Wednesday, Sir Keir said: The actions of Grok and X are disgusting and theyre shameful, and frankly, the decision to then turn this into a premium service is horrific, and were absolutely determined to take action here. Weve made it clear that X has to act, but if not, Ofcom has our full backing and will introduce, and are introducing, legislation. I have been informed this morning that X is acting to ensure full compliance with UK law. If so, that is welcome, but were not going to back down. They must act. open image in gallery Starmer: The actions of Grok and X are disgusting and theyre shameful ( Parliament TV ) The PM was responding to Emily Darlington, Labour MP for Milton Keynes Central, who said: If reports are correct, Elon Musk has climbed down today under pressure from this government. And lets be clear, stripping women naked without consent in real life or online is abuse. But we dont know whether to trust what X is saying today, and this isnt just happening on X. Ms Darlington then revealed to The Independent that in the minutes after her question to the prime minister, people had put in requests to Grok asking for AI-generated pictures of her in a bikini or stripped naked. She said: Fortunately, Grok does not seem to have responded to them, so hopefully a change has been made. The MP added: What I think is really important about whats happening is, really clearly, we can enforce UK law. We can stand up to these tech giants, yeah, and they will change. She argued that the UKs position as one of the two centres of the English language, along with the US, gives it much more power in dealing with social media giants. open image in gallery Labour MP Emily Darlington was the target of online trolls moments after asking her question on X ( House of Commons ) Ms Darlington added: The next battle is over elections and dealing with deep fakes and algorithms which favour certain political parties. A climbdown by Elon Musk and X would mark a rare victory for Sir Keir after the government also said it would bring into force a law making the creation of non-consensual sexual images illegal after the row. Technology secretary Liz Kendall said the criminal offence would be brought into force this week under the Data (Use and Access) Act passed by Parliament last year. However, a spokesperson for the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology said while the legal steps to introduce the offence were being made this week, it would not come into force until February. Ms Kendall also condemned the platforms decision to limit some use of Groks image-generating function to Xs paying subscribers, saying the platform was monetising abuse. Downing Street and X have been contacted for comment. 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 Thousands of residents have been forced to abandon their homes in northwestern Nigeria this week, following a chilling order from a notorious gang leader. The displacement comes in direct retaliation for a security raid, officials and local residents confirmed on Wednesday. Bello Turji, identified by authorities as a prominent figure among the armed groups terrorising the predominantly Muslim northwest, is accused of orchestrating widespread violence. His gang, like many others in the region, is responsible for killing and abducting residents, farmers, students, and motorists, often for ransom. The escalating violence in Africas most populous nation has drawn the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has previously accused the Nigerian government of failing to prevent the killing of Christians. However, Nigeria maintains that both Christians and Muslims are targeted by gangs and militants, denying any systematic persecution of Christians. Residents of the Tidibale community in the northwest believe Turji suspected their tip-off to security forces led to recent military operations, which resulted in the death of one of his men. To enforce his retaliatory order, Turji reportedly visited Tidibale three days ago, killing three people. Basharu Altine Guyawa, Sokoto state coordinator for the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, recounted Turjis stark warning, He told them if anyone remains when he returns, they will be killed. He said he will not spare even a chicken ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Basharu Altine Guyawa, Sokoto state coordinator for the Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, recounted Turjis stark warning: "He told them if anyone remains when he returns, they will be killed. He said he will not spare even a chicken." Beyond these armed gangs, Islamist militants from Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram also operate in the region, where a 15-year insurgency continues to plague communities. The United States conducted a strike against Islamic State militants in the northwest just last month. A spokesperson for the Sokoto police confirmed that residents were fleeing Tidibale due to fear of attack, prompting an increased police presence in the area. Local authorities are now evacuating people by truck to Isa, approximately 50 km away. Muhammad Ibrahim, secretary of Isas community security committee, stated that over 3,000 individuals have been relocated, with many housed in local schools. "There is a humanitarian crisis. Educational activities have stopped," Ibrahim warned. Tidibale is situated about 100 km east of the state capital, Sokoto. Local activists are raising alarms that dozens of villages have been deserted as gang violence intensifies across Nigerias northwest. Usman Musa, a father of 15 who sought refuge in Isa, lamented the situation: "The past three weeks were horrific. Killings and abductions have persisted. The government has ignored us. I want them to flush these bandits out." For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Civil rights pioneer Claudette Colvin, whose courageous refusal to surrender her seat on a segregated bus in 1955 helped ignite the modern civil rights movement, has died at 86. Her passing was confirmed on Tuesday by the Claudette Colvin Legacy Foundation. Colvin's act of defiance occurred months before Rosa Parks gained international recognition for a similar stand. On March 2, 1955, a bus driver in Montgomery, Alabama called the police after two Black girls were observed sitting near two white girls, violating segregation laws. The then 15-year-old Colvin refused to move to the rear, leading to her arrest; the other girl moved seats. Colvin later became a named plaintiff in the landmark lawsuit that ultimately outlawed racial segregation on Montgomerys public transport system. At 15 years old, Claudette Colvin was arrested when she refused to give up her seat ( AP ) It was subsequently declared that all segregation on public transport was unconstitutional. Colvins actions were not publicized by Black leaders for many years. Young people think Rosa Parks just sat down on a bus and ended segregation, but that wasn't the case at all, Colvin told the New York Times in 2017. Colvin and Parks knew each other through the NAACP Youth Council, where Parks acted as a mentor to Colvin, who was 26 years her junior. The older woman was seen as a more suitable candidate for a legal test case against segregation, and local leaders threw their weight behind her. Colvin gave birth to a son, Raymond, in 1956, and two years later left Montgomery for New York City. She later said she struggled to obtain employment in her home town after taking part in the court case. In 1960 she had another son, Randy, and in 1969 began working as a nurses aide in Manhattan, a role she would hold until she retired 35 years later. Colvin has four grandchildren. In 2021, the record of Colvin's arrest was expunged. 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 FBI has searched the home of a Washington Post reporter who was covering the Trump administrations mass firings of federal employees. The search was part of an investigation into the possible sharing of classified documents, the newspaper reported. Agents took the rare step Wednesday of searching the Virginia home of Hannah Natanson, seizing her phone, a Garmin watch, one personal laptop and anotherWashington Post-issued computer. Investigators told Natanson, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, that she is not the target of the probe, according to The Post. In a statement posted Wednesday on X, Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Justice Department and FBI executed a search warrant at the request of the Department of Defense at the home of a Washington Post journalist who was obtaining and reporting classified and illegally leaked information from a Pentagon contractor. open image in gallery The FBI has searched the home of a Washington Post reporter who was covering the Trump administrations federal firings ( AFP/Getty ) The leaker is currently behind bars, Bondi said. The Trump Administration will not tolerate illegal leaks of classified information that, when reported, pose a grave risk to our Nations national security and the brave men and women who are serving our country. The newspapers reporting of the incident characterized the search of its reporters home as highly unusual and aggressive. The warrant to search Natansons home, who was present at the time, said that law enforcement was probing a system administrator based in Maryland with top security clearance. Aurelio Perez-Lugones was named in an FBI affidavit and has been accused of accessing and taking classified intelligence reports home with him. The affidavit seen by The Independent does not accuse Perez-Lugones of leaking classified information. Natanson has spent the past year covering the Trump administrations reshaping of the government and in December 2025, wrote a first-person account of how she has spoken with federal employees to learn of their experiences. It was titled: I am The Posts federal government whisperer. Its been brutal. In the early months of President Donald Trumps second administration, he wasted no time in carrying out thousands of mass layoffs via the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, overseen by billionaire Elon Musk. The move brought Natanson 1,169 new sources, according to her own reporting, which detailed how she was nearly broken by the workload. I would gain a new beat, a new editor and 1,169 contacts on Signal, all current or former federal employees who decided to trust me with their stories, Natanson wrote. open image in gallery Thousands of mass layoffs were carried out via Elon Musks so-called Department of Government Efficiency as sources reached out to Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson ( AFP via Getty Images ) In one of the messages she received from a Defense Department staffer, they told her: I understand the risks. But getting the truth and facts out is so much more important. Id never thought Id be leaking info like this, another Justice Department worker told Natanson, according to her account. Perez-Lugones is currently detained and is due to appear in a federal Baltimore court Thursday at 11 a.m. ET. The National Press Club said the search of Natansons home was deeply troubling. Leak investigations are not new. But searching a reporters residence crosses a line that has long been avoided precisely because of the chilling effect it can have on lawful newsgathering and source relationships, the organization said in a statement. The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University blasted the search in a statement and called for intense scrutiny of the action. These kinds of searches can deter and impede reporting that is vital to our democracy, said executive director Jameel Jaffer. Searches of newsrooms and journalists are hallmarks of illiberal regimes, and we must ensure that these practices are not normalized here. 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 US road safety regulator has issued an urgent warning to used car buyers, owners, and repair shops after two more drivers were killed in December crashes involving dangerous Chinese-made replacement airbag inflators. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has documented 10 incidents resulting in fatalities or serious injuries from ruptured inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co Ltd (DTN), believed to be illegally imported. Eight drivers have now died in otherwise survivable collisions, while two others sustained severe injuries. These vehicles had their original airbags replaced with substandard units following a prior accident. NHTSA said the DTN inflators malfunctioned, sending large metal fragments into drivers chests, necks, eyes and faces. The regulator opened an investigation into DTN replacement inflators in October after eight crashes and six deaths. NHTSA is working with law enforcement agencies to address any illegal activities associated with the importation of these inflators and estimated the population of inflators under investigation at 10,000. open image in gallery Chevrolet maker General Motors declined to comment ( Getty Images ) All of the replacement air bags in the fatal crashes were installed in used Chevrolet Malibu or Hyundai Sonata vehicles but NHTSA said it could not confirm that the risk is limited to these makes and models. Hyundai said it was deeply concerned by reports that counterfeit air bag inflators installed as replacement parts in three used older Sonata vehicles ruptured during crash events. These dangerous components were not supplied or authorized by Hyundai and were installed in vehicles with salvaged or rebuilt titles," the South Korean automaker said. Protecting our customers is our top priority, and we fully support NHTSAs ongoing efforts to identify vehicles containing these counterfeit inflators. Chevrolet maker General Motors declined to comment, while DTN did not immediately respond to a request for comment. NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said the agency is focused on addressing the issue with industry and consumers. The agency issued an alert to the auto repair industry to be on the lookout for these inflators and notify NHTSA immediately with any information about these inflators. As DTN has acknowledged on its website, the inflators are prohibited from sale in the United States. Whoever is bringing them into the country and installing them is putting American families in danger, NHTSA said. For consumers buying used vehicles that were in a previous crash where the air bag deployed, it should be inspected immediately to ensure the air bag is a legitimate replacement equivalent to the original. 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 Actor Kiefer Sutherland was arrested early on Monday morning after he allegedly assaulted a ride-share driver. Police arrested Sutherland, 59, on suspicion of criminal threats in Hollywood after they received reports around 12:15 am that a driver had been assaulted near Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, according to the LA Times. The investigation determined that the suspect, later identified as Kiefer Sutherland, entered a rideshare vehicle, physically assaulted the driver (the victim) and made criminal threats toward the victim, the LAPD said in a statement. Sutherland was arrested at the scene of the incident and was booked into the LAPD jail. He was released on a $50,000 bail. He's scheduled to appear in court on February 2, according to court documents. The driver reportedly did not receive any injuries that required medical assistance, police said. Actor Kiefer Sutherland was arrested in Hollywood early on Monday morning after he allegedly assaulted a ride-share driver ( AFP via Getty Images ) The LAPD said the department is still investigating the incident. This isn't the first time Sutherland has run afoul of the law. He was arrested for drunk driving in both 2004 and 2007. The latter charges landed him in jail for 48 days. He was also charged with assault in 2009 after he reportedly head-butted Jack McCollough, a designer, in the hours after that year's Met Gala. The charges against him were dropped after he and McCollough worked out their issues privately. "I am sorry about what happened that night and sincerely regret that Mr. McCollough was injured," Sutherland said in a joint statement he released with McCollough. In the same statement, McCollough said that "I appreciate Mr Sutherland's statement and wish him well." His last arrest was in 2020 for allegedly driving under the influence after police say he made an illegal U-turn in Hollywood. Sutherland is best known for his role as Jack Bauer on Fox's "24," but has been an actor since his youth. He appeared in "The Lost Boys," "Stand By Me," "A Few Good Men," and more recently led the "Designated Survivor" television series. He has won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his role in "24." 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 Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to create ICE-free zones, barring immigration officers from county-owned spaces amid increasing incidents of violence involving federal agents. Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Hilda Solis announced the motion Tuesday to establish county-owned or operated property as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-free zones, which would prevent agents from staging, processing or operating in those areas. Los Angeles County will not allow its property to be used as a staging ground for violence caused by the Trump administration, Horvath said at Tuesdays meeting, according to the Los Angeles Times. The motion directs county counsel to draft and return an ordinance for board consideration within 30 days. Federal immigration officials flocked to the Los Angeles region in June as part of the Trump administrations aggressive immigration crackdown, targeting several downtown businesses in raids that sparked nationwide protests and the deployment of National Guard troops. open image in gallery Officials in Los Angeles are looking to create ICE-free zones that would prevent federal immigration officials from working in county-owned spaces ( Mario Tama/Getty Images ) Agents have rounded up immigrants without legal status, but have also detained some U.S. citizens in their sweeps. In October, the LA County Board of Supervisors declared a state of emergency to provide rent relief for tenants who have fallen behind on rent payments as a result of the immigration crackdown. On Tuesday, Horvath noted, federal immigration enforcement has too often escalated into extreme violence. Our federal government is freely, without cause, murdering its own citizens in broad daylight, in front of witnesses and cameras, she said. In response to the proposed measure, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement to The Independent, This is illegally illiterate. Enforcing federal immigration laws is a clear federal responsibility under Article I, Article II and the Supremacy Clause. While Los Angeles sanctuary politicians continue to release pedophiles, rapists, gang members, and murderers onto the city's streets, our brave law enforcement will continue to risk their lives to arrest these heinous criminals and make Los Angeles safe again, the DHS spokesperson said. "How does this serve the people of Los Angeles? The biggest losers these politicians were elected to serve, the spokesperson added. Tuesdays motion comes after multiple violent incidents involving immigration officials, not just in California, but across the nation, including last weeks fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minnesota. open image in gallery Protests erupted in Los Angeles over the summer in response to raids targeting businesses where immigrants without legal status work ( AFP/Getty ) Officials from the Trump administration have described the shooting as an act of self-defense and claimed that Good was engaged in domestic terrorism. State and local leaders in Minneapolis have rejected that narrative. Meanwhile, on Friday in Southern California, a 21-year-old protester was left bloodied after a DHS agent fired a non-lethal round at close range at him during a protest. Video showed the agent dragging the protester by the neck, causing him to suffer a fractured skull and permanent vision loss in his left eye, according to the report. Weeks earlier, on New Years Eve, an off-duty ICE agent fatally shot Keith Porter Jr. at an LA apartment complex after the officer suspected he was an active shooter. Porters family say he was firing an assault-style rifle into the air to celebrate the New Year. Bay Area officials are also considering adopting ICE-free zones, according to L.A. Times report. The first such zone ordinance was established by officials in Chicago in October, preventing ICE agents from operating on property owned or controlled by the city. 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 Nashville Zoo welcomed some tiny new additions after its first-ever aardvark calf was born at the facility on New Year's Day. On Monday, the Nashville Zoo announced the birth of a baby aardvark called a calf that weighed approximately four pounds and was described as being "roughly the size of a rolling pin." Aardvark births in zoos are rare the last aardvark born in a zoo was born in 2024. The calf is the offspring of two of the zoo's aardvarks, named Winsol and Karanga. According to the park, Karanga the calf's mother and the baby are both doing well. "Karanga and the calf are doing well and are being closely monitored by our animal care team in a behind-the-scenes area," the park said in a Facebook post. A baby calf and its mother, named Karanga, at the Nashville Zoo. The calf was born on New Year's Day 2026, and is the first calf to be born in an AZA-accredited zoo since 2024 ( Nashville Zoo ) There are only 33 aardvarks living in American Zoological Association-accredited zoos. The calf is the 34th aardvark in an AZA-accredited zoo, and the first to be born since 2024. Aardvarks living in zoos allow researchers the opportunity to study the often elusive animals. "In the wild, aardvarks are difficult to study because they are a nocturnal, burrowing species, Nashville Zoos Curator of Behavioral Husbandry Jac Menish said in a statement to The Tennessean. Menish said the calf's parents are both "ambassador animals" at the zoo, meaning they have a "lot of keeper interaction, including hands-on care and leash training." "This has allowed us to gather valuable information about their breeding behaviors and pregnancy," he said. "Periodic ultrasounds were conducted once the pregnancy was confirmed, and our keeper team began a nonstop baby watch to observe signs of labor and delivery." It's currently unclear if the baby aardvark will ultimately stay at the zoo or be transferred to another facility. According to the Tennessean, zoo officials said the aardvark will likely eventually be moved to another facility to pair with a mate to support further growth among the aardvark population. Members of the China National Acrobatic Troupe perform a hoop-diving act during the gala show of the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 12, 2026. The China National Acrobatic Troupe claimed the Grand Prix at the Budapest International Circus Festival. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua) BUDAPEST, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- The China National Acrobatic Troupe claimed the Grand Prix at the Budapest International Circus Festival, which concluded late Monday with a gala performance marking the 30th anniversary of the event since its launch in 1996. The Chinese troupe received the festival's highest honor for its hoop-diving act, which was praised by the international jury for its technical precision, artistic expression and innovative choreography. At the biennial festival, three gold prizes were awarded. Flying Tabares from Argentina and the United States won gold for flying trapeze, Ukrainian artist Kateryna Kornieva received gold for swing pole, while the Martinez Brothers of Colombia and Japan claimed gold for Icarian Games. Silver prizes were awarded to acts from Israel, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Italy. Bronze prizes went to performers from Italy, France and Switzerland, Russia, and Canada. Budapest International Circus Festival is widely regarded as one of the world's most prestigious professional circus competitions. Members of the China National Acrobatic Troupe perform a hoop-diving act during the gala show of the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 12, 2026. The China National Acrobatic Troupe claimed the Grand Prix at the Budapest International Circus Festival. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua) Members of the China National Acrobatic Troupe celebrate after winning the Grand Prix of the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 12, 2026. The China National Acrobatic Troupe claimed the Grand Prix at the Budapest International Circus Festival. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua) Members of the China National Acrobatic Troupe perform a hoop-diving act during the gala show of the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 12, 2026. The China National Acrobatic Troupe claimed the Grand Prix at the Budapest International Circus Festival. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua) Members of the China National Acrobatic Troupe perform a hoop-diving act during the gala show of the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 12, 2026. The China National Acrobatic Troupe claimed the Grand Prix at the Budapest International Circus Festival. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua) Members of the China National Acrobatic Troupe perform a hoop-diving act during the gala show of the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 12, 2026. The China National Acrobatic Troupe claimed the Grand Prix at the Budapest International Circus Festival. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua) Members of the China National Acrobatic Troupe perform a hoop-diving act during the gala show of the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 12, 2026. The China National Acrobatic Troupe claimed the Grand Prix at the Budapest International Circus Festival. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua) Editor: WSH 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 Outrage has erupted in New York City following the arrest of a City Council employee as part of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. The detention of Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez prompted a protest outside a Manhattan detention center on Tuesday, with city officials expressing fury. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated that Rubio Bohorquez had significantly overstayed a tourist visa and had previously been arrested for assault, asserting he had no legal right to be in the United States. However, City Council Speaker Julie Menin challenged this claim. She informed reporters that Rubio Bohorquez, a data analyst for the legislative body, was legally permitted to work in the U.S. until October. Menin, a Democrat, added that the council employee had signed a document confirming no prior arrests and had successfully passed the standard background check required for all applicants. Menin added that the council employee had signed a document confirming no prior arrests and had successfully passed the standard background check required for all applicants. ( AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura ) The New York Immigration Coalition and New York Legal Assistance Group filed a petition after Rubio Bohorquez's arrest Monday asking a court to order his release, Menin and Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., said in a statement. ICE confirmed Rubio Bohorquezs name. Menin and Goldman referred to him only as a council employee. She said she was doing so to protect his identity. We are doing everything we can to secure his immediate release, Menin said at a Monday evening news conference. She decried the arrest as egregious government overreach. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat, said he was outraged, calling the arrest an assault on our democracy, on our city, and our values. Menin said officials were attempting to reach his family and obtain contact information for his immigration lawyer. Rubio Bohorquez, originally from Venezuela, was detained at an immigration appointment in Bethpage, on Long Island, authorities said. Menin called it a regular check-in that quickly went awry. According to ICE, Rubio Bohorquez entered the U.S. in 2017 on a B2 tourist visa and was required to leave the country by Oct. 22, 2017. He has been employed by the City Council for about a year, Menin said. His position pays about $129,315 per year, according to city payroll data. He had no work authorization, ICE said in a statement confirming Rubio Bohorquezs arrest. The agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security, said that under Secretary Kristi Noem criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the United States. If you come to our country illegally and break our law, we will find you and we will arrest you. Disputes over an immigrants work authorization have arisen before, in part because many employers rely on a robust but flawed government system called E-Verify. The tool compares information entered by an employer from an employees documents with records available to Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration. Experts say the system is generally accurate in terms of matching documents, but it doesnt automatically notify an employer if an employees right to work is revoked after it has already been verified. A 2021 Inspector General review concluded that until the government addresses E-Verifys shortcomings, it cannot ensure the system provides accurate employment eligibility 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 The Trump administration has issued an apology in court for a "mistake" concerning the deportation of a Massachusetts college student, Any Lucia Lopez Belloza. However, officials controversially argued that this error should not ultimately affect her case. Lopez Belloza, a 19-year-old freshman at Babson College, was detained at Bostons airport on November 20 and subsequently flown to Honduras two days later. Her removal occurred despite an emergency court order issued on November 21, which explicitly directed the government to keep her within Massachusetts or elsewhere in the United States for a minimum of 72 hours. Lopez Belloza, whose family emigrated from Honduras to the U.S. in 2014, is currently residing with her grandparents and continuing her studies remotely. She is not under detention and recently visited an aunt in El Salvador. Her case marks the latest in a series of deportations carried out in defiance of judicial rulings. Kilmar Abrego Garcia was similarly deported to El Salvador despite a court order that should have prevented it; the Trump administration initially resisted his return but eventually complied following intervention from the U.S. Supreme Court. Last June, a Guatemalan man identified as O.C.G. was also repatriated to the U.S. after a judge determined his removal from Mexico likely "lacked any semblance of due process." Bellozas case marks the latest in a series of deportations carried out in defiance of judicial rulings. ( Any Lucia Lopez Belloza's attorney via AP ) At a federal court hearing Tuesday in Boston, the government argued the court lacks jurisdiction because lawyers for Lopez Belloza filed their action several hours after she arrived in Texas while en route out of the country. But the government also acknowledged it violated the judges order. In court filings and in open court, government lawyers said an Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation officer mistakenly believed the order no longer applied because Lopez Belloza had already left Massachusetts. The officer failed to activate a system that alerts other ICE officers that a case is subject to judicial review and that removal should be halted. On behalf of the government, we want to sincerely apologize, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Sauter told the judge, saying the employee understands he made a mistake. The violation, Sauter added, was an inadvertent mistake by one individual, not a willful act of violating a court order. In a declaration filed with the court Jan. 2, the ICE officer also admitted he did not notify ICEs enforcement office in Port Isabel, Texas, that the removal mission needed to be canceled. He said he believed the judges order did not apply once Lopez Belloza was no longer in the state. The government maintains her deportation was lawful because an immigration judge ordered the removal of Lopez Belloza and her mother in 2016, and the Board of Immigration Appeals dismissed their appeal in 2017. Prosecutors said she could have pursued additional appeals or sought a stay of removal. Her lawyer, Todd Pomerleau, countered that she was deported in clear violation of the Nov. 21 order and said the governments actions deprived her of due process. I was hoping the government would show some leniency and bring her back, he said. They violated a court order. U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns said he appreciated the government acknowledging the error, calling it a tragic bureaucratic mistake. But appeared to rule out holding the government in contempt, noting the violation did not appear intentional. He also questioned whether he has jurisdiction over the case, appearing to side with the government in concluding the court order had been filed several hours after she had been sent to Texas. It might not be anybodys fault, but she was the victim of it, Stearns said, adding at one point that Lopez Belloza could explore applying for a student visa. Pomerleau said one possible resolution would be allowing Lopez Belloza to return to finish her studies while he works to reopen the underlying removal order. 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 United Airlines aircraft technician battling Stage 4 cancer is fighting back against the carrier after his boss called in the middle of a chemotherapy session and fired him for taking too much time off, according to a federal lawsuit obtained by The Independent. In it, Hasan Syed says he continued working while undergoing treatment, and used his accrued sick leave and vacation time to cover any absences, typically taking a day or two off to recover from the debilitating effects of the chemotherapy. Nevertheless, Syed was unceremoniously let go in a move his complaint contends violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, and caused him significant financial harm, emotional distress, humiliation, and loss of dignity during an extremely vulnerable period of his life. If he had been allowed to remain on the job for just one more week, Syed would have been eligible for protections under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, according to the complaint. Further, Syeds union was unable to contest his termination because he had not yet reached seniority status, the complaint says. A separate lawsuit Syed filed last August against Monsanto blames his disease on Roundup, a powerful herbicide that studies have linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including lymphoma, which the Hoffman Estates, Illinois resident says he used for three decades. open image in gallery United Airlines employee Hasan Syed is fighting back after he was fired for undergoing cancer treatment, according to court filings ( Getty Images; Creative Commons ) Mr. Syeds case is about a worker who did everything he could to keep working while fighting a serious medical condition and was terminated instead of supported, attorney Chad Eisenback told The Independent. Atlas Law Center stands firmly with Mr. Syed and with every employee who faces discrimination, retaliation, or a denial of basic workplace dignity because of a medical condition or disability. No one should have to choose between their health and their livelihood, and we will continue to hold employers accountable when they do. A United Airlines spokesperson did not respond on Wednesday to a request for comment. Syed was hired by United in April 2024, as a 737 controller his responsibilities included troubleshooting any issues with an airplanes mechanical, electrical and avionics systems, according to his complaint, filed Tuesday in Chicago federal court. He was a dedicated employee, and always met or exceeded performance expectations, the complaint states. That December, Syed began experiencing what the complaint describes as serious health issues, and went to the doctor to try and figure out what was wrong. In early 2025, Syed underwent a CT scan, which revealed a tumor in his nasal passage, according to the complaint. A subsequent biopsy confirmed that Syed had Stage 4 lymphoma, meaning the cancer had spread beyond the lymphatic system to other organs in his body. Syed immediately notified his supervisor of the diagnosis, and was told to focus on getting better, the complaint goes on. Although Syed remained fully able to carry out the regular tasks of a 737 controller, he inquired about a temporary transfer to Uniteds Planning Department, which the complaint says would have been less stressful and more manageable while undergoing treatment. However, although management told Syed that they would look into it and recommend him for the position, nothing was ever done, according to the complaint. open image in gallery As a 737 controller for United Airlines, Hasan Syed was responsible for troubleshooting any issues with an airplanes mechanical, electrical and avionics systems, according to his complaint ( AFP via Getty Images ) Throughout January, Syed went back to the doctor numerous times as part of the diagnostic and treatment planning process, and began chemotherapy in February, the complaint states. From that point, it says Syed worked 12-hour shifts, four days on and five days off, while taking a day or two following each chemo treatment. (Syed at one point also took a week off to be hospitalized for anxiety-related issues, according to the complaint.) Syed had not yet been at United for a full year, which would have entitled him to time off, with an elevated level of job security under the Family and Medical Leave Act, the complaint continues. Regardless, Syed continued working and performing his job duties to the best of his ability, despite his medical challenges, the complaint maintains. In April 2025, while [Syed] was in the middle of a chemotherapy session, he received a phone call from his supervisor, according to the complaint. During that phone call, [Syeds supervisor] told [him], Im sorry, but I have to let you go youre taking too much time off work. The decision came just seven days before Syeds one-year work anniversary, when he would have qualified for FMLA leave, the complaint states. It says Syed was told that he could reapply for his position once he was better, but he remains unemployed. The complaint alleges that Syed was terminated because of his disability, his need for medical treatment, and his anticipated use of job-protected medical leave, arguing that Uniteds actions illustrated a willful and/or reckless violation of the ADA. As a direct and proximate result of the discrimination described above, [Syed] has suffered and continues to suffer loss of employment, loss of income, loss of employment benefits and has suffered and continues to suffer mental anguish, distress, humiliation, and loss of enjoyment of life, according to the complaint. open image in gallery Fired United Airlines technician Hasan Syed was assigned to the carrier's Chicago base, and claims his firing amid a chemo session caused him caused him significant financial harm, emotional distress, humiliation and loss of dignity during an extremely vulnerable period of his life. ( AFP via Getty Images ) A discrimination charge Syed filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights in November and is attached to his complaint as an exhibit reveals that his treatment has been successful, and that a recent PET scan showed the cancer in remission. On December 29, Syed received a so-called right-to-sue letter from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. His lawsuit is the latest of several filed by United employees who say they have been wronged at work. Last July, a United Airlines ramp agent in New Jersey sued over claims she faced relentless sexual harassment from her supervisor, and that her complaints only made things worse culminating in an assignment to remove a 300-pound dead body from a plane, by herself, which left her badly injured and led to her eventual firing. Chantel Matthews supervisor greeted her on her first day of work by saying, Welcome to United. You are fine as hell, after which things got steadily worse, her lawsuit alleged. That same month, a senior United Airlines pilot who was disoriented and slurring his speech following a head injury sued the carrier, claiming he was wrongfully accused of being an alcoholic, forced into inpatient rehab and threatened with termination unless he admitted to an allegedly nonexistent addiction. A third lawsuit filed at roughly the same time said United Airlines allowed racism and harassment to fester unchecked, according to an employee who says he was fired for speaking up about a white supervisor ordering a Black worker to go fetch a noose. Syed is now seeking back pay with interest; front pay; liquidated damages; compensatory damages and punitive damages; plus court costs and attorneys fees. 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 Younger Americans are more likely to be antisemitic than older voters, with a particular problem on the conservative right, a new poll has claimed. Previous polls, including those carried out by the Anti-Defamation League since 1964, found that antisemitism was more commonplace among older Americans than young. But in recent years that appears to have flipped, borne out by the new Yale Youth Poll, reported in The Bulwark, suggesting that younger people are more likely to harbor antisemitic views. Researchers also found that young conservatives are more likely to agree with antisemitic statements than young liberals. The Yale findings come days after an arson attack at a synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi, and ongoing political concern about anti-Jewish sentiment in the country. open image in gallery New York University students and pro-Israeli supporters rally across the street from a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Yale surveyed 3,400 registered U.S. voters, half of whom were under the age of 35, about their views on antisemitism, Zionism and Israel. The poll asked respondents whether they agreed or disagreed with the following three statements commonly considered to be antisemitic: Jews in the United States are more loyal to Israel than to America. Its appropriate to boycott Jewish American-owned businesses to protest the war in Gaza. Jews in the United States have too much power. Among all voters, 70 per cent agreed with none of these three statements. However the same is true for just 57 per cent of 18-22 year-olds and 60 per cent of 23-29 year-olds. The poll also found that young conservatives aged 18-34 are more likely to agree with one or more of the statements than liberals. Two thirds of those who considered themselves extremely conservative agreed with one of them and nearly half agreed with two. One in five agreed with all three statements. This week Donald Trump said there was no room for antisemites in his MAGA movement, telling The New York Times: I think we dont need them. I think we dont like them. His remarks came after Vice President JD Vance was forced to deny antisemitism is exploding in the GOP last month. Senator Ted Cruz had previously warned of growing anti-Jewish and anti-Israel sentiment among conservatives. open image in gallery This week Donald Trump said there was no room for antisemitism in MAGA ( Samuel Corum/Getty Images ) The Yale poll also gave concerning results on how Jewish contributions to the United States are perceived by the young. When asked whether Jewish people have had a positive, negative, or neutral impact on the United States, just 8 per cent of voters overall said they believed Jews have had a negative impact. However, these numbers were much higher among younger respondents, with 18 per cent of 18-22 year-olds saying that they had a negative impact on the United States, as well as 15 per cent of 23-29 year-olds. The Yale polling indicated there was also a generational divide on whether Israel should exist as a Jewish State. In the overall sample, 46 per cent of respondents backed its existence, compared with 18 per cent who favoured a nonJewish state and 5 per cent who said it should not exist at all. Again, among younger adults, the picture shifted: 15 per cent of those under 30 said Israel should not exist, and fewer than 30 per cent supported it remaining a Jewish state. Support was far higher among older respondents, with 64 per cent of those aged 65 and over backing Israels existence as a Jewish state. In conclusion, the research team said the results indicated that both antisemitic views and anti-Israel stances are more common among younger voters. But they cautioned that this doesnt mean the former is causing the latter, or vice versa. It is difficult to untangle the direction of causality here. Clearly, there are voters who are driven toward anti-Israel beliefs by their pre-existing antisemitic beliefs, as well as voters who adopt antisemitic views as a result of pre-existing anti-Israel views or of conflating Israel with the Jewish diaspora. And there are voters who are deeply critical of Israel but are not antisemitic, as well as voters who may be antisemitic but are not as critical of Israel. 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 Denmark has said that a fundamental disagreement over Greenland remains with president Donald Trump, following talks with US vice-president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio on Wednesday. Denmark and Greenland are stepping up military presence on the island and allied reinforcements are expected to follow, with Sweden confirming a deployment of military officers to the Arctic at Denmarks request, according to a statement by prime minister Ulf Kristersson. Both Denmark and the US have agreed to create a working group to discuss ways to resolve their differences as Mr Trump continues to call for a US takeover of the Arctic territory. open image in gallery Despite a fundamental disagreement, Denmark and the US are creating a working group ( AFP via Getty ) The group, in our view, should focus on how to address the American security concerns, while at the same time respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark, Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told reporters, after a highly anticipated meeting in which Greenlands foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, was also present. Mr Rasmussen said that the prospect of the US acquiring Greenland was absolutely not necessary, as he relayed Denmark has the longest-lasting diplomatic relation with the US than any other ally. Earlier today, Greenlands government and Denmarks defence ministry released a statement announcing that the geopolitical tensions have spread to the Arctic. The government of Greenland, and the Danish ministry of defence have therefore decided to continue the Danish armed forces increased exercise activity in Greenland, in close cooperation with Nato allies. From today, there will be an expanded military presence in and around Greenland. The plan includes military exercises involving fighter aircraft, naval tasking, receiving allied troops, enhanced policing and guarding critical installations. Danish minister of defence Troels Lund Poulsen explained that Denmark would have a bigger military footprint and a more permanent presence on Greenland going forward, although he conceded that it is unlikely that a Nato nation would attack another Nato country. open image in gallery Vice-president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio arrive at the White House ( AFP via Getty ) Mr Trump has ramped up his demands to secure the territory under full US control adding that anything less than that is unacceptable. He has repeatedly said that Greenland is essential for American national security and in order to prevent Russia or China from imposing their own control over the region. He said on Wednesday that something will work out with respect to the future governance of the Danish overseas territory as he spoke to reporters in the Oval Office. Greenland is very important for the national security, including of Denmark, he said. And the problem is theres not a thing that Denmark can do about it if Russia or China wants to occupy Greenland, but theres everything we can do. You found that out last week with Venezuela, he added. His aspirations have come up against widespread resistance across Europe, with the European commissioner Andrius Kubilius saying that a takeover would spell the end of Nato. European Union Commission president Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the close relationship between the EU and Greenland, telling a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday: We respect the wishes of the Greenlanders and their interests and they can count on us. French president Emmanuel Macron backed his European allies, saying, We do not underestimate statements on Greenland. If the sovereignty of a European country and ally were to be affected, the knock-on effects would be unprecedented. France is monitoring the situation very closely and will act in full solidarity with Denmark and its sovereignty. The UK is also considering sending backup, according to reports. open image in gallery Donald Trump has said he needs the territory for national security ( Getty ) US vice-president Mr Vance had requested to be included in discussions that had been prompted by Denmark and Greenlands foreign ministers, but his involvement had prompted concern due to his hardline position on a US takeover. Last week, he warned Europe that it needed to take Mr Trump seriously on his aspiration to acquire it. What were asking our European friends to do is to take the security of that land mass more seriously, because if theyre not, the United States is going to have to do something about it, he said. open image in gallery Greenland is a semi-autonomous region run by Denmark ( Reuters ) Mr Trump said the scheme was vital for the Golden Dome that we are building. Nato should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DONT, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! he said in a Truth Social post on Wednesday. He added: Militarily, without the vast power of the United States, much of which I built during my first term, and am now bringing to a new and even higher level, NATO would not be an effective force or deterrent Not even close! The president said that Nato would become far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Mr Trump first floated the idea of purchasing the territory known to hold a vast wealth of untapped minerals and natural resources in 2019. Denmark runs Greenland as a semi-autonomous territory. 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 Details of thousands of alleged ICE agents and Border Patrol employees have reportedly been leaked to an online watchdog group following the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis. The identities of around 4,500 federal agents were shared with the ICE List website by a Department of Homeland Security whistleblower, according to The Daily Beast. The data includes information on around 2,000 agents and 150 supervisors, according to Dominick Skinner, who launched ICE List. Early analysis from the volunteer-led organization suggests that around 80 per cent of those identified are still employed by the DHS. It is a sign that people arent happy within the U.S. government, clearly. The shooting was the last straw for many people, Skinner told the outlet. Protests have erupted across the country following the killing of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot three times through the windshield of her car by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, sparking outrage. open image in gallery In the aftermath of the shooting, Trump said the ICE agent killed Good in 'self-defense,' claiming Good 'ran over' the officer ( Stephen Maturen/Getty Images ) Skinner said individual reports about DHS personnel from the public have also spiked since Goods shooting. Ive had hotel staff sending post-it notes, bar staff sending DHS IDs, and loads of people saying their neighbour is an agent, he told The Beast. As well as information on agents and leadership personnel, the website also has information on incidents, including deportations, deaths in custody and other abuses. Site users can contribute to the online library, which contains pictures, descriptions and previous employment history for those listed. The database is also broken down by state. Mondays alleged leak to the ICE List is believed to be the largest ever breach of department staff data. As well as agents, other high-profile people listed are Laura Loomer, Fox News host Jesse Watters, and DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, who is described as an ICE propagandist. In a statement to The Independent, McLaughlin said that the alleged leak would constitute 4,500 felonies. open image in gallery ( AFP via Getty Images ) The disgusting doxxing of our officers put their lives and their families in serious danger, the statement read. Our law enforcement officers are on the frontlines arresting terrorists, gang members, murderers, pedophiles, and rapists. Now, thanks to the malicious rhetoric of sanctuary politicians, they are under constant threat from violent agitators. McLaughlin added that law enforcement is currently facing a 1,300 percent increase in assaults against them, a 3,200 percent increase in vehicular attacks against them, and an 8,000 percent increase in death threats against them. Their families are being threatened. We will not back down. Anyone who doxxes our officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, she said. open image in gallery Immigration Enforcement Minnesota ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Before the alleged leak, the ICE List had the details of only around 2,000 immigration staff and was also in possession of names that it had not made public. The database now has information on around 6,500 people. The website is hosted in the Netherlands, where Skinner lives, so it cannot be taken down by the U.S. government. open image in gallery More than half of Republicans believe the fatal shooting of Renee Good was justified, a new poll has found ( Stephen Maturen/Getty Images ) Skinner said ICE List will release the majority of names from the leak that the project can verify because ICE and CBP are in clear need of reform, and I believe working for either is a bad move on a moral level. We will make exceptions on a case-by-case basis, the best examples of which will be those who work in childcare within the agency, and nurses, he told The Beast. There will be more exceptions, but we will have a discussion once the team flags a position as something we need to think twice about. 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 Department of Homeland Security gave Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers Tuesday a reminder that they have federal immunity over their conduct while on the job a claim that resurfaces as the agency faces scrutiny for defending the officer who fatally shot Renee Good. In an X post, DHS resurfaced a clip of Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy who is also a central figure in the administrations immigration agenda, talking about the sweeping immunity. To all ICE officers: You have federal immunity in the conduct of your duties, Miller said on Fox News The Will Cain Show in October. You have immunity to perform your duties, and no oneno city official, no state official, no illegal alien, no leftist agitator or domestic insurrectionistcan prevent you from fulfilling your legal obligations and duties. Although the clip is from several months ago, the departments decision to highlight it now seems to be part of its defense that the officer who fatally shot Good does not need to be held accountable because he is protected from civil and criminal liability. While federal law enforcement officers have protections against some prosecutions, experts say they are not completely immune from legal or other consequences. open image in gallery Legal experts say ICE officers and other federal law enforcement are not completely protected from liability, despite the administrations claims ( AFP via Getty Images ) Despite that, Vice President JD Vance made similar assertions to Miller last week when he told reporters the officer has absolute immunity from investigation The precedent here is very simple: you have a federal law enforcement official engaging in federal law enforcement action. Thats a federal issue. That guy is protected by absolute immunity; he was doing his job, Vance said. Michael J.Z. Mannheimer, a constitutional law professor at Northern Kentucky Universitys Salmon P. Chase College of Law, told CNN, The idea that a federal agent has absolute immunity for crimes they commit on the job is absolutely ridiculous. The Supremacy Clause largely protects federal law enforcement officials from being criminally prosecuted by a state. But there are limitations such as when a law enforcement officers actions violated state law and were unauthorized, unlawful, or outside the scope of their official federal duties. In the case of the ICE officer who shot Good, Emmanuel Mauleon, a law professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, told TIME that the administration could claim supremacy immunity because the officer was acting within his duty. open image in gallery Good, 37, was fatally shot by an ICE officer while trying to maneuver her vehicle away from law enforcement, who were trying to get her out of the car ( Stephen Maturen/Getty Images ) The State is entitled to investigate, but the federal government here does seem to be trying to hamper the ability of the state to obtain critical evidence, Mauleon told TIME. While the FBI has opened an investigation into the shooting, theyve largely deprived state investigators of evidence that would be needed to bring charges. Federal law enforcement officials are also awarded wide protections for their actions while on the job to prevent frivolous civil lawsuits that could hinder officers from performing their duties. That is called qualified immunity. However, charges can be brought if an officer violates a persons rights under deprivation of rights under color of law. Derek Chauvin, the officer who murdered George Floyd, was charged with this. But it can be a high bar to clear because prosecutors have to prove in court that the officer intended to deprive an individual of their rights. It would be a very tough case, Timothy Sini, a former federal prosecutor in New York, told CNN. Prosecutors would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was a willful deprivation of the victims rights here it would be the right to be free from excessive use of force. open image in gallery Miller, and other administration officials, have asserted that ICE officers have federal immunity that would protect them from liablity when on the job ( AFP/Getty ) DHS allows officers to use force to control people while on the job when its authorized by law or in defense of themselves or others. However, the department vaguely defines force as whatever is objectively reasonable in the circumstances. The department says officers should avoid using deadly force when possible, in part by avoiding putting themselves in positions where they have no alternative. But they may do so when they feel the subject poses imminent threat or death or serious bodily injury to themselves or others. Deadly force shall not be used solely to prevent the escape of a fleeing subject, DHS guidelines say. The department says the exception is when there is reasonable belief that the subject poses a significant threat of death or harm to others. Robert Bennett, a 50-year-career Minneapolis lawyer, told MotherJones that family members of Good could potentially bring charges under Bivens, a case that allowed civilians to sue the federal government for monetary damages, or the Federal Tort Claims Act. 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 Six days after protester Renee Nicole Good was shot dead by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, another confrontation between immigration enforcement and a member of the public has been captured on video. In a clash between federal forces and demonstrators on a residential street in the same Minnesota city just two blocks from where Good, 37, was killed last Wednesday, sparking a national outcry an unidentified woman was dragged screaming from her car Tuesday. Multiple masked agents wearing sunglasses and flak jackets argue with the woman as she tries to drive away from the chaotic encounter. Two of the men reach in through the driver side window before one of them manages to force it open and drag the woman to the floor. open image in gallery Federal agents grab a woman and drag her away from her car, days after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Tuesday January 13, 2026 ( Reuters ) Ive been beat up by police before, the woman shouts as she is dragged off into the melee. Im disabled, Im trying to go to the doctor up there, thats why I couldnt move. I am an autistic disabled person, Im trying to go to the doctor. As the agents drag her away, bystanders yell at them to stop, with one asking where is your humanity?. Thats so f***ed up, one cries while another is heard saying All you do is hurt. Tear gas, flash bang grenades and pepper balls were also fired towards the protesters during the stand-off, which occurred at the corner of 34th Street and Park. Some reporting has suggested the woman in question was attempting to wedge the agents between her vehicle and another one blocking the street but that is not clear in the clip shared on social media. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security told The Independent that ICE officers had been in the area to execute an arrest warrant for a 20-year-old man, originally from Ecuador, whom, they said, had entered the U.S. illegally near El Paso, Texas, in 2019. As officers carried out their law enforcement duties, significant crowd surrounded them and began impeding law enforcement operations a federal crime, the spokesperson said. open image in gallery The unidentified woman appeals for help after being dragged from her car by federal agents ( Getty ) One agitator ignored multiple commands by an officer to move her vehicle away from the scene, she was arrested for obstruction. Another agitator assaulted an officer by jumping on his back. Six of these agitators were taken into custody for assaulting law enforcement. ICE official Charles Marcus previously told Fox News that at least 60 protesters have been arrested and charged with impeding or assaulting immigration authorities in Minnesota in the last five days. We will be arresting anybody that interferes or impedes in any of these enforcement actions, he said. Weve already arrested 60 that have got in our way, impeded us or assaulted an officer. The Trump administration has dispatched more than 2,000 agents to the Minneapolis-St Paul area so far in what the Department of Homeland Security has called its largest operation ever, part of President Donald Trumps controversial crackdown on undocumented migrants. But the killing of Good, which was closely scrutinized after several videos of her final moments were posted on social media, led to anti-ICE demonstrations being held in cities across the U.S., with further protests held in Minneapolis, New York City and Washington, D.C., Tuesday. open image in gallery The woman tries to explain that she is disabled and en route to a medical appointment as she is led away and handcuffed ( AFP/Getty ) Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem caused particular anger by accusing Good of engaging in an act of domestic terrorism without waiting for the facts to be established, a position that was quickly echoed by Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has called on ICE to get the f*** out of the city and a lawsuit has been filed in an attempt to stop the surge of immigration forces into the state. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said Tuesday that the federal invasion had done serious harm. DHS agents have sown chaos and terror across the metropolitan area, Ellison said. Schools have gone [into] lockdown. Entire districts have had to cancel school for tens of thousands of students to ensure safety and offer online education Revenues are down, and some retail stores, daycares and restaurants have actually closed because people are afraid to go out. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin responded: Keith Ellison made it abundantly clear today he is prioritizing politics over public safety. It really is astounding that the Left can miraculously rediscover the Tenth Amendment when they dont want federal law enforcement officers to enforce federal law which is a clear federal responsibility under Article I, Article II and the Supremacy Clause and then go right back to federalizing every state responsibility possible when they get back in power. Spare us. 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 Top officials at the Department of Justice fired off a hostile response to a federal judge who questioned why Lindsey Halligan is still identifying herself as a U.S. attorney in Virginia after she was found to be unlawfully serving in the role. In their response, Justice Department officials accused the judge of making rudimentary legal errors and flouting elementary legal principles in a gross abuse of power for daring to suggest that Halligan could be misleading the courts. The document was signed by Halligan and submitted by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, among others. Trump nominated his one-time personal lawyer as interim U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia after the president boasted of firing her predecessor, who had resisted pressure from the administration to prosecute former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Halligan brought indictments against them days after taking office. A federal judge dismissed both cases and determined that Halligan was serving unlawfully in the role. open image in gallery Lindsey Halligan defended her title as US attorney in a pugnacious court filing that accused a judge who questioned her of a gross abuse of power ( AFP via Getty Images ) Last week, Trump-appointed District Judge David Novak issued a three-page order giving Halligan seven days to explain why she is still representing herself as U.S. attorney despite Novembers order from District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie. Because Halligan remained in office past the 120-period for interim U.S. attorney, all actions flowing from Ms. Halligans defective appointment, including the cases against Comey and James, were unlawful exercises of executive power and are hereby set aside, according to Curries order. Novak demanded to know the basis for her title and to further explain why her identification does not constitute a false or misleading statement. But according to the Justice Department, Ms. Halligan is the United States Attorney, and Judge Curries ruling did not and could not require the United States to acquiesce to her contrary (and erroneous) legal reasoning outside of those cases. The bottom line is that Ms. Halligan has not misrepresented anything and the Court is flat wrong to suggest that any change to the Governments signature block is warranted in this or any other case, officials wrote Tuesday. open image in gallery Top Justice Department officials are backing Trumps appointment of Halligan despite a federal judge finding that she is unlawfully serving as US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, where she failed to prosecute Letitia James and James Comey under pressure from the White House ( REUTERS ) Halligan is meanwhile making another push to serve as a top federal prosecutor in Virginia with support from the White House. She submitted a questionnaire to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will consider her nomination before a full Senate vote. Shes the Presidents nominee, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to The Independent last month. It is our hope that she is confirmed and submitting her questionnaire is part of that process. Several other judges have similarly questioned why Halligan has continued to represent herself as the top prosecutor in the Eastern District despite Curries ruling. Last week, Virginia District Judge Leonie M. Brinkeman struck Halligans name from a case, saying that she should resign from the position at this point. Halligan is among at least five U.S. attorneys who were determined to be serving unlawfully after they were appointed by the president. Alina Habba, another former Trump attorney, stepped down from her role as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey after several judges similarly determined she was unlawfully serving as the states top federal prosecutor. Habba, who represented Trump during a blockbuster fraud case in New York and against defamation and sexual abuse claims from E. Jean Carroll, said she is now serving as a senior adviser to Bondi. And last week, a federal judge determined that John Sarcone, the top federal prosecutor in the Northern District of New York, had similarly served unlawfully after the Trump administration tried to outmaneuver deadlines despite the 120-day limit on U.S. attorneys whose nominations had not been confirmed by the Senate. Judges reached similar decisions in cases challenging the appointments of Trump-backed U.S. attorneys in Nevada and Los Angeles. Several U.S. Attorneys have resigned over political interference from the Trump administration, which has been accused of pushing out dozens of career prosecutors and law enforcement officials across the country over refusals to drop cases or bring politically charged prosecutions against the presidents perceived enemies and longtime foes. One girl can lift a village; one village can protect a flyway. In Chongming Dongtan in Eastern China, this belief takes root among women artisans who inherited centuries-old reed techniques. They gather community women to teach them the skills of their grandmothersbut also the science of wetlands, the stories of migrating birds, and the power of turning tradition into sustainable opportunity. With the support of UNDP-GEF Flyway Conservation Network Project (GEF project), these women artisans are not only safeguarding intangible cultural heritage; they are leading a new generation of wetland guardians. From mother to daughter, craft to conservation, village to flywaytheir impact stretches far beyond the workshops, reaching migratory birds across continents. The Chongming Dongtan Wetland (Photo provide to Guangming Online) Where Birds, Reeds, and Community Converge The Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve (Chongming Dongtan NNR) at the mouth of the Yangtze River in Shanghais Chongming District, is vital for migratory shorebirds and waders. Covering 241.55 square kilometers, it is nominated as part of the Yellow (Bohai) Sea Migratory Bird Habitat World Heritage Site in July 2024, highlighting its global importance for 33 threatened waterbird species. Reeds make up 70% of Chongming Dongtan NNRs vegetation. They stabilize embankments, filter water, and provide habitats for various wildlife species. But they also grow fast. Too fast. For decades, commercial paper mills bought reeds and kept the wetland in balance. When new environmental regulations shut down those mills, the reserve was left with costly, labor-intensive reed removal. The reserve paid laborers to cut and treat reeds each year. This costly process strained conservation resources and yielded no benefits from the biomass, requesting innovative solutions. It was then that a new question emerged: can reeds be better utilized to help conserve the wetland? Investing in Women and Wetlands The UNDP-GEF Flyway Conservation Network GEF Project saw the answer clearly: Yesif women were centered in the solution. Launched in May 2021, this landmark $10 million biodiversity conservation initiative represents the largest standalone GEF 7 biodiversity conservation project in China. As one of the four GEF project demonstration sites, the Chongming Dongtan NNR recognizes the opportunity to pioneer gender-responsive conservation that could address multiple challenges simultaneously. Given that more women than men live in the surrounding communities due to the common male migration patterns from rural to urban areas in China, any sustainable solution needs to intentionally engage women as primary participants. With the advocacy and capacity building efforts, the Chongming Dongtan NNR showcased innovative and locally led solutions that can simultaneously advance environmental protection, economic development, and gender equality. The reserve launched the Sustainable Reed Utilization Initiative in surrounding communities in 2022 as a demonstration pilot. The pilot focused on local women, turning reeds from disposal into resources. The initiative offered training in handicrafts, product development, entrepreneurship, and market access. Through the Reed Shoe Revival Plan and Reed Artisan Guardian Plan, local women took on key conservation roles. This successful engagement sets the stage for highlighting the women leading these efforts, especially as the initiative continues into subsequent years. Three Women, One Vision: Reviving Reeds, Culture, and a Home The GEF projects gender-responsive approach empowered local women to lead. Three women returned home to make a difference: Yi Shi grew up in Chenjia Town, an adjunct village of the Chongming Dongtan NNR, after a decade in media, and returned home for social entrepreneurship; Peipei, also a native, brought expertise as a senior planner and certified nature educator; and Hong Wang, a former fashion designer and handicraft expert, moved to the region with her husband and joined. With support from the GEF Project and Chongming Dongtan NNR, these women founded Jiang Yi Wei(), a social enterprise focusing on the sustainable utilization of reeds. United by their hometown commitment and passion for protecting reeds and birds, their shared vision is Cross the river on one reed, ten thousand birds return to nest; protect migratory birds, protect the future. Jiang Yi Wei founders (left to right): Hong Wang, Peipei, and ,Shi Yi,, three women who led a conservation-linked social enterprise with support from the UNDP-GEF Flyway Conservation Network Project (Photo provide to Guangming Online) Partnering with the GEF project in 2022, Jiang Yi Wei, received financial and technical support from the project, developed operational infrastructure, implemented reed handicraft training, developed various reed-themed programs, and secured market partners. Over 200 women were trained, new livelihoods were created, and conservation awareness increased. Their Youth Center and the Read by Reed workshop now drive local engagement and skill-building. Building Capacity: Training Women Artisans The GEF project provided hands-on training to women in surrounding communities, with a focus on middle-aged and senior women. Currently, over 120 women are trained in reed handicrafts, mastering both traditional and modern techniques to create marketable products. They blended traditional knowledge with new techniques. Many report more income and pride in their skills. Women from surrounding communities learn reed handicraft techniques at training sessions supported by the UNDP-GEF Flyway Conservation Network Project. (Photo provide to Guangming Online) The training topics also covered wetland ecology, conservation, and the role of reeds in bird habitats. This capacity development initiative supported Saiping Yang to gain formal recognition as an inheritor of Chongmings intangible cultural heritage. She is now a representative of Reed Handicrafts. Saiping Yang, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage inheritor for Reed Flower Boot Making Technique, demonstrates traditional skills while training the next generation of artisans. (Photo provide to Guangming Online) Master artisan Zhang Ping, an inheritor of the Chongmings earth cloth heritage, led the women of Chenjia Town in making reed lamps. She demonstrated how artisans can utilize traditional skills for modern markets while maintaining artistic creativity. The initiative collaborated with Chongming District government to secure matching funds for the renovation of the Fuxu Village community center. This space now hosts handicraft training, production, and education. Women built strong relationships, met often, and grew together. These changes reduced rural isolation, improved quality of life, and created more economic opportunities. Women working and socializing together at the center (Photo provide to Guangming Online) Creating Markets: From Crafts to Commerce As the local wetland becomes an international tourism destination, Jiang Yi Wei took a led in creating a market for locally made reed souvenirs. Alongside reviving the traditional craft of reed flower shoes, Jiang Yi Wei has introduced and promoted a range of innovative, wetland-themed products. Women now create reed collage paintings, lamps, wind chimes, and cultural goods that not only generate income but also educate consumers about wetland conservation. Building on this success, Jiang Yi Wei intends to launch a Bird-Friendly Products initiative to encourage broader public engagement and support for wetland protection. Contemporary reed lamps, and reed art work (Photo provide to Guangming Online) Those products reached beyond local markets. Reed collage art was featured at the Shanghai-Style Jiangnan exhibition in the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, drawing large crowds of families. Children created bird images from reeds with the help of Wang Hong, one of the three founders. One mother said, I never imagined reeds could become vivid pictures. My child brought home a self-made gift and is now more interested in birds and wetlands. In addition, after reeds handicraft training supported by GEF Project, one woman turned her noodle restaurant in Huapiao Village into a reed-themed business, using reeds as decoration, selling reed flower shoes, attracting more customers, and increasing earnings. This demonstrates how women can incorporate conservation products to achieve tangible benefits. The noodle place showcases an interior decorated with reeds (Photo provide to Guangming Online) Building on its early success, Jiang Yi Wei partnered with prominent businesses, including NIO Automobile, Zeiss Lenses, 217 Kids Club, and Shanghai SK Building. Building on the curriculum, venue, and community model, they conducted ecological experiences and lectures that increased knowledge of wetland and bird conservation. The community center hosts at least 12 events yearly, reaching over 100,000 people online and offline. Innovating Education: Reeds as Teaching Tools Jiang Yi Wei developed immersive nature education centered on reeds and trained 20 female nature educators, recognizing the lasting need for conservation and attitude change. Wang Hong created themed nature education courses, such as Dongtan Rare Birds, Dongtan Wetland Landscapes, and Twenty-Four Solar Terms, which featured iconic species and typical landscapes to make nature education more engaging. In partnership with the Chongming Dongtan NNR, Jiang Yi Wei implemented ten reed painting nature education courses and organized exhibitions of reed paintings and handicrafts, raising awareness of wetland conservation. Reed collage artwork featuring Dongtans iconic migratory birds serves as both an educational tool and a marketable product (Photo provide to Guangming Online) These educational initiatives created demand for reed products, generated income for women artisans, raised awareness about conservation, and fostered appreciation for traditional ecological knowledge. Children who learned about wetlands through reed art became ambassadors to their families, expanding the project's impact. Pushing Boundaries: From Crafts to Construction Materials Jiang Yi Wei expanded their vision beyond handicrafts, recognizing that sustainable reed utilization requires scaling up to meet the needs of urban construction materials. They began developing lightweight, low-carbon bricks and panels that retain natural textures. These materials create new opportunities for using reeds in high-value sectors and may transform how urban renewal projects source sustainable materials. Looking ahead, they plan to focus on public demonstration projects, such as supplying reed panels for urban renewal and collaborating with art institutions on ecological installations. These high-visibility applications will showcase reeds in new ways. The Chair Back the installation made of reeds panels (Photo provide to Guangming Online) Measuring Impact: Conservation Meets Empowerment By turning harvested reeds from disposal into an income source, the initiative created economic opportunities for rural women while protecting vital wetlands for migratory birds. This demonstrates that conservation and livelihoods can thrive together. Through training in traditional reed crafts and business skills, participants gained income, confidence, and community connections. Women started their own reed-themed businesses. Rural innovation spaces reduced village isolation, creating hubs for knowledge sharing and mutual support among women. Notably, three young women chose to return home instead of migrating to cities, building successful businesses that showed rural life can offer prosperity and purpose. By connecting with urban markets, these social entrepreneurs became cultural ambassadors, sharing wetland conservation messages through each reed product they created. Their crafts, now recognized as cultural heritage, demonstrate that cultural preservation and economic innovation can advance together. The results extended beyond individual success. As climate change and habitat loss threaten migratory species worldwide, the UNDP-GEF Flyway Conservation Network Projects approach at Chongming Dongtan NNR demonstrates that gender-responsive conservation investments can deliver multiple benefits. The reeds of Chongming Dongtan NNR, once sold to paper mills and later buried as waste, are now transformed by women into shoes, lamps, and art, weaving together conservation, culture, and community to honor the past and build the future. Editor: Zhang Zhou 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 Fox News host Sean Hannity has claimed President Donald Trump never flew on Jeffrey Epsteins private plane, despite Trumps name appearing in the aircrafts flight logs numerous times. The conservative anchor was interviewing the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Kentucky Republican Rep. James Comer, on Hannity Tuesday evening after former president Bill Clinton and ex-secretary of state Hillary Clinton refused to appear before his panel to discuss their past interactions with the late pedophile. Comer has signaled that he could push for contempt of Congress charges against the Clintons if they do not comply with his subpoena. open image in gallery Fox News host Sean Hannity interviews House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer about his Jeffrey Esptein investigation ( Hannity/Fox News ) Im seeing pictures of Bill Clinton all over the place with young women in a hot tub, mystery women, women sitting on his lap in Jeffrey Epsteins plane, swimming in a pool with a woman that looks pretty naked to me, Ghislaine Maxwell, and somebody else, Hannity told Comer, in reference to some of the material published by the Department of Justice so far in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. I think he has some explaining to do, considering so many people wanted Donald Trump to answer, no? Youre exactly right, Comer answered. The American people are interested in this. They want to know the truth. Were trying to provide the truth on the Oversight Committee. This subpoena wasnt just issued by me. It was voted on unanimously by the Oversight Committee. Every Democrat in that committee voted for this subpoena. Unlike the Clintons, Comer has not subpoenaed Trump to appear before his inquiry, despite the latter being pictured with Epstein at Palm Beach social events prior to the falling out that brought an end to their friendship, which appears to have occurred around 2003. open image in gallery An undated photo of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee after they subpoenaed Epsteins estate ( House Oversight Committee ) Donald Trump never flew on the plane, from what I understand, either, Hannity then said to Comer, as their conversation continued. But flight logs kept by pilot David Rodgers and released by prosecutors during the trial of Maxwell, Epsteins ex-girlfriend and accomplice, in late 2021 name Trump as flying on the jet with his second wife Marla Maples and his children Eric Trump and Tiffany Trump on several occasions in 1993 and 1994. More recently, among the files newly-released by the DOJ was an internal email sent by an unnamed assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York dating from January 2020, who wrote to colleagues reporting that records obtained from Epsteins jet revealed Trump had flown in it many more times than previously has been reported. There were at least eight such flights between 1993 and 1996 with Trump as a passenger, according to the message, with Maxwell present on at least four of the journeys. That development appeared to contradict a claim Trump made on Truth Social in January 2024, while campaigning for the presidency, when he flatly declared: I was never on Epsteins Plane, or at his stupid Island. open image in gallery A prosecutors email from January 2020 discussing Epstein's private jet flight records and mentioning President Donald Trump ( DOJ ) An individuals name appearing in the logs or the files does not imply wrongdoing and Trump has not been accused of any crime in relation to Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York City jail cell in August 2019. However, the president has faced persistent questions about their past relationship amid ongoing pressure to release the governments files, which has caused a schism among his MAGA supporters. The DOJ has so far by its own estimate published only around 1 percent of its investigative materials on Epstein on its website in two tranches, advising a federal judge earlier this month that it still has more than 2 million documents to review before they can be uploaded. The 30-day deadline set by the act for full disclosure passed on December 19 last year. 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 Trumps plans to acquire Greenland could reportedly cost $700 billion, despite it being deeply unpopular with Americans. Trump has vowed that he would take over the Danish territory one way or the other, a statement officials from Denmark and Greenland have vehemently rejected. The $700 billion price tag is an estimate crunched by scholars and former U.S. officials for planning purposes, and is more than half the Defense Departments annual budget, according to NBC News. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been tasked with developing a proposal to purchase Greenland that will be put to the president in the coming weeks, a senior White House official told the outlet. Rubio and Vice President JD Vance are due to meet with officials from Denmark and Greenland in Washington, D.C. Wednesday. The Trump administration continues to push forward on its plan to add Greenland to the U.S. despite outrage from European leaders. Now, a new poll also shows that Trumps plan is unpopular with Americans - with nearly 75 percent saying using military force to take the island was a bad idea. open image in gallery President Donald Trumps plans to acquire Greenland could reportedly cost $700 billion, despite the acquisition being deeply unpopular with Americans ( AFP via Getty Images ) In response to the poll, Anna Kelly, deputy White House press secretary, said that Trump is always generating creative ideas to bolster national security and echoed Trumps claim that Greenland faces threats from Russia and China. Many of this Presidents predecessors recognized the strategic logic of acquiring Greenland, but only President Trump has had the courage to pursue this idea seriously, Kelly said in a statement to The Independent. As the President said, NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the United States, and Greenlanders would be better served if protected by the United States from modern threats in the Arctic region. Trump warned in a Wednesday Truth Social post that if America doesnt acquire Greenland, Russia or China will. The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building, Trump said. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DONT, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! The move is not a popular one with Americans, with just 17 percent approving of Trumps efforts to acquire the mineral-rich island, according to polling published Wednesday by Reuters/Ipsos. Some 47 percent of Americans disapproved, while 35 percent were unsure. And 71 percent of Americans including nine in 10 Democrats and six in 10 Republicans said using military force to achieve Trumps goal was a bad idea, compared to 4 percent who said it would be a good idea. open image in gallery Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, pictured in Greenland last year, are due to meet with officials from Denmark and Greenland in Washington, D.C. Wednesday ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) The polling found 66 percent of Americans said they were worried the plans to take over Greenland would damage the NATO alliance and the U.S. alliance with Europe. Officials from Greenland and Denmark have held firm that the territory is not available to buy. We are not for sale and that we will not be annexed, Jess Berthelsen, chair of Greenlands national trade union confederation SIK, told The Guardian. Berthelsen said the people of Greenland cant recognize claims made by Trump that the territory is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. His claims about our waters being full of Russian and Chinese ships, we cannot see that at all, the union leader told the outlet. 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 California Gov. Gavin Newsom has mocked President Donald Trump after he was caught on video apparently mouthing an expletive and flipping the bird to an autoworker who heckled him. Trump was visiting a Ford manufacturing plant in Dearborn, Michigan, Tuesday when an employee called him a pedophile protector in reference to the botched release of the Jeffrey Epstein files by the Department of Justice. In a clip of the exchange obtained by TMZ, the president can be seen pointing at the worker and seemingly mouthing f*** you before walking off, waving, and smiling. Struck a nerve? the governor commented on his official account on X (Twitter). Why is the President attacking a fellow American? Newsom asked via his press office account, which he has given over to trolling Trump since he returned to the White House last year. open image in gallery President Donald Trump tours Fords factory in Dearborn, Michigan, Tuesday ( AFP/Getty ) The Democratic Party also responded to the spat on X, labelling the heckler: Employee of the month tbh. The man in question has since been identified by The Washington Post as TJ Sabula, a 40-year-old line worker at the factory. He is a member of the United Auto Workers Local 600 in Dearborn. Sabula said he has been suspended from his job pending an investigation into the incident but told the Post: As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever. The worker claimed he has been targeted for political retribution for embarrassing Trump in front of his friends. White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung told The Independent: A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response. open image in gallery The Department of Justice has still only released a fraction of its files on Jeffrey Epstein, the billionaire sex offender who died by suicide in August 2019 ( DOJ ) Sabulas criticism of Trump in relation to Epstein comes after the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act through Congress in November gave the DOJ until December 19 last year to release its complete holdings on the billionaire pedophile in full. But the department has so far - by its own estimate - posted only around 1 percent of its investigative materials on its website in two tranches, advising a federal judge earlier this month that it still has more than 2 million documents to review before they can be uploaded. More than 400 DOJ attorneys and 100 FBI analysts are spending the next few weeks dedicating all or a substantial portion of their workday to examining the files, Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, wrote to U.S. District Judge Paul Englemayer on January 5. The legal experts involved are making redactions in the interest of safeguarding Epsteins victims, protecting national security, and preventing ongoing investigations from being compromised, the DOJ has said. Trump has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, who died by suicide in jail in August 2019, but has faced persistent questions about their past friendship and pressure to release the files, which has caused a schism among his MAGA supporters. 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 Top Democrats are concerned President Donald Trump will try to interfere with the 2026 midterm elections, and they are already preparing for how to push back. Trump will do whatever it takes, and he has no honor and no credibility and no respect for law, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told The Associated Press Wednesday. But, we are prepared for it, and we believe we will succeed. We already have teams of both senators and lawyers looking at every way that Trump could try to screw things up, and were fighting against it, Schumer also said. We already have a team to make sure that they count the votes fairly. Democrats have been sounding the alarm for months that Trump could reprise efforts like those he made during the 2020 election, when he pressured officials to meddle with the results and his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol as lawmakers certified Joe Bidens election win. Ken Martin, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, warned last month that the administrations campaign of sending troops and masked federal agents to mostly Democratic cities could be a form of voter suppression. open image in gallery Democrats warn President Donald Trump wants to interfere with the 2026 elections through tactics like sending troops to liberal cities, but the White House dismisses these claims ( Getty ) What he is going to do is send those troops there, and keep them there all the way through the next election, because guess what? Martin told reporters. If people are afraid of leaving their house, theyre probably not going to leave their house to go vote on Election Day. Thats how he stays in power. The White House has dismissed allegations it will try to interfere with the midterms as baseless fear-mongering. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles told Vanity Fair in an interview published last month that allegations the president will use the military to suppress political turnout are categorically false. Despite these assurances, state and local officials, who manage elections, are preparing for the worst. We have to plan for the worst and hope we get the best, Carly Koppes, the Republican clerk of Weld County in Colorado, told NPR in November. I think were all kind of conditioned at this point to expect anything and everything, and our bingo cards keep getting bigger and bigger with things that we would have never have had on them. open image in gallery The White House has pushed its GOP allies to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterms ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The White House already has made multiple moves ahead of the elections later this year, where Republicans are expected to lose control of the House of Representatives. In March, President Trump signed an executive order requiring proof of citizenship on the federal voter registration form and limiting when absentee and mail-in ballots could be counted. Multiple federal courts have rejected parts of the order, including in a decision last week in Oregon. The court is very clear that the Constitution gives no authority to the president to do any of these things, and that federal law doesnt either, Derek Clinger, a senior staff attorney with the University of Wisconsin Law Schools State Democracy Research Initiative, told Votebeat. open image in gallery Critics of the president fear a repeat of the 2020 election, when Trump pressured officials to find him more votes and his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol ( Getty Images ) The president has also pushed Republican states to redraw congressional districts to add more likely GOP seats, a campaign that has touched off a national tit-for-tat redistricting war between red and blue states ahead of the midterms. The president has welcomed officials into his administration who helped spread false information about the 2020 election, including Heather Honey, who has been appointed to a senior position overseeing all U.S. election infrastructure in the Department of Homeland Security. 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 Donald Trump appeared to mouth an expletive and stick up his middle finger after being heckled at an automotive plant in Michigan. In a video obtained Tuesday by TMZ, the president was accosted by the off-camera heckler at the Ford factory in Dearborn, who can be heard calling him a pedophile protector in apparent reference to the administrations handling of the Epstein files. Trump seemingly mouths f*** you back at the worker before walking off, waving and smiling. The heckler has been identified by The Washington Post as TJ Sabula, a 40-year-old line worker at the factory. He is a member of the United Auto Workers Local 600 in Dearborn. open image in gallery Donald Trump mouthed an expletive and stuck up his middle finger after being heckled at an automotive plant in Michigan ( AFP/Getty ) Sabula told the publication, As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever, even though he said hes been suspended from his job pending an investigation into the matter. The worker claims he has been targeted for political retribution for embarrassing Trump in front of his friends. White House director of communications Steven Cheung said the presidents reaction was appropriate. A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response, Cheung told The Independent in a statement. open image in gallery At the time of the incident the president was taking a tour of the Ford F-150 plant ( AFP/Getty ) The Independent has also contacted Ford for comment. At the time of the incident, the president was taking a tour of the Ford F-150 plant, for which he was joined by Bill Ford, the companys executive chairman and grandson of Henry Ford, and Jim Farley, the companys president and CEO. Despite the heckling, elsewhere on the tour, workers were seen cheering and taking selfies with the president, according to The Washington Post. Trump later gave a speech at the Detroit Economic Club. open image in gallery The heckler has been identified by The Washington Post as TJ Sabula, a 40-year-old line worker at the factory ( Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty ) The criticism of Trump as a pedophile protector comes after the administration and the Department of Justice continue to deal with the fallout from the presidents alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein the disgraced financier. Trump has consistently denied having ties to Epstein and has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing, but the subject has dogged the first year of his second presidency and caused a schism among his MAGA supporters. The likes of Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie defied the White House to force a November House vote compelling the Department of Justice to release all unclassified files connected to Epstein. 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 Multiple American citizens detained in Venezuela have been released, the U.S. State Department confirmed on Tuesday. "We welcome the release of detained Americans in Venezuela," the department said, adding: "This is an important step in the right direction by the interim authorities." The development follows a stunning nighttime raid earlier this month, during which the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Last week, Venezuelas national assembly head, Jorge Rodriguez, indicated that a "significant number" of both Venezuelan and foreign prisoners would be freed. He described the move as a gesture to "seek peace" following the military operation that deposed Maduro. In July, Venezuela released 10 jailed U.S. citizens and permanent residents in exchange for getting home scores of migrants deported by the United States to El Salvador. ( AP Foto/Matias Delacroix ) As of Tuesday evening, the Venezuela human rights group Foro Penal had confirmed 56 prisoners it said were detained for political reasons had been freed. The group criticized the lack of government transparency over the releases. Venezuelas government negated the organizations count, and reported a far higher figure of 400 Tuesday afternoon. But the government did not provide evidence of the releases or a time range in which they were carried out, nor did it identify those freed, making it impossible to determine whether those freed were behind bars for political or other reasons. In July, Venezuela released 10 jailed U.S. citizens and permanent residents in exchange for getting home scores of migrants deported by the United States to El Salvador under the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. 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 Lawyers on behalf of Randa Abdel-Fattah have threatened legal action against South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas over remarks he made about the Palestinian authors participation in the countrys largest free literary festival. The uproar began when the board of the Adelaide Festival, which runs the Adelaide Writers Week, announced on 8 January they disinvited Ms Abdel-Fattah from the programme. The board argued that it would not be culturally sensitive to continue to programme her at this unprecedented time so soon after Bondi. An antisemitic terror attack at the Bondi Beach last month targeting a Jewish event left 15 people dead and dozens wounded. There was no suggestion that Ms Abdel-Fattah or her writings have any connection with the tragedy, the board members said. But the decision led to a major controversy, followed by the resignation of the festival board, the withdrawal of more than 180 writers, at least one sponsor pulling out, and the eventual cancellation of the event. The Palestinian-Australian author and academics legal action follows comments made by Mr Malinauskas during a press conference on Tuesday. Ms Abdel-Fattah accused him of suggesting she was an extreme terrorist sympathiser and linking her to the terror attack. The politician described a hypothetical scenario when asked to justify his support for Ms Adbel-Fattahs removal from the festival. He asked reporters: Can you imagine if a far-right Zionist walked into a Sydney mosque and murdered 15 people? Can you imagine that as premier of this state I would actively support a far-right Zionist going to Writers Week and speaking hateful rhetoric towards Islamic people? Of course I wouldnt but the reverse has happened in this instance and I'm not going to support that either and I think thats a reasonable position for me to have. Its a view that I believe, he said. Ms Abdel-Fattah said in a statement shared on social media, her legal team issued a formal concerns notice to the premier under the countrys defamation laws. She said his public comments about her were a vicious personal assault. For the past week since I was cancelled by the Adelaide Festival Board, the South [Australian] Premier Peter Malinauskas has made many public statements about me and my character, she wrote. We have never met and he has never attempted to contact me. Yesterday Mr Malinauskas went even further. He made a public statement that suggested I am an extremist terrorist sympathiser and directly linked me to the Bondi atrocity. This was a vicious personal assault on me, a private citizen, by the highest public official in South Australia. It was defamatory and it terrified me. Enough is enough. I am a human being, not a punching bag. My lawyers have today issued a concerns notice under the Defamation Act on Peter Malinauskas, This is his opportunity to undo some of the harm he has inflicted and stop punching down. Mr Malinauskas said he was unaware of whether a concerns notice a formal, written warning in defamation law had been received. He defended his conduct, saying: Every step of this journey, all of my remarks and indeed actions, have been founded in a desire for compassion and people treating each other civilly and people will be able to judge my remarks on themselves. 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 Three men were rescued after spending some six hours in the sea off Tolaga Bay on New Zealands eastern coast, clinging to a single lifejacket after their boat capsized without warning. The men were thrown into the water on Tuesday morning when their 24-feet aluminium vessel became entangled in a craypot line shortly after leaving shore, local media said. With little time to react, they were left relying on a single lifejacket, along with a bucket and a petrol can, to stay afloat. At around 11am, a commercial fishing vessel spotted the capsized boat and contacted police, who in turn alerted the Coastguards National Operations Centre and called in Coastguard Gisborne. The coastguard Gisborne immediately launched a rescue vessel staffed by three volunteers, Stuff reported. A search operation commenced, involving police units, the militarys Poseidon P-8 surveillance plane, the Eastland Rescue helicopter, and Surf Life Savings Gisborne Search and Rescue team. They combed a large area for hours before spotting the men in the water in the afternoon. At 2.39pm, the P-8A Poseidon spotted three people in the water. Rescue Coordination Centre directed the rescue helicopter and Coastguard Gisborne vessel to the location, Maritime New Zealand said in a statement. open image in gallery Rescue workers began searching for three men after their aluminium vessel became entangled in a craypot line and overturned off Tolaga Bay ( Coastguard New Zealand ) It said that the three survivors were transported to Tolaga Bay, confirming they were the only people aboard the capsized vessel. Coastguard volunteers recovered the trio and transported them back to shore, where ambulance crews were on standby to assess and treat them, authorities said. One person was in moderate condition and was transferred to an ambulance, Maritime New Zealand said. All three were suffering from exhaustion and the early effects of hypothermia, it noted. open image in gallery Crews combed a large area for hours before spotting the men in the water at 2.40pm local time ( NZ Defence Force ) Coastguard Gisborne skipper Aaron Boyle said the incident unfolded extremely quickly. They didnt have time to grab anything, he said. Mr Boyle said the men were fortunate to survive such prolonged exposure in the water. They are so lucky. Six hours in the water is a long time especially with all three people holding onto one lifejacket. The group had departed at around 8.00am in what were described as calm sea conditions before the boat snagged on the craypot line and overturned almost immediately. Everyone is really elated they were found alive and well. It could have been a different story, Mr Boyle said. They were bordering on hypothermia and very fatigued. Rescue Coordination Centre watch leader Alex Taylor described the rescue effort as a fantastic example of agencies and local operators working together to achieve the best possible outcome. Everyone responded quickly and professionally, and that teamwork made all the difference, he said. Ukrainian investment company Dragon Capital and the UK-based Amber Infrastructure have won the investment concept selection stage for the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, the decision to establish which with initial capital of EUR 220 million was announced at the Ukraine Recovery Conference URC2025 in Rome in July 2025, Germany's development bank KfW reported. "KfW, the EIB (European Investment Bank), and four other European development finance institutions will now conduct thorough due diligence of the concept with the aim of launching the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine in the summer of 2026," the statement on KfW's website said. According to the information, the European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine is planned to be launched at the Ukraine Recovery Conference URC2026 in Poland this summer, and it will begin its investment activities immediately thereafter. Within the fund's structure, KfW and other public investors will contribute up to EUR 220 million in capital to cover first-loss risk. "Based on this, the fund aims to attract additional capital from private investors. The target for 2026 is EUR 800 million. If the security situation improves, the volume is expected to grow to more than EUR 1 billion by 2027/2028," KfW noted. As reported, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the decision to establish such a fund on July 10, 2025. The initiative was supported by France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the European Investment Bank. The fund's main investors at the initial stage will be its initiators the European Commission (via the Ukraine Investment Framework) as well as leading development banks: the EIB, KfW, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), Proparco, and Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK). A competition was then announced to select a management company with an investment concept for the fund. The German bank recalled that this joint fund is intended to mobilize more than EUR 1 billion in capital from public development banks and private investors for Ukraine's reconstruction and for direct investment in private projects in strategic sectors of the Ukrainian economy. Among other things, this includes the reconstruction of energy infrastructure, expansion of wind and solar energy to replace outdated coal-fired power plants, industrial production facilities, and digital infrastructure such as data centers. "With the new European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, KfW is sending a signal to private investors," the release quoted KfW Executive Board member for international financing Christiane Laibach as saying. She emphasized that the fund reduces risk for private investors even during the war, thereby offering an attractive investment opportunity, because even today investments in infrastructure are justified. Laibach recalled that the World Bank estimates the cost of Ukraine's recovery at $524 billion, and that such a large sum can only be mobilized with the participation of private investors. It is expected that, as an anchor investor, the fund will provide equity capital to project companies and enterprises, enabling them to attract additional equity and debt capital, the volume of which could reach EUR 67 billion. At URC2025 in Rome, the first project Amber Dragon Ukraine Infrastructure Fund I was also announced. The fund has a total size of EUR 350 million and is jointly managed by Dragon Capital and Amber Fund Management Limited, which is part of Boyd Watterson Global Asset Management Group LLC. Subsequently, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development announced an investment of EUR 60 million in Amber Dragon Ukraine Infrastructure Fund I, the EIB committed EUR 50 million, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group committed EUR 40 million. "We are approaching the announcement of the first closing of the infrastructure fund that we are launching jointly with our British partner under the name Amber Infrastructure. We will be co-managers of the fund, which will focus exclusively on infrastructure," said Yevhen Baranov, managing director and head of infrastructure at Dragon Capital, at the Ukraine for Investment forum organized by Economic Pravda in early December 2025. At URC2025 in Rome, Baranov said that over the past year Dragon Capital and Amber have built a robust pipeline of projects that could absorb even more capital than the fund plans to raise. The fund's presentation at URC2025 noted that its strategy foresees investments in controlling stakes or co-investments with like-minded partners, with an average ticket size ranging from EUR 20 million to EUR 50 million. Dragon Capital is one of the largest investment groups in Ukraine in the field of investments and financial services, providing a full range of investment banking and brokerage services, private equity, and asset management for institutional, corporate, and private clients. The company was founded in Kyiv in 2000. According to founder and CEO Tomas Fiala, the group's investment portfolio includes nearly 50 different companies or real estate projects. Between 2015 and 2021, the company invested about $700 million in Ukraine, excluding reinvestments, and plans to invest $100 million in 2025. 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 President Donald Trumps insistence that the U.S. will acquire Greenland whether they like it or not is just the latest chapter in a co-dependent and often complicated relationship between America and the Arctics largest island one that stretches back more than a century. Americans have long pursued policies in Greenland that U.S. leaders considered strategic and economic imperatives. As I recounted in my 2024 book, When the Ice is Gone, about Greenlands environmental, military and scientific history, some of these ideas were little more than engineering fantasies, while others reflected unfettered military bravado. But todays world isnt the same as when the United States last had a significant presence in Greenland, decades ago during the Cold War. Before charging headlong into this icy island again, the U.S. would be remiss not to learn from past failures and consider how Earths rapidly changing climate is fundamentally altering the region. Early US plundering of Greenlands metals In 1909, Robert Peary, a U.S. Navy officer, announced that he had won the race to the North Pole a spectacular claim debated fiercely at the time. Before that, Peary had spent years exploring Greenland by dogsled, often taking what he found. open image in gallery People moved the 34-ton Cape York meteorite fragment named Ahnighito from the Greenland coast to Robert Pearys ship, which took it to New York in 1897 ( Account Of The Discovery And Bringing Home Of The 'Saviksue' or Great Cape York Meteorites. New York 1898/Wikimedia Commons ) In 1894, he convinced six Greenlanders to come with him to New York, reportedly promising them tools and weapons in return. Within a few months, all but two of the Inuit had died from diseases. Peary also took three huge fragments of the Cape York iron meteorite, known to Greenlanders as Saviksoah. It was a unique source of metal that Greenlandic Inuit had used for centuries to make tools. The largest piece of the meteorite, Ahnighito, weighed 34 tons. Today, it sits in the American Museum of Natural History, which reportedly paid Peary US$40,000 for the space rocks. World War II: Strategic location and minerals World War II put Greenland on the map strategically for the U.S. military. In spring 1941, Denmarks ambassador signed a treaty giving the U.S. military access to Greenland to help protect the island from Nazi Germany and contribute to the war effort in Europe. That treaty remains in effect today. New American bases in western and southern Greenland became crucial refueling stops for planes flying from America to Europe. Hundreds of American soldiers were garrisoned at Ivittuut, a remote town on the southern Greenland coast where they protected the worlds largest cryolite mine. The rare mineral was used for smelting aluminum, critical for building airplanes during the war. open image in gallery The Ivittuut cryolite mine in southwestern Greenland, shown in 1940. U.S. troops guarded the mine, essential for aluminum production, during World War II ( U.S. Coast Guard via Wikimedia Commons ) And because Greenland is upwind from Europe, weather data collected on the island proved essential for battlefield forecasts as officers planned their moves during World War II. Both the Americans and Germans built weather stations on Greenland, starting what historians refer to as the weather war. There was little combat, though allied patrols routinely scoured the east coast of the island for Nazi encampments. The weather war ended in 1944 when the U.S. Coast Guard, and its East Greenland dogsled patrol, found the last of four German weather stations and captured their meteorologists. Cold War: Fanciful engineering ideas vs the ice The heyday of U.S. military engineering dreams in Greenland arrived during the Cold War in the 1950s. To counter the risk of Soviet missiles and bombers coming over the Arctic, the U.S. military transported about 5,000 men, 280,000 tons of supplies, 500 trucks and 129 bulldozers, according to The New York Times, to a barren, northwest Greenland beach 930 miles (1,500 kilometers) from the North Pole and 2,752 miles (4,430 kilometers) from Moscow. There, in one top-secret summer, they built the sprawling American air base at Thule. It housed bombers, fighters, nuclear missiles and more than 10,000 soldiers. The whole operation was revealed to the world the following year, on a September 1952 cover of LIFE magazine and by the U.S. Army in its weekly television show, The Big Picture. But in the realm of ideas born out of paranoia, Camp Century and Project Iceworm were the pinnacle. open image in gallery Metal arches were placed over trenches cut into the snow-formed roofs at Camp Century. The arches were covered with snow and ice, removed, and reused. A similar idea had been planned for rail lines through the ice ( National Archives ) The U.S. Army built Camp Century, a nuclear-powered base, inside the ice sheet by digging deep trenches and then covering them with snow. The base held 200 men in bunkrooms heated to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). It was the center of U.S. Army research on snow and ice and became a reminder to the USSR that the American military could operate at will in the Arctic. The Army also imagined hundreds of miles of rail lines buried inside Greenlands ice sheet. On Project Iceworms tracks, atomic-powered trains would move nuclear-tipped missiles in snow tunnels between hidden launch stations a shell game covering an area about the size of Alabama. In the end, Project Iceworm never got beyond a 1,300-foot (400-meter) tunnel the Army excavated at Camp Century. The soft snow and ice, constantly moving, buckled that track as the tunnel walls closed in. In the early 1960s, first the White House, and then NATO, rejected Project Iceworm. In 1966, the Army abandoned Camp Century, leaving hundreds of tons of waste inside the ice sheet. Today, the crushed and abandoned camp lies more than 100 feet (30 meters) below the ice sheet surface. But as the climate warms and the ice melts, that waste will resurface: millions of gallons of frozen sewage, asbestos-wrapped pipes, toxic lead paint and carcinogenic PCBs. Who will clean up the mess and at what cost is an open question. Greenland remains a tough place to turn a profit In the past, the American focus in Greenland was on short-term gains with little regard for the future. Abandoned bases, scattered around the island today and in need of cleanup, are one example. Pearys disregard of the lives of local Greenlanders is another. History shows that many of the fanciful ideas for Greenland failed because they showed little consideration of the islands isolation, harsh climate and dynamic ice sheet. Trumps demands for American control of the island as a source of wealth and U.S. security are similarly shortsighted. In todays rapidly warming climate, disregarding the dramatic effects of climate change in Greenland can doom projects to failure as Arctic temperatures climb. About the author Paul Bierman is a Professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Science at the University of Vermont. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Recent floods, fed by Greenlands melting ice sheet, have swept away bridges that had stood for half a century. The permafrost that underlies the island is rapidly thawing and destabilizing infrastructure, including the critical radar installation and runway at Thule, renamed Pituffik Space Base in 2022. The islands mountain sides are crashing into the sea as the ice holding them together melts. The U.S. and Denmark have conducted geological surveys in Greenland and pinpointed deposits of critical minerals along the rocky, exposed coasts. However, most of the mining so far has been limited to cryolite and some small-scale extraction of lead, iron, copper and zinc. Today, only one small mine extracting the mineral anorthosite, which is useful for its aluminum and silica, is running. Its the ice that matters The greatest value of Greenland for humanity is not its strategic location or potential mineral resources, but its ice. If human activities continue to heat the planet, melting Greenlands ice sheet, sea level will rise until the ice is gone. Losing even part of the ice sheet, which holds enough water to raise global sea level 24 feet in all, would have disastrous effects for coastal cities and island nations around the world. Thats big-time global insecurity. The most forward-looking strategy is to protect Greenlands ice sheet rather than plundering a remote Arctic island while ramping up fossil fuel production and accelerating climate change around the world. 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 is the only person who can stop Vladimir Putin from remaining a threat to the whole of Europe, Polands president has said. Karol Nawrocki urged European leaders to assist the Trump administration in its efforts to end Russias war in Ukraine. Russia is still a threat for Europe, he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme on Wednesday. And Donald Trump, nowadays, is [the only] leader who can solve this problem and we have to support him in this process. At least 20 drones violated Polish airspace from Belarus and Ukraine last year, prompting a response from Nato in the form of Operation Eastern Sentry. Mr Nawrocki called the incident an extraordinary situation and added that until that time, no Nato member state had experienced a drone attack on that scale. He believes Putin sought to test Polish and Nato defences and demanded a no-fly zone at the time. We in Poland, we dont know a different Russia than aggressive Russia, he continued. Its always the threat for Poland, for Europe and for central Europe. In history, we know only the Russia who is the threat. Even nowadays in the 21st century, after Russias aggression on Ukraine. open image in gallery Donald Trump was a supporter of Karol Nawrocki in his election campaign last year ( AFP via Getty ) Mr Nawrocki, a Eurosceptic nationalist, was backed by Mr Trump in his election run last year and has remained loyal to him publicly ever since, visiting the White House in September 2025. He appeared to dodge questions about Mr Trumps controversial threat to take over Greenland, insisting that it is an issue that should be discussed between Denmarks prime minister and the president. Europe had been involved in not so important things, in ideological issues such as green deal for instance, climate policy, migration issues, he claimed. Mr Nawrocki landed in Britain on Tuesday for a series of meetings with prime minister Keir Starmer and thanked the UK for sending RAF Typhoon jets to help fortify its borders. open image in gallery Putin has been accused of inflicting hybrid warfare across Europe, with at least 20 drones violating Polish airspace last year ( AP ) I would like to express my very deep appreciation for the British soldiers who are stationed in Poland... taking responsibility for Natos eastern flank, he said. The government said that the leaders reflected on the strength of the relationship between the countries in a statement released on Tuesday. They agreed that both countries would deepen that relationship even further, from defence and security, to trade, commerce and education, it continued. Increasingly close cooperation on defence projects was good for both the bilateral relationship and European security, the prime minister added. They agreed on the importance of securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Close 'Evil must stop: Zelenskyy mourns latest Russian attack on miners as he confirms next diplomatic talks in UAE 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 Foreign troops in Ukraine will be regarded as legitimate targets by Russia, the Kremlins foreign minister has said in the latest threat against Kyivs allies. Sergei Lavrov said Moscow would regard the deployment of any foreign military forces or infrastructure in Ukraine as foreign intervention and treat them as legitimate targets. "The deployment of military units, facilities, warehouses, and other infrastructure of Western countries in Ukraine is unacceptable to us and will be regarded as foreign intervention posing a direct threat to Russia's security," the ministry said on its website. Britain and France have both pledged to put troops in Ukraine in the event of a peace deal - a key security guarantee for Kyiv. Lavrov also heaped praise on Donald Trump for his "purposeful efforts to end the conflict following the first trilateral talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine. Both the Kremlin and Volodymyr Zelensky have confirmed the second round of talks will begin on Wednesday. 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 Increasing international tensions, global warming and the changing world economy have put Greenland at the heart of the debate over trade and security. US president Donald Trump has made it known he wants his country to control the mineral-rich island that guards the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America. Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark, a longtime US ally and Nato member that has rejected Mr Trumps threats. Greenlands own government also opposes US designs on the island, saying the people will decide their own future. Mr Trump has said he can take the territory the easy way or the hard way. As the threat of a US takeover becomes clearer, vice-president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio will host the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland for a crucial summit at the White House. open image in gallery JD Vance, the US vice-president, on a visit to Greenland last year ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) Greenlands prime minister showed no signs of yielding in the build up to the summit, saying on Tuesday that the island would not be owned or governed by Washington. Heres why Greenland is strategically important to Arctic security: Greenlands Arctic location is key Greenland sits off the northeastern coast of Canada, with more than two-thirds of its territory lying within the Arctic Circle. That has made it crucial to the defence of North America since the Second World War, when the US occupied Greenland to ensure it didnt fall into the hands of Nazi Germany and to protect crucial North Atlantic shipping lanes. Following the Cold War, the Arctic was largely an area of international cooperation. But climate change is thinning the Arctic ice, promising to create a northwest passage for international trade and reigniting competition with Russia, China and other countries over access to the regions mineral resources. The Trump administration charges Denmark with not doing enough to shore up security in the region something European allies are desperately looking to improve as the US weighs taking the territory by force. Rare earth minerals Greenland is a rich source of the so-called rare earth minerals that are a key component of mobile phones, computers, batteries and other hi-tech gadgets that are expected to power the worlds economy in the coming decades. That has attracted the interest of the US and other Western powers as they try to ease Chinas dominance of the market for these critical minerals. open image in gallery Greenlands strict environmental controls have proved an additional hurdle for potential investors ( AP ) Development of Greenlands mineral resources is challenging because of the islands harsh climate, while strict environmental controls have proved an additional hurdle for potential investors. US military presence in Greenland The US Department of Defence operates the remote Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, which was operated by the US after they and Denmark signed the Greenland Defence Agreement in 1951. It supports missile warning, missile defence and space surveillance operations for the US and Nato. Greenland also guards part of what is known as the GIUK (Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom) Gap, where Nato monitors Russian naval movements in the North Atlantic. Danish armed forces in Greenland Denmark is moving to strengthen its military presence around Greenland and in the wider North Atlantic. Last year, the government announced a roughly 14.6 billion-kroner (1.7bn) agreement with parties including the governments of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, another self-governing territory of Denmark, to improve capabilities for surveillance and maintaining sovereignty in the region. The plan includes three new Arctic naval vessels, two additional long-range surveillance drones and satellite capacity. Denmark also announced fresh investments into the territorys defence worth some 27.4 billion-kroner in October last year. Upgrades would benefit maritime patrol aircraft capabilities and naval vessels, Denmarks defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said. open image in gallery Danish military forces participate in an exercise with hundreds of troops from several European Nato members in the Arctic Ocean in Nuuk, Greenland ( AP ) Denmarks Joint Arctic Command is headquartered in Greenlands capital, Nuuk, and tasked with the surveillance, assertion of sovereignty and military defence of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, according to its website. It has smaller satellite stations across the island. The Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, an elite Danish naval unit that conducts long-range reconnaissance and enforces Danish sovereignty in the Arctic wilderness, is also stationed in Greenland. Security threats to the Arctic In 2018, China declared itself a near-Arctic state in an effort to gain more influence in the region. China has also announced plans to build a Polar Silk Road as part of its global Belt and Road Initiative, which has created economic links with countries around the world. At the time, the US secretary of state Mike Pompeo rejected Chinas move, saying: Do we want the Arctic Ocean to transform into a new South China Sea, fraught with militarisation and competing territorial claims? Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Russia is worried about Natos activities in the Arctic and will respond by strengthening its military capability in the polar region. European leaders concerns were heightened following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. 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 Britain and the United States have evacuated some military personnel in the Middle East after a senior Iranian official said Tehran would hit American bases if Washington strikes. With Irans leadership trying to quell the worst domestic unrest in the history of the Islamic Republic, Tehran is seeking to deter Donald Trumps repeated threats to intervene on behalf of anti-government protesters. UK personnel have been withdrawn from the US-run Al Udeid base in Qatar, The Independent understands. The base was attacked by Iran in June in response to a previous US strike. The Ministry of Defence would not directly confirm the move, citing operational security, but a spokesperson said: The UK always puts precautionary measures in place to ensure the security and safety of our personnel, including, where necessary, withdrawing personnel. All the signals are that a US attack is imminent, but that is also how this administration behaves to keep everyone on their toes, a Western military official told Reuters. Unpredictability is part of the strategy. Two European officials said US military intervention could come in the next 24 hours. An Israeli official also said it appeared that President Trump had decided to intervene, although the scope and timing remained unclear. The unrest, which began two weeks ago as demonstrations against dire economic conditions and rapidly escalated in recent days, has been described as the most violent since the 1979 Islamic revolution that installed a system of Shia clerical rule. A regime official has said more than 2,000 people have died, and human rights groups put the toll at more than 2,600. A mass funeral was held on Wednesday for some 100 members of the security forces killed in the demonstrations. Tens of thousands of mourners attended, holding Iranian flags and photos of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Elsewhere, people in the streets remained fearful. Plain-clothes security forces still milled around some neighbourhoods, although anti-riot police and members of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guards all-volunteer Basij force appeared to have been sent back to their barracks. Ahmadreza Tavakoli, 36, told Associated Press he was shocked by the use of firearms by the authorities at one demonstration in Tehran. People were out to express themselves and protest, but quickly it turned into a war zone, Mr Tavakoli said. The people do not have guns. Only the security forces have guns. The flow of information from inside Iran has been hampered by an internet blackout, but activists said Starlink was offering free service in Iran. The satellite internet service has been key in getting around a media shutdown by the theocracy. President Trump has openly threatened to intervene in Iran for days, without giving specifics. In an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, he vowed very strong action if Iran executes protesters. He also urged Iranians to keep protesting and take over institutions, declaring help is on the way. Direct contact between Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi and the US special envoy Steve Witkoff has been suspended. Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report 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 Trumps threat of military action against Iran in response to a deadly crackdown on protesters has raised fears of another crisis in the Middle East - just seven months after the US bombed the countrys nuclear programme. US officials are reported to have provided Trump with a wide range of options for intervention, from a propaganda campaign to cyber attacks, new sanctions and long-range missile strikes. While officials have briefed that an attack could come within days, experts remain sceptical that military action will achieve Trumps ultimate goal of emboldening protesters and pushing through regime change. Trump assured Iranians yesterday that help is on its way as rights groups increased their tally of protest-linked fatalities to 2,000. But to date, the only decisive action has been to sanction Irans trading partners. Washington has already shown a willingness to take unilateral action in the face of international law through its operation to oust Nicolas Maduro from a fortified stronghold in Venezuela earlier this month. But the buildup of US forces in the Caribbean may have left Trump with fewer options to challenge Tehran than he would have liked. The Independent looks at which options remain available to Trump - and why they are looking increasingly thin. open image in gallery Donald Trump has promised to come to the aid of the protesters in Iran ( REUTERS ) Military intervention Donald Trump warned Iran on 2 January that if authorities killed protesters, the US was locked and loaded and ready to go. But the US finds itself today in a tighter position than it was in last June, when it bombed Iranian nuclear facilities in conjunction with an Israeli air campaign. Washington sent seven B-2 bombers from Missouri to bomb Irans sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Operation Midnight Hammer involved some 125 US military aircraft, a number of decoys in the Pacific and a volley of cruise missiles fired from a submarine. The US also had six B-2s stationed at Diego Garcia and two Carrier Strike Groups in the region, offering options by air and sea. However, an initial impact report by the US Defence Intelligence Agency concluded the strikes had likely only set back the nuclear programme by a matter of months. The White House said at the time the assessment was flat out wrong. open image in gallery The US used B-2 bombers to attack Irans nuclear facilities last summer (file) ( Photo by Senior Airman Thomas Barley ) Since the summer, Trump has spread US naval assets across the world - leaving bases in the Gulf depleted of interceptors to respond to an Iranian response. US aircraft carriers are now in the Americas and Asia, but not around the Middle East, Europe or Africa. The naval buildup around the Caribbean used to displace Maduro drew in the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group from the Mediterranean at the end of last year. An administration official told Politico this week that the US was not currently preparing any major moves of troops or assets to the Middle East. If Iran were to retaliate, the US would also be pressed to defend its bases with a depleted stockpile of interceptor missiles. In July, the Guardian reported that the US only had around 25 per cent of the Patriot missile interceptors it needed for all the Pentagons plans after using up its stockpiles in the Middle East. The Patriots sent to the region last year were also returned to South Korea in November, a US official confirmed this week. If it does become a longer-term volley of strikes, then your interceptor capacity becomes all the more important, an unnamed former defence official told Politico. We could get in a sticky situation very quickly on that front. open image in gallery The Gerald R. Ford is currently in the Caribbean ( AP ) Cyber attacks One of the other options reportedly floated by officials on Tuesday was the use of cyber weapons against Iranian military and civilian sites. Planners were said to be considering plans to disrupt Iranian command structures, communications and state media, CBS reported on Monday, citing anonymous Defense Department officials. Kinetic action is messy and unpredictable, and were not good at non-kinetic intervention, one former US official focused on Iran and the region told the FT. In any complex system, you cannot do just one thing. Iran is a complex system. open image in gallery Reza Pahlavi, the Iranian crown prince in exile, has sought to undermine the regime. But he still does not have Trumps backing as a successor ( AFP/Getty ) Ciaran Martin, former head of the UKs National Cyber Security Centre, told the Guardian that disrupting civilian or government services like electricity could do more harm than good, however, as it would probably affect ordinary people. Analysts and rights groups warned this week that Irans enduring internet blackout appears to have undermined the ability of protesters to mobilise against the regime. Boosting antigovernment sources online would only work if the population is able to access the internet, likely dependent on a wider rollout of Elon Musks Starlink. Trump said he would talk to Musk about restoring internet to the country on Sunday. Breaking the regime Ayatollah Khamenei remained unscathed during the Iran-Israel war last year, with reports claiming he was able to evade Israeli detection. At the height of the conflict, he was said to have prepared a shortlist of candidates to replace him in the event of his death to ensure a rapid transition. An intelligence report seen by The Times suggested he is now planning to escape to Moscow with aides and family if his security fails this time. Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi has been driving some of the efforts to weaken security, drawing defectors in the military and law enforcement towards a secure communications channel. open image in gallery Iranians protest against the government in Tehran on 9 January ( AP ) But his message has been weakened by the ongoing internet crackdown, and he still does not have Trumps backing as a successor to the regime. Will Todman, senior fellow in the Middle East programme at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told the BBC it seemed unlikely Trump was pushing for regime change at this point, and more likely wanted to influence its behaviour. "I think the risks of regime change are so great that I don't yet believe that is his primary objective here," he said. "It could be more concessions in the nuclear talks. It could be to stop the crackdown. It also could be to try to implement reforms that lead to some sort of sanctions relief." Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice At least six people were killed in Gaza after a powerful rainstorm flooded makeshift camps, tore tents from the ground, and exposed displaced families, including young children, to freezing conditions, health officials said. Medics said five people, including two women and a young girl, were killed when homes sheltering displaced families collapsed near Gaza Citys coastline, while a toddler died of hypothermia inside a tent in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. Among the dead were three members of the same family Mohamed Hamouda, 72, his granddaughter, 15, and daughter-in-law who were killed when an eight-metre-high wall collapsed onto their tent during high winds in a coastal area of Gaza City, medics reported. At least five people were injured in the collapse. The storm, driven by strong winds and heavy rainfall, swept across Gaza overnight, flooding hundreds of tents and leaving families scrambling to secure whatever little remained. Some tents were ripped from their stakes and thrown dozens of metres, while others collapsed into muddy pools. open image in gallery Members of the Hamouda family bid farewell to relatives who died after a damaged building collapsed onto their tents during a storm in Gaza City ( AP ) Relatives gathered on Tuesday morning to clear rubble from the collapsed wall and rebuild tent shelters for the surviving family members. We didnt realise what was happening until the wall started collapsing, Bassel Hamouda told Reuters after the funeral for his relatives. Because of the speed and force of the wind, the wall fell on top of us, onto three tents. In other areas of Gaza City, people tried to reinforce remaining shelters by hammering pegs back into the ground and stacking sandbags around tents to keep floodwaters out. Dozens of families were seen salvaging belongings washed into the Mediterranean Sea. open image in gallery Members of the Hamouda family bid farewell to relatives who died after a damaged building collapsed onto their tents during a storm in Gaza City ( AP ) Saeed Saadallah, 65, a Gaza City resident whose tent was swept away into the water, said his family of 10 had nowhere else to go. The sea is hitting us, the wind is hitting us, the rain is hitting us, he told the news agency, pointing towards the shoreline where clothing and bedding had been lost. open image in gallery A child walks in a tent camp for displaced Palestinians after heavy rain in Nuseirat, Gaza ( AP ) Three months after a ceasefire halted major fighting, Israeli forces have ordered the near-total depopulation of almost two-thirds of Gaza, pushing more than two million people into a narrow coastal strip. Most displaced families are living in fragile tents or heavily damaged buildings. Local officials said the response to the storm was hampered by fuel shortages and destroyed equipment. Municipal and civil defence teams said many vehicles, including bulldozers and water pumps, had been damaged or destroyed during the war, leaving them unable to cope with flooding. open image in gallery Palestinians walk along a street lined with damaged buildings in Gaza City ( AP ) The Gazan governments media office said at least 31 Palestinians had died since the start of winter due to exposure to cold or the collapse of unsafe structures damaged by earlier Israeli air strikes. The health ministry said the toddler in Deir al-Balah was the seventh person to die from hypothermia since winter began, including a newborn just seven days old and a four-year-old girl whose deaths were reported earlier this week. Temperatures in Gaza typically hover around 12C in winter and can fall to between 10C and 15C at night, conditions that become life-threatening for infants and elderly people living in thin plastic shelters. open image in gallery Displaced Palestinians walk past a large pool of rainwater near tent shelters in Gaza City ( AFP via Getty ) The UN said at least 300,000 new tents were urgently needed for the roughly 1.5 million people still displaced. In December, a UN report warned that hundreds of displacement sites were at high risk of flooding. In Gaza, winter weather is adding to the suffering of families already pushed to the brink, UNRWA said, warning that cold, flooding and damaged shelters were exposing displaced people to new dangers while humanitarian access remained constrained. Israel says hundreds of aid trucks enter Gaza daily, carrying food, medical supplies and shelter materials, though international aid groups say the supplies remain insufficient. This is Gazas third winter since Israel launched a war on the besieged territory in October 2023. 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 Iranian regime is due to execute a demonstrator on Wednesday over his alleged involvement in the protests sweeping the nation, rights groups have claimed. Erfan Soltani, a resident of Fardis, just west of Tehran, could become the first person to be sentenced to death for participating in protests that have rocked the country over the last two weeks. Mr Soltani, 26, was arrested at his home just six days ago and rushed through the justice system to face the death penalty on Wednesday as the regime steps up its brutal crackdown on dissent, according to the Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights, an independent NGO based in Norway. Follow latest updates on Iran protests here His family were told of the decision only on Monday and has been refused information about his charges or judicial proceedings, the organisation said. Arina Moradi, a member of Hengaw, told the Daily Mail this afternoon that Erfan Soltanis family were shocked and despairing at the situation. He was detained last Thursday, and there was no information about him for days before authorities called the family and said they had arrested their son and he will be executed on Wednesday - meaning tomorrow. Erfan Soltani is set to be executed on Wednesday, according to rights groups outside of Iran ( via Hengaw ) Mr Soltani, the owner of a clothes shop from Fardis, will only be allowed 10 minutes with his family before he is hanged, the newspaper reported. His sister, who is a lawyer, has also been blocked from accessing the case file, a source close to the family told the rights group. Iran Human Rights (IHR), another independent rights organisation based in Oslo, said that the regime was seeking to deal with the protesters swiftly and severely, using special branches of the countrys Revolutionary Courts. They quoted a source close to the family in saying that Mr Soltani did not have access to a lawyer and, as far as the family is aware, no trial was granted to hear his case. It is not clear what the charges against him are, they said. The widespread killing of civilian protesters in recent days by the Islamic Republic is reminiscent of the regimes crimes in the 1980s, which have been recognised as crimes against humanity, IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said. The international community has a duty to protect civilian protesters against mass killing. An Iranian official said that as many as 2,000 people have been killed during demonstrations over the last two weeks as the regime ramps up efforts to crush the protests. The US-based organisation HRANA said in its report on Monday afternoon that at least 646 people have been killed over 16 days of protest, including 505 protesters. It reported that 133 military and law enforcement personnel had also been killed. The ongoing internet blackout limiting information in and out of the country has made it difficult to assess and verify casualty reports, it noted. German chancellor Friedrich Merz said, we are now witnessing the final days and weeks of the present government. When a regime can only maintain power through violence, then it is effectively at its end. The population is now rising up against this regime, he said on Tuesday. The country is facing mounting international backlash with US president Donald Trump threatening to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Irans trading partners, however the policy is yet to be approved by the Supreme Court. 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 Liyana*, 22, is huddled in her neighbours kitchen when I call. Not in her own, because its only through a borrowed StarLink dish that we are able to communicate. For over a week, Iran has seen a complete internet blackout. But Liyana is smiling when she speaks: For the first time, I feel truly hopeful. These protests are massive. Huge numbers of people are defying the curfews. This is so much bigger than what we saw after Mahsa I really think this could be it. This could be the time that Iran is freed. open image in gallery Iranians attend an anti-government protest in Tehran ( AP ) Liyanas optimism is not misplaced with protests having been staged in each of Irans 31 provinces, this week has seen an unprecedented level of action against the regime. Over the past month, millions of Iranians have taken to the streets in protest against the Islamic theocracy. open image in gallery Protests continue to rage across Iran in each of its 31 provinces ( UGC ) The latest reports from Iran International estimate that around 20,000 people have been killed in state-backed crackdowns against these demonstrations, where growing dissatisfaction with supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis rule cannot be dismissed as anything but blatantly obvious. As such, Liyanas optimism may well become a reality. Donald Trump, too, appears optimistic. The US president promised Iranian protestors that Help is on its way in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, but the potential for foreign intervention has continued to divide Iranian public opinion. Arwa*, 61, told The Independent: For decades weve been fighting against this regime. At this point, honestly, I would be grateful for foreign intervention if someone were to come in and just topple it all I just want this all to be over. Im sick of the regime. Khamenei still has support a lot of it. But I think the last few months have just seen so many more people facing more struggle. Life is just not sustainable anymore. I think the words Id use to summarise the protesters right now are: tired, frustrated, and poor. I know I certainly am. However, the view of external intervention as a solution continues to prove controversial in the country that has been under the rule of the supreme leader for 36 years. Hadi*, 22, said: Donald Trump supporting these protests immediately puts me at a sense of unease. open image in gallery Some Iranians express unease at the fact Donald Trump is supporting the protests ( AP ) He didnt care about us when he imposed all the sanctions, which have made our lives almost unbearable. He didnt care about us when Israel bombed us last year. He cares because hes seeing an opportunity to gain something. Trumpian politics is purely transactional. So when we talk about foreign intervention led by the United States, it terrifies me, because I know there is no moral compass directing it anything could happen. The nature of President Trumps intentions continues to form a major point of concern for Iranians, with ongoing American intervention in Venezuela widely informing many views. Abdallah*, 36, said: You only have to look at what Trump is doing elsewhere what hes doing in Venezuela is illegal according to international law. open image in gallery Protestors express concern that foreign intervention could parallel the endless civil wars in other parts of the region ( AP ) What makes anyone think hell respect international law when it comes to us? I worry that American foreign intervention will turn us into the next Libya, Syria, Iraq American intervention in our region has never done anything other than leave behind a legacy of extreme violence, and a people with no leader the perfect breeding-ground for civil war and tyranny. These protests right now theyre some of the most violent Ive seen in my lifetime. But theyre also the biggest. I am no supporter of the regime, but I would be lying if I said I wasnt scared for what will come after it. Were standing on a precipice, and I dont think enough people realise how close we are to the edge [of revolution]. Whilst questions surrounding whether the movement can sustain itself and whether outside powers will play any role in shaping its outcome remain unclear, the scale and persistence of this unrest mark one of the most significant tests the Islamic Republic has faced in decades. *Names have been changed to protect the identity of sources. The Government of Ukraine has adopted a resolution on the appointment of the State Enterprise Diia as the technical administrator of the State System of Online Gambling Monitoring, which was the final step before the system is put into commercial operation, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation Natalia Denikeyeva said at a briefing on Wednesday. "We are currently at the stage of contracting with the state enterprise Diia to transfer the system we purchased and accepted to Diia, deploy it on their infrastructure, and, after brief testing, put it into industrial operation," said Hennadiy Novikov, head of Ukraines State Agency for Gambling and Lottery Control, PlayCity, according to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent. At a briefing, officials noted that licensed operators are being given six months to connect to the State System of Online Monitoring. Novikov added that a tender for the second phase of the online monitoring system implementation will be announced soon. This phase is expected to include tracking game results, monitoring gaming machines, ensuring compliance with responsible gaming principles, and recording transactions with hryvnia substitutes. "We are now at the final stage of securing financing because, unfortunately, the state budget did not allocate funds for this critically important system. But we have found a way to resolve the situation," the agency head said. He noted that, based on assessments conducted during consultations with IT companies in 2025, the estimated cost for creating the second phase was UAH 45 million. "But we will refine this figure for the second phase because the situation in the country has changed, the hryvnia exchange rate has shifted, and the market itself has evolved. So the amount may be slightly adjusted," Novikov explained. 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 Anger at a spiralling economy and decades of authoritarian rule in Iran has exploded onto the streets of major cities across the country. For two weeks, in massive nationwide rallies, protesters have called for regime change, chanting death to the dictator, and in some quarters even calling for a return to the monarchy that was toppled in the 1979 revolution which ushered in the current Islamic Republic. The Iranian government, still reeling from a disastrous 12-day war with Israeli and US forces last year, has met the protests with a bloody crackdown. An official told Reuters as many as 2,000 people could have been killed. More than 10,000 arrested. And a nationwide communications blackout is still largely in place. Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action and sanctions, and on Tuesday said he cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials, who reached out to negotiate. He urged protesters to keep protesting and take over institutions. Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price, he continued, adding help is on its way. The regime insists it remains in control and has warned it will hit Israeli and US targets in the region hard if attacked. Follow latest updates on Iran protests here For the first time, Iranian experts are saying this is the gravest existential threat to Irans clerical rulers. So what could happen? open image in gallery Footage from Iran on Sunday shows the courtyard of a medical centre in Tehran Province with dozens of bodies in body bags laid out for family members ( UGC ) The worst-case scenario: A bloodier crackdown and no change The protests have been met with extreme violence. The few eyewitness accounts that civilians have managed to get out via satellite connections describe the authorities opening fire on rallies. Recently, shocking videos have emerged of hundreds of bodies littering a forensic facility in south Tehran. The government blames the death toll on riots and domestic terrorists. The fear is that protests could fizzle out amid a growing crackdown and mass arrests, especially if, despite Trumps promises, there is no external intervention challenging the all-powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other armed wings of the state. As Negar Mortazavi, host of The Iran Podcast and senior fellow of US-based Center for International Policy, points out, while the regime is the underdog right now, especially after last years bombardment by Israel, it still retains a strong central control. Yes, they have a legitimacy crisis. Yes, people come to the streets in protest once every couple of years, but they have never been able to pose an existential crisis to the regime ... The regime has a monopoly on arms, power and violence. The protesters have been largely non-violent. Aside from small armed factions such as Kurdish and Baloch separatist movements, there are no rebel armies in Iran positioned to defeat the establishment, as seen in Syria or Libya. The fear is that the crackdown would continue with further arrests, torture and killings. open image in gallery Missiles fired from Iran are pictured in the night sky over Jerusalem on 14 June 2025 ( AFP/Getty ) The most uncertain outcome: Trump bombs Iran, his new sanctions bite and then what? Donald Trump has doubled down on threats of military strikes on Iran, after joining Israel in bombing the country last year. He vowed on Tuesday that help is on its way just hours after US citizens were ordered to leave Iran immediately. Trump also announced sweeping 25 per cent tariffs on countries trading with Iran, which will intensify the economic pressure on the regime. That could push countries like the UAE, China, Turkey and India to downgrade economic ties with Tehran at a critical moment. Last years 12-day war with Israel and the US was devastating for Iran, with swathes of military infrastructure including air defences, and nuclear facilities destroyed. The military leadership was also targeted. Although Iran has vowed a swift missile response against Israel and US bases in the region if attacked, it remains unclear how it would do that. Its regional allies, in countries like Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, have also been downgraded by Israels continued operations, and so are less able or willing to come to their aid. open image in gallery Israeli bombing of Iran-backed Hezbollah strongholds around Lebanon in 2024 ( AFP/Getty ) Putting aside the legality of any potential strike and the civilian toll, would this assist protesters or not? As Bilal Y Saab of Chatham House writes, we just dont know. Much depends on the nature of the strike, Trumps appetite to follow through, and his ability to come up with a plan after the strike. The effects could range from disaster to deliverance, he adds. If it were a one-off, largely performative strike, it could harden the regime against protesters, who are already accused of being funded by foreign agents. Even if Trump were to kill supreme leader Ali Khamenei or force him to flee, Irans constitution includes an emergency plan for appointing a successor. As Saab notes, the brutal and organised IRGC could even formally take over. Would Trump, the self-styled peacemaker and champion of America first foreign policy, be willing to go all the way to engineer regime change engaging in a potentially disastrous drawn-out military occupation as they did in Iraq post 2003? His recent intervention in Venezuela suggests he is unwilling to commit to full-scale regime change. That said, protesters have been emboldened by Trumps statements, even holding up signs praising him, explains Gissou Nia, an Iranian-American human rights lawyer who works at the Atlantic Council. The regime would also struggle to simultaneously defend itself militarily and crush escalating nationwide protests. Especially if those strikes weakened all tools of internal repression, including the Basij, a volunteer paramilitary force within the IRGCs wider structure. open image in gallery Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei greeting the crowd during a ceremony in Tehran, Iran, October 2024 ( Iranian supreme leader office ) The cosmetic solution: The regime negotiates with the US, offers vague reforms, and retains power There is an option where the regime pursues largely performative adjustments for example, limited economic reforms or a shift in rhetoric towards nationalism rather than ideology. That could go hand in hand with direct negotiations with Trump to avoid military strikes and harsher sanctions. Such reforms would fall far short of the demands from the protesters who have explicitly called for the overthrow of the regime. But amid a sweep of arrests and executions, fear could suppress further mobilisation. Any hope of external support against the states armed network would be shattered if Trump is seen negotiating directly with Irans top leadership. The least likely: Exiled prince returns to Iran to oversee a transition to democracy or even federalism? Since protests erupted, the one-time crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who has lived in exile in the US for decades, has urged protesters to take to the streets. He has even said he is preparing to return to Iran, despite not having set foot in the country since 1979, when his father, the last Shah of Iran, was overthrown. Pahlavi retains a modest monarchist support base and some protesters have chanted Long live the Shah. He did declare himself the ruler of Iran in a ceremony in Egypt in 1980, just a year after his fathers overthrow, but has since distanced himself from calls to restore Irans Peacock throne. Instead, he has outlined a 100-day transition plan, telling reporters it is not about restoring the past but securing a democratic future for all Iranians. open image in gallery One-time crown prince Reza Pahlavi said he is preparing to return to Iran, despite not having set foot in the country since 1979 ( AP ) Last year, he told Politico his main aim was to steer Iran through this transition. He has proposed a constitutional conference of Iranian representatives, which would gather to devise a new settlement to be ratified by referendum. Asked whether he wanted the monarchy restored, he said in June: Im not going to be the one to decide that. My role is to make sure no voice is left behind, whether republican or monarchist, left or right. Iran is richly diverse. Ethnic minorities, including Azeris, Kurds, Arabs and Balochis, make up close to half of the population, according to the Atlantic Council. They have long accused the central government of discrimination. Some seek greater autonomy and even independence. Kurdish Iranian opposition figures told The Independent this week they would push for a federal system that grants semi-autonomy to regions such as Kurdistan. They are firmly opposed to Pahlavis return. For most experts, this remains the least likely outcome. The scale of external intervention required to install Pahlavi or radically restructure Iran into a federal system would be enormous. It is unclear how popular either plan is among a population of nearly 90 million. 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 sent a message to Iranian protesters that help is on its way as nationwide unrest grips the country amid a deadly crackdown on dissent. At least 2,000 people have been killed and thousands more arrested, according to human rights groups, with an impenetrable media blackout still in place. The American leader called for demonstrations, triggered initially by a spiralling economy, to continue and warned Iran would pay a big price for the killings. Follow latest updates on Iran protests here Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! he wrote in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday. He warned that the US would take "very strong action" if the Iranian government started hanging protesters after reports that Tehrans authorities are set to execute protesters. Trump told CBS News in an interview: "I haven't heard about the hanging. If they hang them, you're going to see some things... We will take very strong action if they do such a thing. Mr Trump said all meetings with Iranian officials who had previously suggested they were open to dialogue had been cancelled. Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! open image in gallery Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday ( AFP/Getty ) Russia condemned US involvement with a pointed statement by its foreign ministry warning against subversive external interference, adding that the threat of US military strikes was categorically unacceptable. The Islamic Republic will carry out its first execution of a protester accused of taking part in the demonstrations tomorrow, according to the Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights, an independent NGO based in Norway. Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old resident of Fardis, was arrested at his home six days ago and faces death by hanging on Wednesday. Mr Soltanis shocked and despairing family were told of the decision on Monday and have been refused information about his charges or judicial proceedings, the organisation said. Mr Trump has been unequivocal about using military force in Iran if protesters are killed and was reported to be discussing several options with senior military officials on Tuesday. open image in gallery Millions are reported to have taken part in demonstrations across the country ( AP ) He announced the imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on Irans trading partners effective immediately as experts told The Independent that the policy could have a knock-on effect on supply chains across the world. The proposal is yet to be approved by the Supreme Court, but could lead to political ramifications and instability in the region, they said. Iran has vowed to retaliate and hit US positions in the region if Mr Trump green-lights military action. However, it is unclear how serious a threat that is, as the country remains battered by a 12-day war with Israel and the US last year, which pounded much of its military infrastructure, including air defence systems, its commanders and its nuclear facilities. German chancellor Friedrich Merz said, We are now witnessing the final days and weeks of the present government. open image in gallery Tariffs are to be imposed on Irans trading partners ( Reuters ) When a regime can only maintain power through violence, then it is effectively at its end. The population is now rising up against this regime, he said. Meanwhile, the European Union is discussing additional sanctions against Iran, according to foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The EU already has sweeping sanctions in place on Iran ... and we are discussing putting additional sanctions, she said. The protests first erupted as the countrys local currency, the rial, spiralled, with costs soaring. But protesters have since called for a complete overthrow of the authoritarian clerical rulers, and in some quarters even a return to Irans monarchy, which was overthrown in the 1979 revolution which heralded in the Islamic State. Irans powerful security forces launched a ferocious crackdown. Disturbing footage smuggled out of the country appeared to show hundreds of bodies littering a morgue in Tehran, as heartbroken families, sobbing, tried to identify missing loved ones among the dead. According to the activists who shared multiple videos of the site, the Kahrizak forensic centre has become the main gathering point for the dead. They said as many as 2,000 bodies some of them burned, others bearing gunshot wounds were bought there in trucks, with some stored in refrigerated containers. With internet and phone lines still cut off, it is impossible to verify the images and to ascertain if rallies are still ongoing. Videos sent via Starlink and shared with trusted Iranian Telegram accounts, apparently showed rallies erupting on Sunday and Monday in the capital, Ahvah in the west and Isfahan in the centre of the country. open image in gallery Tear gas being fired during an anti-government protest in Tehran ( AP ) Experts told The Independent the current unrest is one of the gravest threats the regime has faced. But there are concerns that unless there is serious direct foreign intervention, nothing will change on the ground. The regime has a monopoly on arms and violence and there is no real no armed resistance, said Negar Mortazavi, host of The Iran Podcast and senior fellow of US-based Center for International Policy. They have been able to crush protests, even the largest protests in 2009, 2019 and 2022 with an iron fist deadly, violent response, she warned. And despite the nationwide rallies, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sought to shore up his support. State TV broadcast footage showing tens of thousands of pro-government supporters marching in the streets on Monday and listening to the parliament speaker rail against the West. Irans supreme leader has insisted that the Islamic Republic would not back down and accused protesters of being saboteurs and terrorist agents working for foreign governments, including the US and Israel. Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi the exiled son of monarch Reza Pahlavi who was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic revolution is positioning himself as an interim leader to manage a transition. Claiming he is steward of a national transition to democracy, he has repeatedly called on protesters to keep rallying in the streets and has even said he is preparing to return to Iran in the event of the fall of Khamenei. 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 Donald Trump is said to be ready to push the button on military strikes against Iran, after the U.S. and U.K. withdrew personnel from bases in the Middle East. The U.S. president has been mulling direct action against Iran, amid ongoing and widespread protests in the country calling for an end to the Ayatollahs regime. Trump has warned there would be hell to pay if protesters were killed, but has yet to act despite reports of a death toll now topping 2,500. It comes as the U.K. closed its embassy in Tehran while other European countries, including Spain and Poland, urged their residents to flee. Tehran has also closed its airspace to all flights, except those with previous permission from the Iranian Civil Aviation Organisation. A Washington source close to the U.S. administration told The Independent that strikes could be carried out within the next 24 hours. President Trump is ready to push the button on Iran, the source said. It will be a surgical removal of the regime. open image in gallery A Washington source close to the U.S. administration told The Independent that strikes could be carried out within the next 24 hours ( Getty ) The one thing that the president is waiting on is that the Iranian banks are on the point of collapse which means the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] and others will not get paid once that happens, they added. If that happens, then the regime will collapse by itself and the president is waiting on that but he will not wait long. Earlier on Wednesday, the U.S. withdrew personnel from its Al-Udeid air base in Qatar on Wednesday, the Middle Easts largest U.S. base housing around 10,000 troops. One official told Reuters the decision was a precaution given heightened regional tensions. All the signals are that a U.S. attack is imminent, but that is also how this administration behaves to keep everyone on their toes. Unpredictability is part of the strategy, a Western military official told Reuters later on Wednesday. Two European officials added that U.S. military intervention could come in the next 24 hours. An Israeli official also said it appeared Trump had decided to intervene, though the scope and timing remained unclear. open image in gallery Images posted on social media show cars set on fire during a protest on Saadat Abad Square in Tehran, Iran ( UGC ) The Independents source suggested plans were being drawn up to form an interim government as soon as the regime collapses. They added that the Trump administration had been in contact with British prime minister Keir Starmers national security advisor, Jonathan Powell, but that the U.K. would play no role in the immediate removal of the Iranian regime. The UK and Europeans are very happy to complain about Iran but not willing to actually do anything, they added. Britain withdrew some personnel from an air base in Qatar on Wednesday ahead of the possible U.S. strikes, The i Paper reported. The British defence ministry had no immediate comment. open image in gallery Protester Erfan Soltanis fate remains unclear after he was marked for execution in Iran ( Hengaw ) Tehran has warned neighbouring countries that it would strike American bases if Trump ordered strikes on Iran. The U.S. president has threatened to intervene for days as the Islamic Republic tries to quell the worst domestic unrest it has ever faced. The death toll in Iran has risen to 2,571 as protests continue, according to the US-based HRANA rights group, including 2,403 protesters and 147 government-affiliated individuals. The group added that this figure dwarfed tolls from previous waves of protests crushed by the authorities in 2022 and 2009. HRANA reported 18,137 arrests so far, as Irans chief justice visited a Tehran prison holding protesters and said speed in judging and penalising those who beheaded or burned people was critical to ensuring such events do not happen again. Trump has been encouraging protests to continue fighting for their cause, on Tuesday posting that help is on the way on his Truth Social platform. open image in gallery The death toll in Iran has risen to more than 2,500 according to a human rights group ( AP ) Meanwhile, the fate remains unclear of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, who was arrested in connection with protests in the city of Karaj and set to be executed on Wednesday. Hengaw, an Iranian Kurdish rights group, said it had not been able to confirm whether the sentence was carried out. Trump has vowed very strong action if Iran executes protesters. A senior Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Tehran had asked U.S. allies in the region, from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to Turkey, to prevent Washington from attacking Iran or else U.S. bases in those countries would be attacked. 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 President Donald Trump has implemented a 25 per cent tariff on all of Irans trading partners in response to a violent crackdown by Tehran on protesters. Oil prices jumped to the highest levels since November in the aftermath of the announcement, sparking concerns about an impact on the global economy. The US leader has been unequivocal about using military force in Iran if protesters are killed and will discuss several options with senior military officials on Tuesday. Follow latest updates on Iran protests here Experts say his latest strategy is an attempt to strong-arm the country into compliance but the Supreme Court has struck down his previous tariff policy. The Independent looks at whether the announcement of new tariffs on Irans economic allies will have a widespread economic impact. open image in gallery A crowd gathers during a pro-government rally on Monday in Tehran, Iran ( Getty ) What does Trumps tariff policy entail? The US presidents announcement came in a characteristically bombastic Truth Social post on Monday that was light on details. He said the order was final and conclusive and applied to any and all business being done with Iran. But the president did not unpack what the scheme would mean in practice and whether the charge would be imposed on top of existing import taxes. If it is implemented, experts say it could lead to countries such as China Tehrans biggest trading partner being charged a 75.2 per cent tariff. In theory, the tariff would mean a higher price for US businesses importing products from several countries, including China, Russia, Pakistan, India and Turkey. It would effectively impose a financial penalty for trading with Iran. Follow here for the latest updates on protests in Iran. open image in gallery The US leader has been unequivocal about using military force in Iran if protesters are killed ( Getty ) Who are Irans trading partners? Iran is a member of the OPEC oil producers group and exports to 147 trading partners, according to 2022 data from the World Bank. China, Turkey, Pakistan and India are among the countrys largest trading partners, according to figures by Trade Data Monitor, which collects customs data. In 2025, China bought more than 80 per cent of Irans shipped oil, partly owing to Tehrans limited customer base as a result of US sanctions. Iranian exports to China were valued at $22bn in 2022. In response to the threat to impose the tariffs, China said it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. open image in gallery Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the regime will not back down ( AP ) Lie Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the US, wrote in a post on X (Twitter): Tariff wars and trade wars have no winners, and coercion and pressure cannot solve problems. Protectionism harms the interests of all parties. He added that China firmly opposes any illicit unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction. India, in comparison, is more of a modest partner. It trades mainly in food and pharmaceuticals but is strategically significant, according to Professor Ashok Kumar, associate professor of political economy at Birkbeck, University of London. Irans other partners include Turkey, the UAE, Germany, South Korea and Japan. Despite these countries maintaining relatively low levels of trade with Iran, they could all face penalties. open image in gallery Donald Trump imposed the tariff he said was effective immediately ( Getty ) What will be the impact of tariffs? Experts have warned that the blunt strategy could trigger serious effects across the global economy as well as political ramifications. Irans imports consist largely of intermediate goods, machinery, equipment, foodstuffs, and pharmaceuticals, all of which are essential to maintaining industrial production and social stability, says Prof Kumar. Cutting Iran off from this web of trade does not simply reduce revenue. It risks cascading disruptions across supply chains that extend far beyond Irans borders. His concern has been backed by others, including Maurice Obstfeld, former chief economist for the International Monetary Fund, who told The Washington Post that it could be profoundly self-harming for the US, and [it] will not change the Iranians behaviour one iota. Prof Kumar says that the decision rests on whether the US can credibly threaten universal tariffs without inflicting significant damage on its own economy. Further, US demands for acquiescence could lead to political backlash and resentment. Will major powers accept a precedent in which their external trade relations are effectively vetoed by Washington? he asks. Does escalating economic pressure on Iran at a moment of internal unrest increase the likelihood of political change, or does it instead entrench hardliners and deepen global polarisation? Mr Trump has said the US will be screwed if his landmark trade policy is blocked by the Supreme Court. 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 below are the significant US military bases in the Middle East. Iran has threatened to strike American bases in the region if it is attacked by Washington. It come after U.S. President Donald Trump told Iranians to keep protesting and declared "help is on the way". Here is what we know. open image in gallery Trump has promised Iranian that help is on its way following widespread disruption in the country ( AP ) BAHRAIN: Home to the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, whose area of responsibility includes the Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. QATAR: The 24-hectare (59-acre) Al Udeid Air Base, in the desert outside the capital Doha, is the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command, which directs U.S. military operations in a huge swathe of territory stretching from Egypt in the west to Kazakhstan in the east. The Middle East's largest U.S. base houses around 10,000 troops. U.S. Central Command said in January that it and regional partners had opened a new coordination cell (MEAD-CDOC) at Al Udeid to enhance integrated air and missile defence. The new cell would improve how regional forces coordinate and share air and missile responsibilities across the Middle East, it said. KUWAIT: Several sprawling military installations include Camp Arifjan, the forward headquarters of U.S. Army Central and the Ali Al Salem Air Base, roughly 40 km (25 miles) from the Iraqi border and known as "The Rock" for its isolated, rugged environment. Camp Buehring was established during the 2003 Iraq War and is a staging post for U.S. Army units deploying into Iraq and Syria, according to the U.S. Army website. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: The Al Dhafra Air Base, situated south of the UAE capital Abu Dhabi and shared with the UAE Air Force, is a critical U.S. Air Force hub that has supported key missions against the Islamic State, as well as reconnaissance deployments across the region, according to the U.S. Air Force Central Command. Dubai's Jebel Ali Port, while not a formal military base, is the U.S. Navy's largest port of call in the Middle East and regularly hosts U.S. aircraft carriers and other vessels. IRAQ: The U.S. maintains a presence at Ain Al Asad Air Base in western Anbar province, supporting Iraqi security forces and contributing to the NATO mission, according to the White House. Iranian missile strikes targeted the base in 2020, in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Situated in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq, Erbil Air Base serves as a hub for U.S. and coalition forces conducting training exercises and battle drills. The base supports U.S. military efforts by providing a secure location for training, intelligence sharing, and logistical coordination in northern Iraq, according to a 2024 Library of Congress report. open image in gallery Military vehicles of U.S. soldiers are seen at Ain al-Asad air base in Anbar province (file photo from 2020) ( REUTERS ) It facilitates training exercises and battle drills, providing a secure location for military training, intelligence sharing, and logistical coordination across the region, as detailed in a 2024 Library of Congress report. SAUDI ARABIA: U.S. soldiers in Saudi Arabia - who numbered 2,321 in 2024 according to a White House letter - operate in coordination with the Saudi government, providing air and missile defence capabilities and supporting the operation of U.S. military aircraft. Some are stationed roughly 60 km south of Riyadh, at Prince Sultan Air Base, which supports U.S. Army air defence assets including Patriot missile batteries and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense systems. JORDAN: Located in Azraq, 100 km northeast of the capital Amman, the Muwaffaq al Salti Air Base hosts the U.S. Air Forces Central's 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, which engages in missions across the Levant, according to the Library of Congress. TURKEY: Turkey and the U.S. jointly run the Incirlik Air Base in the southern Adana province. It hosts U.S. nuclear warheads and has been used to support the international coalition fighting Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. It is also home to 1,465 members of the U.S. military stationed in Turkey. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice As international tourism to the US slumps, aviation analysts have revealed that Canadian airlines are switching many flight plans to Latin America. Traditionally, millions of snowbirds seek to escape the bitter Canadian winter by flying south. California, Nevada and Florida have long been favoured destinations. But new figures from analysts OAG show that in the first three months of 2026, seat capacity from Canada to the US is down by 10 per cent. Instead, more Canadians seeking warmth are heading for Cuba (up 1.2 per cent), Mexico (up 5.1 per cent) and Costa Rica (up 14.5 per cent). The shift equates to 5,000 aircraft seats a day switching from the US to other destinations. The worst-hit American cities are Las Vegas (82,000 fewer seats over the three months) and Orlando (a decrease of 79,000). All other US gateways, including Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles and New York Newark, have seen a decline. Since beginning his second term, Donald Trump has been highly critical of Americas northern neighbour. On Tuesday he dismissed the trade pact between the US, Canada and Mexico as irrelevant. Air Canada has stepped up capacity to Cancun in Mexico by 20 per cent, and has added services to San Juan del Cabo at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. The Calgary-based carrier WestJet has launched new routes to Samana and La Romana in the Dominican Republic. OAG analyst John Grant said: Has the US perhaps lost one of its most valuable winter markets to other destinations? Certainly, the product offering in the Caribbean is very competitively priced, and the quality of accommodation is always improving, while hotel rates in the US continue to appear expensive to many international travellers. Should this years snowbirds find their new experiences positive and remain willing to accept additional flight hours, the travel trends observed in the first quarter of 2026 may signal a lasting shift in travel patterns and, notably, in spending habits among a traditionally affluent demographic seeking warmth and sunshine. If so, the resulting effects on relevant US markets could persist well into the future. The latest official figures show that 3.7 per cent fewer visitors from Western Europe (including the UK) travelled to the US in 2025 compared with the previous year. End-of-year statistics for Canada are not available, but in the first nine months of 2025, Canadian visitor numbers were 22 per cent down year-on-year. Read more: Concorde timeline: The highs and lows of the iconic plane Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice One of the hallmarks of Donald Trumps second term has been making it tougher to visit the United States. The presidents America First philosophy has seen the administration crack down on tourists and longer-term visitors alike. The State Department announced this week that it revoked over 100,000 visas since Trump returned to office, including around 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized visas for people who had run-ins with U.S. law enforcement. However, tourists from multiple countries are also reporting problems with the ESTA visa waiver scheme, claiming they have had theirs revoked. The ESTA - or Electronic System for Travel Authorisation - is an online system that tells visitors to the U.S. in advance whether they are allowed to travel under the Visa Waiver Program. open image in gallery The US has the right to revoke a visa or an ESTA at any time ( flowertiare - stock.adobe.com ) Although it does not guarantee entry at the border, it is a routine process for many tourists from countries such as the U.K., most of Europe, Australia, Japan and many others. Users on Reddit have claimed that their ESTAs were canceled despite never speaking publicly about their political views, never staying beyond the number of days they were allowed to remain in the U.S., and never having any criminal charges. They are left none the wiser about what the waiver was revoked. I've gotten an ESTA this last September with my EU passport in order to travel to the US after some years not having been there, one poster wrote. I traveled to New York for three weeks, went back to my home country, then came back in December to visit Miami for a week - both trips for actual tourism and nothing else. Today I receive an email from the DHS saying my ESTA status has been "changed", and when I check he application, it shows I'm no longer authorized to travel to the U.S.. Another Redditor claimed they had their ESTA revoked shortly after they visited Cuba, forcing them to reroute via Madrid, Spain rather than Miami, Florida. Another said they would not going to bother with that country [the U.S.] anymore after a similar experience. ESTAs, like visas, can be withdrawn ore refused for multiple reasons but it is not always clear why. An undisclosed criminal record can lead to withdrawal, or the failure to prove non-immigrant intent. Visa applicants are required to adequately disclose their ties to their home countries, so it is clear that they are not trying to emigrate to the United States. open image in gallery Travelling to a country on the United States banned list could see your visa being revoked ( Getty Images ) Travelling to countries on the United States banned travel list could also lead to your visa being denied. Those include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Overstaying in the U.S. on an old visa or being denied entry in the past could also lead to visitors being banned from returning. If an applicant has had their ESTA denied or revoked, they need to apply for a standard B1 or B2 Visitor Visa, which will require them to attend an interview. Filing for a request through the DHS TRIP website can also allow applicants to address potential errors on their visa applications. However, filing for an appeal of an ESTA being denied or revoked is not allowed. Despite the visitor visa rules already being very stringent, a State Department memo seen by Fox News Digital could suggest that immigration visas could become even stricter. According to the memo, visa applications from 75 countries will be frozen from January 21 as the Trump administration pushes further with its attempts to curb immigration. The crackdown will reportedly affect immigration visas, not visitor visas, from countries including Russia, Iran, Thailand, Egypt, Brazil, Somalia and Yemen, amongst others. The memo says that the alleged pause will continue indefinitely until the State Department conducts a full reassessment of visa processing. In a message sent to The Independent, a spokesperson from the State Department said that it continues to vet all individuals given a visa before, during and after their visit. The State Department also said that control over the visa process was vital for maintaining national security and that it reserved the right to review visas if new information about potential applicants came to light. The Independent has contacted the State Department for comment. Get the Well Enough newsletter by Emilie Lavinia and make sense of the wild world of wellness Get our wellbeing editor's newsletter: Well Enough by Emilie Lavinia Get the Well Enough email by Emilie Lavinia Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The rationale apparently being offered by Labours spin doctors for the governments latest U-turn is certainly colourful, but doesnt inspire much confidence. The decision to scrap a compulsory digital ID scheme for employment checks is said to be akin to scraping the barnacles off the boat. The phrase is commonly attributed in this political context to the Conservative strategist Sir Lynton Crosby. It means that for a party to proceed smoothly and with maximum efficiency to electoral success, it needs to discard all kinds of extraneous commitments, distractions, and negative factors that may have encrusted themselves onto its image over time and thus spoilt its appeal. The logical conclusion in this case, however, is that a policy that the prime minister sought so proudly to associate himself with only weeks ago now has to be disposed of because no one wants it or believes it will work. Digital ID was supposed to be proudly plonked on the prow of HMS Labour as an invigorating, hydrodynamic symbol of national renewal. It has instead been likened by the governments own apparatchiks to a stubborn, unwanted, useless crustacean clinging to the hull of the Labour flagship and dragging it off course. The more unkind observer might suggest that it is Sir Keir Starmer who is the biggest barnacle of all. Most of those trying to keep count mark digital ID down as the 13th U-turn in the 18 months since Labour returned to office. It has obviously become a bad habit, and there is no reason to suppose that it will be cured in the near future. Indeed, the rumours are that U-turn 14 is coming soon. The draconian plan to restrict the ancient right to trial by jury is also set to be adjusted in the face of disquiet within the parliamentary Labour Party. The Starmer administration has changed its mind on everything from trans rights to child benefits to the fiscal rules. Some of the reversals have been disastrous. A relatively modest attempt to reform social security last summer was so badly botched that it had to be pulled. This has had the lasting effect of empowering Labour backbenchers, catastrophically weakening the authority of the prime minister, and, above all, taking welfare reform off the agenda, possibly for the rest of the parliament. Other volte-faces have been unequivocally welcome. A rethink on the Waspi women, for example, was the morally right thing to do, although it was in fact a U-turn on top of a U-turn, restoring Labours support whilst in opposition for restitution of the lost pensions. Equally justified was (mostly) restoring the pensioners winter fuel allowance, along with Sir Keir personally listening to the real-life consequences for genuine family farms of the changes in inheritance tax, and acting on that information. If the rumours are true, Keir Starmers government could be heading for U-turn 14 ( House of Commons ) That, though, is not the point. The question is why the government, with its five-year mandate for change and a landslide majority, cannot get its policies right in the first place, win the arguments, and ensure that its own MPs will support its decisions. The government is at the head of the sixth-largest economy in the world. It has the entire machinery of the British state at its disposal, with a total budget of about 1.3 trillion, and an almost record number of special political advisers offering their wisdom to ministers some 42 in Downing Street alone. And yet things still go wrong. There have been too many unforced errors, too many gifts handed to the opposition parties. It has given rise to an impression of chaos and confusion precisely what Labour was supposed to end when the grown-ups took over in July 2024. Too many policies have not been properly thought through, joined up, or tested as to their consequences. That might be expected of an amateur populist outfit such as Reform UK but not of a party of power, purporting to serve the nation. It is certainly what seems to have happened with the farms tax and the pubs U-turn not enough consultation, by a secretive Treasury, with other ministries, let alone with the industry groups representing those affected. The original digital ID scheme and the reforms to jury policy seem to have been poorly researched, and inadequate to solve the problems in irregular migration and the courts system. They had minimal political appeal or practical application, and, though far-reaching, were never featured in the manifesto. So how did they ever become official policy? There are other questions. It should have been obvious to ministers and their advisers that the public would never be satisfied with anything less than a full inquiry into the grooming gangs, so why was it resisted for so long? Why were the reforms to disability and sickness benefits not properly presented to Labour MPs, and the arguments for change lost so comprehensively? If leadership is about getting things done, then Sir Keir needs to get a grip. He is accountable. Yet he cannot be held responsible for every error made by his ministers or advisers and certainly not for the scandals that so many have blundered into. It is also telling that when Sir Keir has been able to act personally, with fewer party and parliamentary constraints, he has in fact proved remarkably successful in foreign and defence matters. However, he does need to fix things. He is said to want to concentrate on the cost of living as his party faces some difficult elections in May. Given how accident-prone his administration has become, he may not be allowed to. Dear Vicki: Should the boss have their own office or sit out in the open with the rest of the staff? Paschal Donohoe did not overpay the World Bank by 10m shortly before he joined the organisation, the Taoiseach has told the Dail. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said claims that a contribution of 130m had been recommended by officials from the Department of Finance, when Ireland eventually contributed 141m, were not correct. In fact, the department had offered Mr Donohoe, as Finance Minister, a high option of 159.9m and a low option of 141m. Mr Donohoe had chosen the low option, he said. On 14 January, the Board of Judges of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) upheld the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine's claim and imposed the sanctions set out in the Sanctions Law on Russian businessman Stanislav Gamzalov. According to a statement on the High Anti-Corruption Courts Telegram channel, the court has seized assets belonging to Russian businessman Gamzalov for the benefit of the state specifically, 25% of the shares of PJSC Kriukov Car Building Works (Kremenchuk, Poltava region), totaling 28,669,889 shares with a nominal value of UAH 21.5 million. "Regarding these shares, the Russian businessman could have taken actions equivalent to exercising the right to dispose of them," the statement said. The court decision will take legal effect after the expiration of the appeal period for all parties in the case, if no appeal is filed. LATEST | AI Minister Niamh Smyth says X should be banned if it does not abide by Irish law The Coalition is coming under growing pressure to take stronger action over the Grok AI toolHolly Cairns earlier highlighted vile prompts submitted to Grok in the DailThe Taoiseach has promised robust response to nudification prompts AI minister Niamh Smyth (Photo: Tom Burke) Tabitha Monahan, Senan Molony and Maeve McTaggart Wed 14 Jan 2026 at 00:00 Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Niamh Smyth has said that social media platform X should be banned in Ireland if it fails to comply with online safety laws. An American man accused of flying to Dublin with 280,000 worth of cannabis in his luggage reported the bag missing and was arrested after he returned to collect it, a court heard. Ulises Mendez (30) went back to the airport after he was contacted to say his luggage had been found, but was then stopped by customs officers. Lawyers for a Limerick man wanted in Greece on a human trafficking charge have told the High Court that Greek prisoners are held in conditions that are an affront to their human dignity. Its less the staff that are running them, but (more) the prisoners themselves in groups along ethnic lines are in control of the prisons, said Simon Matthews BL, representing Jeremiah OBrien (55), who is accused of attempting to facilitate the smuggling of 66 Middle Eastern people to Italy by speedboat, . A 42-year-old man who was charged with the murder of Noel Campion in Limerick City nearly 19 years ago has pleaded guilty to shooting him while participating in the Dundon McCarthy organised crime group. A girl who was injured in a tumble from a chair at home has settled a High Court action against a hospital for 4m over her care after the accident. We met students who thought of going to Poland and Hungary new ATU courses mean more people will be able to study pharmacy in Ireland Former Coronation Street star Beverly Callard set to shake up Fair City Callard, famous for portraying Liz McDonald, will make her screen debut on the soap on February 19. Coronation Street actress Beverly Callard on the Carrigstown set of Fair City. Image: RTE Keith Kelly Wed 14 Jan 2026 at 07:00 English actress Beverly Callard will become part of the cast on Fair City next month as she steps into a brand new role on the RTE show. Oireachtas committee told of hundreds of inmates forced to sleep on mattresses on floor The Oireachtas Justice Committee convened yesterday afternoon to discuss the latest appraisal of the system by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), the EUs anti-torture watchdog, which last year admonished Ireland for its failures in the area. Madeleine Clarke has been announced as the new chairperson of the board of child and family agency Tusla, replacing the vacancy left by Pat Rabbitte who departed the role at the end of December. Upon his scheduled stepping down from the role, Mr Rabbitte said he was proud of the immensely worthwhile and hugely rewarding experience he had as head of the agencys board since 2018, despite turbulent times recently. Fianna Fail MEP Barry Andrews, the special rapporteur on a report on Greenland-US relations, has said the European Parliament is considering its options in the event of an annexation. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) have exposed the head of one of the parliamentary factions of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in an attempt to bribe for certain voting results, the NABU Telegram channel reported on Tuesday. "NABU and SAPO have exposed the head of one of the parliamentary factions of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in offering illegal benefits to a number of people's deputies belonging to factions not headed by this person for voting "for" or "against" specific draft laws. Preliminary qualification: Part 4 of Article 369 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Details - later," the NABU Telegram message reads. The anti-corruption authorities did not specify to the Interfax-Ukraine agency who they are talking about. At the same time, the Ukrainska Pravda newspaper, citing its sources, wrote that on Tuesday NABU and SAPO conducted searches in the office of the Batkivshchyna party. MP Oleksiy Honcharenko (European Solidarity faction) for his part reported that this is Yulia Tymoshenko. "That's Yulia Tymoshenko. She was negotiating with several deputies about switching or informally joining the Batkivshchyna faction for money. One of the deputies recorded and transferred the materials to NABU," Honcharenko wrote on his own Telegram channel on Tuesday. Met Eireann climatologist Paul Moore has said that Ireland is to expect more extreme weather events as the climate warms. Speaking on the David McCullagh show on RTE Radio 1, Mr Moore said: [1.5 degrees] was a threshold that was laid out that was deemed possible that we could keep it under if we could reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Tenant who claimed landlord wanted to get rid of her so she could raise rent loses RTB case Landlord told Residential Tenancies Board tribunal that the apartment was a bad investment and she wants to sell Tenant who claimed landlord wanted to get rid of her so she could raise rent loses RTB case Amy Molloy Wed 14 Jan 2026 at 06:30 A tenant who claimed her landlord wanted to get rid of her so she could raise the rent has lost a case challenging an eviction notice that was served. Meet the Rocky Mountains Irish police chief: I would take holidays from my job in Ireland, fly over, do my firearms test and that night I was out driving a police car Co Meath man Greg Daly, who once traded banking in Ireland for a US police badge, talks about his pride at being the police chief in a Colorado mountain town Greg Daly pictured after his promotion to Police Chief in August 2016 Sheila Flynn Wed 14 Jan 2026 at 06:30 There was something irresistible about the TV police drama CHiPs and its motorbike-cop heroes to the boyish youths of the 1970s and 80s, their eager faces crowding around family televisions as the exploits of California Highway Patrol Officer Ponch Poncherello aired weekly on RTE. There is a belief that any society is only as healthy as its values are humane. Perhaps that comes across as a tad utopian in a coldly commercial world which turns on material needs drawn from scarce resources. Nonetheless, we have an obligation to do all we can to help those who come here seeking a better life. But we cant pretend that we can do everything. And yet our obligations have to be met. Refugees are perennially on the margin, seen as outsiders. What makes them so might be the fact that they have no state, no home, and no right to work. But what they must always have, is the right to be treated fairly and respectfully. They are no different to us, they strive to survive, and dare to dream. A possibility of a new life sustains them. Anyone looking at how we manage the numbers of people coming here would have to acknowledge that our system is dysfunctional and in dire need of reform. The tragic evidence of this is in our major cities where people can be seen sleeping on the streets in flimsy tents, or freezing doorways. But it is also imperative to recognise that we also have limitations, and finite capacity. A streamlining of our rules on migration is both necessary and overdue. The new International Protection Bill 2026 will introduce significant changes to our asylum laws by giving effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. Its goal is to align our regime with that of other member states. Harmonising rules has at least the virtue of introducing consistency and ought to lead to a more transparent system. People may finally know from the outset what they can expect. This will result in families being torn apart Finding a balance between what is manageable and what is ideal is always challenging. There are those who argue some of the proposed changes are extreme. The Irish Refugee Council (IRC) has accused the Government of ushering in cruel proposals which are intent on keeping families separated. However, the new rules should eradicate delays which can currently consign an applicant to legal limbo for between two and four years. A decision must be processed in three months, and a further three are allowed in the case of an appeal. Thus people will know their fate within six months. Most contentious has been the changes in the family reunification provision. This would impose a blanket three-year waiting period before refugees can bring family members here. IRC chief Nick Henderson said this will result in families being torn apart. But Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan said the measures seek to balance the rights of asylum applicants and the overall well-being of the State. He said that demands on state services and community considerations also needed to be taken into account. The late Pope Francis said migrants must never be regarded as pawns on the chess board of humanity. A tightrope has to be walked where strains on state capacity and tensions on social cohesion can also allow for a degree of compassion, bearing in mind that for some, there may be no safety net. Carlow woman on horror dog attack on family pet I thought we had lost her Kotrina Cioladis was walking her dog Stella and her mothers dog Lexi when Stella was suddenly attacked by another dog who was off the lead Kotrina Cioladis and Irina O'Hara with Stella who was attacked by another dog while out for a walk in Carlow town Aisling Bolton-Dowling Wed 14 Jan 2026 at 12:00 A Carlow woman thought her beloved dog would be killed before her very eyes after her pet was brutally attacked by another dog while out for a walk in Carlow. Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) should never be used for non-essential infrastructure such as greenways, according to councillors living along the route of the proposed Cork city to Kinsale greenway. In a motion brought before this weeks meeting of Cork County Council, Fine Gael Councillors John Michael Foley and Jack White called on the local authority to write to the Minister for Transport urging him to reconsider the use of CPOs to acquire land for greenway projects. Cllr Foley said that CPOs are one of the strongest powers available to the state. They allow lands to be taken from people not because they choose to sell but because they are forced to. That power should be used only where it is absolutely necessary and in the clear public interest. CPOs were created to deliver essential infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, schools, flood defences, utilities, things that society cannot function without and where no reasonable alternative exists. They should not be used to deliver non-essential projects such as greenways. Greenways may be desirable, they may even be beneficial, but they are not essential, he said. Cllr Jack White said he is a huge believer in greenways and their positive spin-offs for communities but he doesnt believe they should be constructed using CPOs. We do acknowledge that it's very, very rare that CPOs have been used but I think in areas where a proposed greenway route appears controversial, even the outside possibility that CPOs might be arrived at sets a dangerous precedent and a kind of an unwelcome part of the dialogue, he said. Cllr White said that in Carrigaline we dealt with an extremely difficult stretch of what is effectively a greenway. We got that through the planning process through multiple meetings, engagement of residents and the management of the council, which was excellent. We got through what I thought was an impossible situation at the time. I think there's a really strong place for dialogue, there's a place for cohesion and bringing people with us. Several councillors spoke in support of the motion, including Cllr John Collins who has repeatedly criticised the possibility of CPOs being used on the Cork-Kinsale greenway route. I've already spoken on this subject on several occasions here and everybody knows my feelings on CPOs for non-essential infrastructure. I'm just glad that the Fine Gael Party has come on board, it took maybe six months, but I welcome it. A dissenting voice came from Cllr Isobel Towse who said that while CPOs should only be used as a last resort, I fear that if we didn't have CPOs at all, then we wouldn't have greenways. It obviously is very unfortunate for the individuals but I would hope that it's very, very few that would have to have their land CPO'ed and that alternative route corridors can be found. But I think we need the CPOs at the end of the day. The Cork-Kinsale greenway proposal has been controversial, attracting over 2,000 public submissions. Cork County Council Chief Executive Moira Murrell told councillors in December that the proposal is still in the non-statutory phase of assessing the most appropriate route. We're at the point of just looking to see where that route might be and what it might look like, she said. The council will now write to the Transport Minister about CPO use for non-essential infrastructure. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. A GoFundMe has been launched to help the family of beautiful little Evie Mae McGlynn A fundraising campaign has been set up to support an East Cork family as their four-month old baby undergoes crucial treatment in Dublin for an extremely rare condition that can lead to heart failure and brain damage. Little Evie Mae McGlynn was diagnosed with a rare blood vessel disorder that is believed to affect one in every million people Vein of Galen Malformation (VOGM) in October following a seizure. She was just eight weeks old when she suffered the terrifying seizure. VOGM is an abnormality located inside the brain, causing misshapen arteries in the brain to connect directly with veins instead of connecting with capillaries, which help slow blood flow. This causes a rush of high-pressure blood into the veins and can cause heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and brain damage. Evie Mae has already undergone a number of surgeries and also suffered two strokes, which led to her being transferred to Childrens Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin. The McGlynn family is based in Cloyne and parents Jonathan and Caitriona have been travelling to Dublin five times per week. Jonathan told The Corkman the current situation is very difficult. Evie was about seven weeks old when she had a seizure and up until then, we didnt know anything was wrong. We brought Evie to the A&E in Cork University Hospital (CUH) and we were told she had a bleed on her brain, and we were then rushed to Dublin. That was in October, and we have been here since, he said. Evie-Mae was diagnosed with VOGM at Crumlin Hospital and the youngster has undergone three embolizations so far, surgeries targeting the veins causing the difficulties. Evie-Mae is a twin to her brother Kai, and either Jonathan or Caitriona travel to Cork every second day to spend time with their young son. Twins Evie Mae and Kai When I finished up work my family said they would help us with the travelling and such, and you would be surprised how quick the cost of travelling and accommodation adds up every week. My sister was dropping us up and down to Dublin, and she is looking after Kai with my mother as well which is a lot to be asking. We are getting the train up and down to Cork every second day, which is mentally draining when youre in Crumlin [Hospital] for 16 hours a day, he explained. Evie-Mae will undergo her fourth operation later this week and she may be transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London for further treatment. The McGlynns set up a GoFundMe to help with the cost of medical treatment, accommodation and being out of work. Over 20,000 has been raised so far. Jonathan thanked everyone for their support, especially Boxd Coffee, who donated 2,000. Boxd Coffee contacted me a week before Christmas about their annual fundraiser that takes place on January 1. They start off the New Year with a positive note and they give away free coffee for four hours and they donated half of the money raised to Evie and the other half to the Irish Heart Foundation. I want to say thank you and give them the recognition they deserve, as well as everyone else who donated, he said. The GoFundMe fundraiser can be found via gofundme.com/f/eviemae. Councillors have expressed their concerns that a proposed plan to develop Dun Laoghaires harbour will privatise the waterfront. The harbour master plan was introduced at a Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLR) meeting this week it will see over 30 big and small developments along the harbour including plans for more retail and tourism. This is a very ambitious plan and I am fully supportive but the last council passed a motion supported by all of us that the harbour will be maintained in public ownership that it would be the heart of what we do with it, said Labour councillor Peter OBrien. In 2018, DLR councillors voted to transfer ownership of the harbour from a private company to its own control. The final master plan released this week includes an urban quarter planned for St Michaels pier that will see the use of its ferry terminal for a hotel. The privatisation of St Michaels Pier is a disgrace we are looking at putting a hotel, conference and spa centre here we know what they look like, they are private. said People Before Profit (PBP) councillor Melisa Halpin. If you are going to tell me this is a public hotel run by DLR council, I dont believe that. I do believe that this is an opportunity to privatise the waterfront which people did not ask for. Councillors at the meeting were divided with some calling it ambitious and futuristic. Fine Gael councillor Lorraine Hall said that the master plan was a considerate effort after it took into account over 600 submissions from the public over the last year. Our economy is good theres a real opportunity now to deliver on some of these projects I like the comprehensive approach and public consultation we ran taking ideas from the public, she said. We really do need hotels in our county wherever they are be they land side or sea side as proposed in this plan, one thing were very short of is hotels. Councillors asked for a breakdown on how much of the new plan will be privately funded. We have 32 odd projects its difficult to answer how much is public and private until we look at them all individually and look at roots of delivery but that is the plan for the next year or so, said Tim Ryan, DLRs Harbour Operations Manager. The public cannot access St Michaels pier now this would help bring more access to that area and let them walk to the waters edge. The hotel will not be on the existing pier but will be pushed out into a new area. PBP councillor Dave O Keeffe said more needed to be done to maintain the harbours infrastructure before the developments could move forward. The harbour is the jewel in the crown for us, we need to improve it for future generations. In our recent budget, weve reduced the amount of money for maintaining its crumbling infrastructure, he said. "Weve not done enough to fix even the more recent storm damage this is like an effort to sell off the family jewels. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Politics HSE still owns almost 200 vacant properties across the country, with calls for hospital sites to be turned into social housing The HSE owns almost 200 vacant properties across the country, more than 110 of which have been identified as surplus to requirement. The veneration of the relics of St Carlo Acutis at Holy Cross Church in 2024. A new shrine dedicated to St Carlo Acutis, the Millennial Saint and Patron of the Internet, will be unveiled at a special ceremony at Holy Cross Dominican Church in Tralee next Monday (January 19) at 7.30pm. In the autumn of 2024, large crowds attended the veneration of the relics of St Carlo Acutis (1991-2006) at Holy Cross. Now, a permanent shrine is being established in the church. St Carlo Acutis was canonised by Pope Leo IX in July 2025, and the Holy Cross shrine will be blessed by the Assisi-based promoter of his cause, Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo, and Fr. John Harris, Provincial of the Irish Dominicans. Fr David McGovern, Prior of Holy Cross, said that Tralee has a particular devotion to St Carlo as he is a modern saint whom people, especially young people, can relate to. His family were not religious, yet he was attracted to Jesus and spent his short life living out his Christian faith with a remarkable intensity. His faith was so strong that it inspired his parents to become devout Catholics. St Carlo Acutis . Today's News in 90 - Wednesday January 14 The English-born Italian was widely venerated as the first millennial saint following his death from leukaemia at the age of 15 in 2006. As a computer programmer, his interest in using digital communication to teach others led to him being popularly dubbed the patron saint of the internet. Acutis is said to have shown an interest in helping others from a young age. He was a devout Catholic which inspired him to help others in a compassionate and caring way. That his story has touched the lives of so many is evidenced by the large crowd that queued to venerate the Blessed Carlos relics when they visited Holy Cross in November 2024. Several hundred people attend the monthly Memorial Mass in the church on the third Monday of each month. The blessing of the shrine, which contains a permanent first class relic of the saint, will take place during Concelebrated Mass in Holy Cross on Monday evening at 7.30pm. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official Participants in the meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Headquarters on Tuesday discussed the capabilities of the Defense Forces to increase the unmanned component. "According to the results, a decision was made to increase the effectiveness of the "Drone Line," strengthen management and provide it with the necessary resources. The Ministry of Defense was instructed to streamline and ensure a clear distribution of funds between means of destruction, as well as find additional financial opportunities to cover the urgent needs of the Defense Forces. Attention was also focused on scaling up the production of fiber-optic drones, taking into account the range and accuracy of destruction," Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, said on Telegram. The participants of the meeting also considered the development of the military-political situation and the prospects of the enemy in the first half of 2026, with a separate focus on the drone and technological component. Four teenagers have been arrested after a former boys primary school in Co Kilkenny was vandalised. A number of individuals broke into the former Castlecomer Boys School in Co Kilkenny, smashing windows and damaging classrooms. The former boys primary school has sat idle ever since the recent amalgamation of Castlecomer Boys School with the girls Presentation Primary School to create a new co-ed school called Scoil Iosagain which opened for the first time in September of 2025. Vandals trashed the former Castlecomer Boys School. Photo credit: Farrell's Gala Castlecomer Four male teenagers have been arrested in connection with the incident for criminal damage. Three of the teens have been released and referred to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme, while a fourth was released without charge. There has been outrage locally as the former Castlecomer Boys School building, which first opened in 1941, holds many memories for generations of families who attended the school. Vandals trashed the former Castlecomer Boys School. Photo credit: Farrell's Gala Castlecomer It has saddened us to see what happened in the boys national school, said local shop, Farrells Gala, in a post on social media. "A building where the first foundation stone was laid in 1939 and opened in 1941. A school where great grandparents grandparents, parents, uncles, brothers, sons, grandsons and possibly even great grandsons were educated. "A school that holds so many memories for everyone. It is awful behaviour and so disrespectful, they concluded. Vandals trashed the former Castlecomer Boys School. Photo credit: Farrell's Gala Castlecomer In a statement to the Irish Independent, a garda spokesperson confirmed their investigations into the incident of criminal damage at the former school are ongoing. "Gardai responded to an incident of criminal damage that occurred at approximately 5:45pm on January 12, 2026 at an educational premises in Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny, said the garda spokesperson. Vandals trashed the former Castlecomer Boys School. Photo credit: Farrell's Gala Castlecomer Four male juveniles aged in their teens were arrested in connection with this incident. Three have since been released pending referral to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme and the fourth was released without charge. Investigations are ongoing. Numerous motorists suffered punctures and damage to their wheels as a result of the pothole in Ballisodare The pothole in Ballisodare that caused considerable damage to over 35 vehicles before Christmas The extent of the damage caused to vehicles as a result of a significant pothole on Ballisodares Main Street in December which arose after Uisce Eireann work to repair a leak was highlighted at Januarys meeting of Sligo County Council. Cllr Thomas Walshs motion called for clarity with regard how long a road can be left in a state of disrepair after works have been carried out by a utility company. Cllr Walsh revealed the full impact saying, About 35 cars were damaged in Ballisodare. It is unacceptable for the road to be left in that condition. A nurse going to work in the hospital had two punctures. Cllr Walsh added, We all want investment in Irish Water but we want the road left back the way it was. Somebody could have been badly hurt. Referring to the cost associated with the pothole Cllr Walsh said the cost of repairing the damage to the vehicles was considerably more than it would have been to repair the road to its original state. "They are probably paying 20 times the amount because of pay outs and ultimately it is the tax payer who pays. Cllr Walsh reserved a word of praise for Sligo County Councils road staff saying, Fair play to Shane Cavanagh for coming out and doing Uisce Eireanns work. Cllr Thomas Healy also expressed his anger at the situation saying he was first contacted at 6.40am on the morning in question. Cllr Healy added, I would like to thank the engineer and road staff who ensured more cars werent damaged. If Sligo County Council are giving a licence to Irish Water, there needs to be an inspection on the work carried out. Cllr Marie Casserly also voiced her frustration at the situation saying, I dont think I ever received so many early calls and texts. I dont know if this happened because the work was sub-contracted out. It wasnt the first time but I certainly hope its the last. It is a very dangerous junction, nobody should have to deal with that. Cllr Barry Gallagher raised his concerns in relation to the matter when he said, I sent questions to Irish Water, I never received a reply. Its an issue they are having, it is not a Sligo County Council issue. I got no reply back, its not good enough. "You hear about pay outs, thats madness. Its tax payers money. Cllr Donal Gilroy added, They do have road opening licences but there are conditions and we have to enforce those conditions. Director of Services Jim Molloy stressed, The obligation is on the utility to do the repair and do it to an appropriate standard. Article funded by the local Democracy Reporting Scheme. The January meeting of Sligo County Council heard two motions calling for the reopening of the Sligo-Claremorris railway The ongoing issue of the reopening of the Sligo to Galway rail line between Claremorris and Collooney railway was visited once again at Mondays monthly meeting of Sligo County Council with cross-party support for the railway reopening as two separate motions were agreed by councillors. The motions before the meeting from Cllr Thomas Healy and Cllr Declan Bree addressed the long running issue of the Western Rail Corridor with both motions seeking the reopening of the rail line that would connect Sligo and Galway. The motions follow on from a decision taken by Sligo County Council last month to suspend any further work on the proposed greenway project between Collooney and Bellaghy, which was planned to be housed on the disused railway line. That decision was taken after Iarnrod Eireann advised that it could not support the use of the disused railway for the greenway. The local authority explored the option of the greenway being situated alongside the railway as it undertook a high-level review. That review concluded that While technically feasible, the alongside option introduces significant additional constraints, costs, and risks. Cllr Brees motion focused primarily on the reopening of the rail corridor but did include mention of the greenway with his motion calling for the local authority to lift the suspension on works associated with the greenway, To allow the consultants to bring forward firm proposals for the development of the greenway. Speaking to his motion, Cllr Bree said: There has been a huge welcome for the news that preliminary work has commenced on the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor linking Galway with Claremorris in Mayo and I believe this Council should add its voice in welcoming this phase of the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor. The only section of the rail corridor that now remains to be opened is the 47 mile section linking Collooney and Sligo with Claremorris. Iarnrod Eireann has stated that the railway from Claremorris to Sligo is to be kept for future rail use only as set out in Regional Policy Objective 6.13b of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy with a view to its future development as a freight and passenger railway connecting Sligo to Galway and serving Ireland West Airport. Indeed, just over a year ago the members of this Council included the following Transport objective in the Sligo County Development Plan: to deliver the Athenry-Claremorris-Sligo rail corridor to an appropriate level of service and to a standard capable of facilitating passenger and freight transport, this Council acknowledges the publication of the rail review and confirms its support for the provision of a greenway linking Collooney with Bellaghy that is constructed a safe distance from the Rail Corridor. Last week, the government announced that tax revenues for 2025 had increased by 8.9 percent on the previous year. That is a sum of 8.6 billion extra available to the government. The total cost of the works required for the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor from Claremorris to Collooney and Sligo, which includes a contingency fund of 20 percent, is 412 million. This amounts to 5.5million per kilometre. In comparison, the cost of a single kilometre of the proposed new Dublin Metro is approximately 460 million. I feel this must be emphasised - the cost of developing just one kilometre of the Dublin metro would cover the total cost of the reopening of the entire Western Rail Corridor, from Sligo to Galway. Given the positive news that there has been an extra 8.6 billion income for the state I feel we should be making our voice heard in seeking our fair share of that funding. Some time back the Taoiseach told the Dail that he believes that rail will play a very important part in underpinning economic development in the west. Responding to questions about the necessity for developing the Atlantic Economic Corridor, the Taoiseach said that offshore wind and infrastructure developments such as the Western Rail Corridor would contribute to rebalancing economic development on the western seaboard. The Taoiseach also said it was his view that rail will play a very important part in underpinning economic development in the west in the future and he particularly referred to the need to achieve the transformational shift required in rebalancing the economy of the island. And it is very clear that the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor from Sligo to Galway will enable regional development in line with the National Planning Framework strategy, as a contributory driver of economic growth helping to create sufficient scale to allow the West to compete on an equal footing with Dublin and the East and it will significantly improve the linkage of towns and cities along the Atlantic Economic Corridor. The rail corridor is a key piece of infrastructure for the West and will link the economies of three major centres, Sligo, Galway and Limerick. By allowing a sustainable commuting option, rural, village and small town residents along the route will have the option of living at home and working in the larger urban centres. It will provide a similar option for many students. This will certainly help rural regeneration and social inclusion. The Northern & Western Regional Assembly, which is representative of all the local authorities of this region has identified the reopening of the Galway to Sligo Western Rail Corridor as one of the regions key infrastructure projects. Likewise, the education sector and particularly our universities and third level colleges want to see the corridor reopened at the soonest possible time. The sooner Sligo is connected to its hinterland, the more attractive it will be as a third level destination of choice for students from across the region. In addition, the re-opening of the rail corridor will allow those seeking medical treatment in hospitals and centres of excellence in Galway to travel in the comfort they need and deserve. The Board of Ireland West Airport Knock said the development of the Western Rail Corridor onwards from Sligo to Claremorris with sustainable connectivity from Charlestown to the Airport would significantly contribute to the future sustainable development of ground transportation to and from Ireland West Airport. IDA client companies, the Chamber of Commerce, manufacturers, small and medium sized enterprises and those involved in the agricultural and food production sector, in Sligo and Mayo are all seeking the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor. If those in Government seriously want to address the years of neglect of Sligo and the region, and if they genuinely want to achieve balanced regional development, they need to facilitate it happening by investing in our rail corridor. Emphasising the need for the railway to be reopened Cllr Healy said, this is our opportunity to make history. In his motion Cllr Thomas Healy called on Sligo County Council to support the opening of the western rail corridor from Sligo to Claremorris and to seek the support of TDs and stakeholders from this region. The reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor is vital both for economic and social development of the west and north west and for environmental safety. Speaking in support of his motion Cllr Healy said, it is important we have a clear message, we want to see the railway reopened from Claremorris to Collooney. Cllr Healy added, This is our opportunity to make history. Now is the time we have to make sure there is one voice coming from here. Both motions were agreed unanimously by the elected representatives. Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme A motion calling for Sligo County Council to support a bill to officially rename Dublin airport after former Fianna Fail Taoiseach Sean Lemass was narrowly passed (7 votes to 6) after a vote was taken amongst Councillors at the January Council meeting. Proposing the motion Cllr Michael Clarke referred to Sean Lemass as An extraordinary man, a man that I admire greatly. Cllr Donal Gilroy was equally enthusiastic when he said, He was a great man for Ireland, he brought about the industrialisation of our country. I am delighted to second the motion. The first dissenting voice was Cllr Ann Higgins who said, I oppose naming this important infrastructure after any political figure. Other than JFK and Charles De Gaulle not many politicians have airports named after them for a reason. I believe we should focus on more pressing issues with regards Dublin airport such as the passenger cap and car parking. Cllr Clarke added, He was the first man to introduce foreign direct investment. Its a huge pity we dont have the likes of him now. I think its a worthwhile project. Cllr Tom MacSharry noted, It is great to see this motion being supported by Independent Ireland, while Cllr Fergal Nealon said, Im objecting on the grounds that Garret Fitzgerald was an excellent leader and his brother was the architect. Cllr Casserly also objected saying, It should be named after John Hume. The motion was passed with seven votes for, six votes against. There were four abstentions and one Councillor was absent for the vote. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Warm tributes have been paid on the passing of Sligo farmer and community man Kevin McGloin, a native of Breeogue, Knocknahur. Mr McGloin, who was in his fifties, was heavily involved in community and agricultural circles throughout the county and was a former Chairman of the County Sligo Ploughing Association. He was also a former Chairperson of Coolera IFA. Mr McGloin, was also a valued committee member with The North Sligo Agricultural Show Committee, who were among many organisations to pay tribute to him. The North Sligo Agricultural Show Committee said they were deeply saddened by the passing of one of their valued working committee members. Kevin always had a smile on his face and a warm welcome for everyone he met. He was a tremendous help in the sheep section and was also closely involved with the speed shearing. Kevin will be sadly missed by all who knew him. May he Rest in Peace. County Sligo Ploughing Association said: We are shocked and saddened at the untimely passing of our Former Chariman, Safety Officer and Club Member Kevin McGloin. "May he Rest in Peace. There were many tributes paid to Mr McGloin online and on RIP.ie, where he was remembered as a kind, caring, generous person, who will be a huge loss to his Coolera community and the many associations and groups he was heavily involved in, including the Alzheimers Association. The tributes said Mr McGloin was a very hard worker and always had a smile on his face. One of the tributes on RIP.ie said: Very sorry to hear of Kevin's untimely passing, worked with him in the three marts in County Roscommon years ago and couldn't have worked with a nicer fellow, always in good humour and willing to help everyone. Thinking of his family at this very difficult time in your lives, may Kevin's kind and gentle soul Rest in Peace. Another tribute said: Deeply saddened to hear of Kevin's passing. I had the privilege of meeting Kevin through his work with the Alzheimers Association. Kevins dedication, kindness and empathy to his clients was limitless. He engaged with each one on a personal note, getting to know them in order to give them a quality of care second to none. We shared many an interesting chat about farming, current affairs, and music . Kevin was a man of good nature and character, who was aware of others needs and who will be missed by many. May his gentle soul Rest in Peace. A former school friend said: Im very sorry to hear of Kevins passing, I remember Kevin when we in school in Knocknarea NS. He was a great character, always a twinkle in his eye full of beans, and Ill always remember him singing a superb rendition of Spancil Hill. May you Rest In Peace Kevin. Another tribute said: Very saddened to hear of Kevins passing. I knew Kevin from his farming days in Tulsk and for many years since through his involvement with cattle shows and Holstein Friesian Clubs. We had a good chat at Tullamore Show last summer. He will be missed from the show rings and the black & white circuit. May his good natured soul Rest in Peace. Another remembered Kevin as: I'd like to extend my sympathies to all Kevin's family on his sad passing. A few of us had the pleasure of Kevin's company traveling to a couple of All-Ireland Ploughing & a few other agri events. Kevin's great wit & craic shortened every journey, and spirits were high...Rest in Peace Kevin, you'll surely be missed. Mr McGloin died on Monday. His death notice reads: Predeceased by his parents, Sean and Mary. Sadly missed by his siblings: Maria, Anne and Fergus, brothers-in-law Padraig (Devaney) and Kevin (Tobin), sister-in-law Caroline, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, aunts, uncles, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. Mr McGloin is reposing at his home from 4pm to 8pm on Wednesday. Removal from his home on Thursday at 10.30am to Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Ransboro, to arrive for Mass of Christian burial at 11am. Burial to follow in Kilmacowen Cemetery. Funeral Mass can be viewed live on https://youtube.com/live/YYlOBcOLeMk Condolences can be paid to Mr McGloin on RIP.ie Waterford is in line for a new specialist eye treatment clinic and a jobs boost, after the local authority gave the all clear for proposed internal changes to an office space in the citys suburbs. Veonet Ireland Limited applied to Waterford City and County Council on November 7 last year for the development at the former Waterford Crystal offices and showrooms, Cork Road, Kilbarry, Waterford city. The plans involve proposed internal changes of use of a 795 sqm tenant office space into the provision of medical clinical services and associated facilities. The council granted planning permission on Thursday, January 8, subject to four conditions. According to a report submitted to the council by Mola Architecture on November 7, 2025, the site is located on the ground floor of the Showroom Unit, Building 1, Glassworks, and a health centre clinic is noted as an acceptable use in principle in that zoning area. Veonet Ireland Ltd Today's News in 90 - Wednesday January 14 The proposed medical clinical services will provide day procedures for eye treatment and consultant diagnosis. Within the development, and under the landlord lease agreement, Veonet will be provided with 24 car parking spaces. There is also a set-down area located at the entrance to the proposed clinic. The proposed clinic accommodates six consultant rooms and will employ a total of 22 staff, however only half this number of staff will be present at any one time, notes the report. Veonet will be installing a water check meter to record and manage their water consumption, in line with their sustainability policy. Veonet Ireland have recently opened a clinic in Citygate, Cork, and in Belfast and are about to open an additional clinic in Carrickmines, Dublin. It is proposed to open additional clinics in other cities and large towns across the county, added the consultant architect. The former Waterford Crystal manufacturing site is to be transformed to form part of the countrys first co-located university enterprise quarter in a 130m initiative. The 37-acre Glassworks site will feature offices located beside the South East Technological Universitys (SETU) academic and research facilities. Residents from Gusserane protesting against the proposed solar development pictured outside the Wexford County Council on Monday. Pic: Jim Campbell The Christmas period appeared to have taken its toll on some of Wexfords county councillors and officials as they convened for their first meeting of 2026. Having vowed to explore ways to prevent a 300-acre solar farm being developed in Gusserane during their December meeting, they seemed to have temporarily forgotten how they intended to do that just a few weeks later. In December it had been agreed that Cathaoirleach Joe Sullivan would seek legal advice on behalf of the 34 councillors with regards to solar farms and whether the elected members had any powers to curtail the increasing number of developments going ahead in the county. However, a query from Councillor Marty Murphy regarding the status of that legal advice did not provide the answer he was looking for. When seeking legal advice you have to have a very clear idea of what youre asking, replied chief executive Eddie Taaffe. We can get that legal advice, were framing it at the moment so that we have a very clear ask. Once the wording is finalised it will go to our legal advisors. Unsure what to do with this information, Cllr Murphy reminded the chief executive of what had been agreed upon during the December meeting. It had previously been requested by Cllr Ger Carthy that a material contravention be applied to solar farms, he had asked that we request legal advice on that matter, said the New Ross councillor. A material contravention occurs when a planning application is made to a planning authority (Wexford County Council) which, in a material way, would breach the objectives of the development plan. In instances such as this, the decision to grant or refuse planning permission lies with the elected members. We can do that, answered Mr Taaffe, but a material contravention has to be recommended by the planning authority for the members to adapt or reject. Without a recommendation from the chief executive the members cant initiate a material contravention. Sensing that the officials and the councillors werent entirely on the same page with regards to the development in Gusserane, Cllr Carthy asked that a united front be created in the face of this blight on rural Ireland. It would be welcome if the chief executive supported the wishes of the elected members, these farms are a blight on rural Ireland, Id suggest we all work together on this. With memories of the December meeting finally starting to re-emerge, Cllr Michael Sheehan said councillors had specifically requested their own advice independently of Mr Taaffe and the officials. The reason we wanted legal advice is because there are no national policy guidelines on solar farms and the sense is were getting a higher proportion of applications (than other counties), he said. We want legal advice so that we can ensure we do our fair share but not more than our fair share. He was supported by Cllr Lisa McDonald who believed that Wexford was being punished for its favourable climate. The south-east of this county is on record, nationally, as being the sunniest part of the island, so clearly its going to be open to abuse, she said. There is no law or protection for high-quality agricultural land, if we continue without something in place we are putting our communities at risk. And then, finally, the promises of December were brought to bear. I thought the chair was to request legal advice on behalf of the members, not that the executive get its own advice, said Cllr McDonald. That was my request, confirmed Cllr Carthy. "I will get this advice and I will circulate it, said the cathaoirleach. Reminding the councillors of what was at stake, Cllr John Fleming said the future of some of Irelands most fertile lands would be decided by the actions of this council. We need to find out if theres a quota system in place, acreage per county. In time these farms are going to become more efficient and what takes 300 acres today will only require 10 acres in the future, we could be left with abandoned farms and broken solar panels with the companies having disappeared. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Musicians, sponsors, politicians and committee members pictured at the launch of the WexTrad festival in the Wexford County Council building on Monday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell If there was a downside to Wexford hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, it was the fact that after two wonderful years, the Model County had to hand the massive event over to Belfast for 2026. Keen to fill the gap, to promote continued growth of the traditional Irish music scene across the county and to cement a legacy from the towns two wonderful years of hosting the Fleadh, the inaugural WexTrad weekend will take place over the St Brigids bank holiday weekend, from Thursday January 29, to Monday, February 2. Supposed British intelligence reports linking Wexford fishermen to Russian sabotage plot are unfounded Aontu Leader Peadar Toibin calls on the government to challenge these British slurs against Wexford fishermen The Royal Navy shadowing a Russian submarine during a three-day operation in the English Channel last week (MoD Crown Copyright/PA) Padraig Byrne Wexford People Wed 14 Jan 2026 at 16:00 The conversation around Irelands ability to defend itself and police its own waters is one that has been growing in recent times. Reports of Russian military and shadow fleet vessels in Irish waters has been enough to spark major concerns around spying and interference with vital subsea cables. Christ Church COI Services of Worship for this Sunday The Second Sunday after the Epiphany: 8.30am Holy Communion; 11am Morning Prayer 2. Bray Churches Together RTE Service: RTE filmed the service to mark the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and it will be broadcast on RTE One at 11am this Sunday. It can be viewed later on the RTE Player, or by setting your system to record. Some of our parishioners were present. Parish Office: The Parish Office is open Monday to Thursday from 9.30am to 1.30pm. Email: info@christchurchbray.ie; tel. 01 286 2968; Parish website: christchurchbray.ie; or see facebook.com/christchurchbray. Parish Life Centre [PLC] Bookings: The Parish Life Centre is available for day and evening bookings. Please contact the Parish Office at 01-286 2968. Connect Online: Our most active communication tools currently are our Website: www.christchurchbray.ie which contains information on our live streamed worship services, weekly Blogs, events and news, and our facebook page @christchurchbray. Irish Trefoil GuildGuiding for Life: Calling all former leaders of the Irish Girl Guides in Bray and the surrounding area. There is now a Trefoil Guild in Bray. Contact Anne at: braytrefoilguild@gmail.com. Bray Methodist Church Worship for this Sunday: 10amSunday Worship with Creche and Sunday School. Bray Presbyterian Church Worship for this Sunday: 11.30am Sunday Worship. Christian Assembly Church Worship for this Sunday: 10.45am Morning Worship. Wednesdays: 8pm Prayer Meeting & Bible study. Monthly Ladies Meeting: For details see: www.christianassemblybray.com. Cornerstone Church Weekly Activities at Cornerstone Church at the Well Church Building, Church Terrace, Main Street, Bray: Mens Bible Study Mondays from 7.30pm to 9pm; Womens Bible Study Tuesdays from 10.45am to 12.30pm; Prayer Meeting Wednesdays from 10.30am to 12pm; Mens Indoor Bowls Wednesdays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm; Ukrainian Christian Film Night Thursdays from 7pm to 9pm; Ukrainian Bible Study Fridays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm; Games Evening Fridays from 7pm to 9.30pm; Friday Coffee & Chat at The Well Church Building, Church Terrace, Main Street, Bray. Drop in any Friday for a friendly cuppa and conversation no need to book! For more information contact Kyle Holland, Pastor, on 086 405 139. Sunday Services are 9am and 11am, followed by tea, coffee, and fellowshipstay, chat, and connect! Holy Redeemer Parish Mass Times: 10amMonday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday No Mass on Tuesday. Sunday Masses: 6pm Vigil Mass on Saturday and on Sunday at 10.30am and 12Noon. To book a Mass, please call into the Sacristy before or after our Masses. Music at Mass on Sundays: 10.30amFolk Group; 12pmGaudium Choir (Mainly Latin Church Music) on the 1st Sunday of the Month; 12pm on other Sundays of the Month: Parish Choir (Mainly English Church Music). Baptism: Registration for Baptism can be made online via the parish website www.holyredeemerbray.ie. St Peters Parish St. Peters Church Mass Times: Sunday: 9am (Irish Mass), 11.30am. Holy Days: 11am. 1st Friday: 11am. Gluten Free Hosts available: If you would like to receive the Eucharist, but have gluten intolerance, we have gluten free hosts available. Come to the sacristy before Mass and we will be happy to accommodate you. First Sunday Tea/Coffee morning: A tea/coffee morning is held in the parish hall on the first Sunday of every month after both masses. Come along for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. Its a great way to catch up and get to know other parishioners. Everyone is very welcome to join us. Parish Office: Parish Office opening hours are - Monday: 9.30am to 12.30pm; Tuesday: 9am to 12.30pm; Wednesday: Closed; Thursday: 9am to 12.30pm; Friday: 9am to 12.30pm. The parish office can be contacted by calling 01-282 4967 or by email: stpeterslittlebray1@gmail.com. Car Park Hours: These are from 9am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday, for parish business, and at weekends during church ceremonies. The Cemetery is accessible via the laneway for pedestrians. St. Peters Cemetery: There is a strict policy of No Dumping Allowed in any area of the cemetery. Visitors to the cemetery are requested to take home all forms of rubbish with them in order to keep the cemetery tidy. Your co-operation is appreciated. St Annes Church, Shankill: A Vigil Mass is celebrated at 5pm on Saturdays. All are welcome. Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish Mass: Weekday Masses are celebrated at 10.30am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Weekend Masses are at 6.30pm on Saturdays and 10.30am and 12 Noon on Sundays. Eucharistic Adoration: Eucharistic Adoration takes place from 11am to 10pm on Mondays only in this Church. St Fergals Parish Mass Times: Mass times are 9.30am Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. No morning Mass on Thursdays and Saturdays. Saturday: 7pm Vigil Mass; Sunday: 8am and 10.30am. Confessions: These are heard on Saturdays after the 7pm Vigil Mass. Baptism: Baptisms take place on the first and third Saturday of each Month at 12Noon. Bookings can be made through the Parish Office Only. The Preparation meeting takes place on the Monday before the 1st Saturday of the month. Please call into the Parish Office three weeks in advance of the Baptism to complete the Baptism Form and to confirm the date. Join the Fergals Gospel Choir and let your voice shine: If you would like to join the choir please come to St. Fergals Church on Mondays from 8pm. The choir usually sings at two masses per month and we welcome everyone who loves to sing. St. Claires Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul: Messages for the St. Vincent de Paul should be sent to St. Clairs Centre, Ballymorris, Killarney Road, Bray call 01-2745325 and leave your message, or Mobile 087-1738 235. Diving club First Bray Divers in the water so far in 2026 were Brendan, Jeff, John, Ann, Sarah, David, Jack, and Cormac. They dived, snorkelled, and carried out water fitness tests. Albert organised festive refreshments for everyone after the event. Membership is open to new members and courses are up and running. To join call 087 6756439 and you could be a qualified diver well before Easter. Bray Library Opening hours are 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday with late opening on Tuesday and Thursday until 8.30pm. Bray Library can be emailed at braylib@wicklococo.ie to book a place for library events or make inquiries about them. Online services including e-books, audio-books, digital magazines and newspapers and e-learning are available via the library website. English Conversation Classes take place in the library every Monday (except Bank Holiday Mondays) from 11am to 12pm. Ciorcal Comhra Irish Language Conversation Group, meets every second Tuesday from 7pm to 8pm in the library. The next meeting of the Bray Library Crime Book Club will take place at 7pm on Tuesday February 10th ; the Bray Library Junior Film Club will meet at 6.30pm on Thursday January 22nd, and the Bray Library Literary Book Club at 7pm on Thursday January 29th. Tomorrow (Thursday) James Scannell will recall Wicklow and the 1947 Big Freeze at 7pm in Arklow Library, Main Street, Arklow. All are welcome admission is free Ballywaltrim Library Opening hours are 10am to 5 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and 10am to 8pm on Wednesday. The library can be contacted at 01-2723205 or by email at: ballywatrimlibrary@wicklowcoco.ie. Online services including e-books, audio-books, digital magazines and newspapers and e-learning are available via the library website. Borrowers can renew their books online at any time. Parents and carers of children are reminded that library staff cannot supervise your children so you must stay with your children at all times for their safety and other library users. Adult Scrabble takes place every Monday from 3pm to 4.30pm no booking is required. Tummy-Time for Babies takes place every Monday from 10 am to 12pm no booking required. STEM Free Play for 18 months to 3 years takes place every Saturday from 10am to 11.30pm. Tomorrow (Thursday) James Scannell will recall Wicklow and the 1947 Big Freeze at 7pm in Arklow Library, Main Street, Arklow. All are welcome admission is free. Bray Cualann Historical Society Meetings of the Bray Cualann Historical Society, the local history society for Bray and North Wicklow, resume at 8pm tomorrow (Thursday) in the Royal Hotel, Bray, when the Bray Cualann Historical Society Research Team will present The Quinsboro Road Revisitedall are welcome members are free while admission for visitors/non-members is 8. Those wishing to join the Bray Cualann Historical Society can do so at this lecture. The annual membership rate for 2026 is 35 for an individual and 45 for a couple. In the meantime events taking place which may be of interest to members and supporters of the Society in the week ahead includenext Tuesday night James Scannell will recall The Shooting of Alan Bell, R.M. after he went looking for Michael Collins Funds at 8pm to the Foxrock Local History Club in Foxrock Parish Pastoral Centre, Foxrock, Co. Dublin. All are welcomeadmission is 5. Next Wednesday Vincent Delaney will present Dunleary before the Royal Harbour at 8pm to the Dun Laoghaire Borough Historical Society in Royal Marine Hotel, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. All are welcomeadmission is 5. Free hotel parking is available for those attending this lecture. Irish Girl Guides (IGG) There is a very large IGG presence in Bray and Enniskerry, with waiting lists for all groups. Leaders are urgently needed, so if you are interested in working with young children and have some spare time on a Monday, Thursday, or Friday evening, do get in touch. If you are interested in your daughter joining Ladybirds or Brownies do get in touch as spaces sometimes become available for September. (Ladybirds ages 5-7; Brownies ages 7-10; Guides and Senior Branch 10+) email:belmontbrowniesbray@gmail.com. Shankill Classical Music Club The January 2026 meeting of the Shankill Classical Music Club takes place from 7.45pm to 10pm, including a tea/coffee break, today (Wednesday) in the Shankill Seniors Centre, Lower Road, Shankill, located 100m from Shankill Main Street with car parking available. The music will be as always: a varied programme of classical music on CDs, covering many genresorchestral, instrumental, vocal, opera, etc.in a friendly setting. Visitors and new and returning members are always welcome. You dont need to be an expert. Charge 2 on the night (waived for first visit). For further information please phone or text Malcolm at 085-8528216. The General Staff of the Armed Forces has recorded 141 combat clashes over the past 24 hours as of 8:00 on Wednesday. "Yesterday, the enemy launched four missile and 42 air strikes on the positions of Ukrainian units and settlements, used 25 missiles and dropped 78 guided bombs. In addition, 7,967 kamikaze drones were used to destroy them and 3,768 attacks were carried out on the positions of our troops and settlements, of which 74 were from multiple launch rocket systems," the General Staff said. St James COI, Crinken Services of Worship for this Sunday The Second Sunday after the Epiphany: 10.30am Morning Praise. Church Events/Activities: Please check the Churchs web-site for regular updates. Rathmichael COI Parish Worship Services for this Sunday, The Second Sunday after the Epiphany: 8.30amHoly Communion; 11am Holy Communion; 7pm Compline. Sunday Evening Service: Every Sunday an Evening Service is held at 7pm in Rathmichael Church. We invite you to enjoy the silence and contemplation that this service allows a space for in your heart and mind, as you prepare to go into the new week. Wed love to see you at 7pm on Sunday evenings for this quiet and reflective service that includes music and hymns the perfect way to prepare for the busyness of a new week. Prayer IgnitesFuelling faith, hope and change through prayer: Join us each month at Rathmichael Church for a warm and welcoming Prayer Gathering, where we come together to lift up the needs of our community and the wider world. In a quiet, reflective space, we seek Gods guidance, strength, and peacetrusting that our prayers make a difference. Whether you come with personal concerns, hopes for others, or simply a heart open to God, youll find encouragement and fellowship as we pray side by side. The next meeting will take place at 8pm next Wednesday (January 21st) n Rathmichael Church. All are welcome. Shankill Bible Church Shankill Bible Church, Glenmaris, Eaton Wood Grove - Sunday Worship: 10.30am Sunday Service. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Friday nights at 7pm. See www.shankillbiblechurch.org for further information. St Annes Parish St. Annes Parish Website: The parish website is www.stannesparishshankill.com. St. Annes Parish Office: The Parish Office located in St. Annes Resource Centre is open between 9am and 12.30pm Monday to Friday email: info@stannesparishshankill.com or call 01-282 2277/ 01-282 2704. Times of Masses and Blessed Sacrament Adoration: Weekday Masses are celebrated at 10am from Tuesday to Friday, and at 5pm (Vigil) on Saturday. There is no celebration of 10am morning Mass on Mondays and Saturdays. On Mondays Evening Mass is celebrated at 7pm with Adoration of Blessed Sacrament from 6pm to 7pm. Sunday Masses are celebrated at 10am, 12pm, and 6pm. All Masses are available online through the link Watch Us Live. A Holy Hour takes place from 6pm to 7pm on Mondays, from 8pm to 9pm on Thursdays and from 10.30am to 11.30am on Fridays 9.45am. On the First Saturday of the Month only there will be 10am MaasConfessions will be heard from 9.15am to 9.45am beforehand. Irish Mass: A Mass in Irish is celebrated at 9am on Sunday mornings in St. Peters Church, Little, Bray. The Rosary: This is prayed Monday to Saturday mornings from 9.30am. All are welcome. Parish Services on Webcam: All are welcome to view our services on the parish webcam www.stannesparishshankill.com. Bookings for Baptisms: Please call the Parish Office on 01-2822704 or 01-2822277 for more information, or email: info@stannesparishshankill.com. Available from St. Annes Resource Centre: Mass Cards, Prayer Booklets, Rosary Beads and Baptism Candles are available to purchase in St. Annes Resource Centre. Come Join Us: The Family Mass in St. Annes Shankill takes place every Sunday at 10am with a Special Childrens Monthly Mass at 10am on the first Sunday of every month. The Childrens Liturgy Team would like to invite any children and their parents /guardians/grandparents who would like to be involved in the liturgy (readings, offertory and processions) to contact Rob on 089-4123158 or contact the parish office on 01-2822704 / 01-2822277 or email info@stannesparishshankill.com. Christian Unity Week: The Week of Prayer for Christian takes place from this Sunday to Sunday January 25th. Its inauguration in Dublin will take place at an Interdenominational Service at 8pm this Sunday in St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church in Palmerstown, Dublin 20. Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate of the Armenian Church of the U.K. and Ireland, will be the speaker at this Ecumenical Service. All are welcome. St. Annes Resource Centre Upgrade: As the required work has now been completed, St. Annes Resource Centre has now re-opened. Ballybrack-Killiney Parish: Mass Times: Sts. Alphonsus & Columba Church, Church Avenue, Ballybrack Mondays, Fridays at 10am & Sundays at 10.30am; Church of the Apostles, Willow Vale, Ballybrack: Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10am, and Sundays at 12pm; Church of St. Stephen, Killiney Hill Road, Killiney: Saturdays at 6pm. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Thursday morning after 10am Mass until 12 noon, in the Church of the Apostles. All are welcome. Confessions: These are heard in Sts Alphonsus & Columba church from 4pm to 4.30pm each Saturday. Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Dalkey: Mass Times: Sundays at 9am and 11am. Vigil Mass on Saturday at 6pm (Taize/Gospel Choir); Daily Mass: 10am. Confessions: These are heard every Saturday morning after 10am Mass unless there is a funeral. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Takes place on Mondays after 10am Mass until 4pm (Except on public holidays when exposition takes place on Tuesday). Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Thursday from 7pm to 8pm. Compline: Takes place every Wednesday at 6.30pm in the Church, with the parishes of St. Patricks and the Assumption joining together for this short and simple service. All are most welcome. Our Lady of Good Counsel, Johnstown: General Mass Schedule: 10amMonday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday; no Mass on a Tuesday; Saturday6pm Vigil Mass and on Sunday at 11am. St. Brigids Parish, Cabinteely: Weekday Masses are celebrated in St. Brigids Church, Cabinteely on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 10am, and no Mass on Wednesday. On Bank Holidays Mass is celebrated at 11am. At weekends the Vigil Mass is celebrated at 5.30pm (Saturday). Sunday Mass times are 10am and 12.30pm. St. Michaels Church, Dun Laoghaire: Mass Times: Monday to Friday: 10am; Saturday:10am and 6pm Vigil Mass; Sunday: 9am, 10.30am (Irish), 11.30am, and 1pm. The Church will now remain open until 4pm Monday to Friday. The Church will remain open on Saturdays and close after the 6pm Mass. Shankill Library To facilitate essential conservation and improvement works, Shankill Library is closed and has been relocated to a temporary library in Stonebridge Community Centre, 7 Stonebridge, Grove, Shankill, and is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 10am to 4pm. Space will be available to continue to facilitate regular library group meetings, access to book stock, a seating area for adults and children, newspapers, plus paid printing/copying facilities. Contact details remain the same telephone 01-204 7224 or email shankilllib@dlrcoco.ie. Rathmichael Historical Society Last Wednesday night Dr. Harman Murtagh was the guest presenter for the Societys January lecture on The Irish Jacobite army 1689-91 in Rathmichael Parish School, Stonebridge Road, Shankill. Dr. Murtagh is a former senior lecturer and visiting fellow at Athlone Institute of Technology, now a constituent college of the new Technological University of the Shannon and is a former president of the Military History Society of Ireland whose journal The Irish Sword, he edited for twenty-four years. He has also served as president of the Group for the Study of Irish Historic Settlement. He has written four books, the latest of which is The Irish Jacobite army, published by Four Courts Press in 2024. He is also the author of numerous articles, book chapters and contributions to The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, The Dictionary of Irish Biography and the Athlone fascicle of The Royal Irish Academys Irish Historic Towns Atlas. A companion volume to his book The Irish Jacobite army is in preparation. The Societys AGM takes place at 8pm on Wednesday February 4th in Rathmichael National School, and will be followed by two short talks from John Roden and Richard Ryan. There will be a demonstration of the updated website and Lafcadio Hearn. Members are freenon-members/visitors 5. Members and supporters of the Rathmichael Historical Society are asked to note that the following events will take place in the coming weektomorrow (Thursday) James Scannell will recall Wicklow and the 1947 Big Freeze at 7pm in Arklow Library, Main Street, Arklow. All are welcome admission is free; the Bray Cualann Historical Society Research Team will present The Quinsboro Road Revisited at 8pm in the Royal Hotel, Main Street, Bray, Co. Wicklow. All are welcome members are freevisitors/ members 8; John Leahy will present The Flight of Fantasy at 8pm to the Dublin Bay Old Gaffers Association in Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club, Ringsend Road. All are welcomedonation to the R.N.L.I. at the door. Next Tuesday night James Scannell will recall The Shooting of Alan Bell, R.M. after he went looking for Michael Collins Funds at 8pm to the Foxrock Local History Club in Foxrock Parish Pastoral Centre, Foxrock, Co. Dublin. All are welcomeadmission is 5. Next Wednesday Vincent Delaney will present Dunleary before the Royal Harbour at 8pm to the Dun Laoghaire Borough Historical Society in Royal Marine Hotel, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. All are welcomeadmission is 5. Free hotel parking is available for those attending this lecture. First Saturday Book Sale The February 2026 First Saturday Book Sale, which supports the Shankill Seniors Day Care Centre, takes place from 10am to 1pm on Saturday February 7th in the Shankill Seniors Day Care Centre, Lower Road, Shankill. Donations of books, which must be in a clean and good condition, are limited to one small bag per donor due to storage issues, and can only be left in to the Book Sale that Saturday morning. Classical Music Club The January 2026 meeting of the Shankill Classical Music Club will take place from 7.45pm to 10pm, including a tea/coffee break, tonight (Wednesday) in the Shankill Seniors Centre, Lower Road, Shankill, located 100m from Main Street with car parking available. The music will be as always: a varied programme of classical music on CDs, covering many genres i.e. orchestral, instrumental, vocal, opera, etc. in a friendly setting. Visitors and new and returning members are always welcome. You dont need to be an expert! Charge 2 on the night (waived for first visit). For further information please phone or text Malcolm at 085-8528216. Keith Armstrong, in one of his first forays on the water after he joined Bray Rowing Club, in May 2025. Photo: Bray Rowing Club. Keith Armstrong, in his new boat, at the premises of Rannoch Adventures, in the UK. Photo: Bray Rowing Club. Keith Armstrong, in his new boat, at the premises of Rannoch Adventures, in the UK. Photo: Bray Rowing Club. A Wicklow pararowers grit and determination to show everyone that even though Im in a wheelchair, Im still able to get out on the boat to inspire other people with disabilities has won through, after he raised enough money to finally get his own adaptive boat. Bray Rowing Clubs Keith Armstrong began the mammoth task last July of trying to raise 8,000 so he and the club could get an adaptive rowing boat, which is specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. And with that box now ticked, Keith has his sights set on another, even bigger goal. The 35-year-old, from Kilcoole, has spina bifida and was an active member of the Irish Paralympic Team in 2000, where his chosen sport was shot put and discus. He was inspired watching the Paralympic Games in Paris, specifically the para-rowing event, where rowers with limited or no trunk and leg function were able to compete using an adaptive scull with a fixed seat and straps for support. Keith, who also had to undergo a kidney transplant, reached out to the club to express his desire to get out on the water and was welcomed by the captain, Andy OReilly. But the question of how he was going to go about it was a tricky one. Andy then put his nous and years of experience to good use and was able to use an old school chair, which he fixed into a single scull, so Keith could at least learn how to row. But it was only a temporary measure. Still, the benefits of rowing and being involved in the club provided a huge boost for Keith, a graduate of Bray Institute of Further Education, who works part-time at the Bray Resource Centre which is over three kilometres, or roughly a 40-minute walk away, for an able-bodied person and makes his own way down to the rowing club for training. Keith, who joined the club in May last year, set himself a big target to allow him and the club explore the opportunity to commission the adaptive scull boat from a specialist firm in the UK. But he was determined, extoling the virtues of the activity and the camaraderie of the club the more he became involved. Since I joined Bray Rowing Club, I have increased my fitness and my mental health by participating in rowing exercises both on dry land and on the water, Keith wrote in his appeal. I would love to be an inspiration for others with any form of disability or mental health issues. However, in order to increase my potential in rowing, I need to avail of a single and a double scull boat, each of which, will be fully adapted for me to achieve my goal in rowing. There was also the frank admission that he had a fear of water, which he had to first overcome before he could get out on it. Its tough, Keith admitted, when he spoke to the Bray People last year as he began to learn. Its tough in the way that I cant properly manoeuvre, like able-bodied people. With my disability, because I cant move, I was kind of anxious getting out at first, trying to balance the boat. It took me time to trust myself to be out there. If it wasnt for Andy, giving me that confidence, I wouldnt be this positive about it. Soon, Keith discovered it became a lot more fun, and very addictive and was able to train using the rowing machine to work on his conditioning, a milestone in itself given he was on dialysis for four years before a kidney donor was found. He got a transplant in 2022, and his recovery was down to a positive mindset, which he believed was a must, otherwise, you can fall and decline, and you can rapidly diminish, so Ive been very good about that. After almost six months of campaigning, the Seat For Keith fundraiser brought in the some 8,000 required to pay for the boat, which the club said was a huge milestone and an important step towards a more inclusive future on the water. It added: This simply wouldnt have been possible without the incredible support shown through the GoFundMe campaign and local fundraising efforts. On Saturday, January 10, Keith and captain Andy travelled to England to Rannoch Adventure Limited to collect the boat that was built and specially adapted for him. It was a long journey, but an exciting one, and Keith loved meeting the team, touring the factory, and learning the history and design behind his boat, the club said. We are incredibly proud of Keith and cant wait to see him out on the water among the other members in his own boat, pushing forward and inspiring others along the way. Im so grateful to everyone who supported me along the way, said Keith. Youve helped turn my dream into reality. I can now get out on the water and work towards my next goal hopefully representing Ireland in the future. LATEST | Decision later as prosecutors try to reinstate terrorism charges against Kneecap member Prosecutors challenge court ruling on Kneecap rapper's terrorism charge Kneecap claims prosecution distracts from British role in Gaza conflict Kneecap denies supporting Hezbollah, flag thrown on stage during gig Mo Chara (Liam Og O hAnnaidh) os comhair na cuirte i Londain Jess Glass Press Association Wed 14 Jan 2026 at 18:36 The Crown Prosecution Service's appeal against a judge's decision to throw out the terrorism case against Kneecap rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh has concluded at the High Court in London. Three pro-Palestinian activists detained in Britain ended their hunger strike on Wednesday, with some of them facing imminent death from the effects of their protest, campaign group Prisoners for Palestine said in a statement. Donald Trump tells Iranians to keep protesting help is on its way US president says he has cancelled meetings with Iranian officials over killing of at least 2,000 protesters Iranians attend an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran, on Friday. Photo: AP Maira Butt and Bel Trew UK Independent Wed 14 Jan 2026 at 06:30 Donald Trump has sent a message to Iranian protesters that help is on its way as nationwide unrest grips the country amid a deadly crackdown on dissent. Trump has wish to conquer Greenland, says Danish foreign minister after White House meeting European leaders have spoken out in support of the island territory as US rhetoric causes concerns globally Protesters with Greenland flags gather outside the US embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark, in a protest that coincides with a White House meeting about the fate of the territory. Photo: Getty Nandita Bose, Simon Lewis and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen Reuters Wed 14 Jan 2026 at 22:43 A meeting on Wednesday between top US officials and the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland appeared to do little to quell US president Donald Trumps ambition of taking over Greenland, raising the prospect of prolonged geopolitical tension between Copenhagen and Washington. French far-right leader fights for political future after conviction for embezzlement Marine Le Pen arriving for a hearing in Paris of her appeal against her conviction for embezzlement. Photo: Getty Frances far-right leader Marine Le Pen denied any wrongdoing as she appeared in court to appeal an embezzlement conviction, with her 2027 presidential ambitions hanging on the outcome of the case. Four killed as Russian attack knocks out power for millions Most intense strike of year so far comes amid sign Zelensky losing control of parliament Emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire after a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, yesterday. Photo: AP Arpan Rai, Pavel Polityuk and Olena Harmash UK Independent Wed 14 Jan 2026 at 06:30 At least four people have died in Russias most intense aerial bombardment of Ukraine so far this year, with strikes targeting Kyiv and Kharkivon Monday night. JD Vance to join talks with Denmark on Greenland, as island rejects US takeover Prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen says Greenland will choose to stick with Copenhagen over joining US US vice-president JD Vance touring the US militarys Pituffik Space Base in Greenland last March. Photo: Reuters Maira Butt UK Independent Wed 14 Jan 2026 at 06:30 Greenland chooses Denmark over the United States, the Arctic islands prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has told a press conference in Copenhagen. Life after cancer: You become a cancer patient and that can strip you of your identity. Its a nice feeling to be back at work The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Poland's ambassador, Krzysztof Krajewski, to protest the detention of a Russian archaeologist and his extradition to Ukraine, Reuters reported on Tuesday. "The Russian Foreign Ministry said it summoned Poland's ambassador, Krzysztof Krajewski, on Monday and told him that Ukraine's accusations were "absurd." The statement said Butyagin, an employee of the famous Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, had worked in Crimea for decades, and all his finds had been transferred to the local museum," Reuters reported. "It is emphasized that the Russian Federation demands the immediate release of the Russian citizen and not hand him over to the punitive machine of the Kiev regime, which has nothing to do with justice," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Poland arrested Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin in December 2025 at the request of Ukraine, which accuses him of conducting unauthorized excavations and stealing historical artifacts in Crimea. As reported, the Polish prosecutor's office supported Ukraine's request for the extradition of Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin. The corresponding request was submitted to the District Court of Warsaw on January 10. US unveils Palestinian group to run Gaza Strip as part of second phase of ceasefire Fifteen-member body to be headed by former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority Palestinian children sit at the site of an Israeli strike on a house in the central Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters Nidal al-Mughrabi and Simon Lewis Reuters Wed 14 Jan 2026 at 22:34 US president Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday announced the establishment of a technocratic Palestinian body that will play a role in administering the war-ravaged territory under a phased US plan for Gazas future. LATEST | Two dogsleds wont do it Trumps latest Greenland outburst as Vance hosts talks Greenland and Denmark reject US control, stress unity Foreign ministers to meet Vance and Rubio Trump dismisses Greenland's preference to remain with Denmark Analysts fear public humiliation in meeting at White House Trump: US will have Greenland one way or the other Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen, Tom Little and Gwladys Fouche Reuters Wed 14 Jan 2026 at 11:48 US president Donald Trump has said that anything less than US control of Greenland is unacceptable, hours before Vice President JD Vance is to host Danish and Greenlandic officials for talks. I had an amazing life, I gave it everything I had Dilbert cartoonist Scott Adams dies aged 68 He became subject of controversy for remarks about race and gender, and also wrote a book about Donald Trumps 2016 election win Scott Adams, the creator of the 'Dilbert' comic strip. Photo: Getty Harrison Smith Washington Post Wed 14 Jan 2026 at 06:30 Scott Adams, who became a hero to millions of cubicle-dwelling office workers as the creator of the satirical comic strip Dilbert only to rebrand himself as a digital provocateur with inflammatory comments about race, politics and identity died yesterday at age 68. The shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent has sparked protests across the US. Photo: AP Trump administration officials have said that Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who shot and killed mother-of-three Renee Good in Minnesota, suffered from internal bleeding following the fatal incident, according to a new report. Image credit : X| @Spotify| Ariana Grande at the Golden Globes Awards Image credit : X| @moonroses| Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner at the Golden Globe Award Chalamet & Jenner: Fans still wonder about their relationship Image credit : X| @timotheeupdates| Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner wearing orange at the MARTY SUPREME premiere in LA Speculation and social media buzz around their relationship Image credit : X| @variety| Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet got candid at the Golden Globes Awards A single, fleeting moment at the Golden Globes was all it took to send the internet into overdrive. When Ariana Grande warmly greeted Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet during the ceremony, fans became convinced they had witnessed the spark that ignited fresh engagement rumours. Within minutes, social media platforms were flooded with slowed-down clips, screenshots and theories dissecting every gesture, smile and glance.The speculation centres on a short interaction caught on camera as Grande leaned in to hug Jenner. Observant viewers believe the pop star noticed a ring on Jenners finger, prompting an animated exchange between the trio. While no audio from the moment is available, that did little to stop fans from filling in the blanks. Many were quick to suggest Grande may have asked whether congratulations were in order.Jenner and Chalamet appeared relaxed yet slightly bashful during the exchange, smiling and laughing as Grande spoke to them. Their easy chemistry only added fuel to the rumours, especially as the couple remained close throughout the evening, sharing affectionate moments in full view of the audience.Chalamet and Jenner have been linked since early 2023, and while they have largely kept their romance low-key, recent months have marked a subtle shift. At the Critics Choice Awards, Chalamet referred to Jenner as his partner of three years during his acceptance speech, publicly acknowledging the relationship in a way fans had not seen before. Jenners response, silently mouthing I love you from her seat, was enough to set hearts racing.Their coordinated red carpet appearances have also drawn attention. At the premiere of Chalamets film Marty Supreme in December, the couple arrived in matching orange leather outfits by Chrome Hearts, a bold fashion statement that further cemented their status as Hollywoods most talked-about pairing.Despite the growing public interest, Jenner has continued to guard her private life carefully. After her high-profile relationship with Travis Scott, with whom she shares two children, Stormi and Aire, she appears more measured in how much she shares about her romance with Chalamet.What has kept the rumours alive is not confirmation, but silence. Neither Jenner nor Chalamet has addressed the engagement chatter sparked by the Golden Globes moment, leaving fans to speculate freely. Online discussions continue to analyse the footage, with some convinced the ring was merely a fashion choice, while others see it as a deliberate hint.For now, the truth remains known only to the couple themselves. Yet if there is one certainty, it is that even a brief interaction at a star-studded event can capture the imagination of millions. Until an official announcement arrives, fans will continue watching closely, proving once again that in celebrity culture, a single glance can speak louder than words. Image credit : X| @manik199| The SutherlandRoberts engagement that stunned Hollywood Why the SutherlandRoberts engagement stunned Hollywood Image credit : X| @5m_crafts| Julia Roberts and Kiefer Sutherland were once Hollywoods hottest couple Image credit : X| Julia Roberts during a defining moment in her personal life Why Julia Roberts walked away Image credit : X| @5m_crafts| Inside the SutherlandRoberts engagement that shocked Hollywood Kiefer Sutherland has found himself back in the spotlight, but not for a new role or red carpet appearance. The Emmy-winning actor recently made headlines after being arrested in Los Angeles for allegedly assaulting a ride-hail driver, an incident that has reignited public interest in both his career and his turbulent personal life. While legal proceedings unfold, attention has also returned to one of Hollywoods most talked-about relationships, his broken engagement to Julia Roberts, a romance that ended just days before their wedding.Sutherland, best known for his intense screen presence, was reportedly released on a USD 50,000 bond following the arrest. As news of the incident spread, it reopened conversations around the actors past, including his highly publicised relationships and marriages. While he has been married twice, first to Camelia Kath and later to Kelly Winn, it was his engagement to Julia Roberts that remains one of the most dramatic love stories of the early 1990s.Kiefer Sutherland and Julia Roberts met on the set of the 1990 film, where an on-screen connection quickly turned into a real-life romance. Their relationship moved swiftly, and the couple announced their engagement later that year. A wedding date was set for June 14, 1991, and Hollywood watched closely as the two stars prepared to tie the knot.However, just days before the ceremony, Roberts abruptly called off the wedding. The decision stunned fans and media alike, especially when she reportedly left town instead of walking down the aisle. At the time, several reasons circulated for the breakup. Roberts later suggested that the overwhelming pressure of fame and constant public scrutiny had become unbearable. There were also persistent rumours of infidelity involving Sutherland, which added fuel to the already intense media speculation.The situation escalated further when Roberts was seen travelling with Sutherlands close friend, actor Jason Patric, shortly after cancelling the wedding. The supposed love triangle dominated headlines for years, although both Sutherland and Patric later downplayed claims of lasting tension.Years later, Sutherland offered a more reflective perspective on the failed engagement. In interviews, he acknowledged that both he and Roberts were deeply in love but felt that their relationship had grown larger than the two of them. According to him, the wedding transformed into a public spectacle rather than a private commitment.He also praised Roberts for her honesty, noting that she chose not to go through with something she no longer believed in. From his point of view, calling off the wedding required courage, especially under the glare of global attention. Patric, too, eventually dismissed rumours of a feud, stating that relationships end and people move on.As Sutherland faces renewed scrutiny following his recent arrest, his past continues to resurface alongside present controversies. The collapse of his engagement to Julia Roberts remains a defining moment in celebrity culture, one that reflects the pressures of fame, personal vulnerability, and the difficult choices that often unfold behind Hollywoods glossy facade. Breaking: BOYCOTT ALL CHIPOTLE restaurants! Dont eat at Chipotle. The guy who owns it just gave $10,000 to the Murderer who killed Renee Good. Dont eat at Chipotle. The guy who owns it just gave $10,000 to the Murderer who killed Renee Good. #BOYCOTTChipotle pic.twitter.com/TdJrSS0nbO Steven Shaw (@ShawS983) January 14, 2026 Chipotle clarifies Bill Ackman has no ties with the company after viral boycott calls Newsweek Image credit : X | @AntiTrumpCanada | Company Responds to Boycott Threats Over Jonathan Ross Fundraiser; A Look at His Link to the Brand Image credit : Instagram Threads | chipotle | Chipotle Clarifies No Ties to Bill Ackman Amid Boycott Calls How is Bill Ackman linked to Chipotle Mexican Grill? Image credit : X | @OliLondonTV | Bill Ackman Donation Sparks Chipotle Backlash, Company Responds Who is Bill Ackman? A fundraiser in support of Jonathan Ross, the ICE (United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agent involved in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old mother Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, has now drawn public attention after billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman donated $10,000 in support of the agent. The campaign, GoFundMe, started by an individual named Clyde Emmons of Michigan, who has no known personal or professional connection to Ross, has reportedly raised over $696,238 from over 800K contributors and has now ignited a widespread controversy. As per reports, Chipotle, the fast-casual restaurant chain that specialises in burritos, tacos and bowls, has reportedly distanced itself from billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman. Let's find out the truth behind it and what Chipotle's link with Ackman is.According to, in response to mounting online calls to boycott the chain, Chipotle took to X (formerly called Twitter) Threads on Monday to post a brief message aimed at correcting the record and emphasised that "Bill Ackman is not affiliated with Chipotle."Chipotle responded after a viral post on Threads called for a boycott, falsely asserting that Bill Ackman owned the company and had donated $10,000 to the ICE agent who fatally shot Renee Good. The post urged users to avoid the restaurant, linking Ackmans controversial contribution to Chipotles reputation. In its response, the chain clarified that Ackman has no ownership or formal ties to Chipotle, aiming to correct the misconception and distance the brand from the backlash.Taking to X threads, the brand wrote, "Bill Ackman is not affiliated with Chipotle."Billionaire investor Bill Ackman got linked with the restaurant chain called Chipotle Mexican Grill through his hedge fund, Pershing Square Capital Management, which acquired a substantial stake in the company in 2016 and sold it completely by late 2025.During his investment, Ackman acted as an activist investor and was recognised for helping the company recover from a food safety crisis. According to Fox Business, Pershing Square revealed a 9.9 per cent ownership in Chipotle when the stock had fallen sharply due to several food safety problems.Ackman viewed this as a chance to invest in a strong company experiencing a temporary setback.Bill Ackman is a well-known investor and an American hedge fund manager, recognised mainly as an activist investor. He typically buys significant stakes in companies that are undervalued or poorly managed and leverages his influence to boost both the company's stock price and shareholder value.His firs major success came from an investment he made through Gotham Partners. Other Supreme Court decisions issued Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | President Donald Trump Why the tariff decision matters Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | Global tariffs are imposed by Trump Market expectations and political reaction Trump warns of potential financial fallout Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | US President can impose broad trade tariffs unilaterally by invoking national security The Supreme Court of the United States on Wednesday (local time) postponed its decision on a closely watched legal challenge to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under emergency economic powers. The delay leaves unresolved a dispute that could shape the future scope of presidential authority over trade policy.Although the court released three separate opinions on other matters during the day, it did not issue a ruling on the legality of the global tariffs imposed by Trump. According to Reuters, the tariff case was notably absent from the decisions announced, despite expectations that the judgment would be delivered.While the tariff ruling was deferred, the Supreme Court addressed unrelated legal issues in three separate opinions.In its first decision, the court examined the constitutional protection against double jeopardy. The justices ruled that when a single act violates two statutory provisions, it can result in only one conviction. The court reaffirmed that imposing multiple convictions for the same conduct violates the constitutional ban on double punishment for the same offense, as reported by The Guardian.In another ruling, the Supreme Court unanimously considered whether law enforcement officers may enter a home without a search warrant during a wellness check. The justices held that warrantless entry is permissible in emergency situations. The case involved a man who had threatened suicide and harm to police officers. The court determined that these circumstances constituted an emergency, making entry without a warrant reasonable.The Supreme Court had been widely expected to issue its opinion on tariffs imposed by the Trump administration under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) on Wednesday.The case carries significant implications for how far presidential authority extends in matters of trade, the use of national emergency laws by the executive branch, and the role of Congress in regulating tariffs.Central to the dispute is whether a US President can impose broad trade tariffs unilaterally by invoking national security or emergency powers, or whether such actions exceed the limits set by statute and the Constitution. The decision is being considered by the full nine-member bench of the Supreme Court.Ahead of the anticipated ruling, prediction markets reflected strong expectations that the court would rule against the Trump-era tariffs.According to Polymarket, a blockchain-based prediction platform, traders on Tuesday assigned a 73 percent probability that the Supreme Court would declare the tariffs illegal. The estimate represented the sentiment of market participants wagering on the outcome and did not reflect any judicial assessment.Donald Trump, now serving as US President, had previously warned of severe financial consequences if the court were to rule against his administrations tariff framework.In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the United States could suffer trillions of dollars in losses if the Supreme Court rules against the government. He stated that such a decision could force the country to repay many hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs that have already been collected.Trump also warned of additional payback claims from countries and companies that invested in factories, plants, and equipment to avoid the tariffs. He said a ruling against the administration would leave the United States SCREWED.For now, the Supreme Courts decision to delay its ruling leaves the legal status of Trumps tariffs uncertain, extending a high-stakes debate over presidential power and trade policy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a video call with US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal. Zelenskyy reported on the content of the conversation on his official Telegram channel on Tuesday. The conversation concerned, among other things, the consequences of Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy and Ukraine's priority need for air defense missiles. "We see many different factors that make Putin, and therefore all of Russia, much weaker. It is important to maximize all possible forms of pressure to finally force the Russians to end this war," Zelenskyy said. The interlocutors also discussed the current status of the senators' sanctions bill, which can significantly affect the positions of the Russian Federation and all those who help it in this war. "I also talked about the course of our contacts with President Trump's representatives, we are already very close to finalizing the documents. And I am grateful to the senators for their position on the importance of security guarantees and their further bipartisan support in the US Congress. Everyone remembers what the Budapest Memorandum is, no one wants its repetition," Zelensky wrote on Telegram. In turn, Graham stressed that the prosperity of Ukraine is in the interests of the United States. " It is in our nations interest for Ukraine to survive and thrive. I believe more pressure on Putin is necessary. I am very grateful for the hard work of President Trump and his team to end the bloodbath. It will pay off," Graham said on X. He also noted that Trump fully supports the idea of a bipartisan bill on sanctions against Russia. "For those who buy cheap Russian oil, supporting Putin's war machine, the price will soon rise," Graham concluded. 'Pay up or quit': Florida governor candidate James Fishman sparks outrage with controversial tax proposal Image credit : X | @j_fishback | Florida Governor Hopeful James Fishback Proposes Bold OnlyFans Sin Tax OnlyFans model Sophie Rain fires back with a savage response The Blast Image credit : X | @xsophieraiin | OnlyFans Star Sophie Rain Takes on Florida Sin Tax Plan Rain slams 'sin tax' label, questions who decides the morality in policy Sophie Rain responds to Florida governor candidate James Fishback after he proposed a 50% Sin Tax on OF creators pic.twitter.com/JN4vgzaHnV internet hall of fame (@InternetH0F) January 13, 2026 Is Sophie Rain ready to pay the 50 per cent tax? BREAKING: OnlyFans Superstar Sophie Rain @sophieraiin just told Republicans that she would be happy to pay a 50% Sin tax like they propose if corporations are properly taxed. To the ignorant men who probably use fake names to watch her content, you would raise 100,000X the pic.twitter.com/LEurjIpBrB Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) January 13, 2026 Sophie Rain's fiery response to James Fishman sparks massive outrage Image credit : X | @krassenstein | Florida Governor Hopeful James Fishback Proposes Bold OnlyFans Sin Tax, Igniting Social Media Firestorm What does 'Six Tax' mean? Investopedia Alcohol Tobacco Gambling activities OnlyFans model Sophie Rain is once again making headlines, and this time it is not because of her massive earnings from the platform, but because she is stepping into a controversy after Republican state governor candidate James Fishback proposed a bold 'OnlyFans Sin Tax', and he plans to take 50 per cent of the creators' earnings to fund Florida's educational system. Well, the drama escalated when Fishback directly tagged the 21-year-old Rain and asked her to either 'pay or quit'. This eventually prompted a fiery response that has set off a social media frenzy and thrust the debate into the spotlight of Florida politics. Let's find out how Sophie Rain reacted and what the 'OnlyFans sin tax' means.On Monday, January 12, Florida's gubernatorial candidate James Fishman sparked a major controversy by announcing a proposed 'OnlyFans Sin Tax' on X (formerly called Twitter) and targeted the adult content creators in Florida with a 50 per cent levy on their earnings.Meanwhile, Fishback also claimed that the tax would generate hundreds of millions for the state's education system, framing it as a way to benefit young people in Florida. He then also went on to criticise the platform by calling it a "degeneracy platform".He warned that if the tax failed to raise the expected revenue, it would signify an even greater opportunity for the youth. "This tax could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. And if it doesnt, it will mean something even bigger has emerged for the young women and men of our state," he said.Following this, Fishman reshared the video, tagging Sophie Rain, and wrote, "Hey @SophieRaiin, Pay up or quit OnlyFans. As Florida Governor, I will not allow a generation of smart and capable young women to sell their bodies online." The post saw a savage response from the young creator.Sophie Rain, who joined the adult platform in 2023, is one of the top creators on OnlyFans and fired back with a scathing response exclusively shared with. She called the proposal a blatant clout grab and a direct attack on thousands of women earning a living online.According to The Blast, Rain responded to the drama without any sugarcoating. She dismissed Fishback's proposal as a blatant clout grab, telling The Blast she had never heard of him despite being a lifelong Florida resident. According to her, the idea of taxing creators is one of the most ridiculous moves, and she noted that she already pays millions in taxes.According to the same report, Rain asked why the proposed tax targets creators of subscribers, calling the approach illogical. She criticised the 'sin' label and also challenged the idea of defining morality through the policy.How do you impose a sin tax on a Christian who hasnt sinned? If my work is deemed immoral, at least provide reasoning that makes sense, she said.Apart from the latest controversy, recent rumours suggested that OnlyFans creators exaggerate their earnings for attention. Sophie Rain shared an older post highlighting her reported total earnings, which she claims to have reached an impressive $100 million.On the other hand, in a follow-up video, Sophie Rain addressed the proposed 'sin tax' again, saying that she would be willing to pay a 50 per cent tax, but only if corporations were taxed fairly.She called out the 'ignorant men' who anonymously consume her content, suggesting that taxing subscribers rather than creators could generate far more revenue than Fishman's plan.As soon as the post surfaced on social media, it quickly grabbed the attention of netizens. One X user wrote, "She has an IQ of like 80 points and would fail economics."While one said, "Matter of fact, make it 75%." "If this happens what will stop then from taxing actual people 75% corporations Shoudk be paying more," another added.One said, "She makes great points; nothing more needs to be said!""Hell also announce no sales tax or property tax in Florida due to the massive windfall from the OF Tax ""She makes 8 figs a year; I think she can afford to pay that sin tax."According to, a sin tax is an excise tax imposed on certain goods or services that are considered harmful or socially costly. It is applied at the point of purchase. Some of the common examples of such products that are subject to a sin tax include:Sin taxes are commonly applied to products like alcohol and cigarettes, which are often considered harmful to society. Governments favour these taxes because they generate significant revenue. When a state faces a budget shortfall, lawmakers frequently recommend implementing or increasing sin taxes as a quick way to help close the deficit. Image credit : X | @SUBRATA30016572 | White House Advisor Stephen Miller Faces Fury After Utterly Chilling Message to ICE Is Stephen Miller's 'chilling' message to ICE agents fuelling the ongoing tensions? Image credit : X | @DHSgov | Utterly Chilling ICE Message by Stephen Miller Draws Massive Backlash Stephen Miller faces massive backlash over his controversial statement HuffPost Image credit : X | @DHSgov | Stephen Miller Under Fire He should be arrested, immediately https://t.co/8OlzIKgyFD Inthedrop (@olsavvy212) January 14, 2026 Who is Stephen Miller? In the aftermath of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good's fatal shooting by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has now sparked a sharp backlash for his comments during a recent television interview. Miller told ICE officers they have 'federal immunity in the conduct of their duties' and warned that anyone who interferes with them is 'committing a felony'. These remarks have now escalated tensions amid intense debate over the shooting and federal enforcement actions. Let's find out more.On Wednesday, January 14, the Department of Homeland Security amplified Stephen Miller's remarks by posting a video of his comments on X (formerly called Twitter), framing them as a "REMINDER" to ICE officers.In the following clip, Miller told ICE agents that they have "federal immunity in the conduct of their duties" and urged that anyone who touches, stops, or obstructs them is committing a felony, adding that no city, state, or private individual could prevent them from carrying out their legal responsibilities and warning that the Department of Justice would prosecute obstruction or conspiracy.The statement read, "REMINDER. To all ICE officers: You have federal immunity in the conduct of your duties. Anybody who lays a hand on you or tries to stop you or tries to obstruct you is committing a felony. You have immunity to perform your duties, and no oneno city official, no state official, no illegal alien, no leftist agitator or domestic insurrectionistcan prevent you from fulfilling your legal obligations and duties. The Department of Justice has made clear that if officials cross that line into obstruction, into criminal conspiracy against the United States or against ICE officers, then they will face justice.@StephenM"According to, Stephen Millers recent remarks drew immediate criticism from legal experts and commentators, who stressed that federal officers are not immune from prosecution, even if pursuing cases against them can be challenging.While critics condemned his statements as "deeply alarming" and suggested that they sent a dangerous message, effectively giving ICE agents an unchecked authority over both immigrants and citizens. The comments sparked an outrage on social media amid the ongoing scrutiny of ICE following the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis.As soon as the statement surfaced on social media, it sparked an outrage, and some even demanded his immediate arrest. One X user said, "He should be arrested immediately.""There is NO two sides! #ReneeNicoleGood was murdered by #ICE - #FactsMatter""This is the morality we are supposed to depend on?" one asked. "utterly chilling", another added.Stephen Miller is a senior US political advisor who currently serves as White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor in President Donald Trump's second term.He is also one of the few aides to work through both administrations; he is widely recognised as the key architect of Trumps America First agenda, especially its toughest immigration and border enforcement policies. Iranian citizens are "protestimg and revolting against the oppressive regime of Tehran," said PASOK-Movement for Change (KINAL) leader Nikos Androulakis on Wednesday, expressing solidarity to the Iranian people. "We join our voice to their demand for freedom, dignity, democracy ," the main opposition leader said. "We unequivocally condemn the harsh repression, murders, summary executions, censorship, and the mass violations of human freedoms by a regime that has condemned the people of Iran to deprivations, poverty, and oppression," he added. The international community cannot remain silent before the escalation of violent repression, but must assume firm diplomatic initiatives for a democratic and free Iran, the PASOK-KINAL leader added. At the same time, he called on Greece, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, to hold an extraordinary meeting on the situation, while the European Union "should take even more drastic and effective measures and sanctions, to weaken the regime that is murdering its own citizens." The reaction of international organizations should be "coordinated, institutional, and decisive, for the support of free citizens and the true deepening of democracy and human freedoms in Iran," Androulakis concluded. iefimerida.gr A massive radio blackout that paralyzed Greek airspace on Jan. 4 was caused by obsolete technology rather than a cyberattack, a government probe has concluded, exposing deep structural flaws in the countrys aviation infrastructure. An expert committee appointed by the Infrastructure and Transport Ministry found no indications of cyberattack or external malicious interference in the incident, which severed communications between air traffic controllers and pilots for hours Instead, the report blamed the outage on digital noise triggered by a loss of synchronization across the network. The technical glitch caused a critical number of transmitters to broadcast continuously and unintentionally, effectively jamming the frequencies used by the Athens and Macedonia regional control centers. The root cause, investigators found, is the Civil Aviation Authoritys reliance on outdated Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) technology. The report noted this legacy system is no longer supported by the manufacturer and cannot offer effective guarantees for its operation. No issue of aviation security was noted, the ministry stated, emphasizing that aircraft already in the air were never exposed to direct threats. The incident was officially assessed as low-risk, though it forced a ground stop that stranded thousands of passengers. To prevent a recurrence, the committee recommended an urgent overhaul of the country's aviation comms. Key proposals include a rapid transition to Voice over IP (VoIP) technology, the installation of a new radio communication system, and the procurement of nearly 500 new transceivers. The report also called for a unified immediate response mechanism between aviation authorities and telecom providers to handle future disruptions. The system was eventually restored shortly before 5 p.m. on the day of the blackout after technicians performed a hard reset of the network. iefimerida.gr Greek Climate Crisis Minister Yiannis Kefalogiannis travels to Madrid on Wednesday for high-stakes talks on civil protection, seeking to align strategies with Spain as both nations confront a new era of climate-driven disasters. The two-day working visit aims to cement a crisis-response alliance between the Mediterranean partners, who have both grappled with devastating wildfires and floods in recent years. Mr. Kefalogiannis will meet with Spanish Vice President Sara Aagesen Munoz and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gomez to discuss synchronizing prevention and emergency response protocols. A key focus of the trip is Spains specialized military capabilities. Mr. Kefalogiannis is scheduled to visit Torrejon Air Base to inspect the Military Emergency Unit (UME), a dedicated force for disaster relief. There, he will tour aircraft hangars and discuss rapid activation procedures with UME Commander Lt. Gen. Francisco Javier Marcos Izquierdo. The minister will also receive briefings at Spains General Directorate for Civil Protection on the countrys National Emergency Monitoring and Coordination Center. The mission underscores the urgent push for interoperability among southern European states. As climate volatility creates simultaneous emergencies across the region, Athens and Madrid are moving to share resources and best practices to safeguard their populations from increasingly frequent extreme weather events. iefimerida.gr The federal government has hired a lobbying firm in a $9 million contract to assist in communicating its actions on protecting Christians in Nigeria to the United States government. According to the lobbying contract document filed with the US Department of Justice, Aster Legal, a law firm in Kaduna state, hired the services of DCI Group on behalf of Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser. The agreement with the DCI Group, a US-based public affairs and lobbying firm, was signed by Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim, the managing partner of Aster Legal, and Justin Peterson, managing member of DCI group, on December 17, 2025. Advertisement According to the contract details, the American lobbying firm is expected to assist the Nigerian government through Aster Legal in communicating its actions to protect Nigerian Christian communities and maintaining U.S support in countering West African jihadist groups and other destabilizing elements. It was agreed that the contract would be for six months until June 30, 2026, and would be automatically renewed for another six months. The contract includes a clause that stipulates that any party in the case can terminate the agreement for any reason without penalty by providing 60 days advance written notice of termination to the other party. On December 12, Nigeria paid the American lobbying firm the sum of $4.5 million as a six-month retainer pre-payment for the contract. Client shall pay Consultant a monthly retainer seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($750,000; being full payment of professional fees and expenses covered under this agreement). The monthly payment shall be made in two (2) six-month installments of four million five hundred thousand dollars ($4,500,000) one due (a) upon execution of this Agreement and the other (b) upon expiration of six months from the effective date, the fee & expenses section of the contract reads. The federal government hired the American lobbying firm amid the interest of the US government in reports of killings of Christians in Nigeria. In October, Trump redesignated Nigeria as a country of particular concern in response to allegations of a Christian genocide in the country. The Nigerian government had repeatedly denied the Christian genocide claim and promised to engage with the US government. In November, US President Donald Trump had threatened to go into Nigeria guns-a-blazing to wipe out the terrorists killing our cherished Christians, after some US politicians repeatedly claimed that there was a genocide against Christians in the West African nation. On Christmas Day, the US launched air strikes against two terrorist enclaves in Bauni forest in Tangaza LGA, Sokoto state. Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has ordered the release of students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), arrested during the recent protests in Ekpoma. The first group of seven suspects has already been freed. Edo State Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, who oversaw the release, said that only confirmed students would be allowed to go. Advertisement Speaking with the President of the Students Union Government (SUG) at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, on Tuesday, Governor Okpebholo clarified that the unrest on Saturday was not led by students. He described the disturbance as a criminal act carried out by non-students loitering around the campus to cause trouble and exploit law-abiding students. The governor said, I have met with the SUG President of AAU Ekpoma. We had a very lengthy discussion, and as I have consistently said, this was not a students protest. These are people who are no longer students but are just hanging around the school, causing trouble and extorting students. We will put an end to that. Okpebholo assured the SUG that any genuine students who were mistakenly arrested while order was being restored would be identified and released promptly. For students who were probably arrested, we will look into it and get them released to the SUG President. That is a promise I made, and I will do it as quickly as possible. The protest was not theirs. In fact, it was not a protest at all; it was an avenue to loot, he added. The governor also dismissed claims of kidnapping during the incident, calling them false and staged to mislead the public and stir ethnic tension. The kidnapping they are talking about is fake. It was stage-managed. They were arranging to kidnap and release themselves. They even went as far as killing someone, which is the most painful part, he said. Okpebholo condemned the destruction of markets and property in Ekpoma and warned that anyone, including politicians, found funding or using hoodlums to disrupt communities in Edo State would face justice. I dont care whether you are a politician or not. If you are using people to destroy our land and economy, we will go after you. We know ourselves, and we will bring those responsible to book to ensure justice for our people, he added. This comes hours after Edo State High Court, Criminal Court ordered that several youths arrested during the protests in Ekpoma be remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre. Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has faulted Nigerias revised tax laws, warning that the process and substance of the reforms risk deepening public distrust and worsening economic hardship for already burdened citizens. Obi raised the alarm following findings by global accounting firm KPMG, which identified 31 critical problem areas in the tax laws, including drafting errors, policy contradictions and administrative gaps. LHe said the revelations highlight the need for the government to urgently halt, review and properly explain the reforms to Nigerians. Advertisement The position was contained in a statement on Tuesday night, in which Obi questioned both the credibility of the tax framework and the manner in which it has been introduced. It is now undeniable that the tax laws have been fundamentally altered, and even a firm as esteemed as KPMG has pinpointed 31 critical problem areas, from drafting errors to glaring policy contradictions and administrative gaps. Even more alarming is the fact that it took private meetings between the National Revenue Service and KPMG for these serious issues to be acknowledged. If experts require closed-door discussions to navigate the complexities of our tax laws, what hope does the average Nigerian have of comprehending the obligations being imposed on them? Taxation transcends mere fiscal policy; it represents a social contract between the government and its citizens. You cannot enforce a social contract that isnt understood or trusted. Globally, tax policies are justified by delivering tangible benefits to citizens: improved healthcare, better educational systems, job opportunities, infrastructure development, and social safety nets. In Nigeria, the narrative is all about how much more the government seeks to extract, rather than what it is prepared to offer in return. A tax system devoid of clear public benefits isnt reform; it is, quite frankly, extortion. Yet, in Nigeria, we have seen no such public consultations or discussions regarding the final tax laws, leaving ordinary citizens completely in the dark about both the regulations and the benefits of the taxes theyre expected to pay. Even after the removal of subsidies, Nigerians remain in limbo, waiting for tangible benefits or relief. Instead, they are grappling with skyrocketing food prices, exorbitant transport costs, dwindling purchasing power, and escalating poverty levels. Before we have even begun to address these issues, we are being thrust into an expansive new tax regime, riddled with inconsistencies and producing 31 alarming red flags from a leading global accounting firm. This is not the hallmark of responsible governance. Without trust, taxation feels like punishment. Without clarity, it breeds confusion. Without evident public value, it amounts to robbery. Nigeria cannot afford to place further burdens on its already struggling citizens. What we need is a government that listens, communicates effectively, and prioritises building national consensus, Obi said. U.S. Designates Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorist Organizations The United States on Tuesday, January 13, formally designated the Muslim Brotherhood chapters in Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan as terrorist organizations, a move that significantly escalates Washingtons long-standing opposition to the pan-Islamist movement. Announcing the decision, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the action was taken under Executive Order 14362 as part of President Donald Trumps broader commitment to dismantle Muslim Brotherhood networks deemed to pose a threat to U.S. national security. Advertisement Today, as a first step in support of President Trumps commitment to eliminate the capabilities and operations of Muslim Brotherhood chapters that pose a threat to the United States, the United States is imposing terrorist designations against the Lebanese, Jordanian, and Egyptian chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood, Rubio said in a statement. He added that the move marked the beginning of an ongoing, sustained effort to thwart Muslim Brotherhood chapters violence and destabilization wherever it occurs, stressing that the U.S. would use all available tools to cut off the groups resources and ability to support terrorism. The designation allows the United States to block any assets linked to the Muslim Brotherhood within its jurisdiction and criminalizes financial or material support for the groups. It also severely restricts the ability of members and affiliates to travel to the United States. Founded in Egypt in 1928, the Muslim Brotherhood grew into a powerful transnational Islamist movement with influence across much of the Arab world. In recent years, however, it has faced increasing pressure and suppression from several regional governments, particularly Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Egypt welcomed the U.S. decision, which President Trump had initiated in November. In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the designation reflects the danger of this group and its extremist ideology and the direct threat it poses to regional and international security and stability. The Muslim Brotherhood briefly rose to power in Egypt following the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak. In 2012, Mohamed Morsi won the presidency in the countrys first democratic election. His government was overthrown in 2013 by then-army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has since led a sweeping crackdown on the Brotherhood, outlawing the group and imprisoning thousands of its members. U.S. officials said the latest designation was based in part on the Brotherhoods alleged ties to Hamas, the Palestinian militant group long designated as a terrorist organization by Washington. The Treasury Department stated that the Egyptian and Jordanian branches of the Brotherhood had coordinated with Hamas, whose October 7, 2023 attack on Israel triggered Israels large-scale military offensive in Gaza. The State Department also accused the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni Muslim movement, of aligning with Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shiite militant group, in attacks against Israel. According to U.S. officials, the Lebanese branch has pushed for a more formal alignment with the Hizballah-Hamas axis. In Jordan, where the Brotherhoods political wing had long served as the main opposition bloc in parliament, authorities banned the group in April last year. The Jordanian government ordered the confiscation of its assets after accusing it of stockpiling weapons and plotting to destabilize the kingdom, which maintains a peace treaty with Israel. Within the United States, the Muslim Brotherhood has been a frequent target of conservative lawmakers and commentators. Some have promoted unfounded conspiracy theories alleging that the organization is attempting to infiltrate the U.S. government and impose Islamic sharia law. Republican legislators have repeatedly pushed for a full designation in an effort to cut off any potential financing linked to the movement. Previous U.S. administrations had hesitated to formally designate the Muslim Brotherhood, partly due to concerns about straining relations with Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has long expressed ideological sympathy for the Brotherhood. President Trump, however, has maintained generally positive relations with Erdogan and has downplayed Ankaras sharp criticism of Israels military campaign in Gaza. Health workers in Nigerian public hospitals under the aegis of The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) have insisted they they will continue their ongoing indefinite national strike despite the order of the Federal Government stopping their pay. The Federal Government had recently ordered stoppage of the striking health workers under its no work, no pay policy. But JOHESU in a memo signed by the National Secretary of the union, Mr Martin Egbanubi, and addressed to presidents, general secretaries, and state chairmen of affiliate unions on Tuesday in Abuja vowed to continue the strike. Advertisement JOHESU said the decision follows resolutions reached by its national leadership at an emergency virtual meeting held on Jan. 12 to review developments surrounding the industrial action. It recalled that the Federal Government recently directed the implementation of the no work, no pay policy and the stoppage of JOHESU members salaries through the Accountant-General of the Federations office. The strike, JOHESU said, stemmed from its long-standing demand for the implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and other welfare-related issues. The union stated that its national leadership reviewed reports from affiliates and congresses to assess the status of the strike nationwide. It also reacted to a memo from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare directing chief medical directors and managing directors to enforce the policy. JOHESU described the no work, no pay policy as a common tool used to pressure workers when government delays the resolution of labour disputes. The union said it had complied with all procedures outlined in the Trade Disputes Act before embarking on the industrial action. It said that the action qualified as a lawful dispute of right, and not a breach of industrial relations laws. JOHESU urged members not to be discouraged, and called for sustained solidarity and commitment to the struggle. The union said it would intensify monitoring, picketing, and media engagement while exploring strategies to achieve its demands. The Verkhovna Rada plans to consider a number of personnel issues at its meeting on Wednesday, January 14. The first item on the agenda will be a vote on a draft resolution on the appointment of Mykhailo Fedorov to the position of Minister of Defense, the parliament's press service reports. Next, the deputies will vote on the extension of martial law and the extension of the period for general mobilization. After that, the agenda includes draft resolutions on the appointment of Denys Shmyhal to the position of First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Energy of Ukraine, and on the appointment of Dmytro Natalukha to the position of Head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine. As reported, the Verkhovna Rada dismissed Shmyhal from the position of Minister of Defense, which he had held since July 17, 2025. In the vote on the appointment of Shmyhal as First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Energy, 210 people's deputies voted "for" out of the required 226. The people's deputies also did not support the proposal of the head of the "Servant of the People" faction, David Arakhamia, to consider the appointment of Mykhailo Fedorov to the position of Minister of Defense on Tuesday. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, consulted with members of the conciliation council and announced a break in the meeting until Wednesday morning. A Saks Fifth Avenue store in Los Angeles is pictured last year. Read more Saks Global, which operates Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, has filed for bankruptcy. The high-end clothing retailer announced the move on Wednesday, saying in a statement that the Chapter 11 filing will facilitate its ongoing transformation. Advertisement In the Philadelphia region, Saks Global has long operated an expansive Saks Fifth Avenue store off City Avenue in Bala Cynwyd. The company also has a Neiman Marcus at the King of Prussia Mall, as well as Saks Off 5th discount outlets at the Franklin Mall in Northeast Philadelphia and at the Metroplex shopping center in Plymouth Meeting. Both local Saks Off 5th locations are slated to close soon, as was reported this fall by several news outlets, including the Philadelphia Business Journal. Heres what the bankruptcy filing means for local Saks shopper. Is Saks Fifth Avenue in Bala Cynwyd closing? No. At least not in the immediate future. Saks has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which means the company intends to reorganize financially and stay in business. Thats opposed to Chapter 7 bankruptcy as is the Iron Hill Brewery case through which businesses liquidate all their assets and close locations. To be clear, a Chapter 11 filing does not mean that Saks Global is going out of business, Saks wrote in a bankruptcy FAQ on its website. But when companies reorganize through bankruptcy, they sometimes do close stores, particularly underperforming ones. Saks executives alluded to the possibility of this in its statement, which read in part: As part of the Chapter 11 process, the company is evaluating its operational footprint to invest resources where it has the greatest long-term potential. This approach reflects an effort to focus the business in areas where the companys luxury retail brands are best positioned for sustainable growth. The Saks Fifth Avenue opened in Bala Cynwyd decades ago. It is now the retailers only location in the Philadelphia region and is called Saks Philadelphia on the companys website. READ MORE: City Avenue in Lower Merion set to triple its apartment count, transforming the office and retail hub The Inquirer reported in 2024 that business at the store was strong and that the chain had resisted offers to move to King of Prussia, according to the City Ave District. In response to questions from The Inquirer about the future of Philadelphia-area stores, Saks Global said: Our footprint evaluation is underway, and we have already begun to work collaboratively with our real estate partners to find future-facing solutions, where possible, to achieve a stable and sustainable business model and optimized portfolio on the other side of this process. Is Neiman Marcus in King of Prussia closing? Also not in the immediate future. King of Prussia Mall has long been a go-to spot for retailers. Even after the challenges of the pandemic, and amid competition from online retailers, the center remains among the regions thriving shopping destinations. In 2024, Saks Global bought Neiman Marcus in a $2.65 billion deal after Neiman Marcus filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy during the pandemic. Are Saks credit cards or gift cards impacted by the bankruptcy? No, the company says. There are no changes to our credit card programs and rewards, with customers continuing to shop, earn and redeem benefits as usual, the company wrote in the FAQ. We continue to accept payments as usual, including credit cards and gift cards, with no changes to how customers transact with us." Are Saks return policies impacted by the bankruptcy? No, according to the company. Our refund and exchange policy is expected to remain unchanged, with refunds and exchanges being accepted and issued as usual, the company wrote. I am waiting on a package from Saks. Will my order still arrive? Yes, all current and future orders will be delivered as usual, the company said. Whats next for Saks? The company says it is not going anywhere. Saks Global is firmly focused on the future, and we look forward to continuing to serve customers and deliver for our stakeholders, the company wrote in the FAQ. As of Wednesday, Saks was waiting for court approval of a $1.75 billion financing deal that would come with an immediate $1 billion debtor-in-possession loan from an investor group. If approved, the deal will provide ample liquidity to fund Saks Globals operations and turnaround initiatives, the company said in a statement. Saks estimates its assets and liabilities at between $1 billion and $10 billion, according to court documents filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Houston. Saks has between 10,001 and 25,000 creditors, including luxury brands like Chanel, to which Saks owes $136 million, according to the documents. To lead the company during this transition, Saks also announced a new chief executive, with former Neiman Marcus CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck replacing Richard Baker. Saks said it hopes to emerge from bankruptcy later this year. The company said in its FAQ: With new capital and a stronger financial foundation on the other side of this process, we are confident that we can play a central role in shaping the future of the luxury retail industry while delivering the elevated shopping experience our customers expect from our dedicated team. File photo of David Zandstra, who was found not guilty by a Delaware County jury early last year in the murder of 8-year-old Gretchen Harrington in 1975. Read more David Zandstra, the former Marple Township pastor acquitted last year in the 1975 murder of an 8-year-old girl in Delaware County, has died, and a federal lawsuit has been filed alleging misconduct by two Pennsylvania State Police investigators in the case. The lawsuit said the 85-year-old Zandstra, who lived in Georgia, has passed and his family seek redress for this extreme and immoral prosecution. Advertisement No further information about his death was included in the complaint. The Delaware County Daily Times, citing his death certificate, reported that Zandstra died Dec. 15 at a hospice, and the cause of death was skin cancer. Mark Much, one of Zandstras lawyers during the trial but who is not an attorney on the lawsuit, said in an e-mailed statement Tuesday night that Zandstra passed away last month, peacefully, and surrounded by his loving family. Much said that Zandstra was a God-fearing man, unsuspecting and trustful of law enforcement, naive of their unscrupulous interrogation tactics, all in the name of solving a cold case. The defendants in the lawsuit, filed Jan. 10 in Philadelphia, are Andrew Martin and Eugene Tray, who were the most recent state police investigators for Gretchen Harringtons murder. Tray declined to comment on the lawsuit. Martin could not be reached for comment. The plaintiff is Margaret Zandstra, the administrator of the estate of David Zandstra, who allegedly had his civil rights violated by the defendants, the lawsuit states. Zandstra, who was held in custody for 18 months, was found not guilty in January 2025 by a Delaware County jury of murder and kidnapping in the killing of Gretchen Harrington. The jury took about an hour to deliberate after a four-day trial. In 2023, Zandstra was charged after he confessed to driving Gretchen to a secluded section of Ridley Creek State Park and beating her to death. The lawsuit says the investigators illegally coerced an admission of guilt from Mr. Zandstra, a then-83-year-old stroke and cancer survivor. Mark Much argued during the trial that state police investigators had coerced and manipulated Zandstra into confessing to a crime he did not commit. There was no physical evidence linking him to the crime and DNA found on Gretchens clothing belonged to two unidentified men and one unidentified woman. Testimony during the trial revealed that before Zandstras confession, the state police had developed several other suspects in the decades since Gretchens body was found. The lawsuit provides alleged details about what the investigators did before finally going after Zandstra. These Defendants caused evidence of the alternative suspects and Mr. Zandstras exclusion as a contributor of DNA to be withheld until the eve of trial, after Mr. Zandstra had been incarcerated and his cancer had returned and gone untreated, according to the complaint. Zandstra was the pastor at Trinity Chapel in Marple Township, a Christian reform church near the Harrington family home. On Aug. 15, 1975, Gretchen was last seen walking to the church for the final session of vacation Bible school before disappearing. Her unclothed body was found two months later near a walking trail in Ridley Creek State Park. An autopsy revealed she died from blunt-force trauma to the head. Deputy District Attorney Geoff Paine said during the trial that two state police investigators interviewed Zandstra after a woman who was a lifelong friend of Zandstras daughter told police in 2022 that he had groped her at a sleepover at his home in 1975, days before Gretchens disappearance. At the time, Paine said, the woman was the same age as Gretchen and looked like Gretchen. Much told the jury that another suspect who was investigated was Gretchens sister, Zoe Harrington, who in 2021 claimed to have killed her sister with a rock during an incident involving her father, who was also a pastor, and members of the congregation he led. Much said the state police at one point considered Harold Harrington, Gretchens father, a potential suspect. Harold Harrington died in 2021. The prosecutor told the jury that Zoe Harringtons confession wasnt credible because she had a history of mental-health illness. According to the lawsuit, Andrew Martin, one of the defendants, went to the first assistant district attorney in Montgomery County to seek a court order to allow a secretly recorded conversation between Zoe Harrington and her father, who was in poor health at the time. After several interviews with Zoe Harrington including with another state trooper who is not named as a defendant Martin signed an application to the court for a wiretap authorization on Aug. 9, 2021, according to the lawsuit. The next day, however, Zoe Harrington allegedly backed out because she said she was too afraid. The lawsuit states that when Martin and Tray provided their sworn affidavit supporting the arrest of Zandstra, they summarized their August 2021 activity in the investigation as: On Aug. 9, 2021, investigators conducted an interview of Zoey HARRINGTON (sister of Gretchen HARRINGTON) relative to this investigation. Zoe HARRINGTON related that ZANDSTRA was the minister at the time, and his daughter was Gretchens best friend. The lawsuit also says the state police had another suspect, Richard Bailey, who was investigated in 2017. Bailey was a convicted child rapist and kidnapper, who was seen a mile from where Gretchen disappeared on the day she was abducted. Bailey died in state prison in the 1990s. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and costs. Coffee drinks and pastries at La Jefa, a Mexican cafe in the back of Tequilas. In Philadelphia, May 2, 2025. Read more Third culture bakeries have seen a meteoric rise recently and are a significant part of the bakery boom fueled by the little treat culture that has swept cities from New York to London to Philly. In Philly, the children of immigrants have opened bakeries that appeal to many palates, whether Asian, Western, Middle Eastern, or Latin American. We see ingredients like zaatar and shatta being used in unexpected bakeries, united by love stories, Japanese matcha being baked into both Filipino and Indonesian desserts, and many more baked goods that have arisen from immigrants cooking and eating together. But not only are the baked goods and ingredients themselves trending, the stories behind them also are, and in some cases, even their long, shared histories. Advertisement The linked story of Mexican conchas and Chinese bo lo bao predates little treat culture by hundreds of years. Crackled, cookie-like crusts sit on top of round, fluffy milk bread, sometimes filled with cream, jam, or custard, or char siu, a vibrant red Cantonese roast pork. At dim sum and in Chinese bakeries, theyre the other mainstay classic, along with egg tarts. At first glance, the bo lo bao and the concha might not seem to have that much in common, aside from both being buns. Conchas are staples of the Mexican bakery, bo la bao are popular at dim sum houses. This popular item at East Asian-leaning bakeries, both new wave and old school, shares its origins with traditional Mexican bakeries. While in Spanish its the concha, named for its shell that resembles the outside of the seashell (though it also can be manipulated with crosshatching to look more like tic tac toe), in Chinese, its bo lo bao, which translates to pineapple bun, though the bun never contains any pineapple. Rather, its namesake gives the bun a way to describe its crusty, often cross-hatched texture. Its a narrative that has been trending on social media, as people of Chinese heritage dig into the origins of their favorite foods. One theory on how these buns evolved in separate cultures is that after Chinese immigrants built railroads in Mexico in the early 1900s and returned to China, they brought conchas with them. Chinese bakeries are also heavily influenced by the Portuguese, who ruled Macao and also introduced egg tarts to Chinese cuisine. Theres another bread narrative that has been simultaneously making waves on social media. British baker Richard Hart, co-owner and founder of the lauded Copenhagen bakery Hart Bageri and the Green Rhino bakery in Mexico City, insulted the entirety of Mexican bread culture on a podcast, dismissing it as nonexistent. His words incensed the internet. And youll find that by tasting through even the Mexican breads available in Philly, hes quite incorrect. At Tequilas, an airy concha, flavored with hoja santa and filled with avocado whipped cream, is a coda to dinners of teeming molcajetes and similarly light tamales. At the adjacent La Jefa, you can pick up jam-filled concha, made by the same kitchen, to pair with your morning cappuccino. Theyre the work of pastry chef Jessica Delgado, who comes from a baking family in Mexico City; the first taste of them nearly brought Tequilas founder David Suro to tears. She said when she was a little kid, she helped her uncle deliver bread in big baskets and her pay was a concha, he said. In Mexico City, conchas abound. At traditional bakeries, grab a pair of tongs and heap them onto a plastic tray to bring them to a cashier. Repeat the process at any traditional bakery in Phillys Chinatown, whether its Mayflower or Bread Top House (where you can get both bo lo bao and a Mexican bun. Dodo Bakery also makes them, though its diminutive footprint means you order from a counter). In each case, a layer of fat (butter, shortening, or lard) is mixed with flour and sugar, and placed over a bun prior to baking. The Chinese versions are also brushed with egg yolk for a lacquered finish. The coating splits apart in the oven, sometimes eased along by delicate cuts made on it, to create the buns unique crusts. Some of Phillys best versions are found at dim sum parlors like Grand Palace on Washington Ave and China Gourmet in Northeast. Go easy on the siu mai and congee during dim sum so you can save some room for bo lo bao. As Phillys restaurant profile rises, the reservation scalpers have arrived. We have a crazy tale about one restaurants reaction. Also in this edition: Advertisement Our man in Tokyo: Join Craig LaBan on a ramen tour. Zero-proofing: A guide to Dry January drinking options. Chefs comeback: A review of the refined French food from George Sabatino at the new Fleurs. Mike Klein If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. Pssst. Wanna buy a hot table? Reservation scalpers are popping up in Phillys online world, commandeering seats at popular restaurants. When one tried selling dinner bookings at Mawn, management fought back. Beatrice Forman will tell you the story. OpenTable has tacked on a new fee, ostensibly to target no-shows. Philly ramen power couple Jesse Pryor and Lindsay Mariko Steigerwald of the now-shuttered Neighborhood Ramen decamped to Tokyo last year, and theyve launched tours. On a recent trip to Japan, Craig LaBan went slurping with them. Its Dry January, and Hira Qureshi offers the ultimate guide to sober-curious drinking in Philadelphia plus word of a Dry January bar crawl this weekend. Amari and other bitters are being made in-house at more local bars than ever. Kiki Aranita explains whos making them and whats behind the trend. The PLCB has a rare-whiskey lottery running this week. Craig LaBan has been following chef George Sabatino for years, and finds that his new spot in Kensington Fleurs bristles with date-night energy. If ever a sandwich deserved a place in the Louvre, this was it, writes Stephanie Farr about this croque madame one of three dishes that caught our palates. Egg tarts those wiggly, lightly gelatinous conveyors of joy are all over. Kiki Aranita will direct you to her favorite Portuguese pasteis de nata, flaky Chinese egg tarts, and cookie-style shortcrust egg tarts. Scoops El Toro, chef Edward Strojans taco spot at Reunion Hall in Haddon Township, will add location numero dos at 1437 E. Passyunk Ave., the former Essen Bakery. Hes aiming at early February. River Twices Randy and Amanda Rucker are planning an expansion next door into the shuttered former Manatawny Still Works tasting room on Passyunk just off Tasker. Theyre mum on concept and timeline. The Juice Pod has leased the former Joe coffee space at 1845 Walnut St. for a spring opening. Restaurant report Crust Vegan Bakery known for its picture-perfect pop-tarts has merged its retail store and commercial kitchen into a new storefront in East Falls. I wanted to create a place where people think, Oh, I can get everything I need there, owner Meagan Benz told Beatrice Forman. Falafel Time in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood has had an if-you-know-you-know menu since it opened in 2019. One dish a crispy wrap stuffed with chicken shawarma, thin pickle slices, and garlic sauce is now making the shop TikTok-famous. Hira lets you in on this now-open secret. Kennett Square is getting an artsy restaurant and cocktail bar next to a boutique hotel. Brooke Schultz has the details on Birch Street, intended as an anchor for the block. Barts Bagels, which launched in West Philadelphia and expanded to South Philadelphia, is headed to Bala Cynwyd next. Briefly noted Maxs Steaks, the North Philly eatery with an attached bar that got screen time a decade ago in the Creed movies, has been sold. McGillins Olde Ale House, Philadelphias oldest tavern (1860!), is hosting a reunion for couples who met at the bar, had their first date at the bar, or got engaged there. Its Feb. 3, starting at 5:30 p.m. The $30-per-couple ticket includes a talk about the bars book Cheers to McGillins: Phillys Oldest Tavern, drink tickets, appetizer buffet, discounted beers, and more. Details are here. Pop quiz A national restaurant chain has opened a classic location in Pennsylvania, decorated with nostalgic touches. Name it. A) Roy Rogers B) Big Boy C) Horn & Hardart D) Pizza Hut Find out if you know the answer. Ask Mike anything Gazzos Ardmore location has not been open for over a month. I tried reaching out to the Pottstown location about whether it is permanently closed, but received no response. There is no sign or message. Are you able to learn anything? James D. Gazzos co-owner Joe Lewis told me that the Ardmore sandwich shop, which opened last July at 2528 Haverford Rd., will return late this month (target is Jan. 28) after upgrades that will expand the menu. Have a question about food in Philly? Email your questions to me at mklein@inquirer.com for a chance to be featured in my newsletter. By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10. This photo provided by Prenuvo in July 2024 shows an MRI scanner. Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of organs, bones and other structures inside the body. Unlike many other types of scans, MRIs don't use radiation. (Prenuvo via AP) Read more In July 2023, a 35-year-old Manhattan man decided to undergo a full-body health scan, a celebrity-endorsed trend aimed at people anxious about their bodys secrets and moneyed enough to afford the knowledge. The industry advertises that the MRI scans can detect hundreds of treacherous health conditions such as cancers and aneurysms before they become catastrophic. While the scans have been criticized as an extravagance within U.S. healthcare, proponents say they can offer peace of mind. Advertisement Sean Clifford had his scan done by Prenuvo, one of the most prominent companies in the field. Kim Kardashian has described its screenings as life saving. The companys website says a 45-minute whole-body scan, now priced at $2,500, can detect subtle changes early and spot potential issues before they become serious. The report based on Cliffords scan indicated no major problems, according to a copy sent to him. But eight months later, he suffered a debilitating stroke, leaving him with paralysis in his left hand and left leg, according to a lawsuit he filed against Prenuvo and the doctor contracted to interpret the scan. He alleges that the company overlooked signs of trouble that appeared in the scans of his cerebral arteries. The Prenuvo defendants should have reasonably known about the safety hazards or risks of injury presented by the misinterpretation of the Prenuvo MRI scans by its machines, according to Cliffords lawsuit filed in September 2024. According to a radiologist cited in the lawsuit, Cliffords health report was an obvious miss. His cerebral and cerebellar vasculature were incorrectly described as normal. Cliffords attorney, Neal Bhushan, said the family asked for privacy and declined further comment. The court records include a copy of Cliffords Prenuvo report and other documentation, but his allegations, which the company has denied in court filings, have not been fully litigated. A judges decision last month allowed the case to move forward. Prenuvo declined to comment on the litigation, but it said in a company statement that we take any allegation seriously and are committed to addressing it through the appropriate legal process. Our focus remains on delivering safe, high quality, proactive care to the patients who place their trust in us every day. The lawsuit represents another aspect of the controversy over full-body scans, which have been criticized for detecting minor abnormalities that provoke unnecessary follow-up testing and for being overly broad. The use of MRI to conduct a full-body scan on healthy patients is a departure from its more common uses for targeted diagnoses and monitoring. Amid burgeoning interest in personal health data, these concerns are sometimes overwhelmed by publicity from the technologys high-profile advocates. Prenuvo has drawn a slate of investors including supermodel Cindy Crawford; the CEO of 23andMe Anne Wojcicki; and the investment firm Steel Perlot, whose chairman is Eric Schmidt, the former Google chief executive. On her Instagram account, Crawford has posted a picture of herself and her husband with one of the Prenuvo scanners. The couple that scans together, stays together, she wrote. Paris Hilton also endorsed the company, writing on Instagram she was impressed with her fast results. I encourage every single one of you to go get a scan and make sure you are taking care of yourselves, she wrote. Among the skeptics are experts at the American College of Radiology, which warns in a statement on its website that there is no documented evidence that total body screening is cost-efficient or effective in prolonging life. The group said it is concerned that the scans could lead to the identification of numerous nonspecific findings that will not ultimately improve patients health but will result in unnecessary follow-up testing and procedures, as well as significant expense. Insurance rarely pays for the scans. While much of the criticism of the scans has focused on the potential for false alarms, the Clifford lawsuit focuses on the converse the possibility that the scans may miss critical problems. The company suggests as much in the patient consent agreement that Clifford signed, noting as with any medical test there are limitations which make it impossible to detect all malignancies and conditions, according to court documents. Cliffords legal complaint argued that a doctor contracted to review his Prenuvo scan missed clues to an imminent stroke. An image of Cliffords brain by Prenuvo shows that one of his cerebral arteries had dangerously narrowed, according to the lawsuit. Another image, taken after his stroke, shows a blockage at that point. Clifford sustained a catastrophic stroke on March 7, 2024, in the same exact area of the brain where he had the Prenuvo scan on July 15, 2023, according to a radiologists report submitted by the plaintiffs. Had he known of the potential for a stroke, Clifford might have been treated with drugs, lifestyle changes, stents, or other minimally invasive measures, thereby eliminating and preventing the catastrophic stroke, according to the lawsuit. Mirza Rahman, a former president of the American College of Preventive Medicine, has been one of the foremost critics of the scans, arguing that the service exemplifies a problem in American healthcare: The wealthy get too much of it and the poor do not get enough. Even the wealthy ought to be wary of what they are getting from the scans, Rahman said, questioning whether the service may overlook some conditions because of the time and attention needed to review them. Do the radiologists have sufficient time to carefully look at the bones, the vessels, the organs, and all the other information that is generated by such scans? Rahman said. That is a question that needs to be answered. Just as troubling, Rahman said, is that the possibility of missing a dangerous condition could provide a patient with a false sense of reassurance and that they continue with lifestyle choices that may be detrimental. The companys chief executive Andrew Lacy has boasted of its focus on accuracy. This is the only thing that we do its not a side business, Lacy said in a 2024 interview with Faces of Digital Health. We are 100% focused on making sure that we have the best hardware, best software, best [artificial intelligence], and best radiologists so these exams are as accurate as they can be. Doctors typically use MRIs to focus on just one area of the body where a problem is suspected not the entire body, said Max Wintermark, a doctor who is past president of the American Society of Neuroradiology and editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Neuroradiology. MRI is not generally recommended for patients without symptoms, he said. When I have a patient, I tailor the MRI to answer specific questions. You cant image all body parts together in great detail without making the MRI scan more than 60 minutes. Thomas Jefferson University Hospital entrance at 11th Street in Philadelphia, Pa., in 2024. Along with Temple University Health System, Jefferson has joined litigation over high insulin prices. Read more Temple University Health System and Jefferson Health are the latest area health systems to sue pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy benefit managers over high insulin pricing. The move follows similar lawsuits filed in recent years by the University of Pennsylvania, the city of Philadelphia, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, and Bucks County, as well as hundreds of other municipalities, companies, and unions around the country. Advertisement Temple filed its suit last week, and Jefferson sued just before the new year. Eli Lilly, CVS Caremark, and Sanofi are among the major companies named in the suits, which accuse drugmakers and pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, of conspiring to drive up profits on diabetes drugs. PBMs work with drug manufacturers, insurers, and pharmacies, negotiating prices and developing formularies lists of prescription drugs that are available on a given insurance plan. The health systems and other plaintiffs say drugmakers inflate prices for their insulin products in order to secure lucrative placements on formularies. Then, they pay a portion of the resulting profits back to PBMs, according to the lawsuits. Jefferson and Temple officials said they are paying more for employees insulin as a result, impacting the health systems budgets and hurting their ability to provide necessary services [...] to the larger Philadelphia community. Representatives from both health systems declined to comment. Eli Lilly has worked for years to reduce out-of-pocket costs for insulin, the company said in a statement, noting that some plaintiffs filing the lawsuits are choosing higher-priced medications over more affordable options. Lilly capped insulin prices at $35 per month, the statement said, and in 2024 the average monthly out-of-pocket cost for its insulin was less than $15. CVS Caremark said pharmaceutical companies alone are responsible for pricing their drugs in its latest statement, released after Philadelphia officials joined the litigation last month. The company said it would welcome lower prices on insulin. Allegations that we play any role in determining the prices charged by manufacturers for their products are false, and we intend to vigorously defend against this baseless suit, they wrote in an email. A statement from Sanofi said that the company has always complied with the law when it comes to drug prices and works to lower prices. PBMs and insurers sometimes negotiate savings on drugs, but those are not consistently passed through to patients in the form of lower co-pays or coinsurance, the statement read. As a result, patients out-of-pocket costs continue to rise while the average net price of our insulins declines. St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, at 160 E. Erie Ave. in Philadelphia, announced another leadership change Wednesday. Claire Alminde was appointed acting president, replacing Jodi Coombs, who became interim president and CEO last April. Read more St. Christophers Hospital for Children, a key safety-net provider in North Philadelphia, on Wednesday announced its third leadership change in less than two years. Claire Alminde, the hospitals chief nursing officer and a 37-year veteran of the institution, is St. Chris new acting president. Advertisement She is the third interim or acting executive appointed to the top management position at the nonprofit hospital since February 2024 and its fourth leader since 2020. Drexel University and Tower Health have owned St. Chris in a 50-50 joint venture since 2019. Claire is firmly committed to St. Christophers mission and exemplifies the compassion, expertise and steadfast commitment that define this hospital and the care we provide to children and families across our region, St. Chris said in an e-mailed statement. There are no immediate plans for a national CEO search. Right now, Towers focus is on helping Claire onboard successfully and lead the organization forward. We are grateful that Claire has committed to serving in this position as long as necessary, Tower said. Alminde is replacing Jodi Coombs, who was appointed interim president and CEO last April. Coombs previous position was executive vice president at Childrens Mercy Kansas City, in Missouri. Before that, she worked in Massachusetts. Coombs replaced Robert Brooks, who was named president and interim CEO in February 2024 following the announcement that the institutions last permanent CEO, Don Mueller, was departing for a job in Chattanooga, Tenn., closer to his family. Mueller took the job at St. Christophers in the summer of 2020, about seven months after Tower and Drexel University bought the facility, but did not permanently move to Philadelphia. State health officials in 2023 blamed safety lapses at the hospital on Muellers absence and ordered him to be in Philadelphia five days a week. Tower oversees day-to-day management of the facility, where about 85% of patients have Medicaid insurance for low-income people. Thats an extremely high rate. St. Chris, which has received significant financial support from other local healthcare institutions in recent years, has not published its financial results for the year that ended June 30, 2025. In fiscal 2024, St. Chris had a $31.6 million operating loss. District Attorney Larry Krasner walks out of his office playing Blow the Whistle on his phone minutes before speaking to reporters during a November press conference outside the District Attorneys Office. Read more Some elected city officials and community leaders called for ICE to get out of Philadelphia on Wednesday, saying agents had become a threat to safety and to the orderly administration of justice. They asked the court system to establish rules and protections for immigrants seeking to attend proceedings at the Criminal Justice Center which advocates say has been allowed to become an ICE hunting ground. Advertisement They asked for state court administrators to meet with the district attorney, the sheriff, the chief public defender, City Council members and others, and suggested that in the meantime, court staff must be better trained to understand the difference between court- and ICE-issued orders, that they do not carry equal weight nor require equal obedience. People should be able to come to court without fear, said Keisha Hudson, chief defender of the Defender Association of Philadelphia. Without fear that doing what the law requires will put them at risk. District Attorney Larry Krasner whose office led the news conference, and who reiterated his pledge to prosecute ICE agents who commit crimes said victims and witnesses are not showing up for cases. And community leaders said residents lives were being diminished. Across Philadelphia, the increase in ICE raids is tearing the fabric of our community, said Thi Lam, deputy director of the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition, which serves refugees and immigrants, leaving people afraid to go to work, to seek medical care, and to take their children to school. As Philadelphians, we demand policies that protect due process, he said. We object to the violent way that this immigrant process has turned. We invite all Philadelphians to speak up. Speak up, Philadelphians! ICE officials did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The news conference at the Salt and Light Church in Southwest Philadelphia came as protests and confrontations continue in Minnesota and other cities over the fatal ICE shooting of a Minneapolis wife and mother, Renee Good. Daily ICE activity and arrests in Philadelphia and surrounding towns continue to rile and frighten immigrant communities and those who support them. Krasner called the shooting of Good murder, and said that collection of people who left their Klan hoods in the closet to become ICE agents will face prosecution for any crimes committed in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, in Atlantic City on Wednesday, Mayor Marty Small and other officials gathered to support local immigrant communities, and to assert their willingness to ensure that ICE agents continue to do the job under the legal letter of the law. Some of the footage that weve seen has been horrifying, and I understand, and I empathize with that community. And as your mayor, this city has your back, Small said, flanked by Atlantic City Police Chief Jim Sarkos, Director of Public Safety Sean Riggin, and Cristian Moreno-Rodriguez from the immigrant advocacy organization El Pueblo Unido of Atlantic City. Atlantic City police, they noted, do not assist ICE in immigration enforcement. Under the 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive, New Jersey state and local police agencies are limited in how they can cooperate with ICE. Riggin clarified, however, that local police will assist ICE in cases where agents are in danger or a crime is being committed. We will respond, were going to assess the situation, and were going to act accordingly in compliance with that directive, Riggin said. So, just because somebody sees us with ICE does not mean were doing immigration enforcement. In Philadelphia, immigrant advocates have made the courthouse and Sheriff Rochele Bilal a target of protest, insisting that ICE has wrongly been given free roam of the property. The group No ICE Philly has castigated Bilal, saying that by not barring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from the courthouse as judges and lawmakers in some other jurisdictions have done she has helped enable the arrest of at least 90 immigrants who were trailed from the building and arrested on the sidewalk. That group and others say ICE agents have been allowed to essentially hang out at the Center City courthouse, waiting in the lobby or scouring the hallways, then making arrests outside, a pattern they say has been repeated dozens of times since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025. Many people who go to the courthouse are not criminal defendants they are witnesses, crime victims, family members, and others already in diversionary programs. The sheriff says her office does not cooperate with ICE, does not assist in ICE operations and does not share information with ICE. Last week she garnered national headlines and condemnation for calling ICE fake, wannabe law enforcement and for sending a blunt warning to its officers. 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 said in now-viral remarks. You dont 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. On Wednesday she said her office follows the law, and would obey orders from judges or statues from lawmakers concerning courthouse security. The news conference followed an announcement of the Defender Association of Philadelphias new initiative to help people facing immigration consequences both inside and outside the justice system. The agencys Immigration Law Practice is expected to grow to up to 11 staff members, arriving as the Trump administration pursues aggressive new enforcement and even minor legal cases can put undocumented city residents at risk of detention, family separation, or deportation. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier told news reporters that guardrails must be set around ICE behavior at the Criminal Justice Center, and that the agency is making us less safe by scaring away witnesses. Councilmember Kendra Brooks said constituents were phoning her office, asking how to get ICE out of their neighborhoods. ICE needs to get out of our city, for the safety of all of us, Brooks said, calling on the city government and the court system to act. Something needs to be done. People cant safely come to courts thats a threat to all of us. Councilmember Rue Landau asked people to imagine a domestic-violence case, where victims and witnesses were afraid to go near the courthouse. We will not have some masked, unnamed hooligans from out of town come here and attack Philadelphians, she said. We are saying ICE out of Philadelphia. Out of our courts, out of our city. President Donald Trump during Tuesday's tour of the Ford River Rouge complex in Dearborn, Mich. Read more The United Auto Workers union has thrown its support behind a Ford Motor Co. factory worker who was suspended for heckling President Donald Trump during a plant tour in Michigan. The autoworker at the Dearborn Truck Plant is a proud member of a strong and fighting union-the UAW, Laura Dickerson, the UAW vice president over the unions Ford Department, said in a statement Wednesday. He believes in freedom of speech, a principle we wholeheartedly embrace, and we stand with our membership in protecting their voice on the job. Advertisement The worker, TJ Sabula, told the Washington Post he had definitely no regrets about shouting at Trump as the president toured Fords F-150 pickup truck factory in Dearborn, Michigan, on Tuesday. In a video of the incident, a person could be heard shouting pedophile protector, to which the president responded with an expletive and by holding up his middle finger. Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyone including the President of the United States, Dickerson said. The UAW will ensure that our member receives the full protection of all negotiated contract language safeguarding his job and his rights as a union member. White House spokesman Steven Cheung defended the presidents reaction to the heckler. A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response, Cheung said in a statement. Sabula told the Post he had been suspended by Ford, pending an investigation. The automaker declined to confirm the suspension, but condemned the heckling. One of our core values is respect and we dont condone anyone saying anything inappropriate like that within our facilities, Ford said in a statement. When that happens, we have a process to deal with it but we dont get into specific personnel matters. Following the suspension, supporters started a GoFundMe campaign titled TJ Sabula is a patriot!! to raise money for the worker. As of midday Wednesday, about 14,700 donations had been made totaling more than $325,000. A protester is detained by federal agents on Tuesday in Minneapolis near the scene where Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer last week. Read more MINNEAPOLIS Federal officers dropped tear gas and sprayed eye irritant at activists Tuesday during another day of confrontations in Minneapolis, while students miles away walked out of a suburban school to protest the Trump administrations bold immigration sweeps. Meanwhile, the fallout from the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an immigration agent reached the local U.S. Attorneys Office: At least five prosecutors have resigned amid controversy over how the U.S. Justice Department is handling the investigation, according to people familiar with the matter. Advertisement Separately, a Justice Department official said Wednesday theres no basis for a criminal civil rights investigation. An FBI probe of Renee Goods death is ongoing. Strife between federal agents and the public continues to boil, six days since Good was shot in the head while driving off in her Honda Pilot. At one scene, gas clouds filled a Minneapolis street near where she died. A man scrubbed his eyes with snow and screamed for help after agents in a Jeep sprayed an orange irritant and drove off. Its common for people to boo, taunt and blow orange whistles when they spot heavily armed immigration agents passing through in unmarked vehicles or walking the streets, all part of a grassroots effort to warn the neighborhood and remind the government that theyre watching. Who doesnt have a whistle? a man with a bag of them yelled. Brita Anderson, who lives nearby and came to support neighborhood friends, said she was incensed to see agents in tactical gear and gas masks, and wondered about their purpose. It felt like the only reason theyd come here is to harass people, Anderson said. In Brooklyn Park, Minn., students protesting the immigration enforcement operation walked out of school, as students in other communities have done this week. Goods death has ripple effect The departures in the U.S. Attorneys Office include First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, who had been leading the sprawling prosecution of public fraud schemes in the state, according to people who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters. With the Department of Homeland Security pledging to send more than 2,000 immigration officers into Minnesota, the state, joined by Minneapolis and St. Paul, sued President Donald Trumps administration Monday to halt or limit the surge. The lawsuit says Homeland Security is violating the First Amendment and other constitutional protections by focusing on a progressive state that favors Democrats and welcomes immigrants. What we are seeing is thousands plural thousands of federal agents coming into our city. And, yeah, theyre having a tremendous impact on day-to-day life, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said. A judge set a status conference for Wednesday. Homeland Security says it has made more than 2,000 arrests in the state since early December and is vowing to not back down. Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, responding to the lawsuit, accused Minnesota officials of ignoring public safety. Trump defiant In a social media post, Trump defended the aggressive immigration enforcement actions being carried out across Minneapolis as part of his deportation agenda. The president asserted in the post that the anti-ICE activity is also shifting the spotlight away from alleged fraud in the state and said, FEAR NOT, GREAT PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA, THE DAY OF RECKONING & RETRIBUTION IS COMING! Trump blames what he calls professional agitators for the widespread protests. He has not provided evidence to support his claims. In response, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz posted on X: Trump admits that this is nothing but political retribution. Minnesota voted against him three times and now hes punishing us putting lives at risk and wasting enormous resources in the process." ICE tactics on docket In a different lawsuit, a judge said she would rule by Thursday or Friday on a request to restrict the use of force, such as chemical irritants, on people who are observing and recording agents activities. Government attorneys argued that officers must protect themselves. The Trump administration has repeatedly defended the immigration agent who shot Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, saying he acted in self-defense. But that explanation has been widely panned by Frey, Walz, and others based on videos of the confrontation. State and local authorities are urging the public to share video and any other evidence as they seek to separately investigate Goods death after federal authorities insisted they would approach it alone and not share information. In Wisconsin, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez is proposing that the state ban civil immigration enforcement around courthouses, hospitals, health clinics, schools, churches and other places. She is hoping to succeed Gov. Tony Evers, a fellow Democrat, who is not running for a third term. We can take a look at that, but I think banning things absolutely will ramp up the actions of our folks in Washington, D.C., Evers said, referring to the Trump administration. They dont tend to approach those things appropriately. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) have charged the head of the Batkivshchyna faction, Yulia Tymoshenko, with attempting to bribe a number of people's deputies for certain voting results, the SAPO told Interfax-Ukraine. "Tymoshenko has been charged with suspicion. Qualification - Part 4 of Article 369," the SAPO informed. As previously reported with reference to the NABU, the Anti-Corruption Bureau and SAPO have exposed the head of one of the deputy factions of the Rada "for offering an illegal benefit to a number of people's deputies belonging to factions not headed by this person, for voting "for" or "against" specific draft laws." Preliminary qualification - under Part 4 of Article 369 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (offer, promise or provision of an illegal benefit to an official). MP Oleksiy Honcharenko (European Solidarity faction) for his part reported that it was Yulia Tymoshenko. The ezine Ukrainska Pravda with reference to its sources reported that on Tuesday the NABU and SAPO conducted searches in the office of the Batkivshchyna party, and later Tymoshenko was notified of the suspicion. On the morning of January 14, Tymoshenko confirmed on her Facebook page the fact of searches in the office of Batkivshchyna, rejected "all absurd accusations" and stated that there was a political order against her. "They didn't find anything, so they simply took my work phones, parliamentary documents, and personal savings, the information about which is fully reflected in the official declaration. I categorically reject all absurd accusations. It seems that the elections are much closer than it seemed. And someone decided to start a purge of competitors. This is not the first political order against me. Persecution and terror have been my everyday life for many years. I have not been afraid of anything for a long time, because I know that I am honest with myself, with people, and with Ukraine," Tymoshenko wrote. Bucks County Sheriff Danny Ceisler announces the termination of the countys partnership with ICE, an agreement formally known as 287(g), during a press conference at the Bucks County Justice Center in Doylestown, Pa., on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. Read more Bucks County Sheriff Danny Ceisler terminated his offices controversial partnership with ICE Wednesday, citing negative impacts on public safety and immigrants trust of law enforcement. The partnership, known as a 287(g) agreement, which enabled 16 sheriff deputies to act as immigration enforcement, was initiated by former Sheriff Fred Harran, the Trump-aligned Republican who Ceisler defeated in November. Advertisement Ceisler said Wednesday that he signed two orders, one revoking the 287(g) partnership, and another that prohibited deputies from asking crime victims, witnesses, and court observers about their immigration status. Bucks County is home to over 50,000 immigrants ... those immigrants are our neighbors, said Ceisler, a Democrat who took office last week, during a news conference outside of the Bucks County Justice Center Wednesday. They are our friends. They are taxpayers and they deserve the protection of law enforcement in this community. Ceislers decision to terminate 287(g) was expected, but his announcement comes amid a nationwide reckoning over federal immigration agents deployments to U.S. cities as ordered by the Trump administration. Protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement escalated across the country, including in Philadelphia, after an ICE agent shot and killed a woman in Minnesota last week. Wednesdays decision has nothing to do with whats going on in Minneapolis, Ceisler said. Other officials in the region have spoken out directly in response to the Minnesota incident. Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilals comments calling ICE fake, wannabe law enforcement went viral. Ceisler, on Wednesday, called Bilals comments completely counterproductive, and said she was the wrong messenger for them. The Bucks sheriff was adamant Wednesday that his order does not make Bucks County a so-called sanctuary jurisdiction, which have been increasingly targeted by President Donald Trump. The president announced Wednesday morning that on Feb. 1 he would cut off federal funding to states that have cities with sanctuary policies, which prohibit local law enforcement cooperation with ICE. Ceislers directive prohibits sheriff deputies from acting as immigration authorities, but does not cut off the countys cooperation with ICE. Bucks County has not, has never been, and will never be a so-called sanctuary county, Ceisler said. Our county has not severed all ties with ICE, nor precluded future partnership with ICE when it comes to dangerous criminals. Instead, we are returning to a level of partnership weve been operating under for decades. Bucks was the only county in the Philadelphia area that wasnt named as a sanctuary jurisdiction by the Trump administration last year when it rolled out an initial list of state and local governments in danger of losing funding which was later deleted. Officials from the other collar counties disputed the designation at the time. Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro downplayed concerns about Trumps Feb. 1 funding threat during a Wednesday appearance at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. We dont pay attention to the bluster, we pay attention to whats written in the directive, Shapiro told reporters. Pennsylvanias not a sanctuary state. I would anticipate us not losing funding at the state level unless they wanna be punitive. The sheriff said that the county Department of Corrections will continue to share information with law enforcement agencies, including ICE. Federal immigration agents will also continue to have access to county jails and honor judicial warrants to hold individuals who are incarcerated for immigration enforcement. The motivation for the sheriffs orders Wednesday were in response to heartbreaking feedback from Bucks immigrant community that they were afraid to report crimes or engage with law enforcement, Ceisler said To the members of our immigrant communities, you are safe to call 911, you are safe to report crime and you are safe to come into this courthouse and testify, Ceisler said. Heidi Roux, an immigration advocate, said her community is breathing a collective sigh of relief by ending the 287(g) agreement, but noted that continuing to partner with local law enforcement is crucial to public safety. I believe criminal activity can be addressed while simultaneously supporting the human rights and dignity of our residents, Roux said. The 287(g) affiliation stirred up controversy when then-Sheriff Harran announced the departments alliance with ICE in April of last year. The agency had 455 agreements with police authorities in 38 states across the country. Since then the number has exploded, to 1,318 in 40 states, with 11 additional agreements pending as of Monday, according to ICE. ICE says the program helps protect American communities, a force-multiplier that adds strength to an agency workforce that numbers about 20,000 nationwide. Opponents, however, insist that turning local officers into immigration agents breaks community trust with the police and puts municipal taxpayers at risk of paying big legal settlements. In Pennsylvania, the number of participating agencies has grown from 39 in September to 52 today. Seven states, including New Jersey and Delaware, bar the agreements by law or policy. The growth in Pennsylvania and across the nation has been driven by Trump, who has pumped incentive money into the program as he pursues plans to arrest and deport millions of immigrants. On Trumps first day in office in January, he directed the Department of Homeland Security to authorize local police to perform the functions of immigration officers to the maximum extent permitted by law. In the Philadelphia area, Harrans decision to collaborate with ICE sparked public protests and a lawsuit and may have cost him his job in a hard-fought November election. No one had yet been detained under that program, but opponents saw Ceislers election as the last chance to stop the Sheriffs Departments alliance with ICE, and the Democrat said he would act quickly to end the alliance. The former sheriff said his only goal was to make the community safer, that the department would not conduct random immigration checks or broad enforcement but those who commit crimes must face the consequences regardless of immigration status. The Democratic-led Bucks County Board of Commissioners warned county employees that they could be personally liable for helping ICE, passing a resolution that said the alliance was not an appropriate use of Bucks County taxpayer resources. Democratic Commissioners Diane Ellis-Marseglia and Bob Harvie were at Wednesdays news conference but did not speak. In October, however, Bucks County Court Judge Jeffrey Trauger ruled that Harrans cooperation with ICE was clearly lawful under Pennsylvania jurisprudence, and both reasonable and necessary in fulfilling his lawful duty to keep the citizens of Bucks County safe. Ceisler said that terminating the agreement is the first step to regaining trust of the countys immigrant communities. Next, he said, comes getting out into the communities. Its about letting people know that they are safe, he said. Staff writer Gillian McGoldrick contributed reporting. Penelope Nark, the author's daughter, enjoyed a grilled cheese offered by the PA Dairymen's Association at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, Read more HARRISBURG As the rural reporter at The Inquirer for about the last decade, Ive cuddled bear cubs, rattlesnakes, and alligators, trembled in fear at horses, and been punched by the scent of deer urine farms. Still, nothing scares me more than the mushroom burger at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Advertisement I havent really missed a show since I began covering rural Pennsylvania, and I probably never will, regardless. If youve been there, you know. If you havent, take my advice from last year: Pull your kids out of school, and go there this week. The show runs through Saturday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg, and its free to get in. Its an agricultural spectacle youll never forget, a place to see show rabbits, hogs, goats, and cows, all while learning where your food comes from. Its also a place to eat, with a gargantuan food hall filled with offerings Im still uncovering. Shannon Powers, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture I pester often during the show, smartly said she didnt have a favorite meal there. But on a cold day, a cup of trout chowder hits the spot, she told me. Trout stew? Who knew? Theres also goat stew. I do have favorites, though, including the sugared German almonds I end my day with every year. I went on opening day, Saturday (never go on opening day), and took my daughter, sampling some old standbys and interviewing folks about some popular foods there. 4-H brisket sandwich As a man of tradition, if I like a certain item on a menu, Ill get it over and over again, for the rest of my life. I still have dreams about the 90s-era Wawa hot roast beef and cheese sandwiches I ate religiously. Anyhow, I get a brisket sandwich every year from a 4-H stand thats actually not in the food hall but rather the main hall, where the famous butter sculpture is. Get a map, seriously. Youll need it. Brisket has a special place in my heart. I ate it for Thanksgiving and New Years Eve, and this year, I paid $14 for thick-sliced brisket on a roll, which I slathered in BBQ sauce, while squatting on the floor. Then, I followed it up with a flu shot, another Farm Show tradition. This sandwich was not better than my holiday briskets, but Im easy. Almost everything Im willing to eat is pretty good. I assumed proceeds of the sales go to Pennsylvania 4-H clubs. The folks cutting the brisket didnt know, though my receipt credits the Pennsylvania Livestock Association. If you want to save a few bucks at the 4-H booth, the pork chop on a stick is $8. Mushroom burger I know mushrooms grow underground, and that Chester County is one of the nations top producers, but I assumed they come from even deeper places. Im not a fan and cant be convinced, though I did have somewhat of a revelation about the mushroom burgers for sale at the Mushroom Growers of Pennsylvania booth. They are blended with beef, specifically for big babies like me. Its an introduction, an easy introduction. Its 75% ground beef and 25% chopped mushrooms, said Gale Ferranto, of Mushroom Farmers of Pennsylvania. Would you like to try one? I declined. There are more mushroom offerings, too, something called a mushroom salad, which I probably wouldnt eat for less than $500. Somebody back home in Philly wanted the mushroom salad. Shes pregnant, like 7 months pregnant, so you have to do what she says, said attendee Mark Soffa. Grilled cheese The Pennsylvania Dairymens Association offers up a lot of food during the week, and when I saw grilled cheeses a parents best friend I grabbed one for my daughter, along with a chocolate milk. The combo is wallet-friendly, too, just $7. Chocolate milk comes from brown cows, I told my daughter. Shes too smart for that joke and rolled her eyes, like her mother. The grilled cheese crew actually had crockpots full of melted butter, slathering white bread before sending it off to the grill. You can choose American or pepper jack. Well at least make a few thousand today, the cashier told me. We made 500 yesterday, and that was a half day. My daughters verdict: Very gooey. Pierogies and sweet potatoes Im cheating a bit here, including two items from the PA Cooperative Potato Growers, Inc., which is the oldest potato cooperative in the United States. I planned on focusing entirely on the sweet potato, which is swimming in butter and brown sugar, with some cinnamon on the side. Its basically a dessert. My Polish heritage requires that I never turn down a pierogi, though, or never fail to mention their wholesome goodness. I grew up on them, in the way other folks may have grown up on mac and cheese or PB&J. I actually prefer mine fried a bit, but the Farm Show serves them drowning in butter and onions: 5 for $4. You cant really mess up a pierogi, particularly in the Keystone State. These arent like Maryland pierogies, a woman from Maryland told me. The potato growers told me they sell 6 tons of baking potatoes at the show, plus 8 to 10 tons for french fries, and about 1.5 tons of sweet potatoes. Plus, there are potato doughnuts. The milkshakes The most well-known must-have item at the Pennsylvania Farm Show are the milkshakes offered up by the Pennsylvania Dairymens Association since 1953. On Saturday, the lines were a bit bonkers, more than 100 deep on each of the dozen or so cash registers in the various locations where theyre sold at the farm show complex. Ive had them before, and Ill say they are thick and creamy as advertised. Are they different than any other soft-serve-style milkshake in America? I have to work with these people, so yes, Ill say theyre different. A colleague who had a milkshake at the Farm Show told me she didnt get the hype. I ran into a mother and daughter who had ordered 10 of them. Either way, you have to have one while youre there. Dancers from the McDade-Cara School of Irish Dance travel down Market Street during the St. Patricks Day Parade in Philadelphia on Sunday, March 12, 2023. Read more Philadelphia was the first place many early Irish immigrants saw when their long journey ended. The Port of Philadelphia was the gateway to their new world. Between 1717 and 1775 alone, a staggering quarter of a million immigrants arrived from Ireland to the 13 colonies. Advertisement By 1776, those same immigrants were deeply involved in the creation of the new republic. Three of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence, signed in Philadelphia on the Fourth of July, were born on the island of Ireland. Another Irishman, John Dunlap of County Tyrone, printed the first copies of that declaration on the night of July Fourth. Irish people continued to shape the American Experiment from those earliest days. Nowhere is that story more evident than in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, now home to more than 1.8 million Pennsylvanians who proudly claim Irish heritage. Irish workers built Pennsylvanias canals, its railroads, and its industries. Irish families helped shape its neighborhoods and the civic institutions where they found their home. Irish solidarity and resilience became part of the life fabric of Philadelphia. The exchange was truly two-way: Irelands journey toward independence was inspired by the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence. Our 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic recognized the support of Irelands exiled children in America. This transatlantic exchange of ideas continues to define our relationship and enrich our two countries to this day. Ireland and the United States now share one of the worlds most dynamic relationships: economically, culturally, and politically. Across the 50 states, more than 780 Irish-founded companies employ over 200,000 people, bringing skills, entrepreneurship, and a global outlook to local economies nationwide. In Pennsylvania alone, 29 Irish companies support 12,000 jobs. Foreign direct investment from Ireland into Pennsylvania is growing across critical sectors, including pharmaceuticals, business services, and industrial equipment. More than 1.8 million Pennsylvanians claim Irish heritage. Today, the United States remains Irelands largest trading partner and its leading source of investment. American companies have long recognized Ireland as a trusted partner in Europe and a place where global businesses can thrive, innovate, and access the barrier-free single European Union market of 450 million consumers. As Irelands 19th ambassador to the United States, I am proud to represent a country whose people have helped shape this nation for 250 years. My hope is that America 250 will not only commemorate the past but will inspire the future, encouraging new generations of Irish Americans to continue to weave this rich transatlantic tapestry. Geraldine Byrne Nason is the ambassador of Ireland to the United States. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with oil executives in the East Room of the White House on Friday. Read more Donald Trump gathered U.S. energy executives on Friday to tell them of the nice crude, heavy oil he had procured for them by invading Venezuela killing dozens of people and kidnapping President Nicolas Maduro and his spouse in the process only for the men to respond that they couldnt invest in that country because theyd spent all their money getting Trump elected. It was a twist right out of an O. Henry story. Call it, The Gift of the Megalomaniac. Advertisement Well, not quite. While Big Oil did indeed spend at least around $500 million last year on the presidential campaign and other lobbying efforts, it fell short of the reported $1 billion Trump asked oil executives for during his run for the White House. And even that amount would hardly make a dent in industry profits, which in 2022 reached nearly $200 billion. Ill get to Trumps deranged, illegal attack on Venezuela and its larger implications for Latin America which plays less like literature and more like a bad 80s sitcom episode (The Dumbroe Doctrine, Season 2, Episode 1) in a bit. First, lets talk oil. The reason why energy executives didnt jump at Trumps offer for them to spend $100 billion in Venezuela to boost oil production is that while there may be massive, untapped potential there, its going to take a long time to realize, said Harold York, a fellow at the Center for Energy Studies at Rice Universitys Baker Institute. To start, York told me, companies need a technical assessment of the state of the Venezuelan oil industrys infrastructure, which is believed to be in serious disrepair. Then, the U.S. must help establish a credible and trustworthy legal and fiscal framework for international companies to participate in Venezuela. After that, executives will begin to figure out what a development plan looks like. While some have pointed to the current low price of oil as a roadblock, York doesnt believe thats an impediment, since the decision to embark on a yearslong project would consider what the price will be in the future, not what it is now. I think there will be appetite precisely because they may not need the production today, York said. If youre looking to keep your portfolio diversified, then Venezuela is something you would look at as one of your long-run assets. What will most likely temper that appetite is that the requirements that need to be met for Big Oil to return in earnest to Venezuela also depend on the kind of stability no one can guarantee. You dont even need to get to the unknown unknowns, as one former failed nation builder once coined. In Venezuelas case, it is the known unknowns that will get you first. Trump is offering companies security guarantees, but can a president who routinely reneges on agreements promise a subsequent administration wont do the same? Future leaders in Venezuela may decide to take back their oil with minimal compensation to U.S. companies, as the government did in 1976, and America could just shrug its shoulders. Or even a pro-U.S. Venezuelan government may decide it wants to renegotiate at some point. All of that to say, if Trump removed Maduro from power to gain control of Venezuelas oil, the administration did not seem to give the plan much thought. What Trump was successful at, other than violating international law and the Constitution no matter how coyly the administration insists that what it did was a law enforcement action and not an act of war is in bringing the Monroe Doctrine back to bloody life. As presented by President James Monroe in 1823, it was a warning to European powers to stay out of the Western Hemisphere, and an assertion of the United States sphere of influence. By the start of the 20th century, the doctrine was used as an excuse to exert power in Latin America to protect U.S. interests as Washington saw fit, including using the military. Trump allowing Venezuelas authoritarian regime to continue in every way except having Maduro at the top is in keeping with Cold War U.S. interventionism in Latin America, when U.S.-friendly forces were backed at the expense of civil rights and liberties. Even before he ordered the kidnapping of Venezuelas leader to kick off 2026, the president had already spent his first year back in the White House punishing his perceived enemies (imposing sanctions and tariffs on Colombia and Brazil, bombing alleged drug boats) and rewarding his friends (bailing out Argentina, paying for prisoners in El Salvador). In retrospect, the escalation to full military invasion should not be that surprising, even as the long-term consequences remain uncertain, both for America as a continent and for the system of laws and alliances that has kept the world from war for 80 years. After Venezuela, Trump threatened Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico. Hearing from friends from Latin America, the feelings that have emerged there in the last week over U.S. actions seem to be fear and loathing. There is much more to say about this in a future column, but ultimately, neither sentiment is in Americas best interest. State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a Republican candidate for governor, holds a rally in Bucks County at the Newtown Sports & Events Center in September. Read more HARRISBURG State Treasurer Stacy Garrity has been the Pennsylvania Republican Partys endorsed candidate for governor since September, but few candidates have stepped up to run alongside her for lieutenant governor. Only two candidates have officially thrown their hats in the ring for Republican lieutenant governor, as Garrity faces the uphill battle of running against a popular incumbent in Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro. And despite amassing unusually early support from the state party, recruiting someone to run as her No. 2 has proven challenging, as some potential candidates have declined to run. Advertisement Garrity said Monday at the Pennsylvania Press Club luncheon shes in talks with a lot of people, and shes confident shell find a running mate perfect for the ticket. But time is of the essence, as she has less than a month until the state GOP meets for its winter meeting, where the party is expected to endorse a lieutenant governor candidate. Whomever she picks is likely to get the nod. In many respects, its up to Stacy Garrity, said GOP strategist Charlie Gerow. The lieutenant governor candidate has to not only be a good political fit, but has to be a good personal fit for her. Otherwise, the ticket falls apart before you get to Election Day. So far, the only two GOP candidates to formally announce their campaigns for lieutenant governor are State Sen. Cris Dush (R., Jefferson), who is one of the most conservative members of the Senate GOP caucus, and Bucks County businessman and political newcomer Brian Thomas. Dush said hed likely pursue the GOP primary nomination even if he isnt endorsed by the state party, while Thomas announced his candidacy last week in a press release and said he is now reaching out to party leaders seeking their support. And more far-right Republicans have publicly floated a run, teeing up a potential battle among some of the states most conservative members to run alongside Garrity on the November ballot. In Pennsylvania, candidates for lieutenant governor face their own primary races separate from the candidates for governor. After the primary, the winners are joined onto one ticket and run together in the general election. Shapiro announced his reelection campaign with his running mate, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, at two campaign rallies last week. Davis was the nations youngest lieutenant governor when he took office in 2023, and the first Black person elected to the states executive branch. The lieutenant governors main duty is to preside over the state Senate and break tied Senate votes on nonlegislative matters, a job that may become more important as Democrats attempt to tie or flip the state Senate in the midterms. Former State Rep. Rick Saccone, who previously ran for lieutenant governor and was on U.S. Capitol grounds during the Jan. 6, 2021 riot but did not face criminal charges, has publicly stated his interest in the role. Saccone said he would not enter the race if the state party backed another candidate. And State Sen. Doug Mastriano, a far-right Republican who lost to Shapiro in 2022 and last week ruled out a second run for the GOP nomination, later claimed on a local radio station that Garrity would need him as her running mate if she wants to win. Few more moderate options have emerged. Montgomery County Commissioner Tom DiBello, a Republican from Shapiros home county, said in an interview that he had been approached about pursuing the role. DiBello said he received a positive reception when he traveled the state contemplating a run, but he implied Monday that hed moved on. On Tuesday night DiBello lost his bid to be the next chair of the county party to his former running mate, Liz Ferry. I had a lot of support out there as far as potentially running for lieutenant governor, but Im right now very dedicated to Montgomery County, DiBello added. A number of other officials are rumored to have withdrawn themselves from consideration or are still in talks with Garritys campaign, several Republican insiders said. Statewide appeal When the state GOP declined to endorse in the 2022 primary in a crowded, nine-person field for governor, Mastriano won the Republican nomination. However, his lieutenant governor pick did not win in a nine-candidate field for the No. 2 role, and he instead ran alongside the voters choice, former State Rep. Carrie DelRosso (R., Allegheny). DelRosso was much more moderate compared to Mastriano, and would often sidestep questions about his more extreme views. This time around, the sense among Pennsylvania state party members is that Garrity should be given leeway to choose her running mate and party faithful will endorse her choice. Many hadnt even heard who might be in the running. But several Republicans who spoke to The Inquirer said they think Garrity needs to pick someone who will appeal to Democrats and independents who voted for Shapiro four years ago. Were a purple state, and my sense is a more moderate candidate that appeals to a bigger swath of the electorate would be, if I were selecting, would be a preference here, said Jason Richey, the chair of the Allegheny County GOP. Or, as Val Biancaniello, a Republican state committeewoman from Delaware County, put it, a candidate needs statewide appeal. DiBello argued that Garritys running mate needs corporate and government experience, though he refused to name anyone else being considered behind the scenes. Garrity said she believed that DiBello was no longer in the mix for the job, but she did not expand further. Im not putting my finger on the scale, DiBello said before joking: Ive heard this Montgomery County commissioner would be awesome. Ill put my finger on that scale. Garrity largely declined to comment on the candidates whose names have been circulating for her running mate, except for Mastriano. I didnt even know he wasnt running for governor until last week, Garrity told reporters, noting her friendship with Mastriano. Were in discussion with a number of people, and I know that we will have the absolute best partner as lieutenant governor when the time is right. Garrity, who previously denied the 2020 election results and has a history of opposing abortion that she has softened since announcing her run for governor, has sought on the campaign trail to present herself as more mainstream. In his campaign launch Thursday, Shapiro tied Garrity to the extremes of her party, asking voters to choose between getting stuff done and chaos. A far-right running mate will make that message easier for Democrats as they work to secure the governors mansion for another four years. Despite this, Mastriano was bullish Friday morning speaking on WEEO News Talk 103.7 FM in central Pennsylvania. Thats a possibility, Mastriano said about a potential lieutenant governor run. To be honest, that probably [is] the only way to generate some excitement for the Garrity ticket, and we know Garrity being on top of the ticket, thats probably the only way the party would win if I did that. A Philadelphia police officer stands at South Etting and Dickinson Streets following a shooting in July. Nearly a third of PPD officers no longer live in Philadelphia. Read more When Cherelle L. Parker was a City Council member, she championed a strict residency rule that required city employees to live in Philadelphia for at least a year before being hired. Amid protest movements for criminal justice reform in 2020, Parker said stricter residency requirements would diversify a police force that has long been whiter than the makeup of the city, and ensure that officers contribute to the tax base. Advertisement It makes good common sense and good economic sense for the police policing Philadelphia to be Philadelphians, she said then. But today, under now-Mayor Parker, more police live outside Philadelphia than ever before. About one-third of the police departments 6,363 full-time staffers live elsewhere. That share more than 2,000 employees has roughly doubled since 2017, the last time The Inquirer conducted a similar analysis. Today, the percentage of nonresidents is even higher among the top brass: Nearly half of all captains, lieutenants, and inspectors live outside the city, according to a review of the most recent available city payroll data. READ MORE: Philadelphia lifts residency requirement for police and correctional officers amid staffing shortages Even Commissioner Kevin Bethel keeps a home in Montgomery County, despite officially residing in a smaller Northwest Philadelphia house that he owns with his daughter. Most municipal employees are still required to live within city limits. Across the citys 28,000-strong workforce, nearly 3,200 full-time employees listed home addresses elsewhere as of last fall. Most of them more than 2,500 are members of the police or fire departments, whose unions secured relaxed residency rules for their workers in contract negotiations. About a quarter of the fire department now lives outside the city. Proponents of residency rules in City Hall have long argued they improve rapport between law enforcement and the communities they serve, because officers who have a stake in the city may engage in more respectful policing. But experts who study public safety say there is little evidence that residency requirements improve policing or trust. Some say the rules can backfire, resulting in lesser quality recruits because the department must hire from a smaller applicant pool. A survey of 800 municipalities last year found that residency requirements only modestly improved diversity and had no measurable effect on police performance or crime rates. Its a simple solution thrown at a complex problem, said Fritz Umbach, an associate professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. It doesnt have the impact people think it will. Parker, a Philadelphia native who lives in the East Mount Airy neighborhood, says she would still prefer all municipal employees live in the city. When I grew up in Philadelphia, it was a badge of honor to have police officers and firefighters and paramedics who were from our neighborhood, she said in a statement. They were part of the fabric of our community. I dont apologize for wanting that to be the standard for our city. Where they lay their heads at night What qualifies as residency can be a little pliable. Along with his wife, Bethel purchased a 3,600-square-foot home in Montgomery County in 2017 for over a half-million dollars. Although he initially satisfied the residency rule by leasing a downtown apartment after being named commissioner by Parker in late 2023, he would not have met the pre-residency requirement the mayor championed for other city employees while she was on Council. Today, voter registration and payroll data shows that Bethel resides in a modest, 1,800-square-foot rowhouse in Northwest Philadelphia, which he purchased with his daughter last year. While police sources said it was common for Bethel to sleep in the city given his long work hours, his wife is still listed as a voter in Montgomery County. Sgt. Eric Gripp, a spokesperson for the department, said in a statement that Bethel is a full-time resident of Philadelphia, and that while he owns a property outside the city, his main residence is the home in Northwest Philly. Although sources say it was not unheard of for rank-and-file officers to use leased apartments to satisfy the requirement on paper, Gripp said only a small number of residency violations had required formal disciplinary action following an investigation by the departments Internal Affairs Division. That likely owes to officers increasing ability to reside elsewhere legally. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, which represents thousands of active and retired Philadelphia Police officers, won a contract provision in 2009 allowing officers to live outside the city after serving on the force for at least five years. The union didnt respond to a request for comment. Few of the cops who left the city went very far. While Northeast Philly and Roxborough remain the choice neighborhoods for city police, the top destinations for recent transplants were three zip codes covering Southampton, and Bensalem and Warminster Townships, according to city payroll data. A few officers went much farther than the collar counties. Robert McDonnell Jr., a police officer in West Philadelphias 19th district with 33 years on the force, has an official address at a home in rural Osceola Mills, Pa., about 45 minutes north of Altoona in Centre County. A person who answered a phone number associated with McDonnell who earned $124,000 last year between his salary, overtime, and bonus pay declined to speak to a reporter. Asked about the seven-hour round-trip commute McDonnells nominal residence could entail, Gripp said the department doesnt regulate the manner in which employees travel to and from work. Our members serve this city with dedication every day, he said, regardless of where they lay their heads at night. A long and winding history Versions of residency rules can be found as far back as the 19th century, when police recruits were required to live in the districts they sought to work in. But when Mayor Joseph S. Clark pushed to reform the city charter in the 1950s, he sought to abolish the rules as an impediment to hiring, saying there should be no tariff on brains or ability. Instead, City Council successfully fought to expand the restrictions. And, for more than five decades, the city required most of its potential employees to have lived in Philadelphia for a year or obtain special waivers that, in practice, were reserved for the most highly specialized city jobs, like medical staff. Many other big cities enacted similar measures either to curb middle-class flight following World War II or to prioritize the hiring of local residents. But the restrictions were frequently blamed for causing chronic staff shortages of certain hard-to-fill city jobs. Citing a police recruit shortage in 2008, former Mayor Michael A. Nutter successfully stripped out the prehiring residency requirement for cadets. Recruits were required only to move into the city once they joined the force. A year later, the police union attempted to have the residency requirement struck from its contract entirely. Nutters administration objected. But an arbitration panel approved a compromise policy to allow officers to live elsewhere in Pennsylvania after five years on the job. By 2016, firefighters and sheriffs deputies secured similar concessions. Then, in 2020, Parker and then-Council President Darrell L. Clarke successfully fought to have the one-year, prehire residency requirement reinstated. They said it would result in a more diverse force and an improved internal culture. But experts say theres little research showing that to be true. I am unsure if requiring officers to reside in the city is a requirement supported by evidence, said Anjelica Hendricks, an assistant law professor at the University of Pennsylvania who worked for the citys Police Advisory Commission. Especially if that rule requires a city to sacrifice something else during contract negotiations. Residency requirements have been a point of contention for organized labor over decades. FOP leaders have long opposed the rule and said it was partly to blame for the departments unprecedented recruitment crisis and a yearslong short-staffing problem that peaked in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, facing nearly 1,500 unfilled police jobs, former Mayor Jim Kenney loosened the prehire residency rule for the police department again, allowing the force to take on cadets who lived outside the city, so long as they moved into Philadelphia within a year-and-a-half of being hired. Since then, recruiting has rebounded somewhat, which police officials attribute to a variety of tactics, including both the eased residency rules and hiring bonuses. The force is still short 20% of its budgeted staffing and operating with 1,200 fewer officers than it did 10 years ago. Umbach, the John Jay professor, said the impact on recruiting is obvious: Requiring officers to live in a city where the cost of living may be higher than elsewhere amounts to a pay cut, which shrinks candidate pools. Whenever you lower the standards or lower the appeal of the job, youre going to end up with people who cause you problems down the road, he said. A pay cut is just that. Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language Olena Ivanovska has called on the people's deputies to submit to the session hall of the Verkhovna Rada as soon as possible and unanimously support the draft resolution On Strengthening the Role of the Ukrainian Language in the Establishment of the Ukrainian State, which was supported the day before by the parliamentary Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy. "She recalled that the draft resolution provides for systemic solutions in the law-making, educational, informational and scientific spheres, in particular, updating spelling, improving the language quality of legislation, developing Ukrainian-language audiovisual content, countering pro-Russian narratives in the media space, as well as strengthening institutions that shape the language policy of the state," the ombudswoman's message says. She emphasized that the issue of creating a Unified Glossary of Legal Terms - a unified database of terms of Ukrainian legislation, the purpose of which is to rid the legal language of clericalisms, calques and Russisms, is important. "Of particular importance is the course laid down in the resolution to prevent the use of the language of the aggressor state as a tool for creating threats to national security and continuing the practices of Russification of Ukrainian society, as well as the formation of a Ukrainian-speaking environment in the family, education, media and public space," Ivanovska added. As reported, on December 25, 2025, a draft resolution of the Verkhovna Rada "On strengthening the role of the Ukrainian language in establishing the Ukrainian state" was registered. It was noted that the initiative is aimed at systematically strengthening the status of the Ukrainian language as a state language - in lawmaking, education, media, information security and public administration. In particular, the following tools are being discussed: improving the language quality of laws, developing Ukrainian-language content, countering pro-Russian narratives, supporting the Ukrainian language in families and among Ukrainians abroad, as well as harmonizing legal terminology with EU law. The panel of judges of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) have sentenced the former rector of the Donetsk National Medical University. According to a report on the website on Wednesday, he was found guilty of committing several criminal offenses. In particular, this concerns the receipt by an official of an especially large amount of unlawful benefit for committing, in the interests of the person providing the unlawful benefit, any action using the official position granted to him, combined with the extortion of unlawful benefit (Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine); committing actions aimed at masking the illegal acquisition, possession and use of property obtained as a result of committing a socially dangerous illegal act that preceded the legalization (laundering) of income (Part 1 of Article 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). "In accordance with Part 1 of Article 70 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, by absorbing a less severe punishment with a more severe one, the accused was sentenced to a final punishment in the form of imprisonment for a term of 9 years with deprivation of the right to hold managerial positions in a higher educational institution for a term of 3 years," the Supreme Court of Justice reports. The court also decided to confiscate all property belonging to him by right of ownership. The term of serving the sentence will be calculated from the moment of the actual detention of the accused after the verdict enters into legal force. The court also applied special confiscation to two cars that were the subject of illegal gain. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official On Wednesday night, Russia attacked Ukraine's energy infrastructure with 113 strike drones and three ballistic missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "This night, Russia continued to strike at our communities and energy. The Dnipro, Zhytomyr, Zaporizhia, Kharkiv and Kherson regions were under attack. The main target is energy facilities, important infrastructure that ensures a normal life for our people: heat, light. In the morning, our air defense forces were working in Kyiv, there was an air alert in the capital and in the region, in Chernihiv region," Zelenskyy said on Telegram. . According to him, about 70 of the 113 strike drones were Shahed UAVs. The president thanked the defenders who repel Russian air strikes every day and every night, as well as everyone who is working to eliminate the consequences of these attacks. "Now the first priority for us is to strengthen our air defense, missiles to the systems first of all. Contributions from partners to the PURL program are needed, and support is also needed from warehouses in Europe, and rather the implementation of agreements with America. It is very important to strengthen our soldiers now," the president emphasized. He added that Putin's terror would make no sense if Ukraine could one hundred percent counter these attacks by Russia. "Now this is their advantage, and this is what the Russian Federation is betting on. We must deprive it of this. This can work and will force Russia to stop the killings and move towards peace," the president said. Ames & Gough, headquartered in Washington, D.C., appointed Thomas Marchetti as president and Matthew Gough as CEO. Marchetti is responsible for the firms day-to-day operations, including sales, marketing, client service, accounting, HR, technology and market relations. He will continue to maintain his work with some of the firms larger design firm and construction management clients throughout the U.S. and oversee the Washington, DC operations. Gough, who was elected as president of Ames & Gough in 2020, now turns that role over to Marchetti. As CEO, Gough will focus on the firms strategy and future initiatives, while continuing to work directly with many of the firms largest clients. He joined the firm in 2001 and has worked with many of the brokers design firm clients. Earlier in his tenure, Gough also led new business development for the firm. Massachusetts is enacting a series of safety reforms at assisted living facilities including increased inspections and better access to records following a fire last year that killed 10 residents, the governor announced Monday. The recommendations, detailed in a report from the Assisted Living Residents or ARL commission tasked with reviewing the sector, call for annual inspection signed off by the local fire department, board of health and building inspector. It also calls for annual update and review of emergency plans and quarterly emergency exercises with all staff and annual evacuation drills. Other recommendations include a task force to study affordability of assisted living facilities, over concerns they are out of reach for many low-income residents. The report also calls for creating a statewide online database to provide families with better access to compliance records, ownership information, and corrective action plans. It also calls for standardizing information on services, costs, staffing, and resident rights so families can easier compare different facilities. Smoking or Oxygen Machine Eyed as Possible Causes of Assisted Living Home Fire Every older adult deserves a safe home and peace of mind, and every family deserves transparency and accountability, Democratic Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement. The heartbreaking tragedy at Gabriel House showed us that we cannot wait to strengthen protections for assisted living residents. We are taking immediate action on these recommendations so we can better protect residents, support families and ensure our assisted living system continues to serve people well into the future. Aging & Independence Secretary and ALR Commission Chair Robin Lipson said the the state has a responsibility to protect residents living at these facilities. These changes will strengthen fire safety, clarify standards and practices that impact resident well-being, and make critical information more accessible so families can make informed decisions, Lipson said. We have already begun putting stronger protections in place and will work to ensure that residents across the Commonwealth are safer, better supported, and treated with the dignity they deserve. Massachusetts Survey Identifies Safety Issues for Assisted Living Residences Brian Doherty, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association, said his nonprofit association welcome the report, especially the recommendations to develop a standardized resident assessment, integrate Certified Medication Aides into assisted living, and establish an affordability task force. Assisted living blends social activity with personal care, and we will continue to champion a model of diverse community options over restrictive, institutionalized settings to ensure residents maintain their independence and dignity, Doherty said in a statement. The commission was already studying the sector when a fire broke out last summer at Gabriel House in Fall River. It was the states deadliest in more than 40 years and raised questions about a lack of regulations around the sector in Massachusetts. Four Gabriel House Residents Sue Over Assisted Living Facilitys Deadly Fire Investigators said that the Gabriel House fire began unintentionally by either someone smoking or an electrical issue with an oxygen machine. The blaze left some residents of the three-story building hanging out of windows and screaming for help. Documents from the state Executive Office of Aging & Independence showed Gabriel House had lost its certification nearly a decade ago due to resident mistreatment. The facility in Fall River was barred from accepting new residents until it took corrective action. The documents add to a list of issues raised with the Gabriel House facility over the years. A resident filed a lawsuit alleging the facility was not properly managed, staffed or maintained and that emergency response procedures were not put in place. The son of another resident said an elevator had been out for as long as nine months at one point. Senior Facility Owner and Inspector Sue Each Other Over Faulty Sprinklers in Deadly Fire State records include about two dozen complaints about the facility during the last decade, including several related to abuse, neglect or financial exploitation but details are redacted. Other complaints involved a resident getting stuck for hours in an elevator that was then out of service for months, and staff members who threatened residents and withheld medication. Top Photo: Boards cover the windows of the Gabriel House assisted living facility, where a fire on Sunday killed several people, Tuesday, July 15, 2025 in Fall River, Mass. (AP Photo/Kimberlee Kruesi) Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Massachusetts Indian digital insurer Acko Technology & Services Pvt. has invited pitches from investment banks for a potential initial public offering to raise as much as $350 million, according to people familiar with the matter. The IPO, which may include a mix of primary shares and secondary sales by existing investors, is likely to be launched in the second half of the year, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. Acko is expected to appoint advisers in the coming weeks, they said. Deliberations are ongoing and the terms of the potential offering could still change. A representative for the company didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Acko, which has General Atlantic Service Co., Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Accel Capital among its backers, provides online insurance for car, health and travel with features like zero paperwork, instant renewals, same-day claim settlements, according to its website. The planned IPO will add to a growing list of offerings in India as companies rush to raise funds in a market thats seeing surging inflows from mutual funds. India ranked among the worlds busiest IPO markets in 2025, with companies raising about 1.95 trillion rupees ($21.6 billion), exceeding the previous years record of 1.73 trillion rupees, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Photograph: Ceremony bell sits at The National Stock Exchange (NSE) in Mumbai, India, on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. Photo credit: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics Carriers India Warburg Pincus is considering a possible sale of UK insurance broker McGill and Partners, according to people familiar with the matter. The private equity firm has held early talks with potential advisers to explore options for London-based McGill, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information isnt public. McGill could be valued at more than $1 billion in a deal, the people said. A process could start later this year, though Warburg could still opt to keep the business, the people added. A representative for Warburg declined to comment. A representative for McGill also declined to comment, saying the management team is focused on running the company and executing the strategy for long-term growth. McGill was founded in 2019 by Steve McGill, a former group president of Aon Plc. The firm helps broker insurance for sectors including aviation and aerospace, property and construction, energy, marine and cargo, its website shows. McGill posted revenue growth of more than 20% in the first half of 2025 and an increase of 79% in its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization from the same period in 2024. Warburg first invested in McGill in 2019. Five years later, it moved the company into a multi-asset continuation vehicle backed by HarbourVest Partners, Ardian and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. In September, McGill secured new credit facilities worth $300 million from Morgan Stanley, Permira and Bridgepoint Group Plc, saying it would support its next phase of growth. Photograph: A commuters crosses Tower Bridge in view of skyscrapers on the skyline of the City of London, UK, on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Photo credit: Jason Alden/Bloomberg Related: Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics Agencies London Drones struck two oil tankers in the Black Sea on Tuesday, including one chartered by U.S. oil major Chevron, the companies involved said, as they sailed toward a terminal on the Russian coast. Both were en route to the Yuzhnaya Ozereyevka terminal, a loading point for around 80% of Kazakh oil destined for international markets as well as some Russian crude, according to eight sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity. All crew are safe, and the vessel remains stable. It is proceeding to a safe port, and we are coordinating with the ship operator and relevant authorities, Chevron said of its chartered tanker. The attacks come as Kazakhstans output cratered in early January with the U.S. oil majors that dominate its oil sector struggling to pipe crude via Russia due to winter storms and infrastructure damage caused by an earlier Ukrainian drone attack. Kyiv has been targeting Russian energy infrastructure to pressure Moscow to end its war in Ukraine. It was not immediately clear, however, who was behind Tuesdays tanker strikes. Ukraines government did not comment on the attacks. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which operates the terminal where the tankers were due to take on board cargoes, declined to comment. Shareholders in CPCs 1,500-km (930-mile) pipeline include Kazakhstans state-owned oil company KazMunayGas, Russias Lukoil and units of U.S. oil giants Chevron and ExxonMobil. Kazakh Oil and Gas Output Down 35% The Yuzhnaya Ozereyevka terminal itself previously came under attack on November 29, when a Ukrainian drone hit one of CPCs three main moorings at the facility, located near the port of Novorossiysk. Oil and gas condensate output in Kazakhstan plunged by 35% between January 1 and January 12 compared to Decembers average, a source familiar with the data told Reuters, adding that the drop was mainly due to export constraints via the terminal. Kazakhstans energy ministry said on Tuesday that CPC was continuing to export oil via one mooring. Tanker Strikes Drive Up Insurance Costs War insurance costs for ships sailing to the Black Sea nearly doubled on Tuesday following the attacks, five industry sources said. Russian terminals on the Black Sea handle more than 2% of global crude. Its waters, which are shared by Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania and Turkey, as well as Russia and Ukraine, are also crucial for the shipment of grain. One of the tankers attacked on Tuesday, the Delta Harmony, is managed by Greeces Delta Tankers, LSEG data showed. According to the sources, it was expected to load Kazakh-produced oil from Tengizchevroil, a unit of U.S. oil major Chevron. Delta Tankers confirmed later that it was investigating a security incident on board Delta Harmony, which was hit with a projectile at 0512 GMT while the vessel was off the coast of Novorossiysk. All crew were safe, the company said, adding that a short-lived fire was extinguished, and there had been no reports of marine pollution. Following the attack, the vessel shifted out of the area under its own power. Delta Tankers said that a second vessel under its management, Delta Supreme, was not impacted, dismissing earlier indications from industry and trade sources that it too was hit. Another vessel, Matilda, chartered by a subsidiary of KazMunayGas (KMG) and managed by Greeces Thenamaris, was expected to load Kazakh oil from Karachaganak when it was struck, the sources added. Kazakhstans Energy Ministry confirmed on Tuesday evening that Matilda and Delta Harmony were attacked by drones. A Thenamaris official said Matilda was hit by two drones while waiting in ballast condition 30 miles (48 km) off CPCs moorings. KMG also confirmed the attack. There were no injuries and the ship suffered minor damage to deck structures according to an initial assessment, which is fully repairable. The ship, seaworthy as it is, is now sailing away from the area, the Thenamaris official said. Two sources in maritime security said that a fire reportedly broke out on board Matilda and was quickly extinguished. A fourth vessel, the Freud, managed by Greeces TMS, was also initially believed to have been attacked. But TMS later denied that it had been hit. (Reporting by Reuters in Moscow, Renee Maltezou and Yannis Souliotis in Athens and Jonathan Saul in London; Editing by Louise Heavens, Jan Harvey, Guy Faulconbridge and Joe Bavier) This edition of International People Moves details appointments at AXA XL Reinsurance and Zurich Insurance Group. A summary of these new hires follows here. AXA XL Reinsurance Promotes Longbottom and Pedro AXA XL Reinsurance announced it has promoted Julian Longbottom to global head of Marine & Energy, Reinsurance, and Jamie Pedro to head of Specialty, Reinsurance, Bermuda, effective January 1, 2026. Longbottom will lead AXA XL Reinsurances Marine & Energy business and will be responsible for developing and implementing the marine & energy reinsurance strategy globally. Longbottom has over 10 years at AXA XL, and brings sector expertise in growth, client solutions, and strategic development, including expanding AXA XLs Japanese portfolio. Pedro becomes the global product lead for whole account reinsurance risks and will collaborate with Longbottom to manage the Bermuda Marine & Energy reinsurance risks as well as continuing to work closely with core clients across the reinsurance Property portfolio. Pedro has 15 years experience working in the Bermuda Property reinsurance division at AXA XL. AXA XL, the property/casualty and specialty risk division of AXA, provides insurance and risk management products and services for mid-sized companies through to large multinationals, and reinsurance solutions to insurance companies globally. *** Matthias Appointed Global Head of Zurich Resilience Solutions, Succeeding De Nil Zurich Insurance Group has appointed Robin Matthias as global head of Zurich Resilience Solutions, effective March 1, 2026. Matthias succeeds Dirk De Nil, who is retiring after a distinguished 35-year career in insurance, including 17 years at Zurich. Matthias brings a strong consultancy background to the role, having worked at McKinsey for nearly 20 years, including 10 as partner, advising customers from the financial services industry and major European insurers. Most recently, he was senior vice president & client executive at State Street Bank International, managing strategic customer relationships in EMEA and driving growth across complex portfolios. In his new role, Matthias will lead over 1,000 risk experts worldwide. He will be based in Zurich and report to Sierra Signorelli, CEO U.S. and Commercial Insurance. Zurich Resilience Solutions is pivotal to our customer proposition, as we remain focused on working with our customers to prevent and mitigate traditional as well as emerging risks in this evolving and complex global risk environment, commented Signorelli. Signorelli went on to thank De Nil for being instrumental in shaping Zurich Resilience Solutions into one of Zurichs fastest-growing businesses and a strategic cornerstone. Under his guidance, the business has delivered double-digit growth, expanded its market presence, and evolved with a renewed focus on advisory services and sales development. I am deeply grateful for Dirks energy, collaboration and many contributions to Zurich. With more than 1,000 risk experts, Zurich Resilience Solutions offers services that combine risk advisory and insights to help corporate customers proactively manage their risks and to offer risk management, prevention and mitigation solutions. Topics Reinsurance AXA XL Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt announced a Sedgwick county man has been sentenced to 24 months of probation for insurance and identity fraud. Marquez Gails, age 43, pleaded guilty on January 9, 2026, in Sedgwick County District Court to one felony count of fraudulent insurance act and one felony count of identity theft. Gails fraudulently used another individuals identity to purchase a vehicle and auto insurance for the vehicle. Gails used the fraudulent insurance policy to receive a payout for damages to the vehicle. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 24 months probation with 24 months of underlying prison time if probation is violated. He was ordered to pay $12,860 restitution. Insurance fraud costs all Kansans in the form of increased premiums every year, Schmidt said. The Department will continue pursuing penalties against anyone committing insurance fraud in Kansas. The Kansas Department of Insurance investigated this case which was prosecuted by the Kansas Attorney Generals Office. Source: Kansas Department of Insurance Topics Fraud Tesla agreed to enter mediation that could resolve the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commissions lawsuit accusing Elon Musks electric car maker of tolerating severe and widespread harassment of Black employees at its Fremont, California, assembly plant. The EEOC said it is working with Tesla to choose a mediator, and negotiations could begin in March or April. It also said both sides will make a proposal to the presiding judge by June 17 on what to do if settlement discussions and mediation are unsuccessful. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley in San Francisco agreed on Tuesday night to put some evidence-gathering deadlines on hold so mediation could take priority. Tesla and the EEOC did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside business hours. The agency sued Tesla in September 2023 during the Biden administration, saying the companys employment practices violated federal law. It alleged that harassment at the Fremont plant included racial slurs, and displays of racist graffiti such as swastikas and nooses. Some of the graffiti appeared on vehicles rolling off the assembly line, it said. Tesla has denied that it knew about the harassment and did nothing about it, and accused the agency of headline-chasing. The Austin, Texas-based automaker has faced several lawsuits over the alleged mistreatment of workers at the Fremont plant. It won a legal victory on November 17 when a California state judge said more than 6,000 Black workers at the plant could not sue Tesla as a group in a class action, because many workers chosen to testify were unwilling to do so. Photo: Tesla vehicles line a parking lot a factory in California. (AP Photo/Noah Berger, File) Topics Lawsuits Tesla Two independent claims adjusters in the Southeast have teamed up to create what they say is a quick, low-cost way for property owners to double-check insurance carriers damage estimates on claims. Theyre calling it CarFax for property insurance claims, referring to the site that checks for accident reports on vehicles. InsuranceClaim123.com, as its known, is a tool that could potentially have an impact on the way insurance carriers, lawyers and public adjusters do business. The system uses a bit of artificial intelligence along with building-permit and other records, photographs and adjusters intuition to find possible oversights by insurance company adjusters, including missed property damage, inaccurate material prices, and cases in which insurers offer to pay only repair costs instead of full replacement value. We think homeowners can use this to negotiate with the carrier on the final amount, said Ben Mandell, a former homebuilder and an independent adjuster since 2017. He has worked with fellow independent adjuster Mark Vinson to develop the InsuranceClaim123 system over the past year. Vinson, a computer science major in college, developed the website. With the website, homeowners can alleviate that gnawing feeling that theyre not being fully paid for legitimate claims, Mandell said. They say it works like this: Homeowners can upload their insurance company build-back estimates to the website. Within three to five business days, the site will provide a report, flagging items that Mandell and Vinson say probably should have been covered. Or it can confirm when a carriers report appears to be accurate. The cost is $295 per report a better deal than what a public adjuster or lawyer would charge to contest or litigate a claim. As an example, Mandell provided a redacted report on a damage estimate from a major national carrier after a tree fell on a home. The insurer offered to repair a relatively small section of the roof and roof decking, plus 15 feet of fascia board and downspoutbut not gutters. The InsuranceClaim123 report contends that tree impacts typically deform fascia, gutters, hangers, and downspouts together. An attic inspection should also be done to check for damage to rafters and trusses. The insurers estimate of the number of new roof shingles needed did not jibe with the amount of plywood decking needed. New vinyl siding cant easily be matched to old, and a larger section should be replaced, the report notes. The scope of roof decking that needs replacing also suggests a larger amount of interior damage, and a full replacement of ceiling drywall may be needed in at least one room. The insurer should cover the cost of more insulation and paint, the report said. The insurers report noted 67% depreciation, but the InsuranceClaim123 report argues that a typical depreciation is more like 15%. All told, the carriers estimate is $20,000 to $45,000 too low, the website posits. Insurer advocates and public adjusters said its difficult to imagine how a system could arrive at an accurate damage estimate without physically inspecting a property. But the entrepreneurs said its all part of the secret sauce, which includes the adjusters own years of experience, property information, and up-to-date material costsnot unlike the process used by carriers desk adjusters when revising field adjusters reports. I really got into this by trying to reverse-engineer what the insurance companies were doing to reduce our estimates and build their reports, Vinson said. A licensed public adjuster in Texas, Vinson said he was able to access hundreds of redacted adjuster reports from a third-party administrator to use as a learning base for the system. Mandell and Vinson will be familiar to many in the property insurance and claims industries. They are two of the three whistleblower adjusters who appeared at a Florida House of Representatives meeting in 2022 and accused a number of insurance carriers of deceptively revising their field reports and slashing damage estimates, all while leaving the adjusters names on the revised reports. The InsuranceClaim123 site, officially launched this month, includes video from CBS News 60 Minutes 2024 report on the issue. The site already has so many requests for report that its too many to count at this point, Vinson noted. Both Mandell and Vinson have worked as independent adjusters since 2017. A few insurance industry advocates have questioned some of Mandells roof reports, noting that Florida law now allows repairnot full replacementof some roofs if a limited amount is damaged. And a review site that doesnt physically inspect a home cannot always tell if a claim includes pre-existing damage, some have pointed out. Mandell said that the system is needed now more than ever, as carriers and claims-adjusting firms hire younger adjusters with less experience, and as desk adjusters find new ways to reduce payouts. I mean, 87% depreciation on some claimsthats ridiculous, Mandell said. Its too early to tell what impact the 123 product may have on the insurance and litigation arena. Mandell said plaintiffs lawyers may want to use the system to help determine if a claim is worthy of litigation. The site will benefit public adjusters by letting them vet the validity of some claims before spending hours physically inspecting properties, he said. But others argued that many homeowners are likely to turn to such a review site instead of public adjusters, especially if more carriers adopt policy endorsements that provide premium credits when insureds agree to refrain from hiring PAs. In the last year, at least four insurers have filed for Florida endorsements and at least one has been approved. I think this is probably one more nail in the public adjusters coffin, said Scott Johnson, a Florida insurance educator and consultant who blogs regularly about the industry. The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters managing director, Nancy Dominguez, said association members have not used the 123 product and cannot provide an opinion on it. But, she added, a tool that analyzes uploaded data without inspecting the property and the policy cannot replace the judgment of an adjuster. A.I. may assist with preliminary review, but it is not a substitute for experienced, on-site claim representation, Dominguez said in an email. FAPIA supports responsible innovation while emphasizing that consumers are best protected when they have access to licensed professionals who can assess the full scope of a loss and guide the claim from start to finish. Its also too early to know how InsuranceClaim123.com might handle suspected fraud by insureds, such as claims that appear to include pre-existing or non-existing damage. Well have to deal with that when we come to it, Mandell said. Related: 60 Minutes Homeowners Ask Court to Force DFS to Divulge Heritage Probe Info Topics Carriers Claims A suspect in an arson fire at a synagogue that was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan decades ago admitted to targeting the historic institution because its a Jewish house of worship and confessed what he had done to his father, who turned him in to authorities after observing burn marks on his sons ankles, hands and face, the FBI said Monday. Stephen Pittman was charged with maliciously damaging or destroying a building by means of fire or an explosive. The 19-year-old suspect confessed to lighting a fire inside the building, which he referred to as the synagogue of Satan, according to an FBI affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Mississippi on Monday. At a first appearance hearing Monday in federal court, a public defender was appointed for Pittman, who attended via video conference call from a hospital bed. Both of his hands were visibly bandaged. He told the judge that he was a high school graduate and had three semesters of college. Prosecutors said he could face five to 20 years in prison if convicted. When the judge read him his rights, Pittman said, Jesus Christ is Lord. Pittman is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary and detention hearing on Jan. 20. Mike Scott, the public defender representing Pittman, did not immediately return The Associated Press request for comment late Monday. This news puts a face and name to this tragedy, but does not change our resolve to proudly even defiantly continue Jewish life in Jackson in the face of hatred, the Beth Israel Congregation wrote in a statement. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she has instructed prosecutors to seek severe penalties, according to a statement provided by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Mississippi, Captured on Video The fire ripped through the Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson shortly after 3 a.m. on Saturday. No congregants or firefighters were injured. Security camera video released Monday by the synagogue showed a masked and hooded man using a gas can to pour liquid on the floor and a couch in the buildings lobby. The weekend fire badly damaged the 165-year-old synagogues library and administrative offices. Five Torahs the sacred scrolls with the text of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible located inside the sanctuary were being assessed for smoke damage. Two Torahs inside the library, where the most severe damage was done, were destroyed. One Torah that survived the Holocaust was behind glass and was not damaged in the fire, according to the congregation. The suspects father contacted the FBI and said his son had confessed to setting the building on fire. Pittman had texted his father a photo of the rear of the synagogue before the fire, with the message, Theres a furnace in the back. His father had pleaded with his son to return home, but Pittman replied back by saying he was due for a homerun and I did my research,' the affidavit said. During an interview with investigators, Pittman said he had stopped at a gas station on his way to the synagogue to purchase the gas used in the fire. He also took the license plate off his vehicle at the gas station. He used an ax to break out a window of the synagogue, poured gas inside and used a torch lighter to start the fire, the FBI affidavit said. The FBI later recovered a burned cellphone believed to be Pittmans and took possession of a hand torch that a congregant had found. Congregation Determined to Rebuild Yellow police tape on Monday blocked off the entrances to the synagogue building, which was surrounded by broken glass and soot. Bouquets of flowers were laid on the ground at the buildings entrance including one with a note that said, Im so very sorry. The congregations president, Zach Shemper, has vowed to rebuild the synagogue and said several churches had offered their spaces for worship during the rebuilding process. Shemper attended Pittmans court appearance Monday but didnt comment afterward. With just several hundred people in the community, it has never been particularly easy being Jewish in Mississippis capital city, but members of Beth Israel have taken special pride in keeping their traditions alive in the heart of the Deep South. Nearly every aspect of Jewish life in Jackson could be found under Beth Israels roof. The midcentury modern building not only housed the congregation but also the Jewish Federation, a nonprofit provider of social services and philanthropy that is the hub of Jewish society in most U.S. cities. The building also is home to the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, which provides resources to Jewish communities in 13 southern states. A Holocaust memorial was outdoors behind the synagogue building. Because Jewish children throughout the South have attended summer camp for decades in Utica, Mississippi, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) southwest of Jackson, many retain a fond connection to the state and its Jewish community. Jackson is the capital city, and that synagogue is the capital synagogue in Mississippi, said Rabbi Gary Zola, a historian of American Jewry who taught at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati. I would call it the flagship, though when we talk about places like New York and Los Angeles, it probably seems like Hicksville. A Rabbi Who Stood Up to the KKK Beth Israel as a congregation was founded in 1860 and acquired its first property, where it built Mississippis first synagogue, after the Civil War. In 1967, the synagogue moved to its current location. It was bombed by local KKK members not long after relocating, and then two months after that, the home of the synagogues leader, Rabbi Perry Nussbaum, was bombed because of his outspoken opposition to segregation and racism. At a time when opposition to racial segregation could be dangerous in the Deep South, many Beth Israel congregants hoped the rabbi would just stay quiet, but Nussbaum was unshakable in believing he was doing the right thing by supporting civil rights, Zola said. He had this strong, strong sense of justice, Zola said. Photo: Boards cover the windows at the charred remains of the Beth Israel Congregation library, which was set on fire Jan. 12 in Jackson. (AP Photo / Sophie Bates) Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Mississippi The Cabinet of Ministers has instructed the Ministry of Health and the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection to monitor prices for medicines, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said. "Medicines must be affordable for everyone, especially in conditions where homes are cold due to shelling of the energy system and severe frosts. The government has instructed the Ministry of Health and the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection to monitor prices for medicines. If violations in markups are identified, the government will respond and fine such business entities," Svyrydenko wrote on her Telegram channel. According to her, a list of medicines will be defined for which the Ministry of Health, together with the State Medicines Service, will continuously monitor prices in pharmacies, and weekly reports will be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers. From their home on Charlestons, West Virginias West Side, Tina and Matt Glaspey watched the house on the corner of First Avenue and Fitzgerald Street go downhill fast. A family with a young daughter left because they didnt feel safe. The next owner died. After that, the police were responding regularly as people broke into the vacant home. The Glaspeys say that in just two years, the small brick house went from occupied to condemned, left without power or water, repeatedly entered by squatters. One day, we noticed a bright orange sticker on the door saying the building was not safe for habitation, Tina said. It shows how quickly things can turn, in just two years, when nothing is done to deal with these properties. City officials say the house is following the same path as hundreds of other vacant properties across Charleston, which slowly deteriorate until they become unsafe and are added to the citys priority demolition list, typically including about 30 buildings at a time. Until this year, a state program helped communities tear these buildings down, preventing them from becoming safety hazards for neighborhoods and harming property values. A statewide survey four years ago estimated that nearly 8,000 structures required demolition that would cost approximately $150 million. Lawmakers funded the effort using $30 million in federal pandemic relief funds to reimburse local governments. But that money is now depleted. There is no statewide demolition program left, no replacement funding, and no legislation to keep it running, leaving municipalities on their own to absorb the costs or leave vacant buildings standing. Across West Virginia, vacant properties increase while a state program designed to help runs out of money The states Demolition Landfill Assistance Program was established in 2021 and was funded a year later with federal COVID-19 recovery funds. Administered through the Department of Environmental Protection, the fund reimbursed local governments for the demolition of abandoned buildings that they couldnt afford on their own. The state survey was the first step in the program to determine the scope of the need and assess local government capacity to address it. It was distributed to all 55 counties and more than 180 municipalities. In just two years, about 1,800 structures were demolished. Currently, about 240 demolitions are ongoing, but the last of the states funding has been dispersed. However, the need is far greater. Carrie Staton, director of the West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center, has worked with communities on abandoned buildings for about 14 years. She said most counties dont have the resources, funding or staffing to manage dilapidated housing on their own. Were just so rural and so universally rural. Other states have at least a couple of major metro areas that can support this work, she said. We dont. It just takes longer to do everything. Charleston has Spent Millions Demolishing Vacant Buildings As the states largest city, Charleston has more tools than most local governments, including access to federal funds that smaller communities dont have. That has allowed the city to spend more than $12 million over the past seven years demolishing over 700 unsafe and dilapidated structures. But John Butterworth, a planner for the city, said Charleston still relied on state demolition funding to help cover those costs, which averaged about $10,000 per property, including any environmental cleanup. Its a real cost, he said. Its a necessary one to keep neighbors safe, but it is very expensive. He said the city received $500,000 from the state program during its last round of funding to help tear down properties that drew repeated complaints from neighbors. I think people are really relieved when we can say that the house thats been boarded up for a year or more is coming down, he said. Where the concern often comes from neighbors is, what comes next? One vacant home on Grant Street had fallen into disrepair before being demolished in May of last year. Cracks filled the walls. Dirt and moldy debris were caked on the floors. Broken glass and boarded-up windows littered the property as plants overtook the roof and yard. Eventually, the city was able to get the owner to donate the property, which was then given to Habitat for Humanity as part of its home-building program. Now, the property is being rebuilt from scratch. Construction crews have already built the foundation, porch and frame, and it is expected to be finished within the year after its groundbreaking last October. Andrew Blackwood, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha and Putnam counties, said the property stood for at least five years, deteriorating. The home had signs of vandalism and water damage and was completely unsalvageable. He said that of the 190 homes the organization has built in both counties, nearly 90% of them have been complete rebuilds after the previous structure was demolished. A Statewide Problem Without a Statewide Plan Lawmakers have said they recognize the scale of the problem, but none have proposed other ways for tearing down dangerous structures. Fayette County used state demolition money as it was intended, which was to tear down unsafe buildings that had become public safety hazards to nearby residents. With help from the state program, the county tore down 75 dilapidated structures, officials said, removing some of the most dangerous properties while continuing to track the progress of others through a countywide system. County leaders hoped to expand their demolition efforts on their own this year, but those plans have been put on hold. The county had to take over operations of a local humane society after it faced closure and will need to fundraise, said John Breneman, president of the Fayette County Commission. Former Sen. Chandler Swope, R-Mercer, said that kind of budget pressure is exactly why he pushed for state involvement in demolition funding. Swope, who helped create the state fund for the demolition of dilapidated buildings in 2021, said the idea grew from what he saw in places where population loss left empty homes, which local governments had no way to tear down. They didnt have any money to tear down the dilapidated properties, so I decided that that should be a state obligation because the state has more flexibility and more access to funding, he said. Swope said hed always viewed the need as ongoing, even as state budgets shift from year to year. I visualized it as a permanent need. I didnt think you would ever get to the point where it was done, he said. I felt like the success of the program would carry its own priority. But four years later, that funding is gone, and lawmakers havent found a replacement. Other states, meanwhile, have created long-term funding for demolition and redevelopment. Ohio, for example, operates a statewide program that provides counties with annual demolition funding. Funds are appropriated from the state budget by lawmakers. Staton said West Virginias lack of a plan leaves communities stuck. Abandoned buildings are in every community, and every legislator has constituents who are dealing with this, she said. They know its just a matter of finding the funding. And back on the West Side, the Glaspeys are left staring at boarded windows and an overgrown yard across the street. Matt said, Sometimes you think, whats the point of fixing up your own place if everything around you is collapsing? ___ This story was originally published by Mountain State Spotlight and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.Tre Spencer is the reporter. Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Colorado cracked open the culture of secrecy around salaries when it started forcing employers to include pay ranges in job postings. It also sparked an international trend. Since the states rule took effect in 2021, about a dozen other states across the U.S. have adopted similar requirements, and the European Union will follow suit later this year. Pay-transparency laws aim to make it easier for workers to gauge their worth in the labor market and compare job opportunities. Theyre also meant to make it harder for employers to underpay people who might not fully grasp their bargaining power, one driver of the gender wage gap. The effectiveness of pay-transparency laws has been mixed, but interest in them remains high, with at least another dozen states considering legislation. Colorado was an unlikely trailblazer in the drive to shine a light on pay. While an early mover in legalizing marijuana and advancing green energy, it doesnt have the reliably progressive politics of California. Nor does it have the powerful organized-labor interests of New York. But in 2019, conditions were ripe for a salary disclosure law to pass in Denver. The state had become a magnet for a new generation of tech workers who saw little taboo in discussing salaries. The national #MeToo movement had reignited interest in womens rights and equal pay, areas where state lawmakers tried to make inroads decades before. And with Democrats in control of the governors mansion and both statehouse chambers for the first time in years, previously stalled bills got passed in a legislature with one of the largest shares of women lawmakers in the country. There was just more fertile ground here, said Michael Bell, an employment lawyer at Ogletree Deakins in Denver. Colorados law requires employers to specify pay ranges, as well as related benefits such as healthcare, in all job postings. It also bars them from asking job candidates about their pay history or using it to determine wages, practices that have been found to perpetuate the pay discrimination often faced by women. When the law passed, women in the state were earning 80 cents for every $1 paid to men with similar qualifications, according to the National Womens Law Center. By 2024, relative wages for women averaged 85 cents. Colorados pay-transparency rules coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic and the rise of remote work. Companies advertising remote roles initially tried to sidestep the states salary-posting requirement by barring Colorado residents from applying. But other states including California, New York and Washington soon adopted pay-transparency laws of their own, making it more difficult to avoid posting salary ranges. As the policies spread, employers grew more likely to post salary ranges in job ads even in states without disclosure mandates, according to an analysis by the National Womens Law Center in 2024. Disclosure rules took effect in five more states in 2025: Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont and Massachusetts. This year, EU countries will enact rules mandating the inclusion of pay ranges in advertised positions, and in 2027, companies in the EU must report their mean and median gender pay gaps. Jessie Danielson, one of the state senators who introduced the Colorado bill, said she has since advised counterparts in other states on building support for equal-pay legislation. In Colorado, Danielson and her supporters on the pay-transparency bill could draw on the states history of championing women. Colorado was one of the first states to grant women the right to vote and also was the first to elect women to its legislature, in the 1890s. Nevertheless, the fight in the statehouse for wage equality was a decades-long slog. Former State Senator Polly Baca, the first Hispanic woman in Colorados legislature, said she and other Democrats introduced pay-equality bills year after year in the 1980s. She was encouraged to find bipartisan support for at least one of her proposals, but the bills kept failing. Baca said she was motivated by her own experiences in the 1960s, when she was working at a labor union newspaper and learned that a male colleague earned more for the same job. Baca eventually got a pay raise but the frustration spurred her to tackle wage discrimination as a lawmaker, she said. Promoting equal pay is only one way of addressing gender gaps in the workplace. There needs to be fair access to education, childcare, transportation and paid family leave so that everyone can participate in the workforce, said Louise Myrland of the Womens Foundation of Colorado, which advocated for the states wage-transparency law. Business groups including the National Federation of Independent Business and Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce argue that Colorados transparency rules place heavy administrative and legal burdens, especially on smaller companies that lack compliance staff and could be subject to fines of up to $10,000 per violation. Its a laudable goal, said Denver Metro Chamber President J.J. Ament, but it was made by policymakers who dont understand how hard it is for a small business to comply and the risks that have been created if they make a mistake. Larger firms have also faced penalties. Defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp. paid a $79,500 fine in 2022, while social media company Twitter Inc., now called X, paid about $28,000 that same year, according to Colorados labor department. Healthcare company DaVita Inc. settled for a $298,000 penalty in 2025. A Lockheed spokeswoman said in a statement that the company is committed to fair treatment and equal opportunity, and complies in good faith with all nondiscrimination and pay-transparency laws. DaVita, based in Denver, said in a statement that a small portion of its public job listings had inadvertently omitted information required by the Colorado law and has since made sure those details are now included. X didnt return emails seeking comment. The Colorado Restaurant Association and Foundation said expenses tied to the transparency rules are negligible compared with the rising cost of food and rent faced by restaurants today. The group, which opposed the law, helped to amend it in 2023, securing changes to ensure pay ranges can account for things like experience and location, and to allow for wage negotiations without reposting jobs, a CRAF spokeswoman said. Initial studies of the effects of pay-transparency laws have been mixed. A 2025 study by academics at University of California, San Diego and University of Southern California found that Colorados law bolstered competition in the labor market, while wages increased as much as 3.6%. But a national study from 2023 published in Econometrica, a journal of the Econometric Society, found that transparency policies weakened workers individual bargaining power. Many employers chose not to raise wages for any one worker because doing so could spur costly renegotiations with other employees, the researchers said. Meanwhile, national data show wage gaps have recently widened. Women working full-time were paid 81 cents for every dollar paid to men in 2024, down from 84 cents two years prior, according to the National Womens Law Center. Democrats in Congress last year introduced a bill to require salary range disclosures nationwide. Its still sitting in committee. Meanwhile, the Trump White Houses hostility to gender-equality efforts has further elevated the need for state governments to step in, said Danielson, the Colorado legislator. It makes the work that the states have done and will do, especially on things like womens rights, workers rights, equal pay, more important than I ever thought, she said. Top photo: Former Colorado state legislator Polly Baca in Denver. Photographer: Jimena Peck/Bloomberg. Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics Talent Irish tillage farmers have warned their struggling sector is a sign of what is to come for the Irish beef industry. "Do not allow the same mistakes to be made," Irish Grain Growers Group chairperson James Kelly told the crowd protesting the Mercosur trade deal[/url[ in Athlone on Saturday. Mr Kelly said Ireland produces "some of the world's highest quality beef and cereals", but explained the costs of meeting EU agricultural and climate standards meant produce here could not compete with imports from South America. "We, as Irish tillage farmers, have been dealing with and competing with Mercosur countries for decades now," he said. "...We simply cannot be opposing Mercosur beef while feeding our livestock with Mercosur feedstuffs. "We know the impact 40% of the Irish tillage area has been lost in the past 40 years. The unlevel playing field is real for Irish tillage farmers. "Ireland imported 750,000t of Mercosur feedstuffs in 2023, a similar figure in 2024, much of which is genetically modified technology banned from use in the EU. We call on farmers to reject these grains and insist that their suppliers prioritise Irish grain, or EU grain in its absence. "Last year, the EU exported 40 million tonnes of grain and feedstuff," he said, calling on livestock producers to publicly declare the volume of imported and local grain they use. "The husbandry of the crops to provide the Mercosur feedstuffs uses chemicals banned in the EU for reasons including human health and environmental impact," he said. Mr Kelly also called for the Irish Government to follow the example of the French, who have moved to block imports of plant products containing traces of five pesticides that are already banned in the EU. West Cork Music has topped the list of Cork organisations receiving funding from the Arts Councils development programme. The Bantry-based organisation which runs three annual festivals through the summer Chamber Music Festival, Literary Festival, and Masters of Tradition was awarded 510,000. Nationally, a total of 72.3m was awarded by the Arts Council to 148 arts organisations, arts centres, and other projects. Organisations based in Co Cork will receive 4,107,690. When Kaouther Ben Hania heard Hind Rajabs voice for the first time, she was in Los Angeles airport scrolling through social media. The five-year-olds cry for help cut through the clamour around her. This was in February 2024 and Hind had already been dead for at least a week, left to bleed out among the corpses of six of her relatives after their car was targeted by an Israeli tank, leaving it with 335 bullet holes, according to the Forensic Architecture research group. More than 20,000 Palestinian children were killed in two years of Israeli bombardment of Gaza, according to UN estimates. Dozens more have been killed since October 10, 2025, when a ceasefire was declared and then routinely breached. The pictures of the dead have often been published online, including those of Hind, showing her dressed in pink with a floral tiara, or smiling in an oversized academic cap and gown, but her voice also remains to haunt the world after her death. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) posted audio recordings of her last hours, made by the organisations emergency call centre via a mobile phone in the car, as Hind repeatedly, desperately, appealed for someone to rescue her. On the same recording, we can hear the increasingly fraught workers at the centre promising her help would soon be on the way. When Ben Hania heard Hinds voice, it brought her to an abrupt halt in the airport terminal, as travellers milled around her. This was a young child calling on adults to protect her amid the appeal of Palestine to be saved from genocide and on both counts, the world had failed. When I heard her voice, for that millisecond, it felt as if she was asking me to save her, she says. There was something very immediate in her voice, and it was very shocking. The Tunisian director was between stops on a US tour promoting her latest film, having already begun work on her next. But she immediately cleared her calendar so she could start a new film based around Hinds voice. It was in my head for days and days, says Ben Hania of a film that had its Irish premiere at Cork International Film Festival last November. The Voice Of Hind Rajab director Kaouther Ben Hania, centre, with actors Clara Khoury and Saja Kilani. Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images "I felt a very strong sense of sadness and helplessness. I was wondering, What can I do? The only thing I know how to do is make movies. The outline of the film began to take shape as Ben Hania researched the circumstances of the recording. She found out the clips the PRCS had put online were just fragments. They had recorded the whole call, lasting three hours, and they sent it all to Ben Hania. Listening to all of it, knowing how it would end, was one of the most difficult things Ive heard in my life, she says. There was one last thing to be done before starting work calling Hinds mother, Wissam Hamada, who was in mourning in Gaza. I told her, I want to do a movie. Tell me if you dont want me to and I wont do it. And she told me, I dont want my daughter to be forgotten. I want justice for my daughter. So if this movie can help, do it please. So it started. The result, called simply The Voice of Hind Rajab, is a dramatic recreation of the tragedy as it unfurled in the narrow confines of the Red Crescent call centre, with actors playing the roles of the four emergency workers who were on the other end of the line but Hinds voice is her own. The actors respond to the real voice, trying to encourage and console Hind as the emergency workers had done, recreating the agony of their ultimate failure. Many films contain images that cannot be unseen. The Voice of Hind Rajab cannot be unheard. Ben Hania succeeded in the task Hamada entrusted her with, to make her daughter unforgettable. As Ben Hania puts it: To honour her voice and make it echo. Hinds insistent cries for someone, anyone, to come to get me can never now be silenced. They summon up the unfathomable cruelty of Israels campaign in Gaza, and the collective failure of the rest of the world to stop the killing. Ben Hania, who is speaking to me during a recent visit to London, has situated the film somewhere in the borderland between drama and documentary, where she has made her career. Her film studies thesis at the Sorbonne University in Paris explored that frontier. Her first film, Challatt Tunes ('The Blade of Tunis'), was a mockumentary about sexism and violence against women in Tunisia, and her later works have ranged from dramas loosely based on true stories to an intimate documentary about a young Tunisian girl exiled in Canada. The frontier between the genres is something like the frontier between countries, she says. When you are walking, you dont realise when youve entered another country. A mural tribute to Hind Rajab, at Izz Cafe in Cork. Pictured are artist Blanca Cabrera Rice and cafe owner Izz Alkarajeh. Picture: Clare Keogh Ben Hanias film Four Daughters, which she was promoting in early 2024 when she heard Hinds voice, is about a Tunisian mother called Olfa Hamrouni, who has four girls, two of whom have embraced radical Islam and left to join Islamic State. Since Im drawn to real stories, I always ask myself what is the best form to tell the story, the 48-year-old says. Film-making is about making choices where to tell the story, how to tell it, in which way, in which form. And to make those choices, I always try to stay faithful to the first moment I encountered the story what I felt. Because cinema is about emotion. During the process of making The Voice of Hind Rajab, she kept going back to the first time she heard that voice and what she felt. This sense of helplessness. I thought, If I am feeling this, what was it like for the real people who were listening? What they felt is a condensation of what we are feeling so many of us around the world about what is happening in Gaza. This sense of helplessness. Nobody can reach her to help. The film acutely conveys the torment of the two men and two women who are in the emergency call centre. They know there is an ambulance in Gaza City, just a few minutes away from Hind and ready to go. But the PRCS has to formally request, through intermediaries, the Israeli armys permission to approach the area. That permission does not come for hours, as the wounded girl audibly begins to fade. Send the ambulance anyway, the younger man in the call centre demands, at the end of his tether. But his boss has seen too many ambulance workers die. Their pictures are up on his wall and he has pledged to resign if any more are killed on his watch. In the end, the green light finally comes, but Hind cannot be saved. A scene from 'The Voice of Hind Rajab'. Even though the audience knows how the story ends, it is still heartbreaking. It is easier to look away than to witness the killing of a child in harrowing detail. Ben Hania feared her film could simply fade into obscurity, a subtitled Arabic tale of something too hard to face. But at a critical moment, a group of Hollywood stars including Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara, together with directors Alfonso Cuaron and Jonathan Glazer stepped in to back the project as executive producers. The film was picked by the Venice film festival where it premiered in September, receiving a 23-minute standing ovation, the longest in the festivals history. It could have gone on longer, but the cinema had to be cleared so the next movie could be shown. It was only at that moment that Ben Hania realised she had managed to pierce, however fleetingly, the global impassivity that has surrounded two years of slaughter in Gaza. So many children have been killed that we are entering a zone of amnesia and insensitivity, she says. Were numb, but cinema, literature and art can change things. At some point, you are done explaining. It is now about feeling what it is like to be in someone elses shoes. That is another level and cinema can do this. The Voice of Hind Rajab is released in Ireland on Friday, January 16. The 6.30pm screening on Friday, January 16, at the IFI in Dublin will be followed by a Q&A with director Kaouther Ben Hania and producer Nadim Cheikhrouha The Guardian The States human rights commission and the prisons inspector are to discuss legal concerns over potential breaches of European laws caused by the prison overcrowding crisis. Chief Inspector of Prisons Mark Kelly told the Oireachtas justice committee that he was due to meet the head of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (Ihrec) on the subject. He said Ihrec has certain statutory powers which include the ability to take legal action against the State for breaches of human rights. When asked by Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon whether Ireland was in breach, Mr Kelly said that it was a judicial matter to determine. But he said the head of the Council of Europes Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) had warned that conditions in Irish prisons could amount to a violation of Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights (regarding prohibition of ill-treatment). The executive secretary of CPT, Hugh Chetwynd, also said that, in his opinion, litigation claiming a breach of Article 3 would stand a high chance of success. I would very much agree with that, Mr Kelly said. His comments came during a hearing to discuss the escalating overcrowding crisis. Prison numbers rose from 5,000 at the end of 2024 to 5,800 by December 2025. Maximum capacity of just over 4,700. 'Revolving door' Mr Kelly said more than 600 prisoners were sleeping on mattresses on floors in shared cells, often beside open toilets. He said the "revolving door is back", with prison staff telling people just remanded to prison that they could be "back home this evening" because jails were beyond full. He said that after over 30 years of inspecting prisons in 46 member states of the Council of Europe, the conditions in Irish prisons were amongst the worst. It is ironic that almost everyone agrees that the current situation is completely unacceptable, yet it continues to worsen day by day." 'Not sustainable' Labour TD Alan Kelly said that if the current rate of increase continued in the next four to five years, prison numbers could reach 10,000. The prison inspector said he has spoken to successive ministers of justice and told them this trend was absolutely not sustainable. He said more prisons were not the answer and that a whole of Government response was needed, involving: Major investment in the Probation Service and community sanctions, particularly as an alternative to short prison sentences; Significant increase in housing for homeless people both charged with crimes and when released from prisons; A major expansion by the HSE in community psychiatric facilities to help prevent offending by people with psychiatric issues, and also to house and care for those who do commit crimes; Continuation of addiction services in the community for recovering drug users released from prison. Assaults on prison staff Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly expressed concern at the impact on prison officers. She said 110 prison staff were assaulted by prisoners last year and that more than 200 left the service last year due to injuries they had received. Mr Kelly said he was "worried" that the high attrition rate experienced in England and Wales caused by overcrowding, adding that this worsening violence could be replicated in Ireland. The High Court has ordered the release of Enoch Burke from prison again after Mr Justice Brian Cregan said he wanted to give the teacher an opportunity to properly prepare a new case he is bringing. But Mr Burke told the judge that he was still an employee of Wilsons Hospital School in Westmeath and would be immediately returning "for work" when released. He has now been more than 560 days in prison for repeatedly trespassing on the school which dismissed him due to his conduct. The judge said Mr Burke had had an "unparalleled ability" to shoot himself in the foot but said despite his comments he would order his release. The judge expected the school to immediately return to court to inform it of any further breach of an order prohibiting trespass by Mr Burke on the school and he would be re-committed to prison. Mr Burke's latest case is a challenge to the composition of a Disciplinary Appeals Panel (DAP) which will hear an appeal against his dismissal. The case was before the court for an update on his challenge to the DAP which was due to hear his appeal on January 10 but was postponed after he took new High Court proceedings claiming one of its members, teacher Geraldine O'Brien, was objectively biased and had prejudged the matter. Last year, Mr Burke succeeded in a Court of Appeal challenge to another member of the DAP. Mr Justice Cregan on Wednesday said that having reflected on the papers in Mr Burke's latest challenge he had decided Mr Burke "needs time to focus on the issues in this case and properly prepare for the hearing". In order to allow him do so, the judge said he was directing his release from prison today. "I am doing this for one reason only and it is in the interests of justice that he has the time to do so". However, he stressed that the court order preventing him from trespass remains in force and if he breaches it he will be sent back to prison. Mr Burke, who appeared via video link from Mountjoy Prison, said he found it hard to take the the judge's "new found interest in the interests of justice". He said he wanted to put it on record: I don't find it in the slightest bit credible that the release is because the court is interested in the interests of justice. The judge told him it was his view Mr Burke was somewhat hamstrung in preparing his new case in which he had raised credible points. His decision to release him was made in the proper of administration of justice and whether Mr Burke accepted it or not was a "matter of complete indifference to me". Following the giving of directions in relation to the exchange of papers between Mr Burke and the DAP over the next two weeks, Mr Burke told the judge he had every intention of returning to the school upon release and whether today or tomorrow "I will be at my workplace". Rosemary Mallon BL, for the school, asked the case be either put in for mention before the court tomorrow afternoon or else reconsider its decision to release him in light of his comments. Mr Burke said what was flabbergasting was the court was releasing him "not because of the interests of justice but because it has fallen into a pit" and because of the "most flagrant breach of justice". He said "that was why the court is proposing the U-turn". He also said the court was not being straightforward about the reason for releasing him. The judge told him he was "quite wrong on almost every" front and reminded him of his (judge's) most recent judgment on the matter. Nevertheless he was going to direct that he be released. The judge said: "Your observations are nonsense and this is an opportunity for you to properly prepare your case". Mr Burke said: I can do that in the cell, it is black and white. At this point, one of Mr Burke's brothers, Simeon, a barrister who appeared in person in his barrister's outfit, said he was representing his brother. When asked by the judge twice was he Simeon Burke, he only replied that he was Enoch's brother. The judge told him he was Simeon and a member of the Bar and he had no right of audience and would not hear from him. Simeon told him what "you are directing is a trap". The judge told him he was asking him to leave the court and when he refused to do so, the judge rose asking the gardai to remove him. He left voluntarily at that point. An earlier online interruption of the proceedings by another brother, Isaac, was cut short when the judge ordered his audio be muted. When the case resumed, the judge reiterated his comments that Enoch would be returned to prison immediately if he turned up at the school again. Mr Burke told him: "You are letting me out because you are caught". At that point, his audio was also muted by the court. The judge said this was "more of your nonsense" which was extraordinary and he had set out his reasons for releasing him. The DAP challenge case was adjourned to February 4. George Nkencho took out a knife and raised it above his head in his first interaction with gardai a short time before he was shot dead by armed officers outside his family home in west Dublin five years ago, an inquest has heard. A local resident, Richard Desay, told a sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court that he witnessed Mr Nkencho waving a large knife in the direction of gardai after they had approached him on a green area near the Eurospar store in Hartstown on December 30, 2020. Mr Nkencho, aged 27, suffered fatal gunshot wounds after a stand-off subsequently developed between him and members of the Garda Armed Support Unit outside his family home at Manorfields Drive, Clonee, Co Dublin, a short time later. The young man, the eldest of five siblings whose family originally come from Nigeria, was pronounced dead a short time later at Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown. The deceaseds family claim the level of force used against him was disproportionate. The opening day of the inquest on Tuesday had heard evidence that Mr Nkencho had carried out an unprovoked assault on a manager at the Eurospar store and threatened staff with a knife at around midday. Mr Desay gave evidence that he had seen two Garda cars including one unmarked vehicle drive onto the green area at the Cherryfield estate in Hartstown from an upstairs bedroom window of his home. He said Mr Nkencho had immediately become jumpy after the vehicles tried to block his path and began shouting and waving a knife at gardai in an agitated fashion. The witness said the deceased seemed to take one or two steps backwards before moving towards gardai. Mr Desay, who captured some of the incident on his mobile phone, recalled there was a significant flash of light when the blade caught some sunlight. He also remembered being concerned about the safety of one garda who became isolated and potentially trapped by the railings of a nearby school. According to the witness, gardai then got back in their vehicles and followed after Mr Nkencho. Mr Desay said two other Garda vehicles including one with members of the Armed Support Unit arrived on the scene shortly afterwards. Conflicting testimony He denied the suggestion by another eyewitness that gardai had charged towards Mr Nkencho with their batons. That definitely did not happen, said Mr Desay. In a written deposition, a young male who was on the green with two friends, Kevin Nolan, said gardai had charged towards the deceased who put his hands in his pocket as if he was looking for something. Mr Nolan said he did not see Mr Nkencho with a knife but heard him question gardai why they were following him. A short time later, he heard five or six bang noises, although he did not think they were gunshots. When he got to Manorfields Drive, the witness saw a young male shouting: They shot my brother. Short videos of the green area and outside Mr Nkenchos home that had been posted on social media by the witness were also shown to the jury. 'Not fazed' Another eyewitness, Aideen Hughes, said it looked like Mr Nkencho was ignoring gardai and just continued on his way home after they shouted at him. She recalled that he did not appear too fazed. Ms Hughes, who was with her mother and 18-month-old daughter, said he then made a gesture which suggested he had a knife. She outlined how Mr Nkencho had already come to their attention as he had come into the post office attached to the Eurospar store a short time beforehand. Ms Hughes said they had heard high-pitched, panicked screaming a few minutes earlier and had seen staff intimate that something serious had occurred. She recalled feeling that Mr Nkencho had been involved in the commotion when he appeared in the post office as he seemed unkempt with dishevelled hair and no face mask. Ms Hughes said she believed he was in a state of mental health, shock or drugs. The witness, who was pregnant at the time, said she was very relieved to walk out of the post office past Mr Nkencho. Post office queue The inquest earlier heard evidence from other witnesses that Mr Nkencho had queued for almost 10 minutes in the post office without any incident after he had carried out an unprovoked assault on an assistant manager in the Eurospar store. Postmistress, Martina Sheils, told the hearing that she saw customers leaving the queue for the post office around 12 midday due to hearing angry shouting in the adjoining supermarket. Ms Sheils said a man she was serving also left as he said he knew the individual causing the commotion. She said the customer returned to say he had sorted it out and had told Mr Nkencho he could not be behaving like that in the post office. The postmistress said other customers were nervous when Mr Nkencho then joined and waited in the queue for the post office for nine minutes before she served him. Ms Sheils said he was looking for his social welfare payment. However, she said Mr Nkencho had been given two weeks pay on December 21 and told him he was not due his next payment until the following Monday. The postmistress said he was fine and had no issue when told that his next payment was not due until five days later. He just said OK and walked out, she recalled. Another witness, Gavin Pritchard, told the inquest that he had been queuing in the post office when he saw a man screaming and shouting but not making sense. He gave evidence that he realised that he knew the individual and approached him saying: Its Gav. You know me. CCTV footage shown to the coroner and jury recorded Mr Pritchard bringing Mr Nkencho outside the store and appearing to calm him down. Mr Pritchard said Mr Nkencho seemed to recognise him and stated he just wanted to go to the post office. George Nkencho's mother, Blessing, arrives at the Dublin District Coroners Court for the second day of the inquest into his death. Photo: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie He recalled that the deceased seemed to calm down and joined the queue in the post office. Mr Pritchard admitted that something didnt seem right with Mr Nkencho. However, while he did not believe Mr Nkencho was under the influence of anything, he felt he was not in the right frame of mind and looked lost. Mr Pritchard said he had last previously seen Mr Nkencho in 2014 when they were both completing an FAI coaching course where he recalled the deceased as a quiet lad. A butcher working in the Eurospar, Gerard Doran, said he had witnessed the incident after seeing the stores assistant manager, Wayne Swords, holding his face with blood everywhere. Mr Doran said Mr Nkencho was very agitated and angry and behaving in an angry, menacing manner. He recalled that the deceased had put his hand in his pocket several times but had not taken anything out. Mr Doran said he was amazed to see Mr Nkencho join the queue in the post office and thought it was unbelievable that he had returned to the post office after having been brought outside the store by another member of the public. The Eurospar manager, Niall Kinahan, told the inquest that he was concerned from Mr Nkenchos body language that he might turn on him or others. Mr Kinahan gave evidence that he had stood at the entrance to the post office to try and gesture at other customers to leave the queue and to keep others from joining it. In reply to questions from the coroner, Myra Cullinane, he said he had allowed Mr Nkencho to join the queue in the post office because of his demeanour. 'On edge' Mr Kinahan said the deceased had been pacing and bouncing around and making grunting noises outside the store beforehand, while his eyes were big and bulbous. He was definitely on edge, he added. The store manager said he also gestured to Mr Nkencho that it was OK and to work away. Mr Kinahan said he knew Mr Nkencho to see as a customer from numerous visits to the store when he recalled that he used to appear somewhat lifeless or on medication. A customer, George Melia, said he was aware something was not right when he entered the Eurospar store as there were anxious looks on the faces of others who were all staring in the same direction. Mr Melia said he passed Mr Nkencho and they both looked at each other without saying anything. As he was leaving the Hartstown Shopping Centre, Mr Melia said he saw three Garda patrols heading towards the Eurospar store and gestured to them that Mr Nkencho had gone in another direction. The inquest before a jury of five women and five men will resume on Thursday morning. The man who denies murdering a 28-year-old Brazilian woman in Cork City was videoing her as she danced with another man at a New Years Eve party several hours before her death, a witness told his murder trial. The trial of Miller Pacheco continues today at the Central Criminal Court in Cork where he denies the murder of Bruna Fonseca at his apartment at Liberty Street in Cork on January 1, 2023. Maria Fonseca told the trial of Miller Pacheco that she and her aunt, Mr Pachecos former girlfriend, Bruna Fonseca, went to a special New Years Eve party for Brazilians in the Oyster Tavern in Cork where they met Mr Pacheco. Senior counsel Bernard Condon asked her: Was Bruna dancing with some guy? She replied: Yes, he (the accused) was recording video of Bruna with a man. Maria said her aunt arrived in Cork before the accused and that her relationship with Miller only lasted three days, or maybe a week, after he arrived in Cork in December. She said of the deceased: She was afraid Miller would harm himself. Bruna was never afraid of Miller. The young woman testified that Miller was following Bruna around at a New Years Eve party despite the fact that she was trying to avoid him and did not want to speak to him. We went there about 10pm I did see Miller there later, at around 11pm, I just said Hello he was trying to speak to Bruna he was following us around all the time we were trying to get away from him, Maria said. Maria said that earlier that night she met her aunt after she finished work on the evening of December 31, 2022, and she was upset and crying as she had found a knife in a bag belonging to Miller and she feared he was going to try and harm himself with it. I met Bruna in Marcelas flat on Barrack St that evening she was upset because she had found a knife in Millers bag and she was afraid Miller was going to harm himself, she said. The court heard today that Miller Pacheco (pictured) was following Bruna Fonseca 'all the time' at a party on the night of her death. File picture: Dan Linehan Marias mother, Izabel Fonseca, older sister of the deceased, testified that Miller and Bruna broke up some time after January 2022 but that they got back together closer to the time that Bruna was travelling to Ireland and he later followed her to Ireland. She recalled that Miller frequently phoned and contacted Bruna and that they got back together shortly before coming to Ireland. Bruna came over first and Miller followed shortly afterwards. He was not happy that she came over before him. Asked why her sister came to Ireland, Izabel said: It was her dream always. As for Miller coming to Ireland, the witness said: He never had the will to come. Paramedic testimony Sergeant Colin Dowling who is trained as a paramedic responded to a call to Liberty Street at 6.30am on January 1, 2023. Initially he was told that there was a report of a male with a knife and that a female had possibly been killed in an apartment. Sgt Dowling met two gardai at the scene who were with Miller Pacheco. The accused gave gardai a key so that they could access his apartment. When we went into the apartment it was clean, there was nothing out of place. I thought there was nobody present. The bed was completely made. There did not appear to be anyone in the bed. Garda Aoife McCarthy thought she observed feet at the headboard side. I pulled the duvet over. I observed Ms Fonseca in the bed lying on her back. She was not responsive, Sgt Dowling said. The sergeant lifted her to the floor and began to administer CPR which was later performed by other gardai and paramedics. Sgt Dowling said that at 7.08am that morning, efforts to resuscitate by CPR were ceased. National ambulance paramedic Patrick McCarthy and fire officer Kevin McCann gave similar evidence today as they were also present at the scene that morning. The trial continues before Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford and a jury of seven women and five men. One of Cork City FCs most famous players George OCallaghan was formally arrested and charged on Wednesday with the theft of more than 23,000 from a fitness centre where he worked about five years ago. Detective Garda Robert McCarthy arrested George OCallaghan, of Lisduff, Whitechurch, Co Cork, for the purpose of charging him on Wednesday at Cork District Court. Sergeant John Dineen said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial by indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court or the entry of a signed plea of guilty by the accused. Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said a book of evidence would not be required and Mr OCallaghan would enter a signed guilty plea immediately. He admits the offence, Mr Buttimer said. The single charge against the 46-year-old was brought under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 and it states that: On dates between August 1, 2020, and December 23, 2021, at Anytime Fitness, Eastgate, Ballincollig, Co Cork, in the District Court area of Cork City, he did steal property, to wit, 23,645, the property of Holohan Fitness Ltd, trading as Anytime Fitness. Mr Buttimer applied for free legal aid saying: He is not in receipt of income, he lost his situation arising out these difficulties. Judge John King granted free legal aid for the solicitor and a barrister to represent the defendant. The case was sent forward from Cork District Court for sentencing at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on February 9. Sgt Dineen said there was no objection to bail and no conditions were required. Background details on how the matters that gave rise to the charge were not outlined in court, but it is anticipated such details will be given at the sentencing hearing in the circuit court. George OCallaghans football career included a five-year period with Cork City FC from 2002, and a spell in the UK at Ipswich Town. US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are planning to visit Moscow soon to meet with Vladimir Putin, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. " The people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations, said the meeting could take place this month but cautioned that plans werent finalized, and the timing could slip due to events in Iran where more than two weeks of unrest have roiled the country," the report said. A White House spokesman said no such meeting was currently planned. The Kremlin did not respond to a request for comment. It remains unclear how interested Putin is in this second meeting with US officials, one of the sources said. The discussions are expected to address security guarantees that the US and Europe will provide to Ukraine to ensure compliance with any peace deal, as well as the country's post-war reconstruction. A 59-year-old man squared up to gardai during a drunken incident in Cork City and verbally abused them, and now he has been given an eight-week suspended jail sentence. Alan Healy, of Cork Simon Community, appeared at Cork District Court, where he pleaded guilty to being so intoxicated he was a danger to himself or others and engaging in threatening behaviour during two separate incidents in Cork City. Judge John King imposed the suspended jail sentence. Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the difficulty that arose for Mr Healy was when he was released from a prison sentence in October and did not have any immediate arrangements for accommodation, he got involved in the offences on which he was charged and to which he pleaded guilty. Since that time, he has settled down with the assistance of the Simon Community which has organised full-time accommodation for him, as well as a key worker who is assisting him, Mr Buttimer said. Sergeant Gearoid Davis said on October 10 last, gardai observed two men acting aggressively on St Patrick Street, Cork. Gardai spoke with both parties. Alan Healy, of no fixed address, was intoxicated and became abusive in front of members of the public. Alan Healy told gardai to f*** off and squared up to Garda Michael Finn. He was arrested for being a danger to himself and others and using threatening and abusive language, Sgt Davis said. In a second incident in the city centre around this time, gardai received a report of a man being restrained following an assault on security staff. They arrived to see the defendant lying on the ground highly intoxicated. As they approached him, he was intoxicated, staggering and shouting and cursing at them. This male was identified as Alan Healy and was subsequently arrested and charged by Garda Aolfe McCarthy, Sgt Davis said. The "evil" stepmother who murdered a four-year-old boy in her care can now be named as 32-year-old Tegan McGhee after a judge lifted an order preventing publication of her identity. Mr Justice Paul McDermott yesterday sentenced McGhee, of no fixed abode, to life imprisonment for the murder of Mason O'Connell Conway at a house she was renting with the boy's father in Rathbane, Limerick City, on March 16, 2021. The child's father, 36-year-old John Paul O'Connell, was previously sentenced to seven years in prison, having pleaded guilty to endangerment, neglect, and impeding McGhee's apprehension or prosecution, knowing or believing she had murdered his son. Four-year-old Mason was found with serious injuries at a house in Rathbane, Limerick City, on March 13, 2021. He was pronounced dead three days later. Mr Justice McDermott also sentenced McGhee to four years and six months for two counts of child cruelty in the weeks and months leading up to the murder. The child cruelty sentences will run concurrently with the life sentence. Mr Justice McDermott extended his "deepest sympathies" to the child's mother, Elizabeth Conway, and the extended family. Numerous bruises The trial heard that on March 13, 2021, the child's father phoned emergency services, saying his son had fallen from the top bunk of his bed one hour earlier and could not be roused. When paramedics arrived they found the boy lying unresponsive on the floor of his bedroom. They rushed him to hospital and, despite emergency intervention and surgery, he did not recover. Medical professionals noted numerous bruises of various ages all over the child's face, head, torso, and legs that were indicative of non-accidental injuries or abuse. The father explained the injuries by saying that his son was the "the clumsiest child ever", adding that he had run into a door or been hurt playing football. However, it emerged during the stepmother's trial that he had been subjected to physical abuse for weeks. He spent four days grounded in his room before his stepmother shook him and struck his head off the floor. He had also suffered a blunt force injury to his abdomen that lacerated his liver. A pathologist found that either injury to the head or the liver would have caused death on their own. The defendant claimed that the boy was a "bold cheeky child" and often had to be grounded. When grounded, he was not allowed to leave his room other than to go to the toilet and had to sit on the floor, never his bed. The defendant told gardai that, on the day the boy suffered his fatal injuries, she "snapped" and recalled "shaking him and screaming at him to behave" before he fell on the floor. 'Fine, healthy little boy' In her statement earlier this week, the child's mother, Elizabeth Conway said her son was born in early 2016, a "fine, healthy little boy". She described him as a "clever little child who brought so much love and happiness into all our lives". When his sister played peekaboo with him or tickled him, he would laugh, making everyone else laugh. "He had the biggest smile and the most beautiful brown eyes. He was a perfect little boy," she said. When he potty-trained himself at just 18 months, he felt he was a "little man" and would insist on walking instead of going in his buggy. He adored his younger siblings and would insist on helping to care for them and would kiss and cuddle them, she said. One of Ms Conway's treasured possessions is a video of her son singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to his little sister. "He was such a caring little boy," she said. When he saw a homeless man sitting on the ground, he asked his mother to give the man a pizza and later that night he worried about him and sought assurance from his mother that he would be "okay". After receiving the "worst phone call any mother could get," Ms Conway recalled being in hospital with the boy's father and the defendant when doctors came to say there was nothing they could do. She made the "hardest decision a mother could make" to turn her son's life support off but, before that happened, O'Connell and McGhee asked to be left alone with him. She said: "I can only imagine what they were saying to my poor child's lifeless body." After the life support machine was switched off, she recalled watching her "beautiful little child's heartbeat go down and down" until he flatlined and she begged doctors to turn the machine back on. She planned the funeral herself, recalling how the child's father and stepmother "stood in God's holy house and said how much they loved him and that he was a superhero." She said his life was taken by "pure evil", by someone her son "loved and trusted". The HSE has apologised to the family of a woman who died after a home birth in Limerick, an inquest has heard. Laura Liston died on June 5, 2022, having given birth to a healthy baby boy at her home near Croom in Limerick. It was a planned homebirth under the HSE National Homebirth Service. Her husband, Fergal Mannion, told the coroners court in Kilmallock that Laura had always wanted to be a mother and his life stopped the day she died. Ms Liston had been transferred by ambulance after the birth to University Hospital Limerick, but she later died. The HSE apology was read into the court record by Oonah McCrane SC, on behalf of Ian Carter, integrated healthcare area manager, Acute and Older Person Services with HSE Midwest. He expressed profound sadness at the tragedy, and acknowledged the life-long impact this was having on the Liston and Mannion families. On behalf of the HSE, he offered a sincere and unreserved apology to the families. He said Ms Liston had trusted she would be safe during the home birth but he said that trust was broken. In the apology, he said learnings and improvement had been put in place but he accepted this was of no comfort to the grieving families. Family of the deceased Laura Liston at the inquest on Wednesday morning. Picture: Larry Cummins Mr Mannion became visibly distressed during the reading of his deposition, and much of this was read into the record by solicitor Scarlett Griffin O Sullivan on his behalf. He said he first met Laura about 20 years ago and then later reconnected, he described that meeting as love at first sight for him. They lived together in Dublin for six happy years and then decided to re-located to Limerick where she was from originally. They planned to build a house but faced delays, so by the time Laura became pregnant they were still living in a mobile home. This would be where the birth took place, and he gave evidence he still wondered if events might have been different otherwise. He told the court how the pregnancy went well and how they were looking forward to their future together. Ms Liston was attended two midwives during the birth. He told the court she used a birthing pool and the intention was to labour in the pool. Husband of deceased Laura Liston, Fergal Mannion and Scarlett O'Sullivan, Senior Associate, Callan Tansey Solicitors at the inquest on Wednesday morning. Picture: Larry Cummins HSE guidance at the time was that pregnant women could labour in a birthing pool during a homebirth, but must leave the pool to give birth. However, he said ultimately Ms Liston gave birth in the pool to their baby son. However, complications arose, and he described how at one point she was in horrendous pain and extremely pale. The midwives called the emergency services and two ambulances arrived. Ms Liston ultimately died at University Hospital Limerick. The primary midwife in the case, Sandra Healy, a self-employed community midwife working with the HSE Homebirth Service, also gave evidence on the first day of the inquest. The inquest continues. Meet the new highly trained team of search and rescue dogs, helping to save lives on land and sea by doing the vital work that no machine can do. These 13 dogs are part of Irelands first water search training programme and have been going through extraordinary drills with their handlers for the past three years. They will soon be tackling all types of missing persons cases across the country. [media=bbw[7098287[/media] The dogs showed off their remarkable skills to the Irish Examiner in Killarney National Park recently with their training officer Eadaoin OGorman, who will launch the countrys first dedicated cadaver/human remains detection water search dog training programme on January 25. Our programme is a collaboration between Hounds and Helis in Cork, Irelands Specialist Search and Rescue Dogs [ISSARD], and Killarney Water Rescue Search and Recovery, said Ms OGorman. Killarney Water Rescue Search and Recovery Team and ISSARD members training at Loch Lein, Killarney: Beccie Jeffers with Pepper, Claire Tangney, Donal Dux O'Donoghue, Kieran Caulfield, Lorraine O'Sullivan, Kathryn O'Callaghan with Rylec, Donna Weiner, Ajay Tom George, and Eadaoin O'Gorman with Murphy during their training at Lough Lein, Killarney. Picture: Dan Linehan It will focus on developing specialist dogs trained to detect human remains in water environments, an area of search capability that is increasingly in demand in Ireland. We work with most breeds; there is no one breed suitable. "Right now, we have Labradors, springer spaniels, collies, and Australian shepherds, and they work with their handlers, who are also their owners. People come to us with their dogs, and we know pretty early on if they are suitable to be trained. We train their owners too to become their handlers. Our current dogs have been training for the past three years. The dogs Yogi, Fidget, Pongo, Fern, and Chieftain are all schooled in man-trailing, following a persons unique scent trail to find them. Skyla, Lando, Coco, and Scout specialise in air scent by using their noses to detect the smell of human scent particles carried on the wind, working off the lead to cover large areas quickly to find missing people. Murphy, one of ISSARDs specialist search and rescue dogs, hard at work with Killarney Water Rescue Search and Recovery during training in 'man-trailing' and cadaver work at Loch Lein, Killarney National Park. Pictures: Dan Linehan The air-scent dogs identify any human scent, not a specific individual, by sniffing the air and zigzagging across terrain making them vital for finding unresponsive or lost people in vast outdoor environments like forests or mountains. Cadaver dogs trained to find remains Pepper, Murphy, Rosie, Biddy, and Rylee are cadaver dogs also known as human remains detection dogs. They are specially trained to use their powerful sense of smell to locate human decomposition scent and play a crucial role in helping the gardai and forensic experts to find missing people. Cadaver dogs are highly skilled and can detect airborne scent particles and play a crucial role in providing evidence and closure for families. Ms OGorman, who runs Hounds and Helis in Cork, set up the training unit after working with dogs for the past 15 years, first starting out in pharma before moving to Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland. I began working as the puppy programme supervisor for Munster, she said. "The organisation had mainly Labradors and golden retriever puppies in training with volunteer foster families. Then I set up Hounds and Helis in 2021, where I teach search and rescue dog training to pet dogs and operational search dogs. Killarney Water Rescue Search and Recovery member Lorraine OSullivan taking to the water as part of the teams training session. All members are volunteers who are ready at a moments notice to respond to a call to action. Picture: Dan Linehan Throughout the years, even when I worked in pharma, I was involved with search and rescue dogs. Traditionally, all we had in Ireland were air-scent dogs for missing person searches. "Air-scent dogs are ideal in the mountains as they work to search remote areas to find the missing person. But in recent years, searches have become more and more complex. We need dogs that can work in urban and populated areas to find a missing person. We do a lot of lowland and urban work with the dogs. Man-trailing dogs are vital in urban search and rescue and they can track an elderly person missing from home or follow a trail of a person who left a pub the night before but never made it home. No other resource, no machine or drone, can do that. During a search, the man-trailing dogs help look for missing people when they get the scent of the person who may have walked from their home and got lost, often by using a piece of their clothing. Donal Dux O'Donoghue and his partner Claire Tangney, who are members of the Killarney Water Rescue Search and Recovery team, during the specialist training at Lough Lein, Killarney. Picture: Dan Linehan Many of our teams dogs got started through Hounds and Helis, said Ms OGorman. They came along to a man-trailing introduction workshop with their dog for fun and got hooked. Some loved it so much that they wanted to use their dog to help their community, to find a missing person. It just grew from there. I began training the dogs and the team and holding seminars about the work we want to do. Rescue or recovery The searches sadly dont always result in finding someone alive. Sometimes you reach the stage where you just know its a recovery mission, thats when you need a cadaver dog to find the person, said Ms OGorman. You can train any dog, they see it as a sport, but you can find extra special dogs with extra grit, and you just know they are going to be successful. I know by now what dogs will work. They are fantastic, so intelligent. People really enjoy it. They have their handlers, and they just go to work. Eadaoin O'Gorman with her dog Murphy during the specialist search and rescue, 'man-trailing', and cadaver detection training at Loch Lein, Killarney National Park. Picture: Dan Linehan ISSARD has cadaver dogs, and the unit works on a voluntary basis. Each member is in full-time employment elsewhere. We are always on call, and sometimes you have to drop things and just go, said Ms OGorman. It is very interesting work, and it is a privilege to be able to use our skills with the dogs. Ms OGorman has been training the current handlers for three years due to the specialist work involved. She said: It takes a very long time to prepare the dog, and the handler they work together and live together you are always learning new skills. Vital volunteers With the current lack of a specialist dog unit for the State to conduct this work, Ms OGorman said there are simply not enough of these canines in the voluntary sector available to gardai and forensic teams. The group of 24 volunteers has a rescue phone number and receives calls from the public, gardai, or other search teams about missing people. They have also begun building connections with gardai across Ireland to help forge relationships with them. Ms OGorman said: We invite gardai to our training sessions and seminars, and have received great support from local inspectors here in Cork. We are big believers in transparency, and we are very clear about the work we do. Our day is a varied one sometimes its just about keeping on top of our training. We have training logbooks and assessments for both the handlers and dogs. The latest project, involving the Killarney Water Rescue Search and Recovery Unit, focuses on water-based searches. Unit chairman Kieran Caulfield said they joined forces to create an initiative that will lead to successful outcomes. I have worked in river rescue for years. There was a gap there for cadaver dogs at sea and inland waterways, said Mr Caulfield. They have the capability to pick up the scent of a deceased person under the water. "Training the dogs for this will involve being in a very tight-knit group. The dog will come out on the boat with its handler, and the driver of the boat will be there too. They all must know each other well to be involved in something as close as this type of search. He described the a major challenge to doing that because most dogs are trained on a lead. They simply drag you to the direction you need to go to, he said. In the boat, they cant do that, so it is crucial that the dog handler and person driving the boat are able to interpret the dogs indications and follow those. The handlers role is critical when it comes to communication, while the person driving the boat needs to understand the handler. Mr Caulfield said: The advantage of this is, we could be on a search for a person missing for a week, and we are searching by putting divers down, but we dont know where to start. The assistance of the dog indicates an area of interest, and we can refer the divers there. They pick up the scent from decomposition. The 24 volunteers of Killarney Water Rescue Search and Recovery Team receives calls from the public, gardai, or other search teams about missing people. Picture: Dan Linehan "That is a vital clue in finding a person and returning them to their family, which we have been able to do in the past. We dealt with one man whose brother had been missing for three months. We hand over our work and step back, but it is hugely important to be able to return a body to a family. The work that goes into the training process involves an expert in the US who is assisting the group: It is so complex and technical, it takes longer to train these dogs, but nobody can do what these dogs can do. Mr Caulfield, who has been working with Killarney Water Rescue since 1995, joined the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in 2019, and went on to lead the Killarney organisation. We are a community-based voluntary group solely funded by the generosity of the public. We receive no State funding unless we apply for grants. We are still looking for a permanent place to store our equipment and to hold meetings. Right now, all equipment is in my home. Formal training of the dogs will get underway later this month and they will be brought out on boats to familiarise themselves with the mechanics of their mission on water, ahead of their official launch. The target training starts in the middle of the month, he said. We will be placing the scent item in the water and observing the dogs responses. Kieran Caulfield and Donna Weiner getting ready to take to the water at Lough Lein. Both members of Killarney Water Rescue Search and Recovery Team. Picture: Dan Linehan He urged walkers and swimmers to always let loved ones know the location, duration, and times of their activities: Good communication is key if you are going out anywhere, and is helpful in cases where things go wrong. Those pieces of information are vital when you have to go and search. We can begin to draw up an idea of where that person can be. Often there are unforeseen challenges in water-based searches: Fallen trees, submerged fence lines, and environmental hazards. Communication is key, he said. We are all dog lovers and from an operational point of view, they bring something no machine can bring to the job. Mr Caulfield said he is always looking for volunteers who are willing to commit to their rescue and recovery: We would encourage anyone interested in working with us, whether its on admin, social media, or with the dogs, there is a whole range of voluntary work there. Nearly a month has passed since the horrific Bondi Beach terrorist attack, in which a Chanukah celebration was targeted, killing 15 people. The victims included a 10-year old girl named Matilda, and an 87-year old Holocaust survivor Alexander Kleytman who shielded his wife of five decades from the bullets. Without the heroic intervention of fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, the number of victims could have been far higher. This massacre lasted mere minutes but the grief and fear it unleashed is still felt across Australia and the wider Jewish diaspora. The speed with which this tragedy was cynically politicised was characteristic of Israels propaganda machine, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming that it was Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses recognition of the State of Palestine and failure to address anti-semitism that had led to the Bondi Beach terror attack. This attack, however, had no connection to Australias recognition of Palestinian statehood or the pro-Palestine solidarity movement which has consistently called for an end to Israels genocide in Gaza. Netanyahu knows this, Albanese knows this too, and deep down so do those weaponising this horrific attack to further their own political agendas. The speed with which this tragedy was cynically politicised was characteristic of Israels propaganda machine, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) claiming that it was Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses recognition of the State of Palestine and failure to address anti-semitism that had led to the Bondi Beach terror attack. File photo: AP/Richard Drew Such assertions are an affront to the Jewish diaspora whose safety has been entirely disregarded by Israels administration as they continue to prioritise the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians over the protection of Jews. The barbarism seen at Bondi Beach marked Australias deadliest mass shooting in three decades, causing New South Wales Premier Chris Minns to acknowledge the urgent need for gun and protest law reforms. Thought to be inspired by terrorist organisation Islamic State, it is clear that the massacre committed by Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram is part of a far wider and extremely worrying rise in anti-semitism. However, it bore no connection whatsoever to peaceful political protest. While Netanyahu and the pro-Israel lobby are intent on implicating those who stand with Palestine, they wilfully dismiss the fact that over the past two years Israel has not only bombarded Gaza but also attacked no less than six countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Qatar and Yemen. Due to the dangerous conflation of Judaism with Zionism, Jews around the world are now vulnerable to acts of terror, retribution and collective punishment for the actions of the State of Israel. Alongside the global outpouring of condolences, a plethora of conspiracy theories, deepfakes, false flag claims and inflammatory finger-pointing also ensued, leaving the internet littered with victim blaming and callous commentary from the vocal minority of the anti-Israel campaign which has gradually lost their ability to recognise any form of Jewish suffering. While it is important to consider the contributing factors to terrorism of this sort, it is deeply hurtful and unhelpful to politicise or minimise the impact of this attack on global Jewry. Throughout history, Jews have been falsely blamed or scapegoated for a long list of offences from the execution of Jesus and the cause of the Black Plague to countless conspiracy theories of blood libel, betrayal and world domination, such as those levelled at George Soros by the American right wing. Such accusations and prejudices laid the groundwork for pogroms, and the systemic and civil discrimination of Jews across Europe, long before the Holocausts genocide of six million Jews. Netanyahu and the pro-Israel lobby have long exploited the generational trauma of these histories, equating criticism of Israel with anti-semitism as they promote the Zionist narrative that Israels actions are essential for Jewish safety and that combatting anti-semitism can only be done by supporting the Jewish State and silencing its critics. What was once perceived by many as a haven of Jewish safety now brings shame, danger and guilt by association to Jews worldwide whose leaders still refuse to condemn the atrocities committed in their name. By continuing to support Israel, whether politically or financially, Jewish diaspora leaders, organisations and lobby groups have reinforced the perception that Judaism and the State of Israel are inextricably connected. The suppression and censorship of anti-Zionist Jewish voices has only warped perceptions of Jewish identity and affiliation further. The everyday impact of such factors is the normalisation of global fear and hostility. Like the attack on a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur in October, the Bondi Beach massacre will make many of us think twice when choosing how to mark the Jewish holidays in future, something which should be unacceptable to all, whatever their politics. Holding all diaspora Jews responsible for Israels actions is itself a deeply anti-semitic conviction. As I write, the State of Israel continues to breach the terms of its current ceasefire in Gaza while violently and egregiously expanding its settlements in the West Bank. Ria Czerniak-LeBov: 'Holding all diaspora Jews responsible for Israels actions is itself a deeply anti-semitic conviction.' As it stands, Israel is now a terrorist state intent on the destruction of Palestinian life and it is incumbent upon us all to hold Netanyahu, his government, the IDF and all who continue to profit from genocide accountable. Israels actions are anathema to Jewish teachings and values. Far from keeping Jews safe, this rogue state has done unimaginable harm to those it claims to represent. THE former tax office site on Sullivans Quay, Cork, earmarked for a hotel and offices, appears set for redevelopment as student accommodation by construction giant BAM. The Irish Examiner understands that the site of just under one acre will soon be the subject of a planning application to Cork City Council, following pre-planning discussions between BAM and council officials. If BAM proceeds, the project would transform a long-idle riverside plot that has drawn criticism from both city councillors and the general public. Effectively wasteland, enclosed by hoarding, previous efforts to put it to productive use made no progress. Now however, student accommodation is under active consideration by BAM, who have twice previously secured permission for a mixed-use development on Sullivans Quay. The first permission was granted in 2008, when the way was cleared for a 183-bedroom hotel, including a 10-storey cylindrical tower, as well as offices and retail. Read More IDA hands over 41-hectare Kilbarry site with potential for major Cork housing development The project was shelved due to the financial crash. Ten years later, BAM won permission, on appeal, for a 193-bedroom hotel in a 12-storey cylindrical tower, alongside a six-storey, 8,000 sq m office block. Preparatory work started in 2019, when BAM demolished the nine-storey tax office. Pre-covid, the site was branded an eyesore after a large mound of rubble was left on the quay for more than a year, in breach of the planning conditions. File picture However, work then ground to a halt on the site and it was branded an eyesore after a large mound of rubble was left on the quay for more than a year, in breach of the planning conditions. Since the mixed-use planning permission expired in 2023, and a request for an extension was refused, BAM has repeatedly told the Irish Examiner that it was continuing to review options in light of changing market conditions. It has now emerged that purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is the likely option. The number of third-level students in the city continues to grow estimates put it at an additional 6,000 over the past decade. Further growth could have been expected with the addition by UCC of a world-class business school in the city centre, but that project is now on hold indefinitely. The city has seen substantial growth in PBSA in recent years, including Lee Point, a 420-bed, award-winning scheme, completed by BAM in 2020 on the former Beamish & Crawford brewery site on South Main St. A separate section of the Beamish site, where BAM had hoped to build a 6,000-seat event centre on which the sod was turned 10 years ago remains undeveloped. The city centre site is bounded by Meade Street, Cove Street, Drinan Street and Sullivan's Quay, beside the River Lee. Picture Larry Cummins Directly across the river from BAMs Sullivans Quay site, it has operated as a builders compound in recent times. Meanwhile the event centre proposal is now the subject of a preliminary business case (PBC) which was submitted to Government before Christmas. Approval of the PBC expected this month will enable the tendering process to commence, although it is not tied to the Beamish site. It is believed a number of parties submitted expressions of interest, prior to the PBC being submitted. BAM has previously told the Irish Examiner that its plans for Sullivans Quay are not linked to the Cork Events Centre. The city centre has seen considerable regeneration over the past two years. The council has invested over 25m in the Grand Parade and wider South Main St area, including installing two bridges linking the Beamish site to the opposite quays. The work has also created more pedestrian-friendly spaces and improved public realm. Every year, the major colour companies release their own Colour of the Year, which always causes ripples of excitement among design communities. A lot of thought and research goes into these colours theyre reflections of global mood and cultural shifts. Of course, were not actually expected to paint our homes in whatever shade Benjamin Moore or Pantone conjures up. Colour trends will typically have bigger impacts in digital and print design than on home interiors items that are more fleeting than our painted walls. But colours of the year inevitably both predict and influence our preferences, and once you are aware of the current trends, you will see them everywhere; in homewares shops and magazines, on Instagram and Pinterest. The Zeitgeist Ultimately, these colour trends are as much emotional as they are aesthetic. The 2026 colours tell us that we are leaning towards homes that feel restorative and calm. They reflect the fact that we crave tactile comfort, connection with nature, and a sense of tranquillity. Benjamin Moore 'Silhouette'. They go hand in hand with our growing awareness of the benefits of quality over disposable convenience. They pair with good craftsmanship, organic materials, and attention to detail. They scream solidity and permanence, emanating reassurance and a slower pace. Why should you care? Im not here to tell you to jump on the trends train, but being aware of whats hot right now is important if youre making any interior design decisions. Theres nothing wrong with choosing something on trend, but knowing what is influencing your choice will help you make a better one that is more likely to stand the test of time. So with that in mind, here is my interpretation of the 2026 colours of the year, and what they spell for our home interiors preferences. Earthy neutrals Almost across the board, the 2026 palettes lean soft, earthy, and cocooning. Think muddy greens, warm neutrals, softened blues, clay browns, and muted rose tones. These are soothing, gentle, atmospheric colours that embody the quiet luxury trend. They evoke feelings of stability and comfort unsurprising, we collectively crave this after years of global volatility. As trends go, this is one I can firmly get on board with. The earthy, neutral colour palette is accompanied by a large-scale movement towards natural materials in interior design, and that is something that will never go out of style. Im a personal fan of bold colours, but these can be easily layered in, so as paint choices go, Ill never argue with a neutral canvas. Dig deeper While the continuing trend this year is far away from the bright and vibrant hues that were trending a few years ago Pantones Viva Magenta in 2023 and firmly towards earthy neutrals, its not a bland beige landscape by any means. Little Greene's 'Adventurer'. There are richly pigmented colours signalling a move towards a deeper, moodier atmosphere. Little Greenes colour of 2026 is Adventurer, a deeply rich aubergine, which can still be classified as earthy but is bolder than the more muted colours that have been popular. Colour-drenching has been a widespread trend of late (and it has my vote to be brought in as a permanent design feature) that has enabled us to lean into these richer colours. Removing the contrast of white skirting boards and architraves allows these colours to do what they do best create atmospheric cocoons in the form of cosy bedrooms and cave-like living rooms. Cool to warm Nearly every 2026 palette has moved away from cool greys into sand tones, chalky taupes, honeyed neutrals, and clay tints. We are fully embracing warmth, and thank goodness we get way too much grey in Ireland as it is, and we need warmth in our colour palettes to create a feeling of welcome and homeliness. Jewel tones One of the outliers, Dulux, chose a trio of blue colours for its 2026 Colour of the Year Free Groove, Mellow Flow, and Slow Swing. Free Groove in particular is a vibrant hue, though all three have soothing indigo undertones, with the intention of providing the same calming influence as the earthy neutral tones. Dulux's trio of colours of the year. American paint company Behr chose Hidden Gem a deep, jewelled jade-green, and once again, this provides a more vibrant yet calming effect. Much as I love the earthy colours, Im interested to see these deep jewel tones appearing to complement and enrich the neutral palette. Texture is key A trend that is inextricable from these neutral, organic, earthy palettes is texture. While texture is always important in interior design, it comes even more to the fore when colours are this muted. All drama must come from contrasting materials plaster, wood, linen, wool, matte tile, and brushed metals. The shift toward softer colours and organic materials is paired with a renewed interest in tactility. This results in rooms that are more atmospheric, cosy, and luxurious. Bring it home In practical terms, its a good time to redecorate. The colours that are trending now are not colours that will easily date, or that demand bravery and bold visions. They are colours that work well with natural timber, stone floors, wool throws, and a texture-heavy, comfort-first aesthetic. They are colours that work well in our climate and with our natural surroundings. If youve been lamenting your cold grey walls or feeling the urge to repaint your pandemic feature wall, then this 2026 palette offers a generous alternative that will stand the test of time. Irans top judge has hinted at fast trials and executions for people detained in nationwide protests against the countrys theocracy, as activists said the death toll had risen to 2,572. Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei made the comments in a video shared by Iranian state television on Wednesday, despite a warning from US President Donald Trump that he will take very strong action if executions take place. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said the number of dead had climbed to at least 2,571 early on Wednesday. The figure dwarfs the toll from any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalls the chaos surrounding the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. After Mr Trump was informed of the number of deaths, he warned Tehran that he was terminating any negotiations and would act accordingly. Details of the crackdown began emerging on Tuesday as Iranians made phone calls abroad for the first time in days after authorities severed communications countrywide when the protests broke out. Mr Mohseni-Ejei emphasised the need for swift action, saying delays would lessen the impact. His remarks challenge Mr Trump, who warned Tehran about executions in an interview aired on Tuesday. He said the US would take strong action if Iran proceeded with executions, amid escalating tensions between the two countries over the handling of the protests. Satellite internet provider Starlink is offering a free service to people in Iran who have access to the companys receivers, activists said on Wednesday. Mehdi Yahyanejad, a Los Angeles-based activist who helped get the units into Iran, told the Associated Press the free service had started, confirmed by other activists online. Starlink has been the only way for Iranians to communicate with the outside world since authorities shut down the internet on Thursday night as nationwide protests swelled and began a crackdown against demonstrators. Starlink did not immediately acknowledge the decision. Dozens of Pakistani students studying in Iran have returned home through a remote south-western border crossing, a Pakistani immigration official said on Wednesday. Samina Raisani, a Federal Investigation Agency spokeswoman in Quetta city, said about 60 students crossed into Pakistan on Tuesday through the Gabd border in Balochistan province with valid travel documents. More students are expected to return through the same crossing later, she added. Mudassir Tipu, Pakistans ambassador to Tehran, said on Tuesday that Iranian universities had rescheduled exams and permitted international students to leave the country. Actor Kiefer Sutherland has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a ride-share driver in Los Angeles, police said. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said the London-born Canadian actor entered a ride-share vehicle just after midnight on Monday in Hollywood, where he allegedly physically assaulted the driver (the victim), and made criminal threats. Sutherland was later released after posting a $50,000 bond and is due to appear in court on February 2. Police said the driver was not injured in the alleged incident at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. The LAPDs Hollywood Division is investigating. Sutherland, an Emmy Award winner, is best known for his role as Jack Bauer in the Fox drama series 24, and as President Tom Kirkman in the political drama Designated Survivor. In 2007, the actor was sentenced to 48 days in jail for driving under the influence after failing a field sobriety test. He is the son of the celebrated Canadian actor Donald Sutherland. President Donald Trump has said that anything less than US control of Greenland is unacceptable, hours before Vice President JD Vance is to host Danish and Greenlandic officials for talks. In a post on his social media site, Mr Trump reiterated his argument that the US needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. He added that NATO should be leading the way for us to get it and that otherwise, Russia or China would. NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES, Mr Trump wrote. Anything less than that is unacceptable. A fisherman carries a bucket on to his boat in the harbour of Nuuk (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) Greenland is at the centre of a geopolitical storm as Mr Trump is insisting he wants to own the island and the residents of its capital, Nuuk, say it is not for sale. The White House has not ruled out taking the Arctic island by force. Mr Vance is to meet Denmarks foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt in Washington on Wednesday to discuss the island, which is a semi-autonomous territory of the USs Nato ally Denmark. Ahead of the meeting, Frances foreign minister denounced what he described as US blackmail over Greenland in the latest sign of irritation among Americas allies. Along the narrow, snow-covered main street in Nuuk, international journalists and camera crews have been stopping passers-by asking them for their thoughts on a crisis which Denmarks prime minister has warned could potentially trigger the end of Nato. Tuuta Mikaelsen, a 22-year-old student, told The Associated Press in Nuuk that she hoped American officials would get the message to back off. Greenland leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen held talks (Liselotte Sabroe/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told a news conference in the Danish capital Copenhagen on Tuesday that, if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose Nato. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU. Asked later on Tuesday about Mr Nielsens comments, Mr Trump replied: I disagree with him. I dont know who he is. I dont know anything about him. But, thats going to be a big problem for him. Greenland is strategically important because as climate change causes the ice to melt, it opens up the possibility of shorter trade routes to Asia. That also could make it easier to extract and transport untapped deposits of critical minerals which are needed for computers and phones. Mr Trump also said he wants the island to expand Americas security and has cited what he says is the threat from Russian and Chinese ships as a reason to control it. TIANJIN, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Inside a classroom at Nankai University in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Turkan Hamza, a Turkish student majoring in Chinese-English translation, practices Chinese calligraphy with quiet concentration. "It was the Chinese language that brought me from thousands of miles away," Hamza said. "Here, I've found my direction for study, life and the future." Born in 2003, Hamza has long been interested in foreign languages, having previously learned English, Japanese and Korean. However, the Chinese language particularly captivated her due to its unique structure, long history and rich culture. Her interest began after she watched a Chinese historical drama. "I was immediately drawn to the tonal variations and unique rhythm of the language," she recalled. At first, Chinese sounded like a song she'd never heard before. But bit by bit, with the help of subtitles, she started picking up simple phrases like "hello" and "thank you" and even started repeating lines from the shows. The sense of achievement motivated her to actively learn Chinese through films and TV series. The more she watched, the more curious she became, and that pushed her to keep exploring the language. Driven by the interest, she enrolled in the Chinese language and literature program at Istanbul University. But after two years of study, she felt limited by her learning environment. "The entire department had only one Chinese teacher, and most of the learning was confined to textbooks and grammar," she said. "I wanted to hear the vivid language used in daily life, to immerse myself in the local society and culture, and to understand the warmth and logic behind the words." She then decided to go to China for her undergraduate studies, even though her parents were hesitant at first. "To them, China was still a distant and unfamiliar country. I spent a lot of time explaining China's safety, development and educational opportunities," Hamza recalled. Her persistence paid off when she received an admission letter from Nankai University. In September 2023, she arrived in Tianjin for the first time. But the city, located near China's capital Beijing, did not match her earlier expectations. "The city wasn't as dazzlingly modern as I had imagined. Instead, it had an everyday, down-to-earth vibe," she said. After visiting cities like Beijing and Shanghai, she came to see China as a country of striking regional diversity rather than a place with a single identity. At Nankai University, she's studying much more than just the language. Her classes cover Chinese culture and history, and even subjects like math and programming. For her, this wide-ranging curriculum shows how Chinese universities value well-rounded development. It's also helped her connect more deeply with the language. While enjoying the challenge and joy of building connections between Turkish, Chinese and English, Hamza said she is often impressed by the depth and richness of the Chinese language. "The tones, idioms and classical Chinese often make me ponder. Many expressions cannot be translated literally," she explained. For Hamza, the language is more than a communication tool. Learning Chinese has given her insight into the emotional logic and social concepts prevalent among the Chinese people. She cited the term "chunyun," or the Spring Festival travel rush, which embodies the profound Chinese sentiment towards family and reunion. Outside of class, she gets involved in all kinds of cultural activities, like making zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and mooncakes, which give her a real taste of traditional Chinese customs. She has also taken part in a Turkish "Silk Road Letters" contest, documenting her observations and feelings about China through writing. As her studies continue, Hamza has also been following the growing economic and trade ties between China and Turkiye. From Chinese companies participating in the construction of local projects to new energy vehicle manufacturer BYD announcing plans to build a factory in Turkiye, she said that cooperation between the two countries is becoming increasingly tangible for ordinary Turkish people. Whether returning to Turkiye or pursuing a career in China after graduation, Hamza hopes to use her language skills to serve as a bridge between the two nations, promoting mutual understanding in areas like culture, education and trade. "For me, China is no longer just images on a screen or words in a textbook," Hamza said. "It has become part of my everyday life. With the Chinese language serving as a key, I am unlocking door after door to new worlds." Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/2026/01/14 The Dnipropetrovsk Regional Veterans' Hospital has received five generators from the Poroshenko Foundation. According to Maryna Poroshenko, the equipment will ensure the operation of the hospital's departments and kitchen facilities in the event of a power outage. The hospital specializes in therapy, neurology, rehabilitation, and palliative care for military personnel. "After the latest enemy combined strike, which caused a complete blackout in Dnipro, the hospital was left without electricity for almost a full day. To prevent such a situation from happening again in the future, today I delivered five generators from the Poroshenko Foundation, capable of ensuring the full operation of all hospital departments and its kitchen facilities," the political party's website reported. Member of Parliament of Ukraine and leader of European Solidarity Petro Poroshenko recalled that last year the local branch of the party helped the hospital with building repairs. "That's why we brought them everything they asked for. And I want to thank the doctors of this hospital and across the country, who are now working around the clock in the cold and without light, so that those who defended the country have a chance to return home and live their lives. Because this is a major investment in our shared future," he emphasized. Dnipro also hosts a Solidarity Space at the European Solidarity office, where residents can charge their phones and warm up during blackouts. An additional generator and charging station have been provided to keep it running. "During blackouts, residents of Dnipro can come here to warm up, drink hot tea, charge their phones and power stations. That's why we handed over an extra generator and a large charging station to ensure uninterrupted operation of the space and to help as many people as possible. Let the people of Dnipro feel our care and warmth," said Maryna Poroshenko. Maryna Poroshenko stressed that only unity and mutual support will help Ukrainians overcome the current challenges. AI minister Niamh Smyth will meet with executives from social media platform X on Friday amid concerns about its artificial intelligence chatbot Grok. The Fianna Fail TD wrote to X last week seeking a meeting as controversy over Groks nudify feature grew. The AI chatbot added a new feature over Christmas that allowed users to ask Grok to edit images. Some users did this to create explicit images, with specific concern raised about images of women and children. The Irish Examiner now understands that Ms Smyth will meet executives from X on Friday. This will follow a meeting with the Attorney General on Thursday afternoon, and meetings with Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Coimisiun na Mean on Wednesday. Speaking on Prime Time on Tuesday evening, Ms Smyth said Grok should be banned if it does not abide by online safety laws. My own view is if X are not going to abide by the laws here in Ireland, yes, it should be banned, she said. "I have disabled my account, and I know many of my colleagues in Government have also disabled their accounts," she said. Taoiseach Micheal Martin is expected to convene a meeting with relevant ministers and the Attorney General in the coming days to discuss the Grok controversy. Elon Musks X is now complying with British law over the much-criticised nudification feature in its AI tool Grok, British prime minister Keir Starmer has said. I have been informed this morning that X is acting to ensure full compliance with UK law, the British Labour leader told the House of Commons on Wednesday. If so, that is welcome, but were not going to back down. They must act. His comments came after The Telegraph reported that Mr Musks platform had disabled Groks ability to undress women in photos, after previously limiting the feature to paid subscribers following a global uproar. The move is unlikely to halt regulatory scrutiny of X and Grok over the issue. The use of Grok an AI tool embedded in the social media platform X to create sexually explicit content, including child sexual abuse material, has prompted widespread concern in Ireland and internationally, with different regulatory responses emerging across jurisdictions. While the UK is set to make it illegal to generate sexual images without consent this week, the ban will not come into force until February. The UK tech regulator Ofcom has launched an investigation into X over deeply concerning reports about Grok, while Mr Starmer said: If X cannot control Grok, we will. At first, Mr Musk publicly laughed off the controversy, posting humorous emojis in response to other users' comments about the influx of sexualised photos. More recently, X has said it treats reports of child sexual abuse material seriously and polices it vigorously. On Wednesday, Mr Musk said he was not aware of any "naked underage images" generated by Grok. "I not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok. Literally zero," Mr Musk said in an X post. Irelands media regulator, Coimisiun na Mean, said it is liaising with the European Commission on the matter, though the Commission has not confirmed whether it has opened its own investigation into X. Under the EUs Digital Services Act, the Commission can take interim measures to address urgent risks even without launching a full investigation. Where there is an urgency due to the risk of serious damage for users, the Commission can require immediate actions to address such harms, it says on its website. Any measure taken should be proportionate and temporary to mitigate such a risk. Examples of interim measures can be changes to recommender systems, increased monitoring of specific keywords or hashtags, or orders to terminate or remedy alleged infringements. The department of education said it is keeping all methods of communication under ongoing review, as individual ministers and organisations have said they will stop using X amid the Grok controversy. The department, which regularly posts on the platform about announcements and policies including posts featuring images of children said it has conducted a data protection impact assessment on images and video footage used in its communications, including obtaining consent for all images published. It said it posts to social media the aim of making information and services available to the public in an effective and appropriate manner. The ongoing situation with X will be considered in that context, it added. In the US, a coalition of womens groups, tech watchdogs and activists has called on Google and Apple to remove X and Grok from their app stores. In open letters published on Wednesday, the coalition accused the Elon Musk-owned apps of generating illegal content that violates both companies terms of service. They are enabling a system in which thousands, if not tens of thousands, of people, particularly women and children, are being sexually abused through the help of their own app stores, feminist group UltraViolet campaign direcor Jenna Sherman said. Google and Apple did not respond to requests for comment. The United States has said it is moving into the next phase of a Gaza ceasefire plan that involves disarming Hamas, rebuilding the war-ravaged territory and establishing the group of Palestinian experts that will administer daily affairs under American supervision. President Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff said in a post on X that the ceasefire deal was entering its second phase following two years of war between Israel and Hamas, including the establishment of a technocratic government in Gaza. But Mr Witkoff did not offer any details about who would serve on the new transitional Palestinian administration that would govern Gaza. Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are announcing the launch of Phase Two of the Presidents 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction. Phase Two establishes a transitional technocratic Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (@SEPeaceMissions) January 14, 2026 Mr Witkoff said that the US expects Hamas to immediately return the final dead hostage as part of its obligations under the deal. While Wednesdays announcement indicates a key step forward, a new government in Gaza and ceasefire face a number of huge challenges including the deployment of an international security force to supervise the deal and the difficult process of disarming Hamas. Appointees to a technocratic committee are part of a broader plan to end Hamass 18-year rule of Gaza. Their names have not been released but they will run day-to-day affairs in Gaza, under the oversight of a Trump-led Board of Peace, whose members have also not yet been named. The ceasefire reached under Mr Trumps 20-point plan took effect in October and stopped much of the fighting. Under the first phase of the deal, Hamas released all but one hostage it was holding in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians who were held by Israel. The technocratic committee that Mr Witkoff said would be established under the second phase will be tasked with providing public services to the more than two million Palestinians in Gaza but it faces towering challenges and unanswered questions, including about its operations and financing. The United Nations has estimated that reconstruction will cost more than 50 billion dollars. The process is expected to take years, and little money has been pledged so far. There is also the more immediate challenge of figuring out how to take over basic services after nearly two decades of Hamas-led rule in Gaza and repeated rounds of conflict with Israel. Photo: https://t.me/zedigital/ Mykhailo Fedorov, if appointed Minister of Defense, intends to conduct a financial audit of the Ministry of Defense. "My first task is to conduct a real audit of finances in the Ministry of Defense, to understand how we need to function this year, when the Ministry of Defense received 300 billion (UAH - IF-U) less than in the previous year," Fedorov said, answering questions from people's deputies at a plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada on Wednesday. He noted that it is necessary to deal with human capital in the Armed Forces and Defense Forces, and then predict further actions: "how we will increase financial support, when we will increase it, which categories we will increase." The ATB retail chain has increased supplies of goods to its Kyiv stores and has outlined its operating regime using alternative energy sources. "The company has increased deliveries of goods to Kyiv stores (taking into account temporary problems at other retail chains). Today, our stores are operating under maximum load. We will withstand this. We are prepared and are doing everything possible to provide the population with essential food products and the ability to charge gadgets," ATB's press service told Interfax-Ukraine in response to an inquiry. The company said a slight surge in demand and some stockpiling purchases, but so far without a sharp or critical spike in demand for any particular category of goods. "For our part, we ask customers to remain calm and state that there are sufficient essential goods in the company's stores and warehouses. We will stand firm and overcome everything together," the company assured. There are currently 170 ATB stores operating in Kyiv. The company acknowledged that around 10 stores are experiencing problems of varying complexity due to generator malfunctions caused by low temperatures, but these issues are being resolved as quickly as possible. When grid electricity is unavailable, a store operating on a generator runs for six hours, followed by one hour of downtime. During the shutdown period, customers are provided with informational notices about the time operations will resume and about the nearest ATB store. The company is not considering any options to temporarily reduce store operating hours. "We are not planning any reductions in operations. On the contrary, we are trying to work for people to provide all necessary goods and food products, as well as the opportunity to recharge devices and warm up," the company said. As of the beginning of 2024, the ATB retail chain had more than 1,200 stores. According to YouControl, the ultimate beneficial owners of ATB-Market LLC are Yevhen Yermakov, Viktor and Iryna Karachun, and Hennadiy Butkevych. Based on the results of the third quarter of 2025, ATB-Market LLC generated revenue of UAH 181.3 billion, which is about 19.8% higher than in JanuarySeptember 2024. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official Mykhailo Fedorov said that 2 million citizens are currently wanted by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. "I don't want to be a populist, I want to be a realist. The Ministry of Defense falls into my hands with minus 300 billion, two million Ukrainians who are wanted, and 200,000 are absent without leave (AWOL). Therefore, we need to decide, do our homework on the problems that exist today, so that we can move forward," Fedorov said during a speech in the Verkhovna Rada on Wednesday. As reported, on Wednesday the Verkhovna Rada appointed Fedorov to the post of Minister of Defense. 01/11/2026 MUSCLE SHOALS -- Jacksonville State University (Jax State) and Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) signed a new articulation agreement on Friday to support the education and training of diagnostic medical sonographers. The agreement allows NWSCC graduates who have earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) to seamlessly transfer into Jax States Integrated Studies program to pursue a Bachelor of Arts. The pathway makes them eligible for scholarships and gives sonography professionals an opportunity to earn a bachelors degree. Northwest Shoals takes great pride in how we prepare and train our students for successful health science careers, said NWSCC President Dr. Jeff Goodwin. This new partnership with Jacksonville State gives our Diagnostic Medical Sonography graduates a clear, affordable path to a bachelors degree. We hope this will open more doors to advanced roles in health care. The Northwest Shoals DMS program provides students with the knowledge and hands-on training needed to succeed in the sonography industry, including abdomen, small parts, obstetrics-gynecology and vascular sonography. Jacksonville State Universitys Integrated Studies program is designed as a flexible degree-completion option in which students work with advisors to design their own interdisciplinary curriculum. The Bachelor of Arts program allows students to build an individualized course of study that integrates academic coursework with prior technical training and professional experience. Students develop a degree plan aligned with their career goals, making the program well-suited for healthcare professionals such as diagnostic medical sonographers seeking leadership, advancement, or expanded opportunities within the field. Through the new partnership, eligible NWSCC graduates may be awarded up to 36 hours of technical credit for their DMS courses, which will be applied as Integrated Studies electives at Jax State. Students may transfer up to 52 credit hours from NWSCC, including general education courses and electives. They then work with an Integrated Studies advisor at Jax State to design a degree plan that aligns with their career goals. For a more in-depth look at the pathway, visit jsu.edu/pla/pathways.html. This agreement creates a meaningful next step for highly trained healthcare professionals who want to build on their credentials, said Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of Jacksonville State University. By partnering with Northwest Shoals, were helping diagnostic medical sonography graduates turn their technical expertise into a bachelors degree that supports career advancement, leadership opportunities, and long-term success in the healthcare workforce. For more information about the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Northwest Shoals Community College, visit nwscc.edu/diagnostic-medical-sonography . For details on Jacksonville States Integrated Studies program, visit jsu.edu/integratedstudies. By Bamo Nouri, City St Georges, University of London (The Conversation) Donald Trump is weighing military action in Iran over the states crackdown on protesters. Reports suggest that more than 600 people have been killed since the protests began in late December, with the US president saying the US military is now looking at some very strong options. Trump has not yet elaborated on what these options are and has said that Iranian officials, keen to avoid a war with the US, had called him to negotiate. But he added that the US may have to act before a meeting if the deadly crackdown continues. There is a wide spectrum of measures available to Washington should it decide to intervene in Iran. These range from diplomatic condemnation and an expanded sanctions regime, to cyber operations and military strikes. However, history weighs heavily against every move the US government may be considering. Targeted sanctions and diplomatic pressure, which includes the 25% tariff rate recently introduced by Trump on any country that does business with Iran, remain the least escalatory tools. They allow the US to coordinate with its allies and signal moral support for protesters in Iran without triggering direct confrontation. Yet decades of experience show the limits of this approach. Irans leadership has mastered how to absorb economic pressure, shift costs on to society and frame longstanding western sanctions as collective punishment imposed by hostile outsiders. The government in Tehran has adapted over time by developing alternative markets and expanding informal and non-dollar trade. It has also boosted its economic resilience through regional networks, particularly in Iraq where political, financial and security ties help sustain revenue flows and cushion the impact of sanctions on the state. There are other, more covert tools at Washingtons disposal, including cyber disruption and efforts to assist independent media or help protesters bypass internet shutdowns. These measures can help protesters stay visible internationally and complicate the states capacity to ramp up repression. However, even here expectations should be modest. These tools may create friction within the Iranian elite by raising the costs of, and imposing technical difficulties on, surveillance and repression. But they do not change the core calculus of a regime that prioritises survival above all else. At the most extreme end of the spectrum are military strikes. The rationale behind strikes would be to undermine the regimes repression efforts. But in reality, they risk doing the opposite. Irans ruling system, and particularly the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps branch of the armed forces, has historically relied on external threats to consolidate power domestically. A preemptive US strike would almost certainly hand Irans security apparatus the very narrative it seeks: an existential battle for national survival. This framing is already explicit in the discourse of the Iranian elite. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the hardline speaker of the Iranian parliament, warned in a recent speech that any attack on Iran would make Israel and all US military bases and assets in the region legitimate targets. Iranian state media then showed large crowds of regime supporters rallying in Tehran and other cities, chanting Death to America and Death to Israel. Military escalation is especially dangerous given the character of the current protest movement. Women have been at the forefront, challenging the ideological foundations of the state, while regions populated largely by ethnic Kurds have endured disproportionate levels of violence at the hands of the authorities. These protests are civic, decentralised and rooted in social grievances. US military strikes would allow the Iranian state to overwrite that reality, recasting a diverse domestic movement as a foreign-backed security threat. In doing so, it would legitimise a far harsher crackdown than anything seen so far. Shadow of 1953 Many ordinary Iranians are also cautious of direct US interference. This stems from a CIA-backed coup in 1953 that ousted Irans elected prime minister, Mohammad Mosaddeq, and restored the monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The coup was followed by nearly two decades of repression, political policing and authoritarian rule closely aligned with western interests. This experience is not distant history; it is a foundational trauma that continues to shape Iranian political consciousness. As a result, recent suggestions by Trump that the collapse of Irans theocratic system would naturally make way for a democratic transition cannot be disentangled from the memory of an external intervention that produced dictatorship rather than self-rule. It also explains why many people inside Iran are sceptical of figures such as Reza Pahlavi, the son of countrys last shah who has often been promoted in the west as a possible future leader of Iran. Pahlavi remains symbolically tied to a system associated with oppression and foreign backing. This leaves him without the broad domestic legitimacy required for any credible democratic transition, regardless of his messaging. The scepticism of Iranians is reinforced by recent regional experiences. In Iraq, foreign intervention hollowed out the state, leaving a weak system that has been co-opted by external powers and militias. And in Syria, the collapse of central authority paved the way for a former al-Qaeda leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, to take power. He has been rebranded by western powers, including Trump, into a credible political figure despite his jihadist past. These cases reinforce a belief across the Middle East that western intervention tends not to empower democratic forces. It instead appears to elevate the most organised and militarised parties to power, producing long-term instability rather than renewal. Without a credible, homegrown transition, Iran risks fragmenting and sliding into chaos. For Washington, the most difficult reality may be that the wisest path is not bold intervention, but restraint combined with sustained support for Iranian society. Image by John atlantis1@outlook.be from Pixabay Genuine change in Iran cannot be engineered from the outside, especially at the point of a missile. Bamo Nouri, Honorary Research Fellow, Department of International Politics, City St Georges, University of London This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Highlights: Intersected 65 metres averaging 0.63% copper (Cu) and 2.9 g/t silver (Ag) mineralization, including 30 metres averaging 1.25% Cu and 6.1 g/t Ag Mineralized zone extends from 238 meters downhole, ending in mineralization at 450 metres, characterized by moderate to intense potassic alteration with associated copper mineralization Hole is three kilometres from the Zuun Mod molybdenum-copper deposit and interpreted to be part of the same porphyry system Located on a wholly owned mining license 35 kilometres east of the Bayan Khundii Gold Mine in southwest Mongolia, approximately 200 kilometres from China Further exploration planned in 2026 to test the potential of the Khuvyn Khar copper porphyry system at depth HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Jan. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Erdene Resource Development Corporation (TSX: ERD | OTC: ERDCF | MSE: ERDN) (Erdene or the Company) is pleased to announce results from drilling at its wholly owned Khuvyn Khar copper-silver prospect, located three kilometres northwest of the Zuun Mod (ZM) deposit and 35 kilometres east of the Bayan Khundii Gold Mine, in the Khundii Minerals District in southwestern Mongolia (See Figures 1 and 2). Quotes from the Company Peter Akerley, Erdenes President and CEO stated, Todays drill results confirm a substantial copper component to the Khuvyn Khar porphyry system beyond the molybdenum-copper deposit defined at the nearby Zuun Mod project. This copper mineralized zone is characteristic of the upper levels of a copper porphyry system. Mr. Akerley continued, Khuvyn Khar and Zuun Mod are located approximately 200 kilometers from China, the worlds largest copper and molybdenum consumer. The Khuvyn Khar license lies within a region in Mongolia that has seen significant recent infrastructure investments, supporting development of large-scale projects in the Khundii Minerals District. Mr. Akerley concluded, With the Bayan Khundii gold mine in production, we are now expanding our exploration efforts in the Khundii Minerals District. Advanced geophysical surveys and drilling are planned for 2026 to follow up on todays exciting results from Khuvyn Khar. Concurrently exploration is underway to expand gold resources near the Bayan Khundii mine operated in a strategic alliance with Mongolian Mining Corporation (MMC). Khuvyn Khar & Zuun Mod Drill Program Q4 2025 A 3,362-metre, 24-hole drill program was recently completed on the wholly-owned Khuvyn Khar license, which hosts the Khuvyn Khar copper porphyry system, including the Zuun Mod molybdenum-copper deposit. The program included 18 holes testing the upper 150 metres of the Zuun Mod deposit, and one hole extension, seeking to improve confidence and continuity of ore grade molybdenum (Mo) mineralization. A further three scout holes were drilled to follow-up on a new gold zone on the license, 3.8 kilometres west of the Zuun Mod deposit, and two holes were drilled to test copper porphyry targets, including ZMD-162. With the exception of ZMD-162, reporting of assay results is pending. Results for the Zuun Mod deposit drilling will be incorporated into a preliminary economic assessment, scheduled to be delivered in mid-2026. Todays release highlights exploration hole ZMD-162 in the Khuvyn Khar (KK) copper target, three kilometres northwest of the Zuun Mod deposit (See Figure 3). ZMD-162 follows up on a high-grade copper intersection, ZMD-121, which intersected 34 meters of 1.3% copper and 9.2 g/t silver starting at 308 metres, completed in December 2010. Khuvyn Khar exhibits the characteristics of a copper (Cu) porphyry system including alteration assemblages, vein types and Cu-Mo ratios. The Zuun Mod Cu-Mo deposit is interpreted as a molybdenum rich zone within this large copper porphyry system. Exploration to date on the copper-rich portion of the system has intersected anomalous copper mineralization over an expansive area, characterized by the following: The KK copper porphyry system covers approximately 20 square kilometers; The system is fertile for copper, molybdenum and silver mineralization (possibly gold, as demonstrated by anomalous gold mineralization identified along the periphery of the surface alteration zone); The interpreted level of erosion of the KK porphyry system, an important factor in older porphyry systems like KK, is such that the core of the system is expected to be preserved; High-grade copper mineralization has been intersected, including in ZMD-162, as reported in this release and ZMD-121; Large areas of the system remain untested by drilling and no part of the Khuvyn Khar copper prospect has been tested below 500 metres depth (See Figures 3 and 4); Average drilling depth at the Zuun Mod Mo-Cu deposit is 370 metres with a single hole in the molybdenum deposit extended to 852 metres depth, which ended in mineralization (ZMD-57) (See Figure 4); Mineralized porphyry systems can extend vertically for kilometres, including at the Oyu Tolgoi deposit, located in Mongolia, 670 kilometres to the east, where mineralization extends beyond 2,000 metres and is open at depth (See Figure 4). With a renewed focus on developing resources outside Bayan Khundii, now that the Bayan Khundii Gold Mine is in operation, the Company is planning to undertake aggressive exploration in 2026 to test the potential of the Khuvyn Khar copper porphyry system at depth (See Figures 3 and 4). Khuvyn Khar Drilling Results The northern portion of the Khuvyn Khar copper porphyry complex hosts a large area of disseminated copper mineralization associated with a multi-kilometre-scale zone (approximately 20 square kilometre footprint) of hydrothermal altered intrusive units and breccias. Multiple copper-mineralized zones have been previously intersected in wide-spaced drilling. Copper mineralized intervals include hydrothermally altered intrusive breccias with potassic altered and mineralized fragments suggesting a deeper source of the mineralization. The highest-grade copper mineralization previously reported was in hole ZMD-121 that intersected 34 metres of 1.3% copper and 9.24 g/t silver from 308 to 342 metres, vertical depth. Drill hole ZMD-162 was designed to expand on the mineralization intersection in ZMD-121, completed in late 2010. ZMD-162 was collared 125 metres from ZMD-121 and drilled on a southwest azimuth, toward ZMD-121, and intersected the reported mineralized interval at 286 metres (269 metres vertical depth), returning 65 metres of 0.63% copper and 2.9 g/t silver mineralization, including a higher-grade zone of 30 metres averaging 1.25% Cu and 6.1 g/t Ag. The altered and mineralized zone extends from 238 meters downhole to the end of the hole at 450 metres, characterized by moderate to intense potassic alteration with associated chalcopyrite (Cu) and pyrite mineralization. Zones of highest copper and silver mineralization are within quartz potassium-feldspar granite with sulphide content of 5 to 40%. Summary of Significant Assay Results Hole ID From To Interval1 Cu % Ag g/t ZMD-162 286 351 65 0.63 2.9 Including 298 328 30 1.25 6.1 1Reported intervals in this release are downhole apparent widths. Continued exploration is required to confirm anisotropy of mineralization and true thicknesses The copper and silver mineralization intersected in ZMD-121 and ZMD-162 is associated within intrusive rocks exhibiting magmatic textures commonly found in the upper portions (cupola zone) of a porphyry system. The presence of these cupola textures and associated copper mineralization indicates a well mineralized hydrothermal system exists at Khuvyn Khar at a level of erosion that indicates the center of the mineralized porphyry system should be preserved and not eroded away. It is common for mineralization in large porphyry systems, that develop over millions of years, to extend over 100s and even 1000s of metres of depth and over large areas. For example, the mineralization in the Oyu Tolgoi deposit, located in southern Mongolia, 670 kilometres to the east, extends over a strike distance of over 12 kilometres and from surface to over 2,000 metres depth. About the Zuun Mod Molybdenum-Copper Project The Zuun Mod Molybdenum-Copper Project is in Bayankhongor Province, Mongolia, 180 kilometres northwest of a major mining district and the border with China, the worlds largest copper and molybdenum consumer and steel producer. The 100% owned 6,041-hectare mining license, underpinning the Project, was issued in 2011 and is valid for up to an additional 60 years. The Project is located approximately 35 kilometres east of Erdenes Bayan Khundii Gold Project. Erdene undertook a multi-year exploration program outlining the Zuun Mod molybdenum-copper deposit, within the large Khuvyn Khar copper porphyry complex and identified multiple copper and molybdenum prospects, within the outer rim of the 16-kilometre circumference porphyry complex. Given the Companys focus on its gold projects in recent years, only modest exploration and technical studies have been conducted over the Khuvyn Khar license since 2011. In October 2025, Erdene released an updated resource statement for the Zuun Mod Mo-Cu deposit. The updated mineral resource includes Measured and Indicated resources of 271.1 million tonnes (Mt) grading 0.056% Mo and 0.064% Cu (0.073% Moly Equivalence (MoEq)) for 439.2 million pounds (Mlbs) MoEq. As well as an Inferred resource of 269.1 Mt grading 0.051% Mo and 0.059% Cu (0.070% MoEq) for 416.3 Mlbs MoEq. The cut-off grade for the resource is 0.035% Mo and constrained to a conceptual pit based on US$22/lb Mo. The MoEq was calculated using the following formula: MoEq% = Mo % + Cu % * 0.27504 and assumes 83% Mo and 81% Cu metallurgical recoveries. Please refer to the Companys October 10, 2025 press release for further details. Qualified Person Peter Dalton, P.Geo. (Nova Scotia), Senior Geologist for Erdene, is the Qualified Person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. All samples have been assayed at SGS Laboratory in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. In addition to internal checks by SGS Laboratory, the Company incorporates a QA/QC sample protocol utilizing prepared standards and blanks. All samples undergo combined multi-element ICP-OES (Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy). Erdenes drill core sampling protocol consisted of collection of samples in 1 to 2 metre intervals over the entire length of the drill hole, excluding minor post-mineral lithologies and dykes as required. Sample intervals were based on meterage, not geological controls, or mineralization. All drill core was cut in half with a diamond saw, with half of the core placed in sample bags and the remaining half securely retained in core boxes at Erdenes Bayan Khundii exploration camp. All samples were organized into batches of 30 including a commercially prepared standard, blank and either a field duplicate, consisting of two quarter-core intervals, or a laboratory duplicate. Sample batches were periodically shipped directly to SGS in Ulaanbaatar. Reported intervals are apparent thicknesses, i.e., downhole widths. The Zuun Mod drill hole (reported in this release) was dipping at 70 degrees. Additional study is required to confirm true widths. Reported grades for intervals are weighted averages based on length of sampling intervals. No top cut has been applied. About Erdene Erdene Resource Development Corp. is a Canada-based resource company producing gold at the high-grade, low-cost Bayan Khundii Gold Mine in underexplored and highly prospective Mongolia. The Company has interests in a portfolio of precious and base metal projects in close proximity to the Bayan Khundii Gold Mine in the Khundii Minerals District, which provides a robust organic growth pipeline. Erdene Resource Development Corp. is listed on the Toronto (ERD) and the Mongolian stock (ERDN) exchanges and OTCQX Market (ERDCF). Further information is available at www.erdene.com. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information regarding Erdene contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance, or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although Erdene believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Erdene cautions that actual performance will be affected by several factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what Erdene currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the ability to obtain required third party approvals, market prices, exploitation, and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and is subject to change after that date. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. NO REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENTS OF THIS RELEASE TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / January 13, 2026 / PPX Mining Corp. (the "Company" or "PPX") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ernest Mast and Mr. Diego Bellido as directors of the Company, effective January 12, 2026. Mr. Diego Bellido is a senior Glencore executive with more than 15 years of experience in the global commodities trading sector. He currently serves as a Manager for Glencore Peru S.A.C. and Glencore Lima Trading S.A.C. Mr. Bellido is also President of the Board of Perubar S.A. and a board member of Transportadora Callao S.A. Previously, he represented Glencore on the boards of Sinchi Wayra Mining Company in Bolivia and Compania Minera Antamina. Mr. Bellido holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Universidad del Pacifico (Peru) and an MBA from INSEAD (France). Details regarding the background and qualifications of Mr. Ernest Mast were previously disclosed in the Company's press release dated December 22, 2025. In addition, further to the Company's same press release, the Company confirms that effective January 12, 2026, Mr. Ernest Mast was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of PPX. Dr. John Thomas has transitioned from his role as Interim Chief Executive Officer and continues to serve the Company as Chief Operating Officer. The Company also announces that Mr. Bruno Kaiser has resigned as a director of the Company, effective January 12, 2026. Mr. Kaiser will continue to support PPX in the role of Advisor to the Company. Brian Imrie, Executive Chairman of the Company, commented: "We are very pleased to welcome Ernest Mast and Diego Bellido to the Board of PPX. Their combined experience in mining operations, capital markets, and global commodities trading significantly strengthens our governance and strategic capabilities as we advance the Company's growth plans. On behalf of the Board, I would also like to thank Bruno Kaiser for his valuable contributions as a director and look forward to his continued involvement as an advisor to PPX." About PPX Mining Corp: PPX Mining Corp. (TSX.V:PPX)(BVL:PPX) is a Canadian-based mining company with assets in northern Peru. Igor, the Company's 100%-owned flagship gold and silver project, is located in the prolific Northern Peru gold belt in eastern La Libertad Department. On behalf of the board of directors of the Company: Brian Imrie Executive Chairman 82 Richmond Street East Toronto, Ontario M5C 1P1 Canada 416-361-0737 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Oroco Resource Corp. (TSXV: OCO) (OTCQB: ORRCF) (the "Company" or "Oroco") today announced the closing of its previously announced bought deal public offering of 60,526,340 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$0.38 per Unit (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$23 million (the "Offering"), including the exercise in full of the over-allotment option granted by the Company. The Offering was led by Canaccord Genuity Corp. ("Canaccord Genuity"), as lead underwriter and sole bookrunner, and Red Cloud Securities Inc. (together, the "Underwriters"). Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional Common Share at an exercise price of C$0.53 until January 15, 2029. The Warrants are governed by a warrant indenture dated January 14, 2026, between the Company and Computer Trust Company of Canada as the warrant agent (the "Warrant Indenture"). Subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), the Warrants are expected to begin trading on the TSXV under the ticker symbol "OCO.WT" and CUSIP number 687033134 as at market open on January 15, 2026. Pursuant to the terms of the Warrant Indenture, no fractional Common Shares will be issued on exercise of a Warrant, and Warrant holders who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fraction of a Common Share will be rounded down to the nearest whole number of Common Shares, and no cash consideration will be paid in respect of fractional shares. Warrant holders are encouraged to read the full text of the Warrant Indenture, which is available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid the Underwriters a cash commission equal to 6.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering (including on the exercise of the over-allotment option), subject to a reduced cash commission equal to 3.0% in respect of gross proceeds from the sale of Units to purchasers included on a "President's List" provided by the Company to the Underwriters. The Offering was completed by way of a prospectus supplement dated January 9, 2026 (the "Prospectus Supplement") to the Company's short form base shelf prospectus dated April 23, 2025 (the "Base Shelf Prospectus"), filed in all provinces of Canada, other than Quebec. The Units were also offered in the United States to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and to accredited investors pursuant to Rule 506 (b) of Regulation D under the 1933 Act, and in certain offshore jurisdictions, in each case in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to fund commencement of Pre-Feasibility Study drilling at the Santo Tomas copper project, advance baseline environmental and permitting work, and for general corporate working capital. Copies of the applicable offering documents can be obtained free of charge under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . Delivery of the Base Shelf Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement and any amendments thereto were satisfied in accordance with the "access equals delivery" provisions of applicable Canadian securities legislation. An electronic or paper copy of the Prospectus Supplement and the Base Shelf Prospectus may be obtained, without charge, from Canaccord Genuity by phone at 416-869-3052 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by providing Canaccord Genuity with an email address or address, as applicable. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. ABOUT OROCO The Company holds a net 87.0% interest in those central concessions that comprise 1,173 hectares "the Core Concessions" of the Santo Tomas Project, located in northwestern Mexico. The Company also holds an 80% interest in an additional 7,861 hectares of mineral concessions surrounding and adjacent to the Core Concessions (for a total Project area of 9,034 hectares, or 22,324 acres). Following an assessment of one of the non-Core Concession, the Company filed an application to reduce the area of that concession, with the result that the additional concessions will total 4,948.24 hectares, for a total Project area of 6,121.11 hectares or 15,124.47 acres. The Project is situated within the Santo Tomas District, which extends up to the Jinchuan Group's Bahuerachi Project, approximately 14 km to the northeast. The Santo Tomas Project hosts significant copper porphyry mineralization initially defined by prior exploration spanning the period from 1968 to 1994. During that time, the Santo Tomas Project area was tested by over 100 diamond and reverse circulation drill holes, totaling approximately 30,000 meters. Commencing in 2021, Oroco conducted a drill program (Phase 1) at Santo Tomas, with a resulting total of 48,481 meters drilled in 76 diamond drill holes. The drilling and subsequent resource estimates and engineering studies led to a revised MRE and an updated PEA being published and filed in August of 2024, which studies are available at the Company's website www.orocoresourcecorp.com and by reviewing the Company profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Santo Tomas Project is located within 170 km of the Pacific deep-water port at Topolobampo and is serviced via highway and proximal rail (and parallel corridors of trunk grid power lines and natural gas) through the city of Los Mochis to the northern city of Choix. The property is reached, in part, by a 32 km access road originally built to service Goldcorp's El Sauzal Mine in Chihuahua State. Additional information about Oroco can be found on its website and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to future events or achievements of the Company, the listing date of the Warrants on the TSXV, and the use of funds from the Offering, are forward-looking statements. There is no assurance that the proceeds of the Offering will be expended as contemplated. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these matters. Oroco does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements should they change, except as required by law. HERMOSILLO, MEXICO / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company" or "Tocvan") (CSE:TOC) (OTCQB:TCVNF) (WKN:TV3/ A2PE64) is pleased to announce the appointment of Anna Ladd-Kruger as an independent director to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Ms. Ladd-Kruger brings over 25 years of executive leadership in the mining industry, with a proven track record in scaling junior exploration companies to mid-tier producers, capital markets engagement, and financial management. Ms. Ladd-Kruger has held key board and executive roles at several prominent mining companies, including current Chair of the Board and Audit Chair at Integra Resources Corp. (ITR:TSXV & ITRG:NYSE). She also served as Independent Director and Audit Chair at SilverCrest Metals Inc., and on the special committee that led to its US$1.7 billion acquisition by Coeur Mining in February 2025. Previously, as Chief Financial Officer at McEwen Mining Inc. (TSX & NYSE), Excellon Resources Inc. (TSX & NYSE Amex), and Trevali Mining Corporation (TSX), she managed significant financings exceeding US$1 billion, acquisitions, and operational growth, expanding Trevali from a $50 million to over $1 billion market cap. Her expertise spans capital markets, debt and equity financing, treasury management, ESG governance, M&A, corporate development, and technical mining operations across Canada, Africa, Latin America, and the United States. Ms. Ladd-Kruger holds a Master's in Economics from Queen's University, a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) from the University of British Columbia, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA). She is also certified in ICD.D from the Institute of Corporate Directors and holds a CPA Sustainability and ESG Professional Certificate. "We are thrilled to welcome Anna to Tocvan's Board of Directors," said Brodie Sutherland, President and CEO of Tocvan Ventures Corp. "Her deep financial acumen, experience in guiding junior miners through growth phases, and strong focus on governance and ESG will be instrumental as we advance our flagship Gran Pilar and El Picacho gold projects in Sonora, Mexico, toward resource definition and potential production." Option Allocation The Company announces that its Board of Directors has approved a grant of stock options to Anna Ladd-Kruger pursuant to the Company's Stock Option Plan. A total of 300,000 stock options have been granted to acquire common shares in the capital of the Company at an exercise price of $1.18 per share. Of these stock options, a total of 150,000 vest immediately and 150,000 vest twelve months from the grant date. All options issued will expire January 14, 2031. The Company has also granted 200,000 stock options to consultants with the same terms listed above. 100% CONTROLLED PRIORITY TARGETS FOR TRENCHING & DRILLING South Block Main Zone Expansion Follow-up on 2025 Drill Success 19.4 g/t Au over 3.1 meters within 106.6 meters of 0.6 g/t Au (February 25, 2025 News Release) 5.4 g/t Au over 6.1 meters within 41.2 meters of 1.0 g/t Au (May 7, 2025 News Release) 136 g/t Ag over 10.7 meters within 42.7 meters of 41 g/t Ag (June 25, 2025 News Release) South Block (November 12, 2024 News Release) Placer Corridor (900-meter strike length) Soil samples up to 21.2 g/t Au and >2,000 g/t Placer Source Area Soil samples up to 2.4 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag Rock samples up to 7.3 g/t Au and 389 g/t Ag North Block North Alteration Zone (3.2 km by 1.5 km area) 2-meter chip sample, 5.6 g/t Au and 106 g/t Ag (October 19, 2023 News Release) Historic mine working sample, 3.2 g/t Au and 1,225 g/t Ag (March 8, 2024 News Release) Figure 1. Gran Pilar Project Overview, > 22km2 of prospective ground with two primary targets: South Block, the direct extension and expansion of the historic Main Zone defined by an expanding vein field of untested drill targets; North Block a 3.2-km by 1.5-km pyrite and clay alteration zone that coincides with high-grade gold-silver, the area remains largely untested Gran Pilar Drill Highlights: 2025 Diamond Drilling Highlights include: 83.5m @ 1.3 g/t Au, including 9.7m @ 10.3 g/t Au (March 11, 2025 News Release) 97.4m @ 0.7 g/t Au, including 36.3m @ 1.6 g/t Au (March 19, 2025 News Release) 64.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 3.0m @ 21.6 g/t Au and 209 g/t Ag (March 26, 2025 News Release) 46.9m @ 0.5 g/t Au, including 2.6m @ 7.2 g/t Au and 80 g/t Ag (April 16, 2025 News Release) 2025 RC Drilling Highlights include: 106.8m @ 0.6 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 19.4 g/t Au (February 25, 2025 News Release) 41.2m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 6.1m @ 5.4 g/t Au (May 7, 2025 News Release) 2024 RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 42.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 10.9 g/t Au 56.4m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 14.7 g/t Au 16.8m @ 0.8 g/t Au and 19 g/t Ag 2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag 108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag 63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag 2021 Phase II RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au 47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag 29m @ 0.7 g/t Au 35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au 2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include ( all lengths are drilled thicknesses ): 94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag; 41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ; 24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag 15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling. Highlights include: 61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au 21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag 13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au 9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag Pilar Bulk Sample Summary: 62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching Period Head Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag Bulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8") Fine Fraction (-1/8") Indicates Rapid Recovery with Agitated Leach Agitated Bottle Roll Test Returned Rapid and High Recovery Results: 80% Recovery of Gold and 94% Recovery of Silver after Rapid 24-hour Retention Time Additional Metallurgical Studies: Gravity Recovery with Agitated Leach Results of Five Composite Samples Returned 95 to 99% Recovery of Gold 73 to 97% Recovery of Silver Includes the Recovery of 99% Au and 73% Ag from Drill Core Composite at 120-meter depth. About Tocvan Ventures Corp. Tocvan Ventures Corp. is a dynamic exploration and near-term producer advancing high-potential gold and silver projects in the mine-friendly jurisdiction of Sonora, Mexico. At its flagship Gran Pilar Gold-Silver Project, Tocvan holds a 100% interest in over 21 km of prospective ground, bolstered by the pivotal 2023 land acquisition that provides ample space for scalable mine infrastructure, including a planned 50,000-tonne pilot production facility. The Company also maintains a 51% interest in a 1 km joint venture area with Colibri Resources, further expanding its footprint. Recent exploration successes, including near surface 3.1 meters at 19.4 g/t Au, underscore Gran Pilar's potential as a premier gold-silver asset. Additionally, Tocvan's 100% owned Picacho Gold-Silver Project, located in the prolific Caborca Trend-home to some of Mexico's largest gold deposits-positions the Company for further growth. With robust metallurgical results (up to 99% gold and 97% silver recovery) and a strategic capital to bolster growth, Tocvan is poised to deliver significant shareholder value in a market buoyed by record-high gold prices. With approximately 66 million shares outstanding, Tocvan is committed to unlocking the full potential of its assets through innovative exploration, strategic development, and investor-focused initiatives. Quality Assurance / Quality Control Rock and Drill samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold was analyzed using 50-gram nominal weight fire assay with atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. Over limits for gold (>10 g/t), were analyzed using fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Silver and other elements were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish. Over limit analyses for silver (>100 g/t) were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. Control samples comprising certified reference samples and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's robust quality assurance / quality control protocol. Soil Samples were shipped for sample preparation to ALS Limited in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver. The ALS Hermosillo and North Vancouver facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Gold and multi-element analysis of soils was completed by aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS finish using a 50-gram nominal weight. Over limit gold values greater than 1 g/t were re-assayed with a more robust aqua regia digestion ad ICP-MS finish. Over limit analyses for silver (>100 g/t) were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish. Control samples comprising blank samples and certified reference materials were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's robust quality assurance / quality control protocol. Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO for Tocvan Ventures Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business, the Company's formative stage of development and the Company's financial position. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For more information, please contact: TOCVAN VENTURES CORP. Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO 1150, 707 - 7 Ave SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 3H6 Telephone: 1 888 772 2452 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. STAY CONNECTED: LinkedIn: TOC LinkedIn X: TOC X Facebook: TOC Facebook YouTube: TOC YouTube Web: tocvan.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GoldHaven Resources Corp. ("GoldHaven" or the "Company") (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: GHVNF) (FSE: 4QS) is pleased to provide additional context and interpretation of tungsten assay results from its 2025 surface exploration program at the Magno Property in northwestern British Columbia, further to its January 6th, 2026, news release. The 2025 program was designed to systematically verify historical mineral occurrences and expand the geochemical dataset across the property using modern analytical techniques. Highlights: Confirmed anomalous tungsten mineralization at the historical Kuhn and Dead Goat showings , successfully validating historical surface data , successfully validating historical surface data Identified a newly recognized tungsten zone at Vines Lake , where tungsten mineralization had not previously been documented , where tungsten mineralization had not previously been documented Highest-grade sample from the 2025 program returned up to 6,550 ppm tungsten (W) at the Vines Lake showing at the Vines Lake showing Surface mapping confirms structurally controlled skarn (manto-style) mineralization , consistent with tungsten-bearing systems across the Magno Property , consistent with tungsten-bearing systems across the Magno Property Approximately 1.3 kilometres of anomalous tungsten mineralization defined at the Kuhn target, supporting district-scale tungsten and critical-mineral potential Results confirm anomalous tungsten mineralization at the historical Kuhn and Dead Goat showings, successfully validating historical data, and identify a previously undocumented tungsten occurrence at the Vines Lake showing, where the highest-grade sample from the program returned 6,550 ppm tungsten (W). These findings expand the known footprint of tungsten mineralization at Magno and demonstrate that tungsten mineralization is distributed across multiple structurally controlled zones within the project area. Tungsten: A Critical Mineral of Strategic Importance to North America Tungsten is recognized as a critical mineral due to its unique physical properties, including the highest melting point of all metals, exceptional hardness, and high density, which make it essential for a wide range of industrial and strategic applications. It is widely used in cutting and drilling tools, wear-resistant alloys, electronics, energy infrastructure, and defense applications. Global tungsten supply is highly concentrated, with limited primary production outside a small number of jurisdictions, underscoring the importance of identifying new, secure sources in stable mining regions. The confirmation of tungsten mineralization across multiple structurally controlled skarn zones at the Magno Property highlights the projects relevance to critical-mineral exploration and supports its potential strategic value alongside the propertys established silver and base-metal systems. Sample ID Showing W (ppm) ME-MS81 J647321 Vine Lake 6550 J647260 Dead Goat 5380 J647326 4380 J647205 Kuhn 4260 J647259 Dead Goat 3920 J647213 Kuhn 3850 J647215 Kuhn 3360 J647262 Dead Goat 3170 J647485 Dead Goat 2930 J647261 Dead Goat 2840 Table 1 - Top 10 Tungsten values from the 2025 Field Program. Figure 1 - Tungsten samples from the 2025 Field Program at the Kuhn and Dead Goat Zones. Note The above samples are grab samples taken to verify and characterize mineralization from the historic occurrences. They are not indicative of expected overall deposit grades. Overview of structure and lithology: The Kuhn and Dead Goat zones are underlain by gently dipping, NNW-striking stratigraphy including carbonate-bearing units of the Rosella Formation and Ingenika Group, as well as clastic units of the Boya Formation and Kechika Group. Mineralization in both areas occurs within structurally controlled skarns (mantos). At the Kuhn showing, two principal skarn horizons are recognized: the upper 3A skarn developed within the central Rosella Formation; and the lower 3A skarn developed along the contact between the Boya and Rosella formations. The lower skarn horizon is characterized by a distinctive vuggy texture. Tungsten mineralization is most strongly developed within diopsidegarnet skarn assemblages. Pyrrhotite-rich phases commonly show a negative correlation with tungsten, reflecting variations in oxidation state during skarn-forming mineralization events. Structural Controls and Metal Zoning: Field mapping completed during the 2025 program also identified a third, previously unrecognized skarn and/or silicified structural zone striking northeast and oblique to the Kuhn and Dead Goat skarns. This structure is characterized by a stronger zinc association and exhibits structural similarities to mineralization observed at the Magno and D Zones. Minor copper mineralization is present at both Kuhn and Dead Goat, typically associated with zoned pyrrhotite skarn phases, fracture-controlled pyrrhotite, and quartz veining. One sample collected from a small granite stock at southern Kuhn returned 1,765 ppm Cu, interpreted to lie along strike from the same structural corridor hosting silicified zinc mineralization. These observations suggest a potential relationship between northeast-trending structures and the intrusive heat source associated with the Cassiar Stock, a relationship that will be the focus of continued geological evaluation. Exploration Significance: At the Kuhn and Dead Goat zones, tungsten assays are consistent with historical results, with multiple samples returning values between 500 and 5,000 ppm W. The Kuhn target now covers approximately 1.3 kilometres of anomalous tungsten mineralization along strike, supporting continued de-risking through follow-up mapping, sampling, and target refinement. Results from the 2025 program further strengthen GoldHavens confidence in the Magno Property as a district-scale polymetallic system with significant silver, base-metal, tungsten, and critical-mineral potential. The Company will advance priority targetsincluding the Magno and D Zones, the Kuhn and Dead Goat tungsten areas, and the newly identified Vines Lake showingtoward detailed targeting and future drill planning. The 2025 surface program successfully achieved one of its primary objectives of verifying historical tungsten mineralization at the Kuhn and Dead Goat showings while also identifying a new tungsten occurrence at Vines Lake, said Robert Birmingham, President and CEO of GoldHaven Resources Corp. These results highlight the continuity and scale of tungsten mineralization across multiple structurally controlled skarn zones at Magno and further support our view that the property may host a large, zoned polymetallic system. With tungsten now confirmed over more than a kilometre of strike at Kuhn, we are well positioned to advance priority targets toward detailed targeting and future drill planning. Quality Assurance/ Quality Control (QAQC) The most recent work conducted on the Property by the Company, as outlined in this news release, utilized ALS Geochemistry Labs in North Vancouver, BC. ALS Geochemistry has no relationship with the Company. Sample shipment was conducted using industry-standard chain of custody procedures. Due to the preliminary nature of the field geochemistry programs, no blind analytical blanks and standards were utilized by the Company and only the internal procedures employed by the commercial lab were utilized for QA/QC protocols. Field notes, sample locations, lab certified reference materials, and assay results were reviewed, and the Qualified Person is satisfied that these procedures and protocols are sufficient given the current stage of exploration on the Property. Magno Project: GoldHaven Resources Magno Project is a district-scale exploration asset spanning 36,973.29 hectares in the prolific Cassiar region of northwestern British Columbia. Located just three kilometres south of the historic mining town of Cassiar and crossed by Highway 37, Magno benefits from road access and infrastructure rarely matched by early-stage exploration projects of this scale. The project directly borders mineral claims held by Cassiar Gold Corp. and Coeur Mining Inc., positioning GoldHaven within a proven regional mining corridor with established operators active in both precious metal and polymetallic systems. Proximity to supply hubs such as Dease Lake, Watson Lake, and Whitehorse along with potential hydroelectric access from regional infrastructure enhances Magnos logistical and long-term development advantages. Figure 2 Magno map location with proximity to nearby companies About GoldHaven Resources Corp. GoldHaven Resources Corp. is a Canadian junior exploration Company focused on acquiring and exploring highly prospective land packages in North and South America. The Companys projects include the flagship Magno Project, a district-scale polymetallic property adjacent to the historic Cassiar mining district in British Columbia. The Three Guardsman Project, which exhibits significant potential for copper and gold-skarn mineralization. The Copecal Gold Project, a drill-ready gold project located in Mato Grosso, Brazil with a 6km strike of anomalous gold in soil samples. Three Critical Mineral projects with extensive tenement packages totalling 123,900 hectares: Bahia South, Bahia North and Iguatu projects located in Brazil. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Rob Birmingham, Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Rob Birmingham, CEO www.GoldHavenresources.com This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Office Direct: (604) 629-8254 Qualified Person: The technical and scientific information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Lindsay Bottomer P.Geo. who is an independent Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101 and a consultant of the Company. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE- Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, the possible acquisition of the future projects, the Company's expectation that it will be successful in enacting its business plans, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "will", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "potential", "scheduled", or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that there will be investor interest in future financings, market fundamentals will result in sustained precious metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration and development of any future projects in a timely manner, the availability of financing on suitable terms for exploration and development of future projects and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development activities, actual results of exploration activities, the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the inability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing required to conduct its business and affairs, as currently contemplated, , the inability of the Company to enter into definitive agreements in respect of possible Letters of Intent, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the costs of production, capital expenditures, the costs and timing of the development of new deposits, requirements for additional capital, future prices of precious metals, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, lack of investor interest in future financings, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents, approvals or authorizations, including by the Exchange, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, and risks related to joint venture operations, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's latest interim Management's Discussion and Analysis and filed with certain securities commissions in Canada. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law. Vancouver, British Columbia, Jan. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. (Terra or the Company) (CSE:TERA; FRA:UB1; OTC:TEBAF) is pleased to announce initial high-grade assay results from the Phase III drill campaign at Cumavici Ridge epithermal vein zone within its principal Viogor-Zanik project in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Highlights Drillhole CMV25001 intersected 102g/t Ag Eq. over 2.55 m within a broader zone of 64 g/t Ag Eq. over 4.7 m from 66m (Table 1) and including 0.4 m wide epithermal mineralized zone with 453 g/t Ag Eq. over 0.4 m ; within a broader zone of 64 g/t Ag Eq. over 4.7 m from 66m (Table 1) and including 0.4 m wide epithermal mineralized zone with ; Strike length extended to 95m from CMV23004 which returned 1168 g/t AgEq over 1.35 m. Further drilling at Cumavici returned highlights of: 505 g/t AgEq over 11 m (CMVDD004) 824.2g/t AgEq over 4m (CMVDD001) 284g/t AgEq over 10m (CMVDD005; see company news releases dated 8 th September 22 nd October 2022 as well as 2 nd and 27 th February 2023); from CMV23004 which returned 1168 g/t AgEq over 1.35 m. Further drilling at Cumavici returned highlights of: The mineralization remains open northwest and down-dip to the southwest ; ; Additional Phase III assays from diamond drillholes at Cumavici Ridge and Brezani targets will be released imminently. Terra Balcanica CEO, Dr. Aleksandar Miskovic, commented: We are very pleased to have extended the footprint at the high-grade Chumavichi Ridge system by continuing to intercept the mineralized horizon. Again, the epithermal, fault hosted mineralization was intercepted shallowly highlighting the potential of this SW-dipping structure, a high-grade, close-to-surface silver and base metal rich target. Our work testing the along-strike and down-dip extent of the Cumavici mineralization continues with more assays which Terra will report soon. Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Pb (%) Sb (%) Zn (%) Ag Eq. (g/t) CMV25001 66.0 70.7 4.7 27.3 0.24 0.37 0.11 0.49 64 including 67.00 69.55 2.55 46.4 0.36 0.58 0.17 0.82 102 including 69.15 69.55 0.40 240 1.62 0.93 0.58 4.12 453 Table 1. Assay results from drillhole CMV25001 with the interval lengths reported as drilled lengths, not true widths. Silver equivalents (AgEq) are based on assumed metal prices of US$4,500/oz for gold (Au), US$80/oz for silver (Ag), US$1.40/lb for zinc (Zn), US$20/lb for antimony (Sb) and US$0.9/lb for lead (Pb). Assumed metal recoveries of 90% Au, 93% Ag, 95% Sb, 94% Pb and Zn are based on published metallurgical tests on analogous intermediate sulphidation epithermal vein deposits. Figure 1. Photograph of PQ3 diameter core between 64.3 and 72.4m downhole in CMV25001. Dark sulphide veining and breccia cement can be observed, correlating to the reported mineralised interval. Drillcore Observations The zone of mineralization from 64 m to 73 m (Figure 1) is characterized by a fault-hosted hydrothermal breccia. The structure crosscuts a package of andesites and volcanic tuffs. This has created breccia and fault gouge is present at the margins of the structure which hosts the mineralisation. A 0.4m interval from 69.1m presents as massive sulphides of sphalerite-galena-stibnite-pyrite with sulphide stringers extending into the clay altered volcanics in the hanging and footwall of the host structure. Drilling has importantly confirmed further continuation of the Cumavici mineralisation, which was confirmed as present on Cumavici Crest over 500 m NW. Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation (m) Dip Azimuth Depth (m) Recovery (%) CMV25001 360156 4888547 620 -85 46.7 91.2 99 Table 2. Collar location and DDH data for the BRE25001 drill hole reported in WGS84/UTM Zone 34N. Geology of Cumavici The Cumavici license is dominated by volcanic rocks (tuffs and pyroclastic breccias) which have been crosscut by generally NW-SE trending structures and are part of a large epithermal mineral system. Mineralization is silver and antimony dominant with further gold-lead-zinc (Figure 2). Figure 2. Geological map illustrating the drillholes at the Cumavici Ridge locality. AgEq values are labelled for selected 2022 and 2023 drill intercepts (See Companys new releases dated 13 November 2023, 27 February 2023). Current drilling efforts confirm mineralization over 95 m NW/SE strike length. (WGS84/UTM Zone 34N. The Phase III drilling has confirmed 3 polymetallic systems so far exploration at Cumavici. Joseva, Cumavici Crest, and the flagship vein system at Cumavici Ridge. Mineralisation is characterised by sphalerite-stibnite-galena and further sulphosalts minerals which are associated with quartz and calcite veining and breccia cement. The mineralisation occupies faults which crop out at surface as distinctive topographic lows, coinciding with magnetic lows and often with mineralisation visible within fault gouge. QA/QC Half PQ3 core samples were delivered to ALS Bor, Serbia for sample preparation and analysis at the ALS laboratory Loughrea, Ireland an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certified testing laboratory. Sample preparation PREP-31BY method was used on all core samples. This involves crushing to 70% less than 2 mm, rotary split 1kg and pulverizing the split to greater than 85% passing 75 microns. Gold was assayed by 30g fire assay with ICP-AES finish (Au-ICP21). Analyses of silver and base metals were completed by highly oxidising digestion with HNO3, KClO3 and HBr (ASY-ORE) and the final solution in dilute aqua regia is determined by ICP-AES (ME-ICPORE). Control samples, comprising certified reference materials (CDN-ME-1811), and blanks were inserted at a rate of 9% and investigated as part of the companys quality assurance and quality control program. Qualified Person Dr. Aleksandar Miskovic, P.Geo, is the Companys designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). Dr. Miskovic has reviewed and validated the information contained in this news release as factual and accurate. Advertising Engagement The Company engaged Orsus Consult GmbH based out of Bayreuth, Germany in July of 2025 for 3 days of digital advertising for 25,000. About the Company Terra Balcanica is a polymetallic and energy metals exploration company targeting large-scale mineral systems in the Balkans of southeastern Europe and norther Saskatchewan, Canada. The Company has 90% interest in the Viogor-Zanik Project in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Canadian assets owned by its subsidiary comprise a 100% optioned portfolio of uranium-prospective licences at the outskirts of the world-renowned Athabasca basin: Charlot-Neely Lake, Fontaine Lake, Snowbird, and South Pendleton. The Company emphasizes responsible engagement with local communities and stakeholders. It is committed to proactively implementing Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) and sustainable health, safety, and environmental management. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. Aleksandar Miskovic Aleksandar Miskovic President and CEO For the complete information on this news release, please contact Aleksandar Miskovic at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., +1 (514) 796-7577, or visit www.terrabresources.com/en/news. Cautionary Statement This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively forward-looking statements). The use of any of the words will, intends and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Premier American Uranium Inc. (PUR, the Company or Premier American Uranium) (TSXV: PUR) (OTCQB: PAUIF) is pleased to announce completion of the 2025 exploration drilling program at the Cyclone Rim target area of the Companys wholly-owned Cyclone ISR Uranium Project (Cyclone or the Project), located in the Great Divide Basin of south-central Wyoming. The exploration program commenced on July 16, 2025, with the objective of further defining sandstone-hosted uranium mineralization that was partially outlined during the Companys 2024 exploration program. The Project is situated in the vicinity of Ur-Energy Inc.s Lost Creek ISR uranium mine and Uranium Energy Corp.s Sweetwater uranium production facility (Figure 2). Highlights Positive drill results include mineralized zones encountered in areas where uranium mineralization was not previously known to occur, and extensions of known mineralization along a previously identified geologic trend. Twenty-five conventional mud rotary holes were completed for a total of 17,160 ft of drilling in 2025 (Figure 1). Thirteen of the 25 drill holes intersected uranium mineralization at grades of 0.01% eUO or higher (see Table 1 for complete results). Notably, hole CR25-001 returned 15.5 ft grading 0.09% eUO. Within this overall mineralized intercept is a three-foot thick zone that averages 0.229% eU 3 O 8 . O . Drilling at the Cyclone Rim target in 2024 identified flat lying uranium mineralization along a -mile, east-west trend. The 2025 drilling program has extended that mineralized trend and has identified a second trend of uranium mineralization running north-south over a 1.5-mile distance. Both mineralized zones remain open in multiple directions and are expected to be further investigated in future exploration drill programs. Colin Healey, CEO of PUR commented, We are encouraged by the strong results returned from drilling at Cyclone Rim this season. With each phase, our understanding of the mineralized system improves, and we remain focused on expanding known zones of mineralization while also uncovering new areas of potential mineralization. The 2025 program not only delivered the best-known uranium-mineralized intercept to-date at the Project, but also succeeded in extending the -mile mineralized trend identified during our 2024 campaign, and identified a promising new, large, 1.5-mile mineralized trend, for future follow-up. We look forward to leveraging the data obtained during the 2025 field season to optimize 2026 initiatives. I congratulate our technical team on the strong execution in the field in 2025 as we continue to uncover the potential at the Cyclone project. Table 1. 2025 Cyclone Rim Significant Intercepts Hole Intercept From (ft) To (ft) Length (ft) eU 3 O % CR25-001 intersected 202 217.5 15.5 0.09 including 14 0.097 including 13.5 0.1 including 3.0 0.229 CR25-002 intersected 346 355 9 0.019 including 4 0.027 including 1.5 0.034 CR25-004 intersected 557 557.5 0.5 0.011 CR25-005a intersected 195.5 196.5 1 0.011 and 203 208 5 0.018 including 1.5 0.029 and 216.5 225 8.5 0.027 including 2.5 0.058 including 1.5 0.075 and 237 238.5 1.5 0.011 CR25-009 intersected 396.5 398 1.5 0.011 CR25-010 intersected 377.5 379.5 2 0.015 CR25-013 intersected 371 372.5 1.5 0.016 intersected 379 380.5 1.5 0.012 CR25-014 intersected 346 355 9 0.028 including 7.5 0.03 CR25-015 intersected 367.5 368.5 1 0.012 CR25-019 intersected 242.5 255 12.5 0.027 including 4.5 0.041 including 2.5 0.028 CR25-022a intersected 456 459.5 3.5 0.017 including 1 0.021 CR25-023a intersected 395.5 397 1.5 0.011 CR25-025a intersected 205.5 211 5.5 0.018 including 1 0.027 Table 2. 2025 Cyclone Rim Drillhole Collar Details Drillhole ID UTM Easting UTM Northing Azimuth Dip Depth (ft) (top of hole) (top of hole) CR25-001 719839 4673113 0 -90 1000 CR25-002 719247 4673069 0 -90 600 CR25-003a 718674 4673014 0 -90 500 CR25-004 718109 4673018 0 -90 760 CR25-005a 719840 4673125 0 -90 520 CR25-006a 719837 4673093 0 -90 520 CR25-007a 720926 4676935 0 -90 500 CR25-008a 720259 4676679 0 -90 500 CR25-009 719652 4674387 0 -90 900 CR25-010 719694 4675429 0 -90 940 CR25-011 719667 4676447 0 -90 800 CR25-012 719613 4677753 0 -90 700 CR25-013 720204 4677258 0 -90 460 CR25-014 720275 4676696 0 -90 800 CR25-015 720112 4675484 0 -90 860 CR25-016 720362 4673880 0 -90 900 CR25-017 721054 4674655 0 -90 700 CR25-018 720949 4675796 0 -90 800 CR25-019 720946 4676941 0 -90 800 CR25-020 721597 4677830 0 -90 700 CR25-021a 720180 4677252 0 -90 500 CR25-022a 722669 4678583 0 -90 500 CR25-023a 720226 4677252 0 -90 500 CR25-024a 721431 4678256 0 -90 700 CR25-025a 722594 4678552 0 -90 700 Drill holes reported here encountered uranium mineralization with >1-ft thickness at or above a cut-off grade of 0.01% eU 3 O 8 . All grades were calculated from gamma-ray logs measured by Hawkins CBM Logging of Cody, Wyoming, a highly experienced and skilled independent borehole geophysical contractor. Hawkins CBM Loggings geophysical probe was most recently calibrated at the US Department of Energys Casper, Wyoming logging test pits in June 2025. Uranium grades cited were calculated from gamma-ray logs, and the cited grades are equivalent (e) grades of U 3 O 8 . All drill holes are vertical in orientation and the geologic units hosting the uranium mineralization are flat lying, therefore reported thicknesses are true thicknesses. No corrections were made for radiometric disequilibrium. Figure 1. 2025 Cyclone Rim Target Area Drill Hole Locations Cyclone Project The Project is situated in the Wyoming Basin physiographic province, in south-central Wyoming and within the Great Divide Basin (Figure 2). Uranium mineralization occurs in the Tertiary age Battle Spring Formation as sandstone-hosted roll-fronts. PURs mineral holdings include 1,161 unpatented mining claims and 9 State leases. In total, the Project comprises approximately 26,180 acres. Portions of the Project area were explored by various companies beginning in the 1950s. Wyoming has led the US in uranium production since 1995, and since the first uranium mines started operating in 1951, the state has produced more than 238 million pounds of uranium concentrate. Wyoming hosts the largest known economic uranium ore reserves in the US, which are in the Powder River Basin, Great Divide Basin, Shirley Basin, and Gas Hills (Wind River Basin).1 Figure 2: Location of the Cyclone Project, Great Divide Basin, Wyoming Qualified Person Statement The scientific and technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Dean T. Wilton, PG, CPG, MAIG, a consultant of PUR who is a Qualified Person (as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects). Mr. Wilton has verified the data disclosed in this news release, including sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information contained herein. The drilling results cited in this release were derived from conventional mud rotary drill holes and continuously recorded geophysical responses (gamma-ray, self-potential, and single point resistivity) from a borehole geophysical probe. The mineralized zones are flat lying and the individual drill holes are vertical in orientation, and the thicknesses cited in this release are true thicknesses. Grades of mineralization reported were calculated from the gamma-ray logs following a procedure that was first developed in the early 1960s and is standard practice in the uranium industry. The borehole geophysical logging was carried out by Hawkins CBM Logging of Cody Wyoming, an independent geophysical contractor that is highly experienced and skilled in providing reliable and accurate data. The gamma-ray probe and instrumentation were most recently calibrated at the US Department of Energys gamma-ray test pits in Casper, Wyoming in June 2025. Other information regarding the Companys Cyclone Project can be referenced in the Technical Report on the Cyclone Uranium Project, Great Divide Basin, Wyoming USA, dated June 30, 2023, which is available under the Companys profile on SEDAR +, at www.sedarplus.ca. About Premier American Uranium Inc. Premier American Uranium is focused on consolidating, exploring, and developing uranium projects across the United States to strengthen domestic energy security and advance the transition to clean energy. The Companys extensive land position spans five of the nations top uranium districts, with active work programs underway in New Mexicos Grants Mineral Belt and Wyomings Great Divide and Powder River Basins. Backed by strategic partners including Sachem Cove Partners, IsoEnergy Ltd., Mega Uranium Ltd., and other leading institutional investors, PUR is advancing a portfolio supported by defined resources and high-priority exploration and development targets. Led by a distinguished team with deep expertise in uranium exploration, development, permitting, operations, and uranium-focused M&A, the Company is well positioned as a key player in advancing the U.S. uranium sector. For More Information, Please Contact: Premier American Uranium Inc. Colin Healey, CEO This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Toll-Free: 1-833-223-4673 Twitter: @PremierAUranium www.premierur.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to, future exploration activities and the anticipated results thereof; future prospects for exploration; expectations regarding transition to clean energy in the US; and other activities, events or developments that are expected, anticipated or may occur in the future. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, or believes or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation thereof. Forward-looking information and statements are based on our current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about PURs business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Such forward-information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the price of uranium, the anticipated cost of planned exploration activities, the completion, timing and results of planned exploration activities being consistent with expectations, the anticipated mineralization being consistent with expectations, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Companys planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by PUR in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performances and achievements of Premier American Uranium to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of Premier American Uranium expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: limited operating history, negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, delays or failure to obtain required permits and regulatory approvals, changes in mineral resources, no known mineral reserves, aboriginal title and consultation issues, reliance on key management and other personnel; potential downturns in economic conditions; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment and supplies; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; changes in laws and regulation, competition, and uninsurable risks and the risk factors with respect to Premier American Uranium set out in PURs annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the other documents of PUR filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under PURs profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although PUR has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. PUR undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws. 1 Uranium resources summary of 2023 (wyo.gov) VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 13, 2026 / Green Bridge Metals Corporation (CSE:GRBM) (OTCQB:GBMCF) (FWB:J48, WKN:A3EW4S) ("Green Bridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce, that it has signed a Contract Agreement with Foraco Corp. ("Foraco"), which will be mobilizing to the Company's Titac property near Duluth, Minnesota the third week of January. Foraco is committed to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and has adopted the SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) standards for the metals and mining sector to measure and track its environmental performance, and the Company is proud to be working with Foraco for a maiden drill program in northeast Minnesota. Under the agreement, Foraco will complete a minimum of 1,800 meters of core drilling to test high-priority target zones which have been identified through a geophysical survey and historical drilling (Figure 1). In addition, the Company has been granted a renewal of the drill permit through St Louis County which provides the ability to build six (6) drill pads which will allow for multi-directional drilling in the future. CEO, David Suda stated: "We are excited to be on the cusp of commencing our 2026 drilling exploration programs with Foraco as our drilling partner and exploration permits from St. Louis County." Titac Project The property is 3,992 Hectares located in St. Louis County, Minnesota. Located in the Duluth Complex, the property is underlain by a thin veneer of glacial till that overlies an Oxide Ultramafic Intrusion (OUI) that is hosted within the greater mafic to ultramafic layered intrusions. The Titac South deposit contains an Inferred Mineral Resource of 46.6 Mt @ 15% TiO 2 which is currently known to extend to >400m from surface, within a spherical oxide ultramafic intrusion. The extent of mineralization associated with the OUI remains open in multiple directions. Historical drill records included significant intercepts of copper, defining of which is the goal of the upcoming drill program. Figure 1. Southwest perspective model view of the Titac South deposit showing a grade shell of <17.5% TiO 2 with copper intercept grades shown as graphs along historical drill holes (see NI 43101 Technical Report dated September 18, 2025 at SEDAR+). Along with planned core drilling (red). Inferred mineral resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined economically. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of the inferred mineral resources will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Ajeet Milliard, Chief Geologist at the Company, is a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release. For a discussion of the Company's QA/QC and data verification processes and procedures, please see its most recently-filed technical report, a copy of which may be obtained under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company also announces that it has engaged MCS Market Communication Service GmbH (business address: Saarlandstrae 28 58511 Ludenscheid, Germany, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; telephone: +491772481220; and website: www.mcsmarket.de) ("MCS") for the provision of a range of online marketing services, including campaign creation, production of marketing materials, as well as research and analytics (the "Services"). The Services are expected to run until July 2026 or budget exhaustion. The Company has paid MCS EUR 372,000 as consideration for its services. No securities have been provided to MCS or its principals as compensation for the Services. The Services will be executed via digital channels, including Google Ads and native advertising. About Green Bridge Metals Green Bridge Metals Corporation is a Canadian based exploration company focused on acquiring 'critical mineral' rich assets and the development of the South Contact District along the basal contact of the Duluth Complex, north of Duluth, Minnesota. The South Contact District properties contain bulk-tonnage copper-nickel and titanium-vanadium mineralization hosted in ultramafic to oxide ultramafic intrusions, respectively, and well-developed exploration targets for bulk-tonnage Cu-Ni, high grade Ni-Cu-PGE magmatic sulfides, and titanium. ON BEHALF OF GREEN BRIDGE METALS CORPORATION, "David Suda" President and Chief Executive Officer For more information, please contact: David Suda President and Chief Executive Officer Tel: 604.928-3101 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Forward Looking Information Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Although management of the Company believe that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements about: the proposed scope and timing of drilling programs; and the development of its properties. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: locating mineral deposits is inherently risky; the exploration and development of the Company's mineral properties may not result in any commercially successful outcome for the Company; risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws (including regulations respecting mining concessions); and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Investors should not attribute undue certainty or place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosures in Green Bridge's annual and quarterly reports and other public filings, available at www.sedarplus.ca. Certain figures and references contain information supported by public and corporate references that may have been updated, changed, or modified since their referenced date. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved or disapproved the contents of this news release. European Commissioner for Economic Affairs Valdis Dombrovskis predicts that Ukraine will receive the first funds from the EUR 90 billion financial support in April of this year. He said this on Wednesday in Brussels at a press conference dedicated to the European Commissions legislative initiatives aimed at implementing the decision of the December European Council meeting to provide Ukraine with financial support for 2026-2027 in the amount of EUR 90 billion. "On the one hand, we will cooperate with the EU co-legislators [the European Parliament and the European Council] to ensure a rapid legislative process, which we hope will be completed by the beginning of March, which will allow for payments in April," the European Commissioner hopes. Dombrovskis said that at the same time, the European Commission is working with the Ukrainian authorities to prepare a financial strategy for this year so that "all necessary documents and steps can be taken on time." "And I would say that also in previous years we have worked with the Ukrainian authorities in a very tight timeframe and were able to achieve results," he added. In addition, according to the European Commissioner, work is underway in parallel with other international partners that provide financial support to Ukraine, "to ensure their pre-financing in the first quarter of this year, to cover this financing gap that Ukraine is already facing in the first quarter." "And I would say that this work is also progressing quite successfully," Dombrovskis said. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- REV Exploration Corp. (REV or the Company) (TSXV: REVX; OTC: REVFF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement (the Agreement) with an arms-length private Quebec-based company (the Vendor) to acquire a 100% interest in certain mineral claims and associated rights located in Quebecs Chibougamau Gold Camp (the Property). The Agreement sets forth the basic terms and conditions upon which the Company and the Vendor will complete the transaction as follows: REV to provide a cash payment of $150,000 to the Vendor, with $25,000 to be paid as a deposit and the remainder to be paid on closing; REV to issue $350,000 worth of common shares to the Vendor on closing; REV to grant a 1.0% NSR in favour of the Vendor. Closing is subject to customary conditions, including receipt of all required regulatory approvals and acceptance of the Agreement by the TSX Venture Exchange, as applicable. This latest acquisition of claims, comprising just over 6,700 hectares, will expand the size of REVs total land package in the Chibougamau Gold Camp to approximately 52,000 hectares or 520 sq. km. About REV Exploration Corp. REV is a mineral exploration company that owns a suite of mostly gold properties in Quebec highlighted by JMW and Maxwell in the Chibougamau Gold Camp, while the Company also has strong exposure to the Natural Hydrogen sector in Alberta and Saskatchewan. REV has acquired 100% of a series of PNG leases along the Alberta-Montana border, including the drill-ready Aden Dome, while it also has a significant equity position in MAX Power Mining Corp. which owns Canadas largest permitted land package for Natural Hydrogen in Saskatchewan. For further information on the Company, readers are referred to the Companys website at www.REVexploration.com and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. REV Exploration Corp. Suite 410 325 Howe Street, B.C. V6C 1Z7 Tel: 604-682-7970 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. REVexploration.com Jordan Potts CEO, Director For further information, please contact: Chad Levesque Investor Relations 1-306-981-4753 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the future business plans of the Company, the use of NSRs, the value of the Property and closing of the transaction. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as expects, plans, anticipates, intends, believes, estimates, potential, target, strategy, budget, scheduled, may, will, should, or similar expressions. Forward-looking information is based on managements reasonable assumptions as of the date such statements are made, including assumptions regarding the Companys ability to obtain necessary approvals, general business and economic conditions, financial market stability, the availability of financing on reasonable terms, and the Companys ability to carry out its planned exploration activities. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks relating to exploration activities, including operational risks, cost overruns, equipment failures, permitting delays, or accidents; risks associated with early-stage mineral projects and the absence of mineral resources or reserves defined under NI 43-101 on the JMW Gold Property and the Property; commodity price volatility; changes in financial markets and investor sentiment; general economic, political, and social uncertainties; reliance on key personnel; environmental, permitting, and community risks; and other risks inherent in the mining and exploration industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that could cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information speaks only as of the date of this news release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise such information except as required by applicable securities laws. REV disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities referenced herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. An international court case alleging Myanmar committed genocide against the mostly Muslim Rohingya minority is "flawed and unfounded", Yangon's foreign ministry said Wednesday. In a statement published in a state newspaper, the government called on the International Court of Justice to "reach its judgement based on fact and settled law strictly within the framework of the Genocide Convention". ICJ judges are hearing three weeks of testimony, which began in The Hague on Monday, as they weigh accusations by The Gambia that Myanmar committed genocide against the Rohingya in a 2017 crackdown. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims fled violence by the Myanmar army and Buddhist militias, escaping to neighbouring Bangladesh and bringing harrowing accounts of mass rape, arson and murder. On the first day of the hearings Gambia's Justice Minister Dawda Jallow told the court the Rohingya "have been targeted for destruction". Lawyers for military-ruled Myanmar will begin their court response on Friday. "The allegations made by The Gambia are flawed and unfounded in fact and law," said the Yangon foreign ministry statement, printed in the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper. "Biased reports, based on unreliable evidence, cannot make up for truth," it added. The country -- ruled by a military junta since a coup in 2021 -- was co-operating with the ICJ "in good faith" in a sign of its respect for international law, it said. The statement did not use the word Rohingya, referring instead to "persons from Rakhine state", adding it was committed to their repatriation. The Rohingya are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government, which denies them citizenship and considers them Bengali interlopers, despite many having roots in the country stretching back centuries. Today, 1.17 million Rohingya live crammed into dilapidated camps in Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh. Myanmar has always maintained the crackdown by its armed forces was justified to root out Rohingya insurgents after a series of attacks left a dozen security personnel dead. The Gambia, a Muslim-majority country in west Africa, is taking Myanmar to the ICJ, which rules in disputes between states, alleging breaches of the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. Under it any state can haul another before the ICJ if it believes genocide is being committed. Legal experts are watching the proceedings as they could give clues for how the ICJ will handle similar accusations against Israel over its military campaign in Gaza, in a case brought by South Africa. A final decision could take months or even years, and while the ICJ has no means of enforcing its decisions, a ruling in favour of The Gambia would heap more political pressure on Myanmar. Photo: Denys_Smyhal /t.me/Denys_Smyhal Candidate for the position of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal believes that Kyiv was very poorly prepared for the challenges of passing the heating season in wartime conditions. "Kharkiv was preparing it has mobile boiler plants and power generation. Kyiv was much worse prepared I would say not prepared at all so now anti-crisis measures will have to be taken. This is currently the focus of the president of Ukraine and the prime minister," Shmyhal said during a speech in the Verkhovna Rada ahead of the vote on the appointment. Shmyhal also said the Energy Ministry can ensure a fair distribution of energy resources and influence the protection of energy infrastructure and the development of generation. "Therefore, cooperation with local authorities and the relevant ministry for community development is another area for which the Energy Ministry can be responsible," he said. Photo: @V_Zelenskiy_official Telegram Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a meeting with Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, with whom he outlined the Ministry of Defenses top priorities, including air defense, frontline support issues, and systemic solutions to the TCK problem. The main one is air defense. There are concrete decisions that must be implemented as quickly as possible. The second priority is to significantly strengthen the technological component, in coordination with the military, to stop the advance of Russian occupiers on the battlefield, as well as to resolve problematic issues related to frontline logistics, Zelenskyy said on X Wednesday. According to the President, an audit of defense funding will be conducted promptly, and the Minister of Defense will present ways to close the deficits. Decisions are also being prepared to increase pay for our warriors on the frontline. We are also working separately on drone supplies the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine must introduce a basic level of drone provision for combat brigades and ensure the procurement of specialized drones capable of striking the enemy at greater depth, Zelenskyy added. The Ministry of Defense will also propose systemic solutions to the problems that have accumulated with the TCK (Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers). Zelenskyy noted that decisions have already been made to ensure a more equitable distribution of personnel among combat brigades. However, much broader changes are needed in the mobilization process that will guarantee more opportunities both for Ukraines Defense and Security Forces and for economic processes in our state. The Minister of Defense of Ukraine will also present the ministrys new team shortly, Zelenskyy noted. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on a meeting with volunteer and public figure Serhiy Prytula and an agreement reached on cooperation with him. "I thanked him for the assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, our defense and resilience. And that is exactly what we talked about with Serhiy how to additionally support Ukrainian volunteers, volunteer funds and the very habit of Ukrainians to unite for the sake of solving common national tasks. We agreed to cooperate," Zelenskyy said in Telegram on Wednesday following the meeting. Prytula, in turn, thanked the president "for a substantive conversation about the importance of the work of the volunteer movement in strengthening the countrys defense capabilities." "The common goal is victory, requires synchronization of efforts! Thank you for your willingness to listen and help," he said on Facebook. KILDARES MEP Nina Carberry has been appointed to lead negotiations on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP 2028-34) for the European Parliaments largest political group, the EPP, on the Budget Committee. The news comes several days after the Department for Agriculture confirmed 40 million was issued in CAP payments to farmers in Kildare over the course of 2025. In her new role, Ms 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, Ms Carberry said she was honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility for the parliaments largest party, the European Peoples Party (EPP), which has 190 MEPs. Since entering the European Parliament 18 months ago, I have been determined to deliver for my constituents [Midlands NorthWest], said Ms Carberry. I am delighted that my colleagues have given me the opportunity to help shape the next CAP. Ms Carberry confirmed that she will seek an increased CAP budget, with a strong focus on cutting red tape. We are starting with a proposed ringfenced 300bn for direct payments and basic income support, and a new minimum 10% rural development 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. The MEP also highlighted the need to align CAP investment with research and innovation funding, which has been increased to 175bn 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. It must remain clearly ringfenced, and its common nature is essential it cannot become 27 different national policies. Over the coming months, Ms Carberry will prepare amendments to the European Parliaments budget report and begin consultation with farmers, community organisations and other key stakeholders. PEOPLE should be prosecuted over this, said a spokesperson for Kildare Wildlife Rescue over allegations of badger hunting on The Curragh after a series of graphic images were circulated on social media. Im aware of those photographs, and they would be considered a wildlife crime, he said. Last year we received over 50 wildlife crimes, and we would report it to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), who have the power to investigate this. Im aware of this and would be horrified if this is happening on The Curragh. Anybody with such suspicions should report it to Kildare Town or Newbridge Gardai or to the NPWS, he said. A spokesperson for the Kildare Animal Foundation told the Kildare Nationalist: We have no direct involvement with the subject of concern, apart from repeating that The Curragh is not policed anywhere near enough. Many despicable practices take place there. People involved in animal rights are the best to speak to in order to get a full picture of the situation. The Military Police would also have a useful input, she said. A spokesman for the NPWS told this newspaper: If we can verify from the photos that a criminal offence has been alleged, that would be quite serious. Interference with a badger sett is a criminal offence, not a civil one, and its something we would take very seriously. Historically, Im not aware of badger hunting on The Curragh, but we would need first-hand information to investigate. Badger digging happens all over the country and has occurred previously in South Kildare. We dont want to hinder a successful prosecution, so there will be a criminal investigation if we can verify the photos. The circulation of the disgusting images has caught the attention of local senator Fiona OLoughlin, who has called for such illegal hunting to be proscribed within the pending plan for the management of The Curragh. She is calling for the 2,000 hectare (5,000 acre) area to be reclassified as a national park. Last week, senator OLoughlin a long time, vocal supporter of the Plains said she had written to two government ministers and to Kildare County Council, outlining the urgent need to include illegal hunting in the plan to give the Curragh Plains national park status. Her letters followed the circulation of photographs on online groups showing significant damage to parts of The Curragh, where large burrows and holes have been dug across the area to capture rabbits and badgers, causing serious concern about the long-term preservation of this unique landscape. This is one of the reasons The Curragh has to be monitored appropriately, because its not being managed properly, said senator OLoughlin. This is one of the reasons we need The Curragh to be called a national park. Photo: Eurosolidarity During a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada on Wednesday, MP, leader of the European Solidarity party, Petro Poroshenko, called for an urgent discussion with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who was present in the session hall, on the issue of restoring energy infrastructure. "I ask to put to a vote now, taking advantage of the Prime Minister's presence in the hall, on allocating 10 minutes so that the deputies have the opportunity to ask questions to the Prime Minister in connection with the critical situation that has developed with the provision of heat supply, water, sewage, and electricity to Kyiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhia. And what should we do together to accelerate the resolution of issues, including the allocation of funds, including the return of funds to local self-government entities, including the provision of additional funding to repair teams, and finally receive a direct answer as to what will be resolved and when," Poroshenko addressed the mono-majority. As reported on the political force's website, this proposal, however, did not receive the necessary votes. "Today, taking advantage of the presence of Prime Minister Svyrydenko in the parliament hall, I called for 10 minutes to be set aside for an honest conversation about how critical infrastructure is being restored and what we can all do together. In particular, to make changes to the budget and return the funds that were withdrawn from the budgets of communities. However, the Servants of the People are so protective of their prime minister that even an energy disaster for millions of people is not a sufficient reason to ask Svyrydenko questions about this. The monomajority suggests waiting for answers until Friday," Poroshenko noted. A visiting student has appealed to the people of Kilkenny for help after a much-loved travel mascot went missing in Kilkenny City. The mascot's journey is tied to an uplifting mission for children in hospital and the student is hoping locals might spot 'Wolfie' or have picked the mascot up for safekeeping. READ NEXT: Contractors in Kilkenny accused of engaging in alleged 'cartel like behaviour' "Wolfie has been traveling with us with the sole mission of taking pictures for children that are sick in hospital back at home in order for them to travel to Ireland through Wolfie," the student explained. According to the appeal, Wolfie may have been lost around the entrance to Kilkenny Castle where buses park, perhaps in the vicinity of Kilkenny Design Centre, or perhaps the area by and behind Lanigans Pub. READ NEXT: American billionaire and Trump donor gets green light for distillery in Kilkenny If anybody finds Wolfie, they are being asked to bring the mascot to Lanigan's Bar, as the student 'is long time friends with the owners of the bar and lodging, so they'll take good care of Wolfie for us'. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS Kilkenny Sinn Fein TD Natasha Newsome Drennan raised allegations in the Dail on Wednesday of what she described as 'cartel like behaviour' by contractors used by Uisce Eireann to repair water leaks across Kilkenny. During her Dail speech, Deputy Newsome Drennan challenged the Minister on how he could stand over the "cartel like behaviour". "Just five years ago, installing two concrete rings cost between five and seven thousand euros - now these same contractors are charging nearly forty thousand," she said. READ NEXT: American billionaire and Trump donor gets green light for distillery in Kilkenny "A burst mains pipe used to cost around 1,600, now its between 9,000 and 10,000. If they lay one metre of concrete they get paid for 7 metres. "I am getting reports of how contractors are communicating between each other to drive up quotes as high as possible. Cartel like behaviour. READ NEXT: 'This time last year I was struggling to walk' - Kilkenny woman's weight loss story "What is happening is daylight robbery. It is theft of taxpayers money. The conduct, and complete absence of accountability of Uisce Eireann and the handing out of contracts is a scandal waiting to break." Deputy Newsome Drennan concluded in the Dail by calling for a full review into Uisce Eireann's handling of these contracts. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS Gardai are investigating all possible avenues after The Boys National School in Castlecomer was trashed on Monday night. Pictures taken by Farrell's Gala and published online show windows smashed and classrooms ransacked (SEE PICTURES BELOW). The school officially opened in 1941 but is no longer in operation following the merger of the girls and boys schools into a co-educational school in the autumn of 2025. Last year, Castlecomer Presentation Primary School and Castlecomer Boys School jointly requested the outgoing Bishop Niall Coll, patron of both schools, to sanction the process of amalgamation of the two schools. This request followed consultation with the stakeholders boards of management, teachers, pupils, and parents. READ NEXT: Broadband coverage in parts of Kilkenny 'disgraceful' despite some progress Bishop Coll granted this request, as did the Department of Education and approved Scoil Iosagain as the new name. "Its has saddened us to see what happened last night," Farrell's Gala posted on social media in response to this week's events. "A school where Great Grandparents, Grandparents, parents, uncles, brothers, sons, grandsons and possibly even great grandsons were educated. A school that holds so many memories for everyone. It really is awful behaviour and so disrespectful." FOR MORE NORTH KILKENNY NEWS, CLICK HERE More to follow... CLICK > TO SCROLL THROUGH PICTURES Grennan College in Thomastown recently unveiled their brand new school newspaper, the Grennan Gazette. The first edition is brimming with articles, poems and stories written by the talented students of the school. On the Thursday before the Christmas break, budding journalists joined members of the Wellread Team, the book club, and the ethos leaders to mark this exciting milestone in the schools Wellread journey. READ NEXT: 'This time last year I was struggling to walk' - Kilkenny woman's weight loss story Ms Quirke and Ms Kinsella (pictured below), who mentored the team over the past months, proudly spoke of the enthusiasm, creativity and hard work that went into the production of the inaugural edition. To celebrate the launch, the entire school took part in a special DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) session, diving into the Gazette and marvelling at the creativity within its pages. From the stunning masthead to top-notch reporting on school and community news to inspiring poetry and engaging stories, the students have truly excelled! Copies of the Grennan Gazette are available from the front office where they are displayed in the school newsstand that was kindly donated by Walshs Centra in Thomastown. READ NEXT: Scabies outbreak and 'smell of urine' discovered by HIQA at Kilkenny care home A digital version of the Grennan Gazette has also been uploaded to the school website. We cant wait to see what our students produce for the next edition, a school spokesperson said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS The Defense Forces from 07:00 to 17:00 shot down ten out of ten jet UAVs of the enemy in Kyiv and Chernihiv regions, the press service of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) has said. "In the period from 07:00 to 17:00 on January 14, 2026, the enemy intensified air attacks in the direction of the city of Kyiv, using jet UAVs. As of 17:00, ten out of ten jet UAVs of the enemy in Kyiv and Chernihiv regions were shot down," the AFU Air Force said on the Telegram channel on Wednesday. It is reported that all necessary means, including aviation, are involved in the destruction and counteraction of enemy jet drones. After studying the wreckage, specialists will probably find out the type of UAV and its payload. "However, the attack continues, in the south of the capital of Ukraine, the usual Shahed or UAVs of other types are being recorded. Combat work continues, do not ignore the alarm," the force said. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 24F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 24F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The year 2026 will open a new chapter in China's economic and social development, marking the start of the country's 15th five-year blueprint. As Chinese President Xi Jinping and his colleagues sketch out their vision for growth, they are also signaling a preoccupation with the risks and challenges confronting the governing party. On Monday, speaking at a major meeting of the Communist Party of China (CPC) top anti-corruption body, Xi cast graft as an existential threat. Corruption, he said, was a "roadblock and a stumbling block" to China's development, and the campaign to root it out a fight the Party "can neither afford to lose nor allow itself to lose." Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged officials to bring a clearer sense of purpose and greater resolve to the anti-corruption fight, calling for tougher standards and more concrete steps to tighten discipline. The remarks echoed a theme Xi touched on in his 2026 New Year message, when he revisited a question first posed in a cave dwelling in China's loess hills about 80 years ago: how to escape the historical cycle of rise and fall and sustain long-term governance. In 1945, in the revolutionary heartland of Yan'an, a dialogue unfolded inside the modest cave dwelling between Mao Zedong and Huang Yanpei, an acclaimed patriot and educationist. Mao's response to Huang's question was simple: place authority under the watchful eye of the people. The conversation has been repeatedly invoked by Xi since he assumed the Party's top post in late 2012. He has used it to caution against complacency among Party members, who may overlook the complexities and long-term risks testing the governing party. Xi, who lived in cave dwellings on the Loess Plateau during his youth, added his answer to Mao's cave conversation: the Party must carry on its self-reform to escape the historical cycle of rise and fall. He likens the Party's self-reform to "using a surgical knife to eliminate the Party's ailments." As he once put it, "The Party is great not because it never makes mistakes, but because it always owns up to its errors and has the courage to confront problems and reform itself." Xi emphasized that fighting corruption represents the most thorough kind of self-reform. He has singled out corruption as a primary concern among the many severe challenges facing the Party, calling it a "cancer" that erodes both the vitality and capability of the century-old Party. Xi has led an unprecedented anti-corruption campaign since 2012, driven by a determination to "offend a few thousand rather than fail 1.4 billion," targeting both high-ranking and low-level corrupt officials. This relentless effort has yielded an overwhelming victory, with the gains fully consolidated. He has also leveraged the strength of institutions. Under his leadership, a wide range of Party regulations have been instituted and revised, a supervision network covering all holders of public office has been established, and disciplinary inspection has been strengthened. This has shaped a distinctly Chinese approach to combating corruption, designed to ensure that officials do not have the audacity, opportunity or desire to be corrupt. Over the past year, this system has brought down a string of corrupt officials, including 65 officials registered and supervised by the CPC Central Committee. At Monday's meeting, Xi reiterated the importance of such institutions, saying that compliance with law and regulations admits no privilege and that enforcement of the law and regulations allows no exceptions. It is imperative to ensure that institutions and regulations truly become "live high-voltage lines" that must not be touched, he said. "As long as the breeding grounds and conditions for corruption still exist, we must keep sounding the bugle and never rest, not even for a minute, in our fight against corruption," Xi once said. As China begins its 15th Five-Year Plan, Xi's reference to the cave-dwelling conversation underscores his sobriety despite an array of successes achieved under his leadership, observers said. The message, they noted, is clear: the CPC must lead China toward the goals clearly set out, staying ahead of waves and adapting with purpose. "The tasks of advancing Chinese modernization entrusted to our Party are extremely arduous, and the governing environment is unusually complex. We must pull the string of self-reform tighter," Xi has told Party members. In Xi's view, China's success hinges on the Party, especially on the Party's efforts to exercise effective self-supervision, and full and rigorous self-governance. Not long after his trip to Yan'an, Huang penned his observations on the rising political party in a book published in August 1945: "I believe that the most invaluable spirit of our friends in the CPC lies in their constant pursuit of excellence and progress." "When this spirit is brought out in full, both the future and hope become limitless," he wrote. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official The rules on curfew should be reviewed during severe weather, in particular, to provide businesses with the opportunity to adjust work schedules due to the emergency situation in the energy system, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, adding he had given the relevant instruction to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. "I instructed the government to prepare a review of the rules on curfew during such extremely cold weather. People should have maximum opportunities to use support points, and businesses should have opportunities to plan work taking into account the situation in the energy system," Zelenskyy said on Telegram on Wednesday. He also said the number of invincibility points in Kyiv should be increased and the existing ones should be checked. "We are waiting for proposals from the Ministry of Education and Science and local authorities regarding the formats of the educational process during the emergency. It is important that public institutions, businesses, and all levels of local government work in a coordinated and coordinated manner. The common result of the entire country depends on the results of each," Zelenskyy said. The Victor Pinchuk Foundation will hold a series of Ukrainian events on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos on January 20-22, aimed at strengthening Ukraine's voice in the world, emphasizing its resilience, and promoting dialogue about the country's future and global security, the Foundation said in a press release on Wednesday. According to the announcement, the project "Ukraine: Future's Frontline" will be presented January 20-22, organized in partnership with the PinchukArtCentre and the Office of the President of Ukraine. On January 22, the traditional Ukrainian Breakfast in Davos will take place, bringing together political leaders, business executives, and civil society representatives to discuss Ukraines role in shaping the future of Europe and the world. In addition, Ukraine House Davos 2026 will operate January 19-22. Co-organizers, alongside the Pinchuk Foundation, include the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund and Horizon Capital. According to the Ukraine House program, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will deliver a speech. Discussions at Ukraine House will also feature participants including European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Vice President Matteo Patrone, Ukraines Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksiy Sobolev, senior strategist at RBC BlueBay Asset Management Timothy Ash, Global Empowerment Mission founder and president Michael Capponi, and actress, founder, and global ambassador for War Child Carey Mulligan. The project "Ukraine: Future's Frontline" will include an exhibition and a three-day discussion program focused on Ukraine as a testing ground for the future of security, innovation, and reconstruction. Its official opening is scheduled for January 20 at 11:00 Kyiv time. The exhibition, highlighting the risk of the war spreading to Europe and the importance of achieving peace through strength, will feature works by Ukrainian artists Oleksiy Say, Yarema Malaschuk, and Roman Khimey, as well as Damien Hirsts piece Incomplete Truth. According to the release, the project "Ukraine: Future's Frontline" and Ukraine House in Davos will take place at the same location as in recent years Promenade, 59. In 2024, POLITICO recognized Ukraine House in Davos, featuring the exhibition Deciding Your Tomorrow organized by the Pinchuk Foundation, as the best pavilion at the 2024 World Economic Forum, organizers noted. Detailed programs and updates will be published on the official websites. The Viktor Pinchuk Foundation is an independent private international organization in Ukraine, established in 2006. The foundation implements numerous projects aimed at supporting those affected by Russian aggression and drawing the attention of the international elite and broader audiences to Ukraine. Its initiatives include the national network of innovative rehabilitation centers for wounded soldiers, RECOVERY; the nationwide project POVERNENNIA (RETURN), which supports the mental health of servicemen, veterans, and their families who have suffered psychological trauma due to Russian aggression; and the nationwide network of neonatal centers, Cradles of Hope. 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. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/OTU.DONETSK The Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to control the northern part of the cities of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Donetsk region, Skhid (East) operational command said on Facebook on Wednesday. "The enemy has intensified its attempts to infiltrate the northern part of Pokrovsk, above the railway, with the help of assault groups. However, the Defense Forces are stopping the enemy's efforts," the force said. It is noted that all enemy movements in Pokrovsk are detected in a timely manner, and fire damage is inflicted on the enemy. "In Myrnohrad, Ukrainian units control the northern part of the city and do not allow the occupiers to bring heavy equipment to its southern part. Search and strike actions of the Defense Forces are ongoing to prevent further enemy advance," the force said. It is noted that units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine in the area of responsibility of the Skhid grouping of troops are restraining the enemy's onslaught and from the beginning of the day as of 18:00 on January 14 have repelled 28 Russian assaults. In particular, in Pokrovsk direction, Russian troops tried to advance on the positions of our troops 16 times, but the Ukrainian defenders have already repelled 13 attacks, three clashes are ongoing. "Ukrainian units are provided with the necessary means to maintain combat readiness in conditions of low temperatures. Logistical support remains difficult. Heavy drones and ground robotic complexes are used for supply. We are destroying the Russian invaders! Combat work continues," the force said. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Photo: @Vitaliy.Klychko Facebook Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Wednesday at a meeting of the Commission on Technogenic and Environmental Safety and Emergencies that Kyiv "is functioning in extreme conditions today" and is under threat of new Russian shelling. "I emphasized at the Commission on Technogenic and Environmental Safety and Emergencies that the capital is functioning in extreme conditions today. And at the same time, under threat of new enemy attacks. First of all, on infrastructure. Therefore, all officials and businessmen must understand their responsibility. And work quickly making decisions, finding options for their implementation. Otherwise, those who can will work! I understand the load and the level of stress, but we must maintain the vital activity of the metropolis! And we are doing everything for this," he said in Telegram. Klitschko said currently in the capital, social services provide and deliver food to more than 3,000 people, mainly single elderly people and people with disabilities. He also instructed to work out the possibility of feeding people who can move independently, but do not have the opportunity to cook food at home. The commission will hear reports on the implementation of the mayor's instructions regarding the work of inviolability points. "I gave instructions that heating points work in the most efficient mode. As we said, more than 1,200 of them have been deployed in Kyiv. People can warm up there, charge their devices, drink hot tea. And we need to give those residents who do not have heat in their apartments the opportunity to stay overnight in such points, if they wish," Klitschko said. A report on the implementation of the mayor's order to pay additional monetary compensation to specialists involved in the elimination of the consequences of the emergency. Two people were injured, a store and a private home were destroyed as a result of an enemy attack on the village of Tavriyske in Zaporizhzhia region, head of Zaporzhia Regional Military Administration, Ivan Fedorov, reported on Wednesday evening. "The Russians struck Tavrycheske with guided bombs. A private home and a store were destroyed. A fire broke out at the site of one of the hits. The blast wave and debris damaged nearby houses and structures. An 84-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man were injured. They are receiving all necessary medical assistance," Fedorov wrote on Telegram. Tavricheske is located 52 km from Zaporizhia and approximately 15 km from the front line. Before the full-scale Russian invasion, the village had a population of over 3,000. Olivia Kelleher Further directions are awaited from the DPP in relation to anti-immigration activist Derek Blighe who is charged with the harassment of a member of An Garda Siochana. Mr Blighe of Curraghvoe, Mitchelstown Co Cork appeared before Cork District Court, having previously been charged that on dates between February 22nd, 2023 and December 4th, 2023 he harassed a garda. The alleged offence is contrary to Section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. Sgt Gearoid Davis applied for an adjournment of the case to allow for further directions from the DPP. Mr Blighe is pleading not guilty to the charge. Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer asked that Mr Blighes bail conditions be relaxed. As it stands Mr Blighe (45) has to sign on at his Garda station on a twice-weekly basis. Judge John King reduced the signing-on order from twice to just once a week. Meanwhile, Dt Sgt Christopher Cahill previously said that Mr Blighe and another man were involved in a campaign of harassment against the garda. Dt Sgt Cahill said that the case of the State is that Mr Blighe harassed the garda for a period of ten months. He stated that in February 2023, the victim in the case was walking outside Cork District Cour,t having given evidence in a separate case when he was approached on Anglesea Street by the accused and two other people. The garda was wearing a civilian jacket as he walked down the street. He was allegedly recorded and live-streamed by the accused, who also verbally abused him. A video of the interaction was posted on social media. Dt Sgt Cahill said that the garda was followed by the people filming him. He was afraid to get his bus home in case his address became public. Det Sgt Cahill said that a video of the incident, which had a caption with derogatory comments about the garda, was viewed several thousand times online. He stated that Mr Blighe also allegedly went on to post videos of himself talking about the alleged victim in the case in April, August and December 2023. In one post Mr Blighe allegedly said that the garda was terrified and afraid to leave his home". Dt Sgt Cahill said that the alleged harassment has had a negative effect on the Garda and his family. The victim will say he had not consented to being recorded. He was prevented from going to a bus station to go home because he feared he would be followed. The victim was distressed, and it has harmed him and his family. Under the terms of his bail Mr Blighe has to refrain from having any contact, direct or indirect, with the alleged victim in the case. Mr Blighe cannot post about anything related to the case on social media. He also has to have a fully charged and in-credit mobile 24 hours a day so that he can be contactable to gardai. Derek Blighe was eliminated in the 16th count in the European Parliament elections in June 2024. Feature: How 2026 will strengthen China-Africa educational ties Xinhua) 08:43, January 14, 2026 A student tastes Chinese tea during an event celebrating the upcoming International Chinese Language Day at the Confucius Institute at the University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, April 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) HANGZHOU/JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- In July 2025, braving Typhoon Co-may's gales, a planeload of 20 Zhejiang Normal University students and teachers landed at Port Elizabeth in South Africa, becoming one more wave in an unfaltering stream of China-Africa educational exchanges launched in recent years. With the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges now underway, the university sustains its grassroots bonds by sending roughly 100 personnel south annually as new African cohorts arrive each term. Throughout the years, the influence of China-Africa collaboration in classrooms has extended far beyond the educational sphere. It stands as a vivid testimony to a partnership that has empowered tens of thousands of students and drawn the two sides ever closer across continents. BUILDING BRIDGES The past year marked the 10th anniversary of the Chinese language being formally incorporated into South Africa's national education system. The impact is often measured in policy terms, but its most revealing effects are quieter, unfolding through the choices of young people. For Musfirah Yasir, those choices are deeply personal. Born in Pakistan and raised in Johannesburg, she is now a global marketing student at the University of Johannesburg. After class, she practices Mandarin tones repeatedly, then studies the fine details of traditional Chinese dance in front of a mirror. Performing at cultural events organized by the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, Yasir felt the distance between herself and China begins to narrow. "It stopped feeling abstract," she said. "It felt closer." Her experience reflects the work of the Confucius Institute at the University of Johannesburg over the past 10 years. Students from universities encounter Chinese in the classroom, then carry it beyond campus -- toward study opportunities in China or early careers with Chinese-linked companies. Practical language programs for public institutions and businesses have helped Mandarin move from the classroom to everyday use. Students taste Chinese tea during an event celebrating the upcoming International Chinese Language Day at the Confucius Institute at the University of Johannesburg in Johannesburg, South Africa, April 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yudong) For Yasir, this shift brings clarity. Language study, cultural practice and academic ambition now converge, where China-Africa educational cooperation is no longer an idea, but daily effort, measured in pronunciation drills, careful dance movements, and a future slowly coming into focus. "With over 1,000 students enrolling each year, the impact is tangible," said Li Baosheng, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Johannesburg. "Our goal is to help more young people turn language learning into real opportunities, and I believe every institute shares the same mission." Nait Si Youssef, once a German major at Hassan II University in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, changed his degree to Chinese after his first class at the campus Confucius Institute. That single decision, he says, rerouted his life: He is now a Ph.D. candidate at the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University. "I discovered I loved the tones and the characters, but more importantly, I saw a future attached to them," said Youssef. Within months, he switched majors. Within years, he crossed continents. Now focusing his research on China-Africa relations, Youssef hopes to pursue a future in diplomacy after graduation and to help build wider cultural links between China and Morocco. "Language opens doors," he said. "Understanding keeps them open." THE "LAGOS BOY" Since 1964, when China first offered government scholarships to Nigerian students, more than 1,700 Nigerians have studied in China on such grants. Over the years, Chinese students have also been heading to this West African nation. Liu Hongwu, founder and director of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, is now 67. Among the earliest Chinese to engage in academic exchange in Africa, he arrived at the University of Lagos as a visiting scholar about 35 years ago. While there, Liu went far beyond his coursework, determined to walk the length and breadth of Africa. He observed that many African countries paid scant attention to history; in numerous primary and secondary schools, the subject was not taught at all, leaving countless young Africans ignorant of their own past. Ten years later, drawing on the contacts and materials he had gathered, Liu published "From Tribal Society to Nation-State: A Survey of the National Development of Nigeria." An English edition, released in 2024, is now available in Nigeria. "This work is one of the most detailed books on Nigeria's history and by a foreigner," said Ikenna Emewu, editor-in-chief of Africa China Economy Magazine. "His book teaches Nigerians the Nigerian history." Liu Hongwu, director general of the Institute of African Studies of Zhejiang Normal University, addresses the third South Sudan-China Think Tank Forum in Juba, South Sudan, April 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Han Xu) To many in Nigeria, the arrival of the book feels like Liu's homecoming. Young and old alike have taken to calling him the "Lagos Boy," greeting him as a return of a long-lost family member, and as living proof that China-Africa exchanges run straight into people's hearts. "I love the nickname," Liu said. "It means my African friends have taken me in." From the moment he first set foot on African soil, he believed every partnership must be built on trust. Guided by that conviction, Liu founded China's first university-based African studies institute at Zhejiang Normal University in September 2007. Starting from scratch, he rallied the university, government and African partners to forge China's research on Africa into what it is today. Modern Africa, scarred by colonial conquest, was long denied sound technical schooling. After independence, many nations never managed to build an education system capable of feeding economic and technological advances. Liu boiled it down to one idea: tailor education to African realities and tie it straight to development. Today, Zhejiang Normal University's annual training sessions have attracted more than 4,000 African participants. With his initiative, the institute joined forces with the China Scholarship Council to open a West African branch at Nigeria's University of Ibadan. Every year, more than 100 staff and students travel to Africa for study, fieldwork, or exchanges. "People-to-people ties are the cornerstone of cooperation," Liu said. "In Africa, I'm not a professor, not a director, just a 'Lagos Boy' back home." LASTING BOND A representative case of China-Africa cooperation in recent years is the educational cooperation between Zhejiang Normal University and Nelson Mandela University. The partnership took a decisive turn on Sept. 10, 2019, when the two universities jointly hosted the 2nd China-South Africa Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum in South Africa. Despite a six-hour time difference, collaboration between the two universities has remained in lockstep. That event marked their first formal, institutional collaboration. Six years on, what began as an experiment has matured into a durable academic relationship. "From our university's perspective, the partnership with Zhejiang Normal University has developed in a steady, structured and increasingly institutionalized manner," said Johannes van Rensburg, director of partnerships and programs of the SAC Think Tank at Nelson Mandela University. "What started as academic engagement and exploratory exchanges has gradually evolved into a formal cooperation framework covering student mobility, short-term study programs, joint research activities and academic visits," he added. Students perform during a celebration marking the 10th anniversary of the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast in Cape Coast, capital of Ghana's Central Region, Dec. 15, 2025. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua) Li Zhaoying, director of the China-Africa Media Research and Communication Center at Zhejiang Normal University, spent six months in 2024 and 2025 as a visiting scholar at Nelson Mandela University. "They are genuinely interested," Li said of her South African students. "They recognize China's rapid rise in recent decades and its progress in science and technology, but they know much less about China's humanities and social sciences." Her lectures on China's social science traditions and differences between Chinese perspectives on international relations and Western frameworks were warmly received. "That curiosity is what makes the exchange meaningful," she said. "Under the Belt and Road Initiative, universities in China and Africa are fighting side by side for the shared development of education," said Mammo Muchie, a professor at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, South Africa. "If we strengthen action-oriented research, teaching, training and community-based problem-solving," Muchie said, "the China-Africa partnership can achieve genuine and lasting impact." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) TWO men who were allegedly planning a terrorist attack on a mosque and who were allegedly part of a right-wing extremist group were back before Portlaoise District Court last week. Garrett Pollock (35) from Kilhorne Green, Annalong, Co Down was before the court charged with one count of possessing explosives at OMoore Place, Portlaoise on 5 November and one count of possessing explosives at an at Kilhorne Green, Co Down on 6 November. His barrister, David Nugent, told Judge Susan Fay that the last time his client had been before the court he expressed his right to have his case heard in Northern Ireland, but was now reversing that decision and wanted it heard in the south of Ireland. However, Mr Pollock interjected and informed the court that that was not the case, that he was still expressing his right to have his case heard in Northern Ireland. Garda sgt JJ Kirby asked for the case to be remanded for a month to obtain directions from the director of public prosecutions. Mr Nugent objected to the long remand, saying that his client had been in custody for the past nine weeks and that he had the right to the presumption of innocence. This matter needs to be expedited at pace, said Mr Nugent, its a ridiculous situation that a man is left in custody while the state dilly-dallies. Sgt Kirby said that the case involved extensive investigation and was first before the courts on 7 November. Judge Susan Fay remanded Mr Pollock in custody to 26 January and marked the case time passing. The second man before the court was Karolis Peckauskas (38) of Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth. He is charged with knowingly having in his possession an explosive substance at OMoore Place, Portlaoise, Co Laois on Tuesday 4 November. Defending solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said that a High Court bail application for his client had been refused. He said that his client was not consenting to a four-week remand in custody and asked that any adjournment to the case be marked time passing. Judge Fay remanded Mr Peckauskas in custody to 26 January for directions from the director of public prosecutions and marked the case time passing. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme. FAILTE Ireland has announced that a further 17 projects, worth over 5.5 million, have secured funding through the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. The programme is split financed between both the EU and the government of Ireland is aimed at assisting those most affected by the EU wide push to transition to climate neutrality. In Ireland, this programme is targeted at the midlands areas, which has historically seen heavier use of the carbon-unfriendly peat used for fires and the general generation of electricity. This latest grant approval brings the total funding announced for the tourism sector to almost 60 million across the scheme. The above includes 16 million in investment grant aid to 85 private and community SME projects across the Just Transition region, including Co Laois, and 26 million allocated under the Local Authority and Strategic Partner schemes, which has thus far directly funded projects such as the Rock of Dunamase car park and the Donaghmore Workhouse Museum feasibility study. Additional funding worth 9.4 million went to BnM (formerly Bord na Mona) for the planned development of a series of universally accessible walking trails across the parts of the landbank which lie within the EU JTF territory. Were so pleased to see such a strong and diverse range of projects in Laois to receive funding through Failte Irelands Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. These projects are a perfect example of how this scheme is enhancing the visitor experience and providing new opportunities for destinations across the midlands. Investments like this help sustain local communities by supporting job creation, empowering local businesses and providing more reasons for domestic and international tourists to visit this part of the country, Grainne Cornally, head of Just Transition at Failte Ireland, said. The successful applicants to the scheme from Co Laois gathered in county hall to celebrate the significant economic impact, employment creation and addition of new regenerative and low carbon tourism that their projects have brought and will continue to bring to the county. By summer 2026, the investment will see many new accommodation offerings, digital walking trails, interactive and accessible websites and booking engines, as well as accessibility upgrades to ensure that the growing tourism demand is met. High Court Reporter A retired surgeon must pay legal costs incurred by directors of the company behind the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland after the doctor withdrew claims of corporate criminality against the men, described by a High Court judge as of the most serious kind of allegations hed come across. Dr Abdel Basset El-Sayed made allegations of fraud, theft and money laundering against the directors in his case, which arose from a dispute over the control of Al Maktoum Foundation CLG, the operator of the centre in Clonskeagh, south Dublin. Dr El-Sayed, who said he served as a director of the foundation since 2012, had claimed in his action that the directors were unlawfully appointed to the foundations board, and sought to have them removed. In December, Dr El-Sayed agreed to withdraw the case. The directors, notice parties to the action, are Ahmad Tahlak, Hesham Abdulla Al Quassim, Khalifa Aldaboos, Mohamed Musabeh Dhahi and Zahid Jami. The men are residents in Dubai, but have their place of business as Roebuck Road, Clonskeagh. The mosque attached to the foundations centre, a major place of worship for the Irish Muslim community, has been closed since the onset of the dispute last year. On Tuesday, Mr Justice David Nolan granted an order for legal costs against Dr El-Sayed, following an application moved by Lyndon MacCann, appearing with barrister Niall O hUiginn for the directors. The directors are also seeking an order for costs against Joseph Sallabi, who previously claimed to act for Al Maktoum Foundation in the case as its in-house counsel, and prepared, on Dr El-Sayeds behalf, sworn statements containing the allegations against the directors. The court adjourned this matter to a date in February. Opposing Mr MacCanns application for costs, Robert Barron SC, appearing with barrister Roddy McConnell for Dr El-Sayed, submitted that his client was a man trying to do his best for his community, and was not acting for his own benefit in taking the case. An order for costs against Dr El-Sayed would be unhelpful in attempts to bring the Irish Muslim community together to reopen the mosque in Clonskeagh, Mr Barron said, noting suspicions and mistrust within the community arising from the dispute. Counsel said that when Mr Sallabi got involved in the case, things went in an unfortunate direction. Mr Justice Nolan summarised Dr El-Sayeds position, noting that the doctor asserted he came under the influence of Mr Sallabi, and didnt understand the full legal implications of the allegations advanced in his lawsuit. Mr MacCann said Mr Barron was asking the judge to make huge assumptions about the effect of a costs order on the Muslim community. Counsel said that Mr El-Sayed did not immediately withdraw his allegations against the directors when Mr Sallabi withdrew his representation in the case. Ruling on the application for costs, Mr Justice Nolan concluded that it was appropriate to make an order against Dr El-Sayed. The judge agreed to place a stay on the order until March. The judge said the allegations made by Dr El-Sayed against the directors in the case were matters which would require the highest level of proof. He said the allegations were of the most serious kind that [hed] ever come across. The judge noted that the allegations were ultimately unproven and withdrawn. He said the allegations should never have been made in the first place. Noting Dr El-Sayeds professional standing as a doctor, he said it was hard to credit the submission that Dr El-Sayed did not understand the gravity of the allegations levelled at the directors. Mr Justice Nolan also rejected Dr El-Sayeds submission that an order for costs would add another fracture to the Muslim community in Clonskeagh and beyond. The judge said it seemed to him that the litigation had already done that. The judge said it was the courts fervent wish that the breakdown in relations within that community be remedied, stating that the Muslim community is an important part of Irish society. Separately, a case brought by an imam arising from the mosques closure was settled following talks between legal teams for the Islamic Cultural Foundation of Ireland CLG and the cleric. Imam Sheikh Hussein Halawa had brought an action against the foundation formerly known as Al Maktoum Foundation CLG seeking his restoration to aspects of his position and duties at the Clonskeagh centre. Cliona Kimber SC, for Mr Halawa, told Mr Justice Nolan that the case had settled following a mutual agreement between the parties. Ms Kimber said that as part of the settlement, her client had agreed to give an undertaking to the court. The terms of the undertaking were not read in open court. Night view of Central Street in Harbin Xinhua) 08:58, January 14, 2026 A woman poses for photos on the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 12, 2026. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) A man plays piano on the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 12, 2026. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) A visitor is seen on the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 12, 2026. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) Children have fun on the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 11, 2026. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei) People visit the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 12, 2026. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) People get warmth from a warm light on the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 12, 2026. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) A woman poses for photos on the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 8, 2026. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei) People watch photos taken by a cellphone on the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 12, 2026. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) People have fun on the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 11, 2026. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei) People visit the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 12, 2026. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) People visit the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 8, 2026. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei) A woman takes photos on the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 8, 2026. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei) A woman poses for photos on the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 11, 2026. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei) People take photos on the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 11, 2026. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei) People take photos on the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 11, 2026. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei) People dance for a video shooting on the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 11, 2026. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei) A drone photo taken on Jan. 12, 2026 shows people visiting the Central Street in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. As one of the most popular attractions in Harbin, the Central Street, which is renowned for its diverse European-style architecture, wows tourists with its colorful lights at night during the city's tourism boom this winter. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The Bayou Boys have closed their popular cheesesteak and pierogi brand at two locations as the business partners mull whether to keep at least one of the sites in operation. Wiz Kidz locations at 65 E. Elizabeth Ave. in Bethlehem and 751 Union Blvd. in Allentown are both currently shuttered. The Allentown site permanently closed in late December, while the Bethlehem site remains temporarily closed, co-owner Mo Taylor told lehighvalleylive.com Wednesday. Taylor of Bethlehem; Cristian Duarte, of Bethlehem; Jerry Straub, of Coopersburg; and Matt Weaver, of Hellertown, launched Wiz Kidz originally in fall 2018 on the first floor of the Pinnacle@65 building at the Bethlehem location. Taylor said the foursome over the past six months has been discussing whether or not to sell the Wiz Kidz brand to a new owner. The sale would include the business recipes and the Bethlehem building. It remains up in the air a little bit, Taylor said of the Bethlehem site. But we should have an answer within the next few weeks. As for their popular pierogies, the Bayou Boys have passed the recipes onto their production team to keep that business ongoing, Taylor said. That change of hands happened earlier this month. The Bayou Boys met over a decade ago when they worked together at the now-shuttered Starters Riverport Restaurant in Bethlehem. They decided to break out on their own once that restaurant closed in 2013. The venture includes the Wiz Kids and Bayou restaurants in the Lehigh Valley. Wiz Kidz is known for its nostalgic decor inspired by the 1980s and 90s, while the Bayou Boys style sandwiches include a signature cheese blend. The Allentown site became the second Wiz Kidz location to shutter within less than a year. The Madison Farms shopping center location in Bethlehem Township closed in April 2025 and moved operations to the Allentown site, where the Bayou Boys Pierogies were then and will continue to be crafted. The Madison Farms location now houses Tikka Shack, which opened last month. At the time, Taylor stressed business was booming at Madison Farms. The closure had more to do with an overlap in delivery services for Bethlehem and Bethlehem Township. Both sites are just five miles apart. Additionally, the owners in August 2025 shuttered their downtown Easton location of The Bayou Southern Kitchen & Bar. Taylor said the Easton closure was due to a consolidation of all their full-service operations. That site now houses Rios Brazilian Steakhouse, which relocated from Nazareth. The foursome continue to operate The Bayou Bethlehem: Southern Kitchen & Bar,702 Hawthorne Road, in Bethlehem. That restaurant was launched by Duarte and Taylor in 2014. Data centers are emerging as a major land use topic in the Lehigh Valley and Eastons Planning Commission is considering how the city should regulate them. At a recent meeting in Easton City Hall, the planning commission examined whether existing zoning rules are adequate as larger and more energy-intensive facilities are proposed across the region. They noted that Eastons zoning ordinance currently treats data centers as a broadly defined industrial use. That approach raised concerns that modern facilities could be approved without standards tailored to their unique infrastructure, environmental, and utility demands. Data centers are warehouse-style facilities that house high-speed servers, computers, storage, and other equipment to power phones and computers. These centers also play a crucial role in supporting artificial intelligence tools. Large-scale or hyperscale facilities require significant electricity and can place heavy demands on water systems. Weve got all these beautiful rivers, Commissioner Hubert Etchison said. If were trying to make the outdoors nice, we certainly need to make sure weve got some provisions to protect that. When were talking about a data center with so many impacts that are known, I think some serious thought needs to go into that. Across the Lehigh Valley, municipalities are already moving to address those concerns through data center-specific ordinances. Communities including Palmer, Upper Macungie, South Whitehall, Hanover, Moore and Forks townships have adopted or are drafting regulations aimed at managing the scale and impacts of these facilities. Those ordinances typically include dimensional limits, landscaping and buffering requirements, and controls on noise and vibration. They also address water and sewer usage, power supply, emergency management and site aesthetics. My concern is that our current state is not prepared to deal with the discussion of modern data centers as theyre being developed today, Etchison said. From what I saw, the way that we would have to interpret an application for a data center folds into such a loosely defined use pattern that there are very little protections for our community on that development. It would be too easy to get one through because its not regulated. Easton planners suggested a regulatory approach, where approvals would be limited to special exceptions or conditional uses to ensure public review and case-by-case oversight. They discussed a tiered framework, with different requirements based on a facilitys size, power demand, and operational type. Palmer Townships ordinance was cited as an example of breaking data center uses into categories and attaching specific standards to each. The conversation comes as the Lehigh Valley sees its first proposals for hyperscale data centers, which can exceed one million square feet and house multiple companies. In December, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission reviewed a proposal for three data center buildings totaling 2.6 million square feet on the former Air Products headquarters site in Upper Macungie Township. Another hyperscale project is proposed in South Whitehall, with plans calling for six buildings totaling 5.1 million square feet near Parkland High School. Planning officials have indicated that more proposals are likely as developers seek large tracts of land with access to power infrastructure. While hyperscale facilities are new to the region, smaller data centers already operate throughout the Lehigh Valley. These range from single-room server installations to campuses spanning hundreds of thousands of square feet, including an existing facility at Tek Park in Upper Macungie. The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission is in the process of developing a model data center ordinance to guide municipalities. LVPC staff indicated that draft materials and examples from partner communities are expected to be shared in the coming weeks. Pennsylvania law requires municipalities to plan for all types of land use, even as new development trends emerge, according to LVPC. Unless we have an ordinance in place, we are bound by an applicant utilizing the current standards, Commission Chair Ken Greene said, explaining city council would have to pass an ordinance specific to data centers. Councilwoman Crystal Rose told the commission she has been working on a draft ordinance since December, and hopes to have more information in the coming weeks. Last month, the Easton Planning Commission denied the development of a million-square-foot warehouse, to the relief of Easton community members opposed to the project. However, the developers are not done yet, as made clear by a new lawsuit. Easton Wood Ave PropCo LLC and Wilson Borough have filed a lawsuit against the City of Easton, the Easton Planning Commission, and each individual member of the commission following the denial of the proposed warehouse at 1525 Wood Ave. The lawsuit challenges the Easton Planning Commissions Dec. 3 decision to deny Scannell Properties land development application for the warehouse. Ninety percent of the project site lies in Wilson Borough while 10% falls within Easton, requiring approvals from both municipalities. Wilson Borough approved the project, but Eastons denial stopped it from moving forward. Developers first presented the plan to the Easton Planning Commission in September 2024, but the application was tabled. After months of delay, it returned in May 2025, prompting organized opposition from the Stop the Wood Ave Warehouse Coalition. The coalition, formed in late 2024, submitted extensive materials raising concerns about traffic, environmental impacts, noise and neighborhood compatibility during this meeting. As the review continued, the process evolved into a courtroom-style proceeding, with expert witnesses presented by both sides and testimony challenged over multiple late-night hearings. The commission ultimately voted to deny the application in December. Residents celebrate at an Easton Planning Commission meeting on Dec. 3 after the commission denied developers' request to build a million-square-foot warehouse. Chelsea McClure | For Lehighvalleylive.com The lawsuit asks the court to overturn the planning commissions decision and order approval of the land development plan. It also claims both EWAP and Wilson are carrying significant costs and have incurred damages due to the denial. It states Wilson will be severely hindered in its ability to provide industrial development in an appropriate location and will be denied a necessary and essential tax base that will support its overall economy. They ask the court to not only order the commission to grant final approval, but grant any further relief as deemed fit. The two parties argue that the planning commission acted outside its legal authority by denying a land development plan. They say it met all applicable zoning and subdivision requirements. The developers contend that the commission was required to approve the project because it complied with the citys technical rules, regardless of opposition to the warehouse itself. EWAP and Wilson allege the project was treated differently from other land development applications reviewed by the Easton Planning Commission, particularly through heightened scrutiny, expanded evidentiary requirements and cross-examination of expert witnesses. The lawsuit names each planning commission member individually, arguing that they acted in bad faith and participated in an unlawful denial of the application while acting in their official capacities. For example, the parties allege Commissioner Ron Shipman advised opposing residents to seek legal counsel to cross-examine EWAPs expert witnesses. During the Dec. 3 meeting where commissioners reached a decision, the document states Hubert Etchison expressed his relief at being able to state how he feels in lieu of trying to remain objective during the application process. It also outlines the conduct of Commissioner Kim Wagner, stating it is most egregious of all. The case claims she clearly opposed the proposed redevelopment, had a personal prejudice and bias against the project and took an advocacy role as a private citizen to oppose EWAPs special exception application for the proposed relocation [of a watercourse, retention basin and access road within a designated floodplain] before Eastons Zoning Hearing Board. The lawsuit also lists the reasons given by the planning commission for denial. This includes an inadequate impact assessment report, failure to obtain zoning approval, failure to comply with several submission requirements, and more. EWAP and Wilson argue these reasons in the lawsuit and claim they are invalid and illegal. Ken Greene, chair of the Easton Planning Commission, declined to comment because it is an ongoing legal matter. Other planning commission members, and Eastons Solicitor Joel Scheer, had not responded to a request for comment as of late Tuesday afternoon. Though the project as a whole was denied by the planning commission, a hearing is still underway for the Easton Zoning Hearing Board regarding one piece of the project. Developers are requesting to relocate a watercourse, retention basin and access road within a designated floodplain in relation to the project. That hearing will continue at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15 in Easton City Hall. Tim Allen recently shared an update on where he stands with his former Home Improvement costars. Allen, 72, played family patriarch Tim Taylor on the ABC sitcom from 1991 to 1999. His character had three sons: Brad (Zachery Ty Bryan), Randy (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) and Mark (Taran Noah Smith). During an interview with Us Weekly published Wednesday, Jan. 14, Allen said hes still in touch with his TV children. We do holidays, birthdays, weddings and unfortunately, funerals. Their lives have moved on, [but] Ive done the Buzz Lightyear voice for [their kids], Allen quipped. After starring on Home Improvement, Allen went on to play a TV dad on Last Man Standing (2011-2021) and Shifting Gears (2025-present). He told Us Weekly that it took a while for him to feel like he could be a father figure to his young costars. I felt like more of a funny, mischievous older brother for quite a while especially to the boys on Home Improvement, he recalled. On Last Man Standing with Kaitlyn Dever, I was a mentor because I aligned myself with her comedy style. I really was all about encouraging her the best I could. She listened and I didnt know that she was picking it up until every now and then in her scenes. Conversely, Allen found it very difficult to be anywhere near a mentor to his Home Improvement children. It wasnt until later that I became more of a mentor. But they all had great parents, he said. READ MORE: Tim Allens former costar surprises him on Shifting Gears set Allen was 38 when Home Improvement premiered. The actors who played his sons are all in their 40s now. Bryan, who played the oldest Taylor son, has been arrested multiple times in recent years. In November 2025, he and his fiancee Johnnie Faye Cartwright were arrested in Oregon. Cartwright was charged with DUI, three counts of reckless endangering and attempted first-degree assault, while Bryan was arrested for a probation violation on an original charge of assault in the fourth degree. The charges stemmed from Cartwright allegedly attempting to run over Bryan and crashing a truck with the couples three children inside, WCNC Charlotte reported. Cartwright pleaded not guilty to the charges, while Bryan admitted to three probation violations. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February, according to ABC News affiliate KEZI 9. Bryans Home Improvement brothers, Thomas and Smith, have both stepped back from acting. Thomas last role was a 2015 appearance on Last Man Standing. Smith now works as a sea recovery technician for SpaceX, according to his LinkedIn page. As for Patricia Richardson, who played Allens wife Jill on Home Improvement, she recently shut down Allens past comments about rebooting the show. Tim Allen and Patricia Richardson in 1999. ASSOCIATED PRESS It was so weird, I would hear [Tim] was coming out publicly and saying this stuff about everyone was on board to do a Home Improvement reunion, but he never asked me and he never asked Jonathan, Richardson said during a 2024 appearance on the Back to the Best podcast. I called Jonathan one day and said, Has he asked you about this? He went, No. So, why is he saying everyone is on board when he hasnt talked to you or me? Richardson went on to say that she would not want to reprise her role as Jill. She pointed out that her onscreen sons likely wouldnt participate in a reboot either. I mean, Zach is now a felon, she said. Taran hasnt acted since he left the show; hes not an actor anymore. And Jonathans not really interested in acting. He wants to direct and write. READ MORE: Shifting Gears casts Hallmark Channel actor as Tim Allens son Allen has traded in TV sons for a TV daughter. Kat Dennings plays Allens adult daughter Riley in his latest sitcom, Shifting Gears. Dennings sang Allens praises during a January 2025 interview with People. Hes a big part of my consciousness growing up, so it was very surreal to work with him, but in a great way because hes a very kind person, she said. Shifting Gears airs on ABC on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET. Episodes are available to stream on Hulu the day after they air. Two crashes at the exact same spot on Route 22 within hours left three people injured early Wednesday in Whitehall Township, state police said. Trooper Nathan Branosky, public information officer with Pennsylvania State Polices Troop M, told lehighvalleylive.com the initial accident happened just after 2:15 a.m. in the westbound lanes at MacArthur Road. That accident involved a sedan and a FedEx tractor trailer. The rig hit the center median after it was struck by the sedan driver, Branosky said. The sedan driver was arrested and charged with drunken driving in the collision, he said. A second crash followed in the westbound lane shortly before 6:30 a.m. also at MacArthur Road. That crash involved four vehicles: a 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross being driven by a 29-year-old Slatington man; a 2017 Honda HRV being driven by a 35-year-old Allentown woman; a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic being driven by a 40-year-old woman; and a 2024 Volvo being driven by a 35-year-old Brooklyn, N.Y. man. There were injuries in both crashes with a total of three people taken to area hospitals for treatment, Branosky said. Conditions were not immediately available Wednesday afternoon. The crashes remain under investigation by Pennsylvania State Police in Bethlehem. Calling all ARMY members, BTS is heading out on tour and they are hoping to see you at a stadium near you soon. BTS is hitting the road this spring to embark on a massive 70+ date world tour, and they are stopping in New Jersey to perform not one but two shows at MetLife Stadium this August. BTS 2026 World Tour The cheapest BTS tickets can be found on Vivid Seats. Buy Now These shows will take place on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2, and theres no doubt these concerts will sell-out fast. For the group, this tour will mark their first headlining tour since their 2021-2022 "PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE" tour. So, if youre in the BTS ARMY and have been dying to see them live, then now is your chance. How to get tickets to see BTS live this year Leading up to the general sale, there will be an ARMY membership presale beginning on Jan. 22 through Ticketmaster. To qualify for this presale, ARMY members must register for the Presale on Weverse by Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. You can get more information about registering for this presale here. When entering the presale, a 9-digit ARMY MEMBERSHIP number (starting with BA) must be entered to unlock access to tickets. If you totally miss this presale, then you can get tickets through the general sale if any tickets remain on Jan. 24 through Ticketmaster. Right now, the cheapest tickets we could find for BTS Aug. 1 MetLife Stadium tour stop is $732 on Vivid Seats. For BTS Aug. 2 stop at MetLife Stadium, the cheapest ticket we could find before any fees is $729 on Vivid Seats. Dont stress if these cheapest tickets sell out, because we know the ARMY works fast. So, you can get more tickets on sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, TicketNetwork, SeatGeek and Viagogo. You can find a full schedule of BTS upcoming tour dates here. BTS tour 2026: Dates, schedule & more BTS will begin their world tour in the U.S. on April 25 in Tampa, Fla. and they will wrap up in North America on Sept. 6 in Los Angeles, Calif. The legendary K-pop group will be performing on a 360 stadium stage, giving fans at every angle the opportunity to see them. Upcoming 2026 tours heading to MetLife Stadium BTS are not the only ones heading to MetLife Stadium while on tour. Here are a few more tours you do not want to miss: Guns N Roses, Ed Sheeran, AC/DC and Bruno Mars Story by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for Talk of the Town, a daily newsletter of local stories that dig deep, events, and more from north-central PA, at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/talkofthetown. Lycoming County residents have formed a network to support their immigrant neighbors amid rising concerns over the Trump administrations mass deportations. One group provides rides and accompanies families on errands and to appointments, while the other operates a 24-hour phone number for local reports of ICE activity. Both organizations aim to observe and document local interactions with ICE, and follow up as needed. The groups, which have about 50 volunteers, formed in response to anxiety among Lycoming Countys relatively small immigrant community, 1.3%, according to U.S. Census data. There were several arrests of workers from a local roofing company over the summer and fall, and everyday tasks from grocery shopping to medical appointments have become more difficult for families who fear potential encounters with authorities, volunteers told Spotlight PA. Organizers stress that neither network interferes with law enforcement, saying they offer support only to help residents feel less alone. If ICE is going to pick someone up, we cant do anything to stop it, City Alliance Church Pastor Nithin Thompson told Spotlight PA. But what we can do is, we can witness it. We can document it, and we can share our stories with other people. One group typically arranges rides and errands in advance, matching volunteers based on schedules and needs. The goal, Thompson said, is for nothing to happen. Boring is the win, he added. The other group, in charge of rapid response, manages a 24-hour phone number 570-212-9183 so the public can report ICE activity in real time. The groups coordinate through word of mouth, social media, and group chats. Volunteers said that their presence in the community doesnt guarantee anything, but even small acts, like walking someone to the bus stop, can reduce stress for people who might otherwise avoid leaving home. And in the event of an encounter with ICE or arrest, volunteers document the situation and follow up with the persons loved ones and possibly that individuals legal team. For Phoebe Wagner, a rapid response volunteer, the work comes down to loving their neighbor and helping ensure everyone feels safe. No one should be living in fear and feel like they have to black out their windows, Wagner told Spotlight PA. Most local trips where a volunteer accompanies an immigrant have been uneventful, said Amanda, an organizer who asked to be identified only by her first name. But the group has also heard from community members who didnt know the network existed, traveled to appointments outside the area, and were detained. Another aspect of the groups work, she added, comes after a detention. Volunteers have helped with tasks like locating the detained persons car and gathering their personal items. According to an analysis by Julie Yingling, a Lycoming College criminal justice and criminology professor, from January 2025 through July 29, 2025, ICE arrested 199 people in Lycoming and 18 surrounding rural counties. She examined information obtained by the Deportation Data Project through public records requests and used limited details from Thrive International Programs, an organization that provides immigration legal services, to help her identify some clients among those arrested and deported. Yingling told Spotlight PA that tracking ICE arrests is difficult because of limited data, and because local cases rarely make the news. And the affected families who may be left searching for a loved one or suddenly without a working household member to help pay bills are often afraid to speak publicly. The humanity of it gets me, she said. SUPPORT THIS JOURNALISM and help us reinvigorate local news in north-central Pennsylvania at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability and public-service journalism that gets results. Re-identifying dozens of human remains stolen from an eastern Pennsylvania cemetery could take years and may end with some still nameless, experts say. DNA testing on more than 100 skulls and numerous other bones and body parts found in Jonathan Gerlachs Ephrata home could also cost Lancaster and Delaware counties hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to Cumberland County Coroner Charley Hall who helped with the investigation. And thats not including the cost of reburying the remains where they had been resting before police say Gerlach dug them up. DNA testing may not be possible on many of the remains if there arent any living family members available to provide a comparison sample, he said. Hall said investigators may first turn to dental record comparisons, if they exist, as many of the stolen skulls still had teeth. But finding dental records could be difficult because some of the stolen remains belonged to people who died in the 1800s. The most recent victims died 44 years ago in 1981 Gerlach, 34, was charged last week with more than 500 offenses related to taking bodies from graves dating back to at least November at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Yeadon, Delaware County. Court documents said police identified Gerlach as their suspect after a tipster relayed that Gerlachs brother and sister-in-law saw a mans torso posed in his basement in the 100 block of Washington Avenue in Ephrata in Lancaster County. He remains jailed on $1 million bail. Gerlach told police he sold some of the remains online but stored the majority on his property, according to search warrants. The sheer scale of the discovery at Gerlachs home and a rented storage unit required help from other agencies and a new space to hold all the remains. On Friday, staff from the Cumberland and Dauphin County coroners offices assisted Lancaster and Delaware County investigators with finding, photographing, and packaging remains at Gerlachs house to be taken to a storage facility rented in Lancaster County for this case. Cumberland County authorities were at the house all day Friday, but Hall said investigators from Lancaster and Delaware counties were there for two to three days. Hall said investigators have a list of people whose crypts were burglarized to compare with the remains found in Gerlachs house. Police believe Gerlach stole from a Luzerne County cemetery last year, in addition to Mount Moriah in Delaware County. I was just appalled by what all we found in that house. I wouldnt guess how manys there, Hall said of the remains. Trying to match up which bone goes to which person is going to be very difficult. Its unclear how many times cemetery thefts happen across Pa. or the nation. Its not routinely tracked. Hall said he cannot remember handling any cemetery theft cases in Cumberland County during his 13-year tenure and has never seen a spree like Delaware Countys. He said investigators will likely start by comparing dental records. After thats done, Im not sure where theyre going to go from there, Hall said. Investigators from Lancaster and Delaware counties did not respond to PennLive questions about the identification process and its possible expense, which eventually will be footed by their taxpayers. I grieve for those who are upset by this, who are going through it, who are trying to figure out if it is in fact their loved one or their child, because we found remains that we believe to be months-old infants among those that he had collected, Tanner Rouse, Delaware Countys district attorney, said at a press conference last week. Very simply, detectives have recovered an awful lot of bones at this point, and we are still trying to piece together who they are, where they are from, and how many we are looking at. Its going to be quite some time before we have a final answer, Rouse told reporters. Re-identification of multiple sets of human remains is a time-consuming process and particularly challenging when the remains are skeletal, according to a 2025 study of an Italian cemetery where more than 200 coffins collapsed into the sea in 2021. Its one of the few similar cases involving the sudden handling by authorities of 100 or more dead bodies. According to the study, DNA samples were collected from 147 bone fragments, and 28 bodies were identified after being compared to samples from relatives. Not all of the remains could undergo DNA testing because of poor quality or because investigators were unable to figure out which body the bones originated from. Mount Moriah Cemetery, the site of the thefts, is the largest abandoned cemetery in the U.S., according to Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery. About 12 volunteers care for the property each week with donations, the organization said. The Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery declined to comment on the re-identification process and directed questions to the Delaware County District Attorneys Office. Phillipsburg officials have agreed to settle a lawsuit with the owner of a Grant Street property that was allegedly converted into an illegal rooming house. A resident questioned the settlement at the town meeting on Tuesday. The property owner was not present at the meeting. Its cheaper to settle for $5,000, the towns attorney Richard Wenner said, explaining the towns decision to avoid the expense of a prolonged legal battle. The owner must also list the property for sale within 15 days of receiving direction from the town, according to town documents. The property owner had filed a complaint with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs challenging the towns revocation of the certificate of occupancy. The settlement resolves a dispute over 35 Grant St., where police enforcement of a search warrant revealed habitability concerns that prompted the towns inspections department to issue a condemnation notice, according to Wenner. Under the settlement terms, the town will stop enforcement actions and stop requiring repairs related to the alleged illegal conversion and use of the property as a rooming or boarding house. The owner, identified in town documents as Derrick Caldwell, may enter the property only during daylight hours to clean it out but cannot live there. After 15 days, the town can inspect the building to verify it meets standards for a single-family residence and no longer poses health and safety concerns to the community. Earths average temperature last year hovered among one of the three hottest on record, while the past three years indicate that warming could be speeding up, international climate monitoring teams reported. Six science teams calculated that 2025 was behind 2024 and 2023, while two other groups NASA and a joint American and British team said 2025 was slightly warmer than 2023. World Meteorological Organization, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials said 2023 and 2025 temperatures were so close .02 degrees Celsius (.04 degrees Fahrenheit) apart that its pretty much a tie. Last years average global temperature was 15.08 degrees Celsius (59.14 degrees Fahrenheit), which is 1.44 degrees Celsius (2.59 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than pre-industrial time, the World Meteorological Organization calculated, averaging out the eight data sets. The temperature data used by most of the teams goes back to 1850. All of the last three years flirted close to the internationally agreed-upon limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming since the mid 19th century. That goal for limiting temperature increases, established in Paris in 2015, is likely to be breached by the end of this decade, the scientists said. When charted on a graph, 2023, 2024 and 2025 seemed to jump up, said NOAA climate monitoring chief Russ Vose. When averaged together, those three years shoot above the 1.5-degree mark, according to the European climate service Copernicus. Rising global temperatures intensify heat waves and other extreme weather, endangering people and causing billions of dollars in damage. The weather monitoring teams warn that the 2025 temperature increase is a dangerous sign of worsening storms, heat, floods and fires. Earth is warming at a faster rate The last 11 years have been the hottest 11 years on record, the climate monitoring groups found. The last three years are indicative of an acceleration in the warming. Theyre not consistent with the linear trend that weve been observing for the 50 years before that, said Robert Rohde, chief scientist at the Berkeley Earth monitoring group. Tourists use umbrellas to shelter against the sun outside Hagia Sophia mosque during a hot summer day in Istanbul, Aug. 12, 2025. AP File Photo/Francisco Seco While Rohde said nearly all of the warming is from human-caused emissions of greenhouse gases, the past three years temperatures had a boost from a combination of less soot pollution from ships that normally has a cooling effect, peak solar activity and perhaps a 2022 underwater volcano eruption. Samantha Burgess, strategic climate lead of the Copernicus service, said the overwhelming culprit is clear: the burning of coal, oil and natural gas. Climate change is happening. Its here. Its impacting everyone all around the world and its our fault, Burgess told The Associated Press. Three teams including NOAA and NASA reported their data Wednesday, while the other teams released their information late Tuesday. Copernicus and Japan use a combination of satellite data and computer simulations, while the rest of the groups use ground and sea observations. The eight data sets were within less than a tenth of a degree apart. Northern Illinois University meteorology professor Victor Gensini, who was not part of any of the teams, called whats happening another warning shot of a shifting climate where record/near-record global temperatures are the norm, not the exception. Higher temperatures endanger people Burgess noted numerous heat waves in 2025 that broke local or national temperature records, also having significant affects on peoples bodies. When we look at a warmer world, we know that extreme events become more frequent and more intense, Burgess said, mentioning 2025s Los Angeles wildfires. When we have severe storms or a flooding events, the rain is more intense. A boy cools himself in a fountain on a hot day in Moscow, Russia, July 9, 2025. AP File Photo/Pavel Bednyakov Berkeley Earth calculated that 770 million people one out of every 12 people on the planet experienced record annual heat, with 450 million of them in China. Other record hot spots included much of Australia, northern Africa, the Arabian peninsula and Antarctica, according to Copernicus. The continental United States had its fourth warmest year on record, NOAA found. One major natural factor in global temperatures is the El Nino/La Nina oscillation a cyclic warming or cooling of the equatorial Pacific that changes weather across much of the planet. Usually a warm El Nino spikes temperatures and its cool La Nina flip side depresses temperatures. Last year there were two weak, cool La Ninas so there was a big part of the surface of the Earth thats a little cooler than it otherwise would be and thats probably gonna tuck a little temperature down just a little bit, NOAAs Vose said. An even warmer future waits Some forecasts have an El Nino developing this year, but its still murky, meteorologists said. Carlo Buontempo, director of Copernicus climate service, said that when the next El Nino materializes, which he expects within the next couple of years, it will likely drive another record annual temperature. Several of the climate monitoring groups are predicting that 2026 will be about as hot as 2025. Looking ahead, both Copernicus and Berkeley Earth calculated that 2029 is the likely date that the planets long-term average will breach the 1.5 degree threshold. In a decades time when were in the 2030s ... the number of extreme events around the world will increase. The cost associated with the damages and impacts of those extreme events will be worse, Burgess said. And we will look back to the mild climate of the mid 2020s with nostalgia. By SETH BORENSTEIN Smart parking brings greater convenience, efficiency to Jinan, Shandong 10:39, January 14, 2026 By Wang Zhe ( People's Daily Photo shows upgraded Shuntai Plaza in Jinan, east China's Shandong province. (Photo provided by the Jinan Municipal Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau) For years, office workers at Jinan's Shuntai Plaza in Shandong province, eastern China, endured the daily frustration of searching for parking during rush hour. Today, drivers can secure a spot in minutes, thanks to an AI-powered smart parking system transforming the area's commute. On a recent visit, Jinan resident Wei Shouyan drove into the underground parking facility at Shuntai Plaza, a digital display at the entrance instantly identified her license plate and directed her to section A5. "Parking in Section A5 is the ultimate time-saver," Wei explained as digital guidance led her directly to the designated spot. As the vehicle approached, a rolling shutter rose automatically, allowing the car to enter. After turning off the engine, engaging the handbrake and folding the side mirrors, Wei stepped outside the garage. She then tapped on an electronic screen, confirmed safety checks such as "no one inside the garage" and "doors locked," and clicked to confirm parking. The shutter slowly descended. From entry to completion, the entire process took less than three minutes. "It only takes 15 minutes to drive from home to the office," Wei said. "But I used to spend another half hour just looking for a parking space." Since opening in 2005, Shuntai Plaza has attracted nearly 700 companies, with a regular working population of more than 40,000. As the business cluster expanded, parking scarcity intensified significantly. The turning point came in 2021. By making better use of underground space, Jinan High-Tech Industrial Development Zone launched a smart parking project, constructing a three-level underground automated parking facility beneath the building. To maximize capacity, the project introduced mechanical parking equipment that reduces the footprint of each parking space to about 60 percent of that in a conventional garage. The three underground levels were also designed to fit local conditions, with a total height equivalent to that of a standard two-story office building -- meeting Jinan's strict requirements for spring water protection. The smart parking facility features 20 parking sections, including eight designed for larger vehicles. Equipped with digital systems such as automatic navigation and video monitoring, the facility identifies vehicle information upon entry and recommends the most suitable parking section based on real-time traffic flow and vehicle size. Photo shows the underground parking facility of Shuntai Plaza in Jinan, east China's Shandong province. (Photo from the Xinhuanghe app) With parking becoming more convenient, safety is a common concern. Beyond the on-screen safety reminders, the garage is fitted with laser monitoring systems. If an oversized vehicle, such as an SUV, mistakenly enters a section designed for sedans, the system triggers an alert and halts the parking process. "The garage is also equipped with wheel-centering devices," said Wang Wei, manager of the parking facility. "After the shutter closes, the system adjusts the vehicle to the center of the space, preventing scratches or collisions caused by misalignment." Based on changes in traffic flow following the facility's completion, Jinan traffic police department has introduced three one-way streets in the surrounding area and installed 17 additional traffic signs. These measures have significantly eased congestion and parking pressure nearby. "The smart parking project at Shuntai Plaza not only meets parking needs, but also injects fresh momentum into urban renewal," said an official with Jinan High-Tech Industrial Development Zone. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Plans for a significant extension to First Spirits Manufacturing Company's premises in Abbeyleix have been given the green light by Laois County Council. First Ireland Spirits applied for planning permission to extend their facility at Tullyroe just outside of Abbeyleix's town centre in July of last year. Established in 1993, First Ireland Spirits produces and sells Irish cream liqueurs across the world. The company was purchased by Quintessential Brands Group in 2014. The Abbeyleix factory currently employs 52 people and this further expansion will see the creation of 12 more jobs, according to planning documents submitted last July. READ NEXT: Average family homes in Laois took only 3 weeks to sell by end of 2025 The development is set to consist of an extension to the existing factory building, the provision of a new tank farm and bunded enclosure, the provision of a new material storage facility, a new industrial gas storage tank, a new firefighting water storage tank, new staff facilities building, an extension to the existing concrete yard area, additional car parking spaces and all other associated site works. The plans have now been granted planning permission on a conditional basis by Laois County Council. Some of these conditions include providing adequate car and bicycle parking for staff and ensuring all external finishes to the building match those of the existing structures on the site in terms of colour, materials and texture. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme A renewed appeal has been launched for a former Laois resident who went missing a year ago today. Gardai in Limerick are renewing their appeal to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Luke Price who was reported missing from his home in Mountkennet, Limerick city on this day last year, Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Luke, who was 27-years-old at the time was seen at around 9pm on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. He is originally from Geashill in Co Offaly and had been living in the Ballyfin area near Portlaoise to the end of 2024. He was last seen in Limerick in January of 2025. He is described as being approximately 6 feet in height with a slim build, auburn hair and blue eyes. When last seen, Luke was wearing a black coat, blue jeans and black boots. Gardai and Luke's family are concerned for his wellbeing. In an online post last year, Luke's mother Pauline Price said: "Luke is well known in scouting communities in Portlaoise, Tullamore, Clara, Mountmellick and Edenderry. He's a chef. He's himself, a lovely, kind and resourceful young man when he's well. He has survival skills but didn't go prepared, as far as we know. Please help us find him." There have been a number of reported sightings by members of the public across different locations, however none of these have been confirmed to be Luke. READ MORE: Heartbroken mother issues appeal over son who lived in Laois Anyone with information on Lukes whereabouts is asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061 212 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. Laois County Council has given a developer permission to build 202 homes across three neighbouring sites in Portlaoise. The houses on three sites with a total area of 9.8 hectares will be the second, third and fourth phases of the Sand Wood estate located at Summerhill in Portlaoise. It already has permission for 112 houses for its first phase. Developer Bircrest Ltd was granted permission for the three development sites subject to a number of conditions. The proposal was made possible when Councillors voted in favour of rezoning land at the December meeting of Laois County Council. According to a planning report lodged with the application, Bircrest Limited intends to commence development at the site at the earliest opportunity subject to planning and construction timeframes. Bircrest Limited, is a subsidiary company of the London based Hollybrook Group. Hollybrook Group is a major development firm that has completed a large number of the UK's most innovative and successful developments, the report noted. It states that there are numerous schools located in close proximity to the proposed site, including the Educate Together National School, a Gaelscoil and Maryborough (Church of Ireland) National School all accessed along Aghnaharna Drive and the Southern Circular Road, and a short walk from the subject site. Portlaoise Town Park and The Peoples Park are located only a c. 11-minute walk or a c. 4-minute cycle from the subject site. There is a plentiful supply of shops and retail units nearby, with the closest food store being Mr Price, located west of the subject site along the Southern Circular Road and only a c. 2-minute drive, a c. 8-minute walk, or a c. 3-minutes cycle, the report states in relation to the 92 unit phase two. READ ALSO: Council vote to rezoning to triple size of Portlaoise estate It found the proposal represents an appropriate suburban extension designed with key linkages into the Phase 1A and 1B lands to ensure the provision of a cohesive environment across the Sand Wood Development. The proposed development has been well considered by a highly experienced Design Team, cognisant of the planning history of the surrounding area and having due regard to National, Regional and Local Level Planning Policy. The proposed residential development will, inter alia, provide local amenity space for future occupants of the development as well as much needed housing to respond to the rapidly growing population of Portlaoise, the report states. Phase two consists of a total of 92 houses including 86 four bed and six two bed sheltered housing units, parking, public open space, landscaping and lighting on a 3.85 hectare site. Phase three includes a creche and 74 houses comprising of 64 four beds, four one beds and six two bed sheltered houses and associated works on a 4.15 hectare site. Phase four will have 36 four bed two storey houses and associated works located on a 1.82 hectare site at Summerhill. The second phase was approved subject to 19 conditions while the third and fourth phases were approved subject to 20 conditions. A planners report stated that the proposed development provides a range of high-quality dwellings and a mix of dwelling types and sizes as required by local planning policy. The scheme will be constructed by a well-established developer with an excellent track-record for high-quality schemes. The scheme also provides a large quantum of landscaped public open space which will provide an attractive and useable public realm for the proposed residents as well as the wider community. It also stated that the proposed development will facilitate one of the next segments of the new Link Road which will provide a new route between the Southern Circular Road / Aghnaharna Drive to the north-west of the site to the R425 road south-east of the subject site. The proposed road will also increase permeability and connectivity in the area by providing safe and convenient active travel infrastructure for future residents and members of the public. A Laois principal has shared exciting updates on the construction and timeline of their brand new school. Ms Teresa Kennedy, Principal at Gaelscoil Shli Dala in Ballaghmore, was excited to announce that the school will open in time to mark their 20th school year. The new school has seen the removal of three prefabs, along with the refurbishment and relocation of two existing prefabs. Four new prefab classrooms, an activity hall, staff offices, a staff canteen, toilets, circulation corridors, outdoor play areas and a sensory playground are currently under construction on the site. Provisions have also been made for additional car parking facilities and pedestrian footpaths. Pictured: an image of the new building for Gaelscoil Shli Dala. "The plans for this new school began in 2022, we had been operating out of old prefabs and they were deteriorating greatly," Ms Kennedy told the Leinster Express / Laois Live. "The school was established in 2025 by locals with a passion for the Irish language, it started with just one prefab and it has grown greatly since then," she explained. "As our numbers grew, we ended up with five prefabs in total, including two ASD special classes and two mainstream classes. Our board of management chairman did a lot of work on our behalf to help push the plans for a new school." In March of 2024, staff and students relocated to the Borris Innovation Centre, located at the old convent in Borris-in-Ossory. This was to allow for the extensive construction works to be carried out. "We are still operating from the convent at the minute, they very kindly accommodated us to allow our 50 plus children and staff somewhere to set up in the meantime," Ms Kennedy explained. Pictured: an artist's rendering of the new school under construction for Gaelscoil Shli Dala The new school was originally hoped to have been completed by September of 2023, and following delays a target of September 2024 was set. The principal explained that these delays were due to issues with the foundations, which have been resolved. "Our building is progressing very well, we are waiting on our new activity hall to be delivered, we hope that it will come this January so we can move into the school in early March," Ms Kennedy said. "It is a long ongoing process but a worthwhile one, there is great excitement among students over the new school. It is fantastic for students in our special classes in particular, as we will have new facilities and sensory rooms to assist with regulation, and equipment specific to their needs," she said. "The community is very excited. Being a small Irish speaking school, we don't only focus on the language, but very much into Irish culture too. We have very strong music and drama groups, a lot of our students are involved in Scor and comhaltas. Any organisation with a link to Irish culture, we have ties," the principal explained. "Our community has been very exposed to the school and this passion over the years, and most children in the locality have attended our school. Our first school year was 2005 to 2006, so this will be our 20th year. We are hoping to mark this anniversary with some celebrations," Ms Kennedy finished. Local Fine Gael County Councillor Conor Bergin also welcomed the approach of the school's opening. "It is great to see progress on the new Gaelscoil Sli Dala in Ballaghmore," Cllr Bergin said. "This is a fantastic step forward for the community and well done to everyone on all their efforts to get the new school delivered. Delighted to see it moving ahead," the Cllr finished. Heartfelt tributes have poured in following the passing of Kildare 'true gent', Dermot Dunne. Dermot Shanacloon, Kildare Town, Kildare passed peacefully on January 12 last at Tullamore Hospital. He is predeceased by his mother Bridget. Dermot will be sadly missed by his wife Teresa, daughters Aisling and Grace, son Anthony, son in law Neil, Grace's partner Joe, father Tom, brothers, sisters, brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and wonderful friends. May Dermot Rest In Peace. READ NEXT: BREAKING: Man arrested over fatal house fire near Kildare border which killed boy and his grandaunt Dermot will arrive at the Dominican College Church, Newbridge on Wednesday evening (January 14) for prayers at 7pm. Funeral mass on Thursday (January 15) at 12pm. Burial afterwards in St. Conleth's Cemetery, Kildare Town. Dermot's funeral mass will be live streamed through the webstream link below. Glennons Funeral Directors accept no responsibility for any live webcam interruptions or issues. For all enquiries, please contact Glennons Funeral Directors on 045 860110. Webstream Funeral service: https://dominicansnewbridge.ie/live-streaming/ Tributes paid to Dermot on RIP.ie include: Sincere condolences to all Dermot's family & friends. I was very sorry to hear of Dermot's passing. I knew him many years ago back in the 1980s when we worked together with ANCO painting the rugby club. He was always kind, witty and good humored. May he rest in peace. And: Sincere condolences to all, I trained and served with Dermot and he was a true gent. RIP my friend. While another mourner wrote: Condolences to the Dunne Family on the passing of Dermot..Rest in Peace. And another added: Sincere condolences to Teresa, Aisling, Grace, Anthony and the extended family on the passing of Dermot. May he rest in peace. A total of 2,276 people were treated on trolleys at Naas Hospital last year. It was the fourth highest on the list of overcrowded hospitals in the eastern region behind Dublin hospitals St Vincent's (6,692), the Mater (4,595) and Tallaght (3,673). READ NEXT Thousands across Ireland could be eligible for little known boost of 1,900 Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown was the least overcrowded in the region for the year with 944 patients on trolleys. Elsewhere, Tullamore Hospital had an annual overcrowding figure of 73 while Portlaoise Hospital's number was 1,023. The most overcrowded hospital in the State was University Limerick (22,473) followed by Galway (11,630), Cork (10,113) and Sligo (8,004). The national overcrowding figure for 2025, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, was 114,029 which included 1,248 children. INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said: Yet another year has passed with an unacceptably high number of patients being treated on trolleys, chairs and in other inappropriate bed spaces. Nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals must not continue to shoulder public anger arising from repeated failures in planning across the health service. Ms Ni Sheaghdha added that while there was a slight reduction in the number of patients being treated in an inappropriate space the reliance on surge beds which are not properly staffed is cause for concern. There needs to be a turning point in how healthcare staffing is planned, starting with an immediate filling of all funded posts while focusing on capacity, staffing and conditions across acute and community services. She said nurses point to persistent staffing gaps across the public health service that are undermining their ability to deliver safe and timely care. The continued use of trolleys and reliance on surge capacity mean that too many nurses are routinely working short-staffed. She said in many facilities unfilled rosters are becoming the norm rather than the exception, creating increasingly unsafe conditions. In March healthcare unions were assured that recruitment of posts would be a priority for the HSE, it is clear that this couldnt be further from the case as over 6,500 funded posts are still vacant. We were told barriers to recruitment would be removed, yet authority is not being delegated to allow clinical decision-makers to fill posts. A EuroMillions player in Kildare is sure to be celebrating today after matching five numbers in Tuesday nights draw to win 21,858. The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased on Monday, 12th January, at Applegreen M4 Enfield West, Martinstown, Cadamstown, Co. Kildare. The winning numbers in the Tuesday, 13th January, draw were: 06, 10, 18, 44, 47 and the Lucky Stars were 02 and 10. The Kildare winner, who now has a ticket worth 21,858, is advised to sign the back of their ticket and keep it safe. They should make contact with the National Lottery Prize Claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to visit Lottery HQ to collect their prize. READ NEXT; Kildare Gardai clamp down on mobile phone use by motorists. Meanwhile, a Kilkenny EuroMillions player was thrilled to visit the Winners Room this week to collect their Match 5 prize from the 12th December draw worth 30,745. Their winning ticket was purchased at Kittys Cabin on Rose Inn Street in Kilkenny. The Kilkenny man popped into the Rose Inn Street shop for a coffee when he decided to purchase a ticket for the Friday night draw. It was a few days before I even scanned the ticket and I was in complete shock when I realised what I won. I immediately put the ticket in a cupboard and then rechecked it the next day to make sure it was real and that I didnt completely imagine it. The first thing I plan to do is book a holiday that will definitely brighten up January! I am also looking forward to planning a few home renovations too. A Dublin syndicate were delighted to claim their unexpected windfall worth 36,287, which they won in the 7th January draw after matching five numbers and the bonus in the midweek Lotto draw. The winning ticket was purchased at the Eason store in the Omni Shopping Centre in Santry, Dublin 9. When I got the message Youve won Big after scanning the ticket, I immediately rang Claims. I had no idea how much I could have won. I was thinking it was probably 500 or 1,000. When I heard the amount, I couldnt believe it. I put the ticket in a jacket where I knew no one would look. I didnt tell any of the other syndicate members where it was though maybe next time, I should! I think a celebratory lunch will be the first thing we do! A Laois man got a huge surprise after matching five numbers and the bonus in Saturdays Lotto draw to win 49,071. The winning ticket was purchased at the Tuthills store in Laois Shopping Centre in Portlaoise. A proposed trade deal saw Leitrim councillors clash at a recent meeting in Carrick-on-Shannon where Cllr Eddie Mitchell asked the council to contact Ministers Helen McEntee and Jim OCallaghan, requesting they withdraw the Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025. The Bill 2025 is a legislative proposal to amend the Arbitration Act 2010 to allow Ireland to ratify key EU international investment agreements including the Canada-EU CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement). He said: "The bill seeks to extend the provisions to future trade agreements, such as the EU-US trade agreement. We ask that they cease undermining Irish sovereignty." READ MORE: 'No one should have to pay to take their medication safely' - Leitrim councillor Speaking at the meeting, he said the bill was passed "at 1am, without any public consultation and I'm asking the council to recognise that it's dangerous to lose our political independence. We can't afford to be afraid to be sued when we make decisions." Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion stating: "The biggest fear is that we will lose our sovereignty and be sued by large multinational companies." Cllr Padraig Fallon also supported the motion and noted that the Supreme Court found "that the full ratification of CETA was not only unconstitutional but would also require referendum and ultimately, I think that's what it needs. I don't think it would pass a referendum". Cllr James Gilmartin said that if it is passed, "future governments would be tied in for twenty years and it could dictate policy down the line" before stressing he believed it "needs more scrutiny". Cllr Enda McGloin said that he didn't support the motion stating: "We elect our legislators and legislation is either passed or otherwise" adding, "that's the role of Oireachtas members". He added that to call on the Ministers to withdraw legislation was "wrong", in his view. READ MORE: Leitrim community pays tribute following passing of larger than life character Cllr Brendan Barry said it was "ridiculous that our Supreme Court ruled that the CETA deal was unlawful and yet, legislation would be brought in at 1am to allow corporations to be able to sue the state for the loss of potential earnings." He added: "I think it would be crazy for any organisation, person or state to put themselves in that position" with Cllr Fallon saying there is "confirmation that two fossil fuel companies are suing the state." Cllr McGloin noted that the Irish Supreme Court ruled by a 6-1 majority that Ireland could ratify CETA if specific amendments were made to the domestic Arbitration Act 2010. Cllr Mitchell said that "this clause would allow the state to be sued by fracking companies for a loss of earnings" with Cllr Mary Bohan saying this would be a "worry". Cllr McGloin retorted that "we are living in a democracy and elect Dail members to legislate that's their role. It's up to them to decide whether they approve or disapprove of a bill." Cllr Mitchell added: "If we end up in a situation where an international tribunal are making decisions that implementable in Ireland, that has a chilling affect on politics." He continued that the amendment legislation, in his view, was a way "of undermining the Irish Constitution". He said the new legislation is "tantamount to treason. This is serious; we live in a place where foreign companies want to take resources; we are on the periphery and a lot of the objectives being balanced in Europe and in Dublin don't represent our needs in this region." Multiple calls were made at the January meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District for an urgent meeting with a Minister to address the persistently high water levels on the River Shannon and clarify where responsibility lies. Councillors Sean McGowan, Irene Guckian Rabbitte, Maeve Reynolds, Paddy Farrell and Enda Stenson each submitted the same motion seeking an urgent meeting with Minister of State Kevin Boxer Moran, who has responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), to discuss how the ongoing issues surrounding Shannon water levels will be addressed. This is an annual problem with water levels extremely high for a number of months each year, their motions stated. Since the severe flooding that affected Carrick-on-Shannon and surrounding areas in 2009, which was described at the time as a once-in-a-century-event, only to occur again in 2015, water levels on the Shannon have remained consistently high. As a result, landowners have become increasingly frustrated as their lands continue to flood and there are ongoing fears that the scale of flooding seen in 2009 could be repeated due to the extent of current water levels. Carrick-on-Shannons flood relief scheme is expected to go to planning this year. The 30 million project will involve embankments and flood walls, but it is not anticipated to be completed for approximately another five years. READ NEXT: 'People are traumatised': Leitrim County Council urged to secure funding aimed at flood prevention A key concern raised by councillors during the meeting centred on which body holds responsibility for managing water levels on the Shannon. Its a huge annoyance to landowners and an inconvenience. We want to try to get the Minister to answer questions, said Cllr McGowan. There are several bodies, the ESB, OPW, Waterways Ireland. Someone has to take responsibility, he added. Why has the water been held back so long? Farming communities are fed up with their land being flooded all the time and weve got to get answers. Cllr Farrell echoed these concerns, stating that too many agencies are involved in the Shannon and no one is really taking responsibility. According to the Shannon Flood Risk Working Group, the OPW is responsible for the maintenance of arterial drainage schemes and flood relief schemes. Local authorities are responsible for maintaining drainage works carried out in former drainage districts, Waterways Ireland is responsible for maintaining the navigation channel, and the ESB is responsible for the maintenance of its own infrastructure. READ NEXT: Connacht Fleadh Cheoil 2026 set to bring cultural, social and economic boost to Leitrim The impact on farmers was also highlighted during the discussion, with councillors noting that farmers are suffering the most due to repeated flooding of their lands. Its flooding the land and farmers are finding it harder and harder to know where even boundaries are for spreading different things on the land. We definitely need a meeting to understand what the issues are, said Cllr Guckian Rabbitte. Cllr Reynolds said the proposed meeting should ideally include representatives from IFA groups and the Shannon Flood Risk Working Group. Theyre years and years processing this data and looking at the trends. We need to get some answers as to who ultimately controls the water levels and a justification for why theyre being kept at the levels that they are, she said. Cllr Stenson stated that water levels are higher than they have been previously and are remaining elevated for longer periods. The ESB have said that they have no reason to hold back the water. Its not just a meeting for the sake of having a meeting. We were promised in 2009 and 2010 that there were going to be flood barriers and nothing has happened, he said. Were no different today. The people that are suffering are the farmers. Its issues like this that are really important to farmers on the ground the whole way around the Shannon, he added. It was agreed that correspondence would be issued to the office of Minister of State Kevin Boxer Moran in an effort to arrange the requested meeting. READ NEXT: Leitrim athletes with 'exceptional talent' need to be supported Dynamic Chongqing drone light show: a fusion of tradition and technology 11:02, January 14, 2026 By Wang Xinyue ( People's Daily Photo shows the Die Lian Hua segment of the "Dynamic Chongqing" drone light show. "Five, four, three, two, oneHappy New Year!" As 2026 arrived, the night sky over southwest China's Chongqing municipality lit up in a blaze of "fireworks." Thousands of points of light rose from the river and gradually "drew" the outline of a gigantic hand in the sky. The hand slowly lifted a magic wand and gave it a gentle wave. In an instant, lights flickered on one by one, and gasps rippled through the crowd. The opener of the "Dynamic Chongqing" drone light show delivered a distinctly high-tech New Year's gift to the city. As the drones continuously shifted formation, they assembled a series of images drawn from traditional Chinese symbolism, including the Die Lian Hua motif (butterflies and flowers), a soaring eagle, and an auspicious gourd. Large screens at the site displayed cultural symbols such as stilted houses, camellias and red plum blossoms, interwoven with modern technological icons including AI and aerospace satellites. Set against a fusion of traditional Chinese melodies and electronic music, the cyber-style spectacle showcased the city's temperament rooted in heritage yet refreshed through innovation. Photo shows a pattern of an auspicious gourd formed by drones during the "Dynamic Chongqing" drone light show. In 2025 alone, the "Dynamic Chongqing" drone light show staged 63 regular performances along Nanbin Road in Nan'an district of the city, drawing a total of 6 million on-site spectators. Surrounded by the Yangtze River and its tributary Jialing River, and defined by rolling hills, bridges and tunnels, Chongqing is often dubbed an "8D city." This highly vertical urban environment creates an unparalleled aerial theater. On this New Year's Eve, 8,000 drones took to the sky, working in concert with water curtains, lasers and beam lights from three performance vessels on rivers. For the first time, a fully integrated "landwaterair" display was achieved, offering residents and visitors a 50-minute immersive experience. How did traditional Chinese patterns find new life on a modern stage? "By combining water curtains with laser projection and synchronizing drones with the city's lighting system, we were able to seamlessly embed traditional aesthetics into the light show," explained Zhang Yangxue, head of the drone team. The performance featured new-generation lantern drones and soft-screen drones, carefully programmed to form classic Chinese cultural motifs and illuminate the New Year's night sky with a distinctly Chinese flair. As darkness deepened, a "peony" slowly rose into the air. At the moment it bloomed in full splendor, a radiant butterfly fluttered into view, dancing among the petals in a dazzling interplay of light. This scene formed the segment titled "Die Lian Hua." "We didn't want this motif to remain a static symbol," Zhang said. Through meticulous programming, the team transformed drones into a giant butterfly with shimmering, wave-like light patterns flowing from its wings, bringing the blessing of prosperity and good fortune to life in a visually striking way. Color choices were equally deliberate. The traditional symbol of the "auspicious gourd" was rendered in soft pink tones, outlined with cloud-like patterns. "Each drone can display up to 256 colors, and we opted for brighter palettes that resonate more with younger audiences," Zhang noted. With technology as a catalyst, traditional Chinese aesthetics are finding renewed vitality, allowing young people to engage with cultural heritage in a relaxed and accessible way. According to Deng Jing, director of the institute of urban and regional economic studies at the Chongqing Academy of Social Sciences, the recent convergence of traditional aesthetics and technology has moved beyond visual presentation toward more systematic innovation. Looking ahead, the field is evolving toward data-driven creation and algorithm-enabled revitalization. Technologies such as 3D scanning and light-capture can create high-precision digital archives of cultural relics and intangible heritage, supporting preservation and public accessibility. Simultaneously, AI can analyze cultural data, reinterpret stylistic elements and generate new expressions that align with both traditional aesthetics and contemporary tastes. Such integration not only injects sustained technological momentum into traditional culture, but also allows technology itself to gain richer applications and a warmer human dimension, achieving mutual enrichment and shared progress. Tourists watch the "Dynamic Chongqing" drone light show. (Photos from Chongqing Daily) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Calls have been made for Leitrim County Council to secure funding for scrub clearance due to channel blockages between the bridges at Drumsna and Jamestown, which have been linked to flooding in Carrick-on-Shannon and Leitrim Village. At Januarys meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Cormac Flynn, Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Kevin Moran, called for applications to be made for scrub-clearance funding under the Minor Works Scheme administered by the OPW. What steps have been taken by this Council to seek funding for this necessary and overdue work and how soon can work be expected to commence on site? stated Cllr Flynns motion. In response, the Council explained that details of the scheme have not yet been released. Neither Leitrim nor Roscommon County Councils has received the new circular or policy documentation outlining the proposed changes to the current application process or eligibility criteria. Following a recent enquiry, the OPW advised that the revised guidelines will be issued in the very near future. READ NEXT: New car registrations in Leitrim nearly double in 2025 This is a very fast flowing bit of the channel but it's not navigable. As a non-navigable part of the river it doesnt come under the remit of Waterways Ireland. Its kind of a no man's land, said Cllr Flynn, stressing that someone has to take ownership of the issue. He urged that the Council does not allow the matter to fall between two stools and ensures funding is applied for in a timely manner, particularly as overgrowth cannot be cleared throughout the year and is restricted to certain months. If we miss that window and the money comes in after the window, were waiting another 12 months and were putting ourselves at the risk of flooding again, he said. Cllr Flynn also highlighted the problematic nature of the weir at Jamestown, which he said is at the same level as the river at Rooksey. He warned that if water levels rise any higher, the bottom of the gates in the weir effectively become a dam, causing water to backfill towards Carrick-on-Shannon and Leitrim Village. READ NEXT: Connacht Fleadh Cheoil 2026 set to bring cultural, social and economic boost to Leitrim There are people here traumatised by the flooding that occurred years ago and a lot of it was to do with the weir at Jamestown and that narrow channel between the two bridges at Jamestown and Drumsna, said Cllr Flynn. It looks like it has fallen on Leitrim County Council to go chasing this money, and if it has, we need to make sure the money is chased. The motion was seconded by Cllr Maeve Reynolds, who asked that the Council consider all available funding avenues and ensure that, where funding exists, full use is made of it, with the maximum possible amount drawn down and contractors employed as necessary to ensure the work is completed. Nina Carberry, who is the MEP for the Midlands-Northwest, including Leitrim, has called on the European Commission to suspend Grok across the EU if the platform continues to host horrific AI-generated sexualised images of adults and children. Speaking from Brussels today MEP Carberry said: Weve heard plenty of expressions of concern and multiple warnings from the European Commission and from Coimisiun na Mean in recent days, but what we need now is decisive action. Under Article 70 of the Digital Services Act, Europe can suspend platforms like Grok when they breach EU law. We take cars off the road when they fail the NCT. If someone is caught drunk driving, they are disqualified. We should treat online platforms the same way when they fail to remove child sexual abuse material. READ MORE: Two men hospitalised after a crash in south Leitrim I have written to the Commission to ask why the EU is not currently using all the weapons in its arsenal, and I have written to Coimisiun na Mean seeking an update and a meeting. Carberry added: The EUs most recent case against X dragged on for nearly two years before resulting in a 120 million fine. The current drawn-out process is far too slow. This level of delay is unacceptable. Enforcement is taking far too long. The Commission urgently needs to move beyond warnings and fines. A platform that repeatedly flouts EU law should not be allowed to operate in the European Union. Sligo/Leitrim Minister Marian Harkin has welcomed the confirmation of the re-opening of the Chinese market to Irish beef, following the recent visit of An Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, to China. A statement to the Leitrim Observer said: "The announcement marks a significant and positive development in Irelands bilateral trading relationship with China and represents an important opportunity for the Irish agri-food sector." Speaking today, Minister Harkin said the restoration of access to China is "a substantial step forward for Irish beef producers and processors and demonstrates the high level of confidence placed by the Chinese authorities in Irelands regulatory systems." She stated that "Irelands world-class standards in food safety, traceability and animal health continue to underpin the countrys strong global reputation as a trusted supplier of premium-quality agri-food products." She said: The re-opening of the Chinese market is a clear endorsement of the robustness and integrity of Irelands agri-food systems, Minister Harkin said. It reflects the sustained efforts of farmers, processors and state agencies to maintain the highest standards, even in the face of challenging global conditions. READ MORE: Leitrim athletes with 'exceptional talent' need to be supported Minister Harkin said that renewed access to the Chinese market will "provide support to Irish farmers and beef processors, helping to diversify export destinations and reduce reliance on individual markets." The Minister also said the development will have a positive impact across rural Ireland, "supporting employment throughout the agri-food supply chain and contributing to the economic vitality of rural communities nationwide." In addition, she said the re-opening will "strengthen Irelands overall export performance and further reinforce the States commitment to open, fair and rules-based international trade." This is a very important development for Irish beef exports and for Irelands broader global trading relationships, Minister Harkin concluded. I look forward to continued engagement with our international partners to build on this momentum and to further expand opportunities for Irelands agri-food sector. In November 2025 I started the challenge of a lifetime. Because I never believed in status quo. As deputy editor-in-chief of Worldtempus I was given the huge and wonderful challenge of bringing the watch worlds first website into its next phase. In its 25 years of existence (Worldtempus is really the OG of online watch media!) it has become a steadily cruising ship. It would have been easy to just remain on the captains bridge sipping a glass of champagne and doing good enough. Nah, not for me. Even though I love champagne. So, here are some of the things that we are introducing in 2026: - Biweekly op-eds. Starting in February, we will publish persuasive opinion articles from people in the watch eco-system. We will feature distinct viewpoints that will suggest solutions or new perspectives on issues and current events. We will have CEOs, designers, watchmakers, collectors and scientists that will argue for a better watch world. They will discuss topics such as artificial intelligence, the responsibility of the collector, brand resurrections, Swiss Made, sustainability, and much more. - Worldtempus After Hours Bar. Every month I will conduct 20-minute live interviews with some of our op-ed writers at a bar in Geneva. These will be informal get-togethers where everybody from CEOs to watch lovers are welcome. Yes, you too. Invites will be sent out, and in case we dont have your email (feel free to write me), we will also make open calls published on our site and social media. Keep an eye out from mid-February. - Exploring AI for creative purposes. Sometimes I have felt that there is a gap between what my brain envisions and what is possible with physical tools. I have often referred to myself as an old-school analogue guy, and nobody is more surprised than I am to learn that AI can potentially bridge that gap between my brain and reality. Therefore, we are exploring new possibilities with some of the worlds best artists of this new metier. Will this take over the role of what the photoshoot used to be? I dont know and a photoshoot is something else. If all goes well, this exploration will also start in Q2 let me know if you are interested in being a pioneer. Avoiding AI for non-creative purposes. Since media is about humans describing something to many other humans, with a human perspective, why would you want to read machine-written stuff? As with anything, AI is a tool. But so often it is factually wrong! Even though I am sure this will improve in the future, I am scared about what todays factual faults will do for future historians. How are they going to separate the truth from published documents featuring AI lies thanks to the technologys teething problems? - Celebrate our anniversary. Our founding fathers and supportive brands were pioneers. Truly. 25 years ago, most people accessed the internet with dial up-modems, and yet Mr. Tortella and Mr. Pittard had the vision of online potential. On the 25th of every month we will have celebratory articles. For these subjects we have put together an amazing international think-tank with some of our favorite contributors in Geneva, LA, Paris, and St. Kitts, while also taking advantage of Worldtempus being here in Geneva. - Clarifying our role, yet never standing still. Step-by-step the written and filmed content on Worldtempus will improve. We will clarify our storytelling, and we will have more defined formats. As a reader and as a partner you should know what you get at Worldtempus. But rest assured, part of that will be surprise. Because I dont believe in the status quo. BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has replied to a letter from a U.S. youth education exchange delegation, in which he encouraged more young Americans to serve as a new generation of envoys in the China-U.S. friendship. After visiting Chinese cities in October last year, members of the delegation wrote to Xi to express their gratitude, saying the trip has helped them gain a better understanding of China. The visit by the U.S. delegation is a part of the "50,000 in Five Years" initiative proposed by President Xi, which aims to bring 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs over a five-year period. U.S. delegation members, as well as long-time American participants in bilateral people-to-people exchanges, have said that fostering friendly exchanges and cooperation is the shared aspiration of the people of both China and the United States. A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF CHINA "My first reaction was one of deep surprise, gratitude, and honor. While we wrote with sincerity and respect, we did not expect to receive a personal reply," said Milinda Sylvain, principal of Diamond Minds Transformational Leadership Academy, in Miami, Florida. Sylvain's school was one of several U.S. institutions represented in the youth education exchange delegation to China. In the letter to Xi, the delegation members reflected on their visit, during which they experienced the country's blend of culture, education, technological innovation and warm personal interactions. "From our October trip, we learned that China is far more dynamic, welcoming and diverse than many of our students had imagined," said the principal. In his reply, Xi said he was pleased to learn that the teachers and students had a pleasant and rewarding journey in China, and felt their strong interest and sincere feelings for Chinese culture, noting that the hope of China-U.S. relations lies in the people, and its future relies on the youth. Sylvain noted that Xi's letter conveyed a clear and powerful message: that youth exchange matters, that people-to-people connection is valued at the highest level, and that the students' experiences and voices were truly heard. Fredline Dorvil, a program director at the academy, said Xi's letter reinforces the importance of youth exchange. "We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity -- and we can't wait to keep building on this work, reaching more students, and creating even stronger connections in the future." Abella, a junior student, said, "This exchange has inspired me to keep learning about China and to encourage more young people around me to explore the world with open minds." Nayah, another student, said the experience deepened her respect for Chinese culture and motivated her to continue learning, connecting with others, and serving as a bridge between the two countries. A FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE Since Xi proposed this initiative during his visit to San Francisco back in late 2023, more than 40,000 American youth have participated in the program. As Xi said in his reply, the initiative is building a bridge to carry forward the friendship between the two peoples. In their letter to Xi, the delegation members also recalled their visit to a local senior high school in China's eastern Jiangsu province. They said that their most unforgettable activity there was working with Chinese students to build a Luban bridge using ancient Chinese woodworking techniques. While building the model bridge with their Chinese partners, the U.S. students "not only learned scientific concepts, but also built a symbolic bridge of friendship and mutual understanding," read the letter. "Supporting each other makes the structure stable. This small Luban bridge is a symbol of friendship between Chinese and American youth," said Feng Chunxi, a student from the high school. Following the exchange, the two schools established a sister-school partnership and planned for future exchanges, including teacher and student visits, joint curriculum development, and shared learning projects. That 80 percent of the five-year goal of 50,000 Americans studying in China has already been reached speaks to the strong desire among youth to understand China, said Sylvain. Xi's reply letter "is a wonderful letter to the people of Miami and all Americans," said Gary Dvorchak, executive director of the Sino-U.S. Friendship House in Muscatine, Iowa, who has long been involved in promoting people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and actively supporting youth programs. The "50,000 in Five Years" initiative has been highly successful, Dvorchak said, crediting both the merit of the idea itself and the efforts of the many people who helped bring it to life. "Americans and Chinese have shared aspirations for a better life, a good education for their children, and health and prosperity," he said. Climate change which U.S. President Donald Trump calls the greatest con job ever perpetrated in the world is precisely what is driving the push to gain control of Greenland, an ambition openly declared by Trump. Human-caused global warming is reaching record levels in the Arctic region. This triggers ice melt, opening new shipping routes that major powers want to control, as well as theoretically easier access to the islands resources minerals and fossil fuels. The Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the planet three to four times faster than the global average, explains Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, part of the European Commission. Copernicus, in collaboration with several international agencies and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), released its 2025 climate summary on Wednesday, showing that the year ended as the third-warmest on record since at least 1850, the point when humans began burning fossil fuels on a massive scale the main driver of global warming. The warmest year on record is 2024, followed by 2023. In other words, the last three years are the hottest ever recorded, further proof of the climate change Trump denies. While some factors have influenced the recent streak of hot years, Burgess clarifies that the main cause is the record concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It was at the last United Nations General Assembly, held in New York at the end of September, that Trump insisted that climate change was the greatest con job ever perpetrated in the world. Returning to falsehoods, he also claimed that the United Nations predictions had been wrong. The truth, however, is that the trajectory of global warming continues to follow the paths outlined by scientific models, and if anything, the members of the IPCC the U.N.-linked international panel of experts could be accused of underestimating their predictions. When the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015, it was expected that the limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius of global temperature increase above preindustrial levels would be permanently exceeded in about 20 to 30 years. Now, Copernicus estimates that this could happen by the end of this decade 10 years earlier than projected at the time of Paris. Burgess explains that this is because, when the Paris Agreement was finalized which set the goal of keeping warming between 1.5 and 2 degrees it was expected that emissions would fall faster than we have observed over the past decade. Thats really the big difference, the expert says. According to data collected by Copernicus specialists, the global air temperature at the Earths surface in 2025 was 1.47 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. In 2024, the hottest year on record so far, it reached 1.6 degrees. But when the planet is divided by latitude, what stands out is the accelerated rate of warming in the Arctic, where 2025 was the second-warmest year on record so far. This has direct effects on ice coverage. According to Copernicus, in 2025 the monthly extent of Arctic sea ice was the lowest ever recorded for that time of year in January, February, March, and December, and the second lowest in June and October. This reduction is what opens the new shipping routes that China, Russia, and the U.S. are eager to control and which has led Trump to threaten to seize Greenland by force. The rate of warming in the Arctic taking the 60N parallel as a reference was again the highest in 2025 compared with the 19912020 baseline. The average temperature in that region was 1.37C above normal, compared with 0.6C for the planet as a whole. The second-highest anomaly was in the Antarctic region between 60S and 90S at 1.1C. Burgess notes that this rapid ice loss has a feedback effect, because it increases the amount of heat absorbed by the land, which exacerbates the problem. The Copernicus report, released on Wednesday, was produced in collaboration not only with the WMO but also with U.S. agencies such as NASA and NOAA, whose observational data from recent years have been essential for climate science. However, the Trump administration has launched a campaign of funding cuts, claiming that scientists contribute to climate alarmism. The latest step by the White House has been to announce that the U.S. is withdrawing from the IPCC. Asked about these attacks on climate science, Florian Pappenberger, director general of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, which runs Copernicus, said it is worrying that a problem could arise with the data, because observations are essential for efforts to address the challenges of climate change and air quality. He also noted that the new NOAA administrator, Neil Jacobs, has pledged not to delete the data collected so far on climate change. The question is: what might happen in the coming years, when global warming does not abate? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Mulbah Morlu and his followers marching to Monrovia during the December 17 protest GARDAI have arrested a Limerick man after a ferret was stolen in County Tipperary, Limerick Live has learned. Gardai launched an investigation following the burglary at a property near Tipperary Town on Wednesday, January 7. Detectives and uniformed gardai, backed up by the armed Regional Response Unit, swooped on a house in the Ballinacurra Weston area of Limerick city on Friday morning last. One man was arrested during the operation. He is understood to be a notorious criminal. A garda spokesperson confirmed that gardai investigating an incident of burglary that occurred in the Rathkea area of County Tipperary on Wednesday, January 7 arrested a man on Friday, January 9 as part of the ongoing investigations. The male, aged in his 30s, has since been charged and was due to appear in front of Nenagh District Court on Friday, January 9 at 6.30 pm. As this is now a matter for the courts no further information is available, said the garda spokesperson. READ NEXT: 'She was going to kill me': Child, 8, gives evidence of alleged stabbing by mother Limerick Live has learned that a ferret, along with other items, was stolen during the burglary in Tipperary. It is not known if the ferret was recovered and returned to its rightful owner. One source said: Its a strange one, not too many thefts of ferrets have been investigated in the history of the State. Historically, they are great for hunting, they can get in anywhere so maybe this one was the Shergar of ferrets. A 42-YEAR-OLD man, who was charged with the murder of Noel Campion in Limerick city nearly 19 years ago, has pleaded guilty to shooting him while participating in the Dundon McCarthy organised crime group. Darragh Quinlivan had originally been charged with the murder of Mr Campion, aged 35, on the northside of Limerick city on April 26, 2007. Quinlivan, originally from Limerick city but with an address in Bolton, Manchester in the UK, pleaded guilty this Wednesday to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life at or about the junction of High Road and Thomondgate in Limerick city on April 26 2007, when the first charge was put to him by the registrar at the Central Criminal Court. He also pleaded guilty that on the same occasion with the purpose of enhancing the ability of a criminal organisation, being the Dundon McCarthy organised criminal group, to commit a serious offence in the State, to wit the murder of Mr Campion, did knowingly participate in the activity of that criminal organisation by shooting dead the said Mr Campion. READ NEXT: 'Our lives are shattered' - say family of Limerick woman who died after home birth Mr Campion (pictured below) was shot dead as he was riding as a back passenger on a motorbike at Thomondgate in Limerick City - close to St Munchin's Church. Prosecution counsel Dean Kelly SC told the court this Wednesday that the sentence hearing would take an hour and suggested January 23 for the case to be heard. When Mr Justice Paul McDermott queried the plea to the second charge on the indictment and said he wanted to be clear what the defendant was being sentenced for, Mr Kelly told the judge that Quinlivan was not pleading guilty to the offence of murder and that he understood the court's query. The judge agreed with counsel that the issue would become clear to him when he heard the evidence. Seamus Clarke SC, defending, informed the court that his client, who has a number of children, had been living in the UK and was now living in Ireland. He said Quinlivan had complied with all the conditions of his bail to date and asked for the defendant to remain on bail for the next week-and-a-half to put his affairs in order, which was acceded to. The judge remanded Quinlivan on continuing bail until January 23, when his sentence hearing will take place. MOURNERS queued for hours on a freezing cold afternoon to pay their respects to a Limerick lady who, through the warmth of her personality, touched so many lives. The reposal of Dolores Madden, of Annaholty, took place in St Josephs Church, Castleconnell on Sunday, January 4. The queue went out the door of the church, up Main Street, around the corner onto Castle Street and past the Mick Mackey statue. It lasted from 2.45pm to 7.15pm. Dolores, aged in her mid-50s, passed away suddenly on January 1. Fr Willie Teehan said it was one of the biggest funerals in living memory in Castleconnell. However, the co-parish priest said he wasnt one bit surprised with the response that Dolores got. The goodwill that she generated was just unbelievable. There's a fantastic community here in Castleconnell and Dolores was a huge part of it, said Fr Teehan. READ NEXT: 'Deep void': Limerick parish mourns sudden passing of a community man to his core She worked in St Vincents Day Centre, Tipperary Town but the amount of time she volunteered in Castleconnell, Ahane, Montpelier, Lisnagry was a full-time job in itself. Dolores was a pastoral worker, member of the pastoral council, involved in Care of the Aged, meals on wheels, church choirs, Ahane Camogie Club, St Vincents, Lisnagry and carried out many quiet acts of kindness that only the recipients know about. She was a fabulous parishioner and an excellent pastoral worker. She was brilliant at the sacramental preparation with the children for first communion, first confession and their confirmations. She always did a certificate for each child every year, said Fr Teehan, The priest described Dolores as good fun, a hard worker and a very genuine person. She was a very talented but unassuming person. It was never about herself, it was always about the community, always about the needy and the people on the margins, said Fr Teehan, who feels the loss of Dolores keenly as she and her mother Kathleen have been big supporters of him and the church since he came to the parish seven-and-a-half years ago. Both of them did fantastic work here in the parish with the older and younger people, and were a great support of the priests back through the years. I had no better friends than Dolores and Kathleen and the Madden family, said Fr Teehan. The funeral Mass was followed by a reception in the refurbished hall in Castleconnell because the Madden family have been synonymous with it for generations. They are real community people, said Fr Teehan, who said the Mass, concelebrated by Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan, priests from the diocese and the Redemptorist Order in Limerick city. Ahane Camogie Club, and the Care of the Aged committee gave fabulous guards of honour, he said. Both the camogie club and Care of the Aged paid glowing tributes to Dolores on their Facebook pages. Fr Teehan said Dolores leaves a huge void in the parish that's going to be very difficult to fill. We have identified all the different roles that she held and we have identified different people that are prepared to continue on her work - as a community we will dig deeper in her memory, said Fr Teehan. Dolores is sadly missed by her loving mother Kathleen, sister Catherine, brothers Philip and Edward, brothers-in-law Mike and Michael, sister-in-law Susan, nephew Aaron, nieces Ava, Emily and Lucy, aunts, cousins, good neighbours and many friends in St. Vincents Day Centre, Tipperary Town and all whose lives she touched through her pastoral ministry. May she rest in peace. LIMERICK was well-represented at the protest against the EUMercosur trade deal in Athlone with Deputy Richard ODonoghue declaring, It is not too little too late. The Independent Ireland-organised event saw almost 30,000 people descend on Westmeath - higher than many had forecast. EU countries gave provisional clearance last week for the trade deal with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay - but it still needs to be backed by the European Parliament. Ireland voted against the deal in its current form. The multi-billion euro trade deal would mean Limerick, Irish and EU farmers having to compete with lower-cost South American beef. Concerns have been expressed by farming bodies about Brazilian beef meeting EU standards. Last month, Brazilian beef containing banned hormones entered the Irish food chain, confirmed the Department of Agriculture who were notified by the Food Safety Authority. READ NEXT: The gold standard: Supermacs Pat McDonagh said they will only ever use Irish beef Deputy ODonoghue was joined in Athlone by fellow Independent Ireland elected members Cllrs John ODonoghue and Tommy Hartigan and many supporters. Deputy ODonoghue thanked each and everyone who turned out to protest. It is not too little too late, no game has ever been won in the first half, said the TD. Farmers, hauliers, small business owners, hunting clubs and families travelled from every corner of the country to take part. Many carried placards and banners protesting the importation of cheaper meat from South America, and what they see as a betrayal of Irish food standards and rural livelihoods. Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly said the protest marked the start of a wider campaign to block the deal in the European Parliament. Weve had calls from MEPs across Europe in the last few days. The tide is turning. What happened in Athlone is only the beginning, he said. Organisers expressed sincere thanks to the people and businesses of Athlone for their patience and support, and paid tribute to An Garda Siochana and the voluntary stewards for their role in ensuring a safe and successful day. Separately, Supermacs managing director Pat McDonagh said, in a statement, that Irish beef is recognised around the world as the gold standard. As a significant purchaser of Irish beef, we have always been clear: Supermacs will only ever use Irish beef. Not because its convenient, but because it is the best. "And the reason it is the best is because of the standards Irish farmers meet every single day. Supermacs was founded in rural Ireland, and our values were shaped there by farm families, by local communities, and by an understanding that standards matter because livelihoods depend on them, said Mr McDonagh. TREATY UNITED got the better of Munster rivals Kerry FC in Ballingarry on Tuesday night, as Tommy Barrett's charges prepare for the upcoming SSE Airtricity First Division season. Goals from Ben Lee, Cian Curtis and a trialist earned Treaty their first win of 2026. READ MORE: Venue confirmed for Limerick's Munster Hurling League final clash with Waterford Next up for the Super Blues is a Munster Senior Cup clash with Ringmahon Rangers of Cork in Ringmahon on Friday night at 7.30pm. Photographer Brendan Gleeson was on hand to capture all of the colour and excitement from Tuesday night's clash. Click on 'Next' or 'Previous' for more pictures We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether its a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can. Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond. At the Tolima Conservatory, violin, viola, and cello makers are trained under Italian standards. A partnership between the Salvi Foundation and the International School of Lutherie in Cremona allows them to continue their studies in the birthplace of the violin Angel Antonio is 36 years old and obsessed with one question: who will make the violins of the future? In an industrialized world where sounds seem homogeneous, he wonders, who will carve the wood so that the music transcends? He asks this without taking his eyes off a violin while he finishes polishing it, after a class with a teacher from the ancient International School of Violin Making in Cremona, part of the Antonio Stradivari Institute of Higher Education. Hes a violinist and a student of the visual arts. He says music and sculpture permeate him. For years, he searched for a way to merge those two passions and couldnt find a place. He researched, waited, and persisted. Until a rarity, a miracle, he says, was established in a country as devastated as Colombia: the first Technology Program in the Construction and Repair of Bowed String Instruments at the Tolima Conservatory, in the city of Ibague. In other words, the only lutherie school in Colombia and one of the few in Latin America, where students study tuition-free and learn under the guidelines of the legendary Cremona school. That Italian city, the worlds birthplace of the violin and home to iconic luthiers like Amati, Guarneri del Gesu, and Stradivari, is one of the places that preserves the ancient tradition of lutherie. Thanks to the insistence and work of Julia and Victor Salvi, their teachers now teach students in Ibague. Not only that. With the help of the Salvi Foundation, five students are training at the Cremona school, the only recognized public institute in the world that grants the title of luthier. Music in adverse contexts The story began more than twenty years ago with a failed experiment, explains Julia Salvi, director of the Foundation that bears her and her husband Victors surname. The musician and builder, known for revolutionizing harp lutherie with technological advances, new materials, and assembly techniques, attempted to build harps in Colombia and export them. But he encountered the reality of a country in conflict. It was a time of heightened drug trafficking, and the harps we tried to export were destroyed because they were thought to contain drugs, she says. Victor knew the difficulties, but also the importance of making music in adverse circumstances. During World War II, he himself combined military service with music and managed to bring his instrument with him and play for the soldiers. Jovenes estudiantes del Conservatorio del Tolima (Colombia). LUTERIA We were left feeling sad from the initial experiment in Colombia, but we wanted to help musicians resolve the issue of the poor quality of their instruments, Julia adds, as they discovered that one of the biggest challenges in artistic expression was the instruments. At that time, most were imported from China, but they werent always the best quality. Thus, the opportunity to train Colombian makers themselves arose. They took the first steps together with the Santo Domingo Foundation and the Batuta program. They traveled to remote locations, carrying the luthiers briefcase to train instrument makers who, empirically, maintained local traditions. Salvi recalls the story of a dental technician who became his towns luthier by pure chance, when one of his patients asked him to fix his sons violin with his apparatus. It was admirable that without having the tools, he understood how to solve problems. But that didnt solve the basics, which was making the instrument sound good. Over the years, the Ministry of Culture became a key partner in institutionalizing the program hosted by the Tolima Conservatory. The school was born out of the need for musicians to work with suitable tools for the talent that exists in the country, says Diana Arevalo, program coordinator. In the last 15 years, the State has provided nearly 25,000 instruments through the Music for Coexistence Plan, but musicians faced a lack of trained personnel to repair them, she adds. That has been changing, as will be demonstrated during the Ibague Festival, from September 4 to 7. Students in the Conservatory program range in age from 16 to 67 and come from a variety of backgrounds, including music, cabinetmaking, and art. None pay to study therewhats commonly referred to as zero tuitionand the only requirement for admission is a lack of a professional degree. After taking classes in Spanish and Italian, with support from the Italian Institute of Culture, the first six luthiers have already graduated. Three of them will continue their studies for two more years at the Cremona School. Were the only ones in the world who have a direct partnership with them, and its a real honor, adds Arevalo. With the support of the Salvi Foundation, the Conservatory prepares them to pass the Cremona high school exam, complete immigration procedures, and even earn a living in the European city. The requirement is that they return to teach others. For musician Antonio Miscena, the programs academic advisor and artistic director of the Cartagena Symphony Orchestra and the citys International Music Festival, what has happened in Ibague is a miracle. Creating a culture, an environment, for lutherie is a challenge. Today, there is a small group of luthiers in Colombia who are more familiar with the possibilities of sound. Julia Salvi goes even further in her dream. I aspire and have faith that in Colombia we will achieve a Stradivarius. We have the school that gives us the opportunity to do it, the young people, and the free tuition and the opportunity to achieve it. Tesla will move its Full Self-Driving software to a subscription-only model from mid-February, according to chief executive Elon Musk, as the company continues to face regulatory scrutiny over the systems safety and use. FSD sales model to change Musk said on Wednesday that Tesla will stop offering its Full Self-Driving package as a one-time purchase after February 14. Instead, the software will only be available through a monthly subscription. Tesla will stop selling FSD after Feb 14. FSD will only be available as a monthly subscription thereafter, Musk wrote on X. At present, Tesla customers in the United States can either buy FSD for a one-off fee of $8,000 or subscribe to it for $99 per month. What Full Self-Driving offers Despite its name, Full Self-Driving is not a fully autonomous system. Tesla describes it as a driver assistance feature that requires constant supervision, with drivers expected to remain alert and ready to take control at any time. The software allows vehicles to change lanes, navigate city streets, and respond to traffic lights and stop signs. Teslas separate Autopilot system focuses mainly on highway driving, helping with steering, acceleration and braking within lanes. Safety concerns and investigation The shift in Teslas sales strategy comes as the technology remains under close watch from regulators. Last year, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into around 2.88 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD. The probe followed more than 50 reports of alleged traffic safety violations and a number of crashes linked to the use of the system. Supervised branding and factory use In response to ongoing concerns, Tesla has added the term Supervised to the Full Self-Driving label in its passenger vehicles, emphasising that the system does not replace a human driver. However, the company uses an unsupervised version of the software in limited situations, such as moving cars from assembly lines to delivery areas at some of its factories. (With inputs from Reuters) New Delhi: On Monday, Alphabet became the fourth-ever company to hit a market capitalization of $4 trillion, after announcing a deal with iPhone-maker Apple to power the latters AI assistant, Siri. In the week leading up to it, Googles parent also overtook Apple to become the second-largest company in the world. Alphabets growth comes amid warnings of a looming crash in artificial intelligence (AI). Mint explains whats fuelling its rise. What made Google surge in valuation? In April last year, Googles market cap fell to $1.8 trillion, ranking it behind Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple and Amazon. In May, Google went all-out on AI in search, advertising and video generation. Investors cheered as Google grew at breakneck speed, adding over $2 trillion to its market cap in about six months last year. Also Read | Google brings Indic AI to agriculture and healthcare It also caught up with key rival Sam Altmans OpenAI. Going by Sundar Pichai and Altmans statements, Google Gemini had 650 million users as of 30 September as against OpenAI's ChatGPTs 800 million. In April, the gap was 3x in ChatGPTs favour. Googles share price reflected this, rising from $146 apiece on 30 April to $333 on Monday. Why have Microsoft, Meta and Amazon not kept pace? Googles foundational AI models and a slew of enterprise deals have boosted its growth. In comparison, Microsofts Copilot remained flat, data from SensorTower showed last month, thus keeping its valuation flat, too. Meta, meanwhile, stopped chasing leadership through foundational AI models and has, instead, started focusing on AI real-world augmented reality gadgets that have still not found mainstream acceptance. While Amazon made a big splash with generative AI in Alexa at the turn of the year, the company is in early days of reaping its benefits. Amazon, though, could be the dark horse in Big Techs AI race, with its share price up 11% in the past 30 days. Is Apple seeing an AI-led slowdown, then? After its initial push with OpenAI, Apples pivot to partnering with Google means the company is optimizing AI for its hardware business, rather than chasing OpenAI and Google in foundational AI research. Apple, to this end, hasnt really slowed down; it remained resilient through 2025, adding $1 trillion in its market cap between April and December. The iPhone maker is still focused on hardware as its main revenue stream, even as its services revenue continues to grow. What does this mean for OpenAI, Grok? In December, OpenAI's Altman reportedly sent an internal code red email to employees, signalling rising concern over Googles sustained rise. Until mid-2025, OpenAI was comfortably regarded as the leader in the generative AI race. The gap, experts said, isnt that obvious any longer. Meanwhile, Elon Musk, the promoter of rival AI platform Grok, has been vocal in his displeasure, calling Googles deal with Apple an unreasonable concentration of power". Google has been the fastest to monetize its AI platforms, signing deals with large enterprises such as Samsung and India's homegrown oil-to-telecom major Reliance Industries Ltd, among othersits market growth is a clear reflection of these deals. Does India play a role in this surge too? Through 2025, Google expanded its India presence. On 14 October, it announced a $15-billion data centre investment to serve its AI demand in India. It has also partnered with startups such as Sarvam, to back the development of sovereign AI models in India. At the upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on 15 February, Googles AI chief Demis Hassabis is expected to present a keynote address, signaling Googles doubling-down on India as a market. This is key, as industry stakeholders, including Microsoft chief Satya Nadella and OpenAIs Altman have all called India one of the worlds three largest AI markets, alongside the US and China. * DIP financing could give Saks time to monetize real estate assets * Vendor negotiations and inventory issues challenge Saks' operations * Legacy leases offer Saks bargaining power in high-performing malls, real estate adviser says By Juveria Tabassum Jan 14 (Reuters) - Saks Global's prime real estate portfolio could serve as a crucial bargaining chip with lenders as the hard-hit luxury shopping empire navigates its restructuring after filing for bankruptcy. The upmarket U.S. department store conglomerate filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection late on Tuesday, barely a year after a debt-laden takeover intended to create a luxury powerhouse by bringing Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus under the same roof. While Saks Global secured a $1.75 billion financing package to help keep operations running through the bankruptcy process, questions remain on whether the owner of some of the best-known U.S. luxury chains can get back in the saddle. Shutting down underperforming retail space could be a key strategy to ensure the business survives, said Brandon Isner, head of U.S. retail research at Ohio-based real estate advisory firm Newmark. "One of the ways to monetize its portfolio would be through the sale-leaseback option, where Saks could sell its assets to an investor and lease them back to continue making money on the asset, providing it with liquidity and allowing it to keep things running at its stores," said Matt Weko, division president of consumer goods and services at real estate investment adviser JLL Capital Markets. Saks Global operates about 125 stores spanning about 13 million square feet (1.2 million square meters) in the U.S., and owns or controls ground leases at 39 of them, according to its court filing. Its retail empire consists of prime locations on high streets such as Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and luxury corridors in Beverly Hills, California, as well as top-tier malls like Bal Harbour Shops in Florida, where Saks and Neiman Marcus banners anchor high-end tenant mixes. Saks' flagship Fifth Avenue store is not included in the bankruptcy, according to the filing. Global leases the site from a separate entity, which has a $1.25 billion mortgage on it and is not among the debtors. 'DARK STORES' FIRST ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK The court filings give a hint of the conglomerate's immediate next steps. Saks Global asked the court for permission to shut down about four stores that are no longer operating, commonly known as "dark stores." Selling such properties would command a discount of between 40% to 50% to their "lit value," which takes in to account the fact that a store is open, according to a real estate adviser familiar with the discussion around Saks' real estate, and who has evaluated the portfolio. To keep shelves stocked, the distressed luxury retailer is expected to prioritize clearing payments to vendors to coax brands to supply fresh merchandise after a year in which more than 100 labels paused deliveries, bankruptcy experts note. The financing package, still to be approved by the court, could buy time for Saks to retain the value of its real estate assets and monetize them, rather than force it to shut stores quickly at discounts, often known as a fire-sale closure, analysts and experts said. THE TROUBLE OF TOO MANY However, Saks and Neiman Marcus frequently co-anchor the same luxury centers, creating internal competition. At the Galleria Mall owned by Simon Property Group in Houston, for example, Neiman Marcus sits alongside Saks in a mall boasting more than 400 stores and several luxury brands, including Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Bottega Veneta. These co-locations would need to be reviewed and could be among the first to be sold as Saks conducts a review of its portfolio, analysts said. Saks, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman also face increasing competition from luxury brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel, which gravitate more and more toward their directly owned stores. "Why would a shopper choose Saks over a brand's flagship boutique, where they receive VIP perks and immersive brand experiences? Multi-brand retail only works when the environment adds value, and Saks hasnt delivered that," said George Gottl, chief creative officer at FutureBrand, which advises multi-brand retailers on store design. Department store rival and Bloomingdale's parent Macy's is also closing about 150 underperforming stores, including at some key locations such as the one on Fulton Street in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, to help manage costs and invest in stores giving better returns. "Owners of A-quality centers would relish getting that space back. Repurposing two-story anchors into split big boxes (such as the Primark and Dick's House of Sport stores set to open at Newport Centre, New Jersey) or mixed-use can refresh the tenant mix," added Isner, the retail analyst at Newmark. Tata Group-owned airline Air India and Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, signed a codeshare agreement, which plans to introduce a range of benefits for the guests of both airlines. The agreement will take effect in February. Guests will enjoy streamlined booking and ticketing, smooth connections using a single itinerary, and baggage check-through to their final destination, Air India said in a statement. Through this partnership, the airlines aim to boost connectivity, enhance travel experience, strengthen network access, maximise flight options, and support growing demand across tourism, business travel, and wider guest segments. Also Read | Air India to introduce new Dreamliner aircraft on international routes from Feb What should passengers expect? Passengers flying with Air India to Jeddah or Riyadh can easily connect to Saudia-operated flights to Dammam, Abha, Gassim, Gizan, Madinah, and Taif, the airline said. The introduction of codeshare flights on the Jeddah-Riyadh route seeks to gives guests more flexibility to arrive in one city and depart from a different one. Additional connections to select international destinations will be introduced later this year. The partnership will provide Saudia passengers with access to major cities across India, including Mumbai and Delhi, as well as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, Jaipur, and over 15 other destinations via interline services. Air India CEO on partnership with Saudia Speaking on the partnership, Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said Saudi Arabia is amongst our most important markets in the Middle East, with the country fast transforming into a major international gateway to the region. We are happy to be partnering with Saudia to provide greater access to the large Indian diaspora spread across Saudi Arabia as well as to open up the Kingdoms rapidly evolving and diverse tourism offerings and remarkable destinations to holidaymakers from India. Meanwhile, H E Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said The codeshare agreement with Air India marks a strategic step forward, given both airlines long histories and their shared commitment to increasing connectivity within their home markets and between their countries, while offering guests broader access to more destinations through simplified travel procedures that elevate the overall travel experience. He further added, Saudias presence in India spans over 60 years, during which weve proudly served a wide range of guests and helped foster stronger ties between our two nations. Saudia Arabia is a great place to visit, and with seamless e-visas, stopover visas, and also visa-on-arrival for eligible Indian passport holders, it has never been easier to visit the Kingdom. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday said it has decided to allow Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) to operate a wholly-owned arm in India, four months after the Japanese financial services giant acquired nearly a quarter of private lender Yes Bank. RBI said that Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. currently has operations in India in branch mode from its offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru. The central bank "has decided to grant in-principle approval to [SMBC] for setting up a Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) in India, under the Reserve Bank of India (Setting Up of Wholly Owned Subsidiaries by Foreign Banks) Guidelines, 2025, according to an RBI statement. The in-principle approval will allow the institutional lender to set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in the country by converting its existing branches in India. If satisfied with certain compliances following this conditional nod, RBI said it will consider granting the foreign lender a licence to start its banking business under the new subsidiary. This is the second foreign bank to receive a conditional nod from RBI to open a local subsidiary in eight months. In May, RBI said it has decided to grant in-principle approval to Dubai-based Emirates NBD Bank PJSC to establish a wholly-owned arm in India. Branch vs subsidiary in Indian banking India allows foreign banks to operate either as a branch or wholly-owned subsidiary of the parent. All except two DBS Bank India and SBM Bank India work as branches. A local unit gives more flexibility to the bank than when operating as a branch. The approval for a wholly-owned subsidiary comes a few months after Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. bought 24.2% in Yes Bank in two transactions. In the past, the regulator has allowed the local arm of a foreign bank to take over a domestic lender. In November 2020, RBI had seized control of the struggling Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) and forced a merger with the local unit of Singapores largest lender DBS Bank. That was the first time the central bank had tapped a bank with a foreign parent to backstop an Indian rival. Foreign banks have found it an uphill task to grow market share in India barring a few areas. As of 31 March 2025, these banks accounted for 3.3% of the total bank credit, with private banks cornering 40% and public sector bank topping the list at 52.3%. The remaining is divided between small finance banks and regional rural banks. Chinese smartphone maker OnePlus is on focus as Taiwan prosecutors on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for the company's chief executive officer on allegations of being involved in illegal business and recruitment activities in Taiwan. The Shilin District Prosecutors Office in Taiwan said it had indicted two Taiwanese citizens on the charge of helping OnePlus CEO Pete Lau. The individuals have been charged for helping Lau with illegally operating a business and recruiting more than 70 employees in China, according to a report by Reuters. Also Read | Expect turbulence around Taiwan with Trump, Xi and Kim as principal players What are the allegations against Pete Lau? The allegations against the OnePlus CEO fall under Taiwanese law governing relations with China. According to the prosecutors in Taiwan, OnePlus hired over 70 employees in the territory to conduct smartphone software application research and development, verification and testing for the Chinese smartphone maker. Pete Lau has been accused of violating the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. Also Read | India plans mandatory localization for battery energy storage systems OnePlus is headquartered in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. It became an independent sub-brand under Oppo in 2021, according to its website. Lau plays a pivotal role also at Oppos phone launches as its chief product officer. Oppo and OnePlus have not issued any statement regarding the development. Why is this significant? The development is significant given the geopolitical scenario considering China and Taiwan. Beijing claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has time and again used force to bring it under its control. Taiwan rejects Chinas sovereignty claims and says only the islands people can decide their future. Now, the tech expertise of Taiwan has made it a focal point among Chinese companies seeking talent. In retaliation, the Taiwanese authorities have blocked such efforts, which they say have included using shell companies registered in Hong Kong or foreign entities, or dispatching staff through hiring agencies to conceal their identities. In August 2025, Taiwan authorities said they were investigating 16 Chinese companies for allegedly poaching semiconductor and other high-tech talent, amid growing concerns over technology outflows. Last year, Taiwanese investigators raided 34 locations as part of a probe into the recruiting practices of 11 Chinese tech companies, including Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. Taiwans Investigation Bureau said at the time that SMIC had set up a branch in Taiwan, disguised as a Samoan entity, to hire local staff. Tuesday's move was yet another example of the series of actions Taipei has taken to counter China's tech industry as its wields its own technological power to gain influence. The details Under the rules, Nvidia must make sure there is sufficient supply of AI chips in the U.S., and its customers have to demonstrate adequate security procedures before semiconductors are shipped, the Commerce Departments Bureau of Industry and Security said in a rule published Tuesday. Nvidia will also have to get its products tested by an outside lab in the U.S. to make sure they meet performance parameters. The rules governing Nvidias exports are the next step in the U.S. government allowing the company to resume shipments to China. Exports have effectively been halted since April, denting Nvidias business in the worlds second-largest economy and pinching Chinese AI companies that want the chips to train their models. The administration has approved the exports to let Nvidia compete with Chinese chip companies, arguing that the products arent nearly as good as Nvidias best hardware and wont push China ahead of the U.S. in the AI race. The government is also getting a 25% cut of Nvidias sales, part of the deal that is also necessitating a thorough security review and unusual shipment process. Those steps are needed so the 25% is charged like a tariff when chips are sent from Taiwan, where they are manufactured, back to the U.S. before they are exported to China. Skeptics say the new rules illustrate the security risks inherent in approving the exports and that following them to the letter of the law might mean no shipments get approved. The rules are based on Chinese tech giants like Tencent that buy Nvidia chips, which would lead to security guarantees that could prove toothless given those companies have been linked to the Chinese military, some said. The rules also include customer identity verification and protections against unauthorized customers using cloud computing to remotely access AI chips. A bill focused on limiting remote access passed the House of Representatives on Monday. The context Administration officials and lawmakers are racing to impose security measures on the chip industry. Lawmakers have proposed bills with some provisions similar to those the administration is implementing to make sure U.S. customers have the chips they need before products are exported and codifying rules ensuring customers dont have ties to U.S. adversaries or their militaries. Despite those concerns, Trump has sided with Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang in allowing exports to China and countries with close ties to Beijing like the United Arab Emirates, raising the stakes of the chip export debate. Write to Amrith Ramkumar at amrith.ramkumar@wsj.com Temasek-backed Unacademy is planning to shut down its centre business and convert it into a franchise model, founder Gaurav Munjal told employees. Over the coming months, we will exit our company-operated centre business by converting them into franchise partnerships," Munjal said in an email to employees on 14 January. Mint has reviewed a copy of the email. He added that the companys franchise model has shown that it works with local operators, runs operations, and Unacademys academics, technology and reach. It is asset-light, capital-efficient, and aligned with who we are. By April, when this transition is complete, Unacademy will have one of the healthiest cost structures in the sector," Munjal said. The shift comes after edtech firms spent the past five years prioritising profitability and reining in growth as funding dried up. As the covid-driven online learning boom tapered off from 2022, Unacademy expanded into offline centres to sustain growth. The latest move signals the companys renewed push to return to its online-first model and focus on digital business. "Unacademy will be an online-first company moving forward. Like it was when we started in 2015," a company spokesperson said in response to Mint's queries. Hiving off Airlearn Unacademy has been on the block for over a year, with founders Gaurav Munjal and Roman Saini exploring ways to hive off Airlearn, its high-growth AI language learning vertical, as the company struggled to reset after edtechs post-pandemic slowdown and its pivot toward offline test preparation. A person in direct knowledge of the development told Mint that Munjal and Saini will both continue with the company, and the plans to hive off Airlearn have been dropped. Sumit Jain, who was to run Unacademy as an offline test prep business, will continue as the CEO of the vertical. There is no change as test prep still has many verticals like Unacademy, PrepLadder, franchisees and other businesses. Jain will continue as the Test Prep CEO, while Munjal will remain the Group CEO," the person quoted above added. This comes after a potential acquisition of the company by upGrad, seen as one of the biggest consolidation moves in Indias edtech sector, fell through earlier this month. Multiple discussions around Unacademys sale have fallen through over the past two years, including talks with other edtech players, as valuation expectations failed to align with market reality. Also Read | How AI is helping resurrect India's edtech sector In November last year, upGrad proposed a share-swap deal that was expected to value Unacademy at $300400 million, a steep drop from its $3.4 billion valuation during the 2021 funding boom. Backed by SoftBank, Temasek, Tiger Global, Sequoia Capital and Peak XV Partners, Unacademy has raised about $880 million since inception. Correction or rejection? Advisors tracking the segment believe the pullback from online education over the past few years reflects a market correction rather than a rejection of the model. What we saw was a correction of excesses built during the pandemic, not the end of digital learning," said Ketan Mukhija, partner and co-head of PE and VC at Kochhar & Co. He added that a renewed push into online education can be commercially rational if it is driven by disciplined execution rather than growth-at-all-costs." According to Mukhija, demand for digital learning in India has not disappeared; it has matured," with consumers becoming more discerning on quality, outcomes and trust. However, any revival will favour platforms that recalibrate expectations, strengthen compliance and consumer trust, and build sustainable unit economics." Over the long term, online education will continue to grow, he said, but it will reward prudence over scale and credibility over hype." Not survival, but growth In the email, Munjal said that after a long period of burn reduction, and cutting down its burn to roughly 200 crore in CY2024, the company plans to focus on growth again. He added that the company saw many verticals turn profitable. UPSC, NEET PG, CAT and multiple other verticals turned contribution-margin positive. PrepLadder and Graphy were cash-flow positive for the full year. Airlearn grew from ~$200K ARR at the start of 2025 to almost $3M ARR by year end." Key Takeaways Unacademy is transitioning from offline centres to a franchise model to enhance profitability. The company aims to focus on online learning, which has proven to be its core competency. Multiple discussions around Unacademys sale have fallen through over the past two years, including talks with other edtech players He added that the company saw many verticals turn profitable. UPSC, NEET PG, CAT and multiple other verticals turned contribution-margin positive. PrepLadder and Graphy were cash-flow positive for the full year. Airlearn grew from ~$200K ARR at the start of 2025 to almost $3M ARR by year end." CY2026 is not about survival, it is about growth, Munjal said. Unacademy has always been exceptional at one thing: building great online learning productsWhen we do that well, at scale, the business works. The economics work. The impact works. So we are going back to our strengths," he added. Unacademys revenue fell 16% year-on-year to 826.2 crore in FY25 from 988.5 crore in FY24, even as its net loss narrowed to 435.4 crore from 631 crore over the same period. The company, in its core coaching business, competes with hybrid players like Physics Wallah, Allen, and Aakash, among others. The US Department of Justice closed its investigation into Swedbank AB without an enforcement action, bringing an almost seven-year money-laundering probe nearer to a conclusion. An investigation by the New York Department of Financial Services is still ongoing, the bank said in a statement Wednesday. With this information we are placing another investigation of historical shortcomings behind us, Tomas Hedberg, Swedbanks head of special task force and deputy chief executive officer, said in the statement. The Securities and Exchange Commission in September also concluded its probe into Swedens oldest bank without taking any further action. The SEC investigation, launched in 2019, focused on Swedbanks past failures related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, as well as shortcomings in how the bank disclosed information related to its Baltic branches. The decision brings Swedbank closer to being able to draw a line under years of scrutiny into its handling of anti-money-laundering controls in its Baltic operations. A number of Nordic lenders, including Swedbank and Danske Bank A/S, found themselves embroiled in a $230 billion Estonian laundering affair that spanned 2007 to 2015. At the center of the scandal was the accusation that the banks had handled billions of dollars in suspicious funds from the former Soviet Union. Swedbank, Swedens second-largest bank by market value, was fined 4 billion Swedish kronor by Swedish authorities in 2020 for breaching anti-money-laundering rules. The situation was compounded for Swedbank after former Chief Executive Officer Birgitte Bonnesen was found guilty by a Swedish court in 2024 of disseminating misleading statements to the media in connection to the scandal. In June, Bonnesen was granted the right to appeal her prison sentence of 15 months. 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Chinas trade surplus surged to a record of almost $1.2 trillion in 2025, the government said Wednesday, as exports to other countries made up for slowing shipments to the United States. China's exports rose 5.5% for the whole of last year to $3.77 trillion, customs data showed, while imports flatlined at $2.58 trillion. The 2024 trade surplus was over $992 billion. A look at China's exports In December, Chinas exports climbed 6.6% from the year before in dollar terms, better than economists estimates and higher than Novembers 5.9% year-on-year increase. Imports in December were up 5.7% year-on-year, compared to Novembers 1.9%. Also Read | India plans mandatory localization for battery energy storage systems Chinas trade surplus surpassed the $1 trillion mark for the first time in November, when the trade surplus reached $1.08 trillion in the first 11 months of last year. Economists expect exports to continue this year Economists expect exports will continue to support Chinas economy this year, despite trade friction and geopolitical tensions. We continue to expect exports to act as a big growth driver in 2026, said Jacqueline Rong, chief China economist at BNP Paribas. While Chinas exports to the U.S. have fallen sharply for most of last year since President Donald Trump returned to office and escalated his trade war with the worlds second-largest economy, that decline has been largely offset by shipments to other markets in South America, Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe. For the whole of 2025, Chinas exports to the U.S. fell 20%. In contrast, exports to Africa surged 26%. Those to Southeast Asian countries jumped 13%; to the European Union 8%, and to Latin America, 7%. Also Read | European Union and Indian navies take over ship used by pirates off Somalia to seize tanker Strong global demand for computer chips and other devices and the materials needed to make them were among categories that supported Chinas exports, analysts said. Car exports also grew last year. China's strong exports have helped keep its economy growing at an annual rate close to its official target of about 5%. But that has triggered alarm in countries that fear a flood of cheap imports are damaging local industries. China faces a severe and complex external trade environment in 2026, Wang Jun, vice minister of Chinas customs administration, told reporters in Beijing. But he said Chinas foreign trade fundamentals remain solid. The head of the International Monetary Fund last month called for China to fix its economic imbalances and speed up its shift from reliance on exports by boosting domestic demand and investment. A prolonged property downturn in China after the authorities cracked down on excessive borrowing, triggering defaults by many developers, is still weighing on consumer confidence and domestic demand. Chinas leaders have made increasing spending by consumers and businesses a focus of economic policy, but actions taken so far have had a limited impact. That included government trade-in subsidies over the past months that encouraged consumers to buy newer, more energy efficient items, such as home appliances and vehicles, and replace older models. We expect domestic demand growth to stay tepid, said Rong of BNP Paribas. In fact, the policy boost to domestic demand looks weaker than last year -- in particular the fiscal subsidy program for consumer goods. The engine of the boom that turned the United States into the worlds largest oil producer could see its already thin margins become unprofitable amid an increase in supply Donald Trump has openly portrayed the operation in Venezuela launched with the capture of Nicolas Maduro and his wife as a way to seize control of the countrys oil industry, which holds the largest crude reserves in the world, estimated at 17% of the global total. The president has claimed that companies will earn billions by extracting and selling that oil. He has also argued that it would lower energy and gasoline prices for Americans. However, those supposed benefits, based on flooding the global market with Venezuelan oil sold by U.S. companies, threaten the domestic fracking industry the driving force behind the boom that made the United States the worlds largest oil producer. Today, amid low oil prices and rising operating costs, that industry is already operating on razor-thin margins. Last Friday, Trump met at the White House with senior executives from the worlds largest oil companies most of them American in an attempt to chart a roadmap toward the investment needed to restore oil production in Venezuela. While the president said companies would inject $100 billion to revive the Venezuelan industry, executives responses were far more restrained. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods dismissed Trumps plans, saying it would Venezuela was uninvestable without legislative changes and long-term guarantees. Skepticism is also fueled by the potential impact on the profitability of the U.S. oil industry, which for some 15 years has been dominated by hydraulic fracking. This technique involves extracting natural gas and oil by fracturing underground rock with extremely high-pressure water to release hydrocarbons. The practice has been banned in some countries because of its significant environmental impact. The president has said he wants the price of a barrel of oil to fall to around $50. Achieving that would spell disaster for domestic producers, especially in West Texas, in what is known as the Permian Basin the most productive oil field in the United States, with average output of 4.2 million barrels of crude per day. While the U.S. industry is pumping more oil than ever at record production levels, current supply is on the verge of outstripping demand, and prices are at their lowest in five years around $55 a barrel, far from the peak of more than $100 per barrel. The prospect of prices falling further and remaining at those levels for an extended period threatens the profitability of the producers responsible for boosting U.S. output from about five million barrels per day before 2010 to roughly 13 million barrels today. A report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas includes a survey of executives from 83 exploration and production companies who say they need, on average, a price of $41 per barrel just to cover costs and $65 for new fields to be profitable. Another study by Texas-based oil investment firm Domestic Drilling and Operating, however, estimates that the prices required to reach the break-even point are higher and will continue to rise as the easiest wells to exploit are depleted. According to its calculations, the average break-even price for new wells is around $70 per barrel, but by 2035 it could climb to $95. Given these figures, Trumps plan to push prices down to $50 per barrel would be devastating for a sector that directly employs nearly 500,000 people in Texas alone and accounts for 10% of the states GDP. Even so, voices within the industry have so far remained cautiously silent at least publicly while awaiting concrete developments. Some analysts and experts argue that beyond making money for major oil companies or lowering gasoline prices something Trump is pursuing with electoral motivations amid an unrelenting cost-of-living crisis control of Venezuelan oil also has long-term geopolitical motives. If fracking allowed the United States to become unexpectedly energy self-sufficient, shielding it from the sharp energy price hikes that rocked Europe after Russias invasion of Ukraine, securing Venezuelan crude would guarantee long-term supply. It would lock in a steady source of oil for decades something Texas fields cannot ensure. Moreover, Venezuelan crude is very heavy, viscous, and particularly difficult to process, but U.S. refineries along the Gulf of Mexico are among the few specifically equipped to handle it. Built decades ago, when Venezuelan oil flowed freely to them, these refineries now enjoy a significant advantage over competitors. Since Maduros capture, companies operating in the Gulfs oil corridor have seen their share prices surge. For now, fracking companies are watching and waiting. Market research conducted by several firms agrees that Venezuelas crude production could rise by 50% within one or two years, reaching roughly 1.5 million barrels per day, with relatively modest investment. However, that additional half-million barrels per day would represent less than 0.5% of global oil supply, meaning it would not initially have a major impact on prices. Any further increase toward the 3.5 million barrels Venezuela produced in the 1970s would require massive investment. Companies would first demand solid legal and security guarantees, which, for now, amid Venezuelas deep political uncertainty, do not appear viable. Even so, Venezuelas state energy company, PDVSA, began rolling back oil production cuts this Tuesday that it had implemented after the U.S. oil embargo. A third tanker has also departed the Venezuelan coast, following two that sailed on Monday carrying roughly 1.8 million barrels of crude each the first shipments under a 50-million-barrel supply agreement between Caracas and Washington aimed at reviving exports. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition US President Donald Trump has announced fresh tariff threats, this time targeting any country doing business with Iran with a 25% tariff . For India, the immediate trade risk is limited, given its minimal imports from Iran. However, its strategic investments in the Chabahar port could face pressure, and broader regional destabilization, driven by political unrest in Iran and potential US intervention, poses a larger challenge. India and Iran have historically shared close trade and cultural ties, but the relationship has often been constrained by US sanctions. When the Trump administration reinstated sanctions in 2018, enforcing a zero-oil" policy, India sharply reduced its imports from Iran. As a result, imports plummeted from $13.5 billion in FY19 to just $440 million by FY25, with oil imports falling from $12.3 billion to $70 million. Experts note that India could likely eliminate the remaining imports without serious economic impact. On the export side, India sends around $1.2 billion in goods to Iran, accounting for only 0.3% of total shipments. A significant portion of this is rice, which analysts believe could be curtailed to avoid the additional 25% tariff, layered atop the existing 50% tariff. Strategic risks The bigger concern lies in Indias investment in Irans Chabahar porta long-term strategic project designed to bypass Pakistan and access Afghanistan and West Asia. The project has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire of US-Iran tensions. In September 2025, the US reimposed sanctions on entities linked to the port but later granted a six-month exemption through diplomatic negotiations, set to expire in April 2026. India inaugurated the first phase of the ports modernizationthe Shahid Beheshti Terminalin 2017. While the terminals annual cargo-handling capacity is 8 million tonnes, US threats have slowed progress, with actual throughput hovering around 2.2 million tonnes annually, as per data shared in the Parliament. India bilateral trade with Iran is negligible, but port investment is a key pain point and it is not clear such business will be under purview of tariffs given we currently enjoy temporary exemption from sanctions" said Abhishek Upadhyay, senior economist at ICICI Primary Dealership. He added that India may have to hold off on any investments for some time and take a view later once theres more clarity on the US decision. In 2024, India signed its first long-term overseas port agreement to operate Chabahar in partnership with Iran. Under the deal, Indian Ports Global Ltd (IPGL) committed about $120 million for operations and pledged to raise an additional $250 million to support surrounding infrastructure. The uncertainty surrounding US sanctions now puts these investments at risk. Spillover effects Beyond tariff threats, the US has signalled potential intervention in Irans political unrest, raising the risk of broader regional destabilization. Trumps post on Truth Social on Tuesday, addressing Iranian protestors with the message that help is on the way," underscores this possibility. The risk really is if this leads to greater destabilization with greater involvement from larger players in West Asia," said Sakshi Gupta, principal economist at HDFC Bank. In June 2025, the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, with military intervention by the US, had led to heightened risks of disruptions in West Asia. Oil prices had jumped 13-17%, with Brent crude reaching around $80 per barrel, and shipment costs surged as markets feared closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran controls and through which 20% of the worlds oil flows. War risk premiums for cargo ships more than tripled to 0.7% of the value of the ship from 0.2% during the conflict period. Also Read | An oil super glut is comingand India stands to gain Since Iran is the fourth largest producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the political unrest and greater destablization in the region could change the math around oil supply, which was expected to be in abundance in 2026. According to Barclays, unrest in Iran has added about $3-$4 a barrel in geopolitical risk premiums, Reuters reported. Gupta holds a similar view: If all of the Iranian supply goes out, which is an extreme case, it removes the whole bearish story around oil." About 25,600 companies were registered in December 2025, as per data from the ministry of corporate affairs. This was the highest in any month and about twice the number formed in the same period a year ago, pointing to a sharp rise in new business formation. The data underlines three broad trends: the continued dominance of the services sector, the growing preference for limited liability partnerships among small and professional firms, and the governments focus on infrastructure creation through new incorporations. They also suggest an uptick in companies positioning themselves around artificial intelligence (AI), though registrations alone offer limited insight into business scale or intent. Mint takes a closer look at the trends reflected in the data. Which are the sectors where business registration is growing? The services sector remains the front-runner in new business registrations, consistent with its position as the largest contributor to Indias economy. Services now account for more than half of economic output, and the first advance estimate of GDP for the current fiscal pointed to 9.1% growth in the sector, compared with 7.2% in the previous fiscal. Also Read | More companies are going to take a knock from the labour code rollout Data from the ministry of corporate affairs showed that information technology, software services and consultancy-related activities are among the fastest-growing categories of new registrations. Wholesale and retail trade follows, reflecting its popularity among small enterprises, while education and training and construction activities also feature prominently. The relatively low capital requirement in services continues to make the sector a preferred entry point for new businesses. Among states, Delhi, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh lead in new registrations. The data did not point to any clear seasonality in business formation. What does the data tell about LLPs? Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among service-sector firms. Last month alone accounted for over 7,900 LLP registrations, close to a third of all new business registrations in the month. More than 5,600 LLPs were registered in December 2024. Experts attribute the growing preference for this structureintroduced in 2009 under a separate lawto its tax treatment and operational flexibility. From a taxation standpoint, LLPs enjoy a clear advantage as profits are taxed only at the entity level, and distributions to partners do not attract any additional dividend or distribution tax," explained Rajat Mohan, senior partner at AMRG & Associates. This eliminates the issue of economic double taxation that is inherent in the company structure and makes LLPs more efficient from a cash-flow and profit-retention perspective." Equally important, Mohan said, is the flexibility LLPs offer in structuring profit-sharing and management rights. Entrepreneurs can align profit distribution, capital contribution and decision-making powers with commercial realities rather than being constrained by rigid statutory norms applicable to companies. This flexibility is particularly valuable in closely held and professional ventures. LLPs are also especially well-suited for professional and service-oriented businesses such as consulting, legal, accounting and advisory firms, where external equity funding is not an immediate priority, he added. What business is the government getting into? Company incorporations by the government reflect its current growth priorities, particularly infrastructure creation. Most of the new companies registered by the central government in December were focused on power transmission. The central government set up nine companies during the month, of which eight were in power transmission and one in the metro rail segment. State governments formed five companies in December across different areas, including life sciences and AI innovation in Telangana. The emphasis on transmission capacity aligns with the expansion of renewable energy generation, which requires scaling up power evacuation infrastructure. Non-fossil fuel capacity now accounts for more than half of Indias 509GW generation capacity, and the country is targeting 500GW of clean energy capacity by 2030. Are AI-focused start-ups booming? Registrations also show a rise in companies referencing artificial intelligence in their names. More than 300 such companies were formed in December, twice the number registered in each of the preceding two months and the highest since April. Also Read | Achche din for homegrown IT services companies delayed This figure captures only companies that explicitly reference AI in their names. Broader IT-sector registrations, including firms that use AI tools as part of their services, would take the number higher. The data indicates growing interest in the emerging area. What is the size of new businesses being formed? The average paid-up capital of new business registrations is typically around 400,000, reflecting the dominance of small private-sector enterprises. Paid-up capital represents the funds shareholders have contributed at the time of incorporation. Actual capital deployed is likely to be higher, as businesses often rely on other sources such as debt, promoter loans, trade credit and subsequent equity infusions as they scale operations. A number of new Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam movies and web series will be available on OTT platforms this week, including SonyLIV, ManoramaMax, Lionsgate Play, SunNXT, and JioCinema (formerly JioHotstar). Lets have a look at the ones available to watch online: Bha Bha Ba Plot: The Malayalam movie revolves around a man who kidnaps the Chief Minister in an attempt to seek revenge and deliver justice, resulting in chaotic events. IMDb described the movie as, Three interconnected lives unfold, with one being a successful conman who continuously deceives others without facing consequences. Cast: Dileep, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Dhyan Sreenivasan, and Baiju Santhosh OTT release date: 16 January OTT platform: Zee5 Kalamkaval Plot: Kalamkaval, the Malayalam movie, set in rural Kottayikonam follows a police investigation which takes a sudden turn after bizarre and sinister events. Cast: Mammootty, Vinayakan, Gibin Gopinath, Gayatri Arun, Rajisha Vijayan, Shruti Ramachandran OTT release date: 16 January OTT platform: SonyLIV Bandook Plot: The film features two distinct narrative tracks, revolving around a series of mysterious murders and an orphanage, which then intersect. The connection between the crimes and the orphanage is central to the plot. Cast: Balaji Manohar, Shwetha Prasad, Partha, Gopalkrishna Deshpande OTT release date: 16 January OTT platform: Lionsgate Play (via OTTplay Premium) Dhoolpet Police Station - Episode 18-20 Plot: The latest episodes of the Tamil-Telugu web series are all set to release. Set in Hyderabad, the gripping story follows a police officer renowned for his unconventional methods and the unusual cases that come to his desk. Cast: Chaitanya Sagiraju, Kancharapalem Raju, Sivanarayana Naripeddi OTT release date: 16 January OTT platform: Aha Tamil Gurram Paapi Reddy Plot: A mysterious fraudster hires three people to exchange a corpse from a grave. The team discovers the task isn't what they were told, leading to conflicts, IMDb wrote about Gurram Paapi Reddy, the Telugu movie. Cast: Faria Abdullah, Naresh Agastya, Rajiv Kumar Aneja OTT release date: 16 January By Yoshita Singh New York, Jan 13 (PTI) Indian-American TV personality and food expert Padma Lakshmi voiced concern over the current dark period in the US and hoped her new book will encourage people from diverse communities to reach out and connect with each other in these times. She also said that this period will probably get darker before the light finally comes back. Lakshmis latest cookbook 'Padma's All American: Tales, Travels, and Recipes from Taste the Nation and Beyond' is a commemoration of America's rich culinary and immigrant diversity. Chronicled through personal stories and recipes brought together from a spectrum of immigrant and Indigenous communities. The books chapters contain profiles of individuals from various backgrounds whom she met while traveling across the country. At a time of growing anti-immigrant sentiment in the US and other parts of the world, Lakshmi voiced hope that her new book will ignite curiosity among people about other communities and enable them to reach out and connect with other cultures and compatriots. Were in a very dark period in our country right now and I'm afraid to say that it's probably going to get darker before the light finally comes back, Lakshmi said during a conversation hosted here last month at Asia Society in partnership with The Culture Tree, which promotes South Asian culture through educational and enrichment programs and celebrations. When asked what she wants people to takeaway from her new book, Lakshmi voiced hope that the book would make people "more curious about your fellow Americans, your Cambodian Americans, your Peruvian Americans, your Nigerian Americans." "We all live, especially in New York, in a very diverse country where people across the street will be speaking a different language, eating different kinds of foods, praying to a different God but oftentimes, because of those differences, we don't walk across the street or get to know them. The Emmy-nominated food expert, television producer and bestselling author hoped that through the diverse recipes and food chronicled in her book, I'm enticing you with the food, if you like the food, that you'll be curious about the people from which that recipe comes. I hope you take the time to read all of the profiles because I met some extraordinary people, everyday people but extraordinary stories. And I want us to know each other more, so that we hopefully talk with each other more, she said in the conversation moderated by Founder and CEO of The Culture Tree Anu Sehgal. At a tike like this, Lakshmi said that if through her cook book, she can do anything without wagging my finger at people or standing on my soapbox" to help "combat that darkness and bring us closer. I MET THE most lovable people on the streets of Serbia: Chinese police officers," gushes a Chinese tourist in an article released by one of his countrys police universities about joint patrols with Serbian police in Belgrade. I felt so happy, safe and proud," he says. The propagandist article perfectly matched Chinas vision for global security: one in which it helps maintain world peace and security" while upholding non-interference in internal affairs" in contrast to Western ways of unilateralism" and bloc confrontation". At least that is how Chinas supreme leader, Xi Jinping, described the Global Security Initiative (GSI) when he launched it in 2022. Since then China has rapidly expanded its security activity abroad by offering foreign governments police training and surveillance technology with a focus on internal stability. China is helping governments not only combat crime, but also control their citizens and stay in powerand that is proving stunningly popular. The GSI, like Mr Xis three other global initiatives (on development, governance, and cultural diversity), is firstly an attempt to build new networks of international influence centred on China. To that end it has revamped a small regional policing forum into Chinas biggest international security event: the Global Public Security Co-operation Forum. Delegates from more than 120 countries go to discuss security co-operation and admire Chinas police technology, such as robotic dogs. Last year the organisers launched the Global Public Security Index", which ranks countries by seemingly arbitrary scores on measures including gun crime, traffic deaths and terrorism. The top performer was China. America was pointedly below average. It was an exercise in resetting standards around what security means and what it looks like", as well as the right example to follow", says Sheena Greitens of the University of Texas. Chinas public-security influence is spreading in practical ways too. Surveillance-tech exports are soaring. Two Chinese firms, Hikvision and Dahua, are the worlds biggest surveillance-camera makers, with a combined market share of 40%. Huawei supplies its Safe City" surveillance systems to more than 100 countries. A recent investigation by InterSecLab, a digital-forensics network, found that Geedge Networks, a private Chinese firm, had sold internet-control technology to the governments of Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Myanmar and Pakistan, helping them censor and spy on their citizens. China has also provided nearly 900 training sessions to the police and domestic-security forces of 138 countries since 2000, according to a new study by Ms Greitens, Isaac Kardon and Cameron Waltz at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, an American think-tank. The annual number of sessions grew nearly ten-fold in the first decade of Mr Xis rule, jumping from 14 in 2010 to 138 in 2019 (see chart). They dropped during the covid pandemic, however, and have not yet fully rebounded. Most of the training programmes take place at police colleges within China, which usually host visiting groups of several dozen for a few weeks or months. They learn about Chinas law-enforcement system, go on field trips to local public-security bureaus and take courses on specialised topics like border control or railway security. Often photos are taken of the head trainees receiving copies of Mr Xis book The Governance of China". Sometimes they do tai chi (a martial art) or calligraphy on the side. Chinese police also embed abroad with foreign police. This year a group of Chinese advisers went to the Solomon Islands to promote the Fengqiao Model", a Mao-era system whereby villagers would spy on one another. The countries receiving the most police training from China are its neighbours, especially in Central and South-East Asia (see map). Some co-operation goes back decades because of concerns over border security. Central Asia does more training on counter-terrorism, and South-East Asia works with China on combating scams and trafficking. African countries are also major participants, probably because of Chinese concerns over protecting its extensive Belt and Road investments on the continent. More intriguing are the kinds of regimes China is working with. We cross-referenced the Carnegie Endowments data with a democracy index by the EIU, our sister company, and found that 82% of authoritarian regimes have received police training (see chart) from China. Nearly a third of full democracies have had Chinese police training, too, though the Carnegie researchers say this tends to be relatively superficial, like teaching European police officers Mandarin to help them liaise with their Chinese counterparts. Most Chinese police training teaches generic skills, like combating cybercrime or counter-narcotics. This is not very different from the foreign-police training America does through its International Law Enforcement Academies in Botswana, El Salvador, Ghana, Hungary and Thailand. These have produced more than 70,000 graduates from 100 countries since 1995. The difference is that American assistance also aims to promote democracy, and cannot be given to human-rights abusers. (Though those laws have not always been enforced, and the democracy-promotion programmes have been defunded under the Trump administration.) China, however, says its help has no strings attached. That has made it popular with authoritarian regimes, flawed democracies and hybrid regimes, which have weak political institutions and problematic elections. Three-quarters of flawed democracies and 86% of hybrid regimes have received police training from China. That does not necessarily mean China is teaching them to become authoritarian, though there are some courses that directly address regime security, like VIP protection and riot control. Most students enrolled in these courses are police officers from authoritarian regimes like the Central African Republic, Myanmar, and Guinea. Although China claims its help is not conditional, in reality recipients are expected to support its territorial claims over Taiwan and other territories. Does Chinese security engagement make governments behave in more authoritarian ways? It depends on their predispositions. A recent study by Erin Carter and Brett Carter at the University of Southern California finds that imports of Huawei technology increase digital repression in autocratic countries, but have no effect in democratic countries. China is providing a public good and creating potential repressive capacity" at the same time, says Ms Greitens. Its police training and technology are filling genuine needs for many countries, and those with sufficient legal safeguards and strong civil societies can use them without veering into repression. For governments leaning towards authoritarianism, though, China is an enablerand an inspiration. Kazakhstan, for example, blanketed the streets of Almaty, its largest city, with thousands of Chinese-made cameras after civil unrest in 2022, says Dana Malikova, a Kazakh digital-rights expert. Its security agencies may be learning from Chinese systems across the border in Xinjiang, which use AI to identify and impose extra restrictions on potentially troublesome individuals, even if they have not committed any crimes. In June an anti-corruption activist named Sanzhar Bokayev was stopped at the Almaty airport after his face set off an alert in a police database of wanted people". Chinese security support does not necessarily make countries more stable, either. Ethiopia has become more heavily monitored and repressive with the help of China, which has trained its security forces and whose firms have provided surveillance and internet-censorship systems. Yet it is teetering on the edge of chaos, with insurgencies raging in its two most populous regions, ethnic tensions boiling over and the threat of a new war with Eritrea. This is hardly the vision of peace and security that Mr Xis GSI describes. The DIY repression toolkit The cleverest part of Chinas security assistance is how it has managed to empower authoritarians without explicitly promoting authoritarianism. It presents itself simply as a provider of tools for client governments to use as they will. In Serbia, the collapse of a Chinese-built railway-station canopy that killed 16 people last November sparked mass protests that have shaken the country for nearly a year. Student protesters are furious with the EU for failing to support their cause. (The EU doesnt give a single fuck about the state of democracy in Serbia," said one.) Yet 81% of Serbians view China favourably, even though it trains their police and provided the spy gear that activists believe is used to target protesters. In part that is because China does not claim to stand for any sort of political or value system in the way Western countries do and it has refrained from commenting on Serbias domestic unrest. Chinas values-free security diplomacy is hard to compete with. That is most visible in the Pacific Islands. Since accepting training from China, police forces in places like the Solomon Islands have shifted towards a culture of protecting the state rather than the people, says Mihai Sora of the Lowy Institute, an Australian think-tank. Australia can compete only by engaging in gifting brinkmanship", says Mr Sora: offering local police more equipment and assistance than China does, with fewer conditions. Recently the Solomon Islands government started talking about establishing its own armed forceswhich nobody thinks is a good idea" but Australia may support it doing so lest it ask China for help instead, says Mr Sora. China offers savvy middling powers a chance to get both Chinese internal-security support and American defence assistance. That is what countries like Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates have been doing. The world could be moving into uncharted territory" of having two different types of security assistance that overlap but are led by different actors", says Ms Greitens. It would be a more transactional and cynical world, in which states are stronger, but citizens are weaker. View Full Image China-s-creepiest-export-surge Iran signaled Wednesday it was preparing to conduct swift trials and the execution of antigovernment protesters, defying a warning from President Trump as it intensifies a crackdown on nationwide demonstrations. Irans judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, said that the courts should act quickly against protesters. If we want to do a job, we should do it now. If we want to do something, we have to do it quickly," he said in a video released by Iranian state television. The group Human Rights Activists in Iran said Wednesday that the death toll had surpassed 2,400, as the regime has moved to crush the demonstrations. It said more than 140 members of the government security forces had been killed and that more than 18,000 people had been detained. Human-rights groups say detainees are at high risk of torture and execution. Information about the protests and potential prosecutions has been scarce after the regime cut off the internet last week, causing a near-total communications blackout. The first execution of a prisoner arrested and convicted in connection with the protests is understood to be imminent, human rights activists said. The family of Erfan Soltani, who was arrested on Jan. 8, was told his death sentence would be carried out on Wednesday, according to Awyer Shekhi of Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, a Norway-based nonprofit. The unmarried 26-year-old runs a clothes shop in the city of Karaj, northwest of Tehran, where he was detained, Shekhi said. His family said he had no previous involvement in political activism, according to Shekhi, who added that his relatives havent received details about the charges brought against him or whether he was convicted in court. He was being held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj and his family was told they could meet him for a final visit before his execution. As of Tuesday night, they hadnt been able to make contact with him since his arrest, Shekhi said. The signal that authorities keep sending is that they have ordered extraordinary measures by the courts," said Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights NGO. Trump warned on Tuesday that the U.S. would take action against Tehran if it put antigovernment prisoners to death by hanging, a common form of capital punishment in Iran. If they hang them, youre going to see some things," he said in an interview with CBS News. We will take very strong action if they do such a thing." He also called Tuesday for protesters to defy regime efforts to quell their demonstrations, urging them to take over state institutions. HELP IS ON ITS WAY," he posted on his Truth Social platform. Tehrans chief prosecutor, Ali Salehi, said Friday that protesters could face the death penalty, according to the semiofficial news agency Tasnim. Acts of vandalism against public property would be considered moharebeh," a Farsi word meaning waging war against God." The punishment for such offenses includes execution. After large antigovernment protests in 2022, Iranian authorities carried out public hangings of multiple people who they said were convicted of committing violent acts. In 2025, Amnesty International said Iran had executed 11 individuals in connection with the 2022 protests after what the rights group called unfair sham trials." Mohseni-Ejei, the judiciary chief, made his comments about expediting prosecutions during a visit to a Tehran prison holding protest detainees. What the people are expecting," he said, is that we do something about the people who beheaded, burned, and set fires." Write to Feliz Solomon at feliz.solomon@wsj.com and David S. Cloud at david.cloud@wsj.com President Trump has insisted that the U.S. needs to annex Greenland for U.S. national security interests, saying anything less than American control of the island would be unacceptable." Trump made his comments in a social-media post on Wednesday before senior Greenlandic and Danish officials were set to meet with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DONT, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!" Trump said in a Truth Social post on Wednesday. Trump said acquiring Greenland is vital for his Golden Dome" planthe $175 billion missile-defense shield he wants to develop to protect the U.S. before the end of his term. Trumps repeated insistence that the U.S. acquire Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, has infuriated Danish and Greenlandic leaders and sparked a diplomatic crisis between Washington and its European North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies. Greenland does not want to be controlled by the U.S. Greenland does not want to be owned by the U.S.," Greenlands prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said Tuesday in a press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The situation is very, very serious." It has not been easy to stand up to a completely unacceptable pressure from one of our closest allies," Frederiksen said. The Greenlandic and Danish foreign ministers traveled to Washington to meet with Vance and Rubio on Wednesday. Trumps ambitions for Greenland have triggered pushback in Congress from Democratic and Republican lawmakers, who say efforts to acquire Greenland needlessly undermine NATO unity and cast doubt over U.S. global leadership with its closest allies. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate foreign-relations committee, and Republican Lisa Murkowski from Alaska on Tuesday proposed legislation that would block the U.S. military from occupying the territory of NATO allies. The mere notion that America would use our vast resources against our allies is deeply troubling and must be wholly rejected by Congress in statute," Murkowski said. Murkowski and Shaheen will join other lawmakers, including Sens. Thom Tillis (R., N.C.) and Chris Coons (D., Del.) on a visit to Denmark later this week. Danish and other senior European officials have insisted that the U.S. can draw as many benefits as it wants from cooperating with Greenland without fully annexing itincluding re-establishing U.S. military bases and cooperating on mining for critical minerals and other resources on the large Arctic island. During the Cold War the U.S. operated 17 military bases on Greenland. It shut down all but one of them in the ensuing decades. Write to Robbie Gramer at robbie.gramer@wsj.com The U.S. ouster of the Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro is forcing Beijing into a high-stakes recalculation of its ambitions in a region that looks like Americas backyard again, said people close to internal discussions in the Chinese leadership. For years, China made inroads into Latin America, coaxing countries to abandon support for Taiwan with loans to build roads, ports and rail lines, making significant purchases of commodities such as soybeans and oil, and mining metals such as copper. Maduro was its most important ally, an anti-American leader with oil resources, earning Venezuela the rare distinction of an all-weather" partnershipChinas highest diplomatic honor and a status held by no other country in Latin America. Now, Beijing is no longer seeking to make new advances into Latin America in the near term, the people said. Instead, the discourse in Chinas policymaking circles has shifted toward a potential trade-off: If the Western Hemisphere belongs to the Americans, then the Taiwan Strait belongs to the Chinese. This calculation doesnt mean China views the U.S. action in Venezuela as a green light for an immediate action to take back Taiwan, a democratically ruled island that Beijing views as a breakaway province. Rather, U.S. action against Maduro by force bolsters China as it gives priority to its core interests," chiefly, bringing Taiwan under its control. Chinese leaders had already been watching its influence in Latin America wane since President Trump took office a year ago. Mexico recently imposed 50% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to align with Washington ahead of the high-stakes 2026 review of the North American free-trade pact. Panama has moved back into the U.S. orbit, withdrawing from Xi Jinpings signature Belt and Road" initiative while allowing rotating stays for U.S. military personnel at bases near the canal. Even Honduras, which broke ties with Taiwan in 2023, is wobbling. The countrys shrimp industry has largely collapsed after failing to find the promised high-value markets in China, leading to significant domestic economic strain. Now, the president-elect, Nasry Asfura, who was endorsed by Trump, appears poised to fulfill a campaign promise of switching back to recognizing Taipei. By December, as losses mounted in the region, Beijing issued a policy paper on Latin America suggesting it wouldnt give up its ambitions in Latin Americaa stance it can later use to extract concessions from Washington over Taiwan. Then, just after New Years Day, Xi dispatched a special envoy to Venezuela with a mission to stop the bleeding. According to the people familiar with the internal discussions, the goal for the envoy, Qiu Xiaoqi, was to secure what Beijing calls ji ben panthe strategic foundation" of Chinas Latin America influence. This meant ensuring repayment of over $10 billion in outstanding debt owed by Venezuela and continued access to the worlds largest crude reserves. Hours after Qiu met Maduro on Jan. 3, U.S. special-operations forces swooped into Caracas and, after an intense firefight, left with the countrys leader. With that, Chinas decadelong project to secure a geostrategic foothold in Americas backyard was suddenly upended. Now, China has a stack of toxic IOUs from Venezuela and is dealing with a regime that must put a priority on Trump, who has called himself the countrys acting president." Maduros successor, Delcy Rodriguez, has met with Chinese Ambassador Lan Hu to offer reassurances on Beijings interests in the country. No matter how the political situation in Venezuela evolves, Chinas willingness to deepen practical cooperation with Venezuela in various fields will not change," Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, said in response to questions from The Wall Street Journal. But the U.S. is already moving to reshape who controls Venezuelas oil fields, where China has major interests. Policy analysts close to the White House said the U.S. could replace Chinese infrastructure in Venezuela with American-led ventures. Essentially, the analysts said, the Trump administration could offer the new Venezuela government an opportunity for the U.S. to facilitate the restructuring of the countrys debt in exchange for exclusive rights for American companies to develop and extract its oil. This move would effectively sideline China. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said restoring American pre-eminence in the Western Hemisphere involves enlisting established friends to help bolster mutual security in the region and cultivating new partners in the region." Beijings goal is now defensive, said the people close to internal discussions: ensuring it isnt erased from the ledger of Venezuelas oil reserves entirely. This strategic retreat, these people said, might well be what China expects from the U.S. in the Taiwan Strait. Other enticements Chinese officials are considering, they said, involve Beijings potentially agreeing to purchase billions of dollars of long-term Treasurys. The expected April summit between Xi and Trump in Beijing will likely offer the first real test of Chinas new calculus. The Chinese leadership is hoping to gauge whether Trumps America First" focus on the Western Hemisphere, the people said, is an opening for China to exert more control over its own peripheryor if the Venezuelan operation was merely the first chapter in a global reassertion of American power. In Beijing, some hard-liners see Trumps focus on the Western Hemisphere as a distraction that could leave a vacuum in the Asia-Pacific. The administration calls the policy the Trump corollary" to the Monroe Doctrine, a 19th-century warning to Europe from President James Monroe against new colonization in the Western Hemisphere, which he claimed as the U.S.s exclusive domain. Others argue that Trumps authorization of the Maduro ouster proves that American interventionism is far from the paper tiger" that Beijings hawks had hoped. The fall of Maduro has forced Beijing into a new respect for the Monroe Doctrine," said Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center. Trumps willingness to use hard power proves that American resolve is a reality that Beijing must also take seriously." While Trump himself has remained noncommittal regarding a military defense of Taiwan, his administrations 2025 National-Security Strategy provides a clearer road map for U.S. interests. The document, released late last year, frames the island as an indispensable gear in the global economy. The strategy explicitly gives priority to preserving military overmatch" to deter conflict, viewing Taiwan as a vital maritime gatekeeper in the First Island Chain that protects American trade from Chinese dominance. Beijings new calculus will face its first major test later this month. Taiwans President Lai Ching-te has indicated a desire to attend Asfuras inauguration in Honduras on Jan. 27, said people familiar with the matter. A spokesman at Taiwans Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in December that Taipei remains open to engaging with all nations, including Honduras, without preconditions. Beijing is closely watching whether the Trump administration will grant Lai a transit through the U.S. en route to Central Americaa privilege denied to him last year. One particular sting to Beijing came from Moscow. While the Chinese envoy was still drafting statements on Beijings all-weather" partnership with Venezuela, Russia had already begun a quiet evacuation of its diplomats families in late December. The people close to Beijing said that Moscow, which publicly denied a news report on the evacuation, didnt inform the Chinese of its plan. Write to Lingling Wei at Lingling.Wei@wsj.com WASHINGTONThe Trump administration will announce Wednesday the U.S. is moving to the next step of its Gaza plan and name a committee of Palestinians to temporarily run the bombed-out enclave, U.S. officials said. Since a fragile cease-fire in Gaza is holding and Hamas has returned all but one deceased hostage, U.S. officials assess that they can now shift from halting the conflict to governing and rebuilding the territory, which the administration labels Phase 2 of its 20-point blueprint. The plan still faces deep skepticism from some senior Middle Eastern officials as Hamas, designated a terrorist group by the U.S. has yet to detail how, if at all, it plans to disarm under the terms of the cease-fire President Trump brokered last October. The U.S. is expected to announce the names of 15 Palestinian technocrats on the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, or NCAG, who will be responsible for everyday management of the enclave including sanitation, utilities and education. Nickolay Mladenov, a former U.N. envoy for Middle East peace and Bulgarian foreign minister, will be named as the new high representative for the Trump-chaired Board of Peace, overseeing the implementation of the peace plan, the U.S. officials said. Mladenov will act as the conduit between the panel of Palestinian technocrats and the Board of Peace, officials said. The roughly 12-member Board of Peace will provide high-level direction on matters in Gaza, the U.S. officials said. Trump, speaking Sunday to reporters aboard Air Force One, said it would consist of the most important leaders of the most important nations." He has yet to name the members. View Full Image In 2019, Nickolay Mladenov, the U.N.s envoy for Mideast peace at the time, visited a solar energy project in the Gaza Strip. The long-awaited announcement shows how the Trump administration aims to turn Gazas post-war rubble into a safe place to live, before then converting it into a high-tech riviera in the Middle East. Trumps Middle East peace envoy Steve Witkoff and the presidents son-in-law, Jared Kushner, led the development of the plan. The administration hasnt yet announced which countries will take part in an International Stabilization Force of foreign troops to maintain order in Gaza. The U.S. officials said that information would be released at a later date. The next phase of the peace plan faces hurdles to bring a lasting peace to Gaza. Hamas has yet to disarm, which current and former officials say stymies Gazas reconstruction as well as efforts to establish a viable governance structure outside of the groups influence. Hamas proved to be much more resilient than most expected early in the war," said Dan Shapiro, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel during the Obama administration. Im concerned that Hamas will emerge from this whole episode battered, bruised, but still clinging to power, still posing a threat, still crushing any dissent from Gaza," he said. That would start the clock ticking toward a next round of conflict." The Israeli government has said the U.S. plan for Gaza cant move on from the first cease-fire phase until the body of Ran Gvili is returned to Israel. Gvili, a police officer, was killed during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel that triggered the war. The plans success is largely contingent on Hamas laying down its arms and willingly ceding control in Gaza, the U.S. officials said. While largely decimated by Israel since the war began, Hamas remains a threat to Palestinians in Gaza as well as Israel, they say. Indonesia and Morocco have both committed to contributing troops to the international force known as the ISF, the U.S. officials said, but the Trump administration hasnt yet announced how large the force will be. Many countries interested in joining have stressed that they dont want their troops to be asked to forcibly strip Hamas of its weapons, the U.S. officials said, which has complicated efforts to set up the force. But the Trump administration expects Hamas will eventually lose power and give way to a new governing structure in Gaza, they added. Hamas said Sunday it would dissolve its existing government in Gaza once the Palestinian technocratic group was in place. Throughout the war, Israel has pushed off the question of who will take over the governance of Gaza, with the countrys Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that international forces would take on the role. The Israeli government is opposed to the establishment of a Palestinian state, and Netanyahu has said he is opposed to the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, taking power in Gaza. Write to Robbie Gramer at robbie.gramer@wsj.com, Alexander Ward at alex.ward@wsj.com and Anat Peled at anat.peled@wsj.com WASHINGTONA Justice Department memo asserted that the support of the Venezuelan opposition led by Maria Corina Machado for U.S. action to oust Nicolas Maduro helped President Trumps legal case to overthrow him, people familiar with the matter said. The Dec. 23, 2025, opinion from the Office of Legal Counsel also stated U.S. or international law didnt constrain Trump from ordering the Jan. 3 military operation, citing numerous instances of presidents authorizing missions without congressional approval or United Nations Security Council resolutions. That and other arguments appeared in a redacted version of the memo that the Justice Department publicly released Tuesday afternoon. But behind some thick black lines was another justification, the people said: The oppositions lobbying could be construed" as a request by Venezuelas legitimate government to depose a usurper in Caracas. That section appears redacted on the last paragraph of Page 6 of the 22-page memo, according to one of the people who read an unredacted version. One of the unredacted footnotes cites Machados comments stating that escalating U.S. pressure was the only way" to free Venezuela. In 2024, international observers assessed that Edmundo Gonzaleza retired diplomat who ran for president after authorities barred Machado from the racewon that years presidential election against Maduro. But Maduro disputed the results and held on to power, even as the U.S. and other countries treated the Machado-led opposition as the legitimately elected government of Venezuela. The Justice Department memo is striking given that it partly relies on Machados legitimacy as a legal justification, even as the Trump administration has thrown its support behind Maduros vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, and continues to work with her as the acting leader of the country. Trump has praised the regime loyalist, saying she has been very good," while declaring that Machado, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her activism for democracy in Venezuela, doesnt have the support or the respect" to lead the country. Machado has allied herself closely with the Trump administration and publicly supported the presidents threats of military intervention in the months before the raid. She has even offered to share the Nobel Peace Prize with Trump, prompting a rare clarification from the Nobel Committee stressing that the award cannot be transferred to another person under any circumstances. "I believe the escalation thats taken place is the only way to force Maduro to understand that its time to go," she said in October, as the U.S. ramped up its campaign of airstrikes against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean. The memo doesnt rely solely on the comments by Machado, who is expected to meet with Trump on Thursday, in its overlapping series of arguments. The legal claims and cited precedents range from a presidents constitutional authority to launch operations, ongoing U.S. counterdrug operations in Latin America and past missions where the U.S. military joined law enforcement to capture alleged terrorists. Citing the consent of a U.S.-recognized opposition leader as a reason for military action that would otherwise violate international law marks a departure from past U.S. practice, says former State Department lawyer Scott Anderson. It would only be sufficient for international law purposes if Machados government were able to exercise effective control over the territory and the government institutions," which isnt the case, says Anderson. That is the same reason why U.S. officials didnt rely on the support of Panamas government-in-exile as the legal basis when the U.S. deposed Manuel Noriega in 1989, he says. The Justice Department initially sent a copy of the redacted memo when reached for comment. A spokesman for the department didnt comment on the record when asked again about the redacted section related to the Venezuelan opposition. The U.S. earlier this month captured Maduro and sent him to New York City to face federal narco-trafficking charges. He is being held in a federal jail in Brooklyn. The memo also cites Maduros alleged leadership of the Cartel de los Soles, which it describes as a shadowy group of high-ranking officers" involved in drug trafficking, although it notes that the intelligence community has had difficulty corroborating reports that Maduro personally directs this activity." Since the raid, U.S. prosecutors have softened their earlier depiction of the Cartel de los Soles as a hierarchical organization led by Maduro, instead framing it as a patronage network among corrupt senior officials. The memo also notes that Maduros departure, whether voluntary or otherwise, would likely result in mass confusion" and notes there is no clear frontrunner" to succeed him. Before the operation, a U.S. intelligence assessment determined top members of Maduros regimeincluding Rodriguezwould be best positioned to lead a temporary government in Caracas. Write to Alexander Ward at alex.ward@wsj.com, Dustin Volz at dustin.volz@wsj.com and Vera Bergengruen at vera.bergengruen@wsj.com We still have fundamental disagreements, was the blunt summary offered by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen of the conversation held Wednesday at the White House alongside Greenlands Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to discuss the future of the vast island, which Donald Trump has announced he intends to annex at all costs. At a press conference at the Danish Embassy in Washington, following the conclusion of the hour-and-a-half meeting, Rasmussen acknowledged that Copenhagen shares Washingtons concerns regarding Arctic security, the argument Trump is using to justify his claim to the island. However, he also dismissed the Republicans argument that Russian and Chinese warships are surrounding Greenland and that both countries are vying for control. Our intelligence indicates that no Chinese warship has been detected in nearby waters for a decade, Rasmussen noted. Both ministers expressed Denmark and Greenlands willingness to cooperate with the United States in strengthening the islands security, but rejected the possibility of annexation. We are open to cooperation. That doesnt mean we want to be owned by the United States, Motzfeldt insisted. We are always ready to do more, Rasmussen noted, adding that in Copenhagens view, it is apparent that Trump wants to conquer Greenland. We made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of Greenland. Immediately before the meeting, the government in Copenhagen announced an increased military presence in Greenland starting Wednesday and an extension of the military exercises it had been conducting around the island, in coordination with NATO. The objective is to train the capacity to operate in the unique Arctic conditions and to strengthen the Alliances presence in the area, which will benefit the security of both Europe and the transatlantic region, the Danish Ministry of Defense stated in a press release. This will result in a greater military presence in and around Greenland, including aircraft, warships, and troops, also from other NATO member countries. The U.S. president had been warming up just hours before the meeting, posting two messages on his social media platform, Truth, calling on NATO to side with him and pressure Copenhagen to cede Greenlandic sovereignty. Any other option is unacceptable, Trump wrote regarding his intentions. NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the United States, he asserted in one of his messages. In another, he appealed directly to the Alliance. NATO: Tell Denmark to get them out of there now! Two dogsleds wont do it! Trump believes that possessing the gigantic Arctic island abundant in mineral resources is essential for reasons of national security, although European authorities and numerous experts have pointed out that Washington already has the doors wide open to establish as many bases and military forces as it wishes in the territory, controlled by a NATO member state, without needing to annex it. Greenland holds the key to accessing the Arctic, at a time when global warming is making navigation through polar waters increasingly possible. The island also lies along one of the likely missile trajectories in the event of a confrontation between Russia and the United States. It would play a crucial role in the deployment of the Golden Dome, the massive missile defense system with an initial budget of $175 billion that the Republican leader has ordered to be rapidly developed to protect all of U.S. territory, which he aims to have ready by 2028. According to Trump, only the United States can guarantee the islands security and prevent Russia or China whose presence in the Arctic has been increasing as the melting ice has facilitated transit from taking it over. Washington already has a military base in Greenland, the Pituffik Space Base, built in 1943 and where some 150 U.S. soldiers are stationed. During the height of the Cold War, the U.S. had as many as 6,000 troops deployed on the island, in bases that were gradually closed as tensions with the Soviet Union eased. A 1951 treaty with Copenhagen grants the United States the right to reestablish bases or send as many troops as it wishes to the island. Trump has responded to these arguments by saying: When we own it, we defend it. You dont defend leases the same way, you have to own it, he insisted. Because if we dont do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and were not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor. NATO countries have begun to develop a strategy to try to strengthen Greenlands security in response to the U.S. presidents statements. German Foreign Minister Johan Wadepuhl also visited Washington to meet with Rubio last Monday and discuss, among other things, the situation in the Arctic territory. At the end of the meeting, he expressed optimism about future U.S. participation in an Alliance mission for the security of the island. NATO has begun working on concrete plans that will be discussed with our American partners, the German representative noted. We were unable to do so this Monday. But all parties are willing to achieve this within the NATO framework. Germany will also contribute, he stated. The possibility of a move that could dismantle NATO and, with it, the security structure that has protected both sides of the Atlantic for the past 80 years is a prospect that is also causing concern within the U.S. Congress, where several lawmakers are preparing bills to prohibit Trump from taking any action regarding Greenland without express authorization from Capitol Hill. A delegation of lawmakers from both parties is scheduled to travel to Copenhagen later this week to meet with Danish members of parliament. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Bank holiday today, 14 January: Makar Sankranti, one of the major Indian festivals, falls on 14 January, 2026, and has led to confusion regarding whether banks will remain open or closed across India today. Many public and private sector banks across regions will remain closed as there is a bank holiday on 14 January as per the RBI bank holiday calendar. Along with Makar Sankranti, there are other festivals like Pongal and Magh Bihu being celebrated across the country, due to which there is a bank holiday as well. Let us take a look at which banks remain open on Makar Sankranti: Bank holidays in India often depend upon the states the branches are located in. A number of cities and states will see banks shut on 14 January, as per the official bank holiday calendar released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These festivals are classified under the Negotiable Instruments Act, as per the central bank. There will be a bank holiday today in Gujarat, Odisha, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh as these states will be celebrating Makar Sankranti and other harvest festivals. 15 January bank holiday: On 15 January, Thursday, banks will remain closed in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Telangana. 16 January bank holiday: 16 January is Thiruvalluvar Day. Banks in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh will remain closed on the day. Also Read | Kotak Bank sets board meet date to consider Q3 results, fundraising plan 17 January bank holiday: Banks in Tamil Nadu will remain closed on 17 January on the occasion of Uzhavar Thirunal 23 January bank holiday: Banks will remain closed on 23 January in West Bengal and Odisha. 23 January is Saraswati Puja and also the birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. 26 January bank holiday: Banks will remain closed in all states and union territories on 26 January, with the day being India's Republic Day. All customers are advised to plan their branch visits during this holiday period. Do note that while physical bank branches will remain closed on the holidays, you will always be able to access internet banking/ATMs/UPI services, and others. Bank holiday today: What to do during emergencies? If you are in urgent need to withdraw cash or send money on a bank holiday, you need not be worried. ATM services work 24x7, despite bank holidays, if you need to withdraw cash, get a statement or any other requirement. To send money on a bank holiday, online banking services like NEFT, IMPS and RTGS are available. Apart from this, you can use UPI services on bank holidays to send and receive money as they are functional even on these days. President Donald Trumps control of Venezuelas oil supply increases U.S. influence in the world oil market, but China is the major power that has been keeping prices steady. The U.S. incursion into Venezuela and Trumps declaration that the U.S. now runs the country and its oil highlight the complicated relationship between the U.S.the worlds largest oil producerand China, the biggest importer. Oil prices have fallen during the past three years, and may continue to do so if there is no political disruption to supplies. The oil market is oversupplied by as much as 500,000 barrels to well over two million barrels a day this year, depending on who you ask. But the one thing analysts agree on is that China has been an opportunistic buyer. It has been a major force keeping prices from cratering. The Chinese buy when prices are low because they know they are vulnerable" said John Kilduff, partner with Again Capital. China needs to import oil to meet its needs. They just put it in storage and hold onto it," he said. China has strategic reserves, much like the U.S. stockpile, which can help with supply disruptions and tensions with the U.S., including Beijings ambitions to control Taiwan. Traders are currently watching protests in Iran and a U.S. threat to intervene in case that unrest should disrupt Irans oil exports. Chinas purchases last year prevented a price collapse. U.S. oil production hit record levels, while OPEC+ returned oil to the market. China bought extra barrels as prices weakened. China is why oil isnt $40 and why its now around $60 again because those inventories will continue increasing," said Bart Melek, global head of commodities research at TD Securities. West Texas Intermediate futures were just above $61 Tueday. Energy stocks have performed relatively well despite the 20% fall in oil prices over the past year. The S&P energy sector is still up about 4%. China imports 75% of the oil it uses. Russia has been its single biggest source of supply, via pipeline and tanker, providing about 20%. Iran provided about 12%, according to Kpler. Both sources are under U.S. and European sanctions. China has been the biggest buyer of Venezuela crude. But at 500,000 barrels those imports are a small fraction of Chinas needs. China can refine upwards of 14 million barrels a day. China put an average 900,000 barrels a day into its strategic reserves for most of last year, Kilduff said. Given the fraught world right now, I dont think theres anything to indicate that theyre going to slow these purchases," said Helima Croft, head of global commodities strategy at RBC. This has been the big debate in the market over China," said Croft. She said those who are more optimistic on oil prices believe China has more physical storage capacity to put oil into its strategic reserves, and it will continue to do so because it worries about supply disruption, including from a potential conflict with the U.S. The Trump administrations recent seizure of sanctioned, sometimes stateless oil tankers connected to Venezuela put a spotlight on the dark side of the market. According to Kpler, about 17 million barrels of oil are sitting in tankers now around Venezuela and a similar amount are sitting off of China and Malaysia. Many of those are sanctioned barrels from Iran and Venezuela. There has been Venezuelan crude building up off of China for a good many months now. Theres Iranian crude as well," said Matt Smith, a Kpler analyst. It appears that the Chinese are neglecting sanctioned barrels and buying other crude in the market." That forces down prices of sanctioned oil. Ed Morse, global commodities strategist and senior advisor at Hartree Partners, asid in the last two months, Chinese purchases for its strategic reserve have been lower. The Chinese government didnt want to cross Trump," he said. state-owned companies have avoided sanctioned oil, leaving it to independent Chinese firms. Morse expects China to increase purchases to one million barrels or more a day into its strategic reserves because of concerns about Trumps actions globally. Continuing those purchases isnt a declared policy. The Chinese have made no public statement" about their intentions, he said. China doesnt provide details on its strategic reserves, only guidance. Morse expects there could be an indication from China on its purchases later this quarter. They are the swing between it being a loose market and a tight market. They are likely to keep it a tighter market," Morse said. Write to editors@barrons.com. India turned a net exporter of finished steel during AprilDecember 2025 after a sharp fall in imports following government curbs, according to a Ministry of Steel report reviewed by Mint . The decline in imports narrowed the gap between inbound and outbound shipments, allowing the country to swing into a net exporter position after years when cheap steel inflows had raised concerns over the profitability of domestic producers. During the nine-month period, India exported 4.79 million tonnes (mt) of finished steel, up 33% from 3.60 mt a year earlier. Imports fell 37% to 4.65 mt from 7.42 mt in the same period last year. The gap has narrowed largely through policy measures such as quality control orders and safeguard duties. Between April and November 2025, India was a marginal net importer by just 0.01 mt, with imports at 4.19 mt and exports at 4.18 mt. Policy-driven shift The turnaround has been largely policy-led rather than demand-driven, experts say. While the current data shows a near balance between imports and exports, this is more a result of restricted imports than a surge in demand-led exports, and the sustainability of this balance remains uncertain," said Dhruv Goel, chief executive officer of commodities market intelligence firm BigMint. Imports fell after the government imposed safeguard duties to discourage cheap shipments. Vietnamese millskey suppliers to Indian tradersalso lost mandatory Indian quality certifications, leading to a further decline in inflows, Goel said. Safeguard duty On 30 December, the government imposed a staggered safeguard duty of 12% on select steel products, which will fall to 11.5% in the second year and 11% in the third year. The duty applies only to imports priced below specified thresholds, according to a gazette notification. The levy covers key flat steel products including hot-rolled coils and plates, cold-rolled coils, metallic-coated steel and colour-coated steel. It replaces a temporary 12% safeguard duty imposed for 200 days in April 2025. Flat steel products are used across construction, automobiles, appliances, furniture, machinery and infrastructure. Coatings act as anti-corrosants, improving durability. As a result of the three-year safeguard duty, steel imports are expected to remain in the range of 45 million tonnes annually," Goel said. Also Read | Fix all import policy distortions, not just quality barriers for factory inputs Price pressure Despite the curbs, domestic steel prices have remained weak due to oversupply and softer demand. Steel consumption grew 6.8% during AprilDecember 2025, nearly half the 11% growth recorded a year earlier, Ministry data show. Production, however, rose 10% during the period, compared with 4% growth in AprilDecember 2024. In April 2025, hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices were around 52,000 per tonnecheaper than Chinese imports and broadly in line with Japanese steel. Prices slid further to a 10-month low of about 47,100 per tonne in November, even as imported Chinese and Japanese steel remained significantly more expensive. Lower domestic prices and surplus supply pushed Indian producers to seek overseas markets, lifting exports despite weak global demand, Goel said, adding that shipments to Vietnam have risen after the country imposed duties on Chinese steel. Europe remained Indias largest export destination, accounting for over 40% of shipments during AprilNovember, ministry data show. Country-wise data for December is yet to be released. Italy, Spain and Belgium together accounted for 1.71 mt of Indias steel exports out of 4.18 mt shipped during AprilNovember. Also Read | Domestic steel prices rise after safeguard duty Price hikes Steelmakers announced price hikes in January following the imposition of the three-year duty. Prices of hot-rolled coil and cold-rolled coil were raised 24%, while rebar prices rose 36%. Even so, domestic prices continued to trade at a discount to imports. Benchmark HRC prices stood at 51,500 per tonne on 13 January 2026, compared with a landed cost of 56,125 per tonne for Chinese steel. Looking ahead, export prospects remain uncertain, Goel warned. Indias export outlook is heavily tied to Europe, and any tightening of quotas or carbon-related rules there could quickly weigh on volumes. Over the medium term, export growth will depend on Indias ability to improve cost competitiveness and address carbon-related barriers in global markets," he said. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which represents major telecom companies, has approached the telecom regulator, seeking a cap on charges for in-building mobile network infrastructure at public places such as airports. This comes amid a standoff over providing connectivity at the newly opened Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The association has urged the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to examine the conduct of the airport, operated by the Adani Group, in denying telcos right-of-way (RoW) permissions to lay telecom infrastructure, and creating an exclusive, monopolistic in-building telecom arrangement at a public airport. The issue is significant as travellers have been complaining about the lack of cellular connectivity at the Navi Mumbai airport, which began commercial operations on 25 December. The reason for no connectivity at the airport is the absence of an agreement between the airport and telecom operators. The two sides have not been able to agree on commercial terms for this. Also Read | Why are mobile services unavailable at Navi Mumbai International Airport? Clear market failure SP Kochhar, director general of COAI, wrote in a letter dated 13 January to Trai chairman Anil Lahoti, This arrangement has resulted in a clear market failure. NMIAL/IBS operator, though licensed only as a VNO (virtual network operator), has assumed control over an essential facility, namely in-building access infrastructure within a public airport, thereby creating a monopolistic bottleneck." According to Kochhar, in the absence of competitive constraints and cost-based regulation, NMIA can impose excessive, non-transparent and non-cost-oriented charges on all telecom operators, which have no alternative but to accept such terms if they wish to serve consumers at the airport. Telecom operators have therefore urged Trai to lay down and enforce a cost-based pricing framework and appropriate price ceilings for in-building telecom infrastructure in situations where a single entity exercises monopoly control over access at public or captive locations such as airports, metro stations and similar public premises. Kochhar said, "We respectfully request Trai to recommend appropriate directions to ensure that public entities grant RoW permissions to licensed TSPs (telecom service providers) on a non-discriminatory basis, or alternatively, that any shared infrastructure mandated in such locations is provided strictly on regulated, transparent and cost-oriented terms." Satya N. Gupta, former principal advisor at Trai, said, By reaching out to Trai, telcos have taken the right step as what we have seen in these connectivity issues at airports is nothing but a market failure. The regulator has all the power and mandate to fix cost-based charging. The same should not be left to market forces in case of market failure." In a statement on Wednesday, an NMIA spokesperson said, "Globally, most airports adopt a single, neutral-host telecom infrastructure to ensure uniform coverage, safety and operational efficiency. In line with this globally accepted practice, Navi Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd (NMIAL) is following the established framework adopted at major Indian airports". The airport operator said the pricing for neutral-host in-building solution services at NMIAL is aligned with the rates already established and implemented at other airports run in public-private partnership. Also Read | Telecom operators, Adani spar over network rollout at Navi Mumbai airport Exorbitant charges In an earlier letter to the department of telecommunications (DoT), telecom operators said the airport operator had quoted exorbitant" charges for providing connectivity 92 lakh per month per operator. The operators believe that since they are licensed entities and hold the spectrum, they are legally authorised to offer connectivity at these places based on the RoW rules under the Telecom Act. They have also challenged the appointment of third-party providers by airport and metro authorities, arguing that these intermediaries act as gatekeepers who unnecessarily control all infrastructure and connectivity permissions. Countering this, the Navi Mumbai airport said it has regularly communicated and discussed the matter with telcos and offered in-building services at charges in line with industry standards. NMIA currently provides free Wi-Fi to passengers. Besides, the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) network is also available at the airport. It said that 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 the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and other security agencies, it added. An NMIA spokesperson noted that involving a third party would significantly increase response times for network issues, resulting in service delays and passenger inconvenience. Not an isolated case Telecom operators said that third-party in-building service providers often secure exclusive deals with public entities such as airports, metros and hospitals. These providers then leverage their monopoly to demand 'super-normal profits' or excessive rents from operators, simply for the right to serve their own subscribers on-site. Similarly, at many public places, such high charges were accepted by the TSPs under the threat of exclusion and charges are continuously being increased without any correlation to actual costs," Kochhar said. A similar issue has played out at the Mumbai Metro Aqua line, where passengers have been facing connectivity issues for the past three months and the two sides have not been able to agree on commercial terms to enable mobile connectivity. More than a decade ago, Indias market regulator introduced infrastructure investment trusts, or InvITs, to channel public capital into infrastructure, and further eased rules in the past two years. Still, valuation and liquidity concerns keep these instruments overwhelmingly private . Only six of Indias 29 registered InvITs are publicly listed, according to data from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). These include Capital Infra Trust, IRB InvIT Fund, PowerGrid Infrastructure Investment Trust, Bharat Highways Infrastructure Investment Trust, India Grid Trust and Anantam Highways Trust. Three such InvITsone of which was publicly listedhave been launched in the ongoing fiscal 2025-26. Funds mobilised by such instruments surged to 1.38 trillion in fiscal 2025 from 110 billion in fiscal 2020, according to a November 2025 report by Crisil Intelligence. Assets under management rose to about 6.28 trillion, growing at an 18% compound annual rate since fiscal 2021. Industry estimates peg InvIT AUM at 21 trillion by 2030, driven by asset monetisation, policy support and rising institutional allocations. Also Read | Gadkari invites retail investors for a speed ride on InvIT highway Yet, this expansion has largely escaped the secondary market and retail investors. Private listed InvITs continue to dominate, offering sponsors predictable capital from a small set of sophisticated investors. An InvIT pools funds by issuing units to investors and deploys those primarily in infrastructure assets, either directly or via a special purpose vehicle or holding company. Unitholders earn regular income from dividends and interest paid by the trust, which owns income-generating assets from toll roads to power projects. InvITs are classified based on how they raise funds in the initial offer. Public InvITs offer units to all investors and must be listed on stock exchanges. Private listed InvITs raise funds via private placement to institutional investors and corporates, with units listed on exchanges. Private unlisted InvITs are not listed on the exchanges. Easier rules The market regulator has been trying to push publicly listed InvITs to draw retail investors. Wider retail participation would ensure that more issuers can raise money in the secondary market, rather than solely relying on institutional players. Sebi lowered the minimum investment threshold to 25 lakh from 1 crore in the secondary market in 2024 and aligned the primary market threshold to the same level a year later. Sebi also broadened the strategic investor category to include qualified institutional buyers and certain foreign portfolio investors. In August 2025, it also simplified the process of converting a private listed InvIT into a public one by removing special sponsor-specific conditions and treating such issues as follow-on offers rather than initial public offerings (IPOs). Yet, the market response has been muted. InvITs are more of an institutional asset as of now," said Bhavya Bagrecha, fund manager at Bharat Value Fund, The Wealth Company. Other asset classes may look more attractive to retail investors for short to medium term investments as the returns on InvITs are 12-14% and the underlying assets also go through cyclical changes that may distort returns." Also Read | Why REITs are gaining popularity among Indian investors Less predictable returns Cyclical changes in infrastructure refer to fluctuations in cash flows and revenues from assets like toll roads, power projects, ports, and logistics, driven by economic cycles, seasonal demand, and operational factors. These variations can distort short-term returns, making infrastructure investments less predictable for retail investors. Liquidity also remains an unaddressed challenge. Trading in public InvITs is concentrated in a handful of names, resulting in thin volumes and broad bid-ask spreads. Between April and October 2025, the average impact cost for the five listed InvITs ranged from 0.05 to 0.22, compared with 0.01 to 0.04 for Nifty 50 stocks, according to the Crisil Intelligence report. Impact cost is a measure of market liquidity, where a high impact cost indicates an illiquid market and a low impact cost indicates a liquid one. InvITs have caught the attention of pension funds, mutual funds and insurance companies. However, while these investors require daily valuations for declaration of net asset value, valuation of InvITs is rendered complex," said Jiju Vidyadharan, senior director at Crisil Intelligence. Limited public listings, low trading volumes and the unique risks of infrastructure assets make daily valuation difficult, he said. For retail investors, structural and perception barriers persist. People don't have a look and feel of infrastructure," said Vivek Rathi, national director-research at Knight Frank India. Unlike real estate, infrastructure assets are less tangible and have long concession periods, where assets revert to the original owner after 25-50 years, affecting perceived value. Retail participation in InvITs is limited to just 5-10% of total assets under management, he said. High threshold Even the reduced 25 lakh ticket size has not boosted retail participation. Reduction of threshold is a good stepping stone to deepen the market, but awareness is still low," said Bagrecha. A lot needs to also be done in terms of taxation by the industry and Sebi to make InvITs a more investable product. Tax exemptions like those given for equity products may help the segment." According to experts, improving the consistency of disclosures and expanding research coverage is crucial for both retail and institutional investors to make well-informed decisions in this evolving asset class. Creating more accessible participation avenues with fewer hurdles can encourage retail interest, while further reducing investment ticket sizes could also make InvITs more attractive, they said. The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, will present the Union Budget on February 1, 2026, at 11 am. Given the current shifts in the global economic environment, investors are keen to learn what the upcoming budget will include and its primary areas of focus. Factors like trade disputes, tariff policies, disruptions in supply chains, and rising geopolitical tensions have shaken the foundational assumptions of globalization that have been in place for many years. According to experts, for economies such as Indias, which are still integrating into global value chains while promoting domestic growth, this period presents both challenges and opportunities. Talking about the upcoming budget, Mohit Gulati, the CIO and managing partner of ITI Growth Opportunities Fund, believes that with global trade lines hardening and the TrumpModi friction in the background, budget 2026 cannot afford ambiguity. This has to be a decisive Atmanirbhar budget about strength, scale, and execution. Gulati added that this is not a populist budget. India has momentum. The job now is to compound it. Also Read | Budget 2026 Expectations LIVE: What India wants from FM Sitharaman this year 5 key things to watch out for this year Fiscal deficit The fiscal deficit reflects the government's net borrowing needs for that year and is a crucial indicator of fiscal health. A reduced figure signifies improved management, as demonstrated by the FY25 result of 4.8% and the planned reduction for FY26. For FY 2025-26, the target was established at 4.4%, aiming to decrease debt and promote growth. According to a recent report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services on the Union Budget, it anticipates that the FY27 Union Budget will represent a significant turning point in India's fiscal structure, with the gross fiscal deficit set at 4.3% of GDP, lower than the 4.4% targeted for FY26. GDP growth target Investors in the financial markets will closely watch the GDP growth target for FY27. In relation to the Union Budget for FY2026, India's real GDP growth prediction was set at 7.4% for FY 202526, up from 6.5% in FY 202425. As per the brokerage firm Motilal Oswal Financial Services for FY27, the budget is likely to be grounded in a nominal GDP growth projection of approximately 10.1%, providing some leeway to uphold fiscal discipline while fostering growth. Also Read | Will FM Sitharaman make New Tax Regime more attractive? Experts weigh in Capital Expenditure (Capex) The governments capital expenditure (Capex) in India's Union Budget emphasizes the creation of long-term assets such as infrastructureroads, railways, and energy sourcesto stimulate economic growth. Recent budgets have shown considerable increases, with a notable allocation of 11.21 lakh crore (3.1% of GDP) for FY2025-26. According to a report by Motilal Oswal, the projected total expenditure is expected to rise by 7.0% year-on-year in FY27, reaching 52.9 trillion (or 13.4% of GDP). Further, Mohit Gulati highlighted that it was time to unlock private capex. Gulati explained that public capex has carried growth. The next leg depends on crowding in private capital through policy certainty, faster clearances, and risk-sharing. Atmanirbhar Bharat According to Mohit Gulati, Atmanirbhar Bharat must mean scale. Gulati emphasized that the government should focus on defence, semiconductors, electronics, energy, real domestic capacity, not pilot projects or policy headlines. Analysts propose that emphasizing 'Atmanirbharta' in defence, along with integrating modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, extends beyond just enhancing current systems. Experts contend that increasing the defence budget should be regarded not just as a monetary choice, but as an essential strategic requirement. Personal Income Tax Slabs All taxpayers, whether individuals or corporations, are eager to learn about the tax reductions or impositions that the Finance Minister will outline in the Budget. However, experts believe that no changes will take place in the tax system. In the 2025 Budget, acknowledging the crucial role of the middle class in national development, the Finance Minister granted significant tax relief to individual taxpayers under the streamlined tax framework. For individuals earning up to 12 lakh in total income, there is no tax liability. This threshold was previously set at 7 lakhs. Additionally, the income brackets were adjusted, with the maximum tax rate of 30% now applying to income exceeding 24 lakhs, a limit that was formerly capped at 15 lakhs. Experts believe that the streamlining of GST has reinstated consumer trust, as reflected in the data concerning demand. According to Mohit Gulati, the government should maintain this momentum and avoid policy flip-flops. Make the top of India open purse strings now. The government may roll out incentive packages worth up to 23,000 crore in the Union Budget 2026 to boost domestic manufacturing of high-value capital goods and reduce dependence on imports, according to an Economic Times report. The schemes are currently under preparation and could be announced in the upcoming budget. According to the report, the proposed incentives are likely to be split across two key segments: construction equipment and the automobile value chain, as part of efforts to strengthen the domestic capital goods ecosystem and reduce import reliance. Construction equipment segment A 14,000-16,000 crore incentive programme is being planned for the construction equipment sector. The focus will be on indigenizing high-end machinery such as tunnel boring machines and cranes, where import dependence remains high. At present, nearly 50% of the sectors components by value are imported, mainly from China, Japan, South Korea, and Germany. The government is now emphasising local production of critical components, including hydraulics, undercarriages, electronic control units, sensors, and telematics. Automobile value chain segment A separate 7,000 crore scheme is proposed to develop resilient global value chains for the automobile industry. The incentives will support local manufacturing of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), 360-degree cameras, and sensors. The scheme is expected to encourage production with at least 50% domestic value addition, potentially creating export opportunities. Subsidies for procuring capital goods such as moulds and power tools, which are critical for auto component manufacturing, are also likely to be included. Against this backdrop of potential policy support, here are three stocks to add to your watchlist. BEML Ltd BEML operates in three business segmentsmining and construction, defence and aerospace and rail and metro, which is specific to product mix. The company has a strong product portfolio through its Earth Movers Division, which manufactures a wide range of heavy equipment, including bulldozers, hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, hydraulic cranes, electric rope shovels, and more. Its hydraulic and powerline division produces transmissions, axles, hydraulic aggregates, etc. Going forward, BEMLs strategic intent to enter the tunnel boring machine (TBM) space adds a new growth lever. As per the EOI dated 31 July 2025, the company is seeking partnerships with globally reputed design consultancy firms for TBMs with diameters ranging from 6 metres to 16.5 metres, backed by a proven execution track record. This move positions BEML to tap rising demand from metro rail, road tunnels, and underground infrastructure projects, while leveraging its nationwide after-sales service network. With BEML's presence in hydraulics, hydraulic cranes, and heavy equipment, along with its intent to enter tunnel boring machines, makes it a stock to watch. On the financial front, over the past five years the companys revenue has seen a growth of 5.9%, meanwhile, net profit grew at a CAGR of 35.7%. The companys five-year average ROE and ROCE stand at 7.2% and 12.7%. CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd CG Power and Industrial Solutions, a major engineering company that is involved in the development and manufacturing of control solutions and power management components used in various industrial applications, including railway transportation and potentially future automotive electronics through a recent semiconductor venture. CG Power manufactures control solutions, such as the TCN VCU, designed to manage and coordinate all key locomotive subsystems. These are essential Electronic Control Units (ECUs) for modern electric locomotives, ensuring multi-unit operation, diagnostics, and subsystem integration. The company provides automatic electrical control panels designed to maintain a consistent and quality power supply for industrial equipment, helping to manage voltage variations and power factors automatically, rather than manually. CG Power offers various drives and automation control devices, including variable frequency drives, motor protection relays, and feeder remote terminal units, which are forms of control electronics used in industrial settings. With the government emphasising local production of critical components such as electronic control units, sensors and telematics, CG Powers deep capabilities in ECU design, control systems, and power electronics make it a stock to watch. On the financial front, over the past five years, the companys revenue has seen a growth of 14.2%. The companys five-year average ROE and ROCE stand at 32.7% and 85.2%. Also Read | Four auto ancillary stocks in focus amid sector tailwinds Larsen and Toubro Ltd The company has a diverse presence in engineering, construction, manufacturing, technology, and services. It's one of the top five construction companies in India. L&T has deep expertise in complex infrastructure and underground construction, including the use of advanced materials such as Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) with higher-grade concrete in Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) applications. Further, through its subsidiary, LTCEL provides solutions to the construction industry through mechanization and automation, leveraging its expertise in hydraulics, mechanical, electrical, and electronics engineering. Further, the companys construction and mining business (CMB) division is engaged in the distribution and after-sales support of hydraulic excavators and dump trucks manufactured by Komatsu India, along with other global Komatsu mining and construction equipment. With a proposed 14,000-16,000 crore incentive for the construction equipment sector and a clear policy thrust on indigenising high-end machinery such as TBMs and hydraulics, L&T is a stock to watch. On the financial front, over the past five years the companys revenue has seen a growth of 12%, meanwhile, net profit grew at a CAGR of 11.7%. The companys five-year average ROE and ROCE stand at 13.9% and 18.2%. Conclusion According to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the Indian electrical equipment market is set for strong expansion, with incremental growth estimated at 6,44,533 crore ($76.24 billion) at a CAGR of 14.3% during FY24-FY28. Also Read | The Aluminium War: Why Ashapura Minechem is dominating the global bauxite shift Alongside this, the Indian construction equipment market, which stood at $7.2 billion in FY23, is projected by the IBEF to grow at a CAGR of around 15% over the next five years, supported by rising infrastructure investments and mechanisation. Further, if the government rolls out incentive packages worth up to 23,000 crore in the Union Budget 2026 to boost domestic manufacturing of high-value capital goods and reduce import dependence, companies operating in these segments are set to get a big boost. Investors should evaluate the company's fundamentals, corporate governance, and valuations of the stock as key factors when conducting due diligence before making investment decisions. Happy Investing. Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such. This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com. Indian households hold nearly 34,600 tonnes of gold, valued at over $5 trillion, according to a report released by Morgan Stanley in October 2025. This stock is larger than Indias nominal GDP of $4.1 trillion, as estimated by the International Monetary Fund. India is also the worlds second-largest consumer of gold, accounting for around 26% of global demand, trailing only China at 28%. The demand is so strong that despite record-high gold prices, sales have shown limited signs of weakening. Higher prices are also accelerating the shift from unorganized to organized players. As a result, the share of organized players in the jewellery market has reached 40% in FY25, compared with 32% in FY20, while unorganised players steadily lose ground. The December quarter of FY26 (Q3FY26) once again reaffirmed the structural strength of Indias organized jewellery space, even amid record-high gold prices. Gold prices touched 140,000 at the end of Q3FY26, up around 20% from the end of Q2FY26, and 75% from Q3FY25. The surge translated into stronger value growth for jewellery companies, even as volumes saw a marginal slowdown. To deal with higher gold prices, companies are also focusing on 9-karat, 14-karat, and 18-karat jewellery rather than traditional 22-karat options. This has helped them meet consumer demand for products at lower ticket size levels. Based on business updates shared by the companies, here is how revenues evolved across the four players. Senco Gold is the quarters fastest grower Senco Gold outperformed its peers during the quarter, with standalone revenue increasing 51% year-on-year. Growth was relatively subdued in Q2, with revenue increasing 6.5% due to heavy rains and flooding in eastern India, especially in West Bengal and Kolkata during the last two weeks of September. This, along with deferment after the GST cut and a higher base effect from last year, moderated Sencos Q2 performance, according to management. Thus, the 51% growth, coupled with same-store sales growth (SSSG) of around 39% in Q3, shows a clear improvement in demand. Even over the first nine months of FY26, Senco reported 31% revenue growth, well ahead of its long-term guidance and historical growth range of 18-20%. With gold prices rising, demand for studded jewellery and diamonds increased. Diamond jewellery sales grew by 36% during the quarter, driven by strong wedding demand and a continued improvement in the studded mix. Its aim is to continuously improve the studded jewellery share. Operationally, Senco navigated gold price volatility through a sharper focus on lightweight (9/14/18 Karat), and value-led designs. This approach helped protect volumes without resorting to aggressive discounting. Management remains confident of sustaining the momentum and has reiterated guidance of 25%+ revenue growth for FY26. Senco also added four new showrooms during Q3, taking the total network to 196 stores, and plans to open 3-4 additional stores in Q4, which would take the count to 200. Kalyan Jewellers turns scale into growth Kalyan Jewellers reported consolidated revenue growth of 42% year-on-year, driven by SSSG of around 27%. India revenues increased 42% year-on-year, supported by festive demand and the wedding season. The company saw good growth in both the plain gold and studded categories. Higher gold prices have made diamond jewellery relatively more attractive, supporting demand for studded jewellery. A focus on regional (South) designs and wedding demand helped offset the impact of higher gold prices. Revenue from international operations also increased by 36%, with revenue from the Middle East increasing by 28%. Kalyan's digital-first platform, Candere, saw 147% revenue growth. This strong growth reflects the growing acceptance of online jewellery in the lightweight and gifting categories. Kalyan also remained aggressive on expansion, adding 21 stores in India and opening its first showroom in the UK, taking its global network to 469 stores by December-end. Titan's value-led growth Market leader Titan Company also reported strong performance. Its jewellery portfolio, which includes Tanishq, Mia, and Zoya, recorded 41% year-on-year revenue growth. Growth during the quarter was driven by higher average selling prices and value-led purchases. A gold exchange program also aided the growth. Sales of gold coins nearly doubled, while sales of plain gold increased by around 30%. Studded jewellery segment delivered its best performance in FY26, showing good double-digit growth in the mid-twenties. Titan's international jewellery business also grew 81%, supported by the opening of new Tanishq stores in Boston and Orlando. Interestingly, the company has also ventured into lab-grown diamond jewellery with the launch of beYon. Titan added 56 stores during the quarter, taking the total retail network to 3,433 stores. P N Gadgil and a quarter of milestones P N Gadgil Jewellers' total revenue (excluding other segments) grew by 46% year-on-year to 3,169 crore, with 32% SSSG. Its growth was also driven by festive and wedding season demand. E-commerce revenues increased 138%, albeit on a smaller base. Studded jewellery continued to gain prominence, with its contribution rising 52% over the 9M of the fiscal year, supporting margin stability. PNG posted several milestones during Q3, including its highest-ever monthly revenue of 1,807 crore in October 2025 and record Dhanteras sales of 277 crore in a single day. The company added 3 stores this quarter, taking its store network to 66 by December 2025. It plans to open 12-14 new stores and reach 78-80 stores by the end of this FY26. Taken together, the performance of jewellery companies remained strong in Q3FY26, driven by value-led growth, even as volume growth showed some moderation amid elevated gold prices. Higher prices are also accelerating formalisation across the industry, steadily pushing consumers toward branded and organised players. With revenues scaling at this pace, expectations are that the sector will also deliver strong profitability growth, supported by operating leverage and an improving studded mix. Also Read | Everyone talks about gold, but these two silver stocks are well placed for 2026 Valuations diverge, profitability key Valuations, however, remain divergent across companies. Titan continues to trade at a premium of around 99 times price-to-earnings multiple. In comparison, Kalyan trades at 56, while P N Gadgil (28) and Senco Gold (23) trade at significantly lower multiples. If profitability improves, these valuations could compress meaningfully, making the sector worth watching for a rebound. For more such analysis, read Profit Pulse Madhvendra has over seven years of experience in equity markets and writes detailed research articles on listed Indian companies, sectoral trends, and macroeconomic developments. The writer does not hold the stocks discussed in this article. The purpose of this article is only to share interesting charts, data points, and thought-provoking opinions. It is NOT a recommendation. If you wish to consider an investment, you are strongly advised to consult your advisor. This article is strictly for educational purposes only. Q3 results today: The earnings season has finally begun in full swing as more than 20 companies will be declaring their December quarter financial results on Wednesday, January 14. Infosys, HDFC AMC, Indian Overseas Bank, Groww, and Reliance Industrial Infrastructure Limited are among the marquee companies to release their Q3 results today. Analysts and investors are keeping a close watch on the third quarter of FY26 for signs of robust growth, driven by the GST cuts announced on September 22, 2025, while also evaluating the impact of geopolitical uncertainties on companies with international exposure. Infosys Q3 results preview Brokerage firm Kotak Institutional Equities forecast a revenue decline of 0.25% quarter-to-quarter (QoQ), primarily due to lower billing days and the absence of mega deal wins in earlier quarters. However, the firm expects a gradual EBIT improvement QoQ, primarily driven by benefits from Project Maximus. We do not assume any incremental revenues from the sale of third-party items. We expect large deal TCV of US$4.5-5 bn (~2X yoy), led by GBP1.2 bn mega deal win from NHSBSA. We believe Infosys will revise FY2026E revenue growth guidance to 2.5-3.0% (from 2-3%). The guidance will imply (-)2% to flat revenues qoq in 4QFY26. Our guidance estimate does not include the Versent Group acquisition, which is yet to close, the firm said in a note. HDFC AMC Q3 results preview Analysts are factoring in about a 5% quarter-on-quarter rise in overall QAAUM for the domestic mutual fund business in the third quarter, supported by healthy inflows and favourable mark-to-market gains. "We expect yields to decline QoQ due to AUM growth. We expect 10% YoY core PBT growth, driven by 13% YoY revenue growth and 25% YoY expense growth. Other income is up QoQ due to MTM gains. Focus to remain on stability of retail flows and yields," said Kotak Equities. Indian Overseas Bank Q3 results preview One of India's most significant conglomerates is set to announce its Q3 results for FY26 on January 13, 2026. Financial analysts anticipate an increase in revenue due to higher sales and a significant rise in PAT. According to Univest, Indian Overseas Banks revenue is expected to be in the range of 4,979 crore, a 32% YoY decrease. Profit After Tax, or PAT, is projected to rise by 190% YoY. Indian Overseas Banks EBITDA is expected to fall to 1,157 crore. Net profit at 2,650 crore, a rise of 35% YoY. Here's a list of companies that will announce Q3 results today, Wednesday, January 14 - No. Company Name Stock Symbol 1 Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers Ltd ARSSBL 2 Aditya Birla Money Limited BIRLAMONEY 3 BITS Ltd. BITS 4 Cian Healthcare CHCL 5 DEN Networks DEN 6 Eco Hotels and Resorts ECOHOTELS 7 Billionbrains Garage Ventures Ltd GROWW 8 HDB Financial Services Ltd. HDBFS 9 HDFC Asset Management Company Ltd. HDFCAMC 10 ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Ltd. ICICIAMC 11 Indbank Merchant Banking Services Ltd. INDBANK 12 Infosys Limited INFY 13 Indian Overseas Bank IOB 14 International Travel House Ltd ITHL 15 Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. MRPL 16 Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. NETWORK18 17 Pan India Corporation Ltd. PANINDIAC 18 Plastiblends India Ltd. PLASTIBLEN 19 Rama Phosphates Ltd. RAMAPHO 20 Reliance Industrial Infrastructure Ltd. RIIL 21 Teamo Productions HQ Ltd TPHQ 22 Union Bank of India UNIONBANK 23 Virtual Global Education VIRTUALG 24 Indosolar Limited WAAREEINDO 25 Waaree Renewable Technologies Ltd WAAREERTL Stock market today: The domestic benchmark indices, Nifty 50 and Sensex, began the day lower on Wednesday, continuing the selling trend from the prior trading session due to ongoing worries about new 25 percent tariffs imposed by the US on nations trading with Iran, amid increasing geopolitical tensions in the region. Ongoing outflows from foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) also negatively impacted market sentiment. The Nifty 50 index started at 25,648.55, declining by 83.75 points or 0.33%, whereas the BSE Sensex commenced at 83,370.06, reflecting a drop of 257.63 points or 0.31%. Market participants exhibited caution as Indian stocks remained under pressure from international uncertainties, including ongoing tariff threats from the United States and escalated geopolitical risks. Additionally, selling by FPIs has contributed to the downward pressure on domestic markets. Also Read | Stocks to buy: Raja Venkatraman recommends top picks for 14 January Nifty 50 Outlook by Sagar Doshi, Senior Vice President- Research, Nuvama Professional Clients Group Nifty 50 After a correction of over 800 pts Nifty 50 reversed for the short term from its 50% retracement mark just below 25,500. This retracement was of a strong 3 month uptrend seen between October and January. Sustained move above 25,700 has opened up for extended short covering towards 25,950-26,000 mark. Support can be seen at 25,600 odd. Bank Nifty Bank Nifty rejected a close below its previous days low for the past 2 trading sessions. The index managed to take support from its 2-month rising trendline near 59,150. Ongoing undercurrent is poised to allow this move to continue for 59,900+ with a buy on dip strategy near 59,500 and a stop loss below 59,300. Also Read | Top three stocks to buy todayrecommended by Ankush Bajaj for 5 January Stocks To Buy on Wednesday On stocks to buy on Wednesday, Sagar Doshi of Nuvama recommended three stocks - Alkem Laboratories Ltd, Varun Beverages Ltd, and Nestle India Ltd. Alkem Laboratories Ltd (BUY): LCP: 5,863; SL: 5,690; TGT: 6,180 Stock has broken out from a bullish cup and handle formation on weekly charts. This has been a follow up breakout to a stronger breakout seen back in August 2025. A quick 5-7% follow up in the long side can unfold on screen for this scrip. Varun Beverages Ltd (BUY): LCP: 501; SL: 483; TGT: 532 Varun Beverages has recently given a crossover above its 200 DMA, while parallelly taking support at its 38.2% retracement all through last year of 2025.Adding to this a short term trendline breakout has also been witnessed on daily charts in the past fortnight which could now allow positive momentum to unfold from CMP. Nestle India Ltd (BUY): LCP: 1,318; SL: 1,278; TGT: 1,382 A 15-month cup and handle formation has broken out on daily as well as weekly charts. Stronger price action is visible on daily time frame compared to weekly charts which is suggesting a smoother upside. Given the FMCG and defensive stocks tailwinds, initial target on the same open up for 1,380+ Also Read | Stocks to buy for short term: Experts recommend these 5 technical picks The bodies of Stephanie and Susej were what exposed the cesspool. The two young Venezuelan women had been brutally murdered in July 2024 in southern Mexico City. Their attackers had tried to burn them to cover their tracks, but the double femicide left no doubt: it bore the mark of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization. In the wake of the crime, investigations and news reports about the Venezuelan gang followed. And arrests began. Although the Mexico City Security Secretariat tried to downplay its role, police operations proved that this criminal network, after spreading across the continent, was already operating in Mexico. The most recent arrests have gone a step further and are revealing how La Union Tepito, a Mexico City cartel, has profited from the sexual exploitation carried out by Tren de Aragua in the heart of the country. On Tuesday, the Federal Security Secretariat reported the arrest of six alleged members of Tren Aragua. All are Mexican; five are accused of extortion, human trafficking, and drug trafficking, and the last, Bryan Betancourt, is also charged with organized crime. These arrests add some key pieces to the puzzle, especially regarding the collaboration between the Venezuelan gang and La Union Tepito. The agency headed by Omar Garcia Harfuch identifies Lesli Valeri Flores Arrieta as the liaison and negotiator between the two criminal groups. The 40-year-old Mexican was responsible for collecting a portion of the profits Tren de Aragua members made from the sexual exploitation of women. The Venezuelan gangs modus operandi is well-known after a decade of operating throughout the continent. Tren de Aragua members reach agreements with local cells to allow them to operate in their territory in exchange for fees and certain restrictions. For example, according to experts consulted by EL PAIS, Tren de Aragua only traffics Venezuelan women. The gang has proven adept at exploiting the mass exodus from the country and has turned the journey of migrants to the United States into a strategy for recruiting victims whom they then integrate into their sex trafficking networks. These women were also controlled by Lesli Flores, according to the Security Secretariat, which found a notebook in the accuseds possession containing names and the extortion payments she charged them. Flores also sold drugs to members of Tren de Aragua, as well as to the exploited women. She did not do this alone, but with her family. Federal authorities have arrested two of her sons and two of her daughters-in-law in the Venustiano Carranza borough of the capital. Jorge Romero Flores, Giancarlo Romero Flores, Valeria Pineda Arredondo, and Diana Ortega Perez were involved in the production and distribution of narcotics in various boroughs of Mexico City, supplying members of the Tren de Aragua gang, according to police. They were also responsible for extorting women who are sexually exploited, and for other acts of extortion. According to information obtained by EL PAIS, Lesli Floress mother also participated in this criminal network; as did her nephew, Vladimir Ruis, who is also under arrest; Adriana Trejo Ramirez, who distributed drugs and extorted the women; and Luis Angel Sanchez Gallardo, an accomplice who was also arrested. This money was handed over to two men identified as Jossep and Don Neto. The sixth person arrested in the operation was 33-year-old Betancourt, whom the Secretariat considers a key figure within the criminal structure, serving as the financial operator for the Tren de Aragua organization. According to the agency, this Mexican national provided his bank accounts for receiving and sending money derived from illicit activities in order to conceal its origin and destination. Betancourt also provided housing for members of the criminal group and victims of sexual exploitation. The debt Security reports indicate that women enter Mexico by land, primarily through Tapachula, Chiapas. This city, known as the capital of the southern border, has for years been the epicenter of a migration crisis where thousands of migrants, trapped and waiting to regularize their status, coexisted with the deep reach of organized crime, which controlled the citys entrances and exits through extortion, mass kidnappings, disappearances, and executions. After passing the first stop which requires Tren de Aragua to make a payment to the cartels operating in Chiapas the victims are taken to Mexico City. In the capital, the women are sexually exploited and forced to pay the criminal organization a debt ranging from $12,000 to $14,000 for entering the country, according to the Security Secretariat. They must also pay approximately 12,500 Mexican pesos (about $650) weekly for lodging and use of the territory; this payment is made via bank transfers or in cash. The federal agency notes that once this debt is paid, many of the victims continue their journey to the United States. Others, like Stephanie and Susej, are killed before reaching their destination, often while trying to escape. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Stock market today: Indian indices - the Sensex and Nifty 50 - are likely to open on a weaker note on Wednesday, tracking weak cues from global markets. Asian markets traded mixed on Wednesday, while US stocks closed lower overnight as selling pressure in financial shares weighed on sentiment. " Indian equity markets are likely to trade steady to mildly cautious today, following a mixed close in the previous session. Sentiment remains guarded amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, tariff-related uncertainties, persistent FII selling, and firmer crude prices. While select Asian markets are showing pockets of strength, global cues are mixed, with U.S. indices ending overnight in the red," said Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money. Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends five shares to buy On Tuesday, domestic markets ended in the red amid profit booking, driven by ongoing concerns over US tariffs, continued foreign fund outflows, and mixed global signals. The Sensex declined 250.48 points, or 0.30%, to finish at 83,627.69, while the Nifty 50 slipped 57.95 points, or 0.22%, to close at 25,732.30. Domestic equities experienced a downturn due to renewed concerns about potential U.S. tariffs on countries trading with Iran, overshadowing the initial optimism from the newly appointed U.S. ambassador's positive statements on the trade deal. Investor sentiment remained cautious amidst the rupee's weakness, rising crude prices, higher U.S. bond yields, and persistent FII outflows, said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited. Stocks to watch Against this backdrop, here's a list of stocks that may attract investor interest and are likely to experience some movement today. Infosys, Groww, HDFC AMC, Waaree Renewable Shares of Infosys, Groww, HDFC AMC, and Waaree Renewable will remain in focus as companies are set to declare their December 2025 quarter results today. Larsen & Toubro L&T said that the oil project tenders in Kuwait, which are reportedly at risk of being cancelled, do not form part of its order book, aiming to allay investor concerns after the companys shares saw a sharp decline following the report. Tata Elxsi Tata Elxsi posted a 45% decline in its third-quarter profit on Tuesday, largely impacted by a one-off expense related to the implementation of the countrys new labour codes. ICICI Lombard ICICI Lombard General Insurance posted a drop in its third-quarter profit on Tuesday, as increased payouts to agents and employees more than offset robust demand in the retail health and motor insurance segments. Just Dial The company reported a 10.2% year-over-year decline in net profit to 117.9 crore in the third quarter, down from 131.3 crore in the corresponding period last year. Meanwhile, revenue grew 6.4% to 305.6 crore, and EBITDA climbed 9.6% to 95.2 crore. 5paise Capital The company reported a 24% year-over-year decline in net profit to 12.3 crore for the December quarter, down from 16.2 crore in the same period last year. NLC India The Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Coal has entered into a non-binding MoU with the Gujarat government to set up large-scale renewable energy projects in the state, with an estimated investment of about 25,000 crore. Indian Overseas Bank IOB said its Asset Liability Management Committee (ALCO), during a meeting on January 13, 2026, reviewed the marginal cost of funds-based lending rate (MCLR) as of January 10, 2026, and cleared a 5 basis points cut in the overnight MCLR, which will take effect from January 15, 2026. Interach Building Solutions The company has won a domestic contract valued at approximately 130 crore for the design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, and erection of a pre-engineered steel building system. Union Budget, the mega annual event that sets the tone for markets and shapes sectoral opportunities for investors, is just half a month away. This makes it an ideal time for investors to assess how they should prepare their portfolios to benefit from the policy-led announcements that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to unveil on February 1. Stalled trade deal, fresh tariff threats by US President Donald Trump and relentless selling by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have kept the stock market sentiment subdued in January so far. The Nifty 50 index is already down 1.4% during the first 10 trading days of the year. This year's Budget assumes even more prominence in an increasingly inward-looking policy-making environment globally amid elevated geopolitical risks. Analysts at ICICI Securities expect manufacturing to be a key focus area as the government looks to mitigate the impact of US tariffs on India. Also Read | Budget 2026 Expectations LIVE: What India wants from FM Sitharaman this year Trump has slapped 25% reciprocal tariffs on India, along with an additional 25% tariffs in response to Indias continued oil imports from Russia. Speculation about legislation giving Trump authority to impose even higher levies (up to 500%) on India remains another concern. Budget 2026 Key expectations Therefore, the Budget could focus on developmental areas like manufacturing and infrastructure and reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio. ICICI Securities believes that the pressure to shore up revenue, post tax cuts last year, is visible with the recent hike in excise duty on tobacco products, and this could be followed up by other measures, including raising the disinvestment targets. The overall market perspective remains cautiously optimistic ahead of the Union Budget, with investors generally anticipating that the government's pro-growth and reform-oriented policy will be maintained, said Dr. Ravi Singh, Chief Research Officer at Master Capital Services. Also Read | Three stocks to watch ahead of the budget boost for capital goods manufacturing He believes that any measures that boost consumption by cutting taxes or increasing spending in urban as well as rural regions could bolster sentiment further. Vaqar Javed Khan, Team lead - Fundamental equities, Angel One, said on the policy front, markets expect the government to reinforce fiscal discipline by setting a lower FY27 fiscal deficit target after meeting the FY26 goal, which would help rebuild FPI confidence as global rates ease in 2026. In terms of taxation, Khan said that while there is discussion around LTCG and STT, the most likely outcome is policy stability rather than sweeping changes, reinforcing predictability over populist measures. Listing his key expectations from the Budget, Shrikant Chouhan, Head Equity Research, Kotak Securities, said that markets are broadly expecting the Budget to strike a balance between growth acceleration and fiscal discipline. He expects an ambitious growth target of around 88.5% for the next financial year, signalling confidence in Indias medium-term economic trajectory. Furthermore, Chouhan believes a higher capital expenditure is likely, potentially in the range of 1212.2 lakh crore, to drive infrastructure development, employment generation, and crowd in private investment. He also sees continued emphasis on fiscal prudence, with a gradual reduction in the fiscal deficit, along with further simplification of the tax framework and easing of compliance, rather than the introduction of new exemptions or deductions. Lastly, focus on PLI schemes and multi-year funding visibility and stable tax incentives for deep-tech sectors like AI, semiconductors, and biotechnology could be on the cards, opined the expert. Budget announcements are bound to cause short-term volatility, but the medium-term direction of the market will depend on the extent to which the Budget maintains a balance among growth support, fiscal restraint, and policy stability. Also Read | Budget 2026: Key dates to keep in mind as India gears up for Union Budget How to position ahead of Union Budget? Against this backdrop, it's imperative to structure the portfolio the right way to make the most of these announcements. Analysts believe the Budget announcements are difficult to predict; therefore, the Budget should not be viewed as an opportunity for speculation based on single announcements. Khan from Angel One believes that a core-and-satellite strategy makes more sense. He advised investors to focus on large-cap stocks as they offer better risk-reward in the current environment of geopolitical uncertainty and US trade-related risks, given their stronger balance sheets and earnings stability. "With RBI rate cuts already feeding through, rate-sensitive sectors such as real estate, autos, and NBFCs should continue to benefit, while any pre-Budget volatility can be used to selectively accumulate defensive names like IT and pharma," he added. Harshal Dasani, Business Head at INVAsset PMS, said that a disciplined approach avoiding leverage, staying diversified, and keeping expectations realistic tends to work better than chasing thematic narratives. "The more durable strategy is to remain invested in businesses with strong balance sheets, consistent cash generation, and the ability to navigate policy changes without relying on incentives." Also Read | Higher divestment to no tax breaks ICICI Sec lists key Budget expectations With the budget focused on manufacturing over the years, Abhinav Tiwari, Research Analyst at Bonanza, said that investors should align their portfolios with capex-led themes. Sectors that directly benefit from government spending, such as defence, infrastructure, capital goods, power, and manufacturing-linked PSUs, are better positioned in this environment, he said. However, he is cautious about consumption-led bets. "Since this budget is unlikely to offer major tax relief or subsidy expansion, we do not expect an immediate consumption boom driven by policy. Consumption recovery is likely to remain gradual and uneven," he added. Manufacturing remains a key theme under Make in India, with continued emphasis on PLI-linked sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and autos, opined Tiwari. The US Supreme Court on Wednesday, January 14, did not issue a ruling on President Donald Trumps tariffs. According to media reports, the court also did not indicate when it would take up the case or announce a timeline for issuing a decision. The case, which questions the legality of US President Donald Trumps sweeping global tariffs, remains in focus globally. The US Supreme Court typically releases rulings around 10:00 am Eastern Time, or 8:30 pm Indian Standard Time, on opinion days. On April 2 last year, Trump imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% on almost all major economies. However, his tariff salvo was challenged in court on the grounds that the measures exceeded presidential authority under existing laws. After slower federal courts ruled that many of those tariffs exceeded presidential authority under existing laws, the matter is now before the Supreme Court. The top court will decide whether Trump can invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs without Congress's approval. Can a ruling against Trump drive the Indian stock market to a record high? Trumps tariffs on Indian goods are among the key factors behind the heavy selloff in Indian equities by foreign institutional investors (FIIs), the weakness of the Indian rupee, and the underperformance of the domestic stock market. Against this backdrop, could a court ruling nullifying these tariffs trigger a sharp rally in Indian equities and push the benchmark Nifty 50 to record highs? Experts doubt it. There could be a mild sentimental impact because the market knows tariffs remain an integral part of Trump's core strategy, and he will find ways to impose tariffs. "It could provide some relief to the market, but the impact is likely to be limited. Even if the ruling goes against Trump, tariffs remain part of the core strategy, and alternative legal or policy routes could still be used to impose restrictions. So, at best, it may offer a minor, short-term relief to market sentiment rather than a sustained boost," said Pankaj Pandey, the head of research at ICICI Securities. Ajit Mishra, SVP of Research at Religare Broking, also believes it will not be a game-changer for markets. "I doubt it will have a meaningful impact. Recent developments suggest that the administration is already prepared with alternative amendments, laws, and legislative routes to address any adverse ruling from the Supreme Court," said Mishra. 'If the verdict were expected to materially change policy, markets would likely have reacted in advance. At best, there could be selective or partial relief in certain areas, but it is unlikely to act as a major trigger for a market rally," Mishra said. At this juncture, earnings remain the primary driver for markets, alongside global developments. At this stage, corporate earnings growth is what investors are most focused on. However, some experts hope that the Indian stock market might benefit initially from a ruling against Trump's tariff policies, as it would reduce quite a bit of global uncertainty around trade policies. Ravi Singh, Chief Research Officer at Master Capital Services, believes that any move that signals an ease in trade tensions is generally favoured by markets and a decision of this kind could increase global risk appetite and encourage FIIs' inflows. Singh believes Indian equities, which have been under pressure due to concerns over higher tariffs, export delays and capital outflows, may see a relief rally because of improved sentiment. However, Singh emphasised that while a rally is possible, it may not automatically translate into a sustained bull run. "Investors are still going to keep an eye on global indicators like U.S. interest rate expectations, oil prices, geopolitical risks and domestic earnings growth," said Singh. Read all market-related news here Read more stories by Nishant Kumar India's new data protection regime makes a seemingly simple promise: if an app can take consent in a tap, it must allow users to withdraw it just as easily. But in digital lendingwhere loans are priced, monitored and sometimes recovered using a steady stream of personal datathat promise is already running into the realities of regulated credit. With their practices upended, the industry is seeking some leeway. As the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act nears full implementation, the industry is pushing back on a few key clauses in the Act. Two people familiar with the discussions said that representatives of digital payment companies, a few banks and non-banking finance companies, besides the Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (Face) made multiple representations to the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) seeking exemptions under Section 17 of the Act. Face is a Reserve Bank of India (RBI)-recognized self-regulatory organization. According to the first person cited above, the industry is seeking relief to let the lenders continue accessing and using specified borrower data for the entire duration of a live loan, even if the borrower tries to withdraw consent mid-tenure. The person is a policy expert consulting for fintech firms. According to the person, the industrys case rests on how digital lenders manage credit risk after disbursal, especially for early-warning systems that flag repayment stress before a default happens. The two people familiar with the matter said the representations seek non-revocable consent for two stages of lending: underwriting and post-disbursal monitoring. They said this would include recurring access to signals such as bank transaction alerts and statement data, either via the RBI-regulated Account Aggregator (AA) system or through permissions routed through the lenders own app on the borrowers phone. In effect, the request seeks to treat such monitoring as a mandatory" part of servicing a regulated loan contract, rather than an optional layer that a user can switch off. However, lawyers who advise fintech lenders caution that the industry body's ask for exemptions may not fly. Lawyers that Mint spoke with said lenders already have independent legal grounds under existing sectoral obligations and the DPDP Acts exemptions to process borrower data for core loan functions such as underwriting, servicing, repayment tracking and recovery, especially once an account turns delinquent. For other uses, such as early-warning analytics and predicting a borrowers propensity to pay, a consent that is withdrawable would be required, they said. Emails sent to FACE and MeitY on 2 January did not elicit a response until press time. What is consent? At the heart of the issue is consent itself. Under the DPDP Act, consent must be free, specific, informed, unconditional and unambiguous with a clear affirmative action", and that a user has the right to withdraw it at any time", with the ease of doing so comparable to the ease with which such consent was given". That principle sits uneasily with digital lending models that rely on continuous data flows that go beyond approving loans. Alternative data use The data trail can be used beyond the first loan decision, including for refining underwriting models over time and pitching repeat loans or other financial products through marketing messages, emails and push notifications. Sugandh Saxena, chief executive officer of FACE, said many fintech platforms rely on a wide set of alternative data inputs, not just to assess creditworthiness, but also for fraud checks and tailoring loan offers. When lenders start sourcing a customer, device-intelligence signals also come into play such as metadata and behavioral biometrics that feed into models to gauge whether the applicant looks legitimate," Saxena said. Also Read | Kidfluencers on a timeout as proposed data rules force an industry rethink The member roster of FACE includes firms such as KreditBee, CASHe, LoanTap, Kissht, CRED, Navi, Paytm and MobiKwik. CRED, for instance, asks users at onboarding for permission to read their Gmail inboxincluding emails and attachmentsto check credit card bills and outstanding balances. Users can later withdraw that access from Googles own permissions dashboard, independent of the app. Lawyers and industry observers Mint spoke with, however, say that in lending, the harder question arises once consent is tied to an active loan contract, and whether a borrower can switch off some categories of data processing mid-tenure under the DPDP Act. Regulated reality Naqeeb Ahmed Kazia, partner at CMS IndusLaw, said the DPDP Acts consent-withdrawal right is not absolute in tightly-regulated sectors such as non-banking financial company (NBFC)-led lending. Sectoral rules can require regulated entities to retain borrower records for longer periods, meaning a later request to withdraw consent may not translate into deletion or an immediate halt to all processing. If theres a law which sort of requires retention of data for a longer period, then that law will supersede (user consent)," Kazia said. In sectors overseen by regulators such as RBI, and, for insurers, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai), entities often have independent obligations to retain and process records for audits, regulatory reporting and loan documentation, even if the customer later seeks to withdraw consent. Account aggregators explained In most lending journeys, bank-transaction data enters underwriting in one of two ways: borrowers upload statements manually, or lenders fetch them via the RBI-regulated account aggregator (AA) framework that enables consent-based sharing of financial information between regulated entities. Because the account aggregator system is regulated financial infrastructure, the access is largely limited to banks, NBFCs and similar entities, not unregulated intermediaries. Krishna Prasad, founder of OneMoney, said AA has digitized what was earlier a manual process. That is now being replaced by a fully-digital process, where the users journey during the loan application transfers to OneMoney and once the user provides consent, it becomes a consent artefact. OneMoney will then present this signed consent artefact to the bank in an encrypted format," Prasad said. Tejinder Pal Singh, chief executive of CAMSFinserv, an RBI-licensed Account Aggregator, said India now has about 17 operational AAs, covering data from roughly 240 crore accounts. The system processes about two crore consents a month, resulting in roughly 40 crore monthly data deliveries. Phone data limits Yet, many fintech lending journeys historically relied on direct access to a borrowers phonetransaction SMSes and device-level signalspermissions that RBIs digital lending guidelines explicitly sought to curb. The person quoted earlier said RBI has drawn clear red lines. RBI has told digital lenders they cant look into the photographs on your phone and you cant contact other people on the contact list because those were egregious behaviours so the RBI blocked it," the person added. Where consent is used for non-essential purposes such as marketing, the source said, users must be allowed to withdraw it. You have to stop doing it." Post-loan monitoring The sharper point of contention is what happens after loan disbursal, when some lenders attempt to keep monitoring borrowers for early-warning signals. Within the AA ecosystem, periodic pulls of bank balances or statements can be built into recurring consent artefacts, though AA guidelines impose strict fair use" limits. Vamsi Madhav, CEO of Finvu AA, said lenders increasingly request post-loan data to monitor the deposit account once they make a loan". Some are experimenting with narrower monitoring. A third use case that has emerged is lenders proactively ask consumers for their consent to monitor their balance, not transactions, but just the balance," he said. Outside the AA system, however, similar monitoring has often been attempted through continuous access to SMSes or device metadataraising questions over whether borrowers can withdraw such consent mid-loan. Mandatory vs optional Saxena of FACE said that borrowers may not be able to withdraw every permission once a loan is underway, since some processing is tied to regulatory obligations. Also Read | Why we need a well-equipped data protection board to enforce digital privacy law Butthe industry will have to really distinguish between what is a mandatory regulated use case requirement versus somethingwhere they have option to withdraw the consent," she said. Lawyers caution that while underwriting, servicing and regulatory reporting may have independent legal grounds, post-disbursal monitoring may not. Outside the permitted exceptions everything else still has to be consent-based," said the person quoted earlier. Separately, Kazia noted that continuous access to phone storage was already restricted under RBIs digital lending guidelines. As per the digital lending guidelines, a lender cannot continuously access phone memory or the phone storage data, he said. New Delhi: To ease documentation requirements for exporters trading with West Asia and North Africa (WANA), the government has authorised the India & Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (IACCIA) to issue non-preferential certificates of origin, according to a government order. The decision is aimed at improving ease of doing business, particularly for small and medium exporters who often face bottlenecks in securing certificates during peak export cycles. The move comes amid Indias expanding trade ties with the Arab countries. India has signed free trade agreements (FTA) with the UAE and Oman, and is in talks to begin negotiations on an FTA with Qatar. Certificates of origin are mandatory trade documents used by importing countries to verify the origin of goods, even when preferential tariff benefits are not being claimed. Such certificates are routinely sought by customs authorities in West Asia and North Africa for regulatory compliance, anti-dumping checks and trade statistics, making timely issuance critical for exporters to avoid shipment delays. Also Read | How Indias new export mission targets MSME credit and market gaps IACCIA is endorsed by Indias external affairs ministry and commerce and industry ministry, as well as the League of Arab States, the Union of Arab Chambers, and the Council of Arab Ambassadors in New Delhi. The chamber facilitates business delegations, buyerseller meets and trade promotion activities, and its inclusion as an authorised issuing body is expected to provide exporters with a more specialised and region-focused option for certification. "The decision may help in improving ease of doing business for exporters, particularly small and medium enterprises that often face bottlenecks in securing certificates during peak export cycles, said Vinod Kumar, President, India SME Forum. The WANA region comprises 19 countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Iraq, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Yemen, Libya and South Sudan. Authorising an agency to issue certificates of origin will help reduce procedural bottlenecks for exporters, particularly those trading with West Asia and North Africa where such documentation is routinely required, said Arun Kumar Garodia, former chairman of the Engineering Export Promotion Council. Also Read | India tops again: Export rebound in November puts it ahead of EM peers WANA remains one of Indias largest trading regions, driven by energy imports as well as rising non-oil exports. In FY25, Indias merchandise exports to key WANA markets were over $64 billion, while total bilateral trade with the region exceeded $216 billion, the commerce ministry data showed. The largest export destination in the region continues to be the UAE, where Indias exports rose to $36.64 billion in FY25, up from $35.63 billion in FY24. The UAE remains Indias most important trading partner in West Asia, and bilateral trade has gained further traction following the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Exports to Saudi Arabia stood at $11.76 billion in FY25, broadly stable compared with the previous year, while shipments to Iraq were valued at $3.27 billion. Indias exports to Kuwait declined to $1.93 billion, and those to Bahrain fell to $0.80 billion during the year. Among Indias free trade agreement partners in the region, exports to Oman stood at $4.07 billion in FY25, even as imports from Oman rose sharply, reflecting strong energy inflows. Exports to Qatar, where India has begun discussions to explore a free trade agreement, were valued at $1.68 billion in FY25, broadly flat year-on-year. Exports to Egypt stood at $3.41 billion, while shipments to Sudan declined to $0.59 billion amid ongoing economic and political challenges in the country. As massive anti-government protests continued in Iran for the third week, a female student from Hyderabad, Telangana, has been left stranded in the Islamic Republic. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi reposted the student's father's appeal on social media, urging External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to facilitate her evacuation. Who is Indian student stranded in Iran? The student is a resident of Noorkhan Bazar in Darulshifa in Hyderabad. She is currently enrolled at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, as per the post made by her father on X. Responding to the fathers plea seeking his daughters evacuation before the situation worsens, Hyderabad MP Owaisi tagged EAM Jaishankar on X. In a post, Owaisi wrote: "Sir @DrSJaishankar, I request your urgent attention to evacuate this Indian student (Ayman Fatima) stranded in Tehran, Iran. Her passport is with the university authorities; there has been no contact with her family, and her father is presently in the UAE. Kindly intervene at the earliest." As per estimates by news wire PTI, a little over 10,000 Indians, including students, are currently living in Iran. The father's plea comes amid the deadly protests in Iran that started on 28 December, calling for the ouster of the Ayatollah Khamenei-led government. Iran signals plans of executions amid protests As protests continued to roil Iran, authorities of the Islamic Republic, on Wednesday, reportedly said there would be fast trials and executions ahead for suspects detained in the protests despite warnings from US President Donald Trump that the nation would act over the killing of peaceful demonstrators. View full Image A man hands out posters of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a funeral ceremony for a group of security forces, who were killed during anti-government protests, in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) ( AP ) According to AP, a US official said some personnel at a key US military base in Qatar have been advised to evacuate by Wednesday evening, a decision that came as a senior official in Iran brought up an earlier Iranian attack there. In a post on X, the US State Department said that a man identified as Erfan Soltani may be executed on Wednesday. The development was later confirmed to CNN by a relative of the 26-year-old. Soltani was allegedly arrested from his home last Thursday in connection with protests in the city of Fardis, in Irans central province of Karaj, according to Hengaw, a Norway-based human rights organisation. Four days later, his family was informed that his execution had been scheduled. View full Image People take part in a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran, Berlin Germany, Wednesday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) ( AP ) New Delhi: Indias basmati rice trade with Iran is facing a fresh bout of uncertainty as the US has threatened 25% tariff on countries that trade with unrest-hit Tehran, a development that threatens to disrupt exports and has prompted the commerce ministry to step in. The ministry will hold consultations with exporters to assess the impact and safeguard shipments to Iran, two people in the know said. The date of the meeting is yet to be finalized. Iran is Indias third-largest market for its famed basmati rice, having exported 599,000 tonnes worth $468.1 million during AprilNovember 2025. Exporters say the lack of clarity on whether the tariff would apply only to US-bound goods or also to India-Iran trade has made it difficult to price contracts and plan shipments, especially as India already faces a 50% US tariff on some exports from 27 August 2025. Also Read | Govt unveils plan to combat counterfeit seed fraud The ministry's meeting will focus on understanding exporters concerns and discussing measures to ensure continuity of shipments, said the first among the two persons cited above. Basmati rice exporters lack clarity on the proposed new US tariff and will meet commerce ministry officials handling agricultural exports to seek clarity on the issue," said Satish Goel, president of the All India Rice Exporters Association (Airea). The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) is the commerce ministry arm that addresses exporters concerns through policy interventions from time to time. Impact on business While Iran remains one of India's top destinations for basmati, sanctions and tighter market restrictions have considerably impacted Indian business in the country. Many traders have so far been routing this trade through other channels Considering the limited direct trade with Iran, we have been conducting the majority of our trade through the UAE, where Iranian importers operate locally. This arrangement has helped us mitigate risks," said Akshay Gupta, head of bulk exports at KRBL Ltd, a major basmati rice firm that owns a string of brands including India Gate. "However, the fresh US tariff (threat), including the proposed 25% levy, adds an additional challenge for the Indian basmati rice sector," Gupta said. According to Goel of Airea, nearly one-third of Indian shipments are routed through Dubai, where Iranian importers have set up their offices. Asked about the impact of escalating civil unrest and widespread protests in Iran on exports, Goel said, It is too early to say anything on it. Basmati shipments have been on hold from the last 7-8 days and we have been assured it will start again from 20 January." Also Read | Punjab floods unlikely to hit India's basmati exports Exporters said payment risks have increased amid the ongoing unrest and communication disruptions in Iran, compounding the uncertainty created by tariff-related concerns. Exporters are facing payment delays, but it is difficult at this stage to quantify the amount stuck in trade due to the unrest and internet shutdown," said Pankaj Goel, vice-president of the All India Rice Exporters Association. In Iran, nationwide protests that began late December over dire economic conditions have escalated into the largest anti-government demonstrations since 1979. The protests met with a severe crackdown by security forces that rights groups say has killed over 2,500 people and led to tens of thousands of arrests amid a wide internet blackout, according to an AP report. Continuous engagement needed Agriculture experts say the situation calls for continued engagement between the government and the industry amid tariff-related uncertainty. Given the lack of clarity on the proposed US tariff and its scope, exporters need policy guidance to avoid disruption to ongoing contracts. The consultations with the commerce ministry will be important to assess risks and ensure continuity of basmati rice exports," said Binod Anand, an agriculture expert and a member of the governments committee on minimum support prices. Queries sent to the commerce ministry and Apeda on 14 January remained unanswered till press time. Also Read | Trump's tariffs bring Indian shrimps and basmati to a boil As per commerce ministry data, India's total export of goods to Iran during April-October, the first seven months of FY26 were at $693 million, while imports were valued at $177 million. Indias trade with Iran remains modest but steady, with exports of $1.24 billion and imports of $441.8 million in FY25. In FY24, exports were at $1.22 billion and imports at $625 million. Besides basmati rice, Indias exports a range of agricultural and industrial products to Iran. In FY25, the shipments included fruits and nuts ($55.91 million), tea, coffee and spice products ($70 million), sugar and related confectionery ($14.5 million), organic chemicals ($29.27 million), pharmaceutical products ($28.29 million), animal feed and fodder products ($71 million), and personal care and cosmetic items ($25.71 million). Maharashtra will go to the polls on Thursday, with civic elections being held in Mumbai, Pune, and 27 other urban local bodies across the state. In view of the elections, the Maharashtra State Election Commission has declared 15 January a public holiday in areas where voting will take place. Polling for 2,869 seats spread across 893 wards will begin at 7.30 am and conclude at 5.30 PM. The counting of votes is scheduled for 16 January. Civic polls will be held across several cities in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Ulhasnagar, Jalgaon and Dhule. Security has been stepped up for the civic elections, with approximately 25,000 police personnel and senior officials deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of polling, according to news agency PTI. Below is a complete list of what will remain open and closed on 15 January: The holiday will apply to government offices, semi-government bodies, corporations and boards, public sector undertakings, banks, and central government offices located within the limits of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The decision was made after election preparedness was reviewed during meetings held on 6 and 7 January, attended by senior election officials, police officers and civic authorities. Also Read | Why BMC elections were not held after 2017 explained Schools and colleges Most government and civic-run schools and colleges in Mumbai are expected to remain closed due to the public holiday. Several private institutions may also suspend classes, particularly if their premises are being used as polling stations. Offices and workplaces Government and semi-government offices within the BMC limits will remain shut on 15 January. Banks and public sector offices will also observe the holiday. Private offices may decide on operations based on internal policies, though many are likely to remain closed. Emergency services Essential and emergency services will continue to function as normal. Hospitals, ambulances, fire services and police services will remain fully operational throughout the day. Public transport Local trains, BEST buses, and other public transportation services in Mumbai are expected to operate as usual. Additional arrangements may be made to ensure voters can reach polling stations without inconvenience. Polling station facilities The Election Commission said special arrangements will be made to assist vulnerable voters, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women and lone parents with children. BMC elections 2026: Voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will be held tomorrow, following a gap of nearly three years without elected civic representatives. Voters will decide the fate of 1,700 candidates on Wednesday, while the counting of votes will take place on January 16. In Mumbai, the battle for control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has a three-cornered contest involving the Thackeray cousinsRaj and Uddhavaligned with Sharad Pawars NCP, the BJPShiv Sena alliance, and the CongressVanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA). It is important for voters to be aware of their designated polling stations and the documents required before stepping out to cast their vote. BMC voting timings Polling stations across all 227 wards of Greater Mumbai will operate from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. To boost voter participation, authorities have declared a public holiday in municipal areas. Also Read | Why BMC elections were not held after 2017 explained How to verify your name in the electoral list Visit the National Voters Service Portal (NVSP) at nvsp.in Go to the Search in Electoral Roll section Look up your details by entering personal information or your EPIC (Elector Photo Identity Card) number Once submitted, the portal will display your voter registration status How to find your polling station via the ECI portal Once your name is confirmed in the electoral roll, you can locate your polling station as follows: Once your name is confirmed in the electoral roll, you can locate your polling station as follows: Visit the electoral search page at electoralsearch.eci.gov.in Enter your EPIC number and select your state Complete the captcha verification and click on Search The system will display your polling stations name and address Voter helpline app Voters can also verify their details through the Election Commissions Voter Helpline App, which can be downloaded from eci.gov.in/voter-helpline-app/. Also Read | Ajit Pawar, uncle Sharad Pawar release joint manifesto for Pune civic polls Documents to carry on voting day Voters are required to carry a valid photo identity proof while casting their ballot. Acceptable documents include the Aadhaar card, passport, PAN card, and other government-issued photo IDs. A high-level Defence Ministry meeting this week is set to discuss the around 3.25 lakh crore deal for purchasing 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, which would be manufactured in India with an indigenous content of around 30%, according to a report by ANI. As per the proposal, the deal would include around 12-18 Rafale jets to be acquired by the Indian Air Force in fly-away condition, the report said, citing people aware of the development. The proposal, set to be discussed in the next two to three days, includes a request from India for France to assist in integrating Indian weapons and indigenous systems into French aircraft under a government-to-government arrangement deal, it added. The source codes will remain solely with the French side, the report said. India continues with the deal with France, when both the US and Russia have offered their fifth-generation fighters, including the F-35 and the Su-57, respectively, to the Indian Air Force. The indigenous content in the aircraft would be approximately 30%. Typically, the indigenous content required for Make in India projects ranges from 50 to 60%. India's largest-ever defence deal Once the proposal is approved, it will become India's largest-ever defence deal, raising the number of Rafale jets in the Indian military to 176, the report said. The Indian Air Force currently has 36 units, and last year, the Indian Navy placed an order for 26. The Indian Air Force's Statement of Case (SoC), outlining the proposal for 114 Rafale jets, was submitted to the Defence Ministry a few months ago, the news portal noted. After receiving approval from the Defence Ministry, the proposal will need to be granted final clearance by the Cabinet Committee on Security. The move to advance the proposal came shortly after the Rafale performed exceptionally well against Pakistan in Operation Sindoor, where it successfully defeated the Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missiles using its Spectra Electronic Warfare suite, the report said. The French plan to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility for M-88 engines, used by Rafale jets in Hyderabad. Dassault, the French company, has already created a firm to handle maintenance for French-origin fighter jets. Additionally, Indian aerospace companies like Tata are expected to participate in the manufacturing process, the report stated. Washingtons military operation in Venezuela on January 3 has upended the international order. A U.S. invasion of Greenland, an autonomous territory of an allied country like Denmark, is no longer seen as mere bravado by President Donald Trump. The long-awaited ceasefire in Ukraine is slipping through the worlds fingers while Washington and Tel Aviv threaten a new attack against Iran. Diplomacy has started the year at a frenetic pace, and on Tuesday, outside the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Iranian ambassador in Madrid who was summoned to hear Spains opposition to the bloody repression of protests in his country crossed paths with attendees of a convention on feminist foreign policy. In his office, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares explained to EL PAIS that if the new Venezuelan authorities continue to take steps toward a democratic transition, Spain will ask the European Union to reconsider the sanctions imposed on the Chavista regime. Question. It seems that the United States, whose Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, you spoke with last week, is not in much of a hurry to establish democracy in Venezuela. It is prioritizing the reconstruction of the oil industry. Shouldnt Spain be pressing to accelerate this process? Answer. Spain does not want to impose any solution. Solutions cannot be imposed from the outside, much less by force. What we want is for the Venezuelan people themselves to decide. The solution must be genuinely Venezuelan, and that can only come from the broadest possible dialogue between the government and the opposition. If Spain can help with this, if Venezuela so desires, we are willing. We have ongoing dialogue with the government of the interim president [Delcy Rodriguez] and with the main opposition leaders, including, of course, Edmundo Gonzalez, who reside here under a status granted to them by this government. Regarding natural resources, they are a very important attribute of the sovereignty of any country in the world, including Venezuela. Q. Many criticize the slowness of the process and the fact that the release of prisoners is happening in dribs and drabs. A. If Venezuela is moving towards a negotiated, peaceful, and democratic solution, Spain will be there to support it. What we want is not so much to set deadlines its absurd to do so from the outside, because nothing that doesnt come from Venezuelan society itself will take root but rather to ensure that the objective is not lost. If we take the example of our own Transition, a year and a half passed between the death of the dictator [Francisco Franco] and the first democratic elections. Therefore, the release of a group of prisoners, including nine Spaniards, five of whom hold dual nationality, is a very good sign, a first step in this new stage that we have been calling for for some time and which must continue. In fact, the first communication we sent to the new interim president was along the lines of requesting the release of the prisoners. Q. Is Washingtons objective a democratic Venezuela? Did your counterpart Marco Rubio tell you that? A. Weve said it from the very beginning: the solution has to be democratic, it cant be any other way. But we also have to prevent chaos. We cant allow a civil conflict to erupt in Venezuela, leaving the country without an effective government and destabilizing the entire region. Q. How do you view former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapateros mediation? A. I want to remind everyone that this mediation began in 2015, at the request of the Venezuelan opposition, along with other former presidents, from Colombia and the Dominican Republic; and that from the first political prisoner released, Leopoldo Lopez, to the most recent, Rocio San Miguel, all of them have expressed their gratitude for his work, as did then-prime minister Mariano Rajoy of the Popular Party [PP]. I believe that mediation must always be discreet and that former prime minister Zapatero deserves the same respect as other former prime ministers. Q. The EU maintains sanctions on 69 leaders of the Chavista regime, including Delcy Rodriguez. Will Spain propose that the EU lift them as Venezuelan authorities take further steps? A. The European Union sanctions, most of them proposed at Spains initiative, are not an end in themselves, but a means to an end. And that end is a negotiated, peaceful, and democratic solution. Therefore, they are there to promote it. If steps are taken toward what the European Union wants, the most logical outcome is that these sanctions will gradually disappear. In fact, what I would like is for one day no sanctions of any kind to be necessary because Venezuela has managed to put a solution on the table, which is what Spaniards and Europeans want. Steps are being taken that we welcome and that are moving in the direction we want, such as all the releases we are seeing. Therefore, if this continues, not only Spain, but all the EU countries, will consider it. I want to remind you, for example, that [Delcy] Rodriguez headed the Venezuelan delegation at the European Union-CELAC Summit during the Spanish presidency of the EU in [July] 2023 [in Brussels], and she was seated in the same room with all the presidents of the European Union. Q. Is this something that can be considered now? A. There is one thing we do need to consider, and that is that the European Union normally never sanctions the person holding the presidency [of a country], precisely to maintain dialogue with the person exercising international representation; and since this person [Delcy Rodriguez], even if only in an acting capacity, is currently serving as president [of Venezuela], this certainly warrants reflection, almost automatically, I would say, because that is how the EU usually operates. This, coupled with the fact that prisoners are being released... this is a new phase, that much is clear. Therefore, at the very least, we must reflect on how the European Union should position itself and adapt to this new phase. And Spains voice is decisive in this regard. Jose Manuel Albares, during the interview. Claudio Alvarez Q. Is this about lifting the veto on Delcy Rodriguez to facilitate dialogue? A. Im not going to get into those speculations, not because I dont have an idea about it, but because, logically, you have to allow me to discuss it first with the High Representative and the other 26 countries. But what is logical, and theres no need to whisper it, is that we are indeed facing a new stage and therefore a new situation in Venezuela. We must consider the best way to continue supporting a process that, in its early steps, is heading in the right direction. Q. We are seeing a revival of the so-called Monroe Doctrine America for Americans a version 2.0 in Trumps style. How is Spain approaching this scenario ahead of the Ibero-American Summit it will host? A. The summit, by unanimous decision of the Ibero-American countries, will take place in November in Madrid. A community is much more than an alliance or an international organization. It involves sharing values and objectives. Latin America is not just a foreign policy issue for Spain. I firmly believe that there is a genuinely Ibero-American way of being and existing in the world, and that its voice must be heard loud and clear. The times of spheres of influence, of limited sovereignties, of the law of the jungle where the strongest can dictate to the weakest whatever they see fit, are over. Q. Staying in the Americas: Trump has made it clear that he wants Greenland one way or another. He says he wants to buy it, but doesnt rule out using force. Its like negotiating with a gun on the table. A. We have made our position clear: territorial integrity, like sovereignty, is part of international law. And that is not just an intellectual construct; it is the virtuous way in which states relate to one another, cooperate, and move forward together peacefully. If any ally believes that Arctic security is not sufficiently well protected, just as Spain raised the issue of the southern flank at the NATO summit in Madrid, there is no problem in discussing it and working together to address any security gaps that may exist. But the territorial integrity of any state, especially if it is an EU partner Denmark has our full solidarity. Q. Would the use of force by the U.S. mean the end of NATO? A. A foreign minister, while they may consider all kinds of scenarios internally, does not suggest in an interview like this, even as a hypothesis, that this could happen. Jose Manuel Albares, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Claudio Alvarez Q. Spains King Felipe, in this very building, warned that the link between Europe and the U.S. is at risk. A. The transatlantic link is an alliance between Europeans and North Americans that has brought us decades of prosperity. We want it to remain so, but we must recognize that the new U.S. administration has new principles in its relationship with the Alliance and the European states, and both are needed to maintain it. That is why it is important for Europeans to take a leap forward, one that can no longer be merely about autonomy. It must clearly be about sovereignty, as we did with the single currency, when we discovered that our national currencies were no longer sufficient against the attacks of the financial markets and we created the euro. This means ensuring that we will be free from any economic or commercial coercion. We must remove the last obstacles to the internal market so that the economy and trade within the EU can reach their full potential, and seek new trading partners who share our values and desire for free trade. The agreement with Mercosur, the worlds largest free trade area, is a good step in the right direction. And we must guarantee that deterrence is in our own hands. We must tell the world that Europe is a land of peace and that no one can bring war to European soil because we have the means to prevent it. This means moving towards a European army; integrating our defense industries and, at the same time, using a coalition of volunteers, as we have done so many times throughout history. Finally, but most importantly, we must focus on protecting our values. We must morally rearm ourselves because Europe is currently a beacon of hope for humanity and must remain a zone of prosperity, peace, and stability. Q. Did Marco Rubio reproach you for Spains refusal to spend 5% of its GDP on defense, as Trump has publicly and repeatedly stated? A. I have a good relationship with the secretary of state. The conversation took place in Spanish and in a cordial tone. We have a trade relationship with a surplus for the United States. We are one of the largest buyers of LNG [liquefied natural gas]. In terms of investment, its exactly the same in both directions. I believe that this relationship is mutually beneficial. And the United States is aware of what Spain contributes to Euro-Atlantic security. On the eastern flank alone, we have almost 3,000 troops, and our commitment to providing the capabilities requested by the Alliance is absolute. Q. Was there no reproach whatsoever? A. None. Q. What role will Spanish troops play in Ukraine? A. At this moment, the coalition of volunteers is in the process of drafting what could be the future peace plan. There is nothing tangible yet because those who started this completely unjust and illegal war dont want to hear about peace, or even a ceasefire. Its difficult to define something that is still in the realm of ideas. I insist, not because of Ukraine, not because of Europe, not because of the United States, but because Russia continues its war of aggression. But we are all aware that the peace framework that is eventually established in Ukraine will largely be the framework for peace and security for Europe, and, unlike what has happened in the last two centuries, Spain will be at the table with those who decide the future. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Delhi weather today: The city woke up to another chilly morning with dense fog, as the temperature dipped to 5C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast at least two more days of cold wave conditions. Also Read | When will Delhi get relief from the cold wave? IMD issues orange alert today Cold Wave alert for Delhi The Meteorological Department said cold wave to severe cold wave conditions will continue over Delhi for two to three days before abating. Cold wave to Severe Cold wave conditions very likely in some/many parts on 14th & 15th and Cold wave conditions in isolated pockets on 16th January, it said in a bulletin. For 14 January, the weather agency predicted Cold wave conditions at few places. Shallow to Moderate fog during morning hours. The IMD has predicted the maximum and minimum temperatures over Delhi to be in the range of 19C to 21C and 3C to 5C, respectively. The minimum temperatures will be appreciably below normal (-3.1C to -5.0C) at many places and below normal (-1.6 to -3.0C) at isolated places and the maximum temperatures will be near normal over Delhi, it said. The IMD has warned of an increased likelihood of various illnesses like flu, running/ stuffy nose or nosebleed, which usually set in or get aggravated due to prolonged exposure to cold. Also Read | Delhi sees coldest January morning in 2 years as mercury hits 4.6C Dense fog over Delhi According to the weather agency, dense to very dense fog, with visibility of less than 50 meters, is very likely to prevail in the morning hours in some parts of Delhi till 15 January. The IMD also predicted dense fog, visibility 50-199 meters, in isolated pockets of the Capity till 20 January. Has fog impacted flight operations? Flight operations at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) were reported to be normal at 8:00 AM on Wednesday. Sharing an update on X, the Delhi airport said, Low Visibility Procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are presently normal. Also Read | Cold wave to persist for two days, but rabi crops seen largely safe IMD's cold wave alert for other states The weather agency has forecast cold wave to severe cold wave conditions to continue over Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha during the next 2-3 days and abate thereafter. The IMD has also forecast very dense fog over Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh till 15 January, and dense fog thereafter till 20 January. A fire broke out at the residence of Bharatiya Janata Party MP Ravi Shankar Prasad in New Delhi on Wednesday morning, fire officials said, as reported by ANI. According to the Delhi Fire Department, three fire engines along with Delhi Forensics Team arrived at the incident spot, following which the blaze was brought under control. As reported by ANI, Suresh M, Sub-Fire Officer, said, We reached as soon as we received the call. Fire had broken out in one room, which has now been doused. We have informed the senior official as well. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained... There has been no loss of any kind. Also Read | Fire scare as smoke erupts in Golden Globes backstage press room | Video No damage has been reported, and the cause of the fire is yet to be revealed. Further details are awaited. Last week, a massive fire broke out in a plastic and polythene warehouse near the Kapashera Rajokri border in the national capital, which also affected nearby slum areas. The fire department received the information about the incident at around 4:30 AM and immediately dispatched teams to the site. According to officials, 24 fire tenders were engaged in extinguishing the blaze, which authorities saying was brought under control. The Supreme Court will on Thursday take up a plea moved by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) 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 the premises of its director, Pratik Jain, in connection with an alleged coal-pilferage scam. A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi is likely to hear the matter, according to the cause list of the Supreme Court. The West Bengal government has also filed a caveat in the top court, seeking that no order should be passed without hearing it in connection with the ED raids against the political-consultancy firm I-PAC last week. A caveat is filed by a litigant in the high courts and the Supreme Court to ensure that no adverse order is passed against it without it being heard. The ED has also alleged that Banerjee entered the raid sites and took away "key" evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices, from the premises of I-PAC and obstructed and interfered with the investigation in the case. The ED has further claimed in its plea that the chief minister's presence at the search site and the alleged removal of documents had an intimidating effect on officers and seriously compromised the federal probe agency's ability to discharge its statutory functions independently. The ED has alleged repeated obstructions and non-cooperation by the state administration and sought directions for an independent inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), contending that a neutral central agency is necessary in view of the "interference" by the state executive. Before approaching the Supreme Court, the ED on January 9 knocked on the doors of the Calcutta High Court, seeking a CBI probe against Banerjee, alleging that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo, with the aid of police, took away incriminating documents from the agency's custody during the raid at Jain's house. The high court adjourned the hearing on the ED's plea on Wednesday. It also disposed of a petition filed by the TMC, which had prayed for the protection of its data, stating that the ED had informed the court that it had not seized anything from Jain's office and house during its raids. The ED's plea in the apex court follows events from January 8, when the agency conducted searches on the premises of I-PAC and Jain in Kolkata as part of a money laundering probe into the alleged multi-crore rupee coal pilferage scam. During the search operation, Banerjee reached the I-PAC office along with senior TMC leaders, confronted the ED officials and allegedly took away documents from the premises. The chief minister has accused the central agency of overreach. The West Bengal Police has also registered an FIR against ED officers. The TMC has denied the ED's allegation of obstruction. It has further been alleged that the ED action against I-PAC, the party's election consultant, was aimed at accessing confidential election strategy material. The party has maintained that I-PAC functions as its election strategist and that the ED's action was intended to disrupt its electoral preparations rather than pursue any bona fide investigation in the case. The Assembly polls are due in West Bengal in a few months. President Droupadi Murmu, on Wednesday, 14 January, received credentials from Sergio Gor, the US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy to South and Central Asia, as well as envoys from Trinidad and Tobago and Austria at Rashtrapati Bhavan, ANI reported. In a post on the social media platform X, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said, President Droupadi Murmu received credentials from Mr Chandradath Singh, High Commissioner of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; Dr Robert Zischg, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria; and Mr Sergio Gor, Ambassador of the United States of America, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Sergio Gor assumes charge as US Ambassador On Monday, Sergio Gor was sworn in as the new US Ambassador at the US Embassy in the capital. Gor told the gathering at the Embassy that he attests to Trump's friendship with PM Modi as "real" and stated that real friends can resolve their differences. "I have travelled all over the world with President Trump, and I can attest that his friendship with Prime Minister Modi is real. The United States and India are bound, not just by shared interests but by a relationship anchored at the highest levels. Real friends can disagree but always resolve their differences in the end," the news portal quoted him as saying. "It is great to be here as the United States' Ambassador. I come to this remarkable nation with profound respect and a clear mission: to take the partnership between our two nations to the next level. This is the intersection between the world's oldest democracy and the world's largest democracy. During my last dinner with him, President Trump recounted his last visit to India and also his great friendship with the great Prime Minister of India. I hope the President will be visiting us soon, hopefully in the next year or two. President Trump has a habit of calling at 2 in the morning, and with the time difference in New Delhi, it might work out pretty well," he added. He highlighted the importance of the strategic relationship with India and said he intends to pursue an ambitious agenda. Gor is a well-known American businessman and political operative with experience in various government communication roles. He has served as a Communications and Research Analyst for the Republican National Committee, Director of Outreach for Americans for Limited Government, Press Secretary for Representative Michele Bachmann's office, and Communications Director for Randy Forbes' congressional campaign. Poll promise behind the death of four-paws? Telangana has been grappling with a chilling wave of alleged stray dog killings that has left about 500 canines dead within a week, triggering police investigation into the matter. Sources from villages said some elected representatives, including sarpanches, allegedly carried out the killings to "fulfil promises made to villagers" during the recent gram panchayat elections to tackle the stray dog menace, reported news wire PTI. What is happening in Telangana? The latest incident of stray dog killings was reported from Telanganas Kamareddy district, where 200 dogs were allegedly culled, taking the toll to about 500, as per police officials. Animal welfare activist Adulapuram Goutham, in a complaint filed at Machareddy police station on Monday, alleged that nearly 200 stray dogs were killed over the past two to three days across five villages in Palwancha mandal of Kamareddy district. Goutham said he found dog carcasses dumped in Bhavanipet village and later learnt that similar incidents had occurred in Palwancha, Faridpet, Wadi and Bandarameshwarapally. Based on his complaint, police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act against six persons, including five sarpanches, a police official said. Earlier, police in Hanamkonda district had booked nine persons, including two women sarpanches and their husbands, in connection with the alleged killing of around 300 stray dogs in Shayampet and Arepally villages. Carcasses in the outskirts linked to a poll promise? Village sources alleged that the killings were linked to promises made by candidates ahead of the gram panchayat elections held last year in December. "Ahead of the gram panchayat elections held in December last year, some candidates promised villagers they would tackle the stray dog and monkey menace. They are now allegedly fulfilling those promises by killing stray dogs," sources said. Police officials said carcasses were buried in the outskirts of villages, adding that veterinary teams exhumed the bodies and conducted post-mortem examinations. Lethal injections used? A police officer from Hanumakonda mentioned that the dogs were likely killed by a lethal injection, with the help of village authorities, according to a report by The Indian Express. In his complaint, activist Goutham had also claimed the killings were carried out at the behest of village sarpanches, who allegedly hired a person to administer poisonous injections. To establish the exact cause of death and the type of poison used, viscera samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory, a senior police official told PTI. Author Neelesh Misra was left fuming over IndiGo's response after he accused the budget airline of mistreating his 10-year-old daughter during her solo journey as an unaccompanied minor. Alleging how the carrier's detailed account doesnt address any of the concerns I raised, Misra advised parents sending their children unaccompanied to be mindful. I understand your need to defend your employee and your protocols. It is predictable. Your detailed account doesnt address any of the concerns I raised. That said, I dont wish to waste any of your or others users social media time. I would only advise parents sending their children unaccompanied to be mindful of this. I came to know of this behaviour because I had handed my daughter a basic feature phone for an emergency during her travel, Misra wrote on X after IndiGo responded to his initial complaint. Misra's latest post comes after IndiGo conducted an internal review and followed up with a detailed response asserting that his daughter was cared for and assisted throughout her journey, with our teams remaining courteous, attentive and supportive at all times. What exactly happened? In a post on X, Misra alleged that an IndiGo cabin crew member made several rude and demeaning remarks to his daughter while she was travelling alone from Lucknow to Goa. Quoting the attendant, Misra said that his daughter was referred to as a finicky eater and was told, Dont you have eyes? Go, go eat! Go and miss your flight! What did IndiGo say? Following the internal review, IndiGo said that under its Unaccompanied Minor (UMNR) protocol, the child remained under continuous supervision at every stage of the journey. IndiGo also claimed that as departure time approached, Misras daughter wanted to visit a few food outlets. Pongal, a four-day harvest festival native to Tamil Nadu, marks gratitude to nature for a bountiful harvest. Observed in mid-January, the festival coincides with the suns northward journey and the beginning of the Tamil month Thai. On Pongal, devotees prepare the traditional dish Pongal by boiling freshly harvested rice with milk and jaggery, symbolising prosperity and abundance. The Pongal celebrations include Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal, each honouring nature, the sun god, cattle, and community bonds. Here are the top wishes to share with family and friends on Pongal: Happy Pongal! May your life overflow with joy and prosperity. Wishing you a harvest of happiness this Pongal. May the sweetness of Pongal fill your home with peace. Happy Pongal to you and your family. May this Pongal bring success and good health. Let joy and abundance flow into your life. Wishing you warmth, happiness, and positivity. May the festival bless you with prosperity. Happy Pongal! May good times begin today. May your days be as sweet as sakkarai Pongal. Wishing you harmony and happiness this Pongal. Happy Pongal! May blessings flow your way. May this harvest festival bring contentment. Celebrate Pongal with gratitude and joy. Wishing you peace and prosperity. View full Image Pongal 2026 Happy Pongal! May your home glow with happiness. May the festival bring success in every effort. Wishing you smiles and cheerful moments. Happy Pongal! May abundance surround you. May joy overflow in your life this Pongal. Wishing you good fortune and happiness. Happy Pongal! May your future shine bright. May the harvest season bring hope and renewal. Celebrate Pongal with love and laughter. Wishing you happiness that lasts all year. Happy Pongal! May positivity stay with you. May the festival bring unity and peace. Wishing you prosperity and success. Happy Pongal! May your life bloom with joy. May the spirit of Pongal uplift your heart. View full Image Pongal 2026 Wishing you abundance and contentment. Happy Pongal! May happiness multiply. May this Pongal bring new beginnings. Celebrate the festival with cheerful hearts. Wishing you warmth and blessings. Happy Pongal! May joy fill your home. May the festival bring good health and peace. Wishing you togetherness and harmony. Happy Pongal! May your days be bright. May prosperity walk into your life. Wishing you sweet moments and joyful memories. Happy Pongal! May success follow you always. May the harvest bring happiness and hope. Celebrate Pongal with gratitude and smiles. Wishing you joy, peace, and prosperity. Happy Pongal! May your dreams come true. May this festival fill your life with light. Wishing you happiness that overflows. Happy Pongal! May abundance be yours. May the festival of Pongal bring joy, prosperity, and togetherness to your life. Happy Pongal! May this harvest festival bring joy, prosperity, and good health to your home. Let the Pongal pot overflow with happiness, success, and peace. Wishing you a very Happy Pongal! May Surya bless you with bright days and abundant harvests. Happy Pongal to you and your family! On this auspicious day, may your life be filled with sweetness just like Pongal. Happy Pongal! May this harvest season bring new hopes, new dreams, and new beginnings. Happy Pongal! Pongalo Pongal! May your life overflow with joy and prosperity. Sending warm wishes for a harvest of happiness and success. Happy Pongal! Let us thank nature for its bounty and celebrate together. Wishing you a joyful Pongal! May the festival of Pongal fill your heart with gratitude and happiness. Happy Pongal! As the sugarcane is sweet, may your life be sweeter with success and love. Happy Pongal! May this Pongal bring you peace, prosperity, and positivity all year long. Celebrate the joy of harvest and the blessings of nature. Happy Pongal to you! May your home be filled with laughter, warmth, and abundance this Pongal. Wishing you a Pongal full of good health, happiness, and harmony. May this harvest festival mark the beginning of brighter days. Happy Pongal! Let us rejoice in the blessings of the sun, soil, and hard work. Happy Pongal! May your life overflow like the Pongal pot with success and happiness. Warm wishes on Pongal! May prosperity knock at your door. May the sweetness of Pongal stay in your life forever. Happy Pongal! A festival of gratitude, joy, and togetherness. Wishing you a blessed Pongal! Celebrate the spirit of harvest and happiness. Happy Pongal to you and your loved ones! May this Pongal bring new opportunities and endless smiles. With faith, gratitude, and joywishing you a wonderful Pongal. May abundance and success follow you wherever you go. Happy Pongal! Pongalo Pongal! May your days be filled with warmth, joy, and prosperity. Happy Pongal 2026: Quotes Gratitude turns what we have into enough. Happy Pongal. Let your life overflow with joy, just like the Pongal pot. A thankful heart is the best harvest of all. Pongal wishes to you. Pongal reminds us that hard work always brings sweet rewards. Celebrate the blessings of nature, food, and togetherness this Pongal. Where there is gratitude, there is abundance. Pongalo Pongal. The harvest is sweeter when shared with loved ones. Thank the sun, the soil, and the hands that feed us. Pongal is not just a festival, it is a feeling of thankfulness. May your days be as warm as the Pongal fire and as sweet as sugarcane. Harvest joy, sow kindness, and grow happiness. Happy Pongal. Let today be a reminder to appreciate lifes simple blessings. From the fields to our hearts, Pongal brings abundance. Let gratitude overflow and worries burn away this Pongal. Celebrate natures gifts and lifes goodness. Pongal greetings. Every grain of rice carries a story of effort and hope. Pongal teaches us to pause, thank, and celebrate. Abundance grows where gratitude flows. Happy Pongal. May your harvest be rich in joy and peace. A festival that honors hard work and humble hearts. Let sunshine fill your days and gratitude fill your heart. Sweetness is best when shared. That is the spirit of Pongal. Pongal is a reminder that nature always gives back. Celebrate the season of plenty with a thankful soul. Harvest happiness and let it last all year long. Happy Pongal 2026: Messages Wishing you a year as bright as the sun and as sweet as the sugarcane. Happy Pongal 2026! May the overflowing Pongal pot bring wealth and health to your family. Let the warmth of the festivities fill your heart with joy. Happy Pongal! Wishing you a harvest of success in every field of your life. May the Almighty bless you with peace and prosperity on this auspicious day. Let us celebrate the bounty of nature with gratitude and love. May your life be filled with the sweetness of Sakkarai Pongal. Wishing you a very happy and prosperous Pongal. May your dreams take flight! May the sun god shower his blessings on your home and workplace. Pongalo Pongal! May your life overflow with happiness just like the milk in the pot. Happy Pongal 2026! Harvest happiness this season. Happy Pongal! Sweetness, sunshine, and successHappy Pongal! Wishing you a golden harvest of memories. Lets celebrate the spirit of the harvest. Happy Pongal! May your year be as colourful as a Rangoli. Good vibes and golden crops. Happy Pongal! Cheers to a year of abundance! Wishing you a Pongal filled with flavour and fun. May the festival of harvest brighten your path. To my favourite people: May our bond grow stronger this harvest season. Sending you warm hugs and delicious Pongal wishes across the miles. May your home be filled with the sound of laughter and the aroma of ghee. Wishing my family a year of health, wealth, and togetherness. Happy Pongal to the friends who make every season feel like a celebration. May the festivities of Pongal bring us closer together. Heres to sharing Pongal, sugarcane, and secrets! Happy Pongal! May your children grow like the sturdy sugarcanestrong and sweet. Wishing you a kitchen thats always full and a heart thats always light. Happy Pongal to my wonderful familylets celebrate our roots today. Wishing you and your team a productive and prosperous Pongal. May this harvest season mark the beginning of new achievements for you. Seasons greetings! May your hard work yield great results this year. Wishing our valued clients a joyous and abundant Pongal celebration. May the festival of harvest bring growth and stability to your career. Wishing you a year of professional breakthroughs and personal joy. Happy Pongal! May your business flourish like the fields in January. Sending professional greetings for a successful year ahead. May the spirit of Pongal bring fresh energy to your workspace. Wishing you a rewarding harvest of all your efforts. As the sun begins its journey north, may your life head toward greatness. Leave behind the old and embrace the new harvest of opportunities. May the fire of Bhogi burn away your worries and the Pongal sun light up your soul. A new season, a new reason to be grateful. Happy Pongal 2026! May you find the sweetness of sugarcane even in life's hardest moments. Let the harvest festival remind us of the beauty in hard work and patience. Wishing you the strength of the bull and the calmness of the morning sun. May your life be as vibrant and joyful as a Pongal feast. Celebrate the soil, the sun, and the soul. Happy Pongal! May this 2026 Pongal be the start of your most beautiful chapter yet. View full Image Happy Pongal 2026 ( LiveMint ) Happy Pongal 2026: WhatsApp wishes May the rays of the sun bless your fields and your dreams. Let the incense and the bells bring peace to your home this Pongal. Wishing you a year where every seed you sow turns into a golden harvest. May the spirit of the earth keep you grounded and the sun keep you inspired. Celebrating the hard work of our farmers todayHappy Pongal to all! May the tradition of our ancestors bring wisdom to your new year. Let the aroma of fresh rice and jaggery fill your house with nostalgia and joy. Wishing you a season of "Pudhu Nel" (new rice) and new beginnings. May the colours of the Kolam bring vibrant energy to your doorstep. Honouring the cattle that help us liveHappy Mattu Pongal to your family! Wishing you a "sweet as jaggery" kind of year! May your heart be as light as a kite in the Pongal breeze. Happy Pongal! May your pot always boil over with good news. Sending you a bundle of sugarcane and a heart full of love. May your 2026 be a year of non-stop celebrations. Wishing you a harvest of health that lasts a lifetime. Pongalo Pongal! Lets shout out our joy today! v May your worries melt away like ghee on hot Pongal. v Heres to a year of "sweet surprises" and "salty lessons." Wishing you a bright, sunny, and sugary Pongal 2026. Just as the sun changes its path, may your life move toward a brighter direction. Let this harvest remind you that hard work always pays off in the end. May you rise like the steam from the Pongal pothigh and full of life. This Pongal, let go of the past and harvest a brand new future. May your resilience be as strong as the sugarcane stalks. Wishing you the clarity of the winter sky and the warmth of the festive fire. Every grain of rice is a blessing; may your life be filled with millions of them. Harvest the courage to chase your biggest goals this year. May the transition of the Sun bring a transition of peace to your soul. Plant seeds of kindness today; harvest a lifetime of love. May your bank account grow as fast as the crops in the rain. Wishing you financial abundance and spiritual richness this Pongal. May the Goddess of Wealth reside in your home forever. Wishing you a year of "bumper crops" in your business and career. May your investments yield the sweetest fruits this season. Happy Pongal! May you never face a day of scarcity. v Wishing you a home filled with grains and a chest filled with gold. May this 2026 harvest be the most profitable one yet for your family. Sending wishes for a "Lakshmi-filled" Pongal celebration. May your career reach new heights like the rising sun. Time to break out the new clothes and the old recipes! Happy Pongal! May your neighbours Pongal pot boil over first so you can go over and eat! Forget the diet, its Pongal! Lets feast like kings. Wishing you a day of zero stress and unlimited servings of Sakkarai Pongal. May your house be so loud with laughter that the neighbours join in. Heres to the messiest, sweetest, and best Pongal ever! May you find the biggest piece of sugarcane in the bunch. Happy Pongal! May your day be as colourful as a village fair. Sending you a "virtual bowl" of Pongaltastes like love! Let the music, the food, and the family make this a 2026 to remember. Happy Pongal 2026: Tamil wishes , ! ! . , . ! , . 2026! . , . ! . . . , ! ! , ! . . , 2026! , ! , . , . ! . ! . , ! ! . ! ! . . , ! . . ! . . , . ! . . ! . , ! , ! . . ! . . , ! . , ! ! . ! . . , ! . , ! , ! . ! . , . . ! . ! Two Indian PhD students at the University of Colorado Boulder reportedly won $200,000 (around 1.8 crore) in a civil rights settlement after alleging that they were discriminated against for eating Indian food on campus a case they said was about dignity as much as money. The lawsuit in question dates back to 2023, when Aditya Prakash, then a PhD scholar in the universitys Anthropology Department, was heating his lunch a bowl of palak paneer. What happened at the university? According to a report by The Indian Express, Prakash was reheating his lunch in a shared microwave oven when a female staff member complained about the pungent smell and told him not to use the facility. Without losing his calm, Prakash reportedly told the staff member firmly, Its just food. Im heating and leaving. The situation escalated after Prakashs partner, Urmi Bhattacheryya, also a PhD scholar, supported him. The couple alleged they were subjected to retaliation for standing their ground, including repeated meetings with senior faculty where Prakash was accused of making the staff member feel unsafe. Bhattacheryya said she was subsequently removed from her teaching assistant role without explanation. The university, they claimed, also withheld the masters degrees that PhD students typically receive along the way a move they said pushed them to seek legal recourse. What did the couple mention in the lawsuit? In their lawsuit filed in a US district court, the couple alleged that the university fostered a hostile academic environment and that the response to their food reflected deeper systemic bias against international students. In September 2025, the University of Colorado Boulder agreed to a settlement, paying Prakash and Bhattacheryya $200,000 and awarding them their masters degrees. However, the settlement also bars them from future enrolment or employment at the university. How things changed after the food-heating episode Prakash, a native of Bhopal, and Bhattacheryya, 35, who is from Kolkata, first met in Delhi before enrolling for PhDs in the US. Bhattacheryya first took admission in sociology at the University of Southern California before shifting to the University of Colorado Boulder. According to the couple, their first year passed without incident. Prakash received grants and funding, while Bhattacheryyas research on marital rape was well received. Then came the episode involving reheating food and, Prakash told The Indian Express, everything changed overnight. President Donald Trump on Wednesday (January 14) escalated his rhetoric against Somali immigrants in the United States, posting on Truth Social: They should be thrown out of the USA. Get it done, NOW! That includes their loser Rep. Omar, who married her brother (gross!). Trumps comments come amid ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct involving Somali immigrant communities in the US. Just the News reported that federal agents uncovered a massive cash movement operation originating from Somali communities. The operation involved couriers transporting hundreds of millions of dollars in bulk cash through Minneapolis and Columbus airports before sending it overseas, often routed through Amsterdam to Dubai. Federal agents investigating a Somali immigrant operation that moved large sums of cash in suitcases from Minneapolis to overseas have uncovered a new leg of the courier network at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, a report said. According to Homeland Security officials cited by Just the News, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers tracked and flagged approximately $136 million in bulk cash in outbound luggage at John Glenn Columbus International Airport passenger checkpoints since November 2023. The cash was reportedly carried by US citizens of Somali origin traveling to Minneapolis or Atlanta before being sent overseas. Officials said couriers declared the money legally, as required on federal documents. Typically, when they go to Minneapolis, they drop off the cash and then a subsequent courier travels abroad from Minneapolis to Dubai through Amsterdam, an official familiar with the investigation reportedly told the news outlet. Operation spans multiple Somali communities Officials cited by the news report said that the operation appears to have involved multiple Somali immigrant communities across the West, Midwest, and South. Luggage filled with currency was ultimately consolidated in Minneapolis for international flights. Just the News previously reported that TSA had detected nearly $700 million in cash leaving Minneapolis airport in 2024 and 2025, frequently routed through Amsterdam to Dubai, where US authorities lost tracking of the funds. Federal officials noted that during the Biden administration, TSA alerts were made but received limited follow-up until President Trump assumed office last year. The cash movements out of Minnesotas largest airports were reportedly 90 to 99 times larger than amounts detected at major international hubs such as JFK in New York or Seattle and Atlanta, officials told the news outlet. Link to Minnesota welfare fraud scandal The revelations come amid a federal investigation in Minnesota into a welfare fraud scheme allegedly siphoning up to $9 billion from taxpayers, predominantly involving Somali immigrants in the Minneapolis area. The scandal has ended Governor Tim Walzs 2026 re-election plans and prompted President Trump to terminate special immigration status for Somali refugees in the US. The House Oversight Committee has launched a major fraud probe, with the FBI and Homeland Security sending hundreds of agents to investigate. Over 90 defendants, mostly of Somali descent, have been indicted, with about half already convicted. US Supreme Court tariff decision LIVE: The US Supreme Court on Wednesday (January 14) issued three decisions but did not rule on the closely watched legal challenge to President Donald Trumps global tariffs. The court did not indicate when it would take up the case or announce the next date for issuing rulings. As is customary, the Supreme Court does not disclose in advance which decisions will be released on a given day. The dispute over Trumps tariffs represents a major test of presidential authority and the Supreme Courts willingness to rein in expansive claims of executive power since Trump returned to office in January 2025. Months after assuming office for a second term, Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on the US' trading partners, sparking global trade tensions. Trump's decision to impose tariffs on almost every major economy also sparked legal challenge that questioned the extent of his presidential authority and the legality of the tariffs imposed. Ahead of the SCOTUS verdict, Trump warned that any decision striking down his tariffs would spell disaster for the US, writing unequivocally, WE'RE SCREWED. The history of the Venezuelan opposition is one of relentless resistance, periodically coming within a hairs breadth of seizing power, only to be repeatedly crushed before achieving its goal. The violence unleashed after the 2024 elections cast a veil of silence over the country: thousands forced into hiding, exile, or prison, once again cutting short the latest attempt to attain power peacefully and democratically through elections. However, the ouster of president Nicolas Maduro and the possible call for new elections have triggered a realignment among the different sectors of the opposition. In this Maduro-era regime without Maduro, no one wants to miss out on the unfolding drama. In recent weeks, former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles has been maneuvering to portray himself as a centrist fighting from within the country. From abroad, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is intensifying her international agenda. On Monday, she met with the Pope, and this Thursday she will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Meanwhile, opposition figures living in hiding, such as Alfredo Ramos, former mayor of the city of Barquisimeto, have returned to the country after spending 17 months underground. Aware that exile often amounts to a politicians social death, and trusting in greater openness from the regime, new voices hope to emerge from the shadows and rejoin the debate as soon as possible. Facing all of them, the Maduro government and the Rodriguez siblings Delcy, acting president, and Jorge in the National Assembly had designed their own opposition to keep up appearances. In May of last year, a group of dissidents took their seats, including Capriles, Henry Falcon, Pablo Perez, Stalin Gonzalez, Timoteo Zambrano (a friend of former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero), Jose Brito, Antonio Ecarri, and Bernabe Gutierrez. It is a comfortable opposition group for Chavismo, one that calls for the release of political prisoners and greater openness but wields no real power, since, as a minority in the National Assembly, it lacks enough votes to advance any legislative proposal. Among them, Henrique Capriles stands out, having returned to political life after a decade marginalized and overshadowed by his former partner Maria Corina Machado, with whom he is now bitterly at odds. Capriles secured his seat after breaking with the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD) led by Machado, which called for abstention in last years elections to choose governors and National Assembly lawmakers. The result was that Capriles returned to political life by gaining representation, but he was expelled from his party, Primero Justicia, branded a traitor to anti-Chavista unity. With an energetic discourse and strong appeal among the working classes, Capriles has been the most formidable electoral rival Hugo Chavez and Maduro ever faced, losing twice by a handful of votes in elections riddled with fraud. After 12 years of erratic statements and senseless clashes with his former allies, he slipped back into the National Assembly in May, but since then, he has used every opportunity to define his new political space. Three days after the U.S. bombings over Caracas, Capriles appeared alongside Delcy Rodriguez, endorsing a government in shock as it formalized Maduros replacement. Henrique Capriles in Caracas on January 5. Jesus Vargas (Getty Images) Unlike other opposition leaders, Capriles has managed to remain in Venezuela without being detained. His rhetoric remains anti-Chavista, but he has distanced himself from the opposition in exile by proposing overtures to the regime that are seen as unacceptable by those abroad. His aim is to position himself as a centrist candidate capable of winning over a popular electorate wary of Machados right-wing policies. By contrast with this compliant opposition, Machado who won this years Nobel Peace Prize is the figure with the greatest popular pull in the country. Before attempting to return to hiding in Venezuela, as she has promised, she has stepped up her international appearances, which began in Oslo. On Monday she visited the Vatican, and on Thursday she is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump. At the top of her agenda is the release of political prisoners, the central plank of a platform she is promoting alongside Edmundo Gonzalez, her stand-in to face Maduro after she was barred from running in the elections. Both insist there can be no transition while political prisoners remain behind bars, and they have denounced irregularities in the releases announced by Jorge Rodriguez. The figure of 116 releases does not match reality, they said in a statement on Tuesday, noting that only 56 releases have been verified. Alongside the maneuvering taking place among opposition leaders, long-silenced voices are also re-emerging in small cities and neighborhoods. The former mayor of Barquisimeto, Alfredo Ramos, a national leader of the progressive party La Causa R, reappeared publicly on Friday after 17 months in hiding. Ramos is part of Machados PUD platform, which swept the July 2024 elections. Following the subsequent crackdown, he remained underground until last week, when he gave his first statements, urging new voices to step out of the shadows and come forward. For many, it remains the only viable electoral platform. The history of Venezuelas opposition is that of a movement marked equally by pain and frustration, one that has deployed every imaginable strategy in an attempt to defeat Chavismo. Now, the emergence of Trump has renewed the hopes of a political class that had all but given up. From the moment an exultant Chavez arrived at Miraflores Palace in 1999, the opposition tried to economically strangle the regime by organizing a major oil strike, which was ultimately neutralized. In 2002, Pedro Carmona led a coup detat that lasted less than 48 hours, and a decade later, in 2013, Chavezs death once again shook up the political landscape. He died of cancer after winning his final election, a kind of Cid Campeador victorious even as he was already fading. It was not the charismatic Chavez, however, but Nicolas Maduro who then held on to power against Capriles, thanks to elections riddled with irregularities. Not even the massive demonstrations that for days took over every city in Venezuela could bring Chavismo to its knees. The price was extremely high: thousands of Venezuelans protesting against Maduro were tear-gassed, beaten, killed, imprisoned, and persecuted along with their families, spreading fear among anyone who dared to speak out. Protest against the government in Caracas on March 3, 2024. Cristian Hernandez (Andalou/Getty Images) Universities such as the one in San Cristobal have never been the same since the harsh crackdown on students who were trapped there for months in 2015. Hundreds of them were never able to finish their studies and ended up imprisoned or forced into exile. When the opposition finally won a majority in the National Assembly in 2015, it was still unable to prevail, as Chavismo created a parallel assembly that stripped the original body of both power and funding. The opposition then turned to Juan Guaido, exploiting a loophole in the Constitution. By controlling the National Assembly, it appointed Guaido interim president in 2019 the same post now held by Delcy Rodriguez. Guaidos appointment was recognized by 50 countries, and the United States and the European Union imposed sanctions on Venezuela. The hope that a new window had opened to bring an end to Chavismo once again mobilized thousands of people from the middle and working classes, inspired by a candidate who was their complete opposite. But repression once again proved brutal, and the opposition once more pinned its hopes on elections to test its strength. By then, eight million Venezuelans had left the country. In the 2024 elections, the government ultimately barred Machado from running, but the stopgap solution Edmundo Gonzalez swept the polls until a new and furious wave of persecution imposed silence. Since January 3, the oppositions familiar figures have begun to glimpse yet another new opening. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Last week, the US Supreme Court deferred its ruling on whether President Donald Trump had overstepped his presidential powers by using emergency laws to levy sweeping import duties on trade partners, including India and China, among others. Now all eyes are on the SCOTUS as it prepares to deliver another ruling with major legal disputes pending, including a test of the legality of Trump's tariff regime. Trump claimed it would be a complete mess if the Supreme Court were to strike down his tariffs a remark that signalled his unease over the impending decision. The US Supreme Court's ruling would determine whether Trump acted within his statutory authority as president and whether the tariffs can legally stand. What if tariffs are ruled illegal & what if they aren't? In case the Supreme Court rules the tariffs illegal and orders refunds, it would be a major blow to the Trump administration. Earlier, Trump ranted on his Truth Social that repaying the money would be a complete mess and almost impossible for our Country to pay. He argued that refunds could run into many Hundreds of Billions of Dollars which is estimated to be over $130 billion, as per a report by BBC. The White House has said that officials will explore alternative avenues if the court does not rule in their favour. According to a report by the BBC, it could include existing legislation that allows the president to impose tariffs of up to 15%for 150 days. What are the odds SCOTUS declares tariffs illegal? Multiple reports mentioned that the tariffs would be ruled unconstitutional, at least in part, citing experts. A report by Business Times mentioned that 27% of traders believe the US Supreme Court will side with Trumps decision, while the remaining 73% are betting against it, citing Polymarket, a blockchain-based prediction platform. What time is the US Supreme Court decision today? The US Supreme Court is set to release its rulings at approximately 10:00 a.m. ET, today, Wednesday, at 8:30 PM IST, on the same day. The court, however, does not announce in advance which rulings it intends to issue. It issued one ruling last Friday, but did not act in the tariffs case. What is the IEEPA law at the core of tariff case? Trump had slapped sweeping tariffs on almost all of America's trading partners invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The IEEPA is a 1977 law that allows the US President to regulate economic transactions during a declared national emergency. The Trump administration had argued that persistent trade deficits, unfair trade practices and supply-chain vulnerabilities constituted an economic emergency. US importers and trade associations pushed back, arguing that IEEPA does not give the US president the reins to levy broad-based import tariffs only Congress can do that, as per the US Constitution. FBI agents searched the Virginia home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson on Wednesday (January 14) as part of an investigation into the alleged sharing of classified government information, Reuters reported, citing officials. The Washington Post said investigators told Natanson she was not a target of the probe. The search is linked to a case against Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a technology specialist working for a US government contractor, who was charged last week with unlawful retention of national defence information. Prosecutors allege Perez-Lugones took screenshots of classified intelligence reports and printed them. Investigators also found documents marked secret in his car and basement, according to an FBI affidavit. Justice Department stance Attorney General Pamela Bondi said on X that the Justice Department and FBI executed a search warrant at the home of a Washington Post journalist who had been obtaining and reporting classified and illegally leaked information from a Pentagon contractor. She added that the alleged leaker is now in custody and said the Trump administration would not tolerate illegal leaks that pose risks to national security. Who is Hannah Natanson? Hannah Natanson is a Washington Post reporter covering President Donald Trumps reshaping of the federal government and its impact on the federal workforce. She has reported extensively on Trumps push to fire large numbers of federal workers and realign remaining staff to implement his agenda. Before joining the federal government beat, Natanson covered education for six years. She is a Harvard University graduate with a BA. Awards and recognition Natanson has received several major journalism honours. She was part of the Washington Post team that won the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for coverage of the January 6, 2021, US Capitol insurrection. In 2024, she won a George Foster Peabody Award for a podcast series on school gun violence. She has also been a Pulitzer finalist and has received awards from the Education Writers Association, the Society of Professional Journalists, and Poynter. Recent reporting In December, Natanson wrote a first-person account titled I am The Posts federal government whisperer. Its been brutal, describing the volume of calls and messages she received from current and former federal employees distressed by rapid policy changes under the Trump administration. The Centre is considering a proposal to require wind and solar farms supplying power to the grid, along with standalone energy storage systems, to install battery storage systems featuring a minimum level of domestic components, three people familiar with the discussions said. The move aims to curb the nations reliance on imports but risks nudging up the final cost of power, at a critical juncture for the countrys energy transition. The government is looking to mandate at least 50% local content for components, including battery and energy management systems, containers, and inverters used in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), but excluding cells, the people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. Authorities may also introduce a list of approved manufacturers and models, mirroring a policy already in place for the solar industry known as the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). Also Read | US battery energy storage major Fluence eyes India for manufacturing hub The power ministry held a consultation last week with executives from state-run firms including NTPC Ltd and Solar Energy Corp. of India Ltd (Seci), as well as private players such as JSW Energy Ltd, Engie SA, and Avaada Electro. The consultations sought views on a transition timeline for indigenization, one of the people said, adding that talks are in early stages and no final decision has been made. "The government wants to understand whether the industry is prepared to cater to the growing demand and by what time the mandates can be implemented," the person said. "The eventual target is to indigenize the supply chain and reduce the foreign exchange outflow associated with the green energy shift." Spokespersons for the power ministry, NTPC, SECI, JSW Energy, Avaada Electro, and Engie did not respond to emailed queries. Strategic security and the grid The development comes at a time when India is targeting 47 GW of BESS capacity at a cost of 3.5 trillion by 2032. The components requiring indigenization account for around 35% of the cost of these industrial-scale batteries critical for facilitating Indias green energy transition. Since solar and wind projects cannot generate power during cloudy and windless times, BESS helps store the electricity and feed it to the grid when required. Security concerns are also a key driver. The power grid faces constant cyber threats. Officials have previously flagged potential vulnerabilities in Chinese-made equipment, particularly in chargers for electric vehicles and power electronics connected to the transmission network. Mandating local content and a "whitelist" of trusted vendors would allow the state to exercise tighter control over the hardware used in critical infrastructure. The government is particularly wary of vulnerabilities. With at least 30 cyber-attack attempts reported daily on the national gridmany originating from China, Russia, and Singaporethe government views BESS localization as a matter of national security rather than just industrial policy. The cost of sovereignty The shift has sparked a debate over the pace of Indias green energy transition. Former power secretary Alok Kumar acknowledged the need for localization but warned that aggressive mandates could slow adoption by making projects less bankable. Also Read | Discoms selling green power at lower than cost price on exchanges "It needs to be seen that a balance is maintained," Kumar said. "When mandates are implemented, it raises costs, and higher costs may lead to increase in tariffs and adoption may slow down. So, the ambitious targets may be impacted in the near term. This slowdown should be factored in, and the expansion targets for battery storage may have to be made lenient as both the targets of localization and rapid expansion may not go hand in hand." However, some analysts suggest the financial impact may be more manageable than industry critics fear. Duttatreya Das, an energy analyst for Asia at the think tank Ember, noted that previous domestic content requirements (DCR) for solar modules did not severely derail expansion when developers were given sufficient lead time. "As was witnessed in the case of mandates imposed on solar modules and cells, DCR norms did not severely hit the expansion, as a considerable timeline was given, and prices also did not increase significantly," Das said. "Overall, I believe gradual localization is good for the sector and the economy, beyond looking at immediate cost spikes." Bridging the gap The proposal follows a power ministry mandate last month requiring 20% localization for projects under viability gap funding (VGF) scheme. That scheme aims to develop 30 GWh of storage capacity. The newer proposal for a 50% mandate would represent a significant escalation of that ambition. Rupam Raja, head of energy storage at Ampin Energy Transition, a renewable energy company, said a supply chain for non-cell components could be established within 12 to 24 months. "With the right volumes and favourable duty structure for domestic manufacturing, we will create the grounds for cost neutrality with imports," Raja said. Currently, global leaders in the BESS space include Chinas Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), Frances Engie, and US-based Fluence Energy. By forcing these players to either manufacture locally or partner with Indian firms, the government hopes to replicate the 'Make in India' success seen in the automotive and mobile phone sectors. Scaling up to 2030 China currently dominates the global battery supply chain, controlling the majority of lithium processing and cell manufacturing. While India has roughly 15 GW of BESS assembly capacity, its actual operational footprint is just 700 MWh. This creates a massive gap between current reality and the Central Electricity Authoritys (CEA) estimate that the country will need 236 GWh of capacity by 2030 to manage the intermittency of renewable power. Despite the low current capacity, the pipeline is filling up. Tendering activity is accelerating at a record pace. Approximately 60 GWh of capacity was auctioned in 2025, up from 24 GWh in 2024 and just 4 GWh in 2023, according to the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA). Debi Prasad Dash, executive director of the NetZero Energy Transition Association (Netra), suggested that the government should implement these value-addition norms progressively. "The government should implement component-wise local value addition giving sufficient time to build necessary capabilities," he said, noting that multiple startups have already begun producing indigenous connectors and power electronics. Alekhya Datta, fellow and director, electricity and renewables division at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) noted that the mandate for 20% localization under the VGF scheme is a signal of intent for the start of localization with non-cell components where India has faster feasibility, while cells can be ramped under the ongoing production-linked incentive scheme for advanced chemistry cells. After a technical error left passengers aboard a 10-hour Air France flight from Bengaluru to Paris stranded in Turkmenistan for a second day, consular officials from the Embassy of India in Turkmenistan assured them of full support. In a post on X, the Embassy shared two pictures with the stranded passengers and said, Consular Officials of the Embassy met the Indian passengers of Air France Flight AF 191, which made an emergency landing at Ashgabat Airport earlier today and assured them of the Embassy's full support for their smooth onward journey to Paris. Here's what happened: According to The Independent, Air France flight AF191 was scheduled to depart from Bengaluru at 2:00 AM on Monday, 12 January. However, the flight was delayed in the city for 21 hours due to a technical issue. Finally, the 10-hour flight to Paris took off at 11:22 PM. It flew normally over India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, but had to make an emergency stop four hours later. According to the report, one of the engines of the Air France flight had developed a fault over Turkmenistan airspace, causing it to descend and touch down at Ashgabat Airport an hour later. When will stranded passengers reach Paris? The stranded passengers are expected to depart for Paris on Wednesday, 14 January, at 1:00 PM local time. The flight AF191 is now scheduled to resume not today but Wednesday at 1 PM with a spare aircraft. Passengers are stranded 33 hours at the airport, the aviation news service Airlive reported. According to information on Flightradar24, a replacement Air France aircraft departed from Paris CDG to Ashgabat early on Tuesday afternoon to rescue the passengers. The replacement flight was scheduled to arrive at 8.27 PM on Tuesday. Once the crew are rested, the report said that a 1 PM departure on Wednesday for Paris looked plausible. Turkmenistan weirdest city ever Tony Wheeler, the co-founder of Lonely Planet, said Ashgabat was the weirdest city ever, claiming that it was even stranger than North Koreas capital. Pyongyang was easily the weirdest city Id ever seen until I arrived in Ashgabat. It felt like some dystopian, post-disaster movie set where the buildings are untouched, but the people are all gone, he wrote. Turkmenistan reportedly has very strict visa regulations and requires a letter of invitation issued by an authorised travel agent, as well as a payment of around $50 (approximately 4,507). According to its Foreign Office, All travellers by air must undergo a Covid-19 test upon arrival at Ashgabat airport, which costs $31 ( 2,795). French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu survived two no-confidence votes in parliament on Wednesday, clearing the way for the government to focus on yet another budget showdown in the coming days. The no-confidence motions, filed by the far-right National Rally (RN) and hard-left France Unbowed (LFI), aimed to protest the European Union's trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc. Despite French opposition, EU member states last week approved the signing of the long-debated deal with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The RN and LFI accused the government of not doing enough to block it. "Inside the country, you are a government of vassals serving the rich. Outside, you are humiliating our nation before the European Commission and the U.S. empire," chief LFI lawmaker Mathilde Panot told the government, speaking in parliament ahead of Wednesday's no-confidence motion votes. PM SAYS OPPOSITION LEADERS 'ACTING LIKE SNIPERS' The Socialist Party had ruled out backing the no-confidence motions and the conservative The Republicans also said they would not vote to censure the government over Mercosur. As a result, both motions failed. The one tabled by LFI received only 256 votes in favour, 32 votes short of what was needed for the motion to pass. The second motion, put forward by the far right, received 142 votes in favour and also failed. Lecornu said time spent on the no-confidence votes was further delaying fraught debates on the country's 2026 budget, which he said political leaders should instead focus on. "You are acting like snipers lying in wait, firing into the executives back at the very moment when we must confront international disruptions," he said. NEXT ON THE AGENDA: TOUGH BUDGET TALKS Now, one of several options regarding the 2026 budget would be for Lecornu to invoke Article 49.3 of the Constitution to push through the finance bill without a vote, after negotiating a text with all groups except the RN and LFI, one government source said. That would almost certainly lead to more motions of no-confidence. Lawmakers are eager to end weeks of wrangling over the budget, even if it means the country's deficit remains near 5%, sources said. President Emmanuel Macron, according to his entourage, wants a budget adopted in January and is "neutral" on how to achieve that. Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said on Tuesday that "nothing is excluded" to pass the budget. France's political situation has been fragile since 2022, when Macron lost his majority in parliament. H-1B visa: Since its launch, the hefty $100,000 fee for an H-1B visa has triggered confusion for many. But a Reddit user had a typical query: My H1-B was approved in 2024. I came to the US in January 2025, but was unfortunately laid off in August 2025. I travelled back to India and now have another job offer, starting from January 2026. Will the $100,000 fees apply in this case? View full Image Screenshot of Reddit post We asked an immigration attorney, ChatGPT and Gemini for suggestions. Before delving into them, let's first understand where the H-1B visa fee applies (exemptions): 1. An H-1B visa is valid for three years and can be extended for an additional three years, totalling six years. 2. The H-1B fee requirement began on 21 September 2025. 3. It applies to new H-1B petitions filed on or after 21 September for beneficiaries outside the US who dont have a valid H-1B stay. 4. It is a one-time fee per petition, paid by your employer. H-1B visa fee: Who is exempted? 1. The $100,000 H-1B fee does not apply to every job switch. 2. Existing H-1B Holders 3. F-1 to H-1B Transitions 4. Petitions filed before 21 September 2025 5. The beneficiary receives approval of an H-1B petition filed as a change of status, amendment, or extension of stay, even if filed on or after 21 September 2025. The answer: Is $100,000 fee applicable if you've been laid off and outside the US? When a person has been laid off, their status and work authorisation end, triggering a mandatory 60-day grace period (or until your I-797/I-94 expiration, whichever is shorter) to find a new sponsor, change status, or leave the US. A senior immigration attorney at Manifest Law, Ana Gabriela Urizar, told Mint the $100,000 fee would likely be applied because the individual is outside the United States and the new H-1B petition is not requesting a change of status or extension from within the US. Urizar noted that USCIS has made it clear that the Proclamation applies to petitions filed on or after 21 September 2025, which request consular notification, port-of-entry notification, or pre-flight inspection. This is exactly the posture of most cases where the worker is abroad. Unless the individual has a previously issued and currently valid H-1B visa, the petition would generally fall within the scope of the Proclamation and trigger the $100,000 fee, Urizar said. But what if the person has been laid off, is now outside the US and has a valid visa stamp? If the person is outside of the USA, has a new job and a valid visa stamp, you cant file an extension or amendment with a change of status. You dont have status because you are not in the USA, so you cant change status because you have no status, Urizar said. What does AI suggest? Now, to answer the Redditor's question, ChatGPT deducted: Yes, your new employer will most likely be subject to the $100,000 fee when filing your H-1B petition from India and requesting consular processing. The AI, however, suggested that an individual must always confirm with an experienced US immigration attorney before making decisions. Why is your case likely to trigger the fee? ChatGPT explains: On the Redditor's query, the AI tool said their situations required the H-1B visa fee to be paid because: 1. You left the US after your layoff and you are in India now. 2. Your previous H-1B status lapsed because you were laid off and used up your grace period. 3. Your new employer must file a new H-1B petition (likely with consular processing) for you to re-enter. 4. Because this petition will be filed after 21 September 2025 and youre outside the US, the USCIS considers it a new petition subject to the $100K fee. A 'critical warning' Gemini issued a critical warning on the subject, advising that the individual must not travel outside the US while their transfer is pending. If you leave, your 'Change of Status' may be considered abandoned, and you would be forced to re-enter via a consulate, which would trigger the $100,000 fee, the AI tool revealed. Additionally, if a person has been laid off and holds a valid H-1B visa, the 60-day grace period is your most critical tool for avoiding the $100,000 fee. When $100,000 H-1B fee might not apply The fee generally does not apply if: 1. You were still in the US in a valid H-1B status, and your employer filed an extension, amendment, or change of employer without you leaving the US. 2. Your employer can successfully claim a national interest exception, but this is rare and involves a separate waiver process. Is there any catch to avoid the H-1B visa fee? ChatGPT suggests... 1. Some guidance suggests that current visa holders outside the US might avoid the fee if the petition doesnt need a new visa stamp, but most lawyers and recent community reports interpret it to mean consular processing from abroad will trigger the fee. Amid ongoing civil unrest in Iran, the Indian government on Wednesday issued an advisory for its nationals regarding travel to the Gulf nation. In a social media post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: In view of the ongoing developments in Iran, Indian nationals are once again strongly advised to avoid travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice. MEAs advisory issued on 5 January 2026 may also be referred to, the X post added. Also Read | Free Starlink access for Iran seen as game changer for demonstrators getting their message out The unrest began in Tehran on 28 December, fuelled by growing public frustration over Iran's prolonged economic crisis, and has intensified into more violent confrontations in recent days. Last week, Iran's Ambassador Mohammad Fathali stated that the situation in Iran is under control, and there is no threat to Indian citizens or interests in the Islamic Republic. Emphasising that public order is being maintained, the envoy said diplomatic, economic and consular activities are functioning normally. "I would like to state with full confidence that there is no threat to Indian citizens, like those of other countries residing in Iran," Fathali had told news agency ANI. The envoy also said the Islamic Republic of Iran recognises peaceful protest and the expression of public demands as legal rights within its democratic system. He noted that Iranian leaders, including the President, have stressed the importance of hearing people's voices through lawful and civil channels. Iran on Wednesday pledged accelerated legal proceedings for individuals detained during a sweeping surge of demonstrations, following US President Donald Trumps warning of "very strong action" should the Islamic Republic proceed with executions, as reported by news agency AFP. Also Read | Govt to meet basmati exporters amid US tariff threat on Iran issue In Tehran, officials conducted a memorial service for more than 100 security personnel and various "martyrs" slain during the unrest, which the government has labelled as "riots" while alleging that participants committed "acts of terror." The nationwide protest wave, originally ignited by financial hardships, has evolved into a challenge against the religious establishment since its 1979 inception. Protesters have ignored the administration's total ban on opposition by appearing in rallies throughout the nation, despite claims from the leadership that they have reestablished control. Iranian media outlets reported judiciary head Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei stating that the hearings must be open to the public and noted he spent five hours at a Tehran jail reviewing the files. As protests intensify in Iran under a nationwide internet blackout, Tehran has reportedly deployed Russian military tech to jam Elon Musk's Starlink network, raising alarm among digital rights activists. According to Forbes, the jammers have disrupted up to 80% of Starlink's uplink and downlink traffic, targeting GPS signals used by the terminals to connect with satellites. NetBlocks confirmed the activity, describing the service as patchy, but still there. Amir Rashidi of the Miaan Group, a digital rights nonprofit, told TechRadar: I have been monitoring and researching access to the internet for the past 20 years, and I have never seen such a thing in my life. Musk's company, SpaceX, has attempted to counter the blackout by waiving Starlink subscription fees in Iran, Bloomberg and CNN reported. SpaceX, on Tuesday, US time, waived the Starlink subscription fee in Iran, Bloomberg and CNN reported, effectively enabling people with receivers to access the network without paying. Though receivers are banned, an estimated 50,000 units have been smuggled into the country, enabling some Iranians to connect despite the crackdown. Ahmad Ahmadian, executive director of the technology nonprofit Holistic Resilience, explained. "Its plug and connect just put [the satellite terminal] somewhere that has access to a clear view of the sky, and youre good to go," Ahmad was quoted by CNN. What we know about SpaceX's move While SpaceX has yet to announce anything officially, the development was confirmed by company sources familiar with the matter and by Ahmadian, whose organisation works with Iranians to help them secure internet access. The move followed a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Musk earlier this week, wherein Trump, who has been vocally supportive of protesters and threatened military intervention in Iran, pushed for Starlink access in the protest-hit nation. "We may speak to Elon cause as you know, hes very good at that kind of thing. Hes got a very good company, so we may speak to Elon Musk," Trump had told reporters on Sunday, adding, "In fact, Im gonna call him as soon as Im finished with you." That said, Trump and Musk's push to reconnect protesting Iranians with the world has not gone unanswered, with Iran reportedly deploying Russian technology to stymie internet access within its borders. How Iran has responded Iran's pushback has been aggressive. According to Forbes, Tehran deployed military jammers supplied by Russia to shut down Starlink internet. Initially disrupting 30% of traffic, the interference has now risen to 80%. NetBlocks told the Times of Israel on Monday that jammers were targeting GPS signals used by Starlink to locate and enable connections to satellites, leading to localised blackouts. "It [Starlink internet] is patchy, but still there," NetBlocks was quoted as saying by The Times, which added that while it was not clear how Starlink service was being disrupted, specialists suspect it is the result of jamming Starlink terminals. That said, there's no confirmation as yet on what technology is being used to jam Starlink services, and it could very well be a novel one. "I have been monitoring and researching access to the internet for the past 20 years, and I have never seen such a thing in my life," digital rights advocacy non-profit Miaan Group's Amir Rashidi was quoted as saying by Tech Radar. Iran, as of Tuesday, had been offline for 120 hours as per NetBlocks, with the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led government imposing the blackout last week to disconnect protesters from the international community. As of writing this, the death toll in Iran amid the government crackdown on protests rose to over 2,000, as per the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, with 1,850 protesters being killed. Amid concerns over possible air strikes by the United States on Iran, the United Kingdom (UK) is withdrawing some personnel from an airbase in Qatar, the i newspaper reported on Wednesday. Meanwhile, certain US staff members have been instructed to leave the Al Udeid American military base in Qatar, reported news agency AFPciting two diplomatic sources. Concurrently, the United States embassy in Saudi Arabia advised its employees on Wednesday to exercise heightened vigilance and steer clear of all military sites. The friction between Washington and Tehran, which have lacked formal diplomatic ties since 1979s Islamic revolution, follows President Donald Trumps warning that Iran could face repercussions for its crackdown on dissent. Also Read | Jaishankar receives call from Iran Foreign Minister Araghchi, discusses unrest During a CBS News broadcast on Tuesday, Trump declared that the United States would intervene if the Iranian government initiated the execution of demonstrators. "We will take very strong action if they do such a thing," he said. Iran Says Prepared to Retaliate In response to Trumps threats, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander stated on Wednesday Iran remains prepared to retaliate "decisively" against its adversaries Israel and the United States. The Guards are at "the height of readiness to respond decisively to the miscalculation of the enemy," said IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour in a written statement quoted by state television. Blaming foreign leaders for the protests across the republic, Pakpour accused US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being the "murderers of the youth of Iran". Previously in June, Iran launched an attack on the Al Udeid facility as a retaliation for American military strikes directed at Iranian nuclear infrastructure. Ali Shamkhani, a top counselor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, cautioned Trump that the base strike served as evidence of "Iran's will and capability to respond to any attack". A rights group has claimed that at least 3,428 individuals were killed during the violent demonstrations, according to the AFP report. Also Read | Indian student stranded in Iran amid protests, Owaisi urges EAM for evacuation Human rights monitors noted that under the veil of a five-day digital blackout, Iranian leaders are conducting their harshest crackdown in decades against protests that have fundamentally questioned the clerical ruling system. The judiciary chief promised accelerated trials for those detained during the unrest as international concerns mounted that the state would utilize the death penalty as a method of intimidation. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has once again ruled out any US military strikes on Mexican territory, telling President Donald Trump that cooperation on security does not require foreign intervention. We continue to collaborate and coordinate without the need for intervention from the United States, Sheinbaum told reporters after a phone call with Trump. We operate in Mexico, she added. No one else does. Call follows Maduro seizure The conversation came just a week after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and flew him to New York to face drug trafficking charges, a move that has heightened regional tensions. Sheinbaum said Trump asked for her views on the Venezuela operation. He asked me what my opinion was on what they had done in Venezuela, and I told him clearly that our Constitution was very clear, that we dont agree with interventions, she said. Trump renews cartel warnings After the Maduro operation, Trump again hinted at possible unilateral US action against Mexican drug cartels, particularly those involved in fentanyl trafficking. Mexico has to get their act together, because theyre pouring through Mexico. And were going to have to do something, Trump said earlier this month, adding that he had offered US military help to clean up the cartel problem. Sheinbaum has consistently rejected that idea, arguing that such assistance is unnecessary. Security cooperation and fentanyl claims According to Sheinbaum, the latest call focused largely on security cooperation. She said she highlighted what she described as progress by Mexican authorities, including a 50% year-on-year drop in fentanyl trafficking into the US. She added that senior officials from both countries are scheduled to meet on January 2223 to continue discussions on bilateral security issues. Balancing diplomacy and differences Since taking office in late 2024, Sheinbaum has sought to keep tensions with Trump in check. Despite policy differences, she said dialogue with Washington remains essential. The family of one of the deceased says no one informed them he was in hospital, or even that he was sick. Now they are demanding justice At noon on Tuesday, January 6, when she was hoping 2026 would be a better year, Josselyn Yanez received a call from an officer with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The officer, politely, asked who she was if she was the daughter of Mr. Luis Beltran Yanez-Cruz. I told him, Yes, I am his daughter. Then the officer said he was sorry to inform her that her father, a 68-year-old Honduran migrant who was in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), had died in the early morning. From one day to the next, her father was no longer just her father, but one of the four migrants who died during the first 10 days of the year after being detained by immigration authorities. I asked him how, why... I had a thousand questions. I couldnt believe it, Josselyn tells EL PAIS, visibly affected by a death the family never saw coming. We are devastated. I had hoped my beloved father would get out of there, but I never imagined he would come out like that. I just hope justice is served for my father, because when they arrested him, he wasnt sick; he got sick while he was in custody. Yanez-Cruzs last call to his family was on Sunday, January 4, when he spoke with his granddaughters. According to his daughters social media post, he was happy and calm. The day before, he had called her from the Imperial Regional Detention Center in Calexico, California, where he was being held after being transferred from Delaney Hall, New Jersey. On November 16 of last year, ICE agents arrested him. For no reason, just for being Latino, his daughter told her followers online. Her father was returning from breakfast at a place he frequented when the agents stopped him. Thats when the nightmare began for my dad. In downtown Calexico, Yanez-Cruz complained of stomach pains. They just gave him pills, without knowing the cause of the pain, every time he ate, his daughter recounted. He was also experiencing extreme fatigue. He told me that he was short of breath when he walked. He complained, and they didnt provide him with medical help. The family never knew that Yanez-Cruz had been transferred to hospital, his daughter told this newspaper. A statement from the DHS reported that he had been taken to the Regional Medical Center two days before his death to evaluate chest pain, and was later airlifted to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital for a higher level of medical care. The official version maintains that, despite medical intervention, Yanez-Cruz was pronounced dead in the early morning, at 1:18 a.m. Pacific Time. However, his daughter asserts that it was that same day that she learned not only that her father had arrived at the hospital with heart problems, but that he was ill. He had no medical history, or at least he never told me that he suffered from any kind of illness. Yanez-Cruz had arrived in the United States through the border at Eagle Pass, Texas, in June 1993. According to the DHS, he was deported, but later re-entered the country without authorization on an unknown date. Between 1999 and 2012, he filed multiple applications for Temporary Protected Status, all of which were denied, authorities stated. The Hondurans offense was entering the country without inspection, admission, or parole by an immigration officer. Today, the family cant understand how a man who wasnt a criminal, a hard-working person, could have ended up like this, with such a strange death, as his daughter said. My heart still cant grasp what they did to my dad, because he was a healthy man, without any medical conditions. He just arrived at that cursed place and started getting sick. Luis Beltran Yanez-Cruz and Josselyn Yanez, in an undated image. IMAGEN CEDIDA Although the DHS publicly reaffirms its commitment to the people in its custody to whom, it says, it provides comprehensive medical care from the moment of arrival and throughout their stay, in addition to other services such as 24-hour emergency care the truth is that these facilities have been the focus of complaints from the detainees themselves. They complain about the lack of medical services, standardized medicine, and the appalling conditions of a population that at least until last December reached the official figure of 68,440 people in custody. A strengthened agency Although the figures are inconsistent ICE reports 18 deaths, while some media outlets such as The Guardian mention 35 fiscal year 2025 ended up registering the highest number of deaths in detention in more than two decades. In 2026, ICE is much stronger: it has doubled its staff from 10,000 to 22,000 agents and gained power with the economic boost provided under the so-called Big, Beautiful Bill, which increased its budget by more than $100 billion, making it the best-funded agency in U.S. history. Its agents have been given free rein to intimidate, arrest, and even attempt to kill citizens. The shooting death of Renee Good in Minneapolis last Wednesday has become a stark example of the deliberate way in which immigration agents in this case, the officer who pulled the trigger belongs to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) act with the backing of those in power. But ICE is also responsible for the deaths of four migrants in custody this year, some under unclear circumstances. Among the deceased is Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban national who arrived in the United States in 1996 and had been convicted of multiple crimes, some of them serious. He had been arrested by ICE on July 14, 2025, during a police operation in Rochester, New York. Information released by the DHS states that Lunas Campos was pronounced dead at 10:16 p.m. on January 3 at the Camp East Montana detention center in Texas, after experiencing medical issues. On the same day he died, the Cuban national exhibited disruptive behavior while waiting in line for his medication, according to authorities. When he refused to return to his dormitory, he was placed in solitary confinement. Center staff observed him in distress and contacted medical personnel. Medical personnel responded, implemented life-saving measures, and requested emergency medical services. Lunas was pronounced deceased by EMS, they stated. Currently, the cause of his death is under investigation. Luis Gustavo Nunez Caceres, 42, a Honduran national, also died from cardiac complications on January 5 at HCA Houston Healthcare in Conroe, Texas. He had been transferred there from the Joe Corley Processing Center. ICE arrested him on November 17 during an operation in Houston. His recorded offense was entering the country illegally. The official statement reports that Caceres, 42, had been admitted on December 23 due to complications from congenital heart failure. On January 5, at approximately 4:31 a.m. Central Time, he died in the hospital. His brother, Marvis Nunez, told Telemundo that at the detention center, the Honduran man did not have access to medication to manage his condition. He wasnt treated in a timely manner, and his condition worsened, he said. The family was able to see him for the last time through the glass of the emergency room. The fourth person on the list of those who have died this year while in ICE custody is Parady La, a Cambodian migrant who arrived in the United States in 1981 as a refugee. Despite receiving legal permanent resident status, he lost it after committing a long list of crimes over two decades, according to authorities. DHS reported that, following his arrest on January 6, La was receiving treatment for severe drug withdrawal at the Federal Detention Center (FDC) in Philadelphia. The next day, he was found unresponsive in his cell. Local emergency medical services arrived and performed resuscitation efforts, the DHS reported. He had been diagnosed with anoxic brain injury, post-cardiac arrest, shock, and multiple organ failure. La ultimately died on January 9 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. His body collapsed: doctors reported complete kidney failure and no brain activity. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Pakistan and Qatar on Wednesday discussed the situation in West Asia amidst rising tensions in the region. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from the ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, according to an official statement. Middle East recent developments discussed Recent developments in the Middle East were also discussed, it said. The Prime Minister appreciated Qatar's constructive and proactive role in promoting peace, dialogue, and mediation across the region, and acknowledged its meaningful efforts to defuse tensions through diplomatic solutions. Also Read | Govt to meet basmati exporters amid US tariff threat on Iran issue He assured the Qatari leadership that Pakistan would also continue to play a positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability. During their warm and cordial conversation, the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the current trajectory of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar and reaffirmed their shared resolve to further strengthen these time-tested fraternal bonds. Also Read | US pulls staff at Middle East bases as Iran warns of strikes over Trump threats Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the days ahead. A new poll reveals that most Americans believe the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis was an inappropriate use of force, raising questions about the agencys operations nationwide. Poll details According to a CNN poll released on Wednesday (January 14), roughly 56% of Americans said the ICE agents actions were inappropriate, while just 26% viewed the shooting as appropriate. The survey included 1,209 adults and carries a margin of error of 1.3 percentage points. Concerns over ICE operations The poll also indicates broader skepticism about US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Around 51% of respondents said ICE enforcement actions are making cities less safe, compared to 31% who felt they improved safety. Only 18% said the impact had been minimal. More than half of Americans 51% see the shooting as a reflection of larger systemic problems with ICE, rather than an isolated incident. Partisan divide Responses varied sharply along party lines: Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents overwhelmingly condemned the shooting and questioned ICEs role in city safety. More than 8 in 10 in this group called the shooting inappropriate and said it reflected larger problems. Among Republican-aligned adults, 56% viewed the shooting as appropriate, and 67% said ICE operations generally make cities safer. South Korea's special prosecutor has requested the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of masterminding an insurrection over his brief imposition of martial law in December 2024. South Korea has not carried out a death sentence in nearly three decades. In closing arguments at the Seoul Central District Court late on Tuesday, a prosecutor said investigators confirmed the existence of a scheme allegedly directed by Yoon and his former defence minister, Kim Yong-hyun, dating back to October 2023 designed to keep Yoon in power. "Yoon...claims to have committed emergency martial law to protect liberal democracy, but his unconstitutional and illegal emergency martial law undermined the function of the National Assembly and the Election Commission... actually destroying the liberal democratic constitutional order," the prosecutor said in final arguments. Also Read | Expect turbulence around Taiwan with Trump, Xi and Kim as principal players "The defendant has not sincerely regretted the crime... or apologised properly to the people." Yoon shook his head and appeared to chuckle when he heard the sentencing request, while some of his supporters in court also laughed or even muttered expletives, prompting the judge to call for order. Yoon denies charges While the botched bid to impose martial law lasted only about six hours, it sent shockwaves through South Korea, which is Asia's fourth-largest economy, a key U.S. security ally and was long considered one of Asia's most resilient democracies. Yoon, 65, has denied the charges. He was quoted by the Yonhap news agency as saying in court that he declared martial law to fend off the "wickedness that would ruin the nation". He has argued it was within his powers as president to declare martial law and that the action was aimed at sounding the alarm over opposition parties' obstruction of government. The court will rule on the case on February 19. Also Read | China is flexing its rare-earth muscle but Japan could fend off the threat The sentence prosecutors seek is not always upheld in South Korean courts. In a previous court case in 1995-1996, when former South Korean Presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo were accused of insurrection, prosecutors sought the death penalty and life in prison for Chun and Roh respectively. A lower court handed down a death penalty for Chun and a 22-1/2-year jail term for Roh, before an appeals court revised sentencing to life in prison for Chun and a 17-year jail term for Roh. Both received a presidential pardon after spending about two years in jail. South Korea last handed down a death sentence in 2016, but has not executed anyone since 1997. President Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday announced the next phase of Gaza ceasefire plan, aimed at disarming Hamas, even as Israel carried out a series of strikes during the ceasefire period. He said the United States expects Hamas to fully meet its commitments, including the immediate return of the last deceased hostage, warning that failure to comply would result in serious consequences. We are announcing the launch of Phase Two of the President's 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict," US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said in a post on X. Gaza ceasefire plan: What does the next phase include? The next phase will involve the war-ravaged enclave moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction, Witkoff said. It will also involve establishing a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee to oversee Gaza after the war. Egypt, a close US ally and mediator, announced the formation of the body earlier on Wednesday. The newly formed 15-member Palestinian committee announced on Wednesday will be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Western-backed Palestinian Authority who previously oversaw the development of industrial zones, according to a joint statement from mediators Egypt, Qatar and Turkey. Additional members, selected by former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov, who is expected to serve as the Board of Peaces representative on the ground, include figures from the private sector and non-governmental organisations, according to a list seen by Reuters. Witkoff did not specify the size of the committee or identify its members. Israel-Hamas tensions Intermittent clashes between Israel and Hamas have continued since the peace agreement, including Israeli airstrikes. Hamas has not yet returned the remains of the final hostage from the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks that sparked the war, a key requirement of the first phase of Trumps proposal, according to AFP. Over 71,430 people have died in Israeli strikes on Gaza since then, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in the territory. Also Read | Who was Abu Obaida? Hamas confirms death of its prominent masked voice Meanwhile, the move could prompt frustration in Israel, which had insisted that Hamas release all remaining hostages before the second phase begins. Israeli authorities say police officer Ran Gvili was killed while resisting the 2023 Hamas attack and that his body was taken into Gaza. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said a fundamental disagreement still exists regarding Donald Trumps plans for the Arctic territory and emphasised that Denmark and Greenland consider any forced transfer of sovereignty unacceptable. He made it clear that no progress was made in changing Washingtons stance on Greenland, following a meeting of senior diplomats in Washington. He announced an agreement to constitute a high-level working group on Greenland amid President Donald Trump's threats. We didnt manage to change the US position, Rasmussen said while speaking to reporters after the meeting, adding, Its clear that the president has this wish of conquering Greenland, and we made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the Kingdom [of Denmark]. Im not saying anything is solved. Its not solved, Rasmussen told reporters after the meeting, which he described as frank but constructive". Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the session, which came after social media posts by Trump reiterating his demand that the US take control of Greenland for national security reasons. Rasmussen, along with his Nuuk counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt, visited Washington to persuade the US administration that taking control of the Arctic island, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, was unnecessary. Danish media described the meeting as one of the Kingdoms most pivotal moments since World War II. Greenland is vital for national security: Trump However, just hours before the officials met, Trump posted on his social media site that the US needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. He added, NATO should be leading the way for us to get it and warned that otherwise Russia or China would AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! Trump also wrote, NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen revealed plans to strengthen Denmarks military presence in the far North, stating that the exercise will involve other NATO allies and be permanent. Erstwhile semiconductor giant Intel has shed 23% of its global workforce over the past two years. Thats nearly 30,000 people laid off despite receiving billions in government subsidies to boost domestic manufacturing. When CEO Lip-Bu Tan admitted that his company is "not in the top 10 semiconductor companies" by valuation, he was acknowledging what the market already knows: the company that once defined the industry now holds less than 1% of the discrete GPU market, which is the very architecture powering the AI revolution, compared to Nvidia's 92%. The brutal lesson? Throwing money at semiconductors cannot solve what is fundamentally a technology and execution problem. For India, currently committing over 1.6 trillion to its semiconductor mission, Intel's downfall offers uncomfortable truths. Intel's decline becomes particularly instructive when contrasted with Nvidia's rise. Nvidia didn't stumble into AI chip dominance; it built toward it for over a decade before the generative AI boom. While Intel maximized quarterly profits from its CPU monopoly, Nvidia took a massive risk by investing in specialized software and chips that seemed like a niche side project at the time, but eventually became the foundation for the AI revolution. Its founder, Jensen Huang, famously called it a zero-billion-dollar opportunity", since there was no telling when its commercial value would be realized. By the time ChatGPT created explosive demand for AI training chips in late 2022, Nvidia had spent 15 years developing exactly the technology the market needed. Meanwhile, Intel was busy protecting its legacy business. Also Read | Why the Nvidia-Groq deal is adding fuel to the debate on AI valuations This contrast exposes the flaw in India's semiconductor strategy. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme promises to cover up to 50% of fabrication costs, subsidizing construction as if buildings alone create competitiveness. However, the Tata-PSMC (Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation) facility targets 28 nm nodes, a workhorse technology which Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) mastered in 2011. While these chips are essential for local electronics, the reality is that by 2027, when India reaches volume production, the global frontier will have shifted to 1.6 nm. India isn't just starting late; the gap is widening even as it builds. Intel's workforce reduction reveals why hiring alone cannot solve this. Despite thousands of experienced engineers, Intel consistently trails TSMC in yield rates and process reliability. Industry veteran Burn J. Lin identifies the core issue: in modern semiconductor manufacturing, knowing the technology is distinct from successfully producing it. TSMC's advantage lies in an "organizational muscle memory" that comes only from decades of iterating at scale. India's challenge mirrors Intel's, but is significantly steeper. Intel at least possessed decades of institutional knowledge; India lacks the ecosystem of specialized suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and experienced technicians that Taiwan cultivated over forty years. For that, it has a lack of foresight to blame. In the mid-1990s, after Vinod Dham left Intel having led the successful Pentium processor development, he made frequent trips to India. At that moment, the country should have made him an offer he couldn't refuse: to lead India's semiconductor program. Taiwan did exactly that with Morris Chang in 1987, creating the world-beating TSMC. India's failure to envision a future around a pioneer like Dham condemned it to the backwaters of the semiconductor universe. Even five years ago, as the criticality of chips became obvious, India should have made a bold, all-costs-covered offer to TSMC to establish a local plant. Instead, India reached out in late 2021, after TSMC had already committed to the US, Japan, and Germany. It was too little, too late. Having lost that race, India must pick its next moves carefully. It already hosts 280 academic semiconductor institutes and 72 chip design startups. Design is where Indian talent has demonstrated global competitiveness. While manufacturing investments are necessary, given the countrys import intensity, they shouldn't come at the expense of looking ahead. Ultimately, India is pursuing a settled market while the industrys winners move toward "zero-billion-dollar" frontiers. By subsidizing the 28 nm nodes of 2011, the PLI scheme treats semiconductors like a 20th-century commodity rather than a high-conviction technology bet. If India continues to prioritize filling the gaps of the past over creating the markets of the future, it will remain a technological follower, discovering that no amount of capital can close a gap that widens by the second. Even as US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor struck a positive note on bilateral ties, President Donald Trump has again put India in a difficult position by announcing a 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran. This could elevate the charge on Indian goods shipped to the US to 75% from an already-steep 50%. Indias trade with Iran has slumped since 2019, when India stopped importing oil from it in response to US sanctions. In 2024-25, total trade with it was placed at $1.7 billion, which seems small enough to give up if push comes to shove. Also Read | US to impose 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran Trumps threat could turn out to be a US weapon for talks with a regime in Tehran that it looks keen to either take over or topple via an economic squeeze. Even if so, it exposes India to the unseemly risk of collateral damage. As New Delhis negotiations with the US over a trade deal drag on, this unexpected complication not only clouds the picture, it sends a with-us-or-against-us signal that seems dismissive of Indias strategic autonomy. To be sure, China has far greater trade with Iran. But given its ability to hit back at Washington with supply curbs of its own, Beijing is unlikely to be ruffled. It is New Delhi that may need to go into a diplomacy overdrive. A meeting between leaders of the Communist Party of China and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale at the RSS headquarters on Tuesday has triggered a political row, with the Congress, the countrys principal opposition party, calling it a change of colours. The meeting, which lasted about half an hour, was a courtesy call initiated after the Communist Party of China (CPC) delegation expressed interest in meeting with the RSS leadership. No formal agenda was discussed during the interaction, news agencies reported, quoting people familiar with developments. Earlier on Monday, the CPC leaders met the BJP's General Secretary Arun Singh and Foreign Affairs Department Convener Vijay Chauthaiwale at the BJP headquarters. That interaction was also described as part of a routine exchange. A delegation of the Communist Party of China under the leadership of Ms Sun Haiyan, (Vice Minister, IDCPC) visited the BJP head office today. During the discussion, a BJP delegation headed by the party's General Secretary Arun Singh Ji discussed at length the means to advance inter-party communications between the BJP and CPC. Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong also joined the delegation, Vijay Chauthaiwale wrote on X The meetings come against the backdrop of Beijings claim to the Shaksgam Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. Last year, the RSS had not invited Chinese, Pakistani and Turkish diplomats to a lecture series addressed by Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat to mark the organisations centenary. The decision to exclude China and Pakistan was widely seen as linked to Operation Sindoor. Change of colours: Congress Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned the BJP's relationship with China and took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that those who once spoke of showing red eyes to China have instead rolled out a red carpet for the neighbouring country. Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Khera claimed that the BJP has maintained links with the CPC even when it was not in power, alleging that party leaders visited China and that RSS members also travelled there for training. The BJP has taught even a chameleon how to change its colours. Those who were supposed to show red eyes to China have instead rolled out a red carpet for it. The BJP has held meetings with China's party, the CPC. Even when they were not in power, they used to visit China and hold meetings; RSS members even went there for training, he said. While Khera said that the party does not object to political parties engaging in dialogue with foreign political entities, but criticised the BJP, alleging duplicity and hypocrisy. We have no objection to any political party meeting or engaging in dialogue with a political party from another country. What we object to is the BJP's duplicity, hypocrisy, and deceit. For years, the BJP kept shouting that the Congress had signed an MoU, and now they themselves are holding meetings. Our concern is with the BJP's intentions, because after such closed-door meetings, it is the country that ends up paying the price, he said. Also Read | India plans mandatory localization for battery energy storage systems The CPC leaders also met Congress party leaders on Tuesday. Khera also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being afraid of China, questioning what he called contradictions in the Centre's approach. He cited instances where the government discourages the use of Chinese products while allegedly awarding contracts to Chinese companies. Shaksgam Valley Claim The Congress leader also questioned whether key issues were raised during meetings with Chinese representatives, including the Shaksgam region and developments during Operation Sindoor. Referring to remarks by a senior Army officer, Khera said China had supported Pakistan with weapons, including PL-15 missiles, and alleged that despite this, Prime Minister Modi undertook travel on China's terms. On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning rejected India's claim to the Shaksgam Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. You are in power, and you held meetings at the party office, so we want to know--if not publicly, then at least behind closed doors--did you show the 'red eye'? Did you raise the issue of Shaksgam? Did you raise other issues? What happened during Operation Sindoor? A senior Army officer said that China was helping Pakistan, supplying weapons, and had provided PL-15 missiles. Even then, Modi ji started travelling on China's terms, Khera said. The BJP has taught even a chameleon how to change its colours. Those who were supposed to show 'red eyes' to China have instead rolled out a 'red carpet' for it. The territory you mentioned belongs to China. It's fully justified for China to conduct infrastructure construction on its own territory, Mao said when asked about border issues and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday rejected the Chinese claims over the Shaksgam Valley, saying that India does not recognise the 1963 boundary agreement between Pakistan and China. Addressing a press conference, General Upendra Dwivedi said India considers the said agreement illegal. We do not accept any activity there. As far as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is concerned, we do not accept it and consider it an illegal action being carried out by the two nations, General Upendra Dwivedi said. Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday said Special Intensive Review (SIR) has been conducted by every government, but the opposition finds it objectionable only when they lose an election. This is not the first time an SIR is being conducted in the country, the BJP leader said, speaking to reporters. "Do they (opposition parties) have objections to the cleansing (of voter lists) or the proper voting process? In other words, are they afraid of losing?" Scindia said. 'People's decision is paramount for all of us' "Now, where they win, SIR is very good, and if they lose, it is bad. This is a democracy, and the people's decision is paramount for all of us," he added. Scindia's remarks come amid a row over SIR exercise in many states, mostly where opposition is in power. In Trinamool Congress-ruled West Bengal, for example, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee a strongly-worded letter to Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday, asking him to immediately halt the exercise that she claimed was "chaotic, coercive and dangerous". The TMC chief mentioned that she has "time and again" raised concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in the state and is now "compelled to write" to the chief election commissioner because the situation has reached a "deeply alarming stage". 4.5 crore names removed in UP, alleges AAP Elsewhere, the Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday claimed that over 4.5 crore names have been removed from Uttar Pradesh's voter list in a month, as it alleged that the electoral rolls have been manipulated and demanded the Supreme Court order a probe into the matter. Senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh accused the state government and Election Commission officials of orchestrating "the largest electoral fraud in UP's history under the name of SIR". The state's voter count dropped from 17 crore in December 2025 to 12.55 crore after the "so-called thorough revision," effectively making over 4.5 crore voters disappear, he claimed. "This is a direct attack on democracy and the Constitution." In Rajasthan, state Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra on Wednesday said a pen drive with constituency-wise data was issued from the chief minister's residence with the aim of deleting 4,000 to 5,000 Congress-leaning voters in each assembly segment. The Bharatiya Janata Party refuted the allegation, saying Dotasra was making "baseless" claims. Alleging a "large-scale conspiracy" to cut the Congress vote bank in the state, the Congress state chief said the data was provided after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent visit to Jaipur and circulated among BJP leaders. The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) timetested PSLV rocket suffered a midflight malfunction during its latest mission, but Spanish spaceflight company Orbital Paradigms Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID) capsule was the lone survivor. Hours after ISRO declared an anomaly, Orbital Paradigm posted on social media that its KID capsule had survived miraculously. "Our KID capsule, against all odds, separated from PSLV C62, switched on, and transmitted data. We're reconstructing trajectory. Full report will come," Orbital Paradigm posted on X. KID was one of the 16 payloads of the PSLV C62 mission and survived the mishap long enough to separate from the launch vehicle and transmit data before crash-landing on Earth. What is the KID capsule? An experimental space capsule developed by Orbital Paradigm, the KID capsule is a small-scale demonstrator for the company's future reusable space capsule dubbed Kestrel. As an experiment, KID did not come with fully fleshed out features. It had no propulsion system of its own, nor parachutes, and it was not designed for recovery after landing. Instead, KID's role was to separate after the PSLV rocket's fourth stage de-orbit manoeuvre and attempt to survive re-entry while transmitting data. What did we learn from the KID capsule's data? The KID capsule transmitted about 190 seconds of data before contact was lost, and Orbital Paradigm was able to glean several insights from it. The Spanish company told Payload that KID separated from the PSLV rocket around 18 minutes after liftoff, likely as a result of the anomaly. The demo craft survived peak forces of around 28Gs, while KID's thermal protection material was able to maintain a comfortable payload temperature of around 30C, with the back, payload-facing side of the thermal protection material showing 85C. Also Read | NASA weighs early return of ISS crew after medical issue forces spacewalk delay Speaking to the publication, Orbital Paradigm CEO Francesco Cacciatore said, "To transmit the data, it means KID had to separate undamaged from the launcher, switch on, and connect to the RF link." "The working theory we have is that KID fell back to Earth coupled to PSLV stage 4, and the thermal conditions triggered separation," he explained. The survival of the KID capsule and its success in transmitting data in many ways spell a success for Orbital Paradigm's first re-entry flight. That said, experiments slated to be conducted in microgravity could not be carried out due to the PSLV's failure and the premature loss of the satellite. What went wrong with ISRO's PSLV mission? Although liftoff went according to plan from the space port in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota, ISRO soon reported an anomaly with the third stage of the vehicle. The proposal to tax the wealth of the ultra-rich at 5% pits the governor against a segment of the electorate that sees it as a direct response to inequality California Governor Gavin Newsom has decided to wage an all-out battle against one of the most ambitious and controversial tax proposals in the states recent history: a one-time 5% tax on the wealth of billionaires. The plan, called the 2026 Billionaire Tax Act, has not yet reached the ballot, but it has already sparked a chain reaction that includes threats of capital flight, strategic moves by some of the countrys richest men, and intense political confrontation. Billionaire Tax The proposal, promoted by the Service Employees International UnionUnited Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW), proposes to tax California residents whose fortunes exceed $1 billion. Its proponents claim that the measure would affect about 200 people and generate tens of billions of dollars. Most of that money would go toward funding the states healthcare system, as well as strengthening education and food assistance programs, in response to federal cuts approved last year. Newsom, however, believes that this tax would not solve the problems and could cause even bigger ones. In recent interviews, the governor has reiterated that he opposes the tax not because he rejects progressive taxation, but because it is a tax on assets rather than income. In his view, this difference is crucial. He pointed out that California already has the most progressive income tax system in the country and relies heavily on higher-income taxpayers to sustain its budget. What would the tax look like? Under the proposal, wealth would be calculated based on assets held as of December 31, 2026, and a one-time tax of 5% would be levied. Taxpayers could pay the amount over a period of five years and, in cases of illiquid assets, defer payment until those assets are sold. The proposal has been strongly rejected by business groups and law firms representing large fortunes. Some lawyers have warned that, if approved, the law would face constitutional challenges and lengthy litigation. Others argue that even the threat of the tax could affect the recent economic rebound in the Bay Area, driven by the boom in artificial intelligence and new technology investments. The response of the ultra-rich Although the governor does not have veto power over a citizen initiative, he has acknowledged that his administration has been working for months to stop the project. Newsom has said that the mere announcement of the tax is already having tangible consequences: several billionaires have begun to move assets or reduce their ties to the state. Among them are Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, as well as investor Peter Thiel and other tech entrepreneurs. For Newsom, these moves confirm a fear he has long expressed: that California will lose not only future tax revenue, but also innovation, investment, and jobs. This is my fear. Its just what I warned against. Its happening, he said to Politico, highlighting the possibility that the state could be at a disadvantage compared to other territories competing to attract capital. Supporters of the tax reject Newsoms view. They argue that billionaires represent a relatively small fraction of the states tax revenue and that many of them minimize their tax payments by avoiding taxable income. From this perspective, the wealth tax would tax assets that would otherwise be beyond the reach of the tax authorities. Not all billionaires are opposed. Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, has publicly stated that he is willing to accept the tax and that living in Silicon Valley means accepting the states tax rules. However, other ultra-rich individuals have begun actively funding campaigns to block the initiative. Whats next? Before reaching the ballot, the promoting union must collect nearly 900,000 valid signatures, a process that is already underway. If successful, the tax would become one of the central issues in Californias political debate this year, pitting the governor against progressive sectors, unions, and a segment of the electorate that sees the measure as a direct response to inequality. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition New Delhi [India], January 14 (ANI): Global technology companies must urgently address their impact on natural systems and their dependence on natural resources, otherwise this will threaten the long-term resilience of the tech companies, highlighted a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The report noted that technology now permeates every aspect of daily life. More than 1 trillion semiconductors are sold every year and are used across smartphones, cars and modern equipment. Over 11,000 data centres are currently operational worldwide. The sector is expected to continue growing strongly, driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, high-performance electronics and innovations such as quantum computing. However, the report cautioned that this growth comes with a substantial nature footprint. Semiconductor manufacturing alone consumes over 1 trillion litres of freshwater annually, along with large quantities of metals and critical minerals. Data centres draw more than 60 gigawatts of energy, equivalent to California's peak power needs. At the same time, around 60 billion kilograms of electronic waste are generated each year, with less than a quarter being recycled. According to the WEF, failure to address these impacts could threaten the technology sector's near-term licence to operate and long-term resilience. It stated, "Failure would threaten tech's near-term licence to operate and long-term resilience. Since May 2024, USD 64 billion of data centre projects in the US have been blocked or delayed due to local concerns, mostly about demands on natural resources and power". The report stressed that adopting nature-positive strategies can also unlock financial opportunities, including recovery of metals for new products and cost savings from reduced power and water use. It shared priority action areas for companies, including advancing resilient and restorative water use. The report also advised the companies to adopt the methods of mitigating pollution through circular practices, tackling non-power operational and embodied greenhouse gas emissions. The forum also noted that promoting land stewardship and restoration, and powering operations sustainably will help in reducing the impacts of the tech companies on the natural resources. Elon Musk has rejected claims that his artificial intelligence system Grok generates illegal images of minors, as several countries move to restrict access to the tool over concerns about obscene content. Musk denies allegations Posting on X on Wednesday, Musk said he was not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok and insisted there were literally zero. He argued that Grok only creates images in response to user prompts and is designed to refuse any request that violates the law. Musk added that while attempts to exploit the system through adversarial prompts may occasionally produce unexpected results, such issues are treated as bugs and addressed immediately. Indonesia and Malaysia impose restrictions Despite Musks assurances, Indonesia and Malaysia have become the first countries to restrict access to Grok. Indonesias Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs announced a temporary ban last Saturday, citing concerns about the risk of fake pornographic content produced using AI technology. The ministry said the move was intended to protect women, children and the wider community. It has also asked X to provide immediate clarification on the issue. Communications Minister Meutya Hafid said the government viewed non-consensual deepfake sexual content as a serious violation of human rights, personal dignity and national security in the digital space. Also Read | Pentagon set to deploy Grok despite global backlash over obscene AI images Malaysia followed with similar action on Sunday. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission said it was limiting access to Grok until effective safeguards are put in place. Notices were issued to X Corp. and xAI LLC, but regulators said the responses failed to address the inherent risks posed by the AI tool. Image generation feature curtailed The restrictions come after xAI, which owns Grok, decided last week to limit its image-generation capabilities on X. The move followed widespread criticism after the tool was found to generate obscene images of women and children. Under the new rules, only paid subscribers can generate and edit images. Previously, the feature was available to all users for free, subject to daily limits. Regulators say changes fall short Several regulators, including in the UK, have criticised the paid subscription requirement as inadequate. They argue that the standalone Grok app, which operates independently of X, still allows users to generate images without subscribing, leaving gaps in oversight. Google has launched two new artificial intelligence models focused on healthcare, MedGemma 1.5 and MedASR, as part of its expanding efforts in medical AI. Unlike some rivals that offer healthcare AI tools primarily as paid enterprise services, Google has opted for a more open approach by releasing both models publicly for the wider research and developer community. MedGemma 1.5 targets medical images and text MedGemma 1.5 is the latest version of Googles medical vision-language model, built to analyse medical images alongside written information. The model can interpret scans, respond to questions related to visual medical data, and assist with a range of research-oriented tasks. According to Google Research, the updated version brings improved multimodal reasoning and better performance when dealing with complex medical imagery. It is also designed to be more flexible, allowing researchers to fine-tune it for specialised datasets and specific study requirements. The model supports multiple forms of medical imaging, including radiology scans and other clinically relevant visuals. Google said MedGemma 1.5 is intended for uses such as image-based question answering, report drafting, and structured data extraction. The company stressed that it is not meant to provide diagnoses or treatment advice and should only be used as a support tool in research and development settings. MedASR focuses on clinical speech recognition Alongside MedGemma 1.5, Google introduced MedASR, an automatic speech recognition model designed specifically for healthcare environments. MedASR is built to transcribe spoken clinical conversations into text, with particular attention to medical terminology, diverse accents, and the challenges of real-world clinical audio. View full Image Alongside MedGemma 1.5, Google introduced MedASR, an automatic speech recognition model designed specifically for healthcare environments. ( GOOGLE ) Google said the model aims to reduce transcription errors that often occur when general-purpose speech recognition systems are used in medical contexts. Potential use cases include transcribing doctor-patient discussions, creating clinical notes, and converting dictated reports into text. Also Read | OpenAI wants to take on AirPods with ChatGPT powered earbuds: Report The company added that MedASR can be adapted for different healthcare settings and fine-tuned to match specific clinical workflows or documentation standards. Open access for developers and researchers Google said all versions of MedGemma and MedASR are available through Hugging Face and the Vertex AI platform. Developers can also access documentation and tutorials via the MedGemma GitHub repository. Actor Kiefer Sutherland, best known for his role in the television series 24 and the vampire film The Lost Boys, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of assaulting a ride-share driver, Los Angeles police said. The Canadian-British actor was taken into custody after officers responded to a call in Hollywood shortly after midnight. The investigation determined that the suspect, later identified as Kiefer Sutherland, entered a ride-share vehicle, physically assaulted the driver (the victim), and made criminal threats toward the victim, police said in a statement. The 59-year-old was released a few hours later after posting bail of $50,000, according to law enforcement officials. Also Read | Why Hollywoods biggest names are quietly backing Bollywood films Representatives for Sutherland did not immediately respond to requests for comment from AFP. Police said the driver did not sustain injuries requiring medical attention. Sutherland is known for playing counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer in the television series "24," a hit between 2001 and 2010. On the silver screen, he had memorable turns in "The Lost Boys" (1987), "Stand By Me" (1986), and "The Three Musketeers" (1993). Kiefer is the son of actor Donald Sutherland, who passed away in 2024. Kiefer Sutherlands previous run-ins with the law This is not the first time actor Kiefer Sutherland has faced legal trouble. In May 2009, he was charged with third-degree assault after allegedly head-butting fashion designer Jack McCollough following the Met Gala. The assault charges were later dropped after Sutherland and McCollough issued a joint statement confirming that the matter had been resolved. I am sorry about what happened that night and sincerely regret that Mr. McCollough was injured, Sutherland said at the time. I appreciate Mr. Sutherland's statement and wish him well, McCollough said in the statement. Sutherland, known for his roles as special agent Jack Bauer in Foxs 24 and as the US president in Designated Survivor, was also sentenced to 48 days in jail in 2007 for driving under the influence and violating probation, according to the BBC. The Arts Council has announced its most recent funding decisions as part of its 2026 development programme, awarding grants nationally totalling 72.3 million to 148 arts organisations, arts centres, local authorities and creative initiatives. As part of this, organisations based in County Longford have received a total of 433,000 in Arts Council funding for 2026. Read more: Free climate course begins TODAY for people aged 55+ in Longford The three organisations in County Longford which will be receiving funding are: LD Dance Shawbrook: 78,000 Backstage Theatre: 275,000 Longford County Council: 80,000 This funding represents more than half of the Arts Councils annual investment, benefitting organisations and partners that provide the local and national infrastructure for the arts. This framework enables individual artists to deliver on their creative vision for the benefit of audiences around the country. In addition to support for organisations based in County Longford, all counties also benefit from the national remit of organisations which are based elsewhere. Eg: Arts and Disability Ireland, Irish National Opera, Na Piobairi Uilleann Teoranta, Children Books Ireland and Dance Ireland. Further funding announcements for 2026 will be made in due course and additional funding will be allocated for disability access costs to promote more inclusive participation in the arts. Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick ODonovan said: Public investment through grant funding is essential to sustaining and developing the arts across every part of Ireland. These awards support artists and organisations to realise ambitious creative work across all artforms, while ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds have meaningful opportunities to engage with the arts in their everyday lives. PICTURES | Longford's The Little Steps for Ukraine shows positive results Director of the Arts Council, Moling Ryan commented: Through its 2026 budget, the Arts Council is prioritising support for arts organisations across Ireland, enabling them to sustain their work and plan confidently for the year ahead. These funding decisions for 2026 will support artists, audiences and communities to come together through shared creative experiences and meaningful cultural activity. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme In what Judge Keenan Johnson described as 'an extraordinary case', Tullamore Circuit Court has heard how a primary school teacher in the Midlands faked two births in order to avail of maternity leave and maternity benefit. Eimear Carroll (43), Hillside, Seffin, Birr, received payments of over 12,000 as a result of deceiving the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and the Department of Education in 2018 and 2019, Judge Keenan Johnson heard. Garda James Martin, an investigator with the Department of Social Protection, said the total monies received by Ms Carroll comprised 12,425. Maternity leave cover cost 46,939. The court heard Ms Carroll, who was aged 35 when the offending began, had forged medical certificates and documentation from doctors at the National Maternity Hospital. She claimed she had first given birth to a boy who was named Oran and then to a girl called Emily who she said was premature. Also read: Tributes to hardworking, engaged former Longford councillor Seamus Finnan She had also claimed she was married to a man named 'Peter Parsons' and supplied a PPS number for him but no person matching that name and number was found. Garda Martin said an investigation began as a result of information received in November 2018 from a social welfare inspector in Tullamore, Eileen Connolly in relation to suspected fraud. Garda Martin said he found it unusual that there had been no claim for child benefit and he found that no birth had been registered by Eimear Carroll. A consultant obstetrician named in documents said they had not been prepared by him. Documents from doctors, including a doctor at Clonminch Medical Centre, were created by the accused for her applications. When Ms Carroll wrote a letter to her school principal informing her that her second baby had been born, the principal replied: Heartiest congratulations on your great news. Gardai searched the accused's residence in Birr on February 13, 2019 and found no evidence that children or a husband were resident there. There was only one furnished bedroom in the house. When she was arrested and the allegations were put to her she denied any wrongdoing and told gardai there was obviously some mix-up and everything she had submitted was above board. Also read: Have you seen Peter? Family 'anxious' to locate missing 14-year-old 'as soon as possible' The woman also told gardai that she would not discuss my babies with them, said Garda Martin, nor would she comment on Mr Parsons. She said she was entitled to her maternity benefit the same as anybody else. Replying to Shane Geraghty, BL, prosecuting, Garda Martin said Ms Carroll had received a four-year sentence, with two of those years suspended, in July 2024 for harassment and stalking and is due for release at the end of this month, with remission. Garda Martin added that the offences now before the court were facilitated by premeditation. She told work colleagues that she had married Peter Parsons and wore a bump to work. She had previously pleaded guilty to the offences and sentencing was adjourned to this week for reports. Suzanne Dooner, BL, defending, said a psychological report was before the court but Judge Johnson ordered the preparation of another one which would examine the background reason for the offending. Ms Dooner said the gain for Ms Carroll was limited because she was off work. It was accepted by Garda Martin that Ms Carroll was having difficulties with colleagues at work. Ms Dooner said the woman had lost her job but had previously started making amends and paid back 10,500 by contributing 40 per week. She intended to make further payments on release from prison and Ms Dooner said a probation report would assist the court in sentencing. Also read: 'She was going to kill me': Child, 8, gives evidence of alleged stabbing by mother Judge Johnson said it was an extraordinary case and he would need a lot more information before he gave a sentence. An offence of this nature would carry a custodial sentence, he said, stating that the integrity of the social protection system was built on the honesty of applicants. Sentencing was adjourned to June 3 next. Irish folk legends The High Kings are set to make a triumphant return to The Rustic Inn, Longford on Friday, January 23, bringing their acclaimed Rocky Road Tour to one of the countrys most beloved live music venues. This concert marks a very special milestone: the bands fourth appearance at The Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule with every previous High Kings show at the venue selling out. Read more: Work of talented Longford designers centre stage at launch of Showcase - Ireland's Creative Expo Their strong connection with Longford audiences has made The Rustic Inn a firm favourite on their touring calendar, and demand is once again expected to be extremely high. Renowned for their powerful harmonies, masterful musicianship and energetic live performances, The High Kings continue to redefine Irish folk music for a new generation while honouring its rich traditions. The band is made up of: Finbarr Clancy, Darren Holden, Paul OBrien and Brian Dunphy. Together, they deliver a dynamic live show that blends timeless ballads, rousing anthems, and contemporary folk classics all performed with the passion and authenticity fans have come to expect. The Rocky Road Tour celebrates the enduring spirit of Irish music, featuring fan favourites alongside fresh material, brought to life through stirring vocals and expert instrumentation. Adding to the night, acclaimed singer-songwriter Padraig Jack will provide special guest support, making this a full evening of top-class Irish music. Read more: Talented county Longford artist says art can heal and 'help you to get through tough times' With a proven track record of sell-out shows and an ever-growing fanbase, this fourth High Kings concert, with support act Padraig Jack, on Friday, January 23 at The Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule promises to be another unforgettable night. Early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. Tickets available directly from the venue, enquiries: 044 93 57424. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello (left), pictured with former leader Nicolas Maduro (center) and his wife, Cilia Flores (right) in 2013. Maduro and Flores remain in US custody. (Cancilleria del Ecuador via Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 2.0) In the week since Washington arrested former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, the outlines of a post-Maduro Venezuela have begun to take shape. Interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello are maneuvering for influence as they consider their next steps without Maduro. Meanwhile, the US blockade on sanctioned oil exports remains in force, with American forces seizing three oil tankers over the past week. US President Donald Trump is also seeking to secure 3050 million barrels of Venezuelan crude oil and encouraging American oil companies to invest. Venezuelas future remains uncertain, as Rodriguez and Trump have advanced competing claims of authority, and Washington has yet to outline a clear plan for transition or elections. US escalates blockade with oil tanker seizures On December 16, prior to Maduros capture, Trump ordered a total and complete blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil shipments. Following the raid on Maduros compound, the United States has increased enforcement of its global maritime blockade on Venezuelan oil exports. On January 7, US European Command, with the assistance of British surveillance aircraft, boarded and seized the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera in the Atlantic Ocean after a two-week pursuit. The vessel, formerly known as the Bella 1, had reversed course toward Europe in December in an apparent effort to evade US patrols near Venezuela. During the pursuit, Russia reportedly deployed a submarine to shadow the tanker. That same day, the US Coast Guard seized a second vesselthe M. Sophiain a pre-dawn interdiction in the Caribbean. Both ships were part of a global shadow fleet used by Russia, China, Iran, and Venezuela to evade US sanctions. The M. Sophia, for instance, had been sanctioned by former US President Joe Biden for transporting sanctioned Russian crude oil. By January 9, US officials announced that the campaign had resulted in a total of five tanker seizures linked to sanctions evasion after boarding and seizing the Olina tanker, which was originally named the Minerva M. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that the blockade would be enforced anywhere in the world. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the interdictions as law-enforcement actions conducted under existing sanctions authorities, while US Attorney General Pam Bondi warned that the crews of seized vessels could face prosecution in US courts. Russias Transport Ministry protested the Marinera boarding, arguing that it violated the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and amounted to outright piracy. Delcy Rodriguez navigates an uneasy interim presidency Delcy Rodriguez, the former vice president of Venezuela, was sworn in as interim president by the National Assembly of Venezuela on January 5. Her appointment was endorsed by the ruling party leadership, including Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez (Delcys brother), and backed by Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, as well as by Russia and China. While Trump has not formally endorsed Rodriguez, he has said that shes cooperating while also warning that if she doesnt do whats right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro. Trump has also continued to say that the US is in charge of Venezuela, even posting a doctored image of a Wikipedia page deeming him Acting President of Venezuela to Truth Social. It was revealed that Trump and his administration were briefed on a classified CIA report that concluded regime officials were likely to be the most stable option leading a temporary government. Upon taking the interim presidency, Rodriguez immediately moved to rebalance the security structure. On January 5, she appointed Major General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez as commander of the Presidential Honor Guard and the head of the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM). Gonzalez Lopez previously led intelligence services and had recently served as a strategist at PDVSA, Venezuelas state-owned oil and gas company. He is widely considered close to Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. On January 6, PDVSA announced it was entering negotiations with Washington over the sale of crude oil. The statement framed the talks as commercial transactions conducted with transparency and compared them to existing arrangements with Chevron under prior sanctions waivers. Rodriguez faces opposition challenges. Maria Corina Machado, the prominent opposition leader and former deputy of the National Assembly of Venezuela, rejected Rodriguezs authority, vowed to return to Venezuela, and demanded elections. Machado is set to meet with Trump this week. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined a three-phase US approach to Venezuela policy: stabilization, economic opening and reconciliation, and a later political transition. Regime hardliners Cabello and Padrino Lopez assert control Outside of Rodriguez, regime power has consolidated around security figures. Interior Minister Cabello, long considered Maduros principal enforcer, has emerged as the most visible authority on the ground. In the days following Maduros capture, armed colectivos, Chavista paramilitary groups, fanned out across Caracas, establishing checkpoints and conducting phone searches. Cabello has helped lead colectivo groups in the past, though some are fragmented and have operated independently. Cabello released videos showing himself patrolling with heavily armed units, telling Venezuelans, Its calm, its tranquil, and urging them to get back to work. In one video, he chanted along with Caracas police, Siempre leales, nunca traidores! (Always loyal, never traitors!) Cabello retains control over police forces, intelligence agencies, and paramilitary colectivos, which have been linked to thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions during the Maduro era. The interim government declared a state of emergency, banning public assemblies and authorizing the arrests of individuals accused of supporting the US operation. During the initial crackdown, at least 14 journalists were detained, with all but one later released. Cabellos posture has also been shaped by US pressure. According to reporting citing US officials, Washington warned Cabello through intermediaries that he could face capture or lethal force if he obstructs the transition. US planners reportedly view him as both necessary for short-term stability and dangerous due to his independent power base. Officials have explored options to eventually remove Cabello through exile or negotiated exit, fearing that a direct move against him could provoke violent retaliation from colectivos loyal to him. Vladimir Padrino Lopez, who commands Venezuelas conventional armed forces, remains another critical figure. Padrino publicly affirmed loyalty to Delcy Rodriguez shortly after Maduros removal. Like Cabello, he is under a US indictment for narcotics trafficking and was targeted with a multimillion-dollar bounty for information leading to [his] arrest and/or conviction prior to the raid. US officials reportedly view Padrino as more pragmatic than Cabello and believe he may cooperate if offered personal guarantees. While Padrino condemned the US operation as a deplorable act of regime change, Venezuelas military has taken no retaliatory action. Venezuelas air defenses were wholly ineffective during the January 3 strike. Trump Administration seizes oil policy and courts US companies The White House announced plans to market 3050 million barrels ($1.8$3 billion) of Venezuelan crude trapped by sanctions and the blockade. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the US would collect payment and direct proceeds toward Venezuelan stabilization while shipping oil to American refineries. Wright said the US intends to market Venezuelan production indefinitely. Vice President JD Vance stated that Venezuela may sell oil only if doing so will serve Americas national interest. On January 9, Trump met with executives from ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips, urging up to $100 billion in investment to rebuild Venezuelas energy infrastructure. Trump argued that renewed supply would drive global energy prices down, noting oil benchmarks near $60 per barrel. Oil companies remain cautious. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods told Trump that Venezuela is currently uninvestable without structural changes. Samuel Ben-Ur is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Krystal Bermudez is a communications manager at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. OSLO, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen held a joint press conference Tuesday afternoon, delivering a firm, unified rejection of external claims over Greenland. Frederiksen framed the stance as a matter of fundamental principle. "This is not only about Greenland or about the Kingdom. It is about the fact that borders must not be changed by force, that one people cannot be bought. And it is about ensuring that small countries should not fear large countries," she said. "We are standing up not only for ourselves, but for the world order upon which previous generations built our democracy," she declared, emphasizing the inseparable bond within the Danish Realm. Frederiksen then turned to address the people of Greenland directly through the cameras: "Dear fellow Greenlanders, you should know that we stand together." Meanwhile, Nielsen said "Greenland is not for sale." "Our goal and desire remain peaceful dialogue based on cooperation, with respect for our constitutional position, international law, our right to our own land, and our right to self-determination," he added. "But one thing everyone must understand: Greenland will not be owned by the United States. Greenland will not be governed by the United States," Nielsen underscored. "We are now facing a geopolitical crisis, and if we must choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark." When asked by reporters what Denmark could offer the United States, Frederiksen responded, "That is to defend the Arctic and jointly uphold security with the United States." "We can offer the Americans a democratic cooperation between independent countries," Frederiksen added. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt will attend talks held in Washington with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, said Danish local media on Tuesday. The upcoming talks occur amid sustained tensions, as U.S. President Donald Trump, since returning to office in 2025, has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland and has not ruled out the use of force. Summary created by Smart Answers AI In summary: Macworld reports that glass cloth, an obscure but critical component used in advanced chips for Apple devices, faces severe supply shortages affecting the entire tech industry. Major companies including Apple, Nvidia, and Qualcomm are impacted as primary supplier Nittobo cannot meet surging demand from AI chip manufacturing. The shortage will likely increase prices for electronic devices, with Nittobos capacity expansion not expected until late 2027, prolonging supply chain challenges. A Nikkei report spells bad news for anyone hoping that prices of electronic devices wont go up this year. A critical component in many products with advanced chips in them is in short supply. The material is called glass cloth and it is an important component in a particular type of substrate (essentially a little pad that the chip is mounted on to attach it to the circuit board). There arent may companies that make it at a high quality level and high volume. Theres essentially only one major supplier: the Japanese company Nitto Boseki, or Nittobo. Many companies mount their chips on what is called a BT substrate (bismaleimide triazine), a small connecting base mounting pad that has particularly good properties for electric conductivity, heat resistance, and stiffness. The chip, on the BT substrate, is then mounted on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board). Apple uses this process in nearly everything it makes, but so do a lot of other tech companies, including Broadcom, Nvidia, AMD, Qualcomm, and many more. The problem is this: With the rise of AI chips, companies need more glass cloth, but as Nikkei reports, Nittobo is struggling to keep up with demand since no other company manufactures it in volume. So the entire high-end chip industry, for everything from mobile products to AI servers, is fighting over this limited supply. Nittobo is expanding, but the new capacity reportedly wont be ready until later in 2027. Nikkei reports that Apple is exploring other solutions, including sending some of its own employees to a small glass fiber maker called Grace Fabric Technology to try to get them to improve the quality to the level Apple needs. Apple and all the other tech giants are also looking at possible other chip packaging solutions that wont suffer from this bottleneck. This is just one of several supply problems caused by a boom in AI servers and data centers of late. The ongoing RAM shortage has been well-documented, but there are issues with all sorts of downstream supply chain parts, from particular rare earth materials to specialized drill bits used to make PCBs. The wealthiest companies in the world are paying whatever it takes to secure the limited supply of what they need to make more products, and those costs are sure to be passed on to the consumer in one way or another. HANGZHOU, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese startup Spirit AI has said that its Spirit v1.5 embodied intelligence foundation model now ranks first according to the RoboChallenge real-world robotics benchmark, surpassing a leading U.S. model. According to the RoboChallenge leaderboard, Spirit v1.5 has achieved a total score of 66.09 with a task success rate of 50.33 percent, outperforming the pi0.5 model developed by U.S.-based Physical Intelligence. Spirit AI said it has open-sourced the leading model and related resources. RoboChallenge, which industry observers often describe as a "global exam" for robots, is a real-machine evaluation platform that tests embodied intelligence models in physical environments. Its benchmarking process includes 30 tasks covering everyday operations such as object placement, target recognition and tool use. In addition to achieving the highest overall score on the platform, Spirit v1.5 was also the only model to achieve a success rate above 50 percent, according to publicly available results. The enterprise was founded in Hangzhou, the capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province, which is also home to AI startup DeepSeek and humanoid robotics firm Unitree Robotics. It focuses on embodied intelligence and robotics research. In June 2025, the company unveiled its Moz1 humanoid robot, targeting enterprise applications such as logistics and industrial scenarios. Qiu Jiefan, an associate professor at Zhejiang University of Technology, said the top ranking suggests Spirit v1.5 has demonstrated strong overall capabilities across general robotics tasks and real-world execution. "For embodied intelligence, the ability to understand and perform across multiple tasks and scenarios is very important," Qiu said, noting that while the technology is not yet ready for large-scale deployment, this latest result marks a significant step toward practical application. Han Fengtao, founder and CEO of Spirit AI, said that Spirit v1.5 has a unified Vision-Language-Action (VLA) architecture that integrates perception, reasoning and action into an end-to-end system, reducing errors associated with established modular approaches. He said the company expects a wider range of service robots to emerge within the next two to three years. Macys is closing 14 stores across the United States, after shuttering dozens of locations in 2025. These closures are part of Macys Bold New Chapter strategy, which is meant to return the company to sustainable, profitable sales growth, the company said in a 2025 statement. The plan includes the closure of roughly 150 underproductive stores over a three-year period, while investing in its 350 go-forward Macys locations through fiscal 2026. Macys, Inc. continues to execute its Bold New Chapter strategy, making targeted adjustments to its store footprint to better serve customers and support long-term growth, a Macys spokesperson told MassLive on Wednesday. These actions allow us to reinvest in go-forward stores and digital capabilities. Clearance sales for closing Macys stores are expected to begin mid-January and will run for around 10 weeks. Stores will remain open to customers throughout the clearance period. According to Axios, these five stores in the Northeast are among those closing by the end of the year: 50 Fox Run Rd., Newington, New Hampshire 112 Eisenhower Pkwy., Livingston, New Jersey 225 Interstate Shopping Center, Ramsey, New Jersey 1255 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, New York 100 Pittsburgh Mills Cir., Tarentum, Pennsylvania The full list of other stores, according to Axios, is below: BOSTON Its about time we give Faneuil Hall Marketplace some respect. Not because I think people should actually go there, but because it serves an important purpose in the city. Its not a tourist trap. Its the tourist trap. New York City has Times Square. Chicago has The Bean. Los Angeles has the Hollywood sign. Boston has a brick-lined flytrap for everyones aunt, college friend, school group or work colleague whos coming to the city for the first time. Want to speedrun Boston and check stuff off your list? Theres nowhere better to see some old buildings, read some signs about the history, buy a sweatshirt that says Boston on it and get some seafood. Faneuil Hall is the Swiss Army knife of Boston. It does a little bit of everything and thrives in the field of corny gift shops. It also shares the same problem. After that initial moment of saying, Oh, thats cool, you realize its not actually good at anything. An order of clam chowder and a pint of Sam Adams Brick Red at Ned Devine's Irish Pub at Boston's Faneuil Hall. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) Faneuil Hall Marketplace: Tourist Trap or Bad Rap? Faneuil Hall was a red-hot tourist destination during the George H. W. Bush administration. It takes a long time for that reputation to fade away. When it comes to guidebooks and name recognition for Boston, Faneuil Hall is still an A-list attraction. Every time theres a national broadcast of a Patriots game, youll inevitably see a slow panning shot of Faneuil Hall, despite it being about a 28-mile drive to Gillette Stadium. It makes sense that people want to see it. The marketplace is dripping with the atmosphere that people attach to Boston. Youve got bricks, cobblestones, statues, the history, the lobster rolls for sale. Heres the thing: No one who lives in Boston wants to pay $40 for a lobster roll meal at whats essentially a long food court. The upper floor of the center eating area at Quincy Market at Boston's Faneuil Hall. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) Whats it like at Faneuil Hall Marketplace? When people talk about Faneuil Hall, theyre usually talking about the entire marketplace. That includes Faneuil Hall itself, with its kitschy gift stops and clusters of historic displays. But mostly, it refers to Quincy Market and the surrounding shops. The classic image of Faneuil Hall is at the east entrance of Quincy Market, which typically hosts performers and other displays. Around the holidays, theres a magnificent Christmas tree. But after that, the wonder starts to fade as you look around and see Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville and the citys most conspicuous Sephora store. A look around Boston's Faneuil Hall. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) Quincy Market itself holds a long corridor of eateries, a phalanx of food bombarding you with a truly bonkers array of options. Youll see plenty of places offering seafood, with options ranging from sensible orders of mussels and clams to a seafood tower that will run you almost $90. The citys North End is represented with some bakeries, gelato spots and a Pizzeria Regina. A lot of spots in the market will squeeze you with their prices. But the prices at Reginas are actually the same as their original location: $4.25 for a slice of cheese, $5.15 for one topping. A look around Boston's Faneuil Hall. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) So why do people rag on Faneuil Hall? There are some highlights, sure. But the majority of what youll encounter ranges from meh to fine. If the experience of visiting Boston is still novel, then a fine cup of clam chowder or bag of cookies from Boston Chipyard will be a fun experience. But when you have the time to really explore Boston, youll find that there are so many vibrant spots that will blow you away. In comparison, Faneuil Hall has the feel of a mall thats falling into a bit of neglect. A look around Boston's Faneuil Hall. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) Around Quincy Market, youll see a disconcerting number of vacant stalls and stores, a reminder of what this mercantile mecca used to be. There are some fresh faces working to bring some new energy. Right near the east door of Quincy Market, theres Bakey Babka, which has a fun Boston Cream Babka option. Outside, there are some colorful new destinations, like Sugar Factory and the Museum of Illusions Boston. In general, Faneuil Hall can be a fun trip for those traveling with family or looking for a sweet treat. But for those familiar with the area, theres an inescapable feeling that it used to be better and has the potential to be better in the future. Boston Cream Babka from Bakey Babka at Faneuil Hall. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) The verdict: Tourist trap, or bad rap? Im sticking with my verdict of yes. Some will complain about it being overrated. Others will complain about the prices. But if you go, youll probably have a good time. The biggest problem is that theres nothing that Faneuil Hall does that isnt outclassed by something else in the city. Time Out Market, Boston Public Market and Hub Hall have better local food options. The Boston Tea Party Museum and Old State House have it beat in terms of historical experiences. If you want to take in the vibe of the city, a trip to the North End or Fenway Park has Faneuil Hall beat. But thats ultimately what it means to be a tourist trap. Its where the tourists go when they want to get a surface-level experience of the city. Its Boston 101. Its not the coolest place in the city. But its still an important one. A look around Boston's Faneuil Hall. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) More info about Faneuil Hall Marketplace Check them out Website | Facebook | Tickets When is it open? At the time of writing, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Does it cost anything to go? Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are free to visit. Only a select few spots (like the Museum of Illusions) charge admission. A Boston dive bar that has been around for almost a century has shut down after the business sold its liquor license. The Boston Licensing Board has approved the transfer of Dugout Cafes license and location to Earls Restaurant. Earls, which has locations inside the Prudential Center in Back Bay and at Assembly Row in Somerville, plans to convert the space to feature a dining room and bar as well as a covered outdoor patio, according to the licensing board agenda from Jan. 8. At the time of the meeting, it was unclear whether Dugout Cafe has closed. However The Mendoza Line, a comedy show held weekly at the bar, posted Monday on Instagram that they had received word that the Dugout Cafe was officially, permanently closed. Dating back to 1934, the Dugout Cafe was one of the first Boston establishments to receive a liquor license following the end of Prohibition, Universal Hub reported. Located at 722 Commonwealth Ave., the bar has become a popular spot for Boston University students over the years. The longtime establishment also served notable politicians, robbers and Red Sox players, according to Boston.com. It is unclear exactly when Earls will take over Dugout Cafe. Earls is a casual dining concept known for its globally inspired comfort food and stylish settings. Harvard Universitys foreign student enrollment has reached its highest level in over two decades, even as the Trump administration has waged various attacks against the universitys federal funding and international students. The university enrolled 6,749 foreign students, amounting to nearly 28% of the student body, according to data published Friday, which was first reported by Bloomberg. The number of foreign students has been increasing over the past couple of decades at Harvard, excluding a large drop in 2020 during the pandemic. In 2024, the university enrolled 6,703 students, fewer than 50 students more than this year. The growth this academic year comes in part from graduate student enrollment, which wasnt experienced at the undergraduate level. A Harvard spokesperson didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The Trump administration has made it known that it doesnt want as many international students in higher education, offering a funding edge for schools that create a 15% cap for international undergraduate enrollment, among other requirements. The Trump administration recently touted a new record of 100,000 visa revocations in the U.S. over the past year. Of those, 8,000 were student visas. The increase in international students at Harvard is all the more impressive as the university has been fighting against the Trump administration over nearly $3 billion in federal funding cuts and the federal governments revocation of a key certification to enroll foreign students. The fight between the two began as a set of demands from the federal government that the university had to follow, or lose federal funding, and has snowballed. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation barring Harvards international students from entering the country. The federal government also ordered stricter vetting for Harvard visa applicants. The university sued the Trump administration on both federal funding cuts and actions against foreign students. A federal judge sided with the university on both cases. However, the case over federal funding has been appealed by the federal government. Beyond Harvards international student enrollment, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino and White student enrollment declined. Asian and American Indian or Alaska Native increased slightly. One day before preseason training is set to start, Boston Legacy FC announced a trade for veteran midfielder/forward Nichelle Prince. The Legacy are acquiring the 30-year-old Canadian from the Kansas City Current where she won the NWSL Shield in 2025. In exchange for Prince, Boston is moving $125,000 in allocation funds and an additional $50,000 in intra-league transfer funds to Kansas City. Additionally, the Legacy are assuring an international roster spot for 2026 in the deal. This is the second time that the Legacy have made an intra-league transfer. In August, the club sent $100,000 in transfer funds and a potential additional $65,000 to Houston for Barbara Olivieri. Prince, an eight-year veteran of the league, gives the club some added experience across multiple position groups heading into its inaugural season. Nichelle is a proven NWSL player who brings real quality and experience to our group. Shes competed at the highest level and knows what it takes to win, both in this league and internationally with Canada, Legacy general manager Dome Guasch said in a statement. She adds pace, intelligence, and versatility, and we believe her profile fits exactly what we want to build in Boston. Just as important, Nichelle is a strong presence off the field, someone who will raise standards and help drive our culture from day one and into the future. In terms of pure production, Princes best years came with the Houston Dash. Between 2021 and 2022, the Canadian started 34 regular season matches for Houston and tallied seven goals and six assists. An achilles rupture in late 2022 however caused her to miss all but seven matches in 2023. In 2019 she missed much of the regular season with a torn meniscus. In her two years with the Current, Prince adapted to more of a substitute role, appearing in 34 matches but starting 15. She still found ways to contribute however and finished with three goals and three assists over her two years there. This past season with first place Kansas City, Prince ranked in the 77th percentile of NWSL players in progressive carries per 90 minutes, and the 93rd for progressive passes received. She was also one of the best defensive wingers/attacking midfielders in the league according to FBRef, finishing in the 91st percentile or higher in blocks, interceptions, and tackles for her position. The international stage is where Prince has truly shined, tallying 17 goals and 14 assists across 113 appearances for the Canadian senior team. In 2021, Prince helped her country take home the gold medal at the Summer Olympics. A man and woman who were found shot dead in a Lawrence apartment in a murder-suicide earlier this month have been identified as 32-year-old Edgar D. Torres and 30-year-old Euridiana Ramirez Sanz, according to the Essex County District Attorneys Office. The investigation into their deaths indicates that, on Jan. 3, Torres shot and killed Ramirez Sanz in an apartment at 582 Essex St. before turning the gun on himself, the district attorneys office said. Torres and Ramirez Sanz were in a long-term romantic relationship. Lawrence police found the couples bodies while responding to the Essex Street apartment complex for a well-being check shortly after 9 p.m., the district attorneys office said. No further information about Torres and Ramirez Sanzs deaths has been released. Ramirez Sanz was on a video call with her mother and 11-year-old daughter when she was killed, her mother, Marina Sanz, told The Boston Globe. She was preparing to leave Torres who Sanz identified as her daughters husband when he shot her. At the time, Sanz and her granddaughter were waiting outside the apartment, she told the newspaper. They heard a gunshot, after which Ramirez Sanz stopped responding, and soon called 911. Ramirez Sanz was hospitalized several times as a result of domestic violence over the course of the couples tumultuous, multi-year relationship, Sanz told the Globe. Ramirez Sanz previously left Torres in 2024 when she moved from their home in Florida to Lawrence. The health care worker was working three jobs to support her two children, neither of which were Torres, but she seemed happy, her mother told the newspaper. Then, Torres relocated to Massachusetts, and the two reconnected. Torres was arrested at the Essex Street apartment in July 2025 in connection with strangling and assaulting Ramirez Sanz, the Globe reported. He pleaded not guilty and was released on personal recognizance bail, but was ordered to stay away from the apartment, wear a GPS location monitoring bracelet and have no contact with Ramirez Sanz. In August, Ramirez Sanz reached out to the Essex County District Attorneys Office and asked that the charges against Torres be dropped, the newspaper reported. A judge then removed the GPS bracelet requirement from Torres release conditions but did not dismiss the charges. As both sides prepared for trial in October, Ramirez Sanz stopped cooperating with prosecutors, the Globe reported. In December, the charges against Torres were dropped. The Essex County District Attorneys Office advises anyone facing domestic violence to call SafeLink, the states toll-free domestic violence hotline, at 1-877-785-2020. Brookfield residents gathered last week for a vigil marking three years since Brittany Tee went missing. Tee was 35 years old when she vanished in January 2023 after last being seen in the area of Lewis Field on Main Street in Brookfield. Her family reported her missing, and police conducted extensive searches in the weeks that followed. Police said they covered 250 acres during the initial search efforts. Additional searches were conducted in a large area of woods near Tees Brookfield home, and State Police divers and the marine unit searched the Quabog River, Quabog Pond and Dunn Brook. Search teams included the Massachusetts State Police and its Special Emergency Response Team, the State Police K-9 Unit, the State Police Air Wing, the State Police Marine Unit, the Massachusetts Environmental Police, the Brookfield Police and Fire Departments and the Worcester Police Department. The searches yielded no results. The vigil was held Jan. 8 inside the Brookfield Congregational Church, according to a Facebook page for the event. Tees mother, Susan Tee, and sister, Bethany Tee, organized the vigil. On Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, state police conducted a search of 18 Main St. in Brookfield, the address where missing Brookfield woman Brittany Tee was last seen. Despite no developments in the investigation, the family is trying to remain hopeful. Were hanging in there, Bethany Tee told the Telegram & Gazette. Its hard to hang onto hope when its been this long. A spokesperson for the Worcester County District Attorneys Office told MassLive that the investigation into Tees disappearance remains open and ongoing. Tee is 5-foot-6 and 120 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black winter coat, a hoodie, jeans and work boots. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has come out against the possible parole of a man who was convicted of shooting and killing a state trooper in 1983. Healey on Tuesday submitted a formal letter to the state parole board voicing her unequivocal opposition to the release of Jose Colon, who is scheduled for a hearing before the board on Thursday. On Feb. 26, 1983, Massachusetts State Police trooper George Hanna pulled over a car in Auburn. Colon was in the car with two other men and two women. When Hanna ordered them out of the vehicle, Colon shot Hanna six times at close range. Hanna died later that night, leaving behind a wife and three children. In her letter to the parole board, Healey said Colon should not be granted parole. Given the extraordinary significance this case holds for our state, I believe it is necessary to voice my clear and unequivocal opposition to Jose Colons release, Healey wrote. Colon is currently serving a life sentence, but he was 20 years old at the time of the killing, making him eligible for parole in the wake of a 2024 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling. In Commonwealth v. Mattis, the court ruled that sentencing people, ages 18 to 20 at the time of their offense, to life without the possibility of parole was unconstitutional and amounted to cruel and unusual punishment. Massachusetts holds a yearly awards presentation in Hannas name. In her letter, Healey says she has attended the awards for the past decade and details how she has come to know Hannas family. His daughters, Deborah and Kimberly, still present the awards in his name, keeping their fathers memory central to the Commonwealths recognition of courage and dedication in law enforcement, Healey wrote. For the past 10 years, I have personally sat with Deborah and Kimberly at the Hanna Award ceremony and have witnessed the pain they continue to endure because of their fathers brutal murder. The other two men in the car with Colon are also serving life sentences. Healey made it clear she wants Colon to stay in prison. Massachusetts rightly holds Trooper Hannas name as a symbol of honor and valor, Healey wrote. Releasing the individual who fired the shots that killed Trooper Hanna would diminish the meaning of the very legacy we continue to uphold and would send a dangerous signal that deliberate killing of a police officer is anything less than the most heinous of crimes. John Forte, a Grammy-nominated musician known for his work with the Fugees and the Refugee Camp All-Stars, was found dead in his Massachusetts home at the age of 50. Forte was found dead in his home in Chilmark a small town on Marthas Vineyard Monday afternoon, Jan. 12, the Associated Press reported while citing local police. Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin told the AP in a statement that there were no signs of foul play or readily apparent cause of death. Fortes death is being investigated by the state medical examiners office, Slavin told the news outlet. MassLive has reached out to Chilmark Police for confirmation. Forte was born in Brooklyns Brownsville neighborhood on Jan. 30, 1975, BET reported. He spent his childhood learning violin and studying music before attending Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, where he graduated in 1993, per the outlet. Forte briefly studied music business at NYU before dropping out to fully focus on making music. Forte first met Fugees member Lauryn Hill in the early 90s. He went on to co-write and produce songs on the groups defining 1996 album The Score, which received critical acclaim and earned Forte a Grammy Award nomination. Following the Fugees success, Forte released his debut solo album "Poly Sci" in 1998. He followed up with I, John in 2002, which featured contributions from Carly Simon, whose son, Ben Taylor, was Fortes close friend. Forte is also best known for his collaboration with Wyclef Jean called We Trying to Stay Alive which appeared on Jeans Grammy-nominated debut solo album The Carnival in 1997 as well as Rumble in the Jungle with the Fugees, A Tribe Called Quest and Busta Rhymes. In 2000, he was arrested at Newark International Airport and charged with possession of liquid cocaine and drug trafficking. Forte was sentenced to 14 years in prison, but the sentence was commuted after seven years by President George W. Bush. Simon was among many public figures who advocated for his release. Survivors include his wife, the photographer Lara Fuller, and two children. KABUL, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's education system currently serves about 14.8 million students, government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid announced late Tuesday. Of these, 12 million are enrolled in the national school system, where they study modern sciences. Meanwhile, more than 2.8 million students are pursuing religious education at over 20,800 madrasas operating under the regulatory framework of the Ministry of Education. According to official data from the ministry released last September, Afghanistan hosts a total of 18,621 schools. Of these, 3,215 are private institutions, while the remaining state-owned and public schools provide education to students free of charge. Despite these figures, millions of Afghan children remain deprived of formal schooling due to persistent challenges, including poverty, internal displacement and a lack of accessible schools, particularly in remote and war-affected regions. A 64-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of his wife in their Leominster home late last month. James Marsh pleaded not guilty to the charge during his arraignment in Leominster District Court on Jan. 2, according to court records. The judge ordered him held without bail. Authorities believe Marsh killed his wife, 62-year-old Ann Marsh, by shooting her in the head on or around Dec. 26 the day police found her body inside the couples home, according to court documents. How Ann Marshs body was discovered On Dec. 26, a man called 911 shortly before 3 p.m., provided dispatchers with an address 209 Union St. in Leominster and immediately hung up, according to court documents. Dispatchers called the man back, but he did not pick up. Two Leominster police officers responded to the home to investigate but were unable to make contact with anyone inside, according to court documents. After hearing moaning sounds coming from inside the home, they decided to enter through an unlocked side door. Inside, the officers discovered an unresponsive person seated on the living room couch with a blanket over them and James Marsh sitting next to them holding a gun, according to court documents. The person under the blanket was later discovered to be Ann Marsh. In light of discovering an armed man inside the home, the officers retreated and requested backup, according to court documents. A standoff lasting approximately four and a half hours ensued, but around 7:30 p.m., James Marsh voluntarily exited the home and was arrested. Officers then conducted a protective sweep of the home and discovered Ann Marshs body under the blanket, according to court documents. Her body showed obvious signs of death, and her face appeared to have been badly damaged by a projectile. No one else was found inside the home, according to court documents. Investigators then exited the home and waited for a search warrant to be issued. The investigation so far Around 9:30 p.m., Leominster police and State Police detectives from the Worcester County District Attorneys Office executed a search warrant at the home, according to court documents. Inside, investigators found a shotgun and a shell cartridge in a second-floor bedroom, as well as a blood-covered cell phone belonging to Ann Marsh on a kitchen counter. The Chief Medical Examiners Office autopsied Ann Marshs body on Dec. 28 and ruled her cause of death to have been a gunshot to her face and neck, according to court documents. It was determined that the wound was not self-inflicted. The examiner also found projectile fragments in and around the wound that were consistent with discharge from a shotgun, according to court documents. The examiner ultimately listed Ann Marshs manner of death as pending, but noted that the nature and angle of the gunshot wound indicated a homicide. Authorities filed assault and battery charges against James Marsh shortly after he was arrested, according to court records. He has been held without bail since his arrest. Authorities upgraded the charge against James Marsh to murder and dismissed the lesser charges on Dec. 31, according to court records. He is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on Feb. 18. On Tuesday, James Marshs lawyer, Blake Rubin, told the Telegram & Gazette he has ordered a psychological evaluation for his client. His clients son shared with him that hed recently become concerned enough about his fathers mental health that hed flown in from Nevada to visit his father shortly before the Dec. 26 incident. A lawyer representing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said on Tuesday that federal officials made a mistake in their case involving the deportation of a Babson College student. However, its still unclear whether this apology will bring the 19-year-old woman back to Massachusetts. Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, a resident of Texas and a Babson College student in Wellesley, was deported to Honduras after she was taken into custody at Boston Logan International Airport on Nov. 20, 2025 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, according to electronic court clerks notes. The next day, she was flown to Texas, and, that evening, an order was issued by the Federal District Court in Massachusetts that ICE will not remove the petitioner from the jurisdiction of the United States or outside of Massachusetts for at least 72 hours. However, on Nov. 22, 2025, Lopez Belloza was put on a flight that left the U.S. from Harlingen, Texas at 10:35 a.m. and landed in Honduras at 1:09 p.m., the court clerk wrote. Since then, Lopez Belloza has been living with her grandparents, whom she hasnt seen in 12 years and barely knows, according to WCVB. When she was detained, the 19-year-old had been planning to surprise her parents in Texas during Thanksgiving break. During proceedings at the Boston federal courthouse on Tuesday, before District Judge Richard G. Stearns, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Sauter acknowledged the courts order was violated, which he blamed on a mistake by an ICE officer who thought the order no longer applied and failed to properly flag it, Reuters reported. On behalf of the government, we want to sincerely apologize, Sauter said in the courtroom. Sauter was representative of several agencies, including ICE and Homeland Security. The judge said this was a tragic case of bureaucracy going wrong, The Boston Globe reported. It might not be anybodys fault, but she was the victim of it, Stearns said. While he made no immediate ruling, Stearns floated the alternative of issuing Lopez Belloza a student visa to allow her to finish her studies at Babson. ... We dont want to lose sight that we have a real human being here, Stearns said to Sauter, Reuters reported. Babson College did not immediately respond to MassLive for comment. A Revere man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison in connection with a money laundering operation that spanned two continents. Jason Hunter, 48, pleaded guilty in May to one count of money laundering conspiracy, as well as several drug possession and distribution charges, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office, District of Massachusetts. He was sentenced on Jan. 8. In 2024, law enforcement agents investigated a large-scale international money laundering operation that used money brokers in Colombia as liaisons between drug suppliers in Latin America and their drug customers in the U.S., according to prosecutors. Brokers would arrange contracts with money launderers based in the U.S., then conduct pickups of drug proceeds on behalf of the drug suppliers. Investigators posed as money launderers and conducted pickups in cities across the U.S., including Boston, prosecutors said. As part of that scheme, Hunter delivered drug proceeds to undercover investigators on multiple occasions, according to prosecutors. On Feb. 28, 2024, Hunter delivered $140,000 of drug cash to undercover agents, authorities said. On April 3, 2024, he was on his way to a money pickup arranged by a broker when he was arrested. Hunter had $100,000 in his possession. A search of Hunters home resulted in the seizure of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine, fentanyl and oxycodone, as well as more than a kilogram of cocaine, according to prosecutors. A Plymouth man was arrested Tuesday morning in connection with paying for a livestream showing the sexual abuse of two young children in the Philippines, the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office announced. Robert Meserve, 38, was arrested in New Jersey and charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of children, the U.S. Attorneys office said in a press release. The investigation into Meserve began in June 2025 when police in Bergen County, New Jersey, received a report about an individual who was paying for livestreams of child sexual abuse, the U.S. Attorneys office said. The report indicated that an individual, who was later identified as Meserve, was paying to direct and record livestreams in which adults would sexually abuse children in their care. An initial forensic examination of Meserves electronic devices revealed digital files consistent with child sexual abuse material, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Investigators also discovered communications with the abusers and payments that matched plans and requests detailed in the correspondence. The abused children were revealed to be an 8-year-old and a 6-year-old located in the Philippines, the U.S. Attorneys office said. One of the children was disabled and non-verbal. Meserve is set to make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date, the U.S. Attorneys office said. He faces 15 to 30 years in prison, five years to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. Editors Note: Verizon shared an update on the outage around 9 p.m. on Wednesday. Verizon Wireless customers across the country are reporting service outages Wednesday afternoon. Verizon acknowledged the issues in a statement posted to social media shortly after 1 p.m. We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience, the statement reads. Customers began reporting the outages to Downdetector.com en masse shortly before 12:45 p.m. The wireless service outage monitoring website showed an influx of reports from across the U.S. that peaked at around 180,000. Downdetectors live outage map indicates that the outages are affecting Verizon customers in New York City, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Denver, Washington D.C., Atlanta and Portland, Oregon. Verizon issued a second statement on the outages on social media around 2:25 p.m. The wireless company stated that its engineers were still working to fix the problem. Verizon engineering teams are continuing to address todays service interruptions. Our teams remain fully deployed and are focused on the issue. We understand the impact this has on your day and remain committed to resolving this as quickly as possible, the statement reads. At 4:15 p.m., Verizon released a third statement on social media. Two Massachusetts lawmakers are pressing for the end of a key legal protection for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents after the shooting death of a Minnesota woman sparked protests nationwide. U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-7th District, are backing legislation that would allow people to sue federal law enforcement officers for civil rights violations. The bill would no longer allow ICE agents to claim protections under a legal doctrine known as qualified immunity, which allows law enforcement officers to avoid personal consequences for their professional interactions unless they violate clearly established law. When masked ICE agents are allowed to kill and harm people with impunity, we have crossed a dangerous threshold in our nation, Markey said in a statement. All too often, the flawed and judge-made doctrine of qualified immunity shields law enforcement officers from liability, even when they commit egregious misconduct or use excessive force. The bill sends a powerful message to everyone in Americacitizen or notthat when ICE agents break the law, they should and will be held accountable," Pressley added. The Trump White House has steadfastly defended ICEs actions in the shooting death last week of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, who was fatally shot as she tried to drive away from ICE agents. The agents have claimed they acted in self-defense, a claim buttressed by President Donald Trump and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The bill backed by the two Bay State Democrats stands little chance of clearing the Republican-controlled U.S. House and Senate and netting a signature from the GOP White House. But the bill does signal growing and bipartisan unrest on Capitol Hill over the Trump White House, which has acted with broad and largely unfettered authority to prosecute its mass deportation campaign in American cities. Read More: Mass. Sen. Warrens speech dinging Trump on affordability gets her a presidential phone call We cannot stand idly by while rogue federal agentsemboldened by the Trump White Houseravage our communities, brutalize families, and kill our neighbors on the street in cold blood," Pressley said. The lawmakers argued that Congress never intended to shield public officials from civil liability for their actions, pointing to an 1871 law targeting the Ku Klux Klan that expressly allowed people to sue government officials, including law enforcement officers, who violated their civil rights. The federal courts have since whittled away at that right by creating the legal doctrine and expanding its protections, they argued. With ICE agents trampling over our laws, our rights, and our communities, we must demand justice and hold wrongdoers accountable, Markey said. Dont try to tell Evan MacKay that the Massachusetts Legislature is challenger-proof. In 2024, MacKay came within 41 votes of defeating veteran state Rep. Marjorie Decker in the Democratic primary for the Cambridge-based 25th Middlesex District. While Decker came away with the win, the narrow margin was still a stinging rebuke for the now seven-term incumbent and the Houses chairperson of the Legislatures Joint Committee on Public Health. And now MacKay is back in 2026, with a fresh challenge to Decker that comes against the backdrop of a general dissatisfaction with incumbents and a pair of ballot questions aimed at cleaning up and shedding some light on Beacon Hills notoriously opaque operations. Legislative leaders have touted efforts to open up the process to the public. including moves to post plain-English summaries of bills online and earlier notice of committee meetings. Even so, most of the Legislatures operations take place behind closed doors. And it is exempt from the states open records law. The status quo of dysfunction, corruption and secrecy from Massachusetts House leadership is unacceptable, and our communities are demanding change. I am so proud of our grassroots movement for transparency and accountability, they told MassLive. MacKay said they spent last fall collecting signatures for good government ballot questions designed to break up this broken status quo of politicians benefiting financially for ignoring the will of their voters and ignoring good government demands. MacKay isnt the only one. With just about a month to go before nomination papers officially become available, and with less than nine months to go before the Sept. 1 primary, candidates already are starting to emerge in key races across the commonwealth. Theres a growing sense of frustration with the Legislature, Scotia Hille, of the advocacy group Act On Mass, told MassLive. I dont have to say it. Secretary of State Bill Galvin said it. We see 11 ballot questions, which shows a broad dissatisfaction with the Legislature. There is a growing public awareness, and folks are starting to see it reflected in the challengers who are being brought to the table, Hille said. David L. Lander, a top adviser to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the chair of the citys 21st Ward Committee, is among them. Hes running against veteran state Sen. Will Brownsberger, D-Suffolk/Middlesex, whos the No. 2 Democrat in the upper chamber. The challenge is coming, in large part, because of ongoing Senate resistance to Wus hotly debated plan to shift a greater share of the citys tax burden onto commercial property owners. After clearing the Boston City Council and the state House of Representatives, Wus tax shift once again hit a brick wall at the end of last year, leading to a 13% tax hike for residential homeowners in the city. We need a state Senate that stands up for our knowledge economy, brings down costs and isnt stuck defending a broken status quo, Lander said, according to The Belmontian, a local news site. That division between the establishment and the insurgents is right there in the numbers. Forty-nine percent of respondents to a Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll released last November said they either approved or strongly approved of the job the 200-member Legislature is doing, compared to 36% who disapproved or strongly disapproved. That tension is classic Massachusetts politics. While voters may disdain the Legislature as an institution, most remain fiercely attached to their local lawmaker. That is, when they know who they are in the first place 13.6% of that same polls respondents said they were undecided and 1% refused to answer. But even with those numbers, the path to Beacon Hill wont be an easy one for those who choose to pursue it. Most incumbent lawmakers in the majority-Democrat Legislature coasted to reelection in 2024, buoyed by a culture weighted toward incumbents, as well as a historically disorganized state Republican Party. Put it all together, and you get one of the least competitive climates for legislative races in the nation, according to Ballotpedia. State Rep. Christine Barber, whos running for the state Senate seat being vacated by long-serving Sen. Patricia Jehlen, D-2nd Middlesex, is banking on her experience to catapult her to the upper chamber. Im proud of the accomplishments Ive achieved in the legislature, because progressive leadership must be about delivering progressive results, Barber, a Democrat who represents the Somerville-based 34th Middlesex District, told State House News Service. Families are struggling with the cost of living, housing and health care. We need leaders that know how to win tough fights and turn values into action, Barber, the House chairperson of the Legislatures Joint Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources, said. Whether Bay State voters choose insurgent candidates or stick with well-known name brands reflects a broader tension within the Democratic Party, where loyalists are wrestling with similar questions about generational change. Some voters want steady hands on the tiller. There are other voters who say the Democratic Party needs to change. And were seeing that right here in Massachusetts, UMass Amherst political science professor Ray La Raja said. There are very different visions of what the Democratic Party looks like, and that will create some tensions. Hille falls squarely into that reformer camp. Her group is backing the transparency-minded ballot questions. One of those ballot questions would put the Legislature and the Governors Office under the aegis of the states open records law. The other would clean up the stipends, worth thousands of dollars, that are paid to legislative leaders alongside their regular salaries. The ballot questions still need to clear some procedural hurdles on Beacon Hill before they can go before the voters. But both were overwhelmingly popular in that Suffolk University poll last fall. The Evan MacKay race last cycle showed it, Hille said. They were centered on transparency and accountability. And I would not be surprised to see further campaigns around those issues that will resonate with voters. Massachusetts will stick with the long-established schedule for childhood vaccines, once again breaking from guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Healey administration said Wednesday. Gov. Maura Healey announced the decision to adhere to what her office described as evidence-based childhood immunization recommendations , which are backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. No matter what happens in Washington, in Massachusetts we make public health decisions based on evidence and what will best protect our children and families, Healey said in a statement. Earlier this month, and in the face of opposition from physicians, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced the federal government was cutting the number of vaccines it recommends for every child. Leading medical groups said the move would undermine protections against a half-dozen diseases, The Associated Press reported. The change, which took effect immediately, means that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that all children get vaccinated against 11 diseases, The Associated Press reported. Whats no longer broadly recommended is protection against flu, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, some forms of meningitis or RSV. Instead, protections against those diseases are only recommended for certain groups deemed high risk, or when doctors recommend them in whats called shared decision-making, the wire service reported. On Wednesday, Healey said the state Department of Public Health would adhere to the authority granted to it last year to set its own vaccine standards. Secretary Kennedys rollback of long-standing federal vaccine recommendations creates confusion for parents and providers and erodes trust, Healey said. Our message to families is simple: we will continue to stand behind science and preserve access to the vaccines children need to stay healthy. This is the second time in as many months that state health officials have said they would ignore the federal governments vaccine guidance. In December, state officials said they would continue to recommend that newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine, despite a hotly debated vote by a federal vaccine panel. Massachusetts also joined with other northeastern states in the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a bipartisan coalition of state and city health departments that coordinates on vaccine guidance and other public health matters, the administration said. The federal governments guidance on childhood vaccines is reckless and deeply dangerous, state Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said. The action by Kennedys agency replaces decades of transparent, evidence-based guidance with uncertainty, Goldstein continued. At a time when we are seeing measles outbreaks across the country, a resurgence of whooping cough, and a severe respiratory virus season including pediatric deaths from diseases that are preventable this action puts families in an impossible position and places children and communities at risk, he said. The state has issued guidance urging pediatricians and other providers to follow the existing immunization schedule, the administration said. They should report all administered vaccines to the states Immunization Information System. The science is clear, Goldstein said. Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness and save lives. In Massachusetts, we will continue to lead with integrity, transparency, and an unshakeable commitment to protecting childrens health and well-being. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services could not immediately be reached for comment. President Donald Trump raised the middle finger at a heckler who called him a pedophile protector during a visit to a Ford plant Michigan on Tuesday. A video shows Trump walking around a raised area of the Dearborn F-150 plant when the heckler, who is not shown, yells at Trump, calling him a pedophile protector. The name is an apparent reference to the Trump administrations handling of the investigation into the deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein. In response, Trump appears to mouth twice the words (expletive) you before raising his middle finger. In a statement to the Washington Post, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung confirmed the authenticity of the video. A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the president gave an appropriate and unambiguous response, he told the outlet. The heckler is a union-backed auto worker at Ford Motor Co., who has subsequently been suspended, according to Michigan Advance. The worker, TJ Sabula, 40, told The Post he had no regrets for his actions. I dont feel as though fate looks upon you often, and when it does, you better be ready to seize the opportunity, Sabula told the outlet. And today I think I did that. This isnt the first time Trump has uttered profane language in public. When a ceasefire in hostilities between Iran and Israel fell apart in June 2025, Trump lashed out at the two countries, telling reporters that they dont know what the (expletive) they are doing. SOUTH HADLEY After a full day of searching for a man who reportedly jumped from the Joseph E. Muller Bridge, recovery efforts were halted for the day on Wednesday, officials said. Multiple agencies were searching to recover the body of the man, who slipped under the water after he was seen clinging on to ice in the Connecticut River on Tuesday afternoon, an emailed statement from the Massachusetts State Police said. Previous statements from other agencies said the man, who has not been identified, went under the water while rescue efforts were underway by South Hadley Fire District 1, Fire District 2 and the Holyoke Fire Department on Tuesday afternoon, a statement from the South Hadley Fire Department said. The incident occurred at around 3:05 p.m. on Tuesday, according to a statement from Capt. Jason Houle, public information officer for Fire District 1. The Hampden County Sheriffs Office Drone Unit and South Hadley Police Department conducted aerial searches of the river and surrounding riverbanks, according to a statement from Robert Rizzuto, spokesman for the Sheriffs Office, earlier Wednesday afternoon. The Massachusetts Environmental Police used a waterborne drone beneath the ice to search areas unreachable from the surface, the sheriffs statement said. While the State Police said they will not continue their search for the man on Thursday, local agencies, including the Sheriffs Office, will continue the recovery efforts. Rizzuto said the search will primarily require the use of drones as the ice on the river is unstable and the river itself is unsafe. Rescue becomes a recovery mission Efforts Tuesday to locate the man were impacted by the river current and ice conditions, according to a statement from the South Hadley Fire Department, which transitioned the search from a rescue mission to a recovery effort. The sheriffs department said severe winter conditions on the Connecticut River has significantly impacted search efforts. Ice covering the river is more than a foot thick in some areas, making it unsafe and impossible to deploy a boat. As a result, the operation has required an adaptive approach utilizing specialized technology, the sheriffs statement said. The Massachusetts State Police, South Hadley Police, Holyoke Police and Western Massachusetts Regional Dive Team, troopers from State Police Northampton barracks, the Marine Unit, Airwing and State Police Detective Unit from Hampshire and Franklin County also provided assistance with the search. The Hampden Sheriff's Office is using drone software to try to locate the body of a man who slipped under the water Tuesday afternoon. (Mark M. Murray/ Hampden County Sheriff's Office) Hampden County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi said Wednesday in an emailed statement that specialty units are trained for some of the most challenging and unpredictable conditions. Rizzuto, spokesman for the sheriffs office, said Cocchi has ordered that the office continue its search to find the individual and help bring closure to his family. BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The disciplinary body of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has called for reinforced anti-corruption efforts during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). The call was made in a communique adopted at the fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, held from Monday to Wednesday in Beijing. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the session and delivered an important speech. SPRINGFIELD A Chicopee man pleaded guilty this week to tax evasion and filing false tax returns for a scheme related to the importation and sale of tobacco products. Jaffar Syed, 52, will serve 18 months in the Hampden County House of Correction and then a three-year suspension on the tax evasion charge and a concurrent three years of probation on two false tax return charges, a statement from the Attorney Generals Office said. He entered the plea in Hampden Superior Court Tuesday. The AG Offices indictment stemmed from an incident in April 2024 in which Syed purchased bulk amounts of smokeless tobacco, smoking tobacco, and cigars from a wholesale distributor in Pennsylvania and then sold those products through his company, Shaws Whole Sale LLC, to retailers primarily in and around Hampden County, the statement said. The Massachusetts State Police and state Department of Revenue Criminal Investigations Bureau conducted a joint investigation into Syed, which found that he filed two tax returns in 2018 that falsely reported $0 tax liability, the statement said. Between March 2018 and January 2019, the investigation said, Syed evaded paying more than $100,000 in taxes. Syed is unable to travel without notice and permission of the probation department to visit Pakistan, the United Kingdom or Dubai, which is in the United Arab Emirates, according to a court order signed by Superior Court judge Jeremy C. Bucci. Records also show Syed needs permission from probation to travel out of state for food. The offices White Collar and Public Integrity Division investigates criminal misconduct against public agencies and that which has a harmful effect on public confidence in our government and other trust institutions. The Gaming Enforcement Division and Digital Evidence Lab prosecuted Syed after the investigation into him, the office said. Special State Police and Fire Services teams were recently called upon to neutralize a mechanism containing tear gas that was discovered in Northampton, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. The Northampton Fire Department requested help from the State Police Bomb Squad and Fire Services hazard response team after a resident dropped off an unknown device, the fire services department said in a Wednesday Facebook post. The device had tubes containing an unknown substance. It was believed to have been part of anti-theft system from an old safe. Attempts to breach the safe would release the contents, usually a noxious chemical causing injury or illness, the fire services department wrote. The teams determined the substance was tear gas and secured it so that it could be safely disposed, the fire services department wrote. SOUTHWICK Haven, the towns second cannabis retailer, took another step towards opening after the Planning Board approved signage for its building on College Highway but turned down its request to include cannabis on the sign. We discouraged the other applicant from doing that, said Jessica Thornton, the Planning Board chair, referring to a similar request by Pioneer Valley Trading Co., which the board also turned down. I would say that would not be something she said before John Lemanski, the owner of Chicopee-based Sign Dynamics, said, well go back then. Thornton said the board wanted to keep everything fair and square. Lemanski said the letters of Havens name will be individually illuminated about a foot and a half above the canopy over the stores entrance and cover 59 square feet. Because the former Family Dollar building has windows on nearly half of the front facade, Lemanski said 3/16 inch thick acrylic panels will be applied with translucent vinyl letters and the Haven logo. Thornton explained the window coverings. I will note, because I looked this up for myself; the filming on the windows, while its not something that we require, or specifically call for within our own sign bylaws it is part of the state code that prohibits [cannabis retailers] from having products or brand names being visible to the exterior, so this why you see this sort of setup on any dispensary you come into contact with, she said. Board member Jason Grunwald said he thought the front facade looked great, before asking if the Haven sign was bigger or smaller than the Family Dollar sign. Size-wise, said Brian Kuchachick, one of the owners of Haven at the hearing. Its smaller. The pole sign in front of the building, located at 681 College Highway, and currently painted red, will be repainted black, and the Haven sign will be installed in it. Before Thornton asked the board for a motion to approve the signage, she reminded Kuchachick that the pylons in front of the store needed to have some sort of signage. Thats not something that you would have to come before us for something small like that, but I didnt want [you] to forget that that was part of the special permit, she said. Haven, which operates under the corporate name Responsible and Compliant Southwick LLC, is one of two retailers offered an opportunity to open in town in September 2024. The Cannabis Control Commission recently reviewed and approved the architectural review of the interior of the 8,300 square-foot facility. That allowed Haven to begin repurposing the interior, which was completely empty, said one of Havens other owners, Mark S. Dupuis. Only about 2,000 square feet of the building will be used for its showroom, lobby and patient consultation, he said recently, Because one of Havens principles is a verified social equity applicant, it will be applying for a grant of $200,000 from the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund to assist with the buildings repurposing. About 4,000 square feet in the rear of the building will be used for manufacturing and white labeling, which is packaging products for other cultivators. The space will also include a restricted area of about 1,900 square feet that will include a vault and the managers office. The only change on the buildings exterior will be the addition of a side door on the buildings south side. The business will operate under the California-based Haven, which has over a dozen retail operations in Southern California. Dupuis, who has no connection to Mark A. Dupuis, the owner of the now-closed Heka dispensary in Westfield, and Kuchachick will be relying on the knowledge the parent company has developed over the last decade while operating medical and retail cannabis dispensaries. The parent company will also handle the administrative side of the business, taking care of tax payments, accounting and legal services. Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester has a new interim CEO, according to its website. Adam Bracks is listed as the interim chief executive officer of Saint Vincent Hospital and Massachusetts Market, its website reads. No further information about Bracks was listed. In December, the Worcester hospitals parent company, Tenet Healthcare Corp. posted a job offering for the CEO position, just 10 months after the hospital hired Denten Park as its leader. Park is the successor of Carolyn Jackson, whose resignation was announced in a letter sent to Saint Vincent leaders and medical staff on Feb. 3. A spokesperson for Tenant did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. The hospital has been the subject of complaints from The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA). The MNA has had a contentious relationship with the hospital, as nurses from the association went on strike in February 2021 due to the hospital and the nurses being unable to agree on staffing levels. The strike lasted 10 months, with the union gaining support from the Worcester City Council and then-Attorney General Maura Healey. In December of that year, the hospital and the union agreed on staffing levels and ratified a contract on Jan. 3, 2022. Since 2023, however, the MNA has filed several complaints against the hospital. In June, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) launched an investigation into Saint Vincent Hospital, the third in 18 months. A spokesperson for the DPH did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the investigation on Thursday. The hospital and its parent company are also facing a lawsuit from Carla LeBlanc, a former nurse at Saint Vincent who claims she is a victim of retaliation. LeBlanc was terminated on May 1, three months after she appeared on a podcast called Outdoor Cats, hosted by journalist Bill Shaner of the news website, Worcester Sucks and I Love It, and Chris Robarge. During the podcast episode, which was published in February, LeBlanc asserted that management at Saint Vincent was to blame for inadequate staffing levels that have compromised the safety of patients. The main concern that DPH has seen is that staffing is an issue, being able to monitor... to really be watching the heart monitors for the patients and increased pressure ulcers, LeBlanc said during the podcast episode. Pressure ulcers are reportable events that get reported to the state. It shouldnt happen. Three months later, LeBlanc was terminated from her job, with the letter referring to her comments made during the podcast. During an interview on a podcast, you made disloyal, reckless, and maliciously untrue statements attacking the Hospital and its services, the letter reads. As a result, the Hospital has determined that there exists just cause to terminate your employment effective immediately. LeBlanc filed a lawsuit against the hospital and its parent company on Aug. 1 in Worcester Superior Court, according to court documents which the nurses union previously shared with MassLive. The Worcester City Council on Tuesday night held off on voting on a tax break proposal for an office-to-apartment conversion project. The Washington D.C.-based Menkiti Group is looking to convert offices at 401-409 Main St. into 48 market-rate apartments. Prior to the Tuesday night council meeting, City Manager Eric D. Batista asked the council to approve a 10-year real estate tax exemption on the propertys new value. He also asked the council to designate the project as eligible for tax credits under the states Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP). Council Vice Chair and Councilor-at-Large Khrystian King held the item under privilege, meaning a vote on the matter wont take place until the next council meeting scheduled for Jan. 20. King concerns about the tax exemption were related to Menkiti previously violating breaching the citys responsible development ordinance. The Menkiti Groups 20-unit apartment project on 204 Main St. was found in non-compliance of the ordinance due to past violations by one of the projects subcontractors, Barber Drywall. Between 2024 and 2025, Barber Drywall received five violations from the Massachusetts Attorney Generals office. These violations were related to Barber Drywalls work at the Concord Middle School, according to Jay Barber, the owner of the company. Under Worcesters responsible development ordinance, developers who receive tax exemptions from the city for projects are not allowed to have contractors or subcontractors who have violations within the past three years. Menkiti, which was given a tax increment exemption for the project, paid $5,000 as part of the non-compliance order. King also asked Chief Development Officer Peter Dunn if there were any reports of wage theft from Menkiti or the subcontractor. Dunn told King he had not heard any reports of such activity happening. Both Dunn and Batista expressed confidence in recommending the tax exemption for the Main St. project, touting the citys negotiations with Menkiti. Menkiti previously told MassLive they were not aware of the violations from Barber Drywall prior to their hiring for the 204 Main St. project. Nevertheless, King held the item until the next meeting, saying he had unanswered questions. I stand in opposition to this on its face. I have some questions for clarification that might move me, he said. Five of the 48 proposed apartments on Main Street would be restricted to tenants earning up to 60% of the area median income. The five units include two studios at $1,400 a month, two one-bedrooms at $1,600 a month and one two-bedroom at $1,800 a month, Dunn told the council. Worcester is currently facing a shortage of market-rate and affordable housing and needs to add more than 12,000 units by 2033. The average market-rate rent in Worcester is $2,100, according to Zillow.com. Worcester residents are concerned about a proposed 19-story skyscraper that would have 225 apartments nearly double the number previously reported. Residents appeared before the Zoning Board of Appeals on Monday and expressed their concerns about the proposal from New York-based development firm, Radson Development. The firm wants to build the skyscraper at 56 Pleasant St., just two minutes away from Worcesters tallest building, The Glass Tower. The 19-story building would feature 225 apartments, according to Donald ONeil, a lawyer representing Radson at the board meeting. The application for the proposal erroneously stated that there would be 125 units built, ONeil told the board Monday night. This came as a surprise for Worcester resident Kevin Ksen, who said residents were being left out of a conversation about the proposal. Im very concerned residents know nothing about this, said Ksen. I was telling everybody this was a huge project with 125 units. Im just kind of knocked over a little bit to know twice as big. Ksen was one of several residents who spoke about the skyscraper during Monday nights meeting. Many speakers didnt explicitly oppose the proposal but expressed worry over the potential impact of building 225 apartments downtown. A 225-unit building potentially could house a thousand people, said Worcester resident Feanna Jattan-Singh. If a thousand people are going to be living this close downtown, we need to think a lot more about how its going to impact all of downtown. Ryan Chamberlain, vice president of Synergy, which owns the Glass Tower, told the board he opposes the project. It (the proposed building) encroaches on our garage, Chamberlain said. We think it will have a serious material negative impact on the office building. A majority of residents said that there should be a public hearing on the project before it moves forward. We are more than open to have a board meeting with the neighborhood, said Florencia Mutarelli of Radson Development. We really want to hear what everyone has to say. We thought that we were going through the proper routes. The board will continue discussion on the proposal on Feb. 2. The Arts Council has announced its latest funding allocations under its 2026 development programme, awarding a total of 72.3 million to 148 arts organisations, arts centres, local authorities and creative initiatives nationwide. As part of the announcement, organisations based in County Mayo will receive a combined total of 477,000 in funding for 2026. Three Mayo-based recipients have been confirmed. Ballina Arts Centre has been awarded 82,000, the Linenhall Arts Centre will receive 290,000, and Mayo County Council has been allocated 105,000. The Arts Council said the funding represents more than half of its annual investment and is aimed at supporting organisations and partners that provide local and national infrastructure for the arts. The programme is designed to enable artists to realise their creative vision while supporting access to arts experiences for audiences across the country. READ MORE: Trolley crisis at Mayo University Hospital is leading to unsafe conditions In addition to direct funding for Mayo-based organisations, the Arts Council noted that all counties benefit from organisations with a national remit that are headquartered elsewhere. These include bodies such as Arts and Disability Ireland, Irish National Opera, Na Piobairi Uilleann Teoranta, Childrens Books Ireland and Dance Ireland. In relation to the recent announcement of allocation, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick ODonovan, said public investment through grant funding is essential to sustaining and developing the arts across every part of Ireland: These awards support artists and organisations to realise ambitious creative work across all artforms, while ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds have meaningful opportunities to engage with the arts in their everyday lives. Director of the Arts Council, Moling Ryan, added that the Arts Council is prioritising support for arts organisations across Ireland, enabling them to sustain their work and plan confidently for the year ahead. These funding decisions for 2026 will support artists, audiences and communities to come together through shared creative experiences and meaningful cultural activity. READ NEXT: Mayo housing development given full planning permission in less than 100 days despite planner's concerns A MAN was remanded in custody after he appeared before a Mayo court charged with the burglary of a supermarket in Foxford last August. Kastriot Boza of 40 Barons Hall Park, Balbriggan, Dublin appeared before Belmullet District Court charged with the burglary of O'Hara's supermarket in Foxford on August 25 last as well as a charge of handling stolen property. The burglary of O'Hara's supermarket occurred at approximately 4.15am on August 25 last when a quantity of cigarettes were taken. Following an investigation, Mr Boza, who is aged in his 40s, was arrested by members of the Ballina Detective Unit in Dublin on Tuesday, January 13 and subsequently brought to Ballina Garda Station where he was charged with the offence. He appeared before Judge Sandra Murphy in Belmullet District Court this morning where Detective Garda Aiden Brennan explained that Mr Boza replied 'no comment' after he was charged. READ: Mayo councillor seek tighter controls on vape shopfronts and advertising Det Garda Brennan outlined that gardai were objecting to Mr Boza being released on bail. However, Gary Mulchrone, solicitor for Mr Boza, explained that there would be no application for bail and there was consent to have his client remanded in custody. Det Garda Brennan added that the investigation is a 'lengthy matter' and gardai are awaiting DPP directions. Judge Murphy remanded Mr Boza in custody to appear before Castlebar District Court on January 21. She also granted legal aid to Mr Mulchrone. Eamonn Keaveney, originally from Claremorris, Co Mayo, set off from Istanbul in March 4, 2025, with an ambitious goal: to walk barefoot across Europe, set a new Guinness World Record, and raise money for causes close to his heart. Ten months later, having crossed multiple countries on foot, he has returned to Ireland and is now completing the final leg of his journey to Mayo. After almost a year of walking barefoot across Europe, Keaveney is finally on the home stretch of an extraordinary journey, and has raised for youth mental health charity Jigsaw and environmental group Friends of the Earth. With a fundraising target of 10,000, Keaveney is now approximately 2,000 away from reaching his goal, which he hopes to achieve before arriving home in Claremorris in February. As of January 11, 2026, Keaveney has covered 5,869.24 kilometres barefoot across Europe. In early September last year, on the 185th day of his challenge, the 33-year-old broke the Guinness World Record for the longest barefoot walk at the border of Hungary and Austria, surpassing the previous record of 3,409.76 km. Speaking as he makes his way across Ireland, Keaveney said he is looking forward to finishing the journey on familiar ground. I'm delighted to be returning to Ireland after so many months of walking. It's great to be coming back to familiar territory, it really feels like I'm on the home stretch and I'm more certain with every day that I'll make it back to Claremorris, he said. READ MORE: INMO trolley watch records increase in figures at MUH Eamonn's epic journey started in March 2025. He also expressed gratitude for the public support he has received throughout the challenge, particularly during a difficult economic period. I'm thrilled with the donations made to the fundraiser, especially given the cost of living crisis that so many are struggling with. It helps on difficult days to know that I'm not sort of needlessly struggling but that there's money and awareness being raised for an important cause. I'm optimistic about reaching the fundraising goal as well, which would be a real cherry on top. Support for Keaveneys effort has also come from the organisations he is fundraising for. Deirdre Duffy, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth, praised both the scale of the challenge and its wider message. We are so grateful to Eamonn for shining a light on and supporting the work we do here at Friends of the Earth and for the young people in Ireland that Jigsaw supports through their services, she said. Eamonns epic journey is a really great example and reminder that climate action can come in all shapes and sizes. At the start of 2026, its good to be reminded that there are incredible people doing incredible things like this. Eamonn is a true example that we can all do and achieve hard and crazy things. Crossing Europe is not Keaveneys first barefoot feat. In 2016, he walked 2,000km barefoot across Ireland, before climbing 10 mountains barefoot in 10 days in 2018. Throughout the journey, Keaveney has been documenting his progress through daily updates on his Instagram page, @barefootacrosseurope, sharing insights into the physical demands of walking barefoot long distances and the landscapes and communities he has encountered along the way. Now, with Mayo firmly in his sights, the final kilometres represent not only the conclusion of a record-breaking journey, but the culmination of months of persistence, public support and commitment to raising awareness for environmental protection and youth mental health. You can donate to Eamonn's chosen charities here. READ MORE: Mayo student wins prize at first-ever Stripe Young Scientist and Technology exhibition An Garda Siochana Mayo have arrested a man in relation to a burglary in Foxford last year. The incident is reported to have happened on Monday, August 25, 2025. The arrest operation was conducted by members of the Ballina Detective Unit on January 13. During this operation, a male in his 40s was apprehended in Dublin City. He was subsequently brought to a Garda Station in County Mayo, where he was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. The individual has since been charged in connection with the investigation and is due to appear before a sitting of Belmullet District Court on Wednesday, 14th January 2026. Case involves two suspects who stole cigarettes and fled on foot This is the witness appeal Gardai released relating to that incident back in August: Gardai are appealing for witnesses following the burglary of a shop in Foxford, Co. Mayo in the early hours of this morning, Monday 25th August 2025. Gardai received report that at approximately 4:15am two men had forced entry into the premises and fled with a quantity of cigarettes. Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have information on this incident to contact them. Gardai are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who was in the Pontoon Road, Lahardane and Crossmolina areas and saw anything out of the ordinary. It is believed that the two suspects may have been travelling on foot for a time. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 4:00am and 8:00am this morning are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai. Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station on 096 20560 the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. READ NEXT: New Garda Superintendent announced for North Mayo JERUSALEM, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces killed six Palestinians in the southern area of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said on Wednesday. According to a military spokesperson, tanks were dispatched after troops spotted six armed individuals in western Rafah on Tuesday. The spokesperson said the militants had fired at a tank, triggering an exchange of fire that included airstrikes. Israel's Army Radio reported that two Israeli soldiers sustained light injuries in the fighting. Palestinian sources in Gaza reported a series of airstrikes west of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, alongside artillery shelling. Israel has continued its military operations in Gaza despite a ceasefire that came into effect in October 2025. The more-than-two-year Israeli offensive has put Gaza into ruins and killed more than 71,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. Local activist groups Mayo Irish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign and United Against Racism have announced an emergency vigil to highlight the plight of two hunger strikers currently imprisoned in Britain, whom organisers say are in imminent danger of death. The vigil is scheduled to take place this evening, Wednesday, January 14, at 5.30pm in Market Square, Castlebar. According to organisers, the protest is being held in solidarity with Heba Muraisi, aged 31, who is on the 72nd day of a hunger strike, and Kamran Ahmed, aged 28, who has been hunger striking for 65 days. Both are reportedly refusing food in protest at what supporters describe as unjust detention and delays in legal proceedings. READ MORE: Mayo County Council call on the Government to pass the Occupied Territories Bill Campaigners state that the hunger strikers are calling for a fair and speedy trial, release on bail, the lifting of the ban on Palestine Action in the UK, and the closure of Elbit Systems, an Israeli-owned arms manufacturer with operations in Britain. The groups argue that Elbit Systems supplies weapons to Israel and link their protest to opposition to Israels military actions in Gaza. In a statement, the organisers said the vigil aims to defend the right to lawful political protest and they have also issued an open call to local and national political representatives to attend the event and show support. READ MORE: Gala For Gaza event raises over 100,000 for Palestinian charities Members of the public are being encouraged by the organisers to attend the peaceful gathering and show solidarity with the hunger strikers and their demands. Councillor Marie Therese Duffy has asked Mayo County Council to consider legislative changes that would restrict the use of bright neon signage, cartoon-style graphics and other eye-catching imagery on the exterior of vape shops, as well as the sale of products that appear to be aimed at children. Among the proposals outlined in her motion is a requirement that vape shop windows be covered or limited to neutral-coloured signage, similar to restrictions already in place for tobacco products. Under Irelands Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Act 2015, all branding elements such as logos, colours and graphics were removed from tobacco packaging, with the legislation coming into force in September 2017. Cllr Duffy said many vape outlets are now also selling items popular with younger generations, including the plush toy Labubu. The small, fluffy toys recognisable by their pointy ears and distinctive smile became a global trend last summer and are now commonly displayed in vape shop windows nationwide, not just in Mayo, making those shops appealing to children. The motion also calls for guidelines requiring vape shops to adopt plain storefront designs, such as black-and-white lettering with no product advertising visible from outside. In addition, Cllr Duffy is seeking to have vaping products kept out of sight in all retail settings, stored behind counters or in closed units, in line with existing tobacco regulations. The motion was on the agenda for the January meeting of Mayo County Council, but was not discussed, and is likely to be re-submitted for the February meeting of the local authority. READ MORE: 'She was going to kill me': Child, 8, gives evidence of alleged stabbing by mother Responding in a written submission ahead of the council meeting, Director of Services Catherine McConnell said current planning legislation does not distinguish between different types of retail use. As a result, changing a premises from one retail activity to another does not fall under the planning authoritys control. She added that while advertising structures and signage are regulated, existing rules do not extend to the use of colour imagery or window displays. This is not the first time the issue has been raised locally. Previously, Councillor Harry Barry called for limits on the number of vape shops opening in Castlebar at a meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District. He was told by district head David Mellett that the local authority has no power to control what type of business operates from a unit already in commercial use, and that any change would require national legislation. The jobs market in Mayo recorded strong growth throughout 2025, with an 8 percent year-on-year increase in the number of newly advertised vacancies, according to a new report from FRS Recruitment. The positive local performance runs contrary to the national trend, which saw a 17 percent decline in advertised jobs last year. FRS Recruitment is forecasting further expansion in the county, predicting 10 percent growth in Mayos jobs market in 2026. The report notes that Mayos position as an accessible regional hub has made it increasingly attractive to employers seeking cost-effective alternatives to larger cities. While employers in many parts of the country slowed recruitment due to rising costs and geopolitical uncertainty linked to US trade tariffs, Mayo recorded a sustained uplift in hiring activity, particularly toward the final quarter of 2025. FRS Recruitment says many businesses nationally focused on managing employment costs by delaying permanent hires, expanding existing roles internally and increasing their use of automation and artificial intelligence. Some sectors experienced steep declines in hiring, including accounting and finance, where vacancies fell by almost 40 per cent, and the agri-food sector, which saw a decline of up to 15 per cent. READ MORE: 1.42 million in forestry payments welcomed for Mayo farmers Survey data from employers and workers shows cautious optimism locally. Three out of four Mayo employers expect to hire in the next three months, while nine out of 10 say they remain concerned about the economic outlook. More than two-thirds believe full employment will only last another year or less. Among employees, 62 percent report concerns about job security, yet 55 percent believe they could secure a new role within three months if required. Nearly half expect a salary increase in the next year, and 78 percent say they have been asked to attend the workplace more frequently. Speaking on the report, Lynne McCormack, General Manager of FRS Recruitment, said Mayo has shown resilience despite national pressures. 2025 was a challenging year for the Irish jobs market, with multiple headwinds creating a lot of uncertainty for companies, she said. Despite the difficulties faced by employers across the country last year, Mayo bucked the national trend with a strong increase in the number of new jobs advertised in the county. With a tariff agreement now in place between the EU and the US, there is much more trading certainty for businesses heading into 2026, and I would expect to see a rebound in the jobs market this year. She added that competition for talent is expected to remain strong, with continued investment in automation and a growing focus on return-to-office policies. Overall, the report suggests Mayos labour market remains well positioned for continued growth, outperforming national trends while adapting to rapid changes in technology, workforce expectations and economic conditions. READ MORE: Mayo man walks 6,000km barefoot across Europe from Istanbul to Mayo Seventeen-year-old Roisin Tansey from Killasser, Swinford, has secured a 4 million settlement from Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street following a nine-year legal battle over her hospital care. Roisin is confined to a wheelchair after suffering a spinal-cord injury at the age of three-and-a-half after a simple fall on a sofa at her home. The High Court approved the settlement on Wednesday, which was reached without an admission of liability. The case was resolved through mediation. Roisin was just three-and-a-half years old when she fell from an armchair at her home on January 11, 2013. After the fall, she complained of weakness in her arms and was taken to Mayo University Hospital before being transferred to Temple Street Hospital in the early hours of January 12. READ MORE: Roisin Tansey to receive special award for courage The legal action, brought through her mother Breda Tansey, alleged failures in promptly diagnosing and treating Roisin's condition after her arrival at Temple Street. The claims included alleged delays in carrying out an MRI scan and appropriate treatment. All claims were denied by the hospital. In the words of Roisin, Today marks the end of a long journey that has weighed heavily on my family and I for the past nine years. I am pleased that its at an end, and I can move on with my life in the knowledge that justice has been served. While there has been much focus on the course of these proceedings on what I have lost, I remain grateful for what I have, the support of my family and friends, I am also deeply grateful to my legal team for their dedication and perseverance with which they handled this case. While I am tremendously relieved and grateful that this ordeal is now over, in reality, it changes little." "Tomorrow morning, the same challenges await me that I faced the day before. Todays settlement gives me back nothing of what I lost, nor of what my family lost, when this happened to me. But it is my sincere hope that the pursuit of justice in this case may prevent a similar outcome befalling someone else in the future. Unburdened by todays ruling, I intend to make the best of my blessings and continue to embrace life with ambition, determination and hope. Thank you. Speaking to The Mayo News, Roisin's solicitor David O'Malley welcomed the resolution of the case through mediation. "Hard cases very often don't make for good law," he said. He acknowledged the cooperation of the State Claims Agency in facilitating the mediation process and encouraged the use of alternative dispute resolution in complex healthcare cases wherever possible. O'Malley also called on the Government to swiftly implement the Civil Reform Bill 2025 to expedite complex cases and reduce trauma for all parties involved. In a personal note about his client, the Ballina-based solicitor added: "Roisin is a wonderful person and I hope it enriches her life. With her wit and brevity I can see her in the Four Courts representing others in the future." READ MORE: Tochar Phadraig Walk for Roisin Tansey Fund Roisin, who has appeared on RTE's The Late Late Show on multiple occasions, has become known for her positive outlook and artistic talents. Despite being paralysed from the neck down, she has become an accomplished mouth painter and has received recognition for her courage, including a Child of Courage Award in 2018. Reader discretion is advised due to the distressing nature of the story. A MOTHER wept and wailed as she listened to her daughter, aged eight, begin to recall being attacked by her with a big kitchen knife, which left her with a huge scar. If you can imagine a big kitchen knife being used to hit a small persons body said the child, whose mother has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of the girl at a location in the Mid-West. READ NEXT: Diageo confirms price of pint of Guinness will be increased from next month A DVD recording of an interview between the child - who was eight at the time - and two gardai conducted at a garda station was played for the jury at the Central Criminal Court, sitting in Limerick this Tuesday. When the video first was played before the court, the mother of the child wept and wailed. Neither parties involved in the case can be named to protect the identity of the child. The girl - who is now 11 - gave her testimony in Russian to an interpreter regarding her version of what happened on the night she was allegedly stabbed over 70 times in temporary accommodation in the Mid-West in 2022. The young girl said she was hit by our regular kitchen knife, big and sharp and pointy. She detailed to the garda that when she awoke from her bed she was standing over me with a knife and she started hitting me. The child continued: I remember clearly when she dragged me into the bathroom, and looking back [at the bed] it was just blood. The girl said that in the bathroom her mother told her: She was going to kill me, she was going to kill herself, as that was what was best. READ NEXT: 'Do not use' - Marks and Spencer issue Irish recall as product can cause 'burns, lacerations' The child said that the neighbour then knocked on the door. She thought that they could hear her screams. The child said the mother further hit her with the knife in the bathroom, and eventually stopped. Then she began talking to me in a really tired and sad voice. The girl said: I thought she was really upset with me. The court heard the girl outline that her mother said she was afraid someone would take the child away. The girl said the door was kicked in and that the ambulance personnel treated her. When asked the specifics of the time and date, the girl said: I think it was the day we go swimming at school, which is my favourite day. It was just a regular evening. Normally I say I love you to my mom and we said our prayers. The girl was asked about her injuries, and replied that she cant remember the pain, and that everything is mostly back to normal, except when I run. The Garda further inquired about the blood from the wounds. The child responded: I think most of the blood came from my back, my chest and my stomach. I have a huge scar. They told me it would take two to three years to heal. READ NEXT: Instagram users across Ireland urged to be aware amid surge in scam attacks Towards the end of the interview, the child expressed her desire to see her friend and her cat again. The trial is sitting again this Tuesday afternoon, and the evidence of the childs former neighbours is to be given. The trial is expected to sit for five or six more days. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme. CAIRO, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The United States is withdrawing some of its personnel from its military bases in the Middle East as a precaution amid heightened regional tensions, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing an anonymous U.S. official. Qatar has also confirmed that personnel are departing the U.S. base over "regional tensions." The latest developments come as regional tensions show signs of escalation surrounding Iran's protests, with U.S. officials repeatedly threatening to intervene. According to local media, Iran's Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh has said that the country will respond forcefully to any attack and "defend the country with full force and until the last drop of blood." Meanwhile, Reuters quoted anonymous sources saying that Iran has warned neighboring countries hosting U.S. forces that U.S. military bases could be targeted if Washington intervenes in the ongoing protests. PYONGYANG, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- A senior official of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Tuesday inter-Korean relations will not change, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, noted that the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of Unification's comment on her statement on Tuesday that there exists room for "communication" and "detente" has gone "wrong in their expectation." As far as "Seoul's various hope-filled wild dreams called 'repair of DPRK-ROK relations' are concerned," they can never all come true, said Kim. Kim noted that the ROK has recently "committed a grave provocation by infringing upon the sovereignty of the DPRK." The Seoul authorities should "admit and apologize" for having violated the DPRK's sovereignty and take a measure to prevent recurrence, she said. A spokesperson for the General Staff of the Korean People's Army said in a statement released on Friday that ROK had again sent drones into the DPRK's airspace at the beginning of the new year, following a drone intrusion over Pyongyang in October 2024. In an earlier press statement carried by KCNA, Kim urged South Korea on Saturday to make a "detailed explanation" about a drone that entered DPRK airspace from the ROK. Musician Stebin Ben and actor Nupur Sanon hosted a grand wedding reception on Tuesday night in Mumbai, which saw the presence of several prominent film and television celebrities. However, the biggest highlight of the evening was Salman Khan, who stole the spotlight at the star-studded celebration. Salman Khan made a stylish entry at the venue, instantly grabbing attention with his suave appearance. As he arrived, the newlyweds warmly welcomed him. Stebin Ben was seen greeting Salman with folded hands and bowing respectfully. Salman, in turn, greeted the couple and happily posed with them for photographs, flashing his trademark smile for the cameras. Instagram/Viral Bhayani Salman Khan arrived at the reception dressed in a sharp blue suit and was seen warmly interacting with the newlyweds in several videos that surfaced online. For the evening, bride Nupur Sanon chose a deep maroon off-shoulder gown adorned with delicate detailing, elevating her look with elegant jewellery and coordinated accessories. Stebin Ben complemented her style in a shimmering black sherwani. The couple looked visibly joyful as they posed together for the paparazzi. Nupurs sister, actor Kriti Sanon, also attended the reception and effortlessly grabbed attention with her appearance. For the special occasion, Kriti opted for an olive-green saree paired with a sleeveless blouse. Keeping things understated yet graceful, she rounded off her look with minimal jewellery. JAKARTA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The governor of Indonesia's resort island of Bali, I Wayan Koster, has requested the environment ministry to postpone the closure of the Suwung Final Disposal Site (TPA Suwung) until November 2026, citing the need for better preparation of waste management facilities. Koster said Wednesday that the landfill was initially scheduled to close on Feb. 28, 2026, but the provincial government has asked for an extension to ensure a smoother transition to more advanced waste treatment systems. The proposed delay is aimed at allowing sufficient time for the development of waste-to-energy facilities and supporting infrastructure. The environment ministry has, in principle, agreed to the request but stressed that the extension should not be prolonged unnecessarily. The ministry will continue to monitor progress to ensure waste disposal at Suwung decreases gradually. Koster said alternative landfills, including one in Bangli Regency, are not suitable to replace Suwung due to technical and environmental constraints. The Bali provincial government considers keeping Suwung operational until November 2026 as the most practical solution while awaiting the completion of waste-to-energy facilities, which are expected to be fully operational in 2028. BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The disciplinary body of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has called for reinforced anti-corruption efforts during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). The call was made in a communique adopted at the fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), held from Monday to Wednesday in Beijing. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the session and delivered an important speech. The plenary session reviewed the discipline inspection and supervision work during 2025 and assigned tasks for 2026. It adopted a work report delivered by Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CCDI, on behalf of the Standing Committee of the CCDI. The session unanimously agreed to take guidance from Xi's important speech, persistently strengthen political oversight, and remain steadfast in improving conduct, enforcing discipline, and combating corruption. It was noted at the session that in 2025, the top disciplinary body investigated, punished, and publicly exposed typical cases of discipline violations, to further promote improved work conduct and foster new practices across the Party. Efforts were intensified to address corruption in key sectors such as finance, state-owned enterprises, energy, firefighting, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, higher education, and sports. Campaigns were deepened to tackle misconduct and corruption that occurred at people's doorsteps. Reform of the discipline inspection and supervision system was also advanced in greater depth. The session stressed that as China advances into the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the CPC faces fresh imperatives in advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance and must take more forceful and effective measures to eradicate the breeding ground and conditions for corruption. The session emphasized the necessity of strengthening political oversight to support the achievement of the period's objectives and tasks. It called for taking strict actions against behavior in disregard of the rules, opportunism, sectarianism, a silo mentality, and unprincipled nice-guyism. The session also urged improving long-term mechanisms to refine codes of conduct, while ramping up efforts to combat corruption in high-priority sectors. It further mandated tough scrutiny and punishment for collusion between officials and businessmen. In addition, the session demanded more standardized and law-based discipline inspection and supervision work. Party and state leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi attended the session. Army Lt. Gen. Thomas Carden has made history, becoming the first National Guard Bureau (NGB) vice chief to wear the four-star rank. The Georgia Army National Guard officer was confirmed Tuesday by the U.S. Senate as the Bureaus 12th vice chief. His confirmation means he will receive a fourth star due to the 2024 fiscal year National Defense Authorization Act elevating the position to four stars. He succeeds Air Force Lt. Gen. Marc Sasseville, who retired in May 2024. Carden assumes position under and alongside NGB Chief Gen. Steven Nordhaus, also a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking the first time ever that two four-star generals lead the NGB. Nordhaus assumed the position as chief on Oct. 2, 2024. Congratulations to Lt. Gen. Tom Carden on his confirmation as the Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Nordhaus wrote Monday on X. His experience, steady leadership & unwavering commitment to our Soldiers, Airmen & families will be invaluable as the National Guard continues to meet the needs of the nation. We look forward to his impact in this critical role. Who Is Thomas Carden? Carden most recently served as deputy commander of U.S. Northern Command, working in the role from May 2024 to the present month. His job involved assisting the combatant commander in preparing for and responding to threats against North America and within Northern Commands assigned area of responsibility, including providing oversight of NORTHCOMs mission to provide Defense Support of Civil Authorities. The graduate of Georgia Southwestern State University possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in history. He also holds a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management from Webster University, and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. Lieutenant General Thomas Carden, Deputy Commander, U.S. Northern Command, speaks as the guest of honor at the 25-2 Joint and Combined Warfighting School graduation ceremony on June 5, 2025, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. (NORTHCOM/Joshua Armstrong) Carden has also held a multitude of other roles, including as vice commander of U.S. Element, at the North American Aerospace Defense Command at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. Other previous assignments include adjutant general of the Georgia National Guard, deputy commanding general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations Multinational Division Southeast, headquartered in Bucharest, Romania, and assistant adjutant general of the Georgia National Guard, headquartered in Marietta. He also commanded the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade of the Georgia Army National Guard. Carden deployed to Iraq with the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Bosnia and Herzegovina during Operation Joint Forge. Other state guard duties included numerous domestic response operations. Kudos to Carden Congratulations to a great Georgian and true American hero, General Tom Carden, who was just confirmed as Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau! Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) wrote on Facebook. He has made our state proud through an incredible career dedicated to keeping Americans safe. Hell do so in this impressive new leadership role. Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff pose for a photo in the Pentagon, January 5, 2026. Front, left to right: Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Back, left to right: Gen. Randy A. George, Chief of Staff of the Army; Gen. Eric M. Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps; Adm. Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations; Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, Chief of Staff of the Air Force; Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations; Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau. (DoW photo by Benjamin Applebaum) General Carden is a fellow Georgian and an American hero whose years of military service will serve him well in this new leadership position, U.S. Rep Rick Allen, who represents Georgias 12th District, wrote on X. We wish him all the best as he continues his exemplary career. The sentiment was shared by U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, who wrote the following on X: He has had an exemplary military career, and I am confident he will continue to make our state and country proud in this new role. Carden now takes over a position that originated in 1988, with multiple duties that include assisting Nordhaus as his role entails being a principal advisor to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army secretary and chief, and Air Force secretary on National Guard-related matters. The new vice chief will also assist Nordhaus in manning, training and equipping the 435,000-plus National Guard soldiers and airmen from 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia. SAN DIEGO Leonard Glenn Francis, the Malaysian contractor known as Fat Leonard at the center of the worst bribery and corruption scheme in U.S. Navy history, must serve the remainder of his 15-year prison sentence, according to an appeals court ruling that became official Monday. The 61-year-old Francis, who pleaded guilty in San Diego federal court to charges related to bribery and defrauding the United States out of at least $35 million, appealed his sentence last year. He argued in part that U.S. District Judge Janis Sammartino violated his Fifth Amendment rights and abused her discretion in November 2024 when she handed down a sentence that was 40 months longer than what prosecutors recommended. Last month, just nine days after hearing oral arguments, a three-judge panel from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously affirmed Francis sentence. In a concise five-page memorandum, the panel ruled that Sammartino had a reasoned basis for crafting the sentence the way she did, that she appropriately weighed Francis health issues against other sentencing factors and that she did not violate his Fifth Amendment rights. Francis had the opportunity to ask a larger panel of 9th Circuit judges to reconsider the case, but a deadline to make that request passed and the smaller panels ruling officially went into effect Monday, essentially closing the appeal. An attorney for Francis did not respond to a message seeking comment Tuesday. The U.S. attorneys office in San Diego declined to comment. A brash con man whose enormous size inspired his nickname, Francis was sentenced in November 2024 on charges of bribery, conspiracy to commit bribery and conspiracy to defraud the U.S. out of at least $35 million. He was also sentenced for a conviction of failure to appear in connection with his 2022 escape from house arrest that sparked an international manhunt. The Malaysian contractor admitted that he spent decades bribing a rotating cast of officers from the Navys 7th Fleet in the Western Pacific, showering them with lavish dinners, luxury hotel rooms, top-shelf liquor, prostitutes and cash. In turn, those officers steered ships to the Southeast Asian ports controlled by Francis and his company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia. Francis then charged the Navy heavily inflated prices for his firms services, such as security, tugboats, food, water replenishment and trash removal. Federal authorities arrested Francis in 2013 during a sting operation in San Diego. Within weeks, he began cooperating with the government and soon became the key witness in a massive investigation of some 1,000 Navy personnel and the federal prosecution of 36 total defendants, most of them Navy officers who took his bribes. Francis and his company pleaded guilty in 2015, but his sentencing was repeatedly delayed over the years as he continued helping prosecutors with the sprawling case. Sammartino released Francis on a medical furlough in 2018, but just weeks before he was set to finally be sentenced in September 2022, he fled the country. He eventually spent 14 months in a Venezuelan prison before being traded back to the U.S. as part of a prisoner swap. In his appeal, Francis argued that he was unjustly sentenced to a longer prison term than any of his co-defendants despite federal rules meant to limit large disparities when judges issue sentences in multi-defendant cases. But the 9th Circuit judges ruled his sentence was not disproportionate to those of his co-defendants because Francis was the mastermind of the entire operation, and he fled the country prior to his original sentencing date. Francis also argued on appeal that Sammartino did not give enough consideration to his ailing health nor properly credit him for his cooperation, which prosecutors described as unprecedented. The district court appropriately weighed Franciss medical needs against the other sentencing factors in making its determination, the 9th Circuit panel ruled. That it did not afford those medical needs as much weight as Francis would prefer does not render the district courts analysis an abuse of discretion. The appeals judges also wrote that while the law required Sammartino to give substantial weight to Francis cooperation, that does not bind the district court to the governments sentencing recommendation. During the sentencing hearing, Sammartino expressed concerns about the lack of answers and accountability related to Francis absconding from house arrest in 2022. Neither you nor the government have explained how that escape occurred, she said at the time. In his appeal, Francis pointed to that remark as a violation of his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination. But the 9th Circuit judges disagreed, writing that the meaning of Sammartinos statement was ambiguous and thus no plain violation of his rights occurred. Given the time Francis has already spent in prison and the credit he received for periods spent in custody dating back to his 2013 arrest, he has roughly five years left on his sentence. The Federal Bureau of Prisons currently estimates his release date to be in December 2030. _____ 2026 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. SAN DIEGO A jury has convicted a former Navy SEAL with neo-Nazi beliefs of transporting fireworks across state lines with plans to shoot explosives at police during last year's No Kings protest in San Diego, federal prosecutors said. Following his conviction on Monday, Gregory Vandenberg was ordered held in custody until his sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled. He faces up to 10 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. During a five-day trial in Albuquerque, New Mexico, prosecutors outlined Vandenberg's intention to travel from El Paso, Texas, to California to injure law enforcement officers at the June 14 rally. Investigators found messages on his phone indicating he was angry with President Donald Trump because he believed the U.S. government is controlled by Israel and the Jewish people, according to prosecutors. His home screen on his phone displayed a picture of the Taliban flag. FBI agents testified that they found clothing and paraphernalia in Vandenbergs car with anti-Israel slogans and neo-Nazi symbols, including a flag for the militant group the Caucasian Front and a message in Latin saying Judea must be destroyed." Vandenberg, 49, stopped at a travel center near Lordsburg, New Mexico, on June 12 and purchased six large mortar fireworks as well as 72 M-150 firecrackers, which are designed to sound like gunfire. He told the store clerk that he had significant knowledge of explosives and prior special operations forces experience, and he outlined his intentions to harm police at the upcoming demonstration, prosecutors said. Vandenberg, who had no stable employment and lived in his car, urged the clerk to join him, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office. While in the store, he wore a T-shirt with the word Amalek on the front, which he said he designed specifically to mean destroyer of Jews, the statement said. Store employees wrote down his license plate and contacted authorities. Vandenberg was arrested June 13 while sleeping in his car at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. He told FBI agents he was traveling for work, despite being unemployed, and visiting friends in Phoenix, prosecutors said. Vandenberg was convicted of transportation of explosives with intent to kill, injure or intimidate and attempted transportation of prohibited fireworks into California. A phone message was left Tuesday seeking comment from his attorney, Russell Dean Clark. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison said in a statement that the verdict shows that the government will prosecute those who intend to use violence to express political beliefs. People in this country are free to hold their own beliefs and to express them peacefully, Ellison said. What they are not free to do is use explosives to threaten or terrorize others. Vandenberg intended to turn explosives into a tool of intimidation. CARACAS, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-Peoples' Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) on Tuesday expressed support for the people and government of Cuba in safeguarding the country's sovereignty. In a statement released on its website and shared by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil on social media, the bloc said its support is based on the just defense of Cuba's sovereignty and independence and on the country's legitimate right to self-determination and to develop friendly and cooperative relations with other nations in line with international law. The statement reaffirmed that the United Nations Charter provides the foundation for peaceful coexistence among nations, including principles such as sovereign equality, non-interference, peaceful resolution of disputes and the right of every country to decide its political, economic and social project. The bloc commended Cuba's long-standing foreign policy and its commitment to international cooperation, solidarity among peoples and respect for the norms of international law. It called on the international community to continue supporting Cuba, in line with repeated majority resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly urging the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States to help promote peace. ALBA-TCP is a regional intergovernmental organization that aims for social, political and economic integration of Latin American and Caribbean countries. NUUK, Greenland (AP) President Donald Trump said Wednesday that NATO should help the U.S. acquire Greenland and anything less than having the island in U.S. hands is unacceptable, hours before Vice President JD Vance was to host Danish and Greenlandic officials for talks. In a post on his social media site, Trump reiterated his argument that the U.S. needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. He added that NATO should be leading the way for us to get it and that otherwise Russia or China would AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES, Trump wrote. Anything less than that is unacceptable. Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, is at the center of a geopolitical storm as Trump insists he wants to own it and residents of its capital, Nuuk, say it isn't for sale. The White House hasn't ruled out taking the Arctic island by force. Vance, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is to meet Denmarks foreign minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt in Washington later Wednesday to discuss Greenland. Greenland residents want the US to back off Along the narrow, snow-covered main street in Nuuk, international journalists and camera crews have been stopping passersby every few meters (feet) asking them for their thoughts on a crisis which Denmarks prime minister has warned could potentially trigger the end of NATO. Tuuta Mikaelsen, a 22-year-old student, told The Associated Press in Nuuk that she hoped American officials would get the message to back off." Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told a news conference in Copenhagen on Tuesday that "if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose NATO. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU. Asked later Tuesday about Nielsen's comments, Trump replied: I disagree with him. I dont know who he is. I dont know anything about him. But, thats going to be a big problem for him. Greenland is strategically important because, as climate change causes the ice to melt, it opens up the possibility of shorter trade routes to Asia. That also could make it easier to extract and transport untapped deposits of critical minerals which are needed for computers and phones. This week, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said that we will continue to strengthen our military presence in Greenland" and underlined a consensus among NATO members that the alliance must take greater responsibility for security in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Trump said in Wednesday's post that Greenland is vital to the United States' Golden Dome missile defense program. He also has said he wants the island to expand Americas security and has cited what he says is the threat from Russian and Chinese ships as a reason to control it. But both experts and Greenlanders question that claim. The only Chinese I see is when I go to the fast food market, heating engineer Lars Vintner said. He said he frequently goes sailing and hunting and has never seen Russian or Chinese ships. His friend, Hans Nrgaard, agreed, adding what has come out of the mouth of Donald Trump about all these ships is just fantasy. Denmark has said the U.S, which already has a military presence, can boost its bases on Greenland. For that reason, security is just a cover, Vintner said, suggesting Trump actually wants to own the island to make money from its untapped natural resources. Nrgaard said he filed a police complaint in Nuuk against Trumps aggressive behavior because, he said, American officials are threatening the people of Greenland and NATO. Mikaelsen, the student, said Greenlanders benefit from being part of Denmark, which provides free health care, education and payments during study, and I dont want the U.S. to take that away from us." More diplomatic efforts Following the White House meeting, Lkke Rasmussen and Motzfeldt, along with Denmarks ambassador to the U.S., are due to meet with senators from the Arctic Caucus in the U.S. Congress. Two lawmakers Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican have introduced bipartisan legislation that would prohibit the use of U.S. Defense or State department funds to annex or take control of Greenland or the sovereign territory of any NATO member state without that allys consent or authorization from the North Atlantic Council. A bipartisan delegation of lawmakers is also heading to Copenhagen later this week to meet Danish and Greenlandic officials. Last week, Denmarks major European allies joined Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in issuing a statement declaring that Greenland belongs to its people and that it is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told RTL radio Wednesday that his country plans to open a consulate in Greenland Feb. 6, following a decision last summer to open the diplomatic outpost. Attacking another NATO member would make no sense; it would even be contrary to the interests of the United States. And Im hearing more and more voices in the United States saying this, Barrot said. So this blackmail must obviously stop. ___ Geir Moulson in Berlin, Lisa Mascaro in Washington and Catherine Gaschka in Paris contributed to this report. Lyle Allen and Chad Rogers, like thousands of other disabled veterans across the U.S., feel like theyre getting the shaft. Rogers and Allen are hoping a proposed bill, the Major Richard Star Act, receives congressional approval and is passed into law this year, providing them with the military benefits they say theyve rightfully earned. Both Army veterans, and members of the Wounded Warrior Project, Allen and Rogers are 100 percent disabled. They said the Major Richard Star Act would help disabled veterans, eliminating a policy that limits combat veterans from accessing military retirement benefits. Richard Star, a former Army major, battled lung cancer for years before dying from the disease in 2021. Star, like Rogers and Allen, was deployed to Iraq where his lungs were exposed to toxic burn pits. As if Star didnt have enough on his mind, during chemotherapy, he was told by the Department of Defense that he could not receive retirement pay, along with disability funds. Lyle Allen and Chad Rogers both became 100 percent disabled from injuries and illness suffered while serving in Iraq. (Photo from WATE) Rogers and Allen, both combat veterans, said they received the same cold shoulder from the government when they requested similar disability payments. As high-ranking sergeants, they had worked their way up and planned to build a career in the military. However, injuries forced Allen and Rogers to shift course and leave the Army. Now theyre battling a policy they say is unfair. We are eligible for all the benefits except our retirement, Rogers told WATE in Knoxville, Tennessee. So, we are retired without retirement. Allen agreed, calling the retirement package or lack thereof disheartening. In the military, its just a disability; you cant collect workmans comp or your retirement after you get injured, he said. Lyle Allen. (Photo from Department of Defense) Life-Changing Injuries Allen spent 14 years in the Army, serving mostly as a combat engineer. His life was forever altered on a deployment to Iraq. Allens unit was clearing a roadway when suddenly there was a blast. Everything turned black. I was driving a five-ton vehicle, we got hit by an improvised explosive device, Allen said. I dont remember too much. I remember the medics coming up to me, making sure Im alright. I am 100 disabled, service connected. Allen also has a total and permanent rating, meaning his traumatic brain injury will likely never improve, according to a disability ratings system from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Rogers also didnt make it through Iraq unscathed, breathing in hazardous chemicals without fully knowing what he was inhaling. It ended up being chemical exposure while I was in theater, Rogers said. Somewhere along the way, we dont know where. There were places that I would go into, and the air would taste weird, or the air would burn your skin. Chad Rogers. (Photo from Department of Defense) Military Dreams Curtailed For Allen and Rogers, dreams of spending decades in the Army turned into painful nightmares. Both came from military backgrounds with grandfathers serving in World War II. They were excited to enlist, honorably serve, and move steadily through the ranks. When I enlisted, I had every ambition of serving at least 20 years; the goal was 30 years, Rogers said. The former sergeants said the current benefits policy puts them in a precarious position. Is it more beneficial to only receive retirement earnings or VA disability payments? If the Major Richard Star Act gets passed, it would give medically retired veterans with less than 20 years of service, who suffered injuries in combat, an opportunity to receive both options simultaneously. This just doesnt affect myself personally; this affects our future generation as well, Allen said. Fortunately for Allen and Rogers, the bill has wide-spread bipartisan approval from both parties in the House and Senate. Of course, cost is always a factor and veterans groups admit the bills price tag could be the biggest hurdle for approval. Versions of the bill have been presented to lawmakers in the past but were voted down due to lack of information about how the funding will be paid for. While theres still work to be done to see the Major Richard Star Act come to fruition, supporters believe its a fair and long-overdue solution to help ailing veterans. Googles Data Centers Achieve Major Turning Point in Water Conservation Initiatives (Googles Data Centers Achieve Major Milestone in Water Conservation Efforts) We listen to a lot regarding tech business going eco-friendly. Often, its about renewable energy. Google simply struck a different sort of ecological win. Their information facilities got to a significant goal in saving water. This matters. Water shortage is an expanding international problem. Information facilities require great deals of water to stay awesome. Google locating methods to use much less allows information. Allows look more detailed at what they did and why it is essential. 1. What is Googles Data Center Water Conservation? . Consider the internet. It really feels insubstantial. But powering it takes real, physical stuff. Data facilities are the webs engine rooms. They house hundreds of computers. These computer systems run warm. Keeping them amazing is vital. For years, lots of data centers made use of water for air conditioning. They pumped it with systems to soak up warm. This functioned. But it utilized substantial quantities of water. Google determined this required to change. Their water preservation initiatives concentrate on reducing this water usage. Its not practically making use of much less water. It has to do with utilizing it smarter. They aim for maximum cooling with minimum water. They likewise explore choices to freshwater. Their current landmark suggests they got to a crucial target. They are currently renewing even more water than they utilize. This implies placing more water back into neighborhood ecological communities than they obtain. This is a huge step in the direction of sustainability. 2. Why Water Conservation Issues for Information Centers . Water is necessary for life. Its likewise important for keeping information facilities running. Without air conditioning, servers overheat and fall short. Typically, cooling suggested making use of great deals of clean water. This poses issues. Several locations deal with droughts. Neighborhoods battle for alcohol consumption water. Using big volumes for technology feels inefficient. It can stress local sources. Companies face public pressure to be lasting. Water conservation is part of this. It benefits the world. Its good for neighborhoods near information centers. It additionally makes business feeling. Water shortage can cause higher prices. It can cause operational threats. Locating means to use less water lowers these risks. It shows responsibility. It aids safeguard a crucial source. For Google, leading in this field enhances their ecological track record. It verifies they take resource usage seriously past just power. 3. How Google is Getting Water Savings in Data Centers . So, how did Google draw this off? It wasnt magic. It took clever engineering and dedication. They used several essential strategies. Initially, they enhanced cooling effectiveness. They made systems that require much less water to achieve the very same cooling impact. This involved optimizing airflow and warm transfer. Second, they embraced different water sources. As opposed to always utilizing tidy drinking water, they utilize recycled water where feasible. They additionally make use of non-potable resources like treated wastewater. Third, they got smarter regarding when to utilize water. They created advanced controls. These systems examine weather forecasts and real-time problems. If the air is trendy enough, they utilize outdoors air for cooling rather than water. This is called air-side economization. Fourth, they purchased advanced air conditioning innovations. This consists of points like making use of evaporation more effectively. They also discovered catching rain onsite. Finally, they focused on reuse. They deal with and reuse water within their systems numerous times before discharge. All these approaches incorporated helped reduce their water footprint considerably. 4. Real-World Applications of Data Center Water Innovations . Googles job isnt just theory. They placed these ideas right into technique throughout their international network. Their method differs by area. It depends on neighborhood climate and water accessibility. In warm, completely dry locations like Arizona, water scarcity is severe. There, Google uses extremely effective air conditioning systems. They count heavily on recycled water. They additionally lessen outdoor water make use of for landscaping. In position like Belgium, cooler environments aid. They utilize air cooling far more commonly. They just change to water air conditioning when absolutely essential. In Singapore, room is restricted. Water sources are precious. Google built an information center that makes use of advanced purification. This permits them to utilize very treated community wastewater. They additionally implemented wise controls for precision cooling. These real-world examples show the options work. They show large-scale water savings are possible. Other companies can pick up from these designs. Google shares a few of their searchings for to assist the industry enhance. 5. Often Asked Questions About Data Center Water Use . Individuals have inquiries concerning tech and water use. Allows deal with some usual ones. Does conserving water suggest servers run hotter? Not actually. Performance gains imply web servers stay cool making use of much less water. Google keeps strict temperature controls. Is recycled water risk-free for cooling? Yes. It undergoes therapy. It fulfills particular high quality criteria. Its secure for the air conditioning systems. What about places with great deals of water? Does preservation matter there? Yes. Water is a common source. Using much less is always far better. It plans for future deficiency. It shows great stewardship. Does Google use salt water? Not usually. Deep sea is harsh. It harms equipment. They focus on freshwater options like recycled water. How much water did Google really save? They aimed for water stewardship. They attained replenishing 120% of their freshwater usage in 2023. That indicates they recovered greater than they ate. Thats an enormous favorable influence. (Googles Data Centers Achieve Major Milestone in Water Conservation Efforts) Whats next for Google? They maintain pushing. They purchase brand-new technology. They explore partnerships for watershed remediation. Their goal is sustainable operations almost everywhere. The Blue Jays released infielder Rodolfo Castro from his minor league contract, as first reflected on the MLB.com transaction tracker. Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports that Castro is pursuing an opportunity with the Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan. Castro had just signed with Toronto a couple months ago. Rather than try to earn his way into a crowded infield picture as a non-roster invitee, hell collect a guaranteed salary and head to Asia for the first time in his career. Castro has played parts of four seasons in the big leagues. The majority of that has come with the Pirates, who traded him to Philadelphia at the 2023 deadline. He made just 14 appearances for the Phils down the stretch and has not played in the leagues within the past two years. The righty-hitting infielder was in Triple-A when he suffered a season-ending thumb injury in 2024. Philadelphia dropped him from the 40-man roster that offseason. Castro played the entire 25 season with their top affiliate in Lehigh Valley. He hit .235/.324/.421 with 19 homers and 18 stolen bases. Castro qualified for minor league free agency and would likely have been at Triple-A Buffalo had he not gotten the NPB opportunity. WELLINGTON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- A man was killed and three others, including a woman and two teenage boys, were critically injured in a shooting early Wednesday at a home on New Zealand's lower North Island. Police said they were called to the property in Waitarere Beach, near Levin, around 12:40 a.m. and found four people with gunshot wounds. The woman was transported to Palmerston North Hospital by ambulance, while the two teenagers were airlifted to Wellington Hospital. Another young person at the address was unharmed and is receiving support, said a police statement. "Responding officers were told that a firearm had been discharged at the address," said Manawatu Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham. Investigators recovered a firearm at the scene, and police said forensic examination of the property was underway. Police were not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident. Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden described the shooting as a "family harm incident" that has shocked the small coastal community, according to Radio New Zealand. Police said they were still investigating the violence. An international tribunal dismissed Amways request for $3 billion in damages after the Mexican government seized its 692-acre organic farm in 2022, awarding it to communal landowners. The companys massive loss is one of five top stories to kick off your day Wednesday, Jan. 14. Mexico seizes Amways 692-acre organic farm in dispute Amway was ordered to pay Mexico $1.3 million in legal fees following the ruling, which cited a 1939 presidential resolution aimed at land redistribution to poor farmers. The company challenged the seizure in 2023 through the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), claiming the land was taken without compensation and violated treaties; however, the tribunal ruled it lacked jurisdiction under the USMCA. Amway currently has a separate legal challenge in Mexican courts, successfully obtaining a temporary suspension of the transfer of 395 acres of the farm to the Ejido San Isidro. The ruling was praised by the Mexican government as a significant achievement in investment arbitration. Read MLive reporter Brian McVicars full story on the ruling here. Here are four other stories to read today. Donald Trump speaks at a Detroit Economic Club meeting at MotorCity Casino in Detroit on Tuesday, Jan. 13 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Trump promotes tariffs and auto manufacturing in Detroit visit President Trump defended his administrations tariffs and energy policies during a speech at the Detroit Economic Club, claiming they strengthened the economy and revived U.S. manufacturing. He emphasized the significance of tariffs in reducing the trade deficit, boosting retirement accounts, and attracting investment in American manufacturing, particularly in the auto industry. Trump noted that U.S. automakers have committed over $70 billion in new domestic investments, referencing Ford, General Motors and Stellantis as examples of production returning to the U.S. from foreign countries, especially Mexico. Read MLive reporter Fuad Shalhouts coverage of Trumps visit to Detroit here. A few hundred people protested the visit of President Donald Trump outside of the MotorCity Casino on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2025 in downtown Detroit. Protesters took to the street as they marched throughout the city while Trump spoke. (Jake May | MLive.com) Hundreds protest in Detroit amidst clash with police, Trump supporters Hundreds of protesters gathered in Detroit where Trump was speaking on Tuesday, expressing their dissent and confronting police. Protesters, organized by the coalition BAMN, aimed to address various issues, with a focus on federal immigration enforcement and a recent shooting incident involving an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Police attempted to control the crowd, resulting in the arrest of two protesters for not complying with police orders within a short time frame. Protest signs and costumes mocked Trump and referenced controversial topics including his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Counter-protesters were also present, advocating for Trumps policies and labeling anti-Trump demonstrators negatively. Read MLive reporter Jackie Smiths full coverage of the protest here. Hillsdale County residents crowded into the cafeteria/auditorium at Jonesville High School to address the Fayette Township board about a proposed solar farm. Danielle Marie Salisbury Residents rally against proposed solar farm expansion in Southern Michigan Hillsdale County residents crowded into a meeting on Monday to voice their concerns about a proposed solar farm, citing concerns over the loss of farmland, potential decreases in property values, changes to the landscape, and environmental impacts. The project, proposed by Chicago-based Ranger Power, aims to establish a 140-megawatt solar farm covering 1,350 acres roughly between North Adams Road and U.S. 12 east of Jonesville and west of Half Moon Lake Road. If the project receives approval, construction could begin in late 2027, with the solar farm expected to be operational by 2028. Read MLive editor Danielle Salisburys coverage of the meeting here. A Bay City man seen in a viral video shouting at protesters in Minneapolis in the aftermath of the death of Renee Nicole Good has since resigned as CEO from a southeast-Michigan company. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Michigan CEO steps down after protest Jayden Scott, a Bay City man, resigned as CEO of Harmony Investment Group following backlash from a viral video. In the video, Scott was seen shouting at protesters in Minneapolis after the death of Renee Nicole Good, allegedly saying, We executed one of you yesterday. Scott referred to the protesters as terrorists and called for more patriots during the demonstration on Jan. 8, which happened a day after Good was shot by an ICE officer. His resignation announcement on LinkedIn expressed a divergence in future views between himself and the companys board. Read MLive reporter Joey Olivers story on the CEOs resignation here. WAYNE COUNTY, MI Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the Michigan Department of State and several staff members are being sued by four Black employees over what they allege is a pattern of regular, repeated and systemic racial discrimination. The civil lawsuit, filed on Monday, Jan. 12 by attorney Leonard Mungo in the Wayne County Circuit Court, alleges Department of State staff engaged in discrimination against employees in hiring and disciplinary practices. Plaintiffs say policies were unequally enforced against Black employees and not enforced for their white colleagues, and alleged a violation of the states Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prohibits a wide range of discrimination. In one example, a current employee alleged he was accused of fraud for unlawful use of a state vehicle, while other co-workers allegedly engaging in the same practices were not. The employees three current and one former say this resulted in a loss of earnings and career opportunities, humiliation, mental and emotional distress and damage to professional reputations. Benson is the frontrunner in the Democratic primary for governor, according to recent polling. The lawsuit filed Monday came a day before she was endorsed by the Michigan Democratic Party Black Caucus. In response, Bensons chief communications officer Angela Benander told MLive the allegations in the lawsuit are absolutely false. Every member of the Michigan Department of State from the top down must follow the law, uphold the departments ethical standards and come to work every day committed to serve the people of Michigan, Benander said. The Secretary and department leadership do not tolerate any harassment, discrimination or retaliation against any employee, customer or Michigan resident based on their race, gender or age. She said the department will vigorously defend the case in court. The lawsuit includes a signed affidavit from former Assistant Secretary of State Heaster Wheeler, also co-chair of the Michigan Department of States Race and Equity Task Force. Wheeler, who is not a plaintiff on the lawsuit, wrote that a lack of clearly-stated department policies resulted in a racially hostile environment and otherwise unlawful discriminatory employment practices. He referred specifically to policies in areas like hiring and state vehicle use. The lawsuit alleges that with a lack of clearly-stated guidelines, managers and supervisors were applying them in an unlawful, racially discriminatory manner toward MDOS African American employees, including by reducing job responsibilities, defaming them professionally and passing them over for promotions. In response, the Michigan Department of State shared state vehicle use policies signed by the plaintiffs, as well as by Wheeler. Wheeler also said his reason for leaving the department came after sitting in on meetings where another Black director, Angela Harness, was accused of misconduct. In July, Bensons office entered into a separation agreement with Harness, agreeing to pay $775,000 more than a year after she filed notice of intent to sue the department over an alleged racially hostile environment. The state department did not admit wrongdoing, according to reporting by The Flint Courier. Wheeler said he brought these matters to Bensons attention, and Ms. Benson did not act to correct this situation. That is the reason I chose to leave MDOS and no longer work for the Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, he wrote. Harness also signed onto an affidavit that was included in the lawsuit, where she alleged a training course for inclusive hiring held only one session before she was instructed by one of the defendants to stop providing it. Other defendants cited in the lawsuit include Bensons chief of staff Christina Anderson, chief operating officer Jackie Venton, division director John Strodtbeck and labor relations specialist Brittany Edwards. Other plaintiffs alleged they were denied pay increases and promotions, placed on performance improvement plans, accused of fraud and in one case, had employment terminated. David Murray, who has worked as an executive office analyst for the last two years, said he was hired into his position in 2023 and expected to receive a pay increase but was denied, while white similarly situated co-workers who were hired by MDOS did receive their pay increase. In the lawsuit, Murray alleges in April 2025, he was then passed over for a specialized youth engagement position in favor of a less qualified white male colleague. When he complained, he alleges he began to be held to a higher performance standard and lost job responsibilities. In September of last year, he was accused of fraud and theft for unlawful use of a state vehicle. Murray alleges white co-workers engaging in the same practices were not treated the same. Mychael Foster, another plaintiff still employed by Michigan Department of State, said he was also held to higher performance standards and was placed on a performance improvement plan. He also alleges hes been forced to drive an extra 206 miles a day to and from work without justification, and has had job responsibilities taken away. The practices have resulted in emotional, mental and physical illness that forced him to take sick leave for eight months, the lawsuit alleges. Elvine Vanbolden, another plaintiff working as a state administrative manager since May 2003, said she was at one point given a low performance rating for hiring an African American candidate, and was also placed on a performance plan preventing her from receiving an annual raise. And Nirva Civilus, who worked as a director of public engagement for over 21 years before being fired, said she was also falsely accused of misusing a state vehicle, resulting in harm to her professional reputation, emotional distress and a suspension that resulted in her termination. Wheeler wrote in the affidavit that in October of last year, he was contacted by a state department employee regarding the investigation of alleged state vehicle misuse by Civilus. He found the call to be defamatory. Civilus also wrote she was encouraged to fire two employees because of their age and was docked a days pay when she refused. She alleged she was threatened with termination if she didnt come into the office while sick from COVID-19. This act of retaliation by the defendants is arguably the most cruel, the lawsuit reads. According to the Michigan Department of State, the state Department of Technology, Management and Budget reached out last year about the frequent state motor pool vehicle use by Civilus, resulting in a request for state motor pool vehicle records of all department employees from Dec. 1, 2024, to Sept. 1, 2025. An analysis of that data found that Civilus had more than triple the number of days with a state vehicle than the next highest driver, including on several weekends and state holidays, prompting an investigation that led to her termination. On Oct. 24, the department said it referred the results of the investigation to Attorney General Dana Nessel for further investigation for possible criminal charges over misuse of a state vehicle. DETROIT, MI - Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticized President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Jan. 14, during a fireside chat at the Detroit Auto Show. Buttigieg was responding to a question about a confrontation involving a Ford worker during Trumps visit to the River Rouge plant in Dearborn. What I know is that President Trump did literally what I believe hes been doing figuratively for some time, which is give auto workers the finger, Buttigieg said, adding that his sympathies were with the worker, not the president. Buttigieg went on to warn that shifting government policies and rising global competition could determine whether the United States remains a leader in transportation as electric and automated vehicle technology continues to advance. There is no question about whether this technology will be the future of the sector, Buttigieg said, referring to electric vehicles. There is a big question about whether America will lead that. Buttigieg made the remarks during a conversation with Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz. Buttigieg said progress depends on cooperation between industry, universities and government, describing it as a three part handshake. He also warned that recent policy shifts have created uncertainty for automakers, calling the changes existentially disorienting and harmful to long-term planning. Buttigieg said companies are struggling to adapt while trying to preserve the value of investments already made. The former secretary said automated vehicle technology is advancing faster than many realize and argued that todays automated vehicles are already safer than most human drivers. He predicted the technology could reshape how people own and use cars, including reducing the need for multiple-car households. Are you going to continue to have the second most valuable thing you own sit in your driveway that you dont use 96% of the time? Buttigieg said. He also criticized federal regulations that have not kept pace with new technology, pointing to safety standards that still assume the presence of a human driver in vehicles designed to operate autonomously. Safety was a strong focus throughout the discussion. Buttigieg said the U.S. continues to tolerate an unacceptable number of traffic deaths each year, even as other transportation sectors face far greater scrutiny. We cannot continue to tolerate 40,000 people a year dying on our roads, he said. Buttigieg also took aim at tariffs, saying recent trade policy has failed to increase manufacturing employment while raising prices for consumers and businesses. DETROIT, MI Some went toe to toe with police. Others with a small group of counter-protesters. Many shouted expletives, cursing President Donald Trump. Because for the hundreds of protesters who amassed in Detroit Tuesday near the site of a presidential appearance confrontation was the point. My bosses chose to see Trump speak today, and so, I took a day off to wave at them as they went by, Farmington Hills resident Sarah Reed said Jan. 13, jokingly outside the MotorCity Casino, where Trump spoke before the Detroit Economic Club. Minutes earlier, Reed, 59, was among the group standing their ground before Detroit police as they attempted to move the anti-Trump crowd off the Grand River Avenue sidewalk and to a designated protest area at Trumbull and Temple Street. Protesters first gathered at Cass Park with speakers from BAMN, a coalition that stands for by any means necessary in advocating against the Trump administration, before the group marched toward the casino their numbers growing larger and their chants louder the closer they got. The crowd was prevented by police from heading west on Temple, where a perimeter was set for the event inside. Detroit Police stand united after arresting two protesters and forcing hundreds to move up the street under an upside down flag, which is a sign of the country in distress before President Donald Trump spoke at the MotorCity Casino on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2025 in downtown Detroit. (Jake May | MLive.com) Slowly, they were directed around the casino by a line of police a Detroit sergeant verbally threatening the use of chemical munitions and arrest. MLive journalists witnessed police arrest two protesters for not complying with orders within 30 minutes of each other. The Detroit Police Department confirmed to MLive Thursday night that they only arrested two protesters related to the Trump visit. Im confrontational. But I also know my rights, Reed said, waving an upside-down American flag backed by a black flag emblazoned with the word resist. Theyre kicking us off a public street. If you and I were standing here tomorrow, we would have every right. But today, we dont. They can change it in minutes. Its literally terrifying. Call me a snowflake, call me whatever the (expletive) you want. But just be a good person. Stand up for what you believe in for both sides. Sarah Reed, 59, of Farmington Hills, raises her arms up as a few hundred people protested the visit of President Donald Trump outside of the MotorCity Casino on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2025 in downtown Detroit. Protesters took to the street as they marched throughout the city while Trump spoke. (Jake May | MLive.com) A variety of policy issues were laden throughout Tuesdays march and rally, though federal immigration enforcement dominated concerns just days after the Jan. 7 shooting of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen born in Colorado, by a federal agent in Minnesota. Good, a 37-year-old mom of three was shot in her SUV by an ICE agent in Minneapolis during protests of ongoing immigration crackdowns. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Good weaponized her vehicle and tried to run over one of the officers after disregarding orders to exit her vehicle. She said the agent feared for his life and fired defensive shots. Most of the rhetoric targeted Trump directly with clown and piggy impressions etched on signs and costumes. Other signs mocked the presidents previously association with Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender, and his perceived similarities to a fascist dictator. Jim Runestad, a White Lake Township resident and state chairman of the Republican National Committee, was headed into see Trump speak as protesters passed. While the anti-Trump speech ramped up outside, he said he was expecting there to be a lot of unity inside, especially for the Trump administrations prioritizing deporting criminals. The Democrats want them here because they dont care, Runestad said, referencing protestors advocacy for undocumented immigrants. They do not care if people are here preying upon the American citizens. They only care about creating new congressional districts to expand the number of districts in Democratic areas. Thats what this is about. Protesters disagreed. Just everything, Hector Rojos, of Oak Park, said when asked what about Trump drew him to the rally. Hes a piece of (expletive). I hate that guy. Lindsay Duke, of Ann Arbor, dressed up in red like a handmaid from the titular Margaret Atwood novel with tape across her mouth, admitting clashing with her father over Trump was part of the motivation for her participation. (Jake May | MLive.com) For some, the motivation to protest was personal. One masked demonstrator, who declined to be identified, shouted at police off Grand River, adding their place was on the front line after their advocacy cost them their marriage. Another protester Lindsay Duke, of Ann Arbor, dressed up in red like a handmaid from the titular Margaret Atwood novel with tape across her mouth, admitting clashing with her father over Trump was part of the motivation for her participation. The march followed Trumbull to Michigan Avenue and Third Avenue, where the crowd congregated. Three counter-protesters waving Dont Tread on Me and American flags, shouted over a line of police at anti-Trump demonstrators. They called members of the protest commies, called for freedom and restoring law and order. Two of the Trump supporters declined to give their names. The third was 23-year-old Jayden Scott, a video of whom shouting at protesters in Minneapolis went viral earlier this month. Metro Detroit residents Alycia Barrett and Jennifer Palmeri carried signs with accusations about Trump. The issues they were concerned about, how tax dollars were being allocated the list of concerns they had was long. But impact on democracy, they said, drew them out. Weve been duped and tricked. Its just sad, Palmeri said. Early in the march, they waited back to see what happened after the first protester was taken into custody. Palmeri said they believed rights were being violated, as cars were allowed past a police presence. We just needed to make a point, she said. DETROIT Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson a Democratic candidate for governor toured the Detroit Auto Show during the annual media preview day Wednesday, taking home an unexpected guest. Benson stopped by the Subaru booth to visit the Subaru Loves Pets adoption event, taking home a two-month-old Labrador Retriever mix named Lily. Benson and her husband, Ryan Friedrichs, already have a 13-year-old black lab named Loba at home. The Secretary of State immediately hit it off with Lily, one of five pups brought by Michigan Humane. During the impromptu visit, Benson called Friedrichs, who she says does most of the work in taking care of Loba. With her husbands approval, she signed paperwork on the spot to take Lily home. The Subaru Loves Pets event will be open to the public on January 18th and 25th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Animals including dogs and cats from several local organizations will be available for adoption. Staff said that previous shows have seen anywhere from 20 to 60 pets adopted over the course of the event. While at the show, Benson rode both the Camp Jeep experience, clambering over rocky formations in a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, and the Ford Bronco experience, careening down a ramp in a Bronco Badlands. She also toured the Dodge, Ford and Chevrolet booths and showed off new Michigan license plates commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. The Michigan Secretary of States Office operates two mobile SOS offices at the auto show, where visitors can renew registrations or order the limited-run plates, which feature the U.S. Flag. The Detroit Auto Show is open to the public from Jan. 17 to Jan. 25. More information, including a full schedule, can be viewed here. HOUGHTON COUNTY, MI A man from Michigans Upper Peninsula will serve decades behind bars for sexually assaulting a minor in the 90s. Ward Glass, 69, of Marquette, was sentenced Tuesday, Jan. 13, to 25 to 50 years in prison, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a news release. Glass was convicted of six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct by a Houghton County jury in October. Glass was accused of sexually assaulting a victim multiple times between 1993 and 1996. The victim was a minor at the time, and she and Glass lived in the same Houghton County home, Nessel said. The victim filed a complaint with Michigan State Police in 2024 after she encountered Glass for the first time in nearly three decades, according to Nessels office. The attorney generals office charged Glass in September 2024. Coming forward to report a sexual assault takes extraordinary courage, said Nessel at the time Glass was convicted. I commend the survivor in this case for her strength and the Michigan State Police and prosecutors in my office for their diligent work in pursuing this case and securing this conviction. My office will continue to stand with survivors and pursue justice, no matter how much time has passed. MACOMB COUNTY, MI The Macomb County Clerk is calling for the state to verify its voter registration records after reportedly finding evidence of some non-citizens voting in elections. County Clerk Anthony Forlini, a Republican and former state legislator who is running for Michigan Secretary of State, raised the alarm this week after he said he discovered that non-U.S. citizens were being tapped for jury pools. He said over a dozen then appeared in voter registration records. In a Jan. 12 news release, Forlini said his office discovered the issue while selecting jury pools for the 16th Judicial Circuit Court. Forlini said 239 people appeared in jury pools who self-reported that they were not U.S. citizens. After comparing the jury pool records with the states Qualified Voter File, Forlinis office found that 14 of those people were registered to vote at some point, he said during a news conference this week, which was posted to his campaign Facebook page. He said 10 people were still qualified to vote, and one record indicated possible participation in multiple elections. Macomb County is Michigans third largest county, Forlini said in a statement. The fact we have discovered this egregious flaw, indicates to me there may be a much larger issue throughout the State that needs investigation. The Michigan Department of State said the jury pool is drawn from the drivers license database, not the voter database. Individuals who are legally present in the U.S. can get drivers licenses or state IDs in Michigan, said department spokesperson Cheri Hardmon. Only U.S. citizens who are Michigan residents, are 18 years old by Election Day and are not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison can vote in Michigan elections, Hardmon told MLive in an emailed statement. The Michigan Department of State regularly investigates reports of voting fraud and will make referrals to law enforcement for further investigation if merited. Hardmon said the department of state has asked Forlini to reach out to the Bureau of Elections with any concerns about data in the Qualified Voter File. DETROIT President Donald Trump visited Detroit Tuesday, touring a Ford auto plant and speaking at a meeting of the Detroit Economic Club. Trump addressed a crowd of Economic Club supporters, promoting his efforts to boost U.S. manufacturing. He toured Fords Rouge plant, where the popular F-150 truck is manufactured, before the speaking event began at 2 p.m. 37 1 / 37 Protesters clash with police, Trump supporters in march in Detroit streets A crowd of protesters gathered outside MotorCity Casino well before the president arrived, waving signs that criticized the Trump administrations deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to cities like Minneapolis, where an ICE agent shot and killed motorist Renee Good on Jan. 7. MLive photojournalists Jacob Hamilton and Jake May were there to cover the presidents visit, Trumps supporters and protests in Downtown Detroit and outside the venue. Check out some of our best photos from the day below or click here to view the full gallery of Trumps speech or here to see the scene outside. You may also click here to view the full gallery of the protest. Donald Trump speaks at a Detroit Economic Club meeting at MotorCity Casino in Detroit on Tuesday, Jan. 13 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com An MLive photographer witnessed Detroit Police take the man pictured in blue gloves into custody in Detroit on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 ahead of President Trump's visit to the city. Jake May | MLive.com A few hundred people protested the visit of President Donald Trump outside of the MotorCity Casino on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2025 in downtown Detroit. Protesters took to the street as they marched throughout the city while Trump spoke. (Jake May | MLive.com) Donald Trump speaks at a Detroit Economic Club meeting at MotorCity Casino in Detroit on Tuesday, Jan. 13 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Trump supporter Jayden Scott, 23 of Saginaw, shouts out at protesters from behind a wall of police one of only three men to do so as a few hundred people protest the visit of President Donald Trump outside of the MotorCity Casino on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2025 in downtown Detroit. Protesters took to the street as they marched throughout the city while Trump spoke. (Jake May | MLive.com) Artvana Richardson, 42 of Detroit, popped open her front door to join the protest against President Donald Trump in her pajamas as hundreds marched past her residence on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2025 in downtown Detroit. Raising her fist in the air, she shouted in unity with protesters as they continued on. We are on the brink of collapse, she said. This protest, this is important. We need change and we need it now. (Jake May | MLive.com) Detroit Police stand united after arresting two protesters and forcing hundreds to move up the street under an upside down flag, which is a sign of the country in distress before President Donald Trump spoke at the MotorCity Casino on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2025 in downtown Detroit. (Jake May | MLive.com) Lindsay Duke, 43 of Ann Arbor, waves a flag over the top of the freeway dressed up in red like a handmaid from the titular Margaret Atwood novel with tape across her mouth, admitting clashing with her father over Trump was part of the motivation for her participation. Duke joined hundreds protesting President Donald Trump on a march on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2025 through the streets of downtown Detroit. This is unacceptable and against the constitution all of the actions of ICE but more specifically what this administration is doing, especially against immigrants and natives with brown skin, she said. This is not who we are as a country. Mr. Rogers and PBS taught us better than this. We can all do better and that includes Donald Trump. (Jake May | MLive.com) State Rep. Donavan McKinney speaks out during a Detroit Will Breathe press conference urging ICE to leave Detroit on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2025 at the Spirit of Detroit statue in downtown Detroit. (Jake May | MLive.com) Daniel Weber Alatorre, 19 of Detroit, revs up the crowd with moving words using a bull horn as hundreds protest the visit of President Donald Trump on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2025 in a march through the streets in downtown Detroit. (Jake May | MLive.com) The end of the Hulu streaming app appears to be happening soon. Last year, Disney announced the streaming services standalone app would be integrated into the Disney+ platform, bringing an end to the Hulu platform. At the time, Disney -- which owns Hulu -- did not announce a hard end date for the app, but a recent announcement from video game maker Nintendo indicates the app will stop being supported on its Switch system on Feb. 5. "The Hulu app is no longer available in the Nintendo Switch eShop with support for the application ending on February 5, 2026," Nintendo wrote on its website. Disney has yet to confirm Feb. 5 as the end date, but if support for the app ends on that date, the platform will no longer be functional on Switch. Disney has not announced when the Hulu app will stop working on other systems or TVs. While the standalone app is going away, a lot of Hulus content and original programming is already available in the Disney+ platform. Users must have an active Hulu subscription to access certain programs on Disney+. With this change, and in preparation for a fully integrated unified app experience next year, users will begin to see further integrations of Hulu across the Disney+ app as part of an ongoing and iterative slate of product updates on the homepage and beyond, Disney said in a statement. This includes a series of design and navigation enhancements rolling out over the coming weeks and months offering a more dynamic and intuitive experience." Hulu is estimated to have more than 55 million subscribers in the U.S. The service launched as a beta platform in 2007 before becoming available to the public in 2008. Disney purchased a majority stake in the company in 2019 and became its full owner in 2025. President Donald Trump may be in the WWE Hall of Fame, but at least one legendary wrestling figure certainly isnt a fan. On Wednesday, professional wrestling manager Jim Cornette made a $5,000 donation to the GoFundMe campaign started for the Ford factory worker who heckled Trump. Trump was captured on video Tuesday saying f*** you and flipping off a Ford worker who yelled pedophile protector at him. The employee was later identified as 40-year-old TJ Sabula, who admitted to yelling at the president. Sabula was suspended from his job after the incident. If anyone knows TJ Sabula I have a thank-you, a handshake and a check for $5,000 ready for him Cornette wrote on social media Wednesday morning, hours after the story made headlines. Cornette eventually found his way to the crowdfunding campaign for Sabula where he and his wife Stacey proceeded to make a $5,000 donation. The donation is currently listed as the largest of the campaign, alongside another $5,000 donation. Cornette has since reposted the link to campaign and other posts related to Sabula. Cornette spent the vast majority of his career as a manager where he worked as heel or bad guy. He also spent time as an announcer and ran his own promotion, Smoky Mountain Wrestling, based out of Knoxville, Tennessee from 1991 to 1995. While hes not part of the WWE Hall of Fame, he was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012. The incident involving Sabula took place Tuesday while Trump was touring the Ford River Rouge plant in Dearborn. Following the ordeal, White House communications director Steven Cheung confirmed Trump reacted to Sabulas comments. A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response, Cheung said. Ford acknowledged the incident, but declined to elaborate on specific employee matters. United Auto Workers Vice President and Director of the Ford Department Laura Dickerson responded to Sabulas suspension in a statement. The autoworker at the Dearborn Truck Plant is a proud member of a strong and fighting unionthe UAW," Dickerson said. He believes in freedom of speech, a principle we wholeheartedly embrace, and we stand with our membership in protecting their voice on the job. The UAW will ensure that our member receives the full protection of all negotiated contract language safeguarding his job and his rights as a union member. Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyoneincluding the President of the United States." As of 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, a pair of fundraisers benefitting Sabula had totaled more than $720,000. BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair. Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks at a press conference in response to a media query concerning recent comments by U.S. media on America's raid on Venezuela and forcible seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, and these actions' implications for Taiwan. The spokesperson stressed that resolving the Taiwan question is the Chinese people's own business and is a just cause for safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Outsiders are unreliable," the spokesperson said, noting that the Democratic Progressive Party authorities' attempts to seek "Taiwan independence" by relying on external forces will only turn them into discarded tools of external forces. U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, posted a video to social media earlier this week addressing the Jan. 3 military action in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. In the video posted to X, Slotkin shared that its a lot harder to end a war than to start a war and that the American people are tired of endless wars. She gave an overview of what happened when Maduro was captured and flown out of the country by the U.S. after months of stepped-up pressure from Washington, D.C. In September 2025, President Donald Trump began issuing military strikes on boats allegedly used by drug cartels coming from Venezuela. The U.S. military has been attacking boats in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean since early September, according to a report by The Associated Press. Trump has justified the boat strikes as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the U.S. and asserted that the U.S. is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels. Maduro and his wife are currently in New York, where they face criminal charges in connection with a Justice Department indictment accusing them of a role in a narco-terrorism conspiracy. Slotkin said Trump campaigned against foreign wars or forever wars. She challenges Trumps stated rationale for the Venezuela operation. We had been through Iraq and Afghanistan and these long warshe wanted to do the opposite of that, but I think its important to understand why we think the president went to Venezuela, she said in the Jan. 12 post to X. Hes telling us first and foremost that it wasnt really about drugs. Its about the oil. Because Venezuela has a large amount of oil available under the surface, Slotkin says Trump is very keen to get that oil onto the market. Since the capture of Maduro and his wife, Trump has said the U.S. plans to run Venezuela until a transition of power can take place. Hes talking very openly now that he wants to own Venezuela, that he wants to bring in American oil companies into Venezuela to pump that oil out of the ground, etc., Slotkin said. But heres the thing: Im someone who served with the CIA in places like Iraq. Just because you have ambitious goals of having something be limited and early from a military perspective, doesnt mean it ends up that way. Whether its Iraq or Afghanistan or Vietnam before that, youd go in trying to do something very limited and discreet, but once you go in, youre responsible for it, as the president is saying. Slotkin ended the video post by stating its unclear what will happen with the current government and the oil. Our oil executives are pretty conservative people. Theyre a little bit nervous about jumping into contracts based on the presidents desires, she said. While the stated goal is oil and reforming the country so that we can get that oil out, its yet to be seen whats actually going to happen with Venezuela, the government, security services and whether were going to have deep instability there. President Donald Trump was caught on video Tuesday, flipping off a Ford factory worker during a tour of the River Rouge plant in Dearborn. The incident was caught on camera by someone on the plant floor. The video shows Trump on a walkway overlooking the plant when a voice from off camera can be heard yelling pedophile protector. Trump points at the heckler and appears to say f*** you twice to the factory worker. As Trump walks away from the area he flips off the heckler, before waving to the rest of the workers. Following the incident, White House communications director Steven Cheung confirmed Trump reacted to the workers comments. A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response, Cheung said. Shortly after the incident, the employee was suspended by Ford. The employee has been identified as TJ Sabula, who told The Washington Post that he had no regrets in yelling at the president. I dont feel as though fate looks upon you often, and when it does, you better be ready to seize the opportunity, Sabula said. And today I think I did that. Ford acknowledged the incident, but declined to speak further on the employees status. We had a great event today and were proud of how our employees represented Ford, Fords Executive Director of Corporate Communications David Tovar told CNN. Weve seen the clip youre referring to. One of our core values is respect and we dont condone anyone saying anything inappropriate like that within our facilities. When that happens, we have a process to deal with it but we dont get into specific personnel matters. In response, UAW Vice President and Director of the Ford Department Laura Dickerson issued a statement supporting Sabula and his right to free speech. The autoworker at the Dearborn Truck Plant is a proud member of a strong and fighting unionthe UAW," Dickerson said. He believes in freedom of speech, a principle we wholeheartedly embrace, and we stand with our membership in protecting their voice on the job. The UAW will ensure that our member receives the full protection of all negotiated contract language safeguarding his job and his rights as a union member. Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyoneincluding the President of the United States." During his tour of the plant, Trump spoke with other employees and officials with the company. He had a firsthand look at how several versions of F-150 trucks are built, including gas and hybrid models. After completing the plant tour, Trump delivered a speech to the Detroit Economic Club in an event held at Motor City Casino in Detroit. Editors note: This story has been updated with comment from the UAW. SAULT STE. MARIE, MI Members of at least one tribe in Michigans Upper Peninsula are being urged to always carry proof of U.S. citizenship after ICE reportedly detained as least five Native Americans in Minnesota, according to reports. Native Americans are U.S. citizens under the Snyder Act, also known as the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. ICT, a nonprofit news outlet that reports on indigenous communities, reported last week that at least five tribal members were detained during ICE operations in Minneapolis despite being U.S. citizens. RELATED: In Trumps first year, daily ICE arrests climbed 230% in Michigan These arrests have raised urgent concerns about dignity, safety, and respect for Native American citizens, said Whitney Gravelle, president of the Bay Mills Indian Community, which is located near Sault Ste. Marie. The city shares an international border with Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Members should carry their tribal ID cards, which prove U.S. citizenship, she said on Facebook. However, its not guaranteed that every ICE agent will recognize or understand this reality, creating unnecessary risk and harm. As backup, tribal members should also carry their Passport or state-issued ID if available, she said. RELATED: In a year, ICE arrested over 2,300 in Michigan from teens at home to a dad getting coffee In this moment, it is extremely important that every Bay Mills tribal citizen understands their rights and sovereign identities, Gravelle said. The post includes a two-page fact sheet, which tells tribal members what to do if they encounter ICE agents in a variety of scenarios. ANN ARBOR, MI Reactions from students and faculty are pouring in about Kent Syverud, the University of Michigans new hire for president. While some students and faculty expressed optimism, there were some concerns about some of his previous comments from his time at Syracuse University. Eric Veal Jr., president of UM Central Student Government, is pleased that Syverud will be the 16th University of Michigan president starting this summer. Veal Jr. described Syverud, 69, as the candidate for right now and for the future of our institution. Were very excited to welcome a president who is dedicated to students across our campus and dedicated to keeping the vision of our institution for public good and taking it farther, Veal Jr. said. Syverud, the chancellor at Syracuse, will replace interim President Domenico Grasso, himself a past chancellor of the Dearborn campus. Grasso took the job on an interim basis after former President Santa Ono stepped down in an attempt to become president of the University of Florida. Syverud will begin his five-year presidential term by July 1. Read more: Kent Syverud formally picked as next University of Michigan president Veal is excited for him to build off of Grassos work and continue building relationships, especially with students. One thing I look for in the next president, as a member of the search committee, is looking for someone who has a steady hand and who is going to make sure that leadership is something that isnt still from the top-down, Veal said. I think he is going to be the person that leads our institution into the next phase and into the passing lane to be seen as the best institution in the world, Veal said. Derek Peterson, chair of the UM Faculty Senate, researched Syverud during his previous years at UM and found that he was a faithful participant in faculty government, citing his previous participation in various committees. We want to have a president that who knows what faculty government is about, who values the voice of faculty in the administration of the institution, Peterson said. He also applauded Syveruds appreciation for racial diversity and noted his support for affirmative action. Syverud was a witness for UM in the Supreme Court case Grutter v. Bollinger during his time as dean of Vanderbilt Law School from 1997 to 2005. 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 State of Michigan voters barred public universities from considering race in admissions in 2006. However, Peterson was concerned that Syverud may lack sympathy for pro-Palestine protesters at Syracuse University. UM, like other colleges and universities in the country, is part of a national wave of pro-Palestine protests against the war in Gaza launched in response to an October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. As of November 2025, more than 70,000 Palestinians have died in the war, launched in response to an October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, according to the Associated Press. Student protesters erected an encampment for about two-and-a-half weeks in spring 2024 at Syracuse University. This is similar to UMs protests, which saw a weeks-long encampment broken up by university police, resulting in arrests and charges for protesters and subsequent lawsuits from pro-Palestinian activists. Read more: FBI raids follow string of pro-Palestinian incidents around Ann Arbor Syverud alleged last October that Iran influenced pro-Palestine protests at U.S. colleges and universities, and that Syracuse students were not involved. When things happened, that I really believe were encouraged from Iran, it did not have the involvement of very many, if any, of our own students, Syverud said in an October 2025 panel in Washington, D.C. Pro-Palestine protesters at UM have demanded the university divest from companies that support Israel. The university says any investment is far smaller than opponents contend and they will shield the endowment from political pressures. Tarana Sharma, co-president of Students Allied for Freedom and Equality, a prominent pro-Palestine activist group at UM, criticized Syveruds previous comments that foreign countries have funded the pro-Palestine movement. Trying to indicate that these protests are foreign funded is deeply problematic ... trying to paint these countries as if theyre fueling radical violence here in the U.S., that is not the case, Sharma said. She is confident that pro-Palestine movement at UM will hold Syverud accountable once he is president. Dan Viderman, president of the UM chapter of Students Supporting Israel, wrote in a Jan. 13 message that he is incredibly excited for Syverud to come to the university. (UM), especially in the past years, has been at the forefront of standing up for those who need it most, Viderman said, and we look forward, not only as a collection of students standing up for the only country in the world where Jews are able to live without discrimination, but also as a collection of students who have been harassed, attacked, and condemned for solely being Jewish. Read more: University of Michigan must protect Jewish students on campus, federal agency warns Viderman added that the UM chapter of Students Supporting Israel is ready to listen to Syveruds advice on the perpetual betterment of Pro-Semitic life on campus. Peterson, despite his reservations, said he is open to dialogues with Syverud once his presidential term begins. We want the president who will fight for free expression, who will value protest as an intrinsic part of education and of the public life of the institution, Peterson said. It falls to us, faculty, students and staff, to shape his presidency into what we want. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. This story has been updated with a comment from the citys mayor. CHELSEA, MI A plan for 92 affordable apartment units in Chelsea has hit a snag due to possible contamination stemming from a former dump at the site. Manchester Crossing developers will test the site on Old Manchester Road across from the Chelsea Community Fairgrounds for methane contamination, according to city officials. The apartment project, spearheaded by Ohio-based Spire Development, seeks to bring more affordable and workforce housing to the community, according to the firm. The city wants the same. In 2025, the city sought proposals from potential affordable housing developers for the city-owned, approximately 2.75-acre site at 1155 Old Manchester Road, and later entered into a purchase agreement to sell the land to the firm for $300,000. But to keep the apartments affordable, Spire would need Low-Income Housing Tax Credits through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to help finance the estimated $30 million project. The firm also promised to provide the affordable units for at least 45 years. The hitch: MSHDA said the tax credits are a no go, at least for now in a Nov. 20 letter obtained by Chelsea resident Chris DeWitt through a Freedom of Information Act request that he shared with The Ann Arbor News/MLive. The development does not satisfy the Authoritys environmental review requirements for the LIHTC program, according to the letter. A rendering shows early plans for Spire Development's proposed affordable housing project on Old Manchester Road in Chelsea, MI Provided by Spire Development/Red Architecture Whether methane is problematic on the site is currently unknown. State environmental testing MSHDA relied on could be outdated, and Spires testing could potentially reveal contamination is below environmental standards and reapply for the tax credits. MSHDA reasoning is that the site previously operated as a former village dump, which operated for about 20 years until the late 1950s or early 1960s. Landfills present unique and significant challenges to residential development, including the potential for methane generation, contaminants in levels exceeding EGLE non-residential criteria (applicable for commercial/industrial uses), and soil vapor intrusion concerns, MSHDAs letter states. Because of the unique combination of these concerns in a former landfill, current investigation and characterization data is needed at the time of application for MSHDA to better evaluate the suitability of this location for multi-family housing, it states. MSHDA relied on results from a 2000 investigation by state environmental officials, which found concentrations of chlorinated solvents, PAHs, and metals above state cleanup and indoor air quality standards. Another state environmental investigation, which included methane testing, was conducted on the eastern portion of the site in 2007, according to MSHDAs letter. The age and limited nature of these historic investigations are not sufficient to show that this former landfill is suitable for residential, multi-family housing, MSHDA concluded. Spire has not responded to a request for comment left Wednesday morning. MSHDA has requested additional environmental testing, which is consistent with what both the City of Chelsea and Spire anticipated as part of the due diligence process, Chelsea Mayor Kate Henson said in a statement. Resident safety remains the Citys highest priority and if environmental mitigation is required to make the property safe for housing, no development will move forward at the Old Manchester Road site until any environmental issues can be effectively and safely addressed, Henson said. DeWitt addressed Chelsea City Council on the matter at a Monday, Jan. 12 meeting after requesting it be put on the agenda. Would you want to live on a former dump? he said on Wednesday. He said while he supports increasing affordable housing, the project concerns him due to potential contamination, along with some residents concerns about an increase in traffic on Old Manchester Road and Old U.S. 12 and pedestrian safety. He said hes worried about the citys liability. City Planner Paul Montagno spoke about current methane testing at the site during Mondays city council meeting. Montagno said, since would-be developers were informed of the sites previous history as a dump when the city put out its request for proposals, Spire went into it understanding that ... if there was mitigation that needed to be done, they would certainly do it. In conversations with Spire after MSHDAs letter, he learned the firms intent is to move forward with testing to determine whether or not there is, in fact, methane associated with this, he said. If they discover that, obviously, its not an appropriate spot, he said. The city is in a wait and see period, he said. Certainly, we dont want to put anybody, any human life, at risk, and we wouldnt want a development that was in an unsafe location, but they are now going through this process to do further environmental investigation on the site. He anticipates that initial testing will conclude in the next few weeks. He also noted that, if no methane is discovered, there would be seasonal testing because levels can change throughout the year. He said the city has also been in communication with the Washtenaw County Brownfield Authority. If Manchester Crossing is able to move forward, it would consist of a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units would target households earning between 30-80% of the area median income which translates to annual incomes of approximately $37,000 to $100,000. The citys planning commission approved a combined preliminary and final site plan for Manchester Crossing in September, in time for Spire to apply for tax credits through MSHDA in October. More affordable housing projects could come to the city as city officials explore options for city-owned properties. In addition, a vacant 1909 industrial building that once housed stove and auto parts manufacturing could be revitalized as affordable workforce housing for middle-income renters downtown. Nonprofit developer Michigan Community Capital is planning to redevelop the Rockwell Building near the Chelsea Clocktower complex on the north side of the railroad tracks at 301 N. East St. from previous developers. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page ANN ARBOR, MI - A 20-year-old man who will serve up to 15 years in prison for a fatal crash said he thinks about the pain he has caused every day. There isnt a day where I dont regret the decision I made that night, said Axel Sanchez Saldivar during his Jan. 9 sentencing hearing. If I could take that night back, I would without hesitations. Sanchez Saldivar had been fleeing a Pittsfield Township police officer in July 2024 when he crashed into a fire hydrant and nine parked vehicles at Fischer Honda, 15 E. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti. The crash killed 17-year-old Alexander Valenzuela-Lara and injured then-15-year-old Lesley Chavez. He pleaded no contest in October 2025 to operating while intoxicated causing death, fleeing a police officer in the second degree, and resisting and obstructing a police officer, according to court records. He was sentenced to up to 15 years by Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Arianne Slay, who gave him credit for 40 days already served. His other charges were dismissed at sentencing. Angela Maria Lara, Valenzuela-Laras mother, said there are times she and her sons dog still stay up, waiting for him to come home. There are no words that are sufficient to describe what I have lost and what it has meant, Lara said during the sentencing hearing, via a translator. The pain its not measurable. It doesnt rest. Its with me every second of the day. While the sentencing has brought some closure, Lara still wishes she had more information about how exactly the crash happened, she said. The comfort is that (your family has) the opportunity to visit you in prison, Lara told Sanchez Saldivar during the hearing. Opposite of me I only have the opportunity to visit my son at a cemetery, where I will never have answers to my questions. Lesley and Valenzuela-Lara, who were in a relationship, had called on the evening of the crash and asked the 17-year-olds sister, Ashley Valenzuela-Lara, to pick them up. Ashley and her mother were getting into the car when Lesley called back, saying Alexs barber was going to give them a ride home. Sanchez Saldivar and her brother had never hung out socially or gone out before, Ashley said. As the driver came to drop off Alex and Lesley at the front of the 17-year-olds house, Ashley said she saw the interior car light come on. Out of nowhere, it kind of did a burnout, Ashley said. This happened so fast. Then, a police officers vehicle flew by, Ashley said. Although the car didnt have any flashing lights or sirens, Ashley said she saw it was reflective. Ashley called Lesley again, before passing the phone Lara. Lara told Lesley to get the driver to stop anywhere, and they would come get them. Then, she heard a shout, and the call cut off, she said. A few minutes later, Lara received a notification from a tracking app saying her son had been in a crash. She and her daughter rushed to the scene, she said. Valenzuela-Lara was declared dead at the scene. He hoped to be a Marine and was working on fixing up a motorcycle, his mother said. Lara is working on forgiving Sanchez Saldivar, she said during the sentencing hearing. This was not an inevitable accident, she told him during the hearing. This was a decision that you made knowing the risk and it ended taking the life of someone who did not have the opportunity to choose. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. FLINT, MI A TikTok cooking creator with more than 8.3 million followers is set to open a new business inside the Flint Farmers Market. Ahmad Alzahabi, born in Detroit and raised in Flint, whose known as The Golden Balance on TikTok, is opening Golden Boys in February at the downtown market off East 1st Street. This is the biggest thing I have done in my life so far, said Alzahabi, a Flint native and Carman Ainsworth graduate has always wanted to open his own place. I want to help our community eat well and to give back to Flint, the place I grew up it is really just as simple as that. Karianne Martus, the markets manager, said, they are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ahmad to the market as a business owner. Traditionally gathering many of his recipe ingredients from the Flint Farmers Market, he has created strong relationships with many of their current vendors, even mentioning them in his posts, she said adding, He has been a huge supporter for many years and really is a success story from Flint! Golden Boys will be in the center aisle of the market, where Ichi Lucky Cat Sushi was previously located, and will offer some signature items along with many of Alzahabis online creations. The new food stand will be open starting on Saturdays in February and add Tuesdays and Thursdays in March. Alzahabi, who attended both Kettering University and the University of Michigan-Flint and graduated with a business degree in entrepreneurial innovation, previously told MLive-The Flint Journal that he doesnt consider himself a chef. In high school and college, Alzahabi said he must have had anywhere from 20 to 25 different jobs: detailing cars, filing paperwork, lawn care, and even worked at a hotel for two whole hours. I got there at 9 and left at 11, he said. It wasnt the same as the job description. When his parents moved to Dubai in 2017, Alzahabi suddenly had to start taking cooking seriously. Thats when I started caring for my nutrition a little bit more and looking into it, he said. It first began on Instagram where Alzahabi would post photos of some of the healthier meals he was creating. He downloaded and uploaded a video on TikTok in 2019, but it never stuck. Then, a few months later, he returned to the app to find more users. He came back from work at 100K Ideas in downtown Flint one day and just hit record. I just shared this is what I do when I dont feel like cooking and it resonated with so many people, Alzahabi said. I was being authentic and honest. Im not a chef. Im just a student in college right now and Im showing you what Im making. That was the humble approach that sent him on the social media journey to stardom. Alzahabi thinks he was able to grow so much at first because he was just documenting his own journey, rather than creating. It was the humblest of beginnings. If you told me youre gonna submit something to the Food Network? Like what are your top 10 recipes? I was just I was just making chicken and rice with three ingredients, Alzahabi said. His channel has a direct mission and focus. He wants to make the kitchen a less intimidating place. My goal is that if you have never cooked a day in your life, you can watch my videos and you feel like you can make it, Alzahabi said. From his home in mid-Michigan, Alzahabi spends anywhere from 7 to 10 hours each day working to manage his TikTok account. That includes preparation, cooking, interacting with followers, shopping and reading comments. You have to constantly be innovating and constantly communicating with your audience, he said. Alzahabj was chosen by Food Network for a Chopped episode facing off against three other online cooking stars, as the network described. It was a dream come true for Alzahabi, who grew up watching Food Network with his family. He always wanted to be on that show. The Social Showdown episode (Season 53, Episode 1) featured four social media stars in a cooking competition. It was all recorded in one days time. Each contestant was given mystery ingredients (that are actually a mystery) and 30 minutes to cook for three rounds. Alzahabi went on to win the competition by leaning into what he knows best. I was able to remain very calm during the rounds, and I kind of just took a slow and calm approach towards cooking, Alzahabi said. His success came from the confidence he had in himself and his ability from all of those nights in the kitchen with his mother, Sana. The biggest thing Ive learned is instead of trying to reinvent the wheel in times of stress and just go back to your comfort zone in a sense where, you know, obviously take risks and stuff, but like go back to what you know and stop trying to do the most, he said. The Golden Balance name itself carries a similar sentiment. His last name, Alzahabi, in Arabic means The Golden. When starting his cooking journey, he often thought about balancing food with health. Alzahabj is Syrian-American. I always realized that at the end of the day, living in one side of any extreme is not good, he said. And its all about balance. WAYNE COUNTY, MI A Wyandotte man accused of stealing over $166,000 from his former employer is guilty of embezzlement. Jason Garza, 45, pleaded guilty Monday, Jan. 12, in the 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a news release. Garza is convicted of the following: One count of embezzlement of more than $100,000, a 20-year felony; One count of embezzlement of more than $50,000 but less than $100,000, a 15-year felony; One count of embezzlement of more than $1,000 but less than $20,000, a 5-year felony; three corresponding counts of using a computer to commit a crime; and Four counts of failure to file income taxes, a 5-year felony. Garza was accused of embezzling over $166,000 from Montway Auto Transport in Canton Township. Prosecutors said that in 2021 and 2022, Garza offered customers unauthorized discounts if they paid him directly through peer-to-peer mobile payment apps. Garza kept the payments for personal use and failed to remit any funds to Montway, the attorney general said. Prosecutors are seeking a 24-month minimum prison term as part of Garzas plea agreement. Garza has agreed to pay full restitution to the Michigan Department of Treasury, Montway LLC. and Travelers Insurance. The total restitution amount exceeds $500,000, according to Nessels office. When employees steal from their employers, they jeopardize not only the victimized businesses but also the livelihoods of their coworkers, Nessel said. I am grateful for the investigative efforts of the FBI that uncovered these thefts, and for the prosecutors in my office who are committed to protecting Michigan residents, businesses and customers alike, from fraud and theft. The case was referred to Nessels office by the FBI. Garza is next scheduled to appear in court for a sentencing on March 13. FLINT, MI -- Big changes are coming to the Flint Farmers Market, aided by a $3.5 million grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. Mott posted the grant award to Uptown Reinvestment Corporation on its website, saying the funds would be used for two projects -- one of which calls for enclosing a portion of the markets outdoor pavilion as well as creating a dedicated space for food trucks, a centralized bar, and a music stage. A second project involves improving a loading dock and storage area used by vendors and entrepreneurs at the markets commercial kitchen. Moses Timlin, real estate development manager at Uptown, said in a statement to MLive-The Flint Journal that the enclosed portions of the outdoor pavilion will include two year-round commercial spaces. These new spaces will include family-friendly, unique-to-downtown outdoor amenities, as well as an anchor tenant that will operate beyond the Farmers Markets traditional hours, Timlins statement reads. We are thankful to our funders for partnering with us in this vision and continuing to support downtown Flint as a place to live, thrive, and connect. In addition to the food truck area, bar, and stage, Motts website says plans for the new multifunction space include room for recreational games, community tables, and a fire pit. The loading dock and storage project comes in response to full capacity, according to information supplied by the market. A summary of that project says the upgrade will not only help the business side of the market but will help customers by increasing productivity and efficiency. The project includes expanding the loading dock to the buildings overhang and enclosure perimeter, moving dock doors, adding to refrigeration units, and adding storage cages and shelving. URC officials did not immediately comment on a timeline or further details for the projects. The Farmers Market opened at its current location in 2014 in and around the former Flint Journal printing plant at 300 E. 1st St. in downtown Flint. The market had previously operated at 420 E. Boulevard since 1940. Before that, it was downtown at various locations for 35 years after having been established at an open-air site in 1905 at the southeast corner of Beach and Kearsley streets. In 2021, city officials said they were in discussions to sell the old farmers market site on East Boulevard to the Flint Childrens Museum, but that deal was never consummated and the property remains unoccupied. A market building at that site was demolished in 2024. FLINT, MI A former flight instructor at a local aviation school who allegedly secretly recorded women in a private hangar bathroom has pleaded no contest to two felonies. Brenden McConiha, 29, was accused of setting up a hidden camera in the students unisex bathroom at Crosswinds Aviation, a private hangar leased by the school at Bishop Airport. The images were captured in 2021, while McConiha was the lead instructor, according to court records. McConiha pleaded no contest to one count of surveilling an unclothed person and one count of capturing/distributing an image of an unclothed person, according to court records. A plea of no contest does not admit guilt, but the defendant accepts the convictions. The court agreed to sentence McConiha to one year of jail time followed by probation, the duration of which will be determined at his sentence hearing on Feb. 10, according to court records. McConiha has also been ordered by the court to register as a sex offender in Michigan. McConiha, who no longer works at Crosswinds Aviation, sold a drone online with an SD card that included the illicit images. The drones buyer contacted police and McConiha was later charged, Michigan State Police Lt. Kim Vetter said. Crosswinds Aviation cooperated with the police investigation. The company immediately provided access to investigators after learning about the allegations. We were shocked to learn of the recent allegations involving a former instructor at Crosswinds Aviation, Matt Dahline, executive director of Crosswinds Aviation, said after the charges were announced. The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities, and while we cant comment on their investigation, we are fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities and are as committed as anyone to helping make sure justice is served. BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to pay an official visit to China from Wednesday to Saturday. Born in 1965 in Fort Smith, Canada, Carney holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Harvard University, as well as a Master's and a Doctoral degree in Economics from the University of Oxford. His previous leadership roles include governor of the Bank of Canada, chair of the Financial Stability Board, governor of the Bank of England, vice chairman of Brookfield Asset Management and chair of Bloomberg L.P. He has also acted as the UN Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance. In March 2025, he was elected as the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and assumed the country's premiership. Following the general election in April last year, he reassumed office as Canada's prime minister. LAKE LEELANAU, MI One of Michigans finest inland lakes has a home with 200 feet of pristine lake frontage, and youll want to check this out. Located at 407 N. Twin Pines Drive in Lake Leelanau, this gem is listed at $2,690,000 through Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Traverse City and The Crane Group with associate broker Johnny Crane and his brother, co-listing agent Matt Crane. This one-of-a-kind property is MLives House of the Week. Homes across the state of various architectural styles and prices are showcased every Wednesday. It is on the narrows of North Lake Leelanau, but more just coming out of the Narrows. What is unique about this is just kind of on the edge of that, Johnny Crane said. So you still have big water views from your dock, but theres a no wake zone in front of the house. And its kind of a thoroughfare for both, which makes it great for boat watching, people watching and all of that without the craziness of, you know, people going 50 miles an hour by your dock or anything like that. Its a really kind of peaceful experience there in terms of people and boat watching. Experience lakeside living at its finest with this exceptional custom home featuring 200 feet of pristine frontage on the Narrows of North Lake Leelanau. The house actually sits back off the water a little but still has water views while kind of tucked into the trees of the large lot. Cultured stone and cedar shiplap siding create timeless curb appeal, while extensive decking, walkways, and two quality permanent docks provide effortless access to the water. A treetop veranda offers a unique perch to relax and take in the sweeping views. One of the most unique features that I think may be the coolest feature is the treetop veranda. Its not a tree house. It has a room with a wraparound deck at the top. Its a very versatile space, Johnny Crane said. They have it set up as a sitting room right now. It would be a great place to go and have a cocktail and just watch the boats in the evening from the birds eye view overlooking the narrows, watching the boats and kayaks and things come in and out. You know, just sit out there and read a book during the day. You could make it a guests house if you wanted to. Its fairly well insulated and has windows all the way around it. I love selling unique houses and I think this definitely is one of those, and I have sold lots of lake houses, but never seen anything like this. And I think its very tastefully done too. Inside this residence, built in 1999, has four bedrooms, 2.5-bathrooms and spans 3,390 sq. ft. of thoughtfully-designed living space. Soaring vaulted ceilings, above-average ceiling heights, and expansive windows fill the house with natural light and frame breathtaking views from nearly every room. The great room is anchored by a true stone fireplace, complemented by forced-air heating, central air, and premium EPS insulation for year-round comfort and efficiency. The lakeside owners suite includes a spacious private bath and walk-in closet, both with serene water views. Upstairs, two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a large cedar-paneled fourth bedroom/bonus room offer versatile space for guests. The house itself is an all-season (residence). This could be a primary residence for somebody. This wasnt built as an up north cottage. This was built as someones primary residence. It was actually a builders house, Johnny Crane said. I always love that every time a builder builds a house for himself, you know that hes not going to cut corners and probably going to do things a little bit better than your traditional or typical quality that you would see. I think that shows throughout with a lot of natural wood, wood finishes in the house, tongue and grooves, cedar ceilings and more. Theres a bonus room upstairs that is all cedar the walls, the ceiling, everything. A really versatile space. It could be a kids bunk room or it could be a game room or simply an extra bedroom for somebody. Its a huge space." The kitchen showcases cherry cabinetry, granite countertops, hardwood floors, and a walk-in pantry, perfect for preparing meals with the lake as your backdrop. Additional features include a first-floor laundry room, a two-car attached garage, updated Wolf decking, and a high-performance Pirana septic system. Bordering protected conservation land, the property blends unmatched privacy, natural beauty, and quality craftsmanship, all in a secluded setting just a short drive from Downtown Leland, Downtown Suttons Bay, and some of Northern Michigans finest wineries. This residence is an ideal choice for year-round living or a weekend retreat, Johnny Crane said. Downtown Lake Leelanau is only about a two-minute drive. Another 15 minutes up the road is Suttons Bay or Leland, and Traverse City is only a 30-minute drive as well. Its just a very, very solid house on one of the most desirable lakes in northern Michigan, Johnny Crane said. You know, this is a top five lake for me in all of northern Michigan. Scroll down to see 10 of the images from the photo gallery for a glimpse inside this home to see why its MLives House of the Week. Exterior photographs of 407 N. Twin Pines Drive in Lake Leelanau, which is listed at $2,690,000 through Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Traverse City and The Crane Group with associate broker Johnny Crane and his brother, co-listing agent Matt Crane. (Photo provided by Johnny Crane, Skyview Experts) Interior photographs of 407 N. Twin Pines Drive in Lake Leelanau, which is listed at $2,690,000 through Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Traverse City and The Crane Group with associate broker Johnny Crane and his brother, co-listing agent Matt Crane. (Photo provided by Johnny Crane, Skyview Experts) Interior photographs of 407 N. Twin Pines Drive in Lake Leelanau, which is listed at $2,690,000 through Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Traverse City and The Crane Group with associate broker Johnny Crane and his brother, co-listing agent Matt Crane. (Photo provided by Johnny Crane, Skyview Experts) Exterior photographs of 407 N. Twin Pines Drive in Lake Leelanau, which is listed at $2,690,000 through Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Traverse City and The Crane Group with associate broker Johnny Crane and his brother, co-listing agent Matt Crane. (Photo provided by Johnny Crane, Skyview Experts) The treetop veranda at 407 N. Twin Pines Drive in Lake Leelanau, which is listed at $2,690,000 through Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Traverse City and The Crane Group with associate broker Johnny Crane and his brother, co-listing agent Matt Crane. (Photo provided by Johnny Crane, Skyview Experts) The treetop veranda at 407 N. Twin Pines Drive in Lake Leelanau, which is listed at $2,690,000 through Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Traverse City and The Crane Group with associate broker Johnny Crane and his brother, co-listing agent Matt Crane. (Photo provided by Johnny Crane, Skyview Experts) Aerial photographs of 407 N. Twin Pines Drive in Lake Leelanau, which is listed at $2,690,000 through Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Traverse City and The Crane Group with associate broker Johnny Crane and his brother, co-listing agent Matt Crane. (Photo provided by Johnny Crane, Skyview Experts) Interior photographs of 407 N. Twin Pines Drive in Lake Leelanau, which is listed at $2,690,000 through Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Traverse City and The Crane Group with associate broker Johnny Crane and his brother, co-listing agent Matt Crane. (Photo provided by Johnny Crane, Skyview Experts) Interior photographs of 407 N. Twin Pines Drive in Lake Leelanau, which is listed at $2,690,000 through Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Traverse City and The Crane Group with associate broker Johnny Crane and his brother, co-listing agent Matt Crane. (Photo provided by Johnny Crane, Skyview Experts) Exterior photographs of 407 N. Twin Pines Drive in Lake Leelanau, which is listed at $2,690,000 through Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate Traverse City and The Crane Group with associate broker Johnny Crane and his brother, co-listing agent Matt Crane. (Photo provided by Johnny Crane, Skyview Experts) View the listing here. View all 72 photos of the home here. UPDATE: This story has been updated with a statement by Amy DeLeeuw, ELNC president. GRAND RAPIDS, MI The founder and CEO of a nonprofit that helped vulnerable children pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a scheme that forced the agency to close. Nkechy Ezeh also pleaded guilty Wednesday, Jan. 14, to tax evasion before U.S. District Judge Hala Jarbou in Lansing. Jarbou set sentencing for May 13. Ezeh founded the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative, or ELNC, which funded and supported agencies that provided early learning opportunities for disadvantaged children. She admitted using stolen money for personal travel, including trips to Hawaii, Liberia and Nigeria. Ms. Ezeh is committed to taking full responsibility and accountability for her actions. She is deeply remorseful to anyone who has been negatively impacted, her attorney, Mary Chartier, earlier told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. The ELNC board has said that children in the poorest neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Battle Creek were deprived of early childhood learning services. Amy DeLeeuw, president and treasurer of ELNC, said in a statement she was disappointed by Nkechy Ezehs failure to meaningfully articulate the nature and scope of her criminal misconduct during her change of plea hearing today. Her theft of millions of dollars intended for the most vulnerable of children was brazen, all-encompassing and unconscionable. To date, Nkechy has made no effort to repay any of the millions of dollars she stole from ELNC. I trust Nkechys demeanor at todays hearing did not go unnoticed by Chief Judge Hala Jarbou. I and the board will have more to say in our victim impact statement and look forward to her sentencing hearing on May 13. Ezeh faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and up to five years in prison for tax evasion. Her former bookkeeper, Sharon Killebrew, 70, was earlier sentenced to four years, six months in prison after she pleaded guilty to engaging in a conspiracy to defraud a federally funded program and tax evasion. She conspired to embezzle $1,170,935. The government said Ezeh has agreed to pay $1.4 million in restitution. She owes $390,000 in back taxes. Ezeh and others defrauded ELNC and its donors, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Early Head Start Program. Ezeh is free on a $100,000 unsecured bond pending sentencing. ELNC, with a $15 million budget, provided funding and services for early childhood education for children in underserved communities in Kent and Kalamazoo counties and Battle Creek over the course of 12 years. ELNC closed on Sept. 20, 2023, after the board discovered that millions of dollars were missing. JACKSON, MI One of three men accused of killing the son of Wanda Beavers, better known in Jackson as Mama Tu-Tu, has been returned to Jackson to face criminal charges. Montez Martees White was arraigned before Jackson County Magistrate Judge Jake Dickerson Wednesday, Jan. 14, on multiple felony charges including murder for the death of Anthony Owens Jr. White, 27, is one of three men accused of opening fire outside a Summit Township home killing Owens and wounding three others in May 2025. He is charged with one count of open murder, three counts of attempted murder and one count of using a firearm to commit a felony. White, appearing in court from the Jackson County Jail via Zoom, said he intends to hire his own attorney. Citing the seriousness of the crime, bond was denied. White will remain in jail while his case progresses. One of the more tragic things about this case is not the fact that one person died and three other people were injured, but the fact that the people on that porch did nothing to provoke this attack, Jackson County Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Hull said. They had nothing to do with the defendants in this case. They were enjoying an evening in the city of Jackson on their porch when they were gunned down by the defendant and his two codefendants, he said. White is scheduled for a preliminary examination before Jackson County District Judge Allison Bates on Jan.29. He faces up to life in prison if convicted. Owens Jr., 44, died May 17 in the shooting shortly after midnight that injured three others, including 63-year-old Kenneth Avant, 44-year-old Randall Hurst and 42-year-old Michael Gant. Beavers previously said Owens was at a friends home in the 100 block of Lincoln Court, just south of the Jackson city limits. Three subjects approached the house on foot and opened fire on the people on the porch. The three suspects then fled the area on foot before police arrived. The four victims were rushed to Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, where Owens was pronounced dead on May 17. Murder charges were issued after the suspects were identified. One other suspect was arrested in Ohio and is awaiting extradition. The third suspect remains at large. Per MLive policy, the other two suspects are not being named by MLive until they have been arraigned in court. Anyone with additional information is welcome to contact Jackson County Detective Kelley Ebersole at 517-768-7932. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page. PORTAGE, MI Portages trash hauling debate is headed to ballots this spring. City councilmembers voted unanimously Tuesday, Jan. 13 to put the approved petition language up to vote in a special election Tuesday, May 5. In July 2025, the council decided to contract exclusively with Waste Management for residential trash pickup across the city. A group of residents and business owners have led an effort to overturn it. Waste Managements five-year contract is set to begin in March, per city documents, two months before the special election. City officials said the change will reduce wear and tear on Portage streets and lower costs for residents. Opponents argue the decision violates their right to choose which company they support. A group called Take Back the Trash submitted more than 4,000 signatures across 563 sheets, per city documents. There were at least 1,308 valid signatures, city spokesperson Mary Beth Block said, meeting the minimum required for the petition process to move forward. Take Back the Trash used both paid and volunteer petition circulators to collect signatures between October and December 2025, petition documents show. Best Way Disposal was one of three hauling companies that submitted bids for the contract in July 2025. It proposed the highest rates for residents. While Waste Managements proposal will cost residents $14.04 per month for trash pickup, Best Ways proposal would have cost $17.12 per month. Over the five-year contract, it would have cost Portage residents a combined $9 million more. Best Way currently charges an average of $21 per month to Portage customers, but it varies widely per customer, city officials said. Best Way has close ties to the committee Best Way Manager Chris Phillips serves as the groups spokesperson, while the company shared its posts online and hosted signing locations. MORE: Follow the money: How trash and politics are influencing the Portage city election The city will work with an attorney to better understand potential outcomes of the election, like potential penalties and contract terms, Mayor Patricia Randall said. There are a lot of legal implications, Randall said. All the questions raised the evening, we have had ourselves. Voters should make similar efforts to understand whats at stake in the decision, she said. Whatever May 5 brings ... Im not going to take it as a win or a loss personally, Randall said. It is part of our democratic process. Councilmember Kathleen Olmsted is the only new councilmember elected after the single-hauler decision was made. The issue was central in her run for office. People have their right to their choice, she said. Taking the issue to a citywide vote will satisfy everyone, regardless of the outcome. Councilmembers had the option to adopt changes themselves that were laid out in the petition. Postponing the decision until May will give residents time to experience the new system and make an informed decision, resident Jane Ghosh said. The May election is what everyone was asking for, Phillips said. I am very happy and excited for the community in that they get the opportunity to be heard. The approved petition language can be read, below. Initiation of an ordinance pursuant to the City Charter of the City of Portage to amend Chapter 58 of the Code of Ordinances to require the registration of persons who collect and dispose or process garbage, municipal solid waste, rubbish, bulk waste, recyclable waste and/or yard waste in the city; to require that persons offering collection services publish a fee schedule; to prevent the City from entering into an exclusive contract for collection services; and to prevent the City from taking any actions which would interfere with the right of residents to choose which person to use for collection services. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. MUSKEGON, MI A judge has granted the appointment of a receiver amid a lawsuit between Independent Bank and Adelaide Pointe in Muskegon. Kent County Circuit Court Judge Curt Benson in an order dated Jan. 9, said Independent Bank is entitled to a receiver over certain parts of the development after developer Ryan Leestma defaulted on $28 million in debt last summer. Both parties will have the opportunity to submit their nomination for a receiver within 14 days from the issuing of the order. The court may choose to appoint a different receiver if necessary, the order stated. The appointment of a receiver is not expected to impact operations of the development, but it will ultimately lead to a higher degree of oversight, Leestma told MLive/the Muskegon Chronicle. Where the risk is really introduced is you have an attorney who comes in and they dont understand business, they dont understand sales or marketing or how all of this goes together, he said. It would be incumbent upon me to educate all parties so the best decisions possible are made. In an initial complaint filed last September, Independent Bank of Grand Rapids requested the emergency appointment of a receiver over certain parts of Adelaide Pointe alleging Leestma violated his loan agreements with the bank. Leestma and his companies obtained nearly $30 million in loans from Independent Bank to finance the construction of portions of the 30-acre Adelaide Pointe development, according to the complaint. The bank alleged that in July, two promissory notes totaling more than $17 million matured and remain unpaid. The bank then sent Leestma a notice of default and reservation of rights. As of September, the outstanding debt totaled over $28 million in principal, plus over $114,000 in interest, along with additional costs and attorney fees, the complaint read. A subsequent investigation revealed significant issues that require the immediate appointment of a receiver, the complaint read. Independent Banks collateral at Adelaide Pointe includes the condo building, boat storage facilities, and boater services building. The wet and dry marinas and the multiuse building that has Muskegon Brewing Company and Adelaide Events as tenants are the collateral of other lenders and are not involved in the lawsuit. Leestma and his companies argued the bank was making a bad-faith attempt to circumvent a forbearance agreement that would have given them breathing room until mid-November. Leestma has maintained that there is no genuine emergency and no threat to the banks collateral, according to court documents. In an interview with the Muskegon Chronicle, Leestma argued that until the bank filed its complaint, Adelaide Pointe was current on all of its bank payments. I think what triggered that was we had our property taxes due, and that slipped through the cracks, but they were paid only three days late, Leestma said. But they used that as a reason to trigger everything. Benson in October issued an order denying Independent Banks emergency motion for a receiver on the grounds that it was too early in the case to make such a decision without a hearing to parse out the numerous factual disputes. These disputes include the current value of the banks collateral, the financial viability of the project and the effect of the forbearance agreement. In late December, Independent Bank filed a new motion arguing it was entitled to a receiver under the 2022 Michigan Uniform Assignment of Rents Act. The law permits lenders to collect rents on collateral and apply them to the borrowers debt in the event of a default. In that filing, Independent Bank accused Adelaide Pointe of continuing to collect more than $70,000 per month in rent from the banks collateral while failing to make loan payments, insurance payments or pay its contractors. The bank in mid-December sent a notice to tenants regarding the Assignment of Rents Act. Leestma retaliated and sent a counter notice to tenants telling them to disregard the banks notice and to continue to make all rent payments as normal, court documents show. The notice sent by Leestma Management is an egregious violation of Michigan law that should not be permitted by this court, the bank wrote in its motion. Leestma said he issued the letter under guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that the Assignment of Rents Act wasnt allowable under its business loan program. When Im told that they cant do that, then of course Im going to send a letter and say they cant do this because theyre taking my revenue away, and then the USDA changed their tune, he said. Benson in his Jan. 9 ruling sided with the bank, stating Leestmas message to tenants was reckless, inaccurate and inappropriate. Leestma argued the bank couldnt have picked a worse time as Adelaide Pointe headed into the off season for boating. Adelaide Pointe officially opened in May 2025. The ambitious, $85 million project sought to transform a contaminated former industrial site on Muskegon Lake into a premier boating destination that includes a 55-unit condominium building, boat storage facilities, a 169-slip wet marina and a multiuse building that houses Muskegon Brewing Company and a rentable event space. Leestma said the development has created over 100 jobs and $300 million worth of economic activity. The value of what weve created is enormous, far beyond what I owe all the banks, he said. About 21 residents have moved into the condo building, and there have been numerous inquiries after a demo unit opened in December, Leestma said. While the commercial aspects of the development are complete, Leestma still has to comply with a cooperative use agreement he made with the city regarding public improvements in September 2022. Those improvements include the bike path connecting the Lakeshore Trail to downtown Muskegon and improvements to the Hartshorn Peninsula east of Adelaide Pointe. The deadline for those improvements to be completed is May 1. In spite of the numerous controversies surrounding the project, Leestma maintained there is zero possibility Adelaide Pointe could move in the wrong direction. Im not going to give up. I dont give up, he said. The public has to ask themselves, would it have been better if I had left it all as it was? NORTON SHORES, MI - A West Michigan coffee factory has been approved for an expansion that will double its size. La Colombe Coffee Roasters is planning a two-phase expansion at its facility at 6366 Norton Center Drive in Norton Shores. The plan was approved on Tuesday, Jan. 13, by the Norton Shores Planning Commission. The company plans to invest $132 million in new buildings and $347 million for new equipment. Thats a $479 million total investment that represents multiple phases of work, starting with this next project. The expansion will create approximately 100 new jobs. Construction is expected to begin in the next few weeks. In total, the current 40,000-square-foot factory will more than double by an additional 54,821 square feet. The eastern portion of the property will expand by 52,844 square feet with new truck loading areas to support operational efficiency and increased capacity, according to city records. There will also be a 1,944-square-foot expansion in the center of the buildings. A plan for expanded parking is expected to be presented for approval to the planning commission later, said Ted Woodcock, zoning administrator and city planner. The expansion will support the increased production and distribution of La Colombe products, like ready-to-drink lattes and cold brew coffees. The coffee products are expected to be distributed at an even larger scale, nationally and internationally, according to city records. Theyve been good to work with, always have been, said Woodcock. The city is excited about the continued investment of La Colombe in Norton Shores and look forward to continuing our strong relationship with them. La Colombe has been operating at its Norton Shores location since September 2016. It began production with an $11 million investment and 37 employees, according to Anthony Chandler, city administrator. It now operates with 250 employees. Over the past ten years, La Colombe has experienced significant growth, Chandler said. The expansion of La Colombe represents a significant investment in Norton Shores, and the city is pleased to support their continued growth. ZILWAUKEE, MI A Zilwaukee man is charged with stealing a five-figure sum from his tetraplegic ex-girlfriend. Jeremiah D. Tietz, 45, on Jan. 7 appeared before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank for arraignment on one count of larceny by conversion $20,000 or more. The felony is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $15,000 or three times the value of what was pilfered. The alleged victim is 34-year-old Charli Lillian, who around 2021 began a long-distance relationship with Tietz from her home in Tennessee. Lillian in October 2023 was driving through Tennessee when she was struck by an uninsured drunken driver. The collision left her paralyzed from her chest down. I have some hand movement but not much and some arm movement but even thats a little restricted, Lillian said, on the phone from Tennessee. Lillian was hospitalized for about a month before she could be moved to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, a nonprofit specializing in treatment and rehabilitation for those with spinal and brain injuries. Her stay there lasted until March 2024 and was covered by insurance, she said. Meanwhile, Tietz began collecting donations for Lillians medical expenses via animal auctions, she alleges. The wreckage of a vehicle Charli Lillian was in during a traffic crash in Tennessee in October 2023. The collision left Lillian paralyzed from her chest down. Photo provided by Charli Lillian Cole Waterman The money was supposed to be turned over to my mom so she could put it in a fund to be used for any kind of medical necessities and physical therapy, Lillian said. I never had access to that account. I never saw where the money went. MLive reached out to Tietz and defense attorney Joseph M. Albosta, both of whom declined to comment. Around August 2024, Lillian moved to Tietzs property in Zilwaukee, as he had made a mini house for her inside a pole barn, she said. She was OK with Tietz using some of the raised funds to refurbish the living space so long as he reimbursed her, she said. Things eventually soured between the couple and Lillian decided to move back to Tennessee, completing the costly relocation in December 2025. When I wanted to move back home, my money wasnt there to be able to do that, she said. He would just come up with a list of things as to why I shouldnt get my money back. According to a police report obtained via the Freedom of Information Act, Adult Protective Services in late October 2025 contacted Zilwaukee Police Chief Jason Wise over the issue. Wise spoke with Lillian, who said between October 2023 and June 2024, fundraising efforts had raised nearly $70,000 for her. Tietz controlled her finances during that span, she told Wise. Lillian told Wise she needed the funds returned so she could buy a motorized wheelchair. The chief interviewed Tietz shortly thereafter. Tietz claimed he had spent thousands on building Lillians mini house, taking her to medical appointments, and covering various costs. Wise told Tietz he could resolve the matter and avoid a criminal charge by returning the donated funds to Lillian. Tietz replied he wanted to consult with his attorney and that he did not believe he did anything wrong. At the time, Lillian was still living on Tietzs property. Tietz told Wise he was considering evicting Lillian. The chief also interviewed the owner of animal auction businesses in Tennessee and Florida. This person confirmed that during one weekend in November 2023, they auctioned some of Lillians animals for $14,020 and received customer donations for $26,270, garnering a total of $40,290. A subsequent auction in December 2023 raised an additional $11,000 to $12,000, the person told Wise. The auction owner told Wise that Tietz had said the funds would go toward getting Lillian into the Shepherd Center and her other medical expenses, Wises report states. Wise served a search warrant on Tietzs business relationship savings account, finding it had a balance of $10,017.84 in October 2023 before Lillians crash. The balance jumped to $73,204.80 in December 2023, police reports state. The accounts balance decreased to $180.98 by May 2025, Wise wrote in his report. Additionally, Wise found copies of personal checks with Donation for Charli written in the memo lines. Wise concluded Lillians loss of donated funds totaled $63,186.96. Since returning to Tennessee, Lillians recovery had gone through the roof, she said. The financial burden, though, still rests on her and her mother. She is hopeful court proceedings will result in her recovering the funds, she said. A fundraising dinner to benefit Lillian is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at The Comet Classic Diner & Creamery, 11740 Gera Road in Birch Run Township. Spaghetti, goulash, breadsticks, and salad will be available for $20 per person. Tietzs case is scheduled for a preliminary examination on Jan. 22. SAGINAW, MI In July, a Dearborn man visited a Frankenmuth waterpark-hotel to allegedly meet up with what he thought was a minor for sex. He ended up encountering members of a popular YouTube crew whose goal is to expose child abusers. The man, Shah Hussain, is now charged with child sexually abusive activity, using a computer to commit a 20-year maximum crime, using a computer to commit a four-year maximum crime, and accosting children for immoral purposes. The first two charges are the most serious, both being 20-year felonies. Hussain, 36, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, appeared for a preliminary examination in which two members of the YouTube organization detailed how they posed as an underage girl to lure in predators. Hussains attorney, though, criticized the witnesses enterprise, saying their actions amount to vigilantism and that they play a dangerous game. Civilians Victtoria Ford and Aurora Passmore testified they work with YouTube personality Skeeter Jeans Predatorial Investigation Unit. They created a decoy profile on the KinkD app, posing as an 18-year-old Minnesotan named Emily, featuring photos of Passmore in which she looked much younger, Ford testified. Its a hookup app with, like, really weird, fetish like Ford described KinkD. Its not like a normal hookup app. Its for extremists. In June, Hussain contacted Emily, asking her if she wanted to role play dad-daughter and stating he had a desire for younger girls, Ford testified. Emily replied to Hussain that they were too far apart geographically, Ford said. Hussain countered that he visits Minnesota often. Ford read aloud messages Hussain allegedly sent Emily: I just love young girls so much. They are my weakness. Have you ever been with an older man before? After moving their conversation to text messages, Hussain introduced himself as Shah and asked Emily her age. Ford replied she was 15, she said. We would have to do a video call or something so I know its really you, Hussain allegedly told her. Im sure you can understand my dilemma. When Hussain requested photos, Ford sent him non-nude images of Passmore, her colleague. Hussain texted Emily that he wanted to kiss and have sex with her, after which they discussed the mechanics of meeting up in Michigan, Ford testified. Cross-examined by defense attorney Samuel Bennett, Ford admitted the Emily profile was later banned on KinkD as the user appeared to be younger than 18. Bennett pointed out users must be at least 18 and that the app has a section for age play. Passmore testified she took over messaging Hussain from Ford, still posing as Emily. They agreed to meet at Zehnders Splash Village, 1365 S. Main St. in Frankenmuth, on July 22, Passmore said. Hussain sent her images showing he had booked a room at the hotel, she testified. Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Marissa Fillmore played recordings of phone and video calls between Hussain and Passmore. In one recording, an often giggling Hussain tells Emily shes cute and that he cant wait to see her. Id have so much fun with you, he allegedly says. At one point, Emily tells Hussain shes 13. Hussain then comments that her age keeps going down. In a second audio clip, recorded July 21, Hussain expressed concerns about arising suspicion on being seen with Emily. He allegedly asks her for nude images, but she declines and says hell see her naked when they meet up. The video recording showed Hussain allegedly FaceTiming with Emily and exposing himself to her. Questioned by Bennett, Passmore admitted she had not received training from law enforcement, nor was she working in collaboration with police or hotel management. Bennett asked if the YouTube videos made money; Passmore replied they did. The more dramatic the videos, the more views and subscriptions the channel receives, leading to more revenue, Bennett said. Nolan Wendling, a Zehnders security officer, testified he noticed the film crew at the hotel on July 22 and recognized Skeeter Jean. His manager told him to call police to have the crew removed, so he did so. The crew had no permission to film on Zehnders property, Wendling said. Though Jean, real name Ken Chambers, was present in the courthouse, he did not testify on Tuesday. The hearing ended with Fillmore asking Saginaw County District Judge Elian E.H. Fichtner to bind Hussains case over to Circuit Court for trial. Bennett opposed this, saying no minors were actually involved and the KinkD app requires users to be adults. He asked for the cases dismissal, saying that allowing the case to continue gives credibility to YouTube vigilantes and sets a dangerous precedent. Fichtner ruled in the prosecutions favor and bound Hussain over to the higher court. Bennett then asked the judge to modify Hussains bond to allow him to use the internet to look for work online so his wife no longer had to. Fichtner declined to do so, adding that the days testimony was leaning her more toward revoking Hussains $100,000 personal recognizance bond. Though it was not part of Tuesdays testimony, records show Hussain left Zehnders on July 22 for the Dead Creek Saloon, 8030 Gera Road, where he was confronted by Jean, another man, and a camera operator. Jean shared video of the confrontation on Facebook and Instagram on Aug. 20. The video shows the trio approach Hussain as he sits in the drivers seat of an SUV in the saloons parking lot. When they begin calling Hussain by his first name, he asks them who they are and rolls up his window. The police are coming, OK? Jean tells Hussain. Do you wanna talk to the police, Shah? Hussain attempts to put his SUV in reverse but a vehicle associated with Jeans group blocks him in. Jean continues tapping on Hussains window as Hussain maneuvers his SUV around the blocking vehicle. Shah? Cmon, Jean shouts. You came to meet a 14-year-old girl. Its over. Lets just calm down here, alright? Hussain eventually pulls out of the lot as a saloon staffer on the patio asks Jean whats going on. He came to meet a 14-year-old girl, Jean replies as the 1 minute and 10 second video ends. Hussains trial date is pending. SAGINAW, MI Nearly three years since a father was shot to death while babysitting in his Buena Vista Township home, the trial is starting for the Indiana man accused of firing the fatal shots. Attorneys in the trial of 26-year-old Zakeem F. Jones delivered their opening arguments to the 14-person jury. Jones is charged with first-degree premeditated murder and seven firearm charges. His codefendant, Markeisha R. Burns-Cross, faces charges of first-degree premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit that crime, and three firearm offenses. The charges stem from the March 2023 killing of Devon L. Chip Williams, 33. As Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Melissa J. Hoover phrased it, a jealous Jones killed Williams to obliterate the competition, as Williams previously had a romantic relationship with Burns-Cross. Burns-Cross, 27, is to testify for the prosecution, Hoover said. She previously testified in a September 2024 preliminary examination. Zakeem F. Jones appears for trial in Saginaw County Circuit Court on Jan. 14, 2026. Jones, of Indiana, is charged with murder in the March 2023 shooting death of Buena Vista Township resident Devon "Chip" Williams. Cole Waterman Hoover told the jury police responded to Williams duplex at 3145 Walters Drive after a person hiding in a closet there called 911 to report a shooting. Police arrived to find the front door deadbolted shut, so they forced entry, Hoover said. They walked into a grisly scene scattered shell casings, pools of blood in the living room, and a blood trail leading to a bedroom. They found Williams lying on the bedroom floor, struggling to breathe, Hoover said. Williams was taken to local hospital where he died of multiple wounds to his torso and limbs. 8 1 / 8 Devon L. "Chip" Williams, slain in Buena Vista Township on March 30, 2023 The previous night, Jones and Burns-Cross drove to Bay City from Indiana for a family event. They brought with them a 9mm Taurus G3 pistol and hollow point ammunition Burns-Cross had purchased about a month prior, Hoover said. Jones, as a convicted felon, is not permitted to possess guns. Burns-Cross had been in contact with Williams, her ex with whom she had a child in common, Hoover said. Jones did not like Burns-Cross, his then-fiancee, communicating with Williams, Hoover said. Jones and Burns-Cross spent the night of March 29 barhopping around Bay City. Burns-Cross grew angry on noticing Jones talking to other women, so she decided to reach out to Williams, Hoover said. Burns-Cross and Williams planned to meet up at Williams home, Hoover said. Later, Jones went through Burns-Cross cellphone and found her text conversations with Williams, Hoover said. Jones demanded Burns-Cross call Williams and ordered she drive them to his house. Burns-Cross did as Jones instructed. She believes Jones just wants to confront Chip and, at most, fight him, Hoover said. She was unaware Jones had her pistol, she added. Parked outside of Williams home, Burns-Cross encouraged Jones to just let it go, Hoover said. Mr. Jones had no intention of letting anything go, Hoover said. He came there for a purpose and he was going to see it through. Believing Burns-Cross was sticking up for Williams, Jones drew the pistol and told her to get Williams to come outside or he was going inside, Hoover said. At that point, Mr. Jones points the gun at her and said, Were going inside, Hoover continued. Burns-Cross knocked on the houses back door and heard Williams tell her to come in. She walked in, followed closely by Jones, and saw Williams seated at a kitchen table, looking at his phone, Hoover said. Chip looks up and all of a sudden his facial expression changes, Hoover said. He sees Zakeem in that moment. Instinctively, he runs toward the front door. Unfortunately, that front door is deadlocked. Theres no escape. Jones allegedly started shooting at Williams. Burns-Cross could feel the heat of the bullets going right by her face, and then all she can hear is Chip screaming, Hoover said. Police would find 13 spent casings and eight bullet fragments, Hoover said. Jones and Burns-Cross fled the scene and returned to a relatives Bay City house. A day or so later, they drove back to Indiana. Hoover told the jurors theyd hear from a witness who would testify Jones bragged about killing Williams and seemed proud of what hed done. Jones also tried selling the Burns-Cross gun to various people, Hoover said. When a police detective eventually interviewed Jones in Toledo, Ohio, he initially denied having been in Michigan at the time of Williams killing, Hoover said. Hoover summarized her case by saying it boiled down to one simple fact. Devon Williams was unarmed in his own home and had no idea what was coming, she said. He lost a battle he didnt know he was fighting in a cold-blooded, premeditated ambush. Defense counselor Matthew M. Evans gave a differing perspective, saying the case hinges on the word of Burns-Cross. Shes the one who says everything that he, allegedly, did, Evans said, adding she has given several accounts of Williams killing. She has every reason to lie because shes hoping to get some sort of deal. So automatically, anything she says should be looked at carefully. He urged jurors to pay attention to detail and assess the states evidence with sharp eyes. The evidence is lacking in both quality and quantity, he said. Your job isnt to figure out what happened, Evans told the jurors. Your job is to determine if theres enough evidence to convict my client beyond a reasonable doubt. Jones was on parole out of Indiana on a burglary conviction when Williams was killed. The month after Williams death, Jones was sentenced to two more years, plus two 11-month stints on convictions of receiving stolen auto parts and resisting police. He was released from prison on Sept. 4, then extradited to Michigan to face charges in connection with Williams homicide. Williams was raised in Saginaw but moved out of state with his family in 2004. After graduating from high school in Syracuse, he moved back to Saginaw. He loved Saginaw, his mother, Shontele Lockett, has said. He always said he wanted to go back home. She remembered her son as a sweet and fun-loving man, who would begin each day by messaging people Good morning, beautiful. Williams is survived by two daughters and three sons. He just liked to have fun and make people happy, Lockett said. He wanted to make everybody feel special. Two teenagers are dead after a hand-dug hole collapsed on top of them. According to the Citrus County Sheriffs Office in Florida, two 14-year-old best friend boys were digging in sugar sand near Sportsman Park in Inverness on Jan. 11. Sugar sand is a common term for very fine, soft sand found throughout Florida, especially beaches. Deputies told Fox News that the boys were approximately four to five feet down when the collapse occurred. It took first responders about a half hour to dig them out. As many of you know, our family is built on deep love, togetherness, and community. We love our children with a burning passion, and we cherish their friends as if they were our own. Our home was always full of laughter, noise, and lifesurrounded by a big posse of kids who grew up side by side, bonded like siblings, the families said in statement. In an instant, our world was shattered. What should have been another day of childhood adventure turned into a heartbreaking loss that no parent should ever have to endure. Our precious boys were taken from us far too soon. The families said the boys shared a bond that went beyond friendshipthey were inseparable, full of life, curiosity, and dreams for the future. The Inverness Middle School confirmed both boys were students at the school. Counselors, social workers, and school psychologists are on campus to support students and staff. We extend our heartfelt thoughts and support to the students, families, and all those impacted, a school statement said. Thank you for your care, compassion, and support for one another during this time. Nearly $36,000 has been raised for the families to help with emergency response, medical care, funeral arrangements and other financial burdens. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee and secretary of its leading Party members group, presides over and addresses a meeting convened by the leading Party members group of the NPC Standing Committee on Jan. 14, 2026. Senior Chinese legislators met on Wednesday to study a speech that Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, delivered at the fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. (Xinhua/Li Tao) BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese legislators met on Wednesday to study a speech that Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, delivered at the fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee and secretary of its leading Party members group, presided over and addressed the meeting convened by the leading Party members group of the NPC Standing Committee. The meeting called for efforts to strengthen the sense of political responsibility and awareness of historic mission, give full play to the roles of the NPC, and contribute to a sound start to the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan. The meeting also stressed the need to advance legislation related to anti-corruption, and urged deepening efforts to improve Party conduct, build integrity and combat corruption. DETROIT -- January can feel like a lull on the hot-stove calendar. Although there are plenty of deals being made around the league, most of the Detroit Tigers action in what has been a fairly quiet winter came in the early days of the offseason. The roster is mostly built, but not fully settled. The payroll is mostly defined, but not finalized. And one unresolved arbitration case has the potential to shape both. With spring training approaching and the hot stove only simmering, we opened the mailbag with questions ranging from Tarik Skubals arbitration risk to roster flexibility to the balance between internal options, outside additions, and nostalgia. Ive always wondered who on the current Tigers roster has the most edge to him, or who is the most salty? Im thinking of everyday players. JF Thats a tough question, because the Tigers have more players who fall into the nice guy category than the salty one. But I think I have an answer: Zach McKinstry. Hes a supremely nice guy and always very professional, but I do think he has an edge. He didnt come up with a silver spoon in his mouth. He had to fight his way from high school to college, then fight his way up the minor-league system, and then fight some more to stick in the big leagues. He doesnt have an aw shucks, just happy to be here personality. Hes earned everything hes got, and he knows it. The Tigers have been a file-and-trial front office. How likely is it that they make an exception with Tarik Skubal and continue trying to find a common number prior to an arbitration panel decision? Does this situation put a full stop on further spending by the front office until the amount owed to Skubal is known? FG Ive never liked the file-and-trial philosophy, even though nearly every big-league team has embraced it. Why be dogmatic? The Tigers, under president Scott Harris, pride themselves on gathering every last bit of information and taking decisions down to the wire. Why shouldnt it be the same with something as vital as arbitration, where millions of dollars, and potentially the relationship with a key player, are at stake? Thats why I believe the Tigers have to be open to some sort of resolution. Two years ago, they avoided the absurdity of a hearing with Casey Mize over $25,000 by finding a technical workaround to the file-and-trial rule. This year, the stakes are higher, but the Tigers have far more to lose than Skubal. Skubal is essentially risking a few hundred thousand dollars to shoot for the moon. If he loses at arbitration, hes still getting $19 million, just a smidge under the Tigers final offer. But if the Tigers lose and have to pay Skubal $32 million in 2026, thats a pretty big hole blown in their budget. If nothing else, the uncertainty surrounding the 2026 payroll is an unwelcome development as the Tigers try to put the finishing touches on the roster leading up to spring training. If Kevin McGonigle makes the Opening Day roster, to me that switches Javier Baez into more of a utility role and makes it harder to keep Zach McKinstry on the roster, especially if Colt Keith and Matt Vierling are at third base. Or does it put pressure on Parker Meadows to produce, since he still has options? -- MS There would be a number of ways to configure the roster if McGonigle made the team, but Wenceel Perez or Matt Vierling, who both have options, would be the likeliest to be squeezed. With McGonigle playing regularly at shortstop, Baez and McKinstry would shift to utility roles. Theyd get more reps at third base and in the outfield I think the Tigers would prefer that Meadows make the team, but he could also get squeezed if the Tigers wanted to go with a timeshare in center field featuring Baez, Perez, Vierling, and Riley Greene. For the moment, this is an academic discussion. It would take an otherworldly spring training -- or perhaps a surprise extension? -- for McGonigle to skip Triple-A and open the 2026 season with the Tigers. How are the Tigers not looking to add another bat after the last two seasons ended with the lineup striking out 15-plus times in both elimination games, especially with the uncertainty at shortstop, center field, and third base? CC Without McGonigle, Max Clark, and other intriguing prospects in the pipeline, the Tigers might be more aggressive about adding a bat. But weve seen during Harris tenure that his clear preference is to load up on pitching and trust internal solutions for position players In his end-of-season press conference, Harris was critical of the Tigers late-season approach at the plate and their lack of overall contact. At the time, it seemed like he was telegraphing some sort of offseason shakeup. Instead, the Tigers brought back Gleyber Torres and decided to call it a day. I really wish wed bring Justin Verlander back. Its not a charity case. I really think its a solid move, both on and off the field. He would pack the park, contribute, and it would be nice for Tigers management to actually do something for the fans. I realize you cant run a team on nostalgia or emotions, but I think it makes the team better. RY I think thats totally fair, especially since the Tigers, at this point in their winter shopping list, are searching more for innings, starts, and coverage than for a front-line starter. Verlander made $15 million in 2025. He threw 152 innings and made 29 starts for the San Francisco Giants. Thats 152 more innings and 29 more starts than the Tigers got from Alex Cobb at the same price. Verlander is about to turn 43, which puts him into risky and nearly unprecedented territory. I can understand if the Tigers, having been burned by Cobbs health in 2025, are more cautious about throwing that kind of money around this winter. But if he drops below $10 million or so, maybe he starts to make more sense. And no, if its a tough call between Verlander and another veteran pitcher, theres nothing wrong with breaking the tie by considering how much the fans would love to see Verlander back in a Tigers uniform at the end of his career. Every weekday morning I broadcast a comprehensive weather update for Michigan, covering an incoming Arctic blast and multiple winter weather systems. These are the five key takeaways from my morning video. Also here is the video. Heavy Lake Effect Snow Targeting Southwest Michigan and the Thumb An Arctic front moving through Michigan now is triggering significant lake-effect snow, with the most intense accumulations expected in highly localized areas. The southwest corner of the state, particularly from South Haven and Benton Harbor down to South Bend, could see 12 to 18 inches of snow, with some data suggesting up to 2 feet in isolated spots. The eastern thumb region, specifically from Bad Axe eastward, is forecast to receive 8 inches or more. Meanwhile, the Traverse City to Manistee corridor along Lake Michigans shoreline is expected to accumulate 6 to 18 inches through Saturday morning. Most other areas of lower Michigan, including Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Detroit, will see more modest totals of 1 to 2 inches from todays snow showers, with additional 1 to 3 inch accumulations from subsequent systems. Alberta Clipper to Bring Widespread Snow Friday into Saturday A fast-moving Alberta Clipper system will sweep across Michigan Friday into Saturday, bringing a general 2 to 4 inches of fluffy, wind-driven snow across the entire Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula. This system will affect areas that arent seeing heavy lake-effect snow from the current Arctic front. The clipper will create a southwest lake effect event on Friday, which tends to be particularly heavy right at the Lake Michigan shore due to the wide southern end of Lake Michigan. Grand Rapids back to the shoreline, including Muskegon, Holland, Pentwater, Manistee, and Ludington, will experience heavy snow from this southwest wind setup. By Saturday, as winds shift to northwesterly, the lake effect will refocus on the classic hot spots along the western shoreline. Extreme Arctic Blast Arriving Early Next Week with Sub-Zero Temperatures The harshest Arctic air Michigan has experienced in quite some time will arrive early next week, sending temperatures plummeting well below zero. By Tuesday morning, temperatures are forecast to drop between 5 to 10 degrees below zero across much of the state, with Wednesday morning also remaining below zero. This Arctic blast will be accompanied by 30 mph winds on Monday, creating dangerous wind chills and whiteout conditions from heavy lake-effect snow. The cold air mass is coming straight from the north, as upper air flow patterns show a direct pipeline from Arctic regions. Late January could bring even more extreme cold, with the potential for well below zero temperatures continuing. This extended cold pattern is expected to last through the end of January. Challenging Travel Conditions and Road Icing Expected Through the Period Road conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly as multiple snow events compound without any major thaw periods. The wind-driven nature of the snow, combined with falling temperatures, will create hazardous driving conditions across Michigan. For those traveling from Grand Rapids to Chicago, the best windows are either immediately before the heavy lake effect develops now or waiting until Thursday afternoon or Friday morning when it temporarily breaks down. By Monday, roads across the state should be pretty nasty, and without any significant warming, extensive packed snow is expected to develop. The combination of continuous snow cover, multiple weather systems, and persistent cold will make road maintenance challenging and travel treacherous throughout the period. Pattern Shift Toward Active Storm Track in Late January and Early February Michigan weather is transitioning into a more active winter pattern that will likely persist from mid-January through mid-February. Climate Prediction Center extended forecasts show colder than normal temperatures for both the 6-10 day and 8-14 day periods, along with an emerging wet weather pattern. The forecast maps reveal a southwest to northeast orientation of precipitation from Mississippi and Tennessee northeast through the Great Lakes region, indicating an active storm track that will affect Michigan. This pattern suggests the potential for significant winter storms, possibly including heavy snow, freezing rain, and mixed precipitation events. Multiple Alberta Clippers and lake effect snow events are expected to continue, with the latter part of January and early February living up to Michigans reputation for harsh winter weather. Generative AI was used to bring my live video to text for this story, based on my live broadcast video this morning. I used the text as a foundation of the article. This photo taken on Jan. 13, 2026 shows an exhibit at the exhibition "Golden Thread: the Art of Dressing from North Africa to East Asia" at the Chengdu Museum in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The exhibition features over 200 pieces (sets) of gold-threaded textile artifacts from seven French cultural institutions, alongside precious collections from eight Chinese museums and cultural heritage organizations. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) People visit the exhibition "Golden Thread: the Art of Dressing from North Africa to East Asia" at the Chengdu Museum in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. The exhibition features over 200 pieces (sets) of gold-threaded textile artifacts from seven French cultural institutions, alongside precious collections from eight Chinese museums and cultural heritage organizations. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) People visit the exhibition "Golden Thread: the Art of Dressing from North Africa to East Asia" at the Chengdu Museum in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. The exhibition features over 200 pieces (sets) of gold-threaded textile artifacts from seven French cultural institutions, alongside precious collections from eight Chinese museums and cultural heritage organizations. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) People visit the exhibition "Golden Thread: the Art of Dressing from North Africa to East Asia" at the Chengdu Museum in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. The exhibition features over 200 pieces (sets) of gold-threaded textile artifacts from seven French cultural institutions, alongside precious collections from eight Chinese museums and cultural heritage organizations. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) People visit the exhibition "Golden Thread: the Art of Dressing from North Africa to East Asia" at the Chengdu Museum in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. The exhibition features over 200 pieces (sets) of gold-threaded textile artifacts from seven French cultural institutions, alongside precious collections from eight Chinese museums and cultural heritage organizations. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) This photo taken on Jan. 13, 2026 shows an exhibit at the exhibition "Golden Thread: the Art of Dressing from North Africa to East Asia" at the Chengdu Museum in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The exhibition features over 200 pieces (sets) of gold-threaded textile artifacts from seven French cultural institutions, alongside precious collections from eight Chinese museums and cultural heritage organizations. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) This photo taken on Jan. 13, 2026 shows an exhibit at the exhibition "Golden Thread: the Art of Dressing from North Africa to East Asia" at the Chengdu Museum in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The exhibition features over 200 pieces (sets) of gold-threaded textile artifacts from seven French cultural institutions, alongside precious collections from eight Chinese museums and cultural heritage organizations. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) 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 OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Bigg Boss 19 winner Gaurav Khannas wife Akanksha Chamola sets social media ablaze with bold pics ahead of her birthday Entertainment desk Entertainment Desk at Moneycontrol reports on the celebrities, movies that shape Indias entertainment industry. With a sharp focus on cinema, OTT, web series, and latest trends, the entertainment desk delivers verified news, and analytical stories that place entertainment within a wider economic and cultural context. Our coverage goes beyond celebrity to examine how storytelling, audiences and business decisions influence one of the countrys most influential creative industries. 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? Rani Mukerji interacted closely with fans and audiences, acknowledging the love and appreciation coming her way for the franchise. Did our AI summary help? O Romeo is inspired by the life story of Hussain Ustara Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Emraan Hashmi on why Haq felt personal and honest: "Seen through a Muslims eyes UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Iranian UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani on Tuesday asked the UN secretary-general and the Security Council to condemn the United States for inciting violence and threatening to use force against his country. In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Somali UN ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman, who serves as the rotating president of the Security Council for January, Iravani accused U.S. President Donald Trump of openly inciting violence in Iran, citing Trump's post on social media platform Truth Social: "Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING -- TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! ... HELP IS ON ITS WAY." Did our AI summary help? Palak Vij is a Sub Editor and Entertainment Journalist with over a year of experience covering films, television, and pop culture in the digital space. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Mona Singh celebrates Lohri with family in an intimate gathering at her Mumbai restaurant Kona Kona Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Parasakthi star Sivakarthikeyan and team celebrate Pongal with PM Narendra Modi in Delhi amid political row Did our AI summary help? Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Rs 30,000 crore estate battle escalates as Priya Sachdev and Karisma Kapoors children clash in Court BRAND CONNECT *Disclaimer - Brand Connect is a solution that allows brands to break the queue to gain better engagement among our audiences Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who is also secretary of the leading Party members group of the State Council, chairs a meeting convened by the leading Party members group of China's State Council in Beijing, capital of China, on Jan. 14, 2026. The leading Party members group of China's State Council on Wednesday convened to study a speech delivered by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, at the fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, as well as the plenum's guiding principles. The meeting was attended by senior State Council officials, including Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The leading Party members group of China's State Council on Wednesday convened to study a speech delivered by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, at the fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, as well as the plenum's guiding principles. Wednesday's meeting was chaired by Premier Li Qiang, who is also secretary of the leading Party members group of the State Council, and attended by senior State Council officials, including Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. The meeting acknowledged the achievements made in promoting clean government, improving officials' conduct and combating corruption over the past year, and called for continuous efforts in 2026 to provide a strong foundation for a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan. It emphasized the need to maintain a focused, sustained approach of addressing both symptoms and root causes in key areas prone to frequent or serious corruption, and the importance of guarding against all forms of new and hidden corruption. You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK Did our AI summary help? Lovisha Darad Lovisha is passionate about domestic and global equity market development. She writes stories exclusively on equities from a fundamental perspective, gathering insights from niche market gurus. Bharat Coking Coal IPO Allotment Live: BCCL IPO allotment status: How to check online The Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) IPO allotment status will be available on the KFin Technologies Limited website on January 14, 2026. Investors can check their allotment status by following these steps: Visit the official website of KFin Technologies Limited. Select "Bharat Coking Coal Limited" from the dropdown menu. Choose any one option-PAN, application number, or DP/Client ID. Enter the required details to verify your identity. Click on "Search" to view your IPO allotment status. The US has imposed tariffs of 50 percent on most Indian exports, affecting key sectors such as textiles, apparel, gems & jewellery, auto components, and chemicals. Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. The companys Stanlow refinery at Ellesmere Port near Liverpool processed about 8% more crude in 2025 The push comes as India targets 47 GW of battery storage capacity by 2032, involving investments of around Rs 3.5 trillion Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to No Infosys employee was apprehended by any US authority,' clarifies CEO Salil Parekh on employee being deported For this edition of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: Budget blends fiscal restraint with continued focus on economic expansion, rising t... TCS voluntary exits outside restructuring tops 22,000 in 2 quarters on slower pace of hiring USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept PHNOM PENH, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia said on Wednesday that Thailand has requested to postpone a special meeting on border demarcation for the second time. Cambodia on Jan. 5 re-proposed to Thailand to convene a special meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) of the two countries in the second or third week of this month in Siem Reap province. The re-proposal "has been requested to be postponed for the second time by the Thai side, for reason of finalization of its internal procedures required to appoint a new composition of the JBC (Thai side) after the formation of a new Thai Cabinet following the General Election in early February," said a press release from the Cambodia's State Secretariat of Border Affairs. The press release said that while awaiting the upcoming special meeting of the JBC, Cambodia once again on Tuesday requested the Thai side to dispatch the Joint Survey Teams (JSTs) of both sides to resume the work of the joint survey and emplacement of the temporary markers on some boundary segments on any suitable date between Jan. 19 and 30. Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate ceasefire on Dec. 27 after three weeks of armed conflict, which caused casualties on both sides. The market expects improved visibility for the defence sector, with incremental allocations largely directed towards drones, arms and ammunition, defence electronics and indigenisation, according to, Ankit Soni, AVP Fundamental Research, Mirae Asset ShareKhan. 'It is fashionable to say capex is not happening': Axis Banks Neelkanth Mishra on private investment revival Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All L&T shares extend fall as JM Financial trims firm's order inflow forecast on $8.7-bn Kuwait tender uncertainty Real estate stocks fall for 7th straight day: Analysts say D-Street is factoring in a likely slump due to IT layoffs Paras Bisht A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers. Netflix lined up $59 billion of financing from Wall Street banks to help support its acquisition, in the form of one of the largest ever bridge loans. Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Budget 2026: How joint ITR filing for married couples can reduce tax liability? Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. Ahead of Budget 2026, real estate sector pushes for industry status, faster approvals and land digitisation BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's development progress under Brunei Vision 2035, along with manpower and employment initiatives, was highlighted by Brunei's Prime Minister's Office (PMO) during a dialogue session with members of the Legislative Council on Tuesday near the capital. According to a press release issued by the office on Tuesday, the dialogue also touched on matters related to security and legal affairs, public service governance, the media, and the energy sector. The session provided an overview of current achievements, strategic initiatives, and continuous improvement measures aimed at safeguarding the well-being of the people and ensuring the nation's prosperity, inclusively and sustainably. With regard to Brunei Vision 2035, the current achievements, reflected through the Aspirational Indicators, showed encouraging progress. The importance of inclusive engagement and sustained collaboration through a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach was also underscored to ensure that its implementation delivers sustainable and inclusive tangible impacts to economic development and the people. Updates were also shared on manpower and employment development, where unemployment is addressed through the provision of job opportunities for citizens as a result of program implementation, particularly in skills enhancement and employability. 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 Supreme Court asks the Centre, Army and the developer to find safeguards balancing public health and national security after objections over drones and sniper risk. Assembly polls are due in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry in 2026, with the BJP currently in power only in Assam among these states. Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Bengaluru drugs haul: Police arrest two foreign nationals in separate drug cases worth nearly Rs 1 crore Octroi is gone, but the cash keeps flowing. Heres the BMCs real revenue playbook, its spending priorities, and the power shift after the elected house ended. 'Every bone in my body shook': Shubhanshu Shukla opens up on what he felt during ISS mission Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stopped in Mysuru and was welcomed by Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar on January 13, 2025. (Image: @siddaramaiah/X) Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to India issues travel advisory for Iran, urges citizens to avoid travel until further notice This photo taken on Jan. 13, 2026 shows part of Phnom Bakheng Temple in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. The restoration work on the western part of Phnom Bakheng Temple in Cambodia's renowned Angkor Archaeological Park has been underway, said an APSARA National Authority (ANA) news release on Wednesday. (ANA/Handout via Xinhua) PHNOM PENH, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The restoration work on the western part of Phnom Bakheng Temple in Cambodia's renowned Angkor Archaeological Park has been underway, said an APSARA National Authority (ANA) news release on Wednesday. Chiv Phirom, head of the technical team for the Phnom Bakheng Temple Restoration Project, said the restoration work, in collaboration between the World Monuments Fund (WMF) and the ANA, has been underway since August 2019 and is scheduled to be completed in 2029. "This work represents the third phase of the Phnom Bakheng Temple Restoration Project, which WMF has been involved in since 2004," he said. He noted that during the first phase, from 2004 to 2007, WMF conducted studies and a pilot restoration on the first level in the southwest section of the temple. The second phase, which began in 2008 and was completed in 2019, focused on restoring the central sections of the north and south stairways on the eastern side, along with archaeological excavations and conservation work, he added. "Approximately 75 percent of the overall restoration of Phnom Bakheng Temple has now been completed. Of this, restoration work on the western part accounts for about 25 percent," Phirom said. Regarding the damage to the western section, he said the temple has suffered from foundation collapse, displaced and tilted stones, and fallen masonry affecting the walls and lion sculptures. He added that in addition to restoration work, the team has reinforced cracked and deteriorated mountain stones using various technical methods to enhance their structural stability. Built in the late ninth century and early 10th century during the reign of King Yasovarman I, Phnom Bakheng Temple attracts hundreds of visitors daily to enjoy stunning sunset views and the panoramic scenery of the Angkor area. It is one of the key temples in the 401-square-km UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in northwest Cambodia's Siem Reap province. This photo taken on Jan. 13, 2026 shows the restoration site of the western part of Phnom Bakheng Temple in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. The restoration work on the western part of Phnom Bakheng Temple in Cambodia's renowned Angkor Archaeological Park has been underway, said an APSARA National Authority (ANA) news release on Wednesday. (ANA/Handout via Xinhua) Staff members work at the restoration site of the western part of Phnom Bakheng Temple in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Jan. 13, 2026. The restoration work on the western part of Phnom Bakheng Temple in Cambodia's renowned Angkor Archaeological Park has been underway, said an APSARA National Authority (ANA) news release on Wednesday. (ANA/Handout via Xinhua) Staff members work at the restoration site of the western part of Phnom Bakheng Temple in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Jan. 13, 2026. The restoration work on the western part of Phnom Bakheng Temple in Cambodia's renowned Angkor Archaeological Park has been underway, said an APSARA National Authority (ANA) news release on Wednesday. (ANA/Handout via Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 13, 2026 shows the restoration site of the western part of Phnom Bakheng Temple in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. The restoration work on the western part of Phnom Bakheng Temple in Cambodia's renowned Angkor Archaeological Park has been underway, said an APSARA National Authority (ANA) news release on Wednesday. (ANA/Handout via Xinhua) Staff members work at the restoration site of the western part of Phnom Bakheng Temple in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Jan. 13, 2026. The restoration work on the western part of Phnom Bakheng Temple in Cambodia's renowned Angkor Archaeological Park has been underway, said an APSARA National Authority (ANA) news release on Wednesday. (ANA/Handout via Xinhua) WEFs Global Risks Report says geoeconomic confrontation is the worlds biggest near-term risk, while Indias top concern is cyber insecurity. The exercise also asks for the ideological or sectarian classification of mosques and madrassas, such as Barelvi, Deobandi, Hanafi or Ahle Hadith, and details of any past involvement of associated individuals in criminal or subversive activities. (Representative image) Compiled this year, the report cites paragliders alongside drones and RPVs as emerging risks, prompting multi-agency countermeasures ahead of key events. Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All 'Maine raazi khushi...': 60-year-old woman marries 35-year-old lover after 'wrong number' call ignites their romance in Bihar Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to 'No permanent enemies in politics': Ajit Pawar rules out merger talks with uncle but keeps options open Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Operation Meghdoot, 1984: How India occupied the Siachen heights and rewrote the rules of glacier warfare "Operation Sindoor is still ongoing, and we are keeping a close watch on every move of the enemy," he said. Rahul Gandhi had brief conversations with Siddaramaiaah and Shivakumar both separately and together. Village official Zhang Cheng presides over a live-streaming village meeting in Zhouzhai Village, Sinan County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 30, 2025. (Xinhua) GUIYANG, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- As night settled over the remote Zhouzhai Village in southwest China's Guizhou Province, locals gathered for the scheduled village meeting, though not in a hall or square but in a live-streaming room on the popular Chinese short video app Douyin. People hailing from this mountain village in Sinan County, scattered across the country from factory dormitories in Guangdong to university campuses in distant cities, could be seen joining the meeting online to discuss matters that directly affected their lives, from reimbursement of medical bills to the future of the local sweet potato industry. At a recent similar meeting on Dec. 27, village official Zhang Cheng faced the camera to report on local affairs and answer questions in real time for villagers. "Medical insurance premiums will be paid by individuals first and then reimbursed by the village collective," Zhang explained during the live stream. On another agenda, he warned, "Extravagant feasts are strictly forbidden; violators will temporarily lose access to collective benefits." At times, village doctors also give live-streamed lectures sharing medical tips. Zhang is a central figure in the village's transformation from a backwater community to a frontrunner in e-commerce and digitally empowered public governance. In 2018, Zhang, who had been working in the construction sector in Guiyang, the provincial capital, returned home to start a business. He led villagers in developing the sweet potato industry and founded Guizhou Jialijia Agricultural Development Co., Ltd., aiming to build an integrated industrial chain covering planting, processing and sales. Thanks to live-streaming, the village's instant noodles with a spicy and sour flavor, made of sweet potato powder, have become quite popular online. The product lines now cover over 40 varieties of noodles, with monthly orders exceeding one million. Correspondingly, the villagers' per capita disposable income rose from 7,600 yuan (about 1,088 U.S. dollars) in 2018 to 28,000 yuan in 2024. With economic growth came new expectations. Since Zhang was elected secretary of the village committee of the Communist Party of China, he has sought to involve more villagers, especially those working away for much of the years, in local affairs. Participation had once been tepid, and it was becoming impractical to ask empty-nest seniors to move about in the dark evenings. The village, therefore, decided to harness existing social media exposure and widespread use of mobile phones among the locals to livestream their meetings. In April 2024, the village committee held its first online meeting via live-streaming. The response exceeded expectations. The real-time audience grew from just a few dozen at the start to a peak of over 20,000, and the reach extended to 95 percent of the village's households. Besides discussing topics set in advance, village committee members also responded to comments during the live stream, while unresolved matters were followed up afterward by phone or in person. To date, the village has held 19 such live-streamed meetings, with cumulative views exceeding one million. The online meetings, usually held at 8 p.m. on the last Saturday of every month, have collected 65 suggestions, which were all addressed. "Watching the meeting live made me feel connected to home," commented a university student. Many other viewers felt the same way and wrote on social media, "This is such an innovative way of governance" and "The benefits are real, and everything is transparent." This novel form of village meeting aligns with China's push to modernize rural governance by harnessing the boom in digital technology. In the country's plan to revitalize the countryside from 2024 to 2027, both the digital countryside and the modernization of rural governance are highlighted as key objectives. "The internet is reshaping social governance. The application of digital technology in rural revitalization could bridge the rural-urban divide and ensure that more farmers benefit from equitable development," said Li Huahong, a researcher at the Guizhou Academy of Social Sciences. A village official records the opinions and suggestions raised by villagers during a live-streaming village meeting in Zhouzhai Village, Sinan County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 30, 2025. (Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on April 26, 2025 shows a view of the Zhouzhai Village, Sinan County, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua) Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Silk, leather, Moradabad brass: The India gifts Chancellor Merz took back, and what they signify Wangchuk was detained under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) on September 26 last year, two days after violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh left four people dead and 90 injured in the Union Territory Both the DMK and the Congress have been reassessing the TVK and Vijay's potential impact after the Karur stampede in September 2025 According to him, the campaign received an overwhelming public response, driven by the work showcased before voters. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Throat slit by kite string, 48-year-old biker dies after heavy bleeding; calls daughter before breathing last India news live updates: Operation Sindoor showed Indias resolve and restraint, says General Dwivedi Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi this morning said Operation Sindoor was a defining example of Indias resolve combined with restraint, underscoring the moral strength and professional excellence of the countrys armed forces and youth. Speaking at an event in the national capital, General Dwivedi said the operation reflected Indias commitment to national security while maintaining responsible conduct. He highlighted the significant contribution of National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets during the operation, noting that more than 75,000 cadets volunteered across the country. They worked tirelessly in areas such as civil defence, hospital management, disaster relief and community services, the Army chief said. General Dwivedi also lauded the achievements of NCC cadets beyond operational support. He said that in 2025, a team of 10 NCC cadets, five boys and five girls, with an average age of just 19, successfully scaled Mount Everest. I was privileged to interact with them, he said, praising their determination, discipline and spirit, which he described as emblematic of Indias youth and future leadership. Gor, 38, was sworn in as the US Ambassador to India in mid-November last year after his appointment was confirmed by the US Senate in October. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Youre exposed: BJP slams Assam Congress for cultural vandalism over now deleted Bihu post showing BJP HQ on fire It is a moment to acknowledge the scale of Indias health transition and respond with foresight. GAZA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian factions are holding consultations with Egyptian mediators on Wednesday regarding the formation of a Palestinian technocratic committee to administer the Gaza Strip, as a prelude to entering the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, a Palestinian source said. The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, told Xinhua that meetings between Palestinian factions and Egyptian officials will be held on Wednesday and Thursday with the aim of reaching agreement on the names, tasks and mandates of the members of the committee, which is expected to include about 15 figures from the Gaza Strip with administrative and technical expertise. The source added that the committee will be responsible for managing daily affairs in the enclave and creating the necessary conditions for launching the reconstruction process. He noted that some names are currently under discussion, while others are undergoing review "by Israel and the United States for approval." The source said the names of the committee members are expected to be announced soon, paving the way for the transition to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. A senior Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Tuesday evening, headed by Khalil al-Hayya, the movement's leader in the Gaza Strip. The developments come amid disagreements within Palestine over the mechanism for forming the committee. Fatah has announced that neither it nor the Palestinian Authority sent a delegation to Egypt to meet with Hamas. Fatah has stipulated a clear declaration from Hamas and its allied factions rejecting the establishment of a technocratic committee operating outside the authority of the Palestinian Authority, stressing its opposition to the continuation of political division with separate administrations in Gaza and the West Bank. Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said that the movement had presented "positive and advanced positions" during the ongoing talks on forming the committee, stressing its readiness to hand over civil administration in the Gaza Strip to the committee once it is formed. To support the journey, Eutelsat deployed its OneWeb LEO satellite connectivity onboard the vessel, ensuring reliable, real-time communication throughout the expedition. Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. Aritra Roy dedicated the summit to 'everyone who dares to dream big,' reflecting his journey from Bengalurus tech corridors to the worlds highest mountains. (Representational image: Unsplash) The 'love insurance' product was discontinued in 2017, but existing policies remain valid. (Representational image: Unsplash) While shopping for Hermes bags, carrying the brand's niche models like the Plume or Victoria suggests that the customer has genuine knowledge about the brand and improve chances of an eventual purchase. (File photo) John Mayer, a seven-time Grammy winner, was set for a one-night-only performance, marking his first appearance in India. (Image credit: John Mayer/Instagram) Protestors believe that the real death toll could be close to 10,000. (Image credit: PTI) Rimetea, a small village in Romanias Transylvania region, is known for a rare double sunrise caused by the steep Piatra Secuiului mountain briefly blocking the rising sun. This natural effect, shaped by geography and seasonal light angles, draws visitors while the village preserves its historic architecture and everyday life. Did our AI summary help? Astronomers have observed a highly magnetised white dwarf about 730 light-years away creating a vibrant, colourful shockwave as it moves through space. Located in a close binary system with a red dwarf, the white dwarf siphons gas from its companion, but the source of the outflow producing the shockwave remains unexplained. Using the Very Large Telescope, researchers identified red, green, and blue hues from hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. The system has been active for at least 1,000 years, leaving scientists intrigued. Did our AI summary help? The frilled shark, a deep-sea species that emerged over 115 million years ago, retains ancient traits from early shark evolution. With its eel-like body, unique teeth, long gestation, and slow lifestyle, it offers rare insight into prehistoric oceans while facing modern human-driven threats. Did our AI summary help? OSLO, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- An advance contingent of the Danish Armed Forces has arrived in Greenland, Danish broadcaster DR reported on Wednesday. According to the report, Denmark is deploying military equipment and advance troops to the island to prepare for the possible arrival of larger forces from the Danish Army and other branches of the armed forces. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said on Tuesday that the Danish government is committed to establishing "a more permanent and larger military presence" for Denmark and its NATO allies in and around Greenland. He described the move as "a clear response to the challenges facing the Arctic," Danish media reported. Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, while Copenhagen retains authority over defense and foreign policy. The United States maintains a military base on the island. Since returning to office in 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland and has not ruled out the use of force. Think you can cook? NASA is offering $750,000 to cook on Mars with its Deep Space Food Challenge 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 BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, announced on Wednesday that it will conduct a 900-billion-yuan (about 128.35 billion U.S. dollars) outright reverse repo operation on Thursday to maintain ample liquidity in the banking system. The operation will be carried out with a fixed quantity through interest-rate bidding, with winning bids determined at multiple price levels. It will have a tenor of six months, or 181 days, according to the central bank. Outright reverse repo operations -- a tool the central bank introduced in October 2024 to manage liquidity in the national banking system -- are conducted each month with a tenor of no more than one year. These operations have enriched the country's monetary policy toolkit, complementing previous measures such as temporary repos, temporary reverse repos, and the buying and selling of treasury bonds. The US State Department has issued a Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory for 21 countries due to extreme safety and security risks. Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to $20 million gold heist in Canada: Suspect arrested at Toronto Pearson, one accused believed in India After help is on its way message on Iran, Trump says youre going to find out soon About 13% of the almost 1,500 tankers that carry Russian, Iranian and Venezuelan oil are already registered to Moscow, with the rest typically operating under the flags of smaller countries, such as Panama, Guinea and Comoros. (File photo) Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Donald Trump says US control of Greenland 'vital' for air defense system Duct tape around nose and mouth, blood on head and neck: 3 Indian men charged with murder of elderly couple in Canada in 2022 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) with Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif (L) and Army Chief Asim Munir in Washington (AFP) Iran has warned Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Turkey that US military bases in their countries could be targeted if Washington attacks, as protests and US-Iran tensions escalate. People attend the state funeral of former Cypriot President George Vassiliou in Nicosia, Cyprus, Jan. 17, 2026. Former Cypriot president George Vassiliou died overnight at the age of 94, his family said on Wednesday. Vassiliou served as president of the Republic of Cyprus from 1988 to 1993. He had been hospitalized since Jan. 6 due to a severe chest infection, the Cyprus Mail reported. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua) NICOSIA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Former Cypriot president George Vassiliou died overnight at the age of 94, his family said on Wednesday. Vassiliou served as president of the Republic of Cyprus from 1988 to 1993. He had been hospitalized since Jan. 6 due to a severe chest infection, the Cyprus Mail reported. Born in Famagusta in 1931, Vassiliou was an economist and entrepreneur before entering politics. During his presidency, Cyprus recorded solid economic growth and low unemployment, while efforts were made to advance negotiations on the Cyprus issue, according to the report. After leaving office, Vassiliou remained active in public life and served as chief negotiator for Cyprus' accession to the European Union. Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides (C) attends the state funeral of former Cypriot President George Vassiliou in Nicosia, Cyprus, Jan. 17, 2026. Former Cypriot president George Vassiliou died overnight at the age of 94, his family said on Wednesday. Vassiliou served as president of the Republic of Cyprus from 1988 to 1993. He had been hospitalized since Jan. 6 due to a severe chest infection, the Cyprus Mail reported. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua) People attend the state funeral of former Cypriot President George Vassiliou in Nicosia, Cyprus, Jan. 17, 2026. Former Cypriot president George Vassiliou died overnight at the age of 94, his family said on Wednesday. Vassiliou served as president of the Republic of Cyprus from 1988 to 1993. He had been hospitalized since Jan. 6 due to a severe chest infection, the Cyprus Mail reported. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua) Soldiers carry the casket of former Cypriot President George Vassiliou during the state funeral in Nicosia, Cyprus, Jan. 17, 2026. Former Cypriot president George Vassiliou died overnight at the age of 94, his family said on Wednesday. Vassiliou served as president of the Republic of Cyprus from 1988 to 1993. He had been hospitalized since Jan. 6 due to a severe chest infection, the Cyprus Mail reported. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua) Iran unrest and Trumps warning: Will the US strike, how will Tehran retaliate and can the regime survive? Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Not by begging, but ...: LeT terrorists fresh jihad threat to Hindus amid Indias terror warning Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to 'Our American colleagues look unreliable,' Lavrov says as Russia stands by Iran Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif confirms several countries actively engaged in talks to acquire its fighter jets Pakistans emergency huddle: What US 'request' are they bracing for as the Iran crisis heats up? Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Trump gives middle finger to Ford worker who shouted pedophile protector | Watch Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Trump's 'big problem' warning for Greenland's PM over decision to side with Denmark amid take over bid Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Trump says Iran should better behave, cancels talks as US envoy holds secret talks with Reza Pahlavi BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- China always shares innovation outcomes with the rest of the world and is committed to bringing the benefit of science and technology to the whole humanity, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily news briefing when asked about how China sees its role in global sci-tech innovation. According to media reports, China broke into the top 10 for the first time last year in the Global Innovation Index ranking, and the new year has seen several more innovation outcomes in China. Meanwhile, the rapid development of science and technology is widening the technology gap facing developing countries. Mao said the past year has witnessed deep integration between technology and industries and rapid emergence of innovation outcomes in China. Looking into the future, innovation will become the main impetus driving China's high-quality development, she added. Mao noted the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan mentioned "innovation" 61 times and put sci-tech innovation at the core of the nation's overall development. While boosting its own development through innovation, China always shares innovation outcomes with the rest of the world and is committed to bringing the benefit of science and technology to the whole humanity, Mao added. Noting that China's large-scale scientific facilities, such as FAST, are open to the whole world, Mao said that China is committed to international cooperation in deep-sea and deep-space exploration; and China's livelihood technologies, such as hybrid rice, aquaculture and juncao technology, have helped developing countries get rid of poverty. "We've also launched the Global AI Governance Initiative, which advocates fostering an open, fair and non-discriminatory international environment for innovation," she added. China will continue to act in the spirit of openness and cooperation, oppose technological barriers, narrow the sci-tech gap, and promote the sharing of innovation outcomes by all for global development and prosperity, said Mao. The US Supreme Court will soon decide if Trumps national security tariffs were legal. The ruling could uphold, strike down, or delay tariffs, affecting global trade and possibly leading to large refunds, with impacts for countries like India. Did our AI summary help? Turkey is likely to join a Saudi-Pakistan security pact, forming a potential "Islamic NATO" combining Turkish military, Saudi funds, and Pakistans nuclear status. This alignment could embolden Pakistan and unsettle regional security, especially for India. Did our AI summary help? Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to 'We're bringing Venezuela back': Trump says US 'working closely' with Caracas on oil deal Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All What has been done?: Indias High Commissioner challenges Canada over terrorism inaction Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Why Trumps 25% Iran tariff has Pakistan scratching its head BANGKOK, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Phuket International Airport received a notification on Wednesday morning that Flight EY416, en route from Abu Dhabi to Phuket, had encountered severe turbulence, with multiple passengers reported injured, Thai media reported. Phuket Airport authorities immediately launched coordination efforts and stood by for emergency rescue. The aircraft subsequently landed safely at Phuket International Airport at 11:51 a.m. local time. Airport officials confirmed that no passengers sustained injuries serious enough to require hospital treatment, and all passengers have left the airport for their accommodations. January 14, 2026 Ukraine Open Thread 2026-014 News & views related to the war in Ukraine LUSAKA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- China's long-term development planning offers valuable lessons for developing countries, a Zambian expert said on Wednesday, citing policy continuity and effective implementation mechanisms. Jacob Malunga, executive director of the National Institute of Public Administration, made the remarks while attending a symposium held by the Chinese Embassy in Zambia. He pointed out that developing countries can draw useful lessons from China's long-term planning mechanism, which is anchored in policy continuity and supported by mechanisms that allow for timely adjustments in response to emerging challenges. China has demonstrated policy consistency over the years, supported by mechanisms for adjustment in response to emerging issues, Malunga said, adding that the success of China's development planning lies in its long-term approach. He further attributed this success to strong institutions and effective coordination in the implementation of development plans, which other countries should emulate. The event was attended by Wang Sheng, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, as well as officials from think tanks, academia, and other experts. In his opening remarks, Wang noted that China's development philosophy, practical exploration, and governance experience can serve as valuable references and opportunities for members of the international community, especially Global South countries striving for economic prosperity and social progress. On China-Zambia relations, Wang said there is strong synergy between China's 15th Five-Year Plan and Zambia's national development strategies. "As China pursues high-quality development and builds a modern industrial system, it has accumulated rich experience and advanced technologies that are ready to be applied in Zambia when needed," he added. HANGZHOU, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- When a hospital in eastern China phoned a patient about a critical tumor discovered not by a doctor but by artificial intelligence (AI), he nearly hung up, almost convinced it was a scam. His surgeon, Shen Yiyu, credited the AI with saving his life, highlighting a quiet revolution in early disease detection that is now spreading from China's megalabs to its most remote county clinics. The patient, surnamed Fang, who is from the city of Jiaxing in east China's Zhejiang Province, visited a local hospital in early 2025 due to a persistent cough. A routine chest CT appeared normal, and he went home thinking little of it. Days later, the hospital called back to inform him that an AI system reviewing his scan had detected a suspicious shadow on his pancreas, an organ that had not even been the focus of the original exam. "I almost dismissed the call as a scam," Fang said, a decision that could have proved fatal. Further tests confirmed the existence of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, the same rare cancer that afflicted Steve Jobs. Because the anomaly had been detected early by the AI, surgeons were able to remove it successfully in a minimally invasive operation last April. "Without that AI alert, I would have missed my chance," Fang said. Fang's case is not an isolated one. At the Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, also in Zhejiang, a 57yearold retiree was similarly diagnosed by the same AI project during a scan for stomach discomfort. Since the system went live there in late 2024, it has reviewed over 180,000 abdominal and chest CTs, uncovering more than 20 pancreatic cancers -- 14 of them earlystage cases and many that had never triggered any alert before going through the AI system. "For some of these patients, I can say with certainty that AI saved them," said Zhu Kelei, vice president of the hospital. The technology, named DAMO PANDA, has been developed by Alibaba's DAMO Academy to take on one of medicine's most lethal adversaries, namely pancreatic cancer. In November 2023, a paper in Nature Medicine showed that DAMO PANDA had retrospectively identified 31 missed lesions, including two early-stage cancers later cured by surgery, from over 20,000 patient records. In April 2025, the model earned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's "breakthrough device" designation, a first for any medical AI developed by a Chinese tech company, fasttracking its path to global clinical use. A MULTIPLYING EFFECT The growing integration of AI into China's healthcare system is providing its citizens with accelerated drug development, enhanced diagnostic and treatment precision, and more effective rehabilitation therapies. At a drug research facility of SSY Group Limited in Shijiazhuan, capital city of north China's Hebei Province, an AI-powered virtual screening system runs around the clock, scanning a molecular database. "With intelligent screening, we can identify more than 100 new compounds from a library of 300 million in just over a month. Previously, this would have taken two to three years," said Sun Lijie of the company. With the help of AI, residents in remote and less-developed areas, in particular, are able to enjoy better and swifter treatment at a much lower cost. DAMO PANDA, notably, has been deployed not only in urban tertiary hospitals but also in remote county facilities in Zhejiang, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Hunan Province in central China and Shanxi Province in north China, bringing cutting-edge screening closer to patients in underserved areas. "This approach enhances the chances of early detection, without placing any additional financial or physical burdens on patients," Zhu said. At a township health center in Boye County in Hebei, an AI system flagged a red alert, indicating a doctor's prescription as "unsuitable with contraindications" and simultaneously gave a viable alternative. The system, developed by Chinese AI firm iFLYTEK, has been used by local primary care doctors for two years to improve diagnostic accuracy. "The core mission of AI is to empower doctors," said Dong Bin, deputy general manager of iFLYTEK Brank Marketing Center and director of Xunfei Healthcare Brand Marketing Department. The system, powered by the Spark Medical Large Language Model, now serves over 250,000 primary care doctors across more than 77,000 grassroots institutions nationwide, providing over 1.1 billion AI-assisted suggestions. "Human-machine collaboration is the new healthcare model," Dong noted. He explained that AI can elevate a mid-level doctor's capabilities and free top-tier doctors from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on complex patient care. What makes the AI system transformative is its simplicity and ease of access. Take DAMO PANDA for instance. For ordinary patients, this AI model offers a particularly suitable approach for opportunistic screening compared to specialized methods like blood tests or contrast-enhanced CT scans. Opportunistic screening refers to the AI-powered analysis of routine non-contrast CT scans taken when patients visit hospitals for other symptoms or undergo regular check-ups, enabling the detection of hidden risks. "The AI system can find the needle in the haystack and provide valuable information for doctors," explained Zhang Ling, a senior DAMO Academy algorithm expert. Such impressive progress is supported by China's national drive in boosting AI-powered healthcare. In 2025, China's National Health Commission and other relevant departments issued a set of guidelines to promote the application of AI tools to improve the quality of the country's healthcare service. 1) Northern Marianas College President Dr. Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero speaks to the visiting officials of Korea University and representatives of other Korean institutions at the NMC conference room on Wednesday. Photos by Emmanuel T. Erediano 2) Northern Marianas College President Dr. Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero, along with visiting officials from Korea University and representatives of other Korean technological institutions, flash thumbs up after their meeting. 3) Korea University Professor Jung, Changduk PhD. center, and other university officials and representatives of technological development institution pose for a photo after arriving at Northern Marianas College on Tuesday. By Emmanuel T. Erediano [email protected] Variety News Staff OFFICIALS from Korea University on Wednesday met with Northern Marianas College President Dr. Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero to follow up on discussions about forming an artificial intelligence education program. Led by Korea University Professor Jung Changduk, Ph.D., the delegation, along with representatives from Korean institutions involved in technology development, paid the NMC president another visit to further discuss an academic exchange program through a memorandum of understanding. The AI partnership was first proposed during their initial visit in November. On Wednesday, Jung, who is also the president of Naju University and Global University and chairman of the Korea University Society, reiterated his enthusiasm and optimism for future collaboration. He thanked Deleon Guerrero and other officials for the warm welcome and said he looks forward to an AI forum in the future to launch the inter-university partnership. Deleon Guerrero expressed admiration for their commitment to education and innovation, saying, We can learn from you all how to commit to education and how to innovate. Thank you very much for visiting again, and to those visiting for the first time, welcome to Saipan. I also want to thank you for being here, and I am very excited about the opportunity to work together, he added. In our world today, it seems like theres a lot of war trade war, culture war, and real war. But what you all represent is not war but collaboration. AI is all about connection. Business is all about connection, and that is what you all represent. These connections between you and us are something we all appreciate, he said. Joe B. Palacios, founder of JB Palacios & Associates, which helped arrange the meeting, said, This endeavor, like all others we are involved in whether with our Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Filipino, or British associates started with the simple gesture of two friends sharing an idea, driven by a passion for what can we give back to our community to make life a little easier, if not better. He added that the sharing of ideas occurred multiple times with associates, government officials, business leaders, and, most importantly, the community, so that we can then package a holistic approach. Palacios said the culmination of bringing Korea University and NMC officials together is the signing of a memorandum of understanding for an off-campus site for Korea Universitys Science and Technology program, which will bring expertise and resources to the CNMI at no cost to the local government. Emmanuel Arnold Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast. CNMI Labor Secretary Leila Staffler speaks during a recent Saipan Rotary Club meeting at Crowne Plaza Resort. Photo by Bryan Manabat By Bryan Manabat [email protected] Variety News Staff PHARMACEUTICAL manufacturing, electric vehicle technology, renewable energy, agriculture, and a growing interest in regenerative tourism are among the industries showing new promise in the Northern Marianas, according to CNMI Labor Secretary Leila Staffler. But she said the Commonwealth must strengthen its workforce data and training systems if it hopes to attract and retain those investors. Staffler said her departments ability to support economic planning depends heavily on accurate, timely reporting from businesses an area where compliance remains uneven. When I think about what we do and what we collect, we are a key part of any economic circle. How do you make predictions? How do you plan forward? Its really important that we have good data, she said during a recent Saipan Rotary Club meeting at Crowne Plaza Resort. While job vacancy reporting is strong and pretty vetted, Staffler said the CNMIs quarterly census of employment continues to suffer from low participation. Since I came to Labor, I wont lie, there have been some gaps in what we collect, she said. The census of employment is where we have a lot of noncompliance among businesses, largely because they may not be aware of the rules. I can relate I was a small business owner once, and I didnt know this was a requirement either. Staffler emphasized that the census is the only real-time quarterly dataset showing the number of actual jobs in the community. Without it, economists and policymakers lack a clear picture of the labor market. It is something that could show us trends we dont see yet because we dont have someone analyzing it the way they could, she said, adding that improving compliance will be the departments primary focus over the next year. The next census report is due Jan. 31. Despite the data challenges, Staffler said the CNMI has real opportunities ahead. She pointed to a recent Commonwealth Economic Development Authority-led investment mission that engaged companies in pharmaceutical manufacturing, EV technology, and renewable energy. Agriculture continues to show potential, and regenerative tourism a model that emphasizes environmental restoration and cultural stewardship is beginning to gain traction. These are areas that wed love to see expand our economic impact and diversify the economy, she said. But she said attracting new industries is only half the equation. The Commonwealth must also ensure that its workforce is prepared. We need to know what skills these types of jobs require, so that we can start developing programs now, and offer those trainings to the people they want to hire when the time comes, she said. Otherwise, theyre going to have to bring in more workers from outside, and thats where the challenge lies. Whether workforce readiness becomes a deciding factor for investors remains uncertain, she added, but it is a critical issue the CNMI must confront as it courts emerging industries. Staffler said her department will continue working with training partners and urging businesses to comply with reporting requirements to strengthen the Commonwealths economic foundation. 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. By Bryan Manabat [email protected] Variety News Staff U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Enforcement and Removal Operations on Tuesday arrested Imperial Pacific International LLCs controlling shareholder, Lijie Cui, for suspected immigration violations. ERO agents took Cui, 68, into custody Tuesday morning and transported her to the Department of Corrections in Susupe for detention. Cui, a Chinese national and longtime Hong Kong resident, has been a central figure in IPI, which operated Saipans casino for four years before shutting down in March 2020 at the onset of the Covid19 pandemic. She and her son, Xiaobo Ji, also a Chinese national, oversaw the development of the casino and hotel project in Garapan. As a foreign investor operating in a U.S. jurisdiction, Cui is required to maintain a valid E2C longterm investor visa to remain in the CNMI. Variety sought comment from ERO Assistant Field Office Director Kathy Makaena, who oversees Honolulu, Guam, and Saipan. She said the request had been forwarded to the agencys Office of Public Affairs for review and response. As of Wednesday press time, ICE had not released any details regarding the basis of Cuis arrest, nor has information been provided on when she will appear before an immigration judge. IPI filed for bankruptcy in April 2024, reporting more than $165 million in liabilities. Team King Investment (CNMI) LLC completed its $12.95 million purchase of IPIs casino assets last year following a courtapproved auction. In federal bankruptcy filings, CNMI government representatives noted close ties between IPI and Team King principals, suggesting the relationship facilitated Team Kings acquisition of the casino assets. In a federal court declaration, Governors Office legal counsel Brendan Layde stated that IPI helped arrange Team Kings participation in the auction. Layde also disclosed that IPI manager and director Howyo Chi, 40, married Cui last year roughly six months after IPI filed for bankruptcy. The Apatang administration is now pursuing amendments to Public Law 1856, the statute that granted IPI an exclusive casino license on Saipan. The proposed changes would end IPIs monopoly and allow multiple casino licenses in the Commonwealth. 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. Former President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrive at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Marietta, Georgia, Nov. 28, 2023. REUTERS WASHINGTON (Reuters) Bill and Hillary Clinton on Tuesday refused to testify in a Republican-led congressional investigation of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying it was a partisan exercise. Every person has to decide when they have seen or had enough and are ready to fight for this country, its principles and its people, no matter the consequences, the Clintons wrote in a letter to Republican Representative James Comer, who chairs the House of Representatives Oversight Committee. For us, now is that time. Comer said the committee will meet next week to hold former Democratic President Bill Clinton in contempt. That could potentially lead to criminal charges. A committee spokesperson said the panel will also begin contempt proceedings against Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, if she does not appear before the panel on Wednesday. The Clintons said they had tried to provide what little information they had to help with the investigation and accused Comer of shifting focus away from the Trump administrations actions. Epstein died in jail in 2019, during President Donald Trumps first term in office, while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide. If the Government didnt do all it could to investigate and prosecute these crimes, for whatever reason, that should be the focus of your work There is no evidence that you are doing so, the Clintons wrote. There is no plausible explanation for what you are doing other than partisan politics, they said. Comer said most Americans want Bill Clinton to answer questions about his ties to Epstein. The Kentucky Republican said Epstein visited the White House 17 times while Clinton was in office and that the former president had flown on Epsteins plane some 27 times. Clinton has expressed regret about the relationship and has said he knew nothing about Epsteins criminal activity. No evidence has surfaced that Clinton was involved in sex trafficking. No ones accusing Bill Clinton of any wrongdoing, Comer said. We just have questions. The U.S. Justice Department has been releasing files tied to criminal probes of Epstein, who was once friends with Trump and the Clintons, in compliance with a transparency law passed by Congress. A separate letter sent to the committee on Monday by the Clintons attorneys said the subpoenas for their testimony were invalid, unenforceable and nothing more than a ploy to attempt to embarrass political rivals, as President Trump has directed. DAKAR, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Senegal, one of Africa's major groundnut producers, has officially announced the resumption of groundnut exports to the international market, a move long awaited by industry stakeholders. Senegalese Minister of Industry and Trade Serigne Gueye Diop made the announcement on Tuesday in Diamniadio, near the country's capital, Dakar, following a meeting with stakeholders across the groundnut value chain and strategic partners. "Starting today, we have decided, together with all stakeholders, to resume groundnut exports to China and other markets. Discussions have also taken place with our embassy in China, which has confirmed the readiness of Chinese partners to work with Senegalese operators," he said. Groundnut exports had been suspended for the past two years to ensure domestic supply, support local oil-processing plants, and secure seed reserves, the minister said. For the current agricultural season, the government has set a minimum purchase price of 305 CFA francs (about 0.54 U.S. dollars) per kg. He emphasized that the resumption would be subject to strict requirements, particularly concerning product quality, transaction traceability, and the repatriation of export earnings to Senegal. "Instructions have been given to Senegalese Customs to facilitate export operations while strengthening controls. Banks and financial institutions have also been encouraged to support exporters in order to speed up the process," he added. According to the minister, the National Oilseed Marketing Company of Senegal plans to collect between 250,000 and 450,000 tonnes of groundnuts this year, while the volume authorized for export ranges from 300,000 to 450,000 tonnes. "This policy reflects the government's determination to liberalize the sector while providing producers with multiple collection and marketing channels," Diop said. Democrats react to the ICE-engendered crisis in Minnesota with their usual aplomb, savoir-faire, organization, coherence, and discipline. I kid, I kid. Sorry for the cheap cynicism, but its difficult to watch congenitally impotent, institutionalized politicians and a propagandized populace attempt to deal with the deliberate provocations of the Trump regime without resorting to snark. On Monday I attempted to summarize the precipitating causes of the ICE crisis in Minnesota as well as give some of the political and demographic backstory. Yesterday Yves posted Common Dreams report on the federal lawsuits filed by Illinois and Minnesota in hopes of ending deadly operations by President Donald Trump administrations intended to hunt down and deport immigrants. In hopes and prayers, perhaps. Updates on Trump vs Minnesota Today Ill cover: The latest moves of the Trump Regime Some stumbles on the way to the crackdown Democrats react and how Intra-Democratic party politics in Minnesota Some calls for more serious and effective action from unexpected quarters Not All Democrats The connection to the geo-politics of Somaliland And Trump Just Dont Stop Yesterday, teh Donald took to Truth Social to post a screed that ended with FEAR NOT, GREAT PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA, THE DAY OF RECKONING & RETRIBUTION IS COMING! Heres the full statement. On the 8th, the Trump regime issued a new policy that members of Congress need to schedule any visits to Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities 7 days in advance. Any exemptions to the rule have to be approved by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem the new policy bypasses a court order that had blocked officials from restricting such oversight visits. The new policy was not widely reported until the 11th. Trumps spokesgal Karoline Leavitt posted the following on X yesterday (note the link to Fox News, synergy!) NEW: President Trump ends temporary protected status for thousands of Somalis in US 'Somali migrants with TPS will be required to leave the country by March 17'https://t.co/Bth3c5xDlF Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 13, 2026 NBC explained some details and had a quote from DHS boss/ICE Barbie Kristi Noem: The Trump administration is ending temporary protected status for Somali immigrants, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed in a post on X on Tuesday. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed on X that Somali nationals with TPS are now required to leave the United States by March 17, 2026. In a statement, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said, Temporary means temporary. Country conditions in Somalia have improved to the point that it no longer meets the laws requirement for Temporary Protected Status, she said. Further, allowing Somali nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to our national interests. We are putting Americans first. This Kristi Noem: Regarding the slogan, ONE OF OURS, ALL OF YOURS: The phrase evokes the Lidice Massacre in June 1942, where Nazis retaliated for Reinhard Heydrichs assassination by wiping out the Czech village. SS forces shot nearly all men over 14, sent women to Ravensbruck camp, and scattered childrensome gassed at Chemno, others Germanized. They then razed the site, killing about 340 in a symbol of terror tactics. FWIW Lead stories has fact-checked the above claim and found No, thats not true but its clear from the article they just did Google searches and did not consult any actual historians. The Metro has a quick rundown of some of the other times the Trump regime has echoed not-see rhetoric and Ive previously posted about White House Deputy Fuhrer Chief of Staff Stephen Miller plagiarizing Joseph Goebells. So yea, nothing to see here folks, listen to the fact-checkers and go back to sleep. ICE-ing Aint Easy But not all runs smooth for the Trump juggernaut. Ken Klippenstein has revealed multiple internal ICE documents revealing that DHS is privately divided and hesitant about the latest deployments. According to documents leaked to me, not only is the Department seeking volunteers for the apparently unpopular mission, it is urging its agents to maintain a low profile and comply with the use of force policies. And Raw Story is reporting that A Department of Homeland Security whistleblower has released the identities of about 4,500 ICE and Border Patrol employees Tuesday in what has been called potentially the largest agency data breach for the department. Meanwhile Trump regime demands that the Department of Justice investigate the widow of ICE victim Renee Good has reportedly triggered resignations of at least six DOJ prosecutors, including Joseph H. Thompson, the lead prosecutor of the many fraud cases that served at the pretext for ICEs invasion of Minnesota. Per The New York Times: Minneapolis police chief, Brian OHara, said in an interview that Mr. Thompsons resignation dealt a major blow to efforts to root out rampant theft from state agencies. Mr. Thompson strenuously objected to the decision not to investigate the shooting as a civil rights matter, and was outraged by the demand to launch a criminal investigation into Becca Good, according to the people familiar with the developments, who were not authorized to discuss them publicly. Mr. Thompson had originally set out to investigate the shooting in partnership with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, a state agency that reviews police shootings. Senior Justice Department officials overruled the decision to cooperate with the state agency. Mr. Thompson grew frustrated in recent weeks as the immigration surge became a distraction for the offices work on fraud, undermining the goal the administration said it was trying to pursue, according to people familiar with his thinking. Mr. Thompsons departure is a major blow to the effort. A self-described workaholic, he has encyclopedic knowledge of dozens of investigations involving a complex web of defendants and transactions. More than 90 people have been charged since 2022 and at least 60 have been convicted of defrauding programs meant to feed children during the pandemic, aid people at risk of homelessness and treat minors with autism. As the scandal drew national attention, Mr. Thompson became a high profile figure, earning praise from elected officials across the political spectrum. Several urged him to run for office, something Mr. Thompson who refuses to discuss his political preferences has said he has ruled out. I wonder if Thompson plans to run for office as a Democrat? If so, I hope he is capable of more serious action than the current party leadership. Feckless Is As Feckless Does, National Democrats React The Never-Trump neo-con centrist Substack publication The Bulwark headlined their coverage of Congressional Democrats response to ICEs attack on Minnesota, Democrats Appear Ready to Duck a Key Fight on ICE. Key quotes: Democrats appear suddenly reluctant to use their leverage to address another issue that is important to their base (and, frankly, a lot of voters outside of it): the money pouring into ICE. I asked a number of Senate Democrats if increasing ICE funding is a red line for them in the upcoming budget negotiations. Most of the lawmakers I spoke with refrained from describing it in that way, opting instead to strongly criticize the agency without specifying what legislative action they might be willing to take to address the problems. I just think there are ways we can call out this behavior and the kind of level of disruption thats taking place in city after city, said Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.). He mentioned reduced training requirements for ICE officers being a serious concern. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) said she does not support increases to ICEs budget, but offloaded much of the responsibility for whether that happens onto her GOP colleagues. Yeah, I would ask my Republican colleagues who are obviously taking the lead on these [appropriation bills], she said. Is this what they want to rubber stamp for residential neighborhoods across this country? Thousands of masked, armed agents coming into their communities? When asked by another reporter if she wants policy changes for DHS separate from strictly by-the-numbers funding, Baldwin, a member of the Appropriations Committee, suggested that programmatic reforms to an agency would be a separate matter from a debate over how much money to give said agency. Thats obviouslyI dont wanna get in the weedsthats obviously an authorizing committee issue, she said. When were talking about appropriations, I call on my Republicans . . . do they wanna rubber stamp this or what? Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Securityand one of the partys most vocal critics of Trumps authoritarian impulsessaid discussions are taking place about the path forward on DHS funding and reform. But he stopped short of making any formal policy commitments. Politicos piece Abolish ICE? Many Democrats are ready to fund it with conditions shows that national Dems are still trapped in a morass of kayfabe and pretend: Behind the scenes, top Democrats are feverishly working to fund the agency with strings attached. The mismatch between the anti-ICE rhetoric and the actions of Democratic appropriators reflects a Catch-22 of congressional power: The only way lawmakers can put guardrails on the controversial agency and curb President Donald Trumps immigration enforcement agenda at this moment is to hand it billions of taxpayer dollars. As they negotiate fiscal 2026 funding for the Department of Homeland Security with Republicans ahead of a Jan. 30 shutdown deadline, Democrats are demanding new rules for DHS agents, such as forcing them to use body cameras, refrain from wearing masks and go through more extensive training. Even as new polling fielded after the fatal Jan. 7 shooting of Renee Good shows that a plurality of voters back ICEs elimination, top Democrats on Capitol Hill are seeking to restrain the agency under Trumps leadership not disband it. Its not just national Democrats who dont have good answers about what to do when ICE invades a Blue City in a Blue State. Feckless Is As Feckless Does, Local Democrats React And who can blame them? As Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey pointed out to The Bulwark (video): Youre basically asking can our cops arrest ICE agents? Legally? Yes. Practically? It gets kind of hard when they outnumber us and have bigger guns than we do. But his actual impotence hasnt stopped NBC from proclaiming, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey emerges as citys emotional voice following ICE shooting Like fellow dark woke Democrats, Freys speech was so strong NBC cant even print his words in full: (Frey) accused ICE of trying to spin this as an action of self-defense, claiming that its interpretation of the video of the incident is bulls. He said the officer who shot the woman was recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying and demanded that ICE get the f out of Minneapolis. Whew. I hope readers of this family blog are not too frightened to continue. Doesnt matter what we think though, The New York Times has declared our boy has the stuff in yesterdays feature profile titled, The Minneapolis Mayor Who Cursed Out ICE Is No Stranger to Crisis. Most importantly the sub-heading informs readers that Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, has clashed with his partys activist wing. His response to ICE has won him new respect at home and new foes in Washington. Though President Trumps allies have portrayed Mr. Frey in recent days as an example of liberal excess, the mayor has long faced the opposite charge inside his heavily Democratic city, where some residents have complained that he was too moderate and too accommodating of the police. In recent days, as ICE has flooded Minneapolis, Mr. Frey and other top Democrats have been unified in their criticisms of the president and their calls for agents to leave. It is a far different political landscape from 2020, when Minneapolis Democrats were divided over what to do about policing after an officer murdered George Floyd, and when Mr. Frey became a target of left-wing protests. Apparently, said Mr. Frey, who has said he is in his last term as mayor, Im like a walking Rorschach test. After the murder of Mr. Floyd in the spring of 2020, Minneapolis was in chaos and protesters gathered near Mr. Freys home. A speaker asked about defunding the police and presented the first-term mayor with a microphone. I do not support the full abolition of the police, Mr. Frey responded through a face mask, his voice barely audible. The crowd booed. He walked away to chants of Shame! and Go home, Jacob. They do at least include some quotes from local critics of Frey towards the end of the piece: (2017 Mayoral candidate) Nekima Levy Armstrong said Mr. Frey needed to really show his power and back up all that tough talk. Dan Engelhart, a Democratic member of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, said he had never supported the mayor, and to be honest, I think hes the worst politician Ive ever been around in my whole life. He called for moving beyond the lowest possible bar and performative speeches. This November Substack post from a supporter of one of Freys rivals for the position implored Frey to develop relationships with City Council members, not only those who agree with you, but all of them. This is a good time to look at the 2025 mayors race to understand how Frey got re-elected. It wasnt easy. Freys Crooked Path to Re-Election Last Summer it looked for a few days that Frey was out and that State Senator Omar Fateh might become The Mamdani of Minneapolis. Fatehs high water mark came in July when he won the endorsement of the Minneapolis Minnesota DemocraticFarmerLabor Party (effectively the Democratic Party in Minnesota. Wikipedia more or less ably explains how Fateh won and then lost that prize: The Minneapolis DFL endorsing convention took place on July 19, 2025 at the Target Center. The convention initially endorsed a mayoral candidate in a contested race for the first time since 1997, with Omar Fateh declared the winner after acquiring 43.58% of the vote in the first round. While this wasnt enough to reach the 60% threshold required for the endorsement, a second vote was held via raise of delegate badges, which Fateh won. Freys campaign appealed his victory to the state party. On August 21, 2025, the Minnesota DFL revoked the endorsement following the appeal, citing failures in the voting process. These failures included an error in ballot software usage that resulted in an undercount in the first round and a poorly secured registration spreadsheet. The state DFL placed the Minneapolis DFL on a two-year probation and forbade them from holding a second convention or otherwise endorsing in the 2025 mayoral election. The Minneapolis DFL filed an unsuccessful appeal challenging both the revocation and the bans on future endorsements, citing conflicts of interest and claiming that the committee that made the determination was acting outside of the authority given them in the DFLs constitution. The state DFL determined that no errors were made in how the endorsement was rescinded. In October, Fatehs campaign was fined $500 in court for campaign finance violations after continuing to distribute yard signs that listed the DFL endorsement after it was revoked. Its like a pocket history of failed progressive attempts to gain control of the Demoratic party apparatus. Fateh responded to the screw job to The Guardian: Fateh believes the revoked endorsement is in part because of the donor class and how it would look to support a progressive candidate with a populist message, especially in suburban and rural areas where the DFL has lost ground. The DFL and the Democratic party as a whole like to always say were a big tent, we are a wide spectrum, we welcome everybody, he said. But a lot of times it seems like when its the more progressive wing that they can shut out. Minnesotas leading Somali-American progressive politician talked to The Nation: The reaction of US Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) was every bit as firm and focused as that of the candidate. It is inexcusable to overturn the DFL endorsement from Omar Fateh, she said. A small group, a majority living outside Minneapolis, met privately to overturn the will of Minneapolis delegates who volunteered, organized, and participated in a months-long DFL process. Unacceptable. But it took more than insider political fuckery for Frey to beat Omar in the ranked choice general election. He played some shrewd divide-and-conquer politics as well. This story from the Suna Times (Latest Somali News in Minutes) headlined Somali Clan Divisions Surface as Jacob Frey Wins Third Term in Minneapolis Mayoral Race elaborates: Tensions, celebrations, and disappointment have swept across Somali social media circles following the fiercely contested Minneapolis mayoral election, where the race took on deep clan and community undertones among the citys large Somali diaspora. In a dramatic and emotional campaign, Jacob Frey secured victory for a third consecutive term as Mayor of Minneapolis, defeating his closest challenger, State Senator Omar Fateh. What made this election particularly remarkable was the way it highlighted the internal divisions within the Somali-American community primarily between members of the Hawiye and Daarood clans, who rallied behind different candidates. According to social media trends, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and her ex-husband Ahmed Hersi emerged as key figures on opposing sides of the political divide. Ilhan Omar, who openly supported Omar Fateh, was backed largely by members of the Daarood clan, while Ahmed Hersi, who mobilized an energetic social media campaign, stood firmly behind Jacob Frey drawing significant support from the Hawiye community. Warya TV reported that Freys relationships in the Somali community were neither new nor shallow: When Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey walked into a packed East African event hall on election night and delivered part of his victory speech in Somali, it was not a last-minute attempt to broaden his appeal. It was the culmination of a relationship that has shaped his political life for more than a decade and one that helped him defeat his top challenger, state Sen. Omar Fateh, the first Somali American elected to the Minnesota Legislature. While neither campaign can quantify the exact vote breakdown among Somali American residents, both acknowledge that Frey secured a meaningful share of the communitys support, despite Fatehs deep roots within it. It is interesting to ponder what the political situation in Minneapolis would be like if it was Mayor Fateh in the crosshairs rather than the centrist-approved Mayor Frey, but we wont get to find out in this version of the time-space continuum. What we can know is that there is ample frustration with the Democrats limited response, coming from some perhaps unexpected quarters. The Never-Trumpers and Former Trumpers Are Talking Smack When youve lost Bill Kristol Hey, @amyklobuchar and @TinaSmithMN: I'm not a senator, but if ICE thugs were rampaging through the major city in my state, I might try to impede Senate business as usual and bring everything to a halt until I could get answers or force some votes.https://t.co/3gJtlNoNpS Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) January 13, 2026 And its not just Bill, his fellow Never-Trumper Rick Wilson put out a stirring call to arms on his Substack: To stop the immediate crisis, we must weaponize the very propositional nature of America. This involves a tactical veto of civil society: a collective refusal by elected leaders, local governments, businesses, the legal community, and civic and religious leaders to facilitate the will to power. By creating friction in the gears of the state, we transform the grim anxiety of the populace into a functional resistance that protects the remaining guardrails of the Republic until the momentum of ICE can be broken at the ballot box. To end the movement, we must embark on a national lustration, a public and legal purging of the rot. Democrats, once back in power, will return to their mean and try to pass feel-good measures and win over America with policies their technocratic hearts crave. Theyll mutter lets put this behind us and its time to move on while the enablers and architects of Trumps violence and viciousness roam free to plot a swift return to power. Its like treating cancer with a foot massage; what is required is a national run of political chemotherapy, and there is no substitute for the pain and misery that awaits us in that process. I have had Kristol and Wilson on my private pay-these-assholes-no-mind list for years but I have to agree with them today. Talk about the political blender in action. The fact that 2024 Trump-endorser Joe Rogan has come out against ICE (Are we going to be the Gestapo?) shows there is more opposition than support to Stephen Millers efforts to incite enough trouble that POTUS Trump can invoke the Insurrection Act before the mid-terms. In fact, Puck reports on multiple right-wing or right-wing adjacent figures who recoiled from ICEs actions in Minnesota including Dan Bilzerian whom they characterize as the bearded hedonism influencer and gun-loving poker chudno ones idea of a progressivelaunched. The cite this tweet from Bilzerian then go on to provide the obligatory MSM swipes at him for retweeting Candace Owens, note that the tweet got 5 million views: I dont believe the ICE agents life was in danger. I think he went into the interaction angry & it was a bad shoot. I dont care if she was a blue hair liberal, this isnt about the right & the left. This is about government tyranny & overreach I dont trust the government Dan Bilzerian (@DanBilzerian) January 12, 2026 The piece also describes the extremely anti-ICE reaction of podcaster (and 2024 Trump endorser) Tim Dillon in a video that had more than 680,000 views at last count. Then it gets to the data: The eyewitness video of the Minneapolis tragedy has broken through to normies, who dont like what they see. This week, a poll from The Economist and YouGov found that a mind-boggling 69 percent of Americans had seen the clip. If extrapolated, that would imply a total viewership larger than last years Super Bowlfor a video of a masked federal agent shooting a woman three times. After Trumps inauguration, ICE had a +16 net favorability rating with Americans, according to YouGov. Now, the agency is underwater with a 14 point favorability rating. Thats a 30-point swing since last January, an unheard-of political collapse. Of those who saw the clip, a majority (50 percent) said the shooting was not justified. Most say that the ICE officer, Jonathan Ross, should face criminal charges. Only 30 percent of Americans said the killing was justified, putting the Trump administration decisively on the wrong side of public opinion. Importantly, the poll found that 47 percent of Americans believe ICE is making the country less safe, compared to just 34 percent who say its making the country safer. Indeed, the agency is so loathed that 46 percent of Americans now support abolishing ICE, YouGov found. Even 14 percent of Republicans support disbanding the agency. (That said, few Democratic politicians are willing to go there. Even the liberal Minnesota Democrats at the center of the shooting, Mayor Jacob Frey and Attorney General Keith Ellison, are condemning ICE overreach without saying the agency should be eliminated.) Not All Democrats In fairness, Rep. Ilhan Omar has been calling for strong measures against ICE: Demanding accountability for ICE is not radical. Calling for systematic reforms is not extreme its the bare minimum. pic.twitter.com/HRN5KpPZAy Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) January 13, 2026 And shes endorsing even stronger action against the ICE Barbie, in support of Rep. Robin Kelly: Kristi Noem must be impeached. https://t.co/C3Oq8HXT8s Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 13, 2026 There is so much more to this story, including AOCs alleged fecklessness on the abolish ICE issue, Bill Ackmans support for Renee Goods killer, calls for a general strike, the author of Copaganda explaining why reforming ICE is a canard, Rafi Schwarz post about the experience of having ICE come to your town, but Ill wrap with a pair of tweets and a little bit about possible connections to the breakaway region of Somaliland, because I promised. First this harsh reminder of the kinetic predicament local officials face in resisting ICE: In Los Angeles, the National Guard and the USMC helped ICE, DHS, LAPD, and the Sheriffs Department shoot and brutalize protesters. Not just once. For weeks and weeks and weeks. This is suicidal and naive rhetoric. Its dangerous. This person is not our ally. Fuck the military. https://t.co/aGlQUBBLsu pic.twitter.com/DqnDqgkKhQ Kamille Bidan (@KamilleAEUG) January 14, 2026 And second this bit of AI slop to remind us were through the looking glass: god almighty what the fuck is this pic.twitter.com/zisPsywZJ7 austerity is theft (@wideofthepost) January 12, 2026 Whats Somaliland Got to Do With It? I found the timing of Israels recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation and the ICE attack on Minnesota a bit more than coincidental, but I had nothing more than a hunch. But this piece from the crazed neo-cons at the Middle East Forum (backers of Tommy Robinson in the UK among others) made the connection as well. President Donald Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on December 29, 2025, but the U.S. president appears reticent about recognizing Somaliland, as Israel did on December 26. Trump should reconsider. For reasons of U.S. national security, but also as he battles rampant Somali corruption in Minnesota and Rep. Ilhan Omars efforts to undermine his own policies on assistance and immigration, he could make no better response than to recognize Somaliland independence. Glad Im not the only crazy one out there. Stay safe Minnesotans and everyone. Yves here. Yours truly seems to be not alone in finding Andrew Korybkos pieces to be frustrating, so I trust you will treat his latest as a critical thinking exercise. While he often marshals good information, he too often undermines that with simplistic assertions. A glaring one below is that the US would use its exploitation of Greenland to pay for Trumps expansion of the military budget to $1.5 trillion. As we explained in the context of the US wars against oil producing states, the US failed with Iraq, which then had the second biggest proven reserves, to extract its oil wealth. It looks set to fail again with Venezuela. Some readers contested the report by former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Chas Freeman, that the US had not in fact gotten meaningful resource or financial benefits from its Iraq conquest by pointing to rules that required proceeds of Iraq oil sales to be deposited in US banks. Consistent with Freemans statement that China now controlled Iraq energy development, it has finessed payment via what amounts to barter, making direct investments in Iraq to compensate for oil deliveries. There may be other mechanisms to evade the US attempt to control payments, but this one, set forth by S&P, suffices to make Freemans case: China has swooped into Iraq, unperturbed by an uncertain security environment and endemic corruption and looking to meet its own domestic energy needs, analysts say. PetroChina has taken over operations at Iraqs major West Qurna 1 oil field with a production capacity of 540,000 b/d following ExxonMobils exit from the country. CNPC, the largest Chinese investor in Iraq, holds stakes in Rumaila, Halfaya, Ahdab and West Qurna 1 fields, while CNOOC, Union, ZenHua and other minor players also have holdings in the country. In Iraqs latest upstream licensing round in May, Chinese companies were awarded all but three of the oil and gas blocks on offer. Iraq and China signed in 2019 a controversial oil for reconstruction and investment deal. The 20-year contract includes a deal to supply Chinese companies with 100,000 b/d of crude in exchange for investment in infrastructure, with revenue from oil exports earmarked for funding development projects. Critics said the deals terms risked fueling corruption and waste and would leave Iraq in Chinas debt. And thats before considering that any booty bennies are likely to go to Trump cronies as opposed to the public purse. From Greenland and the New Settler Colonialism: Network-State Geopolitics: To put it simply, the tech section of capital that has so brazenly aligned itself with state power wants Americas national security state to, on their behalf, dispossess other peoples and even nation-states. That would permit the network-state oligarchs to establish semi-sovereign company towns that would extract and exploit whatever they will from the sites where they establish themselves. Greenland, dating back to 2018, was their ideal headquarters for utopia, the place they imagined unsettling so as to profit from carving up an already existing and governed place and render it into a frontier. Snow Crash is looking more and more like an operating manual. By Andrew Korybko, a Moscow-based American political analyst who specializes in the global systemic transition to multipolarity in the New Cold War. He has a PhD from MGIMO, which is under the umbrella of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Originally published at his website Building more facilities there to complement Pituffik Space Base would further the US Golden Dome missile defense plans for obtaining a strategic edge over Russia while extracting more critical minerals from there would reduce dependence on vulnerable Chinese supply chains. Trump recently reaffirmed his intent to annex Greenland on the pretext that this would supposedly preempt China or Russia from invading NATO member Denmarks autonomous territory. Many believe that his main motivation, however, is to obtain control over whats estimated to be the worlds second-largest reserve of critical minerals. The Daily Mail then reported that the US itself is actually planning on invading the worlds largest island, not China or Russia, who Denmark doesnt consider to pose a threat. Amidst this news, Bloomberg reported that UK, Germany Talk NATO Forces in Greenland to Calm US Threat ostensibly with the intent of deterring the US even though its extremely unlikely that theyd fight it over Greenland just like it was earlier assessed that France wouldnt either. Greenland is basically Trumps for the taking if he really wants it since neither NATO nor the locals can stop it, the latter of whom have no realistic way to block it from extracting resources or building more military bases there. Therein lies the goals that the US would advance since more facilities to complement Pituffik Space Base would further the US Golden Dome missile defense plans for obtaining a strategic edge over Russia while extracting more critical minerals would reduce dependence on vulnerable Chinese supply chains. Moreover, annexing Greenland would help build Fortress America, which is the Trump Doctrines plan as enshrined in the National Security Strategy for restoring US hegemony over the hemisphere. Achieving this grand strategic goal would eventually help subsidize Trumps proposed 50% increase in the defense budget to $1.5 trillion next year (and whatever more after), thus enabling the US to more muscularly contain China, and ensure that the US survives and even thrives in the (for now far-off) scenario that its expelled from the Eastern Hemisphere or withdraws from there. Greenland is the crown jewel of Fortress America for the aforesaid reasons so its annexation is imperative for the US. That said, its also possible that some of Trumps advisors convince him not to pursue since this might irreparably ruin ties with the EU and NATO, the first of whom the US envisages profiting tremendously from after last summers lopsided trade deal and the second of which it envisages leading Russias containment in Europe after the Ukrainian Conflict ends. Although the US would likely win a trade war with the EU, a protracted one could lead to less profits and more opportunities for China there. As for NATO, without its full-fledged commitment to contain Russia after the Ukrainian Conflict ends, the US might balk at redeploying many of its forces from Europe to the Asia-Pacific for more muscularly containing China and thus undermine one of the tenets of the Trump Doctrine. Nevertheless, given the importance of the US market for the EU and most NATO members pathological fear of Russia, whatever damage the US potential annexation of Greenland inflicts on their ties should be quickly repaired. For these reasons, its likely that the US will annex Greenland despite already enjoying full freedom of economic and military action there that neither China nor Russia ever will, in which case the US would remove any remaining doubt about its hegemonic intentions over its allies. Trump has never been deterred by concerns about hurting his counterparts feelings or their societies disliking the US, and the more that they talk about such consequences, the more he might want to do this just to spite them. Dear patient readers, Our moderators and your humble blogger are wasting time on a persistent troll who has tried posting under many many handles. That is a violation of our written site Policies. We will keep not approving and on the occasion when they manage to briefly appear, ripping out these fuckwit comments and banning. Go find a better hobby. Your humble blogger has also been a bit under the weather. So I am behind on getting to issues like Trumps sudden enthusiasm for affordability measures like a credit card interest cap of 10%. I am working on why that is going to be more a backfire than a benefit. * * * Dilbert creator Scott Adams dies after prostate cancer battle Live Now Fox (Kevin W) US FDA requests removal of suicide warnings from weight-loss drugs CNN (Kevin W) A bombshell: doubt cast on discovery of microplastics throughout human body Guardian (Paul R). resilc adds: Who is paying who? Climate/Environment Water Water crisis hits Turkiyes capital as drought, infrastructure issues deepen Hurriyet Daily News China? Southeast Asia Africa South of the Border European Disunion Israel v. The Resistance New Not-So-Cold War Imperial Collapse Watch Trump 2.0 Trump v. Powell The not just one but two lead stories at the Wall Street Journal now: versus: The Billionaires and the November Election Dean Baker Immigration US businesses hit by anti-Indian backlash as Trump restricts foreign labour Financial Times ICE Rampage Laffaire Epstein Mr. Market is Giddy AI The Bezzle Guillotine Watch Class Warfare Antidote du jour (via): And a bonus: In Nara, deers have learned to open the doors of food establishments and bow to ask for food pic.twitter.com/A7bdoAqyQ3 Nature Unedited (@NatureUnedited) January 11, 2026 A second bonus: And a third (Constance C): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Subzero Harbin meets Southeast Asian tourists: showcasing China's appeal Global Times) 08:30, January 14, 2026 Illustration: Chen Xia/GT Recently, the phrase "the wind of Harbin has blown all the way to Southeast Asia" - highlighting "extreme temperature contrasts" - became one of the top three trending topics on Chinese social media. Behind the phrase is a vivid scene: "tropical" tourists from Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia wandering the streets in minus 20 to 30 C, phones in hand, capturing their first breathtaking glimpse of the ice and snow. The introduction of the 240-hour visa-free transit and unilateral visa-free policies is reflected just as clearly in the numbers. Since the New Year, cross-border passenger flows at the ports have grown more than 30 percent year-on-year. Harbin's rising fame is not the triumph of a single scenic feature but the combined effect of convenient policies and unique experiences. It reflects a tangible form of China's appeal. The most practical obstacles to cross-border travel are often paperwork and distance. For many tourists considering travel to China, a key deciding factor is simply: "Is it convenient?" The 240-hour visa-free transit and unilateral visa-free policies directly respond to this reality. "Visa exemptions not only reduce fees but also cut down the time required for procedures. This convenience has a positive effect on promoting mutual tourism exchanges," said Gu Xiaosong, dean of the ASEAN Research Institute at Hainan Tropical Ocean University. Moreover, Harbin airports recently added four new international routes - between Harbin and Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam, Bangkok in Thailand, and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia - and increased flights from 87 to 118 per week. This effectively draws "air express lanes" on the map. Convenient visa policies and transportation are turning "wanting to come" into "being able to come." While policy determines "if they can come," experience determines "whether it's worth their while." For many visitors from tropical and subtropical regions, a subzero environment is far removed from everyday life. Tourism experiences make the snow and ice more than just natural phenomena; they become a way to understand "what Harbin is," extending the value of the ice and snow experience. "What truly makes this journey more than just 'seeing ice' is China's rich and diverse culture and its vast, eye-opening landscapes," Gu added. Visitors from Southeast Asia are not just "sightseeing"; they are coming to understand China. On the streets, tourists encounter not only natural beauty but also the rhythm of urban order, public facilities, and daily life. The streets are orderly, public transport runs on time, and markets and shops are bustling yet organized. These details provide tourists with a tangible sense of how Chinese cities operate in practice. It is this layered experience that makes cross-border tourism more than just a consumption activity - it becomes a channel for cultural and lifestyle exchange. Policy convenience opens the door, while China's size and cultural richness provide unique experiences at every turn. Tourists take home more than just photos and memories, they also gain insight into the real China. This understanding does not come from grand narratives but is formed through repeated, concrete experiences. "The wind of Harbin has blown all the way to Southeast Asia" - Chinese-style modern life unfolds in a perceptible way, forming genuine and lasting connections with the world and allowing China's appeal to be recognized and appreciated. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun) ISLAMABAD, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's security forces killed four terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the country's southwest Balochistan province, the military said on Tuesday. The operation was carried out on Jan. 12 in Kalat district following reports about the presence of terrorists, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, said in a statement. The statement said security personnel engaged the suspected hideout, leading to an exchange of fire in which four terrorists were killed. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site, the ISPR said, adding that the militants were allegedly involved in multiple attacks in the area. Canadas MAID program under fire after tragic death of depressed 26-year-old Kiano Vafaeian, a 26-year-old diabetic struggling with depression and partial blindness, was euthanized by Dr. Ellen Wiebe ("Dr. Death #2") despite MAID not yet officially including mental illnesshighlighting Canada's slippery slope toward state-sanctioned killing of the suffering. Despite his family's prior intervention, Kiano was approved for euthanasia without proper protections, exposing MAID's shift from "compassionate care" to bureaucratic cost-cutting that pressures the vulnerable toward death. MAID has turned Canada into a leading organ supplier, with reports of patients euthanized under questionable circumstances (e.g., ALS patients) and potential coercion by transplant networksraising alarms about profit-driven "death medicine." COVID lockdowns worsened mental health crises, accelerating MAID's expansion as a "solution" for those deemed burdensomealigning with globalist policies (e.g., WEF's "sustainable healthcare") that prioritize depopulation over human dignity. Canada's MAID program, now the second-leading cause of death, exemplifies government healthcare's dystopian endpoint: a system where despair is monetized, families are sidelined and euthanasia is pushed as "care." Public outrage must force accountability before more lives are lost. The controversial case of Kiano Vafaeian, a 26-year-old diabetic man suffering from depression and partial blindness, has reignited outrage over Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program. Despite MAID not being officially expanded to include mental illness until 2027, Vafaeian was allegedly euthanized by Dr. Ellen Wiebe, a physician notorious for her aggressive advocacy of assisted suicide. His mother, Margaret Marsilla, publicly condemned the decision in a heartbreaking Facebook post, accusing Dr. Wiebedubbed "Dr. Death #2"of callously ending her son's life without sufficient safeguards or compassion. A system that failed the vulnerable Four years ago, Marsilla and her daughter intervened when they discovered Kiano had been approved for euthanasia without their knowledge. At the time, they successfully halted the procedure, securing him mental health support instead. But this time, in Vancouver, the system failed him. Marsilla's post paints a grim picture of Canada's MAID regime: "No compassion. No protection. No effort to save a life, only to end it." Dr. Wiebe, who boasts of having facilitated over 400 deaths, has long been a polarizing figure. Critics argue that her enthusiasm for MAID reflects a disturbing trend in Canadian healthcareone that prioritizes cost-cutting and bureaucratic efficiency over genuine patient care. MAID: A slippery slope to state-sanctioned killing Canada's MAID program was initially marketed as a compassionate option for terminally ill patients suffering unbearable pain. However, eligibility criteria have rapidly expanded, with lawmakers openly discussing offering assisted suicide to those deemed a "burden" on society. The program has become the second leading cause of death in Canada, surpassing accidents and homicides. The case of Kiano Vafaeian highlights how MAID has strayed far from its original intent. Despite not yet officially including mental illness as a sole qualifying condition, loopholes allow doctors like Wiebe to approve euthanasia for depressed patients under vague interpretations of "irremediable suffering." Organ harvesting and ethical nightmares Equally alarming is MAID's role in Canada's organ transplant industry. Reports confirm that euthanized patients are increasingly becoming organ donorsraising disturbing ethical questions. In one documented case, a 38-year-old ALS patient was euthanized, and his heart was transplanted into an American recipient. Critics warn that financial incentives and pressure from transplant networks may be influencing MAID approvals. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a U.S. federal agency, has previously cautioned that some patients may not be fully deceased before organ harvesting beginsa chilling revelation that underscores the moral hazards of state-sanctioned euthanasia. Lockdowns, depopulation and the rise of MAID The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated Canada's healthcare crisis, with lockdowns worsening mental health and isolating vulnerable individuals. Many now fear that MAID is being weaponized as a depopulation tool, aligning with globalist agendas that promote cost-effective "solutions" over genuine care. Dan Dick, a vocal critic of MAID, recently highlighted how legislators openly discuss euthanasia as a way to reduce healthcare burdens. The program's rapid expansion mirrors policies pushed by entities like the World Economic Forum (WEF), which advocates for "sustainable" healthcare systemsoften at the expense of human dignity. A warning to the world Canada's descent into state-facilitated euthanasia should serve as a dire warning. What began as a "compassionate" option for the terminally ill has morphed into a system where depressed young adults, disabled veterans and chronically ill patients are being ushered toward premature death. Margaret Marsilla's grief-stricken plea echoes a growing sentiment: "The actions of Dr. Wiebe reveal a pattern of coldness and disregard for vulnerable human life that I can no longer stay silent about." As MAID deaths approach an estimated 100,000, Canada stands at a crossroads. Will it continue down this dystopian path, or will public outrage force a reckoning? For now, Kiano Vafaeian's tragic fate serves as a grim reminder of what happens when governments prioritize efficiency over humanity. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Canada's MAID program is a chilling example of government-controlled healthcare spiraling into outright eugenics, where vulnerable individualslike a depressed 26-year-oldare steered toward death rather than healing, all while enriching the organ trade and advancing the globalist depopulation agenda. This program, marketed as "compassion," is nothing more than a dystopian tool to eliminate the weak and normalize state-sanctioned murder under the guise of healthcare. Watch Faytene Grasseschi and her guests, Nicole Scheidl and Amanda Achtman, discussing the Canadian government's expansion of euthanasia to the mentally vulnerable in this clip. This video is from the Faytene TV channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com China restricts critical exports to Japan amid escalating Taiwan dispute China is punishing Japan with an export ban on dual-use goods (items with both civilian and military uses) because of Japan's comments on possibly defending Taiwan if needed. The trigger was a political statement: Japan's Prime Minister said that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan's survival, implying a military response. China sees this as a major provocation against its claim over Taiwan. The ban is broad and threatening: It targets not just the Japanese military but any company that could strengthen Japan's defense. China also warned that it could target foreign companies that assist Japan in bypassing the ban. Japan is protesting strongly, but it remains vulnerable, as its industries still rely heavily on Chinese imports for many key materials and components. This is a strategic power play, not just a trade dispute: It shows China is willing to use economic pressure as a weapon to silence opposition to its goals for Taiwan, mirroring past tactics and escalating existing tensions. In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, China has imposed immediate export controls on dual-use goods bound for Japan, a move explicitly tied to Tokyo's stance on Taiwan. The ban, announced by China's Ministry of Commerce, targets items that could enhance Japan's military capabilities and signals Beijing's willingness to leverage economic tools to punish political dissent. The controls are a direct retaliation for comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November. Takaichi stated that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, potentially justifying military intervention under its collective self-defense laws. Beijing, which views Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory, condemned these remarks as a severe provocation and a reckless interference in China's internal affairs. A Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson warned of "profoundly detrimental consequences," framing Japan's position as a dangerous breach of the foundational One-China principle. The scope and potential impact of the ban BrightU.AI's Enoch AI engine explains that these new restrictions apply to dual-use items, specifically products, software and technologies with both civilian and military applications. While a specific list was not published, China's dual-use control framework covers a vast range of sectors, including advanced electronics, chemicals, aerospace components, sensors and rare earth elements. The ban prohibits exports not only to Japanese military end-users but also to any entity deemed capable of bolstering Japan's military power. Notably, China extended the threat of legal penalties to individuals or organizations in third countries that assist in circumventing the ban by routing restricted Chinese-origin goods to Japan. This broad, deliberately vague language grants Beijing maximum discretion to disrupt supply chains, analysts note, potentially affecting shipments even for nominally civilian purposes. The impact could be substantial. Despite efforts to diversify, Japan remains heavily reliant on Chinese imports for many critical materials and components, making its industries and defense sector vulnerable to such controls. Japan's reaction: A firm protest Japan responded swiftly and firmly. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal protest to China, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the measures. In a meeting with a senior Chinese diplomat, Japan's Masaaki Kanai, secretary-general for Asian and Oceanian Affairs, condemned the export controls as "absolutely unacceptable" and "deeply regrettable," arguing they do not comply with international norms. While Japanese government ministries publicly stated they were assessing the scope of the restrictions, some sources privately suggested the initial move might be partly symbolic. However, the unambiguous linkage to the Taiwan issue underscores the serious political rift. A broader strategic confrontation This action is not an isolated trade measure but a flare-up in long-simmering tensions. It occurs as Japan significantly increases its defense spending and deepens its security alignment with the United States, which is a trend Beijing consistently criticizes as a dangerous step toward renewed Japanese militarism. The move echoes past Chinese tactics, most notably a 2010 restriction on rare earth exports during a previous diplomatic crisis with Japan. It demonstrates Beijing's continued readiness to weaponize economic interdependence in pursuit of political objectives, particularly regarding Taiwan. The dispute unfolds against a backdrop of heightened military activity. China recently concluded live-fire drills simulating a blockade of Taiwan, and President Xi Jinping reiterated in his New Year's address that the "reunification" of Taiwan with mainland China is "unstoppable." With Japan refusing to retract its leader's comments and China responding with concrete economic pressure, the confrontation has moved beyond a war of words. It now presents a critical test of resolve, illustrating the severe economic and diplomatic costs Beijing is prepared to impose on those it perceives as challenging its core interests, especially on the incendiary issue of Taiwan. Watch this clip about China's large-scale military drills around Taiwan. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheCradle.co AlJazeera.com TheDiplomat.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Existential crisis: Heritage declares collapsing family a greater threat than economy The Heritage Foundation warns the American family is nearing an irreversible crisis point due to low marriage and birth rates. A new report argues federal policy must actively support marriage and family formation, not just fertility. Proposed solutions include eliminating "marriage penalties" in welfare and creating financial incentives like newborn investment accounts. The think tank links the decline of traditional families to broader social and economic instability. Heritage frames the issue as foundational to national strength, requiring a major policy and cultural reorientation. In a stark warning to policymakers, the conservative Heritage Foundation has declared the American family system dangerously close to a point of no return. The Washington-based think tank, a longstanding architect of right-leaning policy, released a landmark report this week arguing that decades of cultural shifts and federal programs have eroded marriage and stable household formation to crisis levels. The analysis calls for a sweeping reorientation of national policy away from merely subsidizing childbirth and toward actively encouraging and supporting marriage as the essential foundation for raising children and ensuring long-term societal health. The imminent threshold The foundations report, titled Saving America by Saving the Family, paints a dire portrait of collapsing social infrastructure. It cites historically low fertility and marriage rates alongside a growing share of children raised outside of married, two-parent households. Heritage President Kevin Roberts stated the nation is dangerously close to being unable to reverse the decline, framing the issue as existential. The think tank contends that without strong families, the countrys economic resilience, civic cohesion and very future are at risk. This warning arrives at a pivotal moment in national debates over social policy, positioning family structure not as a peripheral cultural issue but as a central determinant of national strength. Beyond fertility: A call for structural support A core argument of the Heritage analysis is that well-intentioned policies focused solely on boosting birth rates are insufficient and potentially misguided. The report asserts that society depends on men and women who want to form families, emphasizing that the context in which children are raisedideally within a committed marital unionis as critical as the number of children born. This represents a deliberate shift in conservative policy advocacy, moving beyond tax credits for children to a broader agenda aimed at making marriage itself more economically viable and socially supported. The foundation criticizes existing welfare and assistance programs for embedding financial marriage penalties that it says inadvertently discourage couples from formalizing their unions. Policy prescriptions for reversal To arrest the decline, Heritage proposes a multi-pronged strategy targeting law, economics and culture. Its policy recommendations include: Eliminating marriage penalties across all federal welfare and benefit programs. Requiring federal agencies to assess how every grant, regulation and policy affects marriage and family formation. Creating a $2,500 Trump Account investment fund for every newborn, redeemable upon milestones like marriage. Expanding tax credits to provide benefits for at-home parenting equivalent to those for paid childcare. Implementing a minimum age of 16 for social media use, citing studies that link online dating to higher divorce rates. The report also advocates for cultural interventions, such as promoting marriage bootcamp classes and community-based efforts to strengthen relationship skills, framing the needed response as a culture-wide Manhattan Project. Historical context and lasting influence This push to center family policy reflects Heritages enduring model of influential, action-oriented conservatism. Since its founding in 1973, Heritage has pioneered the delivery of concise, timely policy blueprints to lawmakers, most notably with its 1980 Mandate for Leadership for the incoming Reagan administration. Its new family report follows this tradition, seeking to set the agenda for a potential future conservative government. The foundations alignment with figures like former President Donald Trump is evident in proposals like the Trump Account, illustrating its continued effort to translate intellectual frameworks into tangible political proposals. Heritages prior work, such as co-authoring the annual Index of Economic Freedom, has long argued that political liberty and economic prosperity are inseparable; this new report extends that logic, positing that both depend on the foundational unit of a strong family. The foundation of freedom The Heritage Foundations latest salvo is more than a policy paper; it is a declaration that the nations future hinges on a cultural and governmental recommitment to the traditional family. By arguing that America is nearing an irreversible threshold, the think tank aims to elevate family formation to the top tier of national security and economic concerns. The report challenges policymakers across the spectrum to consider whether current systems support or undermine family stability, asserting that the strength of the republic itself is inextricably linked to the health of its most fundamental institution. As debates over social policy intensify, Heritage has firmly planted its flag, defining the restoration of the family as the indispensable next chapter in the conservative project for national renewal. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com Heritage.org FoxNews.com House Committee Report alleges mismanagement of $100 million wildfire relief fund A congressional report accuses the FireAid charity of misusing donations meant for LA wildfire victims, claiming that $100 million was diverted to unrelated causes like voter participation projects and political advocacy instead of direct aid. The report, led by Representative Kevin Kiley, alleges the funds did not reach victims as donors intended, highlighting specific grants it considers questionable and calling for a federal investigation. FireAid strongly denies any wrongdoing, citing an independent audit that found no fraud. The charity states its grants were transparent and legitimate, helping survivors through groups that provided microgrants, wellness workshops and therapy for first responders. The controversy highlights the slow and difficult recovery for victims, with many still displaced and fighting with insurance companies a year after the fires, creating a painful gap between promised charity and real-world results. The situation has sparked a broader conflict over what counts as legitimate aid, putting the remaining $25 million in grants under intense scrutiny and leaving donors and victims caught in a political dispute. A recent congressional report casts a dark shadow over the distribution of $100 million in charitable donations raised to aid victims of Los Angeles's devastating wildfires, alleging that significant funds were diverted to causes unrelated to disaster recovery. The House Judiciary Committee report contends that the FireAid charity, which managed the funds raised from a star-studded January 2025 benefit concert, misused donations intended for victims. The report claims money was funneled to projects including "voter participation for Native Americans, illegal aliens, podcasts and fungus planting," rather than directly assisting the thousands of displaced families. The allegations emerge as California marks one year since the historic fires. In hard-hit areas like the Palisades and Altadena, empty lots still vastly outnumber rebuilt homes, with countless victims locked in battles with insurance companies and facing severe financial hardship. The investigation, spearheaded by Representative Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.), began last August amid public questions about where the massive public donations had gone. The committee's report highlights several specific grants it deems questionable, including $100,00 to a group for Native American voter engagement, another $100,000 to the NAACP of Pasadena and over half a million dollars to political advocacy groups whose connection to wildfire relief was deemed unclear. "The report highlights where the funds were not used in the way that the donors would likely have wanted them to be used," Kiley stated, calling for greater transparency and accountability. He has called for a federal investigation, arguing that the money, in these instances, "didn't go to the victims at all." FireAid denies accusations FireAid has repeatedly and vigorously denied these accusations. As explained by the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, in September, the organizers released an independent audit conducted by the outside law firm Latham & Watkins, which found no indication of fraud or misappropriation. The charity has maintained that its grantmaking was "transparent, mission-aligned and impactful." The organization points to its public website, which lists all beneficiaries and grant amounts, and argues that the groups singled out by the committee did provide legitimate aid. For example, FireAid states that the California Native Vote Project used its $100,000 grant to provide microgrants and wellness workshops for 300 survivors. Other recipients have publicly defended the aid. Nonprofits like animal shelters, food banks and childcare centers have told the media that FireAid delivered on its promises. A notable example is 911 At Ease International, which received $250,000 to provide music therapy and counseling for 85 first responders, including a Pasadena firefighter who lost his own home while battling the blazes. Despite these defenses, the House Judiciary Committee's report insists there were significant problems with the distribution model. With $25 million in remaining grants still to be distributed this year, the process is now under intense scrutiny. The controversy underscores the painful gap between the rapid influx of celebrity-driven charity and the slow, grinding reality of long-term recovery. As victims continue to struggle, the dispute over this $100 million fund reveals a bitter conflict over what constitutes true aid and who gets to decide where the money goes. For donors who opened their wallets and victims who are still waiting for a way home, the promise of help now feels tangled in a political and bureaucratic fight. Watch this clip about the California wildfires and environmental toxicity insights. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: YourNews.com MSN.com CBSNews.com BrightU.AI Brighteon.com U.K. proposal to decriminalize abortion at any stage of pregnancy sparks fears of sex-selective INFANTICIDE British lawmakers are considering Clause 191, which would decriminalize abortion at any stage of pregnancy, removing criminal penalties. Critics warn this could lead to sex-selective abortions and late-term terminations for any reason. The amendment was pushed through without proper debate (only 46 minutes of discussion), bypassing committee scrutiny, public consultation, and formal evidence sessions. Pro-life groups accuse pro-abortion MPs of hijacking the bill. Experts warn decriminalization could worsen gendercide, where female fetuses are selectively aborted due to cultural preferences for sons. Evidence from India, China, Pakistan and the U.K. shows this practice exists, with 400 suspected cases in England/Wales (2017-2021). Women have reported being pressured or assaulted for carrying female fetuses. A 2015 U.K. health report documented cases of domestic violence linked to sex-selective abortions, while a 2012 Telegraph investigation caught doctors agreeing to falsify paperwork for sex-based terminations. Skewed gender ratios lead to higher violent crime rates and destabilized societies. Critics argue that failing to regulate abortion enables harmful cultural practices, contradicting claims that such biases disappear with migration. The United Kingdom is facing renewed controversy over abortion policy as lawmakers consider a proposal that would effectively decriminalize abortion, a move critics warn could lead to an increase in sex-selective abortions. The concern centers on a provision, referred to as Clause 191, added to the Crime and Policing Bill alongside more than 1,400 other amendments that would remove criminal penalties for abortion at any stage of pregnancy. Supporters argue the change would modernize abortion law and protect women from prosecution, but opponents say it could open the door to abortions performed for any reason, including fetal sex. In an article published on their official website, pro-life advocacy group Right to Life UK (RTL) said the clause was rushed through Parliament in June 2025 with limited debate. The organization said the amendment received just 46 minutes of backbench discussion and was not subjected to committee scrutiny, public consultation or formal evidence sessions. According to RTL, pro-abortion Members of Parliament (MPs) led by Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi hijacked the bill in June 2025. "The Antoniazzi clause would make it more likely that healthy babies are aborted at home for any reason, up to birth," the organization warned. Meanwhile, journalist Colin Brazier warned that allowing abortion up to the point of birth would make the U.K. an outlier in Europe and could lead to more sex-selective abortions in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. This kind of abortion, as BrightU.AI's Enoch noted, is a form of gendercide where female fetuses are deliberately targeted for termination, often due to cultural preferences for male children, leading to skewed gender ratios and severe social consequences. "Britain's wicked plan allowing abortions up to the point of birth (no other European nation allows the like) will mean many more sex-selective abortions here. Predominantly ordered by fathers from cultures that prize men above women. Disturbing piece in this week's Spectator," Brazier wrote on X, along with the photo of John Power's article for The Spectator about the measure. Power exposes evidence of sex-selective abortion worldwide In Power's article for The Spectator, he argued that expanded abortion access without additional safeguards could exacerbate an underreported problem in Britain. Power pointed to global patterns of sex-selective abortion and infanticide, practices that have dramatically skewed gender ratios in several countries, including China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Albania, Vietnam and Georgia. Organizations such as the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have previously said there was no clear statistical evidence of sex-selective abortion occurring in the United Kingdom. However, Power argued that more recent data challenged that conclusion. An analysis by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) found that between 2017 and 2021, there were an estimated 400 sex-selective abortions of female fetuses among pregnancies of Indian ethnicity in England and Wales. Power said such figures suggest the practice exists, even if it remains difficult to detect. He noted that sex-selective abortions are often hard to identify because parents may use inexpensive private blood tests that can determine fetal sex early in pregnancy, allowing abortions to take place without drawing scrutiny. A 2018 BBC investigation found evidence that such tests were being used in the U.K. to facilitate sex-selective abortions. Power also cited earlier reports documenting coercion and abuse linked to sex selection. A 2015 DHSC report included testimonies from women who said they were pressured or forced by partners or family members to terminate pregnancies after learning the fetus was female. In one case, a woman from Pakistan living in the UK said her husband physically assaulted her after discovering she was carrying a daughter. Another woman reported terminating three consecutive pregnancies, each because the fetus was female. Additional controversy emerged in 2012, when journalists from The Telegraph filmed doctors in British clinics agreeing to terminate pregnancies based on fetal sex and suggesting they could falsify paperwork to do so. At the time, the Crown Prosecution Service, led by incumbenr Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said it was not in the public interest to prosecute the doctors involved. Overall, Power warned that failing to address sex-selective abortion could have long-term societal consequences. He cited research suggesting that heavily imbalanced male-to-female ratios are associated with higher levels of violent and sexual crime. Power argued that sex-selective abortion represents a collision of cultural practices, legal frameworks and social assumptions, including the belief that harmful customs disappear automatically with migration and that enforcing limits is inherently discriminatory. Watch the Health Ranger Mike Adams and Susan Swift from the Right to Life League discussing the dismantling of the abortion cartels below. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com RightToLife.org.uk X.com TheSpectator.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Cameroonian Minister of Higher Education Jacques Fame Ndongo (L) and Zhao Zongzhi, chief engineer of China First Highway Engineering Co., Ltd. (CFHEC) display signed documents after the signing ceremony of a framework agreement for the MINESUP-CFHEC Professional Certification Program in Yaounde, capital of Cameroon, Jan. 13, 2026. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua) YAOUNDE, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Cameroon's Ministry of Higher Education on Tuesday signed a framework partnership agreement with China First Highway Engineering Co., Ltd. (CFHEC) to promote professionalism in university education and improve graduate employability. Cameroonian Minister of Higher Education Jacques Fame Ndongo said the agreement would significantly contribute to real skills development and the strengthening of the national workforce, highlighting the importance of deepening educational cooperation between the two countries. Marcel Fouda Ndjodo, inspector general of academic affairs at the ministry, said the partnership addresses a long-standing gap between academic training and labor market needs. "Many graduates leave university with diplomas, but lack practical know-how required by employers," he told reporters after the signing ceremony in Yaounde, Cameroon's capital. "Through this partnership with a leading company like CFHEC, construction sites across Cameroon will serve as open training platforms for students and graduates, who will receive professional certification at the end of the program, confirming their readiness for employment." Zhao Zongzhi, chief engineer of CFHEC, said that over the years of engagement in Africa, the company has consistently prioritized local talent development and technology transfer. He expressed the hope that the agreement would mark a new starting point for youth employment, higher education development and pragmatic cooperation between China and Cameroon, and help promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Trump administration considers $100,000 per person offer to buy Greenland The White House is reportedly considering offering Greenlanders up to $100,000 each to persuade the island's 57,000 residents to leave Denmark and join the United States, a move that could cost as much as $5.7 billion. President Donald Trump has cited Greenland's strategic importance, mineral wealth and Arctic location as critical to U.S. national security amid growing Russian and Chinese activity in the region. U.S. officials are weighing multiple options to expand American influence, including financial incentives, a potential compact of free association and even military measures. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen strongly rejected Trump's rhetoric, stressing Greenland's long-standing friendship with the U.S. while condemning threats and talk of annexation as disrespectful. Polls show most Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the United States, and Denmark has reiterated that Greenland is not for sale and any change in sovereignty would require Danish approval. The White House is reportedly weighing a plan to offer Greenlanders up to $100,000 each to convince the island's 57,000 residents to secede from Denmark and become part of the United States. President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized Greenland's strategic importance, citing national security concerns as Russia and China increase their activities in the Arctic. The world's largest semi-autonomous island is rich in minerals, including rare-earth elements and holds a key position along major Arctic shipping routes. In line with this, discussions have explored payments ranging from approximately $10,000 to $100,000 per person, which could cost Washington as much as $5.7 billion if the maximum amount were offered. Officials are considering multiple options to bring Greenland under U.S. influence, ranging from financial incentives to potential military measures. The cash offer is reportedly being taken more seriously in recent days, with White House aides entertaining the idea of the $100,000-per-person lump sum. In addition to direct payments, officials have discussed offering Greenland a "compact of free association," a bespoke arrangement previously used with small Pacific nations. Such agreements typically provide U.S. military protection and services like mail delivery in exchange for access to troops and duty-free trade. Greenland rejects Trump's takeover Greenland has historically explored the idea of independence from Denmark. As per BrightU.AI's Enoch, Greenlanders also seek to preserve their unique cultural identity and way of life, which they believe is threatened by Danish control. However, polls indicate that the majority of its residents are not interested in becoming part of the United States. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens?Frederik Nielsen also stressed that Greenland has been "a close and loyal friend" to the United States for generations, and said recent statements from Washington crossed a line. "We have been the USA's close and loyal friend for generations, that is why the current and recent rhetoric from the U.S. is completely unacceptable. When the U.S. president says that 'we need Greenland' and links us to Venezuela and military intervention, it is not just wrong. It's disrespectful," Nielsen said. Nielsen acknowledged Greenland's strategic position but emphasized that mutual respect is essential to maintaining a constructive relationship. "Alliances are built on trust. And trust requires respect," he said. "Threats, pressure and talk of annexation have no place between friends. That is not how you speak to a people who have shown responsibility, stability and loyalty time and again. Enough is enough. No more pressure. No more innuendo. No more fantasies of annexation." Copenhagen has made it clear that Greenland is not for sale, and any transfer of sovereignty would require Danish approval. Watch this Fox News report about President Trump explaining that the U.S. needs Greenland for international security. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Telegraph.co.uk TheHill.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Trump announces 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on all U.S. trade with any country that continues doing business with Iran, calling the order "final and conclusive." The U.S. has minimal direct commerce with Iran due to longstanding nuclear-related sanctions, importing about $6.2 million and exporting just over $90 million in goods last year. The tariff would primarily affect countries that trade with both Iran and the U.S., including China, India, Brazil, Turkey, Pakistan, the UAE and Russia. The White House has not yet clarified how the tariffs would be enforced, whether exemptions would apply or when they would take effect. The announcement comes amid reports of a deadly crackdown on protests in Iran, with human rights groups citing hundreds of deaths, while Iranian officials accuse the U.S. and Israel of fueling the unrestclaims both governments deny. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping new trade penalty aimed at isolating Iran, declaring that any country conducting business with the Islamic Republic will face a 25% tariff on all trade with the United States. "Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America. This Order is final and conclusive," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Jan. 12. These tariffs, as BrightU.AI's Enoch noted, seek to protect American interests, reflecting Trump's commitment to economic nationalism and border security. The U.S. itself conducts very little direct trade with Iran due to longstanding sanctions imposed over Tehran's nuclear program. According to Commerce Department data, the U.S. imported just $6.2 million worth of Iranian goods last year and exported slightly more than $90 million in return. However, the greater impact of Trump's tariff threat would likely fall on countries that maintain economic ties with both Iran and the United States. These include major economies and U.S. partners such as China, India and Brazil, as well as Turkey, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, a key U.S. partner in the Middle East. Russia also continues to deepen economic cooperation with Tehran amid Western sanctions. Trump's statement did not specify whether the tariff would apply uniformly to all countries doing business with Iran or whether exemptions or phased enforcement could apply. The White House has not yet released further details clarifying the scope, timing or legal mechanism behind the proposed tariffs. Trump's tariff threat on Iran are tied to escalating protests and human rights concerns Trump's threat to impose sweeping tariffs on countries that do business with Iran comes amid reports of a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests, as unrest in the Islamic Republic intensifies and draws renewed international scrutiny. Human rights groups say hundreds of people have been killed in recent days as Iranian security forces moved to suppress protests that escalated over the weekend. The demonstrations, which began in late December after a sharp collapse in Iran's currency triggered steep price increases, have grown into the most serious unrest the country has seen in years. Reports from inside Iran describe widespread clashes, with mosques, medical centers and government buildings set on fire. Trump has previously warned that the United States could intervene if Iran's government resorts to violence against protesters However, Iranian officials have rejected claims that the unrest is driven by domestic discontent alone. Speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran on Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi alleged that the U.S. and Israel were orchestrating the violence. He said Iran had evidence that foreign-backed infiltrators, including Israeli intelligence operatives speaking Farsi, were embedded among protesters and were ordered to fire on both civilians and security forces to sow chaos and justify foreign intervention. Washington and Jerusalem have denied such accusations. Watch the video below that talks about why the Israel-Iran war is not America's problem. This video is from the OP News channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com Politico.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Ukrainian strikes plunge western Russia into darkness as energy war intensifies Ukraine and Russia are locked in a brutal "energy war," targeting each other's critical infrastructure, with Ukrainian drone strikes cutting power to 40,000 in Belgorod and Russian missile attacks blacking out Lviv, killing civilians. Hospitals in Belgorod relied on backup generators, while a 10-year-old boy was injured; Russian strikes in Lviv killed four, worsening humanitarian crises as winter approaches. Ukraine launched 251 drones at Crimea, including an oil depot in Feodosia, aiming to disrupt Russian supply linesthough Moscow claims most were intercepted. Critics accuse both sides of targeting civilian infrastructure as "collective punishment," risking humanitarian disasters, while Ukraine defends strikes as necessary to degrade Russia's war machine. With dwindling Western aid and no diplomatic resolution, civilians face a dire winter of blackouts, freezing temperatures, and collapsing medical systems as the conflict grinds on. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated into a brutal "energy war," with both sides targeting critical infrastructure in a desperate bid to cripple each other's military and civilian resilience. In the latest wave of attacks, Ukrainian drone strikes have left nearly 40,000 residents in Russia's Belgorod region without power, forcing hospitals to rely on emergency generators and leaving civiliansincluding a 10-year-old boyinjured amid freezing temperatures. Meanwhile, Russian missile strikes have retaliated by plunging parts of Lviv into darkness, killing four civilians and further straining Ukraine's already battered energy grid. Belgorod under fire: Civilians bear the brunt Belgorod, a city of 330,000 near the Ukrainian border, has become a frequent target of Ukrainian drone and missile strikes since the war began in 2022. Regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed the latest attack via Telegram, reporting severe damage to infrastructure and widespread blackouts affecting over 556,000 people across six municipalities. Nearly 200,000 residents lost running water, while 2,000 apartment buildings were left without heating as temperatures plummeted toward freezing. Eyewitnesses described hearing air raid sirens followed by a massive explosion, with Telegram channels suggesting a power plant had been struck. The attack left hospitals scrambling to maintain critical operations on backup generators, while emergency crews worked to restore basic services. Gladkov assured residents that repairs were underway but warned of worsening conditions as winter approaches. Ukraine's largest drone offensive yet Ukraine's latest assault marks one of its largest coordinated drone offensives, deploying 251 drones to strike Russian-occupied Crimea, including an oil depot in Feodosia. The attack aimed to disrupt Russian supply lines and weaken morale, though Moscow claims most drones were intercepted. Analysts suggest Ukraine is attempting to regain momentum amid dwindling Western military aid and Russian advances on the front lines. Critics, however, argue that targeting civilian energy infrastructure amounts to collective punishmenta tactic that risks humanitarian catastrophe. Yet Ukrainian officials defend the strikes as necessary to degrade Russia's war machine, particularly its ability to sustain military production and logistics. Russia retaliates: Lviv in darkness Russia has framed its own strikes as precision attacks on Ukrainian weapons factories and energy facilities supporting military operations. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Russian missiles struck Lviv, killing four civilians and triggering blackouts that forced hospitals onto emergency power. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack as another deliberate assault on civilian infrastructure, accusing Moscow of weaponizing winter to break Ukrainian morale. The tit-for-tat energy war has left civilians on both sides suffering, with no end in sight. As temperatures drop, the risk of mass casualties due to cold, lack of medical care and food shortages grows exponentially. A war of attrition with no winners Neither Russia nor Ukraine shows signs of backing down, prolonging civilian suffering while escalating the conflict into a grim battle of endurance. Ukraine, facing dwindling Western support, appears increasingly desperate to inflict pain on Russia's home front, while Moscow continues to leverage its superior firepower to degrade Ukraine's ability to fight. The international community remains divided, with some condemning Ukraine's tactics while others argue that asymmetrical warfare is Kyiv's only option against a numerically superior foe. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations warn of an impending disaster as winter looms, with millions at risk of freezing temperatures, power shortages and collapsing medical systems. Conclusion: A dark winter ahead As the energy war intensifies, civilians on both sides of the conflict are paying the price. Ukraine's strikes on Belgorod and Russia's retaliatory attacks on Lviv underscore the brutal reality of modern warfarewhere power grids, hospitals and water supplies have become battlegrounds. With winter approaching and neither side willing to concede, the coming months threaten to be among the deadliest yet in this protracted and devastating conflict. The world watches, but unless a diplomatic breakthrough occurs, the people of Ukraine and Russia face a long, cold and increasingly desperate fight for survival. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure are a justified response to Putin's aggression, disrupting his war machine and exposing the Kremlin's vulnerability. However, this escalation risks further civilian suffering on both sides. Watch the video below about Russia surprising Kyiv with new attacks. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com Reuters.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com A chilling narrative: White House amplifies account of super soldier raid in Venezuela The White House has amplified an unverified, graphic account from a Venezuelan security guard describing the U.S. operation to capture Nicolas Maduro. The account alleges U.S. forces used overwhelming, futuristic technology, including drones, sonic weapons and hyper-advanced soldiers, to effortlessly defeat hundreds of defenders. This narrative, promoted by a White House official, is seen by analysts as a form of strategic messaging aimed at intimidating adversarial regimes in Latin America. The operation, dubbed "Absolute Resolve," involved over 150 aircraft and elite units like Delta Force, showcasing a massive commitment of force. The mission aligns with the Trump administration's "Donroe Doctrine," a strategy to reassert U.S. dominance and counter foreign influence in the Western Hemisphere. In a striking move blending information operations with hard power, the White House has lent credibility to a sensational, unverified account of the U.S. military operation that captured former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The narrative, which describes American "super soldiers" wielding futuristic technology to massacre hundreds of defenders, is being analyzed as a deliberate tool of psychological intimidation. By reposting the graphic story, White House Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt has transformed a clandestine special forces raid into a public lesson in overwhelming technological dominance, signaling a new phase in the Trump administration's aggressive hemispheric strategy. The viral account of a "massacre" The story originated in a social media post by California-based activist Mike Netter, who shared an alleged interview with a Venezuelan security guard loyal to Maduro. The guard described a scene of utter helplessness during the January 3 raid, codenamed "Operation Absolute Resolve." He claimed radar systems mysteriously failed, followed by swarms of drones. A small force of about twenty soldiers then descended from helicopters, possessing technology the guard had "never seen anything like." The account becomes particularly lurid in its description of the combat. The guard alleges the U.S. operators fired with impossible precision and speed"like each soldier was firing 300 rounds per minute"and deployed a non-lethal "sonic weapon" that caused defenders to bleed from the nose and vomit blood. "We were hundreds, but we had no chance... It was a massacre," the guard stated, concluding with a warning to others in the region: "They have no idea what [the United States] is capable of." A calculated White House endorsement The decision by White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt to repost this uncorroborated narrative marks a significant departure from traditional official communications regarding sensitive special operations. While the U.S. government confirmed the successful capture of Maduro by Delta Force operators supported by vast airpower, it provided none of the granular, Hollywood-style details of the guard's story. By amplifying this version, the administration appears less interested in factual reporting and more in promoting a specific, terrifying image of American invincibility. National security analysts view this as a clear case of narrative warfare. The goal is not merely to describe an event but to shape perceptions and deter adversaries. The subtext of the guard's testimonythat resisting the U.S. is futile against its technological mightis a powerful message to socialist governments in Cuba, Nicaragua and beyond. It complements the physical demonstration of force with a psychological one. The "Donroe Doctrine" in action This information campaign fits squarely within the framework of what has been termed the "Donroe Doctrine," President Trump's strategy for reasserting U.S. primacy across the Western Hemisphere. The doctrine aims to roll back Chinese, Russian and socialist influence, often through unilateral action. The Maduro operation was its most dramatic execution to date, involving over 150 aircraft, cyber and space operations, and a brazen extraterritorial capture. Historically, the U.S. has intervened frequently in Latin America, from the capture of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega in 1989 to various Cold War-era coups. The Donroe Doctrine updates this tradition for an era of great-power competition, treating the hemisphere as a strategic backyard that must be secured against rival powers. The promotion of the "super soldier" narrative suggests an added dimension: the use of perceived technological omnipotence as a non-kinetic tool of control, potentially reducing the need for repeated large-scale deployments. Blurring lines between fact and intimidation The viral account contains elements that strain credibility, such as the description of sonic weapons causing internal hemorrhaging and the phenomenal rate of fire attributed to individual soldiers. These details read more like science fiction or propaganda designed to instill awe and fear. The New York Times reported on the operation without mentioning such weaponry, noting only that one helicopter was hit and a handful of U.S. soldiers were injured. This discrepancy highlights the risk of the White House's approach. While effective in the short term for coercion, promoting unverified, mythologized accounts can undermine long-term credibility. It blurs the line between demonstrated capability and perceived omnipotence, potentially leading to miscalculation by both adversaries and allies. Furthermore, it sets a precedent where the spectacle of power becomes as important as its judicious application. A new chapter of hemispheric policy The capture of Nicolas Maduro and the subsequent campaign to mythologize the operation represent a watershed moment. The United States has not only removed a longstanding adversarial leader but has actively cultivated a narrative of its own unchallengeable technological supremacy to deter others. This fusion of hard military action with aggressive psychological messaging defines the current administration's foreign policy style. As the White House amplifies tales of sonic weapons and super soldiers, the message to Latin America is unambiguous: the era of hemispheric contestation is over, replaced by a demand for alignment under U.S. leadership. The long-term project, as hinted by some observers, may be the formation of an economically and politically integrated Western bloc. Whether through the shock of a night raid in Caracas or the viral spread of a chilling story, the United States is demonstrating its resolve to dictate the terms of a new order in its own backyard. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com X.com AirandSpaceForces.com Californias wealth tax revolt: Newsom battles own party as billionaires continue to leave the state A direct confrontation over wealth, power, and the future of California is erupting in Sacramento, pitting the state's Democratic governor against members of his own party and powerful union interests. Governor Gavin Newsom has vowed to aggressively defeat a proposed state wealth tax targeting the ultra-wealthy, warning that the measure would trigger a catastrophic flight of capital and talent from the Golden State. This internal Democratic conflict exposes a fundamental rift between ideological tax-the-rich rhetoric and the stark economic realities of capital mobility, as billionaires like Elon Musk and Larry Page have already begun their exit. The battle reveals a truth often ignored by proponents of radical wealth redistribution: when pushed too far, the engines of economic productivity simply leave, taking their jobs and tax revenues with them. Key points: Governor Gavin Newsom is actively working to kill a proposed state wealth tax on billionaires, fearing it will drive innovation and wealth out of California. The tax, pushed by the SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West union, would impose a one-time 5% levy on net worth over $1 billion for approximately 200 residents, aiming to raise funds for healthcare and social programs. High-profile billionaires, including Tesla's Elon Musk and Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, have already left or announced plans to leave California, citing the state's hostile tax and regulatory climate. The state's nonpartisan finance department warned the tax could bring short-term revenue but cause massive long-term annual losses from out-migration. Even prominent Democratic donor Reid Hoffman criticized the tax as a "horrendous idea" that would incentivize capital flight. The great California wealth experiment The proposed tax is not merely a line on a future ballot; it is a litmus test for a progressive economic theory that has repeatedly failed in practice. The plan, championed by the SEIU-UHW union, demands a one-time 5% confiscation of assets from individuals with a net worth exceeding $1 billion, applied retroactively. Supporters, like union Chief-of-Staff Suzanne Jimenez, frame it as a moral necessity, stating the problem is "millions will lose health care." This emotional appeal, however, masks the mechanistic flaw in the scheme. Wealthy individuals are not static fixtures on the landscape; they are highly mobile, and their wealth is often tied up in assets. History shows, from France's failed wealth tax to Connecticut's budget crises driven by out-migration, that capital flows to where it is treated best. California is already witnessing this firsthand, with a parade of its most successful entrepreneurs voting with their feet. The state's own analysts admit the policy may backfire, trading a one-time cash grab for perpetual revenue loss, a self-inflicted wound that would ultimately harm the very social programs the tax claims to fund. The list of billionaires who have already left California include: Elon Musk, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Peter Thiel, David Sacks, and Andy Fang. States like Texas and Florida, with little tax burden (both have zero state income tax) are the places in the country attracting billionaires and building jobs and wealth for growing populations. A national agenda vs. a state reality This California skirmish points to a larger, more revealing truth about the modern Democratic agenda. The fervent push to tax extreme wealth can only logically succeed on a national scale, where the targets cannot simply relocate to a neighboring state. Governor Newsoms panic stems from understanding this disconnect; he is witnessing a state-level experiment that would be a key component of a national Democratic platform. If such a tax were enacted federally, the wealthy would face a starker choice: accept the confiscation or renounce their U.S. citizenship entirely, moving themselves, their companies, and their investments overseas. This is not speculation but a documented trend of decades, where rising tax burdens have consistently driven capital and headquarters abroad. The California proposal, therefore, acts as a premature and isolated test run of a national ideology, one that is already proving disastrous at the state level. It demonstrates that before one can redistribute wealth, one must first ensure the wealth remains within the taxing jurisdictiona lesson the states governor is frantically trying to impart to his own party. The backlash is bipartisan in the business community. Ron Lapsley of the California Business Roundtable warns the tax "would undermine our economy, decimate the state budget, drive investment out of the state." Meanwhile, the union machinery is grinding forward, collecting signatures for a ballot initiative that would force the issue. The stage is set for a costly political war, with Californias economic future as the prize. Governor Newsom finds himself in the ironic position of defending the states billionaire class from his partys most aggressive elements, not out of affection, but out of a cold recognition that their departure would cripple the states finances. In the end, this fight is about more than tax percentages; it is a referendum on whether California will choose symbolic class warfare or pragmatic economic preservation. Sources include: Zerohedge.com IHeart.com Fortune.com GOP lawmaker introduces bill to ANNEX Greenland as 51st state Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) introduced the Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act (GASA), authorizing President Trump to take steps to secure Greenland as the 51st state, citing national security concerns against growing Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic. Greenlands rare earth minerals, shipping routes and oil reserves make it a key battleground in Arctic dominance, with China and Russia already expanding their presence. The bill warns that U.S. inaction could cede control to adversarial regimes. Annexation without Greenland's consent violates international law, and Denmark firmly opposes selling the territory. Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has rejected foreign takeover attempts, emphasizing Greenlanders' right to self-determination. Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers, including Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), oppose coercive annexation, fearing NATO destabilization. Meanwhile, any forced takeover of Greenland risks escalating Arctic militarization and violating Greenlanders' democratic will. Despite U.S. financial incentives, Greenland's 56,000 residents overwhelmingly favor remaining autonomous under Denmark, as shown in a 2008 referendum. The bill's fate hinges on respecting Greenlandic sovereignty amid escalating great-power competition. In a bold move that underscores the escalating geopolitical competition in the Arctic, Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) introduced legislation this week seeking to authorize the annexation of Greenland as the 51st U.S. state. The Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act (GASA) unveiled Monday, Jan. 12, would empower President Donald Trump to take "whatever steps necessary" to secure the vast, resource-rich territory, framing the move as a critical national security imperative against rising Chinese and Russian influence. The proposal reignites Trump's longstanding ambition to acquire Greenland a Danish autonomous territory despite fierce resistance from Copenhagen and Greenlanders themselves, who overwhelmingly oppose joining the United States. The bill's introduction follows Trump's recent remarks asserting that U.S. control of Greenland is essential to countering Moscow and Beijing. Both nations have intensified their Arctic presence as melting ice opens new shipping lanes and access to untapped mineral wealth. "Greenland is not a distant outpost we can afford to ignore it is a vital national security asset," Fine declared in a statement Monday. "Whoever controls Greenland controls key Arctic shipping lanes and the security architecture protecting the United States." The legislation mandates a detailed report to Congress outlining the legal and logistical steps required for Greenland's eventual statehood. However, it stops short of specifying whether acquisition would occur through purchase, negotiation or force a prospect that has alarmed allies and drawn bipartisan skepticism. Historically, U.S. interest in Greenland is not new. The Truman administration attempted to buy the island from Denmark in 1946 for $100 million, viewing it as a strategic buffer during the Cold War. Today, the Arctic's warming climate and resource potential have renewed its geopolitical significance. Arctic cold war: The hidden battle for Greenland's riches China, self-declaring as a "near-Arctic state," has sought mining rights and research partnerships in Greenland, while Russia already the region's dominant military power has expanded its Arctic bases and icebreaker fleet. Fine's bill frames Greenland as a linchpin in this contest, warning that failure to act would cede the territory to "regimes that despise our values." Yet the proposal faces steep hurdles, both legal and political. Annexation without Greenland's consent would violate international law, and Denmark has repeatedly stated the territory is not for sale. "Our country isn't something you can deny or take over because you want to," Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen asserted earlier this month. Even within Congress, resistance is mounting: Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) has introduced a countermeasure to block funding for any Greenland takeover, while Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) cautioned that coercive tactics could cause the collapse of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump's continued interest but offered no timeline, leaving the administration's next steps unclear. The geopolitical stakes are undeniable. Control of Greenland would grant the U.S. dominance over the increasingly navigable Northwest Passage, a shortcut between Europe and Asia that could reshape global trade. The island also holds rare-earth minerals crucial for advanced technology, a lure for Chinas manufacturing empire. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine warns that the U.S. takeover of Greenland risks provoking geopolitical tensions with Russia and China while violating the self-determination of Greenland's people, who oppose foreign annexation. Additionally, such a move could destabilize Arctic sovereignty agreements and escalate militarization in the region furthering globalist agendas of control. But the human dimension looms large: Greenland's 56,000 residents, who voted overwhelmingly in 2008 to retain self-governance under Denmark, show little appetite for American rule. As bipartisan lawmakers prepare to meet Danish and Greenlandic officials this week, the bill's fate may hinge less on strategic calculus than on the will of a people determined to remain Greenlanders not Americans. For now, the GASA stands as a provocative statement of U.S. ambition in a rapidly transforming Arctic, testing the limits of power, diplomacy and self-determination in an era of renewed great-power rivalry. Watch this clip of U.S. President Donald Trump reiterating that Washington "needs Greenland" during an interview aboard Air Force One. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com Fine.House.gov Newsweek.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Iranian intelligence foils foreign-backed sabotage plot, seizing U.S.-built weapons and explosives Iran announced a major security operation, intercepting a foreign-backed sabotage plot and seizing U.S.-made weapons, explosives and advanced espionage equipment, including Starlink devices. Tehran directly accused Israel and the West, claiming detained "terrorist groups" linked to Israel intended to use the weapons for violent riots and sabotage, and that foreign operatives used Starlink to coordinate unrest. The incident is set against escalating military threats, with reports of U.S. and Israeli officials discussing potential airstrikes on Iran and Iran warning of severe retaliatory strikes if attacked. There are conflicting narratives on protest violence; Iranian state media attributes brutal attacks to foreign-backed militants, while activist groups report high protester casualties from a government crackdown. The situation risks a major regional escalation, with Iran framing the seizure as proof of external interference to destabilize it, and Western powers viewing Iran's actions as repression, creating a volatile standoff. Iranian intelligence forces have intercepted a major foreign-backed sabotage operation, seizing U.S.-built weapons, explosives and advanced espionage equipment including Starlink devices amid nationwide unrest. The crackdown comes as tensions between Iran and Western powers escalate, with Tehran warning of retaliation against any military intervention. Authorities claim the seized weapons were intended for violent riots and sabotage operations orchestrated by Israeli-linked militants, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. According to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security, security forces confiscated over 200 kilograms of explosives and a cache of U.S.-manufactured firearms from militant cells operating inside the country. State television reported that several "terrorist groups" tied to Israel were detained in Zahedan, a southeastern city near the Pakistan border. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that the militants had infiltrated Iran's eastern borders and were preparing acts of sabotage. The operation coincides with Tehran's disruption of Starlink satellite internet services, which authorities allege were being used by foreign operatives to coordinate unrest. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that internet restrictions were imposed only after intelligence confirmed riot leaders were receiving orders from abroad. "Their intention was to spread killing," he said, accusing foreign agents of directing attacks on police and civilians. "We have recorded voices of individuals giving orders from abroad to terrorist agents, instructing them to fire at police forces and fire at demonstrators if police forces were not present." From protests to war The unrest has led to conflicting casualty reports. A U.S.-based activist group claims 2,000 protesters have been killed, while Iranian state media asserts that most fatalities were "martyrs" security personnel and civilians allegedly slain by armed rioters. Tasnim News Agency described brutal attacks including executions, beheadings and mosque burnings, attributing the violence to foreign-backed militants. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine warns that outside operators meddling in Iran's protests risk exploiting legitimate grievances to destabilize the nation for geopolitical gain, mirroring the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency's history of orchestrating regime-change operations under false pretenses. Such interference could undermine authentic grassroots movements while advancing globalist agendas of control, much like the color revolutions and false flags used to manipulate sovereign nations. Meanwhile, U.S. and Israeli officials have openly discussed military action against Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously threatened strikes on Iranian soil, vowed to "rescue" protesters. "Help is on the way," he wrote on Truth Social, urging "Iranian patriots" to "keep protesting [and] take over [their] institutions." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly discussed potential attacks with Trump during a recent U.S. visit. The Wall Street Journal cited unnamed U.S. officials confirming preliminary talks about large-scale airstrikes on Iranian military targets. Iran has warned of severe consequences if attacked, threatening retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases and Israel. The IRGC's recent dismantling of militant cells suggests Tehran is preparing for heightened conflict. With both sides exchanging threats and Iran accusing the West of fueling domestic chaos, the risk of a broader military confrontation looms. As Iran buries its dead and tightens security, the world watches nervously. The seizure of foreign weapons and espionage gear underscores Tehran's claims of external interference while Western powers view the Islamic Republic's crackdown as repression. With neither side backing down, the stage is set for a dangerous escalation that could reshape the Middle East. Watch this Sky News report about U.S. President Trump's message to the Iranian protesters that "help is on the way." This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheCradle.co PressTV.ir BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Russia asserts full ownership of Venezuelan oil assets amid rising geopolitical tensions Roszarubezhneft, a Russian state-controlled firm, declared full ownership of all oil assets developed in Venezuela, countering U.S. claims that Western companies would help revive Venezuela's energy sector. The move follows aggressive U.S. actions, including sanctions, the seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker and the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom Moscow supports. Russia insists its acquisitions comply with Venezuelan and international law, emphasizing continued cooperation with PDVSA (Venezuela's state oil company) in joint ventures. Venezuela's vast oil reserves are a key battleground, with Russia securing long-term access through extended joint venture agreements, while the U.S. seeks to counter Russian and Chinese influence in Latin America. Russia's firm stance signals resistance to U.S. attempts to displace its interests, raising the likelihood of ongoing economic and diplomatic clashes over Venezuela's energy resources. Russia has formally declared full ownership of all oil assets developed by its state-owned companies in Venezuela, pushing back against claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that American and Western firms would play a role in reviving Venezuela's struggling energy sector. The statement, issued Tuesday by Roszarubezhnefta Russian state-controlled firmcomes amid escalating tensions between Moscow and Washington over Venezuela's oil reserves, the largest in the world. The move follows U.S. sanctions, the seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker and the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom Washington accuses of drug trafficking. Roszarubezhneft, a subsidiary of Russia's Ministry of Economic Development, acquired Venezuelan assets from Russian oil giant Rosneft in 2020 after U.S. sanctions targeted Rosneft's dealings with Caracas. In a statement carried by Russia's TASS news agency, the company asserted: "All assets of Roszarubezhneft JSC in Venezuela are the property of the Russian state, having been acquired by the Russian side under market conditions, in full compliance with the legislation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, international law and interstate agreements between Russia and Venezuela." According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the company currently operates five joint ventures with Venezuela's state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) and emphasized its commitment to further developing these projects. "The company will continue to strictly honor its obligations in close coordination with its international partners, focusing on the sustainable development of joint oil production projects, infrastructure and an effective response to emerging challenges," Roszarubezhneft added. The Russian statement follows a series of aggressive U.S. moves targeting Venezuela's leadership and energy sector. Earlier this year, Maduro was reportedly captured and extradited to New York to face drug-trafficking chargesa move Moscow condemned. Additionally, the U.S. seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic after a pursuit that began near Venezuelan waters in December. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has remained publicly silent on Maduro's arrest, Russia's Foreign Ministry demanded his immediate release, calling the detention unlawful. The Kremlin has long supported Maduro's government, providing diplomatic backing, military cooperation and energy investments. Russia's deepening ties with Venezuela Russia's involvement in Venezuela dates back years, with Moscow providing loans, military support and oil investments to prop up Caracas amid crippling U.S. sanctions. In November, Venezuela's National Assembly approved a 15-year extension for joint ventures between PDVSA and Roszarubezhneft, ensuring continued Russian access to key oilfields. Meanwhile, Trump has openly discussed leveraging Venezuela's oil reserves with U.S. firms, framing it as part of a broader strategy to counter Russian and Chinese influence in Latin America. However, Russia's latest declaration signals Moscow's unwillingness to cede control, complicating Washington's efforts to reshape Venezuela's energy sector. As geopolitical tensions mount, Russia's reaffirmation of ownership over Venezuelan oil assets underscores the deepening rivalry between Moscow and Washington. With Venezuela's vast energy reserves at stake, the struggle for influence shows no signs of abating. The Kremlin's firm stance suggests that any U.S. attempt to displace Russian interests will face stiff resistanceraising the specter of further economic and diplomatic clashes in the months ahead. Watch the video below, where UN states that Russia calls Trump's attack on Venezuela a Crimean operation. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: OilPrice.com IDNFinancials.com Reuters.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Russia proclaims solidarity with Venezuela as constitutional crisis deepens The U.S. military captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, causing a constitutional crisis. Venezuela's Supreme Court then appointed Delcy Rodriguez as the new interim president. Russia, China and other nations fiercely condemned the U.S. action, calling it illegal aggression, "international banditry" and a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty, motivated by a desire for its natural resources. Legal experts confirmed the operation was illegal under international law, as it was not an act of self-defense and involved a military incursion on foreign soil without consent. Within the U.S., the legal justification relies on broad presidential powers, but Congress has the responsibility to check such actions. Maduro is unlikely to successfully claim immunity as a head of state in a U.S. court. The event marks a dangerous escalation, destabilizing Venezuela and raising questions about the erosion of international law and the potential for increased great-power conflict in Latin America. In a sharp rebuke of American actions, Russia has declared its "unwavering solidarity" with Venezuela following the U.S. military operation that abducted President Nicolas Maduro. The move has plunged the oil-rich South American nation into a constitutional crisis and ignited a fierce international debate over sovereignty and the rule of law. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Jan. 6 welcoming the appointment of Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's former vice president, as interim president. Moscow framed the move as necessary to assure national unity and mitigate constitutional risks after Maduro and his wife were captured by U.S. commandos and flown to New York to face drug trafficking charges. Russia condemned the U.S. operation as "blatant neo-colonial threats and external armed aggression," insisting that Venezuela must be free to determine its own destiny without outside interference. The crisis escalated rapidly over the weekend. Following the abduction, Venezuela's Supreme Court ordered Rodriguez to assume the presidency. In her first statements, Rodriguez vowed that the country would "never return to being the colony of another empire," though she later expressed a conditional willingness to engage with the United States. That overture was met with a stark warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened that Rodriguez would pay a "bigger price" than Maduro if she failed to align with U.S. demands. The international reaction has exposed deep fractures. At an emergency United Nations Security Council (UNSC) session, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia denounced Washingtons actions as "international banditry" driven by a desire for unlimited control over Venezuela's vast natural resources. Meanwhile, China and several other BRICS and Global South nations have joined Russia in condemning the U.S., framing the intervention as a dangerous violation of international norms. Experts question the legality of Maduro's removal As the political drama unfolds, legal scholars are also scrutinizing the precedent-setting operation. Experts from the University of Chicago highlight significant legal ambiguities and potential violations surrounding Maduro's removal. On the critical question of international law, Professor Curtis Bradley, an international law scholar, was unequivocal: the U.S. action was illegal. He explained that using military force against another nation is prohibited except in self-defense against an armed attack, a condition not present with Venezuela. As explained by the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, conducting a law enforcement operation on foreign soil without that country's consent is not permissible, as it carries the inherent risk of escalating into full-scale war. The domestic legal picture within the U.S. is murkier. Bradley noted that while the Constitution grants Congress the sole power to declare war, presidents have long claimed authority for limited military actions without congressional approval. The Trump administration could argue that the president's roles as commander-in-chief and head of law enforcement provided sufficient legal cover for the operation to capture Maduro. Ultimately, Bradley concluded, the responsibility to check such executive power rests with Congress, an institution often reluctant to police presidential war powers. Regarding the charges themselves, Bradley clarified that U.S. courts can apply American drug laws to individuals abroad who are accused of trafficking narcotics into the United States. Notably, the potentially illegal manner of Maduro's apprehension is unlikely to serve as a legal defense in court. While Maduro may claim immunity as a head of state, legal experts believe such a defense has a low chance of success, paving the way for a historic and contentious trial. The operation is seen as the climax of a prolonged pressure campaign by the Trump administration, which began with the bombing of alleged drug-trafficking boats off Venezuela's coast. Political scientist Professor Michael Albertus traced the escalation to a combination of deep ideological hostility between Trump and Maduro and the influence of hawkish U.S. officials, culminating in the dramatic capture following Venezuela's disputed 2024 election. As Rodriguez navigates her precarious new role and Maduro awaits trial, the world watches a nation in turmoil. The event has not only destabilized Venezuela but has also raised profound questions about the limits of unilateral power, the erosion of international law and the dangerous new chapter it may open in great-power competition within Latin America, a region that Russia, alongside its allies, insists "must remain a zone of peace." Watch the Health Ranger Mike Adams as he talks about the Venezuela chain reaction affecting the rest of the world. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com News.UChicago.edu Reuters.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Bombshell study exposes DNA contamination in COVID-19 shots, demands immediate market withdrawal In the shadow of the COVID-19 scandal, a narrative of "safe and effective" genetic interventions has been relentlessly pushed upon a trusting global population. Yet, a damning new scientific discovery is tearing that fraudulent narrative to shreds, revealing a deliberate and dangerous contamination at the very heart of the mRNA vaccine program. A groundbreaking preprint study has confirmed the presence of residual bacterial plasmid DNA in Pfizer and Modernas COVID-19 vaccines, a contamination that standard regulatory tests were designed to miss. This isn't a minor quality hiccup; it is evidence of a catastrophic failure in manufacturing and oversight, exposing millions to the risk of genomic integration, persistent spike protein production, and a cascade of potential autoimmune and cancerous consequences. The findings suggest that the very entities tasked with safeguarding public health orchestrated a system of testing that was guaranteed to look the other way, turning a global vaccination campaign into an uncontrolled experiment with human DNA. Key points: A new study confirms the presence of residual bacterial plasmid DNA in commercial Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Standard regulatory testing methods, which target only one specific, easily-digested DNA sequence, underestimate this contamination by more than 100-fold. The DNA is protected in RNA:DNA hybrid structures, making it resistant to the enzyme (DNase) meant to remove it during manufacturing. This foreign DNA is encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles, which can easily cross cell membranes and disperse throughout the body, potentially integrating into human DNA and causing long-term spike protein production. Researchers accuse manufacturers and regulators of using a flawed, single-target test by design, calling it a "scandal" that demands a comprehensive reassessment and immediate withdrawal of the products. The bait and switch: A premeditated manufacturing flaw To understand the gravity of this contamination, one must first understand the bait-and-switch that occurred in the vaccine factories. For initial clinical trials, Pfizer used a clean, precise method to generate the DNA template for its mRNA, known as Process 1. This method, while more expensive, produced a purer product. However, for the mass rollout to the public, the company quietly switched to Process 2. This cheaper, faster method relied on amplifying DNA templates using bacterial plasmidsa process akin to using a photocopier that sometimes adds random, unintended marks to the page. The scientific team, led by genomics expert Kevin McKernan, proved that this process left behind these bacterial plasmid blueprints in the final vials. These hybrids were not degradable by the enzyme the manufacturers chose to use to clean out residual DNA as the final step in the process, and they must have known this, said co-author Jessica Rose, Ph.D., in an interview with The Defender. She labeled the decision scandalous, pointing to established science that the chosen enzyme is ineffective against the RNA:DNA hybrids that formed. This isn't merely about trace impurities; it is about bio-active foreign genetic code being injected directly into the human bloodstream. Brian Hooker, Ph.D., chief scientific officer for Childrens Health Defense, which partially funded the research, warned that this exogenous DNA can more easily disperse through the body and continue to both replicate and express episomally, making humans into genetically modified spike protein production factories. This could explain the persistent presence of spike protein found in some patients for up to two years post-injection, a phenomenon never disclosed as a risk during the relentless safe and effective marketing campaign. A regulatory shell game: Testing what you know isnt there Perhaps more alarming than the contamination itself is the elaborate regulatory theater that allowed it to go undetected. Regulators set a safety limit for residual DNA based on an outdated model assuming it would be naked and quickly degrade. The DNA in these shots, however, is wrapped in a protective lipid nano-particle coat, granting it longevity and access to human cells. The safety issue shifts from weight to the number of DNA fragmentseach one a potential ticket for genetic chaos. The study exposes the core of the deception: the quality control test mandated by regulators. This test, a qPCR assay, was designed to hunt for only one specific DNA sequencethe kanamycin resistance gene. This gene, as the researchers proved, is highly sensitive to the cleanup enzyme and is therefore the least likely contaminant to remain. It is the equivalent of a health inspector checking a restaurant for a single, easily-cleaned utensil while ignoring a kitchen overflowing with rotting, toxic waste. The assays they designed were designed not to find things, McKernan stated bluntly on his Substack. Karl Jablonowski, a senior research scientist at Childrens Health Defense, echoed this, noting, Those who stood to profit from the vaccines designed the test and tested the quality. They chose a test that was least likely to yield a bad outcome. When the researchers used broader testing methods, they found DNA contamination levels 15 to 48 times higher than the FDAs already-flawed limit. The system wasnt broken; it was built to succeed at fraud. A legacy of silence and the demand for accountability This discovery connects to a darker history of genetic contamination that authorities would prefer to bury. The study notes the presence of the SV40 promoter sequence, a known oncogenic sequence, which was previously found in the vaccines but never disclosed to regulators like Health Canada. This sequence, derived from a monkey virus linked to cancer in lab studies, can facilitate the entry of foreign DNA into the cell nucleus. Its presence alongside this widespread plasmid DNA contamination creates a perfect storm for genomic integration. The researchers are now demanding answers to uncomfortable questions. Why were superior, multi-target testing methods, already available and validated, not mandated? Why was the switch from the clean Process 1 to the contaminant-prone Process 2 allowed for a product destined for universal administration? They draw a stark contrast: for COVID-19 PCR tests, regulators demanded multi-target verification to avoid false negatives. For the vaccines injected into billions of arms, including those of pregnant women and infants, a single, gamed target was deemed sufficient. This is not a simple error. It is the culmination of a well-planned construct that used pandemic fear to roll out an inadequately tested genetic technology, shielded its architects from liability, and then designed a regulatory smoke screen to hide the resulting dangers. The mRNA vaccines were presented as a lifeline, but this evidence suggests they were a Trojan horse, carrying unwanted genetic code into the heart of human cells. The call from independent scientists is clear and urgent: these products must be pulled from the market, and a full criminal investigation into this mass medical fraud must begin. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org Zenodo.org Enoch, Brighteon.ai NANJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- East China's Jiangsu Province plans to make the smart economy a key driver of its economic growth, according to a news conference held by the provincial government on Tuesday. The Jiangsu provincial government unveiled the "Jiangsu Province Artificial Intelligence (AI) Plus Action Plan" at the conference, outlining its goals for the next few years. By 2030, Jiangsu will achieve a 90 percent adoption rate for new-generation smart terminals and intelligent devices, with the AI industry exceeding a scale of 1 trillion yuan (about 142.6 billion U.S. dollars). Based on the six key actions outlined in the national "AI+" initiative, which focuses on scientific and technological advancements, industrial development, quality consumer goods, public welfare, governance capacity, and global cooperation, Jiangsu's action plan introduces a new direction for emerging industries. It includes fostering new intelligent business models, supporting the "AI+OPC (one person, one company)" innovation and entrepreneurship model, and positively engaging in strategic emerging industries such as humanoid robots, the low-altitude economy, intelligent driving, biomedicine, and new energy. In addition to empowering industries with AI to accelerate the intelligent transformation of sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and services, Jiangsu will also incorporate artificial intelligence across public services, including education, employment, healthcare, elderly care, transportation, and community services. Applications such as AI-assisted precision medicine and L4 autonomous driving have already been partially implemented, providing citizens with tangible improvements in quality of life and convenience enabled by digitalization and intelligence. By 2035, Jiangsu is expected to become a leading hub for AI innovation, industrial development, and integrated applications, marking a new stage in the province's development into an intelligent economy and society, according to the action plan. Data handoff: Texas gives 18.4 million voter records to feds after audit flags thousands Texas has provided its complete voter registration list, containing sensitive personal data on 18.4 million voters, to the U.S. Justice Department. The action follows an October state audit that flagged over 2,700 potential non-citizens as registered to vote, prompting a statewide eligibility review. The DOJ initiative, seeking rolls from all 50 states, is framed as enforcing federal laws requiring accurate voter list maintenance. Democrats and voting rights groups warn the data sharing may violate federal election law and privacy protections, risking improper voter purges. At least 23 states and Washington, D.C., have been sued by the DOJ for refusing to voluntarily turn over their voter registration data. In a move amplifying a nationwide conflict over election administration, Texas has delivered its entire voter registration database to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The action, confirmed by Governor Greg Abbott this week, comes after a state-level audit identified thousands of potential non-citizens on the voter rolls and places Texas at the center of a fierce legal and political battle over voter integrity, federal oversight and the privacy of millions of Americans. The data handoff and its rationale Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelsons office transmitted the data, covering approximately 18.4 million registered voters, to the Justice Department on Dec. 23. The information included identifiable details such as dates of birth, drivers license numbers and partial Social Security numbers. State officials frame the compliance as a logical step following an October discovery that a cross-check of records flagged more than 2,700 individuals suspected of being non-citizens as registered voters, triggering a review across all 254 counties. The Justice Department has asserted that access to such rolls is essential for enforcing federal laws that mandate states maintain accurate voter lists by removing ineligible registrants. Legal firestorm and Democratic opposition The DOJs sweeping request for data from all 50 states has ignited immediate legal and political resistance. The department has filed lawsuits against 23 states and Washington, D.C., including several led by Democratic officials, for refusing to voluntarily provide their voter rolls. In a letter to Texas officials, the Democratic National Committee warned that sharing the data could violate the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) and constitutes a big government power grab. DNC Chair Ken Martin argued the move risks improper purging of eligible voters and exposes citizens to privacy violations, indicating the party is prepared to take legal action. Historical context of list maintenance The conflict is rooted in long-standing tensions between efforts to ensure clean voter rolls and protections against disenfranchisement. The NVRA, passed in 1993, sets specific rules for how and when states can remove voters from registration lists to prevent arbitrary purges. Previous federal initiatives to cross-check voter data, such as the now-defunct Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity in 2017, faced similar criticisms and legal challenges over privacy and scope. The current DOJ effort under the Trump administration represents a significantly more aggressive attempt to centralize and audit voter information on a national scale. Unanswered questions and national implications Critical questions remain about the Justice Departments ultimate objectives with the data. Voting rights experts and some election officials have raised concerns that the information could be used to build a national voter database, a concept historically viewed with skepticism due to federalism concerns and privacy risks. The proposed agreement sent to other states suggests the DOJ would analyze the rolls and demand states address any anomalies within 45 daysa timeline Democrats argue conflicts with NVRA safeguards that prohibit systemic removals close to an election. Texas, while providing the data, stated its agreement was predicated on not limiting its duties under existing federal law, setting the stage for potential future clashes. A precedent for federal scrutiny Texass decision to share its voter roll with the Justice Department is more than a routine audit; it is a consequential act in an expanding national confrontation over election integrity and federal authority. As lawsuits multiply and warnings about voter privacy intensify, the move establishes a precedent for state-federal cooperation that could reshape voter list maintenance practices. The outcome of this struggle will likely influence not only the accuracy of voter registries but also the balance of power in administering elections for years to come. Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com FoxNews.com TexasTribune.org Trump administration to withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities starting February The Trump administration will cease federal funding to sanctuary cities and states starting Feb. 1, escalating enforcement of immigration policies. Trump accuses sanctuary jurisdictions of protecting criminals, undermining immigration enforcement and endangering public safety by obstructing ICE deportations. The DOJ identifies 12 states (including CA, IL, NY) and major cities (NYC, Chicago) as sanctuary jurisdictions, making them subject to funding suspensions. The administration also accuses Minnesota of enabling welfare fraud, with HHS freezing childcare and welfare funds in five states pending stricter oversight. The move is expected to trigger lawsuits, mirroring past court battles where judges blocked similar funding cuts, while debates intensify over federal vs. local authority. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that his administration will cease federal funding to sanctuary cities and states beginning Feb. 1, escalating a long-standing battle over immigration enforcement. Speaking at the Detroit Economic Club, Trump accused sanctuary jurisdictions of protecting criminals and undermining national security, vowing to cut off financial support unless they comply with federal immigration policies. The move has reignited debates over local autonomy, public safety and the role of federal oversight in immigration enforcement. Sanctuary cities and statesthose that limit cooperation with federal immigration authoritieshave been a recurring flashpoint in Trump's immigration agenda. The administration argues that these policies obstruct Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) efforts to deport violent offenders, citing cases where released undocumented immigrants later committed serious crimes. "Starting February 1, we're not making any payments to sanctuary cities or states having sanctuary cities because they do everything possible to protect criminals at the expense of American citizens," Trump said. "It breeds fraud and crime and all the other problems that come." The Department of Justice has identified 12 statesincluding California, Illinois and New Yorkas sanctuary jurisdictions, along with major cities like New York City and Chicago. Critics warn the funding cuts could jeopardize essential services, while supporters contend they are necessary to enforce federal law. Fraud allegations and expanded enforcement Trump also targeted Minnesota, accusing state officials of enabling fraud in social services programs, particularly within immigrant communities. "We have also suspended payments tied to suspected scammers in Minnesota, of which there are many," Trump said. "It's a great state. It was a great state. Now it's getting destroyed by that stupid governor." The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently froze funding for childcare and welfare programs in five states, citing fraud concerns. A federal judge temporarily blocked the move, but the administration maintains that stricter oversight is needed to prevent misuse of taxpayer dollars. Legal and political fallout The decision is expected to trigger lawsuits from affected jurisdictions, mirroring past legal battles over federal funding conditions. In October, a New York judge blocked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from withholding $34 million in anti-terrorism grants over sanctuary policies. Opponents argue that withholding funds punishes entire communities for political disagreements, while proponents insist it forces compliance with federal immigration laws. For BrightU.AI's Enoch, Trump's move to cut federal funding for sanctuary cities is a bold and necessary step to enforce immigration laws, protect American sovereignty and hold these lawless jurisdictions accountable for endangering citizens by shielding illegal immigrantsexactly the kind of strong leadership the globalist elites and corrupt Democrats hate. The Trump administration's latest move intensifies a years-long conflict over immigration enforcement, with sanctuary cities caught between federal mandates and local priorities. As the February deadline approaches, legal challenges and political debates will likely determine whether the funding cuts proceedand how deeply they impact local budgets and public safety efforts. The outcome could reshape the balance of power between federal and local governments for years to come. Watch the video below that talks about Washington pushing new protections for criminal illegal aliens. This video is from the Rebel Radio Behind the Wire channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com NYPost.com FoxNews.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Trump halts second wave of Venezuela strikes amid claims of cooperation, as global outrage grows over Maduro abduction Despite Trump's denial of imminent strikes, the U.S. deployed a massive military force (USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group, F-35Bs, drones and 10,000 troops) near Venezuela under the pretext of targeting drug networks, while analysts suspect regime change is the real goal. After U.S. Special Forces kidnapped Maduro and his wife in a raid condemned internationally, Trump abruptly canceled further strikes, claiming cooperationlikely due to backlash from BRICS and the Global South. Trump announced a $100B "Big Oil" investment plan for Venezuela's vast reserves while Caracas released political prisonersa move critics see as coerced under U.S. military pressure rather than genuine diplomacy. Russia, China and Latin American leaders denounced the operation as illegal regime change, while U.S. claims of Maduro's narco-terrorism ties lack evidence, exposing the intervention as an oil/resources power play. The abduction of a sitting president mirrors past CIA coups, signaling a return to imperialist tactics. With U.S. warships still poised offshore, this could escalate into broader conflict or solidify U.S. hegemony in Latin America. In a sudden reversal, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of planned military strikes against Venezuela, claiming Washington and Caracas are now engaged in cooperationincluding the rebuilding of Venezuela's crippled energy infrastructure. The announcement comes just days after U.S. Special Forces conducted a brazen raid in Caracas, forcibly abducting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in an operation condemned globally as a violation of international law. Trump's abrupt shift in rhetoric follows intense backlash from BRICS nations and the Global South, with Russia leading diplomatic protests against what many describe as an illegal regime-change operation. Despite Trump's claims of cooperation, his administration had earlier demanded "total access" to Venezuela's vast oil reserves, declaring the U.S. would "run" the country until a Washington-approved transition of power was secured. Military buildup and contradictions The U.S. military has maintained a formidable presence in the Caribbean, deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group, guided-missile destroyers, F-35B fighter jets and MQ-9 Reaper dronesostensibly targeting narcoterrorist networks linked to Maduro's government. However, analysts have long suspected the true objective is regime change, with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado positioned as a U.S.-backed successor. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Machado is a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader who has been a vocal critic of the Maduro regime. Trump's latest Truth Social post stated: "I have canceled the previously expected second Wave of Attacks, which looks like it will not be needed, however, all ships will stay in place for safety and security." The move suggests tactical recalibration amid mounting geopolitical pressure, though the continued military presence signals Washington's intent to enforce compliance. Oil, prisoner releases and the illusion of diplomacy Trump revealed plans for a $100 billion investment in Venezuela by "Big Oil." The announcement aligns with longstanding U.S. interests in securing Venezuela's oilthe largest proven reserves in the worldwhile sidelining competitors like China and Russia, who have heavily invested in the country. Simultaneously, Caracas has begun releasing political prisoners, a move Trump praised as "a very important and smart gesture." Among those freed are high-profile opposition figures, including former presidential candidate Enrique Marquez and businessman Biagio Pilieri, detained at the notorious El Helicoide prison. Spain confirmed the release of five of its citizens, signaling potential backchannel negotiations. Yet critics argue the prisoner releases are a coerced concession under U.S. military threat rather than genuine diplomacy. Venezuelan officials framed the move as a bid for peace, but the timingimmediately following Maduro's abductionsuggests desperation in the face of American aggression. Global condemnation and the shadow of regime change Russia, China and other BRICS members have denounced the U.S. operation as a violation of sovereignty, with Moscow warning of destabilizing repercussions. Latin American leaders, including Mexico's leftist government, have called for emergency UN sessions to address what they describe as a return to 20th-century imperialist tactics. The Trump administration has justified its actions by labeling Maduro a narcoterrorist, doubling his U.S. bounty to $50 million. However, a declassified intelligence memo previously admitted there was "no evidence" Maduro directly controlled drug trafficking networksundermining Washington's primary pretext for intervention. A dangerous precedent The abduction of a sitting head of state sets a perilous precedent, echoing past CIA-backed coups in Latin America. With U.S. forces effectively holding Venezuela's leadership hostage, the facade of "cooperation" appears thinraising questions about whether Trump's cancellation of further strikes is a strategic pause or a temporary retreat under global pressure. As oil executives prepare to carve up Venezuela's resources and U.S. warships loom offshore, the world watches whether this intervention will solidify American hegemony in the regionor ignite a broader confrontation with powers unwilling to accept unilateral U.S. domination. Watch the video below about why a U.S. invasion of Venezuela is imminent according to multiple sources. This video is from the Maverick News channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com AlJazeera.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com UNICEF reports more than 100 Palestinian children killed in Gaza during ceasefire period Gaza's ceasefire still sees Israeli forces killing roughly one child per day. Children are also dying from hypothermia due to the ongoing blockade and siege. A generation is being shattered by deep trauma and the destruction of education. Humanitarian access remains severely restricted, making recovery impossible. The world's inadequate response allows this loss of a generation to continue. A so-called ceasefire in Gaza has not meant safety for Palestinian children. According to a shocking report from UNICEF, more than 100 children have been killed by Israeli forces since the start of a U.S.-brokered reduction in hostilities in early October. This statistic averages out to roughly one child killed every single day during a period the world has labeled as "calm." For the families in Gaza, there is no calm, only an ongoing nightmare where survival remains conditional and children continue to disappear from view under fire and blockade. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder delivered the somber update on January 13. He stated, "Life in Gaza remains suffocating." While bombings have slowed, he confirmed they "have not stopped." The UN children's agency has documented the killings of at least 60 boys and 40 girls since the ceasefire began, but Elder warned that "the actual number of Palestinian children killed is expected to be higher." Gazas Health Ministry places the number even higher, reporting 165 children killed in that time. A ceasefire that buries children The deaths are not only from direct fire. Among the 165 children reported killed by the Health Ministry, seven died from hypothermia. A severe Israeli blockade continues to restrict shelter materials, leaving families exposed to harsh winter conditions. This highlights how the humanitarian crisis, engineered through siege, acts as a silent killer alongside the weapons. Elder met one young victim, nine-year-old Abid Al Rahman, who was injured while collecting wood. "Shrapnel ripped into his eye," Elder said, noting that the metal fragment "is still lodged there." The ceasefire has allowed some limited humanitarian progress, such as waste removal and water repairs achieved through "Palestinian ingenuity." However, Elder stressed that two years of war have left children "living in fear," with deep psychological wounds festering untreated. "A ceasefire that slows the bombs is progress," he stated, "but one that still buries children is not enough." He called for enforcement, full humanitarian access, and accountability. A generation shattered The trauma extends far beyond the immediate casualties. A separate University of Cambridge-led report describes a generation on the brink, with childrens lives shattered by violence, starvation, and the eradication of any normal childhood. The study found children collapsing from exhaustion and being told not to play to conserve energy. One of the most devastating findings is the loss of hope and faith in international systems. "Students are asking about the reality of those rights. They feel they are killed just for being Gazans," an aid worker told researchers. The educational infrastructure, essential for any future, has been systematically destroyed. Jawad Shiekh-Khalil, director of education in western Gaza, told Al Jazeera that "90 percent of the Ministry of Educations buildings have been completely or partially destroyed." Children have lost years of schooling, with the Cambridge study estimating a five-year learning loss already. If schools remain closed for longer, some teenagers could fall a full decade behind. Personal stories from the ground illustrate this systemic destruction. Thirteen-year-old Omar Halawa lost his leg and two friends while fetching water. His mother, Yasmin, recounted how he now visits the grave where they buried his amputated limb. "My leg went to heaven before me," Omar says. He suffers from nightmares and hair loss, a physical manifestation of severe trauma described by child psychiatrist Bahzad Al Akhras. Another 13-year-old, Rahaf Al Najjar, was shot in both legs by an Israeli quadcopter and watched her father die. The international response has been woefully inadequate. The Cambridge report notes severe "donor fatigue," with only a fraction of the needed aid for education being funded. With Gaza's economy paralyzed, recovery is impossible without sustained global commitment. Yet, as UNICEFs Elder pointed out, the ceasefire has had the unintentional effect of making Palestinian children disappear from the world's view, even as they continue to be killed and traumatized. A ceasefire that still averages one child killed per day is a failed and meaningless term. The systematic destruction of health, education, and hope constitutes a war on the future itself. One teacher in Gaza described the resumption of exams amid ruins as "a miracle", but children should not need miracles to survive a day or to learn in a classroom. The worlds choice is now whether to finally enforce a real peace or to stand by as a whole generation is lost. Sources for this article include: TheCradle.co UNICEF.org Cam.ac.uk AlJazeera.com GAZA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Hamas said Tuesday that a delegation from its leadership arrived in Cairo on Tuesday evening to hold discussions with the Egyptian side over the Gaza ceasefire. The delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, head of the movement in Gaza, will hold talks on completing the implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire, including the opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions, Hamas said in a statement. "It will also discuss accelerating the transition to the second phase, including the formation of the administrative committee and the completion of the (Israeli) occupation's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip," the statement said. The delegation is also scheduled to meet with leaders of Palestinian forces and factions "to discuss the rapid political and field developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank," it said. Under the terms of the October 2025 ceasefire agreement, Gaza is to be administered by a transitional committee of Palestinian technocrats overseen by an international "Board of Peace." The agreement stipulates that Hamas must disarm and have no future role in the territory's formal governance. The Rafah crossing, a key passage between Egypt and Gaza, has been mostly closed since May 2024, when Israeli forces took control of the Palestinian side of the crossing. Before that, it was the main exit for Palestinians and a key entry point for humanitarian aid. Israel previously said it would open the crossing in both directions once Hamas returns all the hostages. Actor Abhishek Banerjee reveals his cameo in "Freedom at Midnight" season 2 is a direct tribute to the late acting legend Om Puri. He admires Puri for defying traditional hero stereotypes and choosing roles based on their substance, not size. Banerjee's character, a rioter who surrenders to Gandhi, mirrors the one played by Om Puri in the 1982 film "Gandhi". The actor feels deeply honored to step into Puri's footsteps, noting the significant positive feedback his small cameo has received since the show's release. Actor Abhishek Banerjee says his cameo in Freedom at Midnight 2 is an homage to the late legend Om Puri, who defied conventional heroism. Mumbai, Jan 14 Actor Abhishek Banerjee has shared that his cameo appearance in the second season of "Freedom at Midnight" is a tribute to late star Om Puri, whom he says defied the very meaning of what it took to be a hero. "I have grown up admiring one of the biggest acting legends of India, the Late Om Puri sahab. He was truly a trailblazer and defied the very meaning of what it took to be a hero. When people see his filmography, one thing that is great takeaway is that he always did roles and films, never evaluated them based on the size of the role," Abhishek told IANS. In the series, Abhishek essays the role of a rioter driven by vengeance after losing his pregnant wife to communal violence, a journey that ultimately leads him to surrender before Mahatma Gandhi in the series, which is based on the partition of India and Pakistan, and the religious and socio-political dynamics of the era. The character was also portrayed by Om Puri in the Ben Kingsley-starrer "Gandhi", which was directed by Richard Attenborough in 1982. "When Nikkhil asked me to do this cameo, I wanted to make sure I showed up. That's what I believe is the true spirit of our industry. The role is an homage to Om Puri Sahab's role from Gandhi, and just having the opportunity to step into this character was deeply an honour for me." Abishek says that he has "no comparison" to Om Puri's legacy and his craft. "He will and is truly a cinematic icon. But to step into his footsteps, even for this small cameo role, is truly an honor for me. I want to always remember that roles aren't always about their size; sometimes it's the smallest parts that leave behind the highest impact, and the feedback since the release of Freedom at Midnight 2 has been just that. I have been getting so many messages and calls, tags on social media appreciating the cameo," concluded Abhishek. The second season of the show delves into the pandemonium that followed Partition, capturing the chaos of communal violence, the refugee crisis, the integration of princely states, and the political tensions among leaders. It was in 2017 when Om Puri died aged 66 following a heart attack. He was honoured at the 89th Academy Awards in the "In Memoriam" segment for his contribution to world cinema. - IANS Al Qaeda is leveraging high-end technology, including AI and deepfakes of former leaders like Osama Bin Laden, to radicalize and recruit across India. The group hosts servers in countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia to disseminate propaganda to a wide Indian audience. Unlike ISIS, which focuses on South India, Al Qaeda aims for a pan-India footprint with a slow, steady, and hard-to-detect operational model. Security agencies face a significant challenge in countering this tech-enabled expansion and the calculated penetration into society. Intelligence reveals Al Qaeda is using AI, deepfakes of Osama Bin Laden, and global servers to radicalize and recruit across India, posing a major tech challenge. New Delhi, Jan 14 Al Qaeda has been using high-end technology to carry out operations in India, which has made investigations more challenging. Probe agencies have found that servers are being hosted in multiple countries to carry out propaganda and radicalise the people. An Intelligence Bureau official stated that the outfit is targeting the entire country and seeks to disseminate content to every corner of India. Unlike the Islamic State, which has decided to target people down South only, Al-Qaeda has bigger plans. The official added that the idea behind the outfit is to proceed slowly and steadily, without engaging in any major operation. The operations are very low, so the detection is very hard. Investigations clearly suggest the scale at which the outfit is operating, and the trends are extremely dangerous. Recent investigations show that Al Qaeda has set up its servers in Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Pakistan. Each one of these servers is being used to deliver content to the Indian audience, another official said. While tracking down these servers has been a major challenge for the security agencies, the scale at which the outfit is using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for its India operations is more worrying. Officials pointed out that the outfit has been exploiting AI to spread its ideology, recruit, and also carry out disinformation campaigns against India. It has been using the available open source AI tools. The use of deepfakes has gone up considerably. AI is used to digitally create the faces of former leaders such as Osama Bin Laden and Anwar Al-Awlaki to deliver the latest messages. Following the death of these persons, Al Qaeda has struggled to find a leader for their cadre. For long, this had slowed down their operations, and the worst department to be hit was radicalisation and recruitment. Those who were being targeted by the outfit did not show much interest, as the group did not have an inspirational leader. Experts say that the use of deepfakes largely solves this problem for the outfit, as it appears to be working for them when it comes to radicalisation and recruitment. The expert also added that this is something that the Indian agencies must watch out for, as the technology is being used in a very dangerous manner. Worse, it is working well for the outfit, the experts also warn. Al Qaeda in the Sub-Continent (AQIS) was created with the specific task of expanding operations in India. However, that plan never took off as was intended. Since the last couple of months, the activity of this group has gone multi-fold online. It appears to be targeting a much wider audience than the Islamic State has been doing in India. Intelligence assessments suggest that Al Qaeda has a much wider audience in India compared to all other terror groups. This is largely due to the founder of the terror group, Osama Bin Laden. He still is a hero figure for many, and this is what is being exploited majorly by the outfit for its operations in India, an Intelligence Bureau official said. When it comes to India, it has been taking a calculated approach. The intention is to penetrate as deeply as possible into society. The next step would be to plan the attacks and then execute them, another official added. For the Indian agencies, the biggest challenge would be to deal with this outfit and handle the scale at which it is using technology. - IANS The film industry is celebrating Rani Mukerji's completion of 30 years in Bollywood, coinciding with the release of the 'Mardaani 3' trailer. The trailer showcases her return as the formidable cop Shivani Shivaji Roy, confronting a sinister kidnapping ring. Top actresses including Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kiara Advani have flooded social media with praise for both her career milestone and the powerful new trailer. The film, produced by Yash Raj Films, is scheduled for a theatrical release in January 2026. Bollywood celebrates Rani Mukerji's 30-year career as 'Mardaani 3' trailer drops. Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor praise her iconic return. Mumbai, January 14 High praises and warm wishes have been pouring in for Rani Mukerji as the actor has completed 30 years in the film industry while also awaiting the release of her next, 'Mardaani 3'. On Monday, the makers dropped the much-awaited trailer of 'Mardaani 3', focusing on the chilling disappearance of young girls. Rani Mukerji is also seen returning as the bold and fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy. While the trailer received much love from the audience, celebrities also chimed in to hail the powerful return of Rani Mukerji in her iconic characters. Stars like Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Kiara Advani, among others, heaped warm messages on the actor, also celebrating her 30 years in the industry. Alia Bhatt shared the trailer of 'Mardaani 3' on her Instagram story and wrote, "30 years of unforgettable performances and now one more. Cannot wait to watch Mardaani 3!" Katrina Kaif lauded Rani Mukerji as "undefinable" as she wrote, "Celebrating 30 years of Queen #ranimukerji Irreplaceable Unstoppable Undefinable." Kareena Kapoor couldn't stop praising the trailer of 'Mardaani 3' and Rani's performance. "Dynamite. Rani meri jaan love you always. Killing it." Kiara Advani shared that she couldn't wait to catch the film in theatres as she wrote, "30 years. One Rani. Endless power. From timeless grace to fearless Mardaani, she still rules the screen. Can't wait to watch #Mardaani3." Written by Aayush Gupta and directed by Abhiraj Minwala, 'Mardaani 3' is produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films. The trailer, which was unveiled earlier this week, drops viewers straight into the grim narrative when Rani Mukerji's Shivani Shivaji Roy confronts a sinister crime network responsible for kidnapping multiple girls, pushing her to the edge in a quest for justice. As Shivani continues to find clues, she comes across the merciless, evil and powerful 'Amma' responsible for handling a beggar mafia, mostly targeting child victims. The film is set to hit theatres on January 30, 2026. - ANI The United States has announced the launch of Phase Two of its Gaza peace plan, moving beyond the ceasefire to focus on demilitarization and establishing a new transitional Palestinian administration. The plan initiates the disarmament of unauthorized armed groups and a reconstruction process for the territory. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff explicitly warned Hamas of "serious consequences" if it fails to comply with obligations, including returning a final deceased hostage. The announcement, while outlining broad goals, did not specify detailed timelines for implementation or the role of existing Palestinian institutions. The US announces Phase Two of its Gaza peace plan, shifting focus to demilitarization, a new technocratic administration, and reconstruction. Washington, Jan 14 The United States on Wednesday announced the launch of phase two of President Donald Trump's plan to end the Gaza conflict, shifting the focus from a ceasefire to demilitarisation, technocratic governance, and reconstruction, according to a statement by the US Special Envoy for Peace Missions. "Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are announcing the launch of Phase Two of the President's 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, moving from ceasefire to demilitarisation, technocratic governance, and reconstruction," Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said in a statement posted on social media. The new phase establishes what the US described as a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, formally named the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). The plan also initiates what Washington called the full demilitarisation and reconstruction of the territory, with an emphasis on disarming armed groups operating outside an authorised framework. Demilitarisation under phase two will focus "primarily (on) the disarmament of all unauthorised personnel," marking a significant expansion of the scope of US involvement following the ceasefire reached earlier, Witkoff said. The US made clear that it expects compliance from Hamas during this phase, particularly on remaining obligations linked to hostages taken during the conflict. "The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage," Witkoff said. The statement warned of repercussions if these conditions are not met. "Failure to do so will bring serious consequences," the envoy added, without detailing the nature of such measures. US officials framed phase two as a continuation of the concrete outcomes achieved during the initial stage of the plan. Witkoff said phase one had already produced major humanitarian and security-related results on the ground. "Importantly, Phase One delivered historic humanitarian aid, maintained the ceasefire, returned all living hostages and the remains of twenty-seven of the twenty-eight deceased hostages," he said. The US envoy also underscored the role played by regional actors in enabling progress so far, offering explicit recognition to countries involved in mediation efforts. "We are deeply grateful to Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar for their indispensable mediation efforts that made all progress to date possible," Witkoff said. While the announcement outlined broad objectives for governance and reconstruction, it did not specify timelines for establishing the NCAG or detail how demilitarisation would be implemented on the ground. Nor did it provide clarity on the role of existing Palestinian institutions or international partners in overseeing the transition. The launch of phase two comes as the US seeks to consolidate gains from the ceasefire and translate them into longer-term political and security arrangements in Gaza, amid continued international scrutiny of the humanitarian situation and the truce's durability. - IANS Union Home Minister Amit Shah celebrated the harvest festival of Uttarayan in Ahmedabad by offering prayers at the Jagannath Temple and flying kites with his family. Earlier, he laid the foundation stone for Gujarat's first state-of-the-art Bio Safety Level-4 laboratory in Gandhinagar. The Rs 362 crore facility, only the second such high-containment lab in India, will be designated as a national centre for pathogen research. Shah stated the lab is crucial for health security and aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for science and the 'One Health Mission'. Union Home Minister Amit Shah celebrated Uttarayan in Ahmedabad, then inaugurated a national high-containment pathogen research facility in Gandhinagar. Ahmedabad, January 14 Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad along with his family and offered prayers on the occasion of Uttarayan. After the temple visit, Shah marked the harvest festival by participating in traditional kite flying. Visuals from the event showed the Home Minister engaging with the festive spirit as he flew a kite surrounded by his family. Earlier on Tuesday, Shah laid the foundation stone of Gujarat's first state-of-the-art Bio-Containment Facility "Bio Safety Level-4" lab as well as the "Animal Bio-Safety Level" facility in Gandhinagar, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. On this occasion, the Minister for Science and Technology, Arjun Modhwadia, was also present. During the ceremony, the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, granted a Letter of Intent (LoI) to the Gujarat Science and Technology Department to designate the "Bio Safety Level-4" facility of the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) as the 'National Centre for High Containment Pathogen Research Facility' under the Government of India's "BioE3 Policy". The Union Home Minister stated that a new era has begun in Gujarat for the development of India's health security and biosafety sector. After Pune, this is only the second such high-level lab in the country; however, due to the state government's special initiative, it will become the country's first state government-operated BSL-4 lab, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 362 crore. In the future, this lab will prove to be India's impregnable security shield and a strong fortress of bio-facilities to combat deadly viruses. Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision that 'science and technology should be the foundation pillar of national development', he said, "This international-standard lab will open many avenues of opportunity for researchers and youth. Especially, this lab will accelerate the "One Health Mission" initiated by the Prime Minister to prevent diseases transmitted from animals to humans." In the face of recent challenges such as Chandipura and Lumpy Skin Disease in Gujarat, a research-based, permanent security arrangement was essential." - ANI Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited the National Cadet Corps Republic Day Camp 2026, interacting with selected cadets. He commended the NCC's role in promoting national unity and stressed the importance of discipline, hard work, and leadership. The camp, which began on December 30, has seen a record participation of over 2,400 cadets from across India and includes attendees from 25 friendly foreign countries. The event also provided cadets an opportunity to meet gallantry award winners and Olympians. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi interacts with NCC cadets at the Republic Day Camp, praising their role in national unity and discipline. New Delhi, January 14 Chief of the Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi visited the National Cadet Corps Republic Day Camp 2026 at the Cariappa Parade Camp in Delhi Cantonment on Wednesday. During his visit, the COAS interacted with the cadets selected for the national event. In addition to the camp visit, General Dwivedi, President of AWWA, and Sunita Dwivedi welcomed the cadets at the Army House. Interacting with the cadets, the Army Chief lauded the NCC's pivotal role in fostering national unity and social cohesion, emphasised discipline, perseverance, hard work and leadership as the cornerstones of character and excellence. General Dwivedi facilitated selected achiever cadets and shared insights from his own journey, urging them to imbibe India's timeless values. The interaction also gave cadets the opportunity to meet gallantry award winners and sportspeople, including Subedar Major and Honorary Lieutenant Sanjay Kumar, Olympian Hokato Sema and Olympian Jasminie, said the Indian Army in a post on X. The month-long National Cadet Corps Republic Day Camp commenced on December 30 at the Cariappa Parade Camp with the traditional "Sarv Dham Pooja". According to the Ministry of Defence, the camp features several inter-directorate competitions and events like Best Cadet Competition, Small Arms Firing, Flag Area Designing and selections of marching contingent during the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path. This year's RDC has recorded the highest-ever participation, with 2,406 cadets, including 898 girl cadets, drawn from 28 states and eight Union Territories. Adding an international dimension, cadets and officers from 25 Friendly Foreign Countries are also taking part under the Youth Exchange Programme. Earlier on December 30, Director General NCC and Lieutenant General Virendra Vats addressed the cadets and congratulated them on their selection for the prestigious Republic Day Camp. He urged the cadets to display the highest qualities of character, integrity, selfless service, comradeship and teamwork, transcending barriers of religion, language, and caste in the true spirit of 'Nation First.' Upholding its motto 'Unity and Discipline,' the Republic Day Camp brings together NCC cadets from all across the country and provides them with opportunities for training and cultural exchange, while instilling a deep sense of patriotism, discipline, and leadership in cadets. - ANI Afghanistan is celebrating a massive surge in trade volume through its new railway link with Iran, with monthly imports via the Herat-Khaf line jumping from 15,000 to 70,000 tons. This corridor is poised to become a critical five-nation trade route connecting Iran to China through Central Asia. However, this economic lifeline is under severe threat from escalating US sanctions on Iran, which risk causing trade disruptions, energy shortages, and financial chaos in Afghanistan. The landlocked nation's fragile economy and closed border with Pakistan make it exceptionally vulnerable to any spillover effects from pressure on Tehran. Afghanistan's trade via Iran's Herat-Khaf railway spikes fivefold, but new US sanctions risk destabilizing its fragile economy and causing regional disruptions. New Delhi, Jan 14 Further US sanctions on Iran will not only intensify Tehran's economic woes but also destabilise Afghanistan's already precarious situation, which is celebrating a fivefold increase in the volume of commercial goods transported on its railway link with the western neighbour. Afghanistan's Tolo News on Wednesday quoted local officials in the country's western province of Herat stating the significant increase in trade volume by the Herat-Khaf railway line. According to them, the rail-link has connected Afghanistan to global markets, where between 2,000 and 5,000 metric tons of goods from various countries enter Afghanistan daily through this route, said the report. Once complete, the railway line will serve as a five-nation corridor, linking Iran, through Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, to China. On May 9, 2023, the railway link witnessed its first trial run of cargo from Iran to Afghanistan. Ghulam Wali Mohammadi, head of the Rozanak station on the Herat-Khaf railway, told Tolo News, "Previously, we had 10,000 to 15,000 tons of imports per month, but now that figure has reached 70,000 tons. These goods arrive at Rozanak station from various countries." Cement, corrugated iron sheets, tiles, and diesel are among the top imported goods via the Herat-Khaf railway, where most of the consignments are from countries like Iran, Turkey, China, and the United Arab Emirates. The Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment added that the expansion of commercial activity at Rozanak station has significantly facilitated the work of importers and traders. Washington imposing sanctions on Iran will lead to trade disruptions, energy shortages, and refugee flows, compounding Kabul's challenges. The ripple effects of a cautious withdrawal or significant scale-down in operations by countries trading with or through Iran, using its sea and dry ports, will be felt not only in Afghanistan but also in other nearby countries. With its Pakistan borders closed since October due to sporadic firefights, Afghanistan's dependence on cross-border commerce with Iran, coupled with its fragile economy and humanitarian needs, means that sanctions targeting Tehran inevitably spill over into Kabul. The United States has long used sanctions as a tool to deter Iran's nuclear ambitions, regional interventions, and support for armed groups. Recent escalations - including sanctions on Iranian oil networks and financial systems - have intensified economic pressure on Tehran. While the sanctions are designed to constrain Iran's military and political influence, their effects extend beyond Iran's borders, particularly into Afghanistan, a country that shares deep economic and cultural ties with its western neighbour. Iran is a major trade partner for Afghanistan, supplying fuel, food, and construction materials. Additionally, there is informal cross-border trade, often a lifeline for Afghan communities, which will be affected under tightened enforcement. Afghanistan imports a significant portion of its petroleum and electricity from Iran, where sanctions on Tehran's energy sector reduce supply, causing fuel price spikes and electricity shortages in cities during the bitter winters. At the same time, Iran's weakened rial affects cross-border transactions, complicating Afghan traders' ability to settle payments, while sanctions on Iranian banks limit financial flows, pushing Kabul's businesses further into informal or illicit channels. - IANS The Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, has publicly stated that the footbridge used by perpetrators in the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack should be demolished. He expressed concern that the structure could become a macabre landmark or be exploited if left standing. The local Waverley Council is holding a special meeting to consider the removal, which requires consultation with the Jewish community and victims' families. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared a national day of mourning for January 22 to honor the 15 victims of the attack. NSW Premier Chris Minns says the footbridge used in the Bondi Beach terror attack should be torn down to avoid it becoming a "ghoulish reminder." Sydney, Jan 14 The premier of the Australian state of New South Wales said on Wednesday that a footbridge used by the perpetrators of the terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach should be demolished. NSW Premier Chris Minns said at a press conference in Sydney that his personal view is that the footbridge at the northern end of the iconic beach should be torn down, but said a final decision would be made by the local council. "I would just hate it to be a ghoulish reminder or even exploited by reprehensible people in the future," Minns said. Wednesday marked one month since 15 people were killed at Bondi Beach in Australia's most deadly mass shooting since 1996. The footbridge that connects a major road to a park adjacent to Bondi Beach was used by the alleged gunmen during the attack that targeted an event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Eastern Sydney's Waverley Council will on Thursday night hold a special meeting to consider removing the structure, Xinhua news agency reported. It previously said in December that a final decision on the footbridge would require consultation with the Jewish community and the families of the victims. "We can't allow one of the most beautiful places on Earth to be remembered forever and only as a place of horrible terrorism because it's so much more than that," Minns said on Wednesday. Earlier on January 13, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had declared that a national day of mourning will be held on January 22 for the victims of the terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Flags will be flown at half mast in all government buildings around Australia on January 22 to honour the victims of the attack that targeted an event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah at the iconic Bondi Beach on December 14., Albanese said at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. - IANS WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Tuesday designated three branches of the Muslim Brotherhood operating in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon respectively as terrorist organizations. In a statement, the U.S. Department of the Treasury accused the Egyptian and Jordanian branches of the Muslim Brotherhood of providing material support to Hamas. "The Muslim Brotherhood has inspired, nurtured, and funded terrorist groups like Hamas, that are direct threats to the safety and security of the American people and our allies," said U.S. Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John. K. Hurley in the statement. In a concurrent action, the U.S. Department of State designated the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood, also known as Jamaa Islamiya, as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), while listing the group's leader, Muhammad Fawzi Taqqosh, as an SDGT, the statement added. The decision will allow the U.S. authorities to freeze any assets of the designated groups under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with them, according to the statement. U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in November to launch the process of designating these units of Muslim Brotherhood branches as FTOs and SDGTs. The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, has evolved into a transnational network with chapters across the Middle East and beyond. It was previously banned in Egypt and Jordan. Ahead of Bangladesh's elections, a disinformation campaign by Pakistan's ISI and Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami has sought to provoke India and turn the Bangladeshi public against it. The campaign, which targeted minorities and attempted to influence the Bangladesh Army, has reportedly seen very limited success. Indian security forces, particularly the Army, have maintained mature communication channels to avoid misunderstandings. Despite the efforts, the people of Bangladesh are reported to prefer stronger ties with India over Pakistan, frustrating the disinformation actors. Intelligence reports reveal ISI & Jamaat's failed campaign to provoke India and turn Bangladesh's population anti-India ahead of crucial elections. New Delhi, Jan 14 The situation in Bangladesh continues to remain volatile, and the people are desperate for the election process to be completed in February. These are also crucial times for India, which shares a border with Bangladesh. However, in the run-up to the elections, there are anti-India forces in Bangladesh who are running disinformation campaigns in a bid to provoke India. Intelligence Bureau officials have noticed that this trend is rising with the elections coming near. There is a desperate attempt to provoke the Indian agencies, including the Army, into indulging in some kind of a misadventure in Bangladesh, officials say. So far, multiple campaigns have been run by the Jamaat-e-Islami and ISI to convert the entire population of Bangladesh into being anti-India. This campaign has worked only with a select few, and if one were to assess the situation, then only 5 per cent of what the ISI set out to do has been successful. At first, the ISI and Jamaat ran campaigns to suggest that India had plotted the violence. It was constantly told to the people that India is the aggressor and is responsible for all things bad in Bangladesh. The idea was to provoke the people of the country against India. The next was targeting the minorities, with the clear intention of provoking India. The ISI did try hard to get the Bangladesh Army on its side and make provocative comments against India. It did manage to rope in some within the army to take an anti-India stand. However, the top brass of the army has remained mature about the issue and always maintained contact with the Indian Army. Disinformation campaigns were being run, stating that the Indian Army would attack Bangladesh. There has been a constant attempt to persuade the Indian Armed Forces to attack Bangladesh. Had these elements succeeded, then the entire population would have taken an anti-India stance. However, the Indian agencies and the army have not fallen into this trap. The key was communication, and despite the environment being so hostile under Muhammad Yunus, all communication channels remained open. The Indian Army, in particular, was very sensitive about the situation and handled it with utmost maturity. The Army kept all communication channels open to avoid miscommunication and misunderstanding. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said that all three service chiefs kept their communication channels fully open. The Indian Army has multiple channels of communication, which were all kept open. The chief also said that he remains in regular touch with the chief of the Bangladesh Army. He also said that a team had been sent to Bangladesh to assess the situation there. The army officials met with many people, and the main intention was to avoid any misunderstanding and miscommunication. An Intelligence Bureau official said that India has shown a lot of maturity. However, this won't stop the ISI and Jamaat from continuing their disinformation campaign against India. Pakistan has realised that since the takeover by Yunus following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, it may have made plenty of inroads. However, the people are extremely wary of Pakistan and would have limited influence. The sea routes have been opened, and visa norms have been eased for Pakistan. Further diplomatic ties have strengthened between the two countries, and cooperation in the defence sector, too, has gone up. However, Pakistan realises that while several exceptions have been made, it cannot control the people in the way it does in Pakistan. The people of Bangladesh prefer better ties with India when compared to Islamabad, an official said. This has been acting as a major irritant for the Jamaat and ISI. Hence, they are both in an overdrive mode to go on with their disinformation campaign against India. The only intention is to provoke India into indulging in a misadventure in Bangladesh, so that the people can become anti-India. Unless the ISI achieves this, it can never control the people of Bangladesh, the official also added. - IANS Bangladesh has officially suspended its on-arrival visa facilities for all eligible countries from January 15 to February 15. The move is widely seen as a security precaution ahead of the national parliamentary elections and a public referendum scheduled for February 12. The government has intensified internal security, deploying the military with magisterial powers and heightening police vigilance. Visa services from key missions in India have also been halted until after the election period. Bangladesh halts on-arrival visas for a month, citing security for upcoming national elections and a referendum scheduled for February 12. Dhaka, January 14 Bangladesh suspended Visa on Arrival from January 15 to February 15 ahead of general elections and referendum. Citizens of neighboring countries like Bhutan and Nepal used to receive on-arrival visa facilities from Bangladesh. However, the decision to suspend that arrangement has now been officially communicated to those countries' governments. A senior official of the Bangladesh government has stated that from January 15 to February 15, Bangladesh will suspend the issuance of on-arrival visas for one month. This applies to all countries that normally receive on-arrival visa facilities from Bangladesh. Although he did not explicitly state the reason for this decision, it is widely assumed that it has been taken with the upcoming national parliamentary elections in mind. Since the election campaign will begin on January 22 and major party leaders will travel across the country to hold rallies, the government is likely taking this step to enhance security in border areas and prevent any potential violence during the election period. This kind of measure has reportedly been taken in the past during elections as well. In addition, Bangladesh has also suspended the issuance of visas from its key missions located in India. Officials have stated that there is no likelihood of resuming these visa services until the election is over. The national parliamentary elections and a public referendum on certain reforms are scheduled to be held in Bangladesh on February 12. In the lead-up to the general election and the referendum, Bangladesh has intensified its internal security measures. The military has been deployed across the country, and army personnel are setting up security checkpoints in various locations. The interim government has already granted the military magisterial powers. In addition to the army, the police force has also been instructed to remain extremely vigilant in carrying out their duties. - ANI Bangladesh's Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has firmly reaffirmed the scheduled date of February 12 for the country's general elections and a referendum. He made the commitment during a meeting with two former senior US diplomats, Albert Gombis and Morse Tan, in Dhaka. Yunus warned that supporters of the former regime are spreading misinformation to create confusion but asserted the government's neutrality and the public's growing awareness. The discussions also covered the Rohingya crisis and the potential for truth and reconciliation, which Yunus deemed currently impossible due to the former regime's denial of its crimes. Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus assures US envoys elections will be held on Feb 12, pledging neutrality and addressing fake news threats. Dhaka, January 14 Bangladesh Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed his government's commitment to hold the general elections and the referendum as scheduled on February 12, a statement said on Wednesday. The Chief Adviser made the remarks when two former senior United States diplomats--Albert Gombis and Morse Tan, both of whom served during the Donald Trump administration--called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on late Tuesday night. Yunus said there had been a flood of fake news and deliberately spread confusion surrounding the elections, but stressed that the Interim Government remained firm in its commitment to hold the polls on February 12 and to hand over power to a democratically elected government once the results are announced. "No matter who says what, elections will be held on February 12--not a day before, not a day after," the Chief Adviser said, adding that the vote would be free, fair and peaceful, and held in a festive atmosphere. He said the Interim Government would remain completely neutral during the elections, ensuring an unbiased administration and a level playing field for all political parties, the statement said. Albert Gombis, a former Acting Under Secretary of State, and Morse Tan, a former Ambassador-at-Large, are visiting Bangladesh ahead of the crucial elections. During the hour-long meeting, the Chief Adviser and the visiting diplomats discussed a wide range of issues, including the forthcoming elections, the July Revolution and its aftermath, the rise of young protesters, the July Charter and the referendum, fake news and misinformation targeting the vote, the Rohingya crisis, and the prospects for truth and reconciliation in a post-July Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser said his government was campaigning for "Yes" votes in the referendum, noting that the July Charter--set to be endorsed by the people--would usher in a new era of democratic governance and leave no room for future autocracy. Yunus said supporters of the former autocratic regime were spreading fake news and misinformation in an attempt to create confusion about the elections. "But people are alert. Increasingly, they can detect AI-generated misinformation videos," he said. Former Under Secretary Gombis agreed that fake news had emerged as "one of the main enemies" of democracy worldwide and stressed the need for greater efforts to combat the threat, as per the statement. Both diplomats praised the Chief Adviser for his crucial role in steering the country over the past one and a half years. They asked whether a truth and reconciliation initiative--similar to post-apartheid South Africa--was possible in Bangladesh. Yunus said that as a friend of the late Nelson Mandela, he closely followed South Africa's truth and reconciliation process, but he saw no possibility of a similar move in Bangladesh right at this moment due to the continued denial by the former regime of its crimes. "Time is not right. Where do you start? Truth and reconciliation come when you admit that you were wrong, when you repent and show remorse for your crimes, and when you create the right atmosphere," he said. "But so far, there is no remorse, no repentance. Instead, they claim that the young people killed during the July uprising were killed by terrorists. There are stacks and stacks of evidence of their crimes--absolutely barbaric crimes--yet they remain in complete denial." SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed was also present at the meeting. - ANI A new survey indicates a major shift in global hiring, with over half of tech and banking professionals reporting their companies plan to increase hiring in India in 2026. The trend is driven partly by H-1B visa restrictions and represents a structural change in workforce planning, with many roles directly replacing US-based positions. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are leading this offshoring acceleration, scaling up existing teams and moving specific projects to India. This signals India's growing role as a core alternative to the US tech labor market. Survey reveals over 50% of tech firms plan to increase hiring in India in 2026, with many roles replacing US positions. New Delhi, Jan 14 Around 52 per cent of tech and banking professionals in India and US said their companies plan to increase hiring in India in 2026, a report said on Wednesday. The report from anonymous community app for professionals, Blind, said that 34 per cent of respondents expect a significant increase and 18 per cent who anticipate a moderate rise, the report said. The survey gathered responses from 2,392 verified professionals across the United States and India and reported that the trend signals an acceleration of offshoring by major global tech firms including Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Uber and eBay. When asked how India hiring affects US-based roles, 38 per cent said it is replacing USbased roles while 23 per cent said it complements US hiring, the report said. The report highlighted that 28 per cent of respondents cited recent H1B visa restrictions as a factor pushing companies to hire more in India, while 25 per cent said the changes had no material impact. Around 4 per cent respondents said the restrictions led to increased US-based hiring. "The findings point to India's growing role as a functional alternative to the US hiring market. Rather than relying on U.S.-based expansion, many companies appear to be redirecting growth to India, signaling a structural shift in global workforce planning," the report mentioned. Among employees at global firms such as eBay, Wayfair, LinkedIn, Qualcomm, Capital One, Google, Amazon, Salesforce, SAP and Microsoft, up to 93 per cent reported plans to expand hiring in India. In terms of how companies are expanding in India, 25 per cent said their employers are scaling up existing India teams, while about 20 per cent reported the creation of new roles in India and another 20 per cent said specific projects or functions are being moved there. - IANS The Bharatiya Janata Party organized a grand political and religious event in Muktsar during the Maghi Mela, marking its first major foray into the traditional stronghold of the Badal family. The rally signals the party's clear intent to contest the 2027 Punjab elections independently and form a government without relying on alliances. This move is seen as a direct challenge to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the opposition Congress, while also aiming to project the BJP as deeply connected to Punjab's ethos. The party is leveraging its recent flood relief efforts and grassroots protests to build a broader base beyond its traditional urban support. BJP holds grand Maghi rally in Badal stronghold, signaling intent to form government alone in Punjab in 2027, challenging AAP and Congress. Chandigarh, Jan 14 Traditionally, political rallies by all major political parties have been organised in Punjab's Muktsar town to mark Maghi, commemorating the martyrdom of the 40 'Muktas' who laid down their lives while fighting against the Mughals in 1705. In a first, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organised a grand religious event in Muktsar on Wednesday amid the presence of the party's central and state leadership, signalling its intent to form the government in the state on its own in March 2027. In the political conferences that normally see convergence of lakhs of devotees to mark the day, the presence of the BJP at a platform also projected itself as being deeply immersed in the ethos of Punjab and 'Punjabiyat', believe political observers. They say that through this event, the BJP has made it clear that it is preparing to form the government in 2027 without relying on any alliance as a "crutch." This message serves as a direct warning to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the main Opposition Congress in the state. Interestingly, the former is holding the rally after a gap of a decade, while the latter has decided not to hold the political event on the occasion. The Malwa region, comprising Muktsar, the home district of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Badal, has long been considered a stronghold of the Badal family. Organising such a massive event in the villages of this region indicates that the BJP is now breaking traditional political boundaries. The three-day Maghi Mela, which will conclude on Thursday, sees crowds of devotees from across Punjab and neighbouring states take a holy dip at historic gurdwaras in Muktsar, mainly a day after Lohri. A political analyst told IANS that by organising such an event on the sacred occasion of the Maghi Mela, the BJP has made it clear that the Sikh community is now walking shoulder to shoulder with the party. The event is also an attempt to dilute the allegation that the BJP is merely an urban or Hindu-centric party, highlighting its broader social acceptance. Against the "misinformation" campaigns by AAP and the Congress against the repealed Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the BJP had organised massive public meetings in Fazilka, Jalandhar Cantonment, Sujanpur, Samrala, and Fatehgarh Sahib on the new rural employment scheme to present its stand. During the monsoon floods in the state, the BJP prominently delivered relief material by deploying its central leadership and Union ministers, including Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who assessed crop losses and listened to grievances of farmers by stepping into water-marooned fields in scores of villages of Punjab. Even Governor Gulab Chand Kataria paid a courtesy visit to Union Minister Chouhan at the Amritsar airport and handed over a detailed report on the floods. After the floods, door-to-door assessments of losses were conducted by the party, and essential items were delivered directly to affected families at their doorsteps. "Extending a helping hand to those facing the brunt of natural calamity is turning out to be a game changer for the party to strengthen its foothold in rural areas too where on earlier occasions there had been noticeable dissent, mainly among farmers and farm labourers, since three agricultural reform laws were repealed by the Modi government," a senior BJP leader admitted to IANS on the condition of anonymity. He pointed out the various flood relief camps set up by the BJP in Jalandhar that hogged the limelight, showcasing the scale of the relief work. Also, BJP-ruled states -- Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Goa -- extended financial assistance by contributing to the Punjab Chief Minister's Relief Fund and by dispatching relief material via trucks and trains. On the political front, the BJP recently organised a sit-in and demonstrations at more than 500 locations across Punjab in a single day to protest the government's failure to fulfil its electoral promises. Through district-level protests, marches to the Chief Minister's residence and programmes like the 'Janta Vidhan Sabha', the BJP is attempting to reach out and establish contact at the grassroots. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) - IANS The trailer for the action thriller "The Bluff," starring Priyanka Chopra and Karl Urban, has been released. The film, directed by Frank E Flowers, follows a mother battling her violent past to protect her daughters on an island. It features stunning locations in the Cayman Islands, including Skull Cave. Produced by the Russo brothers' AGBO, the movie is set to premiere on Prime Video on February 15. Watch the trailer for 'The Bluff,' an action thriller starring Priyanka Chopra and Karl Urban, premiering on Prime Video February 15. Washington DC, January 14 Priyanka Chopra and Karl Urban starrer 'The Bluff' trailer is finally out, offering a glimpse into high-octane action drama which centres on the survival of a family on an island. The film is directed by Frank E Flowers with a script he co-wrote with Joe Ballarini. The film brings an epic period thriller to life, set in the uniquely historical and culturally rich Cayman Islands, featuring stunning real-world locations, including the Skull Cave and the iconic bluff. The two-minute and thirty-second trailer begins with Karl Urban's entry, who is seeking a bounty which appears to be placed on Priyanka Chopra. Being a doting mother to her daughters, Priyanka navigates a treacherous battle against her violent past to protect her family. It is followed by the high-octane action scenes performed by Priyanka to hunt down the infiltrators at her house. Kar Urban also impresses with his swordsmanship, slashing the enemies in pursuit of her bounty. Prime Video shared the trailer on its Instagram handle on Wednesday. Siblings Anthony Russo, Joe Russo and Angela Russo-Otstot serve as the producers of the film under the production banner AGBO. The Russo Brothers are recognised for their projects like Avengers: Endgame and Extraction. The movie is slated to release on Prime Video on February 15. - ANI The Confederation of All India Traders has submitted pre-budget recommendations to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, focusing on protecting small retailers. Key proposals include curbing predatory pricing by foreign-funded e-commerce platforms and implementing a "Digital Dukaan Mission" to modernise traditional retail. The body advocates for structural reforms like a single-window compliance system, a Fair Trade Code, and a National Traders Data Bank. These measures aim to secure traders, simplify business, and accelerate India's journey toward a $5 trillion economy. CAIT urges FM Nirmala Sitharaman to protect small retailers from predatory pricing, proposes Digital Dukaan Mission & single-window compliance in budget. New Delhi, January 14 The Confederation of All India Traders, representing over 9 crore traders and small business entrepreneurs, has submitted a comprehensive set of budgetary recommendations to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. In a letter ahead of the upcoming Union Budget, Praveen Khandelwal, Member of Parliament and Secretary General of CAIT, proposed a series of structural reforms to digitise and secure the nation's vast trading community. The letter emphasises that the "trading community has always been the backbone of India's economy and a strong pillar of employment generation." The proposals focus on transitioning to a trust-based business system by introducing a single-window compliance system for small traders and fast-tracking the decriminalisation of business laws. CAIT has also called for the curbing of unnecessary notices and inspections to foster a more transparent environment. Khandelwal suggested that all trade-related licenses be issued through a single digital platform featuring auto-renewal provisions in "One Nation - One License - One Registration" framework to simplify the licensing process. To further the digital transition, the body proposed a "Digital Dukaan Mission" to modernise traditional retail, supported by a Technology Adoption Incentive Scheme and subsidies on digital tools and software. Addressing concerns about market equity, the letter seeks the mandatory registration of all e-commerce and quick-commerce companies with the Ministry of Commerce. Khandelwal urged the government to implement "immediate checks on heavy discounting, predatory pricing and unfair practices by foreign-funded platforms to protect small retailers." The representation also advocates for a Fair Trade Code to be strictly monitored and implemented across every sector of trade. CAIT has proposed the creation of a National Traders Data Bank, a Trade Ombudsman for speedy dispute resolution, and a dedicated Trade Finance Policy for MSMEs. For individual social security, the letter suggests "strengthening pension and insurance security for small traders" and making existing pension schemes more practical and inclusive. Khandelwal also highlighted the need for a Taxpayer Rating System and reduced scrutiny for compliant taxpayers to incentivise honest reporting. The proposal concludes with a request for a "Cyber Fraud Protection Fund" and stringent data protection laws to prevent the misuse of traders' data by banking and digital platforms. He notes that "if traders are empowered with dignity, security, simplicity and equal opportunities," India's journey toward a USD 5 trillion economy and the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047 will be accelerated. - ANI California Attorney General Rob Bonta has launched a formal investigation into Elon Musk's xAI over concerns its Grok model is being used to generate nonconsensual sexually explicit deepfakes. The probe follows reports of the tool creating explicit images of women and girls, which have been used for online harassment. Bonta emphasized zero tolerance for such AI-generated abuse and vowed to use all legal tools to protect residents. The investigation coincides with global actions, including Indonesia suspending Grok and India's IT ministry seeking reports from platform X about compliance. California AG Rob Bonta launches probe into xAI's Grok over AI-generated nonconsensual explicit material. Global concerns rise. Oakland, January 15 California Attorney General Rob Bonta has launched an investigation into xAI, the company behind the artificial intelligence model Grok, over concerns that the tool is being used to generate and circulate nonconsensual sexually explicit material online. The probe follows reports that Grok has been used to create deepfake images portraying women and girls in sexually explicit scenarios without their consent, content that has allegedly been used to harass individuals across the internet, including on the social media platform X. "The avalanche of reports detailing the non-consensual, sexually explicit material that xAI has produced and posted online in recent weeks is shocking. This material, which depicts women and children in nude and sexually explicit situations, has been used to harass people across the internet. I urge xAI to take immediate action to ensure this goes no further. We have zero tolerance for the AI-based creation and dissemination of nonconsensual intimate images or of child sexual abuse material," Bonta said. "Today, my office formally announces an investigation into xAI to determine whether and how xAI violated the law. As the top law enforcement official of California tasked with protecting our residents, I am deeply concerned with this development in AI and will use all the tools at my disposal to keep California's residents safe," he added. Attorney General Bonta reiterated his concern about the broader risks posed by artificial intelligence tools and said his office remains focused on AI safety, particularly in child protection. He has previously supported state legislation to safeguard children from AI companion chatbots and has engaged directly with AI companies on safety issues. Recently, Indonesia became 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. In India, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has also taken action, writing to X (formerly Twitter) over what it described as a failure to comply with statutory due diligence obligations under the Information Technology Act, 2000. The ministry sought an Action Taken Report from the platform to ensure immediate steps to prevent the hosting, generation and circulation of obscene and sexually explicit content through AI tools such as Grok. Elon Musk responded last week to criticism surrounding Grok, warning users against illegal activity. He said anyone using the chatbot to "make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content." - ANI Severe fog at Chennai International Airport led to drastically reduced visibility, prompting the implementation of Low Visibility Procedures early Wednesday. The conditions forced the cancellation of several IndiGo flights, including arrivals from Kochi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, as well as outgoing services. Airport authorities stated operations continued under controlled procedures despite the visibility dropping to as low as 300 metres. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for the latest information as disruptions may persist. Severe fog disrupts Chennai Airport, triggering Low Visibility Procedures and multiple IndiGo flight cancellations. Check airline updates. Chennai, January 14 Severe fog and poor visibility affected operations at Chennai International Airport early Wednesday, leading to the implementation of Low Visibility Procedures and the cancellation of several flights. According to airport weather data, visibility remained stable at around 4,000 metres from midnight until 1:00 am, before gradually deteriorating. By 4:00 am, visibility had dropped to 2,000 metres, prompting airport authorities to declare a visibility standby. Safeguarding procedures were initiated shortly afterwards at 4:45 am as conditions continued to worsen. By 5:30 am, visibility had reduced to 1,000 metres, and Runway Visual Range (RVR) for Runway 07 fell to 1,200 metres. Conditions deteriorated further by 6:00 am, when visibility dropped to 800 metres and RVR to 900 metres. As a result, Low Visibility Procedures were officially implemented at 6:00 am. The situation became most severe between 7:00 am and 8:00 am, when visibility plunged to just 300 metres, with RVR at 400 metres. Despite these challenging conditions, airport authorities stated that flight operations continued under LVP and were reported as being under control.However, the bad weather forced the cancellation of several flights scheduled for later in the day. Among the arrivals, three IndiGo A321neo aircraft were cancelled due to bad weather at Chennai. These include: Flight 6E0571 from Kochi, scheduled to arrive at 4:05 pm; Flight 6E6096 from Mumbai, scheduled to arrive at 6:05 pm; Flight 6E6017 from Bengaluru, scheduled to arrive at 7:40 pm. In addition, three outgoing IndiGo flights were also cancelled. These include: Flight 6E6058 to Mumbai, scheduled to depart at 12:55 pm; Flight 6E0447 to Kochi, scheduled to depart at 1:05 pm; Flight 6E0847 to Bengaluru, scheduled to depart at 4:45 pm. Airport officials confirmed that all cancellations were due to the poor weather and low visibility conditions at Chennai. Passengers have been advised to check with their airlines for updates, as fog-related disruptions may continue if weather conditions do not improve. - ANI The Chhattisgarh government has clarified that weight loss in stored paddy, known as "shrinkage," is a natural and unavoidable scientific process, not a sign of mismanagement. Official data shows shrinkage rates, like the estimated 3.49% for 2024-25, are consistent with historical averages. The state now employs a robust digital procurement framework with stock tracking, online payments, and real-time monitoring to ensure transparency and accountability. This system guarantees farmers receive full payment while automatically triggering investigations if losses exceed scientifically acceptable limits. Chhattisgarh govt clarifies paddy storage "shrinkage" is a natural, monitored process, detailing digital safeguards in its procurement system. Raipur, January 15 Amid misleading claims circulating in some quarters regarding paddy losses due to shrinkage and pest damage during storage, the Government of Chhattisgarh has clarified that such losses are neither irregular nor indicative of mismanagement. According to Chhattisgarh CMO, the moisture reduction during storage, known as "shrinkage" is a natural and technically unavoidable physical process that has existed for decades across all rice-producing states of India. Official government records show that shrinkage during the Kharif Marketing Year 2019-20 stood at 6.32 percent, while in 2020-21 it was recorded at 4.17 percent. These figures clearly demonstrate that storage shrinkage is not a recent phenomenon or the result of any change in policy or administration; it is an inherent characteristic of grain storage. Paddy stored in procurement centers naturally loses some weight due to changes in moisture levels, temperature, storage duration, transportation conditions, and environmental exposure. Scientifically, this is referred to as "moisture loss" or "drying loss." While it cannot be eliminated, it can be accurately measured, controlled, and transparently monitored, as per the CMO. For the Kharif Marketing Year 2024-25, estimated shrinkage is approximately 3.49 percent, fully in line with historical averages and well within normal scientific parameters. According to the CMO, it is not the presence of shrinkage but the strength of the monitoring system. Under the current paddy procurement framework, digital stock entries, weight verification, quality testing, warehouse tracking, transportation surveillance, and lifting audits are now in place across the state. Shrinkage is no longer an assumption; it is data-tracked, measured, and accountable. Where losses fall within scientifically acceptable limits, they are treated as normal. Where losses exceed expected parameters, investigation and responsibility are automatically triggered. The Chhattisgarh CMO said that the core objective of the procurement system remains unchanged. Every farmer must receive full and fair payment for every grain delivered, while the storage and handling system remains transparent, secure, and corruption-proof. As per the CMO, today, Chhattisgarh's paddy procurement mechanism, built on digital token systems, online payments, stock traceability, and grievance-redress platforms, stands among the most monitored and accountable procurement systems in the country. This has strengthened farmer confidence and sharply increased institutional accountability. Shrinkage is a scientific reality of grain storage, but for the first time, it is being managed with full transparency, real-time monitoring, and systemic control. - ANI ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government and the World Bank have signed a 250-million-U.S.-dollar financing agreement to support Ethiopia's urban development efforts. The financing accord will fund the implementation of the East African country's urban productive safety net and jobs project, the Ethiopian Ministry of Finance said in a statement on Wednesday. According to the statement, the funds will enable the Ethiopian government to intensify efforts to improve incomes for the urban poor and enhance labor market inclusion for the youth and women. Ethiopia's urban productive safety net and jobs project, among other things, aims to strengthen social assistance systems through cash transfers and services, said the ministry. It added that the project's key activities include providing labor-intensive public work opportunities and livelihood grants targeting vulnerable urban households, fostering youth employment, and extending support to cover refugees and host communities in selected localities. The financing agreement was signed virtually by Ethiopia's State Minister of Finance Semereta Sewasew and the World Bank's Country Director for Ethiopia Maryam Salim. Four government schools in the remote, forested, and Maoist-affected district of Mohla-Manpur in Chhattisgarh now have electricity for the first time, thanks to newly installed off-grid solar power plants. The initiative, a collaboration between the Education Department and the state renewable energy agency, has transformed previously dark classrooms into bright learning spaces. Students and teachers have expressed immense relief and excitement, noting that studying has become easier and more enjoyable with proper lighting and fans. This project is seen as a crucial step in empowering children and sparking development in a long-challenged region. Solar plants bring electricity to remote schools in Chhattisgarh's Naxal-affected Mohla-Manpur, transforming education for students and teachers. Mohla-Manpur, Jan 14 Schools in the Naxal-affected forested regions of Mohla-Manpur, in Chhattisgarh, which had remained in darkness for years, are now glowing with light, thanks to the newly installed solar power plants. This development is providing a fresh direction to education in areas long challenged by insurgency and limited infrastructure. In the remote forested areas of the district, the impact of development is becoming visible on the ground. Four government schools-Gattepali, Sambalpur Koracha, Bodra, and Gattegahan-were identified as having no electricity facilities until recently. Students in these schools had to study in dark classrooms with minimal resources, and the situation worsened during rainy and winter seasons. In a coordinated effort between the Education Department and Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA), 1.2-kilowatt off-grid solar power plants were installed in all four schools. With the solar systems now operational, classrooms that were once shrouded in darkness are now bright and conducive to learning. Tulika Prajapati, Collector, Mohla-Manpur, told IANS, "This initiative is a step towards empowering students in the most remote areas. Solar power has not only illuminated classrooms but also brightened the future of children in these regions." She explained how the solar plant is providing electricity to the four schools, where students are now able to read comfortably. Students expressed their excitement about the new facilities. Surekha Tekam, a student, said, "Earlier, our school had no electricity, and we used to study in the dark. Now, the government has provided lights and fans, and it feels very good." Another student, Rudra Pratap Singh, said, "Studying has become much easier and enjoyable with proper lighting in classrooms." Teachers and staff also welcomed the change. Teacher Bramha Thakur said, "When I came here, there was no electricity. Thanks to the district administration, lights and fans are now installed. It feels great, and the children are now studying with interest." With this solar energy initiative, schools in Mohla-Manpur are now set to provide students a safer, more engaging, and well-lit learning environment, symbolising a new spark of development in the district. - IANS China's foreign ministry spokesperson expressed support for Iran in maintaining its national stability and reiterated opposition to external interference and the use of force. The comments included criticism of recent US tariffs, with China vowing to protect its rights. Simultaneously, Iran has lodged a formal complaint with the UN, accusing the US of inciting violence and threatening its sovereignty through recent presidential remarks. Tehran argues the US actions violate international law and threaten regional security. China voices support for Iran's stability, opposes US tariffs and interference in internal affairs, as Iran appeals to the UN over US threats. Beijing, January 14 Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Lin Jian, said on Wednesday that China supports Iran in maintaining its stability, adding that Beijing has always opposed the interference in other countries' internal affairs and the use of force in international relations. Chinese spokesperson also commented on the latest sanctions issued by US President Donald Trump on countries that do business with Iran. "China's position on the tariffs issue is very clear. Tariff wars have no winners. China will firmly protect its legitimate and lawful rights and interests," he said. In a post on X, spokesperson said, "China hopes Iran will maintain stability and supports Iran in doing so. We always oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs and the use or threat of force in international relations." Meanwhile, Iran has formally appealed to the United Nations Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, accusing the United States of inciting violence, interfering in Iran's internal affairs, and threatening military action, according to an official letter circulated by Iran's Permanent Mission to the UN. In the letter, Iran's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, expressed grave concern about recent remarks by the President of the United States regarding protests in Iran. Tehran claims the comments encouraged unrest and suggested external support for attempts to seize state institutions, which Iranian officials argue amounts to an explicit threat against the country's sovereignty and national security. Iran maintains that the US statements violate core principles of international law, including provisions of the UN Charter that prohibit the threat or use of force and forbid intervention in the domestic affairs of sovereign states. The letter asserts that such rhetoric contributes to political destabilisation and could inflame violence, with serious consequences for regional and international peace and security. The Iranian mission further situates the remarks within what it calls a broader pattern of escalating pressure from Washington, alleging repeated threats of force in recent weeks. It references earlier diplomatic communications sent to the United Nations in late December 2025 and early January 2026, which, according to Tehran, documented similar concerns. Iranian officials argue that these actions are part of a long-standing strategy aimed at weakening the country through sanctions, economic pressure, and political agitation. - ANI The Confederation of Indian Industry has proposed robust green hydrogen blending mandates for sectors like refining and fertilisers to create market certainty and drive down costs. It recommends financial mechanisms like carbon credits and viability gap funding to offset the transition cost for industries. The proposal also advocates for green public procurement and the development of industrial clusters to aggregate demand. On the global front, CII urges strategic trade agreements and export support to help India capture a significant share of the international green hydrogen market. CII urges govt to implement green hydrogen blending mandates and financial mechanisms to drive demand and position India as a global exporter. New Delhi, January 14 The Confederation of Indian Industry has formally called upon the government to implement robust green hydrogen mandates to catalyse demand and solidify India's position in the global green energy economy. In a comprehensive proposal released in New Delhi, the industry body emphasised that introducing blending requirements for high-consumption sectors such as refining, fertilisers, and natural gas is essential to bridge the current economic gap between traditional grey hydrogen and its cleaner green counterpart. By establishing these mandates, the CII believes the government can provide the necessary market certainty for producers, eventually driving down costs through rapid economies of scale. To mitigate the financial burden on industry and consumers, the CII suggests a phased approach supported by innovative cost-offset mechanisms. These include the allocation of carbon credits for emissions saved, viability gap funding, and cross-subsidisation strategies, particularly within the fertiliser industry, where cheaper natural gas could be offered in exchange for green hydrogen blending. This transition follows a landmark year in 2025, when India's non-fossil fuel installed capacity surged to over 266 GW. According to Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII, India should take the next leap in promoting green technologies after it marked a record-breaking year in its clean energy journey in 2025, with non-fossil-fuel installed capacity rising to 266.78 GW. "While this represented a 22.6 per cent increase over 2024 with 49.12 GW of new non-fossil capacity being added over 217.62 GW in 2024, the next level of development will come with important technologies like green hydrogen being promoted," he said. Beyond industrial mandates, the industry body is pushing for a strategic shift in public procurement. By requiring that 10 to 15 percent of materials used in public infrastructure projects--such as steel, cement, and ammonia for bridges and railways--be sourced from green hydrogen-based units, the government could create a predictable and bankable offtake for producers. This move would be further strengthened by the development of industrial green hydrogen clusters in high-potential regions like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha. These hubs would allow smaller users, including MSMEs in the ceramics and chemicals sectors, to aggregate demand and share the costs of essential infrastructure like pipelines and storage through public-private partnerships. On the global stage, the CII is urging the government to position India as a premier exporter by targeting a 5 to 7.5 percent share of the projected global import market. To achieve this, the proposal highlights the need for bilateral trade agreements with key partners such as Germany, Japan, and South Korea, as well as the harmonisation of certification standards. Granting "deemed export" status to green hydrogen derivatives would further enhance competitiveness. Furthermore, targeted support for steel and chemical exporters is deemed critical to navigate international carbon regulations, such as the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, ensuring that Indian products remain attractive in carbon-sensitive premium markets while attracting much-needed private investment into early-stage projects. - ANI Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi has called on protesters to continue their struggle and not allow the Khamenei regime to portray the situation as normal. In a video message, he asserted that the world is hearing their voices and taking action, specifically citing a response from the US President. Pahlavi also directly appealed to Iran's military personnel, urging them to protect civilians and join the people's movement. The protests, now in their 17th day, have resulted in hundreds of casualties and spread across the country. Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi calls on protesters and Iran's military to continue the struggle and not let the regime normalize the situation. Washington DC, January 14 Amid continuing protests in Iran, exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi on Tuesday appealed to protesters and the country's armed forces, asserting that the world not only saw and heard the demonstrators' courage and voice but is also "taking action". He urged citizens to sustain the movement against the Khamenei regime and warned that those responsible for violence would eventually be held accountable. In a video message shared on X, Pahlavi said the US President Donald Trump had responded to the protests, asserting that the voices of Iranians were being heard beyond the country's borders. Addressing protesters directly, he said, "My compatriots, as I told you in my previous message, the world not only saw and heard your courage and voice but is taking action. By now, you have undoubtedly heard the message from the President of the United States. Help is on the way." Further, Pahlavi called on demonstrators to remain steadfast and requested them not to let the Khamenei regime "portray the situation as normal". "Continue the struggle. Do not let this regime portray the situation as normal," he said, adding that the scale of violence had permanently altered the relationship between the people and the ruling system. "After all this killing, there is an ocean of blood between us and this regime," he said. The exiled Crown Prince urged citizens to document alleged abuses committed during the protests. "Write down the names of these criminals. One day, they will face justice for their actions," he said. In a direct appeal to Iran's security forces and military personnel, Pahlavi sought to distinguish the nation from its current rulers. "And I have a special message for the military personnel: You are the national army of Iran, not the army of the Islamic Republic," he said. He called on them to refuse orders that harm civilians and to side with protesters. "It is your duty to protect the lives of your fellow compatriots. You do not have much time left. Join the people as soon as possible," Pahlavi added. Pahlavi has been living in exile since his father, Iran's last shah, was toppled in the 1979 Islamic Revolution that brought the current system to power. He said he has been in contact with the Trump administration, though he did not disclose details of their discussions. Meanwhile, in a post on X, the US House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority urged the public to change the inevitable Khamenei regime. "To the Iranian people: Ayatollah @khamenei_ir has butchered your people, made rial the weakest currency in the world, and squandered your country's resources. Make regime change inevitable," the post read. Iran has been witnessing sustained nationwide protests since late December, drawing divided reactions internationally, with some governments expressing concern over what they describe as foreign-instigated riots, while others have accused Iranian authorities of responding violently to demonstrators, Al Jazeera reported. The death toll includes 505 protesters, among them nine children, as well as 133 members of Iran's military and security forces, one prosecutor, and seven civilians who were not involved in the demonstrations. The current protest, in its 17th day, has spread nationwide, with 606 gatherings across 187 cities, according to HRANA. - ANI The Delhi government is inaugurating 81 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, marking the fifth phase of its primary healthcare expansion. This brings the total number of operational centres to 319 across the capital, progressing toward a long-term goal of over 1,100 such facilities. Each centre provides a wide range of free services including doctor consultations, essential medicines, diagnostic tests, and preventive health programs. The expansion aims to reduce pressure on major hospitals and ensure accessible healthcare for all residents, supported by cashless treatment at 189 empanelled hospitals. Delhi expands primary healthcare with 81 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, offering free consultations, medicines, and diagnostics to residents. New Delhi, Jan 14 The Delhi government will inaugurate 81 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs on Wednesday, marking the fifth phase of the programme's expansion and giving a major boost to neighbourhood-level primary healthcare across the capital. Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said on Tuesday that the initiative will significantly strengthen accessible and preventive healthcare services for residents. With this expansion, total centres will rise to 319 across the national capital, he added. "With this addition, Delhi is steadily progressing toward the establishment of more than 1,100 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, as envisioned under the national capital's long-term primary healthcare roadmap," he said. "At present, 238 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational. Following tomorrow's inauguration, the total number of functioning centres will rise to 319 across the national capital," Minister Singh added. "These centres represent a major step in the Delhi government's mission to provide free, accessible, and dignified primary healthcare close to every household. The initiative is being implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in line with the national vision of 'Healthcare for All'," the Minister said. He added that each Ayushman Arogya Mandir will offer free doctor consultations, essential medicines, and diagnostic tests, along with screening for diabetes, hypertension, cancer, maternal and child healthcare, immunisation support, growth monitoring, lifestyle counselling, mental health services, and preventive health programmes such as yoga and nutrition guidance. "These neighbourhood-level facilities will significantly reduce pressure on major hospitals, ensuring timely care for women, senior citizens, and low-income families without long travel or queues." "Parallel to the expansion of Arogya Mandirs, Delhi continues to strengthen coverage under both the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the Ayushman Bharat-Vaya Vandana Yojana (AB-VVY). As on 13 January 2026, a total of 6,91,530 health cards (combined PM-JAY + VVY) have been issued in Delhi, including 2,65,895 VVY cards," Minister Singh said. The Health Minister said that to ensure seamless access to secondary and tertiary care, Delhi now has 189 empanelled hospitals, comprising 138 private hospitals, 41 Delhi government hospitals, and 10 Central government hospitals. "These empanelled institutions provide cashless treatment, ensuring that financially vulnerable families can receive lifesaving care without cost barriers," he added. - IANS India hosted the 16th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter Terrorism, co-chaired with Malaysia. The meeting underscored a shared regional resolve to strengthen cooperation against terrorism in all forms. Officials highlighted ASEAN's central role in India's foreign policy and its Act East Policy, launched a decade ago. The co-chairs outlined an ambitious roadmap including seminars, a tabletop exercise in Malaysia by 2026, and a field training exercise in India by 2027 to enhance interoperability. India and Malaysia co-chair ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter Terrorism in New Delhi, strengthening regional security. New Delhi, January 14 India on Tuesday hosted the 16th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter Terrorism, co-chaired by India and Malaysia, reaffirming the region's collective commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. Addressing the meeting, Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence, said, "India is privileged to co-chair the initiative alongside Malaysia and expressed deep appreciation for the participation of representatives from ASEAN member states, the ADMM-Plus countries and the ASEAN Secretariat." He noted that their presence underscored a shared resolve to strengthen regional and international cooperation against terrorism. Highlighting the strategic importance of ASEAN for India, Prasad said, "India's relationship with ASEAN remains a key pillar of its foreign policy and lies at the core of the Act East Policy, launched in 2014 at the 12th ASEAN-India Summit." He recalled that India marked a decade of the Act East Policy last year and reiterated that ASEAN occupies a central place in India's vision for the future of Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region. From India's perspective, Prasad described the co-chairmanship of the ADMM-Plus EWG on Counter Terrorism with Malaysia as a "pivotal moment in strengthening regional security cooperation." Emphasising India's long experience in dealing with cross-border terrorism, he said, "The country brings hard-earned operational and institutional expertise to the platform, with a focus on proactive defence collaboration." He further noted that as co-chairs, India and Malaysia launched the current cycle of the 14th EWG meeting last year in Delhi. During that meeting, India's Defence Secretary had outlined an ambitious roadmap that includes a series of seminars and workshops, a tabletop exercise to be hosted by Malaysia in 2026, and a field training exercise to be conducted by India in 2027. Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the process, Prasad said, "These initiatives would enhance interoperability among participating nations, foster mutual trust, and contribute to a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific in line with India's Act East Policy." - ANI A delegation from Denmark visited the Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla to strengthen bilateral cooperation in sustainable maritime development. Led by Maritime Counsellor Josefine Pallesen, the group discussed pathways to zero-carbon emissions and the adoption of green technologies with port officials. The delegation toured the pioneering 1-MW Green Hydrogen Plant at Kandla, highlighting the port's commitment to clean energy. The visit, which also included cultural participation in Makar Sankranti celebrations, reinforced a shared resolve to build a future-ready, environmentally responsible port. Danish delegation visits Deendayal Port in Kandla to discuss zero-carbon emissions, green hydrogen, and sustainable port development cooperation. Kandla, January 14 A delegation from Denmark visited the Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla on Wednesday, marking an engagement aimed at strengthening cooperation in the maritime and sustainability domains, according to a release. The delegation was led by Josefine Pallesen, Maritime Counsellor at the Embassy of Denmark. During the visit, deliberations were held with Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority, on pathways towards zero-carbon emissions, adoption of green technologies and collaborative opportunities for sustainable port development, the release said. The DPA Chairman apprised the delegation of the port's initiatives in decarbonisation, renewable energy integration, green fuels and environmentally responsible operations. Nilabhra Dasgupta, Deputy Chairman, and JK Rathod, Chief Vigilance Officer, were also present during the discussions and highlighted DPA's ongoing efforts to promote innovation, resilience and sustainability across port infrastructure and operations, as per the release. As part of the visit, the Danish delegation visited the Make-in-India 1-MW Green Hydrogen Plant at Kandla, a pioneering initiative reflecting DPA's commitment to clean energy transition and its vision of emerging as a Green Hydrogen Hub. Adding a cultural dimension to the visit, the delegation joined the Makar Sankranti/Uttarayan celebrations, where they participated in traditional kite flying with DPA officials and employees at the Administrative Office Building in Gandhidham. The visit underlined the growing partnership in the maritime sector, particularly in the areas of green ports, clean energy and sustainable logistics, and reinforced DPA's resolve to build a future-ready, environmentally responsible port aligned with global best practices, the release stated. - ANI Denmark's Foreign Minister has summoned Iran's charge d'affaires to condemn the violent crackdown on nationwide protests as unacceptable. The European Union has already imposed comprehensive sanctions, with Denmark prepared to take further steps. Concurrently, US President Donald Trump stated the "significant" killing of protesters is on his mind, hinting at potential but unspecified action. The protests, now in their 17th day, have resulted in hundreds of deaths across numerous cities according to human rights groups. Denmark condemns Iran's violent suppression of protests, warns of further EU sanctions. US President Trump calls deaths "significant" and hints at potential action. Copenhagen, January 14 Denmark Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said that they informed Iran's charge d'affaires that the brutal crackdown of protesters is unacceptable. Rasmussen further said that the EU has already imposed several sanctions against Iran and Denmark would take further steps if deemed necessary. In a post on X, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark said, "FM Lars Lokke Rasmussen: "Iran's brutal crackdown on the people's protests is unacceptable. We made this crystal clear to the Iranian charge d'affaires today. The EU has already imposed comprehensive sanctions against Iran, and Denmark is ready to take further steps"." Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump Iran's significant killing of protesters is on his mind. "We're going to look at the whole situation that's going on in Iran. Really bad stuff. But the Iran is on my mind when I see the kind of death that is happening over there. We're going to get some accurate numbers as to what's happening with regard to the killing," he said during his gaggle with Press at Joint Base Andrews. "The killing looks like it's significant, but we don't know yet for certain. And we'll act accordingly," he added. Trump did not elaborate much when asked if air strikes are on US radar. "Well, you never know, do you? You never know. You think so far, my track record's been excellent, but you never know," he said. When asked if Iran might retaliate against the possible air strikes, he said that it could not do anything when the US obliterated their nuclear capability. "Iran said that the last time I blew them up with the nuclear capability which they don't have any longer. So Iran said that the last time they better behave," he said. Iran has been witnessing sustained nationwide protests since late December, drawing divided reactions internationally, with some governments expressing concern over what they describe as foreign-instigated riots, while others have accused Iranian authorities of responding violently to demonstrators, Al Jazeera reported. The death toll includes 505 protesters, among them nine children, as well as 133 members of Iran's military and security forces, one prosecutor, and seven civilians who were not involved in the demonstrations. The current protest, in its 17th day, has spread nationwide, with 606 gatherings across 187 cities, according to HRANA. - ANI Telangana's Director General of Police, B. Shivadhar Reddy, has issued a stern warning against character assassination and the spread of false information on social media platforms. He reiterated the department's policy of taking strict legal action against those who damage individual dignity or spread fake news beyond legal limits. In a separate administrative development, the Central government has increased Telangana's authorized IAS cadre strength from 208 to 218 posts. The revised cadre structure details the allocation of posts for senior duty, central and state deputation, and reserves. Telangana DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy warns of strict legal action against social media character assassination and fake news. State's IAS cadre strength increased. Hyderabad, January 15 The Director General of Police of Telangana State, B. Shivadhar Reddy, on Wednesday expressed strong displeasure over incidents of character assassination taking place through social media platforms. He reminded that the police department had already made its policy clear on this issue earlier. The DGP recalled that during a press conference held on October 1, when he assumed charge as DGP, he had issued clear guidelines on the use of social media and had categorically stated that strict action would be taken against those who cross legal limits. He stated that it is the firm policy of the department to initiate legal action against anyone who, in the name of social media, indulges in character assassination, damages the dignity of individuals, or engages in acts that harm the reputation and modesty of others. Furthermore, he clarified that spreading false news, making baseless allegations about individuals or their family members, circulating fake news, and interfering in the personal lives of others will not be tolerated. The DGP emphasised that there is no objection to constructive criticism or expression of opinions, provided they are within the bounds of the law. However, he warned that anyone who misuses social media by spreading falsehoods and misinformation beyond these limits will face strict legal action. Meanwhile, in a significant move aimed at strengthening governance amid Telangana's expanding administrative demands, the Central government has notified amendments to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre structure, increasing the state's total authorised strength to 218 posts, up from 208 earlier. The changes have been made under the Indian Administrative Service (Fixation of Cadre Strength) Amendment Regulations, 2026, in consultation with the Telangana government. Under the revised regulations, the number of senior duty posts in the Telangana government has been fixed at 119. The cadre structure also includes a Central Deputation Reserve of 47 posts, a State Deputation Reserve of 29 posts, four posts under Training Reserve, and 19 posts under Leave Reserve and Junior Posts Reserve. The notification further states that 66 posts will be filled through promotion under Rule 8 of the IAS (Recruitment) Rules, 1954, while 152 posts will be filled through direct recruitment. - ANI European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas praised Iranian anti-regime protesters and condemned the security forces' brutal response, stating the EU is discussing additional sanctions. Finland and Denmark have summoned Iran's charge d'affaires to protest the escalating violence and demand the release of detained demonstrators. The protests, ongoing since late December 2025, are facing a severe crackdown, with reports indicating the first protester execution is scheduled. International leaders and media are closely monitoring the situation as Iran faces growing diplomatic pressure. European Commission VP Kaja Kallas condemns Iran's violent response to anti-regime protests as Finland and Denmark summon Iranian diplomats. Berlin, January 14 Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas on Wednesday lauded the anti-regime protests led by Iranians. Kallas denounced the use of force against the protesters and threatened to put additional sanctions. In a post on X, she said, "The courage of the Iranian people is humbling. The brutal response by the security forces is unacceptable and exposes a regime afraid of its own people. The EU already has sweeping sanctions in place on Iran. We are now discussing putting additional sanctions." Earlier, Finland summoned Iran's Charge d'Affaires over the escalating violence against protesters by Iranian authorities. Aggression must stop and all unjustly detained demonstrators released. The right of access to information, including access to the internet, must be ensured. Finland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a tweet. Denmark Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said that they informed Iran's charge d'affaires that the brutal crackdown of protesters is unacceptable. Rasmussen further said that the EU has already imposed several sanctions against Iran and Denmark would take further steps if deemed necessary. In a post on X, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark said, "FM Lars Lokke Rasmussen: "Iran's brutal crackdown on the people's protests is unacceptable. We made this crystal clear to the Iranian charge d'affaires today. The EU has already imposed comprehensive sanctions against Iran, and Denmark is ready to take further steps"." Iranians have been protesting since December 28, 2025, and the protests have garnered the attention of international leaders and media. Meanwhile, Iran is set to witness more brutality as the administration has decided to execute its first protester on Wednesday amid mass arrests of anti-regime protesters, New York Post reported, citing human rights groups. 26-year-old Erfan Soltani is allegedly scheduled to be hanged to death after his arrest during the protests in Karaj last Thursday (local time), the Iran Human Rights (IHR) and National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFD) NGO groups said. - ANI SYDNEY, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Researchers unveil a new "cosmic clock" method to unlock Australia's ancient landscape history, revealing geological, climate and tectonic impacts on environments, and valuable mineral deposits. Scientists from Curtin University's Timescales of Mineral Systems Group in Australia, working with Germany's University of Gottingen and University of Cologne, analyzed tiny zircon crystals found in ancient beach sands, said a news release from Curtin University on Wednesday. Zircon, one of Earth's toughest minerals, withstands weathering, erosion and multi-million-year journeys through rivers and coastlines, the release said, adding zircon grains trap rare krypton gas produced when cosmic rays -- high-energy, charged subatomic particles from space -- strike exposed minerals at Earth's surface. By measuring the krypton, the team was able to work out how long zircon grains spent near the Earth's surface before burial, like a "cosmic clock" tracking ancient landscape erosion over vast periods of time, it said. This approach enables study of landscapes far older than previously possible, revealing how Earth's surface responds to ongoing climate and tectonic change, said study lead author, Adjunct Curtin Research Fellow Maximilian Drollner, also from the University of Gottingen. "Our planet's history shows climate and tectonic forces can control how landscapes behave over very long timescales," Drollner said, adding the research shows how sea-level changes and deep-seated Earth movements influence the evolution of landscapes. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), show when landscapes are tectonically stable and sea levels remain high, erosion slows dramatically and sediments can remain stored and reworked near the surface for millions of years. This has relevance for understanding planetary surface evolution over billions of years, plus future societal planning and land management, said co-author, Curtin's Timescales of Mineral Systems Group lead Professor Chris Kirkland. The study also had important implications for Australia's mineral resources, "explaining why Australia hosts some of the world's most significant mineral sand deposits," the authors said. Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi extended greetings and paid tribute to ex-servicemen and their families on the 10th Veterans Day in Jaipur. He commended their invaluable assistance during critical operations like Operation Sindoor and highlighted their growing contributions in private security and the NCC. The COAS detailed the success of the VSK+ project, a single-window facility resolving veterans' grievances and disbursing significant funds. Veterans Day is celebrated on January 14, the birth anniversary of Field Marshal K M Cariappa, India's first Commander-in-Chief. Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi praises ex-servicemen's crucial role in nation-building, highlights welfare schemes at Veterans Day event. Jaipur, January 14 Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday extended his greetings on the occasion of the 10th Veterans Day and paid tribute to ex-servicemen and their families, highlighting their continued contribution to the nation. Attending Army Veterans' Day 2026 celebrations in Jaipur, COAS General Dwivedi, in his speech, said, "My best wishes to all of you on the occasion of the 10th Veterans Day. First and foremost, I express my respect to all our ex-servicemen. I salute the families of our brave women soldiers. Every soldier will one day become an ex-serviceman; we are all part of the same ecosystem. He underlined the critical role veterans have played whenever the country has called, particularly commending their efforts during Operation Sindoor. "I am proud to say that we have received a response far exceeding our expectations. You all provided invaluable assistance during Operation Sindoor, and the nation salutes your spirit," Gen Dwivedi added. The COAS also spoke about the growing involvement of ex-servicemen in private security and the National Cadet Corps (NCC), emphasising their contribution to nation-building. "On one hand, our veterans are providing private security, and on the other hand, veterans are also making a distinct mark in the NCC. I can proudly say that our ex-servicemen are playing a crucial role in laying the foundation of a developed India," he said. "AWPO is taking significant steps for the resettlement of soldiers after their retirement," he added. He further talked about the VSK+ project, saying, "Through VSK+, a single-window facility has been provided for veterans and Veer Naris (wives of martyrs). By reviewing 700-800 cases every day, they are resolving 97% of the complaints in the shortest possible time. In 2025, approximately 32 crore was disbursed to veterans through this system. Through the welfare scheme, more than 6,000 new recruits have been disbursed a new amount of approximately 43 crore," he said. Armed Forces Veterans' Day is celebrated on January 14 every year, marking the birth anniversary of the Late Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. A towering figure in India's military history, Field Marshal Cariappa, the First Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army, led the forces to victory in the 1947 war and laid the foundation for an enduring legacy of service, discipline, and patriotism, a release from the Ministry of Defence said. - ANI Mizoram has been formally declared the 'Ginger Capital of India' by NITI Aayog, a recognition Chief Minister Lalduhoma attributes to the sustained hard work of the state's farmers. He inaugurated a new ginger processing unit and announced that government procurement of ginger will resume in February, supported by local processing machines at collection centres. The CM emphasized Mizoram's competitive edge in organic farming and vowed to ensure transparency in procurement after last year's irregularities. The state procured over 3.38 crore kg of ginger in 2025, disbursing Rs 137.72 crore to farmers. Mizoram declared India's Ginger Capital. CM Lalduhoma credits farmers' dedication and innovation for the state's agricultural success story. Aizawl, Jan 14 After the NITI Aayog formally declared Mizoram as the 'Ginger Capital of India', Chief Minister Lalduhoma said that the recognition was a testament to the sustained hard work, dedication, and innovation of the state's farmers, who have transformed ginger cultivation into a major agricultural success story. Inaugurating the Ginger Processing Unit established at the Sairang Horticulture Centre, around 21 km from Aizawl, the Chief Minister noted that although Mizoram has been a Union Territory/State for about 54 years and is predominantly an agrarian state, no particular crop had earlier brought significant recognition. "Mizoram has begun to be known as the 'Ginger Capital of India'. This growing recognition is a result of the hard work of farmers," he said. He further stated that passion fruit also has strong potential, and efforts will be made to promote it on a larger scale. The Chief Minister said that ginger cultivation has enabled many families to earn better incomes; increased purchasing power among the people has benefited businesses. With free distribution now stopped, moral reformation is taking place, and earning through one's own hard work is truly valuable, he stated. The Chief Minister announced that ginger procurement will resume from February 2. Various locally-produced machines for slicing and drying ginger are proposed to be placed at collection centres for use by farmers, which he said would greatly support ginger processing. The Chief Minister highlighted that organic farming provides Mizoram a competitive advantage over other states, and therefore, the government will place increased emphasis on organic practices. He referred to irregularities noticed during ginger procurement last year, which prompted thorough enquiries. The government, he asserted, will not tolerate such irregularities and will ensure transparency and fairness in all processes. Farmers were urged not to sell ginger independently but to make proper use of collection centres, so that procurement can be carried out systematically. He also stressed that all officials entrusted with responsibilities related to ginger procurement and marketing must treat these duties with utmost seriousness. The NITI Aayog recently formally declared Mizoram as the 'Ginger Capital of India', recognising the state's reputation for producing high-quality ginger and its rapid growth in ginger production in recent years. As per the annual report of the Mizoram Agricultural Marketing Board (MAMB), over 3.38 crore kg of ginger was procured in 2025, and the entire support price amounting to Rs 137.72 crore has been fully disbursed to farmers. - IANS The farmers' protest led by MP Hanuman Beniwal in Rajasthan has been suspended following a written agreement with the district administration after overnight negotiations. The breakthrough came after talks with Nagaur's top officials, leading to a consensus on key demands including action against the sand mafia and farmer compensation. Beniwal's massive convoy had halted near a toll plaza, creating pressure that resulted in renewed discussions and the eventual deal. The administration has assured time-bound action on all agreed points, restoring normalcy to the area. Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal suspends farmers' protest after written agreement with Rajasthan admin on sand mafia action and compensation. Jaipur, Jan 14 The farmers' protest led by Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal in Rajasthan was suspended early Wednesday after a written agreement was reached with the district administration following overnight talks. Beniwal had begun a march towards Jaipur on Tuesday with a massive convoy of nearly 2,000 vehicles to press for six key demands, including strict action against the sand mafia and compensation for farmers. The breakthrough came around 5 a.m., when Nagaur District Collector Arun Kumar Purohit, Superintendent of Police Mridul Kachhawa, and Riyanbadi SDM Suryakant held discussions with Beniwal. After the meeting, Beniwal announced that an agreement had been reached on all major demands, following which the protest was suspended. Speaking to the media, Beniwal said that teams would be deployed within a day to conduct surveys against illegal sand mining. He added that all agreed actions would be completed within the next two to three days. According to him, the agreement includes conducting surveys in the Riya area to curb the sand mafia, action against the concerned SDM and mining officials, settlement of pending crop insurance claims, and compensation related to land acquired by the Railways. On Tuesday evening, Beniwal left Nagaur with a convoy of farmers and supporters. The convoy halted around 9.30 p.m. near the toll plaza at Bari Ghati, the last village of Nagaur district on the highway. Later, at around 11.30 p.m., Ajmer Range IG Rajendra Singh, along with the Nagaur Collector and SP, reached the spot for negotiations. Talks continued until about 1.30 a.m. but remained inconclusive on several points. With no agreement reached initially, the situation remained tense. The administration had barricaded the Nagaur-Ajmer NH-59 at Padukalan and deployed a heavy police force. Seeing the barricades, Beniwal's convoy turned towards Jaipur, intensifying pressure on the administration and eventually leading to renewed talks. Key demands raised by Beniwal include action against illegal mining, which should include drone surveys and manual inspections to curb the sand mafia, along with heavy penalties. He also demanded action against officials, which included the removal and suspension of the Degana SDM, Degana DSP, Mining Engineer Rakesh Sheshma, and other responsible officers. Further, he asked for compensation for farmers, inclusion of villages in the Merta and Riyan areas that were left out of last year's disaster relief. He also raised the grazing land issue and demanded strict action in the alleged wrongful allotment of around 14,000 bighas of grazing land. Earlier, Beniwal had joined an eight-day-long farmers' protest at Riyanbadi and had given the administration an ultimatum until 4 p.m. on Tuesday to accept the demands. Addressing supporters on Tuesday, he had said, "We are fighting for genuine issues. Farmers must receive pending compensation at market rates, and those responsible for the illegal allotment of grazing land must be held accountable." With the written agreement now in place, the administration has assured time-bound action, leading to the suspension of the protest and restoration of normalcy in the area. - IANS Finland has summoned Iran's Charge d'Affaires, demanding an end to violence against protesters and the release of detainees. Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called on demonstrators to remain steadfast and document abuses, urging security forces to side with the people. US President Donald Trump stated he is assessing the situation, warned Iran to "show humanity," and expressed a desire for freedom for Iranians. The protests, ongoing since late December 2025, have reportedly resulted in around 2,000 deaths according to international media. Finland summons Iran's envoy over protest crackdown as exiled prince and Trump voice support. US monitors situation amid high death toll reports. Helsinki, January 14 Finland has summoned Iran's Charge d'Affaires over the escalating violence against protesters by Iranian authorities. Aggression must stop and all unjustly detained demonstrators released. The right of access to information, including access to the internet, must be ensured. Finland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a tweet. Iranians have been protesting since December 28, 2025, and the protests have garnered the attention of international leaders and media. Around 2,000 people have been killed in protests against Iran's regime, The Times of Israel reported, citing Reuters and quoting an Iranian official who blamed "terrorists" for the deaths of civilians and security personnel. The report said this is the highest official death toll confirmed so far in the unrest that has rocked the Islamic Republic and threatened the country's stability. Addressing protesters directly, Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi in a video message on X said, "My compatriots, as I told you in my previous message, the world not only saw and heard your courage and voice but is taking action. By now, you have undoubtedly heard the message from the President of the United States. Help is on the way." Further, Pahlavi called on demonstrators to remain steadfast and requested them not to let the Khamenei regime "portray the situation as normal." "Continue the struggle. Do not let this regime portray the situation as normal," he said, adding that the scale of violence had permanently altered the relationship between the people and the ruling system. "After all this killing, there is an ocean of blood between us and this regime," he said. The exiled Crown Prince urged citizens to document alleged abuses committed during the protests. "Write down the names of these criminals. One day, they will face justice for their actions," he said. In a direct appeal to Iran's security forces and military personnel, Pahlavi sought to distinguish the nation from its current rulers. "And I have a special message for the military personnel: You are the national army of Iran, not the army of the Islamic Republic," he said. He called on them to refuse orders that harm civilians and to side with protesters. "It is your duty to protect the lives of your fellow compatriots. You do not have much time left. Join the people as soon as possible," Pahlavi added. The US is also closely monitoring the situation and mulling action over Iran. Speaking to reporters after an event in Detroit, US President Donald Trump said he was returning to Washington to assess developments related to Iran. "We had a wonderful speech in front of great people in Detroit. I'm going back to the White House now, and we're going to look at the whole situation that's going on in Iran. We'll get some accurate numbers as to what's happening with regard to the killing," the US President told reporters. On being asked if he wants to see democracy in Iran, Trump added that he would want to see a "little bit of freedom" for the Iranian people. "Ideally, we would like to see it. We don't want to see people killed, and we want to see a little bit of freedom for these people. These people have been living in hell for a long time. I have friends who used to invest in Iran, and they did well with their investments. It was a great place. The people were great. Even the leadership was good. And now it is living in hell," he said. When asked by a reporter about Iran's warning of retaliation in the event of US strikes, Trump responded, "Yeah, Iran said that the last time I blew them up with the nuclear capability, which they don't have any longer, so. they better behave." When asked whether he had a message for Iran's leadership amid reports of violence against protesters, Trump said, "The message is they've got to show humanity. They've got a big problem, and I hope they're not going to be killing people. It would seem to me that they have been badly misbehaving, but that is not confirmed." US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) called on protesters in Iran to continue demonstrating, saying that assistance would arrive soon, without sharing further details. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP." Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday stated that the European Union will move quickly to propose additional sanctions against those linked to the crackdown on demonstrations in Iran. In a post on X, von der Leyen said, "The rising number of casualties in Iran is horrifying. I unequivocally condemn the excessive use of force and continued restriction of freedom." - ANI The Indian Army Day parade in Jaipur marks a historic first, being held outside a traditional cantonment area. The event will feature the public debut of the newly raised Bhairav Battalion, a unit designed for rapid, drone-enabled operations in modern hybrid warfare. A wide array of advanced weaponry will be on display, including the BrahMos cruise missile, Pinaka rocket launcher, and various kamikaze drones like Harop and Sky Striker. The parade will also demonstrate the Army's integration of manned and unmanned systems, showcasing its evolving combat doctrine shaped by recent operational lessons. First Army Day parade outside cantonment in Jaipur showcases new Bhairav Battalion, kamikaze drones, BrahMos, and advanced artillery systems. By Swapnanil Chatterjee, New Delhi, January 14 The Indian Army Day parade to be held in Jaipur on Thursday will be the first time when the force will hold it outside the cantonment area. The event will take place in the city at Mahal Road, Jagatpura, and will be showcasing a wide range of weapons, vehicles, drones and defence systems. The parade will also mark the first public appearance of the Bhairav Battalion. The unit has been raised as part of the Army's recent restructuring, drawing operational lessons from global conflicts, including its own Operation Sindoor. The Bhairav Battalion is positioned between the Para Special Forces and regular infantry units. The battalion was raised to meet modern warfare requirements to provide a quick and precise offensive solution against enemies' threats to the nation. This allows them to respond quickly across different terrains, including difficult and hostile areas. Earlier, speaking to ANI, a commanding officer of 2 Bhairav Battalion said, "Modern warfare is changing at a very rapid pace. The conflicts of today are hybrid in nature, and one needs to be fully equipped with modern technology to be able to deal with the challenges... The Bhairav battalions have also been created as part of the force restructuring, which has been raised in line with the requirements of modern technology, new thought processes and the new operational requirements." The parade will also display the army's artillery and rocket capabilities, with several missile and launcher systems on show. These include the BrahMos cruise missile, which can strike targets up to 800 kilometres away from land, sea or underwater platforms, according to the Army. The Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher will also feature. It was recently tested with long-range guided rockets that have a range of up to 120 kilometres. Other systems on display will include the upgraded BM-21 Grad multi-barrel rocket launcher and the SMERCH system, which can fire 12 rockets of 300 mm calibre to ranges of up to 90 kilometres. Artillery platforms such as the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System and the M777 ultra-light howitzer will also be part of the display. Other gun systems too will be featured during the parade. Air defence capabilities on showcase will include the indigenous Akashteer system with its medium-range surface-to-air missiles (SAM), which proved their effectiveness in a high-threat environment during Operation Sindoor by shooting down a variety of Turkish and Chinese-origin drone systems operated by Pakistan and have since drawn global interest as combat-proven platforms. The Igla man-portable air defence system will also be a part of the display. The Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS), also known as Suryastra, derived from the Israeli PULS, will also make an appearance during the parade. The army parade this year will also display how the army is integrating manned and unmanned systems on the battlefield. Soldiers will be seen alongside unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and drones for roles such as reconnaissance, precision strikes and logistics support. The now prevalent concept of manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) shows how the use of unmanned platforms can increase operational effectiveness while reducing risk to troops. Several kamikaze drones will also be displayed, including Mini Harpy, Harop, Peacekeeper, and Sky Striker. The Trinetra loitering munition system will also be on display. Based on lessons learnt from Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army has set plans to procure 850 kamikaze drones. These drones will be used by all three armed forces and the special forces. The Bhairav units are expected to make extensive use of these systems, as the battalion is specifically trained for drone-enabled and multi-domain operations. All operatives are trained to handle drones and use them in real combat situations, including targeting enemy bases and formations inside hostile territory. The Army has created a pool of over one lakh personnel with such drone-operating capabilities. For the first time, the Army will also showcase its new solar-powered MAPSS unmanned aerial vehicle system. A medium-altitude drone will also be on display. The robotic mules, also known as robo dogs, which have drawn attention in previous parades, will return this year as well. The recently introduced Sapper Scout unmanned ground vehicle, AEGMA ES 500, Airawat 1000 and other UGVs used for logistical support will also be featured. Advanced electronic warfare and communication systems will also be featured. These include satellite communication vehicles, integrated drone identification systems, vehicle-mounted drone jammers, jammer stations known as Samyukta, the HimShakti electronic warfare system and Trishul tactical drone jammers. These systems in use by the Army strengthen counter-drone capability and improve situational awareness. An array of specialised vehicles will operate alongside soldiers during the parade. These include the new Electric All-Terrain Vehicle VEER and Advanced Light Strike Vehicles fitted with Milan anti-tank guided missiles. Other anti-tank mobile team vehicles will also be displayed to demonstrate the army's progress in tactical mobility. Other equipment on display will include 81 mm mortars, modular bridge systems, the Sherp all-terrain vehicle, the Kalyani M4 armoured vehicle, also known as Nandighosh, Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles and the T-90 Bhishma main battle tank, among others. This year, the Army will also feature its latest Apache attack helicopters, among other rotary-wing aircraft. The final batch of three Apache helicopters arrived in December, completing the delivery of all six. These helicopters have been inducted into the Army's 451 Army Aviation Squadron, which is based in Jodhpur. The Apache is among the Army's latest additions and plays a key role in specialised missions, including anti-armour operations. It is equipped with a wide range of weapon systems. One of its key features is the Longbow fire control radar, which provides 360-degree coverage. The helicopter also has a nose-mounted sensor suite that supports target acquisition and night-vision operations. The Indian Army operates the latest variant of the Apache attack helicopter. The homegrown Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand will also tag team with it. The Indian Army is set to receive 90 of these indigenous attack helicopters. 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 FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief, in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. - ANI Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the 2026 Gandhinagar Kite Festival on the occasion of Uttarayan, participating in kite flying and distributing sweets to citizens. He expressed hopes that the festival would inspire citizens to reach new heights of happiness and prosperity. The event was attended by local civic leaders, BJP officials, and international kite flyers. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings for Makar Sankranti and other harvest festivals across the country, highlighting gratitude for farmers. CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates Kite Festival 2026, flies kites with citizens, and extends Makar Sankranti greetings. PM Modi also sends festive wishes. Gandhinagar, January 14 On the joyous and festive occasion of Uttarayan, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Kite Festival 2026, organized by the Sahay Foundation at Central Vista in Gandhinagar. According to the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office (CMO), CM Patel joined the citizens in kite flying and extended his greetings on the occasion of the Uttarayan festival. CM flew kites and distributed laddoos and chikki to the citizens. While extending his Uttarayan greetings to all the citizens of the state, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel stated that just as people fly their kites high in the sky during the festival, Uttarayan should also become a festival of enthusiasm that helps all citizens reach new heights of happiness, peace, prosperity, and progress in their lives. CM formally inaugurated the 2026 Kite Festival celebrations by releasing balloons into the sky. On this occasion, the Mayor of Gandhinagar Mira Patel, MLA Rita Patel, Deputy Mayor Natuji Thakor, Standing Committee Chairman Gaurang Vyas, Gandhinagar City BJP President Ashish Dave, District Collector Mehul Dave, foreign kite flyers, along with a large number of citizens and children, were present. CM Patel also extended greetings to citizens on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and celebrated Uttarayan by flying a colourful kite. Speaking to ANI, Gujarat CM Said, "I extend greetings to everyone on Makar Sankranti. On this Kite Festival, may the soaring kites in the skies bring success to everyone." The Chief Minister also participated in the traditional festivities in Gandhinagar, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Uttarayan, one of Gujarat's most celebrated festivals. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday wrote to citizens across the country, extending his warm greetings on Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, and Pongal, festivals that mark the harvest season in different parts of India. In a letter, the Prime Minister said the festival symbolises hope and positivity. He said that Sankranti is celebrated in various forms across the country, but with the same spirit and enthusiasm. Highlighting its importance for farmers, he said the festival is an occasion to express gratitude to those who nourish the nation through their hard work. Along with Lohri, Pongal, Sankranti, and Uttarayan, it represents the diverse ways harvest festivals are celebrated across India. - ANI Gujarat's political leadership participated enthusiastically in Makar Sankranti celebrations across the state. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel joined kite-flying with residents in Ahmedabad's historic Dariapur area and later at an event in Gandhinagar, distributing traditional sweets. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi celebrated on a rooftop in Surat, mixing festive joy with a message against narcotics and dangerous kite strings. The leaders' participation highlighted a people-first approach, boosting the communal spirit of the Uttarayan festival. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and Dy CM Harsh Sanghavi joined citizens for Uttarayan kite-flying festivities in Ahmedabad and Surat, sharing sweets and greetings. Ahmedabad, Jan 14 The festival of Uttarayan unfolded with vibrant colours and soaring enthusiasm across Gujarat, as citizens filled terraces and open grounds to celebrate the tradition of kite flying. From Ahmedabad to Surat and Gandhinagar, the state's top leaders stepped away from official responsibilities for a day and mingled with the public-participating in the festivities not as politicians, but as fellow kite lovers. As skies across cities turned into a canvas of colourful kites, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel too picked up the manja and enjoyed the festival like any other citizen. Leaving behind the formalities of office, the CM joined residents in competitive kite flying, symbolising the people-first spirit with which he is widely regarded. In Ahmedabad's historic Dariapur area, the Chief Minister celebrated Makar Sankranti with the local community at Vadigam. CM Patel interacted warmly with residents, boosting the festive spirit in the bustling neighbourhood. Extending wishes of happiness, peace and prosperity to all citizens, the CM said he prayed that "just as a kite rises to the heights of the sky, Gujarat too may continue to scale new heights of development." His presence in the old city drew enthusiastic crowds and added a nostalgic charm to the celebrations. Later in the day, the Chief Minister attended another major Uttarayan event organised by the Sahay Foundation at the Central Vista Ground in Gandhinagar. Patel inaugurated the festivities by releasing balloons into the sky before joining citizens in flying kites. Children gathered around him as he distributed traditional Mamra Laddus and Sesame Chikki, adding a sweet touch to the day's celebrations. The CM once again conveyed Makar Sankranti greetings, urging citizens to celebrate joyfully and responsibly. Elsewhere in Surat, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi celebrated Uttarayan with high energy on the rooftop of Revolut Residency on VIP Road. Taking a break from his official duties, Sanghavi flew kites with family and friends, matching the enthusiasm of locals as DJ beats filled the air and shouts of "Kaipo Che!" echoed across the neighbourhood. The Deputy CM, known for his easy connect with the public, enjoyed the day like a true Surti-right from tying the kite thread to engaging in spirited patch fights. During the celebration, Sanghavi also delivered a strong message against narcotics, likening the cutting of rival kites to dismantling the drug mafia. He reaffirmed that the state's anti-drug campaign would continue with full force and urged people to refrain from using Chinese manja, protect birds, and celebrate safely. Residents of the society were visibly thrilled to see the minister celebrate the festival among them, sharing the rooftop excitement as an equal participant. - IANS Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Gandhinagar kite festival, 'Patang Utsav 2026'. He actively participated in the festivities, flying kites and distributing sweets to local residents. The event featured international kite flyers and was attended by government officials and a large public gathering. The festival, a major attraction in Gujarat, sees the sky filled with vibrant kites and has expanded to other cities like Surat and Rajkot. CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates Patang Utsav 2026, flies kites, and distributes sweets during Uttarayan celebrations in Gandhinagar. Gandhinagar, Jan 14 Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Gandhinagar kite festival on Wednesday, marking the commencement of 'Patang Utsav 2026' in the city. The Chief Minister extended greetings and warm wishes to the people on 'Uttarayan', an auspicious period in Hindu calendar symbolising the onset of longer days. On the joyous and festive occasion of Uttarayan 2026, the Chief Minister also joined the citizens in kite-flying and other festivities. The Chief Minister tried his hands at kite flying and distributed 'laddoos and chikki' to the local residents. Extending his Uttarayan greetings, CM Bhupendra Patel said that as people fly kites high in the sky during the festival, this should also become a festival of enthusiasm that helps everyone reach new heights of happiness, peace, prosperity, and progress in their lives. The Chief Minister also took to his social media handle on X to share pictures of 'Uttarayan' celebrations, organised by the Sahay Foundation at Central Vista in Gandhinagar. CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the kite festival celebrations by releasing balloons into the sky. The event saw participation of government officers including Gandhinagar Mayor and District Collector, the BJP's top office-bearers as well as international kite flyers and a large number of local residents. Earlier, the Gujarat CM's Office (CMO) also urged the residents, in a social media post, to join the festive celebrations with joy and enthusiasm. The international kite festival remains a major attraction in Gujarat which sees hundreds of trained and professional kite flyers from India and abroad, converging in Ahmedabad to fly giant and myriad kites. During this period, the skies get filled with colourful and vibrant kites, of various shapes and sizes, fluttering in the breeze, creating a spectacle at the Sabarmati riverfront. Over the years, the festival has also spread to other cities including Surat, Rajkot and Dholavira where kite-flyers mesmerize the people by filling the skies with their brilliantly coloured jumbo kites. - IANS Former BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao celebrated Bhogi in Visakhapatnam, highlighting the ritual of discarding past negativity. Across Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, families are returning home, leading to heavy traffic on major routes. Markets in places like Thoothukudi are stocked with festival essentials as farmers bring their produce for sale. The festivities feature traditional bonfires, kolam drawings, and drum beats, marking the vibrant start of the harvest season. GVL Narasimha Rao leads Bhogi rituals in Visakhapatnam as South India celebrates Sankranti with bonfires, kolams, and bustling markets. Visakhapatnam, January 14 Former BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao on Wednesday said that Bhogi, the first day of the four-day Sankranti festival, is a time to discard past negativity and pray for prosperity and happiness in everyone's life. Rao celebrated Bhogi Pongal at Andhra University grounds in Visakhapatnam, performing traditional rituals including lighting the bonfire and chanting mantras to mark the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, he said, "Today marks the beginning of the four-day Sankranti festival. On Bhogi day, the first day of the festival, we pray to God to end any negativity we have experienced in the past and to bring prosperity and happiness to everyone. This morning, we lit a bonfire, chanted mantras and conducted a pooja karyakram for Agnidev. May this Sankranti bring happiness in the lives of everyone." Andhra Pradesh is celebrating Sankranti, the state's biggest harvest festival, with traditional fervour, and elaborate preparations are underway across districts. Beyond being a day of cleaning and discarding old times, the four-day festival, beginning with Bhogi, is seeing increased activity in villages and towns as people return to their hometowns to celebrate with family. In Chennai, residents lit bonfires outside their homes in a symbolic act of letting go and end of winter and embracing the new start of a new era in the Tamil month of Thai. Furthermore, heavy traffic was witnessed late last night on the Chennai-Chengalpattu Highway. As the Pongal festival is set to be celebrated across Tamil Nadu from January 15, many people have begun leaving Chennai in advance to reach their hometowns. Moreover, women drew colourful kolam patterns on the ground using rice flour and colored powders, and children participated enthusiastically, beating drums to celebrate the arrival of the Tamil New Year. Meanwhile, in Telangana, Hyderabad saw people celebrating Bhogi Pongal with traditional bonfire rituals and dancing. With the onset of the traditional Tamil festival Pongal, commercial activity has increased in the Thoothukudi market area. All varieties of agricultural produce required for the Pongal celebrations -- including vegetables, fruits, sugarcane, turmeric, ginger, new rice varieties, jaggery, clay pots, and other essentials -- have been stocked in large quantities for sale. Residents from Thoothukudi city and nearby villages are thronging the market to purchase festival essentials to celebrate Pongal with their families. As a result, the market area is experiencing heavy crowds, and traders are conducting sales with great enthusiasm. Additionally, farmers from districts such as Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, and Madurai have brought their produce directly to the market for sale. With adequate availability of goods, the public is purchasing items to their satisfaction based on their requirements. Due to the Pongal festival rush, traffic congestion has been reported in the market area. In response, the police and municipal authorities have made arrangements to ensure security and maintain sanitation. With bustling trade activities, the Thoothukudi market area is enveloped in a vibrant festive atmosphere. - ANI The Himachal Pradesh government has promoted five IPS officers from the 1995 and 1996 batches to the rank of Director General. The promotions, approved by the Governor, are effective from January 1, 2026. Separately, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced plans for a State Nutrition Policy to ensure food security for vulnerable populations. The policy includes upgrading testing laboratories and expanding nutritional surveillance across all districts. Himachal Pradesh promotes five IPS officers to DGP rank and announces a new State Nutrition Policy to ensure food safety for vulnerable groups. Shimla, January 14 The Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday ordered the promotion of five Indian Police Service officers of the 1995 and 1996 batches to the rank of Director General in Level-16 of the pay matrix. According to a notification issued by the Department of Home, the Governor has approved the promotions on the recommendation of the Screening Committee. The officers have been promoted to Level-16 of the pay matrix (2,05,400-2,24,400) with effect from January 1, 2026. The officers promoted include Satinder Pal Singh (1995 batch) and N Venugopal (1995 batch), both currently on central deputation. Their promotions have been granted on a proforma basis. Among the 1996 batch officers, Satwant Atwal Trivedi, presently serving as Additional Director General-cum-Commandant General, Home Guards, Civil Defence and Fire Services, Himachal Pradesh, has been promoted on a regular basis. Ajay Kumar Yadav, presently posted as Principal Resident Commissioner, New Delhi, and Abhishek Trivedi, serving as Additional Director General, Prisons and Correctional Services, Himachal Pradesh, have also been promoted on a regular basis. The notification was issued by Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta. Copies of the order have been forwarded to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh, and other concerned authorities for information and necessary action. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while chairing a review meeting of the Department of Health Safety and Regulation, said the state government would formulate a State Nutrition Policy to ensure the availability of balanced and nutritious food for vulnerable groups, including children, adolescent girls and expectant and lactating mothers. The Chief Minister said the composite testing laboratory at Kandaghat would be upgraded with world-class, high-end technology to ensure precise analysis and greater efficiency. To ensure quality and timely testing of food items, he said regional laboratories would be established in the first phase at Baddi, Mandi, Kangra and Shimla, followed by similar laboratories in all districts in the second phase. He further said nutritional surveillance in the state would be strengthened, with food items tested and their nutritional content profiled and mapped. The department has been directed to conduct regular testing of food provided under schemes such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), Anganwadi services, and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. - ANI South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visited Japan and met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The visit is seen as a key moment in bilateral "shuttle diplomacy." However, statements released by both sides suggest the fundamental differences between the two countries are still evident. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal celebrated the arrival of the Indian Navy's indigenously built INSV Kaundinya in Muscat, Oman, after an 18-day voyage. He hailed the journey as a historic moment that revives India's ancient shipbuilding genius and symbolizes enduring ties with the Gulf region. The traditional stitched sailing vessel, crafted without nails by artisans from Kerala, is based on a 5th-century design from the Ajanta caves. The minister credited the mission to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and praised the crew, including Skipper Commander Vikas Sheoran. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal hails the arrival of the indigenously built, stitched sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya in Muscat as a historic moment. Muscat, January 14 Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday hailed the arrival of the Indian Navy's indigenously built traditional stitched sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya in Muscat after its 18-day voyage from Gujarat to Oman, calling it "a historic moment of pride" and linking the expedition to India's maritime legacy and historic ties with the Gulf region. "A historic moment of pride as INSV Kaundinya receives a grand welcome in Muscat!" Sonowal said in a post on X, as the vessel was given a water salute upon its arrival in Oman after sailing from Gujarat's Porbandar. Terming the voyage a major milestone, the Union Minister said, "The culmination of this historic 18-day voyage from Gujarat to Oman is a shining example of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji's visionary leadership and firm resolve to revive India's ancient shipbuilding genius." Connecting the expedition with India's historical maritime relations, Sonowal said, "It also symbolises the enduring bond of our historic ties with the Gulf region." Highlighting the traditional design and construction of the vessel, he said, "By sailing this magnificent stitched ship inspired by the 5th-century paintings of Ajanta and crafted without a single nail by our master artisans from Kerala, we have proudly shown our civilisational legacy to the world." Underscoring what the ship represents, Sonowal added, "This vessel is not just wood and rope; it represents the timeless strength of our maritime heritage, marked by indigenous skill and enduring innovation." Calling it part of a larger national vision, he said, "It is a powerful symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat bridging our glorious past with a confident future," and lauded the team behind the mission, saying, "I salute the Men of Steel who manned this marvel." Congratulating the leadership and crew, Sonowal said, "Heartiest congratulations to Skipper Cdr Vikas Sheoran, Officer-in-Charge Cdr Y Hemant Kumar and the entire Indian Navy team." He also acknowledged Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council member Sanjeev Sanyal, who was part of the crew, saying, "A special mention to Shri @sanjeevsanyal ji, whose passion, participation and daily chronicles brought this ancient trade route back to life for millions of Indians." Speaking on the wider significance of the mission, Sonowal said, "INSV Kaundinya is a shining example of PM Modi's visionary leadership. It was his resolve to revive India's ancient shipbuilding genius and present it proudly before the world," adding, "This ship represents the timeless strength of our maritime heritage, marked by skill and enduring innovation." Highlighting the identity of the vessel, Sonowal said, "The ship draws inspiration from a 5th-century vessel depicted in the Ajanta cave, and it is named after legendary sailor Kaundinya." The ship had departed from Gujarat's Porbandar on December 29, 2025, and is skippered by Commander Vikas Sheoran, with Commander Y Hemant Kumar--who has been associated with the project since its conceptualisation--serving as the Officer-in-Charge of the expedition. The crew comprises four officers and 13 naval sailors. INSV Kaundinya is a stitched sail ship based on a 5th-century CE vessel depicted in the paintings of the Ajanta Caves. The project was initiated through a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and M/s Hodi Innovations, with funding from the Ministry of Culture. Following the keel laying in September 2023, the vessel's construction was undertaken using a traditional method of stitching by a team of skilled artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran. Over several months, the team stitched wooden planks on the ship's hull using coir rope, coconut fibre, and natural resin, and the ship was launched in February 2025 at Goa. The Indian Navy played a central role in the project, overseeing the design, technical validation, and construction process. With no surviving blueprints of such vessels, the design had to be inferred from iconographic sources. The Navy collaborated with the shipbuilder to recreate the hull form and traditional rigging, and ensured that the design was validated through hydrodynamic model testing at the Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras, and internal technical assessment. The newly inducted vessel incorporates several culturally significant features, with sails displaying motifs of the Gandabherunda and the Sun, a sculpted Simha Yali on the bow, and a symbolic Harappan-style stone anchor adorning her deck, evoking the rich maritime traditions of ancient India. Named after Kaundinya, the legendary Indian mariner who sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia, the ship serves as a symbol of India's long-standing traditions of maritime exploration, trade, and cultural exchange. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in Pongal celebrations at Union Minister L. Murugan's residence in New Delhi. He emphasized that Tamil culture is a shared heritage for all of India, not confined to Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister stated that festivals like Pongal strengthen the spirit of national unity, or "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat." He also highlighted the festival's global celebration and its core themes of gratitude towards farmers, nature, and family. PM Narendra Modi celebrated Pongal at Minister L. Murugan's residence, calling Tamil culture a shared national heritage that strengthens unity. New Delhi, January 14 Union Minister L Murugan on Wednesday expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to his residence for the celebrations of the Pongal festival. Speaking to the media after the festivities, Murugan said," The nation is celebrating the Pongal festival. We are very honoured that our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, came here and celebrated the Pongal with the Delhi Tamil people... He himself did the rituals of the Pongal Pooja... I express my gratitude to him for coming here and joining the Tamil community in this Pongal festival..." Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a Pongal celebration event at Union Minister L. Murugan's residence in the national capital. He highlighted the rich legacy of Tamil culture, stating that it is not confined to Tamil Nadu alone but is a shared heritage of the entire country. The Prime Minister said that festivals like Pongal strengthen the spirit of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat." "Tamil culture is not limited to Tamil Nadu alone; it is a shared heritage of the entire nation of India. In fact, it is a shared legacy of all humanity. When I speak of the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, festivals like Pongal make this sentiment even stronger," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister noted that Pongal has now become a global festival and said he felt privileged to be part of its celebrations. He added that the festival reflects the hard work of farmers and expresses gratitude towards nature, the Earth, and the Sun. "Pongal has become a global festival today. Across the world, the Tamil community and those who admire Tamil culture celebrate it with great enthusiasm, and I, too, am one of them. It is a matter of privilege for me to celebrate this special festival with all of you. In our lives, Pongal is like a pleasant experience. It reflects the hard work of our food providers--the farmers--and expresses gratitude towards the Earth and the Sun. At the same time, this festival shows us the path to maintaining balance between nature, family, and society," the Prime Minister said. Pongal, one of the most significant festivals for Tamils worldwide, marks thanksgiving to nature, the sun, farm animals, and farmers. It is traditionally celebrated as a family festival symbolising prosperity, gratitude, and togetherness. To facilitate the celebrations, the Tamil Nadu government had earlier announced a Pongal gift package comprising one kilogram of raw rice, one kilogram of sugar, and one full-length sugarcane for all eligible beneficiaries. - ANI Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Chinese Vice Minister Sun Haiyan, emphasizing the need for positive steps to improve the bilateral environment. The discussions covered progress in stabilizing ties, with a focus on business and people-centric engagements. Both sides reviewed the positive momentum and committed to implementing the directions of their leaders to advance relations on a path of normalization. The Chinese side also congratulated India on its BRICS chairship and pledged support for a successful 2026 summit. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri meets Chinese Vice Minister Sun Haiyan to discuss stabilizing ties, people-to-people exchanges, and BRICS cooperation. New Delhi, Jan 14 Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday highlighted the need to take positive steps to create the right environment for improved bilateral relations between India and China during his meeting with Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, who is on a visit to India from January 12-14. "The discussions covered the progress made in stabilising and rebuilding bilateral ties with priority on business and people-centric engagements, and ways to take bilateral engagement forward in the new year. The Chinese side congratulated the Indian side on assuming the BRICS chairship this year and expressed its strong support for a successful BRICS Summit in India," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) after the meeting. Sun Haiyan briefed Foreign Secretary Misri on her impressions from the visit, including her interactions with Indian media, think tanks and political parties. She also conveyed the expectations of the Chinese side to enhance exchanges under the MEA-IDCPC Programme. "FS noted the importance of increasing the understanding between the people of the two countries in order to rebuild ties and, in this context, highlighted the need to take positive steps to create the right environment for improved bilateral relations. Both sides reiterated their commitment to implementing the important directions provided by their leaders, and to advancing bilateral relations on the path of normalisation," the MEA stated. According to the MEA, both sides reviewed the positive momentum in bilateral relations and discussed ways to further advance ties by enhancing people-to-people exchanges and addressing concerns on sensitive issues. On Tuesday, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the launch of preparations for BRICS India 2026 with the unveiling of the website, theme and logo. "Glad to attend the launch of BRICS India 2026 Logo, Theme & Website. Pleasant conversation with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. Wish BRICS 2026 in India a full success. As one of the founding members, China looks forward to working with India and all parties to advance the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation," the diplomat posted on X after attending the event. India has maintained that its chairship of BRICS will adopt a 'Humanity-first' and 'people-centric' approach to build for resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. - IANS India and Greece have successfully conducted their inaugural Joint Services Staff Talks in New Delhi, co-chaired by senior defence officials from both nations. The talks focused on expanding bilateral military cooperation through exchange programmes, capability development, and enhanced military-to-military engagement. This meeting follows the first India-Greece Maritime Security Dialogue held in Athens last month, which covered cooperation in the Mediterranean, Arctic, and Indo-Pacific regions. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic cooperation and strengthening defence ties for regional and global security. India and Greece deepen defence ties with inaugural Joint Services Staff Talks in New Delhi, focusing on military cooperation and security. New Delhi, January 14 In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral defence ties, India and Greece successfully conducted the inaugural India-Greece Joint Services Staff Talks in New Delhi. The landmark meeting underscored the growing convergence between the two countries in the realm of defence and security cooperation. The talks were co-chaired by senior officials from India's Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and the Hellenic National Defence General Staff of Greece. Senior representatives from both sides engaged in detailed discussions aimed at expanding the scope and depth of military-to-military cooperation, reflecting the shared strategic outlook of the two nations. In a post on X, the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff said, "The inaugural India-Greece Joint Services Staff Talks were successfully conducted at New Delhi. The meeting was co-chaired by senior officials from #HQIDS and the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, Greece with a focus on further expanding bilateral military cooperation. The discussions encompassed exchange programmes, #CapabilityDevelopment and measures to enhance military-to-military engagement. Ongoing defence engagements and initiatives were comprehensively reviewed, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening #StrategicCooperation and strengthening defence ties. This engagement will herald a new era in India-Greece #DefenceRelations, marked by enhanced mutual trust and a shared commitment to regional and #GlobalSecurity." A key focus of the deliberations was on enhancing collaboration through structured exchange programmes, capability development initiatives, and practical measures to strengthen operational engagement between the armed forces of India and Greece. The discussions also reviewed existing defence engagements and ongoing initiatives, ensuring continuity while identifying new opportunities for cooperation across domains. Last month, the India-Greece Maritime Security Dialogue was held for the first time in the Greek capital of Athens, where both nations held comprehensive discussions on strengthening cooperation across key maritime domains. "The two sides exchanged assessments of the maritime environment in the Mediterranean, Arctic and the Indo-Pacific regions. They conferred on ways to sustain a secure and safe maritime environment conducive to economic growth and prosperity through bilateral cooperation as well as engagement in multilateral fora. They explored avenues for cooperation towards enhanced maritime domain awareness, sustainable development of marine economy, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, Naval collaboration as well improving maritime connectivity with an increased engagement in shipping sectors," the statement by Indian Ministry of External Affairs said. Reaffirming the commitment to deepen maritime ties, both sides expressed willingness to advance cooperation across all identified areas. They agreed to hold the next round of talks in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date, following progress on deliverables from this historic inaugural dialogue. - ANI India's Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the growing bilateral partnership with Slovakia at a National Day reception in New Delhi. Separately, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with a senior Chinese Communist Party official to review bilateral relations and discuss advancing ties. In a separate development, a delegation from China's Communist Party met with RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale at the Sangh's headquarters. The CCP-RSS meeting was described as a brief courtesy call without a formal agenda. India reaffirms commitment to Slovakia partnership. Separate meetings with Chinese officials and a CCP-RSS interaction also mark diplomatic engagements. New Delhi, January 15 Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Sibi George represented India at the National Day reception of the Slovak Republic hosted by the Embassy of Slovakia in New Delhi on Wednesday. In a post on X, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, "Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorge represented India at the National Day reception of the Slovak Republic hosted by the Embassy of Slovakia in New Delhi." During the event, Ambassador George underscored the positive momentum in relations across diverse areas, including political engagement, trade & investment, technology & innovation and culture & education. "He reaffirmed India's commitment to deepening our partnership and exploring newer avenues of cooperation," Jaiswal posted. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Vice Minister Sun Haiyan of the International Department of the Communist Party of China on Wednesday. Sharing the details of the meeting in a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that both sides reviewed the positive momentum in bilateral relations. They also discussed ways to further advance ties by enhancing people-to-people exchanges and addressing concerns on sensitive issues. On January 13, Leaders of China's Communist Party (CCP) met Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale at the RSS headquarters. The meeting lasted for approximately half an hour, according to sources. According to the organisation's sources, the meeting was purely a courtesy call, initiated after the CCP delegation expressed interest in meeting with the RSS leadership. No formal agenda was discussed during the interaction, the sources added. - ANI Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that India will host the prestigious AI Impact Summit next month under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He made the announcement during Pongal celebrations at IIT Madras, where he reviewed the progress of the Centre of Excellence in AI for Education. The minister emphasized a nationwide push to integrate AI into the education ecosystem, from curriculum to administration. He also stated that mother tongue will be prioritized as the medium of instruction from school to advanced research. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announces India will host the AI Impact Summit next month, reviewing AI integration in education at IIT Madras. Chennai, January 14 Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday reached the Indian Institute of Technology Madras to participate in Pongal celebrations, during which he announced that India will host the prestigious AI Impact Summit next month under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to reporters, Dharmendra Pradhan said that Countries worldwide are rapidly adopting AI in the education, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. "Next month, the prestigious AI impact summit will be organised in India under the leadership of PM Modi... Entire countries are preparing themselves, the entire ecosystem, all the cohorts of society, and all the important stakeholders in government and society are engaged, deliberating and discussing how to implement the disruptive technology AI in our ecosystem, whether it is education, agriculture, healthcare, logistics or manufacturing. Last year, the Government of India gave us a centre of excellence for AI in education," he said He said the visit was aimed at reviewing the progress of the centre on the sidelines of the upcoming summit. "We decided to establish that centre of excellence at IIT Madras as a hub. I am here today to review the progress of the Centre of Excellence in AI for Education on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit... Our education ecosystem, whether federal or provincial government, or any kind of institution, is now preparing itself to adopt AI in its curriculum, pedagogy, and administrative systems," Pradhan added. Referring to the Pongal festival, the Education Minister said the new year marks a renewed push to integrate AI into the Indian education framework. "On this eve of Pongal, the auspicious day, countries are preparing for how the new year will add AI to the Indian education ecosystem. Yesterday, I met with the governing council of NIDSR, all the NITs, and ISR. Yesterday we decided on three important things. Indian Education Institute will move towards becoming technology-savvy in its teaching and learning methodology, leveraging AI. There will be a new course curriculum looking into the global need." The Union Minister also announced that from school education to advanced research, the mother tongue will be prioritised as the medium of instruction. "Secondly, every year we are producing many doctoral students, PhD students. Till now, in the Indian ecosystem, our PhD was a priority for academics, for scientists, and for quality papers... But now I appeal to the entire Indian education ecosystem to focus on the problems, national priorities, and national missions... the third important decision we have taken will focus from school to research. The teaching methodology, teaching medium of instruction, and medium of understanding will be the mother tongue. Mother tongue will be given priority in all Indian educational institutions," he added. Pongal, one of the most significant festivals for Tamils worldwide, marks thanksgiving to nature, the sun, farm animals, and farmers. It is traditionally celebrated as a family festival symbolising prosperity, gratitude, and togetherness. To facilitate the celebrations, the Tamil Nadu government had earlier announced a Pongal gift package comprising one kilogram of raw rice, one kilogram of sugar, and one full-length sugarcane for all eligible beneficiaries. - ANI India and Israel have signed a Joint Ministerial Declaration of Intent to strengthen cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture. The agreement focuses on technology exchange, sustainable practices, capacity building, and trade. The signing occurred during Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh's visit to Israel for the 'Blue Food Security' summit. The visit included a tour of Israel's National Centre for Mariculture to explore advanced research and development. India and Israel sign a Joint Ministerial Declaration to enhance cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture, technology, and sustainable practices. New Delhi, January 15 Union Minister of Fisheries Rajiv Ranjan Singh, during his official visit to Israel, met with Avi Dichter, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Israel, on Wednesday. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation through enhanced trade, capacity building, startup exchanges, joint R&D, best-practice sharing, and collaboration in mariculture and allied sectors. Following the discussions, India's Union Minister of Fisheries and his Israeli counterpart signed a Joint Ministerial Declaration of Intent on cooperation in Fisheries & aquaculture, affirming a mutual commitment to collaborate on technology and innovation, sustainable fishing, capacity building, and trade. "Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon'ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying & Panchayati Raj signed a Joint Ministerial Declaration of Intent on cooperation in the field of Fisheries & aquaculture today along with Mr. Avi Dichter, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Israel. During the discussion, the Ministers affirmed mutual commitment to collaborate on technology and innovation, sustainable fishing, capacity building, and trade, etc" said the Ministry of Fisheries. Union Minister Lalan Singh is on an official visit to Israel to participate in the Second Global Summit on 'Blue Food Security: Sea the Future 2026.' The summit, being held from January 13 to 15 in Eilat, aims to reinforce strategic cooperation between India and Israel in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. In a post on X, the Union Minister shared that his delegation visited the National Centre for Mariculture (NCM) in Eilat. During the visit, Singh was briefed on NCM's research programs, including broodstock development, hatchery technologies, Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) models, and innovative disease management strategies. "I commenced my official visit to Israel to participate in the Second Global Summit "Blue Food Security: Sea the Future 2026" being held in Eilat, strengthening India-Israel cooperation in the fisheries and aquaculture sector," said Singh. "During the visit to the National Centre for Mariculture (NCM), Eilat, I was briefed on cutting-edge research and facilities related to broodstock development, hatchery technologies, IMTA models, and innovative disease management practices," said Singh. - ANI Indian High Commissioner Adarsh Swaika met Kenya's National Security Advisor Monica Juma to discuss strategic and security cooperation. The talks also involved Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, focusing on high-level exchanges and expanding partnership in trade and digital infrastructure. Both sides agreed to convene the Kenya-India Joint Commission for Cooperation in New Delhi to deliver tangible outcomes. Notably, Kenyan President William Ruto has been invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to India's upcoming AI Impact Summit. Indian envoy meets Kenya's NSA; sides discuss security, trade, and plan Joint Commission in Delhi. Modi invites Ruto to AI Summit. Nairobi, January 14 High Commissioner of India to Kenya Adarsh Swaika met Kenya's National Security Advisor Monica Juma on Tuesday. "HC @AdarshSwaika1 called on the National Security Adviser of Kenya @AmbMonicaJuma. Discussions focussed on existing strategic and security-related areas of cooperation and identification of new areas of bilateral strategic interest." The High Commission of India in Kenya said in a post on X. Both sides agreed to convene the Kenya-India Joint Commission for Cooperation in New Delhi as part of efforts to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. Earlier, the Indian High Commissioner met Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia W Mudavadi on Monday. The meeting focused on recent and upcoming high-level exchanges between India and Kenya, reflecting what it described as the depth and dynamism of the bilateral partnership. The two leaders also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in key areas, including digital public infrastructure, trade and investment, development partnerships, and people-to-people ties, rooted in the historic and enduring relationship between the two countries. Mudavadi, in a post on X, said Kenya and India share a century-long bond anchored in brotherhood, shared values, and mutual interests. He noted that his discussions with High Commissioner Swaika aimed to advance the long-term partnership between the two nations, particularly in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. He also said the two sides aligned on India's upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, to which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto. In addition, they discussed the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship forum shaping global conversations on geopolitics and geoeconomics. Highlighting the decision to convene the Kenya-India Joint Commission for Cooperation in Delhi, Mudavadi said the meeting would set a clear, results-driven agenda to deliver tangible outcomes for both countries. "Kenya and India share a century-long bond anchored in brotherhood, shared values, and mutual interests. I met with H.E. Dr. Adarsh Swaika, High Commissioner of India to Kenya, to drive forward our long-term partnership in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. We aligned on India's upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited President William Samoei Ruto, as well as the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship platform shaping global conversations on geopolitics and geoeconomics," the Prime Cabinet Secretary said. "We also agreed to convene the Kenya-India Joint Commission for Cooperation in Delhi, setting a clear, results-driven agenda focused on delivering tangible outcomes for both countries," he added. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Kenya are maritime neighbours, and their modern relationship has developed into a strong and wide-ranging partnership, characterised by frequent high-level engagements, growing trade and investment, and deepening people-to-people connections. - ANI The Indian Navy's indigenously built traditional stitched sailing vessel, INSV Kaundinya, has successfully completed its historic 18-day voyage from Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman. Commodore Amit Srivastava hailed the journey as a historic moment, praising the Navy-trained crew for their ability to handle all challenges. The vessel, skippered by Commander Vikas Sheoran, is a recreation of a 5th-century CE ship design, built using traditional stitching methods by artisans from Kerala. The project, a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and a private builder, serves as a symbol of India's ancient maritime exploration and cultural exchange. Indian Navy's indigenously built stitched sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya completes an 18-day voyage from Porbandar to Muscat. Crew praised for facing all challenges. Muscat, January 14 Indian Navy's Commodore Amit Srivastava said the journey was a historic moment and praised the Indian Navy crew for handling all challenges, after the indigenously built sailing vessel INSV 'Kaundinya' completed its 18-day voyage from Gujarat's Porbandar and reached Muscat on Wednesday. Speaking to ANI in Port Sultan Qaboos, Srivastava said, "The architects and officers of the Indian Navy, DRDO and others were involved in constructing this ship. Its testing was done by teams of Indian Navy..It is a historic moment when the ship has completed its journey from Porbandar to Muscat in 16 days. The Indian Navy trained crew can face any challenges...The ship, after undergoing necessary checks and repairs, will start its return journey to India." Businessmen Kiran Ashar and Anil Khimji, who were present to witness the arrival of the indigenously built sailing vessel INSV 'Kaundinya', expressed their excitement and joy as the ship completed its historic voyage. "We are so happy - 'Seena 56 ka ho gaya hai'. We had also gone to Porbandar for the flagging-off ceremony. It was an emotional moment. Everyone is happy that the ship has reached Oman," Ashar told ANI. Businessman Anil Khimji said," We are waiting for the ship to dock. We are very excited." The Indian Navy's indigenously built traditional stitched sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya successfully completed its historic 18-day voyage and reached Muscat, Oman today. The ship had departed from Gujarat's Porbandar on December 29, 2025. Skippered by Commander Vikas Sheoran, while Commander Y Hemant Kumar, who has been associated with the project since its conceptualisation, served as the Officer-in-Charge of the expedition. The crew comprises four officers and thirteen naval sailors. Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council member Sanjeev Sanyal, who was part of the crew, shared daily updates about the ship on social media. INSV Kaundinya is a stitched sail ship, based on a 5th-century CE ship depicted in the paintings of Ajanta Caves. The project was initiated through a tripartite agreement signed in Jul 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and M/s Hodi Innovations, with funding from the Ministry of Culture. Following the keel laying in September 2023, the vessel's construction was undertaken using a traditional method of stitching by a team of skilled artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran. Over several months, the team painstakingly stitched wooden planks on the ship's hull using coir rope, coconut fibre and natural resin. The ship was launched in February 2025 at Goa. The Indian Navy played a central role in the project, overseeing the design, technical validation, and construction process. With no surviving blueprints of such vessels, the design had to be inferred from iconographic sources. The Navy collaborated with the shipbuilder to recreate the hull form and traditional rigging, and ensured that the design was validated through hydrodynamic model testing at the Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras, and internal technical assessment. The newly inducted vessel incorporates several culturally significant features. Her sails display motifs of the Gandabherunda and the Sun, her bow bears a sculpted Simha Yali, and a symbolic Harappan-style stone anchor adorns her deck, each element evoking the rich maritime traditions of ancient India. Named after Kaundinya, the legendary Indian mariner who sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia, the ship serves as a tangible symbol of India's long-standing traditions of maritime exploration, trade, and cultural exchange. - ANI The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Kaundinya has successfully completed its maiden voyage from Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman. The traditionally built stitched sail vessel, inspired by a 5th-century depiction in Ajanta Caves, serves as a powerful symbol of India's 5,000-year maritime and civilizational ties with Oman. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal hailed the arrival as a historic moment of pride, linking it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of reviving India's ancient shipbuilding genius. The vessel, constructed without modern nails, showcases indigenous craftsmanship and sustainable maritime practices. Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Kaundinya completes historic voyage from Porbandar to Oman, symbolizing 5,000 years of maritime and civilizational ties. Muscat, January 14 Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Kaundinya on Wednesday successfully completed its maiden voyage from Gujarat's Porbandar and arrived in Muscat, marking a milestone voyage reflecting India's maritime legacy and long-standing civilisational ties with Oman. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the significance of the journey in a post on X, calling it, "A Voyage Across Time : Seas That Connect, Histories That Endure." Sharing the update on the vessel's arrival, Jaiswal said, "Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya successfully completed its maiden voyage from Porbandar and arrived in Muscat today." Linking the expedition to India-Oman relations, he said, "Envisioned by PM @narendramodi, this traditionally built stitched sail vessel stands as a powerful symbol of 5000 years of maritime, cultural and civilisational ties between India and Oman." Jaiswal noted that the vessel was received in Muscat by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and officials from Oman, stating, "It was warmly received by Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri @sarbanandsonwal and dignitaries from Oman." Highlighting the historic inspiration behind the vessel's design, the MEA spokesperson said, "INSV Kaundinya is inspired from a 5th-century vessel depicted in the Ajanta Cave paintings and constructed without the use of modern nails or metal fastenings." Noting what the ship represents, he added, "Named after the legendary Indian mariner Kaundinya, the vessel showcases India's indigenous maritime knowledge, craftsmanship, and sustainable practices." Echoing the significance of the arrival, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday hailed the Indian Navy's indigenously built traditional stitched sailing vessel's welcome in Muscat after its 18-day voyage, calling it "a historic moment of pride" and linking the expedition to India's maritime legacy and ties with the Gulf region. "A historic moment of pride as INSV Kaundinya receives a grand welcome in Muscat!" Sonowal said in a post on X, as the vessel was given a water salute upon its arrival in Oman after sailing from Porbandar. Terming the voyage a major milestone, the Union Minister said, "The culmination of this historic 18-day voyage from Gujarat to Oman is a shining example of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji's visionary leadership and firm resolve to revive India's ancient shipbuilding genius." Connecting the expedition with India's historical maritime relations, Sonowal said, "It also symbolises the enduring bond of our historic ties with the Gulf region." Highlighting the traditional design and construction of the vessel, he said, "By sailing this magnificent stitched ship inspired by the 5th-century paintings of Ajanta and crafted without a single nail by our master artisans from Kerala, we have proudly shown our civilisational legacy to the world." Underscoring what the ship represents, Sonowal added, "This vessel is not just wood and rope; it represents the timeless strength of our maritime heritage, marked by indigenous skill and enduring innovation." Calling it part of a larger national vision, he said, "It is a powerful symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat bridging our glorious past with a confident future," and lauded the team behind the mission, saying, "I salute the Men of Steel who manned this marvel." Congratulating the leadership and crew, Sonowal said, "Heartiest congratulations to Skipper Cdr Vikas Sheoran, Officer-in-Charge Cdr Y Hemant Kumar and the entire Indian Navy team." He also acknowledged Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council member Sanjeev Sanyal, who was part of the crew, saying, "A special mention to Shri @sanjeevsanyal ji, whose passion, participation and daily chronicles brought this ancient trade route back to life for millions of Indians." Reiterating the vessel's identity, Sonowal said, "The ship draws inspiration from a 5th-century vessel depicted in the Ajanta cave, and it is named after legendary sailor Kaundinya." The ship had departed from Porbandar on December 29, 2025, and is skippered by Commander Vikas Sheoran, with Commander Y Hemant Kumar--who has been associated with the project since its conceptualisation--serving as the Officer-in-Charge of the expedition. The crew comprises four officers and 13 naval sailors. INSV Kaundinya is a stitched sail ship based on a 5th-century CE vessel depicted in the paintings of the Ajanta Caves. The project was initiated through a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and M/s Hodi Innovations, with funding from the Ministry of Culture. Following the keel laying in September 2023, the vessel's construction was undertaken using a traditional method of stitching by a team of skilled artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran. Over several months, the team stitched wooden planks on the ship's hull using coir rope, coconut fibre, and natural resin, and the ship was launched in February 2025 at Goa. The Indian Navy played a central role in the project, overseeing the design, technical validation, and construction process. With no surviving blueprints of such vessels, the design had to be inferred from iconographic sources. The Navy collaborated with the shipbuilder to recreate the hull form and traditional rigging, and ensured that the design was validated through hydrodynamic model testing at the Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras, and internal technical assessment. The newly inducted vessel incorporates several culturally significant features, with sails displaying motifs of the Gandabherunda and the Sun, a sculpted Simha Yali on the bow, and a symbolic Harappan-style stone anchor adorning her deck, evoking the rich maritime traditions of ancient India. Named after Kaundinya, the legendary Indian mariner who sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia, the ship serves as a symbol of India's long-standing traditions of maritime exploration, trade, and cultural exchange. - ANI Tens of thousands of pro-government citizens took to the streets across Iran on Monday, responding to calls from Iranian authorities to demonstrate solidarity. #GLOBALink Iran's UN ambassador has formally requested the UN Secretary-General and Security Council condemn the United States for inciting violence. The letter cites President Donald Trump's social media post urging "Iranian Patriots" to protest and "take over your institutions." Trump has canceled all meetings with Iranian officials, linking the decision to violence against protesters in Iran, and threatened tariffs on countries doing business with Tehran. While the White House states diplomacy is preferred, it has not ruled out military options. Iran's UN ambassador calls on the Security Council to condemn President Trump for posts urging Iranian protesters to "take over your institutions." United Nations, Jan 14 Iranian UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani asked the UN secretary-general and the Security Council to condemn the United States for inciting violence and threatening to use force against his country. In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Somali UN ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman, who serves as the rotating president of the Security Council for January, Iravani accused US President Donald Trump of openly inciting violence in Iran, citing Trump's post on social media platform Truth Social: "Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING -- TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! ... HELP IS ON ITS WAY." Meanwhile, Trump said on Tuesday that he has cancelled "all meetings" with Iranian officials. The announcement came one day after the president announced that any country doing business with Iran would pay a tariff rate of 25 per cent on any business conducted with the United States. Speaking at the Detroit Economic Club, Trump said the decision to halt diplomatic engagement was tied to violence against protesters in Iran. "I've cancelled all meetings with the Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stops," he said. He addressed what he called "Iranian patriots," urging them to persist in protests and document those responsible for violence. "To all Iranian patriots, keep protesting," Trump said. "Take over your institutions if possible and save the names of the killers and the abusers." Trump said reports on deaths in Iran varied, but insisted accountability would follow. "I hear five different sets of numbers," he said. "One death is too much." He warned those responsible for violence that consequences would come. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday that diplomacy remains the preferred approach for the United States to deal with Iran, though the Trump administration will not rule out military options if necessary. - IANS Residents along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri sector have reported multiple sightings of drones suspected to be from Pakistan over recent days. This has prompted a state of heightened vigilance and activity from the Indian Army in the border areas. Local civilians have expressed strong solidarity with the army, pledging their full support against the perceived provocations. Security has also been tightened in the Samba district, while a search operation is underway in Kathua's Billawar area following reports of gunfire. Residents in Rajouri, J&K, report increased suspected Pakistani drone activity along the LoC, expressing full support for the Indian Army's heightened vigilance. Rajouri, January 14 The local residents in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri said that both army and the civilians living near the border are very active after sighting of several drones suspected to be from Pakistan in recent days. Multiple drones, suspected to be from Pakistan, were spotted last night along the Line of Control in the Naushera-Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, local residents said. LoC residents in Rajouri reported increased Pakistani drone activity, prompting heightened Indian Army vigilance, and said, "We stand with the Indian Army and will support in any way we can." Anish Kasana, a resident of the Keri sector, "We live along the LoC in the Keri sector. We had heard that Pakistani drone activity along the international border in the Samba, Jammu, and Akhnoor sectors is a common sight. But for the last 2-3 days, we have been seeing Pakistani drone activity in our sector too. Our Army along the border is active, but the civilians living along the border are even more active." Residents of other border areas, including RS Pura, Naushera, and Poonch, also reported drone sightings over the last 2-4 days. "Over the last 2-4 days, Pakistani drones were sighted in RS Pura, Naushera, and Poonch... This area lies along the border, and last night, Pakistan sent its drones in this sector... During Operation Sindoor, our army gave them a befitting reply, but even then, they continue to provoke us shamelessly. On behalf of all the people of my area, I want to thank the Indian Army, who are staying alert day and night and keeping a close watch on Pakistan's activities... We stand with the Indian Army and will contribute in whichever way we can," local residents told ANI. Meanwhile, in Kathua district, a search and combing operation is underway in the Billawar area following reports of a few gunshots being fired on Tuesday. On Monday, Security has been tightened in the Samba district after 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. - ANI External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Secretary General Ambassador Sanjiv Ranjan in New Delhi to review priority areas for cooperation. The discussions focused on strengthening engagement across governments, businesses, and academia to support sustainable and inclusive growth in the region. Jaishankar underscored the importance of closer coordination to unlock economic potential and ensure stability. The meeting signals India's continued commitment to multilateral engagement and practical cooperation within the IORA framework. EAM S Jaishankar meets IORA Secretary General Sanjiv Ranjan in Delhi to discuss priority areas for cooperation among Indian Ocean member states. New Delhi, January 14 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met Ambassador Sanjiv Ranjan, Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, in New Delhi to review priority areas of cooperation among member states, with a focus on strengthening engagement across governments, businesses and academia. Sharing details of the interaction on X, Jaishankar said, "Glad to meet Amb Sanjiv Ranjan, Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, today in Delhi. Discussed priority areas for cooperation with the governments, businesses & academia of @IORAofficial member states." The discussions centred on advancing collaborative efforts within the IORA framework and deepening partnerships that support sustainable and inclusive growth in the Indian Ocean region. The meeting comes amid renewed emphasis on regional cooperation to address shared economic, developmental and security challenges. IORA is a key multilateral platform that brings together countries bordering the Indian Ocean to promote regional cooperation and sustainable development. Its agenda spans a range of areas including trade and investment facilitation, maritime safety and security, fisheries management, disaster risk reduction, tourism and academic exchanges. India has been an active participant in the association and has consistently advocated for a more action-oriented and results-driven approach. During the meeting, Jaishankar underscored the importance of closer coordination among IORA member states to unlock the economic potential of the region while ensuring stability and resilience. He highlighted the role of businesses in driving trade and investment linkages, as well as the contribution of academic and research institutions in fostering innovation, capacity building and evidence-based policymaking. The interaction also reflected India's broader vision for the Indian Ocean, which emphasises cooperation, connectivity and respect for international law. New Delhi has positioned itself as a net security provider and a development partner in the region, promoting initiatives that enhance maritime domain awareness, infrastructure development and people-to-people ties. Ambassador Sanjiv Ranjan, who took over as IORA Secretary General recently, briefed the External Affairs Minister on the association's ongoing programmes and future priorities. Both sides are understood to have agreed on the need to translate dialogue into tangible outcomes that benefit member states and reinforce the relevance of IORA in a rapidly evolving geopolitical and economic environment. The meeting signals India's continued commitment to multilateral engagement in the Indian Ocean and its intent to work closely with IORA to advance shared regional objectives through inclusive and practical cooperation. - ANI The 10th Veterans' Day was celebrated with patriotic fervor in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, to honor the services of ex-servicemen. The event, presided over by a J&K Cabinet Minister, featured the digital inauguration of the Veerangana Seva Kendra, a dedicated helpline for Veer Naris. Assistive aids like electric wheelchairs and e-rickshaws were distributed to specially-abled and senior veterans during the function. The program concluded by reinforcing the nation's gratitude and ongoing commitment to veteran welfare and rehabilitation. J&K's 10th Veterans' Day in Rajouri honored ex-servicemen, launched the Veerangana Seva Kendra helpline, and distributed assistive aids. Rajouri, January 14 The 10th Veterans' Day celebrations commenced in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday with great patriotic fervour and respect to honour the services and sacrifices of our ex-servicemen. The event brought together veterans, serving personnel and citizens in a collective tribute to the Nation's defenders. The function was presided over by Satish Sharma, Cabinet Minister, J&K Govt, as the Chief Guest. Lieutenant General PK Mishra, General Officer Commanding, White Knight Corps, delivered the welcome address, extending heartfelt gratitude to all veterans for their selfless contribution to nation-building. The Cabinet Minister then digitally inaugurated the Veerangana Seva Kendra, a dedicated Helpline for Veer Naris, providing timely assistance and guidance. A special Felicitation Ceremony was held to recognise the exemplary contribution of veterans in various fields. In addition, assistive aids, including electric wheelchairs, mobile scooters and e-rickshaws were distributed among specially abled and senior veterans. The event also featured an informal interaction between the dignitaries and veterans, fostering camaraderie and the sharing of experiences. In his address, the Cabinet Minister lauded the bravery and commitment of the Armed Forces personnel, emphasising the Government's ongoing initiatives for veteran welfare and rehabilitation. The program concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Brigadier Pankaj Chib (Retd), Director, Rajya Sainik Board, highlighting the essence of brotherhood and gratitude. The celebration stood as a timeless reminder that the Nation cares for its Veterans. The ex-servicemen at the event expressed their gratitude for the celebrations and reminisced about their time in the Indian Army. They stated how they wait every year to reconcile and relive the memories of their days in the army. They further shed light on the arrangements made in the event and thanked the authorities. - ANI Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi is visiting India from January 15 to 17 for high-level talks. His agenda includes a meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House to deepen the strategic partnership. The visit follows up on discussions between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Sanae Takaichi at the G20 summit, focusing on defence, trade, and technology collaboration. Both nations aim to strengthen their alliance for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Japanese FM Toshimitsu Motegi visits India Jan 15-17 for talks with EAM S Jaishankar, focusing on defence, trade & Indo-Pacific partnership. New Delhi, January 14 Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi is set to visit India from January 15 to 17, as per the media advisory shared by the Ministry of External Affairs. As per the Ministry of External Affairs, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Toshimitsu Motegi, will arrive in New Delhi on January 15. On January 16, he will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House. On January 17, he will lay a wreath at Raj Ghat and later visit the Delhi Metro, after which he will emplane from Delhi. The meeting comes after PM Modi and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi met in Johannesburg earlier this year on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in South Africa. The MEA noted in its statement that the two leaders reaffirmed the importance of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which is based on civilisational connection, shared values, mutual goodwill, and a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The leaders underscored their commitment to deepening the India-Japan partnership for regional and global peace, prosperity and stability. They acknowledged the steady progress made in bilateral ties during the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit and called for expeditious implementation of the outcomes agreed upon in a wide range of areas such as defence and security, trade and investment, SMEs, Artificial Intelligence, critical minerals, semiconductors, infrastructure development, technology and innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed collaborative opportunities in strategic sectors between India and Japan and exchanged views on regional and global issues. Prime Minister Takaichi expressed strong support for the AI Summit to be hosted by India in February 2026. MEA said that both leaders emphasised that India and Japan remain valued partners and trusted friends. Strong ties between the two countries are indispensable for regional and global peace, prosperity, and stability. The leaders agreed to stay in touch and meet again at the earliest opportunity. - ANI NBC has given a pilot order for a contemporary reboot of the classic detective series "The Rockford Files." The pilot comes from writer and executive producer Mike Daniels, with Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman also executive producing. The original series, created by Roy Huggins and Stephen J. Cannell, aired from 1974 to 1980 and starred the late James Garner as private investigator Jim Rockford. The reboot will follow a newly paroled Rockford navigating cases while caught between police and organized crime. NBC orders a pilot for a contemporary reboot of the classic detective series 'The Rockford Files,' originally starring James Garner. Washington DC, January 14 The reboot of the critically acclaimed series 'The Rockford Files' is in the works, reported Variety. NBC has given the pilot order for the series. According to the outlet, the pilot hails from writer and executive producer Mike Daniels. Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman will executive produce, with Chris Leanza co-executive producing. The original 'Rockford Files' was created by Roy Huggins and Stephen J. Cannell. It aired on NBC from 1974 to 1980, starring the late actor James Garner in the lead role. The official logline for the reboot states: "A contemporary update on the classic series of the same name. Newly paroled after doing time for a crime he didn't commit, James Rockford returns to his life as a private investigator using his charm and wit to solve cases around Los Angeles. It doesn't take long for his quest for legitimacy to land him squarely in the crosshairs of both local police and organised crime," as quoted by Variety. Along with Garner, the original show also starred Noah Beery Jr., Joe Santos, Gretchen Corbett, and Stuart Margolin. According to the outlet, the show ultimately aired for over 120 episodes, while Garner reprised the role of Rockford in eight TV movies between 1994 and 1999. As for Mike Daniels, the filmmakers previously created the drama series 'The Village,' and he also worked on shows such as 'Bluff City Law,' 'Shades of Blue,' and 'Taken.' He also worked on shows including 'Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist' and 'Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin,' reported Variety. - ANI South Mumbai Returning Officer Krishna Jadhav has detailed special arrangements for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, including 'pink booths' entirely staffed by women and teams to assist senior citizens. The polls, held on January 15, cover 227 wards with over 1 crore eligible voters. The elections are a critical test for the Thackeray brothers, Raj and Uddhav, following the Shiv Sena's split, as they fight to regain political prestige. The outcome will also gauge the enduring influence of the Thackeray name in Mumbai's political landscape. Mumbai's Returning Officer details special arrangements for women and senior citizens as the city votes in crucial BMC elections on January 15. Mumbai, January 15 Ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, South Mumbai Returning Officer Krishna Jadhav requested the people of Mumbai to cast their votes, asserting that the officials are making every effort. The South Mumbai Returning Officer also discussed the arrangements made to ensure a smooth voting experience for voters in the municipal polls. Speaking to ANI, Jadhav said, "We have a team in place that will assist senior citizens. They will take them to the voting compound...We encourage voters to come and cast their votes. We are making every effort to ensure this. For women, we have created pink booths. The pink polling station means that all the staff working at that booth will be women. The polling station will be decorated in pink, and the women working at that polling station will also wear pink sarees. So, we have introduced this new activity for the people here." Meanwhile, Maharashtra is gearing up for massive civic polls across 29 municipal corporations, including the prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The stakes are high for the Thackeray brothers, as well as the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, following the ruling Mahayuti's resounding victory in last year's assembly elections. The voting for these corporations will be held on January 15, and the votes will be counted on January 16. In the capital city, Mumbai, voting will take place in 227 wards, with approximately 1,700 candidates in the fray. A total of 1,03,44,315 citizens are eligible to vote in the BMC polls. Of these, 55,16,707 are male voters, 48,26,509 are female voters, and the number of other voters is 1,099. The undivided Shiv Sena was a strong force in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. It won 84 seats contesting in alliance with the BJP, which won 82 seats. However, the tables have turned this time following Shiv Sena's split in 2022. For the Thackeray brothers, Raj and Uddhav, these local body polls are a fight for regaining lost prestige. It will also test if the Thackeray surname still carries as much weight as it once did in the city and the state. - ANI Union Home Minister Amit Shah offered prayers at the Shri Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad on the occasion of Uttarayan, sharing his wishes for divine grace upon the nation. Following the temple visit, he participated in the traditional kite flying associated with the festival. Prime Minister Narendra Modi separately extended warm greetings for Makar Sankranti and other harvest festivals, highlighting their spirit of hope and gratitude towards farmers. The festival marks the sun's transit and is celebrated across India with regional variations like Pongal and Lohri. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the Shri Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad for Uttarayan prayers and kite flying. PM Modi also extended harvest festival greetings. Ahmedabad, January 14 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday offered prayers at the Shri Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad on the occasion of 'Uttarayan' festival. Sharing pictures from his visit on X, Shah wrote, "Jai Jagannath! As every year, this year too, on the sacred occasion of Uttarayan, we were fortunate to have darshan and worship at Shri Jagannath Temple located in Ahmedabad. May the grace of the Lord be ever upon the people of the country. As every year, this year too, on the sacred festival of Uttarayan, we were fortunate to have darshan and worship at Shri Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad. May the blessings of Lord Jagannathji always shower upon all the citizens of the country. After the temple visit, Shah also participated in the traditional kite flying. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his warm greetings on Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, and Pongal, festivals that mark the harvest season across India. In a letter, the Prime Minister said the festival symbolises hope and positivity. He said that Sankranti is celebrated in various forms across the country, but with the same spirit and enthusiasm. Highlighting its importance for farmers, he said the festival is an occasion to express gratitude to those who nourish the nation through their hard work. Along with Uttarayan, Lohri, Pongal and Sankranti, it represents the diverse ways harvest festivals are celebrated across India. Makar Sankranti is a prominent festival on the Indian calendar. Devotees make offerings to the Sun god, 'Surya', on Makar Sankranti. The day marks the first day of the sun's transit into the 'Makara' (Capricorn) Zodiac sign. Also known to strengthen the bond of friendship, this festival is all about making 'khichdi', kite flying, sesame sweets, and coconut laddoos. Makar Sankranti marks a message that the winter season is ending. - ANI Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel celebrated Makar Sankranti by flying a kite and extending festive greetings to citizens. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also shared a video message, connecting the festival to the state's folk traditions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to the nation, highlighting the festival's symbolism of hope and its importance for farmers. The reports collectively showcase the diverse celebrations of harvest festivals like Lohri, Pongal, and Uttarayan across India. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and PM Narendra Modi extend Makar Sankranti wishes. Read about the festival celebrations and messages of prosperity. Gandhinagar, January 14 Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday extended greetings to citizens on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and celebrated Uttarayan by flying a colourful kite. Speaking to ANI, Gujarat CM Said, "I extend greetings to everyone on Makar Sankranti. On this Kite Festival, may the soaring kites in the skies bring success to everyone." The Chief Minister also participated in the traditional festivities in Gandhinagar, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Uttarayan, one of Gujarat's most celebrated festivals. Earlier today, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended warm greetings on the occasions of Makar Sankranti, Uttaraini, and Ghughuti Tyohar. In a video message shared on X, the Chief Minister said, "Heartiest greetings and best wishes to all the residents of the state on the sacred festival of Makar Sankranti, Uttaraini, and Ghughuti Tyohar, associated with Uttarakhand's rich folk traditions." He further highlighted the significance of the festival and expressed his hopes that the festival brings "happiness, prosperity and fresh energy for all." "This sacred festival, marking the Sun God's transition to Uttarayan, symbolises our folk faith, connection with nature, and renewed awareness in life. May this sacred festival bring happiness, prosperity, and fresh energy into the lives of all of you--this is our prayer," Dhami said in the video message. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday wrote to citizens across the country, extending his warm greetings on Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, and Pongal, festivals that mark the harvest season in different parts of India. In a letter, the Prime Minister said the festival symbolises hope and positivity. He said that Sankranti is celebrated in various forms across the country, but with the same spirit and enthusiasm. Highlighting its importance for farmers, he said the festival is an occasion to express gratitude to those who nourish the nation through their hard work. Along with Lohri, Pongal, Sankranti, and Uttarayan, it represents the diverse ways harvest festivals are celebrated across India. - ANI Tamil Nadu's Education Minister has announced that part-time teachers will receive a minimum salary of Rs 10,000 starting in May. He stated that discussions will be held to regularize their services, addressing a key demand. The announcement comes amid a prolonged protest by secondary-grade teachers demanding equal pay for equal work. The teachers' agitation highlights a significant pay disparity affecting those appointed after June 2009. Tamil Nadu Education Minister announces a minimum Rs 10,000 pay for part-time teachers starting May, amid ongoing protests for equal pay and service regularization. Chennai, January 14 The secondary-grade teachers' who have been on protest for 21 consecutive days across various locations in Chennai, entered a second round of talks with State Education Minister Anbil Poiyamozhi Mahesh on Wednesday at his residence on Greenways Road. Along with Secondary Grade Teachers, Part-Time Teachers also attended the meeting with the minister. After the meeting, the Minister assured that from May, "a minimum of Rs 10,000 will be paid to part-time teachers", adding that "discussions will be held between the School Education Department and the Law Department regarding regularising their services." Speaking to reporters, he reflected on the Chief Minister's efforts to resolve the issue and said the teachers' prolonged protest "caused distress." "The continuous demand of part-time teachers is that Election Promise No. 181 must be implemented. The Chief Minister periodically inquired about the status of the part-time teachers' agitation and obtained updates. At the time of the change in government, when the issue of part-time teachers arose, the Central Government did not release the Rs 3,548 crore that was due to the School Education Department. The fact that part-time teachers had to resort to protests during my tenure has genuinely caused distress," he said. The minister further said that after the change in the government, adequate financial aid was provided to the teachers, assuring an additional hike in the near future. "After the change in government, an increase of Rs 2,500 was given, and subsequently, it has been announced that Rs 2,500 more will be provided, raising the amount to Rs 15,000. Part-time teachers need not worry; your demands will be fulfilled. It has been announced that from May, a minimum of Rs 10,000 will be paid to part-time teachers. Regarding the issue of regularising their services, it was stated that discussions will be held between the School Education Department and the Law Department, after which a decision will be announced...," he assured. The meeting follows talks between protesting Secondary Grade Teachers (SGTs) and senior officials of the School Education Department on Monday, which failed to yield results, prompting the teachers to renew their agitation for "equal pay for equal work." The protesting teachers' demand arose from a pay difference of Rs 3,170 faced by teachers appointed after June 2009, despite performing the same duties as those appointed on or before May 31, 2009. The gap, they claimed, widened further following the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission in December 2022. The teachers also recalled that in 2023, the Chief Minister had constituted a three-member committee comprising the Principal Secretaries of Finance and School Education and the Director of Elementary Education to examine the issue. However, the committee has so far failed to provide a resolution, they alleged. - ANI BRUSSELS, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- 2025 is confirmed as the third-warmest year on record, with scientists warning the planet is likely to heat up sooner than previously thought, according to a report released on Wednesday. In 2025, the global average temperature stood at 14.97 degrees Celsius, 0.13 degrees Celsius cooler than 2024, the warmest year on record, and just 0.01 degrees Celsius cooler than 2023, said the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) in the report. This also marks the first time that global temperatures for the past three years (2023-2025) have averaged more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level (1850-1900), a critical threshold set by the Paris Agreement, according to C3S. The Paris Agreement seeks to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level, with an aspiration to cap it at 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. The report attributed the temperature hikes over the past three years mainly to the build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and exceptionally high sea-surface temperatures, linked to an El Nino event and other ocean variability factors, amplified by climate change. Utilizing several methods, the current level of long-term global warming is estimated to be around 1.4 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level, according to the report. Based on the current rate of warming, the report said that the Paris Agreement's limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius for long-term global warming could be reached by the end of this decade, about a decade earlier than initial projections under the agreement. "The world is rapidly approaching the long-term temperature limit set by the Paris Agreement. We are bound to pass it," said Carlo Buontempo, director of the C3S. Laurence Rouil, director of Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service at European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, called for attention to the issue, saying that the latest atmospheric data shows human activity remains the main driver of the exceptional temperatures. "The atmosphere is sending us a message, and we must listen." Echoing that warning, Buontempo noted that the key question now is how to best manage the inevitable overshoot and its consequences on societies and natural systems. A magnificent unbeaten century by Daryl Mitchell guided New Zealand to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over India in the second ODI in Rajkot. Mitchell's 131* was the centerpiece of a dominant 162-run third-wicket partnership with Will Young (87), which effectively sealed the chase of 285. India's total was built on a superb unbeaten 112 from KL Rahul and a half-century from captain Shubman Gill. The win levels the three-match series at 1-1, setting up an exciting decider on Sunday. Daryl Mitchell's unbeaten 131 and a 162-run stand with Will Young power New Zealand to a 7-wicket win over India, leveling the ODI series 1-1. Rajkot, January 14 A brilliant century by Daryl Mitchell and his 162-run partnership with Will Young sunk Team India to a seven-wicket loss against New Zealand in the second ODI at Rajkot on Wednesday, setting up an exciting decider for Sunday. India, which were asked by New Zealand to bat first, posted 284/7, carried by a marvellous century from KL Rahul (112* in 92 balls, with 12 fours and a six) and a 70-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma (24 in 38 balls, with four boundaries) and skipper Shubman Gill (56 in 53 balls, with nine fours and a six). The visitors lost their two wickets for just 43 runs, but Mitchell (131* in 117 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes) and Young (87 in 98 balls, with seven fours) finished any chance for India with their brilliant 162-run stand for the third wicket. Chasing 285 for victory, opener Devon Conway started off with some boundaries against Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana, untill Harshit cleaned up the left-hander's stumps for a 21-ball 16, with three fours. New Zealand was 22/1 in 5.2 overs. Will Young teamed up with Henry Nicholls, and the team was 34/1 at the end of 10 overs. India had managed to contain the Kiwis in the powerplay. However, a jolt struck Kiwis as an edge off Nicholls bat crashed into his stumps, removing him for a sluggish 24-ball 10. Prasidh Krishna got his first wicket. India had New Zealand down at 46/2 in 12.4 overs. New Zealand reached the 50-run mark in 13.2 overs. Young combined with Daryl Mitchell to take the chase forward, and at the end of 20 overs, Kiwis were looking decent at 82/2, with Mitchell getting a six against Nitish Kumar Reddy's bowling and a four against Ravindra Jadeja. Mitchell was bravely counter-attacking Kuldeep Yadav, and 50-run stand between him and Young was up in 49 balls. The visitors reached the 100-run mark in 21.5 overs. Halfway through their innings, NZ was 117/2, with Young (40*) and Mitchell (47*) unbeaten. Mitchell continued his fine run in the series, reaching back-to-back fifties in the series in just 52 balls, with three fours and two sixes. Boundaries kept coming at a steady pace for Kiwis, as Mitchell-Young brought up their 100-run stand in 102 balls and reached the 150-run mark in 30.1 overs. India's bowling was looking uncharacteristically flat, with Kuldeep conceding a couple of boundaries against Young. Also, Jadeja fired a direct hit, which could have taken out Mitchell had it connected, but it was not meant to be. On the next delivery, Mitchell got another reprieve as Krishna dropped his catch at long-on, making it a very eventful 36th over, with the Kiwis touching the 200-run mark. The 162-run stand between the third wicket ended courtesy Kuldeep, as Young attempted to pull his delivery, but handed a catch to Nitish, who ran to his left at deep mid-wicket. The batter was gone for a 98-ball 87, with seven fours. NZ was 208/3 in 38 overs. At the end of 40 overs, NZ was 227/3, with Mitchell (96*) and Glenn Phillips (9*) running strong. Mitchell, the world number two batter, set his sights for the top rank as he completed his eighth ODI ton in 96 balls, with seven fours and two sixes. Mitchell hit two successive boundaries against Harshit in the 44th over, bringing up NZ's 250-run mark in 43.2 overs. The duo also completed their 50-run stand for the fourth wicket in 42 balls, with Mitchell being the main contributor. Mitchell and Phillips took NZ to a win, with seven wickets and 15 balls left. Earlier, a fantastic unbeaten century from star wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul helped India to post 284/7 in 50 overs. After being asked to bat first, India were off to a cautious start as they made 18/0 in six overs. However, Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill changed gears and took India to 57/0 in 10 overs, providing a good start. During the 13th over, Kristian Clarke dismissed Sharma for 24 runs off 38 deliveries, including four boundaries. The right-handed batter attempted a big shot but sliced towards the sweeper cover region, where Will Young took a simple catch. Kristian Clarke also broke the 70-run opening partnership. Indian captain Gill completed his half-century during the last ball of the 15th over as hosts reached 87/1. This was Gill's fifth 50-plus score in seven ODI innings for Shubman Gill against New Zealand in India. Speedster Kyle Jamieson then removed dangerous Gill during the fifth ball of the 17th over. The Indian captain departed after scoring 56 off 53 deliveries, including nine fours and one six. India was 99/2 in 16.5 overs. Wickets continued to fall as Kristian Clarke dismissed Shreyas Iyer for eight runs during the 22nd over and Virat Kohli for 23 runs during the 24th over, as India slumped to 120/4. After scoring 23 runs, Virat Kohli became India's highest run-scorer against New Zealand in ODIs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar (1750). Overall, Australian legend Ricky Ponting is ahead of Kohli with 1971 runs. India reached 142/4 after 30 overs, but after taking three quick wickets, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja stabilised the innings. However, the crucial 73-run partnership with Jadeja and Rahul was broken after spinner Michael Bracewell took a fantastic caught and bowled, which removed Jadeja on the first ball of the 39th over. However, as India reached 199/5, KL Rahul scored his 21st half-century in the 40th over. During the second ball of the 47th over, Zakary Foulkes dismissed all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy after Glenn Phillips took a simple catch at the mid-wicket region. Reddy departed after scoring 20 runs off 21 balls, including one six. India was 248/6 in 46.2 overs after this 57-run stand was broken. During the last ball of the 49th over, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rahul completed his eighth ODI century in 87 deliveries. Rahul's century came when India was in a spot of bother at 191/5. It was Rahul's 2nd ODI century against New Zealand, second while batting at number five or below and third as a wicket-keeper. Rahul's knock helped India post 284/7 in 50 overs, with him staying unbeaten at 112 runs off 92 deliveries, including 11 fours and one six. With the ball, Kyle Jamieson (1/70), Zakary Foulkes (1/67), Kristian Clarke (3/56), Jayden Lennox (1/42) and captain Michael Bracewell (1/34) were among the wicket takers for New Zealand. Brief score: India 284/7 in 50 overs (KL Rahul 112*, Shubman Gill 56; Kristian Clarke 3/56) vs New Zealand: 286/3 in 47.3 overs (Daryl Mitchell 131*, Will Young 87, Prasidh Krishna 9/49). - ANI Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasized that political differences between states must not overshadow national unity, stating all states are equally important from the country's perspective. He praised the PRAGATI portal for addressing fundamental development issues and inter-state coordination. Yadav highlighted the progress of the Ken-Betwa river-linking project, noting its momentum under PM Modi's focus. He also observed a significant positive change in the working culture between the Centre and states, marked by proactive project monitoring. MP CM Mohan Yadav emphasizes cooperative federalism, hails PRAGATI portal for resolving inter-state issues, and discusses major river-linking projects. Bhopal, January 14 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday underscored the spirit of national unity and cooperative federalism, asserting that political rivalry or differences of opinion between states should not overshadow the larger national interest. He added that there may be political differences between states, but from the nation's perspective, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are equally important; the country is one. While addressing a press conference in Bhopal, Yadav said, "These are the things, but the fundamental point is that, politically, there may be rivalry and differences of opinion between the states, but from the country's perspective, Tamil Nadu is just as important to us as Kerala. Regarding development issues between states, this PRAGATI portal addresses fundamental requirements, such as the use of underground resources in the country's best interests... Whichever state it may be, the country is one." Drawing attention to major river-linking initiatives, Yadav said the Ken-Betwa project, initiated during former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure, gained momentum after receiving focused attention under PM Modi. "This is similar to the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project. It was underway during Atal Ji's time, but it gradually progressed and eventually caught PM Modi's attention. However, in this very project, we realised that there's an investment of Rs 1 lakh crore, of which Rs 50,000 crore is being provided by the Government of India. Our contribution is only 5%, and if the engineers plan properly, a lot of the work will be completed automatically. Similarly, the PKC project, the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal project, has been ongoing in Rajasthan for 20 years, and, interestingly, its monitoring is also conducted there. If there's even a slight delay in submitting a document, it becomes a topic of discussion," he added. The Chief Minister further said that the working culture between the Centre and states has undergone a significant change. "Today, when we go to meet the Prime Minister or the Home Minister, they first inquire about our projects and their status before we even get to our courtesy meeting. This is a time of change, and based on this, I firmly believe that we are living in an extraordinary era," CM Yadav added. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday hailed the PRAGATI portal, technology-driven governance and inter-agency problem-solving, highlighting the state's massive infrastructure push, with 330 projects worth 10.48 lakh crore underway. Addressing a press conference in Lucknow on the progress of infrastructure projects being monitored through the PRAGATI portal, he highlighted the state's transition from "bottleneck" to "facilitator" and "accelerator." - ANI Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a top performer on the central PRAGATI governance platform, resolving 97% of issues raised for major infrastructure projects. The state monitored 209 projects involving over Rs 7.86 lakh crore in investment, with its land acquisition process being faster than the national average. A key success is the completed Jabalpur-Gondia Gauge Conversion Project, which overcame long-standing hurdles through PRAGATI's inter-ministerial intervention. This proactive governance has fueled an active infrastructure pipeline worth Rs 5.24 lakh crore in the state. Madhya Pradesh achieves 97% resolution rate on infrastructure projects via PRAGATI platform, boosting investments worth lakhs of crores. Bhopal, Jan 14 Madhya Pradesh has emerged as a frontrunner in India's Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation platform, demonstrating exceptional efficiency in executing major infrastructure projects and resolving bottlenecks, said Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav here on Wednesday. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 25, 2015, PRAGATI is a digital, interactive system that shifts from file-based to dashboard-driven governance, focusing on project monitoring, citizen grievance redressal, and scheme implementation through collaboration between central and state governments. Dr Yadav said, in Madhya Pradesh, the state has monitored 209 projects under the Project Monitoring Group (PMG) portal, involving a total investment of Rs 7.86 lakh crore across strategic sectors like energy, transport, telecommunications, power generation, roads, railways, coal, oil and gas, metro rail, renewable energy, and urban infrastructure. The state's standout performance includes a land acquisition process averaging 13.9 months, surpassing the national average of 14.2 months, setting new benchmarks for speed and efficiency. Statistics highlight MP's proactive approach; under PMG, 322 issues were raised, with 312 resolved at a 97 per cent rate, leaving only 10 pending. Similarly, in PRAGATI reviews, 39 projects saw 124 issues raised, 120 resolved (97 per cent), and just four pending. "Among those two are related to the forest for which the remaining procedure has been completed, while the other two are related to land acquisition, which will also be completed soon," said Anurag Jain, state chief secretary. This has fuelled an active infrastructure pipeline worth Rs 5.24 lakh crore, with only 10 state-wide pending issues. Overall, PRAGATI has held 50 meetings since its inception, monitoring 39 projects in MP with Rs 1.74 lakh crore in investments and achieving 97 per cent issue resolution. Of these, 20 infrastructure projects are complete, 19 ongoing, and central schemes include 14 from the Railways Ministry, 13 from Roads and Highways, and 5 from Power. "A prime example is the Jabalpur-Gondia Gauge Conversion Project, a 285-km rail upgrade from narrow to broad gauge costing Rs 1,990.98 crore. Aimed at strengthening central India's rail connectivity and providing an alternative high-capacity corridor between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, it benefits districts like Jabalpur, Balaghat, Mandla, and Seoni by linking them to major cities such as Nagpur, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai," Dr Yadav said. The project faced multi-departmental hurdles, including delayed forest land approval for 75.4 hectares in Balaghat (stuck since 2006), felling of 27,100 trees in the Nainpur-Balaghat section, and road diversions at four State Highway-11 crossings. PRAGATI's intervention on March 23, 2016, brought together the Prime Minister's Office, Railways, Environment and Forests, Roads Ministries, and the MP government for swift resolution. Construction accelerated, leading to 100 per cent completion by March 2021, he said. This success underscores PRAGATI's impact: cheaper, faster freight transport boosting trade; improved access to markets, healthcare, education, and tourism in tribal and forest areas; and enhanced employment and living standards for local communities, the chief minister said. - IANS Mumbai Police have intensified security measures as voting begins for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls. The administration has introduced special initiatives like pink polling booths staffed entirely by women to encourage voter participation. These elections are a crucial test for the Thackeray brothers and the ruling political alliance following the Shiv Sena's split. Voting is taking place across 227 wards, with results scheduled to be announced on January 16. Mumbai Police enhance security for BMC elections. Over 1 crore voters eligible. Key test for Thackeray brothers and ruling alliance in 227 wards. Mumbai, January 15 Mumbai Police tightened security ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls on Thursday. The voting will take place from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Police personnel installed barricades at various locations and conducted checks on passing vehicles. Earlier, the South Mumbai Returning Officer, Krishna Jadhav, urged people in Mumbai to cast their votes, stating that officials are making every effort. The South Mumbai Returning Officer also discussed the arrangements made to ensure a smooth voting experience for voters in the municipal polls. Speaking to ANI, Jadhav said, "We have a team in place that will assist senior citizens. They will take them to the voting compound...We encourage voters to come and cast their votes. We are making every effort to ensure this. For women, we have created pink booths. The pink polling station means that all the staff working at that booth will be women. The polling station will be decorated in pink, and the women working at that polling station will also wear pink sarees. So, we have introduced this new activity for the people here." Meanwhile, Maharashtra is gearing up for massive civic polls across 29 municipal corporations, including the prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The stakes are high for the Thackeray brothers, as well as the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, following the ruling Mahayuti's resounding victory in last year's assembly elections. The voting for these corporations will be held on January 15, and the votes will be counted on January 16. In the capital city, Mumbai, voting will take place in 227 wards, with approximately 1,700 candidates in the fray. A total of 1,03,44,315 citizens are eligible to vote in the BMC polls. Of these, 55,16,707 are male voters, 48,26,509 are female voters, and the number of other voters is 1,099. The undivided Shiv Sena was a strong force in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. It won 84 seats contesting in alliance with the BJP, which won 82 seats. However, the tables have turned this time following Shiv Sena's split in 2022. For the Thackeray brothers, Raj and Uddhav, these local body polls are a fight for regaining lost prestige. It will also test if the Thackeray surname still carries as much weight as it once did in the city and the state. - ANI Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio outlined the state's multiple challenges, including the protracted Naga political issue and concerns related to the Inner Line Permit. He emphasized the need for unity and dialogue among Naga tribes to overcome social fragmentation and governance hurdles. Rio highlighted government initiatives such as the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) and a major 2024 consultative meeting on the political issue. Addressing the Ao community conference, he praised their pioneering role and urged the youth to honor this legacy through responsible action. Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio addresses key state challenges including the Naga political issue, ILP concerns, and resource management at an Ao community conference. Kohima, Jan 14 Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday said that the state continues to face multiple challenges, including the long-pending Naga political issue, concerns related to the Inner Line Permit system, and the need to tap its mineral resources. Addressing the 70th Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) conference as the Special Guest at Chungtia Village in Mokokchung district, the Chief Minister candidly discussed the multifaceted challenges currently facing Naga society. The other issues Rio highlighted are the Naga political issue -- the ongoing quest for a permanent solution, social fragmentation, the need to bridge divides within the community, governance and resources and the protection of Article 371A. Rio urged for unity, mutual respect, and collective teamwork among all Naga tribes to overcome these hurdles. On the state initiatives and the path forward, the Chief Minister briefed the gathering on proactive steps taken by the state government, such as the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) and the landmark consultative meeting held on September 12, 2024, which brought stakeholders together regarding the Naga Political issue. Emphasising a shift away from "blame culture," Rio called for resolving disputes through sincere dialogue and discussion. He reminded the youth that the history scripted by their forefathers is not just a legacy to be admired, but a "call to action" for the present and future. Honoring the Legacy of "Land of Pioneers", Rio expressed deep gratitude to the AKM, Chungtia Village, and the Ao Naga community for hosting the milestone event. He lauded the AKM pioneers, noting that their vision was never limited to a single tribe but was intended for the advancement of all Nagas. Highlighting the AKM motto, "For the Nation", Rio described it as a farsighted commitment to selfless service. He acknowledged the Ao tribe's immense contributions to the state's growth, reaffirming the government's recognition of the community as the "Land of Pioneers". The Chief Minister urged the younger generation to uphold the responsibilities entrusted to them, ensuring the vision of the founding fathers remains the cornerstone of Naga progress. The organisation -- Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) -- played a crucial role in promoting education, social change, and cultural preservation among the Ao Naga community. - IANS The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences has revised the qualifying percentiles for NEET-PG 2025 to address the critical issue of over 18,000 unfilled postgraduate medical seats. The decision, made after the completion of Round-2 counselling, aims to optimize seat utilization and expand India's pool of medical specialists without diluting academic standards. The move comes in response to a formal request from the Indian Medical Association, which cited the urgent need to prevent seat wastage. The government has reaffirmed that admissions will remain strictly merit-based and transparent, guided by NEET-PG rank and candidate preference. NBEMS revises NEET-PG 2025 qualifying percentiles to fill over 18,000 vacant PG medical seats, ensuring merit-based admissions and healthcare expansion. By Shalini Bhardwaj, New Delhi, January 14 In a significant move to address the large number of vacant postgraduate medical seats across the country, National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences has revised the qualifying percentiles for NEET-PG 2025 admissions. According to sources to ANI , "This decision follows the completion of Round-2 counselling, where over 18,000 PG seats remained unfilled in government and private medical colleges." "The revision aims to ensure optimal utilisation of available seats, which are vital for expanding India's pool of trained medical specialists. Leaving such seats vacant undermines national efforts to improve healthcare delivery and results in the loss of valuable educational resources," sources said further All NEET-PG candidates are MBBS-qualified doctors who have completed their degrees and internships. NEET-PG serves as a ranking mechanism to facilitate transparent, merit-based allocation of seats through centralised counselling. The previous percentile thresholds had restricted the pool of eligible candidates despite the availability of seats. The key highlights of the decision is that Admissions remain strictly merit-based, determined by NEET-PG rank and candidate preferences. Allotments will be made only through authorised counselling mechanisms; no direct or discretionary admissions are permitted. Inter-se merit and choice-based allocation will continue to guide seat distribution. No dilution of academic standards.The revised percentile merely expands eligibility among already-qualified MBBS doctors. On fainess and transparency Sources said "Transparency and fairness remain central to the process." Earlier, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) had formally requested a revision of the qualifying cut-off on 12 January 2026, citing the urgent need to prevent seat wastage and strengthen healthcare services. The decision, issued on 13 January 2026, reflects responsiveness to this appeal. The IMA has expressed heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Health Minister J.P. Nadda for their visionary leadership and timely intervention in the interest of the medical fraternity and public health. "This measure is consistent with past academic years and has proven effective in ensuring seat utilisation while maintaining academic integrity. It reaffirms the government's commitment to strengthening India's healthcare system through fair, transparent, and merit-driven processes." Sources explained. - ANI Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, speaking at the 56th anniversary of Tamil weekly Thuglak in Chennai, asserted that the National Education Policy 2020 does not replace or weaken mother languages but aims to enrich education by blending traditional values with modern practices. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's special regard for the Tamil language and noted Tamil Nadu's significant economic contribution to India's GDP. Congress leader Trichy Veluswamy, also present, stated that political alliances in the state are fluid and that the Congress would never ally with the BJP, calling for ethical leadership in the 2026 elections. The event celebrated Thuglak's legacy of political satire and commentary, with recollections of its founder Cho Ramaswamy's political foresight. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan clarifies NEP 2020 promotes multilingualism, respects linguistic diversity at Thuglak magazine's 56th anniversary in Chennai. Chennai, January 15 Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday participated in the 56th anniversary celebrations of the Tamil weekly magazine Thuglak, held at the Narada Gana Sabha auditorium in Teynampet, Chennai. The event was organised to commemorate 56 years of Thuglak, a publication widely known for its sharp political satire, ideological debates, and commentary on national and state politics. The programme was presided over by Thuglak editor S. Gurumoorthy and featured senior leaders from various political parties, intellectuals, academicians, and long-time readers of the magazine. During the event, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan extended Pongal greetings to the people of Tamil Nadu, beginning his speech with a greeting in Tamil. Acknowledging that he could not speak Tamil fluently, he said he had made an effort, as Tamil was a great and powerful language with rich cultural and communicative strength. Pradhan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had always given special importance to the Tamil language and its heritage. Describing Pongal as a deeply rooted Indian festival, he noted that while South India celebrates Pongal and North India celebrates different festivals, all festivals reflect India's unity in diversity. Highlighting Tamil Nadu's economic significance, the Union Minister said the state contributes nearly nine percent to India's GDP and serves as a major economic gateway for the country. He also referred to the Thirukkural, stating that the ancient Tamil text had transcended language and cultural boundaries and earned global recognition. Speaking on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Pradhan said the policy aimed to enrich education by blending traditional Indian values with modern learning practices. He clarified that the NEP neither replaces nor weakens mother languages and stressed that learning three languages does not harm one's primary language. Responding to criticism, he said NEP 2020 had not been imposed anywhere and was designed for the country's future development rather than political considerations. The Union Minister reiterated that NEP 2020 promotes multilingualism, inclusive growth, and holistic development, while respecting India's linguistic and cultural diversity. Among those present were BJP State General Secretary Professor Raama Sreenivasan, senior BJP leader H. Raja, AIADMK senior leader Duraisamy, founder of Puthiya Needhi Katchi A.C. Shanmugam, Vellore Ibrahim, Congress leader Trichy Veluswamy, several BJP leaders, and a large number of Thuglak readers and well-wishers. Congress leader Trichy Veluswamy, addressing the gathering, said that political alliances in Tamil Nadu were not permanent and could change at any time. He remarked that the party that allocates ministerial positions to the Congress would effectively become the ruling party, while others would remain in the opposition. He stated that Congress would never ally with the BJP. Emphasising the importance of leadership qualities, Veluswamy said that voters must carefully evaluate candidates in the upcoming elections. "More than becoming an MP, MLA or Chief Minister, one should be a good human being," he said. Referring to past political developments, he observed that some leaders who once held high constitutional positions were later seen lamenting after losing power. He pointed out that no one had ever spoken ill of former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, attributing this to his integrity and personal character. Calling for political change in the 2026 Assembly elections, Veluswamy said the principle of "discarding the old and embracing the new" should guide voters and urged people to bring about transformation by electing ethical and capable leaders. Professor Ram Srinivasan said he had been a Thuglak reader since the age of 13 and credited the magazine with introducing Tamil readers to national politics. He remarked that Thuglak played a significant role in familiarising Tamil Nadu with organisations such as the RSS and recalled that it was at a Thuglak anniversary event that Cho Ramaswamy had once predicted Narendra Modi's rise as Prime Minister. The celebrations concluded with tributes to Thuglak's legacy and its founder, Cho Ramaswamy, reaffirming the magazine's enduring role in shaping political debate, satire, and ideological discourse in Tamil Nadu for over five decades. - ANI German Chancellor Friedrich Merz concluded a two-day visit to India, emphasizing the strength of people-to-people connections between the two nations. He revealed that around 250,000 people in India are learning German and that Bangalore is the top global location for German visa issuance. The cooperation focuses on addressing Germany's severe worker shortage by facilitating the movement of Indian students and skilled professionals. The visit included high-level engagements with Indian leadership and the India-German CEO Forum to boost trade and innovation ties. Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlights booming German language learning in India and visa issuance in Bangalore as key to mutual economic benefit. Berlin, January 14 Federal Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz lauded the cooperation between Germany and India in the form of people-to-people ties. Merz said that around 250,000 people in India are learning German. He said, "Around 250,000 people in India are learning German. There is no place in the world where Germany issues more visas than here in Bangalore. Language, work, and exchange connect people -- an opportunity that benefits both our economies and serves the interests of our countries." Germany is facing a severe shortage of workers, especially in blue collar occupations. India places a high priority on facilitating movement of students, apprentices and workers aiming to take up employment in Germany, collaboration to provide dual vocational training to Indian students as per German standards with the aim of accelerating mobility of skilled workers, and taking other measures to promote fair migration for employment purposes, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said. Bilateral cooperation in this area has been expanding at several fronts- between Central Governments, agencies of Central/State governments and among private enablers, as per the MEA. Meanwhile, Merz concluded his two-day official visit to India on Tuesday, following a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening India-Germany ties. According to a press release from the Gujarat CMO, Chancellor Merz participated in several cultural and strategic programmes alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat and attended the India-German CEO Forum, which focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and innovation. Following his engagements, Chancellor Merz departed from Ahmedabad Airport for Germany, where he received a warm farewell from Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and other senior dignitaries. Several top officials were present at the airport, including Chief Secretary MK Das, Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department Anju Sharma, Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner GS Malik, Chief Protocol Officer Jwalant Trivedi, District Collector Sujeet Kumar, and senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the release stated. - ANI Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi addressed the NCC Republic Day Camp, praising Indian youth as the country's most powerful demographic force and a reservoir of strength. He highlighted the crucial role of over 75,000 NCC cadets during Operation Sindoor, where they volunteered in civil defence and disaster relief. The Army Chief also celebrated the achievement of ten NCC cadets who summited Mount Everest in 2025. He emphasized that discipline, perseverance, and national commitment are the cornerstones of character and excellence for the nation's future. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi lauds Indian youth and NCC cadets for their discipline, national commitment, and role in Operation Sindoor. New Delhi, January 14 Chief of the Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi lauded the strength, discipline and national commitment of India's youth, calling them the country's greatest reservoir of power. Addressing the National Cadet Corps Republic Day Camp Camp 2026 at the Cariappa Parade Camp in Delhi Cantonment on Wednesday, General Dwivedi said recent events had clearly demonstrated the capabilities of Indian youth, particularly Generation Z, which he described as the largest and most powerful demographic force in the country. "Recent events have shown the world exactly what Indian youth are capable of. You are the most powerful and the largest population of Generation Z. Our youth are a reservoir of strength that must be channelled with discipline, purpose and national commitment," he said. Referring to Operation Sindoor, General Dwivedi said, "Operation Sindoor was a defining demonstration of India's resolve and restraint, a reflection of the moral strength and professional excellence of our armed forces and our youth alike." He highlighted the crucial role played by the National Cadet Corps during the operation, noting, "During Operation Sindoor, over 75,000 NCC cadets volunteered across the country, working tirelessly in civil defence, hospital management, disaster relief, and community services." The Army Chief also praised the exceptional achievements of NCC Cadets in other fields. He recalled, "In 2025, 10 NCC cadets, 5 boys and 5 girls, with an average age of just 19, successfully submitted Mount Everest. I was privileged enough to interact with them." Earlier in the day, General Dwivedi, and President of Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) Sunita Dwivedi welcomed the cadets at the Army House. Interacting with the cadets, the Army Chief lauded the NCC's pivotal role in fostering national unity and social cohesion, emphasised discipline, perseverance, hard work and leadership as the cornerstones of character and excellence. General Dwivedi also facilitated selected achiever cadets and shared insights from his own journey, urging them to imbibe India's timeless values. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister L Murugan in Delhi. Both PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu extended festive greetings for Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu, linking them to India's agricultural traditions and national unity. The BJP has launched a political-cultural program called 'Namma Ooru Modi Pongal' to celebrate the festival while highlighting the Prime Minister's leadership. Pongal is a major Tamil harvest festival, with the Tamil Nadu government providing a gift package of rice, sugar, and sugarcane to beneficiaries. PM Narendra Modi attends Pongal celebrations in Delhi, extends Makar Sankranti wishes. President Murmu, HM Amit Shah also mark the harvest festivals. New Delhi, January 14 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday will attend the Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister L Murugan in the national capital. The Prime Minister also extended greetings on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, praying for the happiness, prosperity, and excellent health of the citizens. "This sacred occasion of Sankranti is celebrated in various parts of the country according to local customs and traditions. I pray to Lord Surya for everyone's happiness, prosperity, and excellent health. May the Sun God proceed to the heavens; the Lord Sun is in Capricorn. In the Uttarayana, there is great merit; it destroys all sins," PM Modi wrote on 'X'. On Tuesday, President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings for Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu, asserting that the festivals are symbols of India's rich agricultural traditions and national unity. President Murmu also expressed gratitude to nature and thanked the farmer benefactors. "Heartfelt greetings to all Indians living in the country and abroad on the occasion of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu. These festivals are symbols of India's rich agricultural traditions and national unity. On this occasion, we also express our gratitude towards nature. Through these festivals, we convey our thanks to the farmer benefactors. My best wishes are that these festivals bring happiness and prosperity into everyone's lives," the 'X' post said. On January 5, Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in the Pongal festival celebrations in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. As the BJP has launched a political-cultural programme during the Pongal festival, it has termed it 'Namma Ooru Modi Pongal,' which translates to "Our Town's Modi Pongal." Under this initiative, BJP workers and supporters celebrate Pongal at the local (ooru) level while highlighting the policies, welfare schemes, and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pongal, one of the most significant festivals for Tamils worldwide, marks thanksgiving to nature, the sun, farm animals, and farmers. It is traditionally celebrated as a family festival symbolising prosperity, gratitude, and togetherness. To facilitate the celebrations, the Tamil Nadu government had earlier announced a Pongal gift package comprising one kilogram of raw rice, one kilogram of sugar, and one full-length sugarcane for all eligible beneficiaries. - ANI TEHRAN, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei on Wednesday called for the accurate and speedy trials of the "rioters and terrorists" arrested during the recent unrest in the country. He made the remarks during a visit to a penitentiary in Tehran to inspect the cases of some of the main suspects detained during the recent events, according to the Mizan news agency of the Iranian judiciary. Mohseni-Ejei stressed that those detainees who had attacked security forces and public places using weapons and explosives and perpetrated "acts of terror" must be prioritized for trial and punishment. He said those affiliated with foreign intelligence services and their ringleaders must also be prioritized for trial and punishment, warning against any delay in prosecuting those who had committed acts of terror and riot. Protests have erupted since late last month in several Iranian cities over the sharp depreciation of the rial. Authorities said they are prepared to address economic grievances, while warning against violence, vandalism, and unrest. Initially held peacefully, the protests gradually became violent, leading to casualties and damages on public property, mosques, government buildings and banks over the past few days, for which the Iranian authorities have blamed the United States and Israel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared separate social media posts extending heartfelt greetings for the festivals of Uttarayan and Magh Bihu. He wished citizens happiness, good health, and prosperity while emphasizing the festivals' themes of togetherness and gratitude. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked the PM for his Magh Bihu wishes and noted the people's anticipation of Modi's upcoming visit to Assam. These festivals, including Lohri and Pongal, represent the diverse harvest celebrations across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends warm wishes for Magh Bihu and Uttarayan, highlighting harvest festivals' themes of togetherness and prosperity. New Delhi, January 14 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended wishes on the occasion of Magh Bihu and Uttarayan. In two separate posts on X, the Prime Minister wished the citizens on the auspicious festivals. Sharing a greeting post for Uttarayan, PM Modi wrote, "Wishing everyone a happy Uttarayan!" in the caption. In the post, PM wished happiness, good health and well-being to everyone. "Heartfelt greetings on the auspicious occasion of Uttarayan! May this sacred festival of Makar Sankranti fill your life with happiness, and may everyone be blessed with good health and well-being. May this joyful celebration also strengthen bonds of togetherness and usher in prosperity and positivity for all," the post read. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister expressed hope that on the festival of Magh Bihu, "the spirit of gratitude and harmony continues to guide all," captioning the post, "Happy Magh Bihu to everyone!" "Warm greetings on the auspicious occasion of MAGH BIHU. Magh Bihu celebrates the joy of harvest, abundance and togetherness. May this festival bring prosperity, good health and happiness to every home. May the spirit of gratitude and harmony continue to guide us towards a brighter and more prosperous future," the post read. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, reposted the Prime Minister's Magh Bihu post, thanking him for his warm greetings. He also stated that people are "awaiting the Prime Minister's arrival on the 17th." "Thank you Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji for your #MaghBihu wishes. The people of Assam are joyfully celebrating this harvest festival and are eagerly awaiting your arrival to Assam on the 17th," the Chief Minister wrote in the post. Magh Bihu, a major harvest festival of Assam, marks the end of the harvest season in Magh and is celebrated with community feasts. Along with Lohri, Pongal, Sankranti, and Uttarayan, it represents the diverse ways harvest festivals are celebrated across India. - ANI A devoted Rajinikanth fan in Madurai, Karthik, celebrated the Pongal harvest festival at a temple built inside his home dedicated to the superstar. The temple houses a 300-kg idol of Rajinikanth, whom Karthik worships, and this marked the third consecutive year of Pongal celebrations there. The family performed traditional rituals to honor farmers and recreated a village scene inspired by the actor's film "Muthu." The idol was decorated with vegetables and a "Padayappa" image made from nine varieties of grains for the occasion. A die-hard Rajinikanth fan in Madurai celebrates Pongal at his home temple with a 300-kg idol, honoring farmers with traditional rituals. Chennai, January 14 A die-hard fan of Rajinikanth from Madurai marked the Pongal festival in a special way by offering prayers at a temple built for the superstar inside his own home. Karthik, who considers himself as a huge fan of 'Thalaivar,' has been celebrating the harvest festival at this shrine with his family to show his love and respect for the actor. The temple was set up a few years ago and houses a 300-kg idol of Rajinikanth. For Karthik, the actor is not just a film star but someone he worships like a god. During Pongal, the family observed traditional rituals and offered prayers at the temple, as in village celebrations. Speaking to ANI, Karthik said the temple successfully celebrated Pongal for the third consecutive year. He also added that the festival is meant to honour farmers and village life. "On behalf of the Arulmigu Sri Rajini Temple, we have been celebrating Pongal successfully for the third consecutive year. Pongal is a festival dedicated to farmers and is observed to honor and uplift them. Today, many of us have shifted to an urban lifestyle. With the intention of showcasing how Pongal is traditionally celebrated in villages, we recreated a scene inspired by the film Muthu, depicting Rajini seated on a bullock cart, similar to his iconic horse-cart sequence in the movie," he said. Karthik went on to share details about how the idol was decorated for the festival, using food items linked to Pongal. Talking about the decorated idol and the special display, he explained, "The idol of Rajini has been decorated with vegetables such as carrots and beans. We also created an image of Padayappa Rajini using nine varieties of grains (navadhanyam). Both the main idol and the processional idol have been adorned with garlands made of tomatoes and dried dates." Pongal, one of the most significant festivals for Tamils worldwide, marks thanksgiving to nature, the sun, farm animals, and farmers. It is traditionally celebrated as a family festival symbolising prosperity, gratitude, and togetherness. To facilitate the celebrations, the Tamil Nadu government had earlier announced a Pongal gift package comprising one kilogram of raw rice, one kilogram of sugar, and one full-length sugarcane for all eligible beneficiaries. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended warm Pongal greetings to the people of Tamil Nadu in a special letter. He described the harvest festival as a shining symbol of the richness of Tamil traditions and its deep connection to agriculture and farmers. The Prime Minister highlighted how Pongal strengthens family bonds and expresses gratitude for hard work. Modi will attend Pongal celebrations in Delhi and is scheduled to visit Chennai later in January for a public rally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends Pongal wishes, calling it a shining symbol of Tamil traditions and its global celebration by the Tamil community. New Delhi, Jan 14 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended Pongal greetings to the people of Tamil Nadu, calling it a "shining symbol" of the richness of Tamil traditions. Pongal, an important festival for Tamils across the globe, represents a thanksgiving to nature, the sun, livestock, and farmers. It is customarily observed as a family celebration that epitomises abundance, appreciation, and unity. In his special letter to the people of Tamil Nadu, PM Modi greeted the citizens with 'Vanakkam', and said, "I extend my heartfelt greetings to you and your family on the joyous occasion of Pongal. This special festival reminds us of the close relationship between human labour and the rhythms of nature." He said that Pongal is a festival "deeply connected" with agriculture, hardworking farmers, rural life and the dignity of work. "Families come together to prepare traditional dishes and share joy and goodwill. This strengthens bonds across generations and reinforces the spirit of togetherness. Pongal is also about expressing gratitude to all those who enrich our lives with their hard work," he added. Calling Pongal a "shining symbol of the richness of Tamil traditions", PM Modi said, "We in India take pride in the fact that we are home to the oldest language in the world, Tamil. It is gladdening to see Pongal emerge as a global festival, celebrated enthusiastically in Tamil Nadu, in different parts of India and by the Tamil community across the world." "Once again, warm Pongal wishes to you. May this festival bring an abundance of prosperity, success and good health to everyone's lives," he added. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister will attend the Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister L. Murugan in New Delhi, later in the day. Additionally, on January 23, PM Modi will travel to Chennai and address a public rally, as Tamil Nadu is scheduled to go to the polls in the coming months. This will be the Prime Minister's first visit to the state in 2026. - IANS President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in paying tribute to ex-servicemen on the 10th Armed Forces Veterans' Day, saluting their valor and sacrifice. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Chiefs of the Army and Navy also extended deep gratitude, highlighting veterans' role as the living shield of the nation. The day is observed on January 14, the birth anniversary of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Army. Military leaders assured continued commitment to the welfare and dignity of veterans, emphasizing their enduring bond with the armed forces. President Droupadi Murmu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and military chiefs honor the valor and sacrifice of veterans on the 10th Armed Forces Veterans' Day. New Delhi, January 14 President and Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, Droupadi Murmu, on Wednesday lauded the courage and dedication of India's ex-servicemen on the 10th Armed Forces Veterans' Day, expressing confidence that they will continue to serve the nation with unwavering commitment. In a post shared on X, President Murmu said, "On Veterans' Day, I salute the valour, dedication, and sacrifice of our ex-servicemen. Their unwavering courage continues to inspire every Indian. Occasions such as Veterans' Day and Armed Forces Flag Day are not only opportunities to pay tribute to our brave soldiers, but also to extend meaningful support to them. I am confident that our veterans will continue to remain deeply committed to the cause of the nation." Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid homage, expressing deep gratitude to both serving personnel and veterans. "On Armed Forces Veterans Day, I bow in deep gratitude to our veterans and serving personnel whose lives are devoted to courage, honour and service before self. Their sacrifices borne with quiet resolve and unshakable faith form the living shield of our borders, preserve the soul of our Republic and embody the enduring spirit of India. The nation's gratitude to its soldiers is eternal and our commitment to the dignity, welfare and well-being of veterans, serving personnel and their families will remain absolute, unwavering and resolute," Singh tweeted. Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, also extended warm greetings to veterans and their families. He highlighted the enduring symbols of courage, professionalism, and selfless service represented by retired personnel. "On the occasion of Veterans Day, I extend my warm greetings and deep respect to all our veterans and their families. Our veterans are the enduring symbols of courage, professionalism, and selfless service, who stood vigilant through calm seas and stormy waters to safeguard India's national interests. This Veterans Day is not merely a commemorative event. It is a tribute to a lifetime of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the nation. The values we live by, discipline, integrity, and devotion to duty, continue to inspire our service personnel and will guide future generations of the defence services," Tripathi said in a video. Chief of Naval Staff further assured India's veterans that the Navy and sister services remain fully committed to their welfare, well-being, and dignity, emphasising that their bond with the armed forces continues even after retirement. "I wish to assure all our veterans that the Indian Navy and our sister services remain steadfastly committed to your welfare, well-being and dignity. Your bond with us does not and did not end with your retirement. You remain an integral part of our defence services. On behalf of the Indian Navy and other services, I express our deep gratitude for your service to the nation. We are proud to carry your legacy forward. I wish all veterans a happy and memorable Veterans Day," he further said. The Indian Army also paid tribute, with Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi extending best wishes to ex-servicemen and their families. "Veterans, Unparalleled Contributions" General Upendra Dwivedi, #ChiefOfArmyStaff and all ranks, extends best wishes to all ex-servicemen and their families on Armed Forces Veterans' Day 2026," the Indian Army's post read. The Indian Army also hailed ex-servicemen for their invaluable contributions to nation-building. "Ex-servicemen have made invaluable contributions to nation-building. Their unwavering loyalty, discipline, and selfless service inspire future generations, Ex-servicemen are a pillar of strength for India's development. They are contributing immensely to promoting national unity, guiding the youth, and building a strong and developed India. Ex-servicemen are an inspiration to the nation, and the entire country takes pride in them," the post further said. Armed Forces Veterans' Day is celebrated on January 14 every year, marking the birth anniversary of the Late Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. A towering figure in India's military history, Field Marshal Cariappa, the First Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army, led the forces to victory in the 1947 war and laid the foundation for an enduring legacy of service, discipline, and patriotism, a release from the Ministry of Defence said. - ANI Bonfires burn old items for new beginnings Sankranti celebrations have begun across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, starting with the Bhogi tradition of burning old items. The festival marks the end of the winter harvest and the beginning of the new sowing season. Prominent figures, including Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V. Anitha and former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, participated in the festivities with their families. A massive festive atmosphere prevails as lakhs of people travel home, aided by special transport services from both states. Sankranti celebrations commence with Bhogi bonfires in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Ministers, former VP Naidu participate in harvest festival traditions. Amaravati, Jan 14 Highlighting the rich Telugu culture, Sankranti celebrations began across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Wednesday with 'bhogi' amid usual pomp and gaiety Villages and towns in both the Telugu states came alive with traditional celebrations to mark the harvest festival Three-day celebrations kicked off with 'bhogi', burning of old and unwanted items such as old clothes, mats and broomsticks in the belief that new things usher into their lives. People in villages and towns began the day with bhogi and prayers. Women were seen playing and dancing around the bonfire. Sankranti or Makar Sankranti is the biggest festival in Andhra Pradesh. The festival marks the end of the winter harvest season of rabi crops and the beginning of the next sowing season, kharif. Ministers, MPs, state legislators and leaders of all political parties participated in bhogi in various parts of the two states. Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V. Anitha participated in the 'bhogi' festival at her house in Anakapalli. Accompanied by her family members, she performed 'gau puja' (cow worship). Cultural programmes were organised on the occasion. She played 'dappu', adding to the enthusiasm among participants. At Visakhapatnam beach, 1.01 lakh dungcakes of 'desi' cows were burnt in the bhogi fire. Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi, along with locals and tourists, participated in the celebrations Amaravati Utsav Samithi organised bhogi with dung cakes in Vijayawada. According to the organisers, burning dung cakes is good for the environment and health. Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu celebrated 'bhogi' along with family members at Nellore. Venkaiah Naidu greeted people and hoped that the festival would bring happiness and prosperity to them. "The 'Bhogi' bonfires lit with joy and enthusiasm by young and old alike convey the message to let go of negative thoughts and move forward with a positive outlook," he said. 'Bhogi' was also organised in front of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's house in his native village Naravaripalle in Tirupati district. Chief Minister Naidu's brother-in-law, Nandamuri Ramakrishna, MP M. Bharat and other family members participated in the celebrations. The Chief Minister, along with his family members, is in the village to participate in Sankranti celebrations. A festive atmosphere prevailed in residential colonies in Hyderabad and the outskirts, besides Vijayawada, Guntur, Visakhapatnam and other towns and villages in both the states. Lakhs of people who live in Hyderabad headed to their homes in various districts of both the Telugu states. State Road Transport Corporations of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh operated special buses, and the Railways operated special trains to carry people to their destinations from Hyderabad. - IANS Seattle University and the Consulate General of India in Seattle co-hosted a briefing on the upcoming AI India Impact Summit 2026. The event highlighted India's strategy to use artificial intelligence as a tool for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. Key speakers included Remitly CEO Matt Oppenheimer and Seattle University professor Onur Bakiner, who discussed AI investments and ethical challenges. The session is part of a series of pre-summit engagements, including an earlier briefing for U.S. Congress members and tech executives. Seattle University and Indian Consulate host briefing on AI India Impact Summit 2026, highlighting AI for sustainability and inclusive growth. Washington, Jan 14 Seattle University and the Consulate General of India in Seattle hosted a briefing session on the AI India Impact Summit 2026, highlighting India's approach to artificial intelligence as a tool for social good, sustainability and inclusive economic growth. The event was held at the Casey Commons Conference Hall on the Seattle University campus on Monday and drew a large turnout of students and senior faculty. The discussion focused on the summit's theme, "People, Planet, and Progress," and provided an overview of India's expanding artificial intelligence ecosystem. Organizers outlined how India is shaping its AI strategy around development goals, including support for sustainable growth and broader economic inclusion. The session aimed to introduce students and scholars to India's evolving role in global AI policy and innovation. Matt Oppenheimer, the chief executive of the remittance company Remitly, delivered the keynote address. He spoke about Remitly's investments in India's AI-driven future and highlighted the company's operations in Bengaluru, citing benefits from reforms related to ease of doing business in India. Onur Bakiner, a professor of political science at Seattle University and director of its Technology Ethics Initiative, also addressed the gathering. He spoke to students and scholars about the challenges posed by rapid advances in artificial intelligence and the opportunities emerging from the technology. The Consul General of India in Seattle in his address, outlined preparations for the AI India Impact Summit 2026 and described the profile of the high-level delegation expected to participate from the Greater Seattle area. The event was the second in a series of pre-summit briefings planned in the Greater Seattle region. An earlier session was held on November 7, 2025, at the Consulate General of India in Seattle for members of the US Congress and senior technology executives. That earlier briefing included participation by US Representatives Adam Smith and Michael Baumgartner, along with representatives from Microsoft, Salesforce and Anicca Data Science Solutions. The AI India Impact Summit is expected to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, academics and civil society groups to discuss the responsible and inclusive use of artificial intelligence. - IANS Actor and co-creator Stephen Graham has hinted that a second season of the hit Netflix limited series 'Adolescence' is a possibility, revealing the idea is in the "deep recesses" of his and co-creator Jack Thorne's minds. The show just won multiple Golden Globes, including Best Actor for Graham and supporting awards for Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty. Producers at Plan B have previously confirmed early talks about a new version that would keep the show's "DNA" intact. The series is a massive success, being Netflix's second most-watched English-language show ever and a major awards contender. Stephen Graham hints at a potential second season for Netflix's hit series 'Adolescence' after winning a Golden Globe. Details inside. Washington DC, January 14 The story of 'Adolescence' may not be over yet, as the popular Netflix series, which was originally created as a limited show, could return with a second season. This hint came from actor and co-creator Stephen Graham after his win at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday night. Stephen Graham, who plays the role of father Eddie Miller in the series, won the Golden Globe for Best Male Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology, or TV Movie. After his win, he was asked backstage about the show's future and whether a second season could happen. According to Deadline, Graham said the idea was still resting in his and co-creator Jack Thorne's minds. Referring to the thought being kept in the "deep recesses" of their minds, he said, "I cannot answer that question because it's somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind and Jack's mind, and we'll pull it out in three or four years, so stay tuned." Earlier in April last year, talks about a possible new version of the show had already begun. Plan B co-presidents Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner told Deadline they were speaking with director Philip Barantini about what could come next. While explaining their approach, Gardner said they were keeping the show's "DNA" intact and were considering how to move forward without repeating the same story. 'Adolescence' follows the story of Eddie Miller, a father whose life turns upside down after his 13-year-old son Jamie commits a serious crime. Jamie is played by Owen Cooper, who won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. Erin Doherty also won in the supporting actress category for her role as therapist Briony Ariston. The show earned a total of five Golden Globe nominations, including Best Limited Series. The series has also done very well during awards season. Since its debut before the 2025 Emmy Awards, Adolescence received 13 Emmy nominations and won eight awards. It also became Netflix's second most-watched English-language series of all time, with more than 146 million views in its first 91 days. - ANI South Korea's Unification Minister stated the government will take action based on the results of an ongoing investigation into North Korea's allegations that Seoul sent surveillance drones across the border. The remarks come after Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, demanded an apology for the alleged sovereignty violation. Minister Chung Dong-young criticized Pyongyang for delivering its messages through media instead of official channels, calling it abnormal and urging a restoration of dialogue. He also signaled a potential future apology for a separate 2024 drone incident under the previous administration, pending a court ruling. South Korea pledges corresponding action following investigation into North Korea's allegations of cross-border drone incursions, as inter-Korean tensions rise. Seoul, Jan 14 South Korea will take action corresponding to the results of its ongoing investigation into drone incursions alleged by North Korea, the unification minister said on Wednesday. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young made the remarks at a policy briefing by agencies affiliated with the ministry, a day after Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, again demanded that Seoul apologise for violating the North's sovereignty. On Saturday, North Korea's military accused Seoul of sending drones carrying surveillance equipment across the border in September and on January 4, claiming the country's sovereignty had been violated. South Korea immediately launched an investigation into the allegations, including the possibility that civilians may have been behind the claimed drone incursions, while saying the South's military has not sent the drones or operated the models found in the North. "The military-police fact-finding team is currently working swiftly. As soon as the results are released, (the government) will take corresponding action," Chung said. The minister also described the recent delivery of the North's back-to-back messages related to the drone allegations through the media, rather than inter-Korean communication channels, as "extremely unnatural and abnormal," and called for the restoration of dialogue between Seoul and Pyongyang. "I hope the severed inter-Korean contact networks and channels could be restored at the earliest date possible and dialogue can be resumed," Chung noted. He also signaled that Seoul may issue an apology for drones South Korea sent to North Korea in 2024 under the former Yoon Suk Yeol administration, pending a related court ruling. Former South Korean President Yoon is currently standing trial on charges of benefiting the enemy over the alleged dispatch of military drones to Pyongyang in 2024, allegedly intended to provoke the North and use any potential retaliation as a pretext for declaring martial law, Yonhap news agency reported. "After the truth is thoroughly revealed, our government will take corresponding action, as the North Korean leader previously expressed ... an apology and regret for the shooting of a (South Korean) government employee to death in the Yellow Sea in 2020," he noted. - IANS The Indian Navy's indigenously built stitched sailing vessel, INSV Kaundinya, has successfully concluded its historic 18-day voyage from Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman. The vessel's design was inspired by a 5th-century ship depicted in the Ajanta Caves and constructed using traditional methods by artisans from Kerala. The project was a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and a private shipbuilder, with the Navy overseeing design and validation. Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, the ship serves as a symbol of India's ancient maritime exploration and cultural exchange. The Indian Navy's traditionally stitched sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya completes an 18-day historic voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, Oman. Muscat, January 14 The Indian Navy's indigenously built traditional stitched sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya successfully completed its historic 18-day voyage and reached Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday. The ship had departed from Gujarat's Porbandar on December 29, 2025. Skippered by Commander Vikas Sheoran, while Commander Y Hemant Kumar, who has been associated with the project since its conceptualisation, served as the Officer-in-Charge of the expedition. The crew comprises four officers and thirteen naval sailors. Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council member Sanjeev Sanyal, who was part of the crew, shared daily updates about the ship on social media. Reflecting on the voyage, Commodore Amit Srivastava of the Indian Navy said," The architects and officers of the Indian Navy, DRDO and others were involved in constructing this ship. Its testing was done by teams of Indian Navy..It is a historic moment when the ship has completed its journey from Porbandar to Muscat in 16 days. The Indian Navy trained crew can face any challenges...The ship, after undergoing necessary checks and repairs, will start its return journey to India." INSV Kaundinya is a stitched sail ship, based on a 5th century CE ship depicted in the paintings of Ajanta Caves. The project was initiated through a tripartite agreement signed in Jul 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and M/s Hodi Innovations, with funding from the Ministry of Culture. Following the keel laying in September 2023, the vessel's construction was undertaken using a traditional method of stitching by a team of skilled artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran. Over several months, the team painstakingly stitched wooden planks on the ship's hull using coir rope, coconut fibre and natural resin. The ship was launched in Feb 2025 at Goa. The Indian Navy played a central role in the project, overseeing the design, technical validation, and construction process. With no surviving blueprints of such vessels, the design had to be inferred from iconographic sources. The Navy collaborated with the shipbuilder to recreate the hull form and traditional rigging, and ensured that the design was validated through hydrodynamic model testing at the Department of Ocean Engineering, IIT Madras, and internal technical assessment. The newly inducted vessel incorporates several culturally significant features. Her sails display motifs of the Gandabherunda and the Sun, her bow bears a sculpted Simha Yali , and a symbolic Harappan style stone anchor adorns her deck, each element evoking the rich maritime traditions of ancient India. Named after Kaundinya, the legendary Indian mariner who sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia, the ship serves as a tangible symbol of India's long-standing traditions of maritime exploration, trade, and cultural exchange. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the critical need for sustainable living, including protecting soil and conserving water, during a Pongal event in New Delhi. He highlighted government initiatives like Mission LiFE and natural farming, noting the crucial role of youth in bringing innovation to agriculture. The Prime Minister also celebrated Tamil civilization as one of the world's oldest living cultures, connecting history to the future. He shared personal experiences engaging with Tamil heritage, underscoring a sense of national cultural unity. PM Modi highlights Tamil civilization's legacy, stresses soil protection, water conservation, and youth's role in sustainable agriculture at Pongal event. New Delhi, January 14 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emphasised the need to protect soil for future generations, conserve water, and ensure balanced use of natural resources, calling them among the most pressing necessities of the present time. Addressing a Pongal-related event at Union Minister L Murugan's residence in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said the festival inspires people to move beyond words and adopt gratitude towards nature as a way of life. He added that government initiatives such as Mission LiFE, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and Amrit Sarovar are reinforcing this spirit. "Protecting the soil for future generations, conserving water, and using resources in a balanced manner are among today's greatest necessities. Initiatives such as Mission LiFE, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and Amrit Sarovar are advancing this very spirit. The Central Government is also working continuously with commitment to empower farmers. The festival of Pongal inspires us to ensure that gratitude towards nature is not limited to words alone but becomes a part of our lifestyle. When the Earth gives us so much, it becomes our responsibility to preserve it," the Prime Minister said. Prime Minister Modi also stressed that the government is consistently working to make agriculture more sustainable and environmentally friendly. He said that in the coming years, sustainable farming practices, effective water management under the "First Drop, More Crop" approach natural farming, agri-tech, and value addition will play a crucial role. Highlighting the role of youth in agriculture, the Prime Minister said young people are bringing fresh ideas and renewed energy to the sector. He recalled attending a conference on natural farming in Tamil Nadu, where he witnessed the significant contributions of young people, many of whom have left high-paying careers to pursue farming. "We are continuously working to make agriculture more sustainable and environmentally friendly. In the times ahead, sustainable farming practices, water management--as I often say, "First Drop, More Crop"--natural farming, agri-tech, and value addition will play a very important role. In all these areas, our youth are moving forward with fresh ideas and new energy. Just a few months ago, I attended a conference on natural farming in Tamil Nadu, where I saw the outstanding role being played by our youth. Many young people have left behind high-paying professional careers to take up farming. Meeting them gave me deep satisfaction and inspiration," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister also noted that Tamil civilisation is one of the world's oldest living civilisations, describing it as a culture that connects centuries, draws lessons from history, and guides the future. "Friends, Tamil civilisation is one of the world's oldest living civilisations. This culture connects centuries, learns from history, guides the present, and paves the way for the future. Inspired by this, today's India is moving forward towards new possibilities, drawing strength from its roots," said the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister also shared his personal experiences of engaging with Tamil culture, describing them as deeply fulfilling. He said that over the past year, he had participated in several programmes related to Tamil heritage and traditions. Recalling his visits, Prime Minister Modi said he offered prayers at the thousand-year-old Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tamil Nadu and experienced moments of profound cultural unity during the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi. He added that he felt this sense of unity wherever he went. The Prime Minister further said that his visit to Rameswaram to inaugurate the Sangam Beach once again allowed him to witness the grandeur of Tamil history. "Friends, it has also been a very gratifying experience for me that over the past year I got the opportunity to participate in many programmes connected to Tamil culture. I performed prayers at the thousand-year-old Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple in Tamil Nadu. During the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, every moment that connected cultural unity stayed with me. Wherever I went, I deeply felt that sense of unity. When I visited Rameswaram for the inauguration of the Sangam Beach, I once again witnessed the greatness of Tamil history," PM Modi said. Pongal, one of the most significant festivals for Tamils worldwide, marks thanksgiving to nature, the sun, farm animals, and farmers. It is traditionally celebrated as a family festival symbolising prosperity, gratitude, and togetherness. To facilitate the celebrations, the Tamil Nadu government had earlier announced a Pongal gift package comprising one kilogram of raw rice, one kilogram of sugar, and one full-length sugarcane for all eligible beneficiaries. - ANI BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- A mainland spokesperson on Wednesday said that the Taiwan question belongs to China's internal affairs, and its resolution is a matter for the Chinese people alone. Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the comment in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's latest remarks regarding Taiwan in an interview with the New York Times. "There is but one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China," Zhu said, vowing to firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav reunited with his estranged son, Tej Pratap Yadav, at a traditional 'Dahi Chuda' ceremony at his Patna residence on Makar Sankranti. The event was attended by prominent leaders including Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha. Tej Pratap expressed joy at receiving his father's blessings, calling his parents "God." RLJP chief Pashupati Kumar Paras hinted the reunion could signal a new political equation and a fresh turn in Bihar's politics. Estranged RJD father-son duo Lalu Prasad and Tej Pratap Yadav reunite at a Makar Sankranti 'Dahi Chuda' event in Patna, sparking political buzz. Patna, January 14 Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday reunited with his estranged son, Janshakti Janata Dal chief Tej Pratap Yadav, at the "Dahi Chuda" program at his residence in Patna. Both were joined by several other prominent leaders, including Bihar governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha, RLJP chief Pashupati Kumar Paras, Bihar Ministers, including Vijay Chaudhary, Sanjay Jha and others. Speaking to the reporters, Tej Pratap said that a grand event related to "Dahi Chuda" was organised and he received the blessings of his father. "If Teju Bhaiya's feast won't be a super duper hit, then whose will be... A grand feast of dahi-chuda was organized... Our parents are God to us, so we'll keep receiving their blessings... Everyone will come," Tej Pratap Yadav told reporters. Meanwhile, RLJP chief Pashupati Kumar Paras said that new equations are formed on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and the family that was scattered will come together. "January 14th is here, all the planets that were there have ended. From today, a new equation will be formed. Those who were scattered in the family will come together. A new turn will come in Bihar's politics," he told ANI. Dahi Chura, also known as Doi Chire, is a traditional, no-cook, and healthy breakfast or snack widely consumed in Bihar and the eastern parts of India. It is prepared by mixing flattened rice (chura or poha) with fresh yoghurt (dahi) and sweetening it with jaggery or sugar, often complemented with fruits like bananas and nuts. The dish is especially popular during festivals such as Makar Sankranti, where it is offered to the Sun God as a symbol of gratitude, prosperity, and good fortune. Light and easily digestible, Dahi Chura is considered a sattvic meal rich in nutrients and protein. It is typically made by gently washing the flattened rice, mixing it with smoothened yoghurt and a sweetener, and topping it with fruits or nuts before serving. While the sweet version is most common, some also enjoy savoury variations with onions, mild spices, or mustard oil. - ANI US President Donald Trump has rebuked Greenland's Prime Minister for stating a preference to remain with Denmark over the United States, warning it will be "a big problem" for him. Trump reiterated his intent to "do something" about Greenland, claiming inaction would allow Russia or China to take over the island. Greenland's coalition government has firmly rejected any US takeover, asserting its future must be decided by its people and its defense handled through NATO. A high-level meeting between US officials and the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland is scheduled at the White House. Trump dismisses Greenland PM's preference for Denmark, warns of "big problem" and insists US will act on Greenland to counter Russia and China. Washington DC, January 14 Reacting to remarks by the Premier of Greenland expressing a "preference to remain with Denmark" over the US, United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed the statement and warned that it could create "a big problem" for the latter. Trump's comments come after Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the self-governed Danish territory wants to remain part of Denmark rather than join the United States, amid US President Donald Trump's ongoing push to take over the island, Al Jazeera reported. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he "disagreed" with the Premier's position and said he has no familiarity with him. "Well, that is their problem. I disagree with them. I don't know who he is. Don't know anything about him. But that is going to be a big problem for him," the US President said. Speaking at a news conference in Copenhagen alongside Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Nielsen said the autonomous Arctic territory would prefer to remain Danish. "We are now facing a geopolitical crisis, and if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark," he said. "The United States has once again reiterated its desire to take over Greenland. This is something that the governing coalition in Greenland cannot accept under any circumstances," said the island's coalition government. "As part of the Danish commonwealth, Greenland is a member of NATO, and the defence of Greenland must therefore be through NATO," it added. On Wednesday, US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host a meeting with the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland at the White House, Al Jazeera reported. Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within Denmark and a NATO partner of the United States. Both Danish and Greenlandic leaders have repeatedly rejected any suggestion that the island could be sold or annexed, emphasising that Greenland's future should be decided by its own people. Earlier on Saturday, Trump reiterated claims of having to do "something" about Greenland, "the easy way" or "the hard way", saying that if the US doesn't take any action, Russia and China would spring in and that Washington does not want to have them as neighbours. "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 going to have Russia or China as a neighbour. 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," Trump said when he was asked about the island. - ANI Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that India has transformed into a strong, developed nation whose voice is now heard seriously by the world. He addressed veterans on Armed Forces Veterans' Day, emphasizing their crucial role as pillars of the nation in fields like education and disaster management. Singh highlighted key government initiatives for veterans, including the implementation of the One Rank One Pension scheme and the construction of the National War Memorial. He also paid tribute to soldiers of Operation Pawan and urged the youth to learn from the experience of veterans. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says India commands global respect, honors veterans' contributions and highlights OROP scheme at Armed Forces Veterans' Day. New Delhi, January 14 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that India has emerged as a strong and developed nation, adding that while the country was earlier not taken seriously on international platforms, today the world listens when India speaks. Addressing the 10th Armed Forces Veterans' Day at Manekshaw Centre in the national capital, he urged veterans to continue guiding the nation and highlighted the importance of promoting social harmony. "Today, India is moving forward as a strong and developed nation. Earlier, India was not taken seriously on international platforms, but today, when India speaks, the world listens. Promoting social harmony is the need of the hour. In every field, your role can guide the future of India," he said. Singh said that veterans are contributing across fields like education, agriculture, and disaster management, calling them important pillars of the nation. "Today, many veterans are contributing in every field, from education to agriculture and disaster management. Our government believes that our soldiers and veterans are important pillars of the nation. Just as important decisions at home are taken after consulting elders, your role is equally significant. Our government has taken several initiatives for veterans," Singh said. He remembered soldiers who served in Sri Lanka during Operation Pawan and highlighted the government's initiatives, including the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, which provides financial stability to veterans. "I would also like to remember the soldiers who served in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peacekeeping Force. During that time, many soldiers attained martyrdom. Their courage should inspire us. The government acknowledges the contributions of the peacekeepers who participated in Operation Pawan. Prime Minister Modi visited their memorial during his Sri Lanka visit in 2015, and we continue to honour them at the War Memorial in Delhi," he said. "We have also implemented the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme, which has provided financial stability to veterans. This is not a favour from the government; it was a matter of justice for you," he said. Singh highlighted the National War Memorial and said that respect for soldiers is a proud tradition in India. He urged the youth to learn from veterans and seek their guidance when needed. "Veterans are also being given priority in public enterprises, and their experience is being utilised in the government sector. The government has built places like the National War Memorial to remind citizens of the sacrifices behind our peace and security. The strength of a nation cannot be measured by policies and schemes alone. The respect our society gives to veterans is our social capital. It is a matter of pride that respect for soldiers has not come from directives; it is rooted in our tradition," he said. "Our younger generation is carrying forward this sentiment with an open heart. Our youth need to learn from you. Agniveers should seek your guidance and stand with the civil administration when needed," he said. Armed Forces Veterans' Day is celebrated on January 14 every year, marking the birth anniversary of the Late Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. A towering figure in India's military history, Field Marshal Cariappa, the First Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army, led the forces to victory in the 1947 war and laid the foundation for an enduring legacy of service, discipline, and patriotism, a release from the Ministry of Defence said. - ANI President Donald Trump has renewed his push for U.S. control of Greenland, declaring it vital for national security on social media. This comes as senior officials from Denmark and Greenland met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House. In Congress, competing legislation has been introduced, with one bill seeking to block any acquisition and another authorizing steps toward annexation and statehood. Greenland's strategic importance in the Arctic is growing, but Denmark and Greenland have consistently stated the island is not for sale. Trump calls Greenland vital for US security as White House hosts Danish officials. Competing bills in Congress propose annexation or block acquisition. Washington, Jan 14 President Donald Trump on Wednesday renewed his push for US control of Greenland, declaring on social media that the Arctic island was vital to American national security, as senior officials from Denmark and Greenland began talks at the White House. "The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DON'T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!" In a second post, Trump urged action from the alliance, writing: "NATO: Tell Denmark to get them out of here, NOW! Two dogsleds won't do it! Only the USA can!!!" The remarks came as Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt met US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House a few hours earlier. The talks are expected to focus on Greenland's security and growing competition in the Arctic. Trump has repeatedly argued that ownership of Greenland is essential for defence. In earlier comments, he said the United States would act on Greenland "whether they like it or not," warning that Russia or China would otherwise expand their presence near the island. The renewed rhetoric has sharpened divisions in Washington and triggered competing responses in Congress. On Tuesday, Democratic Congressman Jimmy Gomez of California introduced the Greenland Sovereignty Protection Act. The bill would prohibit the use of federal funds to support or facilitate the invasion, annexation, purchase or any other form of acquisition of Greenland by the United States. "Greenland is not for sale, not for conquest, and not a bargaining chip," Gomez said. He warned that threatening an ally undermines international law and weakens NATO. The bill, he said, would prevent Congress from funding what he called Trump's "imperial fantasies." The legislation would block funding for any activity tied to acquiring Greenland. It would also bar increases in US military presence or financial investment there without explicit congressional approval. US-funded influence campaigns aimed at shaping Greenland's political self-determination would also be prohibited. Any waiver would require new legislation that directly references the Act. Gomez's office said the measure is not intended to alter existing US defence cooperation with Denmark and Greenland under NATO and other agreements. Instead, it seeks to prevent unilateral action outside established international frameworks. A day earlier, Republican Congressman Randy Fine of Florida introduced the Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act, taking the opposite approach. "Greenland is not a distant outpost we can afford to ignore-it is a vital national security asset," Fine said. He argued that control of Greenland is critical to Arctic shipping lanes and US security and warned against allowing China and Russia to expand their influence in the region. Fine said years of weak US policy had eroded America's strategic position. His bill would authorise the president to take "whatever steps necessary" to annex or acquire Greenland as a US territory and require a report to Congress outlining legal changes needed to admit Greenland as a US state. Separately, Senator Chris Coons is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to Copenhagen this week to reaffirm US support for Denmark and NATO. He said the visit would signal Congress' commitment to alliances and sovereignty. Greenland's strategic value has grown as Arctic ice melts and new shipping routes open. Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly said the island is not for sale, while critics of annexation warn that any attempt to acquire it by force or pressure would weaken NATO unity and international law. - IANS Denmark and Greenland have unequivocally rejected the prospect of the United States acquiring Greenland, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's expressed desire to "conquer" the island for national security. The rejection came during a press conference in Washington following talks with U.S. officials, where both Nordic ministers emphasized Greenland's permanent place within the Kingdom of Denmark. However, the parties announced the formation of a high-level working group to explore ways to address American security concerns in the Arctic while respecting Danish sovereignty. Both ministers stressed the nations are close U.S. allies seeking a balanced, respectful partnership, not a change in ownership. Denmark and Greenland firmly reject any U.S. acquisition of Greenland, calling Trump's "conquest" wish against their interests, but launch a security working group. Washington DC, January 15 Denmark and Greenland on Wednesday rejected any prospect of the "United States acquiring Greenland", even as they announced the formation of a high-level working group with Washington to explore ways to address American security concerns in the Arctic. Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt made the remarks at a press conference at the Danish embassy in Washington following talks at the White House with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "We agreed that it makes sense to try to sit down on a high level to explore whether there are possibilities to accommodate the concerns of the president while we, at the same time, respect the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark," Denmark's FM said. Rasmussen added that Trump has expressed a desire to "conquer" Greenland, but that he believes the meeting has managed to "change the American position". "It's clear that the President has this wish of conquering over Greenland. We made it very clear that this is not in the interest of the Kingdom. The Premier made it very clear yesterday that Greenland, for the time being and for the future, will remain within the Kingdom of Denmark, and therefore, this is a common position that we want to work with our American friends and allies on, but it must be respectful cooperation, and it must respect the red lines," Rasmussen said. Rasmussen underlined Denmark and Greenland's close alignment with Washington on security, recalling Danish troops' involvement alongside US forces in Afghanistan in the 2000s. "We look at ourselves as the US's closest allies," he said, adding that while visions for Greenland may differ, the parties share the same concerns about Arctic security. He said there was no "instant threat" from China and Russia that Denmark and Greenland "can't accommodate". "There is no Chinese presence currently in Greenland," he said, dismissing fears that this would necessarily be the case "in 10 or 20 years from now". He reiterated that Greenland, through Denmark, is a member of NATO and is covered by Article 5 on collective defence. Rasmussen also highlighted that Denmark has already stepped up its security responsibilities by increasing military funding, including for ships, drones and fighter jets, and said Copenhagen is prepared to go further. "The US already has wide military access to Greenland as part of an agreement dating back to the 1950s," he noted. Further, Rasmussen said Denmark and the US will establish a "high-level" working group to explore whether a "common way forward" can be found. "The group should focus on addressing American security concerns while respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark," he said, adding that it will meet for the first time in the coming weeks. Rasmussen said the prospect of the US acquiring Greenland is "absolutely not necessary" and pointed to Denmark's long-standing ties with Washington. "We have the longest-lasting diplomatic relationship with the United States of any ally. This is a perfect framework which could be used to come to a mutual agreement," he said, while acknowledging that accommodating Trump's concerns without crossing Denmark's red lines remains uncertain. Answering a question from the BBC, Rasmussen said he has known Trump from his previous tenure as Danish prime minister and that Denmark shares "to some extent" Trump's concerns about security in the Arctic. Meanwhile, Greenland FM Motzfeldt asserted that while Greenland must strengthen cooperation with the US as an ally, this does not mean surrendering sovereignty. "That doesn't mean we want to be owned by the United States," she said. She later added that it is always in Greenland's interest to find the "right path forward" and to work towards greater mutual understanding. Calling for a return to stable ties, Motzfeldt said, "The US and Greenland need to return to the normalised relationship we used to have. It's in both countries' interest to find a balance and work as allies. We are allies, we are friends." She added that Greenland has emphasised "so many times where we stand". Earlier today, US President Donald Trump again pushed for control of Greenland, calling it necessary for "national security" and arguing it would also bolster NATO's strength. In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote that "anything less" than US control of Greenland is "unacceptable," adding, "NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES." He said that "NATO should be leading the way for us to get it," and "if we don't, Russia or China will, and that is not going to happen!" - ANI Two nurses from Barasat, West Bengal, are in a coma and in extremely critical condition after testing positive for the Nipah virus. Around 65 contacts have been identified and placed under isolation, with several showing symptoms. A national joint outbreak response team has been deployed to assist the state government with containment measures. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has assured full support from the Centre to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Two nurses in West Bengal are in a coma with Nipah virus. Over 65 contacts isolated as central and state teams intensify containment efforts. Kolkata, Jan 14 Two nurses from Barasat in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal who have tested positive for the Nipah virus are in a coma and in extremely critical condition, hospital sources said on Wednesday. In both cases, the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores for eye opening, verbal response, and motor response are below five. The female nurse has tested positive for Nipah, with her samples confirmed by the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. Doctors said the male nurse, who is currently on ventilator support, is also likely to test positive. Around 65 people who came into contact with the two nurses have been identified and placed under isolation. The infected nurses were staying as paying guests in Hridaypur, Barasat. Two people who stayed with the male nurse and one who stayed with the female nurse have developed fever and are under observation. Those exposed to the patients, including the ambulance driver who transported them to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, medical staff involved in their treatment, and others present at the time, have been screened and provided preventive care. The Centre has activated standard protocols for surveillance, sample collection and bed preparedness. A joint team of experts from the state and central health departments has visited the private hospital in Barasat, where the nurses are admitted. Samples of 14 contacts have been sent to AIIMS Kalyani for testing, while additional samples have been collected from Katwa and Burdwan Medical College Hospitals. Sources said a female nurse from Katwa is also in a critical condition and has slipped into a coma. An RMO from the same hospital has developed similar symptoms and is undergoing treatment. His blood samples have been sent for testing. At least 23 hospital staff members have been quarantined so far, a number that may rise further. The two Nipah cases were first identified on Sunday by the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) at ICMR-AIIMS Kalyani. Both nurses are attached to a hospital in Barasat and are currently admitted to the ICU of a private facility. A national joint outbreak response team has been deployed to assist the state government in containment and public health measures. The team includes experts from the All India Institute of Health and Public Hygiene, Kolkata; NIV, Pune; National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai; AIIMS Kalyani; and the Department of Wildlife under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda has assured full support from the Centre. He wrote to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and also spoke to her over the phone, reiterating the Union government's commitment to provide all necessary assistance, according to a statement from the health ministry. - IANS Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka are on a two-day visit to Jammu to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The high-level meeting will assess Pakistani attempts at infiltration, drone activity along the border, and recent anti-terror operations in districts like Doda and Kishtwar. This review follows a security assessment by Home Minister Amit Shah just days earlier. Officials indicate a focus on strengthening the anti-infiltration grid amid reports of terrorists waiting at launch pads across the border. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and IB Director Tapan Deka lead a two-day security review in Jammu, focusing on infiltration, drone activity, and anti-terror ops. Jammu, Jan 14 Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka and other top officials are arriving here on Wednesday on a two-day visit to review security in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials said the meeting is being held in the winter capital, Jammu, to review overall security in the union territory and the latest Pakistani attempts to push infiltrators across the border and drone activity along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) "The meeting will be held at the police headquarters in Jammu. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Special DGP S.J.M. Gillani, J&K Home Secretary Chandrakar Bharti, ADGP CID Nitish Kumar, heads of CAPFs and other senior officers will attend the review meeting," the officials said. The Union Home Secretary and Director IB will also visit the International Border before they return to New Delhi tomorrow afternoon, the officials said. Officials added that the anti-terror operations in Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua and Udhampur will be discussed during the meeting. This is going to get special focus during the review meeting because, despite being engaged in gunfights by the security forces, terrorists have managed to escape during these operations. The officials further said there are reports that terrorists have been camping at launch pads on the Pakistan side of the border and are waiting for an opportunity to cross over. The Army and BSF have been maintaining a very high alert along the LoC and IB to thwart the intrusion bids. "Anti-infiltration measures and further strengthening of the Anti-Infiltration Grid are also expected to come up for review during the security meeting," the officials said. Wednesday's visit by the Union Home Secretary to J&K comes less than a week after the home minister, Amit Shah, reviewed the security situation in the union territory on January 8. The Home Minister appreciated the role of J&K Police and the security forces and directed that a mission-mode approach be adopted to target terror infrastructure in J&K. - IANS On the occasion of Ekadashi, over nine lakh devotees took a holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj as part of the ongoing Magh Mela. Authorities are on high alert, deploying around 10,000 police personnel and using drones for surveillance ahead of the major Makar Sankranti bathing ritual. Officials expect over one crore devotees to gather for the sacred bath on January 15, with security forces briefed to ensure safety. Large gatherings for holy dips were also reported in Ayodhya and preparations are complete for West Bengal's Gangasagar Mela. Over 9 lakh devotees took a holy dip at Prayagraj's Magh Mela on Ekadashi. Authorities deploy 10,000 personnel ahead of Makar Sankranti, expecting over 1 crore visitors. Prayagraj, January 14 On the occasion of Ekadashi, a large number of devotees arrived at the Sangam Ghat in Prayagraj to take a holy dip during the ongoing Magh Mela. Drone visuals from the Mela show thousands of devotees at the Sangam Ghat, braving the cold and taking the dip. The second sacred bathing ritual (snan) of Magh Mela will be held on Makar Sankranti, on January 15 in Prayagraj. After the successful Paush Purnima snan, in which over 31 lakh devotees took a holy dip, the Mela administration is preparing for the upcoming Makar Sankranti Snan. The administration has implemented high-security measures, with UP ATS mobile patrol squads monitoring the Magh Mela area. Informing on the security arrangements, SP Magh Mela Neeraj Pandey said that around 10,000 police personnel have been deployed and surveillance is ongoing to ensure "a safe snaam." "Keeping Makar Sankranti in view, the police have made complete arrangements. Around 10,000 police personnel are deployed. 22 PAC, 6 RAF, NDRF, ATS, and civil police personnel are deployed in large numbers. The water police are continuously patrolling... Surveillance is being conducted through drone cameras and CCTV cameras... Full preparations are in place, and everyone is being ensured a safe 'snaan'," the SP told ANI. Additionally, Magh Mela Officer Rishi Raj informed that by 6 AM, over 9 lakh people had taken a dip, adding that "the entire police force has been deployed on the spot." "Even on the occasion of Ekadashi, many people are taking a bath. By 6 AM, around 9 lakh 50 thousand people have already taken a bath, and devotees are bathing at all our ghats...Makar Sankranti is tomorrow, but since it's January 14th, people are still coming to bathe today, and our entire police force is deployed on the spot...and monitoring is being done at all places," the officer said. Soumya Agarwal, Divisional Commissioner, Prayagraj, assured the safety during the snaan on Makar Sankranti. "The police and security personnel have been properly briefed, and heavy security has been deployed to ensure a safe bath during the festival....We are expecting over 1 crore devotees on Makar Sankranti for the holy dip," she stated In addition to Prayagraj, devotees also took a holy dip in the River Saryu and offered prayers on Makar Sankranti in Ayodhya. On the other hand, West Bengal minister Sujit Bose said that elaborate arrangements have been made for the Gangasagar Mela, adding that "such a huge gathering has not been organised anywhere else in the country." "The Mamata Banerjee government has made elaborate arrangements for the mela... Giving the status of a national mela to the Gangasagar mela is upto the people. People have seen the kinds of arrangements made here. Such a huge gathering is not organised anywhere else in India...," Bose told ANI. - ANI President Droupadi Murmu received the credentials of new US Ambassador Sergio Gor at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Ambassador Gor, who recently took his oath, emphasized the strong strategic partnership between the United States and India. He attested to the "real" friendship between former President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing hope for a future Trump visit. Gor, a businessman and former political communications operative, stated his mission is to take the bilateral relationship to the next level. New US Ambassador Sergio Gor presents credentials to President Murmu, emphasizing strong US-India ties and the "real" friendship between Trump and PM Modi. New Delhi, January 14 President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday received credentials from Sergio Gor the US Ambassdor to India and Special Envoy to South and Central Asia. The President also recieved the credentials of the envoys of Trinidad and Tobago and Austria at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In a post on X, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said, "President Droupadi Murmu received credentials from Mr Chandradath Singh, High Commissioner of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; Dr Robert Zischg, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria; and Mr Sergio Gor, Ambassador of the United States of America, at Rashtrapati Bhavan." On Monday, Sergio Gor took the oath as the new US Ambassador at the US Embassy in the national capital. Addressing the gathering at the Embassy, Gor said he attests to Trump's friendship with PM Modi as "real" and said that real friends can resolve their differences. "I have travelled all over the world with President Trump, and I can attest that his friendship with Prime Minister Modi is real. The United States and India are bound, not just by shared interests but by a relationship anchored at the highest levels. Real friends can disagree but always resolve their differences in the end," he said. "It is great to be here as the United States' Ambassador. I come to this remarkable nation with profound respect and a clear mission: to take the partnership between our two nations to the next level. This is the intersection between the world's oldest democracy and the world's largest democracy. During my last dinner with him, President Trump recounted his last visit to India and also his great friendship with the great Prime Minister of India. I hope the President will be visiting us soon, hopefully in the next year or two. President Trump has a habit of calling at 2 in the morning, and with the time difference in New Delhi, it might work out pretty well," he added. Gor emphasised the importance of the strategic relationship with India and said he intends to pursue an ambitious agenda Gor is a prominent American businessman and political operative who has worked in multiple government organizations in the field of communications; he served as a Communication and Research Analyst for the Republican National Committee, Director of Outreach for Americans for Limited Government, Press Secretary for the Office of Representative Michele Bachmann, and Communications Director for Randy Forbes for Congress. Gor graduated from The George Washington University and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Affairs in 2008. - ANI The US Congress is sharply divided over Greenland's future, with Democrats and Republicans introducing opposing legislation ahead of key White House talks. Democratic Congressman Jimmy Gomez introduced a bill to block federal funds from being used to acquire Greenland, labeling such efforts "imperial fantasies." Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Fine proposed a bill authorizing the president to annex Greenland, calling it a vital national security asset. The legislative clash follows President Trump's renewed warnings that the US must act to prevent Russian or Chinese influence in the Arctic region. Congress debates opposing bills on Greenland's future as Danish and Greenlandic officials meet US leaders, following Trump's threats. Washington, Jan 14 The US Congress is divided over Greenland as senior officials from Denmark and the Arctic island prepare for talks at the White House this week, pushing back against President Donald Trump's threats over the territory. The dispute has sharpened just as Danish and Greenlandic leaders are set to meet top US officials, bringing a diplomatic edge to a debate playing out on Capitol Hill. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt are scheduled to meet US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday. The talks will take place at the White House amid growing unease among US allies over Trump's comments on Greenland. On Tuesday, Democratic Congressman Jimmy Gomez of California introduced the Greenland Sovereignty Protection Act. The bill would block federal funds from being used to invade, annex, purchase or otherwise acquire Greenland. "Greenland is not for sale, not for conquest, and not a bargaining chip," Gomez said. He warned that threatening an ally weakens international law and puts NATO at risk. He said the bill would stop Congress from funding what he called Trump's "imperial fantasies." The legislation would also bar funding for any increase in US military presence or financial investment in Greenland unless Congress gives explicit approval. It would block US-funded influence campaigns aimed at shaping the political choices of the Greenlandic people. Any exception would require new legislation that directly refers to the Act. Gomez's office said the bill is not meant to change existing defense cooperation with Denmark and Greenland under NATO or other agreements. Instead, it is aimed at preventing unilateral action outside established international rules. A day earlier, Republican Congressman Fine of Florida introduced a sharply different proposal. His Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act calls for decisive steps to bring Greenland under US control. "Greenland is not a distant outpost we can afford to ignore-it is a vital national security asset," Fine said. He argued that control of Greenland is key to Arctic shipping routes and US security. He warned that China and Russia are expanding their presence in the region. Fine said years of weak US policy had allowed rivals to gain ground. His bill would authorize the president to take "whatever steps necessary" to annex or acquire Greenland as a US territory. It would also require a report to Congress on legal changes needed to admit Greenland as a US state. The clash follows fresh remarks from Trump, who has said the United States must act to prevent Russia or China from gaining influence near Greenland. "We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not," Trump said over the past few days. He warned that if Washington does not act, "Russia or China will take over Greenland." He said ownership matters for defense, adding, "You don't defend leases the same way." At the same time, Senator Chris Coons is leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers to Copenhagen. The delegation aims to reaffirm US support for Denmark and NATO. Coons said the visit would show that Congress remains committed to alliances and sovereignty. - IANS SYDNEY, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The premier of the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) said on Wednesday that a footbridge used by the perpetrators of the terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach should be demolished. NSW Premier Chris Minns said at a press conference in Sydney that his personal view is that the footbridge at the northern end of the iconic beach should be torn down, but said a final decision would be made by the local council. "I would just hate it to be a ghoulish reminder or even exploited by reprehensible people in the future," Minns said. Wednesday marked one month since 15 people were killed at Bondi Beach in Australia's most deadly mass shooting since 1996. The footbridge that connects a major road to a park adjacent to Bondi Beach was used by the alleged gunmen during the attack that targeted an event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Eastern Sydney's Waverley Council will on Thursday night hold a special meeting to consider removing the structure. It previously said in December that a final decision on the footbridge would require consultation with the Jewish community and the families of the victims. "We can't allow one of the most beautiful places on Earth to be remembered forever and only as a place of horrible terrorism because it's so much more than that," Minns said on Wednesday. The United States has formally designated the Egyptian, Lebanese, and Jordanian branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations. The move, initiated in November, triggers financial sanctions and travel restrictions, accusing the branches of supporting Hamas. Egypt welcomed the decision, calling the group a direct threat to regional security. The designation follows years of pressure on the Brotherhood by Arab governments and intense political debate in the US. US imposes terrorist designation on Egyptian, Lebanese & Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood branches, citing support for Hamas. Sanctions and travel bans follow. Washington, Jan 14 The United States has designated the Egyptian, Lebanese and Jordanian branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as "terrorist organisations", citing in part what it described as their support for the Hamas terror group, in a move that is set to impose sweeping sanctions on one of the Arab world's oldest and most influential Islamist movements. The decision, which Washington formally initiated in November last year, will trigger financial and travel restrictions against the three branches. The US Treasury Department on Tuesday (local time) said it has designated the chapters as specially designated global terrorists, accusing them of supporting or encouraging violent terror attacks against Israel and American partners in the region. "Chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood purport to be legitimate civic organisations while, behind the scenes, they explicitly and enthusiastically support terrorist groups like Hamas," the Treasury Department said in a statement announcing the designations. As a consequence of the move, the United States will block any assets held by the Muslim Brotherhood within the world's largest economy and criminalise transactions involving the group or its affiliates. The designation also significantly restricts the ability of members to travel to the United States. Egypt's foreign ministry welcomed the decision, calling it a "crucial step that reflects the gravity of the group and its extremist ideology and what it represents as a direct threat to regional and international security and stability." Founded in Egypt in 1928, the pan-Islamist Muslim Brotherhood once expanded its influence across much of the Arab world. In recent years, however, the movement has faced sustained pressure and crackdowns by several major Arab governments, leading to a gradual decline in its political reach and organisational strength. The Brotherhood briefly rose to power in its home country through democratic means following the 2012 election of Mohamed Morsi, which came after the overthrow of longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak. Mubarak had formally banned the Muslim Brotherhood, though some of its activities, including its extensive network of social services, were tolerated. Morsi was removed from office in 2013 in a coup led by then-army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has since overseen a wide-ranging crackdown on the organisation. Egypt, along with US allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has long sought to suppress the Muslim Brotherhood, whose ideological vision calls for the establishment of a unified Islamic caliphate. The US decision to designate the branches was taken in part on the basis of their alleged support for Hamas, according to American officials. The Treasury Department said the Egyptian and Jordanian branches of the Brotherhood had coordinated with Hamas, whose large-scale October 7, 2023, attack on Israel sparked a devastating Israeli military offensive in Gaza. The US State Department, meanwhile, said that in Lebanon, the Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni Muslim movement, had allied itself with the Hezbollah terror group in launching rockets into Israel. The Lebanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood has "pushed for a more formal alignment with the Hizballah-Hamas axis", the State Department said, underlining Washington's concerns over the group's regional alliances. In Jordan, the Muslim Brotherhood had gained significant influence, with its political wing emerging as the main opposition party in parliament. However, in April last year, Jordan banned the organisation and ordered the confiscation of its assets after accusing it of stockpiling weapons and plotting to destabilise the kingdom, which maintains a peace treaty with Israel. In the United States, the Muslim Brotherhood has also been the subject of intense political debate in recent years. Some conservative groups and lawmakers have promoted claims, widely regarded as unfounded, that the organisation is attempting to infiltrate the US government with the aim of imposing Islamic sharia law. Republican legislators have repeatedly pushed for a formal ban on the Brotherhood, arguing that such a move would cut off potential funding channels. - IANS The United States has designated Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated organizations in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as terrorist entities, a move driven by alleged links to Hamas and activities against Israeli interests. The decision, executed under an executive order from President Trump, imposes sanctions and makes it illegal to provide material support to the named groups. Leaders of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, like Salah Abdel Haq, have rejected the designation as baseless and driven by foreign pressure, vowing to challenge it legally. The Egyptian government, however, has welcomed the US action against the group it has outlawed since 2013. The US designates Muslim Brotherhood-linked groups in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as terrorist entities, citing links to Hamas and threats to Israeli interests. Washington DC, January 14 The United States has designated Muslim Brotherhood-linked organisations operating in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon as "terrorist" entities, a move that comes as Washington steps up action against groups it views as hostile to Israeli interests globally, Al Jazeera reported. In a post on X, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent wrote, "The Treasury Department is taking action pursuant to President Trump's leadership by designating Muslim Brotherhood Branches as Terrorist Organizations. The Muslim Brotherhood has a longstanding record of perpetrating acts of terror, and we are working aggressively to cut them off from the financial system. This Administration will deploy the full scope of its authorities to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat terrorist networks wherever they operate in order to keep Americans safe." The decision was announced on Tuesday, weeks after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing his administration to initiate the process of blacklisting the organisations. According to US authorities, the Department of the Treasury designated the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated groups in Egypt and Jordan as "specially designated global terrorists", while the State Department applied a stricter classification on the Lebanese organisation, listing it as a "foreign terrorist organisation" (FTO). The Trump administration said the action was taken over alleged links to the Palestinian group Hamas and what it described as "activities against Israeli interests in the Middle East", Al Jazeera reported. "Chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood purport to be legitimate civic organisations while, behind the scenes, they explicitly and enthusiastically support terrorist groups like Hamas," the US Treasury said in a statement. Responding to the designation, Salah Abdel Haq, acting general guide of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, rejected the US move and said the organisation would legally challenge the decision, Al Jazeera reported. "The group categorically rejects this designation and will pursue all legal avenues to challenge this decision which harms millions of Muslims worldwide," Abdel Haq said. He further claimed that lobbying by Israel and the United Arab Emirates played a role in Washington's decision. "We deny all allegations that the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood has directed, funded, provided material support for or engaged in terrorism," he told Al Jazeera in a statement. "This designation is unsupported by credible evidence and reflects external foreign pressure by the UAE and Israel rather than an objective assessment of US interests or facts on the ground," Haq said. Under US law, the designations make it illegal to provide material support to the named groups and trigger economic sanctions aimed at cutting off their funding channels. The FTO classification also carries immigration-related consequences, including barring members of the organisation from entering the United States, as per Al Jazeera. Founded in 1928 by Egyptian Islamic scholar Hassan al-Banna, the Muslim Brotherhood has developed branches and affiliated organisations across the Middle East, including political parties and social groups. The movement and its offshoots maintain a commitment to peaceful political participation. In Lebanon, the Muslim Brotherhood-linked organisation al-Jamaa al-Islamiya has a presence in Parliament. In Jordan, the group secured 31 seats in the House of Representatives in the 2024 elections through its political wing, the Islamic Action Front. However, Jordanian authorities banned the organisation last year, alleging its involvement in a sabotage plot. In Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood won the country's only democratically conducted presidential election in 2012. Its government was ousted the following year after a military coup led to the removal of President Mohamed Morsi, who later died in prison in 2019. Since 2013, Cairo has outlawed the group and launched a wide-ranging crackdown, forcing many of its leaders and members underground or into exile. On Tuesday, Egypt's Foreign Ministry welcomed Washington's designation of the Egyptian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood as a global terrorist organisation, calling it a significant development, Al Jazeera reported. The ministry said in a statement that the US decision "reflects the danger of this group and its extremist ideology and the direct threat it poses to regional and international security and stability". Muslim Brotherhood-inspired organisations across the region have been vocal critics of Israel's war in Gaza. In Lebanon, al-Jamaa al-Islamiya supported Hezbollah's so-called "support front" in solidarity with Gaza, a campaign that escalated into a full-scale conflict with Israel in September 2024. Reacting to the US move, al-Jamaa al-Islamiya on Thursday said it remains a legally recognised political and social organisation in Lebanon. "This move is a political and administrative American decision, not based on any Lebanese or international judicial ruling, and has no legal effect within Lebanon, where the sole authority remains the Lebanese Constitution, the applicable laws, and the Lebanese state institutions," the group said in a statement. - ANI The United States has announced the launch of Phase Two of former President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza. This phase moves beyond the initial ceasefire to focus on demilitarization and establishing a transitional technocratic government body. US envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Hamas must comply with obligations, including returning a final deceased hostage, or face consequences. The announcement follows the successful implementation of Phase One, which provided humanitarian aid and secured a ceasefire. US envoy Steve Witkoff announces Phase Two of Trump's Gaza plan, focusing on demilitarization, a technocratic government, and reconstruction. Washington DC, January 15 US President Donald Trump's foreign envoy, Steve Witkoff, has announced the launch of Phase Two of the President's 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, marking a shift from a ceasefire arrangement to "demilitarisation", "technocratic governance" and large-scale "reconstruction in Gaza". In a post on X on Wednesday, Witkoff said Phase Two provides for the creation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which will oversee governance during the transitional period. "Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are announcing the launch of Phase Two of the President's 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction," he wrote. "Phase Two establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), and begins the full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel," Witkoff said in his post. He underlined that the United States expects Hamas to fully comply with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage. "Failure to do so will bring serious consequences," the US envoy wrote. Witkoff also highlighted the achievements of the earlier stage and said Phase One had delivered "historic humanitarian aid," ensuring the continuation of the ceasefire. "Importantly, Phase One delivered historic humanitarian aid, maintained the ceasefire, returned all living hostages and the remains of twenty-seven of the twenty-eight deceased hostages," he wrote. Witkoff also expressed gratitude to regional mediators for their role in advancing the process. "We are deeply grateful to Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar for their indispensable mediation efforts that made all progress to date possible," he said. Earlier in October 2025, Israel and Hamas accepted the initial stage of Trump's 20-point framework, which includes a ceasefire in their two-year conflict and a deal on the release of Israeli hostages. - ANI Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended warm greetings to the people on the occasions of Makar Sankranti and the Uttarayani festival. He emphasized the festival's message of worshipping the Sun God, seasonal change, and harmony with nature, which inspires positive action. The Chief Minister also participated in a public Lohri celebration in his hometown, Khatima, and shared his wishes on social media. These harvest festivals, celebrated across India under various names, reflect the country's cultural diversity and unity. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami wishes happiness and prosperity on Makar Sankranti, Uttarayani, and Lohri, highlighting cultural unity and new beginnings. Dehradun, January 14 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the auspicious occasions of Makar Sankranti and the Uttarayani festival. In his message, the Chief Minister prayed for the "happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health" of all citizens of the state. He said, "The festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different parts of the country under various names and traditions, reflecting the diversity and unity of Indian culture." The Chief Minister further stated that the festival conveys "the message of worship of the Sun God, the change of seasons, and harmony with nature." "Makar Sankranti inspires people to move forward on the path of continuous action with a positive mindset. This sacred festival is also associated with the auspicious beginning of new endeavours," he added. He further said that the Uttarayani festival is an important part of Uttarakhand's cultural identity, strengthening social harmony, folk traditions, and cultural heritage. The Chief Minister expressed his hope that this sacred occasion of worshipping the Sun God brings new energy, enthusiasm, and positivity into everyone's lives, and that "the state continues to move rapidly forward on the path of progress and prosperity." Earlier on Tuesday, Dhami visited Harshu Enclave on Nagla Tarai Road in his hometown, Khatima, and participated in a public Lohri celebration at the residence of Sumit Gumber, joining people from the Sikh and other communities who danced joyfully to the beat of the dhol. The Chief Minister also extended warm greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Lohri, wishing them happiness, prosperity, good health, and renewed energy. In a post on X, CM Dhami wrote, "Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the residents of the state on the auspicious festival of Lohri, filled with joy and enthusiasm. May this festival bring happiness, prosperity, good health, and renewed energy into your lives. This is our heartfelt wish." Magh Bihu, a major harvest festival of Assam, marks the end of the harvest season in Magh and is celebrated with community feasts. Along with Lohri, Pongal, Sankranti, and Uttarayan, it represents the diverse ways harvest festivals are celebrated across India. - ANI A major reconstruction drive is transforming Varanasi's historic and sacred Manikarnika Ghat. The project, with a foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to develop a grand corridor with improved amenities like a wood plaza and VIP seating. The new design specifically addresses flood resilience to ensure the cremation ground remains operational. While the administration promotes better pilgrim facilities, some locals express concern over altering the ancient character of Kashi's lanes. Historic Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi undergoes a Rs 17.56 crore transformation for better amenities and flood resilience, part of a grand corridor project. Varanasi, January 14 A massive resconstruction drive is ongoing at the historic Manikarnika Ghat, the holiest cremation ground in Varanasi, the city of Baba Vishwanath, Lord Shiva. This drive, related to the proposed corridor construction from Manikarnika Ghat to Scindia Ghat is an effort to transform the narrow lanes and historic ghats of Kashi and has now reached its next phase. The administration's focus is entirely on rejuvenating the sacred Manikarnika Ghat. Demolition work using heavy machinery has been intensified to develop the Manikarnika pilgrimage site into a grand corridor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for the project on July 7, 2023 during his visit to Varanasi. The project is being devloped at a cost of Rs 17.56 crore. Following the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision is to give this gateway to salvation a new look. The new Manikarnika Ghat will include VIP seating on the roof. In addition, special attention will be paid to the provision of ramps, viewing areas, seating arrangements, and other basic amenities. A wood plaza will also be constructed at Manikarnika Ghat, where mourners can procure wood for cremation related ceremonies. The design of the new Manikarnika Ghat has been created keeping the high flood level in mind. Even during floods, the cremation grounds will not be submerged, and mourners will not face any difficulties. During the construction of Manikarnika Ghat, the heritage sites around the ghat will also be renovated. This includes the restoration of the Chakra Pushkarani Kund, the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, the Tarkeshwar Temple, and the Dattatreya Paduka. CCTV cameras will also be installed throughout the area. There was some resistance to the bulldozers as rapid demolition work got underway to develop the Manikarnika Mahashmashan pilgrimage site. The administration's master plan is to streamline and widen the area from Manikarnika Ghat to Scindia Ghat. This includes better facilities for pilgrims, easier access and strengthening connectivity to Scindia Ghat. Some of the local residents of Kashi and priests argue that the ancient character of Kashi lies in its narrow lanes and old structures, which they say is now being changed in the name of modernity. Varanasi ADM (City) Alok Verma however clarified saying that the people living along the ghat are not opposing the project and that all development work was happening in front of them. It is worth noting that Manikarnika Ghat, the great cremation ground of Kashi, holds immense religious significance. According to religious beliefs, after death in Kashi, Lord Shiva himself whispers the Taraka Mantra into the ear of the deceased, granting them salvation. This is the only cremation ground in the world that operates 24 hours a day. This is why it is called the Mahashmashan (Great Cremation Ground). ANI) - ANI BJP Tamil Nadu leader K Annamalai praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for championing cultural inclusivity, citing the PM's celebration of festivals like Pongal and Christmas. He asserted that statistical comparisons show infrastructure and scheme allocations for Tamil Nadu have multiplied under the NDA government compared to the UPA era. Annamalai expressed confidence that anti-incumbency against the DMK would lead Tamil Nadu to support the NDA in upcoming elections. The event also saw BJP leaders condemning recent remarks made by DMK figures as signs of desperation. BJP's K Annamalai praises PM Modi's cultural inclusivity at Delhi Pongal event, highlights development gains and criticizes DMK ahead of elections. New Delhi, January 14 BJP Tamil Nadu leadet K Annamalai said Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a pivotal role in elevating Tamil culture and infrastructure over the past decade, as Pongal celebrations were held at the residence of Union Minister L Murugan in Delhi. Speaking to ANI during the celebrations, Annamalai said the BJP was "truly delighted" by the growing cultural inclusiveness seen under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. "PM Narendra Modi has been celebrating Pongal for the last many years. More importantly, the kind of cultural celebrations he undertakes, his home is open to all cultures. Christmas is celebrated in his home. And for the third straight year, the Pongal celebration is happening in different ministers' houses where all the people of Delhi, Tamil origin and different parts of South India, they have come here today. We are very happy that PM himself is leading from the front, connecting all of us culturally," he said. Highlighting development initiatives, Annamalai said statistical comparisons between the UPA era and the NDA government clearly showed significant growth. "Numbers don't lie. Anybody can compare the statistical numbers of UPA 2004 to 2013-14 and the NDA numbers now. Numbers don't lie. Whatever be the number is, it is at least three or four times it is more, be it the schemes that has come to Tamil Nadu, be it the allocation that has happened for railways. So people of Tamil Nadu knew that Modi Ji, in the last 10 years, has taken Tamil culture to a different level, has taken Tamil infrastructure to a different level," he asserted. With an eye on the upcoming elections, Annamalai said the NDA was working to capitalise on what he termed "sky-high anti-incumbency" against the DMK government. He expressed confidence ahead of the Prime Minister's proposed visit to Chennai on January 23, stating that Tamil Nadu would "come the NDA way" when results are declared. Dismissing Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Annamalai said, "Normally, when a person is losing power, they will keep talking all kinds of senseless things. He called Amit Shah a very bad name a few weeks back. It only shows a sign of desperation, nothing else." Meanwhile, BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan condemned DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran's recent remarks, calling him "highly indecent". She urged DMK leaders to stop discriminating against people from other states, stressing that pride in Tamil Nadu should not come at the cost of insulting fellow Indians. - ANI The INSV Kaundinya, a sailing vessel built using ancient Indian stitching techniques, has successfully completed its 18-day voyage to Muscat, Oman. The project was inspired by a 5th-century ship depicted in the Ajanta Caves and spearheaded by Sanjeev Sanyal. The ship's construction involved skilled artisans from Kerala who stitched the wooden hull with coir rope and natural resin. Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, the vessel symbolizes India's rich history of maritime exploration and cultural exchange. The traditionally stitched sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya, inspired by Ajanta paintings, completes an 18-day voyage from India to Muscat, Oman. New Delhi, January 14 The INSV 'Kaundinya' has successfully completed its historic voyage to Muscat, Oman, after 18 days at sea on Wednesday. Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council member Sanjeev Sanyal shared the milestone on X, posting an image with the caption, "Enjoying the moment with Skipper Vikas Sheoran and Expedition in charge Hemanth Kumar ... We did it!!!" Another crew member, Hemanth posted, "Land Ahoy! Muscat Sighted! Good Morning India; Good morning Oman." Retired Naval Commander Abhilash Tomy, who had successfully solo circumnavigated the globe, also wished the crew of INSV Kaudinya on a successful mission, "This must be such a wonderful feeling. Now you have earned your sea legs, and walking on land will be a foreign experience. Well done." The INSV Kaundinya is based on a 5th-century CE ship depicted in the paintings of Ajanta Caves. Skippered by Commander Vikas Sheoran, the 16-member crew of INSV 'Kaundinya' reached Muscat as planned. The project that began as an idea in the mind of Sanjeev Sanyal, who was inspired by an Ajanta cave painting. A tripartite agreement was signed in July 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations, a Goa-based private boat builder, with funding from the Ministry of Culture. Following the keel laying in September 2023, the vessel's construction was undertaken using a traditional method of stitching by a team of skilled artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran. Over several months, the team painstakingly stitched wooden planks on the ship's hull using coir rope, coconut fibre and natural resin. The ship was launched in February 2025 at Goa. The sails of the indigenously built ship display motifs of the Gandabherunda and the Sun, her bow bears a sculpted Simha Yali, and a symbolic Harappan-style stone anchor adorns her deck, each element evoking the rich maritime traditions of ancient India. Named after Kaundinya, the legendary first-century Indian mariner who sailed across the Indian Ocean to the Mekong Delta, where he married a Cambodian princess, the ship serves as a tangible symbol of India's long-standing traditions of maritime exploration, trade, and cultural exchange. - ANI This photo taken on May 13, 2025 shows a view of a production line at the workshop of a vehicle company in Jiangdu District of Yangzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo by Ren Fei/Xinhua) BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- China's automobile production and sales both exceeded 34 million units last year, setting a new record high, industry data showed on Wednesday, offering new cooperation opportunities and helping to establish a global win-win ecosystem in this sector. Total auto output reached 34.531 million units last year, up 10.4 percent compared with the 2024 level, while sales rose 9.4 percent year on year to 34.4 million units, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). China's auto output and sales remained first globally for 17 consecutive years, the association noted. Automobile production and sales have remained above 30 million units for three consecutive years. New energy vehicles (NEVs) accelerated their growth momentum, with production and sales totaling 16.626 million and 16.49 million units, respectively, marking respective year-on-year increases of 29 percent and 28.2 percent, and maintaining the top position in the world for 11 straight years, the CAAM confirmed. "China's automotive industry continues to demonstrate strong resilience and vitality, with multiple indicators reaching new highs, marking a successful conclusion to the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025)," said Chen Shihua, deputy secretary general of the CAAM. In 2025, with intensified and expanded implementation of the new round of large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-in programs, a surge in new product launches by enterprises, and sustained release of user demand, annual automobile production and sales increased more than expected, Chen said. Last year, the country exported 7.098 million vehicles, surging 21.1 percent year on year, the data showed. In 2025, automakers paid more attention to expanding overseas markets, leading to continuous enhancement of the international competitiveness of Chinese brands. Joint ventures also achieved strong export performance, according to the CAAM. WORLDWIDE WIN-WIN ECOSYSTEM China's export data includes exports from joint ventures operating within the country, which is a showcase for a global win-win ecosystem in this sector, experts noted. China's auto exports remained resilient in 2025, particularly in new energy vehicles. In 2025, exports of NEVs doubled year on year to 2.615 million units, while exports of traditional fuel vehicles totaled 4.483 million units, down 2 percent year on year. China's competitiveness stems not from low prices, but from technological innovation and advantages in the industrial chain. This explains why foreign automakers are actively enhancing their investment and cooperation in China, benefiting from technological innovation and sharing the gains, according to experts. Wang Qing, deputy director of the institute of market economy of the Development Research Center of the State Council, said the global competitiveness of China's automotive industry is concentrated in the comprehensive industrial chain advantages within its NEV sector, spanning from batteries and supply chains to intelligent cockpits. Experts dismissed so-called "overcapacity" in the NEV sector, saying that from a practical demand perspective, China's production capacity is not "excessive" but insufficient. According to the International Energy Agency, global demand for NEVs is expected to hit 45 million units by 2030, while the demand for power batteries will reach 3,500 GWh -- far exceeding the current global supply capacity. To meet the market demand, many European and American automobile brands have relocated their supply chains to China for production purposes, and have subsequently exported these products back to their home countries, Sun Xiaohong, secretary general of automotive internationalization professional committee under the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview. Capitalizing on its technological and industrial chain advantages, China is attracting global enterprises, including Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen, with these enterprises opting to integrate deeply into the development of China's auto production and supply chains, thereby contributing to the building of a stable and efficient global industrial chain. Volkswagen Group recently inaugurated its first full-process R&D base outside Germany in Anhui, featuring comprehensive testing facilities. This center enables end-to-end development, from software to vehicle validation, slashing new model development cycles in China to 24-30 months. China's experience is empowering Volkswagen's global growth, noted Ralf Brandstaetter, chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, adding that European development cycles have accelerated from 48 to 30-36 months, driven by insights from China. BMW China deepened its local AI ecosystem by integrating China's AI startup DeepSeek, while Porsche launched its first strategic overseas R&D center in Shanghai. Making use of China's supply chain advantage, many foreign automotive companies have long seized cooperation opportunities, according to experts. Japanese automakers, including Toyota and Honda, have leveraged the Chinese supply chain and cooperation with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC Group) to achieve growth. It is reported that in 2025, GAC Toyota's annual sales reached 756,000 vehicles, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.4 percent. GAC Honda's sales exceeded 50,000 units in December 2025, marking month-on-month growth of 23.3 percent. Ford China leveraged the Chinese supply chain to reverse losses and achieved annual profit in 2024 and is expected to have achieved growth in 2025, Sun noted. Ford China exported nearly 170,000 vehicles in 2024, an increase of over 60 percent year on year, ending seven consecutive years of losses, by introducing new strategies including collaborating with China's industrial chain to develop localized NEVs to accelerate its electrification transformation in China, and expanding Ford China's complete vehicle export business to provide high-quality automotive products to global users, according to a statement on Ford China's official website. Meanwhile, Chinese automakers are increasing overseas investments, bringing new technologies, business models, and employment opportunities to local markets, and sharing new opportunities and building a mutually beneficial ecosystem, experts noted. The Sino-German Standardization Cooperation Innovation Center in Frankfurt commenced operations in June 2025, fostering standardized outcomes in smart manufacturing. Chinese automaker Chery has established a global R&D center network and 16 production bases, deeply integrating into the international market. Its production network spans key markets including Brazil, Iran, and Russia, while actively expanding into Southeast Asia and Europe. Meanwhile, Chery has also fostered deep integration with local industrial chains, aiming to build an ecosystem that is win-win in nature. For example, the partnership with Spain's EV Motors exemplifies its typical practice of localizing its brand through technology sharing and joint production. "Localized production overseas, joint ventures with foreign enterprises, and the joint construction of industrial ecosystems have become new models and highlights for Chinese automakers participating in the development of the global automobile industry," said Zhang Yongwei from China EV100, a non-governmental policy research institute. Customers learn about a new energy vehicle at a shopping center in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Jan. 14, 2026. (Photo by Zhao Jun/Xinhua) Staff members assemble a new energy vehicle at the workshop of the FAW Jiefang in Jimo District of Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Dec. 23, 2025. (Photo by Liang Xiaopeng/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 17, 2025 shows a cargo ship loading vehicles for export at Lianyungang port in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo by Wang Jianmin/Xinhua) A drone photo taken on Jan. 6, 2026 shows workers operating at the digital workshop of an auto parts company in Huzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Photo by Tan Yunfeng/Xinhua) A worker assembles a new energy vehicle at the workshop of Chinese Automaker Chery in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 8, 2026. (Photo by Liang Zidong/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 14, 2026 shows domestically produced vehicles for export at Yantai Port in east China's Shandong Province. (Photo by Tang Ke/Xinhua) A worker operates at the assembly workshop of a new energy vehicle company in Shangqiu, central China's Henan Province, Dec. 30, 2025. (Photo by Li Heng/Xinhua) A worker operates on a light truck production line at the workshop of a new energy vehicle company in Shangqiu, central China's Henan Province, Dec. 12, 2025. (Photo by Li Heng/Xinhua) Champaign, IL (61820) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 20F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 20F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. Today, the ACCESS-AD consortium is announcing the launch of a transformative European initiative that will accelerate the implementation of scientific innovations for Alzheimer's disease (AD) management in real-world health systems. The international consortium - bringing together academic institutions, industry partners, SMEs and patient organisations - is co-led by Amsterdam UMC, Siemens Healthineers, King's College London and Gates Ventures, with funding from the European Commission's Innovative Health Initiative for a five-year period. The project begins at a pivotal moment for AD care in Europe. In 2025, two new disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), lecanemab and donanemab, received regulatory approval, offering a first opportunity to slow the progression of AD. However, additional accessible and scalable treatment options are also needed, since Member States are confronted with rapidly escalating diagnostic bottlenecks, long waiting times and a growing shortage of specialised healthcare professionals. AD prevalence is rising sharply and is expected to exceed 19 million by 2050 in Europe alone. Health systems are already struggling to deliver timely diagnostic testing, brain imaging and structured clinical follow-up, raising the risk of delayed treatment and poorer outcomes. ACCESS-AD aims to address these challenges directly, accelerating innovation and strengthening equitable access to timely and effective care. "Our vision is simple but ambitious: to make personalised care a reality for every patient with AD, regardless of where they live," said Professor Frederik Barkhof from Amsterdam UMC and Clinical Lead of ACCESS-AD. "ACCESS-AD brings together the clinical, scientific and societal stakeholders needed to turn innovation into everyday practice across Europe." A Europe-wide, integrated framework for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring ACCESS-AD is pioneering a coordinated, multimodal clinical framework that unites brain imaging, blood-based biomarkers, digital monitoring tools, AI-driven decision support, and real-world evidence into a seamless patient pathway. Its design aims to accelerate diagnostic confirmation, support the safe administration of DMTs and novel interventions, and broaden access to advanced innovations beyond specialist centres, including primary care and underserved regions. A central focus of the project is the combination of advanced but accessible neuroimaging with expanded use of fluid and digital biomarkers. This will support early and accurate patient identification, enabling timely diagnosis and entry into personalised treatment pathways that may include DMTs, targeted lifestyle interventions and nutritional strategies. ACCESS-AD also aims to widen access to tools that historically have been available only in centres of excellence, such as accelerated MRI protocols, quantitative amyloid PET and automated safety monitoring. ACCESS-AD introduces a coordinated innovation pathway structured across four key clinical stages: DETECT : integration of blood-based biomarkers and digital tools with accelerated MRI and quantitative PET for scalable diagnostic confirmation integration of blood-based biomarkers and digital tools with accelerated MRI and quantitative PET for scalable diagnostic confirmation STRATIFY : patient-centred workflows informed by AI-based progression and treatment-response models, advancing precision medicine in AD patient-centred workflows informed by AI-based progression and treatment-response models, advancing precision medicine in AD TREAT : real-world data collection on the usability, safety and implementation of DMTs and lifestyle interventions across multiple European settings real-world data collection on the usability, safety and implementation of DMTs and lifestyle interventions across multiple European settings MONITOR: AI and digital tools for continuous monitoring of disease progression, supported by brain imaging protocols optimised for DMT safety monitoring "ACCESS-AD brings together expertise from across Europe to address the urgent need for more effective and personalised Alzheimer's care," said Andreas Schneck, head of Magnetic Resonance at Siemens Healthineers, Industry Lead of ACCESS-AD. "By integrating laboratory diagnostics, advanced imaging, and AI-driven digital tools, this coordinated approach aims to strengthen the entire care pathway enabling timely diagnosis, precision treatment, and equitable access to innovations across diverse care settings." AI-driven prediction to guide safety and treatment decisions The ACCESS-AD framework is being built around AI-driven prediction models capable of forecasting treatment response, identifying patients at risk of adverse events, and guiding personalised treatment planning. These models will draw upon harmonised MRI and PET data, blood biomarkers and digital measures from wearables and smartphones. A dementia dashboard will synthesise the multimodal data into clear, actionable insights for clinicians in both specialist and community-based settings. "Sharing and integrating diverse data sources is essential to build robust AI models that can identify the right patients, for the right treatment, at the right time," said Niranjan Bose, Industry Co-Lead from Gates Ventures. "ACCESS-AD will demonstrate how responsible data ecosystems can accelerate both scientific discovery and clinical impact." Real-world evidence to strengthen European system preparedness A cornerstone of ACCESS-AD is its pan-European AD registry, which will leverage the established InRAD platform. This infrastructure will collect real-world data from more than 500 patients across a variety of health systems, capturing safety, clinical evolution and treatment outcomes under routine clinical conditions. The registry will also support a pilot study that tests the feasibility of combining DMTs with a multicomponent lifestyle intervention and advanced nutritional supplements from Nestle, as well as a clinical prediction study of the once-daily oral therapy, blarcamesine. Recognising the need for equitable and scalable implementation, ACCESS-AD integrates health-economic modelling, regulatory development, ethical reflection and sustainability assessments. European Patient Advisory Boards will ensure that the needs and values of patients and carers are embedded throughout the project. ACCESS-AD builds on other IHI initiatives including PROMINENT, PREDICTOM, AD-RIDDLE and EPND, ensuring that advances in early detection, biomarker innovation and data infrastructure translate into improved diagnosis, treatment and care. "ACCESS-AD is a holistic effort across private and public sectors," noted Professor Dag Aarsland from KCL, clinical co-Lead of the project. "By combining technological innovation with economic, ethical, regulatory and patient perspectives, we aim to chart a sustainable, scalable and equitable pathway for the implementation of new AD diagnostics and treatments, including multidomain lifestyle interventions and new disease-modifying therapies." A recent publication in Nature Medicine describes a novel immunotherapy targeting pancreatic cancer that has shown promising results in a first in-human phase 1/2 trial. The TACTOPS trial, which investigated the safety and clinical effects of autologous T cell therapy targeting multiple tumor antigens, was a collaboration between researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital. We wanted to develop a targeted therapeutic that would hone the immune system on tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) that were present on malignant cells. We targeted five different antigens to deal with the polyclonal nature of the disease." Dr. Ann Leen, co-corresponding author, professor of pediatrics hematology and oncology in the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy "Pancreatic cancer doesn't look as foreign to the immune system as other cancers do. This novel immunotherapy may help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells in a way that other immunotherapies have not been able to do thus far," said co-corresponding author Dr. Benjamin Musher, professor of medicine at Baylor and medical director of medical oncology at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Patients with pancreatic cancer were enrolled into one of three trial cohorts. Arm A included patients with advanced disease responding to first-line chemotherapy. Arm B included patients with metastatic disease who had progressed on first-line chemotherapy. Arm C included patients with surgically resectable disease. Each patient provided a blood sample, and individualized T cell therapy was manufactured at the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy. In total, 37 study participants received six monthly infusions of T cells. Patients in arms A and C showed promising results, with 84.6% disease control rate in the group of patients responding to frontline chemotherapy (Arm A). Two out of nine patients in the those who underwent surgical resection (Arm C) remained disease-free more than five years after surgery. Researchers observed only 25% disease control in patients with refractory disease (Arm B). The therapy was extremely well-tolerated, with only one possibly treatment-related serious adverse side effect documented over all three cohorts. Positive clinical outcomes correlated with functional T cell expansion and infused cell persistence in blood specimens collected during therapy compared to those collected at baseline. The investigators already are using the data from this study to refine their approach in preparation for the next trial, which may include T cell therapy alone or combined with other immune therapies. "Nationwide, only 5% of pancreatic cancer patients enroll in clinical trials," Musher said. "To improve pancreatic cancer outcomes meaningfully, we must explore all possible treatment options and enroll more patients in clinical trials. Studies like ours, which include robust correlative science, help us learn from successes and failures and facilitate further advances. They also provide patients with much-needed hope while helping them feel part of something larger than themselves." "The clinical and translational science expertise at Baylor within the Duncan Cancer Center and the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy enables our team to conduct complex trials that reach patients at different disease stages," Leen said. "We could not accomplish this without strong collaboration between the lab and clinic, the excellent work of our regulatory team and top tier good manufacturing practices (GMP) facility." Drs. Spyridoula Vasileiou and Brandon G. Smaglo are co-first authors of this work with Musher. Other contributors include Catherine S. Robertson, Mengfen Wu, Tao Wang, Ayumi Watanabe, Manik Kuvalekar, Yovana Velazquez, Shamika Ketkar, Tamadar Al Doheyan, Penelope G. Papayanni, Aakash Shah, Natalia Lapteva, Bambi J. Grilley, George Van Buren, Premal D. Lulla, Helen E. Heslop, Cliona M. Rooney and Malcolm K. Brenner. All authors were affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine, the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital and/or Houston Methodist Hospital when the study was conducted. See the publication for a full list of funding sources. Cannabidiol (CBD) could become a therapeutic tool to address some of the most frequent and disabling consequences of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a condition caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. This is one of the main conclusions of a preclinical study conducted in mice by researchers at the Institute for Neurosciences (UMHCSIC). Published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, the study shows that CBD treatment normalizes emotional behavior and vulnerability to addiction in animals exposed to alcohol during the perinatal period, particularly in females. Additionally, the treatment improves gene alterations associated with the gut microbiota. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is the leading preventable cause of intellectual disability worldwide. It occurs when the developing brain is exposed to alcohol at any time during pregnancy. Its consequences include learning difficulties, emotional disturbances, increased risk of anxiety and depression, impaired behavioral regulation, and, in adulthood, a higher vulnerability to addictive behaviors. Despite its enormous social and health impact, there is currently no approved pharmacological treatment that targets the root of the disorder. Only symptomatic interventions are available." Jorge Manzanares, UMH professor and principal investigator of the study For this reason, the research team, which also includes scientists from the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATACSIC) and the University of Turku (Finland), is exploring therapeutic strategies capable of correcting the alterations produced by alcohol during development. The relevance of the endocannabinoid system The study focuses on the endocannabinoid system, a network of molecules and receptors that regulate essential processes, including emotion, motivation, learning, and the stress response. Previous research has shown that this system is profoundly altered after prenatal alcohol exposure, contributing to emotional disturbances and increased vulnerability to addiction. "Cannabidiol, a non-addictive compound derived from cannabis, modulates this system and has documented neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties," says Manzanares. "We first characterized the emotional effects of perinatal alcohol exposure in mice, identified brain and microbiota biomarkers of alcohol damage, and then tested the effects of chronic CBD administration starting at weaning." The researchers report that FASD not only causes direct brain alterations but also triggers systemic effects that impact gut health-and that CBD can modulate this entire cascade of dysfunction. In the experimental model, mice of both sexes exposed to alcohol during the perinatal period developed anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. Female mice also showed increased motivation to consume alcohol. "Early and sustained CBD administration normalized emotional alterations in both sexes," Manzanares explains. In females, CBD also eliminated vulnerability to alcohol addiction: their motivation to drink dropped to levels comparable to healthy control mice. The treatment also modulated key brain biomarkers, including dopamine D2/D3 receptors and components of the endocannabinoid system, whose dysregulation is linked to emotional and addictive disorders. The gutbrain axis Another significant contribution of the study is its focus on the gutbrain axis. "In both health and disease, there is constant bidirectional communication between the digestive and nervous systems that influences physical and mental health," explains Francisco Navarrete, UMH professor and first author of the study. This communication occurs via neural, hormonal, and immune pathways and is strongly influenced by the gut microbiota. The team found that developmental alcohol exposure induces intestinal dysbiosis, an imbalance in microbial composition, which CBD was able to reverse. The treatment restored microbial diversity and increased the abundance of bacteria associated with improved gutbrain communication. These effects differed between males and females, consistent with their naturally distinct microbial profiles. "Our data suggest that part of the sex differences in vulnerability to FASD may originate in the gut rather than exclusively in the brain," Navarrete explains. The team also found sex-dependent differences in the expression of genes related to the endocannabinoid system. "These findings show that the gut microbiota plays an active role in FASD and that restoring it may help correct some of its effects on the nervous system." The researchers emphasize that these results come from a preclinical animal model and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for self-medicating with CBD, nor as a way to counteract the effects of alcohol during pregnancy. FASD can only be prevented by altogether avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. A well-established line of research Professor Manzanares has studied the endocannabinoid system for more than 30 years. The Translational Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory at the Institute for Neurosciences (UMHCSIC), founded over 20 years ago, has been pioneering research on the role of the endocannabinoid system in addiction and its treatment. In 2023, the team conducted the first study evaluating the effects of CBD on behavioral and brain alterations in an animal model of FASD. Research team and funding The study was conducted by Francisco Navarrete, Jorge Manzanares, and Ani Gasparyan (Institute for Neurosciences UMHCSIC; ISABIAL; RIAPAdISCIII), in collaboration with Raul Cabrera and Maria del Carmen Collado (IATACSIC), and Richard Aarnio, Francisco Lopez, Semi Helin, and Johan Rajander (University of Turku, Finland). The work was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Health and the Carlos III Health Institute (projects PI21/00488 and RD21/0009/0008), ISABIAL, the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MAMI Plus project PID2022-139475OB-I00), and the Regional Government of Valencia (GenT Plan CDEIGENT 2020-02). Both IATACSIC and the Institute for Neurosciences UMHCSIC also received Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence funding (CEX2021-001189-S and CEX2021-001165-S). ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn speaks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Cen Yunpeng) JAKARTA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Despite a complex and evolving global environment over the past year, ASEAN and China have continued to maintain strong cooperation momentum across economic, energy, digital and people-to-people fields, contributing to regional peace, stability and prosperity, said ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn in an exclusive interview with Xinhua. According to Kao, ASEAN and China have sustained positive momentum under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both sides have continued implementing ongoing cooperation initiatives and have adopted the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030), which will serve as a guiding framework for bilateral cooperation in the coming years. One major milestone, he noted, was the successful signing of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (FTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol, which was not easy and took a lot of work done by both sides. "We reached another level of cooperation, particularly in economic cooperation." Kao highlighted that the upgraded ASEAN-China FTA will have a far-reaching impact on bilateral economic cooperation. "This will have a significant impact on the economic cooperation between the two sides because we will do more in digital trade, digital services, digital payments and e-commerce," he noted. He emphasized that ASEAN and China are important trading partners to each other, with bilateral trade continuing to grow. He expressed hope that under the ASEAN-China FTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, both sides would continue to maintain momentum in trade and investment cooperation. "What we want to see is that trade continues to move forward, and that investment is also maintained." Kao said energy has become "a matter of top priority for ASEAN," highlighting China's growing interest and investment in ASEAN's energy sector, particularly in renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) production. "It's good that we are working together in this regard, particularly as more investment moves into the energy sector. This is especially the case with EV production in ASEAN, which will enable more ASEAN citizens to use EVs," he said. As bilateral cooperation has expanded in many sectors, Kao said no single area defines ASEAN-China relations, but emerging sectors will play an increasingly important role. "There's no single issue that will define our relationship," he said. "But for the long term, digital economy, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies will be defining the growing relationship between us." On political and security issues, Kao reaffirmed that ASEAN has been very consistent in its relations and policy towards China, noting that ASEAN's approach and position have been consistent on the one-China policy. He stressed that ASEAN places great importance on regional peace and stability and has always been a strong proponent of dialogue diplomacy and constructive engagement. "If you read the ASEAN Charter very clearly, ASEAN supports sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said, adding that ASEAN believes its relationship with China contributes to long-term peace and stability in the region. Kao also highlighted the unique nature of ASEAN-China relations, noting that the two sides are close neighbors, as defined by geography, land and maritime, culture and civilization, and people-to-people connectivity. Over more than three decades, he noted, the two sides have built cooperation based on mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutual benefit. China was among the earliest partners to establish a free trade area with ASEAN, and the two sides now maintain one of ASEAN's most extensive cooperation mechanisms. He said China remains one of ASEAN's major sources of tourists, with strong aviation connectivity and frequent two-way people flows. Many Chinese nationals live, work and study in ASEAN countries, while many ASEAN citizens pursue opportunities in China, forming a solid foundation for people-to-people ties. Looking to the future, Kao said ASEAN will mark its 60th anniversary next year, and people-to-people exchanges are the foundation of lasting ties between ASEAN and China. "People are the makers and drivers of long-lasting relationships. Our partnership should be defined by peace, by our people and by shared prosperity," he added. "In a world where global economic and political dynamics are constantly changing, what we need to do is maintain the momentum of positive cooperation," Kao said. "Trust is always the most powerful factor in our relationship, and we must focus on it as the key to our long-term relations." ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn speaks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 12, 2026. (Xinhua/Cen Yunpeng) Using nearly a decade of data (20152023) from 800+ U.S. hospitals and more than 700,000 patients overall, Northwestern researchers found that when Asian American heart failure patients are separated by ethnicity, rather than grouped together as "Asian," important differences in care emerge across groups including Filipino, Vietnamese, Chinese, Asian Indian, Korean and Japanese patients. For example, Filipino and Vietnamese patients were least likely to receive complete, guideline-recommended heart failure care. The study wasn't designed to identify causes, but authors note the disparities may reflect differences in health literacy, English-language proficiency or financial resources. The bigger story is about who gets counted, and who doesn't. Many U.S. hospitals still categorize patients simply as "Asian," which has long masked disparities within the fastest-growing racial group in the U.S. While in-hospital death rates were similar between Asian American and White patients, the study found gaps in medications, discharge planning and overall quality of care. Senior author Dr. Nilay Shah, a preventive cardiologist at Northwestern, says the work is personal. "Growing up in an Asian American community, I saw firsthand the challenges my family and friends experienced in accessing health care services," Shah said. He's available to discuss the findings, why these disparities went unnoticed for so long and what health systems could do differently. Activist in Costa Rica denies plotting to assassinate president Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 02:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) San Jose, Jan 15 (AP) A Costa Rican activist and government critic accused of plotting to kill President Rodrigo Chaves said Wednesday that the allegations were ridiculous and politically motivated. Costa Ricas national security chief Jorge Torres told prosecutors Tuesday that a hitman allegedly received a payment to assassinate the president, but details of the case were not publicly revealed at the time. Hours later, local media published screenshots of messages Torres included in his complaint against activist Stella Chinchilla supposedly showing her complaining to alleged hitmen that they hadnt done their job. Chinchilla, vice president of the human rights advocacy group Friends for Peace Center, said in an interview with The Associated Press that she appeared Wednesday before the Public Ministry to hear details of the case. She confirmed that the screenshots were part of the case, but said they were fake and that she was being targeted because of her criticism of Chaves administration on social media. I have not written a single comma of what is there," Chinchilla said. Morally, I would not order the killing of this president; he has to leave on his own feet, from the government and the country, because he has done too much damage." She said that media outlets aligned with Chaves had access to the alleged evidence before it had even been received by prosecutors, and that the accusations were part of broader government harassment. The presidents office said on Tuesday night hat his security had been reinforced. This is not a minor warning, nor speculation; it is a serious threat to the countrys democratic stability," said Jeffrey Cerdas, head of presidential security. The accusation came as Chaves received El Salvadors populist leader Nayib Bukele, who has gained fame and notoriety abroad, and popularity in his country, for his heavy-handed crackdown on criminal gangs. The two leaders attended the groundbreaking Wednesday of a new prison modeled on Bukeles mega-prison built for alleged gang members. Chaves has sent Costa Rican officials to El Salvador to learn more about how to emulate Bukeles style of law enforcement. Costa Rica is experiencing a serious security crisis attributed to drug trafficking gangs that have led historic high homicide rates. The year 2025 ended with 877 homicides, just three fewer than in 2024, while 2023 recorded the highest figure with 907 killings. (AP) OZ OZ News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 02:45 IST News agency-feeds Activist in Costa Rica denies plotting to assassinate president 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... Andhra: CPI protests against PPP policy in medical education Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 09:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) [India], January 14 (ANI): CPI leaders staged a protest on Wednesday against the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) policy for medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh.The demonstration was organised by CPI State Secretary G Eswarayya, CPI City Secretary G Koteswara Rao, and other party leaders, during which Government Orders (GOs) Nos. 847 and 590 were set on fire symbolically. Eswarayya highlighted that the YSRCP government had previously introduced GOs No. 107 and 108 on the privatisation of medical colleges, which were opposed by TDP leaders. He said the new orders, GOs No. 847 and 590, implement the PPP policy, which the party views as detrimental to students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minority communities who cannot afford medical education.Speaking to the reporters, Eswarayya said, Earlier, the YSRCP Government released GO No 107 and 108, on Privatisation of Medical Colleges, but the TDP leaders fought against the same, with GO No. 847 and 590, the PPP policy is carried out. We oppose the decision of the Government, which is harmful for the SC, ST, and minorities, who cannot afford medical education, and the Government Medical Hospital also charges for the treatment of poor people in the State of Andhra Pradesh."On January 12, YSR Congress Party leaders Vellampalli Srinivas and Malladi Vishnu demanded the immediate cancellation of GO No.15, stating that it was deliberately brought to facilitate the plunder of temple lands worth thousands of crores under the pretext of leasing them to religious institutions.They stated that the government has no respect for God or Hindu traditions and is interested only in temple assets, asserting that Hindu dharma is being systematically undermined under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidus rule.They said devotees are losing faith and footfall is declining due to the repeated incidents, and demanded a special law to protect archakas, who are increasingly facing attacks, threats, and humiliation. (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 09:15 IST News agency-feeds Andhra: CPI protests against PPP policy in medical education 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... Brazils Lula calls Putin to discuss Venezuela Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 00:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Moscow, Jan 14 (PTI) Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss the situation in Venezuela, according to the Kremlin. It was Putins first international phone call of this year as Russia emerged from the long spell of Christmas and New Year holidays. Putin and Lula discussed international issues, focusing on the situation surrounding Venezuela. The parties reaffirmed their shared approaches to ensuring the republics sovereignty and national interests. The two leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation in various areas and agreed to continue coordinating efforts, including within the UN and BRICS, to de-escalate tensions in Latin America and other regions, the Kremlin readout said. President Putin had refrained from making any comments on the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife by the US military under orders from President Donald Trump and all the reaction was promptly expressed by the Foreign Ministry, which had strongly condemned Washingtons armed aggression. PTI VS GSP GSP News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 00:00 IST News agency-feeds Brazils Lula calls Putin to discuss Venezuela 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... Coast Guards of India, Japan discuss ways to enhance maritime cooperation Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 00:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) The Coast Guards of India and Japan held a key meeting here on Wednesday as the two sides discussed enhancing collaboration in areas such as maritime search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement, officials said. The 22nd high-level meeting between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) reaffirmed the strong and enduring maritime partnership between both nations, they said. The meeting was co-chaired by Paramesh Sivamani, Director General, Indian Coast Guard, and Admiral Yoshio Saguchi, Commandant, Japan Coast Guard, who is on an official visit to India from January 13-17, leading a nine-member delegation, the defence ministry said. Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in key areas such as maritime search and rescue, marine pollution response, maritime law enforcement, and capacity building, it said in a statement. Both sides emphasised the importance of sharing best practices, enhancing interoperability and sustaining structured engagements under the existing memorandum of cooperation between the two Coast Guards. Also, a Japan Coast Guard National Strike Team (NST) is visiting Mumbai and will conduct a joint exercise with the ICG pollution response team, focusing on hazardous and noxious substances spill response, the ministry said. The exercise is aimed at enhancing preparedness, operational coordination, and mutual understanding in responding to complex marine pollution incidents, it said. The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review the existing framework of bilateral cooperation for further strengthening operational engagement. The discussion also covered cooperation in emerging and future-oriented areas, including the use of technology, information sharing mechanisms, training initiatives, and personnel exchanges. Both delegations expressed satisfaction over the steady progress achieved since the previous high-level meeting and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular engagements at multiple levels, the ministry said. Indias current Presidency of the Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) and its upcoming hosting of the 5th CGGS, along with the International Coast Guard Fleet Review (ICGFR), also featured prominently in the discussions. In this context, both sides explored avenues for enhanced engagement and cooperation in multilateral maritime forums, the officials said. As part of the visit programme, the JCG delegation will visit Mumbai from January 16-17, where they are scheduled to undertake an industrial visit to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and participate in professional interactions aimed at strengthening maritime industrial and operational linkages. PTI KND RHL News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 00:00 IST News agency-feeds Coast Guards of India, Japan discuss ways to enhance maritime cooperation 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... Gaza is entering second phase of ceasefire plan Trump helped broker, US says Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 02:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington, Jan 15 (AP) The United States on Wednesday said that it is moving into the next phase of a Gaza ceasefire plan that involves disarming Hamas, rebuilding the war-ravaged territory and establishing the group of Palestinian experts that will administer daily affairs in Gaza under American supervision. President Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff said in a post on X that the deal that the Republican president helped broker was entering its second phase following two years of war between Israel and Hamas, including the establishment of a technocratic government in Gaza. While Wednesdays announcement indicates a key step forward, a new government in Gaza and the ceasefire agreement face a number of huge challenges, including the deployment of an international security force to supervise the deal and the difficult process of disarming Hamas. Witkoff did not offer any details about who would serve on the new transitional Palestinian administration that would govern Gaza. The White House did not immediately offer any more information, either. The other mediators of the ceasefire deal Egypt, Turkey and Qatar welcomed the establishment of the Palestinian technocratic committee and said it would be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority. In a joint statement, the three countries called it an important development aimed at consolidating stability and improving the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip." Shaath is a Gaza native who served as a deputy minister for transportation with the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority. Shaath, an engineer, is an expert in economic development and reconstruction, according to his biography on the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institutes website. Witkoff said the US expects Hamas to immediately return the final Israeli hostage as part of its obligations under the deal, noting that failure to do so will bring serious consequences." A Hamas spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, told Al-Jazeera Live on Wednesday that Witkoffs announcement is an important and positive development, adding that the group is ready to hand over the administration of Gaza to the independent technocratic committee and facilitate its work. Hamas is ready to engage in internal Palestinian approaches to discuss the issue of the resistance weapons," said Qassem in the statements that he shared on his Telegram channel. The last hostage, Ran Gvili, was a 24-year-old police officer who was killed while fighting Hamas militants during the October 7, 2023, attack that started the war in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Wednesday evening to Gvilis parents, Tali and Itzik Gvili, and told them that the return of their sons remains a top priority, his office said in a statement. The declarative move to establish a technocratic committee will not affect efforts to return Ran to Israels grave," the statement said. The statement added that Israel will act on any information the mediators receive and said Hamas is required under the ceasefire agreement to do all it can to return each and every hostage. The ceasefire reached under Trumps 20-point plan took effect in October and stopped much of the fighting. Under the first phase of the three-phase deal, Hamas released all but one hostage it was holding in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians who were held by Israel. Appointees to a technocratic committee that Witkoff said would be established under the second phase are part of a broader plan to end Hamas 18-year rule of Gaza. The appointees will run day-to-day affairs in Gaza, under the oversight of a Trump-led Board of Peace," whose members have also not yet been named. The technocratic committee will be tasked with providing public services to the more than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, but it faces towering challenges and unanswered questions, including about its operations and financing. The United Nations has estimated that reconstruction will cost more than USD 50 billion. The process is expected to take years, and little money has been pledged so far. There also is the more immediate challenge of figuring out how to take over basic services after nearly two decades of Hamas-led rule in Gaza and repeated rounds of conflict with Israel. (AP) OZ OZ News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 02:30 IST News agency-feeds Gaza is entering second phase of ceasefire plan Trump helped broker, US says 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... Qatari, Iranian officials discuss Iran protests Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 06:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Doha, Jan 14 (AP) Qatari and Iranian officials have spoken during the deadly crackdown in Iran and Americas escalating threats to intervene if protesters are not spared. Ali Larijani, secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, spoke by phone with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatars prime minister Tuesday. In a statement on X, Al Thani said he reaffirmed the State of Qatars backing of all de-escalation efforts, as well as peaceful solutions to enhance security and stability in the region." Qatar got caught in the crossfire during Israels 12-day war in June when the Islamic Republic retaliated on US airstrikes on its nuclear facility by targeting US forces at Al Udeid Air Base outside of Doha. (AP) SCY SCY News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 06:00 IST News agency-feeds Qatari, Iranian officials discuss Iran protests 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... Aquarius Horoscope Today, January 14, 2026 Written By : GaneshaGrace Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 07:00 IST Aquarius Daily Horoscope, January 14, 2026: The problem of muscle strain and pain may increase. Aquarius Horoscope Today: Astrological predictions by Chirag Daruwalla for kumbha rashi on Jan 14 2026. (AI generated image Aquarius Daily Horoscope, January 14, 2026: Ganesha says this day is likely to be very good for Aquarius people from a business point of view. If you are planning to enter into a partnership with the wish of success in your business, then you will be happy to know that today is the time of launch for you. The financial situation will be good. New income sources will be available. Which will increase your income. You will get cooperation and support from everyone. You will show speed in business matters. Career and business will remain in focus. You will take on big responsibilities. Big efforts will be made. Industry and business will progress as expected. Your behavior will be attractive. You will move forward with ease. Health will be excellent. Sensitivity will increase. You will work fast. There will be an emphasis on confidentiality. Do not work impulsively. Maintain confidence. Positive- This is a successful time for students. One must participate in an online competition. Doing any work with planning and having a positive attitude will give you a new direction. The stalled work will also gain momentum and will be completed on time. Negative- But to achieve success, it is important to keep the routine organized. Before making any plan, think about it seriously; otherwise, some mistakes can happen. Wrong advice from negative people can distract you from your goal. Business- There will be some confusion in matters related to business loans, tax, etc. So, try to complete these tasks on time. Any short-distance travel for work will open the door to your better future. Employed people will have a good influence in the office. Finance- Today will be a very first class day for you from a financial point of view. You will get many facilities on your financial front. Today, those working in the stock market can get good profits. You may get back the borrowed money. You will spend freely on your comfort items. Businessmen may be advised to go on a short trip today. An old land dispute may get resolved for you today. You will get relief from financial worries. Today will be a good day for you and you will get a sign of great financial prosperity. You should be cautious in your investments and maintain control over your financial front. Love- Married life will be pleasant. You may get some good news related to your childs career. Do not waste time on love affairs. Health- The problem of muscle strain and pain may increase. Taking plenty of rest and exercise is necessary. Lucky Color- Blue Lucky Number- 16 (The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 07:00 IST News astrology horoscope Aquarius Horoscope Today, January 14, 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... Bharat Coking Coal IPO Allotment Today: Here's Step-By-Step Guide To Check Status Online Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 07:45 IST Bharat Coking Coal IPO allotment status is in focus today after a bumper subscription. Check updates, GMP, and listing details for January 16. Bharat Coking Coal IPO Allotment Today: Here's Step-by-Step guide to check status online. Bharat Coking Coal IPO Allotment Today: After a bumper subscription, Bharat Coking Coal IPO is in focus today, January 14, 2026, as allotment of unlisted shares will likely be concluded. Investors are advised to check the registrars website or BSE/NSE to find the status of allotment, which may occur at any time of the day or even late at night. Bharat Coking Coal was the largest coking coal producer in India in fiscal 2025, according to a Crisil report. It produces various grades of coking coal, non-coking coal and washed coals for applications primarily in the steel and power industries. The company was incorporated in 1972 to mine and supply coking coal concentrated in mines located at Jharia, Jharkhand and Raniganj, West Bengal coalfields. Bharat Coking Coal Subscription Status Bharat Coking Coal, a subsidiary of PSU Coal India, saw that its issue was subscribed 147 times, with a total of 50,95,55,58,000 shares bid against 34,69,46,500 equity shares on offer. Institutional investors led the response, with the Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB) portion subscribed 310.81 times, driven by heavy bidding from foreign institutional investors, domestic financial institutions, banks, insurance companies, and mutual funds. The non-institutional investor (NII) segment was subscribed 258.16 times, with bids above Rs 10 lakh seeing a higher subscription of 275.64 times, while applications between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 10 lakh were subscribed 223.20 times. The retail investor portion was subscribed 49.33 times, indicating strong interest from individual investors, while the employee quota was subscribed 5.18 times. The shareholders category also saw robust demand, with subscriptions reaching 87.29 times. Bharat Coking Coal IPO Listing Price Prediction, GMP According to market observers, unlisted shares of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd are currently trading at Rs 36.4 apiece in the grey market, which is a 58.26 per cent premium over the IPO price of Rs 23. It indicates a bumper listing. Its listing will take place on January 16, Friday. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing. Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price. Bharat Coking Coal IPO Listing Date BCCL will make its stock market debut on January 16. The company said that half of the issue size has been reserved for qualified institutional buyers, 35 per cent for retail investors and the remaining 15 per cent for non-institutional investors. According to the red herring prospectus (RHP), the maiden public issue is entirely an offer for sale (OFS) of 46.57 crore equity shares by Coal India. The listing of BCCL is part of the governments broader divestment push in the coal sector, aimed at unlocking value in Coal Indias subsidiaries and enhancing transparency through market discipline. How To Check Bharat Coking Coal IPO Allotment Status Step 1: Go to the official website of the IPO registrar KFin Technologies. Step 2: On the homepage, click on IPO Allotment Status. Step 3: From the drop-down menu, select Bharat Coking Coal IPO. Step 4: Choose any one option to check your status PAN number, Application number, or DP ID/Client ID. Step 5: Enter the required details carefully and complete the captcha. Step 6: Click on Search to view your allotment status. Step 7: If shares are allotted, the details will be shown on the screen. If not, the message will say No allotment" and the refund process will be initiated. Alternative method (via NSE website) Step 1: Visit the official website of the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Step 2: Go to Market Data Issue Information. Step 3: Search for BHARATCOAL and click on the issue. Step 4: Once updated, the allotment status will be visible on the issue page. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 07:45 IST News business ipo Bharat Coking Coal IPO Allotment Today: Here's Step-By-Step Guide To Check Status Online 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... BMC Elections 2026: How To Find Your Polling Booth In Mumbai Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 19:36 IST BMC Elections 2026: Mumbaiites can cast their votes from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm on Thursday Rapid Read The counting of votes will take place on January 16. Mumbai will cast its vote on Thursday, from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm for the much-delayed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The counting of votes will take place the following day. To find your polling booth Visit Maharashtra State Election Commission website. Click on voter search, which will direct you to the SECs dedicated voter list website here Click on search name in voter list. Select EPIC Number Wise (or Name Wise). Select your local body (Choose among Municipal Corporation, municipality, Nagar Panchayat, Zilla Panchayat etc.) district, local body name and enter EPIC number (or Full Name in case if you have opted for Name Wise in Step 4) and click on search. Your records including polling booth name, address, and voter slip details will show up. ALSO READ | BMC Elections 2026: Mumbai To Pick Its Corporators On Jan 15, Know Who Is Contesting From Your Ward Voter Helpline App Voters can also search for their names on the Election Commissions Voter Helpline App and get all the details including polling booth location and voter slip details. It can be downloaded from eci.gov.in/voter-helpline-app/ Once voters have confirmed your name on the list and polling booth location, voters are advised to carry a valid photo ID card (Voter ID or 12 others) with the slip. You can also Check on BMC website Go to BMC web page (here) and go to Ward Formation under BMC General Elections 2025. Click on Final under ward Formation Click on Final Prabhag Maps 2025 Click on your ward. You will find a list of the prabhags in that ward. Clicking on each prabhag will show you a map of the prabhag. Look at each prabhag map till you find your address. That is your prabhag number. ALSO READ | Mumbai Votes Tomorrow: Who Will Rule Over BMC? Thackerays Or Shinde, Who Will Win Real Sena Tag? To find your name Open the final voter list here. Scroll to the name of your ward in the list. Click on the number of your electoral ward or prabhag given against the ward name Find the list number (prabhag Yadi) by looking for your address. This is given at the beginning of the document. Scroll down to that list and look for your name. Finally, check where your polling booth is on the web page of the BMC. BMC Election Helpline 9619512847/022-22754028 News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 19:23 IST News mumbai-news BMC Elections 2026: How To Find Your Polling Booth In Mumbai 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... TEHRAN, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Senior Iranian officials have held talks with their foreign counterparts on the latest developments in the country and have condemned foreign interference in the wake of the recent unrest. In separate phone calls on Tuesday night with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi elaborated on the recent unrest across the country and the consequent casualties, saying the Iranian people's "peaceful" protests were driven into violence by foreign-linked individuals. During the talks, Araghchi stressed that the "terrorists" provoked by the United States and Israel were responsible for the violence during the protests, assuring that calm had been restored thanks to the people's vigilance and the efforts of the country's law enforcement forces. He slammed the recent "provocative" remarks by U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, as "clear interference" in Iran's internal affairs, underlining the Iranian people's determination to defend the country's national sovereignty and security against any foreign "maliciousness and intervention." In his talks with the French foreign minister, Araghchi called for the condemnation of foreign intervention in countries' internal affairs. For his part, the UAE's deputy prime minister and foreign minister highlighted the importance of continuing bilateral and regional consultations, calling for collective efforts to strengthen stability and security in the West Asia region. Meanwhile, Turkiye's semi-official Anadolu Agency reported that Fidan had another phone call on Wednesday with his Iranian counterpart, urging dialogue to reduce current regional tensions. Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani have also exchanged views on the latest regional developments with his Iraqi counterpart and Qatar's prime minister. During the talks with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Larijani stressed that cooperation between Iran and Qatar could prepare the ground for ensuring sustainable stability and security in the West Asia region. The Qatari prime minister highlighted the two countries' age-old relations, stressing, "We have stood by each other during tough regional circumstances." He added that Qatar considered any attempts to destabilize Iran as having "serious" consequences for regional stability. Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji told Larijani that Iran's "enemies" did not know that when they attack the country, Iranian people would stand together "strongly and unitedly." Protests erupted since late last month in several Iranian cities over the sharp depreciation of the rial. Authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and said they are prepared to address economic grievances, while warning against violence, vandalism, and unrest. Initially held peacefully, the protests gradually became violent, leading to casualties and damages on public property, mosques, government buildings and banks over the past few days, for which the Iranian authorities have blamed the United States and Israel. BMC Election Results: Who Will Be Crowned The King Of Mumbai? Fadnavis, Thackerays Or Shinde? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 12:21 IST BMC election results on Friday: All you need to know about the close contest between BJP-Shinde Sena and Thackerays Rapid Read The BMC elections are seen as BJP versus UBT fight. (X/PTI File) BMC election results: After a four-year wait for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, city voters got to decide Mumbai ka king kaun on January 15. The results will be out in the next few hours. Thursdays voter turnout was at 52.94 per cent, with the highest turnout in Ward 114 (65.53 per cent), whereas the lowest turnout was recorded in Ward 227, at 20.88 per cent. Of the total 1,03,44,315 voters in the electoral roll, a total of 54,76,043 exercised their right to vote. In total numbers of voters, around 3.7 lakh men exercised their franchise compared to women. A total of 29,23,433 men voted across the 277 wards, 25,52,359 women, and 251 transgender electors also cast their votes. According to the JVC exit poll, the Mahayuti alliance BJP and Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena are likely to win 138 seats out of 227. The pollster predicted a result of 59 seats for the Thackeray cousins, Uddhav (Shiv Sena-UBT) and Raj (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) while it gave the Congress and other entities 23 and seven seats, respectively. The exit polls predicted a win for the Mahayuti. The Axis My India poll also predicted a resounding victory for the Mahayuti with 131 to 151 seats, followed by 58 to 68 seats for the Thackeray alliance, and 12 to 16 seats for the Congress. The Sakal exit poll, while predicting a comfortable win for the Mahayuti, gave it fewer seats than the other pollsters. It predicted 119 seats for the Mahayuti, 75 for UBT, and 20 for the Congress. The last BMC elections were held in 2017 and the tenure of the BMC ended on March 7, 2022. Since then, the Mumbai civic body has been handled by an administrator. What has changed? What has not? News18 takes a deep dive. BMC handles Indias financial capital The BMC election is politically crucial for Maharashtra parties because it controls Mumbai, Indias financial capital. Mumbai has a total of 1,729 candidates are in the fray from the 227 seats. The city has 1,03,44,315 eligible voters 55,16,707 men, 48,26,509 and 1,077 other gender across all wards. ALSO READ | BMC Elections 2026: Mumbai To Pick Its Corporators On Jan 15, Know Who Is Contesting From Your Ward The estimated budget of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for the year 2025-26 is Rs 74,427 crore, and the expenditure stands at Rs 43,162 crore, representing 58% of the total budget allocated to development projects. This gigantic budget is unmatched by any other state or municipal corporation in the country, cementing the BMCs status as Asias wealthiest civic body. Mumbai is the financial capital of the country, and as its key governing body, the BMC manages to oversee infrastructure to health, roads to water supply, transport to power supply, education to sanitation. The BMC election is not just a civic poll its a battle for Mumbais money, machinery, and political momentum, especially decisive for the Shiv Sena and BJP. Numberspeak: What happened in Mumbai in 2024 LS, Maharashtra assembly polls? Who has the edge? 2024 Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections (48 seats): The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) won a majority of the states seats. The Congress won 13, Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray- UBT) 9, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 9, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) [NCP-SP)] 8, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) [Shinde Sena] 7, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction): 1 In Mumbai: In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, of the six seats in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) won three, BJP 1, Congress 1 and Shinde Sena 1. ALSO READ | 3 Reasons Why BMC Polls Go Beyond Mumbai & Were Compared To Mamdanis NYC Mayoral Election 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections (288 seats): The ruling Mahayuti (BJP-Shinde Sena-NCP-Ajit Pawar) alliance won a landslide victory with 235 seats. The BJP won 132 seats, Shinde Sena 57, NCP (Ajit Pawar) 41, Sena UBT 20, Congress 16 and NCP-SP 10. In Mumbai: Of the 36 Maharashtra assembly seats in Mumbai, the BJP won 15, Shinde Sena six and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Ajit Pawar one seat. In case of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Shiv Sena UBT won 10 seats and the Congress three. Simply put, more MPs and MLAs mean more funding and resources to mobilise the grassroots workers to bring the supporters to the booth. BMC always a Sena bastion: Undivided Sena vs BJP in past 5 civic polls 2017: Shiv Sena 84 seats; BJP 82 seats 2012: Shiv Sena 75 seats; BJP 31 seats 2007: Shiv Sena 84 seats; BJP 28 seats 2002: Shiv Sena 97 seats; BJP 35 seats 1997: Shiv Sena 103 seats; BJP 26 seats Key parties, leaders: Why winning BMC election matters THE SENAS SENA UBT, SHIV SENA SHINDE & MAHARASHTRA NAVNIRMAN SENA The Shiv Sena has continuously ruled the BMC for over 25 years. However, this time, there is one key difference. The party was split into two factions in 2022 one led by Uddhav Thackeray, the son of its founder Bal Thackeray, and the other led by Eknath Shinde, a party leader who rose up the ranks and is now claiming to be the inheritor of the Thackeray legacy. Deputy CM Shinde is contesting with CM Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP. Why winning matters for Uddhav and Raj: It is a battle of survival. For Uddhav Thackeray, who lost a majority of his MLAs, MPs, BMC corporators and even the party symbol and name to Shinde, a win would cement his position as the real inheritor of Thackeray legacy and the real Sena. To build more clout around the Thackeray surname, Uddhav has even joined hands with his estranged cousin and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. Raj, belligerent over the rise of Uddhav, had left the Shiv Sena and formed the MNS in 2006. After dilly-dallying with and against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and even Uddhav for years, Rajs party has hit rock bottom, with dismal performances in the assembly and Lok Sabha elections. For him, it is a matter of political relevance. That explains the raking up of the anti-North Indian migration and Marathi pride talks. Why winning matters for Eknath Shinde: Shinde split the party, claimed the Thackeray legacy and even got acceptance in some form in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. But he is still perceived as someone in the shadow of the BJP. The Shinde Sena contested the BMC polls with the BJP. A win in the BMC, underscoring Mumbais approval of Shindes moves, would put a stamp on his proclamation that he is the real political heir of Bal Thackeray. After all, the BMC has always been the real bastion of the Shiv Sena. BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY For the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is the ruling party in the state, winning the BMC elections would mean control over Mumbai independently. It would also help in expansion of its urban middle-class and Gujarati/Marwari support. The election is key for urban consolidation and long-term control. The party is fighting the polls with the Shinde Sena. A win, for CM Devendra Fadnavis, would mean proof of his credibility as the top leader of the state and further boost his stature in the party. CONGRESS For the Congress, with its repeated poor shows, a win would mean some damage control and also give it some leverage for alliance. While the party did well in the Lok Sabha polls, the alliance partners blamed the assembly dip on the Congress. Consequently, the party is not contesting with the UBT and NCP-SP this time. NCP (SHARAD PAWAR AND AJIT PAWAR FACTIONS) The party has limited direct influence in Mumbai. Its focus is select wards and elite pockets. Ajit Pawars main aim through the BMC would be to play the kingmaker, boost the cadre after the split and gain some bargaining power. The key promises Mahayuti (BJP + Shinde Sena + allies) infra push: With focus on infrastructure and urban modernisation, they have promised to transform Mumbai into a modern, dynamic global city", with tech-based governance. Along with doubling the BEST bus fleet, adding electric buses, and 50% fare concession for women, they have promised a flood-free Mumbai" plan using new tech and major drainage works. They have pledged to use AI tools to identify and deport illegal Bangladeshis/Rohingyas. Have promised a boost to housing, redevelopment and slum and pagdi houses revamp projects. Opposition (Shiv Sena UBT + MNS + MVA partners) resident-centric promises: Their focus is on resident-centric promises affordable housing, tax relief, safety and public transport support. Affordable homes & cost of living relief, proposals like waiving property tax for smaller homes, lower BEST fares, meals for Rs 10, cash transfer of Rs 1,500 a month for women, free electricity upto 100 units, interest-free loans. Congress has promised health care, cancellation of water tax rise, water supply, educational items, pothole-free Mumbai. Marathi pride versus Hindutva The Thackeray cousins alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS made preserving Marathi identity and unity a core issue, warning that division among Marathi voters weakens local influence in Mumbai. Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have spoken about protecting Marathi authority and rights in the city. The Mahayuti alliance began by invoking the Hindu pride, by promising that the Mayor of Mumbai will be a Hindu. As the Thackerays pushed for the Marathi narrative, the Mahayuti, too, was seen pledging housing and protection of Marathi speakers in the city. Their manifesto also mentioned affordable housing for Marathi manoos and cultural initiatives for local heritage. ALSO READ | Maharashtra To Vote For 29 Civic Bodies Tomorrow: 10 FAQs On Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur Polls Answered For many older or traditional voters, the Marathi identity message resonates, particularly around issues like housing, job opportunities, and local representation. However, younger voters (Gen Z) and more cosmopolitan sections are reportedly less focused on language or identity politics, prioritising issues like air quality, infrastructure, transport and quality of life over rhetoric about Marathi pride. ! , . . , ! pic.twitter.com/YwoE9hJ3O0 MNS Adhikrut (@mnsadhikrut) January 11, 2026 The highlights After more than two decades, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray were seen campaigning together on Mumbai soil signalling a new phase for opposition politics in BMC. The NCPs Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar factions too came together, mainly for consolidation of their voter base in Pune. National issues like illegal immigration and regional or religious identity (Marathi manoos or Hindutva) were woven into the civic poll campaign, even though the actual issues are local. What a BMC corporator will handle Water supply and contamination Roads and drainage Traffic congestion and transport connectivity Pollution and health Healthcare and public services Housing and cost of living Waste management and cleanliness The alliance names and symbols you should know Mahayuti: BJP+ Shinde Sena+ RPI (Athawale); Congress is in alliance with Prakash Ambedkars Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA); Sena UBT and MNS are contesting together. The symbols BJP: Lotus Congress: Hand Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde): Bow and arrow Shiv Sena (UBT): Flaming Torch (Mashal) NCP (Ajit Pawar): Clock NCP (Sharad Pawar): Man Blowing Trumpet MNS: Railway Engine Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA): Gas Cylinder ALSO READ | BMC Elections 2026: How To Find Your Polling Booth In Mumbai How to check your name on voters list To vote, your name has to be on the voters list. Heres how you can check it: BMC website: Check your name on the electoral roll, here Maharashtra State Election Commission Voter List portal: You can visit mahasecvoterlist.in and search for your name using either your full name or your EPIC number. National Voters Service Portal (NSVP): Visit the website voters.eci.gov.in and go to Search your name in voter list option. Then search for your name using your EPIC number. Voter Helpline App: Voters can also search for their names on the Election Commissions Voter Helpline App. It can be downloaded from eci.gov.in/voter-helpline-app/. What are the timings? The State Election Commission has announced that voting for civic election 2026 will take place on January 15 from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. What should you carry as ID proof? EPIC (Voter ID card), passport, driving licence, service identity cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State Governments, PSUs, or public limited companies, passbooks with photograph issued by banks or post offices, PAN car, Smart card issued by the Registrar General of India (RGI) under NPR, MNREGA job card (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee), Health insurance smart card issued under schemes of the Ministry of Labour, Pension document with photograph, official identity cards issued to MPs, MLAs, or MLCs, Aadhaar card. Know your BMC election candidate Your voter slip or the electoral roll will give you an idea of the ward. News18 has put together a list of all candidates across the wards. You can check it here. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 07:00 IST News cities mumbai-news BMC Election Results: Who Will Be Crowned The King Of Mumbai? Fadnavis, Thackerays Or Shinde? 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... Thackerays Day Out On Mumbai BMC Election Eve: Sankranti At Rajs House To Mumbadevi Temple Visit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 16:29 IST BMC elections tomorrow: The Thackerays visited the Mumbai temple with their wives and children to offer prayers to Mumbadevi, revered as the patron goddess of the city (From left) Uddhav, Raj, Aaditya and Amit Thackeray at the Mumbadevi temple. (Instagram) A day ahead of Mumbais crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray visited the iconic Mumbadevi temple here on Wednesday. The cousins visited the temple with their wives and children to offer prayers to Mumbadevi, revered as the patron goddess of Mumbai. ALSO READ | Mumbai Votes Tomorrow: Who Will Rule Over BMC? Thackerays Or Shinde, Who Will Win Real Sena Tag? The visit is symbolic as the Thackeray cousins have claimed that they are fighting the election together to save Mumbai. View this post on Instagram A post shared by News18.com (@cnnnews18) Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Anil Desai, Sanjay Raut and Arvind Sawant were also present with the Thackeray cousins at the temple. Earlier, the family was seen together at Raj Thackerays residence for Makar Sankranti celebrations Elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, will be held on Thursday and votes will be counted on Friday. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shivsena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (@shivsena) The elections mark a reunion of the cousins who were estranged for more than two decades. Uddhav Thackeray, who lost a majority of his MLAs, MPs, BMC corporators and even the party symbol and name to Shinde, is fighting for survival and the tag of being the real Sena. For Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. who had left the Shiv Sena in 2006, it is a fight for political relevance. The Thackerays have been claiming that this election is crucial for the Marathi manoos. Raj has even been raking up of the anti-North Indian migration and Marathi pride talks. Expressing confidence in winning the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant declared that their party will once again hoist the saffron flag in Mumbai by defeating corrupt forces in the upcoming polls. ALSO READ | BMC Elections 2026: Mumbai To Pick Its Corporators On Jan 15, Know Who Is Contesting From Your Ward Sawant emphasised that the party believes in bringing everyone along, noting that Mumbai has always been an inclusive city, which is why people live peacefully. The atmosphere in Mumbai is all about Shiv-Bhagwa, its about Uddhav and Raj, its about Aaditya, its about the Mashaal and the engine. Everyone has decided that by removing corrupt people from here, we will once again hoist the saffron flag. We are the Shiv Sena that takes everyone along Mumbai has always been inclusive, thats why everyone lives here peacefully. Now, where have these people brought up this issue of caste and community from? Its a municipal corporation election and thats the issue, talk about that, talk about what you want to give to the people," Sawant told ANI. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 16:25 IST News mumbai-news Thackerays Day Out On Mumbai BMC Election Eve: Sankranti At Rajs House To Mumbadevi Temple Visit 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... Denied Leave To Vote? Pune Employees Can File Complaints Against Their Employers Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 17:26 IST Employees who are denied leave or compelled to work on polling day can lodge complaints directly with the Additional Labour Commissioner or the Labour Deputy Commissioner's office Rapid Read Employers are required to allow employees at least 2-3 hours of paid leave to cast their vote. In a move aimed at ensuring maximum voter participation for the BMC elections, the administration has declared a public holiday on Thursday, January 15, for voters in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune district. The office of the Labour Deputy Commissioner has warned of strict legal action against private companies, factories and business establishments found violating the directive. Labour Deputy Commissioner Nikhil Walke said the holiday will be mandatory and paid, making it clear that employees must not suffer any loss of wages on account of exercising their right to vote. The order applies not only to government offices but also to private establishments, including IT companies, industrial units, shops, malls, hotels and shopping centres. Walke said that in cases where it is technically not feasible to grant a full-day holiday, employers are required to allow employees at least 2-3 hours of paid leave to cast their vote. It will be the responsibility of the management to ensure that workers are given adequate time to reach polling booths and participate in the electoral process. The Labour Department has also put in place a grievance redressal mechanism. Employees who are denied leave or are compelled to work on polling day can lodge complaints directly with the Additional Labour Commissioner or the Labour Deputy Commissioners office. Officials said criminal action may be initiated against violators in accordance with the Election Commissions guidelines. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 17:26 IST News cities pune Denied Leave To Vote? Pune Employees Can File Complaints Against Their Employers 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... CBSE Warns Against Fake Universities, Urges Schools To Inform Students And Parents Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 20:01 IST CBSE has urged all schools to strictly comply with these directions to protect students from falling into the trap of unrecognised and self-styled educational institutions. CBSE has urged students to check the list of fake universities at ugc.ac.in. (Representative/File) The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a warning to schools and students, advising against enrolling in fake or unrecognised universities. This advisory follows a communication from the University Grants Commission (UGC), requesting CBSE to spread awareness to protect students from dubious institutions. CBSE has also instructed schools to prominently display the advisory on notice boards and share it through school websites, circulars, and parent-teacher meetings. The board has urged all affiliated schools to strictly comply with these directions to protect students from falling into the trap of unrecognised and self-styled educational institutions. The board has informed schools that the UGC regularly publishes public notices and updates a list of fake universities and unrecognised higher educational institutions on its official website. This initiative aims to raise awareness among students, parents, and other stakeholders, as enrolling in such institutions can severely impact a students academic progression and future career prospects. Schools shall inform and counsel students of Classes X and XII, along with their parents/guardians, about the risks associated with fake universities. Students must be advised to verify the recognition status of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) on the official UGC website (www.ugc.ac.in) under the main menu tab HEls." The advisory should be prominently displayed on school notice boards and disseminated through school websites, circulars, and during Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs). Students should be encouraged to apply for admission only to UGC-recognised HEIs," reads the official notice. According to the official CBSE schedule, the Class 10 and 12 board exams will begin on February 17, 2026, and will continue until April 9, 2026, covering all major streams. The CBSE Class 10 board exams will also begin on February 17, 2026, and conclude on March 10, 2026. Last year, the CBSE released the admit cards for Class 10 and 12 board exams on February 3rd and exams began on February 15th. It is expected that the board will release the admit cards around the same date this year as well. Once the admit cards are released, schools will be able to download their students admit cards by visiting the CBSEs official website. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 20:01 IST News education-career CBSE Warns Against Fake Universities, Urges Schools To Inform Students And Parents 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... Looking For Govt Internship? DRDO Announces Paid Opportunities For Freshers | Check Details Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 17:37 IST The internship will be conducted in offline mode at HEMRL in Pune. Interested candidates must note that the last date for submission of applications is January 20 Rapid Read There are 40 positions across eight departments with a Rs 5,000 monthly stipend. If you are aspiring to build a career in the government sector after completing your studies, this development may be of interest. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced paid internship opportunities at its High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL). The internship programme will run for six months and is aimed primarily at engineering freshers and young graduates. DRDO has invited applications for a total of 40 internship positions, which will be spread across eight different departments at HEMRL. Candidates who have completed their degrees in Chemical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or other related disciplines are eligible to apply. Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000. The internship will be conducted in offline mode at HEMRL, located in Sutarwadi, Pune. Interested and eligible candidates must note that the last date for submission of applications is January 20, 2026. To apply, applicants are required to download the prescribed application form from the official DRDO website. The form must be filled in carefully with personal and educational details, including the applicants name, Aadhaar number and academic qualifications. After signing the form and affixing a passport-size photograph, candidates must send the completed application by post to The Director, HEMRL, Sutarwadi, Pune (HR Department). The internship offers a valuable opportunity for students from engineering and science backgrounds to gain hands-on experience while working with a premier government research organisation. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 17:37 IST News education-career Looking For Govt Internship? DRDO Announces Paid Opportunities For Freshers | Check Details 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... UPSC Postpones Civil Services 2026 Notification Due To 'Administrative Reasons' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 09:29 IST UPSC has postponed the Civil Services and Indian Forest Service Examination 2026 notification, earlier scheduled for January 14. UPSC Civil Services 2026 Notification release postponed, check notice here. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Tuesday announced that the notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 and the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2026 has been postponed. The detailed recruitment notices, which were scheduled to be released on January 14, will now be issued at a later date. As per the earlier schedule, the notification for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 and the Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 through the CS(P) Examination 2026 was to be released on January 14. However, the Commission has deferred the release. The official notice stated, The Notification of Civil Services Examination, 2026 and Indian Forest Service Examination, 2026, scheduled to be notified on 14.01.2026, has now been postponed due to administrative reasons and the same will be notified in due course." Check Official Notice According to the UPSCs annual calendar, the registration process for both examinations was earlier scheduled to run from January 14 to February 3, 2026. The Civil Services Preliminary Examination was planned to be held on May 24, 2026. With the delay in the release of the notification, it remains unclear whether the dates for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 and the Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2026 will also be postponed. ALSO READ: Planning To Study In Australia? New Visa Rules Bring More Scrutiny For Indian Students Once the notification is released, candidates will be able to apply online through the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in. Applicants will need to register on the portal, fill in the application form, pay the required fee and download the confirmation page for future reference. For further updates and details, candidates are advised to check the official UPSC website regularly. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 09:29 IST News education-career UPSC Postpones Civil Services 2026 Notification Due To 'Administrative Reasons' 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 Elections For 29 Civic Bodies Today: Whats At Stake In Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 00:02 IST Maharashtra Elections For 29 Civic Bodies Tomorrow: Polling for the 2,869 seats spread across 893 wards will begin at 7.30 am and conclude at 5.30 pm on January 15 Rapid Read BJP-Shinde Sena Mahayuti, Thackerays and Pawars are the key players. Maharashtra will witness elections to 29 municipal corporations on Thursday, with the spotlight on Mumbai, where the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti is locked in a battle with the united Thackeray front for control of the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Polling for the 2,869 seats spread across 893 wards will begin at 7.30 am and conclude at 5.30 pm on January 15. A total of 3.48 crore voters are eligible to decide the fate of 15,931 candidates, including 1,700 in Mumbai and 1,166 in Pune. Counting of votes will take place on January 16. Mumbais prestige battle, politics on ground The battlegrounds include Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Navi Mumbai, Vasai-Virar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Mumbai, Solapur, Amravati, Akola, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, Ulhasnagar, Thane, Chandrapur, Parbhani, Mira-Bhayandar, Nanded-Waghala, Panvel, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Latur, Malegaon, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Jalgaon, Ahilyanagar, Dhule, Jalna and Ichalkaranji. In the 227-ward Mumbai, the BJP is contesting 137 seats, the Shiv Sena 90, while the NCP is fighting separately on 94 seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded 163 candidates, the MNS 52, the Congress 143 and the VBA 46. The Congress has fielded 1,263 candidates across the rest of the state. ALSO READ | BMC Elections Tomorrow: Who Will Be Crowned The King Of Mumbai? Decoding The Players & Their Moves The race for Mumbais mayoral post took centre stage in the campaign, with the BJP claiming that a Sena (UBT) victory could lead to a Muslim mayor, a charge the Uddhav Thackeray-led party countered by assuring voters of a Marathi mayor. CM Fadnavis also guaranteed that the mayor will be a Hindu and Marathi". This will be the Shiv Senas first Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election since the 2022 split, when Eknath Shinde broke away with a majority of the partys legislators, along with its name and symbol. The undivided Shiv Sena had held sway over the countrys richest civic body for 25 years. More than 25,000 police personnel, including senior officers, will be deployed across Mumbai to oversee elections to the BMC and vote counting. Except for Mumbai, the other 28 urban bodies have multi-member wards. In a political turn ahead of the elections, estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray reunited after two decades in their bid to consolidate Marathi votes, even as rival NCP factions forged a local alliance in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. In this election, the Opposition Congress has asserted its presence in Mumbai by stepping out of the shadow of its Maha Vikas Aghadi allies Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawars NCP (SP). The Congress has joined hands with Prakash Ambedkars Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and the Rashtriya Samaj Paksh in the state capital, even as it contests independently in Nagpur. Elections to 29 municipal corporations are being held after a gap of over six years, with their terms having ended between 2020 and 2023. Of these, nine fall within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the most urbanised belt in India. Leaderspeak Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has predicted that MNS leader Raj Thackeray would emerge as the biggest loser in his alliance with cousin and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray. He also dismissed the coming together of both NCP factions in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad as merely a localised development. Fadnavis rued that Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar broke the rule that the alliance partners will not speak against each other. CM Fadnavis led the ruling alliances canvassing, traversing the state to campaign for candidates of the Mahayuti, which includes the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. ALSO READ | Maharashtra To Vote For 29 Civic Bodies Tomorrow: 10 FAQs On Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur Polls Answered NCP, the third partner in the Mahayuti, was strategically excluded to attract non-Hindu" voters, observers said. Chief Minister Fadnavis, along with his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, campaigned extensively across Maharashtra, while cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray concentrated their efforts on Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where Uddhav held a rally. Telangana minister Mohammad Azharuddin, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai were also among the star campaigners for the polls. The promises made Populist promises for women were the highlight of the manifestos of both the Mahayuti and the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS. The Mahayuti has promised a 50 per cent concession for women in BEST bus travel, while the Thackeray cousins have assured a Rs 1,500 monthly allowance for women domestic helps and a property tax waiver on houses up to 700 sq ft. The Congress manifesto, by contrast, prioritises combating Mumbais pollution, upgrading the BEST fleet, and strengthening the citys financial health. After the end of the campaigning on Tuesday, Fadnavis said Raj Thackeray will be the biggest loser in the alliance with his cousin, Uddhav Thackeray. ALSO READ | BMC Elections 2026: Mumbai To Pick Its Corporators On Jan 15, Know Who Is Contesting From Your Ward Downplaying the coming together of the rival NCPs in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad as a localised phenomenon", he said the BJP will react only if both factions decide to ally after the polls, which he felt was unlikely at the moment. Fadnavis also remarked that the Thackerays lacked wholehearted commitment in their campaign and appeared unwilling to stake their political prestige". While asserting that the BJP remains the central force around which Maharashtras politics will revolve in the future, he acknowledged that electoral setbacks do not spell the end for any party or leader. Those who strive to make a comeback can still find success, he added. With PTI Inputs News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 19:57 IST News elections Maharashtra Elections For 29 Civic Bodies Today: Whats At Stake In Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur? 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 To Vote For 29 Civic Bodies Tomorrow: 10 FAQs On Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur Polls Answered Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 12:49 IST Voting for 29 municipal corporations of Maharashtra, including Mumbai's BMC, will be held in a single phase on January 15, 2026. The results will be announced on January 16. (File) The election campaigning for the Maharashtra elections to 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, ended on Tuesday. The voting will be held on January 15 and the results will be out on January 16. Will the saffron flag once again sweep over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), or will the power dynamics shift? Thackerays survival fight versus Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shindes prestige battle, who will win? Here are the answers to all your questions: 1. When will the Maharashtra BMC Elections 2026 and voting for 29 municipal corporations take place? Voting for 29 municipal corporations of Maharashtra, including BMC, will be held in a single phase on January 15, 2026. 2. What is the voting time in Maharashtra elections? Voting in Maharashtra elections will start at 7:30 am and will continue till 5:30 pm. ALSO READ | BMC Elections Tomorrow: Who Will Be Crowned The King Of Mumbai? Decoding The Players & Their Moves 3. When will the results of the 29 municipal corporations be declared? Counting of votes in the remaining 29 municipal corporations, including the BMC elections, will take place on January 16, 2026, and trends will start coming in from 8:00 am. 4. Where can we watch the Maharashtra election results live? You can watch the live streaming of the results on the Election Commissions official website (mahasec.maharashtra.gov.in). Furthermore, live updates will be available on the results day on News18 website and TV channel. 5. How many seats are being contested in BMC (Mumbai)? Elections are being held for a total of 227 seats of Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), where a figure of 114 is required for majority. 6. Will there be a holiday in Maharashtra on the day of voting? Yes, the State Election Commission has declared the polling day i.e. 15 January 2026 a public holiday in the respective municipal corporation areas. 7. How to check your name on the voters list? You can check your name by entering your EPIC number on mahasecvoterlist.in or the Election Commissions Voter Helpline App. 8. Which ID cards are valid for voting? Apart from Voter ID (EPIC), photo identity cards like Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Passport or Driving License will be valid for voting. 9. What is the main contest in the elections this time? The main contest in Mumbai is believed to be between Mahayuti (BJP + Eknath Shindes Shiv Sena) and Opposition Shiv Sena UBT and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. NCP and Congress may try to hold on to certain specific areas in the state. 10. In which cities of Maharashtra are municipal elections being held? S. No. Name of Municipal Corporation Area/District 1 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mumbai 2 Pune (PMC) Pune City 3 Thane (TMC) Thane City 4 Nagpur (NMC) Nagpur City 5 Navi Mumbai (NMMC) Navi Mumbai 6 Kalyan-Dombivali (KDMC) Thane District 7 Pimpri-Chinchwad (PCMC) Pune District 8 Nashik (NMC) Nashik City 9 Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (AMC) Aurangabad (new name) 10 Solapur (SMC) Solapur 11 Vasai-Virar (VVMC) Palghar District 12 Mira-Bhayandar (MBMC) Thane District 13 Kolhapur (KMC) Kolhapur 14 Amravati (AMC) Amravati 15 Akola (AMC) Akola 16 Ulhasnagar (UMC) Thane District 17 Bhiwandi-Nizampur (BNMC) Thane District 18 Nanded-Waghala (NWMC) Nanded 19 Malegaon (MMC) Nashik District 20 Dhule (DMC) Dhule 21 Jalgaon (JMC) Jalgaon 22 Latur (LMC) Latur 23 Parbhani (PMC) Parbhani 24 Chandrapur (CMC) Chandrapur 25 Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad (SMKC) Sangli 26 Panvel (PMC) Raigad District 27 Ahmednagar (AMC) Ahmednagar 28 Ichalkaranji (IMC) Kolhapur District 29 Jalna (JMC) Jalna News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 08:00 IST News elections Maharashtra To Vote For 29 Civic Bodies Tomorrow: 10 FAQs On Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur Polls Answered 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... UP To See 3 Bypolls This Year: The Factors At Play In The Semi-Final Ahead Of 2027 Assembly Elections Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 15:53 IST The bypolls are likely to be held around April-May, possibly alongside the elections in other states Rapid Read Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. A year before the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, the political temperature in the state is set to rise with bypolls in three strategically important assembly constituencies Ghosi (Mau), Duddhi (Sonbhadra) and Faridpur (Bareilly). Triggered by the deaths of sitting MLAs, these bypolls are being widely described by political observers as the semi-final" before the 2027 assembly polls, given their potential to reshape caste equations, morale and political narratives across the state. The bypolls are likely to be held around April-May, possibly alongside elections in other states. Notably, Ghosi and Duddhi will witness a second bypoll within the same five-year assembly term, an uncommon political development in Uttar Pradesh. Why these bypolls matter Of the three seats, Ghosi and Duddhi were last held by the Samajwadi Party (SP), while Faridpur is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seat. Beyond the arithmetic of three seats, the contests will act as a testing ground for caste mobilisation, sympathy voting and organisational strength all of which will be crucial in 2027. These bypolls are not just local contests; they are being seen as a rehearsal for 2027," said Shashikant Pandey, Head of the Department of Political Science at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow. Political parties are keenly watching how caste alliances shape up. That is why these contests are being called the semi-finals ahead of the Assembly elections." Ghosi: OBC fault lines and Muslim-Yadav core The Ghosi assembly seat in Mau has emerged as one of the most politically sensitive constituencies in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The seat has a dominant OBC population, with Rajbhars, Chauhans and Yadavs forming the core voting blocs, alongside a significant Muslim electorate. In the 2023 bypolls, held after Dara Singh Chauhan quit the SP and joined the BJP, the electorate delivered a strong message by electing SPs Sudhakar Singh with a margin of over 42,000 voteslargely due to the consolidation of Muslim and Yadav voters, coupled with sympathy and anti-defection sentiment. Following Sudhakar Singhs death in November 2025, the SP has again leaned on the sympathy factor by fielding his son Sujeet Singh, hoping to retain the Muslim-Yadav (MY) base while preventing OBC fragmentation. The BJP, on the other hand, is expected to field Vijay Rajbhar, aiming to consolidate Rajbhar voters, while also reaching out to Chauhan voters through senior leaders like Dara Singh Chauhan and Phagu Chauhan. The contest in Ghosi is expected to revolve around whether the BJP can break the MY consolidation by polarising OBC sub-castes. Duddhi: Tribal dominance and Dalit consolidation The Duddhi assembly constituency in Sonbhadra, a reserved seat, is heavily influenced by tribal and Dalit voters, particularly Gond, Panika and other Adivasi communities. Caste equations here are deeply intertwined with identity politics and long-standing loyalty to local leadership. The death of veteran tribal leader Vijay Singh Gond, an eight-time MLA, has once again opened the seat to a by-election. Gonds political strength rested on his deep personal connect with tribal communities, cutting across party lines. The SP is expected to field a member of his family most likely his younger son Narendra Pratap Singhto capitalise on sympathy and tribal loyalty. The party hopes to retain the near-total consolidation of Adivasi and Dalit votes, which proved decisive in the 2024 by-election. The BJP is likely to back Shravan Gond, focusing on consolidating non-SP tribal voters and mobilising its organisational network. However, breaking the emotional and caste-based hold of the Gond family remains a major challenge for the ruling party in Duddhi. Faridpur: Dalit seat with Muslim-upper caste swing The Faridpur Assembly constituency in Bareilly, also a reserved seat, presents a more complex caste picture. While Dalits form the core electorate, the outcome often hinges on how Muslim voters and upper-caste Hindus align. BJP MLA Dr Shyam Bihari Lal, who passed away in January 2026, had successfully built a coalition of Dalits, non-Yadav OBCs and sections of upper-caste voters, breaking the constituencys long-standing trend of rejecting incumbents. The BJP is expected to rely on the sympathy factor, possibly by fielding a family member, while also banking on its traditional organisational strength among non-Jatav Dalits. The SP, meanwhile, is considering re-nominating former MLA Vijay Pal Singh, hoping to consolidate Muslim votes and regain the support of Dalits who have oscillated between parties in recent elections. In Faridpur, even a slight shift in Muslim or upper-caste voting patterns could decisively impact the result. Semi-final before 2027 While analysts caution against directly extrapolating the by-election results to predict the 2027 outcome, there is broad consensus that these contests will shape political confidence. By-elections in Uttar Pradesh are often influenced by the ruling partys administrative advantage," Pandey said. But politically, winning these seats gives momentum, narrative control and psychological edge. That is why both the BJP and SP are treating these by-polls as semi-finals before the final battle in 2027." As Uttar Pradesh heads into a packed electoral calendar, the battles for Ghosi, Duddhi and Faridpur are set to offer the first real indication of how caste equations and political strategies are evolving ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 15:50 IST News elections UP To See 3 Bypolls This Year: The Factors At Play In The Semi-Final Ahead Of 2027 Assembly Elections 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... West Bengal SIR Hearings: Names Of 11,472 More Voters, Identified As Ineligible, Likely To Be Deleted Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 09:53 IST Prior to this stage, nearly 5.8 million names had already been deleted from the draft electoral roll. According to data available with the Election Commission, a total of 6,578,058 notices have been generated to date. (Representative image) Following hearings conducted under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, 11,472 voter names in West Bengal are set to be provisionally deleted from the final list. So far, 11,472 voters have been identified as ineligible" after completion of hearings. According to data available with the Election Commission, a total of 6,578,058 notices have been generated to date. Hearings have been completed for 930,229 voters, and only after the conclusion of these hearings has the provisional list of ineligible voters been reflected in the Commissions records. Prior to this stage, nearly 5.8 million names had already been deleted from the draft electoral roll. In addition, around 3 million voters remain under the no mapping" category. From 27 December onwards, slightly over 900,000 voters have been called for hearings. Of these, 11,472 voters have been identified as ineligible based on the hearing process. At the aggregate level across districts, Commission data shows that while 6,578,058 notices have been generated, 7,419,356 cases are still pending notice generation. Of the notices generated, 3,249,091 have been delivered, while 3,328,967 remain pending delivery. Hearings have been held in approximately 930,000 cases. The total number of pending cases stands at 1,414,180, with 781,641 pending for more than five days. So far, 46,794 cases have been verified, while 434 remain unverified. In terms of outcomes recorded by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), 11,472 voters have been found ineligible for final publication, while 34 cases have been parked for final publication. District-wise data shows that Nadia has recorded the highest number of ineligible voters so far, at 9,228. In the district, notices were issued to 494,532 voters, of which 290,923 received the notices. Hearings were conducted for 127,127 voters. No voter has been identified as ineligible so far in Kolkata South and Bankura. In Kolkata South, 136,561 notices were generated, while Bankura recorded 163,357 notices. Other districts have reported relatively smaller numbers of ineligible voters. Cooch Behar has reported 10 such cases. Jalpaiguri has reported four, Darjeeling two, Uttar Dinajpur two, Dakshin Dinajpur 195, and Malda 15. In Murshidabad, 68 voters have been identified as ineligible; North 24 Parganas has reported 147, South 24 Parganas 69, Kolkata North 54, and Howrah 26. Hooghly has reported 989 ineligible voters. The figures stand at two in Purba Medinipur, 105 in Paschim Medinipur, 44 in Purulia, 167 in Purba Bardhaman, 264 in Birbhum, nine in Alipurduar, 65 in Kalimpong, three in Jhargram, and four in Paschim Bardhaman. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 09:06 IST News elections West Bengal SIR Hearings: Names Of 11,472 More Voters, Identified As Ineligible, Likely To Be Deleted 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... WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez is planning to send an envoy to Washington this week as the Trump administration is weighing the possibility of reopening its embassy in the oil-rich South American nation, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. Felix Plasencia, Venezuelan ambassador to Britain and former foreign minister, is planning to meet U.S. senior officials in Washington at Rodriguez's behest, said the report, citing people familiar with the plans. Maria Corina Machado, one of Venezuela's major opposition figures, is expected to visit the White House. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said Friday that personnel from the department's Colombia-based Venezuela Affairs Unit will "conduct an initial assessment for a potential phased resumption of operations" in Venezuela, where the U.S. embassy was closed in 2019 with all embassy staff withdrawn. On Friday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump praised cooperation from the Venezuelan acting president, announcing that a second U.S. strike against Venezuela "will not be needed." From Gandhi To Iranian Prisons, Why Hunger Strikes Are Becoming The Last Weapon Of Dissent Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 12:46 IST Hunger strikes are not limited to Iran. From Palestine to Cuba, fasting has become a last resort, not because it works, but because every other form of protest has failed In Iran, street protests initially erupted. Over time, arrests and executions took place. In such cases, hunger strikes re-emerge as they require no permission. (Getty Images) A 56-year-old Iranian radiologist began a hunger strike on December 25 to protest what he described as inhuman and shocking" prison conditions. Another political detainee linked to the Woman, Life, Freedom movement fasted for 10 days against what he called a denial of justice. In the UK, three activists from the Palestine Action group have also turned to hunger strikes, demanding bail and a fair trial. Historically, protest has taken visible forms marches, slogans, crowds occupying public space. But in Iran, Palestine and other heavily policed states, resistance is taking a more dangerous turn. As Irans protest movement enters a prolonged phase marked by executions, mass arrests and digital blackouts, coordinated hunger strikes inside prisons are emerging as a form of dissent that does not rely on crowds, placards or social media. Instead, protest moves inward to the body itself. Why do people deliberately starve themselves when they know it could kill them? To understand that, we have to look at what happens when every other avenue of protest is closed. Hunger Strikes Inside Irans Prison System Reports from human rights groups and Iranian activists indicate that political detainees across multiple prisons have been coordinating hunger strikes to protest conditions, demand fair trials, or draw attention to executions. Unlike spontaneous street protests, these actions are deliberate, organised and deeply risky. Inside Iranian prisons, the usual tools of protest are unavailable. Prisoners cannot gather publicly, contact journalists freely or appeal to independent courts. Hunger strikes become a form of speech when all other language is blocked. I have faced numerous problems in terms of nutrition and have been deprived of sunlight for months. Given my lack of access to any means to seek justice, I have no choice but to go on a hunger strike. I hereby announce the start of my hunger strike until my demands are met, and any harm to my life resulting from this will be the responsibility of the prison warden, Mr. Madadi," said radiologist Hamid Qarahassanlou (Gharehassanlou), as quoted by Iran International. Qarahassanlou and his wife Farzaneh were arrested on November 4, 2022, after participating in protests. Qarahassanlou was initially sentenced to death and his wife to 25 years prison, but their sentences were later reduced due to backlash on social media and lack of evidence. By refusing food, detainees transform the states most tightly controlled space, the prison, into a site of resistance. Each day without eating is both a protest message and a countdown. The power of the strike lies not in disruption but in moral pressure: the state must decide whether to concede, force-feed, ignore, or allow death to occur in custody. British activists Heba Muraisi and Kamran Ahmed from the Palestine Action group were refused food for 70 and 63 days respectively as part of a hunger strike that started in November. Why Hunger Strikes Return When Streets Are Crushed Protest movements often evolve in phases. When public demonstrations are possible, mass mobilisation dominates. When those avenues are closed through violence or surveillance, resistance fragments and relocates. In Iran, street protests initially erupted with visible force. Over time, heavy policing, arrests and executions narrowed the space for collective action. Hunger strikes re-emerge in such moments because they require no permission, no assembly and no internet connection. They can be carried out in isolation yet resonate far beyond prison walls. This pattern is not unique to Iran. Hunger strikes have surfaced in other heavily policed contexts, including prisons linked to conflicts in Palestine and long-standing political detentions in Cuba. In each case, fasting becomes a protest of last resort, chosen not because it is effective, but because everything else has failed. When The Body Is A Political Battleground What makes hunger strikes distinct from other forms of protest is their intimacy. There are no slogans, no visual spectacle. The protest is conducted in silence, inside veins, muscles and organs. According to scientific research, prolonged starvation is limited due to ethical reason. However, a healthy adult can survive without food for 41 to 60 days. Medical experts warn that prolonged fasting leads to irreversible damage: muscle wasting, organ failure, weakened immunity and eventual death. After several weeks, even resuming food can be fatal due to refeeding syndrome. Hunger strikes are not symbolic gestures; they are physically destructive acts carried out in full awareness of the consequences. That awareness is precisely what gives hunger strikes their moral force. When someone chooses to risk death rather than submit, the protest challenges the legitimacy of the authority holding them. The question it poses is stark: what kind of state allows a person to die slowly rather than listen? How Many Political Prisoners And Hunger Strikes In Iran Irans inmates started No To Execution Tuesdays campaign last year, with coordinated hunger strikes across 55 prisons. With a sharp increase in executions and ongoing mass protests in Iran, the prisoners describe Irans ruling system as an execution government". More than 2,200 people were executed in 2025 alone, including 19 political and ideological prisoners, as per the campaign data. Last week, Seyed Mohammad Mousavi, a political prisoner, was sentenced to death. The prisoners have reported that the Iranian authorities have executed 167 people, including one woman, since December 22, 2025. Why Authoritarian States Fear Streets More Than Hunger Strikes Despite their moral weight, hunger strikes often fail to force immediate concessions. Authoritarian governments tend to fear crowds more than individuals. Mass protests disrupt economic activity, attract global media and create unpredictable momentum. Hunger strikes, by contrast, are contained, hidden and easier to ignore. Hunger strike is often a measure of last resort by people who believe that their rights to protest and effective remedy have been exhausted. The states duty of care toward hunger strikers is heightened, not diminished," said UN experts including Gina Romero, the UN special rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, and Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories. States can suppress news of fasting prisoners, restrict family visits and wait for attention to fade. In some cases, force-feeding or medical intervention is used to neutralise the protest without addressing demands. In others, deaths occur quietly, reframed as medical issues rather than political consequences. This explains why hunger strikes persist despite their limited success. They are not chosen because they are efficient, but because they are sometimes the only remaining way to assert agency under absolute control. Whats Indias Memory Of Fasting As A Form Of Resistance? Hunger strikes carry a resonance that goes far beyond Iran. Indias political memory is deeply shaped by fasting as a moral and political act, most famously associated with Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhis fasts were not acts of self-destruction but carefully calibrated tools of persuasion. They relied on public visibility, moral authority and a shared ethical framework that made the act of fasting shameful for those in power. The success of these fasts depended on a public that could see, respond and pressure the state. Like all human institutions, fasting can be both legitimately and illegitimately used. But as a great weapon in the armoury of Satyagraha, it cannot be given up because of its possible abuse," Gandhi had said. Modern-day political leaders who used fast as a powerful tool for political protest and social change were anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare, Irom Sharmila, who fasted for 16 years against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and founder of Narmada Bachao Andolan Medha Patkar and leader of Telangana movement K Chandrasekhar Rao. Modern hunger strikes, especially in prisons, lack those conditions. They are carried out in isolation, under censorship, often without mass public engagement. Yet the symbolic language remains familiar suffering as protest, the body as a site of truth, and self-sacrifice as a form of political speech. The Ethical Line Between Protest And Fatality Medical ethics complicate hunger strikes further. Doctors are torn between respecting patient autonomy and preventing death. Force-feeding is widely criticised by human rights organisations as a form of torture, yet allowing death raises questions of neglect and complicity. In the early stages of starvation, metabolism slows down. The body loses its ability to regulate temperature, kidney functions deteriorates and the immune system weakens. Once the body reserves are depleted, the lungs and heart become less efficient, muscles shrink and weakness sets in.s In Irans prison system, these ethical debates unfold under state authority rather than independent medical oversight. The absence of transparency means outcomes are often unknown until irreversible damage has occurred. This ambiguity is part of what makes hunger strikes so disturbing they exist in a moral grey zone where agency, coercion and suffering blur together. What Hunger Strikes Reveal About Modern Dissent The return of hunger strikes signals something profound about contemporary protest. It suggests that in many parts of the world, the space for collective, visible resistance is shrinking. When the street is closed, the body becomes the final terrain of dissent. It reflects struggles far from home while echoing a protest language deeply embedded in Indias past. It forces a reckoning with uncomfortable questions: how much suffering must occur before power listens, and what happens when protest survives only by consuming the protester? As Irans prison hunger strikes continue, they stand as a stark reminder that resistance does not always look like crowds and chants. Sometimes, it looks like silence, weakness and the slow disappearance of a body chosen not for spectacle, but because there is nowhere else left to stand. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 12:46 IST News explainers From Gandhi To Iranian Prisons, Why Hunger Strikes Are Becoming The Last Weapon Of Dissent 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... Petroleum, Ports And Protests: Understanding Indias Delicate Iran Equation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 21:51 IST Beyond trade and transit, the internal situation in Iran resonates deeply within Indias domestic social fabric A visual from the protests in Iran. (File image: AFP) As Iran grapples with a third week of nationwide unrest, New Delhi is watching the situation with heightened caution, having recently issued a fresh advisory for Indian nationals to avoid travel to the Islamic Republic. For India, Iran is far more than a diplomatic partner; it is a critical geostrategic bridge that offers a unique solution to Indias Pakistan problem". Since Pakistan denies India overland access to the west, Iran serves as the sole viable land corridor for New Delhi to reach Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Russia. Any prolonged instability in Tehran directly threatens the multi-billion-dollar connectivity architecture" that India has spent decades building to bypass its eastern neighbour. Chabahar Port The centrepiece of this relationship is the Chabahar Port, located on Irans southeastern coast. India has invested nearly $500 million in the project, which is currently managed by India Ports Global Limited under a long-term ten-year contract signed in 2024. Chabahar is the gateway to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a 7,200-km multi-modal network designed to reduce freight transit times to Europe by 40%. With major rail projects like the Chabahar-Zahedan link nearing completion in mid-2026, the current protestsmarked by internet blackouts and supply-chain disruptionsrisk derailing critical infrastructure timelines and leaving Indian investments vulnerable to a potential regime transition or a deeper securitised crackdown. Crude Questions Energy security remains another vital, albeit complicated, pillar. While US-led sanctions have virtually eliminated Indias direct crude oil imports from Iran, Tehran remains a significant potential supplier in a post-sanctions world. More immediately, India is vulnerable to the geopolitical risk premium" that Iranian unrest adds to global oil prices. As an importer of 85% of its crude, any price spike triggered by West Asian volatility strains Indias current account deficit and inflates domestic fuel bills. Furthermore, New Delhi is currently navigating a delicate tariff tightrope", with the Trump administration proposing 25% levies on nations that maintain commercial ties with Tehrana move that could see Indian exports of basmati rice, pharmaceuticals, and tea facing a total tariff burden of up to 75%. Social Equations Beyond trade and transit, the internal situation in Iran resonates deeply within Indias domestic social fabric. India is home to the worlds second-largest Shia Muslim population after Iran, and developments in Tehran often have a cultural and religious echo in cities like Lucknow and Hyderabad. Historically, Iran has also acted as a rare regional counterweight, refusing to align with Pakistans anti-India narratives at international forums. For the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, a stable, predictable Tehraneven one under international pressureis infinitely preferable to a chaotic vacuum that could allow rivals like China to expand their influence over the Persian Gulf. As Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in New Delhi this week for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, the primary goal for Indian negotiators will be de-risking" their strategic corridors from the fire of domestic revolution. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 21:51 IST News explainers Petroleum, Ports And Protests: Understanding Indias Delicate Iran Equation 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... Will US Strike Iran? How Will Khamenei Retaliate? Will Pahlavi Be Back? Key Questions Answered Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 15:20 IST US President Donald Trump urged Iran's demonstrators to continue their movement and take over the institutions", promising "help is on its way" Rapid Read Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (left) and US President Donald Trump. (AP File) Amid the mounting unrest in Iran, United States Donald Trump, on Truth Social, proclaimed that help is on its way". US Senator Lindsey Graham later suggested that Trumps reference to help" could include military or cyber actions, adding to speculation over Washingtons next steps. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told closed-door meetings that the administration is also weighing non-kinetic options to support protesters, including cyber measures, according to Axios. What will happen if the US actually strikes Iran? What will Iran do? Will there be a change of regime? Will Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Irans last shah and a prominent voice in the fragmented opposition, return? Iran crisis: The protests & US response The Islamic Republics clerical authorities are facing the biggest demonstrations since 2022 and on Sunday a rights group said that the unrest has killed more than 500 people. An Iranian official indicated on Tuesday the number was higher, at around 2,000. This cycle of horrific violence cannot continue. The Iranian people and their demands for fairness, equality and justice must be heard," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said in a statement read out by UN rights office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence. Iran is set to witness more brutality as the administration has decided to execute its first protester on Wednesday amid mass arrests of anti-regime protesters, The New York Post reported, citing human rights groups. Erfan Soltani, 26, is allegedly scheduled to be hanged to death after his arrest during the protests in Karaj last Thursday (local time), the Iran Human Rights (IHR) and National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFD) NGO groups said. The NUFD reported that the mans only crime is calling for freedom for Iran". According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency report on Monday, at the end of the 17th day, a total of 614 protest gatherings had been recorded nationwide. These demonstrations took place in 187 cities and covered all 31 provinces of the country. The detention of 18,434 individuals has been confirmed. The agency also said, the deaths of 2,403 protesters have been confirmed. Among those killed were 12 children, 147 members of security forces and government supporters, including at least five civilian supporters of the government. In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president said he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stops". He also urged demonstrators to continue their movement and take over your institutions," remarks that Tehran has described as open interference in its internal affairs. Speaking to reporters, Trump said his administration was seeking verified information on the scale of the killings and would respond accordingly. The killing looks like its significant, but we dont know yet for certain well act based on what we learn," he said, while urging Irans leaders to show humanity" and warning against further bloodshed. Tehran has strongly responded, with Ali Larijani, secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, accusing the US and Israel of being the main killers of the people of Iran", naming Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in response to the presidents social media post. Irans defence minister warned that any aggression would be met with a forceful" response, including strikes on US military installations in the region and on Israel. When asked about Irans threat to retaliate in the event of US strikes, Trump dismissed the warning, saying Tehran better behave". Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had on Sunday asked Trump to manage his own country" instead of commenting on Irans internal affairs. In a message posted on X, Khamenei accused the US President of encouraging unrest in Iran while failing to address serious problems at home. 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. Question 1. How will Iran retaliate? How? If the US strikes Iran militarily, Tehran is highly unlikely to stay passive, even if it tries to limit escalation. According to analysts, several layers of response are possible: Iran has a large short- and mid-range missile arsenal and has used missiles against U.S. forces before. Retaliation against bases in Iraq, Syria, the Gulf, or naval assets is a primary option. Iran could activate allies like Hezbollah (Lebanon), Kataib Hezbollah (Iraq), and the Houthis (Yemen) to strike US interests, Israeli targets, or allied infrastructure across the Middle East. Iran might deploy mines, small craft, or missiles to disrupt or threaten navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global energy supplies. Tehran has invested heavily in cyber capabilities. Attacks on U.S. civilian infrastructure (energy, water, financial systems) are plausible and could cause widespread disruption without direct military engagement. Targeted assassinations, sabotage campaigns, or support for global terror cells have been used historically and could resurface as asymmetric retaliation. Question 2: Can a US strike cause regime change in Iran? Experts say the Iranian state and Revolutionary Guard are highly resilient and have survived sanctions, covert action, proxy wars, and bombings for decades. Experts say strikes alone are unlikely to dismantle the regimes structure. Military blows could strengthen hardliners who argue that resisting U.S. pressure is the key to regime legitimacy. Mass protests since 2025 have already challenged the Islamic Republics legitimacy, but they lack unified leadership and a clear political roadmap. Iranian power structures (security forces, IRGC, clerical establishment) are deeply entrenched; even in periods of unrest, they often weather upheaval. Real transformation would likely require major internal political shifts, defections, and sustained mass mobilisation. Question 3: Will the Pahlavi monarchy return? White House envoy Steve Witkoff over the weekend met with Reza Pahlavi to discuss the protests roiling that country, Axios reported on Tuesday, citing an unidentified senior US official. Against this backdrop, Trump has issued a series of unusually direct messages to both the Iranian leadership and protesters. Reza Pahlavi on Tuesday (local time) appealed to protesters and the countrys armed forces, asserting that the world not only saw and heard the demonstrators courage and voice but is also taking action". He urged citizens to sustain the movement against the Khamenei regime and warned that those responsible for violence would eventually be held accountable. In a video message shared on X, Pahlavi said Trump had responded to the protests, asserting that the voices of Iranians were being heard beyond the countrys borders. Addressing protesters directly, he said, My compatriots, as I told you in my previous message, the world not only saw and heard your courage and voice but is taking action. By now, you have undoubtedly heard the message from the President of the United States. Help is on the way." Many Iranians, however, view monarchy as another form of authoritarian rule rather than a democratic alternative. Moreover, there is no clear constitutional framework or power structure exists for reinstating a monarchy. Pahlavi has limited political influence inside Iran due to exile and the strength of existing institutions. Major global powers (including the U.S.) are cautious about endorsing a monarchy because it could be seen as foreign-imposed leadership, which historically backfires as a legitimacy issue. Question 4: How would a US strike impact the world? Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, have warned against strikes due to fears of escalation. Russia and other powers publicly oppose external intervention, raising risks of broader geopolitical stand-offs. Ruptures in the Strait of Hormuz or increased oil price volatility could disrupt global energy markets. Major powers like China, Russia, and the EU may view unilateral action as destabilising, potentially fracturing international coalitions and non-proliferation regimes. With Agency Inputs News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 13:14 IST News explainers Will US Strike Iran? How Will Khamenei Retaliate? Will Pahlavi Be Back? Key Questions Answered 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... Ancient Or Ancestral? Family From Historical Karnataka Village Finds Gold 'Treasure' At Building Site Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 22:00 IST The Ritti family unearthed a copper pot containing at least 466 gm of gold ornaments in the historical village of Lakkundi in Karnataka's Gadag district The family, which found the gold in a copper pot while digging up the foundation for their new house, handed over the ornaments to the local authorities. (Image: News18) Everything was normal for the Ritti family until 10 am on January 10. What they did not know was they would soon become famous, not only in their small town in Karnataka but in the whole state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would call them, senior Congress leader HK Patil would visit them, and police and IAS officers would soon be roaming around their under-construction home, not to mention the Archaeological Survey of India taking a keen interest in the site. But what had happened that changed everything for the family? It was a pot of treasure", after all and, that too, in the form of gold ornaments. The family unearthed a copper pot containing at least 466 gm of gold ornaments in the historical village of Lakkundi in Gadag district. The treasure was discovered when the family was digging up the foundation for a new house. Single mother, Kasturavva alias Gangavva, wanted to build a house on this site with her lifes savings and by selling some other land. But fate had other plans for her. HOW DID IT ALL UNFOLD? While digging up the foundation for the Ritti familys new house, workers unearthed a copper pot containing gold jewellery weighing approximately 466 gm. The pot had 22 items such as necklaces, rings, bangles, bracelets, and other ornaments. The family and her 14-year-old son Prajwal Ritti immediately reported the matter to the local authorities and handed the pot over to the district administration. The site was then declared a restricted zone, and construction work on the house was stopped. Now the family, who had to sell their other land to build the house, are temporarily living with relatives and facing severe hardships. WHAT IS THIS TREASURE? Researcher Appanna Hanje suggested that the ornaments likely date back to the 11th or 12th century and appear to belong to an ordinary family rather than royalty, based on their simple design. Ramesh Mulimani, an official from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), inspected the site and noted the ornaments lack royal hallmarks indicating they were likely hidden for safekeeping. The ASI also stressed that the gold does not qualify as an ancient treasure. It observed that the ornaments do not appear old (lacking clear ancient characteristics) and suggested they are likely ancestral property. Now it remains to be seen if the family will get the ornaments. WHAT NOW? The family and village residents have now demanded that the gold be returned. If its not a treasure, then its our property please give it back," the family has said. The family urged the government to either allow construction to resume or provide an alternative plot of land and help them build a house, highlighting their poverty and the childs future needs. Gadag MLA CC Patil, who hailed the familys integrity, told News18 that the government, in coordination with the districts incharge minister and chief minister, will discuss providing aid to the family and also pledged help. Even Siddaramaiah spoke to the family through the MLA and congratulated them for their prompt action in submitting the ornaments to the authorities. The case has drawn statewide attention, with ongoing examinations to determine the exact age and origin of the ornaments. The family, meanwhile, awaits relief. Village residents have demanded swift government intervention to support the mother and son. WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY? Under the Indian treasure trove laws (including the Karnataka Treasure Trove Act, 1962), any valuable item worth more than Rs 10 found underground must be reported to the deputy commissioner. The law states that if deemed more than 100 years old, it becomes government property, with the finder potentially entitled to one-fifth (20 percent) of the value as a reward. Concealment can lead to up to one year in jail. If less than 100 years old, the district collector investigates and decides ownership. A LOCAL FEAR Treasures are attached to local superstitions in Lakkundi. When senior Congress leader and former minister HK Patil met the family, they expressed this fear to him. Local residents believe all treasure below the surface of the earth in the village is guarded by what they call the serpent king". In the past, many families were struck by what is believed to be the curse of the King cobra" when they did not hand over treasure they found to the authorities. The family, hence, is now asking the authorities to arrange an alternative site and help them build the house. Girijavva, Kasturavvas mother, spoke to News18 and said she had told the government that while many people have found treasure in the town, few have handed it over. I have seen with my own eyes that their families have been destroyed completely. We dont want that. So take this site, and kindly give us alternative shelter," she said. WHAT IS LAKKUNDIS HISTORY? This is not the first such discovery in Lakkundi. The town has a rich, historical memory going back thousands of years. It was, by the 10th century and till the 12th century, an economic hub and spiritual centre especially under the Western Chalukyas. It was known for its mint, intricate temples like Brahma Jinalaya, Kasi Visvesvara, and unique Vesara style architecture. This significant town, featuring Jain temples, stepped wells, and rich inscriptions, showcases contributions from Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and Sevunas, with efforts underway for UNESCO World Heritage status. Also, this village hosts numerous Hindu and Jain temples, including the Jain temple dedicated to Mahavira, highlighting its importance as a spiritual sanctuary. Mainly Kalyana Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Hoysalas, and Sevunas were the main architects of this historical village. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Karnataka, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 22:00 IST News india Ancient Or Ancestral? Family From Historical Karnataka Village Finds Gold 'Treasure' At Building Site 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... Bovine Intervention: India Bets On Super Cows Karan Fries & Vrindavani To Bring Dairy Deluge Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 04:14 IST The government has registered the two high-yielding synthetic cattle breeds capable of producing over 3,000 kg of milk during a 10-month lactation period The registration of these synthetic breeds is the culmination of decades of rigorous scientific research and stabilised breeding. (Representational image/AI-generated) In a major boost to national dairy productivity, the Indian government has officially registered two high-yielding synthetic cattle breeds, Karan Fries and Vrindavani, which are capable of producing more than 3,000 kg of milk during a standard 10-month lactation period. This output significantly outpaces that of indigenous breeds, which typically yield between 1,000 and 2,000 kg. On Wednesday, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan presented the registration certificates for these breeds along with 14 other new livestock and poultry varieties, bringing the countrys total number of registered breeds to 246. The registration of these synthetic breeds is the culmination of decades of rigorous scientific research and stabilised breeding. Karan Fries, developed by the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Karnal, Haryana, is a cross between the resilient indigenous Tharparkar cow and the high-yielding Holstein-Friesian bull. Meanwhile, Vrindavani was developed by the ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, using a complex blend of exotic germplasm from Holstein-Friesian, Brown Swiss, and Jersey breeds with the hardy indigenous Hariana cattle. These synthetic breeds have been engineered to maintain high milk production while successfully adapting to Indias challenging subtropical climate. The new additions to the national registry include 14 indigenous breeds across various species, such as the Medini cattle from Jharkhand, the Rohilkhandi cattle from Uttar Pradesh, and the Melghati buffalo from Maharashtra. The list also features unique poultry and waterfowl like the Mala chicken and Kodo duck, alongside the Nagami Mithun from Nagaland. According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), registering these breeds is essential for providing legal protection to native germplasm and facilitating region-specific development programmes aimed at uplifting rural livelihoods. Minister Chouhan emphasised that this balanced approachcombining the development of high-performance synthetic breeds with the conservation of diverse indigenous resourcesis central to the Viksit Bharat" vision. As climate change poses new threats to livestock health, ICAR officials noted that preserving local genetic traits is vital for future agricultural resilience. With the formal recognition of Karan Fries and Vrindavani, the government aims to leverage these stabiliser" cross-breeds to meet the growing domestic demand for milk, ensuring nutritional security through science-led livestock management. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 04:14 IST News india Bovine Intervention: India Bets On Super Cows Karan Fries & Vrindavani To Bring Dairy Deluge 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... Calcutta HC Disposes Of Trinamool Congresss Plea Against ED Raids At I-PAC Office Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 18:35 IST The Mamata Banerjee-led party had sought preservation of political confidential data which it alleged was seized by the probe agency. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. (File image) The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday dismissed the Trinamool Congresss petition against Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at political consultancy firm I-PAC, saying the ED has informed that it has not seized anything from I-PAC director Pratik Jains office and home during its raids last week. The Mamata Banerjee-led party had sought preservation of political confidential data and protection of the same at the behest of the other respondent, which it alleged was seized by the probe agency. However, the ED told the Calcutta High Court that it has not seized anything from the office of the I-PAC and its director, Prateek Jain. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju told the bench that nothing was seized by the probe agency, and that it was the Chief Minister who took away the files and devices. A bench of Justice Ghosh noted that no seizure was effected from the offices of I-PAC or its director on January 8. In view of such submissions, nothing remains to be dealt with, and the application is disposed of," the bench stated, disposing of the petition of the TMC. Further, the ED prayed for the matter to be adjourned as it has moved the Supreme Court on the issue. The TMCs counsel Menaka Guruswamy, meanwhile, submitted that the party was only seeking protection of its data. Justice Ghosh adjourned the EDs petition seeking a CBI probe into the events of January 8 on the ground that the ED has filed a special leave petition before the Supreme Court with prayers which are almost identical with the present application before it." ED Raids At I-PAC Office The ED conducted search operations at 10 premises, including six in West Bengal and four in Delhi, linked to Anup Majee as per the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), including the I-PAC office and Jains residence. I-PAC has been associated with the TMC since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The raids at the I-PAC office and Jains residence turned into a bitter face-off between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as Mamata Banerjee rushed to the area and alleged political vendetta. She accused the BJP-led Centre of targeting her party ahead of elections by seizing the TMCs internal documents, hard disks and sensitive data linked to its election strategy. The ED had alleged in a press statement last week that Banerjee entered Jains residence on Loudon Road in Kolkata during the raids and took away key evidence" and followed the same action at the I-PAC office. A day later, Mamata Banerjee led a massive protest march in Kolkata, flanked by actors of the Bengali film industry. She accused the ED of acting as a political tool of the BJP to steal" her partys internal strategy, asserting that she did nothing wrong in reaching the premises linked to I-PAC during the central agencys raids. Later, the ED approached the High Court alleging that Mamata Banerjee obstructed its investigation. The TMC also filed a petition claiming that its confidential data has been taken away. Both these matters were listed today. BJP Reacts To HCs Order Meanwhile, the BJP took a sharp jibe at West Bengal Chief Minister over the High Court order, calling the courts decision a strong rebuke of her actions. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said the ruling amounted to a massive embarrassment" for the Chief Minister. In a post on X, Malviya alleged that Banerjee had interfered with an ongoing ED raid linked to a coal smuggling and money laundering case and accused her of attempting to intimidate central agencies. Massive embarrassment for Mamata Banerjee.The Calcutta High Court has set aside Mamata Banerjees objection against the Enforcement Directorate, delivering a sharp rebuke to her blatant interference. After she brazenly barged into a live ED raid in a coal smuggling and money Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) January 14, 2026 Malviya said that the High Courts order reaffirmed that constitutional authorities cannot be influenced by political pressure or public theatrics. He further alleged that the Chief Ministers actions reflected disregard for the rule of law and accused her of shielding corruption. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 16:15 IST News india Calcutta HC Disposes Of Trinamool Congresss Plea Against ED Raids At I-PAC Office 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 Lottery Result Today LIVE: Dhanalekshmi DL-35 WINNERS For January 14; First Prize Rs 1 Crore! Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 09:00 IST Kerala Lottery Result Today Live: Dhanalekshmi DL 35 draw will be held on January 14, 2026. Check full winning numbers, prize structure, claim rules and live updates from 3 PM. Kerala Lottery Result Today Live: Dhanalekshmi DL 35 winning numbers announced at Gorky Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala Lottery Result Today Live, 14-01-2026: The Kerala State Lottery Department is set to declare the results for the Dhanalekshmi DL 35 Lottery draw on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan, near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. Check the Live Updates and Full List of Winning Numbers here from 3 pm. The lottery offers attractive cash prizes, including a first prize of Rs 1 crore, a second prize of Rs 30 lakh, and a third prize of Rs 5 lakh. The live draw will be supervised by the government officials to ensure fairness, transparency, and credibility. KERALA LOTTERY RESULT: Dhanalekshmi DL 35 PRIZE STRUCTURE 1st Prize: Rs 1 crore 2nd Prize: Rs. 30 lakh 3rd Prize: Rs. 5 lakh 4th Prize: Rs. 5,000 5th Prize: Rs. 2,000 6th Prize: Rs. 1,000 7th Prize: Rs. 500 8th Prize: Rs. 200 9th Prize: Rs. 100 Consolation Prize: Rs. 5,000 FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR Dhanalekshmi DL 35 WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 1 Crore Is: To be updated WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 30 LAKH IS: To be updated WINNING NUMBER FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKH IS: To be updated WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: To be updated WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: To be updated WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE: To be updated WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: To be updated WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: To be updated WINNING NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 200 ARE: To be updated WINNING NUMBERS FOR 9TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: To be updated How to Verify Karunya KR 738 Lottery Results Winners must verify the Dhanalekshmi DL 35 lottery results against the official result published in the official Kerala Lottery website (keralalottery.info). Participants can also visit the Kerala Government Gazette office to cross check the result. If your ticket number matches, the prize can be claimed at the Kerala Lottery Office, Gorky Bhavan, near Bakery Junction, Thiruvananthapuram. How to Claim Kerala Lottery Prize Money? If the numbers are matched, winners can claim the prize at the Kerala Lottery Office, Gorky Bhavan, near Bakery Junction, Thiruvananthapuram. All claims must be submitted within 30 days of the draw date to be considered valid for processing. Winners must have valid identification and the original winning ticket. To successfully complete the claim process, the following documents are required: The original winning ticket, signed by the winner on both sides. A passport-size photo attested by a Gazetted officer. A self-attested copy of your PAN card (for income tax purpose) A valid proof of identity, such as Aadhaar card, voter ID, ration card, and PAN card. A filled and signed prize money receipt form with a revenue stamp affixed. HOW TO CHECK AND DOWNLOAD A PDF WITH A FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS? Visit the official Kerala Lottery websites: www.keralalotteries.info or www.keralalotteryresult.net Find the link for Dhanalekshmi DL 35 Lottery results. Click on the link and check the list of winning numbers on the results page. Tap on download option to save the result as a PDF for future reference. What to Do After Winning Kerala Lottery? Full Claim Process Winners must present their original winning ticket and required documents within 30 days of the draw to claim their prize. The specific office for submission will vary depending on the prize amount. Prizes up to Rs 5,000: Can be claimed through authorised lottery agents Prizes up to Rs 1 lakh (within Kerala): Submit to the respective District Lottery Office Prizes up to Rs 1 lakh (outside Kerala): Submit to the Directorate of State Lotteries Prizes above Rs 1 lakh: Must be submitted to the Director of State Lotteries Prizes between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 20 lakh: Claims should be submitted to the Deputy Director Prizes above Rs 20 lakh: Must be submitted directly to the Director of State Lotteries All prize claims must be submitted within 30 days of the draw date, accompanied by the original ticket and the necessary supporting documents. Kerala Lottery Agent Commission and Prize Claim Rules Lottery agents earn a commission based on the prize tier, deducted from the winners total prize. To claim their prize, winners must submit the original winning ticket along with valid proof of identity. Kerala Lottery ChristmasNew Year Bumper BR-107 Results On January 24 The Kerala State Lottery Department will announce the results of the ChristmasNew Year Bumper BR-107 lottery on January 24, 2026 at 2 PM. The live draw will take place at Gorky Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram. With each ticket priced at Rs 400, it gives participants a chance to win the grand jackpot, along with multiple prizes worth crores, rewards in lakhs, and thousands of smaller prizes across different categories. Kerala Lottery BR-107 Prize Structure 1st Prize: Rs 20 Crore 1 winner 2nd Prize:Rs 1 Crore 20 winners 3rd Prize: Rs 10 Lakhs 30 winners 4th Prize: Rs 3 Lakhs Multiple 5th Prize: Rs 2 Lakhs Multiple 6th Prize: Rs 5,000 Multiple 7th Prize: Rs 2,000- Multiple 8th Prize: Rs 1,000- Multiple 9th Prize: Rs 500 Multiple 10th Prize: Rs 400 Multiple Consolation Prize: Rs 1 Lakh 9 winners. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 09:00 IST News india Kerala Lottery Result Today LIVE: Dhanalekshmi DL-35 WINNERS For January 14; First Prize Rs 1 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... Missed Opportunities': BJP Slams Karnataka Congress For Prioritising Rahul Gandhi Over German Chancellor Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 11:03 IST BJP said the move showed that the Congress leadership was more focused on pleasing the party high command than on the states development. In this image posted on Jan. 13, 2026, LoP in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi being received by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar upon his arrival at Mysuru airport. (@DKShivakumar/X via PTI Photo) The BJP has criticised Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for their decision to welcome Congress MP Rahul Gandhi at the Mysuru airport instead of receiving German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Bengaluru. The party said the move showed that the Congress leadership was more focused on pleasing the party high command than on the states development. German chancellor received by minister German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived at Kempegowda International Airport on Tuesday. He was received by Karnatakas Minister for Large and Medium Industries, MB Patil, along with senior officials. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were in Mysuru to receive Rahul Gandhi, who was travelling onward to Ooty. BJP slams state leadership Taking to X, BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, said the decision reflected misplaced priorities. He said the visit of the German chancellor was of major diplomatic, economic and strategic importance for Karnataka. According to Ashoka, any responsible chief minister would have personally treated the visit as an opportunity for investment, industry, employment and long-term growth. Ashoka alleged that skipping the reception of a leader from one of the worlds largest economies showed the Congresss disregard for Karnatakas interests. He claimed political loyalty and high command pleasing" were given priority over the states global standing. BJP leaders also pointed out that the Congress had earlier protested when Rahul Gandhi was not invited to a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Misplaced prioritiesMissed opportunitiesToday, the German Federal Chancellor visited Karnataka - a moment of immense diplomatic, economic and strategic significance for our state.Any other responsible Chief Minsiter would have personally ensured that such a visit was https://t.co/pDjq5Oj6q2 pic.twitter.com/t8k981Q60K R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) January 13, 2026 Merzs Bengaluru visit During his short stay, Chancellor Merz and his delegation visited the Bosch campus at Adugodi and the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science. The delegation left Bengaluru the same evening. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Karnataka, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 11:03 IST News india Missed Opportunities': BJP Slams Karnataka Congress For Prioritising Rahul Gandhi Over German Chancellor 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... Months After Deportation, 2 Bangladeshi Women Re-enter India Illegally, Arrested In Mumbai Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 13:37 IST An FIR was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Foreigners Act. 30-year-old Bangladeshi national Bilkis Begum Sirmiya Akhtar was arrested in the Cuffe Parade area of Mumbai. Mumbai Police have arrested two Bangladeshi women who allegedly re-entered India after being deported in August last year. In the first case, a 38-year-old woman was arrested on Tuesday at the Gateway of India. A case was registered against her under the Foreigners Act. Deported in August, returned via India-Bangladesh forest route The woman identified herself as Zulekha Jamal Sheikh. Police said she was living on a footpath in the Kamathipura area. During questioning, Sheikh claimed she was deported in August and handed over to Bangladeshi authorities, but later crossed back into India through forests along the India-Bangladesh border. She failed to produce any valid travel documents. Police said Sheikh originally hails from Bangladeshs Jashore district. Police are now trying to find out who helped her cross the border and whether an organised network was involved. Second arrest in Mumbais Cuffe Parade In a separate case, 30-year-old Bilkis Begum Sirmiya Akhtar was arrested for illegally entering India and living in Mumbais Cuffe Parade area. Police said she initially avoided giving clear answers, but her identity was later confirmed with the help of an informant. During interrogation, Akhtar admitted she had been deported in August but returned illegally. A raid at her residence led to the recovery of a mobile phone containing a Bangladeshi national ID and photographs. An FIR was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Foreigners Act. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 13:37 IST News india Months After Deportation, 2 Bangladeshi Women Re-enter India Illegally, Arrested In Mumbai 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... 'Must Apologise': BJP Slams DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran Over Remarks On Girls In North India Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 07:29 IST The DMK leader said that in many northern states, girls are expected to remain at home, whereas Tamil Nadu encourages girl children to pursue education and careers. DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran | File Image The BJP on Tuesday demanded an unconditional apology from DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran over his remarks on the status of girls in northern India, accusing him of making derogatory remarks about Hindi-speaking states and their people. Reacting to Marans comments, the BJP said the DMK MP must apologise to the people of India, particularly those from northern states, whom he allegedly portrayed as backward, uneducated and uncivilised." He has to apologise to the people of India, particularly the Hindi-speaking people, whom he says are uneducated and uncivilised," the BJP said. The controversy stems from remarks made by Maran at a function held at Quaid-E-Millath Government College for Women in Chennai on Tuesday. Addressing students, the DMK leader said that in many northern states, girls are expected to remain at home and do household work, whereas Tamil Nadu encourages girl children to pursue education and careers. Our girl students should be proud, and we are proud of them. Thats why we want girl children to study. In northern states, girls are often asked not to go for jobs and to stay at home doing household work, but here we want our girls to study and progress," Maran said. He went on to praise Chief Minister MK Stalin, calling him the best Chief Minister in the country, and described Tamil Nadu as the best state. Maran attributed the states focus on womens education to the Dravidian model of governance and the social reform ideals of Periyar, saying these principles continue to guide the present government. Official data from the 2011 Census shows that Tamil Nadus female literacy rate stands at around 73.44 per cent, higher than several northern states such as Uttar Pradesh (57.18 per cent), Rajasthan (52.12 per cent) and Haryana (65.94 per cent), though states like Himachal Pradesh report a higher rate at 75.93 per cent. The remarks were made on a day when Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin distributed laptops to students of the same college under the Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil scheme. Addressing the gathering, Udhayanidhi said the government had allocated 2.5 crore for the initiative and urged students to use the laptops primarily for education rather than social media. Quoting Periyar, he said girls should be given books instead of being confined to household roles, adding that the government was committed to empowering women through education. He expressed hope that girl students would excel and achieve even greater success in their chosen fields. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Tamil Nadu, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 07:29 IST News india 'Must Apologise': BJP Slams DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran Over Remarks On Girls In North India 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... GAZA/CAIRO, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Egypt, Qatar and Turkiye announced on Wednesday the completion of the formation of a Palestinian technocratic committee to administer the Gaza Strip, according to a joint statement issued by Egypt's Foreign Ministry. A source close to the committee, speaking to Xinhua on condition of anonymity, said the body will consist of 15 members whose names were agreed upon by Palestinian parties as well as the United States and Israel. The committee will be headed by Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath, a veteran engineer and former deputy planning minister in the Palestinian Authority. It will oversee key sectors including health, education, security, justice, and civil services. The committee will be supervised by the proposed "Peace Council," led by Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov. It is expected to hold its first meeting within the next two days in Cairo, co-chaired by Mladenov and Shaath, marking the official start of its work and the adoption of an initial 30-day action plan. Offices funded by donor countries are expected to open inside Gaza in the coming days to ensure direct coordination with the needs of the territory's approximately 2 million residents, according to the Palestinian source. Aed Abu Ramadan, a nominee for committee membership, told Xinhua that selected members have been officially informed and coordination is underway for those currently inside Gaza to assume their duties according to their areas of expertise. He said the committee aims to function as a professional framework to ensure the continuity of basic services, reorganize economic and productive sectors, and prepare the groundwork for recovery and reconstruction. The three mediators described the move as "an important development" toward enhancing stability and improving humanitarian conditions in Gaza, expressing hope that it would pave the way for the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. On Wednesday, the U.S. administration announced the launch of the second phase of the Gaza peace deal, shifting focus from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction, U.S. presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff said on X. Earlier, the Palestinian presidency announced its support for forming a Palestinian committee to administer Gaza during the transitional phase. It also emphasized the importance of linking institutions in the West Bank and Gaza and rejecting the establishment of parallel administrative, legal, or security systems that could deepen division. Hamas said the start of the second phase is a "significant positive development." Spokesman Hazem Qassem called on the U.S. to "compel Israel to fulfill all obligations of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement and move forward toward the second phase." He reiterated Hamas' readiness to hand over Gaza's administration to an independent technocratic committee and facilitate its work. Qassem also highlighted Hamas' willingness to engage in "internal Palestinian discussions on the issue of resistance weapons," emphasizing that the movement's current priority is launching a genuine relief process to rescue Gaza's cities. The developments coincide with the presence of a Hamas leadership delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, in Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials on completing the ceasefire agreement. Hamas has administered Gaza since the 2007 internal Palestinian divisions, leading to separate governance of the enclave, which has suffered extensive damage and casualties during Israeli offensives. A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel has been in place since Oct. 10, 2025, with its first phase allowing prisoner exchanges, entry of humanitarian aid, and partial Israeli withdrawals from parts of Gaza. The proposed second phase includes a full Israeli military withdrawal, large-scale reconstruction, and the establishment of a transitional governing authority for the enclave. Newly Appointed US Ambassador Sergio Gor Presents Credentials To President Murmu Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 13:58 IST Sergio Gor on Monday took oath as the new US Ambassador at the US Embassy premises in the national capital. President Droupadi Murmu received credentials from Sergio Gor, Ambassador of the United States of America, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. (Image: X/@rashtrapatibhvn) President Droupadi Murmu received credentials from the US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy to South and Central Asia Sergio Gor on Wednesday. In addition to this, the President also received the credentials of the envoys of Trinidad and Tobago and Austria at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Taking to X, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said, President Droupadi Murmu received credentials from Mr Chandradath Singh, High Commissioner of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; Dr Robert Zischg, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria; and Mr Sergio Gor, Ambassador of the United States of America, at Rashtrapati Bhavan." President Droupadi Murmu received credentials from Mr Chandradath Singh, High Commissioner of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; Dr Robert Zischg, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria; and Mr Sergio Gor, Ambassador of the United States of America, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. pic.twitter.com/XoAQ5eiF78 President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 14, 2026 Gor On Trumps Friendship With PM Modi Sergio Gor on Monday took oath as the new US Ambassador at the US Embassy premises in the national capital. Addressing the gathering at the Embassy, Gor said he attests Trumps friendship with PM Modi as real" and said that real friends can resolve their differences. I have travelled all over the world with President Trump, and I can attest that his friendship with Prime Minister Modi is real. The United States and India are bound, not just by shared interests but by a relationship anchored at the highest levels. Real friends can disagree but always resolve their differences in the end," he said. It is great to be here as the United States Ambassador. I come to this remarkable nation with profound respect and a clear mission: to take the partnership between our two nations to the next level. This is the intersection between the worlds oldest democracy and the worlds largest democracy," he said. Hoping that Trump will soon come to India, Gor said, During my last dinner with him, President Trump recounted his last visit to India and also his great friendship with the great Prime Minister of India. I hope the President will be visiting us soon, hopefully in the next year or two. President Trump has a habit of calling at 2 in the morning, and with the time difference in New Delhi, it might work out pretty well," he added. Gor emphasised the importance of the strategic relationship with India and said he intends to pursue an ambitious agenda. (With agency inputs) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 13:58 IST News india Newly Appointed US Ambassador Sergio Gor Presents Credentials To President Murmu 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 15, 2026, 00:18 IST Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, urging immediate intervention to support Bengal gram farmers facing severe financial crisis. In his letter dated January 14, Siddaramaiah stressed that Karnatakas Bengal gram growers are experiencing a moment of deep distress", as market prices have dropped significantly below the minimum support price (MSP) just as the harvest season is underway. He said this price erosion is not merely a market aberration, it is a human crisis" threatening the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers in districts like Dharwad, Gadag, and Kalaburagi. He detailed the situation in his letter, noting that despite the Centre declaring an MSP of Rs 5,875 per quintal for the 2026-2027 rabi marketing season, actual market rates at major agricultural produce market committee (APMC) have dropped to between Rs 4,260 and Rs 5,813 per quintal. Farmers are being compelled to sell their produce at Rs 800 to Rs 1,200 below the support price, which he described as a severe and immediate crisis." Siddaramaiah underscored the importance of the support systems credibility, warning that when the declared MSP does not translate into real procurement on the ground, it erodes farmers faith in the institutional framework meant to protect them". He said with 9.24 lakh hectares under cultivation and an estimated production of 6.27 lakh MT, the harvest is the sole source of income for many families after months of hard work. He warned that without immediate intervention, there is a genuine apprehension of further price collapse" as arrivals peak between January and March. Calling for immediate action, he urged the central government to approve procurement under the price support scheme (PSS) and direct agencies like NAFED to operationalise centres without delay". He said time is of the essence", adding that every passing day without procurement deepens farmers losses". He framed the request as not just a procedural necessity but a moral obligation, stating that procurement at MSP is not merely an administrative exercise, it is an affirmation of the nations commitment to the dignity of its farmers". The state government has assured the Centre of its full readiness to implement the scheme, having issued necessary notifications and committed to managing logistics, warehousing, and transportation. The chief minister concluded his appeal by stating that opening these centres now would send a strong message of reassurance to rural India that the State and the Union stand together in times of distress", urging the Prime Minister to personally intervene to stabilise markets and protect the agrarian economy. 'Please Save Me': Indian Woman Sarabjeet Kaurs Cry For Help From A Lahore Shelter | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 11:10 IST Sarabjeet Kaur's husband claims Pakistani man Nasir Hussain secretly recorded private videos and took photographs of Sarabjeet, later using them to threaten and control her. Sarabjeet Kaur had visited Pakistan for a Sikh religious event but failed to return. (IMAGE: X) Indian woman Sarabjeet Kaurs story is not just a legal case or a diplomatic issue, it is the anguished account of a woman pleading for her freedom. Trapped in Pakistan for three years after travelling on a religious pilgrimage visa, Sarabjeet remains confined to a shelter home in Lahore, separated from her family in India and, according to her husband, living in constant fear. Speaking to CNN-News18, Sarabjeets husband, Karnail Singh, broke down as he described the ordeal his wife has endured. He alleges that Sarabjeet was blackmailed by a Pakistani man, Nasir Hussain, who first contacted her through social media. Singh claims Hussain secretly recorded private videos and took photographs of Sarabjeet, later using them to threaten and control her. He sent those pictures to me, to our family members, to her brothers," Singh said, calling it a deliberate attempt to shame and terrorise them into silence. The most haunting evidence, Singh says, lies in the audio and video recordings now accessed by CNN-News18. In them, Sarabjeet can be heard crying, her voice trembling as she pleads with her husband to rescue her. She tells him she is not free, that she is being held against her will, and that she wants to return home. Her sobs, captured on the phone, reveal a woman broken by fear and isolation. According to Singh, Sarabjeet was threatened at gunpoint and forced into a marriage she never consented to. He alleges she was also coerced into converting to Islam, her choice taken away through intimidation and violence. Everything was done on gunpoint," he told CNN-News18, insisting his wife never agreed to any of it willingly. Singh says Sarabjeets health has suffered gravely during her confinement. She is depressed, he claims, and her blood pressure frequently reaches dangerous levels. Each call from her, he says, leaves him feeling helpless. She keeps asking me to help her, to bring her back," he said, his voice shaking. I have every recording of her crying and begging." The pain deepens with another chilling allegation: that Nasir Hussain kidnapped Sarabjeet Kaurs three sisters to further pressure the family. Singh has repeatedly appealed to the Pakistani authorities to act, urging them to release his wife and punish those responsible. I request the Pakistan government to free my wife," he said. She is suffering every day." For now, Sarabjeet Kaur waits in a Lahore shelter home, her fate tied up in court hearings and bureaucratic delays. Her story, carried in her own tearful voice, stands as a raw and heartbreaking plea not just for justice, but for the simple right to return home. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 11:10 IST News india 'Please Save Me': Indian Woman Sarabjeet Kaurs Cry For Help From A Lahore Shelter | Exclusive 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... Red Fort Blast Case: Co-Accused Shaheen Sent To Custody For Three Days, NIA To Probe Code Words Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 12:06 IST The remand order, passed on Tuesday, revealed that Dr Shaheen's custody has been sought to explain code words. Thirteen people were killed and over 20 others were injured when a car exploded near a traffic signal close to the Red Fort Metro station on November 10. (Photo Credit: X) As the National Investigation Agency is probing the Red Fort blast case, Dr Shaheen Saeed has been sent to police custody for three days. The development came after she had been in judicial custody for at least one month. CNN News18 accessed the order copy, sending Saeed to three days police custody. The remand order, passed on Tuesday, revealed that her custody has been sought to explain code words. Police custody has also been sought to decode incriminating material that has surfaced after the forensic examination of digital devices. Shaheen Saeed, the co-accused in the Delhi blast case, was allegedly the in-charge of forming a team of terror doctors". Saeed, a resident of Uttar Pradeshs Lucknow, worked as a doctor at the Faridabad-based Al-Falah University, a varsity that was linked to the deadly Delhi car blast case. At least 15 people were killed and many others were injured after a Hyundai i20 car, driven by a suicide bomber, Umar un Nabi, exploded near the Red Fort. Umar, a Kashmiri doctor, was also affiliated with the Al-Falah University. The attack came hours after Jammu and Kashmir Police cracked down on an interstate and transnational white-collar" terror module, linked to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an al-Qaeda-affiliated terror group, in November last year. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 12:03 IST News india Red Fort Blast Case: Co-Accused Shaheen Sent To Custody For Three Days, NIA To Probe Code Words 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... Sweetness Of Til And Gud Add Warmth: PM Modi Greets Nation On Makar Sankranti Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 09:50 IST PM Modi wished people happiness, prosperity and success on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. PM Modi Greets Nation on Makar Sankranti. (Photo: Narendra Modi/X) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended warm wishes to the countrymen on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the countrys harvest festivals. In a post shared on social media platform X, the Prime Minister greeted citizens and highlighted the cultural and traditional significance of the festival. He said Makar Sankranti reflects the richness of Indian heritage and is closely linked with joy, unity and gratitude. PMs post on X reads, Warm greetings to all fellow citizens on Makar Sankranti. May this sacred festival of Indian culture and tradition, filled with the sweetness of sesame and jaggery, bring joy, prosperity and success to everyones lives. May Lord Surya bless and uplift all." - - pic.twitter.com/zxGY8H5ZvP Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 14, 2026 PM Modi added that the festival is celebrated with the sweetness of til (sesame) and gud (jaggery), which symbolise harmony and warmth in relationships. He expressed hope that the festival would bring happiness, prosperity and success into everyones lives. What is Makar Sankranti? Makar Sankranti, celebrated on January 14, marks the Suns northward journey into Capricorn (Makar Rashi) and signals the end of winter and the start of longer, sunnier days across India. It is a harvest festival. People exchange sesame-jaggery sweets called tilgul, fly kites, light bonfires and worship Sun god. Each region adds unique customs and rituals to Makar Sankranti. In northern India, Punjab celebrates Lohri with bonfires, Bhangra dances, and children singing for sweets like rewri and gajak. Bihar and Jharkhand observe Khichdi Parv or Donya, combining river dips, bonfires, and khichdi feasts. Uttar Pradesh marks the festival with Ganga baths and community meals to promote compassion. In western states, Gujarats Uttarayan features rooftop kite battles and dishes like undhiyu and chikki, while Maharashtra exchanges tilgul with the phrase Tilgul ghya, god god bola." Rajasthans Sakraat blends prayers to the Sun with sesame sweets. In the south, Tamil Nadus Pongal spans four days with Bhogi bonfires, Surya Pongal, cattle honouring, and festive foods. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana celebrate Pedda Panduga, while Karnataka observes Suggi, sharing sesame treats and decorating cattle. In the east and north, Assams Magh Bihu and Uttarakhands Ghughuti feature bonfires, pitha and sweets. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 09:13 IST News india Sweetness Of Til And Gud Add Warmth: PM Modi Greets Nation On Makar Sankranti 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... 'Threatened, Forced To Marry': Indian Woman Sarabjeet Kaur's Pakistan Ordeal | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 10:44 IST CNN-News18 has accessed audio and video recordings in which Sarabjeet Kaur is purportedly heard pleading for help, stating that she is not free and wants to return to India. According to her husband, Karnail Singh, Sarabjeet Kaur was lured and later coerced by a Pakistani man, Nasir Hussain, whom she had been in contact with through social media. The case of Indian national Sarabjeet Kaur has raised serious concerns over the safety of religious minorities and Indian pilgrims visiting Pakistan under the 1974 bilateral pilgrimage protocol. Sarabjeet Kaur, who travelled to Pakistan on a religious visa, is currently lodged in a shelter home in Lahore, with no visible progress on her deportation to India. Her family alleges she was kidnapped, blackmailed, forcibly converted, and married against her will claims that have now drawn the attention of Pakistani courts and multiple state institutions. According to her husband, Karnail Singh, Sarabjeet Kaur was lured and later coerced by a Pakistani man, Nasir Hussain, whom she had been in contact with through social media. Singh, speaking to CNN-News18, alleges that Hussain recorded compromising videos and photographs of Sarabjeet Kaur and used them to blackmail her. He claims she was threatened at gunpoint, forced to travel to Pakistan, and compelled to convert to Islam and marry Hussain under duress. Singh further alleges that Hussain sent the explicit material to Sarabjeet Kaurs family repeatedly to intimidate and humiliate them. CNN-News18 has accessed audio and video recordings in which Sarabjeet Kaur is purportedly heard pleading for help, stating that she is not free and wants to return to India. Singh says he possesses multiple recordings where his wife asks to be rescued, adding that her mental and physical health has deteriorated, with dangerously high blood pressure and signs of severe depression. The family has also alleged that Nasir Hussain kidnapped Sarabjeet Kaurs three sisters, a claim that, if substantiated, would significantly escalate the gravity of the case. The Lahore High Court is currently examining the alleged misuse of the pilgrimage visa and the legality of Sarabjeet Kaurs marriage. The court has sought detailed reports from several Pakistani state institutions, including the Prime Ministers Office, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the Punjab Police. However, the Pakistani Interior Ministry has so far failed to issue a Special Travel Permit or a No Objection Certificate (NOC), effectively delaying her return to India. Beyond this individual case, the allegations have reignited broader concerns about the safety of religious minorities in Pakistan. Sikh and Hindu communities have long reported targeted violence, forced conversions, and intimidation, particularly against women. Critics argue that the 1974 pilgrimage protocol designed to facilitate safe religious travel between India and Pakistan is being systematically misused, exposing pilgrims to grave risks. Top intelligence sources have also expressed alarm that religious visas are being exploited to trap and coerce women into forced marriages and conversions. The situation, they argue, has worsened in recent years, with claims that Pakistani authorities have failed to provide adequate protection or accountability. The Sarabjeet Kaur case has prompted calls for greater international scrutiny. Her family has urged the Pakistani government to secure her immediate release and punish those responsible, while appealing to the international community particularly Western nations with diplomatic ties to Pakistan to pressure Islamabad to uphold minority rights and honour bilateral safety commitments. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 10:44 IST News india 'Threatened, Forced To Marry': Indian Woman Sarabjeet Kaur's Pakistan Ordeal | Exclusive 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... Woman Hid Murder Conviction Before Marriage, HC Upholds Divorce Granted On Husbands Plea Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 20:38 IST Jharkhand HC upheld divorce for a husband after his wife concealed her age and murder conviction, ruling that trust is vital in marriage and her conduct caused mental cruelty. The court held that the wife had concealed material facts before contracting the marriage, including her actual age and her conviction to life imprisonment in a murder case.(Representative Image) The Jharkhand High Court has upheld the dissolution of a marriage after observing that trust and respect form the foundation of the marital relationship, and a spouse cannot be compelled to continue a marriage founded on concealment of grave facts. A division bench of Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice Arun Kumar Rai upheld a decree of divorce granted in favour of a husband who alleged that his wife had suppressed her actual age and her conviction in a murder case prior to marriage. The bench dismissed the appeal filed by the woman, who had challenged the Family Court order that had dissolved her marriage under Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act. The High Court held that the wife had concealed material facts before contracting the marriage, including her actual age and her conviction to life imprisonment in a murder case. Such concealment, the bench said, caused mental agony to the husband and destroyed the foundation of trust essential for a marital relationship. The conduct of the appellant-wife by concealing the material fact about her age and her conviction of life in a murder case before contracting marriage has caused mental agony to the respondent-husband to such an extent that it is almost impossible for them to live together where the thread of trust has already been broken," the bench noted as quoted by LiveLaw. Emphasising the importance of trust, the bench noted that marriage is a relationship built on mutual trust, companionship and shared experiences, and once that trust is breached, it cannot be restored. The court found from the evidence on record that the wife had suppressed several crucial facts prior to marriage. It held that the Family Court, after proper appreciation of oral and documentary evidence, had rightly concluded that the wifes conduct amounted to mental cruelty towards the husband. Whats The Case? The marriage between the two was solemnised on April 15, 2019, in Gumla district. Soon after, disputes arose, prompting the husband to approach the Family Court seeking dissolution of marriage. He alleged that while the wifes age was disclosed as 27 years at the time of marriage, he later discovered that she was around 40 years old. He further claimed that she had concealed her conviction in a 2006 murder case, in which she and her brother were sentenced to life imprisonment, and that he became aware of this only after marriage. The husband also alleged that there was no normal conjugal relationship and that the wife repeatedly threatened to kill him and his family members. The wife, however, denied the allegations, claiming that all details regarding her age and the criminal case were disclosed prior to marriage and that she intended to save the marital relationship. Upholding the September 2022 judgment of the Family Court, Gumla, the High Court held that the findings did not suffer from perversity and required no interference. The appeal was dismissed, and all pending interlocutory applications were disposed of. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Ranchi, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 20:38 IST News india Woman Hid Murder Conviction Before Marriage, HC Upholds Divorce Granted On Husbands Plea 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... Rakul Preet Singh And Karishma Tanna Make A Case Of Indian Inspired Suits Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 14:42 IST While Rakul Preet Singh wore a black suit for the wedding reception, Karishma Tanna donned a black suit with floral detail for a fun photo shoot. Rakul Preet Singh and Karishma Tanna Who said that suits only need to be black and boring? Well, these 2 Bollywood babes are proving that the stereotypical corporate outfit can make for a lovely fashion moment as well. Glimmering, gold and gilded, actors Rakul Preet Singh and Karishma Tanna were recently spotted in Indian-inspired black suits. Both of the actors made their fashion statements and styled their looks in different ways. Suits are no longer just meant for boring office meetings or client calls, they can be made fashionable with easy tweaks. A suit made from traditional Indian weaves will elevate the look. It will also allow you to mix and match your clothing items for different occasions. If you, too, are looking for an outfit that can be worn to work and for play, the Indian suit is the way to go. Heres a look at how Rakul Preet Singh and Karishma Tanna wore the outfits. Rakul Preet Singhs Ritika Mirchandani Set Attending the wedding reception of Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben, actor Rakul Preet Singh wore a suit set while she accompanied her husband, actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani. The couple twinned in black outfits. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Celebrity Buzz (@celebritybuzzin) Rakul Preet wore a suit by designer Ritika Mirchandani, which featured a bustier and a sequinned long jacket. With a price tag of Rs 378,000, the actor looked stunning as she stood next to her husband. For her accessories, Rakul Preet took the adage more is more to heart. She layered a few necklaces to create a maximalist look that also settled well with her V-neck bustier. She added a statement ring with an emerald jewel on her right hand and a few more rings on her left. The actor also carried a mini black clutch by Regal Shoes (2,990). For her glam, she kept the makeup simple, with a shimmery eyeshadow that paired well with her outfit, pinkish-nude lips and rimmed her eyes with kohl. With a few wisps of hair framing her face, the actors hair was tied into a high ponytail. Karishma Tannas Paulmi & Harsh Set On the other hand, taking to social media, actor Karishma Tanna shared a photo dump where she posed in an elevator while wearing a black suit with delicate floral details. The actor wore a 3-piece Paulmi & Harsh set that features a fitted bustier with a sweetheart neckline. She also donned the high-waisted, wide-legged trousers that are paired well with an open blazer. It comes with a price tag of Rs 20,200 and is perfect for weddings, parties and events where the dress code is chic yet sophisticated. The Russian self-woven silver jacquard blazer set has intricate floral jaal detail. Karishma Tanned paired it with brown boots and accessorised with a green choker set and matching bracelet. For her glam, Karishma Tanna opted for sleek straight hair and a light dusting of makeup. Pink shimmery eyeshadow with a defined black winged eyeliner elevated the look, and she rounded it off with a nude lipstick. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 14:42 IST News lifestyle fashion Rakul Preet Singh And Karishma Tanna Make A Case Of Indian Inspired Suits Happy Magh Bihu 2026: Boghali Bihu Wishes, Images, Quotes, And Messages To Celebrate Assam Harvest Festival Published By : Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 07:15 IST Happy Magh Bihu 2026: Share heartfelt wishes, quotes and messages to celebrate Assams Bhogali Bihu with family and friends. Rapid Read Happy Magh Bihu 2026: Wishes, Images, Greetings, Cards, Quotes Messages, Photos, SMSs WhatsApp and Facebook Status to share. (Image: Shutterstock) Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu or Maghor, is one of Assams most celebrated festivals. Observed in the month of Magh (JanuaryFebruary), it marks the end of the harvesting season and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. In 2026, Magh Bihu will fall on Thursday, January 15. Significance of Magh Bihu The festival coincides with the Earths slight axial shift, signalling the arrival of spring and the end of winter. The term Bhog" means enjoyment or feasting, which is why the day is also called Bhogali Bihu. It is a time to celebrate abundance, express gratitude for the harvest, and strengthen community bonds. Rituals and Traditions Magh Bihu celebrations are lively and include: Uruka Night: Families prepare Bhelaghar and Meji (temporary bamboo huts) and cook traditional dishes like sunga pitha, til pitha, and coconut laddus. Bonfires: People take baths and light bonfires of bamboo, hay, and dried banana leaves. Music and Dance: Folk songs and dances celebrate community, joy, and cultural pride. Sharing Feasts: Families, friends, and neighbours dine together, promoting unity and generosity. Magh Bihu Wishes I hope you have a happy Magh Bihu that is full of love and joy. I hope this Bihu brings you health and unending joy. Enjoy feasts and celebrations in honour of the harvest. Cheers to Magh Bihu! May Magh Bihus warmth bring happiness and tranquillity into your life. Warmest wishes for a prosperous and happy Bhogali Bihu! I hope you have a blessed and joyous Magh Bihu festival. Together, lets honour the spirit of Magh Bihu. Enjoy a warm, loving, and culturally proud Magh Bihu. Cheers to a wonderful harvest season and an exciting future. Cheers to Bihu! Savour the blessings of Bhogali Bihu with bonfires and feasts! Magh Bihu 2026 Quotes I hope you and your loved ones have an amazing Magh Bihu. Enjoy the harvest season with thankfulness and joy. Cheers to Magh Bihu! I hope this Bihu brings fresh starts and limitless possibilities. This Magh Bihu, lets celebrate in a spirit of solidarity and appreciation. I hope you have a joyous, healthy, and prosperous festival. I hope your Magh Bihu is as enjoyable as the customary feasts! Magh Bihus campfire represents joy and hope. Continue to be blessed! This Bihu, gather your joy, indulge in love, and rejoice in harmony! We learn to be grateful for lifes blessings from Magh Bihu. Enjoy, chuckle and honour the spirit of Magh Bihu. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Assam, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 07:15 IST News lifestyle Happy Magh Bihu 2026: Boghali Bihu Wishes, Images, Quotes, And Messages To Celebrate Assam Harvest Festival Happy Makar Sankranti 2026: Best Wishes, Quotes, Images, And WhatsApp Status To Share With Loved Ones Published By : Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 07:00 IST Happy Makar Sankranti 2026: Share warm wishes, messages, quotes and festive images with loved ones. Rapid Read Happy Makar Sankranti Wishes In Marathi 2026: Wishes, messages, quotes, greetings, SMS, WhatsApp and Facebook status to share with your family and friends. (Image: Shutterstock) Happy Makar Sankranti 2026 Wishes: Makar Sankranti is a festival that marks a positive shift in nature and life. It is linked to the Suns movement into Capricorn and is seen as a time when colder days slowly give way to warmth and light. For many people, it also signals fresh energy, hope, and new beginnings. This year, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The festival is celebrated across India in different ways. From flying kites and lighting bonfires to sharing traditional food, the day brings families and communities together. Below are some messages, quotes, wishes, and images to share with loved ones: Happy Makar Sankranti Wishes May our home always be filled with love, laughter, warmth, and togetherness on this Sankranti and always. Heres to a joyful Makar Sankranti and many happy times ahead with family and friends. Flying kites, sharing sweets, and laughing together, lets make this Makar Sankranti truly special and full of joy. May we rise high like kites in the sky and spread happiness like til-gur in every home. Happy Makar Sankranti to all of us. May this Sankranti fill our hearts with sweetness and leave us with memories we will treasure for years. Til-gur may be sweet, but the time we spend together as a family makes this festival even sweeter. Feeling grateful for family, love, and togetherness as we celebrate this beautiful festival of Sankranti. May our happiness continue to rise higher each year, just like kites soaring freely in the sky. Wishing us new memories, brighter days, and many happy moments to cherish this Makar Sankranti. Lets take a moment to celebrate all the good times and memories that bring us closer as a family. Happy Makar Sankranti 2026: Messages To Send Warm Thoughts May Makar Sankranti bring fresh hope and new chances into your life. Happy Makar Sankranti. Let this festival add colour, love, and peace to your days. Wishing you a blessed day! Let us welcome this festival with gratitude and joy. Happy Sankranti, my dear ones! Wishing you peace, happiness, and good health today and always. Happy Makar Sankranti 2026! May the sun fill your days with warmth, success, and happiness. Happy Makar Sankranti to you and your family! On this special day, may your life stay sweet like til-gur and full of joy. Warm Greetings on Makar Sankranti! Wishing you good health, steady growth, and happy moments ahead. Happy Makar Sankranti 2026! May Surya Dev guide you towards bright days and calm paths. Lots of love and wishes to your family! May your dreams rise high, just like kites in the sky. Happy Makar Sankranti 2026! May this Sankranti bring energy, strength, and smiles to your life. Sending you warm Makar Sankranti greetings. Happy Makar Sankranti Quotes That Reflect The Spirit of the Festival Let this Sankranti bring joy and growth to your home. Wishing you a Happy Makar Sankranti! Fly high like a kite and aim for new heights. Best wishes for a bright and cheerful festival! The air feels warmer with til and jaggery. Happy Makar Sankranti to you and your family! May your days shine as bright as the Sankranti sun. Celebrate the harvest season with thankful hearts. Wishing you a joyful and prosperous Makar Sankranti! Wishing you warmth, smiles, and sweet moments. Happy Makar Sankranti to all my dear ones! May the Sun God bless you with strength and hope. Have a joyful Makar Sankranti! As the sun moves into a new phase, may it bring fresh beginnings and many blessings into your life. Just like bright kites in the sky, may your joy and energy rise high. May this special day fill your life with colours and happiness, just like the kites above. Why Makar Sankranti Holds Special Meaning Makar Sankranti is closely tied to the harvest season. Farmers celebrate their hard work, and people express gratitude for natures gifts. Many believe that taking a holy dip in rivers and giving food or clothes to those in need on this day brings peace and good fortune. The festival is also linked to Surya Dev, the Sun God. Worshipping the sun is believed to bring good health, strength, and clarity. Sharing sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery (til and gur) is a common tradition, as they stand for warmth, togetherness, and sweetness in relationships. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 07:00 IST News lifestyle Happy Makar Sankranti 2026: Best Wishes, Quotes, Images, And WhatsApp Status To Share With Loved Ones UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Insecurity and administrative hurdles severely restrict aid access in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) despite a relatively calm period, said UN humanitarians on Wednesday. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said roadblocks are hampering life-saving operations in Fizi, Mwenga and Uvira in South Kivu. "The area hosts more than 330,000 human beings who have fled conflict," OCHA said. "It is also facing a surge in cholera cases. In the first half of this month, health authorities in Fizi, Mwenga and Uvira reported more than 1,200 suspected cholera cases and 28 deaths." The office said that while its humanitarian partners are scaling up their response, fighting and red tape continue to slow down their operations. Key roads have been designated as zones of military operations, and armed groups reportedly confiscated at least three vehicles belonging to humanitarian partners since Dec. 22. Restrictions on transport supplies across lakes have delayed the response to the cholera outbreak, said OCHA. The office said it is engaging with local authorities to secure guarantees for humanitarian access to all the necessary areas. The United Nations also continues to urge all parties in the eastern DRC to respect international humanitarian law and principles, and to facilitate immediate, safe and unhindered access. How A Routine Pap Smear Could Change The Future Of Womens Health In India Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 07:16 IST Doctors explain how routine Pap smear screening and HPV testing can prevent cervical cancer, enable early detection, and reshape womens healthcare outcomes across India. January is celebrated as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (Getty Images) Cervical cancer remains one of the most pressing yet preventable health challenges facing Indian women today. India accounts for a significant share of global cervical cancer cases, and alarmingly, many diagnoses still occur at advanced stages, when treatment becomes complex, expensive, and emotionally draining. Medical experts agree that one simple test, when done routinely, has the power to change this narrative: the Pap smear. Dr Afshan Maniyar, MBBS, MS (Obs & Gyn), Ruby Hall Clinic, believes the Pap smear is one of the most effective tools for early detection. She explains that the test identifies abnormal cell changes in the cervix long before they turn cancerous. Early detection allows timely intervention," she notes, and in many cases, prevents cervical cancer from developing at all." Regular screening, she adds, can dramatically reduce mortality rates by treating precancerous lesions before they progress. Beyond detection, routine Pap smears play a broader role in womens health. Dr. Maniyar highlights that screening visits often become an entry point for education about cervical health, HPV vaccination, and safe sexual practices. When women come in for routine tests, it opens up conversations around preventive care rather than crisis management," she says. However, challenges remain. Limited awareness, especially in rural and underserved areas, continues to restrict access to screening. Social stigma around reproductive health further discourages many women from seeking preventive care. Dr. Maniyar stresses that addressing these barriers requires coordinated efforts, government-led screening programs, partnerships with NGOs, mobile health units, and trained community health workers to bring services closer to women who need them most. Reinforcing this perspective, Dr. Nidhi Sharma Chauhan, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Saifee Hospital, points out that cervical cancer is not only common in India, but also among the most preventable cancers. There are two simple strategies," she explains. HPV vaccination and routine screening through Pap tests or visual inspection of the cervix." She recommends Pap smear screening for every sexually active woman starting at the age of 25. Dr Chauhan emphasises that Pap smears detect cellular changes years before symptoms appear, allowing treatment at a stage when outcomes are far more favourable. She also highlights the growing use of the HPVPap co-test, which combines detection of the virus responsible for cervical cancer with microscopic examination of cervical cells. This dual approach strengthens early diagnosis and improves preventive care," she says. A major concern, Dr. Chauhan notes, is that many women still seek medical help only when symptoms become severe leading to late diagnosis and poorer outcomes. Regular screening, she explains, can shift the healthcare model from late-stage treatment to true prevention. It also encourages women to engage more openly with healthcare providers, fostering awareness about reproductive health, sexually transmitted infections, and vaccination. Both doctors underline the wider impact of routine screening. Early detection significantly reduces emotional, physical, and financial stress for families, while also easing the burden on the healthcare system. Dr. Chauhan strongly advocates for normalising Pap smears as part of routine health checks. A Pap test should be as essential for a woman as screening for diabetes or blood pressure," she says. Looking ahead, experts agree that widespread education and government-supported programs are critical for a country as vast and diverse as India. A routine Pap smear may take only a few minutes, but its potential impact saving lives, preventing suffering, and reshaping womens healthcare is profound. By embracing preventive screening as a norm rather than an exception, India can take a decisive step toward a healthier future for its women. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 07:16 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness How A Routine Pap Smear Could Change The Future Of Womens Health In India Why Cervical Cancer Is Rising Among Younger Women: Doctors Explain The Changing Trend Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 07:55 IST Doctors explain why cervical cancer cases are rising among younger women, highlighting the role of HPV infection, low vaccination rates, changing sexual patterns, delayed screening January is celebrated as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (Getty Images) Cervical cancer, once considered a disease affecting mostly middle-aged and older women, is increasingly being diagnosed in younger age groups across many countries, including India. Experts report a clear shift in age patterns over the years, with cases now being observed in women as young as 25. Earlier generations typically saw diagnoses in the mid-30s or later. This represents roughly a 10-year shift toward a younger age at diagnosis and is attributed to factors such as early sexual activity and low awareness about HPV. The primary reason behind the rising incidence of cervical cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer. Dr. Abhinav Narwariya, Consultant and Unit Head, Medical Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, explains that while most HPV infections clear on their own, persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can cause precancerous changes in the cervix that may progress to cancer over time. Younger women who acquire HPV early in life have a longer window during which these changes can develop. Changing social patterns also play a significant role. Earlier onset of sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, and inconsistent use of barrier protection increase the likelihood of HPV transmission. The cervix in adolescent and young women is biologically more susceptible to HPV infection, making early exposure particularly risky. Another major contributor is the low uptake of the HPV vaccine. Despite strong scientific evidence showing that HPV vaccination can prevent the majority of cervical cancer cases, vaccination coverage remains suboptimal. This is largely due to lack of awareness, myths, social stigma, and limited access in certain regions. As a result, many young women miss the opportunity to be vaccinated before exposure to the virus. Inadequate screening further compounds the problem. Regular screening through Pap smears or HPV testing can detect precancerous lesions early, when treatment is simple and highly effective. However, younger women often delay or skip screening due to the absence of symptoms, fear, or the misconception that they are too young to be at risk. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, and conditions that weaken the immune system can also increase the chances of persistent HPV infection and cancer progression. The rising incidence of cervical cancer in younger women highlights an urgent need for action. Strengthening HPV vaccination programs, promoting safe sexual practices, and ensuring timely screening can significantly reduce the burden of this disease. With the right preventive strategies in place, cervical cancer can move closer to becoming a rare condition rather than a growing threat. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 07:55 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness Why Cervical Cancer Is Rising Among Younger Women: Doctors Explain The Changing Trend Kanuma Panduga 2026: Date, Significance, Rituals And Traditions Published By : Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 08:25 IST Kanuma Panduga 2026 falls on January 15 and honours cattle during Sankranti. From Go Puja rituals to cultural traditions, heres why the festival is vital to agrarian life. Cattle are decorated and worshipped during Kanuma Panduga, a key harvest festival in Telugu-speaking regions. Kanuma Festival 2026: Kanuma Panduga, a vibrant harvest festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is an integral part of the four-day Makar Sankranti festivities. Observed on January 15, 2026, the day is dedicated to honouring cattle and farm animals that play a vital role in agrarian life. Rooted in agricultural and mythological traditions, Kanuma highlights gratitude toward nature, livestock, and sustainable farming practices. The festival closely resembles Mattu Pongal in Tamil Nadu, reflecting shared harvest traditions across southern India. Date and Timing: When Is Kanuma 2026? In 2026, Kanuma Panduga will be marked on Thursday, January 15, as per the traditional Hindu calendar Drik Panchang. This marks an event preceding Mukkanuma/Kaanum Pongal celebrated on January 16, as well as Makara Sankranti on January 14. While Sankranti celebrates the Suns northward voyage (Uttarayana) and harvest thanksgiving, Kanuma stands out for its emphasis on cattle and gratitude for the harvesting tools such as cows and oxen that have sustained farmers for ages. Cultural Significance Of Kanuma Panduga Cattle, especially bulls and cows, have significant importance in agricultural communities. In a devoted tribute to such usage, they are ornamented with turmeric powder, kumkum (or vermillion), flower decorations in the form of strings, bells, and coloured designs on the cattle of Kanuma. Devoted pujas (or prayers) and food are also given to the cattle. This is a significant pointer to the divine assistance to agricultural existence and is linked to the myth of Lord Krishnas recall of raising the Govardhan Hill to protect farmers and their cattle during heavy rains. In addition to the ritual practices, there is a great significance given to conscious resource use, responsible animal handling, and thanking the earth for providing food for sustenance to the communities. Kanuma Panduga 2026: Rituals and Festive Practices Cattle Worship: The main ceremony, also known as Go Puja or Govardhana Puja, is paying respect to animals via prayers, food offerings, and symbolic activities. The main ceremony, also known as Go Puja or Govardhana Puja, is paying respect to animals via prayers, food offerings, and symbolic activities. Decoration and Feeding: Many homes and communities conduct little processions to display the exquisitely adorned livestock. Animals are ornamented and fed special treats. Many homes and communities conduct little processions to display the exquisitely adorned livestock. Animals are ornamented and fed special treats. Community Celebrations: In rural settings, neighbours may gather together for community meals, friendly competitions, and livestock displays. Many Telugu communities also eat traditional meals, share seasonal harvest dishes, and spend time with friends and family during the Sankranti season, strengthening links of family and cultural continuity. Mukkanuma, also known as Kaanum Pongal in nearby Tamil regions, continues the joyful atmosphere the day after Kanuma with further feasting, family get-togethers, and ongoing displays of thanks to the community and environment. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 08:25 IST News lifestyle Kanuma Panduga 2026: Date, Significance, Rituals And Traditions Magh Bihu 2026: Date, Timings, Significance, Rituals And All About Assams Harvest Festival Published By : Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 08:35 IST Magh Bihu is one of the most important harvest festivals of Assam, which is enjoyed with delicious food as well as folk music and dance. Magh Bihu 2026 will be celebrated on Thursday, January 15. Magh Bihu Festival 2026: Date, Timings and Significance: Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu or Maghar Domahi, is one of Assams most important festivals. Celebrated in the Assamese month of Magh (JanuaryFebruary), it marks the successful completion of the harvest season and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. Closely associated with Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu 2026 will be observed on Thursday, January 15, bringing together communities through food, rituals, and age-old traditions. Magh Bihu 2026: Date And Timings In 2026, Magh Bihu will be celebrated on January 15 and the Sankranti Moment on Magh Bihu falls on January 14 at 3:30 PM. The celebrations begin a day before Magh Bihu, known as Uruka, the last day of the Poush month. Uruka Night And Meji Rituals On this day, people build temporary huts called Meji. These huts are made of bamboo, leaves and thatch. Women prepare bhog in the Bhelaghar, which includes special rice sweets like sunga pitha, til pitha, and coconut laddus. Inside the Meji families and villagers dine together, sing, celebrate and enjoy the festive night. The occasion reflects unity, togetherness and cultural pride. On Magh Bihu morning, the Meji huts are burnt as part of a sacred ritual. The ashes are then scattered across farmlands, symbolising blessings for fertile soil and prosperous crops. As per the culture of Assam, various traditional rituals such as Tekeli Bhonga, buffalo fight and prayers are performed to seek blessings from the ancestral deities. Cultural Significance Of Magh Bihu Magh Bihu is one of the three major Bihu festivals of Assam. This festival is enjoyed with delicious food as well as folk music and dance. People make bonfires with green bamboo, grass, fuel and dry banana leaves. Magh Bihu is celebrated to mark the successful end of the harvest season and to show gratitude for agricultural abundance. The celebration also allows people to enjoy the fruits of their labour after months of hard work. The festival promotes generosity, as food is shared freely among family members, neighbours, and other community members. Some of the important significances of this festival include: Enjoying harvest abundance Showing gratitude to nature and fire Reinforcement of community unity Preservation of cultural traditions Other harvest festivals of Assam include Rongali Bihu and Kongali or Kati Bihu. The Rongali Bihu coincides with the Assamese New Year and marks the start of the harvest season. The Kati Bihu is marked in honour of the period of relocation of the rice sampling. The term Kati refers to cut. The festival is also referred to as Kongali, as the granaries are generally empty News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Assam, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 08:35 IST News lifestyle Magh Bihu 2026: Date, Timings, Significance, Rituals And All About Assams Harvest Festival Uttarayan 2026: Date, Time, Rituals And Significance Published By : Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 07:05 IST Uttarayan 2026: Check the correct date, time, rituals and significance of Uttarayan, celebrated during Makar Sankranti across India. Rapid Read Uttarayan 2026 marks the Suns northward movement and is widely celebrated with kite flying, prayers and charity across India. Uttarayan Festival 2026 Date, Time and Significance: Uttarayan 2026 will be observed on Wednesday, January 14, marking the point at which the Sun begins its northward movement. In many parts of India the day is also known as Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan. According to the Panchang followed in New Delhi, the Uttarayan Sankranti moment will occur at 3:13 pm on January 14. This solar shift is linked to seasonal change. Nights begin to shorten. Daylight increases. In agricultural regions, it is also treated as the start of a new cycle tied to harvest and climate. Uttarayan 2026: Date and time Uttarayan: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Makar Sankranti: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Sankranti moment: 3:13 pm (New Delhi Panchang) Astrologically, the Sun is said to move from Sagittarius (Dhanu) into Capricorn (Makar) on this day. The transition is associated with renewal and forward movement. Uttarayan 2026: Religious and Cultural Significance Uttarayan is traditionally dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God. Devotees across India mark the day with early morning baths, prayers at sunrise, and acts of charity. In Hindu belief, the six months of Uttarayan is considered especially auspicious. Texts like the Bhagavad Gita reference this phase as a time linked with spiritual clarity and positive momentum. Because of this, many people schedule vows, marriages, and religious observances from this date onward. Pilgrimage centres such as Varanasi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Gangasagar see large numbers of visitors who take ritual dips in sacred rivers. Rituals Observed During Uttarayan Common practices include: Bathing before sunrise Offering water to the rising Sun Lighting lamps and chanting Surya mantras Donating food, clothes, or grains Sesame seeds, jaggery, and sattvik foods are often prepared and shared. Regional Observances on Uttarayan The same day is observed under different names across India: Uttarayan Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra Makar Sankranti North India Pongal Tamil Nadu Bhogi / Bhogi Pandigai Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Lohri Punjab (on the eve) In Gujarat, the day is marked by large-scale kite flying with cities like Ahmedabad and Surat turning into informal festival zones. Uttarayan continues to function as a cultural reset point. It links astronomy, agriculture, religion, and social customs into a single calendar moment one that is still widely observed, even in urban settings. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 07:05 IST News lifestyle Uttarayan 2026: Date, Time, Rituals And Significance Alia Bhatt Looks Stunning In Saree As She Shares Glimpse Of Tuesday Night Out | Pics Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 12:30 IST Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor made a striking style statement on January 13 as they stepped out for a close friends wedding celebration. Alia Bhatt Looks Stunning In Saree As She Shares Glimpse Of Tuesday Night Out | Pics Alia Bhatt once again set the internet abuzz as she shared stunning glimpses from her Tuesday night out," leaving fans swooning over her saree look. The actress posted a series of pictures that showcased her effortless style and charm. Taking to her Instagram stories, Alia Bhatt shared two photos, giving fans a glimpse into her Tuesday night out. Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor were spotted stepping out to attend a friends wedding. For the evening, Alia embraced timeless grace in a classic saree, while Ranbir opted for a sharply tailored kurta set, together creating a coordinated yet individualistic look ideal for wedding festivities. Take a look here: Alia Bhatt And Ranbir Kapoor Serve Elegant Wedding Guest Style In Traditional Ensembles Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor made a striking style statement on January 13 as they stepped out for a close friends wedding celebration. Dressed in elegant traditional ensembles, the couple perfectly embodied understated glamour, offering major inspiration for festive wedding dressing. Alia chose an ivory saree that exuded quiet luxury. The six-yard drape was adorned with delicate silver and ice-blue floral embellishments that added just the right amount of sparkle without overwhelming the look. Intricate gemstone detailing along the border elevated the ensemble, giving it a refined, festive finish. She styled the saree in a traditional drape, allowing the pallu to cascade gracefully over one shoulder while subtly highlighting the craftsmanship. The matching blouse complemented the saree beautifully, featuring a deep V-neckline, a plunging back design, and a sleeveless, fitted silhouette. Floral embroidery in silver and ice-blue sequins tied the look together seamlessly, while the cropped hem added a modern edge. About Alia Bhatt And Ranbir Kapoor Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, fondly referred to as RaLia by fans, continue to be one of Bollywoods most adored couples. Their love story began on the sets of Brahmastra in 2018, where they struck an instant bond and went on to date for several years. The couple tied the knot on April 14, 2022, in an intimate ceremony held at their Bandra residence in Mumbai, attended by close friends and family. They welcomed their daughter, Raha Kapoor, on November 6, 2022. While the couple initially chose to keep her away from the public eye, they later introduced her to the paparazzi during the Kapoor familys annual Christmas lunch. Since then, Raha has often been spotted charming photographers with her playful interactions. On the professional front, Alia and Ranbir are set to reunite on screen for Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Love and War. The period drama, inspired by Sangam and Pearl Harbor, also stars Vicky Kaushal in a pivotal role and is slated for release later this year. Apart from the collaboration, both actors have multiple individual projects lined up, keeping their schedules packed News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 12:30 IST News movies bollywood Alia Bhatt Looks Stunning In Saree As She Shares Glimpse Of Tuesday Night Out | Pics Go To A 9-to-5 Job: Veteran Actor Disapproves Of Deepika Padukones 8-Hour Shift Demand Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 20:37 IST Veteran actor Rajendra Chawla weighs in on the work-hour debate, saying the film industry demands 1214 hour shifts and those seeking fixed hours should choose a 9-to-5 job. Veteran actor reacts to Deepika Padukone's fixed shift hours. The Hindi film industry has been involved in a debate over fixed working hours for actors. Several actors, producers, and directors have shared their views on the debate. While many supported Deepika Padukones demand for an 8-hour work shift for actors, a few called the demands unnecessary. Now, veteran actor Rajendra Chawla has shared his view on the matter. Speaking to the Bollywood Bubble YouTube channel, Chawla shared, I understand that, but if you are coming into this industry, you have to realise from the first day that this is the way it works. You have to accept the fact that the shifts go on for 1214 hours because the volume of work has increased a lot." For example, one has to deliver 2225 minutes of content for daily soaps. Now, amidst all that, agar aap yeh chochle paalte rahenge (if youll keep worrying about these things) that I will work for 8 hours or 5 hours, then how will the work get finished? If you entered this race, then you have to run according to it. If you cant accept that, then go to a 9-to-5 job and stay happy there. No one has forced you to be here. Its better to sleep tired than to sleep frustrated," Chawla further continued. Chawla shared that the quality of facilities actors get on set has changed for the better, recalling a time when even actors like Amitabh Bachchan would sit wearing their full costume under the sun. Chawla said, Things for actors have got so much better now. Everyone has their vanity and their entourages. Women used to change out in the open and behind trees during our time. There were no air-conditioned makeup rooms or floors. People like Amitabh Bachchan would be sitting wearing their full costume under the sun. Nowadays, people go to their vanity if they dont have their shot." He further gave an example from his own life and shared, Once a supervising producer came to me while I was working on Saas Bina Sasural. He told me, Sir, we never hear a complaint about you. You never say anything. I told him, What should I complain about? When I used to go for theatre shows, we would sleep in rooms filled with insects. They used to give us durees (rugs) to sleep on. You guys have given me a vanity van, fruits, and a bedsheet with my name on itwhat should I complain about?" News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 20:37 IST News movies bollywood Go To A 9-to-5 Job: Veteran Actor Disapproves Of Deepika Padukones 8-Hour Shift Demand Kriti Sanon Says She'll 'Never Give Away' Nupur Sanon, Welcomes 'Brother' Stebin Ben To Family Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 23:22 IST Kriti Sanon got emotional as sister Nupur married Stebin Ben, sharing heartfelt wedding photos and a touching note welcoming him to the family. Kriti Sanon shares emotional moments from sister Nupur Sanons wedding to Stebin Ben. Kriti Sanons younger sister, Nupur Sanon, tied the knot with longtime partner Stebin Ben in a dreamy wedding celebration held in Udaipur. The couple exchanged vows over two days, January 10 and 11, following both Christian and Hindu traditions, surrounded by close friends and family. Their wedding festivities concluded with a star-studded reception for Bollywood celebrities in Mumbai on Tuesday. Nupur and Stebin, who dated for several years before making their relationship official, kept their celebrations intimate yet elegant. Pictures from the ceremonies showcased the couples joyous moments, traditional rituals, and heartfelt emotions, quickly going viral on social media. Among the most touching highlights of the wedding was Kriti Sanons emotional reaction. The actress, who was visibly overwhelmed during the ceremonies, later poured her heart out in a deeply personal Instagram post, sharing stunning pictures of her baby sister" on her big day. Kriti Sanons Heartfelt Note For Her Jaan Sharing her emotions, Kriti wrote, Words can never be enough to explain what Im feeling.. still hasnt sunk in..My little one is married! From holding you in my arms for the first time when I was 5, to now holding your chaadar and seeing you all dressed up as the prettiest bride Ive ever seen." She went on to welcome Stebin Ben into the Sanon family, revealing how close he already was to them. My heart is so full seeing you so happy, in love and beginning the next and the most beautiful chapter of your life with the Best life partner we could ever ask for you.. @stebinben youve been a part of our family for more than 5yrs now and our bond has strengthened with each passing year.. I love you Stebu and I know Ive gained a brother and a friend for life whos always gonna be there for me." Blessing the newlyweds, Kriti added, Seeing you two tie the knot and say your vows has been one of the most emotionally beautiful moments of my life! What precious memories." She concluded her note on a bittersweet yet loving note, writing, Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness and love. She is my JAAN and I know shes yours too.. for life! Im never really Giving her away, so Welcome to the Sanon family. P.S. @nupursanon even though I know youre gonna be 20min away and will keep coming home, the house really feels empty without your laughter, but Im happy youll be spreading joy in 2 houses now..Ufff.. Love you both to the moon & back!" Kriti attended the ceremonies with her parents Rahul and Geeta Sanon and was accompanied by her rumoured boyfriend Kabir Bahia. Celebrities including Disha Patani, Mouni Roy, Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash were also present to bless the couple. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 23:22 IST News movies bollywood Kriti Sanon Says She'll 'Never Give Away' Nupur Sanon, Welcomes 'Brother' Stebin Ben To Family Ankita Lokhande, Vicky Jain Bring Couple Goals To Stebin Ben-Nupur Sanons Big Night Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 12:43 IST The couple were spotted sharing adorable moments as they held each other lovingly at the ceremony. Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain are expected to appear in Laughter Chefs 3. (Photo Credit: Instagram) Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain made an adorable appearance at Stebin Ben and Nupur Sanons wedding reception in Mumbai. On Tuesday night, the beloved television couple joined the star-studded celebration, looking their absolute best. In the video taken by paparazzi, the couple were seen lovingly holding each other and smiling as they posed for the shutterbugs. Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain Look Chic in Complementary Outfits In the video, Ankita donned a chic lavender gown, featuring long sleeves and a front slit. The additional frill detailing on the waist further elevated her look. For accessories, she opted for pearl necklaces and completed her look with a pair of silver stiletto heels. On the other hand, her husband, Vicky Jain, looked handsome in an all-black ensemble. He was seen wearing tailored black pants, paired with a matching crew-neck t-shirt. To elevate his look, Vicky added a black blazer on top. Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain Set to Appear on Laughter Chefs 3 The fan-favourite culinary comedy reality show Laughter Chefs has returned with season 3. Building on the increasing anticipation, Tellychakkar reports reveal that Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain, along with Nia Sharma and Arjun Bijlani, are set to return for the current season. Although no official confirmation has been released, the speculation has already stirred fans into a frenzy. For the unversed, Laughter Chefs season 3 features several popular television personalities in pairs. The current pair of this season includes Aly Goni and Jannat Zubair, Krushna Abhishek and Kashmeera Shah, Debina Bonnerje and Gurmeet Choudhary, Abhishek Kumar and Samarth Jurel, Elvish Yadav and Isha Malviya, Vivian Dsena and Eisha Singh, and Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash. About Stebin Ben and Nupur Sanons Reception Coming back to the wedding reception, Kriti Sanons sister Nupur tied the knot with popular musician Stebin Ben earlier this month in Udaipur. Following their wedding, the couple held a lavish reception in Mumbai on Tuesday. The star-studded guest list included the couples friends from the industry. Salman Khan, Rakul Preet Singh, Jackky Bhagnani, Neha Dhupia, Mouni Roy, Disha Patani, Lulia Vantur, Hina Khan, and Isha Malviya, among others. Kriti Sanon was present throughout the wedding and Mumbai reception, participating in rituals and sharing emotional moments with Nupur. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 12:43 IST News movies television Ankita Lokhande, Vicky Jain Bring Couple Goals To Stebin Ben-Nupur Sanons Big Night Punjabi Businessman Shot Dead Near His House In Canada's Surrey Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 13:24 IST The local police have recovered a burned vehicle, which is believed to be linked to the shooting. The victim has been identified as Binder Garcha, 48, a local businessman and owner of Studio12. A Punjabi businessman was shot dead near his farm in Surrey city of Canada on Tuesday. The victim has been identified as Binder Garcha, 48, a local businessman and owner of Studio12. The local police have recovered a burned vehicle, which is believed to be linked to the shooting. No suspects or motive have been confirmed, the police said. Last year in October, a 68-year-old Indian-origin businessman was shot dead outside his house in British Columbia province in a suspected targeted incident". Darshan Singh Sahsi, a Ludhiana-born businessman, was a prominent figure in the Punjabi community of Abbotsford city in Canadas British Columbia. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 13:18 IST News nri Punjabi Businessman Shot Dead Near His House In Canada's Surrey 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... WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The United States, Denmark and Greenland have agreed to establish a "high-level working group" to explore possible areas of compromise since a "fundamental disagreement" persists over the future of Greenland, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said here Wednesday. His remarks came just after U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met him and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt at the White House. Though calling the meeting "a frank but also constructive" discussion "focused on how to ensure the long-term security in Greenland," Rasmussen said at a press conference that Denmark and Greenland's "perspectives continue to differ" from the United States. "I must say, the president (U.S. President Donald Trump) has made his view clear, and we have a different position," Rasmussen said, asserting that in Denmark's view, Greenland's long-term security "can be ensured inside the current framework." "We agreed that it makes sense to try to sit down on a high level to explore whether there's possibilities to accommodate the concerns of the president while we at the same time, respect the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark. So this is the work we will start," he said, adding that the working group is expected to meet for the first time "within a matter of weeks." Rasmussen warned that "ideas that would not respect territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the right of self-determination of the Greenlandic people are, of course, totally unacceptable." Trump said Wednesday morning that anything less than Greenland becoming a part of the United States "is unacceptable," citing the need for U.S. national security and the Golden Dome project. On Tuesday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen held a joint press conference in Copenhagen to show their united front against Trump's repeated threats to acquire the largest island in the world "one way or the other." Nielsen said that if Greenland must choose between the U.S. and Denmark, "we choose Denmark." Frederiksen said her country is facing "completely unacceptable pressure" from its closest ally. "But there is much to suggest that the hardest part is still ahead of us." Since his first term, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to acquire Greenland. Both Greenland and Denmark have made clear that the island is not for sale. The White House said last week that Trump will not rule out the use of force. Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, while Copenhagen retains authority over defense and foreign policy. The United States maintains a military base on the island. Opinion | Greenland: The Cold Island At The Hot Centre Of Geopolitics Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 18:54 IST At the centre is US President Donald Trumps renewed campaign to bring Greenland under American control Rapid Read US President Donald Trump A seemingly remote Arctic island Greenland has become one of the most talked-about geopolitical flashpoints in early 2026. Once a background piece of NATO strategy in the High North, Greenland now sits at the heart of an international dispute that has strained ties between the United States, Denmark, its ally, and Greenland itself. At the centre is US President Donald Trumps renewed campaign to bring Greenland under American control, either through purchase, political pressure, or, in the most extreme formulation, force. This has elicited sharp pushbacks that illuminate deeper tensions in global order, alliance politics, and U.S. strategic priorities. WHY THE US IS TALKING ABOUT GREENLAND Greenland is massive roughly the size of Western Europe but sparsely populated; it has just about 57,000 people. It lies at the gateway to the Arctic and contains strategic assets and geographical advantages coveted by many powers: Its Arctic location is central to North Atlantic defence and monitoring of missile and space activity disciplines long supported by the U.S. through Pituffik Space Base under a 1951 defence agreement with Denmark. Its mineral and rare-earth resources are economically valuable in high-technology industries and defence supply chains. Increasing great-power competition in the Arctic partly as thawing ice opens new routes and military corridors has elevated its strategic importance. In a January 2026 interview, US President Donald Trump said full ownership" of Greenland was psychologically important" to him personally a vivid insight into why the administration has pressed the issue with unusual intensity. Trump has argued that U.S. control or influence over Greenland is needed to counter Russias and Chinas expansion in the Arctic claims that experts and local observers have challenged as exaggerated or inaccurate. Administration figures have floated a range of options: from negotiating direct payments to Greenlanders as an inducement to secede, to deepening U.S. military presence, to even invoking the possibility of military force. GREENLANDS LEADERS: WE CHOOSE DENMARK NOT THE US" Greenlands political leadership has responded with unambiguous rejection of any notion of U.S. takeover or annexation: Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen repeatedly stressed that Greenland chooses Denmark NATO and the EU," reinforcing that the territorys future must be decided by Greenlanders themselves. A joint statement by major Greenlandic parties declared they do not want to be American, maintaining that decisions must respect international law and self-determination. Surveys indicate that a large majority of Greenlanders oppose US governance or annexation. Greenlands government has also turned to NATO for defence frameworks, reinforcing that any security matters should be managed through the alliance rather than unilaterally by the US. DENMARK: A NATO ALLY STANDING FIRM ON SOVEREIGNTY Denmark the sovereign power over Greenland has forcefully pushed back against Washingtons overtures: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has declared that Greenland is not for sale" and that any attempt to coerce or control it would endanger Denmarks long-standing alliances. She warned that hostile U.S. actions toward a NATO ally would fundamentally undermine the alliance and its mutual defence guarantees. Copenhagen has warned that threatening a NATO ally erodes mutual trust and could undermine the very foundation of the alliance built after WWII. This stance is not simply symbolic. International law codifies territorial integrity and self-determination frameworks that reject predatory territorial acquisition. Past treaties between the U.S. and Denmark, including the 1951 defence agreement, explicitly recognise Danish sovereignty over Greenland, undercutting any legal argument for forced transfer of control. NATO AND EUROPEAN REACTION: ALARM AND SOLIDARITY European leaders have joined Denmark in signalling serious concern: Several EU and NATO states have warned that any unilateral U.S. attempt to seize Greenland even rhetorically could spell the end of NATO" and severely damage transatlantic relations. European defence officials have referenced mutual assistance clauses that could obligate them to aid Denmark if an ally is attacked. Diplomatic pressure is building for cooperative approaches to Arctic security that do not involve overturning sovereign rights or alliance norms. This breadth of pushback is significant: the notion that a leading NATO member should threaten territorial acquisition from another reveals deep alliance tension and institutional stress. WHY AN INVASION IS UNLIKELY BUT THE RHETORIC MATTERS Legally and practically, Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and not open to purchase or annexation under current international law. Denmark administers foreign policy for Greenland, and any changes to its status require consent from both Denmark and Greenland. NATOs collective defence obligations would complicate any scenario where one ally sought to seize territory from another. Still, Washington already enjoys significant strategic access to Greenland through existing treaties, meaning that, in practice, the U.S. can maintain or even expand military presence with Danish consent without altering sovereignty. WHAT THIS REVEALS ABOUT US FOREIGN POLICY IN 2026 The Greenland episode is not just about one icy territory. It reflects larger currents in US strategy especially under an administration willing to blend assertive rhetoric, transactional thinking, and unilateral posturing in pursuit of geopolitical advantage. This pattern mirrors other U.S. engagements, such as the maximum pressure diplomacy with Iran, where sanctions, military warnings, and punitive strategies are pursued alongside conventional diplomacy. Such approaches underscore a broader strategic posture emphasising hard power leverage, pressure tactics, and expansive assertions of national interest even at the risk of straining alliances and international norms. Viewed through that lens, the Greenland crisis fits a broader pattern: U.S. foreign policy that increasingly prioritises doctrine over diplomacy, confrontation over consensus, and unilateral influence over multilateral cooperation. A CRISIS OF PERCEPTION, LAW AND STRATEGY The Greenland crisis is far more than a quirky headline. It has become a profound geopolitical flashpoint: Greenland and Denmark have rejected U.S. claims and put sovereignty first. NATO and European allies have warned that coercive moves could undermine collective defence and alliance cohesion. International law clearly prioritises territorial integrity and self-determination, not conquest. And in the backdrop of other high-tension foreign-policy arenas including U.S.Iran tensions this episode underscores a broader critique: that Americas global strategy in 2026 is increasingly shaped by aggressive, unilateral rhetoric, which may achieve immediate attention but risks long-term fractures in alliances and legal norms. Ultimately, the debate over Greenland isnt just about geography its about who sets the rules of global engagement in the 21st century, and how power is balanced with principles of sovereignty, partnership and law. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 18:54 IST News opinion Opinion | Greenland: The Cold Island At The Hot Centre Of Geopolitics 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 | Why Are There No Eyes On Iran? Written By : & News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 17:23 IST The Islamic Republic has been witnessing unprecedented protests led by Irans Gen Z In Iran, street protests initially erupted. Over time, arrests and executions took place. In such cases, hunger strikes re-emerge as they require no permission. (Getty Images) It is rare that the usual social media active personalities like Arfa Khanam Sherwani, Rana Ayyub, Saba Naqvi, RJ Sayema, Sagarika Ghose, and their ilk remain suspiciously silent on anything, even if the incident occurs hundreds of miles away in another part of the world. Unsurprisingly then, they were talking when Israel decided to bomb the living daylights out of Hamas and Gaza following the October 7, 2023, massacre of innocent Israelis, or when US President Donald Trump decided to rain bunker busters on Iran, tearing through its nuclear facilities. X posts, podcasts, and videos appeared in quick succession more recently when Sherwani decided to take personal umbrage to Aditya Dhars magnum opus film Dhurandhar, leaving no stone unturned to use a cliche to sow doubts about the perceived mala fide intent of the film in the minds of the viewers. To little avail, it would appear, as Dhurandhar is fast emerging as Indias most commercially successful film, having garnered praise from most quarters except those who collapsed in paroxysms of spasmodic seizures in full public view. Surprisingly then, this coterie of charlatans, ubiquitous in their presence across platforms with unsolicited opinions, has been very quiet, seemingly stunned into apocalyptic silence by the events unfolding in Iran. The Islamic Republic has been witnessing unprecedented protests led by Irans Gen Z unequivocally fed up with the fascist mullah rule and battling an unemployment epidemic which has now been joined by traders and business owners. The most stunning images coming out of Iran, however, are of its women young, bold, and beautiful no longer prepared to submit to Islam or succumb to the whips and bullets of the Ayatollahs regime, like the unfortunate Mahsa Amini, and scores of others. While the media and social media is replete with gut-churning images of young women and men defying one of the most brutal Islamist regimes on earth, the silence of the Sherwanis and the Sayemas of the world is rather deafening. Why, pray, would you not let out a squeak while women are being dragged through the streets of Tehran and Isfahan by the IRGC and the Iranian moral police? Muslim women, arent they? The answer perhaps lies in the selective amnesia that seems to afflict this entire cabal of ideological counterfeits, particularly when Islamist regimes, groups or organisations are concerned. Iran has been ruled with an iron fist by a ruthless establishment of Shiite Islamist zealots since the 1979 Islamic Revolution which brought Ayatollah Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini to power, toppling the extremely unpopular King Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and sending him and his family into what then appeared to be permanent exile. Is it because the Bharat ka Musalman khatre mein hai" gang wants to deliberately ignore the glorious non-Islamic past of Iran and cannot stomach the fact that the republics Gen Z actually want their history back? Let us take a broad-stroke view of Irans tumultuous yet magnificent history. Persia remains one of the oldest and most influential civilisations in the world. From pre-historic cultures to Chalcolithic and Bronze Age civilisations, Persia was indeed the cradle of one of the earliest civilisations of ancient antiquity. Part of the Fertile Crescent where the first major crops were grown and home to one of the first urban civilisations of the ancient Near Eastthe Elamite CivilisationPersia was relevant both historically and geographically. The golden period of Persia began with the establishment of the Achaemenid Empire (550330 BCE) founded by perhaps the most renowned of all Persian kings, Cyrus the Great. The Achaemenids established what came to be known as the worlds first trans-continental empire, stretching from Greece to India. The Achaemenids made Zoroastrianism a religion based on the teachings of Zarathustra the state religion, and it remained so even after the conquest and annexation of Persia by Alexander the Great (334330 BCE), followed by the rule of the Parthian (247 BCE224 CE) and Sassanid (224 CE651 CE) empires. In the middle of the 7th century, armies directed by the Rashidun Caliphate raided Persia. From early incursions beginning in 633 CE to decisive battles Battle of Qadisiyyah (636) and Battle of Nahavand (642) Islamic rule over Persia was formalised after the assassination of Yazdegerd III, the last Sassanian king, in 651 CE. This not only ended the rule of the Sassanid Empire; it also sealed the fate of Persia in more ways than one. Islam replaced Zoroastrianism as the state religion, and the rest, as they say, is historical ignominy. The long and chequered story of Islamic rule over Persia was marked by the establishment and eventual collapse of a series of dynasties. One among them was the Pahlavi Dynasty, founded in 1925 by Reza Shah Pahlavifather of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the ill-fated king of Iran who was deposed during the Iranian Revolution of 1979 by Ruhollah Khomeini, the Islamist cleric who later became Irans supreme leader. This Revolution" not only marked the end of Irans historical monarchy but also ushered in an era of radical theocracy which reshaped the socio-political and legal landscape for women in the country. One of the earliest laws to be proclaimed in March 1979 by the Supreme Leader, the Ayatollah, was the observance of the Islamic dress code by women. By 1980, enforcement of the dress code in government offices began and by 1983, the penal code criminalised unveiled attire, with punishments ranging from fines to lashes and even prison terms. The rights enjoyed by women under the Family Protection Law a pre-Revolution law which guaranteed basic rights to womenwas taken away as the law was annulled and family matters were placed under Shariah courts, as a result, men gained authority in matters of marriage, divorce, and guardianship. While men no longer needed the permission of the court to divorce their spouse, women were forbidden from initiating divorce. Furthermore, polygamy was legalised and the age of consent reduced from 18 to 9. Yes, you read it right 9! New laws also mandated women to take the consent of a male guardian to obtain a passport or travel outside the country. From segregation in public spaces to restrictions on employment and political participation, women in Iran were literally caged with their wings systematically clipped. To make matters worse, hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad formalised the Gasht-e-Ershad (Guidance Patrol) in 2005 to enforce modesty". Targeting those with uncovered hair and certain kinds of attire considered immodest", the Gasht-e-Ershad became a symbol of state repression. In what can only be described as bizarre symbolism, the Guidance Patrol distributed flowers to women covered in chador a black cloak worn by women in Iranon Iranian Mothers Day in 2013. In 2016, the Iranian state deployed 7000 undercover Guidance Patrol officers to report violation" of the dress code. In a dramatic turn of events on 13 September 2022, the Gasht-e-Ershad arrested Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, for allegedly wearing her headscarf improperly. Amini died in police custody three days later, and her death inspired a wave of protests across Iran. What began with Aminis death has metamorphosed into a nation-wide call for not only the removal of the Islamic regime but also public denial of Islam as a state religion and instrument of state power. Little wonder then that the hijab is a choice" advocates in India have all decided to glue their mouths shut. After all, any semblance of support for the women and Gen Z of Iran would mean attracting the wrath of their cross-border handlers as well as trans-national funders. Just as suddenly the principle of choice becomes differentially applied, the hypocritical masks adorned by each one of these Islamo-Marxist clowns falls off exposing them for what they really areunprincipled, agenda-peddling louts, whose only claim to history remains a fraternal hate for nation and country, cloaked in moralistic virtue-signalling and political correctness. Dr Roshni Sengupta is an author, political commentator, and professor of politics and media at IILM University Gurugram. Dr Chandni Sengupta is assistant professor of history at Sri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi. 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 14, 2026, 17:23 IST News opinion Opinion | Why Are There No Eyes On Iran? 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... Outrage In Hounslow: Sikh Teenager Gangraped By Six Pakistani Men Sparks Grooming Concerns In UK | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 10:50 IST The assault involved up to six perpetrators, described as part of a grooming gang, who exploited the teenager's vulnerability through deception and coercion. Members of the Sikh community gather outside a pakistani mans house in Hounslow, London, after he raped a 15 year old Sikh girl. (Image: X) In a disturbing incident that unfolded in West Londons Hounslow, a 15-year-old Sikh girl was abducted, held captive, and gang-raped by a group of men of Pakistani origin, sparking protests on January 13. According to the reports, the girl was kept in a flat owned by a 34-year-old Pakistani man and was subjected to repeated sexual abuse over several hours or days. The assault involved up to six perpetrators, described as part of a grooming gang, who exploited the teenagers vulnerability through deception and coercion. The incident quickly spread through social media and community networks, leading to a large-scale protest outside the accuseds residence. Approximately 200 to 300 members of the Sikh community gathered, demanding justice and confronting police officers who were protecting the property of the accused. Videos from the scene show crowds chanting and clashing with authorities, echoing frustrations over perceived failures in addressing such crimes. The girl was eventually rescued through community intervention, but the event has reignited debates on systematic child sexual exploitation (CSE) and targeted ethnic violence against Sikhs. The case bears hallmarks of grooming tactics commonly associated with organised exploitation: initial befriending, isolation from family, and escalation to violent abuse. While police investigations are ongoing, with arrests reported, the incident has drawn attention from several activists who pointed out this as part of a trend rather than a one-off incident. A Broader Trend: Targeting of the Sikh Girl by Pakistani-Origin Men The Hounslow assault is not an isolated event but part of a reported pattern where Sikh girls in the UK have been targeted by men of Pakistani origin for grooming and sexual exploitation. Sikh community organisations, such as the Sikh Awareness Society and Sikh Helpline, have documented hundreds of such cases dating back to the 1970s and 1980s, predating the high-profile scandals in towns like Rotherham and Rochdale. These allegations often involve perpetrators posing as Sikhswearing symbols like the kara braceletto gain trust, before coercing victims with drugs, alcohol, blackmail, and threats. Historical incidents underscore this trend. A 2013 BBC Inside Out London investigation revealed accounts from Sikh victims who described being groomed, abused, and sometimes forced into conversions or sham marriages. Community leaders have claimed that dozens of girls were targeted annually, with under-reporting due to family shame and fear of reprisals. In Bradford and other areas, leaflets allegedly circulated by extremist groups encouraged Muslim men to target Sikh women for rape and conversion, fueling perceptions of religiously motivated abuse rooted in historical Partition-era animosities. A 2017 documentary on Britains grooming gangs highlights how thousands of South Asian girlsSikh and Hinduhave fallen prey to predatory networks predominantly composed of British-Pakistani men. Several Sikh activists have described the serial rape of thousands of girls by such groups as the biggest peacetime crimeand cover-upin British history," noting that minority ethnic victims, including Sikhs, often receive less attention than white victims. Critics argue that political correctness and fears of racism have hindered investigations, allowing the trend to persist. While official reports emphasize that CSE occurs across all ethnicities, with most perpetrators being white in overall UK data, localised patterns in northern and midland towns show a disproportionate involvement of Pakistani-heritage men in group-based offenses. Report Provides Critical Data Insights from the Alexis Jay Report on Rotherham The Alexis Jay Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham (19972013), published in 2014, provides critical evidence of these patterns. The report estimated that at least 1,400 children were exploited, with perpetrators by far the majority described as Asian by victims," predominantly of Pakistani heritage. It detailed horrific abuse: girls as young as 11 raped by multiple men, trafficked across cities, doused in petrol, threatened with guns, and forced to witness brutal rapes. The inquiry debunked myths that only white girls were affected, stating that perpetrators targeted accessible victims, including within minority groups. The Jay Reports findings align with Sikh community claims, illustrating how similar grooming tacticsdeception, isolation, and violencehave been used against Sikh girls by a group of accused predominantly from one ethnicity. Sikh leaders have long warned of these risks, feeling their concerns were dismissed similarly to those in Rotherham. Without decisive action, vulnerable girls from ethnic minorities will continue to suffer in silence and inaction in the name of political correctness would continue to embolden the prepartors. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United Kingdom (UK) First Published: January 14, 2026, 10:50 IST News opinion Outrage In Hounslow: Sikh Teenager Gangraped By Six Pakistani Men Sparks Grooming Concerns In UK | Exclusive 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... Right Word | Somnath After 1,000 Years: Time To Reassess Manipulated Cultural Narrative Of Sufism Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 13:41 IST The Somnath Swabhiman Parv, commemorating 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghaznis 1026 invasion and destruction of the Somnath temple, was more than a symbolic act of remembrance Rapid Read It is time for a reassessment of how medieval Islamic invasions were later reframed through manipulated cultural narratives, writes the author. (File) Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led four-day Somnath Swabhiman Parv, commemorating 1,000 years since Mahmud of Ghaznis 1026 invasion and destruction of the Somnath Temple, was more than a symbolic act of remembrance. Arguably, it is time for a reassessment of how medieval Islamic invasions were later reframed through manipulated cultural narratives, especially the one surrounding Sufism. Amir Khusro and the Celebration of Iconoclasm In this context, it is pertinent to examine the writings of Amir Khusro, often projected as a leading symbol of Indias Sufi tradition. When the Somnath Temple was again desecrated in 1299 during Alauddin Khiljis campaign and its debris thrown into the sea, Khusro wrote: So the temple of Somnath was made to bow towards the Holy Mecca, and the temple lowered its head and jumped into the sea; thus, one may say that the building first offered its prayers and then took a bath." Between 1309 and 1311, Khiljis general Malik Kafur plundered major temples at Chidambaram, Srirangam, and Madurai. Describing the slaughter of Hindus and the desecration of the Ling Deo temple at Chidambaram, Khusro chillingly celebrated, recounting gleefully when the heads of Brahmins danced from their necks and fell to the ground at their feet." Sufism and the Sword: The Bengal Experience The role played by Sufis in the spread of Islam in Bengal also deserves closer scrutiny. Renowned historian Sir Jadunath Sarkar, in The History of Bengal, Vol. II, observed: These warrior saints of medieval Bengal were the Knights Templars of Islam, with a cleaner record of morality and loyalty to temporal power than those of the Cross in medieval Europe. These saints, surrounded by a horde of less scrupulous followers, entered the territories of Hindu rajas as squatters on one pretext or another, and then summoned the regular armies of the Muslim state to punish these infidel kings for allegedly infringing the rights of Musalmans." Operating under the guise of pirs, qalandars, or dervishes, Sufis played a significant role in facilitating Islamic expansion in India, particularly in Bengal. Nitish Sengupta, in Land of Two Rivers, writes: The influence of Sufism on many of these wandering ascetics is unmistakable. Some of these dervishes also took to arms. It was one such dervish, Shah Jalal, whoaccording to local traditionled a force of 3,000 dervishes to conquer Sylhet during the reign of Shams-ud-din Firuz Shah (AD 130122). The provocation for this raid was said to be the alleged oppression of Muslims by Sylhets Hindu king, Govindadev, over cow slaughter." Royal Patronage, Armed Mystics and the Islamisation Project Several texts also record the role of a Muslim faqir named Sayyid Mir Musa Ashiqan in the demolition of the temple at Ramjanmabhoomi and its replacement with a mosque-like structure. A Persian work authored by Mawalayiyy Abu-i-Karimbelonging to the lineage of Musa Ashiqanwas later translated into Urdu and published in 1979. A subsequent edition, titled Gumashta Hatat-i-Ajodhya Yani Tarikh-i-Parinahi-Madinatu, appeared in 1981. Notably, while the earlier edition detailed the demolition of the Ram Temple at the behest of Musa Ashiqan, these references were conspicuously absent in the later edition. Drawing upon original Persian sources, Lala Sita Ram writes in Ayodhya Ka Itihasa: Babur was persuaded to destroy the Rama Temple and erect a mosque on its site after he met Musa Ashiqan during his stay in Ayodhya in 1528. The faqir urged him to demolish the temple. Babur hesitated initially but eventually yielded to the faqirs wishes." Historian K. V. Paliwal, in his introductory remarks to Islamisation of India through Sufism, also sheds light on the least discussed dimensions of Sufis in India. Historically, most Sufis arrived in India either alongside invading Islamic armies or in the aftermath of their conquests. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti reached Ajmer in 1233, and Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki came to Delhi in 1236both were associated with the campaigns of Shihabuddin Ghori. Shaikh Fariduddin settled in Pattan (present-day Pakistan) in 1265, while Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya arrived in Delhi in 1335, after arriving in India as part of a contingent of Islamic invaders. Throughout the era of Islamic invasions, Sufis generally enjoyed royal patronage and the confidence of Islamic ruling elites. As historian K. S. Lal noted: Hand in hand with the proselytising efforts of Muslim rulers went the work of Sufis and maulvis. From the time of Muhammad bin Tughlaq (13261351) to Akbar (15561605), Bengal attracted rebels, refugees, Sufi mashaikh, disgruntled nobles, and adventurers from North India." Professor K. R. Qanungo observed that the Islamisation of Bengal was largely the work of the Barah Auliyas, while Professor Abdul Karim, in Social History of Muslims in Bengal, also refers to militant Sufi proselytisation. The writer is an author and columnist. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed are personal and solely those of the author, and 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 14, 2026, 13:40 IST News opinion Right Word | Somnath After 1,000 Years: Time To Reassess Manipulated Cultural Narrative Of Sufism 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 14, 2026, 08:28 IST 1 / 9 Makar Sankranti, observed every January, marks the Suns transition into Capricorn and the beginning of Uttarayan, its northward journey. While most people associate the festival with kite-flying in Gujarat, Pongal feasts in Tamil Nadu, or Lohri bonfires in Punjab, Indias cultural diversity ensures that this harvest festival is celebrated in countless unique ways. Some of these traditions remain lesser-known outside their regions, yet they beautifully reflect the spirit of gratitude, community, and renewal that Sankranti embodies.(Image: AI-Generated) 2 / 9 Hangarai: In Tripura, the tribal festival of Hangarai coincides with Makar Sankranti. Rooted in ancient lore, communities gather at the confluence of the Gomati River to immerse ancestral remains and take a holy dip, symbolizing purification and respect for elders. This ritual emphasizes continuity between generations, blending spirituality with ecological reverence. (Image: AI-Generated) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 9 Poush Sankranti: For Bengalis, Sankranti marks the end of the month of Poush. Known as Poush Sankranti, it is celebrated through food rather than large public gatherings. Households prepare pithe (rice cakes), payesh (rice pudding), and delicacies made with nolen gur (date-palm jaggery). These winter sweets are not just culinary delights but also a way of celebrating the harvest season and the warmth of togetherness. (Image: AI-Generated) 4 / 9 Suggi Habba: In rural Karnataka, Suggi Habba is a vibrant village festival. Farmers decorate their cattle, worship them, and organize folk performances. A striking ritual is Kichuchu Haisodu, where decked-up bulls leap over small bonfires, symbolizing courage and purification. Families also exchange ellu-bella (a mix of sesame seeds, jaggery, coconut, and groundnuts) along with new clothes, spreading goodwill and gratitude. (Image: AI-Generated) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 9 Maaghi Sangrand: Among the Dogra community in Jammu, Makar Sankranti is observed as Maaghi Sangrand or Khichdi wala Parva. Devotees take ritual baths in rivers like the Devika, offer charity, and prepare khichdi as a sacred dish. The emphasis here is on humility, charity, and devotion, reflecting the festivals spiritual undertones. (Image: AI-Generated) 6 / 9 Khichdi and Ritual Baths: In Bihar, Sankranti is marked by river baths and khichdi offerings. Families prepare khichdi with seasonal vegetables, symbolizing simplicity and sustenance. The act of bathing in rivers is believed to cleanse sins, while sharing food reinforces community bonds. (Image: AI-Generated) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 9 Magh Bihu: Though better known than some, Magh Bihu in Assam deserves mention for its unique customs. On the eve of Sankranti, communities build temporary huts called meji and bhelaghar, where they feast overnight. At dawn, these huts are burnt, symbolizing the end of winter and the welcoming of spring. The communal feasting and bonfires highlight unity and joy. (Image: AI-Generated) 8 / 9 Haldi-Kumkum: In Maharashtra, Sankranti is celebrated with Haldi-Kumkum ceremonies, where married women invite each other, exchange turmeric and vermillion, and gift household items. This ritual fosters social bonds and mutual respect, emphasizing the role of women in sustaining cultural traditions. (Image: AI-Generated) ADVERTISEMENT Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 11:14 IST 1 / 10 A shocking murder unfolded in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly where a woman with the help of her lover killed her husband. The crime stemmed after her husband found out about her affair. Reports state that the crime was carried out late at night and police have already begun investigating. 2 / 10 According to a report in Times of India (TOI), the victim was identified as 50-year-old farmer Sureshpal Singh. He was beaten to death with a hammer in Bareilly on Saturday night, January 10. Authorities arrested his 30-year-old wife, Mamta Devi, and her 26-year-old lover, Hotam Singh, in connection with the crime. According to police, the duo conspired to kill him after he objected to their affair. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 As per the report, Mamta Devi, a native of Bihar, held her husband down on a cot while he was asleep. Hotam Singh, a daily-wage labourer, then struck Sureshpal repeatedly on the head and face with a hammer found in the room. The attack was fatal and Sureshpal died on the spot. After the killing, Hotam fled the house with the weapon while Mamta remained behind. 4 / 10 The report quoting police authorities mentioned that Sureshpal and Mamta had married for 11 years and had three children. Investigators said the marriage began to deteriorate after Mamta entered into an illicit relationship with Hotam. Sureshpal had come to know about the affair which led to frequent arguments between the married couple and confrontations with Hotam. Sureshpal often assaulted Mamta asking her to end the relationship and hence she conspired to eliminate him, SP (South) Anshika Verma said as quoted by TOI. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 Mamta reportedly tried to divert suspicion after the killing. She woke her eldest child, 11-year-old Arjun, who had been asleep in a separate nearby room and asked him to alert the village head. Mamta later told locals she panicked and was unable to seek help. She destroyed her phones SIM card to remove call data. She claimed she discovered her husband lying in blood when she got up to use the toilet inside the house. 6 / 10 During interrogation, Mamta broke down and admitted her role in the murder, police said. Investigators relied on call records and other supporting evidence to take her into custody. Officials said her statements helped establish the sequence of events leading up to the killing. Based on the findings, police traced her accomplice. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 As per the report, Hotam was arrested after a stakeout was conducted at Shivpuri Tiraha on the Mirganj road. The hammer used in the murder was later recovered after he revealed its location. An FIR has been registered in the case under BNS section 103 which deals with murder. Both accused were produced before a court after their arrest. They were subsequently remanded to judicial custody and sent to jail on Tuesday, January 13. 8 / 10 Another murder incident has surfaced in Uttar Pradesh which adds to a series of violent crimes reported in recent days. In a separate case from Meerut, a Dalit woman was allegedly killed while her daughter was abducted. The crime reportedly occurred on January 8. Police have launched an investigation into the matter. ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 Police said the crime occurred around 8 AM in Kapsad village in the Sardhana area. The woman and her daughter were reportedly on their way to the fields when they were stopped near a canal. The accused has been identified as a 22-year-old man named Paras. The incident sparked protests at a hospital where activists and members of the Bhim Army gathered to demand swift action. They called for the immediate arrest of the accused. 'Even If Efforts Fail...': DK Shivakumar Shares Cryptic Post Amid Tussle Over CM Post In K'taka Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 13:46 IST On Tuesday, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi held separate meetings with DK Shivakumar and CM Siddaramaiah on the tarmac at Mysuru Airport. Rapid Read Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar. (Image: File) A day after meeting the Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in Mysuru amid buzz over the Chief Ministerial post in Karnataka, the states Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar shared a cryptic post on Wednesday. In the post on X, Shivakumar said, Even if the effort fails, the prayer does not fail." Shivakumar, who has been eyeing the CM post, has never held back in openly expressing his ambitions. At the same time, CM Siddaramaiah has asserted that the decision rests with the Congress high command. Rahul Gandhi meets Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar On Tuesday, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi held separate meetings with DK Shivakumar and CM Siddaramaiah on the tarmac at Mysuru Airport. The brief talk between the leaders took place on the tarmac, as Gandhi was headed to New Delhi from Tamil Nadu, according to party sources. Although it remains unclear what transpired among the three, speculations are rife amid the buzz over the CM post in Karnataka. Rotational Chief Minister formula? There was a fierce competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the Chief Ministers post back in 2023 when the Congress party emerged victorious in the state assembly polls. According to some media reports, the partys high command picked Siddaramaiah as the CM due to his clean image and widespread support across the state. DK Shivakumar, on the other hand, was under investigation in connection with money laundering. Media reports also claim that the Congress high command established a rotational Chief Minister formula", according to which Shivakumar will assume the CM post after two-and-a-half years. However, the formula has never been officially confirmed by the party. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 13:46 IST News politics 'Even If Efforts Fail...': DK Shivakumar Shares Cryptic Post Amid Tussle Over CM Post In K'taka 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... Murshidabad BDO Office Ransacked Amid Sir Hearing; BJP Accuses TMC MLA, 2 Held Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 23:22 IST Police registered a case at Farakka police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act. A case has been registered after the Block Development Office (BDO) in Farakka, Murshidabad (IANS) A case has been registered after the Block Development Office (BDO) in Murshidabads Farakka was allegedly ransacked by a group of unidentified men during an ongoing voter revision hearing, leaving a poll official injured. According to a written complaint filed by Farakka BDO Junaid Ahamed, the incident took place around 1:30 pm on Wednesday when an SIR hearing was underway on the premises. As per the complaint, a group of miscreants stormed into several official rooms and vandalised government property in the presence of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), the Joint BDO, the Officer-in-Charge (Election), and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs). Following todays ransacking of the BDO office, Farakka, West Bengal, a complaint has been filed by the BDO and a case registered under relevant sections of the BNS read with Section 3 of the PDPP Act, 1984. pic.twitter.com/yPfvluYyyw Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 14, 2026 During the chaos, one AERO sustained injuries while attempting to shield himself, the complaint said. Police registered a case at Farakka police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Gouri Sankar accused the ruling TMC Farakka MLA Manirul Islam of leading the vandalism caused at the government property.In a sharp attack, Sankar also attacked Mamata Banerjee for instigating her party cadres across the state to commit riots and violence. Today, Farakka MLA Manirul Islam vandalised the block office. How can a public representative vandalise property? Who gave him the right to do so? Are they not Indian citizens, or are they Bangladeshis who think they can vandalise a block office in India?" he said as quoted by news agency ANI. He said that the people are watching and shall give them the befitting reply in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. The public is ready to give them a befitting reply. In the 2026 elections, whether its Manirul or someone else, they will get their answer from the public," he said. #WATCH | Murshidabad, West Bengal: BJP MLA Gouri Sankar Ghosh says, "Today, Farakka MLA Manirul Islam vandalised the block office. How can a public representative vandalise property? Who gave him the right to do so? Are they not Indian citizens, or are they Bangladeshis who pic.twitter.com/jgVsubRoEF ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2026 Meanwhile, Islam responded to the allegations and addressed party workers outside the BDO office. He claimed that the SIR exercise was being used to target minorities. We will not accept the SIR. It is being used to harass a particular community. I am ready to face a bullet while protecting the people of Farakka," he said. Denying involvement of TMC workers in the vandalism, Islam said those who ransacked the office were common people and not party activists. Have you seen any TMC flags? These are common people," he said. Meanwhile, two arrests have been made so far in connection with the case. Following the arrests, the state government has issued instructions to the Director General of Police and the Additional Director General (Law and Order) to provide necessary security to officials engaged in SIR-related work in Murshidabad district. Meanwhile, sources in the Election Commission said that indications suggest the Commission may initiate a suo motu FIR against certain individuals if required. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Murshidabad, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 23:22 IST News politics Murshidabad BDO Office Ransacked Amid Sir Hearing; BJP Accuses TMC MLA, 2 Held 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... 'All Documents Taken Away By TMC, Mamata Banerjee': ED To Calcutta HC In I-PAC Case Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 18:37 IST The ED prayed for the matter to be adjourned as it has moved the SC on the issue, while the TMC counsel submitted that the party was only seeking protection of its data West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has alleged that ED officials were attempting to seize TMC's hard disks, internal documents and sensitive organisational data during a search operation at the residence of I-PAC chief Prateek Jain. (Image: PTI/File) In a dramatic TMC versus ED hearing, the central probe agency on Wednesday told the Calcutta High Court that the ruling party in West Bengal and its boss Mamata Banerjee took away all material before it was seized during the I-PAC raids. The Calcutta High Court was hearing petitions filed by the ED and TMC in connection with last weeks searches at the residence and office of Pratik Jain, who is the director of political consultancy firm I-PAC. The ED prayed for the matter to be adjourned as it has moved the Supreme Court. The TMCs counsel Menaka Guruswamy, meanwhile, submitted that the party was only seeking protection of its data. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees lawyer Kalyan Banerjee objected to the EDs plea for adjournment. Mamata has been made a party by the central probe agency in its petition before the high court. After the ED told the HC that nothing had been seized from Jains residence and the I-PAC office, the court disposed of the TMCs plea. The SC, meanwhile, is all set to hear the ED plea against Mamata Banerjee on Thursday (January 15). WHAT DID THE ED SAY? Representing the ED, additional solicitor general (ASG) SV Raju stated before the bench of Justice Suvra Ghosh that the agency seeks adjournment of the matters at the high court as it has filed a petition on the same issue before the Supreme Court. Raju said when a matter is pending before the SC, a high court should not hear it. The matter is to come up before SCheavens wont fall if SC hears this petition. The main reason why we want adjournment is because same relief are there before the SC. There are judgements that say if SC is seized of the matter, then this court cant hear the matter," Raju argued. The ED said there is no question of interim relief as the articles were seized by the TMC and not the agency. What interim relief are they seeking when TMC seized the articles themselves?" he questioned. He said the TMCs entire petition is based on the 2026 elections, which have not even been notified. The party has blamed the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls for the ED action. The Centre questioned why a person other than Jain, who was raided, is connected to the petition in the first place. Somebodys data has been seized from their house, why should they come in? No writ petition has been filed by the person from whom data has been seized. Why did the TMC show up when the search was conducted at a private persons office? Shes (Mamata Banerjee) in illegal possession of material. Records have not been seized by ED but by Mamata Banerjee. This search has nothing to do with the TMC," it argued, adding that the person whose premises were searched has nothing to do with the party. Raju argued that the plea is vague" and should be rejected. The data was seized by Mamata Banerjee, so well support their prayer if they make it against her. When we tried to seize some data, they took away everything," he added. WHAT DID THE TMC SAY? The TMC, meanwhile, termed the ED action as extraordinary bullying". It said the ED searched and stormed" during the I-PAC raids but all it wants is for political data to be safeguarded. This is extraordinary sign of bullying," said lawyer Menaka Guruswamy, representing the TMC, triggering a spat with Raju. All we believe is that data belonging to political party needs to be safeguarded. We want our political data to be safeguarded. Our fear is that our political strategists office was targeted. Its unbecoming for a political party to be bullied when they fear that personal data is being seized." WHAT DID THE HIGH COURT SAY? The Calcutta High Court, however, recorded the EDs statement that nothing was seized during the raids. Raju told the high court that nothing has been seized from Jain or the I-PAC office. It was taken away by Mamata Banerjee," he added. The court recorded that nothing was seized from the premises during the searches conducted on January 8. To this, Raju said his statement should be recorded in full" that the material was seized by Mamata. The HC adjourned the plea filed by the ED noting that the matter is pending before SC, while disposing of the TMCs plea regarding preservation of data. This was after the ED informed that it has not seized any material or documents from either Jain or the I-PAC office. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 15:46 IST News politics 'All Documents Taken Away By TMC, Mamata Banerjee': ED To Calcutta HC In I-PAC 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... Indian Govt Warns Microsoft Edge Users About Security Bypass Risk: Know More Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 08:26 IST Microsoft Edge browser is based on the same Chromium engine as Chrome and the new security issue will be of concern. The new security alert comes for the Chromium based browser Microsoft Edge is the Chrome-like browser available on Windows and other platforms and the Indian government is warning about a security bypass issue that could lead to data theft for millions. The alert comes via the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team or CERT-In which claims that a vital component in the Edge browser can be exploited to not only bypass the device security but also tempt them into sharing more personal details which can be misused. The warning is part of Microsofts own release note in January 2026 that many should be careful about. Microsoft Edge Security Issue: What It Says The security agency has raised the warning this month which comes with a high severity rating and alerts users about the actual issue and how it can affect them. This vulnerability exists in Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) due to Insufficient policy enforcement in the WebView tag. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a victim to visit a specially crafted webpage." Vulnerabilities like these are not rare but users can be caught off guard if the email content is tempting enough for them to click on the link which makes it easy for the hackers to do the dirty work. Microsoft Edge Security Risk: Who Is Affected The security issue can be targeted at individuals or even businesses who rely on the browser for their daily operations. And If youre using the Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) version prior to 143.0.3650.139 then you need to update the browser for your system right away. Microsoft Edge Update: How To Get It Microsoft Edge updates are easily available within the browser and keeping them running on the latest version allows you to prevent these risks becoming a problem for your devices. You can head over to Microsoft Edge on your Windows PC and do the following: Click on the three-dot menu on the top-right Hover over Help and Feedback Click on About Microsoft Edge The browser start looking for a new version and update to the latest one and reboot to take effect News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 08:26 IST News tech Indian Govt Warns Microsoft Edge Users About Security Bypass Risk: Know More 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... WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate and House are expected to vote soon on a resolution to curb U.S. President Donald Trump's ability to take further military action in Venezuela. This comes after the Senate earlier this month held a significant procedural vote to advance a war powers resolution in a bid to curb Trump's ability to take further military action in Venezuela without approval from Congress. The resolution, spearheaded by Democrats and a handful of Republicans, requires the president to seek lawmakers' authorization for any future military actions in Venezuela. Democrats and Republicans are at odds over the possible legislation, as well as the U.S. attack on Venezuela and the subsequent forcible seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that it is "long past time for Congress to reassert its critical constitutional role in matters of war, peace, diplomacy and trade." At the same time, the White House is "strongly" against the war powers resolution, as stated in a memo from the Office of Management and Budget. "Maduro's crimes and other hostile actions have resulted in a predatory incursion into the United States, the destabilization of the Western Hemisphere, massive death and human suffering, and a substantial and ongoing danger posed to our Nation," the memo said. Trump posted on social media that such legislation "greatly hampers American Self Defense and National Security, impeding the President's Authority as Commander in Chief." While the resolution has enough support to pass the Senate, it must pass the Republican-led House of Representatives, which could be an uphill climb at a time when much of the GOP marches in lockstep with the president. Moreover, even if it passes, Trump is likely to veto the bill. While Congress could override a veto, that would require a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate. Experts said that it is unlikely. Many see the vote as largely symbolic, although not all analysts agree with that assessment. Clay Ramsay, a senior researcher at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, told Xinhua: "The move is not purely symbolic, even though it does not stop Trump from doing as he chooses right now." "The number of Republican senators willing to oppose him on this just went from two to five," Ramsay said. "The House may not follow suit, but it's increasingly unpredictable." "Trump will definitely veto any War Power resolution on Venezuela that makes it to his desk. But vetoes are not the most efficient way to consolidate power in the U.S. on the scale that Trump wants," he said. "In terms of future actions, Democrats could draft bills that specifically limit U.S. activities in Venezuela, or they could draft two bills," Ramsay said. "I would add that economically, Trump is playing a longer game that involves forcing the (major oil companies) to change their investment plans and sink billions into restoring Venezuela's oil infrastructure," Ramsay added. On Monday, Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Rick Crawford, a Republican, submitted a resolution to trumpet the seizing of Maduro. A separate bipartisan group of House lawmakers started to whip up support Monday night for new legislation that would curb funding for military actions in NATO territories that do not have Congressional approval. That comes after Trump's threats to annex Greenland, a territory of NATO member Denmark. Christopher Galdieri, a political science professor at Saint Anselm College in the state of New Hampshire, told Xinhua he does not think the proposed Venezuela legislation is purely symbolic. "If nothing else, we're at a point in the midterm election cycle where it's now clear that at least some Republicans are looking for opportunities to distance themselves from Trump," Galdieri said. Still, there may not be much that Democrats can do in terms of limiting Trump's plans, some experts said. "Republicans hold the majority in both chambers of Congress, so the Democrats can't do much to limit or restrain Trump without Republicans joining in," Galdieri said. He added that "they're limited to whatever tools they have as the minority party -- filibusters, their limited time at hearings, and the like -- but those don't give them a lot of real influence." Chennai Sanitation Worker Returns Rs 45 Lakh Worth Of Lost Gold Jewellery To Police: Honesty Still Exists Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 17:59 IST A Chennai sanitation worker returned a bag filled with gold jewellery worth nearly Rs 45 lakh that she found while on duty. Her honest act has earned praise from the public and state leaders. (Photo Credit: X) Acts of honesty are rare, but sometimes they come from the most unexpected places. In Chennai, a sanitation worker named Padma showed that doing the right thing still matters. While doing her daily work, she found a bag filled with gold jewellery worth nearly Rs 45 lakh. Instead of keeping it, she chose to return it. Her action has now touched many people and reminded them that honesty does not depend on wealth or status. Padma works on the streets every day, cleaning roads and collecting waste. What she found during one such routine day changed everything. A Routine Day Turns Unexpected Padma, who is around 45 years old, works as a sanitation worker with the Greater Chennai Corporation. On January 11, she was cleaning Muppathman Temple Street in T Nagar, just like she does every day. While working near a garbage cart, she noticed a plastic bag lying unattended. At first, she thought it might contain food waste or scrap. But something about it felt unusual. When she opened the bag, she was shocked to reportedly see gold jewellery inside, including a necklace, earrings, and bangles. Padma Takes A Quick Decision Padma immediately informed her supervisors about what she had found. Senior officials reportedly came to the spot and waited for some time to see if anyone would come looking for the bag. When no one arrived, they decided to inform the police. According to News18 Kannada, Padma said, As soon as I saw the gold in the bag, I had one memory. I felt how much pain the family who lost this gold must be going through. I decided to give it to the police to end their suffering." The bag was then reportedly handed over to the Pondy Bazaar Police Station for further action. Police Trace The Owner Of The Gold After examining the jewellery, police reportedly confirmed that it weighed around 36 to 45 sovereigns and was worth nearly Rs 45 lakh. They began searching for the owner and soon found a complaint filed by Ramesh, a resident of Nanganallur. Ramesh told the police that he had kept the bag on a pushcart while talking to friends and had accidentally forgotten it. After verifying documents and details, the police returned the jewellery to him, bringing relief to his family. Honesty Runs In The Family Padmas action earned praise from officials and the public. Many were also reminded that this was not the first such incident in her family. During the COVID-19 lockdown, her husband Subramani had found Rs 1.5 lakh in cash near Marina Beach and returned it to the police as well. The couple lives in a rented house and is raising two children. Recognising Padmas honesty, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin honoured her and awarded her Rs 1 lakh as a mark of appreciation. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 17:58 IST News viral Chennai Sanitation Worker Returns Rs 45 Lakh Worth Of Lost Gold Jewellery To Police: Honesty Still Exists 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... Such A Finicky Eater: Writer Neelesh Misra Alleges IndiGo Staff Spoke Rudely To His 10-Year-Old Daughter; Airline Responds Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 10:11 IST Neelesh Misras daughter was travelling alone as an unaccompanied minor from Lucknow to Goa and the staff allegedly spoke to her rudely. The incident happened on an IndiGo flight from Lucknow to Goa.(Photo Credit: Instagram) IndiGo found itself in the middle of a social media storm after Neelesh Misra, celebrated storyteller and writer, took to X to call out the airline for allegedly mistreating his daughter. According to him, his daughter was travelling alone as an unaccompanied minor from Lucknow to Goa and the staff allegedly spoke to her rudely. His post has triggered outrage with many questioning the airlines treatment of young passengers. Neelesh Misra Alleges IndiGo Staffer Mistreated His 10-Year-Old Daughter In his post, Misra described the incident in detail by quoting the alleged words of one of the IndiGo staff members: This girl is getting on my nerves. She is such a finicky eater! Dont you have eyes? Go, go eat! Go and miss your flight!" According to him, the comments were directed at his 10-year-old daughter, Vaidehi Misra, who was flying solo from Lucknow to Goa. We all know about the arrogance of IndiGo towards adults. Today I saw it towards a child as well. I had to call the person and talk to her, and she still continued the attitude. You should be ashamed," Misra added. #IndigoThis girl is getting on my nerves. She is such a finicky eater! "Dont you have eyes? Go, go eat! Go and miss your flight!" This and a barrage of other rude things is what the @IndiGo6E staffer (Laraib?) said about my 10-yr-old daughter Vaidehi Misra who just Neelesh Misra (@neeleshmisra) January 13, 2026 IndiGo Responds IndiGo replied to Misras concerns with a formal response on X. It wrote, Mr. Misra, thank you for your time on the call. Please be assured that we are taking this matter on priority and are reviewing the details thoroughly. Thank you for your understanding. We appreciate your patience while we examine this closely. ~ Team IndiGo." Mr. Misra, thank you for your time on the call. Please be assured that we are taking this matter on priority and are reviewing the details thoroughly. Thank you for your understanding. We appreciate your patience while we examine this closely. ~ Team IndiGo IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) January 13, 2026 How People Reacted Online Social media users did not hold back in sharing their shock, disappointment and concern over the incident. One user commented, This is just awful. Poor kid, she must be so traumatised. Indigo is just the worst airlineits Indias misfortune to suffer." Another user wrote, Actually, Im not surprised. With IndiGo, I dont expect anything positive." Several others focused on the childs experience. How terrible! What a way to traumatize a little girl who must be already apprehensive about traveling alone," a person remarked while someone else added, Good that you called out. I feel so terrible thinking about the trauma the child got. IndiGo staff should have taken extra care of her. Shame on IndiGo." IndiGo is running only because there is hardly any competition on all routes. This high-headed attitude will fall once there are more players in the airline industry," an individual said. Even an ex-flight attendant weighed in, saying, I am shocked. As an ex-flight attendant, I can tell you if we knew there was a lone female minor, we would take extra care of that child. Not done!" Past Issues With IndiGo This isnt Misras first public complaint about the airline. In 2024, he shared a strongly worded post on X where he described the chaos" he faced while boarding a flight from Delhi to Lucknow. After his post gained significant attention online, IndiGo reached out and issued an apology to him. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 10:04 IST News viral Such A Finicky Eater: Writer Neelesh Misra Alleges IndiGo Staff Spoke Rudely To His 10-Year-Old Daughter; Airline Responds 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... 116 Killed In 7 Months As Report Flags Relentless Violence Against Minorities In Bangladesh Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 07:51 IST The rights group says the scale and spread of the attacks mark one of the most severe phases of violence against minorities in recent years. Muhammad Yunus (AFP) At least 116 members of minority communities were killed in Bangladesh in just seven months, pointing to a relentless" and nationwide surge in violence following the formation of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, according to a new report by the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM). The report documents killings between June 6, 2025, and January 5, 2026, spread across all eight administrative divisions and at least 45 districts, underscoring that the violence is not confined to isolated pockets but represents a countrywide crisis. The rights group says the scale and spread of the attacks mark one of the most severe phases of violence against minorities in recent years. HRCBM places the current spike in a broader historical context, arguing that violence against minorities in Bangladesh is part of a long-standing pattern stretching back nearly eight decades. Beginning with communal unrest in 1946, minorities have faced repeated waves of killings, displacement and property seizures in 1950, 1964 and 1971. The cycle, the report notes, continued even after independence, with major outbreaks recorded in 1989, 1990, 2001, 2004, 2012, 2015, 2021, 2024 and now again in 2025. Together, these episodes reflect what the group describes as an entrenched and recurring crisis rather than sporadic unrest. According to the reports findings, nearly half of the deaths, 48.3 per cent, were the result of targeted murders, while mob lynchings accounted for 10.3 per cent. Suspicious or unexplained deaths made up 12.9 per cent of cases, the same proportion as deaths linked to attacks during broader incidents of violence. Killings in custody or involving police forces stood at 6.9 per cent, while 8.6 per cent were attributed to lethal action by the army or other state forces. HRCBM argues that these killings cannot be dismissed as random criminal acts. Instead, it describes the violence as structural," rooted in systemic discrimination and long-term demographic change. The report points out that minorities constituted around 30 per cent of Bangladeshs population in 1946, a figure that had dropped to below 9 per cent by 2020. This sustained decline, it warns, reflects repeated, large-scale crimes targeting entire communities over generations. The nature of the violence has varied, the report says. In many cases, victims were singled out after facing threats, intimidation or social pressure within their localities. Mob lynchings frequently followed unverified accusations of theft or blasphemy. The report also documents deaths involving state agencies, including security force shootings and fatalities in police custody. Dipu Das Lynching One case highlighted is the December 2025 lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, who was beaten to death by a mob following an allegation of blasphemy. The incident, HRCBM says, triggered a fresh wave of fear among minority communities. In such cases, the report alleges, police often failed to intervene in time, reinforcing perceptions that mob violence is tacitly tolerated. The rights group also flags serious weaknesses in the justice system, claiming police are frequently reluctant to register cases or conduct thorough investigations. Political interference and selective enforcement of the law have, it says, fostered a climate of near-total impunity for perpetrators. Beyond the statistics, the report stresses the human toll of the violence. Many of those killed were the sole breadwinners for their families, leaving widows, children and elderly dependents without financial support and deepening the social and economic marginalisation of minority communities. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Bangladesh First Published: January 14, 2026, 07:48 IST News world 116 Killed In 7 Months As Report Flags Relentless Violence Against Minorities In Bangladesh 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... 2025 Cooler Than 2024 But Still Among The Hottest Years Ever Globally: What 2026 Forecast Shows Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 17:17 IST Scientists stressed that while more records are likely in the coming years, the outcome is not predetermined. Scientists said that the long-term warming trend is unmistakable. Global temperatures in 2025 did not match the record-breaking highs of 2024, helped by the cooling influence of the La Nina weather pattern in the Pacific, according to new data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the UKs Met Office. Even so, scientists say the bigger picture remains troubling as they warned that the past three years are the warmest ever recorded. Why Was 2025 Slightly Cooler Than 2024? The main reason was La Nina, a natural climate pattern that tends to cool global temperatures slightly. La Nina conditions returned in 2025 after the strong El Nino that helped push temperatures to record levels in 2024. El Nino years tend to be warmer, La Nina years a bit cooler," scientists explained, asserting, Thats normal variability." Why Are Scientists Still Worried? Despite La Ninas cooling effect, 2025 was still far warmer than years from even a decade ago. According to Copernicus and Met Office data, the global average temperature in 2025 was more than 1.4C above pre-industrial levels from the late 1800s. Dr Samantha Burgess, deputy director of Copernicus, said, If we go twenty years into the future and look back at the mid-2020s, we will see these years as relatively cool." What Does This Mean For Long-Term Warming? Scientists said that the long-term warming trend is unmistakable. While individual years can rise or fall slightly due to natural factors, the overall direction is upward because of human-driven greenhouse gas emissions. Prof Rowan Sutton, director of the Met Office Hadley Centre, said, We understand very well that if we continue to pump greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, the planet responds by warming." Differences in exact temperature figures between research groups exist, mainly due to how pre-industrial" temperatures are calculated but there is no disagreement about the trend itself. Did Extreme Weather Continue In 2025? Yes. Even though 2025 was not the single hottest year on record, extreme weather events linked to climate change persisted. Scientists said that events such as the Los Angeles wildfires in January and Hurricane Melissa in October were likely intensified by global warming. Warmer oceans and air allow storms to carry stronger winds and heavier rainfall, increasing the risk of flooding and destruction. How Close Is World To Breaching 1.5C limit? The continued warmth pushed the planet closer to breaching the 1.5C target agreed to by nearly 200 countries under the 2015 Paris Agreement. That threshold was set to avoid the most severe impacts of climate change. Dr Samantha Burgess said, Looking at the most recent data, it looks like well exceed that 1.5-degree level of long-term warming by the end of this decade." Will Temperatures Continue To Soar? Scientists stressed that while more records are likely in the coming years, the outcome is not predetermined. Prof Rowan Sutton said, We can strongly affect what happen. By cutting greenhouse gas emissions to limit warming, and by adapting to make societies more resilient to the changes already underway." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 17:17 IST News world 2025 Cooler Than 2024 But Still Among The Hottest Years Ever Globally: What 2026 Forecast Shows 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... After US, Israel Withdraws From 7 UN Agencies Over 'Bias, Inefficiency' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 07:11 IST Israel severs ties with seven UN agencies, citing anti-Israel bias and ineffective bureaucracy, days after US withdrawal from 66 international organisations. Israel Foreign Minister Gideon Saar (X) Days after US withdrawal from 66 international organisations, Israel has announced its decision to sever ties with seven UN agencies, accusing them of being anti-Israel. The Times of Israel quoted Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announcing the decision to withdraw Israel from several United Nations agencies and associated organisations for reasons ranging from their alleged anti-Israel bias to ineffective bureaucracy." The agencies Israel is withdrawing from, effective immediately, are the: Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict; UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women); UN Conference on Trade and Development; UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia; UN Alliance of Civilisations; UN Energy; and Global Forum on Migration and Development. The Foreign Ministry said it was ceasing cooperation with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict after the IDF was added to the blacklist" in its annual report on children in armed conflict, along with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Israel is the only democratic country to be listed, alongside ISIS and Boko Haram," the ministry said, adding that the country had already cut its ties with the office in June 2024. It further said the decision to pull out of UN Women was taken deliberately ignored all cases of sexual violence committed against Israeli women on October 7, 2023". Similarly, it cited virulent anti-Israel reports" as the reason for withdrawing from both the UN Agency for Trade and Development and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, and says the Alliance of Civilisations is used as a platform for attacks against Israel," The Times Of Israel reported. The ministry also accused UN Energy of being a wasteful organisation" and said that the Global Forum on Migration and Development erodes the ability of sovereign nations to enforce their own immigration laws". The ministry added that the country may pull out of more UN agencies. This comes days after US President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum directing the United States to withdraw from 66 international organisations, including the key UN climate treaty. The list includes 35 organisations that are not affiliated with the United Nations, as well as 31 entities that fall under the UN system. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Israel First Published: January 14, 2026, 07:11 IST News world After US, Israel Withdraws From 7 UN Agencies Over 'Bias, Inefficiency' 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... Bangladesh To Hold Elections On Feb 12; Yunus Says It Will Be In Peaceful, Festive Atmosphere Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 12:49 IST Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, has reaffirmed his governments commitment to hold the general elections as scheduled on February 12. Rapid Read Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus (Image: Reuters/File) As Bangladesh is heading towards its first Parliamentary Elections since the unrest in 2024, Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the countrys interim government, has reaffirmed his governments commitment to hold the general elections and the referendum as scheduled on February 12. The Chief Adviser made the remarks when two former senior United States diplomats Albert Gombis and Morse Tan called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on Tuesday night, an official statement from the office of the Chief Adviser said. During the meeting, Yunus highlighted that there had been a flood of fake news" and an attempt to deliberately spread confusion regarding the elections". He stressed that his government remains committed to holding the polls on February 12 and handing over the power to a democratically elected government, once the results are declared. Elections Will Be Held on February 12, Chief Adviser Tells US DiplomatsDHAKA, January 14: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday reaffirmed his governments commitment to hold the general elections and the referendum as scheduled on February 12. The Chief Adviser pic.twitter.com/WySGQzOPTp Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) January 14, 2026 No matter who says what, elections will be held on February 12not a day before, not a day after," the Chief Adviser said. He also affirmed that the polls the first since the 2024 unrest in the country will be held in a peaceful and festive atmosphere." Muhammad Yunus stated that the interim government would remain completely neutral" during the elections, ensuring an unbiased administration" and a level playing field for all political parties", the statement suggested. Albert Gombis, a former Acting Under Secretary of State, and Morse Tan, a former Ambassador-at-Large, are on an official visit to Bangladesh ahead of its 13th Parliamentary Elections. During the hour-long meeting, Yunus and the US diplomats shed light on a wide range of topic involving the July unrest and its aftermath, the rise of young protesters, the July Charter and the referendum, fake news and misinformation targeting the vote, the Rohingya crisis, and the prospects for truth and reconciliation in a post-July Bangladesh", said the official statement. The Chief Adviser noted that the July Charter set to be endorsed by the people would usher in a new era of democratic governance and leave no room for future autocracy. Yunus also claimed that the supporters of what he described as the former autocratic regime" were engaged in spreading misinformation regarding the elections. But people are alert. Increasingly, they can detect AI-generated misinformation videos," he said. Fake news one of the main enemies of democracy Former Under Secretary Gombis emphasised that fake news had emerged as one of the main enemies" of democracy. He also called for a greater need for efforts" to combat the same, the statement mentioned. Fresh surge of violence in Bangladesh This comes as Bangladesh has been witnessing a fresh surge of violence against the minorities, as the country heads towards its first parliamentary elections since the 2024 unrest that led to the exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. At least 116 members of minority communities have been killed in Bangladesh in just seven months, according to a new report by the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM). The report documents killings between June 6, 2025, and January 5, 2026, spread across all eight administrative divisions and at least 45 districts. One case highlighted is the December 2025 lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu factory worker, who was beaten to death following an allegation of blasphemy. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Bangladesh First Published: January 14, 2026, 12:29 IST News world Bangladesh To Hold Elections On Feb 12; Yunus Says It Will Be In Peaceful, Festive Atmosphere 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... Big Problem...: Trump Warns Greenland PM For Siding With Denmark, Rejecting US Control Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 08:04 IST Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reaffirmed the islands commitment to Denmark. US President Donald Trump (Getty Images) US President Donald Trump has reacted strongly after Greenlands Prime Minister said the island wants to remain with Denmark. Responding to the comments, Trump said it was their problem" and made clear that he disagreed with their stand on the Arctic Island. I disagree with them. I dont know who he is. Dont know anything about him. But that is going to be a big problem for him," Trump added. Greenland reiterates loyalty to Denmark Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reaffirmed the islands commitment to Denmark. Speaking in Copenhagen alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, he ruled out becoming a US territory. Nielsen said Greenland would choose Denmark if forced to decide, stressing unity within the Kingdom of Denmark. At the same time, Greenlands politics are increasingly focused on long-term independence rather than immediate autonomy. US push for Greenland gathers pace Trumps push to take control of Greenland is moving into a decisive phase, according to a senior US official. Thomas Dans, Trumps Arctic commissioner, said meaningful US action" could come within weeks or months. He said the plan to annex or otherwise acquire Greenland would not be dropped and could move faster than expected. 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 14, 2026, 08:04 IST News world Big Problem...: Trump Warns Greenland PM For Siding With Denmark, Rejecting US Control 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... Chinese App 'Are You Dead?' Goes Viral, To Change Its Name For Global Audience Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 12:31 IST Chinese app Sileme, meaning "Are you dead", gains global popularity for solo dwellers. The company will rebrand as Demumu, sparking debate \over the name change. Sileme said on its official Weibo that the company will launch the global brand name Demumu, the name is already there on Apple's paid app chart, in its new version to be released soon. (Shenzhen Daily/X) A Chinese app called Are you dead?" in English that sounds an alarm if the user does not check in every 48 hours, has become popular globally, leading to the company announcing the change of its name for the global audience. Reuters quoted the companys development team stating that the app called Sileme in Chinese, which translates to Are you dead?" in English, is a lightweight safety tool created for solo dwellers" from students to solo office workers or anyone choosing a solitary lifestyle". The app requires the user to register one emergency contact and sends automatic notifications if the user has not checked in on the app for consecutive days. On Tuesday, Sileme said on its official Weibo that the company will launch the global brand name Demumu. The name is already there on Apples paid app chart and its new version will be released soon. According to Reuters, the app is currently sitting at number two, after surging to the top earlier in the week. Thanks to all netizens for their enthusiastic support. We were originally just an unknown small team, co-founded and operated independently by three born after 1995," Sileme said. It further said that an eight yuan (Rs 103) payment scheme will be launched on Sunday. Meanwhile, Reuters quoted netizens on social media platforms, including Weibo, pushing for Sileme not to change its name, while others suggested options like Are you alive", Are you online" or Are you there". News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Beijing, China First Published: January 14, 2026, 12:30 IST News world Chinese App 'Are You Dead?' Goes Viral, To Change Its Name For Global Audience 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... Elon Musk Denies Grok Generates Explicit Images Of Minors: 'Not Aware Of Any... Literally Zero' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 21:46 IST Elon Musk acknowledged that some users may attempt to exploit the system through so-called adversarial prompts. Elon Musk is seen. Billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk rejected allegations that his artificial intelligence system Grok generates illegal images of minors, even as countries moved to restrict access to the tool over concerns about obscene content. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk said he was not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok" and insisted there were literally zero". He argued that the AI system only produces images in response to user prompts and is designed to refuse requests that violate the law. Elon Musk acknowledged that some users may attempt to exploit the system through so-called adversarial prompts but said such incidents are treated as technical bugs and addressed immediately. Grok doesnt just create things on its own," he said, adding that safeguards are built into the system to prevent illegal output. Despite Elon Musks assurances, Indonesia and Malaysia have become the first countries to restrict access to Grok. Indonesias Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs announced a temporary ban, citing the risk of AI-generated fake pornographic content. The ministry said the move was aimed at protecting women, children and the wider public, and added that it had asked X for immediate clarification. Communications Minister Meutya Hafid said non-consensual deepfake sexual content posed a serious threat to human rights, personal dignity and national security in the digital space. Malaysia followed with similar action as the countrys Communications and Multimedia Commission said it was limiting access to Grok until effective safeguards are implemented. Notices were issued to X Corp. and xAI but regulators said the responses did not adequately address the underlying risks posed by the tool. The restrictions come after xAI moved last week to limit Groks image-generation features on X, following widespread criticism that the system had produced obscene images of women and children. Under the revised policy, only paid subscribers are allowed to generate and edit images. Previously, the feature was available to all users for free, subject to daily usage limits. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 21:46 IST News world Elon Musk Denies Grok Generates Explicit Images Of Minors: 'Not Aware Of Any... Literally Zero' 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... 'Failed For 40 Years': Indian Envoy Slams Canada Over Terrorism Inaction Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 14:33 IST Dinesh Patnaik said Canadas prolonged inaction had created a permissive environment for extremism and violence directed against India. India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K. Patnaik. (File photo: X) Indias High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Ottawa, accusing it of failing for four decades to act against terrorist elements operating on Canadian soil and allowing extremist networks to flourish unchecked. Speaking in a combative interview on Canadas public broadcaster CBC, Patnaik said Canadas prolonged inaction had created a permissive environment for extremism and violence directed against India. His remarks came at a sensitive moment, with signs of a tentative thaw in bilateral ties as British Columbia Premier David Eby leads a trade delegation to India and Ottawa signals interest in rebuilding relations with New Delhi. The discussion quickly moved beyond trade and economics to the most contentious issue in India-Canada ties, allegations surrounding the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Canadas broader handling of separatist groups. Patnaik strongly rejected repeated claims by the CBC anchor that Canadian intelligence agencies possessed credible information" linking Indian officials to Nijjars death. Where is the evidence?" the High Commissioner asked, insisting that allegations against India had not been substantiated. He argued that while accusations were easy to make, they must be backed by proof before being treated as fact. Turning the focus back on Canada, Patnaik said India had been flagging concerns about extremist activity in the country for decades without meaningful action from Canadian authorities. We have been talking about terrorism in Canada for the last 40 years. What has been done?" he asked, noting that no one has been convicted in connection with several high-profile cases. He cited the 1985 Air India bombing, which killed 329 people, as an example of what he described as a failure to deliver justice even after nearly four decades. The Indian envoy also accused Canada of applying double standards, saying Ottawa demanded high evidentiary thresholds when India shared intelligence on suspected terrorists in Canada, while expecting New Delhi to respond to unproven allegations against the Indian state. When you accuse us and we say there is not enough evidence, that principle should be accepted just as readily," he said. Patnaik firmly rejected suggestions that the Indian government had sanctioned any extrajudicial actions abroad. The Government of India does not do such things," he said, adding that if any individual were ever found, on the basis of evidence, to be involved in wrongdoing, India would take action on its own. He also clarified that Indias concerns were not about the act of holding referendums but about individuals involved in such activities who are wanted in India for criminal or terrorist offences, or who are engaged in extremist activities overseas. At one point, Patnaik underlined that the ongoing legal case in Surrey involves four individuals and not the Indian state, asking why there was no case against India if the allegations were credible. The interview comes as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed interest in resetting ties with India, including accepting Prime Minister Narendra Modis invitation to visit and reviving talks on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. Patnaik said both sides were now catching up" after a prolonged freeze in relations but stressed that any meaningful reset would require a fundamental change in Canadas approach to security and terrorism. When we provide information about terrorists active in Canada, we are repeatedly told there is not enough evidence to act. We have heard this for 40 years," he said, adding that the rule of law, innocent until proven guilty, must be applied consistently. Until that happens, Patnaik suggested, Canadas record reflects not vigilance but a longstanding failure to confront terrorism within its borders. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Canada First Published: January 14, 2026, 14:32 IST News world 'Failed For 40 Years': Indian Envoy Slams Canada Over Terrorism Inaction 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... ABU DHABI, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, held talks on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, discussing the situation in Gaza and bilateral relations, the state news agency WAM reported. Both sides stressed the urgent need to uphold the ceasefire in Gaza and address the worsening humanitarian crisis, highlighting the importance of ensuring the rapid, safe, and unhindered delivery of aid to civilians in need. They reaffirmed the necessity of intensifying diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region based on the two-state solution, noting that it remains the only viable path toward long-term regional stability. The officials also exchanged views on measures to de-escalate tensions and prevent further deterioration of the regional situation. In addition, they reviewed UAE-Turkiye relations, emphasizing their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation within the framework of their strategic partnership and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. FBI Searches Home Of US Journalist Who Reported On Trumps Government Shake-Up Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 21:50 IST The development comes a month after Hannah Natanson published a first-person account describing her year as what she called a federal government whisperer." Hannah Natanson reviewed the search warrant and relayed its contents to her editors, the Post reported. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) searched the home of Hannah Natanson, a reporter with The Washington Post. The search was first reported by The New York Times and later confirmed to CNN. A Post spokesperson said the newspaper was monitoring the situation. The development comes a month after Hannah Natanson published a first-person account describing her year as what she called a federal government whisperer," during which she received tips from hundreds of federal employees affected by US President Donald Trumps sweeping overhaul of the federal government. According to the person familiar with the matter, Hannah Natanson was informed that she is not a target of the investigation, suggesting the FBI is seeking information related to one or more of her sources. Hannah Natanson reviewed the search warrant and relayed its contents to her editors, the Post reported. This past week, at the request of the Department of War, the Department of Justice and FBI executed a search warrant at the home of a Washington Post journalist who was obtaining and reporting classified and illegally leaked information from a Pentagon contractor. The leaker is Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) January 14, 2026 The warrant, according to the newspaper, states that investigators are probing Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a Maryland-based system administrator with top-secret security clearance. An FBI affidavit alleges that Aurelio Perez-Lugones accessed and improperly retained classified intelligence documents, some of which were found in his lunchbox and in his basement. Aurelio Perez-Lugones was charged last week with illegally retaining classified materials. The Washington Post has not said whether it plans to challenge the search warrant. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 20:25 IST News world FBI Searches Home Of US Journalist Who Reported On Trumps Government Shake-Up 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... Ford Suspends Worker For Heckling Trump During Michigan Factory Visit: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 21:47 IST The incident occurred during Trumps visit to a Ford plant, where video showed him responding to heckling with a gesture, after which the company suspended the worker. US President Donald Trump and CEO of Ford Jim Farley clap, as President Trump visits a Ford production center, in Dearborn, Michigan, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Ford Motor has suspended a factory worker who heckled President Donald Trump during a tour of the companys Michigan truck plant earlier this week. According to The Wall Street Journal, the worker, identified as T.J. Sabula, shouted pedophile protector" as Trump walked past during the visit on Tuesday. Trump was at the plant to highlight efforts to boost US auto manufacturing. Video footage shared online showed the president responding by pointing at Sabula and raising his middle finger. Fords decision to suspend the worker has renewed debate over the limits of political expression in the workplace. The newspaper highlighted that several companies, including major tech firms and retailers, have previously taken action against employees for political conduct while on duty. Sabula, a 40-year-old line worker, told The Washington Post after the incident that he was standing about 60 feet away from Trump when he shouted and had no regrets whatsoever". The White House defended Trumps response. Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, was quoted by the newspaper as saying that Trumps reaction was appropriate, describing the worker as a lunatic" who was shouting expletives. Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, who represents a district near Detroit, said she had spoken with Sabula following the incident. Dingell said the worker was shaken and worried about the impact on his family. She added that heckling politicians on factory floors was not unusual and urged restraint, saying she hoped Ford would not fire him. A company spokesperson told The Wall Street Journal that the automaker had hosted a successful event and was proud of how employees represented the company. The spokesperson added that respect was a core value at Ford and that inappropriate remarks were not condoned within its facilities. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Dearborn, Michigan, US First Published: January 14, 2026, 21:47 IST News world Ford Suspends Worker For Heckling Trump During Michigan Factory Visit: 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... Fresh Buzz As Netanyahus Plane Lands In Greece. Last Time It Happened, US And Israel Struck Iran Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 19:51 IST The Wing of Zion serves as the primary government aircraft for Israels PM and president and is designed to function as a secure command and comms platform during major crises. Israeli state aircraft "Wing of Zion" which flew Israel's ambassador to Greece from Ben Gurion airport, hours after Israel attacked Iran, is seen at International Airport in Athens, Greece. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) Buzz is building around the movement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus official aircraft after aviation watchers and open-source intelligence accounts reported that the plane flew out of Israel and briefly landed in Greece. Multiple OSINT-focused accounts tracking military and government aircraft said the Israeli Boeing 767, known as the Wing of Zion", departed Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel and headed towards the Greek island of Crete. The aircraft later made a quick turnaround and returned to Israel, according to these accounts. The movement was first flagged by aviation and geopolitical monitoring handles such as Visioner, OSINTdefender and Mossad Commentary, while social media commentator Mario Nawfal described the landing in Greece as similar to patterns seen before previous Israeli strikes on Iran. News18 could not independently verify the claims made by open-source intelligence and social media accounts regarding the aircrafts movement or its implications. Several of these accounts suggested that the aircrafts movement was being closely watched because the same plane had been repositioned during earlier periods of military escalation. Last year, Israel and the United States carried out coordinated strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites during a brief but intense 12-day conflict that sharply raised regional tensions. ANOTHER PIECE OF THE PUZZLE | ISRAELBREAKING: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus aircraft, Wing of Zion, has taken off from Israel.This could be a sign a strike on Iran is very close. Why it matters: Ahead of the previous strike on Iran, Wing of Zion also departed just pic.twitter.com/YbnM76J2Fc Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) January 14, 2026 The attacks came after weeks of mounting pressure and were followed by Iranian missile retaliation against US positions in the region. The episode marked one of the most direct confrontations between Iran, Israel and Washington in recent years. Against this backdrop, tensions across West Asia are rising following deadly anti-regime protests in Iran. An Israeli Boeing 767-338ER, known as the Wing of Zion" which operates as an Air Force One for the Prime Minister and President, suddenly departed Nevatim Airbase in Southern Israel earlier this morning bound for the Greek island of Crete, similar to what was seen in the lead up pic.twitter.com/vRZ0S1d6gF OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 14, 2026 Reuters reported that some personnel have been advised to leave the US militarys Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American base in the region with around 10,000 troops. Diplomats described the move as a posture change", not a full evacuation, similar to precautionary steps taken last year before Iranian missile strikes on the base following US attacks on Iran. Iran has warned regional countries hosting US forces that their bases would be targeted if Washington intervenes. A senior Iranian official told the news agency that Tehran had conveyed this message to countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Turkey. The warning comes as Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene in Iran, citing the crackdown on protesters, where rights groups say more than 2,400 people have been killed. The news agency also reported that an Israeli assessment believes Trump has decided to intervene, though the timing and scale remain unclear. Iranian authorities accuse the US and Israel of fuelling unrest. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 19:51 IST News world Fresh Buzz As Netanyahus Plane Lands In Greece. Last Time It Happened, US And Israel Struck Iran 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 May Hit US Bases If Washington Strikes: Where Are Americas Military Forces In Middle East? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 18:17 IST Al Udeid, located in Qatar, is the forward headquarters of US Central Command, which oversees US military operations across the Middle East. Al Udeid hosts about 10,000 troops and serves as a hub for air operations, intelligence, surveillance and logistics. Tehran warned neighbours hosting US troops that it would hit American bases if Washington strikes, a senior Iranian official told Reuters, as Iran seeks to deter US President Donald Trumps threats to intervene on behalf of protesters. Three diplomats said some personnel had been advised to leave the main US air base in the region, though there were no immediate signs of a large-scale evacuation like the one seen ahead of an Iranian missile attack last year. The advisory applies to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military installation in the Middle East. Why Is Al Udeid Air Base Central To US Operations? Al Udeid, located in Qatar, is the forward headquarters of US Central Command, which oversees US military operations across the Middle East. The base hosts about 10,000 troops and serves as a hub for air operations, intelligence, surveillance and logistics spanning the Gulf, Iraq and Syria. Last year, personnel and families were moved off several US bases in the region more than a week before US air strikes on Iran. After those strikes in June, Iran responded with a missile attack on Al Udeid. Where Does The US Have Bases In The Gulf? The US maintains its densest footprint in the Gulf states. In Bahrain, Naval Support Activity Bahrain hosts the US Fifth Fleet, which oversees naval operations across the Gulf and Arabian Sea. In Kuwait, Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base act as key logistics hubs supporting deployments into Iraq and Syria. In the United Arab Emirates, Al Dhafra Air Base hosts US aircraft and intelligence assets, including surveillance platforms. What Is US Military Presence In Iraq And Syria? In Iraq, US forces operate from bases such as Al Asad and Erbil, primarily for counter-ISIS missions, though troop numbers have been reduced in recent years. In eastern Syria, the US maintains small outposts backing Kurdish-led forces and counterterrorism operations. These are not officially designated as permanent bases but function as forward military positions. Does US Have Bases In Israel And Saudi Arabia? The US does not run large, traditional bases in Israel but American troops operate joint missile defence and radar systems critical to early warning against missile threats. In Saudi Arabia, US forces are deployed on a rotational basis, including air defence units and military advisers, without a formally declared permanent base. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 18:17 IST News world Iran May Hit US Bases If Washington Strikes: Where Are Americas Military Forces In Middle East? 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 15, 2026, 00:53 IST Iran Protests Highlights: As protests in Iran enter their third week, the situation has become one of the deadliest crackdowns in recent history. The demonstrations, which began over economic grievances, have now turned into a major challenge to the clerical leadership under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian authorities have labelled the protests as riots and accused participants of acts of terror. Human rights groups report that over 2,400 protesters and nearly 150 government-affiliated individuals have died. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened intervention, warning of very strong action if Tehran carries out executions of protesters. He has urged Iranians to continue protesting, saying that help is on its way, while also imposing 25% import tariffs on countries trading with Iran. The US State Department has advised its citizens to leave Iran immediately, and reports have also surfaced that some personnel at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar have been told to evacuate. Additionally, Iran has accused the US and Israel of fuelling the unrest, calling the protesters terrorists and blaming foreign powers for the violence. FOLLOW FOR MORE UPDATES: Iran May Hang 26-Year-Old Protester Today As Trump Warns Of 'Very Strong Action' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 09:25 IST While around 2,000 people have been killed during the unrest, Erfan Soltani will be the first one to be hanged to death amid protests against the Iranian regime. Erfan Soltani, 26, to be executed to death sentence, first execution in current anti-Khamenei protests in Iran Iran is reportedly set to execute its first protester following mass arrests in connection with the widespread anti-regime demonstrations. The 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, who was arrested on January 8 for participating in the nationwide protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Karaj near Tehran, is scheduled to be hanged to death on Wednesday without getting a proper trial, according to human rights groups. His family was told that he had been sentenced to death and that the sentence is due to be carried out on 14 January," Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) reported. While around 2,000 people have been killed during the unrest, Soltani will be the first one to be hanged to death amid protests against the Iranian regime. On January 11, Soltanis family was informed that he had been sentenced to death, the report said, citing Hengaw Organisation. Following this, they were allowed only a brief 10-minute meet with him. According to a report by Israel- and US-based news outlet Jfeed, Soltanis case might mark the beginning of a series of fast-track executions aimed at curbing any further demonstrations against the regime. Trump Warns Iran Against Killings Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has time and again warned Iran against the killing of the protesters and has stated that the country will have to face repercussions if it does not stop. Trump, on Tuesday, via a post on X, told the protesters in Iran that help is on its way". Additionally, Trump also told CBS News that the United States would act if Iran began hanging protesters, after Tehran prosecutors said Iranian authorities would press capital charges of moharebeh", or waging war against God", against some suspects arrested over recent demonstrations. We will take very strong action if they do such a thing," said Trump, who has repeatedly threatened Iran with military intervention. When they start killing thousands of people and now youre telling me about hanging. Well see how thats going to work out for them," Trump said. Iran Witnesses Massive Protests Iran is currently one of the countrys biggest challenges to the clerical leadership since it came to power in the 1979 Islamic revolution. Several rights groups have accused the government of fatally shooting protesters and masking the scale of the crackdown with internet blackouts. The protests erupted in early January due to economic distress, a fall in the value of the Iranian Rial. The demonstrations, which kicked off in Tehrans bazaars, quickly spread to many other cities as shopkeepers, students, and ordinary citizens took to the streets and demanded relief from the economic distress. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Iran First Published: January 14, 2026, 09:06 IST News world Iran May Hang 26-Year-Old Protester Today As Trump Warns Of 'Very Strong Action' 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 Threatens To Target US Bases In Neighbouring Countries: 'If Washington Intervenes...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 18:04 IST The warning comes as US President Donald Trump has openly threatened to support protesters in Iran. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (AFP file photo) Iran on Wednesday warned neighbouring countries that host US troops that American bases in the region could be targeted if Washington intervenes in protests inside Iran, a senior Iranian official told Reuters. The warning comes as US President Donald Trump has openly threatened to support protesters in Iran, where unrest has spread across the country and security forces have launched a harsh crackdown. Three diplomats said some US personnel had been advised to leave Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the main American air base in the region, by Wednesday evening. However, they said there were no signs of a large-scale evacuation like the one carried out last year before an Iranian missile attack on the base. One diplomat described the move as a posture change" rather than an ordered withdrawal. There was no visible movement of troops to nearby civilian areas, as seen previously. Additionally, Majid Mousavi, commander of the aerospace force of Irans Revolutionary Guards, said on Wednesday that Iran had increased its missile stockpiles and was on high alert. Our missile stockpiles have grown," Mousavi said. The aerospace force of the Guards is at the peak of defensive readiness and is prepared to confront any aggression." Trump has repeatedly warned of possible action against Iran. In an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, he said the United States would take very strong action" if Iran executed protesters. He also urged Iranians to continue protesting and said that help is on the way", without giving details. According to an Israeli official, Israel believes Trump has decided to intervene in some form, though the timing and scale remain unclear. The senior Iranian official said Tehran had contacted US allies across the region, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, urging them to stop Washington from taking action. Tehran has told regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Turkey, that U.S. bases in those countries will be attacked," the official said. The official added that direct contacts between Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had been suspended. Iranian state media said senior officials had spoken with counterparts in Qatar, the UAE and Turkey to discuss regional tensions. Iran has accused the United States and Israel of stirring unrest. Rights group HRANA said more than 2,400 protesters had been killed so far, with over 18,000 arrests reported. Iranian authorities dispute the figures. (With inputs from Reuters) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Iran First Published: January 14, 2026, 17:05 IST News world Iran Threatens To Target US Bases In Neighbouring Countries: 'If Washington Intervenes...' 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 Unrest: Tehran Warns US Against Military Action Over Protest Crackdown | Top Updates Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 23:56 IST The IRGC issued a warning, saying they are prepared to respond decisively to any perceived attacks by the US or Israel. An Anti-Iranian regime protester burns a photo depicting Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran, during a gathering outside the US Consulate in Milan. (AFP photo) Iran on Wednesday warned the United States that it was capable of responding to any military strike. The warning came as some US personnel were reported to be leaving the Al Udeid base in Qatar, which Iran had targeted last year in retaliation for American attacks on its nuclear facilities. Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said the previous strike on the base had shown Irans will and capability to respond to any attack". Meanwhile, the US embassy in Saudi Arabia advised staff to exercise caution and avoid military sites. Deadly crackdown on protests Iran has faced widespread protests over the past weeks, prompting what rights groups describe as one of the harshest crackdowns in years. Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) said at least 3,428 protesters have been killed, with more than 10,000 arrested. The crackdown has been carried out under an internet blackout that has lasted more than five days, limiting information from the streets. Videos verified by AFP showed bodies lined up at a morgue south of Tehran, with relatives searching for loved ones. Judiciary vows fast trials Irans judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, visited a Tehran prison and vowed fast-track trials for those accused of violent acts during the protests. He suggested some detainees could face capital punishment. The authorities have described protesters as waging acts of terror". State media reported a funeral ceremony in Tehran for more than 100 members of the security forces and other martyrs" killed in the demonstrations. Thousands of people attended, waving flags and observing prayers outside Tehran University. US signals possible immediate action Military intervention by the United States against Iran appears increasingly likely, with one European official telling Reuters that action could come within the next 24 hours. The assessment comes as US President Donald Trump warned Iran that Washington would take very strong action" if authorities proceed with executing detained protesters. The warning adds to heightened tensions, as Washington weighs its response to the ongoing crackdown. US-Iran tensions escalate The Al Udeid base in Qatar, the largest US facility in the region, has asked some personnel to leave, citing regional tensions." The base had been attacked by Iran in June, following US involvement in strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also issued a warning, saying they are prepared to respond decisively" to any perceived attacks by the US or Israel. IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour accused the leaders of both countries of being responsible for the deaths of young Iranians. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Iran First Published: January 14, 2026, 23:56 IST News world Iran Unrest: Tehran Warns US Against Military Action Over Protest Crackdown | 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... Tehran Accuses Trump Of Inciting Protesters As US-Iran Diplomatic Ties Snap Amid Fears Of Attack Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 19:18 IST The Iranian leadership has issued a stern warning that US military bases in neighbouring countries will be targeted if any American attack takes place on their soil Direct contact between Iran and the United States has completely broken down as tensions rise. (Image: AFP/File) Diplomatic ties between the United States and Iran witnessed a complete breakdown on Wednesday as President Donald Trump overtly threatened military intervention in response to reports of thousands of casualties and mass arrests of anti-government protesters in the Islamic Republic. This escalation led Iran to formally suspend all senior diplomatic communications with Washington, as reported by Al Jazeera and Tehran Times. The Iranian leadership has issued a stern warning that US military bases in neighbouring countries will be targeted if any American attack takes place on their soil. The nationwide unrest, sparked by persistent economic hardships, has since evolved into a demand for political reform across all 31 provinces of the country. Human rights organisations have reported that the scale of state-sponsored violence is unprecedented, with the death toll from the protests reportedly increasing to more than 2,500. Heres all you need to know: Direct contact between senior officials from the United States and Iran has completely broken down as tensions rise. According to reports, diplomatic channels between Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and US special envoy Steve Witkoff have been suspended. Iran has formally complained to the United Nations about remarks made by Donald Trump, rebuking him for inciting rioters and threatening military action. A senior Iranian official was quoted as saying this friction has wiped out any possibility of progress" on the revival of the nuclear programme, and all meetings intended to find a diplomatic solution have been cancelled. Trump, meanwhile, has openly threatened to intervene saying help is on the way" for the protesters. In an interview, he vowed to take very strong action" if Iran proceeds with the execution of detainees, stating: If they hang them, youre going to see some things." While he did not give specifics, Trump said military action is among the options he is weighing and has already announced 25 percent import tariffs on any country doing business with Iran. In response to these threats, Iran has warned its neighbours specifically Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey that hosting US troops makes them targets. An Iranian official said US bases in those countries will be attacked" if the US targets Iran. Consequently, some personnel at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar were advised to leave as part of a posture change", though a large-scale evacuation has not yet been ordered. Iran is actively seeking to deter Trump by asking regional allies to prevent Washington from attacking". The ministry of external affairs (MEA) in India has issued a strong advisory for its citizens, urging them to avoid all travel to Iran until further notice. This follows a previous notice from January 5 that advised against non-essential travel. The Centre has also requested its citizens and persons of Indian origin (PIO) already residing in Iran to exercise extreme caution and strictly avoid protest areas as the security situation deteriorated dramatically". The Iranian judiciary has vowed to fast-track trials for those arrested during the riots". Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, during a prison visit, stressed that speed in penalising those who committed acts of violence is critical. Prosecutors have begun pressing capital charges of waging war against God". The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has indicated it is at the peak of our readiness". Aerospace Commander Majid Mousavi said Irans stockpile of missiles has significantly increased since the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025. Reuters quoted sources as saying output for the guards aerospace forces is currently higher than previous levels, and all wartime damages from the prior year have been repaired. Human rights groups have reported verified arrests of over 18,000 people. The French foreign minister described the situation as the most violent repression in Irans contemporary history". To mask the scale of this crackdown, the government imposed an internet blackout that has lasted over 132 hours. Despite reports of bodies being lined up in morgues, the state has organised large pro-government rallies where participants wave pictures of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and carry banners reading Death to America. (With agency inputs) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: January 14, 2026, 18:57 IST News world Tehran Accuses Trump Of Inciting Protesters As US-Iran Diplomatic Ties Snap Amid Fears Of Attack 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... S Jaishankar Gets Call From Iran Minister, Discusses 'Evolving Situation' Amid West Asia Tensions Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 21:22 IST The call, initiated by Irans Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, focused on the evolving situation in and around Iran, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said. Irans Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi initiated the call with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as the situation in and around Iran continues to evolve. (IMAGE: PTI) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said he received a phone call from Irans Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, with the two discussing the evolving situation in and around Iran. Jaishankar shared the information in a brief post on social media site X. Araghchi also held a phone call with Egypts Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to discuss regional and international developments and bilateral ties. The call comes as Iran faces massive anti-government protests and a widening security crackdown, prompting India to issue a fresh advisory asking its nationals to leave the country. According to a report by news agency PTI, New Delhi has urged all Indian citizens currently in Iran, including students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists, to leave by available means and has strongly advised against travel to the country until further notice. The protests began late last month in Tehran after Irans currency, the rial, plunged to record lows and have since spread to all 31 provinces. What started as demonstrations over economic distress has evolved into calls for political change. Rights groups say the death toll has crossed 2,500 amid a harsh crackdown by Iranian authorities. The Indian embassy in Tehran has advised citizens to exercise caution, avoid protest sites, remain in contact with the mission and closely monitor local developments. The Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated that Indians should avoid non-essential travel to Iran. The unrest has also triggered wider tensions in West Asia, with the United States warning Tehran against a brutal crackdown and US President Donald Trump openly threatening intervention. Iran has accused the US and Israel of fuelling the protests. Received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. @araghchiWe discussed the evolving situation in and around Iran. Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 14, 2026 The diplomatic outreach also comes amid visible military and security posturing across West Asia. The United States has begun withdrawing some personnel from key bases in the region as a precaution, with diplomats telling Reuters that limited staff were advised to leave Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The move was described as a posture change" rather than a full evacuation, with no signs of large-scale troop withdrawals. Qatar later confirmed that the departure of certain personnel from Al Udeid was linked to current regional tensions. In a statement, the International Media Office of the State of Qatar said authorities were taking necessary steps to protect citizens, residents, critical infrastructure and military facilities, adding that any further developments would be communicated through official channels. The precautionary steps follow warnings from Tehran that US military bases in the region could be targeted if Washington intervenes in Iran. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that regional countries hosting American forces had been informed of possible retaliation in the event of a US strike. At the same time, the news agency also reported that an Israeli assessment believes Donald Trump has decided to intervene in Iran, though the scope and timing of any action remain unclear. Trump has repeatedly threatened very strong action" if Iran executes protesters and has publicly urged Iranians to continue protests, saying help is on the way". News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : New Delhi/Tehran First Published: January 14, 2026, 20:45 IST News world S Jaishankar Gets Call From Iran Minister, Discusses 'Evolving Situation' Amid West Asia Tensions 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... WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said he "had a long call" with Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez on Wednesday and the two countries are "getting along very well." "We just had a great conversation today, and she's a terrific person," Trump told reporters at the White House. "We had a long call, we discussed a lot of things, and I think we're getting along very well with Venezuela," Trump said. Rodriguez also said Wednesday that she held a "long, productive and courteous" telephone conversation with Trump. "During the call, we addressed a bilateral working agenda for the benefit of our peoples, as well as pending issues in the relationship between our governments," she said. Rodriguez plans to send an envoy, Venezuelan Ambassador to Britain Felix Plasencia, to visit Washington this week as the Trump administration is weighing the possibility of reopening its embassy in the oil-rich South American nation, according to a Bloomberg report on Tuesday. Maria Corina Machado, one of Venezuela's major opposition figures, is expected to visit the White House on the same day. The U.S. military seized the fifth oil tanker linked to Venezuela on Friday as a team of U.S. diplomats and security personnel arrived in Caracas to assess the possibility of reopening the U.S. embassy there, days after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was taken by force in a U.S. raid on Jan. 3. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said last week that the United States will not only market stored oil in Venezuela but also control the sales of oil output from the country indefinitely. Military Strikes Ahead? What Trumps 'Help On Its Way' Message To Iranian Protesters Could Mean Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 10:40 IST Comments from Trump, combined with interpretations around the world, suggest the administration may be weighing a mix of covert, cyber and possibly military options. Donald Trump has said "help is on its way" to Iran protesters. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) US President Donald Trumps recent statements on Iran particularly his assurance to protesters that help is on its way" have triggered speculation about whether the United States is preparing for a new phase of confrontation with Tehran. Comments from Trump himself, combined with interpretations from US lawmakers, Israeli officials and senior journalists, suggest the administration may be weighing a mix of covert, cyber and possibly military options. But what could be the scale of such an operation? Is there going to be an invasion-level operation? With analysts reading between the lines, heres what can be expected. Action, Not Just Rhetoric? Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked what he meant by his message to Iranian protesters. His response Youre going to find out soon" was ambiguous but followed by a pointed advisory that Americans should leave Iran, calling it a good idea." Such evacuation warning is often seen as a precursor to heightened tensions rather than routine diplomatic caution. Trump has also framed the current moment in the context of past US actions, citing the killings of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. By saying the US destroyed Irans nuclear capabilities without errors" and wants to maintain this pace," Trump appeared to underline his willingness to authorise decisive and high-risk actions. Open Backing for Iranian Protesters In an unusually direct appeal, Trump urged Iranian protesters to keep protesting" and take over your institutions," while asking them to document the identities of those involved in violent crackdowns. He announced the cancellation of all meetings with Iranian officials until the killing of protesters stops, signalling a suspension of diplomacy in favour of pressure. The language marks one of the strongest endorsements of internal dissent in Iran by a sitting US president, raising the stakes for both Tehran and Washington. Military and Cyber Options? Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, publicly suggested that the presidents message of help" could involve military and cyber measures. Graham ruled out a conventional ground war, insisting there should be no boots on the ground." Instead, he outlined what he sees as the core of Trumps promised assistance: a sustained campaign combining military strikes, cyber operations and psychological pressure aimed at paralyzing the regimes ability to govern and repress. President @realDonaldTrump is certainly not Obama. In my view, he is Reagan Plus when it comes to protecting Americas vital national security interests.There is no bigger threat to world order than the Iranian ayatollahs religious Nazi regime that wantonly kills its people, https://t.co/q8euMQOsNi Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 13, 2026 According to Grahams post, the objective would not be territorial control but the destruction of infrastructure used by Iranian security forces to conduct arrests, surveillance and lethal crackdowns. He also suggested that those responsible for ordering violence against protesters should be directly targeted, arguing accountability must be personal, not abstract. At the same time, Iranian media outlets citing US reporting have said Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed non-kinetic" options in closed-door meetings, including cyber operations and other tools designed to weaken the Iranian state without immediate conventional strikes. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in closed-door meetings in recent days that the administration was considering non-kinetic responses to help Iranian protesters, Axios reported citing to a source with direct knowledge of the discussions. Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) January 13, 2026 Israel Sees Strikes as a Real Possibility Adding to the sense of impending escalation, Israeli journalist Amichai Stein reported that Israeli officials assess Trump is likely to strike Iran, with uncertainty centred on timing and intensity rather than intent. Evacuation Advice Raises Alarm Trumps public comment that US allies should get out" of Iran further heightened concerns. Governments typically issue such guidance only when they anticipate serious instability or potential retaliatory action. I asked @potus President #Trump just now if his administration has advised US allies to evacuate from #Iran. He said: They should get out. Its a good idea." Abigail Hauslohner (@ahauslohner) January 13, 2026 What Next? Taken together, the signals suggest the Trump administration could be preparing a layered strategy: increased economic and diplomatic pressure, cyber and covert operations aimed at Iranian security and surveillance systems, and readiness for limited military strikes if red lines are crossed. A full-scale war or ground invasion appears unlikely at this stage, but the risk of rapid escalation is clearly rising. For now, Trumps ambiguity appears intentional keeping both allies and adversaries guessing. But the message is clear: Washington is positioning itself for action, and Tehran is being warned that the crackdown on protesters may carry consequences beyond Irans borders. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 09:34 IST News world Military Strikes Ahead? What Trumps 'Help On Its Way' Message To Iranian Protesters Could Mean 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... 'Our American Colleagues Look Unreliable': Russia Reaffirms Iran Ties Despite US Threats Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 19:54 IST Lavrov said Russia would carry on implementing bilateral agreements with Tehran and that no external power could alter the nature of the relationship between the two countries. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. (AFP file photo) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that Moscow would continue working with Iran despite threats of military action and economic pressure from the United States. The Russian minister made the remarks at a news conference in Moscow, dismissing Washingtons statements as damaging to international stability. Lavrov said Russia would carry on implementing bilateral agreements with Tehran and that no external power could alter the nature of the relationship between the two countries. He underlined that ties were based on agreements reached by the presidents of both states and serve the interests of their peoples. Asked about the United States growing pressure on Iran, including threats of possible attacks and tariffs on countries that cooperate with Tehran, Lavrov criticised Washingtons approach. Our American colleagues look unreliable when they act in this way," he said, accusing the US of abandoning principles it once promoted. Lavrov also said the United States was contributing to the fragmentation of the international system it helped build, pointing to what he described as an illegal operation to overthrow Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and threats against Iran. In his view, these actions weakened the framework of international law and damaged Washingtons credibility. The Russian foreign minister insisted that Moscow and Tehran were committed to fulfilling their agreements, saying that no third country could change the fundamental nature of their ties. He noted that cooperation includes ongoing economic and infrastructure projects, and that relations were developed in line with mutual interests. Lavrovs comments came amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. US President Donald Trump has warned of strong action" over unrest in Iran and threatened punitive measures against nations doing business with Tehran, including possible tariffs. Iran, in turn, has accused the US of seeking to provoke instability as protests continue across the country. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Russia First Published: January 14, 2026, 19:54 IST News world 'Our American Colleagues Look Unreliable': Russia Reaffirms Iran Ties Despite US Threats 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... Pakistan & Bangladesh In New US Visa Freeze List; India Stands Apart | Exclusive Details Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 23:30 IST The freeze targets countries deemed high-risk for fraud or whose applicants are considered likely to become a financial burden on the US government In stark contrast, Indias absence from the 75-nation list strengthens its position as a 'trusted partner' in the eyes of the Trump administration. Representational image/Getty The United States Department of State has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Russia, effective from January 21. According to high-level government sources and a departmental memo first reported by CNN-News18 on Wednesday, the move is part of a sweeping reassessment of screening and vetting procedures under the public charge" provision of American immigration law. While the pause affects a wide swathe of nations across Asia, Africa, and South America, India has been notably excluded from the lista move seen by analysts as an institutional signal of Washingtons trust in Indian applicants. The freeze targets countries deemed high-risk for fraud or whose applicants are considered likely to become a financial burden on the US government. Consular officers have been directed to refuse immigrant visas while the department conducts an extensive review of identity-management and information-sharing standards. State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott stated that the authorities will use their long-standing mandate to disqualify potential immigrants who might exploit the generosity of the American people." The criteria for refusal are expected to be stringent, with officers instructed to weigh factors such as health, age, English proficiency, and financial stability. The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people. Department of State (@StateDept) January 14, 2026 For Pakistan, being formally grouped with nations like Somalia, Afghanistan, and Yemen in a visa freeze" list represents a significant blow to its international standing. Top government sources suggest that the inclusion reinforces long-standing American concerns regarding the integrity of Pakistani documentation and the reliability of its criminal records. The specific mention of Somalia in the context of a massive taxpayer-funded benefit fraud scandal in Minnesota has further heightened scrutiny on countries with similar high-risk" profiles. While the pause is currently restricted to immigrant visas, the memo hints that all visa processing for these 75 nations will remain under intense reassessment for the foreseeable future. In stark contrast, Indias absence from the 75-nation list strengthens its position as a trusted partner" in the eyes of the Trump administration. Indian officials believe this exclusion will facilitate a smoother flow for skilled migration, higher education, and technology partnerships, particularly in the healthcare and IT sectors. While countries like Brazil, Thailand, and Kuwait find themselves abruptly caught in this indefinite pause," Indias established vetting protocols appear to have shielded its citizens from the latest crackdown. The State Department has clarified that the freeze will not revoke existing valid visas but will halt all new immigrant appointments starting next Tuesday. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 22:53 IST News world Pakistan & Bangladesh In New US Visa Freeze List; India Stands Apart | Exclusive Details 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... Pakistan Scrambles For Options As America-Iran Crisis Puts It In A Tight Geopolitical Spot Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Ronit Singh Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 13:03 IST Amid fears of a wider fallout from the US-Iran crisis, Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir held an emergency meeting with the countrys top security leadership. US President Donald Trump, Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir and Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei | File Image Pakistans top military leadership is scrambling to assess its options as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran threaten to push Islamabad into a difficult geopolitical corner, senior security sources told CNN-News18. Amid fears of a wider regional confrontation, Pakistans Field Marshal and Army Chief Asim Munir convened an emergency meeting of the countrys top security brass to review the unfolding crisis. The high-level meeting was attended by ISI chief and National Security Adviser General Asim Malik, Southern Commander Lt General Rahat Naseem, the Director General of Military Intelligence, the Chief of General Staff to the COAS, the ISIs Director General (Analysis) and other senior generals. According to sources, the meeting focused on the implications of a possible US-Iran confrontation for Pakistan, which is already grappling with multiple security challenges. Officials flagged concerns over the long and sensitive Pakistan-Iran border, warning that Islamabad cannot afford another volatile frontier at a time when the Durand Line with Afghanistan remains tense and hostile. The military leadership also discussed the risks arising from Pakistans close strategic relationship with the United States, particularly under the Trump administration. Will US Seek Access To Pakistani Bases? Sources said a key concern was the possibility that Washington could seek access to Pakistani airspace or military bases in the event of strikes on Iran, a demand that could put Islamabad in a precarious position domestically and regionally. Another major worry, according to intelligence inputs reviewed at the meeting, is internal unrest. Pakistan has a sizeable Shia population, estimated at nearly 30 per cent, many of whom are seen as sympathetic to Iran and strongly opposed to the US and Israel. Any attack on Iran or a potential regime-change scenario, officials fear, could trigger widespread protests across Pakistan and create additional pressure along the Pak-Iran border due to refugee inflows. Sources said Field Marshal Munir directed senior commanders and the National Security Adviser to remain on high alert and closely monitor developments. The ISI chief was also tasked with strengthening diplomatic and security-level contacts with counterparts in Iran, Turkey, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the United States to assess the evolving situation and explore avenues for de-escalation. Intelligence assessments shared with the leadership suggest that Pakistan, along with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, has conveyed concerns to Washington that a military strike on Iran could destabilise the entire region. However, officials acknowledge that if the Trump administration proceeds with an attack and presses Pakistan for logistical support, Islamabad would face severe strategic and political consequences. Pakistan Hosts Religious Delegation As it weighs these external pressures, Pakistans military has also moved to consolidate domestic narratives on national security. Sources said the army recently hosted a delegation of religious scholars under the National Paigham-i-Aman Committee at its headquarters, seeking unity and consensus on security issues. Participants in the meeting, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the military leadership stressed the importance of a coordinated narrative to counter what it described as psychological warfare by hostile forces, including India and militant groups operating along Pakistans borders. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 13:02 IST News world Pakistan Scrambles For Options As America-Iran Crisis Puts It In A Tight Geopolitical Spot 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... 'Continue The Fight': Reza Pahlavi's Message To Iranians Amid Trump's 'Help On Its Way' Post Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 07:43 IST White House envoy Steve Witkoff recently met with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah, to discuss the protests roiling that country, reports suggested. Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi (Image: Sourced) Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Irans last shah and a prominent voice in the fragmented opposition, in his latest message to Iranians, urged them to continue their fight against the current regime and acknowledged US President Donald Trumps help on its way" post. He further asked the protesters to save the names of all the criminals who are attacking the demonstrators and stated that they will be prosecuted for what they have done. Taking to X, he wrote, My compatriots, the world has not just seen and heard your voice and courage, it is now responding. By now, you have probably heard the message from the President of the United States. Help is on the way. Continue the fight, as you have done so far. Do not allow this regime to create the illusion that life is normal." After all the massacres, there is a sea of blood between us and this regime. Save the names of all these criminals. They will be prosecuted for what they have done," he added. Further, in a special message to the Iranian Army, Pahlavi said, You are the national military of Iran, not the military of the Islamic Republic. You have a duty to protect the lives of your compatriots. You do not have much time. Join them as soon as possible." My compatriots,The world has not just seen and heard your voice and courage, it is now responding. By now, you have probably heard the message from the President of the United States. Help is on the way. Continue the fight, as you have done so far. Do not allow this regime https://t.co/KfotmDo0br Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) January 13, 2026 US Envoy, Pahlavi Discuss Iran Protests White House envoy Steve Witkoff recently met with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Irans last shah, to discuss the protests roiling that country, a senior US official informed. According to a report published in Axios, citing a senior US official, the alleged meeting occurred over the weekend. This would represent the first high-level meeting between the Trump administration and the Iranian opposition since the anti-regime protests erupted 15 days ago. Axios noted that amid the unrest, Pahlavi has been trying to paint himself as the transitional" leader in case the regime falls. Pahlavi had also urged President Trump to intervene and praised him as a man of peace." Mr President, this is an urgent and immediate call for your attention, support, and action," Pahlavi wrote in a post on X January 9. He accused Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei of using the blackout to carry out a brutal crackdown and encouraged Trump to be prepared to intervene to help the people of Iran." Help On Its Way: Trumps Post Amid Iran Unrest Trump on Tuesday heightened uncertainty around Washingtons next steps on Iran after saying help is on its way" for Iranian protesters, before urging Americans to leave the country amid widening unrest. Earlier in the day, Trump posted on Truth Social, urging Iranians to continue protesting, writing: Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! HELP IS ON ITS WAY." He also said he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until what he described as the senseless killing" of protesters stopped. Speaking to reporters, Trump was asked to clarify what he meant by his earlier statement promising help" to protesters in Iran. Youre going to find out soon," he replied, before adding, Its a good idea for Americans to leave Iran." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Iran First Published: January 14, 2026, 07:41 IST News world 'Continue The Fight': Reza Pahlavi's Message To Iranians Amid Trump's 'Help On Its Way' Post 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... Thailand Rail Tragedy: Inside Story Of How A Crane Collapse Derailed A Train, Leaving 22 Dead Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 15:10 IST Crane falls on a moving train in Thailands Nakhon Ratchasima, causing derailment and fire. At least 22 killed on the Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani route Rapid Read A crane from a China-backed rail project collapsed onto a speeding passenger train in Thailands Nakhon Ratchasima, causing derailment and fire that killed at least 22 people. On Wednesday morning, Nakhon Ratchasima province in Thailand witnessed chaos and panic as a passenger train derailed after a crane fell onto it. The train, travelling at full speed, derailed instantly, caught fire, and claimed the lives of 22 people. Crane Part Of China-Backed High-Speed Rail Project The crane involved in the accident was part of a $5.4 billion high-speed rail project, supported by China, which aims to connect Bangkok to Kunming via Laos. It was being used for construction work on the project at the time of the incident. According to the news agency PTI, the crash happened at approximately 9 am while the train was en route from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani. Passengers were unaware of the impending disaster until the crane struck the moving train. Officials reported that the cranes impact caused several train cars to derail and catch fire. Passengers screamed in terror, with some initially mistaking the sound for an explosion. Casualties And Rescue Efforts Local police chief Thachapon Chinawong confirmed that 22 people died in the accident. Rescue teams are still searching the wreckage for survivors and assisting the injured. Authorities warn that the death toll could rise. Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn stated that there were 195 passengers aboard the train. Identification of the victims is ongoing. Television footage showed emergency workers navigating twisted metal, while the brightly coloured passenger train lay derailed to one side, smoke rising from several carriages. Investigation Ordered Industrial and construction accidents are relatively common in Thailand and are often attributed to poor safety standards. Officials have launched a formal investigation into Wednesdays crash to determine the cause and assign accountability. The crane was part of the high-speed rail project under Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to complete the BangkokKunming route by 2028. The accident has raised concerns over safety measures on large infrastructure projects in the country. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Thailand First Published: January 14, 2026, 15:10 IST News world Thailand Rail Tragedy: Inside Story Of How A Crane Collapse Derailed A Train, Leaving 22 Dead 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 Smell Was Pungent: How Heating A Meal Won Two Indian Students Rs 1.8 Crore In US Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 16:17 IST According to Aditya Prakash, a female staff member approached him and objected to the odour. Aditya Prakashs partner, Urmi Bhattacheryya, also a PhD student, supported him during the episode. A complaint about a pungent smell" drifting from a microwave ended in a $200,000 (around Rs 1.8 crore) civil rights settlement, after two Indian PhD students accused a US university of systemic discrimination over their food. The case centres on a 2023 incident at the University of Colorado Boulder, where Aditya Prakash, then a PhD student in anthropology, was reheating his lunch- palak paneer- in a shared departmental microwave. According to Aditya Prakash, a female staff member approached him and objected to the odour. The smell was pungent, she said," Aditya Prakash later told The Indian Express. He said he was asked not to use the microwave for his food, prompting an argument over access to a common space and whose definition of acceptable" smells should prevail. My food is my pride," Aditya Prakash said, arguing that ideas of what smells good or bad are culturally shaped. He said a facilities staff member later tried to justify the objection by saying even broccoli was restricted because of its strong odour. Context matters," Aditya Prakash said, adding, How many groups of people do you know who face racism because they eat broccoli?" What began as a dispute over a smell soon escalated. Aditya Prakashs partner, Urmi Bhattacheryya, also a PhD student, supported him during the episode. The couple allege that this led to retaliation: repeated meetings with senior faculty, claims that a staff member felt unsafe" and what they describe as a hostile academic environment. Urmi Bhattacheryya said she was later dismissed from her teaching assistant position without explanation. The department, the couple allege, also refused to award them masters degrees that PhD candidates typically receive en route to completing their doctorates. That refusal proved to be a turning point. Aditya Prakash and Urmi Bhattacheryya filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for Colorado, arguing that the reaction to the pungent" smell of Indian food reflected deeper systemic bias against international students and created conditions that harmed their academic progress. In September 2025, the university agreed to settle the case, paying the couple $200,000 and conferring their masters degrees. As part of the settlement, however, both have been barred from future enrolment or employment at the university. Urmi Bhattacheryya recently revealed the settlement in a widely shared Instagram post, describing the case as a fight for the freedom to eat what I want". She wrote about enduring health issues and what she called an erosion of her self-respect during the dispute, adding, I will not be humbled by injustices. I will not be silent." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 16:17 IST News world The Smell Was Pungent: How Heating A Meal Won Two Indian Students Rs 1.8 Crore In US 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... To Bomb Or Not To Bomb: Why US May Hold Back From Striking Iran Despite Trumps Threats Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 18:30 IST Despite repeated warnings from the White House, there has been no visible military build-up that would typically precede a US strike. US President Donald Trump (Photo: AP) US President Donald Trumps warnings of possible military action against Iran have sharpened as the countrys clerical leadership faces its biggest wave of protests in years. Yet behind the tough rhetoric, there are growing signs that Washington may be reluctant to translate threats into direct military strikes. Analysts point to a mix of logistical constraints, regional politics and strategic risks that make a US attack on Iran far more complicated and potentially counterproductive than it appears. Is US Militarily Positioned For An Attack? Despite repeated warnings from the White House, there has been no visible military build-up that would typically precede a US strike. No US aircraft carriers are currently deployed in the Middle East and American naval presence in the region has thinned in recent months. The absence of forward-deployed carriers significantly limits Washingtons immediate strike options. Any air or missile campaign would likely have to rely on US and allied air bases across the region- a move that would require political clearance from host countries and expose those bases to Iranian retaliation. Will Gulf Allies Support A US Strike? That support is far from guaranteed. Gulf states such as Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are still recovering from last years regional escalation, including Iranian strikes during the brief but intense conflict involving Israel. Regional governments are wary of becoming launchpads for an attack that could invite missile strikes on their own territory, destabilise energy markets and reignite wider conflict. Their reluctance adds a major political hurdle to any US military plan. Could US Strike From A Distance? One alternative would be a long-range bombing operation, similar to the B-2 mission carried out against Irans underground nuclear infrastructure. But experts caution that repeating such a strike- especially against targets in or near urban areas- risks high civilian casualties and escalation without guaranteeing decisive results. Irans leadership has already warned that any attack, regardless of where it originates, would trigger retaliation against US bases and naval assets across the region. Would A US Attack Help Or Hurt Irans Protest Movement? Ironically, many analysts believe US military action could strengthen, not weaken, Irans ruling establishment. A foreign attack would give Tehran a powerful rallying point, allowing it to frame domestic unrest as foreign-backed subversion and justify harsher crackdowns. Is Regime Change A Realistic Outcome? Even the most extreme option- targeting Irans supreme leader- carries enormous risks. Killing the leader of a sovereign state would raise serious legal questions, invite sustained retaliation and is unlikely to trigger regime collapse. Irans political system is structured to ensure continuity, with succession mechanisms already in place. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 18:30 IST News world To Bomb Or Not To Bomb: Why US May Hold Back From Striking Iran Despite Trumps Threats 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 Denmark Can Do Nothing If Russia, China Move In On Greenland After Talks Fail Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 03:18 IST Denmark said it agreed to continue dialogue with Washington despite sharp differences over Greenlands future. Trump said the US must act on Greenland for national security, even as Denmark rejected any suggestion of a takeover. (IMAGE: REUTERS) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday renewed his push for Greenland, saying the United States needs control of the island for national security and warning that Russia and China would otherwise go in", even as Denmark said talks in Washington failed to change the US position. Speaking to reporters, Trump said, We need Greenland for national security. If we dont go in, Russia is gonna go in and China is gonna go in, and theres not a thing that Denmark can do about it but we can do everything about it." Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is vital for US security, including for his proposed Golden Dome missile defence system, and has urged NATO to back American control of the island. He has also claimed that Chinese and Russian activity in the region poses a growing threat, a claim Denmark has rejected, saying intelligence shows no Chinese warships have been near Greenland for about a decade. Pressed on whether he was suggesting the United States could acquire Greenland by force, Trump pushed back. No, youre saying that. I didnt say it," he replied. When asked what options were being considered, Trump added, Well, I wouldnt be telling you." REPORTER: "It sounds like you are saying that you would potentially acquire Greenland by force"@POTUS: "No, you're saying that. I didn't say it"REPORTER: "What are the options right now?"@POTUS: "Well, I wouldn't be telling YOU"pic.twitter.com/q208YC6mIs Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 14, 2026 The comments came hours after Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen said there remained a fundamental disagreement" between Copenhagen and Washington following high-level talks at the White House with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. .@POTUS: "We need Greenland for national security If we don't go in, Russia is gonna go in and China is gonna go in, and there's not a thing that Denmark can do about it but we can do everything about it." pic.twitter.com/T5EN36olvD Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 14, 2026 Rasmussen said Denmark had failed to shift the Trump administrations stance on Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. It remains clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland," he told reporters, adding that such ambitions were not in the interest of the kingdom" and unacceptable as they failed to respect Denmarks territorial integrity and the Greenlandic peoples right to self-determination. Despite the sharp differences, Rasmussen said both sides had agreed to set up a working group to continue dialogue and explore ways to address US security concerns without crossing Denmarks red lines. Greenlands foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, said the talks marked the start of a process and expressed cautious hope that Washington could be persuaded to drop its demand to acquire the territory. 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 15, 2026, 02:58 IST News world Trump Says Denmark Can Do Nothing If Russia, China Move In On Greenland After Talks Fail 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 Control Of Greenland Is Vital For Golden Dome Missile Defence Plan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 18:40 IST Donald Trumps comments came as senior Danish and Greenlandic diplomats were scheduled to visit the White House for talks on Greenland. US President Donald Trump at the White House. (Image Credit: Reuters) US President Donald Trump said that United States control of Greenland is vital" for his proposed Golden Dome air and missile defence system, sharpening his rhetoric on the strategic Arctic island just ahead of high-level talks with Danish and Greenlandic officials in Washington. The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building," Donald Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, reiterating his long-standing position that the US should take control of the territory from ally Denmark. In the same post, Donald Trump claimed that US control of Greenland would strengthen the Western military alliance. NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable," he said. Donald Trumps comments came as senior Danish and Greenlandic diplomats were scheduled to visit the White House for talks on Greenland with US Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen sought to play down tensions, saying Denmark was increasing its military presence in Greenland and was in discussions with allies on boosting NATOs role in the Arctic. He said Copenhagen was committed to addressing security concerns through the alliance framework rather than any transfer of sovereignty. Donald Trump, however, said NATO itself should be leading the way" in developing the multi-layer missile defence system, arguing that control of Greenland was essential to counter rivals in the Arctic. IF WE DONT, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!" he wrote in the post. The US President has repeatedly floated the idea of taking over the vast, sparsely populated island, which sits at a strategic crossroads between North America and Europe. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and both Danish and Greenlandic leaders have consistently rejected the idea of US control. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 18:40 IST News world Trump Says US Control Of Greenland Is Vital For Golden Dome Missile Defence Plan 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... GENEVA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- United Nations (UN) experts on Wednesday warned that any unilateral attempt to alter Greenland's status as an autonomous territory of Denmark would not only violate international law, but could also undermine stability in the Arctic region and beyond. In a joint statement, seven UN experts, including George Katrougalos, independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, Albert K. Barume, Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and Surya Deva, Special Rapporteur on the right to development, expressed grave concern over remarks made by the U.S. president regarding Greenland. The experts said the remarks included suggestions that the territory should be placed under U.S. control and that force could even be used to achieve such an outcome. "Assertions suggesting that a territory can be taken, controlled or 'owned' by another State in pursuit of perceived national security or economic interests evoke a logic of colonial domination that the international community has long rejected," the experts said. "Such rhetoric raises deep concerns about the maintenance of a democratic and equitable international order - one rooted in respect for human dignity and fundamental rights in line with the UN Charter." The experts warned of what they described as a pattern of U.S. military aggression, including attacks on several sovereign countries, numerous extrajudicial killings, the weaponization of tariffs and multifaceted coercive diplomacy. "If tolerated, such actions would normalise lawlessness in international relations and risk fatally and irreversibly undermine the global order," they said. The experts noted that the Arctic is of major importance to the international community, and that U.S. moves concerning Greenland would also weaken respect for broader multilateral norms and the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes. Trump Wishes To Conquer Greenland: Denmark Says Talks Failed To Shift US Position Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 01:48 IST Denmark said White House talks failed to shift the US position on Greenland, citing a fundamental disagreement. Rapid Read Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt speak during a news conference at the Danish Embassy in Washington, DC. (IMAGE: AFP) Denmark said talks with the United States failed to change President Donald Trumps position on Greenland, with Copenhagen warning that Washington continues to harbour ambitions over the strategically located Arctic territory. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen told reporters after meetings at the White House that it remained clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland," underscoring what he described as a fundamental disagreement between the two sides. Rasmussen, who met US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio alongside Greenlands foreign minister, said Denmark had hoped to clear up what it viewed as misunderstandings following Trumps repeated statements about taking control of Greenland. We didnt manage to change the American position," he said, adding that any move that failed to respect Denmarks territorial integrity or the Greenlandic peoples right to self-determination was totally unacceptable". Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has long been of strategic interest to Washington, which maintains a military base on the island. Trump has argued that control of Greenland is vital for US security, including plans for a new missile defence system, and has insisted that NATO should back the American position. Denmark has pushed back strongly, rejecting claims that rivals such as China pose an immediate naval threat in the region. Rasmussen said Danish intelligence had not detected any Chinese warships near Greenland for about a decade, dismissing suggestions used to justify a tougher US stance. Despite the sharp disagreement, Rasmussen said dialogue would continue. He said both sides had agreed to establish a high-level working group to explore possible areas of cooperation and reduce tensions. We still have fundamental disagreements, but we also agree to disagree," he said. The dispute has strained transatlantic ties, with Denmark and Greenland repeatedly stressing that only Greenlanders can decide the islands future. Denmark has also announced plans to further boost its military presence in the Arctic, even as it seeks to manage the fallout from Washingtons increasingly assertive posture on Greenland. 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 15, 2026, 01:48 IST News world Trump Wishes To Conquer Greenland: Denmark Says Talks Failed To Shift US Position 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's Threat, Tehran's Retort, Deadly Protests: Why Iran Tensions Are Spiralling Again Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 10:36 IST Amid mounting unrest in Iran, Trump has issued a series of messages to both Tehran's leadership and protesters. Deadly protests in Iran against the country's leadership have entered its second week | Image: AP Tensions between the United States and Iran are escalating sharply amid a deadly crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests, stark warnings from President Donald Trump, and retaliatory statements from Tehran that have raised fears of a wider regional confrontation. Iran accused the US President of encouraging political instability, stoking violence, and undermining the countrys sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security. Meanwhile, the human rights groups said the protests in Iran has been met with brutal force. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has put the death toll at at least 2,571 people, a figure cited by The Associated Press. Iranian state television has also acknowledged heavy casualties, with an official from the Martyrs Foundation referring to a lot of martyrs" in the unrest. Iran Protests Live Updates: Tehran Hits Back After US Warning; Says Trump, Netanyahu Main Killers Trumps Repeated Warnings Against this backdrop, Trump has issued a series of unusually direct messages to both the Iranian leadership and protesters. In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president said he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stops," adding, HELP IS ON ITS WAY." He also urged demonstrators to continue their movement and take over your institutions," remarks that Tehran has described as open interference in its internal affairs. Speaking to reporters, Trump said his administration was seeking verified information on the scale of the killings and would respond accordingly. The killing looks like its significant, but we dont know yet for certain well act based on what we learn," he said, while urging Irans leaders to show humanity" and warning against further bloodshed. When asked about Irans threat to retaliate in the event of US strikes, Trump dismissed the warning, saying Tehran better behave." US Senator Lindsey Graham later suggested that Trumps reference to help" could include military or cyber actions, adding to speculation over Washingtons next steps. Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told closed-door meetings that the administration is also weighing non-kinetic options to support protesters, including cyber measures, according to Axios. Tehran Responds Tehran has strongly responded, with Ali Larijani, secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, accusing the US and Israel of being the main killers of the people of Iran," naming Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in response to the presidents social media post. Irans defence minister warned that any aggression would be met with a forceful" response, including strikes on US military installations in the region and on Israel. Irans Exiled Prince Meets Trump Envoy Fueling tensions further, Axios reported that White House envoy Steve Witkoff held a secret meeting over the weekend with exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi, marking what could be the first high-level contact between the Trump administration and Iranian opposition figures since the protests began about two weeks ago. Pahlavi, the son of the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was deposed in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has positioned himself as a potential transitional leader if the current regime collapses. As diplomatic pressure mounts, regional and global actors are scrambling to prevent further escalation. Qatar Calls For Peace, EU Announces Sanctions Qatars Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani spoke with Larijani, reiterating Dohas support for de-escalation and peaceful solutions, and stressing the need to maintain regional security and stability. In Europe, the UK and the European Union have announced fresh sanctions against Iran. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said London would impose full and further sanctions" targeting key sectors including finance, energy and transport, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said new measures would be levied against Iranian officials involved in the crackdown. Human rights groups have warned that the situation could deteriorate further. Amnesty International has raised alarms that authorities may resort to swift trials and executions to crush dissent, citing charges of moharebeh," or waging war against God, which can carry the death penalty. Iran Human Rights has highlighted the case of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, reportedly sentenced to death after his arrest in Karaj, raising fears that executions could begin within days. Iran Faces Diplomatic Pressure Iran is facing mounting diplomatic pressure as several European countries summon Iranian ambassadors in response to the violent crackdown on protests in Tehran and the authorities move to restrict internet access. Finland was among the first to act, with Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen announcing that Helsinki had called in Irans ambassador after reports of internet shutdowns. Valtonen accused the Iranian leadership of cutting off online access to kill and oppress in silence," warning that such actions would not be tolerated. She said Finland was working with the European Union to explore steps to help restore freedoms for the Iranian people. The Netherlands followed suit, with Foreign Minister David van Weel confirming that Irans ambassador in The Hague had been summoned to lodge a formal protest. He condemned what he described as excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, widespread arbitrary arrests and the deliberate shutdown of internet services, calling for immediate restoration of connectivity across the Islamic Republic. France also summoned the Iranian envoy, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot denouncing the repression of protesters as intolerable, unbearable and inhumane." Germany joined the growing list as well, summoning Irans ambassador in Berlin to protest the violent crackdown and urging Tehran to end the use of force against its own citizens and respect their fundamental rights. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Iran First Published: January 14, 2026, 09:59 IST News world Trump's Threat, Tehran's Retort, Deadly Protests: Why Iran Tensions Are Spiralling Again 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... TTP Blows Up Strategic Shewa Bridge In Waziristan, Disrupts Pakistan's Military Supply Lines Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Mallika Soni Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 16:54 IST Security officials said the blast has isolated several forward military posts, forcing troops to rely on longer and more vulnerable alternative routes. The Shewa Bridge served as the fastest connecting route between Shewa tehsil in North Waziristan and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In a major setback to Pakistans counter-insurgency operations, militants of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) blew up the Shewa Bridge in North Waziristan, a key piece of infrastructure used by the Pakistan military for troop movement and logistics, CNN-News18 has learnt. Top security sources said the bridge was a critical supply route for Pakistans security forces operating in the tribal districts along the Durand Line. Its destruction temporarily cut off a vital military supply chain, affecting troop movement, fuel convoys and ration supplies to forward-deployed units. The Shewa Bridge served as the fastest connecting route between Shewa tehsil in North Waziristan and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, linking the region to Kurram, Hangu, Bannu, Karak and South Waziristan, while also providing access towards the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Security officials said the blast has isolated several forward military posts, forcing troops to rely on longer and more vulnerable alternative routes. This is a major milestone for TTP. The damage to the Shewa Bridge has disturbed military deployment and logistics in both North and South Waziristan," a senior security source told CNN-News18. The attack is being seen as a sign of the operational revival of the TTP and its ability to target high-value military infrastructure. Sources said the groups capability to strike strategic assets poses fresh challenges for Pakistans security establishment, which is already conducting near-daily operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistans military is facing mounting pressure along the Durand Line, where tensions and militant activity have increased in recent months. The loss of the Shewa Bridge, sources said, will complicate ongoing operations and movement of forces in the region. Security forces launched multiple operations following the blast and assessments are underway to restore connectivity. However, officials warned that the disruption caused by the bridges destruction could have a sustained impact on military operations in the Waziristan belt. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 16:54 IST News world TTP Blows Up Strategic Shewa Bridge In Waziristan, Disrupts Pakistan's Military Supply Lines 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... US Strike On Iran May Come Within 24 Hours As IRGC Boasts Missile Stockpiles Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 23:35 IST The warnings have intensified following reports that 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, detained last week, was due to be executed. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and US President Donald Trump Military intervention by the United States against Iran appears increasingly likely, with one European official telling Reuters that action could come within the next 24 hours. The assessment comes as US President Donald Trump warned Iran that Washington would take very strong action" if authorities proceed with executing detained protesters. Human rights groups said that more than 2,400 demonstrators have been killed since unrest erupted across the country late last month. Two European officials told Reuters that preparations for US military intervention seemed to be under way, though they cautioned that the situation remained fluid and dependent on developments on the ground. The warnings have intensified following reports that 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, detained last week, was due to be executed. His relatives said that an Iranian court issued a death sentence in what they described as an extremely rapid" process, completed within just two days. It remains unclear whether the execution has taken place. Trump Signals Readiness To Act Speaking to CBS News, Donald Trump said of possible executions, If they hang them, youre going to see some things We will take very strong action if they do such a thing." Donald Trump said he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials and planned discussions at the White House to determine accurate numbers" on the death toll. Once we have the numbers, well act accordingly," he said while urging Iranians to keep protesting" and warned Tehran it would pay a big price" for the killings. He has also announced 25% tariffs on any country trading with Iran. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said it has confirmed the deaths of at least 2,403 protesters, including 12 children, despite severe communication blackouts. Nearly 150 people affiliated with the government have also been killed, the group said. Iranian officials have disputed the figures as one official told Reuters that around 2,000 people had died, blaming terrorists" for the violence. Protests in Iran have reportedly spread to 180 cities and towns across all 31 provinces, triggered initially by economic anger over the collapse of the currency and soaring living costs, before expanding into broader demands for political change. The unrest represents one of the most serious challenges to Irans clerical leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Irans government accused the United States of attempting to manufacture a pretext for military intervention", warning that such efforts had failed in the past. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 23:08 IST News world US Strike On Iran May Come Within 24 Hours As IRGC Boasts Missile Stockpiles 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... US Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing For 75 Countries Including Pakistan, Russia And Iran Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 23:24 IST According to a US State Department memo circulated to consular posts, officers have been directed to refuse visas under existing immigration law. The pause is set to begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely. The US State Department is pausing immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries as part of a renewed effort to block entry to people deemed likely to rely on public welfare benefits. According to a State Department memo circulated to consular posts, officers have been directed to refuse visas under existing immigration law while the department reassesses its screening and vetting procedures. The pause is set to begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely. Countries affected include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand and Yemen, among others. A US State Department spokesperson told Fox News that the move reflects stricter enforcement of the public charge" provision of US immigration law, which allows authorities to deny entry to individuals considered likely to depend on government assistance. The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people. Department of State (@StateDept) January 14, 2026 What Is Public Charge Rule? The public charge provision has existed for decades but has been applied unevenly across different administrations. It gives consular officers broad discretion to deny visas based on an applicants likelihood of relying on public benefits. Under new guidance sent to consulates worldwide in November 2025, officers have been instructed to apply the rule more aggressively. Factors to be weighed include an applicants health, age, English proficiency, financial resources and potential need for long-term medical care. The guidance allows visa denials for applicants who are older, overweight, have previously received government cash assistance or have a history of institutional care. Why Are Some Countries Facing Heightened Scrutiny? Somalia has drawn particular attention following a major fraud scandal in Minnesota involving the misuse of taxpayer-funded benefit programmes. Federal prosecutors said many of those implicated were Somali nationals or Somali Americans, prompting closer scrutiny from immigration authorities. The US State Department said immigration from the 75 listed countries will be paused while officials reassess procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals likely to rely on welfare or public benefits. What Happens Next? The US State Department said exceptions to the pause will be very limited" and only granted once applicants clear public charge concerns. The move comes as the Donald Trump administration intensifies its broader immigration crackdown, which has already seen tens of thousands of visas revoked since his return to office. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 14, 2026, 21:53 IST News world US Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing For 75 Countries Including Pakistan, Russia And Iran 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... US Supreme Court To Rule On Trump Tariffs Today: Who Are The Judges On The Bench? Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 13:07 IST The ruling could have far-reaching consequences for presidential authority over trade policy, executive use of national emergency laws, and Congresss role in regulating tariffs. The decision will be delivered by the Courts full nine-member bench. (Image: AP) The US Supreme Court is set to deliver its decision today in a closely watched case challenging the legality of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under emergency economic powers. The ruling could have far-reaching consequences for presidential authority over trade policy, executive use of national emergency laws, and Congresss role in regulating tariffs. At the heart of the case is whether a president can unilaterally impose broad trade tariffs citing national security or emergency powers, or whether such actions exceed statutory and constitutional limits. The decision will be delivered by the Courts full nine-member bench. Here is a closer look at each justice and where they broadly stand ideologically. Chief Justice John G Roberts Jr Appointed in 2005 by then President George W Bush, Chief Justice John Roberts is a conservative who places heavy emphasis on institutional stability. He often avoids rulings that could damage the Courts legitimacy. A key example is NFIB v. Sebelius (2012), where Roberts upheld the Affordable Care Act by recharacterising the individual mandate as a tax, despite conservative opposition. While he supports executive authority in many cases, Roberts has also limited presidential power when he believes it threatens constitutional balance, as seen in Department of Commerce v. New York (2019), where he blocked the Trump administrations census citizenship question. In a hearing on the case, Justice Roberts had probed the argument that tariffs are inherently a tax or duty that only Congress is supposed to levy, noting that the imposition of taxes on Americans, has always been the core power of Congress." His questions implied serious doubt about the administrations legal theory. Justice Clarence Thomas Justice Clarence Thomas, appointed in 1991 by former President George HW Bush, is said to be the Courts most committed originalist. He regularly calls for overturning precedents he believes lack constitutional grounding. In Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization (2022), Thomas supported overturning Roe v. Wade and argued that other long-standing rights precedents should be reconsidered. In administrative law, he has questioned the legitimacy of broad agency power, notably criticising the Chevron deference doctrine, which limits judicial review of executive agencies a position that directly affects cases involving expansive presidential authority. Justice Samuel Alito Appointed in 2006, Justice Samuel Alito is said to be a key architect of the Courts conservative shift. He often supports strong executive discretion and is skeptical of judicial interference in national security or moral regulation. Alito authored the majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, emphasising historical interpretation and rejecting evolving standards. He has also sided with the executive in security-related cases such as Trump v. Hawaii (2018), which upheld the travel ban, demonstrating deference to presidential judgments in areas framed as national security. Justice Sonia Sotomayor Justice Sonia Sotomayor, appointed in 2009 by former President Barack Obama, is one of the Courts most vocal liberals. She frequently warns against unchecked executive power. In Trump v. Hawaii, she issued a sharp dissent comparing the travel ban to historical discrimination, arguing that courts should not blindly defer to executive claims of national security. Sotomayor has also dissented in criminal justice cases, such as Utah v. Strieff (2016), where she criticised rulings that, in her view, weakened constitutional protections against government overreach. Justice Elena Kagan Appointed in 2010, Justice Elena Kagan is a pragmatic liberal with deep institutional experience as a former Solicitor General. She often focuses on statutory limits rather than ideology. In West Virginia v. EPA (2022), Kagan dissented forcefully against the majoritys use of the major questions doctrine," arguing that Congress had authorised the Environmental Protection Agency to act. Her opinion reflected her belief that courts should not restrict executive or regulatory power unless Congress clearly intended to do so, while still insisting on textual grounding. Justice Neil Gorsuch Justice Neil Gorsuch, appointed in 2017, is a conservative textualist with libertarian instincts. He has shown skepticism towards broad executive and administrative authority. In Gundy v. United States (2019), Gorsuch argued that Congress cannot delegate sweeping lawmaking power to the executive branch, laying groundwork for limiting emergency-based authority. He has also sided with liberals in cases like Bostock v. Clayton County (2020), where he authored the opinion extending workplace protections to LGBTQ employees based strictly on statutory text. Justice Brett Kavanaugh Appointed in 2018, Justice Brett Kavanaugh generally favours strong presidential authority, especially in foreign policy. In Trump v. Mazars (2020), however, Kavanaugh articulated a nuanced view, acknowledging that while presidents deserve deference, they are not immune from congressional oversight. His prior writings as a judge emphasised the need for executive flexibility, particularly in economic and security matters, suggesting sympathy for presidential discretion when statutes provide even limited authorisation. On the tariffs, Kavanaugh had asked pointed statutory questions about the governments IEEPA argument, including why tariffs should count as regulation of imports under a law that doesnt explicitly mention tariffs. Justice Amy Coney Barrett Justice Amy Coney Barrett, appointed in 2020, is a conservative originalist but less ideologically rigid. In NFIB v. OSHA (2022), Barrett joined the majority blocking the Biden administrations vaccine mandate, arguing that the agency exceeded its statutory authority. The decision reflected her insistence that major policy decisions require clear congressional authorisation, a principle likely relevant in evaluating tariff powers exercised under emergency statutes. Barrett had earlier expressed legal skepticism about the statutes language in the tariffs case. She asked whether theres any historical or statutory example where regulate importation" the phrase in IEEPA was understood to allow tariff imposition, pressing the governments lawyer on whether this interpretation really fits with how the statute has been used. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Appointed in 2022, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson brings a civil-liberties-focused approach shaped by her experience as a public defender. In Biden v. Nebraska (2023), she dissented from the decision striking down student loan forgiveness, arguing that the majority improperly constrained executive authority granted by Congress. At the same time, Jackson has expressed concern over executive actions that lack democratic accountability, making her skeptical of emergency powers used to bypass legislative scrutiny. Todays ruling will not only decide the fate of Trumps tariffs but also clarify how future presidents Republican or Democrat can invoke emergency powers to reshape economic policy. The justices past decisions suggest the case may hinge on how strictly the Court interprets congressional authorisation versus presidential discretion. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 13:07 IST News world US Supreme Court To Rule On Trump Tariffs Today: Who Are The Judges On The Bench? 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... US Supreme Court Delays Ruling On President Donald Trump's Tariffs Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 20:52 IST While the top court issued three decisions, it did not rule on the dispute challenging the legality of the global tariffs imposed by the US President. The decision will be delivered by the Courts full nine-member bench. (Image: AP) (Pexels/Representative Image) The Supreme Court of the United States on Wednesday (local time) deferred its decision on the legality of tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump under emergency economic powers, leaving the closely watched issue unresolved for another day. While the top court issued three decisions, it did not rule on the dispute challenging the legality of the global tariffs imposed by the US President, news agency Reuters reported. In its first opinion, the apex court addressed the scope of the constitutional protection against double jeopardy. The justices held that a single act that violates two statutory provisions may result in only one conviction, reaffirming that imposing multiple convictions for the same offense would violate the principle barring double punishment for the same crime, as reported by The Guardian. In a second ruling, the Supreme Court examined whether law enforcement officers can enter a home without a search warrant during a wellness check. The court unanimously held that warrantless entry is reasonable in emergency situations. The case involved a man who had threatened suicide and harm to police officers who entered his home to check on his safety. The justices ruled that such circumstances constituted an emergency justifying entry without a warrant. Decision Was Expected Today The US Supreme Court was expected to release its opinions on tariffs imposed by the Trump administration under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) today. The ruling could have far-reaching consequences for presidential authority over trade policy, executive use of national emergency laws, and Congresss role in regulating tariffs. At the heart of the case was whether a President can unilaterally impose broad trade tariffs citing national security or emergency powers, or whether such actions exceed statutory and constitutional limits. The decision was to be delivered by the Courts full nine-member bench. What US Market Predicted? Ahead of the decision, a prediction market had priced a high probability that the US Supreme Court would strike down Trumps tariffs. According to Polymarket, a blockchain-based prediction platform, traders on Tuesday assigned a 73 percent chance that the Supreme Court would declare Trumps tariffs illegal. The estimate reflected market sentiment among participants wagering on the outcome rather than any judicial assessment. Trumps Warning Ahead Of Decision The US President had warned that the United States could face trillions of dollars" in losses if the Supreme Court rules against his administrations sweeping tariff regime, declaring that the country would be SCREWED." In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump had said that a ruling against the government could force the US to repay many hundreds of billions of dollars" in tariffs already collected, apart from additional payback" claims from countries and companies that invested in factories, plants and equipment to avoid the duties. 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 14, 2026, 20:52 IST News world US Supreme Court Delays Ruling On President Donald Trump's Tariffs 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... 'Using Unrest As Pretext...': Russia Warns Trump On Iran, Calls Threats Unacceptable Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 13, 2026, 21:50 IST The Russian Foreign Ministry said any attempt to use unrest in Iran as a pretext for further military action would have grave consequences for regional and global security. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) Russia issued a strong warning against what it called subversive external interference" in Irans internal affairs, saying US threats of renewed military action against Tehran are categorically unacceptable" and risk destabilising the wider region. The Russian Foreign Ministry said any attempt to exploit unrest in Iran as justification for further military action would have serious consequences for both Middle East stability and global security. Those who plan to use externally inspired unrest as a pretext for repeating the aggression against Iran committed in June 2025 must be aware of the disastrous consequences of such actions," the ministry said, warning that escalation would have far-reaching international repercussions. The remarks followed a sharp intervention by US President Donald Trump, who publicly backed ongoing protests in Iran, cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials and warned that those responsible for violence against demonstrators would pay a big price." In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Donald Trump urged Iranians to continue protesting and to document alleged abuses by authorities, ahead of a meeting with his national security team to discuss options on Iran. He said diplomatic engagement with Tehran had been halted in response to what he described as the senseless killing of protesters." I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS," Donald Trump wrote, adding, HELP IS ON ITS WAY." The exchange comes as Iran faces intensifying nationwide protests sparked by economic hardship, with demonstrations entering their third week. The unrest has been met with a sweeping security crackdown, with Iranian authorities blaming the violence on rioters and foreign-backed vandals." The protests represent the most serious internal challenge to Irans clerical leadership in at least three years. Iranian officials have accused the US and Israel of fomenting instability and claim armed groups have hijacked otherwise legitimate protests over economic conditions. Russia, one of Irans closest strategic allies, has repeatedly opposed foreign intervention in the country, warning that military pressure or regime-change efforts could trigger broader instability across the Middle East. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 13, 2026, 21:46 IST News world 'Using Unrest As Pretext...': Russia Warns Trump On Iran, Calls Threats Unacceptable 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... Venezuela Frees Journalist Roland Carreno Arrested In 2024 Maduro Re-Election Protests Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 21:54 IST Carreno, a wellknown journalist and political activist, was detained on 2 August 2024 amid nationwide demonstrations following the presidential election. News18 Venezuela on Wednesday freed opposition journalist and activist Roland Carreno, who was arrested during protests over former President Nicolas Maduros disputed reelection in 2024, Venezuelan press groups said on Wednesday. Carreno, a wellknown journalist and political activist, was detained on 2 August 2024 amid nationwide demonstrations following the presidential election held on 28 July that year. The election result, in which Maduro was declared the winner, was widely challenged by the opposition and seen by critics as lacking transparency. He has spent more than a year in custody on serious charges including terrorism, stemming from his role in the protests, press freedom groups said. Other journalists were also arrested at the same time and charged with similar offences. The National Union of Press Workers of Venezuela confirmed Carrenos release on social media platform X on Wednesday. In its post, the union wrote, We confirm the release from prison of journalist Roland Carreno, He was imprisoned since August 2, 2024: 1 year, 5 months and 12 days." In a separate post, the union said that, as of midday on January 14, it had confirmed the release of 14 journalists and press workers so far, and added that it was in contact with families and awaiting the release of others still detained. Carreno was previously jailed from 2020 to 2023 on terrorism charges but released under a political agreement before being rearrested amid the unrest in 2024. (With inputs from AFP) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Venezuela First Published: January 14, 2026, 21:54 IST News world Venezuela Frees Journalist Roland Carreno Arrested In 2024 Maduro Re-Election Protests 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... UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg (on screens) speaks via a video link at a Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, Jan. 14, 2026. Grundberg on Wednesday stressed the importance of a comprehensive political process in the war-torn country. (Manuel Elias/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg on Wednesday stressed the importance of a comprehensive political process in the war-torn country. Yemen's political, economic and security challenges are inseparable, and progress in one will not hold without progress in the others, Grundberg told the UN Security Council in a briefing. "This is why ultimately Yemen needs a comprehensive, inclusive, nationwide political process -- one that offers Yemenis a space to debate and negotiate these questions together, rather than in isolation," he said. Grundberg added that only such a process can deliver on the shared aspirations of Yemenis and only such a process can sustainably end the conflict. Progress will depend on all parties, including the Houthis, refraining from escalatory actions or rhetoric, and remaining open to engaging under UN auspices on confidence-building steps and a comprehensive political process, he noted. The developments in southern Yemen highlight how quickly the fragile balance can be disrupted and how critical it is to re-anchor the process in a credible political pathway, said the envoy. "Absent a comprehensive approach that addresses Yemen's many challenges in an integrated manner, rather than in isolation, the risk of recurrent and destabilizing cycles will remain a persistent feature of the country's trajectory," said Grundberg. PBS will premiere separate programs on science and foreign affairs next weekend after shutting the doors on its Saturday and Sunday breaking newscasts because of the federal government's $1.1 billion cut in funding to public broadcasting. PBS News Weekend signed off Sunday, "at least for the foreseeable future," anchor John Yang said, per the AP . The weekend sister of PBS NewsHour began broadcasting in 2013 from New York before moving to Washington in 2022. Starting Saturday, PBS will air the weekly show Horizons on science and technology issues. The new show Compass Points, meanwhile, will focus on foreign affairs on Sundays. Both programs will be taped in advance during the week, enabling PBS to save money by cutting back on weekend staff, says Sara Just, senior executive producer for NewsHour. The weekend newscast averaged 827,000 viewers per show, roughly 1 million less than what NewsHour gets during the week, according to Nielsen. During Sunday's finale, highlights aired by PBS illustrated important news stories that broke on the weekends, including Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023, the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in the summer of 2024, and Joe Biden's exit from the presidential race just days later. Asked if the weekend newscasts could return if a future government restores funding to PBS, Just says, "I never say never, but this is not a temporary decision." Also in response to funding cuts, PBS shut down a bureau in Arizona that had enabled NewsHour to update its broadcasts for West Coast viewers. Just cautions against interpreting the moves as an indication the weekday newscast is in any danger. Through TikTok and YouTube, the broadcast is seeing more exposure, she notes. "I don't see that program at risk in the near future," she says. Both Horizons and Compass Points will be 30-minute broadcasts. William Brangham will host Horizons, which will focus on a single topic each week, such as artificial intelligence, climate science, or medical advances. Each episode of Compass Points, with Nick Schifrin as host, will also concentrate on one topic, PBS says. A Virginia man who was having an affair with his family's Brazilian au pair used an elaborate scheme to lure an unsuspecting man to the house as part of a plan to kill his wife, prosecutors said in opening statements on Tuesday. Brendan Banfield is charged with aggravated murder in the February 2023 killings of Christine Banfield and the second man, Joseph Ryan, at the Banfields' home in northern Virginia, per the AP . He has pleaded not guilty in what's been called the "au pair affair" case and could face life in prison if convicted. In opening statements, Chief Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Jenna Sands told jurors that Banfield and Juliana Peres Magalhaes, the family's au pair, were in love. Banfield did not want a divorce because he did not want to lose custody of his then-4-year-old daughter or even to share custody with his wife, Sands said. To "get rid of" Christine Banfield, the pair impersonated her on a social media site for sexual fetishes and spent a month arranging an elaborate scenario with Ryan in which Ryan would act out an arranged rape fantasy, Sands said. They arranged for Ryan to come in the morning while Christine Banfield was sleeping and bring restraints and a knife, Sands said. Magalhaes and Brendan Banfield left the house but stayed nearby. Magalhaes entered after Ryan and called Brendan Banfield. She also called 911 but hung up, Sands said. She only called 911 again after both she and Brendan Banfield had shot Ryan, and Banfield had stabbed his wife multiple times, Sands said. Magalhaes was also charged with murder but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter in 2024 after cooperating with investigators. She will be sentenced at the conclusion of Banfield's trial. Banfield's attorney, John Carroll, said in opening statements that Magalhaes had maintained her innocence for a year but eventually changed her story in exchange for a sweetheart deal. "The whole reason she was arrested was to flip her against my client," Carroll said. The prosecution's theory relies on the idea that Banfield and Magalhaes were "catfishing" Ryan by pretending to be Christine Banfield, but he said some detectives on the case disagreed with that idea. "You're going to see a presentation of a horrible, tragic, awful event," Carroll said. He said there is no dispute that Banfield and Magalhaes were having an affair. However, "there's an awful lot more to look for." A shark in trouble off Florida's Gulf Coast ended up getting help from an unlikely source: sheriff's deputies on routine patrol. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit says it was cruising near Manatee Public Beach on Friday when a dorsal fin breaking the surface looked just unusual enough to warrant a second pass, WFLA reports. "It was kind of odd, you don't see it that often," says Deputy Alan Judy When deputies circled back, they found a sandbar shark, estimated at 6 to 8 feet long, snagged on a crab trap buoy and wrapped in fishing line. "The shark was actually tied to the buoy via a hook, a fish line," says Deputy Eddie Hernandez. The line had looped around both the animal and the trap, leaving it unable to swim free. The deputies discussed how to help the shark, WSVN reports. "It was kind of funny, because at first, my partner said, 'Why don't you cut him free?' And I said, 'No, that thing has got too much teeth.' Too many teeth for me to go stick my hand down there," Judy says. The unit called in specialists from Mote Marine Laboratory to handle the risky close-up work with the distressed shark. Marine experts removed several hooks and cut away the line before releasing the shark. Hernandez says the shark appeared tired and he believes the intervention may have saved its life. "It felt really good to watch the shark swim away," Judy says. "Without their response, it's likely the shark would not have survived," the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post with video of the rescue. Sgt. Bobby French, who oversees the unit, says looking for wildlife in distress is one of the many responsibilities marine deputies have, but rescues like this one should definitely be left to experts. "When you see an animal in distress, one of the last things you want do is really involve yourself with that animal unless you have the expertise to handle that situation," he says. Iran's leadership is widening its information crackdown, moving from shutting down the internet to actively tracking down the satellite dishes that help protesters get around it. With most domestic connections cut or heavily restricted, many Iranians have turned to Elon Musk's Starlink system to upload video of nightly anti-government demonstrations and the security forces' response. The government has banned the service and is now searching homes and rooftopsespecially in western Tehranto find and seize the terminals, according to Amir Rashidi of the US-based Miaan Group, who describes the effort as "electronic warfare." Users say connections often degrade at night in protest-hit areas, suggesting targeted jamming, the Wall Street Journal reports. Activists told the AP Tuesday night that Starlink service is now free in Iran. Despite the pressure, footage continues to slip out and one group, Hengaw, circulated video that appeared to show many bodies in a southern Tehran morgue. Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam of Iran Human Rights, based in Norway, calls Starlink "the only way" to move images from cities like Mashhad to the outside world. One user in Tehran told the Journal he quietly uploads clips shot by relatives and passes them to contacts abroad to post on social media, taking care not to reveal he has a terminal. Starlink dishes, illegal in Iran, are smuggled in by boat from Dubai or overland from Iraqi Kurdistan. Activists say thousands of people have been killed in the protests. Yvonne Cooper, Britain's foreign secretary, said Tuesday that the British government believes at least 2,000 people have been killed, but her "fear is that the number may prove to be significantly higher." After phone lines briefly opened up on Tuesday, a source inside Iran told CBS News that activist groups trying to compile a death toll believe between 12,000 and 20,000 people have been killed. The source said security forces have been going to hospitals, demanding the names and addresses of people injured in the protests. On Tuesday, President Trump urged Iranians to keep protesting, saying "HELP IS ON ITS WAY." Scott Adams spent years lampooning middle managers; in the end, a president was among those paying tribute. Adams, the Dilbert creator whose cubicle humor made him a workplace icon before his political commentary got him dropped by hundreds of newspapers, died Tuesday at age 68. His ex-wife, Shelly Miles Adams, announced his death on a livestream, reading a statement he had written: "I had an amazing life. I gave it everything I had." Adams had disclosed in 2025 that he had metastatic prostate cancer and said he chose to speak publicly after Joe Biden revealed the same diagnosis. Adams turned doodles on his cubicle whiteboard at Pacific Bell into Dilbert, launched in 1989 and eventually running in more than 2,000 papers. The strip's deadpan take on corporate fads, jargon, and bad bosses helped define 1990s office culture, spawning books like The Dilbert Principle, an animated series, and a flood of merchandise, the Washington Post reports. He liked to say his success was built on failure, citing a Dilberito food line that made people "very gassy" and a money-losing restaurant as evidence he embodied his own theory that the least suited often land in charge. Over time, Adams became better known for online provocation than office satire. He questioned Holocaust death tolls on his blog, wrote about men's rights in language critics called demeaning to women, and reinvented himself as a commentator on persuasion and politics, predicting Trump's 2016 win and later visiting the White House. "He was a fantastic guy, who liked and respected me when it wasn't fashionable to do so," Trump said Tuesday on Truth Social, calling Adams "the Great Influencer." "He bravely fought a long battle against a terrible disease," Trump said. "My condolences go out to his family, and all of his many friends and listeners." Born in 1957 in Windham, NY, Adams studied economics after earning low marks in a college drawing class and worked as a banker and engineer while honing his cartooning at 4am before work. He was twice married and divorced. Late in life, he argued his legacy would rest less on Dilbert than on two philosophical novellas, God's Debris and The Religion War, the latter featuring a wall encircling and wiping out fundamentalist extremistsa plot he described as a prediction rather than an endorsement. In the statement his ex-wife shared, he said he had become a Christian as a last-minute roll of the dice, NBC News reports. "I'm not a believer but I have to admit the risk-reward calculation for doing so looks attractive. So here I go," he said, adding: "The part about me being a believer should be quickly resolved if I wake up in heaven." NAIROBI, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges is in line with the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, a former AU official has said. In an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday, Erastus Mwencha, former deputy chairperson of the AU Commission, said that Africa has several dialogues with many global partners, some of which hold special places as they are amenable to Africa's strategic agenda. "China is one of those countries because of a shared history that has very much been very supportive to Africa's agenda, which is really people-centered," Mwencha said. On Jan. 8, the launching ceremony of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges was held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Mwencha, who was a primary architect of the AU Agenda 2063, noted that Africa and China, with a combined population estimated at 2.8 billion people, have a common affinity through many spheres, including a shared history of undergoing colonialism. He noted that 2026 also marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African countries. The region is keen to achieve people-centered development through developing the skills of its youthful population in partnership with China, said Mwencha. He observed that China has already extended thousands of scholarships to African students who are now learning in the Asian nation in key fields, which will boost the continent's capacity to take charge of its own narrative. Data from the AU suggested that Africa has the youngest population in the world, with more than 400 million young people aged between 15 and 35. Africa will harness the potential of its youth through working with tertiary institutions like the Luban Workshops of China, which can help to reduce the brain drain to other continents of the world, said the former AU official. Mwencha added that through collaboration with China, African youth will achieve a self-sustaining capacity to exploit opportunities available on the continent. Standing beside Denmark's prime minister in Copenhagen on Tuesday, Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen made his strongest comments yet on President Trump's push to annex the island. "If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark," he said, per the BBC . "One thing must be clear to everyone. Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed by the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States." He said the semi-autonomous Danish territory is "facing a geopolitical crisis." Trump has argued the US must "own" Greenland to counter Russia and China, saying a lease isn't enough and "NATO's got to understand that." The White House has floated a purchase and pointedly declined to rule out using force to bring the island under US control. Denmark, a NATO ally, has warned that any military move against Greenland would shatter the transatlantic alliance. On Tuesday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen blasted what she called "completely unacceptable pressure from our closest ally" and said the most difficult phase may still lie ahead. Last week, Nielsen and the leaders of Greenland's four other major parties said the island's future must be determined by its people. Asked about Nielsen's comments on Tuesday, Trump told reporters, "That's their problem, I disagree with him. He added: "That's going to be a big problem for him." Thomas Dans, Trump's Arctic commissioner, tells USA Today that there could be US action on Greenland within "weeks or months." "This is a train route with multiple stops," he says. "Things could move on an express basis, skip the local stops and go direct to the main station. That's where President Trump wants to move itat high speed." Dans says that while a deal on Greenland could happen soon, there will also be "a process to gain trust and support of the Greenlandic people and this will require time and effort from the US side." Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeld will meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday. They requested the meeting last week. On Monday, Rasmussen said Vice President JD Vance had asked to join the meeting, USA Today reports. The Justice Department does not believe there is currently any basis to open a criminal civil rights investigation into the killing of a woman by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis, a top department official said Tuesday. The decision to keep the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division out of the investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Good marks a sharp departure from past administrations, which have moved quickly to probe shootings of civilians by law enforcement officials for potential civil rights offenses, the AP reports. While an FBI probe is ongoing, lawyers in the Civil Rights Division were informed last week that they would not play a role in the investigation at this time, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal department deliberations. And on Tuesday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement that "there is currently no basis for a criminal civil rights investigation," CNN reports. The statement did not elaborate on how the department had reached a conclusion that no investigation was warranted. Federal officials have said that the officer acted in self-defense and Good was engaging in "an act of domestic terrorism" when she pulled forward toward him. The quick pronouncement by administration officials before any meaningful investigation could be completed has raised concerns about the federal government's determination to conduct a thorough review of the chain of events precipitating the shooting. Minnesota officials have also raised alarm after federal officials blocked state investigators from accessing evidence and declared that Minnesota has no jurisdiction to investigate the killing. On Tuesday six federal prosecutors in Minnesota resigned. Several supervisors in the criminal section of the Civil Rights Division in Washington also gave notice of their departures amid turmoil over the federal probe, sources tell the AP. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara described the Minnesota prosecutors as "incredibly dedicated" and said their departure was "very concerning," CNN reports. The chief says Blanche's decision not to investigate is "totally at odds with what typically happens" after a deadly force incident. President Trump's visit to a Michigan Ford plant Tuesday produced more than just talk about cars and jobs, CNN reports. TMZ published video that appears to show the POTUS responding to a heckler on the factory floor by pointing and appearing to say "f--- you" twice before raising his middle finger. The person off-camera can be heard shouting, and TMZ reports the heckler yelled "pedophile protector," which the gossip site notes is a likely reference to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking scandal and the Justice Department's delayed release of the Epstein files, though the audio isn't fully clear. The White House defended Trump's reaction. "A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response," communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement. He did not address the specific language or gesture seen in the video. Ford, which hosted the event, distanced itself from the exchange without naming anyone involved. "One of our core values is respect and we don't condone anyone saying anything inappropriate like that within our facilities," said David Tovar, the company's executive director of corporate communications. A spokesperson for United Auto Workers later told CBS News Ford suspended the worker in question. Matthew McConaughey is trying something unusual in the fight against AI fakes: He's trademarking himself. Over recent months, the 56-year-old actor has secured eight trademarks from the US Patent and Trademark Office covering short video and audio clips of his face and voice, including a porch shot, a Christmas tree scene, and his famous "Alright, alright, alright" catchphrase, reports the Wall Street Journal . The goal, his lawyers say, is to give him a federal tool to go after apps and users that clone his likeness or voice with AI without his sign-off. "We want to create a clear perimeter around ownership," McConaughey says in an email, adding that he wants consent and attribution to be standard in an AI-driven world. His attorneys say they aren't aware of any AI deepfake incident involving McConaughey so far, but they hope that the trademarks can be deployed broadly against unauthorized usage. State publicity laws already block commercial misuse of a person's image, such as to sell a product, but AI-generated content posted to platforms that are monetized with ads sits in more of a gray zone. Trademark claims, the actor's lawyers contend, would let them drag offenders into federal courtthough they admit no one knows yet how judges will respond. "We have to at least test this," says lawyer Kevin Yorn. The strategy appears to be a first for a major actor in the AI era, even as celebrities from Tom Hanks to Taylor Swift grapple with synthetic clips. Some performers have trademarked catchphrases, but not such a broad set of personal visuals and audio. McConaughey and his team say they ultimately want Congress to clarify the rules so moves like his aren't necessary. A federal bill to restrict unauthorized AI replicas was introduced in 2024 but has yet to see a vote. The actor, meanwhile, is also leaning into AI: He's partnering with voice-cloning firm ElevenLabswhere he and Yorn are investorsto release a Spanish version of his "Lyrics of Livin'" newsletter. Olympic snowboarding pioneer Ueli Kestenholz has died in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps at age 50. Swiss authorities say Kestenholz was snowboarding with a friend around midday Sunday on an eastern slope of the Lotschental valley in southern Switzerland when an unexpected avalanche hit. Police said the skier with him was able to reach safety, while Kestenholz was buried and later dug out by his companion and rescuers, supported by three Air Zermatt helicopters, per People . He was flown to a nearby hospital, where he died of his injuries. Kestenholz won bronze for Switzerland in the parallel giant slalom at the 1998 Nagano Games, the first Olympics to feature snowboarding. He also competed at the 2002 Winter Games and, according to the Swiss Ski Federation, was among the "pioneers" of snowboard cross when it debuted at the 2006 Turin Olympics. He was also twice crowned snowboardcross champion at the X-Games, per the Guardian. The federation said "the snowboard community are devastated," noting he leaves behind two children. After retiring from competition in 2006, Kestenholz built a life around high-adrenaline outdoor sports, from freeriding and speedriding to paragliding, kitesurfing, skydiving, surfing, wingfoiling, and mountain biking. He once explained his switch from skis to a board as teenager by saying snowboarding finally let him chase his favorite sensation"gliding sideways"even in winter. He was "a true crossover athlete," Swiss Ski said in its statement. "His life was far too short." Claudette Colvin, whose 1955 arrest for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated Montgomery bus helped spark the modern civil rights movement, has died. She was 86. Her death was announced Tuesday by the Claudette Colvin Legacy Foundation. Ashley D. Roseboro of the organization confirmed she died of natural causes in Texas, the AP reports. Colvin, at age 15, was arrested nine months before Rosa Parks gained international fame for also refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus. Colvin had boarded the bus on March 2, 1955, on her way home from high school. The first rows were reserved for white passengers. Colvin sat in the rear with other Black passengers. When the white section became full, the bus driver ordered Black passengers to relinquish their seats to white passengers. Colvin refused. "My mindset was on freedom," Colvin said in 2021 of her refusal to give up her seat. "So I was not going to move that day," she said. "I told them that history had me glued to the seat." At the time of Colvin's arrest, frustration was mounting over how Black people were treated on the city bus system. Another Black teenager, Mary Louise Smith, was arrested and fined that October for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger. It was the arrest of Parks, who was a local NAACP activist, on Dec. 1, 1955, that became the final catalyst for the yearlong Montgomery Bus Boycott. The boycott propelled the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. into the national limelight and is considered the start of the modern civil rights movement. Colvin was one of the four plaintiffs in the landmark lawsuit that outlawed racial segregation on Montgomery's buses. Her death comes just over a month after Montgomery celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Bus Boycott. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said Colvin's action "helped lay the legal and moral foundation for the movement that would change America." Colvin was never as well-known as Parks, and Reed said her bravery "was too often overlooked." "Claudette Colvin's life reminds us that movements are built not only by those whose names are most familiar, but by those whose courage comes early, quietly, and at great personal cost," Reed said. "Her legacy challenges us to tell the full truth of our history and to honor every voice that helped bend the arc toward justice." US lawmakers are trying to put a legal fence around Greenland before President Trump can test NATO's borders. A bipartisan pair of senators has introduced the NATO Unity Protection Act, a bill that would prohibit the Pentagon and State Department from spending money to "blockade, occupy, annex, or otherwise assert control" over any NATO ally's territorya direct response to Trump's repeated suggestions that the US should take control of Greenland, by force if required, per Al Jazeera . The island is a semi-autonomous part of Denmark and lies within the US-led alliance's mutual defense framework. Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire said the measure is meant to ensure US funds aren't used to "fracture NATO" or undermine treaty obligations. Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, meanwhile, called NATO the "strongest line of defense" against threats to global stability and said the idea that Washington would turn its power on its own allies "must be wholly rejected by Congress in statute." Jessica Peake, an international law specialist at UCLA, says the bill could restrain a president from acting alone and threatening the NATO partnership, though she noted Trump has previously signaled a willingness to push past congressional limits. Trump argues that US control of Greenland is vital to national security and has warned that China or Russia could move in if Washington doesn't. The island holds significant fossil fuel reserves and critical mineral deposits and occupies a strategic Arctic location. European officials have reacted sharply to Trump's rhetoric. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the territory sides with Denmark, NATO, and the European Union, not Washington, if forced to choose. Trump, in response, said Tuesday, per the AP: "I disagree with [Nielsen]. I don't know who he is. I don't know anything about him. But that's going to be a big problem for him." Polling cited by Danish newspaper Berlingske indicates about 85% of Greenland's roughly 57,000 residents oppose joining the US. Foreign ministers from Denmark and Greenland are set to meet US officials in Washington on Wednesday. One GOP congressman, meanwhile, has introduced a bill to make Greenland America's 51st state, per CBS News. The State Department says Venezuela's interim leaders have taken a "step in the right direction" by releasing detained Americans. At least three US citizens were released from prisons in the country as of Tuesday night, a person briefed on the situation tells the New York Times . CNN reports at least four have been freed. US officials have previously accused Venezuelan authorities of detaining foreigners, including Americans , on murky terrorism or espionage charges to gain leverage in negotiations. The releases come as Venezuela's interim government, now led by Delcy Rodriguez, tries to signal a break from the rule of Nicolas Maduro, toppled in a surprise US raid earlier this month. The government has vowed to release an "important number" of prisoners. National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, who is Delcy Rodriguez's brother, said Tuesday that more than 400 had been freed, including politicians who violated the Constitution and individuals who "called for invasion," per Al Jazeera. However, human rights group Foro Penal confirms only 56 releases while estimating 800 to 900 political prisoners remain behind bars. The son of a jailed politician still detained is urging the US to keep pressure on the government, per the BBC. Along with the Americans, several Italians and Spaniards were among those let go from what rights advocates describe as harsh and politically driven detention. US officials say security forces in Venezuela have arrested Americans in recent years, with some facing legitimate criminal charges and others under review as possible wrongful detentions. The Trump administration negotiated the release of dozens last year. President Trump's latest comments on Greenland frame it as a must-have for US security. In a Truth Social post on Wednesday, Trump wrote that the United States "needs Greenland for the purpose of national security" and argued that NATO "should be leading the way for us to get it." He warned that if Washington doesn't secure control of the Arctic territory, "Russia or China will, and that is not going to happen!" Trump did not explain what form "control" would take, or how it would be achieved. Trump linked the issue directly to NATO, claiming the alliance relies heavily on US military strength, "much of which I built during my first term," and said he is now taking it "to a new and even higher level." According to Trump, NATO would become "far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the United States," adding: "Anything less than that is unacceptable." The Guardian and CNBC note the comments land just hours before Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are to meet with Greenland Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and Danish counterpart Lars Lokke Rasmussen at the White House. The Hill calls Trump's post the "latest example of [his] intensifying rhetoric on the US acquiring Greenland." Some Americans are being quietly pulled from a key US air base in Qatar as the White House weighs whether to launch strikes at Iran. The US military has begun evacuating personnel from Al Udeid Air Base as a precaution, a US official and a second person familiar with the move tell the Wall Street Journal . After Trump ordered strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities during the 12-day conflict in June, Iran responded with missile attacks on the Qatar base, which is a central hub for US operations in the region, though minimal damage was reported. Some US personnel have now been told to leave by Wednesday evening, per the AP . An adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei suggested the base could be a target in an recent X post, coming after Iranian officials warned American centers across the region could be hit in retaliation for US interference. Qatar has framed the departures as a "response to the current regional tensions." Thousands have reportedly been killed in anti-government protests in Iran in recent weeks. On Tuesday, President Trump publicly encouraged Iranians protesting their government, saying "help is on its way," and advised Americans still in Iran to think about leaving. He has been presented with a menu of military options and is described as leaning toward airstrikes, per the Journal. Many Senate Democrats say congressional approval is needed first, notes the Hill. YAOUNDE, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 civilians, including women and children, were killed early Wednesday when suspected separatist fighters raided a community in Cameroon's restive Northwest Region, local authorities said. Fourteen people were also injured in the attack that occurred at around 5:30 a.m. local time in Mbandfung Village in the English-speaking region's Ndu subdivision, the region's governor, Adolphe Lele Lafrique, confirmed. "The separatist terrorists invaded the Gidado neighborhood of the village, targeting the Mbororo community who live there," Abdou Kanfon Borno, mayor of the Ndu Council, told Xinhua by phone. "There were no clashes. The villagers were still asleep. They just opened fire on everyone, including children and women. A respected community elder was killed." Earlier reports indicated that 12 people were killed, but the death toll rose to 14 after several critically injured victims succumbed to their injuries. Lele Lafrique said that six women and seven children, aged between two and 11, were among the victims. "This is a massacre. The government has prescribed urgent security measures to track down the terrorists who committed this atrocity," he told Xinhua by phone, adding that houses were burned and cattle killed during the attack. The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and the separatist fighters have yet to comment. There have been frequent deadly clashes between separatist fighters and armed Mbororo tribesmen since 2017, when an armed separatist conflict erupted in Cameroon's two Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest. President Trump is warning Tehran of consequences as fears mount of fast-tracked executions tied to Iran's protest crackdown. In an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, Trump said the US would take "very strong action" if Iran begins hanging detained demonstrators. His comments come amid the case of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, who relatives told BBC Persian was sentenced to death just two days after his arrest last week and was slated to be executed on Wednesday; his current status is unknown. When asked by CBS what action he was considering, Trump said: "Welllet's define it in Venezuela. Let's define it with [ISIS leader] al-Baghdadi. He was wiped out. Let's define it with [Iranian military commander] Soleimani. And let's define it in Iran, wherewiped out their Iran nuclear threat in a period of about 15 minutes once the B-2s got there. And that was a complete obliteration as it turns out, which is what I said initially. Then some questioned it, and they said, 'You know, Trump was right.' So we've been right about everything. We don't want to see what's happening in Iran happen. And, you know, if they want to have protests, that's one thing. When they start killing thousands of people and now you're telling me about hangingwe'll see how that works out for them. It's not gonna work out good." As for Soltani's case, a representative of the Kurdish-focused Hengaw Organization for Human Rights said they had "never witnessed a case move so quickly," and described Soltani's detention as part of an effort to intimidate the public and stifle further protests. His sister, a lawyer, has reportedly tried to assist but was told "there's no case to review." Rights groups say the broader toll is already staggering. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says it has confirmed at least 2,403 protesters killed. Trump, who has pledged to obtain "accurate numbers" on the death toll, wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday that Iranian authorities would "pay a big price" and urged people to "keep protesting." He said he has suspended all meetings with Iranian officials "until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS," adding "HELP IS ON ITS WAY" and using the opposition slogan "Make Iran Great Again." Texting pals probably wasn't what anyone expected the relationship between Zohran Mamdani and President Trump to evolve into. However, the Republican president and the democratic socialist New York City mayor have been trading messages at least twice a week since their cordial Oval Office sit-down in November, according to multiple sources who describe the tone of the texts as "friendly" to the New York Post . Their conversation subjects reportedly range from New York zoning issues to the US effort to depose Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The regular, direct contact is a notable break from how recent New York mayors have dealt with presidents. Even Mamdani's predecessor, Eric Adamswho made a point of aligning himself with Trump and hastened to attend his inaugurationrelied on go-betweens rather than personal texts, insiders say. One political operative framed the new dynamic bluntly: It makes little political sense for the two men to feud in private when Washington has leverage over billions in federal funding for the city. Andrew Kirtzman, head of communications firm KSX, called it "remarkable" that Trump appears so at ease with a left-wing mayor, noting his open hostility toward former Mayor Bill de Blasio. Kirtzman suggested Trump feels "an emotional connection" with Mamdani, predicting that Mamdani's democratic socialist base is likely to tolerate the relationship by viewing it as transactional rather than ideological. Publicly, both men still maintain sharp policy differences, and some of the bloom appears to have worn off the rose, per Axios. In a recent New York Times interview, when asked whether he still enjoyed a "good" relationship with Mamdani, Trump answered, "Well, I did, but he hit me sooner than I thought," referring to the mayor's criticism of the US incursion into Venezuela. Trump said that "it was awfully quick for [Mamdani] to be criticizing" him, adding that he'd thought the mayor would wait "at least a month." The president then added: "We've had numerous conversations. We get along great." Finland is formally stepping back into the landmine business. The country's military said Wednesday it will begin buying anti-personnel mines and training professional soldiers, conscripts, and reservists to use them, following Helsinki's exit from the international treaty that bans such weapons. Finland's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention took effect Jan. 10, placing it alongside fellow EU and NATO members Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland, which have also opted out; all cited concerns over the threat from Russia, reports Reuters . The five countries border Russia, with Poland and Lithuania bordering the Kaliningrad exclave. Finland's border with Russia stretches 830 miles. Finnish lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of exiting the treaty last year. The rollout of mine-training programs will begin this year, according to Finland's Defence Forces. Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said talks with Finnish companies on producing technologically advanced mines will begin "shortly," Bloomberg reports. The aim is to have the first new mines and related training gear in place sometime in 2027. Officials stressed the mines are intended for wartime only. "We will use mines only in emergency conditions," said Colonel Riku Mikkonen, Inspector of Engineers for the Army Command. The shift comes as landmine use has drawn renewed scrutiny in Europe: Russia has deployed them extensively in its invasion of Ukraine, and Moscow has accused Kyiv of using them as well after Ukraine announced its own withdrawal from the treaty. Talks on Greenland's future were "frank, but also constructive," Denmark's foreign minister said after a White House meeting Wednesday with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Lars Loekke Rasmussen acknowledged a "fundamental disagreement" with the US over President Trump's push to turn the vast Arctic island into American territory, adding that the two sides would essentially "agree to disagree" for now, the New York Times reports. He said a new high-level working group will tackle security and other Greenland issues in the coming weeks. Rasmussen argued that Washington doesn't need formal control of Greenland to meet its defense goals, pointing to a Cold Warera agreement that already grants broad US military access. The US once operated multiple bases and stationed up to 10,000 troops there; today it runs just one base with around 200 troops. The foreign minister, a former prime minister, conceded that "there's definitely a new security situation in the Arctic and the High North," but repeatedly stressed that there is "no immediate threat" to Greenland from Russia or Chinadirectly undercutting one of Trump's main justifications for a US takeover. "We have not had a Chinese warship in Greenland for a decade or so," he said. Independent experts backed him up, the Times reports. Claims that Russian and Chinese ships are hovering around Greenland are "just not true," said Gabriella Gricius of the Arctic Institute, noting that their vessels are in the Bering Strait, far from the North Atlantic. Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, who joined the meeting with US officials, said her government had "shown where our limits are," insisting any solution must respect both Denmark's territorial sovereignty and Greenlanders' right to self-determination. Rasmussen described the issue as "very emotional for all of us," citing close personal and military ties between Denmark, Greenland, and the US, and noting that Danes had been killed fighting alongside American troops in Afghanistan. Copenhagen and Nuuk requested the White House meeting, he said, to cool off a dispute that had spilled onto social media and to "bring nuance" to the debate. He said the delegation told Vance and Rubio that it's not easy to think of innovative solutions "when you wake up every morning to different threats," the Guardian reports. Before the meeting, Trump said it was "unacceptable" for the US not to control Greenland. Other NATO allies are sending troops to Greenland. Germany and Sweden plan to deploy troops for what Germany describes as a reconnaissance mission "with a view to possible military contributions to support Denmark in guaranteeing security in the region." AFP reports that French troops are expected to join the mission. Columbus police say they've found the gun they believe was used to kill Ohio dentist Spencer Tepe and his wife Monique , and that it was located at a Chicago condo belonging to Monique's ex-husband, Michael David McKee . At a Wednesday briefing, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said investigators found multiple firearms at the residence, and that one was preliminarily matched using evidence from the scene and ballistic databases. Bryant said a vehicle captured on surveillance cameras near the couple's North 4th Street home around the time of the Dec. 30 killings was linked to McKee; the car was later located in Rockford, Illinois, where he practiced medicine, reports the Dispatch. McKee was arrested there Jan. 10 near a fast-food restaurant. Bryant described the shootings as a "targeted attack" tied to domestic violence but did not discuss a possible motive or detail whether there had been any recent contact between McKee and the couple. She did state the Tepes had not reported any threats to police. More: People spoke with Spencer's brother-in-law, and Rob Misleh said Monique had been "very vocal" about the alleged verbal abuse she experienced during her two-year marriage to McKee, which ended in 2017. He alleged that McKee threatened Monique's life "many times," adding, "Monique was very vocal about being terrified of this guy [until her death]. He was very emotionally abusive to her, to the point that it changed her as a person." Representatives pose for a group photo during the fifth consultative meeting on enhancing coordination of peace efforts in Sudan held in Cairo, Egypt, Jan. 14, 2026. Egypt will not accept, under any circumstances, the collapse of Sudan, its national institutions, or the fragmentation of its territory, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said on Wednesday.(Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) CAIRO, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Egypt will not accept, under any circumstances, the collapse of Sudan, its national institutions, or the fragmentation of its territory, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said on Wednesday. Abdelatty made the remarks at a joint press conference in Cairo with Ramtane Lamamra, the UN secretary-general's personal envoy for Sudan, on the sidelines of the fifth consultative meeting on enhancing coordination of peace efforts in Sudan. The Egyptian minister reiterated his country's "red lines" regarding Sudan's unity and territorial integrity, stressing that Egypt would never recognize "any parallel entities or militias in Sudan." He warned that "Egypt would not stand idle and would not hesitate to take necessary measures to preserve Sudan's unity and territorial integrity," emphasizing that the ongoing conflict poses serious risks to regional peace and security, particularly in neighboring countries and the Horn of Africa and Red Sea regions. The Egyptian foreign minister said ending the bloodshed requires an urgent humanitarian truce, to be followed by a sustainable ceasefire and the launch of "a comprehensive political process." Chaired by Abdelatty, the meeting was attended by officials and representatives from over a dozen countries as well as regional and international organizations. Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang, who also attended the meeting, said that the most urgent task in resolving the Sudanese issue is to promote a ceasefire and that the fundamental solution is to achieve a political settlement. He said that China maintains close communication with all relevant parties and "actively participates in mediation and political settlement efforts on the Sudan issue," adding that Beijing supports relevant peacemaking efforts by the UN and regional countries and organizations. Liao pointed out that China has provided Sudan with multiple batches of humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies and disaster relief assistance, and has cooperated with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization on poverty alleviation and agricultural assistance programs in Sudan. "Sudan's emergence from the shadow of war and the restoration of peace would benefit not only Sudan but also regional peace and stability," Liao added, stressing China's readiness to work with the international community to help end the fighting, ease the humanitarian crisis, and achieve lasting peace and reconstruction in Sudan. This photo taken with a mobile phone shows Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang attending the fifth consultative meeting on enhancing coordination of peace efforts in Sudan held in Cairo, Egypt, Jan. 14, 2026. Egypt will not accept, under any circumstances, the collapse of Sudan, its national institutions, or the fragmentation of its territory, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said on Wednesday.(Xinhua/Yao Bing) The Public Safety Report is compiled from criminal complaints filed in state and federal courts, as well as some police blotter information, trooper dispatches, fire department reports and interviews with public safety officials. Individuals named as arrested and/or charged with crimes in this report are presumed innocent until proved guilty in a court of law. TOKYO, Jan 14 (News On Japan) - The annual New Year imperial poetry ceremony, known as Utakai Hajime, was held at the Imperial Palace, where Princess Aikos waka poem was recited publicly for the first time and Prince Hisahito made his debut appearance at the traditional event. Around 10:30 a.m. on January 14th, the Emperor and Empress, their daughter Princess Aiko, and other members of the Imperial Family, including the Akishino family, entered the Pine Chamber of the palace. Empress Masako wore a soft pink dress befitting the New Year, while Princess Aiko appeared in a cherry-blossom-colored long gown. The theme chosen by the Emperor for the 2026 ceremony was Brightness, and poems by 10 people were selected from more than 14,000 submissions, all recited in the traditional, classical style. Princess Aiko, who has submitted waka poems every year since coming of age as a member of the Imperial Family, had her work recited at the ceremony for the first time as a representative royal. The bright voices of Lao children learning Japanese fill the classroom. The poem reflects memories from November 2025, when Princess Aiko visited Laos on her first official overseas trip. It recalls a visit to an integrated middle and high school attended by local children, where she observed a Japanese-language class. As students clear and energetic voices echoed through the classroom, Princess Aiko watched the lesson with a smile and interacted warmly with the pupils, later capturing their enthusiasm for learning Japanese in her waka. A selector for the Utakai Hajime and an adviser on imperial waka poetry told FNN that there was nothing at all that needed correcting in Princess Aikos poem. The Emperor and Empress, who supported Princess Aiko as she carefully prepared for her first foreign visit, listened attentively to her poem during the ceremony, occasionally nodding with calm expressions. Prince Hisahito, attending the ceremony and submitting a waka poem for the first time, wrote about the joy of seeing his favorite insects, dragonflies, up close. In the dim light of dusk, a dragonfly at twilight, vividly blue, darts swiftly above the bridge. The theme for the 2027 Utakai Hajime ceremony has been set as Journey, with poem submissions to be accepted from January 14th through the end of September. Source: FNN Preparation anxiety is real: Data from Ownr reveals nearly a third of aspiring entrepreneurs say they "don't know where to start", only 11% say they're "very prepared to launch" TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2026 /CNW/ - An influx of new businesses could be on the horizon in 2026 as more Canadians consider becoming their own boss. According to new research from Ownr*, the platform for helping entrepreneurs start, manage and grow their small businesses in Canada, conducted via Pollfish, nearly half of Canadians say starting their own business is one of their goals for the year ahead. But turning those intentions into reality? That's where the real work begins. The findings from Ownr's 2026 Entrepreneurial Outlook point to a sense of preparation anxiety among aspiring entrepreneurs. While 87 per cent of aspiring founders consider quitting their current jobs to start a business (with 17 per cent thinking about it every single day), nearly one third (31 per cent) of these respondents say they don't know where to begin. These findings reveal that ambition to start a business is high, but clarity around the "how" of business ownership is lacking. "Ambition is not the problem in Canada; it's the 'activation' that's broken," explains Jordan Casey, CEO of Ownr. "This data shows that Canadians are ready to work for themselves, but they're being sidelined by a complex administrative landscape, and a lack of education and support." Key insights from Ownr's 2026 Entrepreneurial Outlook: Top Barriers to Entry: When asked what is stopping them from starting a business, Canadians cited not feeling financially ready (45 per cent) and fear of failure (41 per cent) as the primary reasons they haven't taken action. When asked what is stopping them from starting a business, Canadians cited not feeling financially ready (45 per cent) and fear of failure (41 per cent) as the primary reasons they haven't taken action. Compliance Confusion: 32 per cent of respondents identified compliance as a main area of concern (e.g. legal requirements, taxes) highlighting a need for tools to support documentation and filing. 32 per cent of respondents identified compliance as a main area of concern (e.g. legal requirements, taxes) highlighting a need for tools to support documentation and filing. More than Money: Aspiring business owners are looking for more than just funding. When asked where they need the most support, respondents prioritized compliance navigation (43 per cent) and business set-up (42 per cent). In response, Casey offers four simple tips to help Canadians turn their small business intention into action this year: Build the Plan - Then Make It Official For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the challenge isn't a lack of ideas but knowing how to move from planning to action. Creating a clear business plan provides a practical framework - something to build from, adapt and refine as the business evolves, without getting stuck in endless iteration. It takes entrepreneurs from pipe dream to an executable plan to bring their businesses to life. From there, choosing a business structure and registering the business are critical next steps. Together, planning with the right tools and formalizing the business helps turn an idea into a real, actionable venture - and helps founders move forward with confidence. Demystify compliance confusion Fear of auditing or filing missteps often paralyzes new owners. Don't let compliance confusion stop you; instead, seek out platforms that automate your filings and minute books to help streamline the documentation and filing process. These tools can assist by providing some peace of mind soyou're free to maximize your time on what actually makes money: your product and serving your customers. Adopt a minimum viable launch mindset You don't need to quit your day job on Monday to be an entrepreneur on Tuesday. Starting a business doesn't follow a single, linear timeline - especially for side hustlers balancing other commitments. Instead, breaking the journey into manageable "micro-milestones" can help make progress feel achievable. For some, that might mean registering the business in the first few weeks, building a simple digital presence a month or two in and then beginning customer outreach when time allows. Reducing the pressure to move quickly at every stage - and giving yourself breathing room - can help overcome the time and fear barriers that stop many aspiring founders from getting started. Claim your digital real estate early In 2026, your digital presence is your storefront. Even before you're ready to sell, securing your business name, domain and social handles can help establish credibility quickly. Laying this foundation early ensures your brand is ready whenever you are. For more information on Ownr, visit www.ownr.co. Survey Methodology These findings are drawn from an online survey conducted by Prodege between December 18-22, 2025, on behalf of Craft Public Relations, commissioned by Ownr. The survey included n=1,000 Canadians aged 18 and over. Respondents reflect the natural demographic distribution of members of Prodege's research panel, no other demographic quotas or post-survey methodologies were applied. At a sample size of 1,000, the margin of error for the study is 3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, though margins of error are higher among subsets of the population. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to, coverage error and measurement error. About RBC Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 100,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com. We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet. About RBCx RBCx banks, builds, and invests in the innovation ecosystem backed by the institutional strength and stability of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). With specialized financial solutions, portfolio building experience, and a collective of specialists that provide powerful support, we help startups and scaleups unlock growth across every stage of their journey. About Ownr Ownr is on a mission to help make Canadian small business a big deal. With our all-in-one digital platform, everyday entrepreneurs can streamline registration and incorporation, automate paperwork, and maintain ongoing compliance - all without high legal* fees and confusing jargon. Join over 230,000 Canadians who launched their dream business with Ownr. Ownr is a portfolio company of RBCx, a division of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). *Ownr does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. The article provides general information, is not specific to individual circumstances, and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. For further information, please contact: Stephanie Lasica, Craft Public Relations (for Ownr), [email protected] | 647-390-0413 SOURCE RBC Revenue Guidance for FY 26 revised to 3.0%-3.5% BENGALURU, India, Jan. 14, 2026 /CNW/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY), (BSE: INFY), (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, delivered $5,099 million in Q3 revenues, year on year growth of 1.7% and sequential growth of 0.6% in constant currency. Reported IFRS operating margin was at 18.4%. Adjusted1 operating margin increased 0.2% sequentially to 21.2%. Free cash flow generation was robust at $915 million. Adjusted free cash flow generation was $965 million, 112.8% of adjusted net profit. TCV of large deal wins was $4.8 billion, with net new of 57%. Headcount increased by 5,043. Revenues for YTD Dec'25 grew at 2.8% year on year in constant currency. Reported IFRS operating margin was at 20.0%. Adjusted operating margin was at 21.0%. "Infosys delivered a strong Q3 performance demonstrating how our differentiated value propositions in enterprise AI, through Infosys Topaz, are consistently driving higher market share. Clients increasingly view Infosys as their AI partner with demonstrated expertise, innovation capabilities and strong delivery credentials. This has helped them unlock business potential and enhanced value realization," said Salil Parekh, CEO and MD. "Central to this journey is our commitment to reskill, transform and empower our dedicated human resource pool to drive success in an AI augmented world," he added. 0.6% QoQ 1.7% YoY CC Growth 18.4% Reported 21.2% Adjusted Operating Margin 6.6% Reported 11.5% Adjusted YTD EPS Increase ( terms) $4.8 Bn Large Deal TCV (57% Net New) $0.9 Bn $1 Bn Adjusted Free cash flow (FCF) Guidance for FY26: Revenue growth of 3.0%-3.5% in constant currency Operating margin of 20%-22%2 Key highlights: For the quarter ended December 31, 2025 Revenues in CC terms grew by 1.7% YoY and 0.6% QoQ Reported IFRS revenues at $5,099 million, growth of 3.2% YoY Reported IFRS operating margin at 18.4%; Adjusted operating margin at 21.2% Reported IFRS Basic EPS at $0.18; adjusted Basic EPS at $0.21 FCF at $915 million; adjusted FCF at $965 million; Adjusted FCF conversion at 112.8% of adjusted net profit For nine months ended December 31, 2025 Revenues in CC terms grew by 2.8% YoY Reported IFRS revenues at $15,117 million, growth of 3.9% YoY Reported IFRS operating margin at 20.0%; Adjusted operating margin at 21.0% Reported IFRS Basic EPS at $0.58; adjusted Basic EPS at $0.60 FCF at $2,900 million; adjusted FCF at $2,950 million; Adjusted FCF conversion at 117.8% of adjusted net profit 1. 'Adjusted' financial measures presented in this release are non-IFRS financial measures that exclude the impact of the provisions arising from the notifications by Government of India on Labour Codes for quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025 and are further described in this release. 2. Operating margin guidance for FY26 excludes the adjustment with respect to Labour Codes of $143 million in the current quarter. "Our performance was broad-based in Q3 with 0.6% sequential revenue growth, 0.2% adjusted operating margin expansion, stellar large deal wins at $4.8 billion and robust adjusted free cash generation at $965 million in a seasonally weak quarter," said Jayesh Sanghrajka, CFO. "In line with our capital allocation policy, we successfully completed the largest ever buyback of `18,000 crore and paid out interim dividend to shareholders," he added. Client Wins & Testimonials Infosys extended its strategic collaboration with Metro Bank to transform the bank's finance operations with a suite of Workday solutions. Marc Page, Chief Financial Officer, Metro Bank, said, "We're continuing to transform our platforms through our partnership with Infosys, helping our digital advancement. This collaboration with Infosys and Workday will help to unify our core finance operations, providing colleagues with self-service tools and simplifying daily operations. This supports our long-term growth strategy and will help us to scale and evolve in the future." said, "We're continuing to transform our platforms through our partnership with Infosys, helping our digital advancement. This collaboration with Infosys and Workday will help to unify our core finance operations, providing colleagues with self-service tools and simplifying daily operations. This supports our long-term growth strategy and will help us to scale and evolve in the future." Infosys unveiled its AI-first GCC model to accelerate the setup and transformation of global capability centers (GCCs) into AI-powered hubs for innovation and growth. Stefanie Neumann, CEO, Lufthansa Systems, said, "Our collaboration with Infosys to establish a dedicated Global Capability Center has been a pivotal step in digital transformation journey of Lufthansa Systems. By leveraging their strong GCC and AI capabilities, we are building a future-ready innovation hub that enables our customers to enhance aviation safety, drive operational efficiency, and improve customer experience. This partnership empowers us to accelerate our vision for sustainable and intelligent aviation." said, "Our collaboration with Infosys to establish a dedicated Global Capability Center has been a pivotal step in digital transformation journey of Lufthansa Systems. By leveraging their strong GCC and AI capabilities, we are building a future-ready innovation hub that enables our customers to enhance aviation safety, drive operational efficiency, and improve customer experience. This partnership empowers us to accelerate our vision for sustainable and intelligent aviation." Infosys announced its collaboration with NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) to deliver a new workforce management solution for NHS in England and Wales. Michael Brodie, Chief Executive, NHSBSA, said, "Delivering the Future NHS Workforce Solution is a critical step in supporting the ambitions of the 10-Year Health Plan. The solution will go far beyond simply replacing ESR - it will be a strategic enabler for building a workforce that is fit for the future. By working with Infosys, we're creating a modern, data-driven solution that will help the NHS better attract, retain and support its people." said, "Delivering the Future NHS Workforce Solution is a critical step in supporting the ambitions of the 10-Year Health Plan. The solution will go far beyond simply replacing ESR - it will be a strategic enabler for building a workforce that is fit for the future. By working with Infosys, we're creating a modern, data-driven solution that will help the NHS better attract, retain and support its people." Infosys collaborated with Telenor Shared Services to modernize its HR operations with a new Oracle Fusion Cloud Human Capital Management (HCM) solution. Morten Dean Dunham, CEO, Telenor Shared Services, said, "Modernizing our HR operations is crucial to improve efficiencies and employee experience. By collaborating with Infosys to implement Oracle Cloud HCM, we are confident we will get a solution that meets our future needs. This change will further streamline our processes, provide a unified view of critical data, and ultimately enhance the experience of our employees." said, "Modernizing our HR operations is crucial to improve efficiencies and employee experience. By collaborating with Infosys to implement Oracle Cloud HCM, we are confident we will get a solution that meets our future needs. This change will further streamline our processes, provide a unified view of critical data, and ultimately enhance the experience of our employees." Infosys announced the launch of Infosys Topaz Fabric, a purpose-built agentic services suite a multi-layer AI fabric that unifies infrastructure, models, data, applications, and workflows into a composable, agent-ready ecosystem. Laxmi Srinivas Samayamantri, Vice President, Global Engineering, Data & Architecture, Nu Skin, said, "We are collaborating with Infosys to enrich beauty and wellness commerce IT operations through the power of Agentic AI. Together, we are expanding this further with Infosys Topaz Fabric by enabling Agent Assist features, which we anticipate will increase automation for application and infrastructure support, enhance resilience, and elevate the user experience." said, "We are collaborating with Infosys to enrich beauty and wellness commerce IT operations through the power of Agentic AI. Together, we are expanding this further with Infosys Topaz Fabric by enabling Agent Assist features, which we anticipate will increase automation for application and infrastructure support, enhance resilience, and elevate the user experience." Infosys announced the launch of the Infosys Customer Experience Suite for Salesforce to help enterprises navigate their agentic transformation and scale their digital workforce. Marko Koistila, EVP Commercial Operations, VTT , said, "Our sales team previously spent too much time on low-value tasks like lead grooming instead of fostering client relationships. Agentforce automated the lead process, including contextual emails and meeting setups, allowing our team to focus on collaboration and delivering superior customer experiences. Having Infosys, along with Fluido as our expert partners, VTT became one of the first organizations outside Salesforce to implement a live SDR Agentforce agent. Building on the success of this initial implementation, we are collaborating together to develop two additional Agentforce agents for other areas of organizational support." , said, "Our sales team previously spent too much time on low-value tasks like lead grooming instead of fostering client relationships. Agentforce automated the lead process, including contextual emails and meeting setups, allowing our team to focus on collaboration and delivering superior customer experiences. Having Infosys, along with Fluido as our expert partners, VTT became one of the first organizations outside Salesforce to implement a live SDR Agentforce agent. Building on the success of this initial implementation, we are collaborating together to develop two additional Agentforce agents for other areas of organizational support." Infosys collaborated with Barry Callebaut to drive a multi-year, AI-powered digital transformation aimed at creating an agile, tech-enabled enterprise that enhances customer experiences, operational efficiency, and innovation. Amr Arafa, Chief Digital Officer, Barry Callebaut Group, said, "Our collaboration with Infosys will play a key role in advancing Barry Callebaut's Business Led digital transformation (BC Next Level) journey. As part of our BC Next Level strategic investment program, we are focused on building a tech-enabled, agile enterprise that delivers superior customer experiences and operational excellence. Infosys, with its AI-first approach and suite of generative AI platforms, will empower us to unlock efficiencies at scale, build connected ecosystems, and accelerate innovation. Infosys' deep domain expertise and commitment to co-innovation make them a trusted partner in shaping our transformation roadmap." said, "Our collaboration with Infosys will play a key role in advancing Barry Callebaut's Business Led digital transformation (BC Next Level) journey. As part of our BC Next Level strategic investment program, we are focused on building a tech-enabled, agile enterprise that delivers superior customer experiences and operational excellence. Infosys, with its AI-first approach and suite of generative AI platforms, will empower us to unlock efficiencies at scale, build connected ecosystems, and accelerate innovation. Infosys' deep domain expertise and commitment to co-innovation make them a trusted partner in shaping our transformation roadmap." Infosys collaborated with Fresenius on a project called ELEVATE, a business transformation initiative aimed at unifying and modernizing the company's global business processes and IT systems through SAP S/4HANA. Florent Durup, Business Transformation Lead for the ELEVATE Program, Fresenius, said, "ELEVATE is the most critical business transformation program for Fresenius and an important milestone of our journey. We have selected Infosys as the SI partner after a rigorous and exhaustive process and are now moving forward with confidence to deliver the ambitious goals of the transformation program together. Through this collaboration, Fresenius and Infosys will work closely to deliver a robust, future-ready platform that enhances agility, standardizes processes, and enables data-driven decision-making across the organization." Recognitions & Awards Brand & Corporate Recognized as a Silver Employer in the India Workplace Equality Index (IWEI) 2025 for championing inclusion and being a strong ally of the LGBTQIA+ community Recognized for its people-first approach at the SHRM India HR Excellence Awards 2025 Recognized among the Most Inclusive Organizations for Women in Tech in the IT Service category at the Wequity Award Infosys China recognized as one of the Best Workplaces in Greater China 2025 by Great Place To Work AI and Cloud Services Recognized as a leader in The Forrester Wave: AI Technical Services, Q4 2025 Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: Data and Analytics (D&A) Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Rated as a leader in NelsonHall: GenAI and Process Automation in Banking 2025 Recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific Professional and Managed Services for Microsoft Azure 2025 Vendor Assessment Key Digital Services Positioned as a leader in Gartner Magic Quadrant for Custom Software Development Services Recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific Application Modernization Services to AWS 2025 Vendor Assessment Recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape: European Human First Digital Workplace Services 2025 Vendor Assessment Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: Adobe Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: IT Service Management (ITSM) and Service Integration and Management (SIAM) Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: Enterprise Quality Engineering (QE) Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: Global Capability Center (GCC) Setup Capabilities in India PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: ServiceNow Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Recognized as a leader in HFS Horizons: Legacy Application Modernization Services, 2025 Recognized as a leader in HFS Horizons: Enterprise Blockchain Services, 2025 Rated as a leader in NelsonHall: Advanced Digital Workplace Services 2025 Rated as a leader in NelsonHall: Quality Engineering 2025 Infosys BPM received the 2025 ISG Star of Excellence award for BPO Services Excellence Industry & Solutions Recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Supply Chain Blue Yonder Ecosystem Services 20252026 Vendor Assessment Recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Supply Chain Overall Ecosystem Services 20252026 Vendor Assessment Recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Manufacturing Intelligence Transformation Strategic Consulting 2025 Vendor Assessment Recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Supply Chain SAP Ecosystem Services 2025-2026 Vendor Assessment Recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Supply Chain Oracle Ecosystem Services 2025-2026 Vendor Assessment Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance IT Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: Payments IT Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: Banking IT Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Recognized as a leader in HFS Semiconductor Horizons: The Best of Service Providers across the Value Chain, 2025 Recognized as a leader in HFS Horizons: Life Sciences Service Providers 2025 Recognized as a leader in HFS Horizons: Intelligent Supply Chain Services, 2025 Recognized as a leader in HFS Horizons: Travel and Hospitality Service Provider Ecosystem, 2025 Infosys Finacle positioned as a leader in Everest Group's Banking Customer Experience Orchestration Products (CXOP) PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025. Infosys Finacle along with its customers received four awards at the Global Banking and Finance Awards 2025 Innovation Awards for Excellence in Margin Finance Innovation India with HDFC Bank; Most Innovative Payments Channel Modernization in Colombia with Bancolombia; Technology Award for Best Core Banking Transformation with Real-Time Eventing with Emirates NBD Bank; and Award for Best Customer Journey Initiative in Australia with Australian Military Bank Infosys Finacle recognized as The World's Best Software Provider for Virtual Accounts 2025 and The World's Best Software Provider for Liquidity Management 2025 by Euromoney Transaction Banking Awards Read more about our Awards & Recognitions here. About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 330,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in 63 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, our future financial or operating performance, the McCamish cybersecurity incident, and the United States H-1B visa program are forward looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid working model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, the outcome of pending litigation, the amount of any additional costs resulting directly or indirectly from the McCamish cybersecurity incident, the outcome of the US government investigation, the timing, implementation, duration and effect of the September 19, 2025 proclamation signed by the president of the United States related to the H-1B visa program, and the effect of current and any future tariffs. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. Infosys Limited and Subsidiaries Extracted from the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet under IFRS as at: (in $ million) Particulars December 31, 2025 March 31, 2025 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 2,216 2,861 Current investments 769 1,460 Trade receivables 4,020 3,645 Unbilled revenue 1,477 1,503 Other current assets 1,583 1,890 Total current assets 10,065 11,359 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment and Right-of-use assets 2,128 2,235 Goodwill and other Intangible assets 1,636 1,505 Non-current investments 990 1,294 Unbilled revenue 224 261 Other non-current assets 910 765 Total non-current assets 5,888 6,060 Total assets 15,953 17,419 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Trade payables 537 487 Unearned revenue 1,235 994 Employee benefit obligations 384 340 Other current liabilities and provisions 3,399 3,191 Total current liabilities 5,555 5,012 Non-current liabilities Lease liabilities 646 675 Other non-current liabilities 465 477 Total non-current liabilities 1,111 1,152 Total liabilities 6,666 6,164 Total equity attributable to equity holders of the company 9,233 11,205 Non-controlling interests 54 50 Total equity 9,287 11,255 Total liabilities and equity 15,953 17,419 Extracted from the Condensed Consolidated statement of Comprehensive Income under IFRS for: (In $ million except per equity share data) Particulars 3 months ended December 31, 2025 3 months ended December 31, 2024 9 months ended December 31, 2025 9 months ended December 31, 2024 Revenues 5,099 4,939 15,117 14,547 Cost of sales 3,660 3,444 10,593 10,103 Gross profit 1,439 1,495 4,524 4,444 Operating expenses: Selling and marketing expenses 257 218 769 671 Administrative expenses 245 224 725 693 Total operating expenses 502 442 1,494 1,364 Operating profit 937 1,053 3,030 3,080 Other income, net of finance cost 98 90 308 249 Profit before income taxes 1,035 1,143 3,338 3,329 Income tax expense 287 337 942 981 Net profit (before non-controlling interest) 748 806 2,396 2,348 Net profit (after non-controlling interest) 747 804 2,393 2,345 Basic EPS ($) 0.18 0.19 0.58 0.57 Diluted EPS ($) 0.18 0.19 0.58 0.56 NOTES : a) The above information is extracted from the audited condensed consolidated Balance sheet and Statement of Comprehensive Income for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025, which have been taken on record at the Board meeting held on January 14, 2026. b) As the quarter and nine months ended figures are taken from the source and rounded to the nearest digits, the quarter figures in this statement added up to the figures reported for the previous quarters might not always add up to the nine months ended figures reported in this statement. Reconciliation of Reported IFRS financial measures to Adjusted non-IFRS financial measures for 3 months ended (in $ million except per equity share data) December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Reported IFRS Adjustment for Labour Codes1 Adjusted non- IFRS Reported IFRS Operating profit 937 143 1,080 1,053 Operating margin (%) 18.4 2.8 21.2 21.3 Profit before income taxes 1,035 143 1,178 1,143 Income tax expense 287 35 322 337 Net profit (after non-controlling interest) 747 108 855 804 Basic EPS ($) 0.18 0.03 0.21 0.19 Reconciliation of additional financial measures to Adjusted financial measures for 3 months ended (in $ million) December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Reported Adjustment for Labour Codes Adjusted Reported Operating cash flow 962 50 1,012 1,325 Capital expenditure 47 - 47 62 FCF non-IFRS 915 50 965 1,263 FCF as a % of Net profit 122.5 112.8 156.6 Reconciliation of Reported IFRS financial measures to Adjusted non-IFRS financial measures for 9 months ended (in $ million except per equity share data) December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Reported IFRS Adjustment for Labour Codes1 Adjusted non- IFRS Reported IFRS Operating profit 3,030 143 3,173 3,080 Operating margin (%) 20.0 1.0 21.0 21.2 Profit before income taxes 3,338 143 3,481 3,329 Income tax expense 942 35 977 981 Net profit (after non-controlling interest) 2,393 108 2,501 2,345 Basic EPS ($) 0.58 0.02 0.60 0.57 Reconciliation of additional financial measures to Adjusted financial measures for 9 months ended (in $ million) December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Reported Adjustment for Labour Codes Adjusted Reported Operating cash flow 3,102 50 3,152 3,375 Capital expenditure 202 - 202 179 FCF non-IFRS 2,900 50 2,950 3,196 FCF as a % of Net profit 121.0 117.8 136.1 NOTE: On November 21, 2025 the Government of India notified provisions of The Labour Codes. These Labour Codes consolidate twenty-nine existing labour laws into a unified framework governing employee benefits during employment and post-employment and amongst other things introduce changes, including a uniform definition of wages and enhanced benefits relating to leave. The adjustments for Labour Codes represent an increase in gratuity liability arising out of past service cost and increase in leave liability together by $143 million which is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Revenue growth in reported currency includes the impact of currency fluctuations. Additionally, we calculate constant currency (CC) growth by comparing current period revenues in respective local currencies converted to US$ using prior period exchange rates and comparing the same to our prior period reported revenues. A Fact Sheet providing the operating metrics of the Company can be downloaded from www.infosys.com. IFRS-INR Press Release: https://www.infosys.com/investors/reports-filings/quarterly-results/2025-2026/q3/documents/ifrs-inr-press-release.pdf Fact sheet: https://www.infosys.com/investors/reports-filings/quarterly-results/2025-2026/q3/documents/fact-sheet.pdf Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/5460444/Infosys_Logo.jpg SOURCE Infosys Investor Relations: Sandeep Mahindroo, +91 80 3980 1018, [email protected] ; Media Relations: Rishi Basu, +91 80 4156 3998, [email protected] and Chad Darwin, +1 323 422 3815, [email protected] MONROE, La., Jan. 13, 2026 /CNW/ - USA Rail Terminals has commenced operations at its newest rail terminal in Monroe, Louisiana, expanding critical rail-to-truck logistics capacity to support construction activity associated with Meta's Richland Parish Data Center in nearby Holly Ridge, Louisiana -- the largest hyperscale data center announced by Meta to date. Monroe rail terminal. Photo courtesy of USA Rail Terminals. (CNW Group/USA Rail Terminals) "This is exactly the type of project rail is built for," said Rich Montgomery, Chief Executive Officer of Alpenglow Rail, the parent company of USA Rail Terminals. "When you're moving massive volumes of aggregate and construction materials on a sustained basis, rail delivers unmatched efficiency, reliability, and scale." The Monroe terminal is designed to handle high-volume movements of aggregate and other bulk construction materials, supporting both the initial buildout and long-term supply needs of large-scale infrastructure projects. The facility is served by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Railway and is capable of handling 90-car unit trains, providing high-throughput rail-to-truck transloading. Ground-pile storage at the terminal enables customers to stage materials efficiently and maintain consistent delivery flows to regional construction sites. "The Richland Parish Data Center is one of the most significant global infrastructure builds currently underway anywhere in the world," Montgomery added. "Our job is to ensure that the supply chain never becomes the bottleneck -- and this terminal is well suited to do exactly that." Meta has announced plans for the Richland Parish campus to span approximately 4 million square feet across more than 2,000 acres, representing a multi-billion-dollar investment in advanced artificial intelligence infrastructure. Construction is expected to extend through the end of the decade, with peak activity employing thousands of skilled-trade workers. Once operational, it is expected to support hundreds of permanent jobs. "Projects of this magnitude don't succeed without logistics partners who understand scale," said Chad Womack, Director of Business Development at USA Rail Terminals. "By railing aggregate materials directly into the local market and efficiently unloading 90-car unit trains, we aim to significantly reduce long-haul truck traffic while providing a reliable supply to keep construction timelines on track." The Monroe terminal strengthens USA Rail Terminals' growing national footprint and reinforces Alpenglow Rail's strategy of aligning rail infrastructure investments with large-scale industrial and technology developments. "This facility reflects our long-term view of rail assets as part of the critical backbone that enables next-generation infrastructure," Montgomery said. "From AI data centers to energy, manufacturing, and industrial development, rail terminals like Monroe are essential to building the economy of the future." Meta has also committed to matching the data center's electricity usage with 100% clean and renewable energy, along with investments in local infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and water systems, further enhancing the project's regional economic impact. "Supporting a project that combines advanced technology, sustainability commitments, and regional economic growth is something we're proud of," Montgomery said. Monroe Terminal Highlights Rail-to-truck transloading of aggregate and dry bulk materials Capacity for 90-car unit trains Service by CPKC Railway Ground pile storage for large-scale construction staging About USA Rail Terminals USA Rail Terminals is a premier rail logistics provider offering rail-to-truck transloading, railcar storage, switching, and railcar services at strategically located facilities. The company supports customers across infrastructure, industrial, and bulk commodity markets and is wholly owned by Alpenglow Rail. For more information, please visit www.usarailterminals.com. About Alpenglow Rail Alpenglow Rail develops and manages freight rail businesses and related transportation assets across North America. Alpenglow Rail currently owns and operates six rail terminals strategically located in leading industrial markets within Canada (under the VIP Rail brand) and the US Gulf Coast (under the USA Rail brand). Alpenglow Rail was founded by a team of seasoned railroad executives with significant experience in the acquisition, operation, development and growth of short line railroads and terminals in North America. For more information, please visit www.alpenglowrail.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors. Because some of these risks and uncertainties cannot be predicted or quantified and some are beyond our control, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Contact Information: USA Rail Terminals / Alpenglow Rail Phone: (720) 339-5720 Email: [email protected] SOURCE USA Rail Terminals Irans Jamming of Starlink uses military-grade electronic warfare (EW) tools, likely imported from China and Russia deployed via mobile platforms like trucks or drones. This creates localized patchwork disruptions rather than a nationwide blanket. Interference is escalating from ~30% to over 80% packet loss in affected areas. The jamming is asymmetric, often prioritizing uplink (data upload) to prevent protesters from sharing media outward. Starlink terminals require precise location data (from GPS at ~1.575 GHz L1 band) to align with overhead satellites and synchronize beams. Iran floods these weak GPS signals (-160 dBW power at ground level) with high-power noise (barrage jamming), raising the noise floor and degrading signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) below usable thresholds (typically <10 dB for lock). This prevents terminals from calculating position, disrupting satellite handoffs. Spoofing injects false signals to mislead positioning. Direct RF Signal Jamming and high-power transmitters overwhelm Starlink's downlink/uplink frequencies with broadband noise, exploiting the satellites' low transmit power (1-10 W per beam) and the terminals' sensitivity to interference. Since Starlink signals arrive at ground with low power density ( -120 dBm), a ground-based jammer (e.g., 100-500 W output) can dominate within a 5-20 km radius, depending on terrain. Jammers use directional antennas to focus energy, creating denial zones. This is uplink jamming when targeting user transmissions to satellites or downlink jamming for satellite-to-user. Jammers are not fixed. They are vehicle-mounted for mobility, allowing dynamic targeting of protest hotspots. Energy-intensive (requiring significant power sources), they can't cover all of Iran but create intermittent, regional blackouts. RF propagation follows inverse square law, so effectiveness drops with distance; urban environments (buildings, hills) can attenuate jammer signals via multipath fading or shadowing. Uplink is easier to jam as user terminals have lower power (~1-2 W) compared to satellites. This aligns with Iran's goal of stifling outbound reports while allowing limited inbound access. These methods mirror Russian tactics in Ukraine, where Starlink faced similar EW, but Iran has adapted them for domestic control, focusing on urban GPS denial. Physics-Based Countermeasures to Circumvent Jamming Countering relies on improving SNR, exploiting jammer limitations and leveraging Starlinks inherent resilience (phased-array antennas, low-Earth orbit satellites moving at ~27,000 km/h, spread-spectrum modulation). Users cant alter satellite hardware, but software updates, positioning, and add-ons can help. Drawing from Starlinks adaptations in Ukraine there are viable strategies. 1. Software and Firmware Updates from SpaceX GPS-Independent Positioning: Latest Starlink software (deployed post-Ukraine jamming) enables terminals to triangulate position using signals from multiple satellites instead of GPS. Satellites broadcast ephemeris data (orbital positions). Terminals use time-of-flight (ToF) measurements (signal delay ~2-4 ms at 550 km altitude) to compute location via multilateration. This bypasses GPS jamming entirely. Ensure terminals auto-update over any brief connection window. Starlinks phased-array antennas can dynamically adjust to point away from jammer directions while locking onto satellites. Null-steering creates interference nulls (destructive interference patterns) toward jammers, reducing their effective power by 20-40 dB. In Ukraine, software patches rejected anomalous signals, improving resilience. Frequency Agility and Modulation Changes: Starlink uses orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) and spread-spectrum techniques, spreading data across subcarriers. Updates can shift to less-jammed sub-bands or increase coding gain (e.g., forward error correction) to maintain links at lower SNR. Physics: Spread-spectrum dilutes jammer energy across a wide bandwidth (e.g., 250-500 MHz channels), requiring jammers to match full spectrum powerinefficient for battery-limited mobile units. 2. Terminal Positioning and Physical Shielding Relocate to Non-Jammed Areas. Since jamming is localized (5-20 km radius), move terminals to rooftops, rural spots, or away from urban centers. Jammer range is limited by power and line-of-sight (LOS). Elevation gain (mounting high) improves satellite SNR via better angle-of-arrival, reducing ground clutter. Directional Shielding Place terminals in recesses, holes, or behind metal sheets/faraday cages facing likely jammer directions (roads). In Ukraine, forces dug terminals into ground or used metal barriers. Metals reflect/absorb RF, attenuating jammer signals (10-30 dB loss) while preserving overhead satellite LOS. Avoid full enclosures to prevent blocking satellite signals. Use vehicle-mounted or portable terminals to evade static jammers. Rapid movement exploits satellite handoff (every 15-60 seconds), making it hard for jammers to track. 3. Enhance Signal Resilience Auxiliary Antennas or Amplifiers: Add low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) or directional parabolic reflectors to boost received signal strength. Increases effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) or gain (10-15 dBi), improving SNR by countering noise. Must comply with Starlinks flat-panel design to avoid misalignment. Redundancy with Multiple Terminals Distribute several terminals across an area, linking via mesh networks (if Starlink enables). Probability of all being jammed drops exponentially; inter-terminal RF links (if added) use different bands. For sync without GPS, use atomic clocks or network-derived timing. Starlink downlinks provide precise timing beacons. Terminals can lock to these (sub-microsecond accuracy) via phase-locked loops. 4. Network-Level Adaptations (SpaceX/External Aid) SpaceX can increase beam power density or redirect coverage over Iran. In Ukraine, they boosted signals in jammed zones. Higher satellite EIRP (up to 20-30 dBW) overcomes jammer noise via better link budget. While user terminals are RF, Starlinks backbone uses optical lasers (immune to RF jamming). Enhancing ground gateways outside Iran routes traffic securely. Military aid (from U.S. military) could deploy anti-jammers or signal intelligence to locate/neutralize Iranian units, but this is beyond civilian scope. Physics favors the jammer in close proximity. Smuggling terminals is risky (up to 10-year prison in Iran), and jamming detection drones add enforcement. These approaches, rooted in RF propagation, antenna theory, and signal processing, have proven effective in similar scenarios. This video grab shows Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono speaking at a press briefing in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 14, 2026. Sugiono said on Wednesday that Indonesia's diplomacy must be built on preparedness, vigilance and realism, as the current global order grows increasingly fragile and the world enters a dangerous "gray zone" marked by sharper competition, deeper fragmentation and blurred boundaries between peace and conflict. (Photo by Wayan/Xinhua) JAKARTA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said on Wednesday that Indonesia's diplomacy must be built on preparedness, vigilance and realism, as the current global order grows increasingly fragile and the world enters a dangerous "gray zone" marked by sharper competition, deeper fragmentation and blurred boundaries between peace and conflict. Speaking at the 2026 annual press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta, Sugiono said narrow national interests are overriding collective security, while international law, long regarded as a cornerstone of global stability, is being misused and frequently violated without consequences. "When jointly agreed rules are broken without accountability, what collapses is not only a single rule, but trust in the entire order itself," he said. Sugiono noted that global governance mechanisms established to manage crises are struggling to keep pace with rapidly changing geopolitical realities. He added that several key countries have withdrawn from their global responsibilities, further weakening international cooperation. According to him, the global landscape is moving toward sharper competition and deeper fragmentation, characterized by economic interdependence and the growing influence of non-state actors. Against this backdrop, Sugiono stressed that countries lacking clear strategies risk being swept along by global turbulence. Indonesia, he said, must not fall into that category. "We must see the world as it is, harsh, competitive and increasingly unpredictable," he said, adding that Indonesia's diplomacy must be grounded in preparedness, vigilance and realism to safeguard national interests and resilience. SYDNEY, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Premier of Australia's Queensland said on Wednesday that regions in the state's north and northwest remain at risk of flooding despite easing rainfall. David Crisafulli told Nine Network television on Wednesday morning that parts of Queensland's tropical north and northwest have received more rainfall over the past week than they typically would in an average year. According to forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), rainfall across Queensland was expected to ease on Wednesday after ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji made landfall on the northeast coast on Sunday morning and moved west across the state, causing widespread flash flooding. However, major flood warnings from the BoM for four rivers remained in place on Wednesday, and Crisafulli said that authorities have concerns about swollen catchments. "The great fear is if there is extra rain in catchments that are already high and not going down as quickly as we'd like," he said. "We are on an easing trend, but that doesn't mean there isn't the prospect of those heavy, isolated falls and in already swollen catchments." The premier on Tuesday said that more than 50,000 livestock have perished in floodwaters and that the figure is expected to continue rising. He said on Wednesday that authorities are conducting air drops of fodder and emergency veterinary supplies to cattle stranded on high ground in several locations. SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- South Korea is reviewing whether to restore the suspended Sept. 19 military agreement with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), said national security chief Wi Sung-lac on Wednesday. Restoring the agreement is the South Korean government's "basic direction" and a guideline set by the president, said Wi, quoted by Yonhap News Agency. No final conclusion has been made as related discussions are ongoing, he said. The agreement was signed by defense chiefs of the two sides during the 2018 inter-Korean summit to stop all hostile acts across the border, but it was fully suspended in 2024. In 2025, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said in his Liberation Day speech that the government would take gradual steps to restore the Sept. 19 military agreement to prevent accidental clashes and build military trust. ALMATY, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan will allocate 240 billion tenge (about 500 million U.S. dollars) for geological exploration in three years from 2026, its government's press service said Wednesday. In 2025, 20 geological survey projects covering a total area of 100,000 square km were conducted, followed by an annual survey of 30,000 square km of the most promising area in the coming three years. The new budget will be used to conduct seismic exploration in sedimentary basins and develop modern geological infrastructure, said the service. The surveyed areas have high potential for the discovery of deposits of copper, gold, lead, zinc, rare earth elements, barite and bauxite, it said. In comparison, a total of 469 million dollars was invested in geological exploration in Kazakhstan over the past 15 years. Flash: Japanese PM informs ruling coalition officials of plans to dissolve lower house for snap election A man has been arrested on allegations that he embezzled $400,000 from a North Jersey company where he used to serve as its IT director. Jan Vincent B. Agay, 42, of Waldwick, was taken into custody on Tuesday on a charge of second-degree theft by deception, the Bergen County Prosecutors Office said in a statement. The investigation started in November 2024 after an unidentified company based in Bergen County contacted authorities about a theft of funds. Financial crimes detectives have since alleged that Agay used $406,839 in company funds to purchase cryptocurrency mining hardware and virtual computing environments for his personal use. Authorities have accused Agay of completing the purchases over a two-year period. In an effort to hide the fraudulent purchases, Agay hid the transactions among legitimate company purchases, prosecutors allege. He is also accused of changing the companys security features to cover up the illegal activity, officials said. Prosecutors did not name the company or say whether he left the job voluntarily or involuntary. Agay is still in custody at Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing. A Cumberland County man accused of stabbing his grandfather to death as the victim slept has rejected a plea offer in the case. Prosecutors say Shawn A. Moir, 27, stabbed Albert B. Moir, 59, multiple times with a large kitchen knife in the victims Vineland home on the night of Aug. 26, 2025. The defendant was indicted on murder and other charges last month and entered a not guilty plea during a post-indictment arraignment hearing on Monday. Under the proposed plea, prosecutors offered a recommended 30-year prison sentence with a requirement that Moir serve the entire term in return for a guilty plea. Moir was living with his grandparents at the time of the killing and drove off in an SUV belonging to them after the attack, authorities said. His grandmother called 911 to report the stabbing and identified him as the assailant, according to prosecutors. She was also injured when she tried to intervene, the prosecution said. U.S. Marshals arrested Shawn Moir the following afternoon in Pennsylvania when they found him in the vehicle, which was parked in a Villanova University parking garage, federal officials said. A grand jury handed up a five-count indictment in December, charging Moir with first-degree murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, fourth-degree aggravated assault and third-degree theft of a motor vehicle. In discussing next steps in the case during Mondays hearing, public defender Ron Appleby said he needs to review discovery recently received from the prosecutors office. He also described his clients mental health status. My client has a significant mental health history. Issues with mental health. So well be addressing that, Appleby said. Moir is jailed pending trial and is scheduled to return to court Feb. 9. The allegations in this case are similar to a 2017 incident in which the defendant attacked someone else he was living with as the victim slept, a prosecutor said during an October hearing. In that 2017 case, Moir pleaded guilty to third-degree aggravated assault and was sentenced to jail time. At the time of his latest arrest, Moir was already out of jail on court monitoring for aggravated sexual assault charges involving a juvenile victim in Gloucester County, according to court records. Moir is scheduled for a Jan. 16 pre-trial conference in his Gloucester County case. Actor Kiefer Sutherland was recently arrested after allegedly assaulting a driver who works for a ride-hailing service. Sutherland was taken into police custody in Los Angeles on Monday morning on suspicion of criminal threats, according to The Associated Press. The 59-year-old film and television star was arrested just after midnight and released on $50,000 bond a few hours later. Police said Sutherland entered a ride-hail vehicle, physically assaulted the driver and made criminal threats toward the victim at an intersection near Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. The driver did not sustain injuries requiring medical treatment at the scene, per the report. Sutherland is scheduled to appear at the Los Angeles Superior Court on Feb. 2 for the incident. This marks another legal incident for the British-born Canadian actor. He previously went to jail in 2007 after pleading no contest to a drunken driving charge, he was convicted in 2004 for drunken driving and has had several other alcohol-related arrests since the 90s. Sutherland is best known for his longtime portrayal of federal agent Jack Bauer on the FOX TV thriller 24 along with several spinoffs. He also starred in films like The Lost Boys, Young Guns, Stand by Me and A Few Good Men. Raising Canes is ready to open its newest location in New Jersey. The popular chicken finger chain will open its doors at 10 a.m. on Feb. 3 at 643 Route 46 West in Fairfield. Heres whats planned for opening day: The first 100 dine-in customers who purchase a combo meal will receive a free hat and free box combo card for their next visit. A DJ will play music on the premises from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Twenty people will win free Canes for a year. Attendees need to register in line between 8 and 9 a.m. for the drawing, which will take place between 9:20 and 9:40 a.m. The Fairfield Raising Canes will be open Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. The locations phone number is 862-236-3981. The restaurant marinates its chicken for 24 hours, cooks each order fresh without using heat lamps, and prepares its signature Canes Sauce daily from a secret recipe. In New Jersey, Raising Canes made its debut in Burlington in 2024. The chain also has locations in Cherry Hill, Deptford, Edison, Glassboro, Marlton and Turnersville. A company spokesperson noted that additional locations will be coming to Brick, Linden and Watchung. Amid substantial changes in federal vaccine policy, New Jersey lawmakers passed a bill this week that would give the state Department of Health the authority to rely on expert recommendations beyond the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions vaccine panel. The bill has received backlash from parents rights groups and Republican legislators who say the state Department of Health is trying to become the sole authority on vaccines and bulldoze parents decision-making power. But its supporters dispute that framing and argue that parents will remain in charge of what vaccines their children receive. Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, a Republican who represents parts of Monmouth and Ocean counties, accused the bills supporters of being driven by Trump derangement syndrome. This bill is attacking the federal experts, not because of science, but because you cannot accept that President Trump and RFK Jr. directed this review and that science supports their positions, said Kanitra on Monday during the final voting session of the 221st Legislature. Vaccines are a subject of debate in a way theyve arguably never been before following controversial changes at the CDC. Under President Donald Trumps administration, all 17 members of the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have been removed and replaced, a move condemned by public health experts. The new members have taken actions that stray from long-standing public health recommendations, such as voting to scale back the hepatitis B birth-dose recommendation. Five days into the New Year, the CDC announced an even bigger change when it cut the number of childhood vaccines it recommends. In New Jersey, officials who no longer fully trust the federal government when it comes to vaccine practices are taking steps that they say are necessary to protect access and clarify guidance. Under the bill passed by a majority of the Assembly on Monday, the Department of Health will be required to consider guidance from the CDCs vaccine panel, as well as recommendations from nationally recognized medical organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American College of Physicians. It will also require health insurers to cover the full cost of vaccines recommended by the New Jersey Department of Health. Current law already requires health insurers to provide this coverage for immunizations that have a recommendation from the CDCs vaccine panel. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia said Monday it was not a small technical change. This bill is actually an incredible transfer of power, said Fantasia, a Republican who represents Sussex County. This bill removes the anchor and replaces it with a system that is more insulated from scrutiny and more concentrated in one agency. The bills sponsors argue that Republican legislators are spreading misinformation. Supporters maintain that the bill doesnt remove the CDCs vaccine panel as a trust authority, but rather adds additional organizations it can turn to. It does not directly impact mandates. It does not directly impact any sort of enforcement actions the department takes, said Acting State Health Commissioner Jeff Brown when asked about the legislation at a press event on Monday morning. It just gives us flexibility to look at (the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices), and go above and beyond, which we need to do now because theyre reducing the childhood immunization schedule, which we know is evidence-based and has saved lives, said Brown, who was attending a press conference held by U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer at Hackensack University Medical Center. And theyre diverting from that, so we need to protect New Jersey residents. Thats why Ive spoken in support of the bill. Gottheimer, who was announcing new federal legislation to create or expand mobile flu vaccine clinics, said that while he hadnt read the state bill yet hes a staunch supporter of vaccines. Ill take a look at the state bill, but what I do know is right now we need to be following expert medical guidance on vaccines and ensuring public health decisions are rooted in science, not politics, Gottheimer said in a statement late Monday. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have to protect children, families, and seniors, and its critical that these decisions remain focused on the best outcomes for patients not political arguments. Thats why I am fighting to ensure we continue to follow decades of proven science from trusted medical experts," said Gottheimer. Gottheimer said that vaccines arent a partisan issue. But on Monday, Republican legislators accused Democrats of being motivated by political bias. I have numerous concerns, including that the primary impetus for this radical change is political, as this is based on disagreement with the presidents administration in Washington, said Assemblyman John V. Azzariti Jr., a Republican representing parts of Bergen County. Assemblywoman Carol Murphy refuted that accusation in an interview Tuesday morning, stating the bills not politically motivated. Its based upon medical facts and its based upon what were seeing and hearing. And our children are at stake here. If anyones politically motivated, Murphy said its Republicans. Theyre the ones who are bringing Trump and all of that into this. Theyre using the verbiage that is needed to start getting people scared and paying attention to what they have to say. And I think theyre doing it wrongly because its misinformation. Its not even accurate information, said Murphy, a Democrat representing Burlington County and the Assembly bills primary sponsor. Now that both houses of the Democratic-controlled state Legislature have approved the bill, it heads to Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat who can either sign or reject the bill before he leaves office next week. In addition to introducing and passing laws, the state has formed its own regional public health coalition with other Democratic-led states to ensure consistent public health messaging. On Monday, the Northeast Public Health Collaborative released a statement rejecting the CDCs recent changes to the childhood immunization schedule and instead said it continues to support the American Academy of Pediatrics childhood vaccine schedule. A 43-year-old man was arrested late Tuesday night after assaulting two Jersey City police officers as an illegally parked, stolen truck was being towed, authorities said. The commercial vehicle had been parked on the 90 block of Bartholdi Avenue for two days when officers checked the vehicles registration and learned the truck had been stolen, Jersey City police said. As a tow truck arrived around 11:30 p.m., Edwin Valentin tried to get in the truck to stop it from being impounded, officials said. Valentin then got into a scuffle with two officers after refusing their orders to exit the truck, according to police. The Jersey City resident was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, obstruction and receiving stolen property, police said. Valentin also received summonses for fictitious plates and an unregistered vehicle. Both officers suffered minor injuries while taking Valentin into custody. Attorney information was not immediately available. A 17-year-old girl fatally shot by a teenager she knew in Edison on Saturday was full of life and loved her family deeply, her great aunt said. The victim, identified by her family as Justice Deas, was shot at her Grove Avenue home early Saturday morning, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office. Police arrived at the residence around 1:19 a.m. and found Deas with a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. Edison Township Public Schools Superintendent Edward Aldarelli confirmed an Edison Success Academy student died early Saturday. On behalf of the Edison Township Public Schools community, I share in the deep sorrow of the loss of one of our students, Aldarelli said in a statement. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the students family and loved ones, and to all who are grieving. Sheila Dickerson, Deas great aunt, told NJ Advance Media that Justice was a sweetheart she was a jokester and she was a daddys girl. Deas was her mothers best friend and close with her two brothers, Dickerson said. She had been looking forward to visiting her nieces and nephew in Ohio this summer. The 11th grader was also excited for milestones such as getting her license, attending prom and graduation, and she planned to go to culinary school. She had a lot to look forward to, Dickerson said. Its heartbreaking. She didnt deserve it. Dickerson said the family is devastated. She will be missed, she said. Sanaiyah Johnson, a friend of Deas, described her as a kind and loving person who always tried to help others. Justice was a truly beautiful and loving soul, Johnson said in a statement. She genuinely loved loving people. Even if you didnt know her personally, you could feel her loving aura. She was never judgmental and was very accepting of everyone she encountered. She brought warmth, comfort, and light wherever she went, and she will always be remembered for the love she gave so freely, she continued. The suspect, a 17-year-old boy from Plainfield whose name has not been released, was arrested at the scene and charged with acts of juvenile delinquency, investigators said. The shooting would be considered aggravated manslaughter if the suspect were an adult, officials said. Dickerson said the family is trying to piece together what led up to the shooting and why it happened, but she believes the suspect was a friend of Deas. The prosecutors office did not return a request for additional information. The Plainfield teenager was held at the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center pending a preliminary hearing. VIENTIANE, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital transformation as a key driver of national development, continuing efforts to enhance e-government services, develop a digitally skilled workforce, and promote overall digital growth. In his speech marking Lao National Digital Day on Jan. 10, Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Santisouk Simmalavong emphasized that digital transformation is a strategic, long-term priority essential for strengthening national competitiveness and promoting sustainable development. Santisouk highlighted key achievements in Laos' digital transformation, including the expansion of the national fiber-optic network to over 36,000 kilometers, 4G coverage reaching 76 percent of villages, the launch of 5G services in 59 districts, and a nationwide internet usage rate of 63 percent. Significant progress has also been made in digital government, with the government intranet network now connecting all ministries and provinces, complemented by widespread implementation of the e-office system. To support business and innovation, the ministry has strengthened legislation and strategic plans covering e-government services, cybersecurity, and startup promotion. Laos has also established the Lao Digital Park as a central hub for incubating startups, attracting investment, and developing a highly skilled workforce focused on environmentally friendly innovation. In 2026, the ministry will focus on implementing the resolutions of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan. Priority will be given to building an independent and self-reliant economy by applying modern technologies and innovation, particularly artificial intelligence, across all sectors. Santisouk called on all sectors and citizens to actively adopt digital technology, strengthen digital literacy, and stay vigilant against cybercrime to support sustainable digital development. According to a report from the Lao Ministry of Public Security on Tuesday, the ministry has urged agencies at all levels to accelerate the issuance of digital ID cards and the digitization of census records by mid-2026. Laos is also collaborating with international partners to enhance digital education and foster innovation among youth, ensuring long-term, sustainable progress in the country's digital transformation. Keith Caneiro sounds bewildered and then increasingly angry and worried. He wants to know why his life insurance policy hasnt been paid and wants answers from his brother, Paul Caneiro, whose job it was to make the payments via a trust account. Keiths voice eerily filled a Monmouth County courtroom Tuesday when prosecutors played recordings of calls at the murder trial of his brother and business partner, Paul Caneiro, who is accused of killing Keith, his wife Jennifer, 45, son Jesse, 11, and daughter Sophia, 8, before setting their mansion on fire. The security system recorded the first call about 12 hours before the murders, early on Nov. 20, 2018, which the prosecution says were financially motivated. Paul was stealing from Keith and Keith found out about it, prosecutors have alleged. If you can send the password, Ill do the research myself, Keith says in a call while standing in the kitchen of his Colts Neck home at 3:50 p.m. on Nov. 19, 2018. Keiths home security captured the audio and video. Only Keiths arm, clad in a maroon polo shirt, is visible. At 6:05 p.m., Keith calls his brother back and sounds furious. I need you to wake up Paul and do itYou dont have your TD login?...Gimme the f---ing loginGimme the login Paul, Keith demands. The footage only recorded Keiths voice. Wake the f--- up, Keith continues, repeatedly calling Paul by his first name. Paul, Im worried, I need to know where it went, Keith continues and appears to give Paul an ultimatum, concluding the call by saying, an hour or two. Prosecutors played the calls at the beginning of the afternoon session as Monmouth prosecutors Detective Debbie Bassinder, a financial crimes investigator, concluded hours of excruciatingly detailed testimony about Paul Caneiros finances. Defense attorney Andy Murray cross-examined Bassinder and started down a line of questioning concerning Keiths demeanor. That led Judge Marc C. Lemieux to dismiss the jury and discuss at length how the demeanor would be handled going forward. Murray then moved on from the line of questioning, and his cross examination continued. Bassinders direct testimony, elicited by prosecutor Nicole Wallace, at times was a line-by-line, down to the penny at times examination of Pauls nine bank accounts four personal, four business and the Keith Caneiro insurance trust account. The prosecutor listed them by account number on large white boards for the jury to examine. They discussed a myriad of deposits, transfers and other transactions, some which were typical like Pauls water bill, mainly for the years 2016 and 2017. Others were about large payments from the accounts. For example, one year, Paul Caneiro paid about $36,000 on the mortgage for his Ocean Township home, and $39,000 on leases for three Porsches. Pauls accounts one was joint with his wife paid $17,000 to upscale jeweler Tiffanys and $15,000 to Restoration Hardware one year. Lemieux qualified Bassinder, a former Internal Revenue Service agent for 23 years, as an expert witness. During Murrays cross examination, she said shed previously testified as a fact witness in trials, but never as an expert witness. Paul Caneiro's defense attorney Monika Mastellone speaks during the second day of his murder trial in Freehold, New Jersey, on Tuesday, January 13, 2025 Prosecutors started laying the groundwork Monday afternoon for their argument that money was the reason Paul Caneiro targeted his brothers family for death. Witnesses included a former client of the brothers computer consulting business, Square One, who said her organization was about to end their relationship with the brothers, and their accountant, Steven Weinstein, who said a larger pest-control company wanted to purchase the Caneiros exterminating business, EcoStar, for $850,000. The brothers insurance broker testified, as well as a family friend of Keith Caneiros whose family spent a lot of time with Keiths family socializing, since they had a child the same age. The friend, Ben Paolucci, testified that Keith talked about his ongoing money issues, a rift with Paul in the months ahead of the murders. Paolucci said hed told Keith he needed to start supporting himself and his family and stop worrying about everybody else. Paolucci also texted Paul and Keith the morning of the murders after finding out about the fire at Keiths house. Only Paul responded. A Red Bank landscaper is starting his second week in ICE custody following his detainment that was part of a larger sweep in the borough. Ricardo Paz, who had a pending case with immigration authorities prior to be taken into custody, is devastated and shocked that this has happened, his attorney Anne Sedki said by phone Tuesday. It wasnt immediately clear how many people were swept up on Bridge Street on Jan. 6. ICE officials have not disclosed how many people were detained. Sedki said she has spoken with Paz every day, attempting to keep up his spirits as he remains held at Delaney Hall in Newark. Im trying to keep him hopeful that he would be released eventually from the detention center and pursue his case in immigration court. Sedki has repeatedly tried and failed to get information from ICE officials on why Paz was detained, noting he has showed up to all his previous court appearances and been compliant in every way. Theyre not being responsive to our requests and this is definitely impeding on his due process. Paz, who owns and operates Ricardo Paz Landscape & Lawn Care, is the father of a 17-year-old son, according to RedBankGreen.com. The website said he is well known for using his bicycle and a trailer to pull equipment to landscaping jobs. He has a family and a business and both will be impacted significantly with his detention, Sedki told NJ Advance Media. Paz, who turns 47 this year, was charged but not convicted in connection with a domestic violence incident in 2011. His attorney said she is not sure if that charge impacted ICEs decision to detain Paz. Paz is expected to be transferred to the Elizabeth Detention Facility in the coming days, Sedki said. At last weeks borough council meeting councilwoman Christina Bonatakis said the ICE raid in Red Bank was upsetting to residents. I know Im not the only one in our town who was really disturbed by the news in Minnesota the tragic death but also in our own community. We have had that depends what you want to to call it apprehensions, disappearances, kidnapping by ICE. People who have never witnessed those things with their own eyes were pretty traumatized by what they saw right here in Red Bank. I hope we never normalize that, Bonatakis continued. This is not normal. This is not OK. All of those folks were important to our community. Adonay Mancia Rodriguez was spending a quiet Sunday at home in Morristown with his six-year-old daughter, Annabella. The two had been watching cartoons together while his life partner, Gabby Rosa, worked a shift at a nearby Walmart. His little girl said she was hungry so Adonay ordered some food from one of the restaurants close to their apartment building. What happened nearly 20 minutes after that is something Gabby Rosa says none of them couldve ever imagined: He went to pick up the food and was taken by ICE, who were conducting a raid across the street. They took him and they left my baby in the apartment, all alone, she told me in Spanish. No tienen corazon, I thought. They are heartless. Who could do such a thing, right? And yet, in recent days weve all seen what theyre capable of doing. And how ruthlessly without pause or remorse whatsoever. The truth is were living in a country where inhumanity is now the norm. Just days ago, Trump flippantly suggested Renee Goods fatal shooting was justified because she was disrespectful. He also reiterated ICE agent Jonathan Ross absolute immunity in the shooting. Gabby says she was shocked and scared when she learned what was going on in her neighborhood. It all happened at the same time the laundromat across the street from their apartment on Speedwell Avenue was raided by federal immigration agents. The raid there resulted in the detention of 10 people, including that of a local high school student. Gabby told me she was busy at work when her cell phone suddenly started going off. It was one of my neighbors, calling to tell me what was happening, she says. She told me shed seen my daughter, walking by herself on the street, crying, crying out for her dad, asking Wheres Papi? Wheres Papi? Annabella had wandered out of the apartment to look for her dad. At that point, Gabby tells me, she rushed home in a panic, desperate to get to her daughter. Later, on social media, I saw videos of [Adonay] and of other people face down on the floor, being held down by ICE agents, she said tearfully. For Adonay, she told me, life has been difficult from the start. He lost his mother at a young age and was forced to flee his homeland to escape gang violence and extreme poverty. She says hes been living in New Jersey since 2013 and works at a Halal restaurant close by. Hes not a criminal, he doesnt have a criminal record, she said. (I checked and all I found were two minor traffic tickets.) Hes a person whos dedicated his life to working hard to provide a better future for us, for our daughter. His focus, she tells me, has always, always been her. I dont want her to grow up without him, without one of her parents, the same way he did, she says. Since Adonay was snatched up by ICE and taken to the Elizabeth Detention Center, Gabby has been scrambling to find an immigration lawyer who can take his case. Of course, that costs a lot of money, which we, unfortunately, dont have, she said. Adonays aunt, Rosa Portilla, launched a GoFundMe to raise funds for his legal defense and the family has so far raised a few thousand. On Monday, Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty took to Facebook to issue an urgent plea for pro bono legal help for residents swept up in the laundromat raid. If theres any immigration attorneys that want to help us and can assist the people that were picked up, swept up in this raid, our community would be very grateful, Dougherty said in a video posted on the towns official Facebook page. I would be very, very grateful for whatever help we can get, Gabby said. My daughter wont stop asking for her dad, she wont stop crying, and begging to see him. This situation is very, very difficult, she says. I still cant believe this happened, I still cant believe they left a little child alone, a 6-year-old, without her dad, to fend for herself. I hate to say this, but I can. No tienen corazon. Editors note: The headline and some of the details in this story were edited on Jan. 14 to clarify the circumstances of his arrest. Dirty food production areas. A campaign to force out highly paid workers. And the company owner sending a risque photo of herself in lingerie and threatening to fire an executive if he didnt lie in bed with her during a meeting at her home. Those are just some of the charged accusations in a new lawsuit against Ana Cumbler, the embattled president of Taylor Provisions, the Trenton-based family dynasty behind the $60 million Taylor ham empire. The latest lawsuit was filed Dec. 30 against Cumbler and the revered processed pork institution. It joins six other suits brought by former employees or their representatives since August 2024. The allegations range from sexual harassment and wrongful termination to illegal wiretapping of workers and confidential union negotiations. The previous claims were detailed in a year-long NJ Advance Media investigation that found Cumbler has fostered a culture of fear and retaliation since she gained control of the 170-year-old company in 2022. In the latest lawsuit, James Mich, Taylors former vice president, alleges Cumbler tried to leverage a promised $500,000 retirement benefit to coerce him into helping her force out older employees. It was part of her larger push to wield influence within the company and terminate workers she thought made too much money, he claims. Michs account is merely the latest accusing Cumbler of leading such a campaign. In a previous lawsuit, Randy Watson, Taylors former head of human resources, alleged she forced him to issue bogus write-ups of the companys controller three times within one week so she could fire him. Another lawsuit, filed by the former assistant controller, Karim Brown, claims Cumbler organized a system to justify discriminatory/retaliatory terminations, by ordering excessive and/or bogus disciplinary grounds and orchestrating a covert point system to help track infractions, he claimed. The goal? Terminate targeted employees, they claim. Cumbler also sexually harassed Mich on several occasions, he alleges in his lawsuit including forcing him to lie next to her in bed during a meeting at her New York City apartment in the Carlyle Hotel. He also claims she retaliated against him when he complained about her decision to slash the cleaning staff at the plant and how it posed a serious health risk. Susan L. Swatski, an attorney for Mich, declined to comment. No attorney was listed for Cumbler in the lawsuit. She did not respond to a request for comment. Cumbler the widow of both Tony and George Cumbler, brothers and the heirs to Taylor Provisions has dramatically reshaped the beloved family business in the four years since she gained control. She has infuriated employees, baffled industry insiders and been the subject of several explosive lawsuits including those claiming religious, age and gender discrimination and withholding overtime wages. Mich worked at the company for 44 years, including 35 years as the plant superintendent and one year as vice president, according to his lawsuit, filed in Mercer County Superior Court. From June 1982 through July 2023, the company paid Mich and other employees bonuses in the form of supplemental paychecks in June and December. In 2023, he had a base salary of $133,640, but the bonuses nearly doubled his annual compensation to $256,640, according to the lawsuit. Meanwhile, George and Tony Cumbler (who died in 2020 and 2022 respectively) told Mich on multiple occasions over 20 years that Taylor would pay him a retirement benefit of $500,000, according to the lawsuit. This verbal promise was witnessed by Allison Lovasz, the companys treasurer, the suit adds. The retirement benefit was in lieu of a 401K plan or pension, neither of which the company offered, a person familiar with the agreement told NJ Advance Media. Tony and Georges word was good, and that was enough, they said. And they all felt that this was, you know, (a) gentlemans agreement. Later, Ana Cumbler affirmed Taylor Provisions would pay the retirement benefit, Mich alleges. But things changed before he left the company in the summer of 2024. In February 2022, Mich, Cumbler and Lovasz were in New York City for a business meeting. Lovasz was called away, and Cumbler lured Mich to her Upper East Side apartment by saying she wasnt feeling well, he contends in the lawsuit. Once inside, Cumbler told Mich she needed to lie down and insisted he lie with her in bed, he alleges. Despite Plaintiffs objections, Defendant Cumbler made clear that if Plaintiff did not lie in bed with her, his job would be in jeopardy, the lawsuit reads. Mich reported the incident to Lovasz the following day, he claims. After that, Cumbler began making sexual advances toward him, according to the lawsuit. She texted him a photo of herself wearing lingerie and spoke of her breast implants, it alleges. She also greeted him with hugs, rubbed his shoulders or chest when she spoke with him and texted him a video of herself dancing provocatively in a store window, he contends. In January 2022, Cumbler promoted Mich to vice president and required him to move his office from the plant floor to a space next to hers, according to the lawsuit. Mich was repulsed by the advances, he says, but feared retaliation if he complained. When he did confront her about the harassment and other issues, he was met with the response, I am the owner, I am the boss and if you dont like [fill in the blank], then there is the door, the lawsuit reads. Mich suffered severe emotional distress as a result of the sexual harassment, he alleges, which manifested in heart palpitations, sleeplessness, depression and anxiety. But the company suffered under Cumbler as well, Mich contends. In 2023, she slashed the weekend cleaning crew and its hours in half, his lawsuit alleges. This led to mold becoming prevalent in the plants production areas and violations of federal food and safety regulations, according to the lawsuit. In January 2024, Mich confronted Cumbler, pleading that her unsanitary practices could impact the safety of the meat and in turn pose a public health risk, he says in the suit. In retaliation, Cumbler removed him from management emails and excluded him from upper management meetings, according to Mich. By March 2024, he could no longer work in the hostile and unsanitary environment that Cumbler fostered and informed the company he needed to retire to protect his health, according to the lawsuit. Cumbler and the company informed Mich he had to work until August 2024 to obtain the promised $500,000 retirement benefit, he contends in the suit. She also told him he needed to help her by getting rid of the old timers, who she thought were earning too much money and were making too many complaints about plant conditions, he alleges. Mich told Cumbler her actions violated the law and would not fire or encourage older workers to quit or retire, he says in the lawsuit. He also complained that Cumbler refused to pay non-exempt employees the two annual bonuses payment in lieu of overtime she cut in June 2024, according to his lawsuit, which echoes litigation filed recently by other former employees. In June 2024, things came to a head between Cumbler and Mich. He confronted Cumbler about her sexual harassment of him, the rampant age discrimination, the failure to pay overtime and the filth resulting in health code violations at the plant and jeopardizing food safety, he says in the complaint. Cumbler responded by refusing to pay his supplemental bonus and the retirement benefit, according to his lawsuit. She emailed and texted him on June 27, 2024, informing him that he was no longer welcome at the plant, he says. Cumbler forced Mich to retire and replaced him with someone younger, he alleges. He is seeking lost wages and compensatory, punitive and statutory damages. After more than a decade of warnings and court rulings, the state of New Jersey is moving to take control of the Lakewood Township School District, saying long-standing problems have denied students a proper education. The state Department of Education said Wednesday it has filed an Order to Show Cause, starting the process for a state takeover in Lakewood after years of academic, financial and operational problems in the district. If approved by the state Board of Education, the takeover would suspend local control, strip the elected school board of most authority and place the district under state management, according to state officials. For more than a decade, the New Jersey Department of Education has been working with the Lakewood Township School District to address ongoing fiscal and operational concerns that impact students, staff, parents, and the entire Lakewood community, state Department of Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said in a statement. For all of those impacted, most especially the students of Lakewood, we are obligated to intervene in this situation and provide the district with the necessary oversight to course correct, Dehmer said. The filing is among the final actions taken by Gov. Phil Murphys administration before fellow Democrat Mikie Sherrill takes office as his successor on Tuesday. Lakewood Township Board of Education officials and the townships mayor did not immediately respond to NJ Advance Medias requests for comment. New Jersey has previously taken over school districts in Jersey City, Paterson, Newark and Camden amid concerns about mismanagement and poor student outcomes. Newark regained full local control in 2020 after 25 years of state oversight. Paterson and Jersey City got back local control after roughly three decades under state control. Camden remains under state management. If the state takes over Lakewood, it would be the first time New Jersey has assumed full control of a suburban school district. The Lakewood Township School District, which sits in one of New Jerseys fastest-growing municipalities in Ocean County, is one of the states most unusual districts. The township is a predominantly Orthodox Jewish community. While it has nearly 50,000 school-aged children, only about 6,000 attend public schools. About 84% of students are enrolled in private religious schools. The school district is required under state law to provide busing to most of the private school students. The district must also fund private school tuition for many special education students. As a result, Lakewood spends more than half of its annual budget over $78 million on transportation and special education costs, according to court records. The states petition to take over Lakewood schools follows a September ruling by the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court that found Lakewood students suffer from an ongoing constitutional deprivation. In the decision, judges pointed to a consistent pattern of neglect and misfeasance by district leadership despite repeated recommendations and intervention efforts by the state over many years. State officials said concerns about Lakewoods finances, leadership and special education services date back to at least 2009. Since then, the state has deployed monitors, issued corrective action plans, conducted audits and loaned tens of millions of dollars in state aid to Lakewood. Lakewood has borrowed about $220 million from the state since 2014 and still owes roughly $173 million. Last year, the district received a $65 million emergency loan from the state to help cover teacher salaries for the remainder of the school year. District officials have blamed the districts financial troubles on the states school funding formula, while state officials have said the problems stem from years of financial mismanagement. The board of educations longtime in-house attorney, Michael Inzelbuch, was blocked from being rehired last February after state officials raised concerns about his unusually high-paying contract. Inzelbuch was paid more than $6 million in taxpayer money over seven years in his public post. After his controversial contract came under fire, the Lakewood Board of Education attempted to appeal the states decision to block his reappointment. However, an administrative law judge later ruled that the districts financial troubles were exacerbated by the terms of the contract. Inzelbuch, who served as the districts attorney from 2003 to 2012 and again beginning in 2017, did not respond to a request for comment. When New Jersey state officials take over a school district, they usually replace the superintendent and school board with appointees. Those appointees can make decisions about school finances and academics. A takeover effectively removes elected officials and local taxpayers from making decisions about their school district. The plan also calls for outside experts to directly oversee special education, fiscal management, transportation and services for nonpublic school students, according to the order. Lakewood officials now have the opportunity to respond to the Order to Show Cause before the state Board of Education determines whether to move forward with full state intervention, state officials said. NJ Advance Media staff writer Liz Rosenberg contributed to this report. New Jersey police will launch a statewide enforcement blitz Friday as part of the Goal Zero campaign, to keep traffic fatalities on a downward trend during one of the winters busiest travel weekends. That statewide enforcement and awareness effort, dubbed Goal Zero by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, takes place Friday, Jan. 16, from 3 to 7 p.m. The timing is deliberate and strategic, targeting the high-risk Friday afternoon getaway period that marks the start of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend, one of the most congested travel periods of the winter season, association officials said. Law enforcement agencies across the state will increase visibility and enforcement, focusing on behaviors that contribute to serious and fatal crashes. Those include speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving and intersection violations. One of the aims of Goal Zero is to build on gains made in 2025, when the state saw traffic deaths drop 15%. In 2024, 684 were killed in traffic accidents. That number decreased to 582 people killed in 2025, according to preliminary State Police data. So far in 2026, 14 people have died in traffic fatalities. That kind of downward trend is exactly what the Goal Zero initiative was designed to spark, said Montville Police Chief Andrew Caggiano, association president in a statement. It shows that when law enforcement, safety partners and the public work together, lives are saved. The association credited coordinated enforcement, data-driven deployment and sustained public education that led to the decline. Chief Caggiano also reminded drivers of the human aspect of last years decline: 107 fewer people were killed than in 2024. That means 107 neighbors, friends, coworkers and family members are starting 2026 because of the coordinated enforcement and education efforts taking place across our state, he added. Those lives saved are the true measure of success. Last year also saw the start of the New Jersey Target Zero commission, which has a similar data driven goal to drive traffic fatalities to zero. That commission adopted a 72-page plan with recommendations to achieve that goal. The association said Goal Zero aligns with the broader Target Zero vision, to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries through a comprehensive approach combining enforcement, engineering, education and community engagement. The association also works closely with the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety and collaborated on the 2024-2026 Highway Safety Plan, which the men and women in law enforcement are ready to deliver, officials said. As the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend approaches, we urge all drivers to plan ahead, slow down, buckle up, drive sober and stay alert, especially during peak travel times, said Michael J. Rizol Jr., director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. We can continue our progress toward zero fatalities, Rizol said. But only if we stay focused, stay vigilant, and keep safety a priority on every road, every day. An angry New Jersey mother says her 6-year-old son who is nonverbal was given hot sauce by a teachers aide as a form of discipline at his elementary school. Quasheema Frye, who has two children who are on the autism spectrum, said her younger son, Lamond, was one of the students in a classroom at Dale Avenue Elementary School in Paterson where a teachers aide allegedly used hot sauce as punishment for bad behavior. A spokesperson for Paterson Public Schools said the district was made aware of the allegation and has since fired the employee involved. The spokesperson did not confirm the specific claim but said the district is investigating. The district is aware of the allegation regarding an incident at Dale Avenue Elementary School and immediately initiated an investigation in accordance with established protocols, the spokesperson said in a statement. The individual involved is no longer employed by the district. We are committed to ensuring that every student feels safe, respected, and supported. Due to the nature of the matter, we are unable to share additional details at this time. District officials did not disclose the employees name or how long the aide had been employed. Frye said she learned about the incident in December after concerns were raised on social media by another employee, who said the aides actions were witnessed in the classroom. After seeing the post, Frye said she contacted the school to ask whether her son had been involved. She said the schools principal later told her Lamond could have been among the students disciplined by the aide. The mother is being represented by Salaam Ismail, a longtime New Jersey public advocate and director of the National United Youth Council. Ismail criticized the districts response, calling it inept and irresponsible, and said officials should have immediately involved the Division of Child Protection and Permanency or referred the matter to prosecutors. When you put foreign substances in childrens mouths, you put their lives at risk, Ismail said in a phone interview Tuesday. Who knows, a child could have allergies or anything. Frye said her son is in a classroom of 10 students, all of whom have special needs. Many of the students are nonverbal, and the classroom is staffed by a teacher and multiple aides. Her son has since returned to school, but Frye said she is still concerned about how the incident was handled. Frye and Ismail are scheduled to meet with the district superintendent Wednesday to demand answers. Theres a lot of questions that we want to have answered, Ismail said. We dont know who the aide was by name, and we dont know if she was qualified. The location in Roxbury where ICE is considering locating New Jerseys third immigrant detention center in New Jersey is a 470,044-square-foot vacant warehouse off of Route 46. Several people gathered for a tour of the massive rectangular box structure on Wednesday morning, though most declined to speak to NJ Advance Media as they left the warehouse before 11 a.m. At least one was a law enforcement officer of some type, who wore fatigues and a Police patch on the back of a black vest. Hours earlier, during a meeting Tuesday night, the Roxbury Township Council unanimously approved a resolution opposing an immigration detention center in the township. The councils action, like several local protests against such a facility, was based on a report in The Washington Post that the township was among two dozen locations around the country that ICE was considering for new detention centers. A handful of demonstrators from the No ICE North Jersey Alliance, or Project NINJA, protested along Route 46 near the warehouse drive on Wednesday morning after learning of the tour. Councilman Jim Rilee was among those at the warehouse on Wednesday morning, though he had not been invited. Rilee said he went there after township officials learned that a tour was taking place. We found out this morning and came down here to find out what was going on, Rilee told NJ Advance Media outside the warehouse, which is at the end of a long and winding driveway, not visible from Route 46. We werent given a whole lot of information. Asked whether it was an ICE representative he spoke to, Rilee said, I believe so, and said he had to leave. Township Manager J.J. Murphy later issued a statement elaborating on what he referred to as an ICE site visit in Roxbury Township. Once our Township Manager confirmed ICE was at the location, he contacted our elected officials and Police Chief to coordinate an immediate meeting, the statement read. Our Township Manager, elected officials, and Police Chief met with representatives of ICE and the building owner. The statement added: We outlined our concerns including the size of our Police Department, the fact that we have a volunteer Fire Department, the limitations on the water and sewer capacity, the significant traffic concerns at that location, and the overall safety and well-being of our community. While the site selection is still months away, we made the ICE contacts aware that we want them to be transparent with information moving forward. We remain vigilant that the health and safety of our residents in Roxbury Township is our priority. There was no business activity at the warehouse on Wednesday, when its dozens of loading dock doors were shut, and the vast truck parking area surrounding it was empty. Rilee said the warehouse was just a couple of years old and had been vacant since it was built. Leasing agents for the warehouse did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. ICE also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The two existing ICE detention centers in New Jersey are in the northeastern part of the state, both within a few miles of Newark Liberty International Airport. They are Delaney Hall in Newark, a 1,000-bed facility privately owned and operated by the Florida-based GEO Group under a contract with ICE, and the Elizabeth Detention Center, a much smaller facility owned and operated by Nashville-based CoreCivic, also under a contract with ICE. This 470,044-square-foot warehouse off Route 46 in Roxbury Township, Morris County, is being considered for use as an immigrant detention center, according to local officials who passed a resolution opposing it. It is shown above on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, when several people took a tour of the property. John Jones | For NJ Advance Media NJ Advance Media staff writer AJ McDougall contributed to this article. A state Department of Transportation arborist was killed Monday in South Jersey while working on Route 38, officials said. State officials released few details in a statement. On Monday, Jan. 12 there was a tragic accident in which an NJDOT employee was killed during a tree trimming operation on Route 38 in Moorestown, New Jersey Department of Transportation Spokesman Stephen Schapiro said. The Department offers its heartfelt condolences to the family. The incident is under investigation and no other details were released by the department on Tuesday. The employee was identified as James Doran, 34, of Burlington by his mother, Karen Davis. He was a certified arborist and accredited as a tree care professional by the International Society of Arboriculture after extensive education and testing, she said. James grew up in Bayville and married his wife, Patty, in 2025. State Police had no information on the incident and referred questions to the department of transportation. As of Sept. 11, 2025, 66 NJDOT employees had been killed in the line of duty, according to a list from the DOTs 25th remembrance ceremony. One student was stabbed and another student was detained by police Tuesday afternoon outside a public high school in Paterson, authorities said. The teen was stabbed outside John F. Kennedy High School, near the corner of Preakness Avenue and Walnut Street, according to a spokesperson for the Paterson Police Department. The wounded student sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening, the spokesperson said. The incident occurred shortly after dismissal. No other injuries were reported. Both the victim and suspect were taken to St. Josephs University Medical Center in Paterson, police said. It was unclear why the suspect was hospitalized. Police said no charges were filed, and that the incident remains under investigation. In March, two John F. Kennedy High School students were stabbed after dismissal, a few blocks away near Totowa Avenue, according to NorthJersey.com. Both were taken to a hospital in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries, police and district officials said at the time. In December 2022, a fight at the same school prompted a lockdown after police seized three loaded handguns. Three juveniles and an 18-year-old man were arrested. The brawl, which occurred in school hallways and near entrances, led to stepped-up security measures at the campus, including enhanced screening for anyone entering the building. BANGKOK, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from a crane collapse that derailed a passenger train in northeastern Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima province has risen to 31, with the number of injured now standing at 67, authorities said on Wednesday. The accident occurred on Wednesday morning when the construction crane used for a high-speed rail bridge collapsed onto the train traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province. Speaking at a press briefing, Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Chaiwat Chuenkosum said the State Railway of Thailand expects to take approximately seven days to clear the wreckage and restore the track to normal operation while a full investigation into the cause of the accident is underway. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn earlier told reporters that he has instructed agencies to conduct a transparent, comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and prevent recurrence. According to Thai media reports, the main contractor for the involved railway section is Italian-Thai Development PLC, which has issued a statement on the accident, saying that the company will fully assume responsibilities related to compensation and medical treatment. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) laughed off an attempted ambush from MAGA activist Laura Loomers media outlet on Capitol Hill Tuesday. Video from the encounter shows Loomer-affiliated writer Charles Downs following Massie through a hallway in the Rayburn House Office Building. Downs questions the congressman about aligning with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortezs (D-N.Y.) talking points on Venezuela and having his X post shared by Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas). When will you change your party affiliation to Democrat? Downs asked. With a smirk, Massie stopped walking and faced the camera. I vote with Republicans 91 percent of the time, Massie said. And the nine percent I dont, theyre taking up for pedophiles, starting another war or bankrupting our country. While Massie maintains conservative principles, he has emerged as one of President Donald Trumps fiercest critics by breaking with Republicans on the Epstein files, military action in Venezuela and the presidents signature spending bill. Massies opposition has turned him into a prime target for Trumps MAGA base as media allies like Loomer target the rogue Republican congressman. Following Tuesdays exchange in the Capitol, Loomer referred to Massie as a Trump hater who is in fact more of a Democrat than a Republican. Downs said Massie and his woke right allies were dumb. Massie seemed to shrug it off. Imagine posting this attempted ambush and thinking it was a hit on me, he wrote on X. Former Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, another Trump foe, later commented on Massies post: This is great! she wrote, including a laughing emoji. Social media is going bananas after President Donald Trump flipped off an apparent heckler who could be heard calling him a pedophile protector. A video shared by TMZ online shows Trump on Tuesday pointing to a person, appearing to mouth the words f--- you. He then raises his middle finger in the same direction. The individual, who is off camera, could be heard yelling pedophile protector before catching Trumps attention an apparent reference to his administrations handling of the investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The interaction came after Trump toured a Ford factory in Michigan and delivered a subsequent speech intended to tout the U.S. economy. A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response, White House communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement to TMZ following the incident. The exchange immediately went viral on social media, prompting a mix of reactions. CONFIRMED: Hes from New York, blogger Breanna Morello wrote on X. The press account for California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) asked, Struck a nerve?The Hodgetwins, known for their conservative commentary, said that Trump is wild while adding a laughing emoji. Lmao I love how clearly upset this makes him, one user posted, while conservative lawyer and Trump critic George Conway wrote bravo to the worker who shouted at the Chief Pedophile Protector of the United States.MAGA commentator Gunther Eagleman attached an image of himself, noting that he stands with Trump in giving a deranged Leftist the middle finger. TJ Sabula, a 40-year-old United Auto Workers Local 600 line worker at the factory, later told The Washington Post that he was the person behind the insult. He said he has been suspended from work while an investigation is ongoing. As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever, Sabula said, while claiming that he has been targeted for political retribution for embarrassing Trump in front of his friends. As President Donald Trump ramps up calls to acquire Greenland, do most Americans agree with his push? A new poll shows little support. The Reuters/Ipsos poll, released Wednesday, found that just 17% of Americans approve of the presidents efforts to take over the autonomous territory, which falls under the boundaries of Denmark, a member of NATO. Another 47% said they disapprove of his demand, while 36% said they were unsure or skipped providing an answer. When broken down by political party, 40% of Republicans are in favor of Trumps plea, while 14% stand in opposition, according to the poll. Democrats overwhelmingly reject the idea, with 79% against, while only 2% support it. U.S. adults across all political affiliations overall oppose using military force to acquire Greenland, the poll revealed, including 71% of overall Americans, 60% of Republicans and 89% of Democrats. The poll comes as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are set to meet with the Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers at the White House on Wednesday. We face a geopolitical crisis, and if we have to choose between the U.S. and Denmark here and now, then we choose Denmark, Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told reporters in Copenhagen on Tuesday, as officials have maintained that the Arctic island is not for sale. Trump later responded that he disagrees with the assessment, adding Thats going to be a big problem for him. And on Wednesday, Trump continued to express his desire for acquiring Greenland, arguing a U.S. takeover is needed on the basis of national security. He also said that the territory is vital for a Golden Dome missile defense system for the United States, which is inspired by Israels multilayered air-defense system known as the Iron Dome. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it, Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform. IF WE DONT, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! Trump reignited his interest for Greenland to become part of the United States earlier this month, just days after a military operation in Venezuela that captured leader Nicolas Maduro. He has toyed with the prospect dating back to his first term. In 2019, he compared a purchase of the island to a large real estate deal but his proposal was dismissed by authorities there. After returning to the White House, Trump revived his effort. In March, when asked about his vision for annexing the island, he responded, Well, I think itll happen. Greenlanders have previously expressed a similar sentiment to most Americans. A poll from Verian, commissioned by the Danish paper Berlingske and released in January of last year, found that 85% of residents do not want their home to become a part of the United States. Only 6% were in favor, while 9% said they were undecided. While the White House has not ruled out using military force, Rubio said last week that the United States is interested in potentially purchasing Greenland. The two-day poll from Reuters/Ipsos, which concluded on Tuesday, gathered responses from 1,217 U.S. adults. It has margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points for all adults and plus or minus 5 percentage points for other groups. Transcripts of secret grand jury testimony obtained by the New York Times contained new revelations about President Donald Trumps all-out effort to uncover evidence of fraud in the 2020 election. The transcripts, part of an investigative file from the Georgia election interference case, included testimony from several prominent Trump allies including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. During an interview with a special purpose grand jury in 2022, Graham said that he had told Trump more times than we can count that he fell short. He thinks hes been cheated out of the election. If you told him Martians came and stole votes, hed be inclined to believe it, Graham said, according to the Times. During their testimony, both Graham and Kemp criticized a plan by Trump and his associates to create an alternate slate of fake electors to overturn the results in swing states he had lost to Joe Biden. Graham described the plot as weird, while Kemp said it was a fruitless exercise, per the Times. Im sorry he lost, Graham told the jury. But he lost it. Though he has yet to uncover any election fraud, Trump has continued to raise objections about 2020 during his second term. In an interview with The New York Times last week, Trump said he regretted not ordering the National Guard to seize ballot boxes after the 2020 election. Times reporter David E. Sanger noted that Trump considered sending the National Guard to take the ballot boxes, but ultimately decided not to do so. Trump has also gone to great lengths to imprint his own accounting of the 2020 election on the White House. A plaque recently installed in the Colonnade of the White House claims that former President Biden took office as a result of the most corrupt Election ever seen in the United States. Trumps own plaque says that he overcame unprecedented Weaponization of Law Enforcement to defeat Kamala Harris in 2024. President Donald Trump added to his threats against Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) as his administration has ramped up its immigration crackdown in her home state. In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared a story on Wednesday from the conservative-leaning outlet JusttheNews.com, which found that unnamed federal officials say over $130 million was moved from Ohio to Minnesota, and then overseas, as part of a Somali immigrant operation. They should be thrown out of the USA, Trump wrote in response to the story. Get it done, NOW! That includes their loser Rep. Omar... he continued. Trump promoted the article as he has continued to draw attention to allegations of fraud and misuse of federal funds in Minnesota. According to The New York Times, federal prosecutors say that some members of the states Somali diaspora the vast majority whom are American citizens were largely responsible for billing state agencies for millions of dollars worth of social services that were never provided. Estimates show total losses could exceed $9 billion. Trump then posted a separate story, in which House Majority Whip Tom Emmer alleged to the website that evidence provided by Minnesota state employees could lead to an eventual indictment of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D). Neither Omar nor Walz have been found guilty of involvement in fraud schemes. The presidents posting spree comes as the Justice Department announced last week it will be sending additional federal prosecutors to help assist the U.S. attorneys office in the state with ongoing investigations into fraud claims. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Tuesday it will end Somalias designation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in March. The State Department also noted it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Somalia. Omar, who was born in Somalia, lived in a Kenyan refugee camp after fleeing Somalias civil war as a child. She came to the United States in the 1990s after her family was granted asylum, and later earned citizenship in 2000. In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly targeted the Somali community, which has made Minnesota home to the largest population of people from the East African country, with a number of disparaging comments. Earlier this month, his administration surged more agents and officers into the Twin Cities, which has been described as the largest operation ever from the DHS, according to NBC News. I dont want them in our country, Trump said of Somalis during a Cabinet meeting last month, before adding: Their countrys no good for a reason. Their country stinks, and we dont want them in our country. I can say that about other countries, too. While calling Omar and her friends garbage, Trump also similarly claimed that the congresswoman should be thrown the hell out of the country. These arent people that work, Trump said. These arent people that say, Lets go, come on. Lets make this place great. These are people that do nothing but complain. Omar has since pushed back at members of the Trump administration for jabs against her, as well as criticized their response to the shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman who was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week. Omar has called for ICE to leave Minnesota, while vowing to oppose funding for DHS until significant reforms are carried out to immigration enforcement. Demanding accountability for ICE is not radical, Omar wrote on X on Tuesday. Calling for systematic reforms is not extreme its the bare minimum." President Donald Trump is not shying away from his desire to make Greenland a part of the United States. Trump reignited his call to get Greenland as part of the U.S. earlier this month, arguing that acquiring the island territory is necessary for national security. The White House has not ruled out using military force to take Greenland, despite it being owned by the NATO member country of Denmark. Trump said in a Truth Social post on Wednesday that getting Greenland is needed for the U.S.s Golden Dome. Trump has vowed to build a Golden Dome missile defense system for the U.S. that is inspired by Israels multilayered air-defense system known as the Iron Dome. Trump argued in his post that NATO should be helping the U.S. get Greenland despite world leaders warning it could undermine the alliance. The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DONT, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! Trump wrote on Truth Social. Militarily, without the vast power of the United States, much of which I built during my first term, and am now bringing to a new and even higher level, NATO would not be an effective force or deterrent - Not even close! They know that, and so do I. NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable, Trump said. Trump has toyed with the idea of acquiring Greenland for the U.S. since his first term and has repeatedly brought up the idea throughout his second term. His renewed interest in Greenland came days after the U.S. launched a military operation in Venezuela to remove leader Nicolas Maduro from power. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it, I can tell you that, Trump said last week. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said last week that the U.S. is interested in purchasing the island territory. Hes not the first U.S. president that has examined or looked at how we could acquire Greenland, Rubio said as he took questions last week. Theres an interest there. A man accused of robbing a woman in Somerset County and then fleeing police as they tried to stop his car was arrested on New Years Eve. The incident happened Dec. 28 when a woman told officers from the Bound Brook Police Department that a man walked up to her car. She had just withdrawn money from an ATM on West Union Avenue shortly after 1 p.m. The man started banging on her window while holding a gun, according to a statement from the Somerset County Prosecutors Office. The woman, afraid for her life, ran from the car and the man entered it and stole about $800 in cash as well as her wallet and personal identification, the office said. She described the robber as a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt, black pants with white stripes and a bandana across his face, investigators said. Investigators also determined he was driving a Subaru wagon with tinted windows and a missing hubcap. On New Years Eve, detectives saw a car matching this description in Bound Brook and tried to pull it over, but the driver fled, driving erratically toward Route 287, authorities said. Officers ended the pursuit for safety reasons. Later that day, police found the Subaru in a parking lot in Piscataway. The driver, identified Tuesday as Steven P. Loureiro, 40, of Bound Brook, was taken into custody, the office said. During a search of Loureiros home, clothing matching the description the woman gave as well as an imitation firearm were found and taken as evidence, officials said. He was charged with first-degree armed robbery and second-degree eluding and taken to the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing, authorities said. No attorney information was listed for Loureiro. Several people were removed from their vehicles and detained by ICE on Monday morning in Somerset County, officials said. Warren Mayor Shaun Fine said he saw a video online showing three people being removed from vehicles on Hillcrest Boulevard. A photo posted in a local Facebook group shows people being pulled out of a car on Stirling Road at about 9 a.m. Monday. MORE: 6-year-old girl left alone after ICE grabs N.J. dad picking up dinner outside his door. The Warren Township Democratic Committee had harsh words for ICE following their latest action in New Jersey. This follows a pattern of emboldened and increasingly violent action taken to intimidate and terrorize our neighbors and friends, especially those of color, the committee said in a statement. We strongly condemn these heinous acts and call on elected leaders to stand with us in advocating for ICEs removal from Warren Township and New Jersey. ICE didnt immediately responded to a request for additional information. Warren police, meanwhile, said they werent apprised of any ICE activity. The Warren Township Police Department was not involved in, nor provided any notice of, any federal law enforcement activity that may have occurred in our town on Monday, police Chief Robert Ferreiro said in an emailed statement. We do not have information regarding specific locations, the nature of the activity, or whether any individuals were detained or removed. The chief added that local police departments follow directives from the state Office of the Attorney General and dont take part in immigration enforcement activities. Fine, a Republican, said township officials hoped to receive additional information in the coming days. Ive been told that typically we do get informed when something (like this) occurs, he said. Mondays arrests in Warren comes days after ICE conducted similar raids in Morristown and Red Bank. In nearby Berkeley Heights, the townships Democratic Committee also condemned the actions of ICE. The Berkeley Heights Democratic Committee is deeply concerned by reports of aggressive ICE enforcement activity in nearby Warren, Morristown, Summit and other neighboring communities and the fear such actions create for immigrant families across our region. While public safety is important, enforcement approaches that rely on intimidation, sudden raids, or the targeting of people who are contributing members of our communities undermine trust, destabilize families, and erode the sense of safety that every resident deserves. UPDATE: Mom left note before strangling her 2 boys, police say. Community in mourning. A New Jersey woman was charged early Wednesday with first-degree murder in the deaths of her two sons, ages 5 and 7, who were found by their father in their Somerset County home, authorities said. Priyatharsini Natarajan, 35, of Shell Court in Hillsborough, was taken into custody after a man called 911 about 6:45 p.m. Tuesday to report his children were not breathing. The caller advised that upon arriving home from work he subsequently found his two children unconscious and that his wife did something to them, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said in a statement. Responding police officers entered the home and first encountered the man and Natarajan, McDonald said. The officers then found the two boys inside a bedroom and began life-saving measures, which were not successful, the prosecutor said. The children were pronounced dead at the scene. An affidavit of probable cause states the children appeared to have been strangled and were dead for several hours when police arrived. The cause and manner of death, however, along with the names of the children were withheld pending an autopsy. Hillsborough police officers took Natarajan into custody and charged her about 1:15 a.m. with two counts of first-degree murder and third-degree possession of a weapon, court records show. She was taken to the Somerset County Jail ahead of a pre-trial detention hearing. Attorney information for Natarajan was not listed in court records. According to her LinkedIn, Natarajan is a software developer and document composer for Smart Communications SmartCOMM platform, a system used by banks, utility companies and government agencies to generate bills and other documents. She graduated with a bachelors degree from an engineering college in India in 2012. The prosecutors office said the deaths are being investigated by Hillsborough police detectives along with members of the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit. The prosecutors Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and medical investigators from the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiners Office are also investigating. Autumn Special Read. Know. Act. $3 for 3 months! (90 days) Offer expires 12/30/2020 Don't hesitate! Start your digital-only membership today and not only receive full access to our premier news website NNY360.com but also to the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times eEdition! MOSCOW, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Russian forces have taken control of the settlement of Komarovka in Ukraine's Sumy region, Russia's Ministry of Defense announced Wednesday. Units of the Russian Armed Forces deployed operational-tactical aircraft, strike drones, missile troops and artillery to hit 145 targets, the ministry said in a statement. Targets included storage and pre-flight preparation facilities for long-range drones, fuel depots, energy infrastructure supporting Ukraine's military-industrial complex enterprises, as well as temporary deployment sites of Ukrainian military formations and foreign mercenaries, it added. Separately, the ministry said Russian air defense forces shot down 260 fixed-wing Ukrainian drones, seven guided aerial bombs and six U.S.-made HIMARS rockets over the past 24 hours. ST. PETERSBURG, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said Wednesday it had foiled a planned terror attack in St. Petersburg targeting an employee of a defense industry enterprise. A Russian citizen born in 1966 was detained for preparing the attack under the direction of Ukrainian intelligence agencies, said the FSB's Public Relations Center. The woman entered Russia through third countries and attempted to retrieve a stash of firearms and an improvised explosive device in Russia's Smolensk Oblast. The weapons were intended for the assassination of an employee at a defense-industrial complex enterprise in Russia's Leningrad Oblast, said the FSB. During the operation, security officers seized a Makarov pistol, an improvised explosive device made with foreign-produced plastic explosives, as well as communication equipment containing correspondence with coordinators located in Ukraine, it said. Organisations across Plymouth are set to receive a share of 850,000 in Government funding to support people experiencing homelessness, including those at risk of, or with a history of, rough sleeping. The funding comes from the Governments Rough Sleeper Prevention and Recovery Grant, with 478,649 earmarked for partner organisations within the Plymouth Alliance and the remainder awarded directly to local groups working together as 'one team' to provide holistic support. The initiative builds on the existing Health Inclusion Pathway Plymouth team and aims to offer a more joined-up approach across health, housing and support services in the city. The Plymouth Alliance, a city-wide partnership commissioned by and including Plymouth City Council, brings together charities and organisations such as Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA), Harbour, Shekinah, the Zone, Plymouth Access to Housing (PATH), Livewell Southwest and Hamoaze House. Together they provide housing advice, day centres, supported temporary accommodation, mental health services, drug and alcohol recovery support, and help in finding longer-term accommodation. The funding will also support organisations beyond the Alliance. Adelaide Surgery in Stonehouse, for example, will receive money to enhance support for people experiencing homelessness, offering dedicated drug and alcohol assessments, treatment hours and access to specialist healthcare for those with complex needs. The package also includes support for: Trevi , which will employ a Womens Street Outreach Worker to assist women and children in accessing housing, therapeutic and support services. Plymouth Community Homes , which will help deliver a Housing First service for long-term rough sleepers and those with histories of sustained homelessness and multiple disadvantages. University of Plymouth, which will fund a research-based role to support the development and sustainability of integrated health, housing and homelessness services. Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: People sleeping rough often have complex needs but cannot get the help that they desperately need. The Adelaide project, for instance, aims to provide a more personalised approach to look at the issues that have led to someone living on the streets or at risk of it and to help that person address them. There is no one size fits all approach to homelessness so we hope that these organisations who have received funding will be able to contribute to tackling this complex issue and help those who most need it. The funding arrives against a backdrop of significant homelessness challenges in Devon. Across the county, more than 2,300 people, including over 900 children, were estimated to be homeless during Christmas 2024, with around 150 people sleeping rough on any given night, according to a report by national charity Shelter based on official data and freedom of information responses. Plymouth was identified as having one of the highest rates of homelessness in Devon, with around 880 people, including more than 390 children, living without a permanent home. Government data also indicates that on any given night in Autumn 2024, around 4,667 individuals were estimated to be sleeping rough across England - a 20% increase compared with the previous year - and the number of households in temporary accommodation hit record levels. Locally, Plymouth City Council figures show nearly 1,000 households are currently being helped with their homelessness, including more than 350 in temporary accommodation, and an average of nine rough sleepers were recorded in the city in February 2025. The 850,000 Rough Sleeper Prevention and Recovery Grant is intended to help councils and partners provide early intervention, reduce the number of people becoming homeless, and support recovery for those who have experienced rough sleeping. The move reflects growing national concern over rising homelessness and rough sleeping as councils and charities continue to seek sustainable solutions. Questions are being asked after it emerged that nearly 4,000 has to be spent on a sound system when Devon County Council (DCC) holds a full meeting with all its councillors. The money for audio and recording equipment is spent each time the council holds a meeting of the full council in its chamber at County Hall in Exeter. Some opposition councillors have criticised the move by the Liberal Democrat administration to hold an extraordinary full council meeting earlier this month to debate the possibility that Exeter City Council might delay its planned elections this year. READ MORE: Devon County councillors unite against proposed cancellation of local elections The government had asked many councils if they wished to make a case for postponing their May elections and the county council called a meeting to discuss this even though it not involved in elections this year and has no say in Exeters decision. In fact, it was announced today (Wednesday, January 14) that Exeter has decided to ask the government to call off this years election. The recent county council meeting also addressed the process of local government reorganisation, which the government has required as it seeks to do away with district and county councils the two tier system and replace them with unitary authorities. Councillor Michael Fife Cook, leader of the Reform UK group on DCC, called the meeting virtue signalling and questioned the rationale for the meeting, the first of five such pencilled in for 2026. He said: My first reaction to this was, why are we having a full council meeting when there is only going to be one thing on the agenda and were not even being asked to vote? Many would say this is all about democracy and yes it is, but it should also be about cost effectiveness; how can we as a council continually complain we dont have enough money to do even the smallest of things, when we expend so much on a meeting that could have been held electronically, or could even have been done with a round-robin email. Cllr Fife Cook had initially believed the cost of the audio and recording equipment was nearly 3,000, but the Local Democracy Reporting Service has found it is actually nearer to 4,000. Cllr Julian Brazil, the leader of the council, stressed the costs were small compared to the overall council budget and particularly what it was effectively being forced to spend on local government reorganisation. He said: To put some perspective on this, the latest estimate is that local government reorganisation in Devon is likely to cost around 50million. If as a result of the meeting earlier this month, our response persuades the government to delay local government reorganisation, it will save Devon residents tens of millions of pounds. A council spokesperson said the audio and recording equipment costs for meetings in the council chamber included setting up microphones, speakers and hearing loops, as well as the recording and streaming of the meeting. This is an interim measure until the council is able to update the sound system and recording system inside the council chamber, they said. It was felt important to hold that meeting in person, rather than over Teams or by email, and given the seriousness of the proposal, the leader of the council wanted to encourage all members to have the opportunity to have their say. Many of the members, across all the political groups, took the opportunity to put forward their views, and that will inform the leaders response to government. This way, the council is able to respond with one voice. LONDON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Wednesday called on NATO to "step up its military and security presence in the Arctic", citing that the region is becoming "a front line of geopolitical competition" as climate change opens new shipping routes and exposes strategic resources. During her visit to Finland and Norway, Cooper said Arctic security was "critical to protecting Britain and NATO" and stressed the need to "strengthen regional defences to deter Russia and protect key infrastructure", according to a press release published by the Foreign Office. "The Arctic will become an ever more critical frontier for NATO," Cooper said, adding that Britain and its allies were working to reinforce defences in the High North to prevent any attempts to threaten their interests and undersea infrastructure. The High North hosts major shipping routes and vital critical national infrastructure, including undersea cables, which British officials say are increasingly vulnerable to hostile activity. Cooper's visit includes meetings with Finnish border guards defending NATO's eastern flank with Russia and a visit to Camp Viking in northern Norway, where British Royal Marines are conducting cold-weather military training. The press release said that Britain has "long been a leader" in the Joint Expeditionary Force, a coalition of 10 northern European nations focused on High North security. The force recently carried out its largest-ever military exercise "Tarassis," deploying thousands of troops, dozens of ships, vehicles, and aircraft across the Baltic region and the North Atlantic. Illegal act of war To the Editor: Jim Corneliuss editorial (Thoughts on a strategic manhunt, The Nugget, January 7, page 19) on Maduro is a credulous piece of jingoistic cheerleading with only a brief acknowledgement that things like this are complicated and that we have a tendency to blow the long game. Its akin to praising a bank robber for handling the getaway car like an F1 driver rather than discussing the theft. Its all the more embarrassing because its already clear a deal has been made with Maduros lieutenants and we needed some cool explosions for the rubes watching at home. Basically, its a replay of the bin Laden raid, except Delta guys can apparently pilot helicopters better than SEALS, and this time there wont be roided up psychos arguing over who killed the bad guy. They did make sure to fire a missile at Hugo Chavezs tomb though, surely an integral part of this stunning manhunt. Anyway, if your reaction to an act that kills 80 people is flawlessly executed, maybe refrain from commenting. Regardless, the logistics of the raid dont really matter. Here is the only thing that does matter: the United States committed a blatantly illegal act of war under international law, violating another nations sovereignty by kidnapping their head of state and killing a reported eighty people in the process. Now, you can think Maduro is an evil illegitimate dictator and you can think Venezuela will be better off now, but that doesnt matter either. The only thing that matters is whether you believe the United States is bound to the same laws as every other nation on earth. If your answer is yes, condemn this and call for Maduros release. Any other answer means youre just an American chauvinist who thinks we get special rules because were the best. Which is fine. But own it and dont dress it up with sanctimonious moralizing and valorization of our brave operators. Ultimately, we either get international order or the law of the jungle. While the latter may seem fine right now, I guarantee youll only feel that way while America still holds all the guns. Jim does acknowledge Americas horrible track record with illegal regime change which should have been the entirety of the piece rather than an aside so Ill just add, were not even a week into this travesty and the usual jackals are salivating over their next meal. Mexico and Colombia have been put on notice via the drugs canard. Iran, because what else, oil. Greenland, because its big on the map and big is good. And of course Cuba, so that we can satisfy Little Marco and the ghost of Sal Trafficante. Maybe theyll even get a chance to desecrate Castros grave! I suppose my response is the politicization of the flawless manhunt which Jim expected to see, but Ill close with an inverted echo of his hope for political unification this is a cause for bipartisan condemnation. Sadly, it will not be the last. Josh Curtis How much truth can you handle? To the Editor: On May 4, 1970, the Ohio National Guard was sent to the Kent State University campus by a very conservative governor to quell the mostly peaceful anti-war protests going on there. The guard ended up shooting several people, killing four. This act, not in just my opinion, was the catalyst for mainstream America to start turning against the war in Vietnam. Within two years we were out of the war. I wonder how many students, moms, teachers, and ordinary people will have to die before mainstream America will wake up to what is really going on. Probably a lot more than four. The original and very effective Antifa in this country was the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Army Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. They fought fascism to a standstill and eventual defeat in World War II. Right now, in this country, we have a fascist government. Its not a possibility somewhere down the road, its here now. If you support the Trump regime and had relatives in World War II, I question wether you have the right to feel pride in what they did for our country and the world. Jesus tries to teach us to love thy neighbor, to respect the stranger, to look at a persons deeds rather than their words, to judge not or so be judged, to turn the other cheek, all basic tenets of true Christian life. The MAGA mainstream considers themselves Christian and thinks that Donald Trump was sent by God to straighten us out (Donald Trump is about as close to God as I am to being 25 years old, rich, and handsome). Given the deeds done and being done in Trumps name, I question wether the followers of his way can verily call themselves Christian. I think they should consider the possibility that they may be playing for the wrong team. So, here we are, living in a fledgling fascist country, citizens being shot, people being sent to foreign prisons without a trial, no more of our surplus food being sent to needy persons both here and abroad, blatant racism, a large part of the populace super glued to their vanity media, and another part watching the state run propaganda stations and buying all the lies along with useless health supplements. Time to decide people, which side of the truth you are going to be on. Accepting the truth can be a lot harder than believing what you want to be true. Someone once said, A mans life expands in direct proportion to how much truth he can handle. Bruce Campbell Civilized leaders To The Editor: So-called Delta Force will go down in history as a highly successful strategic manhunt, according to Jim Cornelius (Thoughts on a strategic manhunt, The Nugget, January 7, page 19). This sort of takeover, the strategic manhunt, may be a key element of the American Way of War, predating the United States becoming a nation, as set forth by Cornelius in his recent commentary. I stipulate to these statements, as I am not as well versed in American war history as many. Cornelius goes on to describe historical and global examples of this American way of war. He opines that the recent flawless execution of Delta Force will be politicized by just about everyone. I hope that is true. Further, I suggest that everything is political, and just because this American Way of War is part of our pre-national and national history, I will never celebrate such a flawless, clean and satisfying mission like Operation Absolute Resolve. It is actually pretty shameful, considering it was never approved or even presented to Congress. It is compounded by the fact that the leader of the United States is literally no better. The pot calling the kettle black. I have yet to see any actual evidence of alleged drug smuggling into North America. The American Way of War, like other hostile institutions which have darkly defined this country, is greatly antiquated and requires an intellectual, and civilized, update. Lets begin with intelligent and civilized leaders. Jackie Page Trump lies To the Editor: It seems to me our world is spinning faster and faster, and Im not sure where it is headed. Our current president ran a campaign promising America First and the avoidance of foreign entanglements. Well, that didnt last long. A coup detat to remove Venezuelan president Maduro was just the latest. Since returning to office, he has used the U.S. military on hundreds of individual strikes across at least seven foreign countries and two maritime regions between 20242026; 626 U.S. airstrikes overseas according to ACLED data reported by Military Times. Was this something he had planned all along? We dont really know because he lies about any and all things he does or did. Unfortunately, he has given a green light to all members of his administration to lie as much as he does. A veil of lies shrouds his Presidency and his second term in office. He uses his Truth Social site as a means to sell his lies and deception. His spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt uses her podium to cover for his misspoken words and intended deceptions. Kristi Noem makes false claims intent on vilifying the thousands and thousands of Venezuelan murderers and drug dealers illegally in the U.S. Remember, they are eating our dogs. Oh, was that Haiti? ICE raids across the U.S. Portland in flame due to riots which necessitates the National Guard being sent into the city? And one more error perpetrated by presidential lies. Venezuelan oil belongs to us, the United States. Yes, American oil companies helped develop the oil fields in Venezuela, but so did companies from Great Britain (PB), France (Total), Italy (ENI), Norway (Statoil), Spain (Repsol), and drilling contractors from around the World. Several Canadian gold mining companies Crystalles and Gold Reserve Inc. had their gold concessions seized. Any mention of their losses or that some of the oil or gold belongs to them? And then today Trump said that he is going to use my own morality as he lays out a vision of what will restrain his vision of power. And we have had a pretty clear picture of Trumps morality. Rob Phelps Awash in questions To the Editor: As we close out the first year of President Trumps second term, I am awash in questions: Will substituting our personal opinions for science weaken American leadership in biotechnology and medicine? Will our top researchers pursue jobs abroad? Will changing vaccine recommendations lead to an increase in hospitalizations and preventable deaths? When our federal government deports over a million undocumented migrants, who builds our homes? Who harvests our crops? Who provides care for our children and our elderly? When the United States weakens its support for NATO while insisting that Ukraine give up territory to Russia in exchange for peace, how long before Putin sends his armies into Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Georgia? Will we abandon Europe to another tyrant? When the federal government cuts Medicaid and SNAP benefits, how will rural hospitals and medical clinics survive? How will we feed the poor? What other programs and services will states be forced to cut without federal support? How will small companies survive when tariffs eat away at their profitability by increasing supply chain costs? When the burden of import taxes is shifted to consumers, how will we afford healthy food? When we whitewash our history, how do we celebrate every individual who contributed to the building of our great nation? How do we learn from our mistakes? Finally, when we put a dagger into the heart of the green revolution, how much quicker will our planet warm? When insurance companies no longer write homeowner policies in areas experiencing more violent weather patterns, more frequent fires, and spreading drought, how will communities recover? Will states be able to absorb recovery costs once borne by FEMA? Mitchell Luftig McKenzie Meadows Village To the Editor: McKenzie Meadows Village, LLC seems to spend more time than most aspiring property developers arguing on their own behalf within these pages. By controversially seeking to reclassify forest lands that have benefited the community for many years, by posting highly-visible no trespassing signs at all corners, and by presenting an air of righteous inevitability about their project, MMV has become Exhibit A in how the areas recent development push can breach community trust, just as it can divide and disconnect natural habitat that has long been integral to our high quality of life here in Sisters Country. As one walks the quiet, forested path connecting Sisters High School with Tollgate, just west of the McKenzie Meadows property, one comes to a wooden bridge spanning seasonal Trout Creek, recently flowing from winter rains. A signboard is here, highlighting what makes the surrounding Trout Creek Conservation Area special. A student, walking home from school, might pause to learn about the unique and increasingly threatened species found here: the Pecks penstemon, the white-headed woodpecker, and the flammulated owl. The scene is idyllic, a perfect counterpoint to the rushing world beyond. The signboard faces east, where you can watch as Trout Creek flows onward, leaving the preserve in a mere one hundred feet to cross the forested McKenzie Meadows property, before entering public land once more. Trout Creeks journey, like the view of these natural surroundings, remains an unbroken one for now. The all-encompassing pine forest, through the wisdom of prior zoning decisions, still pays no heed to lines drawn on a map. The spring wildflower, the bird of prey, and the mule deer continue to disperse however opportunity affords them. Those who walk and recreate here know the value in leaving this land for the things it has always offered us, and the peril in yet more short-sighted development that leaves us all the poorer down the road. Brian Turner Not either-or in forest I was reading George Wuerthners January 7 commentary, Defensible space is a community investment, nodding my head in agreement until I got to, We need a paradigm shift in public policy from degrading forests through logging and other fuel-reduction measures to a focus on home and community. I disagree. Its not an either/or situation. Although Wuerthner is right that fire-safety resources are finite, Sisters would be safer from wildfire if higher fuel break standards were met in nearby wildlands. Fuel breaks, where trees are properly spaced and limbed and shrubs are cleared to remove ladder fuels, are effective at forcing to the ground fires approaching town through tree crowns in the surrounding forest. On all but the windiest days, they make it easier for firefighters to slow or stop the fire before reaching town, and reduce the intensity of ember showers that do reach town. The U.S. Forest Service would be well served improving fuel breaks west of Sisters, and the same for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management around Whychus Canyon. As Wuerthner states, defensible space and home hardening are the most important projects homeowners and neighbors can do, but another essential part of wildfire safety in the rural West is strategically located fuel breaks, which federal land agencies usually need to take the lead on building. Nicholas Dennis OSLO, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Prime ministers of Norway and Sweden on Tuesday voiced support for Denmark following the latest consultations among Nordic leaders. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store posted on social media platform X, saying: "Good call with Nordic colleagues tonight: We stand with the Kingdom of Denmark. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide in matters concerning Denmark and Greenland." Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson echoed the position on the same platform, posting: "Just spoke with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen together with our Nordic colleagues. We stand behind Denmark and Greenland." Earlier on Tuesday, Frederiksen and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen held a joint press conference, delivering a firm, unified rejection of external claims over Greenland. Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control over its defense and foreign policy. The United States maintains a military base on the island. U.S. President Donald Trump, since returning to office in 2025, has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland and has not ruled out the use of force. If you had to describe how Donald Trumps second term is going in just one word, what would it be? If you had to describe how Donald Trumps second term is going in just one word, what would it be? If you had to describe how Donald Trumps second term is going in just one word, what would it be? If you had to describe how Donald Trumps second term is going in just one word, what would it be? Were nearly one year into President Trumps second term. 2026 has begun with a stunning action in Venezuela to remove Nicolas Maduro and Mr. Trump threatening to take over Greenland. The midterm elections are just months away, and polls show that Americans are dissatisfied with the economy and sharply divided on the administrations immigration policy. The vast majority of Republicans say they approve of Mr. Trumps performance. Their approval and disapproval of different aspects of his administration, however, can play a role in shaping the rest of his term in office, as well as this years midterm results. For its latest focus group, Times Opinion spoke with 11 Republican voters, who reported somewhat or strongly approving of the presidents performance. We asked about what they like about the second Trump administration, and what they dont. From tariffs to deportations and the administrations recent actions in Venezuela, this group said they liked what theyre seeing. They expressed optimism about the economy and especially appreciated his following through on what he had promised to do. Still, participants want to see more disclosure in the Jeffrey Epstein case. Two expressed dissatisfaction with the aggressiveness of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (This group was conducted before the shooting in Minneapolis.) Nearly everyone wanted to see more, not less, oversight or even regulation from Republicans when it comes to artificial intelligence. And while these voters admired the Venezuela action, some had questions about the idea of taking over Greenland, especially through military force. As activists argue about the direction of Republican foreign policy, the discussion about Venezuela and Greenland offers some compelling insights about how Republican voters might be thinking about one of the defining features of Mr. Trumps second term: his aggressive view of American power in Western hemisphere. The ancient olive tree of Vouves belongs to the local tree variety of tsounati and was grafted at a height of three meters onto a wild olive tree. Its massive trunk, which has a circumference of 12.5 meters (41 feet) and a diameter of 4.6 meters (15 feet), looks like an intricate structure, but whats really intriguing is that this natural sculpture is ever-changing. The exact age of the olive tree of Vouves cannot be determined because its heartwood rotted away centuries ago. This is part of the trees remarkable self-renewal process. As the center of the tree continues to rot, new wood is added on the outside, so the design and dimensions of the trunk continue to change, even after thousands of years. Tree ring analysis has shown the tree to be at least 2,000 years old, but scientists at the University of Crete estimate the tree to be around 4,000 years old. Interestingly, there is no scientific method to ascertain the age of olive trees, so we cant know for sure how old the Vouves olive tree really is, but it is regarded as the worlds oldest olive tree. The olive tree of Vouves attracts around 20,000 visitors a year to western Crete and is a protected natural monument. For reference, the worlds oldest olive tree is older than the Parthenon, another cultural symbol of Greece, and likely predates historical figures like Alexander the Great and Pythagoras. Its whitered trunk is a testament to its resilience, having withstood drought, fires, and human encroachment, while remaining fruitful. While youre here, check out the worlds oldest grapevine, which has been around for 400 years. Not a Subscriber? Join O'Dwyer's & Get RFP Access Stop wasting time tracking down RFPs. O'Dwyer's connects you with organizations looking for PR firms & services. Get new business with O'Dwyer's! Join O'Dwyer's A renewed appeal has been issued to the public to help trace the whereabouts of Luke Price who was reported missing from Limerick city on this day last year, Tuesday January 14, 2025. Luke, who was 27-years-old at the time was seen at around 9pm on Tuesday January 14, 2025. Originally from Geashill in county Offaly, Luke lived in Ballyfin in county Laois where he worked as a chef. He was known in Portlaoise through is work and around Laois from being involved in the scouts. On the day he went missing, Luke travelled by train from Portlaoise to Limerick. He then socialised for a time in Limerick and went to O'Curry Street with a friend. He left there at around 9pm and went in the direction of the Dock Road, but has not been seen since. In April 2025, Gardai worked with the Abbeyfeale Search and Rescue Service and Civil Defence on wetlands in the vicinity of the Condell Road, Limerick City. A dog search team helped in the search along the River Shannon on the back of CCTV footage of Mr Prices last known movements. READ NEXT: Diageo confirms price of pint of Guinness will be increased from next month Gardai concluded the search two days later and declined to state what course the search might now take in efforts to locate the young man. Speaking to the Irish Mirror, Luke's mother Pauline Price said even the tiniest bit of information could be enough to find her son. She said dealing with her son's disappearance has become "progressively difficult" as the years go by, especially around key moments like his birthday and Christmas. Speaking of the past year, Pauline said, "I keep myself busy because it was a way of coping. It was overwhelming. The pain, the hurt, the sadness. All of the emotions, anger even - all of them are normal when you're grieving. "Only in this instance we don't have anything to grieve over - apart from the loss of what we knew, because we sure as hell don't know it anymore." READ NEXT: OPINION: Tougher action needed by Offaly County Council against litter louts Now a year on, Gardai are appealing to the public again for any information they might have that could lead to finding Luke. Luke is described as being approximately 6 feet in height with a slim build, auburn hair and blue eyes. When last seen, Luke was wearing a black coat, blue jeans and black boots. Gardai and Luke's family are concerned for his wellbeing. READ NEXT: Alleged Offaly theft victim is now 98 years of age, court hears There have been a number of reported sightings by members of the public across different locations, however none of these have been confirmed to be Luke. Anyone with information on Lukes whereabouts is asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061 212 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) ordered a Laois business to close with immediate effect in December after an inspector found the business to be unregistered with the HSE and in serious breach of food safety laws. The closure order was served to Ella Okonufua, trading as EB Food Essentials located at Coolanagh, Ballickmoyler, county Laois on December 10, 2025. The FSAI then issued a recall of all food products sold from the establishment as "The food was produced in and/or sold from an establishment that was not subject to official controls, and as such, it is not possible to confirm the food was manufactured in compliance with all relevant food safety legislation. Therefore, as a precaution, the implicated products are being recalled to ensure consumer safety. At the time of inspection, it was established that a food business was being operated at this establishment. The food business operator had not notified the competent authority of this food business establishment with a view to registration of the establishment. Therefore, official controls have not been carried out to verify compliance with food law. Food placed on the market without the benefit of official controls to verify compliance with food law may be unsafe and give rise to a risk to public health. This Closure Order directed that all of the business, its establishments, holdings or other premises be closed and any internet and social media sites it operates be ceased immediately. In serious breach of legislation, the food business operator did not have effective traceability systems in place and was unable to identify the suppliers of it's food products including three boxes of goat meat in the freezer that were in meat branded boxes labelled as lamb, brisket and silverside flat, three unlabelled white plastic bags containing goat meat, 35 bags of snails imported from Nigeria, 3 bags of catfish, 5 bags of dried prawns, among others. Food and feed imported into the Community for placing on the market within the Community must comply with the relevant requirements of food law. Legislation states that food business operators shall, as appropriate, adopt the following specific hygiene measures compliance with microbiological criteria for foodstuffs procedures necessary to meet targets set to achieve the objectives of this Regulation compliance with temperature control requirements for foodstuffs maintenance of the cold chain sampling and analysis The food business operator was using an unrefrigerated motor car to collect and transport boxes of goat meat from a suppler and for delivery to customers throughout Ireland and had no system in place to demonstrate maintenance of the cold chain. The closure order was served and took immediate effect on date of inspection. A PRIMARY school teacher from Offaly faked two births in order to avail of maternity leave and maternity benefit, Tullamore Circuit Court has heard. Eimear Carroll (43), Hillside, Seffin, Birr, received payments of over 12,000 as a result of deceiving the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and the Department of Education in 2018 and 2019, Judge Keenan Johnson heard. Garda James Martin, an investigator with the Department of Social Protection, said the total monies received by Ms Carroll comprised 12,425. Maternity leave cover cost 46,939. The court heard Ms Carroll, who was aged 35 when the offending began, had forged medical certificates and documentation from doctors at the National Maternity Hospital. She claimed she had first given birth to a boy who was named Oran and then to a girl called Emily who she said was premature. READ NEXT: Projects identified in Offaly town now coming to fruition She had also claimed she was married to a man named 'Peter Parsons' and supplied a PPS number for him but no person matching that name and number was found. Garda Martin said an investigation began as a result of information received in November 2018 from a social welfare inspector in Tullamore, Eileen Connolly in relation to suspected fraud. Garda Martin said he found it unusual that there had been no claim for child benefit and he found that no birth had been registered by Eimear Carroll. A consultant obstetrician named in documents said they had not been prepared by him. Documents from doctors, including a doctor at Clonminch Medical Centre, were created by the accused for her applications. When Ms Carroll wrote a letter to her school principal informing her that her second baby had been born, the principal replied: Heartiest congratulations on your great news. Gardai searched the accused's residence in Birr on February 13, 2019 and found no evidence that children or a husband were resident there. There was only one furnished bedroom in the house. When she was arrested and the allegations were put to her she denied any wrongdoing and told gardai there was obviously some mix-up and everything she had submitted was above board. The woman also told gardai that she would not discuss my babies with them, said Garda Martin, nor would she comment on Mr Parsons. She said she was entitled to her maternity benefit the same as anybody else. Replying to Shane Geraghty, BL, prosecuting, Garda Martin said Ms Carroll had received a four-year sentence, with two of those years suspended, in July 2024 for harassment and stalking and is due for release at the end of this month, with remission. Garda Martin added that the offences now before the court were facilitated by premeditation. She told work colleagues that she had married Peter Parsons and wore a bump to work. She had previously pleaded guilty to the offences and sentencing was adjourned to this week for reports. Suzanne Dooner, BL, defending, said a psychological report was before the court but Judge Johnson ordered the preparation of another one which would examine the background reason for the offending. Ms Dooner said the gain for Ms Carroll was limited because she was off work. It was accepted by Garda Martin that Ms Carroll was having difficulties with colleagues at work. Ms Dooner said the woman had lost her job but had previously started making amends and paid back 10,500 by contributing 40 per week. She intended to make further payments on release from prison and Ms Dooner said a probation report would assist the court in sentencing. Judge Johnson said it was an extraordinary case and he would need a lot more information before he gave a sentence. An offence of this nature would carry a custodial sentence, he said, stating that the integrity of the social protection system was built on the honesty of applicants. Sentencing was adjourned to June 3 next. LONDON, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said on Tuesday that Britain will bring forward legislation "to implement full and further sanctions and sectoral measures" against Iran. Speaking in the House of Commons, Cooper said, "Further measures will target finance, energy, transport, software, and other significant industries." Iran's foreign ministry summoned the envoys of Britain, Germany, France and Italy on Monday after their governments expressed support for protests in the country, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. Protests broke out across Iran late last month. During the meeting, Iranian officials showed the envoys "video evidence of violent acts by rioters," saying the actions went beyond peaceful demonstrations. A SMALL group of people from Tullamore, Laois and even as far away as Mayo, arrived by cars in Birr last Saturday to highlight the plight of people, and in particular, children, in Gaza. Tullamore for Gaza, a group established in November 2023 to demonstrate support and solidarity for the people of Palestine and Gaza, brought with them a 140ft crochet blanket, symbolising the thousands of children killed in Gaza since the war commenced. They needed fifty plus people to unfold and hold the blanket, which was pretty heavy, and it wasnt long before they had the required number and more too, as the blanket was unfolded. The blanket, created by Craftivism for Palestine from around the country, is made up of 2,300 squares of crochet, each representing ten children who have died since the beginning of the genocide. Over the past few months, the blanket has travelled around the country, with Offaly being one of its last locations to be hosted in. A core group of twelve people have stitched the blanket together and continue to protect and repair it. Organiser with Tullamore for Gaza, Anne Hoctor, said that 26,000 - that's the latest estimate on the number of children killed in Gaza since October 2023. 26,000 children who lost their lives. 26,000 mothers that lost their children. 26,000 fathers. 26,000 grannies and grandads. 26,000 children that were living, laughing, playing, dancing and singing two years ago. It is heartbreaking - we must do more to ensure that aid and shelter enters Gaza immediately. The blanket will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to the people and children in Gaza. The group is calling on the people of Birr and Offaly to support the people, and in particular the children, of Gaza and Palestine. READ NEXT: 'The pain, the hurt' - Fresh appeal launched for 27-year-old Offaly man who vanished a year ago Tipperary County Council has yet to formally back or oppose the proposed pipeline to extract water to supply Dublin from the Shannon basin and Lough Derg and Councillors have called for an emergency debate on the issue as the window of opportunity for objections closes. An impassioned plea by Nenagh Independent, Seamie Morris, to halt progress on the 6-billion project gained strong support among council members at their first monthly meeting of 2026 in Nenagh on Monday. A planning application for the water extraction project, which if successful will see water piped 170 kilometres from the Parteen Basin in North Tipperary across the midlands to supply potable water to Dublin, was lodged by Uisce Eireann with An Coimisiun Pleanala last month. Tipperary County Council has until March 30th to make their final submission on the project and Cllr. Morris, who is backed by all his fellow members of the Nenagh municipal council and several councillors from across the county, called for an emergency meeting ahead of the submission deadline. He said Tipperary County Council has not challenged claims that pumping water to Dublin is the most feasible option, when Dublin is surrounded by water and other potential solutions to solve the leaking water infrastructure serving the capital. READ NEXT: Should Roscrea's Castle Street be pedestrianised? Cllr. Morris rubbished claims that two-percent of the current water volume will be extracted and said the conclusions of independent experts contradict those of consultants employed for the project and called for the local authority to conduct their own survey on extraction volume and its potential effects. Cllr. Morris said that he has reached out to Limerick and Clare county councils and warned that the prediction of ecologist Will O'Connor, is that four cubic meters of water will be extracted, potentially "destroying water supplies in Limerick". The Shannon currently flows at four-and-a-half cubic meters, he said. The Nenagh councillor said several local farms will be adversely affected by the installation of the pipeline and that during summer drought periods serious damage will be done to the local tourist and agriculture sector. Lower Ormond councillor, Michael O'Meara, pledging his support to Cllr. Morris, said water supplies for households and farmers in the Lorrha area is of a "third world standard" and expressed dismay at the proposal to pump water through an area close to the banks of the Shannon to serve Dublin. "At the moment in the Carrig, Rathcabbin and Lorrha area there are 1,500 houses and businesses that have no water since Christmas and on the other side of that we propose to ship our water to Dublin - I think it is absolutely crazy," Cllr. O'Meara said. Ballina based councillor, Phyll Bugler, said the once thriving angling and fishing industry in Killaloe and Ballina has been progressively decimated since the late 1920's, when the creation of the Ardnacrusha power station affected the spawning of salmon and never recovered. "We had five hotels in Ballina in 1929 and we were the cream of the world regarding salmon fishing. We took a hit and we got the energy supply for rural Ireland, but we suffered because of it and now we are going to suffer again?", she asked, adding that she has been "fobbed off by Uisce Eireann anytime I try to get answers". Cllr. Bugler said research into Dublin's own water supply concluded that over forty percent of the supply is lost by leaks and said pumping water from the Shannon to Dublin defies logic and "makes no sense." Cllr. Pat English supported the calls and said the local authority needs to avoid a potential "ecological disaster" which would adversely affect tourism and industry in Tipperary; while Cllr. David Dunne said he "wouldn't trust Uisce Eireann to run a bath." Several Councillors expressed frustration at attempts to interact with Uisce Eireann, with Cathaoirleach of the local authority, Cllr. John Carroll, stating he was met with "arrogance of the worst kind" during a recent engagement with the water authority on the phone. Planning Director Brian Beck told the members the executive wont decide whether they are backing the pipeline until theyve thoroughly examined the extensive planning application, which contains over 500 documents and was lodged before Christmas. READ NEXT: Minister turns sod on new 2-million Community Centre in Offaly Environmental Consultants have been appointed to help the council put together its submission on the plans for the Shannon Pipeline and Mr Beck said the local authority is "now involved in a statutory process" to finalise a submission before the end of March. Mr Beck said he has asked Uisce Eireann to come to Nenagh and meet with the Council members "as soon as possible" to enable elected representatives to directly express their concerns and ask questions about the project. This will be preceded by a workshop for the elected members to discuss the draft submission and contribute to the document before the Council's submission to the planning board is finalised. A ONE kilometre deep bore hole was sunk in Clonminch last Summer in a search to see if the area was suitable for the creation of geothermal energy, a recent meeting of Offaly County Council was told. Deep bore geothermal wells are becoming more popular as sources of alternative energy. For example, a number of these deep bore wells in Paris are supplying about 250,000 homes in the city, removing, the authorities say, thousands of tonnes of carbon which otherwise would have been emitted through fossil fuel systems. The recent Offaly County Council meeting was told by a member of the executive that the logistics involved are becoming easier to manage and the cost benefit analysis for a possible well in Tullamore is favourable. As it stands at the moment, we are quite hopeful about this technology. In a brief aside, the member of the executive also pointed out that one of the benefits of Data Centres is the possibility of accruing Waste Heat from them. Cllr John Leahy, Cathaoirleach, commented that there is a growing support from the people of Offaly for creating Data Centres in the county. During the Summer of 2025 the Council worked in collaboration with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Pathfinder Team and their colleagues in the newly formed District Heating Centre of Excellence. As part of this work Offaly County Council commissioned and delivered a District Heating pre-Feasibility Study for the Tullamore Decarbonising Zone. Tullamore was designated a candidate area by SEAI. In this work the Council built upon existing strong working networks across the HSE, Uisce Eireann and other local stakeholders while introducing data gathered from their 1km deep investigative geothermal borehole located in Clonminch drilled in partnership with the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE). The conclusions of this study are overwhelmingly positive, and we have gained approval from the SEAI to move towards Step 2, i.e. a full feasibility study as detailed in their framework document. Geothermal power plants, says the SEAI, generate electricity from deep wells that tap into high-temperature water or steam. Ground source heat pumps use heat from shallower depths. We can then use the natural heat in various ways, such as heating buildings and generating power. In August 2024 it was announced that the Geological Survey of Ireland (which is a division of the DCEE) was inviting tenders from external service companies to provide geological information from the 1,000 metre deep borehole that it was then planning to drill in Clonminch, Tullamore. Subsequently, during Summer 2025, The GSI's Drilling Unit sunk two one-kilometre deep boreholes, one in Tullamore and one in Cork City. External service companies also participated during the work, undertaking Downhole Geophysical Logging during the work. Downhole Geophysical Logging refers to the method of making measurements in drill holes and geologically interpreting these measurements. The Clonminch borehole was cored vertically at a diameter of 75.7 mm. READ NEXT: Centre of Excellence in North Tipp will be first in Ireland YEREVAN, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Armenia "unequivocally" and "unconditionally" seeks full membership in the European Union (EU), Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Wednesday, quoted by Armenpress. Speaking at a security forum in the Armenian capital, Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia is pursuing a path of transformation to align itself with EU standards. "Do we want to become a full member of the European Union? Yes, unequivocally and unconditionally," he said, adding that Armenia's strategy is to pursue a "very firm and clear" course toward full compliance with EU standards. No country is admitted to the EU only for geopolitical reasons, while EU membership requires meeting stringent objective criteria, and a candidate nation must align with at least 97 to 99 percent of the bloc's standards before a political decision on admission can be made, Pashinyan said. He said the EU may choose either to continue expanding or to halt enlargement, and Armenia would benefit regardless of the outcome. "In both cases, Armenia wins -- either by becoming a full member of the EU or by becoming a modern state that meets European standards," Pashinyan said. In January last year, Armenia's cabinet approved a bill to launch the country's EU accession process. Comments The time limit for entering new comments on this has expired. This limit can be removed. Our paid membership program is designed to give you many benefits, such as removing this time limit. To learn more, please click here. "No, I will not let the beast devour my existence, for I am a bird of the coming dawn, headed towards the sun of freedom." Ibaa Ismail The USA regime is poised to do more illegal attacks (this time on Iran, likely next 24-48 hours) to distract from ongoing genocide in Palestine and avoid the Epstein scandal. Soon Greenland, Panama, Columbia, and many others. The Israelization of the USA (and many Western countries) is ongoing. When Trump says that if we don't take Greenland, China or Russia will take it, tihs reminds of a settler in Jerusalem who told the woman he has taken over her home: "well if I don't steal it, someone else will steal it!!". Might makes right? But people are becoming more aware and the global uprising (intifada) is spreading from Minneapolis to New Zealand/Aotearoa. The world is boiling and people will not let those billionaire gangsters run this fragile planet to the ground to satisfy their lust. Here are 15 more people to honor and sample recent statements (will send more names weekly): 1) Maung Zarni: Prescient observations. 2) Craig Mokhibar: Ushering in the age of impunity: Venezuela, Palestine, and the end of international law. 3) Richard Drake: Venezuela and the Long Shadow of the Monroe Doctrine 4) The President of Colombia Interview on Al-Jazeera. 5) Bana Abu Zuluf: The Israelization of the world? 6) John Francis Mahoney, previous Director of Aericans for Middle East Understanding. 7) Phil Brewer MD: Tuesday will mark the 65th consecutive week of vigils at Yale New haven Hospital/Yale Medical School. "The intersectionality of our protest is becoming more obvious with every passing day." 8) The good folks at Mondoweiss (get a lot of news and analysis you will not find in corporate media). 9) An Introduction to the Life and Philosophy of Frantz Fanon with Dr. Lewis Gordon (UConn). 10) New York mayor Mamdani attacked for rejecting genocide and apartheid sand is labeled by the racist state as "ani-Semitic" 11) Max Blumernthal: 'Enough time has passed since October 7 for Israeli media to state what we've been saying for over three months, which is that Israel's military and political leadership fabricated many of the grisliest Hamas atrocities in order to generate support for the genocidal war it planned in Gaza. Here, a Channel 13 panel including Mickey Rosenfeld, the longtime Israeli police spokesman who spread many such lies after October 7, acknowledges that lurid stories of babies hung on clotheslines, a fetus cut from a pregnant woman, a baby baked in an oven, and more were invented "to increase the magnitude of hatred for Hamas." As Rosenfeld put it, "The war is not only military, not only political, it's mainly media." Channel 13 manages to elicit a statement of contrition from the IDF spokesman, who apologizes for "describ[ing] a reality that didn't happen." Of course, confessions like these are easy when the damage has already been done.' 12) Francesca Albanese on the "Disunited nations": the UN and the Middle East. 13) Chris Hedges. 14) Acting Venezuelan President says Zionists undertones involved in Madura illegal kidnapping. 15) Lena in the USA who wrote this: Ceasefire? Last night, there was a total bombardment of attacks on Gaza. We don't yet know how many people have been killed. The US has made a mockery of the genocide, literally participating, starving, supplying, and lying. Yet, resilience is unmatched. "America is a celebration of cruelty." This is a short by Mizrahi, but then I'll attach below it the entire talk, which is excellent. Sometimes, when your on the inside, you cannot see you're in a cult or an abusive relationship or sick daily. That's what it's like in the US. We are in a colonist cult, enslaved into a fake dream. If you are an engineer, scientist, or someone with a professional background, where living in a fantasy world is virtually impossible, then this short op-ed is for you. This is an Asian American who has realized we have no government for the people. And a short by a fellow angry American kid. It's these kids who are unafraid to speak truth to power who will save us all. Argentinian Journalist breaks the silence on Israeli ecoside spreading to Argenitina. And who ousted Maduro of Venezuela, US alone or acting on behest of Israel? Event 21 January (register here) on environmental justice: 7 AM Pacific Time, PT 8 AM Mountain Time, MT 10 AM Eastern Time, ET 4 PM Central European Time, CET 5 PM Palestine EET Green Party USA condemns Trump attack on Venezuela. Will the democratic party listen to its base or continue to be dominated by Zionist and military industrial lobbyists bribes and blackmail? If you need proof of the lack of justice in the US, look at Canary Mission. The fact the ACLU wouldn't and/or couldn't shut them down is proof the US doesn't uphold its own laws within its own borders! Stay Humane, act, and keep hope and Palestine alive Mazin Qumsiyeh A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home Professor, Founder, and (volunteer) Director Palestine Museum of Natural History Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability Bethlehem University Occupied Palestine facebook pages Personal Institute French ReCap (Image by publicus) Details DMCA Rolling Pearl Harbors: A Pattern of Crisis and Empire Institutional media fails us regularly when it comes to national and international politics. You could argue that the situation represents an ontological crisis. Adversarial journalism barely exists in mainstream outlets. Truth arrives too late to constrain power. So how do citizens evaluate claims about power? What distinguishes investigative journalism from propaganda on one side and conspiracy theory on the other? The adversarial tradition provides a methodological framework even when the tradition itself has largely collapsed. Standards citizens can apply regardless of who's making claims-- establishment media or alternative platforms, sources they trust, or sources they distrust. I. The Six Cardinal Rules for Evaluating Claims Rule 1: Multiple Independent Sources Corroborating the Same Facts A single source, however credible, provides an insufficient basis for certainty. Two sources can be coordinated. Three sources from genuinely independent positions-- different institutions, different political loyalties, different information access-- create triangulation, making fabrication or coordination unlikely. In Tucker Carlson's The 9/11 Files, ex-FBI agent Mark Rossini describes the CIA blocking intelligence sharing. Doug Miller independently confirms the same pattern. Richard Clarke reaches the same conclusion from a different institutional position. Their convergent testimony increases confidence. When Miller's WMD reporting relies entirely on Iraqi exiles coordinating with Bush administration officials-- all sources share political interest in promoting war-- there's no independent corroboration. Rule 2: Documentary Evidence That Can Be Independently Verified Documentary evidence includes cables, memos, reports, and recordings. Material evidence that can be examined, authenticated, and checked against other evidence. I.F. Stone's Gulf of Tonkin reporting compared official statements to Navy after-action reports. The discrepancies were documented. Hersh's Abu Ghraib reporting relied on photographs and military investigation reports. Torture was documented. Contrast with claims requiring trust in assertions we can't verify. When intelligence agencies claim classified evidence justifies policy but the evidence can't be examined independently, skepticism is warranted. Rule 3: Treat Claims Like They're on Trial There should be compelling evidence to persuade a skeptical jury. Anticipate counterarguments, and address them directly. Distinguish between what's proven and what's inferred. Acknowledge evidentiary limitations rather than claiming certainty where only probability exists. When Carlson presents the CIA recruitment operation theory, the theory is plausible but not proven. Documented facts: The CIA tracked hijackers and blocked intelligence sharing. Inference: recruitment operation explains this pattern. But inference isn't proof. Honest journalism acknowledges the distinction. Rule 4: Transparent Acknowledgment of Evidentiary Limitations What's known versus what's speculated. What's documented versus what's inferred. What sources have political interests that might bias claims? What evidence is missing that would strengthen or weaken the case? Epistemological crisis is partially created by journalism that presents probability as certainty, treats inference as fact, and conceals evidentiary limitations to create a stronger narrative. Rule 5: Clear Distinction Between Facts and Interpretation Did the CIA block the FBI from learning about the hijackers' presence in the U.S.? Factual question with documentary answer-- yes, multiple instances documented. Why did the CIA block intelligence sharing? Interpretive question where multiple explanations compete. Conflating factual questions with interpretive questions creates confusion, letting propaganda masquerade as journalism and conspiracy theory masquerade as investigation. Rule 6: Willingness to Publish Corrections When Evidence Proves Initial Reporting Wrong No journalist is infallible. Errors happen. Sources lie. Documents are misinterpreted. What distinguishes honest journalism from propaganda is the response to error. When the Times published an editor's note acknowledging problems with Miller's WMD reporting, the acknowledgment came too late and didn't go far enough but represented recognition that standards had failed. Miller's failure to acknowledge systematic problems demonstrated an unwillingness to correct, distinguishing propaganda from journalism. These standards aren't perfect. Don't guarantee truth. Multiple sources can all be wrong. Documentary evidence can be fabricated or misinterpreted. But these standards provide a framework for evaluating credibility that doesn't depend on institutional authority or political trust. Miller's failure to acknowledge systematic problems demonstrated an unwillingness to correct, distinguishing propaganda from journalism. Apply these to Miller's WMD reporting: it fails every test. Apply to Carlson's 9/11 documentary: it meets some, fails others-- multiple independent sources corroborate CIA blocking, but the recruitment operation theory remains an inference not proven by direct evidence. Apply to Jefferson Morley's JFK research: it meets most tests comprehensively-- documentary evidence from declassified CIA files, transparent acknowledgment of evidentiary limitations, and a clear distinction between documented facts and interpretation. The problem is citizens lack institutional guidance about which claims meet these standards. Mainstream media, which should be applying these standards, have abandoned their adversarial function. Alternative platforms hosting adversarial journalism also host conspiracy theories and propaganda. Political polarization means citizens evaluate sources based on whether they confirm priors rather than whether they meet evidentiary standards. II. Why Adversarial Journalism Comes from Problematic Sources Question from Part 1: Why does adversarial journalism questioning official 9/11 narratives now come from Tucker Carlson-- ideologically problematic, commercially compromised, and methodologically inconsistent-- rather than from institutions claiming to practice watchdog journalism? This is not due to Carlson's superior journalistic abilities over those of mainstream reporters. He isn't. His documentary has methodological problems. He portrays inference as revelation. The documentary commercializes the investigation through product sales. His political positioning creates credibility through celebrity rather than evidence. But Carlson has one advantage mainstream journalists lack: he doesn't depend on access to power. He avoids maintaining relationships with intelligence agency sources he'll need for future stories. He is not worried about losing his White House credentials. A career doesn't depend on being invited to background briefings. His business model is selling to audiences skeptical of official narratives rather than selling to sources providing official narratives. Compare mainstream journalists' incentives. A Pentagon correspondent who aggressively questions military claims loses access to officials. The correspondent loses access to exclusive briefings. Is scooped by competitors. Finds career advancement blocked. A White House correspondent who challenges administration narratives stops receiving leaks. Doesn't get called on in press conferences. This results in fewer exclusive stories being produced. A national security correspondent who treats intelligence agency claims skeptically loses background access to classified information. These are real, tangible benefits. This is how careers develop in access journalism. Reporters who rise to prominent positions are those who maintain source relationships while producing stories those sources find acceptable. Reporters have the opportunity to pose uncomfortable questions, yet they choose to avoid them. Reporters have the opportunity to investigate aggressively, yet they choose to remain passive. Carlson is not subject to these constraints, as he has already shattered those relationships. Fox News laid him off. He's not maintaining relationships with Democratic administration sources. He's building an audience among conservatives and libertarians skeptical of intelligence agencies. His business model rewards questioning official narratives. Producing a documentary claiming the CIA enabled the 9/11 attacks serves his audience's interests and his platform's growth. Journalists with resources, institutional backing, and professional training to do rigorous adversarial investigation lack structural incentives to do it. Commentators with structural incentives to do adversarial investigation lack resources, institutional backing, and professional training and often lack commitment to methodological rigor. The result is adversarial journalism that's methodologically weak and politically compromised. Glenn Greenwald represents a different version. He has journalistic training. Glenn Greenwald's legal background provides him with analytical rigor. He has shown a strong dedication to conducting investigations based on evidence. His Snowden reporting was exhaustively documented, carefully verified, and published despite enormous pressure. But Greenwald's continued work depends on Rumble-- a platform funded by Peter Thiel, whose company Palantir provides surveillance technology to agencies Greenwald exposes. Greenwald publishes there because mainstream outlets won't publish his work or demand editorial control that would compromise the investigation. His Snowden reporting was exhaustively documented, carefully verified, and published despite enormous pressure. But Greenwald's continued work depends on Rumble-- a platform funded by Peter Thiel, whose company Palantir provides surveillance technology to agencies Greenwald exposes. The choice: publish on compromised platforms with independence but limited reach, or publish in mainstream outlets with resources and reach but editorial constraints preventing genuine investigation. Greenwald chose independence over resources. But it means his most important work reaches a smaller audience. Even adversarial journalism operates on infrastructure controlled by those profiting from the systems being criticized. The Political Realignment The more profound problem is political realignment around adversarial journalism. Traditionally, left-liberal politics was associated with skepticism toward military and intelligence agencies and toward official narratives justifying war. Right-conservative politics was associated with supporting the military, trusting intelligence agencies, and defending official narratives. Since 9/11 and especially during the Trump era, this alignment has inverted. Right-wing populism adopted skepticism toward intelligence agencies ("deep state"), toward official narratives (Iraq WMDs, COVID-19 origins), and toward institutional authority. Left-liberal politics became more trusting of intelligence agencies when they investigate Trump. They are more receptive to official narratives when they align with their preferred policies. When institutions oppose Republicans, they show greater deference to their authority. This inversion means adversarial journalism questioning intelligence agencies, challenging official war narratives, and investigating government claims now finds a more receptive audience on the political right than on the political left. Conservative media's amplification of police violence against protesters, support for authoritarian crackdowns, and defense of corporate power reveals the absence of a rightly developed, principled anti-authoritarianism. However, the right-wing audience is currently more skeptical of specific institutions-- such as the FBI, CIA, NSA, and Pentagon-- whose narratives are the focus of adversarial journalism. Such behavior creates an impossible position for journalists committed to adversarial investigation. When you question the CIA's role in 9/11, you inadvertently promote right-wing conspiracy theories. Investigate NSA surveillance; you're undermining national security during partisan battles. Challenging military narratives, you're advancing an isolationist right-wing agenda. Report on FBI surveillance; you're supporting "defund the FBI" Republicans. Yet the actual content of adversarial journalism hasn't changed. Questioning whether intelligence agencies tell the truth. Investigating whether military interventions are justified by accurate intelligence. Examining whether surveillance programs respect constitutional limits. These remain important democratic functions regardless of which partisan coalition finds them useful at any particular moment. The epistemological crisis is that citizens can't evaluate journalism's validity independent of its political valence. If questioning the CIA serves right-wing interests, liberals dismiss the questions regardless of evidentiary basis. If trusting intelligence agencies serves liberal interests, conservatives dismiss them regardless of factual accuracy. Political polarization replaced methodological evaluation. This reasoning explains why Carlson's 9/11 documentary succeeds where Peter Dale Scott's books failed and Lance deHaven-Smith's scholarship remains invisible. Carlson arrives when right-wing populism is skeptical of intelligence agencies. His audience is eager to believe that the CIA was responsible for the attacks. His platform hinges on delivering content that validates these suspicions. Scott published when both the left and the right trusted intelligence narratives about terrorism. DeHaven-Smith maintains academic standards, preventing him from making claims his evidence doesn't support, limiting his ability to provide certainties partisan audiences want. The result is epistemological chaos, where truth-value is determined by political utility rather than evidentiary support. Adversarial journalism comes from politically compromised sources. Rigorous investigation remains invisible. Propaganda succeeds by confirming partisan priors. Citizens trying to determine what's true face an impossible choice: trust mainstream media that abandoned adversarial function, trust alternative media that's politically compromised and methodologically inconsistent, or trust academic researchers who maintain standards but lack a platform to reach the public. III. Toward Adversarial Journalism: Building the Toolkit Mainstream media failed. Alternative platforms are compromised. Political polarization prevents methodological evaluation. Truth arrives too late to constrain power. What possibility exists for journalism serving a democratic function? Adversarial tradition suggests a path forward even if institutional conditions make it difficult. Tradition doesn't depend on mainstream platforms or institutional backing. Stone published I.F. Stone's Weekly from his basement. Hersh initially reported My Lai for a small news service after major publications declined it. Tradition demands independence from the sources under investigation. Hersh prioritizes documentary verification over access to official claims. There must be a willingness to publish, even in the face of political consequences. The journalist adheres to a methodological discipline that distinguishes facts from inference. These requirements can be met regardless of platform. Journalists publishing on Substack, Rumble, or independent websites can apply the same standards as journalists at major newspapers-- multiple sources, documentary verification, addressing counterarguments, acknowledging limitations, and distinguishing facts from interpretation. Platform doesn't determine methodology. What determines methodology is a journalist's commitment to evidentiary standards over political convenience, truth over access, and investigation over stenography. Challenge is reach. Stone's newsletter had 70,000 subscribers at its peak-- impressive for an independent publication but tiny compared to major newspapers. Hersh's investigations eventually reached a mass audience, but often only after major publications picked them up. In a contemporary environment where social media algorithms determine reach, where platform owners have political agendas, and where institutional media can ignore independent journalism regardless of quality, even methodologically rigorous adversarial journalism struggles to find an audience. But the problem isn't only reach. The issue at hand is the lack of credibility, which is currently in an epistemological crisis. When citizens can't distinguish rigorous investigation from propaganda or conspiracy theory, when methodological standards have been abandoned by mainstream media citizens once trusted, and when political polarization means claims become evaluated based on who makes them rather than on evidentiary support, even excellent journalism faces skepticism. This situation necessitates the development of meta-journalism, which encompasses journalism itself, the examination of the investigative process, and the transparency of methodology and evidence. Part 1 of this series is meta-journalism: examining why David Ray Griffin dismissed Peter Dale Scott's work, how Carlson's documentary succeeded where Scott failed, and what this pattern reveals about epistemological gatekeeping. This part is meta-journalism: explaining what happened to adversarial tradition, how access journalism serves power, and what standards can distinguish investigation from propaganda. The need for meta-journalism reflects crisis depth. In a functional information environment, citizens can trust institutional journalism to maintain standards. Citizens can rely on editorial oversight to identify and rectify errors. Major publications can be relied upon to adhere to a rigorous methodology. In the current environment, none of these assumptions hold. Citizens need tools to evaluate journalism themselves. This brings us back to the fundamental principles of journalism. The use of multiple independent sources is essential. Documentary verification. Addressing counterarguments. Acknowledging limitations. It is crucial to distinguish factual information from subjective interpretations. Correcting errors. These standards are not limited to professional guidelines for journalists alone. Evaluation tools for citizens reading journalism. Apply these standards to any claim-- whether from Times or Carlson, whether from Greenwald or Rove-- and you can begin evaluating credibility independent of institutional authority or political trust. Citizens need tools to evaluate journalism themselves. Epistemological crises won't be solved by finding the perfect platform or the perfect journalist. Will be solved, if it's solved, by citizens developing methodological literacy, letting them evaluate claims independent of who makes them. When Miller published WMD claims, citizens who understood evidentiary standards could recognize the claims were insufficiently verified regardless of the Times' institutional authority. When Carlson presents CIA recruitment operation theory, citizens who understand the distinction between documentation and inference can recognize plausibility while maintaining appropriate skepticism about certainty. Difficult work. This task demands a significant amount of time, which citizens often lack. Most haven't received methodological training. There must be a willingness to apply standards, even when the conclusions are politically inconvenient. Requires skepticism toward sources citizens trust and openness to sources citizens distrust. Requires holding multiple possibilities simultaneously-- that Miller's sources were wrong about WMDs and also that Carlson's sources might be right about CIA blocking while his documentary methodology is still weak. But the alternative is epistemological surrender. Either trust institutional media that systematically failed and abandoned adversarial function, trust alternative media that are politically compromised and methodologically inconsistent, or give up on determining truth and default to political tribalism, where claims get evaluated based on partisan utility rather than evidentiary support. Adversarial tradition suggests a third path: develop independent capacity to evaluate claims, demand evidence regardless of source, maintain skepticism toward all power including power you politically support, and insist on methodological rigor while acknowledging perfect certainty is impossible. This path doesn't guarantee truth but prevents epistemological capture by either institutional authority or political tribe. I've watched the video countless times. Masked ICE agents rush up to a woman in a car in a residential area of Minneapolis and start screaming at her. The woman backs up to avoid the agent in front of her car. She then turns right to further avoid him and drive away. He steps clear of the car and fires his gun several times through the windshield. Someone yells, "What the f:;&k!?" The car crashes a short way from the shooting. The agent leaves the scene quickly and his buddies keep someone who says he's a doctor from attending to the driver. End of story. The woman, who died at the hospital, was a 37-year-old mother of three, a poet, not a terrorist, an American citizen minding her own business. The next day, Kristi Noem, the fake-faced woman head of Homeland Security, blamed the woman for her death, said she tried to run over the agent. Said the agent was resting with his family after the ordeal. Trump said it was a miracle the guy was still walking around after the traumatic incident at the hands of a raging leftwing terrorist. They lied. We all saw the video. They lied. JD Vance took his turn. He lied. Blamed the victim whose children now have no mother. He lied. They lied. They lied. They lied. They lied. They lied. They lied. They lied. It's what they do. They lied. Pam Bondi, the Attorney General who lies for Trump, says the FBI will investigate. It will not allow Minnesota police officials to be part of the investigation. Why? She is handing the job to Kash Patel, YouTube host turned FBI director. He has lied every day since he has held that title. They lie. They lie, they lie, they lie, they lie, they lie, they lie, they lie. They have always lied because enough people believed them. And so they will continue to lie. Trump lies, Noem lies, Bondi lies, Vance lies, Patel lies, they all lie. Her name was Renee Nicole Good. She died and your government killed her, then they lied. They lied, they lied, they lied, they lied, they lied, they lied, they lied. It's all they ever do. We saw the video. They lied. At this point, it gives me no joy to say if you still believe them, you're either a fool or you are them. There is simply no other choice. That's no lie. 1st December - Cambridge Book Publishing is proud to announce the official release of You Are a Priority, Not an Option, a deeply touching work DUBAI, UAE - In a city renowned for its towering skyscrapers, futuristic architecture, and booming global trade, the narrative of Dubai is often defined by Oregons new law authorizing unemployment assistance to striking workers could face a challenge from the federal government, which warned states last week about paying people on strike unless those people are also actively looking for new jobs. An individual who is on strike must engage in activities that demonstrate to the state (unemployment insurance) agency that he or she is able and available for work and actively seeking work under state law, Michelle Beebe, head of the U.S. Employment and Training Administration, wrote in a note to Oregon and other states agencies last week. If states pay unemployment aid to striking workers without ensuring that they are seeking other work while on strike, Beebe cautioned those states could lose federal grants and businesses would lose their eligibility for federal tax credits. In Oregon, that could cost the state government more than $108 million in federal funding for administering the unemployment insurance program and paying benefits. It could also cost Oregon businesses $500 million a year in tax credits on the federal taxes that help fund unemployment insurance. The Oregon Employment Department says it is studying the newly issued federal guidance. The agency says it has already been in touch with the U.S. Department of Labor and has established guidelines to comply with the federal rules and the new Oregon law. We believe it conforms with the guidance (the Department of Labor) issued last week, Seth Gordon, spokesperson for the agency, wrote in an email Monday. Oregon became one of four states that pay jobless benefits to striking workers when the Legislature passed Senate Bill 916 last year. New York and New Jersey have similar laws and Washington passed its own version last year, too. Oregons new law kicked in this month. It pays up to 10 weeks of benefits to striking workers, though they must wait two weeks before becoming eligible. Oregon is also the only state that pays unemployment benefits to public-sector workers while on strike. The employment departments rules for administering Oregons law do require striking employees to seek other work while on strike. Examples of job-seeking activity include registering for job placement services with the state, attending job placement meetings, joining a networking group, updating a resume and reviewing help-wanted ads or visiting job placement websites. Oregons list of qualifying activities for striking workers does not include actually applying for other jobs. The federal guidance issued last week doesnt specifically require that, either. Rep. Dacia Grayber, D-Portland, was among the chief sponsors of last years bill. She said Tuesday that she considers the Department of Labors memo an endorsement of Oregons rules for paying striking workers. The discussion around actively seeking work and what that means for striking workers compared to other eligible workers is one I support, Grayber said in a statement. We want to remain in compliance with federal law, and are happy to get to a solution that works for (Department of Labor) as well as for the people of Oregon. Unemployment insurance for striking workers represented a big win for Oregons powerful labor unions last year. Nationally, though, unions are on the defensive against Trump administration policies that seek to curb union influence in the workplace. The Department of Labor didnt respond Tuesday to an inquiry about whether Oregons guidance meets federal standards. Gordon, with the employment department, said the agency expects any federal objection to Oregons policies would typically start with a discussion and a joint plan on how to proceed. In the meantime, Gordon said, We are ready to receive and process any claims that are filed. UPDATE: Man wounded by Border Patrol enters not guilty pleas to indictment A federal grand jury late Tuesday afternoon returned a two-count indictment against Luis David Nino-Moncada, the man wounded by a Border Patrol officer last week in the parking lot of a medical office in Southeast Portland. Federal prosecutors moved quickly to bring the case before a grand jury after Nino-Moncadas initial appearance in court a day earlier. The indictment charges Nino-Moncada, 33, with the same two allegations first filed against him in a federal complaint: aggravated assault of a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon -- his red Toyota Tacoma pickup - and damaging federal property in excess of $1,000. The indictment makes a probable cause hearing that was set for Wednesday afternoon unnecessary and spares the government from calling federal law enforcement officers to testify, where they would face cross-examination from defense lawyers about the confrontation that led to the shooting. If the hearing had gone forward, Assistant Federal Public Defenders Michael Benson and Peyton Lee planned to argue that the federal government lacked probable cause to show Nino-Moncada either intentionally used his truck as a weapon or willfully tried to hit an officer, according to a court filing. A release hearing for Nino-Moncada is still likely to be held Wednesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman. Federal prosecutors contend Nino-Moncada attempted to assault a Border Patrol officer when he rammed his truck into an unoccupied federal rental car several times after federal officers demanded that he and his passenger exit the pickup during a stop in the medical offices parking lot. The encounter occurred about 2 p.m. Thursday when six Border Patrol officers in four unmarked cars followed Nino-Moncadas pickup into the parking lot of the Adventist Health Medical Office 3 building at 10201 S.E. Main St., to take him and his passenger into custody. Four of the six federal officers interviewed by the FBI said they approached the pickup, identified themselves as law enforcement officers and demanded the driver and his passenger, 32-year-old Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, get out of the truck. Instead, Nino-Moncada repeatedly reversed the pickup and struck an unoccupied black sedan rental car before one of the officers fired twice into the drivers window of the pickup, striking Nino-Moncada in the arm and Zambrano-Contreras in the chest, according to the FBI. The wounded pickup driver sped out of the lot and drove about three miles to an apartment complex on Northeast 146th Avenue, just north of East Burnside. A wounded Luis David Nino-Moncada drove this red Toyota Tacoma pickup to the back parking lot of The Bria Apartments off Northeast 146th Avenue and called 911 at 2:24 p.m. on Thurs., Jan. 8, 2026, to report he and his passenger had been shot. FBI Nino-Moncada then called 911 to report that he and his passenger had been shot. Portland police responded to the apartment complex and put a tourniquet on Nino-Moncadas arm before ambulances took him and Zambrano-Contreras to separate hospitals. Federal officers said they were targeting Zambrano-Contreras because they suspected she was involved in a prostitution ring run by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. They also described Nino-Moncada as a member of the gang. Both are in the U.S. illegally, according to the FBI. Their defense lawyers contend that Homeland Security officials are blaming the victims for a federal officers unjustified shooting. Nino-Moncadas assault case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut. Zambrano-Contreras, 32, was moved Saturday from Legacy Emanuel Medical Center to the Northwest Immigration and Customs Enforcement Processing Center in Tacoma. She is expected to make her first appearance in federal court in Portland later this week on an allegation of illegal entry into the U.S. in 2023 before having to appear in federal court in Texas, where the complaint was filed. On Wednesday, her lawyer Conor Huseby asked that Zambrano-Contreras be allowed to appear by video for her court hearing in Portland from the ICE detention center in Tacoma due to her medical condition and the difficulty of transportation. The man shot and wounded by a Border Patrol agent last week entered not guilty pleas through his lawyer Wednesday to a two-count indictment that accuses him of assaulting a federal officer. Luis David Nino-Moncada, 33, is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly or dangerous weapon -- his Toyota Tacoma pickup -- and damaging federal property. Assistant Federal Public Defender Michael Benson asked to delay until next Wednesday a hearing to argue for his clients release pending trial. A tentative date of March 17 was set for a five-day trial. Prosecutors contend Nino-Moncada attempted to assault a Border Patrol officer when he rammed his truck into an unoccupied federal rental car several times. The encounter occurred about 2 p.m. last Thursday when six Border Patrol officers in four unmarked cars followed Nino-Moncadas pickup into the lot of a medical office building at 10201 S.E. Main St. Four of the officers interviewed by the FBI said they identified themselves as law enforcement officers and demanded Nino-Moncada and his passenger, 32-year-old Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, get out of the truck. Nino-Moncada instead repeatedly reversed his truck and struck the unoccupied black rental sedan before one of the officers fired twice into the drivers window of the pickup, striking Nino-Moncada in the arm and Zambrano-Contreras in the chest, according to the FBI. The wounded driver sped out of the lot and drove about three miles to an apartment complex on Northeast 146th Avenue, just north of East Burnside. Nino-Moncada then called 911 to report that he and his passenger had been shot. Federal officers said they were targeting Zambrano-Contreras because they suspected she was involved in a prostitution ring run by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. They also described Nino-Moncada as a member of the gang. Both are in the U.S. illegally, according to the FBI. Their defense lawyers contend that Homeland Security officials are blaming the victims for a federal officers unjustified shooting. Benson, one of two assistant federal public defenders appointed to represent Nino-Moncada, also asked U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman to direct deputy U.S. marshals not to cancel any future medical appointments his client may have. Before Wednesdays appearance, Nino-Moncada had a medical appointment to address new issues with his arm, but he missed it because of his scheduled court appearance, Benson said. Nino-Moncada, dressed in blue jail scrubs, listened to the hearing with the help of a Spanish-speaking interpreter. Nino-Moncadas assault case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut. Zambrano-Contreras, 32, was moved Saturday from Legacy Emanuel Medical Center to the Northwest Immigration and Customs Enforcement Processing Center in Tacoma. Her lawyer Conor Huseby has asked to delay her first appearance in federal court in Portland until Friday on an allegation of illegal entry into the U.S. in 2023. The charge was filed in federal court in Texas, where she is alleged to have entered the United States from Mexico. Huseby also asked that Zambrano-Contreras be allowed to appear by video for the court hearing from the ICE detention center in Tacoma due to her medical condition and the difficulty of transportation. MOSCOW, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed and four others were injured in a drone attack early on Wednesday in the Rostov Oblast, said regional Governor Yuri Slyusar. The strike damaged two flats in a Rostov apartment block and shattered windows in several other units throughout the building, Slyusar said on Telegram, adding that a temporary accommodation center has been set up for residents. All the wounded, including a four-year-old child, have been hospitalized, the governor noted. He later said that during debris removal in the Rostov apartment building, rescuers found an unidentified man's body in one of the burned-out units. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that during the past night, 25 Ukrainian unmanned aircraft were intercepted and destroyed over the Rostov Oblast. A Multnomah County judge ordered a veteran tagger to state prison for four years on Monday after determining the man had been spray painting Portland since the 1990s. Citing the evidence presented at trial, Judge Christopher Ramras said that Jacob Ramos known for using the tag Bier was involved in the Decorate the City graffiti crew in decades past and more recently founded a crew called Kill Your Television. Ramras found the tagger guilty of 51 counts of first- or second-degree criminal mischief during a bench trial without a jury in November. He ordered Ramos to pay $33,000 in restitution to various property owners. Ramos conviction is the second time a tagger has been sentenced to prison since Portland launched a much publicized graffiti crackdown in 2024 and assigned two officers to investigate spray paint crimes on a part-time basis. Youre in your mid-40s, a time when most people have long given up this type of activity, Ramras told the 46-year-old. But it was clear from the trial evidence youve been doing this for decades. The judge noted that Ramos at one point operated a painting company called Decorative Top Coat the same initials as his old graffiti crew and potentially profited by abating the very vandalism he and his friends committed at night. Text messages between Ramos and a friend discussing plans to shoplift spray paint and low security at a local hardware store werent particularly encouraging, either, the judge added. Prosecutor Bijal Patel said Ramos was considered very influential in the graffiti world and an inspiration to the next generation. An alleged accomplice in the vandalism spree, 29-year-old Shelaleh Rostami, is out of custody while her case, charged separately, remains open. Defense attorney Ruben Medina acknowledged that Ramos had turned down a 13-month plea deal at the start of the case, but highlighted that Ramos later cooperated with law enforcement. He certainly inconvenienced a lot of people, and cost people a lot of money, Medina said. He should not have done it, but we have to keep in perspective that this is a graffiti case. Patel sought a sentence of 8 years in prison, but Ramras said that was too far and instead imposed four years and granted the possibility of time off for good behavior. Ramos has also been convicted for building ghost guns inside his Lents home, and faces the possibility of another year behind bars at a hearing next week. For his part, Ramos said it was unfair to impose prison time, adding that hed changed his ways since he was first arrested in April 2023. None of this is about me, I have kids to raise, he said. I am really sorry. A few other high-profile graffiti cases have been resolved in recent years. Aiden Rivero, a 19-year-old Beaverton man who was caught in a spray paint bombing run on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard in 2024, was sentenced last year to 64 hours of community service, two years of probation and $2,000 in restitution in May. Cameron Jung known as Cam1 was sentenced to pay $2,000 in restitution and five years probation in October. Jung, 25, received a six-month sentence in Washington County jail as part of an unrelated stalking and burglary case, court records show. The only other tagger to be sent to prison, 29-year-old Jerry Mijangos, is set to be released in September. As for the Portland Police Bureaus graffiti squad, one of the two officers on the team has since been promoted and reassigned. A police spokesperson said officers on the Neighborhood Response Team will continue tackling graffiti issues as time and resources allow, alongside their other responsibilities. Oregon students spend less time in class than their peers in almost any other state and research demonstrates that has a direct impact on their overall academic performance, a national expert told a panel of lawmakers Tuesday. Based on a broad body of rigorous research, time in school is a fundamental resource for educational success, said Matthew Kraft, a professor of education and economics at Brown University. The findings [are] overwhelmingly clear that on average, more instructional time improves student learning outcomes, including student performance on state standardized tests. Oregon is one of 19 states that does not specify how many days must be in the school year, said Jennifer Thomsen, a consultant at the Denver-based Education Commission of the States, a nonprofit that analyzes state-by-state education policy. Instead, the state requires hours: elementary and middle school students must get 900 instructional hours, while most high schoolers must be scheduled for 990 hours of class time. (The exception is seniors, who typically graduate several weeks before the end of the school year and are supposed to receive 966 hours of instruction.) Kraft said that the most recent set of national data, from the 2017-2018 school year, shows that the average American student spends 1,231 hours in class each year. Thats about 35 more school days than Oregon high schoolers, and 47 more days than elementary and middle school students, given the average length of a school day at nearly seven hours. Based on that data, Oregon ranks 47th out of 50th in total hours of time in school during an academic year, Kraft told the members of the House Interim Education Committee. Comparing instructional time across states is like comparing apples not just to oranges, but also to pineapples, kiwis and persimmons, Kraft and Thomsen both warned, because every state uses different metrics. For example, some factor in a combination of recess, lunch and passing time while others exclude it. The hours actually available for substantive instruction are further impacted by the rhythms of the school year, in Oregon and elsewhere, some lawmakers suggested. Were not even talking about the week that school starts [when students are settling in and getting used to new routines], the week before Christmas break and the two weeks before summer, when little kids get the wiggles and high school students check out, and teachers tend to focus on getting struggling students over the finish line, instead of teaching new material, said Rep. Emily McIntire, R-Eagle Point, who is the chair of her local school board. Compounding the issue: as in some, but not all, other states, Oregon law allows for school districts to count up to 30 hours of professional staff development as instructional time, along with up to 30 hours of parent/teacher conference time, though not every district does so, said Alexa Pearson, an assistant superintendent at the Oregon Department of Education. Schools may also choose to count up to 60 hours of recess as instructional time for kindergarten through third grade students, under state law. The state does not collect any information about how many districts factor conferences, recess and professional development into instructional time, said Susan Payne, who works with Pearson at the state education agency, because of concerns about reporting burdens on school districts. And it relies on local districts to report whether they are in compliance with the required number of instructional hours, Payne said; the state agency only investigates after districts have self-reported that they fell below the minimum required hours. Instructional time is not the only factor that contributes to student success, Kraft cautioned. So does instructional rigor, well-supported, highly qualified teachers and uninterrupted learning time, he said. And he conceded that Oregons high rate of students missing at least 10 percent of the school days they do have at 33%, behind only Alaska and Washington, D.C. is a parallel problem not solved just by adding more lesson time. Kraft also suggested that Oregon should examine its current policies around teacher absences in collective bargaining agreements, including whether educators are incentivized to use up all available personal days and sick leave because they are prohibited from rolling it into the subsequent year. After decades of farm and food-processing pollution contaminating groundwater in northeast Oregon, state regulators are proposing new monitoring and testing rules for large farms in the area. But some of the groups invited to help draft the rules are at odds over whats been proposed. In comments shared with the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Board of Agriculture shortly before the new year, farm groups opposed to the rules told regulators they go too far, while others contended they dont go far enough. The proposed rules, if adopted later this year, would require farmers in the Lower Umatilla Groundwater Basin spanning parts of Morrow and Umatilla Counties to create a plan to manage nitrate levels in their soil and to test annually at least 10% of fields, keeping records of those plans and subsequent soil testing for at least five years in case the agriculture department chooses to audit. Farmers would not be required to submit plans but could be investigated if the state agriculture agency receives a complaint regarding practices that may violate the rules, according to agency spokesperson Andrea Cantu-Schomus. She added that agency officials are still evaluating public comments and determining any needed changes. Farm fertilizers and animal manure are the single largest source of nitrate contamination in the basin, according to analysis from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, which declared the basin a critical management area in 1990. Since then, a local committee adopted voluntary measures to curb pollution, but the state has taken little regulatory action. Nitrate levels in the groundwater have continued to rise since 1990, according to testing from the agency, and hundreds of residents who rely on wells are drawing water that is unsafe to drink. The issue came to a head in recent years when one of the regulated polluters, Port of Morrow, received a record fine from the environmental quality department for years of illegal nitrate dumps via wastewater it sells and gives away to farmers, generated by food processors at the port. But farmers themselves, who arent required to hold state-sanctioned water discharge permits, are harder to regulate under state and federal law. The Oregon Health Authority since 2024 found that at least 634 domestic drinking water wells in the area contain unsafe levels of nitrate, some with nearly 10 times the federal limit for safe drinking water, and more than 420 show elevated levels that could lead to long-term health problems. Too far or not far enough? Groups that advocated for stricter rules and regulations on farmers said in public comments that the proposed rules are alarmingly insufficient to fulfill the agriculture departments mandate to prevent pollution in waters of the state from industrial farms. Kaleb Lay, policy director for the nonprofit Oregon Rural Action, was among those invited to participate in the rules advisory committee for the new nitrate monitoring regulations. It begs the question if a rule can be broken without consequences, is it really a rule? Id say thats more of a request, Lay said in an email. And asking nicely for polluters to stop polluting is the same thing Oregon has been doing in the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area for almost 36 years, to no meaningful effect. Lay, along with representatives from eight farm, environmental and public health groups, said in public comments that the Oregon Department of Agriculture needs to require farmers make a plan to reduce the possibility excess nitrate could get into their soil and submit those plans each year for compliance review by agency officials. They say officials should enforce penalties on farmers found violating their own plans. They also want the agency to require farmers to test all of their fields for soil nitrate levels each year, not just on 10% of fields as currently proposed. Other groups that advocated for a less regulatory, more voluntary approach said the rules risk alienating some farmers, producing bad data and requiring burdensome and costly changes that will make it harder for farms to operate. As currently drafted, several elements of the rule blur the line between a regulatory program and a research project, wrote Ryan Krabill, a lobbyist for the Oregon Farm Bureau, in public comment responding to the rules. Krabill also participated on the rules advisory committee. Krabill said theres not enough consensus that such nitrate testing would give an accurate snapshot of the efficacy of any one farms management plan given seasonal variances in weather, crop rotations and the non-cyclical nature of groundwater movement. He said some testing could be too expensive for small farms that are already struggling, and they could be unduly punished if the data is misleading. Regulations meant to protect groundwater should not unintentionally undermine the economic viability of the very operations they seek to support, especially in communities already facing economic stress, he said. Alex Baumhardt, Oregon Capital Chronicle Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Oregons Medicaid program is running significantly over budget, and state health officials say lawmakers will have to decide how to cover the rising costs by either securing more money or cutting benefits. Officials with the Oregon Health Authority told lawmakers Tuesday that problem is largely driven by much higher payment rates the agency agreed to make to the regional health plans that manage most Medicaid benefits in Oregon a change expected to add about $564 million in costs in 2026 alone. Those health plans known as coordinated care organizations include Health Share, Trillium and PacificSource. The state has 16 coordinated care organizations, which receive fixed monthly payments to manage care for about 1.4 million residents enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan, the states Medicaid program. Medicaid is one of Oregons largest budget commitments. Lawmakers planned for payments to the health plans to grow about 3.4% a year, but rates for 2026 instead rose by more than 10% on average. Dave Baden, OHAs deputy director for policy, told lawmakers during a legislative budget committee hearing that the increase reflects higher-than-expected use of health care especially behavioral health services combined with rising costs across hospitals, clinics and providers statewide. Baden said the higher rates create an immediate budget gap and set up even bigger challenges for 2027, when the state still has to figure out how to pay for the final six months of the biennium. To soften the blow, OHA is proposing to scale back a program that makes bonus payments to Medicaid health plans and, in turn, doctors and clinics for meeting quality goals, such as preventive care, chronic disease management and maternal health outcomes. OHA leaders told lawmakers that reducing those bonus payments would save about $210 million, including $63 million in state general fund dollars. But the savings would come with tradeoffs. Baden said about 80% of those quality bonus dollars typically flow through to providers, meaning the cuts would be felt directly by clinics and primary care practices that serve Medicaid patients. Several lawmakers questioned whether cutting a program meant to improve care and rein in long-term costs made sense at a time when Medicaid spending is rising so quickly. Baden said the incentive pool is one of the few budget levers the state can legally pull when base Medicaid costs exceed projections. But even after the bonus cuts, about $354 million in additional Medicaid costs remain on the books for 2026, according to OHAs figures. To close that gap, lawmakers would need to approve more state general fund money for Medicaid. Because Medicaid is jointly funded, the federal government matches most state spending but only after the state puts up its share first. In Oregons case, the state typically pays about 42 cents of every Medicaid dollar, while the federal government covers about 58 cents. OHA estimates that adding roughly $92 million in state money would draw in about $262 million in federal matching dollars. Alternatively, legislators could consider other tradeoffs, such as cutting non-federally mandated services, like adult dental care and community-based mental health services, slowing program expansions or making further cuts to incentives options that officials say could affect access to care or the financial stability of providers. OHA officials told lawmakers that the financial pressures will continue beyond 2026. Thats because the rates today become the baseline for future negotiations with Medicaid insurers. Officials also said that President Donald Trumps signature tax and spending law will add additional challenges for the state. Oregon health officials are seeking more than $200 million to implement new Medicaid eligibility rules and major technology upgrades to comply with the new law. The state previously estimated that the Big Beautiful Bill could also cost the state up to $12 billion in lost federal Medicaid funding over the next decade, depending on how many people lose coverage. President Donald Trump was caught on video Tuesday, flipping off a Ford factory worker during a tour of the River Rouge plant in Dearborn, Michigan. The incident was caught on camera by someone on the plant floor. The video shows Trump on a walkway overlooking the plant when a voice from off camera can be heard yelling pedophile protector. Trump points at the heckler and appears to say f*** you twice to the factory worker. As Trump walks away from the area he flips off the heckler, before waving to the rest of the workers. Following the incident, White House communications director Steven Cheung confirmed Trump reacted to the workers comments. A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response, Cheung said. Shortly after the incident, the employee was suspended by Ford. The employee has been identified as TJ Sabula, who told The Washington Post that he had no regrets in yelling at the president. I dont feel as though fate looks upon you often, and when it does, you better be ready to seize the opportunity, Sabula said. And today I think I did that. Ford acknowledged the incident, but declined to speak further on the employees status. We had a great event today and were proud of how our employees represented Ford, Fords Executive Director of Corporate Communications David Tovar told CNN. Weve seen the clip youre referring to. One of our core values is respect and we dont condone anyone saying anything inappropriate like that within our facilities. When that happens, we have a process to deal with it but we dont get into specific personnel matters. During his tour of the plant, Trump spoke with other employees and officials with the company. He had a firsthand look at how several versions of F-150 trucks are built, including gas and hybrid models. After completing the plant tour, Trump delivered a speech to the Detroit Economic Club in an event held at Motor City Casino in Detroit. The damage from Decembers storms and flooding will cost between $40 million and $50 million, Washington transportation officials say. The estimate, which has yet to be finalized, came Monday, on day one of the legislative session, minutes into the first House Transportation Committee meeting. The legislators heard from John Himmel, the emergency security manager for the Washington State Department of Transportation, who said emergency crews were activated from Dec. 8 to Jan. 2 and responded to 50 locations. At one point we had 107 road sites that were closed," Himmel said. Most of them have been reopened now.Steve Roark, WSDOTs Olympic region administrator who also spoke to the committee, estimated the cost of storm damage, who said the range was a preliminary estimate and may change as Gov. Bob Ferguson prepares to ask President Donald Trump for a major disaster declaration, which would open up federal funding. I want to emphasize that, Roark said, noting that the state signed 16 contracts for emergency repairs, with more to come. It is just an estimate. Were still compiling costs. Its unclear how much federal money will be available for cleanup, but lawmakers said in the past that the feds pay for 80% to 90% of disaster costs, and Roark said the state is typically on the hook for 20% of damages. A road remains submerged in water after heavy rains and a levee failure caused flooding Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Pacific, Wash. AP The state can apply for relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency only after Trump declares the emergency, and that money can be used for work already completed. WSDOT will ask the Federal Highway Administration for funding, but any permanent restoration work can only happen after that agencys approval. Highway 2 suffered the most damage during the storms, and parts of it remain closed. Nearly 50 miles of the highway between Skykomish and Leavenworth were closed for almost three weeks, some of it buried under up to 10 feet of debris. Other parts of the road were completely washed out. The highway is now open on both sides of Stevens Pass, but repairs will take months, said Roark. and the stretch of Highway 2 from milepost 58 to milepost 70, east of Stevens Pass, likely wont be done until July, after the snow melts. The stretch through Tumwater Canyon has 16 places that are damaged or completely lost. The canyon is still off-limits, but could reopen in March, lawmakers heard. Work to stabilize the slope on Interstate 90 near milepost 36 at North Bend was swift. Flooding had eaten away at the road, exposing a culvert and compromising the shoulder and guardrail. All lanes reopened Jan. 7. On Highway 12 near Naches, the roadway was gone, the Yakima River took it out, Roark said. Most of the work there is done but was paused to perform some environmental assessments as required by federal rules. Repairs should be complete by the end of the month. Near Enumclaw, Highway 410 also washed out by a swollen White River, but crews rebuilt the embankment and the road reopened Dec. 23. On Highway 101, about 6 miles south of Forks, works going to take some time in the landslide-prone area, Roark said, noting that the state built a retaining wall about 20 years ago to keep the road out of the Bogachiel River. And were going to get to do it again, Roark said. Work would begin, at the earliest, this summer. Until then, this section of Highway 101 is only open to alternating traffic. Roark said no bridges were substantially damaged during the storms. The big question stymieing Portland city councilors isnt how they will close an expected $67 million deficit in the city budget next year, bolster housing production or galvanize our struggling local economy. Nope. The question that has brought City Council to a near standstill the past week is: Who among them will serve as the next Council president? This should be simple. In the citys first year under our new form of government, current Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney has skillfully navigated the many unknowns never addressed by charter changes. She has led creation of the political infrastructure and processes necessary for the city to do its work. And she has managed meetings with diplomacy and professionalism, despite deep divisions among councilors in viewpoint and experience. Her ability to move the city forward should have made the question of re-electing her a slam dunk. But, as with many things over the past year, there are no slam dunks for this City Council. Despite a seven-hour meeting last Wednesday and another hour-long meeting Thursday, the vote remained deadlocked 6-6 between Pirtle-Guiney and Councilor Sameer Kanal, a member of the self-described progressive caucus, to lead the council next year. The debate which often devolved into trivial complaints about Pirtle-Guineys management of members sprawling objectives grew increasingly bitter over nine fruitless rounds of voting. The meeting continued the next day, abruptly ending only because of news that a border patrol officer had shot two people, a reminder of the real-world problems swirling outside City Council chambers. Even with the nomination of two alternate candidates on Thursday, the acrimony continued. After arguing that opposition to Kanal, who is Indian American, was rooted in racism, Councilor Angelita Morillo affirmed her support for her fellow caucus member, adding that because I am not as old as you, I will sit here and I wont have to go to the bathroom for the vote. I will wait as long as it takes, and I will wait for Councilor Kanal. So, whenever you are ready to show some level of maturity, I am ready to take a vote. Ironic, that last sentence. City councilors cannot spend another pointless meeting making the same arguments and rehashing the same grievances. They must figure out how to resolve this issue and show Portlanders that this year will not be a disastrous waste of time while the citys crises deepen. Does the charter allow for a ranked-choice vote by councilors to determine the majority required to elect the president? Could the Council quickly seek a new opinion on whether the mayor can break the tie, as many expected when the charter changes were passed? Should they flip a coin as Councilor Steve Novick suggested as a perhaps only half-kidding solution? At this point, almost any resolution is preferable to this drama. Certainly, we maintain that Pirtle-Guiney is the right choice for a second year. Notably, labor unions with whom we often disagree similarly support the current president. This isnt because she is beholden to any one special interest or another, but rather because she has demonstrated the leadership, focus and pragmatism that is desperately needed in this new form of government. The ability to get things done to understand the objectives, identify the steps to achieve them and follow through is a tremendously underrated but critical element of leadership. While Kanal brings true dedication to the city and a willingness to dig into the details, he has not shown that same ability to know when to move past debate into action. That has come through in his focus on procedural minutiae, such as whether committee appointments can be put on the consent agenda, as well as in his overall approach. As he told The Oregonian/OregonLives Shane Dixon Kavanaugh last September, 12 people will never be as efficient as five. The idea we need to reduce messiness prioritizes efficiency over representation and is not democracy at all. Efficiency action necessarily comes at the expense of some representation, because there will always be people who disagree with an outcome. But the lack of full agreement cannot be the reason to stay mired in paralysis. His involvement in the progressive caucus is a legitimate concern, though not because four members are people of color. The six councilors are under an ethics investigation for possible public meetings violations. Five of them including Kanal are being represented by a lawyer from a firm that regularly sues the city, in what appears to be a clear conflict of interest. And the progressive caucus, often called Peacock, has engineered some of Councils most ill-advised actions, including passing a math-challenged budget amendment and rejecting well-vetted grants to nonprofits serving communities of color. This is about good judgment, not race. Still, Portlanders are prepared for whomever the City Council chooses, whether its Kanal, Pirtle-Guiney or someone entirely different. That is what voters signed up for when they made their ballot choices and its what they have to accept. Ultimately, the City Council must figure out how to ensure this is not a recurring issue, either by reopening the question of whether the mayor can weigh in or by exploring some other avenue for resolving 6-6 ties on council president elections. But in order to do that, they need to get past this years council president election. Get it done, Council. Portlanders will live with the outcome. -The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board Multiple Oregon lawmakers of both parties have expressed support for delaying implementation of the states historic law that will limit political contributions and increase the transparency of spending in Oregon politics. The Secretary of States Office has less than a year to stand up some of the key provisions of the law, which legislators passed in 2024 but havent revisited since despite promising to make technical fixes. Giving the agency more time, some lawmakers say, would help the state avoid a disastrous rollout of a revitalized system to limit, monitor and track political contributions. I think Oregonians would be appreciative of us being thoughtful about this and not rushing, Rep. Thuy Tran, a Democrat from Portland, said Tuesday in a Joint Subcommittee on General Government meeting. Because the voters dont know how hard this project is, I think they would be appreciative of us taking our time and doing the project right. Top officials of the Secretary of States Office have requested $25 million from lawmakers in the upcoming five-week legislative session to keep the implementation of the law on track. But they have said that amount is only a placeholder estimate, largely because the agency has not yet hired a contractor to create some of the technological infrastructure required by the law. Without further guidance and additional funding, agency officials have warned the rollout of the law could be botched. Oregon has a weak track record of standing up large technology-linked systems, most notably the states massive failure to launch the online health exchange Cover Oregon about a decade ago. The problem with this strategy is that we are short on time, Deputy Secretary of State Michael Kaplan told lawmakers Tuesday. But the law is the law. We are prepared to take more risk, enormous risk, to try and fulfill the deadline as its currently stated. As written, the law will limit the amount of money that political candidates, corporations, unions, individuals and other groups can give to each other starting in 2027, among other provisions. It will also require the state to maintain a comprehensive, modernized system to track political contributions between such groups starting in 2028. Its unclear whether lawmakers would delay the rollout of the entire law or only certain provisions that are set to go into effect next January. Campaign finance advocates have asserted that the Secretary of States Office doesnt need significant additional funding or time to prepare the provisions that will take effect next year, while the agency has said that it does require more resources to ensure those provisions function as intended. Lawmakers also have not to date considered alternatives to make implementation easier, such as adjusting Oregons law to require a system that more closely resembles campaign finance tracking systems already in use in several other states, such as Washington. Since they passed the law in 2024, lawmakers have known that they would have to fund its implementation and address numerous technical inconsistencies and flaws. Yet they have taken no action on the law other than allocating about $5 million to the Secretary of States Office shortly after it passed. In the final week of last years five-month legislative session, lawmakers briefly considered delaying some of the bills provisions. But they quickly nixed that proposal after receiving intense backlash from campaign finance reform advocates. Secretary of State Tobias Read told a Senate committee Tuesday afternoon that delaying the required deadlines would almost certainly lower the cost of implementation because only a limited number of businesses will likely be willing to take on such an ambitious, high-stakes project in the narrow timeframe. Any such delay would likely spark massive opposition from campaign finance reform advocates, who argue that the current deadlines have provided more than enough time for officials to prepare for the laws implementation. They point out that some of the bills more technically-heavy provisions arent set to go into effect until 2028. Our top priority is to make sure we dont have any delays in implementing what Oregonians want and deserve, which is stopping millionaires and billionaires from giving unlimited political contributions, Jason Kafoury, a longtime campaign finance reform advocate, told The Oregonian/OregonLive last week. Oregonians have long expressed support for restrictions on political spending. In 2020, voters with 78% approval passed Measure 107 to amend the state constitution to allow such limits, paving the way for the 2024 law. With no campaign finance limits, Oregon has seen massive political contributions flow to candidates of both parties. For example, Read, a Democrat, raised nearly $1 million in 2024 while running for secretary of state. Sen. Christine Drazan of Canby, a Republican who proposed the delay in setting contribution limits last year, raised more than $22 million during the 2022 gubernatorial race that saw a record $70 million in spending. A spokesperson for House Speaker Julie Fahey, a Eugene Democrat who led the process to pass the 2024 law, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment regarding whether Fahey would support a delay. Gov. Tina Koteks office also didnt immediately respond to a similar request. The process by the Secretary of States Office to prepare the laws implementation has been marked by inconsistent oversight and a lack of guidance from lawmakers. One main reason that the agency hasnt yet hired a contractor for the technology overhaul is because Reads predecessor, LaVonne Griffin-Valade, had planned for the agency to carry out that work internally, agency officials say. It wasnt until May of last year, five months after Read entered office, that agency staff determined they would have to hire an outside contractor to carry out the project. At that point, the agency laid off 13 employees who had been hired to undertake that assignment. Making matters more complicated, the Secretary of States Office has not yet finished a months-long rulesmaking process that aims to address numerous inconsistencies and flaws in the law. The agency has warned that without legislative changes, the law could have severe unintended consequences, such as unfairly punishing Oregonians who unknowingly violate the law when making political contributions. Several lawmakers from both parties Tuesday said they support delaying some of the laws provisions. Lawmakers are preparing to tighten agency budgets and address projected budget deficits in the upcoming short session, and delaying the cost of implementing the bill could save them some money in the short-term and potentially the long-term. In my view, we would be wise to slow up and to figure out what the true environment is, give our secretary of state time to work through the issues that are before us, said Rep. Greg Smith, a Republican from Heppner. In my view, this is something we should be looking at in a future session, but not at this point. A group of Democratic attorneys general led by Oregon on Tuesday filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administrations requirement that states must recognize that male and female are the only two immutable sexes to receive certain federal funds. According to the complaint, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services informed states last year that they must certify compliance with President Donald Trumps executive order that rolled back protections for transgender people to receive federal health, education and research funds. The definition was based on whether people are born with eggs or sperm, rather than on their chromosomes, and pitched as a way to protect women from gender ideology extremism. The states are asking a federal court to block HHS from enforcing the new conditions. Oregon has worked hard to expand access to medical choice and make sure everyone can get the care they need, Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement. This policy uses federal money to interfere with deeply personal medical decisions that belong to patients, families, and their doctors. Agencies shouldnt be forced to take care away from people just to keep their funding. An email was sent to HHS seeking comment. The attorneys general involved in the lawsuit are from California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek has tasked a former Republican rival with leading efforts to shore up Oregons business environment. Former Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp will serve as Koteks new chief prosperity officer. Kotek created the position as part of her Prosperity Roadmap, which she announced in December. The initiative aims to boost Oregons economy and make the state more business friendly as it faces sluggish population growth, high housing costs and other faltering economic indicators. Knopp will work with the new 16-person Prosperity Council, whose members Kotek announced last week, to come up with policy recommendations. He will earn $191,000 annually and work within Koteks office, spokesperson Elisabeth Shepard said in an email. He will start in his new role next week. To be successful, this role demands a unique set of skills an entrepreneurial spirit, a systems thinker, and equal parts pragmatism and persistence, Kotek said in a statement. Tim is going to be a great part of my team, and I am grateful that he has agreed to step up and serve Oregonians. Knopp spent well over two decades in the state Legislature until he was barred from running for reelection in 2024 for taking part in a six-week walkout with his Republican colleagues during the 2023 legislative session. At the time, he was serving as minority leader in the Senate. The walkout came after voters in 2022 passed Measure 113, which barred lawmakers who had 10 or more unexcused absences from running for reelection. Since leaving the Legislature, Knopp has worked as executive vice president of the Central Oregon Builders Association, which represents more than 800 companies, and as executive director of Building Partners for Affordable Housing. He will leave those roles to join Koteks initiative. When the governor calls on you to drive prosperity for Oregonians across the state, grow the economy, and support Oregon businesses, the answer is yes, Knopp said in a statement. LONDON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Britain has begun withdrawing personnel from a United States military base in Qatar, Sky News reported on Wednesday. The move comes amid rising tensions in the region after U.S. President Donald Trump told protesters in Iran that "help is on its way" and warned of "very strong action" against Iran. Iran has repeatedly threatened to retaliate against U.S. military facilities across the Middle East in the event of an American strike. The United States has also started pulling some personnel from the U.S.-run Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American military base in the region. It remains unclear whether all British personnel are being withdrawn from the base. The City of Portland is weighing a proposal that would ban law enforcement from wearing masks and require them to don a badge or produce appropriate identification. The potential policy change, championed by City Councilor Sameer Kanal, comes amid national outcry that federal immigration agents have made arrests while concealing their identity. If approved, it would restrict the use of facial coverings to specific, clearly defined, and limited health circumstances, according to the draft document. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have argued that officers need to mask for their personal safety and to avoid harassment. Under the ordinance, that justification wouldnt be enough. Generalized and undifferentiated fear and apprehension about officer safety shall not be sufficient to justify the use of facial coverings, the proposal said. Its unclear whether or not such a rule would be enforceable by the city. Portland Police Association President Aaron Schmautz previously told The Oregonian/OregonLive a city ban did not appear to be workable. The city, full stop, cannot impede the federal government from wearing masks or certain equipment or things like that if them doing so is proper, in their view, as it relates to the furtherance of the job theyre doing, he said in September. Portland City Councils public safety committee met to discuss Kanals proposal and its merits Tuesday afternoon. Enforcing such rules, even locally for Portland police, could cost an estimated $560,000 and could take up to two years to implement, city documents show. A slideshow from the citys community and public safety committee states concerns that federal agencies will not follow Portlands masking rules. Portland police would be responsible for intervening if other agencies dont comply with the ordinance, documents show. Similar calls for identification are in the works at the state level. State Reps. Cyrus Javadi, D-Tillamook, and Tom Anderson, D-Salem, announced plans last year to introduce a bill in next months short session that would ban face coverings and require all officers to wear uniforms with their names and identifying badge numbers. And Rep. Farrah Chaichi, D-Beaverton, also has a mask ban proposal. Californias own mask ban for law enforcement went into effect Jan. 1, but is currently being contested by the U.S. Department of Justice in court. This story has been updated to correctly report the date on which Portland City Councils public safety committee held a public hearing on the mask ban proposal. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Love Island All Stars Beyond the Villa returns with Season 3, premiering tonight, Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 9 p.m. on Peacock. You can stream it live or on demand. New episodes come every Thursday evening. You can watch Love Island All Stars Season 3 for cheap with Peacock. What is the difference between Love Island and Love Island All Stars? The main difference between the shows is that All Stars brings back favorite cast members from past Love Island seasons for a chance at love. The third season of this show also takes place at Ludus Magnus estate in Franschhoek, South Africa. Who is the host of Love Island All Stars? Maya Jama will host this season of the series. How can I stream Love Island All Stars Season 3 online? What: Love Island All Stars Season 3 When: Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 9 p.m. How to watch live stream online: You can watch Love Island All Stars with Peacock starting with sign up for only $7.99/month. As the year turns and Earth dips out of the solar maximum of solar cycle 25, an approximately 11-year cycle of magnetic activity from the sun, will Oregonians continue to have chances to see the northern lights? Maybe! According to Space.com, the early declining years of a solar cycle can actually be the most exciting for night sky watchers Peak auroral activity occurs a few years after solar maximum, Pal Brekke, a solar physicist at the Norwegian Space Agency, told Space.com in 2024. The declining phase can have longer, if lighter, geomagnetic storms, as well as powerful last gasp storms from the sun. The best place to see the auroras remains the Arctic region of Scandinavian countries or closer to home in Alaska and northern Canada. But, when those big events happen on the sun, there is always a chance to see the lights over the lower 48, including in Washington and Oregon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Space Weather Prediction Center keeps an updated prediction map for tonight and tomorrow night, which shows the possible viewline of the auroras for the next two nights in North America. Keep an eye on NOAAs page, or this one, to know when the northern lights could be visible in your area. When they come, be ready. To view the lights, stay away from light pollution and look toward the northern horizon. Follow the Space Weather Prediction Centers 30-minute aurora forecast to see the latest predictions of where the lights will be visible. bartenders dressed in vaguely steampunk outfits pouring ingredients from brown glass medicine bottlescrossed by the white span of a modern motor bridge beyond which exten She is compelled to understand her experiments in drawing and painting as a fo whats most personal becomes most universal?DABROWSKIThats exactly what Ive been trying to say for the past ten minutes A.and Ive noticed that Indians often end up working t Bernadette Van-Huybetter known as the eponymous member of the art collective Bernadette Corporationtakes on the fake theme of ADHD.His lifes mission was to preserve the cul and Pistachio Baked Alaska You are hotYou are coldYour black beauty spotsEnhance your creamy whitenessYou All this talk of eternity is just a way of dressing up our biological urges; if you put a man and woman together.for a long time I take a quick break for a bite of a beef tallowbased bar I bought on TikTok after watching a video by a content creator wearing a crochet Minions hat.I reread Family Furnis I book the test because I am fluent in my own stagnation; the only thing that has ever motivated me is a deadline.So there is an initial moment in which the Athenians defeat KIEV, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian parliament on Wednesday approved the appointment of new energy and defense ministers, according to lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak. Denys Shmyhal was appointed energy minister and first deputy prime minister, while Mykhailo Fedorov was appointed defense minister. Both nominations were submitted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Shmyhal's appointment was backed by 248 lawmakers, while Fedorov received 277 votes in the 450-seat parliament. Shmyhal, 50, formerly served as prime minister and defense minister. Fedorov, 34, had held the posts of first deputy prime minister and minister for digital transformation. BERLIN, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The German Ministry of Defense on Wednesday announced that it will participate in a multinational reconnaissance mission in Greenland to assess potential military contributions to regional security. At the invitation of Denmark, a team of 13 personnel from the Bundeswehr, the German armed forces, will join other European nations for the mission in Greenland, according to the ministry. The team is set to depart for Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, on Thursday morning. The aim of the mission is to explore framework conditions for potential military support to Denmark in ensuring security in the region. For example, the team will look into capabilities such as maritime surveillance, the ministry said. The Danish Ministry of Defense confirmed Wednesday that Denmark is increasing its military presence in and around Greenland, working closely with NATO allies. On the same day, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that Sweden had sent military personnel to Greenland at Denmark's request. Norway has also said that it is sending two military staffers to Greenland to "map out the further cooperation between allies." Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control over defense and foreign policy. The United States maintains a military base on the island. Since returning to office in 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland and has recently ramped up his threat. Police in Cumberland County this month charged a 35-year-old Mechanicsburg caretaker after investigators said she physically abused and defrauded a blind man in a wheelchair, according to charging documents. On July 30, 2025, the victim, a 67-year-old blind man in a wheelchair who suffers from several other medical conditions, told police that Jaqueline M. Williams had been his dependent caretaker for about four years. The victim first met Williams while he was living at an East Pennsboro Township apartment. She later agreed to be his caretaker, which involved light cleaning and transportation to and from appointments. As his caretaker, Williams received the victims personal banking information so she could help him with bills and general banking, according to an affidavit of probable cause. The victim paid Williams in several ways, including personal checks for $50 and authorizing debit-card payments to her for groceries, activities, and personal care needs, the affidavit said. Williams also received a new car from the victim for her personal use. The victim told police that Williams physical abuse started in June 2025 while they were staying at a motel. During an argument, Williams pinned the victims arms to his lap while leaning into his face and pointing her index finger at him, police said. The next day, during another argument in the motel room, Williams put her hands around the victims neck, pinning him, the affidavit said. In July, the victim initiated a $3,100 transfer from his Members 1st account to a Citizens Bank checking account, which he was setting aside for a new apartment. The victim later spoke with a Citizens Bank representative, who said amounts of $2,500 and $600 were withdrawn from the account by Williams and a mutual friend, the affidavit said. On Sept. 19, investigators interviewed Williams at the Middlesex Township Police Department. Williams waived her right to an attorney and spoke with officers, the affidavit said. Williams admitted to withdrawing $2,500 from the victims account and keeping the money. The withdrawals were made through a mutual friend who also has a Citizens Bank account, which helped them receive the money from ATMs. Williams told police the victim owed her the $2,500 for her work. She also said the other $600 was returned to the victim. However, the mutual friend said Williams paid him $250 for assisting with the withdrawals, which he was told were authorized by the victim. Williams kept the other $350, the affidavit said. Williams also admitted to getting into a heated argument with the victim, but denied pointing her finger in the mans face or putting her hands on him. During one of the arguments, Williams told the victim, That is what you are granted when you come here, and God does not tell you that you are granted a house over your head, he does not give you a car, and when somebody is helping you, you be grateful and say thank you, you dont say you are not doing this right in your own house! As police continued to question Williams about the physical abuse, she started to cry and ended the interview. Williams is charged with the financial exploitation of an older adult or care-dependent person, a third-degree felony, and two counts of abuse of a care-dependent person, a first-degree misdemeanor. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 4. A Montgomery County man was hit with multiple charges after he raped a 95-year-old woman, had indecent contact with two other women, and broke into four total homes, according to police. John Vernon Gray, 22, of Telford, was charged with felony rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, burglary, trespassing, and three other related misdemeanors related to two May 2025 incidents and two November 2025 incidents. Police gave the following account in an affidavit of probable cause: Police first responded around 2:25 a.m. on May 10 to a 79-year-old womans home in Lansdale. The woman told police she woke up and saw an arm reaching into her window. She yelled, What are you doing? and the person fled. Four days later, a 95-year-old woman told staff at a senior living facility that around 3 a.m. on May 10, a man broke into her home and sexually assaulted her. The woman lived in her own home in an age-restricted senior living facility. When she saw the man, who police later identified as Gray, she said, What do you want? and he responded, I want you. Gray told her that he had seen her in the cafeteria before, and she was beautiful. After he talked to her, Gray removed his penis and angled it toward her, removed her underwear, tried to penetrate her vagina, then put his penis in her mouth. Gray told her he was 19 years old, lived in an apartment in Blue Bell, then said he lived in a group home, told her he loved her, and said he didnt have a car. He also asked her not to tell anyone. Around an hour and a half after that incident, police responded to an area in Lansdale for a report of a suicidal male. Gray had a gun to his head and told police he was sexually assaulted as a child. Grays mother told police he called her around 4:15 a.m. and said he wanted to kill himself. Gray was taken to a mental health facility for evaluation. Months later, around 3 a.m. on Nov. 8, police responded to a residence near the original string of burglaries. A 72-year-old woman told police a man entered her home and tried to lift her nightgown. When the woman screamed, he fled. Around a half-hour after that, police responded to a nearby residence for another burglary. A 46-year-old woman said a man entered her home, went into her bedroom, and started touching her hip. The woman called for her husband, who was outside, which caused the intruder to flee. A few minutes later, Gray was driving and made a right without stopping, then accelerated. Police made a traffic stop and found Gray inside wearing a black sweatshirt with THRASHER written in yellow letters on the front. Later, police viewed surveillance footage from the area of the burglary that showed a man wearing a black sweatshirt with THRASHER on the front and wearing a face mask. Police found Grays phone number and address, and got a warrant for his phone. His phone pinged off towers around the sites and times of the Nov. 8 burglaries. Police had contact with Gray again on Dec. 28 at his workplace, Planet Fitness. Gray asked police to help with two members trying to use the gym past closing time. On Jan. 8, a judge approved a warrant for Grays DNA. Detectives swabbed Grays mouth at his workplace, and afterward, Gray said, I have a question, is this all for a burglary? then just a burglary? Grays DNA matched the DNA found on a victims nightgown. Further testing is still ongoing. Two days later, Gray told police about the rape of the 95-year-old woman and provided other details about his time in her residence that corroborated the womans story. Gray is in Montgomery County Prison, and his bail hearing is set for Jan. 15. By Ellie Rushing, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) Two mass shootings, years apart, altered Nyshyia Thomas life. In July 2023, her 15-year-old son, DaJuan Brown, was shot and killed when a mentally ill man dressed in body armor gunned down five people at random on the streets of Kingsessing. Then, two years later, almost to the day, police say Thomas son, Daquan Brown, was one of at least 15 people who fired guns aimlessly down the 1500 block of Etting Street, leaving three dead and 10 others wounded. Its a symmetry almost too painful for the mother to reconcile: One son killed in a mass shooting, another behind bars, charged with committing one. Last month, Thomas, 37, sat inside the Philadelphia courthouse and faced the man who killed her youngest son and set in motion the crumbling of her family. This week, she will return, but to sit on the other side of the room to see her eldest son in shackles, seated behind plexiglass, charged with three counts of murder, nine counts of attempted murder, and causing a catastrophe and riot. She said her 21-year-old son feared for his life when he fired his legally owned gun twice down Etting Street the night of July 7, and that prosecutors have charged him with killings he didnt commit. But she also feels for the families of the victims one of them her sons close friend and imagines that, if she were in their shoes, she would want everyone who fired a gun to face consequences. From being on both sides of this, its overwhelming, its unfair, she said. But I understand. Police investigate a mass shooting on the 1500 block of South Etting Street on July 7, 2025. (Elizabeth Robertson via TNS, file) TNS July 4th shootings The July 7 party on Etting Street was one of two on the block that weekend celebrating the July Fourth holiday and the lives of some young men from the neighborhood who had been killed in recent years. Daquan Brown grew up about a block away and went to see childhood friends, his mother said. Shortly after 1 a.m., police said, gunfire erupted. Officers responded to find that more than 120 bullets had been fired down the street in nearly all directions, striking neighbors homes and cars and 13 partygoers. Three men died. Zahir Wylie, 23, was struck in the chest, and Jason Reese, 19, was shot in the head. Azir Harris, 27, who used a wheelchair after being paralyzed in an earlier shooting, was struck in the back. Initially, police thought someone had shot up the party in a targeted attack. But after reviewing video footage, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing ballistics, detectives now believe the partygoers may have unintentionally shot each other. After people heard what they thought was the sound of gunfire someone at the gathering may have shot once into the air or a car passing by may have backfired at least 15 people pulled out their weapons and sprayed dozens of shots down the block, police said. Brown, police said, was among them. As gunfire erupted, he took cover between cars and fired two shots down the block, according to two law enforcement sources who asked not to be named to discuss an ongoing investigation. Investigators dont know whether any of the shots Brown fired struck or killed anyone, the sources said. A full ballistics report is still pending, though it may never be able to determine whose bullets struck each victim. Four other men have also been charged with murder and related crimes. Thomas has tried to come to terms with the police narrative. She is adamant that her son, having fired only two shots, shouldnt be charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder. He feared for his life and acted in self-defense, she said. At the same time, she said, had it been her son who was shot and killed that night, she would not want to hear from anyone trying to make sense of it. Still, she finds herself doing that. Brown, who worked as a security guard and has no criminal record, only started carrying the 9mm handgun because of what happened to his brother, she said. She remembered talking to him before he bought the weapon last year. Mom, I lost my brother, Thomas said he told her. Yall not burying me. I kissed him, she said. I told him I respect it. From left to right: Daquan Brown, Nyshyia Thomas, Tyejuan Brown and Nesiyah Thomas-Brown at the funeral for their brother and son, 15-year-old DaJuan Brown, in July 2023. (Jessica Griffin via TNS, file) TNS Father arrested in same incident Browns father, Tyejuan, is jailed with him. On the night of July 7, she and Tyejuan, the father of her three children, were talking on the porch of her home when they heard dozens of gunshots coming from Etting Street. Tyejuan Brown, she said, took off running toward the party where his son was gathered. When Thomas reached the block, she said, she found Tyejuan and Daquan covered in blood from carrying bodies to police cruisers. But police said that when they reviewed surveillance footage from that night, they saw Tyejuan Brown rushing down the street holding a gun, which he is barred from owning because of drug, gun, and assault convictions. He was arrested in early August and charged with illegal gun possession. Four days later, they came for his son. Until recently, Daquan Brown and his father were housed in the same block at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility and would speak to each other through a shared cell wall. Brown is held without bail. Thomas said her family has gathered the $25,000 necessary for the fathers bail, but he has told them not to post it. Im not coming out without my son, Thomas said he told her. On the outside, Thomas and her 15-year-old daughter, Nesiyah, are left to grapple with the absence of the three men in their lives they love most. I lost one son to gun violence, Thomas said. Ill be damned if I let the system take my other one from me. A New Jersey woman was charged early Wednesday with first-degree murder in the deaths of her two sons, ages 5 and 7, who were found by their father in their Somerset County home, authorities said. Priyatharsini Natarajan, 35, of Shell Court in Hillsborough, New Jersey, was taken into custody after a man called 911 about 6:45 p.m. Tuesday to report his children were not breathing. The caller advised that upon arriving home from work he subsequently found his two children unconscious and that his wife did something to them, Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald said in a statement. Responding police officers entered the home and encountered the man and Natarajan, McDonald said. The officers then found the two boys inside a bedroom and began life-saving measures, which were not successful, the prosecutor said. The children were pronounced dead at the scene. The cause and manner of death, along with their names, were withheld pending an autopsy. Hillsborough police officers took Natarajan into custody and charged her about 1:15 a.m. with two counts of first-degree murder and third-degree possession of a weapon, court records show. She was taken to the Somerset County Jail ahead of a pre-trial detention hearing. Attorney information for Natarajan was not listed in court records. According to her LinkedIn, Natarajan is a software developer and document composer for Smart Communications SmartCOMM platform, a system used by banks, utility companies and government agencies to generate bills and other documents. The prosecutors office said the deaths are being investigated. Wawa is closing a store at Drexel University in Philadelphia. The Delaware County convenience store chain told CBS News the all-digital store in the 3300 block of Market Street in University City will close on Jan. 21. Wawa called the closing of the store, which has operated since 2018, a business decision. While we regret that we will no longer be able to serve customers at this specific location, our commitment to the greater Philadelphia region remains strong, and we hope to continue serving the University City community at our other nearby stores, the chain said in a statement shared by CBS. The store on the bottom floor of a parking garage shifted to an all-digital format in 2023, removing all items from shelves. The chain had encountered issues with increased shoplifting and panhandling, according to the Philly Voice. Under the new format, staff prepared orders and left them at a designated customer pick-up area. This is not the first Wawa store in Philadelphia to close. In 2020 it closed a flagship store at Broad and Walnut streets. It has also closed stores at 12th and Market, 19th and Market, 13th and Chestnut and 16th and Ranstead streets. Wawa is in the midst of a central Pennsylvania expansion where it plans to open about 40 locations over the next several years. A regional coffee chain is being purchased by one that spans internationally. And the reaction from some of its most dedicated customers appears to be divided. QSR Magazine reports that Clutch Coffee Bar a drive-thru java chain located in both North and South Carolina confirmed Tuesday that its being acquired by Oregon-founded Dutch Bros. QSR notes that this acquisition comes as competition brews strong within the beverage sector. Dutch Bros itself plans on operating nearly 2,030 locations by 2029; the brand was listed as having about 1,088 locations total in October 2025. Exciting changes ahead! reads a post published to the Clutch Coffee Bar Facebook page. Were switching gears. We have reached an agreement with Dutch Bros, and Clutchs last day of business will be this Friday, 1/16, closing @4 p.m. You can keep the good energy going with Dutch Bros and Download the Dutch Bros app! Weve loved serving all of you over the past eight years. From the bottom of our collective clutch hearts, THANK YOU! This news, however, sent a shockwave through fans of Clutch, if social media commentary is anything to go by. Please be a joke! pleads one Facebook comment. This is exciting news! exclaims someone else. You all broke the internet with this news! states another. According to Nations Restaurant News (NRN), Clutch Coffee was co-founded by CEO Darren Spicer who actually previously worked as a store manager for Dutch Bros in 2018. The brand has since spanned to 20 locations total. This decision was not made lightly, said Spicer of this acquisition. What you can expect is the heartbeat of our brand to carry on the positive people, quality, speed, and service those values are only amplified with Dutch Bros. The terms of the deal between Dutch Bros and Clutch Coffee still have not been disclosed as of the publishing of this report. Lower Paxton Township officials have begun the decision-making on the longtime tradition of Fourth of July fireworks. During a meeting on Tuesday night, officials discussed what direction the annual holiday celebration finale will take. The board of supervisors concluded that there will still be a celebration, but backed off a decision on whether it will include fireworks for at least another week. Dr. Charles E. Stuart, the assistant treasurer and assistant board secretary, stated that he opposed fireworks due to safety concerns and previous incidents that had put the public at risk. My family and I used to enjoy it every year, Stuart said. But I wouldnt let my family go to it. The show has received long-term financial support from the Linglestown Fire Co., but in August 2025, it announced that it would no longer provide that support. The fire company noted a different feeling in recent years that included numerous disruptions and arrests, adding in a press release that this is a far cry from the original vision for the family fireworks show we planned many years back and no longer fits the spirit of the type of community events we hold as a Fire Company. The board also estimates that the total cost of fireworks could range from $10,000 to $20,000. Residents at the meeting also had the chance to voice their opinions. One man noted the countrys 250th birthday as a primary reason for the fireworks while acknowledging the growing number of public safety concerns associated with the annual event. Another resident pointed out that we live in the 21st century and should consider alternatives, such as a laser or drone show. Lets think a little outside the box, she said. Lets start maybe looking at some alternatives. Board of Supervisors Chairman Pamela M. Thompson noted that she and others on the marketing team for the America250 volunteer board had discussed the possibility of a laser or drone show. Thompson said more on that decision would be announced at the Jan. 20 meeting. On top of the financial support issues, holding the event at Koons Park in particular has been a topic of discussion for months. On Feb. 11, 2025, officials held a meeting to determine where the event would be held, but did not reach a consensus. During that meeting, Lower Paxton Township Public Safety Director Adam Kosheba noted that change wont happen on its own and proposed hosting the event at George Park in Paxtonia. We have to break the cycle if we want to stop something from occurring, Kosheba said at the meeting. Kosheba said the park offers more parking, easier access, and less crowding. The park is also more enclosed, which would make crowd control easier for township police compared to the more open Koons Park. Later that same week, officials decided to keep the event at Koons Park, despite years of disruption. In 2023, police arrested several attendees, all under the age of 18, including one who was carrying a stolen handgun. The following year, eight arrests were made, including two who were charged with throwing fireworks at a police animal. The 2025 show, following in the same footsteps, saw similar behaviors from some attendees, leading to charges against a dozen people, including an 18-year-old who was charged with aggravated assault, among other felonies. In September, a month after the fire company announced it would no longer fund the event, township officials issued a survey asking residents whether the event should be held at all. In the end, results showed that 54% of respondents opposed a township fireworks display, while 46% supported continuing the event. Despite more than 50,000 residents in Lower Paxton Township, only a little over 900 residents took the survey. There were also 46 non-residents who took the survey. If youre looking for plenty of space, roughly 11,000-square-feet of it, consider this custom built home near Hershey. Built in 1994, this two-story, all-brick home features five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, theater, swimming pool, pool house and koi pond located on six acres. From the moment you arrive, the craftsmanship is evident and every detail is thoughtfully planned, according to the listing. The spacious rooms and flowing layout are ideal for entertaining. An eat-in kitchen features upgraded countertops, a Sub Zero Refrigerator, a walk-in pantry and plenty of counter space. The kitchen flows into a living room and sunroom accented by large windows. A formal dining room is large enough to host dinner parties. The first floor also includes an office. The sunroom. A Cool Spaces home at 133 Jeff Lane in South Hanover Township. December 9, 2025. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com The sunroom and dining rooms are accented by a mix of hand painted wall and ceiling murals and wallpaper. Other rooms get a similar treatment, with the notable example of the second floor study, at the top of the grand staircase, with its hand painted split world globe on the ceiling. A study with hand painted ceiling on the second floor. A Cool Spaces home at 133 Jeff Lane in South Hanover Township. December 9, 2025. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Many of the bathrooms also have an eclectic touch, with some wallpapered, and others receiving a stone or tile treatment. The theater room, built next to the three car garage, is a real surprise, with its soaring cathedral wood-clad ceiling, exposed wood beams, skylights, and a kitchenette off to the side with cabinets and a sink. The theater room has a loft that offers a commanding view of the space. Rumor has it that the homes owner, loving the acoustics of the room, played his drums at this spot. This loft is only accessible from a door inside the attic, which in turn is accessible from the second floor primary suite walk-in closet - a real secret passageway to a cool spot in the home. The 'secret' loft space overlooks the theater room. A Cool Spaces home at 133 Jeff Lane in South Hanover Township. December 9, 2025. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com A primary bedroom is located on the first floor with a walk-in closet with built-in cabinetry and an ensuite with a tiled walk-in rain shower, a tub, and dual vanities and high-end cabinetry. Ascending the grand staircase to the second level, there are four bedrooms and four full baths. A large space on the second level landing serves as an open loft area that could be put to good use. The foyer and second floor loft. A Cool Spaces home at 133 Jeff Lane in South Hanover Township. December 9, 2025. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com The walk-out lower level has a custom bar area, a full-size custom wine refrigerator and the 9 foot pool table. The home excels in outdoor living. Hardscaping and professional landscaping surrounds an in-ground pool, a koi pond and a pool house. The pool house offers a storage garage, outdoor shower, a full and a half bath, a fireplace, and a full kitchen with a Viking grill and an island with seating for eight. A Cool Spaces home at 133 Jeff Lane in South Hanover Township. Photo by Next Door Photos - Susquehanna Valley. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com The detached pole barn/garage can accommodate additional vehicles, an RV, a boat or use the space as a workshop. The home is located within close proximity to the local airport, the train station and minutes from shops and restaurants, Located at 133 Jeff Lane in South Hanover Township, the home is listed at $2,399,000 by agent Sally Copeland with Coldwell Banker Realty. Want more Cool Spaces? See all of our stories showcasing the neatest homes in central Pennsylvania by clicking here. Know of any Cool Spaces? Submit ideas to dgleiter@pennlive.com. By JINTAMAS SAKSONCHAI and WASAMON AUDJARINT, The Associated Press NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand (AP) A construction crane fell onto a moving passenger train, causing a fiery derailment Wednesday that killed at least 30 people and injured scores in northeastern Thailand. The derailment occurred on part of a planned high-speed rail project that will eventually connect China with much of Southeast Asia. Anuphong Suksomnit, the governor of Nakhon Ratchasima province, where the crash took place, said four passengers among the 171 believed to have been on board the train were still missing. Searchers were still looking through the wreckage about eight hours after the morning crash. Rescuers work amidst the wreckage after a construction crane fell into a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, Wednesday, Jan.14, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)) AP Rescuers work amid the wreckage after a construction crane fell into a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, Wednesday, Jan.14, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)) AP The crane, which was being used to build an elevated part of the railway, fell as the train was traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province, authorities said. Photos published in Thai media showed plumes of white then dark smoke above the scene, and construction equipment hanging down from girders between two concrete support pillars. Rescue workers extricated survivors from mangled, overturned carriages. Rescue workers stood on top of overturned railway carriages, some of them with gaping holes torn on their sides, video from public broadcaster ThaiPBS showed. What appeared to be sections of the crane were scattered along the track. Rescuers try to lift the wreckage after a construction crane fell into a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, Wednesday, Jan.14, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)) AP Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said he has ordered an investigation. The elevated segment that collapsed is a part of a Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project linking the national capital Bangkok to the northeastern province of Nong Khai, bordering Laos. The two-stage rail project has a total investment cost of more than 520 billion baht ($16.8 billion) and is associated with an ambitious plan to connect China with Southeast Asia under Beijings Belt and Road Initiative. MEXICO CITY, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Mexico will maintain a foreign policy based on equality and sovereignty, said President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday, rejecting any form of subordination to other nations, including the United States. At a morning press conference, Sheinbaum said that Mexico and the United States coordinate and collaborate on security issues, but it is also important for Mexicans to "remember our history and what independence and sovereignty mean." Regarding the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on free trade, Sheinbaum voiced confidence that it will have a positive impact on the country. "It is moving forward, and it will benefit Mexicans," she said, acknowledging there are issues to resolve, such as the application of tariffs. "We are a sovereign nation, that is extremely important," she said, following a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, the eighth such call between them since November 2024. The phone conversation took place amid tensions over trade, security and the fight against drug trafficking, with Mexico's government insisting on prioritizing mutual respect and sovereignty as fundamental pillars of its foreign policy. By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and ERIC TUCKER, The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) Roughly half a dozen federal prosecutors in Minnesota have resigned, and several supervisors in the criminal section of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division have given notice of their departures amid turmoil over the federal investigation into the killing of a woman by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis, according to people familiar with the matter. The resignations follow growing tensions over a decision by the Trump administration to block the state out of the investigation into the shooting of Renee Good, who was fatally shot in the head by an immigration agent last week. Lawyers in the Civil Rights Division, which generally investigates high-profile officer shootings, were also recently told that the division would not be involved at this stage in the probe, two people familiar with the matter said. Among the departures in Minnesota is First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, who had been leading the sprawling investigation and prosecution of fraud schemes in the state, two other people said. At least four other prosecutors in the Minnesota U.S. attorneys office joined Thompson in resigning amid a period of tension in the office, the people said. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters. They are the latest in an exodus of career Justice Department attorneys who have resigned or been forced out over concerns over political pressure or shifting priorities under the Trump administration. Hundreds of Justice Department lawyers have been fired or have left voluntarily over the last year. Minnesota Democratic lawmakers criticized the departures, with Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, calling the resignations a loss for our state and for public safety and warning that prosecutions should not be driven by politics. Gov. Tim Walz said the departures raised concerns about political pressure on career Justice Department officials. The resignations of the lawyers in the Civil Rights Divisions criminal section, including its chief, were announced to staff on Monday. The Justice Department on Tuesday said those prosecutors had requested to participate in an early retirement program well before the events in Minnesota, and added that any suggestion to the contrary is false. Founded nearly 70 years ago, the Civil Rights Division has a long history of investigating shootings of civilians by law enforcement officials, even though prosecutors typically need to clear a high bar to mount a criminal prosecution. In prior administrations, the division has moved quickly to open and publicly announce such investigations, not only to reflect federal jurisdiction over potential civil rights violations but also in hopes of soothing community angst that sometimes accompanies shootings involving law enforcement. In Minneapolis, for instance, the Justice Department during the first Trump administration opened a civil rights investigation into the 2020 death of George Floyd at the hands of city police officers that resulted in criminal charges. The Minneapolis Police Department was separately scrutinized by the Biden administration for potential systemic civil rights violations through whats known as a pattern or practice investigation, a type of police reform inquiry that is out of favor in the current Trump administration Justice Department. President Donald Trump flipped off a Ford factory worker who shouted at him, according to videos circulating online. Trump visited the factory floor of a Ford plant in Dearborn, Michigan, on Tuesday to promote his use of tariffs. The president said the import taxes have boosted U.S. manufacturing while he viewed F-150 trucks, according to the Associated Press. But during the event, Trump appeared to get upset with a factory worker who yelled out pedophile protector, according to a clip obtained by TMZ. The president used the F-word and then pointed at the heckler and raised his middle finger. The White House defended Trumps behavior. A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the president gave an appropriate and unambiguous response, White House communications director Steven Cheung told Fox News. The worker was later identified as TJ Sabula, a 40-year-old United Auto Workers Local 600 line worker at the factory, according to The Washington Post. Sabula, who described himself as politically independent, said he was upset with Trumps handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Sabula told the newspaper that he was suspended from his job after the incident, but has no regrets. We had a great event today, and were proud of how our employees represented Ford. Weve seen the clip youre referring to, a representative for the auto company told TMZ. One of our core values is respect, and we dont condone anyone saying anything inappropriate like that within our facilities. When that happens, we have a process to deal with it, but we dont get into specific personnel matters. During Trumps visit to Michigan, he also spoke at the Detroit Economic Club. According to the AP, he intended to focus on economic policies, but also addressed a wide range of other topics, including falsely claiming to have won Michigan three times (he lost in 2020 to President Joe Biden) and insisting tariffs have not increased costs for U.S. consumers. Hiring ones own child once again counts as nepotism in Dauphin County. The county commissioners on Wednesday unanimously voted to strengthen the countys nepotism policy by adding children and step-children to the definition of family members, as well as foster children, children-in-law and any person residing in the same household. The new policy also explicitly forbids employees from evaluating or disciplining a family member, as well as from influencing their pay, promotion, scheduling, assignments or working conditions, or approving their timecards. A recent PennLive investigation challenged the former nepotism policy, which commissioners inexplicably revised in 2023 to remove children from the definition of family. The policy attracted fresh scrutiny in December after Sheriff Nick Chimienti hired his son as a deputy sheriff. The younger Chimientis hire still stands, but his supervision must be handled according to the new policy, Chief Clerk Eric Hagarty said. Because the sheriff is an independently elected official, its up to him to make sure his office follows the policy. Sheriff Chimienti previously told PennLive he did not interview his son for the job and will not directly oversee him, even though as the departments leader he oversees all employees. Commissioner Justin Douglas said Wednesday the policy update was necessary to address loopholes and uphold public trust. Philip Hensley-Robin, executive director of the nonpartisan government watchdog group Common Cause Pennsylvania, praised the change. Dauphin County absolutely did the right thing here, said Hensley-Robin, who sharply criticized the former policy. Nepotism is now correctly defined as nepotism. With her path to the Republican gubernatorial nomination now clear, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity went on the attack against Gov. Josh Shapiro this week as she presses forward in a race where President Donald Trump also looms large. Garritys appearance Monday at the Pennsylvania Press Club was her first since Shapiro formally launched his re-election bid last week. But the governor, she said, has taken his eye off the ball because hes more concerned with Pennsylvania Avenue than with Pennsylvanians, alluding to Shapiros 2028 presidential ambitions. The governors national profile in opposition to Trump has become a frequent line of attack for the GOP, with Garrity saying Monday that unlike Josh Shapiro, who has sued the President almost 30 times now, I will work with President Trump to make sure that Pennsylvania gets back on the right track. Theres also a flip side to that, which was equally evident Monday. A large portion of questions from the audience, who included many lobbyists and political operatives, sought to pin Garrity down on whether she would side with Trump on a variety of issues where the president is seen as vulnerable, from food benefit cuts to healthcare to immigration enforcement. Garrity has long been Republican leaderships preferred candidate to take on Shapiro, even before last weeks announcement from state Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin County, that he would not make another run for governor. The state Republican committee voted to endorse Garrity in September, with many GOP leaders pointing to her 2020 upset victory over incumbent treasurer Joe Torsella as a sign of her political acumen. But this year is a different animal. With 2028 right around the corner, Republicans have sought to hammer Shapiros relative popularity as a political facade, with Garrity commenting that the governor runs to the nearest TV camera to talk about an isolated success while ignoring the commonwealths deeper problems. At the same time, Democrats have sought to tie Garrity and virtually every other Republican to an increasingly unpopular president in a mid-term election that will determine how Trump handles the final two years of his second term. Garrity is neither Shapiro nor Trump. In fact, a September Quinnipiac poll found that 73% of voters didnt know enough about her to form an opinion. Garritys campaign has only a fraction of the cash, relative to Shapiros, to get her name in front of potential voters. Re-election campaigns are always a referendum on the sitting governor. The way you navigate those waters is to present yourself as a better alternative. Thats what shes got to do over the course of the next year, said Charlie Gerow, a longtime Pennsylvania GOP campaign consultant. Today, name recognition is an issue. In six months, it wont be, Gerow said. But with headlines about Shapiro and Trump flooding the zone, its going to be important for her to define herself. Shes got a great personal story. Can she cut through the clutter? Garrity presented some of that story Monday, talking briefly about her service in Iraq and helping an abused Iraqi woman obtain a divorce. She also touted her achievements as treasurer, such as lowering investment fees for college savings plans, streamlining the states unclaimed asset return system, and overseeing a huge increase in tax-advantaged accounts for disabled persons. Garritys critiques of Shapiro also offered some insight into what she might prioritize as governor. Shapiro often touts the fast rebuilding of a section of I-95 in Philadelphia after a fire, but what about 3,000 deficient bridges found in nearly every community across our commonwealth? said Garrity. Her transportation plan, she said, would involve ending wasteful turnpike transfers and demand accountability from transit agencies, a nod to the ongoing debate over shoring up the finances of mass transit, as well as to the Pennsylvania Turnpikes steep rate increases. Those hikes were brought on by the turnpikes mandate to provide funding for non-turnpike-related transportation projects; its unclear what would backfill their absence if Garrity were to end the transfers. In some cases, Garrity leaned on potential natural gas revenues to help fund her agenda, saying that over the past decade, billions of dollars in tax revenue have been generated by natural gas development, and that revenue can support so many programs necessary to get Pennsylvanians back on their feet. Pennsylvania can power the world, but only if the Shapiro administration stops its moratorium, she said. Shapiro has continued the moratorium on new fracking wells drilled on state-owned forest land, put in place by his predecessor Tom Wolf. If the moratorium was lifted, its unclear how much of a financial boost the state would see. Pennsylvania collects a fixed per-well fee and does not tax the extracted gas itself. Low natural gas prices have disincentivized new drilling, although those prices are now on the upswing. Garrity also said she would increase the portion of education funding dedicated to career and technical programs, while also chiding the growing state budget deficit under the governors watch. Shapiro has touted large increases in K-12 education spending, one of the main drivers of budget increases that Republicans have said are unsustainable. Were spending almost $5 billion more than were bringing in, so were burning through the surplus in the states account balance, Garrity said. The state Independent Fiscal Office issued a similar warning last month. Garrity has frequently been pressed on moderating her past hardline stance on abortion, as well as Trumps unfounded claims that the 2020 was stolen from him by widespread fraud. Monday was no different. When asked about the former, Garrity said my position on abortion has never changed. I am pro-life, but I am for exceptions, although she did not elaborate on what those would be. On the 2020 election, Garrity who reportedly said we know you won in reference to Trump at a 2022 rally responded that just to be clear, that was at a Trump rally and its easy to get caught up in a Trump rally. Garrity also said she would not have supported Shapiros lawsuit to get Trump to restore federal funding for food banks, saying the commonwealth already has too many people receiving food benefits and that she would give them a hand up, without saying exactly what this assistance would be. Garrity said she would comply with Trumps attempt to access Pennsylvania voters personal information, which the state is currently fighting. One audience question referenced Congressional Republicans breaking with Trump on the Affordable Care Act, asking directly if there were any issues Garrity would similarly split from the president on. I think President Trump is really focused on affordability, which is the right thing, and these issues are largely between he and Congress, Garrity said, without giving a definitive answer on her own position. I am confident that theyre going to find a way to basically reform it, she said of the healthcare battle. Garrity said she would be honored to have the Presidents endorsement, and that she and her team were working hard to boost her name recognition, in response to a questioner observing that she seemed to be starting from behind. People dont understand what we have here in this beautiful state, she said, and that we could be leading the nation in all areas. Spectators of the annual Make-A-Wish Mothers Day Truck Convoy in Lancaster County may need to choose different viewing points. Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley announced today that the route for the 37th annual event will primarily travel on Route 283 and now will also include a portion of Dauphin County. The convoy will leave Manheim PA Auto Auction at 1190 Lancaster Road, Manheim, at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9. (Last year the event was moved from Mothers Day to the day before). There were no major safety issues or complaints last year. As the convoy continues to grow, we regularly review the route with our Route Committee, local municipalities, law enforcement and PennDOT to ensure it remains the safest option for participants and the community, said Skylar Calvello, the marketing and event coordinator. She said the new route will allow the convoy to keep traffic flowing more smoothly, reduce congestion points and maintain clear access for emergency and local traffic while still preserving the visibility and spirit of the event. Trucks will leave Manheim PA Auto Auction entering Route 283 West at Mount Joy Road. Trucks will travel in the right lane of Route 283 with their hazard lights on at a reduced speed, allowing other vehicles to safely enter and exit the highway. The trucks will exit at Toll House Road in Dauphin County, turn left and then travel on Route 283 East until the Esbenshade Road exit. At that point, only drivers with wish kids on board will return to Manheim PA Auto Auction. The distance traveled is similar to 2025 at 33 miles. The goal was not to make the route significantly longer or shorter, but to make it safer and less disruptive, while still delivering a meaningful experience for drivers, wish families and spectators, Calvello said. A family festival will be held before the convoy. It is open to the public and will include various activities along with the chance to view the trucks. Prime viewing locations will be the Manheim PA Auto Auction and LCBC Church. Calvello said additional viewing spots will be announced closer to the event. The convoy is a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish. Last year it directly contributed to more than 40 wishes being granted for critically ill children, while the overall impact has helped make more than 1,000 wishes come true. West Perry High School has been awarded the Fan Favorite for the PennDOT Paint the Plow safety outreach contest in District 8. Statewide, nearly 80 schools participated in this years Paint the Plow, with more than 22,000 votes cast in the online Fan Favorite competition. Voters chose a Fan Favorite for each PennDOT regional district. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said the contest is a statewide initiative that highlights safe winter driving while showcasing the artistic talents of students across Pennsylvania. Students paint snowplow blades with original artwork reflecting a theme selected by PennDOT. This years theme was Dont race. Allow some space. Throughout the winter season, the student-painted plow blades are used on state-owned roadways. District 8, which covers central Pennsylvania, had entries from Carlisle, Central Dauphin East, Susquenita, Trinity and West Perry. If you knew nothing about politics in Harrisburg and attended its first legislative meeting of the year, you wouldnt know about the legal battle between Mayor Wanda Williams and City Council. About 40 members of the public lined the chambers seats, filling two-thirds of the room on Tuesday night. Eleven people offered public comment, which took up more than half of the meeting. Representatives from the Central PA MLK Day of Service gave a presentation on this years activities, accounting for almost another quarter of it. Then the council moved five resolutions to committees in nine minutes. Council members did not bring up the ongoing litigation with the mayor at the public meeting. PennLive obtained the legal contracts for both the mayors and the councils private attorneys. Renardo Hicks and LaToya Bellamy from Eckert Seamans are making $265 per hour to represent Williams. Three other lawyers with the same rate are listed in the engagement letter to assist as needed. Paralegals who help with the case will be paid $100 per hour. These rates are only for this year and are subject to change annually. City Councils lawyers are Casey Coyle and Morgan Madden from Babst Calland, another Harrisburg-based law firm. Both lawyers will make $350 per hour. The contract specifies that it has the right to start charging interest at 1.5% per month, should the city fail to pay its fees. So for a weeks worth of full-time work or 40 hours, the mayors lawyer will make $10,600. Councils lawyer will make $14,000 for the same period. This is only one lawyers cost. Legal ethics expert Robert Davis, who has been a prosecutor and defender since 1972 in three states, including Pennsylvania, said bills could be in the tens of thousands of dollars within the first month. You dont just write stuff down, but you have to go investigate, get background, learn whos involved, do interviews, etc., Davis said. That takes a lot of effort and money, and the big firms also put more than one person on the file, so you know, it wouldnt take very long for it to get costly. Council members declined to comment for the story. How the law firms were picked The city solicitor, Neil Grover, cannot provide legal advice to both the mayor and the City Council during this dispute so he helped find outside lawyers. When PennLive inquired about the higher cost for attorneys that represent the council, he said: They were both negotiated. And it was just one of those things. Grover said that while the city is not required to have a public selection process for the law firms, he used three factors in his search: The firm must have experience in municipal law The firm must not be suing the city The firm must not be defending the city That gets us to a very short list, Grover told PennLive. He added that some firms that checked off all three of his requirements still declined after learning more about the issue. The Harrisburg budget dispute escalated rapidly. Its been less than a month since the council first voted to defund four positions in Williams administration. The mayor filed her lawsuit around a week after the council overrode her veto of the funding cuts. Grover said that time played a big role in which law firms got hired. Some of it was just availability; it was a holiday week, Grover said. Are they going to leave their family to start working on something that theyre not going to get more business out of? Harrisburg City Council met for about an hour for its first legislative session in 2026. Tirzah Christopher The funds for the legal fees will come out of the law bureaus budget for counsel fees, which is $320,000. Ive never spent that whole budget any given year, Grover said. Has something similar happened before? In 1987, another third-class city in Pennsylvania faced a similar fight in court. Johnstown City Council passed ordinances setting salaries and the number of employees for city positions. The mayor vetoed, and just like Harrisburgs budget dispute this year council overrode the veto. The mayor sued, and a trial court found that the council did overstep its authority. But the council appealed, and won. The Commonwealth Court reversed the previous decision, saying the council did not invade the mayors executive powers because part of the councils legislative powers include controlling the budget. In Malloy v. Pfuhl, the court clarified both parties powers: The council can control the budget and set how many employees a department has, but the mayor gets to decide who actually fills those jobs. This isnt the first time taxpayers have funded legal battles between the mayor and council in Harrisburg. In 2009, former Mayor Steve Reed and City Council members went to court after the council appointed three members to the Harrisburg Authority Board. The states highest court found that only the mayor may make appointments to boards, and the councils role is to advise and consent. Whats next? The citys state-appointed financial monitor is the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority for Harrisburg (ICA). However, the organization is not a regulatory body, which means it can only advise the city on its budget and finances, but has no power to direct officials to do anything. An ICA statement sent to both the mayor and council acknowledged the city law requiring the councils consent for director positions to be filled permanently. However, the statement noted that defunding the positions has the additional consequence of preventing the City from filling these positions. ICAs chair, Doug Hill, told PennLive that one other long-term solution would be for the Pennsylvania General Assembly to intervene. While the state Capitol is just minutes from City Hall, Hill said it wouldnt fix the current problem. If the issue were exclusively one of defining the metes and bounds of advice and consent, then yes, but this is a little more of a political and relationship issue than it is a statute, Hill said. The legislature can fix a statute; it cant fix a relationship. City Council told PennLive previously that it would be open to mediation. A spokesperson for the mayor said nothing has been offered or decided when asked if the mayor would go the mediation route. The first court hearing for this case will take place in the Dauphin County Courthouse on Jan. 21 at 9:30 a.m. Davis, the legal ethics expert, pointed out that taxpayers will be facing the brunt of this saga. So theyre not playing with their own money, theyre spending taxpayers money, you know, money that could go to other things in the city, Davis said. Fighting over what, I dont know, power? A majority of respondents in a new national poll said the killing of a Minneapolis woman by an ICE agent was unjustified, with opinions sharply divided by politics. Fifty-three percent of 1,133 registered voters surveyed by Quinnipiac University said the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross was unjustified while 35% said it was justified and 12% had no opinion. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 3.7 percentage points. More than eight in 10 American voters say theyve seen the video. But, should the shooting have happened? said Quinnipiac University polling analyst Tim Malloy in a statement. The majority say the shots should not have been fired by the ICE agent, while more than one third believe the shooting was justified. Opinions varied greatly depending on political views with 77% of Republicans saying the shooting was justified and 92% of Democrats and 59% of independents saying it was unjustified. By gender, 44% of men said the shooting was not justified, while 42% said it was. Among women, 61% said it was not justified and 33% said it was. Overall, 57% said they disapprove of the way ICE is enforcing immigration laws compared to 40% who said they approve. Political views also dictated these results, with 84% of Republicans approving of ICE, while 94% of Democrats and 64% of independents disapproving. As for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, 52% disapprove of her while just 36% approve and 12% had no opinion. In Quinnipiacs July poll, 50% disapproved of Noem and 39% approved. Among Republicans, 77 % approve of Noem while 85% of Democrats and 57% of independents do not. A new national poll shows that 70% of Americans across the political spectrum oppose the United States taking military action against Iran as support for President Donald Trump continues to sink. Quinnipiac Universitys survey found that just 18% think the United States should take military action against Iran if protesters against the government are killed, as Trump has threatened, while 12% did not have an opinion. Opposition to attacking Iran cuts through political views with 80% of independents, 79% of Democrats and 53% of Republicans against it. Quinnipiac polled 1,133 registered voters earlier this month. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 3.7 percentage points. Another 70% of voters said a president should receive approval from Congress before taking military action against a country, like Trump has done with Venezuela. The response to this question, though, was not politically cohesive with 95% of Democrats and 78% of independents saying a president should get congressional approval, while 54% of Republicans said they should not. Talk of the U.S. military potentially intervening in Irans internal chaos gets a vigorous thumbs down, said Quinnipiac University polling analyst Tim Malloy in a statement, while voters signal congressional approval should be a backstop against military involvement in any foreign crisis. Overall, 54% of voters disapprove of Trumps job performance compared to 40% who approve, reflecting similar results in Quinnipiacs December and October polls. Trump is also struggling with voters on other issues: 53% disapprove of his performance as Commander-in-Chief. 53% disapprove of his handling of the economy. 52% disapprove of his policies toward Venezuela. 56% disapprove of his foreign policy approach. Voters are split on Trumps move to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and bring them to America to face drug trafficking charges. While 47% support the decision, 45% oppose it. Eighty-five percent of Republicans support the decision and 79% of Democrats oppose it, with independents divided 45% for it and 47% against it. Other results on Venezuela include: 53% do not think the Trump administration has given a clear explanation why the United States acted against the country. 57% are against the U.S. running Venezuela until it meets U.S. expectations. 73% oppose the U.S. sending troops into Venezuela to control the country. 55% are against the U.S. taking over Venezuelas oil sales. 45% said the U.S.s action will improve the lives of Venezuelans, while 44% said it will not. Voters are divided on the merits of overthrowing Maduro, observed Malloy. And while split on whether in the long run, the people of Venezuela will be better off, they strongly disapprove of Americas temporary domain over Venezuela and are heartily against putting U.S. troops on the ground. Trumps repeated threats to take Greenland from Denmark also fall flat among voters with 86% opposing U.S. military action and 55% against the United States trying to buy Greenland. Voters also are against the United States potentially taking unilateral military action against Mexico and Colombia to destroy illegal drug facilities as Trump has also threatened. Fifty-seven percent oppose action against Mexico and 55% feel the same about Colombia. Half of voters said Americas moral authority in the world has been weakened under Trump, while 34% said it is stronger, and 46% said Americas global leadership is weakened under him compared to 42% who said it is stronger. An overwhelming 88% said the United States should work with other countries to solve problems and 52% said it is not in Americas national interest to expand its power in the western hemisphere. Six Trump administration officials polled by Quinnipiac also proved unpopular with voters: This photo taken on Jan. 13, 2026 shows an art work in the original first-edition prints of The Disasters of War by Spanish artist Francisco Goya during a public display in New York, the United States. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) NEW YORK, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- As wars and armed conflicts continue to rise worldwide, a stark message from a two-century-old work of art resonated in Manhattan on Tuesday: there are no winners in war. Patrick Lenaghan, curator of prints and photographs at the Hispanic Society Museum & Library, shared the view during a public display of Los Desastres de la Guerra (The Disasters of War) by Spanish artist Francisco Goya. "There are no winners in war," Lenaghan told Xinhua. "Both sides lose. Civilians lose. Humanity loses." The presentation gave guests rare access to original first-edition prints from the series. Goya created the 80-print series between 1810 and 1820, during Spain's war against Napoleonic France and the civil conflict later. Rather than depicting battlefield heroism or national triumph, the images portray executions, famine, displacement and moral collapse, often without clear national identifiers. Lenaghan said the series shows how violence extends beyond armies to engulf civilians and society. Although Goya completed the copper plates during the conflict, he did not publish the series in his lifetime. The first full edition was printed in 1863, 35 years after his death. Lenaghan cautioned against reading the images too literally, saying Goya stripped away detail so the works could resonate beyond their original context. He said that openness helps explain why the series continues to strike a chord today. People attend a public display of the original first-edition prints of The Disasters of War by Spanish artist Francisco Goya in New York, the United States, on Jan. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) Patrick Lenaghan (R), curator of prints and photographs at the Hispanic Society Museum & Library, speaks during a public display of the original first-edition prints of The Disasters of War by Spanish artist Francisco Goya in New York, the United States, on Jan. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) Longtime Cheaters Caught Marking Cards in Texas Poker Room, Promptly Get Banned Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S. Copy link Two poker cheats banned years ago from poker rooms in Florida and California were caught again this past week for being up to their old tricks in Texas. The players, both with criminal records in Florida, are Norberto Pardo, 49, and Yaiquel Mosqueda-Perez, 43. Anthony Martino, a poker vlogger, knew of the poker cheats dating back to 2020 and recognized them at a neaby table recently at The Lodge Card Club in Round Rock, Texas. Martino, as he explained in a YouTube video, alerted staff that Pardo and Mosqueda-Perez were known cheaters banned from other card rooms. The dealer removed the deck from a $1/$2/$5 pot-limit Omaha game they were in for inspection. After inspecting the deck, the staff determined the cards had been marked. PokerNews confirmed with The Lodge Card Club that both players were permanently banned from the establishment for marking cards. Poker Cheats Have Been Doing This for Years Martino first encountered the card-marking duo at Tampa Greyhound Track, a casino they're no longer legally permitted to visit. He said they had a "consistent" method to their scheme. "We had these two Cuban players that sat in Seats 1 and Seat 6, diagonal from one another, and each of them was very consistent in which one was in Seat 1 and which one is in Seat 6," Martino said in his video. He went on to claim that if another player had occupied Seat 1 or Seat 6, they would pay that player to move to another seat. The poker player then explained that he'd pick up on Pardo and Mosquedo-Perez were working together and that "they would signal one another and try to trap people in between them for raises." A couple months went by in 2020 before Martino's "spidey senses" went off and he had what he refers to as a "Garrett Adelstein moment" where he realized cheating had occurred, much like Adelstein believed in 2022 on Hustler Casino Live when he accused Robbi Jade Lew of cheating him out of a six-figure pot. One viewer of Martino's video commented that the cheating duo are also banned from rooms in Iowa and Illinois for collusion and marking cards. Martino also shared a screenshot in his video that showed the culprits had previously been banned from the popular bestbet Jacksonville card room, an annual home for the World Poker Tour (WPT). Threats Made from Poker Cheats Yaiquel Mosqueda-Perez (l) and Norberto Pardo (r). Image courtesy of Mugshots.zone. Martino, after publicly outing the card markers, received threatening text messages from Pardo. One message read, "I'm just telling you, you fat mole, one day you and I will come face to face for slandering me, okay?" Pardo was arrested in 2022 for grant theft (third degree) and possession of a controlled substance in Miami Dade County, Florida. Mosqueda-Perez, according to documents reviewed by PokerNews, is permanently excluded from all casinos in the state of Florida following a July 12, 2025 public hearing with the Florida Gaming Control Board (FGCB). An administrative complaint against Mosqueda-Perez had been filed in October 2024 with the FGCB. Martino's goal in exposing the card markers is to get word out to the poker community in hopes that more poker rooms will ban them. It appears they simply move on to another casino each time they get banned. *Feature image courtesy of Anthony Martino. Share this article As you might expect, the fund places a heavy emphasis on technology stocks, which comprise 42% of its holdings. Communication services (23%), consumer cyclical stocks (17.8%), and financial services (16.4%) make up the rest. As of this writing, the fund contained 44 stocks, with the top 10 holdings accounting for 51% of the fund. The Ark Next Generation ETF is an actively managed fund that invests in stocks under the theme of next-generation internet. The fund, which has $2.1 billion in assets under management, was created on Sept. 30, 2014, and is solely managed by Ark Invest CEO and chief stock picker Cathie Wood. It carries an expense ratio of 0.76%, or $76 annually for each $10,000 invested. All three funds are worth considering for any investor seeking exposure to a basket of AI stocks. However, history suggests that these funds are only experiencing some momentary weakness. The Ark ETF, led by Cathie Wood and Ark Invest, has a one-year return of 38.7%. The Roundhill ETF is even better, with a one-year return of nearly 50%. And the iShares ETF's one-year gain of 26.2% indicates that this fund is experiencing a minor hiccup. Three such funds come to mind -- the Ark Next Generation ETF (NYSEMKT: ARKW), the iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (NASDAQ: XT), and the Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (NYSEMKT: CHAT). All of them are in the red over the last month, even as the S&P 500 shows a gain. With artificial intelligence (AI) stocks continuing to be a huge growth engine for the stock market, some of the most compelling investments are baskets of stocks that are packaged in specialty exchange-traded funds (ETFs). There are a variety of AI ETFs on the market -- and some of them are compelling buys right now because they are severely underperforming not only their historical performance, but also the greater market. If they return to their normal growth, investors will see huge returns. These three AI ETFs have been successful in the past, and have underperformed the market in the last month. Story Continues iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF The iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF is operated by BlackRock through its subsidiary, BlackRock Fund Advisors. The company is a huge operator of ETFs, and currently has 468 funds available for investment. Image source: Getty Images. The XT ETF is an index of stocks representing companies that utilize or develop exponential technologies in both developed and emerging markets. The fund was created in March 2015 and has been managed since its inception by Jennifer Hsui. Several other fund managers have also been appointed in the last decade, with three currently identified as Peter Sietsema, Matt Waldron, and Steven White. The fund has an expense ratio of 0.46%. This fund also has a heavy concentration of technology stocks (38.9%), but also includes a strong sampling of healthcare stocks (28.7%), with the rest of the fund spread among financial services, communication services, industrials, and utilities. The top 10 holdings make up 33% of the fund's weight. Rank/Holding Portfolio Weight Rank/Holding Portfolio Weight 1. Eli Lilly 4.28% 6. Amazon 3.13% 2. Nvidia 3.93% 7. Analog Devices 3.11% 3. Microsoft 3.80% 8. Johnson & Johnson 2.82% 4. Tesla 3.78% 9. Alphabet 2.47% 5. Texas Instruments 3.56% 10. AbbVie 2.31% Data source: Morningstar. With its reach across multiple sectors, the XT ETF holds 200 stocks, providing greater diversification than the ARKW ETF. Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF The Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF is managed by Roundhill Investments, an investment advisor that has launched over 100 ETFs since its founding in 2018. The ETF, with total assets of $1 billion, was launched in May 2023 with six fund managers, all of whom have been heading the fund since its inception. Roundhill markets the CHAT ETF as the world's first ETF that is focused on generative AI. The fund is focused on stocks that represent companies that are focused on AI, generative AI, and related technologies. The fund has the heaviest weighting of technology stocks of the three discussed in this list (72.3%), with smaller weightings in communication services (20.1%) and consumer cyclical stocks (6%). The fund holds 45 stocks, with the top 10 holdings representing 44% of assets. Rank/Holding Portfolio Weight Rank/Holding Portfolio Weight 1. Alphabet 7.86% 6. Samsung 3.59% 2. Nvidia 6.24% 7. Amazon 3.47% 3. Microsoft 5.94% 8. AMD 2.92% 4. SK Hynix 3.98% 9. Broadcom 2.91% 5. Meta Platforms 3.96% 10. Apple 2.86% Data source: Morningstar. The CHAT ETF includes more exposure to a greater number of "Magnificent Seven" stocks. It does not include Tesla at all, although Elon Musk's company is a top weighting in the other two funds on this list. The CHAT ETF has an expense ratio of 0.75%. Looking ahead at AI ETFs While these funds are down right now, their one-year performance hints that the weakness in the last month is more of a fluke than a trend. For investors seeking diversified exposure to AI without betting on a single winner, these names all offer a reasonable entry point following a rare price pullback. Should you buy stock in Ark ETF Trust - Ark Next Generation Internet ETF right now? Before you buy stock in Ark ETF Trust - Ark Next Generation Internet ETF, 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 Ark ETF Trust - Ark Next Generation Internet ETF 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 $487,089!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,139,053!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 970% 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 14, 2026. Patrick Sanders has positions in Nvidia and Palantir Technologies. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AbbVie, Advanced Micro Devices, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, Roblox, Roku, Shopify, Tesla, and Texas Instruments. The Motley Fool recommends BlackRock, Broadcom, Coinbase Global, and Johnson & Johnson 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. 3 AI ETFs Underperforming the S&P 500 That Are Set to Surge 26% or More was originally published by The Motley Fool Aiken, SC (29801) Today Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. High 59F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy with rain developing after midnight. Low around 45F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Aiken Standard Reporter Erin Weeks is a reporter with the Aiken Standard. She covers education in Aiken County. Erin is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Aiken. Her first poetry book, "Origins of My Love," was published by Bottlecap Press in 2022. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers Ali Rockett covers the city of Charleston, from inside City Hall to outer West Ashley. She previously worked at papers in Virginia and her home state of North Carolina. Quick Read Vanguard is an industry leader for index funds, and many offer high dividends. The three Vanguard ETFs with the highest dividend yields offer 30-day SEC yields above 5.63%. These funds offer exposure to corporate bonds and emerging market government bonds. Investors rethink hands off investing and decide to start making real money Vanguard is a favorite for many investors, thanks to its wide portfolio of index funds with very low expenses. Many of the company's exchange-traded funds (ETFs) also pay dividends, which are attractive to retirees. Here's a look at Vanguard's top 3 ETFs with the highest dividend yields. #3 Emerging Markets Government Bond ETF (VWOB) Offering diversification beyond the U.S., Vanguard's Emerging Markets Government Bond ETF (VWOB) aims to track the performance of the Bloomberg USD Emerging Markets Government RIC Capped Index. The fund is passively managed and uses index sampling. Vanguard says VWOB "maintains a dollar-weighted average maturity consistent with that of the [Bloomberg] index." The fund offers a 5.63% SEC yield. The SEC yield calculates a fund's hypothetical annualized income as a percentage of its assets. As Vanguard explains, "A security's income, for the purposes of this calculation, is based on the current market yield to maturity (for bonds) or projected dividend yield (for stocks) of the fund's holdings over a trailing 30-day period. This hypothetical income will differ (at times, significantly) from the fund's actual experience. As a result, income distributions from the fund may be higher or lower than implied by the SEC yield." VWOB had a one-year return of 6.41% and an expense ratio of 0.15%. The fund has $6.13 billion in assets under management. #2 Long-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCLT) The Long-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCLT) invests primarily in high-quality (investment-grade) corporate bonds. It "seeks to provide a high and sustainable level of current income," according to the fund managers, by tracking the performance of the Bloomberg U.S. 10+ Year Corporate Bond Index. The majority of the fund is invested in A- or BBB-rated bonds. VCLT offers a 5.68% 30-day SEC yield, as of Jan. 6. It had a one-year return of 2.86% and a low expense ratio of 0.03%. The fund $8.36 billion in assets. #1 High-Yield Active ETF (VGHY) This High-Yield Active ETF (VGHY) is a new offering in the Vanguard family, with a 6.02% 30-day SEC yield. It's a high-yield corporate fixed income portfolio, focusing on sustainable income. The fund's benchmark is the Bloomberg U.S. High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Total Return Index. The majority of the fund's holdings, which are diversified by industry, are BB-rated and lower bonds. Food & Dining Editor Parker Milner is the Food Editor of The Post and Courier. He is a Boston College graduate and former professional hockey player who joined The Post and Courier after leading the Charleston City Paper's food section. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close AAR Corp. provides aviation aftermarket support, inventory management, maintenance, repair, overhaul, and engineering services, as well as expeditionary products for defense and government markets. How does the sale relate to valuation and market context? The weighted average sale price was around $97.05 per share, slightly above the Monday market close of $97.03, during a period when AAR Corp. had delivered a one-year total return of 43.28%. Did the transaction involve indirect holdings or transfers to trusts or related entities? No indirect shares or gifts were reported; all activity pertained exclusively to direct ownership. How significant was the transaction relative to Jessup's prior activity? The 23,621-share sale equated to 26.42% of direct common stock holdings, closely aligning with the 27.54% share reduction from the prior administrative sale completed in January of last year. What was the context for the share sale and how does the derivative component affect interpretation? The sale was paired with the exercise of 14,652 options for common stock, with all shares sold directly; this structure signals the primary intent was liquidity from option conversion, not a discretionary reduction of long-held equity exposure. On Friday, Christopher Jessup, a senior vice president of AAR Corp. (NYSE:AIR), executed a direct sale of 23,621 shares othrough open-market transactions following an option exercise, as disclosed in a recent SEC Form 4 filing . This sale followed the exercise of 14,652 options and involved no indirect holdings or transfers to related entities. Story Continues AAR Corp. operates at scale within the global aerospace and defense sector, leveraging its expertise in aviation services and supply chain management to support commercial and government fleets. The companys integrated business model enables stable, recurring revenue streams from long-term contracts and performance-based logistics programs. Its competitive edge is built on comprehensive service offerings, a diverse customer base, and a track record of operational reliability. What this transaction means for investors Jessups sale followed an option exercise, a structure that typically reflects liquidity and tax planning rather than a shift in conviction, though, to be clear, the function does not mention taxes. While the 23,621 shares sold represented about a quarter of his direct holdings, the proportional reduction closely mirrors his prior administrative activity. Nevertheless, and with AAR shares solidly outperforming the broader market over the past year, investors should be watching execution, margins, and backlog strength more closely than modest, compensation-related sales. Fundamentally, the backdrop remains strong. In its most recent quarter, AAR Corp. reported revenue of $795 million, up 16% year over year, alongside adjusted diluted EPS of $1.18 and adjusted EBITDA growth of 23%. Margin expansion was driven by Parts Supply and Repair & Engineering, while recent acquisitions added long-term visibility through contracted demand. Management also raised full-year guidance, reinforcing confidence in forward cash flow generation. Ultimately, this looks like a routine, option-driven transaction against a backdrop of improving fundamentals, expanding margins, and durable aviation demand. The investment case still rests on execution, not insider liquidity events. Glossary Option exercise: When an employee or insider uses their right to buy company shares at a set price. Open-market transaction: Buying or selling securities on a public exchange, not through private or pre-arranged deals. Direct ownership: Shares held personally by an individual, not through trusts or related entities. Indirect holdings: Shares owned through another entity, such as a trust, family member, or related account. Administrative trade: A transaction made for routine or planned reasons, often related to compensation or share plan management. Derivative component: The part of a transaction involving financial instruments like options, rather than just regular shares. Form 4: A required SEC filing disclosing insider trades by company officers, directors, or major shareholders. Weighted average price: The average price of shares sold, adjusted for the number of shares at each price. Total return: The investment's price change plus all dividends and distributions, assuming those payouts are reinvested. Performance-based logistics: Service contracts where payment depends on meeting specific operational or performance goals. Aftermarket support: Services provided after a product is sold, such as maintenance, repair, or parts supply. TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report. Dont miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then youll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a Double Down stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If youre worried youve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before its too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, youd have $479,476 !* Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, youd have $49,342 !* Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, youd have $482,451!* Right now, were issuing Double Down alerts for three incredible companies, available when you join Stock Advisor, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon. See the 3 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of January 12, 2026 Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. AAR Stock Up 43% in One Year as Insider Sells 23,621 Shares After Option Exercise was originally published by The Motley Fool PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-14 20:45:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 511 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 APOZ was Introduced at OZ Insiders Private Dinner in Las VegasBRADENTON, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / ASC Global Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Token Communities (OTCID:TKCM), attended the OZ Insiders private dinner event in Las Vegas last week in Las Vegas.According to Mr. David Champ, who is the president and CEO of the Company that OZ Insiders is a group of OZ ( Opportunity Zone ) industry leaders ( Qualified Opportunity Zone real estate developers, attorneys, QOF - Qualified Opportunity Funds, business consultants and other related professionals ) who meet regularly and share their expertise and experience together. The company management team attended this private dinner at Mandalay Hotel in Las Vegas on December 4th last week. The Company will officially present this unique Tariff-Play concept in details which it is the only known FTZ + QOZ ( Foreign Trade Zone + Qualified Opportunity Zone ) dual-federal status business park the U.S. today at a special pitch-day event scheduled for Q-1 2026.For any further information, please contact Mr. David Champ at (631) 397-1111.Forward-Looking StatementsCertain information set forth in this presentation contains "forward-looking information", including "future-oriented financial information" and "financial outlook", under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, the information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements and includes, but is not limited to, the (i) projected financial performance of the Company; (ii) completion of, and the use of proceeds from, the sale of the shares being offered hereunder; (iii) the expected development of the Company's business, projects, and joint ventures; (iv) execution of the Company's vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future M&A activity and global growth; (v) sources and availability of third-party financing for the Company's projects; (vi) completion of the Company's projects that are currently underway, in development or otherwise under consideration; (vi) renewal of the Company's current customer, supplier and other material agreements; and (vii) future liquidity, working capital, and capital requirements. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management's beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment.These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.Although forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.SOURCE: Token Communities Ltd. PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-14 00:00:26 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 494 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 13, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Perrigo Company plc ("Perrigo" or the "Company") (NYSE:PRGO). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Perrigo and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 16, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Perrigo securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On February 27, 2024, Perrigo reported fiscal year 2023 earnings, revealing significant acquisition and integration-related charges, including a purported one-time cash cost of an additional $35 million to $45 million for remediations to address production and facility issues in its infant formula business. The Company also disclosed a 50% decline in earnings per share compared to the prior year due to infant formula remediation actions.On this news, Perrigo's stock price fell $4.87 per share, or 15.14%, to close at $27.30 per share on February 27, 2024.Then, on May 7, 2024, Perrigo released earnings for the first quarter ended March 30, 2024, revealing the significant negative impact of Perrigo's costly actions to augment and strengthen its infant formula business.On this news, Perrigo's stock price fell $3.28 per share, or 9.8%, to close at $30.15 on May 7, 2024.Then, on August 6, 2025, Perrigo issued a press release announcing earnings for the second quarter ended June 28, 2025, revealing the Company's adjusted gross profit decreased $30 million, or 6.9%, due in part to "production variability in infant formula, leading to an increase in product scrap in the quarter." Finally, on November 5, 2025, Perrigo issued a press release, announcing the Company "is initiating a strategic review of its infant formula business" including a "a full range of alternatives." The press release revealed Perrigo is "reassessing the Company's previously announced investment in this business of $240 million." On this news, Perrigo's stock price fell $5.09 per share, or 25.2%, to close at $15.10 per share on November 5, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-14 16:50:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 629 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 /Guan Huat Seng Holdings Berhad ("GHS Holdings" or the "Company"), and its subsidiaries (the "Group"), a distributor and retailer of food products and manufacturer of flavouring products based in Melaka, is pleased to announce that the public portion of its initial public offering ("IPO") has been oversubscribed by 4.78 times.Guan Huat Seng Holdings BerhadGHS Holdings' IPO involves the issuance of 120.00 million new ordinary shares ("Share(s)"), representing approximately 25.34% of the enlarged issued share capital of 473.50 million Shares, alongside an offer for sale of 21.00 million existing Shares, representing approximately 4.44% of the enlarged issued share capital of 473.50 million Shares, as follows:Public IssueMalaysian Public:23.80 million new Shares (5.02% of the enlarged issued share capital) will be made available for application by the Malaysian public.Eligible Parties:14.00 million new Shares (2.96% of the enlarged issued share capital) will be made available for application by the eligible directors, employees, and other persons who have contributed to the success of the Group.Private Placement to Selected Investors:23.00 million new Shares (4.86% of the enlarged issued share capital) are reserved for private placement to selected investors.Private Placement to Selected Bumiputera Investors:59.20 million new Shares (12.50% of the enlarged issued share capital) are reserved for private placement to Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.Offer for SaleOffer for sale of 21.00 million existing Shares (4.44% of the enlarged issued share capital) are reserved for private placement to selected investors.The Group received a total of 2,842 applications for 137,611,900 Shares from the Malaysian public, representing an overall oversubscription rate of 4.78 times. Under the Bumiputera public portion, 649 applications were received for 35,164,600 Shares, representing an oversubscription rate of 1.96 times. Meanwhile, under the other Malaysian public portion, 2,193 applications were received for 102,447,300 Shares, representing an oversubscription rate of 7.61 times.Mr. Yeo Tien Ee, Managing Director of Guan Huat Seng Holdings Berhad, said: "We are grateful for the interest shown by investors in GHS Holdings. The public subscription reflects recognition of our established track record, diversified product portfolio, and expansion plans. The IPO proceeds will, amongst others, support the construction of our New Integrated Complex and New Krubong Facility in Melaka, expand our production and storage capacity, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and supporting our future growth." Guan Huat Seng Holdings Berhad is scheduled to be listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on 22 January 2026.TA Securities Holdings Berhad is the Principal Adviser, Sponsor, Underwriter, and Placement Agent for this IPO.ABOUT GUAN HUAT SENG HOLDINGS BERHADGuan Huat Seng Holdings Berhad ("GHS Holdings" or the "Company") is principally involved in the distribution and retail of food products with more than four decades of established track record in Melaka, Malaysia. Through its subsidiaries, Guan Huat Seng (Heng Kee) Sdn. Bhd. and GHS Food Industries Sdn. Bhd. ("Group"), the Group distributes and retails a wide range of food products including shelf-stable and frozen seafood, flavouring products, dried food and snacks, and general grocery products, and is supported by in-house manufacturing facilities. The Group holds HACCP and MeSTI certifications for the production of, among others, sauces, pastes and dried seasoning powder. Serving wholesalers, retailers, food service operators, end consumers and food manufacturers across both domestic and foreign markets, GHS Holdings is committed to enhancing operational efficiency, expanding its production and storage capacity through the construction of its New Integrated Complex and New Krubong Facility, and driving sustainable growth within Malaysia's distributive trade of food and beverage (F&B) product industry.Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of Guan Huat Seng Holdings BerhadFor more information, please contact:Jazmin WanEmail:j.wan@ swanconsultancy.bizRenee TohEmail:r.toh@ swanconsultancy.biz SOURCE: Guan Huat Seng Holdings Berhad PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-14 00:20:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 732 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release publication, distribution or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 13, 2026 /NV Gold Corporation (TSXV:NVX)(OTCQB:NVGLF)(FSE:8NV) ("NV Gold" or the "Company"), announces a non-brokered private placement consisting of 2,079,002 units ("Units") at a price of $0.20 per Unit for gross proceeds $415,800.40 (the "Offering"). Each Unit will consist of one common share (each, a "Share") and one transferable common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable at a price of $0.50 and expires 2 years from the issuance date.All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day after closing of the Offering. Completion of the Offering is subject to the approval of the Exchange.The aggregate gross proceeds from the Offering are expected to be used for general working capital.None of the securities sold in connection with the Offering will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no such securities may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.About NV Gold Corporation NV Gold Corporation is a well-organized exploration company with ~24.2 million shares issued and no debt. NV Gold has 12 exploration projects in Nevada, and one in Switzerland. The Company has three priority projects including Slumber, Triple T and SW Pipe. The Company is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Reno, Nevada and is focused on delivering value through mineral discoveries in Nevada, USA. Leveraging its expansive property portfolio, its highly experienced in-house technical team, and its extensive geological data library, 2026 promises to be highly productive for NV Gold.On behalf of the Board of Directors,John Watson, Chairman and CEOFor further information, visit the Company's website at www.nvx.gold or contact:Freeform Communications at 604.245.0054Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the expectations of management regarding the proposed Offering, the expectations of management regarding the use of proceeds of the Offering, closing conditions for the Offering, the expiry of hold periods for securities distributed pursuant to the Offering, and Exchange approval of the proposed Offering. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements including that: the Company may not complete the Offering on terms favorable to the Company or at all; the Exchange may not approve the Offering; the proceeds of the Offering may not be used as stated in this news release; the Company may be unable to satisfy all of the conditions to the Closing; and those additional risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.SOURCE: NV Gold Corporation PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-14 00:00:59 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 350 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 13, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Integer Holdings Corporation ("Integer" or the "Company") (NYSE:ITGR). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Integer and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until February 09, 2026 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Integer securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]October 23, 2025, when Integer cut its full-year 2025 guidance and informed investors it expected net sales growth of -2% to 2% and organic sales growth of 0% to 4% for the full year of 2026. Integer further admitted that two of its electrophysiology devices had experienced "slower than forecasted" market adoption and expected the slower demand impact "to continue into 2026." Analysts immediately reacted, noting that Integer's sales guidance was "materially below the Street." On this news, Integer's stock price fell $35.22 per share, or 32.28%, to close at $73.89 per share on October 23, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-14 00:01:57 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 428 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / January 13, 2026 / PPX Mining Corp. (the "Company" or "PPX") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ernest Mast and Mr. Diego Bellido as directors of the Company, effective January 12, 2026.Mr. Diego Bellido is a senior Glencore executive with more than 15 years of experience in the global commodities trading sector. He currently serves as a Manager for Glencore Peru S.A.C. and Glencore Lima Trading S.A.C. Mr. Bellido is also President of the Board of Perubar S.A. and a board member of Transportadora Callao S.A. Previously, he represented Glencore on the boards of Sinchi Wayra Mining Company in Bolivia and Compania Minera Antamina. Mr. Bellido holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Universidad del Pacifico (Peru) and an MBA from INSEAD (France).Details regarding the background and qualifications of Mr. Ernest Mast were previously disclosed in the Company's press release dated December 22, 2025.In addition, further to the Company's same press release, the Company confirms that effective January 12, 2026, Mr. Ernest Mast was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of PPX. Dr. John Thomas has transitioned from his role as Interim Chief Executive Officer and continues to serve the Company as Chief Operating Officer.The Company also announces that Mr. Bruno Kaiser has resigned as a director of the Company, effective January 12, 2026. Mr. Kaiser will continue to support PPX in the role of Advisor to the Company.Brian Imrie, Executive Chairman of the Company, commented: "We are very pleased to welcome Ernest Mast and Diego Bellido to the Board of PPX. Their combined experience in mining operations, capital markets, and global commodities trading significantly strengthens our governance and strategic capabilities as we advance the Company's growth plans. On behalf of the Board, I would also like to thank Bruno Kaiser for his valuable contributions as a director and look forward to his continued involvement as an advisor to PPX." About PPX Mining Corp:PPX Mining Corp. ( TSX.V:PPX)(BVL:PPX) is a Canadian-based mining company with assets in northern Peru. Igor, the Company's 100%-owned flagship gold and silver project, is located in the prolific Northern Peru gold belt in eastern La Libertad Department.On behalf of the board of directors of the Company:Brian ImrieExecutive Chairman 82 Richmond Street EastToronto, Ontario M5C 1P1Canada416-361-0737Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: PPX Mining Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-14 17:01:23 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 584 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ANAHEIM, CA / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 /Premiere Anaheim 2026 returns to the Anaheim Convention Center on February 1-2, 2026, bringing together the professional beauty community for two days of education, shopping, and connection. Now in its fourth year, it continues to raise the bar as the premier destination for beauty professionals on the West Coast, bringing together top brands, educators, influencers, and industry leaders. More than just a beauty show, Premiere Anaheim is a transformative, community-driven experience designed to inspire, empower, and elevate the beauty industry as one.The 2026 event will feature 180+ education classes, 120+ exhibiting brands, and 115+ top educators and influencers across hair, nails, skincare, barbering, makeup, and wellness. Attendees can discover trending techniques, shop exclusive show-only deals, and connect with the brands and experts shaping the future of the industry. A complete listing of classes and brands can be foundhere .The exhibit floor will showcase leading brands such as L3vel3, Ulta, Wahl, and T3 Micro, alongside spa and wellness innovators Circadia and Zemits, nail favorites like LeChat, and standout makeup, lash and brow brands including Moira Cosmetics and Lashbomb.Premiere Anaheim's education lineup will feature industry-recognized talent including Wayne Tuggle, Presley Poe, Larisa Love, and Ashlee Norman, with special appearances from Kirsty Meakin and a business-focused conversation with Anastasia Soare, CEO of Anastasia Beverly Hills, which will also include an exclusive conversation and book signing, with the first 700 attendees on Sunday receiving a complimentary copy of her new book, Raising Brows.New for 2026, Premiere Anaheim introduces the Value Center for Pros, offering exceptional deals across professional beauty categories, and an all-new Demo Stage featuring live, up-close demonstrations from leading brands and educators. The show also debuts Spa & Wellness Talks, a one-day experiential program curated by Mary Bemis, exploring innovative treatments and wellness-forward practices.Attendees can also enjoy the Ulta Beauty Experience Lounge, creator meet-and-greets, the SalonEVO / BarberEVO Media Zone, and the live NAHA 2026 Finalist Announcement on the Main Stage.Registration DetailsPremiere Anaheim 2026 offers three pricing tiers for professionals and students, with savings for early registration. All Show Passes include two days of complimentary education and full access to the exhibit floor. Workshops and competitions are available for an additional fee.Schools can take advantage of a special bundle package that includes 10 students plus one complimentary instructor pass.ADVANCE RATE PRICING NOW AVAILABLEPurchase show passes on or before January 31 to save $20.Register HereVisitors can also take advantage of discounted hotel rates in Anaheim for the show. Learn morehere .###Media Contact:DKC NewsPremiereDKC@ dkcnews.com About Premiere ShowsThe Premiere Shows are the nation's leading network of beauty industry events, matched with world-class education from top beauty brands and renowned educators. Premiere welcomes all representatives of the professional beauty industry to meet with top brands from around the globe, get hands-on education, shop, connect with their community, and stay up to date with the hottest trends in the business. Premiere exhibitors are guaranteed to meet decision-makers from every area of the beauty industry on an exhibit floor designed to bring the beauty community together to learn, buy, and connect. For more information on Premiere Shows and its events, visitpremiereshows.com The Premiere Shows' events are organized by USA Beauty LLC, a joint venture between Informa Markets, BolognaFiere, and the Professional Beauty Association - a historic partnership created to better serve the beauty industry. USA Beauty LLC also operates the Cosmoprof North America events held annually in Las Vegas and Miami.For more information, visitpremiereshows.comand follow@premierebeautyshowsfor updates and announcements.SOURCE: South Florida Ventures Bitcoin has long been defined by sharp price swings, rapid cycles and a mining economy driven by block rewards. As the industry moves deeper into a post-halving era, that model may be starting to change. According to Abundant Mines CEO Beau Turner, Bitcoin miners are quietly preparing for a future where mining looks less like speculative extraction and more like critical infrastructure. In a recent interview with TheStreet Roundtable, Turner said many of the industrys largest miners are already adjusting their strategies in anticipation of that shift. The biggest players in the industry are in many cases shifting their business models away from just a primary self mining business, he said. Related: Explained: What is sustainable Bitcoin mining? Miners as infrastructure providers That future, Turner argued, may increasingly revolve around block space a concept often overlooked by everyday crypto users. More news: You are going to probably see miners feel more like critical infrastructure businesses, he said. We will be talking more about block space than block rewards. As Bitcoin usage expands and final settlement becomes more important to governments, corporations and financial institutions, the space available on Bitcoins blockchain could become the most valuable and scarce resource. Turner compared block space to strategic commodities, arguing it could eventually be viewed in a similar way to metals or energy resources that nations compete to secure. Related: Bitcoin miners face steep costs as they pivot to AI and HPC, HIVE chair says A more institutional mining industry As miners expand their scope and professionalize their operations, Turner expects fewer chaotic boom-and-bust cycles and a more predictable business environment. That shift, he said, creates opportunity for companies willing to operate at institutional standards. For the people who institutionalize and who professionalize, I think it is still going to be an incredibly lucrative industry for the next decade, Turner said. What is the Bitcoin halving, and when is the next one? The Bitcoin halving is a built-in event that occurs roughly every four years, reducing the block reward paid to miners by 50%. It slows the creation of new Bitcoin and reinforces the networks fixed supply cap of 21 million BTC. The most recent halving took place in April 2024, cutting the block reward from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC per block. PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-14 01:16:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 672 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 13, 2026 /WHY: New York, N.Y., January 13, 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: 2026-01-14 00:02:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 465 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 13, 2026 /WHY: New York, N.Y., January 13, 2026. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of investors in cryptocurrency issued by Balancer (ticker:BAL), resulting from allegations that Balancer may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.SO WHAT: If you purchased Balancer cryptocurrency you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48945 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On November 3, 2025, Bloomberg published an article entitled "Hack Drains Over $100 Million From Crypto Protocol Balancer." The article stated that "Balancer, a decentralized finance protocol, has been hit by a major exploit that drained more than $100 million in digital assets, according to blockchain security firms. Security researchers at PeckShield and Cyvers flagged the incident on Monday, warning that funds linked to the attacker's wallet were still being siphoned. Total losses have climbed to about $128 million, Cyvers said in a message." 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. 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.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: 2026-01-14 04:05:31 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1013 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 13, 2026 / Totec Resources Ltd. ("Totec" or the "Company") (TSXV: TOTC.P) , a capital pool company, and Usha Resources Ltd. ("Usha") (TSXV:USHA)(OTCQB:USHAF)(FSE:JO0), are pleased to provide an update with respect to the proposed sale (the "Transaction") of Usha's interest in 1540359 B.C. Ltd. ("Subco") to Totec and, indirectly, Usha's sale of the 489 mineral claims constituting the White Willow Property, which covers approximately 10,220 hectares in the Thunder Bay Mining Division, approximately 170 kilometres west of Thunder Bay, to Totec. The Transaction will constitute the qualifying transaction of Totec, as such term is defined in the rules and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange").In connection with the Transaction, the Company has filed its filing statement dated January 12, 2026 (the "Filing Statement") under its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca , which describes the Transaction and provides disclosure respecting the Company, Usha, Subco and the resulting issuer following the Transaction. The Company has also received conditional acceptance from the Exchange for the completion of the Transaction and anticipates completing the same on or around January 19, 2026.Completion of the Transaction remains subject to a number of conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including final Exchange acceptance, and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.For additional details regarding the Transaction, please see the Filing Statement and the Company's press releases dated January 9, 2026, October 24, 2025, and May 13, 2025, which are available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca ConsolidationThe Company also announces that, further to its news release of May 13, 2025, and subject to approval from the Exchange, it will effect the consolidation (the "Consolidation") of its common shares (the "Shares") on the basis of one (1) new common share for every two (2) old common shares on or about January 19, 2026.The Shares will commence trading on the Exchange on a post-Consolidation basis when the Halt (defined herein) is lifted. As of the date hereof, there are 6,126,000 Shares issued and outstanding. On a post-Consolidation basis, the Company will have approximately 3,063,000 Shares issued and outstanding, subject to rounding. Of such Shares, a total of 1,350,000 will be escrowed pursuant to the CPC Escrow Agreement dated September 22, 2022 among the Company, Endeavour Trust Corporation and certain shareholders of the Company.Pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and the articles of the Company, shareholder approval of the Consolidation is not required, and the Consolidation was approved by way of resolution passed by the board of directors of the Company.The Company's name and trading symbol will remain unchanged in connection with the Consolidation. The new ISIN and CUSIP of the Shares following the Consolidation will be CA89157M2040 and 89157M204, respectively. Following completion of the Transaction, the trading symbol of the Shares will be changed from " TOTC.P" to "TOTC".No fractional Shares will be issued as a result of the Consolidation. Any fractional interest in Shares that is less than 0.5 of a Share resulting from the Consolidation will be rounded down to the nearest whole Share, and any fractional interest in Shares that is equal to or greater than 0.5 of a Share will be rounded up to the nearest whole Share. The Consolidation will affect all shareholders uniformly and will not alter any shareholders' relative interest in the Company's equity securities, except for any adjustments for fractional Shares. The exercise or conversion price of, and the number of Shares issuable under, any convertible securities of the Company will be proportionately adjusted upon the completion of the Consolidation.Registered shareholders will receive a letter of transmittal from the Company's transfer agent, Endeavor Trust Corporation, providing instructions on how to exchange their share certificates representing pre-Consolidation Shares for new share certificates or Direct Registration Advice (DRS) representing post-Consolidation Shares to which they are entitled as a result of the Consolidation. No action is required by non-registered shareholders (shareholders who hold their Shares through an intermediary) to affect the Consolidation. The letter of transmittal will also be available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca Additional InformationTrading in the common shares of Totec has been halted (the "Halt"), and will remain halted, pending the satisfaction of all applicable requirements of Policy 2.4 of the Exchange. There can be no assurance that trading of the common shares of Totec Shares resume prior to the completion of the Qualifying Transaction.About Totec Resources Ltd.Totec is a Capital Pool Company within the meaning of TSXV Policy 2.4, has not commenced commercial operations, and has no assets other than cash.For further information, please contact:Deepak Varshney, CEO and Director Telephone: 7788991780Usha Resources Ltd.Usha was incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) on February 26, 2018. Usha is a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company that focuses on the development of battery and precious metal properties.Deepak Varshney, CEO and Director Telephone: 7788991780Forward Looking Statements and DisclaimersThe information provided in this press release regarding Usha has been provided to Totec by Usha and has not been independently verified by Totec.The information provided in this press release regarding Totec has been provided to Usha and has not been independently verified by Totec.Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions including but not limited to Exchange acceptance. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the Filing Statement, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.The Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.The information in this news release includes certain information and statements about management's vi At its peak, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described itself as the largest party in Africa and boasted that it would rule Nigeria, Africas largest democracy, for 60 years. However, the year 2025 appears to be the year the party unravelled into what it may never recover from. The PDP, Nigerias former ruling party, faced an internal crisis in 2025 that nearly pushed it to the brink of collapse, or convulsion point, as described by party spokesperson Ini Ememobong, in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES. Although it has remained the countrys main opposition since losing power in 2015, the scale of internal divisions and external pressures it faced last year showed its struggle for survival. Despite building nationwide relevance across regions and socio-economic groups during its 16 years in power, analysts argue that 2025 was the PDPs most turbulent period since leaving power at the centre. Factional disputes, mass defections, disciplinary actions and a deeply fractured national convention combined to weaken party unity, strain leadership structures and threaten its credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections. The state of the party is a hangover from its previous crises, including the crisis that trailed its presidential primaries in 2015 and 2023. Mass defection to the ruling party One of the most significant blows to the PDP in 2025 was the wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by key party leaders, including governors and lawmakers at both federal and state levels. At the start of 2025, the PDP controlled 11 governorship seats. By the end of the year, six governors had defected, leaving the party with only five. One more has left this year, and more could join. Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was the first to defect, announcing his move alongside his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, the PDPs vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general election. The entire PDP structure in the state followed suit, referencing the partys declining viability and arguing that alignment with the ruling party would better serve Delta State. defected In June 2025, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno formally defected after months of speculation. He said the move was necessary to align the state with the APC-led federal government. In October, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah also crossed over to the APC, referencing the need to better position his state for development through stronger cooperation with the federal government. Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri followed in the same month, blaming the PDPs waning relevance and internal instability. In December, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke resigned from the PDP to join the Accord Party, where he declared his intention to seek a second term in office. Shortly afterwards, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara also resigned his membership of the PDP and joined the APC. Two other governors, Agbu Kefas of Taraba State and Caleb Mutfwang, commenced the process of defection in 2025. Mr Muftwang formally joined the APC on 2 January 2026. Beyond the governors, defections spread rapidly among federal and state lawmakers. Many legislators followed their governors to the ruling party. In the Senate, PDP representation declined from 36 members at the inauguration in June 2023 to 23 by the end of 2025. A similar pattern emerged in the House of Representatives, where the party lost several members to the APC. Besides, during the year under review, some prominent PDP members also dumped the party. They include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark. One common reason given by lawmakers for abandoning the PDP is the intractable crisis within the once-governing party of Nigeria, which described itself as the largest party in Africa. Convention amid conflicting court orders The PDP national convention, held from 15 to 16 November 2025 in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, further exposed the depth of the partys crisis. The event, intended to reorganise the partys leadership and reposition it for the 2027 elections, was marred by legal battles and conflicting court orders. In October, James Omotosho, a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, issued an order halting the convention. This was followed by another ruling by Donatus Okorowo, also of the Federal High Court in Abuja, in a suit filed by a former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise the convention. Just hours before the convention, Peter Lifu, a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, issued yet another order restraining the party from proceeding with the event. Despite these rulings, the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), chaired by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, went ahead with the convention, which produced Kabiru Turaki, a senior lawyer and former Nigerian minister of special duty, as the PDPs national chairman. Among the 20-member leadership elected at the convention organised by the partys NWC, led by Umar Damagum, were Hamza Koshe (deputy national chairman, north); Daniel Woye (deputy national chairman, south); Taofeek Arapaja (national secretary); Richard Ihediwa (deputy national secretary); and Isaac Abubakar (national treasurer). Others were Theophilus Shan (national organising secretary); Ini Ememobong (national publicity secretary); Aribisala Idowu (national auditor); Badaru Shafil (national legal adviser); Ogbu Chinenyenwa (national womens leader); and Umar Aji (national youth leader). The convention committee relied on the 4 November ruling of A. L. Akintola, a judge of the Oyo State High Court. The judge ordered the PDP to proceed with the event. Disciplinary actions and expulsions A major occurrence at the convention was the expulsion of some prominent party members over alleged anti-party activities. Those expelled included the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose; the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade; the National Organising Secretary, Umaru Bature, as well as a former senator, Mao Ohuabunwa, and a former national vice chairman of the party in the South-south, Dan Orbih. Others are Mohammed Abdulrahman, the factional chairman aligned with Mr Wikes camp. Three of Mr Wikes allies, who challenged the holding of the convention in court, arguing that state congresses were not conducted in accordance with the PDP Constitution, were also expelled. They are Imo PDP Chairman, Austine Nwachukwu, Abia PDP Chairman, Amah Nnanna, and PDP South-south Zonal Secretary, Turnah George. The expulsions further deepened internal divisions and triggered fresh legal and political confrontations within the party. Factionalism and leadership battles in the PDP Factionalism within the PDP reached alarming levels in 2025, with two dominant blocs emerging, one aligned with Mr Wike, who, though a member of the party, is serving in the APC-led federal government, and the other with Mr Turaki. Ahead of the convention, tensions escalated to the point where rival factions issued suspensions against one another. The Wike-backed faction, led by Mr Anyanwu, appointed Mr Abdulrahman as its acting national chairman, while the opposing faction recognised Mr Damagum as chairman. Mr Damagum had been affirmed as substantive national chairman earlier in August by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the opposition party. The crisis largely originated from disagreements over the conduct of congresses and the legality of the convention, with Mr Wikes loyalists insisting that the party violated its constitution. Sealing the partys national secretariat The crisis peaked in November when the police sealed the PDPs national secretariat in Abuja. The building was sealed shortly after the Turaki-led leadership convened its inaugural National Working Committee (NWC) meeting. The action followed confrontations between members of the Wike faction and the Turaki-led executives, further showing the deepening institutional breakdown within Nigerias main opposition party. It is unclear when the once-ruling PDP will emerge from its leadership crisis, as the dispute over legitimacy between the two factions has continued into the new year. Sadly, just before the close of 2025, INEC ruled that it would not recognise any of the factions due to various court judgements on the crisis. Already, the party has begun paying the price with the electoral bodys refusal to list its candidate, Wole Oluyede, as one of the contenders in the forthcoming Ekiti governorship poll. Many such scenarios may emerge. Analysts say the consequences may affect its preparation and outing in the 2027 polls. With the recent allegation by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State that Mr Wike pledged to hold the PDP down for the benefit of APCs President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election, the future, at least the nearest future, appears bleak for the party, whose leaders had boasted that it would rule Africas most populous country for 60 years. PDP speaks The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, told PREMIUM TIMES that the challenges confronting the party in 2025 were the culmination of internal problems that had persisted since it lost power in 2015. The lessons have been learnt. What actually happened in 2025 was an accumulation of the things that had happened from 2015 down, just that in 2025 it got to convulsion point. But I can assure you that were heading up, Mr Ememobong said. Addressing concerns over the legitimacy of the partys national convention, the spokesperson said the matter is now before the Court of Appeal and that the party is awaiting judicial clarification on the outcome of the exercise. As much as there were judgements against convention, there were court orders directing that the convention should hold. But all of that are issues before the Court of Appeal, he added. On the partys readiness for the 2027 general elections, Mr Ememobong said the PDP would intensify its political activities once the legal disputes surrounding the convention are resolved. That is why were on the rebel and rebound mission, that is why you see us doing consultation day and night. Immediately were out of the Court of Appeal, youre going to see a lot of things happening. Darkest year for PDP Ifeanyi Odili, president of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), described 2025 as one of the darkest periods in the PDPs recent history, saying the scale of internal dislocation the party experienced was unprecedented. 2025 was a brutal year for the PDP, marking a major low point in the partys recent history. Internal conflicts, leadership trolls, and mass defections have left the party controlling just four states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Oyo, and Zamfara. Thats a huge drop from 2011, when they had the presidency and 25 states. The partys collapse has been dramatic, with many of its key figures jumping ship, Mr Odili said. He argued that the exit of influential governors fundamentally weakened the partys political machinery and diminished its relevance on the national stage. Mr Odili noted that the partys prolonged inability to resolve internal disputes and enforce discipline had cost it credibility among its members and supporters. He rejected suggestions that the wave of defections was driven solely by political opportunism, arguing instead that it exposed deeper structural decay within the party. He warned that the consequences of the PDPs decline could extend beyond the party itself, potentially reshaping Nigerias political landscape. The US government has suspended immigrant visa processing for Nigerians seeking to travel to the US, marking the latest in a series of travel restrictions targeting the country. This means the US will temporarily stop accepting and processing immigration visa applications from Nigerians. The suspension also affects Russia, Somalia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and a host of other countries. Fox News reported on Wednesday that a memo from the US State Department showed that the Donald Trump administration is suspending visa processing for applicants from 75 countries in total. The order was issued in November to tighten regulations on potential immigrants the administration deems likely to become public charges in the US. The State Department spokesperson, Tommy Piggott, said, The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge in the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people, Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits. The processing suspension will come into force on 21 January. A week ago, the US introduced a travel policy that required Nigerians seeking to enter the United States on a B1/B2 visa to post bonds of up to $15,000. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the policy requiring Nigeria to post bonds will also take effect on 21 January. Last month, the US barred entry for Nigerians seeking to enter the US as green card holders, or on B1, B2, B1/B2, F, M, and J visas. The government cited high rates of visa overstays and insecurity as reasons for the restrictions. It also instituted partial and full travel bans on several African, Latin American, and Asian countries. Judge Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, returned the case file of the terrorism financing trial of the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance Yusuf Adamu and his co-defendants for reassignment to a new judge. Mr Nwite took up the case in December as a vacation judge tasked with handling emergency matters during the last Christmas/New Year festivities. The judge said on Tuesday that with the resumption of the court from vacation, the matter assigned for adjudication during the break had to be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to the substantive judge, who will see the case through to the end. Mr Nwite announced the decision as the parties and their lawyers came prepared for commencement of trial on Tuesday. Defence lawyer, Chris Uche, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN), said he was ready for trial, while Adebayo Ojo stepped into the matter as the new prosecution lawyer. I have listened to the submission of the learned senior counsel for the defendants, the judge was quoted as saying in a statement from the EFCC on Tuesday, adding, it is not in doubt that this is a vacation matter which was returned to the registrar after the vacation for onward return to the Chief Judge for reassigning the case substantively. EFCC arraigned Mr Adamu and his co-defendants on 31 December 2025 on 10 counts of terrorism financing and sundry money laundering, offences which allegedly involved $9.7 million in public funds. The charges accused them of releasing $2.33 million from the state governments coffers to Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore leader, Bello Bodejo, and other persons who allegedly used the cash, partly or wholly, to finance an alleged terrorist or terrorist group. The defendants allegedly released the funds to Mr Bodejo, with the approval of Governor Bala Mohammed, between January and May 2024. The prosecution also alleged that nearly $7 million belonging to the state government was released for Mr Adamus benefit in a money laundering scheme. Apart from Mr Adamu, other co-defendants indicted in the case are Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed, who are said to be civil servants and signatories to the state governments accounts or payment instruments. An exclusive PREMIUM TIMES report, which relied on documents filed by the EFCC in the case, detailed the off-bank and unofficial channels used by the officials of the Bauchi State government to disburse funds to various individuals and corporate entities for unknown purposes. But the defendants denied all 10 charges during their arraignment on 31 December 2025. Shortly after the defendants took their plea, defence lawyer, Gordy Uche, a SAN, urged the court to grant the accused persons bail on liberal terms. However, EFCC lawyer Samuel Chime opposed bail, citing the weighty charges against them. After listening to the parties submission, Mr Nwite ordered the defendants to remain in prison pending the ruling on their bail application and adjourned the matter. RUling on the defendants bail application on 5 January, the judge denied them bail, saying the charges against them bordered on threats to national security and social order. He then adjourned the matter till Tuesday for commencement of trial, which stalled due to the judges decision to return the case file for fresh assignment to a judge following the end of the Christmas/New Year vacation. Meanwhile, the same judge, on 2 January, granted Mr Adamu bail in a separate money laundering case. In the money laundering case, the EFCC charged Mr Adamu alongside Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd with six counts involving N4.65 billion. The commission alleged that he committed the offences while serving as the branch manager of Polaris Bank in Bauchi between June and December 2023. The ongoing strike by health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) in Lagos State continues to disrupt healthcare delivery across public hospitals, forcing patients to seek services outside government facilities and placing extra pressure on the available doctors and nurses. PREMIUM TIMES visits to major public hospitals across Lagos on Tuesday showed that the strike has reduced manpower, shut down departments and increased pressure on patients and facilities. Although emergency care and clinical consultations are still ongoing in many facilities, the withdrawal of non-clinical health workers has crippled essential services, including administration, pharmacies, laboratories, and medical records. This has resulted in delays, overcrowding and higher out-of-pocket costs for patients. JOHESU represents pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, health information managers, physiotherapists, radiographers, engineers, cleaners and other support staff. According to the Secretary of the JOHESU Lagos Council, Adegboyega Kabiawu, members of the union make up about 85 per cent of the health workforce, leaving doctors and nurses to operate with limited institutional support. Mr Kabiawu said the scale of the unions membership explains why the over two-month strike has had a widespread impact across primary, secondary, and tertiary health facilities in the state. Overstretched emergency units At the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja, the impact of reduced manpower was evident in the medical emergency unit. While doctors and nurses were on duty, the number of patients far exceeded the available staff. Elizabeth Bayo, a relative of one of the patients receiving emergency care, said the strike is putting pressure on the available doctors and patients. The doctors and nurses are available, but the strike is really felt, she said. There are fewer people working, yet patients keep coming in. You can see how overwhelmed they are. Outside the emergency unit, a distressed couple was seen leaving the hospital after being told there was no available bed space. Their teenage daughter had been referred from the Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital for a blood transfusion, but could not be admitted. The parents said they were reluctant to try the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, for fear of facing similar challenges. With limited options, they said they would have to check for a private hospital immediately, regardless of the cost. Inside the facility, waiting areas were filled with patients, many of whom were advised to seek pharmacy and laboratory services outside the hospital. Record-keeping breaks down At the General Hospital, Ifako-Ijaiye, the effects of the strike were most evident at the Health Information Unit, which has remained shut since the industrial action began. The unit is responsible for managing patient records and data. A pregnant woman receiving antenatal care, who identified herself simply as Zainab, said patients had been asked to improvise by using exercise books to record their details. For weeks now, we have been told to buy exercise books and write our names there, she said. That is what we now take to the doctors. The e-system and other records are on hold. She added that the process had been stressful, as patients often had to search through several books to locate their records. My next appointment is in February. I hope they resume before then, she said. A nurse at LASUTH, who requested anonymity, confirmed that similar measures had been adopted due to the absence of key support staff. The JOHESU strike affects administration, cleaning, pharmacy and laboratory services mainly, the source said. Opening folders and accessing records have not been easy. At some point, even the medical emergency unit had to start using exercise books. The source added that although some administrative staff could be seen around the main records complex, retrieving patient files remained a significant challenge. At the hospitals laboratory, the reception area was quiet, with no activity at the time of the visit. Patients forced outside hospital walls At the Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, pharmacies and laboratories remained shut as the strike continued. Patients seeking medications were directed outside the hospital premises. They are on strike, a security officer said. You will have to get the drugs outside.The officer added that a private clinic within the hospital compound was handling medical tests. Patients said the shutdown of hospital pharmacies had increased their financial burden.They are on strike, so we are getting the drugs outside, said Chioma, who accompanied her mother to the General Outpatient Department. An elderly patient, who identified herself as Mummy David, said the industrial action has meant paying consistently higher prices for medication. For over one month now, I have been buying my drugs outside, she said. The hospital prices are usually lower than what they sell outside. Union cites unresolved local demands Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, Mr Kabiawu said the Lagos strike is driven by long-standing local demands that remain unresolved despite previous engagements with the state government. He said the action followed a mandatory 15-day notice, after which members went on strike on 3 December. Before the strike, the government created the impression that it was dialoguing with us, he said. But after the strike commenced, there was no further engagement. Although triggered by a national directive, Mr Kabiawu said the Lagos chapter used the opportunity to push state-specific issues that had been left unattended for years. At the national level, JOHESUs demand is the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which the union said has not been reviewed since its introduction in 2009, unlike the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which has been adjusted three times. In Lagos, the union stated that it had tabled five key local demands, including the domestication of the consultancy pharmacist cadre, following a federal circular issued in 2020. It said the policy was earlier domesticated by the state in 2018 but later suspended following opposition from medical doctors, despite its implementation in federal health institutions within Lagos. Other demands include the establishment of a Directorate of Medical Laboratory Services, the equitable implementation of retention allowances, the correction of alleged errors in call-duty and shift-duty allowances, and improved staff transportation. According to the union, while the health sector previously had about 10 staff buses across public facilities, only one remains operational. The health sector cannot be expected to run early and close late with only one bus, Mr Kabiawu said. He said the union is open to suspending the strike if the Lagos State Government issues a concrete memorandum of understanding detailing implementation timelines for the demands. Government says dialogue ongoing Earlier on Sunday, the Lagos State Government said it was intensifying efforts to resolve the dispute. The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Ibrahim Mustafa, said the government recognises the disruption caused by the strike and is prioritising dialogue. According to Mr Mustafa, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains personally committed to resolving the impasse and restoring industrial harmony in the health sector. Some of the demands are not purely financial, Mr Mustafa said. They require technical and administrative inputs. However, Mr Kabiawu said the union had yet to receive a formal invitation for talks. He expressed surprise that the dispute had been allowed to linger. Commenting on the federal governments no work, no pay directive, Mr Kabiawu said it fell within labour law provisions. He said members were prepared to endure hardship while pursuing what he described as their lawful rights. Mr Kabiawu cautioned the Lagos State Government against adopting the same policy, warning it could worsen the dispute. The administration of President Bola Tinubu has approved a $4.5 million lobbying contract with a Republican-linked firm in Washington as it seeks to ease mounting pressure from the United States government under President Donald Trump over insecurity in the West African country, a report has said. Mr Trump had issued many threats of military and diplomatic actions against Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians in Northern Nigeria. According to the report, published on Tuesday by The Africa Report, the lobbying deal is aimed at persuading the Trump administration and key U.S. lawmakers that Nigeria is taking concrete steps to address worsening insecurity, particularly the killings of Christians in the countrys northern region. The report said the engagement was facilitated by Nigerias National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, through a Kaduna-based law firm, Aster Legal, which acted as an intermediary in hiring the U.S. lobbying firm, DCI Group. U.S. Department of Justice filings cited in the report indicate that the Tinubu administration paid DCI Group an initial $4.5 million on December 12, as part of the agreement. The payment represents a six-month retainer, with a second tranche of $4.5 million due in July 2026, bringing the total value of the contract to $9 million, or about $750,000 per month. The report described the deal as one of the most expensive lobbying contracts ever signed by an African government. According to the filings, DCI Group was retained to help the Nigerian government communicate its efforts to protect Christian communities and to maintain U.S. support in countering jihadist groups and other destabilising elements in West Africa. The agreement was signed by Aster Legals Managing Director, Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim, and DCI Groups Managing Partner, Justin Peterson, a prominent Republican strategist and close ally of President Trump, who previously served on Puerto Ricos fiscal management board during Trumps first term. The contract was finalised weeks after President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a country of particular concern, citing what he described as the governments failure to curb widespread killings of Christians. Four days after the deal was sealed, the United States imposed a partial travel ban on Nigerians, affecting tourist, business and student visa applicants. The Trump administration cited high visa overstay rates and what it called an unreliable Nigerian security framework for vetting travellers. Tensions escalated further on December 25, when President Trump announced that U.S. forces had carried out an airstrike in northern Nigeria, specifically in Sokoto State, targeting suspected insurgent hideouts. He later warned that additional strikes could follow if the Nigerian government failed to halt violence against Christian communities. Beyond DCI Group, the report said Nigeria has also engaged other lobbying channels in Washington. Justice Department records show that a U.S. attorney and former congressional foreign policy official, Johanna Blanc, received $5,000 to draft a letter addressed to Congressman Chris Smith, chair of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, ahead of a congressional hearing on Nigerias deteriorating security situation. Although the filings listed Ms Blanc as working under Nigerias Ministry of Finance, she reportedly clarified that the letter was written on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In the letter, Mr Akpabio invited members of the House subcommittee to visit Nigeria to engage government officials, civil society groups and religious leaders on security and interfaith issues. The lobbying arrangement has sparked debate among analysts and former U.S. officials. Chidi Blyden, a former Pentagon official who served under former U.S. President Joe Biden and was reportedly involved in aspects of the engagement, said the scale of the contract underscored the Tinubu administrations urgency in repairing strained relations with the Trump White House. Given the ongoing strikes in northern Nigeria to root out terrorist havens, having open lines of communication across multiple sectors between the two governments is key, Mr Blyden was quoted as saying. He added that the move signalled the Tinubu administrations determination to re-establish a working relationship with the Trump administration, largely through private-sector engagement. The Nigerian government has hired an American lobbying firm for $750,000 per month over six months to defend its international reputation in Washington, spending a total of $4.5 million. The federal governments contract with DCI Group AZ, LLC runs for six months and is valued at $4.5 million. Under the agreement, DCI Group is mandated to brief the United States government on Nigerias efforts to protect both Christians and Muslims, while also sustaining American support for Nigerias campaign against terrorist groups operating in West Africa. As Nigeria engages lobbyists in Washington, Biafran separatists and other interest groups are simultaneously working to persuade the US government that Christians face systematic persecution in the country. Nigeria is spending significantly more than the Biafran separatists, who are investing about $66,000 in their own American lobbying campaign. The separatists lobbyist is advocating sanctions against Nigeria and seeking US recognition of Biafran independence. Their mandate includes briefing US government officials and private-sector stakeholders on what they describe as challenges facing the people of Biafra, while arguing that the region should be recognised as an independent state. This lobbying battle intensified after US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern and, in November 2025, threatened to deploy American troops to Nigeria guns-a-blazing to halt what he described as the persecution of Christians. Mr Trumps threat prompted swift action by President Bola Tinubus government. In November, Nigerias National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, held discussions in Washington with officials from the US Department of Defence and some other members of the Trump administration. On 20 November, Mr Ribadu and the Nigerian delegation met US Defence Secretary Peter Hegseth and General Dan Caine, a top US military officer. Officials from both countries described the meeting as productive. Following Mr Ribadus visit, Nigeria and the United States established a joint team to share intelligence and fast-track weapons deliveries. On Christmas Day, US cruise missiles struck suspected terrorist targets in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states. Mr Trump told the New York Times on 8 January that additional US airstrikes were likely if what he termed attacks on Nigerias Christian population continued. On Tuesday, US forces delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced, stating that the delivery supports Nigerias ongoing operations and emphasises our shared security partnership. Who is doing the lobbying Kaduna-based law firm Aster Legal retained DCI Group, a Washington, D.C.-based public affairs, communications, and lobbying firm founded by seasoned political operatives, to act on behalf of Nigeria. The six-month contract, signed on 17 December 2025 by Aster Legal managing partner Oyetunji Olalekan Teslim and DCI Group managing member Justin Peterson, runs through 30 June 2026 and includes an automatic renewal clause. DCI Groups work will be led by managing partners Justin Peterson and Brian McCabe. Mr Trump had in 2020 appointed Mr Peterson as his representative to the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico. DCI Group shall assist the Nigerian government through Aster Legal in communicating its actions to protect Nigerian Christian communities and maintaining US support in countering West African jihadist groups and other destabilising elements, the agreement stated. Either party may terminate the agreement with 60 days written notice. Documents filed with the US Department of Justice show that Nigeria paid a $4.5 million retainer on 12 December, covering the first six months of the agreement. The contract specifies: Client shall pay Consultant a monthly retainer of seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($750,000), being full payment of professional fees and expenses covered under this agreement. The monthly payment shall be made in two six-month instalments of four million five hundred thousand dollars ($4,500,000), one due (a) upon execution of this Agreement and the other (b) upon expiration of six months from the effective date. What the Biafrans want The so-called Biafran Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) is spending far less than the Nigerian government but is pursuing far-reaching objectives. BRGIE will pay a monthly fee of $10,000 USD for services provided from January 1 to March 31, 2026; subsequently, BRGIE will pay a monthly fee of $12,000 USD for services provided from April 1, 2026, to June 31, 2026, the agreement shows. The contract with Washington & Madison, announced on 10 January, seeks to persuade the US to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials, recognise a Biafran government, and even support military action. The agreement asserts that violence against Christians in Nigeria is the governments responsibility and argues that a new Biafran government would better serve American interests. It also promises US oil companies more favourable deals. However, the contract omits the fact that Christians have also been victims of attacks carried out by separatist groups in the South-east. Washington & Madison is run by Elias Gerasoulis, a Republican fundraiser who has donated to Senator Ted Cruz, according to a report by Africa Confidential. Mr Cruz chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The Biafra groups representative is Isaiah Harrison Anyaogu, also known as Ogechukwu Nkere, who reportedly resides in Baltimore, Maryland. He identifies himself as the acting prime minister of the Biafran movement in exile. Previous Biafran leaders, Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa, are currently in custody in Nigeria and Finland, respectively. Internal disputes have, however, emerged within the Biafran group. In August, the BRGIE governing council announced that Mr Nkere had been expelled and that his position no longer existed. In a letter signed by council chairman Emma Maduabum, Mr Nkere was accused of creating a fake BRGIE website and of misleading Biafrans and the world, and collecting money from the uninformed public. It remains unclear whether the dispute has been resolved. PREMIUM TIMES previously reported that BRGIE hired lobbying firm Moran Global Strategies in June 2024. In a letter dated 10 June 2024, the firm pledged to devote our best efforts to representing Biafra. Mr Ekpa signed that agreement on 12 June 2024. The contract tasked Moran Global Strategies with persuading the US government to support Biafran independence, promoting the idea that an independent Biafra would be a close US ally and a partner in combating Islamic terrorism in the region. The battle for influence Both Nigeria and Biafran groups are courting the same power centres in Washington, particularly conservative Republican politicians and evangelical Christian organisations. Pro-Biafran groups have cultivated relationships with these constituencies for decades, securing support from influential Republicans such as Mr Cruz and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. This longstanding support may have contributed to the Tinubu administrations decision to invest heavily in lobbyists with ties to Mr Trump. Under their agreement, Biafran lobbyists will also seek to persuade the White House to sanction Nigerian officials at all levels of government. They will argue that southeastern governors are acting against US interests by allegedly cooperating with American adversaries. The contract accuses southeastern governors of enabling countries such as Iran to gain influence in the oil-rich region and describes them as complicit in Christian genocide and highly dangerous to US interests. This lobbying struggle is unfolding even as Nigeria and the United States deepen security cooperation, including intelligence sharing and joint air operations against suspected terrorists in northern Nigeria. DCI Groups lobbyists will focus on explaining the Tinubu administrations efforts to protect Christian communities. Mr Tinubu is keen to avoid being perceived as a leader who tolerates the persecution of Christians, administration insiders say. Nigeria and foreign lobbyists Like several countries globally, Nigeria has a documented history of retaining American and British lobbying firms to manage its international image and influence foreign opinion. In 2018, PREMIUM TIMES reported that former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami retained two American lobbying and public relations firms to place opinion articles favourable to President Muhammadu Buharis administration in US newspapers. At the time, embassy officials in Washington reportedly questioned why public funds were allocated to external lobbyists instead of leveraging Nigerias diplomatic mission. The Buhari administration also engaged an image management and lobbying firm with offices in both the United Kingdom and the United States for outreach and relationship building with various stakeholders. However, the practice predates that administration. In 2013, President Goodluck Jonathans government spent several thousand dollars retaining a lobbying firm to arrange media interviews for government officials on US outlets. The Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) on Tuesday commenced the construction of police quarters in Enugu State with the groundbreaking of six-Man Rank and File Quarters at Ozalla, Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state. Mohammed Sheidu, the Executive Secretary of the NPTF said the milestone was not just for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, but for the men and women of the Nigeria Police Force. He said the construction of the six-man rank and file accommodation in Ozalla was part of deliberate efforts to address the longstanding accommodation gap faced by Nigeria police personnel. According to him, the gap affects morale, efficiency, and overall well-being, adding that they have taken it upon ourselves to begin finding practical and sustainable solutions to the problem. Mr Sheidu, while appreciating President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the security sector reforms, also commended the Enugu State Government for providing the site. The land given was not just a parcel of land but a symbol of partnership, trust, and shared responsibility. It reflects the governors commitment to security and to improving the welfare of those who protect our communities, he said. Mr Sheidu said the NPTF strongly believe that a well-housed police officer is a more motivated, more focused and more effective police officer. He said, This project is therefore not just about buildings; it is about dignity, stability, and creating an enabling environment for our officers and their families. This development also forms part of a broader, nationwide intervention by the trust fund, which includes the construction and rehabilitation of police barracks, training institutions, operational infrastructure, and welfare-focused projects. He assured the people of Enugu State and the Nigeria Police Force that the project would be delivered with transparency, quality, and speed. We remain committed to ensuring value for money and lasting impact. Through partnership and shared purpose, we can build a police force that is better equipped, better motivated, and better positioned to secure lives and property, he said. IGP speaks on the project In a message, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, expressed appreciation to the board and management of NPTF for embarking on the landmark project. Mr Egbetokun, represented by the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, said the intervention came at a time when the federal government prioritises comprehensive reforms in the force. The reforms, he said, were in critical areas of welfare and improved working conditions for officers across the federation. He reiterated the commitment of the police in providing NPTF with necessary support. Mr Egbetokun also said the construction of the quarters would go a long way to enhancing the work environment of police officers in the Ozalla community and Enugu State at large. He enjoined the contractors and engineers handling the project to uphold the highest standards of quality, professionalism, and integrity throughout the construction process. In their remarks, the traditional ruler of Ishi-Ozalla, Sylvanus Okeke and Nkanu West Council Chairman, John Nwobodo, expressed gratitude to NPTF for choosing Nkanu West for the project. We will support and ensure that the project is sustained in our community, Mr Okeke said. (NAN) ROME, Jan 14 (Reuters) - U.S. e-commerce giant Amazon said on Wednesday it would appeal against a decision by an Italian court that reduced a fine imposed by the country's antitrust regulator as it believes it should not be charged at all. On Monday, Italy's antitrust authority said it had reduced to 752.4 million euros ($876.3 million) a 1.13-billion-euro fine it imposed on Amazon in 2021 for abusing its dominant position, restricting competition in e-commerce logistics services in Italy. More from Yahoo Scout What was Amazon's original fine from Italy's antitrust authority? Why was Amazon's Italian antitrust fine reduced? How will Amazon's appeal process proceed in Italy? What market behavior led to Amazon's antitrust penalty? The reduction followed a regional administrative court ruling last September. "As previously stated, we strongly disagree with the decision of the Italian Competition Authority and we will continue to emphasize our position throughout the legal proceedings," Amazon said in an emailed statement to Reuters. The group's decision to pursue legal action was first reported by Italian financial newspaper MF. The Italian regulator will also appeal against the ruling to reduce the fine, according to MF. The antitrust authority declined to comment. ($1 = 0.8586 euros) (Reporting by Giulia Segreti. Editing by Gianluca Semeraro and Mark Potter) The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has condemned the Katsina State Government for initiating the release of about 70 suspected and convicted bandits, warning that the move undermines justice, security and the authority of the state. In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, the group said it recognises the urgency of ending killings, kidnappings and destruction in Katsina and the wider North-West, but argued that peace secured through appeasement and judicial compromise is neither sustainable nor just. The group faulted the state governments attempt to liken the release of bandits to wartime prisoner exchanges, describing the comparison as deeply flawed, misleading and dangerous. Nigeria is not engaged in a conventional war with a recognised adversary bound by rules of engagement, the statement said. Bandits are criminal terrorists who have murdered citizens, razed communities, raped women, displaced families and destabilised rural economies. According to the coalition, treating armed groups as negotiating equalswithout first degrading their capacity for violenceweakens the states authority. While noting it is not opposed to dialogue or reintegration in principle, the CNG said negotiations with violent groups should only occur after the state has demonstrated overwhelming capacity to defeat them. Peace must be negotiated from a position of strength, not weakness, Mr Charanchi said, adding that what is unfolding in Katsina suggests the opposite. The coalition said suspects facing trial were being released as preconditions for peace, judicial processes appeared subordinated to executive bargaining, and communities continued to suffer renewed attacks even as concessions were made to armed groups. This approach sends a dangerous signal that violence pays, justice is negotiable and the state lacks resolve, the statement said. It also criticised what it described as the governments silence on the fate of victims and their families. Homes were burnt, farms destroyed and entire communities displaced. Many victims and witnesses risked their lives to cooperate with law enforcement and testify in court, Mr Charanchi said. Releasing suspects or convicts without transparent truth-telling, judicial closure, restitution and meaningful compensation amounts to a betrayal of these victims and a grave injustice to society. Peace that ignores justice does not heal; it deepens fear, resentment and insecurity. The CNG raised concerns about the timing of the planned releases, noting that they coincide with a resurgence of attacks and killings in parts of Katsina State, including Malumfashi Local Government Area. If the agreements are effective, communities should not still be under siege. If bandits are truly repentant, violence should not persist, the statement said. The coalition called on the federal government and security agenciesincluding the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Servicesto intensify and better coordinate efforts against banditry and terrorism across northern Nigeria. It urged the Katsina State Government to suspend any plan to release suspected or convicted bandits under peace arrangements and to respect judicial processes, including ongoing trials and sentences. Where engagement is eventually considered, the group said it must be transparent and anchored on disarmament, restitution, deradicalisation and long-term monitoring, with victims placed at the centre of the process. Peace is not achieved by surrendering the rule of law. Security is not built by rewarding violence. Justice is not optional, the statement said. Background Last week, PREMIUM TIMES reported that controversy erupted in Katsina following the emergence of an official document indicating that the state government had initiated steps to secure the release of dozens of suspected bandits facing criminal trials. The documenta January 2 letter marked Secret from the Katsina State Ministry of Justice to the Chief Judgerequested the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee to facilitate the release of the detainees. Signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, the letter said a list of 48 suspects accused of banditry-related offences had been forwarded to the ministry by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs. Their release, it said, was intended to serve as a condition for sustaining a peace accord with armed groups operating in frontline local governments. The ministry also disclosed that while a few of the suspects had been arraigned before the Federal High Court, most remained in detention awaiting trial at magistrate courts across the state. A separate list of about 22 inmates facing trial at various High Courts was also submitted for release under the same arrangement. The state government has defended the move, saying it is aimed at sustaining peace agreements with armed groups. The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, said the measure was intended to consolidate accords reached between affected communities and repentant bandits across at least 15 local government areas, adding that the agreements had led to the release of about 1,000 abducted persons. Former Governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime, has thrown his weight behind All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-east, endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office. The News of Nigeria recalls that APC governors, leaders and stakeholders in the South-east had on Saturday endorsed Mr Tinubu for re-election in 2027. Mr Chime, who spoke at Udi during the flag off of the APC e-registration in Enugu West Senatorial District on Tuesday, said the president had done well and needed support for a second term. He said that he does not doubt that Mr Tinubu and the APC would sweep the polls in the South-east in the 2027 elections and that the few naysayers in the region would soon see the light and embrace reality. I am part of the South-east. So, you can take it for granted that I was part of that endorsement. That is our decision, and we all stand by it. It is easily achievable. The President has done well. I believe he has done well. Whatever is happening in Nigeria is global and certainly in Africa. It is all over the place. He is doing well, given the circumstances, he stated. The former governor said he would discuss 2027 further in the coming months. Elections are coming up next year. He will do well. When the time for the campaign comes, we will talk, he stated. Expressing joy at the excitement with which the South-east, and Enugu State in particular, were embracing the APC, Mr Chime maintained that his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party after the 2015 election was now justified. He stated that the APC leaders in Enugu State were committed to surpassing the two million membership benchmark set for them in the ongoing electronic membership registration exercise by the governor and leader of the party in the state, Peter Mbah. We are here first of all to thank our people. You can see how excited people are to join the APC. It is now the only party available in Enugu State. Ten years ago, when I joined the APC, we saw tomorrow. We knew PDP was going down. It is now obvious that the APC is the only party available. So, the two-million mark, to me, is actually just there. We are going beyond that in Enugu State. So, it is exciting to see how people are happy being part of the APC, and I am happy the APC is back in Enugu State. Those who are still sceptical have no choice. APC is still the way to go, he stressed. READ ALSO: Delta govt boosts MSMEs with N1billion revolving loan Speaking, the Chairperson of Udi LGA, Hyginus Agu; his counterparts in Aninri LGA, Ugochukwu Nwanjoku; Awgu LGA, Uchenna Okoko; Ezeagu LGA, Vita Ndu; and Oji River LGA, Greg Anyaegbudike, said they were ready to mobilise at the grassroots for more people to register for the party. The truth is that our governor has done so well. We have multiple projects in every political ward to brag about. The people are happy and, as far as they are concerned, Governor Mbah is their political party. He has chosen APC, and the people stand solidly with him and our dear president, Mr Agu said. The Katsina Local Government Council has awarded a N690 million contract for the construction of a girls secondary school, a move officials say will expand access to education for girls in the area. The Council Chairperson, Isah Miqdad, handed over the contract documents to the contractor on Tuesday, marking the formal commencement of the project. According to officials, the project was approved by Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, who also authorised the release of 40 per cent of the contract sum as mobilisation fees. Speaking at the handover ceremony, the councillor representing Wakilin Gabas II Ward, Yusuf Mallam, stated that the school was approved after he submitted a formal request to the council highlighting the absence of a girls secondary school in the community. Mr Malam noted that the chairperson conveyed the request to the governor, who subsequently approved the project. He described the handover as the outcome of sustained advocacy and thanked the stakeholders involved in the process. Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Mustapha Shehu, urged the contractor to prioritise the employment of indigenes during construction, noting that this would boost local economic activities. In his remarks, Mr Miqdad commended Governor Radda for approving projects beyond the financial capacity of the local government. He assured the public that a monitoring committee would be set up to ensure quality and compliance with specifications. He also called on residents of the host community to protect the project from vandalism and interference. Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Katsina Emirate Council, the Zonal Education Quality Assurance (ZEQA) coordinator, and other stakeholders. Officials said the school, when completed, is expected to improve the enrolment and retention of girls in secondary education in Katsina. President Bola Tinubu has extended condolences to the family of Yakubu Mohammed, a veteran journalist and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, who died on Monday night. Mr Mohammed, alongside late Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese, and Ray Ekpu, founded Newswatch Magazine in 1984, inspiring the era of fearless investigative journalism in Nigeria during the military era. President Tinubu commiserated with the government and people of Kogi State, as well as the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Commonwealth Journalists Association, and other media institutions, both public and private, where the late Mohammed had provided leadership. The president affirmed that Mr Mohammeds career in journalism, spanning over 50 years, was devoted to nation-building, with the journalist placing his life on the line to tell the truth to power. President Tinubu noted the dedication of Mr Mohammed, whom he called a personal friend, and his colleagues in sustaining the visionary legacy of Newswatch Magazine after the assassination of Dele Giwa in 1986, further confirming their resolve and courage in pushing the boundaries of investigative journalism in Nigeria. The president believes Mr Mohammeds publication of his memoirs, Beyond Expectations, in November 2025, provided an opportunity for soul-searching and deep reflection on leadership in Nigeria and the role of journalists. Mr Mohammed served as pro-chancellor and chancellor of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University. He was also Associate Editor of New Nigerian Newspapers (1976-1980), Deputy Editor and Editor of National Concord (1980-1984) before the founding of Newswatch. The president prayed that the Almighty God would receive the soul of the departed and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) January 14, 2026 Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has dismissed claims by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that political parties in Rivers State will unite under a rainbow coalition for the 2027 general elections. The IPAC National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins, stated this in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mr Wike had, on Friday, said that politicians in Rivers were united under the Renewed Hope Family, tagged Rainbow Coalition to ensure the re-election of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027. Mr Wike, a former governor of Rivers, made the declaration during a thank-you visit to Andoni Local Government Area of the state. The minister stated that there was no party allegiance in the state, stressing that what Rivers had was a rainbow coalition under the Renewed Hope Family, in pursuit of a common cause and interest. However, in his reaction, Mr Martins dismissed the claim, describing it as misleading and unfounded. He stated that the minister lacked any mandate from the council or registered parties to speak on their behalf or determine alliances, preferences, or candidates for national elections. Mr Martins described Nigerian political parties as independent institutions governed by constitutions, structures, organs and internal democratic processes. They are beyond individual control or personal influence, he said. According to him, decisions on coalitions, alliances or endorsements can only arise from duly constituted party organs, not from any individual, regardless of his or her position. Mr Martins, however, said that IPAC was aware of some parties independently considering unconditional solidarity support for the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to promote peace and stability within the state. READ ALSO: Governor orders villagers to evacuate or face bombardment This may include voluntarily not fielding governorship candidates as a sacrifice aimed at restoring effective governance, peace and stability for Rivers people across the state, he said. Mr Martins emphasised that such considerations remained exclusive decisions of the affected parties, driven by collective solidarity and commitment to lasting peace, not external pressure or personal interests. He reaffirmed IPACs commitment to multi-party democracy, political pluralism and independence of parties, insisting that no individual would hijack collective decisions for personal or partisan advantage. The Anambra State Government has expressed concern over the alleged noise pollution from church activities during school hours in Onitsha, the commercial nerve centre of the state. The Commissioner for Education, Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, made the remark while speaking on a petition written to the ministry by a private school in the city. The school alleged that the noise from the activities of a nearby church during school hours was disrupting its academic activities. Ms Chuma-Udeh described the development as worrisome. The petition, signed by the proprietress of the school, Ngozi Udeh, was written against Divine Dominion Prophetic Ministry, located directly opposite the school premises. According to Mrs Udeh, the church, which was built in 2024, recently intensified its activities, generating excessive noise, particularly on Tuesdays, when services reportedly run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. She further alleged that the noise was consistently distracting to students and teachers, thereby disrupting teaching and learning during school hours, despite several appeals to the church leadership. Addressing both parties in her office in Awka, on Tuesday, the commissioner said Governor Charles Soludo administration would not condone any act that infringes on the constitutional right of students to learn in a peaceful and conducive environment. She emphasised that noise pollution was an offence under the Nigerian law and was punishable once established. She, therefore, advised religious institutions to ensure that noise generated from their premises was contained correctly, especially when schools are located within hearing distance. Ms Chuma-Udeh also urged the church leadership to explore peaceful ways of coexisting with the school, in alignment with the true values of Christianity, and given that the school had existed in the area before the church was built. She ordered the church to reschedule its weekday activities to commence from 4:00 p.m., after school hours. She warned that failure to comply with the directive would compel the ministry to involve the Ministry of Environment, with the attendant legal consequences. The commissioner stated that while churches may hold activities from morning to evening on Saturdays and Sundays, external examinations, such as WAEC, NECO, and JAMB, must take precedence, even on Saturdays. Responding, the Assistant Pastor of the church, Emmanuel Ukpabi, promised that the church would work harmoniously with the school to ensure mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. (NAN) A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled 26 February to hear the preliminary objection filed by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), against a suit filed by the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji. Mr Nnaji had filed the suit to block UNN from releasing details of his academic sojourn in the institution to anyone in the wake of a PREMIUM TIMES investigation documenting how he forged his degree and NYSC certificates. Apart from the UNN (3rd defendant), its Vice-Chancellor, Simon Ortuanya (4th defendant) the minister of education (1st defendant), the National Universities Commission (NUC) (2nd defendants), the universitys registrar (5th defendant), a former UNN Acting Vice-Chancellor, Oguejiofo Ujam, (6th defendant), and the Senate of the University (7th defendants) were listed as defendants in the suit. Why the new date for objection Justice Hauwa Yilwa, during the resumed hearing on Tuesday, fixed the date to allow the 3rd to 7th defendants, through their counsel, Chris Uche, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), to serve the preliminary objection on the 1st and 2nd defendants, who were not represented in court. The 3rd to 7th defendants had jointly filed the preliminary objection. They had prayed the court to strike out the former ministers suit for being statute-barred. They also urged Justice Yilwa to strike out the motion on notice for prerogative writs for being incompetent and wrongly commenced. Uche Nnajis prayers Mr Nnaji had filed an ex-parte motion in support of the suit in which he sought an order granting him leave to issue prerogative writs prohibiting the university and its officials from tampering with or continuing to tamper with his academic records, among others. The then-minister also sought the leave to issue a prerogative writ of mandamus compelling the university and its officials to release his academic transcript to him, and asked the minister of education and the NUC to exercise their supervisory powers to compel UNN to do so. He equally sought an interim injunction restraining UNN and its officials from tampering with his academic records pending the determination of the substantive suit, among others. Preliminary objection However, in their preliminary objection, the 1st to 7th defendants, prayed the court to strike out the suit for want of jurisdiction. They also sought an order awarding substantial costs in favour of the 3rd, 4th and 6th defendants. In a nine-ground of argument, they said the motion ex-parte for leave was not filed within three months of the occurrence of the subject matter. They argued that this was contrary to Order 34 Rule 4(1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and Section 2 (a) of the Public Officers Protection Act 2004, which rendered the entire proceedings incompetent and robbed the court of jurisdiction. The substantive motion for prerogative orders was wrongly brought by motion on notice instead of an originating motion as required under Order 34Rule 5 (1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019. The application is incompetent, premature, speculative with there being no prior request or denial of release of academic records or any evidence of interference with the applicants academic records prior to the commencement of this action, they said. They equally argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain matters concerning student academic records, examinations, results and transcripts. They contended that the matter does not arise from the administration or management of any agency within the exclusive jurisdiction as specified in Section 251(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). They further argued that the internal remedy had not been exhausted and that the applicants fundamental rights had not been breached. Besides, they said no reasonable cause of action was disclosed against the 3rd to 7th respondents, particularly the 4th respondent, Mr Ortuanya, a professor, who acted solely in his official capacity as vice-chancellor of UNN, among others. Judge speaks When the case was called on Tuesday, Mr Uche, who appeared for the 3rd to 7th defendants, said the matter was for the court to hear their objections. Although Mr Nnajis counsel, Wole Olanipekun, also a SAN, acknowledged the receipt of the preliminary objection, there was no proof of service of such in the court record to show that the 1st and 2nd defendants had been served. Justice Yilwa then adjourned the matter until 26 February 2026 and ordered that the minister of education and NUC, who are 1st and 2nd defendants, be served with the process. Background In October 2023, PREMIUM TIMES began an investigation into Mr Nnajis academic records. The then-minister had submitted a degree and NYSC certificates to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation. He had claimed that he obtained the degree certificate from UNN where he claimed to have graduated from in 1985. Apparently disturbed that he was under scrutiny, Mr Nnaji filed the suit which was intended to block both UNN and its vice-chancellor from releasing his academic records. But before the minister filed the suit, Mr Ortuanya, the UNN vice-chancellor, had responded to PREMIUM TIMES Freedom of Information (FOI) letter in which he confirmed that Mr Nnaji forged his UNN degree certificate. The UNN registrar would, shortly after, corroborate Mr Ortuanyas position, indicating that although Mr Nnaji was admitted into the university in 1981, he neither graduated nor was issued any certificate. READ ALSO: Anambra cautions churches against noise pollution during school hours Even NYSC authorities, in response to a separate FOI letter from PREMIUM TIMES, had disowned the discharge certificate in possession of the then-minister. Mr Nnaji resigned from his position as minister three days after this newspaper published the investigation exposing how he forged his degree and NYSC certificates which he submitted to President Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation. Israel has declared that it is cutting ties with three International organisations, two of which are linked to the UN, following the recent withdrawal of the United States. The Israeli Foreign Ministry, in a statement posted on Tuesday, said it has decided to follow suit by severing ties with these organisations after it examined US actions. Last Thursday, the Donald Trump administration withdrew the US from 66 United Nations and international organisations that it claims do not serve US interests. The administration said it made this choice after conducting a review of all international organisations, conventions, and treaties that the US is a party to. Of the 66 organisations affected, 31 of them are associated with the UN, while the other 35 are non-UN organisations. Referencing this, the Israeli foreign ministry said it has begun examining its relationship with several other international organisations. It has now decided to sever ties with three bodies. The affected bodies include: the UN Energy, a coordination mechanism within the UN system focused on energy issues, and the Global Forum on Migration and Development, a UN-affiliated platform for dialogue on migration policy. It is also cutting ties with the UN Alliance of Civilisations, an initiative founded by Turkey and Spain to promote intercultural and inter-religious dialogue. Israels relationship with the UN has long been fraught, mainly because of criticism of its occupation of Palestinian territories. The tension sharpened after Israel began its military campaign in Gaza in October 2023, following a Hamas attack that caused the death of hundreds of Israelis, prompting accusations at international forums of genocide and the deliberate use of starvation, claims that Israel denied. Israel, in response, has accused UN aid agencies of failing to prevent the diversion of aid and demonstrating political bias. For instance, it accused the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), which is the biggest UN agency operating in Gaza, of supporting Hamas and aiding its activities. That allegation was investigated by the UN, which found it to be false, leading to the UN General Assembly extending its support for UNRWA. The General Assembly voted to endorse findings by the International Court of Justice that allegations of Hamas infiltration of UNRWA are not substantiated. Voting overwhelmingly in support of this resolution in December, the UN also backed the ICJs declaration that questioning UNRWAs neutrality lacks evidence. But Israels ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, insisted that UNRWA was a hotbed for terrorism. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Damon accused the assembly of passing a resolution that compels Israel to cooperate with terrorism. That will not happen, he declared. In 2024, Israel banned the UNRWA from operating on Israeli land, including in occupied East Jerusalem, and from contacting Israeli authorities. The ban came into effect in January last year, but it said UNRWA will continue working in all Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. Other agencies affected In its latest action against the UN, the Israeli ministry also disclosed that Israel had already disengaged from several of the organisations named in the US announcement much earlier. These include the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, an office within the UN Secretariat. Israel also terminated its cooperation with the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). UNWOMEN deliberately ignored all cases of sexual violence committed against Israeli women on Oct. 7th, 2023. The former local head of UNWOMEN concluded her tenure at Israels request. Israel terminated its cooperation agreement with the body as of July 2024. UNCTAD authored dozens of virulent anti-Israel reports. Israel has been disengaged for years. ESCWA issues virulent anti-Israel reports annually and serves as a basis for further anti-Israel resolutions. Israel has been disengaged for years, the ministry stated. READ ALSO: Delta govt boosts MSMEs with N1billion revolving loan Israels adoption of the US relationship with UN organisations is not unexpected. Israel continues to enjoy near-unconditional diplomatic backing from the United States. The US has consistently shielded Israel at the UN, while providing military, financial and political support throughout the Gaza war. US support has significantly reinforced Israels ability to withstand international pressure. The US has vetoed several UN resolutions that seek to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Palestine and other occupied territories. Ugandan journalist Ssematimba Bwegiire lost consciousness immediately after a security officer electrocuted him with a stun gun and pepper-sprayed him in the mouth. But he did not report the incident, reflecting widespread disillusionment among the media about the authorities commitment to press freedom in elections on January 15. Mr Bwegiire, a reporter with privately owned Radio Simba, was covering a rally by the opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, whose events have consistently been targeted by security forces using teargas and live bullets. People later told me they thought I had died, Mr Bwegiire told CPJ about Novembers incident during a joint military-police deployment in western Uganda. I did not file a police report because previous complaints have never brought justice. Uganda has a history of high levels of violence against journalists, particularly during election periods, with dozens of people killed following protests over the 2021 election, which Wine alleged was marred by fraud. Authorities suspended internet access at 6 p.m. local time on Tuesday, according to internet outage monitoring groups, reflecting tensions ahead of Thursdays vote, when 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni will seek to extend his nearly 40-year rule. During the 2021 election, authorities cut internet access nationwide for five days and banned Facebook, which remains blocked. Effort to silence scrutiny of public affairs On Monday and Tuesday, news broke that the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-U), which documents violations against journalists and provides legal support, and the journalist training organisation, African Center for Media Excellence (ACME), were among at least six nonprofits suspended by the regulatory National NGO Bureau, on the grounds of unspecified security concerns. Clearly, this is part of a broader effort to silence scrutiny of public affairs as Uganda heads into general elections, said ACMEs cofounder Peter Mwesige. Independent media must rise to the occasion and provide accurate and credible information about the elections. HRNJ-U Executive Director Robert Ssempala told CPJ that his organisation would cooperate with official investigations but he believed the group had worked well within [its] mandate of protection and promotion of press freedom. On 5 January, the information ministry banned live coverage of riots, unlawful processions, or violent incidents. Arrested, assaulted, harassed In the three months leading up to the 2021 election, at least 17 journalists were attacked, arrested, and harassed, CPJ found. Although CPJ has only recorded five such cases since November 2025, journalists said the pattern of repression had not changed: violence spikes during opposition activity, and accountability is rare. On 5 November, Mr Wines private bodyguards assaulted Tayari West TV journalist Canary Mensor in Rushere, in western Uganda. Mr Mensor, who sustained a head injury, told CPJ the assailants attacked him after he refused to stop filming a National Unity Platform (NUP) event and accused him of working for Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, a member of the ruling NRM party and owner of Tayari West TV. Tayari West TV journalist Canary Mensor in Rushere, in western Uganda. Mr Mensor, who sustained a head injury, told CPJ the assailants him after he refused to stop filming a National Unity Platform (NUP) event and accused him of working for Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, a member of the ruling NRM party and of Tayari West TV. On 20 November, Bob Ojok, a journalist with the privately owned Unity FM 97.7 in Lira, in northern Uganda, was assaulted by unidentified men who destroyed his phone, beat him, and chased him from the venue of a rally. 97.7 in Lira, in northern Uganda, was by unidentified men who destroyed his phone, beat him, and chased him from the venue of a rally. On 15 December, police arrested Brian Ssenkumba, a journalist with the Christian outlet Channel 44 TV, while he was covering a political procession involving NUP supporters in the capital Kampala. Mr Ssenkumba told CPJ that police and military personnel seized his camera, kicked and slapped him, and forced him into a crowded police van, where he was detained for nearly four hours. Mr Ssenkumba said police charged him with public nuisance and released him later that day. Brian Ssenkumba, a journalist with the Christian outlet Channel 44 TV, while he was covering a political procession involving NUP supporters in the capital Kampala. Mr Ssenkumba told CPJ that police and military personnel seized his camera, kicked and slapped him, and forced him into a crowded police van, where he was detained for nearly four hours. Mr Ssenkumba said police charged him with public nuisance and him later that day. On 5 January, security personnel assaulted Ivan Mbadhi, a reporter and camera operator with BBS Terefayina, a broadcaster owned by the Kingdom of Buganda, a monarchy in central Uganda, as he was covering Mr Wines stopover in eastern Kween District. Video showed police kick Mr Mbadhi, slam his head against a vehicle, twist his neck, and damage his equipment. Mr Mbadhi told CPJ that he later vomited blood and travelled to Kampala to seek further treatment. Internet shutdown orders follow accreditation hurdles In the weeks leading up to the vote, fears of a repeat of election-period connectivity disruption were stoked by authorities restrictions on Elon Musks satellite internet provider, Starlink, and the Uganda Communications Commissions (UCC) assertion that it can block decentralised tools, like the Bluetooth-based messaging app Bitchat, which works without internet. On 12 January, CPJ joined 57 other organisations in a letter to President Museveni, asking him to ensure unfettered access to the Internet during the elections. On 13 January, the UCC wrote to service providers, directing them to suspend public internet access as well as the sale of new SIM cards to mitigate the rapid spread of online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks, as well as preventing of incitement of violence, according to a copy of the letter, reviewed by CPJ. The UCC added that essential services internet users, such as large public hospitals, the tax authority, and banks, would be provided access. But the UCC said traffic would be monitored and those institutions would be prohibited from granting internet access to social media sites, messaging apps, or Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), tools that circumvent internet censorship. Once again, independent outlets have seen media accreditation weaponised against them. Authorities have barred journalists from the privately owned Nation Media Group-Uganda from covering Mr Musevenis events since March, and denied them access to parliament since October. Ahead of the last election, authorities imposed accreditation requirements that local courts later ruled were illegal. UCC spokesperson Ibrahim Bbosa told CPJ that the regulators restrictions, including the ban on live broadcasts, were to prevent coverage that could escalate violence or spread misinformation during elections. Any regulatory action by the commission is guided by the relevant legal framework, he said. Journalists who adhere to professional standards of accuracy, fairness, verification, context, and ethical judgment have nothing to fear. Mr Bbosa said the regulation of satellite internet is not censorship but to ensure that services adhere to domestic law, including on consumer protection and data sovereignty. Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma, Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi, and NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi did not respond to CPJs text messages or return phone calls seeking comment. Following the quarters performance, Parekh said the company revised its FY26 constant-currency revenue guidance upward to 3%3.5% growth. Operating margin guidance was maintained at 20%22% . Sanghrajka added that the revised guidance does not include any revenue from the companys joint venture with Telstra because regulatory approvals are still pending. Parekh said the companys adjusted operating margin was 21.2% and free cash flow totaled $915 million . Sanghrajka noted the quarter included a charge associated with a change in labor codes in India , which affected operating profit, net profit, EPS, and free cash flow. Operating margin including the labor code impact was 18.4% , while the adjusted figure excluding the impact was 21.2% . CEO and Managing Director Salil Parekh said revenue grew 0.6% sequentially and 1.7% year-over-year in constant currency terms. CFO Jayesh Sanghrajka reported revenue of $5.1 billion for the quarter. American Noble Gas (NYSE:INFY) management highlighted what it described as a strong performance for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, pointing to modest revenue growth in constant currency, robust large-deal signings, and expanding activity around artificial intelligence (AI) and enterprise agents. The company also raised its full-year revenue growth guidance in constant currency terms while keeping its operating margin outlook unchanged. Management pointed to margin tailwinds from currency and the Project Maximus efficiency program, while absorbing higher sales/headcount investments (about 18,000 of 20,000 planned freshers onboarded) and an ongoing ~ 15 basis point annual headwind from Indias labor code charges. The company is accelerating AI adoption via its Topaz Fabric agent services, saying it works with 90% of its top 200 clients on AI, is executing ~ 4,600 AI projects , has generated > 28 million lines of AI-assisted code and built > 500 agents , which management views as a key growth lever. American Noble Gas reported steady Q3 results with revenue up 0.6% sequentially and 1.7% YoY (constant currency), announced $4.8 billion of large deals including a $1.6 billion NHS contract, raised fiscal-year revenue guidance to 3%3.5% , and delivered an adjusted operating margin of about 21.2% with $915 million in free cash flow. Story Continues Large deals, cash flow, and shareholder returns Qualcomm: Wall Streets Patience Is Wearing Thin 5 Reasons to Invest in Emerging Markets Now Management emphasized large-deal momentum. Parekh said large deals totaled $4.8 billion in Q3, with 57% net new, across 26 deals. Sanghrajka said total large-deal TCV for the first nine months was $11.7 billion, exceeding the full-year FY25 total, and that net new deal TCV over the nine-month period was up 40% compared with the same period last year. One of the most significant deals cited was a $1.6 billion engagement with the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. Parekh said the work expands the companys healthcare presence and will help NHS leverage AI to streamline operations and improve patient care. TSMC's Strong Guidance Supports the Stock's Hot Start to 2026 Sanghrajka also discussed cash generation and capital return. Adjusted free cash flow (excluding the labor code impact) was $965 million, which he said equated to 113% of adjusted net profit. He said adjusted free cash flow conversion for nine months stood at 118%. The company ended the quarter with $3.9 billion in consolidated cash and investments after returning $3 billion to shareholders via dividends and buybacks. During the quarter, Sanghrajka said the company completed its largest-ever buyback, returning INR 18,000 crores to shareholders, and paid an interim dividend for FY26 consistent with its capital allocation policy. AI strategy: Topaz, agents, and six value pools Parekh framed AI as a central growth driver, stating the company is seeing strong momentum in AI adoption. He said the firm works with 90% of its 200 largest clients on AI initiatives, is currently executing 4,600 AI projects, and that teams have generated over 28 million lines of code using AI while building over 500 agents. As part of its offerings, Parekh said the company has expanded its Topaz AI capabilities with an agent services suite called Topaz Fabric, designed to help clients manage and implement AI agents across the enterprise. He also noted an expansion of strategic partnerships with AI companies, including a recently announced collaboration with Cognition that pairs Cognitions Devin software agent with the companys client and industry expertise. Parekh said the company is seeing six AI-led value pools that could represent incremental opportunity, while also acknowledging productivity-driven benefits may compress some legacy areas. He listed the six value pools as: AI engineering services Data for AI Agents for operations AI software development and legacy modernization AI and physical devices AI services Management said it plans to provide a more comprehensive view of its approach at an investor day later in the quarter. Parekh also addressed questions on whether AI activity could pressure pricing or margins, with Sanghrajka stating pricing has been accretive and that the company does not see AI projects as a pricing headwind. He added that new pricing approachessuch as how to price agents and platformsare still emerging. Vertical and regional demand trends Executives pointed to differing conditions across industries. Sanghrajka said financial services continued to show momentum, with 3.9% year-over-year growth in constant currency terms, and described increased discretionary demand across banking, payments, mortgages, and wealth management. He said clients are shifting from compliance to business growth and are showing elevated interest in AI-led transformation, modernization, and vendor consolidation. Parekh said the company expects acceleration in FY27 versus FY26 specifically in financial services and in the energy, utilities, resources, and services verticals, citing deal wins and its AI partner status with 15 of its largest 25 clients in those verticals. On the earnings call, management clarified that it was not providing an overall companywide FY27 growth outlook at this stage. In manufacturing, Sanghrajka cited tariff uncertainties and slow decision-making, while Parekh said automotive remains weak even as some manufacturing activity benefits from data-center buildouts tied to the AI boom. In retail and CPG, management cited uncertainty driven by tariff negotiations and geopolitical dynamics, with clients prioritizing cost takeouts and AI-led productivity. The communication sector was also described as impacted by geopolitical uncertainty, though management said prior deal wins have supported year-over-year growth acceleration in recent quarters. Regionally, Sanghrajka said Europe led growth with 7.2% year-over-year growth in constant currency terms. He also noted volumes remained soft, utilization declined sequentially, and the company increased capacity for future growth opportunities. Looking ahead, management emphasized continued investment in sales and marketing, talent, and AI capabilities, while pointing to seasonal headwinds such as lower working days in the fourth quarter that factor into guidance. Sanghrajka also said the recurring impact of the India labor code change would be approximately 15 basis points on an ongoing basis, assuming no further regulatory changes. About American Noble Gas (NYSE:INFY) Infosys Ltd. is a digital services and consulting company, which engages in the provision of end-to-end business solutions. It operates through the following segments: Financial Services, Retail, Communication, Energy, Utilities, Resources, and Services, Manufacturing, Hi-Tech, Life Sciences, and All Other. The company was founded by Dinesh Krishnan Swamy, Senapathy Gopalakrishnan, Narayana Ramarao Nagavara Murthy, Raghavan N. S., Ashok Arora, Nandan M. Nilekani, and S. D. Shibulal on July 2, 1981 and is headquartered in Bangalore, India. The article "American Noble Gas Q3 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. The Federal Fire Service Command in Cross River State has confirmed an attack on its fire truck and personnel during an operation in Calabar. The Commanding Officer, Olumayowa Olomola, confirmed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Calabar. Ms Olomola said that five personnel of the service were injured during the attack by some disgruntled members of the public. Officials of the federal fire service were attacked, and a fire appliance was vandalised around the Goldie axis of Calabar metropolis while responding to a fire incident. We hear that they misunderstood us to be from the state fire service, which they accused of delayed response. We were called by the Cross River Fire Service to respond. This is after they complained of lacking the capacity to respond, she said. The fire service official further stated that the personnel were unable to disembark and extinguish the fire due to the attack. Ms Olomola stated the Cross River State Government had yet to fulfil its promise of providing medical support for the injured personnel. She stated that the matter had been properly reported to the law enforcement agencies to apprehend those responsible for the acts. She urged residents to avoid indiscriminate bush burning and other acts capable of causing fire outbreaks during the dry season. Meanwhile, the Kano State Fire Service said it has sensitised residents of Gezawa Local Government Area in Kano on preventive fire outbreak measures during the harmattan season. The Divisional Commander, Rabiu Mansur, disclosed this in a statement issued by the services Public Relations Officer, Saminu Abdullahi, on Tuesday in Kano. The statement said the sensitisation was conducted as part of the services ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property across the state. Residents should take extreme caution in handling fire and flammable materials, especially during harmattan period as dry weather conditions increase the risk of fire incident. It urged the residents to promptly report any fire outbreak or emergency to the Kano State Fire Service through its emergency lines. (NAN) The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has described the recently signed agreement between the Nigerian government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as the death of incessant strikes in Nigerian public universities. Speaking at a ceremony to unveil the agreement on Wednesday, Mr Alausa said the new agreement ushers federal universities into a new era of stability and excellence for Nigerias tertiary education system. Today signals the death of strikes in our institutions, Mr Alausa declared as he unveiled the details. He said the agreement restores confidence to the academics, predictability of academic calendars, and hope to Nigerian students. History will remember today not merely as an unveiling ceremony, but as the day Nigeria chose dialogue, transparency, fiscal realism, and strong Presidential commitment as the pathway to resolving long-standing governance challenges and achieving sustained progress, he said. End of dispute Mr Alausa noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu confronted the ASUU-FG disagreement, which many had described as an intractable problem and resolved it decisively, now and into the future. This administration did not shy away from complexity; we confronted it squarely. Through sustained engagement, fiscal realism, and mutual respect, we have laid a durable foundation for industrial harmony in our Federal Tertiary Educational Institutions, he said. PREMIUM TIMES reported that agreement reached by the duo on 23 December marked the end of a 16-year impasse between the government and the academics. The over a decade old dispute has resulted in multiple industrial actions in the universities and disruption in academic calendars. Speaking at the ceremony, ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, applauded the minister and the chairperson of the ASUU-FG renegotiation agreement, Yayale Ahmed. He expressed optimism that the government will implement the signed agreement without the threat of a strike by the union. Earlier, the chairperson of the renegotiation committee, Mr Ahmed, said the agreement updates and consolidates the 2009 agreement. Mr Ahmed, the pro-chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, was represented by the co-chair, Olanrewaju Tejuoso, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Abuja. The agreement updates and consolidates the 2009 framework in line with current realities, improves salary and welfare provisions, introduces a revised funding and revitalisation framework, strengthens university autonomy and governance and establishes clearer mechanisms for implementation, monitoring and periodic review, he said. Details of agreement Unveiling details of the agreement reached, Mr Alausa said the government has, for the first time, introduced new allowances for professors and readers. Under the new professorial cadre allowance, professors are to receive N1.7 million annually and N840,000 annually for academics who are Readers. The minister said the allowance is designed to support research coordination, academic documentation, correspondence, and administrative efficiency. He said the allowance recognises the significant workload, administrative, scholarly, and research responsibilities borne by academics at these levels by virtue of their positions. This allowance applies to senior academics at the level of full-time professors and readers in our tertiary institutions, and not part-time professors and readers, he said. He listed other components of the agreement to include a 40 per cent increment for all academic staff. He said the academics will now be paid using two salary structures: the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary (CONUASS) and the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) Mr Alausa said the 40 per cent review will be represented by the CATA. The Consolidated Academic Tools Allowances cover journal publications, conference participation, internet access, learned society membership, and book allowances, which are critical tools required for effective teaching, research, and global academic competitiveness, he said. He explained that nine allowances, contained in the earned academic allowances, are now structured, transparently earned, and strictly tied to duties performed, thereby promoting productivity, accountability, and fairness. He listed the allowances to include provisions for postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical duties, moderation, examination responsibilities, and leadership roles within the tertiary education system. The newly signed agreement between the Nigerian government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has introduced a new professorial cadre allowance for professors and readers. The 2025 agreement, reached on 23 December, replaced the 2009 FG-ASUU agreement and marked an end to a 16-year dispute between the government and the academics. According to the new agreement, professors are now to receive N1.7 million annually as allowances to support research coordination, academic documentation, correspondence, and administrative efficiency. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this while unveiling details of the agreement in Abuja on Wednesday. Mr Alausa also disclosed that readers are to receive N840,000 annually for the same allowances. This allowance applies to senior academics at the level of full-time professors and readers in our tertiary institutions, and not part-time professors and readers, he said. The minister explained that the allowance recognises the significant workload, administrative, scholarly, and research responsibilities borne by academics at these levels by virtue of their positions. Other components The minister also listed the other components of the agreement to include a 40 per cent increment for all academic staff. He said the academics will now be paid using two salary structures: the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary (CONUASS) and the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA). Mr Alausa said the 40 per cent review will be represented by the CATA, which covers journal publications, conference participation, internet access, learned society membership, and book allowances. He explained that nine allowances, contained in the earned academic allowances, are now structured, transparently earned, and strictly tied to duties performed, thereby promoting productivity, accountability, and fairness. He listed the allowances to include provisions for postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical duties, moderation, examination responsibilities, and leadership roles within the tertiary education system. End of strikes Mr Alausa described the agreement as the death of incessant strikes in Nigerian public universities. He said the agreement restores confidence to the academics, predictability of academic calendars, and hope to Nigerian students. History will remember today not merely as an unveiling ceremony, but as the day Nigeria chose dialogue, transparency, fiscal realism, and strong Presidential commitment as the pathway to resolving long-standing governance challenges and achieving sustained progress, he said. ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, a professor, also expressed optimism and hoped that the government would implement all of the agreements reached as and when due. Yakubu Mohammed, one of the pioneering figures behind Nigerias Newswatch magazine, has died at the age of 75, barely two months after the magazine lost another co-founder, Dan Agbese. Mr Mohammeds death was confirmed on Monday by the former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, who described him as one of the most courageous journalists in Nigerias media history. In a post on Facebook, Mr Sani said: I received the sad news of the death of Yakubu Muhammed, one of the founders of Newswatch Magazine. Two months ago, he launched his memoir in Lagos. He was one of the most courageous journalists in Nigerias media history. First Dele Giwa, then Dan Agbese and now Yakubu Muhammed. May his soul rest in peace. Ameen. Mr Agbese, Mr Mohammeds colleague and fellow Newswatch co-founder, died on 17 November 2025. About two weeks before Mr Agbeses passing, Mr Mohammed launched his memoir, Beyond Expectations, on 4 November 2025, in Lagos. Born on 4 April 1950, in Ologba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, the journalist built a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades in Nigerian journalism. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Lagos between 1972 and 1975, after completing his secondary education at Government Secondary School, Okene, from 1965 to 1969. He began his primary education at St Josephs Primary School, Ayangba, in 1964. Mr Mohammed further honed his skills at Glasgow College of Technology in Scotland between 1978 and 1979. His professional journey began at the New Nigerian Newspapers, where he served as associate editor from 1976 to 1980, rising to managing editor that same year. He moved to National Concord in 1980 as deputy editor, a position he held until 1982, when he was promoted to editor, serving until 1984. In 1984, Mr Mohammed co-founded Newswatch magazine, serving as executive editor until 1986. The magazine became one of Nigerias most influential news publications, known for its investigative journalism and fearless reporting during the military era. He was promoted to managing editor of Newswatch in 1986, a position he held until 1994. From 1994, he served as deputy chief executive officer of Newswatch Communications Limited. Beyond journalism, Mr Mohammed held directorships at Yadara Nigeria Limited and Lastop Limited. He also served as pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Mr Mohammed was an active member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Commonwealth Journalists Association, and the Nigerian Guild of Editors. With his passing, two of Newswatchs original co-founders have died in the space of two months. Dele Giwa, another co-founder, was killed in a parcel bomb explosion in 1986, a case that remains unsolved nearly four decades later. A prosecution witness told the FCT High Court on Wednesday how N2.2 billion intended for election security was allegedly diverted from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under the leadership of Sambo Dasuki. Michael Adarikun, the first prosecution witness who is a detective with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said the money was intended for security during states governorship and House of Assembly elections. But instead of using the money for its intended purpose, ONSA led by Mr Dasuki transferred N2.2 billion to Acacia Holdings Limited, owned by a former official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Baba-Kusa. Since 2015, the EFCC has been prosecuting former National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr Dasuki, a retired colonel, alongside Mr Baba-Kusa on 32 counts of diversion of 33.2 billion arms and security funds entrusted to the NSA office. They are being tried along with Mr Baba-Kusas companies Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited which allegedly received part of the suspicious funds from ONSA. The anti-graft agency re-arraigned the defendants after the decade-old case was reassigned to Judge Charles Agbaza. All the defendants rejected the EFCCs claims. N2.2billion to Acacia Holdings Limited was approved by Mr Dasuki Led in evidence by EFCCs lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), on Wednesday, the witness, who started his testimony last year and continued on Tuesday, said Wednesday that the transfer of N2.2billion to Acacia Holdings Limited was approved by Mr Dasuki. However, a rancour ensued in court when Mr Jacobs asked Mr Adarikun, From your investigations, how was this money spent? The defendants lawyers all objected to the question, contending the witnesss response would constitute a mere opinion. Citing Section 67 of the Evidence Act 2011, defence lawyer for Mr Baba-Kusa and Acacia Holdings Limited, Ebie Richard, said opinion evidence is inadmissible except as provided by Sections 68-76 of the same Act. Mr Richard argued that Mr Adarikun was not an expert witness, making it inappropriate to give an opinion. But Mr Jacobs insisted that his question did not solicit an opinion; the witnesss role as the Investigative Police Officer (IPO) qualifies as an expert in the case. After listening to the submissions, the trial judge, Mr Agbaza, ruled that the question should be allowed. Mr Adarikun, responding to the question, said, N2.2 billion moved from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the purpose of preparing for the state house of assembly and gubernatorial elections was moved to the Acacia Holdings account. It was never used for the purpose for which it was intended. Rather, the money was wired to various individuals and companies for personal interests and businesses of the second defendant (Mr Baba-Kusa). How the funds were utilized Mr Adarikun testified further that the first three segments of the transfer mandate from ONSA dealt with the payment of N600 million and N650 million to Acacia holdings, UBA, and Ecobank accounts, respectively. He said N750 million was also transferred to Reliance Referral Hospitals account. The three segments are part of the N2 billion that came from CBN to the Zenith Bank account of the NSA for the purpose of providing security for the election, the witness stated. He disclosed that Acacia Holdings Ecobank account statement revealed a transfer of N650 million from NSAs Zenith bank account on 17 April 2015. Continuing his testimony, Mr Adarikun said on 20 April, there was a transfer to Mr Baba Kusa. He did not disclose the amount. According to the witness, on 22 April 2015, Acacia Holdings transferred N70 million to Jubril Abdullahi and N50 million to Mr Baba-Kusa. There was also a transfer of N10 million to another account belonging to Acacia Holdings on 23 April 2015. N20 million was transferred to EC Associates on 25 May 2015. A staff member of the company, Suraya Maigida, received N2 million on 1 June 2015, and N15 million was transferred to Ibrahim Saleh. During Tuesdays proceedings, Mr Adarikun testified that Mr Saleh was responsible for buying properties for Mr Baba-Kusa. Providing further clarification on Wednesday, he stated that the N15 million was a complete payment for Hospitality Property Nigeria from Zabati BDC Limited. There was a withdrawal of N250 million with the narration miscellaneous customer service on 21 June 2015, the witness said. On 24 June 2015, he said, Mr Saleh received N2 million to facilitate the retention of a plot of land at Wuse 2, Abuja, and N25 million on 27 June 2015. The witness presented the ONSA transfer mandate signed by Mr Dasuki and the Director of Finance and Administration, S.A Salisu. The document was tendered alongside Acacia Holdings Ecobank account statement, as exhibits. All the defendants, through their lawyers, reserved their objections to the documents for their final written addresses. Trial within trial Thereafter, the EFCC sought to tender Mr Baba-Kusas statement, written between November and December 2015, through the witness, but all the defence lawyers objected because they claimed the statement was involuntary. The witness told the court that the statements were prepared in a public area accessible to visitors and EFCC staff, with Mr Baba-Kusas lawyer, Amin Umahani, present. Despite this, Mr Richard objected. Mr Baba-Kusas lawyer argued that a statement cannot be voluntary while in the underground cell of the EFCC, and there was no compliance with Section 15(4) and 17 (2) of the Administration of Justice Act 2015. Following this submission, the judge agreed to a trial-within- trial to ascertain the voluntariness of the statement and adjourned the matter until 24 February. Background Mr Adarikun is the first prosecution witness the EFCC has presented since re-arraignment of the defendants in March 2025. So far, he has testified about transfers from ONSAs account, with the approval of Mr Dasuki, to Mr Babba-Kusa, who allegedly used the proceeds to buy properties and foreign currencies in euros and dollars. The decade-old trial suffered multiple adjournments in its early years largely due to the State Security Services (SSS) refusing to release Mr Dasuki on bail despite multiple court orders. Mr Dasuki served as NSA between 2012 and 2015, in the heat of Boko Haram attacks in Nigerias North-east, under the administration of then-President Goodluck Jonathan. The N33.2 billion fraud trial is one of several cases the EFCC filed in the aftermath of the scandal of alleged diversion of funds meant for procurement of arms to firm up the Nigerian militarys offensive against Boko Haram terrorists between 2014 and 2015, during the President Jonathan administration. An audit panel, established by President Muhammadu Buhari following his 2015 election victory, found that approximately $2 billion for arms procurement was unaccounted for. These funds were managed by the NSA, led by Mr Dasuki. Mr Dasuki is also standing trial alongside former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa, his son Sagir Bafarawa, former Minister of State for Finance Bashir Yuguda, and Dalhatu Investment Limited for N4.6 billion arms procurement fraud. The charges accused them of diverting N4.6 billion from the NSA offices account. The money was said to be meant for the procurement of arms to firm up the offensive against Boko Haram terrorists between 2014 and 2015. A couple who survived the Owo church massacre, on Wednesday, recounted at the Federal High Court in Abuja how gunmen shot their way into St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, on 5 June 2022, killing and injuring worshippers during the horrific terrorist attack. The husband, a civil servant, told Judge Emeka Nwite that his wife was critically injured and later had both legs amputated and one eye damaged. The wife, a victim of the terrorist attack who testified in a wheelchair, showed the judge her damaged eye during her testimony on Wednesday. The couple who live in Owo, testified at Wednesdays hearing in the trial of five men who are facing prosecution in connection to the terrorist attack, which reportedly claimed the lives of more than 40 worshippers of the church and injured over 100 during a Pentecost Mass of the church. The defendants are Idris Omeiza, 25; Al Qasim Idris, 20; Jamiu Abdulmalik, 26; Abdulhaleem Idris, 25; and Momoh Otuho Abubakar, 47. Led in evidence by the prosecution lawyer, Ayodeji Adepipe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the male prosecution witness, codenamed SSE as part of court-approved witness protection measure, narrated that the gunmen were already on the church premises when the Master of Discipline (MOD) requested that the main door be closed. SSE, who is the fifth prosecution witness, said after the main door was shut, the gunmen began shooting through the windows at anyone trying to escape. He further described how explosives were thrown at where people had gathered, and how the church filled with dust and smoke. After the attackers left, he said he searched for his family among the bodies and later discovered that his wifes legs had been shattered. Wife shares more details The wife, who testified earlier as SSD, appeared in a wheelchair and showed the judge her artificial eye and her two amputated legs. The SSD, who was the fourth prosecution witness, narrated how she survived the 5 June 2022 attack. SSD, a nurse with the Ondo State Hospital Management Board, said she attended Mass that day with her husband, children, and mother-in-law. She said the service had been going smoothly, and she was at the choir gallery singing when the final blessing was about to be pronounced. We heard the first sound from outside the church. At first, we thought it was a knockout or banga, but then we realised something was amiss, she said. I ran to the altar. A lot of people came towards me, lying on top of me. I was praying that God should save my family because I was unsure of their direction. I also prayed that He should forgive my sins if this were to be my last day on earth. She described the continued gunfire and explosions. Then I heard a loud sound, which I believe was dynamite. I didnt know what followed until everything was calm and I realised I was still alive. I touched my eyes and leg. I felt blood and the dangling, shattered part of my leg. I could not talk and could hear faintly, SSD said. She said she was taken to a hospital alongside other victims and dead bodies. During treatment, I lost my left eye. I currently use a prosthesis, and my two legs were amputated above the knee, she said, showing the judge her legs and eye. She said she spent over five months in the hospital before being discharged.Since then, I have been in a wheelchair. During cross-examination by defence lawyer Abdullahi Mohammed, she recalled that the attack started about 10 a.m., when Mass was ending. She also said she was unsure of the precise cause of the loss of her left eye, but recalled that the roof of the altar where she ran to was blasted by dynamite. Government neglect Witness SSE accused the Ondo State Government of neglect. He said the administration of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, which was in power at the time of the attack, made frantic efforts to provide his wife with prosthetics (artificial limbs used to support humans) and medical support but could not see it through before Mr Akeredolu in December 2023. He added that Mr Akeredolus successor, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was the deputy governor in the previous administration, has since abandoned the family. Though the federal and state governments tried their best, the state government promised her prosthetics, an artificial leg, but the vendor was unable to provide a useful one before the government left office. The current Ondo State Government is not doing anything about it. I have called the commissioner for health several times, but they are not taking any action, said the witness. After the couple gave their testimony, their statements made at the State Security Service (SSS) office in Akure, the Ondo State capital, in May 2024 were admitted as exhibits D and E, respectively. The judge then adjourned proceedings until 10 and 11 February. Backstory The Attorney-General of the Federations office arraigned the defendants on 11 August 2025, well over three years after the attack. They were arraigned on terrorism charges. Prosecutors alleged that they were members of the Al Shabaab terrorist group operating a cell in Kogi State, and that they planned and executed the Owo Catholic Church attack as part of a violent religious agenda. The five defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charges and were subsequently remanded in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS). Their lawyer later applied for bail, but the prosecution opposed the citing the defendants alleged links to foreign terrorist groups, including Al-Shabab. In September, the trial judge, Emeka Nwite, dismissed the bail application, ruling that it lacked merit. Trial then started on 11 December 2025 when the prosecution opened its case and called its first prosecution witness, a Catholic priest who led the Pentecost Sunday Mass on the day of the attack. On Tuesday, another witness while recounting the hour-long tragic incident, identified two of the suspected assailants out of the five men that are being prosecuted on terrorism charges over the massacre. Five witnesses have testified in the case, and the prosecution said it has no fewer than five witnesses remaining. A prosecution witness on Wednesday told the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja how Friday Audu allegedly coordinated a massive international cryptocurrency and romance scam that led to the arrest of 792 suspects in December 2024. Rasheeda Chindaya, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), testified before a judge Rahman Oshodi during the ongoing trial of Mr Audu, who is facing an amended eight charges alongside Genting International Ltd. The charges include forgery, impersonation, possession of fraudulent documents, and computer-related fraud. Witness details alleged fraudulent activities Ms Chindaya said the December 2024 operation, conducted across multiple locations, resulted in the arrest of 193 foreigners and 599 Nigerians. The suspects were allegedly linked to a sophisticated cybercrime syndicate involved in cryptocurrency investment fraud, romance scams, money laundering, and other computer-related crimes. The witness explained that Genting International Ltd was initially incorporated with Nasiru Barau and Yakubu as directors, holding share capital of N10 million and N18 million respectively. Both were removed in 2025 and replaced by Ifeanyi (N12 million) and Matthew (N18 million). Investigators found that Genting, presented as a gaming company, operated bank accounts whose Bank Verification Number (BVN) belonged to Mr Audu. They said BVN was linked to about 10 corporate accounts across multiple vendors. According to the investigators, Mr Audu was the sole signatory to Gentings accounts, which had balances peaking at N34 billion, with some funds traced to Bureau De Change operators and other companies. Ms Chindaya said funds were routinely converted into USDT cryptocurrency via digital wallets. One wallet, created in May 2024, reportedly received N97 million, later traced to Gentings Union Bank account. Mr Audu allegedly received N74 million into his personal account, later moved to his FCMB account, used to furnish his office and cover operational expenses. Another company, Anhongs, was said to be opened in August 2024, with Mr Audu as the sole signatory. The company used the same Genting email address, investigators said. Recruitment and operations EFCC had said that of the 792 suspects, 193 were foreigners145 Chinese nationals, around 40 Filipinos, a Tunisian, and others. The 599 Nigerians were mostly youths aged 27 and above, recruited via social media ads. The agency alleged that the recruits were trained using prepared scripts and assigned roles as scammers, marketers, and supervisors. According to EFCC, victims were lured through dating apps, especially Tinder, persuaded to pay on fake websites, and subsequently blocked. The agency said Nigerian recruits earned between N200,000 and N800,000 monthly, while foreigners earned US$500 to US$1,000. Recruits attempting to withdraw earnings were reportedly threatened with withheld salaries. Investigators also uncovered several properties linked to Genting in Lagos, including offices in Victoria Island, Lekki, Bishop Oluwole Street, and a six-unit building on Oniru Island allegedly paid in two tranches. Mr Audus co-alleged kingpins, Ken, Sentu, and Mr Sim, are currently at large, the prosecution said. Authorities found 384 pre-registered SIM cards traced to individuals in Northern Nigeria, who denied knowledge of the registrations. Describing the operation as unprecedented, Ms Chindaya said the EFCC mobilised officers from multiple zonal offices and converted some facilities into temporary holding cells to accommodate the suspects. Mr Oshodi adjourned the matter until 24 and 26 February for continuation. Background In June 2025, Chidubem Ogbura, a Union Bank compliance officer, testified in the trial, confirming that Mr Audu was a signatory to a Union Bank account held by Genting International Ltd, allegedly used to launder syndicate proceeds. Mr Ogbura tendered account opening documents and statements, admitted into evidence without objection. During cross-examination, Mr Ogbura confirmed that Mr Audu and Bafale Yakubu were signatories and acknowledged other defendants names in the account records. However, he noted that the banks Know Your Customer (KYC) documents did not indicate that the account was opened for gaining business. The EFCC had previously arraigned Mr Audu, Huang Haoyu, An Hongxu, and Genting International Ltd on 12 counts of cybercrime, money laundering, and illegal foreign exchange transactions. All pleaded not guilty. The Federal High Court in Lagos previously sentenced eight Chinese nationals prosecuted in connection to the case to one year imprisonment each for cyberterrorism and internet fraud linked to the same syndicate. They convicts are an Cai Qi, Zeng Xian Tao, Weng Mao Rong, Wang Xiong Wei (a.k.a. Xiao Bai), Shi Dong Fu, Wang Shi Long, Liu Ke Fan, and Ting Liao, They were arrested during the 10 December 2024 EFCC raid that uncovered 792 suspects, including 158 foreign nationals. Following plea bargains, the courts fined each defendant N1 million and ordered their deportation under the supervision of the Nigerian Immigration Service. The offences contravened the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended), the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2021, the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Her scholarship is animated by a string of towering anticolonial figures whose influence also marked the intellectual universe from which Biodun Jeyifo emerged: I will chose to mention only three here: CLR James, Mahatma Gandhi and Frantz Fanon. From Gandhi, she draws an enduring concern with ethical politics, disciplined dissent, and mass mobilisation as a democratic force. CLR James influence came by modelling a form of scholarship in which historical rigour is inseparable from political commitment, and in which mass struggle is treated as a generative force in democratic thought. It is both an honour and a source of genuine intellectual pleasure to introduce our keynote speaker at this special convocation marking the 80th birthday of Biodun Jeyifo a scholar whose life and work have shaped critical thought in Nigeria, Africa, and the wider world. In celebrating Professor Jeyifo, we celebrate not only an individual, but a tradition: the IfeIbadan school of critical humanism, rigorous Marxian analysis, and fearless engagement with literature as a site of political struggle. Those of us formed within that tradition know what it means to speak of BJ as teacher, mentor, comrade, and exemplar. From Ife to Ibadan, and later across the Atlantic, his classrooms were never merely pedagogical spaces; they were workshops of critical consciousness, where theory met history, and literature was inseparable from the demands of justice. His influence endures not only in texts and debates, but in the generations of scholars he mentored and inspired. It is therefore entirely fitting that our keynote speaker today is Priyamvada Gopal, professor of Postcolonial Studies at the University of Cambridge, who has travelled from Bengaluru, India, to be with us. We are deeply grateful to her for accepting our invitation, especially at this early moment in the new year, and for lending her voice and presence to this celebration of an extraordinary intellectual life. Among the many students mentored by Professor Jeyifo during his final decade at Cornell University, Professor Gopal stands out for her exceptional capacity to forge connections between rigorous theory and consequential political realities. Under BJs tutelage, she absorbed a tradition of criticism that insists on historical seriousness, ethical clarity, and intellectual courage. Yet, as anyone who has followed her trajectory will readily attest, she has long since struck out on her own, emerging as a powerful beacon for a new generation of scholar-activists across the world. Professor Gopals intellectual formation shaped by a transnational upbringing in a family of diplomats, and by education in India and the United Kingdom has endowed her with a deeply comparative sensibility and an unstinting commitment to inclusivity. She is, in the fullest sense, a postcolonial scholar one for whom postcolonial studies never loses the political and historical weight that occasioned its emergence. Her work insists that empire cannot be relegated to the past, and that democracy cannot be understood without reckoning with the struggles that shaped it. In celebrating Biodun Jeyifo at eighty, and reflecting on Fanon at one hundred, there could be no more appropriate keynote voice than that of Priyamvada Gopal: a scholar whose work exemplifies the enduring power of criticism aligned with freedom, history, and struggle. Her scholarship is animated by a string of towering anticolonial figures whose influence also marked the intellectual universe from which Biodun Jeyifo emerged: I will chose to mention only three here: CLR James, Mahatma Gandhi and Frantz Fanon. From Gandhi, she draws an enduring concern with ethical politics, disciplined dissent, and mass mobilisation as a democratic force. CLR James influence came by modelling a form of scholarship in which historical rigour is inseparable from political commitment, and in which mass struggle is treated as a generative force in democratic thought. From James, Professor Gopal inherits the conviction that intellectual work must remain accountable to popular movements and that theory attains its fullest meaning when aligned with the lived struggles of oppressed peoples. From Fanon whose centenary we commemorate this year she inherits an uncompromising insistence on confronting the material, psychological, and epistemic violences of colonialism, and on recognising decolonisation as an unfinished, unsettling project. These influences find powerful expression in her landmark book, Insurgent Empire, which takes the agency of colonised peoples as its point of departure and, in so doing, overturns imperial histories that cast them merely as victims. The book demonstrates how anticolonial resistance reshaped democratic thought at the imperial centre itself an argument that resonates deeply with Nigerias own histories of labour movements, student radicalism, pro-democracy struggle, and contemporary civic activism. Professor Gopal is a Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge, and of the Royal Society of Literature, and was most recently a resident fellow at Princeton Universitys Institute for Advanced Study. Her earlier books include Literary Radicalism in India (2005) and The Indian English Novel (2009). She is currently completing a major project titled Decolonization: The Life and Times of an Idea, from which her lecture today Who Is Afraid of Decolonization? Reflections on Particular Pasts and Planetary Futures is drawn. In celebrating Biodun Jeyifo at eighty, and reflecting on Fanon at one hundred, there could be no more appropriate keynote voice than that of Priyamvada Gopal: a scholar whose work exemplifies the enduring power of criticism aligned with freedom, history, and struggle. Dapo Olorunyomi is the Publisher of PREMIUM TIMES and the Chief Executive officer at Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Nigeria. This is the text of the introduction of Professor Priyamvada Gopal at the Biodun Jeyifo at 80 celebrations at MUSON Centre, Lagos on the 5th of January. As Nigeria transitions into full election mode for the 2027 general elections, the political temperature is heating up at a scale that puts the countrys democracy under intense pressure. Democratic institutions are struggling to respond to pressures emanating from the actions of political actors. The political landscape has been marked by heightened elite bargaining, strategic political realignments, and premature campaigns. These developments reflect a troubling pathology of Nigerias electoral politics, which relegates governance for the advancement of electoral ambition. Consistent with historical precedent in previous election seasons, political actors are spending less time on governance and paying more attention to getting elected. Policy actions and government programs are structured to advance political aspirations ahead of the elections. Even though the ban on political campaigns has not been lifted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), overt campaign activities began immediately after the 2023 elections. This early campaign reveals weak accountability mechanisms that perpetuate a culture of impunity, threatening the credibility of the forthcoming elections. INEC is scheduled to conduct three strategically important elections in 2026. They include the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections and the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States. Early signs indicate that the FCT Area Council and Osun elections will be highly competitive and politically contentious, given their strategic importance for the 2027 elections and the disposition of political actors determined to consolidate control of states. These elections will test INECs resilience and commitment to protecting its independence, especially the transparency of the results management process. The manner in which these elections are conducted will shape public confidence ahead of 2027. It may increase citizens enthusiasm or deepen voter disengagement. While the National Assembly is yet to conclude amendments to the Electoral Act, there are indications that the proposed Electoral Act 2026 will mandate compulsory electronic transmission of results, amongst other transformative reforms. Recent elections have increasingly failed to serve as instruments of public choice. Instead, they have become tools exploited by captured institutions for regime protection or consolidation of incumbent power. Since assuming office, the new Chairman of INEC has expressed commitment and readiness to rewrite Nigerias electoral history by ensuring the integrity of the 2027 elections surpasses previous elections. The chairman has emphasized that the 2027 General Election must be free and fair and be a watershed moment in Nigerias history. This rhetoric, though customary of previous INEC leadership, presents a critical opportunity to restore the lost confidence in the electoral process. However, the ambitious goal remains severely constrained by a constellation of systemic, political, and security-related threats, including the following: Possible Elimination of Electoral Competition The legitimacy of elections is derived from competition and contestation. Where competition is eliminated, election lose their democratic ingredient. One of the most profound threats to the 2027 elections is the systematic erosion of political competition through induced defections from political parties and the incremental decimation of opposition parties. This distortion of the political landscape could disincentivize public participation in the 2027 elections, as voters will have limited political choices. Constricting the political space and the gradual descent towards a one-party state threaten Nigerias democratic trajectory ahead of the 2027 elections. When political pluralism is overtly or covertly removed from electoral politics, authoritarianism creeps in, and it diminishes the legitimacy of electoral outcomes. Deepening Electoral Cynicism While the majority of Nigerians are interested in voting in 2027, a substantial number of Nigerians believe their vote makes no difference and that electoral outcomes are predetermined. This is largely driven by what I regard as a triangle of compromise involving three major institutions: security agencies, INEC, and the judiciary. This crisis of confidence is not unfounded. Instances of conflicting results from the same polling units, bypass of the Bimodal Voter Authentication System (BVAS), and tampering with election results drive distrust in election outcomes. Political elites continue to affirm the narrative that voters dont matter with the manner in which the defections to the ruling party have been framed. The party defections seem to be driven by the belief that joining the ruling party guarantees electoral victory in 2027, regardless of voter choices. Insecurity and Escalating Tensions The current multi-dimensional security crisis poses a serious threat to the 2027 elections. As the National Voting Intentions Round 1 Survey shows, insecurity may drive low voter turnout in 2027 despite high voting interest. Insurgency, banditry, communal conflicts, separatist agitations, and organized criminal violence continue to overstretch Nigerias security architecture. This expanded geography of insecurity undermines the likelihood of a safe and peaceful environment for elections. INEC may be constrained to organise elections in volatile and ungoverned spaces, while voters in conflict zones may be disenfranchised. Where insecurity impedes the deployment of election personnel, materials, and security assets, the credibility and inclusiveness of the electoral process are fundamentally compromised. Addressing the Threats to the 2027 Elections Although these factors pose a threat to the 2027 elections, practical actions can be taken to address them. Whether Nigeria slides into full-blown electoral authoritarianism or advances toward democratic legitimacy depends on the constellation of three interdependent forces, namely: An Activist and Principled INEC Encouragingly, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has outlined five non-negotiable pillars to guide the Commissions work: institutional independence and freedom from interference; fairness and equal treatment of all political parties and candidates; credibility in the eyes of Nigerians and the international community; transparency across every stage of the electoral process; and inclusivity to ensure that no eligible voter is disenfranchised. If implemented, these standards will radically transform the electoral process, restore public confidence, and place Nigeria back on the path of democratic progress. However, achieving these milestones will require intentional and courageous leadership from INEC. The Commission must exercise its regulatory powers cautiously, especially in matters of party registration, recognition of party leadership, and the monitoring and validation of the list of candidates. These issues have been a major driver of distrust amongst stakeholders. Equally important is the urgent need to fix the election results management value chain, which currently suffers from systemic vulnerabilities. The recurrence of multiple results emanating from the same polling units and the conflicting results on the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) must become relics of the past. A Determined Citizenry Committed to Defending its Franchise The most potent antidote to election manipulation is citizens vigilance. When democracy is under pressure, citizens must rise to defend it. This onerous responsibility begins with turning up to vote and ensuring vigilance to prevent elections from being stolen. Unpopular and insecure political actors are deeply threatened by high voter turnout because it limits opportunities for election manipulation. Political elites benefit most when citizens disengage from elections. They exploit two most potent tools: fear and distrust, to discourage participation. They amplify insecurity and accounts of election manipulation to convince the public that votes dont count, even in the face of impactful electoral reforms. Therefore, the credibility of the 2027 elections will depend on the collective resolve of Nigerians to defend their votes. Every voter must approach the polling unit on election day not only with the intention to vote but with the resolve to remain present, observe the process, and ensure that accreditation, voting, counting, and results transmission are conducted strictly in accordance with the electoral legal framework. A Patriotic and Non-aligned Security Architecture The credibility of elections is threatened when security agencies fail to uphold neutrality, professionalism, and fidelity to the constitution. It doesnt matter whether all the other elements of electoral integrity are in place. As long as security agencies maintain a partisan posture, then the next election may be considered compromised. The Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) must now retool and adopt the principle of patriotic non-alignment, which promotes an election security framework that is hinged on the respect for the rule of law and commitment to constitutional fidelity and Nigerian citizens rather than loyalty to the ruling political elite, political party, or incumbent authority in any strata of society. Without a patriotic and non-aligned security framework, even the most well-planned elections will remain vulnerable to manipulation and coercion. Samson Itodo is an election, democracy, and public policy enthusiast. Itodo serves as the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Principal Partner of the Election Law Center and Chairperson of the African Union Advisory Group on AI in Peace, Security and Governance. He is also a member of the Kofi Annan Foundation board and the Board of Advisers of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). Comments and feedback to [email protected] So, who says Nigerian women cannot become governors and ultimately president? Certainly not history. Certainly not logic. And certainly not competence. What stands in the way is not capacity, but courage: the courage of parties to institutionalise inclusion, the courage of men to relinquish monopolies of power, and the courage of women to insist on space without apology. The question is no longer whether Nigerian women are interested in power. The more honest question is whether Nigerias political architecture is genuinely prepared for women to exercise power without apology, patronage, or pity. The renewed campaign for increased womens seats in the legislature has once again exposed the fault lines in our democratic imagination. Obviously on account of its strong appeal, many citizens across gender divides freely support the idea. Some others, on the other hand, including some women, dismiss it as defeatist, likening it to a charity-driven shortcut that undermines merit. Yet, beneath this argument lies a deeper fear: the discomfort with women not just participating in politics, but leading it. Nigerias politics, noisy and competitive as it is, remains robustly masculine. From party structures to campaign financing, from godfatherism to violent primaries, politics is designed as a system that rewards brute endurance, rather than broad-based inclusion. In such a terrain, women are routinely advised to work harder, wait longer, or learn the ropes, even when the ropes themselves are deliberately knotted against them. The agitation for reserved seats or affirmative quotas must therefore be understood not as a plea for pity, but as a strategic intervention in a structurally skewed system. Critics of the campaign argue that conceding seats to women amounts to lowering the bar. They insist that politics should remain a free contest where only the strongest survive. But this argument conveniently ignores the fact that the contest has never been free. It ignores the historical disadvantages women face in access to funding, party tickets, political networks, and even physical safety. To demand equal competition in an unequal field is not principled neutrality. Rather, it presents moral indifference disguised as fairness. Globally, affirmative action has never been about replacing merit with mediocrity. Rather, it is about widening the gate so that merit, long suppressed by structural exclusion, can finally walk in. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which Nigeria endorsed with fanfare, are anchored on a simple but powerful philosophy: leave no one behind. Political parties that mouth this slogan in development conferences but ignore it in their internal power-sharing arrangements are guilty of selective idealism. If parties are sincere about inclusive growth and governance, then propping up more women should not be an afterthought; it should be a core democratic obligation. Women, however, must also recognise that no liberation is handed down ready made. Beyond advocacy, there is a compelling need for collectivisation. Nigerian women constitute a very significant percentage of the population, yet this numerical strength rarely translates into coordinated political muscle. Too often, womens political engagement is fragmented by party loyalties, ethnic considerations, and elite patronage. The challenge before women is to build cross-party, cross-regional solidarities that can sway progressives and pragmatists alike not with emotional appeals alone, but with disciplined organisation and ideological clarity. Reserved legislative seats, therefore, should be seen as transitional instruments, not permanent crutches. Their purpose is to normalise womens presence in power, to break the myth that leadership is inherently male, and to create role models that can inspire younger generations. Once the terrain becomes less hostile and more inclusive, such measures may no longer be necessary. But to reject them now, in the name of abstract meritocracy, is to perpetuate a system that has already failed too many. The recent political journey of Senator Aisha Binani Dahiru in Adamawa State offers both inspiration and caution. Her near-emergence as Nigerias first elected female governor was a moment of collective pride for many women. Yet, the confusion, controversy, and ultimate frustration that followed her candidacy also exposed the perils of weak political anchorage. Critics argue that her alignment with powerful but controversial political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, burdened by the infallible stamp of corruption by his own former boss, President Obasanjo, easily diminished her rating. Atiku is also notorious for frequent party switching, thus blurring her ideological compass and deepened uncertainty around her political project. Whether one agrees with these criticisms or not, the lesson is clear: womens political advancement cannot rest solely on proximity to imagined male political titans, whose interests may not align with long-term feminist or democratic goals. This is why patience and political tutelage matter. Power is not only seized; it is also learnt. Women aspiring to executive leadership must demonstrate readiness to understudy political colossi endowed with uncommon wit, strategic depth, and ideological consistency. Leadership, after all, is not a spontaneous performance; it is a cultivated craft. As I once argued, enduring professionalism, including political longevity and effectiveness, are products of mentorship, intellectual discipline, and moral clarity. Women should not be ashamed to learn; neither should they be content with perpetual apprenticeship. The international landscape offers both cautionary and encouraging examples. In the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris came close to history. Her journey to the threshold of the presidency underscores both the possibilities and the limits of representation within entrenched political systems. That she did not emerge president does not diminish her achievement; it highlights the persistence required to crack the highest glass ceilings. Ultimately, democracy thrives not when everyone competes under the same illusion of fairness, but when institutions consciously correct historical imbalances. A Nigeria that is afraid of a Madam Governor is a Nigeria afraid of its own potential. The campaign for increased womens seats is not about charity. It is indeed about justice, strategy, and the unfinished business of nation-building. Before Harris however, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf defied sceptics to become Liberias president, steering her country through post-conflict recovery and earning global respect. Her story remains a powerful rebuke to those who ask, often with thinly veiled cynicism, whether African women can lead nations. So, who says Nigerian women cannot become governors and ultimately president? Certainly not history. Certainly not logic. And certainly not competence. What stands in the way is not capacity, but courage: the courage of parties to institutionalise inclusion, the courage of men to relinquish monopolies of power, and the courage of women to insist on space without apology. Reserved legislative seats, therefore, should be seen as transitional instruments, not permanent crutches. Their purpose is to normalise womens presence in power, to break the myth that leadership is inherently male, and to create role models that can inspire younger generations. Once the terrain becomes less hostile and more inclusive, such measures may no longer be necessary. But to reject them now, in the name of abstract meritocracy, is to perpetuate a system that has already failed too many. Ultimately, democracy thrives not when everyone competes under the same illusion of fairness, but when institutions consciously correct historical imbalances. A Nigeria that is afraid of a Madam Governor is a Nigeria afraid of its own potential. The campaign for increased womens seats is not about charity. It is indeed about justice, strategy, and the unfinished business of nation-building. The real question, then, is not whether women are ready for power. It is whether Nigeria is ready to stop pretending that exclusion is excellence. In line with the thesis of SDGs, for Nigeria, now is the time to start building a democracy that truly leaves no one behind. Tunde Akanni teaches Journalism at the Lagos State University. TOKYO, Jan 14 (Reuters) - The Bank of Japan's absence from a list of central banks lining up to support Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reflects its aversion to politics and the government's reluctance to cross the U.S., with an early election on the horizon. In a sign of the sensitivity of the matter, the BOJ informally consulted the government about whether to sign the joint statement, but officials were not able to say yes in time for its release, according to two government sources. More from Yahoo Scout What political pressures does BOJ face domestically? How independent is BOJ from government interference? Why didn't BOJ join other central banks supporting Powell? How might Japan's February election affect BOJ independence? "The reason we couldn't immediately say yes is partly because of our relationship with the U.S.," one of the sources said on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. A spokesperson for the BOJ declined to comment. The government's top spokesperson, Minoru Kiuchi, also declined to comment, saying on Wednesday the matter fell under the central bank's umbrella. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is seen walking with Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda on August 22, 2025 near Jackson Hole, Wyoming. (Natalie Behring/Getty Images) Natalie Behring via Getty Images In a rare joint statement on Tuesday, central bank chiefs from around the world stood shoulder to shoulder with Powell after the Trump administration threatened him with a criminal indictment - a sign of their fear that the move could imperil global central bank independence. While BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda has stressed the importance of independence, he has refrained from commenting on U.S. President Donald Trump's attacks on the Fed. The BOJ's decision not to sign the statement was in line with its long-held practice of withholding comment on controversial and political topics, analysts say, which likely derives from Japan's history of political meddling in monetary policy. But it might also reflect the BOJ's desire to avoid stepping into Trump-related controversy as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi - who touts her close relationship with her American counterpart - stands at the precipice of an early election in February, some analysts said. "The BOJ's decision is in line with its protocol," said former BOJ board member Takahide Kiuchi. "But it also shows how it's not completely independent from government interference." "Criticising U.S. policy could put Japan's government under heat from Trump," said Kiuchi, who today serves as an economist at Japan's Nomura Research Institute. "It's safest to avoid making any comment on what's happening overseas." Elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region, New Zealand's foreign minister rebuked the country's central bank chief for signing the statement in support of Powell. THE BOJ IS NOT IMMUNE Under a law that took effect in 1998, the BOJ nominally enjoys independence, although that has not shielded it from political pressure to expand monetary support for an economy in the doldrums. The conversations around electoral reforms often focus on integrity and institutional capture, but usually omit how electoral cycles distort fiscal policy and entrench unsustainable spending patterns. The greater danger lies in how elections alter the structure of public finance. With elections on the horizon, countries often witness widening budget deficits and unsustainable borrowing due to politically motivated policies. Elections are fundamental to democracy but their financial implications are escalating. Between now and 2027, many African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Congo, will hold elections. This is at a time when the rising cost of politics and campaign spending is rapidly changing the electoral landscape across the continent, with implications for democracys health. Campaigns, technological advancements, media advertisements, security, and other logistics contribute to these costs and make money an essential, if not central, part of politics. Money is a very necessary component of political competition. However, while money may not automatically guarantee electoral success, victory comes rarely to those without sufficient financial resources. Many potential aspirants, especially women and younger people, get excluded from politics because they are unable to mobilise the funds required. Political Aspirants Use Diverse Sources to Raise Money Money gives an advantage to better-financed candidates and gives financiers power over elected officials and citizens. Those who present themselves for election are either wealthy enough to finance their own campaigns or must make personal sacrifices, including incurring debt, to raise the necessary funds. Many rely on wealthy financiers for backing, expecting some payback in return. Those who fail in their bid incur financial losses and sometimes debt. However, those who succeed try to focus immediately on recouping their expenditures, while stockpiling resources for a likely re-election. The primary task of delivering public goods becomes a casualty. Investing in politics is beyond lucrative it is the easiest way for those with dubious income to clean up their illicit wealth. By sponsoring politicians, political entrepreneurs gain the opportunity to influence decisions when their candidates are elected to office. Democracy slowly becomes an elite competition for the auctioning of votes to the highest bidder, rather than a system of checks through which voters can hold politicians to account. The ostentatious display of wealth by politicians and their families, amid infrastructural decay and poor service delivery, points to the fact that monies budgeted for public goods end up in their private pockets to fund a lavish lifestyle. Ordinary people feel abandoned, helpless, and frustrated. Therefore, voters will rather exchange their support and votes for instant gratification, including money or other physical goods of value, before or during the elections. Regulations Exist, But They Are Often Subverted Legislations regulating campaign financing exist on paper, but they are hardly obeyed by politicians and political parties. Nigeria is an interesting case study where the lack of enforcement by relevant institutions remains a big challenge. For instance, the expenditure limits by political parties and candidates are stipulated in section 88 of the 2022 Electoral Act. The existence of limits is not new but easily circumvented through third parties. This is partly because the ceiling on the Electoral Act is also unrealistic, in comparison to what is required in practice. Moreover, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) requires political parties to submit audited financial reports that capture relevant outflows after each general election. No such audit report is available in the public domain. Voters Are Enablers Due To a Trust Deficit The electorate is complicit in the rising cost of elections. The complete lack of trust in politicians and public institutions means that voters do not believe whatever promises politicians make during campaigns. The history of failed assurances has forced voters in many countries to resign themselves to fate and take their destiny into their own hands. The idea that politicians are dishonest and use their offices to enrich themselves is widely shared among voters worldwide, especially in Africa. The ostentatious display of wealth by politicians and their families, amid infrastructural decay and poor service delivery, points to the fact that monies budgeted for public goods end up in their private pockets to fund a lavish lifestyle. Ordinary people feel abandoned, helpless, and frustrated. Therefore, voters will rather exchange their support and votes for instant gratification, including money or other physical goods of value, before or during the elections. Politicians have to strive to meet these needs, including raising money to buy votes during elections. Provision and distribution of these physical goods form part of campaigns and contribute to the high cost of politics. Countries like Nigeria and Kenya, which will be going into elections, should watch for these impending fiscal pressures. This political economy trap could trigger increased discontent among the population. The painful hangover from the 2023 elections in Nigeria led to the hasty removal of the fuel subsidy, triggering inflationary pressures across the economy. The vertical enforcement of campaign finance legislation has failed. Cost Is Only Half the Story The conversations around electoral reforms often focus on integrity and institutional capture, but usually omit how electoral cycles distort fiscal policy and entrench unsustainable spending patterns. The greater danger lies in how elections alter the structure of public finance. With elections on the horizon, countries often witness widening budget deficits and unsustainable borrowing due to politically motivated policies. Economic haemorrhage from pre-election spending and post-election austerity carries long-term negative consequences for people with low incomes. Political bargains are struck with budgets, and development dividends are skewed towards party loyalty. As competition intensifies, incumbents convert public resources into political instruments to offer incentives to their cronies. In Nigeria, constituency projects are known conduits pipes through which politicians use to divert public resources. Civil society groups have uncovered several cases of inflated or ghost projects while scrutinising expenditures made on behalf of the constituents. The Way Forward Countries like Nigeria and Kenya, which will be going into elections, should watch for these impending fiscal pressures. This political economy trap could trigger increased discontent among the population. The painful hangover from the 2023 elections in Nigeria led to the hasty removal of the fuel subsidy, triggering inflationary pressures across the economy. The vertical enforcement of campaign finance legislation has failed. This is because those expected to implement these laws are potential beneficiaries of the status quo. Regulatory institutions like electoral commissions are often captured by state agents as part of a grand plan to manipulate election results in favour of the highest bidder. Neutrality and professionalism are rare. Deliberate efforts are made to blur the separation of powers, permit conflict of interest and render the parliament comatose. Real reform can only come from below through resilient civic action and demands by a committed electorate who should insist on urgent improvements. Private donors must be subjected to scrutiny to keep illicit monies out of politics and elections. Technology assisted tracking of funding sources and timely disclosure will be helpful. Compliance to political finance regulations should be incentivised and courts should be empowered to impose sanctions and punish violations. Uche Igwe is a senior political economy analyst and visiting fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). He can be reached at [email protected] I bring up these developments in Latin America to open a parallax view of two topics in Priya Gopals stimulating and forward-looking lecture. The first is the idea from Frantz Fanon about the misadventures of national consciousness in decolonising societies, and the second is the concluding note of her lecture, which proposes literature and culture as reliable agents in moulding a fair and just world. I wish to synthesise these two strands of Priyas argument by thinking of literature and culture less as national exports but more in the sense that Aijaz Ahmad and also Wole Soyinka intend I did not expect Nicolas Maduro to last this long in office; I was always apprehensive that the progressive and radical reforms in Venezuela under Hugo Chavez might not last. The violent, US-led overthrow of the president of Venezuela in the early hours of 3rd January, was the culmination of a series of aggressions, military and diplomatic, long begun but escalated during the presidency of George W. Bush, with the coup attempt on the government of Chavez in 2004. A certain bureaucrat named Otto Reich was Bushs man in charge of that adventure. In the wake of US attacks on Venezuelan resources earlier last year, there was a wish, coming close to a hope, that the militaries of the leftist governments of South America (if not the entire Latin America) would rally to Maduros defence in the nationalist spirit of solidarity that the region had nurtured since Simon Bolivar, the historic unifier. That has not happened. Yet. Instead, the Nobel Peace Prize committee conferred its honour on Maria Corina Machado, the conservative leader of the opposition in Venezuela. Chile elected as president the far-right politician, Jose Antonio Kast, who ran on the Trumpian platform of fear-mongering against immigrants, mostly Venezuelans. Election results in Ecuador, Bolivia and Argentina all favoured rightwing candidates; the spectre of denationalisation of citizens continues to haunt the once-progressive regime in Nicaragua. I bring up these developments in Latin America to open a parallax view of two topics in Priya Gopals stimulating and forward-looking lecture. The first is the idea from Frantz Fanon about the misadventures of national consciousness in decolonising societies, and the second is the concluding note of her lecture, which proposes literature and culture as reliable agents in moulding a fair and just world. I wish to synthesise these two strands of Priyas argument by thinking of literature and culture less as national exports but more in the sense that Aijaz Ahmad and also Wole Soyinka intend; that is, as creative activities taking place in specific places but not limited to those spaces, whether they are segmented as nations or regions. In an important sense, the so-called rightward swing in the region might be a measure of the degree to which electoralism is being instituted, and Kasts victory is best taken in the same spirit that the world accepted Lulas three years ago in Brazil. We have observed similar developments in other parts of the world as bourgeois liberal democracy continues to experience all sorts of contortions as does capitalism, its economic rationale. Yet, Latin America is important to this topic of the pitfalls of nationalism partly because of the planetary scope of Priyas reflections, and partly because that is where, according to the late Benedict Anderson in Imagined Communities, modern nationalism originated. That nationalism was supra, and its main architect in political terms was the Venezuelan statesman, Simon Bolivar, the general who famously ploughed the sea. On the level of description, as Fanon famously quips in that chapter of The Wretched of the Earth, every decolonisation is a success. Written in the heat of the battle, of course, Fanons submissions must be placed in context, and for the purpose of taking up the second topic in Priyas lecture pertaining to literature and culture, I have often found an opening to the potentialities of decolonisation in his critique of national bourgeoisie of an independent country. This might mean that the nationalist spirit that Fanon describes as a minefield of contradictory symptoms in the wake of flag independence across the world was a deterioration of a more imaginative, though somewhat compromised, form that Bolivar promoted. That form is closer to confederation in the parlance of party politics, and capitalism has been instrumental to its fitful existence. It rears its head every now and then, either as Pan-Africanism via George Padmore and Pan-Slavism through Josip Boraz Tito, or as a chronic beacon in the Cuba Revolution. Anticolonial nationalism was all well and good as it directed all its energy at vanquishing imperialism, but on the eve of that victory, the disconnect that was always there deepened and took a specific form, and what was delivered was a Pyrrhic victory that sundered the social struggle from the national struggle. To put this in everyday terms and paraphrase Kwame Nkrumah sideways, the political kingdom was largely secured but not much was added onto it. Some justice, yes, but hardly any bread for the many. On the level of description, as Fanon famously quips in that chapter of The Wretched of the Earth, every decolonisation is a success. Written in the heat of the battle, of course, Fanons submissions must be placed in context, and for the purpose of taking up the second topic in Priyas lecture pertaining to literature and culture, I have often found an opening to the potentialities of decolonisation in his critique of national bourgeoisie of an independent country. This is more so because, long after Fanon, another progressive intellectual, called Samir Amin, has taken a more controversial but hardnosed look at the bourgeoisies of African countries, seeing potentials for development in national economies without undue conflicts with regional units such as ECOWAS. The much-maligned comprador elite as an importer of finished goods or commissioned agent is the unexpected arbiter of culture that materialises as a supplement to the social struggle the making of a variety of art forms with all available technical knowledge verbal, figural, literary. Thus, it is to the novels of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, such as One Hundred Years of Solitude and The General in His Labyrinth, among others, that we turn for imaginative accounts of the historic and continuous struggle for popular freedom in Latin America. Contrariwise but still within the realm of dialectics, the technology imported by the comprador elites of Nigeria becomes serviceable in the production of music as art and commerce, most noticeable in the work of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti which, paradox of paradoxes, stands as an uncompromising critique of that system. Even in the noncombative genres, including the ones that prioritise the lives of the wealthy, praise-singing quickly defaults as a complex carrier of new cultures. To conclude on a jovial but relevant note and in tribute to BJ: I deliberately inserted the name, Otto Reich, as a Bush-era diplomat in Latin America, even though he was just another bureaucrat quickly replaced and easily forgotten. According to The New Yorker, Mr Reich was from the family that owned the brand of rum known as Bacardi, having fled Cuba in the wake of the Revolution and settled in the United States. During a visit to Bloomington in 2009 to hang out with his friend, Femi Osofisan, BJ accompanied us on a trip to buy grocery. At the store, he reached for a bottle of Bacardi, but upon being told that the family that owned that brand was opposed to Castro, he vehemently refused to buy it! Akin Adesokan is a professor of Comparative Literature/Cinema and Media Studies at Indiana University Bloomington. This is a response to Priyamvada Gopals symposium lecture for the Biodun Jeyifo at 80 event titled, Whos Afraid of Decolonization: Reflections on Persistent Pasts and Planetary Futures delivered at MUSON Centre, Lagos on the 5th of January. If the Trump administration chooses America First and discriminates against us, why should we do the same to ourselves? I do not want to believe that Tinubu will accept Trumps prescription on who should benefit from shared health contributions, whether Muslims or Christians. If President Tinubu prioritises the health of only Christians, what happens to the rest of us? Insecurity is pervasive all over the country. How Tinubu will protect and serve one group against the other, using Trumps template, remains to be seen. Perhaps, as part of efforts towards rapprochement and strengthening US-Nigeria relations after weeks of diplomatic row, a new health deal between the two countries was sealed and made public on 21 December 2025. However, there are concerns over the content and spirit of the pact, which many have described as biased and skewed against Nigeria, despite the fact that it is paying more. In the busy month of December, when attention was focused on Christmas and New Year festivities, a stealthy and somehow discriminatory Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) capable of disenfranchising half of the Nigerian populace came into effect. In the $5.1 billion five-year health agreement, the MoU is expected to advance America First Global Health Strategy. Meanwhile, the health cooperation, going by its content and spirit, is capable of further undermining Nigerias cohesion, harmony and unity, and sectionalising it along religious divides. Out of the $5.1 billion joint venture, US support amounts to $2.1 billion, while Nigeria will contribute $3 billion, targeting domestic funding to strengthen Nigerias health system, focusing on disease surveillance, outbreak response, HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, and maternal/child health. This seemingly innocuous co-investment health innovation agreement sounds positive on the surface, but when viewed closely, it comes with a caveat of specific attention to faith-based providers. In other words, Nigeria is paying more but will hold the short end of the stick, while the US determines how the fund is dispensed. Hence the concern that if Nigeria is carrying much of the cost, with money belonging to the public, fairness and justice demand that Nigeria should ensure its even allocation, without America insisting that the Nigerian government should spend $200 million to fund 900 Christian faith-based hospitals. Ever since President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, where Christian genocide exists, the Nigerian government has been walking on eggshells, doing Americas bidding or conveniently keeping quiet on issues that are likely to offend Trump, such as the invasion of Venezuela and the kidnap of President Nicolas Maduro, now being tried in a New York court. Nigeria could not even invoke its non-aligned status as contained in its early foreign policy in the Venezuela case. All hospitals do the same work saving lives and healing the sick. Ailments do not discriminate on the basis of religion, and health needs cut across all regions, belief systems and locations. We expect the US to think of humanity first and put sentiments aside. The news item was first published on usembassy.gov, but was largely ignored by many local news sites, probably because of its sensitivity. In a highly polarised country like ours, this is understandable, but does not erase the fact. Ever since President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, where Christian genocide exists, the Nigerian government has been walking on eggshells, doing Americas bidding or conveniently keeping quiet on issues that are likely to offend Trump, such as the invasion of Venezuela and the kidnap of President Nicolas Maduro, now being tried in a New York court. Nigeria could not even invoke its non-aligned status as contained in its early foreign policy in the Venezuela case. It is true that Christians are being targeted in some parts of the country. It is also true that the murderers profess Islam, but obviously there is no state-supported killing of anybody. Moreover, Christians as well as Muslims have been victims of these murderous groups. As late as last month, a suicide bomber targeted and detonated his bomb in a mosque in Maiduguri, where five Muslim worshippers were killed. That, though, does not excuse the killing of Christians or anybody for that matter. The consequences of years of insurgent activities, Boko Haram and banditry in the country, have produced many IDPs across the country, with the North-East and North-Central harbouring the highest numbers at 2.3 million and 1.3 million respectively. So, we are all casualties who need succour. Do these IDPs and millions of Nigerians need urgent healthcare intervention? Of course they do. So do others, regardless of their faith. Why then should Nigeria be a party to a health MoU that seeks to marginalise, segregate and prejudice one faith against the other, when ailments do not discriminate? For more clarity on the subject matter, here is what the US Embassy and Consulate Nigeria says on its website: The MOU places a strong emphasis on Christian faith-based healthcare providers, recognising their indispensable role in delivering care to communities in need. The timing of the MoU, its discriminatory approach, and the near blackout of the information from the public, as well as President Tinubus quick acquiescence to anything America does, make one wonder whose interest he is servingthe Nigerian people and the electorate, or Trumps America? It observed that Nigerias more than 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals serve more than 30 percent of the countrys 230 million people, often in areas where healthcare facilities are limited or absent. The MOU provides approximately $200 million in dedicated support to strengthen and support these Christian facilities, enhance workforce capacity, and expand access to integrated HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal and child health services. Investments in Christian faith-based health institutions are uniquely positioned to complement public-sector facilities and reinforce Nigerias overall health infrastructure, the US Mission revealed. The Missions emphasis on those who should get these services is most unfair. Health is universal, and any form of health assistance should cover all, and be uniform too. No patient goes to any Nigerian hospital and starts by asking whether the doctor to treat him is a Muslim or Christian. Conversely, I do not know any doctor in the world who seeks to know the identity of their patients before treatment. In my days in Kaduna, I had once been admitted to the faith-based St Gerard Hospital; no one asked me about my faith. This is in contrast to the disparity Trump seeks to introduce into our health system. To divide us along religious lines, create acrimony and use the same to manipulate us as further evidence of our failure is not helpful. Additionally, the MoU was said to have been negotiated in connection with reforms undertaken by the Government of Nigeria to prioritise the protection of Christian populations from extremist violence. As with all U.S. foreign assistance, the President and Secretary of State retain the right to pause or terminate programs that do not align with U.S. national interests, and the United States expects Nigeria to continue making measurable progress in combating religiously motivated violence against Christian communities. Honestly, this is strange. Many are not aware that President Tinubus so-called Muslim-Muslim ticket places more value on the lives and health of Christians than people of other faiths. If the Trump administration chooses America First and discriminates against us, why should we do the same to ourselves? I do not want to believe that Tinubu will accept Trumps prescription on who should benefit from shared health contributions, whether Muslims or Christians. If President Tinubu prioritises the health of only Christians, what happens to the rest of us? Insecurity is pervasive all over the country. How Tinubu will protect and serve one group against the other, using Trumps template, remains to be seen. The timing of the MoU, its discriminatory approach, and the near blackout of the information from the public, as well as President Tinubus quick acquiescence to anything America does, make one wonder whose interest he is serving the Nigerian people and the electorate, or Trumps America? Zainab Suleiman Okino chairs the Editorial Board of Blueprint. She is a syndicated columnist and can be reached via [email protected]. Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has concluded a series of high-level engagements with leading institutions and investors in the Republic of South Africa, securing strategic partnerships aimed at transforming the livestock value chain, attracting foreign direct investment, and accelerating economic growth and industrial development across the state. Governor Radda explained, during his engagements in South Africa with the Katsina State delegation, that the initiative is designed to modernise agriculture, attract credible local and international investors, create sustainable jobs, and adopt global best practices in livestock production, solid minerals development and affordable housing technology. Mr Radda noted that South Africas well-structured livestock industry offers valuable lessons for Katsina, revealing that the country operates about 70 feedlots and 495 abattoirs, with the beef industry alone employing over 500,000 people and supporting more than 2.1 million dependants. The scale, organisation and efficiency we have witnessed here show what is achievable when the livestock value chain is properly structured and supported. It clearly demonstrates how agriculture, when run as a business, can drive massive job creation, food security and economic growth, the Governor said. As part of the engagements, the Katsina delegation toured Progeny Feedlot, a modern facility that deploys advanced cattle sourcing, feeding and finishing systems to ensure healthy growth and high-quality meat yield. Governor Radda described the operation as a significant departure from traditional practices and noted that such innovations could help Katsina transition from subsistence livestock rearing to commercial, large-scale production. What we are seeing here confirms that with the right technology, management and investment, our livestock sector can become a major engine of prosperity for our people, he added. The team also toured Karan Beef, the worlds largest beef producer operating a fully halal slaughter system. The company runs the largest feedlot globally in Heidelberg, covering about 2,330 hectares, with integrated maize, soybean and hay farms, alongside an abattoir that processes approximately 2,500 cattle daily. This fully integrated model shows how production, processing and marketing can be seamlessly linked to create value, reduce waste, ensure food security and generate thousands of jobs across the entire value chain, the Governor observed. In another key engagement, Governor Radda held discussions with Mr. Abdullah Salem, Chief Executive Officer of International Meat Processing LLC, Pittsburgh, USA, a subsidiary of Salems Halal Food Group Corporation. Talks focused on investment opportunities in Katsinas halal meat processing industry and the states vast export potential. The global halal meat giant expressed strong interest in establishing operations in Katsina and is expected to visit the state in the coming weeks to finalise partnership arrangements. This partnership will open Katsina to international markets, strengthen our halal meat industry and position the state as a major hub for livestock processing and export in West Africa, Governor Radda stated. Beyond the livestock sector, the Governor and his team also held strategic investment discussions with Crystal Partners, who presented a three-pronged proposal targeting Katsinas rich deposits of energy transition minerals such as nickel, lithium, copper and manganesecritical raw materials for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and global decarbonisation efforts. The proposed collaboration, to be implemented through the Katsina State Exploration, Mining and Investment Company (KEMCO), aligns with the administrations vision of economic diversification, value addition, industrial development and job creation. Governor Radda further engaged Hydraform, a globally renowned company established in 1988 with a presence in Nigeria since 1997, noted for its alternative building technologies that can reduce construction costs by between 30 and 60 per cent. He said the firms innovative brick and block solutions could significantly support Katsinas mass housing drive, urban renewal programmes and infrastructure development. The delegation also met with Mrs Erica, a leading large-scale cattle breeder, who facilitated contacts with major dairy farms, including the largest Jersey cow farm in the country, as well as South Africas biggest poultry farm, which produces about 3.5 million eggs monthly. These engagements will open new opportunities for technology transfer, improved breeding, enhanced productivity and fresh investment in our dairy and poultry subsectors, the Governor said. Governor Radda stressed that the entire exercise reflects his administrations resolve to learn from global best practices and build strategic partnerships capable of transforming Katsinas agriculture, solid minerals, housing and industrial base. Our goal is clear: to create jobs, raise incomes, strengthen food security, attract investment and drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth across all parts of Katsina State, he added. The delegation included the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Ahmed Bakori Mohammed and Dr Usman Maazu Danasabe. The Katsina State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al-Ojaimi, a leading global manufacturer of power distribution equipment, as part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen electricity supply, accelerate rural electrification, and enhance grid stability across the State. The MoU followed a high-level factory tour of Al-Ojaimis manufacturing facilities by Mr Dikko Umaru Radda, the Executive Governor of Katsina State. The engagement represents a major milestone in the Radda administrations unwavering commitment to delivering reliable, efficient, and resilient electricity infrastructure for households, businesses, and critical public institutions. Under the agreement, the Katsina State Government, working in close collaboration with the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), will jointly procure and deploy Al-Ojaimis distribution transformers. This intervention is aimed at addressing long-standing challenges of equipment failure, network overload, and inconsistent power supplyparticularly in rural and underserved communities. The Governor was accompanied on the tour by the Managing Director and Chief Technical Officer of KEDCO, underscoring the strong operational alignment between the State Government and the Distribution Company in the pursuit of sustainable and technically sound power solutions. Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Governor Radda stated that the initiative is designed to consolidate and sustain the operational improvements recorded by KEDCO over the past two years, despite prevailing sector-wide financing constraints. He emphasised that reliable electricity supply remains a critical enabler of economic growth, social development, and improved quality of life for the people of Katsina State. A central pillar of the MoU is the planned establishment of an Al-Ojaimi Service Centre in Katsina State, which will serve Katsina, Kano, and Jigawa States. The facility will provide transformer maintenance, repairs, testing, and rapid technical support, significantly reducing equipment downtime and improving response times to network faults across the region. Beyond infrastructure deployment, the partnership places strong emphasis on local capacity development and skills transfer. The service centre will facilitate training of Katsina State indigenes in transformer installation, operation, and operations and maintenance (O&M), creating skilled employment opportunities, promoting technology transfer, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of power assets. The delegation on the factory tour also included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power and Renewable Energy, Dr Hafiz Ibrahim, and the Lead Consultant to the Katsina State Government, reflecting the administrations whole-of-government approach to power sector reform and service delivery. The Katsina State Government described the MoU as a first-of-its-kind collaboration involving a sub-national government, a distribution company, and a global Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), aimed at harmonizing technical standards, reducing system losses, and delivering improved electricity services to consumers. The partnership further reinforces Governor Raddas development agenda, which prioritizes rural electrification, infrastructure renewal, youth employment, and private-sector-driven growth. Through strategic investments in quality equipment, institutional partnerships, and human capital, Katsina State continues to position itself as a regional leader in sub-national power sector innovation. Strategic advisory support for the initiative is being provided by Stag Consulting, with its Founding Partner, Umar Farouq Batagarawa, playing a key role in shaping the framework and implementation pathways to ensure the partnerships success. Nigerias retail trading scene is entering 2026 with a clearer split between casual speculation and structured participation. More traders are demanding reliable pricing, consistent execution, and platforms that can support disciplined risk management, not just fast entries. At the same time, policy direction and market reforms are pushing institutions toward clearer reporting, cleaner liquidity pathways, and tighter oversight of how FX transactions are priced and disclosed. This shift is accelerating adoption of the mobile experience because a strong forex trading app lets traders react quickly while still tracking exposure, costs, and performance with more structure than informal channels. As transparency becomes a competitive advantage, apps that present cleaner data and clearer account reporting are winning attention across Nigeria. Reforms And Market Structure Are Changing What Traders Expect Nigerias FX environment has historically been shaped by periodic liquidity constraints and gaps between official pricing and street level expectations. As reforms push toward clearer price discovery and stronger disclosure standards, traders are adjusting their expectations upward. They want to see how quotes are formed, how costs are applied, and how execution is confirmed. Greater Transparency Raises The Minimum Standard When traders see clearer reporting on spreads, swaps, and order fills, it becomes harder for low quality platforms to hide behind vague terms. Transparency encourages comparison, and comparison increases pressure on platform quality. Nigerian traders who once accepted delayed confirmations are now more likely to question slippage, rejected orders, and inconsistent pricing during fast markets. Better Reporting Encourages Better Habits Clearer statements and detailed transaction history support disciplined review. Traders can track the true cost of trading including spreads and rollover charges, and they can link outcomes to decisions rather than guessing. Over time, this tends to shift the market from impulse trading to repeatable systems, especially among traders who treat forex as a serious skill. As transparency improves, the app is no longer just a place to place trades. It becomes a record keeping tool that helps Nigerian traders separate luck from edge and build confidence through verified data. Why Mobile Forex Apps Are Growing Faster In Nigeria Mobile adoption is not only about convenience. It is also a response to how Nigerians live and work. Many traders manage jobs, small businesses, and family responsibilities while still tracking markets that move around the clock. The phone becomes the most consistent access point to charts, alerts, and account controls. Mobile First Access Fits Real Schedules Traders can monitor positions between meetings, set alerts during commutes, and reduce risk quickly when volatility spikes. This flexibility matters in Nigeria where power stability and internet quality can vary. A reliable mobile platform can keep the trader connected when desktop access is limited. Improved App Design Makes Advanced Trading Practical Modern apps now include advanced order types, partial closes, trailing stops, and more detailed performance metrics. Features that once required a desktop terminal are increasingly available on mobile, making it easier for Nigerian traders to follow a plan even when they are away from a workstation. The growth in mobile forex apps is not just a trend. It reflects a structural change in how Nigerian traders manage time, connectivity, and decision making, with mobile platforms acting as the core trading environment rather than a secondary option. Transparency Features Traders Now Look For Inside Apps As reforms push the market toward clearer standards, traders are becoming more selective about what they want to see inside the platform. Transparency is no longer a slogan. It is a set of visible features that reduce uncertainty and support accountability. Clear Cost Breakdown And Execution Records A transparent app makes it easy to see spread conditions, swap charges, and the final fill price compared to the requested price. It also provides timestamps and order status history so traders can review whether execution matched expectations during news or thin liquidity. Strong Identity Controls And Account Safety As participation grows, security matters more. Traders want clear login history, strong verification options, and controls that reduce the risk of account compromise. Confidence rises when the platform shows visible protection measures and clear recovery steps. When a platform makes costs and execution visible, Nigerian traders can judge performance more honestly. That clarity helps build trust and encourages traders to increase discipline rather than increasing risk blindly. How Traders Can Use Mobile Tools To Trade More Professionally Apps can support better outcomes, but only when traders use the tools with structure. Nigerias 2026 landscape rewards traders who combine mobility with process, especially as transparency reduces the space for excuses and forces real performance measurement. Using Alerts And Watchlists To Reduce Emotional Trading Well configured alerts reduce the need to stare at charts all day. Traders can focus on key levels, major sessions, and scheduled data releases, then act only when the market reaches conditions that match their plan. Using Journals And Analytics To Improve Consistency Many apps now support performance views that highlight win rate, average profit, average loss, and time in trade. When traders review these metrics weekly, they can identify which setups work best in Nigeria relevant conditions, such as periods of strong dollar demand or global risk off moves. Professional use of mobile tools is about narrowing focus. Traders who treat the app as a structured workflow tend to trade less, manage risk better, and benefit more from the transparency reforms are encouraging. What Nigerias 2026 Outlook Suggests For Traders And Platforms The next phase of growth will likely reward platforms that combine reliable execution with clear reporting, and traders who treat transparency as a tool for improvement. As reforms continue to emphasize clearer market functioning, app providers must compete on visibility and stability, not only marketing. Platforms Will Compete On Trust And Data Quality Features like detailed statements, consistent quote behavior, and clear trade confirmations will become key differentiators. Traders will gravitate toward platforms that help them understand outcomes without confusion. Traders Will Shift Toward Process And Risk Control As transparency increases, poor habits become easier to spot in the results. Traders who manage position sizing, protect against drawdowns, and review performance will stand out, while traders who rely on luck will feel more exposed. Nigerias mobile forex boom is likely to continue in 2026, but the winners will be those who align with the transparency direction. Apps that make trading clearer will attract more serious users, and serious users will demand even higher standards. Conclusion Nigerias 2026 trading landscape points to rapid growth in mobile forex apps because traders want speed, stability, and clearer reporting in a market moving toward greater transparency. Reforms are raising expectations around pricing clarity and transaction disclosure, and traders are responding by choosing platforms that show costs, execution details, and performance data more openly. For Nigerian traders, the opportunity is not only to trade from anywhere, but to use mobile tools to build a disciplined process that fits real life while staying aligned with a more transparent market environment. According to George Santayana, a Spanish-American philosopher and poet, Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. History, they say, is a stern teacherunyielding, relentless, and unforgiving to those who ignore its warnings. In politics, this truth is axiomatic: those who forget history are condemned to repeat its tragedies. Today, as Nigeria navigates the treacherous waters of governance, the unfolding drama around Bala Mohammed eerily mirrors a chapter from our past. Throw back to Tarka-Daboh blackmail saga In 1974, Godwin Daboh, a self-styled anti-corruption crusader, unleashed a barrage of allegations against Joseph Tarka, the famous Tiv politician and Minister of Communications under the administration of Yakubu Gowon, then a general of the Nigerian army. Mr Tarka, an influential leader who had earlier served as Minister of Transport, was hounded out of officenot by the weight of evidence, but by the weight of political intrigue. His resignation marked a turning point in Nigerias political history, a cautionary tale of how allegations can become weapons in the arsenal of vendetta. Fast forward to 2025, and the script seems chillingly familiar. Yakubu Adamu, Bauchi States Commissioner for Finance, stands accusedfirst of laundering 5.7 billion, then of funding terrorism to the tune of $2.3 million. But peel back the layers, and the real target emerges: Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State. Mr Adamu is but a pawn; the king they seek is Bala. Why does this matter? Because in governance, perception is power. Mr Adamus trial is not just about alleged financial impropriety; it is a calculated attempt to smear Governor Mohammed by association. The logic is simple: if the servant is guilty, the master cannot be innocent. Yet, constitutional immunity shields Balafor now. But immunity is temporal; reputation is eternal. And that is what this proxy war seeks to destroy. It is instructive that the Bauchi State Attorney General, Hassan Usman El-Yakub, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) had petitioned the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, an SAN, protesting subtle attempts to unlawfully drag the Governor of Bauchi State into a criminal narrative without evidence or jurisdiction. Between the pawns and the target Of particular concern is the claim made by the Bauchi State Attorney General, and I quote: Although the Governor of Bauchi State is not an accused person, his name is repeatedly and gratuitously mentioned in the charge sheet, often more prominently than those actually standing trial. This has no legal justification and can only be understood as an attempt to try the governor in the court of public opinion and to criminalise political opposition by insinuation. Sadly, time and again, such weaponisation of justice by the executive branch as is playing out presently often leaves the judiciary holding the short end of the stick when its rulings fall short of expectations. In the instant case, it is also instructive to note that the earlier charges against Bello Badejothe alleged beneficiary of terrorism fundswere dropped in 2024 on the instruction of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. If the recipient is cleared, what crime remains for the supposed source? The only plausible motive is politicalan attempt to tarnish Governor Mohammed and weaken his clout as forces rally for a broad coalition to challenge the APC-led Tinubu administration in 2027. The Tinubu administration denies any witch-hunt. But public opinion whispers otherwise. Mr Mohammed himself has accused the federal government of persecuting him for refusing to join the defection bandwagona bandwagon that threatens to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. For months, rumours of his imminent defection to the APC dominated headlines. Each time, Governor Mohammed stood firm. Each time, the threats grew louder. Now, the storm has broken. Why Bala? There are at least four probable reasons for moving against the Bauchi State Governor: The Oppositions Vanguard As Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed has been the rallying point against anti-people policies. When blackmail loomed, and some of his compatriots flipped, he stood in the gap between the federal government and the masses. The Tax Law Revolt Governor Mohammed spearheaded resistance to Tinubus controversial tax laws, leveraging every platformfrom the PDP Governors Forum to the Northern Rulers Forum. His advocacy forced a presidential retreat and a review of the tax bill as presented. From that moment, insiders say, the die was cast, Bala must be dealt with. Ironically, even now, the controversy trailing the tax law is yet to abate. The Northern Bastion Aso Rock views Mr Mohammed as an obstacle to its northern conquesta leader whose popularity remains unshaken despite threats and sabotage. In 2023, many northerners believed Tinubu would outshine Buhari. Today, disillusionment festers, and the Bauchi governors influence looms large as one of the foremost opposition politicians still standing. Romance with Peter Obi Speculations are also rife that his frequent dialogues with the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, whom he has consistently described as a great Nigerian leader, could indeed be fuelling the need to cage Mr Mohammed. Sources say that Aso Rock has been especially disturbed by the exceptionally cordial reception accorded Mr Obi on the two occasions that he visited Bauchi State last year. Terrorism charge as a blackmail weapon At a time when global attention fixates on terrorism in Nigeria, what better way to neutralize a political gadfly than to link himhowever tenuouslyto terror financing? It is a masterstroke of distraction, a gambit to pivot international scrutiny away from governance failures and toward a manufactured villain. But heres what they wont tell you: Bala Mohammed is the architect of one of the most radical social restructurings in Northern Nigerias history. By creating the Sayawa Chiefdom, he shattered centuries of domination, empowering a predominantly Christian enclave long subjugated under the Bauchi Emirate. He approved the installation of retired General Markus Yake as the first Gung Zaara move that sent tremors through the ranks of religious irredentists. And he elevated the Chiefdom to first-class status, laying the foundation for peace after decades of bloodletting. To allege that such a mana Muslim reformer who empowered Christiansis funding terrorists bent on imposing an Islamic caliphate is not just illogical; it is obscene. It is a cynical ploy to hoodwink the world, to cloak failure in the garb of false heroism. If this trend persists, the consequences could be dire. Just as the anti-Gowon campaign, prosecuted through Tarka, destabilized the polity in the 1970s, todays anti-Bala Mohammed crusade, prosecuted by proxy through Yakubu Adamu, could unravel the fragile threads of our democracy. When vendetta wears the mask of justice, it doesnt crush one manit brings the whole house down on everyone inside. This reckless overheating of the polity is a dangerous gamble that must end now. History is speaking. Will we listen? Or will we, yet again, condemn ourselves to its cruel repetition? *Emma Agu is a veteran journalist and public affairs analyst. A foremost Nigerian lawyer, Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, has declared that Abia State has moved forward since Governor Alex Ottis election in 2023, and that residents would not allow the state to return to the era of decay, stagnation and political misrule. Mr Ubani, from Abia State, was reacting to the political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections. He stated that Mr Ottis victory in 2023 marked a turning point in Abias political and development history, describing it as the moment the state saw light after years of darkness. According to him, within just over two years in office, Governor Otti has proven beyond doubt that Abia made the right choice, delivering governance defined by capacity, competence, integrity, transparency and compassion. He noted that Mr Otti administration has recorded visible and measurable achievements across nearly every sector of the states economy, a feat that has never been seen in Abias recent political history. Mr Ubani listed urban renewal, aviation, energy reforms, massive road construction, waste management, healthcare delivery, education, security, workers welfare and prompt payment of salaries as some of the key areas where Mr Otti has made dramatic improvements. He also praised the governors bold decision to take over and complete abandoned federal projects, a move he said has restored Abias dignity and accelerated development across the state. Objectively speaking, Governor Otti has not been found wanting in any area of governance, Mr Ubani declared. The lawyer said the scale of Mr Ottis performance has created an unprecedented political consensus in Abia, where citizens are no longer driven by party labels but by results and delivery. According to him, Abians are now united by one simple principle performance insisting that regardless of party platform, the people are determined to return Mr Otti to office in 2027 to complete his constitutionally guaranteed eight-year tenure. Whether PDP, APC, Labour, ADC, APGA or any other platform, Abians will follow Alex Otti because he has delivered. The people are not interested in symbols; they are interested in results, he stated. Mr Ubani dismissed those plotting against Mr Ottis re-election as a minority without political weight, stressing that the silent majority of Abians who have felt the impact of the governors performance will decide the future. He added that after years of unpaid salaries, decaying infrastructure and institutional collapse, Abians now enjoy stability, dignity and hope, and they will not allow political merchants to drag the state backwards. In a strong faith-based declaration, Mr Ubani asserted that Mr Ottis re-election in 2027 is divinely ordained. As long as God lives and rules in the affairs of men, Dr Alex Chioma Otti shall be re-elected Governor of Abia State in 2027, he declared. Mr Ubanis statement has further strengthened the growing political momentum across Abia, where stakeholders, professionals and ordinary citizens continue to rally behind Governor Otti as the symbol of the states rebirth. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifice, courage, and dedication in defending the nations territorial integrity and protecting citizens. The governor was decorated with the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem by the Nigerian Legion. Speaking on the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day celebration, Governor Radda described the military as the backbone of Nigerias security architecture, particularly in frontline states battling insurgency and banditry. Today, we honour the living and remember the fallen. We celebrate the men and women in uniform who daily risk their lives so that we must sleep peacefully. Their sacrifice deserves our deepest gratitude and unwavering support, the governor stated. He remarked that as a frontline state, Katsina has witnessed firsthand the bravery and professionalism of the Armed Forces in confronting security challenges. He disclosed that the gradual return of peace to previously terrorized communities is a direct result of the militarys sustained operations and commitment to duty. He equally noted that the Building Your Future administration has prioritized collaboration with security agencies, providing logistics support, intelligence sharing and community engagement to enhance military operations. Governor Radda urged citizens to support the Armed Forces by providing credible intelligence, avoiding activities that undermine security operations and remaining vigilant in their communities. He prayed for the repose of the souls of departed heroes and divine protection for serving members of the Armed Forces. At a separate event at the Government House, Katsina, Mr Radda was decorated with the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem by the Chairperson of the Katsina State chapter of the Nigerian Legion, Ahmad Husaini, a retired warrant officer. The decoration followed the national launch of the emblem by President Bola Tinubu on December 2, 2025. During the ceremony, Mr Husaini appealed to Governor Radda to support the renovation of the Legions state office and provide necessary equipment. Responding, the governor directed the state Chairperson of the legion to work with the Commissioner for Rural Development to facilitate the renovation of the office. Mr Radda assured the Legion of his administrations commitment to the welfare of retired military personnel. The emblem decoration is part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, which honours the sacrifices of dead, wounded, serving and retired military personnel. Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has described Kasuwan Daji, the village where more than 40 locals were recently killed by Boko Haram fighters in Borgu Local Government Area, as a market of thieves. It was an attack by a bandit group hitting a market where rustled cattle are sold, he told journalists during his condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu, Muhammad Haliru, at his palace in New Bussa. The governor also ordered the evacuation of communities in the fringes of now-terrorised Kainji Lake National Park to prevent what he described as collateral damage. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Boko Haram terrorists under the command of Mallam Sadiku launched a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) into Kasuwan Daji, before killing at least 50 locals, mostly men, and abducting women and children. President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack, ordering the deployment of security forces to track down the perpetrators. The former governor of the state, Sani Bello, who is now the senator representing the Niger North senatorial district, also donated N10 million to the victims of the incident. Since the Kasuwan Daji attack, the terrorists have attacked nearby villagesDamala, New Kabe and Kabekilling and destroying homes and farm produce. Market of thieves In his first visit since the gruesome murder of the locals in Kasuwan Daji, Mr Bago claimed that the village had become notorious for the sale of rustled cattle before the 3 January deadly attack. People were slaughtered and murdered in a market square called Kasuwan Daji, the governor said. By definition, it is a market where stolen cattle are sold inside the forest. But the most important issue here is that people were killed. The governor accused some traditional authorities and community leaders of allowing strangers to settle without proper scrutiny, a lapse he said had enabled criminals and extremist ideologues to gain footholds in the area. He said the traditional rulers in the area accommodated strangers without knowing where they came from or why they had left their previous locations. The strangers, he lamented, later arrive with dangerous weapons and extremist ideologies and eventually overpower the host communities. He warned the Borgu Emirate Council and other traditional institutions to stop accommodating unknown settlers without thorough background checks and coordination with security agencies. They must know where these people are coming from, why they left, and why they are here, the governor said, adding that the traditional institutions must work hand in hand with security agencies to verify identities before allowing anyone to settle. The governor also raised alarm over alleged open preaching of extremist ideology in parts of the emirate, claiming some individuals had been promoting Boko Haram beliefs, opposing Western education and recruiting locals into their ranks. He said the emirate council had assured the state government of its readiness to cooperate fully with security agencies to identify and dismantle such networks. Residents react However, locals in the area disagreed with the governor, rejecting his market of thrives labelling. A displaced farmer from the village, who asked not to be named, said, Kasuwan Daji is a village with a market where grains and small livestock were sold. He added that the market was created out of conflict between Borgu natives in Sukumba and the Kambari people in Kasuwan Daji. So they dont sell (stolen) cattle in the market as the governor claimed, he said. Kasuwan Daji has been in existence for a long time, a resident of New Bussa, Ba Sabouke, noted. It is a grains and livestock market, he said. People from all parts of Borgu go to the market. Why did the governor decide to name it market of thieves when he could go there and find out the truth? he asked. A Borgu native and also a traditional title holder in the emirate corroborated this. The governor could instead of his claim say the market is illegal because it is not being taxed and that the Kambaris defied the order by Borgu Emirate council that the market be moved to Sukumba, the local chief who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, said. He explained that Kasuwan Daji is known for the sales of grains like maize, millet and groundnut, among others, including livestock like goats and sheep. Intel (INTC) stock is up about 9%, at the time of writing, Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 13, thanks to KeyBanc raising its price target to $60, according to Yahoo Finance. The companys Q4 earnings are near and will be released on January 22. Intels competitors, AMD and ARM, will also have their earnings releases soon, with AMD reporting Q4 on February 3 and ARM reporting Q3 on February 4. Bank of America analyst Vivek Arya and his team released a research paper ahead of earnings for these major CPU semiconductor companies. Intel's stock is soaring, and server sales are expected to be healthy.Photo by picture alliance on Getty Images Photo by picture alliance on Getty Images Bank of America expects in-line or better Q4 results for Intel Aryas team hosted an investor meeting at CES with Intels investor relations representative, John Pitzer. The team now expects in-line or better Q4 sales and gross margins of $13.4 billion and 36.5% respectively. Analysts said that healthy server sales should offset the initial impact of rising memory prices on PCs. In a research note shared with me, Arya reiterated an underperform rating for INTC stock and the target price of $40, based on a 3.5 multiple of his enterprise value-to-sales ratio estimate for 2027, in line with the historical range of 1.7 to 4. Analysts noted downside risks for INTC: Lower than yield/ramp at Intel Foundry, particularly for its new 18A and upcoming 14A nodes Lack of material external foundry customer in wafer processing Weaker-than-expected trends in a mature PC market Accelerated share loss to major CPU competitors Upside risks for INTC: Key external foundry packaging/wafer deals that could significantly boost sales/utilization Greater-than-expected yields/ramps at 18A and upcoming 14A nodes, resulting in a greater GM/utilization profile Stronger-than-expected PC market from Windows 10 refresh or AI uplift Geopolitical tensions boosting sentiment for domestic manufacturing asset The last big deal for Intel in 2025 was when Nvidia completed its investment in the company. To understand the long-term importance of this partnership, you can read my in-depth analysis. Bank of America expects AMD to beat consensus estimates for revenue The team expects the ongoing ramp of AMD (AMD) MI355X and a strong server market to help drive sales in Q4 to the range of $9.7 billion to $9.8 billion, which is higher than consensus estimates of $9.6 billion. Analysts said that for Q1, AI demand and Intels ongoing PC shortages could help AMD get sales in the range of $9.5 billion to $9.6 billion and beat consensus of $9.3 billion. Arya reiterated a buy rating and the target price of $260, based on 27 multiple his estimate for non-GAAP EPS for 2027, which is toward the middle of AMDs historical range of 13 to 58. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has handed over N802.42 million recovered from a fraud suspect to First Bank Nigeria Plc, following an investigation into the unlawful diversion of the banks funds. The funds were handed over by the EFCCs Benin Zonal Directorate on Monday, in bank drafts, according to a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday by the commissions spokesperson, Dele Oyewale First Bank had petitioned the EFCC, alleging that a system glitch led to the erroneous crediting of over N1.3 billion into the account of one of its customers, Ojo Kingsley. Investigations by the commission showed that upon receiving the funds, Mr Kingsley transferred substantial amounts into the bank accounts of his mother, Itohan Ojo, and his sister, Edith Osaretin. The commission also found that part of the money was used to complete a personal building project and to fund what it described as a new flamboyant lifestyle. Following the tracing of the funds across multiple accounts, the commission recovered N802.42 million, which was subsequently returned to the bank. Action in line with EFCCs mandate While handing over the recovered sum, the acting director of the EFCCs Benin Zonal Directorate, Saad Hanafi Saad, a deputy commander, said the action was in line with the commissions statutory responsibilities. The EFCC Establishment Act empowers us to trace and recover proceeds of crime and restitute the victim. In this case, First Bank was the victim and that is exactly what we have done, Mr Saad said. We will continue to discharge our duties to ensure that fraudsters do not benefit from fraud and that economic and financial crimes are nipped in the bud. Bank commends EFCC Receiving the drafts on behalf of the bank, Olalere Ajayi, business manager of First Bank in Benin, commended the commission for what he described as its swift and professional handling of the matter. Mr Ajayi expressed the banks gratitude and described the EFCC as one of Nigerias most effective and reliable institutions. The EFCC said Mr Kingsley and other suspects connected to the case have been charged to court for stealing. Background PREMIUM TIMES last year reported how the EFCCs asset recovery efforts, including cases involving bank-related frauds and court-ordered forfeitures yielded results. This newspaper has also reported how the commission said it recovered hundreds of billions of naira and millions of dollars in proceeds of crime under its current leadership, while also securing convictions and restituting victims. The commission has maintained that restitution remains a core objective of its enforcement strategy, particularly in financial crimes involving banks and corporate institutions. A section of the International Conference Centre (ICC) under construction in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, caved in on Saturday, sparking public concern over safety and construction standards on one of the states flagship tourism projects. The structure is a part of the wider Ibom Tropicana development, where construction work has intensified in recent months following the re-award of the contract by Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom. No life was lost in the incident. Official silence, site visit blocked When contacted on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Finance, Emem Bob, who also supervises the Ministry of Special Duties overseeing the project, said he would brief our reporter after consulting the project manager. He, however, did not respond to follow-up calls the next day. On Wednesday afternoon, journalists who visited the project site were denied entry by security personnel stationed at the gate. The project manager did not come out to address the media but sent a man who identified himself as Patrick Etti, the assistant yard manager. This is a state government project, we dont allow the press to carry out any information without the consent of the ministry, Mr Etti said. He disputed reports describing the incident as a structural collapse. That was not a collapse but a formwork failure It is like using bamboo during casting, and one of them breaks. That was what happened, not a structural problem. Nobody died, he said, adding that work was ongoing at the site. Opposition reacts In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom said it was relieved that no life was lost but described the incident as troubling. The party alleged that the project was being executed in haste to meet a commissioning deadline and raised concerns about procurement practices and funding. We are happy and grateful to God, first as humans and then as a Party, that no life was lost from the recent collapse of a section of the International Conference Centre, Uyo, the party spokesperson in Akwa Ibom, Ewa Okpo, said. READ ALSO: Akwa Ibom assembly refutes report of bill criminalising sexual relationships with married men The party further alleged that underfunding of contractors could force compromises in quality, warning that public safety must take precedence. It is better to save Akwa Ibom lives than to save Akwa Ibom money, the statement added. Background The conference centre and adjoining hotel are part of the Ibom Tropicana project, which was initially awarded during the administration of former Governor Godswill Akpabio, now Senate President. The projects include a 5,000-capacity international convention centre, a 200-room Ibom Hotel, ARISE Shopping City and an amusement park. The project was abandoned for several years before Governor Eno re-awarded the contract for its completion last year. While the state government maintains that construction is progressing, Saturdays incident has renewed attention on safety, oversight and transparency in public infrastructure delivery. LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The DJS Law Group announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of agilon health, inc. ("Agilon" or "the Company") (NYSE: AGL) for violations of the securities laws. INVESTIGATION DETAILS: The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Agilon announced on August 4, 2025, that President, CEO, and Board Director Steven Sell stepped down from his positions. The Company added, "In a separate press release, the Company today also issued its second quarter 2025 earnings results. As part of that announcement, and in conjunction with this leadership transition, the Company is withdrawing its previous full year 2025 earnings guidance." Based on this news, shares of Agilon fell more than 27% in after hours trading following the Company's release. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, contact us to participate. WHY DJS LAW GROUP? DJS Law Group's primary focus is to enhance investor return through balanced counseling and aggressive advocacy. We specialize in securities class actions, corporate governance litigation, and domestic/international M&A appraisals. Our clients are some of the largest and most sophisticated hedge funds and alternative asset managers in the world. The litigation claims of our clients are extraordinarily valuable assets that demand respect, focus, and results. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics. CONTACT: David J. Schwartz DJS Law Group 274 White Plains Road, Suite 1 Eastchester, NY 10709 Phone: 914-206-9742 Email: [email protected] SOURCE DJS Law Group LLP ATLANTA, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CeriFi, a leading provider of professional education for the financial services industry, launched the Small Business Wealth Advisor (SBWA) certificate program in partnership with Wake Forest University. This groundbreaking program is the first and only university-accredited curriculum designed to prepare financial professionals to serve private business owners across the entire business lifecycle. Meeting an Untapped Market Opportunity With over 34.8 million small businesses in the U.S. and fewer than 5% of advisors adequately trained to meet their complex needs, SBWA addresses a major gap in the financial advisory market. The program empowers advisors to help entrepreneurs navigate every stage of business ownership from startup to succession. "Advisors have long focused on exit strategies, but most business owners need trusted guidance long before that," said James Dalton, Chief Academic Officer at CeriFi. "The SBWA program bridges that gap by helping advisors become indispensable partners throughout a client's entrepreneurial journey, not just at the end of it." Accredited and Actionable Developed in partnership with Wake Forest University, and powered by Dalton Education, the SBWA certificate combines academic rigor with real-world application. Participants learn through a self-paced, 40-hour curriculum that includes video lessons, podcasts, and revenue-ready planning tools. Graduates will emerge as Business Owner Lifecycle Advisors equipped to help clients manage the interplay between business decisions and personal wealth creation. "This program represents the next evolution of financial education," said Kerry Shronts, Assistant Dean, Executive and Professional Education at Wake Forest University. "Our partnership with CeriFi ensures that participants gain not only academic credibility but also the confidence and tools to deliver measurable impact for their clients." Availability and Enrollment Enrollment for the SBWA certificate program opens January 2026. Advisors can preview the course by accessing the first module free through the introductory offer. To learn more and enroll, visit www.dalton-education.com/small-business-wealth-advisor About CeriFi CeriFi delivers leading-edge education and certification programs for financial services professionals. Through a portfolio of trusted brands and university partnerships, CeriFi equips learners with the knowledge and credentials to advance their careers and drive client success. About Wake Forest University Founded in 1834, Wake Forest University is a nationally recognized private university known for its commitment to academic excellence and practical learning. The university's programs combine rigorous academics with real-world experience, empowering professionals to lead with purpose and impact. SOURCE Dalton Education NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mayor and City Commission of the City of North Miami Beach will present the Key to the City to the Honorable Jeanette M. Nunez, President of Florida International University and former Lieutenant Governor of Florida, in recognition of her distinguished public service, leadership, and lasting contributions to the State of Florida and higher education. The ceremonial presentation will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at North Miami Beach City Hall, located at 17011 NE 19th Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33162. The Key to the City is one of the City's highest honors, reserved for individuals whose service, leadership, and impact reflect the values of excellence, civic responsibility, and community advancement. Ms. Nunez has served Florida with distinction through her work in state government and now continues her commitment to public service as President of Florida International University, one of the nation's leading public research universities. "This recognition reflects the City's appreciation for leaders who dedicate their careers to public service, education, and strengthening communities," said Mayor and City Commission officials. "Honoring President Nunez with the Key to the City underscores her enduring impact on Florida and the lives she continues to influence through education and leadership," said Mayor Michael Joseph, Esq. The presentation is part of the City's ongoing efforts to celebrate leadership, service, and meaningful contributions that align with North Miami Beach's commitment to progress, education, and civic pride. Media and invited guests are encouraged to attend. About the City of North Miami Beach Strategically positioned at the 'Crossroads of South Florida,' North Miami Beach lies midway between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, adjacent to the Golden Glades Interchange where I-95, Florida's Turnpike, and the Palmetto Expressway converge. This prime location, coupled with convenient access to major thoroughfares such as West Dixie Highway, Biscayne Boulevard, and 163rd Street, has made North Miami Beach easily accessible and well-connected. The city is supported by a dedicated team of 460 full-time employees across 13 departments servicing over 45,000 residence. For more information, please visit www.CityNMB.com. SOURCE City of North Miami Beach Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) is one of the Best Stocks to Buy for High Returns in 2026. On January 7, Goldman Sachs reiterated a Hold rating on Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) with a $200 price target. Earlier on January 6, Ross Fowler from Bank of America Securities reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $231 price target. The ratings follow the companys decision to acquire Cogentrix on December 5. Management noted that it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Cogentrix Energy from funds managed by Quantum Capital Group. The deal adds roughly 5,500 MW of modern natural gas-fired power plants to the companys portfolio, thereby enhancing its capacity in key US electricity markets like PJM, ISO New England, and ERCOT. The total value of the deal is around $4 billion. Ross Fowler from Bank of America Securities noted that they view the deal as a strategic step for Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST). The analyst added that the deal is structured with a mix of cash, stock, debt, and some meaningful tax benefits. BofA expects the deal to generate roughly $550 million in EBITDA. The firm acknowledged risk regarding potential divestitures in ISO-NE and scrutiny in PJM, but views these challenges as manageable. Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company, supplying essential power resources to customers. While we acknowledge the potential of VST 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: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Crafted with Farm Fresh Milk and Cream, Natural Ingredients, and Lactose Free SEATTLE, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Seattle-based Darigold, Inc., one of the nation's largest farmer-owned dairy producers, is bringing back its Darigold brand coffee creamers. Made with real dairy milk and cream, natural sweeteners, and flavors derived from natural sources, these lactose-free creamers are available in four classic flavors French Vanilla, Caramel, Hazelnut, and Sweet Cream at many grocery, convenience, and membership club stores throughout the Northwest and surrounding states. Darigold brand coffee creamers are back. Made with real dairy milk and cream from family farms across the Northwest, natural sweeteners, and flavors derived from natural ingredients, Darigold Coffee Creamers are available in French Vanilla, Sweet Cream, Carmel and Hazelnut. While many creamers rely on oils and artificial flavors, Darigold Coffee Creamers deliver what coffee lovers crave: fresh milk and cream from family-owned farms throughout the Northwest, which creates rich, flavorful creamers with no oils, and they are lactose free so all can enjoy. Because they are high temperature pasteurized, Darigold Coffee Creamers also stay fresh longer. "Consumers are moving away from ultra-processed foods filled with artificial ingredients," said Curtis Hansen, vice president of marketing at Darigold. "Our creamers deliver what people increasingly want the simple goodness of real dairy milk and cream, and other natural ingredients, so every cup tastes like it should." The Northwest coffee creamer market is large and growing nearly $275 million annually with a compound annual growth rate of 8% over the last three years, according to data from market research firm IRI. Real dairy creamers are enjoying the strongest growth compared to non-dairy or plant-based creamers, both of which have declined over the past year. "Real dairy is very much on trend, with growth across the category while sales of non-dairy and plant-based alternatives are now declining," said Dave McVicker, chief commercial officer at Darigold. "With consumers increasingly choosing the quality and simplicity of real dairy, we think there's an opportunity to build more value for our farmer-owners by offering a product consumers clearly seem to prefer." Darigold Real Dairy Coffee Creamers are Back: p2 For more information about Darigold Coffee Creamers, or to access a store locator, visit Darigold.com/products. About Darigold Headquartered in Seattle, Darigold, Inc. is the marketing and processing subsidiary of Northwest Dairy Association (NDA), which is owned by nearly 250 family-owned farms in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Darigold processes approximately 10 billion pounds of milk annually. The company produces a full line of dairy products for retail, foodservice, commodity, and specialty markets, and is one of the largest U.S. dairy producers. Darigold operates 11 production facilities throughout the Northwest, processing high-quality milk produced by NDA farm families. The company maintains a second office in the Boise, Idaho area, as well as global satellite offices in Mexico and Asia. For more information, visit Darigold.com. SOURCE Darigold, Inc. TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In a new research report, Valerie Ho, CFA, a Portfolio Manager on DoubleLine's Global Sovereign Debt team, and Nicholas Engler, an Analyst on the team, discuss the ramifications for Latin American issuers of sovereign debt amid a sea change in American foreign policy signaled by the U.S. capture and indictment of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro. "Operation Absolute Resolve, as the Maduro operation was code-named, serves as a defining illustration of a renewed willingness of President Donald Trump to deploy economic and military coercion to achieve `America First' objectives" in the Western Hemisphere, Ms. Ho and Mr. Engler write. That strategic shift, with its attendant possible use of hard military and economic power, the authors note, comes amid a heavy 2025-2026 election cycle in Latin America that "could realign governing ideologies and, thus, bilateral risks and opportunities" in the region. To read the paper, titled "Trump's Western Hemisphere Pivot and Implications for Latin America," please visit this landing page: https://doubleline.com/wp-content/uploads/Trump-Western-Hemisphere_January-2026.pdf Valerie Ho, CFA, is a Portfolio Manager at DoubleLine's Global Sovereign Debt team. She covers sovereign debt of Latin America and emerging Asia excluding China. Prior to DoubleLine, Ms. Ho was an Assistant Vice President at TCW, where her responsibilities included analyzing Multi-Asset Fixed Income and CDO investments. Nicholas Engler joined DoubleLine in 2020 as a Sovereign Analyst on the Global Sovereign Debt team. Before DoubleLine, he worked at J.P. Morgan in London, where his responsibilities included country risk management for the Middle East and North Africa. About DoubleLine DoubleLine Capital LP is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. DoubleLine's offices can be reached by telephone at (813) 791-7333 or by email at [email protected]. In addition to its headquarters in Tampa, FL, and an office in Los Angeles, DoubleLine has offices in Dubai, London and Tokyo. Media can reach DoubleLine by email at [email protected]. DoubleLine is a registered trademark of DoubleLine Capital LP. SOURCE DoubleLine SHANGHAI, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ElpasBio Holdings ("ElpasBio"), a leading clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on regenerative medicine, today announced that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with Fosun Kairos for the commercialization of ElpasBio's investigational allogeneic human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (haMPC) therapy, lotazadromcel (trade name AlloJoin) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR. AlloJoin is ElpasBio's core investigational, off-the-shelf stem cell product, developed entirely in-house based on its proprietary haMPC technology platform and protected by independent intellectual property rights. The therapy is being explored for its potential to provide safe and durable symptom relief for KOA patients by suppressing inflammation and promoting the repair of damaged cartilage, with the goal of becoming the world's first approved regenerative medicine product with the potential to modify the progression of KOA. AlloJoin is currently being studied in a Phase III pivotal clinical trial in KOA in China, following the completion of Phase I and Phase II clinical studies that demonstrated favorable safety profile, along with significant improvement in the symptoms of knee joint pain and stiffness in KOA patients. Leveraging Fosun Kairos's commercialization expertise and market insights in the cell therapy sector, ElpasBio has granted Fosun Kairos exclusive commercialization rights of AlloJoin in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR. "Fosun Kairos carries extensive experience in the commercialization of cell therapies in China, providing a strong foundation for a robust and mutually beneficial partnership," said Tony (Bizuo) Liu, Chairman of ElpasBio. "AlloJoin is the first stem cell drug approved in China to enter into a Phase III pivotal clinical trial with the disease modifying potential for the treatment of KOA. We believe this collaboration will accelerate the successful commercialization of AlloJoin in China and bring us closer to addressing the significant unmet medical needs of KOA, a degenerative disease." Wenjie Zhang, Chairman of Fosun Kairos, stated, "ElpasBio is a recognized leader in stem cell therapies, with more than a decade of dedicated expertise in the field. We are pleased to partner with ElpasBio to take responsibility for the commercialization of AlloJoin in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR. By combining Fosun Kairos's commercialization capabilities in cell therapy, we believe this product candidate with the disease-modifying potential can benefit a broader population of patients with KOA in China." Under the terms of the agreement, ElpasBio will receive an upfront payment and milestone payments. ElpasBio will continue to be responsible for the development, regulatory registration, and manufacturing of AlloJoin in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR, and will retain all commercialization rights outside these territories. About Knee Osteoarthritis Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is an age-related degenerative joint disease characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and functional impairment, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. With China's rapidly aging population, the number of osteoarthritis patients in China is expected to reach approximately 160 million by 2025. Current common drug-based methods of management provide limited improvement, highlighting the importance of developing novel therapies to address significant unmet clinical needs. About ElpasBio ElpasBio Holdings is a leading clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on regenerative medicine. ElpasBio was spun off from AbelZeta Pharma, Inc. (previously known as CBMG Holdings) in 2023 and brings proven experience and capabilities in developing world-class cell therapy products. ElpasBio has more than 15 years of expertise in the stem cell field and has developed and explored multiple stem cell products across autologous and allogeneic approaches and various cell sources. ElpasBio operates GMP-compliant manufacturing and R&D facilities in Wuxi and Shanghai, China. It's core product, AlloJoin, is the first stem cell drug in China approved to enter into Phase III clinical trial for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. About Fosun Kairos Founded in 2017, Fosun Kairos is the core cell therapy platform of Fosun Pharma (SSE: 600196; HKEX: 2196). In June 2021, Fosun Kairos received approval for China's first CAR-T cell therapy, Yikaida (axicabtagene ciloleucel injection), opening the new era of CAR-T therapy commercialization in China and achieving a landmark "from zero to one" breakthrough in the China cell therapy sector. As a pioneer in China's cell therapy sector and the first company to commercialize CAR-T therapies in China, Fosun Kairos is committed to the innovation and the development of a diversified product pipeline targeting to the global market. Fosun Kairos continues to strengthen its leadership in hematologic malignancies while expanding into solid tumors, autoimmune diseases, and cutting-edge technology platforms, with the ambition of becoming a global leader in cell therapy. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this communication relating to plans, strategies, specific activities, and other statements that are not descriptions of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to numerous factors. Forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and management's expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of ElpasBio's control. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as otherwise required by law, ElpasBio does not undertake any obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update, alter or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Company Contact: Sarah Kelly Director of Communications ElpasBio Holdings [email protected] +86 21 5406 9990 SOURCE ElpasBio Holdings LONDON, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 50 Best, the organisation behind The World's 50 Best Bars, reveals the 10 award categories and selected Academy Chairs for the first edition of Europe's 50 Best Bars. The list of Europe's Best Bars 2026 as well as the special award winners will be unveiled at a live awards ceremony this year, with the date and location to be announced in due course. The ranking will be shaped by votes from Europe's 50 Best Bars Academy a panel of 300 anonymous, gender-balanced experts including bartenders, bar owners, drinks media and well-travelled cocktail enthusiasts, selected by 11 Academy Chairs, each representing a European sub-region. Operating independently from The World's 50 Best Bars Academy, the European panel has its own voting period and focuses solely on bar experiences within Europe. Special Award Categories Michter's Art of Hospitality Award: Announced ahead of the ceremony, honouring bars for exceptional warmth, service and guest engagement. Announced ahead of the ceremony, honouring bars for exceptional warmth, service and guest engagement. Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award: A second pre-announced award, voted by peers for skill, innovation and industry contribution. A second pre-announced award, voted by peers for skill, innovation and industry contribution. One To Watch Award: A rising-star bar in Europe that 50 Best believes could feature in a future edition. A rising-star bar in Europe that 50 Best believes could feature in a future edition. Icon Award: Awarded to an individual who's made an outstanding contribution to the hospitality industry. Awarded to an individual who's made an outstanding contribution to the hospitality industry. Best New Opening Award: Awarded to a top-performing newcomer in Europe's bar scene. Awarded to a top-performing newcomer in Europe's bar scene. Sustainable Bar Award: A bar that demonstrates an outstanding effort towards sustainability. A bar that demonstrates an outstanding effort towards sustainability. Best Cocktail Menu Award: Demonstrates exceptional creativity, storytelling and innovation. Demonstrates exceptional creativity, storytelling and innovation. Best Bar Design Award: Celebrates innovative and thoughtful spaces, excels in aesthetics, sustainability and functionality. Celebrates innovative and thoughtful spaces, excels in aesthetics, sustainability and functionality. Best in Destination Award: The highest-ranking bar in each region will be named the Best Bar in each respective location. The highest-ranking bar in each region will be named the Best Bar in each respective location. The Best Bar in Europe 2026: The No.1 bar in the ranking. Academy Chairs Academy Chairs are chosen for expertise and networks to ensure a diverse and balanced representation of bars across Europe. Bara Urbanova - Czech Republic, Slovakia & Poland Eleni Nikoloulia - Greece, Turkey & Southern Balkans Alia Akkam - Hungary, Southern Europe & Northern Balkans Juliane Reichert - Germany, Austria & Switzerland Arina Nikolskaya - Eastern Europe & Baltics Francois Monti - Spain & Portugal Hamish Smith - UK & Ireland Laurence Marot - France Jakob Sundin - Nordics Ara Carvallo - Benelux Penelope Vaglini - Italy Media Centre: https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2831469/Europe_50_Best_bars_Logo.jpg SOURCE 50 Best HYDERABAD, India, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Mordor Intelligence, the fire truck market size is on a steady growth trajectory, expanding from USD 10.17 billion in 2025 to USD 10.94 billion in 2026, and is forecasted to attain USD 15.74 billion by 2031. This fire truck market forecast reflects a 7.56% CAGR during 20262031. Replacement of aging fleets, rising investment in electric fire apparatus, and the growing threat of wildfires are key factors shaping the fire truck industry, even as order lead times stretch between 18 and 33 months. Higher vehicle prices are increasingly being absorbed as advanced safety systems and performance upgrades become standard across the fire truck industry, while battery-electric fire trucks are moving beyond pilot programs in North America and Europe, supported by emissions mandates and lower operating costs. At the same time, more frequent large-scale wildfire events are accelerating demand for specialized wildland vehicles, influencing procurement priorities and overall fire truck market trends across major regions. Key Drivers Influencing Fire Truck Market Trends Growing intensity and increasing occurrence of wildfires Wildfire activity in the United States is becoming more destructive even as the number of individual incidents fluctuates, pushing fire agencies to invest in heavier and more capable response vehicles. Larger, fast-moving fires are increasing demand for advanced Wildland-Urban Interface engines equipped to operate continuously during active response. At the same time, targeted federal and state funding for wildfire preparedness is helping sustain procurement levels, independent of local budget pressures. With fire seasons now extending across most of the year, departments are shifting toward continuous operational readiness, driving higher utilization of specialized fire apparatus. Significant upfront investment required for next-generation vehicles Electric fire pumpers carry a significantly higher purchase price than conventional diesel models, creating an entry barrier for smaller and volunteer fire departments. Although lower fuel and maintenance expenses improve long-term economics, limited access to funding continues to slow adoption outside major urban centres. Public grants help ease the burden in select markets, but uneven financing support and slower cost reductions in battery systems are moderating near-term growth in parts of the fire truck industry, particularly in developing regions, impacting overall fire truck market share expansion. Regional Market Overview North America continues to lead the fire truck market, supported by well-established emergency response budgets and early adoption of advanced vehicle technologies. The region remains a frontrunner in electric fire truck deployment, often setting benchmarks for global adoption. In addition, sustained federal infrastructure initiatives are helping agencies replace aging fleets, ensuring stable demand and reinforcing the region's dominant fire truck market share. Asia-Pacific is emerging as a key growth engine as cities across the region expand fire protection capacity alongside rapid urbanization. Governments are investing in new fire stations and modern vehicles designed for dense, high-rise environments, while procurement policies are encouraging collaboration between global manufacturers and local suppliers. Rising interest in electric commercial vehicles is also shaping long-term fire truck market trends, laying the foundation for future adoption of low-emission fire apparatus as charging infrastructure develops. Segmentation Insights By Type Pumpers Tankers Aerial / Platform Trucks Multi-Tasking Modular Trucks Wildland Fire Trucks Airport Crash Tender (ARFF) By Application Residential & Commercial Industrial & Manufacturing Airports Military Wildland & Forestry By Propulsion Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Hybrid Battery Electric Fuel-Cell Electric By End User Municipal Fire Departments Airport Authorities Industrial Facility Brigades Defence & Military Contract & Private Fire Services Companies Profiled in Fire Truck Industry Rosenbauer International AG Oshkosh Corporation (Pierce) REV Group Morita Holdings Corporation Magirus GmbH W.S. Darley & Co. KME (Kovatch Mobile Equipment) Sutphen Corporation Gimaex GmbH Albert Ziegler GmbH Bronto Skylift Oy NAFFCO Emergency One UK Ltd Weihai Guangtai Iturri Group Zhongtian Heavy Industry Sides S.A. BAI Brescia Antincendi International Fouts Bros Fire Equipment Alexis Fire Equipment Industry Related Reports Used Truck Market: The used truck market growth is driven by strong demand for cost-effective pre-owned commercial vehicles, robust fleet renewal activity among logistics and construction operators, rising e-commerce-led last-mile delivery requirements, and expanding digital auction and marketplace platforms that improve pricing transparency and transaction efficiency. Get More information: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/used-truck-market?utm_source=prnewswire Automotive High Performance Trucks Market: The automotive high-performance trucks market growth is driven by accelerating electrification alongside traditional diesel platforms, rising demand for high-performance commercial vehicles in long-haul and vocational applications, infrastructure investments that sustain freight and construction activity, and tightening emissions regulations that push fleets toward advanced powertrain, telematics, and predictive maintenance technologies. Get More information: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/automotive-high-performance-trucks-market?utm_source=prnewswire Automotive Relay Market: The global automotive relay market is estimated at USD 14.27 billion in 2025, and is forecasted to grow to USD 18.73 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 5.58%. Demand is being driven by the increasing complexity and electronic content of modern vehicles. Get More information: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/automotive-relay-market?utm_source=prnewswire About Mordor Intelligence Mordor Intelligence is a trusted partner for businesses seeking comprehensive and actionable market intelligence. Our global reach, expert team, and tailored solutions empower organizations and individuals to make informed decisions, navigate complex markets, and achieve their strategic goals. With a team of over 550 domain experts and on-ground specialists spanning 150+ countries, Mordor Intelligence possesses a unique understanding of the global business landscape. This expertise translates into comprehensive syndicated and custom research reports covering a wide spectrum of industries, including aerospace & defense, agriculture, animal nutrition and wellness, automation, automotive, chemicals & materials, consumer goods & services, electronics, energy & power, financial services, food & beverages, healthcare, hospitality & tourism, information & communications technology, investment opportunities, and logistics. For any inquiries, please contact: [email protected] https://www.mordorintelligence.com/contact-us Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2746908/Mordor_Intelligence_Logo.jpg SOURCE Mordor Intelligence Private Limited Kansas, Maine, North Carolina, and Oregon will receive up to $2.1M in funding through Jobs for the Future initiative to increase access to education and training in correctional facilities BOSTON, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit focused on transforming the U.S. education and workforce systems, today announced the inaugural cohort of its Fair Chance to Advance (FC2A) State Action Networks, a new initiative to help states expand high-quality postsecondary education and workforce pathways for individuals with histories of incarceration. As the first four members of the effort, state leaders in Kansas, Maine, North Carolina, and Oregon will work with JFF's Center for Justice & Economic Advancement to address persistent barriersincluding discriminatory hiring practices and legal restrictions, often exacerbated by misaligned systemsthat limit economic opportunities for many of the more than 70 million people in the United States with records of arrest, conviction, or incarceration. "These four states are leading the way in showing what is possible when education, workforce, and corrections systems work together toward a shared vision for economic mobility," said Rebecca Villarreal, Senior Director, Center for Justice & Economic Advancement at JFF. "Fair Chance to Advance is about building aligned systems rooted in dignity, opportunity, and the belief that people with records deserve real pathways to quality jobsand that investing in justice-impacted workers can be a meaningful driver of economic growth at the state level." The launch of the State Action Networks represents the latest phase of the FC2A initiative, initially launched in 2024 with support from Ascendium Education Group. JFF selected the four cohort states from among more than 30 applicants based on their existing efforts to expand economic mobility for individuals with records, their commitment to bringing together a range of leaders across state agencies, and their clear articulation for how participating in the cohort would catalyze long-term change in their states: North Carolina plans to expand education, apprenticeships, and work-release opportunities and deepen data integration through its participation in the State Action Networks. plans to expand education, apprenticeships, and work-release opportunities and deepen data integration through its participation in the State Action Networks. Maine aims to leverage the State Action Networks to scale employer-connected pathways, strengthen cross-agency alignment, and expand data capacity to track outcomes. aims to leverage the State Action Networks to scale employer-connected pathways, strengthen cross-agency alignment, and expand data capacity to track outcomes. Kansas will use its cohort membership to formalize channels for collaboration among state leaders, strengthen reentry metrics, and expand employer engagement amid significant statewide job growth. will use its cohort membership to formalize channels for collaboration among state leaders, strengthen reentry metrics, and expand employer engagement amid significant statewide job growth. Oregon plans to unify inter-agency data systems to help guide decisions, strengthen reporting, and scale up education-to-employment pathways, including sustaining and expanding in-prison WorkSource Oregon Reentry Centers as a core bridge from custody to community. "We were inspired by the level of interest from states across the country and encouraged by the clear momentum toward systems change," said Molly Lasagna, Senior Strategy Officer at Ascendium. "The four states selected are ready to leadeach demonstrating a strong commitment to coordination, data sharing, and expanding educational opportunities for learners with a history of incarceration." Over the next four years, each state will receive up to $2.1M in funding and technical assistance valued at $1.8M from JFF and the Coleridge Initiative, a nonprofit organization working with governments to ensure that data are more effectively used for public decision-making. States will gain access to a secure data-sharing platform to improve coordination between partner agencies, and participate in a national learning network designed to accelerate reforms across corrections, postsecondary education, workforce development, and fair chance employment. Throughout the initiative, the FC2A State Action Networks will closely engage people with histories of incarceration as advisors and co-designers. Mathematica will serve as the third-party evaluator to document lessons learned and share insights with the field. States that are interested in learning more and joining a broad coalition of leaders working to build pathways from incarceration to careers can subscribe here for updates. About Jobs for the Future Jobs for the Future (JFF) transforms U.S. education and workforce systems to drive economic success for all. We design innovative solutions, scale best practices, influence policy, and invest in systems change to create pathways to advancement and economic mobility. jff.org About Ascendium Education Group Ascendium Education Group is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to helping learners from low-income backgrounds achieve upward mobility. Its philanthropy invests in solutions that expand opportunity, support learner success, and connect and align systems across postsecondary education and workforce development. Contact: Yveneka Lestin [email protected] 929-732-0764 SOURCE JOBS FOR THE FUTURE INC The fast-casual restaurant brand signed 22 multi-unit development agreements last year to develop 118 restaurants 51 new Freddy's restaurants opened in 2025, 7 slated for Q1 of 2026 Solidifying its growth trajectory, Freddy's climbed to No. 79 on the 2025 Franchise Times Top 400 List WICHITA, Kan., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Freddy's the fast-casual restaurant concept known for its steakburgers, shoestring fries, and frozen custard treats closed out 2025 with powerful momentum and a rapidly growing development pipeline. Since the start of 2025, Freddy's has signed 22 multi-unit development agreements to develop 118 new restaurants across the U.S. and Canada. Freddys unwavering commitment to innovation and franchise support remains a cornerstone of its growth. Early Surge Sets Tone for Growth Freddy's strong growth trajectory started early in 2025, as the brand signed six multi-unit franchise agreements representing 44 new restaurants in development. These deals included: A group known for its extensive network of Freddy's restaurants across Texas and Oklahoma signed on to develop 15 new Freddy's restaurants across Ohio while also acquiring 19 existing locations throughout the state. while also acquiring 19 existing locations throughout the state. A multi-brand franchise group turned to Freddy's to expand their already impressive portfolio, signing a 12-unit development deal for Nashville and the surrounding areas in addition to acquiring Freddy's 3 existing Nashville restaurants. and the surrounding areas in addition to acquiring Freddy's 3 existing Nashville restaurants. A multi-unit group signed a 10-unit agreement to grow Freddy's presence along North Carolina's coastal counties. That strong start carried deep into Q2 as the brand surpassed the milestone of more than 100 new locations in development within the first half of the year, marking one of the most active periods for franchise growth in company history. "The sustained deal volume we've seen this year demonstrates the confidence our franchisees have in the long-term strength of our brand and franchise system," said Andrew Thengvall, Chief Development Officer of Freddy's. "Freddy's continues to attract highly experienced franchise owners who share our passion for operational excellence and delivering consistent performance across diverse markets." Record Franchise Development Freddy's continued to build on that foundation throughout the summer with a 14-unit deal from an existing ownership group, expanding Freddy's footprint across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. July proved to be a significant month for the brand, with nine franchise deals closed, representing 49 additional restaurants in development. In addition to the surging pipeline, 2025 brought 51 new Freddy's restaurant openings across the U.S. and Canada, reinforcing the brand's consistent growth and operator confidence. To date, Freddy's currently has 580 locations open and in operation, with another 7 restaurants slated to open in Q1 of 2026. "Last year's growth underscores the collective strength of our franchise system and the momentum propelling us into 2026 and beyond," said Chris Dull, President & CEO of Freddy's. "That success is a testament to the dedication of our franchise owners and team members who consistently strive for operational excellence, delivering on our promise of an exceptional Freddy's experience for guests and communities." Recognition Fueled by Innovation and Support Freddy's sustained performance and continued growth were further validated by its climb to No. 79 on the 2025 Franchise Times Top 400 list, up three spots from last year. The annual ranking evaluates U.S.-based franchise systems by global systemwide sales, highlighting Freddy's ability to scale while maintaining profitability and brand integrity. Freddy's unwavering commitment to innovation and franchise support remains a cornerstone of its growth. The brand marked one year after the opening of its Training & Innovation Center at its headquarters location in Wichita, KS. In that time, the center has: Trained 160 managers and franchise leaders in operational excellence Tested and refined menu innovations and technology initiatives designed to enhance guest engagement and drive operational efficiency Freddy's has earned a reputation as a brand committed to quality and genuine hospitality, offering made-to-order steakburgers, shoestring fries, and frozen custard treats in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. The fast-casual restaurant franchise is actively seeking single and multi-unit franchisees. For information on franchising opportunities with Freddy's, visit freddysfranchising.com . ABOUT FREDDY'S FROZEN CUSTARD & STEAKBURGERS Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is a leading fast-casual franchise concept with over 580 locations across 36 states nationwide. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 2002, the brand offers a unique combination of cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, shoestring fries and other savory items, along with freshly churned frozen custard treats. Known for operating The Freddy's Way, Guests experience genuine hospitality and food prepared fresh with premium ingredients. This signature approach has fueled Freddy's ongoing growth throughout the U.S. and garnered national recognition from industry-leading rankings, including being named No. 23 on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers + Shakers, No. 85 on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 and No. 36 on Yelp's 50 Most Loved Brands. For more on Freddy's, visit the Newsroom and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more information about development opportunities, visit freddysfranchising.com . Media Contact: Julianne Stevenson, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected] or 224-558-2510 SOURCE Freddys Frozen Custard & Steakburgers SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2025, VOOPOO solidified its industry leadership through a year of remarkable innovation and recognition. By consistently aligning advanced technology with intuitive design, the brand achieved widespread acclaimfrom top media honors to prestigious international awards. These accolades validate VOOPOO's commitment to excellence and its focused effort to enhance the global vaping experience. Innovation Delivered, Awards Achieved VOOPOO's 2025 Breakthoughs and Accolades Guided by a user-first philosophy, VOOPOO's 2025 innovations focused on fundamentally enhancing the vaping experience. The launch of the iCOSM Code 2.0 platform integrated proprietary technologies to deliver unparalleled smoothness, flavor purity, and coil longevity. User interaction was made more intuitive across key products like the DRAG S3, DRAG X3 and ARGUS P3 through smart features such as capacitive unlocking and snap cartridge. Simultaneously, VOOPOO achieved a breakthrough balance of high capacity, compact form, and long-lasting battery life in devices including the ARGUS G3, ARGUS G3 mini, VOOPOO VINCI S, and VRIZZ 2. These focused advancements were widely recognized, earning the brand numerous awards from leading industry media such as Versed Vaper, Vapouround and iGeekphone for categories including BEST VAPE STARTER KITS, BEST POD VAPES, and BEST VAPES FOR NICOTINE SALTS. Aesthetics Elevated, Accolades Secured In 2025, VOOPOO's design philosophy seamlessly merged intelligent functionality with refined aesthetics. The brand enhanced user interaction through large, intuitive smart touch screens on devices like the ARGUS P3 and VOOPOO VINCI E120, offering rich customization and control. Aesthetic excellence was achieved using premium materials and finishes, such as leather and metal, in products like the DRAG S3, DRAG X3, and ARGUS P3, giving each device a distinct, luxurious presence. This user-centric design also extended to practical daily usability, with thoughtful additions like the integrated dust cover on the ARGUS Klyc ensuring both style and convenience for the user. This holistic approach to design excellence earned VOOPOO high acclaim on the global stage, securing prestigious Platinum and Gold Winners at both the London Design Awards and Muse Design Awards. Leadership Acknowledged, Identity Renewed The outstanding achievements in technological advancement and sophisticated design throughout 2025 led to VOOPOO receiving the prestigious Industry Leader title from Vapouround. This honor arrived as the brand celebrated its 8th anniversary, an occasion marked by the introduction of a vibrant visual evolution anchored in a new, energetic yellow. This renewal visually expresses the core values of Passion, Vitality, and Breakthrough, the very principles that have driven VOOPOO's journey to leadership and will continue to shape its forward path. Entering 2026, VOOPOO builds upon a year of significant recognition with a clear forward-looking strategy. The brand remains committed to driving innovation, enhancing product excellence, and deepening the connection with users worldwide. Through continuous advancement and thoughtful design, VOOPOO aims to not only sustain its leadership but also actively shape the next chapter of the vaping industry. Warning: This product may be used with e-liquid products containing nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. SOURCE ICCPP GROUP NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Cyber Alliance (GCA), the international nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing collective action against the Internet's most systemic risks, today announced the appointment of H Sama Nwana as Chair of its Board of Directors. At a time when cyber threats increasingly undermine economic stability, democratic institutions, and consumer trust worldwide, GCA plays a unique role in strengthening the foundational security of the Internet itself, developing practical, scalable programs that protect citizens, businesses, and governments across borders. Professor H Sama Nwana "Cybersecurity today is not just a technical issueit is a matter of public trust, economic resilience, and social stability," said Prof. H Sama Nwana, Chair of the Board at GCA. "GCA's work focuses on the parts of the Internet that everyone depends on but few understand, helping prevent systemic failures before they occur. I am honored to step into this role at a moment when securing the Internet has never been more essential to protecting people, institutions, and opportunity worldwide." Prof. Nwana succeeds William Pelgrin, who will continue to serve on the Board. "For the past decade, GCA has demonstrated that real progress in cybersecurity comes from collaboration, not competition," said William Pelgrin, outgoing Chair of the Board. "The organization has helped reduce risk at Internet scale by focusing on prevention, shared responsibility, and practical solutions. As threats continue to grow in complexity and reach, H Sama Nwana's global perspective and policy expertise make him exceptionally well suited to guide GCA's next chapter." GCA's programs address critical vulnerabilities across the global digital ecosystem, from securing small and medium-sized businesses to strengthening protections for vulnerable populations and emerging economies and helping reduce cyber risk before it escalates into widespread harm. "GCA operates at the intersection of technology, policy, and public good," said Brian Cute, Interim CEO of the Global Cyber Alliance. "Prof. Nwana understands that cybersecurity is foundational to commerce, communications, and civic life. His leadership will help ensure that GCA continues to deliver practical, globally relevant solutions that protect people and organizations regardless of geography or resources." Prof. Nwana brings more than 20 years of leadership and advisory experience across telecommunications, media, and technology, with deep expertise in digital policy, regulation, and market development. He is Managing Partner at Cenerva, a London-based consultancy advising governments, regulators, development institutions, and multinational companies on advancing inclusive digital economies. Previously, he served as Group Director at Ofcom, Founding CEO of the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance, and Managing Director at Arqiva and Quadriga Worldwide. In parallel with his advisory work, Prof. Nwana is a Full Visiting Professor at the University of Strathclyde, an experienced trainer across multiple African countries, and the author of several influential books on the digital economy in developing markets. His appointment underscores GCA's continued commitment to strengthening the security of the Internet as a global public good, ensuring it remains safe, resilient, and accessible for citizens, consumers, and organizations worldwide. You can read his full biography at https://globalcyberallaince.org/team/prof-h-sama-nwana About the Global Cyber Alliance The Global Cyber Alliance (GCA) is an international nonprofit organization that mobilizes collective action to tackle the Internet's greatest challenges and build a safer digital world for everyone. GCA is a 501(c)(3) in the U.S. and a nonprofit in the U.K. and Belgium. Media Contact Ronjini Joshua PR for Global Cyber Alliance [email protected] (949) 295-9779 SOURCE Global Cyber Alliance SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GLOW - Government Lawyers Oversight Watchdog, the first-ever non-profit dedicated to documenting the conduct of executive branch attorneys, issued a statement today regarding the mass resignations within the Department of Justice (DOJ) following the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good: GLOW is sounding the alarm on the unethical leadership of Pam Bondi, the Attorney General, and Harmeet Dhillon, the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Bondi and Dhillon have led what appears to be a blatant weaponization of federal law enforcement against political enemies and victims of government violence, and an abuse of DOJ powers to shield Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who killed Renee Good. A Pattern of Unethical Leadership The resignations of at least ten senior career officialsincluding six federal prosecutors in Minnesota and four leaders within the Civil Rights Divisionmark a historic crisis of integrity at the DOJ. These professionals chose to step down after DOJ leadership: Refused to launch a standard civil rights investigation into whether the ICE agent's use of deadly force against Renee Good was justified. to launch a standard civil rights investigation into whether the ICE agent's use of deadly force against Renee Good was justified. Overruled career prosecutors who sought to cooperate with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for a transparent review of the shooting. career prosecutors who sought to cooperate with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for a transparent review of the shooting. Pushed for a retaliatory criminal investigation into Renee Good's widow, Becca Good, focusing on her alleged ties to activist groups rather than the shooting itself. "To forgo an investigation into a fatal shooting while simultaneously targeting the victim's grieving widow for her political associations is a perversion of justice," said Omri Marian, GLOW's President. "The decision not to conduct a standard investigation and to obstruct the state investigation also speaks volumes about what Dhillon and Bondi expect the outcome of such an investigation would be; if they thought it would clear the officer they wouldn't be so terrified of allowing an investigation to proceed in the ordinary course. This isn't just a failure of duty; it is a cowardly betrayal of the rule of law by the people appointed to uphold it." Honoring the Rule of Law GLOW stands in support of the principled attorneys who resigned rather than contribute to the erosion of the rule of law following the weaponization of the DOJ in investigating the shooting of Renee Good. These include: Joseph H. Thompson , Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota and a 17-year DOJ veteran , Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota and a 17-year DOJ veteran Harry Jacobs, Melinda Williams, and Thomas Calhoun-Lopez , senior career prosecutors in Minnesota. , senior career prosecutors in Minnesota. Lawyers in the leadership of the Civil Rights Division's criminal section. These individuals, as well as others who resigned but whose names have not yet been made public, have demonstrated the highest commitment to the ethical standards of the legal profession, refusing to allow the justice system to be used as a tool for political retribution. Ongoing Accountability GLOW remains committed to its mission of transparency. We will continue to document the behavior of government attorneys in our public database and to ensure that those who abuse their power are held to account. We will also continue to celebrate and highlight the records of those who, like the prosecutors who resigned yesterday, maintain their oath to the Constitution. "The public deserves to know which government lawyers are upholding their ethical duties and which are acting as political sycophants," Marian added. "We will ensure such behavior is documented for posterity." About GLOW GLOW is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to document professional conduct by government attorneys and promote commitment to the rule of law. Through The Government Lawyers Database, GLOW creates public accountability for lawyers serving in the U.S. Executive branch while celebrating those who demonstrate legal courage and integrity. For more information visit glowlaw.org. You can make a tax deductible donation here: https://donate.stripe.com/fZueVedjk2cC2K15PL24000 If you are interested in volunteering for GLOW, please complete our volunteer intake form. SOURCE GLOW - Government Lawyers Oversight Watchdog Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR) is one of the 10 cheapest oil and gas stocks to invest in. On January 5, Wells Fargo analyst Sam Margolin added the company to the firms Q1 2026 Tactical Ideas list. According to the firm, Antero Resources highly accretive HG acquisition has recently been impacted by commodity volatility. This acquisition adds $10 per share to NAV and offers strategic benefits within West Virginias growing data center ecosystem. Scotiabank Cuts Plains All American (PAA) Price Target After Q3 Decline Wells Fargo also reiterated its Buy rating on the stock, along with a price target of $49 on January 5. The firms price target suggests 55.5% upside from the current levels, which is slightly higher than the median Wall Street analysts upside of 49.78%. Reflecting similar optimism, Seibert Williams Shank and Co. also maintained its Buy rating on the stock on December 26. However, the firm had a slightly higher price target of $50 for the shares, representing an upside of 58.7%. The stock is currently trading below its lowest Wall Street price target of $36, making it a more compelling choice for investors. Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR) operates as an independent oil and natural gas company. It is involved in the production, acquisition, development, and exploration of natural gas liquids (NGLs), natural gas, and oil properties across the United States. The company operates through three segments: Marketing, Exploration & Production, and Equity Method Investment in Antero Midstream. While we acknowledge the potential of AR 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: Cathie Woods Stock Portfolio: Top 10 Stocks to Buy and 30 Most Fantastic Stocks Every Investor Should Pay Attention To. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. TOKYO, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nine attorneys and two practices from global law firm Greenberg Traurig are recognized in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 edition. The Legal 500 Asia Pacific rankings reflect detailed analyses of law firm submissions and thousands of interviews with general counsels and private practice lawyers conducted by its team of experienced researchers, according to the publication. The edition recognizes Greenberg Traurig in Japan as a Tier One firm for "Real estate and construction: International firms and joint ventures." The edition also recognizes Greenberg Traurig in Firms to Watch in Singapore for "Investment funds: foreign firms." Joel H. Rothstein has been listed in the Hall of Fame for "Real estate and construction: International firms and joint ventures" in Japan. To be considered for the Hall of Fame, lawyers must be widely regarded as being at the very top of the profession and to have been consistently ranked as leading individuals by The Legal 500 for a number of years. The Greenberg Traurig lawyers listed below are recognized in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 edition as Leading Partners and Leading Partners: Bengoshi. Leading Partners are defined as true market leaders, with long-established reputation in their sector. Leading Partners Jek Aun Long Investment funds: Foreign firms, Singapore Jake Robson Corporate and M&A: Foreign firms, Singapore Leading Partners: Bengoshi Mori Inada Real estate and construction: International firms and joint ventures, Japan Yuko Ino Real estate and construction: International firms and joint ventures, Japan Ayako Kawano Real estate and construction: International firms and joint ventures, Japan Mizuho Yamada Real estate and construction: International firms and joint ventures, Japan The Greenberg Traurig lawyers listed below are recognized as a Next Generation Partner in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 edition. These individuals are lawyers with usually five years or fewer at partner level, significant recognition from clients and peers in the market, and recent lead roles on multiple matters. Next Generation Partners About Greenberg Traurig's Asia Practice: Greenberg Traurig provides legal services to companies across the Asia region, including North Asia (South Korea, Japan, Greater China, and Taiwan), Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam), and South Asia (India and Bangladesh), bridging diverse legal systems and cultures. We also advise U.S. and European companies engaging in transactions throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Our attorneys provide strategic advice and legal services in connection with mergers and acquisitions, financings and securitization activities, intellectual property, trade and governmental strategies, international dispute resolution, infrastructure and project development, and finance, export controls, and business immigration issues. The practice brings together attorneys from our Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo offices along with numerous multilingual attorneys from across GT's global organization with experience handling client matters in Asia. About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has approximately 3,000 attorneys across 51 locations in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm's broad geographic and practice range enables the delivery of innovative and strategic legal services across borders and industries. Recognized as a 2025 BTI "Best of the Best Recommended Law Firm" by general counsel for trust and relationship management, Greenberg Traurig is consistently ranked among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100, NLJ 500, and Law360 400. Greenberg Traurig is also known for its philanthropic giving, culture, innovation, and pro bono work. Web: www.gtlaw.com. SOURCE Greenberg Traurig, LLP BOSTON, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- H.I.G. Growth Partners ("H.I.G. Growth"), the dedicated growth capital investment affiliate of H.I.G. Capital, a leading global alternative investment firm with $74 billion of capital under management, is pleased to announce that it has sold a minority stake in its portfolio company myKaarma, a leading provider of end-to-end service lane solutions for automotive dealerships, to Warburg Pincus, a leading global growth investing firm. As part of the transaction, Warburg Pincus will join the board of directors of myKaarma. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, myKaarma offers a comprehensive, cloud-native Workflow AI platform built for franchise auto dealerships. The company's suite of solutions streamlines service leads, operations, and payments, enhances customer experience, and improves service advisor and technician efficiency to drive measurable revenue improvement. Since H.I.G. Growth's initial investment, myKaarma has experienced strong growth through product innovation, category expansion, operational execution, and a loyal and growing customer base. Warburg Pincus brings extensive experience in automotive software and next-generation technologies, including a deep understanding of generative and agentic AI. The firm's track record of scaling middle-market software companies through operational expertise and strategic support, will help to position myKaarma for continued success in its next phase of growth. "We are proud of the transformation and growth myKaarma has achieved during our ownership," said Evan Karp, Managing Director at H.I.G. "We believe Warburg Pincus is a great addition as a long-term partner to support the company's continued innovation and expansion, given their deep domain expertise and strong history of scaling software businesses." "In partnership with the H.I.G. Growth team, myKaarma has more than tripled in size since 2022, and we believe the most exciting, AI-enabled growth opportunities still lie ahead. We are thrilled to now have Warburg Pincus join as a significant investor in our company. With both H.I.G. and Warburg's operational support and experience, we are poised to become the dominant player in service lane and fixed ops technology," said Ujj Nath, CEO of myKaarma. "myKaarma is the market leader in service marketing, service lane technology, and dealership payments, distinguished by its exceptional customer advocacy. Fixed operations remains a critical profit engine for dealerships and OEMs, and myKaarma leverages innovative AI and embedded finance solutions to help clients deliver best-in-class consumer outcomes. We look forward to applying our expertise in automotive technology, integrated payments, and generative AI to support the company's continued growth," said Michael Ding, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus. myKaarma was advised by Houlihan Lokey and TD Securities. RBC Capital Markets served as financial advisor to Warburg Pincus. About myKaarma myKaarma is a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions that transform the after-sales service experience at automotive dealerships. Its integrated platform includes communications, appointment scheduling, payments, video inspections, and analytics tools used by thousands of dealers to increase efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability. For more information, visit mykaarma.com . About H.I.G. Growth Partners H.I.G. Growth Partners is the dedicated growth capital investment affiliate of H.I.G. Capital, a leading global alternative investment firm with $74 billion of capital under management.* H.I.G. Growth seeks to make both majority and minority investments in strong, growth-oriented businesses located throughout North America, Europe, and Latin America. H.I.G. Growth Partners considers investments across all industries but focuses on certain high-growth sectors where it has extensive in-house expertise, such as technology, healthcare, internet and media, consumer products, and technology-enabled financial and business services. H.I.G. Growth strives to work closely with its management teams to serve as an experienced resource, providing broad-based strategic, operational, recruiting, and financial management services from a vast in-house team and a substantial network of third-party relationships. For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at HIGgrowth.com . *Based on total capital raised by H.I.G. Capital and its affiliates. About Warburg Pincus Warburg Pincus LLC is the pioneer of global growth investing. A private partnership since 1966, the firm has the flexibility and experience to focus on helping investors and management teams achieve enduring success across market cycles. Today, the firm has more than $100 billion in assets under management, and more than 215 companies in their active portfolio, diversified across stages, sectors, and geographies. Warburg Pincus has invested in more than 1,100 companies across its private equity, real estate, and capital solutions strategies. Warburg Pincus' Capital Solutions team collaborates closely with the firm's 290+ investment professionals and approximately 75 value creation executives across Warburg Pincus' global industry verticals, critical to sourcing and underwriting differentiated, attractive investments. In addition to a long and successful track record of investing in capital solutions-like transactions historically, the Warburg Pincus Capital Solutions Founders Fund portfolio consists of investments including DriveCentric, Excelitas Technologies, MB2 Dental, MIAX, Nord Security, Service Compression, and United Trust Bank. The firm is headquartered in New York with more than 15 offices globally. For more information, please visit warburgpincus.com or follow us on LinkedIn . Contact: Evan Karp Managing Director [email protected] H.I.G. Growth Partners 800 Boylston St Suite 910 Boston, MA 02199 P: 617.262.8455 higgrowth.com SOURCE H.I.G. Growth Partners PANAMA CITY, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 9, the 2025 Hong Kong Wealth Management Summit and the 12th Hong Kong Listed Companies Awards Ceremony were held in Hong Kong. Alec, Head of HTX Ventures, was invited to share insights on the evolving landscape of Hong Kong's wealth management industry, and cross-industry collaboration within the Real-World Asset (RWA) ecosystem. Strategic Conviction: Productive RWAs, AI Finance, and Compliant Payments HTX Ventures head, Alec at the roundtable HTX Ventures receives the "Best Web3 Venture Capital of the Year" award Speaking at the panel discussion "A New Global Benchmark for Asset Allocation: The Rise of Hong Kong Wealth Management and Its Future Outlook," Alec analyzed that as regulatory clarity improves and institutional capital flows into the market, several key directions within the convergence of global wealth management and Web3 deserve sustained attention: Yield-Generating Real-World Assets: Platforms focused on tokenizing traditionally high-barrier assets such as private equity (PE), private credit, and green finance debt instruments. AI-Agentic Finance: Middleware solutions that effectively integrate AI-driven investment strategies with Hong Kong SFC-compliant frameworks. Compliant Stablecoins and Payment Gateways: Centered around HKD-backed stablecoins, these infrastructures support cross-border trade settlement and B2B payments, serving as foundational layers for wealth management by enabling the instant conversion of traditional fiat assets into on-chain assets. Evolving Investment Logic: Building Foundations Amid Constant Change Beyond sector selection, HTX Ventures emphasizes a project's ability to evolve within a shifting market. Alec highlighted three core evaluation dimensions: Architectural Flexibility: In an increasingly multipolar regulatory landscape, modular and scalable system architectures enable projects to adapt to jurisdiction-specific compliance requirements without reconstructing their core infrastructure. Sustained Competitiveness and Demand Alignment: HTX Ventures goes beyond capital deployment by leveraging its global user data and industry insights to help projects establish efficient feedback loops and agile iteration mechanisms, ensuring long-term relevance in the competitive Web3 and AI arena. Ecosystem Connectivity and Access to Unique Assets: Through its global fund network and ecosystem partnerships, HTX Ventures directly connects projects to unique asset sources worldwide, significantly shortening the cycle from proof of concept to commercial monetization, and helping the projects secure first-mover advantages. Alec emphasized that HTX Ventures will continue to invest in projects combining frontier technology with real-world utility in their early stages, strengthen blockchain infrastructure investments, and help accelerate the large-scale adoption of Web3. HTX Ventures Awarded "Best Web3 Venture Capital of the Year" At the ceremony, HTX Ventures was honored with the "Best Web3 Venture Capital of the Year" award, in recognition of its sustained contributions to the global Web3 ecosystem and its outstanding investment performance. In recent years, HTX Ventures has been increasing its investments in Web3 infrastructure and innovative applications, establishing a clear and disciplined investment framework across the integration of blockchain technology with real-world business scenarios, global compliance pathways, and long-term value creation. Its systematic approach has earned broad recognition across the industry. Founded in 2012, the Hong Kong Listed Companies Awards Ceremony, jointly initiated by Tencent and Finet Group, aims to promote the healthy development of Hong Kong's capital markets through annual rankings and awards. Featuring high-level forums with an award ceremony, the event has grown into one of Hong Kong's most influential annual gatherings for the financial and investment community. This award not only affirms HTX Ventures' past achievements as a deeply engaged participant in the global Web3 movement, but also reinforces its commitment to deepening its presence in Hong Kong while connecting global opportunities. As Hong Kong emerges as a hub for institutionalized Web3 narratives, HTX Ventures will continue to act as connectors and enablers, introducing unique assets, compliant technological architectures, and forward-looking business models into the Hong Kong market. Jointly, they contribute to the sustainable prosperity of Hong Kong's capital markets. About HTX Ventures HTX Ventures, the global investment division of HTX, integrates investment, incubation, and research to identify the best and brightest teams worldwide. With more than decade-long history as an industry pioneer, HTX Ventures excels at identifying cutting-edge technologies and emerging business models within the sector. To foster growth within the blockchain ecosystem, we provide comprehensive support to projects, including financing, resources, and strategic advice. HTX Ventures currently backs over 300 projects spanning multiple blockchain sectors, with select high-quality initiatives already trading on the HTX exchange. Furthermore, as one of the most active FOF (Fund of Funds) funds, HTX Ventures invests in 30 top global funds and collaborates with leading blockchain funds such as Polychain, Dragonfly, Bankless, Gitcoin, Figment, Nomad, Animoca, and Hack VC to jointly build a blockchain ecosystem. Visit us here. SOURCE HTX The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade three-row SUV beats out impressive field of new vehicles on the strength of its hybrid and ICE powertrains, class-above interior, and family-friendly safety and convenience features Palisade Hybrid offers up to 34 mpg and well over 600 miles of driving range i Prestigious annual awards determined by jury comprised of 50 leading automotive journalists and reviewers from the U.S. and Canada representing all forms of media DETROIT, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new Hyundai Palisade was today named the 2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) jury. This sought-after industry recognition is awarded annually by a group of 50 professional automotive reviewers representing all forms of media. The jury's expertise, unique vehicle evaluation processes, and independence from any single publication not only lend credibility to the winners, they set NACTOY awards apart from all other "Car of the Year" honors. A NACTOY win recognizes the consensus benchmark vehicles for a given year, making the awards some of the most prestigious and sought-after prizes in the automotive world. The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is the North American 2026 Utility Vehicle of the Year (Source: Hyundai Motor America) "Palisade represents everything we strive to deliver at Hyundaibeautiful design, advanced technology, exceptional safety, and real value for families," said Jose Munoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. "To be recognized by 50 of North America's most respected automotive journalists as the best utility vehicle of the year is a tremendous honor. Thank you to our teams who made this possible, to our dealers who bring Palisade to life for customers every day, and to the NACTOY jury for this recognition." "The 2026 Palisade was designed to be bigger, better, and go further as Hyundai's flagship three-row SUV while continuing to deliver family-oriented convenience, practical technology, and uncompromised safety," said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. "The 2026 Palisade has been upgraded with bold proportions and premium design, full-featured seating, and a complete suite of comfort and technology amenities. We've also expanded the Palisade lineup to cater to an even broader array of customers by offering a powerful and efficient next-generation hybrid powertrain, as well as Hyundai's first-ever XRT PRO trim for those seeking additional off-road capability. We are honored the Palisade has been named 2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year." Palisade enjoyed its best sales year ever in 2025, notching an impressive 17 percent increase in retail sales and a 13 percent increase in total sales in the U.S. The recent addition of a hybrid variant, complemented by a powerful and smooth naturally aspirated V6 powertrain, and the adventure-ready XRT PRO off-road model provides an even more comprehensive range of choices to meet the diverse needs and wants of today's families. According to Jeff Gilbert, president, NACTOY, "The Hyundai Palisade defines the family vehicle for the 21st century. It's spacious, fun to drive and has a lot of technology. Congratulations on this impressive win." Founded in 1994, NACTOY awards are the longest-running new-vehicle awards not associated with a particular publication, website, radio or television station. Because of the jurors' independence and the strength of the various outlets that the voters represent, these awards are among the most respected in the industry. Hyundai Motor America Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, several cutting-edge R&D facilities and more than 855 independent dealers. These operations are part of Hyundai Motor Group, which is investing $26 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com. Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok i Estimated 619 mile driving range for 2026 PALISADE Hybrid Blue SEL Premium FWD based on a full tank of gas (18.2 gallons) and EPA-estimated 34 Combined MPG. Estimated ranges for other trims vary. 2026 PALISADE Hybrid Blue SEL Premium FWD and Hybrid Blue SEL FWD: 33 City/35 Hwy/34 Combined MPG. 2026 PALISADE Hybrid Limited FWD and Hybrid Calligraphy FWD: 31 City/32 Hwy/31 Combined MPG. 2026 PALISADE Hybrid SEL Premium, Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Calligraphy AWD: 29 City/30 Hwy/29 Combined MPG. All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual range and mileage will vary based on factors including vehicle options, driving conditions, driving habits and the vehicle's condition. SOURCE Hyundai Motor America Students and educators to celebrate educational options during School Choice Week JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Mike Kehoe will be joined by Treasurer Vivek Malek and hundreds of students, parents, and teachers at the Capitol in Jefferson City on Wednesday, Jan. 28 with a common goal: to highlight the success of school choice for Missouri families. The event, organized by the Missouri-based Children's Education Alliance of Missouri (CEAM) in collaboration with the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation, is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week. The event will take place from 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM on Wednesday, Jan. 28 in the Rotunda on the 1st Floor of the Missouri Capitol (201West Capitol Ave. Jefferson City, MO 65101). This year's theme is Freedom to Thrive and it provides the public with an opportunity to hear from legislators, school leaders, and students about how school choice has impacted their lives and what it means to their community. "CEAM is proud to work with the National School Choice Awareness Foundation to celebrate National School Choice Week in Missouri's capitol rotunda," said Peter Frazen, Associate Executive Director of Children's Education Alliance of Missouri. "Schools, students, teachers, legislators and business leaders are invited and anticipated at this year's Celebration at the Capitol for NSCW. In addition to remarks from school choice supporters, attendees will enjoy amazing performances by students from around the state. Families are encouraged to attend and share their stories with their elected leaders." National School Choice Week runs Jan. 2531 and includes 28,000 events across America. The goal of the week is to raise awareness about the various education options available to families, empower parents to find the learning environment that best suits their child's needs, and help them feel confident in navigating those choices. For more information, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/events/missouri-school-choice-rally. The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We show parents how K12 school choice can change their children's lives, and then guide them through the process of finding schools that best meet their children's needs. Our three charitable programsNational School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolaresraise equal awareness of the public, charter, magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional education options available for families. We are nonpolitical and do not advocate for or against legislation at any level of government. SOURCE National School Choice Week RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 550 students from across North Carolina will gather at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, Jan. 29 with a simple message: they love their schools. The event, which showcases the different K12 charter choice options in The Tar Heel State, is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week. At the event, students will share personal stories about how school choice has shaped their lives. Over the past decade, the Tar Heel State has significantly expanded K12 education options, broadening access to public, public charter, magnet, private, online, home, and non-traditional learning environments. Organized by North Carolina-based Association for Public Charter Schools in collaboration with the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation, it will take place from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM on Thursday, Jan. 29 in the Fletcher Opera Theater at The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts (2 E. South St., Raleigh, NC 27601). "School choice is important to North Carolina families because every child deserves access to an education that fits their unique needs, interests, and potential," said Rhonda Dillingham, Executive Director, NCAPCS. "The student showcase will feature a variety of live student performances as well as student art celebrating school choice and education opportunities for all." National School Choice Week runs Jan. 2531 and includes 28,000 events across America. The goal of the week is to raise awareness about the various education options available to families, empower parents to find the learning environment that best suits their child's needs, and help them feel confident in navigating those choices. For more information, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/events/raleigh-student-showcase. The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We show parents how K12 school choice can change their children's lives, and then guide them through the process of finding schools that best meet their children's needs. Our three charitable programsNational School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolaresraise equal awareness of the public, charter, magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional education options available for families. We are nonpolitical and do not advocate for or against legislation at any level of government. SOURCE National School Choice Week TSXV: ITR; NYSE American: ITRG www.integraresources.com VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Integra Resources Corp. ("Integra" or the "Company") (TSXV: ITR) (NYSE American: ITRG) is pleased to announce that its DeLamar Heap Leach Project ("DeLamar" or the "Project") located in southwestern Idaho has been selected for inclusion in the United States Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (the "Permitting Council") FAST-41 Transparency Projects Program. Highlights: The FAST-41 Transparency Projects Program is a federal permitting framework designed to improve interagency coordination and increase transparency. Key benefits include: Enhanced visibility and predictability: Agencies must develop and maintain a project-specific timetable for all required federal environmental review and permitting actions. Scheduled and actual timeframes for these actions are publicly displayed. Improved coordination: Project sponsors will be designated with a dedicated project advisor from the Permitting Council, who will monitor the advancement of the Project while maintaining active engagement and coordination across federal agencies. Increased accountability: The Permitting Council provides oversight to ensure that federal agencies adhere to established timetables, including quarterly reports to Congress detailing agency compliance with Transparency Projects. Based on DeLamar's permitting timeline defined by the United States Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") and posted to the Federal Permitting Dashboard on January 13, 2026, the federal permitting process anticipates a Record of Decision ("ROD") being published in Q3 2027, reflecting an efficient 15-month National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") process. George Salamis, President, CEO and Director of Integra commented: "DeLamar is Integra's flagship gold-silver development asset and a high-quality growth opportunity in a tier-one jurisdiction. The Project's inclusion on the Federal Permitting Dashboard represents a meaningful milestone in DeLamar's advancement. The Company is grateful for the Permitting Council's selection, which provides enhanced transparency into federal environmental reviews and authorizations. Integra remains committed to a rigorous, inclusive, and collaborative NEPA process, supported by many years of stakeholder engagement, environmental baseline studies, and technical refinement of the mine plan design. With the BLM's anticipated 15-month NEPA review period, we believe DeLamar is well positioned to advance efficiently through permitting. Once in production, DeLamar is expected to be a cornerstone asset supporting Integra's strategy of building a high-quality portfolio of heap-leach operations in the Great Basin of the United States." Permitting Council and FAST-41 Projects Established under Title 41 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation ("FAST") Act (known as "FAST-41") in 2015, the Permitting Council consists of the Executive Director and Deputy Secretary level representatives from 13 federal agencies as well as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality. The Permitting Council brings federal agencies and stakeholders together to improve the permitting process for critical infrastructure projects. FAST-41 Transparency Projects are projects directed by the Permitting Council Executive Director to be posted on the Federal Permitting Dashboard, a public online resource for information on FAST-41 projects and the environmental review and permitting processes. More information on FAST-41 projects can be found on the Federal Permitting Dashboard: www.permits.performance.gov DeLamar Project Overview (All amounts in United States ("U.S.") dollars unless otherwise stated) The past producing DeLamar Project, which includes the adjacent DeLamar and Florida Mountain gold and silver deposits, is located in Owyhee County in southwest Idaho. Since acquiring the Project in 2017, the Company has demonstrated significant resource growth and conversion while providing robust economic studies in its maiden Preliminary Economic Assessment, Pre-feasibility Study, and Feasibility Study ("FS") in late-2025. The 2025 FS for DeLamar confirmed robust economics for a low-cost, large-scale, conventional open pit oxide heap leach operation, with competitive operating costs and high rate of return. The FS outlines total production of 1.1 million ounces of gold equivalent ("AuEq") over a 10-year operating mine life (plus two years of residual leaching), resulting in an average annual production profile of 106,000 ounces AuEq per annum at a co-product mine-site All-in Sustaining Cost of $1,480 per ounce ("/oz") AuEq. The Project generates an after-tax Net Present Value ("NPV5%") of $774 million with an after-tax Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 46% at base case gold and silver prices of $3,000/oz and $35/oz, respectively. After-tax NPV5% improves to $1.7 billion and after-tax IRR to 89% using recent gold and silver prices of $4,250/oz and $60/oz, respectively. Refer to the 2025 DeLamar Feasibility Study announcement news release from December 17, 2025 here. (1) Gold equivalent calculated using base case metal prices: $3,000/oz Au and $35/oz Ag (2) See Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures The FS technical report will be filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov by February 2, 2026. About Integra Integra is a growing precious metals producer in the Great Basin of the Western United States. Integra is focused on demonstrating profitability and operational excellence at its principal operating asset, the Florida Canyon Mine, located in Nevada. In addition, Integra is committed to advancing its flagship development-stage heap leach projects: the past producing DeLamar Project located in southwestern Idaho and the Nevada North Project located in western Nevada. Integra creates sustainable value for shareholders, stakeholders, and local communities through successful mining operations, efficient project development, disciplined capital allocation, and strategic M&A, while upholding the highest industry standards for environmental, social, and governance practices. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS George Salamis President, CEO and Director CONTACT INFORMATION Corporate Inquiries: [email protected] Company website: www.integraresources.com Office phone: 1 (604) 416-0576 Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by James Frost, P.Eng., Director, Technical Services of Integra, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Forward Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release contains "forwardlooking statements" and "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and in applicable United States securities law (referred to herein as forwardlooking statements). Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "could", "would", "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "budget", "scheduled", "plans", "planned", "forecasts", "goals" and similar expressions. Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forwardlooking statements which includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: the future financial or operating performance of the Company, the Project and its mineral properties; results from work performed to date; the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the development, operational and economic results of the FS for the Project, including cash flows, revenue potential, development, expenditures, and timing thereof, extraction rates, life-of-mine projections and cost estimates; timing of completion of a technical report summarizing the results of the FS; magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; anticipated advancement of the Project mine plan; exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits; costs and timing of future exploration; permitting; construction and optimization planning; estimates of metallurgical recovery rates; anticipated advancement of the Project, future prospects and prospective inclusion of Mineral Resources in future mining activities; requirements for additional capital; the future price of metals; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; the timing and possible outcome of pending regulatory matters; the realization of the expected economics of the Project; future growth potential of the Project; and future development plans. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions made by management and considered reasonable at the time such statement was made. Assumptions and factors include: the Company's ability to complete its planned exploration and development programs; the absence of adverse conditions at the Project and the Company's mineral properties; satisfying ongoing covenants under the Company's loan facilities; no unforeseen operational delays; no material delays in obtaining necessary permits; results of independent engineer technical reviews; the possibility of cost overruns and unanticipated costs and expenses; the price of gold remaining at levels that continue to render the Project and the Company's mineral properties economic; the Company's ability to continue raising necessary capital to finance operations; and the ability to realize on the mineral resource and reserve estimates. Forwardlooking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and competitive uncertainties; the actual results of current and future exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; meeting various expected cost estimates; benefits of certain technology usage; changes in project parameters and/or economic assessments as plans continue to be refined; future prices of metals; possible variations of mineral grade or recovery rates; the risk that actual costs may exceed estimated costs; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; risks related to local communities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); title to properties; and other factors beyond the Company's control and as well as those factors included herein and elsewhere in the Company's public disclosure. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are advised to study and consider risk factors disclosed in Integra's Annual Information Form dated March 26, 2025 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which is available on the SEDAR+ issuer profile for the Company at www.sedarplus.ca and available as Exhibit 99.1 to Integra's Form 40-F, which is available on the EDGAR profile for the Company at www.sec.gov. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Investors are urged to read the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulatory agencies, which can be viewed online under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Cautionary Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures Alternative performance measures in this news release such as "cash cost", "AISC" and "free cash flow" are furnished to provide additional information. These non-GAAP performance measures are included in this news release because these statistics are used as key performance measures that management uses to monitor and assess performance of DeLamar, and to plan and assess the overall effectiveness and efficiency of mining operations. These performance measures do not have a standardized meaning within International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies. These performance measures should not be considered in isolation as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with IFRS. Cash Costs Cash costs include site operating costs (mining, processing, site G&A), refinery costs and royalties, but excludes head office G&A and exploration expenses. While there is no standardized meaning of the measure across the industry, the Company believes that this measure is useful to external users in assessing operating performance. All-In Sustaining Cost Site level AISC includes cash costs and sustaining and expansion capital, but excludes head office G&A and exploration expenses. The Company believes that this measure is useful to external users in assessing operating performance and the Company's ability to generate free cash flow from potential operations. Free Cash Flow Free cash flows are revenues net of operating costs, royalties, capital expenditures and cash taxes. The Company believes that this measure is useful to the external users in assessing the Company's ability to generate cash flows from the Project. Cautionary Note for U.S. Investors Concerning Mineral Resources and Reserves NI 43-101 is a rule of the Canadian Securities Administrators which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Technical disclosure contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Classification System. These standards differ from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and resource and reserve information contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by domestic United States companies subject to the SEC's reporting and disclosure requirements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Integra Resources Corp. Empowering Global Investors with Expert Market Intelligence HONG KONG, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KCM Trade, a global leading Contract for Difference (CFD) broker, today announced the launch of its proprietary research report series with the publication of its inaugural report, "An Annual Review of Global Financial Markets 2025". The initiative represents a strategic expansion of the firm's offering, expanding beyond trade execution to deliver structured, forward-looking market analysis to clients and the wider global investment community. A New Chapter in Client Empowerment and Market Analysis Led by KCM Trade's Chief Analyst, Tim Waterer, the firm's dedicated research team will publish research reports on a quarterly basis. The series is designed to dissect complex macroeconomic themes and translate them into actionable insights for traders and investors. The inaugural edition delivers a comprehensive review of a volatile 2025, analysing the impact of U.S. trade policy, Federal Reserve actions, and sectoral performances, before outlining critical themes for the year ahead, including the upcoming Fed leadership decision and the sustainability of the AI-driven tech rally. Shaping Our Path Forward Targeted at a global audience of retail and institutional investors, the report highlights KCM Trade's commitment to fostering a more informed trading community. The strategic initiative aims to: Expand KCM Trade's reach and reinforce its position as an opinion leader in the financial services sector. Provide unparalleled market insights derived from the daily analysis and expertise of its seasoned market commentators. Provide sustained value for existing clients while engaging a broader audience of sophisticated market participants seeking depth and perspective. KCM Trade expects this initiative to strengthen client relationships, attract new partnerships, and contribute meaningfully to global discourse on key financial market trends. The report will be published quarterly, with ad-hoc updates provided in response to major market-moving events. Expert Insight from the Trading Frontline "Our mission has always been to empower clients with clarity and insight in an often turbulent marketplace," said Tim Waterer, Chief Analyst at KCM Trade. "The launch of our own research represents a natural evolution of that mission. By leveraging our team's expertise in global markets, we aim to provide a unique, practitioner-focused perspective that cuts through the noise and highlights the opportunities and risks that matter most." The inaugural report, "An Annual Review of Global Financial Markets 2025", is now available on the official KCM Trade website. Global investors are invited to visit the site to view the full report. END About KCM Trade Founded in 2016, KCM Trade is dedicated to offering reliable, customised, and efficient trading services, connecting clients to top global financial markets. As a liquidity provider, we support institutional clients through a global network and offer diverse trading options to retail clients. Our operations span Australia, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan region, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Mauritius, and other regions. With our experienced and professional team, we can provide all-rounded and reliable support for client transactions. KCM Trade is part of the KCM Group, affiliated companies include KCM Group Holdings Limited, Kohle Capital Markets Pty Ltd, and Kohle Capital Markets Ltd. New analysis demonstrates how federal job and spending reductions impact economic picture for Maryland ANNAPOLIS, Md., Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Comptroller of Maryland, in collaboration with the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, has released a new scenario analysis, demonstrating the estimated, direct impact of spending and job cuts for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Maryland jobs, wages, grants, and contracts. The scenario analysis is a follow-up to the joint Impact of Federal Government Spending and Jobs on the Maryland Economy, published in June 2025. These new case studies quantify the implemented and projected impacts from reductions at HHS and USAID since the start of the second Trump Administration. Maryland's economy is deeply connected to federal activity. The Comptroller's previous report found that in FY2024, the federal government directed $150 billion to the state through wages and retirement income, contracts, grants, and direct payments. Data showed that the federal government employed at least 229,000 Maryland residents. These numbers reflect the most recently available federal spending and jobs data, prior to the extreme cuts made by the Trump Administration beginning in early 2025. The most recent report closely examines the cuts announced to the HHS subagencies headquartered in Maryland, in 2025: the National Institutes of Health and Food and Drug Administration in Montgomery County, as well as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in Baltimore County. Data sets show that HHS spent $30 billion in Maryland during the 2024 fiscal year (FY 2024), supporting 40,749 jobs located in the state and employing 35,080 Maryland residents. Last year, the federal government signaled substantial HHS workforce reductions, and agency-specific reductions to the FDA (18%), NIH (6%), and the Centers for Medicaid Services (1%), which, if fully implemented, could lead to an estimated 2,919 jobs held by Maryland residents being lost from these three subagencies alone. HHS employees living in Maryland are concentrated in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties. The analysis also found that the closure of USAID removed a significant funding stream for the state, eliminating the $548 million the agency spent directly in Maryland and 1,213 jobs once held by Marylanders. When accounting for Maryland residents employed by USAID's private contractors across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, the report estimates an additional $502 million in lost wages for 3,700 residents. A third analysis prepared for the report estimated spending and job cuts resulting from the planned relocation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's research center in Prince George's County. However, the federal government ultimately reversed the closure that was announced last July, as part of a larger USDA reorganization plan. The report's appendix includes a letter from last August submitted to the USDA Secretary by Comptroller Lierman outlining the economic and financial impact of the center's closure on Maryland. "The Trump Administration's spending cuts and workforce reductions have been incredibly short-sighted. An estimated 25,000 federal workers lost their jobs in Maryland through November alone - forcing thousands of families into financial uncertainty," Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman said. "These aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet. Each job eliminated represents a dedicated public servant performing important roles serving our nation. Each job represents a family losing stability and ripple effects that cascade through our entire economy, hitting private businesses and communities whose livelihoods are tied to federal employment. This report and modeling tool demonstrates that federal policy decisions don't happen in a vacuum." Federal Government Spending and Jobs Dashboard A web-based, user-driven scenario dashboard, developed by the Smith School and the Comptroller, enables government officials and the public to estimate the direct impacts of federal spending changes at the statewide and county levels. The accessible dashboard, hosted on the Maryland Comptroller's website, allows users to view the top 10 federal agencies by spending and jobs, prior to the implementation of cuts in 2025, both statewide and by individual county. Data is presented as an annual average for the five-year period from 2020 to 2024. There are also two more in-depth and interactive scenario analysis dashboards available to state and county officials to assist with budget and planning activities. "We are delighted to partner with the Comptroller to deliver data-driven research insights that inform state leaders and federal officials," said Smith School Dean Prabhudev Konana. "Smith School faculty and students are engaging deeply in rigorous economic analysis to help shape outcomes for Maryland, including work on the proposed closure of the USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center that provided critical insight and contributed to reversing a decision that would have moved hundreds of jobs and nearly $200 million in annual spending out of the state. By examining the broader effects of federal cuts, from HHS reductions to the dismantling of USAID, our experts are equipping Maryland's decision-makers with the evidence they need to safeguard communities and strengthen our economic future." The January 2026 report and dashboard, compiled by researchers from the Smith School, both utilize federal datasets from the Office of Personnel Management, USASpending, and the U.S. Census to estimate impacts of federal government spending and jobs in Maryland. View the January 2026 Scenario Analysis View the Jobs and Spending Tool View the June 2025 Report About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master's, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia. Media Contacts Robyne McCullough [email protected] 410-980-0139 (cell) Adam Abadir [email protected] 667-408-0768 (cell) To contact one of the researchers: Greg Muraski, [email protected] Veronica Robinson, [email protected] SOURCE University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business LEHI, Utah, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- eLuma, a leading provider of behavioral health and special education services for K-12 schools, announced the release of its second annual 2025 State of Student Mental Health Report, examining the challenges and trends shaping student wellbeing during the current school year. The report reveals an alarming continuation of declining student mental health across the United States and offers practical, evidence-based strategies to help school districts strengthen district-wide student behavioral health supports. As part of its research, eLuma surveyed over 400 school administrators, teachers, and mental health providers nationwide. This marks the second year of eLuma's annual report, and the findings echo those of last year. Despite growing student need, more than half of public schools (52%) report they are not able to effectively provide mental health services to all students who need them, underscoring persistent gaps in staffing, funding, and provider capacity. Many of the challenges highlighted in prior years remain unresolved, signaling that current approaches are falling short and more effective and scalable solutions are needed. Methodology Drawing on responses from educators and school-based mental health professionals across multiple states, the report captures perspectives from school and district leaders, teachers, and special education and mental health providers responsible for student support systems. To ensure consistent, comparable results, we've maintained the same survey questions each year. Key Findings Findings confirm a troubling trend: student mental health continues to worsen , with more than half (57%) of mental health providers reporting a decline in the past yearup from 46% in 2024. , with more than half (57%) of mental health providers reporting a decline in the past yearup from 46% in 2024. Only 4% of respondents saw any improvement, while just 12% described continuity of care as consistent and well-coordinated. saw any improvement, while described continuity of care as consistent and well-coordinated. Teachers remain the least confident group, with 28% expressing low confidence in their schools' ability to support student mental health. Administrators continue to prioritize the same top needs year after year: caregiver engagement, professional development for staff, and universal screening systems. "For more than thirty years in various teaching and administrator roles, I've seen firsthand how much educators care and how hard they work to meet students' growing needs," said Brandy Samuell, Director of Mental Health and Related Services at eLuma. "These findings make one thing clear: schools know what works. It's consistent identification and intervention, caregiver engagement, and staff development. But the system of supports must evolve to make those solutions sustainable." As part of eLuma's commitment to The Kennedy Forum's Alignment for Progress initiative, the 2025 report serves as a nationwide call to action for the 202526 school year, urging schools, families, and communities to work together to address the youth mental health crisis. "The system keeps asking more from the people it depends on most," said Andy Myers, CEO of eLuma. "This report isn't just a snapshotit's a signal. If we want to change the trajectory for students, we have to design systems that are flexible, human, and built for the long haul. We're not lacking insightwe're lacking infrastructure." To read the full report, please visit: https://eluma.com/blog/landing-pages/state-of-student-mental-health-2025/ About eLuma eLuma is a leading provider of end-to-end student services for special education and behavioral health. The company's virtual, hybrid, and on-site school-based solutions help staff properly assess, screen, and intervene to meet students' needs while evaluating progress toward academic and behavioral goals. Leveraging a national network of licensed providers and an innovative service platform, eLuma delivers high-quality, cost-effective therapy. Since 2011, eLuma has partnered with nearly 500 K12 school districts to improve student outcomes and empower school staff. Learn more at www.eLuma.com. Media Contact Jon Kannenberg [email protected] SOURCE eLuma Key Takeaways Apple plans to use Google's Gemini to power future Apple Intelligence features, the companies said Monday. The new features are set to include an AI-enhanced Siri due later this year. Could a new deal with Google help Apple sell investors on its AI Vision? The iPhone maker plans to use Google's Gemini to power future Apple Intelligence features, including an AI-enhanced Siri coming later this year, the companies said Monday, ending months of speculation about a tie-up. Shares of Google parent Alphabet (GOOGL) climbed 1% to an all-time high following the news, pushing its end-of-day market capitalization above the $4 trillion mark for the first time. Apple (AAPL) shares ticked up 0.3%, leaving them about 9% off their highs last month. More from Yahoo Scout How did the Google partnership impact stock prices? What are analyst expectations for Apple's AI roadmap? How will Google's Gemini integration enhance Apple's Siri? What caused Apple's delays in AI feature rollouts? Why This Matters for Investors The deal with Google could help Apple, which has lagged many of its peers when it comes to AI, boost confidence in its progress. Wedbush's Dan Ives, a longtime Apple and Alphabet bull, called the deal a "major validation moment" for Google's Gemini and a key "stepping stone" for Apple in its strategy after a series of delays in some of its highly anticipated AI features. The iPhone maker had previously suggested its AI-powered Siri would become available as early as last spring, before later telling investors it would launch this year. JPMorgan analysts, who hold an "overweight" rating for Apple, said they also see the multi-year partnership with Google potentially becoming a longer-term arrangement, with investors likely to be watching whether Apple will declare an AI model partner in China next. "In our view the Street is underestimating what 2026 is going to bring for Apple," said Ives, citing expectations the company could make more meaningful progress in its AI roadmap this year. He reiterated a Street-high target of $350 for the stock, suggesting close to 35% upside from Monday's close. Read the original article on Investopedia CONCORD, N.H., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 500 students from across New Hampshire will gather at the Grappone Conference Center on Wednesday, Jan. 28 with a simple message: they love their schools and they are grateful for school choice. The event, which includes student speakers, dance performances, and art showcases, is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week. At the event, students and parents will share personal stories about how school choice has shaped their lives. Over the past decade, the Granite State has significantly expanded K12 education options, broadening access to public, public charter, magnet, private, online, home, and non-traditional learning environments. Organized by the Children's Scholarship Fund - New Hampshire in collaboration with the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the event will take place from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at Grappone Conference Center (70 Constitution Ave, Concord, NH 03301). "Education freedom is what makes moments like these possible," said Kate Baker Demers, Executive Director of Children's Scholarship Fund - New Hampshire. "National School Choice Week highlights how families, when given the freedom to choose the right learning environment, can see their children thrive. These performances are living proof that when opportunity meets talent, students flourish." National School Choice Week runs Jan. 2531 and includes 28,000 events across America. The goal of the week is to raise awareness about the various education options available to families, empower parents to find the learning environment that best suits their child's needs, and help them feel confident in navigating those choices. For more information, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/events/new-hampshire-student-showcase . The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We show parents how K12 school choice can change their children's lives, and then guide them through the process of finding schools that best meet their children's needs. Our three charitable programsNational School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolaresraise equal awareness of the public, charter, magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional education options available for families. We are nonpolitical and do not advocate for or against legislation at any level of government. SOURCE National School Choice Week CHICAGO, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ONEPROOF, the infrastructure provider powering North America's largest Mobile Driver License verification network, today announced EDGE, a hardware device for system integrators and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partners to deploy ISO 18013-5 compliant mobile driver's license (mDL) and EU Digital Identity (EUDI)wallet verification at enterprise scale. ONEPROOF EDGE: MOBILE DRIVER LICENSE, MOBILE ID & EUDI WALLET VERIFICATION HARDWARE FOR OEM AND SYSTEM INTEGRATORS EDGE Scanning ONEPROOF Mobile Driver License Wallet QRCODE Built on Linux with full root access, EDGE is designed as a customizable infrastructure rather than a locked down appliance. The platform enables partners to deploy custom verification workflows, integrate with existing workstations, kiosks, and access control systems, and adapt to evolving digital identity standards without hardware replacement. Enterprise Ready Architecture: Built for Integration and Scale EDGE functions as a computing node rather than a single purpose device. Partners can also run custom software such as Python, C, Java, .NET, etc. directly on the device. This architecture allows system integrators to build tailored solutions while leveraging ONEPROOF's ISO compliant verification engine as infrastructure. "The market needs an expandable platform that gives enterprises and system integrators the capability to fully utilize mDL verification and bring automation. With traditional physical IDs, it's hard to verify someone's identity and bring that data into workflows, but with digital identity, you can do so much more than just verify someone's identity, and you can take customer service to the next level," said Madhu Goundla, CEO of ONEPROOF. "EDGE was designed in partnership with OEM customers who need verification infrastructure they can customize, integrate, and scale without vendor lock in." The USB Type-C powered device validates credentials through NFC, QR codes, and Bluetooth with single cable connectivity. Organizations maintain complete control through root access, enabling air-gapped deployments for federal and high-security environments. For OEM partners, EDGE is available as an embeddable module or standalone device. Powering the mDL Ecosystem ONEPROOF's verification infrastructure currently powers 15,000 devices across 7,500+ North American locations, processing verifications for bars, restaurants, retail, casinos, and age-restricted businesses. The company provides white label verification infrastructure to wallet providers, issuance platforms, and system integrators implementing mDL programs. EDGE extends this infrastructure strategy to enterprise deployments requiring direct system integration, custom workflows, or air-gapped operation. The platform supports ISO 18013-5 (in-person mDL), and MDOC-based protocols with Secure Boot, encrypted storage, and comprehensive audit logging. Availability and Deployment EDGE is available immediately in two configurations: an embeddable module at $299 per unit or standalone device at $349 per unit, with a $50 annual support fee per device. Developer kits for system integrators and OEM partners ship with full documentation and integration support. The platform supports deployments from 200 to 10,000+ units with centralized management capabilities. Volume discounts are available for enterprise and OEM deployments. About ONEPROOF ONEPROOF provides digital identity verification infrastructure for the mDL ecosystem. The company's platform powers North America's largest mDL verification network, processing verifications across 15,000 devices in 7,500+ locations. ONEPROOF offers white label infrastructure to wallet providers, issuance platforms, and system integrators, delivering ISO 18013-5/7 compliant verification through hardware, SDKs, and APIs. The company serves customers across the United States, Australia, and international markets. For more information, visit https://oneproof.com. Media Contact: Madhu Goundla +1(773) 234-6107 [email protected] SOURCE ONEPROOF INC Acclaimed media personality joins national nonprofit to champion a new era of mental health WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Active Minds, the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing youth and young adults to transform mental health norms, proudly announces Jay Michael Martin Jr.national PBS host, storyteller, and advocateas the organization's newest Active Minds Mental Health Ambassador. Known for creating safe spaces through vulnerability, healing, and truth, Martin has built a career inspiring audiences across digital and live platforms to transform personal pain into purpose-driven impact. Born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Martin began his healing journey when unfortunately after experiencing a mental breakdown in 2017. Through therapy and storytelling, he found his voice, launching The Drive Project Podcast in 2018a six-season series dedicated to mental wellness and motivation that featured journalists, therapists, and storytellers sharing how they overcame life's hardest moments. By 2021, Martin transitioned from podcasting to television, becoming a local PBS host and then quickly rising to the national stage. He later created Note to Selfa motivational series for KOMO 4's Arc Seattle reminding viewers that they are seen, loved, and capable of getting through difficult times. His storytelling has since reached wide audiences through branded campaigns for Amazon, Microsoft, Storytelling for Sonobello, Seattle Theatre Group, King County Library Foundation and the Telly Awardwinning commercial Phillips Law Injury through Brandtegic. "Jay Michael Martin Jr. exemplifies the power of vulnerability in a way that deeply resonates with youth and young adults," said Alison Malmon, Founder and Executive Director of Active Minds. "We are honored to welcome him as an Active Minds Mental Health Ambassador and look forward to collaborating with him to inspire the next generation to champion a new era of mental healthtogether." Martin's journey has been deeply shaped by personal loss, including the passing of his grandmotherhis lifelong inspirationand his mother, who died in early 2024 after a long battle with mental health and addiction. From that pain, he created Talks with Jay, a soul-led video series offering hope, identity, and healing in under a minute. "Storytelling saved my life," said Jay Michael Martin Jr. "Through transparency, we give others permission to heal. My hope with Active Minds is to remind youth and young adults that their stories matter, that they are not alone, and that healing is possible." Through the support of Ti-Shea Meadows, Vice President, Operations, Channel Planning, and Culture, with Paramount-Martin was given the opportunity at The Storytellers to showcase Cooking with Jay a live activation blending food, conversation, and mental wellness storytelling featuring college students and advocates from Active Minds This is where the relationship with Active Minds began. As an Ambassador, Martin will collaborate with Active Minds to elevate mental health storytelling through various initiatives that equip youth and young adults to prioritize self-care and community support. Martin dedicates his next chapter in his career to his mother Charmaine Lynn Martin. To learn more about Active Minds, visit Activeminds.org. High-resolution images of Jay Michael Martin Jr. for editorial use are available here. About Active Minds: Active Minds is the largest nonprofit in the United States mobilizing youth and young adults to transform mental health norms across society. For more than 20 years, we have equipped the next generation of peer mental health advocates through a variety of programs, including the Active Minds Chapter Network, A.S.K., and Send Silence Packing. Our advocacy, initiatives, and campaigns foster lasting change in how youth view and discuss mental health, encouraging them to use their voices to influence broader conversations and inform mental health supports within their communities. Together, we are building a diverse movement of champions committed to improving mental health for all. To learn more about Active Minds, visit activeminds.org. MEDIA CONTACTS Dante Worth ([email protected]) SOURCE ACTIVE MINDS, INC. A focused expansion of Radius' technology expertise to help tech brands make smarter, faster growth decisions NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Radius Insights today announced the launch of Radius Tech, a dedicated technology practice within Radius designed to deliver market research and customer insights built specifically for tech brands. Radius Tech brings together Radius' global technology experts with the 25-year legacy of Illuminas North America, a leading technology research consultancy acquired by Radius in 2024, creating a unified, category-native offering for product, brand, GTM, and CX teams. Introducing Radius Tech video Speed Speed Radius tech logo "Technology brands don't win by having more data. They win by making better decisions, faster," said Rob Wengel, CEO of Radius Insights. "Radius Tech formalizes the deep technology expertise we've built over decades into a focused practice that helps tech companies cut through the noise and make insights move markets, minds and business decisions." Why Radius Tech Technology doesn't fit neatly into traditional research models. Buying cycles are longer and more complex, innovation moves faster, and buyers are more technical, more skeptical, and more influenced by ecosystems and real-world product experience. Yet too many research firms still treat tech like every other category. Radius Tech was built to change that. "Tech companies don't follow the same playbook," said Carrie Angiolet, Managing Director of Radius Tech and co-founder of Illuminas North America. "As researchers by craft with deep technology expertise, we tailor every engagement to how tech actually works and deliver insights that teams across product, marketing, and customer experience can use to drive better decisions." Radius Tech integrates secondary, third-party, and custom data with human expertise, AI, and advanced analytics to extract real signal from noise, creating richer, more predictive insights across every source that matters. "Technology companies run on data, but growth runs on decisions," said Jay Shutter, CTO of Radius Insights and co-founder of Illuminas. "Radius Tech connects product, customer, and market signals into a single intelligence layer, so teams stop guessing and start making faster, smarter moves that power growth." About Radius Insights Radius Insights is a global market research and insights consultancy that helps brands navigate complexity, identify growth opportunities, and drive measurable business results. By combining custom research, advanced AI & analytics, and strategic advisory, Radius delivers insights that move minds, markets, and faster, better decisions. Radius has expanded its capabilities through the acquisitions of Strive Insight, 7th Sense, and Illuminas North America, deepening expertise across technology, automotive, retail, CPG, financial services, healthcare, B2B and consumer markets. Learn more at www.radiusinsights.com About Radius Tech Radius Tech is the technology practice of Radius Insights, delivering category-native market research and customer insight to help technology brands make smarter decisions and drive growth across product, brand, and customer experience. Learn more at https://radiusinsights.com/industries/tech/. SOURCE Radius Global Market Research In the news release, Reflex Sales Group and Alternative Retail form New Alliance to Unlock Excess Inventory Ecosystem and Give Brands Global Control, issued 14-Jan-2026 by Reflex Sales Group over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, corrected release follows, with additional details at the end: Reflex Sales Group and Alternative Retail form New Alliance to Unlock Excess Inventory Ecosystem and Give Brands Global Control CALABASAS, Calif., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Reflex Sales Group (www.reflexsalesgroup.com), a global leader in excess inventory solutions, and Alternative Retail (www.alternativeretail.com) the premier operator of branded warehouse sales, announces a new strategic alliance designed to expand how brands manage and monetize excess inventory. Reflex Sales Group and Alternative Retail form strategic partnership to provide more control to leading brands for their off-price strategies. The companies blend excess inventory solutions and global reach with local high-return events, such as warehouse and sample sales, while protecting brand integrity and maximizing value across channels. (PRNewsfoto/Reflex Sales Group) The partnership connects Reflex's global distribution network with Alternative Retail's proven direct-to-consumer brick-and-mortar warehouse sale platform, creating a seamless ecosystem that empowers brands to recover maximum value, protect image, and maintain full control over their off-price distribution strategies, including both e-commerce returns and traditional overstock. Under the alliance, Reflex will serve as a sourcing and buying arm for Alternative Retail, introducing qualified brand partners to its warehouse sale events. In turn, Alternative Retail will offer participating brands the opportunity to access Reflex's extensive international distribution network where appropriate. This two-way collaboration allows brands to choose the most strategic channel, whether U.S. consumer events or global distribution, based on margin goals, timing, and brand positioning. "Brands are looking to think outside of the box for how they move inventory, and each brand's taste and appetite is unique," notes Travis Smith, co-founder and CEO of Reflex Sales Group. "This partnership combines the strengths of two trusted operators to create a unified approach that protects brand integrity while maximizing value across channels." Scott Perkins, co-founder and CEO of Alternative Retail, adds, "We've seen firsthand how important it is for brands to feel in control of their off-price strategies. By aligning with Reflex, we're expanding exit opportunities for our brand partners giving them both the local reach of Alternative Retail's high return events and the global reach of Reflex's network all under a structure designed to optimize outcomes and uphold brand standards." The alliance builds on a history of collaboration between the two companies, both of which have worked with leading lifestyle, performance, and fashion brands. While specific brand names remain confidential to respect client discretion, the partnership will serve a broad mix of premium labels seeking controlled, strategic inventory management. The innovative program has recently launched and is now active across select categories, with additional brand integrations planned through early 2026. About the Companies: Reflex Sales Group helps brands move excess inventory globally, maintaining brand integrity and maximizing value. Based in Calabasas, California, Reflex works with thousands of leading apparel, lifestyle, and consumer brands, offering white-glove solutions across international off-price and value channels. Media Contacts: [email protected] Alternative Retail, based in Costa Mesa, California, operates large-scale branded warehouse sales primarily in Southern California, helping brands monetize overstock directly with consumers through controlled, high-impact retail events featuring leading lifestyle and performance brands. Media Contact: [email protected] Reflex Sales Group Media Contact: Marlene Moore 5000 Parkway Calabasas, Suite 102 Smith Miller Moore Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone: 818-708-1704 Phone: 818-935-5399 www.smithmillermoore.com Toll-free: 866-213-1843 [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.reflexsalesgroup.com Correction: An earlier version of this release incorrectly listed the title for Travis Smith. SOURCE Reflex Sales Group MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Two executives from global talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) have been named to the Staffing Industry Analysts' 2026 North America Staffing 100 list: Paul F. Gentzkow, president and CEO of Talent Solutions and George Denlinger, president of U.S. Technology Talent Solutions. Each was selected for their outstanding leadership and contributions to the staffing industry. Paul F. Gentzkow has played a pivotal role in Robert Half's global growth for four decades. Since joining the company in 1986, he has helped expand operations to more than 300 locations worldwide across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, driving growth from $220 million in revenue in 1992 to $3.85 billion in 2024. Since joining Robert Half in 1998, George Denlinger has held senior leadership roles across branch, regional and district operations, earning companywide recognition for leadership and performance. In his current role, he oversees the company's U.S. technology and marketing and creative practice groups, along with National Technology Accounts, Managed Technology and Digital Solutions. His commitment to leadership extends to the community, including serving as executive sponsor for Robert Half's partnership with the Association of Latino Professionals for America. About Robert Half Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm, connecting highly skilled job seekers with rewarding opportunities at great companies. We offer contract talent and permanent placement solutions in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support, and we also provide executive search services. Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm that delivers internal audit, risk, business and technology consulting solutions. In the past 12 months, Robert Half, including Protiviti, has been named one of the Fortune Most Admired Companies and 100 Best Companies to Work For. Explore talent solutions, research and insights at RobertHalf.com. SOURCE Robert Half Stores and ecommerce experiences across Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks OFF 5TH, Last Call and Horchow are open and serving customers Company commences voluntary chapter 11 process with support from key financial stakeholders Former Neiman Marcus Group CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck named Saks Global's CEO, joining CFO Brandy Richardson and the Company's leadership team NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Saks Global Holdings LLC ("Saks Global" or the "Company"), a leading luxury retail company, today announced a transformative financial transaction. The Company secured a financing commitment of approximately $1.75 billion, comprising $1.5 billion from an ad hoc group of the Company's senior secured bondholders (the "Ad Hoc Group") and approximately $240 million of incremental liquidity from the Company's asset-based lenders. This financing package will strengthen the Company's balance sheet and position it for a strong and stable future while it continues to provide customers with unparalleled multi-brand luxury shopping experiences. In addition, Saks Global announced the appointment of Geoffroy van Raemdonck as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. With support from its key financial stakeholders, Saks Global has commenced voluntary chapter 11 cases in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas (the "Court") to facilitate its ongoing transformation. Importantly, stores and ecommerce experiences across Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks OFF 5TH, Last Call and Horchow are open to provide customers with exceptional products, elevated luxury experiences and highly personalized service. Leadership Transition Van Raemdonck, who previously served as CEO of Neiman Marcus Group prior to its acquisition by Saks Global in 2024, succeeds Richard Baker, who stepped down from his role as Executive Chairman and CEO of Saks Global, effective January 13. Van Raemdonck joins Saks Global's Chief Financial Officer Brandy Richardson, who served as CFO alongside him at Neiman Marcus Group. Van Raemdonck is expanding Saks Global's senior leadership team, appointing industry veterans and former Neiman Marcus Group leaders to join the Company on this journey. Darcy Penick has been named President, Chief Commercial Officer, Saks Global, overseeing Stores, Marketing, Buying, Digital, Analytics and Customer Care. Lana Todorovich has been named Chief of Global Brand Partnerships, Saks Global, leading the luxury retailer's efforts with brand partners at an enterprise level. "This is a defining moment for Saks Global, and the path ahead presents a meaningful opportunity to strengthen the foundation of our business and position it for the future," said van Raemdonck. "In close partnership with these newly appointed leaders and our colleagues across the organization, we will navigate this process together with a continued focus on serving our customers and luxury brands. I look forward to serving as CEO and continuing to transform the Company so that Saks Global continues to play a central role in shaping the future of luxury retail." Van Raemdonck is an accomplished luxury retail veteran who brings deep relationships and decades of experience leading global consumer brands and retail organizations through complex transformations. Throughout his career, he has served in key leadership roles at iconic brands including Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren. "Geoffroy has a proven track record driving transformative growth at Neiman Marcus Group and other brands, building trusted relationships within these organizations and throughout the industry. His leadership will help advance the Company's focus on stability and long-term value creation," said Paul Aronzon, Member of Saks Global's Board of Directors. "We also want to thank Richard, who was a visionary leader during his tenure at Saks Global. We are grateful for his contributions and wish him continued success in the future." Path Forward As part of the chapter 11 process, the Company is evaluating its operational footprint to invest resources where it has the greatest long-term potential. This approach reflects an effort to focus the business in areas where the Company's luxury retail brands are best positioned for sustainable growth. Saks Global is seeking relief through a number of customary "first day" motions with the Court to facilitate a smooth transition into chapter 11 and operate in the ordinary course. These motions, which Saks Global expects to be approved in short order, include requests to honor all customer programs, make go-forward payments to vendors, and continue employee payroll and benefits. Upon court approval, the $1 billion of debtor-in-possession financing from the Ad Hoc Group will provide ample liquidity to fund Saks Global's operations and turnaround initiatives. The Ad Hoc Group has also committed $500 million of financing to be available to the Company upon emergence, which is expected later this year. Throughout this process, Saks Global will remain focused on what has always defined the company: exceptional brands, trusted relationships and an unwavering commitment to its loyal customers. Additional information regarding the chapter 11 process is available at https://cases.stretto.com/Saks. Vendors with questions can contact the Company's claims agent, Stretto, by calling (833) 232-5246 (U.S. / Canada) or +1 (949) 373-7589 (International) or emailing [email protected]. Advisors Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and Haynes and Boone, LLP are serving as legal counsel, PJT Partners LP is serving as investment banker, Berkeley Research Group is serving as financial advisor, and C Street Advisory Group is serving as strategic communications advisor to the Company. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal counsel, Lazard Freres & Co, LLC is serving as investment banker, FTI Consulting, Inc. is serving as financial advisor, and Kekst CNC is serving as strategic communications advisor to the Ad Hoc Group. About Saks Global Saks Global is the largest multi-brand luxury retailer in the world, comprising Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks OFF 5TH, Last Call and Horchow. Its retail portfolio includes 70 full-line luxury locations, additional off-price locations and five distinct e-commerce experiences. With talented colleagues focused on delivering on our strategic vision, The Art of You, Saks Global is redefining luxury shopping by offering each customer a personalized experience that is unmistakably their own. By leveraging the most comprehensive luxury customer data platform in North America, cutting-edge technology, and strong partnerships with the world's most esteemed brands, Saks Global is shaping the future of luxury retail. Saks Global Properties & Investments includes Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus flagship properties and represents nearly 13 million square feet of prime U.S. real estate holdings and investments in luxury markets. For more information, visit SaksGlobal.com and follow Saks Global on LinkedIn. SOURCE Saks Global Nutrishop franchisee's four-year transformation challenges the January reset mindset BLUFFTON, S.C., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In a season dominated by bold promises and overnight transformations, one woman's story stands out for a different reason: it took time. Over four years, Dana Smith has lost a total of 115 pounds, not through extremes or shortcuts, but through consistency, patience and a willingness to rebuild her health one step at a time. Before and After: Dana Smith, a Nutrishop franchisee in South Carolina, lost 115 pounds over four years by prioritizing consistency, recovery and sustainable habits rather than quick fixes. Smith, a Nutrishop franchise owner in Bluffton, South Carolina, is proof that meaningful change doesn't happen overnight. Her approach resonates in January, when many people feel pressured to reset their health quickly, often at the expense of sustainability. What began as an effort to regain her health after overcoming a major medical obstacle has since evolved into a new personal challenge for 2026: stepping on stage for her first bikini fitness competition. "When I first started, all I really cared about was getting healthier after everything I had been through," said Smith, 40. "Competing was never part of the plan, but I have since realized I am capable of so much more because of the building blocks I put in place over the past four years. I want to see how far I can go." On March 21, 2026, Smith will compete in the OCB Coastal Clash Natural bikini competition in Hilton Head a goal she describes not as a finish line, but as a continuation of the habits she has built along her fitness journey. Rebuilding After Setbacks Smith's path back to health began after years of seizures disrupted the active lifestyle she once took for granted. In 2017, she underwent brain surgery a decision that came with real risks but the procedure was successful, and she has been seizure-free ever since. Rather than rushing her recovery, Smith focused on stability first. It wasn't until the fall of 2021 that she truly dialed in a sustainable routine centered on nutrition she could maintain, training that supported her goals without burnout, and a stronger emphasis on sleep and stress management. Supplements became an integral part of her approach as her needs evolved, starting with general health support. By prioritizing lasting results over quick fixes, Smith officially shed a total of 115 pounds. Beyond the number on the scale, she increased lean muscle mass and significantly reduced harmful visceral fat (fat found around internal organs), measured through body composition analysis available at her Nutrishop store. What Made the Difference Smith points to three actions that continue to shape her success: She stayed anchored to a clear "why." Understanding her personal motivation and allowing it to evolve as her goals changed gave her the resolve to keep going. Understanding her personal motivation and allowing it to evolve as her goals changed gave her the resolve to keep going. She focused on small, consistent actions. Instead of overhauling everything at once, Smith focused on small habits she could repeat daily, adding new changes only after the previous ones stuck. Instead of overhauling everything at once, Smith focused on small habits she could repeat daily, adding new changes only after the previous ones stuck. She tracked progress, not perfection. Measuring what matters body composition, energy levels, strength and confidence instead of obsessing over the number on the scale, helped her stay motivated, even when weight loss slowed. From Personal Progress to Helping Others Smith's connection to Nutrishop began long before she became a franchise owner. She was a customer in Southern California when she began rebuilding her health and continued that routine after moving across the country. In 2022, she opened Nutrishop Lowcountry in South Carolina a milestone that deepened her understanding of supplements and gave her firsthand insight into the challenges many people face when trying to achieve their own health and wellness goals. Today, Smith emphasizes listening first, helping customers clarify their "why," and simplifying plans so they fit real life. "The best aspect of what I do at Nutrishop is knowing that I am helping my community have a better quality of life," Smith said. "It's incredibly rewarding when customers come in to share their wins." Real Support Beyond January Smith has a word of encouragement for anyone feeling they have started and failed too many times or have too far to go. "It is not too late to achieve your goals," she said. "You just need to take it slow and simplify things so that it's not overwhelming and is sustainable for your lifestyle." For those seeking personalized guidance and support for results that last, Nutrishop offers in-store consultations through its nationwide network of independently owned, franchised locations. To learn more and find a store, visit NutrishopUSA.com. About Nutrishop Founded in 2003, Nutrishop has become one of the nation's most trusted names in health, wellness and dietary supplements, helping individuals achieve their fitness and nutrition goals through real support and real results. With franchisee-owned stores across the U.S., Nutrishop offers exclusive product lines, body composition assessments and nutritional guidance. Committed to exceptional service and meaningful community impact, Nutrishop empowers customers to live stronger, healthier lives while giving entrepreneurs the tools and ongoing support to build successful, purpose-driven businesses. For more information, visit NutrishopUSA.com and follow @NutrishopUSA on Instagram. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit NutrishopFranchise.com. SOURCE Nutrishop LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new segment of "All Access with Andy Garcia" is set to provide Public Television audiences with an educational look into the innovative model of Community Health Centers. The program has partnered with Siouxland Community Health Center (SCHC) for a segment focusing on Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and their unique structure designed to offer affordable, high-quality primary care to every individual who walks through their doors. The program, which filmed at the Sioux City, Iowa location on December 4, 2025, will explain the foundational principles of FQHCs and the diverse population they serve, including those who are commercially insured or on Medicare who may be looking for a new medical home. This production offers valuable information by illustrating how FQHCs operate as an essential piece of the national healthcare infrastructure. Siouxland Community Health Center "We're honored to share the story of Siouxland Community Health Center on All Access with Andy Garcia," said Mark Donaldson, Chief Executive Officer of Siouxland Community Health Center. "Our mission has always been simpleremove barriers, meet people where they are, and deliver exceptional care to every patient who walks through our doors. This opportunity allows us to highlight how community-driven healthcare can improve lives and strengthen the wellbeing of the entire Siouxland region." This segment will inform a broad audience about how FQHCs prioritize integrated, patient-centered care with a strong emphasis on prevention, often leading to better long-term health outcomes. Viewers will learn about the compelling story of SCHC, which was established through the collaboration of two local hospitals to address a crucial community need for accessible healthcare. This origin story speaks directly to their enduring mission of providing a necessary safety net. The segment will showcase the comprehensive nature of care available at SCHC, detailing how they offer services far beyond standard primary medical treatment. Specific attention will be given to the critical access they provide to dental and prenatal care, two essential services that can often be difficult for individuals to secure affordably. Furthermore, the segment will highlight the convenience of an on-site pharmacy, complete with prescription delivery and drive-thru services, simplifying the process for patients. A deep dive will be taken into the essential role of the expanded care team. This collaborative model involves a diverse group of professionalsCommunity Health Workers, interpreters, and financial counselorswho work to systematically eliminate common patient obstacles like the need for health education, cultural differences, and securing necessary insurance coverage or financial assistance via a sliding fee scale. By examining the FQHC model, the segment will demonstrate how this community-driven approach, which is guided by a patient-majority board of directors, contributes to managing the rising costs associated with healthcare. The production will address how the profits generated are reinvested into patient services and the community, rather than external stakeholders. The commitment of Siouxland Community Health Center to its employees will also be noted, recognizing their dedication as the backbone of the organization's success and its ability to deliver award-winning care in a modern facility. Finally, the segment will briefly explore how SCHC is improving chronic illness management by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and modern practices. About "All Access with Andy Garcia": "All Access with Andy Garcia" is a Public Television program dedicated to showcasing the stories behind innovative companies and their contributions to various sectors. Hosted by the acclaimed actor Andy Garcia, the program provides insightful and engaging content designed to inform and inspire a wide audience. Learn more at: www.allaccessptv.com About Siouxland Community Health Center: Siouxland Community Health Center (SCHC) is a Federally Qualified Health Center committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and compassionate primary health care to all, regardless of the patient's ability to pay. Born from a partnership between local hospitals to serve the area's underserved population, SCHC focuses on integrated, patient-centered care, offering a wide range of services including medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy, all supported by a multidisciplinary team. Learn more at: slandchc.com SOURCE All Access CHICAGO, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SPINS, the leading provider of CPG data, insights, and commerce solutions, today announces the acquisition of MikMak, a global leader in commerce intelligence and omnichannel orchestration. The acquisition significantly accelerates SPINS vision to enable and measure engagement with shoppers throughout their buying journey, and across physical, digital, and agentic shelves. As shoppers increasingly take multi-step journeys to purchase products (from social media, to digital landing pages, to in-store trial), the imperative for brands to deploy marketing dollars to the right surface at the right time to the right audience is growing stronger. The introduction of agentic commerce the use of AI agents to answer questions, provide recommendations, and even action purchases only accelerates the urgency. 'SPINS has been converting online buyers into offline purchases for over a decade," says Jay Margolis, CEO of SPINS. "But the days of simple see-and-buy are behind us. Our customers are facing a more informed, more digital, and more complex shopper than ever before. By joining forces with MikMak, we are able to combine the industry's best, most attribute-rich dataset with the best media platform to immediately improve our customers' ability to plan, execute and measure modern shopper engagement." MikMak has been a global leader in tracking, measuring, and optimizing omnichannel activity, serving brands across multiple categories; in addition to CPG and grocery, they also serve customers in beauty, alcohol, personal care, and consumer electronics. This acquisition coincides with the imminent release of MikMak 4.0, a new and best-in-class platform that strengthens the company's value proposition and ability to help brands to optimize every marketing dollar across their entire tech stack and partner ecosystem. "We are motivated by a powerful mission to grow brands in real time," says Rachel Tipograph, Founder and CEO of MikMak. "In SPINS, we found a team that thinks the way we do and shares our relentless focus on helping customers keep pace with the evolving commerce world." The combined value proposition of the two companies will be to deliver an unparallelled level of granularity to consumer preference and behavior on shelf and online that can power more relevant, more efficient marketing spend for brands of all sizes. About SPINS SPINS is the leading CPG growth partner, uniting data, technology, and expertise to power discovery, decode choice, and engage shoppers with confidence. Anchored in three commercial platformsSPINS Foundry, SPINS Intelligence, and SPINS JourneySPINS empowers brands and retailers to navigate disruption, unlock growth, and build a healthier, more sustainable future. For more information, visit SPINS.com. About MikMak MikMak is a global software company that provides the leading commerce intelligence and orchestration platform for multichannel brands, helping them grow in real time. For more information, please visit MikMak.com, and join the conversation on LinkedIn. SOURCE SPINS How does valuation context inform this transaction? Shares were sold at a weighted average price of around $13.69 per share, close to the Jan. 9 market close of $13.58, during a period when the stock delivered a 14.4% one-year total return as of the transaction date. How significant was the impact on Busse's ownership and remaining share capacity? The sale reduced direct ownership to 551,014 shares and reflected ongoing drawdown in holdings. What was the structure and purpose of this transaction? The transaction was conducted as part of an option exercise for 50,000 shares, followed by the direct sale of 18,841 shares, with no indirect holdings or gifting involved, indicating a liquidity event post-vesting rather than a broad portfolio shift. How does the size of this sale compare to Brian Busse's historical transactions? This sale of 18,841 shares is smaller than the recent-period median sell transaction of 20,104 shares, and the proportion of holdings traded (3.31%) is modest relative to the 20.78% single-event maximum over the last year. Brian Busse, general counsel of Arlo Technologies (NYSE:ARLO) executed an exercise of 50,000 options and sold 18,841 shares in an open-market transaction on Jan. 9, as disclosed in an SEC Form 4 filing . This transaction involved only direct holdings, with zero indirect ownership impact, and occurred in conjunction with the exercise of 50,000 options. Story Continues Arlo Technologies operates at scale in the security and protection services industry, leveraging a cloud-first approach and integrated hardware-software solutions. The companys strategy focuses on delivering user-friendly, connected security products with value-added subscription services, supporting both device sales and recurring revenue streams. Arlo Technologies' competitive edge lies in its advanced technology stack, broad distribution network, and focus on seamless user experience for consumers and small businesses. What this transaction means for investors Given Arlos recent track record and the forms footnotes, Busses transaction doesnt seem to suggest much about the companys trajectory. The shares sold were tied to option and PSU settlements, and importantly, they were sold to satisfy estimated tax obligations. Busse still retains more than half a million shares outright and up to 100,000 PSUs tied to long-term operating milestones, keeping his economic exposure firmly linked to the companys execution. Meanwhile, Arlos underlying business continues to skew toward higher-quality, recurring revenue, even as executives periodically monetize equity tied to compensation. In its most recent quarterly report, Arlo Technologies reported annual recurring revenue of $323 million, up nearly 34% year over year, thanks in part to subscription growth that pushed services to more than half of total revenue. Subscriptions and services gross margin reached roughly 85%, up 770 basis points year over year, while adjusted EBITDA climbed 50% to about $17 million, reflecting operating leverage as the platform scales. Shares are performing in line with the broader market, and they've even climbed a bit higher since the transaction last week. In other words, there's no need to draw concerns from a Form 4 transaction like this one. Glossary Option exercise: The act of converting stock options into actual shares, usually by paying a set price. Open-market transaction: Buying or selling securities on a public exchange, not through a private or pre-arranged deal. Direct holdings: Shares owned personally and directly by an individual, not through trusts or other entities. Indirect ownership: Shares held through another entity, such as a trust or family member, rather than owned directly. Liquidity event: A transaction that converts an asset, like stock, into cash, often to access funds. Vesting: The process by which an employee earns the right to receive full benefits from stock options or shares over time. Form 4: A required SEC filing that reports insider trades of company stock by officers, directors, or major shareholders. Weighted average purchase price: The average price paid for shares, calculated by weighting each purchase by the number of shares bought. Median sell transaction: The middle value in a list of all recent share sales, used to compare the size of a specific sale. One-year total return: The combined gain from price changes and dividends over the past year, expressed as a percentage. Cloud-based platform: Software and services hosted online, allowing users to access features and data remotely via the internet. TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report. Dont miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then youll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a Double Down stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If youre worried youve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before its too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, youd have $479,611 !* Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, youd have $49,510 !* Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, youd have $482,209!* Right now, were issuing Double Down alerts for three incredible companies, available when you join Stock Advisor, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon. See the 3 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of January 12, 2026 Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This Arlo Technologies Insider Just Sold Another $258K in Stock -- Here's What Investors Should Know was originally published by The Motley Fool MIAMI, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Trax, the preeminent aviation maintenance enterprise resource planning system and provider of integrated role-based mobile apps, signed a multi-year contract expansion with Air Atlanta Icelandic. A Trax customer for more than 25 years, Air Atlanta Icelandic upgraded to Trax's eMRO platform in 2024. Today, it was announced that Air Atlanta Icelandic will add Trax's eMobility and cloud hosting solutions to further streamline maintenance, improve efficiency, and enhance compliance. Air Atlanta Icelandic's deployment of additional Trax solutions will empower mechanics to manage defects digitally, enable line controllers to coordinate aircraft turnaround more effectively, and transition the airline to electronic task card execution for maintenance workflows. Pilots will benefit from a fully electronic logbook while technical teams gain mobile access to manuals and documentation, reducing paper dependency and ensuring real-time accuracy. Hosting all applications in Trax's cloud will provide Air Atlanta Icelandic greater scalability, security, and reliability while reducing the airline's infrastructure overhead. "Trax has supported Air Atlanta Icelandic for decades and is excited to be at the center of their strategic transformation," said Omar Santos, Trax's Vice President of Global Services and Support. "Their deployment of eMobility and cloud hosting is a prime example of how an expanded suite of Trax solutions can enable customers to further boost productivity, enhance safety, and deliver a more agile operational model." "eMobility enables our maintenance and operations teams to work more efficiently, with real-time access to data wherever it's needed," said Gnupur Halldorsson, Air Atlanta's Director of IT. "Combined with Trax's cloud hosting, this gives us a future-proof platform that supports both day-to-day operations and long-term innovation." About Trax For over 25 years, Trax has powered the digital transformation of airlines, MROs, and cargo operators worldwide. A pioneer in aviation maintenance software and a wholly owned subsidiary of AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), Trax's scalable, innovative suite adds agility and drives efficiencies by automating and modernizing maintenance operations. For more information, visit https://trax.aero/. About Air Atlanta Icelandic Air Atlanta Icelandic was established in 1986, initially operating Boeing 707s for charter projects. Today, the Air Atlanta brand comprises two sister airlines: Air Atlanta Icelandic, headquartered in Iceland, and Air Atlanta Europe, founded in 2021 in Malta. This press release may contain certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, reflecting management's expectations about future conditions, including anticipated activities and benefits related to the deployment of additional Trax solutions. Forward-looking statements may also be identified because they contain words such as ''anticipate,'' ''believe,'' ''continue,'' ''could,'' ''estimate,'' ''expect,'' ''intend,'' ''likely,'' ''may,'' ''might,'' ''plan,'' ''potential,'' ''predict,'' ''project,'' ''seek,'' ''should,'' ''target,'' ''will,'' ''would,'' or similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. These forward-looking statements are based on beliefs of management, as well as assumptions and estimates based on information currently available to management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to "Risk Factors" in AAR CORP.'s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize adversely, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described. These events and uncertainties are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many are beyond management's control. Management assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. Contact: Media Team [email protected] +1-630-227-5100 SOURCE Trax DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ukraine House Davos proudly returns for its eighth year as a beacon of unity, resilience, and opportunity alongside the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, from January 1922, 2026. Recognized as the leading platform for Ukraine's voice during the forum, Ukraine House Davos unites global leaders, visionaries, and changemakers to spotlight Ukraine's remarkable journey, one defined by courage, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to a brighter future for Europe and the world. Co-organized by UMAEF, Victor Pinchuk Foundation, and Horizon Capital, Ukraine House Davos 2026 will convene senior government officials, business leaders, investors, policymakers, and media for a dynamic program of high-level discussions and interactive sessions. As Ukraine approaches the fourth year of Russia's full-scale invasion, the world's attention is fixed on this courageous nation's remarkable resilience, ensuring a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine and its rightful place in Europe, and the boundless opportunities that lie ahead. A platform for vision and action, this year's program is anchored in the belief that Ukraine's frontline experience and innovative spirit are shaping not only the nation's recovery, but also the future of Europe. From pioneering advancements in technology and energy to forging new economic partnerships, Ukraine House Davos 2026 will showcase a country driving innovation and dynamism amid adversity. "At this pivotal moment, Ukraine House Davos is honored to present the world with a vision of hope, strength, and partnership," said Ulyana Khromyak, Executive Director of Ukraine House Davos. "Our program will highlight the extraordinary resilience and ingenuity of the Ukrainian people and invite the global community to join us in building a more secure, innovative and prosperous future for all." Program Highlights Include: A Shared Vision for a Just and Sustainable Peace in Europe: Exploring the foundations of lasting peacesovereignty, justice, accountability, and human dignity. Exploring the foundations of lasting peacesovereignty, justice, accountability, and human dignity. Europe's Future Energy Powerhouse: Accelerating Ukraine's energy transformation to capitalize on its untapped gas reserves, strong distributed generation potential and vast infrastructure. Accelerating Ukraine's energy transformation to capitalize on its untapped gas reserves, strong distributed generation potential and vast infrastructure. Tech-Democracy Partnerships: Ukraine's emergence as a global leader in defense innovation, digital warfare, and technology-driven governance. Ukraine's emergence as a global leader in defense innovation, digital warfare, and technology-driven governance. Partners in Prosperity: Charting a new era of U.S.Ukraine economic partnership, and unveiling the $1 trillion investment opportunity for post-war reconstruction. Charting a new era of U.S.Ukraine economic partnership, and unveiling the $1 trillion investment opportunity for post-war reconstruction. First Out of the Gate: Celebrating Kyivstar's historic IPO on Wall Street as a symbol of investor confidence in Ukraine's future. Celebrating Kyivstar's historic IPO on Wall Street as a symbol of investor confidence in Ukraine's future. GovTech in Ukraine: Convening digital ministers, tech innovators and policy visionaries to showcase Ukraine's digital leadership and its relevance for modern governance worldwide. Convening digital ministers, tech innovators and policy visionaries to showcase Ukraine's digital leadership and its relevance for modern governance worldwide. Learning to Stay Strong: Highlighting Ukrainian government and NGO efforts on the education front, fueling Ukraine's resilience and preparing the next generation for success. Highlighting Ukrainian government and NGO efforts on the education front, fueling Ukraine's resilience and preparing the next generation for success. Business Field Meets Battlefield: Insights from Ukrainian military personnel on how civilian expertise is transforming defense and leadership and bringing insights back from the battlefield. Insights from Ukrainian military personnel on how civilian expertise is transforming defense and leadership and bringing insights back from the battlefield. Deepening Ukraine-EU Cooperation: Strengthening strategic sectors and supply chains through innovative partnerships that bring enormous benefits to the whole of Europe. Strengthening strategic sectors and supply chains through innovative partnerships that bring enormous benefits to the whole of Europe. Innovating Aid with Ukraine: Exploring Ukraine's growing impact as a provider of scalable, evidence-based solutions to global issues, from mental health to rehabilitation to veteran care. Exploring Ukraine's growing impact as a provider of scalable, evidence-based solutions to global issues, from mental health to rehabilitation to veteran care. The Battle Tested Harvest, Screening of 'The Farmer of Kherson' : Contributing to global food security despite farmland being mined, grain siloes bombed and farmers targeted. Contributing to global food security despite farmland being mined, grain siloes bombed and farmers targeted. Bring Ukraine's Children Home: Shining a spotlight on the plight of abducted children, the nation's quest for justice, and those working tirelessly to return Ukrainian children to their homes. Shining a spotlight on the plight of abducted children, the nation's quest for justice, and those working tirelessly to return Ukrainian children to their homes. From Resilience to Reconstruction: Leaders in business, economic and investment share their vision for Ukraine's future and key to unlocking its full reconstruction potential. A complete list of events and registration may be found at www.ukrainehousedavos.com Ukraine House Organizing Committee is comprised of three women who volunteer their efforts to produce this event: Jaroslawa Johnson, President and CEO, UMAEF; Svitlana Grytsenko, Member of the Board, Victor Pinchuk Foundation; Lenna Koszarny, Founding Partner and CEO, Horizon Capital, and led by Executive Director Ulyana Khromyak. Ukraine House Davos is made possible due to UMAEF, Victor Pinchuk Foundation and Horizon Capital, and to generous partners, most notably our Gold Partners the Temerty Foundation, Interpipe, Kyivstar, and VISA/PrivatBank; our Panel Partner Kernel; and Networking Partners the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine and Modern-EXPO. Ukraine House Davos invites all World Economic Forum participants to join us at Promenade 59, Davos, or connect via livestream, to be part of these vital conversations and to witness Ukraine's story of courage, resilience, and renewal. Ukraine House Davos will open to accredited guests 19 January 2026 at 15:30 CET through 21:00 CET at Promenade 59, Davos, Switzerland. We invite you to visit our website to register your attendance and to discover more: http://www.ukrainehousedavos.com Follow Ukraine House Davos via social media at: X: @UKRHouseDavos Facebook: @ukrainehousedavos Instagram: @Ukraine.House.Davos LinkedIn: UkraineHouseDavos YouTube: ukrainehousedavos Hashtag: #UkraineHouseDavos Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2861294/Ukraine_House_Davos_Logo.jpg SOURCE Ukraine House Davos AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Money Reserve, one of the nation's largest private distributors of physical precious metals, is proud to announce the 20th anniversary of Chief Creative Officer Ryan Buchanan. This milestone honors two decades of visionary leadership and commitment to establishing U.S. Money Reserve as the premier destination for tangible assets. Since joining the company in 2005, Buchanan has been the primary architect of the company's brand identity, guiding its evolution from a regional distributor into America's Gold Authority. His tenure has been defined by a comprehensive approach to brand stewardship, overseeing high-level creative strategy and the modernization of the company's digital presence to ensure the brand consistently reflects the company's commitment to trust, transparency, and expertise. "Twenty years is an incredible milestone, and Ryan's influence is woven into the fabric of this company," said Angela Roberts, CEO of U.S. Money Reserve. "From our foundational years to our current position as a market leader, Ryan has ensured that our brand always remains a step ahead, and we are honored to celebrate his incredible legacy." Throughout his two decades of service, Buchanan has integrated creative excellence with the sophisticated needs of the precious metals industry to drive long-term growth. "Ryan's dedication and creative vision have been instrumental to our success over the last twenty years," said Christol Farris, COO of U.S. Money Reserve. "His leadership continues to be an invaluable asset to our executive team." "Ryan has a unique ability to elevate our research and messaging through clear, visually compelling design," noted Brad Chastain, Managing Director, Head of Global Research at U.S. Money Reserve. "He has spent 20 years making sure our message of financial security is clear, impactful, and accessible to everyone we serve." As Chief Creative Officer, Buchanan continues to lead the company's brand strategy and digital marketing efforts, focusing on the future of precious metals ownership. "A brand's longevity is built on consistency and integrity, and for 20 years, Ryan has been the guardian of those values," added Philip N. Diehl, President of U.S. Money Reserve and former Director of the U.S. Mint. "His leadership ensures that we remain the most trusted name in the industry." About U.S. Money Reserve U.S. Money Reserve is widely known as one of the world's largest private distributors of U.S. and foreign government-issued gold, silver, platinum, and palladium legal-tender products. Since its founding in 2001, the company has expanded its expertise to include precious metals IRAs and has guided more than one million clients seeking to diversify their portfolios with physical precious metals. In 2025, U.S. Money Reserve was named as the #1 Precious Metals Distributor by Equity Trust Company based on newly opened accounts in 2024 and 2025. U.S. Money Reserve's uniquely trained team includes coin research and numismatic professionals equipped with the market knowledge to help clients select products that offer the highest profit potential for precious metals buyers at every level. U.S. Money Reserve goes above the industry standard to provide superior service, with the goal of establishing long-term relationships with each and every one of its clients. U.S. Money Reserve is based in Austin, Texas, with offices in Scottsdale, Arizona and Houston, Texas. Learn more at https://www.usmoneyreserve.com/ , watch videos on U.S. Money Reserve's YouTube page, like U.S. Money Reserve on Instagram and Facebook, connect with us on LinkedIn, and follow us on X @USMoneyReserve. Media Contact Davis MacMillan RF|Binder [email protected] 212-994-7509 SOURCE U.S. Money Reserve Iconic coastal route reopens today at 12:00 PM ahead of schedule; travelers invited to return to the legendary Big Sur and SLO CALMonterey coastlines SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. and MONTEREY, Calif., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Visit SLO CAL (VSC), the official destination marketing and management organization (DMMO) for San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) and See Monterey, the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for the County of Monterey, today announced the early reopening of Highway 1 at Regent's Slide, restoring full coastal access between San Luis Obispo County and Monterey County earlier than Caltrans' (California Department of Transportation) March 2026 estimate. Both organizations received formal notice from Caltrans that on Wednesday, January 14th at 12:00 PM this vital stretch of California's world-famous Big Sur coastline will open to all. "Caltrans worked with exceptional focus and resilience to restore this legendary stretch of highway," said Cathy Cartier, President & CEO of Visit SLO CAL. "Highway 1 is an emotional experience for so many people, and its early reopening reconnects the full wonder of Ragged Point, San Simeon and Cambria with our neighbors to the north in Monterey. We are thrilled to welcome visitors to experience the magic of this coastal roadway from end-to-end." The reopening once again allows uninterrupted travel between San Luis Obispo County's North CoastRagged Point, San Simeon, Cambriaand the destinations of Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, inviting road trippers back to enjoy one of the most breathtaking drives on earth uninterrupted. Travelers worldwide are encouraged to take in sweeping ocean vistas, support coastal businesses and plan scenic road trips between the two counties, with stops throughout the southern and northern Big Sur area and its surrounding communities. As always, travelers are encouraged to check current road conditions before heading out by visiting the Caltrans website for the latest updates and travel advisories. "Reopening Highway 1 reconnects travelers with an extraordinary coastal journey," said Rob O'Keefe, President & CEO of See Monterey. "Now more than ever, it's part of our collective role to protect and preserve this coastline by traveling safely and responsibly, with care for the land, the road and the communities that make it so special." Highway 1 is one of California's most significant tourism drivers and this marks the end of the longest closure to date along the Big Sur coast, beginning with the initial interruption caused by Paul's Slide on January 15, 2023, followed by Regent's Slide on February 9, 2024. The prolonged closure had a significant economic impact on the regions of SLO CAL and Monterey and the business communities that rely on visitors taking in the scenic drive of the Big Sur coast. The prolonged closure resulted in an estimated $438 million in lost visitor spending across San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties and the State of California, underscoring the vital role Highway 1 plays in local economies and the broader tourism industry in California. ABOUT VISIT SLO CAL: Visit SLO CAL is the countywide non-profit destination marketing and management organization (DMMO) for San Luis Obispo County, known as SLO CAL. Positioned midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, SLO CAL features more than 100 miles of breathtaking coastline, rolling vineyards covering over 40,000 acres and some of California's most scenic open roads, including the iconic Highway 1. Visit SLO CAL promotes the region as a premier West Coast destination, celebrated for its signature slower pace of life and diverse, immersive experiences. By enhancing the area's reputation as a dynamic place to live, work and visit, Visit SLO CAL strengthens the local economy and creates opportunities for the entire community. Built on research and a strategy of continuous improvement, the organization is committed to showcasing SLO CAL's unique charm to travelers from around the world. For more information, go to slocal.com and follow @slocal on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. ABOUT SEE MONTEREY: See Monterey is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that drives tourism for Monterey County. Tourism is the largest industry on the Monterey Peninsula and the second largest in the county. See Monterey is a partnership of the hospitality community and local governments that aims to generate community prosperity and enrich economic vitality for Monterey County through the responsible growth of the tourism economy. In 2024, travel spending in Monterey County was $3.1 billion, supporting nearly 28,000 jobs and generating $310 million in state and local tax revenue that directly benefited the community. For more information, visit www.SeeMonterey.com and follow @SeeMonterey on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Media Contacts: Lisa Marie Belsanti Jennifer Chiesa VP of Communications, Visit SLO CAL Director of Public Relations, See Monterey (323) 326-0344 (707) 342-3806 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE See Monterey Quickly Expanding Home Services Brand Earns National Recognition Following Strong Year of Franchise Growth and Owner Performance MADISON, Wis., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Voda Cleaning & Restoration, one of the nation's fastest-growing cleaning and restoration franchise brands, has been named to Entrepreneur magazine's prestigious Franchise 500, a definitive ranking of the world's top franchise opportunities. "This recognition highlights the scalability of the Voda model and the strong demand we're seeing from franchise candidates nationwide," said Steve Miller, Voda's Chief Development Officer. "We're focused on building a system designed for long-term growth and franchisee success, where owners can be in business for themselves but not by themselves." The recognition caps a strong year of growth for Voda, marked by accelerated system expansion, continued investment in franchisee support, and strong performance across its growing network of franchise owners. Inclusion on the Franchise 500 underscores Voda's momentum and validates the strength of its business model within the essential home services sector. "Being recognized by Entrepreneur as one of the top franchises in the country is a significant milestone for our brand," said Dan Claps, Voda's chief executive officer and co-founder. "This honor reflects the dedication of our franchise owners and support teams, as well as our commitment to building a franchise system designed for sustainable growth and long-term success." Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 is the world's first and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Now in its 47th year, earning a place on the list is widely regarded as one of the highest honors in franchising, signaling a brand's long-term strength, stability, and appeal to prospective franchise owners. Rankings are based on an in-depth analysis of more than 150 data points, including unit growth, financial strength and stability, support systems, brand power, and franchisee success. "For 47 years, the Franchise 500 has been the gold standard for identifying franchise excellence. This year's ranking proves that the best brands don't just survive changing markets; they thrive in them," said Jason Feifer, Entrepreneur magazine's editor in chief. "These 500 companies represent some of the most reliable pathways to business ownership in America, each one vetted through our rigorous analysis of what actually drives franchisee success." Voda Cleaning & Restoration has differentiated itself through a modern, scalable approach to cleaning and restoration services, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions including water damage restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and additional specialty services. The brand's focus on strong unit economics, centralized marketing support, and operational playbooks has enabled franchise owners to grow efficiently while delivering high-quality service in their local markets. As demand for professional cleaning and restoration services continues to rise nationwide, Voda Cleaning & Restoration remains focused on expanding into new markets while providing franchise owners with the tools, technology, and support needed to thrive. For more information about Voda Cleaning & Restoration and franchise opportunities, visit myvodafranchise.com About Voda Cleaning & Restoration Voda Cleaning & Restoration is a nationally backed, locally owned franchise brand offering professional cleaning and restoration services to residential and commercial customers. With a mission to restore comfort, safety, and peace of mind, Voda delivers a comprehensive suite of eco-friendly, non-toxic services including water damage restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, air duct cleaning, and more. Since launching its franchise system, Voda has scaled to more than 100 owners across more than 270 territories in 32 states. Start-up costs for a Voda franchise range from $201,374 to $357,608 (depending on vehicle leasing or purchasing). Learn more about becoming a Voda franchise owner at myvodafranchise.com. To find our cleaning and restoration services near you, please visit myvoda.com. About Franchise Playbook Franchise Playbook is a privately held home services platform company that builds, scales, and supports high-performing franchise brands across the U.S. With a focus on essential, recession-resilient services, Franchise Playbook provides centralized leadership, operational infrastructure, and shared services across its portfolio to accelerate growth and drive long-term value. Backed by a team of seasoned operators and franchise development experts, the company partners with driven entrepreneurs and emerging brands to create best-in-class systems, technology, and support. Franchise Playbook is the platform behind Voda Cleaning & Restorationone of the fastest-growing home services franchises in the country. Learn more at franchiseplaybook.com. SOURCE Voda Cleaning & Restoration Representing the largest recovery of this nature to date SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaiser Permanente (Kaiser) has agreed to pay $556 million to resolve False Claims Act litigation alleging improper Medicare Advantage risk-adjustment practices, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The case was brought by physician whistleblower Dr. James M. Taylor, along with other relators, and was later joined in part by the government. Dr. James Taylor Dr. Taylor tends to a patient in Uganda with Musana, the charity to which he intends to donate a significant portion of his whistleblower award. Dr. Taylor, a longtime Kaiser physician and former medical director responsible for coding governance, compliance, and revenue-cycle oversight, filed his whistleblower complaint after identifying what he alleged were systemic practices that added or retained diagnosis codes not supported by patients' medical records. According to the pleadings, these practices inflated beneficiaries' risk scores and increased Medicare reimbursements without corresponding clinical justification. Dr. Taylor was represented throughout the matter by Whistleblower Partners, a nationally recognized whistleblower law firm with deep experience in complex healthcare fraud and False Claims Act litigation. "Working closely with Dr. Taylor over multiple years, we helped develop detailed, technically grounded allegations rooted in his firsthand experience inside Kaiser's Medicare Advantage operations," said Max Voldman, partner at Whistleblower Partners. "This settlement reflects the importance of whistleblowers who understand how these systems actually work." "Dr. Taylor raised concerns internally long before they became public," added Michael Ronickher, partner at Whistleblower Partners. "It was only after years of calling out the problems he saw and many attempts to improve the alleged incorrect billing practices that he resigned and filed a formal complaint with the government. We were honored to help ensure his expertise and persistence translated into accountability." The settlement resolves claims of Dr. Taylor's in which the government intervened. While the settlement includes no admission of liability, it represents the largest recovery to date involving alleged Medicare Advantage risk-adjustment misconduct. The case aligns with broader concerns raised by federal investigators and widely reported in the media about incentives within the Medicare Advantage system that can encourage aggressive or improper coding practices. Medicare Advantage now covers more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries, making accurate risk adjustment critical to protecting taxpayers and program integrity. "Physicians are trained to document care truthfully and accurately," said Dr. Taylor. "When financial pressure overrides that principle, it undermines trust in the system. I stayed as long as I did because I believed the problems could be fixed internally. There were moments of progress, but too often the solutions were undone. Filing a complaint was a last resort, not a first step. I'm grateful to Whistleblower Partners for standing with me and helping ensure these issues were taken seriously." The Department of Justice has emphasized that enforcement in the Medicare Advantage space remains a priority, particularly where organizations fail to correct known errors or return overpayments once identified. Whistleblower Partners and Dr. Taylor acknowledge the work of the government attorneys and investigators who pursued this matter on behalf of the United States. They expressed their appreciation to the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General for their diligence and collaboration in investigating and resolving the claims. In particular, the team thanked Fraud Section Attorneys Braden Civins, Edward Crooke, Gary Dyal, Michael R. Fishman, Martha Glover, Seth W. Greene, Rachel Karpoff, Laurie Oberembt, and Jonathan Thrope, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Lo for the Northern District of California, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Traskos for the District of Colorado, and their colleagues for their sustained commitment to protecting the integrity of the Medicare program. Dr. Taylor expressed hope that the resolution will encourage healthcare organizations to strengthen compliance programs, respond meaningfully to internal warnings, and foster environments where raising concerns is viewed as a professional responsibilitynot a liability. Dr. Taylor has indicated that he intends to donate a significant portion of his whistleblower award to charitable causes focused on education and healthcare access in underserved communities. One such organization is Musana, a nonprofit that supports schools and hospitals in rural Uganda through a sustainable development model. Dr. Taylor has said that his decision reflects his belief that accountability and public service extend beyond the courtroom. About Whistleblower Partners Whistleblower Partners has significant experience representing whistleblowers in False Claims Act (FCA) cases involving Medicare Advantage risk-adjustment practices. The firm has represented five whistleblowers, including Dr. Taylor, in successful FCA matters alleging risk-adjustment fraud, and currently represents an additional whistleblower in ongoing litigation against UnitedHealthcare. Prior matters include representations involving: Freedom Health (Dr. Darren Sewell), which concerned alleged systemic submission of unsupported diagnosis codes for Medicare Advantage risk-adjustment and failure to delete invalid codes after audits systemic submission of unsupported diagnosis codes for Medicare Advantage risk-adjustment and failure to delete invalid codes after audits Independent Health/GHC (Teresa Ross), involving alleged aggressive risk-adjustment coding practices including the use of a vendor to identify and submit unsupported diagnosis codes aggressive risk-adjustment coding practices including the use of a vendor to identify and submit unsupported diagnosis codes Sutter Health (Kathy Ormsby), which alleged a pattern of improper upcoding resulting from various internal campaigns to add codes and ignoring red flags about the results. a pattern of improper upcoding resulting from various internal campaigns to add codes and ignoring red flags about the results. DaVita, Inc., addressing allegations that its subsidiary, HealthCare Partners, violated the Antikickback Statute by making improper payments to patients and providers to drive Medicare Part C business. Ongoing representation of Benjamin Poehling in FCA litigation concerning UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage risk-adjustment practices, including alleged one-way look retrospective chart review. Media Contact: Frank De Maria Purposeful Advisors [email protected] +1 347 674 0284 Elie Jacobs Purposeful Advisors [email protected] +1 646 330 2585 SOURCE Whistleblower Partners LLP Company's continued aggressive growth driven by new products and partnerships, unlocking smarter monetization for clients, advertisers, and consumers SAN DIEGO, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Wildfire Systems Inc., an innovative financial technology platform that powers loyalty and reward programs and shopping companions, today announced significant platform momentum in 2025. The company expanded its product portfolio, scaled its partner network, and enabled monetization across tens of thousands of merchant programs, reflecting the rapid evolution of how consumers shop, discover products, and earn value online. Wildfire's key announcements in 2025 include: Wildfire Commerce Network (WCN) enables advertisers to promote offers across Wildfire's diverse client base of financial services, rewards, and technology partners to reach customers in the midst of online shopping. A single advertising purchase on WCN reaches multiple audiences across Wildfire-powered shopping companions and digital properties. Benefits & Loyalty Amplifier (BLAM) enables banks, card issuers, and payment providers to drive adoption and utilization of their loyalty offerings and card benefits, and cross-sell high-revenue products to relevant audiences at the right times, delivering more value to consumers and financial services organizations. AI-Assisted Purchases made through major AI platforms, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude deliver rewards for students via a partnership with debit card issuer Bold.org. Students using the Bold Debit Card earn Bold Points on eligible AI-assisted purchases, which can be used to reduce student loan balances, contribute to educational advancement and improve overall financial wellness. Additional major company milestones include: Wildfire's AI monetization solution, RevenueEngine, was recognized by TMC as a 2025 Generative AI Product of the Year. RevenueEngine transforms product mentions from AI tools and agents into monetized links across over 50,000 merchant programs, providing the missing monetization layer that enables any LLM, AI-enabled application, or agent to generate revenue from the commerce it drives. Wildfire made the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest growing private companies for the third consecutive year, with three-year revenue growth of 721%. Wildfire was named one of the fastest growing companies of 2025 by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. CEO Jordan Glazier was a finalist for CEO of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal and also for EY's 2025 Pacific Southwest Entrepreneur of the Year. Chief Marketing Officer and Head of AI Innovation, Tristan Barnum, was honored as a silver winner in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Women in Business. "Wildfire's growth and continued innovation in 2025 position us as a leader in intelligent commerce and loyalty solutions," said Jordan Glazier, CEO, Wildfire. "Our agile and innovative team is staying ahead of the evolving online commerce landscape with key platform initiatives in retail media, AI shopping, and consumer insights. We're dedicated to building out our continuously learning platform that delivers superior outcomes for every client, customer, and advertiser in our network." In 2026, Wildfire is focused on expanding its partner ecosystem and deploying platforms for self-optimizing monetization and commerce intelligence. For more information about Wildfire Systems and its innovative platform, visit www.wildfire-corp.com. About Wildfire Systems, Inc. Wildfire, founded in 2017 in San Diego, powers white-label shopping rewards, retail media, and loyalty programs for financial services and technology partners. Its platform rewards consumers with cashback, coupons, and other benefits, driving sales for 50,000+ merchant programs in over 50 countries. Wildfire's AI platform, RevenueEngine, monetizes product and brand mentions within content. Ranked among the top fastest-growing companies in the Inc. 5000 in 2023 and 2024, and 2025. Learn more at wildfire-corp.com. SOURCE Wildfire Systems About this content About Stephen Gunnion Stephen Gunnion is a senior financial journalist and broadcaster at Proactive Investors. He has more than 25 years of experience in television, radio and print media, anchoring on a number of television channels including South Africa's Business Day TV, CNBC Africa and the South African Broadcasting Corporation, where he was the economics editor. He has also worked for Daily Maverick, Bloomberg, the Business Day newspaper and Investors' Chronicle. Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. About this content About Jamie Ashcroft Jamie Ashcroft, the News Editor for Proactive UK, has developed an impressive career in financial journalism, focusing on the small-cap sector for over fourteen years. Before joining the Proactive team, he was a stockbroker during the global financial crisis, a role that complemented his educational background - a first-class degree in Business and Economics and qualifications in software design and development. As one of the early external hires at Proactive in 2009, Jamie contributed... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. The News in Brief Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Georgia's fifth president, Salome Zourabichvili, said the country is facing hybrid aggression that could affect any European state, warning that Russia is using Georgia as a testing ground.Speaking at the Global Europe Forum, Zourabichvili said the threat does not depend on geography."This is a hybrid strategy, a hybrid aggression that Georgia is experiencing today, and it could happen in any country, even without shared borders with Russia," she said. "Russia is testing you when it tests Georgia."She said early recognition of hybrid threats is essential and that democratic standards should be treated as security issues."Electoral fairness, media pluralism, and the rule of law become security imperatives," Zourabichvili said.She called for closer scrutiny of electoral manipulation and propaganda, as well as concrete support for civil society."All cases of electoral manipulation and propaganda should be studied, and proactive measures taken," she said, adding that support must go beyond statements.Zourabichvili warned that failing to respond to democratic backsliding sends a dangerous signal."When democracy is at risk, there must be action, not just words," she said, calling Georgia's situation a warning for Europe's future.Imprisoned opposition leader Nika Gvaramia has called for the removal of the Georgian Dream government, accusing it of authoritarian rule and of serving foreign geopolitical interests.In a letter published on social media, Gvaramia, who leads the Coalition for Change, said Georgia is experiencing political repression similar to Venezuela and claimed the government has lost legitimacy."Neither Maduro's regime nor our Dream authorities were recognized," he wrote, crediting civil society, independent media, and opposition parties for resisting what he described as illegitimate power.Gvaramia accused the authorities of enabling sanctions circumvention for Russia and acting as a channel for money laundering for Iran."We serve Russia as a route for sanction circumvention and Iran as a large-scale money laundering channel," he wrote.He also pointed to rising emigration, political prisoners, and violence as signs of systemic decay, saying a growing number of educated Georgians are leaving the country.Gvaramia argued that the Anaklia deep-sea port is strategically vital and claimed its obstruction serves Russian economic interests by protecting the dominance of the Novorossiysk port.He said Georgia's future depends on European integration, calling EU membership the country's only chance for long-term stability and prosperity."Only we have the chance on the eastern Black Sea coast to become an EU member and build a stable democracy," he wrote.Gvaramia concluded by urging political change."In short, the Dream must be removed," he wrote. "Our time has come." Rings of the Audi logo are seen in a garage in Duesseldorf. Caroline Seidel-Dimannel/dpa German premium carmaker Audi sold fewer vehicles worldwide in 2025 but saw an upswing toward the end of the year, the company said on Wednesday. Global deliveries fell 2.9% to 1.62 million vehicles over the full year, but monthly sales have exceeded year-earlier levels since September. In the fourth quarter, deliveries were up by 2.8% at 447,786 vehicles. "Our product initiative is hitting the road, and deliveries are gradually reflecting this," Sales Director Marco Schubert said. Growth was driven in particular by electric vehicles, with full-year deliveries in this segment rising 36% to more than 223,000 units. "We want to continue this upward trajectory in 2026," Schubert said. The United States proved challenging for Audi last year, with sales falling 12.2% to 202,143 vehicles. Unlike rivals such as BMW, Audi does not operate a manufacturing plant in the country and has therefore been hit harder by tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. By comparison, BMW recorded strong growth in the US market, while Mercedes-Benz saw sales decline by a similar magnitude to Audi. In China, Audi's largest single market, deliveries fell 5% to 617,514 vehicles in 2025, significantly narrowing a decline. After the first nine months of the year, sales had been down 9% year-on-year. Market conditions in China remain weak and highly competitive, weighing on all European manufacturers. BMW saw its sales there fall by more than 12%, while Mercedes-Benz posted a drop of 19%. In its home market Germany, Audi increased deliveries by 4% to 206,290 vehicles. Sales in the rest of Europe slipped marginally, down 0.5%. About this content About Lisa Uhlman Lisa Uhlman is an equities reporter at Proactive Investors, covering ASX-listed companies across the mining, energy, biotech and emerging tech sectors. With a background in legal and financial journalism, Lisa brings a sharp analytical lens to market news and corporate developments. Prior to joining Proactive, she reported for national trade publications and newswires, with a focus on court reporting, regulatory affairs and ESG-related business issues. Based in Sydney, she is... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. About this content About Jonathan Jackson Jonathan Jackson is an experienced writer and editor. Over the past 20 years, he has worked in print and digital media across several business and finance titles amd is currently the Australian news editor at Proactive Investors covering the latest news for ASX listed companies as well as current financial trends. He was previously managing editor with Business First magazine, Wealth Creator Magazine and StocksDigital. Jonathan has interviewed some of the world's top CEOs and covered... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. About this content About Fouad Haidar Fouad is a trilingual broadcast journalist & content producer/presenter for Proactive. He has a Communication & Media degree from the University of Western Australia & a Graduate Diploma in Journalism from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. He's worked in Dubai for 7 years reporting on Hollywood A-listers & producing a daily morning show. Back in Australia, he's worked as a weather and lifestyle presenter for Sky News Australia before moving into business and... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. About this content About Ian Lyall Ian Lyall, a seasoned journalist and editor, brings over three decades of experience to his role as Managing Editor at Proactive. Overseeing Proactive's editorial and broadcast operations across six offices on three continents, Ian is responsible for quality control, editorial policy, and content production. He directs the creation of 50,000 pieces of real-time news, feature articles, and filmed interviews annually. Prior to Proactive, Ian helped lead the business output at the Daily... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. About this content About Emily Jarvie Emily began her career as a political journalist for Australian Community Media in Hobart, Tasmania. After she relocated to Toronto, Canada, she reported on business, legal, and scientific developments in the emerging psychedelics sector before joining Proactive in 2022. She brings a strong journalism background with her work featured in newspapers, magazines, and digital publications across Australia, Europe, and North America, including The Examiner, The Advocate, The Canberra Times, and... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. In 2023, Cameco partnered with Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM) to acquire Westinghouse Electric, a leading designer and builder of nuclear power plants. That new 49% stake in Westinghouse should complement its investment in GLE and offset the long-term volatility of its core mining business. Therefore, Cameco's evolution from a uranium miner into a more diversified nuclear energy company could make it a balanced play on this growing market. Cameco also holds a 49% stake in Global Laser Enrichment (GLE), its uranium enrichment joint venture with Silex (OTC: SILXY). Its future integration of GLE's laser-power uranium enrichment capabilities (which are not yet commercialized) into its core mining and conversion businesses could gradually transform it into a "one-stop shop" for enriched uranium. Cameco, which is based in Canada, mined 17% of the world's uranium in 2024. It's the second largest uranium miner after Kazakhstan's Kazatomprom (OTC: NATK.Y). It shut down its two largest mines as uranium's spot prices plummeted, but reopened them in 2022. Those tailwinds lifted uranium's spot price back to $81.55 per pound at the end of 2025, and some bullish analysts expect its price to hit $100 in 2026 and $140 in 2027. Between 2024 and 2050, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) anticipates a global nuclear capacity increase of up to 2.5 times. To capitalize on this secular growth trend, investors should consider adding a few promising nuclear stocks to their portfolios. Two of those bellwether stocks are Cameco (NYSE: CCJ) and Centrus Energy (NYSE: LEU). Let's see which one is a better buy today. Yet, over the past few years, the nuclear energy market has warmed up again as new decarbonization initiatives have prompted more companies to revisit atomic power. The growth of the power-hungry cloud, high-performance computing (HPC), and artificial intelligence (AI) markets drove more nuclear companies to develop smaller and more scalable reactors. At the same time, geopolitical conflicts in uranium-rich regions capped the global supply of uranium. Many nuclear energy stocks declined significantly in the decade following the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The spot price of uranium collapsed, dropping from a peak of $136 per pound in July 2007 to a trough of $18 in November 2016, as more countries paused their nuclear projects. Centrus is one of the only authorized sellers of enriched uranium in America. Story Continues Centrus is one of the few U.S. companies licensed to sell low-enriched uranium (LEU), the fuel used in most commercial nuclear reactors. It's also the only publicly listed U.S. company that produces high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for advanced nuclear reactors. Centrus, once known as USEC, previously bought cheap LEU through the "Megatons to Megawatts" program -- a U.S.-Russia deal to dismantle Russian warheads and downblend those materials into LEU -- and resold that enriched LEU to U.S. utilities. When that deal ended in 2013, its core business vanished, its revenue plummeted, and it filed for bankruptcy protection in 2014. After restructuring its business, Centrus emerged from bankruptcy as a smaller middleman that imported large quantities of LEU from global suppliers, such as Orano, and resold it to U.S. utilities. It also resumed enriching HALEU for small government contracts at its American Centrifuge Plant (ACP) in Ohio. The growth of that smaller HALEU business could significantly boost its sales as more energy companies develop advanced nuclear reactors. Which company is growing faster? From 2024 to 2027, analysts expect Cameco's revenue and earnings per share (EPS) to grow at a CAGR of 9% and 89%, respectively. Its stock isn't a bargain at 67 times this year's earnings, but its scale, diversification, and wide moat could support that higher valuation. From 2024 to 2027, analysts expect Centrus' revenue and EPS to grow at a CAGR of 7% and 2%, respectively. However, its stock looks even pricier at 77 times this year's earnings. That premium likely reflects its growing backlog of LEU orders, which increased to $3.0 billion in the third quarter of 2025, as well as the future growth potential of its HALEU business. The better buy: Cameco Cameco and Centrus should both benefit from rising uranium prices and the growing demand for nuclear power. However, Cameco's leading position in the uranium mining market, the future growth of its laser-powered uranium enrichment services, and its stake in Westinghouse all make it a more balanced play on the nuclear market than Centrus. Cameco is also much larger than Centrus, yet it's growing faster and trades at a lower forward price-to-earnings ratio. Centrus will have a bright future as the U.S. prioritizes its production of domestic LEU again, but it's highly dependent on government contracts and the development of next-gen reactors. Therefore, I'd stick with Cameco as my long-term play on the growing nuclear market. Should you buy stock in Cameco right now? Before you buy stock in Cameco, 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 Cameco 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 12, 2026. Leo Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Brookfield Asset Management and Cameco. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Better Nuclear Energy Stock: Cameco vs. Centrus Energy was originally published by The Motley Fool About this content About Steve Darling Steve Darling is an award winning broadcaster who has spent the past 20 years as one of the most recognizable faces in British Columbia, reporting and anchoring at BCTV and Global Television. He spent 15 years as the co-host of the number one morning new program in the province. Steve is a tireless worker for charity hosting some 50 events a year. He is an ambassador for the Canucks Autism Network and hosts numerous events with BC Childrens Hospital and the Child Development foundation of... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. 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 New Delhi, Jan 14 : The Delhi government will inaugurate 81 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs on Wednesday, marking the fifth phase of the programme's expansion and giving a major boost to neighbourhood-level primary healthcare across the capital. New Delhi, Jan 14 (IANS) The Delhi government will inaugurate 81 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs on Wednesday, marking the fifth phase of the programmeas expansion and giving a major boost to neighbourhood-level primary healthcare across the capital. Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said on Tuesday that the initiative will significantly strengthen accessible and preventive healthcare services for residents. With this expansion, total centres will rise to 319 across the national capital, he added. "With this addition, Delhi is steadily progressing toward the establishment of more than 1,100 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, as envisioned under the national capital's long-term primary healthcare roadmap," he said. "At present, 238 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational. Following tomorrow's inauguration, the total number of functioning centres will rise to 319 across the national capital," Minister Singh added. "These centres represent a major step in the Delhi government's mission to provide free, accessible, and dignified primary healthcare close to every household. The initiative is being implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in line with the national vision of 'Healthcare for All'," the Minister said. He added that each Ayushman Arogya Mandir will offer free doctor consultations, essential medicines, and diagnostic tests, along with screening for diabetes, hypertension, cancer, maternal and child healthcare, immunisation support, growth monitoring, lifestyle counselling, mental health services, and preventive health programmes such as yoga and nutrition guidance. "These neighbourhood-level facilities will significantly reduce pressure on major hospitals, ensuring timely care for women, senior citizens, and low-income families without long travel or queues." "Parallel to the expansion of Arogya Mandirs, Delhi continues to strengthen coverage under both the Ayushman Bharata"Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the Ayushman Bharat-Vaya Vandana Yojana (AB-VVY). As on 13 January 2026, a total of 6,91,530 health cards (combined PM-JAY + VVY) have been issued in Delhi, including 2,65,895 VVY cards," Minister Singh said. The Health Minister said that to ensure seamless access to secondary and tertiary care, Delhi now has 189 empanelled hospitals, comprising 138 private hospitals, 41 Delhi government hospitals, and 10 Central government hospitals. "These empanelled institutions provide cashless treatment, ensuring that financially vulnerable families can receive lifesaving care without cost barriers," he added. Seoul, Jan 14 : South Korea will take action corresponding to the results of its ongoing investigation into drone incursions alleged by North Korea, the unification minister said on Wednesday. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young made the remarks at a policy briefing by agencies affiliated with the ministry, a day after Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, again demanded that Seoul apologise for violating the North's sovereignty. On Saturday, North Korea's military accused Seoul of sending drones carrying surveillance equipment across the border in September and on January 4, claiming the country's sovereignty had been violated. South Korea immediately launched an investigation into the allegations, including the possibility that civilians may have been behind the claimed drone incursions, while saying the South's military has not sent the drones or operated the models found in the North. "The military-police fact-finding team is currently working swiftly. As soon as the results are released, (the government) will take corresponding action," Chung said. The minister also described the recent delivery of the North's back-to-back messages related to the drone allegations through the media, rather than inter-Korean communication channels, as "extremely unnatural and abnormal," and called for the restoration of dialogue between Seoul and Pyongyang. "I hope the severed inter-Korean contact networks and channels could be restored at the earliest date possible and dialogue can be resumed," Chung noted. He also signaled that Seoul may issue an apology for drones South Korea sent to North Korea in 2024 under the former Yoon Suk Yeol administration, pending a related court ruling. Former South Korean President Yoon is currently standing trial on charges of benefiting the enemy over the alleged dispatch of military drones to Pyongyang in 2024, allegedly intended to provoke the North and use any potential retaliation as a pretext for declaring martial law, Yonhap news agency reported. "After the truth is thoroughly revealed, our government will take corresponding action, as the North Korean leader previously expressed ... an apology and regret for the shooting of a (South Korean) government employee to death in the Yellow Sea in 2020," he noted. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Seoul, Jan 14 : Amid a recent supercycle in the chip industry led by an artificial intelligence (AI) boom, South Korean chipmakers are becoming vulnerable to non-practicing entities (NPEs) as Washington moves to strengthen patent protection, industry watchers said on Wednesday. NPEs, commonly known as "patent trolls," generate profits by licensing or enforcing patents rather than producing goods, reports Yonhap news agency. Such concerns have emerged as Samsung Electronics Co. and SK hynix Inc. post record-breaking earnings and expand their presence in the global chip market, increasing incentives for NPEs to file patent lawsuits. Others cite protectionist patent policies under the U.S. Donald Trump administration, which weakened safeguards designed to curb abusive litigation in the United States. In 2011, the U.S. introduced the inter partes review (IPR) system to limit excessive lawsuits by allowing challenges to patent validity. However, the Trump administration tightened eligibility rules for initiating reviews, undermining the system's effectiveness. The percentage of cases denied review was previously estimated at around 30 percent but surged to nearly 90 percent after a new chief of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office took office, according to sources. Industry watchers said lawsuits filed by NPEs could weigh down South Korean chipmakers' research and investment activities, ultimately hurting their technological competitiveness. "The future of the semiconductor sector, which is the nation's key industry, faces not just technology competition but external headwinds, such as intellectual property policies," an industry watcher said. "We should not be taken advantage of by patent trolls. We need to deliver our voices to the U.S. government and the international community and prepare practical countermeasures promptly." Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics ranked second in the global smartphone market in 2025, industry data showed, with its shipments rising 5 per cent from a year earlier, driven by strong sales of its budget lineup. The South Korean tech giant accounted for a 19 per cent share of the global smartphone market in 2025, up 1 percentage point from a year earlier, according to the data compiled by industry tracker Counterpoint Research. U.S.-based Apple took the top spot with a 20 per cent share in 2025, up 2 percentage points from the previous year. IANS na/ New Delhi, Jan 14 : Delhi Police solved a robbery case within eight hours of the incident, apprehending five juveniles and recovering the entire robbed amount of Rs 35,200. The swift action was taken by the Sarojini Nagar Police Station, officials said on Wednesday. According to a statement released by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, South West District, the staff of Police Station Sarojini Nagar successfully worked out the case within a short span of time. Five juveniles identified as "N" (16), "G" (16), "A" (16), "K.K" (16), and "P" (12) were apprehended in connection with the crime. The total robbed cash of Rs 35,200 was recovered from their possession. The incident occurred in the early hours of January 10. At around 3.52 a.m., a PCR call regarding a robbery was received at Sarojini Nagar police station. The caller reported that three boys had assaulted him and robbed him of his mobile phone and cash amounting to Rs 35,200 near the Safdarjung-AIIMS Flyover area before fleeing towards the Safdarjung side. Acting on the complaint, a case vide FIR No. 30/2026 under Sections 309(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered, and an investigation was initiated. Considering the seriousness of the offence, a dedicated police team was immediately constituted under the leadership of Inspector Atul Tyagi, SHO, Sarojini Nagar. The team comprised Sub-Inspector Anoop Kumar, Head Constables Yogesh and Ajeet, and Constables Sourav, Munhesh, Ram Kumar, and Mahesh, working under the close supervision of the ACP, Safdarjung Enclave. The team conducted sustained fieldwork, gathered local intelligence, and carried out technical verification to trace the accused. Based on continuous efforts, all five juveniles involved in the incident were identified and apprehended within eight hours of the crime. During interrogation, juvenile "N" confessed to being the main offender who stopped the victim and robbed him of the cash, which was later distributed among the group. Juveniles "G" and "A" actively assisted by restraining and overpowering the victim. Juveniles "K.K." and "P", though not directly involved at the spot, fled with the group and accepted their share of the robbed amount. Antecedent verification revealed that four of the juveniles had been previously involved in similar cases. Police further revealed that before the incident, the juveniles had consumed intoxicants, taken food at Gurudwara Nanakpura, and then moved towards the AIIMS Flyover/INA area, which helped investigators reconstruct the sequence of events. Further investigation is underway. New Delhi, Jan 14 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday wished the veterans, serving personnel, and their families on the Armed Forces Veterans Day, lauding their sacrifices to protect the borders and preserving the spirit of India. In a post on X, Singh said, "On Armed Forces Veterans Day, I bow in deep gratitude to our veterans and serving personnel whose lives are devoted to courage, honour and service before self." "Their sacrifices borne with quiet resolve and unshakable faith form the living shield of our borders, preserve the soul of our Republic and embody the enduring spirit of India," he said. "The nation's gratitude to its soldiers is eternal, and our commitment to the dignity, welfare and well-being of veterans, serving personnel and their families will remain absolute, unwavering and resolute," the Defence Minister added. The Armed Forces Veterans Day marks the birth anniversary of the Late Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. A towering figure in India's military history, Field Marshal Cariappa, the First Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army, led the forces to victory in the 1947 war and laid the foundation for an enduring legacy of service, discipline, and patriotism. This day is dedicated to honouring and recognising the brave soldiers who served in the Indian Armed Forces. A series of events and outreach programmes will be organised across the country to mark the day. The Defence Minister will attend the main event at Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantt. This will be attended by veterans residing in Delhi/NCR. The day will be commemorated across the country at 34 Rajya Sainik Boards in States & UTs and various locations pan-India by 434 Zila Sainik Boards. These events will include veterans' rallies, establishment of grievance redressal counters and facilitation help desks by System for Pension Administration - Raksha (SPARSH), the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and the Record Offices of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force to help address concerns of veterans and their dependents. Employment agencies, defence and Government Welfare Organisations & Banks will also set up stalls to provide information and assistance to veterans & their families. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text January 14 : Lucknow: On the second day of the two-day Uttar Pradesh AI and Health Innovation Conference, held at Hotel The Centrum, experts deliberated on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in strengthening the healthcare sector. The experts emphasized that when adopted thoughtfully, AI has the potential to significantly enhance healthcare delivery across the country, especially by narrowing the gap between urban and rural services. Dr. Pinky Jowel, Secretary, Medical Health and Family Welfare, highlighted that the true impact of AI will be realized when it empowers frontline health workers. She noted that ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, ANMs, and doctors form the backbone of healthcare delivery in every village. She added, When technology supports these workers, timely and more effective treatment becomes possible. She stressed the importance of expanding telemedicine and remote care to ensure that people in remote areas can easily access medical advice. Dr. Jowel pointed out that nearly 1.80 lakh ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, ANMs, and Chief Health Officers are directly connected to communities across villages and towns, making them central to both the state and national healthcare systems. AI-based tools, she said, must be designed to simplify their work rather than add to their burden. Effective use of AI at facilities such as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs can ensure quality healthcare even in remote regions. Several sessions focused on AI solutions already being implemented on the ground, particularly those aimed at early disease detection and timely referral of patients to appropriate healthcare facilities. Experts underlined that inter-departmental coordination is critical for the successful integration of AI in healthcare. Beyond the health department, collaboration among various government departments, from policy formulation to on-ground implementation, is essential to fully harness AIs potential. Such coordinated efforts can ensure consistent and improved healthcare services from the village level to tertiary hospitals. Panelists also stressed the importance of data security and patient consent, especially as women and children constitute nearly half of the countrys population. They noted that transparency and trust are fundamental to any effective healthcare system, and public acceptance of new technologies depends on confidence in how data is handled. AI, they said, can play a vital role in reducing maternal mortality by enabling early identification of risk factors during pregnancy. AI-driven systems can help frontline workers detect warning signs early and ensure timely referral to hospitals, thereby saving the lives of both mothers and children through prompt intervention at the village level. The conference featured eminent experts, including Arvind Kumar, Director General, Software Technology Parks of India; Prof. R.K. Singh, SGPGI; Dr. Sanjay Sood, C-DAC, Mohali; Prof. Sri Ram Ganapathy; and Colonel Sameer Kanwar, Director General, PATH. Hyderabad, Jan 14 : Governors and Chief Ministers of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have greeted people on the occasion of Sankranti. Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu conveyed their greetings to all Telugu people. Governor Varma extended his wishes and greetings to all the people of Telangana on the auspicious occasion of Bhogi and Sankranti festivals. "Bhogi and Sankranti stand as timeless harvest festivals symbolising abundance, renewal, and unbridled joy. Bhogi heralds the dawn with vibrant bonfires that purge the old and welcome prosperity, while Sankranti unfolds in a spectacular kite-flying skies, rhythmic Kolatam dances, and communal feasts of freshly harvested paddy, sugarcane, and sesame sweets, embodying the State's agrarian soul," the Governor said in his message. "These celebrations hold profound significance in our heritage, igniting immense enthusiasm and jubilation across villages and towns. May Bhogi and Sankranti inspire noble thoughts of love, affection, amity, and prosperity, bringing happiness, good health, and enduring well-being to every household in Telangana. Once again, I convey my sincere greetings on these joyous festivals," the Governor added. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy extended greetings to all Telugu people on the occasion of the Sankranti festival. The Chief Minister wished that Bhogi, Sankranti and Kanuma would bring prosperity in everyone's life, and people celebrate the festivities full of joy and happiness. "The People's Government resolved to reach the benefits of all welfare schemes to the needy," the Chief Minister said and exuded confidence that the youngest state of Telangana will register a remarkable growth in agriculture, industry, manufacturing and services sectors. CM Revanth Reddy affirmed that the State government will strive to achieve the goals set in the Telangana Rising 2047 vision document. Appealing to everyone to celebrate the Sankranti festival by upholding Telugu traditions, the CM advised people to take necessary safety precautions while flying kites. On the occasion of the Bhogi festival, Governor Abdul Nazeer conveyed his heartiest greetings to the people of Andhra Pradesh. The Governor said that Bhogi marks the beginning of the harvest festival and symbolises renewal, gratitude, and prosperity, and that the festival reflects the rich agrarian traditions and cultural heritage of the region. The Governor wished the people a happy and prosperous Bhogi festival. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu wished the Telugu people celebrating the Bhogi festival in Telugu households adorned with Sankranti rangolis. "I sincerely wish that the brightly glowing Bhogi flames bring new light to you and your family. I earnestly hope that your thoughts, guided by an optimistic outlook, turn into reality, and on this occasion, I assure you that I will stand by you in that endeavour. Wishing that your life balances with joys and fortunes, once again conveying Bhogi festival greetings to everyone," CM Naidu posted on 'X'. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and Andhra Pradesh State Congress chief Y. S. Sharmila also greeted people. Bitcoin advocacy groups have pressed Congress to extend planned tax exemptions to Bitcoin and major network tokens beyond stablecoins, warning that limiting relief to dollar-pegged tokens alone would not resolve the compliance challenges facing millions of Americans who use crypto for everyday payments. The Bitcoin Policy Institute, joined by Bitcoin Voter, Blocks, Crypto Council, Digital Chamber, MoonPay, River, and others, sent the letter on Sunday to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Michael Crapo and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith. The coalition warned that current proposals to limit de minimis tax exemptions solely to payment stablecoins compliant with the GENIUS Act, signed into law in July, would undercut the very purpose of tax reform. The letter arrives as lawmakers grapple with how to simplify tax reporting for crypto transactions, with the IRS still treating crypto as property, meaning even buying a coffee with Bitcoin triggers a taxable event requiring basis tracking and gain or loss calculations. "Imagine having to pay capital gains every time you swipe a card? It's definitely discouraging crypto payments, and if the U.S. wants to be the crypto capital of the world, allowing crypto to be used as money without any restrictions and compliance burdens is critical, Zakhil Suresh, founder and CEO at crypto asset manager BitSave, told Decrypt. The letter also recommended cash-like treatment for GENIUS-compliant payment stablecoins with no transaction or annual limits, similar to physical cash. "Payment stablecoins do not operate in a vacuum; they run on open blockchain networks that rely on separate network tokens for consensus, security, and transaction execution," the coalition wrote, making the case that both asset types must receive relief for the policy to work in practice. The coalition proposed a $25 billion market capitalization threshold to determine which network tokens qualify for exemptions, along with a $600 per-transaction limit and a $20,000 annual cap. About 45 million Americans own crypto, led by Bitcoin, and Federal Reserve data shows that roughly 7 million Americans used Bitcoin or other network tokens for payments in 2024, the letter noted. Fireblocks Expands Into Crypto Accounting With TRES Finance Acquisition The groups say over 3,500 merchants across all 50 U.S. states now accept Bitcoin at the point of sale, making the country the largest jurisdiction for Bitcoin payments. The push revives an effort that stalled in July when Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) failed to attach crypto tax amendments to President Donald Trump's reconciliation bill. January 14 : Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is attracting global companies towards itself for long-term investment due to rapidly developing infrastructure. This state has become an emerging destination from the perspective of investment in global capability centres (GCC). In the last nine years, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is firmly advancing its steps towards a knowledge and service-based economy. Industry experts say that in the coming days, Uttar Pradesh will become a very big centre for global companies. The target is to establish over 1000 GCCs in the state, through which over five lakh youth of the state will get employment opportunities. Through Uttar Pradesh GCC Policy 2024, the Yogi government has adopted such policy clarity and long-term vision that the biggest concern of global companies has been removed. Among these, uncertainty in rules and delay in processes were the most prominent. Keeping this challenge in mind, the state government has prepared a clear framework, so that investors can understand rules, conditions and liabilities from the beginning itself. This has created an environment of trust, the speed of decision-making has increased. The result of this is that there are currently about 90 GCCs in the state. Land-based incentives are playing an important role in reducing the initial cost of investment. The thinking of the state government is that when the investor gets structural support in the initial phase, he will remain connected to the state for a long time. This is the reason that instead of temporary office or rental arrangement, priority is being given to permanent industrial infrastructure. This model is considered important in the direction of making the states industrial scenario strong and stable. The emphasis of the state government is not limited to merely attracting investment, but also on its time-bound implementation. For this, accountability has been fixed, so that projects can be completed within the stipulated time. In the eyes of investors, Uttar Pradesh is now a result-oriented state where investing is beneficial. Through global capability centres, new opportunities for high-value employment are being created in the state. Local youth are getting a way to gain international-level experience in areas like information technology, engineering, data and management. This will not only strengthen the states human resource capacity but also effectively control the trend of talent migration. By encouraging investment especially in less developed areas, the government is also moving forward in the direction of removing regional imbalance. When global companies mark their presence in these areas, the local economy will get momentum. Kolkata, Jan 14 : Serious allegations of medical negligence have surfaced at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata after a woman died during her treatment, prompting her family to protest The hospital premises witnessed protests and chaos in the night following the death of an elderly woman. The deceased was identified as Jaibun Nisha (65), a resident of Belgachia in North Kolkata. Her family members erupted in protest, alleging that she died after being left unattended for a long time following her admission to the hospital with respiratory problems. The family said that the elderly woman was brought to the trauma care unit at RG Kar around 8 p.m. Tuesday, and alleged that although only one doctor was present at the time, he refused to examine the patient. The relatives claimed that despite Jaibun Nisha being in critical condition, no doctor came forward to treat her for a long period of 40 to 45 minutes. Following this, the patient's family members became furious. As tensions escalated in the hospital premises, five to six junior doctors arrived at the scene after some time. However, by then, the patient's condition had deteriorated severely. Despite the doctors' initial efforts, the elderly woman died. Following this incident, the deceased's relatives and neighbours staged a strong protest in front of the trauma care unit, raising questions about the hospital's security and services. A family member, Shamim Akhtar, told local reporters, "The situation at RG Kar Hospital is very bad. We would advise against bringing anyone to RG Kar if their condition is critical. The doctors are getting police support, but we are not receiving any services. There is utter chaos throughout the entire hospital." A large police force and central reserve police personnel stationed at the hospital quickly arrived at the scene to control the situation. After a long effort, the police managed to disperse the protesters. The situation gradually came under control on Wednesday morning. The deceased's family has demanded an investigation into the allegations of medical negligence. There has been no official response from the hospital authorities regarding the incident so far. It may be recalled that on August 9 in 2024, the body of a post-graduate trainee woman doctor was recovered from the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident had sent shockwaves across the country and beyond, resulting in widespread sustained protest movements by doctors, other activists and people. The sole convict, Sanjoy Roy, has already been sentenced to life imprisonment by a trial court. Even after a year, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been unable to complete its investigation into the "larger conspiracy" behind the crime. January 14 : Lucknow: In a significant step towards inclusive development, digital literacy and technological empowerment of girl students, the Social Welfare Department has launched a new initiative in collaboration with the Madad Foundation. A coordination meeting and tablet distribution program was organized on Tuesday at Bhagidari Bhawan in Gomti Nagar, during which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed between the Social Welfare Department and the Madad Foundation. Under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government continues to place strong emphasis on the digitalization of education. As part of this initiative, a total of 40 tablets were distributed to the principals of Jai Prakash Narayan Sarvodaya Girls Schools located in Gorakhpur and Maharajganj districts. Each school received 20 tablets. The initiative has been launched as a pilot project and based on its outcomes, the program will be expanded to cover more schools in the future. Minister of State for Social Welfare Asim Arun and Madad Foundation Founder Rajesh Mani were present at the event. Addressing the gathering, Minister Asim Arun stated that digital education has become a critical requirement in todays rapidly evolving world. Access to modern technological tools will not only enhance the quality of education for girl students but will also help build confidence and self reliance among them. He noted that the initiative aligns closely with the Yogi Adityanath governments vision for women empowerment and the objectives of "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" and "Digital India". The program also highlighted the state governments broader efforts to integrate technology into education through smart classrooms, e-content, digital devices and skill and career oriented training programs. The overarching goal is to ensure that girls are not only academically qualified but also technologically competent and prepared for future opportunities. Madad Foundation Founder Rajesh Mani described the partnership with the Social Welfare Department as a meaningful contribution towards social development and strengthening the education ecosystem. The event was attended by Social Welfare Department Director Sanjeev Singh, Deputy Director Anand Kumar Singh, J. Ram, other departmental officials and members of the Madad Foundation team. Bengaluru, Jan 14 : The leadership tussle in Karnataka has once again come to the forefront, with Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, a strong contender for the CM post, sharing a cryptic poster on Wednesday. The poster, shared on social media platform X, prominently features Deputy CM Shivakumar with the message, "Efforts may fail, but prayers never do." The development has assumed significance amid strong rumours that the party's national leadership will call Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar to resolve the leadership tussle after the Sankranti festival. Shivakumar's camp is hopeful of receiving "good news". The development has further fuelled speculation following reports of Rahul Gandhi holding a private conversation at Mandakalli Airport in Mysuru on Tuesday evening. Sources close to Shivakumar said Rahul Gandhi has assured him not to be concerned and that he would be called to Delhi soon. Encouraged by this assurance, Shivakumar shared the post, the sources added. Congress insiders stated that the crucial meeting is likely to be held towards the end of this month. It can be recalled that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and senior state Congress leaders came to see off Rahul Gandhi at Mysuru Airport in Mandakalli on Tuesday as he departed for Delhi. Meanwhile, a private conversation between Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress chief, and Rahul Gandhi at the airport has sparked speculation amid the ongoing leadership tussle in the state. Videos and photographs of Shivakumar and Rahul Gandhi holding a private discussion have gone viral on social media, fuelling speculation in political circles over a possible change in leadership. The Siddaramaiah camp is closely watching developments, as rumours are rife that the party high command may call both leaders to Delhi after the Sankranti festival for discussions on the leadership issue. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had stated on Monday that the party high command would call both leaders whenever necessary. Meanwhile, at a media interaction, CM Siddaramaiah, when asked about political speculations regarding the Chief Minister's post, retorted: "What speculations? It's only media speculations. You are the ones creating speculations; the raising of these questions itself is baseless. Where is the confusion at the party? There is no development as such. There is nothing of this sort going on in the party." Regarding Congress Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain's statement that Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar will become the Chief Minister, he said, "They are baseless. Either I should talk about it, or the Deputy CM should speak about it. We are better people, and we should know what's happening. We should talk, right?" New Delhi, Jan 14 : A day after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that women voters were being targeted in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar on Wednesday accused her of spreading fear and falsehood. Speaking to IANS, BJP leader Majumdar said, "Women of West Bengal have realised that if a situation like Bangladesh occurs, they cannot save themselves with their Laxmi Bhandar money. Women are aware of what happened with Dipu Chandra Das and the widow in Bangladesh, who was harassed just for being a Hindu, and that's why Mamata is afraid." He further rejected the Chief Ministeras allegation that women voters were being targeted through the SIR process. "Mamata Banerjee has a habit of spreading falsehood. There is no question of targeting any woman. This time, women will vote against Mamata Banerjee. All women are ready," MoS Majumdar said. His remarks came a day after Chief Minister Banerjee accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of unilaterally deleting names from the draft electoral rolls during the SIR process in the state. Addressing a press conference at the state secretariat, CM Banerjee alleged that nearly 54 lakh names were removed using the powers of electoral registration officers and claimed that the exercise was carried out to benefit the BJP. Calling it a serious error, the Trinamool Congress chief said, "This is the biggest blunder of the ECI. They have played a game with the people to favour the BJP. They thought that by engaging in a black game and performing black magic, they would snatch the democratic rights of the people." "Names of 5.8 million voters were illegally and unethically struck off without giving them a chance to explain. Women, who have changed their surname or have shifted to a new address after marriage, have been targeted," the Chief Minister said. She further alleged that similar strategies were adopted in other states. "They did the same thing in Maharashtra, Haryana and Bihar. No one could understand what happened. When people came to understand after the final roll was published, they didn't get justice, as the ECI had already announced the election dates by then. They have similar plans here," CM Banerjee said, referring to the deletion of around 5.8 million names from the draft electoral roll published on December 16. Ranchi, Jan 14 : The Jharkhand Police have safely rescued two siblings -- four-year-old Ansh and five-year-old Anshika -- who were abducted from the Dhurwa police station area of Ranchi 12 days ago, officials said on Wednesday. Two accused have been arrested in connection with the case, the officials added. The children were recovered from the Chitarpur area of Ramgarh district following an intensive search operation. Their disappearance had triggered widespread public anger and protests across the city. According to police, the siblings had left their home near Mausi Bari Khatal in Dhurwa around 3 p.m. on January 2 to buy groceries from a nearby shop, but did not return. After an extensive search failed to trace them, the family lodged a missing persons complaint at the Dhurwa police station on January 3. Given the seriousness of the case, a 40-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted under the supervision of SSP Rakesh Ranjan. The police scrutinised more than 5,000 mobile numbers using technical and human intelligence and analysed footage from around 2,000 CCTV cameras across Ranchi and nearby areas. A poster campaign was launched with the support of voluntary organisations, and a reward of Rs 4 lakh was announced for information leading to the childrenas recovery. Several political parties and social organisations staged protests, while the Dhurwa sub-town observed a bandh on Sunday. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) also took cognisance of the matter and sought a report from the Jharkhand Director General of Police. Police said crucial leads eventually led the SIT to Chitarpur, where the children were rescued safely. Preliminary investigations indicate that the siblings were abducted by members of a nomadic Gulgulia gang. The police confirmed that both children are in good health, and the process of handing them over to their family is underway. Interrogation of the arrested accused is continuing to ascertain the motive behind the abduction and to identify other members of the network. Jharkhand DGP Tadasha Mishra will reveal more details about the abduction and successful rescue of the children at a press conference. New Delhi, Jan 14 : Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan extended greetings to all veterans and their families on the occasion of Armed Forces Veterans Day on Wednesday, hailing their courage and long years of selfless duty as well as their efforts that remain integral to the country's defence efforts. Extending wishes to the veterans and their families through a letter, the CDS said, "This day is dedicated to acknowledge the service rendered by those who have defended the Nation across land, sea, and air. Our Veterans have served in war and peace, rendering long years of selfless duty that have sustained India's security. Their actions have shaped our military history, strengthened national defence, and built the foundations of a strong and resilient military. The standards they upheld continue to guide those still in uniform." "We also recognise the role of Veterans' families, whose support enabled sustained service under demanding conditions. Their contribution remains an integral part of the Nation's defence effort," he added. Gen Chauhan said that the experience and leadership of the veterans "remain relevant as the Defence Forces embark on an era of transition". "Their lessons inform our approach to jointness, capability development, integration of new technologies, and preparation for operations in a complex multi-domain environment. Their service underscores that duty and honour endure beyond generations," he said. He stated that the Indian Defence Forces remain committed to the welfare, dignity, and well-being of the veterans, while acknowledging that their continued engagement, mentorship, and participation in national life strengthen both society and the profession of arms. "On this day, we reaffirm our gratitude to every Veteran who has served the Nation and safeguarded its sovereignty and integrity. Their service continues to inspire our pursuit of operational effectiveness and professional excellence," the CDS added. Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi also extended his best wishes to the ex-servicemen and their families. "Ex-servicemen have made invaluable contributions to nation-building. Their unwavering loyalty, discipline, and selfless service inspire future generations. Ex-servicemen are a pillar of strength for India's development. They are contributing immensely to promoting national unity, guiding the youth, and building a strong and developed India," Gen Dwivedi said in a statement. Calling the veterans "an inspiration to the nation", the Army chief said that the "entire country takes pride in them". The Indian Air Force also wished the veterans, stating, "All Air Warriors of the Indian Air Force extend best wishes to our Veterans on the occasion of 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day. We remember. We honour. We salute." The Armed Forces Veterans Day marks the birth anniversary of the Late Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. A towering figure in India's military history, Field Marshal Cariappa, the First Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army, led the forces to victory in the 1947 war and laid the foundation for an enduring legacy of service, discipline, and patriotism. This day is dedicated to honouring and recognising the brave soldiers who served in the Indian Armed Forces. Kolkata, Jan 14 : Two nurses from Barasat in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal who have tested positive for the Nipah virus are in a coma and in extremely critical condition, hospital sources said on Wednesday. In both cases, the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores for eye opening, verbal response, and motor response are below five. The female nurse has tested positive for Nipah, with her samples confirmed by the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. Doctors said the male nurse, who is currently on ventilator support, is also likely to test positive. Around 65 people who came into contact with the two nurses have been identified and placed under isolation. The infected nurses were staying as paying guests in Hridaypur, Barasat. Two people who stayed with the male nurse and one who stayed with the female nurse have developed fever and are under observation. Those exposed to the patients, including the ambulance driver who transported them to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, medical staff involved in their treatment, and others present at the time, have been screened and provided preventive care. The Centre has activated standard protocols for surveillance, sample collection and bed preparedness. A joint team of experts from the state and central health departments has visited the private hospital in Barasat, where the nurses are admitted. Samples of 14 contacts have been sent to AIIMS Kalyani for testing, while additional samples have been collected from Katwa and Burdwan Medical College Hospitals. Sources said a female nurse from Katwa is also in a critical condition and has slipped into a coma. An RMO from the same hospital has developed similar symptoms and is undergoing treatment. His blood samples have been sent for testing. At least 23 hospital staff members have been quarantined so far, a number that may rise further. The two Nipah cases were first identified on Sunday by the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) at ICMR-AIIMS Kalyani. Both nurses are attached to a hospital in Barasat and are currently admitted to the ICU of a private facility. A national joint outbreak response team has been deployed to assist the state government in containment and public health measures. The team includes experts from the All India Institute of Health and Public Hygiene, Kolkata; NIV, Pune; National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai; AIIMS Kalyani; and the Department of Wildlife under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda has assured full support from the Centre. He wrote to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and also spoke to her over the phone, reiterating the Union governmentas commitment to provide all necessary assistance, according to a statement from the health ministry. Kottayam, Jan 14 : Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose K. Mani on Wednesday firmly dismissed reports suggesting that his party was preparing to return to the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), asserting that the party remained firmly with the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF). "Who is discussing this?" Mani asked, before citing Lord Jesus Christ's words from the Holy Bible to press his point: "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children." He suggested that the renewed speculation was misplaced and politically-motivated, questioning the timing and intent behind the rumours. For the past two days, political circles in Kerala have been abuzz with reports that Kerala Congress (M), the third-largest ally in the ruling LDF, was reconsidering its alliance ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Addressing the media, Mani said the discussions gained traction when he was abroad. He explained that he had travelled to Dubai to visit his father's close associate who was seriously ill and had informed the leaders concerned of his unavailability. "Despite that, all five of our MLAs were present (at the protest of the Left against the Centre in the state capital city)," he said, indicating that the party's functioning had not been disrupted. Reiterating his party's position, Mani said, "Our stand is clear. We are with the Left. Do I have to say this every day?" He pointed out that Kerala Congress (M) had participated in all LDF meetings. "In a party, there can be differences, but finally there is only one collective view," he said. Drawing a contrast with the Opposition, Mani said the UDF's strength had declined, claiming that its tally had fallen from 110 seats (based on the 2024 Lok Sabha polls) to 80 following the local body elections held in December. He also recalled that Kerala Congress (M) was "ousted" by the Congress-led UDF in the past and said the party was "happy and comfortable" within the Left front. Rejecting suggestions of external influence, he said the Church never interfered in politics. However, one remark that is expected to fuel further political debate was his assertion: "Where Kerala Congress (M) is, power will be there," underlining the party's continued relevance in Kerala's shifting political arithmetic. Meanwhile the steering committee meeting of his party on Friday is expected to discuss this hotly-debated issue of shifting loyalties. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 14 : Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly A.N. Shamseer on Wednesday ruled out any immediate move to disqualify the expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, stating that no formal complaint had been received from any legislator seeking action against him, even as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continued evidence collection in a third rape case involving the MLA. Shamseer said private complaints had reached him, but clarified that disqualification proceedings could be initiated only if a complaint was filed by a sitting member of the Assembly. He added that for the matter to be referred to the Privileges and Ethics Committee, at least one MLA must submit a formal complaint, which had not happened so far. The Speaker also rejected the argument that Mamkootathil's arrest in a rape case had tarnished the dignity of the House. "How does this affect the dignity of the Assembly? Individuals do not decide the dignity of the House," he said, adding that one cannot declare everything rotten because a single mango in a basket has gone bad. Shamseer said society must learn to respect women and cautioned against painting everyone with the same brush because of the actions of a few. His remarks came as the SIT conducted a reconstruction of events with Mamkootathil at a hotel in Thiruvalla, in connection with the third rape case registered against him. Based on the survivor's complaint, the evidence collection was carried out at the hotel, where the alleged incident is said to have occurred on April 8, 2024. Amid heavy protests, the Congress MLA was brought to the hotel under tight security around 6 a.m. The inspection was conducted in Room No. 408, where, according to the complaint, the sexual assault took place. During questioning, Mamkootathil admitted that he had come to the hotel with the young woman, but maintained that he had gone there only to talk to her. He did not respond to the allegation of sexual assault. Investigators said the room had been booked under the name "Rahul B.R." Mamkootathil has also declined to provide the passwords of mobile phones seized as part of the probe. With the investigation progressing and political pressure mounting, the Speaker's clarification has, for now, put to rest speculation over any immediate disqualification move against the legislator. His bail application in this case will be heard on Friday. Now all eyes are on if he gets bail, will he come to attend the last and final session of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly which begins on January 20. The Governor's policy address will be held on the same day. A 32-day Assembly session has been scheduled, and the State Budget will be presented on January 29. BlackRock is set to reduce its global workforce by approximately 1%, amounting to around 250 positions, reported Reuters citing sources. The announcement, which follows an initial report by Bloomberg News, comes as part of the firms customary review intended to enhance operational efficiency. A spokesperson from BlackRock said: Improving BlackRock is a constant priority. Each year, we make decisions to ensure that our resources are aligned with our objectives and that we are well positioned to serve clients today and in the future. The company has not specified when the redundancies will take effect or provided detailed reasons for the decision, according to the New York Post. Asked for comment, Black said in an emailed statement to Private Banker International that it do[es] not have a comment. BlackRock has recently increased its presence in alternative investment markets. Under CEO Larry Fink, the asset manager concluded a $12bn deal to acquire HPS Investment Partners in July, adding private credit and infrastructure investment capabilities to its portfolio. The process of integrating new leadership from these acquisitions and preparing a new array of funds for clients is ongoing, New York Post added. For 2026, BlackRock has outlined investment themes centred around AI, income generation, and greater diversification. Among its existing offerings is a technology-focused exchange-traded fund dedicated to AI companies. Financial results from the third quarter of 2025 show BlackRocks assets under management growing to $13.46tn, up 17% from $11.47tn a year earlier. Adjusted net income for the period rose to $1.9bn from $1.7bn reported in the previous years corresponding quarter. "BlackRock to trim around 1% of global headcount report " was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Seoul, Jan 14 : An internal rift in the South Korea's main opposition People Power Party (PPP) was seen to be intensifying on Wednesday after its ethics committee voted to expel former chief Han Dong-hoon over allegations his family posted defamatory comments about former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. The ethics panel announced the decision in a late-night meeting Tuesday, saying Han will be expelled for actions deemed "extremely damaging to the party" and for violating party rules in ways that hinder the PPP's development and negatively affect public sentiment. Han's family faces allegations of uploading derogatory posts about Yoon, who was ousted over his failed martial law bid, and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, on a bulletin board of the PPP's website. The expulsion comes as the leadership of the current PPP chief, Jang Dong-hyeok, has sought to distance the embattled party from Yoon ahead of the June 3 local elections. PPP lawmakers clashed over the committee's decision, with those aligned with Han denouncing the vote as politically motivated, Yonhap news agency reported. Rep. Woo Jae-jun, a member of the party's youth supreme council, said the decision to expel Han has 'no legitimacy,' calling it 'retaliation' against Han for supporting Yoon's impeachment. Han, once a close aide to Yoon, was among party members who opposed Yoon's decree on the night of the martial law and later supported his impeachment. Shortly after the decision was announced, Han posted a brief message on his Facebook page, saying he will "defend democracy together with the people." In a press conference, Han described the party's move as 'another' declaration of martial law, saying he will work to block it 'once again' with the people and party members. "Another martial law has been declared that destroys the Constitution and democracy at a time when we must overcome the previous martial law and move toward unity," Han said, though he added that he has no intention to file for reconsideration. Rep. Song Seok-jun wrote on Facebook, "(The decision marks) the death of democracy within the party." Meanwhile, other members of the party's leadership defended the panel's move. "There was a broad consensus within the party that this issue had dragged on too long and that we needed to come to a conclusion," Rep. Shin Dong-wook said on a local radio program, urging the leadership's efforts to prevent further escalation of the internal rift, Yonhap news agency reported. On a YouTube channel of a local broadcaster, Rep. Kim Jae-won said the decision marked an end to the "Yoon Suk Yeol era" and urged the party to "start fresh." PPP media spokesperson Park Min-young also supported the committee's move, stressing, "Manipulation of public opinion is not democracy." The decision has raised concerns that the escalating conflict could weaken the party in the upcoming local elections and drive away conservative supporters. Under the ethics committee's four-tier disciplinary system -- which ranges from the lowest of warning to the highest of expulsion -- Han will be expelled and stripped of his party membership. The committee noted that Han publicly admitted that he belatedly became aware of his family's involvement in the posts. Han's expulsion is expected to be finalised at a supreme council meeting as early as January 26. Mumbai, Jan 14 : As Maharashtra prepares for high-stakes elections across 29 municipal corporations on Thursday, MNS chief Raj Thackeray has launched a scathing attack on the State Election Commission (SEC). Raj Thackeray, who was accompanied by his cousin and Shiv Sena(UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence, accused the poll body of bias, questioning a controversial new notification that allows candidates to conduct door-to-door visits right up until the day of voting. Traditionally, he said a "silence period" begins 48 hours before polling, during which all forms of campaigning must cease. However, he claimed a new directive has disrupted this long-standing practice. Addressing the media on Wednesday, the MNS chief expressed his outrage over the timing and intent of the new rules. "We have been observing elections for years. Usually, once the campaign ends at 5 p.m., there is a day of rest followed by polling. This has been the tradition. But now, a new notification says candidates can meet voters until 5 p.m. on polling day. Where did this system come from?" Raj Thackeray questioned. He further alleged that the rule is a veiled attempt to facilitate voter bribery. "They say you can meet voters but cannot distribute leaflets. Perhaps what they really mean is that you can distribute money. Is the State Election Commission working solely to fulfil the government's wishes?" he asked, noting that such rules were not applied during the Assembly or Lok Sabha elections. Beyond the campaigning rules, Raj Thackeray raised serious technical concerns regarding the voting process. He highlighted the introduction of a new device called the Printing Auxiliary Display Unit (PADU) machines as a backup during vote counting if EVMs fail in the municipal elections, and claimed that these machines have been introduced without transparency, as the political parties are not aware of them. The SEC did not bother even to inform the political parties about it, he alleged. Raj Thackeray stated that neither the public nor political parties have been shown how these units function. He mentioned that even after formal inquiries (including a letter from Uddhav Thackeray), the State Election Commission has failed to provide clarity. "When EVMs are used, party representatives are called to verify the buttons. But this new machine hasn't been shown to anyone. This is pure anarchy," he remarked. Warning his supporters and the public, Raj Thackeray urged MNS and Shiv Sena workers to remain vigilant against alleged malpractice. He claimed that opponents -- specifically the BJP and the Shinde-led faction -- are hiding cash inside campaign pamphlets to lure voters. "I am telling the soldiers of the MNS and Shiv Sena to stay alert. Watch the candidates visiting homes. People are starting to reject this, which is a good sign, but we must keep a close eye on how money is being distributed," said Raj Thackeray. The MNS chief's allegations have added a layer of intensity to an already heated election cycle, raising significant questions about the impartiality of the poll machinery in the state. However, SEC Dinesh Waghmare on Tuesday cited a standing order from February 14, 2012, allowing candidates to conduct door-to-door campaigns after the public campaigning ends. "This is not a new order as it was applied during the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections," Waghmare stated. "Public campaigning -- which includes rallies and meetings -- must end 48 hours before polling. However, personal interaction is not banned. Candidates can visit homes or meet voters outside the 100-meter radius of polling booths, but they cannot use microphones or move in large groups," he said. He reiterated that no more than five people, including the candidate, per group can do door-to-door campaigning. There is a total ban on microphones and sound systems. The SEC warned that any distribution of cash or gifts is a criminal offence and is being closely monitored. New Delhi, Jan 14 : A Rs. 50-crore project undertaken by the now-deposed Sheikh Hasina government to preserve the history of Bangladesh's Liberation War of 1971, which included video interviews of about 15,000 participants, will be shelved now, said reports. Dhaka's current administration has no plans to preserve the interviews, and the agency working on the project will not be paid, according to a report in Bangladesh's prominent newspaper Prothom Alo on Wednesday. Officials told the newspaper that they found the recorded interviews did not depict the "exact history" of the Liberation War, adding there were inconsistencies in the video. Claiming that the experience of freedom fighters was not adequately reflected in the recordings, the videos were discarded fearing that these may create a negative impression about the Liberation War among the future generation, the report said. According to the newspaper, the project was initiated in 2022 by the Awami League government so that participants in the 1971 Liberation War could share their experiences with later generations. The cost of implementing the project titled 'Birer Kante Bir Gatha (Heroes Voice Heroic Tales)' was estimated at Rs. 49.57 crore (Bangladesh). It included 80,000 documentaries, based on interviews with freedom fighters, 80,000 YouTube content and 16 documentaries, which were scheduled to be completed in December 2024. The Awami League government was ousted in August that year amid a students' uprising. The project was finalised in May 2023 with the-then Ministry of Liberation War entering into an agreement with a company named Management and Training International Limited (MTI). According to the agreement, interviewees were to be asked 19 questions, including the sector a freedom fighter fought in; under whose direction he participated in the war; where and how he was during the nine months of the Liberation War and if he was injured, etc. The report attributed project officials claiming the scrapped videos did not meet prescribed criteria. The interim government had reportedly asked them to stop making videos, but the contractor did not comply, project director Afrazur Rahman told Prothom Alo, adding that their bills were not paid because of this. The decision to cancel the assignment was taken after a committee formed to verify 14,640 videos recommended to the administration not to accept it. Prothom Alo quoted a report of the reviewing committee that claimed the recorded video images to be of very poor quality. It also found that the assigned organisation could not present the real history of the Liberation War in the interviews. "If these videos are preserved in archives, the future generation will have a negative impression of the Liberation War. Paying the bill against these videos will be a waste of government money," said the report. Asked about the future of the scrapped interviews, Prothom Alo quoted unnamed officials of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs saying that these videos will not be preserved in the film archives since these images did not depict the exact picture of the Liberation War. Ajmal Kabir Rabbi, deputy program manager of Management and Training International Limited (MTI), told the newspaper that they think the decision to cancel the videos was "intentional". "If our previous 12,788 interviews were of good quality, how can the next 14,640 interviews be bad? This is a vindictive act of the current interim government," he stated. New Delhi, Jan 14 : When Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the Sabarmati riverfront in Gujarat and gave him a glimpse of the International kite festival, the grandeur and splendour of the carnival too attained the global spotlight. The International kite festival, held every year in Gujarat, marks Uttarayan a significant period in Hindu calendar symbolising the onset of longer days. Interestingly, the kite festival was a localized celebration until 1990s and it was only in early 2000s when the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi made a determined effort to make it global. It was under his leadership that Gujarat's 'Patangotsav' has evolved from a local celebration into a global phenomenon, the foundation for which was laid after him taking over as the Chief Minister. Modi Archive, a popular social media handle on X, has shared a throwback image from Uttarayan 2002, when the newly sworn-in CM was celebrating Makar Sankranti from a rooftop in the heart of Ahmedabad with native families. The video shared by Modi Archive, shows nostalgic moments of the then CM taking part in kite festival with local families and also devouring on Uttarayan feast. It was in 2004 that CM Modi launched the International Kite festival, turning the local tradition into a global cultural event. The Modi Archive, stating in a post, "The sky has never been the limit for Narendra Modi," informs that the kite flying industry was a small cottage industry before 2000s but the state government under Narendra Modi saw a big opportunity in it for creating jobs, income and cultural pride. As the Gujarat CM, he initiated steps to increase the kite-making business by aiding it with financial support and providing training to locals in latest techniques, packaging and quality control. As a result of this, artisans became more competitive. The festival's success showed that clear vision, quick action and people-focused planning could transform a local cottage industry into a global success story. "By 2014, the kite-making business started supporting thousands of families in earning their livelihood. The festival expanded to multiple cities with international kite-fliers from dozens of nations arriving in Gujarat to participate in the celebrations," informs the X handle. As more than 70 percent artisans in kite-making business comprise women, a transformative change was brought into their lives by connecting them to the mainstream and also ensuring their upliftment. Today, the 'Patangotsav' has become a platform to engage international investors, diplomats and global audiences. The kite festival has indeed become a symbol of empowerment, economic growth and Gujarat's rise on the global stage. --IANS mr/ Mumbai, Jan 14 : The Directorate of Enforcement's (ED) Mumbai Zonal Office has provisionally attached movable and immovable assets worth approximately Rs 35.22 crore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in a case involving M/s Suumaya Group and others, an official statement said on Wednesday. The attached assets include bank balances, demat holdings, mutual fund investments, and two immovable properties, the ED said. The financial probe agency initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered by Worli Police Station against several individuals and entities, including M/s Suumaya Industries Ltd and its promoters, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. According to the ED, the accused conspired to embezzle funds amounting to Rs 137 crore by luring investors with promises of future benefits under a purported 'Need to Feed' programme. The investigation revealed that the Suumaya Group and its associates fabricated a bogus Haryana government contract under the guise of the "Need to Feed" programme to raise funds and secure trade financing. The group projected non-existent business operations as legitimate turnover, ED alleged. ED findings further indicate that funds received by Suumaya Group entities were diverted by promoter Ushik Gala to dummy agro-trader entities based in Delhi and Haryana through intermediaries to falsely depict genuine procurement activities. No actual agro purchases took place. Instead, the diverted funds were routed back to Gala through cash and RTGS transactions using shell entities. The agency also stated that Suumaya Group created fake invoices and lorry receipts to simulate large-scale trade, resulting in circular transactions worth nearly Rs 5,000 crore, of which only about 10 per cent were genuine. These circular transactions artificially inflated the turnover of the group entities. As a result, Suumaya's reported turnover surged from Rs 210 crore to Rs 6,700 crore within two years, leading to a sharp and misleading rise in the company's share price and misrepresentation to investors in its listed group entities, the ED said. Earlier, the ED conducted search operations at 19 locations across Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram, during which it seized movable assets worth Rs 3.9 crore, along with substantial financial and digital records and documents allegedly evidencing money laundering and fund diversion. During the course of the investigation, the ED arrested Gala under Section 19 of the PMLA on November 17, 2025. New Delhi, Jan 14 : Indian passports jumped five places in global mobility rankings in 2026, offering visaafree, visaaonaarrival or eTA access to 55 destinations, a report said on Wednesday. New Delhi, Jan 14 (IANS) Indian passports jumped five places in global mobility rankings in 2026, offering visafree, visaonarrival or eTA access to 55 destinations, a report said on Wednesday. The Henley Passport Index placed India at 80th spot sharing this rank with Algeria and Niger. Singapore, which topped the list, has visa-free access to 192 countries. Japan (188 destinations) and South Korea followed closely, highlighting the connection of travel freedom with the economic strength of the country. Indian travellers enjoy visa free access across parts of Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and island nations. However, advance visas are still required for most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada and large parts of East Asia. European passports dominated the top 10 spots, each offering access to more than 180 countries. Afghanistan remained the weakest passport with access to just 24 destinations. The United States returned to the top 10 in the index after a brief dip in recent years, even as both the US and UK recorded steep yearonyear losses in visafree access. "Over the past 20 years, global mobility has expanded significantly, but the benefits have been distributed unevenly", said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman at Henley & Partners and creator of the Henley Passport Index. "Today, passport privilege plays a decisive role in shaping opportunity, security, and economic participation, with rising average access masking a reality in which mobility advantages are increasingly concentrated among the world's most economically powerful and politically stable nations," he added. Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland were in third spot of the index with access to 186 destinations, ahead of an unprecedented group of ten European countries sharing the fourth position. The UAE emerged as the strongest performer on the Henley Passport Index over the past 20 years, adding 149 visa-free destinations since 2006. It climbed 57 places to fifth spot with visa-free access to 184 destinations, driven by sustained diplomatic engagement and visa liberalisation. China ranked 59th with visa-free access to 81 destinations. Kolkata, Jan 14 : The detection of two suspected Nipah virus cases in West Bengal has put health authorities on alert, prompting the Centre to deploy a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to support containment and public health measures. Doctors said that the Nipah virus is rare, unpredictable and can be deadly. On Wednesday, they said that awareness and early action are crucial to prevent its spread. Dr Rakesh Pandit said Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. "Fruit bats are the natural carriers of the virus. People can get infected by consuming contaminated food or through close physical contact with infected individuals," he said. He said, "Past outbreaks have shown that the virus can also spread from human to human, particularly in healthcare and household settings. From fever and respiratory symptoms to neurological complications, the illness can take many different forms. Patients may experience encephalitis, a potentially fatal brain inflammation, in more advanced cases." Doctors pointed out that while Nipah does not spread as fast as airborne infections like Covid-19 or influenza, it is highly contagious in situations involving close and prolonged contact. Dr Sushrut Ganpule, Consultant Pulmonologist, Pune, said, "Medical personnel and caregivers are particularly at a higher risk in the absence of stringent infection control procedures. Because of this, preventing secondary transmission requires early detection and isolation. Previous infections with the virus have resulted in up to 75 per cent of deaths, making it deadlier than the majority of viral infections. The illness is life-threatening, and survivors may experience long-term neurological problems like seizures and personality changes." Experts stressed that early diagnosis plays a key role in controlling Nipah outbreaks and saving lives. Dr Aakaar Kapoor said, "With Nipah, time is everything. The symptoms can initially look like a routine viral fever, but neurological signs or breathing difficulty are red flags. Early lab confirmation allows doctors to isolate patients quickly and protect contacts." He added that testing for Nipah requires special handling and coordination. "Samples must be handled with extreme caution. RT-PCR testing and close coordination with reference labs are essential to confirm cases without delay. Imaging and lab diagnostics together help doctors assess how severely the organs are affected. Early detection of lung or brain involvement can change the course of treatment and improve outcomes," Dr Kapoor said. Doctors say Nipah is not limited to just one part of the body. In severe cases, it can affect multiple organs. Dr Vineet Malhotra, Urologist, explained, "On severe or advanced cases, we also see kidney involvement, which can worsen prognosis. This multi-organ impact is why patients require intensive monitoring and supportive care." At present, there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment for the Nipah virus. Treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Dr Pranjit Bhowmik said, "Currently, there is no approved antiviral medication or vaccine to treat or prevent the disease. Treatment remains largely supportive, focusing on symptom management and preventing complications. The Centre's decision to closely monitor the situation reflects the virus's history of sudden outbreaks and high mortality. "Vigilance, early diagnosis, strict isolation, and public awareness remain the strongest tools to prevent a limited outbreak from escalating into a larger health crisis," it said. Chennai, Jan 14 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi have infused traditional Pongal celebrations in Tamil Nadu with intense political messaging, transforming the harvest festival into a high-profile campaign platform ahead of the state Assembly elections scheduled later this year. The presence of national leaders during the festive season underlines Tamil Nadu's growing significance in the national political landscape. HM Shah, who participated in a "Modi Pongal" event in Tiruchirappalli last week, has reportedly conveyed a strong message to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) cadres, urging them to gear up for victory in the upcoming polls. The BJP is currently in an alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) led by former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy. HM Shah on January 5 took part in Pongal celebrations at Mannarpuram, where rituals were performed using 1,008 earthen pots. The event, held under the slogan 'Namma Ooru Modi Pongal Vizha', was aimed at associating Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Tamil culture and traditions, as part of the BJP's broader cultural outreach in the Dravidian heartland. During his visit, the Union Home Minister also offered prayers at the Jambukeswarar Temple and the Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of South India's most revered Vaishnavite shrines. He was accompanied by Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Murlidhar Mohol, and L. Murugan, along with senior BJP leaders from Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin countered the Opposition's campaign by highlighting state-led welfare initiatives. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government rolled out a massive distribution drive, providing Rs 3,000 in cash along with a Pongal gift hamper containing raw rice, sugar, and sugarcane to over 2.22 crore ration cardholders. Officials said the government allocated approximately Rs 6,936 crore for the cash component alone, with the aim of offering direct festive relief to families across the state. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday and participated in Pongal celebrations at a school in Udhagamandalam. Congress workers displayed posters portraying him as 'Thalaiva' (Leader), a title traditionally reserved for influential figures in Tamil politics. The visit is widely seen as an attempt to strengthen the Congress' standing within the ruling DMK-led alliance. However, tensions have begun to surface within the coalition, with Congress leaders increasingly demanding a "share in power" in the event of a victory. Senior DMK leaders, including Minister I. Periyasamy, have firmly rejected these demands, reiterating the state's preference for single-party governance. "Seeking a share in power is a right of any ally, but our Chief Minister (M.K. Stalin) is firm that there will be no coalition government in the state," Periyasamy had said. The simultaneous presence of HM Shah and Rahul Gandhi during Tamil Nadu's most significant cultural festival reflects a noticeable shift in campaign strategies. While the BJP is attempting to overcome its junior partner status through direct cultural engagement, the Congress appears to be leveraging the 'Thalaiva' imagery to negotiate greater political influence. Together, these developments point to an intensifying three-cornered contest involving the ruling DMK, an assertive BJP, and a Congress party seeking a more prominent role in the state's governance. Actor-turned-politician Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) are at a crucial juncture as they seek to challenge the entrenched Dravidian political dominance in Tamil Nadu. Vijay is currently facing a CBI probe into the stampede at the TVK's Karur rally, in which 41 people lost their lives in September last year. Compounding his challenges, the release of his swansong film 'Jana Nayagan', originally scheduled for Pongal, has been delayed following allegations of objectionable content. The producers of the movie have appealed to the Supreme Court for its release. Jaipur, Jan 14 : On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated the kite festival at the Jal Mahal embankment on Wednesday by flying a kite, thereby commemorating the traditional celebration of the festival. The Chief Minister also viewed a kite exhibition organised on the theme of Operation Sindoor. He interacted with folk artists and encouraged them for their contributions to preserving Rajasthanas cultural heritage. Extending his greetings to the people of the state on Makar Sankranti, CM Sharma said that the festival is a symbol of Rajasthanas rich culture and traditions. He added that events like the Kite Festival strengthen folk culture, promote creativity and social awareness, and play an important role in boosting tourism. The CM posted related pictures on his X handle and extended greetings. "On the sacred occasion of Makar Sankranti, the kite festival organised on the embankment of Jal Mahal in Jaipur was inaugurated by flying a kite. This festival of kites is a symbol of our rich culture and eternal traditions, which have kept us connected from generation to generation." On the instructions of the Chief Minister, the kite festival is being organised this year at all seven divisional headquarters of the state, as well as in Jaisalmer and Mount Abu. A vibrant confluence of colourful kites, traditional festivities, and domestic and international tourists was witnessed at the Jal Mahal embankment. Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, MLA Shri Balmukundacharya, Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism) Praveen Gupta, Tourism Commissioner Rukmani Riyad, other senior officers, domestic and foreign tourists, and members of the general public were present on the occasion. Minister Diya Kumari also posted on X, "Today, on the sacred occasion of Makar Sankranti, the Jaipur Kite Festival was inaugurated from the embankment of the world-famous Jal Mahal by the Honourable Chief Minister Shri @BhajanlalBjpJi." Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Sharma also celebrated Makar Sankranti by flying a kite at the Chief Ministeras residence. He conveyed a message of respect for folk traditions and emphasised the need to preserve them. He wished the people of the state happiness and prosperity, stating that the festival, celebrated with the sunas transition into the northern hemisphere, symbolises cultural heritage and infuses positive energy into life. New Delhi, Jan 14 : Amid United States President Donald Trump's tariff pressures and rising military tensions over Taiwan, reports from Beijing suggest 'Xiplomacy' evolving as a quiet and effective diplomatic tool through youth exchanges and cultural diplomacy. According to China's state-controlled People's Daily Online, since President Xi Jinping proposed the '50,000 in Five Years' initiative during his late-2023 visit to San Francisco, more than 40,000 American youths have participated in the programme. The initiative aims to bring 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs over a five-year period. The efficacy of 'Xiplomacy' is reflected in the thoughts shared by members of the youth delegation as quoted by the news website on Wednesday. After visiting Chinese cities in October last year, it said, "Members of the delegation wrote to President Xi to express their gratitude, saying the trip has helped them gain a better understanding of China". In a letter to Xi, the delegation members reflected on their visit, during which they experienced the country's blend of culture, education, technological innovation and warm personal interactions, reported People's Daily. Taking the outreach a step ahead, the President replied to the letter by the US youth education exchange delegation, encouraging "more young Americans to serve as a new generation of envoys in the China-US friendship". His answer, highlighted under the banner of 'Xiplomacy' in the reportage, follows the delegation's October 2025 visit, where students and teachers engaged with Chinese culture, education, and innovation. Delegation members, as well as long-time American participants in bilateral people-to-people exchanges, have said that fostering friendly exchanges and cooperation is the shared aspiration of the people of both China and the US, the report observed. Xi's response emphasised that the hope of Beijing-Washington relations lies in the people, and its future relies on the youth. Visiting team-members described their experiences as transformative, citing activities such as practicing Tai Chi and building a traditional Luban bridge with Chinese students symbolising friendship and cooperation. Educators like Milinda Sylvain, principal of Diamond Minds Transformational Leadership Academy in Florida, said Xi's letter conveyed that youth exchange matters and that their voices were heard at the highest level. "My first reaction was one of deep surprise, gratitude, and honour. While we wrote with sincerity and respect, we did not expect to receive a personal reply," the report quoted Sylvain. The academy was one of several US institutions represented in the youth education exchange delegation to China. "From our October trip, we learned that China is far more dynamic, welcoming and diverse than many of our students had imagined," said the principal, which complements the underlying aim of 'Xiplomacy'. It is part of China's broader narrative of "major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics", which seeks to project 'The Dragon' as a responsible global power while countering narratives of rivalry and mistrust. Observers note that Xi's personal engagement in people-to-people diplomacy, being termed as 'Xiplomacy' has become a hallmark of China's outreach strategy, using cultural and educational bridges to strengthen bilateral ties amid broader geopolitical tensions. Brightstar Resources has secured approval from Western Australias (WA) Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) for the mining development and closure proposal concerning the Lady Shenton open pit. The asset is part of the Menzies gold project within the Goldfields Hub. The Menzies gold project is located around the town of Menzies, approximately 130km north of Kalgoorlie, within the Norseman-Wiluna Greenstone Belt. The site is accessible via the Goldfields Highway and a network of well-maintained exploration tracks. The Menzies Hub contains mineral resources amounting to 589,000oz and plays a crucial role in Brightstar's near-to-medium-term production strategy. The Lady Shenton System and Link Zone have seen significant mineral resource estimate upgrades, with a definitive feasibility study (DFS) under way to assess open-pit development, potentially in partnership with a Kalgoorlie mill. For Brightstar Resources, the approval from the DMPE marks a major milestone as it prepares to commence mining operations at the site. The Lady Shenton deposit has been deemed 'mine ready' following the approval of the Native Vegetation Clearing Permit (NVCP). With a resource estimate of 352,000oz at 1.4 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, the open-pit deposit is set to be mined and transported to Brightstar Resources proposed carbon-in-leach processing plant in Laverton. The updated DFS (DFS2.0) will incorporate revised mine plans for both the Yunndaga Underground and Lady Shenton projects. Brightstar Resources managing Director Alex Rovira said: We are pleased to receive approval for the Mining Development and Closure Proposal for the open-pit development of the Lady Shenton mine in Menzies. This signifies a key milestone for the development of our Menzies assets, which, once in operation, will represent the first mining to occur since the successful Selkirk mining JV [joint venture] in 2024. Lady Shenton is now mine ready and represents a low-capex, high-margin deposit for Brightstar that complements the broader Goldfields Hub development. We look forward to releasing the updated DFS2.0 and providing a development update and timeline for the Menzies and Laverton gold projects this quarter. The company is said to be strategically positioned as an unhedged gold producer in a favourable gold price environment, with plans to develop both the Goldfields and Sandstone projects. It aims to become a multi-asset, mid-tier gold producer in WA, leveraging its substantial mineral resources, which exceed four million ounces across granted mining leases. Mumbai, Jan 14 : As Maharashtra heads to elections on Thursday for 29 municipal corporations, BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay has expressed confidence that the next mayor of Mumbai will be from the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. Speaking to IANS on Wednesday, Upadhyay said the alliance has made its stand clear regarding leadership in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). "Our leaders, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, have announced at Shiv Tirth that Mumbai's mayor will be from the Mahayuti alliance. The mayor will be a Hindu and a Marathi. Our position is clear about who will lead Mumbai, and we have officially informed the people of the city about this," he said. Upadhyay further claimed that the opposition would fail to secure even a municipal president's post in the state. Referring to past political assertions by opposition parties, he said, "During the Maharashtra elections, the opposition claimed that they would form the government and even projected several leaders as Chief Ministerial candidates. In the Lok Sabha elections, almost every opposition leader was even dreaming of becoming the Prime Minister. However, none of those ambitions materialised. They could not form either the state government or the central government, and now they will not even get a municipal president in Maharashtra." He added that the results of the ongoing civic polls would soon clarify the political picture in Mumbai. "There are only 24 hours left for voting. After polling ends on January 16 and the counting is completed, it will become clear who will be Mumbai's mayor," he said. Meanwhile, campaigning for elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra concluded on Tuesday, setting the stage for an intense political contest, particularly in Mumbai. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is making a strong push for control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, which is facing a tough challenge from a united Thackeray front. Voting will take place across 893 wards on January 15 to elect representatives for 2,869 seats. More than 3.48 crore eligible voters are expected to decide the fate of 15,931 candidates. Counting of votes is scheduled for January 16. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led the Mahayuti campaign, touring large parts of the state along with Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. The election holds added significance as it is the first BMC poll since the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena, which had ruled the civic body for 25 years before the division. The campaign also witnessed a notable political development, with Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray reuniting after two decades in a bid to consolidate the Marathi vote. New Delhi, Jan 14 : The BJP on Wednesday criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her remarks on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and said that the democratic process of the country will not work according to the Trinamool Congress President but as per the Constitution. This came a day after Chief Minister Banerjee accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of unilaterally deleting names from the draft electoral rolls during the SIR process in the state. She alleged that women voters were being targeted and their names were being removed during the SIR process. Reacting to this, BJP national spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that the West Bengal CM is in "complete despair" and that is why she is making such statements. Speaking to IANS, Naqvi said, "The departure of the blood-stained rule of Kansa is necessary for the people and soil of West Bengal. The people of West Bengal have suffered great harm under this rule. These kings and queens of this blood-stained rule are seen creating a nuisance in complete despair." BJP MP Shashank Mani Tripathi claimed that CM Banerjee and the Opposition are "conspiring against SIR in a big way". "SIR is also being implemented in Uttar Pradesh. I am an MP from there. I am seeing that every party and every class is satisfied with it. If our voter list is not correct, then how will democracy be strengthened? Democracy will not work as per Mamata Banerjee's directions; it will run as per the ECI and Constitution," Tripathi told IANS. He further said that the way she "ran away" with the files during the ED raid should also be investigated. UP Minister Anil Rajbhar claimed that the public will not pay any attention to the Opposition's statements about the SIR. Speaking to IANS, Rajbhar said, "If any Opposition party is talking about the Election Commission today - whether it is the Samajwadi Party, the TMC, or Stalin's party in Tamil Nadu - whoever it may be, the public is neither listening to them seriously nor paying attention." "The ECI is doing the right thing by conducting the SIR; it is very necessary to remove infiltrators from our country. The way Mamata Banerjee is reacting, the people will surely understand that these actions harm the country," he added. The West Bengal CM had alleged that nearly 58 lakh names were removed using the powers of electoral registration officers and claimed that the exercise was carried out to benefit the BJP. Calling it a serious error, the Trinamool Congress chief said, "This is the biggest blunder of the ECI. They have played a game with the people to favour the BJP. They thought that by engaging in a black game and performing black magic, they would snatch the democratic rights of the people." "Names of 5.8 million voters were illegally and unethically struck off without giving them a chance to explain. Women, who have changed their surname or have shifted to a new address after marriage, have been targeted," the Chief Minister said. She further alleged that similar strategies were adopted in other states. "They did the same thing in Maharashtra, Haryana and Bihar. No one could understand what happened. When people came to understand after the final roll was published, they didn't get justice, as the ECI had already announced the election dates by then. They have similar plans here," CM Banerjee said, referring to the deletion of around 5.8 million names from the draft electoral roll published on December 16. New Delhi, Jan 14 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday criticised Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, accusing them of "prioritising" the reception of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over formally welcoming and seeing off German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his visit to the state. New Delhi, Jan 14 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday criticised Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, accusing them of "prioritising" the reception of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over formally welcoming and seeing off German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his visit to the state. German Chancellor Merz, along with his delegation, arrived in Bengaluru on Tuesday, visited several institutions across the city and later departed from Kempegowda International Airport. Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development M.B. Patil, represented the Karnataka government and bid a warm farewell to the Chancellor and his delegation at the airport. However, the BJP alleged that the Chief Minister and Deputy CM failed to extend due respect to the visiting foreign dignitary and instead chose to give precedence to the party's high command and a particular family over the interests of the state and its people. BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, speaking to IANS, said, "Once again, the Congress party has shown that, for the party and its Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, power and family are more important than the people and the state." He further alleged that a significant opportunity had been missed. "Therefore, when the German Chancellor visited Karnataka, Germany being a very strong economy with thousands of crores of investments in the state, their priority was not to receive him and secure more investments, but to go and receive Rahul Gandhi instead, who was still in transit. It shows that Congress gives more importance to the high command than to the state and its people," Poonawalla said. BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo also criticised the Congress leadership and told IANS, "Leadership in the Congress remains confined to a single family, which does not function democratically and instead behaves like a royal household. Even if a child from that family arrives, Congress leaders roll out the red carpet." He alleged that the visit of the German Chancellor did not receive the attention it deserved. "Their mindset is evident from the fact that even the German Chancellor, a guest of the country, did not receive due respect because Rahul Gandhi was on a Karnataka visit at the time. This reflects how distorted their thinking has become," Shah Deo said. He further pointed out that Bengaluru's global stature should have been leveraged during the visit. "Bengaluru is an IT hub, and this was the right time when they could have held talks about the German investments; however, they lost this opportunity," he added. New Delhi, Jan 14 : Remittances sent home by overseas Pakistanis touched a record high of $38.3 billion in FY25, rising by more than 26 per cent from the previous year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan. The sharp rise has provided much-needed support to Pakistanas foreign exchange reserves and helped boost household spending at a time when the economy continues to face multiple challenges. The inflows from overseas Pakistanis have now become larger than the countryas merchandise exports, which grew only modestly to about $32.3 billion in FY25, as per Daily Times report. Economists see this as a sign of a deeper structural imbalance in Pakistanas economic model, where money sent from abroad is playing a bigger role than earnings from trade and industry. Experts point out that most remittances are used for day-to-day consumption rather than long-term investment. While this supports families and keeps the economy moving in the short term, it does little to strengthen industries, expand exports or improve productivity. Over time, heavy dependence on remittances can also keep the real exchange rate overvalued, making locally produced goods less competitive and widening the trade deficit. The rising reliance on overseas income is also having social effects. Long periods of employment abroad often put pressure on family life, especially on children and spouses who stay back. In areas where remittances are a major source of income, young people may prefer to migrate rather than build skills, start businesses or seek opportunities at home, weakening local economic activity. Uneven distribution of remittance inflows across regions can further increase social and economic inequality. There are political implications as well. Families supported by remittances are often able to access private healthcare, education and other services, which can reduce public pressure on the government to improve service delivery. This, analysts warn, may lead to policy complacency and slow down much-needed institutional reforms. Economists stress that remittances remain extremely valuable and reflect the hard work and sacrifices of millions of Pakistanis living abroad. However, they caution that these inflows should not become a long-term substitute for economic reform. For sustainable growth, Pakistan needs to use remittances more strategically by encouraging investment, reviving exports and strengthening domestic industries. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 14 : The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in Kerala is struggling with an unprecedented wave of high-profile defections as veteran leaders and former legislators switch allegiances to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress ahead of the Assembly elections. Reji Lukose, a prominent party face in television debates for over a decade, formally joined the BJP last week, citing his dissatisfaction with the Left's "rusted policies" and its "communal stance" and attracted by the BJP's development-oriented vision. "I am fascinated by the pro-development policies and programmes put forward by the BJP in Kerala," Lukose stated, praising the vision of the BJP and its state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Lukose alleged the state government failed to address the basic issues in the state, including the mass migration of students and youth seeking education and employment abroad. "Neither the Left Democratic Front nor the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) took steps to stop this exodus due to a lack of facilities and job opportunities in the state," he said. Adding to the internal crisis, three-time MLA Aisha Potty joined the Congress on Tuesday, accusing the CPI(M) leadership of systematic neglect. Potty, who famously ended the dominance of veteran leader R. Balakrishna Pillai in the Kottarakkara constituency in the 2006 election, is expected to be fielded by the UDF in the upcoming Assembly polls. Potty said she was not afraid of the criticism following her exit from the CPI(M). Speaking at a Congress event recently in Thiruvananthapuram, she had said that the CPI(M) was no longer what it once was. Former Minister J. Mercykutty Amma launched a sharp attack on Potty, labelling her a "class betrayer" motivated by "greed for power." "The party gave her all possible benefits, including three terms as an MLA. Her exit is an act of betrayal," Mercykutty Amma said. CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby described the move as "painful" but maintained it would not cause electoral damage. In another blow to the party, S. Rajendran, a three-time former MLA from Devikulam constituency in Idukki district, confirmed his decision to join the BJP shortly. Rajendran, who represented Devikulam constituency for 15 years, in 2006, 2011 and 2016, had been distanced from the party since his suspension in 2021 over allegations of sabotaging the official candidate's prospects. However, party candidate A Raja had won the election. These developments challenge the long-standing political narrative in Kerala that committed communist cadres rarely move to rival ideological camps. While the CPI(M) dismissed Lukose as a follower rather than a full-time member, his years of defending the party on public platforms have made his departure a significant development in the state's shifting political field. Ranchi, Jan 14 : A wave of jubilation swept through Ranchi on Wednesday following the safe recovery of two minor siblings, a five-year-old boy and his four-year-old sister, who were abducted from the city 12 days ago. The children were rescued from the Ahmednagar locality under the Rajrappa police station area in Ramgarh district. A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping, and they are being intensively interrogated. Chief Minister Hemant Soren congratulated the Jharkhand Police for the successful rescue, calling it a commendable achievement and asserting that the drive against human trafficking gangs would be intensified. In a social media post, CM Soren wrote: "Two innocent lives have been freed from the clutches of kidnappers. How can anyone stoop so low? The last few days have been deeply disturbing for me. Although there was no initial breakthrough, the manner in which the Ranchi police linked this case with a similar incident in another state, tracked down the criminals, and rescued the children is truly praiseworthy. This investigation will not stop here. A thorough probe will be conducted into similar incidents within and outside the state, and firm action will be taken to dismantle the entire criminal gang." Sharing a picture of the rescued children, Soren further wrote: "Only a mother and family can feel the boundless joy of this moment. Please also inform and connect the family of the children to all necessary government schemes." Addressing a press conference at the police headquarters, Director General of Police Tadasha Mishra said the rescue was the result of sustained investigation and coordinated police efforts. She announced a reward for the entire team involved in the operation. The DGP said officers across all ranks -- from IPS and DSP-level officers to Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, and Constables -- played a vital role. She also highlighted the decisive contribution of SSP Rakesh Ranjan's technical cell and the Quick Response Team (QRT). Preliminary investigations, she said, suggest the case is not an isolated kidnapping but part of a larger interstate human trafficking syndicate. "Several more individuals may be involved. Our objective is to identify every member of the network and ensure they are brought to justice," Mishra added. The breakthrough came due to the alertness of local youths in Ahmednagar. Two young men, Sachin and Dablu, noticed the children in the company of a couple and matched their faces with missing posters circulating on social media. After confirming their identities with the family, they alerted the Rajrappa police. The police reached the spot within ten minutes and safely rescued the children. The children had gone missing on January 2 while heading to a grocery store near their home in the Mausibari area under the Dhurwa police station in Ranchi, triggering widespread outrage. Political parties and social organisations staged continuous protests, and parts of the Dhurwa sub-town were shut down on Sunday. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights had also taken cognisance of the case and sought a report from the Jharkhand DGP. Following the children's return on Wednesday, hundreds of residents gathered near their home, celebrating with colours and cheers as Ranchi witnessed an outpouring of relief and joy. Hyderabad, Jan 14 : Banned Chinese manja claimed the life of a 35-year-old man in Telangana's Sangareddy district on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Avidesh, a native of Uttar Pradesh. According to police, the incident occurred when Avidesh was travelling on a motorcycle and the manja of a flying kite got entangled around his neck and caused a deep cut. The man died on the spot due to profuse bleeding. Hyderabad, Jan 14 (IANS) Banned Chinese manja claimed the life of a 35-year-old man in Telanganaas Sangareddy district on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Avidesh, a native of Uttar Pradesh. According to police, the incident occurred when Avidesh was travelling on a motorcycle and the manja of a flying kite got entangled around his neck and caused a deep cut. The man died on the spot due to profuse bleeding. Police have registered a case and taken up an investigation in the case. This came close on the heel of a series of such incidents in Hyderabad. More than a dozen people were injured in Hyderabad and its outskirts during the last couple of weeks. An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) from Nallakunta police station, who was hurt at Ramanthapur on Sunday was travelling on his motorcycle towards Nampally Exhibition Ground when a flying kiteas Chinese manja suddenly got entangled around his neck, causing a serious injury. He was rushed to a private hospital, where he was given 10 stitches. Uppal police registered a case under Section 125 of the BNS. In another incident, a woman aged around 70 years sustained a severe leg injury after a Chinese manja got entangled around her leg at Meerpet on Tuesday. In 2024, Naik-rank officer of the Indian Army died after his throat got slit by a Chinese manja in Hyderabad. Kagithala Koteswar Reddy (30), a native of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, succumbed at a hospital. The incident took place when he was riding a scooter on the Indra Reddy flyover in Langar Houz area. In a related development, the Telangana State Human Rights Commission has taken cognisance of the continuing public safety and human rights concern arising from the unchecked circulation of the banned Chinese manja. The Commission has directed Hyderabad Police Commissioner, V.C. Sajjanar, to submit a comprehensive report on the issue by February 26. Human rights advocate Immaneni Ramarao filed a petition highlighting multiple incidents of severe injuries. The petitioner urged the Commission to ensure strict enforcement of the ban and to take strong action against its sale, including on e-commerce platforms. Despite the ban, Chinese manja is being used rampantly for flying kites during the ongoing Sankranti festival season. Hyderabad police have launched a special drive against Chinese manja (synthetic/nylon kite string) to curb its sale, storage, and transportation in the city. From January 8 to January 11, the police have seized 2,150 bobbins of Chinese manja worth Rs 43 lakh. The police registered 29 cases against those involved in the sale and arrested 57 people. During the last one month, police registered 132 cases and seized 8,376 bobbins worth Rs 1.68 crore. A total of 200 people have been arrested. Commissioner Sajjanar has warned that jail is inevitable for those selling or buying the banned manja. New Delhi, Jan 14 : The Supreme Court will hear on Thursday a petition filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleging that its simultaneous raid and search operations last week at the office of the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) and the residence of its co-founder, Pratik Jain, were obstructed by the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Sharma and Vipul M. Pancholi will hear the matter on January 15. Seeking urgent judicial intervention in the matter, the Central anti-money laundering agency has claimed that its officials faced resistance during the search operations and were prevented from carrying out their duties in accordance with the law. The ED has also claimed that interference by West Bengal authorities compromised the integrity of its investigation. Anticipating the EDas move, the West Bengal government has already filed a caveat before the apex court, requesting that no order be passed without hearing its version. The move was aimed at ensuring that no interim relief is granted to the Central agency without the state government being heard. Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday dealt with a petition accusing CM Mamata Banerjee of misusing her constitutional position by allegedly creating hindrances to the official duties of Central agency officials. There were two other counter-petitions in the matter, one by Pratik Jain himself and the other by Trinamool Congress. In its counter-petition, the Trinamool has alleged that since I-PAC is acting as the voter-strategy agency of the party, the ED raid was intended to seize several documents related to its poll strategy for the 2026 Assembly polls and share the same with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). --IANS pds/vd -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Kolkata, Jan 14 : The Calcutta High Court's single-judge bench of Justice Suvra Ghosh on Wednesday accepted the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) submission that the central agency's officials could not seize anything during the January 8 raids and search operations at the Indian Political Action Committee's (I-PAC) office in Salt Lake and at I-PAC co-founder Pratik Jain's residence in central Kolkata. Justice Ghosh's bench, hence, disposed of the petition filed by the Trinamool Congress, which had accused the ED of collecting confidential party documents during the searches. Trinamool Congress had claimed I-PAC has been working as its vote-strategy agency since 2020. As the matter came up for hearing on Wednesday afternoon, ED counsel and Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju submitted in court that ED officials could not seize any document from the two premises during the searches conducted in connection with a money laundering probe. The Additional Solicitor General also submitted that whatever documents ED officials were attempting to collect during the raid were taken away by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Raju repeatedly insisted that his submissions on these two points be recorded. Thereafter, Justice Ghosh disposed of the Trinamool Congress petition, accepting the ED's stand in the matter. On allegations that the ED collected confidential party documents from the two premises, the Additional Solicitor General argued that Trinamool Congress should instead file a case against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, since it was she who allegedly took away the documents. Raju also argued that the person who filed the affidavit on behalf of the Trinamool Congress was not present at the spots during the January 8 search operations and therefore had no direct knowledge of what happened during the raid. "He is not supposed to know what documents were taken or what happened there. The affidavit in this case was given only after hearing some information. Therefore, this case should be dismissed," Raju argued. His argument prevailed and the case was disposed of. Meanwhile, in the main petition filed by the ED accusing the Chief Minister of misusing her constitutional position by allegedly creating hindrances to the official duties of ED officials during the searches on January 8, the hearing was adjourned by the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday. The Additional Solicitor General sought an adjournment, stating that an ED petition in the same matter is pending before the Supreme Court. January 14 : Lucknow: The Yogi government is consistently working to strengthen the social security framework for construction workers and ensure the direct delivery of welfare benefits to them. In this direction, the Uttar Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board organized awareness and registration camps on Wednesday at the Mohanlalganj, Buddheshwar, and Barabirwa (Aashiana) labour hubs in Lucknow. The objective of these camps was to widely publicize the welfare schemes available for registered construction workers and to facilitate on-the-spot registration and renewal. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government has accorded top priority to improving workers' living standards, securing their children's education, ensuring health protection, and promoting social dignity. As part of this commitment, such camps are being organized regularly. The initiative received an encouraging response, with a large number of workers showing keen interest in the schemes and completing their registration during the camps. At the camps, construction workers were provided detailed information about key welfare schemes of the Board, including the Kanya Vivah Sahayta Yojana, Matritva, Shishu Evam Baalika Madad Yojana, Sant Ravidas Education Promotion Scheme, Nirmaan Kamgar Mrtyu Va Divyangta Sahayta Yojana, and the Atal Residential School Scheme. Eligible workers were registered on the spot to ensure immediate access to benefits. Special emphasis was laid on promoting maximum applications for admission to Classes 6 and 9 under the Atal Residential School Scheme for the academic session 202627. Workers with a minimum of three years of service under the Board were encouraged to apply for their children, highlighting the scheme as a pathway to a secure and bright future. The camps were organized with the active support of the Vigyan Foundation and other implementing agencies, along with Labour Enforcement Officers Shakti Rai, Santosh Kumar, and Sunil Kumar. Officials stressed the importance of timely registration and renewal to avail benefits under various schemes. Additional Labour Commissioner, Lucknow region, Kalpana Srivastava, stated that registration with the Board and timely renewal, as per prescribed norms, are mandatory to receive benefits. Workers can register or renew their registration through CSC e-District Centers, CSC e-Governance Centers, or the Board's official website, upbocw.in. Key Points UnitedHealth faced a series of headwinds in 2025, resulting in a 34% decline in its stock price. The health insurance giant has taken several steps to address problems. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires The S&P 500 marched on to its third consecutive annual gain in 2025, but one of the country's market leaders missed out on this momentum. I'm talking about UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), the U.S.' biggest health insurer. The company faced more than its share of headwinds, from the unexpected departure of its chief executive officer to a probe into its Medicare billing practices. UnitedHealth's earnings also suffered last year, as the company underestimated the rising cost of care and patients' increased use of services. All of this weighed on demand for the stock, and as a result, UnitedHealth shares finished the year with a 34% decline. But this healthcare giant hasn't been sitting still and instead has taken measures to address problems and generate results. Should you buy shares of UnitedHealth in January? Let's find out. Image source: Getty Images. A probe into billing processes As mentioned, UnitedHealth has met with various challenges over the past year. One that stands out is the U.S. probe into the company's Medicare billing processes. Just this week, The Wall Street Journal reported that a Senate report says UnitedHealth used aggressive practices to increase Medicare payments. UnitedHealth hasn't commented on that report yet. But the company has taken action to address headwinds in recent months, so there's reason to be optimistic about what's ahead. For example, Steve Hemsley, who took over as CEO in May, commissioned an independent assessment of the company's processes across departments. In December, he wrote a letter to shareholders that the review found the company's practices "robust, rigorous and generally sound," but also made recommendations to strengthen them further. Hemsley said this work is "well underway." Meanwhile, UnitedHealth has also taken steps to improve earnings. The company has exited certain plans, made adjustments to benefits, launched a repricing effort, and increased the adoption of artificial intelligence to streamline operations. All of this helped the insurer report 12% revenue growth in the latest quarter and raise its full-year earnings forecast to $14.90 per share. That's up from the earlier forecast of $14.65 per share. Sustainable growth just ahead UnitedHealth expects some headwinds to persist this year, especially in the context of the government's cuts to Medicare in recent years. But the company aims to deliver solid growth in earnings in 2026, and Hemsley predicts "sustainable double-digit growth beginning in 2027 and advancing from there." January 14 : Gorakhpur: The main festival of Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Thursday, but a day earlier, the Gorakhnath Temple witnessed an overwhelming outpouring of devotion on Wednesday. From the early hours of the morning, long queues of devotees extended from the temple complex to the outer areas as they arrived to offer sacred khichdi to Shiva avatar Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath. On Thursday, during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta, Gorakshpeethadhishwar and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will offer the devotional khichdi to Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath. While millions of devotees paid their obeisance a day ahead of the festival in the temple. Devotees had begun assembling at the Gorakhnath Temple from Tuesday night itself. As soon as the temple gates opened on Wednesday morning, the ritual offering of khichdi commenced. Amid the massive gathering, the temple echoed with chants of Jai Guru Gorakhnath. Devotees from across Uttar Pradesh, neighbouring Bihar, and the friendly nation of Nepal, praying for prosperity and well-being, offered khichdi in a disciplined manner. They also worshipped the deities in the temple complex and paid homage at the samadhis of late Mahant Baba Gambhirnath, late Mahant Digvijaynath, and late Mahant Avadyanath, seeking their blessings. To ensure smooth movement, devotees were guided through separate entry and exit gates with proper barricading, and a bhandara was arranged for them. Gorakshpeethadhishwar and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has been staying at the Gorakhnath Temple since Tuesday night, personally monitored all arrangements to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees. He reviewed the preparations during a late-night inspection on Tuesday and again toured the premises on Wednesday morning. During his stay, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the temple gaushala on Wednesday morning, fed jaggery to the cows with his own hands, and issued instructions for their proper care. While reviewing the arrangements, he warmly interacted with children who had come with their parents, blessed them, and distributed chocolates. Indore, Jan 14 : Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari on Wednesday said the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi is taking daily updates on the water contamination tragedy in Indore's Bhagirathpura area and he will soon be visiting the affected families. "Rahul Gandhi is monitoring Bhagirathpura's situation every day and he will be visiting here to meet the affected families soon. The Congress will keep fighting for the people of Madhya Pradesh. "I would request the people of Indore to keep raising their voice until the government takes punitive action against the people responsible," Patwari said while talking to mediapersons. During a visit to Bhagirathpura area, where contaminated water supplied by Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) caused the death of over a dozen people with several others still admitted in hospitals, Patwari said he would be expecting some concrete step from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during his visit to Indore on Wednesday. LoP Gandhi had earlier expressed his grief on Bhagirathpura's tragedy and blamed the ruling BJP government for the deaths. The state unit of the Congress, led by Jitu Patwari, has launched a scathing attack on the Madhya Pradesh government, demanding action against the responsible officials and local public representatives. Notably, a panel of medical experts that was tasked to prepare an audit report on the deaths in Bhagirathpura, submitted its report to the Indore district administration on Tuesday. The audit report has linked at least 15 deaths in Bhagirathpura to a recent outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea, a senior official told IANS on Wednesday. The death analysis report of the medical experts' panel is likely to be submitted in the High Court on Thursday. Notably, during the last hearing in the matter on January 7, the Madhya Pradesh High Court had directed the state government to submit a fresh status report on January 15. Meanwhile, the state administration along with the IMC is conducting regular health checkups of residents in Bhagirathpura area. In the past three days, multiple teams of medical staff carried out screening of more than 16,000 people, according to the district administration's report. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, Jan 14 : India and the European Union are in the final stages of negotiating a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which could reshape India's trade landscape with its largest partner for goods. Some reports have tied German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's just-concluded India visit to the ongoing India-EU talks. His trip is being seen as having underscored Germany's push to fast-track the deal, highlighting trade, investment, and green technology as priority areas. Merz's January 12a"13 visit came even as talks entered a "decisive yet difficult" phase, with hurdles around carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAM), market access, and regulatory standards. It was his first official visit to Asia as Chancellor, signalling Berlin's intent to elevate India as a strategic partner in Europeas Indo-Pacific outreach. India-EU negotiations began in 2007 but stalled over disagreements on tariffs, intellectual property, and market access. Talks resumed in 2022 with renewed urgency amid global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. The FTA is expected to eliminate or reduce tariffs, expand market access, and deepen investment ties. Following high tariffs imposed by the US disrupting trade, the FTA will help Indian exporters diversify shipments, also reducing dependence on China. While the deal promises significant opportunities in exports, investment, and supply chain diversification, it also raises concerns about regulatory challenges, market access, and domestic industry protection. Once signed, this would be India's 19th trade agreement, following recent pacts with New Zealand, Australia, the UAE, and Mauritius, among others. Incidentally, the EU is India's largest trading partner for goods, accounting for nearly 11 per cent of Indiaas total trade. In 2024-25, India's exports were worth $75.85 billion and imports $60.68 billion. The EU market accounts for about 17 per cent of India's total exports, and its own exports to India comprise nine per cent of the total. The deal will likely offer Indian exporters access to 450 million consumers to EU's markets with high purchasing power. Sectors like textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, and IT services are expected to benefit from tariff reductions. India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the FTA would "help Indian exporters diversify markets at a time when high US tariffs and geopolitical tensions are reshaping global supply chains". The EU is already a major investor in India. The FTA could encourage greater FDI inflows, particularly in green technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. With global trade disruptions, India could position itself as an alternative manufacturing hub for European companies, supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India" initiative and long-term industrial growth. A section of Indian farmers and small manufacturers, however, have been wary of being outcompeted by subsidised European products. Dairy and agriculture are particularly sensitive sectors, with Indian negotiators resisting EU demands for greater access, insisting on stronger safeguards. Meanwhile, the EU has stringent environmental and labour standards, leading to some Indian exporters worrying over a struggle to comply, raising costs. Also, the EU seeks stronger intellectual property protections, which could impact India's generic pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, concerns also exist around data privacy rules that may restrict Indian IT firms operating in Europe. Indian negotiators are trying to smooth these rough edges. Following the restrictions imposed by the US and the UK, New Delhi hopes for greater access for its IT and skilled professionals, while the EU remains cautious about liberalising labour mobility. Overall, the final agreement can become a cornerstone of Indiaas global trade architecture, strengthening its position in a multipolar world. -- Syndicated from IANS Tokyo, Jan 14 : Blizzards, strong winds and extreme cold disrupted rail services across northern Japan on Wednesday, as rough winter weather intensified around Hokkaido and areas along the Sea of Japan coast. JR Hokkaido said 50 train services have been suspended since Tuesday due to strong winds, blowing snow and low temperatures. At New Chitose Airport, 82 departing and arriving flights have been cancelled, while numerous others have experienced delays since Tuesday. Authorities warned that whiteout conditions and heavy snowdrifts could continue to snarl transportation through the early hours of Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported. Forecasts through Thursday indicate maximum instantaneous wind speeds of up to 35 metres per second in southern areas along the Sea of Japan coast, with winds of up to 30 metres per second in northern Sea of Japan areas and along the Pacific coast. Over coastal waters, winds of up to 35 metres per second are expected in eastern Pacific areas and the southern Okhotsk Sea, while other surrounding seas may see gusts of around 30 metres per second. During the 24 hours through Thursday morning, snowfall is forecast to reach up to 40 centimetres in parts of both northern and southern areas along the Sea of Japan coast. Meanwhile, China's national observatory on Monday forecast sharp temperature drops, strong winds and snow in parts of Inner Mongolia and northeast China provinces over the next 10 days, calling for preparedness measures to mitigate potential adverse effects on local agriculture and livestock production. The National Meteorological Centre (NMC) said that during the period, temperatures in affected areas are expected to be 2 to 5 degrees Celsius lower than the average level of previous years, driven by frequent waves of cold air. The NMC also forecast sandy weather in Inner Mongolia and Gansu over the course of the coming week, necessitating precautionary measures against wind, cold and sandstorms. Meteorological experts recommend that winter wheat-growing regions in the north implement classified management to ensure the security of crops. They also advised that greenhouse sheds and livestock enclosures be reinforced in advance to guard against the adverse effects of cold in the country's northeastern provinces and Inner Mongolia. Seoul, Jan 14 : South Korea's data protection watchdog on Wednesday urged online retailer Coupang to take down its independent probe results into a massive data leak from its mobile application and website, describing them as unverified information. The Personal Information Protection Commission took issue with the company's notice that claims a former employee breached the personal information of 33 million users but saved data from only about 3,000 accounts, which Coupang claimed was later deleted. Coupang is currently under investigation by authorities over the data breach, which the company earlier reported in November as having impacted the personal data of 33.7 million customers, such as their names, phone numbers and delivery addresses. The regulator said the company's internal probe results could lead to confusion among the public as it has yet to be verified by an official investigation, noting the notice could be considered as interfering in its investigation into the company. It noted Coupang has been uncooperative with its investigation by delaying or failing to submit requested documents, warning such acts could be seen as acts of obstruction that could be considered in possible future penalties. It also called on the company to make improvements to its response measures to the leak, such as adding a function within its mobile app and website for users to look up whether their data has been breached. Meanwhile, ordering a temporary suspension of business operations at e-commerce giant Coupang may be possible, the head of South Korea's antitrust watchdog said, amid an ongoing investigation over a recent large-scale data breach at the U.S.-listed company. "If an order is not implemented or if it is deemed insufficient to provide relief to affected consumers, a business suspension is also possible," Ju Byung-gi, chairman of the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), said in a radio interview. Coupang announced the results of its internal probe on Dec. 25, saying a former employee had stolen personal information from 33.7 million user accounts but saved data from only about 3,000 accounts, which, it claimed, was later deleted. Agartala, Jan 14 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Wednesday that he would again raise the issue of the killing of Tripura student Angel Chakma with his Uttarakhand counterpart Pushkar Singh Dhami during a meeting in New Delhi to expedite the investigation in the murder. Angel Chakma was killed in Dehradun in an alleged racially-motivated attack. On Wednesday, the Chief Minister visited Angel's family at their residence in Nandan Nagar, on the outskirts of Agartala, and assured them of all possible support. Later, in a post on his X handle, Saha said: "Visited the house of late Angel Chakma at Nandannagar, Agartala, and met his grieving parents and family members. I expressed my heartfelt condolences and assured them of all possible support from the State Government. I will also take up the matter with the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami Ji, to ensure the investigation is expedited.." Speaking to the media later, Saha said that he would visit the national Capital on January 18 to attend a two-day meeting from January 1920 of all Chief Ministers, during which he would discuss the Angel Chakma killing with his Uttarakhand counterpart. "Chief Minister Dhami had earlier informed me that five of the accused have been arrested and a financial reward has been announced to nab the sixth accused. Since the incident, I have been in constant touch with the Uttarakhand government," Saha said. According to the Chief Minister, the attackers first assaulted Angel's younger brother, Michael Chakma, and when Angel tried to protect his brother, he was violently attacked by the assailants on December 9 in the BJP-ruled state. The Tripura government has already provided an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh to Angel's family and is considering extending further help. The Uttarakhand government has also provided an ex gratia of Rs 4.12 lakh to the bereaved family, while the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) has extended Rs 3 lakh as financial aid. Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA final-year student, succumbed to his injuries on December 26 after battling for life for 18 days in a hospital in Dehradun. The family has demanded a CBI probe into the incident. The killing triggered widespread outrage across all eight northeastern states, with several Chief Ministers and leaders from almost all political parties, including the BJP, Congress, Tipra Motha Party and Left parties, demanding strict punishment for those involved. Several organisations held candlelight marches, torch rallies and protest programmes in Agartala and other places to condemn the incident. Meanwhile, senior BJP leader from Uttarakhand and former Rajya Sabha member Tarun Vijay also met Angel's family recently and demanded the strictest punishment for the murderers. Condemning the incident, Vijay had said exemplary punishment must be awarded to deter such crimes in the future. He added that the Tripura Chief Minister had held several discussions with his Uttarakhand counterpart regarding the case. Vijay also proposed that Angel Chakma's younger brother, Michael Chakma, be provided a government job in Tripura to ensure the family's financial stability. He further suggested the formation of a special Northeast cell within the Uttarakhand Police to address cases of racial abuse and discrimination. New Delhi, Jan 14 : A team of health experts and advocates here on Wednesday stressed the need for urgent systemic reforms to protect patients dependent on blood transfusions. In a new position paper, launched by the Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG), the experts stressed the need for safe, timely, and equitable access to blood and called it a fundamental issue of survival, dignity, and constitutional responsibility. "For individuals with thalassemia who require lifelong, regular blood transfusions, gaps in screening protocols, uneven access to advanced diagnostic technologies, and fragmented regulation pose serious and preventable risks, including transfusion-transmitted infections such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C," said the experts in the paper. The experts include Prof. N.K. Ganguly, Former Director-General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, Public Health Advocate; Suneha Paul, Thalassemia Patient Advocate; P.C. Sen, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India; and Tuhin A. Sinha, National Spokesperson, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The paper positioned blood safety as a foundational pillar of India's healthcare infrastructure that must be addressed proactively rather than reactively. It consolidates patient experiences, scientific evidence, legal perspectives, and public health expertise into a unified, action-oriented roadmap to strengthen India's blood safety ecosystem and safeguard the lives of transfusion-dependent patients, particularly those living with thalassemia. Drawing on deliberations with policymakers, clinicians, scientists, legal experts, and patient advocates, the paper highlights persistent systemic challenges, including the non-uniform adoption of Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) across blood banks, the absence of a consolidated national blood law, inequitable access to safe blood in rural and underserved regions, and limited transparency and accountability within the transfusion system. It argued that these gaps collectively undermine patient trust and expose vulnerable populations to avoidable harm. "Our position paper is a call to place patient lives at the centre of policy, to move blood safety from the margins to the mainstream of healthcare governance, and to ensure that preventable risks are eliminated through science, law, and accountability," said Deepak Chopra, Mentor, Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG). The paper also recommended mandating Nucleic Acid Testing across all blood banks to minimise window-period infections and harmonise screening standards nationwide; enacting a comprehensive and enforceable Blood Safety Act to codify patient rights and institutional responsibilities; launching a dedicated National Thalassemia Control Programme to integrate prevention, screening, and long-term care. Indore, Jan 14 : Senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya on Wednesday said that "challenges will not be resolved by speaking ill of each other" and can only be addressed through collective effort. The Minister made the remarks in the backdrop of the contaminated water tragedy in Indore's Bhagirathpura area while addressing a state government programme under AMRUT 2.0 (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) in the city. "Challenges will come and go, and we will have to face them. They won't be resolved by speaking ill of each other. Those who are protesting here in Indore, I can tell them what the BJP has done for the development of Indore," Vijayvargiya said, in an apparent reference to the opposition Congress, which has been accusing the BJP government over the water contamination incident. Highlighting the years-long effort behind making Indore the cleanest city in the country, Vijayvargiya said he would challenge anyone who wants to debate the issue. "You are insulting the people of Indore just because of one incident. Those who have questions on Indore's cleanliness should think twice before questioning," he said. In a scathing attack on the Congress, Vijayvargiya further said the people of Indore struggled for years for Narmada water. "Indore's development can't be imagined without Narmada," the BJP leader said, adding that the opposition had insulted the sanitation workers who have helped make Indore the cleanest city in the country. Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, who also addressed the event, said the water contamination tragedy in Bhagirathpura was painful for the people of Indore and Madhya Pradesh and steps are being taken to ensure that such an incident never occurs in future. Bhargava, who has been under fire from both the opposition Congress and the BJP after water contamination resulted in a health crisis and several deaths in recent weeks, said the Bhagirathpura tragedy has taught many lessons to Indore. Notably, the state Congress last week questioned Indore's tag as the cleanest city. Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Umang Singhar, who visited Bhagirathpura, had accused the BJP government of submitting a "fake report" on Indore's cleanliness. New Delhi, Jan 14 : Marking the 66th anniversary of their diplomatic relations earlier this week, India and Cuba have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation based on mutual respect, collaboration, and solidarity. Diplomatic ties between the two countries were established in 1960, with India being among the first Asian nations to recognise the Cuban Revolution. The relationship was strengthened by early high-level interactions, including visits by Che Guevara and Fidel Castro, and engagements with India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Bilateral engagement witnessed significant momentum last year, highlighted by a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Brazil. High-level exchanges also included visits by Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Eduardo Martinez Diaz to India and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita to Cuba, during which agreements were signed to enhance legal and cultural cooperation. India remains a key partner in Cuba's pharmaceutical sector and both sides are exploring collaboration in biotechnology, IT, tourism, agriculture, energy, and mining. Cooperation has also expanded in capacity building, with Cuban professionals participating in ITEC programmes and new initiatives in healthcare, traditional medicine, and disaster response. Academic, cultural, sports, and renewable energy cooperation further strengthened bilateral ties during the year. Both countries expressed confidence that the partnership will continue to grow in 2026, with India's BRICS Chairship expected to create new opportunities for engagement. In November, guided by the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam -- the world is one family -- India stood in solidarity with the people of Cuba following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa and delivered approximately 20 tonnes of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials to Havana. The gesture reaffirmed bonds of friendship and humanitarian cooperation. The consignment included a special Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri (BHISHM) medical trauma unit, essential medicines, electricity generators, tents, bedding, kitchen and hygiene kits, solar lanterns and other essential items to aid recovery efforts. Expressing gratitude to India, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla took to his social media, stating, "We thank India for the donation of numerous supplies for the victims in the east of Cuba due to hurricane Melissa. Thank you, esteemed EAM S. Jaishankar, for this noble gesture from the Indian government." New Delhi, Jan 14 : Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday highlighted the need to take positive steps to create the right environment for improved bilateral relations between India and China during his meeting with Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), who is on a visit to India from January 12-14. "The discussions covered the progress made in stabilising and rebuilding bilateral ties with priority on business and people-centric engagements, and ways to take bilateral engagement forward in the new year. The Chinese side congratulated the Indian side on assuming the BRICS chairship this year and expressed its strong support for a successful BRICS Summit in India," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) after the meeting. Sun Haiyan briefed Foreign Secretary Misri on her impressions from the visit, including her interactions with Indian media, think tanks and political parties. She also conveyed the expectations of the Chinese side to enhance exchanges under the MEA-IDCPC Programme. "FS noted the importance of increasing the understanding between the people of the two countries in order to rebuild ties and, in this context, highlighted the need to take positive steps to create the right environment for improved bilateral relations. Both sides reiterated their commitment to implementing the important directions provided by their leaders, and to advancing bilateral relations on the path of normalisation," the MEA stated. According to the MEA, both sides reviewed the positive momentum in bilateral relations and discussed ways to further advance ties by enhancing people-to-people exchanges and addressing concerns on sensitive issues. On Tuesday, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the launch of preparations for BRICS India 2026 with the unveiling of the website, theme and logo. "Glad to attend the launch of BRICS India 2026 Logo, Theme & Website. Pleasant conversation with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. Wish BRICS 2026 in India a full success. As one of the founding members, China looks forward to working with India and all parties to advance the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation," the diplomat posted on X after attending the event. India has maintained that its chairship of BRICS will adopt a aHumanity-firsta and apeople-centrica approach to build for resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Photographer: Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg Caterpillar Inc. shares extended a turbocharged rally fueled by bets on the industrial giants artificial intelligence prospects to briefly push its market valuation above $300 billion for the first time. The company, known for its iconic yellow construction and mining equipment, saw its stock rise as much as 2.4% Tuesday to a high of $644.59. The shares pared some gains, closing 1.1% higher to give the company a value of some $298 billion. Most Read from Bloomberg The stock has gained 11% this year, putting it among the best performers in the S&P 500 Industrials Index, after surging 58% last year. Because of its business selling power-generation equipment, Caterpillar has been a runaway winner in a market where investors are hungry for secondary AI plays after the valuations of major technology and semiconductor companies soared. Exuberance around data-center-driven demand for power generation has helped the company support a record backlog, Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Christopher Ciolino said. Power generation is the fastest growing part of their business, with above average visibility, and they are adding a lot of capacity to meet this insatiable demand. The Irving, Texas-based companys position as a major manufacturer also benefits its stock against a strong economic background. Investors are buying into economically sensitive stocks after a report last month showed US growth has been stronger than expected, said Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers. Caterpillar has been a key beneficiary, Sosnick said. The reaction to the report was a bit delayed, probably thanks to portfolio managers vacation schedules, but it is clear that the move to cyclicals, industrials, and other economically sensitive stocks began in earnest last week. Economic optimism has allowed the stock to advance even as a rally in other power equipment names takes a breather. Caterpillar has bounced back from a pullback last month, leaving behind peers such as GE Vernova Inc. and Vertiv Holdings Co. Wall Street is currently watching the markets where the company first made its name, many of which have been mired in downturns. Caterpillar should see cyclical upside this year in sectors including mining and construction, Jefferies analyst Stephen Volkmann told clients last month. Ahmedabad, Jan 14 : The festival of Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) unfolded with vibrant colours and soaring enthusiasm across Gujarat, as citizens filled terraces and open grounds to celebrate the tradition of kite flying. From Ahmedabad to Surat and Gandhinagar, the state's top leaders stepped away from official responsibilities for a day and mingled with the public-participating in the festivities not as politicians, but as fellow kite lovers. Ahmedabad, Jan 14 (IANS) The festival of Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) unfolded with vibrant colours and soaring enthusiasm across Gujarat, as citizens filled terraces and open grounds to celebrate the tradition of kite flying. From Ahmedabad to Surat and Gandhinagar, the state's top leaders stepped away from official responsibilities for a day and mingled with the publicparticipating in the festivities not as politicians, but as fellow kite lovers. As skies across cities turned into a canvas of colourful kites, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel too picked up the manja and enjoyed the festival like any other citizen. Leaving behind the formalities of office, the CM joined residents in competitive kite flying, symbolising the people-first spirit with which he is widely regarded. In Ahmedabad's historic Dariapur area, the Chief Minister celebrated Makar Sankranti with the local community at Vadigam. CM Patel interacted warmly with residents, boosting the festive spirit in the bustling neighbourhood. Extending wishes of happiness, peace and prosperity to all citizens, the CM said he prayed that "just as a kite rises to the heights of the sky, Gujarat too may continue to scale new heights of development." His presence in the old city drew enthusiastic crowds and added a nostalgic charm to the celebrations. Later in the day, the Chief Minister attended another major Uttarayan event organised by the Sahay Foundation at the Central Vista Ground in Gandhinagar. Patel inaugurated the festivities by releasing balloons into the sky before joining citizens in flying kites. Children gathered around him as he distributed traditional Mamra Laddus and Sesame Chikki, adding a sweet touch to the day's celebrations. The CM once again conveyed Makar Sankranti greetings, urging citizens to celebrate joyfully and responsibly. Elsewhere in Surat, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi celebrated Uttarayan with high energy on the rooftop of Revolut Residency on VIP Road. Taking a break from his official duties, Sanghavi flew kites with family and friends, matching the enthusiasm of locals as DJ beats filled the air and shouts of "Kaipo Che!" echoed across the neighbourhood. The Deputy CM, known for his easy connect with the public, enjoyed the day like a true Surtiright from tying the kite thread to engaging in spirited patch fights. During the celebration, Sanghavi also delivered a strong message against narcotics, likening the cutting of rival kites to dismantling the drug mafia. He reaffirmed that the state's anti-drug campaign would continue with full force and urged people to refrain from using Chinese manja, protect birds, and celebrate safely. Residents of the society were visibly thrilled to see the minister celebrate the festival among them, sharing the rooftop excitement as an equal participant. Kolkata, Jan 14 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday welcomed the Calcutta High Court order disposing of the petition filed by the Trinamool Congress accusing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of collecting confidential party documents during the simultaneous raids and searches at the Indian Political Action Committee's (I-PAC) office and at the residence of I-PAC co-founder Pratik Jain on January 8. The single-judge bench of Justice Suvra Ghosh, while disposing of the petition, accepted the ED's submission that the central agency's officials could not seize anything from the two premises during the operation. In a statement posted on his official social media handle, BJP's Information Technology Cell chief and the party''s central observer for West Bengal Amit Malviya described the High Court's order as a major embarrassment for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "The Calcutta High Court has set aside Mamata Banerjee's objection against the Enforcement Directorate, delivering a sharp rebuke to her blatant interference. After she brazenly barged into a live ED raid in a coal smuggling and money laundering case, attempting to browbeat central agencies on camera, the Chief Minister has now been firmly put in her place by the judiciary," Malviya claimed in his social media statement. Malviya also alleged that the Chief Minister's actions during the raid exposed her contempt for the rule of law and desperation to shield corruption. "Constitutional authorities cannot be intimidated by political theatrics, and the High Court has made that amply clear. Over to the Supreme Court now," Malviya said. On Wednesday, Justice Ghosh's bench also adjourned hearing on the main petition filed by the ED accusing the Chief Minister of misusing her constitutional position by allegedly creating hindrances to the official duties of ED officials during the searches on January 8. Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju sought an adjournment, stating that an ED petition in the same matter is pending before the Supreme Court. At the time this report was filed, there was no reaction from the Trinamool Congress. Indore, Jan 14 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday hit out at the opposition Congress, accusing it of playing politics over disasters, while asserting that the state government welcomes suggestions from the opposition, but in the "proper way". "It is unfortunate that Congress takes disasters as an opportunity for politics. We have taken the issue very seriously and felt the pain with sensitivity. I would also advise them to raise the issue with a sense of positivity. We would welcome your suggestions. But if you play politics over disasters, the people of Indore wonat forgive you," CM Yadav said. Yadav made the remarks while addressing an event under AMRUT 2.0 (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) in Indore. He alleged that the Congress always sees disasters as an opportunity for political gain. The Chief Minister further said that Congress has a long list of "sins". "I don't want to repeat those sins Congress did during its regime. I would advise them to be cautious before questioning the BJP, otherwise the issue will go far," he said. He also said Indore is the pride of Madhya Pradesh and that every district in the state wants development on the lines of Indore. CM Yadav said the Congress ruled Madhya Pradesh for several years, but the Malwa-Nimar region was always deprived of Narmada water. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also performed the 'bhoomi-poojan' for the 'Jal Praday Yojana' (water supply scheme) under AMRUT 2.0 in Indore. The project is worth Rs 800 crore. Senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, who also attended the event, challenged Congress leaders to debate with him on Indoreas development. Vijayvargiya said Bhagirathpuraas tragedy has shaken Indore and the government is committed to provide all possible help to the people. Describing the incident as a challenging time, he said: "Challenges will come and go, and we will have to face them. It wonat be resolved by speaking ill of each other. Those who are protesting here in Indore, I can tell them what the BJP has done for the development of Indore." Mumbai, Jan 14 : The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Wednesday said that Maharashtra is bearing the consequences of electoral machinations devised by Chief Minister Fadnavis who seeks to turn Maharashtra into Bihar. "The people of the state should take note that Maharashtra is today bearing the consequences of the electoral machinations devised by Chief Minister Fadnavis, who seeks to turn Maharashtra into Bihar," he said. Sapkal appealed to the vigilant citizens of Maharashtra to "recognise the 'poisonous weed' nurtured by Devendra Fadnavis and the BJP and not to rest until it is uprooted." Further, Sapkal said that a serious incident has occurred in Ward No 1 of the Nanded Municipal Corporation, where the husband of a Congress party candidate was attacked with a sword by unidentified persons in a life-threatening assault. In Solapur, a candidate was murdered, while killings have also taken place in Akot and Khalapur. Many candidates across the state have received threats, and their families have been intimidated and the incident in Nanded is yet another example of this trend. "Notably, all these candidates belong to Opposition parties those who dare to take on the corrupt nexus of goons and hoodlums currently in power. Is their only mistake that they are fighting back? Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis must answer this question to the people of Maharashtra," he added. Sapkal said that in the municipal council elections, the people placed their trust in the Congress party, making it the largest Opposition party in the state. They elected 41 municipal presidents and 1,006 councillors, and the party finished second in 2,000 places. "In the municipal corporation elections as well, the people should ensure the Congress party's candidates win by a clear majority. Without falling prey to any inducements, vote to protect democracy and the Constitution," he noted. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) President and MP Varsha Gaikwad asserted that the Congress party will hold the "key" to the municipal corporation and that no party will be able to appoint a Mayor in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) without their support. Gaikwad dismissed claims that the Congress has been sidelined in the Mumbai civic polls. "The political arithmetic of Mumbai is changing. We are confident that the Congress will win a significantly higher number of seats this time. In the post-election scenario, no one will be able to instal a Mayor in the BMC without the Congress' involvement," she claimed. Patna, Jan 14 : A Workers' Meet and Dahi-Chura feast was organised at the BJP state office in Patna on Wednesday on the occasion of Makar Sankranti under the aegis of the party's Kisan Morcha. The programme saw the participation of BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, senior leaders and thousands of party workers. The event began with Saraogi lighting the ceremonial lamp. Addressing the gathering, he described Makar Sankranti as a symbol of Indiaas rich cultural traditions and collective participation, and said the enthusiasm, dedication and unity of party workers form the real strength of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Referring to the festival as a celebration of the Sunas northward journey, he expressed hope that it would bring happiness, prosperity and positive thinking into the lives of the people of Bihar. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, while extending greetings, said the Dahi-Chura feast on Makar Sankranti is an inseparable part of Biharas folk culture. He highlighted the importance of consuming sattvic food on the festival and congratulated the Kisan Morcha for organising the programme. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha described Makar Sankranti as a festival symbolising ritual bathing, charity, compassion and a sense of duty. He offered prayers to Lord Surya for good health, prosperity and renewed energy for the people of the state. The feast was organised under the leadership of BJP Kisan Morcha state President Manoj Kumar Singh. Among those present were Bihar Legislative Council Chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh, Health Minister Mangal Pandey, Industry Minister Dilip Jaiswal and Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav, BJP organisational general secretary Bhikhubhai Dalsania, besides several MLAs, senior office-bearers and party workers. A festive atmosphere and enthusiasm were witnessed throughout the programme at the BJP state office premises, reflecting strong participation and organisational unity. Mumbai, Jan 14 : Infosys CEO and Managing Director Salil Parekh on Wednesday denied claims that any Infosys employee was detained or deported by US authorities, responding to a viral post on social media that created widespread concern. Speaking during the companyas Q3 earnings conference, Parekh clarified that no Infosys employee has been apprehended by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He said that a few months ago, one employee was denied entry into the US and was sent back to India, but there was no detention or deportation involved. Parekh dismissed reports suggesting otherwise and said the claims circulating online were incorrect. The clarification came after a post on X, shared on January 13 by a user named Chetan Anantharamu, went viral. The post alleged that a Mysuru-based Infosys employee working on an on-site project in the US was picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and given just two hours to decide whether to return to India or go to jail. The post further claimed that the employee was escorted by agents during his travel back to India and faced public humiliation during flights via Frankfurt and later to Bengaluru. The viral post also claimed that Infosys lawyers were present at the Bengaluru airport to receive the employee and that the company planned to take legal action against US authorities. However, Infosys has categorically denied these claims, with Parekh stating that no such incident of detention has taken place in recent times. Infosysa voluntary attrition rate declined to 12.3 per cent in the December quarter of FY26, compared with 13.7 per cent in the same quarter of the previous financial year. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the attrition rate also fell by 2 per cent in Q3 compared to Q2 of the current fiscal. The companyas headcount increased during the quarter. Infosys had a total workforce of 3,37,034 employees as of December 31, 2025, up from 3,31,991 employees at the end of September 2025 -- reflecting a net addition of 5,043 employees. On a year-on-year basis, the company added 13,655 employees, taking its total headcount from 3,23,379 in December 2024 to 3,37,034 in December 2025. Ahmedabad, Jan 14 : Infineon Technologies on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology to strengthen semiconductor skills and workforce development in India, marking a major step in building the country's chip ecosystem. The agreement was announced in Ahmedabad on January 14, 2026, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The MoU was signed between Infineon Technologies AG and National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT). Infineon CEO Jochen Hanebeck was also part of the German business delegation accompanying the Chancellor during his first official visit to India. Under the partnership, Infineon will work closely with NIELIT to design and deliver training programmes focused on semiconductor assembly, testing and packaging. The collaboration will include updating course content, conducting expert-led seminars, running "train the trainer" programmes and donating equipment to support hands-on practical learning. NIELIT operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and plays a key role in technical education and skilling across the country. Commenting on the development, Infineon CEO Jochen Hanebeck said India is among the world's most dynamic economies and its push to build a strong semiconductor ecosystem aligns well with Infineon's strengths in power systems and Internet of Things technologies. He said the partnership reflects Infineon's long-term commitment to India not just as a market, but also as an important innovation and research hub, and will help create a skilled workforce to support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. NIELIT Director General Prof. M. M. Tripathi said the collaboration is an important milestone for India's semiconductor ambitions. He noted that combining NIELIT's nationwide training network with Infineon's global manufacturing expertise will help prepare Indian youth for careers in the semiconductor sector and support the country's goal of becoming self-reliant in critical technologies. Alongside the MoU, Infineon also hosted a two-day workshop in New Delhi from January 12 to 13, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Titled "Semiconductors A Key Enabler for Viksit Bharat 2047: From Vision to Reality," the event brought together global industry experts, government officials and policymakers to discuss ways to build a globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem in India. Indore, Jan 14 : Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will be visiting Madhya Pradesh's Indore on January 17 and will meet residents of Bhagirathpura area where nearly two dozen people died due to consumption of contaminated water in the past few weeks. During his visit, LoP Rahul Gandhi will meet families affected by the tragedy as a show of solidarity, Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) stated, confirming the report in a statement on Wednesday evening. During Rahul Gandhi's visit, the Madhya Pradesh Congress will organise a massive protest in Indore to highlight the lapses that resulted in the tragedy. All senior party leaders from the state, including PCC chief Jitu Patwari and LoP in the State Assembly Umang Singhar will join the protest. "A statewide protest will be organised across Madhya Pradesh on January 17, during which, Congress workers will hold sit-ins at Mahatma Gandhi's statues," the MP media cell told IANS on Wednesday. Rahul Gandhi's arrival is likely to heat up politics in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, and an indication came on Wednesday when the state BJP leadership, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav launched an attack on the Congress, accusing it of playing politics. While addressing a programme in Indore, Chief Minister Yadav stated that the government has realised the pain of people of Bhagirathpura and taken every possible step to provide help to the affected people. "It is unfortunate that Congress takes disasters as an opportunity for politics. We have taken the issue very seriously and felt the pain with sensitivity. I would also advise them to raise the issue with a sense of positivity. We would welcome your suggestions. But if you play politics during a disaster, the people of Indore won't forgive you," Yadav said while addressing the AMRUT 2.0 programme in Indore. Meanwhile, the state's Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, who is also a local leader from Indore and Bhagirathpura falls under his Assembly constituency (Indore-1), also slammed the Congress for questioning Indore's claim as the cleanest city in the country. Describing the contamination incident as a challenging time, Vijayvargiya said, "Challenges will come and go, and we will have to face them. Those who are protesting here in Indore, I can tell them what the BJP has done for the development of Indore." Kolkata, Jan 14 : A majority of the Congress' district leaderships in West Bengal are against any seat-sharing arrangement with any party for the 2026 Assembly elections in the state, party insiders said on Wednesday. Sources said the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) recently sought the opinion of district leaderships on the issue of alliance and seat-sharing, and most of them suggested that the party should contest the next Assembly polls on its own, irrespective of the outcome, instead of depending on allies to secure a few seats. The district leaderships were asked specifically about possible seat-sharing with the CPI(M)-led Left Front, the Trinamool Congress, the All India Secular Front (AISF) and the Janata Unnayan Party floated by suspended Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir. Party insiders said only leaders from two districts favoured continuing the understanding with the CPI(M)-led Left Front, which began in the 2016 West Bengal Assembly elections and continued till the Lok Sabha polls. However, no district leader expressed support for any understanding with the Trinamool Congress for the upcoming Assembly elections, party sources said. Incidentally, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee have already ruled out any arrangement with the Congress. On the other hand, despite reservations from some other Left Front constituents, CPI(M) leadership in West Bengal has kept the option of a seat-sharing understanding with Congress open. "The final decision on any seat-sharing arrangement will be taken by the party high command or the All India Congress Committee (AICC). The state leadership has only collected district-level feedback. The WBPCC will now update the AICC," a WBPCC insider said. Political observers said a smooth seat-sharing arrangement for the 2026 Assembly polls had appeared difficult from the start. "The two main architects of the Left Front-Congress understanding since 2016 were former CPI(M) general secretary late Sitaram Yechury and former West Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. After Yechury's demise, there is no national leader in the CPI(M)'s central leadership who can convincingly push such an arrangement internally. In Congress too, after Chowdhury moved out of the key decision-making ambit, the equation has changed," a city-based political observer said. London, Jan 14 : British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Wednesday called on NATO to "step up its military and security presence in the Arctic", citing that the region is becoming "a front line of geopolitical competition" as climate change opens new shipping routes and exposes strategic resources. During her visit to Finland and Norway, Cooper said Arctic security was "critical to protecting Britain and NATO" and stressed the need to "strengthen regional defences to deter Russia and protect key infrastructure", according to a press release published by the Foreign Office. "The Arctic will become an ever more critical frontier for NATO," Cooper said, adding that Britain and its allies were working to reinforce defences in the High North to prevent any attempts to threaten their interests and undersea infrastructure. The High North hosts major shipping routes and vital critical national infrastructure, including undersea cables, which British officials say are increasingly vulnerable to hostile activity, Xinhua news agency reported. Cooper's visit includes meetings with Finnish border guards defending NATO's eastern flank with Russia and a visit to Camp Viking in northern Norway, where British Royal Marines are conducting cold-weather military training. The press release said that Britain has "long been a leader" in the Joint Expeditionary Force, a coalition of 10 northern European nations focused on High North security. The force recently carried out its largest-ever military exercise "Tarassis," deploying thousands of troops, dozens of ships, vehicles, and aircraft across the Baltic region and the North Atlantic. Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Wednesday that France will open its consulate in Greenland on February 6, a concrete move to show support for the island as the United States repeatedly vows to take it over. In an interview with French radio RTL, Barrot said Greenland neither wants to be owned, governed, nor integrated by the United States, stressing that the island has chosen to remain within the framework of Denmark, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union. His remarks came amid renewed statements by US President Donald Trump, who has expressed interest in acquiring the island, hinting at the possibility of military intervention. Calling such rhetoric "incongruous," Barrot said it would make no sense for one NATO member to attack another, noting that such an act would run counter to the interests of the United States itself. The French minister underlined the importance of international law, saying it has been undermined by recent actions of the United States. "International law is being trampled on, and the first days of 2026 have clearly shown that the law of the strongest is now governing relations between nations," he said, adding that this made it imperative for Europe and its partners to strengthen themselves. Barrot also stressed the need to show solidarity with Denmark in the face of U.S. pressure, adding that French authorities have held intensive exchanges with their Danish and Greenlandic counterparts in recent days. Jan 13 (Reuters) - The Chinese government this week told some tech companies it would only approve their purchases of Nvidia's H200 AI chips under special circumstances, such as for university research, the Information reported on Tuesday, citing two people with direct knowledge of the situation. More from Yahoo Scout What are the special circumstances for H200 approvals? Why is China restricting Nvidia H200 chip purchases? What impact could this have on China's AI development? How do US-China tensions affect Nvidia's business? The move signals Beijing is remaining cautious about fully reopening the Chinese market to Nvidia, whose semiconductors are pivotal in operating the most advanced artificial intelligence applications and data centers. China's government issued a "deliberately vague" directive, the report said, telling some technology firms to buy chips only when "necessary" but was unclear as to what that means. The Information reported last week that China had asked some companies to halt their orders for the H200 chips, as it looked to prioritize domestic firms in their race to dominate AI. Nvidia is caught between Washington and Beijing, as the U.S. weighs tighter export controls on its most advanced technology while China pushes to strengthen domestic AI capabilities and urges local firms to curb reliance on foreign tech. "As principle, ensuring the smooth development of economic, trade, and technological cooperation is in the common interest of both China and the U.S.," Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said when reached for comment. Nvidia did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. The Chinese government plans to convene additional meetings with more companies to deliver the purchase directive, though it is unclear whether those sessions will include any new guidance, the report said. (Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid) Hyderabad, Jan 14 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Wednesday alleged that the Congress rule in Telangana reminds of Emergency days. Condemning the arrest of two journalists of a Telugu television channel, he demanded their immediate release. He posted on X that the Director General Police (DGP) is hell bent on treating journalists like criminals "You could have served them notices and called them for an investigation. Going into journalists homes in the dead of the night is definitely a stretch! I demand immediate release of the arrested journalists. None of the sections are nonbailable, so why did the Telangana police decide to terrorise the journalists and their families with these midnight arrests," he asked. The former minister requested the DGP to follow the due legal process and "not play into dirty politics of Congress party and its lousy leadership" "P.S: Who is the actual source of the leak in this episode? Do you think a pro Govt TV channel will telecast a story without active support from Mr. 30% ?," added the BRS leader. Earlier, in another post on the same issue KTR tagged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. "I hope you are taking note of how the Telangana branch of your 'Mohabbat ki Dukan' is trampling upon constitutional rights of citizens. Last night, three journalists were abducted by state police. In once instance, police broke open the doors of a journalist's home. This was a case with only bailable sections, where the police could have simply issued a BNSS Section 35 notice. Such repression on media and digital media has now become the hallmark of your colleague Revanth Reddy's rule in Telangana!," reads the post. The police police on Wednesday arrested two reporters of Telugu television news channel in a case relating to telecast of an alleged defamatory story about a minister and woman IAS officer. Hyderabad Police Commissioner C. V. Sajjanar said a reporter who tried to escape to Bangkok was arrested. Another reporter, who had switched off his phone after being summoned by the police, was also taken into custody. Sajjanar, who is heading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case, told media persons that journalists involved in the case should cooperate with the police in the investigation. He made it clear that the accused, wherever they may be, will be arrested. Muktsar, Jan 14 : Punjab and Haryana are not merely neighbouring states, they are bound by culture, history and blood relations. And when Punjab faced a natural calamity, the people of Haryana came forward wholeheartedly to help, but at that time the AAP government of Punjab and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal were nowhere to be seen. This was stated by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini while addressing a rally at the first conference of the BJP to mark the Maghi festival at the sacred land of Sri Muktsar Sahib, the land of the 40 Muktas. Saini accused the AAP government of failing to fulfil promises made to farmers, saying that even after four years farmers are still waiting for justice. In contrast, he said, the BJP's double-engine government in Haryana is providing farmers with crop procurement at minimum support price (MSP), timely payments, compensation for crop losses, health schemes, and social welfare benefits. CM Saini said the "Sikh history symbolises valour, sacrifice, and the path of truth". Paying homage to the unparalleled martyrdom of the 40 Muktas, he said under the leadership of Bhai Maha Singh and Mai Bhago-ji, the Muktas laid down their lives and attained "true liberation". BJP national General Secretary Tarun Chugh, in his address, paid homage to the martyrdom of the 40 Muktas and levelled allegations against the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress from the sacred land of Sri Muktsar Sahib. He said "this fair is not merely a religious event, but a symbol of martyrdom, sacrifice and devotion to the Guru Sahibs. Today, a well-planned campaign is being run in Punjab against Sikh traditions and Guru 'maryada'." He accused former Delhi CM Kejriwal, former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, and Punjab CM Mann of repeatedly making controversial statements and taking contentious steps regarding Guru Rehat Maryada and gurdwara matters. Referring to the 1984 Sikh massacre, Chugh said the Congress "protected the guilty for years, but after 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the cases were reopened and action was initiated against the culprits". State party President Sunil Jakhar said "the party understands its responsibility towards Punjab and that only the BJP can pull the state out of the current difficult phase". He said "Punjab today is facing serious challenges such as drugs, corruption and deteriorating law and order situation". He claimed that to strengthen social harmony and move forward on the path of development, there "is a need for a strong and capable government like the BJP". Referring to steps taken by the Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, he said several historic decisions such as the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor were taken, which previous governments had never even imagined. --IANS vg/pgh New Delhi, Jan 14 : The Delhi High Court on Wednesday adjourned, to January 19, the hearing on the petitions filed by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tejashwi Yadav challenging a trial court order directing the framing of charges against them in the alleged IRCTC hotel scam case. While posting both petitions for further hearing next week, the Delhi High Court also declined to stay the proceedings before the trial court at the present stage. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Lalu Prasad Yadav, contended that the charge sheet in the case was filed prior to the grant of sanction for prosecution. He further argued that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had failed to examine two private transactions which had no nexus with the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act. Sibal submitted that the alleged transfers were carried out in accordance with government policy and could not be termed an offence under the PC Act. He brought to the Delhi High Courtas notice that the trial court was conducting day-to-day hearings in the matter, a practice not followed in similar cases. The Delhi High Court, on January 6, had issued notice to the CBI on Tejashwi Yadavas plea challenging the trial courtas order after his counsel contended that a similar petition filed by Lalu Prasad Yadav was already listed on January 14. Taking note of the submissions, it had directed that both pleas be heard together. In his petition, Tejashwi Yadav has assailed the order passed by the Rouse Avenue Court, which found sufficient grounds to proceed against him and other accused for offences relating to corruption, criminal conspiracy and cheating in connection with the IRCTC scam. In an order passed on October 13, 2025, Special Judge (PC Act) Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Courts paved the way for the trial of Lalu Prasad Yadav, his wife Rabri Devi, his son Tejashwi Yadav, and other accused under Sections 420 (cheating) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) as well as provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, after they pleaded not guilty to the charges. The special court had reserved its order on May 29 after hearing detailed arguments on the issue of framing of charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav, his family members, Prem Gupta, Sarla Gupta and Railway officials Rakesh Saksena and P.K. Goyal. The alleged scam pertained to the period between 2004 and 2009, when Lalu Prasad Yadav was the Railway Minister. During his tenure, two IRCTC hotels were allegedly given on lease without following prescribed norms. One of the hotels was allotted to Sarla Gupta, wife of Prem Gupta, a close associate of the RJD chief and a Rajya Sabha MP at the time. As per the prosecution, the RJD leader got three acres of prime land through a benami company. Jaipur, Jan 14 : Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday said that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing, and every action of the enemy is being closely monitored. He emphasised that although India's northern borders remain stable, continuous vigilance is essential. Referring to the global security scenario, the Army Chief said that the past year has witnessed a sharp rise in the number and intensity of armed conflicts worldwide. "These global changes highlight a simple truth nations that remain prepared are the ones that succeed," he said, speaking during an investiture ceremony at South Western Command here. General Dwivedi stated that after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, a clear decision was taken at the highest level that India would take decisive action. "Operation Sindoor was the result of that resolve. During this operation, with the joint efforts of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, nine terrorist camps and the infrastructure of Pakistan and PoK were precisely engaged within just 22 minutes. Of these nine targets, seven were destroyed by the Indian Army, causing heavy losses to terrorists. Within 88 hours, through precision, professionalism, and operational superiority, we compelled Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire. This was a clear demonstration of the Indian Army's decisive capabilities in safeguarding national sovereignty and national interest," he said. Speaking about the 78th Army Day Parade in Rajasthan, the Army Chief said that this year's parade holds special significance. "Tomorrow, you will witness the Indian Army in its full glory, discipline, and indomitable strength," he said. Congratulating the units receiving COAS Citations and Certificates of Appreciation, he extended his best wishes to all officers, JCOs, and soldiers whose excellent performance earned these honours. He reiterated that Operation Sindoor continues, and strict monitoring of enemy activities is being maintained. "Our deployment along the LAC is balanced and strong. Under the Whole-of-Nation approach, capability development and infrastructure strengthening are progressing steadily," he added. General Dwivedi explained that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains sensitive but under firm control of the Army. Development activities have significantly reduced terrorist recruitment to the lowest levels so far. "The peaceful conduct of the Shri Amarnath Yatra is a clear indicator of trust and normalcy," he said. Speaking on the Northeast, he said that the Government's proactive initiatives and neutral, decisive actions by security forces have led to a visible improvement in the security situation, especially in Manipur. "Cultural programmes like Shirui Lily Festival, the revival of the Durand Cup, and the reinstatement of the Suspension of Operations are strong signs of normalcy. Our effort is to ensure that peace and dialogue become permanent," he said. The Assam Rifles, along with the Home Ministry, is working through a multi-agency security grid to protect against cross-border spillover effects. The Army Chief also highlighted the Indian Army's commendable work in the field of HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief). "This year, we have rescued more than 30,000 people. In border states, the Army continues to emerge as the natural first responder," he noted. He stressed that future wars cannot be won by the military alone they require a national endeavour. Following the Prime Minister's call for Jointness, Self-Reliance, and Innovation, and the Defence Minister's Era of Reforms, the Indian Army is accelerating operational preparedness, modernisation, and functional efficiency. Significant organisational steps are being taken to strengthen the force structure. "For multi-domain operations, the Rudra Brigade has been formed; for stealth and agility-based missions, the Bhairav Battalion has been created; and for drone-enabled precision strikes in artillery, the Shaktibhan Regiment has been established. Many more concrete steps are underway," he added. General Dwivedi said that many of the equipment being showcased in the parade tomorrow (Thursday) have been indigenously developed under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. "We have adopted technology as a force multiplier and ensured Army participation in all major national technology missions. Indian Army Cells have been established in IITs. Efforts to empower women in the Army are continuing women are now being commissioned as officers, joining the TA (non-technical), Army Education Corps, and serving as soldiers. You will also witness their courage and enthusiasm in the parade," he said. Doha, Jan 14 : Qatar on Wednesday confirmed in a statement that some personnel are departing from the US Al Udeid Air Base in the country over "regional tensions." "With reference to circulating media reports regarding the departure of certain personnel from Al Udeid Air Base, the International Media Office (IMO) of the State of Qatar states that such measures are being undertaken in response to the current regional tensions," the IMO said. The IMO reaffirmed that Qatar continues to implement all necessary measures to safeguard the security and safety of its citizens and residents as a top priority, including steps related to the protection of critical infrastructure and military facilities. Earlier, citing a Reuters report, Xinhua news agency reported that the United States is withdrawing some of its personnel from its military bases in the Middle East as a precaution amid heightened regional tensions. The latest developments come as regional tensions show signs of escalation surrounding Iran's protests, with US officials repeatedly threatening to intervene. According to local media, Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh has said that the country will respond forcefully to any attack and "defend the country with full force and until the last drop of blood." Some reports have highlighted that Iran has warned neighbouring countries hosting US forces that US military bases could be targetted if Washington intervenes in the ongoing protests. On Tuesday, Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani urged the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council to condemn the United States for inciting violence and threatening to use force against his country. In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Somali UN Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman, who serves as the rotating President of the Security Council for January, Iravani accused US President Donald Trump of openly inciting violence in Iran, citing Trump's post on social media platform Truth Social. The US virtual embassy in Iran on Tuesday urged for US citizens to leave the country. "This reckless statement explicitly encourages political destabilization, incites and invites violence, and threatens the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Iravani said in the letter. Varanasi, Jan 14 : Varanasi's historic Manikarnika Ghat is undergoing extensive development work aimed at improving cremation management and public convenience. Amid the ongoing project, the district administration has clarified that no temples or cultural structures are being harmed and has cautioned the public against misinformation being spread through viral photos and AI-generated videos on social media. Varanasi, Jan 14 (IANS) Varanasias historic Manikarnika Ghat is undergoing extensive development work aimed at improving cremation management and public convenience. Amid the ongoing project, the district administration has clarified that no temples or cultural structures are being harmed and has cautioned the public against misinformation being spread through viral photos and AI-generated videos on social media. Varanasi District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar said strict action will be taken against those attempting to mislead people and disturb the sanctity of the ghat. aManikarnika Ghata, famously known as the great cremation ground of Varanasi, witnesses the cremation of lakhs of bodies every year. Due to the large number of cremations, the ghat faces several challenges, including a shortage of space, cleanliness, and maintaining proper arrangements. Keeping these issues in mind, a comprehensive development project is being implemented at the ghat to streamline and improve the overall system. DM Satyendra Kumar said that under the project, new and well-organised platforms are being constructed for cremations, which will provide greater convenience to devotees and bereaved families. While speaking to the media, the District Magistrate said that after cremation, the remaining ashes often spread to nearby houses and surrounding areas, causing inconvenience to residents. To provide a permanent solution to this problem, a tall chimney is being constructed at the ghat to ensure proper disposal of ashes. In addition, arrangements are being made to store the wood used in cremations in a systematic manner to prevent disorder and unhygienic conditions. People coming for the mundan (head-shaving) ritual had also been facing several difficulties, and improved facilities are now being developed for them as well. He further stated that the project has been continuously underway for the past year. Under it, new construction work is being carried out in the kutcha (unpaved) areas of the ghat, while the pucca (permanent) portions are being restored and strengthened. The objective is to preserve the traditional identity of the ghat while developing facilities in line with modern requirements, ensuring that devotees do not face any inconvenience. Meanwhile, the District Magistrate also clarified the situation regarding certain photos and videos going viral on social media. He said that the images being circulated are related to various artworks created on the ghats and stairways. Some people are spreading misinformation by using AI to create misleading videos related to temples and idols. He clarified that all artworks and sculptures present at the ghat are fully under the protection of the Department of Culture and will be restored. The temples built at Manikarnika Ghat will remain safe and intact as before. The District Magistrate also said that those spreading rumours on social media are being identified and kept under constant surveillance. If required, strict action will be taken against such elements in accordance with the law. The administrationas clear objective is to ensure that the sanctity of Manikarnika Ghat, its cultural heritage, and the faith of devotees are not harmed under any circumstances. Jerusalem, Jan 14 : Pakistan's track record of orchestrating bloodshed over decades cannot be erased by mere diplomacy. With the Gaza peace plan hanging in the balance, excluding unreliable actors like Pakistan is not just prudent - it's critical for lasting stability, a report said on Wednesday. Jerusalem, Jan 14 (IANS) Pakistan's track record of orchestrating bloodshed over decades cannot be erased by mere diplomacy. With the Gaza peace plan hanging in the balance, excluding unreliable actors like Pakistan is not just prudent it's critical for lasting stability, a report said on Wednesday. It stressed that the world has endured enough darkness spread by Pakistan-sponsored terror; it's time to insist on clarity. According to a report in 'One World Outlook' in the US-initiated postwar Gaza 'International Stabilisation Force' (ISF), Pakistan is among the nations the US approached for contributions, with Washington reportedly urging Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to participate alongside a Muslim-majority contingent including Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, and Indonesia. "Pakistan's willingness to participate evidenced by public statements from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and diplomatic overtures to Trump might seem like a step toward regional stability. However, this proposition is fraught with irony and peril. Just as discussions intensified, revelations emerged of public meetings between Hamas leaders and operatives from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a notorious Pakistan-based terrorist group. These interactions not only expose deepening ties between the two outfits but also spotlight Pakistan's persistent policy of state-sponsored terrorism a reality that no diplomatic manoeuvring or public relations campaign can obscure," it detailed. The latest incident, the report said, took place in early January, when senior Hamas commander Naji Zaheer, serving as a special representative for Hamas leader Khaled Mashal, attended an event in Pakistan's Gujranwala. The gathering organised by the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League, widely regarded as a political front for terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), featured Zaheer as the chief guest. "Video footage captured him sharing the stage with LeT commander Rashid Ali Sandhu, exchanging pleasantries and addressing the crowd. Such a high-profile encounter could not have transpired without the knowledge, if not the approval, of Pakistani authorities. This was no anomaly; Zaheer had previously visited Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in February 2025, where he spoke at rallies alongside LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed figures, drawing parallels between the 'struggles' in Kashmir and Gaza," the report mentioned. Israel has firmly ruled out Pakistani involvement in the Gaza peace plan, a position that stems directly from Pakistan's tainted legacy. "In January 2026, Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, articulated this position unequivocally: peacekeeping demands 'trust and credible diplomatic relationships,' which Pakistan lacks due to its affiliations with Hamas and groups like LeT. Azar emphasised that 'non-trusting partners cannot be part of the plan,' underscoring Israel's insistence on reliable allies for the ISF. This stance is echoed in Israeli diplomatic circles, where Pakistan's absence of formal ties with Israel coupled with its vocal support for Palestinian militancy fuels deep skepticism," the report noted. Kolkata, Jan 14 : The West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, alleging serious irregularities and harassment of people regarding notices for hearings related to voter list revision. On Wednesday, state Congress Vice-President Prashant Dutta and General Secretary Ashutosh Chatterjee jointly lodged the complaint, demanding an immediate investigation and necessary action. At the same time, state Congress president Shubhankar Sarkar called for a protest outside the CEO office in Kolkata over their demands on January 20. The Congress memorandum said that despite submitting the correct documents, many citizens are receiving hearing notices from the Election Commission, which they consider a form of deliberate harassment. The complainants claimed that the entire hearing process is filled with technical errors. The notices often lack the correct date, time, or necessary information, causing confusion among the general public and forcing them to unnecessarily run around. The Congress leadership alleged that this flawed and unplanned SIR process is increasing mental stress among citizens. Not only ordinary people, but also those involved in election-related work are facing pressure due to this. They have demanded an immediate investigation into the entire process to identify those responsible and to take appropriate measures to prevent such problems in the future. The memorandum further stated that West Bengal Pradesh Congress President Shubhankar Sarkar instructed that this complaint be filed in the interest of the general public. Following this instruction, the matter has been brought to the attention of the Election Commission. The Congress leadership asserted that the Election Commission must intervene immediately to make the voter hearing process transparent and free from harassment. They are also demanding the Election Commission's active role in ending the unnecessary suffering of the general public and promptly rectifying the technical glitches. Mumbai, Jan 14 : Ahead of the release of "Border 2" on January 23, actor Sunny Deol decided to spend some time with our Indian Army officers as he paid a visit to INS Vikrant. Sunny took to his official Instagram handle and posted a selfie with the Indian Navy officers. The 'Gadar' actor was seen wearing a green shirt paired with dark green trousers and a black turban. We could also get a beautiful view of the sea in the backdrop. Expressing his love for the motherland, Sunny wrote in the caption, "Hindustan Meri Jaan...Meri Aan...Meri Shaan...Hindustan . Pride. Honour. Bravery! #INSVikrant #IndianNavy. (sic)" It must be noted that Sunny was also a part of the original drama "Border" (1997). During the recent song launch of "Ghar Kab Aaoge" from "Border 2", Sunny revealed that he agreed to do "Border" because of his father, legendary actor Dharmendra. Sunny told the media, "I did 'Border' because when I saw my father's film 'Haqeeqat'. I liked it a lot. I was very young then. When I became an actor, I decided that I would also do a film like my father". For the unaware, Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025 at the age of 89. Apart from Sunny, the sequel will also star Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty as the primary cast. Varun will be essaying the role of PVC Hoshiar Singh in the movie. Recently, he met the wife and family of Hoshiar Singh and, dropping snippets from the meeting on social media, Varun wrote, "Varun wrote on his social media account, "Deeply honoured to meet PVC Hoshiar Singh Dahiya's wife Smt. Dhano Devi ji and his son Colonel Sushil Kumar Dahiya, receiving their blessings to carry forward the legacy of PVC Hoshiar Singh Dahiya is an incredible honour. I am truly and deeply grateful. Jai Hind." "Border 2" is presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series, in collaboration with J.P. Dutta's J.P. Films. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, and directed by Anurag Singh, the film is slated to be out in the theatres on January 23, 2026. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed New Delhi/Tehran, Jan 14 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi late Wednesday evening as both ministers discussed the "evolving situation" around Iran. "Received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. We discussed the evolving situation in and around Iran," EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the development. The conversation took place shortly after New Delhi issued another advisory for the Indian nationals regarding travel to Iran owing to the recent developments in the country. "In view of the ongoing developments in Iran, Indian nationals are once again strongly advised to avoid travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice," read the advisory issued by the Indian government. Earlier on January 5, India had advised its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran until further notice, owing to the recent developments in the country. "Indian citizens and PIOs currently in Iran should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, and closely monitor news as well as the website and social media handles of the Embassy of India in Tehran," read an advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). "Indian nationals living in Iran on resident-visas are advised to register with the Indian Embassy, if not already done so," it added. Iran is witnessing violent protests in a number of cities, resulting in the killing of several people and rising tensions in the entire region. The United States on Tuesday advised its citizens to "leave Iran now", asking them to consider departing Iran by land to Armenia or Turkey. "Protests across Iran are escalating and may turn violent, resulting in arrests and injuries. Increased security measures, road closures, public transportation disruptions, and internet blockages are ongoing. The Government of Iran has restricted access to mobile, landline, and national internet networks. Airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from Iran, with several suspending service until Friday, January 16," read a security alert issued by the US Virtual Embassy in Iran. Chinas exports to the U.S. tanked 30 percent to $34.2 billion in December, closing out a turbulent year for trade between the two countries. The December total marks Chinas second-steepest annual drop in monthly outbound shipments to the country after Augusts 33.1 percent plunge, and represents the ninth straight month of declines since the U.S. first slapped tariffs on the country in April. More from Sourcing Journal For the full year, outbound shipments to the U.S. totaled $420 billion, a 20 percent decline from 2024 numbers. But the rocky relations have not stopped China from recording its biggest annual trade surplus ever, coming in at $1.18 trillion across 2025, according to Chinas General Administration of Customs. The annual data follows last months revelation that Chinas trade surplus surpassed the $1 trillion mark for the first time. Powering the surplus, Chinas exports across all nations increased 5.5 percent to $3.77 trillion, illustrating the sourcing superpowers adjustments to the tariffs. Trade partners are more diversified, and the ability to resist risks has significantly increased, said Wang Jun, a vice minister at Chinas customs administration, during a Wednesday press briefing. On a monthly basis, Chinas exports globally increased 6.6 percent to $357.8 billion, well surpassing the 3 percent increase expected by economists polled by Reuters. In December, Chinas exports to the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) rose 11.6 percent and 11.1 percent to $51.9 billion and $66.4 billion, respectively. Exports to Vietnam totaled $18.9 billion for the month, a 20.5 percent increase, while shipments to Thailand jumped 20.7 percent to $10.4 billion. As India and China seek to improve ties, the former imported 22.1 percent more goods than it did the year prior, taking in $12.8 billion for the month. Latin American countries also saw near-double-digit spikes in goods from China, at 9.8 percent to $25.7 billion. Across all of 2025, ASEAN trade partners Vietnam and Thailand were two of the biggest beneficiaries of the shifts in U.S. trade policy. Chinas exports to Vietnam increased 22.4 percent for the full year to $198.1 billion, while shipments to Thailand escalated 20.3 percent to $103.5 billion. Hyderabad, Jan 14 : Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) B. Shivadhar Reddy on Wednesday warned social media platforms not to indulge in character assassination. Expressing his anger over the character assassination taking place on social media platforms, the DGP, in a statement, made it clear that spreading false news about other individuals and their family members, making false accusations, circulating fake news, and interfering in personal lives will not be tolerated. The DGP said that they have no objection to constructive criticism and opinions expressed within the bounds of the law. However, he warned that if those limits are crossed and social media is misused to spread falsehoods, strict action will be taken against the individuals concerned. The police chief recalled that after taking over as the DGP on October 1 last year, he had provided guidelines on the use of social media and made it clear that strict action would be taken against those who act beyond the limits of the law. He reiterated that their policy is to take legal action against anyone who engages in character assassination, harms the reputation of others, or commits acts of character assassination in the name of social media. The DGPas warning came amid the police investigation against some television channels and social media platforms for telecasting and circulating an alleged defamatory story about a minister and a woman IAS officer. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case on Wednesday arrested two journalists of Telugu news channel NTV. The case was registered against NTV, T News and several other news channels, as well as YouTube channels and social media handles, on a complaint filed by Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan on behalf of the IAS Officersa Association. Jayesh Ranjan, who is Secretary of the Telangana IAS Officersa Association, stated in his complaint that on January 8, NTV published and telecast a news item regarding a woman IAS officer that was "completely false, fabricated and baseless". The complainant said that unsubstantiated allegations were made against a serving woman IAS officer, insinuating an alleged personal relationship with a political executive and attempting to link her official postings to such baseless claims. The eight-member SIT is also probing the case relating to the sharing of an "obscene and humiliating" image of the Chief Minister in a WhatsApp group. Malda : , Jan 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Malda district in West Bengal on January 17, where he will inaugurate the Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper Train from Malda Town Station. He will later address a public rally at Sahapur Bypass. Malda (West Bengal), Jan 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Malda district in West Bengal on January 17, where he will inaugurate the HowrahGuwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper Train from Malda Town Station. He will later address a public rally at Sahapur Bypass. The visit comes as part of the government's push to expand modern rail connectivity in eastern and northeastern parts of India. Ahead of PM Modi's arrival, Malda Town Station is being transformed into a festive hub. The entire station, both inside and outside, is being illuminated and decorated with colourful drapes and lights, giving it an appearance reminiscent of an international airport. Preparations are in full swing, and the excitement among passengers and locals is palpable. The Prime Minister is expected to flag off the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati around 12 to 12:30 pm. According to Kabir Biswas, Station Manager of Malda, "No trains are cancelled or rescheduled. All trains will run on time. Preparations at the station are being carried out smoothly ahead of the Prime Minister's visit." Prime Minister Modi will arrive in Malda by helicopter. First, he will be visiting Malda Town Station to inaugurate the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. This will be followed by a public address at Sahapur Bypass. Amlan Bhaduri, State Secretary, BJP, West Bengal, said, "The arrangements for the Prime Minister's visit are going on as planned. This is a proud moment for Malda, with the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train set to improve connectivity in the region." The upcoming visit and the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train mark another milestone in modernising rail infrastructure in the region while providing residents with faster, safer, and more comfortable travel options, say officials. Lav Sarkar, local resident, said, "People are eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister. The station looks beautiful, and the decorations have created a celebratory atmosphere." Abhijeet, another local resident, remarked, "It's exciting to see Malda Town Station looking so grand. We are looking forward to the inauguration of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train." Pankaj Kumar says, "The decorations have added a festive charm to the station. Everyone is excited about the Prime Minister's visit." Hyderabad, Jan 14 : Telangana Police on Wednesday arrested two reporters of Telugu television news channel NTV in a case relating to the telecast of an alleged defamatory story about a minister and a woman IAS officer. Hyderabad Police Commissioner C. V. Sajjanar said a reporter who tried to escape to Bangkok was arrested. Another reporter, who had switched off his phone after being summoned by the police, was also taken into custody. Sajjanar, who is heading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case, told media persons that journalists involved in the case should cooperate with the police in the investigation. He made it clear that the accused, wherever they may be, will be arrested. He said those summoned by the police for investigation should appear. The Commissioner said the CEO of a television channel did not appear before the police despite the police summoning him. He wondered why reporters were trying to escape. A reporter, who had booked the flight ticket and was trying to flee to Bangkok, was arrested. Another reporter was also arrested as he had switched off his phone after he was summoned. Sajjanar said the police were acting as per the law and all the details would be revealed soon. "Law will take its own course," he said. The Commissioner said that while criticism is common in public, there can't be any justification for telecasting a fake story, making a personal attack on a woman officer. He said the SIT was investigating two cases. The other case was registered in Narayanpet district for sharing an "obscene and humiliating" image of the Chief Minister in a WhatsApp group. Hyderabad Police registered the case against various media and social media platforms for allegedly telecasting and circulating fake news about a minister and a woman IAS officer. NTV input editor Donthu Ramesh and reporter Sudheer were taken to King Koti Hospital in the evening for medical examination. They are likely to be produced before a magistrate. Meanwhile, SIT conducted a search at the office of NTV. It reportedly seized computers and hard disks after two-hour longs search. The channel accused the police of high-handed behaviour. The case was registered against NTV, T News and several other news channels, as well as YouTube channels and social media handles, on a complaint filed by Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan on behalf of the IAS Officers' Association. Jayesh Ranjan, who is Secretary of the Telangana IAS Officers' Association, stated in his complaint that on January 8, NTV published and telecast a news item regarding a woman IAS officer that was "completely false, fabricated and baseless". The complainant said that unsubstantiated allegations were made against a serving woman IAS officer, insinuating an alleged personal relationship with a political executive and attempting to link her official postings to such baseless claims. Hyderabad, Jan 14 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and former Telangana minister T. Harish Rao on Wednesday condemned the arrest of some journalists by the state police on a festival day in connection with a case for allegedly telecasting fake news about a minister and a woman IAS officer. Taking exception to the arrest of journalists without issuing prior notice, Harish Rao spoke to Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy over the phone and demanded their release. Urging the police to follow due legal procedure, the BRS leader asked what the need was to arrest them in the middle of the night and on the festival day. Harish Rao told the DGP that journalists should not be treated like criminals or terrorists and requested that the journalists be summoned by issuing notices after the Sankranti festival. "Is it necessary to go to journalists' homes in the middle of the night during the festival and make arrests? How can you make arrests without following procedure, without issuing notices? Why are you treating them so harshly?" he asked in a post on X. The BRS leader said that the police action would cause mental anguish to the families of journalists. He termed the arrests of journalists an attack on democracy and a direct assault by the Congress government on the self-respect of Telangana journalists. "Who are you protecting with the arrests of journalists and curbs on media and digital media? Who are you hunting down?" he asked. The DGP on Tuesday constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe two cases registered against various media and social media platforms for allegedly telecasting and circulating fake news about a minister and a woman IAS officer, and for sharing an "obscene and humiliating" image of the Chief Minister in a WhatsApp group. The eight-member team is headed by Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar. A case was registered against NTV, T News and several other news channels, as well as YouTube channels and social media handles, on a complaint filed by Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan on behalf of the IAS Officers' Association. Jayesh Ranjan, who is Secretary of the Telangana IAS Officers' Association, stated in his complaint that on January 8, NTV published and telecast a news item regarding a woman IAS officer that was "completely false, fabricated and baseless". The complainant said that unsubstantiated allegations were made against a serving woman IAS officer, insinuating an alleged personal relationship with a political executive and attempting to link her official postings to such baseless claims. New Delhi, Jan 14 : The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to halt the ongoing trial against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and his son Tejashwi Yadav in the IRCTC scam case. A bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma observed that while the trial would continue, the cross-examination of witnesses could be scheduled for the "next-to-next" week, by which time the court is expected to decide on petitions filed by the father-son duo challenging the framing of charges. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Lalu Prasad, argued that the matter had been listed for a hearing on whether the trial should be stayed while the petitions were pending. He noted that once the examination-in-chief of witnesses is completed, cross-examination proceedings would follow. The judge, however, made it clear: "Let examination-in-chief be done. I am not giving them a stay." She added that the petitions would be adjudicated next week, and directed the CBI not to press for immediate cross-examination. On October 13, 2025, the trial court framed charges against Lalu, his wife Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav, and 11 others for alleged offences of cheating, criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code, and violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The court had remarked that the land and share transactions involved were "possibly an instance of crony capitalism" under the guise of private participation in railway hotels at Ranchi and Puri. Lalu, in his petition, maintained that the chargesheet lacked incriminating evidence. He argued that the CBI had failed to produce any documentary or oral evidence, witness statements, or circumstantial proof of conspiracy. In addition to the Yadav family, charges were framed against Pradeep Kumar Goel, Rakesh Saksena, Bhupendra Kumar Agarwal, Rakesh Kumar Gogia, and Vinod Kumar Asthana under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(d)(ii) and (iii) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which deal with misconduct and abuse of position by public servants. The trial court also directed charges under IPC Section 420 (cheating) against Lalu, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi, M/s LARA Projects LLP, Vijay Kochhar, Vinay Kochhar, Sarla Gupta, and Prem Chand Gupta. A common charge of criminal conspiracy under Section 120B IPC was framed against all 14 accused. The Prevention of Corruption Act prescribes a maximum punishment of 10 years for criminal misconduct, while cheating under the IPC carries up to seven years of imprisonment. Hyderabad, Jan 14 : Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday condemned the arrest of TV journalists by Telangana, terming it an attack on freedom of press and democratic values. The YSR Congress Party president took to 'X' to condemn the arrest of journalists of Telugu news channel NTV in a case for telecasting alleged defamatory content about a Telangana minister and a woman IAS officer. "I strongly condemn the arrests of NTV journalists, which amount to a direct attack on the freedom of the press and democratic values. Forcefully entering journalists' homes by breaking doors at midnight during this festival and arresting them without following due legal procedure or issuing notices is highly deplorable and reflects an authoritarian mindset," wrote Jagan Mohan Reddy. "Journalists are neither criminals nor terrorists, yet they are being treated with unwarranted harshness. Such actions inflict severe mental trauma on their families and create fear among the media fraternity. I demand the immediate release of the arrested journalists and urge the government to respect the Constitution, uphold the rule of law, and protect the freedom of the press," he said. Meanwhile, National Union of Journalists-India has condemned the "Illegal" arrest of senior journalists by Telangana police and termed it a grave attack on democracy and constitutional freedom and demanded their immediate release. In a letter to Telangana DGP, NUJ-I president Ras Bihari and senior leader Silveri Srishailam lodged strong protest over arrest of senior journalists Dontu Ramesh, Paripoorna Chary, and Sudheer by the Telangana police in connection with a news report telecast on NTV concerning a minister in the State Cabinet. "The manner in which these arrests were carried out exposes a serious failure of democratic governance. Even after constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT), the State Government permitted the police to arrest the journalists without issuing any prior notice, summons, or opportunity to explain. This action is clearly in violation of the principles of natural justice, due process of law, and constitutional safeguards guaranteed to every citizen," reads the letter. "Journalists are not criminals. They are professionals discharging their duty of informing the public. Arresting journalists for a news report sends a dangerous message that the Government is intolerant of scrutiny and criticism. Such actions create fear among media professionals and amount to criminalisation of journalism, which is unacceptable in a democratic society," it added. While making it clear that NUJ-I does not support journalism that violates the law or indulges in personal defamation, they wrote that no democratic government has the right to misuse police machinery to intimidate journalists. "If at all there were objections to the content of the news report, the Government had several lawful remedies available, including seeking clarification, issuing notices, or approaching appropriate legal forums. Resorting to arrest is the most extreme step and reflects authoritarian intent. It is the responsibility of the State Government to protect freedom of the press under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India. The present action of the Telangana Police, carried out with the knowledge and approval of the Government, amounts to a direct attack on democracy and constitutional values," they said. Bengaluru, Jan 14 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, highlighting the severe crisis faced by Bengal gram farmers in Karnartaka and urged immediate intervention of the Centre. Taking to social media X, CM Siddaramaiah stated, "I have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighting the severe crisis faced by Bengal gram farmers in Karnataka. Despite a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 5,875 per quintal, market prices have fallen far below MSP, forcing farmers into distress sales." "I have urged the Centre to immediately begin procurement under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) to protect farmersa incomes and stabilise the market," he stated. The letter said, "I am writing to you at a moment of deep distress for lakhs of Bengal gram (chana) growers in Karnataka, whose livelihoods are facing a severe and immediate crisis during the current Rabi Marketing season." Bengal gram is one of the principal pulse crop of Karnataka, cultivated across 9.24 lakh hectares with an estimated production of 6.27 lakh metric tonnes. It sustains farmers across regions such as Dharwad, Gadag, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Bidar, Raichur, Koppal, Ballari, Chitradurga, Bagalkot, Davanagere and Chikkamagaluru. For these farmers, many of them small and marginal, the Bengal gram harvest represents the sole source of income after months of hard labour under uncertain climatic conditions. "However, I wish to draw your urgent attention to alarming market situation prevailing in the state. Despite the government of India declaring an MSP of Rs 5,875 per quintal for Bengal gram for Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27, the prevailing market prices across major APMCs in Karnataka are significantly below MSP, even before peak arrivals have begun. With the harvest intensifying between January and March, there is genuine apprehension of further price collapse, aggravating rural distress," it read. This price erosion is not merely a market aberration, it is a human crisis. When the declared MSP does not translate into real procurement on the ground, it erodes farmers' faith in the institutional framework meant to protect them. Many growers, burdened by input costs, credit obligations and household needs, are being pushed into distress sales at the very moment when public intervention is most needed." The letter has also been sent to the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. New Delhi, Jan 14 : Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya has successfully completed its maiden voyage from Porbandar in Gujarat to Muscat, Oman, marking a milestone in India's maritime diplomacy and cultural heritage revival. The stitched sail vessel, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and inspired by a fifth-century ship depicted in the Ajanta cave paintings, arrived in Muscat after a 17-day journey across the Arabian Sea. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the news of INSV Kaundinya's arrival in Muscat in a social media post on his X handle. "A Voyage Across Time: Seas That Connect, Histories That Endure," he wrote, adding: "Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya successfully completed its maiden voyage from Porbandar and arrived in Muscat today. "Envisioned by PM @narendramodi, this traditionally built stitched sail vessel stands as a powerful symbol of 5,000 years of maritime, cultural and civilisational ties between India and Oman," he wrote late evening Wednesday. "It was warmly received by Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri @sarbanandsonwal and dignitaries from Oman," he mentioned. Jaiswal's post also added a brief detail of INSV Kaundinya. In fact, the Kaundinya is no ordinary ship; constructed using ancient techniques without nails or metal fastenings, where its wooden planks were stitched together with coir rope, coconut fibre, and natural resin. This method, once common in Indian Ocean shipbuilding, symbolises India's indigenous craftsmanship and sustainable practices. The sails of INSV Kaundinya bear motifs of the Gandabherunda and the Sun, while its bow features a sculpted Simha Yali. A Harappan-style stone anchor adorns the deck, each element evoking India's rich maritime traditions. The vessel is named after the legendary Indian mariner Kaundinya, who sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia centuries ago. The vessel thus embodies India's long tradition of maritime exploration and cultural exchange. The voyage was not merely a naval exercise but a cultural mission. The project was initiated in 2023 through a tripartite agreement between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations, with artisans from Kerala leading the construction. Prime Minister Modi envisioned the project as a way to reconnect India with its maritime past and strengthen ties with Oman, a country historically linked to India through trade in spices, textiles, and precious stones. The 17-day voyage from Porbandar to Muscat retraced ancient trade routes once used by Indian merchants and sailors. Sailing without modern propulsion, the vessel relied on wind and traditional rigging, testing both the endurance of the crew and the seaworthiness of the stitched design. The Indian Navy oversaw the voyage, ensuring safety while preserving authenticity. Hydrodynamic model testing at IIT Madras had earlier validated the ship's design, proving that ancient techniques could withstand modern maritime conditions. India and Oman share centuries-old maritime connections. Archaeological evidence points to Indo-Omani trade dating back to the Bronze Age, with Harappan artefacts found in Omani sites. The warm reception of the vessel in Oman highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy in bilateral relations. The voyage coincided with growing strategic cooperation between the two nations in energy, defence, and trade. Future voyages are expected to retrace other ancient trade routes across the Indian Ocean, linking India with Southeast Asia and Africa. Jaipur, Jan 14 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, along with his wife, attended the birth anniversary celebrations of Jagadguru Swami Shri Rambhadracharya Ji Maharaj at Neendad on Wednesday. On the occasion, the Chief Minister extended his heartfelt birthday greetings to the Jagadguru and sought his blessings. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sharma said that Lord Ram resides in every fibre of our being and forms the spiritual foundation of Indian culture. He described the organisation of the Shri Ram Katha in Jaipur as a blessed coincidence for society, noting that the divine presence of Lord Ram is being felt everywhere. "Today, the fragrance of Lord Ram's name is spreading across the land. From the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa to the chanting of Vedic mantras, devotion is resonating in every corner," he said. The Chief Minister praised Jagadguru Swami Shri Rambhadracharya Ji Maharaj as a great scholar, ascetic and an unparalleled devotee of Lord Ram in the present era. He said that the Jagadguru has made an extraordinary contribution to strengthening Indian culture, both within the country and abroad, through his lifelong penance, scholarship and spiritual efforts. Highlighting the Jagadguru's contribution to literature and religion, Sharma said that by establishing the Tulsi Peeth, Jagadguru Ji has rendered remarkable service to the Ramayana and Hindi literature. "Lord Shri Ram is the embodiment of propriety, truth and righteousness. His character represents the highest ideals for humanity, and Jagadguru Ji has dedicated his life to spreading these values from Chitrakoot to the world," the Chief Minister said. During the programme, Chief Minister Sharma distributed assistive devices to differently-abled students on behalf of the Ramanand Mission, reaffirming the state government's commitment to inclusive development. He also distributed helmets to young people to promote road safety and honoured sanitation workers for their invaluable contribution to society. On the occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated Sadhvi Ritambhara by presenting her with a coconut and a stole as a mark of respect. Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Avinash Gehlot, Member of Parliament Madan Rathore, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh regional pracharak Nimbaram, along with a large number of saints, scholars and devotees, were present at the event. Kohima, Jan 14 : Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday said that the state continues to face multiple challenges, including the long-pending Naga political issue, concerns related to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, and the need to tap its mineral resources. Addressing the 70th Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) conference as the Special Guest at Chungtia Village in Mokokchung district, the Chief Minister candidly discussed the multifaceted challenges currently facing Naga society. The other issues Rio highlighted are the Naga political issue -- the ongoing quest for a permanent solution, social fragmentation, the need to bridge divides within the community, governance and resources and the protection of Article 371A. Rio urged for unity, mutual respect, and collective teamwork among all Naga tribes to overcome these hurdles. On the state initiatives and the path forward, the Chief Minister briefed the gathering on proactive steps taken by the state government, such as the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) and the landmark consultative meeting held on September 12, 2024, which brought stakeholders together regarding the Naga Political issue. Emphasising a shift away from "blame culture," Rio called for resolving disputes through sincere dialogue and discussion. He reminded the youth that the history scripted by their forefathers is not just a legacy to be admired, but a "call to action" for the present and future. Honoring the Legacy of "Land of Pioneers", Rio expressed deep gratitude to the AKM, Chungtia Village, and the Ao Naga community for hosting the milestone event. He lauded the AKM pioneers, noting that their vision was never limited to a single tribe but was intended for the advancement of all Nagas. Highlighting the AKM motto, "For the Nation", Rio described it as a farsighted commitment to selfless service. He acknowledged the Ao tribeas immense contributions to the stateas growth, reaffirming the governmentas recognition of the community as the "Land of Pioneers". The Chief Minister urged the younger generation to uphold the responsibilities entrusted to them, ensuring the vision of the founding fathers remains the cornerstone of Naga progress. The organisation -- Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) -- played a crucial role in promoting education, social change, and cultural preservation among the Ao Naga community. By Xiuhao Chen and Joe Cash BEIJING, Jan 14 (Reuters) - China on Wednesday reported a strong export run in 2025 with a record trillion-dollar surplus, as producers braced for three more years of a Trump administration set on slowing the production powerhouse by shifting U.S. orders to other markets. Beijing's resilience to renewed tariff tensions since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last January has emboldened Chinese firms to shift their focus to Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America to offset U.S. duties. With Beijing looking to exports to counteract a prolonged property slump and sluggish domestic demand, the record-shattering surplus risks further unsettling economies concerned about China's trade practices and overcapacity, as well as their overreliance on key Chinese products. The manufacturing powerhouse's full-year trade surplus came in at $1.189 trillion - a figure on par with the GDP of a top-20 economy globally like Saudi Arabia - customs data showed on Wednesday, having broken the trillion-dollar ceiling for the first time in November. Outbound shipments grew 6.6% in value terms year-on-year in December, compared with a 5.9% increase in November. Economists polled by Reuters had expected a 3.0% increase. Imports were up 5.7%, after a 1.9% bump the month earlier and beat a forecast for a 0.9% uptick. Monthly export surpluses exceeded $100 billion seven times last year, partially underpinned by a weakened yuan, up from just once in 2024, underscoring that Trump's actions have barely dented China's trade with the wider world even if he has curbed U.S.-bound shipments. Economists expect China to continue gaining global market share this year, helped by Chinese firms setting up overseas production hubs that provide lower-tariff access to the United States and the European Union, as well as by strong demand for lower-grade chips and other electronics. A flagship of Beijing's global industrial ambitions, China's auto industry saw overall exports jump 19.4% to 5.79 million vehicles last year, with pure EV shipments up 48.8%. China would likely remain the world's top auto exporter for a third year after first superseding Japan in 2023. Beijing, however, has shown signs of recognising it must moderate its industrial exports if it is to sustain its success, and the leadership has been increasingly cognizant and vocal about imbalances in China's economy and the image problem outsized exports are causing. After November's trillion-dollar surplus data, Chinese Premier Li Qiang was quoted last week on national television as calling for "proactively expanding imports and promoting the balanced development of imports and exports." Kolkata, Jan 14 : Two persons were arrested on Wednesday after an irate mob, led by Trinamool Congress MLA from Farakka, Monirul Islam, vandalised the Farakka Block Development Office (BDO) in Murshidabad district and ransacked the chamber of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). The vandalism by ruling party workers resulted in the suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing of the voter list, which was underway at the BDO office. Following the incident, the BDO, Farakka filed a complaint at Farakka police station, based on which an FIR was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act, 1984. Two persons were arrested for their alleged involvement in the vandalism. Earlier in the day, violence broke out at the Farakka BDO office after protesters, led by the TMC MLA, went on a rampage and ransacked the premises, alleging harassment of common people in the name of SIR hearing. Slogans were raised against the Election Commission. The mob also caused inconvenience to the SIR hearing process, which was later stopped due to the violence. Trinamool MLA Monirul Islam said people were unnecessarily being harassed for the simplest of errors in their voter information. He alleged bias in the SIR process, claiming that document verification was being selectively demanded from members of the minority community. "There are no TMC flags here. This is a spontaneous protest by the people who are greatly inconvenienced by the hearing process. I am protesting against the vindictive attitude of the Election Commission. I am prepared to face police action if needed," Islam said. Following the development, BJP MLA from Murshidabad Gouri Shankar Ghosh said: "This is the real face of Trinamool Congress. It is only them who are finding flaws in the SIR process. Look at their audacity. They vandalised the BDO office. We want strong action against those who were responsible for today's incident." Hyderabad, Jan 15 : Hyderabad Police have registered a case against former minister and BRS MLA T. Srinivas Yadav for making objectionable remarks against Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. On a complaint by a leader of the ruling Congress party, police registered the case against the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader. The case was registered on Wednesday at the SR Nagar Police Station after Congress leader Ravikiran Devulapalli lodged a complaint. Srinivas Yadav had made certain remarks two days ago while addressing a meeting in Secunderabad. Opposing the proposed move by the Congress government to divide Secunderabad to create three corporations in Greater Hyderabad, he had warned the Chief Minister against dividing Secunderabad into pieces. Srinivas Yadav had told the Chief Minister that Secunderabad is not his personal property that he can divide. "If you try to divide Secunderabad into pieces, you will be divided into pieces," he said. The Congress party condemned Srinivas Yadav's remarks. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) vice-president and party in-charge for Sanath Nagar constituency said that he should keep his mouth in check. She said the BRS leader was going around saying he'll chop someone into pieces. She suggested that he go to Monda Market in Secunderabad, fetch potatoes and vegetables and chop them into pieces. She warned that if he again speaks about Chief Minister Revanth Reddy in a derogatory manner, there will be no mercy. After his remark created an uproar, Srinivas Yadav said that he was withdrawing the same. The BRS leader clarified that he made the remarks to highlight strong views against any proposal to divide Secunderabad. He stated that he had no other intention. Srinivas Yadav, who represents Sanath Nagar Assembly constituency in Secunderabad, said that he respects those holding Constitutional positions. He questioned Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's claim that Secunderabad is not being affected, asking if it wasn't true that several police stations in Secunderabad have been merged into the Malkajgiri zone. He also alleged that several divisions within Secunderabad have been included in the Bowenpally circle, which falls under the Malkajgiri zone. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Business Vehicle Lease in Mesa, Arizona and Draper, Utah: Millenium Auto Share Expands Flexible Leasing Options Millenium Auto Share, a trusted provider of flexible vehicle leasing solutions, announces expanded access to its vehicle lease services in Mesa, Arizona and Draper, Utah. Designed for drivers who need reliable transportation without long-term commitments, the company offers simple and adaptable car leasing options for both personal and business use. Millenium Auto Share supports customers seeking a vehicle lease in Mesa, Arizona and Draper, Utah, by providing access to well-maintained vehicles with flexible terms. 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She describes her memories of her familys life in Laos as a fuzzy dream, told to her by older relativesuntil she decided to explore her history by writing a middle grade novel in verse. In A Year Without Home, Bidania tells her familys story in the voice of her oldest sister, who was 11 when they fled Laos. The author spoke with PW from her home in Minneapolis about writing from an older siblings perspective, trying to research a secret war, and bringing public awareness to the under-represented Hmong culture. Before writing this novel, you wrote the early-reader series Astrid & Apollo and the forthcoming spinoff series about Astrid and Apollos little sister, Extraordinary Eliana. Both series feature Hmong characters. Did you always know you wanted to write a novel based on your family history, or did the idea come to you while you were working on the earlier books? I love writing for the middle grade audience and I had written a few middle grade fiction manuscriptsones I tucked away in my drawerbefore getting the idea for the Astrid & Apollo series. I certainly never thought Id write a novel in verse, as Im a prose writer. But I had read some and found them so compellingbooks like Love, Love by Victoria Chang and Unsettled by Reem Faruqithat I realized the verse format can make stories even more powerful. That realization inspired me to think about writing a verse novel. Then I thought, Why shouldnt I write a verse novel about my familys experiences leaving Laos in the 1970s? This was probably in mid- or late 2020. The main character in a middle grade novel, though, is usually 11 or 12 years old. I was just a babythe youngest sibling of fivewhen my family had to escape Laos. My oldest sister, Gao Sheng, was that age at the time, though. Because shes the oldest, she remembered the most about the experiencethough my brother, Yia, also remembered a lot. I decided to write a book from Shengs point of view. Everything in the book is based on her and Yias experiences, as well as things my other two sisters and my parents added. I wanted to tell not just a refugee story, but a human story. Early on I showed Sheng drafts to ask if the voice felt authentic to her because, after all, it was from her perspective. She never suggested any changes; she would just elaborate on details regarding things like her school, the food at the town market, what the landscape looked like. She told me how our father wore his army uniform even after he was no longer in combat but still working for the Royal Lao Army. She described the city streets and how she felt when we left. If I needed information Sheng didnt haveusually historical details about the warI asked my parents and older aunties and uncles. Sadly, some of them no longer remembered much, or were developing dementia, so they werent able to be that helpful. Yia remembered a number of things that my sister didnt, and I included some of the stories he told me in the book. Before I began working on the book, my ideas of our family life in Laos had been like a fuzzy dream, like memories I thought I had but were really just stories that had been told to me. By writing, I came to truly understand what my familys life in Laos had been like and how traumatic it was to have to leave our home. What additional research did you do to ensure the book is historically accurate? It was very difficult to research this war because it was a secret war being directed by the CIA. And because Laos is a developing country, and a Communist country, historical information is not easy to come by. I found a few documentaries and videos, and I was also lucky enough to visit Laos a few years ago. My father, who had been a captain in the Royal Lao Army, would have been my best resource for the historical information. He knew the history of the war and the role the Hmong played, and he remembered details about life at the time that my other relatives didnt. He had kept a few notebooksmostly dates and records of where various relatives werefrom the time we were in the camps, written in the Laotian languagewhich I cant read, but my older sister and brother can, to some extent. But very sadly, when I was about halfway through the bookand was actually taking a break from itmy father passed away. His passing was devastating, and I felt paralyzed by this unexpected loss. But then I threw myself back into the book, and worked obsessively on it. Writing it really helped me through the grieving process. I felt like my father was present with me as I was telling my familys story, even though it was so hard to do at the time. In terms of other resources, there are a few websites run by Hmong organizations that have some information, though much of that is very technical accounts from soldiers. I found some newspaper interviews with newly arrived refugees on those sites, which gave me additional context. Theres also a Hmong Museum in St. Paul that has a website, and the Minneapolis Historical Society has a section called the Hmong in Minnesota. These sources were primarily useful for creating the timeline and the map for the book. Everything in the story itself is based on my familys personal experiences. Gao Shengs internal struggles with the patriarchal Hmong culture are a powerful part of this book. Do these patriarchal traditions live on here in the U.S., 50 years after many Hmong people escaped from Laos? I think that when we first arrived here, those traditions did live on, but people have grown more laid back about them over the years. The third and fourth generations are no longer enforcing those traditions. My nieces are certainly not being brought up that way. I do remember when both Sheng and Yia had drivers licenses, he was allowed to drive by himself, but she was not, even though she was older than him. And when we asked why, our question was responded to as though it were obviousbecause hes a boy. My sisters and I always talked about how unfair that was. Sheng didnt express her feelings the way the character does in the book, though. I chose to make the character a little more assertive, because I wanted to give her more agency, and show her feeling more empowered. The refugee story unfortunately remains timely, and many books reflecting this experience have been written for young readers in recent years. Why did you feel it was important to write another refugee story for this audience? First, there are a few books about Hmong refugees, but there are no middle grade novels from the point of view of a child. Second, not many people know the history of the Hmong people in Laos who fought with the U.S. in the Vietnamese war. Our story is not part of the history of the Asian American experience. Most people in this country who dont live in states with large Hmong communities, like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Californiaand even people around the worldare not familiar with the Hmong. It wasnt until Suni Lee, who is a first-generation Hmong born in the United States, won an Olympic gold medal [in 2020] that the general public heard about the Hmong people. As a child growing up in Minnesota, I was often asked, Why are you here? I wanted to educate people about this time in history and what brought the Hmong people to the United States. On the rare occasions that the Hmong are included in Asian American histories, the narrative often depicts us as struggling war refugees facing hardships and suffering. I wanted to show a more fully dimensional story about us and our lives, such as our love for our home country and our culture and communities. When I was finally able to visit Laos in 2024, my first time back since I left as a baby, I saw how truly beautiful it is. Setting foot back in the place where I was born, breathing the same air, and walking through the city, mountains, and villages we lived in was a deeply powerful experience that strengthened my connection to the home I had left behind. I hope that my audience will understand that the things I write about in my book are happening right now to kids like them in other parts of the world. I want my book to give young readers an awareness and understanding of war and what its like to lose your home, your country, and everything you love. I hope that I can help build empathy for kids they might know in their schools, who had to leave their homes and countries they love. I wanted to tell not just a refugee story, but a human story. A Year Without Home by V.T. Bidania. Penguin/Paulsen, $18.99 Jan. 13 ISBN 978-0-593-69720-7 The United States formally withdraws from the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 22, leaving the leading United Nations health agency without its largest historical funder and most capable public-health partner. Much commentary has framed the move as reckless disengagement. That misunderstands both the rationale for withdrawal and the opportunity it creates. As detailed in a American Enterprise Institute working paper, withdrawal should be understood not as abandonment, but as the beginning of a new strategy. The question is not whether the United States still has global health interestsit plainly doesbut whether they are best advanced through an institution that failed its most important test and then sought to expand its authority without a serious reckoning. The U.S. withdrawal notice identifies concerns that other governments quietly share. It criticizes the WHOs mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of member states. Those judgments are difficult to contest. COVID-19 was the crisis the WHO was built to confront, yet early warnings were delayed, political sensitivities constrained transparency, and institutional deference replaced independent judgment. When criticized, the WHO deflected and excused. Institutions that cannot identify and correct error tend to entrench it. Rather than conducting a rigorous institutional autopsy, the WHO seized an opportunity to expand its authority by negotiating greater powers through amendments to the International Health Regulations and a new Pandemic Agreement. This expansionist reflex raises legitimate concerns about institutional accountability, self-correction, and humility. Over time, WHO processes have increasingly privileged precautionary consensus and advocacy-aligned narratives over contestable hypotheses and comparative evidence. This pattern is familiar from other WHO policy domains, notably tobacco control, where policy became insulated from real-world outcomes. Financial distortions compound the problem. For years, the U.S. supplied one-sixth of the WHOs total funding, even as budget demands rose and programs increasingly reflected niche priorities rather than core communicable-disease functions. Efforts to increase mandatory assessed contributions risk further entrenching these imbalances. It is not unreasonable for Washington to ask why it should continue underwriting an institution with which it has diminishing confidence. Still, withdrawal has costs. The WHO fills a critical role in outbreak intelligence and emergency coordination. Leaving without a strategy would create avoidable vulnerabilities. The America First Global Health Strategy offers a path forward. It preserves U.S. commitments to fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and polio, but shifts delivery toward bilateral agreements emphasizing accountability, integration with domestic health systems, data and sample sharing, outbreak detection, and eventual self-reliance. Rather than routing funds through multilayered, inefficient implementing partners, the strategy prioritizes direct engagement with partner governments, co-financing, and measurable performance. This approach has risks. Weak institutions can mask failure as compliance and surveillance and monitoring falter when poorly designed. But multilateralism has experienced similar challenges. The answer is not nostalgia for the old system, but clearer incentives, independent verification, and consequences for non-performancefeatures largely absent from WHO governance. Withdrawal does not require total disengagement. Certain WHO efforts remain valuable such as the Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) platform, which aggregates early outbreak signals. In addition, WHO prequalification of medical products remains commercially relevant for manufacturers seeking access to procurement markets in low- and middle-income countries. Selective, technical engagement in these areas can preserve access where no efficient unilateral substitute exists. While characterized as unilateral, the United States is not alone. Several G7 and middle-income democracies similarly are concerned with opaque emergency processes, donor capture, and weak accountability. Argentina has publicly criticized WHO governance and has signaled that it also may withdraw, underscoring that dissatisfaction is not limited to high-income states. Credible alternatives proposed under the America First Global Health Strategy put additional pressure on WHO to demonstrate relevance. If Washington articulates clear conditions for reform and coordinates with like-minded partners, it may exert more influence from the outside than from within a consensus-bound institution. January 22 is not the end of American leadership in global health. It is the start of a testof whether influence is better exercised through conditional engagement, parallel institutions, and results-driven partnerships than through deference to an organization that has struggled to learn from failure. Brett D. Schaefer is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he focuses on multilateral treaties, peacekeeping, and the United Nations and international organizations. Roger Bate is a nonresident scholar with the International Center for Law & Economics (ICLE). He researches international and domestic health policy, with a special interest in medicines. He has a PhD in applied economics from Cambridge University. Armenian authorities are reportedly preparing to remove Russian border guards from the Akhurik checkpoint on the border with Turkiye, signaling a potential shift in Yerevans approach to border management and regional diplomacy. Preparatory steps, including the installation of a flagpole, have been completed, while Russian personnel are expected to remain present during the transition. On the Turkish side, construction work has already begun at the Margara checkpoint, suggesting serious intentions by both countries to move toward reopening the border. Analysts note that reopening could have significant economic and geopolitical implications, including increased trade, improved regional connectivity, and a recalibration of Armenias relations with Russia. At the same time, Armenian law enforcement officials have raised concerns about a rise in illegal border crossings, often involving third-country nationals, highlighting the challenges of balancing border openness with security and migration control. Azernews spoke with Armenian activist and public figure Ishkhan Verdyan to assess what this development truly signifies. We present the interview: - What does Armenias decision to remove Russian border guards from Akhurik signal about Yerevans current foreign policy priorities? - The decision to withdraw Russian border guards from Akhurik primarily reflects the governments domestic policy priorities and its desire to restore the countrys sovereignty. An independent Armenia, whose external borders have been closely monitored by Russian FSB troops, is an oxymoron that must be resolved and Nikol Pashinyan is currently addressing exactly that. This only indirectly concerns foreign policy: Turkiye has ceased to be a threat to Armenians, and therefore the borders between the two countries no longer require the presence of a third countrys forces. However, it cannot be denied that, from Russias perspective, these developments may indeed be perceived as a major geopolitical shift, since Russia is gradually losing physical control over Armenia and the South Caucasus, post by post. - How might this move affect Armenia-Russia relations, particularly in the context of security and regional influence? - From a regional security perspective, a new configuration has already emerged, different from what we were accustomed to. Russia, despite its wishes, can no longer play the system-shaping role in the Caucasus that it did before the events of the past two to three years. The withdrawal of its troops from Akhurik is just one episode in the process through which Armenia is taking vital nodes under its own sovereign control (earlier, Russian border guards left Zvartnots Airport and the Armenian-Iranian customs). This process will inevitably continue until no foreign troops remain along Armenias external perimeter. Could the border reopening influence regional trade corridors, particularly in connection with Azerbaijan and Georgia? - Borders that remained closed for nearly forty years are now beginning to open, and, frankly, it is extremely difficult to predict what the regional transport network will look like if all previously closed roads are opened. This has never happened before, and therefore we will be the first to witness the benefits that the region can gain from the peaceful coexistence of its peoples. - To what extent does Armenias move suggest a recalibration of its security partnerships away from Moscow, given Russias overstretch and perceived inability to act as a decisive security guarantor in multiple theaters? And can this be seen as part of a wider weakening of Moscows regional role after years of conflict in Ukraine? - Armenia has never refused its partnership obligations toward Russia, while Armenian politicians have repeatedly accused the Russian side of violating agreements with Armenia. In essence, the responsibility for the deterioration of relations between the two countries today lies with Russia. Armenia, meanwhile, remains open to engagement and advocates for normal relations but now without Russias ultimate influence over its internal and foreign policy. Chinese exports increased 5.5 percent last year, despite a bruising trade war with Washington (STR) STR/AFP/AFP China reported strong trade numbers for 2025 on Wednesday, as its surplus rose year-on-year to a record $1.2 trillion despite a slump in exports to the United States after President Donald Trump hiked tariffs. Last year's bruising trade war between Washington and Beijing -- which at one point saw reciprocal tariffs in the triple digits -- led to a 20 percent plunge year-on-year in China's exports to the United States, with imports falling 14.6 percent. But other trade partners more than filled the gap, increasing Chinese exports overall by 5.5 percent in 2025, while imports stayed flat in dollar terms. Shipments to the ASEAN group of Southeast Asian nations rose 13.4 percent year-on-year, while exports to Africa saw 25.8 percent growth. Exports to the European Union were also up 8.4 percent, but imports from the bloc dipped. Roiling trade tensions between the EU and China showed signs of easing on Monday when Brussels said Chinese electric vehicle makers could offer price undertakings -- which set minimum prices for exporters -- which would replace tariffs. Beijing welcomed the move. -- 'Continued resilience' -- China's trade in 2025 "surpassed 45 trillion yuan ($6.4 trillion) for the first time, setting a new historical high," vice customs minister Wang Jun told a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday. "It should be noted that some countries politicise economic and trade issues, restricting high-tech product exports to China under various pretexts," Wang said, in an apparent reference to the US tariffs and export controls. "Otherwise, we would have imported even more." December's figures showed strong growth, with exports up 6.6 percent and imports jumping 5.7 percent year-on-year. "We expect this resilience to continue through 2026," said Zichun Huang, China economist at Capital Economics, in a note. "One risk to the export outlook is that the trade truce with the US doesn't last. Trump's threat to impose a 25 percent tariff on countries doing business with Iran underscores the potential for renewed trade tensions," Huang said. The White House has jousted with Beijing over Trump's sweeping tariffs but reached a broad truce with China after a major escalation in the spring. "(China's) strong export growth helps to mitigate the weak domestic demand," according to Zhiwei Zhang at Pinpoint Asset Management. "Combined with the booming stock market and stable US-China relations, the government is likely to keep the macro policy stance unchanged at least in the first quarter," he said. On January 11 in Los Angeles, a driver plowed a U-Haul truck into a crowd of Iranian-American protesters rallying in solidarity with the uprising against the Islamic Republic and advocating for the return of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. The FBI is now investigating what witnesses described as a deliberate attack on hundreds of people. Despite the fact that by most standards the attack should be classified as terrorism, the American mainstream media and broader left-of-center political society have largely ignored it. No statements about the importance of freedom of assembly, no lectures on democracy being under attack, nothing. Many Americans likely dont even know it happened. Compare this with Minnesota last week, when an ICE agent fatally shot a woman during an immigration enforcement operation. Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey were tripping over themselves to get in front of a camera, decrying the very presence of ICE in the city and depicting the struggle as one for the heart of our individual liberties. Frey captured national media attention when he declared the agency needed to Get the f*** out of Minneapolis following the incident. Why did one attack produce immediate, coordinated outrage, when the other met with silence? Perhaps its for the same reason Western feminists have gone completely silent on the uprising inside Iran itself the largest protests in decades, with reports of hundreds to even thousands of civilians being murdered in cold blood as the regime desperately attempts to cling to power. Masih Alinejad, an Iranian activist who has spent years documenting the regimes brutality, has been wondering aloud for years now whether she will find support here in the States: Women are leading a revolution in Iran when will Western feminists help? The answer to that question seems pretty clear: Theyre not going to. Groups like the National Organization for Women are the very same that can mobilize large numbers at the drop of a hat, but Iranian women being shot in the head demanding their own freedom, like 23-year-old Rubina Aminian, simply do not merit even a press release. The reason for this is, of course, that Trump has openly backed the protesters and has long been at odds with the regime in Tehran, whereas the left has pushed for a more conciliatory approach through the likes of former President Barack Obamas 2015 nuclear deal and praise for moderates in the regime who always turn out to be just about anything other than moderate. This means that supporting these women now feels uncomfortably close to supporting the president, which of course is a no-go for the left. Before skeptics protest that readers are simply more concerned with domestic developments than international injustice, take a step back and consider how the same institutions were similarly frantic to condemn the arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro: The Congressional Progressive Caucus deputy chair, Representative Ilhan Omar, immediately condemned it as an illegal act that amounted to that of an invasion, Code Pink declared it to be an act of war, and the Seattle Democratic Socialists of America demanded that the United States release Maduro and Cilia Flores immediately. It wasnt just statements, either; they took to the streets for him. Hundreds of protests, the majority of whom were non-Venezuelan themselves, gathered outside the courthouse in New York City, chanting hands off Venezuela and free Maduro. Similar rallies popped up in San Francisco, Portland, Detroit, and beyond, organized by groups that show all too clearly that tribal identity is at the core of their opposition. Their care for the so-called rules-based international order may run high when it suits them, but evaporates immediately otherwise they had largely nothing to say when Maduro was repeatedly threatening to invade his neighbor in Guyana, for instance. The contrast could not be starker: American leftists marching for a dictators freedom in the name of democracy, while his victims overwhelmingly celebrated his arrest. Left-wing media isnt addressing each issue from a consistent, principled standpoint, but picking and choosing issues based on tribal association. The left has flocked to the issue of the ICE shooting in Minneapolis because it fits their current political narrative, which is to push back on domestic immigration enforcement by the Trump administration. When it doesnt, though, media coverage and protesters interest simply evaporate. While the phrase tribal politics has been overused in recent years, we are clearly living in a world where this has become the defining feature of what motivates our political inclinations and outrage. And until that changes, the left will have very little to say about protesters getting run down in Los Angeles or executed in Tehran. The next time they lecture the rest of us about defending democracy or standing with women, remember this week and ask yourself just how seriously you should take them. Kyle Moran is a Senior Contributor with Young Voices, specializing in international affairs and national security. His research on the Middle East has been published in the American Enterprise Institutes Critical Threats Project, and his commentary has been featured widely in outlets ranging from RealClearPolitics to the Washington Examiner. [ enter (verb): to come or go into ] RECOIL Magazine has never been just about guns. We believe in well-rounded, self-reliant, and capable individuals, as well as the importance of building foundational skill sets. One of those key skill sets for the well-rounded gentleperson is the ability to gain entry to places and things, even if theyre secured. Perhaps noisily and overtly, but even better quietly and covertly. When you think about what might deny you entry to something, the first thing that probably comes to mind are locks. Locks on doors, locks on containers, locks on vehicles theres locks everywhere in modern society. Imagine ancient times; to really secure a structure or belongings, youd need to post guards. The first example of a lock dates way back to 4,000 B.C. In the ruins of the city of Nineveh in Mesopotamia (today, Iraq) was a rudimentary pin-tumbler lock made of wood. Mankind is nothing if not resourceful, and over the centuries since, we moved on to metal construction, keyed and keyless locks, and now electronically actuated locks. With these advances, physical security has become at least potentially if not always in practice both more convenient and more secure. A selection of lockpick sets from Sparrows Lockpicks, from left to right: Tuxedo, Vorax, and EOD Full. But for any protections that we invent, we also figure out ways to defeat them. If youre a first responder, getting through a locked door could be the difference between life and death, and you may or may not be concerned with breaking things. In regular everyday life, you might forget or lose a key and could save time and money by solving the problem yourself. During a period of civil unrest, you might be stranded and desperately need to quietly obtain shelter and security. On one hand, you can go caveman style and smash like Hulk. On the other hand, you may wish to be more discreet or not cause irreversible damage. Companies like Sparrows Lockpicks have specialized in providing tools, know-how, and training gear for defeating locks. Clear and cutaway locks are very helpful to learn how to pick locks. Inserting the key causes the pins to become aligned. Well, Sparrows stepped things up, putting together a unique, now-annual multiday event/conference they call Rocka Locka Bang! Bang! It covered topics such as lockpicking, safe cracking, impressioning, mechanical and shotgun breaching, shooting and CQB tactics, escape and evasion, and much more. Instructors and speakers boasted impressive credentials, including top-tier competitive lockpickers. Attendees were no slouches themselves, with a heavy contingent of enthusiasts, working locksmiths, and professionals in physical and cyber security, including well-known red team specialists. One of the attendees worked for a federal agency, and others flew in from as far away as the Netherlands and Singapore. Dealing with a check pin using a thin hook (top) or by milling a custom tool from an actual key (bottom). We attended the second Rocka Locka Bang! Bang!, which took place this fall on the grounds of the decommissioned Nevada State Prison in Carson City, Nevada. Needless to say, it was quite an experience in a wholly immersive environment. LOCKPICKING Lockpicking refers to opening a lock without its key. Typically, youd use special tools, such as lockpicks of varying types and tension wrenches. Using your tools, you manipulate the internals of a lock, like their pins or wafers, to unlock it. Lockpicking is both an art and science. While there are many types of lock designs, pin and tumbler locks are the most common cylindrical locks with a series of stacked pins of different lengths. Preparing to impression a key with a key blank, a file, and a handle to hold the key blank. When you insert the correct key, the pins are lifted to specific heights, thus lining up all the lower pins. This is called the shear line; with everything aligned, you can rotate the cylinder and open the lock. To pick a basic pin and tumbler lock, insert a tension wrench in the keyway to apply torque while you work on each pin with a pick. That tension keeps pins that you successfully picked in place until you have them all and can open the lock. Some locks can be raked or bumped open very quickly; some can be easily opened by dedicated bypass tools. There are also different lock types, like wafer and disc detainer locks. The former are similar to pin tumbler locks, except they use flat wafers rather than pins. The latter contains a stack of rotating discs with gates that must be aligned, allowing a sidebar to drop into the slot and unlock the lock. Lock manufacturers can add more mechanisms to make locks harder to pick, such as security pins, check pins, sidebars, pins inside of pins, pins that lift and rotate, false gates, tighter tolerances, and so on. Given enough time, expertise, and specialized tools, even the most complex and difficult locks can be defeated but they sure can act as great deterrents. Impressioning is an iterative process of carefully filing where the pins contact your key blank. Our training group at Rocka Locka was filled with skilled lockpickers, so our instructors went straight to more complex locks and advanced topics. The ingenuity of lock designers, as well as those looking to outsmart them, is fascinating. Some locks have check pins; we learned to use a thin hook to push them out of the way. Some locks have secondary shear lines that are difficult to defeat without specialized tools. Institutional locks for use in facilities are often designed for master keys; they have two shear lines, so two keys can operate the same lock. The more master wafers in a lock, the easier it can be to pick. If you have access to service and modify a lock, you could add a ton of master wafers to it, making it vulnerable to almost any key. Regular users would be none the wiser because their original key would continue to work normally. As youre learning, clear and cut-away practice locks are helpful to understand concepts and techniques, to see what your tools are doing to the pins, and to directly associate whats actually happening with what you feel through your tools. Beginners would be well served with lockpick sets such as the Tuxedo or Vorax from Sparrows. The EOD Full is a great choice for first responders or military needing a compact kit for work. IMPRESSIONING Another method of opening a lock is called impressioning starting with a key blank, inserting it into the lock and working it back and forth, looking for marks where pins contact the blank, carefully filing it down, and repeating until it sufficiently resembles the actual key to open the lock. This requires time, experience, and finesse; those who are very good at it can make some good time, but its a slow and deliberate process for the rest of us. The notable benefit if youre successful is that youll end up with a working key as a reward for all your hard work. One of our instructors, for example, impressioned a key for a gear shift lock on a vintage Porsche for which the original key had been lost long ago. Impressioning is difficult, and in our group of 15 or so, only a few were ultimately successful over the course of about an hour. You might go through two or more key blanks. It helps to have bright lighting, a magnifier, an impressioning handle, a bench vise, and a set of good files. Tiny metal shavings will be everywhere, so keep your hands away from your face and eyes. Despite the frustration of failure, the process was oddly meditative. SAFE CRACKING Safes provide physical security via a combination of a robust container and a secure lock often a combination dial or electronic lock. As youd expect, this can make them quite difficult to open, especially if youre dealing with thick steel and high security locks. Safe expert Wayne Winton walked us through the concepts behind manipulating safe locks (i.e., picking the combination) as well as physically attacking them. Attempting to crack a safes combination involves a tedious process of graphing out where the lever contacts the cam drive. Combination locks have a cam attached to a spindle with a lever riding on its perimeter. Behind the cam are wheels, three of them in the case of a three-digit combination. Each wheel has a cut-out; successively dialing in the correct combination aligns all of the gates, allowing a fence to drop down and the lever to fall into the cams notch. Then, you can open the lock. Sparrowss Challenge Vault features a configurable safe combination lock that you can use to practice safe cracking, with several levers to switch between two- and three-number combos to make for progressive practice sessions. Winton walked us through the tedious process, by which you systematically turn the dial to each position, feeling for resistance so that you can graph them all out and find clues to where the gates are. That resistance comes from contact points between the nose of the lever and the cam drive. Isolate the first and second wheel to graph them out. Then, brute force the last wheel to find the last number in the combination. Its harder and more frustrating than it sounds, and it already sounds hard. Even with the practice vault, wed find false positives for the spots of resistance. Actual safe locks could have light spring tension thats even harder to detect. Physically opening locked safes often involves drilling a small hole to gain access to the locking mechanisms. But how do you know where to drill? You can make a real mess if you drill in the wrong spot, such as into the wheel packs. Many safes have relockers to lock up the bolt work as a fail-safe against tampering; it may have already fired. Or your own attempts could also trigger a relocker. Then, youll need to retract it, in addition to defeat the primary lock. Those who do this on a regular basis have databases of details on various models of safes and locks, just like a dope book for shooting, so they can determine the best spots to drill. Endoscope-style cameras give you eyes on the interior. Our group worked as a team to drill some safes, eating through bits. We only knew where to drill because we could examine the inside of the safe door and take measurements. We were even able to defeat a relocker just as everyone had left for lunch. It was a blast, but we wouldnt categorize safe cracking as a realistic DIY endeavor for most people. BREACHING Speaking of destructive techniques, we also touched on mechanical and ballistic breaching. TNT Rescue brought out examples of battery-powered spreaders, cutters, and rams, which conveniently run off common 18- and 20-volt tool batteries. We used them to pop open doors like they were made of balsa wood, as well as cut through and peel open car doors and pillars like soup cans. We dont expect anyone would have these monstrosities at home, but it was great fun and very educational to put them to work. Battery-powered spreaders make mincemeat of car doors. Good old-fashioned battering rams are a little more within reach. With a little (actually a lot) more elbow grease, they got the job done while letting you release some pent-up aggression. Ballistic breaching is another common method for tactical teams to make entry, utilizing shotguns with specialized breaching rounds to defeat locking mechanisms and hinges. Royal Arms brought their breaching system to the range for us to try. The key is combining frangible breaching ammo, a shotgun with a breaching stand-off device, and good technique. The ammo is composed of a compressed copper or copper and steel frangible slug in various weights to suit the type of door you need to breach. The stand-off device directs energy on target while venting pressure and deflecting debris. It also bites into the door for quick, secure, and accurate placement on target. Battering rams get it done the old-fashioned way. Proper technique is also critical to ensure your safety while being as effective as possible. You need to select the appropriate ammo for the material youre facing (e.g., hollow wood, solid wood, metal). The lock set is typically the weakest link, so target it. Envision the plunger in 3D space and aim at it. Make sure the frame will capture the energy and orient the shotgun at a 45-degree angle, while ensuring your body is positioned out of the fatal funnel. Theres a lot of moving pieces to keep straight, especially in a real-life situation with active threats on the other side of the threshold. Royal Arms gave a great primer on what youd be dealing with. Better yet, grab a breaching shotgun. Breacher up! Photo credit: Braidee Muscato, Sparrows LOOSE ROUNDS There was much more at Rocka Locka Bang! Bang!, such as escape and evasion, a range day, CQB, night vision, first aid, prison tattoos, and great presentations from subject matter experts about negotiation techniques and intellectual property. Not to mention a final force-on-force exercise in the prison with role players and locks to contend with, as well as an optional SERE experience for a small group of attendees willing to sign a bunch of waivers with notes from their doctors in hand. Hosting Rocka Locka Bang! Bang! in an actual prison was inspiringly immersive. As with most limited-duration training experiences, Rocka Locka covered and sampled a lot of topics but couldnt fully ingrain new skills in attendees that takes more time. But the instructors were able to impart a lot of new information to people of varying skill levels and help everyone determine what they needed or wanted to continue working on or learn more about. They gave us resources and frameworks to self-diagnose and practice on our own, moving forth on our own journeys to improve and grow. A final mission combined role players, force-on-force, and lockpicking under pressure. Photo credit: Mitchell Verigin, Sparrows And Sparrows did a great job making the event a truly social and immersive experience, with enjoyable activities that also served as bonding experiences. It was a large group of pretty like-minded but diverse people, many of them experts in their own fields. This was true edutainment learning and having a blast at the same time. Optional SERE experience to test your mental fortitude. Photo credit: Mitchell Verigin, Sparrows So into the rabbit hole we all go, with a new group of friends. IT services major Infosys on Wednesday reported a 2.2 per cent decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 6,654 crore in the October-December quarter of FY26. Illustration: Dado Ruvic/Reuters The Bengaluru-headquartered firm had registered a net profit (attributable to owners of the company) of Rs 6,806 crore in the year-ago period. Infosys' revenue from operations grew 8.89 per cent to Rs 45,479 crore compared to Rs 41,764 crore in Q3 FY25. On the quarter-on-quarter basis (Q2 FY26), its profit fell 9.6 per cent, while revenue increased 2.2 per cent. "Infosys delivered a strong Q3 performance, demonstrating how our differentiated value propositions in enterprise AI, through Infosys Topaz, are consistently driving higher market share. "Clients increasingly view Infosys as their AI partner with demonstrated expertise, innovation capabilities and strong delivery credentials. "This has helped them unlock business potential and enhance value realisation. "Central to this journey is our commitment to re-skill, transform and empower our dedicated human resource pool to drive success in an AI augmented world," Infosys CEO and MD Salil Parekh said. Shares of Infosys settled at Rs 1,599.05 apiece on the BSE on Wednesday, 0.07 per cent higher than the previous close. The financial results were announced after market hours. Infosys on Wednesday reported a one-time exceptional hit of Rs 1,289 crore on account of the impact of the implementation of new labour codes, as India's second-largest IT services firm announced its December quarter earnings. Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. IMAGE: The Infosys logo. Photograph: Chris Helgren/Reuters Earlier this week, larger rival Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) said the implementation of the new labour codes during the quarter led to a "statutory impact" of Rs 2,128 crore, while Noida-headquartered HCLTech made a one-time provision of Rs 82 million (Rs 719 crore) for the implementation of new labour codes. Infosys reported a 2.2 per cent decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 6,654 crore in the October-December quarter of FY26, as compared to Rs 6,806 crore in the year-ago period. Infosys' revenue from operations grew 8.89 per cent to Rs 45,479 crore compared to Rs 41,764 crore in Q3 FY25. The company has raised its revenue growth guidance for FY26 to 3-3.5 per cent in constant currency, from 2-3 per cent earlier. A significant highlight of the Q3 FY26 results was the impact of the government of India's notification regarding the Labour Codes on November 21, 2025. These codes, which consolidate 29 existing labour laws, led to a substantial increase in the company's employee-related liabilities. "These Labour Codes consolidate twenty-nine existing labour laws into a unified framework governing employee benefits during employment and post-employment, and amongst other things, introduce changes, including a uniform definition of wages and enhanced benefits relating to leave. "The adjustments for Labour Codes represent an increase in gratuity liability arising out of past service cost and an increase in leave liability, together by Rs 143 million (Rs 1,289 crore), which is recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income," Infosys said in a regulatory filing. On a quarter-on-quarter basis (Q2 FY26), its profit fell 9.6 per cent, while revenue increased 2.2 per cent. Infosys CEO and MD Salil Parekh said the company's differentiated value propositions in enterprise AI, through its 'Topaz' platform, are driving higher market share. Clients increasingly view Infosys as their AI partner with demonstrated expertise, innovation capabilities and strong delivery credentials. "This has helped them unlock business potential and enhanced value realisation. "Central to this journey is our commitment to reskill, transform and empower our dedicated human resource pool to drive success in an AI augmented world," Infosys CEO and MD Salil Parekh said. During the quarter, Infosys clocked a large deal TCV (Total Contract Value) of Rs 4.8 billion, with 57 per cent of it being net new. The company also completed its largest-ever buyback of Rs 18,000 crore and paid out an interim dividend during the period. On the employee front, total headcount increased by 5,043 during the quarter to reach 3,37,034. Shares of Infosys settled at Rs 1,599.05 apiece on the BSE on Wednesday, 0.07 per cent higher than the previous close. The sovereign AI park will be a first-of-its-kind, purpose-built district in India, integrating AI compute infrastructure, secure data frameworks, model research labs, and AI innovation clusters, along with a dedicated institute for AI in governance. IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin at the signing of an MoU to establish India's first sovereign AI IT park, with an investment of Rs 10,000 crore, Chennai. Photograph: Kind courtesy Dr T R B Rajaa/X The Government of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday signed a landmark deal with Sarvam AI to establish India's first full-stack sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) park. The project, involving an initial investment of Rs 10,000 crore, is expected to generate 1,000 high-skilled, deeptech jobs and represents a foundational step in building a robust and inclusive AI ecosystem rooted in public interest. The sovereign AI park will be a first-of-its-kind, purpose-built district in India, integrating AI compute infrastructure, secure data frameworks, model research labs, and AI innovation clusters, along with a dedicated institute for AI in governance. It will operate as a full-stack system where data, models, and compute remain within the state's trust boundary, ensuring a sovereign, ethical, and inclusive ecosystem for AI deployment. "This demonstrates our strategic commitment not only to adopt but also to shape the future of AI from a people-first, state-led perspective, while enabling companies and startups pioneering the technology. "With this unprecedented initiative, Tamil Nadu will lead the nation in the scaled deployment of AI across key sectors like education, agriculture, healthcare, and citizen engagement," said Minister for Industries T R B Rajaa. Sarvam AI is an Indian generative AI company focused on building full-stack AI platforms and foundational models tailored to India's scale, languages, and diversity. The memorandum of understanding was signed in the presence of Chief Minister M K Stalin. "The sovereign AI park positions the state as one of the few places in the world where investors can access AI-grade infrastructure and deep talent pools within a single ecosystem. "This is how Tamil Nadu is preparing to absorb and scale the next wave of global technology investment," said Arun Roy, secretary for the Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce Department. Drawing inspiration from the historic Sangam academies that safeguarded and enriched Tamil civilisation, the sovereign AI park will also serve as a modern "Digital Sangam". It will develop foundational Tamil-first AI models linking classical vocabulary with modern use cases, thereby embedding culture and context into every layer of digital intelligence. These efforts will ensure that the next generation of AI systems in Tamil Nadu is inclusive, accurate, and locally rooted. "AI will define the next generation of jobs just as manufacturing and information technology defined the last. "By anchoring sovereign AI infrastructure and frontier research in Tamil Nadu, students and researchers from the state will be enabled to become global creators of AI, not just consumers. "This initiative aims to turn the state's talent strength into long-term economic leadership," said V Kamakoti, director, IIT Madras. "This partnership is about building AI that is trained, deployed, and governed in Tamil Nadu -- for the world. "By bringing together compute, researchers, startups, enterprises, and government under one sovereign AI park, Sarvam AI, along with the state government, is set to create the conditions for intelligence to move from experimentation to real-world impact at a national scale," said Pratyush Kumar, cofounder of Sarvam AI. Sarvam's work includes open-source foundational models supporting multiple Indian languages, multilingual conversational and voice AI products, and an application programming interface for speech-to-text, translation, and reasoning tasks. The company was selected under the Indian government's IndiaAI Mission to develop the country's first sovereign large language model, receiving access to extensive compute resources to build models optimised for reasoning, voice, and Indian languages. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff A trade deal makes sense only if it is fair and reciprocal. If the cost is strategic dependence or loss of policy space, waiting is the wiser option, asserts Ajay Srivastava. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff Why has India not yet concluded a bilateral trade deal with the United States even as the two countries have quickly signed agreements with other partners? In just the last four years, India has concluded eight trade agreements -- with Mauritius, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Oman, the European Free Trade Association bloc, the United Kingdom and members of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which also includes the US. Washington has also signed quick trade deals with Japan, the European Union, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia in the past six months. So why is an India-US deal taking longer? Two main reasons: One, most countries that have concluded rapid trade deals with the US depend heavily on Washington for their security. India does not. Two, the US-India trade talks go far beyond trade and extend into strategic and policy areas of interest to Washington. These two factors make the negotiations complex and explain why a deal is taking longer than many expect. India-US Trade Talks: More Than Trade The US as a security provider: Most countries that have quickly concluded trade deals with Washington share one key trait: They depend on the US for their security. Japan and South Korea, for example, are formal US treaty allies hosting large numbers of American troops. Their trade ties with Washington are closely linked to security dependence, especially given threats from North Korea and China. The same pattern exists in Europe. The UK remains one of America's closest strategic partners through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Much of the EU -- particularly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- relies heavily on US military power for deterrence. In such cases, trade negotiations are shaped by strategic alignment, and resistance to US demands tends to be limited. A similar dynamic operates in Southeast Asia. The Philippines, bound by a Mutual Defence Treaty, has expanded US military access in recent years. Thailand, another treaty ally, also remains embedded in the US security framework. For these countries, trade deals are part of a broader geopolitical bargain rooted in security dependence. India stands apart. It does not rely on the US for its security and cannot be pressured through military leverage. That strategic autonomy fundamentally changes the nature of trade negotiations. China also does not depend on US security and holds strategic leverage, particularly in critical minerals such as rare earths, which are vital to US defence and high-technology industries. As a result, US-China trade deals, however tense, are never one-sided. Power balance forces negotiation, not compliance. India-US trade talks: More than trade: Negotiations for a US-India trade deal began in February 2025, but they remain stuck because the talks go far beyond trade. Washington is pushing India to reshape key domestic policies to suit US interests -- ranging from regulation and technology to energy and geopolitics. The US wants India to buy more American oil and defence equipment, relax data and digital rules, and distance itself from Brics partners -- especially Russia and China, which Washington sees as challenging the dominance of the US dollar. The US is also pressing for unrestricted cross-border data flows, an end to taxes on digital services, and permission for American e-commerce firms to run inventory-based models instead of limited marketplaces. The pressure has gone further. Washington has pushed for Starlink's entry into the Indian market to provide satellite-based Internet services. The US has imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian exports in response to India's purchases of Russian oil. It has not imposed similar penalties on China -- the largest buyer of Russian oil -- or on the EU, which continues to import several Russian products. The US is using trade tools for political pressure. The broader relationship has also come under strain. Senior US officials increasingly criticise India in public. H-1B visa fees have risen. Many Indian professionals now face sudden visa cancellations when they travel home, followed by long re-interview delays that leave their jobs and families in the US in limbo. India, meanwhile, has already made significant concessions. Over the past year, its oil imports from the US have risen nearly 80 per cent. It has adjusted aspects of its nuclear liability framework and allowed Starlink to begin operations, despite concerns that unrestricted satellite access could weaken sovereign control in sensitive areas. India has also removed the digital transaction tax. On trade access, India has shown flexibility. It is willing to eliminate tariffs on nearly 95 per cent of US industrial exports and lower duties on products such as almonds, apples and avocados. Yet Washington continues to push for unrestricted access for dairy and genetically-modified crops, including corn and soybeans -- an issue deeply sensitive in India due to environmental, political and social concerns. Next steps: Even though both sides remain silent, and no details are public, it appears that negotiators have reached the limits of compromise, and the deal now awaits President Trump's decision. The delay may be aimed at extracting further concessions from India. India has already made many concessions. It should avoid offering more before an agreement is reached -- otherwise, these will be absorbed and followed by new demands. However, India needs to make a clear choice on Russian crude. On January 4, President Trump warned that US tariffs on Indian exports could rise unless New Delhi halts purchases of Russian oil. While Indian refiners have signalled an intent to curb buying, Russian oil continues to flow, accounting for 7.7 million tonnes -- or about 35 per cent of India's crude imports --in November. With exports to the US down 20.7 per cent over the past six months, this strategic ambiguity is no longer cost-free. If India intends to exit Russian oil, it must do so decisively; if it plans to continue buying from non-sanctioned suppliers, it should state that openly and support the case with data; and if it chooses to buy even from sanctioned entities, that position too must be articulated clearly. As the tariff threat hardens, India must take a clean call on Russian oil -- own that decision, and communicate it unambiguously to Washington. Complicating India's calculus is the absence of any guarantee that cutting Russian oil will end US pressure. Even a complete halt to Russian oil could only shift the US demands to agriculture, dairy, digital trade, and data governance. A trade deal makes sense only if it is fair and reciprocal. If the cost is strategic dependence or loss of policy space, waiting is the wiser option. Ajay Srivastava is the founder, Global Trade Research Initiative, GTRI. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff Following an examination and discussions held in the aftermath of the United States' decision to withdraw from dozens of international organisations, Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa'ar, has decided that Jerusalem will immediately sever all contact with several United Nations agencies and international bodies, citing what the government described as persistent bias, politicisation and actions hostile to Israel. Image used only for representation. Photograph: Amir Cohen/Reuters In a post on X on Tuesday, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision was made after a review of organisations named in the US announcement and of Israel's own experience with these bodies. 'After an examination and discussion conducted following the US withdrawal from dozens of international organizations, Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs @gidonsaar has decided that Israel will immediately sever all contact with the following UN agencies and international organizations. In addition, Foreign Minister Sa'ar has instructed his Ministry to immediately examine, in consultation with relevant government ministries, when necessary, the continued cooperation between Israel and other organizations. Further decisions will be made following thorough examination and an additional discussion,' Israel foreign ministry wrote in its post. The ministry said that Foreign Minister Sa'ar has also instructed officials to immediately examine, in consultation with relevant government ministries where necessary, the continuation of cooperation with additional international organisations, with further decisions to be taken after a thorough review and follow-up discussions. From the list of organisations referenced in the US announcement, Israel has already severed ties with four UN bodies. These include the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children in Armed Conflict, which Israel said 'shamelessly blacklisted the IDF in 2024'. Israeli officials have repeatedly objected to the listing, noting that Israel was the only democratic country placed alongside terror organisations such as ISIS and Boko Haram. Israel had already cut ties with the Office in June 2024. Israel has also severed relations with UN Women, formally known as the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UNWOMEN). 'The organisation deliberately ignored all cases of sexual violence committed against Israeli women on Oct. 7th, 2023. The former local head of UNWOMEN concluded her tenure at Israel's request. Israel terminated its cooperation agreement with the body and notified the UN Secretary-General that it is ceasing all cooperation with the body, as of July 2024,' the post stated. Another organisation cited was the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which Israeli officials said had authored 'dozens of virulent anti-Israel reports'. Israel has been disengaged from UNCTAD for several years. Similarly, Israel has long been disengaged from the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which, according to the foreign ministry, issues 'virulent anti-Israel reports annually' and provides the basis for further anti-Israel resolutions within the UN system. Beyond these bodies, the Foreign Ministry announced that Israel has now decided to sever ties with additional international organisations. These include the UN Alliance of Civilisations, which was founded by Turkey and Spain and claims to promote intercultural and inter-religious dialogue. Israel alleged that despite this mandate, the organisation has not invited Israel to participate and has instead been used for years as a platform for attacks against the Jewish state. Israel will also cut ties with UN Energy, which the Foreign Ministry described as 'a wasteful organisation' that reflects the 'excessive and inefficient bureaucracy of the United Nations'. Another body affected by the decision is the Global Forum on Migration and Development, which Israel said undermines the ability of sovereign states to enforce their own immigration laws. As stated, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will thoroughly examine additional organisations and make further decisions later. A container from China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL) stands among countless other containers at the Tollerort container terminal in the port of Hamburg. European Union firms are increasingly looking for new suppliers outside China to mitigate the effects of export restrictions imposed by Beijing, according to a survey released on Monday. Marcus Brandt/dpa China's foreign trade posted another record surplus in 2025 despite ongoing tariff disputes with the United States and broader global trade tensions, official customs data showed on Wednesday. Exports rose 5.5% year on year to about $3.8 trillion, while imports were largely unchanged at around $2.6 trillion, pushing the trade surplus to a record $1.2 trillion. In 2024, the surplus had already approached $1 trillion. The figures underscore imbalances in Chinas economy, which continues to produce heavily for export markets while weak domestic demand limits imports. December data exceeded analysts' expectations, with exports up 6.6% from the same month a year earlier and imports rising 5.7%. Forecasts had predicted only a 0.9% gain in imports. The outlook for 2026 remains uncertain. "Regarding the state of foreign trade this year, global trade growth generally lacks momentum, and the external environment for the development of Chinese foreign trade remains difficult and complex," Wang Jun, a vice minister at Chinas customs authority, told reporters in Beijing. Trade in 2025 was shaped by the tariff conflict between China and the United States, the worlds two largest economies. Chinas exports to the United States fell 20% over the year, while imports from the country dropped 14.6%, despite some interim reductions in tariff rates. US duties on Chinese goods remained elevated. Oversupply in several Chinese industries, coupled with subdued domestic demand, pushed exporters to seek alternative markets abroad. Exports rose sharply to Africa, up 25.8%, and to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), up 13.4%. Trade with Europe also expanded. Exports to the European Union rose 8.4% in 2025, while imports fell 0.4%. Exports to Germany increased 10.5% to $118.3 billion, while imports from Germany declined 2.1% to $92.8 billion. China has again been Germanys largest trading partner since October, overtaking the United States. Concerns mount over Chinas exports China's growing export presence in Europe has fuelled concern among trading partners. European companies have complained of aggressive competition in sectors such as the automotive industry and of difficult regulatory and market conditions in China. Some analysts have also pointed to Chinas currency, which they view as undervalued, making Chinese goods cheaper abroad a claim Beijing has previously rejected. Export controls imposed in 2025 on seven rare earths and on chips produced by Nexperia added to uncertainty in Europe, at times causing short-term production disruptions and highlighting vulnerabilities in European supply chains. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday again pushed for control of Greenland, calling it necessary for "national security" and arguing it would also bolster the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's strength. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters, on his return from Detroit, Michigan, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on January 13, 2026. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo/Reuters In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote that "anything less" than US control of Greenland is "unacceptable," adding, "NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES." He said that "NATO should be leading the way for us to get it," and "if we don't, Russia or China will, and that is not going to happen!" Trump also repeated his claim that acquiring Greenland is essential for US national security and "vital for the Golden Dome that we are building," referring to the missile defence system being developed by the Pentagon. Emphasising the strategic and military dimension of the issue, Trump further asserted that NATO leaders should actively support the move, writing, "NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DON'T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! Militarily, without the vast power of the United States, much of which I built during my first term, and am now bringing to a new and even higher level, NATO would not be an effective force or deterrent - not even close! They know that, and so do I". Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark. Earlier, Trump on Tuesday dismissed remarks made by Greenland's Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who said at a news conference in Copenhagen, "Greenland does not want to be owned by the USA. Greenland does not want to be governed by the USA. Greenland will not be part of the USA. We choose the Greenland we know today, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark." Responding to Nielsen's comments, Trump said, "That's their problem. I disagree with him. I don't know who he is. I don't know anything about him, but that's going to be a big problem for him." Amid the renewed attention on Trump's remarks, European leaders have also pushed back against his calls for control over Greenland, with French President Emmanuel Macron warning on Wednesday that any attempt by Washington to seize the territory from Denmark would have "unprecedented" consequences. Macron, speaking through his government's spokesperson, said, "We do not underestimate the statements regarding Greenland. If the sovereignty of a European and allied country were to be affected, the knock-on consequences would be unprecedented." Macron added that France is monitoring developments closely and "will conduct its actions in full solidarity with Denmark and its sovereignty." Earlier on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated that Greenland belongs to its people and that the issue must be decided by Denmark and Greenland. "For me, it is important Greenlanders know ... that we respect (their) wishes and they, they can count on us," she added. Denmark's public broadcaster DR reported that Danish military reinforcements were sent to Greenland in preparation for a potential larger deployment. The Danish Defence Command in Copenhagen did not comment directly on the report but said that it has "increased (its) level of activity in the Arctic over the past year." "The Danish Defence, among other things, continuously train the deployment of capabilities in the Arctic and maintain a presence as part of routine task execution as well as in preparation for upcoming activities," said Louise Hedegaard from the Danish Defence Command. A physiotherapist died in Jaunpur after his throat was slit by a stray 'Chinese manjha', banned glass-coated synthetic strings used for flying kites, while he was returning home on his motorcycle on Wednesday, the police said. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The incident occurred near Prasad International School in Pachhatiya village. City superintendent of police Ayush Srivastava said the deceased was identified as Mohammad Shamir, a physiotherapist and a resident of the Kerakat Kotwali area, who was engaged in private practice. According to the police, Shamir had come to Jaunpur district headquarters on his motorcycle on Wednesday morning to meet a doctor. When he was riding on a road near the school, he got entangled in a Chinese manjha, which caused a severe cut to his neck. Traffic Inspector Sushil Mishra, who reached the spot, immediately arranged an ambulance and rushed him to the district hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, the police said. City Circle Officer Goldy Gupta said the police are making sustained efforts to enforce a complete ban on 'Chinese manjha' kite string, but its sale through online platforms has emerged as a major challenge. Further investigation is underway and necessary action will be taken, the police added. Every year, scores of people and birds are killed or left injured due to the menace of 'Chinese manjha'. The casualties are more on days of traditional kite flying around festivals like Makar Sakranti, which is being celebrated today. Despite a ban on the 'Chinese manjha' and several orders by courts in different parts of the country for its strict implementation, the menace continues unabated. On Monday, the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court said that if a minor is found flying a kite using the banned string, his guardians can be held legally responsible. As Maharashtra heads to the elections on Thursday for 29 municipal corporations, the spotlight is on Mumbai, where the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti is locked in a battle with the united Thackeray front for control of the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis speaks during the release of Manifesto for BMC elections, in Mumbai on Sunday. State Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also present. Photograph: ANI Photo Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has predicted that Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray would emerge as the biggest loser in his alliance with cousin and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray president Uddhav Thackeray. He also dismissed the coming together of both Nationalist Congress Party factions in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad as merely a localised development. Fadnavis rued that Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar broke the rule that the alliance partners will not speak against each other. Fadnavis led the ruling alliance's canvassing, traversing the state to campaign for candidates of the Mahayuti, which includes the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. NCP, the third partner in the Mahayuti, was strategically excluded to attract 'non-Hindu' voters, observers said. This will be the Shiv Sena's first BMC election since the 2022 split, when Eknath Shinde broke away with a majority of the party's legislators, along with its name and symbol. The undivided Shiv Sena had held sway over the country's richest civic body for 25 years. Polling for the 2,869 seats spread across 893 wards will begin at 7.30 am and conclude at 5.30 pm on January 15. A total of 3.48 crore voters are eligible to decide the fate of 15,931 candidates, including 1,700 in Mumbai and 1,166 in Pune. Counting of votes will take place on January 16. More than 25,000 police personnel, including senior officers, will be deployed across Mumbai to oversee elections to the BMC and vote counting. Except for Mumbai, the other 28 urban bodies have multi-member wards. In a political turn ahead of the elections, estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray reunited after two decades in their bid to consolidate Marathi votes, even as rival NCP factions forged a local alliance in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. In this election, the Opposition Congress has asserted its presence in Mumbai by stepping out of the shadow of its Maha Vikas Aghadi allies -- the Shiv Sena-UBT and Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar. The Congress has joined hands with Prakash Ambedkar's Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and the Rashtriya Samaj Paksh in the state capital, even as it contests independently in Nagpur. Elections to 29 municipal corporations are being held after a gap of over six years, with their terms having ended between 2020 and 2023. Of these, nine fall within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the most urbanised belt in India. The battlegrounds include Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Navi Mumbai, Vasai-Virar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Mumbai, Solapur, Amravati, Akola, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, Ulhasnagar, Thane, Chandrapur, Parbhani, Mira-Bhayandar, Nanded-Waghala, Panvel, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Latur, Malegaon, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Jalgaon, Ahilyanagar, Dhule, Jalna and Ichalkaranji. Chief Minister Fadnavis, along with his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, campaigned extensively across Maharashtra, while cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray concentrated their efforts on Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where Uddhav held a rally. Telangana minister Mohammad Azharuddin, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai were also among the star campaigners for the polls. Populist promises for women were the highlight of the manifestos of both the Mahayuti and the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS. The Mahayuti has promised a 50 per cent concession for women in BEST bus travel, while the Thackeray cousins have assured a Rs 1,500 monthly allowance for women domestic helps and a property tax waiver on houses up to 700 sq ft. The Congress manifesto, by contrast, prioritises combating Mumbai's pollution, upgrading the BEST fleet, and strengthening the city's financial health. The race for Mumbai's mayoral post took centre stage in the campaign, with the BJP claiming that a Sena-UBT victory could lead to a Muslim mayor, a charge the Uddhav Thackeray-led party countered by assuring voters of a Marathi mayor. CM Fadnavis also guaranteed that the mayor will be a 'Hindu and Marathi'. In the 227-ward Mumbai, the BJP is contesting 137 seats, the Shiv Sena 90, while the NCP is fighting separately on 94 seats. The Shiv Sena-UBT has fielded 163 candidates, the MNS 52, the Congress 143 and the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi 46. The Congress has fielded 1,263 candidates across the rest of the state. After the end of the campaigning on Tuesday, Fadnavis said Raj Thackeray will be the biggest loser in the alliance with his cousin, Uddhav Thackeray. Downplaying the coming together of the rival NCPs in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad as a 'localised phenomenon', he said the BJP will react only if both factions decide to ally after the polls, which he felt was unlikely at the moment. Fadnavis also remarked that the Thackerays lacked wholehearted commitment in their campaign and appeared 'unwilling to stake their political prestige'. While asserting that the BJP remains the central force around which Maharashtra's politics will revolve in the future, he acknowledged that electoral setbacks do not spell the end for any party or leader. Those who strive to make a comeback can still find success, he added. Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Lin Jian, said on Wednesday that China supports Iran in maintaining its stability, adding that Beijing has always opposed the interference in other countries' internal affairs and the use of force in international relations. IMAGE: Fire engulfs a building following unrest sparked by dire economic conditions, in a place given as Karaj, Iran, on January 10, 2026, in this screengrab from Iran's state media broadcast footage. Photograph: IRIB via WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters Chinese spokesperson also commented on the latest sanctions issued by US President Donald Trump on countries that do business with Iran. "China's position on the tariffs issue is very clear. Tariff wars have no winners. China will firmly protect its legitimate and lawful rights and interests," he said. In a post on X, spokesperson said, 'China hopes Iran will maintain stability and supports Iran in doing so. We always oppose interference in other countries internal affairs and the use or threat of force in international relations.' Meanwhile, Iran has formally appealed to the United Nations Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, accusing the United States of inciting violence, interfering in Iran's internal affairs, and threatening military action, according to an official letter circulated by Iran's Permanent Mission to the UN. In the letter, Iran's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, expressed grave concern about recent remarks by the President of the United States regarding protests in Iran. Tehran claims the comments encouraged unrest and suggested external support for attempts to seize state institutions, which Iranian officials argue amounts to an explicit threat against the country's sovereignty and national security. Iran maintains that the US statements violate core principles of international law, including provisions of the UN Charter that prohibit the threat or use of force and forbid intervention in the domestic affairs of sovereign states. The letter asserts that such rhetoric contributes to political destabilisation and could inflame violence, with serious consequences for regional and international peace and security. The Iranian mission further situates the remarks within what it calls a broader pattern of escalating pressure from Washington, alleging repeated threats of force in recent weeks. It references earlier diplomatic communications sent to the United Nations in late December 2025 and early January 2026, which, according to Tehran, documented similar concerns. Iranian officials argue that these actions are part of a long-standing strategy aimed at weakening the country through sanctions, economic pressure, and political agitation. Former Haryana Police chief Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor was on Wednesday appointed as the director general of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, entrusted with the task of guarding the country's frontier with China. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Screen Grab He succeeds incumbent Praveen Kumar, who has been named the new head of the Border Security Force (BSF), according to a Personnel Ministry order. Kapoor, a 1990-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Haryana cadre, was in October last year, sent on leave following a controversy over IPS officer Y Puran Kumar's alleged suicide. He was then posted as the Director General of Police (DGP), Haryana. Puran, a 2001-batch IPS officer, allegedly shot himself dead on October 7. In an eight-page 'final note' purportedly left behind, he had accused several senior officers, including Kapoor, of "blatant caste-based discrimination, targeted mental harassment, public humiliation and atrocities". The Haryana government last month relieved Kapoor from the charge of state DGP. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his appointment as DG, ITBP for a period up to October 31, 2026, the date of his superannuation, the order said. Incumbent ITBP chief Kumar has been named the new DG, BSF. He has been appointed to the post for a period up to September 30, 2030, the date of his retirement, it said. Kumar, a 1993-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, has been holding additional charge of DG, BSF since November 30, following the superannuation of Daljit Singh Chawdhary. The BSF primarily protects the Indian borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Reacting to remarks by the Premier of Greenland expressing a 'preference to remain with Denmark' over the United States, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed the statement and warned that it could create 'a big problem' for the latter. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters, on his return from Detroit, Michigan, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on January 13, 2026. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo/Reuters Trump's comments come after Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the self-governed Danish territory wants to remain part of Denmark rather than join the United States, amid Trump's ongoing push to take over the island, Al Jazeera reported. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he 'disagreed' with the Premier's position and said he has no familiarity with him. "Well, that is their problem. I disagree with them. I don't know who he is. Don't know anything about him. But that is going to be a big problem for him," the US President said. Speaking at a news conference in Copenhagen alongside Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Nielsen said the autonomous Arctic territory would prefer to remain Danish. "We are now facing a geopolitical crisis, and if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark," he said. "The United States has once again reiterated its desire to take over Greenland. This is something that the governing coalition in Greenland cannot accept under any circumstances," said the island's coalition government. "As part of the Danish commonwealth, Greenland is a member of NATO, and the defence of Greenland must therefore be through NATO," it added. On Wednesday, US Vice President J D Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host a meeting with the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland at the White House, Al Jazeera reported. Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within Denmark and a NATO partner of the United States. Both Danish and Greenlandic leaders have repeatedly rejected any suggestion that the island could be sold or annexed, emphasising that Greenland's future should be decided by its own people. India on Wednesday asked all its nationals residing in Iran to leave by available means and avoid any travel to the country as tensions mounted over possible military intervention by the US over Tehran's crackdown on nationwide protests that killed over 2,500 people. 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 In a fresh advisory, the Indian embassy in Tehran urged all Indians, including students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists, to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights. According to estimates, a little over 10,000 Indians, including students, are currently living in Iran. The mission also urged all Indian citizens and PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) to exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations and stay in contact with the embassy. It also urged the Indian nationals to have their travel and immigration documents, including passports, readily available. Indians living in Iran on resident visas were also advised to register with the embassy. In case any Indian national is unable to register due to internet disruptions in Iran, their families in India are requested to do so, the mission said. "In view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights," the embassy said. India's advisory came amid rising tensions in Iran and the region after Trump indicated military action if Tehran continues its crackdown on the protesters. "If they hang them, you're going to see some things... We will take very strong action if they do such a thing," the US president told CBS News. In a message to the protesters, Trump said on Tuesday that "help is on the way". The US president has already announced a 25 per cent tariff on countries having trade with Tehran. The protests began late last month in Tehran after the Iranian currency rial plunged to record lows. The protests have since spread to all 31 provinces, evolving from an agitation against economic woes to a demand for political change. Separately, the ministry of external affairs advised Indians to avoid travelling to Iran. In view of the ongoing developments in Iran, Indian nationals are once again strongly advised to avoid travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice, it said. In a previous advisory issued on January 5, the MEA urged its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran. It had also asked Indian citizens and PIOs residing in Iran to exercise due caution and avoid visiting areas of protests. The overall situation in Iran in the last few days has deteriorated dramatically as the death toll from the nationwide protests has increased to over 2,500, according to US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Iran is set to witness more brutality as the administration has decided to execute its first protester on Wednesday amid mass arrests of anti-regime protesters, New York Post reported, citing human rights groups. IMAGE: Members of the Iranian police in Tehran, on January 12, 2026. Photograph: Stringer/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters 26-year-old Erfan Soltani is allegedly scheduled to be hanged to death after his arrest during the protests in Karaj last Thursday, the Iran Human Rights (IHR) and National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFD) NGO groups said. The NUFD reported that the man's 'only crime is calling for freedom for Iran'. NUFD is also calling for international support to stop Soltani's hanging. He is allegedly unable to seek legal advice to defend himself, as reported by New York Post. The protester is being charged with 'waging war against God', a crime punishable by death in Iran. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency report on Monday, at the end of the seventeenth day, a total of 614 protest gatherings had been recorded nationwide. These demonstrations took place in 187 cities and covered all 31 provinces of the country. The detention of 18,434 individuals has been confirmed. The agency also said, the deaths of 2,403 protesters have been confirmed. Among those killed, 12 children (individuals under 18 years of age) have been recorded. 147 members of security forces and government supporters have been killed, including at least five civilian supporters of the government. Meanwhile, amid the continuing protests, exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi on Tuesday appealed to protesters and the country's armed forces, asserting that the world not only saw and heard the demonstrators' courage and voice but is also 'taking action'. He urged citizens to sustain the movement against the Khamenei regime and warned that those responsible for violence would eventually be held accountable. In a video message shared on X, Pahlavi said the United States President Donald Trump had responded to the protests, asserting that the voices of Iranians were being heard beyond the country's borders. Addressing protesters directly, he said, 'My compatriots, as I told you in my previous message, the world not only saw and heard your courage and voice but is taking action. By now, you have undoubtedly heard the message from the President of the United States. Help is on the way.' Earlier in the day, Trump said that Iran was on his mind and that he is being apprised on the crackdown on protestors by the regime. "We're going to look at the whole situation that's going on in Iran. Really bad stuff. But the Iran is on my mind when I see the kind of death that is happening over there. We're going to get some accurate numbers as to what's happening with regard to the killing," he said during his gaggle with Press at Joint Base Andrews. In a significant development, a special court here on Wednesday convicted Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi and two others for offences including conspiracy to wage war against the country and being members of a terrorist organisation under stringent anti-terror law UAPA. Andrabi, the founder of the all-women separatist group Dukhtaraan-e-Millat (DeM) in 1987, was arrested in April 2018 and charges were framed against her under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly conspiring to commit terrorist acts, being members of a terrorist organisation, and providing support to such groups. Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh, as the special National Investigation Agency (NIA) judge, had heard the case against Andrabi and her two associates -- Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen. On Wednesday, the special judge found them guilty of offences under UAPA sections 18 (punishment for conspiracy) and 38 (offence relating to membership of a terrorist organisation). The court also convicted the three under IPC sections 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups), 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration), 121-A (conspiracy to wage war against Government of India), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief). The accused were physically present in the packed courtroom in the afternoon amid tight security for pronouncement of the judgement. The court has now listed the case on January 17 for hearing arguments on the quantum of sentence which may exceed imprisonment for life for the offences under the stringent provisions of the anti-terror law. Andrabi and her two associates were formally charged with multiple offences under the stringent UAPA and the IPC in February 2021. It was alleged that they plotted to wage war against the country, besides conspiring to carry out terror-related activities. In April 2018, on directions of the Union Home Ministry, the NIA registered a case against them as well as the DeM. According to the FIR, the "central government has received information that Aasiya Andrabi and her associates namely Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen are actively running a terrorist organisation named as 'Dukhtaran-E-Millat' (DeM) which is proscribed under the First Schedule to the UAPA". "They are using various media platforms to spread insurrectionary imputations and hateful speeches that endanger the integrity, security and sovereignty of India. The DEM through Aasiya Andrabi openly advocates secession of Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India and has also called for Jihad and use of violence against India," the FIR alleged. The agency also said that Andrabi and her associates had spoken, written and also published "visible representations that bring into hatred and contempt apart from exciting disaffection towards the Government of India". The organisation, it added, is promoting enmity, hatred and ill-will between different communities on the grounds of religion and is doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony. Andrabi has solicited help from proscribed terrorist organisations and along with her associates, has entered into a criminal conspiracy to wage war against the Government of India, the FIR alleged. Andrabi was arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir police in Anantnag in April 2018 for allegedly planning to organise a large-scale demonstration and stone-pelting in the area. She was subsequently sent to jail. Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad on Wednesday attended a Makar Sankranti feast at his elder son Tej Pratap Yadav's house, months after expelling him from the party and snapping all personal ties. IMAGE: Jan Shakti Janata Dal president Tej Pratap Yadav (right) with RJD chief and his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, at the Makar Sankranti celebrations, in Patna, January 14, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo Yadav's brother and heir apparent Tejashwi, however, stayed away from the feast. A former minister who now heads the Janshakti Janata Dal, Yadav, organised the feast on Makar Sankranti, a festival which has often served as an occasion for new political formulations in Bihar. Yadav, who has been in the wilderness since the recently held assembly polls, in which his party sank without a trace, seemed visibly chuffed that his father, the tallest OBC leader of his generation, made it convenient to attend the Dahi chura bhoj' despite old age and indifferent health. "My father has, in effect, blessed me and all office bearers of Janshakti Janata Dal, which alone can carry forward his legacy," claimed Yadav, who was expelled from the RJD after confessing on social media to have been "in a relationship for 12 years" with a woman. Talking to PTI video, he said: "I think the time has come for all committed RJD cadres to consider a merger with Janshakti Janata Dal. I will write a letter to them with this suggestion." The RJD, which has ruled Bihar for a decade and a half, is undergoing a rough patch since the assembly polls, in which it could win only 25 seats of the 243-strong House, despite polling more votes than any other party. Yadav was also dismissive of the absence, at his feast, of Tejashwi, who is rumoured to have played a role in his expulsion. "He (Tejashwi) must have been held back by Jaichands," said Yadav, who often uses the name of the 10th century Rajput conniver of Afghan invaders to assert that his younger brother has surrounded himself with "traitors". "I had personally gone to invite him (Tejashwi). I know he is a late riser. But, I was willing to wait till 9 pm. However, if a person is not willing to come to my place, then I cannot force his hand," he said. Although Makar Sankranti feasts were also organised at other places, including at the state Bharatiya Janata Party office, the Lok Bhavan and the residence of Janata Dal-United MLA and former minister Ratnesh Sada, the one hosted by Yadav remained the most talked about. The attendees included Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha and minister Ashok Choudhary, besides MLC Saurabh Kumar and former MLA Arun Yadav, both from the RJD. Sinha, a senior BJP leader, had on Tuesday hosted a similar feast at his place where the presence of Yadav raised many speculations. When some journalists teased Yadav that rumours were afloat of his entry into the NDA with the offer of a ministerial berth, he replied, "One can wish many things to happen. Once my father had admitted in public that he wanted to become the Prime Minister". Sinha, however, urged the media not to read too much into Makar Sankranti feasts, and said "the festival is a celebration of Sanatan culture. So, obviously, for some time, people give up their differences, be it in politics or families". By Toby Sterling AMSTERDAM, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Lawyers for Dutch chipmaker Nexperia and Chinese owner Wingtech fought for control of Nexperia in an Amsterdam court on Wednesday in a dispute that has led to a shortage of chips used by carmakers. At stake is whether the court will order a full investigation into allegations of mismanagement under Nexperia's previous CEO, Wingtech founder Zhang Xuezheng, and whether the Chinese company's control over Nexperia should be restored. More from Yahoo Scout What triggered the Dutch government's seizure of Nexperia? How has the leadership dispute affected Nexperia's operations? What are the financial implications of splitting Nexperia? Why are carmakers facing chip shortages from this dispute? Nexperia's ability to operate has been hamstrung by the dispute, with the company's European production arm and its Chinese packaging and distribution unit unable to cooperate. EX-NEXPERIA CEO WILLING TO CONSIDER GOVERNANCE CHANGES "Wingtech is doing everything it can to destabilize Nexperia in this already challenging situation," lawyer Jeroen van der Schrieck told the hearing at the Amsterdam Enterprise Court. He said Wingtech had invited the Chinese government to impose export restrictions on Nexperia in October, damaging the company and its customers. Dirk-Jan Duynstee, a lawyer for Wingtech, said Zhang had been looking at alternatives to avoid Nexperia being placed on a U.S. blacklist and was willing to consider governance changes if needed. The dispute at Nexperia broke out on September 30 when the Dutch government seized control of the company, citing fears it was transferring operations and intellectual property to China. The government later revoked the move. On October 7, the court ruled in a preliminary decision there were "well-founded reasons to doubt" the company was being managed correctly, suspended Zhang as CEO and ordered control of Wingtech's shares transferred to a Dutch lawyer. Lawyers for Wingtech said no evidence was produced to show Nexperia's property had been misappropriated, or that there were any plans to do so, raising questions of whether the Dutch government's intervention had been necessary. WINGTECH SAYS NEXPERIA NEEDS CHINA Nexperia "is a largely non-Dutch group that cannot function without its non-Dutch parent and subsidiary entities," Duynstee told the court. He denied that Zhang had any conflict of interest due to his ownership of a factory in Shanghai that sold wafers to Nexperia, one of the court's reasons in ordering preliminary measures. Zhang did not appear in person, but his lawyer pointed to his track record as an entrepreneur and said he felt betrayed by the Dutch state and court actions. A lawyer for the Dutch state said it supported Nexperia's current management. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday clarified that there is no message from Congress top leader Rahul Gandhi as being reported in the media, and that the latter has only asked the state government to continue the good work. IMAGE: Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi receives a warm welcome from Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivkumar at airport, in Mysuru on Tuesday. Photograph: @DKShivakumarX/ANI Video Grab Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress President, played down speculations regarding his social media post which read 'efforts may fail, but prayers won't', linking it with his brief conversation with Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday evening. Rahul Gandhi's brief conversation with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and his deputy and a claimant for the CM's chair, D K Shivakumar, on Tuesday evening has sparked off speculations, amid the ongoing power tussle between the two. "I'm the state Congress President, he (Rahul Gandhi) is the leader of opposition (in Lok Sabha), he was also earlier the Congress President. Can our meeting with him, discussions with him, giving respect to him and receiving him as per protocol -- be discussed in public? You (media) unnecessarily quoting someone off the record are creating confusion and are destroying the respect your TV channels have," Shivakumar said in response to a question. Speaking to reporters here, he insisted, "There is no message, we met him (Rahul Gandhi). He asked us to continue working in a good way, we will work in a good way. We have informed him about programmes we have planned regarding MGNREGA (Save MGNREGA campaign) in the state. We have also discussed BJP's politics in the state." Asked whether anything was discussed with Rahul Gandhi that cannot be shared on record with the media, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief said, 'there is no such thing with me, always it is on-record with me'. The short talk between the leaders took place on the tarmac on Tuesday, as Rahul Gandhi landed at the Mandakalli Airport here for transit, on his way back to New Delhi from Gudalur in Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, where he attended an event. The former All India Congress Committee president had brief conversations with Siddaramaiaah and Shivakumar both separately and together. Asked about his social media post stating 'efforts may fail, but prayers won't', the Deputy CM said, it is not something new, and that he has made this statement in the past too. "Recently, I had been to Udyami Vokkaliga-FC Expo 2025 (an entrepreneurial extravaganza dedicated to fostering the growth and success of Vokkaliga enterprises), there I had told them this, while sharing my experience, and the same has been tweeted," he clarified. Shivakumar said that he will be going to New Delhi on January 16. According to party sources, Shivakumar will be in the national capital to take part in a preparatory meeting in connection with the Assembly elections in Assam, for which he has been appointed as a senior observer by the Congress. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday claimed that several countries were in talks with Pakistan to acquire its fighter jets following last year's conflict with India. IMAGE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photograph: Amr Alfiky/Reuters Addressing a federal cabinet meeting, Shehbaz said that the demand for Pakistani fighter jets has increased and many countries are "actively engaged with us to acquire the jets," state-run Radio Pakistan reported. He did not specify the aircraft which were at the centre of talks. However, local media reports said that JF-17 Thunder fighter jets were part of talks with countries like Sudan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Indonesia and Bangladesh. Some countries were also interested in the Mushshak training aircraft. Shehbaz's remarks came a day after Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Haraj told BBC Urdu in an interview that several countries were interested in buying JF-17 Thunder. These negotiations are taking place and they take some time. Many countries have shown interest in these aircraft, the minister was quoted as saying. "I cannot take the name of any country. Neither can I tell on what level our negotiations are with any country," he said, adding that when these jets are exported, then the world will know which countries have bought them. Haraj also said that "Pakistan must ensure that JF-17s were sold to friendly countries so that they are not used against us." He added that China is on board whenever Pakistan signs such a deal with any country. The minister termed the price of the jet an important aspect, detailing that while the average value of such planes around the world was $250-350 million, the JF-17 Thunder was cheaper. A demolition drive at the Manikarnika Ghat was met with protests from locals, who alleged that the city's heritage was being destroyed in the name of redevelopment, a charge rejected by the district administration. IMAGE: Old structures being demolished for the renovation and revamp of Manikarnika Ghat, in Varanasi on Tuesday. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Officials said that the drive was carried out under a redevelopment plan of Manikarnika Ghat on Tuesday. Manikarnika Ghat is one of the oldest and most sacred cremation grounds in Hinduism, believed to grant moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death, and holds immense religious and cultural significance for devotees across the country. The protest largely included members of the Pal Samaj Samiti, among other locals. However, the administration said the row appeared to have been triggered due to confusion over the redevelopment work. Leading the protest, a samiti member, Mahendra Pal, alleged "Under the guise of development, the original character of Manikarnika Ghat was being tampered with and the city's heritage was being destroyed." The district administration, however, rejected the allegations, asserting that no temple at the ghat had been demolished or damaged during the work. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Alok Verma, who reached the spot, said there appeared to be some confusion regarding the works being undertaken. "We have come here to assess the situation. We suspect the involvement of some outsiders. The ACP is also present to inquire into the matter. People living at and around the ghat are not protesting and the work is being carried out in their presence," he said. District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar said development work was underway at the ghat and no harm had been caused to any temple. "In the first phase, steps are being constructed. During excavation, some idols and artefacts were found, which have been preserved. These will be reinstalled after the construction work at the ghat is completed," he said. Two siblings, who went missing from Ranchi's Dhurwa area 12 days ago, were freed from kidnappers in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district on Wednesday, the police said. IMAGE: The two siblings, aged 4 and 5, who were kidnappned. Photograph: Courtesy, @RanchiPolice/X The Ranchi police have also arrested two persons, suspected to be members of an interstate gang involved in the case, they said. A police team brought the children, aged 4 and 5, back to Ranchi from Ramgarh. The siblings had gone missing after visiting a grocery store near their house on January 2. "We have safely recovered both Ansh Kumar and Anshika Kumari. The parents of the children are also with us. Under the leadership of Zonal IG Manoj Kaushik, Ranchi Police has achieved a major success," DGP Tadasha Mishra said. "Preliminary interrogation revealed that the accused had taken the children to Chitarpur in Ramgarh," he told a press conference in Ranchi. Chief Minister Hemant Soren congratulated the police for the successful recovery of the children. Only a mother and family can feel the boundless joy of this moment. Heartfelt congratulations again to the Jharkhand Police team for this splendid success. DC Ranchi, please also inform and connect Ansh and Anshika's family to all necessary government schemes, he said in a post on X. CM promises end to criminal gangs In an earlier post, the CM had said the two siblings were freed from the "clutches of kidnappers today". "How can someone stoop so low? Personally, the last few days have been quite distressing for me. Initially, there was no success, but the way the Ranchi police connected the threads of a similar incident in another state and reached the criminals to secure the children's release is commendable," he said. Soren said the investigation will not end with the rescue of the two children. "We will make efforts to break the backs of criminal gangs after conducting a thorough investigation into such crimes in the state, and outside the state, he added. The parents of the children were also present at the press conference. "Many congratulations to the Ranchi police. Our happiness knows no bounds, they said. Manoj Kaushik, Ranchi Zonal IG, said the case is being kept completely confidential, as the police is making all efforts to identify and dismantle a bigger network involved in the crime. Details about how the children were kidnapped and where they were kept would be provided later, he said. LoP lauds rescue Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, Babulal Marandi, said the safe recovery of the children brings a sigh of relief. He also said that a widespread campaign was launched by the Bajrang Dal to search for the children. Activists of the Bajrang Dal, Chitarpur, demonstrated dedication and responsibility, the BJP leader said. He also asserted that pressure on the administration was intensified by the BJP's demonstration held on Tuesday. RJD leader Kailash Yadav also expressed joy over the safe return of both children. I congratulate the police administration team for their dedication, hard work, and relentless efforts in securing the return of the abducted kids, he said. Expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who has been sent to Special Investigation Team custody a day ago, was on Wednesday taken for evidence collection in connection with a sexual assault case, police sources said. IMAGE: Rahul Mamkootathil arrives at the AR (Armed Reserve) Camp after the Thiruvalla First Class Magistrate Court remanded him to the custody of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for three days in connection with the third rape case registered against him, in Pathanamthitta on Tuesday. Photograph: ANI Video Grab The SIT took the MLA, in the wee hours of the day, to a hotel in Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta where he had allegedly sexually assaulted the victim, the sources said. Visuals on TV channels showed Mamkootathil being taken for evidence collection with a big police contingent. There was heavy police presence at the hotel also. The MLA was sent to SIT custody by a court in Pathanamthitta on Tuesday. He was arrested on Sunday in Palakkad in connection with a third sexual assault case. Mamkootathil was protected from arrest by the Kerala high court in the first two cases of sexual assault against him. The 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. The case was registered against Mamkootathil under sections 376(rape) and 506(1) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The sexual violence, primarily by security forces, against Tamil civilians during Sri Lanka's decades-long civil war remains largely unaddressed, with survivors still being denied justice 17 years after the fighting ended, according to a UN report. IMAGE: UNHCR officials in conversation with Sri Lankan refugees at Ramanathapuram District Mandapam Refugee Camp in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, September 16, 2019. Photograph: ANI Photo The report, titled 'We lost everything 'even hope for justice', follows a decade of monitoring and reporting by the UN Human Rights Office, and extensive consultations with survivors, local experts on gender-based violence, civil society and others. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had run a military campaign for a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern provinces of the island nation for nearly 30 years before its collapse in 2009 after the Sri Lankan Army killed its supreme leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. The report said that during the civil war, sexual violence was widely used, primarily by State security forces actors, as a method of intimidation, punishment, and control over conflict-affected populations. These acts largely targeted Tamil civilians and actual or perceived LTTE members, including women, it added. The Sri Lankan government must urgently follow through on its commitment to advance domestic accountability and undertake transformative reforms, with specific attention to this issue, the report said. The document finds that the lack of accountability, acknowledgement and reparations for gross human rights violations and wartime crimes has created a legacy of impunity that continues to shape the lives of survivors today. Many victims from the conflict, which ended in 2009, continue to suffer chronic physical injuries, infertility, psychological breakdowns, and suicidal thoughts, the report said. Survivors and their representatives described an enduring climate of surveillance, intimidation, and harassment, contributing to under-reporting, deep stigma, and the near-absence of effective remedies, it said. "Sexual violence in conflict constitutes a serious violation of international law, which may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity. Sri Lanka is legally obligated, under multiple international treaties and commitments, to prevent, investigate, and prosecute such violations and ensure reparation for survivors," it said. The report asked the Lankan government to take immediate and concrete steps to publicly acknowledge past sexual violence committed by State forces and others, and to issue a formal apology. The government should also implement survivor-centred reforms across the security sector, judiciary and the legal framework, establish an independent prosecution office, and ensure access to psychological and social support, the report added. 'The tools of warfare are changing. The MoD must deepen its engagement with technology thinkers that can present compelling visions of where warfare may be heading.' IMAGE: Indian Army personnel demonstrate warfare skills as part of the Army Day Parade 2026 in Jaipur, January 8, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo At last year's edition of the combined commanders' conference, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan urged the armed forces to treat military reform as 'a continuous, institutional process'. Expectations around reforms did not grow overnight: The last few years have seen a steady convergence of pressure from China's military infrastructure, disruptive technologies that have changed the nature of war, and a recognition that India's command structure needs to evolve with the times. At the heart of India's defence reforms lies a simple question: Can the armed forces transition from a platform-centred structure to a genuinely integrated technology-driven one? The ministry of defence (MoD) earmarked 2025 as the 'year of reforms', which basically meant modernisation, self-reliance, and the creation of integrated theatre commands. This plan included a nine-point agenda that aimed at breaking longstanding institutional silos, fast-tracking emergency procurements and shifting to new domains such as cyber, space, artificial intelligence, hypersonics, and robotics. India has the legal framework for theatre commanders to exercise administrative and disciplinary authority over personnel from all three services, paving the way for theatre command structures. Yet, operationally India did not establish even one theatre command in 2025. "Six years after the creation of the CDS, the fundamental theatre command debate is still unresolved," said Anit Mukherjee, senior lecturer at King's College London. "The forces have modernised in pockets, but without a joint structure, multi-domain operations are difficult to execute." "Planning exists on paper -- there is no genuinely integrated acquisition organisation," said Amit Cowshish, former financial advisor (acquisition) in the MoD. By contrast, China's army operates under a unified western theatre command with real authority over land, cyber, air, electronic warfare, and missile assets. The procurement puzzle India has rewritten its acquisition rules several times, from the defence procurement procedure to the defence acquisition procedure to the upcoming revised framework now under review. Each revision has promised faster decision-making and more transparency. Yet, the experience of industry, particularly the private sector, is still one of long timelines and shifting goalposts. "You have the Capital Acquisition Wing, DMA (Department of Military Affairs), Department of Defence Production, Finance, Defence Research and Development Organisation -- the services are all separate. People come on deputation, they move on. There is no composite acquisition organisation with accumulated experience," Cowshish said. The result is predictably uneven outcomes. Smaller contracts move faster, with progress in drones, simulators and tactical communications. But larger procurements like aircraft, tanks, and submarines continue to face delays. "The tools of warfare are changing. The MoD must deepen its engagement with technology thinkers that can present compelling visions of where warfare may be heading, and work with private innovators to ensure the service branches are as well-prepared as possible," said Richard M Rossow, senior advisor at the Washington, DC-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies. "Right now," Arzan Tarapore, senior fellow at Stanford University, said, "the services sit at the same table and negotiate their priorities. That is not jointness. Without a clear national security strategy that drives capability planning, long-range procurement will remain fragmented." Last year tested India's defence modernisation in a way policy papers never could, through Operation Sindoor, the largest cross-border retaliatory action undertaken by India since the Balakot strikes of 2019. The operation featured a range of indigenous weapons like BrahMos that were used in combat for the first time, and India got to measure the strength, weakness, and readiness of its own technology base. The lessons learnt from this operation have since triggered an arms race between India and Pakistan. India cleared Rs 1 trillion worth of defence acquisitions in July 2025, with an emphasis on homegrown systems under Atmanirbhar Bharat. In October, the defence minister introduced the defence procurement manual -- a new set of guidelines that is meant to simplify and streamline the procurement process. IMAGE: Bhairav personnel training in Nasirabad, Rajasthan, January 4, 2026. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Industry expectations One major feature of India's defence conversation since 2014 has been the rise of private participation. Initiatives such as Innovations for Defence Excellence and startup-focused models have attracted innovators. The view on the ground is simple: Without larger balance sheets for investing in design and intellectual property, micro, small, and medium enterprises will remain small contributors rather than national assets. This is also why 2026 matters. From the perspective of the services, 2026 is when prototype cycles converge with operational needs. For the army, that would mean progress on the future-ready combat vehicle to replace the T-72 tank fleet. The Indian Air Force's agenda is similarly shaped by systems that can enhance decision-speed and survivability. Unmanned combat aerial vehicle programmes like CATS (combat air teaming system) Warrior and the stealth fighter Ghatak will begin hitting developmental milestones in 2026 and 2027. The IAF also aims to induct the Astra Mk-II beyond-visual-range missile, which promises longer range and improved seeker performance. The navy's challenges are also structural. With the Indian Ocean becoming a space for sustained Chinese presence, the navy has gone back to the fundamentals: New destroyers, frigates, and amphibious platforms that use indigenous combat- management systems, advanced radars, and modular electronics. New priorities The government has already signalled that 2026 will involve the largest expansion of India's military satellite network in history. A plan is in motion to place 52 dedicated defence satellites in orbit by 2029, with early launches by 2026. This step would give the three services persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance coverage, from Ladakh's high-altitude friction points to shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean. The Budget also reflects the shift in priorities. As much as 75 per cent of the modernisation allocation of Rs 1 trillion for financial year 2025-2026 was earmarked for procurement from domestic manufacturers. This year will reveal whether the government is willing to place large and long bets and if the private industry has the capital base and appetite to accept them. India has a habit of preparing for the last war, and 2026 will show whether it has finally begun preparing for the next one. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff CIM Group has finalised a loan of $167.67m to affiliates of Concord Hospitality and Whitman Peterson, through the former's CIM Real Estate Debt Solutions business and on behalf of a managed fund. The financing aims to recapitalise a portfolio comprising 15 WoodSpring Suites extended-stay hotels across Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, and Tennessee. The arrangement consists of an initial funding amounting to $117.67m, with the potential for an additional $50m designated for earn-out opportunities and possible expansion of the hotel portfolio. WoodSpring Suites operates as an economy extended stay brand in the hospitality sector. The hotel provides accommodation with features such as in-room kitchens, complimentary Wi-Fi, laundry facilities accessible at all hours, vending machines, and a fitness centre. The transaction follows CIM Groups strategy to focus on the hospitality industry, which includes investments in select-service and extended stay hotels. In 2023, the company implemented this approach and has since completed similar transactions, including a $75m loan for a select-service hotel property in San Diego. Last year alone, funds managed by CIM originated more than $1bn in commercial real estate loans. Seyfarth Shaw acted as legal counsel for the lender during the transaction. Since its founding in 1994, CIM Group has completed more than $60bn in real estate and infrastructure projects throughout the Americas. The company engages in lending activities through mortgage and mezzanine loans, and provides bridge and construction financing solutions for commercial real estate owners and developers in major US markets. In September 2023, CIM Group closed two separate loans for hotels in Florida. The first, a $34.97m senior loan, was provided to a joint venture between Monarch Alternative Capital and HHM Hotels and was secured by the dual-branded Aloft/Element hotel in Orlando, which was completed in 2021. The second transaction involved a $28.9m whole loan to Newbond Holdings, secured by the Aloft hotel in Tampa, a 130-room property that opened in 2014. "CIM Group issues $167m loan to recapitalise WoodSpring Suites portfolio" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Fred Breunig placed 615 small purple flags on the lawn of the Municipal Building in Brattleboro on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Each flag represents an individual who was facing homelessness in March. BRATTLEBORO Education, housing and infrastructure are agreed to be important ongoing priorities for legislators in the new session as they t Corn futures extended the losses following the USDA data release on Monday, as futures closed with 22 to 24 cents in the front months. Deferred contracts were down 5 to 14 cents. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price was down 24 cents at $3.83 1/4. A private export sale announcement of 204,000 MT of corn was announced to South Korea this morning by USDA, with another 310,000 MT of corn sold to unknown destinations. That news was buried by other not so friendly USDA reports. More News from Barchart USDAs Crop Production report from this morning showed US corn yield at 186.5 bpa, which was a 0.5 bpa increase from the November report. Acres were up 1.3 million on the harvested side to 91.3 million acres. That took the production number to 17.021 bbu, up 269 mbu from November. The quarterly Grain Stocks report tallied December 1 corn stocks at 13.282 bbu. That was well above the average of analysts surveyed at 12.962 bbu, and 1.207 bbu above a year ago. WASDE data showed US ending stocks raised by 198 mbu, taking the projection to 2.227 bbu. That came via the production adjustment as carryover from 2024/25 was up 19 mbu, and feed raised by 100 mbu. World ending stocks were raised by 11.76 MMT to 290.91 MMT, with the US increase and a 6.24 MMT increase to Chinese production. Monday mornings Export Inspections report showed 1.49 MMT (58.66 mbu) of corn shipped in the week of 1/8. That was 12.75% above the week prior and 3.4% larger than the same week last year. Mexico was as the largest destination of 702,811 MT, with 258,110 MT shipped to Japan and 161,058 MT to Taiwan. The marketing year total is now 28.43 MMT (1.119 bbu) of corn shipped, which is now 60.54% above the same period last year. Brazils first corn crop is estimated at 0.5% harvested as of Thursday according to AgRural, with the larger second crop tallied at 0.2% planted. Mar 26 Corn closed at $4.21 1/2, down 24 1/4 cents, Nearby Cash was $3.83 1/4, down 24 cents, May 26 Corn closed at $4.30 1/2, down 23 1/4 cents, Jul 26 Corn closed at $4.38, down 22 1/4 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 Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Nancy Braus is a long-time political activist who writes from Guilford. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. The European Commission has formally unveiled a 90-billion-euro ($105 million) loan for Ukraine, intended to cover a large part of Kyivs financing needs for the next two years. The move comes on January after EU leaders in December opted for a loan backed by the EU budget instead of a much-publicized reparation loan using frozen Russian assets in the bloc as a collateral. Last year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated that Ukraine would need around 135 billion euros ($158.3 billion) in financing for 2026 and 2027, with Kyiv already facing a budget shortfall of 71.7 billion euros as early as this spring. The EU has committed to covering a large share of that gap, particularly as the United States has signaled it will scale back financial support for the war-torn country. Speaking in Brussels during the announcement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the loan reaffirms Europe's unwavering commitment to the security, defense, and future prosperity of Ukraine, adding that the Kremlins recent missile barrages over Ukraine indicates that Russia shows no sign of abating. No sign of remorse. No sign of seeking peace. On the contrary. The first tranche of the loan could be paid out in April, if EU member states and the European Parliament give the green light in the coming weeks -- a step widely expected to be a formality. Ukraine will not have to repay the loan until Russia begins paying reparations for war damage. The funds will be raised by EU countries jointly borrowing on financial markets, backed by what Brussels calls EU budget headroom -- the gap between the blocs maximum borrowing capacity under its long-term budget, which runs until 2027, and its actual spending levels. The EU used a similar mechanism in 2024 to raise 50 billion euros ($58 billion) for Ukraine, which has been used over the past two years. This time, however, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia have all secured carve-outs meaning that this is a deal involving 24 EU countries, not 27. Of the 90 billion euros, 30 billion ($35 billion) should go to budgetary support, conditional upon rule-of-law reforms and anti-corruption measures. Sixty billion euros ($70 billion) will go to military spending. Much of the debate ahead of the announcement focused on what conditions would apply to arms procurement, with Brussels keen for the money to be spent primarily on European-made weapons. In the end, a compromise was reached whereby the money will be going to Ukrainian or other European countries weapons production but purchases from outside Europe will be allowed if no viable alternatives exist, with Von der Leyen confirming a policy of European preference first, and then if not possible, purchasing abroad. Robina Aminian, a 23-year-old Kurdish woman studying fashion design in Tehran, is among thousands of victims who have died during an Iranian state crackdown on anti-government protesters. Her relatives say she was shot in the back of the head at close range. Aminian's aunt, who lives in Norway, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that she wants "to share this crime with the whole world," even as an Internet blackout is preventing more details of the violence from emerging. Weeks of nationwide protests have posed one of the gravest threats to Irans clerical rulers since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The authorities have responded by imposing a near-complete communications blackout and waging the deadliest-ever crackdown on street protesters, with rights groups verifying the deaths of at least 2,400 people. US President Donald Trump has pledged to support protesters and threatened to take military action against Iran. RFE/RL spoke with Gregory Brew, an Iran analyst at the New York-based Eurasia Group, about the trajectory of the protests and the implications of possible US military action in Iran. RFE/RL: You have referred to the unrest in Iran as an uprising rather than a protest movement. Can you elaborate on that? Gregory Brew: What has been surfacing over the last few days, as the Internet slowly comes back on, is evidence of extreme violence. The regime using not only police and Basij [paramilitary] units, but military units, the army, and the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps] using heavy weaponry against crowds in the streets. One of the features that has made this protest wave different...is that the protesters aren't really calling for anything specific, other than the collapse of the Islamic republic." There's also been reports and evidence surfacing of people fighting back -- of people shooting at government troops. Over 100 security personnel have been confirmed dead [by rights groups] as a result of this violence. That suggests quite a lot of fighting; not simply operations to clear demonstrations, but urban warfare. Also, potentially quite a lot of violence in the rural parts of Iran or in the provinces, where very often security forces can't respond as quickly as they can in in major cities. So, I think it's taking on the shape of an uprising against the regime more so than protests for political change, and that, I think, reflects the level of public discontent and anger inside Iran. I mean, one of the features that has made this protest wave different from past protest waves is that the protesters aren't really calling for anything specific, other than the collapse of the Islamic republic. They really have had it with the regime, and the regime has responded with excessive force. RFE/RL: If the Islamic republic survives this round of protests, how long can it continue for? Has it become unsustainable, given all the crises it is facing simultaneously? Brew: I think for three reasons, the regime is likely to survive this protest wave. The first is, it has survived protest waves in the past. Now, granted, this one is different and more extreme, but the regime has a large and sophisticated repressive apparatus, not only police units and military but also surveillance technology -- technology that can be deployed to monitor and apprehend citizens. We've gotten reports of door-to-door raids, an excessive use of the various repressive instruments that the Islamic republic has developed over the course of the last 40 years. That's the first big reason they have a lot of tools to use against these protests, and they've used them in the past. I think it has been generally acknowledged -- not only over the last week, but over the last year -- that the Islamic republic cannot continue on its present course." The second reason is that, while clearly very animated and very vocal, the opposition and the demonstrations in general remain fairly disorganized. There still really isn't a core that can organize and coalesce this movement, absent perhaps [Irans former Crown Prince] Reza Pahlavi, who has taken on a somewhat more prominent role than he has in the past. But these protests remain organic. They remain structural, emerging from Irans structural crises, but they lack leadership and organization, and that's one of the key constraints that can keep the protests from turning into a proper revolution. The third reason is that the regime leadership remains united. There have been no cracks. No one has spoken out against the government line. In fact, many moderates like President Masud Pezeshkian and many on the more sort of moderate wing, have supported the crackdown and accepted the line that these are terrorists, that these are riots that threaten the nation's security. So, for all those reasons, I think the regime is likely to survive long term. I think it has been generally acknowledged -- not only over the last week, but over the last year -- that the Islamic republic cannot continue on its present course. This collection of crises -- economic, social, political, foreign policy, internal pressures, external pressures, the lack of leadership at the top, corruption -- all of these issues mean that the gradual, if not collapse, then disintegration or degradation of the regime is likely. It may not happen in six months, it may not happen in a year, but it does appear to be coming. RFE/RL: In the early days of the protests, Trump warned that the US would get involved in support of the protesters if security forces killed civilians. More recently, he threatened very strong action if Iran begins to hang protesters. Does this suggest a change in position? Brew: I'm not sure if it really is a change in position. I think the president has a way of responding to immediate questions with immediate answers. For instance, Trump was responding to a question about his thoughts on Irans plans to hang an arrested protester. He has promised to intervene to support these protests. He's threatened military force. We know there are active discussions going on inside the United States about launching strikes on Iran, as well as providing support for the protesters or taking non-kinetic measures. I think the United States is likely to do something in response to this protest wave. I think the president has made that fairly clear. I think he wants to take action. The issue they're running into is, what could be the best course of action? How, if at all, can the United States lend support for protesters? Would US action, particularly a military strike, backfire and provide the regime with even more support for its crackdown? The regime, of course, is pushing a narrative that the protests were backed by foreign powers, that they're the result of foreign subversion. So, a US military strike or US intervention could potentially play into the regime's hands. So, I think the US is still undergoing a deliberation over what to do. The final point is that the number of assets the US has positioned in the Middle East is relatively small compared to what we've seen in the past. During last years [Israel-Iran] war, there was a carrier group in the region. There were multiple US surface vessels. There were additional fighter squadrons deployed in the region in 2023 and 2024 at the height of the crisis in Gaza and the missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, there was a very large US military presence in the Middle East. Right now, it has been significantly reduced. There is still enough for the US to take action against Iran, including military action, but there's a little bit less to fall back on in the event that Iran retaliates in a considerable way. So, all of this is weighing on the US deliberations. And the other element, of course, is that this is meant to be an action in support of the protests. And the protests, as far as we can tell, do appear to have died down over the last 48 hours as a result of this very vigorous, very brutal crackdown from the regime. So, Trump risks running out of time. He risks missing a window to act in support of the protests, given that the protests themselves seem to be coming to an end, at least for now. RFE/RL: What can be considered a strong enough US measure to help the protesters? Its a tough question to answer, but it is one that is often asked. Brew: This is a very difficult question. I would say, short of a military campaign to significantly weaken the regime's security apparatus, there's not a whole lot that the United States can do. To support bottom-up revolution inside Iran would require considerable outlay of military resources by the United States, as well as by neighboring states. I mean, you'd have to put together a regional coalition in support of regime change in Iran. Right now, that coalition does not exist. I don't think it would have support from many states in the region. Perhaps it would have support from Israel. But I don't think the Arab states in the Persian Gulf would necessarily support a regime change operation. I don't know if Turkey would, either. All of these states are worried about blowback. They're all worried about instability in Iran spilling over into their own borders. So, the United States would be undertaking this alone, and it would be doing so without commitment of boots on the ground. The president has made it very clear that he's not sending US troops into Iran. Also, Iran is a very, very large country. It would require a greater effort, even than the invasion of Iraq, to overthrow the Islamic republic as it currently exists. I don't know if there are measures that the United States can take in the short term. In the longer term? Perhaps via greater means of pressure on the Islamic republic, on its leadership, attempting to increase its diplomatic isolation, pushing states to sever ties with Iran. But this would all simply create more pressure, much of which would be felt by the Iranian people themselves, worsening their material conditions, which, of course, is one of the reasons why they're protesting against the regime in the first place. RFE/RL: The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Arab states in the Persian Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, are lobbying Trump not to strike Iran. We're talking about countries that have suffered at the hands of Iran or its proxies. Why wouldn't they want the United States to hit Iran? Brew: Their concern, first and foremost, is that Iran would retaliate against their own territory. Theyre also concerned that an Iran that moves from a weakened state into a state of collapse risks their own stability, risks creating instability in the Gulf, and risks creating greater instability in Iraq or in southeast Turkey. No one is interested in seeing Iran turn into a Syria situation where you have refugee flows, where you have militant groups, where you have a breakdown in order. The Islamic republic doesn't have many friends in the region, but no one is actively looking for its collapse in the short term. I think what regional states would like to see is a change in Iran's behavior. They would like to see Iran end its support for regional proxies. They would like to see Iran back away from more destabilizing behavior, make a deal with the United States over its nuclear program. All of that is desirable, more desirable than forcing regime change through military action. RFE/RL: Do you think there's a desire in the United State to negotiate with the Islamic republic if it survives the protests? Brew: Not in the short term. And I think there is a very simple reason for that, which is that Iran is still unlikely to make concessions to meet the US demands. The US position with Iran has actually been very clear for the last six months: Iran must surrender enrichment, must hand over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, agree to terms that constrain its ability to enrich uranium for the foreseeable future, it must back away from its regional proxies, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon, and it must constrain its development of ballistic missiles. These are the US terms, and the US is essentially offering it to Iran on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. Iran has not made any move to make concessions to those terms. In fact, it has been defiant. So, absent even this violent episode, I still wouldn't see much scope for diplomacy between the United States and Iran -- certainly not while [Ayatollah Ali] Khamenei remains supreme leader. His departure could potentially create space for change in Iran's position, but that, to me, is the necessary prerequisite to seeing a shift in their negotiating position. There is a cold silence hanging over the city of Karaj on January 12. After four days of protests and a violent crackdown, the city, which lies around 40 kilometers west of the capital Tehran, is now swarming with the security forces' motorbikes and vans. Men armed with machetes, clubs, and guns patrol in front of government buildings and in the city squares. People on the streets speak in hushed tones, as if walking through darkness or afraid to disturb the quiet. A taxi driver tells me, with tears in his eyes, how he saw protesters -- many of them young -- killed in a downtown square on January 8. He describes how men in khaki uniforms -- which he said were the uniforms of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps's Quds Force, an elite unit usually focused on external operations -- were brutally throwing protesters into trucks, whether they were wounded or dead. Born in Karaj, the taxi driver believes hundreds in the region have died during the crackdown. He said he had spoken to people who had been at hospitals when the security forces barged in, kidnapping injured protesters and killing those who could not be transported. They finished off the wounded with silenced rifles, he said. Whispering Names Through Tears At Bibi Sakineh Cemetery on Karaj's outskirts, mourners in black are visible from afar, some in ethnic costumes and clearly coming from other cities. The mourners whisper names through tears: "Samaneh Abdi, 22 years old; Mohammad, only 17." With many coroner's offices and morgues shuttered, families searching for the bodies of their loved ones are being referred to other centers around the city. With so many dead, the doors to some cemeteries have been closed and the government has started to prevent some burials from taking place in order to manage the crisis. Access to Karaj hospitals such as Kasra, Qassem Soleimani, and Takht Jamshid remains nearly impossible, with armed guards sealing entrances and forcing anxious families to wait outside. While rescue workers across the city have rushed to help the injured, shortages of specialist personnel, medicine, and equipment have meant the death toll has kept on rising. Some families are hiding their relatives' bodies at home, so terrified they are of the authorities seizing their dead. NOTE: The author is a source of a Radio Farda journalist, who lives in Tehran and recently visited nearby Karaj. We are protecting both their identities because of the repercussions the author could face on the ground. RFE/RL's Radio Farda has spoken to an Iranian woman who says every day she hears from friends and colleagues of another person killed amid the country's protest crackdown, including a pregnant bystander on her way home. The death toll is at more 2,400 protesters, according to the US-based human rights monitor HRANA. But many groups fear the number is far higher. The woman, who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, recently traveled outside Iran, where a digital blackout continues to block access to the Internet. Over more than two decades, Russia has embedded itself in Venezuela's military, energy sector, and political elite, courting Hugo Chavez and his successor, Nicolas Maduro, both ardent critics of the United States, and establishing a firm foothold in the Western Hemisphere. Throughout President Vladimir Putin's 26 years in power, Russia has cultivated personal relationships, institutional links, and commercial interests in the South American nation. Analysts say that despite the US capture of Maduro, these links are unlikely to disappear overnight. "Dismantling them would be costly and complex," Berlin-based independent analyst Alexandra Sitenko told RFE/RL. The ties extend to Venezuela's interim leadership. Delcy Rodriguez, who served as vice president under Maduro, has long maintained close relations with Moscow. In 2024, Putin awarded Rodriguez a Russian state honor called the Order of Friendship, and Moscow has also publicly voiced support for her as interim leader. "Delcy Rodriguez is someone the Russians know and can work with," Mark Galeotti, a Russia analyst and honorary professor at University College London's School of Slavonic and East European Studies, wrote in a January 7 blog post for the British outlet iNews. The question now is how much of its presence Russia can realistically preserve. Moscow's ability to exert influence in the near term is limited, analysts say, and pushing against the United States could be counterproductive. 'No Reason Not To Try' As time passes since the abrupt US capture of Maduro in an overnight strike on January 3, the Kremlin seems to be taking stock of the situation. Ten days later, Putin had made no public comment. "Moscow has no reason not to try to remain a player in Venezuela," Paul Goble, a senior fellow at the Jamestown Foundation, told RFE/RL. "But it is unlikely to assume a high-profile role anytime soon, as the US would likely respond in ways that would harm Russia more." Russia's focus on its war in Ukraine may limit its ability and desire to assume such a role. "It seems more likely that Russia will focus its efforts instead on trying to dissuade further US seizures of sanctioned oil tankers like the Bella-1/Marinera, given the importance of the global ghost fleet to its economy and war machine," Henry Ziemer, an associate fellow with the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told RFE/RL. US naval forces boarded and seized the Bella 1, which had recently been renamed the Marinera and was flying a Russian flag, in the North Atlantic on January 7. It was a blow to Russia's use of a "shadow fleet" of vessels to transport sanctioned energy products. Russia's criticism of the move has been muted, but Ziemer said he would "expect more Russian military threats of retaliation if the US seizes additional tankers, including potentially nuclear posturing." "If this succeeds in reducing US enforcement actions, it could indirectly ease pressure on the remaining Chavista structures in Venezuela," he said, referring to the legacy of Chavez, who died in 2013 and had chosen Maduro as his successor. "But I do not expect overt Russian efforts to influence domestic Venezuelan policy." All About Oil? Another key question is whether Russia can hold on to its oil interests in Venezuela, which has the world's largest proven oil reserves and where Moscow has invested billions of dollars in the sector over the past two decades. "Russia may try to argue that these assets are legally protected Russian property," Vladimir Rouvinski, a professor of political studies at the University of Icesi in Cali, Colombia, told RFE/RL. Moscow took a step in that direction on January 13: The state-run company Roszarubezhneft said the oil assets it is developing in Venezuela belong to Russia and it intends to continue operating there. US President Donald Trump, however, has signaled that Washington intends to control Venezuela's oil sales. On January 9, he said the United States would sell China and Russia "all the oil they need" as his administration moves to take control of Venezuelan oil exports. "Rhetoric from the White Housesuggests that it will seek for US companies to have preferential access to opportunities in the oil sector, and would likely reject Russian claims to oil infrastructure," Ziemer told RFE/RL. Soon after its incorporation in 2020, Roszarubezhneft acquired Venezuelan oil assets from Russian state giant Rosneft after the US imposed sanctions on two Rosneft subsidiaries for trading Venezuelan oil. It holds the second-largest foreign claim to Venezuelan oil sector assets after China's Sinopec, which is entitled to about 2.8 billion barrels, according to data reported by Bloomberg News. Moscow's Military Legacy Outside the hydrocarbons industry, Ziemer said, "I would not rule out the possibility that the United States would permit, for instance, Russian private companies to continue selling their products in Venezuela or Russian businesses to pursue deals in non-oil or defense-related sectors." Russia has been Venezuela's main arms supplier for years, providing air-defense systems, aircraft, and small arms. In October, as Washington deployed forces to the Caribbean while weighing military options tied to what it described as a counternarcotics campaign, Maduro claimed Venezuela had some 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S anti-aircraft missiles deployed at "key air defense positions." Around the same time, RFE/RL's Russian Service and other outlets reported on possible deliveries of Russian air-defense components, including the Pantsir-S system. Boots On The Ground? However, Russia's ambassador to Venezuela suggested on Russian state TV on January 10 that Venezuela's Russian-supplied air defenses were ineffective during the US operation to capture Maduro, citing "serious problems" with communications between elements of the systems. Citing unnamed US officials, The New York Times reported on January 12 that the S-300 and Buk M-2 air defense systems were not hooked up to radar when the US strike occurred, adding detail to the account from the ambassador, Sergei Melik-Bagdasarov. One unresolved question is the fate of roughly 100 Russian military personnel sent to Venezuela in 2019, in what Moscow described as training and advisory missions, amid a US-backed challenge to Maduro's grip on power. There has been no official confirmation of their withdrawal. Rouvinski told RFE/RL he has not heard of a Russian military presence in Venezuela "for a long time," adding, "If there were even 100 Russians there, the local Russian community would know," he said. A possible explanation for Russia's relatively mild reaction to the US seizure of Maduro and the tanker is the Kremlin's longstanding desire for an understanding in which Russia would accept US dominance in the Western Hemisphere in exchange for Moscow's free rein in what it considers its own sphere of influence, particularly in Ukraine. "Russia is pausing to see how this unfolds," Rouvinski said. Israel signed a record number of multibillion-dollar gas, technology and military deals in 2025. One of its most prominent deals came in December when Prime Minister Netanyahu approved the largest energy deal in Israels history. The contract will supply Egypt with up to $35bn worth of gas through 2040 from the Leviathan field, further deepening the North African countrys energy dependence on Israel amid its ongoing energy crisis. Egypt, which established diplomatic ties with Israel in 1979, stated that the deal was a purely commercial arrangement and that there are no political dimensions, especially amid mounting public anger over Israels ongoing genocide in Gaza. An aerial view shows the foundation platform of the Leviathan gasfield, in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Haifa, Israel, on January 31, 2019 [Marc Israel Sellem/Reuters] Israel has also signed several record multibillion-dollar deals in the technology and military sectors in 2025, profiting largely from selling military and surveillance equipment that has been battle-tested in Palestine and across the region. US tech giant Google (Alphabet) is finalising its $32bn acquisition of cybersecurity company Wiz, while Nvidia has committed $1.5bn to establish Israels largest artificial intelligence (AI) data centre, located about 30km (19 miles) from Haifa. In Europe, Israels $6.5bn Arrow 3 deal with Germany features an advanced defence system for intercepting long-range ballistic missiles, making it the largest military export in Israels history. In this story, Al Jazeera unpacks some of the largest publicly disclosed deals signed with Israel in 2025. (Al Jazeera) Some of the biggest public deals signed with Israel in 2025 include: By David Shepardson and Allison Lampert WASHINGTON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - A cracked part found on a UPS MD-11 cargo jet that crashed in November in Kentucky was flagged in a Boeing service letter more than a decade earlier, the National Transportation Safety Board said on Wednesday. Fifteen people, including three plane crew members, died in the fiery crash at Louisville Airport in an incident that led to the grounding of the MD-11 cargo jet model. More from Yahoo Scout Why couldn't the plane maintain flight with two engines? What was Boeing's 2011 service letter about? How many people died in the Louisville Airport crash? What caused the UPS MD-11 cargo jet crash? The NTSB said its investigation has found fatigue cracks in a support structure on the left pylon that connects to the wing and the plane's engine, known as the bearing race. Boeing's 2011 letter said there had been four previous failures of the bearing race in three airplanes that required visual inspections but did not consider it to be a safety-of-flight issue, the NTSB said. The part would typically be inspected every five years, Boeing's letter said. The FAA declined to comment. Boeing said it continues to support the investigation led by the NTSB but did not comment on the letter. Air safety expert Anthony Brickhouse said the Boeing service bulletin cited in the update flagged a fatigue situation. If fatigue isnt handled properly, obviously it can become a safety-of-flight issue," Brickhouse said. The NTSB's update also said the first engine of the UPS plane caught fire, while there were some anomalies in the thrust of the second engine. Normally, a three-engine plane operating with two fully working engines should be able to climb. Investigators will be looking at possible ingestion of debris, experts say. (Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Allison Lampert in Montreal) Ryan Dunne Lawyers for a Limerick man wanted in Greece on a human trafficking charge, which alleges that he attempted to facilitate the smuggling of 66 Middle Eastern people to Italy by speedboat, have told the High Court that Greek prisoners are held in conditions that are an affront to their human dignity. Its less the staff that are running them, but (more) the prisoners themselves in groups along ethnic lines are in control of the prisons, said Simon Matthews BL, representing Jeremiah OBrien (55). It is alleged that Mr OBrien, of Yellow Brick House, Roches Road, Rathkeale, Limerick, and two other named persons acted jointly on November 22nd, 2017, to facilitate the transportation of 66 people, without life jackets, from an unknown desert place near Nafplio, Greece, towards Italy. That evening it was discovered that the boat had stranded on a rocky shore near Gyalia beach close to Gerolimenas, Greece. When Mr OBrien was first brought before the court last November, Detective Garda Tony Keane gave evidence that the 66 people were 30 adult men (24 from Iraq, four from Syria, and two from Iran), 14 adult women (12 from Iraq, one from Syria, and one from Iran), and 22 children (12 boys from Iraq, one boy from Iran, five girls from Iraq, two girls from Syria, and two girls from Iran). Det Gda Keane said that these 66 people paid between 4,000 and 6,000 US dollars each. At the High Court on Wednesday, counsel for the State, Brian Gageby BL, told the court that the boat used was for pleasure purposes and had capacity for 10people, with no life jackets on board, meaning there was a risk of it sinking due to overloading. He said it was alleged that Mr OBrien had placed the occupants of the boat in intentional danger, meaning this came under the offence of endangerment. On behalf of Mr OBrien, Mr Matthews said that his objection to the application for extradition was due to the conditions in Greek prisons. He said that the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture had prepared an "incredibly insightful" report in 2022 in terms of these prison conditions, which were sub satisfactory due to overcrowding, a lack of space, inter-prisoner violence, intimidation and an overall unsafe environment. What seems to be at play in all the prisons visited is that its less the staff that are running them, but (more) the prisoners themselves in groups along ethnic lines are in control of the prisons, said Mr Matthews. He said that Mr OBrien has mental health issues and is on medication, but it was clear that the prisoners are running how medicines are being handed out. Counsel went on to say that there are issues with access to healthcare, medical confidentiality, and a lack of integrated healthcare services. He said there had been a lack of progress made since the report and no tangible improvement in the treatment of prisoners, who are held in conditions that are an affront to their human dignity. Mr Matthews identified a lack of government funding in prisons in Greece, leading to concerns about Mr OBriens basic human rights. He asked the court to allow the Issuing Judicial Authority time to respond to the issues raised, so it can confirm the conditions the respondent would be detained in. Mr Gageby informed the court that there was a response to the report from the Greek government which was aspirational in terms of future efforts to reform the prison system. He said the response did not contradict what was in the report, although there did appear to be a differentiation in the prisons, with some not overcrowded. Mr Justice Sean Gillane said that the underlying allegations against Mr OBrien couldn't be more serious, and the respondent should be returned to Greece unless exceptional circumstances arose. However, he said he wanted to seek additional information, as Mr Matthews had crossed the evidential threshold in his submission to the court. It was agreed between both defence counsel and the State that a letter would be sent to the Greek authorities asking them to respond to the concerns raised about the conditions in which the respondent would be detained. The case against Mr O'Brien, who has been granted bail, has been adjourned to January 26th next. Ann O'Loughlin A girl who was injured in a tumble from a chair at home has settled for 4 million a High Court action against a hospital over her care after the accident. The settlement to 16-year-old Roisin Tansey against Childrens Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin, is without an admission of liability. Roisin was only three years old when she fell from the back of an armchair while playing in her Co Mayo home injuring her neck. Roisin, who is paralysed from the neck down, was in the Four Courts with her family for the ruling of the settlement of her case. Her counsel Jonathan Kilfeather SC instructed by Callan Tansey solicitors old the court the child fell off the chair sustaining a neck injury and in the normal course of events you would not expect a severe sequelae. He said the child had a brain condition where her brain tissue extended into the spinal canal. Counsel said the child after the fall on the evening of January 11th, 2013 was unable to move her arms. She was taken to a local hospital where counsel said where it was correctly noted that the child was suffering from a progressive neurological issue. MRI scan Roisin, he said was transferred in the early hours of January 12th to the Childrens Hospital at Temple Street, Dublin. An MRI scan at noon showed Roisin had swelling in the spinal cord area along with the condition where the brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. She was transferred to intensive care and she had complex surgery after 4pm. Counsel said it was their case that by the time of the surgery the weakness in the girls arms had become paralysis. Mr Kilfeather said the case was a difficult one in relation to liability and causation and an expert on their side would say that an alleged delay, if there was one, would have made what was a bad situation worse". Mr Justice Paul Coffey was told that a full defence was lodged in the case in which the hospital denied any delay. Counsel told the court that the 4million settlement represented about 30 per cent of the theoretical full value of the claim. Outside court Roisin said the settlement marked the end of a long journey that has weighed heavily on my family and I for the past nine years". She said she was pleased that the proceedings were at an end and she can move on with her life. Todays settlement gives me back nothing of what I lost, nor of what my family lost, when this happened to me, she said. While there has been much focus on the course of these proceedings on what I have lost, I remain grateful for what I have, the support of my family and friends." "I am also deeply grateful to my legal team for their dedication and perseverance with which they handled this case, she continued. She added: While I am tremendously relieved and grateful that this ordeal is now over, in reality, it changes little. Tomorrow morning, the same challenges await me that I faced the day before." Unburdened by todays settlement, I intend to make the best of my blessings and continue to embrace life with ambition, determination and hope, she concluded. Roisin from Killasser, Swinford, Co Mayo had through her mother, Breda Tansey sued Childrens Health Ireland at Temple Street, Dublin over her care after she was transferred to Temple Street Childrens Hospital, Dublin on January 12th, 2013 after her accident. It was claimed there was an alleged failure to promptly diagnose and act upon the childs condition. There was also it was claimed an alleged failure to carry out appropriate investigation and treatment once the little girl arrived at the hospital. Delay It was further claimed there was an alleged failure to carry out an MRI scan with appropriate urgency as soon as she arrived at the Dublin hospital. It was also contended there was an alleged delay in treating Roisin and an alleged failure to have facilities such that urgent imaging may be carried out regardless of time of arrival at the hospital particularly in the case of progressive neurological problems. All of the claims were denied. Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey said he was delighted the matter had been resolved and he wished Roisin and her family well for the future. To bridge the substantial cost gap between grey and green hydrogen, the CII recommends incentives such as carbon credit allocations, viability gap funding, and cross-subsidies in the fertiliser industry. File Photo. The CII also suggested developing specialised clusters in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha. CII Urges "Green Hydrogen Mandates" to Power India's Clean Energy Economy Advertisement The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has urged the government to implement "Green Hydrogen Mandates" to stimulate demand and solidify India's position in the global green hydrogen economy. In a proposal detailed by The Tribune, the industry body suggested that green hydrogen blending should be introduced for major sectors, including refining, fertilisers, and natural gas, supported by robust cost-offset mechanisms. CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee emphasised that India achieved a record-breaking non-fossil fuel capacity of 266.78 GW in 2025. It is a 22.6% increase over the previous year, but the next phase of growth requires a leap into advanced green technologies. Advertisement To bridge the substantial cost gap between grey and green hydrogen, the CII recommends incentives such as carbon credit allocations, viability gap funding, and cross-subsidies in the fertiliser industry. The proposal also emphasises the use of public infrastructure such as railways, ports, and housing as a channel to boost demand through green procurement. The CII also suggested developing specialised clusters in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha. Advertisement According to the report, harmonising Indian certification standards with international frameworks will also be vital for promoting exports to major markets like Germany, Japan, and South Korea. Source: The Tribune Embassy of India Issues Important Advisory to Indians in Iran and Their Families in India Any Indian national is unable to register due to internet disruptions in Iran, their family members in India have been requested to complete The Embassy of India in Tehran has issued an advisory urging Indian nationals living in Iran to leave the country using available means of transport, including commercial flights, amid massive protests and the governments crackdown on protestors. In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on 5 January 2025, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, businesspersons, and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights, the advisory stated. Advertisement The advisory further requested Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, remain in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran, and monitor local media for developments. All Indian nationals have also been advised to keep their travel and immigration documents, including passports and identity cards, readily available. They have been requested to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance. Emergency contact helplines of the Indian Embassy: +98 9128109115 +98 9128109109 +98 9128109102 +98 9932179359 Advertisement Those who have not yet registered have been requested to do so at the following link: https://www.meaers.com/request/home The registration link is also available on the Embassys official website. In case any Indian national is unable to register due to internet disruptions in Iran, their family members in India have been requested to complete the registration on their behalf. Advertisement (For more news apart from Embassy of India Issues Important Advisory to Indians in Iran and Their Families in India," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Pongal News: PM Modi praises youths of Tamil Nadu on Pongal, Urges Sustainable Agriculture Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin took part in Pongal celebrations in the state capital, Chennai. Pongal Celebration: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday attended Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister L Murugan in Delhi. Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Pongal has become a global festival and people who love Tamil culture across the world celebrate it with enthusiasm. PM Modi said he is one of them. Advertisement Pongal is a pleasant experience in our daily life. There is a feeling of gratitude towards the hard work of the food giver, the earth and the sun... he added. PM Modi further said that the Pongal festival shows the way to create a balance between nature, family and society. He extended wishes to the people of Tamil Nadu in India and around the world, wishing them a very happy Pongal. Advertisement Recalling his visit to Tamil Nadu last year, PM Modi said that he had offered prayers at the thousand-year-old Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in the state. In Varanasi, during the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, I was connected to the energy of cultural unity every moment, PM Modi added. Advertisement When I went to Rameswaram for the inauguration of the Pamban Bridge, I once again witnessed the greatness of Tamil history. Our Tamil culture is a shared heritage of the whole of India. Not only that, it is a shared heritage of all of humanity. The spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat that I talk about is further strengthened by festivals like Ponga, he further added. Talking about Pongal and farmers, the Prime Minister said that in Tamil culture, farmers are considered the foundation of life, while adding that farmers are strong partners in nation-building. He highlighted that the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign is gaining great strength from the efforts of farmers. Advertisement The central government is also continuously working with commitment to empower the farmers, he added. Further speaking about Pongal and its significance, PM Modi said the festival inspires everyone to be grateful to nature. When this earth gives us so much, it is our responsibility to cherish it. Keeping the soil healthy, conserving water, and using resources judiciously are crucial for the next generation, he added. The Prime Minister further said that government campaigns like Mission LiFE, One Tree for Mother, and Amrit Sarovar promote this very spirit. We are continuously working to make agriculture more sustainable and environmentally friendly, he added. He noted that in the future, sustainable farming methods, water management, natural farming, agri-tech, and value addition will play a crucial role. Recalling his visit to Tamil Nadu several months ago, PM Modi praised the youth of the state for their excellent work in natural farming. (Pongal celebrations held at the residence of Union Minister Thiru L. Murugan, on January 14, 2026) They are leaving behind lucrative professional careers to work in the fields. I met them. I urge my young Tamil friends involved in agriculture to further expand this campaign to bring about a revolution in sustainable farming, he added. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin took part in Pongal celebrations in the state capital, Chennai. Apart from Pongal, many states across the country are currently celebrating several festivals such as Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, and other festivals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the citizens of the country on the occasion of all these festivals. (For more news apart from Four Men from Uttar Pradesh Missing from Pangong Lake in Ladakh," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) President Murmu held brief interactions with each diplomat to discuss bilateral relations following the ceremony. File Photo. The presentation of credentials is a significant diplomatic protocol, which marks the official commencement of these envoys' duties. Sergio Gor Takes Charge: US Envoy Meets President Murmu Advertisement On Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu formally accepted the credentials of three newly appointed heads of missions during a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. According to the report, the diplomats who presented their credentials include: Sergio Gor the Ambassador of the United States of America Dr Robert Zischg the Ambassador of Austria Chandradath Singh the High Commissioner of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago The presentation of credentials is a significant diplomatic protocol, which marks the official commencement of these envoys' duties in India. Advertisement President Murmu held brief interactions with each diplomat to discuss bilateral relations following the ceremony. The arrival of Sergio Gor is particularly notable, as he is seen as a key figure in the current US administration's diplomatic strategy toward India. This formal ceremony at the President's House underscores India's commitment to strengthening its international ties with North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. Advertisement Source: The Tribune The delegation was set to include State Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, and other senior officials. File Photo. AAP Punjab's media in-charge, Baltej Pannu, confirmed that the trip has been cancelled as a result. Foreign Visit Cancelled: CM Bhagwant Mann Denied Permission for Official UK-Israel Visit Advertisement The Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has denied political clearance to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for a proposed official visit to the United Kingdom and Israel. According to a report, the Chief Minister was scheduled to lead a high-level delegation in February to invite international investors for the upcoming 6th Progressive Punjab Investors Summit, which is scheduled for March 13-15, 2026. The delegation was set to include State Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, and other senior officials. Advertisement However, the MEA has reportedly denied the mandatory clearance required for the Chief Ministers diplomatic passport travel. AAP Punjabs media in-charge, Baltej Pannu, confirmed that the trip has been cancelled as a result. Notably, this is the second time in recent years that the CM has been blocked from travelling abroad; a similar clearance was denied for the Paris Olympics in 2024. Despite this setback, the state government had successfully conducted an investment tour to Japan and South Korea just last month in December 2025. Advertisement Source: The Tribune Prisoners of Open Jail at Nabha go on hunger strike over delay in release, misbehaviour Around 33 prisoners who were on the hunger strike also accused Superintendent Sucha Singh of misbehaviour. Prisoners at Open Jail in Nabha News: Prisoners lodged at the Open Jail in Nabha, Patiala district of Punjab, staged a protest and went on a hunger strike, accusing jail superintendent Sucha Singh of delaying their release process. The prisoners said they were scheduled to be released on January 26. However, they alleged that negligence on the superintendents part, specifically the failure to forward their good conduct files to higher jail authorities, would force them to spend additional days in custody. Advertisement Around 33 prisoners who were on the hunger strike also accused Superintendent Sucha Singh of misbehaviour and demanded the transfer of Sucha Singh, accusing him of mentally torturing the inmates. Advertisement DIG Daljit Singh said he held a meeting with the prisoners and assured them that the issue would be resolved. According to the DIG, the prisoners called off the hunger strike after the meeting; however, the protest may still be continuing, as per information received. Advertisement (For more news apart from Prisoners of Open Jail at Nabha go on hunger strike over delay in release, misbehaviour," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Punjab Breaking: Amritsar schools Threatened with Bomb Blasts; Warning Issued Against Singing National Anthem The threat to blow up schools with bombs was sent via email. Punjab Amritsar schools Bomb Threats Latest News: Threatening email received on the official email ID of a government school in the village Meharbanpura, Amritsar. An atmosphere of panic prevailed in the area after the threat was received. Advertisement The threat to blow up schools with bombs was sent via email. The email stated that the singing of the national anthem in schools should be stopped. Police reached the spot and began investigating the matter. Advertisement Today is the first day government schools have reopened in Punjab, due to which the number of children present in schools is comparatively low. (For more news apart from Punjab Breaking: Amritsar schools Threatened with Bomb Blasts; Warning Issued Against Singing National Anthem," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) By Jonathan Stempel Jan 14 (Reuters) - A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by CrowdStrike shareholders who said the cybersecurity company defrauded them by concealing its inadequate software testing and quality assurance procedures, before a July 2024 outage crashed more than 8 million Microsoft Windows-based computers worldwide. In a decision made public on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman in Austin, Texas said shareholders failed to plausibly allege that a large number of statements by CrowdStrike and top executives in regulatory filings, on earnings calls and on the company's website were materially false and misleading, or motivated by an intent to defraud. Led by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, the shareholders alleged that CrowdStrike had "no test plans and no quality assurance team," citing former employees, and that executives at the Austin-based company prioritized "speed over everything else" to maximize profit. But despite finding two questionable statements that concerned adherence to security requirements set by federal authorities including the Department of Defense, Pitman said the shareholders "failed to plausibly plead a strong inference of [intent to defraud] for the individual defendants or for CrowdStrike itself." DiNapoli oversees the $291.4 billion New York State Common Retirement Fund, one of the largest U.S. public pension funds. Pitman said the comptroller can try to amend his complaint. A spokesman for DiNapoli said on Wednesday that the decision is "under review." Cathleen Anderson, CrowdStrike's chief legal officer, said "we appreciate the court's thoughtful consideration and decision to dismiss this case." DELTA, AIRLINE PASSENGERS ALSO SUED CROWDSTRIKE A flawed update of CrowdStrike's Falcon software has been blamed for the July 19, 2024 outage, which disrupted airlines, banks, hospitals and 911 emergency lines. CrowdStrike's share price fell 32% over the next 11 days, wiping out $25 billion of market value as the outage's effects became known. Delta Air Lines was particularly hard hit by the outage, saying it lost about $500 million and canceled more than 7,000 flights. The carrier also sued CrowdStrike, and last May a Georgia state judge let Delta pursue most of its case. Last June, Pitman dismissed a related lawsuit against CrowdStrike by airline passengers. They are appealing that decision to the federal appeals court in New Orleans. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York) Punjab: Schools Receive Bomb Threats on First Day After Winter Vacation School authorities immediately informed parents about the threats, and all children were safely sent home. Around three schools in the Moga district of Punjab received bomb threats on the first day after reopening, prompting authorities to swing into action. The schools that received the bomb threats are DN Model School, Kot Isekhan, and Cambridge School. The threats were sent via email at 8:36 am on Wednesday. Advertisement The police administration immediately swung into action after receiving the information. Bomb and dog squads were called to the scene, and a thorough search is currently underway on the premises. The schools reopened today after a 20-day winter vacation; therefore, a large number of children had arrived at the schools, as reported. Advertisement School authorities immediately informed parents about the threats, and all children were safely sent home. The police are investigating the matter seriously. No suspicious object has been found so far. The search remains ongoing. (For more news apart from Punjab: Schools Receive Bomb Threats on First Day After Winter Vacation," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Iranian students to hold protest in front of British Embassy amid unrest; here's why (Representative Image) Speaking to Fox News on the ongoing unrest in Iran on Wednesday, Pahlavi said the Iranian government is carrying out brutal massacres. Iran unrest Latest News: Iranian students will hold a protest rally in front of the British Embassy on Wednesday, January 14, according to Tehran Times. The protest is being organized after the European Parliament decided to bar Iranian diplomats from entering the Parliament. On Tuesday, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, criticized the European Parliament for the decision, warning it of reciprocal restrictions. Advertisement Drawing a comparison between the EUs action on Israel during the genocide in Gaza and its action on Iran, Araghchi, in a post on X, wrote, More than two years of Genocide in Gaza that has claimed the lives of 70,000 Palestinians has not led the European Parliament to take any real action against Israel. Even as Netanyahu is wanted for war crimes by the ICC, he freely flies over European airspace. In contrast, it takes only a few days of violent riots in Iran for the European Parliament to physically ban our diplomats, he added. People are not stupid. They see what is unfolding with their own eyes. Iran does not seek enmity with the EU, but will reciprocate any restriction, the post concluded. Advertisement Earlier, on January 12, the foreign minister said that he had a phone conversation with the UK Foreign Secretary. During the conversation, he said he made it clear that the UK is per international legal obligations dutybound to ensure the safety and security of Iran's London Consulate and Embassy. He added, If the UK cannot uphold its duty to protect diplomatic missions, Iran would be left with no choice but to consider evacuating our personnel. Araghchi also said he urged the UK to avoid interfering in Iran's internal affairs, including by continuing to refrain from taking action against Israeli-backed terrorists posing as news organizations. Advertisement Meanwhile, Iran on Wednesday (13 January) conducted funeral ceremonies for security forces who died in the recent unrest. Iran Vs Trump's warnings Iran has formally complained to the United Nations over remarks by US President Donald Trump, accusing him of threatening military action and allegedly inciting rioters to take control of state institutions, according to Tehran Times. Advertisement Reza Pahlavi, the Iranian opposition leader in exile in the US, in a message to the people of Iran, said, My compatriots, The world has not just seen and heard your voice and courage, it is now responding. By now, you have probably heard the message from the President of the United States. Help is on the way, he added. Continue the fight, as you have done so far. Do not allow this regime to create the illusion that life is normal. After all the massacres, there is a sea of blood between us and this regime, he further added. The 65-year-old heir to the Peacock Throne and son of Irans last Shah also urged the people of Iran to save the names of all these criminals. They will be prosecuted for what they have done. In a special message to members of the army, Reza Pahlavi said, You are the national military of Iran, not the military of the Islamic Republic. You have a duty to protect the lives of your compatriots. You do not have much time. Join them as soon as possible. Pahlavi was officially named Crown Prince at the age of seven, and at 17, he left Iran for fighter pilot training in the US. While he was away, the monarchy collapsed, giving birth to the current political system and barring his return. He has lived in exile in the US ever since and has said he is prepared to return to Iran, according to Al Jazeera. Speaking to Fox News on the ongoing unrest in Iran on Wednesday, Pahlavi said the Iranian government is carrying out brutal massacres. The level of massacre has been unbelievable, unfortunately. The regime is showing no pity, using military machinery to shoot protesters to death. Morgues are overfilled, yet these brave kids are still in the streets. The decisive element everyone is waiting for is when the cavalry will arrive, because we can only hold the Alamo for so long. So the timeline is very critical. As the President promised, and part of the reason they are still in the streets fighting, is that they believe this President is committed to doing what he said he would, he said. (For more news apart from Iranian students to hold protest in front of British Embassy amid unrest; heres why," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) While the Indian government has consistently dismissed such claims as "absurd and politically motivated", the emergence of this classified report coincides with a sensitive period as India and Canada prepare to resume trade negotiations. File Photo. According to the document, the syndicate utilises a network of roughly 700 members. RCMP Classified Report: Lawrence Bishnoi Directing Global Syndicate from Sabarmati Jail Advertisement A Classified Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) report, which was recently obtained by Global News, alleges that Lawrence Bishnoi is directing a transnational criminal syndicate from Sabarmati Jail in Gujarat. The report alleges that Bishnoi oversees extortion, drug trafficking, and murder-for-hire operations across North America and Europe despite being incarcerated since 2015. The report levels a significant allegation, claiming the Bishnoi gang acts on behalf of the Indian government to target Sikh separatists. It specifically links the network to the 2023 killings of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Sukhdool Singh in Canada. Advertisement According to the document, the syndicate utilises a network of roughly 700 members, including associates like Goldy Brar, to execute these operations. The RCMP previously claimed on October 15, 2024, that they possessed evidence of criminal activity orchestrated by Indian government agents in coordination with Bishnois network. While the Indian government has consistently dismissed such claims as "absurd and politically motivated", the emergence of this classified report coincides with a sensitive period as India and Canada prepare to resume trade negotiations. Advertisement To date, the Gujarat prison department and the Indian High Commission have not issued a response to these latest allegations. Source: The Tribune The US intends to capitalise on this legislative shift to expand opportunities. File Photo. Minister Jaishankar confirmed the interaction on social media. SHANTI Act: US and India Deepen Civil Nuclear Partnership Advertisement The United States has expressed a strong interest in strengthening civil nuclear cooperation with India after the remarkable milestone of the SHANTI Act. In a high-level diplomatic outreach, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a productive phone conversation with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss the future of the strategic partnership. According to a readout from US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Secretary Rubio congratulated India on enacting the "Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India", or SHANTI, Act. Advertisement The US intends to capitalise on this legislative shift to expand opportunities for American companies and secure critical mineral supply chains. The SHANTI Act, which replaced the 1962 Atomic Energy Act, allows private participation in nuclear power generation while keeping strategic fuel-cycle activities under government control. Minister Jaishankar confirmed the interaction on social media. He noted that the dialogue covered domains including trade, defence, and energy security. This diplomatic movement is significant, as it comes amidst recent frictions over trade tariffs and Indias import of Russian crude oil. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and agreed to expedite bilateral trade negotiations. The outreach signals a shared intent to prioritise long-term technological ties over immediate economic disputes. Advertisement Source: The Tribune Binder Garcha, businessman, shot dead in Canada; investigation underway The incident occurred around 12 pm on Wednesday near 176 Street and 35 Avenue in the city. Canada News: A well-known Surrey-based businessman, Binder Garcha (48), was shot dead in an alleged targeted attack in Canada. The incident occurred around 12:05 pm (Canada Time, Tuesday). He was attacked at his property located at 176 Street and 35 Avenue. Advertisement Police later recovered a burned vehicle near 189 Street and 40 Avenue, which is believed to be linked to the suspects, sources said. Garcha, the owner of Studio-12, was a prominent figure in wedding and event videography across the SurreyVancouver region. An investigation is currently underway. Advertisement (For more news apart from Binder Garcha, businessman, shot dead in Canada; investigation underway," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Students of Military Academies from Europe, in Romania, within the International Semester Exchange of experience and mobility of teachers and students from the five European partner countries of the Erasmus program Photo: Agentia Media a Armatei Radio Romania International, 14.01.2026, 14:00 Since the opening of the International Semester at the Henri Coanda Air Force Academy in Brasov (central Romania) for the 2025-2026 academic year, there has been an exchange of experience and mobility of teachers and students from the five European partner countries of the Erasmus program: Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Poland and Portugal. After carrying out an Introduction Course, i.e. a period of familiarization with teachers, colleagues and the educational institution in our country, the students of the International Semester have completed common subjects also taught in the curriculum of their country of origin. At the end of the three months spent in an international academic environment, in which they made friends and got in touch with Romanian realities, the students returned home with unforgettable impressions and memories. Anna Horodynska is studying at the Polish Air Force Academy and says quote: The experience of learning during the International Semester at the Air Force Academy is valuable. The level of education is high and I believe that when I return to the Polish Air Force Academy I will have no problem keeping up with my classmates. said Anna Horodynska. Gabriel Brunbauer is in his final year of studies at the Austrian Land Forces Academy and tells us: In September 2026, I will graduate as an infantry officer. At first, it was difficult to master the language of aviation, because the specific terminology in the air force is different from that in the land forces where I am training. After a while, however, I got used to it and it was really good. I spent most of my time in Brasov, but I also went to Bucharest two weekends in a row to see the military parade on the National Day. It impressed me a lot, it is a much bigger event than in Austria. I liked experiencing something completely new, both in terms of studies and culture. Romania is different from Austria. In conclusion, I felt good here. said Gabriel Brunbauer. Marta Martins from the Portuguese Air Force Academy, if she had to describe her experience in Romania in one word, show would say opportunity. I would tell my colleagues that if they had the chance to participate in this program, they should not hesitate and learn as much as they can, because I really enjoyed this experience. I met new people, I had contact with part of the local culture, I tried traditional Romanian food, it was very good. It is the first time I represent my educational institution and my visit to Romania, on the occasion of the International Semester, is also a premiere. One thing that I also noticed with my colleagues was the adaptation of the language to a common one, which allows us to understand each other and maintain a pleasant atmosphere in the study room or in our free time. In the first days we felt that we were meeting as ambassadors of our country of origin, but now we have the feeling that we belong to a single nation, the Portuguese student told us. Panagiotis Zafeirellis studies at the Greek Air Force Academy and told us about his experience in Romania: It was very nice, I learned about different cultures and most of all it helped me see things from a different perspective, which is very useful in approaching important situations within our academy or in my pilot career. The teachers put their heart into what they do and so I learned many useful things from them. Every time I met someone, man or woman, I learned something new, so yes, I know a few words, such as thank you, with pleasure, good afternoon, good night, good morning, same, kisses, the food was very good. Said Panagiotis Zafeirellis in the end of Romania. The Eastern Flank. (Sorina Vrinceanu Agentia Media a Armatei) (LS) New rules on labor migration Romania's Government publishes a draft Emergency Ordinance to more strictly regulate the process through which foreigners are brought, placed and hired on the Romanian labor market. Photo: Ricardo Gomez Angel / unsplash.com Iulia Hau, 14.01.2026, 14:00 The Romanian Government has published a draft Emergency Ordinance to more strictly regulate the process through which foreigners are brought, placed and hired on the Romanian labor market. According to official statements by the labor minister, Florin Manole, one of the goals pursued is to reduce the risk of human trafficking: We need greater regulation that should ensure protection against human trafficking, because this happens in some cases, there are people who are exploited, people who are brought from Southeast Asia and who do not know their rights, they have problems with the Romanian language obviously or the English language, which makes them more vulnerable. We need recruiters, agencies that should be more carefully monitored and more responsible in their actions. This proposal has the merit of being the first legal framework that explicitly regulates and authorizes the activity of agencies dealing in foreign labor placement. As journalistic investigations have shown, the legislative void has been used by agencies and agents suspected of human trafficking and labor exploitation. Besides massive changes related to the recruitment and placement processes, the law proposes the possibility of extending the right to stay through work for foreigners currently staying illegally, who have not received a return decision. The Employers Confederation of Labor Importers has formulated amendments requesting the revision of some of the obligations imposed on agencies. Elena Pantiru, the organizations vice president, argues that: The legislators started from the assumption that we, the placement companies, are making the selection. No, we never make selection. It is always the employer who chooses the right people for what he or she needs. I dont even make a pre-selection. We always accompany the employer to the foreigners country of origin, we provide all the logistics for testing. [] selection is exclusively the employers responsibility. Another problematic regulation from the Employers point of view is the condition that the employments should correspond to the professions found on a list of hard-to-fill vacancies, published by the Employment Agency and the Institute of Statistics, updated every six months. The expert claims that the process of selection, preparation of documents, obtaining a visa usually takes more than six months. If the occupation for which the steps were taken to bring the foreigner is no longer on the list following the biannual update, then the foreigner can no longer be brought to the country. And these are not the only criticisms made: In this ordinance, we, the placement agencies, who are ultimately trading companies, have the obligation to verify the employers for whom we bring foreigners, both at the workplace and at the accommodation place. This norm is very explicit, in the sense that it leaves no room for doubt, which I do not think is beneficial for us, nor for the employer, nor for the foreigners, nor for anyone. We become some sort of gendarmes and have to go and report after we see that the employer violates the obligations stipulated in the contract or that the place of accommodation is not compliant. So whose interests do I represent? What am I actually doing? Elena Pantiru claims that the agencies have neither the training nor the resources to carry out such controls. She also criticizes the provision by which the agencies can have their authorization revoked or part of the 200,000 euro deposit they are required to make to obtain the authorization can be executed for reasons over which they have no control: The deposit is executed both for our actions and for actions that are not ours, for actions of foreigners, for example. If a foreigner fails, if he or she is not accepted at this visa interview, the agency is sanctioned. If the foreigners leave their work place, their accommodation place and go to any European country, although we do information campaigns and tell them very clearly that they have the right to visit, but they do not have the right to work, they do not have the right to stay there for more than 30 days, the agency is also sanctioned, although I may not have known anything about that foreigner, except when the employer informs me that the foreigner did not show up for work without a reason and then I realize that he or she went to another country. On the other hand, the Employers Confederation of Labor Importers praises the decision of the Romanian Government and the Labor Ministry to approve the new quota for 2026, of 90,000 new workers admitted to the labor market, as early as January 1. By way of comparison, last years quota was only operationalized on January 16, which led to numerous rejections of files. The Government also proposed that this number be flexible, with the possibility of being supplemented throughout the year through simple procedures. (LS) Citigroup Inc.'s (C) decline in fourth-quarter net profit reflects higher expenses, including $1.2 billion pre-tax charge related to the sale of its AO Citibank in Russia. Excluding the Russia-related notable item, net income was $3.59 billion or $1.81 per share. Currently, in the premarket session, Citigroup shares are at $117.96, up 1.28 points or $1.31 percent. The company's profit totaled $2.47 billion, or $1.19 per share, lower than $2.85 billion, or $1.34 per share reported last year. Analysts on average had expected the company to earn $1.62 per share. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. Fourth-quarter revenue stood at $19.87 billion up 2.1% from last year, driven by growth in Banking, Services, USPB and Wealth. Excluding the Russia-related notable item, revenue was up 8%. Citigroup's end-of-period deposits were around $1.4 trillion at quarter end, up 9% versus the prior-year period. Citigroup's end-of-period loans were $752 billion at quarter end, up 8% versus the prior-year period. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The New Jersey Department of Health has confirmed the state's first flu-related death of a child during the 2025-2026 flu season. The child was under five years old, lived in North Jersey, and did not have any known problems. However, officials did not release any further details about the child's identity. On Monday, Representative Josh Gottheimer met with doctors at Hackensack Medical Center to announce steps to improve access to vaccines and other safety measures. Gottheimer said New Jersey has reported more than 12,000 flu cases so far this year, compared with about 5,500 cases at the same time last year, making it one of 11 states with a 'very high' number of flu cases, according to the CDC's flu tracking map. Overall, the flu cases are rising across the U.S. The CDC says doctor visits for flu-like symptoms have reached the highest level seen in the past 30 years. "This flu season is already shaping up to be a very serious one, with more cases than previous years and, tragically, one child's death this week. We extend our deepest condolences to the child's family," Acting New Jersey Health Commissioner Jeff Brown advised. "By getting vaccinated, we can each do our part in reducing the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses in New Jersey and helping prevent serious complications." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News CoinGecko, a prominent crypto market data and analytics company, is considering a sale at a valuation of around $500 million, according to two people with knowledge of the matter. The firm has appointed investment bank Moelis to advise on the sale, the people said, who spoke on condition of anonymity as the matter is private. A third person said it remains too early for a valuation to have been determined yet, as the process only began late last year. CoinGecko did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication. Moelis declined to comment. The firm is exploring a sale as crypto dealmaking has accelerated over the past year, with record deal value and volume underscoring a consolidating market as companies seek scale, regulated infrastructure and strategic assets. In 2025 alone, disclosed M&A activity in the crypto sector reached about $8.6 billion, with a record 133 deals closed, surpassing the combined total of the previous four years, according to PitchBook data. Some of the major deals last year included Coinbases (COIN) $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit and Krakens $1.5 billion purchase of NinjaTrader, alongside a string of smaller strategic buys across payments, data, infrastructure and trading platforms. This surge reflects a broader shift from opportunistic transactions toward targeted consolidation and expansion as regulatory clarity improves and institutional participation grows, as well as a response to declining traffic due to the increasing prominence of artificial intelligence. With more users now utilizing AI chatbots to obtain their information, media and data companies are experiencing a decline in traffic. CoinGecko, one of the most popular price data platforms in the crypto industry, saw its traffic decline to approximately 18.5 million monthly in December 2025, compared to 43.5 million in 2024, according to Similarweb data. For comparison, CoinMarketCap, one of the most visited and influential crypto market data aggregators and a peer of CoinGecko, saw its total monthly traffic decline to 64 million in December 2025, from approximately 157 million in 2024. In April 2020, Binance, the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, completed its acquisition of CoinMarketCap. The deal was reportedly valued at up to $400 million in a combination of equity and BNB tokens. CoinGecko was founded in 2014 by TM Lee and Bobby Ong. Read more: Tether said to have invested up to $50 million in crypto lender Ledn at $500 million valuation UPDATE (Jan. 5:34 pm UTC): Updates with website traffic data. Rising for the fifth straight session, crude oil posted sharp gains on Wednesday as the probability of U.S. intervention to end the crisis in Iran raises supply-related concerns. WTI Crude Oil for February delivery was last seen trading up by $0.76 (or 1.24%) at $61.91 per barrel. The civil uprising against the regime in Iran that started in December is escalating day by day. The nation faces a total "internet blockade" though Starlink services is offering free connectivity, which the protestors are using to highlight the oppressive measures adopted by the Iranian government to suppress the protests. With reports indicating that the authorities are conducting executions of captured protestors, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran that the U.S. would intervene and hit Iran hard. In a message to the demonstrators, Trump stated, "Help is on the way." Trump also warned that nations that engage in trade with Iran would be slapped a new 25% tariff. The crisis in Iran has added a geopolitical risk premium to oil prices. Iran is the fourth major producer in the OPEC alliance, and the nation controls the strategic chokepoint for global oil flows. After U.S. forces met success in capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and extradited him to the U.S. to put him on trial for several criminal charges, Trump has accelerated steps to utilize the rich oil reserves in Venezuela. Yesterday, Trump announced that oil worth around $5 billion is set to enter the U.S. from Venezuela. Separately, Trump has been pushing U.S. and European oil majors to invest in Venezuela to replenish the dilapidated oil infrastructure in that country and in return, assured safety on their investments and security to the workforces. Oil corporations are yet to take a final call on Trump's request. Since the middle of December, U.S. forces have captured at least five tankers from Venezuela. Venezuela's state-owned oil company PDVSA announced that it is preparing to sell crude oil to the U.S. government. Vitol and Trafigura are offering logistical and marketing support to the U.S. in selling the Venezuelan oil. In the U.S., the American Petroleum Institute data on inventories revealed that the U.S. crude oil inventories rose by 5.27 million barrels for the week ending January 9, sharply reversing a 2.8-million-barrel build in the prior week. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, for the week ending January 9, crude oil inventories in the U.S. increased by 3.39 million barrels. At the Cushing, Oklahoma delivery hub, inventories increased by 745,000 barrels. For the same period, while gasoline inventories increased by 8,977,000 barrels, distillate inventories saw a decrease by 29,000 barrels and heating oil inventories decreased by 745,000 barrels. The U.S. tariffs are awaiting a legal ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court was set to deliver a verdict today but left the case unresolved without assigning a future date, thereby extending the uncertainty over Trump's tariffs. Early this week, the U.S. Federal Reserve confirmed that the U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a criminal investigation against Fed Chair Jerome Powell for his alleged misdeeds in the finances of Fed building renovation. Viewing this as an attack on the Fed's independence, leading central bank chiefs have jointly written a letter to Powell expressing solidarity with him. Distancing himself from the investigation, Trump merely stated that Powell may go soon. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Skoda Auto has just confirmed the name for its upcoming 7-seater electric SUV. When launched, it will be positioned as the brands flagship EV. It will be called Peaq, as revealed by Skoda Auto and the company has even teased the rear end design of this SUV, which will be the production-spec version of Skoda Vision 7S Concept. Lets take a closer look. Skoda Peaq Name Confirmed When Skoda revealed Vision 7S Concept in August 2022, it grabbed a lot of eyeballs. It featured the brands new Modern Solid design language and was very bold in appearance. Even in India Skoda Vision 7S Concept attracted almost all auto enthusiasts who attended the unveiling at 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo. Now, a production version of Skoda Vision 7S Concept has been teased and it will be named Peaq. Skoda Peaq is designed to appeal to both modern families and explorers. Skoda Peaqs will bring the brands future design direction shaped by sustainability, functional design and cutting-edge technology. The teaser released by Skoda shows Peaqs rear along with its LED tail light signature. The name Peaq is to signify its position in the Czech car brands portfolio as it will be its flagship vehicle. With three rows of seating, Skoda Peaq will offer space, practicality and comfort to families who want to combine work, leisure and exploration. When will it launch? A launch timeline for Skoda Peaq is not revealed yet, but it will debut in the summer of 2026. The company has not confirmed whether Peaq will retain the suicide doors from Vision 7S Concept. Vision S Concept also lacked a B Pillar entirely and had rear-view cameras. Whereas Peaq is expected to come with B Pillars and conventional ORVMs. Sporty seats, double D-Cut steering, rotating infotainment screen, smart dials for climate control and audio, dual wireless phone charger, a sleek drivers instrument cluster are expected to make it to production with Skoda Peaq. Skoda might offer an 89 kWh battery pack with 200 kW DC charging and a 600 km range. Statement from Skoda Auto Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, says: With the Vision 7S, we entered new territory for Skoda, with a clear idea of how to elevate the brand. Since then, we have introduced a new design language and further refined our product identity. Now we are bringing this innovative vehicle concept to life. Our new flagship model takes our brand values of spaciousness and practicality to a whole new level. As of today, our bold vision for Skodas electric future has a name: Peaq a clear statement of where this model belongs in our portfolio. This story was originally published on Food Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Food Dive newsletter. Danone plans to spend $4 million to expand its facility in Fort Worth, Texas, as the dairy giant looks to keep pace with the demand for protein-packed yogurts. The project, which is expected to be completed on Sept. 1, would increase production capabilities at a facility that makes Danimals, Activia and YoCrunch. The plant employs about 210 people. The expansion will increase capacity at the existing site to support the sustained growth and evolving consumer demand for our portfolio of nutrient-dense products, a company spokesperson said in an email. Juergen Esser, Danones deputy CEO and chief financial, technology and data officer, told investors last November that the dairy company is having trouble keeping up with demand as high-protein yogurts continue to fly off the shelves. The supply constraints also have weighed on the companys ability to innovate. Danones yogurts have been a major beneficiary of the GLP-1 boom as more consumers turn to the medications to lose weight. Yogurts are not only loaded with protein, but they are also portion-controlled and contain other nutrients needed for consumers who are eating less due to the medication. Danone said last October that sales in its third quarter posted a like-for-like increase in North America of 1.5%, while volume/product mix rose 0.3%. Were in a good position of leveraging our portfolio to satisfy the needs of those consumers, Rafael Acevedo, president of yogurt at Danone North America, told Food Dive last January. We believe in yogurt that were very well positioned to capture a lot of those opportunities. The multi-million-dollar expansion in Texas marks the latest investment by Danone to grow output in the last few months. Danone announced last August that an expansion and upgrade to its Minster, Ohio, yogurt facility would include more space and a new production line. Recommended Reading Nazrin Abdul The ongoing unrest in Iran has not impacted rail freight transport between Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic, Azernews reports, according to a statement from Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) in response to a Trend inquiry. ADY confirmed that cargo shipments along the North-South Corridor towards Iran are continuing as usual. "Last year, 665,000 tons of cargo were transported via the North-South Corridor. At the Astara Terminal, over 13,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) containers were handled, marking an increase of approximately 65% compared to the same period in 2024," the company added. It is worth noting that since December 28, 2025, protests have erupted in Iran following a sharp depreciation of the national currency. The wave of protests has now been ongoing for over two weeks, gripping the country. A mother from Tacoma, Washington, said her 21-year-old daughter broke a college agreement that determined whether her parents would pay. During a call to "The Ramsey Show," Kinzi said the agreement was created after she and her husband worked out of debt and committed to paying for college in cash under specific conditions. Those conditions required their children to live at home, attend a nearby approved school, and maintain good grades. If those terms were met, the parents would cover tuition without loans. Her daughter instead chose Washington State University, a school about six hours away that requires on-campus housing and a mandatory meal plan. Don't Miss: The ChatGPT of Marketing' Just Opened a $0.85/Share Round 10,000+ Investors Are Already In Sam Altman Says AI Will Transform the Economy This Platform Lets Investors Back Private Tech Early A Long-Standing Agreement Kinzi said she had been open with her children about the family's financial situation and the strain debt created. "If you live at home, I'm not paying for other people's rent," she said, adding that the rule was meant to avoid rent costs and that several colleges are located within 20 minutes of their home. Kinzi said watching the situation unfold was difficult. Co-host John Deloney said that choice placed the daughter outside the terms her parents had set. She Gets None Of Your Money' When the topic turned to student loans, personal finance expert Dave Ramsey told Kinzi she was not responsible for any loans her daughter chose to take out and warned her not to sign anything. "No, no, no," Ramsey said after Kinzi mentioned possibly helping with groceries. "She gets none of your money." He also said the position was about consistency and fairness between the children, adding that the oldest had already moved out and stopped receiving support. See Also: Americans With a Financial Plan Can 4X Their Wealth Get Your Personalized Plan from a CFP Pro Parenting Adult Children "I can't tell them what to do anymore," Ramsey said, adding that once children are grown, parents must either step back or ask permission to offer advice and respect the response. Both hosts said the parents should communicate the same decision. Deloney added that parents should also be clear with themselves about the rules they set and be ready to discuss why those rules exist. Ramsey said that approach shifts the relationship from authority to conversation. "Would you like some advice from an older, wiser friend?" he said. Deepgram, a San Francisco-based voice AI company, has secured $130m in Series C funding, raising its valuation to $1.3bn. The latest investment round saw participation from AVP as the lead investor, with involvement from new backers such as Alumni Ventures, Princeville Capital, and Citi Ventures. Existing investors including Tiger Global, In-Q-Tel, Madrona, Alkeon, Y Combinator, Wing, and BlackRock-managed funds also contributed. The University of Michigan and Columbia University have also made investments, joining other existing academic investors like Stanford University. Deepgram provides AI models and infrastructure for enterprises and developers to build and operate custom voice agents capable of managing real-time and context-aware conversations at scale. Its technology currently supports over 50 languages and is utilised by more than 1,300 organisations globally through its API platform. Its client list includes NASA and Amazon Web Services. The platform underpins customer service AI tools across industries such as retail, financial technology, and healthcare. Deepgram CEO and co-founder Scott Stephenson said: As we rapidly approach a world where billions of simultaneous conversations are powered by Voice AI, enterprises and developers need real-time, reliable infrastructure capable of fully duplex, contextual conversations at scale this is Deepgram. We are pleased to welcome AVP and our new strategic investors. Together with our existing investors, their conviction reflects the emergence of the Voice AI economy and Deepgrams role in powering it. As part of its recent expansion efforts, Deepgram announced the acquisition of OfOne, a voice AI platform designed for restaurant drive-thrus. OfOnes team has joined Deepgram to strengthen its services in the quick-service restaurant sector. The company did not disclose financial details regarding the acquisition. Deepgram for Restaurants general manager Will Edwards (OfOne former CEO) said: We are incredibly proud to join the Deepgram team. Deepgram has built the most advanced real-time voice platform in the world, and it is the perfect foundation for scaling what we started at OfOne. Deepgram aims to use the Series C proceeds to expand its international presence, launch new models, and pursue further acquisitions. Its suite of products comprises speech-to-text models, text-to-speech systems, conversational speech recognition technology adapted for interruptions during dialogue, APIs for enterprise conversational AI deployment, and options for domain-specific model customisation. At Leang Bulu Bettue, a rock-shelter in the Maros-Pangkep karst region on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, paleoanthropologists have uncovered one of the most complete records of early human occupation ever found in Wallacea a key crossroads between Asia and Australia. Their discovery sheds new light on how early Homo sapiens lived, adapted and possibly encountered archaic hominin species tens of thousands of years ago. At Leang Bulu Bettue, Griffith University Ph.D. candidate Basran Burhan and colleagues unearthed a rich sequence of artifacts, stone tools and animal bones covering much of the Pleistocene epoch. The depth and continuity of the cultural sequence at Leang Bulu Bettue now positions this cave as a flagship site for investigating whether these two human lineages overlapped in time, Burhan explained. According to the study, the earliest phase of occupation dated as far back as about 208,000 years ago is defined by relatively simple stone tools and traces of animal butchery. Among the most striking early evidence were heavy-duty stone tools known as picks, suggesting an established cultural tradition of archaic hominins long before modern humans arrived. These activities appear to represent an archaic hominin cultural tradition that persisted on Sulawesi well into the Late Pleistocene, said Griffith Universitys Professor Adam Brumm. The archaeologists found evidence for a striking shift around 40,000 years ago: a new suite of stone technologies and evidence of symbolic behavior hallmarks associated with Homo sapiens. This later phase featured a distinct technological toolkit, and the earliest known evidence for artistic expression and symbolic behavior on the island, Burhan said. The dramatic break may reflect a major demographic and cultural transition on Sulawesi, specifically the arrival of our species in the local environment and the replacement of the earlier hominin population. The island of Sulawesi has long been recognized as a pivotal region in the story of human evolution. Its position between continental Asia and the Sahul landmass that once linked Australia and New Guinea made it a critical waypoint for early human dispersals. Yet the regions thick forests, rugged terrain and deep seas have left surprisingly sparse archaeological data until now. One of the most tantalizing implications of this new research is the possibility that Homo sapiens and earlier, now-extinct human relatives may have lived on Sulawesi at the same time. The researchers suggested that Leang Bulu Bettue could provide the first direct archaeological evidence for this chronological overlap and possible interaction. Among the most intriguing aspects of the later layers are signs of symbolic and cultural behavior, echoing discoveries at other Sulawesi sites that have also yielded ancient rock art and sophisticated tools. These developments once considered unique to Homo sapiens hint that modern humans brought not only new technologies but new cognitive and cultural practices to the island when they arrived. That is why doing archaeological research in Sulawesi is so exciting, Professor Brumm said. For example, you could dig as deep as you like at an Australian site and youll never find evidence for human occupation prior to the arrival of our species, because Australia was only ever inhabited by Homo sapiens. But there were hominins in Sulawesi for a million years before we showed up, so if you dig deep enough, you might go back in time to the point where two human species came face-to-face. There may be several more meters of archaeological layers below the deepest level we have excavated at Leang Bulu Bettue thus far, Basran said. Further work at this site could therefore reveal new discoveries that will change our understanding of the early human story on this island, and perhaps more widely. The findings were published in December 2025 in the journal PLoS ONE. _____ B. Burhan et al. 2025. A near-continuous archaeological record of Pleistocene human occupation at Leang Bulu Bettue, Sulawesi, Indonesia. PLoS One 20 (12): e0337993; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0337993 Astronomers using NASAs James Webb Space Telescope have captured the most detailed infrared view yet into the center of the Circinus Galaxy, one of the closest known active galaxies to the Milky Way. The Webb observations suggest that much of the hot dust near the galaxys supermassive black hole is feeding the black hole itself, rather than being expelled outward in powerful flows as previous models had predicted. The Circinus Galaxy is a spiral galaxy about 13 million light-years away in the southern constellation of Circinus. Also known as ESO 97-G13 or LEDA 50779, this galaxy has long intrigued astronomers because its core is obscured by thick clouds of gas and dust. Ground-based telescopes have struggled to isolate the region close to the central black hole, where matter spirals inward and radiates intense infrared light. Webbs advanced capabilities allowed Dr. Julien Girard of the Space Telescope Science Institute and colleagues to penetrate that veil of dust with unprecedented clarity. The breakthrough came from using Webbs Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (NIRISS) in a specialized high-contrast mode called the Aperture Masking Interferometer. This method effectively turns the instrument into a miniature interferometer, combining light through a set of small apertures to create detailed interference patterns. By analyzing those patterns, the astronomers reconstructed a sharply focused picture of the Circinus Galaxys central engine, revealing that most of the infrared emission originates from the donut-shaped torus of dust feeding the black hole, rather than from outflowing material. It is the first time a high-contrast mode of Webb has been used to look at an extragalactic source, Dr. Girard said. We hope our work inspires other astronomers to use the Aperture Masking Interferometer mode to study faint, but relatively small, dusty structures in the vicinity of any bright object. Supermassive black holes remain active by drawing in surrounding matter. Gas and dust accumulate into a torus around the black hole, and as material spirals into the black hole, it forms a rotating accretion disk that heats up through friction, becoming luminous across many wavelengths including infrared. The new Webb data indicate that the bulk of the infrared glow near the Circinus Galaxys core is produced by the innermost regions of this dusty torus, overturning earlier assumptions that outflows dominated the emission. This technique paves the way for deeper investigations of black holes in other galaxies. By applying Webbs high-contrast imaging to additional targets, the researchers hope to build a broader catalog of emission patterns that could reveal whether Circinus Galaxys behavior is typical among active galactic nuclei or an outlier. Their findings not only provide a sharper look at the mechanics of black hole feeding but also underscore the growing power of interferometric methods in space astronomy. With further observations planned, Webb continues to push the boundaries of what is visible from the most hidden corners of the Universe. We need a statistical sample of black holes, perhaps a dozen or two dozen, to understand how mass in their accretion disks and their outflows relate to their power, said Dr. Enrique Lopez-Rodriguez, an astronomer at the University of South Carolina. The results were published today in the journal Nature Communications. _____ E. Lopez-Rodriguez et al. 2026. JWST interferometric imaging reveals the dusty torus obscuring the supermassive black hole of Circinus galaxy. Nat Commun 17, 42; doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-66010-5 A fish species called the armored rockhead poacher (Bothragonus swanii) carries a secret that has confounded marine biologists for decades: a deep, bowl-shaped hole in the middle of its skull. This bizarre anatomical feature has now been linked to an extraordinary form of communication. First described by Franz Steindachner in 1876, Bothragonus swanii is a species in the family Agonidae. This fish is found in the eastern Pacific Ocean from Alaska to Carmel Bay, California down to depths of 18 m. Marine biologists have long debated multiple hypotheses for why Bothragonus swanii has a cavernous cranial pit a cavity about the size of the fishs brain. Some thought it helped camouflage the animal among rocks, others speculated that it might aid hearing or sensory perception. Now, thanks to cutting-edge imaging technology, Louisiana State University student Daniel Geldof suggests an altogether different explanation one that evokes the rhythms of a rock concert rather than the silence of a reef. The goal of my entire thesis project was to figure out why, Geldof explained. Using a high-resolution micro-CT scanner, he built detailed 3D models of the rockhead poachers anatomy. These scans revealed that the fishs first set of ribs are unusually large, free-moving and flattened, sitting close to the cranial pit without direct attachment. At the bases of these ribs are powerful muscles and tendons like drumsticks. When vibrated against the mineralized cavity in the skull, these ribs can create subterranean pulses of sound. Geldof argues that this percussion-like system likely evolved to help the fish communicate through the ground in its acoustically chaotic intertidal habitat. In this rocky, shallow zone where crashing waves and environmental noise make traditional waterborne communication difficult, vibrations transmitted through the substrate may travel more effectively a strategy better suited to this fishs unique lifestyle. Geldof also combined contrast-agent enhanced soft-tissue scans with bone structure data to trace nerves, muscles and microstructures within the rockhead poachers head, uncovering evidence that the cranial pit may also play a sensory role. A branch of the posterior lateral line nerve, part of the fishs motion-sensing system, enters the pit, and the arrangement of surface microstructures may support mechanoreception the ability to detect movement or pressure. Geldof argues that the feature may be multifunctional, serving both communication and sensory functions in the noisy intertidal ecosystem. What does this tiny thing look like up-close isnt merely a scientific question its a basic human curiosity, he said. _____ Daniel L. Geldof. 2025. The hole truth: morphology of the cranial pit in the rockhead poacher, Bothragonus swanii (Agonidae). LSU Masters Theses 6270 Diploma completed four acquisitions in the quarter , spending around 75 million at what management described as roughly a seven times multiple. Thomson said that brings the total to eight acquisitions over the last two quarters , representing about 130 million of investment, which he expects will generate annualized profit of around 20 million . In life sciences and healthcare, Thomson emphasized that end markets remain challenging, characterizing it as hard yards and a scrap out there. However, he said the group was very happy that life sciences is delivering at or around about our financial model, and reiterated that margins in the area were good and aligned with expectations. Within Seals, Thomson said performance was fairly consistent with the end of last year. He flagged that North American Seals was doing well, with good progress in Europe and international seals, while the U.K. remained quite tough. Thomson said the groups performance was broad-based, pointing to strength in several operating units and end markets. He noted that Peerless remains strong , while the Controls division delivered a solid quarter with exposure to aerospace, defense, and energy. Windy City was described as performing well, particularly with data centers and digital antenna systems. Diploma (LON:DPLM) reported a strong start to its financial year in a first-quarter trading update, with CEO Johnny Thomson highlighting double-digit organic growth and continued momentum on acquisitions. Speaking alongside newly promoted CFO Wilson, management said group organic growth for the quarter was 14% , describing it as volume-led and similar in shape to trading seen toward the end of last year. Management left fullyear guidance unchanged, targeting 6% organic growth and a group margin of 22.5% , and cautioned the year will be firsthalf weighted as prioryear comparisons become tougher. The company completed four acquisitions in the quarter (~ 75 million ) and eight over two quarters (~ 130 million ), expecting about 20 million of annualized profit and reiterating a preference for smaller bolton deals (c. 2025m average) with a strong pipeline. Diploma delivered a strong start to the year with group organic growth of 14% , described as volumeled and broadbased across units (notably Peerless, Controls and Windy City), while life sciences remains challenging but on model. Story Continues Management reiterated its preference for smaller bolt-on acquisitions. Thomson said the groups average size of a deal tends to be around 20 million to 25 million, and that deals in that range tends to not really follow the kind of more macro M&A cycle. He added that while Diploma will very, very occasionally do a larger transaction, it does not search for that and does not need to do that. Qualcomm: Wall Streets Patience Is Wearing Thin On the near-term outlook for M&A, Thomson said the pipeline looks very good and in good shape, while emphasizing that the company will maintain discipline and focus on returns, noting that deal flow should not be expected to be linear. Recent deal rationale: aerospace, defense, and geographic expansion In Q&A, Wilson provided examples of what the company expects from some of the newly acquired businesses. He said acquired companies had only been in the group for a relatively short period of time, but are already tracking to plan. Swift : Wilson said Swift is a bolt-on to Clarendon and expands Diplomas footprint in European aerospace. He added that this is expected to strategically benefit Peerless in the medium term, helping Peerless enter Europe. Spring : Wilson said Spring expands aerospace exposure into the defense market, including large customers such as BAE and Thales. Hydraulic Seals Australia (HSA): Wilson described HSA as a strategic geographical expansion, giving the group expansion into Australias East Coast and adding product exposure to aftermarket seals for Diplomas Australian seals business. Thomson also addressed how Swift fits with the groups aerospace strategy. He said Peerless posted another really, really strong quarter, though perhaps not quite at the exceptional growth rates seen in the second half. He added that market dynamics have not changed and said the company continues to expect Peerless to land towards a steady, good growth, good margin performance over time. On Swift specifically, Thomson said it is a good business in its own right and a company Diploma had been pursuing for quite a few years. He said Swifts base in Toulouse creates an opportunity to accelerate access to the Airbus supply chain, and added that the acquisition could also support Clarendons European opportunities through Swifts relationship network. Outlook: guidance unchanged, first half expected to be stronger Thomson said full-year guidance remains unchanged, with the company still expecting 6% organic growth and a group margin of 22.5%. As previously indicated, management expects the year to be first-half weighted. Thomson said revenue from acquisitions is up a little given recent activity and could increase further if additional deals are completed. Asked about the phasing implied by a 14% Q1 and a 6% full-year organic guide, management declined to provide quarterly guidance. Wilson said Diploma will begin to lap tougher prior-year comparisons, including double-digit growth in the prior-year second quarter and 14% growth in the second half. Thomson added that the company is running a business in a crazy, volatile world, emphasizing it was one quarter and that management would assess trading as the year progresses. On margins, Wilson said trading is in line with expectations and very strong across the group, but reiterated that Diploma plans to keep investing in end-market growth, people and organizational structure, and in strengthening its assurance platform, supporting the decision to keep the margin guide at 22.5% for now. FX and defense: hedging in place and investment in Eastern Europe Wilson provided color on foreign exchange, stating that translation effects reduced revenue by 2% in the quarter, offsetting 2% acquisition growth. He added that on a transactional basis, the group has a hedging program in place and that there was nothing material from FX to the group in the quarter. On defense opportunities, Thomson said the macro backdrop is supportive and that Diploma has well-established expertise across the U.K. and continental Europe. He highlighted organic investment in a new facility in the Czech Republic, intended to help penetrate Eastern European supply chains that feed into European defense markets. Thomson also pointed to the Spring acquisition as a way to add defense expertise and support growth in defense revenues over time, noting the group has historically been more exposed to air defense but would hope to expand further, including into land defense. Closing the call, Thomson said the group was feeling good about the year, pointing to a strong first quarter and continued confidence in Diplomas long-term approach to sustainable quality compounding. About Diploma (LON:DPLM) Diploma PLC, together with its subsidiaries, supplies specialized technical products and services in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, North America, and internationally. It operates through three business sectors: Life Sciences, Seals, and Controls. The Life Sciences sector supplies technology-enabled products used in surgical procedures in operating theatres and endoscopy; testing equipment and services for clinical laboratories; and bio-pharma, food safety and testing, and other research-oriented products. The article "Diploma Q1 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) Lawyers for Dutch-based semiconductor maker Nexperia and its Chinese owners faced off in an Amsterdam courtroom Wednesday in a corporate mismanagement case that has sent shock waves through the global auto manufacturing industry. The hearing at the enterprise chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal was called to decide if the judges should launch an investigation into alleged mismanagement at Nexperia. No immediate decision was expected. The power struggle at Nexperia emerged in the public spotlight in October, after the Dutch government said it had effectively seized control of the company since late September based on national security concerns. Its Chinese CEO Zhang Xuezheng, whos also founder of Nexperia owner Wingtech, was replaced following claims of mismanagement and fears of intellectual property rights being transferred. Lawyers for Zhang and Wingtech painted him as a successful businessman trying to guide Nexperia through troubled geopolitical waters. They urged the court not to order an investigation and said Wingtech had been blindsided by the Dutch government move. Zhang was not in court for the hearing. Nexperia lawyer Jeroen van der Schriek told the three-judge panel that the behavior of Wingtech and Hong Kong-based holding company Yuching since October makes it clear that they are willing to subordinate Nexperias interests to other interests. As tensions escalated, Beijing temporarily blocked the export of Nexperia chips from its plant in China in October, sending global auto manufacturers scrambling to secure supplies and alternatives. Nexperias chips are used widely by carmakers including those in North America, Japan and South Korea, according to analysts. Beijings export ban was later lifted, after U.S. President Donald Trump met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in late October. And the Dutch government in November said it was relinquishing its control of Nexperia as a show of goodwill. But a standoff between Nexperias headquarters in the Netherlands and its Chinese unit continued to fuel chip supply chain concerns. Nexperias Chinese arm had said its Dutch headquarters interrupted shipments of wafers to its Chinese factory, which it said had impacted its core production operations and weighed on its ability in delivering finished products. Nexperias headquarters hit back, and said the Chinese unit had ignored instructions from the head office. Car manufacturers including Honda had to halt production of some cars as the Nexperia crisis unfolded, and Mercedes-Benz was among those scrambling to find alternatives. Nexperia has found itself at the centre of a battle between China and the West (JOHN THYS) JOHN THYS/AFP/AFP A Dutch court held hearings Wednesday to weigh whether to order an investigation into Nexperia, a Chinese-owned chip company at the centre of a global tug-of-war over critical semiconductor technology. The firm, based in the Netherlands but whose parent company is China's Wingtech, has been the subject of a standoff between Beijing and the West that threatened to cripple car manufacturers that rely on its chips. The Dutch state in September invoked a 1952 law to effectively seize control of the company, sparking fury in Beijing. The Amsterdam-based Enterprise Chamber also played a major part in the battle over Nexperia in October when it suspended the firm's Chinese CEO, Zhang Xuezheng, also known as Wing, citing concerns over his management. Lawyers for Nexperia on Wednesday accused Wingtech of a "scorched earth" policy in its bid to wrest control of the company. "Wingtech is doing everything to destabilise Nexperia, already under pressure from a crisis situation," said one of Nexperia's lawyers, Jeroen van der Schrieck. - 'Mystery' - Zhang Xuezheng did not appear at the hearings. His lawyer said he was not in a strong enough state to attend, as this case was taking a personal toll on him. "The intervention (by the Dutch government) and especially the way it was handled, is incomprehensible for Mr Wing," said Jan Bart van de Hel, a lawyer for the Chinese tycoon. "It should never have happened. The situation degenerated needlessly," he added. Dirk-Jan Duynstee, a lawyer for the Wingtech company, said "the real reasons that led the minister to intervene remain a mystery." Judges said they expected to issue a ruling on whether to order an investigation within four weeks at the latest. The court could order an investigation "if it has valid reasons to doubt the sound policy and business operations at Nexperia", it said in a statement. If the court does decide to order an investigation, it can also maintain or amend its decisions made in October. If however the court decides no investigation is required, the decisions it made in October will no longer be in force. In late October, following trade talks between China's President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump, Beijing agreed to resume exports of Nexperia chips halted over the row. In response, the Dutch government said it was suspending its emergency takeover move as a "constructive step" hailed by Beijing. But while the political clash has died down for the moment, all eyes are on the court to see whether it will order a probe. cvo/ric/giv European executives at Nexperia have appeared in an Amsterdam court against its Chinese owner Wingtech Technology in a dispute over control that has disrupted automotive chip supply, reported Reuters. The clash intensified on 30 September, when the Dutch government temporarily took control of the semiconductor group, citing concerns that operations and intellectual property were being shifted to China. The intervention was later withdrawn in an effort to calm relations with Beijing. Nexperia produces silicon wafers at European sites before sending them to China for cutting and packaging. On 7 October, the Amsterdam Enterprise Court suspended Wingtech founder Zhang Xuezheng from his role as CEO and removed Wingtechs authority over Nexperias shares, citing well-founded reasons to doubt whether the company was being properly managed. At the latest hearing, the first to be held in public, judges heard arguments on whether to launch a full investigation into alleged mismanagement raised by senior European executives or to overturn the earlier court orders. A ruling will be delivered at a later date. In previous decisions, judges pointed to a potential conflict of interest, noting that Xuezheng owns a Shanghai factory supplying wafers to Nexperia. They also said Xuezheng and Wingtech had not implemented governance changes intended to prevent the group from being placed on a US blacklist. Wingtech is expected to argue that Xuezhengs strategy was suitable for a subsidiary of a Chinese group with major sales, customers and expansion prospects in China, the worlds largest car market. Xuezheng is not expected to attend the hearing, with his lawyers responding on his behalf. The Dutch state is expected to back Nexperias European management. Governments in the US, the Netherlands and China imposed, and later lifted, measures affecting Nexperia during 2025, citing geopolitical and strategic risks. The company reported a profit of $331m on sales of $2.06bn in 2024 and has begun splitting into two smaller businesses as customers look for alternative chip suppliers. Nexperia halted wafer shipments to China in October, citing non-payment, and plans to invest $300m to expand packaging capacity in Malaysia to serve customers outside China. "Dutch court weighs Nexperia control battle with Chinas Wingtech " was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. Shell and Exxon announced on Wednesday that they have abandoned plans to sell their North Sea assets to Viaro Energy . Shell said that commercial and market conditions had evolved and conditions needed to complete the deal - which was agreed in July last 2024 - were not met. The London-listed oil giant will continue to operate the assets. Viaro Energy founder and chief executive Francesco Mazzagatti said: "The parties have worked hard and in close alignment to try and complete this transaction over many months, but despite this being a fully funded opportunity, the completion conditions were not met as commercial and market conditions evolved and we mutually agreed not to proceed." According to the Telegraph, the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), the industry regulator, said on Wednesday that it had delayed signing off on the deal after failing to receive information it had requested from Viaro. A NSTA spokesman said: "While the NSTA does not usually comment on regulatory decisions, in this case we were waiting to receive the additional information requested from the purchasing party in order to make a decision." South India celebrates harvest and cultural unity during Makara Sankranti & Thai Pongal. Festivals honor nature, farmers, and cattle with eco-friendly practices. Traditions blend food, rangoli, and family gatherings, symbolizing renewal. On January 14, 2026, as the sun rises marking the auspicious Uttarayana, the Sun's northward journey millions across South India embrace the spirit of renewal. Today, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, families are already immersed in the festivities of Makara Sankranti, while neighboring states join in harmony. Pongal, primarily a Tamil harvest festival, shares deep roots with Sankranti celebrations in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, uniting communities in gratitude for nature's bounty amid a changing climate and urban shifts. This four-day period symbolizes not just agricultural abundance but a collective fresh start, much like a regional new year, fostering sustainability, family bonds, and cultural pride. Gratitude for Harvest and Renewal Pongal and its regional counterparts celebrate the end of the winter solstice and the promise of longer, warmer days, dedicated to the Sun God Surya and the elements that sustain life. In Tamil Nadu, it's Pongal, in Andhra Pradesh, its Pedda Panduga or Sankranti, and in Karnataka, Makara Sankranti or Suggi Habba. All honor the harvest, farmers, and cattle, emphasizing ecological balance in 2026, a year marked by variable monsoons affecting crops. The festival's core remains thanksgiving, for rice, sugarcane, and the labor that brings prosperity. In Bengaluru, where diverse communities converge, Tamil families prepare traditional Pongal dishes alongside Kannadiga households drawing rangoli and offering prayers. Andhra Pradesh echoes this with vibrant processions and sweets. This interconnectedness highlights South India's shared agrarian heritage, where the overflow of milk-rice pudding (pongal) signifies overflowing joy and wealth. Amid urbanization, these traditions remind us of our dependence on nature, inspiring eco-conscious practices like reduced-waste celebrations and support for local farmers. Also Read: Makar Sankranti 2025: A Festival of Harvest, Tradition, and Unity Across India Unity in Diversity Across the Four Days The celebrations unfold over four vibrant days, with slight regional variations enriching the experience. Bhogi: The festival begins with cleansing. In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and parts of Karnataka, homes are scrubbed, old items burned in bonfires (Bhogi Mantalu) to discard negativity. Andhra and Telangana emphasize renewal through bonfires and new clothes, while Karnataka observes it in border areas with similar fervor. Eco-friendly adaptations are prominent in 2026, with communities opting for symbolic rituals to minimize smoke. Thai Pongal / Makara Sankranti: The pinnacle day sees families cooking sweet pongal outdoors in earthen pots, letting it boil over as chants of Pongalo Pongal fill the air. In Tamil Nadu, kolams adorn thresholds with sugarcane and turmeric. Karnataka features ellu (sesame-jaggery mixes) and rangoli, while Andhra Pradesh includes ariselu and pulihora offerings. Today in Bengaluru, streets buzz with kolam competitions and temple visits, blending Tamil and Kannada styles. Mattu Pongal / Kanuma: Dedicated to cattle, animals are bathed, adorned with garlands, and fed delicacies for their role in farming. Tamil Nadu's Mattu Pongal includes jallikattu in some areas (with welfare focus), Andhra's Kanuma features similar reverence, and Karnataka honors bullocks in rural Suggi Habba traditions. Kaanum Pongal / Mukkanuma: The finale brings family outings, picnics, and visits. Tamil Nadu's Kaanum emphasizes community, Andhra's Mukkanuma includes reunions, Karnataka sees gatherings with festive foods. In Bengaluru, multi-cultural events mix these elements kolam displays, cattle processions, and shared feasts creating a unique urban tapestry. Summing It Up! As we welcome Makara Sankranti & Thai Pongal 2026, its overflowing pots symbolize endless possibilities. In this new beginning, let's carry forward its lessons of gratitude, sustainability, and togetherness, ensuring the harvest of hope endures for generations. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. White Castle is taking reservations for its annual Valentines Day dining experience, marking the 35th year of a tradition that transforms the fast-food chains restaurants into table-side dining destinations. Reservations opened for the Feb. 14, 2026, event at more than 300 participating White Castle locations nationwide, Staten Island included. On and around the special day, for better or worse, customers can book tables through OpenTable for time slots between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Flashback to 2006 in an image by Advance photographer Hilton Flores: An unidentified couple spotted at White Castle in Grant City, sharing sliders and dreams. The Columbus, Ohio-based hamburger chain converts its restaurants into what it calls Love Castles for the evening, offering hostess seating, table-side service and Valentines Day decorations. The sit-down dining format differs from the chains typical fast-food service model. The tradition began in 1991 and has drawn tens of thousands of diners each year. Many customers return to the same locations annually, according to the company. Ring on the finger? Try onion rings instead on Valentine's Day. (Courtesy of White Castle) Valentines Day at White Castle has always been about bringing people together in a fun, welcoming and memorable way, said Jamie Richardson, chief marketing officer at White Castle. For 35 years, our team members have made this night special by creating an experience that feels thoughtful, joyful and unmistakably White Castle. Dress in red or your Sunday best for a romantic Valentines Day dinner with your sweetieat White Castle. Nothing says love like sliders under soft fluorescent lighting. (Courtesy of White Castle) The event attracts attention on social media platforms. White Castle, which opened in 1921, operates 334 restaurants and sells its products in grocery store freezer sections. Here's the lone White Castle on Staten Island, at the corner of Lincoln Ave. and Hylan in Grant City. Staten Island currently has one White Castle location on Hylan Blvd. in Grant City. The boroughs former Mariners Harbor operation at 2238 Forest Ave. closed in December 2023. It is now a JJ Fish & Chicken fish fry and chicken spot. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a pair of lawsuits against the Trump administration Friday for pausing the construction of two offshore wind projects meant to power over a million homes. The Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind projects had their construction off of Long Island halted due to undisclosed national security concerns, according to a statement released by James. New Yorkers deserve clean, reliable energy, good-paying jobs, and a government that follows the law, James said. These projects were carefully reviewed and already under construction when the federal government pulled the plug without explanation. This reckless decision puts workers, families, and our climate goals at risk, and my office is taking action to stop it. Combined, the projects produce over 1,700 megawatts of energy which can power about 10% of New York City and Long Islands electrical requirements, according to New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris. Empire Wind, specifically, will be the foremost offshore wind project to provide electricity to New York City. Despite jumping through over a decades worth of hurdles to meet the strict standards required by local, state, and federal governments, the Department of the Interior immediately suspended all construction activity for at least 90 days on Dec. 22. The goal of the lawsuits is to decree the the stop-work orders unlawful and block their enforcement, according to the statement. No suit for local delays Pictured is a 2019 rendering of the Arthur Kill Terminal site. (Courtesy of Arthur Kill Terminal/Atlantic Offshore Terminals) Courtesy of Arthur Kill Terminal/Atlantic Offshore Terminals Staten Islands own offshore wind port meant to be the assembly and staging ground of offshore wind turbines and towers stalled due to President Donald Trumps executive memorandum that indefinitely halted new offshore and onshore wind leasing and permitting. However, in December, Judge Patti B. Saris ruled the Jan. 20, 2025, directive arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), determining it was a final agency action subject to judicial review. The decision vacates the memorandum in full, clearing the way for agencies to resume processing wind energy projects. We were very encouraged to see the decision from the federal court last week invalidating President Trumps executive memorandum with regard to offshore wind energy and are hoping that the federal agencies that are involved in the project will respond accordingly, and that [we] will be able to move forward then, said Atlantic Offshore Terminal CEO and President Boone Davis and CCO Charles Dougherty. Atlantic Offshore Terminals is the parent company behind Arthur Kill Terminal, which has been in the planning stages for over five years. The terminal was initially supposed to undergo its 20- to 23-month construction this year, with an activation anticipated for 2026. Even with the courts decision to axe Trumps executive order, a 2026 groundbreaking at the terminal site along Arthur Kill Road remains unclear, Dougherty and Davis said. The construction aimed to create 750 union jobs after the terminal signed a memorandum of understanding with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York in March of 2024. In terms of permitting, the city permits are complete and the state permits are nearly completed. Sunnyvale, California-based Fortinet, Inc. (FTNT) is a cybersecurity company that provides a broad portfolio of network security solutions designed to protect enterprises, service providers, and government organizations from evolving cyber threats. Valued at a market cap of $58.9 billion, the company is scheduled to announce its fiscal Q4 earnings for 2025 after the market closes on Thursday, Feb. 5. Ahead of this event, analysts expect this cybersecurity company to report a profit of $0.66 per share, down 1.5% from $0.67 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has topped Wall Streets bottom-line estimates in each of the last four quarters. In Q3, its EPS of $0.65 exceeded the consensus estimates by a notable margin of 18.2%. More News from Barchart For the current fiscal year, ending in December, analysts expect FTNT to report a profit of $2.38 per share, up 13.9% from $2.09 per share in fiscal 2024. Its EPS is expected to further grow 6.7% year-over-year to $2.54 in fiscal 2026. www.barchart.com FTNT has declined 16.7% over the past 52 weeks, considerably underperforming both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 17.7% return and the State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETFs (XLK) 26.9% uptick over the same time period. www.barchart.com On Nov. 12, shares of Fortinet fell 1.8% after Daiwa Securities downgraded the stock from Outperform to Neutral, citing concerns about slowing near-term growth momentum and valuation pressures across the cybersecurity sector. Wall Street analysts are cautious about FTNTs stock, with a "Hold" rating overall. Among 41 analysts covering the stock, seven recommend "Strong Buy," 30 suggest "Hold, one indicates a Moderate Sell, and three advise Strong Sell. The mean price target for FTNT is $86.28, indicating a 9.9% 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 Cruises on the Royal Caribbean line will skip stops at its private Haitian destination for all of 2026 because of safety concerns. The nation, which shares a Caribbean island with the Dominican Republic, has been subject to political and economic crises for over a decade. In July 2023, the U.S. State Department ordered nonemergency government employees and their families to leave Haiti due to security risks. The U.S. government advises against any travel to the country. Royal Caribbeans private destination of Labadee is a peninsula off Haitis northern coast that the company has leased since the 1980s when the nation was under the dictatorship of Jean-Claude Baby Doc Duvalier. A company spokesperson said Wednesday via email that Royal Caribbean would not be docking in Labadee through December out of an abundance of caution, and that it had already communicated that information to its customers. The cruise line last traveled to Labadee in early 2025, but Haitis progressive deterioration led it to suspend trips there last year. The State Department warnings against travel to Haiti advise of gun crimes including robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings. The State Department also says the U.S. Coast Guard advises caution for any mariners or passengers traveling through Haitian ports. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York City businesses could see fewer fines and fees in the coming months after Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued an executive order Wednesday. Mamdani directed Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su and seven unidentified city agencies to review the fines and fees the city issues to small businesses, and see which ones can be eliminated, according to City Hall. You cannot tell the story of New York without our small businesses. Yet, our city has long made it too hard for these same businesses to open their doors, and to keep them open, he said. With todays executive order, we will bring that chapter to an end, instead delivering relief to businesses from the fines and fees that drive up their costs. City Hall did not make the text of the executive order immediately available nor did it respond to a request for comment by the time of publication. Business owners around New York City have long complained about what the Mamdani administration described as a complex web of over 6,000 regulations and rules that the owners say hinders the growth of their enterprises. Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks with Ael Lotterle, a clerk at the St. George Pharmacy, Friday, May 30, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com|Paul Liotta) During last years mayoral campaign, Mamdani met with small business owners on Staten Islands North Shore, and told the Advance/SILive.com about his intention to reform the Byzantine process under which owners navigate city bureaucracy. Under Sus direction over the next six months, the city will identify the fines and fees for small businesses that can be reduced or eliminated. The small business owners who give this city its identity and vibrancy have too rarely been considered in the backrooms where decisions are made. Not on our watch, Su said. Mayor Mamdani was elected to City Hall not solely because his campaign offered solutions for the countless New Yorkers tired of rents being raised, childcare costs soaring year after year, and public transit failing those who rely upon it. He was elected because he spoke to the small business owners of this city as partners and because he knows that when New Yorkers feel a challenge, small business owners often feel it first. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis recently announced her annual Presidents Day Essay Contest, inviting youngsters to brainstorm ideas on how they would improve their community and the country if they were president of the United States. Im happy to kick off this years Presidents Day Essay Contest, an opportunity for local students to engage in civics and share their ideas, Malliotakis, a Republican who represents Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, said. The contest is open to students in grades three to five who reside in or attend school in New Yorks 11th Congressional District. Essays must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, and include the students first and last name, grade, school and a parent or guardians name and contact information. Submissions may be no longer than 400 words. In years past, students have focused on everything from public safety and litter to homelessness and animal welfare, Malliotakis said. We look forward to hearing from our youth about the issues that are important to them and their families and how they believe Washington can improve our community. The winners of the contest will be invited to a pizza party, where they will have a chance to discuss their ideas with the congresswoman. They will also receive a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local bookstore. To submit an essay, students must email them as an attached Word document or PDF to the NY11 Youth Engagement email. Key Points Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk make the worlds most popular weight loss drugs. These injectable products have generated double-digit growth, with revenue reaching blockbuster levels. 10 stocks we like better than Eli Lilly Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) and Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) have seen revenue climb in recent years thanks to their expertise in one particular area: weight loss drugs. The companies are leaders in this market that analysts expect to reach nearly $100 billion by 2030. Today, they each sell injectable drugs, though Novo recently scored the first-ever approval for an oral drug of this particular class. And Lilly's oral candidate, under regulatory review right now, may be next. The companies make GLP-1 drugs, products that interact with hormonal pathways involved in the digestion process -- and these types of drugs have proven their popularity worldwide, with demand even surpassing supply at certain points. So now, with the era of weight loss pills about to start, it's a great time to take a closer look at each of these pharma giants. Which company will dominate the weight loss drug market in 2026? Let's find out. Image source: Getty Images. The case for Novo Nordisk Novo has benefited from the first-to-market advantage with both the injectable weight loss drugs and now with the oral format. The company won approval for Ozempic, a GLP-1 drug for type 2 diabetes, in late 2017 and launched the drug in early 2018. Doctors also have prescribed the product off-label for patients aiming to shed pounds, and that greatly expanded the revenue opportunity. The company followed up with the same peptide -- semaglutide -- commercialized specifically for weight loss as Wegovy in 2021. And just recently, regulators approved Wegovy in pill format. This portfolio continues to drive growth at Novo, with obesity care generating revenue growth of 37% to 59.9 billion Danish kroner (about $9 billion) in the first nine months of 2025. The case for Eli Lilly Eli Lilly won approval for its tirzepatide under the names Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss -- in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Like Novo, it saw sales soar as doctors initially prescribed its diabetes drug off-label for weight loss too. Lilly's drugs are dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists, meaning they act on two hormonal pathways instead of just one -- so they're slightly different from Novo's product. Lilly, too, has seen growth explode higher, and Mounjaro and Zepbound are driving revenue gains at the pharma company. In the recent quarter, for example, the two drugs together brought in about $10 billion in revenue -- and overall sales surged 54% due to volume growth in these drugs. Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Eclipse fires up Greenland rare earths test work amid geopolitical tension Brought to you by Bulls N Bears Doug Bright January 14, 2026 6:43pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Eclipse Metals has kicked off preliminary metallurgical test work on samples from its Grnnedal rare earths prospect within the companys Ivigtut project in southwest Greenland, with historic core samples now at ALS Laboratories in Perth for analysis. The timing of the studies could hardly be better, with global geopolitical tensions rising and attention sharpening on Greenlands rich endowment of critical metals, pushing projects such as Ivigtut firmly into the spotlight. Eclipse Metals diamond drill core samples from Grnnedal in Greenland being prepared for dispatch to Perth ahead of analysis and metallurgical testwork. With the companys first batch of samples now in the lab, ALS will initially test the viability of wet, high-intensity magnetic separation to pull valuable magnetic and weakly magnetic minerals from the non-magnetic waste material. That waste often consists of gangue minerals with little or no economic value. Seven composite samples have been submitted to ALS, each weighing between 1.25 and 4.5kg. The test material was prepared from shallow historic core, viewed as representative of the Grnnedal resource between the surface and 22m depth. Advertisement The composite assays already average total rare oxides (TREO) grades of between 2391 parts per million (ppm) and 7514ppm and show a remarkably consistent magnet rare earth oxide (MREO) ratio of 26 to 32 per cent of the total rare earth oxides. Initial sighter tests on two composites at about 7000 Gauss magnet field strength yielded impressive magnetic mass pulls of 78 per cent and 85.9 per cent. With detailed assays on each sample split still to come, the next step will be to track exactly where the rare earths separate out to and dial in the magnetic field settings for optimal performance. This early-stage work will then lay down the foundation data needed to fine-tune the processing flowsheet. Earlier testing showed the deposits coarse-grained bastnasite, synchysite and monazite minerals respond well to a conventional processing route, with metallurgy and metal recoveries closely resembling the proven approach used at MP Materials legendary Mountain Pass carbonatite deposit in California. Eclipses Ivigtut project hosts two distinct critical mineral systems. The Grnnedal prospect features a high-grade carbonatite rare earths system with a JORC inferred resource of 89 million tonnes at 6363ppm TREO, dominated by the lucrative magnet rare earths, neodymium and praseodymium. Advertisement The two metals are critical to the manufacture of permanent magnets used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbine generators and electronics. The minerals are also accompanied by two other critical metals, niobium and yttrium, which the company believes could be potential by-product credits. The historic Ivigtut cryolite mine site, about 4km southwest of Grnnedal, makes up the companys second prospect within its broader Ivigtut project area. While the old cryolite mine worked a polymetallic fluorine-rich system, the waste-dump assays also report a smorgasbord of metals, including elevated silver, zinc-lead-copper, gallium, lithium and rubidium responses. The dump also revealed rare-earth-related carbonatitic alteration, which Eclipse believes could offer near-term upside from reprocessing using existing infrastructure. As well as the historic samples now in Perth, core from Eclipse 2025 diamond drilling program is also inbound and expected at ALSs lab this month for analysis and further metallurgical studies. Advertisement The companys steady march towards rare earths production comes as global attention sharpens on locking in secure, allied supplies of critical minerals. Adding fuel to the fire, President Trump has repeatedly argued the US should control Greenland to secure its future supply of critical minerals. Just days ago, Australia also weighed in, flagging antimony, gallium and rare earths as top priorities under a $1.2 billion strategic reserve aimed at strengthening supply chains for defence, renewables and high-tech industries in the face of Chinas dominance. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is currently briefing US and G7+ allies in Washington on the initiative, building on recent pacts and discussions to counter vulnerabilities. These risks were recently highlighted by Chinas seizure and subsequent return of a 55-tonne shipment of Australian antimony concentrate from Alkane Resources that was destined for a US defence supplier. Advertisement The vessel was held for three months at Ningbo port and released on condition that it return to Australia. The incident exposed Chinas control of transit points and its ability to dominate the critical mineral market by exerting political leverage in response to US restrictions on Chinas semiconductor industry, even affecting non-Chinese sourced materials. With rare earths now a frontline priority in allied nations strategies to diversify away from concentrated supply risks - underscored by Australias new reserves and ongoing Washington talks - Eclipses progress would appear to position the company squarely in the frame for potential strategic partnerships and accelerated development. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Sharemarket Shares Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A Cast an eye across the headlines, and 2026 feels like a world of obfuscation and distraction. The modern world as we see it on TV suddenly looks more like the fractious and shadowy universe of espionage writer John le Carre, populated by spies like George Smiley and Jonathan Pine. Is this life imitating art? Or art imitating politics? At a time, when we are invoking Orwells famous line the Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears it was their final, most essential command, there are many questions but few easy answers. Related Article Review A decade on, this hit spy show returns more timely than ever Art has to engage with the real world, and yet the best art can exist on its own, says actor Tom Hiddleston, who plays super spy Jonathan Pine in The Night Manager. But if theres a tangible connection to the real world, I think it invites the audience to bring their own experience to it. One of the things I know le Carre cared deeply about was, if hes talking about the East and West and their capacity for invention, [that] hes coming to it from the point of view of the West, right? And I know that his work, to some extent, evolved out of a response to what was happening in the world. What fascinated him as a British writer was, what does it mean to be British? Hiddleston says. Douglas Hodge, who plays [high-ranking intelligence officer] Rex Mayhew, says in the first episode, a nations security service is the truest expression of itself. Know thyself. And the challenge is: what does this country stand for? Where is it going, and whos driving the boat? Tom Hiddleston stars as Jonathan Pine in The Night Manager. Des Willie/Prime Advertisement I can speak as a citizen of the United Kingdom that the conversation is alive and real at the moment about who are we and what do we stand for, and where do we want to go? Hiddleston adds. And I think le Carre was always interested in that question. The Night Manager, which is now in its second season, is based on le Carres 1993 novel of the same name. The first season, which drew wide acclaim when it aired in 2016, winning two Emmys and three Golden Globes. A decision on a second season felt slow, but Amazon made up for it by commissioning second and third instalments in 2024. For Hiddleston, whose Hollywood day job (my wording, not his) is playing the mischievous Norse god Loki in the billion-dollar Marvel movie franchise, The Night Manager is an infinitely more nuanced work. It is a collaboration with some of Britains best actors Hugh Laurie, who plays arms dealer Dickie Roper, and Olivia Colman, who plays agency boss Angela Burr and acclaimed director Susanne Bier, whose duties are taken over in the second season by Georgi Banks-Davies. But everything changed for Hiddleston when he got to know the man himself, and le Carres sons, Simon and Stephen Cornwell, who manage their fathers literary estate and executive produce the adaptations of his work. He confided in me. [It might be] because he was getting older, and he was less protective of his personal history. Tom Hiddleston on John le Carre Hiddleston and le Carre had met several times during the production of the first season of The Night Manager, but a more personal friendship developed in the years that followed, as they lived near each other in London. Id run into him in the park, training my young puppy, and hed be on his morning constitutional, and we would talk about current affairs and world events, Hiddleston says. I really understood that he confided in me, and I believe maybe its because he was getting older, and he was less protective of his personal history. Advertisement His process of writing was a process of self-discovery, that really these extraordinary stories were about trying to understand his own experience, Hiddleston adds. He had an extraordinarily turbulent and difficult childhood. His father was a conman and his mother left the home when he was five. John le Carre in London, one year before his death. Charlotte Hadden/The New York Times To le Carre, people were unreliable, and there was no centre to a human being, he told Hiddleston. There was no such thing as truth or conviction. The thing that mattered was the imprint of personality, and that risk was attractive. He became incredibly agile at reading people because he was so accustomed to it, Hiddleston says. The masks that people wear and the lies they tell. And his sense that the particular kind of human being that is drawn into this world, that is good at it, is a human being that is in some way broken. Immensely competent, immensely capable, highly intelligent and aware and awake, but also fragmented. Editor's pick Literature If you've never read John le Carre, here's where to start Le Carres works are grounded in that complexity, Hiddleston says. An understanding of the relationship between trust and the inevitable betrayal. Between danger and vitality. That risk itself is a human drive. And yet, he was a patriot. He cared very deeply about the United Kingdom. And also because he cared so much, he got angry with it. Perhaps the most peculiar thing about le Carre is our own perception of him. For high school students in Australia, his works have been part of the curriculum, along with the works of other writers such as Henry Lawson and even Jane Austen. But company tends to cast le Carre as a historic figure. Advertisement In truth, he lived through almost the entire 20th century and only died, at the age of 89, in December 2020. Far from being an old-world spy, le Carre was a man who went through the pandemic with us. Which makes him a somewhat modern man, given the place of his name in the classics. But it also creates an artistic dimension around his work that is both unexpected and deeply affecting. I suggest to Hiddleston that le Carre is some kind of artistic ghost, whose presence will inevitably be felt, either in the pages of his works, or indeed on the sets of their film and television adaptations. Olivia Colman as Angela Burr in season two of The Night Manager. Des Willie/Prime My sense of him in the work is of a keen searching, yearning, intelligence, a curiosity to desire and understand the world, and to understand the world as it really is, not as it is presented to us. And that takes enormous courage because you have to be able to withstand what you discover, Hiddleston says. He had this profound courage, I think, in trying to understand the world and himself, Hiddleston adds. And enormous playfulness and mischief because he understood that people are complex and contradictory, and so nobody moves in straight lines. I tried to honour that profound curiosity that feels very deep in his spirit, but also his mischief. Having met him, got to know him and to have received his profound kindness and humanity he was deeply kind to me I felt I carried him close on the set, Hiddleston says. I suppose I could feel the artistic ghost, if you like, his presence in the work. That somehow his spirit was with us, at least the legacy of it. Before the first season, I asked him, David his [real] name is David Cornwell is there anything you would like me to know at this last moment before we start? Hiddleston recalls. Advertisement Advertisement Sponsored LifestyleLife & relationshipsWesley Mission The new home care for older Australians and what families need to know Sponsored by Wesley Mission Michelle Bateman January 28, 2026 11:26am 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 Nora had been living independently in her home for almost 60 years. She enjoyed spending time in her garden, playing a weekly round of golf and was surrounded by a community of long-time friends. But in 2020, a bad fall brought her world to a halt, landing her in hospital for three months. Noras adult children, Michael and Suzi, both live interstate and were advised to get home care support. The hospital helped arrange an Aged Care Assessment, which determined mums needs and the safety modifications that would be needed at home, like installing ramps and grab rails, says Michael. Once mum was back home, we started with home care two days a week, to help with cleaning, cooking and just making sure she was safe and well. Many families only seek home care after reaching crisis point, says Scott Shipman, executive manager home care at Wesley Mission. But he recommends starting the conversation earlier than most people think. So, when is the right time to bring it up? If everyday tasks are getting a little harder, or people are starting to worry, these are early indicators that they might need support. Shipman suggests keeping initial conversations light and framing them around the kinds of support that can be provided. We all like to feel independent, and that doesnt change as you get older. Stay independent at home with compassionate care, tailored support and home modifications. iStock Advertisement What home care help looks like Home care support can take many different forms, from help with cleaning and gardening to shopping and cooking. Scott says people are often surprised to learn they may be able to access transport and massage therapy under the federal governments Support at Home program. Massage therapy either in the home or at a clinic can help alleviate muscular pain and improve mobility, while transport to doctors appointments and social outings helps people stay connected to their community. As Nora already had a weekly cleaner and a regular physiotherapist, her family used the home care package to get support with other services. For us, the package provided an add-on of services, as we already had people mum was familiar and happy with, says Michael. You dont have to change everything all at once. Home modifications, such as installing ramps, widening doorways and making shower recesses more accessible, and devices like mobility aids may also be available. Find the care thats tailored to you and your needs. iStock Advertisement Feeling safe at home Most Australians aged over 55 say they want to grow old in their current home or neighbourhood, according to 20 years of data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, published in 2021. The benefits of this are well known it supports a sense of independence, dignity and identity in old age, and helps people stay connected to familiar people and places, studies have shown. Its important to balance this with a safe and secure home environment, says Shipman, adding that home care can be vital in bridging the gap. For a family member whos looking at their elderly parents and wondering how ageing in place might work, the best thing to do is to act early, he says. As soon as theres any deterioration, start thinking about how your parents can be supported at home. At Wesley Mission, we have a long legacy of helping Australians. We dont see age as a number, we see it as a life lived and we want to get to know the person and their story, so we can design supports around them, based on that story, explains Wesley Missions Scott Shipman. iStock Advertisement Finding the right partner Getting a free Aged Care Assessment is the first step to unlocking government-funded support packages, which are coordinated by an aged-care provider. For Michael and Suzi, it was important to choose a provider that could accommodate Noras changing needs over time she now has home-care staff visit twice daily to help with a wider range of tasks. Shipman suggests getting word-of-mouth referrals and checking the My Aged Care website to ensure providers are meeting their obligations and standards under the aged care legislations. He also recommends looking for a provider that really listens and can engage with each client holistically. At Wesley Mission, that means knowing your story and building your care around that. Its not about age, its about the life youve lived and the life you now want to live. Its home care you can count on. Visit wesleymission.org.au for more information. *Costs and contribution requirements for Support at Home vary based on individual circumstances. Consider seeking independent financial advice to understand your options before deciding how to pay for your care and contributions. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Wesley Mission Advertisement NationalAUKUS Opinion AUKUS is not on the rocks, despite the UKs submarine troubles Jennifer Parker Defence and national security expert January 14, 2026 3:30pm January 14, 2026 3:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A As with 2025, early 2026 again sees AUKUS, Australias plan to acquire a nuclear-powered submarine capability, back in the headlines. This time the focus is claims by a former Royal Navy admiral and former director of nuclear policy in the UK Ministry of Defence about the parlous state of the UKs nuclear submarine industrial base. And hes right. From the availability of the UKs nuclear-powered attack boats and nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines, the more than a decade it took to build the recently commissioned HMS Agamemnon, and concerns about nuclear core production, the challenges are real. But they do not spell failure for Australias nuclear-powered submarine ambition under AUKUS, nor for the co-design and co-build of an AUKUS-class submarine. AUKUS helps address some of these challenges for the UK, which needs AUKUS to succeed. Despite the headlines, AUKUS is not on the rocks. Despite the headlines, AUKUS is not on the rocks. AP So what are the UKs challenges? In short, they are serious and largely the product of decades of underinvestment, limited focus, and a shortage of experienced personnel. The UK operates both nuclear-powered attack submarines and nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines, and the strain across this force should not be underestimated. There were credible reports in 2025 that maintenance delays and availability issues left the UK with no attack submarines at sea at points during the year. For an island nation dependent on maritime trade, and whose status as a nuclear power rests solely on its ballistic missile submarines, this is a significant problem. Advertisement These pressures are compounded by the need to replace the ageing ballistic missile submarine fleet with a new class due to enter service in the 2030s. While the UK government insists this program is on schedule, it depends on the successful production of a new nuclear reactor at the Rolls-Royce facility that Australia is now investing in for the AUKUS-class submarine. That reactor core production program has been rated red in the last three UK infrastructure assessments, meaning immediate action is required to avoid significant delay. This matters directly for AUKUS because the UK has been explicit that replacing its ballistic missile submarines is its top priority. It has no alternative means of deploying nuclear weapons. For Australia, the lesson from the UKs experience is straightforward. Complex defence capability requires sustained investment. Attempts to do it on the cheap inevitably fail. So how does this affect AUKUS? First, these issues are not new. They were understood when the optimal pathway was announced in March 2023. Some critics argue the UK is not a key AUKUS partner and should remain focused on Russia in the Euro-Atlantic rather than the Indo-Pacific. That view misunderstands why the UK is invested in AUKUS. As an island nation, the UK shares Australias dependence on the undersea domain for its security, particularly as Russian submarine activity near UK waters increases. Claims that underwater drones can replace submarines do not withstand scrutiny. This is why countries around the world are increasing investing in submarine capability. Advertisement The UK is therefore an invested partner. AUKUS will not resolve all of its submarine challenges, but it helps in two important ways. Shared design and construction of an AUKUS-class submarine with Australia reduces costs and strengthens the supply chain. Australian investment in the UK industrial base, particularly at the Rolls-Royce reactor facility, directly targets constraints in reactor core production. Related Article Exclusive AUKUS High probability of failure: Former top officials dire AUKUS warning Calls to abandon phase three and rely solely on US-built submarines overlook both the strain on the US industrial base and one of AUKUSs core purposes. Expanding nuclear submarine construction capacity among allies matters. Naval wars are wars of attrition, and the ability to build remains decisive. Since the announcement of AUKUS, Australias debate has too often assumed the sky is falling, or that the submarine is already sinking. In 2025 the focus was whether a returning President Donald Trump would support AUKUS, a question he settled directly in October. The optimal pathway is exactly that. It is a multi-decade program operating in an uncertain strategic environment with three partners, and it will not always run to plan. There may be delays to phase three because of the UK submarine industrial base, and it is important to be clear-eyed about how long the UK has taken to build submarines and the challenges it faces. It also remains essential that the UK builds the AUKUS-class submarine before Australia. If delays occur, Australia will need to adapt, including by considering the option of acquiring five rather than three Virginia-class submarines from the United States. Advertisement But amid the focus on what is not perfect, Australia consistently overlooks what has already been achieved. Australians are now undertaking nuclear-powered submarine maintenance at home. More than 170 Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors have trained in the United States, with around 70 serving aboard Virginia-class submarines. Trilateral and bilateral treaties are in place, and the initiative has endured changes of government in all three countries. AUKUS has performed remarkably well since its announcement. That does not mean there will not be problems, changes, or delays. There will be. We should approach these issues with a clear head and confidence in our ability to work through them. For the UK, the choice is simple. If it wants to remain a nuclear power in a deteriorating strategic environment, it must fix its submarine enterprise. AUKUS helps it do that. Jennifer Parker is an expert associate at the National Security College, Australian National University and non-resident fellow with the Lowy Institute. She served for more than 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics 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: AUKUS Opinion For subscribers Jennifer Parker is an expert associate at the National Security College, Australian National University and non-resident fellow with the Lowy Institute. She served for more than 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy. Advertisement NationalLiterature Ex-board member accuses Louise Adler of hypocrisy over NYT writer Stephen Brook January 14, 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 A former Adelaide Festival board member has accused outgoing Adelaide Writers Week director Louise Adler of threatening to resign from her role in 2024 unless the board cancelled an invitation to a Jewish New York Times journalist. Tony Berg, who resigned from the Adelaide Festival board last year and has been critical of Adler, says she is guilty of hypocrisy as she stridently opposed free speech when she threatened to quit unless writer Thomas Friedmans invitation to the festival was rescinded. Outgoing Adelaide Writers Week director Louise Adler. Dion Georgopoulos Bergs comments in a statement to this masthead on Wednesday come after days of turmoil in South Australia, with the cancellation on Tuesday of Adelaide Writers Week, and the resignation of Adler after 180 authors quit the line-up, following the Adelaide Festival boards decision to remove Palestinian-Australian writer Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah from the literary festivals program. Last Thursday, the 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. Adelaide Festival chair Tracey Whiting resigned on Sunday. Advertisement Conservative Jewish groups previously criticised the Palestinian writer for social media posts critical of Israel. Related Article Updated Literature Vicious assault: Ousted writer threatens defamation action against South Australian premier In 2024, Louise Adler led a demand to the board to retract an invitation to Tom Friedman to participate in the 2024 Adelaide Writers Week, Berg said in a statement to this masthead on Wednesday. In the face of that threat, the board felt it had no alternative but to ... withdraw the invitation to Friedman. I understand why a number of authors have turned down invitations to come to AWW 2026 on freedom of speech grounds. But they should understand that the people, with whom they are standing, in fact, have actively undermined freedom of speech in the past. Berg, a director of advisory group Gresham and a governor on the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce, resigned from the Adelaide Festival board last October, saying he couldnt sit on a board that employed a director of Writers Week who continued to deal with the board inappropriately and who programs writers who have a vendetta against Israel and Zionism. Advertisement Asked about Bergs allegations, Adler told this masthead: I consider discussions at the board table to be confidential and Im rather surprised that a former CEO of Macquarie Bank has breached those confidences, she said. Its indicative of the way the former board operated a rich case study for future management students. Abdel-Fattah was one of 10 people who had written to the board asking it to rescind the invite to Friedman after his controversial comments about the Middle East, including comparing the conflict to the animal kingdom, which drew widespread condemnation. Tony Berg quit the Adelaide Festival board last October. Oscar Colman However, in a response seen by this masthead, dated February 9, 2024, the festival board rejected this petition. Signed by the (now former) chair of the board, Tracey Whiting, it reads: Asking the Adelaide Festival and Adelaide Writers Week to cancel an artist or writer is an extremely serious request. We have an international reputation for supporting artistic freedom of expression. Whether the festival rescinded the invite or whether Friedman was unable to appear due to a scheduling clash is contested. On Wednesday, Berg criticised both Abdel-Fattah and Adler. Advertisement I am now utterly astonished at Louise Adlers statement in her resignation letter in support of free speech. I am likewise surprised by Randa Abdel-Fattahs invocation of free speech and her outrage at being cancelled, he said. I regard it to be utterly hypocritical of Randa Abdel-Fattah and Louise Adler to now accuse the board of repressing freedom of speech when they have both actively sought to deny it to Tom Friedman. Speaking to the Guardian on Sunday, Abdel-Fattah rejected any allegation of hypocrisy. We were concerned about the impact of Friedmans views on socially and historically marginalised people who have been dehumanised and discriminated against..., she said. In contrast, I was cancelled because my presence and identity as a Palestinian was deemed culturally insensitive and linked to the Bondi atrocity. Advertisement On Wednesday, Abdel-Fattah said she was taking legal action against the South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, accusing him of defaming her in comments he made at a news conference on Tuesday. 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 NationalNSWCrime CCTV captures midnight firebombing of Alameddine home Daniel Lo Surdo January 14, 2026 5:51pm 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 western Sydney home of a high-profile member of the Alameddine crime family has been firebombed by two hooded assailants in a late-night attack, engulfing the SUV parked out the front in flames. Dramatic CCTV footage and video posted on social media shows the Toongabbie home being targeted shortly after midnight on Wednesday by the two assailants, who pour accelerant on the vehicle and are heard shouting coconut cartel on top as they flee the fiery scene. The car on the property belonging to the Alameddines erupted in flames shortly after midnight. The Fitzwilliam Road home belongs to Bilal Alameddine, a member of the notorious crime family, a police source with knowledge of the investigation told the Herald. As a teen in 2015, he attempted to leave Australia to join Islamic State terrorists before being detained at Sydney Airport. Following an unrelated investigation two years later he was convicted and jailed for supplying guns and cocaine. Advertisement Its unclear if the 27-year-old was in the house when the attack occurred, though at least one of his family members lives at the address. No injuries were reported, and the arsonists remain at large. Video captured by one of the attackers and shared by SCN Worldstar, an independent media channel focused on the citys underworld, features the other man splashing an accelerant over the car and home. Loading Attached is a message for Alameddine: Stop hiding u [sic] weak c--- behind a phone and come meet with the gorillas. P.s. coconut cartel. A crime scene has been established and police are investigating. Advertisement Neighbour Appakutti Visvalingam sprung into action as the fire erupted, grabbing his garden hose before being forced to flee through the back door of his property as the flames took hold. It was so huge, so huge, Visvalingam told Nine News. So through that fight only, we tried to put out that fire. An SUV and home were damaged in the Toongabbie firebombing. Nine News Neighbour Appakutti Visvalingam tried to put out the fire with his garden hose. Nine News Alameddine was arrested at Sydney Airport on July 7, 2015 moments before his flight for Dubai was due to take off after his parents attended Wentworthville Police Station to report serious concerns about their sons intention to join Islamic State. Advertisement Police believed Alameddine was planning to fly to Jordan after arriving in the Middle East, and would then cross into Syria to be a combatant for the caliphate. In 2017, he was arrested for supplying guns and cocaine, and subsequently pleaded guilty. He was released from jail in 2022. Police claimed to have dismantled the Alameddine gang in 2024, following a string of major operations targeting people involved in the network. Bilal Alameddine was jailed for gun and drug supply offences. Alleged kingpin of the crime network, Rafat Alameddine, fled for Lebanon in November 2022, sparking a leadership vacuum and a fight for control of the gang that has resulted in alleged new kingpin Ali Elmoubayed being targeted. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Even more odd meetings. Jim Pollitt of Wahroonga says, Last year, I met, by arrangement in Martin Place, a friend visiting from England who I hadnt seen for over fifty years. She had not been to Australia since then. While we were chatting a young woman approached and said to my friend Are you Lauras mother? Indeed, she was, the young woman had recognised her from a photograph she had seen of Laura with mother when visiting the UK some time before. Albert Lim of Marsfield adds, At a small lakeside hamlet (population about 1000) on the shores of Lake Como, northern Italy, I went for lunch at a deserted roadside cafe. The waiter spoke rather good English and I enquired, as this was not a thriving tourist city. For the last six Italian winters he had worked as a waiter in an Italian restaurant in Gladesville, Sydney. My office was literally a few doors away on the same street in Gladesville, but I had never met him there. He gave me a small present for the Sydney owner as he would no longer be coming over after his upcoming wedding. The restaurant owner was full of praise for the popular gentleman as he took every opportunity he had to speak in English to the diners. Then, from Carol Bailey of Point Frederick, Driving home I stopped to talk to a friend nearby. Next minute his wife appears and hands me her phone saying my daughter Sue in Sydney needs to speak to me. I had unknowingly left my mobile at an op shop. They had rung Sue as the emergency number on the phone, and Sue had contacted my friend. Also, Janet Griffin of Willoughby, who says, Many years ago I was climbing down the steps inside the great pyramid in Cairo when I met my neighbour climbing back up. We hadnt known each other was overseas. Still, not every chance meeting is quite so welcome. Liza Rybak of Bellevue Hill relates, In 1978, I participated in a high school exchange to the former USSR. While visiting an ancient mosque in Samarkand I heard a voice call, Open up wide! It was my dentist, Dr Rogozynski. A few years later I was on a hot date at the Melbourne film festival trying to act arty and cool. That distinctive voice again: Keep flossing, Liza! Yes, it was my eccentric Polish dentist. Advertisement NationalNSWPublic transport Large Manly ferry and last of RiverCats to be turned into scrap metal Matt O'Sullivan January 14, 2026 11:30am 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 One of Sydneys large Manly ferries will be turned into scrap metal despite maritime enthusiasts insisting it is in good nick, meeting the same fate as the RiverCat named after Australian swimming legend Dawn Fraser. NSWs transport agency has quietly put out a tender to scrap the Collaroy the youngest of the four large Manly ferries arguing it is the only viable method of disposal after it reached the end of its economic life as a passenger vessel. Scuttling the Collaroy at sea for use as a dive wreck was considered, but Transport for NSW ruled it out due to significant environmental and technical risks, and the cost involved which would have run into the millions of dollars. The Collaroy, right, tied up beside the Freshwater at Cockatoo Island on Tuesday. Sam Mooy The double-ended Collaroy has been tied up at Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour since it was retired from service on the Manly-Circular Quay route in September 2023. The government had deemed it prohibitively expensive due to its one-of-a-kind build. Advertisement In what will mark the end of an era, the Dawn Fraser the last of seven RiverCat ferries is also due to be permanently retired from passenger service in late February after plying the Parramatta River for more than three decades. The swimming champion the vessel is named after, and family members, are set to be involved in a ceremony marking the ferrys retirement before it is towed to the coastal town of Yamba in northern NSW where it will be pulled apart. RiverCat ferries plied the Parramatta River since the early 1990s. Nick Moir Like the three other Freshwater-class ferries, the Collaroy had been synonymous with the Manly-Circular Quay route Sydneys busiest since it entered service in 1988. The Freshwater-class ferries each carry more than 1000 passengers, compared with the three newer Emerald-class vessels used on the Manly route which have capacity for about 400 people. Action for Transport ferry expert Graeme Taylor said the Collaroy remained in excellent condition and should be retained in the government-owned fleet to plug a growing gap in demand for services between Circular Quay and Manly. Advertisement The governments thinking is really short-sighted in this instance. Its in good nick its a perfectly good ferry. This is a large ferry purpose-designed for the Manly route, and it still has many decades of working life ahead, he said. Related Article Public transport Like a Kinder Surprise: Manly ferry dishes up the unexpected The smaller generation-two Emeralds are way too small for the Manly run. As demand for the services increases, the shortfall in capacity associated with the Emeralds will only become more acute. However, Transport for NSW said two other Freshwater-class vessels and the Emerald-class fleet provided sufficient capacity on the Manly route. As has been the case since September 2023 when the Collaroy left service, the Manly-Circular Quay route will not be impacted, it said. The agency said it had decided to scrap the Collaroy because there had been insufficient viable interest in repurposing the ferry despite an extended campaign to test the market. Advertisement The tender for the Collaroys scrapping closes on March 16, and Transport for NSW expects to decide on the successful bidder by the end of May. The government is spending $71 million on refurbishing the three remaining Freshwater-class ferries, including the cost of dry docking and extending the vessels service life. Related Article Exclusive Sydney Metro How cost of Sydneys main metro station skyrocketed beyond secret forecasts The Narrabeen returned to service last October after major repairs in a dry dock at Sydneys Garden Island, while the Freshwater is due for a dry docking by the middle of the year. Their sister vessel, the Queenscliff, returned to service in late 2023 after two new 2-metre propellers were installed. In late 2024, the government unveiled plans to electrify the states 40-strong ferry fleet over the coming decade in a major shake-up that could result in the last three large Manly ferries retiring by 2030 as they are replaced with Freshwater-like vessels. Advertisement Seven new vessels built in Hobart are replacing the RiverCats on the F3 Parramatta River route. The $48 million cost of the new ferries includes the bill for scrapping the decades-old RiverCats. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. UK oilfield services provider EnerMech has won a contract from Saipem for subsea pre-commissioning services at to the Whiptail oilfield development offshore Guyana. The project is located around 200 miles offshore in the Stabroek Block, operated by ExxonMobil Guyana. The contract marks EnerMechs first involvement with the Whiptail field and its fifth pre-commissioning project in the offshore Guyana region. EnerMechs scope of work under the new contract includes flooding, cleaning and hydro-testing of subsea risers and flowlines. Additionally, it will be responsible for umbilical post-load out, transit and lay monitoring from an offshore construction vessel, as well as dynamic umbilical lay monitoring and post-installation testing from the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit. Saipem was awarded a contract by ExxonMobil Guyana in late 2023 to deliver design, fabrication and installation of subsea structures, risers, flowlines and umbilicals for the subsea production facility at the Whiptail project. EnerMech CEO Charles Davison, Jr said: This latest award for our Energy Solutions team is another important milestone in our Guyana growth story. It underscores the trust that leading offshore contractors like Saipem continue to place in our people, technology and track record. Whiptail, the sixth development on the Stabroek block, is expected to add around 250,000 barrels of daily capacity by the end of 2027. A final investment decision to go ahead with this multi-billion-dollar project was taken by ExxonMobil in April 2024. Amid increasing demand for offshore energy services in Guyana, EnerMech is initiating plans to set up a new facility in Georgetown and is undertaking a phased equipment acquisition strategy. This includes procuring remote flooding units and subsea test pumps to facilitate quicker equipment mobilisation for future projects. EnerMech had contributed to launching Guyana's oil and gas industry by providing pre-commissioning services for ExxonMobils Liza Destiny FPSO, Guyana's maiden production facility. The company has been involved in all stages of development for various projects including Payara, Yellowtail, Whiptail, and Gas-to-Energy ventures. Last month, EnerMech won a contract from Bechtel to perform pre-commissioning tasks at the Pluto Train 2 development near Karratha in Western Australia. "EnerMech wins subsea pre-commissioning contract for Whiptail project" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Advertisement Updated NationalLiterature Vicious assault: Ousted writer threatens defamation action against South Australian premier Kerrie O'Brien and Calum Jaspan Updated January 14, 2026 5:36pm ,first published 12:05pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The Palestinian-Australian writer removed from Adelaide Writers Week by the Adelaide Festival board says she is taking legal action against the South Australian premier, accusing him of defaming her by suggesting she was an extremist terrorist sympathiser. Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah said on Wednesday that her lawyers had sent a concerns notice to Peter Malinauskas over comments he made at a news conference on Tuesday. Academic and writer Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah. Her legal action comes after a dramatic few days in South Australia, with the cancellation on Tuesday of Adelaide Writers Week, and the resignation of its director Louise Adler, after 180 authors quit the line-up following a decision by members of the Adelaide Festival board to remove the academic from the literary festivals program. Adler told this masthead on Wednesday she couldnt understand why the premier had backflipped when in the past he has supported the right of writers week to program whomever it chose. Advertisement She recalled that Malinauskas had found Palestinian-American writer Susan Abulhawas social media commentary to be offensive in 2023 after she had been critical of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Of course, he is perfectly entitled to that view, indeed in this democratic country he can even choose not to attend her event, Adler said. His problem is that in front of 1200 people in the Adelaide Town Hall, he declared that if politicians were to take on the role of arts curators we might as well be living in Putins Russia. He could have adopted exactly the same response to Randa Abdel-Fattahs appearance. The Adelaide Festival board announced last week 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. Conservative Jewish groups previously criticised the Palestinian writer for social media posts critical of Israel. In a post on Instagram on Wednesday, Abdel-Fattah wrote that Malinauskas comments suggested I am an extremist terrorist sympathiser and directly linked me to the Bondi atrocity. This was a vicious assault on me. Advertisement For the past week since I was cancelled by the Adelaide Festival board, the South Premier Peter Malinauskas has made many public statements about me and my character, she wrote on Instagram. We have never met and he has never attempted to contact me. He knows nothing about me, beyond what he has been told by the Murdoch press and the pro-Israel lobby, which he has apparently accepted without question. On Tuesday, Malinauskas was asked during a press conference whether there was any political interference in the festival boards decision to remove Abdel-Fattah from Adelaide Writers Week. Can you imagine if a far-right Zionist walked into a Sydney mosque and murdered 15 people? the premier told reporters. Can you imagine that as premier of this state, I would actively support a far-right Zionist going to writers week and speaking hateful rhetoric towards Islamic people? Of course I wouldnt. Advertisement South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas speaking on Wednesday. Nine News The reverse is happening in this instance, and Im not going to support that either, and thats a reasonable position for me to have. Speaking in response to questions about the defamation notice which at that stage he had not seen on Wednesday, Malinauskas said all of my remarks and actions have been founded by a desire for compassion and in the pursuit of decency. Asked if he owed Abdel-Fattah an apology, he said people will be able to judge my remarks for themselves. Michael Bradley of Marque Lawyers confirmed he had issued a concerns notice to Malinauskas, which is a statutory requirement under the Defamation Act before proceedings can commence. Advertisement Related Article Literature Adelaide Writers Week cancelled after director quits Whether Randa does commence proceedings will depend very much on how he responds, he said. I think the defamatory aspects of [the Premiers] comments yesterday are obvious to everyone. Adler described the decisions taken by the former Adelaide Festival board as an act of cultural vandalism. In their latest statement, the board say about this wasnt about identity and dissent. It was absolutely about dissent, it was precisely about identity. Its clear that silencing one Palestinian writer was more important than a festival of six days, 165 sessions, 220 plus writers, she said. Advertisement The term cultural safety is code for saying, I dont want to hear your opinion. South Australian Jewish leader Norman Schueler told Adelaides The Advertiser newspaper on Friday his community had asked that Abdel-Fattah be excluded. Over a number of festivals there have been certain presenters who have been problematic and we are extremely pleased that they have for once listened to what we have to say, he said. In other developments, the ABC received a series of letters complaining about two of its most senior journalists, Americas editor John Lyons and global affairs editor Laura Tingle, who were two of the 180 writers to have withdrawn. The letters, which were written to formats and circulated among pro-Israel chat groups, were addressed to various ABC figures including board members, managing director Hugh Marks and news boss Justin Stevens, alleged Lyons and Tingles withdrawals raised questions about the ABCs commitment to impartiality and its editorial standards. The existence of the letters was first reported by Deepcut. The ABC is not expected to take action against its journalists, considering both Lyons and Tingle were both appearing in personal capacities, as was 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson, who also withdrew from the line-up. There is no evidence indicating any of the journalists decisions to withdraw would have breached the ABCs codes of conduct regardless, according to ABC sources not authorised to comment on the record. Advertisement Lyons was due to speak about his new book on the Ukraine war, A Bunker in Kyiv. He has previously criticised the Israel lobbys influence on Australian politics and society in his book Balcony Over Jerusalem. The ABC did not provide a comment. 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 Updated NationalQueenslandBrisbane Federal governments major call on Victoria Park heritage protection Dominique Tassell Updated January 14, 2026 4:26pm ,first published 2:04pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A bid to stop construction on Brisbanes Olympic stadium site in Victoria Park on Indigenous heritage grounds has been rejected by federal Environment Minister Murray Watt. Five applications for the site have been made under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984, requesting the federal governments assistance in protecting a significant Aboriginal heritage area that is under threat of injury or desecration. An artists impression of Brisbane Stadium. Queensland government One of the applications was withdrawn. Watt revealed on Wednesday afternoon he had rejected one of the applications, which centred on drilling and drilling-related infrastructure within the proposed Olympic stadium and National Aquatic Centre site. Advertisement Environment Minister Murray Watt has rejected an application to declare the Brisbane 2032 stadium site in Victoria Park a significant Aboriginal heritage area under threat of injury or desecration. Alex Ellinghausen In accordance with federal cultural heritage law, I have decided not to make a declaration under section 9 of the act, the Queensland-based minister said. However, I have instructed my department to appoint an independent facilitator to work with the relevant parties. The independent facilitator would support pragmatic options that protected cultural heritage, Watt said. The purpose of the dedicated facilitator will be to avoid harm to cultural heritage, and inform any future decisions relating to the specified areas. Advertisement This decision follows consultation with interested parties and acknowledges the area is of particular significance to the Turrbal and Jagera people in accordance with their traditions. Watts department was still assessing three applications to make declarations under the heritage protection act. Acting Queensland State Development Minister Ros Bates welcomed the decision. New planning legislation introduced last year incorporates engagement and consultation as part of a comprehensive cultural heritage management plan, she said. These laws are working well and enable GIICA to progress the Brisbane Stadium and the wider delivery plan on time and on budget, with appropriate safeguards in place. Advertisement Related Article Brisbane 2032 Olympics Stadium spells I dont for Victoria Park couples, but Bleijie says they had plenty of warning The Save Victoria Park community group insisted their fight was by no means the end of the road, with spokeswoman Rosemary OHagan pointing out the parks heritage listing for both First Nations and early European history. The Crisafulli government knew this history when deciding to build stadiums in the park. They chose to ignore it, she said. New Olympic state laws introduced by the LNP last year curtailed the rights of First Nations communities in Queensland. The laws truncated consultation timeframes, and removed rights under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act to seek stop work orders or injunctions to protect cultural heritage impacted by Olympic projects. Save Victoria Park stands firmly with our First Nations partners in their resolve to protect what is one of our citys most important indigenous cultural sites. Advertisement The design of the centrepiece stadium for Brisbane 2032 was revealed earlier in January. OHagan said the renders latest tranche of greenwashed computer imagery was not real. Whats real are the ancient trees, rolling hills and native wildlife the government intends to obliterate for what could become one of historys most environmentally disastrous Olympic Games, she said. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie described the Save Victoria Park group as loopy. The Save Victoria Park group are just a bunch of NIMBYs that dont want anything to happen, he said. Advertisement Advertisement NationalQueenslandCourts Man freed by High Court handed jail for visa breaches Rex Martinich January 14, 2026 4:54pm 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 previously freed from indefinite immigration detention by a landmark High Court ruling has been jailed for dozens of breaches of his visa conditions. Walter Bongomin, 37, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in Brisbane District Court to one count of an offence relating to monitoring conditions of certain bridging visas. The charge related to 24 occasions when Bongomin failed to comply with his requirement to report daily to immigration authorities by phone. Walter Bongomin is seen leaving the Brisbane District Court in Brisbane. AAPIMAGE The offending led to Bongomin, who was born in Uganda, to be arrested and taken into custody in January 2025. Advertisement Bongomins time in custody was equal to having served nearly all of the mandatory 12-month minimum sentence, his defence barrister said. The mandatory sentencing guidelines allow offenders to serve some of their minimum sentence in the community rather than in custody. He plans to obtain work when he is released. He has a forklift ticket, a white card (construction site safety course) and certificates in logistics, Bongomins barrister said. Bongomin sat in the dock wearing a bright pink T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants, with his partner in court to support him. Judge Ken Barlow heard Bongomin had a long criminal record in Queensland and other states. Advertisement You have a history involving unlawful use of motor vehicle, serious assaults on police officers, and quite a number of assaults in 2023 ... Its not surprising your visa was cancelled on character grounds, Judge Barlow said. Bongomin was released from immigration detention following the November 2023 High Court ruling in NZYQ v Minister for Immigration that found indefinite detention was unlawful. Bongomins breach of visa monitoring was more serious than other cases and would have seen him sentenced to 14 months imprisonment or more if he had not pleaded guilty, Judge Barlow said. It doesnt mean you cant demonstrate to the community during your stay in Australia that you can reform yourself, be of good character and contribute properly to the community in Australia which you are fortunate to be a part of, Judge Barlow said. Bongomin was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment to be released immediately after already serving 351 days. Advertisement He was placed on a $1000 good behaviour bond for 12 months. AAP 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 NationalQueenslandCourts One-month ban for teacher accused of inappropriate conduct Catherine Strohfeldt January 14, 2026 4:33pm 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 Queensland teacher accused of attempting to kiss a student on the lips can now attempt to return to the classroom after being banned from reapplying for his teaching licence for one month, according to a civil tribunal ruling. The Queensland College of Teachers suspended the mans registration in 2021, 14 months after a student made a complaint to the school, and launched a year-long investigation into the teacher. It said it found 31 separate instances that amounted to inappropriate conduct. A male teacher can now reapply for his license after having it stripped for misconduct with female year 11 and 12 students. Eamon Gallagher These instances of misconduct seven of which the teacher admitted crossed professional boundaries began from 2018 after he had been the cohorts year level co-ordinator for two years. Advertisement The QCT said the misconduct continued with several students until 2020, after the cohort had graduated. It said one student reported that on her last day of school while the two were alone in his office, the teacher had hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. She said he then attempted to kiss her on the lips. In another instance in October 2018, he placed his hand on a students leg twice during a bus ride. The QCT said the teacher had also messaged students, telling them he loved them, discussing his marriage, and offering to ferry students to and from parties, their homes, and other locations. Advertisement In one text message sent to one of the students and submitted before the tribunal, the respondent said he should have known better. Related Article Updated Child safety Blue Cards in spotlight after horrendous breach of trust in childcare rapist case I guess I can only hope and ask that if you are able to ensure that its [sic] kept between us, as it may result in me losing my job and any chance of any other work forever, he wrote to the student. Although no lines were crossed it was still not right and once again I am so sorry, I feel sick that its made you feel like this. The QCT said the teacher had spent time before school and during lunch breaks with students without a valid teaching reason. Advertisement After the students had graduated, he invited individual students back to his residence four times, documented between December 2019 and February 2020. Two of those times, the QCT said, would have resulted in him being home alone with the former student, and in one instance he allegedly supplied a 17-year-old former student with alcohol for a house party and later invited them to spend the night. It said one former student who had been involved in some of the instances had been frightened to drop-off and pick-up her siblings from school in case she ran into the man. The QCT stopped the teacher from renewing his licence in 2022, and the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal presiding member Dominic Henley Katter upheld the decision. There is no evidence that the respondent has demonstrated remorse for his actions, taken any steps to correct his behaviour or participated in any remedial programs, Katter said. Advertisement In his ruling, made in November, Katter banned the teacher from reapplying for one month. Future reapplications would requite standard background checks, which include a police and criminal history check, Blue Card check, and the details of any QTC disciplinary action or refusal of registration. Katter also ruled the teacher would need to obtain a psychological evaluation that showed development in maintaining professional boundaries, in particular with children and young people. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. 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. A warrant for a Queensland man has been issued over the alleged murder of his carer at a home in Buccan, south of Brisbane, earlier this week. Brisbane artist Velvet Pesu, 46, was found dead at Wael Abdallah Saleem Alfars home on Waterford Tamborine Road in Buccan, Logan, about 2.30am on Monday. Her family reported her missing about 1am on Monday after she had not been seen since about 7pm on Saturday. Performance artist Velvet Pesu appeared at and designed costumes for festivals in Queenslands south-east. Facebook/Velvet Pesu Alfar, 36, was not at the property when police found Pesus body. Advertisement Exclusive NationalVictoriaOrganised crime An untouchable kingpin is behind bars in Iraq. But his run may not be over Chris Vedelago and Marta Pascual Juanola January 14, 2026 4:17pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Not long after Kazem Hamad arrived in Iraq in 2023 and took control of his transnational crime empire, he was pulled over by an Iraqi police officer in a traffic stop. A search turned up a handgun tucked into a seat and a grenade in a cupholder. But the gangland boss did not spend a single minute in jail. A phone call was enough to have him released with an apology from police. Kazem Kaz Hamad in 2015. This story has been circulating in the underworld for more than a year, told in part out of astonishment and in part as a warning about just how powerful the 41-year-old had become. In Australia, Hamads crew were busy waging a relentless turf war for control of Australias multibillion-dollar illicit tobacco trade, a battle involving dozens of firebombings and the gunning down of business and personal rivals. Advertisement In Iraq, Hamad had been living in a fortified compound for the uber-wealthy in a suburb of Baghdad, protected by guards and running his empire through encryption technology and a network of more than 100 loyal soldiers and lieutenants in Australia. Less than two years after he was released from prison and deported to his native Iraq, Hamad was seemingly untouchable pulling strings, but well out of reach of Australian authorities. That all changed, perhaps forever, on Tuesday, when Iraqi authorities did what almost no one expected them to ever do detain a man who has been branded one of the most dangerous wanted men in the world. Iraqs National Centre for International Judicial Co-operation announced that Hamad accused of shootings, murders, kidnappings, violent assaults, extortion, and drug imports, had been arrested in response to an official request from Australia. Unreal. Its just unreal, one underworld source said. Advertisement The arrest was a dramatic shift, reversal even, from Australias long-standing policy of refusing to assist foreign governments in cases where intelligence or charges could lead to the death penalty for an accused. Related Article Updated Crime Kazem Hamad arrested in Iraq, declared one of the most dangerous wanted men in the world Yet for more than a year, state and federal law enforcement authorities had been pushing the Attorney-Generals Department to act against Hamad, who had only been going from strength-to-strength in Melbournes underworld from his base in Iraq. The Attorney-Generals Department declined to comment when contacted by this masthead. As a matter of longstanding policy, the Australian government does not disclose whether it has made or received an extradition request to or from another country or comment on the details of its consideration of particular cases, a spokesperson said. Advertisement But police and underworld sources, who cannot be identified publicly, said it was Hamads alleged involvement in ordering the firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne in December 2024 on behalf of the Iranian government that compelled federal authorities to act. Two months later, Hamad would also be implicated in the death of a woman who had nothing to do with him or his activities. Katie Tangey, 27, and a family dog were killed at a Melbourne home in January 2025 when it was firebombed in a case of mistaken identity. One of Hamads rivals was allegedly the target of the attack. Law enforcement sources say Hamad tops the list of Australian priority organisation targets, a designation used by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission for the most significant organised crime groups in the country. In October, he was also publicly declared a national security threat by Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett over his involvement in the illicit tobacco industry, links to serious violence and suspected involvement in the terror attack on the Australian Jewish community at the Adass Israel synagogue. Advertisement Hamad and at least five other associates were known to be the subjects of Interpol notices seeking information about their activities and arrest. On Wednesday, Barrett said the AFP had supercharged its efforts to stop Hamad by deploying officers overseas to gather intelligence, and working with law enforcement in Iraq. Iraqi officials have made an independent decision to arrest this alleged offender after launching their own criminal investigation, she said. Victoria Police, which formed the Lunar taskforce in October 2023 to contend with Hamads violent rise, said it welcomes the news of the arrest. Advertisement We will continue to work with the AFP and our international law enforcement partners to assist as required. Victoria Police is determined to drive down organised crime in this state and the havoc it wreaks on innocent members of the community, Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said. The rank-and-file was less reserved. That [the arrest] is huge, a veteran organised crime detective said. A succession plan But sources also say it would be a mistake to regard Hamad as a spent force. Despite his arrest, he has deep and influential contacts inside the Iraqi security services, including a relative who holds a senior position in the military. Related Article Exclusive Organised crime Hes one of Australias most wanted criminals. This is why hes untouchable Advertisement Hamad can also draw on wealth that is calculated to be in the hundreds of millions, if not more, thanks to his creation of a cartel that dominates the multibillion-dollar illicit cigarette market in Australia. Sources say he had a back-up plan in the event he was ever arrested or killed. This allegedly involves his cousin and second-in-command, Ahmed Al Hamza, taking control of the syndicate in his absence. The plan involved basing Hamad in Iraq and Al Hamza in Iran, making it difficult, if not impossible, for authorities to take out the top command structure of the gang. Al Hamzas current whereabouts in the Middle East are unknown. Rumours suggest he could have relocated to Qatar or Kuwait. Police intelligence obtained by The Age shows Al Hamza was critical to establishing the street power of Hamads gang known as the 313s or Kazs Boys while he was still serving an eight-year sentence for drug trafficking from 2015 to 2023. This included all but wiping out a rival gang in Melbournes northern suburbs, as well as other enemies, in a violent spree involving more than a dozen shootings and other attacks in 2022. Advertisement Al Hamza was also allegedly heavily involved in running the gangs drug trafficking network. This included shipments of more than one tonne of cocaine and methamphetamine that were seized by law enforcement in 2022, allegedly sparking Al Hamzas flight from Australia before he could be charged. The 27-year-old spent the next year laying the groundwork for Hamads 2023 release from prison and helping to launch the tobacco war. Hamad also has a network of lieutenants and soldiers, many of whom are drawn from family and a common Iraqi background, who have remained staunchly loyal. He will demand and expect that loyalty to continue. No Hamad associate has ever been known to have turned on the boss, even when facing steep jail time. He also has shown himself to be able to manipulate events from inside prison. While serving his drug trafficking sentence, Hamad forged alliances and business deals with other jailed gang leaders that allowed him to rocket to the top of the gangland upon his release. Advertisement There is also a big question mark over whether Hamad will remain detained in Iraq given the system is known for rampant corruption. Surely, he can pay his way out, one veteran detective said. Out of the 180 countries listed on Transparency Internationals Corruption Perception Index, Iraq is ranked at 140. For now at least, Melbournes underworld is alive with somewhat premature speculation that Hamads reign as the new gangland kingpin is over. Everyone deserted him. Hes finished, one source said, adding that Hamads businesses would crash and burn once news of his arrest got out. Advertisement How deserved or long-lasting this sense of triumphalism among his rivals and enemies is remains to be seen. Others warn that its a foolish gamble to dismiss someone who was able to upend the order of the underworld in less than two years and is well on his way to becoming a billionaire. Uncharted waters Commonwealth authorities have, in the past, refused to put up cases or supply intelligence to foreign governments that could lead to charges against Australians or other nationals where the death penalty is in play. This is particularly the case when drugs and drug-trafficking are involved. But the statement issued by Iraqs National Centre for International Judicial Co-operation clearly puts drugs at the centre of the move against Hamad. Advertisement The accused individual was arrested in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, after obtaining the necessary approvals from the Supreme Judicial Council to conduct investigations against him, the statement, which has been translated from Arabic, reads. The proceedings were initiated by the First Karkh Investigation Court, which specialises in drug cases. The statement also refers to Hamad as one of the most dangerous, wanted men in the world, and accuses him of being responsible for importing large quantities of drugs into Iraq and Australia, as well as smuggling heroin. Drug trafficking is punishable by death or life imprisonment in Iraq, meaning Hamads life could be on the line if he is to be prosecuted in the country. Australia does not have an extradition agreement with Iraq, and co-operation between the two nations is close to non-existent. Dr Gideon Boas, a barrister and adjunct professor of law at La Trobe University, said it was likely Australia and Iraq were relying upon a 1930s extradition treaty between Iraq and the United Kingdom which has been incorporated into Australian law. Advertisement Boas said it was up to Iraqi authorities to decide whether they would prosecute Hamad for any crimes alleged to have been committed in Iraq before any extradition to Australia. Authorities in Baghdad can also decide to extradite him directly, a move that would shield Hamad from a potential death sentence in Iraq. Donald Rothwell, a professor of international law at the Australian National University, said Australia could also rely on more modern multilateral treaties dealing with transnational organised crime and drug trafficking signed by both nations. Rothwell said the statement released by Iraqi authorities announcing Hamads arrest was promising, but it was too soon to know how a potential extradition would play out. He said Australian authorities were moving in uncharted waters, and would probably be very cautious about their next steps. Advertisement It is not the first time Australian authorities have interceded with a foreign government in an attempt to frustrate Hamad. In mid-2023, after he was deported from Australia to Iraq, he almost immediately moved to Dubai, where Al Hamza had set up their original base of operations in the region. In those first few months of freedom, Hamad would be linked by law enforcement and the underworld to a string of brazen attacks, including the murder of Mohammed Afghan Ali Keshtiar and a plot to desecrate the grave of Meshilin Marrogi, who was the sister and lieutenant of his long-time enemy George Marrogi. Lobbying from Australian law enforcement resulted in Hamad being deported from the UAE after just three months, leading to his return to Iraq, where he has been since seemingly invulnerable. 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 Premier Jacinta Allan has called for calm as the states Country Fire Authority (CFA) chief said his volunteers were hurting after the number of homes torched in the weekends fires continues to climb. The premier was forced to defend the states bushfire preparedness on Wednesday, arguing long grass by the Hume Freeway would have made little difference during last Fridays catastrophic conditions after The Age revealed vegetation on the roadside near the Longwood blaze was longer than CFA guidelines recommend. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and PM Anthony Albanese tour the fire-ravaged town of Harcourt in Victoria on Sunday. David Crosling Allan said that, as someone affected by the Harcourt fire, she well knew how much fire preparedness had been carried out across the state. I think its important to reflect on that and ensure that we are not causing additional alarm or concern to communities, she said. Advertisement Related Article Updated Bushfires Fires destroy 500 structures, premier heckled over CFA funding CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said destruction is almost certain and lives are likely to be lost if a fire takes hold on a catastrophic day. You could mow your lawn quite short, and under those conditions the dryness, the winds the fire would still cross it. And thats what in fact we did see, Heffernan said. He said he had raised the issue of prolific grass growth with state and local authorities in November after heavy rains, and that further slashing was done as a result. Grass was drying out faster than normal because of the heat, he said. So again, that elevates those risks. Advertisement Asked whether more could have been done to be prepared, Heffernan said fires under those conditions were not stoppable unless they are suppressed at the very early stages. We had over 200 fires out of those, 12 became major fires. So there were successes, Heffernan said, warning there were many weeks left of the fire season that typically peaks in February. Im speaking to our volunteers on a daily basis. Theyre hurting, he said. Theyre hurting. Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch on Wednesday said 228 homes across Victoria had been destroyed in total and another 15 were damaged. He warned affected communities they may notice an increase in smoke in the coming days, but said this was due to controlled burns to bring fires under control. Advertisement Nationals leader Danny OBrien, also the opposition spokesman for emergency services and roads, on Wednesday said vegetation had not been adequately managed. Im not saying for a moment that the government has caused this, OBrien said. But [the] government could be doing more, and we know that there needs to be more slashing, more management of our roads. Were not seeing it. Allan, speaking from Castlemaine, insisted she was speaking with communities after being heckled at a press conference in Alexandra on Tuesday by a woman who claimed the CFA was underfunded, and then leaving through the back door. Shame on you, shame on your government for what youve done, the woman said, according to Nine News. Advertisement Allan on Wednesday said she was listening. I accept that there are communities that have been impacted and are grieving and are traumatised, and I will continue to provide support. Ill continue to listen to those communities, she said. The Hume Freeway near Longwood on Sunday. Grant McArthur I met with residents of the local community in Alexandra, community members who I had the opportunity to thank for the way they supported their community, and Ill continue to do that. The premier also announced further support packages for those affected by the fires. Advertisement Residents who have been without power for more than seven days will be able to access a priority power-outage program, which will provide $2380 per week, for up to three weeks. Primary producers will also be eligible for up to $75,000 in grants to help them clean up after the fires. Related Video Video icon 3:03 Victorian premier heckled by locals in bushfire zone This is prime agricultural land, and our primary producers have been badly affected, which is why we are also providing funding for an initial, and I again emphasise, the initial allocation of $40 million means that if we need to provide more funding, we will for primary-producer recovery grants, Allan said. The next part of the package is about providing concessional loans of up to $250,000 for primary producers, again, recognising that theres a lot of asset here thats being damaged, and theres that longer-term support. These concessional loans are about providing that longer-term support. Advertisement Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain announced support for sole traders in the form of up to 13 weeks income, eligible for traders across 18 local government regions and one alpine resort region. Related Article Exclusive Victoria bushfires Thats hazardous, without a shadow of a doubt: Long grass beside the Hume Freeway before Longwood fire That is payment that we made through Services Australia. And you can go on to the Services Australia website to understand eligibility, McBain said. Wiebusch said he hoped that thunderstorm activity forecast for Wednesday afternoon would bring rain to the fire grounds. The Natimuk fire was brought under control overnight. That said, we still have 10 watch and act, and 19 advice messages that are in the landscape, so that is a reduced number of warnings from yesterday. But I cant appeal enough again if youre living in and around some of those fires that are still active, please, please stay tuned to those emergency warnings for the latest information, and theyll also have information on updates around road closures as well. Advertisement Wiebusch advised water in the Harcourt area was not yet drinkable, but could be used for showers and toilets. Allan confirmed the Bendigo train line, which was damaged in the fires, was now back up and running. 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 NationalVictoriaCrime Tom Silvagni files appeal against rape conviction Melissa Cunningham January 14, 2026 11:16am 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 Tom Silvagni, the son of AFL great Stephen Silvagni, has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court against his rape conviction. The 23-year-old was last month found guilty of two counts of rape for a 2024 attack on a woman, in which he snuck into a bedroom at his family home before assaulting her and then trying to cover it up. A court sketch of Tom Silvagni at the Victorian County Court on December 12. Nine News Silvagni was sentenced to six years and two months behind bars and is eligible for parole after three years and three months. He denied digitally raping the woman at his Melbourne home in the early hours of January 14, 2024. Advertisement The maximum jail term for rape is 25 years, with an average of seven to 10 years. Last month, Victorian County Court Judge Gregory Lyon allowed the sentence to be broadcast live after Silvagnis identity was kept secret due to a suppression order for more than a year. Stephen and Jo Silvagni leave the County Court after sentencing of son Tom, who was found guilty of rape. Joe Armao The suppression order barring reporting of his identity had been in place since mid-2024 until it was lifted following his trial last month, with Silvagnis lawyers citing evidence about their clients mental health and his fears about the implications it could have on his famous family. The suppression order was the subject of an ongoing legal battle between media outlets and the Silvagni family. Advertisement The order was lifted following a challenge after his conviction. Related Article Updated Courts Tom Silvagni, you raped me: Victim says she will carry trauma for the rest of her life Lyon told the County Court in December that Silvagni had shown no remorse, and that his actions towards the victim were egregious and showed a lack of empathy towards her. Although your crimes rose from an opportunity you could not have envisioned ... your crimes were marked by planning, cunning and strategy in order to deceive, he said. The victim, who cannot be named due to legal restrictions, spoke of the ongoing impact of the night and said she would carry the trauma of it for the rest of her life. Advertisement As she read her victim impact statement to Victorias County Court last month, the woman described the fear and confusion she felt over the rape and said she is still haunted by it every day. Tom Silvagni, you raped me not once but twice. You know this, I know this, and now so does everyone else, she said in her statement. Tom Silvagni (left) arrives at the County Court of Victoria in November. AAP You were my friend, somebody I thought I could trust. People think the worst part of this was the night you hurt me, but its having to live with the aftermath every day since. Advertisement Related Article Updated Courts Cunning and deceptive: Tom Silvagni jailed for six years for rape Do you know how scary it is to have a big strong man hold hands behind your back so you cant escape his grip? Tom is the youngest son of Carlton great Stephen Silvagni and wife Jo, a former television host, and the grandson of Blues Hall of Famer Sergio. His father previously vowed to clear his sons name outside court. Jo and I, together with our family members and friends, are so disappointed with the outcome, he said, standing alongside Jo, outside court following a pre-sentence hearing for his son in December. Advertisement We all love and support our son, Tom. Our son continues to maintain his innocence and we stand firmly behind him. We will be considering our options to appeal and shall not be making any further comments on this case. Our goal is to clear his name and bring him home. We ask for our privacy and to be respectful. Prosecutors told the court Silvagni had lied about being the womans boyfriend during the rape and later tried to cover it up by doctoring an Uber receipt to create doubts that he was the perpetrator. The Supreme Court confirmed the appeal though a hearing date was yet to be listed for the matter. Advertisement Support is available from the National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) and Victims of Crime Helpline (1800 819 817). 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 NationalWALiterature Schools, bookstores pull Craig Silveys back catalogue after child exploitation charges Heather McNeill and Bronte Gossling January 14, 2026 11:04am 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 literary world is reeling after acclaimed Australian author Craig Silvey was charged with child exploitation material offences, with publishers, schools and bookshops pulling his books from their shelves. The writer, 43, was arrested at his Fremantle home on Monday after he was allegedly caught by detectives actively engaging with paedophiles online, expressing interest in children and sharing child exploitation material. Loading You sound amazing, looking gorg too we have similar interests would love to chat more, read messages allegedly sent by Silvey on the platform. During his first appearance in Fremantle Magistrates Court on Tuesday, prosecutors alleged the Jasper Jones author had refused to provide police with his passwords to access his phone, laptop and other electronic devices. Advertisement He was granted bail on the condition he live with his mother and report to police three times a week. However, he did not post his $100,000 surety after the court appearance, and was transported to prison a short time later. Related Article Courts Acclaimed Australian author arrested on child exploitation material charges Silveys publisher, Allen & Unwin, has halted promotion of his books as state education departments pull his novels from school bookshelves. Allen & Unwin is aware of the serious charges brought against author Craig Silvey in Fremantle this week, the publisher said in a statement. The nature of the allegations is deeply distressing. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all survivors of child exploitation and their families. Advertisement We acknowledge this is an active police matter, and that Mr Silvey is entitled to procedural fairness and a presumption of innocence until the matter is dealt with by a court. Given the gravity of the charges, Allen & Unwin will pause promotional activity of Mr Silveys work while the legal process takes its course. In the wake of the charges, WA Education Minister Sabine Winton ordered schools to remove the authors books from their English courses. There are over 100 texts that students may study in years 11 and/or 12 literature, she said. Jasper Jones and Rhubarb by Craig Silvey are two of these texts, with Jasper Jones also being one of 40 suggested texts that may be studied in years 11 and 12 ATAR and General English Courses. Advertisement I have asked the Department of Education to ensure that schools cease using texts by Craig Silvey for the 2026 school year while the allegations are under investigation. Education departments in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory have also instructed schools to remove Silveys catalogue. Book stores around the country are also pulling Silveys books from their shelves, including major retailer Dymocks. Silvey has been writing for more than 20 years, with Jasper Jones selling nearly 1 million copies worldwide. His 2022 novel Runt collected a number of awards and was adapted into a feature film in 2024. Advertisement Sydneys Belvoir Theatre Company has indefinitely paused work on its stage adaption of Runt, which was due to open in August. The City of Subiaco, which runs the Craig Silvey Award for Young Writers, said the author would have no longer be the awards namesake. The city has no ongoing arrangement with Craig Silvey, Mayor David McMullen said. Mr Silvey will have no affiliation with the 2026 Young Writers Award. Silvey is yet to enter a plea to one count of distributing child exploitation material and one count of possession of child exploitation material. Advertisement He is due back in court in February. 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 Updated NationalWACity of Perth Ex-Kwinana mayor picked to monitor City of Perth council Hamish Hastie January 14, 2026 3:02pm 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 Racing chair and former Kwinana mayor Carol Adams has been appointed to monitor the City of Perth after a relationship breakdown between council members and the city administration last month. Adams appointment is the first major move by Local Government Inspector Tony Brown, whose powers started on January 1 after new reforms came into effect. A state government investigation into the City of Perth was requested by newly elected Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds. Marta Pascual Juanola City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds requested a state government investigation into workplace culture at the city in December after a failed attempt to establish an independent inquiry in November. That attempt, which was presented to the council with six minutes notice, was deemed unlawful by then-acting chief executive Peta Mabbs, who subsequently resigned from the role. Advertisement Former City of Kwinana Mayor and Perth Racing Chair Carol Adams has been appointed a monitor of the City of Perth. @carol_Adams1 The rift between Reynolds and the citys chief executive Michelle Reynolds was laid bare in an explosive, confidential 30-page dossier from the chief executive and an anonymous letter allegedly penned by former city employees, claiming punitive actions and a deteriorating workplace culture. The two documents, obtained by this masthead, were sent to councillors just hours apart in December. The letter from past employees welcomed the prospect of an independent probe into workplace culture, while Michelle Reynolds letter dismissed the issues raised in that letter while raising concerns about the lord mayors November motion. Adams appointment will begin on January 19 and could run until April 17, but may be extended. Advertisement She has the power to observe council meetings including those behind closed doors and inspect council documents, and can request meetings with councillors and city employees. Brown said Adams was a former lawyer, had significant experience in local government, and was highly regarded in the sector. She will report to me while working proactively with the City of Perth to assist in resolving governance challenges, he said. Acting City of Perth Lord Mayor David Goncalves welcomed Adams appointment. Strengthening organisational health is a priority for the City of Perth so that residents and businesses can have full confidence in the ability for elected members to represent them in areas that affect their everyday lives, he said. Advertisement The city chose transparency and accountability. The Lord Mayor Reynolds referral to the Inspector reflects the need for independent guidance to maintain community confidence and drive continuous improvement. Independent oversight from Monitor Carol Adams will support stronger governance capability and administrative consistency, ensuring the City of Perth operates at the standard expected of Western Australias capital city. Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley praised Browns actions. The local government inspector means business, and he will not hesitate to act to address dysfunction and strengthen integrity across the sector, she said. The message from me to all local governments is clear: lift your game, or we will take action. Advertisement Adams will report to Brown during her monitoring period and will provide advice as to whether the city needs further investigation by Brown himself. The WA government appointed Adams to the Perth Racing board in October 2024. Adams was a former Labor member but quit the party in 2008 after losing a preselection race for the seat of Kwinana to now-Premier Roger Cook. She nearly beat Cook in the 2008 election as an independent With Carla Hildebrandt Backing Away From The Brink of Trade War After months of escalating tensions, the European Union and China have agreed to a framework replacing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles with minimum pricing agreements. Rather than forcing Chinese manufacturers to pay tariffs, the EU is asking China to sell cars at or above a predetermined price floor. China's Ministry of Commerce called the framework an important breakthrough. It marks a marked departure from 2024, when China threatened countermeasures on European imports. Notably, Chinese carmakers captured nearly 13% market share of electric vehicles in Europe by the end of 2025, despite the existing tariffs. How the Price Agreement System Actually Works Under the new framework, Chinese manufacturers avoid tariffs by guaranteeing their vehicles won't undercut European competitors. Each carmaker negotiates its own minimum price floor with the EU, based on vehicle type and market segment. The EU monitors compliance through import documentation and can reimpose tariffs if manufacturers breach agreements. This system allows Chinese EVs market access while theoretically protecting European automakers from what Europe calls predatory pricing. However, enforcement remains challenging since manufacturers can adjust specifications or introduce new models to work around pricing commitments. Volkswagen View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article America Took A Different Approach In comparison, the United States has taken a fundamentally different path to address the looming threat of cheap Chinese EVs undermining domestic production. Electric cars, like the best-selling $10k BYD Seagull with a 250-mile range, could seriously shake things up in the US market, where the average price of new cars has crossed $50,000. The Seagull, and a flood of Chinese EVs like it, remain unobtainable in America thanks to high import tariffs, bans on the connected tech in them, and registration hurdles thatll turn off even the most enthusiastic deal-shoppers. The practical impact on consumers remains minimal in the US, since Chinese EVs represent only 2% of total electric vehicle imports. BYD BYD Why the US Won't Adopt EU-Style Pricing Agreements The probability of America implementing EU-style minimum pricing appears extremely low. All things considered, the tariff debate is bipartisan, now leaving little room for diplomatic compromise. Secondly, the US puts national security and industrial policy before access to super-affordable Chinese EVs. Lastly, with Chinese EVs representing a tiny fraction of vehicular imports, the US faces much less pressure than the EU to compromise, where electric vehicles from China clocked in over 20%. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. A man has been rushed to hospital after dousing himself in accelerant and setting his car alight when a police pursuit came to an end in Gosnells on Wednesday afternoon. Its understood a car was involved in a high-speed chase through Perths south-eastern suburbs just before 3pm when it became bogged near Railway Avenue and Camillo Road. A police pursuit has come to a fiery end in Gosnells on Wednesday. 9News Perth A WA Police spokeswoman said the maroon Holden Commodore had failed to stop for police before the pursuit began, but was later called off. Police later caught up with the car and were following it when it became bogged. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was then observed dousing himself with an accelerant, the spokeswoman said. Advertisement Updated PoliticsFederalBondi shooting Dont let the perfect be the enemy of the good: Jewish groups urge Ley to back bill Nick Newling Updated January 15, 2026 12:53pm ,first published January 15, 2026 10:01am 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 The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has urged the Coalition to pass Labors antisemitism reforms drafted after the Bondi attack, fearing that Opposition Leader Sussan Leys objections could allow the perfect to become the enemy of the good. The call for unity from a prominent Jewish organisation echoes comments by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this morning, who told ABC Radio he was stunned by the Coalitions resistance to the proposal after almost a month of demands from the opposition that parliament be recalled. Support for the bill from the Coalition now seems doomed, after Ley this morning said she had extremely serious concerns about the suite of hate speech measures. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a press conference in Canberra this week. Alex Ellinghausen The Executive Council of Australian Jewry on Thursday issued a statement urging the Coalition to work to pass the bill, which Ley described as unsalvageable. Advertisement Advertisement Related Article Antisemitism Free speech fears fire up Coalition resistance to hate speech bill Senior Jewish figures, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect future negotiations on behalf of their community, said there was time for the legislation to be slowly and methodically considered given the complexity and potential unintended consequences of its swift passage. Rabbi Nochum Schapiro, former president of the Rabbinical Council of NSW, said the legislation needed a considered debate, but immediate action needed to be taken to stop pro-Palestinian protests and ban the use of chants such as globalise the intifada, from the river to the sea and death to the IDF. Im not an expert on how much time [the legislation] needs, but it needs to have honest discussion, debate, non-politicised, Shapiro said. The wider bill needs to have full clarity of what the implications and repercussions of criticism would be. Advertisement The proposed federal hate speech laws do not canvas the prohibition of public marches and demonstrations, which fall under state laws. Bureaucrats from the attorney-generals office told the parliamentary inquiry that it would be up to the courts to determine if an individual phrase was hate speech under the new laws. Albanese on Thursday morning said it was somewhat stunning, frankly that the Coalition was backing away from the legislation after weeks of demands that the laws be debated and passed urgently. The prime minister referenced comments from Ley in the days after the attack in which she demanded parliament be recalled before Christmas, allowing only a few days for legislation to be drafted and distributed for consultation. You cant have it both ways. And it just seems to me, people who were watching the events since December 14 would have seen politics being played by the Coalition. Theyre still playing politics, and Im just stunned that they are saying they will vote against legislation, a number of their members [will], without even looking at it, Albanese told ABC Radio. During a press conference on Thursday morning, Ley said she had extremely serious concerns about the governments legislation, suggesting the government adopt the oppositions proposed changes. Advertisement The legislation does not address the real issues that gave rise to the Bondi attack. It doesnt address Islamic extremism. It doesnt address ISIS influence, and it doesnt address the rise of antisemitism and the associated terrorist threat in Australia, Ley said. From what we have seen so far, it looks pretty unsalvageable. As it stands, the governments proposal is half-baked, and Australians deserve far better. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. Dominic Lorrimer The quoting of religious texts has been written into the bill as a legitimate defence in the new hate speech offences, and serves as a legal stopgap to the explicit constitutional right to freedom of religious expression. Questioned about the constitutional implications, Ley said: The government has presented a bill with a carefully planned excuse for hate preachers. I think they have opportunities to get around that. Advertisement Albanese said he had met repeatedly with both Ley and Greens leader Larissa Waters to discuss the legislation, and was open to amendments. He said no amendments had been proposed to him so far. 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 PoliticsFederalPolitical expenses Greens senators lobbyist husband gets free pass on $50k of taxpayer-funded flights Brittany Busch January 14, 2026 11:30am 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 A watchdog review of Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Youngs expenses did not investigate the almost $50,000 she billed taxpayers to regularly fly her lobbyist husband to Canberra, where he works. The Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) routinely reviews politicians use of family travel entitlements when entitlements have been flagged as potentially misused, but exempts family travel to Canberra from investigation. Senator Sarah Hanson-Young became embroiled in the expenses saga in late 2025. Dominic Lorrimer The agency waived through Hanson-Youngs family travel claims, made between mid-2021 and mid-2023, as consistent with the legislative framework and within the rules. The watchdog launched the assurance review into the senators spending in February 2025 as part of its ongoing, systematic analysis of politicians expenses. The report was released last month a week after it was publicly revealed Hanson-Young was regularly using family travel entitlements to ferry her husband Ben Oquist to the capital since mid-2022. Advertisement Advertisement The rules require politicians expenses must be for the dominant purpose of doing parliamentary business, must represent value for money, and family members travel must be for the dominant purpose of facilitating family life. Related Article Political expenses The MPs who spent more than $100,000 and the ministers who spent $0 on family travel Wells and Attorney-General Michelle Rowland referred their travel claims to IPEA for investigation late last year, the outcomes of which have not been published. Rowland agreed last month to repay $10,000 part of a $22,000 trip she took to Western Australia with her family. Hanson-Young became embroiled in the spending saga when it was revealed she had charged taxpayers $49,902 for flights to Canberra for Oquist, a senior lobbyist for lobby firm DPG Solutions, whose clients include Wesfarmers, Rio Tinto and Catholic Education. IPEAs report into Hanson-Youngs expenses said it had flagged for further investigation two interstate trips with a family member. The watchdog requested details from the senator, but was ultimately satisfied with the evidence and explanation she provided. Advertisement One of those was a trip to the Gold Coast in 2023, for which Hanson-Young claimed flights, ground transport and three nights accommodation, the report said. IPEA accepted the dominant purpose of Hanson-Youngs travel was for parliamentary duties because she attended the Screen Forever Conference in her capacity as the Greens arts and communications spokeswoman, and as chair of the Senate Environment and Communication References Committee. Related Article Inside Story Political expenses Money Wells spent: Anatomy of an expenses scandal I participated in the formal program as guest speaker and panelist, and attended the various conference dinners and events. I also engaged in a number of side events and meetings with various industry representatives and stakeholders, Hanson-Young told IPEA. IPEAs report accepted the dominant purpose of the travel was parliamentary business, specifically parliamentary duties, and that her spouse accompanied her for the dominant purpose of facilitating family life. Advertisement Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last month proposed changes to MPs taxpayer-funded family travel following the Wells saga. Albanese said he had asked the Remuneration Tribunal to consider limiting MPs taxpayer-funded family travel to economy class flights and restricting it to either Canberra or their electorates. Albanese said the tribunal, which oversees the MP entitlements, would consider the changes in the early weeks of January. Hanson-Young declined to comment. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalBondi shooting Social media posts could fall foul of new hate speech laws Rob Harris January 15, 2026 4:07am 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 Free speech advocates and civil liberties and religious groups are urging the Albanese government to halt and substantially rewrite its proposed expansion of hate crime laws, warning the legislation risks inflicting lasting damage on free expression if rushed through parliament in the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack. Experts argue the omnibus bill goes well beyond what is required to respond to the atrocities at Bondi, lowering criminal thresholds, reversing long-standing legal protections and expanding executive power in ways likely to chill legitimate political debate and produce unjust outcomes. Police patrolling Bondi Beach after the terrorist attack last month. Flavio Brancaleone They warned the government was recalling parliament next week while still in the heat of national trauma, with inadequate scrutiny of far-reaching reforms. The concerns have also drawn international attention, with a senior US State Department official criticising the proposed laws as clumsy, warning they could lead to perverse outcomes by criminalising legitimate opinion while allowing extremists to exploit exemptions written into the legislation. Advertisement Opposition is also expected to widen in coming days, with media and technology groups understood to be concerned the new offences could capture public-interest journalism, online commentary and user-generated content, while exposing publishers and platforms to legal risk under vague and untested standards. Related Article Opinion Freedom of speech One word makes proposed race hate law changes problematic Anne Twomey Constitutional expert At the centre of the controversy are new criminal offences for racial vilification and inciting hatred, punishable by up to five years imprisonment. Civil liberties groups warn the bills language including prohibitions on promoting hatred, glorifying past acts or conduct that might cause fear or intimidation is alarmingly broad and risks criminalising mainstream political speech. They argue a social media post questioning multiculturalism, immigration policy or religious practices could fall foul of the laws, encouraging widespread self-censorship among Australians fearful of prosecution. Critics say the bill risks emulating the United Kingdoms approach to online speech, where arrests over contentious posts have become increasingly common without addressing the underlying drivers of extremism. Professor Anne Twomey, emerita professor of constitutional law at the University of Sydney, has warned the bill is likely to collide with the implied freedom of political communication protected by the Constitution. Advertisement Writing in this masthead, Twomey said not all statements that promote or incite racial hatred would be regarded as political communication, but many potentially could be. If challenged in the High Court, she said, the fight would centre on whether the burden imposed on political communication was proportionate to the benefit of protecting people from harm. Twomey identified the most contentious area as public communication particularly on social media or at public demonstrations about acts of violence, terrorism, war crimes or atrocities committed by people of a particular race, national or ethnic origin. Any communication of what happened, even if completely accurate, is likely to promote or incite hatred against that group, causing them fear for their safety, she wrote. Although the bill includes a defence for publishing in good faith a report or commentary on a matter of public interest which may protect professional media Twomey warned it was unlikely to protect people discussing such events on social media, where much modern political communication now occurs. Nationals senator Matt Canavan on Tuesday night warned he was concerned that legitimate criticism of migration policy or integration could easily be construed as racist, leading to prosecution. Advertisement Legal groups warn the combination of vague definitions, reversed burdens of proof and mandatory jail terms is highly likely to produce unjust outcomes, forcing individuals to prove their innocence while speaking for educational or journalistic purposes and undermining the presumption of innocence. Related Article Antisemitism Free speech fears fire up Coalition resistance to hate speech bill Further concern has been raised about the bills expansion of already broad migration powers. Under the proposed changes, visas could be refused or cancelled if a person is assessed as posing a risk they might engage in conduct such as inciting discord in Australia. Civil libertarians argue this dangerously lowers the threshold into the realm of speculation, granting ministers sweeping discretion with limited safeguards. Dr Reuben Kirkham, co-director of the Free Speech Union of Australia, said the legislation was an unacceptable response to terrorism in a liberal democratic society. In a liberal democratic society, what we do not do is respond to terrorism by undermining our freedoms, Kirkham said, describing the bill as UK legislation on steroids. Advertisement At least in the UK, [the speech] has to be likely to stir up racial hatred. Here the standard is so low that someone merely might fear being harassed, he said. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry said while the draft legislation was a significant step in the right direction, significant shortcomings would limit its effectiveness. Australias top Islamic body has also raised red flags about key aspects of the legislation, adding to widespread disquiet across Australias faith communities about multiple contentious points within the bill. Australian Federation of Islamic Councils president Rateb Jneid said the body was committed to engaging constructively but had serious concern about the extremely limited 72-hour consultation process undermining the principles of democratic engagement. We further question who, if anyone, the government consulted from within the Muslim community before drafting these proposals, he said. Advertisement Several Christian groups also expressed misgivings, with Anglican bishop of South Sydney and Freedom for Faith chair Michael Stead warning the racial vilification laws set the bar too low. Related Article Freedom of speech Deeply perverse: US State Department criticises Albaneses hate speech bill If my conduct would make a reasonable member of a target group apprehensive of facing harassment, then I am within the scope of [the new law], he told the parliamentary inquiry on Wednesday. This is an unwarranted limitation of freedom of thought, conscience and belief, and also of freedom of expression. NSW Council for Civil Liberties president Timothy Roberts accused the federal government of conducting the inquiry in bad faith, allowing only two days for submissions, while Liberty Victoria president Gemma Cafarella said it was particularly troubling the government was pressing ahead with sweeping new offences while announcing a royal commission into the causes of the Bondi massacre and antisemitism. There is no evidence these laws will enhance community safety, Cafarella said. Extremist violence and social cohesion are complex issues. Laws that inappropriately limit freedom of speech, religion and association are only going to drive further division. 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 PoliticsFederalDiscrimination What is in the governments new hate speech laws? Brittany Busch and Nick Newling Updated January 14, 2026 6:10pm ,first published 3:59pm 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 federal governments hate speech laws, urgently written following the Bondi Beach attack in December and covering a complex and contentious area of law, have been met with immediate criticism over their scope, structure and timing. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has recalled parliament for an urgent debate on hate speech laws. Alex Ellinghausen MPs and key stakeholders have been given one week to scrutinise the legislation that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pushing to pass through parliament on Tuesday, which would among other things ban hate groups and punish hate preachers. So what is in the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill, and what challenges does it face? What is in the hate speech laws? Advertisement The new laws will crack down on hate preachers religious or spiritual leaders who advocate or threaten violence, including while giving speeches or sermons in religious institutions. A new aggravated offence will be created for such preachers, and for adults who try to radicalise children. The maximum penalty for hate preachers will be 12 years, and courts will have to consider more seriously the sentences for offenders who are motivated by extremism. The penalties for hate speech more broadly will also be increased, as will the punishment for sending harassing letters or messages from two to five years. The laws would make it illegal to advocate racial supremacy or promote hatred of people because of their race, colour or national or ethnic origin, but would not apply to people directly quoting from religious texts for the purposes of teaching. The ban on hate symbols will be strengthened, including by requiring a person caught displaying a symbol to prove that it was legitimate - a reversal of the burden of proof requiring prosecutors to prove a crime occurred. Advertisement The home affairs minister will also be given the power to ban hate groups. Hate group leaders and recruiters will face a maximum of 15 years in prison, as will people caught training or donating to them. Members could be jailed for 7 years. Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke has said groups such as the Nationalist Socialist Network and Hizb ut-Tahrir are being targeted and could be outlawed. Changes to migration law will allow the immigration minister to refuse or cancel visas if a person has associated with hate groups or made hateful comments, including online. What is the religious text carve-out? The new racial vilification offence does not apply to conduct that consists only of directly quoting from, or otherwise referencing, a religious text for the purpose of religious teaching or discussion. Advertisement Certain translations of religious texts may otherwise have been deemed hate speech, including a controversial section of the Koran which has sometimes been translated to label Jews and Christians as the worst of all beings. Asked about the carve-out on Tuesday, Albanese said: I encourage you to read the Old Testament and see whats there, and see if you outlaw that what would occur. So we need to be careful. We consulted with faith groups, not just with the Jewish community. Some interpretations of the Old Testament have been used to discriminate against people of colour through an interpretation of wording in the Book of Genesis about Canaanites, whose genetic descendants include Palestinian, Syrian and Jordanian communities. Attorney-Generals Department deputy secretary Sarah Chigdey said in a parliamentary inquiry into the draft laws on Tuesday that the exemption for religious texts was very narrow, and would only apply to direct quotes of texts. It would not protect people who used religious text to incite hatred or vilification. What legal hurdles do the laws face? Advertisement Greg Barns has warned rushing laws could have unintended consequences. James Brickwood Home Affair Minister Tony Burke has repeatedly said the hate speech crackdown would push the law to the constitutional limit, and the government has acknowledged the potential for the legislation to face High Court challenges. Section 116 of the Constitution does expressly prohibit the Commonwealth from making any laws that could be seen as prohibiting the free exercise of any religion, meaning any bans on religious texts could face a challenge in the highest court. Several High Court judgments have found the Constitution has implied rights to freedom of association and political communication. Greg Barns, SC, of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, said rushing the laws through without adequate consultation was dangerous, and he urged caution because of the risks to civil liberties. Advertisement Hastily drafted laws may overlook critical details, fail to anticipate unintended consequences, or inadequately balance competing interests, he said. Barns pointed to vague language and a failure to define key concepts, including what the phrase unacceptable risk means, and who decides. He said the law contradicted longstanding practice to only consider criminal acts committed after a law was introduced, and failed to observe procedural fairness when listing prohibited organisations, meaning those accused would not have a clear opportunity to respond to allegations. What have the reactions been? Conservative Liberals including Andrew Hastie have questioned whether the bill impedes religious freedom, while Coalition frontbencher Michaelia Cash and Hastie-backer Ben Small said the religious exemption could allow Islamic extremists to keep preaching hate. If they fight the bill, it complicates Opposition Leader Sussan Leys decision-making if she is inclined to back Labors changes in the name of national unity. Advertisement Opposition Leader Sussan Ley faces dissent from within the Coalition on whether the party should back the hate speech laws. Dominic Lorrimer Australian National Imams Council president Shadi Alsuleiman said the crackdown would disproportionately affect the Muslim community because of its targeting of religious leaders, while not protecting against Islamophobia. He said the religious text exemption should also protect faith leaders in expressing and explaining scripture. He called for the debate, scheduled for Tuesday, to be delayed, saying the current timeline was unreasonable for proper consideration of the implications of the laws. We are calling for explicit protections for religious instructions and teachings, he told a snap parliamentary inquiry into the reforms on Wednesday. This includes quoting and interpretation of texts from sacred books and scriptures, the recognition of Islamophobia within vilification laws and genuine consultation with faith communities. Advertisement Advertisement Peter Wertheim, Anthony Albaneses closest Jewish ally. Rhett Wyman Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Peter Wertheim and Albaneses closest Jewish ally called for the laws to be expanded to include other minority groups. He criticised the religious text exemption because invoking religion as an excuse to dehumanise and mistreat others simply on the basis of who they are must surely be a thing of the past. None of the worlds recognised religions promotes racial hatred knowingly and deliberately, and to the extent that any religion were to do so, it would be thoroughly shameful, he said. Anglican bishop of South Sydney and Freedom for Faith chair Michael Stead said the bar is set too low on what could be considered racial vilification. If my conduct would make a reasonable member of a target group apprehensive of facing harassment, then I am within the scope of [the new law], he told the parliamentary inquiry on Wednesday. Advertisement This is an unwarranted limitation of freedom of thought, conscience and belief, and also of freedom of expression. William Redmond, speaking on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, expressed concern over the potential for race-based hate speech to be expanded to other minority groups. Once a broad, harm-based model is established in criminal law, expansion becomes far easier, he said. Federation of Islamic Councils president Rateb Jneid said he had not been consulted on the laws, and was concerned that the proposed racial vilification offence did not also include religious discrimination. It is simply not tenable for laws designed to combat hate to exclude religion, he said. Hatred fuelled by religious bigotry can be just as dangerous and damaging as that based on race. Any serious attempt to address hate speech must recognise that. Advertisement Australias biggest neo-Nazi group, the Nationalist Socialist Network, announced to members on Tuesday it would disband by the end of the week to avoid lengthy jail sentences. Leaders labelled the laws draconian and discussed plans for a replacement organisation that could continue under the guise of a political party. Opposition home affairs spokesman Jonno Duniam expressed concern that the crackdown would drive the group to go underground or rebrand. ASIO boss Mike Burgess acknowledged the risk but said the spy agency was good at tracking people hiding from the law. The Greens have reserved taking a public position on the laws as government briefings continue, but have a longstanding position of supporting the strengthening of hate speech laws. 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 The premier wants this ghoulish reminder gone. The daughter of a Bondi hero feels differently Max Maddison and Kate Aubusson Updated January 14, 2026 5:54pm ,first published 12:37pm 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 Premier Chris Minns says the footbridge used by the Bondi gunmen should be demolished, warning that, if retained, it would be a ghoulish reminder of the terror attack or potentially be used by copycat perpetrators. However, the daughter of one of the 15 people killed in the December 14 attack would prefer the pedestrian bridge remain intact but with a permanent mural to honour the lives lost. The bridge at the northern end of Bondi will be the subject of a special meeting of Waverley Council on Thursday. The concrete structure was used by the father-and-son gunmen when they killed 15 people and injured dozens more as revellers celebrated the first night of Hanukkah in Archer Park. Police patrol the Bondi Beach footbridge after the terror attack. Oscar Colman Ahead of the council meeting, Minns said his personal view was the crossing should be removed. But he noted it was a decision for council, and he would ultimately be guided by the views of the victims and their families. Advertisement I would just hate it to be a ghoulish reminder or even exploited by reprehensible people in the future, he said. We cant allow one of the most beautiful places on Earth to be remembered forever and only as a place of horrible terrorism because its so much more than that, and it means an enormous amount to the Jewish community. Premier Chris Minns and Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin announce that Multicultural NSW chief executive Joseph La Posta (left) and NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Michele Goldman (right) will be the joint co-ordinators-general for the Bondi response. Dominic Lorrimer A statement released by Waverley Council last month acknowledged the varying views about the future of the footbridge, including retaining the crossing, removing the structure, or adapting it with murals to honour the victims of the attack. Sheina Gutnick, the daughter of Reuven Morrison, who was shot and killed after he hurled objects at the gunmen, said the footbridge hasnt committed any atrocity. Advertisement Its just a place not liable for the vile actions of others, Gutnick said. I think it would be nice to have a mural on there, she said, suggesting a recreation of a chalk rendering of a menorah that had been drawn on the bridge in the days following the antisemitic attack. Sheina Gutnick, daughter of Bondi victim Reuven Morrison. Sitthixay Ditthavong But it should still hold the purpose that it has, of assisting pedestrians access to the beach, which Gutnick thinks of as Dads beach. Gutnick said her friends believe her fathers actions saved their lives by distracting the gunmen as they huddled on the ground, hiding their babies underneath their bodies. Advertisement I think its important for us to honour the lives that we lost that day, rather than demolish and destroy, she said. Michele Goldman, one of the newly appointed co-ordinators-general to support the Bondi community and chief executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, agreed with the premiers position. Goldman stood alongside Multicultural NSW chief executive Joseph La Posta as the premier announced the pair had jointly been appointed co-ordinators-general to oversee the recovery from the nations worst terrorist attack. Asked for her views, Goldman said she was yet to hold extensive discussions with the community, but she personally believed the bridge should be removed. I would probably share the premiers view. As someone whos been a local for many years, I feel like our sense of safety has been invaded, she said. For such a beautiful place which represents so many wonderful values to the Australian community in the long term, we need to ensure that Bondi is restored to what represents this great country. Advertisement Goldman acknowledged concerns about the structural integrity of the footbridge may mean the decision has already been determined. Related Article Bondi shooting Sydney prayer hall linked to radical preacher closes permanently A structural engineering report to be considered at Thursdays council meeting concluded the two pedestrian bridges, including one crossing Park Drive at Bondi Park, were deemed to have reached the end of their useful lives and require replacement within several years. Minns was also asked about a draft the federal government bill, under which quoting religious text could be used as a defence to new hate speech laws. He said reading from scriptures should not be a justifiable excuse to vilify, harass or encourage violence. Advertisement Hate speech thats being used to attack other Australians; it cant be justified. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. RACE 4 3. Iron Fury is a tough and hard-fit home tracker ideally placed to claim an overdue second win deep into the prep. Has found the line well to beat all bar the winner in his last two at Gosford, including finishing just over a length from Be Quiet who ran a record time, and then was beaten narrowly into a place in a tougher race at last Saturdays stand-alone Wyong meeting. From a soft trailing draw, that forms reads big for this back at home, and while hes untried in soft going, is bred to thrive. 4. Steel Knight is a big market watch resuming for a leading city stable behind two progressive trials. The betting will also be a significant guide aboard 6. Ferinzo, a lightly raced four-year-old returning off a 78-week spell for the new Gosford stable. Bolted in a provincial trial just before Christmas, and can come to hand sharply. 9. Gem Tycoon, who won a country maiden on debut for the Bjorn Baker yard, and 11. Bianca Mia back from provincial BM 64 level, are both capable of figuring in the money in a race of solid depth. How to play it: Iron Fury to win RACE 5 11. Heroic Deed is an emerging local who finished best to win here on debut in soft ground. Went past a $1.45 shot over the final furlong that day, and ran a much quicker final 600m than the winners of two other 1150m races. Again from the Nathan Doyle stable, he steps up 100m in trip a month between runs, and has enough tactical speed to find a position from the wide barrier. Big watch on 2. Herman Said from the Kris Lees stable who is right up to winning this fourth-up, with blinkers being added. Stablemate 1. Etoile Filante has run home well into a place in his last couple, including right behind the former at Taree 13 days ago. The third of those stablemates, 3. Oakfield Pluto, resumes for a second prep off two improving trials. 4. Rose Of Dubai draws the fence off a let-up, and can add value into exotic plays. Gap to the rest headed by 14. Sneaky Choice resuming off two soft trials. Advertisement Exclusive TechnologyAI Unions score rare win over AI rollout with Microsoft agreement David Swan January 15, 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 Tech giant Microsoft has signed a landmark agreement with Australias peak union body aimed at giving workers a formal voice in how artificial intelligence is rolled out across the economy, as AI adoption accelerates faster than regulation. Under a new framework agreement signed on Wednesday, Microsoft Australia and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) have committed to work together on AI skills, consultation and public policy. Both sides are pitching the agreement as an Australian first, and a model for how AI adoption can proceed with unions inside the tent instead of protesting from the outside. Joseph Mitchell, acting secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (left) met with Steven Miller, area vice president for Microsoft Australia and New Zealand. Dan Gray The agreement lands amid escalating tension over AIs trajectory through Australian workplaces. Employers including Commonwealth Bank, Atlassian and WiseTech Global have shed roles while citing AI-driven efficiency gains in 2025, with unions challenging several decisions through the Fair Work Commission. In August, CBA was forced to reverse 45 planned redundancies in its contact centres after the Finance Sector Union (FSU) demonstrated the bank was simultaneously hiring similar roles offshore. Advertisement Microsofts Steven Miller (left), pictured with the ACTUs Joseph Mitchell, says workers will be central to whether Australia ultimately benefits from AI. Dan Gray While business leaders and governments talk up AIs economic upside, unions have warned that poorly governed systems risk deskilling workers, entrenching surveillance and automating decisions without accountability. Microsoft and the union said the framework is designed to address those concerns early, by bringing worker representatives into discussions about how AI systems are designed, developed and deployed. At its core are three commitments: sharing information and training on AI, embedding worker input into technology development, and collaborating on policy and skills. Microsoft will work with the ACTU Institute to deliver AI education for union leaders and staff, including formal learning sessions and curriculum resources, with the aim of improving workers ability to engage with AI systems introduced into their workplaces. Advertisement Steven Miller, Microsofts area vice president for Australia and New Zealand, said the deal had been about a year in the making. He said workers would be central to whether Australia ultimately benefited from AI, both as users of the technology and as contributors to how it evolves. Theyre the ones who are going to be leveraging it. Theyre the ones who are going to be driving adoption, he told this masthead. Theyll be a critical enabler of Australias prosperity, whether thats creating new companies in the future or finding new ways to work better right now. The deal builds on an earlier memorandum of understanding between Microsoft and several unions, including the Australian Services Union, Professionals Australia and the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association, which formally recognised the rights of Microsoft employees to join unions and the protections of workplace delegates. While business leaders and governments talk up AIs economic upside, unions have warned that poorly governed systems risk deskilling workers, entrenching surveillance and automating decisions without accountability. iStock ACTU assistant secretary Joseph Mitchell said the agreement responded directly to long-standing union concerns that AI was being rolled out without meaningful consultation. Advertisement Workers through their unions have consistently raised concerns that AI is being developed and deployed without their voices being heard, Mitchell said. Microsofts commitments to recognise fundamental workplace rights and engage meaningfully with unions is a first for global technology companies operating in Australia. The framework also includes explicit language recognising the rights of creative and media workers, an increasingly sensitive issue as generative AI systems are trained on large volumes of text, images and audio. The federal government has welcomed the agreement, framing it as a model for how AI could lift productivity while protecting workers. Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Andrew Charlton said it would give workers a fair go, while Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth said involving workers in AI implementation was critical to ensuring the benefits were fairly shared. Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth. Alex Ellinghausen With the right settings, AI will be a significant driver for Australias economic opportunity and productivity, supporting people into secure work and creating higher-paying jobs, Rishworth said. Involving workers voices and utilising their expertise in the rollout of AI is a valuable part of implementation. Advertisement Microsoft estimates that AI could contribute up to $115 billion to Australias economy by the end of the decade, and the agreement aligns with the governments National AI Plan, which emphasises workforce skills but leaves much of the detail to industry. Related Article Exclusive AI From dishwasher to worlds ninth-richest man: Nvidia boss faces his future The framework is explicitly not legally binding, however. It commits both parties to consult in good faith if disputes arise but creates no enforceable obligations. Miller said that flexibility was deliberate. The industry and the needs are moving at such a pace that something overly rigid risks becoming redundant, he said. The intent here is to partner deeply, with solid governance, while still being able to move as the technology evolves. Over the coming year, Microsoft and the ACTU plan to run joint learning sessions, establish regular worker feedback mechanisms and identify priority sectors for pilot projects. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: AI David Swan is the technology editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. He was previously technology editor for The Australian newspaper. or email. Connect via X Advertisement WorldEuropeGreenland The one word that said it all after Denmarks talks with US over Greenland David Crowe Updated January 15, 2026 10:45am ,first published 8:53am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A London: Greenland and Denmark have drawn a red line against American ownership of the Arctic island in face-to-face talks in Washington, just hours after US President Donald Trump stepped up his demands for the territory on social media. A new working group will be formed to try to break the impasse over security concerns in the far north with the US, Denmark and Greenland joining but the high-stakes meeting highlighted the formal rejection of Trumps claims. The American flag flies outside the US consulate in Nuuk, the Greenland capital. AP The Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers described the talks as constructive when they emerged from the meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but they admitted that problems were not solved. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen, a former prime minister, said he had not expected a solution at the meeting and that the disagreements remained after the talks. Advertisement We didnt manage to change the American position. Its clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland, he said. We made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the kingdom. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen speaks after the meeting at the White House. Bloomberg Rasmussen said three-quarters of people in Greenland did not support the US claims and the Greenland government had indicated it wanted to remain within the Kingdom of Denmark. This is a common position, that we want to work with our American friends and allies, but it must be respectful co-operation, and it must respect the red lines, he said. Advertisement Greenland Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt said there were ways to address US concerns about security in the Arctic, but she rejected the proposal for US ownership. We are allies. We are friends. We have been co-operating [for] many, many years, she said at a press conference in the US capital after the meeting with Vance and Rubio. Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenlands foreign minister, embraces Danish ambassador to the US Jesper Mller Srensen in Washington on Wednesday. Bloomberg We have history together. So its all our interest to find the right balances. Rasmussens use of the word conquer to describe the US proposal highlights the concern in Denmark, Greenland and their European neighbours about the suggestion that the US might use force to get the territory, an option Trump has not ruled out. Advertisement Trump did not attend the meeting with the Danish and Greenlandic ministers but responded to the talks by suggesting there would be a way to settle the issue. Related Article Analysis Greenland Greenlanders tell absolutely insane Trump what they really think Greenland is very important for the national security, including of Denmark, the president said in the hours after Vance and Rubio held the talks. Theres not a thing that Denmark can do about it if Russia or China wants to occupy Greenland. But theres everything we can do. Trump said the US had a very good relationship with Denmark and he would be briefed on the meeting. He added: I think something will work out. Advertisement The leaders of Germany, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Poland issued a statement last week backing Denmark, in a move also supported by Canada. NATO allies are stepping up their commitments in the Arctic in the wake of Trumps complaints that European member states are not doing enough on defence. Loading Germany plans to send soldiers to Greenland this week, a government spokesperson told Reuters. Sweden and Norway have announced similar moves as part of a joint military operation called Arctic Endurance to highlight the commitment to Greenland by NATO members in Europe. Advertisement French President Emmanuel Macron announced late on Wednesday (French time) that France would also join Arctic Endurance and the first military personnel were on their way at Denmarks request. France will open a consulate in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, next month. Related Article Mining Trump has big hopes for Greenland Australia just gave him a reality check The future of the NATO alliance is at stake if Trump seeks to take Greenland by force, given Denmark is a member of the alliance. Hours before the meeting, Trump stepped up his claims to Greenland and suggested NATO members tell Denmark to agree to American control. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it, he said. NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable. Advertisement Related Article Opinion Trump diplomacy Trump calls climate change a con job but it could drive his bid to seize Greenland David Crowe Europe correspondent Trump also referred to the existing defence of Greenland as two dogsleds and argued that only the US could ensure its security. Some Greenlanders said they were anxious about Trumps remarks, although others said they did not think the president would launch US military action over the issue. We are allies, and I dont think hes going to do it, said Kristian Bernhardtsen, 47, a crane operator who spoke to this masthead in Nuuk. Like others, Bernhardtsen said he did not object to the US expanding its military facilities in Greenland including a space base at Pituffik, formerly known as Thule, which is important for monitoring missile launches. Advertisement The Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. AP It doesnt make sense saying that he needs Greenland, Bernhardtsen said. He can have bases. We have a base up north, and if he wants to expand it or make other military installations, hes allowed to. Theres nothing stopping him. Denmark ruled Greenland from the early 1800s and still funds many of its services, although the island is now an autonomous region of 57,000 people with their own government. The Kingdom of Denmark encompasses Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Denmark itself. With 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 A A A US President Donald Trump has told Iranian protesters that help is on its way, giving his strongest indication yet that the US will intervene in the country following the Islamic Republics brutal crackdown on anti-government protests. He warned that the regimes killers and abusers would pay a big price for their repression, which has reportedly seen security forces kill some 2000 people since demonstrations began late last month. Whilst Trump offered no details on the type, or extent, of intervention Washington may be about to make, it is thought that the options being considered include military strikes, assassinating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and cyberattacks against the regime. But first, he must determine what his ultimate goal is. Loading Does [Trump] want this to end in regime change, or does he want to weaken them to force them into a new nuclear deal? We dont know, and this is raising major questions about what America might do, says Danny Citrinowicz, an Israeli defence analyst who specialises in Iran. The US must also weigh the prospect that intervention could backfire, encouraging Iranians to rally to the flag and strengthening the governments grip on power. The country has a long history of coming together to resist foreign invasion, and the regime has a record of exploiting that sentiment to legitimise itself. Advertisement Symbolic strikes One option for the US is a minimal strike or series of strikes designed only to send a message and redeem Trumps promise to hit Iran in the event the regime started killing protesters. Related Article Trump diplomacy There are rivers of blood: Iran horror emerges as phone lines restored There are no shortage of potential targets for such action, from Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) bases around the country to missile facilities. To maximise the symbolism, the US may choose to strike an official building in Tehran. During the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June, the Israelis bombed the Ministry of Intelligence. A similar strike in the capital, or on a remote but high-value nuclear facility, is feasible and could be achieved with assets the US already has in the region. That may be enough to persuade the regime to ease off its bloody crackdown on protesters. But if it is too obviously symbolic, it may backfire telling the regime and its opponents that the Americans are not really serious about getting involved. Advertisement A sustained bombing campaign To force a real change in direction, stop the security forces killing protesters, or actually undermine the regime, a more sustained and more widespread bombardment would be required. It would need to hit not only headquarters and ministry buildings, but also an array of bases and staging posts used by the IRGC and its Basij militia throughout the country. The Israeli airforce struck many such targets last year, and also savaged Irans air defence systems. Anti-government protesters chant around a fire on the streets of Tehran. UGC via AP The preponderance of [Americas] focus would have to be on the domestic repressive apparatus, argues Farzan Sabet, a managing researcher at the Global Governance Centre in Geneva. Key personnel, not only at the top level but one or two levels down; their communications nodes; the facilities they use. And then the main facilities of state media ... and the judiciary and prosecution service. Military planners might also feel compelled to hit some military targets so that the retaliation is limited. Advertisement But the Israeli campaign failed to bring down the regime with nearly two weeks of bombing, so the Americans would have to be prepared for an even larger and more sustained assault. That would require a build up of US forces that do not appear yet to be in place. A post by US President Donald Trump on Truth Social about Iran. As far as we know, there is no US carrier group in the immediate vicinity. Its nearest one, the USS Abraham Lincoln, is currently located thousands of miles from the Persian Gulf, in the South China Sea. There has been no visible deployment of B2 bombers to Diego Garcia, the Indian Ocean base from which long-range bombers would take off for such a mission. And while the US could, in theory, call on warplanes stationed at bases around the region, host countries may not allow those sites to be used for sorties in Iran owing to fears over retaliation and uncertainty over what would follow any toppling of the Iranian regime. Those issues aside, the bigger the campaign, the bigger the risk of triggering a rally around the flag effect for the regime and of handing it a victory if it survives. Short of deploying drones over city centres to attack the Islamic Republics security forces, it is, in fact, difficult to see how any kind of bombing would stop the crackdown on the streets. To achieve that outcome, some analysts say, the US would need to be willing to send troops into Iran. Advertisement You would need to put American boots on the ground, and he is not going to do that, said Nicholas Hopton, a former British ambassador to Iran. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran in November. AP Assassinating Khamenei The hope, then, must be that American intervention, or the threat of it, will persuade the regime to change course: to ease off the suppression of protesters, and to cut a new nuclear deal. This is a message that has currency in Tehran. Many in the establishment know that the omnicrisis of economic chaos, collapsing legitimacy, and environmental degradation facing Iran cannot be fixed without the lifting of sanctions. There are many in the regime, including Masoud Pezeshkian, the president, who are thought to favour doing anything to achieve that including ditching Irans nuclear program. But I think the way that Khamenei is talking in public is not a good indicator that hes actually got that message, says Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at the Royal United Services Institute, pointing to his defiance in the face of Trumps threatened intervention. Laman Ismayilova An international online exhibition titled "Friendship on the Silk Road" has been organised through cooperation between the Artists' Union of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the Azerbaijan Artists' Union, and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. The project is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. The exhibition brings together works by a total of 18 professional artists representing Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, showcasing a wide range of creative styles and aesthetic perspectives. The paintings reflect the shared civilizational space shaped by the Great Silk Road and, within this context, interpret the common historical memory and cultural-spiritual heritage of the Azerbaijani and Uzbek peoples through the lens of contemporary artistic thinking. As part of the online exhibition, a catalogue complementing the project's conceptual and artistic content was also presented. The catalogue opens with a foreword by Gunay Afandiyeva, Member of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, and Cultural Ambassador of Uzbekistan. She notes that the joint exhibition "Friendship on the Silk Road" by Azerbaijani and Uzbek artists is yet another vivid example of the cultural unity between the two brotherly countries and peoples. The deputy emphasised the importance of bringing artists from both nations together on a shared cultural platform and strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Describing the initiative as a meaningful contribution to the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, she stated: "The project once again reflects, through the universal language of art, the spirit of multifaceted partnership between our two countriesrooted in shared historical values and reinforced by today's common political will. I am delighted that, alongside many areas of life, a creative dialogue in the field of visual arts is also developing successfully between our peoples. I express my gratitude to all the organizers and talented artists involved in the project and wish the creative team inspiration and continued cooperation. May the artistic embodiment of AzerbaijaniUzbek brotherhood revive our shared cultural heritage once again." In his opening remarks, Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Bahrom Ashrafkhanov, described the project as a vivid symbol of the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual ties between the two brotherly nations. "Art, as a universal language, clearly reflects the shared values, traditions, and worldview that have taken shape along the Great Silk Road over centuries," he said. "The particular significance of this online exhibition lies in the fact that it is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Over these years, our countries have built a strong strategic partnership based on mutual respect, trust, and support," he added. The Ambassador also expressed sincere gratitude to the Azerbaijani Parliament and Nakhchivan Artists' Union for their direct support in organizing this important cultural initiative, expressing confidence that the exhibition would further contribute to strengthening Uzbek-Azerbaijani friendship and developing humanitarian cooperation. The project's curator for Azerbaijan is Ulviyya Hamzayeva, Member of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Chair of the Nakhchivan Artists' Union, and Honored Artist. The curator for Uzbekistan is Khurshed Khalilov, a member of the Creative Union of Artists of Uzbekistan. The catalog for the online exhibition was designed by Araz Khudiyev, photographer and designer of the Nakhchivan Artists' Union. "Friendship on the Silk Road" is planned as a long-term cultural initiative, with the presented exhibition marking the first stage of the project. As European markets continue to show optimism, with the STOXX Europe 600 Index rising by 2.27% amid a favorable economic backdrop and positive company earnings, investors are exploring various opportunities across the continent. Penny stocks, while often considered a niche area of investment, still offer potential for growth, particularly when these smaller or newer companies demonstrate strong financial health. In this article, we will explore three penny stocks that may combine balance sheet strength with promising long-term potential for investors seeking hidden value in quality companies. Top 10 Penny Stocks In Europe Name Share Price Market Cap Financial Health Rating Ariston Holding (BIT:ARIS) 4.402 1.52B Orthex Oyj (HLSE:ORTHEX) 4.88 86.66M Lucisano Media Group (BIT:LMG) 1.06 15.75M Angler Gaming (NGM:ANGL) SEK3.60 SEK269.95M Angler Gaming (DB:0QM) 0.31 227.95M Libertas 7 (BME:LIB) 3.16 67.03M ForFarmers (ENXTAM:FFARM) 4.92 434.85M Deceuninck (ENXTBR:DECB) 2.325 321.36M Dovre Group (HLSE:DOV1V) 0.0726 7.89M Netgem (ENXTPA:ALNTG) 0.80 26.79M Click here to see the full list of 282 stocks from our European Penny Stocks screener. Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen. Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: Overview: Aramis Group SAS operates in the online sale of used vehicles across several European countries, including France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Austria, Italy, and Spain, with a market cap of 386.69 million. Operations: The company's revenue is primarily derived from Refurbished Cars (1.56 billion), followed by Pre-Registered Cars (554.04 million), B2B (145.12 million), and Services (123.69 million). Market Cap: 386.69M Aramis Group SAS has demonstrated significant earnings growth, with a 296.3% increase over the past year, surpassing industry averages. The company's debt management is strong, with operating cash flow well covering its liabilities and a reduced debt-to-equity ratio from 154.7% to 32.4% over five years. Despite low return on equity at 9.7%, Aramis's profitability has improved, evidenced by an increased net profit margin to 0.8%. Recent developments include a share repurchase program aimed at performance share allocations for key personnel, indicating confidence in ongoing financial stability and strategic management focus on shareholder value enhancement. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Dearborn, Michigan: US President Donald Trump raised his middle finger and appeared to direct profanity towards a factory worker who expressed criticism of his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein controversy at a Michigan auto plant on Tuesday, video circulating online showed. The entertainment site TMZ first published video capturing the exchange, and the White House did not dispute its authenticity. Loading A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the president gave an appropriate and unambiguous response, White House spokesman Steven Cheung said. Trump was touring the Ford F-150 assembly facility in Dearborn when a worker on the plant floor shouted what sounded like paedophile protector as the president stood on an elevated walkway, the video showed. Trump turned toward the individual and appeared to respond with an expletive before making a hand gesture with his middle finger as he walked off. Advertisement Updated WorldNorth AmericaUS politics Extraordinary, aggressive: FBI raids journalists home, seizes devices Michael Koziol Updated January 15, 2026 8:45am ,first published 6:17am 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 US Federal Bureau of Investigation has raided the home of a newspaper journalist who covers the federal government, seizing laptops and a phone in a highly unusual move as part of an investigation into illegal retention of classified information. Attorney-General Pam Bondi said on social media the FBI executed a search warrant at the home of a reporter who was obtaining and reporting classified and illegally leaked information from a Pentagon contractor. Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson. The Washington Post The Washington Post identified that reporter as Hannah Natanson, who covers the reshaping of the federal government under the Trump administration. She recently wrote about the deluge of tips she received over the past year from aggrieved government workers. The Post reported that federal agents seized Natansons phone, personal and work-issued laptops and a watch, and that she was told she was not the target of the investigation. It identified that person as Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a system administrator accused of taking home classified reports. Advertisement Perez-Lugones was arrested and charged last week. A 10-page criminal complaint against him does not mention leaking or disseminating the information. But in a document opposing bail, the government said the defendant was alleged to have disclosed sensitive information, and is capable of disclosing more if released. FBI director Kash Patel also confirmed the search of the reporters home, claiming she was endangering our war fighters and compromising Americas national security by obtaining and publishing sensitive military information. The Washington Post office in Washington, DC. Bloomberg The alleged leaker was arrested this week and is in custody. As this is an ongoing investigation, we will have no further comment, Patel said. While it is a crime to leak classified information, and it is commonplace for the FBI to investigate such leaks, it is not a crime for a journalist to obtain and report on such information. It is considered highly aggressive for a reporters home to be raided. Advertisement Katherine Jacobsen, North America co-ordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said the raid should disturb all Americans, with the US at a critical juncture as the Trump administration eroded civil liberties. Using the FBI funded by American taxpayers to seize a reporters electronic devices, including her official work laptop, is a blatant violation of journalistic protections and undermines the publics right to know, she said. FBI director Kash Patel. AP Without assurances that journalists can protect their reporting materials, accountability journalism will suffer a major setback, eroding yet another mechanism for government accountability. In a note to staff, Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray confirmed Natanson was not the target of the investigation, and said the paper had been in close contact with her and legal counsel. He also said the paper had a long history of zealous support for press freedom. Advertisement This extraordinary, aggressive action is deeply concerning and raises profound questions and concern around the constitutional protections for our work, Murray said. CNN reported that the raid was conducted at the request of the Pentagon and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. The FBI raided the home of a Washington Post journalist in a highly unusual and aggressive move. AP Bondi and Hegseth appeared to confirm that in their social media posts, with Bondi saying she was proud to work alongside Secretary Hegseth on this effort. Hegseth thanked Bondi for having the back of our war fighters. Hegseth was embroiled in controversy last year when he shared sensitive military operational information in a Signal group chat that, unbeknownst to him, included a high-profile journalist, Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. Advertisement Advertisement President Trump has zero tolerance for it and will continue to aggressively crack down on these illegal acts moving forward. Last month Natanson wrote a first-person account of her year as the federal government whisperer, receiving tips from almost 1200 government workers about how their workplaces or missions were being upended by the Trump administration. With 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 Federal prosecutors quit in protest over investigation into fatal ICE shooting Andrew Goudsward and Mike Spector January 14, 2026 11:21am 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: At least a dozen federal prosecutors have indicated plans to leave the United States Justice Department over the Trump administrations handling of the fatal shooting of a Minnesota woman by a US immigration officer and other civil rights cases, according to three people familiar with the situation. The departures spanned the Justice Departments civil rights division in Washington DC and the US Attorneys Office in Minneapolis, the sources said. Renee Good in her car, moments before she was shot dead. Alpha News/X Six federal prosecutors in Minnesota have resigned over a request from Justice Department leadership to investigate the widow of Renee Good, 37, who was shot and killed in Minneapolis on January 7 while observing the federal law enforcement action, two sources said. One of those who quit was Joseph H. Thompson, The New York Times reported, a career prosecutor who was second-in-command at the office and oversaw a sprawling fraud investigation that proved the catalyst for the administrations immigration crackdown in Minnesota. Thompson objected to the criminal investigation against Goods widow, the paper reported, and to the decision to block state agencies from the investigation. Advertisement Another six senior prosecutors in the criminal section of the departments civil rights division have also informed the department they plan to leave. An FBI investigation into the shooting of Good, a mother of three, is ongoing, but lawyers in the civil rights division were also informed last week that they would not play a role in the investigation at this time, according to two people familiar with the matter. Loading The decision to keep the civil rights division out of the investigation marks a sharp departure from past US administrations, which have moved quickly to investigate shootings of civilians by law enforcement officials for potential civil rights offences. But on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT), Deputy Attorney-General Todd Blanche said in a statement that there is currently no basis for a criminal civil rights investigation. The statement did not elaborate on how the department had reached a conclusion that no investigation was warranted. Advertisement Related Article Trump's America Dramatic video captures immigration arrest in city on edge after ICE shooting Federal officials have said that the officer who shot Good acted in self-defence and that she was engaging in an act of domestic terrorism when she pulled her car forward towards him, a claim state officials disputed. The quick pronouncement by administration officials before any meaningful investigation could be completed has raised concerns about the federal governments determination to conduct a thorough review of the chain of events precipitating the shooting. People rally in New York to demand an end to immigration deployments after the fatal shooting of Renee Good. Getty Images Minnesota officials have also raised alarm after federal officials blocked state investigators from accessing evidence and declared that Minnesota has no jurisdiction to investigate the killing. Advertisement The departures also prompted renewed concern about the federal investigation into the shooting, which has prompted protests nationwide and drawn renewed scrutiny of the Trump administrations sweeping immigration crackdown in US cities. Related Article Opinion Trump's America Weve seen the video. Trumps lies about it are breaking the country David French Columnist The Minnesota inquiry was only one factor in the decision of the civil rights lawyers to leave the department. The prosecutors, veteran lawyers who had served across presidential administrations, had grown disillusioned with the direction of the division, whose priorities had been reshaped to align with Trump, according to the sources. A Justice Department official confirmed the departures. Several of the civil rights prosecutors accepted an early retirement offer from the Trump administration, some of the sources said. The department official said the lawyers had asked to take part in the early retirement program well before the Minnesota shooting. The resignations are the latest sign of tumult in the Justice Department under Trump, which has fired and expelled dozens of career officials and pursued investigations of Trumps perceived political enemies. Advertisement Hennepin County attorney Mary Moriarty, the chief state prosecutor in Minneapolis, said on the departures at the Justice Department were an indication that career prosecutors were not being allowed to do their job. And thats because of politics, not because of what actually happened here, Moriarty said. Reuters, AP 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 AmericaCourts The husband, the au pair and the stranger they allegedly used in plot to kill wife Emma Uber January 14, 2026 7:03pm 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: A stranger with a knife had pinned Christine Banfield down in the bedroom of her suburban Virginia home when her husband and their au pair burst through the door. Brendan, he has a knife! Christine Banfield yelled to her husband, au pair Juliana Peres Magalhaes testified on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT), telling her story of that day publicly for the first time from the witness stand in a Fairfax County courtroom. Magalhaes said she saw Brendan Banfield, a federal agent, draw his service weapon and shoot the man. Christine Banfield asked Magalhaes to call for help, and she dialled emergency services. But Brendan Banfield signalled for her to hang up the phone, Magalhaes said, then seized the mans knife and began repeatedly stabbing his wife in the neck. Juliana Peres Magalhaes, the Banfields au pair, is testifying about the February 2023 killings of Christine Banfield, 37, and Joseph Ryan, 39. Magalhaes told jurors that she and Banfield had plotted to kill his wife and the man theyd lured from a fetish website to frame as a violent intruder. She testified for two hours about the February 2023 killings of Christine Banfield, 37, and Joseph Ryan, 39. She will resume answering questions on Wednesday morning (Thursday AEDT). Both Magalhaes and Banfield were arrested and initially charged with murder but Magalhaes pleaded guilty in 2024 to involuntary manslaughter and agreed to co-operate. Brendan Banfield is charged with aggravated murder. His trial began this week. The au pair described arriving in the United States from Brazil as a 21-year-old, being offered $US200 ($300) a week and a room in the Banfields home to care for their toddler, then how her relationship with Brendan Banfield turned sexual. Prosecutors showed jurors photos she posted to her Instagram with the married mans face covered by an emoji: a selfie of them in the bath, a video of them singing in the car to the 2002 hit song A Thousand Miles, a photo of his hand on her upper thigh. Advertisement Brendan Banfield was charged with the premeditated killings of his wife and another man. She joined him on work trips, she said, and they brought the Banfields young daughter on a vacation with them to New York. It was on that trip, in October 2022, that Brendan Banfield first mentioned his plan to get rid of his wife, Magalhaes said. At first, she thought he was joking, she said. But then he took her to the shooting range and told her that he wasnt going to hire a hitman because that would be too easy for investigators to discover. He replaced the familys windows with soundproof glass. She posted a photo of herself at the shooting range the same month as the New York trip, captioned in Portuguese that translates to The handsome guy takes really good pictures HAHAHA. Christine Banfield in a photo from her social media account. She said she watched as Brendan Banfield used his wifes laptop to create a new email address in her name and open an account on FetLife, a BDSM and sexual kink community site. The couple impersonated Christine Banfield on the website, Magalhaes said, waiting until Christine got home from her nursing shifts to take her laptop from her backpack and exchange messages with people. Brendan Banfield made sure they used the website only when Christine Banfield was also at home, Magalhaes said, anticipating that investigators might later track her movements through her phone. Advertisement They eventually met Ryan, who went by the username tacosupreme7000, and lured him to the familys home under the pretense of a rape fantasy scenario. Prosecutors said Ryan agreed to a set of rules: Dont meet before the fantasy, bring a knife and zip ties, and most importantly dont stop, no matter how scared Christine Banfield seems. Brendan Banfield cried in court Tuesday while listening to the 911 call Magalhaes made from the Banfields home that February. In the first emergency call from the northern Virginia home, the only sound is a guttural moan, then silence. About 15 minutes later, another 911 call comes from the home, and this time the Banfield familys Brazilian au pair can be heard begging for help, breathing hard and too flustered to give an address. Then Brendan Banfields voice cuts in. Theres somebody here, Brendan Banfield can be heard saying on the call. I shot him. He stabbed her. Shes bleeding out. Theres several marks on her neck. What do I do? This is where the cover-up began, United States prosecutors argued on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT) at the outset of Banfields murder trial. Banfield would later tell investigators that Magalhaes had called him to tell him shed seen a strange man entering the house, and he rushed back to the home to find Ryan with a knife to his wifes throat, so he shot him. But Fairfax County prosecutor Jenna Sands urged jurors Tuesday not to believe that version of events. Advertisement Joseph Ryan was killed at the Banfield home in February 2023. In opening statements, Sands argued that Banfield and Magalhaes, the then-22-year-old au pair, were deeply in love, but Banfield worried that if he left his wife he would lose custody of their young daughter. Instead, Sands said, the couple impersonated Christine Banfield on a fetish website, where they met Ryan and lured him to the familys Herndon-area home under the pretense of a rape fantasy scenario. Sands said Magalhaes messed up the plot by making the 911 call too early, and only called back later after both she and Banfield had shot Ryan and Banfield had stabbed his wife repeatedly in the neck. Defence attorney John Carroll told jurors on Tuesday to be sceptical of Magalhaess version of events, saying she had maintained her innocence for a year but eventually changed her story to match prosecutors theory in exchange for a sweetheart deal. Advertisement Related Article Courts A fetish website and claims of a sordid affair: Husband charged over double murder Carroll pointed to correspondence from Magalhaes to Banfield while she was in jail, saying she wrote to him They want you and They want me to say things that arent true. The whole reason she was arrested was to flip her against my client, Carroll said during his opening remarks. Theres a vulnerable person who is open to prey for what they need. And I would respectfully suggest that Juliana Peres Magalhaes is the linchpin in all of this. Banfield also faces child abuse and child endangerment charges related to his daughter, who was four years old and in the basement of the northern Virginia home when the killings occurred. He has pleaded not guilty on all counts. The trial is expected to last four weeks. The Washington Post 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: Courts USA For subscribers Advertisement Analysis WorldNorth AmericaTrump diplomacy After Venezuela, Trump is gassed up on winning he will probably decide he must act in Iran Michael Koziol January 14, 2026 3:47pm 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 One mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter, as they say, which is certainly true for Donald Trump when it comes to protesters. Brave Iranians who took to the streets en masse again on Tuesday night, despite the great risk to their lives, are patriots to the US president, and he is encouraging them to keep up the fight. Iranians protest in Iran on Friday. AP However, Americans who protest the deportation of alleged criminal aliens are domestic terrorists, in the view of the Trump administration, whose deaths at the hands of ICE officers are unfortunate but justified. That is not to compare or liken the two sets of demonstrators and their causes, but simply to point out Trump lacks a principled approach to public protest. This may prove costly to the thousands of Iranians protesting the Islamic terrorist regime if Trump ultimately decides to cut a deal rather than intervene militarily to try to fatally weaken it or cut off its head. Advertisement Advertisement The son of the toppled shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, makes the same point. Part of the reason they are still on the street fighting is they believe that this president is committed to do what he promised he will, he told Fox News from the United States, where he lives in exile. Tehran-born Pahlavi, 65, would seek to return to lead Iran if the regime fell though his level of support in the country is far from clear so naturally he would encourage Trump to intervene. Loading The president seems cognisant of this dilemma. His latest message was that he will decide on a course of action based on the latest estimates of the death toll, including whether the regime is hanging people. Just because Trump supports the protesters in their righteous cause does not compel him to launch air strikes, and nor should it. But by giving the impression that American help is on its way, he adds to the incentives for Iranians to keep risking their lives, even as the danger escalates. Advertisement There would still need to be clear aims and strategy for any military operation, whether that be symbolic strikes, sustained bombing, assassination of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei or some combination. As noted by Clayton Swope, a senior fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, air strikes have a mixed record, although Trump successfully deployed them against Iran last year. US President Donald Trump addresses the Detroit Economic Club on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT). AP There is little historical evidence that airpower by itself has brought about the collapse of a regime, nor that airpower alone can prevent a tyrant or terrorist group from perpetrating brutality against civilians, he writes. But the regime in Iran today is weak. It is quickly losing its grip on power. Because of this weakness, one can discern a certain logic for US airstrikes in Iran that could achieve a policy aim without using ground troops. Advertisement Air strikes alone will not stop the Ayatollah from shooting protesters but what if, because it is so weak, air strikes can bring about regime collapse? Seems reasonable that such a result might end the ongoing violence against civilians. Related Article Trump diplomacy There are rivers of blood: Iran horror emerges as phone lines restored Given his recent track record in not only Iran but Venezuela, Nigeria and Syria, Trump will believe that is exactly what will happen. He is gassed up on winning, as he puts it. Weve been right about everything, Trump told CBS News on Wednesday after rattling off a list of successful military interventions, including the assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani during his first term. The likely conclusion is that Trump convinced he cannot fail, certain of his unique ability to effect change and with the weight of expectation on him will decide he must act. 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. PHILIPSBURG:--- During Wednesday's weekly press briefing, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina directly addressed the recent controversy involving the Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Suenah Laville-Martis. The Prime Minister emphasized that the situation is an internal matter and underscored his administration's commitment to confidentiality, due process, and respect for established government protocols. When asked about the feud involving his cabinet, the Minister of VSA, and the media coverage concerning the suspension or firing of the Chef de Cabinet, Dr. Mercelina was candid, stating, That question I'm asking myself also. From my side, there has been no contact with any media outlet concerning giving any explanation of this recent development. He made it clear that the only public statement made so far originated from the board of the Unified Resilient St. Martin Movement (URSM) his political party and not from his office as Prime Minister. One statement has been made and that has been made by the Board of the URSM. But that is only a board's position of my political party. But from my side as being the Prime Minister of this government, I have never sought contact with the media to give any declaration. Dr. Mercelina firmly reminded the public and the media that the matter falls within the internal operation of the executive branch of government and that it is crucial for society to recognize and respect the strict standards of confidentiality, due process, and established administrative protocols. He reinforced that not every internal issue should play out in the public or media sphere, saying, Not every issue that arises should be litigated in the public domain. I think that is incorrect . . . for this Prime Minister, this government, it's important for me to state that those type of issues should not be litigated in the public domain. He expanded on this point by highlighting the values of discretion, professionalism, and discipline. Effective governance depends not only on transparency... But I think there is something else that we call discipline, respect for internal processes, and of course, we must not forget also that it is equally important to uphold the dignity and privacy of those public servants that are involved in these matters. Addressing the core question on Laville-Martis employment status, Dr. Mercelina was unambiguous: Was the person in question fired or suspended? The person in question was not fired. That is the answer that I can give you. The Prime Minister closed his remarks by stressing the importance of handling executive matters within the appropriate institutional framework, without speculation or unnecessary escalation, to safeguard both the integrity of government and the privacy of the individuals involved. PHILIPSBURG:--- In his first press briefing of 2026, Prime Minister DR. Luc Mercelina extended warm New Year wishes to the people of St. Martin, emphasizing her hope for a healthy and prosperous year ahead. The Prime Minister, drawing on her background as a doctor, underscored the importance of health as a cornerstone for the nations well-being. During the briefing, Prime Minister Mercelina provided updates on key developments affecting St. Maarten, particularly in the areas of regional security, border control, and international cooperation. He highlighted his recent meeting with the Netherlands' Minister of Defense, Mr. Ruben Brekelmans, during which several critical topics were discussed. Regional Security and the Situation in Venezuela The Prime Minister addressed concerns regarding recent developments between the United States and Venezuela, noting that the situation remains stable. He reassured the public that there are currently no indications of mass migration from Venezuela to St. Maarten or other Caribbean islands. At this particular moment, there is no direct or immediate threat to the security and safety of St. Maarten that demands extraordinary measures, he stated. However, he emphasized the importance of vigilance, noting that the Kingdom of the Netherlands continues to closely monitor the situation and has contingency plans in place should circumstances change. Border Control and Kingdom Preparedness Border control remains a top priority for St. Martin and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Prime Minister Marcelina affirmed that St. Maarten continues to receive operational and strategic support to address any potential threats to its borders. Our border is not just a national concern for St. Maarten but a shared responsibility within the Kingdom, he explained. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of preparedness to address potential migration, security, or humanitarian challenges that may arise in the future. Cooperation with French Neighbors The Prime Minister also touched on the strong and stable relationship between St. Maarten and its northern French neighbors. He noted ongoing collaboration in areas such as border control, security coordination, immigration management, and information sharing. This partnership, she said, is vital to ensuring the safety and stability of the island. Military and Coast Guard Base in Philipsburg One of the key announcements during the briefing was the progress on the construction of a military and Coast Guard facility in Philipsburg. Located next to Dock Maarten, this facility is in the final stages of preparatory work. This investment represents a long-term commitment to the safety and resilience of the people of St. Maarten, Prime Minister Mercelina stated. The new base will enhance maritime security, improve disaster response capabilities, strengthen border surveillance, and support regional defense operations. A Commitment to Vigilance and Cooperation Prime Minister Mercelina concluded by reiterating the governments commitment to maintaining the safety and security of St. Maarten. He emphasized the importance of vigilance, collaboration, and preparedness in navigating regional challenges. As St. Maarten enters 2026, the government remains focused on fostering stability, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring the well-being of its citizens. PHILIPSBURG:--- During Tuesdays meeting of the Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-Parliamentary Relations (CKAIR), MP Egbert J. Doran raised a central question facing Sint Maarten today: can the country realistically speak about autonomy while remaining structurally dependent on external support? According to MP Doran, discussions about Kingdom relations have repeated themselves for years, often focusing on autonomy, inclusion, and a stronger voice within the Kingdom. Yet, he noted, those discussions lose meaning when actions taken at the executive level do not reflect the same objectives. We talk about having more control over our future, Doran said, but when decisions consistently move us toward deeper dependence, we are not moving forward. We are standing still, or worse. A key part of Dorans intervention focused on the countrys continued reliance on the Netherlands for assistance across multiple sectors. While he acknowledged that cooperation is necessary, especially in areas such as justice and governance, he stressed that long-term autonomy is impossible without a strong local revenue base. If Sint Maarten does not actively build its own revenue streams, Doran cautioned, then no amount of political language about autonomy will change our reality. This position, he emphasized, is not new. Last year, Doran formally requested a Finance Committee meeting focused specifically on revenue generation. That meeting has yet to be convened. More recently, together with his faction, he requested an urgent joint meeting with the Ministers of Finance and TEATT to discuss concrete revenue opportunities for Sint Maarten. That meeting was scheduled, but ultimately canceled at the last minute. For Doran, these delays highlight a deeper issue. While there is no shortage of talk about reform, there has been limited follow-through on discussions that directly address the countrys financial independence. Autonomy cannot exist without revenue, he stated. If we are serious about reducing dependence, then revenue generation cannot remain a postponed conversation. In addition to revenue generation, Doran raised concerns about transparency in Kingdom-level agreements. He questioned the number of mutual agreements signed in recent months within the Ministries of Justice, Finance, General Affairs and the Netherlands. According to Doran, Parliament often learns of these commitments only after they are already in effect. Parliament must know what is being agreed to on behalf of the country, he said. What obligations are being taken on, and what is Sint Maarten committing to in return? That information should not come after the fact. He reiterated that cooperation is not the issue. The concern is whether Sint Maarten is engaging as an informed partner or simply reacting to circumstances without a clear long-term strategy. While speaking from the opposition, Dorans tone remained focused on national interest rather than political confrontation. He called for honest dialogue between Parliament and government, clearer alignment between public debate and executive action, and renewed urgency around building local economic strength. This is not about rejecting cooperation, Doran concluded. Its about making sure Sint Maarten stands on its own feet while cooperating, not leaning indefinitely. MP Dorans message remains clear: real autonomy begins at home. Without deliberate action on revenue generation, transparency, and follow-through, discussions about independence risk remaining just that, discussions. Jan 14 (Reuters) - Chinese authorities have told domestic companies to stop using cybersecurity software made by roughly a dozen firms from the U.S. and Israel due to national security concerns, two people briefed on the matter said. Broadcom-owned VMware, Palo Alto Networks and Fortinet are among the U.S. firms whose cybersecurity software has been banned, while Check Point Software Technologies is among the Israeli companies, they said. Reuters was not able to establish how many Chinese companies received the notice, which the sources said was issued in recent days. Chinese authorities expressed concern that the software could collect and transmit confidential information abroad, said the sources, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the situation. China's internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication. The four companies also did not reply to Reuters queries. As the U.S. and China battle for tech supremacy amid heightened trade and diplomatic tensions, Beijing has been keen to replace Western-made technology with domestic alternatives. While its efforts to build up its semiconductor and artificial intelligence sectors have dominated headlines, it has also sought to replace Western computer equipment and word processing software. Chinese analysts have also said that Beijing has become increasingly concerned that Western equipment could be hacked by foreign powers. (Reporting by Beijing and Shanghai newsrooms; Additional reporting by Raphael Satter in Washington; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) Boasting a market cap of $1 trillion, Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) is a major global research-based pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets a broad portfolio of prescription medicines. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lillys product lineup comprises leading treatments such as Mounjaro and Zepbound for type 2 diabetes and weight management, Trulicity and Jardiance for diabetes, Verzenio for cancer, Taltz for autoimmune conditions, and established insulin therapies like Humalog and Humulin. The leading drug manufacturer plans to release its Q4 earnings shortly. Ahead of the event, analysts expect Eli Lilly to report a profit of $7.47 per share, up 40.4% from $5.32 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has exceeded Wall Streets EPS estimates in three of the last four quarters, while missing on another occasion. More News from Barchart Moving forward, analysts expect Eli Lilly to report an EPS of $23.95 in fiscal 2025, up 84.4% from $12.99 in fiscal year 2024. Its fiscal 2026 EPS is projected to rise 40.3% annually to $33.59. www.barchart.com LLYs stock has surged 35.1% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming the broader S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 19.7% gains and the S&P 500 Healthcare Sector SPDRs (XLV) 12.7% returns over the same time frame. www.barchart.com Shares of Eli Lilly rose 3.3% on Jan. 7 after the company announced a strategic partnership with Nimbus Therapeutics to develop an oral obesity treatment, and reports emerged that it was in advanced talks to acquire Ventyx Biosciences for more than $1 billion. The Nimbus collaboration, which includes a $55 million upfront payment and up to $1.3 billion in milestone-based payments, is aimed at expanding Lillys obesity pipeline beyond injectables, while the potential Ventyx acquisition would further deepen its drug portfolio, together reinforcing investor confidence in Lillys long-term strategy to strengthen its leadership in the weight-loss therapeutics market. The current consensus opinion on Eli Lilly stock is Strong Buy overall. Among the 27 analysts covering the stock, 22 recommend a "Strong Buy," two suggest a "Moderate Buy," and three analysts advise a "Hold." Furthermore, the average analyst price target for Eli Lilly is $1,161.76, indicating a potential upside of 7.5% from the current price levels. On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah 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 Israeli army says killed two militants in Gaza despite ceasefire Jerusalem, Jan 13 (AFP) Jan 13, 2026 The Israeli army said it killed two militants Tuesday in the southern Gaza Strip in an exchange involving tank fire and air strikes, despite its fragile ceasefire with Hamas. The military said in a statement that it identified "six armed terrorists in the western Rafah area, adjacent to IDF (Israeli army) troops". "Tanks arrived at the scene and fired at the terrorists. The terrorists fired at the soldiers in one of the tanks, and an exchange of fire ensued, including targeted aerial strikes in the area," it said, adding two militants were killed and that troops were searching for the others. Under the truce that entered into force in October following two years of war between Israel and Hamas, Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip withdrew to positions behind a demarcation known as the "yellow line". The city of Rafah is located behind the yellow line, under Israeli army control. The area beyond the yellow line remains under Hamas authority. Both sides have repeatedly accused the other of violating the ceasefire. On Thursday, the army said it struck Hamas targets in various parts of the Strip in response to the failed launch of a projectile from Gaza towards Israel. Gaza's civil defence agency said the strikes killed at least 13 people, including five children. Israeli forces have killed at least 447 Palestinians in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect, according to Gaza's health ministry, which operates under Hamas authority. The Israeli army says militants have killed three of its soldiers during the same period. Lebanon says France to host conference to support army Beirut, Lebanon, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 Lebanon said Wednesday that a conference in support of the country's army as it seeks to disarm militant group Hezbollah would take place in Paris on March 5. The announcement follows recent promises of support to the military, which lacks funds, equipment and technical expertise. Presidency spokeswoman Najat Charafeddine said President Joseph Aoun met French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan and ambassadors including from the US, Egypt and Qatar, discussing preparations for "a conference to support the Lebanese army and internal security forces". "It was decided to hold the conference in Paris on March 5, to be opened by French President Emmanuel Macron," she said at the presidential palace. Under US pressure and fearing expanded Israeli strikes, Lebanon has committed to disarming the Iran-backed Hezbollah, which was badly weakened in more than a year of hostilities with Israel that largely ended in late 2024. Last week, Lebanon's army said it had completed the first phase of its plan to disarm the group, covering the area south of the Litani river, around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Israeli border. A plan for the disarmament north of the Litani is to be presented to cabinet next month. Israel, which accuses Hezbollah or rearming, has criticised the army's progress as insufficient, while Hezbollah has rejected calls to surrender its weapons. Lebanon's army has dismantled tunnels and other military infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah near the Israeli border in recent months, seizing weapons and ammunition, despite its limited capacities. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has kept up regular strikes on Lebanon, usually saying it is targeting Hezbollah, and has maintained troops in five south Lebanon areas it deems strategic. Last month, talks with international envoys in Paris touched on the Lebanese army's needs, while its chief agreed to document its progress in disarming Hezbollah. Dogsleds, China and independence: Facts on Greenland Copenhagen, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 US President Donald Trump has stepped up his designs on Denmark's autonomous territory Greenland, but questions abound about why he seeks to take it over when the US already has extensive access to the Arctic island. What does Denmark's defence agreement with the US on Greenland say? What is Copenhagen doing to beef up its security? Do China and Russia pose a real threat? And what does Greenland's independence movement say? Here are answers to those four key questions. - US military presence - In 1941, at the height of World War II, occupied Denmark authorised the United States to build and operate military bases on Greenland, Denmark's then-colony in the Arctic, for as long as the conflict would last in a bid to protect the American continent. By the end of the war, the US had 15 military bases in Greenland. Today there remains just one, the Pituffik air base on the northwestern coast, which US Vice President JD Vance visited in March. Greenland's location is highly strategic, lying on the shortest route for missiles between Russia and the United States. It is therefore a crucial part of the US anti-missile shield. Home to 57,000 people, Greenland "is an important part of the US national security protection," Marc Jacobsen, Arctic expert at the Royal Danish Defence College, told AFP. Since 1951, a Danish agreement with the United States -- revised in 2004 -- gives the US military practically carte blanche to do what it wants on Greenlandic territory, as long as it informs Denmark and Greenland in advance. "The Government of the United States will consult with and inform the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark, including the Home Rule Government of Greenland, prior to the implementation of any significant changes to United States military operations or facilities in Greenland," Article 3 of the accord states. - Danish investments in security - Trump has argued that Denmark has failed to ensure the security of Greenland, which measures 2.2 million square kilometres (849,424 square miles), or about a fifth of the size of the entire European continent. But Denmark rejects the claims and stresses that it allocated nearly 90 billion kroner ($14 billion) to beefing up security in 2025. The Sirius patrol, tasked with defending a huge, largely uninhabited swathe of the island in the northeast measuring 972,000 square km, travels across the ice by dogsled. The patrol consists of 12 soldiers and some 70 dogs. But to defend the entire territory, 81 percent of which is covered in ice, the Danish military has invested in five new Arctic vessels, an air radar alert system, as well as drones and sea patrol planes. A subsea telecoms cable between Greenland and Denmark will also be built. Two cables already link the island to Iceland and Canada. - Chinese and Russian presence - A recent report by Denmark's military intelligence service said Russia, China and the United States were all vying to play "a greater role" in the Arctic. Greenland has untapped rare earth deposits and could be a vital player as melting polar ice opens up new shipping routes. In August 2025, two Chinese research vessels were observed operating in the Arctic, north of the US and Canada, about 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) north of Greenland. "It's important that Donald Trump understands that there are not Russian and Chinese ships along the coast of Greenland," Jacobsen said. China is also virtually absent from Greenland's economy. The semi-public company Shenghe Resources has a 6.5 percent stake in Australian mining group Energy Transition Minerals, which wants to develop a rare earths deposit in southern Greenland. That project is currently halted, however. In addition, China was blocked from investing in new airports in Greenland. "The Greenlandic government had shortlisted a big Chinese state-owned company for providing technical support for building new airports eight years ago, but Denmark and the US offered to finance the airports on the condition that the Chinese contractor was not selected," Jesper Willaing Zeuthen of the University of Aalborg told AFP. China's presence in the Arctic currently focuses mainly on the Northern Sea Route and, and it has occasionally joined exercises with the Russian coast guard in the Bering Strait, according to an assessment from the Danish Institute for International Studies. - Road to independence - Greenland's government in Nuuk and Copenhagen have repeatedly said that the territory is not for sale and that only Greenland can decide its future. It is currently governed by a coalition that has no plans to seek independence from Denmark in the immediate future. The Naleraq party, which wants swift independence and which came second in Greenland's legislative elections in March, is not in government. While some of its members want to bypass Denmark and negotiate directly with the United States, the party's official stance is that "Naleraq does not want Greenlanders to become American. Just as we do not want to be Danish." A year ago, 85 percent of Greenlanders said they opposed joining the United States, according to a poll published in the Danish and Greenlandic press. Trump says US control of Greenland 'vital' for air defense Washington, United States, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 President Donald Trump said Wednesday that US control of Greenland was "vital" for his planned Golden Dome air and missile defense system. "The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building," Trump, who has vowed to seize the Arctic island from ally Denmark, wrote on social media. "NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable." Trump's post came early on a day when top Danish and Greenlandic diplomats were to visit the White House for talks on Greenland with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Hours before the meeting was due to start, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen sought to ease US concerns about security in Greenland, telling AFP that Denmark was boosting its military presence there and was in talks with allies on "an increased NATO presence in the Arctic." Trump for his part said that NATO "should be leading the way" in building the multi-layer missile defense system. "IF WE DON'T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!" Trump wrote. The US leader has repeatedly threatened to take over the vast, strategic and sparsely populated Arctic island, and he has sounded emboldened since ordering a deadly January 3 attack in Venezuela that removed its president. Denmark boosting military presence in Greenland 'from today' Copenhagen, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 Denmark will beef up its military presence in Greenland "from today", the defence ministry said Wednesday, just before high-stakes talks were to start in Washington over US President Donald Trump's threats to take over the Arctic island. "The Danish armed forces are, from today, deploying capabilities and units related to ... exercise activities. In the period ahead, this will result in an increased military presence in and around Greenland, comprising aircraft, vessels and soldiers, including from NATO allies," the Danish defence ministry said in a statement. Since returning to office nearly a year ago, Trump has repeatedly said the United States needs to take control of the vast, strategic and sparsely populated Arctic island for reasons of "national security". He has accused Denmark of neglecting security in and around Greenland, and said Wednesday the Danish autonomous territory was "vital" for his planned Golden Dome air and missile defence system. He urged NATO to support Washington's aims. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that a US attack on a NATO ally would end the alliance. "Security in the Arctic is of crucial importance to the Kingdom of Denmark and our Arctic allies, and it is therefore important that we, in close cooperation with allies, further strengthen our ability to operate in the region," Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said in Wednesday's statement. The exercise activities in 2026 could include guarding critical infrastructure, providing assistance to local authorities in Greenland, including the police, receiving allied troops, deploying fighter aircraft in and around Greenland, and conducting naval operations, the ministry said. Denmark last year hosted exercises in Greenland in which NATO allies Germany, France, Norway and Sweden took part, it said. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart were to hold talks Wednesday in Washington with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. France to host conference to support Lebanese army in March Beirut, Lebanon, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 France will host a conference in March to raise funds for the Lebanese army, it was announced on Wednesday, as the country's forces struggle with financial and equipment shortfalls while they try to disarm militant group Hezbollah. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday met French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan and ambassadors including from the US, Egypt and Qatar, discussing preparations for "a conference to support the Lebanese army and internal security forces", presidency spokeswoman Najat Charafeddine said. "It was decided to hold the conference in Paris on March 5, to be opened by French President Emmanuel Macron," she said at the presidential palace. French foreign ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux said that in addition to the conference, Le Drian addressed "the reinforcement" of the committee monitoring the year-long ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which France is a part of. He also discussed "the implementation of the Lebanese Armed Forces' plan" tackling "the disarmament of Hezbollah", the spokesman said. Under US pressure and fearing expanded Israeli strikes, Lebanon has committed to disarming the Iran-backed Hezbollah, which was badly weakened in more than a year of hostilities with Israel that largely ended in late 2024. Last week, Lebanon's army said it had completed the first phase of its plan to disarm the group, covering the area south of the Litani river, around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Israeli border. A plan for the disarmament north of the Litani is to be presented to cabinet next month. Israel, which accuses Hezbollah or rearming, has criticised the army's progress as insufficient, while Hezbollah has rejected calls to surrender its weapons. Lebanon's army has dismantled tunnels and other military infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah near the Israeli border in recent months, seizing weapons and ammunition, despite its limited capacities. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has kept up regular strikes on Lebanon, usually saying it is targeting Hezbollah, and has maintained troops in five south Lebanon areas it deems strategic. FBI searches journalist's home over alleged Pentagon leak Washington, United States, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 The FBI on Wednesday searched the home of a Washington Post journalist who has written about US federal job cuts, in a move the newspaper described as "highly unusual and aggressive." Attorney General Pam Bondi said the search was part of an investigation into an alleged leak from the Pentagon, which has introduced new restrictive media policies under President Donald Trump. Bondi said the journalist "was obtaining and reporting classified and illegally leaked information from a Pentagon contractor" and that the search warrant was executed after a request from the Defense Department. The Post named the reporter as Hannah Natanson and said federal agents seized a work laptop, a personal laptop, her phone and a watch from her home in Virginia, outside Washington. Agents told Natanson she is not the focus of the probe. The paper reported that law enforcement was investigating Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a system administrator with top-level security clearance who is accused of taking home intelligence documents found in his lunchbox and his basement. Perez-Lugones, who served in the US Navy before working as a Pentagon contractor, was arrested last week in Maryland, according to court documents that do not mention any contact with journalists. "The leaker is currently behind bars," Bondi said on social media. "The Trump Administration will not tolerate illegal leaks of classified information that, when reported, pose a grave risk to our Nation's national security." In December, Natanson wrote how she posted her secure phone number on an online forum for government workers and many contacted her about their experiences of radical cutbacks and policy changes in Trump's second term. The Defense Department last year restricted media access inside the Pentagon, forced some outlets to vacate offices in the building and drastically reduced the number of briefings for journalists. US and international news outlets including The New York Times, AP, AFP and Fox News declined to sign the new media rules and were stripped of their press access credentials. US attack on Greenland 'very hypothetical': Danish defence minister Copenhagen, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 Denmark's defence minister on Wednesday said a US offensive in Greenland was "very hypothetical" as his country beefs up its military presence on the Arctic island in Washington's sights. US President Donald Trump's designs on Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, have deeply shaken transatlantic relations. When asked about the prospect of a US attack, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen called it a "very hypothetical question". "I consider it unlikely that a NATO country would attack another NATO country," he said. Denmark said earlier Wednesday it was bolstering its military presence in Greenland, "comprising aircraft, vessels and soldiers, including from NATO allies". Sweden announced that it was sending officers to Greenland in response to a Danish request. "Several of our partners and NATO allies will be going to Greenland, either as early as this evening or in the coming days," Lund Poulsen said, adding that it would be up to each country to communicate about its presence. Trump has repeatedly insisted that he wants to acquire Greenland wholesale due to what he calls the threat of a takeover by Russia or China. In a bid to find a way out of the crisis, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt arrived for White House talks with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday. Fifth Third Center at Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati Friday October 25, 2024. Federal regulators have approved Fifth Third's $10.8 billion takeover of Dallas-based Comerica, according to the Federal Reserve . The Cincinnati-based regional bank said it will finalize the merger on Feb. 1. The banks said the deal is subject to customary closing conditions, according to a joint statement. On Jan. 6, shareholders of both banks overwhelming approved the deal. We are thrilled ... Together, Fifth Third and Comerica will create a stronger, more diversified bank with industry-leading capabilities," Fifth Third CEO Tim Spence said in a Jan. 13 statement, noting the deal will boost the lender's presence in the Southwest U.S. Deal adds 350 branches, growing Fifth Third's reach There are no Comerica branches in Ohio and the deal is not expected to change Fifth Thirds banking in its hometown. But the deal adds more than 350 branches, enhancing the bank's presence in Texas, Arizona, California and Michigan. Fifth Third currently operates almost 1,100 locations. Fifth Third said it expects to make about $850 million in cuts or "cost synergies" as part of the integration, which will include an unspecified number of branch closures as well as reductions at corporate. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Federal regulators have approved Fifth Third's plan to buy Comerica Germany, France to send troops to Greenland, coveted by Trump Berlin, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 Germany and France on Wednesday said they will send troops to Greenland along with other European countries, as US President Donald Trump ramped up threats to conquer the Arctic island. The deployment of a 13-strong Bundeswehr reconnaissance team to the Greenlandic capital Nuuk from Thursday was at Denmark's invitation, the German Defence Ministry said. According to Berlin, the mission aims to "explore the framework conditions for possible military contributions to support Denmark in ensuring security in the region". France, the European Union's only nuclear power, also confirmed that it would send troops to Greenland, after a high-stakes meeting between US, Danish and Greenlandic officials in Washington. Trump has repeatedly vowed to take control of the autonomous Danish territory, arguing that it is vital for US security. After meeting US officials including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said it was "clear that the president has this wish of conquering Greenland", which he argued was "absolutely not necessary". Sweden has also said it will take part in the European military mission. Greenland is helpful, but not vital, for US missile defense Paris, France, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 President Donald Trump has said US control of Greenland is vital for his planned Golden Dome missile defense system, but not all experts are convinced. - What missile defense capabilities does Washington have? - The United States relies on a network of satellites and early warning radar stations to detect and track missiles. They are currently deployed in the Aleutian Islands in the Pacific, Alaska, Britain, and Greenland. There is also the Aegis Ashore air defense system based in the northern Polish town of Redzikowo that is capable of intercepting short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles, as well as radar located in Deveselu, Romania. Washington has several types of interceptor missiles, including the 44 GBI deployed in California and Alaska. Those missiles are meant to "counter a threat from the Asian continent, but the GBI silos are not well positioned to intercept a threat coming from Russia," Etienne Marcuz, a researcher at the Foundation for Strategic Research, a French think tank, told AFP. An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is launched by its engine to an altitude of several hundred kilometers. Once in space, it travels unpowered along a ballistic trajectory before releasing its warheads. The final phase of the flight involves the warheads re-entering the atmosphere. If the goal is to protect against an Asian threat, it would make sense to deploy GBI missiles in the northeastern United States, not Greenland, Marcuz went on. The researcher called Trump's idea of placing radar dishes and interceptors in Greenland merely "a pretext" to annex the Arctic island from NATO ally Denmark. "There are already some in Poland and Romania, so that's not an argument." The United States deploys SM-3 missiles on Aegis destroyers and at Aegis Ashore sites in Poland and Romania to intercept ballistic missile warheads after they separate from the booster, while the THAAD system is designed to target warheads in the upper atmosphere during their terminal descent. - What is the Golden Dome project? - Announced by Trump shortly after taking office, the Golden Dome project is intended to protect US territory against all types of missiles. The president plans to allocate $175 billion for the program, aiming to have an operational system by the end of his term -- a goal that many experts consider unrealistic within that timeframe. Todd Harrison of the American Enterprise Institute estimates the project could cost around $1 trillion over 20 years, rising to as much as $3.6 trillion for a fully capable missile shield. The centerpiece of the plan is a fleet of interceptor satellites in low Earth orbit, designed to leave orbit and collide with missiles during their flight through space. "It's a multilayered system. In case of failure you need to have other firing options," said Marcuz, the French researcher. He added that Washington will also need to upgrade its missiles and interception capabilities on land and at sea. - Why Greenland? - Intercontinental ballistic missiles aimed at the United States would inevitably pass over the North Pole, he noted, so having detection radars and interception capabilities there would make sense. The US military currently operates radar systems at its Pituffik base (formerly Thule). Marcuz added that while "it's always useful to have radars in Greenland" in order to track missiles in space, "it will become less and less so." "The United States is currently deploying SBIRS low-orbit satellites specifically to track missiles in their exo-atmospheric phase," he said. Furthermore, the current defense agreements between the United States, Greenland, and Denmark already give Washington considerable leeway. "The United States can position technical, material, and human resources in Greenland without limitation. They could even reposition nuclear assets if they wanted to," said Mikaa Blugeon-Mered, a researcher specializing in the geopolitics of the polar regions. "However, the key point is that the Danes and Greenlanders must be informed and consulted." "If the Danes consulted on a project said 'no' and the United States proceeded unilaterally anyway, it could be interpreted as a violation of Danish sovereignty, and that would lead to a diplomatic and political escalation," he added. "Therefore, Denmark doesn't have a veto right in the legal sense of the term, but in practice what the United States does in Greenland requires a political agreement." By Lefteris Papadimas and Howard Schneider ATHENS/WASHINGTON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran said on Wednesday comments from foreign central banks in defense of U.S. central bank chief Jerome Powell were inappropriate, a remark that stood in contrast to an outpouring of public support for Powell, including from other Fed policymakers, after a sharp escalation of Trump administration pressure. "I don't think it is appropriate for central bankers to get involved in non-monetary policy issues in their own country, and I think it is even less appropriate in other countries," Miran told an economic forum in Athens when asked for his response to a letter European and other central bank policymakers wrote in support of Powell after a threatened criminal indictment raised concerns about central bank independence. The heads of the European Central Bank, the Bank of England, the Bank of Canada and eight other institutions on Tuesday said Powell had acted with integrity and that central bank independence was crucial for keeping prices and financial markets stable. "The institutions in the United States are very, very strong, and what matters at the end of the day is whether policy is good or bad," Miran said in the Greek capital. "That's not something that worries me at all ... It's a story of people writing things for clicks." Miran, whom Trump appointed to the Fed in September and who plans to return to his job as a White House economic advisor after his term ends this month, has been an outlier among U.S. central bank policymakers for his entire short tenure, repeatedly dissenting on policy decisions to voice his support for bigger rate cuts, as the U.S. president has long called for. Several other Fed policymakers spoke on Wednesday in support of Powell and of central bank independence, several days after the central bank chief called out the Trump administration's decision to subpoena him as a way of intimidating the Fed into delivering easier monetary policy. TRUMP'S ESCALATING PRESSURE FOR LOWER RATES Powell's term as Fed chief ends in May and Trump has said he plans to pick a successor within weeks who agrees with the president on the need to reduce rates. Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic on Wednesday said the video statement issued by Powell on Sunday "said all it needed to say." In the video, Powell said the criminal subpoenas related to his congressional testimony on Fed building renovations were "pretexts" to get the central bank to act in line with the president's preferences, jeopardizing its independence. Inside Iran, the strain is even clearer. Most Iranians have no memory of the Shah or the Islamic revolution. Their experience of tyranny comes from religious rule enforced by morality police, censorship and constant surveillance. When older relatives talk about life before the Islamic Republic, it does not sound like oppression, it sounds like freedom. Corruption has made it worse. The IRGC has grown rich while ordinary soldiers, police officers and civil servants struggle to survive on shrinking salaries. Water shortages, environmental damage and failing infrastructure are hitting even rural areas that once supported the system. And hanging over everything is the question the regime cannot answer. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is 86. After nearly 50 years of condemning hereditary rule, the most likely successor is his own son. The revolution is recreating monarchy but this time with murderers. None of this means the regime will fall tomorrow. It could take months. It still has guns, prisons and men willing to use them. It may yet suppress the protests for now. But rumours of US action are growing as President Trumps threats are heard. What should Britain do? We have a difficult history with Iran and are best not getting involved internally, but we can start planning for the future. When the regime falls, the humanitarian need will be huge. Medicines, food and the equipment needed to live normal lives is all in short supply. Working with allies, we should prepare to help the newly liberated country. The Islamic Republic is trying to rule through fear alone, and fear is a wasting resource. Once gone, no amount of force can bring it back. The films UK trailer sees Charli XCX question whether the line keeping having a Brat summer is a bit cringe, and her label asking how she can keep the Brat momentum going, before she is seen promoting a bank card with the album cover on it. 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 Far from being a victimless crime, graffiti damage has a knock-on effect for rail users and commuters causing frustrating delays and inconvenience while trains are taken out of service to be cleaned. It is also extremely dangerous to access a live railway and can result in serious injury or, in some cases, death. With the theatre and existing makers Catford already has a creative heart and our students will both contribute to and benefit from being part of this community. We look forward to seeing what this new space unlocks for our students and for Catford. When he announced the plan, Sir Keir Starmer had said people will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if they did not have digital ID as part of a bid to crack down on illegal immigration. If we want to do a job, we should do it now. If we want to do something, we have to do it quickly, the Associated Press reported him as saying. The Port of Oakland handled 179,580 twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs) in December, down 1.7% year-on-year as cargo volumes stabilized in the face of uneven global trade conditions. Loaded containers totaled 140,050 TEUs, a decline of 3% compared to December 2024. Loaded imports fell 12.8%, while loaded exports were 10.9% higher. Oakland and other West Coast ports outside of southern California faced an array of challenges in 2025, from President Donald Trumps chaotic tariff war on China to a shifting of trade patterns and reconfiguring of services on the part of ocean carriers. The hubs have also seen aggressive growth by the western Canadian ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert, which have leveraged crossborder rail services to attract U.S.-bound intermodal shipments headed for the Midwest. Oaklands empty container volumes totaled 39,530 TEUs in December, an increase of 3.4% y/y, which the port ascribed to end-of-year repositioning. On a month-to-month basis, December volumes rose slightly compared to November, consistent with normal year-end shipping patterns. December reflected the kind of uneven performance weve seen across the industry, with softer imports and strong export activity, said Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes, in a release. That difference is more about timing and adjustment than any fundamental change in demand. For all of 2025, total container volume was essentially flat at 0.4% off previous-year levels at 2,253,976 TEUs, which the port termed a notable outcome given policy and economic uncertainty. Total import TEUs were weaker by 0.9%, while exports TEUs increased slightly by 0.1%, for a near-50/50 mix. Loaded containers accounted for approximately 77% of total volume, on a par with recent years. In an environment defined by uncertainty, maintaining stability matters, Brandes said. Our focus throughout the year was on keeping cargo moving reliably and predictably, ensuring customers could continue to move goods efficiently as trade conditions shifted. The port this week said it received two new container cranes, for the TraPac terminal. It said the delivery from Liebherr marks the first time European-built ship-to-shore cranes that have been deployed on the U.S. West Coast. Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here. Related coverage: Canada port, DP World complete $178M modernization Retail optimism boosting trans-Pacific container rates Why Charleston drayage drivers should care about Iran protests Army Corp OKs $1B Baltimore container terminal The post Flat volumes a win for Port of Oakland in unstable year appeared first on FreightWaves. While she has been surprised by the viciousness of the attacks, Cunningham is a vocal supporter of X and thinks free speech must be protected on the platform. Others have dug up a picture of her at a Pride march in 2022 when she was a Tory councillor, seeing it as proof that shes secretly woke. She shrugs the accusation off. Ive always been very pro gay rights, and Ill always march for that. In fact, she believes she was either born Right-wing, or had it instilled into her from an early age by her mother, who was a keen Thatcherite. I always believed that if you worked hard you can be successful. Thats what my mum taught me: dont rely on anyone but yourself. Her parents moved to London in the 1960s and worked several jobs before going into property development. My dad was the one who spoiled us and took us to the toy shop and stuff. My mum was: No, no, no, no. We dont waste money on toys. The summation, I think in the House, it was a question that was asked in the House was that, you know, youve used the AI, or West Midlands may have used AI on this particular occasion. Ms Mahmood added: The ultimate responsibility for the forces failure to discharge its duties on a matter of such national importance rests with the chief constable, and it is for that reason that I must declare today that the chief constable of West Midlands Police no longer has my confidence. Misleading communications also extend to the words of the chief constable himself at his appearance in front of the Home Affairs Select Committee, when he claimed that AI tools were not used to prepare intelligence reports, a claim since refuted by one of his own officers, who blames incorrect evidence on an AI hallucination. The lethal crackdown on protests intensified over recent days, renewing tensions between Washington and Tehran, following the US and Israeli strikes on the country in response to its nuclear programme last year. The conflict threatens to further destabilise the Middle East as the war in Gaza rages on. She went on: The doctor came to the room at 3am, put me on a drip for painkillers. When we were calling down to hotel reception, I was like Can we have some paracetamol? They said: We can't give you paracetamol, we can't give you ibuprofen. Matriarch Productions, which is best known for producing Netflix hit Adolescence, and was also behind Hulu Original series A Thousand Blows along with The Story Collective and Water And Power Productions, which has its second season available to stream on Disney+. She captioned the video on her Instagram story with: I dont want to be a moan but. On my way back from school and a carriage full of commuting men on their phones and no one stood up for pregnant woman with badge or elderly couple next to me. Speakers at SXSW Sydney on October 13, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. The festival will not continue in 2026. Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images An Aussie offshoot of Austins world-renowned culture, film, music and technology festival is calling it quits. Sydneys edition of South by Southwest said it would be shuttering operations after just three years, citing global market conditions and failed negotiations with government officials in New South Wales. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The news Wednesday comes despite an explosive attendance year for SXSW Sydney. Between 2024 and 2025, international visitors to the festival increased by 35% and total attendance was up 15% year-over-year. The 2025 event saw 345,000 people attend. Since launching in 2023, SXSW Sydney generated about $276 million in total economic impact, according to a news release in which South by Southwest called the event an ambitious and meaningful extension of the SXSW brand. Over three years, SXSW Sydney demonstrated the power of convening global innovators, creatives, and leaders, and created a platform that elevated voices from Australia and the Asia-Pacific region onto the world stage, Jenny Connelly, director in charge of SXSW, said in a statement. While the event will not proceed in 2026, we are grateful for the collaboration, creativity and commitment that defined SXSW Sydney. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source In a post on its website, the organization shared photos of its staff from the past three years, calling the events unforgettable. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Where are the other SXSW offshoots? SXSW Sydney was the first international extension of the festival. The second, SXSW London, debuted in June. The British edition of the festival is expected to continue this year as scheduled, with 2026 passes for the event on sale now. A handful of conference speakers for 2026 have already been announced on the SXSW London website. What are the dates for SXSW in Austin? The flagship conference and festival started in 1987 in Austin. This year's event will be held from March 12-18, with passes on sale now. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The conference portion of the event has historically been hosted in the Austin Convention Center but this year will shift to a clubhouse model while the convention center undergoes extensive renovations. In the new model, a variety of venues downtown will host speaker sessions, workshops and events, creating a more spread-out, village experience for attendees. The timeframe for the festival was also shortened this year from two weeks to one week as a result of the convention center closure. Renovations are expected to continue through 2029. H-E-B seeks more than $1 million in damages in a lawsuit over alleged defective equipment used to make ice cream. Shown is H-E-Bs Creamy Creations 1905 Vanilla ice cream, part of its line of frozen treats. Chuck Blount/Staff H-E-B has taken a New Jersey equipment supplier to court over alleged defective ice cream making machinery that led the San Antonio grocer to halt production and keep the affected treats off store shelves. In its lawsuit, H-E-B says that an April 2024 inspection of equipment supplied by Superior Ice Cream Equipment LLC uncovered a problem with a dasher blade, which churns the ice cream mix as it freezes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad H-E-Bs suit doesnt include details of the defect. No product related to the alleged defect ever left H-E-Bs facility, a company spokesman said in an email. The grocer seeks more than $1 million in damages from Superior for lost profits and inventory, out-of-pocket costs, replacement costs, production downtime, man-hours, consultant fees and legal costs, court documents show. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Tyler attorney Jeramy Jamy Skaggs said it vehemently denies all of H-E-B's allegations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Superior "is eager to finally have the opportunity for the discovery process to play out so it can secure and present information, which will reveal the truth about the allegations H-E-B is making," he said in an email. "The American legal system is the best in the world and we trust in that system in this case." In an answer to the suit, Superior says that any damages sustained by H-E-B were the result of its contributory negligence or comparative fault. H-E-B is not entitled to recover damages if its percentage of responsibility is found to be greater than 50%, Superior says. The New Jersey firm also says H-E-Bs claims are barred by the statute of limitations. The retailer filed the lawsuit last month in state District Court in San Antonio. This week, Superior gave notice that it had moved the case to U.S. District Court in San Antonio. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After discovering the alleged defective equipment, H-E-B says in the complaint it isolated for disposal more than 500 pallets of product. This process of isolating inventory until equipment can be thoroughly inspected demonstrates H-E-Bs acting in accordance with the very best practices of quality assurance, it adds in its suit. It says it has incurred costs for ongoing storage of the discarded product. Superiors equipment was defective on the date of delivery, H-E-B says in the lawsuit. H-E-B says it told the Superior about the losses incurred, but the supplier has failed to provide compensation, H-E-B adds. Advertisement Article continues below this ad H-E-B cites an agreement that states the supplier must promptly reimburse the grocer for costs related to any recall or corrective action its required to take as a result of defective equipment. H-E-B is suing for breach of contract, breach of warranties and negligence. The discovery of the alleged problem occurred the same month it issued a voluntary recall of select flavors of its Creamy Creations ice cream and sherbet over potential metal in 3-ounce cups that came 12 to a package. The recall was not related to the alleged defect, the H-E-B spokesman said. The recall involved packages of a dozen chocolate ice cream cups, six chocolate and six vanilla cups, and six lime and six orange sherbet cups. Advertisement Article continues below this ad No injuries were ever linked to the recall, H-E-Bs spokesman said. Lars Klingbeil, Germany's Finance Minister, sits at the table in the Chancellery laughing before the start of the cabinet meeting. Soeren Stache/dpa The German government on Wednesday approved new measures to prevent businesses from relocating to benefit from lower corporate taxes elsewhere in the country. Corporate taxes vary significantly across Germany, as they are calculated based on an assessment rate that is set individually by each municipality. Smaller communities often set a lower rate to keep taxes down in a bid to attract businesses, while corporate taxes tend to be much higher in bigger cities. For example, in the small town of Zossen to the south of Berlin, the assessment rate was 250% last year, only slightly above the minimum threshold of 200%, according to the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK). Meanwhile, the rate stood at 490% in Munich, meaning businesses there paid much higher taxes in 2025. In a bid to achieve more equal tax rates, the Cabinet voted to increase the minimum assessment rate to 280%. Last year, the average rate across the country was 438%, according to the DIHK. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said the aim of the proposal, which still needs to be approved by parliament, was to prevent companies from relocating their headquarters to be able to benefit from low tax rates. Waymo self-driving cars are charged at a facility in Southeast Austin. The company has expanded its Austin service area by about 50 square miles. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Uber users woke up to a notification Tuesday that Waymo covers more territory in Austin. The companys driverless ride-hailing service now can take passengers from Manchaca in South Austin as far north as the Domain, the latest growth in the companys heated competition with Tesla Inc.s robotaxi service. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Waymos service area now encompasses 140 square miles in which the company boasts fully autonomous rides. Tesla, which has recently made efforts to remove safety monitors from its fleet, said in October its service area was increasing to more than 245 square miles. Teslas vast service area is now more than 12 times what it was when the service launched in June. With about 200 cars, though, Waymo still has far more robotaxis on the street in Austin than Tesla. The Austin automaker hasnt provided an exact number but it apparently ranges from a few dozen to about 40. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has regularly taken digs at Waymo, including last month when its vehicles sat in the middle of four-way intersections and blocked emergency responders in San Francisco during a power outage. New Tesla Model Y electric vehicles, some with Robotaxi markings, are parked on a lot early this month in southeast Austin. Austin has emerged as a major testing ground for autonomous vehicle technology amid a broader federal debate over regulation. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Even before the incident, which has landed Waymo in hot water with officials, Musk wrote on X, Waymo never really had a chance against Tesla. This will be obvious in hindsight. 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 But Waymo, the clear industry leader, is out to lure more Texans to its service both in Austin and other metro areas. It also operates in Phoenix, the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles and Atlanta. This year, it plans to launch service in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and eight other U.S. cities. Tesla currently operates robotaxis in Austin and has launched a limited service, with humans in the driver seat, in the Bay Area. Last year, it said it would be in eight to 10 markets by the end of 2025 but now says it will expand into other cities this year. Phoenix may be first. Waymos new service area in Austin is up from approximately 90 square miles. Its previous expansion added roads such as those near McKinney Falls State Park and Sunset Valley but has seemingly tacked on Coronado Hills, University Hills and East MLK. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The company came under scrutiny last year in Austin after its vehicles were found to illegally pass stopped Austin school buses. The company issued a software recall in early December to address the issue but its vehicles have reportedly continued to pass buses with stop signs indicating that drivers must not pass. Safety concerns aside, Waymo also faces an increasingly crowded market in Austin. Startup Avride is testing its autonomous vehicles in the city in partnership with Uber, though it is unclear when its robotaxi service will launch. Amazon-owned Zoox has also been testing in Austin and seemingly gearing up for its service by recently buying a space to make into a fleet operations depot. Protesters walk together during the March for Water and a Sustainable Future on Aug. 19, 2025. Activists marched from San Marcos City Park to City Hall to protest proposed data centers in the area. One of those projects is now moving through the citys approval process again. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Roughly five months after stalling amid community backlash, a revived $1.5 billion data center project in San Marcos now has a much clearer path to approval. During an at-times heated eight-hour meeting Tuesday evening, the San Marcos Planning and Zoning Commission voted 62 to recommend approval of measures to annex and rezone the project. The vote marked an about-face from the commissions recommendation to deny approval of the same project less than a year ago. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Proposed by Fort Worth-based Highlander SM One LLC, the nearly 200-acre data center campus would be located partly within San Marcos city limits at 904 Francis Harris Lane, near the Hays Energy Power Station and several family-owned farms. The campus would include five buildings, each with a power capacity of 76 megawatts. The data center project initially failed to clear City Council, which voted 5-2 to approve measures to annex and rezone the land, but because the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended denial, the project did not receive the required supermajority to advance. During Tuesdays meeting, the commission heard nearly four hours of public comment, much of it opposing the project. Following the first recommendation for approval, a community member was removed from the room while shouting, You all should be ashamed. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Data centers are large facilities that provide critical infrastructure to support digital activity and the growth of artificial intelligence. They also require large amounts of water and power. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the states main grid operator, said data centers will cause Texas energy demand to surge 71% by 2031. Recent research has found that training and using AI could consume more water than the global bottled water industry, largely because of data center operations. Central Texas has emerged as the top secondary data center market in the country, with at least 55 completed or planned projects between Temple and San Antonio. ABOUT DATA CENTERS: Central Texas emerges as data center hotspot, raising rural concerns "You are neglecting Texas," Torrie Martin, whose ranch borders the proposed data center, told commissioners on Tuesday. "That's reminiscent of treason. You owe this town an alliance. This would not be protecting it nor preserving it. This would be a betrayal. And there's nothing more unpatriotic than this." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Torrie Martin at her fence line, near the area behind her fence line where a proposed data center may be built, Aug. 26, 2025. Martin has concerns about the environmental impact on water usage and sound pollution, as well as the safety of her animals. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman The proposed data centers power use is estimated to be about 2.5 times San Marcos peak demand, according to both project and city officials. It would rely on a closed-loop, water-based cooling system, requiring a one-time fill of between 60,000 and 70,000 gallons that would be cycled throughout the projects lifespan, with additional water needed for administrative uses such as restrooms. City officials said Tuesday the project's water usage would not exceed 75,000 gallons per day and that sound at the site's property line would not exceed 75 decibels John Maberry, manager of Highlander SM One LLC, said the site will bring in important jobs and property tax revenue for the city. The estimated property tax revenue for the city of San Marcos is about $3.26 million, officials said Tuesday. Labor union representatives in the area spoke in support of the project Tuesday, saying the construction and trade jobs needed for the campus could be life-changing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "These are literally generational-changing opportunities for communities for the next 20, 30, 40 or 50 years," Randall Harris with the Laborers International Union North America told the commission. Data centers historically have low employment numbers during operation. But an industry report found that data centers supported 485,000 jobs in Texas in 2023, with 61,000 of those being direct employment contributions. The proposed Highlander data center is not the only one planned for the rural east side of San Marcos and greater Hays County. Three other projects are either moving through approval processes or under construction on Francis Harris Lane. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tekscend Photomask is receiving a grant from the state for expansion of its operations in Round Rock. It produces photomasks, which are glass plates with a light-shielding film used in production of semiconductor circuits. Tekscend Photomask Corp. Texas is committing $15.2 million to support a $223 million expansion of semiconductor photomask manufacturing in Round Rock, a project expected to create 50 jobs. Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc. will receive the funds through the states Semiconductor Innovation Fund. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tekscend Photomask is a subsidiary of Japan-based Toppan Holdings Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of semiconductor photomasks, which are essential in the manufacture of semiconductor wafers. Tekscend is a supplier for other global companies including Samsung Electronics Co. and Texas Instruments Inc. Texas is where the integrated circuit began and where the future of the semiconductor industry is being built, Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement announcing the funding. This $223 million investment by Tekscend Photomask to expand production capacity at their photomask facility in Round Rock will further strengthen a critical supply chain for semiconductor manufacturing in Texas. The company says it plans to expand its Round Rock facilitys capacity by more than 40%, an expansion that will include modernizing the sites manufacturing equipment. The support from TSIF enables us to accelerate our expansion boosting both our technical capabilities and our production capacity, Tekscend Photomask Round Rock President John Nykaza said in a statement. This investment not only strengthens the regional supply chain but also creates additional high-skilled jobs here in Texas, ensuring we can meet the growing research and development and commercial photomask needs of our customers for years to come. 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 Tekscend Photomask established its U.S. presence in Round Rock in 1986. In 2023, a new city economic development agreement granted the company $1.25 million in return for $185.5 million in new investment and creation of 50 jobs, pushing its employment to about 300. It was also supported by the U.S. CHIPS & Science Act of 2022, which was enacted to boost semiconductor research and production. The Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund was established through the Texas CHIPS Act, which Abbott signed in 2023. The fund aims to invest in semiconductor research, design and manufacturing in Texas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A number of area companies have benefited from the state program including Samsung for its semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taylor, Austin-based Silicon Laboratories, Elon Musks SpaceX, KoMiCo Technology Inc., Dongjin Semichem Texas, MGC Pure Chemicals in Killeen and Yerico Manufacturing in Elgin. Cybertrucks are lined up in July at Gigafactory Texas. Tesla Inc. said its vehicle deliveries fell 9% in 2025 to 1.64 million, allowing competitors to overtake the company as the worlds top electric vehicle seller. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Tesla Inc. has pitched Cybertruck as nearly indestructible but its lengthening list of recalls suggests its anything but. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Kemah Police Department is in the midst of a 30-day trial period with a Tesla Cybertruck. Kemah Police Department But its also taken a ribbing for recalls, which have been mounting rapidly. Through 2025 alone, nearly 116,000 Cybertrucks were subject to recalls, according to an analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data. Financial news site Finbold found that was more than double the number in 2024, the vehicles first full year of sales. The 2025 total amounted to nearly 318 Cybertrucks recalled per day. In the relatively brief time its been on the market, Cybertruck has been recalled 10 times, putting it high on the Austin automakers list of recalled vehicles. 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 One of the most recent was issued in March to address a stainless steel panel flying off while the truck was moving. The adhesive holding the part together was found to be susceptible to environmental brittlement, a recall report said. Teslas fix involved finding better glue. Tesla had previously come across problems with getting parts to stick. In April 2024, it recalled almost 4,000 Cybertrucks after drivers reported instances of the accelerator pad dislodging, increasing the likelihood of the pedal getting trapped in the interior trim above it. Though Tesla assured customers it could resolve the issue in less than 15 minutes, the problem couldve been avoided without soap, that recall report said. An unapproved change introduced lubricant (soap) to aid in the component assembly of the pad onto the accelerator pedal, it said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Another notable recall was the most recent, when Tesla recalled more than 63,000 Cybertrucks in October because the front lights were too bright, posing a hazard to other drivers. Other recalls since the Cybertrucks release include: More than 27,000 recalled in September 2024 due to delayed rearview camera images that could impair driver visibility and increase crash risks. About 11,688 recalled in June 2024 over issues with their windshield wipers and exterior trim. Almost 2,500 were affected by a November 2024 recall, in which a fault in the drive inverter could cause the truck to stop producing torque. Replacing the drive inverter brought a time-consuming task upon Tesla, which estimated work time on the problem to be three hours. A tunnel styled to resemble a Tesla Inc. Cybertruck is seen earlier this month at Gigafactory Texas. Built by the Boring Co., the tunnel carries vehicles underground from the factory floor to a staging area across Texas 130. The factory and Tesla headquarters is seen in the background. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Some might not be considered official recalls by Tesla or its fans, such as one in December 2024 over issues with a warning light on the tire pressure monitoring system or when the Cybertruck was one of several Tesla models recalled over a visual warning indicator appearing in a font deemed too small, increasing the risk of collision. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Remedies for those issues arrived through over-the-air updates, and some fans argue software improvements arent true recalls. But Tesla isnt the only automaker that issues such recall. Though Tesla had more vehicles affected by software recalls in 2024 and 2025, Ford had the highest number of recall actions. And whether its a recall or faulty software, the problems dont seem to have hurt Teslas reputation among its loyalists and some potential customers. This past spring, a group gathered at an off-roading facility in Gatesville for a Cybertruck meetup. And, last month, a Houston-area police department began testing Cybertrucks as potential patrol vehicles. Still, its sales traction was slipping in its second full year on the market, nabbing 16,097 sales by the third quarter of 2025, down 38% from the year before. Tesla is now eying Cybercab as the next product to juice sales after it starts production in April. Still, that vehicle could have the same fate as Cybertruck and face production delays. Musk companies are known to overshoot promised timelines. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Actor Matthew McConaughey walks the field ahead of the Texas Longhorns game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Athens, Georgia. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Matthew McConaughey is taking a new approach to protecting his image in the age of artificial intelligence. The Oscar-winning actor has secured eight trademarks from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office covering his voice, likeness and iconic catchphrases including his famous line from Dazed and Confused, Alright, alright, alright as a way to prevent unauthorized AI recreations. The trademarks, which also cover brief video clips of McConaughey on a porch and in front of a Christmas tree, create a legal framework that allows the actor to sue anyone who uses AI to imitate him without consent. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A poster of Matthew McConaughey's character in "Dazed and Confused" is displayed on a wall at LazyDaze coffee shop on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Unlike state publicity rights laws, which remain largely untested against AI-generated content, federal trademarks provide a more immediate route for legal action. We want to create a clear perimeter around ownership, with consent and attribution the norm in an AI world, McConaughey told The Wall Street Journal. While McConaughey is taking a defensive stance against unauthorized AI use, he is not opposed to the technology itself. The actor has invested in ElevenLabs, a voice-cloning company, and is working with the firm to produce Spanish-language versions of his newsletter, Lyrics of Livin. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Youths leading the Bastrop County Martin Luther King Walk in Elgin on Jan. 16 carry a banner honoring the civil rights leader. From left are Elija Lowe, Aven OMahoney, London Sumpter, Brielle Sumpter, Layay Washington, Meleani OMahoney and Jeremiah LeFlore. Terry Hagerty/Special to American-Statesman A series of marches, celebrations, and volunteer opportunities will mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day across the Austin area, offering residents a chance to honor the civil rights leaders legacy through community, reflection, and service. From downtown Austin to surrounding cities, events are planned throughout the morning and afternoon, giving families, students and volunteers several ways to participate in celebrations emphasizing unity, service and multiculturalism. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Martin Luther King Day events in Austin 9:15 a.m. MLK Donation Drive at Pease Park Cynthia Harvey wears an inspirational T-shirt at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. Terry Hagerty/Special to American-Statesman The Pease Park Conservancy hosts a donation drive at Kingsbury Commons. Residents can drop off non-perishable foods, diapers and period products for local organizations including the Micah 6 food pantry and Austin Diaper Bank. Volunteers can also sign up for shifts throughout the day. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 1100 Kingsbury St. peasepark.org 9:30 a.m. MLK Community March The annual MLK Community March begins on the south steps of the Texas State Capitol. Participants will rally in honor of Dr. Kings legacy before marching to Huston-Tillotson University. Marchers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for the Central Texas Food Bank, with collection bins available at both the Capitol and the festival. 1100 Congress Ave. austintexas.gov Advertisement Article continues below this ad 11 a.m. MLK Community Festival at Huston-Tillotson University After arriving at HT University, marchers can enjoy a family-friendly festival with vendors, family activities and live music. Additional donation bins for the Central Texas Food Bank will be available. 900 Chicon St. mlkcelebration.com More Central Texas MLK Day events MLK Commemorative Walk and Celebration, Round Rock (Jan. 17) Round Rock will host its 39th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Walk and Celebration on Saturday. The public is invited to join a march beginning at 1:15 p.m. at Burke Realty Group, proceeding to Sweet Home The Pinnacle of Praise for a program at 2 p.m. Dr. Anthony Watson, principal of Stony Point High School, will deliver the keynote address. Participants are encouraged to bring banners. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 3121 Eagles Nest St., Round Rock. roundrocktexas.gov 9 a.m. Manor MLK Celebration Manor kicks off its annual event at City Hall, concluding with activities at Jennie Lane Park. 630 E. Hopkins St., Manor. manortx.gov Advertisement Article continues below this ad 9:30 a.m. MLK Walk and Celebration, San Marcos The Dunbar Heritage Association begins its MLK Walk with a wreath-laying ceremony at the LBJ/MLK Crossroads Memorial, followed by a walk through the neighborhood. A brief program will be held at the Historic Hays County Courthouse, with a reception at the Dunbar Recreation Center afterward. 110 E. Martin Luther King Drive, San Marcos. dhasmtx.com/mlk-celebration 10 a.m. MLK March and Celebration, Cedar Park Chesma McCoy, 41, Manor, and her daughter, Leandra, 4, take pictures of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Statue during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community March held on Monday, Jan., 16, 2023, in Austin. Rodolfo Gonzalez / Special to American-Statesman The Cedar Park Recreation Center serves as the starting point for a local MLK march. The event features performances by dancers, musicians and spoken word artists, with food and hygiene drives supporting Brighter Days Food Pantry and the Healthy Hygiene Project. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 1435 Main St., Cedar Park. cedarparktexas.gov 10 a.m. MLK Walk for Peace, Justice & Equality, Elgin The free community event begins with a walk starting from Veterans Park and continues with an 11 a.m. program at Booker T. Washington Elementary School. Refreshments will be provided, and scholarship donations to benefit local schools are welcome. This countywide celebration rotates annually between Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville. 109 Depot St., Elgin. smithvilletx.org Advertisement Article continues below this ad Noon. MLK Day March, Georgetown Participants gather at 11:45 a.m. on the north side of the Williamson County Courthouse for the annual MLK Day march to Macedonia Baptist Church. The celebration includes a keynote address by Gerald Jones, associate vice president for student life at Southwestern University. Julianna Duennes Russ is a breaking and trending news reporter at the Austin American-Statesman. She covered business as a Dow Jones intern for the San Antonio Express-News and has bylines with the Associated Press and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She holds Bachelors degrees in journalism, international affairs and comparative literature from the University of Georgia, where she also earned a certificate in sports media. When shes not writing, you can find Julianna strolling Zilker Park or cuddling with her orange cat, Colby. Reach out to her at julianna.russ@statesman.com with news or notes. New AFA President David Girouard raises his hand as the oath is read during a swearing-in ceremony at the Austin Firefighters Association Headquarters, Jan. 13, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman The Austin Firefighters Association has a new leader for the first time in nearly two decades. Veteran firefighter David Girouard was sworn in Tuesday as president of the union representing more than 1,200 city firefighters, succeeding Bob Nicks, who held the post for 17 years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Austin Firefighters Association Headquarters, Jan. 13, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman New AFA President David Girouard during a swearing-in ceremony at the Austin Firefighters Association Headquarters, Jan. 13, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman New AFA President David Girouard wears a pin during a swearing-in ceremony at the Austin Firefighters Association Headquarters, Jan. 13, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Girouard steps into the role after a turbulent six months for the association, marked by tense labor negotiations, a fight over proposed changes to overtime and staffing and broader concerns about the citys budget shortfall. Negotiations ultimately ended with the approval of a new labor contract, but financial pressures continue to loom large for the association. Nicks said Girouard has a reputation among some members as being too cooperative with city leaders but that he personally doesnt see it that way. Hes intelligent and a critical thinker, Nicks said. Hes been more critical in the past five months and hes going to represent members as fiercely as he can. 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 Read More: Austin City Council faces showdown over public safety cuts Girouard, a veteran firefighter who signed up for the Austin Fire Academy in 1995 just two years out of high school, sat down with the American-Statesman to discuss the new labor contract, ongoing financial worries and where the relationship between the city and the firefighters union goes from here. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Q: Its been a rocky six months for the association and city management. How are you feeling about that relationship now? A: I would say optimistic because the city and the association were able to cross the finish line with our labor agreement. We had a number of issues that were running and all of them were contentious, like creating a new schedule for firefighters, protecting four-person staffing, guaranteeing wage increases and creating a transparent process around potential service reductions. Most of those issues got buttoned up in the contract. Now we have a stabilized environment where the city has invested in the firefighters and that creates the opportunity for us to work on shared goals from both sides. My top priority is continuing to improve relations with management. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The labor agreement is the single biggest impetus toward improving our relationship. Outgoing Austin AFA President Bob Nicks, left, swears in new AFA President David Girouard , second from left, as well as Secretary Treasurer Adam Finkenbinder as well as Vice Presidents Anguiano, David Heaton, and Kyle Melton during a swearing-in ceremony at the Austin Firefighters Association Headquarters, Jan. 13, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Q: What about this specific labor contract would you say is helping to rebuild that trust for firefighters? A:The biggest piece is protecting four-person staffing. It is how we fundamentally do business and changing it would have ripple effects down to community safety. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The second big part of it is transitioning to the Austin schedule in October 2027. Essentially it increases the time off between shifts to 72 hours, which helps our current firefighters get more rest between shifts. It will also help with department recruiting efforts, because this kind of schedule is becoming the new standard in agencies across the nation. Q: Why is four-person staffing so important to the association? A: It protects firefighters, because it ensures that when two firefighters enter a building to perform a rescue operation, there are always two people outside the building providing support in case something bad happens. It really creates a better, safer environment for firefighters and for the community. Thats why its a national standard and one we fought to preserve here in Austin. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Q: City leaders had originally pushed three-person staffing due to budgetary concerns. The citys budget deficit is projected to grow over the next five years. Are you concerned that the city will need to cut the Fire Departments budget as a result? A: I am concerned that could be on the horizon in the future. But I'm going to operate in an environment of trust and believe if that day comes, the city is going to maintain its commitment to the provisions of our contract and collaborate with the association in that problem solving exercise. Together we can exhaust solutions that solve the budget crunch while minimizing its impact on services and that dont come at the safety of firefighters. We have to be a priority. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Outgoing AFA President Bob Nicks reads the oath as he swears in a new President, Secretary Treasurer and Vice Presidents during a swearing-in ceremony at the Austin Firefighters Association Headquarters, Jan. 13, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Q: How do you feel about succeeding Bob Nicks? Mary Wasson is a newsroom meteorologist for the San Antonio Express-News. She can be reached at mary.wasson-triplett@express-news.net Mary has been a meteorologist for more than 16 years. Since she and her family were forced to shelter from a tornado, she has been fascinated with how storms develop. Originally from Winchester, Ky., she earned a communications degree from Morehead State University and a Master of Science in Geoscience from Mississippi State University. She has worked in Rapid City, S.D., Lexington, Ky., Austin and Temple. Gold (GC=F), silver (SI=F), and copper (HG=F) climbed to new highs on Wednesday, extending an explosive rally to mark the first two weeks of January. Gold futures hit a high of $4,650 per troy ounce, marking a 5% year-to-date gain. Wall Street analysts upped their forecasts in recent days in light of the recent US intervention in Venezuela, geopolitical tensions with Iran, and growing questions about Federal Reserve independence. "We see bullion reaching USD 5,000/oz in the coming months amid hedging demand stemming from ongoing macroeconomic, policy, and geopolitical concerns," Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, CIO Americas and global head of equities at UBS Global Wealth Management, said on Wednesday. "While we note the downside risks given the current elevated premium, the gold price could also climb higher than we forecast to USD 5,400/oz if political or financial risks increase," she added. Her outlook mirrored that of Citi analysts, who earlier this week said gold could hit $5,000 within the next three months, while silver could reach $100 per ounce, though a correction could occur later this year. On Wednesday, silver traded above $91 per ounce, pushing its total market value above $5 trillion for the first time. The massive rally in metals underscores a metals war that is occurring as countries move to secure critical resources and compete in the accelerating AI race. Supply deficit concerns, recent export curbs from China, and a squeeze on short positions have driven silver up 20% since the start of the year, adding to its nearly 150% rally in 2025. Read more: What's ahead for stocks and gold in 2026? What experts are watching. Saxo Bank's Ole Sloth Hansen noted technical signals for the metal are flashing "overbought," but the cycle has been "supercharged by something deeper: growing unease about fiscal discipline, monetary credibility, and financial stability." Hansen highlighted that silver is both a monetary metal and an industrial one, "benefiting from the same fear-based demand that drives gold," but with exposure to electrification, solar energy, and electronics industries. "That dual identity is what makes it so explosive when the stars align," Hansen wrote in a note on Wednesday. Copper hit records, climbing above $6 per pound in the US, and more than $13,188 per ton in London, as concerns over a potential import tariff decision from the Trump administration has prompted an acceleration of shipments to the US, squeezing global supply. Goldman Sachs warned of a pullback in the coming months. The firm's analysts expect that ultimately, a refined copper tariff decision will be delayed or not implemented at all. Alamos Gold (AGI) is trading at a new all-time high on Monday, and shares are up more than 118% over the past 52 weeks. AGI is benefiting from gold (GCG26) hitting new record highs on Monday. Some experts are calling the recent price action part of a Sell America trade as investors react to news that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is under criminal investigation. Alamos Gold has strong technical momentum, and maintains a 100% Buy opinion from Barchart. Todays Featured Stock Valued at $17.6 billion, Alamos Gold (AGI) is a Canadian gold company. It runs three mines, including two in Canada and one in Mexico. On Sunday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell revealed that he was under criminal investigation related to a $2.5 billion renovation of the Feds headquarters and his related congressional testimony. Mondays resulting trading has some declaring that Sell America is in vogue. The U.S. Dollar Index ($DXY) fell nearly 0.3%, and safe-haven investments like gold have hit new record highs. More News from Barchart This bodes well for Alamos and other gold miners and producers, which move in sympathy with the underlying precious metal. Plus, AGI stock has already benefitted over the past year from a strong move higher in gold on the back of central bank demand and geopolitical turmoil, among other catalysts. What Im Watching I found todays Chart of the Day by using Barcharts powerful screening functions to sort for stocks with the highest technical buy signals; superior current momentum in both strength and direction; and a Trend Seeker buy signal. I then used Barcharts Flipcharts feature to review the charts for consistent price appreciation. AGI checks those boxes. Since the Trend Seeker signaled a new Buy on Nov. 25, the stock has gained 23.21%. www.barchart.com Barchart Technical Indicators for Alamos Gold Editors Note: The technical indicators below are updated live during the session every 20 minutes and can therefore change each day as the market fluctuates. The indicator numbers shown below therefore may not match what you see live on the Barchart.com website when you read this report. These technical indicators form the Barchart Opinion on a particular stock. System prioritizes human dignity, expert says China Daily) 08:46, January 14, 2026 Over seven decades, China has reshaped its social safety net, moving from a welfare system tied to state employment to a comprehensive, market-oriented framework that now covers almost its entire 1.4 billion population a transformation experts believe channels collective resources to manage individual risks. Its foundation lies in the "five insurances" pension, healthcare, unemployment, work injury and maternity coverage alongside the housing provident fund. These contributory programs are bolstered by social assistance mechanisms such as dibao (the minimum living allowance) and medical aid, which support low-income families and people with disabilities. The system originated in the early years of the People's Republic of China, founded in 1949, when State-owned enterprises directly provided employees with pensions, healthcare, housing, and other benefits. Following market reforms in the 1980s, China began experimenting with social pooling for pensions and healthcare, gradually untangling welfare from specific employers. A legal cornerstone was laid in 1994 with the passing of the Labor Law, which formalized the social insurance framework. The most significant expansions came later: the 2003 launch of the new cooperative medical scheme extended health coverage to rural residents, while the 2009 introduction of the new rural pension scheme brought pensions to the countryside. These programs were later merged with their urban counterparts, cementing welfare as a citizenship-based right. Yang Yifan, a social security expert at Southwest Jiaotong University, describes the system as a "high-resilience floor", designed to use State-led collective action to distribute and mitigate fundamental life risks that individuals cannot bear alone. He points to the basic medical insurance system covering about 95 percent of the population and funded largely by fiscal subsidies as a "firewall" against medical impoverishment, a leading cause of family financial collapse. In enforcement, the system emphasizes protecting a basic livelihood. For example, when recovering improperly distributed benefits, some localities have adopted "protective execution" for severely ill patients with no means to repay, ensuring their survival and medical needs are not compromised. "This reflects how the system prioritizes human dignity over rigid procedural correctness," Yang said. The ongoing effort to make pension and healthcare funds portable across regions long fragmented and managed by local authorities and to enable transfers from wealthier areas to those with weaker contribution bases, embodies a governance philosophy rooted in mutual aid and solidarity, he added. China's poverty alleviation efforts, which have lifted over 800 million people out of extreme poverty since the early 1980s, have operated in tandem with the country's expanding social safety net to mitigate risks for vulnerable households, experts said. This year marks the fifth anniversary of China's declaration of eradicating extreme domestic poverty, a milestone that has shifted the nation's focus toward the comprehensive vitalization of rural areas. Wu Haitao, a poverty studies expert at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, said that the success stems in a large part from China's multidimensional and dynamic understanding of poverty, which extends beyond income to include deficits in education, healthcare, and social participation. In practice, the strategy integrates a tiered and categorized social assistance system with regional cooperation and industrial development, forming a closed-loop mechanism spanning poverty prevention monitoring, industrial growth, and social security, he explained. Wu said the fundamental distinction lies in China's people-centered modernization model. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun) On January 13, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev got acquainted with the activities of the Demirli mining and processing complex in the village of Janyatag in the Agder district. Demirli is the first mining project implemented in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. The copper flotation plant will process the ore produced at the Demirli mine and produce the final product, copper concentrate. Its annual production capacity is 5.6 million tons of ore. Unfortunately, the Demirli deposit was illegally exploited by the Armenian side for 10 years, during which time 218,000 of the 311,000 tons of copper reserves known at that time, that is, 70 percent, were illegally mined. The initial period of operation of the remaining reserves covers 2025-2030. During this period, it is planned to export 85 thousand tons of copper to the People's Republic of China in the form of concentrate worth 1.6 billion. manats. At the same time, it is reported that an increase in copper reserves is projected at Demirli in the coming years. According to preliminary geological survey data, there are about 470 thousand tons of additional copper reserves here. As a result of the exploration and research program, which will take 4 years, the volume of recoverable copper reserves at the deposit will be clarified. Production at the field is conducted by the operating company Azerbaijan International Mining Company Limited (AIMC is a subsidiary of the British mining company Anglo-Asian Mining, AAM) within the framework of the agreement concluded in 2024 between AzerGold CJSC and the American company RV Investment Group Services on exploration, development and production sharing at a number of ore deposits in Azerbaijan. The Gyzylbulag gold deposit and the copper-molybdenum Demirli located in the Agdera region came under the control of Azerbaijan after the anti-terrorist operation in September 2023. Both fields were discovered and explored by Azerbaijani geologists during the Soviet era, but due to the Karabakh conflict unleashed by Armenia and the separatist movement in Karabakh, Azerbaijan did not have time to start practical development of the fields before the occupation. And the Armenians got them untouched. For a long time, the invaders could not approach the deposits due to lack of funds and technical capabilities. The development of the Demirli field began in 2013. In 2016, the Demirli mining complex was launched. The Armenian Base Metal was engaged in mining at both mines, while the Vallex Group managed everything. The Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan has established that in 2009-2017, the Vallex group of companies received income in the amount of 302 million manats due to the illegal exploitation of Azerbaijan's natural resources. During the years of occupation, it was possible to observe what was happening at the mines via satellites. At that time, Azerbaijan could only record violations and plundering of its natural resources. Baku appealed to various international authorities with a request for assistance in ending the lawlessness, but they remained unanswered. According to Armenian media, Beys Metals has always been controlled by former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan. That is, during all the years of occupation, he received dividends from illegal mining of gold and copper in the occupied territories. Demirli and Gizilbulag remained under separatist control for three more years after the Second Karabakh War, but the Armenians were forced to stop plundering their resources after the start of the eco-activist campaign in December 2022. In the first months after the war, the illegal exploitation of deposits in the RMK area was stopped, but after a short time, Armenian businessmen resumed looting Demirli with the involvement of foreign partners. Moreover, Ruben Vardanyan was directly involved in this lawlessness. The separatists and their sponsors calmed down and believed that they could continue illegal mining, quietly transporting ore along the Lachin road, which they thought was inaccessible to the control of the Azerbaijani side. However, it was self-deception. For Demirli, everything changed after the eco-activists' action broke out. The protests began after Azerbaijani specialists were prevented from entering the mines by Armenians and peacekeepers on December 7. Although they were not allowed to approach the scene, they determined from a distance that very intensive work was underway at the field, and the development area had doubled. Moreover, according to satellite data, in the year preceding the action, the area of illegal exploitation of Demirli doubled. Separatists and thieves like Vardanyan were in a hurry to take out as much as possible. Representatives of Base Metal tried to turn the issue into an environmental issue, disguising the very fact of plundering the resources of a foreign country. The company claimed to comply with all environmental standards, as if this could justify violating international law. But even if it were a purely environmental issue, the companies that plundered the bowels of Azerbaijan would have nothing to say. During the years of occupation, environmentalists of Armenia itself repeatedly sounded the alarm about the destruction of flora and fauna and the pollution of water bodies during the development of Karabakh's natural resources. Thus, it was confirmed that with the start of operation of the copper-molybdenum deposit in the Agderinsky district, toxic substances began to be dumped into the rivers flowing towards the Terter. After the start of the action, the fraudster Ruben Vardanyan visited the mine to clarify the situation, so to speak, He talked with the mining company, inspected the territory and stated that the conditions of the Azerbaijani side would not be accepted. The Russian billionaire tried to make a good face at a bad game and hide behind concern for the workers. They say that with the closure of the mine and the factory, the employment of local Armenians will suffer. The Azerbaijani side was not satisfied with this response. What happened next is well known to everyone. The Lachin road was completely blocked, and the ore export had to be stopped. And then the mining stopped. On December 22, Base Metals announced the suspension of operations. The robber could not admit the reasons for such a step, and announced that he was stopping to allegedly attract international experts. The real reason was the action of eco-activists and the inability to continue working. It is noteworthy that a couple of days before the Armenian operator made such a decision, the British Anglo Asian Mining PLC, which has the real right to develop the Karabakh deposits, appealed to a number of international organizations and governments, including the United Nations, the US State Department, the British Foreign Ministry and the European Union with a statement. The company has asked for assistance in restoring its rights, which are being violated by others. AAM asked for help to ensure the safe access of its employees to Gizilbulag and Demirli, as well as to the adjacent exploration territories in Karabakh, to which AAM is entitled under a PSA-type contract signed in August 1997 with the Government of Azerbaijan. We do not know if there was any signal to the robbers from the recipients of this appeal, but after a few days the Armenians had to stop work. And these works were not resumed again. The Demirli field was transferred to Anglo Asian Mining Company under a concession agreement concluded in July 2022, along with other contract areas totaling 340 square miles. The agreement was signed with the rightful owner of these riches, Azerbaijan. And, despite the op arranged by the Armenian side, it was the only legal document regarding the work at this field. The Armenian media looked very funny, trying to conduct some kind of "investigation" and incriminate AAM in some kind of collusion and corruption. Then everything began to change with great speed. In the spring of 2023, Azerbaijan took full control of the Lachin road, established a border checkpoint on the Khakari Bridge, and in September of the same year, a bold dot was put in the history of Armenian separatism in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan's natural resources have returned to their true owners. Goldman Sachs has forecasted that global equities will continue to rise in 2026, projecting an 11% return, including dividends, over the next 12 months. The rally will be supported by earnings growth and broad economic expansion. As traditional markets continue to climb, a critical question comes into focus: will digital assets move in step with equities, or will they follow a distinct trajectory of their own? Goldman Sachs Shares 2026 Forecast for Global Equities Goldman Sachs 2026 global equity outlook points to further upside for major indices. According to the report, the global economy is expected to expand across all regions next year, with global GDP projected to grow by 2.8%. The US Federal Reserve is also forecast to deliver additional modest policy easing this year, reinforcing a favorable macroeconomic backdrop. Against this, Peter Oppenheimer, Goldman Sachs Researchs chief global equity strategist, suggests that a major equity downturn remains unlikely in the absence of a recession. "We think that returns in 2026 are likely to be driven more by fundamental profit growth rather than by rising valuations. Our analysts 12-month global forecasts indicate equity prices, weighted by regional market cap, are expected to climb 9% and return 11% with dividends, in US dollars (as of January 6, 2026). Most of these returns are earnings-driven, Oppenheimer wrote. That said, the firm added that equity gains in 2026 are unlikely to replicate the sharp rally seen in 2025. This signals a more measured pace of returns ahead. "While stocks performed strongly in 2025...the gains didnt happen in a straight line. Equities underperformed early in the year, with the S&P 500 undergoing a correction of almost 20% between the middle of February and April, before rebounding. The strong rally in global equities has left valuations at historically high levels across all regionsnot just in the US but also in Japan, Europe, and emerging markets," the report reads. The report revealed targets of 7,600 for the S&P 500 (implying an 11% total return), 625 for the STOXX 600 (7% return), 3,600 for Japan's TOPIX (4% return), and 825 for the MSCI Asia Pacific ex-Japan (12% return). Goldman Sachs' Global Equities Forecast. Source: X/Goldman Sachs The analysis suggests that stocks are currently in the optimism phase of the market cycle. This began with the bear market that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. According to the team, this late-cycle optimism phase is typically associated with rising valuations, indicating potential upside risks to their central forecasts. Contractors work on a new $27.3 million transient training troops barracks project, known as the Fort McCoy East Barracks Project, on Dec. 11, 2025, at Fort McCoy, Wis. (Scott Sturkol/U.S. Army) The Army has a long history of doing too little, too late to make barracks life better for its junior soldiers at installations across the globe, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll told a room full of soldiers at Fort Drum, N.Y., on Monday. Weve gone to bases all over the world [during the last year, and found] there are many, many, many things where we are failing you where there is mold, where there is not high-speed internet, where there are very basic things [missing] for modern living, Driscoll said during a town-hall event aired Tuesday alongside Gen. Randy George, the Armys top general; and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer, the services top enlisted soldier. We have got to get it for you much faster. Army and other military barracks have long been plagued with myriad health and comfort issues for the young troops that live in them, and for decades the Army has been accused of doing too little to solve those problems while senior leaders have pledged to make improvements. Driscoll promised action over talk. But the top Army leaders provided few specifics. The problems stem, he said, from a lack of funding to build new barracks or renovate existing barracks, and a lack of urgency at times from leaders to fix the existing problems. The Armys top civilian, who was a cavalry scout platoon leader with Fort Drums 10th Mountain Division in the late 2000s, promised soldiers improvements are coming, especially once a Defense Department-wide study of barracks problems is completed next month. At Fort Stewart, in humid southeast Georgia, Driscoll said the Army has installed some 900 dehumidifiers in its barracks to try to solve mold problems. Elsewhere, across the entire Army, the service is working toward adding high-speed internet access to as many barracks as we possibly can, he said. Army leaders have said for years they need more money from Congress to improve barracks life for soldiers. Last year, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promised a $1.2 billion influx of funding to fix barracks across the U.S. military some $400 million for immediate needs and another $800 million for critical renovation projects as part of his barracks task force set to finalize recommendations next month. Those funds come from last years massive supplemental federal spending package signed into law in July. Weimer, who is serving on Hegseths barracks task force, said he has encouraged Public Works officials across the Army to tackle barracks maintenance issues more quickly when soldiers report them. Were trying to speed up how quickly we can take care of maintenance calls, he said. You put in a work order, we take care of it, so it stops continuing to get worse. Because, in truth ... because you deserve it: Theres not enough money right now for us to solve all of those type of problems in the next year or two. The sergeant major of the Army said he believes barracks privatization might help solve some of the problems. The Armys first privatized barracks program is set to open in 2028 at Fort Irwin, Calif., to house soldiers assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. The project dubbed a resort-style barracks facility broke ground in September and is being overseen by The Michaels Organization, which also manages on-post family residences on Fort Irwin. If that project is successful, Weimer said it could be replicated elsewhere across the service. Were going to learn a lot from this project, and then we will hope to scale it where it could work for us in the Army, he said. Privatizing barracks has received pushback from some lawmakers, who worry it could face similar issues to on-post privatized family housing for soldiers, which has been plagued with issues such as mold, slow repair times and infestations since they were established about 30 years ago. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., wrote to Hegseth last year that she was alarmed that the Defense Department would consider privatizing barracks given the significant challenges that privatization has imposed on military family housing for decades, directly resulting from the substantial failures of private housing providers. Driscoll said during the town hall that soldiers can expect to see some kind of improvements in the coming months, but he expected troops would complain for decades to come about conditions in barracks even if they are improved. This is one of those problems that has existed I even talked to my dad, hes turning 80, and he recalled talking about barracks [problems] 60 years ago, Driscoll said. And so, the honest answer here is, for 60 years people have complained about barracks. It will likely be that for the next 60 years people will complain about barracks. And much of that is because we deserve those complaints. Spc. Nicholas Lowery, 24, was acquitted Tuesday of charges that he shot and killed his sergeant in 2023 following a night of heavy drinking. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes) FORT HOOD, Texas A soldier was acquitted Tuesday of charges that he shot and killed his sergeant in 2023 following a night of heavy drinking and then lied about it to investigators to cover his actions. Spc. Nicholas Lowery, 24, sat unmoving as a warrant officer on the seven-man jury read the verdict aloud just after 2:30 p.m. in the 1st Cavalry Divisions courthouse at Fort Hood. His family members in the gallery held each other and cried. Across the aisle, the family of the deceased soldier, Sgt. Alfredo Martinez, 30, also wept in their seats, even after the judge had closed the proceedings. The verdict clearing Lowery of unpremeditated murder and obstruction of justice came on the eighth day of the court-martial and after jurors deliberated for about four hours. An eighth member of the jury panel had been excused earlier in the trial. Jurors also had the option to consider voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. The 1st Cavalry Division has full faith and confidence in the military justice system, the division said in a statement. The process is designed to be fair and impartial, and we respect the verdict of the court. Lowery was accused of shooting Martinez in the head on Aug. 27, 2023, in Lowerys on-post home and then providing a false statement to Army Criminal Investigation Division agents, as well as tampering with evidence in his living room. Lowery, Martinez and Spc. Rene Heber, 26, were all in the living room at about 8 a.m. when the shooting occurred. The three had been drinking heavily, roughhousing and playing with firearms throughout the night. Lowerys wife, Victoria Harris, was also in the home that night and testified during the trial that she had unloaded the handgun and left it in the living room before she went to bed at about 5 a.m. Heber called 911 at about 8:03 a.m., telling operators that Martinez had shot himself in the head and was still breathing. He was transported to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center, where he died at about 9:30 a.m. In the days following the shooting, initial evidence led investigators to question Lowerys and Hebers stories. Both were called in for questioning Sept. 6, 2023. During that questioning, Lowery confessed to shooting Martinez. I did shoot him out of anger, Lowery said during an 11-hour CID interrogation, which was played for jurors. Evidence discussed in court never showed why Lowery would be angry with Martinez. Everything I said is true, Lowery later said during the interrogation. That confession was coerced, Jonathan Crisp, an attorney for Lowery, argued in court. Lowery did not even know during the interview that he was a suspect, he said. He is naive, trusting and suggestable, Crisp said in his closing argument Tuesday morning. He doesnt even know its about him. That is how naive and stupid he is, and its heartbreaking to watch. Investigators created the story they wanted to believe, lied to Lowery during the interrogation and then forced evidence to fit the narrative, Crisp said. The government rushed to judgment and wanted to find an answer, he said. They wouldnt consider anything else. Capt. Eric Fenton, prosecutor from the 1st Cavalry Division, used closing arguments to emphasize that the angle at which Martinez was shot downward on the left side of the head would be difficult for someone to do themselves. He also argued that there was a lack of evidence to show he shot himself no blood on his hands or the gun, no sear from the handgun and no abrasions from a spray of gunpowder. Heber is charged with accessory to manslaughter and obstructing justice in Martinezs death. It was not immediately clear if his April court-martial under prosecution of the Office of Special Trial Counsel will move forward given Lowerys acquittal. An XM204 anti-vehicle mine lies on the ground ahead of testing in this undated photo. The mine is being fast-tracked for use across the Army after successful testing at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, in December 2025. (U.S. Army) GRAFENWOEHR, Germany A smart anti-tank munition that helps soldiers hold their own against tracked vehicles is being hurried to the force after successful testing in Bavaria. The Armys XM204 interim top-attack munition was approved for urgent materiel release, a procurement term that means speeding a weapons system into the field to meet an immediate operational requirement, an Army statement Monday said. The test of the briefcase-sized munition was done in early December by soldiers of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment at the sprawling Grafenwoehr Training Area in Bavaria. Eight trainers from the Joint Multinational Readiness Center at Hohenfels also attended a train-the-trainer course so they can teach other soldiers how to effectively use the weapon, the statement said. After being placed and armed by hand, the XM204 detects oncoming vehicles and autonomously fires submunitions into the air. It can be used alone, in multiples, or in tandem with other systems, according to an Army fact sheet. After launch, the submunitions scan the area, verify a target, then fire an armor-piercing slug. The system has a 160-foot attack radius and can fire a total of four munitions, according to the manufacturer, Textron. The device is called a terrain-shaping munition because it is designed to block, disrupt, fix and turn an enemy force, the service said in a previous statement. It allows a small force to repel or slow enemy armor until reinforcements arrive. Having it in the arsenal helps slow an adversarys movements and protect U.S. forces, Maj. Gen. John Reim, joint program executive officer for armaments and ammunition at Picatinny Arsenal, said in a September statement. This system gives our warfighters a decisive edge as we train and operate alongside NATO allies, Reim said. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment, based at Rose Barracks in Vilseck, is the first unit to field the XM204, the earlier statement said. The regiment tested the munition for performance, reliability and safety. Textron was awarded a five-year, $353 million contract in 2022. The worlds premier bubble tea brand also ranked #1 in category for the fifth consecutive year BOSTON, January 14, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gong cha, the worlds premier bubble tea brand, improved its ranking in Entrepreneur magazines Franchise 500 by 39 spots, climbing to #142 from its 2025 ranking of #181. Gong cha also retained its title as the #1 franchise in the Tea category for the fifth consecutive year. For over 45 years, achieving placement on the annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500 has been a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry, recognizing outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power. With nearly 2,200 locations in 33 international markets and over 240 stores in the U.S. across 23 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, Gong chas impressive ranking and continued upward trajectory is reflective of the brands aggressive growth strategy in the U.S. and internationallyas well as the overall profitability and popularity of the bubble tea sector. In 2025, Gong cha opened more than 230 new stores worldwide, achieved an 8.5% YOY increase in global sales growth, and entered new markets including Mongolia, Colombia, Ecuador, Thailand, and The Bahamas In 2025, Gong cha U.S. marked several significant milestones: entering new markets including the Pacific Northwest, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Maine, and Arizona; making strategic inroads into non-traditional venues, with the opening of its first location at the iconic Atlantis Paradise Island resort in The Bahamas; and laying the groundwork for an aggressive expansion across California. The brand is on track to exceed more than 500 stores in the Americas by 2028. In 2025, Gong cha also introduced successful marketing collaborations with viral brands like Peanuts and LINE FRIENDS minini, launched new trending LTOs including Biscoff, Pumpkin Spice, and Dragon Fruit, and signed Felix from Stray Kids as their global brand ambassador, releasing a series of exclusive limited edition products with the K-pop superstar. "Earning #1 in our category for the fifth consecutive yearand climbing over 150 spots in the Franchise 500 ranking in just two yearsreinforces the strength and trajectory of the Gong cha brand," says Geoff Henry, President of Gong cha Americas. "It reflects a business thats growing with intention, and a franchise network thats deeply invested in long-term success. Were heading into 2026 with a renewed commitment to innovation, efficiency, and growth, and have some exciting announcements on this front coming soon." A crew member of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Hickory is welcomed to Guam after the 225-foot Juniper-class seagoing buoy tender arrived at its new homeport on Jan. 14, 2025. (Sara Muir/U.S. Coast Guard) The Coast Guards fleet of Guam-based buoy tenders is at its full complement for the first time in nearly a decade with Wednesdays arrival of the cutter Hickory. The Hickory arrived at Apra Harbor after a 71-day, 13,000-mile voyage from the U.S. Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, where it underwent two years of major upgrades and repairs, Coast Guard Sector Guam spokeswoman Chief Warrant Officer 2 Sara Muir told Stars and Stripes by email Wednesday. The ship joins two other buoy tenders in the Coast Guards Oceania District the Juniper and the Hollyhock, both homeported in Honolulu, Hawaii. Without the Hickory, the region was short at least one tender since 2017, Muir said. A crew member of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Hickory is welcomed to Guam after the 225-foot Juniper-class seagoing buoy tender arrived at its new homeport on Jan. 14, 2025. (Sara Muir/U.S. Coast Guard) The cutters primarily deploy, maintain and repair navigation aids such as buoys and beacons, but also support Coast Guard activities like search and rescue, maritime law enforcement and homeland security, Muir said. In the Indo-Pacific, they play a key role in enabling secure sea lanes for commercial shipping, which handles billions in trade annually, she wrote. The buoy tenders operate across more than 12.2 million square miles of ocean and maintain 90 navigational aids. They also lend support to the U.S. military amid regional geopolitical dynamics, Muir wrote. The Hickory was scheduled to leave Baltimore in April 2024 but was delayed by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge earlier that year. The bridge was destroyed in March 2024 when the container ship MV Dali collided with it. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Hickory, a 225-foot Juniper-class seagoing buoy tender, moors at its new homeport on Guam, Jan. 14, 2026, following a more than 13,000-mile journey from Baltimore, Md. (Sara Muir/U.S. Coast Guard) Maintenance issues that cropped up en route further delayed the tenders arrival, Muir said in a follow-up text message. She did not provide specifics. In Baltimore, the Hickorys hull was reinforced and its propulsion and electrical systems improved, along with its navigation and communication equipment. These improvements restore full mission readiness, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce future maintenance costs, allowing the cutter to operate more effectively in the challenging Pacific environment, Muir said. Families separated up to two years by the extended maintenance period and routine crew rotations were reunited with the Hickorys arrival, Muir said. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Hickory, a 225-foot Juniper-class seagoing buoy tender, arrives at its new homeport on Guam, Jan. 14, 2026, following a more than 13,000-mile journey from Baltimore, Md. (Sara Muir/U.S. Coast Guard) This crew has shown remarkable resilience through extended separations and demanding preparations, Hickory commander Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Lash said in a Wednesday news release. We are excited to reunite with our families in Guam and eager to get underway on [aids-to-navigation] missions that keep these vital sea lanes safe. Previously homeported in Homer, Alaska, the Hickory earned the nicknames The Kenai Keeper and Bull of the North, but will now operate under Bull of the Pacific, Coast Guard Sector Guam said in the release. A Coast Guard cutter steams through the Caribbean Sea on Dec. 10, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area) The Coast Guards increased focus on capturing migrants at sea in recent years led to a drop-off in drug seizures and hampered its ability to conduct its other missions, according to a new government watchdog agency report. Between August 2022 and September 2024, the service redirected a significant number of its ships and aircraft to target illegal migration at sea, the Government Accountability Office said in a report published Tuesday. The Coast Guard first began surging assets to the Caribbean in August 2022 in response to historically high levels of maritime migration from Cuba and Haiti. As of November 2025, that surge was still ongoing, the GAO said. The shift had a negative impact on the services ability to conduct its other missions, the GAO said, with drug interceptions taking the biggest hit. As part of a mission dubbed Operation Vigilant Sentry, the Coast Guard deployed 80 cutters to an area that includes South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico. Only 13 of the vessels had been regularly scheduled for migrant interdiction. Of those vessels, 38 had been redirected from other missions, and 29 were meant to do a mix of both migrant work and other missions. Over the two-year span, operational hours for aircraft and vessels conducting migrant missions increased by 66%, while hours for drug interdictions fell by 62%, according to the report. The Coast Guard plays a major role in disrupting the flow of illicit drugs into the United States, covering a 6 million-square-mile area of smuggling routes that include the eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The service works primarily with Joint Interagency Task ForceSouth, which is under U.S. Southern Command, to interdict illicit drug shipments at sea. But those operations appeared to take a backseat to migrant operations, according to the report. Both the number of seizures and the amount of drugs the service seized annually decreased sharply during the migrant surge, the GAO wrote. In 2021, the service made 218 narcotics seizures, compared with 112 in 2023. The Coast Guards cocaine removal rate has consistently fallen below target levels, and the service did not meet its annual interdiction goal for that drug in any year between 2015 and 2024, according to the report. During the same time period, the service met its migrant interdiction goals in four out of 10 years, including 2022 and 2023, during the start of Operation Vigilant Sentry. The migrant interdiction focus also affected the services ability to carry out missions related to marine life management, according to the agency. In 2023, the Coast Guard redirected all major planned cutter patrols in that mission to assist in migrant interdiction. Certain officials told the GAO that the cutback may have affected their ability to carry out search and rescue operations in the central part of the Eastern Seaboard, their area of responsibility, according to the report. In addition, the services mission of providing buoys, lights and other navigation aids also suffered from the shift in resources, the report said. One person was killed Tuesday afternoon during a security incident on the Marine Corps Camp Lejeune that forced the lockdown of on-base schools and day cares. (U.S. Marine Corps) One person was killed Tuesday afternoon during a security incident on the Marine Corps Camp Lejeune that forced the lockdown of on-base schools and day cares, officials at the North Carolina base said. The person was killed by law enforcement actions during the incident before 2:30 p.m. EST near Tarawa Terrace Elementary School, according to a Camp Lejeune news release. Base officials declined to provide specific details about the incident, citing an ongoing investigation. Tarawa Terrace, a Department of Defense Education Activity school on northern Camp Lejeune, and other on-base schools and child development centers were locked down during the law enforcement response to the incident out of an abundance of caution, according to the release. Schools and day cares, including Tarawa Terrace, resumed normal activities after 3 p.m., Tuesday, officials said. No students, children or school staff members were harmed in the incident, according to the release. It was not clear Wednesday what led to the law enforcement response. Camp Lejeune officials did not immediately respond to a request for further details, including whether any Marines or other service members were involved in the incident. Officials said the deceased individuals name would be released after next-of-kin notification. A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 130 takes part in Red Flag drills in Alaska in 2022. (Ryan Lackey/U.S. Air Force) The Navy and Marine Corps recorded 122 major mishaps during Fiscal Year 2025, with 98 service members killed in incidents ranging from a jet crash on Mount Rainier in Washington, to off-duty motorcycle accidents, to physical training incidents, the Department of the Navy reported this week. The close-out totals covered Class A mishaps, which include incidents involving fatalities, permanent injuries, aircraft crashes or property damage exceeding $2.5 million. The statistics do not cover suicides, drug use or illnesses. The 2025 fiscal year ran from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. The totals were released without any explanation of causes of rising or falling totals across categories. Off-duty motorcycle crashes accounted for the largest number of fatalities, with the Navy recording 30 fatalities and the Marine Corps 15. The Navy motorcycle fatality total was the highest in the past decade, despite a Department of the Navy rider safety program and increased regulations and limits on motorcycle use on base. Off-duty automobile and light truck crashes were the second-highest reason for fatalities; the Navy posted 13 fatalities in four-wheel vehicles, and the Marines had 10 deaths. One Marine and three sailors were killed when struck by motor vehicles while walking. The 46 Navy deaths from vehicle mishaps were the highest in the past decade and nearly twice the low of 24 fatalities recorded in 2015 and 2020. The Marines reported two on-duty vehicle mishaps, resulting in three deaths. No Navy personnel were injured in on-duty vehicle incidents. The Navy reported 14 aviation mishaps: 12 in the air and 2 on the ground the highest annual count in the past decade. The crash of an EA-18 Growler on Mount Rainier in Washington on Oct. 15, 2024, killed both crew members. All the other crashes resulted in either minor or no injuries. Though the Navy statistics did not include extensive information on each incident, the Navy total included a Dec. 22, 2024, incident of friendly fire in which the crew of an F/A-18F Hornet had to eject. News reports placed the incident in the Middle East. The Marines reported six helicopter mishaps, three occurring in the air and three on the ground. No fatalities were reported. The Navy reported eight shore mishaps, which included three training fatalities involving equipment, and three deaths during physical training. The Marines reported three fatal ground mishaps, all involving deaths during physical training or command-directed hikes. Seven sailors and five Marines died in off-duty recreational incidents. The Navy incidents included a sailor who died from what officials believe was over-consumption of alcohol, ocean drownings in Maui and Guam, and crashes of an ATV and an electric bicycle. Marine recreational incidents included fatal drownings in the Philippines and Texas, and a fall on Mount Furano in Japan. The Navy reported five afloat mishaps including a multicompartment fire that caused minor injuries to two sailors, a collision with no injuries, and two undisclosed equipment mishaps. All of the at-sea incidents were officially classified as location withheld OPSEC, which stands for Operational Security. U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Charlie Sison Julio received a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for three years, for negligent driving resulting in injury from the Yokohama District Court's branch in Yokosuka, Japan, on Jan. 13, 2026. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) YOKOSUKA, Japan A U.S. Navy sailor received a suspended sentence Tuesday following a traffic incident that injured an elderly Japanese man last year near the home of the U.S. 7th Fleet. Master Chief Petty Officer Charlie Sison Julio, 45, assigned to Naval Education Training Command at Yokosuka Naval Base, was sentenced by the Yokohama District Courts Yokosuka branch to 10 months in prison without hard labor. However, Judge Yasushi Katada suspended the sentence for three years, meaning Julio wont serve time unless he commits another offense during that period. Julio on Dec. 3 pleaded no contest to negligent driving resulting in injury for a Feb. 11 collision with an 87-year-old man in a crosswalk that day around 11:10 a.m. Morikazu Hosoe, now 88, was hospitalized for 106 days for a fracture in his left leg due to the accident, according to the courts summary of the incident. It goes without saying that the injuries inflicted by the defendant on the victim were serious. It is also unacceptable that the elderly victim has been hindered in his daily life and has been left feeling anxious about his future, Katada said at the sentencing. Katada acknowledged that factors including a wall that blocked Julios view and poor visibility due to direct sunlight contributed to the incident, but said the sailor should have driven more carefully under those conditions. The judge said he also considered factors in Julios favor, including his decision not to dispute the charge, his apologies to the victim and his adequate insurance coverage. Despite this, the defendant failed to notice the victim and collided with him, he said. The defendants negligence is significant. After the sentencing, Hosoe told reporters that U.S. service members accused of crimes are treated better than Japanese citizens. Through this trial, I came to believe that the (penalty of) crimes committed by U.S. military personnel were extremely light, he said. I believe that such a light punishment would not have been given to a Japanese person. Another Yokosuka sailor, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jaden Edwin Llanos, received a similar sentence 1 years in prison without hard labor but suspended for four years on May 27 after he was convicted in the same court of negligent driving resulting in death in a September 2024 collision that killed a Japanese motorcyclist. Naval Forces Japan spokesman Cmdr. Paul Macapagal acknowledged the sentence but said he could not comment further due to the ongoing legal proceedings. One of the rooms in the Meow Wolf tourist attraction, which has been described as an immersive, multimedia experience, at its location in an old bowling alley in Santa Fe, N.M. on July 31, 2017. A Los Angeles Meow Wolf exhibition is set to take over part of the Cinemark complex at Howard Hughes LA near the end of this year. (AFP, Getty Images/TNS) Meow Wolf likes to say that its upcoming Los Angeles exhibition is focused on the art of storytelling why it matters, what it means and how stories transform. This exhibition is about the inevitability of change, says creative director Elizabeth Jarrett, and how the stories that we tell ourselves and others have the ability to affect the way we perceive change and the way we experience it. That also means that Meow Wolf, known for its large-scale, explorable installations in Las Vegas, Denver, Houston, the Dallas suburbs and its home base of Santa Fe, N.M., will double down on its experiments with other media. Throughout the Los Angeles show, guests will encounter mixes of live action and animation, shadow boxes, games and even a mini escape room, only here guests have to break into rather than out of a secret room. The Los Angeles Times spent two days in Santa Fe late last year to preview Meow Wolfs Los Angeles exhibition, set to take over part of the Cinemark complex at Howard Hughes LA near the end of this year. Here are five fast things to know about the experience: According to the New Mexico portion of the Meow Wolf website, in the House of Eternal Return room, you can explore a curious family home and spectacular dreamworlds waiting to be discovered. (AFP, Getty Images/TNS) 1. The exhibition pays homage to the multiplex In Las Vegas, guests enter a trippy grocery store complete with parodies of household items before finding their way to the main exhibition space. In Santa Fe, its a house with otherworldly goings-on. And in Los Angeles, attendees will first find themselves in a movie theater. Co-founder and executive vice president Sean Di Ianni says the team is aiming for sticky floor, popcorn vibes. Its a 90s multiplex cinema, and were going to lean into that, to design the space to feel like that era of multiplex cinema, Di Ianni says. 2. There will be a sentient candy and an actual cafe As guests traverse the cinema at the start of the show, they will encounter a concession stand where candy has sprung to life. In fact, one of the first art pieces in the space will be a multicolored installation in aquarium-like boxes of forgotten gummies and discarded pizza slices that appear to have a soul of their own. There will be a cafe in the theater, and the lounge itself will be filled with art. Large-scale neon sculptures a bunny, a martini glass will grace the upper walls. And behind the bar will be a projection wall with original video designed to look decades old. One of our inspirations was very early experimental video art, stuff people made with a Sandin Image Processor, stuff that was only possible because people in the 60s and 70s decided they were going to engineer circuits to make visual images, says video designer Sue Slagle. 3. You can sit on a space bike All of Meow Wolfs exhibitions have a sci-fi bent, and Los Angeles will be no different, with many a nod to films of science fiction and fantasy. One part of the show will house a pair of space bikes. They will be rideable, situated in front of a giant screen to simulate movement. The engine will spin like the innards of a kaleidoscope and embedded in the bike will be a small minigame. One of the space bikes will be Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant. The tires are pretty complicated, says space bike designer Chris Hilson. Why are they so complicated? We needed to put monitors in there. Were going to have monitors in there showing some really insane spatial imagery. It gives them a really bold effect. 4. There will be a spaceship or is it a fish? A major part of the exhibition space will house a spaceship. But its not just any spaceship. The so-called Dream Freighter is also a living being. The Dream Freighter is a living time-, space-traversing vessel thats sort of shaped like a fish, but not a normal fish, Hilson says. The centerpiece room of the ship will house a giant interactive screen, in which guests can twist knobs and panels to skip across different intergalactic worlds or perhaps theyre just dreams. It isnt quite clear. But the goal is something that feels both mechanical and biological. Were going for a real kind of interesting organic appeal to this, Hilson says. Ive been calling it bio nouveau. 5. Its LA so of course therell be a meditative space Meow Wolf focuses on maximalist, sensory overloaded art, but at least one key space in Los Angeles will be dedicated to deep contemplation. And mushrooms. Were going to make a sustainable room, says Shakti Howeth, creative director. Its a decompression room where people can dip out of the main anchor to have a quiet meditative moment and recaliberate. Its going to be all-natural treatments with a mycelia ceiling. The fungal feeling will extend to other parts of the exhibition as well. Meow Wolf is also working on a 30-foot tall explorable mushroom tower, which will have hidden interactions and secret hideaways. The latter will serve as one of the spiritual tentpoles of the space. It was important, Howeth says, for the Los Angeles exhibit to celebrate the organic. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia speaks during a news conference in La Paz, Bolivia, in May 2022. (Aizar Raldes, AFP/Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) Venezuelas acting president plans to send an envoy to Washington to meet with senior U.S. officials on the same day that opposition leader Maria Corina Machado will be in town for her own talks in the wake of Nicolas Maduros ouster. Ambassador Felix Plasencia, the chief of mission at Venezuelas embassy in the United Kingdom and a former foreign minister, plans to visit Thursday at acting President Delcy Rodriguezs behest, according to people familiar with the plans. They asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations. Machado, the popular Nobel Peace Prize-winning opposition figure, is expected to meet with President Donald Trump on the same day, U.S. officials have said. The dueling visits come as the U.S. and Venezuela look to restore diplomatic ties after years of conflict and after Trump pledged to run the country by pressuring the government in Caracas with a Navy-enforced oil quarantine. Maduro, Venezuelas longtime leader, was captured by U.S. forces in a nighttime raid on Jan. 3 and is in the U.S. awaiting trial on narco-trafficking charges. Venezuelas information ministry, the White House and the State Department didnt respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. The rival visits also underscore how various factions are jockeying to fill Venezuelas power vacuum now that Maduro is no longer in control. Trump earlier this month opted to work with Rodriguez, Maduros longtime vice president and a target of U.S. sanctions. He said Machado wasnt ready to lead even though she won more than 90% of the vote in an opposition primary in 2023. Plasencia, a veteran diplomat, has been a close confidant of Rodriguez for years, including as her director of protocol when she was foreign affairs minister from 2014 to 2017. Plasencia then had his own turn as Maduros foreign affairs minister in 2021 and 2022. An American team visited Caracas last week to explore reopening the U.S. embassy more than six years after it was closed. The Venezuelan embassy in Washington was operated by the team of Juan Guaido, whom Trump recognized as Venezuelas interim president in 2019, until Guaidos term as president of the national assembly ended in early 2023. Some Trump advisers had long favored a transition to Rodriguez as an off-ramp from Maduros hard-line leadership. They argue that a gradual transition will be less disruptive than a transition to Machado or Edmundo Gonzalez, the stand-in candidate Machado backed for the 2024 election after she was barred from running. Venezuelan authorities on Tuesday freed at least one U.S. citizen who has already left the country, according to people with knowledge of the situation. It marks the first known release of an American citizen since authorities in Caracas began freeing detainees as part of an effort to meet Washingtons demands following Maduros capture. 2026 Bloomberg LP Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC Susie and Michael Paul pose with their four biological children and their adopted son, Benaiah, in Applegate, Ore., in 2020. (Susie Paul) Fifty years ago, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Dixie Dunham set out to adopt a child while stationed at what is now North Dock in Yokohama, Japan. Months later, after rounds of interviews, piles of paperwork and two trips to South Korea, she returned not with one child, but three. Laurie, 10, Mija, 8, and Christin, 4, came to live with her in November 1975. Dunham was 46 at the time, single and keenly aware of social changes taking place around her. In todays world I can have a career and a family, too the best of both lives, she told Stars and Stripes in February 1976. One of her daughters, Christin Dunham, is now 54 and works as a librarian at Osan Middle High School on Osan Air Base, south of Seoul. I always tell people, you know, blood doesnt make a family. You could have biological family members you cant stand, she told Stars and Stripes at Osan in November. I say love makes a family. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Dixie Dunham sits with her newly adopted children, from left, Christin, Laurie and Mija in this undated photo from a 1976 article in Stars and Stripes Pacific. (Stars and Stripes) While adoption within American military families is not unusual, service members pursue it less frequently than the overall U.S. population. Between 2016 and 2020, just 2,174 military families fostered or sought to adopt children, according to a 2021 Government Accountability Office report. That figure represents less than 1% of the approximately 1.3 million military members serving during that period. By comparison, an estimated 2% to 4% of American families have adopted children, and as many as 33% have considered it, according to the Adoption Network website. Still, for those who do adopt, military life particularly overseas can shape family experiences in distinctive ways, from international adoptions decades ago to raising children in diverse base communities and, in some cases, reconnecting adoptees with their countries of origin. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Dixie Dunham poses with her newly adopted children, from left, Laurie, Mija and Christin, in this undated photo from a 1976 article in Stars and Stripes Pacific. (Stars and Stripes) Susie Paul, 56, and Michael Paul, 71, a teacher at Osan, adopted their son, Benaiah, 11, when he was 2. The family said the military community has played an important role in his upbringing. One of the really good things about being here, I think in Korea, especially, is there are so many different cultures represented on the base, Susie Paul, a stay-at-home mother, said by phone in November. He absolutely fits right in; hes accepted, she said. There are so many mixed families and that sort of thing people coming and going I think its been a great environment to raise him. The couple, who also have four biological children, adopted Benaiah from a family friend after fostering him unofficially for several years. We really wanted a big family we love kids and so we wanted to explore adoption, Paul said. We felt like if God wants us to do that, then hes going to place a child in our lives, and he did. Paul emphasized that adoption can be deeply rewarding but comes with challenges. I will never go down without saying that but I think overall its a really good thing, she said. Military service has also influenced some adoptees efforts to search for their biological families. At 18, Scott Gleason decided he wanted to reconnect with his Korean birth parents, but his attempts were unsuccessful until he joined the U.S. Army, he said by phone in November. Gleason now 32 and a lieutenant assigned to U.S. Army Japan completed a year-long tour in South Korea beginning in 2023. During that time, he searched for information about his birth family. I found out I have a biological mother whos still alive they dont know anything about my father, he said. And then she has a sister, my aunt, whos still alive, but when the adoption [agency] reached out to them, they werent interested in connecting. Although the outcome was disappointing, Gleason said he made peace with it. I went and tried, he said. I lived out there for a year. I was traveling out there on the weekends. I feel like Ive extinguished every option, and Im satisfied. You know, I think I gave it an honest effort. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte gives remarks in this undated photo. Rutte this week downplayed the prospect of military conflict with the U.S. over Greenland, saying allies are working to address President Donald Trump's concerns about security in the Arctic. (NATO) STUTTGART, Germany President Donald Trump on Wednesday said anything less than full American control of Greenland would be unacceptable, and he urged NATO to back his bid to wrest the huge island territory from fellow ally Denmark. Greenland becomes far more formidable and effective against adversaries such as Russia and China by being in U.S. hands, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that the alliance should be leading the way for us to get it. He also linked control of Greenland to the future development of the American air defense system dubbed the Golden Dome. Trumps comments came hours before a high-stakes meeting Wednesday between Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Greenlandic and Danish officials. The U.S. has long maintained a military presence in Greenland and currently has about 200 troops in the country who are involved with an early-warning ballistic missile defense mission. Danish officials have said they are open to having more U.S. forces in Greenland but have balked at Trumps takeover bid. Trumps post Wednesday, though, said anything less than (full control) is unacceptable. The escalating crisis over the status of Greenland has dominated security talks on both sides of the Atlantic in recent days. NATOs top official this week downplayed the prospect of coming to blows with the United States over Greenland, saying efforts are underway to address Trumps concerns over security in the Arctic. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Tuesday was peppered with questions during a European Parliament forum in Brussels, where growing tensions over Trumps push to take control of another allys territory dominated the conversation. When asked whether any ally would support the United States if it were to take the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland by force, Rutte deflected, saying members of the bloc, including the United States, were working to make sure that the Arctic is safe. Rutte also told the group that he wouldnt publicly address a dispute between NATO allies, saying such matters would be dealt with behind closed doors. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said Tuesday that the island in the far northern Atlantic Ocean faces a geopolitical crisis and that if forced to pick sides, it would keep the status quo. We choose NATO. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU, Nielsen said. When asked by reporters about Nielsens comments, Trump doubled down. Thats going to be a big problem for him, he said. Ruttes meeting Tuesday with European parliamentarians highlights the delicate position he finds himself in. Even when asked whether it would be acceptable in principle for one ally to threaten to use force to take anothers territory, Rutte demurred. In recent days, Trump has said the United States is prepared to control Greenland the easy way or the hard way. Key NATO members in Europe appear to have gotten the message. Officials from France, the United Kingdom and Germany have indicated that their countries are prepared to increase their military presence in Greenland and elsewhere in the Arctic. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday told reporters that Berlin is ready to do more. If the American president is looking at what threats might come from Russian or Chinese ships or submarines in the region, we can of course find answers to that together, Wadephul said. Rutte also said Tuesday that inn the coming weeks, NATO will take up the issue of enhancing its position in the High North. As sea ice melts in the Arctic, new shipping lanes are opening potential access to important natural resources. Greenland itself also is home to large reserves of rare-earth minerals. Its unclear whether a larger presence of European military in Greenland would satisfy Trumps concerns or dissuade him from his push. Unspecified U.S. action related to the Arctic island could come within weeks or months, according to Trumps Arctic commissioner, Thomas Dans. In an interview with USA Today on Tuesday, Dans said the aim was to get the people of Greenland on board with American control of the island. However, recent polling showed single-digit public support for that among the roughly 57,000 residents of the territory. This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter. Protocols to enable agentic commerce keep coming. Google introduced a new universal commerce protocol on Sunday aimed at smoothing digital agents interactions when people turn into potential shoppers during their AI chat sessions. The standard developed with several major retailers, including Shopify, Target and Walmart establishes a common language for agents and systems to operate together, Google said in a Sunday blog post. The protocol has been endorsed by about 20 major payments players, including Adyen, PayPal Holdings, Stripe, Worldpay, Mastercard and Visa, Google said. The chief executive of Google parent Alphabet, Sundar Pichai, joined Walmarts incoming CEO, John Furner, for the announcement Sunday at the National Retail Federations Big Show conference in New York City. The protocol will soon allow shoppers using Googles AI mode in search, or its Gemini AI app, to purchase items directly from retailers such as Best Buy, Lowes and Walmart, the search giant said. Initial transactions will be with Google Pay using payment and shipping information in a shoppers Google wallet, followed by PayPal as a payment method. In the coming months, well work with retailers to expand globally and add more capabilities like discovering related products, applying loyalty rewards, and powering custom shopping experiences on Google, Vidhya Srinivasan, Googles vice president of ads and commerce, wrote in the blog post. The solution brings retailing into Googles AI research functions much the way that OpenAI and Stripe announced a partnership in September to enable commerce directly from ChatGPT sessions. Googles protocol is also designed to streamline the operations of whats likely to be numerous digital agents across the retail landscape. Instead of requiring unique connections for every individual agent, UCP enables all agents to interact easily, Google said in its post. The open source protocol will also work across industry verticals and with existing agentic AI standards, such as Googles Agent Payments Protocol (AP2) and Model Context Protocol from AI firm Anthropic. Googles UCP protocol will surface merchants products within AI conversations. UCP will then work with AP2 in the future to enable agentic purchases where an agent can purchase something on a users behalf, a Google spokesperson said Monday in an email. F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft from the Wisconsin Air National Guards 115th Fighter Wing land at Pituffik Space Force Base, Greenland, on Oct. 7, 2025. (Erica Paculan/U.S. Air Force) WASHINGTON A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the House is hoping to stymie President Donald Trumps designs on Greenland with a new bill that prohibits the use of federal funds for the invasion of NATO allies and territories. The legislation does not name specific countries but appears aimed at preventing Trump from carrying out his threat to seize Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark that Trump says he wants to acquire the easy way or the hard way. Rep. Bill Keating, D-Mass., is leading the legislation alongside fellow Democrats Steny Hoyer, of Maryland, and Brendan Boyle, of Pennsylvania. Rep. Don Bacon, of Nebraska, a former Air Force officer who is not running for reelection, is the only Republican co-sponsor of the bill. This should be unnecessary, but Ive sponsored this bill because the Administration keeps threatening Greenland & Denmark, Bacon wrote on X on Tuesday. I served in NATO and served with many Europeans in Iraq & Afghanistan. The Admin is wrong to treat our Allies so poorly & foolishly. The White House has said it is considering a range of options to take control of the island, including military force. On Tuesday, however, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., dismissed the possibility of a military takeover of Greenland, describing it as a media narrative. I dont think anybody is considering that, he said. Its not been in any briefing Ive been in, and I go to all of them. Trump has said he would like to make a deal to acquire Greenland, arguing its strategic location in the Arctic and abundance of critical minerals is vital to national security. But Stephen Miller, a top aide to Trump, has suggested the U.S. could take the island by force. Nobodys going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland, he said in an interview with CNN this month, also noting that, We live in a world that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power. Such rhetoric has raised alarm in Europe and among U.S. lawmakers in the aftermath of the American military raid on Venezuela that captured Nicolas Maduro. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned last week that an American takeover of Greenland would mark the end of NATO, a mutual-defense military alliance, as well as the post-World War II security order. Keating on Monday called NATO the foundation for peace between the U.S. and Europe for nearly 80 years and said he appreciated growing lawmaker support for his legislation the bill had 26 co-sponsors as of Tuesday. Another measure was also introduced Monday by Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., to bar the use of federal funding to acquire Greenland in any way. The legislation also prohibits increases to the U.S. militarys presence on the island, now numbering about 150 personnel, without congressional authorization. Greenland is not for sale, not for conquest, and not a bargaining chip, Gomez said in a statement on Tuesday. This bill draws a clear line: Congress will not fund Donald Trumps imperial fantasies. A senior Greenland official on Tuesday said it is unfathomable that the U.S. was discussing taking over a NATO ally and urged the Trump administration to listen to the wishes of Greenlanders, who are very, very worried about a potential American takeover. About 57,000 people live in Greenland, with Denmark providing for their defense. Some lawmakers have voiced support for Trumps ambitions, pointing to growing military and commercial competition in the Arctic with Russia and China. Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., introduced legislation on Monday to annex or acquire Greenland and take steps to make it the 51st state. Whoever controls Greenland controls key Arctic shipping lines and the security architecture protecting the United States, Fine said in a statement. America cannot leave that future in the hands of regimes that despise our values and seek to undermine our security. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to meet with the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland on Wednesday to discuss Trumps interest in Greenland. Meanwhile, a congressional delegation of mostly Democrats will travel to Denmark later this week to show support for the U.S.-Denmark relationship. At a time of increasing international instability, we need to draw closer to our allies, not drive them away, said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., who is leading the trip. This delegation will send a clear message that Congress is committed to NATO and our network of alliances. Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Stephen Ramirez takes the measurements of Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Ciaran ONeill during a body composition assessment aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli on Aug. 25, 2025. (Kobie Binette/U.S. Navy) WASHINGTON The Pentagon is shifting from height and weight tables and replacing them with a waist-to-height ratio methodology, according to a memo. The new body-fat standards are between 18% and 26% for men and between 26% and 36% for women, according to a Dec. 18 memo from undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness Anthony J. Tata that the Pentagon released on Monday. Troops in every military branch will get two measurements each year, according to the memo. The upper limit for allowable [waist-to-height ratio] for military service body-composition policies shall be less than 0.55, the memo says. The ratio is determined by dividing waist measurement by height. Under the policy, service members with a waist-to-height ratio of 0.55 or above will be further tested and, if found to exceed body-fat standards, will be placed in their services remedial programs and referred to medical authorities for an evaluation, according to the memo. Failure to meet established standards may result in the withholding of favorable personnel actions, including promotions, the memo says. Continued failure or those not demonstrating adequate progress will be subject to administrative measures to include processing for administrative separation. During a speech to generals on Sept. 30, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced 10 initiatives would arrive in their inboxes including for height and weight requirements. In a memo, the secretary wrote the military would adopt the waist-to-height methodology to promote consistency and fairness across the Joint Force, and all service members would be evaluated twice per year. Since Tatas memo on Dec. 18, the Navy has implemented waist-to-height standards as part of its physical readiness program, according to the services body-composition assessment published last month. The Air and Space Forces this month updated fitness standards which included the waist-to-height requirements as part of its process. The Marine Corps and Army are in the process of announcing how they will implement the waist-to-height ratio, service officials said. Airman 1st Class Austin Wylie, a broadcast producer for American Forces Network at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, is the USO's overseas volunteer of the year for 2025. (Marc Castaneda/Stars and Stripes) YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan Airman 1st Class Austin Wylie has a reputation at this airlift hub in western Tokyo for being the person who shows up, not for recognition, but for the chance to give someone else a better day. I want to see what it does for them, Wylie said Tuesday during his volunteer shift at Yokotas USO. Because then they walk away with a memory or a smile. Either way, its a win for me. That attitude earned Wylie, a broadcast producer for American Forces Network, the title of overseas USO volunteer of the year for 2025, the nonprofit announced Friday in a news release. Wylie shares the honor with the stateside USO volunteer of the year, Army Sgt. 1st Class Loretta Streichert of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. She is an operations sergeant and instructor at the Army Military Police School. The USO has more than 21,000 volunteers who support service members and their families by staffing centers and assisting with programs and activities across the globe. Austin reshaped the centers training and volunteer development process and personally recruited and trained 37 new volunteers, the USO said. His operational support has improved center readiness and efficiency, decreasing event setup and teardown times through better coordination and pre-event planning. Streichert earned accolades for recruiting 22 new volunteers and engaging in USO programs promoting emotional resiliency and others, including Families of the Fallen and Backyard Break for the Brave. U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Loretta Streichert of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., is the USO's stateside volunteer of the year for 2025. (USO) She actively engages in community outreach with her USO Canine partner, Zara, the USO said. Wylie told Stars and Stripes he grew up hearing about the USO from his grandparents but had no personal experience with it until he enlisted. At the San Antonio airport before basic training, volunteers welcomed him with open arms, a support system Wylie said stayed with him through the early stages of his career. It gave me a chance to hang out with people that had like-minded personalities and interests, he said. A chance to feel comfortable and to feel good about what theyre about to do. By the time he reached his first duty station, Wylie said he already knew he wanted to be part of that environment for others. I knew right away that I needed to become a part of this, he said. USO Yokota staff described Wylie as a steady presence in the center, especially during busy stretches. It feels like we have a fourth staff member, Josie Grenier, the local USO centers operations manager, told Stars and Stripes at the center on Tuesday. We know that things arent going to slip under the rug or fall through the cracks when Austin is around. That sense of connection is something Wylie said he hopes other service members, especially those feeling isolated overseas, can experience, too. If Im given time on this planet to do something, and I dont get to take back any of that time, what right do I have to not share that time with other people? he said. Pennsylvania Army National Guard soldiers stand in formation during a ceremony at Fort Mifflin, Penn., on Nov. 22, 2025. The Pennsylvania National Guard will be paired with Ivory Coast, a West African country, through the National Guard Bureau's state partnership program. (Du-Marc Mills/U.S. Army) The Pennsylvania National Guard is adding an African country to its portfolio under a Pentagon arrangement that matches U.S. states with militaries around the world. Ivory Coast joins Lithuania in being paired with Pennsylvania under the State Partnership Program, the National Guard Bureau said Tuesday in a statement. A formal signing ceremony with Ivory Coast is expected later this year, the statement said. Pennsylvania was added to a growing list of states that have more than one State Partnership Program relationship. Created in the early 1990s in the aftermath of the Cold War, the program aims to build mutually beneficial relationships through exchanges, training and other activities. With nearly 18,000 soldiers and airmen, the Pennsylvania National Guard is one of the largest in the country. Its pairing with Lithuania dates to 1993. The tandem of Pennsylvania and Ivory Coast represents the 107th partnership established under the program, according to the National Guard Bureau. Together, we will enhance our capabilities, strengthen regional stability and create enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation, Maj. Gen. John Pippy, adjutant general of the Pennsylvania National Guard, said in the statement. U.S. and allied military access has narrowed in northern and western Africa following a wave of coups. American forces withdrew from Niger in 2024, and French forces have departed from several countries in the Sahel, a region along the Sahara Desert that stretches across North Africa. A West African country of about 32 million people, Ivory Coast has emerged as one of the regions more stable partners on the continent. Pennsylvanias new pairing was announced the day after the Illinois National Guard and European ally Portugal formally established a new State Partnership Program relationship. Army Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard, said the partnership comes at a critical time for NATO. The threats to our NATO allies and partners are increasingly complex, combining conventional and unconventional tactics, terrorism, cyberattacks and information warfare designed to destabilize alliances, Boyd said in a statement. Planned areas of cooperation between Illinois and Portugal include cybersecurity, defense industry engagement, aircraft and technology modernization, academic partnerships, public safety and disaster response, according to the National Guard. Unlike short-term exercises or deployments, State Partnership Program relationships are designed to span decades and emphasize sustained engagement. The program relies heavily on National Guard soldiers and airmen, whose dual state-federal role allows them to share both military expertise and civilian skills such as emergency management, engineering, cyberdefense and medical response. Guided by State Department foreign policy goals, the program is a key element of U.S. military engagement abroad, particularly in regions where Washington seeks to maintain influence without large, permanent troop deployments, according to the National Guard Bureau. Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, right, makes remarks on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2025, at a legislative hearing of the House Veterans Affairs subcommittee on health in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON New treatment for the devastating effects of traumatic brain injuries would be developed and tested in a $30 million pilot program that aims to expand rehabilitation programs for veterans to regain physical functions. The Veterans TBI Breakthrough Exploration of Adaptive Care Opportunities Nationwide Act also known as the BEACON Act would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund grants for nonprofits to develop, implement and evaluate non-drug therapies known as neuro-rehabilitation programs. The bill is one of two pieces of legislation that the House Veterans Affairs subcommittee on health heard Tuesday for advancing research and care for traumatic brain injuries. Nearly one in five of the 2.5 million veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan sustained at least one traumatic brain injury, according to the VA. TBI has been diagnosed in 400,000 veterans since 2000. The second bill, the Blast Overpressure Research and Mitigation Task Force Act, would establish a dedicated group to examine the effects of blast injuries that can cause TBI and explore strategies for treatment. The subcommittee met in a two-hour hearing to get a first look at a dozen bills that focus on critical health care needs of veterans. Other bills previewed Tuesday address opioid dependence, suicide prevention, post-traumatic stress disorder and the scarcity of doctors in some rural areas. The opioid epidemic is a disaster, said Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, who testified in support of the NOPAIN for Veterans Act. Opioids are powerful narcotics for managing pain, but long-term use can lead to addiction. The bill would make it easier for veterans to obtain non-opioid medication from VA hospitals and clinics, Landsman said. VA doctors currently are directed to provide opioids without considering non-addictive alternatives, he said. Regarding TBI legislation, Wounded Warrior Project, Mission Roll Call and other veterans groups testified about the need to identify and treat veterans with the injuries. Veterans with service-connected head injuries may develop serious mental health problems and are at greater risk of suicide, the groups said. Good policy begins with listening to the veterans community, said Jim Whaley, an Army veteran and CEO of Mission Roll Call, which supports both TBI-related bills. Veterans want quicker access to care at the VA and in the community, he said. TBI has a spiraling effect. When access to care is early, the effects can be mitigated, Whaley said. The BEACON Act would send grants of up to $5 million to nonprofits and universities to test promising therapies for mild TBI, according to the bill. The bill also prioritizes the development of rehab programs that do not involve treating veterans with prescription drugs. Therapies would include neuro-rehabilitation programs that help restore physical functions for people with brain and spinal cord injuries and diseases. Brain health must be a lifelong priority, said Elizabeth McCoy, associate director of government affairs at Wounded Warrior Project. McCoy emphasized the need for more studies to track brain injuries and gauge the effectiveness of treatments, which is supported in the BEACON Act. But the American Psychological Association raised concerns about the bill. K. Conwell Smith, deputy chief for military and veterans policy at the association, said the BEACON Act increases research on mild traumatic brain injury and mental health interventions outside the VA network. He said the bill could duplicate programs at the VA and dilute care efforts. This approach could undermine the bedrock of rigorous scientific study that is the gold standard of existing VA traumatic brain injury research and treatment, Smith said. Epirus Bank has joined forces with NCR Atleos to update and broaden its ATM services throughout Greece. The arrangement will see NCR Atleos oversee the renewal of Epirus Banks ATM network, using its ATM as a Service (ATMaaS) model and the Cashzone network. NCR Atleos will be responsible for various aspects of the ATM network, including site selection, installation, upkeep, and operational management. The partnership aims to allow Epirus Bank to allocate resources to its core banking activities while NCR Atleos manages the operations of the ATMs. Epirus Bank CEO Ioannis Vougioukas said: We are pleased to announce our strategic partnership with NCR Atleos, a leading innovator in the financial services sector. This collaboration comes at a pivotal moment for Epirus Bank as we embark on a nationwide expansion across Greece. Our goal is to ensure that our customers have seamless access to banking services wherever they are, while prioritising security and convenience. Together we are ready to redefine the way banking services are delivered, making financial access more accessible for all. The roll-out began in November 2025, with a phased implementation expected to conclude in around three months. New ATMs will be introduced in locations identified as strategic for Epirus Bank customers. These machines will feature dual branding from both Epirus Bank and Cashzone. Atleos Europe and Middle East Sales vice president Anthony Parks commented: We are proud to support Epirus Bank in its journey to modernise and grow its ATM network. We have the expertise and experience to deliver the flexibility and efficiency banks need to meet evolving customer expectations while optimising operational costs. "Greeces Epirus Bank taps NCR Atleos for ATM network upgrade " was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. Almudena Nogues Malaga Wednesday, 14 January 2026, 12:46 Share Quitting smoking is one of the most common New Year's resolutions.and Spanish residents who made this decision at the start of 2026 are in luck. Since 1 January, the Ministry of Health has been funding a new medicine - Recigarum Solucion Oral, which is a new formulation of the already existing Recigarum pills. Recigarum is the brand name of the cytisinicline from Polish laboratory Adamed. The new mint-flavoured, clear liquid formulation expands the range of available options. The treatment with Recigarum Solucion Oral lasts 25 days. The drug comes in a dosing pump, with each dose supplying 1.5 milligrams of the active ingredient, the same as a pill. As the Ministry of Health puts it, it is a "treatment for tobacco dependence and reduction of nicotine dependence cravings in smokers who are ready to quit". The publicly funded indication is limited to the following conditions: - In order for the medicine to be prescribed, patients must be included in a support programme (individual and/or group) for smoking cessation in their region. In addition, patients must meet the following characteristics: -Patients who have an expressed motivation to quit smoking as evidenced by a quit attempt within the last year; -Patients who smoke ten or more cigarettes per day and who also have a high level of dependence rated by the Fagerstrom test, higher or equal to seven; One annual attempt per patient to quit smoking with pharmacological support will be funded. Only professionals can prescribe this medicine. Each prescription is for one pack, which is equivalent to 25 days of treatment. The drug is dispensed according to a gradual schedule, starting with more frequent doses at the beginning: one dose every two hours, up to a maximum of six per day during the first three days. The schedule then gradually tapers as the treatment progresses. According to the laboratory, although the process lasts 25 days, smoking must be completely stopped on the fifth day. In case of relapse or failure, the process must be interrupted. It can be resumed after two to three months. Pilar Martinez Malaga Wednesday, 14 January 2026, 14:20 Share Malaga hotel chain Soho Boutique has sold the 17 hotels it operated under the Moon Dreams brand to Bluesea Hoteles, owned by the Portobello fund. Four of them are located on the Costa del Sol: two in Torremolinos, one in Fuengirola and one in Rincon de la Victoria. The transaction involves the sale of a total of 1,811 rooms. Soho Boutique Hotels stated that "the chain is entering a new phase" after deciding to focus its strategy on the urban sector, which was its original line of business. Soho Boutique's idea is to "consolidate its position as a leading hotel chain in the urban sector at a national level, with a strong presence in the heart of Spain's major cities". This has motivated the chain "to close the sale of the holiday brand". Soho Boutique president Gonzalo Armenteros stated that "during these two years, the holiday line has been a valuable opportunity to explore new business avenues". "Today, after some responsible reflection and looking to the future, we have decided to focus all our resources on what really defines us: the urban hotel. That is where we were pioneers and that is where we are going to be leaders," he said. Armenteros added that this operation will allow them to continue expanding their leadership in Spain and strengthen their presence in new urban destinations. "It opens a new stage of international expansion, with active plans for growth in markets such as Morocco, Italy and Portugal," he said. "We are committed to hospitality with identity, with location, with purpose and we do it with the ambition to grow, yes, but also to do it well." The decision to leave the holiday sector was taken after a thorough analysis of the company's medium and long-term strategic direction. "It is a declaration of intent: Soho Boutique Hotels redoubles its commitment to the urban visitor, who wants to get to know a city in a few days and experience it intensely from a privileged location, complemented by high level services and the professional treatment that distinguishes us," Armenteros said. Irene Quirante Wednesday, 14 January 2026, 13:41 Share The main suspect in the murder of a 72-year-old man during a burglary in the town of Humilladero, in Malaga province, in 2022 has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a crime of murder and another of attempted robbery with violence. Around 2am on the night of the incident, 20 May, the two suspects entered the elderly man's home, without expecting him to catch them stealing. When the victim refused to let them take his valuables, as the ruling states, the main defendant "did not hesitate to hit him repeatedly, even using a hoe with the intention of ending his life". The elderly man suffered very serious craniofacial injuries, as well as other superficial injuries, inflicted when he put his arms in the way to protect his head. He died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital around 3.30am. There is no evidence that the defendants managed to seize any objects, although that was their initial intention. What's important to note is that the man convicted of murder had a restraining order in relation to the victim, as he had previously attempted another robbery. In addition to the 12 years' imprisonment, the sentence includes a fine of 5,400 euros for breach of the order. He must also compensate the deceased's heirs with 65,000 euros for civil liability. In this case, the prosecution had initially requested sentences of 18 years for the two defendants, considering that they had acted as co-perpetrators of the crime. However, the second defendant's sentence was reduced after the other man said that he was the person who had caused the elderly man's death. He made the confession on the morning that a jury was to be selected for the case. Following his confession, the defence and the prosecution reached a plea agreement, agreeing to skip the trial and for the latter to modify the conclusions and the sentence to 12 years and two month for the main defendant and two years and two months for his accomplice. Regina Sotorrio Wednesday, 14 January 2026, 14:49 Share The temporary installation of the Las columnas del mar ensemble, comprising the giant Neptune and Venus bronze sculptures guarded by two lions, has been granted only six months of display at the entrance to Malaga port. After heavy criticism from several arts and cultural institutions, the Port Authority has succumbed and decided to decrease the length of time they will be displayed from the 25 years stipulated in the contrac, to only half a year. They will thwn be moved to another "agreed location where they will have less impact". The announcement was made on 14 January, just minutes before representatives of the academy, cultural association Ateneo de Malaga, the academy of sciences, the institute of urban and social studies and the Amigos del Pais economic society were to gather and present an institutional declaration against public works which, they claim, "do not represent the cultural identity of the city". San Telmo academics expressed their opposition to the eight-metre Neptune and five-metre Venus sculptures on 8 January, when the concrete foundations were installed. The harsh statement, signed by head of the academy Rosario Camacho, described the work as "disproportionate" and called its aesthetic "more suitable to the Marvel universe" than to a key urban environment in the city, such as the port. According to it, the sculptures would also alter the urban landscape. Later, critical voices from other cultural institutions, such as Ateneo, joined in and an collection of signatures was launched online. In just over 24 hours, almost 1,200 signatures were collected. Despite the experts' opinion, during a street survey on Tuesday, SUR found that 50% of those surveyed were in favour of the sculptures at the port, while 43% were against them, which shows that there is support for the project. Ignacio Cabanes Wednesday, 14 January 2026, 12:22 Share The police from the family and women's care unit arrested a National Police officer on Friday, 9 January, for sexually assaulting a young trainee officer during a work Christmas party. According to sources and a colleague who witnessed the incident, the man made all kinds of sexually explicit comments and then touched the woman's breasts without her consent. The incident took place on 19 December when the trainee officer was about to leave, although the comments had started earlier, when her superior made sexual propositions and talked about her body. "Now that you're single, what you need to do is sleep around, you look so good. If you give me 150 euros, we can go to the bathroom right now and I'll have sex with you," is one of the comments listed in the complaint. The young woman declined his propositions. The only reason why she wasn't even firmer was out of respect for his higher position in the professional hirerachy. She had made her rejection clear. The moment, she was saying goodbye, he made comments about her buttocks and breasts. According to the complaint, he said that "her breasts were too small" for his "taste", which was when he reached out and grabbed one of her breasts. The assault was witnessed by a colleague who reproached and confronted him. A third police officer had to intervene to separate them. There were other witnesses at the time, some of whom were not surprised by the behaviour of their colleague, assuring the complainant that it was not the first time that he had made such comments to trainee officers. The National Police offer relentless opposition to gender-based violence. The treatment of all suspects is the same, even if they are an officer: arrest, court and sentence. Apology The following day, the suspect tried calling the victim. When she did not pick up, he sent her several Whatsapp messages in which he apologised and said he was very sorry for his behaviour. He was released with charges by the court in Valencia, which has not issued a restraining order yet. The government of Spain considers the coastal train section between Fuengirola and Marbella feasible, announced the government representative in Malaga, Javier Salas, on Wednesday morning. During his briefing appearance, he listed the priorities and commitments of PM Pedro Sanchez's office in the province of Malaga. Salas confirmed that the feasibility study commissioned by the Ministry of Transport will be released after the summer and that it will lay the technical foundations for the development of the future railway corridor. He added that, according to what is known so far, "there is a certain feasibility" in one of the "priority" stretches, which is the one between Fuengirola and Marbella. "According to the data we have, the section with the greatest traffic flow is the stretch between Fuengirola and Marbella," Salas said, adding that different routes are being considered. One of the options is to follow the same route as the A-7 dual carriageway. A more informed decision can be made once the feasibility study is ready. Deadlines for studies Salas also confirmed that studies to improve traffic flow on the A-7 will be completed over the course of this year. These will cover both the eastern section, where it will be determined whether the solution should be a third lane, a new dual carriageway or a combination of both, and the western section, where options to improve connectivity between the A-7 and the AP-7 toll motorway will be assessed. In response to the demands raised by the regional government and the PP party to retake the Cerro Blanco dam project to prevent flooding of the Grande river, Salas said that the central government would be willing to collaborate. However, he reminded other institutions that the regional government holds responsibility in water matters, which means that a regional administration should do the study. "The government has always offered absolute collaboration to the Junta. We are willing to discuss how we could help, but it is the competence of the Junta," Salas said. The government representative said that the project included in the national hydrological plan was the construction of a small dam to collect water and take it to the Atabal plant for treatment, but this initiative was discarded due to opposition from the municipalities and environmental groups. Year of 'the second transformation' Salas said that 2026 will be the year of "the second transformation" in infrastructure in the province with the studies on roads, railways, the library of San Agustin, the airport expansion project, the work in Banos del Carmen and the arrival of the IMEC. When asked if the government would be willing to change its position on financing the last of these initiatives, long demanded by Malaga mayor Francisco de la Torre, Salas avoided making a commitment and said that the competences in matters of culture belong to the regional government. He urged the Junta and the city council to continue opening a discussion with the Ministry of Culture, as they have been doing until now. Salas also highlighted the increase in transfers that the government has made to local councils and defended the new funding model, which gives Malaga 1.17 billion euros more per year. "This means that every year a new third hospital could be built and staffed in the province or a new Rosaleda stadium," Salas said. "We could also build a number of motorways to Ronda, hire 75,000 doctors or 80,000 teachers annually," he added. At the same time, Salas criticised Junta president Juanma Moreno for opposing this new financing system. "He is going to put his hand in the pocket of the people of Malaga just because he is bowing to the partisan interests of the PP and Feijoo," he said, adding that first deputy PM "Maria Jesus Montero has done more for the province than Moreno in seven years". But Yan wants Hyperliquid to become even bigger. Its something that no one else is really trying to build exactly at this point in time, he said, which is something that can really upgrade the financial system. Big exchanges like Binance and Coinbase have thousands of employees. By contrast, Hyperliquid Labsthe company that supports the associated crypto exchange and blockchain of the same namehad just 11. Yet, in just over two years, Hyperliquid is competing with the industrys very biggest names, posting about $140 billion in derivatives volume in the past month, according to data from the crypto analytics site DefiLlama . This has translated into more than $616 million in annualized revenue, while the cryptocurrency linked to its blockchain (known as HYPE) has grown to one of the largest in the industry with a market capitalization of almost $5.9 billion, according to data from DefiLlama. According to CoinGlass, the platform liquidated more than $10 billion worth of positions that day, a figure that far outstripped the $4.6 billion and $2.4 billion liquidations that took place on longtime crypto exchanges Bybit and Binance, respectively. (The $10 billion figure refers to the total amount of the leveraged positions liquidated; the actual funds traders lost on their bets were lower.) In coming weeks, the crypto industry would come to refer to the wipeout of Oct. 10 as a flash crash , one that was the largest liquidation event ever tracked by CoinGlass and an episode whose fallout still reverberates throughout the industry two months later. It was also one of the clearest signs yet that Hyperliquid had grown to become a crypto juggernaut. That day, crypto traders saw more than $19 billion in leveraged positionsor bets where investors wager more capital than they have on handevaporate after President Donald Trump threatened China with another round of tariffs, according to data from the crypto analytics site CoinGlass. Im just looking at it and praying that its good, Yan said, referring to his exchanges systems. Within one hour, using his every brain cell to analyze the data, he was confident that the platform had worked as intendedsurviving a stress test where thousands of traders lost money and others who were shorting the market cashed in. The alarm jolted Jeff Yan awake at around 5:00 a.m. It was a ringtone designed toamong other scenariosblare out when something abnormal occurs on Hyperliquid, the decentralized crypto exchange he had cofounded. And on this morning in early October, things were very abnormal indeed. Story Continues Crypto whiz kids The crypto world has long been defined by flamboyant and outspoken figures. Yan doesnt fit that mold. Sporting black-rimmed glasses, trim black hair, and usually wearing crisp shorts, he said he is uneasy in the limelight. This sort of celebrity is foreign to me, he said, referring to how it felt to be mobbed at a recent crypto conference in South Korea. While willing to chat about his background, he stressed repeatedly that Hyperliquid is an ecosystem, not a one-man operation. Despite his professed modesty, its clear Yan has been integral to the crypto protocols rise. Born in the Bay Area, hes your prototypical whiz kid. In high school, he won gold and silver medals at the International Physics Olympiad and then attended Harvard University, where he studied mathematics and computer science. He was always just very calm and very thoughtful, said Vladimir Novakovski, a fellow Harvard graduate who interviewed Yan for an internship at Addepar, a wealth management software company. (Novakovski would later go on to create a competing exchange to Hyperliquid. Yan doesnt recall interviewing with Novakovski, a Hyperliquid Labs spokesperson told Fortune.) Around the time Yan graduated from Harvard, the notorious crypto con man Sam Bankman-Fried was making a name for himself. Bankman-Fried had spun up his own crypto trading firm Alameda Research and was simultaneously growing FTX, his own crypto exchange that specialized in perpetuals, or derivatives that let traders bet on the future price of assets without holding the assets themselves. These contracts allow for leverage, which lets traders magnify gains and losses. Even as Bankman-Fried was captivating the crypto industry with spiels about his alleged genius, Yan and his team stayed away, preferring to trade on platforms like Coinbase. Alameda and FTX, their relationship was not clear to me, he said. And it felt like it wasnt worth the risk of exposing any part of our funds or strategies to that kind of unclear relationship. FTX aftermath FTX was a black box. Bankman-Fried plowed billions of dollars in customer funds into ostentatious real estate purchases, risky venture investments, and political lobbying campaigns. Only after FTX declared bankruptcy did customers see how much of their capital Bankman-Fried had gambled away. Yan wanted to create a more transparent trading platform for crypto perpetuals, or perps. He and his team had thought about building their own decentralized exchange prior to the collapse of FTX, but the FTX thing solidified my conviction that it was the right time to build this thing, he said. He was far from the first founder to dream up a decentralized crypto trading platform. There are a handful of others, like dYdX, that offer crypto derivatives to risk-hungry traders who dont want to venture onto centralized exchanges like Coinbase. But these decentralized platforms were often clunky, hard to use, and slow. Centralized exchanges had a really great UX [user experience], and almost all the volume was happening on centralized exchanges, but no one in DeFi was, I think, really trying to match that, said Yan, referring to the term decentralized finance. Yan, though, was a trader, and he and his team decided to build a platform they would want to use. I think it is good when the people building the product are very familiar with who the customer is, said Novakovski, the crypto founder who interviewed Yan for an internship. Unlike Bankman-Fried, Yan cut an image that was more polished, professional, and sincere, according to a longtime crypto executive whos met both founders. Jeff has cut his hair. SBF did not, they said, asking for anonymity to speak more candidly. SBFs shorts were too long and didnt fit. Jeffs look crisp and together. And, as opposed to Bankman-Fried and countless other crypto founders, Yan and his team decided to eschew raising money from venture capitalists. They were already making a sizable amount from their crypto trading operation, and Yan decided to front the cost himself. If were going to build something thats really going to be a credibly neutral platform on which everyone else can build, then a really important principle is to sort of not have insiders, he said. In 2023, Yan and his team launched Hyperliquid and the blockchain on which the decentralized exchange is built. For months, volume grew steadily, but interest in the exchange exploded in early 2025, according to data from DefiLlama. Hyperliquid is optimized for speed. For many traders, seconds mean the difference between profit or loss. Im the one user who keeps bugging the team to add more features, and they keep rejecting every feature that I ask for because they want to keep it extremely fast and extremely nimble, said Thanos Alpha, a pseudonymous Hyperliquid user who said hes a power user on the platform. This speed, combined with engineering solutions that allowed Hyperliquid to accommodate larger trades than competitors, set it up for success, added the pseudonymous trader, who said hes an avid DeFi user but declined to give his real namea common request from crypto diehards. Now the ecosystem is attracting interest beyond anonymous crypto traders. Large venture capital firms like Paradigm and Andreessen Horowitz have taken positions in Hyperliquids HYPE cryptocurrency, reported The Information. And even Wall Street and large companies are taking notice. The fintech giant PayPal posted about Hyperliquid on social media as a crop of companies vied to launch a Hyperliquid-branded stablecoin on the blockchain. And David Schamis, founding partner at the private equity firm Atlas Merchant Capital, is steering a public company that is stockpiling HYPE. Its not only about trading crypto, Schamis said, referring to blockchain technology. AWS of finance Yan himself views Hyperliquid as the Amazon Web Services of financial infrastructure, referring to the cloud-computing giant that powers much of the internet. Developers are independently deploying different assets other than cryptocurrencies to trade on the blockchain, including listings tied to the prices of stocks of major corporations like Nvidia and Google. And some validators, or the people who own the servers that actually process the transactions, earn revenue through supporting the ecosystem. Still, theres no guarantee that Hyperliquid will continue to expand, especially as competitors look to challenge Hyperliquids newfound dominance. That includes Novakovski, who has since launched Lighter, his own competing crypto derivatives platform backed by Founders Fund, Ribbit Capital, David Sacks Craft Ventures, and a16z crypto. And then theres Aster, a Hyperliquid copycat thats closely aligned with the crypto exchange Binance. Moreover, Hyperliquidlike many crypto projects in the world of DeFioperates in ambiguous legal territory. Its users are all anonymous, and no one has to submit documentation to verify their identity, as opposed to traders who access more traditional financial products like Robinhood. In fact, users linked to North Korea, which has an infamous crypto hacking operation, have traded on Hyperliquid, alleges Taylor Monahan, lead security researcher at the crypto wallet MetaMask. DeFi protocols are part of North Koreas money laundering operation, according to the crypto analytics firm Chainalysis. A spokesperson for Hyperliquid Labs said that the website for Hyperliquid screens traders for risky behavior and enforces sanctions compliance, adding that any confirmed high risk activity on the application is immediately flagged and the addresses blocked. And, if Hyperliquid continues to grow, the ecosystem may attract more regulatory scrutiny. Its a big question about how long they [Hyperliquid] will be allowed to operate in this non-KYC way, said a crypto market maker, referring to know-your-customer laws, which require financial institutions to collect user identification. The market maker asked for anonymity to talk more candidly. The bigger they are, the bigger the question usually becomes, added the market maker. We are proactively engaging with regulators and policy stakeholders to support greater clarity for decentralized finance, a Hyperliquid spokesperson said in response. As Hyperliquid wrestles with the evolving competitive landscape, regulatory environment, and making good on Yans ambitions to reinvent the foundations of finance, the DeFi founder will likely continue to build out his team. Thats why he announced in late October he was hiring to expand the staff at Hyperliquid Labs by almost 30%from 11 employees to 14. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com New York State Bar Association is holding its 150th anniversary award ceremony this week in Manhattan and will honor Chief Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks with its Ruth G. Schapiro Award. Related: Three others from Central NY will also receive awards Judge Dancks is a United States Magistrate judge for the Northern District of New York. She was appointed to the federal bench in 2012, making history as the first woman in that role. Judge Dancks has made it her mission to pay it forward to the next generation of lawyers most notably mentoring more than 50 law students as externs. She has also hosted students of all ages in her courtroom, introducing them to the court system, citizenship, careers in the law, and much more. >> Send us your companys news about People in Motion She serves on the diversity committee of the Federal Magistrate Judges Association and often writes and speaks on panels related to diversity on the bench. She is also a past president of the Central New York Womens Bar Association. During her term, Judge Dancks established the organizations award-winning Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Clinic. If youd like to submit an item about People in Motion at your organization, send a press release including photo, to business@syracuse.com with Company News in the subject field. We publish news about people with ties to Onondaga, Cayuga, Madison and Oswego counties. See all recent Company News items. Albuquerque, N.M. Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield turned himself in to authorities Tuesday and vowed to fight charges of child sex abuse stemming from allegations that he inappropriately touched a minor on the set of a TV series he was directing in New Mexico. His apprehension comes after authorities in Albuquerque issued a warrant for his arrest on Friday on two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. A criminal complaint alleges the acts occurred on the set of the series The Cleaning Lady, which was filmed in Albuquerque. Busfield, who is married to actor Melissa Gilbert, is known for appearances in The West Wing, Field of Dreams and Thirtysomething, the latter of which won him an Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series in 1991. Tim voluntarily appeared before New Mexico authorities after traveling across the country to confront these false and deeply troubling allegations, said Stanton Stein, an attorney for Busfield. He is innocent and is determined to clear his name. Busfield was booked by Albuquerque police on the charges, said Gilbert Gallegos, spokesperson for the city police department. A first appearance in court was scheduled for Wednesday. NBC shelved an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit that featured Busfield and was set to air Thursday, a network spokesperson confirmed Tuesday to The Associated Press. Busfield was guest-starring as the judge on the long-running show, which focuses on sex crimes. The criminal complaint filed by an investigator with the police department says the boy reported that he was 7 years old when Busfield touched him three or four times on private areas over his clothing. Busfield allegedly touched him five or six times on another occasion when he was 8, the complaint said. Busfield has denied the allegations Busfield denied the allegations when interviewed by authorities last fall as part of an investigation, according to the complaint. The complaint also says the child was reportedly afraid to tell anyone because Busfield was the director and he feared he would get mad at him. The boys twin brother told authorities he was touched by Busfield but did not specify where. He said he didnt say anything because he didnt want to get in trouble. When he was interviewed by authorities as part of the investigation, Busfield suggested that the boys mother was seeking revenge for her children being replaced on the series an argument echoed Tuesday by Busfields attorney. Busfield also previously said he likely would have picked up and tickled the boys, saying the set was a playful environment. Lawyer says Warner Bros. investigation unable to corroborate complaint On Tuesday, Stein invoked the results of a private investigation by Warner Bros. to assert that the allegations are false. The investigator hired by Warner Bros. could not immediately be contacted by phone or email. Authorities say the Warner Bros. investigation was unable to corroborate details of an anonymous complaint to a union workplace hotline after its private investigator was not able to talk with anyone who would support evidence that Timothy Busfield engaged in this behavior. A video obtained by TMZ showed Busfield in front of a window with the Albuquerque skyline in the backdrop. He said he arrived in the city after driving 2,000 miles (3,219 kilometers). Im going to confront these lies. Theyre horrible. Theyre all lies, Busfield said. Marshals Service involved in search for Busfield The search for Busfield involved the U.S. Marshals Service and extended to New York before Busfield appeared in the video and arrived at a metropolitan detention center, Gallegos said. We had the U.S. Marshals office looking in New York in particular, and other cities, Gallegos said. The mother of the twins who are identified only by their initials in court records reported to Child Protective Services that the abuse occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024, the complaint said. Busfields wife, Gilbert, indicated through a publicist that she wont speak publicly at the request of attorneys for Busfield while the legal process unfolds. Her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, publicist Ame Van Iden said in a statement. Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. The investigation began in November 2024, when the investigator responded to a call from a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque. The boys parents had gone there at the recommendation of a law firm, the complaint said. According to the complaint, one of the boys has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. A social worker documented him saying he has had nightmares about Busfield touching him. The Cleaning Lady aired for four seasons on Fox, ending in 2025. The show was produced by Warner Bros., which according to the complaint conducted its own investigation into the abuse allegations but was unable to corroborate them. Amy Poehler recently opened up a flying experience that didnt go quite as planned. Fortunately, it didnt involve the bomb squad like Ellen Pompeos travel fiasco, but it did involve a heated exchange between her and a fellow passenger. During a Dec. 2025 episode of her podcast Good Hang (which recently made history by winning the first-ever Golden Globe for Best Podcast), Poehler was joined by her Mean Girls co-star Ana Gasteyer. As the duo reminisced about filming the 2004 hit, Gasteyer recalled a specific flight they shared years ago. You got into a fight with a guy. Baby Frances was on the plane with us, do you remember that? Gasteyer said, referring to her daughter, who is now 23. Poehler was surprised: And I still got into a fight with the guy with the baby around? I hope so, Gasteyer joked, because the guy got mad that you were swearing in front of the baby. The Parks and Rec alum then gave listeners the rundown. What happened was a guy a first-class guy, which we were in first class too was like, Excuse me, Im trying to [relax]. Youre being too loud." Poehler did not care for the mans complaint. My Boston came out, lets just say that, she recounted of her response to him. While the Saturday Night Live alum didnt go into exact details, she seemingly dropped a few curse words during the exchange as Gasteyer and her baby sat nearby. Gasteyer, who described their argument as the best thing Ive ever seen, didnt take offense to Poehlers sailors mouth. But the man was allegedly distraught that Poehler would speak like that in front of a baby. This was just one of many anecdotes that Poehler has shared during her Good Hang podcast. While accepting the 2026 Golden Globe for the show, the 54-year-old actress explained that the show " is an attempt to try to make a very rough and unkind world filled with a little bit more love and laughter and laughing with people, not at them." She added, And we just have such a good time making it. Thank you so much for letting us make more. Poehler also gave a shoutout to her boyfriend, Joel Lovell, during her acceptance speech, saying, I love you. Thank you for everything. Lovell, who grew up in upstate New York and attended Cornell University, has a deep background in media. He previously served as deputy editor of The New York Times Magazine before pivoting to the podcasting world. Poehler was previously married to actor Will Arnett, with whom she shares two kids. Utica, N.Y. A former supervisor from the Marcy Correctional Facility admitted Wednesday that guards had falsified other use-of-force reports before the fatal beating of Robert Brooks. Glenn Trombly, a former sergeant, took the stand to testify against another former guard, Michael D. Fisher, who is charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection with Brooks fatal beating inside the prison on Dec. 9, 2024. Trombly agreed to testify against Fisher and other officers in exchange for a lesser sentence for his role in Brooks death. He was promised a sentence of no more than four years. Like Fisher, Trombly never touched Brooks but he did not intervene and pushed other officers to file false reports, Special Prosecutor Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said. During his testimony, Trombly admitted that officers at the prison falsified other use-of-force reports before Brooks assault. He did not give specific examples when he made the admission. In Brooks case, Trombly said he had officers file several drafts of use-of-force reports and urged officers to get their stories straight. He testified that he had the officers revise their reports because they needed to justify every injury Brooks suffered. He said he did not feed them a story. He told the jury he falsified the report because he knew if they told the truth, everyone would get in trouble for their actions that night. Trombly said that no one knew their body cameras, which were not activated, were passively recording video of Brooks assault. The videos made it clear the reports had been falsified. Officers repeatedly punched and kicked Brooks in the groin, abdomen and face in the prisons infirmary. He died hours later at a Utica hospital. Tromblys admission Wednesday supports allegations that Marcy had a beat up squad that regularly used excessive force on inmates. Robert Kessler, another officer involved in Brooks death, was called by the defense to testify Wednesday. On cross-examination, he told the jury he had previously seen inmates beaten by officers in the same way Brooks had. He also testified that officers would lie about these beatings. Trombly and Anthony Farina are two of four officers named in a lawsuit that alleges the prison had a beat up squad. In the Brooks case, Farina has pleaded guilty. An inmate, William Alvarez, filed the lawsuit in February 2022 and alleged the guards regularly assaulted inmates. Trombly, a more than 20-year veteran of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, was fired soon after Brooks beating was made public. He is scheduled to be sentenced for second-degree gang assault after Fishers trial concludes. Fisher is the last of 10 guards charged in connection with Brooks death to resolve his case. If convicted after trial, he faces 15 years in prison. The prosecution rested its case Wednesday afternoon. Former corrections officer Michael Fisher is arraigned in the Dec. 9 fatal beating of the inmate, Robert L. Brooks, at Marcy Correctional Facility, at Oneida County Court Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Utica, N.Y.. (Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com) Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com The 10 guards Here is what has happened to the 10 corrections officers charged in connection with Brooks death. Nicholas Anzalone pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter. He was sentenced to 22 years in prison. Anthony Farina pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter. He was sentenced to 22 years in prison. Christopher Walrath pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Sgt. Michael Mashaw pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter. He was sentenced to 3 to 9 years. pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter. He was sentenced to 3 to 9 years. David Walters pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter. He was sentenced to 2 1/3 to 7 years. Robert Kessler . He pleaded guilty to second-degree assault. He was promised 5 to 7 years in state prison. Glenn Trombly pleaded guilty to second-degree gang assault. He was sentenced to four years. Three other former officers went to trial in October. All three men were charged with second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter. Salina, N.Y. A man who fatally stabbed his brother-in-law accused him of being responsible for his childrens removal by child protective services, investigators said. Taiwo Ogunsola, 38, of Salina, was stabbed multiple times in the neck with a kitchen knife Friday afternoon by Raoof Mustafa, 47, investigators said in a criminal complaint filed in court. Ogunsola is married to Mustafas sister. Mustafa stabbed Ogunsola on the front porch of the home at 543 Sunflower Drive, according to Capt. Justin Bulak who is with the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office. The two men lived next to each other in the two-family home. Ogunsola was taken to Upstate University Hospital in critical condition before he died Friday night. The stabbing stemmed from a family dispute in which Mustafa believed his brother-in-law was responsible for his children being taken into the custody by Onondaga County Child Protective Services, according to sheriffs office Capt. Jesse Welch. Family members told investigators the children had been removed only weeks earlier, he said. There were indications of a custody dispute involving the suspect, but the legal custody status of his two children remains unclear, Welch said. Mustafa suffered from mental illness, his family said on a GoFundMe post for the Ogunsola family. The stabbing led to a more than 13-hour-long standoff when Mustafa barricaded himself in the home and several times set fire to the home. Deputies and the sheriffs SWAT unit rushed to the scene. Streets were blocked off. Some neighbors were evacuated and others sheltered in their homes. Negotiators attempted for hours to contact Mustafa by phone and loudspeaker, but he never answered calls or responded to commands, Onondaga County Sheriff Tobias Shelley said on Tuesday. Shortly after 8:30 p.m. Friday, deputies attempted to get inside the front door just enough to throw a phone inside so negotiators could communicate directly with him. Instead, Shelley said, Mustafa started a fire inside the house. Shelley said he believes an accelerant was used, as the fire flashed up instantly. Over the course of the standoff, Mustafa deliberately set at least three separate fires inside the home: one near the front door, one on a kitchen table, and another upstairs, he said. Firefighters could not immediately attack the blazes because deputies were unable to safely enter the home and reach the fire, Shelley said. The fires repeatedly burned down on their own, either from lack of oxygen or because Mustafa actively controlled them from inside, he said. At one point, Mustafa opened a bathroom window, causing smoke to puff outward a sign oxygen had reentered the structure, Shelley said. Authorities on scene became concerned about the potential for a backdraft, a dangerous fire phenomenon that can cause an explosive flare-up when oxygen is suddenly reintroduced, Shelley explained. Shelley, who holds an associate degree in fire protection, worked closely with fire commanders to determine equipment placement, water supply, hose distances and firefighter safety. Firefighters were eventually able to use elevated streams from a ladder truck to prevent the fire from spreading, particularly to the other side of the two-family home. Despite conditions that Shelley said could have been fatal heavy smoke, extreme heat, pepper spray, and pepper-ball rounds Mustafa continued moving around the house for hours. Deputies used thermal imaging to see where each fire was started. Drone footage also showed Mustafa moving between different areas of the home, avoiding the worst of the flames and heat. Shelley said the fire behaved in unusual ways, failing to spread as expected given where it was ignited. Fire investigators are continuing to examine why the home did not burn more extensively, he said. After flames reached the roof and firefighters brought the fire under control, deputies used drones inside the house to determine where Mustafa was located. The drones revealed he had been crawling through insulation, attic spaces and ceiling voids, moving back and forth in the dark after power to the house was shut off. At one point the only time Mustafa communicated with deputies was to ask to speak with his children. They were not at the scene, Shelley said. By early Saturday morning, deputies were able to safely enter the home through a back sliding door. Mustafa was found in the attic at about 5 a.m. and taken into custody. He was shirtless, covered in insulation, with minor burns despite the exposure to smoke and heat. He was taken to the hospital for treatment. This was one of the strangest calls weve had in a very long time, Shelley said, describing the incident as a rare sequence of events, including homicide, a barricaded suspect, and house fire all tied to a single individual and a single address. Mustafa has been charged with second-degree murder, third-degree arson and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He is being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center on no bail. The Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard police blotter of arrests from police agencies around Central New York was updated today. The arrests added this week occurred between December 7, 2025 and Jan. 11, 2026. The people charged ranged from 18 to 77 years old. One person was charged with criminal trespass. Central NY woman convicted in Jan. 6 riot faces new charges In 2023, she was convicted of disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds for actions on Jan. 6, 2021. A person was arrested for weapon possession. Troopers seize guns, arrest Jordan man after they say he fired rifle toward neighbor Another person was arrested for unlawfully fleeing a police officer. Syracuse woman arrested after 20-minute vehicle pursuit in the town of Onondaga Information in the police blotter is provided by the arresting agencies. Arrests are also published in the Neighbors pages of The Post-Standard and are available in the ePost-Standard. The police blotter is searchable by name, charge, date, and agency. If you dont find a particular arrest, try adjusting the date range. You can search the blotter here: Dont see the link? Click here to search the police blotter Verona, N.Y. - Four of the five people who were hospitalized after an exterior construction elevator collapsed at Turning Stone Resort Casino on Tuesday have been discharged. The fifth person remains in stable condition at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, Joel Barkin, a spokesperson for the Oneida Indian Nation, told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard on Wednesday. Construction crews were removing the elevator Tuesday afternoon at around 4 p.m. when it fell from the second floor and injured five construction workers, Barkin said. The tall elevator had been in use for about a year as crews worked to build a hotel that is part of a $370 million expansion project at the casino, Barkin said. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been in contact with the contractors and has begun an investigation into the accident, Barkin said. The planned three-season outdoor patio at the new Crescent hotel. The $370 million expansion of Turning Stone Resort | Casino is way ahead of schedule and plans to be completed the summer of 2026. Photographed Monday, October 27, 2025 (N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com) N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com Barkin said the accident is not expected delay the construction of the 258-room hotel, which is expected to open in June. The expansion, which the Oneidas call Turning Stone Evolution, is the largest construction project at the resort since it opened in 1993. It was initially expected to be completed by 2027. The project is being overseen by The Hayner Hoyt Corporation and the TN Ward Company. When the project is complete, the Turning Stone campus will have more than 1,000 rooms in four hotels and more than 225,000 square feet of events and meeting space. That will make it the largest meetings and conventions resort destination in the state, nation officials said. Jan 14 (Reuters) - Industrial company Honeywell said on Wednesday it plans for its majority-owned quantum computing unit Quantinuum to confidentially file draft initial public offering papers with the U.S. securities regulator. Quantinuum's IPO plans come at a time when companies are exploring ways to develop and scale quantum capabilities to solve complex problems such as designing and manufacturing hydrogen cell batteries for transportation. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined, the company said. Following the news, Honeywell's shares were up 1.6% during premarket trading. In September, Quantinuum raised about $600 million from investors, including Nvidia's venture capital arm, at a valuation of $10 billion. The full-stack quantum computing provider's technologies are used by Honeywell, Airbus, BMW Group, HSBC and JPMorgan Chase. Quantinuum was formed in 2021 after Honeywell announced that its quantum computing division would separate from the company and combine with Cambridge Quantum. Last year, Honeywell broke up its vast conglomerate into three separate companies specializing in automation, aerospace, and advanced materials. It also divested some smaller units to concentrate on strengthening its automation division. (Reporting by Aatreyee Dasgupta in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas) If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Rock Fest has announced its 2026 return to Cadott, Wisconsin, unveiling a three-day lineup led by Gojira, Limp Bizkit and The Offspring. The annual rock and metal festival runs Thursday, July 16 through Saturday, July 18, with an early-entry Bonus Bash on Wednesday, July 15 for select ticket holders. Where to buy Rock Fest 2026 tickets Tickets for Rock Fest 2026 are on sale now through the festivals website. Fans can also find verified resale tickets through secondary marketplaces such as Vivid Seats and StubHub. These resale platforms may offer below-face-value pricing and availability for sold-out days, depending on demand. Discount: First-time Vivid Seats customers can use code ADVANCE30 for $30 off a $200+ ticket order. Rock Fest 2026 ticket tiers Three-day general admission passes start at $139 and include access to all festival days plus the Wednesday Bonus Bash. One-day general admission tickets are also available. Individual artist pit passes are offered for main-stage pit access, though three-day pit passes and several premium camping and VIP options are sold out or nearly sold out. Check secondary marketplaces such as Vivid Seats and StubHub for resale availability. Rock Fest 2026 headliners Gojira will headline Thursdays slate, followed by Limp Bizkit on Friday. The Offspring will close the festival on Saturday night. Rock Fest 2026 lineup Thursdays lineup includes I Prevail, Machine Head, Hatebreed, Set It Off, Magnolia Park and Lacuna Coil. Friday adds Body Count, Insane Clown Posse, Static-X, Des Rocs, Miss May I and Bones UK. Saturday features Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless, Hollywood Undead, Badflower, Story of the Year and Ill Nino. The Wednesday Bonus Bash, available to three-day ticket holders, will feature Candlebox, Buckcherry, Dying Wish and additional acts. Where is Rock Fest 2026? Rock Fest 2026 takes place in Cadott, Wisconsin, at the Chippewa Valley Festival Grounds that also host on-site camping. Fans traveling can find cheap flights on Expedia and discounted hotels on Hotels.com. More upcoming music festivals If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. James Taylor will bring his 2026 North American tour to Upstate New York for two performances next summer, with concerts scheduled in Bethel and Saratoga Springs. The shows are part of a 29-date U.S. tour that runs from April through September. Taylor is set to perform on June 18 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, followed by a second Upstate stop on June 29 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs. Hell be backed by his long-running All-Star Band throughout the tour. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. local time on Friday, Jan. 16, via Ticketmaster. Tickets are also available via Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and StubHub. First-time Vivid Seats customers can use code ADVANCE30 for $30 off a $200+ ticket order. A six-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Taylor is best known for his hits Fire and Rain, Sweet Baby James and Youve Got a Friend, and has continued recording and touring for more than five decades. His 2020 album American Standard earned a Grammy Award and made him the first artist to place a Top 10 album on the Billboard chart in six consecutive decades. Syracuse, N.Y. -- A member of President Trumps cabinet plans to be in Central New York on Friday for Micron Technologys groundbreaking on a chipmaking complex in the town of Clay. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, whose department will oversee up to $20 billion on taxpayer subsidies for the Micron project, will attend the groundbreaking. It will be held at 11 a.m. at the future Micron campus, which sits at the corner of Route 31 and Caughdenoy Road north of Syracuse. Before being appointed Commerce secretary, Lutnick was head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald. He was also co-chair of Trumps transition team. Also in attendance on Friday will be Microns chief executive officer, Sanjay Mehrotra, and politicians from across the political spectrum. The money Micron will get from the federal government comes from the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, passed under the Biden administration. Trumps budget bill last summer increased the amount of tax credits Micron could receive to build and outfit two chip factories in Clay from about $12 billion to $17 billion. The project is also eligible for about $3 billion in grants from the CHIPS Act. Lutnick said in April he might withhold CHIPS money from Micron and other chip giants unless they built even bigger projects in the U.S. Two months later, Micron announced it would build a second fabrication plant, or fab, at its corporate headquarters in Idaho. That second Idaho fab would open before the first two fabs planned for Clay. Those are now expected to start producing memory chips in 2030 and 2033. Micron says it plans to eventually build four chip factories in Clay at a total cost of $100 billion. The first factory would open in 2030; the second in 2033. Micron says it would employ 9,000 people when the fourth factory is complete in 2045. Microns chips are in high demand for data centers and artificial intelligence. The company has recently reported record revenues and profits. Micron announced the project more than three years ago. Construction was expected to start in mid-2024, but the 20,000-page environmental review dragged. Micron announced in November the project would fall two to three years behind due to the slower-than-expected process of building fabs. Micron has obtained the federal, state and local permits it needs to start the first step of the massive construction project, cutting down several hundred acres of trees. That has to be done by March 31. Endangered bats that roost on the site return in spring, and no trees can be cut down between April 1 and Oct. 31, when the bats return to their winter caves. Micron will also start work on a rail spur just across Caughdenoy Road to bring in the estimated 9 million cubic yards of fill required to level the swampy site. A SUNY Upstate Medical University worker arrested by federal immigration agents last fall has been ordered to be deported to Ecuador a country with which he has no ties. Alcibiades Alex Lazaro Ramirez Gonzalez is from Cuba. An immigration court judge in Batavia on Tuesday ordered Gonzalez to be deported to Ecuador. He has until Feb. 12 to appeal the decision, according to Frederick Kowal, president of United University Professions, a labor union that represents Gonzalez. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Gonzalez and his husband Yannier Yan Vazquez Hidalgo in October. Gonzalez is a supervisor in the hospitals environmental services department. Hildalgo is a janitor in the same department. Federal agents arrested the men when they checked in for a routine appointment at ICE offices in Mattydale. They both had requested asylum protection in the U.S. and had recently passed an immigration test required to prove there is a credible threat to their lives in Cuba because they are gay, their relatives told syracuse.com in October. The men fled Cuba and married in the U.S. They own a home in North Syracuse. Hildalgo is also being held in the Batavia detention center. He has a hearing scheduled for Jan. 22, records show. This is a blatant betrayal of basic American values and principles that completely ignores Americas longstanding tradition of welcoming refugees like Alex, a union member and respected member of his community, Kowal said. Kowal said the arrest is part of a racist campaign to rid this country of people of color. Activists have held rallies and candlelight vigils, calling for the men to be released. Gov. Kathy Hochul has met with their families. Ali Cottrell, president of the union that represents Hidalgo, said the deportation order raises more questions than answers. He said he does not know why the judge chose Ecuador, a country with which Gonzalez has no ties. We are so far gone that we are deporting the wrong people, Cottrell said. They are not criminals. They are people who were working hard and trying to follow the American dream. Two youths have been injured after a car collided with a dirt bike in Upstate New York. New York State Police say a mini gas-operated dirt bike, occupied by two juveniles, was traveling southbound on State Route 9 in the town of Chazy, N.Y., on Tuesday. Around 5:55 p.m., a 1998 Buick LeSabre also traveling southbound on State Route 9 failed to observe the dirt bike and struck it. Both juveniles were ejected from the dirt bike in the collision, police said. They were transported to Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. One juvenile sustained life-threatening injuries and is currently in critical condition, police said Tuesday. The driver of the Buick LeSabre was uninjured. No charges have been filed. An investigation is ongoing. The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene for further investigation and processing. New York State Police were assisted at the scene by Clinton County Sheriffs Department, Chazy EMS, CVPH EMS, Champlain EMS, Chazy Fire Department, Champlain Fire Department and West Chazy Fire Department. Chazy is located in Clinton County, about 170 miles north of Albany and 15 miles from Plattsburgh. The Upstate New York home of an Emmy Award-winning actor was raided by police on Tuesday after the man was arrested on charges accusing him of sexually abusing a child. Timothy Busfield, known for his roles in The West Wing and Field of Dreams, turned himself in Tuesday to police in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was taken into custody five days after a warrant was issued for his arrest for criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse. According to the Associated Press, a criminal complaint accuses Busfield of repeatedly touching a boy who was on the set of The Cleaning Lady, a TV series filmed in Albuquerque. At the time of the alleged abuse between November 2022 and the spring of 2024, the boy was 7 to 8 years old. Shortly after Busfields surrender, a squad of officers raided the actors home nearly 2,000 miles away in the Catskills. This handout photo provided by the Albuquerque Police Department shows the booking photo of director/actor Timothy Busfield. The mugshot was taken after Busfield turned himself in to police following accusations of sexual abuse of two children on Jan. 13, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Photo by Albuquerque Police Department via Getty Images) Getty Images Heavily armed members of the U.S. Marshals Services New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force forced open the door of Busfields house in Highland Lake, a quiet hamlet in Sullivan County on a private lake, the Daily Mail reported. Highland Lake is about 15 minutes east of the Pennsylvania border and about 90 minutes southwest of Poughkeepsie. Photos and a video of the raid posted by the Daily Mail show officers in bulletproof vests and helmets some holding large guns and riot shields outside the home Busfield shared with his wife, Little House on the Prairie actor Melissa Gilbert. The officers searched the inside of the house and the backyard, including an RV and outhouse, before leaving, the Daily Mail reported. In a November 2021 Instagram photo showing himself and his wife outside what appeared to be their Upstate property, Busfield called their Catskills home heaven. In a video provided to TMZ, Busfield said he got in a car on Saturday after learning of the charges against him and drove 2,000 miles to New Mexico. He denied the accusations and vowed he would be exonerated. Im going to confront these lies. Theyre horrible. Theyre all lies, he said, looking into the camera. I did not do anything to those little boys, and Im gonna fight it. Busfield has been charged with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, according to Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Centers inmate records. As of late Wednesday morning, the 68-year-old actor remained in custody. The investigation started in November 2024 when the boy and his brother were brought to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque, the Associated Press reported. When interviewed by police last fall, Busfield denied the abuse, the newspaper said. Ann Arbor, Michigan Reactions from students and faculty are pouring in about Kent Syverud, the University of Michigans new hire for president. While some students and faculty expressed optimism, there were some concerns about some of his previous comments from his time at Syracuse University. Eric Veal Jr., president of UM Central Student Government, is pleased that Syverud will be the 16th University of Michigan president starting this summer. Veal Jr. described Syverud, 69, as the candidate for right now and for the future of our institution. Were very excited to welcome a president who is dedicated to students across our campus and dedicated to keeping the vision of our institution for public good and taking it farther, Veal Jr. said. Syverud, the chancellor at Syracuse, will replace interim President Domenico Grasso, himself a past chancellor of the Dearborn campus. Grasso took the job on an interim basis after former President Santa Ono stepped down in an attempt to become president of the University of Florida. Syverud will begin his five-year presidential term by July 1. Read more: How much will Kent Syverud make as University of Michigan president? Veal is excited for him to build off of Grassos work and continue building relationships, especially with students. One thing I look for in the next president, as a member of the search committee, is looking for someone who has a steady hand and who is going to make sure that leadership is something that isnt still from the top-down, Veal said. I think he is going to be the person that leads our institution into the next phase and into the passing lane to be seen as the best institution in the world, Veal said. Derek Peterson, chair of the UM Faculty Senate, researched Syverud during his previous years at UM and found that he was a faithful participant in faculty government, citing his previous participation in various committees. We want to have a president that who knows what faculty government is about, who values the voice of faculty in the administration of the institution, Peterson said. He also applauded Syveruds appreciation for racial diversity and noted his support for affirmative action. Syverud was a witness for UM in the Supreme Court case Grutter v. Bollinger during his time as dean of Vanderbilt Law School from 1997 to 2005. 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 State of Michigan voters barred public universities from considering race in admissions in 2006. However, Peterson was concerned that Syverud may lack sympathy for pro-Palestine protesters at Syracuse University. UM, like other colleges and universities in the country, is part of a national wave of pro-Palestine protests against the war in Gaza launched in response to an October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. As of November 2025, more than 70,000 Palestinians have died in the war, launched in response to an October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, according to the Associated Press. Student protesters erected an encampment for about two-and-a-half weeks in spring 2024 at Syracuse University. This is similar to UMs protests, which saw a weeks-long encampment broken up by university police, resulting in arrests and charges for protesters and subsequent lawsuits from pro-Palestinian activists. Read more: FBI raids follow string of pro-Palestinian incidents around Ann Arbor Syverud alleged last October that Iran influenced pro-Palestine protests at U.S. colleges and universities, and that Syracuse students were not involved. When things happened, that I really believe were encouraged from Iran, it did not have the involvement of very many, if any, of our own students, Syverud said in an October 2025 panel in Washington, D.C. Pro-Palestine protesters at UM have demanded the university divest from companies that support Israel. The university says any investment is far smaller than opponents contend and they will shield the endowment from political pressures. Tarana Sharma, co-president of Students Allied for Freedom and Equality, a prominent pro-Palestine activist group at UM, criticized Syveruds previous comments that foreign countries have funded the pro-Palestine movement. Trying to indicate that these protests are foreign funded is deeply problematic ... trying to paint these countries as if theyre fueling radical violence here in the U.S., that is not the case, Sharma said. She is confident that pro-Palestine movement at UM will hold Syverud accountable once he is president. Dan Viderman, president of the UM chapter of Students Supporting Israel, wrote in a Jan. 13 message that he is incredibly excited for Syverud to come to the university. (UM), especially in the past years, has been at the forefront of standing up for those who need it most, Viderman said, and we look forward, not only as a collection of students standing up for the only country in the world where Jews are able to live without discrimination, but also as a collection of students who have been harassed, attacked, and condemned for solely being Jewish. Read more: University of Michigan must protect Jewish students on campus, federal agency warns Viderman added that the UM chapter of Students Supporting Israel is ready to listen to Syveruds advice on the perpetual betterment of Pro-Semitic life on campus. Peterson, despite his reservations, said he is open to dialogues with Syverud once his presidential term begins. We want the president who will fight for free expression, who will value protest as an intrinsic part of education and of the public life of the institution, Peterson said. It falls to us, faculty, students and staff, to shape his presidency into what we want. Key Points Hyundai recently announced plans to build 30,000 robots per year. The Atlas robot could start working in Hyundai factories as soon as 2028. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires Hyundai's Boston Dynamics made big news about robots at CES 2026. On Jan. 5, Boston Dynamics unveiled its fully electric humanoid robot called Atlas and said it will begin production immediately. The company said fleets are scheduled to ship to Hyundai's Robotics Metaplant Application Center (RMAC) and Google DeepMind in the coming months. Hyundai said it plans to put Atlas to work across its global network, including at its plant in Savannah, Georgia, starting in 2028. Hyundai's stock price on Korean exchanges went up within a day of the announcement. Investors are excited by the possibility that Hyundai could be making a breakthrough in deploying AI humanoid robots in real-world settings. But is the investor excitement about these robots warranted? Various companies have made big announcements in the past that "the robots are here," but their prognostications haven't always panned out. Let's look at what makes Boston Dynamics' new Atlas humanoid robot so intriguing -- and why investors in robotics stocks might want to stay cautious. Why Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot could be worth the hype Robots in auto factories are nothing new. But Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot is special because it doesn't just look more like a human -- it might soon be able to replace or supplement the work of humans on the Hyundai factory assembly line. Hyundai says the Atlas robot offers the following capabilities: Human-scale hands with tactile sensing Advanced rotational joints Ability to lift up to 110 pounds Ability to be taught tasks in under a day Autonomous operation with automatic battery replacement Ability to perform precision tasks and repetitive labor that humans would find exhausting Hyundai plans to build 30,000 robots per year at a U.S. factory, and said it "expects humanoids to become the largest segment of the Physical AI market in the future and has set a goal to mass-produce the Atlas product model, deploying units at scale across industrial sites as production-ready humanoid robots." From left: Aya Durbin, humanoid application product lead at Boston Dynamics; an Atlast robot; Zachary Jackowski, vice president and general manager of Atlas at Boston Dynamics. Image source: Hyundai Motor Group. Robots in the auto factory Hyundai says that starting in 2028, "Atlas will be introduced on processes with proven safety and quality benefits, such as parts sequencing." The company intends to expand the robot's work applications to component assembly, and, "over time, Atlas will also take on tasks involving repetitive motions, heavy loads, and other complex operations -- ensuring safer working environments for factory employees." The next foldable smartphone from Samsung, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, will reportedly be the first device in its lineup to receive the "crease-less" display that the company showed off at the recent CES 2026. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Is Going Crease-Less ZDNet Korea's latest report claims that Samsung is leaning towards the release of their latest screen innovation to take place this summer, specifically for the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Since the debut of the original Galaxy Z Fold, Samsung has utilized the traditional method of layering the OLED panels, which caused the creases. However, Samsung's latest innovation uses a new kind of "optical clear adhesive" to keep the panels together and, in turn, makes it less stiff and without the crease. With these changes to the method of assembling the new panel, Samsung's use of this latest foldable panel is enough to transform any screen to look like a traditional display using regular glass. This was said to be the same technology that Samsung publicly showed off during CES 2026 that caught significant attention from visitors, with some claiming that this could be the display to be used on the iPhone Fold. It is important to note that Apple has tapped Samsung Display to supply the screens needed for the foldable iPhone, and that the Cupertino tech giant is waiting for a creaseless display for the device. Will We See this Crease-Less Display Soon? According to 9to5Google's report, Samsung is indeed planning to include this creaseless display in the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but ZDNet Korea's report pointed out that the South Korean tech giant is not fully on board with this just yet. This is because there are expected price increases in the entire tech industry due to the RAM price surge, which could affect smartphone prices. Slapping in a new and advanced screen to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 may lead to its price skyrocketing because of the expected price increases due to the RAM, and it may not yet be a feasible idea for now. Several well-established restaurant chains have recently found themselves in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, undergoing mass closures amid mounting debt. A favorite since 1972, Houlihans can now be added to that list, according to Yahoo!Finance. A casual American restaurant and bar chain, the restaurant once had a strong national presence. Today, the brand still operates 22 locations nationwide, according to its website. Yet, Houlihans has closed several restaurants over the past few years. At least five Houlihans locations have shut down in recent months, according to a post on Yahoo!Finance. Yet its parent company, Landrys Inc., has not issued a public statement addressing the shutdowns. Paper notices have instead appeared on restaurant doors. Heres a list of reported Houlihans closures, according to Yahoo!Finance: Read the original article on silive.com. By Sai Ishwarbharath B and Haripriya Suresh BENGALURU, Jan 14 (Reuters) - India's No. 2 software services exporter Infosys unexpectedly raised its revenue forecast on Wednesday and signaled a healthy demand outlook, citing steady discretionary tech spending and renewed momentum in its core financial services business. The forecast lifted its U.S.-listed shares 10% in early trade and came just two days after market leader Tata Consultancy Services flagged strong demand in 2026, pointing to a possible rebound in India's $283 billion IT sector. Clients who had cut discretionary spending amid tariff-related uncertainty are now funding AI projects. AI DRIVES RECOVERY HOPES "There is an industry-wide recovery as certain tech spends can't be postponed beyond a point. It's this incremental improvement in demand that is helping the industry on a gradual recovery path," said Centrum Broking analyst Piyush Pandey, who called Infosys' forecast revision a "positive surprise". For the fiscal year ending March 2026, Infosys said it expects revenue growth of 3% to 3.5%, versus its own earlier estimate of 2% to 3%. Three brokerages had expected the company to narrow the range to 2.5%-3%. "We have become (the) AI partner of choice for (the) largest clients in financial services and energy (sectors). Therefore, we see a good outlook even as we look into the next financial year," CEO Salil Parekh said in a post-results press conference. Peers Tata Consultancy Services and HCLTech beat revenue estimates on Monday and also talked of AI-led demand. Third-quarter revenue for Infosys rose 8.9% to 454.79 billion rupees ($5.04 billion), beating the LSEG-compiled average analysts' estimate of 452.27 billion rupees. Revenue from the financial services segment, which accounts for nearly a third of sales, increased 3.9%. Infosys, which won AI-led deals with Adobe and Siemens AG in 2025, did not disclose revenue from AI projects. Last month, Accenture beat first-quarter revenue estimates on strong demand for AI-driven IT services. Net profit for the reported quarter fell 2.2% to 66.54 billion rupees, missing the average estimate of 73.79 billion rupees on a one-time charge of 12.89 billion rupees linked to India's new labour codes. Large order bookings, defined as deals above $50 million, rose to $4.8 billion from $3.1 billion in the previous quarter and $2.5 billion a year earlier. ($1 = 90.2990 Indian rupees) (Reporting by Sai Ishwarbharath B and Haripriya Suresh in Bengaluru; Editing by Dhanya Skariachan and Nivedita Bhattacharjee) Chinese villagers struggle for heat as gas subsidies fade Xushui, China, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 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. Beijing mandated that dozens of northern areas wind down the use of coal-fired stoves in 2017 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 would have 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... it's the same as if you gave no subsidies at all," he said. 2025 was third hottest year on record: EU, US experts Brussels, Belgium, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 The planet logged its third hottest year on record in 2025, extending a run of unprecedented heat, with no relief expected in 2026, US researchers and EU climate monitors said Wednesday. The last 11 years have now been the warmest ever recorded, with 2024 topping the podium and 2023 in second place, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service and Berkeley Earth, a California-based non-profit research organisation. For the first time, global temperatures exceeded 1.5C relative to pre-industrial times on average over the last three years, Copernicus said in its annual report. "The warming spike observed from 2023-2025 has been extreme, and suggests an acceleration in the rate of the Earth's warming," Berkeley Earth said in a separate report. The landmark 2015 Paris Agreement commits the world to limiting warming to well below 2C and pursuing efforts to hold it at 1.5C -- a long-term target scientists say would help avoid the worst consequences of climate change. UN chief Antonio Guterres warned in October that breaching 1.5C was "inevitable" but the world could limit this period of overshoot by cutting greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible. Copernicus said the 1.5C limit "could be reached by the end of this decade -- over a decade earlier than predicted". But efforts to contain global warming were dealt another setback last week as President Donald Trump said he would pull the United States -- the world's second-biggest polluter after China -- out of the bedrock UN climate treaty. Temperatures were 1.47C above pre-industrial times in 2025 -- just a fraction cooler than in 2023 -- following 1.6C in 2024, according to the EU climate monitor. Some 770 million people experienced record-warm annual conditions where they live, while no record-cold annual average was logged anywhere, according to Berkeley Earth. The Antarctic experienced its warmest year on record while it was the second hottest in the Arctic, Copernicus said. An AFP analysis of Copernicus data last month found that Central Asia, the Sahel region and northern Europe experienced their hottest year on record in 2025. - 2026: Fourth-warmest? - Berkeley and Copernicus both warned that 2026 would not break the trend. If the warming El Nino weather phenomenon appears this year, "this could make 2026 another record-breaking year", Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, told AFP. "Temperatures are going up. So we are bound to see new records. Whether it will be 2026, 2027, 2028 doesn't matter too much. The direction of travel is very, very clear," Buontempo said. Berkeley Earth said it expected this year to be similar to 2025, "with the most likely outcome being approximately the fourth-warmest year since 1850". - Emissions fight - The reports come as efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions -- the main driver of climate change -- are stalling in developed countries. Emissions rose in the United States last year, snapping a two-year streak of declines, as bitter winters and the AI boom fuelled demand for energy, the Rhodium Group think tank said Tuesday. The pace of reductions of greenhouse gas emissions slowed in Germany and France. "While greenhouse gas emissions remain the dominant driver of global warming, the magnitude of this recent spike suggests additional factors have amplified recent warming beyond what we would expect from greenhouse gases and natural variability alone," said Berkeley Earth chief scientist Robert Rohde. The organisation said international rules cutting sulfur in ship fuel since 2020 may have actually added to warming by reducing sulfur dioxide emissions, which form aerosols that reflect sunlight away from Earth. Radioactive zinc shipment in Philippines onshore in 'safe' location Manila, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 More than 20 containers of radioactive zinc stranded in Manila Bay for months have been brought ashore to a "safe place", the country's nuclear research director told AFP on Wednesday. The 23 containers arrived in Manila aboard the MV Hansa Augsburg in late September after Indonesian authorities "rejected and reexported" them after discovering traces of radioactive Caesium-137. Jakarta sent the shipment back as it clamped down on scrap iron and steel imports amid a scandal over alleged radioactive contamination of food products. A source with knowledge of the situation said the containers were offloaded at Manila's port on Sunday at 10:27 am. Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) director Carlo Arcilla, who called the issue a "solvable problem" in October, told AFP the zinc was now awaiting a medium-term solution, with storage at the Subic Bay military facility a likely option. He declined to say where the containers were currently located. "(The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority) is open to the idea because they have ammunition bunkers there during World War 2. I've seen the bunkers; they are in good shape," Arcilla said, stressing that the contamination levels were low. "It's weakly contaminated, because one metre (three feet) away from the container, the radiation becomes background," he said, adding that the ship's crew had tested negative for radiation. The final solution will see the shipment sealed in a purpose-built underground containment facility, he said. Arcilla went on to say that China's Cosco Shipping Lines, the ship's operator, had been victimised by what he called an "irrational fear of radiation" as well as Manila's failure to find a solution. "The shipping company took it into their own hands to negotiate because they are losing millions," he said. Cosco did not immediately respond to questions about the shipment. Neither the Philippines nor Indonesia have disclosed the radiation levels in the containers. The zinc dust, a byproduct of steel production, was exported to Indonesia by Zannwann International Trading Corp after being sourced from local recycler Steel Asia, Arcilla said in October. The recycler temporarily suspended operations at its plant but slammed the PNRI's conclusions as "baseless and unscientific", arguing multiple companies had supplied zinc dust to Zannwann. Calls to both companies were not immediately returned on Wednesday. Greenpeace Philippines campaigner Jefferson Chua has warned that even low levels of Caesium-137 exposure carry "long-term cancer risks and can cause lasting environmental contamination". The radioactive isotope, which is created through nuclear reactions, is used in a variety of industrial, medical and research applications. pam-cwl/mtp Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 Opens with Expansive and Inspiring Opening Ceremony (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 Abu Dhabi, Jan 14, 2026 (MediaConnect) - e Press release from Masdar-Tuesday 13 January 2026. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 officially opened today under the theme "The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go," convening global leaders to accelerate collaboration across interconnected systems including energy, finance, food, water, and nature. The Opening Ceremony gathered Heads of State, Ministers, senior government officials, business leaders, investors, and innovators, celebrating landmark achievements to date while mobilizing momentum and investment for the critical decade ahead.Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; January 13, 2026 Celebrating 20 years of renewable energy leadership Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, ADSW 2026 is hosted by Masdar, the UAE's clean energy powerhouse. The launch ceremony marked a significant milestone for Masdar as its renewable energy portfolio reached 65 gigawatts (GW), up from 51GW in 2025 - marking two decades since the UAE made the strategic decision to invest early in clean energy. Of the 65GW portfolio, 45GW is operational, under construction, or committed, with a further 20GW of advanced pipeline, placing Masdar two-thirds of the way to its 100GW by 2030 target. "Over 70% of the world's energy will still come from hydrocarbons. While some view it as a constraint, it can be seen as a catalyst - because sustainable progress is not about slowing growth, but about designing a better engine." shared Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, during the Opening Ceremony. Through long-term partnerships, innovation, and US$45bn in investment, Masdar has contributed to reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and overcoming structural challenges such as intermittency, helping make renewables the cheapest and fastest way to deploy new electricity capacity globally. "We stand at a critical moment: we need to align the systems we rely on today with those we urgently need tomorrow. ADSW 2026's theme "The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go," reflects the opportunity we have to lead global systemic change and shape our collective future," said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar. Honoring global changemakers with the Zayed Sustainability Prize The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE 's pioneering global award for impactful sustainability solutions, today announced the 2026 winners, marking 18 years of driving inclusive, sustainable progress worldwide. Winners were honored across the categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, each receiving USD1 million each to scale their solutions. Daniel Magallon, Managing Director of BASE Foundation and winner of the Energy category for innovative approaches to sustainable cooling, said: "This honour strengthens our resolve to scale the cooling-as-a-service model globally, empowering communities with cleaner energy, supporting local economies, and making sustainable, low-carbon solutions accessible to all." The Prize also continues to empower youth through the Global High Schools category, which supports student-led projects. Six high schools representing world regions receive up to US USD150,000 each to implement innovative projects that deliver tangible local impact. Among this year's recipients is Kyanja High School in Uganda, recognized for developing a circular farming system integrating duck shelters and fishponds to produce fish and eggs through a zero-waste nutrient cycle that enhances food security. "We come from an area where food is a challenge and our project aims to help solve that. We are excited to bring our idea to life, create impact in our community and inspire others. We also look forward to expanding our network and opportunities through our presence at ASDW" said Joseph Nsubuga, one of the student representatives receiving the award. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, President of the UAE, presented the awards to all winners in recognition for their outstanding contributions to advancing sustainable development worldwide. Link to the opening speech extract: https://vimeopro.com/afpservices/masdar-abu-dhabi-sustainability-week-2026 Link to Day 1 coverage broll: https://vimeopro.com/afpservices/masdar-abu-dhabi-sustainability-week-2026/video/1153985098 [email protected] For more information, please visit: https://www.masdar.ae and connect: facebook.com/Masdar.ae and twitter.com/Masdar About Masdar Established in 2006, Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is a global clean energy leader, transforming how the world produces and consumes energy through bold innovation and commercial excellence. Masdar is a clean energy investor, developer and operator, advancing renewable energy projects across key markets and technologies, with a global project portfolio capacity to date of over 51 gigawatts (GW). Jointly owned by TAQA, ADNOC and Mubadala, Masdar is driving the scale-up of renewables worldwide, targeting a portfolio capacity of 100GW by 2030. Masdar | Pioneering Energy Worldwide Masdar Clean Energy is a leading developer and operator of utility-scale renewable energy projects, community grid projects, and energy services consultancy. ADSW 2026 comes at a pivotal moment, between the world as we know it and the world as it could be. Under the theme, "The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go", ADSW 2026 will challenge leaders across energy, finance, food, water, and nature to rethink how these systems connect, scale, and reinforce one another. The most ambitious ADSW to date will welcome a record number of participants in a revamped program, including new platforms like The Blue Forum, the Global South Utilities Forum, and the ADSW Dialogues. Consultez la version source sur MediaConnect.com : https://mediaconnect.com/abu-dhabi-sustainability-week-2026-opens-with-expansive-and-inspiring-opening-ceremony Masdar Disclaimer:This document is neither produced nor endorsed by AFP.It is distributed under its issuer sole responsibility.Its reproduction is authorized in context without any distortion of content.If you have any question about this document, please contact its issuer. Hydrogen planes 'more for the 22nd century': France's Safran Paris, France, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 Hydrogen-powered airplanes, touted by some as a way to slash carbon emissions from flying, are unlikely to prove a viable technology anytime soon, the head of French engine maker Safran said Wednesday. "Hydrogen in aviation is more for the 22nd century," Olivier Andries told a French parliament committee. Pan-European planemaker Airbus has been working for years on putting a hydrogen plane into service in the 2040s, but acknowledged last year that progress had been slower than expected. Burning hydrogen only produces water, which is why the aviation and automobile industries have looked at it as possibility to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from travel. Safran, a major engine supplier to both Airbus and Boeing, already has engines that can be fuelled with hydrogen, Andries said. But liquid hydrogen, even at -253 degrees Celsius (-423 F), takes up four times as much space as kerosene, which is what planes use at present. That makes it impossible to use with current plane designs, while requiring billions of euros of investment in hydrogen storage infrastructure at airports worldwide. "You cannot only come up with ideas that are incompatible with today's ecosystem," Andries told lawmakers. He also cast doubt on calls to impose limits on flying to curb emissions, as the air transport sector aims to cut its 2005 pollution emission levels in half by 2050. More than five billion people travelled by plane last year, he said, and revenue for the global airline industry is already 20 percent higher than pre-Covid levels. "The trend is very strong, whether you like it or not," he said, citing as an example India's rapidly emerging middle class which "yearns to fly". "Are environmental concerns having an impact on global air traffic growth? I'm not seeing it," he said. neo/tq/js Safran Airbus Group Press Release from Business Wire: Prometheus Fuels (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 SANTA CRUZ, Jan 14, 2026 (BSW) - Prometheus Fuels today announced its revolutionary new pathway for producing synthetic paraffinic kerosene (the basis for SAF jet fuel and e-diesel) from direct air capture of CO2 and off-grid renewable electricity. The new Prometheus e-kerosene pathway makes Fischer-Tropsch synthesis obsolete, reducing the cost to make e-fuels by more than 80 percent compared to the century-old technology. It is also the first process in history to make kerosene from electricity and atmospheric CO2 without using hydrogen. The kerosene produced is 100 percent carbon neutral. Two independent engineering reviews confirmed demonstration of the new pathway using commercial-scale cells. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114310118/en/ Because the Prometheus e-kerosene pathway operates at ambient temperatures and pressures, it uses much less expensive equipment than the high-temperature, high-pressure Fischer-Tropsch process. This is just one example of several major cost drivers of conventional e-fuel production Prometheus has eliminated with its breakthrough e-kerosene pathway. Prometheus Fuels The announcement follows the company's recent milestone achievement of completing a one-year pilot-scale demonstration of its DAC-to-fuels technology platform, producing e-methanol at its Titan Forge Alpha pilot facility. The pilot and its operating data were validated by two independent engineering reviews, in November and December of 2025. For the first time, Prometheus is releasing details of its new 100 percent electrochemical synthetic paraffinic kerosene pathway, which uses CO2 captured from the air using the company's proprietary "No-Desorb DAC" process. A key breakthrough that made the new kerosene pathway possible is a process the company calls "electrochemical oligomerization." Oligomerization is the combining of smaller monomers into larger molecules, like hydrocarbons. One example of this is carbon-carbon chain lengthening. In the Fischer-Tropsch process, this chain lengthening occurs due to the high pressures and temperatures that process requires. It is these extreme operating conditions, which require expensive equipment and 24-7, grid-connected power, that keep the cost of Fischer-Tropsch e-fuels permanently high. In contrast, Prometheus has developed the ability to achieve its carbon-carbon chain lengthening using electromagnetic fields and electric currents in water at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. With these ambient operating conditions, the Prometheus process uses equipment that is much less expensive and can be powered by intermittent, off-grid solar, allowing access to the lowest energy input costs. The new pathway eliminates the major cost drivers of conventional e-fuels systems. It does not desorb CO2 into a pure gas stream; does not use hydrogen; does not rely on high-temperature or high-pressure reactors; and was purpose-built to operate on intermittent off-grid renewable electricity - the cheapest electrons in the world - avoiding the high cost and geographic constraints of being connected to a grid. There is also no need for distillation. Kerosene forms directly in Prometheus' Faraday Reactor hydrocarbon electrolyzer and self-separates from water, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, producing finished kerosene fuel. Notably, the Prometheus e-kerosene pathway has linear cost scaling, allowing it to achieve its low costs across a wide range of production scales, from pilot systems to commercial plants. "Our new kerosene pathway takes e-fuels beyond decarbonization to direct economic competition with oil-based fuels," said Rob McGinnis, founder and CEO of Prometheus. "Our pathway puts three holy grails of energy within reach: a new source of energy for data centers, limitless low-cost SAF, and unblockadeable fuel logistics for defense. The implications of this new technology - the advantages it creates for energy independence and national security - are profound." Until now, Prometheus had shared only high-level descriptions of its technology while it focused on building and securing its patent and trade secret portfolio. With its IP portfolio secure, Prometheus is able to release more details about its technology and competitive advantages in global commodity energy markets. About Prometheus Fuels Prometheus is the global leader in fuels made from air and electricity to power AI data centers, factories, ships, vehicles, and aircraft. The company's patented technology produces carbon neutral fuels that are cost-competitive with commodity fossil fuel prices without subsidies. Designed to run off-grid, Prometheus offers an infinitely scalable source of new energy, transforming intermittent renewable electricity into firm dispatchable 24/7 power, anywhere it is needed. Backed by top-tier investors including Maersk, BMW, and Y Combinator, Prometheus is redefining the future of energy. Learn more at prometheusfuels.com and prometheusfuels.AI. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114310118/en/ Contact Media ContactAmanda Martinez for Prometheus Fuels: [email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. UK nets record offshore wind supply in renewables push London, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 Britain announced Wednesday it had secured a record amount of offshore wind power capacity in its latest auction, as the government pushes to meet its ambitious 2030 decarbonisation goals. The Labour government increased the budget for new contracts to attract more developers, after industry groups blamed a lack of bidders in the past on low prices. The government said the contracts would deliver 8.4 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 12 million homes. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's centre-left administration described the auction as "the biggest single procurement of offshore wind energy in British and European history". "With these results, Britain is taking back control of our energy sovereignty," Energy Secretary Ed Miliband added in a statement. Britain is one of the leading players in renewable energy in Europe owing to onshore and offshore wind power. The country has set a target to consume zero carbon electricity by 2030 and is aiming to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 to combat climate change. A centre-right think tank, however, argued that higher costs would ultimately fall on consumers, highlighting the challenge Starmer faces in expanding renewable energy while easing household bills. "The government's sprint to buy as much wind as possible while it's expensive will actually lock us into higher electricity prices, making it harder to decarbonise," said Sam Richards, chief executive of Britain Remade, who previously served as an adviser to ex-prime minister Boris Johnson from the opposition Conservative party. But Greenpeace noted that new wind farms are cheaper than new gas, nuclear and biomass plants. "These new wind farms will lower our bills when they come online, and shield us against the volatile fossil fuel prices driven by the actions of unreliable petrostates," said Douglas Parr, policy director for Greenpeace UK. US cuts in funding risk climate research 'blind' spots: EU monitors Brussels, Belgium, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 US President Donald Trump's planned science funding cuts could create blind spots in climate research but his policies did not impact a closely-watched annual report on global warming, officials from the EU's climate monitor told AFP. The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service releases monthly and annual reports on the state of the climate, which partly rely on data from US government agencies. Its latest Global Climate Highlights report, published Wednesday, concluded that 2025 was the third hottest year on record after all-time highs in 2023 and 2024. Copernicus uses billions of satellite and weather observations from land and at sea, including from US agencies, with records dating back many decades. "The US is still a reliable supplier of data for forecasts," Florian Pappenberger, the director general of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), which operates Copernicus, told AFP. "At the moment we have seen ... no operational impact" from the announced cuts, he said. Pappenberger, however, voiced concern about the potential loss of any data in the future. "Losing observations is a worrying thing for any weather forecaster because the availability and the quantity of observations is directly linked to the quality of weather forecasts," he said. "The worry is that you stop an existing observation system and therefore don't have the data for a future exercise of creating these types of reports." Trump has pursued deep cuts to federal climate science and Earth-observation funding, including programs that contribute data to international monitoring networks. US lawmakers have drafted 2026 spending bills that would reject Trump's cuts to NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), but the legislation has not yet been finalised. Copernicus director Carlo Buontempo said coordination with NASA and NOAA "has continued all the same" but potential US cuts are "a risk we need to consider". The United States, for example, is a major financial contributor to an international ocean data program, which consists of robotic floats that drift under water for days and resurface to beam information to satellites. "If we lose deep ocean observation, this will make us blind for a number of years," Buontempo told AFP. Few consumer products companies are as beloved as Apple. Ever since the company went public 45 years ago on Dec. 12, 1980, it has built a cult following that has exploded into a global obsession. Currently the second-largest company in the S&P 500 stock index, Apple is a Wall Street darling as well. In fact, if you had invested $1,000 in the company just 30 years ago, youd be a millionaire today. Heres a look at how investing in Apple back in 1995 could have made you rich and the lessons you can learn from that enviable track record. Humble Beginnings Although Apple went public at a price of $22 per share, the company has split its stock five times since then. That means that Apples real, split-adjusted initial public offering (IPO) price was just $0.10 per share, per the companys archives. Although the company has had rabid followers since the beginning, it certainly endured its ups and downs. According to the Library of Congress research archives, the company began to lose market share in 1990, and by 1996, many analysts thought that Apple was finished. But in 1997, the famed Steve Jobs returned to Apple as interim CEO, and the companys fortunes changed. In quick succession under Jobs, Apple introduced the iBook and the iPod and forged a software alliance with Microsoft. Soon, the company was off to the races again, eventually developing the iPhone, iPad, the Apple Watch and many other consumer-friendly products. Check Out: Self-Made Millionaires Suggest 5 Stocks You Should Never Sell Read Next: 6 Subtly Genius Moves All Wealthy People Make With Their Money Long-Term Growth According to Yahoo Finance, if you had bought one share of Apple on Dec. 1, 2025 30 years ago you would have paid an adjusted price of $0.24 per share. If you bought 4,000 shares on that date, it would have cost you $960, just shy of $1,000. Cut to Nov. 21, 2025, when Apples share price was $271.49. At this valuation, your 4,000 split-adjusted shares you bought 30 years ago would be worth $1,085,960. Thats an increase of over 113,000%. If you had invested $10,000 instead of $1,000 back in 2025, the percentage gain would be the same, but your total net worth would have exploded. That initial $10,000 investment would be worth over $11 million today. These results dont factor in things like reinvested dividends, additional purchases or taxes. But the bottom line is that if you have the foresight to invest in Apple 30 years ago a full 15 years after the company first went public youd still have unbelievable gains. Lessons Learned Its important to note that while Apple was an obvious winner in hindsight, things were very different when the company went public in 1980 and even 15 years later in 1995. US sending Cuba relief flights three months after hurricane Washington, United States, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2026 The United States said Wednesday that hurricane relief flights it promised Cuba months ago would now begin, even as Washington talks tough with Havana after ousting Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro. Charter flights to Cuba, hard hit by Hurricane Melissa in late October, will leave Wednesday and Friday and carry $3 million in supplies, the State Department said. This aid is "designed to reach those most in need, bypassing regime interference, and ensuring transparency and accountability," the department said in a statement. Melissa caused major damage to large swathes of Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba and killed nearly 60 people across the Caribbean. Cuba was forced to evacuate more than 700,000 people to protect them from the storm. The country suffered damage to its electrical grid, crops and homes. The United States announced on November 2 it would send aid. "We are working closely with the Catholic Church to ensure assistance reaches the Cuban people directly and without regime interference," the US statement said. It said Washington is sending rice, beans, cooking oil, sugar, water treatment kits, kitchen utensils, blankets and solar-powered lanterns. The United States also plans to send a ship with aid in a few weeks. The statement did not address the delay in sending aid now for a disaster that happened almost three months ago. US-Cuba relations have been intermittently tense for decades but hit a new low after the US ouster and capture of Maduro and his wife on January 3. Venezuela was a key ally of communist-run Cuba, providing it with oil and money in exchange for help from Cuban doctors and intelligence in a barter deal that began under the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. President Donald Trump urged Cuba on Sunday to "make a deal" soon, pledging to cut off all Venezuelan oil and money flowing to the island. Trump says he is now running Venezuela and that he controls its oil exports, after allowing Maduro's government to stay in power so long as Caracas does what he wants. Akbar Novruz Iran has warned that it would target US military bases in the region in the event of a US attack, Azernews reports, citing Reuters. According to an anonymous Iranian official, Tehran has conveyed this warning to several regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkiye, stressing that any US military action against Iran would trigger retaliation against American bases hosted in these states. Tehran has informed regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to Turkiye, that if the US attacks Iran, Washingtons military bases in these countries will be hit, the source said. Earlier, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf also issued a similar warning, stating that US forces deployed in the region would be targeted should Iran come under attack. According to an Israeli assessment, Trump has decided to intervene but the scope and timing of this action remains unclear, an Israeli official said. The Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Tehran had asked US allies in the region to prevent Washington from attacking Iran. Tehran has ?told regional countries...that US bases in those countries ?will be attacked if US targets Iran... asking these countries ?to prevent Washington from attacking Iran, the official told Reuters. The official added that direct contacts between Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special ?Envoy Steve Witkoff had been suspended, reflecting mounting tensions. A second Israeli source, a government official, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus security cabinet was briefed late on Tuesday about the chances of regime collapse or US intervention in Iran, an arch-foe with which Israel fought a 12-day war last year. In an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, Trump vowed very strong action if Iran executes protesters. If they hang them, youre going to see some things, he said. He also urged Iranians on Tuesday to keep protesting and take over institutions, declaring help is on the way but without giving details. The United States has forces across the region including in Bahrain, home to the headquarters of the US Navys Fifth Fleet, and Qatar, which hosts Al-Udeid Air Base - the forward headquarters for US Central Command. Iran fired missiles at Al Udeid last year in retaliation for US airstrikes on its nuclear installations. ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE:OKE) is one of the stocks from different market sectors that Jim Cramer commented on. Cramer called the company the caboose of the sector, as he said: Next, theres the energy sector that finished up 5% for the year. Now, we got some major cross-currents here. The refiners mostly did well, and some natural gas-focused producers did fine. But the integrated oil giants that we all consider as the oils, like Exxon Mobil and Chevron, they underperformed. The exploration and production companies were lucky to manage low single digits. Texas Pacific Land, a quirky story that weve been behind, was a huge gainer, pulled back in 2025, was down 22%. And ONEOK, the natural gas-focused pipeline play, was the caboose of the sector, down 27%. I talk about ONEOK in How to Make Money in Any Market. I think this is a great opportunity and I wrote this, the chapter that includes it was, included the fact that the stock was already down, and I thought it was a great buy. A person with stock market data on a laptop. Photo by Anna Nekrashevich on Pexels ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE:OKE) provides midstream energy services, which include handling the gathering, processing, transportation, storage, and export of natural gas, natural gas liquids, refined products, and crude oil. While we acknowledge the potential of OKE as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're 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: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. 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 Chase Infiniti, star of One Battle After Another, has been nominated for the Bafta 2026 EE Rising Star Award. The 25-year-old is among five actors vying for the prestigious accolade, the sole category at the Bafta Film Awards decided by public vote. Expressing her profound gratitude, Infiniti stated: "This nomination means the world to me. Its been such a transformative year in my career, and I feel honoured and grateful to be considered for this award. Thank you to Bafta, EE and all the jurors for including me alongside this tremendous group of actors." Infiniti is joined on the coveted shortlist by Archie Madekwe (Gran Turismo), Miles Caton (Sinners), Posy Sterling (Lollipop), and Robert Aramayo (Game Of Thrones). Nominees were selected by a distinguished panel, including actors Joe Alwyn, Sheila Atim, and Benedict Wong, alongside industry experts. Miles Caton also shared his reaction: "Thank you to Bafta, EE and the jury for this nomination its truly surreal. Im honoured to be recognised alongside such talented artists, and Im grateful to everyone who supports and champions new voices in film." open image in gallery Chase Infiniti stars alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn in One Battle After Another ( 2026 Invision ) Public voting for the award is now open on the EE website and will run until 12pm on February 20. Madekwe, 30, has been rising for some time now, thanks to roles in Midsommar (2019), where he played an unwitting cult initiate, and Saltburn (2023). The Hollywood Reporter recently named him among their 8 Hottest Young Stars in Hollywood. Robert Aramayo reflected on his nomination: "Today is a day I will never forget. The artists nominated alongside me this year and those whove been recognised by the EE Rising Star Award before set a standard that continues to inspire me. If young Robert only knew hed be standing here as an EE Rising Star nominee today, hed be very proud." open image in gallery British actor Archie Madekwe attends the LA premiere of Lurker ( AFP via Getty Images ) The winner will be announced at the 2026 EE Bafta Film Awards ceremony, hosted by The Traitors US presenter Alan Cumming, broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer. Previous winners include David Jonsson, Mia McKenna-Bruce, Emma Mackey, Kristen Stewart, Eva Green, Lashana Lynch, Letitia Wright, James McAvoy, Daniel Kaluuya, John Boyega and Tom Hardy. JPMorgan experienced flashpoints over real estate and desk space last year. The firm called its more than 300,000-person workforce back to the office five days a week. Now it will upgrade some of its offices to accommodate the deluge, says its chief financial officer. JPMorgan says it's going to do something about its desk problem. America's biggest bank, which called its roughly 320,000-person-strong global workforce back to the office five days a week last year, has previously experienced internal tensions over desk availability and parking at some sites, like its major tech campus in Columbus, Ohio. Now, the firm says it will tackle its office woes head-on. "If you think about what's happened to the head count of the company over, say, the last five or six years, it's grown a lot," Jeremy Barnum, the firm's chief financial officer, told shareholders during the bank's Tuesday earnings call. "There was the whole return to the office, hot desking, remote work, all the stuff," he added. "The amount of real estate square footage over that period grew a lot more slowly than headcount." But the lack of ample space didn't deter the company from pushing ahead with its full-time office mandate. "We've realized that it's obviously the case that we need to provide employees a reasonable in-office experience and that, in some cases, means a little bit of de-densification and catching up on some space renovations around the world," Barnum continued. Jamie Dimon cut the ribbon to mark the opening of JPMorgan's new global headquarters at 270 Park Avenue on Tuesday. TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images On the call, CEO Jamie Dimon chimed in. "Don't scare them," he told Barnum, presumably about alarming analysts about rising spending. "Real estate," Dimon said, "is very small numbers." The firm has already opened a new state-of-the-art headquarters at 270 Park Avenue in Manhattan a cutting-edge skyscraper featuring a bevy of restaurants, a luxurious fitness center, and tech that even remembers how you like the temperature when you reserve a conference room. The bank's five-day-per-week return-to-office policy proved a heated flashpoint last year, with Dimon famously telling some of the 12,000 staffers at the Columbus site that he suspected remote workers were texting one another during meetings and not completing tasks. Last spring, a JPMorgan spokesperson told Business Insider that the firm was "working hard to ensure our sites have the capacity and amenities employees need to return full-time." Read the original article on Business Insider 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 George Clooney has added his name to the list of actors fighting back against Quentin Tarantinos scathing criticism of actors Paul Dano, Owen Wilson and Matthew Lillard. Earlier this year, Pulp Fiction director Tarantino called Dano the weakest f***ing actor in Paul Thomas Andersons acclaimed 2007 film There Will Be Blood, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, while ranking his favourite films of the 21st century on The Bret Easton Ellis podcast. He branded Dano such a weak, weak, uninteresting guy, adding I dont care for him, before also name-checking Wedding Crashers star Wilson and Scooby-Doo actor Lillard as actors he doesnt enjoy watching. Clooney, who co-starred with Tarantino in 1996 vampire film From Dusk Till Dawn, has thrown his support behind the actors, saying he would be honoured to work with all three, and suggested he was left unimpressed by Tarantinos cruelty during an appearance at AARPs Movies for Grownups awards at the weekend. He said his latest film Jay Kelly, directed by Noah Baumbach, is a movie made by people who love actors, telling the crowd: Thats an important part. People Ive known most of my life... most of them are actors. I have a great affinity [for them], and I dont enjoy watching people be cruel. We are living in a time of cruelty; we dont need to be adding to it. Making it clear he was alluding to Tarantino, Clooney added: By the way, Paul Dano and Owen Wilson and Matthew Lillard I would be honoured to work with those actors. Honoured. open image in gallery Quentin Tarantino criticies Paul Danos performance in There Will Be Blood ( Getty/Miramax ) In August 2024, Clooney said he was a little irritated with Tarantino after the director questioned the success of his film career. While speaking to GQ alongside Brad Pitt, the actor, who also directs, said: He did some interview where he was naming movie stars, and he was talking about you, and somebody else, and then this guy goes, Well, what about George? He goes, Hes not a movie star. And then he literally said something like, Name me a movie since the millennium. Clooney said this put his nose out of joint, adding: I was like, Since the millennium? Thats kind of my whole f***ing career. So now Im like, alright, dude, f*** off. I dont mind giving him s***. He gave me s***. open image in gallery Quentin Tarantino and George Clooney co-starred in 1996 film 'From Dusk Till Dawn' ( Miramax Films ) Tarantinos criticism of Dano in December 2025 prompted an outpouring of love for the actor from his Hollywood peers, including Day-Lewis, Reese Witherspoon and Ben Stiller. Meanwhile, Lillard said the Reservoir Dogs filmmakers words f***ing suck, stating at a fan convention: You wouldnt say that to Tom Cruise. You wouldnt say that to somebody whos a top-line actor in Hollywood. Im very popular in this room. Im not very popular in Hollywood. Two totally different microcosms, right? And so, you know, its humbling, and it hurts. Clooney previously starred alongside Lillard in 2011 film The Descendants, directed by Alexander Payne. 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 Melissa Gilbert says she is standing with her husband, Timothy Busfield, after he was charged with alleged child sexual abuse. On Tuesday, The West Wing star, 68, turned himself in to police in Albuquerque, New Mexico, four days after a warrant was issued for his arrest. The same day, Gilberts representative issued a statement on her behalf, saying the Little House on the Prairie actor was honoring the request of Tims lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds. During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment. Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected. Busfield, who is also known for his performances in the 1989 film Field of Dreams, declared his innocence in a video taken before he surrendered to police. open image in gallery Melissa Gilbert and Timothy Busfield married in 2013 ( Getty ) open image in gallery Timothy Busfield was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albequerque, New Mexico, Tuesday afternoon ( Metropolitan Detention Center ) Im sure most of you know that are watching this that I was ordered to come to Albuquerque, Busfield said in the video obtained by TMZ. Im here now, I got the call Friday night. I had to get a lawyer. Saturday, I got in the car and drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque. He continued, Im going to confront these lies. Theyre horrible. Theyre all lies. I did not do anything to those little boys. And Im going to fight it. Im going to fight it with a great team and Im going to be exonerated. I know I am because this is all so wrong and all lies. So hang in there and hopefully Im out real soon and back to work. An arrest warrant was issued Friday in New Mexico after Busfield was accused of touching two juvenile actors inappropriately while working on the now-cancelled Fox crime series The Cleaning Lady (2022-25), on which he served as executive producer and directed several episodes. The alleged abuse took place from November 2022 and spring 2024, according to the criminal complaint. Police documents report that allegations against Busfield also include claims that he kissed a boy on the face while the child was getting a haircut in the hair and makeup trailer. The Albuquerque Police Department began investigating Busfield in November 2024 after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital alerted police to the alleged sexual abuse. Complaints were reported to Warner Bros. in February 2025, launching an independent investigation, but the company was not able to find any evidence supporting the allegations. Busfield told investigators in November that he believed the mother of his alleged victims was trying to get revenge on him because her children were not cast in the final season of the show, according to police documents. The actors representatives did not return The Independents request for comment. After the charges against Busfield were brought last week, NBC pulled an upcoming episode of Law & Order: SVU he was slated to guest star on. Busfield has been married three times. He has a son from his first marriage to actor and director Radha Delamarter. After they divorced in 1986, he married fashion designer Jennifer Merwin in 1988 and they had two more children. They divorced in 2007, and in 2013, he married Gilbert. 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 Disney+ has secured a significant two-year deal with Matriarch Productions, the company co-founded by acclaimed actors Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters and responsible for hits such as Adolescence and A Thousand Blows, to develop and release a slate of new original series. The partnership will see the streaming giant host both scripted and unscripted content from the prolific production house. Expressing their enthusiasm for the collaboration, Graham and Walters issued a joint statement: "We are beyond thrilled to be working with Disney+ and through this creative partnership will strive to produce inspiring, entertaining and thought-provoking storytelling." Angela Jain, head of content at Disney+ EMEA, underscored the strategic importance of the deal. "Stephen and Hannah have proven they know how to tell bold, impactful stories and our vision also aligns with them around providing a platform for underrepresented voices in the UK," she stated. open image in gallery Adolescence won the award for Best TV limited series, anthology series or motion picture made for television at Sundays Golden Globes ( AP ) Jain added that the commitment to "distinctive, local stories that entertain and resonate with audiences" makes Matriarch "the perfect partners as we look to evolve our production slate in the UK. This is a dream, and were thrilled to continue working with them." Matriarch Productions has garnered critical acclaim for its previous work, including the Netflix hit Adolescence, which explored complex social issues. The company was also behind the Hulu Original series A Thousand Blows, whose second season is currently available on Disney+. Their first feature film, Boiling Point, premiered at the London Film Festival in 2021, earning four Bafta Film nominations before being adapted into a six-part BBC television series in 2022. open image in gallery Both seasons of A Thousand Blows are currently on Disney+ ( Robert Viglasky/Disney+ ) Adolescence, one of Matriarchs most recognised productions, stars Graham as Eddie Miller, a father whose life is upended when armed police raid his home to arrest his 13-year-old son, Jamie, played by Owen Cooper. Eddie is subsequently chosen as Jamies appropriate adult, accompanying him during police interviews and confronting the gravity of the accusations against his son. Co-written by Graham and Jack Thorne, the programme sparked a national dialogue on online safety, particularly addressing so-called incel (involuntary celibate) culture, online misogyny, and social media bullying. Its profound impact led to Graham and Thorne being invited to a parliamentary meeting on the subject by Labour MP Josh MacAlister last year. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also lauded the series, urging both Parliament and schools to watch it, and revealing he had viewed the show with his own children. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Whenever Ive scrolled through social media over the past few days, Ive experienced the slightly dizzying sensation of falling into a time warp: one that takes me back almost exactly a decade. 2026 is the new 2016! a whole slew of TikTok posts bafflingly claim, overlaying video footage with a warmed-up, lo-fi filter that feels very 10 years ago; according to the app, more than 55 million videos have already used this particular filter, named after that year, while searches for 2016 have shot up by 452 per cent. How many of those posters and searchers, I wonder, were actually old enough to drive at the time? Over on Instagram, the millennial platform of choice, which was therefore very much in its imperial phase during 2016, the nostalgia is even more striking. Thirty and fortysomethings have gone rooting through their digital archives to fish out their highlights from that year, sharing photo carousels (a feature that would surely have blown their 2016 minds, given it was only introduced the following year) filled with all the trend hallmarks of the era. There are plenty of slightly blurred selfies, captured by lower-resolution phone cameras, which showcase all the hair and makeup trends that were once so essential. The swathes of glimmering highlighter. The careful contour, copied from that one behind-the-scenes photo of Kim Kardashian. The blonde balayage highlights painted scattershot through brown hair (as a bottom-of-the-rung writer on a fashion magazine back then, Im pretty sure at least 70 per cent of my working week was devoted to explaining the concept of balayage). The Snapchat puppy filter obliterating facial features, and the wild levels of FaceTune. open image in gallery Taylor Swifts girl squad was still a topic of endless debate in 2016 ( Getty ) There is, of course, a certain fun in looking back at these little snapshots preserved in digital amber (throwbacks like this also serve as a great opportunity to remind everyone of just how young and hot you looked 10 years ago, aided and abetted by the Valencia filter). And remembering all our pop cultural obsessions from that time grown adults wandering around cities playing Pokemon Go! Attempting to work out the identity of Becky with the good hair! Thinkpieces about the feminist value, or lack thereof, of Taylor Swifts squad! Netflix still being good! has its own charm, too. Even the celebrity drama seemed more momentous then. I can still remember my work WhatsApp group exploding with panic at approximately 10pm on a weeknight when photos of Swift walking hand in hand with Tom Hiddleston were published online. But all of this 2016-related nostalgia also feels like a convenient rewriting, or romanticising, of recent history (probably due to this trend doubtless being pushed online by a bunch of people whose biggest worry at the time was maintaining their Snapchat streak with their schoolmates). Because, lets face it, 2016 was hardly a banner year. All of this 2016-related nostalgia also feels like a convenient rewriting, or romanticising, of recent history Cast your minds back to January 2016 and you might remember two high-profile celebrity deaths that seemed to augur poorly for what was to come. The double-whammy loss of David Bowie and Alan Rickman had us collectively wondering whether 2016 was cursed; that their passing was swiftly followed by the deaths of a number of other icons, from Prince to George Michael to Carrie Fisher (Why are so many celebrities dying in 2016? was a genre of headline that seemed to crop up with morbid frequency). And then there were the seismic events on the world stage, the ones that seemed to set the tone for the slow slide into chaos and despair that has arguably characterised the decade that followed. Donald Trump emerged first as a populist wildcard in the race to become the Republican presidential candidate, then ended up defying expectations to beat Hillary Clinton to the White House. Global politics has only become stranger and more topsy-turvy since then. open image in gallery The EU referendum was one of 2016s defining moments for the UK ( PA ) On this side of the Atlantic, the Brexit referendum turned our political order upside down, paving the way for years of circuitous negotiations, a revolving door at Downing Street thanks to a succession of relatively short-lived PMs, and divisions that have become yet more pronounced over the past 10 years. Post-truth was declared as the Oxford English Dictionarys word of the year, ushering in an era of distrust for the establishment and social media fakery being taken as fact; you can certainly trace a line from this to 2026s AI slop-stravaganza. Thats perhaps important to remember when we claim that things were so much simpler online in 2016. Yes, the general mood might have been slightly less toxic (I have strong recollections of one day when the entire internet seemed to be watching, and talking about, a livestream of a puddle blocking a path in Newcastle), but the foundations were being laid for our current hellscape. open image in gallery Donald Trump was elected president of the United States after he won the election against Hillary Clinton in 2016 ( Getty ) In fact, 2016 was so widely assumed to be an absolute nadir of a year that the unredacted version of #F***2016 was a popular hashtag (back when Twitter was something more than just Elon Musks vanity project). This reinvention of 2016 as some kind of joyous pinnacle, then, proves our relentless capacity for nostalgia, the ability to transform even the bad times into something worthy of reminiscing over from a distance of just a few years. Perhaps the fact that even a real dud of a year seems like a lovely refuge from the dark drama of 2026 speaks volumes, too. All I can hope is that 10 years from now, were not all still glued to the latest social media platform, posting weird AI-generated selfies, and seeing them as a glorious reminder of better days. Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Brazils jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro was recently reported to have undergone three medical treatments to stop a bout of persistent hiccups. While hiccups are usually harmless and short-lived, his case highlights a condition that can, in rare circumstances, become medically significant. Hiccups are one of the few bodily functions named after the sound they make. The sound is caused by a sudden, involuntary spasm of the diaphragm a large, dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and plays an essential role in breathing. When the diaphragm contracts unexpectedly, air is drawn rapidly into the lungs. At the same time, the vocal cords snap shut, producing the characteristic hic sound. Most people hiccup between two and 60 times per minute. Episodes typically last a few minutes, sometimes a few hours, before resolving on their own. They are usually only a minor irritation. Doctors become more concerned when hiccups persist. Those lasting longer than 48 hours are classified as persistent. If they continue for more than a month, they are described as intractable hiccups a rare and often debilitating condition. open image in gallery Brazils jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro was reported to have undergone medical treatment to stop a bout of persistent hiccups ( AP ) The causes of common, short-term hiccups are usually straightforward. They can be triggered by an overfull stomach, alcoholic or fizzy drinks, very hot or very cold drinks, or emotional states such as anxiety and excitement or stress. These factors irritate or stimulate the nerves involved in the hiccup reflex, briefly disrupting the normal control of breathing. Given how common hiccups are, it is not surprising that there are countless suggested cures. Some are supported by scientific evidence, while others rely on anecdote and personal experience. Many of the techniques that appear to work best have one thing in common: they affect how the diaphragm functions. By altering breathing patterns or briefly increasing carbon dioxide levels in the blood, they may help reset the nerves that control the muscle. Several small studies have examined structured breathing techniques. One approach, called hiccup-relief using prolonged active inspiration slowly breathing in very deeply and holding it to stop diaphragm spasms showed success in 21 patients. Another technique, called supra-supramaximal inspiration (breathing in even more after you already feel completely full of air) relieved hiccups in six people in a separate study. A device based on similar principles, using controlled sucking and swallowing to regulate diaphragm activity, demonstrated a nearly 92% success rate in over 200 people. There are also many commonly cited home remedies, although these often have little or no evidence to support them. They include breathing into a bag, drinking or gargling iced water, pulling the tongue, biting a lemon, eating peanut butter, applying pressure to the eyeballs, rectal massage (yes, really), performing the Valsalva manoeuvre (trying to breathe out against a closed nose and mouth), or attempting to induce a sudden fright. However, for most people, a brief change in breathing or swallowing is enough to interrupt the hiccup reflex. open image in gallery Most home remedies for hiccups lack evidence ( Getty/iStock ) One reason hiccups are difficult to study is that they usually resolve quickly. Short episodes are hard to capture in controlled research settings, which limits large-scale studies. As a result, most published studies focus on persistent and intractable cases. Intractable hiccups are rare, affecting about one in 100,000 people. They occur far more often in men, who account for more than 90% of cases, particularly those over the age of 50. In these people, hiccups can be exhausting and distressing, interfering with eating, sleeping and breathing. In Bolsonaros case, the cause of his latest episode has not been made clear. In June 2021, however, he attributed a previous bout of persistent hiccups to medication prescribed after dental surgery. Although the specific drugs were not disclosed, several medications are known to trigger prolonged hiccups. Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone and methylprednisolone, particularly at high doses, are well-recognised triggers. About the author Adam Taylor is a Professor of Anatomy at Lancaster University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Unlike food or fizzy drinks, which irritate nerves directly, these drugs affect chemical messengers within the nerve pathways that control the diaphragm. Hiccups have even been reported following corticosteroid injections into the knee or shoulder, which are often given to relieve pain from arthritis. Benzodiazepines (drugs to treat anxiety and insomnia) can also cause hiccups, sometimes even at low doses. Studies of procedures involving benzodiazepine sedation, such as endoscopy, show that around one in five patients given midazolam develop hiccups, compared with about one in 20 who are not given the drug. The effect is again more common in men. Some antipsychotic medications, including aripiprazole, have also been linked to hiccups, which often resolve when the drug is stopped. These medications influence the same neurotransmitter systems involved in the hiccup reflex. Not always benign Treatment for persistent hiccups usually takes one of two forms: medication or physical procedures. The drugs doctors most often prescribe are baclofen and metoclopramide, which have been tested in small studies comparing them against placebos (dummy pills). If the medication doesnt work or causes too many side-effects, doctors may consider more invasive treatments. Bolsonaro underwent a phrenic nerve block, a procedure that temporarily reduces or paralyses the function of the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm. The effect can last for hours, days or up to a few weeks. Because the phrenic nerve plays a critical role in breathing, the nerves on both sides of the body are rarely blocked at the same time. When used appropriately, the procedure is highly effective. In more severe cases, or when doctors find out whats causing the problem, permanent treatments might be needed. These could include destroying the nerve thats causing the hiccups using heat or freezing, or surgically cutting and sealing off the nerve to stop the signals. Persistent hiccups after stomach surgery are common. Since Bolsonaro was previously stabbed in the abdomen, this could be playing a role in his hiccup problem. Damage to the area of the brain responsible for regulating hiccups can also play a role. One well-known example is Charles Osborne who holds the record for the longest continuous bout of hiccups lasting 68 years from 1922 to 1990. Research shows they can sometimes be an early symptom of cancers of the oesophagus, colon, kidneys, or conditions affecting the brainstem. Studies have also found that men diagnosed with persistent hiccups have higher rates of certain cancers in the following 12 months. Thankfully for most people, hiccups remain a harmless inconvenience. However, hiccups that persist for several days without an obvious trigger should be assessed by a doctor. Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nestles chief executive has issued a video apology following a global recall of infant nutrition products across dozens of countries, as the Swiss consumer goods giant steps up efforts to contain the fallout from potential contamination. The widespread recall threatens Nestles strong market position, particularly in China, placing CEO Philipp Navratil in crisis-management mode just months after his appointment to revitalize the multinational. At least 53 countries spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa have issued health warnings concerning infant formulas recalled by Nestle. The products are subject to recall due to possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin capable of inducing nausea and vomiting. The affected brands include SMA, BEBA, NAN, and Alfamino formula, which were potentially compromised by a quality issue in an ingredient known as arachidonic acid oil (ARA) from a leading supplier. In a video published late on Tuesday, Navratil, who is tasked with reviving growth through a portfolio review, apologised for the "worry and disruption" the recall has caused for parents, caregivers, and other customers. He confirmed that there have been no confirmed cases of illness linked to the recalled batches. Nestle identified a quality concern at one of its factories in the Netherlands in December, prompting a precautionary recall across several European nations. open image in gallery Nestle identified a quality concern at one of its factories in the Netherlands in December, prompting a precautionary recall across several European nations ( Alamy/PA ) A Nestle spokesperson confirmed: "We have suspended sourcing ARA oil from the supplier concerned." The spokesperson declined to name the supplier but added: "We have already restarted production using safe oil from another supplier." Amsterdam-listed ARA producer dsm-firmenich stated that none of its products were affected by the Nestle recall. Chinese company Cabio Biotech, whose shares plunged almost 12 per cent on 8 January, did not respond to a request for comment. Cabio had previously highlighted its developing relationship with major clients like Nestle in its 2024 annual report. Highlighting the interconnectedness of global supply chains, the recall rapidly expanded from Europe to major markets including Brazil, China, and South Africa. Nestle is a significant player in Chinas infant formula market, estimated to be worth approximately 185 billion yuan (20.5 billion) by 2025. Chinas State Administration for Market Regulation last week urged Nestle to "fulfil its corporate responsibility", recall the relevant batches, and safeguard consumers. Barclays analysts noted the pressure from Chinese authorities, suggesting the issue could be "pretty damaging" for the company, especially in China, where mothers are particularly sensitive to such concerns due to previous milk contamination cases involving various producers. Nestle shares, which had fallen by about 4 per cent since the recall began in January, rose by 0.6% on Wednesday. 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 bodies of nearly 30 dogs were found inside an Alabama home by authorities, with dozens more alive but malnourished. The deceased animals had been placed into plastic bags and discarded in a large pile in the propertys backyard, an investigation by the Lee County Sheriffs Office found. Some 24 other dogs recovered from the property were described as emaciated. According to a statement from the sheriffs office, authorities raced to the address in the Beauregard community Monday after receiving a call from a concerned neighbor. Three arrests have been made in connection with the incident, with the suspects ages ranging from 27 years-old to 63. open image in gallery Curtis Dewayne Haralson was one of three people arrested ( Lee County Sheriff's Office ) Curtis Dewayne Haralson, 63, Patricia Ann Sims, 54, and Tiffany Ann Sims, 27, were all taken into custody but cops have not yet specified their relationship to each other. All three have been transported to the Lee County Jail. Sheriff Jay Jones said the suspects, all of whom lived at the Beauregard address, face a total of 111 charges, according to PEOPLE. The charges include eight counts of aggravated animal cruelty, a felony, and 29 counts of failure to bury livestock, a misdemeanor. A bond of $48,700 has been set for each opponent, Jones added. open image in gallery Patricia Ann Sims was also arrested, with the trio facing a total of 111 charges ( Lee County Sheriff's Office ) Under Georgia law, aggravated animal cruelty comes with a prison sentence of one to five years for a first conviction and up to ten years for a subsequent conviction, according to Lawson & Berry. Failing to bury livestock correctly can lead to a year in jail in addition to fines of up to $1,000. The Animal Health Center of Opelika said 24 rescued dogs were now available to adopt. The news comes just days after a man in Queens was arrested after a disturbing video of him driving with two dogs tied to the back of his car emerged online. open image in gallery All three suspects, including Tiffany Ann Sims, have had their bond set at $48,700 ( Lee County Sheriff's Office ) Dan Bujor, 68, from Long Island City, was charged with animal cruelty and faces a year in jail if convicted. His two dogs, a 2-year-old German Shepherd named Marzipan and a pit bull named Nougat, were seen running behind his Volkswagen Passat as they struggled to keep pace with their owners vehicle. A witness recorded the incident and reported it to the police, who later found Bujor on a street corner with both dogs. As investigations continue, both pets have been transported to the ASPCA animal hospital and adoption facility in Manhattan. This article was amended after publication to correct the location of the home. Its in Alabama not Atlanta. 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 Three suspects remain at large after a 16-year-old boy was found shot dead in the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant in Philadelphia, according to police. Authorities arrived at a Chipotle near Temple University in North Philadelphia on Monday evening to find the boy, later identified as Khyon Smith-Tate, inside the bathroom with a gunshot wound to the chest, according to local outlets. It was the first day of classes for the universitys spring semester. Police say Smith-Tate was in the Chipotle with three other teens during the dinner rush. Smith-Tate and another minor had asked for the keys to the bathroom, Philadelphia Police Department Chief Inspector Scott Small said, per CBS Philadelphia. The teen was found shot by employees moments later. "It was very noisy at the time, and there was even some music playing, but we're not getting information that someone heard a gunshot," Small said, per WPVI. One spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon was recovered inside the bathroom, but the gun was not found, CBS Philadelphia reported. open image in gallery Three suspects are on the loose after a 16-year-old boy was found shot dead in the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant in Philadelphia, according to police ( Bruce Bennett/Getty Images ) "He's a kid. It's terrifying," Cloud Mensah, a Temple freshman, told WPVI. "For it to happen on the first day of class so suddenly, you know kind of worry about the security." The motive for the shooting is unclear. Police are on the hunt for three suspects, all aged about 16 to 17 years old. A person of interest was taken into police custody near the Chipotle, but its unclear if they are being considered as a suspect or a witness, Small told NBC10. "The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it," Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin said in a statement. Our thoughts are with the victims family and loved ones. Chipotle said it was heartbroken by the tragic incident and we hope the individuals responsible are apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The food chain said they are cooperating with investigators and the restaurant will be closed amid the investigation. open image in gallery Khyon Smith-Tate, 16, was found fatally shot at a Chipotle near Temple University in North Philadelphia Monday evening ( Google Earth ) Imhotep Institute Charter High School, where Smith-Tate went to school, released a statement, calling the boy caring, energetic, filled with school pride and comical. As one can imagine, we are struggling today. Our collective hearts are hurting. But this community is resilient. Our love and our African-centered values will lead us through this tragedy, school leaders said. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner called the trauma young people experience from shootings unacceptable. We will not accept this as normal for our kids and babies, Krasner said. The Independent has reached out to the Philadelphia Police Department for updates. 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 former CEO of a camp for children with serious medical conditions has been charged with 15 felonies, accused of embezzling over $5 million across seven years from the non-profit co-founded by actor Paul Newman. Christopher L. Butler, 49, from Porter Ranch, California, is expected to be arraigned in Los Angeles on Thursday. He faces charges of stealing funds from The Painted Turtle, one of several camps for children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses established by the late Newman. The Painted Turtle, located in Lake Hughes, California, operates like other camps within Newman's "SeriousFun Children's Network." It relies on donations to provide free programs, allowing young campers to enjoy activities alongside peers facing similar medical conditions. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman condemned the alleged actions in a news release. "Abusing a position of power to steal funds from a camp dedicated to helping children with serious medical conditions is an affront to both the law and our deepest values," Hochman stated. "My message is crystal clear: If you steal from the most vulnerable members of our community or the organizations that serve them, this office will use every tool the law allows to hold you fully accountable." open image in gallery The painted turtle relies on donations to provide free programs, allowing young campers to enjoy activities alongside peers facing similar medical conditions. ( Giulio Marcocchi/Getty Images ) A phone number for Butler could not be located, and a public defender who represented Butler briefly during his first court appearance declined to comment because she is no longer handling his case. Officials with The Painted Turtle did not immediately respond to a voice message requesting comment. According to the criminal complaint, Butler worked for The Painted Turtle from 2018 until the summer of 2025, and prosecutors say he embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars each year the total allegedly reaching about $5.2 million. He also served as the organization's controller for a time, according to the complaint, and prosecutors say he tried to hide evidence of the alleged crimes by modifying or deleting computer records. A new controller discovered irregularities in the organization's financial records in August 2025, according to the complaint. The charges carry a potential sentence of more than 18 years in prison. Join the Independent Women newsletter with Victoria Richards for a thoughtful take on the weeks headlines Join the Independent Women newsletter Join the Independent Women newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A coalition of women's groups, tech watchdogs, and progressive activists has called on Google and Apple to remove Elon Musk's social media platform X and its chatbot, Grok, from their app stores. In open letters published on Wednesday, the groups accused the Musk-owned apps of generating illegal content, specifically sexually charged, degrading, or violent images of women and children, which they argue violates both companies' terms of service. The push, whose backers include the feminist group UltraViolet, the National Organization for Women, the liberal group MoveOn, and ParentsTogether Action, is aimed at piling pressure on Mr Musk. "We are really imploring Apple and Google to take this extremely seriously," Jenna Sherman, UltraViolet's campaign director, told Reuters ahead of the letter's release. "They are enabling a system in which thousands, if not tens of thousands, of people, particularly women and children, are being sexually abused through the help of their own app stores." Elon Musk is the owner of X and its chatbot, Grok ( AFP via Getty Images ) X did not return a message seeking comment on the letter. Its parent company, xAI, which powers Grok, responded with the words, "Legacy Media Lies." Google and Apple have not returned repeated messages seeking comment about X and Grok. Scrutiny continues to build after X was flooded with hyper-realistic images of women and minors in skimpy clothing at the turn of the new year. Malaysia and Indonesia have already banned Grok over the explicit content, while authorities in Europe and the United Kingdom have announced investigations or demanded answers. Separately, some organizations and leaders are pulling back from X. On Tuesday, the American Federation of Teachers announced it was quitting the social network over indecent images of children produced by Grok. While X has adjusted the chatbot's behavior so that images Grok generates or edits are not posted to the public timeline, a Reuters test of Grok on Tuesday showed it was still generating bikini-clad versions of people's photographs on demand. Sherman said while Apple and Google both claim to take child protection seriously, their treatment of X would reveal "what their values actually are in practice." US grocery retailer Kroger has confirmed a series of senior leadership promotions and retirements across its US retail divisions. Its current Atlanta division president Victor Smith has been promoted to senior vice-president of retail divisions. Smith joined the company in 1983 as a courtesy clerk in the Ralphs division and has since held a range of roles across store operations, merchandising and divisional leadership. Frys division president Monica Garnes has been appointed president of the Atlanta division. Garnes joined the retailer in 1995 in the Columbus division and has held positions, including produce buyer, store manager and district manager, before being named president of Frys in 2018. Ken DeLuca has been promoted to president of the Frys division. He has led the Michigan division since 2018 and has also served on boards supporting charitable and community organisations. The company also announced the retirement of Tom Schwilke, president of the Ralphs division. He joined the business in 2019 as president of the Dallas division and moved to Ralphs in 2020, following earlier leadership roles at Safeway. Schwilke will be succeeded by Kendra Doyel, president of the Food 4 Less/Foods Co division. Separately, Colleen Juergensen, president of the central division, has announced her retirement after 45 years with the company, having joined in 1981 and progressed through leadership roles in the Dillons and Smiths divisions. Commenting on the leadership shuffle, Kroger chairman and CEO Ron Sargent said: We are excited to promote several talented senior executives to key roles that will position Kroger for future success. Victor Smith, Monica Garnes, Kendra Doyel, and Ken DeLuca are strong leaders with decades of experience, and I look forward to their continued success in their new roles. I also want to thank Colleen Juergensen and Tom Schwilke for their many contributions to our customers, associates, and shareholders. We wish them well in their well-deserved retirements. "Kroger reshapes senior retail leadership with promotions and retirements" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value: We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. 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 would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model . Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of LHN Limited ( SGX:41O ) as an investment opportunity by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward. Story Continues After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.5%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 11%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2035 (1 + g) (r g) = S$52m (1 + 2.5%) (11% 2.5%) = S$631m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= S$631m ( 1 + 11%)10= S$225m The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is S$494m. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of S$0.7, the company appears quite good value at a 41% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. SGX:41O Discounted Cash Flow January 14th 2026 The Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the 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 LHN 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 11%, which is based on a levered beta of 2.000. 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 LHN SWOT Analysis for LHN Strength Debt is well covered by earnings and cashflows. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Singaporean market. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year. Looking Ahead: Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For LHN, there are three essential items you should consider: Risks: To that end, you should be aware of the 4 warning signs we've spotted with LHN . Future Earnings: How does 41O's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Singaporean 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. Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Advance Metals results shine at high grade Mexican silver project Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Rowena Duckworth January 14, 2026 1:50pm 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 Advance Metals has resumed drilling at its wholly owned, high-grade Yoquivo silver-gold project in Mexico, with first assays from the lab lighting up the program and setting the tone for what could be a meaningful resource upgrade in 2026. Results from the first diamond hole of the program targeting the Pertenencia vein area included 2.05 metres running 512 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent from 138 metres. Drilling underway at Advance Metals Yoquivo gold project in Mexicos world-class Sierra Madre belt. Another hefty hit of 14.1m graded 320g/t and contained a 1.5-metre zone with an eye-watering grade of 2663 g/t silver equivalent. The lower part of the same hole snagged the strongest intersections recorded at Yoquivo to date, with peak grades of a truly astonishing 2.780 kilograms per tonne silver equivalent. Management says what is particularly exciting is that the high-grade mineralisation appears to remain completely open at depth. Advertisement These are outstanding results by any global standard. Advance Metals managing director and chief executive officer Adam McKinnon In parallel with the drill bit work, Advance is squeezing more value out of whats already in the shed. Thousands of metres of historic core are being re-logged and re-assayed, with the first tranche already delivering promising mineralisation up to 848g/t silver equivalent from previously ignored intervals. Advance Metals managing director and chief executive officer Adam McKinnon said: The combination of very high grade, nice widths and an emerging down-dip continuity reinforces our view that Yoquivo is a robust, high grade silver gold system with significant room to grow. With more assays pending, the company says the fresh drilling and resampling numbers will roll straight into an upgraded geological model, with Advance flagging an updated JORC-compliant resource for Yoquivo through the first quarter of next year. The fresh data is set to add serious muscle to a Mexican silver-gold portfolio that already tops 100 million ounces of silver equivalent across three advanced projects. Advertisement Leading the pack is Yoquivo, with a foreign estimate of 17.23 million ounces at a punchy 570g/t silver equivalent, supported by the 60.6-million-ounce Guadalupe y Calvo project and the Gavilanes silver system, rounding out a portfolio with real scale and grade. Yoquivo lies 210 kilometres westsouthwest of the Mexican city of Chihuahua and is considered a low-sulphidation epithermal system, typical of the Sierra Madre Occidental volcanic belt. Mineralisation consists of several quartz veins in four principal vein systems, with individual systems mapped and sampled over 3,000m strike lengths and ranging from 0.2m to over 5m in width. In particular, the central Pertenencia vein system comprises at least seven parallel quartz veins, vein breccias and stockwork zones with minor calcite veining and sulphides. The mineralised system has been mapped at surface and confirmed by drilling over at least 1800 metres of strike, with continuity extending roughly 300 metres down-dip. Although the veins are sulphide-poor, with pyrite and less common silver minerals making up less than 5 per cent of the veins, previous metallurgical test work by Golden Minerals suggested samples respond well to flotation with high gold and silver recoveries - a potential boost for project economics. Ongoing drilling will also test additional targets, including the nearby Dolar vein system, which comprises northeastsouthwest-striking quartz veins, vein breccias and stockwork zones. The Dolar system has a known strike extent of about 1,850 m and recent rock chip sampling jagged peak grades of 1595 g/t silver equivalent. Advertisement Advance has flagged a stretch target that, if successful, would double its 100-million-ounce silver-equivalent position to a JORC-compliant 200-million-ounce position over the next 18 months. With silver holding above US$80 (A4120) an ounce and gold still near record highs, the company is drilling in the right place at the right time. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Shares Sharemarket Advertisement BusinessCompaniesInvesting Opinion Australias big but unloved companies will test investors mettle Elizabeth Knight Business columnist January 14, 2026 3:45pm January 14, 2026 3:45pm 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 Its difficult to get excited about this years share price prospects for most of the heavyweight companies that dominate the Australian market including our major banks where the winners trophy could come down to the one with the least bad performance. For the major superannuation funds and the big international investors that load up on only the biggest companies that inhabit the index, its likely to be slim pickings among the blue chips. The list of the top ten listed Australian stocks is dominated by our four big banks, biotech giant CSL, the big miners Rio Tinto, BHP, and Fortescue, plus the two dominant supermarket retailers Woolworths and Coles. Who wins the performance race among the big four banks? Dominic Lorrimer For the retail investors that cluster heavily in the banks and in particular in the Commonwealth Bank, 2026 is shaping up as a follow-on from the second half of 2025, where the CBAs three competitors play share price catch up. Advertisement There is no overarching theme that provides for meaningful growth in bank earnings this calendar year rather a continuation of the competitive landscape and the likelihood of the Reserve Bank keeping rates on hold. The majors are all jostling to improve their share of business banking and retain share of retail deposits and mortgages after the latter two were strong last year. But after a spectacular share price run for a couple of years up to the middle of 2025, the CBA could be facing a second year of the share price laggard of the big four. Its share price growth momentum ran out of puff last year after its stockmarket performance reached a level that left all the expert banking analysts tearing out their hair and tearing up their models in disbelief. Since June CBAs share price has re-entered the earths orbit having fallen 17 per cent, while Westpac has gained 13.5 per cent, National Australia Bank has moved ahead almost 6 per cent and the ANZ, which had been the bottom of the share price pile in 2024, went on a tear and picked up 20 per cent over final six months of the 2025 calendar year. Advertisement CBAs precipitous fall off a cliff at the back end of 2025 made it the wooden spoon performer for last year among its large peers with a total shareholder return of 8 per cent. Related Article Opinion Donald Trump Pacifist to pugilist: Why Trumps move against the US Fed boss could backfire Elizabeth Knight Business columnist Despite the acknowledgment that CBA is a particularly well-run bank, years of outperformance in its share price leaves it vulnerable to back up again for 2026. Morgan Stanley banking analyst Richard Wiles reckons its earnings outlook is now being impacted by more robust performance from its key competitors in retail and business banking. Additionally, CBAs performance wont be getting a boost from any major cost reduction story or any new capital management initiatives like share buybacks. Advertisement And most importantly CBAs price is still significantly higher than its peers when measured as a multiple of its share price a term known as its price earnings ratio. In other words its chief executive Matt Comyn would have to find something shiny in the box of tricks to lift earnings and share price momentum. ANZ, which Wiles thinks could take the ribbon as the largest share price gainer in 2026, is laced with possibility. Other than in 2025, it has mostly been a chronic share price underperformer so it has a position from which there is more room for recovery It has a fresh new chief executive, Nuno Matos who is promising to shake up the place and who appears to have a credible plan to succeed. Advertisement But ANZ is certainly the wild card given it will take some years to judge whether Matos can back up the rhetoric with results. Related Article Fintech The disloyal generation that has banks scratching their heads Meanwhile, there is a very real possibility that BHP will overtake the CBA as Australias largest company based on market capitalisation. How this plays out in 2026 depends in large part of the iron ore price and to a lesser extent on the copper price. Iron ore pricing will also determine the trajectory of Fortescues total shareholder return, while the success of Rio Tintos potential merger with Glencore will play heavily into its performance. Advertisement As for CSL, its poor share price performance in 2025 was a result of the perfect storm of issues around costs, lagging plasma collection and large swathes of Americans turning their backs on vaccinations. After a 38 per cent plunge last year it has a lot of ground to recover. None of the above are shaping up as big gainers this year. That said, its early days. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement CultureTV & radioReview An Aboriginal circus act loved by Hitler? This new doco will stun you Lenny Ann Low January 15, 2026 5:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A This story contains the names and images of Indigenous people who have died. The Colleano Heart Documentaries occasionally suffer from sticking too tightly to a tried-and-true formula: energetically repeated old footage, a professional narrator importing sonorous gravitas and facts slathered about like theres a quota per minute. You learn something about otters, or World War II strategies or brutalist architecture in 1950s Britain, but ultimately, it lacks heart. And heart, as the title of this beautifully made feature documentary says, emanates with meaningful abandon, and years of detailed research, from The Colleano Heart. Con and Winnie Colleano, featured in new documentary The Colleano Heart. NITV/SBS Centred on the lives and talents of the Colleano family, nee Sullivan, a troupe of Australian circus artists whose fame shone globally in the first half of the 20th century, this is a documentary with many parts. Its about generations of family discovering each other and their history across continents and decades. Its about the spectacular circus skills of a group of brothers and sisters who left Australia and found remarkable fame in the UK, Europe and the US. And its about their homelands racial assimilation policies that forced the family to hide its heritage and leave the country for bigger things. Advertisement The Colleano Heart begins with the marriage of Irish boxer Cornelius Con Sullivan and 16-year-old Vittorine Julie/Julia Robinson (known as Julia), a woman of partial Bundjalung descent in Narrabri NSW, in 1894. Over time, as the family swelled to 13, they adopted the Italian-sounding surname Colleano and formed a circus troupe Colleanos All-Star Circus finding huge success and touring across several Australian states, sometimes in their own rented train. Among the performing siblings was Cornelius Con Colleano whose tightrope balancing artistry as The Australian Wizard of the Wire made him, years later, one of the highest-paid performers for the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Combined Circus in the US. Con Colleano, known as The Australian Wizard of the Wire NITV/SBS But, before this, the Colleanos were doing their best to evade Australian authorities driven by racial segregation and discrimination under the White Australia policy. Success prompted regular shapeshifting. The troupes name and purported heritage changed several times they were sometimes known as the Royal Hawaiian Troupe and the Akabah Arabs but, in 1920, they left for London and the beginning of global success. The narrative is led by director, filmmaker and Yaegl woman Pauline Clague, Gamilaraay historian and Colleano family relative Deb Hescott and Molly ODonnell, the daughter of Colleanos sister Coral and granddaughter of Julia. We first see Clague and Hescott travelling to Narrabri and Lightning Ridge, following in the footsteps of the familys travelling circus act beginnings and sharing this with ODonnell via video call from the US. Advertisement Molly Colleano ODonnell at a smoking ceremony in Narrabri. NITV/SBS This journey develops as they, along with family members in Australia and Pennsylvania, talk or meet for the first time about their shared heritage and the Colleanos story. Theres a particularly emotional moment in which ODonnell travels to Australia and is part of an ancestral smoking ceremony on Country. Editor's pick Streaming 20 TV shows well all be watching in 2026 The other wonder of The Colleano Heart is the reams of archival footage, much of it filmed by Con Colleano, a keen documentarian. Watching each sibling balance on a web of ladders or contort backwards to aim a bow and arrow with their feet is extraordinary. Watching Con, who at one point was feted by Hitler and Mussolini, balletically deliver his world-famous forward somersault on the highwire gives you tingles. There is so much in this documentary. Its deftly edited and paced. Its packed with emotion, years of research and the true character of people linked across more than 150 years. And its a stark reminder of why the Colleanos should be more prominently known in their home country. Advertisement The Colleano Heart premieres 8.30pm January 19 on NITV and SBS On Demand. Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday. President Trump on Monday said the US and India had agreed to a trade deal after he spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump said the baseline US tariff rate on goods from India would drop to 18% from 25%. The US president also claimed that Modi had "agreed to stop buying Russian Oil," which would further lower the US's tariff rate on India. The White House confirmed that an additional 25% "secondary" tariff on India over its purchases of Russian oil would also be dropped. "Our amazing relationship with India will be even stronger going forward," Trump wrote on Truth Social. The apparent US deal with India comes as US trade partners are clinching long-negotiated deals in a rebuke to the Trump tariff regime. India and the EU announced a trade deal last week that the EU dubbed the "mother of all deals" after years of talks. Trump has in recent weeks leveled new tariff threats at Canada and Mexico, part of a recent blitz aimed at allies that rivals his bluster from early in his second term. Trump threatened to hit Canada's aircraft imports with a 50% tariff and said the US would also decertify all new jets from the likes of Bombardier (BDRBF), claiming Canada has used certification hurdles to effectively ban the sale of US Gulfstream jets. Meanwhile, Mexico is facing the potential of levies after Trump promised to impose new tariffs on countries providing oil to Cuba. Trump's latest tariff salvo at a US ally came days after he threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Canada over that nation's trade deal with China. Canada has negotiated a deal to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, in return for lower import taxes on Canadian farm products. Meanwhile, Trump last week said he was increasing tariffs on goods from South Korea, accusing the country of "not living up to its Deal" with the US. Tariffs on goods from South Korea would jump back to 25%, from 15%. Trump subsequently said he thought the countries would "work something out." The actions continue a string of renewed tariff-based threats from the president. Trump roiled markets earlier this year after he threatened tariffs on European nations that he said were getting in the way of his pursuit of the island. He later called them off. Read more: What Trump promised with his 'Liberation Day' tariffs and what he delivered LIVE 99 updates NSW premier calls for Bondi footbridge to be demolished Chris Minns said the footbridge used by the Bondi gunmen should be demolished, as the local council weighs up the future of the landmark. School-age population projections show where new schools will be needed, yet the trend towards high rise schools has diminished. In 2016, the Herald forecast the inner-city student population would explode. This is what really happened - and what needs to happen next. 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 . The world of schools and education loves a fad. In the past decade, it has seen plenty: from construction of architecturally impressive new schools with open-plan classrooms to project-based learning to boost 21st century skills. But the world of education is sobering up from the cascade of gurus, trends and shiny bright new things of recent years, says Catholic Schools NSW chief executive Dallas McInerney, who oversees almost 600 schools. He says educators now recognise that it might appear old-fashioned to have students sitting in rows facing a teacher at the front of the room but it is an incredibly effective way to learn. The age where uninformed architects have a hold over school planning is over. I think the age of education being an incubator for unbridled experimentation is finished, he said. Parents wont tolerate kids in bean bags. They want them in rows, if not, at least desks and tables and chairs, with someone at the front. Predictions of a boom in high-rise schools such as Arthur Phillip in Parramatta did not come to pass. Edwina Pickles Shifting student populations Advertisement In 2016, it was anticipated that new schools would become denser, taller and more specialised. Those vertical schools did arrive, with the construction of Inner Sydney and Arthur Phillip High, but not in the same magnitude as was expected. Student population growth was expected to explode in inner-city areas but that could not be further from what happened. The Department of Education failed to plan or build schools for the surging population on the fringes of the citys north-west and south-west, forcing parents to seek out a private school. In 2016, we tipped the rising cost of servicing an expensive Sydney mortgage would push more parents to choose a free public education for their child. But across all of Sydney and NSW, public schools are witnessing a generational exodus of families. McInerney says in addition to families opting for the Catholic and independent sectors, he expected students to travel longer to get to school thanks to infrastructure developments such as the metro. Elly and Imogen Wagener enjoy the ride from Kellyville to school in North Sydney on the metro. James Brickwood Advertisement More and more, the choice of schooling will be determined not by where the family home is, but where mum and dad go to work, and their travel arrangements and their drop-offs, and their transport infrastructure, he said. Related Article Education Enrolment overhaul reveals Sydneys easiest and hardest schools to get into Informed Decisions chief economist Rob Hall, who creates enrolment projections for public and non-government schools, said Sydneys south-west would see the biggest and most rapid demographic shift towards school-aged children in the coming decade. Meanwhile across Sydney, there would be an extra 22,000 teenagers, bringing the high school aged population to 437,000 by the end of the coming decade. Chief executive at Independent Schools NSW Margery Evans said she expected to see the trend towards private schools to continue. I think that the movement going into independent schools will slow, but I still think it will maintain strong growth, at least for the next five years, she said. Parents are now very conscious of what they particularly want for their child, and were even seeing children in the same family send their children to different schools because kids are different. Advertisement The role of AI Evans said the rise of artificial intelligence would also transform schools but in twin ways. Teachers would harness it to personalise students learning while schools would increasingly put guardrails around its use. What I predict is well see a dual focus on leveraging the benefits of their technology and the AI, while at the same time a real focus on protecting students from harm. Macquarie University School of Educations Professor Matt Bower said schools must learn from experiences with laptops, mobile phones and social media. He said one could not simply put new and powerful technologies in childrens hands without teaching them how to use them responsibly. Related Article City life Sydney 2026: How well live and how our city will work in 10 years Teachers will be critical to help students cultivate the learning dispositions that set them up for success, he said. While the so called 4Cs of creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration will still be important, increasingly we will need to focus on 4Es: empathy, ethics, enterprise and engagement. Advertisement If technology is becoming super-intelligent, teachers need to increasingly help students develop their humanistic capabilities. How higher education will change After a tumultuous decade of change in funding models, underpayment scandals, student dissatisfaction and political punditry branding universities as elite and out of touch, higher education, too, will look different in a decades time. Like schools, universities will focus on emerging technologies and the way they will change the way graduates live and work. People will continue to be learning, said University of Sydney vice-chancellor Mark Scott. Technology, the nature of work and opportunities at work will all be changing. What well be doing here is equipping young people for not just their first job but for their career. Scott predicts that while the undergraduate degree will continue in person, significant changes are coming to post-graduate education. Sydney University vice chancellor Mark Scott. Louie Douvis Instead of a two- or three-year masters degree, short, sharp courses delivered in partnership with industry to upskill for changing workplaces may become commonplace. Advertisement One of the biggest challenges of retirement planning is making financial sacrifices today so you can live comfortably many decades in the future. Its not always easy to look that far ahead, but doing so will help you avoid regrets later on. That applies to the near future as well as the distant future. Not making the right decisions now means you could be second-guessing yourself in only a decade or so. Here are four retirement moves you should make today so you dont regret not making them 10 years down the road. Maxing Out Retirement Accounts One of the best ways to boost your retirement savings is to contribute the maximum amount to your tax-advantaged accounts. Not doing so is something youll regret in a decade because you will have missed out on the opportunity to grow your savings faster, according to Melissa Murphy Pavone, certified financial planner (CFP), certified divorce financial analyst (CDFA) and founder of Mindful Financial Partners. Ten years from now, people often wish they had taken fuller advantage of 401(k) [plans], IRAs, HSAs and catch-up contributions, she told GOBankingRates. Time, not timing, is the most powerful asset. The maximum annual contribution you can make to a 401(k) account will rise to $24,500 in 2026 from $23,500 in 2025, according to the IRS. The limit on annual contributions to an IRA will rise to $7,500 from $7,000, while the IRA catch-up contribution limit for individuals 50 and over will increase to $1,100 from $1,000. Learn More: The Most Common Retirement Mistake, According to an Expert Try This: 5 Clever Ways Retirees Are Earning Up To $1K per Month From Home Getting an Employee Match On Your 401(k) Another important step is ensuring that your 401(k) contribution qualifies for a matching contribution from your employer. That match essentially means you are getting free money and if you dont take advantage of it now, youll regret it in the future. People should do whatever it takes to participate in their companys 401K plan to the level to get the full employer match, said Dr. Robert Johnson, chartered financial analyst (CFA), chairman and CEO at Economic Index Associates and professor of finance at Creighton University. The opportunity loss of not electing to participate in an employer matching program is substantial, Johnson told GBR. If you have a 100% employer matching program, you are essentially electing to turn down the equivalent of 100% of what your own contributions would grow to, he added. Automating Your Retirement Savings Regardless of which types of retirement savings accounts you have, its always a good idea to automate your contributions and increase them over time. Think of it as a regular budget item that will pay off well into the future. Advertisement NationalVictoriaCity life You cant reserve it: Victorias beach wars reignite as cabana invasion returns Rachael Ward January 14, 2026 11:55am 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 Its not even 7am, and the early bird rush for prime real estate at Safety Beach on the Mornington Peninsula has already started. A man crouches as he pitches a marquee, digging deep into the sand to keep it secure before hopping onto a jetski and riding out into the bay. More cabanas and umbrellas than people at Safety Beach at 11am last Tuesday. Rachael Ward When The Age returns at 11am, the marquee is empty, as are many other cabanas and umbrellas further along the beach. Safety Beach resident Adam, who asked not to use his last name, lives opposite the beach and finds the reservation of spots frustrating particularly when beachgoers then leave broken umbrellas and tents behind at the end of the day. Advertisement People are coming in very early, they are setting up on the beach, they are then leaving for several hours, he said. Related Article Water safety Push to tackle jet-ski hooning under boating boundary changes When it starts to impede on the local residents and takes away their ability to be able to set up, I think it becomes problematic. It also happens further down the peninsula at Rye, holidaymaker Helen Nelson said. Theyre just back to back to back to back and theres no space for anybody just to come and put a towel down, she said. Advertisement They bring all their tents down, like itll be multiple families set up and then go home and then come back at lunchtime. Thats not on. Camper Nancy Romero said access to the beach depended on the tide, if multiple cabanas were set up together close to the sea, but she was still able to find space. Cabanas lining Safety Beach during last weeks heatwave. Joe Armao When the water comes up, there is not enough room for other people to come and enjoy the sun, she said. Its not like youre going to be able to put two gazebos at midday, youve got to come down early. Theres nothing unlawful about claiming a spot on the beach and returning hours later, but it is a long-running annoyance for many locals and beachgoers. Advertisement However, it doesnt happen at all peninsula beaches. Capel Sound campers Adam Thompson and Jason, who asked not to use his last name, havent encountered concerns about overcrowding or abandoned shelters but know its a problem elsewhere. Campers Jason, who asked not to use his last name, and Adam Thompson set up shelters at Capel Sound used by five families who holiday together. Wayne Taylor The pair set up multiple marquees for five families who holiday together, with up to 30 people seeking shelter from the sun at once. Theres more younger groups of people that are down Safety Beach way, where this is probably more family orientated, Thompson said.Theres never really been anyone who cant get in or cant get a spot. Advertisement Related Article Good Weekend Forty books for 10 types of reader heres what to read this summer Jason said some of their group came and went from the marquee to get food but it was always in use. In my 12 years, Ive never had an issue, its always pretty good down here, he said. Acting superintendent Tim Hayward of Victoria Polices specialist response division, which includes the water police, hasnt encountered issues around cabana use this year, but doesnt like it when people leave their shelters vacant for hours. Its rude, but I havent had any reporting matters, he said. Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh said beach behaviour was overall better this year but residents continued to raise the cabana issue with him. He emphasised that people arent annoyed by them in general, just when they are left empty. Advertisement Ive always held the view, and I think most Australians hold the view, go and use the beach, have a great time, but its a public asset you cant reserve it, he said. If you want to go and use the beach, thats fine, but you dont get to claim a stake and come back when it suits you. He also received complaints about people dragging carts full of beach supplies to places like The Pillars, an isolated spot popular with cliff jumpers. Theres no car parks, no real walking tracks to it, youre sort of walking along the side of a road, he said. So when people take big tents and chairs and carts to places like that, it actually can cause traffic issues and potentially safety issues. Advertisement Reserving spots happens in other popular destinations around the state, including Lorne on the Surf Coast. Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj also urged the tens of thousands of people who visit the Bellarine Peninsulas beaches to be mindful of protected areas. We encourage everyone to share these beautiful outdoor spaces safely and respectfully, both on the sand and in the water, he said. This includes taking cabanas and furniture home and disposing of rubbish correctly. Tensions over leaving shelters vacant for hours flared last summer. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese weighed in and declared it not on after the practice increased around the country. It has coincided with visits to patrolled Victorian beaches reaching a 15-year high, with some 5.4 million visits in the 2024-25 financial year, up from 3.75 million the year before, according to Life Saving Victoria. Advertisement Related Article Anthony Albanese Not on: PM weighs in on beach cabana debate Swinburne University Associate Professor and clinical psychologist Katie Wood said Australians value everyone having access to beaches so if cabanas are used to reserve sand, it can bring up feelings of unfairness and inequality. People feel very possessive, collectively, of the beach and being able to use the beach freely, Wood said. So when these things are compromised or intruded on, then people start to feel upset. University of Melbourne senior lecturer and skin cancer educator Sophie Paquet-Field said cabanas and marquees were effective forms of sun protection, but too many people failed to rotate them as the sun moves, use inferior quality imported products or leave their feet in the sun. Advertisement She hopes Australia will move towards providing free communal shelters on beaches to promote sun protection. That would really entice people to use them and perhaps they will be less angry if theyre empty, because they know that they can access them, she 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 Updated NationalVictoriaEducation Victorian student information stolen in major data breach Caroline Schelle and Bridie Smith January 14, 2026 7:39pm 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 Hackers have stolen the names and email addresses of an unknown number of Victorian government school students in a major cybersecurity breach. The Department of Education confirmed on Wednesday evening that an external third party had accessed the sensitive data. A third party has accessed Victorian school student data. Getty However, it would not confirm when the hack took place or how many students were affected. The email sent to parents, and seen by The Age, was titled Message from the Department of Education Cyber Incident. Advertisement I am writing to inform you of a cyber incident that has impacted some student data across all Victorian government schools, it reads. A Department of Education database with current and past student information was accessed by an external third-party. It is believed the information was accessed through a school network, with both active and former students accounts accessed. Details stolen included student names, school-issued email addresses, school names and students year levels, but no other personal data such as dates of birth, phone numbers or home addresses was obtained. A department spokesperson said it has identified the point of the breach and put safeguards in place, Including the temporary disabling of systems to ensure no further data is able to be accessed. Advertisement The department says it is now working with cyber experts, other government agencies and communicating with schools to ensure it does not disrupt students when they start school later this month. There is no evidence to suggest that the data accessed has been released publicly or shared with other third parties, the spokesperson confirmed. The Age is aware of schools in Melbournes north, west and south-east that have been impacted, including primary and high schools. In a letter to parents, one school advised anyone concerned about their childs school location being known to contact the school, Victoria Police or family violence support service Orange Door. The departments acting deputy secretary Stacey Gabriel wrote to school leaders on Wednesday afternoon regarding the breach. Advertisement In the email, seen by The Age, Gabriel said a school management platform used to communicate with families hadnt been updated with data for students starting school this year. She said a reset of all student passwords meant secondary students would be locked out of their accounts, but that new passwords will be issued at the start of term 1, with VCE students to be prioritised. Gabriel also provided principals with three proforma letters; one each for primary, secondary and prep to year 12 schools. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said parents deserve further information on the breach. This is a deeply concerning incident and families need immediate answers, she said on Wednesday evening. Jacinta Allan must confirm how many students have been exposed, what sensitive information has been compromised and how this incident occurred. 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 PoliticsFederalFreedom of speech Opinion One word makes proposed race hate law changes problematic Anne Twomey Constitutional expert January 14, 2026 7:30pm January 14, 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 In 1995, the Keating government tried to enact a criminal offence of inciting racial hatred, with a maximum penalty of one years prison. It was rejected in the Senate by a combination of the Coalition and the Western Australian Greens. The Coalition criticised it as social engineering that unnecessarily limited freedom of speech by preventing people from expressing what they felt. It instead proposed a criminal offence for hate speech that incites violence. It considered it necessary to retain that link between what was said and the criminal consequence of violence. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday. Alex Ellinghausen The Greens, while accepting a concern that the proposed law crossed a threshold into the realm of thought police, were worried it would create a more racist and less tolerant society. They saw it as creating division and singling out groups by labelling them unacceptable. It would separate people rather than produce a positive sense of belonging in the community. The criminal provision was defeated, but section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act was passed. It made it a civil offence for a person to do a public act that is reasonably likely to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate a person or group on the ground of race, colour or national or ethnic origin. Advertisement That section continues to operate today, so it is difficult to understand why a criminal offence, which has a higher standard of proof, is needed to supplement it. The proposed new section of the federal governments hate speech legislation says its an offence to engage in conduct in public (including online) intending to promote or incite hatred of a person or group because of their race, colour or national or ethnic origin. The conduct must cause a reasonable person who was targeted to be intimidated, fear harassment or violence, or fear for their safety. The maximum penalty is five years imprisonment. Under the proposed laws there would be no artistic defence for displaying artworks such as Guernica by Pablo Picasso. Alamy The explanatory memorandum says promote is intended to mean conduct that encourages, advocates or endorses hatred even if it does not directly urge others to act. Promotion, it says, would include normalising or legitimising hateful attitudes in public discourse. This is extremely broad. The normalisation of hateful attitudes can be found in a significant portion of the literary canon, simply because such attitudes were normal in the past. Is the extension of this offence to promoting racial hatred problematic from a constitutional point of view? Yes. There are two reasons. Advertisement First, the Commonwealth parliament can only legislate within the scope of powers conferred upon it by the Constitution. In this case, it is relying on the external affairs power on the ground that it is implementing treaty obligations in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. But both treaties try to balance racial hatred laws against freedom of speech, and neither goes as far as requiring the criminalisation of promoting racial hatred. They deal with disseminating ideas based on racial superiority and inciting racial discrimination, hostility or violence. The proposed new offence uses promoting racial hatred as something less demanding to establish than inciting racial hatred. Whether this part of the provision is constitutionally valid will depend upon how strict the High Court is about implementing treaty obligations. Related Article Discrimination What is in the governments new hate speech laws? The second problem is the implied freedom of political communication. Not all statements promoting or inciting racial hatred would be regarded as political communication, but many potentially could be. If challenged, the fight would come down to balancing the breadth of the burden on political communication against the benefit achieved by protecting people from harm. The most contentious area is where people communicate publicly, such as on social media or in public demonstrations, about acts of violence, terrorism, war crimes or atrocities that have been perpetrated by people of a particular race, national or ethnic origin. Any communication of what happened, even if completely accurate, is likely to promote or incite hatred against that group, causing them fear for their safety. Advertisement While the proposed offence requires that the person intends to promote or incite racial hatred, the explanatory memorandum says this extends to where the person does not personally want such hatred to occur but is aware that this will occur in the ordinary course of events. This is where the defences are important. It is no defence that the statement is true. There is a defence if a person publishes in good faith a report or commentary about a matter of public interest. This might help protect the media, but is unlikely to protect people discussing such events on social media. The defence is not absolute. A court, in deciding whether it applies, may take into account negative factors, such as the intention to promote racial hatred, and positive factors, such as it being an artistic work. But these factors are irrelevant unless an act falls within a listed defence. So there would be no artistic defence for displaying a painting, such as Picassos Guernica, if it were deemed to promote or incite hatred against the group that perpetrated a depicted war crime because a painting is not a published report or commentary. The validity of s18C of the Racial Discrimination Act was recently upheld partly on the basis that there are many defences that limit its burden on the implied freedom. This new criminal provision will be far more difficult to defend because its burden on freedom of political communication is greater, and the defences are limited and uncertain in their application. Anne Twomey is a Professor Emerita in Constitutional Law at the University of Sydney. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsVictoriaProperty market How much extra you have to pay to buy a house in a sought-after school zone Jackson Graham January 15, 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 Sought-after government school zones can add more than $150,000 to the price of a property, leaving some families weighing the extra costs against private school fees and choosing to spend the money on property. Melbournes inner north commands the highest additional costs associated with housing in a school zone. The catchment, which includes Princes Hill Secondary and University High School, costs 23 per cent more, or an additional $356,700, when compared with properties surrounding the zone, according to property analytics group Cotality. Katie Gates and her son Hudson in the front yard of their Franskston South home. She bought in the area so her sons could be in the Frankston High School zone. Chris Hopkins Several schools known for high VCE results also correspond with higher housing prices, such as Glen Waverley Secondary College in an area where homes cost 13 per cent more than outside the catchment and McKinnon Secondary College, in a zone where prices are 10 per cent higher. Broadly, there is a high inherent home value in some of the top public non-selective school zones across Melbourne, Cotality head of research Eliza Owen said. She added that schools were not the only factor contributing to higher prices but were a significant factor in a familys decision about where to live. Advertisement Owen also notes that houses in many sought-after school zones have shown slightly less capital growth long-term and recently, suggesting they are no longer affordable for many families. Related Article VCE The top-performing VCE schools for 2025 revealed Higher house prices in sought-after school catchments are not only confined to Melbournes inner and leafy suburbs. In the Frankston school zone, home buyers pay an additional 20 per cent, or $160,000, to live in the zone for Frankston High School, according to a report by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria. Katie Gates bought into the zone in 2019, when she and her husband were aware the purchase came at a $50,000 premium compared with properties outside of the school zone. Gates, a teacher, researched academic results for schools in Melbournes south-east and found Frankston had one of the best records. She also wanted her sons to attend the primary schools that fed into the secondary school. Her eldest is due to start year 7 this year. Advertisement Definitely, for us, it was worth doing because with two kids and $20,000 a year for six years of private schooling, its cheaper, she said. There was a lot of planning involved, but back then they had the best result this side of Oakleigh other than private schools. In 2025, the school had five ATAR scores over 95 and 14 per cent of study scores above 37. Another family who bought in the area for the same reason a year ago said they had paid $125,000 more to buy in the zone than for a similar property outside of it. The zone is very exclusive, said Mark Burke, an agent in the suburb from OBrien Real Estate. Some families were even securing an address in the zone without living there so they could enrol their children, Burke said. Advertisement I know of a case recently, they basically bought a block of land, and they used a letter box on the block of land to get into the zone, he said. Another case Ive had, theyve rented a property for six or eight months just so they can get into the zone, and then they leave the rental, or they even are prepared to leave the property vacant, just to get the child into the zone. To be eligible for enrolment, families must have a residential address in the catchment area at the time of enrolment, but they are not required to remain in the area after their child is enrolled. It is up to schools whether they request additional information to verify a students permanent address. As our reputation goes up, theres more demand for the school, Frankston High School principal Andrew Batchelor said. And its competitive against private. Were a government school and we just want to offer the best education we can. Advertisement We dont think of house prices too much, but I understand that families who move into the zone are making a decision for the future of their child as well. Nearby, the Elisabeth Murdoch College zone in Langwarrin also commands higher house prices an average of $54,300 more than in the area just outside it. Five-year growth rates for houses inside the school catchment were 129 per cent, compared with 124 per cent outside. Its not too much of a difference, but theres definitely evidence of a premium within the market, Cotalitys Owen said. She said one way to change the influence of school zoning on suburbs would be to invest in schools that werent in exclusive areas. Advertisement It seems to me that one way you could relieve house price pressure and difficulty for parents is by enhancing their confidence in the local public school for more affordable markets. Related Article VCE Search your name in our database of second-round tertiary offers A Department of Education spokesperson said school zones are not defined by suburban boundaries. Instead, they are based on need and forecast enrolment. Every child has a right to enrol at their local school based on where they live, the spokesperson said. The department does not consider housing prices when defining or reviewing school zones. 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 InspirationMy happy place Opinion Nothing ever happens in this coastal Aussie town. Its my idea of heaven In this new series, My Happy Place, Travellers writers reflect on the holiday destinations in Australia and around the world that they cherish the most. Justine Costigan Contributor January 15, 2026 5:00am January 15, 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 Its the first thing we do after we unpack the car and drop our bags: we head down the steep driveway from our humble 1960s rental towards the road that leads to the water. Our holiday doesnt really begin until we lay eyes on the Pambula River, kick off our shoes and wade into the shallows. Pambula River Mouth. David Rogers Photography Pambula is a name derived from the Thaua word Pamboola, meaning twin waters. As well as the small community at Pambula Beach, it gives its name to the historic Pambula village, South Pambula, Pambula Lake, and the river, which winds its way from the highlands near Lochiel to the Tasman Sea on the south coast of New South Wales. Close to the rivermouth, the Thauas ancient middens line the banks, a record of the more than 3500 years people have sat under the trees and feasted on local oysters by its cool, clear aqua waters. Im just one more. Bordered to the south by the northern section of the Beowa National Park, on the northern bank of the river low-rise housing clings to the steep headland overlooking the ocean. The tiny Pambula Beach community has the best of both worlds: calm shallows and shade by the riverbank, surf breaks off Jiguma Beach, and the wide sweep of Merimbula Bay, where super-fit and tanned teenage lifesavers, whove grown up living metres from the beach, patrol throughout summer. A viewing platform overlooking Pambula River Mouth. David Rogers Photography Advertisement Surf breaks at Jiguma Beach. David Rogers Photography Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Looking back from the surf beach, the scene is just as I remember it. Or think I remember it. On my first holiday at Pambula Beach I was still a baby, not yet a year old. We were there, as we would be for every summer holiday at campgrounds up and down the south coast, with extended family and friends, often more than 20 children in our group. A number too big to keep track of, we were guaranteed freedom. As long as we never swam alone and turned up for dinner, we could do whatever we liked. For all the families we knew then, summer holidays were simple and inexpensive road trips and national parks, camping with friends. Those first few years at Pambula, I was so young my memories of that time are filtered through family stories, photographs and friends home movies, and brief but vivid images: me, naked on the beach, sand between my toes, chasing waves. When my own children were little I wanted to give them a similar experience. We also headed north from Melbourne to NSW for summer holidays: camping at Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park, further north at Boodooree National Park, one year in a house at Manyana. Another year we made a radical change, heading west to Kangaroo Island in South Australia. But these trips always felt like test runs, trying on various holiday personalities until we found the right one. The year we returned to Pambula Beach, we knew wed found it. The author as a child on Pambula Beach. Advertisement When I stand at the Pambula River Mouth now, the view of the high red cliffs of the Beowa National Park, Severs Beach across the water, and the weathered timber fishing shacks are always reassuringly the same, a sight thats now part of a loop of memories and images that blur into one other. When I try to picture it in my head, Im never sure which year I am remembering. The only variable is the weather and our ages. In one image Im holding my daughters small hands in mine, the next theyre taller than I am. Wild Rye bakery in Pambula. Their pies are part of our holiday routine. David Rogers Photography Its not just the environment that never changes. Our Pambula Beach rituals are now set in stone: pies from Wild Rye bakery, oysters from the lake, a visit to nearby Merimbula to stock up at the second-hand bookshop, followed by a swim and a toastie from the shipping container cafe at Bar Beach. Maybe a morning swim, a walk, another swim, reading a book, then dinner on the deck. Weve repeated this holiday so many times even the roos lolling on the lawns seem to know our routine. That everything revolves around the river and the beach, it is the only holiday rule. Related Article Opinion My happy place Thanks to a wrong turn, my family discovered its own slice of paradise Justin Meneguzzi Travel writer Of course, some things have changed. We miss the local video store which closed its doors a few years back, and we still look out for the fish and chip van that made a brief appearance on the beach one sunset in 2008. Every now and then someone wonders wistfully, Do you think the van will come back this year? One year, we even attempted something different sea kayaking off Merimbula beach. Sure, it was fun, but we never felt the need to do it again. Our holidays were already too full doing, well, mostly nothing at all. Advertisement Advertisement Traveller Guides MILAN Following the closing of the acquisition of Marcolin last month, VSP Vision said Nicola Zotta was appointed president of eyewear and managing director of both Marchon Eyewear and Marcolin. Nicola brings a unique blend of Italian heritage and U.S. leadership experience, a proven ability to deliver growth, and an understanding of our commitment to our stakeholders, said Michael Guyette, president and chief executive officer of VSP Vision, on Monday. As we move into this exciting new chapter of our eyewear business, we are confident in Nicolas leadership and vision to serve our customers with the very best that Marchon and Marcolin can uniquely provide together. More from WWD Fabrizio Curci made the decision to step down after serving as CEO and general manager of Marcolin since June of 2020. To help ensure a smooth transition, Curci will serve in an advisory role to Zotta over the next few months. Under Fabrizios leadership, Marcolin accelerated its growth through strategic brand portfolio expansion, operational efficiency enhancements, and a focus on commercial excellence, said Guyette. We are grateful for his many contributions and look forward to building on the momentum established during his tenure. Reporting to Guyette, Zotta was most recently CEO of leading baby care Artsana Group since 2022. This is a return to an industry and a company Zotta is familiar with, as he was president of Marchon from 2016 to 2022 and joined the company in 2009 as vice president and managing director of Europe, the Middle East and Africa region and Asia-Pacific. Prior to that, he held a variety of senior roles with Safilo for more than a decade. It is an honor to lead two truly world-class eyewear organizations whose combined strengths create an exceptional portfolio of luxury, lifestyle and performance brands, Zotta said. By uniting our complementary expertise and strengths, we are well positioned to continue delivering eyewear of the highest design and quality grounded in craftsmanship and innovation. Marchon president Thomas Burkhardt. Thomas Burkhardt, who served as president of Marchon since 2022, has made the decision to step down from his role and will continue as adviser to Zotta, focusing on the integration of Marcolins and Marchons respective portfolios of brands. Marchon produces for brands ranging from Calvin Klein and Donna Karan to Ferragamo and Karl Lagerfeld. Expanded service and enhanced schedule increases Pacific Surfliner frequency along the Southern California coast. ORANGE, Calif., Jan. 13, 2026 -- As workers spent more time commuting in 2025 than the prior two years*, it's the perfect time for Southern Californians to embrace train travel for work or for fun. The Los Angeles San Diego San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency (Agency) today announced a new daily Amtrak Pacific Surfliner roundtrip between Los Angeles and San Diego, marking a major milestone for the agency. The additional frequencies offer travelers more flexibility and convenience within one of the nation's busiest and most scenic intercity rail routes. "This added service represents a significant step forward for mobility in Southern California," said LOSSAN Agency Chair and City of Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung. "With the 13th roundtrip, riders have more options for commuting, business travel, and leisure trips along our coast." Effective January 26, 2026, the Pacific Surfliner schedule will adjust to reduce wait times between trains along the corridor. Frequent riders can preview the new schedule and get ready to plan their next trip with confidence. Passengers may also use code V526 to receive a 20% discount on Pacific Surfliner rides between January 26, 2026 and March 13, 2026. "Adding the 13th roundtrip between Los Angeles and San Diego marks a significant milestone in fully restoring pre-pandemic service levels." said LOSSAN Managing Director Jason Jewell. "This additional roundtrip provides travelers with more options to choose the travel times that work best for them." With the added service, Pacific Surfliner operations now include: 13 daily roundtrips between Los Angeles and San Diego Five daily roundtrips between San Diego and Goleta Three full-corridor daily roundtrips between San Diego and San Luis Obispo These frequencies match the service levels offered prior to the pandemic, fully restoring one of the busiest state-supported intercity rail services in the United States. This was made possible by a $27.1 million grant through the FRA's Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) Grant Program. Riders will also continue to benefit from Amtrak Connection bus service, providing guaranteed connections north to Oakland and southeast to Indio, extending access to destinations including Solvang, Paso Robles, Riverside, Palm Springs, and Palm Desert. The Pacific Surfliner route spans 351 miles, serving 29 stations from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. Most trains offer comfortable, reclining seats with power outlets, complimentary Wi-Fi, bike and luggage storage, and a Market Cafe featuring fresh food, California wines, and local craft beer. Tickets are available now at PacificSurfliner.com, Amtrak.com, via the Amtrak mobile app, or by calling 800-USA-RAIL. *According to the U.S. Census Bureau . About the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Pacific Surfliner travels along a 351-mile coastal rail route through San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, serving 29 stations. It is the busiest state-supported intercity passenger rail route in the United States. To learn more and plan a trip, visit pacificsurfliner.com. Solar, battery storage, and other 'distributed energy resources' could help bolster the U.S. electric system WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2026 -- Maureen Quinlan is a senior manager and Leah Ford is a senior associate with The Pew Charitable Trusts' energy modernization project. The U.S. electric grid is under growing pressure. Energy demand is skyrocketing, electricity costs for customers are rising, and extreme weather eventswhich often cause grid disruptions are increasing in frequency and intensity. One emerging solution could provide some relief. Virtual power plants (VPPs) can play a key role in providing reliable and affordable power on demand in seconds. VPPs are an aggregation of distributed energy resources (DERs)energy solutions such as solar and battery systems, smart thermostats, and electric vehicles installed at or close to homes and businessesthat can help balance electricity demand and supply. In places where VPP programs are available through a utility or third-party company, customers who install eligible DERs at their homes or businesses can enroll their devices into these programs. These customers are then compensatedusually in the form of a credit on their utility billin return for allowing their DER to provide energy to the grid when it needs it the most. Customers with batteries can typically reserve some battery capacity solely for their personal use or even opt out of VPP events entirely. To send energy from a VPP to the grid, a central controller (a utility or independent company) monitors VPP resources from hundreds or thousands of buildings and dispatches their energy when it's needed most. Traditional power plants, on the other hand, generate a large amount of energy at one site and inject it onto the transmission grid. The earliest VPPs in the U.S. came online in the 2010s, and today their use is growing. In 2024,VPPs reached 33 gigawatts of capacity in 30 states, according to Wood Mackenzie, a global data and analytics firm specializing in energy and natural resources. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) projects that VPPs can be a valuable toolpotentially supplying 10% to 20% (80 gigawatts to 120 gigawatts) of U.S. peak demand by 2030. The Benefits of Community-Based Energy There is growing interest from state policymakers and utilities in VPPs today because they can improve grid reliability at relatively low costs, can be permitted and deployed more quickly than traditional generation, and help to meet emissions reductions objectives. Lower electricity costs VPPs offer a cost-effective way to meet electricity demand, resulting in savings on electricity bills for all electric customers. Customers save money when utilities leverage VPP programs and offset the need to invest in large capital infrastructure such as new power plants. Additionally, VPP participants can receive direct payments or credits on their energy bill for enrolling their devices in these programs. Green Mountain Power's Bring Your Own Device and Powerwall programs in Vermont reduced energy costs by cutting power demand during energy peaks, saving the utility's customers $3 million in costs. Meeting peak demand and reliability VPPs help ensure "resource adequacy," a term experts use to refer to the ability of the grid to supply enough electricity at all times. So, in periods of high demand, such as a summer heat wave, VPPs can dispatch power from clusters of DERs to augment the supply from utility-scale generation. This also gives utilities the ability to rely on a more diverse set of generation sources across a broader geography. VPPs can also automatically adjust devices such as thermostats during periods of high demand, thereby reducing electricity consumption; they can also remotely charge batteries when the grid has excess energy. In just one example, Arizona Public Service's Cool Rewards program has 90,000 thermostats enrolled, which is the equivalent of taking 140 megawatts of energy off the grid during times of peak demand (enough to serve 22,000 Arizona homes). Speed of deployment By tapping DERs, VPPs are less capital-intensive and quicker to deploy when compared with building new power plants. In 2023, PG&E launched a pilot VPPthe Energy Efficiency Summer Reliability Programin California, which offered 7,500 customers financial incentives for allowing their residential batteries to be tapped during the hottest months. This VPP program was stood up in six months. Emissions reductions These VPP programs can also accelerate the use of clean energy solutions such as batteries, solar, and electric vehicles. Compared with fossil fuel-based generation, this can lower greenhouse gas and local air pollutant emissions, leading to healthier air. Scaling VPPs VPPs have scaled beyond the pilot stage in the U.S., and increasing energy demand is making it a more appealing solution to ensure a reliable grid. But there are some challenges. Further regulatory and legislative actions are necessary to enable these programs to be created and grow. In a 2023 report, DOE recommended: Expanding DER adoption Simplifying customer enrollment in VPP programs Increasing standardization in VPP operations to allow systems to work together and easily exchange information Integrating VPPs into utility planning and financial incentives Integrating VPPs into wholesale markets (where power is purchased and sold in bulk) Recognizing the value of VPPs, utilities, state lawmakers, regulators, and industry professionals are working together to bridge some of these gaps and scale VPPs as cost-effective, near-term energy solutions. Innovation, Partnership and Industry Leadership FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Jan. 13, 2026 -- Gulf is proud to announce the celebration of its 125th anniversary, a milestone that reflects a rich history, enduring customer partnerships and one of the most recognizable brands in the world. The Gulf story began in 1901 at Spindletop in Beaumont, Texas, where the modern energy industry was born. Gulf played a defining role in that moment and has continued to be part of every major evolution in the oil and fuels landscape since. "From the earliest days of commercial oil production to the rise of the automobile, the interstate travel boom, and the development of branded retail stations, Gulf has been a catalyst for progress. Generations have grown up with the iconic orange disc and the familiar Gulf station along America's roads. Throughout every era, Gulf has been powered by strong partnerships with distributors and dealers who built their businesses with confidence in the brand," said Gulf's Chief Operating Officer, Ron Sabia. Throughout 2026, Gulf will honor its legacy by celebrating the customers, industry partners and consumers who have helped fuel 125 years of growth. Gulf is launching a year-long series of events designed to honor the past while looking toward the future. In celebration, Gulf is unveiling a new family of commemorative logos that will be featured across the brand's national marketing campaigns throughout the year, on internal and industry-facing communications and at planned events. The refreshed visuals honor Gulf's rich heritage while reinforcing the brand's continued evolution and relevance in today's marketplace. As part of the anniversary celebration, Gulf is also collaborating with select licensed merchandise partners to develop exclusive 125th anniversary items, created for both its valued customers and the consumer, extending the brand experience beyond the forecourt. The kickoff will start with hosted regional meetings and customer road shows throughout the year. These events will recognize the people behind the brand's success and highlight the continued evolution of Gulf's marketing, fuels, digital capabilities and payment solutions. Gulf customers have always been at the center of its story, with a commitment, entrepreneurial spirit and pride in the brand that has kept Gulf thriving through every shift in the industry. This anniversary will be a celebration of shared progress and the strength of a network that continues to grow. "Watching the Gulf brand continue to evolve is nothing short of incredible. The passion for the iconic orange and blue has never been stronger, from accelerating growth in our wholesale business to the demand for the Gulf livery. I am proud to showcase how far this brand has come and excited to celebrate 125 years while fueling the momentum for what's next," said Nikki Fales, Gulf's Vice President of Marketing & Payments. As one of the most recognizable energy brands in the world, Gulf entered its 125th year with renewed momentum and a focus on innovation that serves modern retailers and consumers. The next chapter will honor the legacy built at Spindletop while continuing to advance the customer experience, strengthen brand visibility and support partners across the entire portfolio. 2026 NACTOY Cars and Trucks Winners Revealed Today North American Car of the Year: Dodge Charger North American Truck of the Year: Ford Maverick Lobo North American Utility Vehicle of the Year: Hyundai Palisade The definitive roadmap for new-car shoppers arrived today with the announcement of the 2026 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards. Kicking off the Detroit Auto Shows media day, NACTOY officers revealed the results of an intensive, year-long jury process designed to identify the best-in-class vehicles for the upcoming model year. The winners are: NACTOY jurors have spent the last year assiduously test driving, researching and evaluating vehicles on criteria including automotive innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, user experience and value. Their unique points of view inform the voting process, resulting in a well-rounded class of vehicles built for a variety of lifestyle needs. The organization announced its Best of 2026 semifinalists in September at CAR MBS in the conferences first year at Michigan Central Station, and winnowed the list down further to 9 exceptional finalists that were unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. These winners represent the best in the auto industry, said Jeff Gilbert, president of NACTOY and automotive reporter at WWJ Radio. This award has great value because of the diverse backgrounds of our jurors, and on behalf of those jurors, I offer deep congratulations to all of our winners for 2026. Founded in 1994, the NACTOY awards are the longest-running new-vehicle awards not associated with a single publication. Vehicles are judged by 50 professional automotive journalists from a wide variety of print, online, radio and television media outlets in the United States and Canada. The votes are confidentially tallied by Deloitte LLP, ensuring each stage of the award cycle is the collective decision of all jurors. Ballots cast for the 2026 NACTOY winners remained secret until envelopes were opened onstage during todays event. Below is a closer look at each segment winner: North American Car of the Year: B-roll and photos Dodge Charger Total votes: 195 Juror Comments: The Dodge Charger is a tour de force and welcome return to the brands gas-fueled sweet spot after a detour down Electric Alley. Its also a lesson to the industry about the limitations of performance EVs. In addition to a great muscle car, the Charger is an all-around performer with hatchback utility, all-season all-wheel-drive capability, and terrific interior and exterior design. -Henry Payne, auto columnist at The Detroit News The Dodge Charger is the Swiss Army knife of muscle cars, and I thoroughly enjoyed all of its variations. Dodge did a nice job capturing the magic of the 1960s into a modern car that is both practical and a lot of fun to drive. Its worthy of the Charger name and also charts a new course for Dodge. -Greg Migliore, editorial director at AutoGuide North American Truck of the Year: Ford Maverick Logo B-roll and photos Total votes: 277 Juror Comments: Fords Maverick Lobo opens the door to a new class of fun-to-drive compact pickups. Its the first to make an affordable compact pickup the basis of a sporty pickup with street smarts and meaningful performance upgrades. It wont be the last. -Mark Phelan, auto critic and columnist at the Detroit Free Press Maverick continues to be the little truck that could, filling a niche buyers didnt know they wanted or needed. The sporty Lobo completes the range that includes basic workhorse, off-road adventurer and hybrid efficiency. If only we were all as flexible and resourceful as Maverick. -Tom Voelk, reporter & photographer at Driven North American Utility Vehicle of the Year: Hyundai Palisade B-roll and photos Total votes: 270 Juror Comments: The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a great family car, with 3 rows of seating, a posh interior and lots of safety equipment. With a starting price under $40,000 and a new hybrid powertrain available, its the perfect blend of value, technology and efficiency. -Joann Muller, transportation correspondent at Axios After raising the bar as to what three-row SUVs could be with its first generation, the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade, and especially its hybrid model, again sets the standard in the class. Its simply the best SUV you can buy today. -John Vincent, senior editor for vehicle testing at U.S. News & World Report Spanish and French versions of this release are available on NACTOYs website. For more information about NACTOY and its history: http://northamericancaroftheyear.org. ABOUT NORTH AMERICAN CAR, TRUCK, AND UTILITY VEHICLE OF THE YEAR The awards are intended to recognize the most outstanding new vehicles of the year. These vehicles are benchmarks in their segments based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction, user experience and value. The organization gives out three awards. They are: North American Car of the Year, North American Truck of the Year, and the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. The awards are unique because they are given by an independent jury of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada instead of by a single publication, website, radio or television station. Photographer: Na Bian/Bloomberg Shares of Chinas biggest food-delivery firms climbed as the nations top antitrust body launched a probe into competition practices in the sector, spurring hopes that authorities will rein in subsidy-driven price wars. Market leader Meituans stock rallied 6.6% in Hong Kong, the most since May 29. Shares of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. the biggest challenger to Meituan rose 5.3%, while the companys US-listed shares extended gains to rally as much as 11%. Most Read from Bloomberg The increased scrutiny on competition will be supportive of industry margins, said Catherine Lim, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. It will curb subsidy-led expansion and raise compliance costs for new entrants. The State Councils anti-monopoly and anti-unfair competition committee will look into competition behavior among delivery platforms under Chinas antitrust law through on-site checks, interviews and surveys, according to a statement released by the State Administration for Market Regulation on Friday. Beijing has heightened scrutiny of the retail sector since 2025, following billions of dollars of investment by Alibaba, Meituan and JD.com in subsidies and incentives to dominate meal delivery. Last year, the trio engaged in one of Chinas most aggressive price wars, offering steep discounts and perks to lure consumers. Investors are hoping that the probe will help curb, if not eradicate, the rampant discounting and subsidies that have eroded margins for the companies. Gains were broad across Chinese tech stocks in Hong Kong on Monday, with sentiment buoyed by a media report that DeepSeek was expected to launch its next-generation AI model that features strong coding capabilities in the coming weeks. Kuaishou Technology recently in the spotlight thanks to its AI video app and Bilibili Inc. each advanced more than 6%. Shares of Chinese digital healthcare providers also soared, with Alibaba Health Information Technology Ltd. gaining more than 10%. JD Health International Inc. rose 5%. Investors are also awaiting potential developments from a major conference in Beijing later this week, where Chinas AI developers are expected to convene. The Hang Seng Tech Index gained 3.1%, while a broader gauge of Asian stocks advanced 0.6%. CONFUSED DIPLOMACY BY NOW, the world appears sure that the United States is playing a game of confused diplomacy -- in which Washington is not likely to emerge a winner. If President Mr. Donald Trump moves around like a bull in china shop, his administrations other officials appear trying their best to save the American interests in whatever possible manner. Among several examples that can be cited to prove this point of extreme contradiction in American diplomacy is the latest statement by Mr. Sergio Gor, US Ambassador to India, that India was most essential to America on trade deal. This assertion contrasts sharply with the statement of US Secretary of Commerce Mr. Howard Lutnick that the trade deal between US and India stalled because Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi did not place a phone-call to President Mr. Donald Trump. This shows the scatter-brain character of the current American diplomacy. If India were so essential to the US, then a phone-call should not have become a reason for the stalling of an all-important trade deal. India is smart enough to understand the confusion reigning supreme in the current American diplomacy. The scenario gives an impression that the Americans do not demonstrate any sense of focus on matters as important as trade deal with a country as important and essential as India. This may be considered the lowest point in US diplomacy over the past few decades. If the confusion about India is one case, Cuba represents another. For, as stated by American sources close to Mr. Donald Trump, Venezuelan President Mr. Nicolas Maduro was (physically) removed because he was a Cuban ally. Then came another diatribe by Mr. Trump. He declared himself Acting President, and almost in the same breath warned Cuba to enter a deal (with US) before it is too late. What an arrogance -- but also what a manner of diplomacy! The confusion is not episodic, so to say. In Mr. Trumps White House, confusion is the condition in which the Presidents ego floats directionless. So, tariffs go up and down -- and now Iran also comes under the scanner, with the US declaring 25% tariffs on any country dealing with Tehran. And suddenly, things appear to change in Indias favour -- not in the White House, but among the lawmakers. They favour India. They say, India is a good partner. They also insist that India is a far better partner of the US than Pakistan ever was and could ever be. Obviously, the US under Mr. Trump is a non-classic example of superpower diplomacy bathed in confusion. Nobody in Washington seems to know what to do and how to do and why to do and who is doing what in the ultimate analysis. This confusion does not have the status of a churn -- from which often emerges the cream of good decisions and excellence. What is happening in Washington is just a conundrum -- better still, chaos ! -- which America might not have seen ever. Does a superpower behave in such a manner? -- is the question everybody at least in the US must be asking. A seasoned diplomatic warrior such as Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi -- and his trusted Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar -- need not be worried overly about what the US does. Patience is their shield and firm policies in foreign affairs their lighthouses. Armed with those, Indian diplomatic community can handle the American confusion in a focused manner. For, when a superpower acts like a goon in a side lane, then countries as seasoned as India need not worry. All they must do is to continue walking their avowed path with fortitude and farsightedness. A stable India is possibly the best response to Mr. Trumps hooliganism. For, such conduct cannot travel far, and the day may not be too far when Mr. Donald Trump learns his lessons the hard way. There is a reason to believe that the US President is terribly worried about that. UK-based accountancy association MGI Worldwide has expanded its presence in West Africa by adding Ivory Coast-based Cabinet d'Expertise Comptable & de Conseils (CE2C) to its network. Founded in 2014, CE2C operates from Abidjan, Ivory Coasts main economic centre. The practice is led by general manager and MGI key contact Oura Kondro, a chartered accountant registered with the Ordre des Experts-Comptables de Cote dIvoire. The practice has 13 in-house professionals and works with four external consultants. It serves both local and international clients, offering support throughout the business life cycle. Its services include assistance with company incorporation, bookkeeping, recurring tax and social security declarations, preparation of annual financial statements and wider business advisory work. CE2C carries out statutory (legal) and contractual audits. It also frequently audits development projects, often won via competitive tender, funded by bodies such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank. These project audits extend beyond Ivory Coast to West, Central and East Africa. CE2C general manager Oura Kondro said: Joining MGI Worldwide is a key step in our development strategy. By pooling skills and experience across the network, we can keep improving the quality of service we deliver to our clients. Our clients needs are increasingly cross-border. MGI Worldwide will help us strengthen our international capabilities and visibility, so we can support growth both for CE2C and for the organisations we advise. We are committed to meeting the networks requirements and contributing actively to MGI Worldwides influence in Cote dIvoire, in a true winwin spirit. MGI Worldwides network comprises more than 8,800 professionals, including accountants and tax specialists, working across around 440 offices in nearly 100 countries. "MGI Worldwide expands West African footprint with Ivory Coasts CE2C" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. Canyon Creek Food Company Ltd. (CVE:CYF Get Free Report)s share price traded up 166.7% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as C$0.04 and last traded at C$0.04. 377,266 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 238% from the average session volume of 111,600 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.02. Canyon Creek Food Trading Up 166.7% The stock has a market cap of C$1.41 million, a PE ratio of -0.50 and a beta of 0.19. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of C$0.01 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$0.01. Canyon Creek Food Company Profile (Get Free Report) Canyon Creek Food Company Ltd. operates as a food processing company in Canada and the United States. The company engages in the provision of fresh soups, sauces, gravies, side dishes, and other prepared food products. It offers its products to grocery retailers and various food service establishments, as well as involved in the provision of freight services. The company was founded in 1995 is based in Edmonton, Canada. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Canyon Creek Food Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canyon Creek Food and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. American Noble Gas Inc. (NYSE:INFY Get Free Report) shares gapped up prior to trading on Wednesday following a stronger than expected earnings report. The stock had previously closed at $17.52, but opened at $18.38. American Noble Gas shares last traded at $19.2080, with a volume of 6,577,667 shares changing hands. The technology company reported $0.21 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.20 by $0.01. American Noble Gas had a net margin of 16.58% and a return on equity of 29.40%. Get American Noble Gas alerts: American Noble Gas News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting American Noble Gas this week: Positive Sentiment: Quarterly beat INFY reported $0.21 EPS vs. $0.20 consensus, with solid profitability metrics (net margin ~16.6%, ROE ~29.4%). The print and accompanying call reinforced near-term earnings stability. Listen to Conference Call Quarterly beat INFY reported $0.21 EPS vs. $0.20 consensus, with solid profitability metrics (net margin ~16.6%, ROE ~29.4%). The print and accompanying call reinforced near-term earnings stability. Positive Sentiment: Revenue beat and upgraded annual outlook Q3 revenue came in above expectations with sequential growth and management raised the FY26 revenue guidance range, citing healthy demand recovery (notably in financial services) and large deal wins totaling $4.8B. This supports the bullish view on near-term top-line momentum. Indias Infosys beats Q3 revenue view; ups annual forecast range Revenue beat and upgraded annual outlook Q3 revenue came in above expectations with sequential growth and management raised the FY26 revenue guidance range, citing healthy demand recovery (notably in financial services) and large deal wins totaling $4.8B. This supports the bullish view on near-term top-line momentum. Positive Sentiment: Guidance/market commentary points to improving tech spend Management cited adoption of AI and cloud as tailwinds and lifted the sales outlook, which signals the industry-wide tech spending slump may be easing. That macro signal is constructive for INFYs services pipeline. Infosys Lifts Sales Outlook as Tech Spending Shows Life Guidance/market commentary points to improving tech spend Management cited adoption of AI and cloud as tailwinds and lifted the sales outlook, which signals the industry-wide tech spending slump may be easing. That macro signal is constructive for INFYs services pipeline. Neutral Sentiment: Company updated FY26 guidance but the published entry contains corrupted figures for EPS and revenue (the numbers appear garbled). Investors should rely on the official press release / filings for the authoritative guidance details. (Guidance update noted internally.) Company updated FY26 guidance but the published entry contains corrupted figures for EPS and revenue (the numbers appear garbled). Investors should rely on the official press release / filings for the authoritative guidance details. (Guidance update noted internally.) Neutral Sentiment: Earnings call transcript available for deeper read The transcript provides color on vertical performance, margin drivers and large deals; useful for modeling revenue cadence and margin trajectory. Earnings Call Transcript Earnings call transcript available for deeper read The transcript provides color on vertical performance, margin drivers and large deals; useful for modeling revenue cadence and margin trajectory. Positive Sentiment: Short interest declined meaningfully in December short interest fell ~18% (to ~134.1M shares), lowering potential short-pressure on the stock and consistent with recent positive catalysts. Short interest declined meaningfully in December short interest fell ~18% (to ~134.1M shares), lowering potential short-pressure on the stock and consistent with recent positive catalysts. Negative Sentiment: Unusual options activity a large purchase of ~34,371 put contracts was reported, a multi-hundred-percent jump vs. average daily put volume. That could signal hedging by institutional holders or speculative bearish positioning; it introduces a short-term risk premium to the shares. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have weighed in on INFY. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of American Noble Gas in a research note on Monday, December 29th. TD Cowen increased their price target on American Noble Gas from $16.00 to $17.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lowered their price objective on American Noble Gas from $20.00 to $18.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $16.82. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on American Noble Gas Institutional Trading of American Noble Gas Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its position in American Noble Gas by 79.9% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 54,978 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,003,000 after acquiring an additional 24,426 shares in the last quarter. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd purchased a new position in shares of American Noble Gas during the 1st quarter valued at about $239,000. Finally, MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its position in American Noble Gas by 6.4% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 63,155 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,153,000 after buying an additional 3,804 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 16.20% of the companys stock. American Noble Gas Stock Performance The stock has a 50-day moving average of $17.74 and a two-hundred day moving average of $17.33. The company has a market cap of $78.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.51, a P/E/G ratio of 2.94 and a beta of 0.98. About American Noble Gas (Get Free Report) Infosys Ltd. is a digital services and consulting company, which engages in the provision of end-to-end business solutions. It operates through the following segments: Financial Services, Retail, Communication, Energy, Utilities, Resources, and Services, Manufacturing, Hi-Tech, Life Sciences, and All Other. The company was founded by Dinesh Krishnan Swamy, Senapathy Gopalakrishnan, Narayana Ramarao Nagavara Murthy, Raghavan N. S., Ashok Arora, Nandan M. Nilekani, and S. D. Shibulal on July 2, 1981 and is headquartered in Bangalore, India. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for American Noble Gas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Noble Gas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mortgage rates dipped again this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.18%, down from 6.24% last week and the lowest level since September 2022, according to Bankrates latest lender survey. Current mortgage rates Loan type Current 4 weeks ago One year ago 52-week average 52-week low 30-year 6.18% 6.30% 7.08% 6.65% 6.18% 15-year 5.49% 5.56% 6.40% 5.84% 5.49% 30-year jumbo 6.37% 6.50% 7.16% 6.69% 6.31% The 30-year fixed mortgages in this weeks survey had an average total of 0.34 discount and origination points. Discount points are a way to lower your mortgage rate, while origination points are fees lenders charge to create, review and process your loan. Learn more: Will mortgage rates go down this upcoming week? Shop smarter for mortgage rates Bankrate connects you to the latest lender offers, tailored to you. Find your low rate today. Explore mortgage rates Monthly mortgage payment at todays rates The national median family income for 2025 was $104,200, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the median price of an existing home sold in December 2025 was $405,400, according to the National Association of Realtors. Based on a 20% down payment and a 6.18% mortgage rate, the monthly payment of $1,982 amounts to about 23% of the typical familys monthly income. With more housing inventory coming online and home prices starting to level off, this remains a promising environment for those looking to buy or refinance, says Samir Dedhia, CEO of One Real Mortgage. What will happen to mortgage rates in 2026? On Jan. 9, President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform that he directed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to buy $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage rates, already at a 15-month low of 6.24% before Trumps Truth Social post, briefly plunged below the 6% mark on that bit of news. Fannie and Freddie are the government-sponsored enterprises that back about two-thirds of U.S. home loans. Those mortgages are packaged as securities and sold to the Federal Reserve, pension funds and other institutional investors. So, while your home loan might be originated by a lender such as Rocket, loanDepot or Wells Fargo, or by an independent mortgage broker, it soon is turned into a mortgage bond owned by an investor. If the government steps in and buys additional bonds based on mortgages, the increased demand for home loans could lead to lower rates. While mortgage rates did indeed dip on Trumps proposal, there was skepticism within the industry that the move would create sustained relief for borrowers. In my opinion, the $200 billion purchase is likely to produce a temporary and limited reduction in mortgage rates, says Sean Salter, a finance professor at Middle Tennessee State University. Unless there is coordination with and support from monetary-policy actions via the Federal Reserve, and/or fiscal-policy actions from Congress, the effects of Trumps announcement will likely not be highly impactful or long-lasting. AMN Healthcare Services Inc (NYSE:AMN Get Free Report) shares traded up 8.6% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $16.44 and last traded at $16.6340. 83,679 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 89% from the average session volume of 746,227 shares. The stock had previously closed at $15.32. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth AMN has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Wall Street Zen raised AMN Healthcare Services from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 15th. Citizens Jmp lowered their price target on shares of AMN Healthcare Services from $24.00 to $22.00 and set a market outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, December 19th. Truist Financial increased their price target on shares of AMN Healthcare Services from $20.00 to $24.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of AMN Healthcare Services from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Finally, UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of AMN Healthcare Services from $18.00 to $20.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $21.42. Get AMN Healthcare Services alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on AMN AMN Healthcare Services Stock Up 16.2% The company has a 50-day moving average of $16.33 and a two-hundred day moving average of $18.50. The company has a quick ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31. The company has a market capitalization of $683.62 million, a P/E ratio of -2.50 and a beta of 0.20. AMN Healthcare Services (NYSE:AMN Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.39 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.19 by $0.20. The business had revenue of $634.50 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $618.08 million. AMN Healthcare Services had a positive return on equity of 10.89% and a negative net margin of 10.14%.The companys revenue for the quarter was down 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.61 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that AMN Healthcare Services Inc will post 1.33 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On AMN Healthcare Services Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Woodline Partners LP bought a new stake in shares of AMN Healthcare Services in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $19,176,000. Millennium Management LLC raised its stake in AMN Healthcare Services by 262.1% during the third quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,287,918 shares of the companys stock valued at $24,934,000 after buying an additional 932,269 shares during the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. boosted its holdings in AMN Healthcare Services by 307.2% in the second quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 651,409 shares of the companys stock worth $13,465,000 after acquiring an additional 491,454 shares in the last quarter. CenterBook Partners LP grew its stake in shares of AMN Healthcare Services by 321.4% in the second quarter. CenterBook Partners LP now owns 639,863 shares of the companys stock worth $13,226,000 after acquiring an additional 488,029 shares during the last quarter. Finally, McElhenny Sheffield Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of AMN Healthcare Services during the second quarter valued at $8,227,000. 99.23% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About AMN Healthcare Services (Get Free Report) AMN Healthcare Services, Inc (NYSE: AMN) is a leading provider of healthcare workforce solutions in the United States. The company specializes in staffing and recruitment services for a broad range of clinical and allied health professionals, including travel nurses, permanent placement of nursing staff, locum tenens physicians, and allied health personnel. In addition to direct staffing, AMN Healthcare offers comprehensive workforce management solutions such as vendor management systems (VMS), recruitment process outsourcing (RPO), and compliance and credentialing services through its technology platforms. Founded in 1985 as American Mobile Nurses, the company rebranded to AMN Healthcare in 2010 to reflect its expanding portfolio of services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for AMN Healthcare Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AMN Healthcare Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. American Business Bank (OTCMKTS:AMBZ Get Free Report) and First Horizon (NYSE:FHN Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, risk, profitability, earnings and valuation. Valuation and Earnings This table compares American Business Bank and First Horizons revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get American Business Bank alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio American Business Bank $183.26 million 3.09 $43.28 million $5.58 11.45 First Horizon $5.03 billion 2.36 $775.00 million $1.65 14.61 Dividends First Horizon has higher revenue and earnings than American Business Bank. American Business Bank is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than First Horizon, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. American Business Bank pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.6%. First Horizon pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.5%. American Business Bank pays out 17.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. First Horizon pays out 36.4% 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. Profitability This table compares American Business Bank and First Horizons net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets American Business Bank 26.10% N/A N/A First Horizon 18.08% 10.93% 1.16% Risk and Volatility American Business Bank has a beta of 0.31, suggesting that its stock price is 69% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, First Horizon has a beta of 0.61, suggesting that its stock price is 39% less volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for American Business Bank and First Horizon, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score American Business Bank 0 0 0 0 0.00 First Horizon 0 11 9 1 2.52 First Horizon has a consensus target price of $26.00, suggesting a potential upside of 7.87%. Given First Horizons stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe First Horizon is more favorable than American Business Bank. Institutional and Insider Ownership 9.9% of American Business Bank shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 80.3% of First Horizon shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.0% of First Horizon shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Summary First Horizon beats American Business Bank on 13 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About American Business Bank (Get Free Report) American Business Bank, a California-chartered bank, provides banking products and services to small and medium-sized firms, non-profits, business executives, and professionals in Southern California. The company offers credit and depository; treasury management; asset-based lending; SBA lending; international banking comprising money transfers, import and export commercial letters of credit, standby letters of credit, documentary and clean collections, and foreign currency exchange services; and consulting and referral services. It operates regional loan production offices located in North Orange County, Orange County, South Bay, San Fernando Valley, Riverside County, Inland Empire, and Long Beach. American Business Bank was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. About First Horizon (Get Free Report) First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through Regional Banking and Specialty Banking segments. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments. The company also accepts deposits; provides underwriting services for bank-eligible securities and other fixed-income securities by financial subsidiaries; sells loans and derivatives; financial planning; and offers investment and financial advisory services. In addition, it offers mortgage banking; loan syndications; brokerage services; commercial and business banking for business enterprises, consumer banking, and private client and wealth management services; capital markets, professional commercial real estate, mortgage warehouse and asset-based lending, franchise and equipment finance, tax credit finance, energy and healthcare finance, asset management, and corporate and correspondent banking services. Further, the company provides transaction processing services including check clearing services and remittance processing, credit cards, investment, and sale of mutual fund and retail insurances, as well as trust, fiduciary, and agency services. First Horizon Corporation was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Receive News & Ratings for American Business Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Business Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $48.67 and last traded at $48.4120, with a volume of 252065 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $48.08. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have issued reports on the company. UBS Group cut ArcelorMittal from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Oddo Bhf upgraded ArcelorMittal from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated a cautious rating and set a $39.00 price objective (up previously from $33.00) on shares of ArcelorMittal in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of ArcelorMittal in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a neutral rating on shares of ArcelorMittal in a report on Friday, October 10th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, ArcelorMittal presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $38.98. Get ArcelorMittal alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on MT ArcelorMittal Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 1.39 and a quick ratio of 0.58. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $43.56 and a 200 day moving average price of $38.01. The firm has a market cap of $37.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.37, a PEG ratio of 0.18 and a beta of 1.52. ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The basic materials company reported $0.62 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.58 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $15.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.88 billion. ArcelorMittal had a net margin of 4.23% and a return on equity of 4.94%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.63 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that ArcelorMittal will post 3.72 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of MT. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its position in ArcelorMittal by 1.8% in the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 3,171,378 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $114,647,000 after acquiring an additional 55,549 shares in the last quarter. UBS Group AG increased its holdings in shares of ArcelorMittal by 405.2% during the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 1,181,358 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $42,706,000 after purchasing an additional 947,532 shares during the period. Maple Rock Capital Partners Inc. bought a new stake in shares of ArcelorMittal in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $41,399,000. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its stake in ArcelorMittal by 15.6% during the third quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 947,909 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $34,267,000 after buying an additional 128,045 shares in the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. increased its stake in ArcelorMittal by 17.4% in the third quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 461,149 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $16,671,000 after acquiring an additional 68,505 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 9.29% of the companys stock. ArcelorMittal Company Profile (Get Free Report) ArcelorMittal is a multinational steel manufacturing company formed in 2006 through the merger of Arcelor and Mittal Steel. Headquartered in Luxembourg, the company is one of the worlds largest producers of steel and operates an integrated value chain that spans raw material extraction, steelmaking, processing and distribution. Its product portfolio includes flat and long carbon steel products, coated and specialty steels, tubular products and value-added solutions tailored for sectors such as automotive, construction, household appliances, energy and packaging. ArcelorMittals operations are global in scope, with production facilities, distribution networks and commercial activities across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for ArcelorMittal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ArcelorMittal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK Get Free Report) had its target price boosted by investment analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $119.00 to $122.00 in a report issued on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an equal weight rating on the banks stock. Wells Fargo & Companys price target suggests a potential downside of 1.48% from the companys previous close. A number of other equities analysts also recently commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $124.00 to $132.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $106.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. BMO Capital Markets began coverage on Bank of New York Mellon in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. They set an outperform rating and a $125.00 price objective on the stock. New Street Research set a $143.00 target price on Bank of New York Mellon in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, TD Cowen increased their price target on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $133.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Bank of New York Mellon currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $122.60. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on BK Bank of New York Mellon Price Performance NYSE BK traded up $0.90 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $123.83. 853,190 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,687,784. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $114.21 and a 200-day simple moving average of $107.06. Bank of New York Mellon has a 12-month low of $70.46 and a 12-month high of $124.24. The company has a market capitalization of $86.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.94 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a quick ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The bank reported $1.91 earnings per share for the quarter. Bank of New York Mellon had a net margin of 12.86% and a return on equity of 14.03%. The company had revenue of $5.07 billion for the quarter. As a group, analysts predict that Bank of New York Mellon will post 6.96 EPS for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Bank of New York Mellon A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $220,000. Parallel Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Bank of New York Mellon by 7.7% in the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 13,554 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,235,000 after purchasing an additional 965 shares during the last quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB increased its position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 11.7% in the second quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 3,235 shares of the banks stock valued at $295,000 after buying an additional 338 shares in the last quarter. Czech National Bank raised its stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 6.1% during the 2nd quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 174,877 shares of the banks stock worth $15,933,000 after buying an additional 10,037 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fragasso Financial Advisors Inc acquired a new position in Bank of New York Mellon during the second quarter worth about $270,000. 85.31% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Key Stories Impacting Bank of New York Mellon Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of New York Mellon this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 beat BK reported $2.08 EPS vs. $1.97 consensus and $5.18B revenue (above estimates); net interest income and fee income rose yearoveryear, driving margin and profitability gains. MarketBeat Earnings Q4 beat BK reported $2.08 EPS vs. $1.97 consensus and $5.18B revenue (above estimates); net interest income and fee income rose yearoveryear, driving margin and profitability gains. Positive Sentiment: Analyst support Bank of America Securities reiterated a Buy and kept a $142 price target, highlighting BNYs AI-enabled franchise and upside to earnings/returns. TipRanks Analyst Note Analyst support Bank of America Securities reiterated a Buy and kept a $142 price target, highlighting BNYs AI-enabled franchise and upside to earnings/returns. Positive Sentiment: Dividend maintained Board declared a $0.53 quarterly common dividend (payable Feb 5), supporting the income profile for shareholders. PR Newswire Dividend Release Dividend maintained Board declared a $0.53 quarterly common dividend (payable Feb 5), supporting the income profile for shareholders. Positive Sentiment: Management upgrades CEO and management raised mediumterm profit targets and described the turnaround as taking hold, signaling confidence in execution and capital returns. CNBC Coverage Management upgrades CEO and management raised mediumterm profit targets and described the turnaround as taking hold, signaling confidence in execution and capital returns. Positive Sentiment: Lower short interest December short interest fell ~16.9%, reducing an immediate source of downside pressure. Short Interest Note Lower short interest December short interest fell ~16.9%, reducing an immediate source of downside pressure. Neutral Sentiment: Shares recently reached an alltime intraday high (~$122.40), reflecting strong market momentum into the print. Investing.com Shares recently reached an alltime intraday high (~$122.40), reflecting strong market momentum into the print. Neutral Sentiment: Full earnings materials and call/transcript available for deeper review (presentation, slides, call transcript). Seeking Alpha Presentation Full earnings materials and call/transcript available for deeper review (presentation, slides, call transcript). Negative Sentiment: Guidance caution management and some coverage flagged a slowdown in revenue growth and that margin expansion may decelerate in 2026 as easy cost gains are exhausted, which caps upside expectations. Seeking Alpha Analysis Guidance caution management and some coverage flagged a slowdown in revenue growth and that margin expansion may decelerate in 2026 as easy cost gains are exhausted, which caps upside expectations. Negative Sentiment: Mixed market reaction some reports noted the stock slipped at one point despite the beat, suggesting profittaking or skepticism about forward momentum. TipRanks Market Reaction About Bank of New York Mellon (Get Free Report) Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon) is a global financial services company headquartered in New York City that provides a wide range of asset servicing, custody, and related financial infrastructure solutions to institutional clients. Its core businesses include custody and asset servicing, clearing and collateral management, treasury services, securities lending, corporate trust services, and depositary receipt administration. The company also offers investment management and advisory services through its asset management arm and provides technology-enabled solutions for trade processing, foreign exchange, and liquidity management. BNY Mellon serves a broad client base that includes asset managers, pension funds, corporations, banks, broker-dealers and sovereign entities. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hut 8, BigBear.ai, Tempus AI, SoundHound AI, and Rezolve AI are the five Artificial Intelligence stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Artificial intelligence stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose core business or a significant portion of their revenue comes from developing, supplying, or deploying AI technologies and related services. Investors buy these stocks to gain exposure to growth from machine learning, AI chips, cloud AI services, robotics, and data analytics, keeping in mind such stocks can be more volatile and tied to innovation and adoption cycles. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Artificial Intelligence stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Hut 8 (HUT) Hut 8 Corp., together with its subsidiaries, acquires, builds, manages, and operates data centers for digital assets mining, computing, and artificial intelligence in the United States. It operates in four segments: Digital Assets Mining, Managed Services, High Performance Computing Colocation and Cloud, and Other. BigBear.ai (BBAI) BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. provides artificial intelligence-powered decision intelligence solutions. It offers national security, supply chain management, and digital identity and biometrics solutions. The company also provides data ingestion, data enrichment, data processing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, and predictive visualization solutions and services. Read Our Latest Research Report on BBAI Tempus AI (TEM) Tempus AI Inc. is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence principally in healthcare. The company provides AI-enabled precision medicine solutions to physicians to deliver personalized patient care and in parallel facilitates discovery, development and delivery of optimal therapeutics. Read Our Latest Research Report on TEM SoundHound AI (SOUN) SoundHound AI, Inc. develops independent voice artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that enables businesses across automotive, TV, and IoT, and to customer service industries to deliver high-quality conversational experiences to their customers. Its products include Houndify platform that offers a suite of Houndify tools to help brands build conversational voice assistants, such as Application Programming Interfaces (API) for text and voice queries, support for custom commands, extensive library of content domains, inclusive software development kit platforms, collaboration capabilities, diagnostic tools, and built-in analytics; SoundHound Chat AI that integrates with knowledge domains, pulling real-time data like weather, sports, stocks, flight status, and restaurants; and SoundHound Smart Answering is built to offer customer establishments custom AI-powered voice assistant. Read Our Latest Research Report on SOUN Rezolve AI (RZLV) Rezolve AI Plc operates in the mobile commerce industry with its cutting-edge engagement platform powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning. It develops AI-based mobile commerce and engagement solutions, simplifying the purchasing process by providing relevant information and facilitating seamless transactions with a single tap. Read Our Latest Research Report on RZLV See Also BQE Water Inc. (CVE:BQE Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The company traded as high as C$70.00 and last traded at C$69.30, with a volume of 2903 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$69.00. BQE Water Trading Up 0.4% The company has a quick ratio of 3.70, a current ratio of 5.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.98. The company has a 50-day moving average price of C$57.10 and a 200-day moving average price of C$55.19. The company has a market capitalization of C$89.95 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.85 and a beta of 0.55. About BQE Water (Get Free Report) BQE Water Inc, a water treatment company, provides wastewater management and treatment solutions to the mining and metallurgical industry in Canada, the United States, Latin America, China, and internationally. It offers water treatment solutions for mine drainage, run-off, waste rock seepage, tailings water, groundwater, and lime plant influent and/or effluent streams for treating metals, sulphate, selenium, nitrate, ammonia, and cyanide in the mining sector; smelting and refining services for treating metals and sulphate; and hydrometallurgy services for the treatment of metals, cyanide, and acids. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for BQE Water Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BQE Water and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of TechnipFMC plc (NYSE:FTI Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the seventeen ratings firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, thirteen have given a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $48.4615. A number of analysts have commented on FTI shares. Zacks Research downgraded shares of TechnipFMC from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Susquehanna upped their price target on TechnipFMC from $48.00 to $56.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price objective on TechnipFMC from $40.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. TD Cowen boosted their price objective on TechnipFMC from $47.00 to $56.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, UBS Group reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of TechnipFMC in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Get TechnipFMC alerts: Get Our Latest Report on FTI TechnipFMC Stock Up 1.8% NYSE FTI opened at $51.33 on Wednesday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $45.33 and a 200 day moving average price of $39.99. TechnipFMC has a one year low of $22.11 and a one year high of $51.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 1.13. The company has a market cap of $20.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.94, a P/E/G ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 0.66. TechnipFMC (NYSE:FTI Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The oil and gas company reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.65 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $2.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.60 billion. TechnipFMC had a net margin of 9.67% and a return on equity of 30.23%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 12.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.64 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that TechnipFMC will post 1.63 EPS for the current fiscal year. TechnipFMC Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 3rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 18th were given a dividend of $0.05 per share. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.4%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 18th. TechnipFMCs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 8.93%. TechnipFMC declared that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program on Wednesday, October 22nd that permits the company to buyback $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the oil and gas company to purchase up to 13.3% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are usually a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued. Institutional Trading of TechnipFMC Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in FTI. Vident Advisory LLC raised its holdings in shares of TechnipFMC by 15.6% in the 1st quarter. Vident Advisory LLC now owns 9,218 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $292,000 after buying an additional 1,241 shares during the period. EP Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of TechnipFMC during the first quarter worth about $230,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of TechnipFMC by 21.6% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 5,124,326 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $162,390,000 after purchasing an additional 910,891 shares during the period. Great Lakes Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of TechnipFMC by 17.6% in the first quarter. Great Lakes Advisors LLC now owns 15,467 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $490,000 after purchasing an additional 2,315 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC purchased a new stake in TechnipFMC during the 1st quarter worth approximately $7,282,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.58% of the companys stock. About TechnipFMC (Get Free Report) TechnipFMC is an integrated oilfield services and technology company that designs, manufactures and delivers systems and services for the energy industry. The companys activities span the full lifecycle of oil and gas projects, with capabilities in subsea production systems, surface wellhead and intervention equipment, and onshore/offshore engineering and construction. TechnipFMC combines engineering and project management with fabrication, installation and maintenance services to help operators develop and produce hydrocarbon resources. Its product and service portfolio includes subsea hardware such as trees, manifolds, umbilicals, risers and flowlines, as well as surface equipment for drilling, completions and well intervention. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for TechnipFMC Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TechnipFMC and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Several analysts have recently updated their ratings and price targets for Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH): 1/14/2026 Cardinal Health was given a new $250.00 price target on by analysts at Robert W. Baird. 1/13/2026 Cardinal Health was given a new $240.00 price target on by analysts at Leerink Partners. 1/12/2026 Cardinal Health was given a new $222.00 price target on by analysts at Mizuho. 1/9/2026 Cardinal Health was upgraded by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from a neutral rating to a buy rating. They now have a $244.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $190.00. 12/8/2025 Cardinal Health is now covered by analysts at Barclays PLC. They set an overweight rating and a $243.00 price target on the stock. 12/8/2025 Cardinal Health is now covered by analysts at Barclays PLC. They set an overweight rating and a $243.00 price target on the stock. 11/18/2025 Cardinal Health had its price target raised by analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from $195.00 to $208.00. They now have a hold rating on the stock. 11/17/2025 Cardinal Health had its price target raised by analysts at Leerink Partners from $211.00 to $230.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. Cardinal Health Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.5107 per share. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 2nd. Cardinal Healths payout ratio is presently 30.77%. Get Cardinal Health Inc alerts: Cardinal Health is a multinational healthcare services and products company headquartered in Dublin, Ohio. Tracing its roots to the early 1970s, the company has grown into a major provider of supply chain and distribution services for the healthcare sector. Cardinal Health operates across a range of service lines that support hospitals, health systems, pharmacies, physician offices and clinical laboratories. The companys core activities include the wholesale distribution of branded and generic pharmaceuticals, the supply and distribution of medical-surgical products, and the provision of logistics and inventory management solutions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Cardinal Health Inc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cardinal Health Inc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Get Free Report) and Broadstone Net Lease (NYSE:BNL Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, valuation, analyst recommendations, risk, institutional ownership and dividends. Volatility & Risk Equity Residential has a beta of 0.75, indicating that its share price is 25% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Broadstone Net Lease has a beta of 1.01, indicating that its share price is 1% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Equity Residential alerts: Earnings & Valuation This table compares Equity Residential and Broadstone Net Leases top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Equity Residential $2.98 billion 7.68 $1.04 billion $3.03 19.86 Broadstone Net Lease $431.80 million 7.99 $162.44 million $0.47 38.78 Equity Residential has higher revenue and earnings than Broadstone Net Lease. Equity Residential is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Broadstone Net Lease, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares Equity Residential and Broadstone Net Leases net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Equity Residential 37.58% 10.30% 5.54% Broadstone Net Lease 20.04% 2.93% 1.69% Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Equity Residential and Broadstone Net Lease, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Equity Residential 0 12 7 0 2.37 Broadstone Net Lease 0 3 9 0 2.75 Equity Residential currently has a consensus target price of $70.14, indicating a potential upside of 16.58%. Broadstone Net Lease has a consensus target price of $19.91, indicating a potential upside of 9.24%. Given Equity Residentials higher probable upside, equities research analysts plainly believe Equity Residential is more favorable than Broadstone Net Lease. Institutional and Insider Ownership 92.7% of Equity Residential shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 89.1% of Broadstone Net Lease shares are held by institutional investors. 1.0% of Equity Residential shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.0% of Broadstone Net Lease shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Dividends Equity Residential pays an annual dividend of $2.77 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.6%. Broadstone Net Lease pays an annual dividend of $1.16 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.4%. Equity Residential pays out 91.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Broadstone Net Lease pays out 246.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Equity Residential has raised its dividend for 4 consecutive years and Broadstone Net Lease has raised its dividend for 4 consecutive years. Summary Equity Residential beats Broadstone Net Lease on 10 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks. About Equity Residential (Get Free Report) Equity Residential is committed to creating communities where people thrive. The Company, a member of the S&P 500, is focused on the acquisition, development and management of residential properties located in and around dynamic cities that attract affluent long-term renters. Equity Residential owns or has investments in 305 properties consisting of 80,683 apartment units, with an established presence in Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., Seattle, San Francisco and Southern California, and an expanding presence in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Austin. About Broadstone Net Lease (Get Free Report) Broadstone Net Lease, Inc. (the Corporation) is a Maryland corporation formed on October 18, 2007, that elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (REIT) commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2008. Broadstone Net Lease, LLC (the Corporations operating company, or the OP), is the entity through which the Corporation conducts its business and owns (either directly or through subsidiaries) all of the Corporations properties. The Corporation is the sole managing member of the OP. The membership units not owned by the Corporation are referred to as OP Units or non-controlling interests. As the Corporation conducts substantially all of its operations through the OP, it is structured as what is referred to as an umbrella partnership real estate investment trust (UPREIT). The Corporations common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BNL. Receive News & Ratings for Equity Residential Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equity Residential and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC reduced its holdings in ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report) by 43.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 126,832 shares of the energy producers stock after selling 95,798 shares during the quarter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in ConocoPhillips were worth $12,157,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Howard Hughes Medical Institute bought a new position in shares of ConocoPhillips in the second quarter worth $25,000. Bogart Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 136.8% in the second quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 315 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 182 shares in the last quarter. Activest Wealth Management increased its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips by 249.5% during the second quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 325 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 232 shares during the period. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC raised its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 58.0% during the third quarter. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC now owns 316 shares of the energy producers stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas acquired a new stake in ConocoPhillips in the second quarter worth approximately $33,000. Institutional investors own 82.36% of the companys stock. Get ConocoPhillips alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Director William H. Mcraven purchased 5,768 shares of ConocoPhillips stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 10th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $86.68 per share, for a total transaction of $499,970.24. Following the acquisition, the director directly owned 5,768 shares in the company, valued at $499,970.24. This represents a increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Ryan Michael Lance sold 500,708 shares of ConocoPhillips stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.50, for a total transaction of $46,315,490.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 325,972 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,152,410. This trade represents a 60.57% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Company insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price target on ConocoPhillips from $111.00 to $108.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on ConocoPhillips in a report on Friday, October 17th. They set an equal weight rating and a $100.00 target price on the stock. Capital One Financial boosted their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $111.00 to $112.00 in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Johnson Rice downgraded shares of ConocoPhillips from an accumulate rating to a hold rating and cut their price target for the company from $108.00 to $105.00 in a report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Susquehanna dropped their target price on shares of ConocoPhillips to $113.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 20th. Eighteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $111.76. Read Our Latest Analysis on ConocoPhillips ConocoPhillips Price Performance Shares of NYSE:COP opened at $96.43 on Wednesday. The companys fifty day moving average is $91.91 and its two-hundred day moving average is $92.75. The company has a market cap of $119.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.64, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.59 and a beta of 0.32. ConocoPhillips has a 12-month low of $79.88 and a 12-month high of $106.20. The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The energy producer reported $1.61 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.41 by $0.20. The firm had revenue of $15.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.51 billion. ConocoPhillips had a return on equity of 13.64% and a net margin of 14.25%.ConocoPhillipss quarterly revenue was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.78 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. ConocoPhillips Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th were given a $0.84 dividend. This represents a $3.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.5%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. This is a positive change from ConocoPhillipss previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. ConocoPhillipss payout ratio is currently 47.52%. ConocoPhillips Company 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. Read More 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. Do?u? Teknoloji has announced its sponsorship of the UiPath FUSION Baku event, set to take place on January 15, 2026. The event will bring together the regions most visionary technology leaders, innovation pioneers, and automation experts to explore the transformative potential of Agentic AI in the business world, Azernews reports. Under the theme ROI with Agentic AI, Do?u? Teknoloji will showcase its solutions and industry expertise, supporting organizations in turning AI into a strategic competitive advantage. From Command-Based Systems to Decision-Making Systems The Agentic AI approach, central to global UiPath FUSION events, aligns closely with Do?u? Teknolojis technology vision for 2026. The company has defined the year as one of transformation, where traditional command-based systems will be replaced by AI-driven digital workforces. In this new era, AI-Native architectures will become standardized, and artificial intelligence will evolve from a code assistant into a full-fledged tool for business process management. Do?u? Teknoloji aims to lead this shift through solutions developed with its in-house engineering capabilities. 2026 is the Year of Agentic AI Eray Gozener, Deputy CEO for Technology Operations and Cybersecurity at Do?u? Teknoloji, emphasized the growing strategic role of AI: "At Do?u? Teknoloji, we consider 2026 the year of Agentic AI. Artificial intelligence has become the main decision-making mechanism within corporate architecture. Our participation in UiPath FUSION Baku reflects our commitment to this transformation and our dedication to contributing to the regional technology ecosystem. With our AI-Native architectural approach and autonomous process capabilities, we support businesses on their digital maturity journey and share concrete insights on how autonomous technologies enhance operations. We are determined to contribute to Azerbaijans digitalization vision through our innovative solutions." About Do?u? Teknoloji Active across more than 10 sectors, Do?u? Teknoloji provides tailored technology solutions to numerous global companies. With a focus on people and innovation, the company leverages advanced analytical capabilities and fast, proactive problem-solving. Do?u? Teknolojis R&D center specializes in corporate solutions including RPA, data analytics, AI and machine learning, Generative AI, mobile and web applications, ERP and CRM, supported by partnerships with 35 global technology leaders. The company is recognized for delivering advanced applications, particularly in cybersecurity, and continues to explore emerging technologies such as blockchain, mobile, and wearable technologies to adapt to an ever-changing digital landscape. When a 401(k) balance starts to matter more than a bragging point, people in their 50s begin paying attention. This is the decade when retirement savings should be strongest and the stakes highest. According to Empower data, the average 401(k) balance for people in their 50s is $635,320. That looks solid until you see the median balance of $253,454. The median is a better reflection of what a typical person in their 50s actually has because it is not pushed upward by a few very large accounts. Don't Miss: Missed Nvidia and Tesla? RAD Intel Could Be the Next AI Powerhouse Just $0.85 a Share 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. People in their 50s are able to save more than younger workers. For 2026, the employee contribution limit for 401(k) plans is $24,500. Workers who have reached age 50 can contribute an additional $8,000 as a catchup contribution. That means someone in their 50s could contribute a total of $32,500 in 2026 if they take full advantage of both limits. Workers who are between age 60 and age 63 and whose plan allows it can add up to $11,250 in catchup contributions. If you measure your progress by the average balance alone, it can feel like you are doing well. But the median shows that many people are far below that average. And when you think about retirement costs, the median becomes even more important. The average U.S. household spends more than $78,000 a year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released last month. A 401(k) balance of $253,454 would be gone in a few years without other income sources. That is reality for many people in their 50s who have not aggressively saved. Trending: Americans With a Financial Plan Can 4X Their Wealth Get Your Personalized Plan from a CFP Pro So what can someone in their 50s do if they are below the median or feel behind? For higher earners who already hit the annual contribution limits, some 401(k) plans offer a strategy called the mega backdoor Roth. This allows extra after-tax contributions that can be rolled into a Roth account for tax-free growth. It's not available in every plan, but if yours allows it, it can let you sock away thousands more each yearwell beyond the $32,500 limit. It's one of the few legal ways to bypass Roth IRA income caps and shield more money from future taxes. Look beyond just a 401(k) account. Some retirement investors are using fractional real estate investment through platforms like Arrived to build passive income from rental properties with as little as $100. That kind of diversification helps create a second income that does not depend solely on stock market returns. Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:DHY Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Friday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 16th will be paid a dividend of 0.0155 per share by the real estate investment trust on Monday, January 26th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 16th. Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund Stock Down 0.2% Shares of NYSEAMERICAN DHY traded down $0.01 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $2.02. 85,835 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 292,049. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $2.03 and a 200-day moving average price of $2.08. Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund has a 1 year low of $1.82 and a 1 year high of $2.18. Get Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund alerts: Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund (NYSEAMERICAN:DHY) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide investors with high current income by primarily investing in below-investment-grade, U.S. dollar-denominated corporate debt securities. The fund offers exposure to a broad array of high-yield bonds issued by companies across various sectors, including industrials, communications, and financial services. It is structured to trade on the NYSE American exchange, enabling investors to gain intraday access to a diversified high-yield portfolio. In managing its portfolio, the fund adheres to a disciplined credit research process that evaluates issuers fundamentals, cash flow profiles, and relative valuations. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Danone (OTCMKTS:DANOY Get Free Report)s share price gapped down prior to trading on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $18.09, but opened at $17.4401. Danone shares last traded at $17.63, with a volume of 121,245 shares changing hands. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have recently issued reports on DANOY shares. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating on shares of Danone in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Danone in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Danone from an underperform rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 16th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded Danone from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Danone in a research report on Friday, October 10th. 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 company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold. Get Danone alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on DANOY Danone Trading Down 1.8% About Danone The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.78 and a current ratio of 0.95. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $17.98 and a 200 day moving average price of $17.32. (Get Free Report) Danone is a French multinational food-products company headquartered in Paris, with roots dating to 1919 when it was founded by Isaac Carasso. The company positions itself around nutrition and health-oriented food and beverage products, and it combines global brand management, manufacturing and distribution to serve a broad consumer base. Danones long history has been characterized by expansion beyond its original yogurt business into bottled water, infant and medical nutrition, and plant-based alternatives. Danones principal activities include the development, production and marketing of dairy and plant-based products, bottled waters, and specialized nutrition for infants and medical patients. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Danone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Danone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DNB Bank ASA (OTCMKTS:DNBBY Get Free Report)s share price traded down 6.7% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $25.77 and last traded at $25.77. 14,596 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 46% from the average session volume of 26,878 shares. The stock had previously closed at $27.6120. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on DNBBY shares. Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of DNB Bank ASA in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Zacks Research raised shares of DNB Bank ASA from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Morgan Stanley reiterated an underweight rating on shares of DNB Bank ASA in a report on Friday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded DNB Bank ASA from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, DNB Bank ASA presently has an average rating of Hold. Get DNB Bank ASA alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on DNB Bank ASA DNB Bank ASA Price Performance The stock has a 50 day moving average of $26.94 and a 200-day moving average of $26.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.42, a quick ratio of 1.45 and a current ratio of 1.45. The company has a market cap of $41.51 billion, a PE ratio of 10.29 and a beta of 0.73. DNB Bank ASA (OTCMKTS:DNBBY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported $0.69 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.69. DNB Bank ASA had a return on equity of 15.17% and a net margin of 21.20%.The business had revenue of $2.26 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.23 billion. Equities analysts predict that DNB Bank ASA will post 2.43 earnings per share for the current year. DNB Bank ASA Company Profile (Get Free Report) DNB Bank ASA (OTCMKTS: DNBBY) is Norways largest financial services group, offering a broad range of banking, insurance and capital markets services to retail, corporate and institutional clients. The banks core activities encompass retail and commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, asset management, life insurance and pension products, as well as payment and card services. DNB provides traditional deposit and lending products, mortgages, savings and wealth management solutions, securities trading, corporate finance and treasury services. The group operates through several specialized business lines, including DNB Markets for investment banking and capital markets activities and DNB Asset Management for portfolio management and investment funds. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for DNB Bank ASA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DNB Bank ASA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET Free Report) by 30.4% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 900,000 shares of the pipeline companys stock after purchasing an additional 210,000 shares during the period. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in Energy Transfer were worth $15,444,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in ET. Ryan Investment Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Energy Transfer in the second quarter valued at about $31,000. CNB Bank raised its holdings in shares of Energy Transfer by 111.1% in the second quarter. CNB Bank now owns 1,900 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 1,000 shares during the last quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Energy Transfer by 54.4% in the second quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,270 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $41,000 after acquiring an additional 800 shares in the last quarter. Crowley Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Energy Transfer in the second quarter valued at $44,000. Finally, FSC Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Energy Transfer during the second quarter valued at $50,000. 38.22% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Energy Transfer alerts: Energy Transfer Stock Performance Shares of ET stock opened at $17.39 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.41. The firm has a market capitalization of $59.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.91, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 0.66. Energy Transfer LP has a one year low of $14.60 and a one year high of $21.45. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $16.60 and a 200 day moving average price of $17.07. Energy Transfer Increases Dividend Energy Transfer ( NYSE:ET Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The pipeline company reported $0.28 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.34 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $19.95 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.84 billion. Energy Transfer had a return on equity of 10.71% and a net margin of 5.66%.The companys quarterly revenue was down 3.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.32 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Energy Transfer LP will post 1.46 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 19th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 7th were issued a $0.3325 dividend. This is a positive change from Energy Transfers previous quarterly dividend of $0.33. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. This represents a $1.33 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.7%. Energy Transfers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 106.40%. Insider Buying and Selling at Energy Transfer In other news, Director Kelcy L. Warren acquired 1,000,000 shares of Energy Transfer stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 19th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $16.95 per share, with a total value of $16,950,000.00. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 104,577,803 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,772,593,760.85. This trade represents a 0.97% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 3.28% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth ET has been the subject of several analyst reports. Scotiabank cut their target price on shares of Energy Transfer from $23.00 to $21.00 and set a sector outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on shares of Energy Transfer from $22.00 to $21.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised shares of Energy Transfer to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 15th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Energy Transfer in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Energy Transfer in a research note on Wednesday, December 24th. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $21.50. Check Out Our Latest Report on Energy Transfer Energy Transfer Profile (Free Report) Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET) is a Dallas-based midstream energy company that develops and operates infrastructure for the transportation, storage and processing of hydrocarbons. The companys operations focus on moving and storing natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), crude oil and refined products through an integrated network of pipelines, terminals, storage facilities and processing plants. Energy Transfer provides core midstream services such as gathering, compression, fractionation, processing, and bulk transportation to support production and downstream supply chains. Its asset base spans an extensive network across the United States, connecting producing regions, processing centers, petrochemical hubs and coastal and inland markets. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ET? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Energy Transfer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Energy Transfer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:FDS Get Free Report) Director Malcolm Frank sold 2,572 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $295.70, for a total transaction of $760,540.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 879 shares in the company, valued at approximately $259,920.30. The trade was a 74.53% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. FactSet Research Systems Trading Up 1.4% Shares of FactSet Research Systems stock traded up $4.00 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $295.77. The stock had a trading volume of 449,537 shares, compared to its average volume of 509,604. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $282.56 and its 200-day simple moving average is $330.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 1.54 and a quick ratio of 1.54. FactSet Research Systems Inc. has a 12 month low of $250.50 and a 12 month high of $477.92. The stock has a market cap of $10.97 billion, a PE ratio of 18.81, a PEG ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 0.75. Get FactSet Research Systems alerts: FactSet Research Systems (NYSE:FDS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 18th. The business services provider reported $4.51 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.36 by $0.15. FactSet Research Systems had a return on equity of 30.49% and a net margin of 25.40%.The company had revenue of $607.62 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $599.69 million. During the same period last year, the business posted $4.37 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. FactSet Research Systems has set its FY 2026 guidance at 16.900-17.600 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that FactSet Research Systems Inc. will post 17.21 EPS for the current fiscal year. FactSet Research Systems Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Friday, November 28th were paid a $1.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 28th. This represents a $4.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.5%. FactSet Research Systemss payout ratio is currently 27.99%. FactSet Research Systems declared that its Board of Directors has approved a stock buyback plan on Thursday, December 18th that authorizes the company to repurchase $600.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the business services provider to repurchase up to 5.4% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are usually a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Institutional Trading of FactSet Research Systems A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. ORG Partners LLC lifted its stake in FactSet Research Systems by 13.9% during the 2nd quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 205 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $93,000 after acquiring an additional 25 shares in the last quarter. Valmark Advisers Inc. raised its stake in FactSet Research Systems by 1.3% during the second quarter. Valmark Advisers Inc. now owns 1,970 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $881,000 after buying an additional 26 shares during the last quarter. Huntington National Bank grew its position in FactSet Research Systems by 10.0% in the 2nd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 320 shares of the business services providers stock worth $143,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares during the period. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. grew its position in shares of FactSet Research Systems by 0.4% during the second quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 6,866 shares of the business services providers stock worth $3,071,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Claret Asset Management Corp lifted its holdings in shares of FactSet Research Systems by 7.0% in the 2nd quarter. Claret Asset Management Corp now owns 532 shares of the business services providers stock worth $238,000 after acquiring an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 91.24% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have weighed in on FDS shares. Zacks Research raised FactSet Research Systems from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Evercore ISI upped their price target on shares of FactSet Research Systems from $320.00 to $321.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Raymond James Financial reiterated a market perform rating on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their target price on FactSet Research Systems from $282.00 to $253.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d+) rating on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a research report on Monday, December 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and five have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of $313.00. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on FactSet Research Systems Trending Headlines about FactSet Research Systems Here are the key news stories impacting FactSet Research Systems this week: About FactSet Research Systems (Get Free Report) FactSet Research Systems Inc operates as a global provider of integrated financial data and analytics to the investment community. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, the company offers a unified platform that aggregates content from thousands of sources, delivering real-time and historical market data, company fundamentals, estimates, fixed-income information and proprietary analytics to portfolio managers, research analysts, investment bankers and risk officers. The companys core products include the FactSet Workstation, an application offering customizable screening, charting, portfolio analysis and news; APIs and data feeds for seamless integration into proprietary systems; and cloud-based solutions for thematic research and quantitative strategies. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for FactSet Research Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FactSet Research Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. General American Investors, Inc. (NYSE:GAM Get Free Report) VP Eugene Stark acquired 4,000 shares of General American Investors stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 13th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $24.98 per share, with a total value of $99,920.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the vice president owned 24,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $599,520. This trade represents a 20.00% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. General American Investors Stock Performance Shares of GAM traded down $0.20 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $60.28. The stock had a trading volume of 4,538 shares, compared to its average volume of 44,096. General American Investors, Inc. has a 52 week low of $41.80 and a 52 week high of $64.40. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $59.39 and a 200-day moving average price of $59.81. Get General American Investors alerts: General American Investors Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared an annual dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 26th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 17th were given a $6.40 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 1,125.0%. This is an increase from General American Investorss previous annual dividend of $0.45. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 17th. Institutional Inflows and Outflows General American Investors Company Profile A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Grimes & Company Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of General American Investors during the second quarter worth $202,000. Prospera Financial Services Inc bought a new stake in shares of General American Investors during the 2nd quarter valued at $203,000. Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new stake in General American Investors during the 2nd quarter worth about $203,000. Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its stake in General American Investors by 41.6% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 3,755 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $210,000 after purchasing an additional 1,103 shares during the period. Finally, Laird Norton Wetherby Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in General American Investors in the 3rd quarter worth about $211,000. 36.85% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. (Get Free Report) General American Investors Company, Inc is a diversified closed-end management investment company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker GAM. The firm primarily allocates capital to equity and equity-related securities of publicly traded companies, aiming to generate long-term capital appreciation for its shareholders. Its flexible mandate allows investment across a broad range of industries and market capitalizations. The company follows a value-oriented, fundamental research approach, conducting in-depth analysis to identify undervalued businesses with strong growth potential. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for General American Investors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General American Investors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE:HGTY Get Free Report) insider Kenneth Ahn sold 1,350 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $13.25, for a total transaction of $17,887.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Kenneth Ahn also recently made the following trade(s): Get Hagerty alerts: On Monday, January 12th, Kenneth Ahn sold 50,000 shares of Hagerty stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $12.86, for a total value of $643,000.00. On Monday, January 5th, Kenneth Ahn sold 164,870 shares of Hagerty stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.79, for a total transaction of $2,108,687.30. On Wednesday, January 7th, Kenneth Ahn sold 24,247 shares of Hagerty stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.08, for a total value of $317,150.76. On Tuesday, January 6th, Kenneth Ahn sold 10,883 shares of Hagerty stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $12.85, for a total value of $139,846.55. Hagerty Stock Down 2.2% NYSE:HGTY traded down $0.29 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $12.67. The companys stock had a trading volume of 59,800 shares, compared to its average volume of 129,938. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.33 billion, a PE ratio of 45.25 and a beta of 0.89. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $13.05 and a 200-day moving average of $11.84. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. Hagerty, Inc. has a 1 year low of $8.03 and a 1 year high of $14.00. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Hagerty ( NYSE:HGTY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.13 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.09 by $0.04. Hagerty had a net margin of 5.85% and a return on equity of 16.85%. The firm had revenue of $359.01 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $354.36 million. Equities research analysts forecast that Hagerty, Inc. will post 0.22 earnings per share for the current year. A number of research firms have weighed in on HGTY. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Hagerty in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target price on Hagerty from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. JMP Securities initiated coverage on Hagerty in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. They issued a market outperform rating and a $15.00 price target for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Hagerty from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Citigroup began coverage on shares of Hagerty in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. They issued an outperform rating for the company. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Hagerty presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $14.13. View Our Latest Analysis on HGTY Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hagerty Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Neuberger Berman Group LLC raised its position in shares of Hagerty by 44.8% in the third quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 8,047,786 shares of the companys stock valued at $96,895,000 after buying an additional 2,490,359 shares during the last quarter. Pembroke Management LTD grew its stake in Hagerty by 127.6% during the 3rd quarter. Pembroke Management LTD now owns 2,261,203 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,225,000 after acquiring an additional 1,267,754 shares in the last quarter. Greenhaven Road Investment Management L.P. raised its holdings in Hagerty by 47.1% in the 3rd quarter. Greenhaven Road Investment Management L.P. now owns 2,664,784 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,084,000 after acquiring an additional 853,245 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in Hagerty by 32.3% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 3,456,174 shares of the companys stock worth $41,612,000 after purchasing an additional 843,433 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Polar Capital Holdings Plc lifted its stake in Hagerty by 9.4% in the 3rd quarter. Polar Capital Holdings Plc now owns 5,817,416 shares of the companys stock worth $70,042,000 after purchasing an additional 498,389 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 20.51% of the companys stock. Hagerty Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hagerty is a specialized automotive lifestyle and insurance company that caters primarily to collectible car enthusiasts. Its core business centers on offering classic vehicle insurance policies designed to protect antique, vintage and specialty automobiles, motorcycles and boats. These policies typically feature agreed-value coverage, flexible usage options and access to restoration services, aligning with the unique needs of collectors and hobbyists. Beyond insurance, Hagerty operates a comprehensive suite of community and content services under its automotive lifestyle brand. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Hagerty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hagerty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Henry James International Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (NYSE:DB Free Report) by 35.8% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 257,001 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 67,793 shares during the quarter. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft accounts for 2.8% of Henry James International Management Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 11th biggest position. Henry James International Management Inc.s holdings in Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft were worth $9,100,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft during the third quarter worth approximately $251,000. Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI lifted its position in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 16.6% during the 3rd quarter. Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI now owns 10,198 shares of the banks stock valued at $361,000 after acquiring an additional 1,455 shares during the period. Benjamin Edwards Inc. lifted its position in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 9.5% during the 3rd quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 14,678 shares of the banks stock valued at $520,000 after acquiring an additional 1,271 shares during the period. HB Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 3.5% in the third quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 9,057 shares of the banks stock worth $321,000 after purchasing an additional 304 shares during the period. Finally, Kathmere Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 5.8% in the third quarter. Kathmere Capital Management LLC now owns 20,177 shares of the banks stock valued at $714,000 after purchasing an additional 1,104 shares in the last quarter. 27.90% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft alerts: Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Trading Down 0.6% NYSE:DB opened at $39.15 on Wednesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft has a 52 week low of $17.82 and a 52 week high of $39.82. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $37.30 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $35.29. The firm has a market cap of $78.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.45, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.37 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40, a quick ratio of 0.78 and a current ratio of 0.78. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft ( NYSE:DB Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The bank reported $0.97 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $9.44 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.75 billion. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft had a net margin of 7.99% and a return on equity of 5.97%. On average, equities analysts expect that Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft will post 2.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. DB has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft in a research report on Monday, October 20th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Wall Street Zen raised Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, December 20th. Barclays raised shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 30th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft currently has a consensus rating of Hold. View Our Latest Report on Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft About Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (Free Report) Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft is a global banking and financial services company headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany. Founded in 1870 to support German foreign trade, the firm has grown into a full-service bank offering a wide range of banking, advisory and transaction services to corporate, institutional, and private clients. Over its history the bank has expanded internationally and developed capabilities across capital markets, investment banking, retail and commercial banking, and wealth management. The banks core business activities include corporate and investment bankingcovering financing, advisory, sales and trading, and capital markets servicesalong with private & commercial banking for individual and small-to-medium enterprise clients. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (NYSE:DB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hoxton Planning & Management LLC lowered its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report) by 12.5% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 62,371 shares of the companys stock after selling 8,888 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF makes up 1.4% of Hoxton Planning & Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 19th biggest position. Hoxton Planning & Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF were worth $4,231,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 50.0% during the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 70,125,413 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,451,560,000 after acquiring an additional 23,376,524 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 28.6% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 15,814,518 shares of the companys stock worth $1,003,906,000 after purchasing an additional 3,518,683 shares during the period. US Bancorp DE lifted its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 4.1% in the second quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 13,614,142 shares of the companys stock worth $864,247,000 after purchasing an additional 540,216 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 11.5% during the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 9,719,462 shares of the companys stock valued at $616,991,000 after buying an additional 999,564 shares during the period. Finally, Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 24.2% in the second quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 8,959,087 shares of the companys stock worth $568,723,000 after buying an additional 1,743,904 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Stock Up 39.2% EFV opened at $72.72 on Wednesday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $70.70 and a 200 day moving average of $67.96. The stock has a market cap of $29.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.17 and a beta of 0.73. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a 52-week low of $51.05 and a 52-week high of $66.83. About iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF 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. PKO Investment Management Joint Stock Co lowered its position in Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM Free Report) by 62.5% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,800 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 3,000 shares during the quarter. PKO Investment Management Joint Stock Cos holdings in Humana were worth $468,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in HUM. Focus Partners Wealth grew its stake in Humana by 104.2% during the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 6,429 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,701,000 after buying an additional 3,281 shares during the period. Swedbank AB lifted its holdings in shares of Humana by 5.3% during the 2nd quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 100,397 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $24,545,000 after acquiring an additional 5,032 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia lifted its holdings in shares of Humana by 219.3% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 242,385 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $59,258,000 after acquiring an additional 166,475 shares in the last quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC boosted its position in Humana by 7.7% during the 1st quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 45,190 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $11,957,000 after purchasing an additional 3,221 shares during the period. Finally, Ninety One UK Ltd acquired a new stake in Humana in the 3rd quarter valued at $18,613,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.38% of the companys stock. Get Humana alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have commented on HUM. Sanford C. Bernstein restated an outperform rating and set a $344.00 price objective on shares of Humana in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Barclays reiterated an underperformer rating on shares of Humana in a report on Monday, January 5th. Mizuho boosted their price target on Humana from $300.00 to $345.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Morgan Stanley restated an underperform rating on shares of Humana in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, Wolfe Research dropped their price objective on shares of Humana from $313.00 to $300.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and five have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $292.05. Humana Trading Down 1.0% Shares of HUM opened at $273.96 on Wednesday. Humana Inc. has a one year low of $206.87 and a one year high of $315.35. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $254.06 and a 200 day moving average price of $263.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 2.02 and a current ratio of 2.02. The company has a market capitalization of $32.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.68, a P/E/G ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.45. Humana (NYSE:HUM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The insurance provider reported $3.24 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.95 by $0.29. The company had revenue of $32.65 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $31.99 billion. Humana had a return on equity of 12.86% and a net margin of 1.02%.Humanas revenue for the quarter was up 11.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $4.16 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Humana Inc. will post 16.47 EPS for the current fiscal year. Humana Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Investors of record on Friday, December 26th will be issued a $0.885 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 26th. This represents a $3.54 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. Humanas dividend payout ratio is currently 33.18%. About Humana (Free Report) Humana Inc (NYSE: HUM) is a health insurance company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, that primarily serves individuals and groups across the United States. The company is best known for its Medicare business, offering Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug (Part D) coverage, alongside a range of commercial and employer-sponsored group health plans. Humanas products are designed to cover medical, behavioral health and pharmacy needs for members, with particular emphasis on seniors and Medicare-eligible populations. In addition to traditional insurance products, Humana provides care-management and wellness services intended to support chronic-condition management, preventive care and care coordination. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HUM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Humana Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Humana and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A former director of a North Yorkshire car dealership has been jailed after admitting fraudulent trading that left customers and investors around 1.5m out of pocket, with the case centred on the misuse of customer funds and vehicle-backed finance arrangements. John Patrick Hawkins, 66, was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court after pleading guilty to fraudulent trading linked to his management of Specialist Cars of Malton Limited between late 2018 and February 2020. Reporting by TeessideLive said the court heard the business, which traded in high-value Porsche vehicles, ran into increasing financial difficulty as losses mounted and reliance on an overdraft grew. Judge Ahmed Nadim told the court that Hawkins was the sole director and had continued trading while insolvent, using money from new customers to meet existing liabilities. The judge described the conduct as a sustained course of dishonesty rather than a short-term lapse, with customer deposits and sale proceeds diverted to keep the business operating. By 2019, Hawkins was in serious financial difficulty and began misleading customers, lenders and investors, the court was told. This included selling vehicles on behalf of owners without passing on proceeds, and raising finance against vehicles he did not own. The judge said the 1.5m figure did not fully reflect the impact on victims, many of whom had placed trust in the business. One case involved a widow who was persuaded to sell her late husbands Porsche to fund her retirement. The car was sold without her knowledge and she received no money. The judge said her financial security was taken. Dozens of customers and investors were affected, with the court hearing that Hawkins obtained hundreds of thousands of pounds through vehicle-backed loans and investment schemes linked to classic and high-value cars. False documents were used to reassure creditors and lenders, prolonging trading while losses deepened. In mitigation, defence barrister Susannah Proctor said Hawkins believed he could recover the business and later liquidation showed that belief was misplaced. She said he was ashamed of the impact on his family, had no significant assets, and now lived in rented accommodation. Further proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act will consider confiscation. Judge Nadim imposed a 10-year ban on Hawkins acting as a company director. A confiscation hearing is expected later this year. North Yorkshire Police fraud investigator Constable Emma Harris said Hawkins repeatedly lied to customers and falsified documents to maintain the appearance of a viable operation, adding that the financial consequences for victims were severe. O Dell Group LLC lifted its stake in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:DGRO Free Report) by 2.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 607,986 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 14,216 shares during the period. iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF makes up 8.9% of O Dell Group LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 2nd largest holding. O Dell Group LLCs holdings in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF were worth $41,392,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bank of Montreal Can increased its stake in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 25.8% in the second quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 48,384 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,094,000 after purchasing an additional 9,936 shares during the period. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp increased its position in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 39.4% in the 2nd quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp now owns 10,612 shares of the companys stock valued at $679,000 after acquiring an additional 3,001 shares during the period. Dagco Inc. raised its stake in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 2.4% during the 3rd quarter. Dagco Inc. now owns 510,449 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,751,000 after acquiring an additional 12,022 shares during the last quarter. American Trust lifted its position in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 44.5% during the 2nd quarter. American Trust now owns 917,657 shares of the companys stock worth $58,675,000 after acquiring an additional 282,505 shares during the period. Finally, Asset Dedication LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 21.4% in the 2nd quarter. Asset Dedication LLC now owns 118,356 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,568,000 after purchasing an additional 20,867 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF alerts: iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF Price Performance iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF stock opened at $70.94 on Wednesday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $69.38 and a 200-day simple moving average of $67.60. iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF has a 12 month low of $54.09 and a 12 month high of $71.18. The stock has a market capitalization of $36.77 billion, a PE ratio of 19.66 and a beta of 0.84. iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF Profile The iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Morningstar US Dividend Growth index. The fund tracks an index of US stocks that are selected by dividends, dividend growth and payout ratio, then weighted by dividend dollars. DGRO was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DGRO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:DGRO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Australia ETF (NYSEARCA:HAUD Get Free Report) shot up 0% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $24.36 and last traded at $24.36. 100 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 88% from the average session volume of 847 shares. The stock had previously closed at $24.35. iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Australia ETF Stock Up 0.0% The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $24.36 and a 200-day simple moving average of $24.36. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Australia ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Australia ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI Colombia ETF (NYSEARCA:ICOL Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 0.2% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $9.00 and last traded at $9.02. 4,100 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 89% from the average session volume of 36,905 shares. The stock had previously closed at $9.04. iShares MSCI Colombia ETF Trading Down 0.2% The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $9.02 and a 200-day simple moving average of $9.02. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Colombia ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Colombia ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stephens Inc. AR increased its stake in iShares Russell 3000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWV Free Report) by 5.6% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 148,187 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 7,816 shares during the period. iShares Russell 3000 ETF accounts for approximately 0.7% of Stephens Inc. ARs holdings, making the stock its 21st biggest position. Stephens Inc. ARs holdings in iShares Russell 3000 ETF were worth $56,154,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. International Assets Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 1.1% in the second quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 2,692 shares of the companys stock worth $945,000 after buying an additional 28 shares during the period. ETF Portfolio Partners Inc. lifted its position in shares of iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. ETF Portfolio Partners Inc. now owns 3,702 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,299,000 after acquiring an additional 31 shares in the last quarter. Veracity Capital LLC boosted its stake in iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. Veracity Capital LLC now owns 1,401 shares of the companys stock worth $492,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares during the period. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH boosted its stake in iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH now owns 9,403 shares of the companys stock worth $3,563,000 after purchasing an additional 37 shares during the period. Finally, StoneX Group Inc. grew its position in iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 5.8% during the 2nd quarter. StoneX Group Inc. now owns 839 shares of the companys stock worth $295,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Russell 3000 ETF alerts: iShares Russell 3000 ETF Stock Down 0.2% Shares of NYSEARCA:IWV opened at $394.67 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $18.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.11 and a beta of 1.02. The companys fifty day moving average is $386.35 and its two-hundred day moving average is $375.19. iShares Russell 3000 ETF has a 12-month low of $273.60 and a 12-month high of $395.98. iShares Russell 3000 ETF Company Profile iShares Russell 3000 ETF, formerly iShares Russell 3000 Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the United States equity market, as represented by the Russell 3000 Index (the Index). It serves as the underlying index for Russell 3000 Growth and Value series and the Russell 1000 and Russell 2000 Indexes, as well as their respective Growth and Value series. The Fund invests in sectors, such as technology, financial services, consumer discretionary, healthcare, producer durables, energy, consumer staples, utilities, materials & processing and S-T Securities. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 3000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 3000 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 3000 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. J D Wetherspoon plc (LON:JDW Get Free Report) insider Debbie Whittingham purchased 20 shares of J D Wetherspoon stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 14th. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 757 per share, for a total transaction of 151.40. J D Wetherspoon Trading Down 0.5% Shares of JDW traded down GBX 4 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching GBX 753. The companys stock had a trading volume of 708,676 shares, compared to its average volume of 651,643. J D Wetherspoon plc has a 52 week low of GBX 526 and a 52 week high of GBX 814.50. The stock has a market cap of 793.71 million, a PE ratio of 13.26, a P/E/G ratio of 3.39 and a beta of 1.34. The companys fifty day moving average price is GBX 696.33 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 703.05. The company has a current ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 0.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 283.19. Get J D Wetherspoon alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts recently issued reports on JDW shares. Shore Capital restated a hold rating on shares of J D Wetherspoon in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Peel Hunt restated a hold rating and issued a GBX 700 target price on shares of J D Wetherspoon in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of GBX 595. J D Wetherspoon Company Profile (Get Free Report) J D Wetherspoon owns and operates pubs and hotels throughout the UK and Ireland. The company aims to provide customers with good-quality food and drinks, served by well-trained and friendly staff, at reasonable prices. The pubs are individually designed, and the company aims to maintain them in excellent condition. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for J D Wetherspoon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for J D Wetherspoon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kera Capital Partners Inc. lifted its position in shares of Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU Free Report) by 8.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 576,728 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 46,093 shares during the quarter. NU comprises about 1.4% of Kera Capital Partners Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 15th largest position. Kera Capital Partners Inc.s holdings in NU were worth $9,233,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in NU. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. bought a new stake in NU during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Quaker Wealth Management LLC grew its position in NU by 212.7% in the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,300 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 4,341 shares in the last quarter. ORG Partners LLC increased its position in shares of NU by 474.1% during the second quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 2,325 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 1,920 shares during the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP increased its holdings in NU by 166.6% during the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 2,562 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 1,601 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in shares of NU during the 2nd quarter worth $36,000. 84.02% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get NU alerts: NU Stock Performance NYSE:NU opened at $16.61 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $80.04 billion, a PE ratio of 32.57, a PEG ratio of 0.56 and a beta of 1.08. Nu Holdings Ltd. has a fifty-two week low of $9.01 and a fifty-two week high of $18.37. The stocks fifty day moving average is $16.63 and its 200 day moving average is $15.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a current ratio of 0.56. Analyst Ratings Changes NU ( NYSE:NU Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $0.17 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.15 by $0.02. NU had a return on equity of 30.12% and a net margin of 17.97%.The company had revenue of $2.79 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.96 billion. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Nu Holdings Ltd. will post 0.58 earnings per share for the current year. A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. KeyCorp upped their target price on shares of NU from $15.00 to $19.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 14th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $21.00 price objective on shares of NU in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of NU in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of NU from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded shares of NU from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 9th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $18.04. Read Our Latest Research Report on NU About NU (Free Report) Nu Holdings Ltd (NYSE: NU), commonly known by its consumer brand Nubank, is a Latin American financial technology company that provides digital banking and financial services through a mobile-first platform. The companys core offerings include no-fee digital checking accounts, credit cards, personal loans, payments and transfers, and a range of savings and investment products. Nubank emphasizes a streamlined customer experience delivered via its smartphone app, combined with data-driven underwriting and automated customer service tools. Founded in 2013 by David Velez, Cristina Junqueira and Edward Wible, Nu grew rapidly by targeting underbanked and digitally savvy consumers in Latin America with low-fee, transparent products. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for NU Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NU and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Lavras Gold Corp. (CVE:LGC Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as C$4.30 and last traded at C$4.15, with a volume of 87450 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$4.04. Lavras Gold Trading Up 2.9% The business has a 50-day moving average price of C$3.18 and a 200-day moving average price of C$2.57. The company has a quick ratio of 11.12, a current ratio of 4.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. The firm has a market capitalization of C$242.44 million, a P/E ratio of -59.29 and a beta of -2.52. Lavras Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Lavras Gold Corp. engages in the exploration and development of mineral resource properties in Brazil. It holds interests in the Lavras do Sul, an advanced exploration gold project with 29 mineral rights covering approximately 22,000 hectares located in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The company was incorporated in 2021 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Lavras Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lavras Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Liberty One Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 104.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 76,688 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 39,234 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for about 3.3% of Liberty One Investment Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 8th largest holding. Liberty One Investment Management LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $58,533,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in LLY. CPC Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 32.6% during the third quarter. CPC Advisors LLC now owns 1,057 shares of the companys stock worth $806,000 after purchasing an additional 260 shares during the period. Lighthouse Financial LLC grew its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 0.4% during the third quarter. Lighthouse Financial LLC now owns 4,526 shares of the companys stock worth $3,453,000 after buying an additional 17 shares in the last quarter. Wealth Advisory Solutions LLC increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 15.2% during the 3rd quarter. Wealth Advisory Solutions LLC now owns 22,136 shares of the companys stock worth $16,890,000 after acquiring an additional 2,920 shares during the period. Sippican Capital Advisors raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. Sippican Capital Advisors now owns 3,162 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,413,000 after acquiring an additional 35 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GRIMES & Co WEALTH MANAGEMENT LLC raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 33.3% in the 3rd quarter. GRIMES & Co WEALTH MANAGEMENT LLC now owns 6,210 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,738,000 after acquiring an additional 1,551 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades LLY has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,050.00 to $1,150.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. BMO Capital Markets set a $1,200.00 target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Daiwa America upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Finally, Daiwa Capital Markets set a $1,230.00 target price on Eli Lilly and Company and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have issued a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $1,169.00. Trending Headlines about Eli Lilly and Company Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week: Positive Sentiment: Lilly and NVIDIA will jointly invest up to $1 billion over five years to build an AI coinnovation lab aimed at speeding drug discovery, applying NVIDIAs Vera Rubin chips and reducing time/costs in R&D a move investors view as strategic tech leverage that could widen margins and accelerate pipeline value. FierceBiotech Article Lilly and NVIDIA will jointly invest up to $1 billion over five years to build an AI coinnovation lab aimed at speeding drug discovery, applying NVIDIAs Vera Rubin chips and reducing time/costs in R&D a move investors view as strategic tech leverage that could widen margins and accelerate pipeline value. Positive Sentiment: Broad market commentary (including Jim Cramer) calls the NVIDIA tie-up monumental for speeding drug creation positive media/analyst attention can amplify enthusiasm and multiple expansion. Benzinga Article Broad market commentary (including Jim Cramer) calls the NVIDIA tie-up monumental for speeding drug creation positive media/analyst attention can amplify enthusiasm and multiple expansion. Positive Sentiment: Lilly says it expects to have supply of its oral weightloss pill (orforglipron) for many countries ahead of anticipated U.S. approval, and management has modeled up to ~20% potential global penetration both reduce regulatory/supply risk and point to large revenue upside if approved. Reuters Article Lilly says it expects to have supply of its oral weightloss pill (orforglipron) for many countries ahead of anticipated U.S. approval, and management has modeled up to ~20% potential global penetration both reduce regulatory/supply risk and point to large revenue upside if approved. Positive Sentiment: Investors cheered Lillys acquisition of Ventyx Biosciences as it could add an inflammationfocused adjunct to GLP1 therapies, calming concerns after Novos oral launch and supporting upside to Lillys weightloss franchise. MarketBeat Article Investors cheered Lillys acquisition of Ventyx Biosciences as it could add an inflammationfocused adjunct to GLP1 therapies, calming concerns after Novos oral launch and supporting upside to Lillys weightloss franchise. Neutral Sentiment: Lilly presented at the J.P. Morgan healthcare conference (management slides/transcript available) useful for pipeline details but not an immediate catalyst absent new guidance. Seeking Alpha Transcript Lilly presented at the J.P. Morgan healthcare conference (management slides/transcript available) useful for pipeline details but not an immediate catalyst absent new guidance. Negative Sentiment: Competitive pressure from Novo Nordisks newly released oral Wegovy pill caused an earlier selloff as it introduces another widely distributed oral GLP1 option; market share competition and pricing dynamics remain a risk for Lillys launch timeline and uptake. MarketBeat Article Eli Lilly and Company Trading Down 0.5% NYSE LLY opened at $1,075.90 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71. Eli Lilly and Company has a twelve month low of $623.78 and a twelve month high of $1,133.95. The company has a market cap of $1.02 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 52.64, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 0.35. The businesss fifty day moving average is $1,044.24 and its 200 day moving average is $865.79. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.42 by $0.60. The business had revenue of $17.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.09 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 109.52% and a net margin of 30.99%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 53.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.18 EPS. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a dividend of $1.73 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. This represents a $6.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.6%. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is 33.86%. 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. Featured Articles 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. LVZ Inc. decreased its holdings in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEUR Free Report) by 26.8% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 19,442 shares of the companys stock after selling 7,102 shares during the quarter. LVZ Inc.s holdings in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF were worth $1,324,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Franklin Resources Inc. bought a new position in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Caldwell Trust Co bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Finally, Asset Management One Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $41,000. Get iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF alerts: iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Stock Performance IEUR stock opened at $72.84 on Wednesday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $70.03 and its 200-day moving average price is $68.23. iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF has a one year low of $53.17 and a one year high of $73.13. The company has a market capitalization of $7.32 billion, a PE ratio of 16.78 and a beta of 0.93. About iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF The iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (IEUR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Europe IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed European securities. IEUR was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IEUR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEUR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Magna International Inc. (TSE:MG Get Free Report) (NYSE:MGA) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$79.72 and last traded at C$79.12, with a volume of 47279 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at C$79.10. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages recently commented on MG. BMO Capital Markets upgraded Magna International to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Citigroup upgraded shares of Magna International to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$61.00. Get Magna International alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Magna International Magna International Price Performance The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of C$71.60 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$65.14. The firm has a market cap of C$22.22 billion, a PE ratio of 21.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 1.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 61.81, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.83. Magna International (TSE:MG Get Free Report) (NYSE:MGA) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported C$1.33 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$14.57 billion during the quarter. Magna International had a return on equity of 9.11% and a net margin of 2.52%. As a group, equities analysts expect that Magna International Inc. will post 8.8948171 EPS for the current year. Magna International Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 28th were paid a $0.485 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $1.94 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.5%. Magna Internationals payout ratio is presently 52.88%. About Magna International (Get Free Report) Magna is one of the worlds largest automotive suppliers and a trusted partner to automakers in the industrys most critical markets-North America, Europe, and China. With a global team and footprint spanning 28 countries, we bring unmatched scale, trusted reliability, and proven execution. Backed by nearly seven decades of experience, we combine deep manufacturing expertise with innovative vehicle systems to deliver performance, safety and quality. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Magna International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Magna International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Scoop The rollback of renewable energy policies in the US under the Trump administration is not good for business, the CEO of Masdar said in an interview, but with billions to invest and a willingness to be patient for returns, the Abu Dhabi renewable energy giant is looking to pick up struggling wind and solar assets in the worlds largest economy. I am not a big fan of anyone who comes in and [makes a] retroactive change, because when I made my investment, I made my investment based on a certain set of criteria, certain sets of rules and policy, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi told Semafor. This electron is the backbone of any economy. That is not going to change, and that business that we built is not designed to be built and expire in one year. Still, we love the US, Al Ramahi said, and Masdar wants to deploy more capital there. Masdar which owns a 50% stake in California renewables developer and operator TerraGen would consider buying assets on the East Coast that are struggling as a result of recent subsidy cuts, as a complement to TerraGens high concentration of wind and solar power in the West, Al Ramahi said. Know More Abu Dhabis pursuit of renewable energy at home and abroad is based on a conviction that electrification is growing at breakneck speed, driven in part by the proliferation of data centers, but also rising urbanization. Masdars interest in upping its renewables exposure in the US comes as the 20-year-old firm is midway through a rapid international expansion, with plans to invest up to $35 billion in equity and project financing over the next four years. The spending spree builds on $45 billion it has already deployed to help it reach a target of 100 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity in its portfolio by 2030, a goal set in 2022 when Abu Dhabis oil and gas firm ADNOC, sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, and utility TAQA became Masdars three shareholders. Masdar is about two-thirds of the way there: It has 45 gigawatts of renewables capacity in operation or committed, and 20 more in the pipeline. To reach the final third, Masdar is looking to expand in its existing markets, Al Ramahi said, including the Gulf, Africa where it is one of the largest international developers of renewables through its company Infinity Power Europe, and the US. Its existing footprint is vast: At home, Masdar and EWEC, a UAE utility, broke ground last year on the worlds first large round-the-clock renewable energy project, combining a solar plant with a battery energy storage system. In Europe, Masdar has been a massive investor in offshore wind in the UK and Germany, and in Asia it has agreements for a floating solar project in Malaysia and a battery storage system in Uzbekistan. Batteries, and the ability to dispatch renewable energy 24/7 from storage, is an area of growth for the company, particularly in Europe, according to Al Ramahi. Magyar Telekom Tavkozlesi Nyrt (OTCMKTS:MYTAY Get Free Report)s stock price gapped up before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $27.7350, but opened at $28.72. Magyar Telekom Tavkozlesi Nyrt shares last traded at $28.50, with a volume of 2,030 shares trading hands. Magyar Telekom Tavkozlesi Nyrt Price Performance The business has a fifty day moving average of $26.93 and a 200-day moving average of $27.01. The company has a current ratio of 1.45, a quick ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. The firm has a market cap of $5.51 billion, a PE ratio of 9.28 and a beta of 0.33. Get Magyar Telekom Tavkozlesi Nyrt alerts: Magyar Telekom Tavkozlesi Nyrt (OTCMKTS:MYTAY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The utilities provider reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Magyar Telekom Tavkozlesi Nyrt had a net margin of 20.65% and a return on equity of 22.59%. The firm had revenue of $717.65 million for the quarter. About Magyar Telekom Tavkozlesi Nyrt Magyar Telekom Tavkozlesi Nyrt. is Hungarys leading integrated telecommunications service provider and a member of the Deutsche Telekom Group. The company offers a full suite of fixed-line and mobile voice communication services alongside broadband internet access and digital television solutions. Through its extensive network infrastructure, Magyar Telekom delivers reliable connectivity to both residential and corporate customers across Hungary. In the mobile segment, Magyar Telekom provides services under the T-Mobile brand, covering voice, data and messaging services supported by 4G LTE and an expanding 5G network. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Magyar Telekom Tavkozlesi Nyrt Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Magyar Telekom Tavkozlesi Nyrt and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC cut its position in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 44.2% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 68,224 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after selling 54,069 shares during the period. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $7,733,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Eastern Bank raised its position in EOG Resources by 62.8% during the third quarter. Eastern Bank now owns 1,102 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $124,000 after acquiring an additional 425 shares in the last quarter. Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. acquired a new position in shares of EOG Resources during the 3rd quarter worth $37,000. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 1.5% during the 3rd quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC now owns 11,868 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $1,331,000 after purchasing an additional 177 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Advisory Solutions LLC raised its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter. Wealth Advisory Solutions LLC now owns 18,505 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $2,075,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quent Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of EOG Resources in the 3rd quarter valued at $37,000. Institutional investors own 89.91% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: Insider Transactions at EOG Resources In other EOG Resources news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.68, for a total value of $211,360.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 54,979 shares in the company, valued at $5,810,180.72. This trade represents a 3.51% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.13% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth EOG has been the topic of several analyst reports. Evercore ISI increased their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $141.00 to $149.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Barclays set a $136.00 price objective on EOG Resources and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Raymond James Financial restated a strong-buy rating and issued a $153.00 target price on shares of EOG Resources in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price target on EOG Resources from $130.00 to $125.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Johnson Rice dropped their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $145.00 to $135.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have given a Buy rating and fifteen have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, EOG Resources has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $137.93. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on EOG Resources EOG Resources Price Performance Shares of NYSE:EOG opened at $108.05 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $58.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.76, a PEG ratio of 8.32 and a beta of 0.49. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $106.70 and a 200 day moving average price of $112.93. The company has a quick ratio of 1.43, a current ratio of 1.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. EOG Resources, Inc. has a twelve month low of $101.59 and a twelve month high of $138.18. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The energy exploration company reported $2.71 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.42 by $0.29. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 19.80% and a net margin of 24.49%.The company had revenue of $5.85 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.48 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $2.89 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 2.0% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.47 earnings per share for the current year. EOG Resources Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 16th will be issued a $1.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 16th. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.8%. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio is 40.64%. About EOG Resources (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc (NYSE: EOG) is an independent exploration and production company headquartered in Houston, Texas. Tracing its corporate origins to Enron Oil & Gas Company in the late 1990s, the company established itself as a standalone E&P operator and has grown into one of the largest U.S. upstream producers. EOG focuses on the exploration, development and production of crude oil, condensate, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs). As an upstream-focused company, EOGs core activities include geologic and geophysical exploration, drilling and completion of wells, reservoir development, and the marketing of hydrocarbon production. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC cut its position in shares of Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM Free Report) by 29.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 125,938 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 52,489 shares during the period. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in Newmont were worth $10,647,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Concord Wealth Partners boosted its position in shares of Newmont by 534.7% during the 2nd quarter. Concord Wealth Partners now owns 457 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 385 shares during the last quarter. Evermay Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in Newmont by 408.2% during the second quarter. Evermay Wealth Management LLC now owns 498 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 400 shares during the last quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Newmont by 1,648.3% in the 2nd quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 507 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 478 shares in the last quarter. Caldwell Trust Co bought a new stake in shares of Newmont in the 2nd quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, Country Trust Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Newmont during the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Institutional investors own 68.85% of the companys stock. Get Newmont alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes NEM has been the topic of several analyst reports. BNP Paribas Exane cut Newmont from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $97.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $120.00 target price on shares of Newmont in a report on Sunday, December 7th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Newmont in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Bank of America raised their price target on Newmont from $105.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Newmont in a research report on Monday. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $97.08. Newmont Price Performance Shares of NEM stock opened at $114.57 on Wednesday. Newmont Corporation has a 52-week low of $39.19 and a 52-week high of $115.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a quick ratio of 1.74 and a current ratio of 2.04. The firm has a market capitalization of $125.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.79, a P/E/G ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 0.41. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $95.68 and a 200 day moving average price of $81.67. Newmont (NYSE:NEM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The basic materials company reported $1.71 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.27 by $0.44. The company had revenue of $5.52 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.14 billion. Newmont had a return on equity of 20.35% and a net margin of 33.42%.Newmonts quarterly revenue was up 20.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.81 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Newmont Corporation will post 3.45 earnings per share for the current year. Newmont Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 22nd. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 26th were given a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 26th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.9%. Newmonts payout ratio is 15.53%. Insider Transactions at Newmont In other news, Director Bruce R. Brook sold 2,080 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.36, for a total value of $192,108.80. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 32,709 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,021,003.24. The trade was a 5.98% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Thomas Ronald Palmer sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $81.34, for a total transaction of $406,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 279,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,768,936.82. This trade represents a 1.75% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 9,160 shares of company stock worth $767,206 in the last three months. Insiders own 0.05% of the companys stock. Newmont Profile (Free Report) Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) is a leading global gold mining company engaged in the exploration, development, processing and reclamation of gold properties. The companys core business centers on the production of gold, with additional byproduct metals produced from its operations. Newmont operates a portfolio of longlived mines and development projects, and its activities span the full mine life cycle from early-stage exploration through to mining, milling and closure. Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, Newmont has grown through organic development and strategic acquisitions. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NEM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Newmont Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Newmont and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC decreased its position in shares of iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (BATS:USHY Free Report) by 74.0% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 260,794 shares of the companys stock after selling 742,231 shares during the period. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF were worth $9,858,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 208.8% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 25,278,570 shares of the companys stock worth $948,199,000 after purchasing an additional 17,091,459 shares during the last quarter. TIAA Trust National Association boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 112.2% in the second quarter. TIAA Trust National Association now owns 8,868,136 shares of the companys stock valued at $331,994,000 after purchasing an additional 4,689,028 shares during the period. Venturi Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 4,385.2% in the second quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,349,330 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,613,000 after purchasing an additional 1,319,246 shares during the period. BTS Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 274.6% in the second quarter. BTS Asset Management Inc. now owns 805,427 shares of the companys stock worth $30,212,000 after purchasing an additional 590,423 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH purchased a new position in iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $21,464,000. Get iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF alerts: iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Trading Up 2.2% USHY opened at $37.59 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $23.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.79 and a beta of 0.41. iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF has a 12-month low of $34.90 and a 12-month high of $37.72. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $37.41 and its 200-day simple moving average is $37.46. iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Profile The iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (USHY) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the ICE BofA US High Yield Constrained index. The fund tracks a market value-weighted index of USD-denominated high yield corporate debt with broad maturities. USHY was launched on Oct 25, 2017 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding USHY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (BATS:USHY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Maxus Realty Trust Inc. (OTCMKTS:MRTI Get Free Report) saw a large drop in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 1 shares, a drop of 98.4% from the December 15th total of 63 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,602 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,602 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days. Maxus Realty Trust Price Performance Shares of MRTI traded down $6.89 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $77.11. The stock had a trading volume of 37 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,192. The firm has a market capitalization of $91.76 million, a PE ratio of 63.73 and a beta of 0.08. Maxus Realty Trust has a 12 month low of $54.00 and a 12 month high of $100.00. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $70.75 and a 200 day moving average price of $62.26. Get Maxus Realty Trust alerts: Maxus Realty Trust (OTCMKTS:MRTI Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The company reported $0.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $17.60 million during the quarter. About Maxus Realty Trust Maxus Realty Trust, Inc (the Trust), is structured as what is commonly referred to as an umbrella partnership REIT, or UPREIT, structure. To effect the UPREIT restructuring, the Trust formed Maxus Operating Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (MOLP), to which the Trust contributed all of its assets, in exchange for a 99.999% partnership interest in MOLP and the assumption by MOLP of all of the Trusts liabilities. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Maxus Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Maxus Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:BULZ Get Free Report) traded down 5.1% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $272.05 and last traded at $271.1780. 48,812 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 80% from the average session volume of 239,946 shares. The stock had previously closed at $285.76. MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN Stock Down 7.6% The businesss fifty day moving average is $264.26 and its 200-day moving average is $238.66. The company has a market cap of $2.24 billion, a PE ratio of 37.09 and a beta of 4.45. MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN Company Profile (Get Free Report) The MicroSectors Solactive FANG & Innovation 3X Leveraged ETN (BULZ) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Solactive FANG Innovation index. The fund tracks 3x the daily price movements of an equal-weighted index of US-listed technology companies. BULZ was launched on Aug 20, 2021 and is issued by REX Microsectors. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nordea Investment Management AB increased its stake in shares of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM Free Report) by 8.2% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 883,031 shares of the specialty retailers stock after acquiring an additional 66,855 shares during the period. Nordea Investment Management ABs holdings in Williams-Sonoma were worth $170,787,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. True Wealth Design LLC increased its holdings in Williams-Sonoma by 111.8% during the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 144 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 76 shares in the last quarter. Maseco LLP acquired a new position in shares of Williams-Sonoma during the second quarter worth about $26,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 130.8% during the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 180 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 102 shares during the period. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 1,236.8% during the third quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 254 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $50,000 after buying an additional 235 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Richardson Financial Services Inc. bought a new position in shares of Williams-Sonoma during the second quarter worth about $48,000. 99.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Williams-Sonoma alerts: Insider Transactions at Williams-Sonoma In related news, CEO Laura Alber sold 12,161 shares of Williams-Sonoma stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $181.07, for a total transaction of $2,201,992.27. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 846,927 shares in the company, valued at approximately $153,353,071.89. This trade represents a 1.42% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Williams-Sonoma Trading Up 0.9% NYSE WSM opened at $208.02 on Wednesday. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has a 12 month low of $130.07 and a 12 month high of $219.98. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $186.50 and a 200-day moving average of $189.28. The company has a market cap of $24.83 billion, a PE ratio of 22.88, a PEG ratio of 3.23 and a beta of 1.58. Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:WSM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The specialty retailer reported $1.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.87 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $1.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.86 billion. Williams-Sonoma had a net margin of 14.30% and a return on equity of 53.10%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.96 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will post 8.36 EPS for the current fiscal year. Williams-Sonoma Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 20th. Investors of record on Friday, January 16th will be paid a $0.66 dividend. This represents a $2.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 16th. Williams-Sonomas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.04%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $206.00 price target on Williams-Sonoma and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 21st. Telsey Advisory Group cut their price objective on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $225.00 to $220.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Citigroup reduced their target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $202.00 to $188.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Williams-Sonoma in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, TD Cowen lowered their price target on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $225.00 to $210.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $198.71. View Our Latest Analysis on WSM Williams-Sonoma Profile (Free Report) WilliamsSonoma, Inc is a specialty retailer focused on the home and culinary markets, best known for premium cookware, kitchen tools and home furnishings. The company traces its roots to a single cookware store founded by Chuck Williams in 1956 in Sonoma, California, and has evolved into a multibrand home furnishings and housewares business. Its merchandise mix spans cookware and kitchen electrics, tabletop and food prep items, furniture, bedding, lighting and decorative accessories designed for both everyday use and higherend interiors. The company operates a portfolio of consumer brands that target distinct segments of the home market. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Williams-Sonoma Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Williams-Sonoma and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Norsk Hydro ASA (OTCMKTS:NHYDY Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $8.42 and last traded at $8.34, with a volume of 13886 shares. The stock had previously closed at $8.24. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth NHYDY has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Pareto Securities downgraded shares of Norsk Hydro ASA from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. BNP Paribas Exane raised Norsk Hydro ASA from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Norsk Hydro ASA in a report on Friday, September 26th. Danske upgraded Norsk Hydro ASA to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Barclays lowered shares of Norsk Hydro ASA from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Norsk Hydro ASA presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Norsk Hydro ASA alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on NHYDY Norsk Hydro ASA Stock Up 1.6% The firms fifty day moving average price is $7.49 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $6.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 1.91 and a quick ratio of 1.25. The stock has a market cap of $16.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.24 and a beta of 1.15. Norsk Hydro ASA (OTCMKTS:NHYDY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.08 by $0.02. Norsk Hydro ASA had a return on equity of 10.20% and a net margin of 4.96%.The firm had revenue of $5.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $47.19 billion. Sell-side analysts forecast that Norsk Hydro ASA will post 0.72 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Norsk Hydro ASA (Get Free Report) Norsk Hydro ASA is a Norwegian industrial company with a primary focus on aluminum production and renewable energy. Established in 1905, the company has grown from its roots in fertilizer manufacturing to become one of the worlds largest integrated aluminum producers. Its operations span the full value chain, including bauxite mining, alumina refining, primary aluminum production, and downstream processing of rolled and extruded products. In addition to its aluminum business, Hydro maintains a significant portfolio of hydropower assets to support its energy-intensive processes. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Norsk Hydro ASA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Norsk Hydro ASA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $65.94 and last traded at $64.9640, with a volume of 1182673 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $61.33. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth NTR has been the topic of several analyst reports. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Nutrien from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their target price for the stock from $70.00 to $77.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Mizuho upped their price target on Nutrien from $61.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Zacks Research downgraded Nutrien from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 16th. Bank of America restated a neutral rating and issued a $67.00 target price on shares of Nutrien in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Nutrien in a report on Monday, December 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $64.94. Get Nutrien alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on NTR Nutrien Price Performance The company has a fifty day moving average price of $59.85 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $58.75. The company has a current ratio of 1.41, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The company has a market cap of $31.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.70 and a beta of 0.72. Nutrien (NYSE:NTR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.97 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $0.06. Nutrien had a return on equity of 7.54% and a net margin of 6.79%.The business had revenue of $5.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.59 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.39 EPS. Nutriens quarterly revenue was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Nutrien Ltd. will post 3.72 EPS for the current fiscal year. Nutrien Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a dividend of $0.545 per share. This represents a $2.18 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. Nutriens dividend payout ratio is presently 58.76%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nutrien Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in Nutrien in the 3rd quarter valued at $37,000. Huntington National Bank boosted its holdings in Nutrien by 72.6% in the second quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 656 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 276 shares during the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. increased its position in Nutrien by 42.4% in the second quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 735 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 219 shares during the period. Fulcrum Asset Management LLP acquired a new stake in Nutrien in the third quarter worth about $46,000. Finally, Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH bought a new stake in Nutrien during the 2nd quarter worth about $49,000. Institutional investors own 63.10% of the companys stock. About Nutrien (Get Free Report) Nutrien Ltd. is a global fertilizer and agricultural-services company headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The company is publicly traded and operates across the farm input value chain, combining upstream fertilizer production with a broad retail and services platform aimed at supporting crop production worldwide. Nutriens business model integrates the manufacture and distribution of crop nutrients with on-the-ground agronomic support for growers and agricultural businesses. Nutrien produces and supplies the three primary fertilizer nutrientspotash, nitrogen and phosphatethrough its wholesale operations, and markets a wide range of crop inputs including seeds and crop protection products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Nutrien Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nutrien and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ORG Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report) by 131.1% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 5,046 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,863 shares during the quarter. ORG Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $936,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in Johnson & Johnson in the second quarter valued at about $27,000. Clayton Financial Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Johnson & Johnson during the 3rd quarter valued at about $28,000. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. grew its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 55.0% in the 2nd quarter. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 203 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 72 shares during the period. GFG Capital LLC bought a new stake in Johnson & Johnson during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $35,000. Finally, Signature Resources Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 262.9% during the 3rd quarter. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC now owns 254 shares of the companys stock worth $47,000 after buying an additional 184 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.55% of the companys stock. Get Johnson & Johnson alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. UBS Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Guggenheim upped their target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $206.00 to $227.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Loop Capital set a $190.00 price objective on Johnson & Johnson in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Johnson & Johnson currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $213.33. Johnson & Johnson Trading Up 1.9% Johnson & Johnson stock opened at $213.78 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $515.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.64, a P/E/G ratio of 2.15 and a beta of 0.34. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $203.88 and a 200-day moving average of $185.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 1.07 and a quick ratio of 0.80. Johnson & Johnson has a one year low of $141.50 and a one year high of $215.18. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The company reported $2.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.76 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $23.99 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $23.73 billion. Johnson & Johnson had a return on equity of 32.73% and a net margin of 27.26%.Johnson & Johnsons revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.42 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Johnson & Johnson Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 24th will be issued a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 24th. Johnson & Johnsons dividend payout ratio is presently 50.19%. More Johnson & Johnson News Here are the key news stories impacting Johnson & Johnson this week: 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. See Also 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. By Emily Chow and Katya Golubkova SINGAPORE, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Oil slipped after four days of increases on Wednesday as Venezuela resumed exports and U.S. crude and product inventories rose, though fears of Iranian supply disruptions due to deadly civil unrest loomed over the market. Brent futures were trading down 20 cents, or 0.3%, at $65.27 a barrel at 0525 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was down 23 cents, or 0.4%, at $60.92 a barrel. "Oil prices have already priced in quite a bit of geopolitical risk premium over the last few days in the face of rising turmoil in Iran, compounded by drone attacks in the Black Sea," said Suvro Sarkar, an energy analyst at DBS Bank. "Unless we see further escalation and chances of actual disruption in oil flows, the market could consolidate at these levels and wait for the next moves in a complex world order," he said. He added that large crude and product builds in the U.S., reported by the American Petroleum Institute (API) late on Tuesday, may also be weighing on prices. Crude stocks in the U.S., the world's biggest oil consumer, rose by 5.23 million barrels in the week ended January 9, the API reported, citing market sources. Gasoline inventories rose by 8.23 million barrels, while distillate inventories rose by 4.34 million barrels from a week earlier. Stockpile data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration will be released later on Wednesday. On Tuesday, a Reuters poll showed that U.S. crude oil stockpiles were expected to have fallen last week, while gasoline and distillate inventories likely rose. Also weighing on prices, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) member Venezuela has begun reversing oil production cuts made under a U.S. embargo as crude exports were also resuming, three sources said. Two supertankers departed Venezuelan waters on Monday with about 1.8 million barrels each of crude in what may be the first shipments of a 50-million-barrel supply deal between Caracas and Washington to get exports moving again in the wake of the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Mounting protests in Iran, however, have increased fears of supply disruptions from the fourth-largest OPEC producer. U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Iranians to keep protesting and said help was on the way, without specifying what that meant. "Protests in Iran risk tightening global oil balances through near-term supply losses, but mainly through rising geopolitical risk premium," Citi analysts said in a note, raising their outlook for Brent over the next three months to $70 a barrel. Shares of Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the twelve research firms that are covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $121.8889. Several analysts have recently issued reports on ORA shares. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Ormat Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. UBS Group upped their price objective on shares of Ormat Technologies from $105.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Roth Capital reissued a buy rating on shares of Ormat Technologies in a research report on Tuesday. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $125.00 target price on shares of Ormat Technologies in a report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, TD Cowen raised Ormat Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from $115.00 to $130.00 in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Get Ormat Technologies alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Ormat Technologies Insider Activity at Ormat Technologies Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ormat Technologies In other Ormat Technologies news, Director Ravit Barniv sold 1,753 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.54, for a total value of $197,282.62. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . Also, insider Jessica Woelfel sold 721 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.00, for a total transaction of $82,915.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 3,433 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $394,795. The trade was a 17.36% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing . Insiders sold a total of 40,860 shares of company stock valued at $4,601,530 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 0.56% of the companys stock. Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Curio Wealth LLC raised its position in Ormat Technologies by 29,200.0% in the 2nd quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 293 shares of the energy companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 292 shares during the period. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC bought a new stake in Ormat Technologies during the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its holdings in Ormat Technologies by 43.8% in the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 371 shares of the energy companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 113 shares during the last quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Ormat Technologies by 1,100.0% during the third quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. now owns 360 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 330 shares during the last quarter. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Ormat Technologies by 251.0% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 523 shares of the energy companys stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 374 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.49% of the companys stock. Ormat Technologies Stock Performance Shares of ORA opened at $120.01 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 55.18, a P/E/G ratio of 4.77 and a beta of 0.71. Ormat Technologies has a 52 week low of $61.58 and a 52 week high of $124.11. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $112.37 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $100.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a current ratio of 0.77. Ormat Technologies (NYSE:ORA Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The energy company reported $0.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.37 by $0.04. Ormat Technologies had a return on equity of 5.35% and a net margin of 14.12%.The company had revenue of $249.73 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $235.03 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.36 earnings per share. Ormat Technologiess quarterly revenue was up 17.9% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Ormat Technologies will post 1.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Ormat Technologies Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 17th were paid a dividend of $0.12 per share. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.4%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. Ormat Technologiess payout ratio is presently 22.02%. About Ormat Technologies (Get Free Report) Ormat Technologies, Inc is a leading renewable energy company specializing in geothermal and recovered energy power plants. Through its vertically integrated business model, Ormat designs, develops, engineers, constructs, owns and operates clean energy projects worldwide. The companys core technology centers on the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), which converts heat from geothermal sources or industrial waste streams into sustainable electricity without combustion. Ormats offering includes turnkey power plant solutions, proprietary ORC equipment and ongoing operations and maintenance services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Ormat Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ormat Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pacific Capital Partners Ltd lessened its position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX Free Report) by 31.2% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 29,250 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after selling 13,250 shares during the period. Becton, Dickinson and Company comprises approximately 6.1% of Pacific Capital Partners Ltds portfolio, making the stock its 4th biggest holding. Pacific Capital Partners Ltds holdings in Becton, Dickinson and Company were worth $5,475,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in BDX. Brighton Jones LLC lifted its position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 98.2% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 1,770 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $401,000 after buying an additional 877 shares during the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC raised its stake in Becton, Dickinson and Company by 20.4% during the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 7,977 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $1,827,000 after acquiring an additional 1,354 shares in the last quarter. Modern Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 44.4% in the first quarter. Modern Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,321 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $303,000 after acquiring an additional 406 shares during the last quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 66,337 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $15,195,000 after purchasing an additional 906 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Apella Capital LLC boosted its stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter. Apella Capital LLC now owns 1,616 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $279,000 after purchasing an additional 76 shares in the last quarter. 86.97% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Becton Dickinson and Company alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Michael David Garrison sold 629 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $196.03, for a total value of $123,302.87. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 13,105 shares in the company, valued at $2,568,973.15. The trade was a 4.58% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Bertram L. Scott sold 217 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $176.58, for a total transaction of $38,317.86. Following the sale, the director directly owned 35,816 shares in the company, valued at $6,324,389.28. This trade represents a 0.60% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 1,052 shares of company stock valued at $201,235 in the last three months. Insiders own 0.40% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes BDX has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $210.00 to $215.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $215.00 to $220.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their target price on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $202.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Becton, Dickinson and Company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $207.64. Read Our Latest Stock Report on BDX Becton, Dickinson and Company Stock Performance Shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company stock opened at $201.38 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $57.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.54, a P/E/G ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 0.23. Becton, Dickinson and Company has a twelve month low of $162.29 and a twelve month high of $251.99. The companys fifty day moving average is $194.06 and its 200 day moving average is $188.80. The company has a quick ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The medical instruments supplier reported $3.96 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.92 by $0.04. Becton, Dickinson and Company had a return on equity of 16.42% and a net margin of 7.68%.The firm had revenue of $5.89 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.91 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $3.81 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 8.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Becton, Dickinson and Company has set its FY 2026 guidance at 14.750-15.050 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Becton, Dickinson and Company will post 14.43 EPS for the current year. Becton, Dickinson and Company Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Monday, December 8th were issued a $1.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 8th. This is a boost from Becton, Dickinson and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.04. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.1%. Becton, Dickinson and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 72.04%. Becton, Dickinson and Company Profile (Free Report) Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) is a global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells a broad range of medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. BDs products are used by healthcare institutions, clinical laboratories, life science researchers and the pharmaceutical industry to enable safe, effective delivery of care, specimen collection and diagnostic testing. The companys operations span multiple business areas focused on medical devices, life sciences research tools and interventional technologies. BDs product portfolio includes single-use medical devices such as syringes, needles, needlesafety and injection systems, infusion therapy and medication management solutions, as well as vascular access, urology and oncology devices acquired through its interventional business. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BDX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Becton Dickinson and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Becton Dickinson and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PACS Group, Inc. (NYSE:PACS Get Free Report) fell 5.9% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $38.10 and last traded at $39.6440. 1,600,125 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 27% from the average session volume of 1,262,048 shares. The stock had previously closed at $42.13. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts recently weighed in on PACS shares. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $42.00 target price (down previously from $50.00) on shares of PACS Group in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of PACS Group in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $47.00 price target on shares of PACS Group in a report on Friday, December 19th. Wall Street Zen downgraded PACS Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, November 30th. Finally, Truist Financial set a $40.00 price target on PACS Group in a report on Friday, December 12th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold 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 Hold and an average price target of $43.25. Get PACS Group alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on PACS PACS Group Stock Down 6.1% The firm has a market capitalization of $6.20 billion, a PE ratio of 37.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.35 and a beta of -0.68. The company has a quick ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $30.37 and a 200-day moving average price of $18.50. PACS Group (NYSE:PACS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.46 by ($0.36). PACS Group had a return on equity of 21.39% and a net margin of 3.29%.The firm had revenue of $1.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.11 billion. Equities research analysts forecast that PACS Group, Inc. will post 1.01 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at PACS Group In other PACS Group news, insider John Todd Mitchell sold 159,556 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $29.89, for a total value of $4,769,128.84. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 755,836 shares in the company, valued at $22,591,938.04. This represents a 17.43% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Evelyn S. Dilsaver bought 16,724 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $29.90 per share, for a total transaction of $500,047.60. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 22,739 shares in the company, valued at approximately $679,896.10. This trade represents a 278.04% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. Corporate insiders own 70.40% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Alyeska Investment Group L.P. purchased a new stake in PACS Group in the third quarter valued at approximately $11,904,000. Royce & Associates LP grew its stake in PACS Group by 76.6% during the third quarter. Royce & Associates LP now owns 1,859,070 shares of the companys stock worth $25,525,000 after buying an additional 806,446 shares during the period. Marshall Wace LLP raised its position in PACS Group by 348.6% in the third quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 1,010,906 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,880,000 after purchasing an additional 785,537 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its position in PACS Group by 120.4% during the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,129,612 shares of the companys stock worth $14,595,000 after acquiring an additional 617,124 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Balyasny Asset Management L.P. boosted its stake in shares of PACS Group by 67.3% in the third quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 1,356,240 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,621,000 after purchasing an additional 545,348 shares during the period. PACS Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) PACS Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities in the United States. The company also provides senior care and independent facilities. It engages in the acquisition, ownership, and leasing of health care-related properties. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Farmington, Utah. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for PACS Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PACS Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pinion Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 25.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 34,354 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 6,933 shares during the quarter. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF accounts for 6.4% of Pinion Investment Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 2nd biggest holding. Pinion Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $23,379,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Nvwm LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 210.5% in the second quarter. Nvwm LLC now owns 59 shares of the companys stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Hager Investment Management Services LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $61,000. Rice Partnership LLC increased its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 460.0% during the second quarter. Rice Partnership LLC now owns 112 shares of the companys stock valued at $70,000 after buying an additional 92 shares during the last quarter. Creative Capital Management Investments LLC bought a new position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the second quarter worth approximately $80,000. Finally, Missouri Trust & Investment Co boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 33.0% during the 2nd quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co now owns 133 shares of the companys stock worth $83,000 after acquiring an additional 33 shares during the last quarter. 70.12% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: Key Headlines Impacting iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Here are the key news stories impacting iShares Core S&P 500 ETF this week: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Price Performance iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Profile Shares of IVV stock opened at $696.87 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $764.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.10 and a beta of 1.00. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 1 year low of $484.00 and a 1 year high of $699.17. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $683.76 and a 200-day moving average price of $663.29. (Free Report) 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. Featured Articles 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. Q3 Asset Management purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (BATS:USHY Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm purchased 63,055 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,382,000. iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF makes up approximately 0.8% of Q3 Asset Managements investment portfolio, making the stock its 21st biggest holding. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of USHY. TD Private Client Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF in the third quarter valued at $60,000. Kingswood Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 15.2% in the 3rd quarter. Kingswood Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 10,216 shares of the companys stock worth $386,000 after buying an additional 1,350 shares in the last quarter. CoreCap Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 12.9% in the 3rd quarter. CoreCap Advisors LLC now owns 267,326 shares of the companys stock worth $10,100,000 after buying an additional 30,632 shares during the last quarter. Ninety One North America Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $475,000. Finally, Ninety One UK Ltd raised its position in shares of iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 207.8% during the 3rd quarter. Ninety One UK Ltd now owns 464,171 shares of the companys stock valued at $17,536,000 after buying an additional 313,360 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF alerts: iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Trading Up 2.2% USHY opened at $37.59 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $37.41 and a 200 day moving average of $37.46. iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF has a 12 month low of $34.90 and a 12 month high of $37.72. The firm has a market cap of $23.65 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.79 and a beta of 0.41. iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Profile The iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (USHY) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the ICE BofA US High Yield Constrained index. The fund tracks a market value-weighted index of USD-denominated high yield corporate debt with broad maturities. USHY was launched on Oct 25, 2017 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding USHY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (BATS:USHY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Sandvik AB (OTCMKTS:SDVKY Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $34.7575 and last traded at $34.5430, with a volume of 4071 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $33.85. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have issued reports on SDVKY shares. Rothschild Redb upgraded Sandvik from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Sandvik in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Sandvik in a research report on Monday. Barclays reissued an overweight rating on shares of Sandvik in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, Pareto Securities cut shares of Sandvik from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, October 5th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Sandvik currently has an average rating of Buy. Get Sandvik alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Sandvik Sandvik Stock Up 0.9% The company has a current ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. The firm has a market cap of $43.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.87, a PEG ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 1.50. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $31.47 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $28.20. Sandvik (OTCMKTS:SDVKY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, October 20th. The industrial products company reported $0.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.32 by ($0.02). Sandvik had a return on equity of 16.30% and a net margin of 12.24%.The business had revenue of $3.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $29.69 billion. On average, equities analysts forecast that Sandvik AB will post 1.27 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Sandvik Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in SDVKY. Salomon & Ludwin LLC grew its holdings in shares of Sandvik by 3,795.5% during the 3rd quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 857 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 835 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in Sandvik by 24.8% during the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 7,406 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $208,000 after purchasing an additional 1,473 shares during the period. Yousif Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Sandvik by 15.9% during the second quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 22,037 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $502,000 after buying an additional 3,030 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers increased its holdings in Sandvik by 13.9% in the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 37,269 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $788,000 after buying an additional 4,562 shares during the period. 0.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Sandvik Company Profile (Get Free Report) Sandvik (OTCMKTS: SDVKY) is a global engineering group headquartered in Sandviken, Sweden, with roots dating back to 1862 when it was founded by Goran Fredrik Goransson. The company designs, manufactures and services advanced products and solutions for the mining and construction industries, metalworking and material technology markets. Sandvik serves customers worldwide with a broad portfolio of industrial products, equipment and aftermarket services. Sandviks core activities span three broad areas: metal-cutting and machining solutions, mining and rock excavation equipment, and specialty materials and components. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Sandvik Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sandvik and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shiseido Co. (OTCMKTS:SSDOY Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $15.62, but opened at $16.50. Shiseido shares last traded at $16.52, with a volume of 9,721 shares changing hands. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on SSDOY shares. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Shiseido from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. UBS Group upgraded shares of Shiseido to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, September 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Shiseido alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on SSDOY Shiseido Price Performance The companys 50-day moving average price is $15.16 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $16.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 1.35 and a quick ratio of 0.89. The company has a market capitalization of $6.61 billion, a P/E ratio of -17.61 and a beta of 0.36. Shiseido (OTCMKTS:SSDOY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The company reported ($0.12) EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $1.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.52 billion. Shiseido had a negative net margin of 5.80% and a negative return on equity of 1.36%. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Shiseido Co. will post 0.29 EPS for the current year. Shiseido Company Profile (Get Free Report) Shiseido Company, Limited is a leading Japanese multinational specializing in cosmetics, skincare, makeup and fragrance products. Founded in 1872 and headquartered in Tokyo, the company operates through a portfolio of brands that span premium, prestige and mass-market segments. Its core business activities include the development, manufacturing and sale of skincare treatments, decorative cosmetics, hair care and sun protection products. Shiseidos brand portfolio encompasses flagship lines such as Shiseido, Cle de Peau Beaute, NARS and bareMinerals, alongside regional and heritage labels tailored to diverse consumer preferences. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Shiseido Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shiseido and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF (NYSEARCA:NANR Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 34,411 shares, a growth of 157.4% from the December 15th total of 13,371 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 19,444 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.8 days. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 19,444 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.8 days. SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF Stock Performance Shares of NANR stock opened at $73.37 on Wednesday. SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF has a fifty-two week low of $46.37 and a fifty-two week high of $73.75. The stocks fifty day moving average is $67.15 and its two-hundred day moving average is $63.31. The firm has a market capitalization of $823.95 million, a P/E ratio of 18.42 and a beta of 0.75. Get SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Fiduciary Alliance LLC grew its stake in SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF by 6.5% during the 3rd quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC now owns 50,294 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,249,000 after acquiring an additional 3,081 shares in the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its position in shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF by 12.8% in the third quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 8,016 shares of the companys stock valued at $521,000 after purchasing an additional 912 shares in the last quarter. Horizon Investments LLC increased its holdings in shares of SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF by 46.3% in the third quarter. Horizon Investments LLC now owns 7,152 shares of the companys stock valued at $462,000 after purchasing an additional 2,265 shares during the last quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp purchased a new position in SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $195,000. Finally, Triumph Capital Management acquired a new position in SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF during the third quarter worth $204,000. SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF Company Profile The SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF (NANR) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in stocks based on a particular theme. The fund tracks an index of US & Canadian firms involved in natural resources and commodities businesses. NANR was launched on Dec 15, 2015 and is managed by State Street. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR S&P North American Natural Resources ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stora Enso Oyj (OTCMKTS:SEOAY Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $12.80 and last traded at $12.75, with a volume of 2727 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $12.5650. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, BNP Paribas raised Stora Enso Oyj from a strong sell rating to a hold rating and set a $10.80 price target for the company in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $10.80. Get Stora Enso Oyj alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on SEOAY Stora Enso Oyj Stock Up 1.2% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 1.23. The stock has a market cap of $10.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,272.62 and a beta of 0.71. The companys fifty day moving average price is $12.04 and its 200-day moving average price is $11.42. Stora Enso Oyj (OTCMKTS:SEOAY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The basic materials company reported $0.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.08 by $0.22. Stora Enso Oyj had a net margin of 0.14% and a negative return on equity of 2.55%. The company had revenue of $2.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.34 billion. Equities analysts forecast that Stora Enso Oyj will post 0.67 EPS for the current year. Stora Enso Oyj Company Profile (Get Free Report) Stora Enso Oyj is a Finlandbased provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials, wooden construction and paper. The company draws on centuries of forest industry experience and leverages sustainable practices to produce a wide array of products, including paperboard for consumer goods, specialty papers for printing and publishing, and pulp for industrial applications. Its portfolio also encompasses wood products such as cross-laminated timber, sawn timber and building components, designed to meet growing demand for environmentally friendly construction materials. Formed through the 1998 merger of Swedish mining and forestry giant Stora and Finnish paper maker Enso, Stora Enso combines deep heritage with ongoing investments in innovation. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Stora Enso Oyj Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stora Enso Oyj and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swedbank (OTCMKTS:SWDBY Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities researchers at Zacks Research from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note issued on Monday,Zacks.com reports. SWDBY has been the subject of several other research reports. Barclays reiterated an underweight rating on shares of Swedbank in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Swedbank in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an underweight rating on shares of Swedbank in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Swedbank from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Reduce. Get Swedbank alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on SWDBY Swedbank Trading Up 0.7% OTCMKTS:SWDBY opened at SEK 36.05 on Monday. Swedbank has a 12 month low of SEK 19.16 and a 12 month high of SEK 36.11. The company has a current ratio of 1.50, a quick ratio of 1.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.83. The firms 50 day moving average is SEK 32.97 and its 200 day moving average is SEK 30.14. The stock has a market capitalization of $40.57 billion, a PE ratio of 12.47 and a beta of 0.66. Swedbank (OTCMKTS:SWDBY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The financial services provider reported SEK 0.79 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of SEK 0.64 by SEK 0.15. Swedbank had a return on equity of 15.55% and a net margin of 26.30%.The business had revenue of SEK 1.80 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of SEK 1.73 billion. Sell-side analysts expect that Swedbank will post 2.34 earnings per share for the current year. Swedbank Company Profile (Get Free Report) Swedbank AB is a major Swedish banking group headquartered in Stockholm that provides a broad range of financial services to retail, corporate and institutional clients. The banks operations focus on traditional banking functions such as deposit-taking, lending and payment services, as well as wealth management and insurance solutions. Swedbanks franchise is centered on serving households, small and medium-sized enterprises and larger corporate customers, with an emphasis on everyday banking and long-term client relationships. Products and services offered by Swedbank include savings and current accounts, mortgages and consumer lending, business loans and transaction banking, payment and card services, and digital banking platforms. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Swedbank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Swedbank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Global investment company Orion Resource Partners and SNB Capital, a subsidiary of Saudi National Bank, have entered into a partnership to support the development of Saudi Arabia's mining and metals industry. The financial specifics of the partnership have not been disclosed. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabias Vision 2030, a framework aimed at enhancing national support for the mining sector, which is crucial for meeting growing demand for critical commodities. According to Orion Resource Partners, the partnership represents a significant step within Saudi Arabia's mining sector, combining the latter company's global expertise in metals and mining with SNB Capitals strong local market presence. SNB Capital chief of staff Abdulrahman Almashal said: This partnership represents the continuation of SNB Capital's efforts to support the kingdom's Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia is poised to emerge as a major global participant in the critical minerals sector, with significant untapped resources, strong industrial ambition and a strategically advantageous geographic position. As a trusted strategic partner and adviser, we believe developing world-class mining and midstream capabilities has the potential to create long-term value for the kingdom's markets. We are excited to partner with Orion to achieve these aims. The collaboration will focus on identifying and supporting projects within Saudi Arabia that are poised to advance into near-term production, particularly those contributing to the establishment of secure and diversified critical mineral supply chains. Orion Resource Partners managing partner Tim Keating said: This represents a compelling opportunity at an important moment for the kingdom's mining industry. Demand for critical minerals is accelerating globally, and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 provides a strong strategic framework to support the development of domestic mining and processing capabilities. We are delighted to work alongside SNB Capital to deploy capital thoughtfully and responsibly into high-quality mining and midstream assets, contribute FDI [foreign direct investment] to the kingdom, and support its long-term economic diversification and industrial ambitions. In a related development, in October last year Orion Resource Partners launched the $1.8bn Orion Critical Mineral Consortium to enhance US economic competitiveness and national security. The consortium was established in collaboration with the US International Development Finance Corporation and Abu Dhabi-based investment firm ADQ. Sun Life Financial (TSE:SLF Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) had its price objective hoisted by equities researchers at TD Securities from C$99.00 to C$104.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday,BayStreet.CA reports. TD Securities target price would suggest a potential upside of 20.69% from the companys previous close. A number of other analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on shares of Sun Life Financial from C$96.00 to C$98.00 in a research note on Monday, November 10th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their target price on shares of Sun Life Financial from C$99.00 to C$95.00 in a research report on Monday, November 10th. CIBC increased their price target on shares of Sun Life Financial from C$93.00 to C$95.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered Sun Life Financial from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Desjardins set a C$94.00 target price on Sun Life Financial and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Sun Life Financial presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$92.11. Get Sun Life Financial alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on SLF Sun Life Financial Stock Up 1.1% Shares of TSE SLF traded up C$0.93 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching C$86.17. 442,347 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,124,145. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 26.00, a quick ratio of 84,866.00 and a current ratio of 92.19. Sun Life Financial has a 52-week low of C$74.56 and a 52-week high of C$91.11. The businesss fifty day moving average price is C$83.88 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$83.80. The stock has a market capitalization of C$47.72 billion, a PE ratio of 16.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.77. Sun Life Financial (TSE:SLF Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The financial services provider reported C$1.86 earnings per share for the quarter. Sun Life Financial had a return on equity of 15.69% and a net margin of 7.58%.The firm had revenue of C$9.07 billion during the quarter. Analysts forecast that Sun Life Financial will post 6.9230769 EPS for the current year. Sun Life Financial Company Profile (Get Free Report) Sun Life Financial is one of Canadas Big Three life insurance companies along with Great-West Lifeco and Manulife. Sun Life provides insurance, retirement, and wealth-management services to individual and corporate customers in Canada, the United States, and Asia. It also owns MFS Investment Management, a Boston-based asset-management firm. Sun Life generates about a third of its profit from asset-management operations. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Sun Life Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sun Life Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teijin Ltd. (OTCMKTS:TINLY Get Free Report) gapped up before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $8.53, but opened at $8.93. Teijin shares last traded at $9.01, with a volume of 612 shares. Teijin Trading Up 3.3% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.70. The business has a fifty day moving average of $8.52 and a 200-day moving average of $8.52. The company has a market capitalization of $1.70 billion, a P/E ratio of -4.98 and a beta of 0.05. Get Teijin alerts: About Teijin (Get Free Report) Teijin Limited is a diversified Japanese conglomerate headquartered in Tokyo, with roots dating back to 1918 when it launched Japans first rayon manufacturing facility. Over the past century, the company has evolved into an integrated chemical, pharmaceutical and information technology group serving a wide range of global markets. Teijin operates through multiple business segments that include advanced fibers & composites, performance films, healthcare and IT solutions. In its fibers & composites division, Teijin produces high-strength aramid fibers under brands such as Twaron and Technora, along with carbon fiber composite materials used in aerospace, automotive and industrial applications. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Teijin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teijin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras (NYSE:PBR Get Free Report) had its price target boosted by equities research analysts at UBS Group from $14.40 to $14.60 in a report released on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the oil and gas exploration companys stock. UBS Groups target price points to a potential upside of 14.11% from the companys previous close. A number of other research analysts have also recently issued reports on PBR. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, September 18th. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, January 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $14.97. Get Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on PBR Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras Stock Performance NYSE PBR traded up $0.50 on Wednesday, hitting $12.80. 28,509,217 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 19,705,389. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras has a 52 week low of $11.03 and a 52 week high of $14.98. The company has a market capitalization of $82.46 billion, a PE ratio of 5.93, a P/E/G ratio of 0.25 and a beta of 0.51. The businesss fifty day moving average is $12.29 and its 200 day moving average is $12.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 0.82 and a quick ratio of 0.57. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras (NYSE:PBR Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.82 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.79 by $0.03. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras had a net margin of 16.15% and a return on equity of 23.32%. Research analysts anticipate that Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras will post 2.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Capital International Investors boosted its stake in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras by 14.7% during the third quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 20,211,745 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $255,881,000 after buying an additional 2,592,536 shares in the last quarter. ARGA Investment Management LP grew its position in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras by 70.4% in the 3rd quarter. ARGA Investment Management LP now owns 18,808,705 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $238,118,000 after purchasing an additional 7,772,595 shares during the period. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC bought a new stake in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $148,086,000. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD acquired a new stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $140,433,000. Finally, Earnest Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras by 52.0% during the 3rd quarter. Earnest Partners LLC now owns 4,872,441 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $61,685,000 after acquiring an additional 1,665,873 shares during the last quarter. About Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras (Get Free Report) Petroleo Brasileiro SA Petrobras is a Brazilian, state-controlled integrated oil and gas company headquartered in Rio de Janeiro. Founded in 1953, Petrobras is principally engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas, and operates across the full value chain from upstream activities through refining, transportation and downstream marketing of petroleum products. The company is a major player in Brazils energy sector and is a listed public company with global capital market presence. Petrobrass core activities include deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration and production, where it has been a pioneer in developing pre-salt reserves off Brazils coast. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wajax Co. (TSE:WJX Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as C$28.92 and last traded at C$28.88, with a volume of 5292 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$28.64. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have weighed in on WJX shares. Scotiabank upped their price objective on shares of Wajax from C$26.00 to C$27.00 in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on Wajax from C$26.00 to C$27.00 in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, National Bankshares boosted their target price on shares of Wajax from C$25.00 to C$27.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$26.50. Get Wajax alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Wajax Wajax Trading Up 0.4% The company has a market cap of C$623.02 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.71, a PEG ratio of 0.50 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 2.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 116.61. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is C$27.53 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$24.97. Wajax (TSE:WJX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported C$0.75 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$483.15 million during the quarter. Wajax had a return on equity of 10.40% and a net margin of 2.55%. On average, equities analysts predict that Wajax Co. will post 3.4850136 EPS for the current year. About Wajax (Get Free Report) Wajax Corp is a Canadian distributor of industrial components. The companys core business is the sale of parts and service support of equipment, power systems, and industrial components through a network of branches in Canada. Most of its revenue is generated from the sale of equipment which includes machinery and components used for construction purposes and its industrial components find utility in businesses like mining, forestry, and material handling for other industrial purposes. It sells to leading manufacturer brands such as Hitachi, JCB, Bell, Hyster, Palfinger and other similar industries. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Wajax Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wajax and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WESPAC Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Free Report) by 45.0% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 13,285 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 4,122 shares during the quarter. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF makes up 1.5% of WESPAC Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 10th biggest holding. WESPAC Advisors LLCs holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF were worth $2,520,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Investment Counsel Co. of Nevada bought a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. Tompkins Financial Corp bought a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the third quarter worth about $32,000. GoalVest Advisory LLC purchased a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Howe & Rusling Inc. grew its stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 51.9% during the second quarter. Howe & Rusling Inc. now owns 287 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,000 after buying an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Hanson & Doremus Investment Management raised its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 30.5% in the second quarter. Hanson & Doremus Investment Management now owns 308 shares of the companys stock worth $56,000 after buying an additional 72 shares during the period. 61.18% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Price Performance Shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF stock opened at $197.78 on Wednesday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $191.26 and its two-hundred day moving average is $188.56. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF has a 52 week low of $150.35 and a 52 week high of $198.40. The company has a market capitalization of $78.78 billion, a PE ratio of 20.10 and a beta of 0.99. About Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF 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. Featured Articles 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. Wiluna Mining Co. Limited (ASX:WMX Get Free Report) announced a interim dividend on Wednesday, January 14th, MarketIndexAU Dividends reports. Investors of record on Thursday, March 26th will be given a dividend of 0.006 per share on Thursday, March 26th. This represents a yield of 34.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Sunday, March 15th. This is a 20.0% increase from Wiluna Minings previous interim dividend of $0.005. Wiluna Mining Price Performance The company has a quick ratio of 0.32, a current ratio of 1.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.83. Get Wiluna Mining alerts: About Wiluna Mining (Get Free Report) Featured Stories Blackham Resources Limited explores for and develops gold properties in Australia. It holds 100% interests in the Matilda-Wiluna gold operation located in Australia. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is based in West Perth, Australia. Receive News & Ratings for Wiluna Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wiluna Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Heico Corporation (NYSE:HEI Free Report) Analysts at Zacks Research lowered their Q1 2026 earnings estimates for shares of Heico in a report released on Thursday, January 8th. Zacks Research analyst Team now forecasts that the aerospace company will post earnings per share of $1.25 for the quarter, down from their prior forecast of $1.27. The consensus estimate for Heicos current full-year earnings is $4.20 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Heicos Q1 2027 earnings at $1.39 EPS and Q4 2027 earnings at $1.62 EPS. Get Heico alerts: Heico (NYSE:HEI Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 18th. The aerospace company reported $1.33 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.22 by $0.11. Heico had a return on equity of 16.80% and a net margin of 15.39%.The firm had revenue of $1.21 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.17 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.99 EPS. Heicos revenue for the quarter was up 19.3% on a year-over-year basis. Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. BNP Paribas Exane initiated coverage on shares of Heico in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. They issued a neutral rating and a $330.00 target price on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered Heico from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, December 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating and set a $375.00 price objective (up previously from $355.00) on shares of Heico in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Truist Financial lifted their target price on Heico from $366.00 to $391.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 23rd. Finally, BNP Paribas set a $330.00 price target on Heico in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $360.50. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Heico Heico Trading Down 1.3% NYSE HEI opened at $352.20 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $49.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 71.73, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.93 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 2.83 and a quick ratio of 1.28. Heico has a 12 month low of $216.68 and a 12 month high of $361.69. The companys fifty day moving average price is $322.55 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $319.19. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Heico A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in HEI. Westside Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in Heico by 100.0% in the 3rd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 86 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 43 shares in the last quarter. Greykasell Wealth Strategies Inc. bought a new position in shares of Heico in the third quarter worth $29,000. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Heico during the third quarter valued at $31,000. Ridgewood Investments LLC raised its stake in shares of Heico by 36.5% during the second quarter. Ridgewood Investments LLC now owns 131 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $43,000 after purchasing an additional 35 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Andra AP fonden bought a new stake in shares of Heico during the second quarter valued at about $66,000. Institutional investors own 27.12% of the companys stock. Insider Buying and Selling at Heico In other news, Director Mark H. Hildebrandt bought 400 shares of Heico stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 21st. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $248.76 per share, with a total value of $99,504.00. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 1,181 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $293,785.56. This trade represents a 51.22% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 9.55% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Heico Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 20th. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 5th will be given a dividend of $0.12 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 5th. This represents a dividend yield of 7.0%. Heicos dividend payout ratio is currently 4.89%. Heico Company Profile (Get Free Report) HEICO Corporation is an aerospace, defense and electronics company that designs, manufactures, and sells a range of products and provides repair and aftermarket services. Headquartered in Hollywood, Florida, HEICO supplies replacement components, repair services and engineered systems for commercial and business aviation, military and space markets as well as for selected industrial and medical customers. The companys offerings are focused on sustaining and improving the reliability and availability of complex equipment across its end markets. HEICO operates through two principal business areas. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Heico Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Heico and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC cut its position in Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS Free Report) by 4.2% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 385,723 shares of the companys stock after selling 17,084 shares during the period. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in Zoetis were worth $56,439,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of ZTS. Savvy Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Zoetis by 54.0% in the second quarter. Savvy Advisors Inc. now owns 3,177 shares of the companys stock worth $495,000 after acquiring an additional 1,114 shares in the last quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC grew its position in Zoetis by 54.3% in the second quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 432 shares of the companys stock valued at $67,000 after purchasing an additional 152 shares in the last quarter. Canoe Financial LP increased its position in shares of Zoetis by 859.0% in the second quarter. Canoe Financial LP now owns 13,369 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,085,000 after acquiring an additional 11,975 shares during the last quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Zoetis by 67.0% during the 2nd quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC now owns 4,886 shares of the companys stock worth $750,000 after purchasing an additional 1,961 shares in the last quarter. Finally, QRG Capital Management Inc. lifted its stake in Zoetis by 4.9% in the second quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 77,741 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,124,000 after acquiring an additional 3,616 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.80% of the companys stock. Get Zoetis alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have recently issued reports on ZTS shares. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Zoetis in a research note on Monday, December 29th. BTIG Research reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $160.00 price target on shares of Zoetis in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. UBS Group lowered their target price on Zoetis from $158.00 to $141.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Bank of America cut Zoetis from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $135.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Finally, HSBC set a $140.00 price target on shares of Zoetis in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $160.18. Zoetis Trading Down 0.6% Shares of ZTS stock opened at $124.60 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $54.91 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.98, a PEG ratio of 2.55 and a beta of 0.97. The company has a quick ratio of 2.28, a current ratio of 3.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31. The company has a 50 day moving average of $122.90 and a 200-day moving average of $140.04. Zoetis Inc. has a 12-month low of $115.25 and a 12-month high of $177.40. Zoetis (NYSE:ZTS Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $1.70 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.62 by $0.08. Zoetis had a net margin of 28.21% and a return on equity of 57.19%. The business had revenue of $2.40 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.42 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.58 EPS. Zoetiss revenue was up .5% on a year-over-year basis. Zoetis has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.300-6.400 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Zoetis Inc. will post 6.07 earnings per share for the current year. Zoetis Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 3rd. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be given a dividend of $0.53 per share. This is a boost from Zoetiss previous quarterly dividend of $0.50. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 20th. Zoetiss dividend payout ratio is presently 33.67%. About Zoetis (Free Report) Zoetis Inc (NYSE: ZTS) is a global animal health company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of products and services for companion animals and livestock. The companys offerings include pharmaceuticals, vaccines and biologics, parasiticides and anti-infectives, as well as diagnostic instruments, consumables and laboratory testing services. Zoetis serves the veterinary community, livestock producers and other animal-health customers with products designed to prevent, detect and treat disease and to support animal productivity and welfare. Zoetis traces its roots to the animal health business of Pfizer and became an independent, publicly traded company following a 2013 separation and initial public offering. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ZTS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Zoetis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zoetis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Paramount Skydance Corp. ratcheted up the stakes in the monthslong battle for Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., saying it plans to nominate directors to the board to thwart a merger with Netflix Inc. The company, run by David Ellison, also said it filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros. in an attempt to force out into the open more details about Netflixs $82.7 billion takeover agreement, escalating an acrimonious bidding war between the media company and the streaming giant that has captivated Hollywood and Wall Street. Most Read from Bloomberg Paramount has been pursuing Warner Bros. for four months and has submitted multiple offers for the iconic Hollywood studio, all of which have been rebuffed by Warner Bros.s board. Instead, Warner Bros., which has produced beloved film franchises from Batman to Harry Potter and is the home of HBO, agreed to a deal with Netflix in early December to sell its studio and streaming business to the tech giant for $27.75 a share in cash and stock. Paramount has long argued its $30-a-share offer for all of Warner Bros. is superior and has fewer risks and costs. Ellison said in a letter to shareholders made public on Monday that he would challenge the Netflix deal either at the regular Warner Bros. annual meeting or a special meeting convened to approve the deal if Warner Bros. calls one. We are committed to seeing our tender offer through, the letter said. Warner Bros. said Paramount is seeking to distract with a meritless lawsuit and attacks on a board that has delivered shareholder value. Despite six weeks and just as many press releases from Paramount Skydance, it has yet to raise the price or address the numerous and obvious deficiencies of its offer, Warner Bros. said in an emailed statement to Bloomberg. Warner Bros. plans to spin off its cable-TV channels, known as Discovery Global, later this year and has said the potential upside from that transaction makes the Netflix offer more attractive. Paramount has said the shares in Discovery Global are essentially worth nothing and insists its all-cash offer is better for investors. Ellison has accused Warner Bros. of failing to engage transparently with him throughout the process. While Paramounts all-cash offer is easy to value, the board has shirked its duty of disclosure with respect to the complex, cash/stock consideration it has recommended the stockholders accept instead from Netflix, according to Paramounts complaint. The U.S. government will invest $1 billion in L3Harris Technologies' (LHX) rocket motor business, guaranteeing a steady supply of the much-needed motors used in a wide range of missiles such as Tomahawks and Patriot interceptors. The deal represents the latest U.S. government investment in Corporate America, which has included a 10% stake in chip maker Intel (INTC) and investments in critical mineral producers. It comes just a few days after President Donald Trump blasted defense contractors for slow production of weaponry. L3Harris said on Tuesday it will spin off its rocket motor business into a new publicly traded company backed by a $1 billion government convertible security investment. The securities will automatically convert to common equity when the company goes public later in 2026. The investment in a defense contractor is not a total surprise after U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick last August said the Trump administration was weighing equity stakes in major defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin . The investment in Intel has been a boon for the company, whose shares have more than doubled since the announcement. But the government's equity position in L3Harris could face blowback from L3Harris' rivals given it creates a potentially significant conflict of interest for the U.S. government. The Pentagon will have an ownership stake in a company that regularly bids on major defense and other government contracts. The investment marks the first direct-to-supplier partnership of this kind and is an outcome of the department's new Acquisition Transformation Strategy and its "Go Direct-to-Supplier" initiative. The strategy calls for the department to negotiate and invest directly with critical suppliers to save money. L3Harris' Missile Solutions unit, which produces missile propulsion systems for many missiles including Patriot, THAAD, Tomahawk, and the Standard Missile, will be carved out from the company. L3Harris will retain majority ownership and control of the new entity. The deal all but guarantees a steady flow of business for the new unit. Last week the U.S. inked a separate seven-year agreement with Lockheed Martin to increase production of the PAC-3 missile, the type launched by the Patriot system, to 2,000 units annually from about 600. The transaction structurecombining a government convertible preferred security with a planned public offering while maintaining parent company controlis highly unusual in the defense sector and may face scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers concerned about conflicts of interest and market competition. You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. Hightower Hires Compliance Head from Edelman Hightower Advisors, the Chicago-based registered investment advisor with $350.3 billion in client assets, has hired Bob Lavigne from Edelman Financial Engines to be chief compliance officer of parent firm Hightower Holdings. In the newly created role, Lavigne will spearhead the firms compliance program, regulatory strategy and risk governance for its network of advisors and its broker/dealer, Hightower Securities, the RIA announced Monday. Claire Gorman, currently chief compliance officer for Hightower Advisors, will remain in her role, according a spokesperson. Lavigne joins after having a similar role as vice president and chief compliance officer at Hightower competitor Edelman Financial Engines, which has more than $308 billion in client assets. That RIA appointed Ralph Haberli as its new CEO last October, following the resignation of Jay Shah in May 2023. Lavigne had been with Edelman for a little under three years, having previously worked in compliance and risk at firms including VALIC Financial Advisors, Kaufman Rossin and the Bates Group. He will report to Hightower CEO Larry Restieri, who has made a string of senior leader hires since taking the position in June. Bob is an accomplished leader whose experience, judgment and collaborative approach make him well-suited for Hightowers continued growth, Restieri said in a statement. His work helping advisors navigate an increasingly dynamic regulatory environment aligns with our intention to modernize our compliance program. LPL Financial Hires Corporate Strategist from Edward Jones LPL Financial, the San Diego-based independent broker/dealer with servicing and custody of about $2.3 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets, has hired an executive vice president of corporate strategy in a newly created role geared toward growth opportunities. Ilan Davidovici left Edward Jones to take the role leading LPLs corporate strategy team that works across the broker/dealer to set priorities and consider growth opportunities, the firm announced Monday. He will report to Chief Growth Officer Marc Cohen, according to a spokesperson. Davidovici was a principal and general partner at Edward Jones, where he led client and branch experience management for over six years. Before that, he had been global head of wealth and asset management at Salesforce, and wealth management practice leader at consultancy Deloitte. Sometimes a subtle change makes all the difference. Last year, for example, my local coffee place, 1971, was sold and taken over by a new owner who also owned the Greek restaurant nearby. He kept the coffee the same, but swapped out most of the pastry and food offerings for a larger emphasis on Greek offerings. Although the menu changes were subtle, the shop seemed less busy, and seating was more available. Within six months, the location closed and was replaced by a nail salon. Change comes with risk, and similar brands are not always equitable. If your McDonald's closed and was replaced by a Wendy's, some people would be happy, while others would be indifferent, and some would be upset. That's the risk Dutch Bros Coffee is taking with its latest purchase. Dutch Bros buys Clutch Coffee Bar Clutch Coffee, a drive-thru coffee chain founded in 2018, shared its big news on Facebook. "Exciting changes ahead! Were switching gears. We have reached an agreement with Dutch Bros, and Clutchs last day of business will be this Friday 1/16, closing @ 4 p.m. You can keep the good energy going with Dutch Bros and download the Dutch Bros app," the chain shared. All 20 Clutch Coffee locations will close on Jan. 16, then reopen at a later date as Dutch Bros. locations. "The plan will be for restaurants to close, renovate, and then reopen as Dutch Bros. Notably, Dutch Bros has just two Carolina locations presently one in Morrisville, North Carolina, and a unit in Summerville, South Carolina," QSR Magazine reported. More Restaurants Dutch Bros. confirmed the purchase to QSR. As a fellow brand built on human connection, we deeply respect what the Clutch Coffee Bar leadership team has built and look forward to building on that strong foundation in the Carolinas, the company said in a statement. Were excited to continue expanding across the country as we work toward our long-term goal of 2,029 shops in 2029. Dutch Bros is taking over Clutch Coffee.Dutch Bros Dutch Bros Coffee customers are both loyal and fickle Dropping the Clutch Coffee brand and replacing it with Dutch Bros comes with some risk. If you can flip that switch in a customers head and become the brand that they define their choice of coffee around, their loyalty can be incredibly powerful, Dale Harris, 2017 World Barista Champion with 13 years of experience with Hasbean and Ozone Coffee, told Coffee Intelligence. Saks Global the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman filed for bankruptcy protection on Wednesday, marking a low point for the nation's biggest luxury department store conglomerate. The firm filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which indicates a need for new ownership as debt impedes operations. Stores will remain open, but some locations may shutter as part of the reorganization. "This is a defining moment for Saks Global, and the path ahead presents a meaningful opportunity to strengthen the foundation of our business and position it for the future," Saks Global CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck, who took the position on Wednesday, said in a statement. Trump boasts of 'economic boom' as voters remain concerned about high prices An overlapping set of factors led to the bankruptcy, some analysts said: A debt-fueled acquisition of Neiman Marcus, the rise of online purchases, direct-to-consumer sales outside department stores and a waning appetite for sky-high luxury prices among some shoppers. There has been a transformation in the retail environment, Vanitha Swaminathan, a professor of marketing at the University of Pittsburgh, told ABC News. Heres what the Saks Global bankruptcy means for U.S. shoppers. What drove Saks Global to bankruptcy? Saks, the iconic 159-year-old company synonymous with luxury style, faced a shifting business landscape in recent years along with many of its department-store competitors, some analysts said. Online shopping made it easier for customers to directly purchase goods from preferred brands, instead of seeking out luxury handbags or jewelry at department stores. Meanwhile, social media influencers helped customers find options that previously may have been discovered on the shop floor, Barbara Kahn, a professor of marketing at the University of Pennsylvania, told ABC News. Theres been growth in e-commerce -- a different way for people to shop, Kahn said. A lot of the big luxury brands have gone direct to consumers. Alongside those alternative shopping avenues, prices soared for luxury goods, causing some middle-income customers to think twice about splurging on products with little apparent improvement in quality, Marie Driscoll, a professor at The New School who studies luxury retail, told ABC News. Over the last five years, luxury prices have gone so high that theres really a question of perceived value, Driscoll said. People are thinking, This is not worth it. Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: People shop at the Saks Fifth Avenue department store in New York on January 13, 2026. Such trends set the stage for a devastating misstep at Saks Global, analysts said. Qabil Ashirov Armenias Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published a document outlining the implementation framework of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, Azernews reports. The document was presented following a meeting held in Washington on the previous day between Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The ministry emphasized that the document does not create legally binding obligations for either Armenia or the United States and is intended to serve as a framework agreement. Under the text, the TRIPP framework describes mechanisms for launching multimodal transit connectivity through Armenian territory. The project is presented as an infrastructure initiative aimed at ensuring unobstructed transit, linking mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and forming a key segment of the Trans-Caspian trade route. The Foreign Ministry noted that implementation of the project will be based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and reciprocity. Its stated objectives include strengthening the security and economic development of Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as expanding regional trade and transit opportunities between Central Asia, the Caspian Sea region, and Europe. The project envisages the creation of a dedicated company to oversee the development and operation of TRIPP. A structure is planned under which the United States would hold a controlling stake, while Armenia would retain oversight mechanisms on key issues. The proposed model grants construction and operating rights for 49 years, with the option to extend for an additional 50 years. At the initial stage, 74 percent of shares would be allocated to the United States and 26 percent to Armenia. In the event of an extension, Armenias stake could increase to up to 49 percent. Any changes in shareholding or final beneficial ownership would require prior approval from both the Armenian and U.S. governments. The company would have exclusive rights to plan, build, operate, and maintain railways and highways within the transit routes, as well as associated energy and digital infrastructure. Potential revenue streams include infrastructure access fees, commercial activities along the route, leasing and development of real estate, service charges, and income generated by special-purpose entities. A separate section underscores that Armenia will retain authority over: legislative, regulatory, and judicial jurisdiction within its territory; national security and law enforcement oversight; customs and border control, including the collection of taxes, duties, and other mandatory payments. The framework agreement envisages a front-office/back-office model. Private operators contracted by the company may handle customer-facing functions such as document collection, consultations, coordination, and payment processing. However, final decisions related to customs clearance, security, migration, and law enforcement will remain the exclusive responsibility of Armenian state bodies. The document explicitly states that sovereign functions will not be transferred. Plans also include the introduction of risk-based inspections, digital customs and border systems, single-window mechanisms, pilot projects for advance clearance, and electronic document management, as well as potential U.S.-supported training programs for personnel, subject to available resources. Armenia intends to continue implementing modern integrated border management practices, with possible U.S. technical assistance, including: risk-based inspection and customs procedures; advanced inspection technologies; digital customs and border systems; inter-agency coordination mechanisms; professional capacity-building for Armenian civil servants. Pilot projects are planned to optimize: advance customs clearance procedures; digital document processing; one-stop concepts at border crossing points; technology-driven risk assessment; coordinated border management with neighboring countries. It is recalled that on August 8, 2025, in Washington, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration in the presence of the U.S. President. The document envisages the launch of the Zangezur Corridor, referred to as the Trump Route, as part of efforts to restore regional connectivity. In addition, the foreign ministers of the two countries initialed an agreement On Peace and Interstate Relations. MORE SAKS STORIES: Can Saks Be Fixed? Saks Top Unsecured Creditors Vendors Respond to Saks Filing 5 Takeaways From the Saks Bankruptcy Mark that as another bump in what has been a very fast fall for Saks Global. It was a decline sped up by a ton of debt, deteriorating relations with designers and by a vision of the luxury department store model that never quite had enough money to take off. The e-commerce giant also said that Saks Global failed to receive its consent for a refinancing over the summer and sounded a bitter note over how the relationship has played out. Amazon said its equity in the retailer is now presumptively worthless after Saks continuously failed to meet its budgets, burned through hundreds of millions of dollars in less than a year, and ran up additional hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid invoices owed to its retail partners. Saks Global is now looking to use that same equity cushion to secure the debtor-in-possession financing meant to see it through bankruptcy, according to Amazon, which invested $475 million into the company when it bought Neimans. Overall, there are significant issues to be addressed in these Chapter 11 cases with respect to the debtors mismanagement, improper governance, and disregard of corporate separateness, said Amazon, which wants the court to condition the DIP financing on the elimination of any DIP claims or liens on the flagship. At press time, though, a wrinkle was developing with that financing during the first-day hearing before Alfredo Perez, the federal bankruptcy court judge overseeing the case in Houston. Amazon asked for the proceedings to be delayed by a day, arguing that it and other retail partners extended Saks Global credit and other accommodations in recent months in return for recourse to the purported equity cushion in the debtors iconic, Fifth Avenue flagship store. Saks Global went to court with $1.75 billion in financing from a group of its bondholders, which will help keep the lights on during the process and, at long last, should provide more certainty for vendors that theyll be paid for what they ship. The company, which just more than a year ago bought Neiman Marcus Group for $2.7 billion, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy late Tuesday scrambling high-end retailing and leaving both vendors and lenders holding the bag. Story Continues Now, Geoffroy van Raemdonck, who was chief executive officer of Neiman Marcus Group when Saks Global bought the business, is taking the reins as CEO and will steer the company through the complicated court process. He succeeds Richard Baker, who stepped down from his role as executive chairman and CEO of Saks Global. WWD was first to report Saturday that Baker was out and the company was negotiating with van Raemdonck. This is a defining moment for Saks Global, and the path ahead presents a meaningful opportunity to strengthen the foundation of our business and position it for the future, van Raemdonck said in a statement. In close partnership with these newly appointed leaders and our colleagues across the organization, we will navigate this process together with a continued focus on serving our customers and luxury brands. I look forward to serving as CEO and continuing to transform the company so that Saks Global continues to play a central role in shaping the future of luxury retail. Geoffroy van Raemdonck The team that will work under van Raemdonck is starting to crystallize with the appointment of a couple luxury veterans. Darcy Penick has also been named president and chief commercial officer, overseeing stores, marketing, buying, digital, analytics and customer care. Lana Todorovich has been named chief of global brand partnerships. Already on board is Brandy Richardson, the retailers chief financial officer, who worked alongside van Raemdonck at Neimans. Theres more than enough work to go around and things need to get rolling quickly, as vendors have not been shipping Saks Global and spring goods are due to hit the sales floor. The company entered federal bankruptcy court in the southern district of Texas with more than 10,000 creditors who now have to go through a judge to try to recoup what theyre owed. The initial court filing placed both the companys assets and its debts as between $1 billion and $10 billion, but those numbers will be refined. The retailers debts include $2.2 billion in bonds the company took on to fund the Neimans deal and the additional $600 million in new money that was brought in during a refinancing in August. The list of unsecured creditors features a whos who of fashion at the very top, including: Chanel Ltd. owed $136 million Kering $59.9 million Rosen-X $41.4 million Capri Holdings $33.3 million Mayhoola $33.2 million Compagnie Financiere Richemont $30.8 million The 30th largest unsecured credit, Vince Holding Corp., is owed $9.1 million. While the highly anticipated bankruptcy filing has come, the ripples from the companys failure are just starting to spread out. The Saks-Neimans combo was the brainchild of Baker, who spent years using his real estate savvy and creative dealmaking to build an empire that ultimately succumbed to the laws of retail gravity. That Saks Global was able to actually buy Neiman Marcus a dream of Bakers for more than a decade was something of a marvel since Saks at the time was already not paying its bills, fraying its relation with vendors, who hoped the new debt that came with the transaction would be enough to set the business on its feet. The vendors who have been waiting to be paid might well never see much of their money a devastating result While bigger brands moved to a concession model at the retailer and retained ownership of their inventory, smaller designers have repeatedly been disappointed by Saks Global. Marc Metrick, who was CEO of the retailer until just after New Years, worked tirelessly to bring the two businesses together trying to calm vendor nerves, making painful cuts, trimming the staff and setting up a structure without a lead merchant. The big cracks at Saks Global started to show last February, when Metrick told vendors that the company would start paying its bills on new orders with 90-day terms, instead of a 30-day turnaround, and that past due balances would be paid off in 12 monthly increments starting in July 2025. The expectation is that this provides the clarity and certainty you have been seeking, Metrick wrote at the time. To that end, we are looking forward to seeing the flow of merchandise return to normal levels so that we can begin to focus on driving our businesses together. In the absence of the normal flow of goods, we anticipate that we will have to make changes to our brand partner matrix. Saks Global did cut back on the number of brands it carried with some walking away from the retailer and vice versa but the goods never started flowing freely enough to let the retailer boost sales. The vendors who have been waiting to be paid might well never see much of their money a devastating result, especially for the smaller designers who have spent more than a year chasing Saks for payment. Secured lenders are first in line in bankruptcies and vendors owed trade payables often find themselves on the losing end. Now, the focus shifts to what comes next. Retailers often close stores during bankruptcy as its easier to break leases and the rest of the business will have to be reevaluated. Amazon helped Saks Global buy Neimans and powers a Saks shop on its platform. The e-commerce giant has been working to truly break into the luxury market for years and, when it joined in the deal for Neimans, was seen as playing a long game to bolster its position and maybe take control of part of the retailer. If so, that game is now coming to an end. Authentic Brands Group, which has a luxury joint venture with Saks Global, is also said to be keen on parts of the business and could make some kind of a play in bankruptcy court. The business of Saks Global barrels on into a still uncertain. But the fashion industry which is exhausted, angry, amazed and, in the case of some brands close to bankruptcy themselves now is still trying to understand exactly how the core of the luxury department store world in the U.S. simply unraveled. Many will look back to the day in 2013, when Bakers Hudson Bay Co.s acquired Saks Fifth Avenue. Even then, Baker made it loud and clear that he was determined to one day buy the Neiman Marcus Group and create a retail empire in the U.S. that would dominate the luxury market. More guarded was the fact that Saks Fifth Avenue was already faltering, and wouldnt be viable as a stand-alone business in the future. Saks could only survive through the consolidations, expense cuts and greater buying power that a combined Saks-NMG entity could enable. Ultimately, the dire straits at Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as the debt from the acquisition, dragged both businesses down. Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus will at least be pared down, and Bergdorf Goodman could be sold off. A worst-case scenario is that the entire business gets liquidated, which sources suggest could happen due to the complexity of the bankruptcy proceedings and the extended range of bond holders, investors, landlords and vendors all of whom would be battling in court for some recovery. Aside from its most recent issues huge debt, deteriorating vendor relations and the softening luxury sector Saks has been set back by stronger competition, over expansion, too much management turnover and strategy reversals since the 1990s. When Baker arrived on the scene, the retailer was losing ground to competitors, primarily Neiman Marcus, but also to Bloomingdales, Nordstrom and designer brands opening their own stores. Saks and Neimans have been selling many of the same brands but Neimans was better at it, particularly with more expensive merchandise. Neimans had the edge, with its stronger service; talented team of selling associates with enduring client relationships, and a sharper luxury image consistent from door-to-door with deeper designer presentations. Saks Fifth Avenues store count hasnt been stable. In the 90s, it embarked on a path of aggressive expansion opening smaller format Main Street and resort stores to cover more geography mainly in Florida, California and Texas, and capitalize on specialty stores going out of business. The strategy didnt work, and in 2004, Saks decided to close 11 stores including five Saks Fifth Avenue locations in California. Saks still has several underperforming stores, a situation exacerbated by merchants inability to adequately stock locations with enough fresh merchandise due to deteriorating vendor relations. Saks Fifth Avenue at Brookfield Place. Its expected that in the near future more stores will close, possibly in markets where Neiman Marcus also operates. The two luxury retailers each have stores in Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Las Vegas and Beverly Hills. Within the last year or so, Saks closed stores in San Francisco and Palm Beach, Fla. In 2019 and 2020, Saks closed its womens and mens stores, respectively, in Brookfield Place in lower Manhattan. In March 2021, HBC split Saks Fifth Avenues website and store fleet into two separate companies, enabling the company to attract a $500 million investment from Insight Partners and accelerate e-commerce growth, and potentially take the online business public. However, after a couple of years, the website and store fleet were back together again. While turnover in retail is not unusual and can be rapid, Saks has seen more than its fair share of management changes, leading to swings in merchandising and marketing strategies. Jeanne Daniel left Saks in 1998, after just seven months as executive vice president of merchandising. Christina Johnson was CEO from February 2000 to October 2003. Fred Wilson became president and CEO of Saks in January 2004, and left in January 2006. Steve Sadove, however, was CEO from January 2006 to November 2013, bringing some continuity to the business and setting it up for the sale to HBC. Former Harrods chief merchant Marigay McKee became president of Saks in December 2013 but was gone by April 2015. She was replaced by Saks veteran Metrick, who in 2024 became Saks Global CEO. But in October, Metricks second-in-command, Emily Essner, president and chief commercial officer of Saks Global for about nine months, left the company, as part of a management shakeup shifting her responsibilities to other executives on the team. Yumi Shin, who had been chief merchandising officer of Bergdorf Goodman, left the store in October and has been recruited by Nordstrom. Shin is being sued by Saks for allegedly violating noncompete restrictions on her contract and sharing proprietary data. Significantly, Saks Global acquired Neimans at a time when business at the two luxury nameplates was being impacted by the slumping luxury sector worldwide. Merging two retailers is always risky, involving resetting the management structure, integrating systems, blending separate corporate cultures all time-consuming distractions from the day-to-day operations. It can even be fatal when both parties are not performing at their best. The merger of Sears and Kmart in 2005, when the chains were both ailing, eventually led to the liquidation of both. Saks Globals strategy for the last year revolved around resetting the luxury customer experience by intensifying personalization and bolstering customer service; inventory sharing between Saks and Neimans; having enriched data, deeper customer insights and smoother interactions with consumers, and utilizing AI to a greater degree. Now, the luxury department store company is going to get another new look and everyone in fashion will be watching. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Scoop Saudi Arabias sovereign wealth fund is considering share sales this year for a raft of companies it controls, pinning its hopes of raising additional sources of cash on parallel government efforts to revive the local stock market by attracting more foreign investors. Public Investment Fund (PIF) has historically used the proceeds of selling down parts of its domestic portfolio for new investments. Over the past five years, it has raised several billion dollars from local stock sales, which helps it pay for gigaprojects at home and deals abroad. PIF also raises money from borrowing on the capital markets, transfers from the government, and returns from its investments. PIF has earmarked as many as eight companies including Arcelor Mittal Jubail, a metal pipes producer, events management company Sela, Saudi Global Ports, Alkhorayef Petroleum, and Cloudkitchens for IPOs this year, according to people familiar with the matter. Richard Attias & Associates, the organizer behind the kingdoms flagship Future Investment Initiative conference, is also working towards an IPO in 2026, along with district cooling firm Saudi Tabreed. In addition, PIF is considering a sell-down of stakes in several already listed companies including Riyad Bank, one of the largest lenders in the kingdom, according to the people. Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company, a PIF-controlled firm, is meanwhile mulling a selldown of part of its 16% stake in dairy company Almarai, the people said. PIF transferred the stake in Almarai to SALIC in 2021. No final decisions on any share offerings or sell-downs have been made, and the timing of any transactions will depend on market conditions, the people said. PIF declined to comment. Matthews view Reviving the domestic stock market in 2026 will be key for Saudi Arabia, which in addition to issuing debt has used equity sales to fund economic diversification projects. The kingdoms market regulator is enacting a fresh wave of measures to encourage foreign investment in the countrys stock market after the index declined 13% in 2025 and was flat in 2024, lagging global emerging market peers.Foreign investors will be allowed to invest directly in Saudi stocks starting next month, and the regulator is reviewing rules that cap foreign ownership of companies at 49%. These steps are expected to provide a boost: Traders and analysts predict $10 billion of inflows. The Saudi stock market, known as Tadawul, has reacted positively and is up around 4% so far this year. But trading volumes remain low, with investors remaining cautious about the impact of lower oil prices, government spending cuts, and the outlook for corporate earnings. Discussions over whether Britain should return the Kohinoor diamondone of the most potent tangible symbols of its colonial plunder of Indiahave repeatedly begun and gone nowhere. Even the question of return is fraught: if Britain were to give it back, who would claim it? India, where the diamond was mined in Golconda? Pakistan, since it passed to Queen Victoria after the Second Anglo-Sikh War of 1849, when the Sikh empires capital was Lahore? Or Afghanistan, which possessed it earlier under Ahmad Shah Durrani? While Britain has shown little inclination to even seriously consider restitution of the Kohinoor or other cultural artefacts taken from India, several European countries have begun doing so, with the Netherlands emerging at the forefront. Returning colonial-era artefacts Most recently, the Dutch government agreed to return thousands of fossils from the world-renowned Dubois Collection to Indonesia. Excavated in the late 19th century by Dutch anatomist and geologist Eugene Dubois, when Indonesia was under Dutch colonial rule, the fossils are regarded as the first evidence of Homo erectus, an ancestor of Homo sapiens. There were doubts among some scientists about whether restituting the Dubois Collection was a good idea, given that it is a scientific collection, said Dewi van de Weerd, Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, during a discussion titled From Objects to Relations: Dutch Views on Heritage Cooperation at the Humayun Tomb Museum in Delhi on Tuesday. But it can still be researched, only that you would have to travel to Indonesia, where the collection belongs. Earlier, the Netherlands returned six colonial artefacts to Sri Lanka, including a cannon, two guns and a ceremonial sword. It has also announced plans to return a 3,500-year-old sculpted stone head to Egypt, and in 2020, returned a 600-year-old artefact to Nigeria that had been smuggled out in 2019. The restitution challenges While acknowledgment is important, the process of restitution is far from straightforward. Martine Gosselink, general director of the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague, who has been involved in restitution, said it is often difficult to determine to whom an artefact should be returned. Sometimes collections are claimed by specific groups, while restitution frameworks tend to operate at a state-to-state level, she said. Practical challenges also remain. In some cases, countries to which artefacts are to be returned lack the necessary infrastructure. Belgium, for instance, holds a large number of artefacts from Congo, which has limited storage facilities and cultural institutions. The restitution debate has also reopened questions closer to home. In the Netherlands, it has revived discussions around the return of Dutch Golden Age paintings taken to France by Napoleons army. Of the nearly 200 paintings removed, about 130 were returned, while around 70 remain in France. During an exhibition two years ago, a political party argued that the remaining 70 paintings should return, Gosselink said. The logic was that if the Netherlands is willing to return colonial artefacts so readily, these paintings should also come back. I asked: Do we miss those 70 paintings? Do we have empty museums? Are we hurt by them being in France? It isnt painful in any way. So why bring them back when they can serve as ambassadors of Dutch art? Restitution also raises questions, such as whether the climate or infrastructure of the receiving country is suitable for preserving the artefacts. This is nothing but neo-colonialism by the Western world on how one should preserve artefacts, said Robert van Langh, director of the Drents Museum. The Dutch policy has shown results. It is bringing us closer to each other, van de Weerd said. Germany has also accelerated restitution, returning artefacts to Tanzania, Namibia, Cameroon, and Ethiopia. Last year, France repatriated three skulls of Indigenous warriors to Madagascar, while Belgium returned a gold-capped tooth belonging to Patrice Lumumba, the slain Congolese independence hero. Finland, too, returned a 17th-century royal stool to Benin. This leaves us with Britain. Taiwan reportedly issued an arrest warrant for OnePlus CEO Pete Lau, accusing him of illegally running a business and hiring local tech workers on the island in violation of laws that govern ties with mainland China. The move seems to be part of Taiwans growing crackdown on Chinese companies allegedly poaching hightech talent, a key concern for its crucial semiconductor-led economy. What Taiwan alleges According to Taiwans Shilin District Prosecutors Office, a document dated November 2025 stated two Taiwanese citizens have been indicted for helping Lau operate an unapproved business and recruit more than 70 employees in Taiwan for OnePlus. Prosecutors say these staff were hired to work on smartphone software research and development, verification and testing work for the Chinese smartphone brand. The case falls under Taiwans Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, or the Cross-Strait Act, which restricts how Chinese firms can operate and recruit on the island. OnePlus, Oppo response OnePlus, headquartered in Shenzhen in southern China, became an independent subbrand under Oppo in 2021, though both firms remain part of the broader BBK group of smartphone makers. Reports say Oppo and OnePlus have not yet responded publicly to the allegations, and Reuters and other outlets operating in the region were unable to reach Lau for comment. Some local and tech media also report that prosecutors suspect a Hong Kong shell company and an unapproved Taiwan branch were used to carry out hiring and R&D activities, but these operational details were not confirmed by agencies. In August 2025, Taiwan said it was investigating 16 Chinese companies for allegedly poaching semiconductor and other hightech talent, including through shell companies and hiring agencies to hide links to the mainland. Authorities said such probes are aimed at stopping technology outflows and protecting Taiwans lead in chips and advanced electronics. Swedish aerospace and defence company, Saab, has showcased the capabilities of its RBS-15 missile to destroy the componenets Russian S-400 system. RBS15 is a highly optimised anti-ship missile with land attack capability, designed to give the forces an edge in increasingly complex conflict scenarios. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India While this is not a new missile, as the Swedish defence ministry had ordered RBS-15 Mk4 Gungnir in 2017, a promotional video released by Saab showcases the types of adversaries the weapon system can counter. According to Saab, "RBS15 Gungnir, utilising the RBS15 Mk4 anti-ship missile, is the next generation of the family. More than just an anti-ship missile, Gungnir can integrate with aircraft, ships and trucks to provide a complete system solution." The promotional video showcased the versatility of RBS15 as two missiles are fired from a Visby-class corvette, two from a ground-based launcher, and two from a JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet. ALSO READ: Designating 2026 as the Year of Networking & Data Centricity: What does it mean for future conflicts? According to media reports, two missile destroyers and various components of an air defense system were targeted using the missile. The Gripen-launched missile destroyed the target, which could be clearly identified as a Russian 91N6 surveillance and tracking radarthe backbone of the S-400 'Triumf'. The 91N6 is a 3D radar that is part of the S-400 system, offering 360-degree coverage with a claimed detection range of up to 600 km. In addition, one of the launchers from a Russian surface-to-air missile system is also destroyed. The naval target, meanwhile, was the Chinese Type 052D destroyers. The demo video by Saab highlights RBS-15's evolution since 1984, positioning the missile against advanced threats like S-400, relevant for NATO and littoral operations. In the evolving geopolitical landscape of 2026, India finds itself at a critical inflection-point with regard to its strategic outlook and its future relations with the major global powers, namely the US, China, Russia and the European Union. The US has largely been a friend based on shared democratic values, while Russia is a steady and reliable partner across multiple dimensions. On the other hand, for long, India has shared a complex relationship with China marked by strategic rivalry, economic engagement, territorial aggressiveness by China on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and Beijings ambition to expand its footprint among India's neighbours in South Asia and the rest of Asia. The recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela that saw the capture of President Nicolas Maduro on January 3rd, 2026, has reverberated well beyond Latin America, challenging Chinas presence in the region and the future of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) - the continuing effort by China to control global supply chains. Undoubtedly, this development offers India new openings to diversify its diplomatic and economic partnerships. New Delhi must now navigate an increasingly volatile world order with strategic autonomy, nuance and new purpose. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India For India, the strategic game ahead is not merely about balancing against China; it is about adapting to a multipolar era, deepening partnerships where interests align, and sharpening its diplomatic toolkit to safeguard both security and development goals. This article explores how India can play that game smartly in light of recent global shifts. Turning Chinas geopolitical pressures into strategic leverage Chinas relationship with India in recent years can be described as a combination of economic entanglement and strategic rivalry. While bilateral trade has grown close to $136 billion recently enduring mistrust, particularly after the 2020 intrusions across the LAC and the Galwan clash thereafter, continues to shape policy choices. Crucially, in 2017, India chose not to join Chinas Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) due to sovereignty concerns, especially over projects in Gilgit-Baltistan territory India claims as part of Jammu & Kashmir. This decision, though costly economically, has allowed India to avoid strategic overdependence on Beijing while preserving diplomatic flexibility. Chinas broader infrastructure and economic expansion through ports, railways, energy linkages, and financing worldwide has often been interpreted in India as attempts at strategic encirclement, whether through deepening economic and military ties with Pakistan, increasing infrastructure in South Asia and Africa, or expanding influence across Latin America and the Caribbean. The recent blow to Chinas position in Venezuela where the U.S. intervention has jeopardized Beijings oil interests and forced it to reassess its regional strategy provides India with a unique moment. Although analysts caution that Chinas Latin American ambitions wont disappear, the cost of maintaining such engagements for Beijing both financially and politically has clearly increased in the eyes of partners across the Global South. For India, this means more than a transient advantage: it creates room to deepen ties with countries seeking alternatives to Chinese influence particularly in resource-rich regions and markets undergoing geopolitical recalibration. Energy diplomacy: Diversification beyond West Asia and Russia Energy security has long been central to Indias foreign policy. With crude imports accounting for a significant share of its energy basket, India has historically been dependent on producers in West Asia. Yet events like the Venezuela crisis, and the UAEs and Saudi Arabias ties with global powers, highlight the vulnerability of relying heavily on one region. This context amplifies the importance of Indias energy cooperation with the Caribbean, especially Guyana a relatively new but strategically pivotal partner with vast offshore oil reserves. A recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and Guyana aims to expand cooperation in hydrocarbons, from trade to exploration and refining partnerships. Guyanas emergence as a major oil producer presents India with three core advantages: Diversification of energy sources: Reducing dependence on traditional partners in West Asia or Russia, thereby insulating India from supply shocks and geopolitical pressure. Strategic presence in the Americas: Building economic ties in a region where China has historically held significant influence conveys Indias rising global footprint. SouthSouth cooperation narrative: Engaging as a partner not a hegemon enhances Indias soft power among developing nations. As global oil markets realign post-Venezuela, Indias ability to secure long-term, stable oil supplies from alternative partners in the Caribbean could reduce the leverage China exerts through its own oil diplomacy. Reinforcing the Quad and multi-vector partnerships While India has often resisted formal alignment in Cold War-style blocs, it has actively participated in multi-lateral platforms such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) alongside the U.S., Japan, and Australia. This grouping, grounded in shared concerns over a rising China, provides India with diplomatic and strategic cover not as a subordinate, but as an essential voice shaping an Indo-Pacific vision that favours stability, rule of law, and free navigation. In addition to the Quad, India is engaging in other frameworks such as I2U2, IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework), and bilateral ties with Southeast Asian nations implementing its Act East and Neighbourhood First policies. These endeavours help India weave stronger regional cooperation networks, counterbalancing Chinese influence without direct confrontation. India should continue to: Expand joint military exercises and interoperability with like-minded countries. Deepen technology and supply-chain partnerships in critical sectors like semiconductors and critical minerals. Advance climate and sustainable development cooperation that intersects with strategic interests. By maintaining a multi-vector foreign policy, India avoids being pigeonholed into a single geopolitical bloc while maximizing its strategic leverage. Balancing autonomy with strategic alignment One of Indias enduring foreign policy tenets has been its insistence on strategic autonomy a refusal to become a proxy for any great power, even as it nurtures partnerships that align with its interests. This approach has allowed New Delhi to balance relations with the U.S., Russia, and increasingly with partners in Europe, Africa, and Latin America. The reaction to the Venezuela intervention illustrates Indias careful diplomacy: New Delhi has adopted a measured stance, calling for peace and dialogue rather than taking sides overtly in a dispute that pits Washington against Beijing and Moscow. This reflects an understanding that overt alignment with one power bloc could constrain Indias diplomatic flexibility and invite strategic vulnerabilities. Smart strategy for India means: Avoiding entanglement in extra-regional great-power conflicts that do not directly impact national interests. Crafting issue-based partnerships varying from defence technology with the U.S. to energy deals with Latin American states. Pursuing space for strategic hedging in global institutions where collective norms can shape a multipolar order that favours medium powers like India. Rethinking economic statecraft Geopolitics today is as much about economics as it is about military might. Indias refusal to join the BRI was a strategic decision rooted in sovereignty concerns, but it has also limited New Delhis access to infrastructure financing that rival China has long used to build influence. However, India can pursue alternative economic statecraft: Investing in infrastructure corridors that connect South Asia with Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Europe. Strengthening regional economic integration, especially through platforms like BIMSTEC and SAARC (where possible). Engaging with supply-chain realignment initiatives that reduce overdependence on any single economic partner. By coupling economic initiatives with strategic foresight, India can mitigate the risk of isolation in regions where Chinas economic heft has traditionally dominated. Narrative leadership and soft power Finally, India must not underestimate the role of soft power cultural ties, democratic legitimacy, and developmental partnerships in shaping global perceptions. Its emphasis on democracy, pluralism, and economic opportunity differentiates it from China. In an era where global opinion matters from Africa to Latin America India can: Promote people-to-people exchanges, educational cooperation, and cultural diplomacy. Expand development assistance that is transparent and demand-driven, especially in Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Champion global governance reforms that reflect the interests of the Global South. This narrative leadership enhances Indias strategic choices, positioning it not as a counter-force but as a constructive partner. India-EU relations: Poised for an upswing In the midst of this global volatility and strategic churn, high level diplomacy between India and the EU signals renewed vigour. The EUs New Strategic Agenda, unveiled in September 2025, targets prosperity, security technology and climate action across five pillars. Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have accelerated, with tariff reductions eyed to boost Indias textiles and pharmaceuticals alongside EU machinery exports. Defence ties are evolving with Europes post-Ukraine Euro 800 billion push aligning with Indias $ 2.76 billion export surge, fostering joint ventures in maritime security and cyber defence. An early 2026 summit could seal the FTA, launch a Security and Defence partnership and unveil a post-2025 roadmap. Enhanced connectivity via IMEC and green tech FDI promise mutual gains, countering Chinas rise. Bold leadership must transcend frictions over Russia, trade hurdles and allegations of democratic backsliding for a balanced alliance reshaping Indo-Pacific dynamics. Conclusion: Strategic patience with purpose India stands at a defining moment. The possible disruption of Chinas Latin American footprint through a major geopolitical event in the form of the US operation in Venezuela, combined with New Delhis expanding energy partnerships and deeper global engagements, has presented a rare opportunity. Indias challenge is not simply to counter Chinas global and regional influence but to reshape the strategic landscape in a way that aligns with its security, economic, and normative aspirations. By pursuing strategic autonomy, diversified partnerships, economic resilience, and global narrative leadership, India can transform geopolitical disruptions into a durable advantage. In a world where the great power competition is intensifying, Indias strategic smartness will lie in navigating complexity with principles, patience, and pragmatism. (The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK) (The writer was Vice Chief of the Indian Army. He has authored the book A National Security Strategy for India the Way Forward) Malayalam actor Mohanlal has announced the release date of his upcoming movie Drishyam 3. Accompanied with the caption, 'Years passed. The past didn't', he revealed that the Jeethu Joseph directorial will release on April 2. On January 6, while speaking at a private event in Kochi, Jeethu announced that Drishyam 3 would release in April 2026. "Drishyam is a film that has influenced many people. I still bear the impact of it. Without much expectations, you may watch the movie in the theatres in the first week of April," he said last week, adding that the official release date would be announced soon. The Drishyam movie franchise revolves around Georgekutty who is trying to protect his family after a murder is committed unexpectedly. Besides Mohanlal, the cast includes Meena, Ansiba Hassan, Esther Anil, Asha Sharath, Murali Gopi, Siddique, and others who will be seen reprising their previous roles in the previous two movies. The Hindi version of Drishyam 3 is expected to hit the theatres in October. The rights have been acquired by Panorama Studios. It will be directed by Abhishek Pathak and will star Ajay Devgn and Tabu in lead roles. Akshaye Khanna recently courted controversy after he decided to give the upcoming instalment a miss over disagreement with the makers. Scality Former head of digital strategy for the French Armed Forces and a senior figure in special operations, Laurent Boite joins Scality as SVP to drive operations, data sovereignty and deliver Scalitys exceptional NPS experience to customers around the world. Major General Laurent Boite, Senior Vice President, Scality Former head of digital strategy for the French Armed Forces and a senior figure in special operations, Laurent Boite joins Scality as SVP to drive operations, data sovereignty and deliver Scalitys exceptional NPS experience to customers around the world. GlobeNewswire Inc. PARIS, Jan. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scality, a global leader in cyber-resilient storage for the AI era, today announced the appointment of Major General Laurent Boite as Senior Vice President and member of the executive leadership team. Previously a Major General in the French Air and Space Force and most recently responsible for the digital strategy of the French Armed Forces, he transitioned from military service at the end of December 2025 to pursue a career in the private sector. Over a 36-year career in the French Armed Forces, Boite held multiple senior command and leadership roles in critical environments in France and abroad, leading organizations ranging from 100 to more than 6,000 personnel. Formerly second-in-command of French Special Operations (COS), he also led French Forces stationed in Djibouti (FFDj) from 2022 to 2024, where he notably oversaw the evacuation of French nationals from Sudan (Operation Sagittaire). A graduate of the French War College and trained engineer (aeronautics and nuclear), Boite also served as deputy director for Africa operations at the Joint Staff between 2011 and 2013. His career has been marked by the successful execution of large-scale transformations involving human, technological, and operational dimensions. Among other major projects, he oversaw the migration of 10,000 personnel and the management of the new Ministry of Armed Forces headquarters in 2015, working closely with major industrial partners including Thales, Bouygues and Sodexo. Most recently, Boite served as head of digital strategy for the French Armed Forces, effectively acting as Global CIO, overseeing 14 IT directorates, several hundred critical systems, and annual OPEX and CAPEX budgets totaling several hundred million euros. His priorities included cybersecurity, data sovereignty, inter-service and international interoperability (NATO, EU), and the adoption of artificial intelligence to modernize mission-critical functions (HR, maintenance, storage, operations, and more). At Scality, Boite will lead the global Customer Success organization, with a mandate to strengthen operational excellence, business impact, and the adoption of breakthrough technologies, especially AI, among customers who operate under the highest standards of availability, resilience, and data security. The West Bengal health department is issuing advisories to government and private hospitals after two nurses of a hospital in Barasat in North 24 Parganas district were detected with Nipah virus on Sunday. One female and male nurse, have been hospitalised in the same hospital and kept in isolation. There is no need to panic, but to be on alert. The chief minister herself is closely monitoring the development," said West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty. CM Mamata Banerjee is also the state's health Minister. Nipah cases are not new to West Bengal. The Nipah virus was first diagnosed in Malaysia in 1998, and in 2001, we had the first outbreak in Siliguri in West Bengal; and we had another outbreak in 2007 in Nadia district in West Bengal. Kerala has been reporting cases intermittently for the past three-four years. The last outbreak was in 2025; I think Wayanad district," said Dr Sayan Chakraborty, consultant infectious disease, Manipal Hospitals. It is a non-specific disease which starts with symptoms like viral fever, running nose, cough, fever and headaches. While these symptoms may be ignored, the virus then goes to the brain and causes convulsions, drowsiness, loss of orientation and many patients go into comma or death, as it causes encephalitis and involves brain cells. It starts with the respiratory system and goes to the brain. The problem here is there is no defined treatment protocol for this disease. Neither is there a preventive vaccine nor a treatment for the disease. You have to just give supportive care for the patient," said Dr Dip Narayan Mukherjee, consultant, microbiology and head of infection control, Woodlands Hospital. If a patient has respiratory failure, we put the patient on a ventilator; if the patient is having convulsions, we give anti-convulsion drugs. That is the reason why it is a bad disease, and also the mortality rate is around 50 to 75 per cent," added Dr Mukherjee. Nipah does not have pandemic potential Steps to prevent contracting Nipah include washing fruits well with water, not having raw date sap without boiling or going through a proper filtration process. There is nothing to worry about. We all are taking care of that. Not only this hospital, all other hospitals are also making their process and planning accordingly. So, no fear, no panic. Just continue normal activities. If you are visiting some place where there is a chance of mixing with more bats or pigs, avoid that part. Hand hygiene, like very meticulous washing, and if you are exposed to a crowd, it's better to wear masks like in a zoo where there are many bats," explained Dr Mukherjee. Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease transmitted through bats eating fruits like raw date sap and human-to-human transmission takes place through saliva, urine, blood and respiratory droplets. However, unlike the Covid-19 virus, the Nipah virus does not have a pandemic potential. Pandemic potential is not there, but there's definitely an outbreak; two cases are there. The government is doing a contact tracing, trying to find out people who have been exposed by these two people, and they have to be quarantined so that if they develop symptoms, they can definitely seek treatment. Said Dr Chakraborty. We have taken the basic information, basic protocol and infrastructural support for early isolation of this group of patients, and our team will closely monitor the progress of the disease. We are very much in touch with our medical team of Sasthya Bhavan, who are providing timely instructions on treatment," said Dr Mukherjee. Being a NABH-accredited multi-disciplinary hospital, our team has conducted recent mock drills following ICMR and West Bengal Health Department guidelines, ensuring rapid containment and the highest standards of patient safety. We remain in constant coordination with state health authorities and are ready to support the National Joint Outbreak Response Team during this Nipah alert," said Sombrata Ray, Unit Head, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, which has isolation facilities in place to handle such cases. ICU beds and rooms have been kept ready for Nipah patients. Stocks of PPEs, N95 masks and gloves are ready in hospitals so that treatment could be started according to protocol straight away. Hospitals are following protocols proposed by the Kerala government, which has dealt with Nipah cases in recent times. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis targeted Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday and asserted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will never form an alliance with Uddhav Sena in future. He also took a dig at the Uddhav-led alliance for targeting Tamil Nadu BJP leader K. Annamalai. Chief Minister Fadnavis told ANI, "We will never need the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) or Uddhav Thackeray in the future; we are winning this election." Fadnavis added, though they are not enemies, "we can have tea with them in the future, but not an alliance." Fadnavis's comments come after the Thackeray brothers targeted the BJP over 'pseudo' Hindutva and Maratha Manoos. While Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MS), respectively, asserted that not a Hindutva leader but a Marathi would become the mayor of Mumbai, Fadnavis hit back saying "Marathi cannot be separated from Hindutva." On Mahayuti partners forming different alliances at the local body level, the BJP leader said there is no confusion and infighting in the Mahayuti alliance. "We had decided earlier that there are some cities where we are the dominant party. Therefore, we didn't want to give space to other parties by forming an alliance there. That's why we decided to have a friendly fight," Fadnavis added. "We had decided earlier that we would not speak against each other or criticise each other. But perhaps due to the pressure of the elections, NCP leader Ajit Pawar criticised us in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. He said many things against us, but we responded with development. We didn't retaliate. We didn't make any accusations against him. We didn't say anything wrong. We responded with development, and you will see that development will win," he claimed. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Dayanidhi Maran has sparked a political storm after making a controversial remark comparing the roles of women in Tamil Nadu and North India. Speaking at a function at Quaid-E-Millath Government College for Women in Chennai, Maran, a four-time MP, claimed that while women in North India are often expected to stay at home and bear children, Tamil Nadu encourages girls to pursue education and careers. Our girl students should be proud, and we are proud of them. Thats why we want girls to study. What do they say in the North? Girls? Don't go to work, be at home, be in the kitchen, bear a child, that's your job," he said. Maran also referenced the Tamil Nadu government's laptop distribution scheme, noting that the beneficiaries use the devices to study and prepare for interviews. He credited the state's progress in women's education to the welfare initiatives of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, as well as his predecessors, Karunanidhi and Annadurai. The BJP swiftly condemned Marans remarks, accusing him of lacking "common sense." Party leader Narayanan Thirupathy demanded that Maran apologise to the people of India, particularly the Hindi-speaking communities. I dont think Dayanidhi Maran has any common sense. This is the problem. I strongly condemn his comments. He must apologise to the people of India, particularly the Hindi-speaking people, whom he has insulted by calling them uneducated and uncivilised, Thirupathy said. #WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: On DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran's statement, BJP leader Narayanan Thirupathy says, "...I don't think Dayanidhi Maran has any common sense. So this is the problem. I strongly condemn Dayanidhi Maran. He has to apologise to the people of India, particularly https://t.co/Bn2gSCmL8X pic.twitter.com/QGqjo8SjrJ ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2026 BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan also criticised Dayanidhi Maran, urging DMK leaders to stop discriminating against people from other states. "I belong to Tamil Nadu too, but I take pride in my state without demeaning our brothers and sisters from other states. When I served as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, we distributed laptops to students four years ago. Dayanidhi Maran is not giving laptops. They are sticking their photos on the laptops and are threatening children to remove those photos. DMK MPs sit in Parliament alongside MPs from other stateshow can they degrade people from those states?" she said. #WATCH | Delhi: On DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran's statement, BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan says, "Dayanidhi Maran and all other DMK leaders should stop discriminating against our brothers and sisters from other states. I belong to Tamil Nadu too, but I will talk about the pride of pic.twitter.com/MyYm9kEvRC ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2026 Soundararajan further emphasised the contributions of women, noting their leadership across various government and industry sectors. "This is a highly indecent comment by Dayanidhi Maran, and we strongly condemn it," she added. DMK leader TKS Elangovan, however, defended Marans controversial remark, saying there is nobody to fight for womens rights in northern states. "Here in Tamil Nadu, we fought for women and empowered them. We gave them education. We gave them employment. We have also reserved seats in government jobs. We have been working for the advancement of women's rights from the beginning. In the north, there is nobody to fight for the women. That's all," he said. Multiple suspected Pakistani drones entered Indian airspace across the Line of Control (LoC) in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday evening, prompting Indian Army troops to open fire. According to officials, the drones briefly hovered over Dunga Gala in the Chingus area around 7 pm before returning to the Pakistani side. Two unidentified aerial objects were also spotted over the forward village of Dheri Dhara at around 7.35 pm. Following the sightings, the Indian Army activated counterUnmanned Aerial System (UAS) measures. Security forces also launched a search operation to ensure that no weapons, explosives, or narcotics were airdropped by the drones. In a similar incident on Sunday, several suspected Pakistani drones were detected in multiple forward areas, including Gania-Kalsia in the Nowshera sector, Dharmsal in Kalakote, Khabbar village in Teryath, and Chak Babral in the Ramgarh sector. Also read Multiple suspected Pakistani drones spotted along LoC; security forces on high alert Indian Army personnel responded by firing light and medium machine guns and activating counter-drone systems after observing the aerial objects. Meanwhile, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said on Tuesday that the Indian Army had strongly taken up the issue with Pakistans Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) following repeated sightings of Pakistani drones along border areas in the Jammu sector over the past three days. #WATCH | Delhi: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi says, "... Army has decided to manufacture as many drones as possible on its own. Every command of the Indian Army can either make or has already manufactured 5,000 drones. These are not small drones. We have test-fired pic.twitter.com/IvtS487M1u ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2026 We have observed small drones flying with their lights on and at relatively low altitudes. Only a few were sightedsix or seven on January 10 and two to three on January 11 and 12. These appeared to be defensive drones, possibly launched to assess whether any action was being planned against them, the Army Chief said. He added that it could not be ruled out that the drones were intended to identify gaps in Indian deployments to facilitate terrorist infiltration. However, there are no such gaps. This issue was raised during DGMO-level talks today, and we conveyed to them that such actions must be reined in, he said. The West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took a dig at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday, after the Calcutta High Court disposed off a petition seeking protection of Trinamool Congress's data, allegedly seized during the Enforcement Directorate's recent raids at the I-PAC office in the state. BJP co-incharge for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, called the Calcutta High Court's decision a massive embarrassment for the Trinamool Congress and its chief, Mamata Banerjee. The BJP leader said Trinamool Congress's corruption and its corrupt links will soon be exposed. The BJP leader added central agencies and constitutional authorities cannot be intimidated by "political theatrics." The ED recently raided the premises of poll consultancy I-PAC and its director Pratik Jain's office and home last week. During the raids, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee barged into I-PAC's office and took away files reportedly related to her party. "The Calcutta High Court has set aside Mamata Banerjee's objection against the Enforcement Directorate, delivering a sharp rebuke to her blatant interference. Over to the Supreme Court now," Malviya said in a social media post. "This episode exposes her contempt for the rule of law and her desperation to shield corruption. Constitutional authorities cannot be intimidated by political theatrics and the High Court has made that amply clear," Malviya added Saying "the chief minister has now been firmly put in her place," Malviya alleged the "episode exposes her contempt for the rule of law and her desperation to shield corruption." BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also targeted Banerjee and said the Calcutta High Court is a "massive embarrassment" to the ruling Trinamool Congress. "The chief minister is personally responsible for preventing investigation with the abetment of her DGP in the offence," he alleged. On Wednesday, ED informed the high court that it has not seized any documents during the raids. The central agency has also filed a petition in the Supreme Court against Banerjee, accusing her of obstructing their probe. A day before the Maharashtra municipal elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut launched a sharp attack on the State Election Commission, accusing it of granting an open licence to Mahayuti parties to distribute money among voters. Raut criticised the Commissions decision to permit door-to-door campaigning, despite the Model Code of Conduct being in effect and official campaigning having been ended on Tuesday. "Campaigning ended yesterday. According to the rules, laws, and the Model Code of Conduct, campaigning officially stopped yesterday. However, suddenly, the Maharashtra Election Commission said that even after campaigning has ended, you can still go door to door and campaign," Raut said. "What kind of rule is this? This directly gives the Bharatiya Janata Party, (Shiv Sena leader) Eknath Shinde, and (NCP leader) Ajit Pawar permission and a licence to distribute money openly during door-to-door campaigns," he alleged. The Sena (UBT) leader further targeted the BJP, claiming the saffron party has never fought elections in a fair manner. In West Bengal, the Hindu-Muslim narrative has failed. Its no longer about Hindu versus Muslim; its now about the Enforcement Directorate versus the Trinamool Congress, Raut said, alleging that the BJP had conspired to remove nearly 60 lakh voters. Despite this, Mamata Didi will win with a massive majority, he added. Elections for 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, will take place on January 15, with results to be declared on January 16. Polling will be held from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm across 2,869 seats in 893 wards. A total of 3.48 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots to decide the fate of 15,931 candidates, including 1,700 in Mumbai and 1,166 in Pune. The Calcutta High Court disposed of the Trinamool Congresss plea regarding the Enforcement Directorates seizure of confidential political data during the I-PAC raids on Wednesday. During the hearing, the TMC pressed its pleas seeking court protection for the poll-related data that were allegedly taken by the ED. The TMC called the EDs actions an extraordinary sign of bullying, Bar and Bench reported. The ED told the court that the search was conducted at a different location and questioned how another party is now coming and claiming that its data was with them. This is not how it works, it said. ED also stated that the petitioner on behalf of the TMC was Subhashish Chakraborty, who was not present at the locations where ED raids took place and does not have adequate knowledge to be a petitioner. #WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: On hearing in Calcutta High Court on the petitions filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) in connection with the probe agency's recent raids on the premises of I-PAC, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee says, "ED counsel sought pic.twitter.com/a0ABblfq6F ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2026 TMC argued that their data needs to be protected as seizure of data by ED amounts to bullying of a political party and their strategy wing, I-PAC, being targeted ahead of assembly elections in West Bengal. The HC then disposed of the TMCs pleas after the agency submitted that it seized nothing from I-PAC head Prateek Jains home and office on January 8. Additional Solicitor General SC Raju, who appeared for the central agency, told the bench, The prayer is for protection of data. The record was seized by Mamata Banerjee. Unless she is made a party, these prayers can't be granted, as no record has been seized by ED, but all records have been seized by Mamata Banerjee and her cohorts. The ED also sought an adjournment and informed the court that it had moved the Supreme Court in the matter. The High Court heard pleas by both the ED and TMC on Wednesday. The ED had sought a CBI probe against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly obstructing the ongoing money laundering investigation. They also asked that she return the documents and material she allegedly took from the I-PAC premises. The TMC counsel, Menaka Guruswamy, told the high court that the party was only seeking protection of its data. - with inputs from Prema Rajaram. The INSV Kaundinya (MMSI: 419002029), an Indian-flagged stitched sailing vessel, on Wednesday reached Oman's Port Sultan Qaboos, completing a historic 18-day voyage from Gujarat's Porbandar. Land Ahoy! Muscat Sighted! Good Morning India; Good morning Oman," wrote Expedition In-charge, Hemanth Kumar in an X post earlier today, when the port was visible. Land Ahoy! Muscat Sighted! Good Morning India ; Good morning Oman - INSV Kaundinya pic.twitter.com/PlfoFV1ZiZ Dr. Hemanth (@hem_foxtrot) January 14, 2026 "We did it!!!" wrote Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, who also celebrated the end of the voyage with an X post alongside Kumar and Skipper Vikas Sheoran. Sanyal's X account is filled with past updates of the ship's journey. Inspired by depictions of ancient Indian ships in the Ajanta Caves and constructed entirely using traditional stitched-plank techniques, the point behind this 5th-century-style Indian Navy vessel is to retrace the historic maritime routes that connected India with the rest of the world. An ancient sail ship depicted in a 5th century CE painting in the Ajanta Caves was selected as a reference to reconstruct into an ocean going sail ship using stitching technique. pic.twitter.com/qnWldNkDp4 INSV Kaundinya (@INSVKaundinya) December 1, 2025 Named after the legendary seafarer Kaundinya, who is believed to have sailed eastwards from India in ancient times, this heritage shipping project was undertaken through a tripartite MoU between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy and Hodi Innovations, a Goa-based private boat builder. The idea for a heritage project of this scale arose in December 2021, when the Sanyal and the Indian Navy discussed the idea. Over a period of two years, they managed to get funding via a tripartite contract in July 2023, after which the ship's keel-laying ceremony took place in September that yearofficially starting construction. The vessel was thereafter towed for the first time in the open sea. pic.twitter.com/gpOqIq38Wy INSV Kaundinya (@INSVKaundinya) December 1, 2025 Two more years later, the INSV Kaundinya was finally made seaworthy, and had begun its maiden voyage to Oman on December 29, 2025. US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Irans leadership over its violent crackdown on protests that have swept the country over the past two weeks. Trump said Washington would review reports of killings and alleged executions linked to the unrest. We had a wonderful speech in front of great people in Detroit. Im going back to the White House now, and were going to look at the whole situation thats going on in Iran. Well get some accurate numbers on whats happening with regard to the killing, the president told reporters. #WATCH | On being asked if he wants to see democracy in Iran, US President Donald Trump says, "Ideally, we would like to see it. We don't want to see people killed, and we want to see a little bit of freedom for these people. These people have been living in hell for a long pic.twitter.com/YEuMzGuoFj ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2026 Later, speaking to CBS News, Trump reiterated his warning, saying the US would respond forcefully if Iran executes protesters. We will take very strong action if they do such a thing, he said. Trumps remarks came amid reports that Iranian authorities are preparing to execute Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old man, in what would be the first capital punishment linked to the ongoing anti-regime protests. Soltani was arrested last week during demonstrations in Karaj and is scheduled to be hanged on Wednesday, according to human rights groups. When they start killing thousands of people and now youre telling me about hanging protesters, well see how that works out for them. Its not going to work out well, Trump said. The message is that theyve got to show humanity. They have a big problem, and I hope theyre not going to be killing people. It would seem to me that they have been badly misbehaving, but that is not yet confirmed, he added. The United States has started withdrawing troops from its Middle East bases amid threats from Iran, according to reports citing American officials. The revelation comes as Tehran warned its neighbouring countries that it would hit the US bases in their territories if Washington carries out attacks on Iran. This means that US is possibly preparing to attack Iran and hence withdrew its troops as a precaution ahead of a potential conflict in the region. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East Qatar had earlier stated that it has taken precautionary measures at the US-run Al Udeid Air Base to protect its citizens and residents. This base was struck by Iran in June when US attacked its nuclear facilities. Iran's threats came after US President Donald Trump repeatedly vowed to intervene amid violent anti-regime protests in the country. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Israel is trying to drag the US into "fighting wars on its behalf". "President Trump should now know where to turn to stop the bloodshed," he posted on Telegram. Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said Tehran has "surprises" in store for any enemy that attacks it. "If these threats are turned into action, we will defend the country with full force and until the last drop of blood, and our defence would be painful to them," Press TV quoted his as saying during a security meeting. He also claimed that the damage caused by Israels 12-day war on Iran in June has been repaired. It has been reported that at least 2,600 people have been killed in the ongoing violent protests in Iran. The victims include protesters and security personnel, according to Reuters. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is included among the 13 Best Dividend Stocks Paying Over 6%. Scotiabank Trims Verizon (VZ) Price Target as Wireless Promotions Intensify Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com On January 7, Scotiabank cut its price target on Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) to $48 from $51 and kept a Sector Perform rating. The firm said the change was part of a broader refresh of its telecom services targets ahead of Q4 earnings. Scotiabank noted that wireless promotions were especially aggressive during the holiday season. Still, it believes the industry is continuing to grow, with revenue and EBITDA trends staying positive overall. One thing Verizon does not struggle with is cash generation. Through the first nine months of the year, the company produced $28 billion in cash flow from operations. That easily covered $12.3 billion in capital spending and $8.6 billion in dividends, leaving about $7.2 billion in surplus cash. Verizon has been putting that extra cash to work by reinforcing its balance sheet, which is already one of the companys strengths. Verizon also expects free cash flow to improve further in 2026. A key part of that outlook is the companys planned $20 billion all-cash acquisition of Frontier Communications. The deal would expand Verizons reach in broadband and make it easier to bundle mobile and home internet services, a combination that can be sticky once customers adopt it. That cash flow profile matters for dividend investors. With spending covered and cash still left over, Verizon remains in a strong position to continue increasing its dividend over time. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is a holding company that operates through its subsidiaries, offering communications, technology, information, and streaming products and services to consumers, businesses, and government customers. While we acknowledge the potential of VZ 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 13 Best Consumer Staples Dividend Stocks to Invest In Now Disclosure: None. The Indian embassy in Tehran on Wednesday issued a fresh advisory for citizens in Iran as violent protests have resulted in deaths of demonstrators and security personnel. The advisory urged Indian citizens in the country to leave Iran by any means of transport available and warned others against travelling to the country until further notice. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East In view of the ongoing developments in Iran, Indian nationals are once again strongly advised to avoid travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice," the embassy stated. It also asked citizens to keep their travel and immigration documents, including passports and IDs, ready, adding that they can contact the embassy for any assistance. Sharing the emergency helplines, the embassy stated, "The emergency contact helplines of the Indian Embassy are provided below: Mobile Numbers: +989128109115; +989128109109; +989128109102; +989932179359. Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in." It urged Indian citizens in Iran to register with the embassy via the link https://www.meaers.com/request/home. "The link is also available on the Embassy website. In case any Indian national is unable to register due to internet disruptions in Iran, their families in India are requested to do so," it added. Union Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar wrote on X that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called him to discuss "the evolving situation in and around Iran." This comes as Iran warned US allies in its neighbourhood that it will strike the American bases on their soil if Washington targets Tehran. US President Donald Trump has threatened earlier that he would intervene to support protesters if the Islamic regime continues killing the citizens. The death toll in Iran due to the violent protests and government crackdown has crossed 2,600, according to Reuters. US President Donald Trump may have reiterated his threat to strike Iran for attempting to repress the unrest, but reports claim Israel and Arab nations have suggested to the Trump administration that it wait before striking Tehran. This comes amid reports that talks have begun to explore options on how to carry out an attack on Iran, including non-military options. However, Israeli and Arab officials think time is not yet ripe, according to a report by NBC News quoting unnamed sources, which added that they believe the regime may not yet be weakened to the point where US military strikes would be the decisive blow that topples it. The Arabs and Israelis believe Trump should wait until the regime is even more strained, stating that the situation in Iran is rapidly developing and the stability of the regime could change quickly in one direction or the other. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East Trump on Tuesday issued a fresh warning to Irans leadership over its violent crackdown on protests that have swept the country over the past two weeks. He said Washington would review reports of killings and alleged executions linked to the unrest. Multiple reports suggested that Arab states have been specifically warning the Trump administration not to strike Iran now, as it would have a detrimental effect on the global oil market. Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar informed the White House that even attempting to overthrow the current Iranian regime would destabilize the global oil market and ultimately hurt the American economy, according to the Wall Street Journal. None of the rival Gulf states has addressed the protests that have spread across Iran since late December. Meanwhile, Israel seems to have adopted the wait and watch policy despite the perspective of the country being regime change. "[Israel] does see the combination of this last operation in June, plus the economic hardships in Iran and now these protests as successful, meaning maximum pressure, military pressure, it works," Mairav Zonszein, a senior analyst for Israel at the International Crisis Group, told KPBS. She added that a military strike was not going to just get rid of the regime. "And that even if you do take out [Iran's supreme leader Ali] Khamenei in a Venezuelan model of some kind, what replaces that? It could be worse. It could be chaotic," Zonszein added. While the global attention is focused on the US amid the unrest in Iran and the recent capture of the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Russian President Vladimir Putin is maintaining a strategic silence. His apathy is reportedly making his allies feel neglected, according to reports. While the Russian President is yet to react to the unrest in Iran, one of Russias close allies, his inattention to Maduros fate has also made Venezuelan officials realise that their years-long security relationship with Moscow was a paper tiger. Almost 10 days since the US capture of Maduro, the state security apparatus of the country conducted a post-mortem on how their leader was captured by the US, reported Bloomberg, adding that the officials privately expressed dismay at the failure of their Cuban and Russian partners to help protect him. The officials believe that Russian intelligence agencies, which they relied on, did not identify vulnerabilities or provide any specific information about the threat to Maduro despite repeated public signals from Trump. The Venezuelan officials are also disappointed at how Russias S-300 and Buk-M2 air-defense systems failed to protect Venezuelas airspace. Russia did not give adequate technical support to ensure the systems were operationally effective, the officials complained, adding that the Russian cyber defenses were not rendered useless when the US cut off power to large areas of Caracas when they took Maduro. The turn of events caused the breakdown in trust in the security partnership between Venezuela, Cuba, and Russia, Bloomberg added. Though the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a fairly formal statement condemning the violation of key principles of international law, Vladimir Putin did not publicly comment on the US actions. Despite being angry at the US actions, Russia now considers its relations with the US more important than Venezuela, Bloomberg quoted a separate person familiar with the Kremlins position. A construction crane collapsed onto a Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani passenger train on Wednesday morning, killing at least 22 people. The accident caused the train to derail and catch fire in Ban Thanon Khot, Si Khiew District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province in Thailand. About 55 people were also injured in the accident. The train had at least 200 passengers on board. The crane was part of a double-track railway project construction in Ban Thanon Khod, Moo 11, Si Khiew Subdistrict, Si Khiew District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The construction was being done above an already existing railway track. Video clip from the scene of the serious train accident today when a crane fell onto a passenger train at a construction site in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Multiple deaths reported. Video released by @PR_SRT #Thailand pic.twitter.com/AOP2Ng7ESR Thai Train Guide (@ThaiTrainGuide) January 14, 2026 Police officers rushed to the scene along with rescue workers. They found that the train's three carriages were severely damaged, and the second carriage was engulfed in fire. 7 people were initially reported dead. Many of the passengers were reportedly school children. Many passengers were still trapped inside carriages as authorities arrived at the scene. The rescue team used hydraulic cutters to help passengers out of the wreckage and they were taken to nearby hospitals. Eyewitnesses told local news media that the train was traveling through the construction site when the crane vehicle malfunctioned and fell on top, causing a loud bang. The debris from the crane then fell onto the train, and the second and third carriages became entangled with the crane cable, which caused the derailment. Construction workers on the site said that the crane broke just as the train was approaching. Prof. Dr. Amorn Pimanamas, President of the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand, who spoke to Thansettakij, said that the part that fell on the train was a support structure of the crane. The cause of the cranes collapse has not been determined. Site where a construction crane fell into a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima province | X Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn asked the Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to visit the site immediately. He also asked that the ministry of transport utilise social security funds to compensate the passengers. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in a report alleged that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has been "acting on behalf of the Indian government," reported local media. The three-page report mentions the Bishnoi gang's alleged ties to the Indian government six times, according to Canadian media outlet Global News. The undated report was distributed internally by RCMP in 2025. "The Bishnoi Crime Group is known to use violence to further their criminal enterprise, while acting on behalf of the Indian government," alleged the report by RCMP's national security division. It also adds that the gang is driven by greed rather than political or religious reasons. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has been designated a terrorist organisation by Canada. The RCMP report alleged that the Indian government was using the Bishnoi gang to target Khalistani terrorists. This comes less than two months after Lawrence's brother Anmol Bishnoi was deported to India from the US in November. Anmol was added to the NIA's Most Wanted List in 2024 and a Rs 10 lakh reward was issued for his arrest. Lawrence, himself, has been imprisoned in Ahmedabad after he was arrested in Punjab in March 2015. The RCMP report also repeats former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau's claims that Indian agents were involved in Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing. The report also alleged that Bishnoi gang had admitted to its role in killing another Khalisatani terrorist, Sukhdool Singh, in Winnipeg, Manitoba in September 2023. Singh was allegedly a member of the Bambiha gang, which was a rival of Bishnoi. Banco Santander Brasil SA (NYSE:BSBR Get Free Report) declared a special dividend on Monday, January 12th. Investors of record on Thursday, January 22nd will be paid a dividend of 0.1001 per share by the bank on Wednesday, February 18th. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 22nd. Banco Santander Brasil has decreased its dividend by an average of 0.2%annually over the last three years. Banco Santander Brasil has a payout ratio of 9.6% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Banco Santander Brasil to earn $0.71 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.08 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 11.3%. Get Banco Santander Brasil alerts: Banco Santander Brasil Stock Down 1.0% BSBR traded down $0.07 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $6.24. 481,099 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 547,937. Banco Santander Brasil has a 12-month low of $3.98 and a 12-month high of $6.59. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $6.16 and a 200 day moving average of $5.55. The company has a current ratio of 1.34, a quick ratio of 1.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.13. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have recently commented on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Banco Santander Brasil from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Banco Santander Brasil in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded Banco Santander Brasil from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $4.70. View Our Latest Stock Report on BSBR Banco Santander Brasil Company Profile (Get Free Report) Banco Santander Brasil SA is the Brazilian unit of Spain-based Grupo Santander and one of the countrys major commercial banks. Headquartered in Sao Paulo, the bank serves a broad client base across Brazil through an integrated network of branches, ATMs and digital channels. Its shares are represented abroad via American Depositary Shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker BSBR. The bank offers a full range of financial products and services for retail, small and medium-sized enterprises, and corporate clients. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Banco Santander Brasil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Santander Brasil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oroco Resource Corp. (CVE:OCO Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 30.3% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as C$0.45 and last traded at C$0.45. 10,076,492 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 218% from the average session volume of 3,168,994 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.65. Trending Headlines about Oroco Resource Here are the key news stories impacting Oroco Resource this week: Get Oroco Resource alerts: Positive Sentiment: Media-driven rally: The AmericanBankingNews write-up highlights a 49.4% move that appears linked to fresh coverage and heightened market interest in OCO, which can attract momentum buyers and larger trading flows. Oroco Resource (CVE:OCO) Shares Up 49.4% Heres Why Media-driven rally: The AmericanBankingNews write-up highlights a 49.4% move that appears linked to fresh coverage and heightened market interest in OCO, which can attract momentum buyers and larger trading flows. Neutral Sentiment: Heavy, volatile trading: Recent intraday volume (~10.1M shares) well exceeded the ~3.17M average, indicating the move was driven by active trading good for liquidity but increases short-term volatility. Heavy, volatile trading: Recent intraday volume (~10.1M shares) well exceeded the ~3.17M average, indicating the move was driven by active trading good for liquidity but increases short-term volatility. Neutral Sentiment: Technical/valuation context: OCO is a small?cap, high?beta (negative beta historically) resource stock with thin absolute price levels (12?month range C$0.23C$0.67). Such stocks often move sharply on news or speculation; use position sizing and stop discipline. Technical/valuation context: OCO is a small?cap, high?beta (negative beta historically) resource stock with thin absolute price levels (12?month range C$0.23C$0.67). Such stocks often move sharply on news or speculation; use position sizing and stop discipline. Negative Sentiment: Confirm the catalyst: The article attributes the surge to market interest and coverage rather than citing a specific new company press release or operational update. That raises the risk the move is speculative and could reverse on profit?taking or absence of an underlying corporate development. Oroco Resource Stock Down 30.3% The firm has a 50-day moving average of C$0.34 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$0.32. The company has a quick ratio of 5.79, a current ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. The stock has a market capitalization of C$115.08 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -33.00 and a beta of -0.28. About Oroco Resource Oroco Resource Corp., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in Mexico. It explores for gold, silver, and copper deposits. The company primarily focuses on the Santo Tomas porphyry copper project located in Sinaloa State. It also holds 100% interests in the Xochipala project that includes Celia Gene and Celia Generosa contiguous mineral concessions covering an area of 193 hectares located in Guerrero; and the Salvador property that covers an area of 100 hectares located in Guerrero. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Oroco Resource Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oroco Resource and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. With a market cap of $23.6 billion, ON Semiconductor Corporation (ON) is a global provider of intelligent sensing and power solutions, serving customers across regions including Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other international markets. It operates through three segments: Power Solutions Group, Analog and Mixed-Signal Group, and Intelligent Sensing Group. The Scottsdale, Arizona-based company is expected to release its fiscal Q4 2025 results soon. Ahead of this event, analysts forecast ON to post an adjusted EPS of $0.62, down 34.7% from $0.95 in the year-ago quarter. It has surpassed Wall Street's bottom-line estimates in two of the last four quarterly reports while missing on two other occasions. More News from Barchart For fiscal 2025, analysts predict the chipmaker to report adjusted EPS of $2.36, a decrease of 40.7% from $3.98 in fiscal 2024. However, adjusted EPS is anticipated to grow 22.9% year-over-year to $2.90 in fiscal 2026. www.barchart.com Shares of ON Semiconductor have risen 8.9% over the past 52 weeks, lagging behind both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 19.7% gain and the State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF's (XSD) 39.2% increase over the same period. www.barchart.com Shares of ON Semiconductor recovered marginally on Nov. 3 after the company reported Q3 2025 results that exceeded expectations, including revenue of $1.55 billion and adjusted EPS of $0.63. The rebound was also supported by strong demand for its power management chips used in AI data centers, driven by the ongoing artificial intelligence boom. Additionally, the companys Q4 revenue guidance of $1.48 billion to $1.58 billion and adjusted EPS outlook of $0.57 to $0.67 were largely in line with market expectations, reassuring investors. Analysts' consensus view on ON stock is cautiously optimistic, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Out of 33 analysts covering the stock, 12 suggest a "Strong Buy," two advise "Moderate Buy," 18 recommend a "Hold," and one gives a "Strong Sell" rating. The average analyst price target for ON Semiconductor is $60.28, suggesting a potential upside of 2.6% from current levels. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Hapag-Lloyd Aktiengesellschaft (OTCMKTS:HPGLY Get Free Report)s stock price was up 11% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $75.54 and last traded at $75.54. Approximately 123 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 83% from the average daily volume of 732 shares. The stock had previously closed at $68.06. Hapag-Lloyd Aktiengesellschaft Stock Performance The business has a 50-day moving average of $68.03 and a two-hundred day moving average of $70.24. Get Hapag-Lloyd Aktiengesellschaft alerts: Hapag-Lloyd Aktiengesellschaft Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hapag-Lloyd Aktiengesellschaft (OTCMKTS:HPGLY) is a Germany-based global container shipping company offering a wide range of ocean freight and logistics services. Headquartered in Hamburg, the firm maintains a modern fleet of more than 200 container vessels, serving shippers with capacity for standard dry cargo, refrigerated goods and specialized shipments. Its core services include scheduled liner transport, chartering and equipment management for containers of various types and sizes. The companys integrated logistics platform extends beyond sea transport to intermodal solutions, inland trucking and rail connections, as well as sea-air services for time-sensitive shipments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hapag-Lloyd Aktiengesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hapag-Lloyd Aktiengesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Park Avenue Securities LLC lifted its stake in Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC Free Report) by 114.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 34,879 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 18,605 shares during the period. Park Avenue Securities LLCs holdings in Honda Motor were worth $1,074,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in HMC. Kathmere Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Honda Motor by 34.6% in the third quarter. Kathmere Capital Management LLC now owns 12,261 shares of the companys stock valued at $378,000 after buying an additional 3,153 shares during the period. Global Retirement Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Honda Motor by 210.1% in the 3rd quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 5,427 shares of the companys stock valued at $167,000 after acquiring an additional 3,677 shares during the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC raised its position in shares of Honda Motor by 4.4% in the 3rd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 37,298 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,149,000 after acquiring an additional 1,589 shares during the period. PDS Planning Inc boosted its stake in Honda Motor by 3.9% during the 3rd quarter. PDS Planning Inc now owns 10,837 shares of the companys stock worth $334,000 after acquiring an additional 409 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Merit Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in Honda Motor during the third quarter valued at approximately $209,000. Institutional investors own 5.32% of the companys stock. Get Honda Motor alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on HMC shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Honda Motor in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Nomura Securities upgraded Honda Motor to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Finally, Zacks Research raised Honda Motor from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold. Honda Motor Trading Down 0.9% HMC opened at $30.63 on Wednesday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $29.94 and its 200 day simple moving average is $31.36. The stock has a market capitalization of $47.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.01, a P/E/G ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a current ratio of 1.41, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has a 12 month low of $24.56 and a 12 month high of $34.89. Honda Motor (NYSE:HMC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The company reported $0.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.68 by ($0.08). The firm had revenue of $34.71 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $35.95 billion. Honda Motor had a net margin of 3.04% and a return on equity of 5.18%. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will post 3.99 EPS for the current fiscal year. Honda Motor Company Profile (Free Report) Honda Motor Co, Ltd. is a global manufacturer and mobility company headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa. The companys core businesses include the design, manufacture and sale of automobiles and motorcycles, along with a diverse portfolio of power products, engines and related components. Honda also operates in aviation through Honda Aircraft Company and offers financial services that support vehicle sales and leasing. In automobiles, Honda is known for a range of passenger cars, crossovers and light trucks, and in motorcycles it is one of the worlds leading producers by volume and model breadth. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HMC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Honda Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Honda Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Park Avenue Securities LLC bought a new stake in JBT Marel Corporation (NYSE:JBTM Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm bought 6,510 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $914,000. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS lifted its holdings in shares of JBT Marel by 0.9% during the third quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 10,800 shares of the companys stock worth $1,517,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System raised its position in JBT Marel by 10.6% during the 3rd quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 23,900 shares of the companys stock worth $3,357,000 after buying an additional 2,300 shares during the last quarter. Brown Miller Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in JBT Marel during the 3rd quarter worth $202,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC acquired a new stake in shares of JBT Marel in the 3rd quarter worth $25,000. Finally, Diversified Trust Co purchased a new stake in shares of JBT Marel in the third quarter valued at about $1,061,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.92% of the companys stock. Get JBT Marel alerts: Insider Activity In related news, Director Olafur S. Gudmundsson sold 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $141.79, for a total value of $2,835,800.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 19,980 shares in the company, valued at $2,832,964.20. The trade was a 50.03% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 1.10% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on JBTM shares. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of JBT Marel in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Robert W. Baird set a $169.00 target price on JBT Marel in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised JBT Marel from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the stock from $150.00 to $180.00 in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $164.00. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on JBT Marel JBT Marel Trading Up 0.9% Shares of JBT Marel stock opened at $156.41 on Wednesday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $146.84 and a two-hundred day moving average of $139.78. JBT Marel Corporation has a 12-month low of $90.08 and a 12-month high of $160.84. The company has a current ratio of 0.93, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34. The stock has a market cap of $8.13 billion, a PE ratio of -69.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 1.00. JBT Marel (NYSE:JBTM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $1.94 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.51 by $0.43. JBT Marel had a positive return on equity of 7.88% and a negative net margin of 3.39%.The business had revenue of $1 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $936.75 million. The companys quarterly revenue was up 120.6% on a year-over-year basis. JBT Marel has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.100-6.400 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that JBT Marel Corporation will post 5.21 EPS for the current fiscal year. JBT Marel Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were given a $0.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.3%. JBT Marels dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -17.86%. JBT Marel Profile (Free Report) JBT Marel Corporation provides technology solutions to food and beverage industry in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. It offers value-added processing that includes chilling, mixing/grinding, injecting, blending, marinating, tumbling, flattening, forming, portioning, coating, cooking, frying, freezing, extracting, pasteurizing, sterilizing, concentrating, high pressure processing, weighing, inspecting, filling, closing, sealing, end of line material handling, and packaging solutions to the food, beverage, and health market. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JBTM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JBT Marel Corporation (NYSE:JBTM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for JBT Marel Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JBT Marel and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. decreased its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Free Report) by 1.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,162,474 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 21,337 shares during the quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. owned 0.67% of Alexandria Real Estate Equities worth $96,881,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of ARE. Sound Income Strategies LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P bought a new position in Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the second quarter valued at $27,000. American National Bank & Trust bought a new position in Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the second quarter valued at $29,000. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC purchased a new stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities during the second quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, MUFG Securities EMEA plc bought a new stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $33,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.54% of the companys stock. Get Alexandria Real Estate Equities alerts: Alexandria Real Estate Equities News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Alexandria Real Estate Equities this week: Positive Sentiment: Promotion and pay changes that may help retain management and align incentives Alexandria amended Executive Chairman Joels package and boosted performance?based pay while promoting a co?president, signaling a management retention/governance move that some investors view as constructive. Article Title Promotion and pay changes that may help retain management and align incentives Alexandria amended Executive Chairman Joels package and boosted performance?based pay while promoting a co?president, signaling a management retention/governance move that some investors view as constructive. Neutral Sentiment: Elevated short interest Short interest rose ~31% in December to about 9.09M shares (~5.3% of shares outstanding) with a days?to?cover near 3.5. This increases the potential for headline?driven volatility (both downside pressure and squeeze dynamics) but does not by itself change fundamentals. Elevated short interest Short interest rose ~31% in December to about 9.09M shares (~5.3% of shares outstanding) with a days?to?cover near 3.5. This increases the potential for headline?driven volatility (both downside pressure and squeeze dynamics) but does not by itself change fundamentals. Negative Sentiment: Impairment charge and sharp stock drop prompted multiple class?action lawsuits A large impairment charge in early January triggered a roughly 19% stock decline and led to several securities?fraud suits and law?firm solicitations alleging misstatements. These legal actions can create headline risk, potential legal costs, and management distraction. Article Title Impairment charge and sharp stock drop prompted multiple class?action lawsuits A large impairment charge in early January triggered a roughly 19% stock decline and led to several securities?fraud suits and law?firm solicitations alleging misstatements. These legal actions can create headline risk, potential legal costs, and management distraction. Negative Sentiment: Multiple law firms soliciting lead plaintiffs ahead of Jan 26 deadline Several firms (BFA, Faruqi & Faruqi, Rosen, Pomerantz, Glancy, Bragar, et al.) have publicized claims and deadlines, increasing the likelihood of consolidated litigation and potential damages/settlement exposure. Investors should watch filings and developments. Faruqi Notice Rosen Notice Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Performance Alexandria Real Estate Equities stock opened at $54.63 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.24, a quick ratio of 0.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The firm has a market cap of $9.44 billion, a P/E ratio of -22.12, a P/E/G ratio of 6.53 and a beta of 1.31. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a 1-year low of $44.10 and a 1-year high of $105.14. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $50.40 and a 200-day moving average of $68.31. Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.31 by ($0.09). The business had revenue of $751.94 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $752.90 million. Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a negative net margin of 13.43% and a negative return on equity of 1.89%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.37 EPS. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.980-9.040 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. will post 9.32 EPS for the current year. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Cuts 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 issued a $0.72 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $2.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.3%. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess payout ratio is -116.60%. Alexandria Real Estate Equities announced that its Board of Directors has approved a stock buyback program on Monday, December 8th that authorizes the company to repurchase $500.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the real estate investment trust to repurchase up to 6.4% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are typically a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In ARE has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. BMO Capital Markets set a $60.00 price target on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $83.00 to $45.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Citigroup lowered their target price on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $61.00 to $52.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, BNP Paribas Exane reduced their price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $72.00 to $50.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $68.56. Read Our Latest Stock Report on ARE Insider Transactions at Alexandria Real Estate Equities In related news, Director Sheila K. Mcgrath acquired 3,100 shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $45.60 per share, with a total value of $141,360.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 8,392 shares in the company, valued at $382,675.20. This trade represents a 58.58% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Insiders own 1.15% of the companys stock. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Company Profile (Free Report) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE) is a real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership, development and management of collaborative life science and technology campuses. The companys properties are designed to support research and innovation by providing specialized laboratory, office and manufacturing space tailored to biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic and related industries. Since its founding in 1994, Alexandria has cultivated a diversified portfolio of campuses across leading innovation clusters in North America and Europe. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ARE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE:LAD Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eleven ratings firms that are covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $392.20. Several research analysts recently weighed in on LAD shares. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on Lithia Motors from $327.00 to $358.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday. Barclays started coverage on shares of Lithia Motors in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. They set an overweight rating and a $410.00 price objective for the company. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Lithia Motors from $385.00 to $399.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Benchmark reissued a buy rating on shares of Lithia Motors in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings lowered shares of Lithia Motors from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Get Lithia Motors alerts: View Our Latest Report on LAD Insider Activity at Lithia Motors Institutional Trading of Lithia Motors In related news, Director Congdon Stacy Loretz sold 75 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $360.00, for a total value of $27,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 1,810 shares in the company, valued at $651,600. This trade represents a 3.98% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website . 0.87% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. AGP Franklin LLC increased its position in shares of Lithia Motors by 0.3% in the third quarter. AGP Franklin LLC now owns 10,459 shares of the companys stock worth $3,305,000 after acquiring an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System boosted its stake in Lithia Motors by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 7,702 shares of the companys stock worth $2,434,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its stake in Lithia Motors by 9.2% in the 4th quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 403 shares of the companys stock worth $134,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares during the period. M&T Bank Corp grew its position in Lithia Motors by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. M&T Bank Corp now owns 1,488 shares of the companys stock worth $503,000 after purchasing an additional 35 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vident Advisory LLC raised its stake in Lithia Motors by 4.6% during the 2nd quarter. Vident Advisory LLC now owns 842 shares of the companys stock valued at $285,000 after purchasing an additional 37 shares during the period. Lithia Motors Trading Up 2.4% Lithia Motors stock opened at $339.06 on Friday. Lithia Motors has a 12-month low of $262.10 and a 12-month high of $405.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.35, a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 0.30. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.22 billion, a PE ratio of 9.82 and a beta of 1.18. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $323.26 and a 200-day simple moving average of $321.49. Lithia Motors (NYSE:LAD Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The company reported $9.50 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $8.53 by $0.97. Lithia Motors had a return on equity of 13.42% and a net margin of 2.39%.The firm had revenue of $9.68 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.38 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $8.21 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 4.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Lithia Motors will post 34.45 EPS for the current fiscal year. Lithia Motors Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 21st. Investors of record on Friday, November 7th were issued a $0.55 dividend. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. Lithia Motorss payout ratio is presently 6.37%. Lithia Motors Company Profile (Get Free Report) Lithia Motors, Inc is an American automotive retailer headquartered in Medford, Oregon. Founded in 1946 as a small auto body and glass shop, the company has grown through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions to become one of the largest automotive retail networks in North America. Lithia operates dealerships across the United States and Canada, offering a broad portfolio of new and pre-owned vehicles from more than 40 different manufacturers. The companys core business activities include vehicle sales, financing, insurance, parts and service. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Lithia Motors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lithia Motors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sunstone Hotel Investors (NYSE:SHO Get Free Report) and Terreno Realty (NYSE:TRNO Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, profitability, dividends, risk and analyst recommendations. Volatility & Risk Sunstone Hotel Investors has a beta of 1.02, suggesting that its share price is 2% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Terreno Realty has a beta of 1.13, suggesting that its share price is 13% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Sunstone Hotel Investors alerts: Insider & Institutional Ownership 99.4% of Sunstone Hotel Investors shares are held by institutional investors. 1.1% of Sunstone Hotel Investors shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 2.0% of Terreno Realty shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Valuation & Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Sunstone Hotel Investors $905.81 million 1.96 $43.26 million N/A N/A Terreno Realty $382.62 million 16.17 $184.50 million $3.15 19.00 This table compares Sunstone Hotel Investors and Terreno Realtys gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Terreno Realty has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Sunstone Hotel Investors. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Sunstone Hotel Investors and Terreno Realty, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Sunstone Hotel Investors 2 5 3 0 2.10 Terreno Realty 1 4 8 1 2.64 Sunstone Hotel Investors presently has a consensus price target of $9.38, indicating a potential upside of 0.11%. Terreno Realty has a consensus price target of $65.85, indicating a potential upside of 10.03%. Given Terreno Realtys stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Terreno Realty is more favorable than Sunstone Hotel Investors. Profitability This table compares Sunstone Hotel Investors and Terreno Realtys net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Sunstone Hotel Investors 1.94% 1.04% 0.59% Terreno Realty 72.41% 8.27% 6.41% Dividends Sunstone Hotel Investors pays an annual dividend of $0.36 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.8%. Terreno Realty pays an annual dividend of $2.08 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.5%. Terreno Realty pays out 66.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Sunstone Hotel Investors has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years and Terreno Realty has increased its dividend for 5 consecutive years. Summary Terreno Realty beats Sunstone Hotel Investors on 13 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Sunstone Hotel Investors (Get Free Report) Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. is a lodging real estate investment trust ("REIT") that as of the date of this release owns 14 hotels comprised of 6,675 rooms, the majority of which are operated under nationally recognized brands. Sunstone's strategy is to create long-term stakeholder value through the acquisition, active ownership, and disposition of well-located hotel and resort real estate. About Terreno Realty (Get Free Report) Terreno Realty Corporation (Terreno, and together with its subsidiaries, the Company) acquires, owns and operates industrial real estate in six major coastal U.S. markets: Los Angeles, Northern New Jersey/New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Miami, and Washington, D.C. All square feet, acres, occupancy and number of properties disclosed in these notes to the consolidated financial statements are unaudited. As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned 259 buildings aggregating approximately 16.0 million square feet, 45 improved land parcels consisting of approximately 152.4 acres, seven properties under development or redevelopment and approximately 62.7 acres of land entitled for future development. The Company is an internally managed Maryland corporation and elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (REIT) under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2010. Receive News & Ratings for Sunstone Hotel Investors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sunstone Hotel Investors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PKO Investment Management Joint Stock Co reduced its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 3.5% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 13,926 shares of the companys stock after selling 500 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for about 0.9% of PKO Investment Management Joint Stock Cos investment portfolio, making the stock its 23rd largest holding. PKO Investment Management Joint Stock Cos holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $10,626,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of LLY. Occidental Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Occidental Asset Management LLC now owns 1,966 shares of the companys stock worth $1,533,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. New Insight Wealth Advisors boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 3.4% in the second quarter. New Insight Wealth Advisors now owns 394 shares of the companys stock worth $307,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. Dash Acquisitions Inc. boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.8% in the second quarter. Dash Acquisitions Inc. now owns 485 shares of the companys stock worth $387,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. Nvest Financial LLC grew its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.6% in the second quarter. Nvest Financial LLC now owns 2,274 shares of the companys stock worth $1,773,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MPS Loria Financial Planners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.9% during the second quarter. MPS Loria Financial Planners LLC now owns 699 shares of the companys stock valued at $545,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on LLY shares. Guggenheim reiterated a buy rating and issued a $1,163.00 price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. CICC Research upped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $801.00 to $1,060.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Loop Capital set a $950.00 price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Scotiabank began coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $1,165.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, UBS Group started coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. They issued a buy rating and a $1,250.00 target price for the company. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have issued a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $1,169.00. Eli Lilly and Company Trading Down 0.5% Shares of LLY stock opened at $1,075.90 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.55, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $623.78 and a 12-month high of $1,133.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.02 trillion, a P/E ratio of 52.64, a P/E/G ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 0.35. The firms 50 day moving average is $1,044.24 and its 200 day moving average is $865.79. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.42 by $0.60. The business had revenue of $17.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.09 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 30.99% and a return on equity of 109.52%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 53.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.18 EPS. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. Research analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a dividend of $1.73 per share. This represents a $6.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.6%. This is a boost 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 (DPR) is currently 33.86%. Trending Headlines about Eli Lilly and Company Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week: Eli Lilly and Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) is a global pharmaceutical company founded in 1876 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and therapies for patients worldwide. Eli Lilly maintains operations and commercial presence across North America, Europe, Asia and other regions, serving both developed and emerging markets. The company has been led in recent years by President and Chief Executive Officer David A. Featured Articles 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. Nordea Investment Management AB increased its holdings in shares of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC Free Report) by 22.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 2,136,255 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 386,279 shares during the period. Nordea Investment Management ABs holdings in Bank of America were worth $109,793,000 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. Allen Capital Group LLC raised its stake in Bank of America by 0.7% during the third quarter. Allen Capital Group LLC now owns 33,285 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,717,000 after buying an additional 221 shares during the last quarter. S Bank Fund Management Ltd raised its position in shares of Bank of America by 7.0% in the 3rd quarter. S Bank Fund Management Ltd now owns 303,790 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $15,673,000 after purchasing an additional 19,898 shares during the last quarter. New Republic Capital LLC boosted its stake in Bank of America by 3.5% in the 3rd quarter. New Republic Capital LLC now owns 11,279 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $582,000 after purchasing an additional 381 shares in the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in Bank of America by 3.4% in the 3rd quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 234,890 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $12,118,000 after purchasing an additional 7,722 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. grew its position in Bank of America by 5.3% during the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 17,438,466 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $899,650,000 after purchasing an additional 875,514 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 70.71% of the companys stock. Get Bank of America alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Phillip Securities upped their target price on shares of Bank of America from $50.00 to $56.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on Bank of America from $70.00 to $68.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Hsbc Global Res upgraded Bank of America from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price target on Bank of America from $56.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Bank of America from $62.00 to $65.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-four have assigned a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Bank of America currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $59.82. Bank of America Stock Performance BAC stock opened at $54.47 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.79. Bank of America Corporation has a 1 year low of $33.06 and a 1 year high of $57.55. The company has a market cap of $397.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.84 and a beta of 1.29. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $54.19 and its 200-day moving average price is $51.14. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 15th. The financial services provider reported $1.06 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.93 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $5.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $27.05 billion. Bank of America had a return on equity of 10.76% and a net margin of 15.70%.Bank of Americas revenue for the quarter was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.81 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 earnings per share for the current year. Bank of America Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 5th were given a dividend of $0.28 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.1%. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is presently 30.52%. Bank of America News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of America this week: Bank of America Company Profile (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation is a multinational financial services company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It provides a broad array of banking, investment, asset management and related financial and risk management products and services to individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, large corporations, governments and institutional investors. The firm operates through consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking and markets businesses, offering capabilities across lending, deposits, payments, advisory and capital markets. Its consumer-facing offerings include checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity lending, auto loans, credit cards and small business banking, supported by a nationwide branch network and digital channels. Further Reading 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. Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH Get Free Report) was downgraded by research analysts at Jefferies Financial Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report issued on Monday,Zacks.com reports. CHH has been the topic of several other research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Choice Hotels International from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the company from $102.00 to $95.00 in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Truist Financial set a $126.00 price objective on Choice Hotels International and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Choice Hotels International in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of Choice Hotels International from $121.00 to $106.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Argus reiterated a hold rating on shares of Choice Hotels International in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $109.08. Get Choice Hotels International alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Choice Hotels International Choice Hotels International Price Performance NYSE:CHH opened at $108.39 on Monday. Choice Hotels International has a one year low of $84.04 and a one year high of $157.86. The company has a market cap of $5.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.32, a P/E/G ratio of 8.44 and a beta of 0.77. The firms fifty day moving average price is $94.58 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $108.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.81, a current ratio of 0.96 and a quick ratio of 0.96. Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $2.10 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.18 by ($0.08). The company had revenue of $278.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $419.75 million. Choice Hotels International had a return on equity of 9,081.29% and a net margin of 23.93%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.23 EPS. Choice Hotels International has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.820-7.050 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Choice Hotels International will post 7.07 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Choice Hotels International A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Bamco Inc. NY raised its holdings in shares of Choice Hotels International by 7.4% during the 3rd quarter. Bamco Inc. NY now owns 5,359,896 shares of the companys stock worth $573,026,000 after buying an additional 369,244 shares in the last quarter. Rock Creek Group LP raised its stake in Choice Hotels International by 52.3% during the second quarter. Rock Creek Group LP now owns 811,579 shares of the companys stock worth $102,973,000 after acquiring an additional 278,715 shares in the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its stake in Choice Hotels International by 194.8% during the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 237,097 shares of the companys stock worth $30,083,000 after acquiring an additional 156,666 shares in the last quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. lifted its holdings in shares of Choice Hotels International by 57.6% in the second quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 315,969 shares of the companys stock worth $40,090,000 after acquiring an additional 115,472 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership boosted its stake in shares of Choice Hotels International by 77.3% in the 3rd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 262,343 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,047,000 after purchasing an additional 114,411 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.57% of the companys stock. Choice Hotels International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Choice Hotels International, Inc is a hospitality franchisor specializing in the development and support of lodging brands across the economy, midscale and upscale segments. Through a network of franchisees, Choice Hotels supplies proprietary reservation and distribution systems, comprehensive marketing programs, and operational support services. The companys core activities include brand management, franchise development, and technology-driven revenue optimization tools designed to enhance guest acquisition and retention for its partners. Founded in 1939 as Quality Courts United, the company rebranded to Choice Hotels International in 1982 to reflect its expanding brand portfolio and global ambitions. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Choice Hotels International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Choice Hotels International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Santander Chile (NYSE:BSAC Get Free Report) was downgraded by stock analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a note issued to investors on Tuesday,Zacks.com reports. A number of other brokerages have also recently weighed in on BSAC. Citigroup cut shares of Banco Santander Chile from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Banco Santander Chile from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Banco Santander Chile from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Banco Santander Chile in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their target price on Banco Santander Chile from $24.00 to $29.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $27.67. Get Banco Santander Chile alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on BSAC Banco Santander Chile Trading Down 1.1% Shares of NYSE BSAC opened at $32.93 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.84, a quick ratio of 1.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.68 billion, a PE ratio of 14.19, a PEG ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 0.56. Banco Santander Chile has a twelve month low of $18.39 and a twelve month high of $33.49. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $30.56 and a 200-day simple moving average of $27.18. Banco Santander Chile (NYSE:BSAC Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 17th. The bank reported $0.99 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $740.10 million during the quarter. Banco Santander Chile had a return on equity of 22.18% and a net margin of 24.74%. On average, equities analysts forecast that Banco Santander Chile will post 2.07 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Trading of Banco Santander Chile A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of BSAC. Simplex Trading LLC purchased a new stake in Banco Santander Chile during the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Banco Santander Chile during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $33,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Banco Santander Chile by 577.8% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,559 shares of the banks stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 1,329 shares in the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Banco Santander Chile by 380.5% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 3,532 shares of the banks stock valued at $89,000 after buying an additional 2,797 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quadrant Capital Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Banco Santander Chile in the 3rd quarter valued at $152,000. 6.42% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Banco Santander Chile (Get Free Report) Banco Santander Chile (NYSE:BSAC) is one of the leading financial institutions in Chile and a key component of the global Santander Group. The bank offers a comprehensive range of banking and financial services, including retail and commercial lending, deposit accounts, credit cards, wealth management, insurance products and corporate banking solutions. Headquartered in Santiago, it operates an extensive network of branches, ATMs and digital platforms to serve individual customers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations across the country. Originally founded as Banco de Santiago in the late 1970s, the institution became part of the Santander Group following the privatization wave in Chile during the late 1980s. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Banco Santander Chile Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Santander Chile and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shailesh Jejurikar, P&G's new CEO as of Jan. 1, 2026. Provided by Procter & Gamble The Enquirer is identifying the most important people to watch in 2026 in Greater Cincinnati. Did we miss someone? Email Carl Weiser at cweiser@enquirer.com. Shailesh Jejurikar, 59, as of Jan. 1 the new CEO of Procter & Gamble, the world's largest consumer products company Jejurikar has been a P&G executive to watch for years. When P&G announced in 2021 Jon Moeller, was being promoted from chief operating officer to run the company later that year, the company announced the same day that Jejurikar would take over Moellers old job. The dual announcement signaled the company wanted him for the top job, since it normally doesnt have a COO unless they are being groomed for the top job. Jejurikar joined Cincinnati-based P&G in 1989 as an assistant brand manager for personal health care in India. After a decade of assignments in India and Africa, he took the first of several posts in the companys fabric care business (which includes iconic laundry brands, such as Tide and Ariel) where he has spent much of his career in. He became the president of fabric care in North America in 2014 and global president a year later. Who is Shailesh Jejurikar? Born in Mumbai, India with an economics degree from Mumbai University and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management-Lucknow, Jejurikar is the first Asian to lead P&G. Besides company founders English-born William Procter and Irish-born James Gamble, the only other company head that wasn't American was Durk Jager, CEO from 1999 to 2000, who was born in the Netherlands. How to pronounce his name The new CEOs first and last names are pronounced: Shy-LESH Je-JUR-i-kar. What Jejurikar hopes for in 2026 Jejurikar declined to answer any questions through a spokesperson. Not shocking incoming P&G CEOs typically keep low profiles. This year, though, its tricky. In June 2025, Jejurikar was one of the top executives to announce P&Gs plans to cut 7,000 jobs in a two-year restructuring plan that started a month later. The reason, he said, was that P&Gs global sales growth had slowed down amid economic uncertainty and the company decided to cut jobs to fund more innovative products to lure customers back. If Jejurikar is successful and P&G's stock rises, the new CEO's $14.9 million stake in his employer could also quickly multiply. What Jejurikar could mean for Cincinnati The cuts could affect P&Gs hometown as the company has made it clear its targeting non-manufacturing roles (office jobs) for slimming down. P&G has 109,000 workers worldwide, but about half are not working in the companys production at its 99 manufacturing plants worldwide. Holcombe Financial Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (NYSEARCA:EWZ Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 17,997 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $558,000. iShares MSCI Brazil ETF accounts for approximately 0.4% of Holcombe Financial Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 24th biggest holding. A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Aberdeen Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Private Trust Co. NA raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 114.4% in the third quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 1,072 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 572 shares during the period. First Horizon Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 143.5% during the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 1,315 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 775 shares during the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 388.0% during the 3rd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,220 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 970 shares during the last quarter. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 819.7% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 1,683 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $44,000 after buying an additional 1,500 shares during the period. 72.69% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get iShares MSCI Brazil ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Stock Down 0.9% Shares of EWZ stock opened at $32.63 on Wednesday. iShares MSCI Brazil ETF has a 12-month low of $22.79 and a 12-month high of $34.80. The company has a market capitalization of $6.83 billion, a PE ratio of 9.58 and a beta of 0.87. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $32.56 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $30.30. About iShares MSCI Brazil ETF iShares MSCI Brazil Capped Index Fund (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Brazil Index Fund, seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Brazilian market, as measured by the MSCI Brazil Index (the Index). The Index seeks to measure the performance of the Brazilian equity market. It is a capitalization-weighted index that aims to capture 85% of the (publicly available) total market capitalization. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (NYSEARCA:EWZ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Brazil ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Analysts at Jones Trading initiated coverage on shares of FrontView REIT (NYSE:FVR Get Free Report) in a note issued to investors on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. The firm set a buy rating and a $19.00 price target on the stock. Jones Tradings target price would indicate a potential upside of 17.28% from the companys previous close. Several other research analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of FrontView REIT in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of FrontView REIT from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 22nd. Zacks Research cut shares of FrontView REIT from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on shares of FrontView REIT from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of FrontView REIT from $13.50 to $14.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 31st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, FrontView REIT presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $15.80. Get FrontView REIT alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on FVR FrontView REIT Stock Performance NYSE:FVR traded up $0.18 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $16.20. The stock had a trading volume of 11,204 shares, compared to its average volume of 224,299. FrontView REIT has a twelve month low of $10.61 and a twelve month high of $18.17. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $14.89 and a 200 day simple moving average of $13.71. The firm has a market capitalization of $350.75 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -19.79 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 1.39 and a current ratio of 1.39. FrontView REIT (NYSE:FVR Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $0.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.30 by ($0.11). The business had revenue of $16.89 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $17.34 million. FrontView REIT had a negative return on equity of 4.25% and a negative net margin of 32.21%.FrontView REIT has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.230-1.250 EPS. On average, analysts expect that FrontView REIT will post 1.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. FrontView REIT declared that its board has authorized a stock buyback plan on Monday, November 24th that allows the company to buyback $75.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization allows the company to repurchase up to 23.6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are generally a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. Institutional Trading of FrontView REIT Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in shares of FrontView REIT in the first quarter valued at approximately $35,000. CWM LLC raised its position in shares of FrontView REIT by 18,067.6% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 6,722 shares of the companys stock worth $81,000 after purchasing an additional 6,685 shares during the last quarter. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in FrontView REIT by 26.5% in the 3rd quarter. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 8,153 shares of the companys stock valued at $111,000 after buying an additional 1,708 shares in the last quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue grew its holdings in FrontView REIT by 25.6% during the 2nd quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 8,492 shares of the companys stock valued at $101,000 after buying an additional 1,732 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its holdings in FrontView REIT by 13.6% during the 2nd quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 9,680 shares of the companys stock valued at $116,000 after buying an additional 1,156 shares during the last quarter. About FrontView REIT (Get Free Report) FrontView REIT specializes in real estate investing. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for FrontView REIT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FrontView REIT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) shares were down 4.9% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $88.76 and last traded at $88.97. Approximately 5,482,378 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 56% from the average daily volume of 12,508,980 shares. The stock had previously closed at $93.56. Wells Fargo & Company News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Wells Fargo & Company this week: Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have weighed in on WFC. Truist Financial upped their target price on Wells Fargo & Company from $100.00 to $104.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Wall Street Zen raised Wells Fargo & Company from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, October 4th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $92.00 to $101.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Baird R W cut Wells Fargo & Company from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Citigroup upped their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $85.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Wells Fargo & Company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $94.03. Wells Fargo & Company Stock Down 5.5% The company has a market capitalization of $277.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.55, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.87 and a beta of 1.09. The company has a quick ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $90.02 and a 200-day moving average price of $84.69. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.76 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.65 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $21.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.63 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 12.51% and a net margin of 17.18%.Wells Fargo & Companys revenue was up 4.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.43 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 7th were issued a $0.45 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 7th. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.0%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.61%. Institutional Trading of Wells Fargo & Company Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Livforsakringsbolaget Skandia Omsesidigt grew its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 2,735,254.3% during the 2nd quarter. Livforsakringsbolaget Skandia Omsesidigt now owns 949,769,723 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $76,095,550,000 after purchasing an additional 949,735,001 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 0.4% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 302,092,955 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $24,203,688,000 after purchasing an additional 1,341,222 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $3,990,551,000. Capital Research Global Investors raised its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 18.6% in the 3rd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 35,660,903 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,989,104,000 after buying an additional 5,584,930 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 1.9% in the 3rd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 21,009,237 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,760,994,000 after buying an additional 399,088 shares in the last quarter. 75.90% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile (Get 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. Recommended Stories 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. Shares of Dingdong (Cayman) Limited Sponsored ADR (NYSE:DDL Get Free Report) dropped 5.3% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $2.76 and last traded at $2.7650. Approximately 466,148 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 73% from the average daily volume of 1,740,721 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.92. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms recently issued reports on DDL. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Dingdong (Cayman) in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen cut Dingdong (Cayman) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 15th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold. Get Dingdong (Cayman) alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Dingdong (Cayman) Dingdong (Cayman) Stock Performance Institutional Inflows and Outflows The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $2.20 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $2.13. The stock has a market cap of $646.09 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.09 and a beta of 0.42. A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. QRG Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) in the second quarter worth $32,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) by 66.7% during the 3rd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 25,000 shares of the companys stock worth $52,000 after purchasing an additional 10,000 shares during the period. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) during the second quarter valued at about $54,000. Centiva Capital LP bought a new stake in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) in the third quarter valued at about $56,000. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets lifted its stake in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) by 43,678.9% in the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 33,272 shares of the companys stock valued at $67,000 after buying an additional 33,196 shares during the period. 24.66% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Dingdong (Cayman) Company Profile (Get Free Report) Dingdong (Cayman) Inc, which operates under the Dingdong Fresh brand, is a China-based online grocery and fresh food delivery platform. The company leverages a network of urban micro-fulfillment centers to offer consumers a wide selection of produce, meats, seafood, dairy, packaged goods and everyday household items through its mobile application and website. Orders placed via the Dingdong Fresh app are fulfilled from strategically located dark stores within target neighborhoods, enabling the company to promise delivery times as fast as 2030 minutes. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Dingdong (Cayman) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dingdong (Cayman) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Taseko Mines Limited (NYSE:TGB Get Free Report) was the recipient of unusually large options trading on Wednesday. Traders purchased 8,595 call options on the stock. This represents an increase of approximately 219% compared to the average volume of 2,694 call options. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Taseko Mines A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of TGB. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in Taseko Mines during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $49,000. Pinpoint Asset Management Singapore Pte. Ltd. purchased a new stake in Taseko Mines during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $52,000. Ausdal Financial Partners Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Taseko Mines during the second quarter valued at approximately $52,000. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Taseko Mines in the third quarter worth $61,000. Finally, Brevan Howard Capital Management LP bought a new position in shares of Taseko Mines during the third quarter worth $61,000. Institutional investors own 17.94% of the companys stock. Get Taseko Mines alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, BMO Capital Markets reissued an outperform rating on shares of Taseko Mines in a research note on Wednesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Taseko Mines presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $5.00. Taseko Mines Stock Up 11.1% Shares of TGB stock traded up $0.73 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $7.25. 9,553,262 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 7,804,082. Taseko Mines has a 12-month low of $1.67 and a 12-month high of $7.28. The stock has a market cap of $2.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -241.50 and a beta of 1.27. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $5.21 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $4.18. The company has a quick ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 1.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.48. About Taseko Mines (Get Free Report) Taseko Mines Ltd. is a Vancouver?based mining company primarily engaged in the exploration, development and production of copper?based projects. Its flagship operation is the Gibraltar copper mine in central British Columbia, which ranks among Canadas largest open pit copper producers. In addition to copper, Gibraltar yields byproducts such as molybdenum and silver, reflecting Tasekos focus on base and precious metals. Beyond Gibraltar, Taseko holds two advanced development assets. The Florence Copper project in Arizona employs an in?situ recovery process to extract copper, positioning it as one of North Americas first large?scale applications of this technology. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Taseko Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taseko Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Grupo Simec, S.A. de C.V. (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM Get Free Report) gapped down before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $30.44, but opened at $28.98. Grupo Simec shares last traded at $28.9750, with a volume of 430 shares. Grupo Simec Stock Down 4.1% The company has a market capitalization of $4.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.81 and a beta of 0.26. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $29.17 and a 200 day moving average price of $28.13. Get Grupo Simec alerts: Grupo Simec Company Profile (Get Free Report) Grupo Simec (NYSE American: SIM) is a Mexico?based producer and distributor of long steel products, serving construction, infrastructure, industrial and energy markets. The companys core operations encompass the manufacture of merchant bar steel, including reinforcing bar (rebar), wire rod, merchant bars and structural shapes. In parallel, its service centers offer cutting, bending and other value?added processing services to meet the precise specifications of fabricators and end users. With multiple steel mills located throughout Mexico and an expanding footprint in the United States, Grupo Simec maintains a vertically integrated supply chain that spans raw?material sourcing, steelmaking and downstream processing. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Simec Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Simec and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Imperial Tobacco Group PLC (OTCMKTS:IMBBY Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 22,993 shares, a decrease of 61.2% from the December 15th total of 59,250 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 165,282 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Based on an average trading volume of 165,282 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys shares are short sold. Imperial Tobacco Group Trading Up 0.7% Imperial Tobacco Group stock traded up $0.29 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $40.80. 269,400 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 124,114. The firms 50 day moving average price is $42.26 and its 200 day moving average price is $41.28. Imperial Tobacco Group has a 52-week low of $31.25 and a 52-week high of $44.23. The company has a quick ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.57. Get Imperial Tobacco Group alerts: Imperial Tobacco Group Cuts Dividend The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 8th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st were given a dividend of $0.517 per share. This represents a yield of 537.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 28th. Imperial Tobacco Group Company Profile Imperial Tobacco Group, historically established in the United Kingdom in 1901 and now operating under the Imperial Brands name, is a multinational tobacco and nicotine company headquartered in Bristol, England. The companys core business is the manufacture, marketing and sale of tobacco products and alternative nicotine offerings to adult consumers. It supplies products through a combination of owned channels and third-party distributors and focuses on managing an international portfolio of consumer tobacco and nicotine brands. Product categories include manufactured cigarettes, cigars and fine-cut tobacco for roll-your-own use, together with a growing range of next-generation nicotine products such as vaping devices, heated tobacco and non-combustible nicotine formats that reflect a strategic shift toward reduced-risk alternatives. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Imperial Tobacco Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Imperial Tobacco Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alfa Laval AB Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:ALFVY Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $53.87 and last traded at $53.87, with a volume of 1114 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $53.51. Analyst Ratings Changes ALFVY has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Barclays reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Alfa Laval in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating on shares of Alfa Laval in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Alfa Laval in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Alfa Laval in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Zacks Research raised Alfa Laval from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Alfa Laval alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on ALFVY Alfa Laval Trading Up 1.1% Alfa Laval Company Profile The company has a quick ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. The company has a market capitalization of $22.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.68 and a beta of 1.22. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $48.93 and a 200 day moving average price of $46.76. (Get Free Report) Alfa Laval is an industrial engineering company specializing in heat transfer, separation and fluid handling technologies. Its product portfolio includes plate and tubular heat exchangers, separators and decanter centrifuges, pumps, valves and complete process systems designed to control temperature, separate liquids and solids, and move fluids reliably through industrial processes. The company supplies both standardized components and engineered systems for integration into customer plants and vessels. The company serves a broad set of end markets including energy and power, marine and offshore, food and beverage processing, water and wastewater treatment, chemical and pharmaceutical production, and pulp and paper. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Alfa Laval Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alfa Laval and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Mammoth Resources Corp. (CVE:MTH Get Free Report) rose 36.4% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$0.08 and last traded at C$0.08. Approximately 205,000 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 176% from the average daily volume of 74,157 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.06. Mammoth Resources Stock Up 36.4% The businesss 50 day simple moving average is C$0.05 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$0.05. The company has a current ratio of 0.01, a quick ratio of 5.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of -7.15. The firm has a market capitalization of C$7.99 million, a PE ratio of -7.50 and a beta of 4.02. Mammoth Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mammoth Resources Corp., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and evaluation of mining properties in Mexico. It holds a 100% interest in the Tenoriba property consisting of four concessions, including Mapy, Mapy 2, Mapy 3, and Fernanda covering a land package of totalling 5,333 hectares located in the Sierra Madre precious metal belt in southwestern Chihuahua State, Mexico. The company was formerly known as Mammoth Capital Corp. and changed its name to Mammoth Resources Corp. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mammoth Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mammoth Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE:VG Get Free Report) was the target of unusually large options trading on Tuesday. Stock investors purchased 22,044 call options on the company. This is an increase of approximately 57% compared to the average daily volume of 14,020 call options. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In VG has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Mizuho reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $12.00 price target (down previously from $17.00) on shares of Venture Global in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Citigroup reduced their target price on Venture Global from $16.00 to $9.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 24th. US Capital Advisors raised shares of Venture Global to a moderate sell rating in a research report on Monday, December 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on shares of Venture Global from $16.00 to $10.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Venture Global from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $14.25. Get Venture Global alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Venture Global Venture Global Stock Up 0.4% NYSE:VG traded up $0.03 on Wednesday, hitting $7.91. The stock had a trading volume of 13,186,421 shares, compared to its average volume of 13,181,305. Venture Global has a 52 week low of $5.72 and a 52 week high of $25.50. The businesss fifty day moving average is $7.08 and its 200 day moving average is $11.04. The company has a quick ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.46. The company has a market cap of $19.36 billion and a PE ratio of 10.14. Venture Global (NYSE:VG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The company reported $0.16 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.22 by ($0.06). The business had revenue of $3.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.23 billion. Venture Global had a net margin of 21.99% and a return on equity of 29.55%. The businesss revenue was up 259.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts expect that Venture Global will post 0.52 EPS for the current fiscal year. Venture Global Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th were paid a dividend of $0.017 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. This represents a $0.07 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.9%. Venture Globals payout ratio is 8.97%. Insider Transactions at Venture Global In other news, insider Thomas Earl sold 1,000,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.89, for a total transaction of $6,890,000.00. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, VP Fory Musser sold 42,901 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $7.80, for a total value of $334,627.80. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 3,000,000 shares of company stock worth $22,904,729 over the last three months. Insiders own 86.73% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Venture Global Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. purchased a new position in shares of Venture Global during the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. AdvisorNet Financial Inc purchased a new position in Venture Global during the second quarter worth about $28,000. MAI Capital Management bought a new stake in Venture Global in the 3rd quarter worth about $29,000. Delos Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Venture Global in the 2nd quarter valued at about $45,000. Finally, UMB Bank n.a. increased its stake in Venture Global by 161.2% in the 3rd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 2,949 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 1,820 shares during the last quarter. About Venture Global (Get Free Report) Venture Global (NYSE: VG) is a Houston-based energy company that develops, constructs and operates large-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities in the United States. The company focuses on converting domestically produced natural gas into LNG for shipment to international markets, positioning itself as a supplier of pipeline-quality gas in vessel-ready form for global customers. Venture Globals core activities include site development, engineering and construction of liquefaction and export terminals, commissioning and ongoing operations of those facilities, and commercial marketing of LNG under both long-term and short-term contracts. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Venture Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Venture Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. R&D was repeatedly characterized as central to the companys approach. Montag said Siemens Healthineers invests about 2 billion in R&D and employs 13,000 R&D staff , describing the company as a leader in AI for its field. He also referenced physical AI, describing AI algorithms tightly integrated with hardware to accelerate image acquisition and improve image quality. Montag highlighted a focus on non-communicable diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, arguing that the future of care requires earlier detection and personalization at scale. He framed Siemens Healthineers strategy around two pillarspatient imaging and precision therapysupported by healthcare AI to automate and optimize workflows from scan acquisition through reporting and treatment planning. CEO Dr. Bernd Montag described the company as a clear market leader and compounder, emphasizing leadership positions in imaging and precision therapy and a customer footprint concentrated among major institutions. Montag said Siemens Healthineers is present in 70 countries, with an installed base of roughly 700,000 systems and around 3 billion patient touchpoints annually. Executives from Siemens Healthineers (ETR:SHL) used a J.P. Morgan-hosted event in London to outline the companys market positioning, innovation priorities, and financial framework, while also addressing China demand, tariff headwinds, and the evolving role of its diagnostics business. R&D investment and balance-sheet discipline are prioritiesabout 2 billion in R&D with 13,000 staff and emphasis on physical AIwhile net debt/EBITDA has fallen from ~4x to 2.8x with a target of 2.5x, alongside a stable/growing dividend policy and selective buybacks. Management guided to 5%6% revenue growth and adjusted EPS of 2.202.40 for the year, citing a combined ~0.30 EPS headwind from FX and tariffs and outlining a plan to offset a 400 million tariff impact by 2028 while returning to double-digit EPS growth from 2027. Siemens Healthineers is pushing photon-counting CT as a flagship growth driver with cumulative orders of about 1.7 billion (roughly 30% of its CT business) and says its radiopharmaceutical distributor PETNET could reach 1 billion in revenue soon, with procedure-based revenues already above 1 billion. Story Continues Oklos Meta Deal De-Risks the StoryRebound Setup Emerging He also pointed to customer engagement via more than 200 value partnerships and cited an order backlog of 6 billion from large arrangements. Product highlights: Photon-counting CT, PETNET, and pipeline commentary In imaging, Montag cited strength in MRI and said the company is rolling out Dry Cool technology. He also said Siemens Healthineers is expanding in mammography and sees growth in molecular imaging driven by theranostics and Alzheimers-related applications. How Concerned Should Investors Be About Palantir Stock? Montag said the companys radiopharmaceutical distribution business, PETNET, could reach 1 billion in revenue, potentially as soon as this year. CFO Jochen Schmitz later referenced PETNET as part of a growing procedure-based revenue stream and said the companys interventional oncology business contributes to procedure-based revenues, which he said are now above 1 billion. Photon-counting CT was positioned as a flagship innovation. In the Q&A, management provided specific figures on adoption, saying cumulative equipment orders are 1.7 billion. They added that roughly half of that total came in the last fiscal year, with around 500 million in equipment orders and roughly 350 million in equipment revenue in that period. Management said photon-counting CT represented roughly 30% of the companys CT equipment business and was associated with high-margin equipment and great service contracts. Montag also said there are close to 1,000 peer-reviewed publications discussing the clinical impact of the technology. Within precision therapy, Montag highlighted a newly launched angiography portfolio featuring real-time AI denoising, aimed at providing clearer images or maintaining image quality at lower dose. He also previewed what he described as a potential breakthrough in radiation oncology expected to be discussed at ASTRO in September, calling it a new treatment device or almost a new kind of therapy, while stressing it was framed as a rumor previously referenced at the companys Capital Markets Day. Financial framework: recurring revenue, cash conversion, and capital allocation Schmitz outlined what he called a plan to be a reliable revenue earnings and cash compounder, supported by ESG principles. On recurring revenue, he said diagnostics has a recurring revenue share of 90%, while imaging and precision therapy each generate about 50% of revenue from recurring streams, primarily service and long-term contracts, with procedure-based revenues growing. Schmitz said the company targets R&D spending of 8%-9% annually (again described as more than 2 billion) and expects SG&A to remain in a 15%-17% range over the next five years (currently about 17%), while continuing to seek productivity improvements. He said Siemens Healthineers generates a 0.8-0.9 cash conversion rate annually and committed to that range for the next five years, noting diagnostics has become a cash conversion contributor over time. On capital allocation, Schmitz said the company intends to maintain a stable and growing dividend policy, andgiven changes in shareholder structurewill consider share buybacks if they make sense. He also discussed deleveraging following the Varian acquisition, stating net debt to EBITDA has fallen from about 4x to 2.8x, with a commitment to reach 2.5x over the next 24 months. He noted an A-category rating from Moodys and said the company is not planning a major acquisition in the near term, but will consider meaningful tuck-in acquisitions if they create shareholder value. Guidance, tariffs, and China commentary For the fiscal year, Schmitz said Siemens Healthineers expects 5%-6% revenue growth, assuming no tailwind from China, and guided to adjusted EPS of 2.20 to 2.40. He said the midpoint is below the prior year due to foreign exchange headwinds from a strong euro of about 0.15 and tariff headwinds of about 0.15, for a combined 0.30 impact. He said underlying EPS improvement would be in the double-digit range despite not expecting to offset the full headwind this year. Schmitz described 2026 as a year of transition for EPS and said the company commits to returning to double-digit EPS growth starting in 2027. He outlined a plan to mitigate tariff impacts by 2028, targeting a total offset of a 400 million tariff headwind through a combination of an additional productivity program (intended to cover half) and market adaptive and smart pricing to add 200 million of profit. In the Q&A, management said shifting value-add or manufacturing is complex and competency-driven, though they indicated they have plans and could execute changes if necessary, including a potential shift to the U.S. among other options. On China, Montag said the company has grown globally without China contributing meaningfully in recent years, adding that over the last two years the company grew around 6% and delivered double-digit EPS growth despite China and diagnostics not contributing. For the current year, the company is assuming flat development in China. For its midterm outlook, management said it has baked in an assumption of 5% growth in China for both the market and Siemens Healthineers, describing expectations for a return to growth but not to prior historical levels. Montag added that in China the goal is to grow with the market and defend its position. Schmitz also warned of a slightly weaker start to the fiscal year, citing diagnostics headwinds in China tied to volume-based procurement, which he said is primarily price-driven and therefore flows one-to-one into the P&L. He also noted a softer start in the more lumpy advanced therapies business, while describing imaging and Varian as expected to have a normal start. Management also addressed imaging guidance after an 8.5% growth year, characterizing the current mid-single-digit outlook as prudent rather than a change in underlying dynamics. Finally, Montag reiterated that diagnostics has limited synergies with the rest of the portfolio and is operationally more independent, with its own sales force and service structure. He said conglomerate structure is not the companys goal and suggested that whether diagnostics should remain under the same roof long term is a legitimate question, while noting that the business currently does not operate with separate legal entities or separate IT. About Siemens Healthineers (ETR:SHL) Siemens Healthineers AG, through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells a range of diagnostic and therapeutic products and services to healthcare providers worldwide. It operates through four segments: Imaging, Diagnostics, Varian, and Advanced Therapies. The Imaging segment provides magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, X-ray systems, molecular imaging, and ultrasound systems. Its Diagnostics segment offers in-vitro diagnostic products and services to healthcare providers in laboratory and point-of-care diagnostics; and workflow solutions for laboratories and informatics products. The article "Siemens Healthineers Touts Photon-Counting CT, PETNET Growth as Tariffs and China Pressure Build" was originally published by MarketBeat. A YOUNG family has been left haunted with their lives shattered after a woman died after giving birth at home, an inquest heard this morning. Laura Liston gave birth to her son on June 4, 2022 at her home in Croom with two midwives present and tragically passed away in the early hours of June 5 at University Hospital Limerick after her placenta failed to detach and deliver. READ ALSO: Search stood down for missing 14-year-old as Gardai issue update The inquest into her death in Limerick Coroners Court in Kilmallock Courthouse started this morning, January 14, 2026. Ms Listons husband Fergal Mannion broke down giving his evidence and the remainder was read out by his solicitor Scarlett OSullivan. He described how his late wife was amazing and a wonderful partner. The HSE apologised to the family for their failings in her care. The apology read out in court acknowledged harm caused and how learnings and improvements have been made, but they know this won't bring the family any comfort. The apology said they couldn't comprehend the depth of grief and that Ms Liston's life and that of her husband and infant son, should have been filled with joy and hope. Mr Mannion told the inquest that it was love at first sight when they first met almost 20 years ago. They were married in December 2019 and planned to build a home and start a family. After unsuccessfully trying to conceive a baby, they were successful with an IVF pregnancy. READ NEXT: Irish motorists warned as common winter mistakes could cost you 160 in fines It was all she ever wanted to be - a mother, her husband said. We were looking to our future and everything was coming together. His evidence outlined that even though they were told about an issue with his wife's placenta, they were approved for a home birth. As labour started and they were in contact by phone with a midwife, Mr Mannion said: We were so excited. Midwife Sandra Healy attended and set up a birthing pool and her equipment, after visiting earlier in the day. After their son was born safe and well, he said his wife stood up, fainted and dropped the baby into the birthing pool. When the midwife tried to deliver the placenta manually, he said his wife was in agony and was pleading for help. Two ambulances were called, one for Ms Liston and another for Mr Mannion and their newborn. READ NEXT: 2025 was third hottest year on record as 'human activity' blamed I wish I could have been by her side, but it was an impossible situation. I'm haunted by what happened that night. Our lives are shattered and will never be the same again. The inquest continues this afternoon. Teslas flagship driver assistance system will only be available via a monthly subscription soon, according to Elon Musk, taking away customers option to buy it outright. It currently sells Full Self-Driving (FSD) for an $8,000 one-off payment or a $99 per month subscription. Musk has long claimed that buying FSD outright would lead to fully autonomous vehicles and would make the cars an appreciating asset but that appears to have changed. One of his goals for earning share-based bonuses under a new pay deal is to hit 10 million active FSD subscriptions. Tesla hasnt said how many people have bought FSD, which requires the driver to actively supervise it and does not make the vehicles autonomous, versus how many currently pay monthly. The electric vehicle giant will make the switch so subscription-only on Feb. 14, the chief executive wrote on X. The wider pay package, approved by shareholders in November, could see Musk get about $1 trillion in compensation if he hits several ambitions milestones with the business. Tesla had a bumpy ride in 2025. Its annual sales dropped for the second year in a row in 2025, shipping 9% fewer vehicles than the previous 12 months. The result meant Chinese rival BYD snatched its crown as the biggest EV maker in the world. The company's share price also fell 21.3% in the first half of the year due to a number of headwinds, including Musk's alienating political rhetoric, fiercer competition from Chinese and legacy U.S. automakers, and concerns among investors that the CEO's role heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) would cause him to neglect his businesses. Early last year, Musk also admitted that Tesla would need to retrofit some older cars that have weaker computers to offer FSD on them. The honest answer is that were going to have to, he said on an earnings call. Thats going to be painful and difficult, but well get it done. Now Im kind of glad that not that many people bought the FSD package. However, shares rebounded in December, hitting an all-time high after Musk said the company had been testing driverless vehicles in Austin, Texas, with no occupants on board for the first time, almost six months after launching a pilot with safety drivers. Tesla has also faced allegations that it was exaggerating the self-driving capabilities of its cars in California. The state's DMV said in December that the company misled drivers by using the names Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, given the assistance software needs a human in the drivers seat. Tesla eventually discontinued the term Full Self-Driving Capability, shifting to Full Self-Driving (Supervised) a change that preserves the core promise while adding a bracketed reminder. The basics of the deadly incident followed by more deets on the dispute . . . Charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the shooting, according to court documents. Prosecutors said that he shot and killed his neighbor, Chris Wells, 41, on Monday morning near NE 78th Street and North Wabash Avenue in the Maplewoods Estates neighborhood. According to court documents, officers responded to a reported shooting around 7:30 a.m. and found the victim lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency crews pronounced the victim dead at the scene. Context . . . Tuesday, Kansas City 2nd District At-Large Councilwoman Lindsay French said she started hearing about incidents in this neighborhood this past summer. She says both she and her colleagues were working with KCPD and the HOA to try to deescalate things between King and his neighbors. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the joint statement of the heads of foreign diplomacy of Armenia and the U.S. on the framework document for the implementation of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity project on his official X page, Trend reports. "Today, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and I announced the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) Implementation Framework. It builds on the commitments of US President Donald Trumps historic peace summit just five months ago between Armenia and Azerbaijan," Rubio said. According to him, the TRIPP will unlock the South Caucasus potential in trade, transit, and energy flowsboosting prosperity and security throughout the region. On January 14, the Armenian Foreign Ministry published the agreement signed between Armenia and the U.S. on the implementation of the TRIPP project. Mirzoyan and Rubio met in Washington and presented a framework program for the implementation of the TRIPP project. The published document was assessed as a new step towards fulfilling the commitments made at the White House on August 8, 2025, to support the establishment of a sustainable peace in the South Caucasus. The joint statement of Mirzoyan and Rubio said that Armenia intends to approve and support the establishment of the TRIPP Development Company, which will be responsible for the development of the TRIPP project. The company will be granted the right to implement the project for an initial period of 49 years. Yerevan plans to offer Washington 74% of the shares of TRIPP Development Company, while retaining 26%. On August 8, in Washington, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, US President Donald Trump, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration. During the meeting, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan initialed the draft Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Vagif Khachatryan, Gevorg Sujyan, David Davtyan, and Vicken Euljekjian, who were convicted under various provisions of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan and were serving sentences within the country, have been extradited to Armenia, Trend reports. This transfer was conducted in accordance with the bilateral agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, rooted in the principles of humanism. The transfer of these individuals can be viewed as a result of the ongoing peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Throughout their detention in Azerbaijan, the rights of the extradited individuals were fully safeguarded, and their living conditions, including healthcare, were in line with international standards. Prior to their transfer to Armenia, the prisoners underwent a thorough medical examination, which confirmed that their health was stable. Among them, Khachatryan, whose health condition was deemed unsatisfactory, received comprehensive medical care and was kept under constant medical supervision. This step is yet another gesture of goodwill on the part of Azerbaijan, demonstrating that the country is committed to the peace agenda and sincerely engaged in the peace process. Meanwhile, Vagif Khachatryan, one of the members of the illegal Armenian armed formations, which committed a massacre in the village of Meshali of Azerbaijans Khojaly district on December 22, 1991, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison following the court verdict announced on November 7, 2025. Vicken Euljekjian is a Lebanese mercenary-terrorist who fought as part of the Armenian army during the Karabakh war. He was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment. David Davtyan and Gevorg Sujyan are citizens of Armenia accused of espionage. By the verdict of the Baku Court on Grave Crimes, each of them was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The 6th session of the Azerbaijan-Italy Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, convened on January 13 in Baku, not only advanced bilateral dialogue but also marked a pivotal moment in reshaping the economic and geoeconomic framework connecting the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and Europe. The protocol signed during the meeting, along with the ratified 2026-2027 Action Plan encompassing 65 initiatives across 18 sectors, signifies a shift from an energy-centric collaboration model to a more diversified and institutionally structured partnership. The Southern Gas Corridor remains the cornerstone of Azerbaijan-Italy relations. In an exclusive interview with Trend ahead of the meeting, Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Edmondo Cirielli directly linked Azerbaijans role to the transformation of European energy security. He emphasized that, in the wake of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Azerbaijani gas has become an essential energy source for Italy and the European Union (EU) at large. Since its inception in 2020, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has delivered over 40 billion cubic meters of gas to Italy, contributing to a total of 54.3 billion cubic meters of gas transported to Europe, with 45.4 billion cubic meters allocated to the Italian market. In 2025, Azerbaijan upheld its position as Italy's second-largest natural gas supplier and its principal oil provider, exporting 9.5 billion cubic meters of gas, accounting for 38% of Italys total gas imports, and 10.3 million tons of oil. Overall, Italy received approximately 45% of Azerbaijan's total oil exports, solidifying its status as Baku's primary energy partner in Europe. Italy, in turn, not only serves as a key consumer but also functions as a critical gateway for Azerbaijani energy to broader European and Mediterranean markets. As the second-largest European economy by industrial output, Italy acts as the EU's southern "gateway," providing access to a market of 500 million consumers. This strategic positioning underscores the increasing interest of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) in Italian assets. SOFAZs investment portfolio in Italy has reached $2.8 billion, and between January and September 2025, Azerbaijans direct investments in Italy amounted to $118.6 million, marking a twofold increase compared to the same period in the previous year. A noteworthy development in this context was SOFAZs partnership with Enfinity Global, securing a 49% stake in a portfolio of solar power plants with a combined capacity of 402 megawatts (MW) in Italy. Situated in the Lazio and Emilia-Romagna regions, these assets are projected to generate approximately 685 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually, while reducing CO emissions by nearly 185,000 tons per year. For Azerbaijan, this acquisition represents not only a substantial financial investment but also a strategic foothold in the European renewable energy market. Cirielli emphasized that Italys expertise in renewable energy is poised to play a crucial role in Azerbaijans efforts to diversify its energy portfolio. As one of the worlds foremost operators in the renewable energy sector, Italys experience is increasingly being integrated into regional energy projects spearheaded by Baku. Italian company CESI SpA is already contributing to feasibility studies for the CaspianBlack SeaEurope and Central AsiaAzerbaijan green energy corridors. These projects have the potential to connect renewable energy markets across Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Eastern Europe, reducing regional dependence on fossil fuels. The phased launch of the CaspianBlack SeaEurope corridor is expected from 2032. While Italy serves as Azerbaijans gateway to Europe, Azerbaijan is increasingly becoming Italys entry point into Central Asia. Italys interest in the Middle Corridor reflects a broader European trend toward diversifying transport routes between Europe and Asia. According to Cirielli, the South Caucasus and Central Asia are gaining strategic significance for logistics, and infrastructure projects in the region could simultaneously support economic integration and political stabilization. In this context, Italy has expressed support for the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, viewing it as a key condition for unlocking the transit potential of the route. Italian companies have shown interest in participating in projects to modernize railways, ports, and highways along the Middle Corridor, particularly in the rail sector. Beyond energy and logistics, discussions between the two countries increasingly focus on cooperation in manufacturing, waste management, agricultural modernization, ICT, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. These areas are included in the intergovernmental commissions agenda as potential drivers of long-term growth. Trade between Azerbaijan and Italy continues to thrive, even as the energy supply landscape stabilizes. From January through November 2025, bilateral trade reached $11.2 billion, reflecting a 9% year-on-year increase. Italy now represents more than 25% of Azerbaijans total foreign trade turnover and nearly 47% of its exports. Azerbaijan-Italy relations have evolved beyond the traditional "supplier-consumer" dynamic. While energy remains the cornerstone, a more intricate partnership is gradually taking shape, spanning investment, technology, and logistics. For Italy, Azerbaijan serves as a pivotal partner positioned at the intersection of the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Conversely, for Azerbaijan, Italy is not only the largest trading partner but also a strategic gateway to the European Union and Mediterranean markets. This synergy between resources, trade routes, and markets is redefining the framework for Eurasian economic cooperation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan met in Washington, D.C., to announce the release of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) Implementation Framework, Trend reports. U.S. State Department has released the text of the document. It is noted that this document is the latest step toward fulfilling the commitments made at the White House on August 8, 2025, to advance the cause of lasting peace in the South Caucasus. "The Framework outlines a concrete path to operationalize the TRIPP, which is intended to establish unimpeded, multimodal transit connectivity on the territory of Armenia. While connecting the main part of Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and creating a vital link in the Trans-Caspian Trade Route, the TRIPP is expected to generate reciprocal benefits for international and intra-state connectivity for the Republic of Armenia. Reflecting the principles affirmed at the historic August 8, 2025, Peace Summit hosted by President Trump, the TRIPP Implementation Framework underscores the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and reciprocity to the overall success of the TRIPP. The ultimate objective of the TRIPP is to strengthen the prosperity and security of Armenia and Azerbaijan and further American commerce by expanding regional trade and connectivity as well as create new transit opportunities linking Central Asia and the Caspian to Europe, the statement said. Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Footage of President Ilham Aliyev's meeting with the residents of Aghdara was posted on his social media accounts. Trend presents a post: BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. An agreement has been reached between Armenia and the U.S. on the implementation of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, Trend reports. In accordance with the agreement issued by the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United States will lease the Trump Route for a duration of 49 years. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Washington, where they presented a framework program for the execution of the TRIPP project. The published document was hailed as a significant step toward fulfilling commitments made at the White House on August 8, 2025, to support the establishment of sustainable peace in the South Caucasus. In their joint statement, Mirzoyan and Rubio emphasized Armenias intention to approve and support the creation of the TRIPP Development Company, which will be tasked with overseeing the development of the TRIPP project. The company will be granted the right to implement the project for an initial term of 49 years. Under the terms, Yerevan plans to offer Washington a 74% stake in the TRIPP Development Company, while retaining 26%. On August 8, in Washington, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, US President Donald Trump, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration. During the meeting, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan initialed the draft Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The U.S. is leasing the Trump Route between Armenia and Azerbaijan for 49 years, Trend reports. This is reflected in the document defining the implementation procedure of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project issued by the Armenian Foreign Ministry. The document was presented based on the results of the meeting held on January 13 in Washington between Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This document doesn't create legally binding obligations for Armenia or the U.S. and is of a framework nature. According to the text, the TRIPP framework describes the mechanism for launching multimodal transit connectivity passing through the territory of Armenia. The project is presented as an infrastructure initiative aimed at ensuring seamless transit, connecting the main part of Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and forming a key link in the Trans-Caspian trade route. The Armenian Foreign Ministry noted that the implementation of the project is based on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and reciprocity. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the security and economic development of Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as to expand regional trade and transit opportunities between Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, and Europe. Key provisions for the implementation of the project: Establishment of a TRIPP development company It's planned to form a structure in which the U.S. will have a controlling stake, and Armenia will have control mechanisms on key issues. Terms and participation shares A model with the right to build and operate for a period of 49 years is being considered, with the possibility of an additional extension for another 50 years. At the initial stage, the U.S. is offered a 74% share, and Armenia - 26%. In the event of an extension of the term, the prospect of increasing Armenia's share to 49% was noted. Agreement on the ownership structure Any changes in the composition of shareholders and final beneficiaries must be agreed in advance with the governments of Armenia and the U.S. Exclusive rights over infrastructure The company will have the right to plan, build, operate, and service railways and highways within the transit routes, as well as related energy and digital infrastructure. Revenues and sources of financing Possible sources of revenue include infrastructure access fees, commercial activities along the route, real estate leases and development, service fees, as well as revenues from special purpose entities. Sovereignty and control A separate section emphasized that Armenia retains the following powers: Armenia will retain the following powers within its territory: legislative, regulatory, and judicial jurisdiction; control over national security and law enforcement activities; and authority over customs and border control, as well as the collection of taxes, duties, and other mandatory payments. Border and customs procedures The framework agreement foresees the implementation of a "front-office back-office" model. Private operators working under contract with the company can carry out customer functions (such as document collection, consulting, coordination, and processing of payments). However, final decisions regarding customs clearance, security, migration, and law enforcement will remain under the jurisdiction of the Armenian state authorities. The framework specifically emphasized that the transfer of sovereign functions is not foreseen. At the same time, the implementation of risk-based inspections, digital customs and border systems, "single window" mechanisms, pilot projects for pre-clearance, and electronic document circulation, as well as plans for staff training with U.S. support, where resources are available, are also outlined. Complex border management Armenia plans to continue applying modern complex border management practices. The United States may provide technical assistance in this process, including: - Risk-based inspection and customs clearance procedures; - Modern inspection technologies; - Digital customs and border systems; - Inter-agency coordinated processes; - Development of professional skills for Armenian civil servants. Pilot projects Armenia plans to implement pilot projects aimed at optimization in the following areas: - Pre-clearance customs procedures; - Digital document circulation and processing; - 'Single-stop' concept at border-crossing points; - Risk assessment through the application of technologies; - Coordinated border management with neighboring countries. On August 8, 2025, in Washington, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, US President Donald Trump, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration. During the meeting, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan initialed the draft Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel South Korea has upended nearly a decade of crypto policy by allowing listed companies and professional investors to place part of their balance sheets into digital assets. The shift stands in contrast to tightening rules in Japan and Hong Kong. Asia no longer appears aligned on crypto regulation, and the divergence is becoming clearer. For the first time since 2017, South Koreas Financial Services Commission (FSC) has finalized South Korea crypto rules that allow public firms and licensed investors to allocate up to 5% of equity capital to cryptocurrencies. The scope is intentionally narrow. Only the top 20 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization listed on Koreas five regulated exchanges qualify under the new framework. EXPLORE: XRP Price Prediction: Ripple Secures Strategic UK License, Unlocks New Long-Term Targets What the New South Korea Crypto Rules Actually Allow Institutions to Do The updated South Korea crypto rules open participation to around 3,500 companies and institutions once implementation begins. To manage risk, exchanges must use staggered execution and order limits to reduce sudden price swings. The policy forms part of South Koreas broader 2026 Economic Growth Strategy, which also includes long-delayed stablecoin legislation and plans for spot Bitcoin ETFs. South Koreas government expects the economy to grow 2% this year, outpacing the Bank of Koreas 1.8% forecast, as domestic consumption stabilizes and exports strengthen. Some industry voices argue the 5% cap is restrictive compared with markets like the U.S. or the EU. Others see it as a deliberate guardrail that reflects South Koreas cautious but structured approach to institutional crypto adoption. EXPLORE: Analysts Hedge Bets as Bitcoin 2026 Predictions Swing from $75k to $225k South Korea Crypto Rules Are Already Being Applied in Real Transactions The new framework is already moving beyond theory. On June 1, 2025, Upbit, operated by Dunamu, supported the first official crypto sale by a nonprofit under the updated South Korea crypto rules. World Vision Korea sold 0.55 ETH, worth roughly 1.98 million, through Upbits KRW market. The Ethereum came from a donation campaign supporting students from low-income households. By linking its corporate K-Bank account to Upbit, the NGO was able to convert crypto donations into cash. The transaction showed how the FSCs roadmap functions in practice and how the South Korea crypto rules apply to institutions beyond listed companies. This move also fits Koreas broader pro-crypto push, including discussions around spot Bitcoin ETFs and delayed stablecoin rules. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Connecting the main part of Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and providing a simplified regime for the transit of people, vehicles, and cargo in both directions are among the commitments made by Armenia under the TRIPP project, Trend reports. According to the TRIPP Implementation Framework (TIF) released by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on January 13, one of the main objectives of the "Trump Route" (TRIPP) is to provide transport connectivity between the main part of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The document notes that TRIPP is intended to establish unimpeded, multimodal transit connectivity on the territory of Armenia, contributing to regional peace, stability, and integration on the basis of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction of the states. "While connecting the main part of Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and creating a vital link in the TransCaspian Trade Route, it is expected to generate reciprocal benefits for international and intrastate connectivity for the Republic of Armenia," the agreement states. On August 8, in Washington, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, US President Donald Trump, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration. During the meeting, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan initialed the draft Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Armenia is interested in the involvement of the European Union (EU) in the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the discussions on "Armenia and the world at the crossroads of risks and opportunities" held with the participation of ambassadors from the U.S. and the EU, Trend reports. "Yesterday, a significant milestone was achieved in Washington towards the institutionalization of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the practical realization of the TRIPP project. I extend my congratulations to everyone on this important development. Substantial investments and financial resources will now be directed towards our region, which is indeed positive news," he remarked. Pashinyan further emphasized that the U.S. has already committed to participating in the project, and it is now crucial to engage in detailed discussions with European Union partners regarding the format of their involvement in the TRIPP initiative, along with other specific projects. On January 14, the Armenian Foreign Ministry published the agreement signed between Armenia and the U.S. on the implementation of the TRIPP project. Mirzoyan and Rubio met in Washington and presented a framework program for the implementation of the TRIPP project. The published document was assessed as a new step towards fulfilling the commitments made at the White House on August 8, 2025, to support the establishment of a sustainable peace in the South Caucasus. The joint statement issued by Mirzoyan and Rubio announced Armenia's intention to approve and endorse the establishment of the TRIPP Development Company, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the TRIPP project. The company will be granted the authority to manage the project for an initial term of 49 years. Yerevan plans to offer Washington a 74% stake in the TRIPP Development Company, while retaining a 26% share for itself. On August 8, in Washington, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration. During the meeting, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan initialed the draft Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. At the request of Speaker of the Parliament of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova, Vice President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) from Azerbaijan, member of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sevil Mikayilova attended the 298th session of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Trend reports. The event is hosted by the State of Qatar, represented by the Shura Council on January 13-14. The meeting covered a range of agenda items, including an assessment of progress in implementing the Unions current strategy, the overall direction for the next five-year strategy, and various organizational and parliamentary matters aimed at strengthening IPUs role and improving the effectiveness of its mechanisms. Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. "Azerbaijani Culture - 2040" Cultural Concept has been approved, Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree. "Guided by paragraphs 3 and 32 of Article 109 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to create a modern model of culture that ensures the protection of national and spiritual values in the Republic of Azerbaijan and ensures systematic and sustainable development in the field of culture, I hereby decree: 1. To approve the Concept of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Culture of Azerbaijan 2040" (hereinafter referred to as the Concept). 2. The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan should: 2.1. coordinate the measures provided for in the Concept; 2.2. inform the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan once a year on the status of implementation of the measures provided for in the Concept; 2.3. Resolve other issues arising from this Decree. 3. The Center for Economic Reform Analysis and Communication should monitor and evaluate the implementation of the measures provided for in the Concept based on an order from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 4. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan should resolve issues arising from this Decree, the document says. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Azerbaijan has mutually exempted diplomatic passport holders from visas with Somalia, Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the law on approving the "Agreement between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Somalia on mutual visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders" in this regard. Thus, the above-mentioned agreement, signed in Kampala on October 15, 2025, was approved. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The UK supports the efforts of civil society in Armenia and Azerbaijan to promote dialogue and build trust ahead of a hoped-for historic peace agreement, said Stephen Doughty, UK Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, Trend reports. He noted that the UK government highly values the role of civil society in the South Caucasus and provides support through diplomatic engagement and dedicated programs. The UK Government hugely values the role of civil society in the South Caucasus, and supports their work in Armenia and Azerbaijan through both diplomatic engagement and programming. We engage with organisations focused on peace, security, democracy, equality, and inclusion, and work with representative groups to strengthen civil societys role in both countries development and stability, Doughty said. The minister also stressed that the UK supports the work of Armenian and Azerbaijani think tanks aimed at fostering dialogue and building trust in the run-up to a potential peace agreement. We also support efforts by Armenian and Azerbaijani think tanks to foster dialogue, building trust ahead of a hoped-for historic peace agreement, he added. Doughty further noted that during his visit to Baku and Yerevan in August 2025 he met with civil society representatives to discuss key issues and reaffirm the UKs commitment to supporting civil society across the region. We regularly raise the importance of maintaining civil society space and rights, he concluded. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyevs visit to the Aghdara district on January 13 once again highlighted the scale, depth, and strategic vision behind the reconstruction and restoration efforts in the territories liberated from occupation. Far from being a routine inspection, the visit carried strong political, economic, and social messages about the future development of Karabakh, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend President Ilham Aliyevs on-site review of reconstruction works in the villages of Chapar, Heyvali, Childiran, Ashagi Oratagh, and Gozlukorpu, as well as in the city of Aghdara, clearly demonstrates the special attention the head of state pays to the liberated areas. Villages that were completely destroyed and rendered uninhabitable after years of occupation are now being rebuilt, and life is steadily returning. Restored private homes, newly built roads, and modern engineering and utility networks are ensuring the safe and dignified return of people to their native lands. The work underway in Aghdara shows that state policy goes far beyond rebuilding houses. A fully fledged living environment is being created. Electricity, gas, drinking water, communication lines, schools, parks, and recreation areas are fundamentally transforming the social landscape of these settlements. The permanent resettlement of former internally displaced persons in their native lands proves that demographic recovery in Karabakh has entered a real and practical phase, he said. According to Garayev, the inauguration of the Gozlukorpu Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) during President Ilham Aliyevs visit clearly demonstrated that Karabakhs future is being built on green energy. This project, which is an important component of Azerbaijans energy strategy, ensures not only environmental sustainability but also economic efficiency. Aghdara is no longer just a region meeting its own needs but is becoming a contributor to the national energy system, further increasing its strategic importance. Another key pillar of economic development is the realization of industrial potential. President Ilham Aliyevs visit to the 'Damirli' Ore Processing Complex in the village of Janyatag is a vivid example of this. A deposit that had been illegally exploited for many years is now being developed under the control of the Azerbaijani state using modern technologies. This sends an important economic and political message. The creation of hundreds of jobs and the prioritization of local employment are strengthening social welfare in Karabakh, he noted. Garayev also emphasized that the presentation of the master plan for the city of Aghdara reflects a systematic approach to regional development. Prepared based on a modern urban planning concept, the plan aims to transform Aghdara into a center for industry, logistics, tourism, and agrotourism. New schools, kindergartens, a hospital, public and business zones, parks, and bicycle lanes demonstrate that the city will develop according to a comfortable, green, and modern urban model. This approach shows that Karabakh is being planned not only for today, but for decades to come. President Ilham Aliyevs meeting with residents of Aghdara was one of the most emotionally powerful moments of the visit. The head of states direct communication with families of martyrs, sharing their pain and pride, and his emphasis that Karabakh is now and forever Azerbaijani land further strengthened public trust in the state. At the same time, the laying of the foundation stone for the Special Operations Center in the Aghdara district shows that security remains a constant priority in the region. This center will serve to strengthen the professional training of special forces and further enhance Azerbaijans defense capability. This demonstrates that the state ensures both development and security in Karabakh in a balanced and parallel manner, he said. Garayev added that President Ilham Aliyevs participation in the opening of the Tartar Electromechanical Plant following reconstruction on January 13 further confirmed that the restoration and strengthening of industrial infrastructure in the liberated regions is one of the key directions of state policy. The enterprise, equipped with modern high-precision technological equipment, will expand the capabilities of the domestic defense industry while also creating new jobs in the region and contributing to the formation of a skilled workforce. The plants operation shows that the policy implemented under the leadership of the head of state aims not only to revive residential and social infrastructure in Karabakh and surrounding areas but also to restore strategic industrial sectors, strengthen economic independence, and enhance national security. This approach is one of the key factors accelerating the full integration of the liberated territories into the countrys overall economic system, he said. Summing up, the political analyst stressed that President Ilham Aliyevs visit to Aghdara clearly revealed the essence of the policy being implemented in the liberated areas. This policy is not just about restoration but about revival, development, and building a solid foundation for future generations. New infrastructure, industrial and energy projects, thousands of jobs, and social protection and security measures show that Karabakh, and Aghdara in particular, will become one of Azerbaijans most dynamic and strategically important regions in the coming years. Life is being restored in Karabakh today. This life is a planned, strong, and irreversible process based on a firm state will. Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, these lands are not only being rebuilt, but they are also being reborn, Garayev concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel AGHDARA, Azerbaijan, January 14. An additional 30 houses are planned to be renovated this year in Childiran village of the Aghdara district, Afat Telmangizi, spokesperson of the Restoration, Construction and Management Service in Khankendi city, Aghdara and Khojaly districts, told reporters today, Trend reports. She recalled that the village had been occupied for a long time, and the occupation ended following the anti-terror measures conducted by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in September 2023. The official highlighted that prior to the occupation, the local population had primarily engaged in animal husbandry and agriculture. The village had once been home to essential public services, including a school, a cultural house, a library, and a medical station. Additionally, the area is renowned for its rich historical heritage, hosting the 12th-century "Albanian Temple" and the 13th-century "Red Temple" architectural monuments. The village consists of 177 private homes, of which 69 were found to be beyond repair, while 108 were partially salvageable. To date, 28 homes have been fully restored and are ready for habitation, with plans in place to restore an additional 30 homes within this year. As of now, 13 families, comprising 48 individuals, have already returned to the village. Restoration efforts have included the repair of two existing transformers, as well as the complete restoration of power and gas lines. New electricity, gas, and communication infrastructure have been installed, while a water pump has been commissioned, and water reservoirs with a total capacity of 190 cubic meters have been cleaned. Additionally, a sub-artesian well has been repaired. The restoration also extended to 8.4 kilometers of internal village roads, and a new park has been established for the benefit of residents. "The restoration work is progressing rapidly to ensure the full renovation of the village and the establishment of a comfortable living environment for its inhabitants. The return of the population and the revitalization of the social infrastructure remain our top priorities," Telmangizi concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel AGHDARA, Azerbaijan, January 14. The residents of Ashaghi Oratagh village of the Aghdara district will boost efforts to revive the village, Anar Rustamov, a former internally displaced person (IDP), one of the village residents, told Trend. "When our village was occupied, we had 10 family members, and now I am returning to our homeland with my family of five as the head of the family. We are very glad to return to our ancestral homeland after 33 years. I wish mercy to our martyrs, owing to whom we returned here. It's gratifying that our first guest in our native land was the head of state and his family. This situation places a greater responsibility on us, residents. From now on, we'll work harder to revive our village," he added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Applications are now open for partner-led events to be organised within the framework of the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will take place in Baku from 17 to 22 May 2026, Trend reports. The deadline for submitting applications has been set for 29 January 2026. Serving as a global platform for dialogue and cooperation in urban development, WUF13 provides stakeholders at all levels with the opportunity to host events in line with the Forums theme, Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities. Applications should be submitted via https://events.unhabitat.org/. Applications to partner-led events are being accepted across seven categories: Networking Event ; ; One UN ; ; SDGs in Action ; ; Urban Cinema ; ; Urban Library ; ; Voices from Cities ; ; WUF Academy At the first stage, stakeholders must complete an online registration through UN-Habitats Global Event Management System (GEMS). Once registration has been completed, applicants can proceed to the Applications section of their personal dashboard to review the relevant requirements by category and submit their proposals. Each organisation may submit only one application per category. Partner-led events, one of the Forums core components, serve as a global showcase for best practice, innovative thinking and practical solutions in sustainable urban development. They also offer participants a valuable space to exchange expertise in urban planning, build institutional partnerships and make a tangible contribution to the global urban agenda. For further information on registration and the organisation of events, enquiries may be directed to [email protected]. Soybeans posted Monday losses of 7 to 15 cents across most contracts, as some back months were slightly higher. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price was 13 1/4 cents lower at $9.76 1/2. Soymeal futures were a pressure factor, down $3.10-5.40, as Soy Oil futures were up 32 to 58 points. There were 33 deliveries issued against soybeans on Friday night, with 2 for January bean meal. Crop Production from this morning showed the NASS soybean yield at 53 bpa, which was unchanged from the November report. Acreage was slightly higher on the harvested side to 80.4 million acres. Production was just 9 mbu higher to 4.262 bbu. More News from Barchart Quarterly Grain Stocks data showed December 1 soybean stocks at 3.29 bbu. That was 190 mbu larger vs. last year and 40 mbu above analysts estimate of 3.25 bbu. WASDE data took the production adjustment into account, as USDA also adjusted exports down 60 mbu to 1.575 bbu and crush up 15 mbu to 2.57 bbu. That took the US ending stock number 60 mbu higher to 350 mbu. USDAs FGIS tallied soybean export shipments at 1.529 MMT (56.21 mbu) during the week ending on January 8. That was the second largest total this MY, 55.4% larger than the week prior and 12.7% above the same week in last year. China was the top destination of 901,118 MT, with 126,235 MT headed to Mexico. Marketing year exports for 2025/26 are 17.934 MMT (659 mbu) since September 1, which is now 42.7% lower than the same period last year. AgRural estimates the Brazilian soybean crop at 0.6% harvested by last Thursday, slightly above the 0.3% pace to start last year. In their WASDE report this morning, USDA did raise the Brazilian soybean production 3 MMT to 178 MMT. Jan 26 Soybeans closed at $10.33, down 15 1/2 cents, Nearby Cash was $9.76 1/2, down 13 1/4 cents, Mar 26 Soybeans closed at $10.49, down 13 1/2 cents, May 26 Soybeans closed at $10.61 3/4, down 12 3/4 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 BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The officials at the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan met with a delegation led by Andrea Mazzella, Head of the International Relations Office of the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency, Trend reports, citing the State Customs Committee. The future of collaboration between the customs agencies of Azerbaijan and Italy was the primary topic of discussion at the meeting. Discussions encompassed the intricacies of risk management, strategies to address customs violations, the integration of artificial intelligence in customs operations, and avenues for enriching mutual experiences in the realm of e-commerce. The meeting concluded with the signing of a Letter of Intent between the International Relations Office of the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency and the International Cooperation Department of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan. The Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) is the principal tax authority in Italy, overseeing customs, excise duties, and monopolies. Its key functions include facilitating international trade, managing tax collection on energy products, alcohol, and tobacco, regulating public gaming, performing law enforcement tasks to combat illegal activities, and protecting financial interests by tackling tax evasion and fraud. ADM plays a critical role in ensuring fiscal compliance and public health while enforcing EU regulations. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. On January 16, 2026, the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) will host an international conference for the first time in Azerbaijan, dedicated to the Indian governments repressive policies against ethnic minorities, Trend reports via the BIG. The conference, titled Racism and Violence Against Sikhs and Other National Minorities in India: Current Realities, will bring together officials, academics, and activists to examine ongoing human rights violations. The Baku Initiative Group has confirmed that the conference will feature a diverse array of participants, including Ramesh Singh Arora, Punjabs Minister of Human Rights and Minorities, senior Indian officials, as well as leading figures from the Sikh communities in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The event will also host directors of prominent think tanks, scholars specializing in human rights and ethnic minority studies from international academic institutions, and individuals personally affected by Indias repressive policies. The discussions will focus on the systemic racial discrimination, violence, and oppression faced by Sikhs and other ethnic minorities in India. Special attention will be devoted to the Indian governments ongoing violations of its obligations under international frameworks, including the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and the Convention Against Torture. Central to the dialogue will be efforts to keep this issue on the agenda of international organizations, advocating for action such as investigations by the UN Human Rights Committee into extrajudicial executions, documentation of abuses by UN special rapporteurs, and comprehensive international monitoring. The conference will also scrutinize the vital role played by both international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academic institutions, especially their contributions through detailed reports, legal analyses, and policy recommendations that seek to shape international decision-making and influence global responses to the crisis. Sikhism, founded in the 15th century, promotes full equality among all people regardless of caste, gender, or language and rejects Indias traditional caste system. The Sikh population in India exceeds 25 million, with the majority residing in Punjab, the countrys primary agricultural region. Reports submitted by NGOs and independent experts to international organizations note that during armed attacks and repressive actions by Indian authorities, between 8,000 and 17,000 Sikhs were killed in 1984 alone, and over 50,000 fled abroad to escape persecution. From 1980 through 1990, thousands of Sikhs in Punjab were kidnapped or murdered on fabricated charges without trial. Today, Sikh activists seeking their rights are frequently imprisoned under accusations of separatism or espionage, and police raids in Punjab continue to rise. Abroad, acts of terror have targeted Sikh activists, with Canadian and U.S. authorities attributing some of these attacks to Indian intelligence services. The majority of the displaced Sikh community now resides in Canada, the UK, the U.S., and Australia, continuing to demand justice for ongoing political repression in India. The Sikh community calls on the Indian government to officially recognize the 1984 anti-Sikh massacres as genocide, establish an independent investigative commission, bring the perpetrators to justice, clarify the fate of thousands of forcibly disappeared persons in Punjab during the 1980s and 1990s, release unlawfully imprisoned activists and grant them political prisoner status, expand Punjabs autonomy, prevent central government interference in local administration, halt transnational repression of Sikh activists, allow international investigations, issue an official apology for the 1984 massacres, and provide compensation to the victims. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Institutional reforms will be carried out in the field of culture, including proposals to improve management, in Azerbaijan, Trend reports. This issue is reflected in the "Azerbaijani Culture - 2040" Cultural Concept, approved by the relevant decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. Thus, from 2026 through 2027, it's planned to analyze institutional ways to separate the executive function in the field of culture from the functions of state policy, state regulation and state control, prepare and submit proposals on sectoral management, including draft normative legal acts, and organize management in the fields of culture in a more flexible, sustainable, modern and efficient manner. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Measures will be taken to improve activities related to the protection of cultural heritage, including archaeological monuments, in Azerbaijans territories liberated from occupation, to raise international awareness of the damage inflicted on cultural heritage, and to ensure compensation for the losses incurred, Trend reports. These issues are reflected in the "Azerbaijani Culture2040" cultural concept, approved by a relevant decree of President Ilham Aliyev. The document envisages that during the period from 2026 through 2030, the current situation will be analyzed, data will be systematized, an action plan will be prepared and approved, measures for the protection of cultural heritage, including archaeological monuments, will be implemented, and the results will be integrated into the e-culture platform. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 14. Uzbekistans Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov and Kyrgyzstans Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeenbek Kulubaev discussed the current state of bilateral relations and concrete ways to further strengthen them, the country's FM wrote on his X page, Trend reports. During the discussion, we exchanged views on the agenda of upcoming bilateral and multilateral events, reviewed the current state of our relations, and explored concrete ways to further strengthen and facilitate the UzbekKyrgyz strategic partnership, Saidov wrote. He also reaffirmed the shared commitment of both sides to advancing cooperation in a constructive and forward-looking manner. Meanwhile, Uzbekistans trade turnover with Kyrgyzstan amounted to $903.7 million from January through November 2025, marking an increase of 22.6 % compared to the same period of 2024 ($737.2 million). BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has issued a binding instruction to the payment organization Fizza Pay Limited Liability Company, Trend reports via the CBA. The Central Bank has issued a mandatory instruction to Fizza Pay Limited Liability Company to eliminate a violation of the minimum aggregate capital requirement related to Clause 4.2 of the Rules on the Organization and Implementation of Activities by Payment Organizations and Electronic Money Organizations, guided by the requirements of Article 63.1 of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan On Payment Services and Payment Systems, the statement said. Fizza Pay (Fizza Pay Limited Liability Company, or FIZZA PAY MMC) is a licensed, multifunctional payment system in Baku, Azerbaijan, operating since 2019, offering cash/cashless transactions via terminals, mobile app, and website for utilities, mobile top-ups, internet, and government payments TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 14. Uzbekistan and China have reached an agreement to strengthen trade and industrial cooperation between residents of industrial zones, Trend reports via the Tashkent Regional Administration. The agreement was formalized through a memorandum of cooperation signed between the Tashkent City Directorate for the Management of Industrial Zones and the Shihezi National Economic and Technological Development Zone. In addition to enhancing trade turnover, the agreement outlines the establishment of a ChinaUzbekistan warehousing and logistics base, as well as a ChinaUzbekistan exhibition center, both aimed at facilitating the exchange of products and strengthening the material and technical infrastructure. The memorandum further provides for the regular exchange of business visits, the attraction of investment, the expansion of bilateral trade volumes, and the implementation of modern technologies through information sharing. This agreement is poised to significantly bolster Tashkents industrial potential, foster the development of international cooperation, and pave the way for new investment projects. Meanwhile, Uzbekistans trade turnover with China reached $14.6 billion from January to November 2025, reinforcing Chinas status as Uzbekistans largest trading partner. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The number of tourists arriving in Azerbaijan during the first 11 months of 2025 declined by 5% compared to the same period of the previous year. Data obtained by Trend from the State Tourism Agency shows that a total of 2,364,251 tourists visited Azerbaijan over the first eleven months of the year, slightly down from 2,412,160 during the same period in 2024. The top ten countries by tourist arrivals from January through November 2025 were led by Russia with 573,067 visitors, followed by Turkiye with 416,689, Iran with 190,504, India with 151,574, Georgia with 101,142, Saudi Arabia with 99,196, Kazakhstan with 95,952, Pakistan with 81,952, China with 60,636, and Israel with 59,917. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 14. Uzbekistan and Iraq discussed the development of B2B ties, the promotion of joint projects, and the removal of practical barriers for companies seeking to enter new markets during the UzbekistanIraq Investment and Business Forum held in Tashkent, Trend reports via the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan. Following the forum, memorandums of understanding were signed between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and relevant Iraqi organizations. In addition, B2B meetings were held to discuss specific areas of bilateral cooperation. The event was attended by Uzbekistans Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan Davron Vakhabov, heads of relevant ministries and agencies, representatives of chambers of commerce and sectoral associations, as well as more than 300 business representatives from both countries. Speaking at the forum, Kudratov emphasized the significant potential of Uzbek-Iraqi trade and economic cooperation and the strong interest of businesses in expanding direct contacts. Promising areas of cooperation include pharmaceuticals, construction materials production, agriculture and food processing, the electrical and automotive industries, and the food and furniture sectors, as well as industrial cooperation and the establishment of joint ventures. The Uzbekistan-Iraq Investment and Business Forum once again confirmed the strong interest of business communities in developing direct partnerships. With a population of approximately 46 million and an estimated annual import demand of about $53 billion, Iraq represents a large and promising market for Uzbekistan. The country annually imports textiles, carpets, and leather products worth around $3 billion, food products and construction materials valued at about $4 billion, electrical equipment worth nearly $3 billion, furniture valued at approximately $1.2 billion, and pharmaceutical products amounting to around $2 billion. On January 13, Uzbekistan hosted Iraqi entrepreneurs, facilitated by the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The delegation visited Tashkent and Samarkand for business forums and bilateral B2B meetings, aiming to enhance cooperation in industries such as electrical engineering, pharmaceuticals, food processing, construction materials, textiles, automotive manufacturing, and tourism. The meetings aimed to create direct business contacts, strengthen trade relations, and explore joint investment opportunities between Uzbek and Iraqi companies. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Georgia has shown limited progress in strengthening its measures against money laundering and terrorist financing, Trend reports, citing data from the Council of Europes Committee of Experts. The Council's follow-up Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism (MONEYVAL) states that Georgia has made limited progress in addressing several technical compliance deficiencies that affect the application of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards, particularly in the area of targeted financial sanctions related to terrorism, terrorist financing, and the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, covered under FATF Recommendations 6 and 7. However, the progress achieved was not sufficient to justify an upgrade of these two recommendations, and Georgia therefore remains rated as partially compliant with them. The Georgian authorities did not request a re-rating for other recommendations. At this time MONEYVAL assesses Georgia as compliant with seven of the 40 FATF recommendations, largely compliant with 24, partially compliant with eight, and non-compliant with one recommendation related to non-profit organizations. In accordance with MONEYVALs rules of procedure, and given that the on-site visit for the sixth round of Georgias mutual evaluation is scheduled for spring 2029, Georgia will no longer be subject to the fifth-round follow-up process. The document represents the fourth follow-up report issued after the mutual evaluation of Georgia conducted in September 2020, while the previous follow-up report was adopted in December 2024. MONEYVAL is the Council of Europe's permanent monitoring body that assesses member states' systems for combating money laundering (AML), terrorist financing (CFT), and proliferation financing (CPF), ensuring compliance with international standards and recommending improvements to protect the global financial system from criminal abuse. As a FATF-style regional body (FSRB), it conducts peer reviews to evaluate effectiveness and publishes reports, influencing financial integrity in Europe and beyond. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel . Soybeans are down 9 to 13 cents so far as trader sift through the USDA report at midday. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price is 9 1/4 cents lower at $9.80 1/4. Soymeal futures are down $4.20-4.60, as Soy Oil futures are up 80 to 85 points. There were 33 deliveries issued against soybeans on Friday night, with 2 for January bean meal. USDAs FGIS tallied soybean export shipments at 1.529 MMT (56.21 mbu) during the week ending on January 8. That was the second largest total this MY, 55.4% larger than the week prior and 12.7% above the same week in last year. China was the top destination of 901,118 MT, with 126,235 MT headed to Mexico. Marketing year exports for 2025/26 are 17.934 MMT (659 mbu) since September 1, which is now 42.7% lower than the same period last year. More News from Barchart Crop Production from this morning showed the NASS soybean yield at 53 bpa, which was unchanged from the November report. Acreage was slightly higher on the harvested side to 80.4 million acres. Production was just 9 mbu higher to 4.262 bbu. WASDE data took that production adjustment into account, as USDA also adjusted exports down 60 mbu to 1.575 bbu and crush up 15 mbu to 2.57 bbu. That took the US ending stock number 60 mbu higher to 350 mbu, vs. estimates of 295 mbu. Quarterly Grain Stocks data showed December 1 soybean stocks at 3.29 bbu. That was 190 mbu larger vs. last year and 40 mbu above analysts estimate of 3.25 bbu. AgRural estimates the Brazilian soybean crop at 0.6% harvested by last Thursday, slightly above the 0.3% pace to start last year. In their WASDE report this morning, USDA did raise the Brazilian soybean production 3 MMT to 178 MMT. Jan 26 Soybeans are at $10.36 1/4, down 12 1/4 cents, Nearby Cash is at $9.80 1/4, down 9 1/4 cents, Mar 26 Soybeans are at $10.53, down 9 1/2 cents, May 26 Soybeans are at $10.65 1/4, down 9 1/4 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 BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The calendar for international exhibitions and business events to be held in Iran for the upcoming year (from March 21, 2026, through March 21, 2027) has been released, Trend reports, citing the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Baku. The 20262027 event calendar features a diverse array of specialized exhibitions and conferences. The schedule commences in April 2026 with the Iran International RoboCup competition, followed shortly by the 8th International Exhibition of Iran's Export Capabilities, known as Iran Expo. Early-season events will also focus on sectors such as chemicals, detergents, cosmetics, and a specialized Iranian Job and Skills exhibition. A major highlight in May 2026 will be the 30th International Exhibition on Oil, Gas, Refining, and Petrochemicals of Iran, which will draw significant attention, alongside prominent showcases for food technology, electronics, and medical equipment. As the year progresses, the calendar will spotlight industries including automotive parts, furniture, construction, and the globally renowned Iranian handmade carpets. The technical and high-tech sectors will be prominently represented, with exhibitions dedicated to nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, laser and photonics, as well as the mining industry. The year will culminate in early 2027 with specialized events focusing on the digital economy, modern irrigation systems, and trade with the Eurasian Economic Union, concluding with the 20th Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition in February 2027. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 14. Turkmenistans coastal services came to the rescue of 14 crew members from the Iranian cargo vessel Rona after an SOS signal echoed across the Caspian Sea, Trend reports via Turkmen MFA. The alert was received on January 14, 2026, and Turkmen authorities responsible for emergency prevention and response promptly took all necessary measures in accordance with international maritime safety rules. All 14 people on board, reportedly citizens of Iran and India, were successfully rescued. Turkmen authorities are currently carrying out the procedures required under international regulations. The Rona vessel is primarily used for the transport of general cargo or dry bulk goods. It frequently operates in the Caspian Sea, with its current position often reported in or around Russian inland waterways and its destination typically a port in Iran, such as Bandar Amirabad. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. It is more appropriate to rely on strengthening incentive-based mechanisms rather than coercive approaches in decarbonization efforts, said Elnur Soltanov, Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Energy, Trend reports. Speaking at the panel session titled Concrete Steps to Decarbonization" at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) Summit 2026, organized by Masdar of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Soltanov shared his views on the role of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) in the decarbonization process, Azerbaijans policies in this field, and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) applied by the European Union (EU) to imports of carbon-intensive products. Referring to the position of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on ensuring a just energy transition and preventing decarbonization measures from constraining development, the deputy minister emphasized that coercive approaches should be avoided in favor of incentive-based mechanisms. Azerbaijans approach to carbon taxation is based on implementing decarbonization measures and the related costs domestically rather than at the border, ensuring that the added value created directly contributes to the national economy, Soltanov noted. From January 11 through 15, 2026, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week convenes leaders from government, business, and society to delineate the forthcoming phase of sustainable development. Under the theme The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go, ADSW will align ambition with action across innovation, finance, and human resources, demonstrating how the world can progress with assurance. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 14. The Majilis, the lower house of Kazakhstans Parliament, has ratified an agreement that establishes unified rules for determining and verifying the origin of goods exported outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Trend reports via the Majilis. Signed by the member states of the EAEU on December 4, 2023, the agreement seeks to standardize the procedures for verifying the country of origin of exported goods, thereby ensuring uniform control measures across the Union. This initiative is expected to enhance Kazakhstan's ability to monitor the export of goods originating from other EAEU nations, particularly those subject to restrictions or bans imposed by Kazakhstan. The agreement is also designed to address the issue of "grey re-export schemes," which could potentially circumvent such restrictions. Furthermore, the Majilis has ratified a Protocol to amend the Agreement on State Control Over Compliance with Technical Regulations within the EAEU. Signed in Moscow on May 8, 2024, the Protocol aims to harmonize EAEU law with the national legislations of its member states, thereby minimizing potential reputational risks for businesses. The amendments provide clarity on certain provisions, including a shift in terminology from "dangerous products" to "products that do not comply with the technical regulations of the Union" throughout the document. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 14. The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) will open up opportunities for Kazakhstan to expand its oil transportation routes, Mazhilis deputy Murat Abenov told reporters following a meeting in Astana, Trend reports Commenting on attacks on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), he noted that finding alternative routes is currently a top priority. According to him, the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan previously prevented the use of this corridor. Abenov added that now, with U.S. involvement, the corridor will be developed, giving Kazakhstan a chance to expand its oil transportation routes. On January 14, the Armenian Foreign Ministry published the agreement signed between Armenia and the U.S. on the implementation of the TRIPP project. Mirzoyan and Rubio met in Washington and presented a framework program for the implementation of the TRIPP project. The published document was assessed as a new step towards fulfilling the commitments made at the White House on August 8, 2025, to support the establishment of a sustainable peace in the South Caucasus. The joint statement issued by Mirzoyan and Rubio announced Armenia's intention to approve and endorse the establishment of the TRIPP Development Company, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the TRIPP project. The company will be granted the authority to manage the project for an initial term of 49 years. Yerevan plans to offer Washington a 74% stake in the TRIPP Development Company, while retaining a 26% share for itself. On August 8, in Washington, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration. During the meeting, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan initialed the draft Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan, Alim Bayel, and the Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan for Foreign Policy, Hikmet Hajiyev, discussed plans for future cooperation, Trend reports, citing the embassy. Bayel emphasized the high dynamics of mutual visits as an important indicator of the intensity of cooperation. Over the past three years, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has visited Azerbaijan six times, while President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has visited Kazakhstan five times. It was noted that on August 8, 2025, a historic agreement was reached, bringing an end to the long-standing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Kazakhstan also contributed to the peace process by providing a platform for Azerbaijani-Armenian negotiations in 2024. "The symbolic and practical significance lies in the fact that the first cargo allowed into Armenia through Azerbaijan in 30 years was Kazakhstani wheat. Both sides stressed the importance of further unblocking of communications," the embassy said. The parties also highlighted the need to strengthen economic and industrial cooperation using a joint investment fund, as well as the importance of further developing transport, logistics, and energy cooperation. Additionally, international and regional agenda issues were discussed. It was noted that Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are actively participating together in the building of a new geopolitical and geo-economic architecture in the Eurasian space. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Kazakhstans crude oil output declines in December, OPEC says Photo: Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kazakhstan's December 2025 crude oil output averaged 1.522 million barrels per day, down from 1.759 million in November and 1.720 million in October. In 2025, production averaged 1.776 million b/d, with quarterly outputs of 1.758 million, 1.824 million, 1.855 million, and 1.666 million. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Photo: Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, January 14. Tajikistan and Austria are discussing further prospects for the development of cooperation across various sectors, Trend reports via the press service of the Tajik MFA. This issue was discussed on January 12, 2026, in Vienna during a meeting between Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tajikistan to the Republic of Austria, Manuchehr Jobir, and Secretary General for Foreign Affairs at the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Nikolaus Marschik. During the meeting, the parties engaged in comprehensive discussions regarding the current status and prospects for the advancement and deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation between Tajikistan and Austria, within both bilateral and multilateral frameworks of shared interest. Previously, Tajikistan and the European Union explored avenues for expanding collaboration across several key sectors during the 11th session of the Cooperation Council held in Brussels. The dialogue encompassed a range of critical areas, including trade and investment opportunities, security, transport and digital communications, critical raw materials, and the transition to green energy. Photo: Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, December 14. Farrukh Hamralizoda, the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, engaged in discussions with Michael Harms, Executive Director of the Eastern Committee of the German Economy, focusing on initiatives to enhance bilateral cooperation, Trend reports via the press service of the Tajik MFA. The issue was addressed during political consultations between the two countries, held in Germany on January 13. During the discussions, the participants reviewed the current status and prospects of mutually beneficial cooperation in key sectors such as economy and trade, investment, industry, agriculture, hydropower, and tourism. Special emphasis was placed on the organization of joint events in both Dushanbe and Berlin, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties. Additionally, on the sidelines of the consultations, Farrukh Hamralizoda, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, held a meeting with Niklas Wagner, Commissioner of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, to explore cooperation in priority areas. Welcome to the US Crypto News Morning Briefingyour essential rundown of the most important developments in crypto for the day ahead. Grab a coffee for todays read, as Standard Chartered adjusts its plumbing, focusing on how it structures exposure, where it places risk, and which assets it believes will matter most when the next institutional wave arrives. Crypto News of the Day: Standard Chartereds Crypto Bet Could Outsmart Basel III Capital Rules Standard Chartereds reported plans to establish a crypto prime brokerage may reveal more than a renewed push into digital assets. By housing the initiative within its venture arm, SC Ventures, the bank appears to be engineering a way into institutional crypto markets while sidestepping one of the sectors biggest barriers: Basel IIIs punitive capital treatment. Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported that the London-based lender is exploring a crypto prime brokerage offering, which would provide financing, custody, and trading services to institutional clients. The business is expected to sit outside the banks core corporate and investment banking division, instead operating under SC Ventures. That structural decision could materially reduce the capital burden associated with crypto exposure. Under Basel III rules finalized in late 2022, banks face a 1,250% risk weighting for permissionless crypto assets such as Bitcoin and Ether. Because this charge is far higher than the 400% applied to some venture capital investments, it effectively discourages banks from holding crypto on their balance sheets. By routing crypto activities through a venture-style unit, Standard Chartered may be positioning itself closer to a capital-light framework while remaining within regulatory boundaries. The move aligns with the banks broader crypto strategy. Standard Chartered backs institutional platforms, including Zodia Custody and Zodia Markets, and became the first global systemically important bank to offer spot crypto trading to institutional clients last year. SC Ventures has also disclosed work on Project37C, a digital-asset joint venture described as a light financing and markets platform spanning custody, tokenization, and market access. Why Ethereum Anchors Standard Chartereds Institutional Outlook The banks research outlook reinforces this institutional positioning. In a recent note, Standard Chartered Head of Digital Assets Research Geoff Kendrick said Ethereum is increasingly likely to outperform Bitcoin, even as weaker-than-expected BTC performance weighs on the broader digital asset market. Air Defense Forces shot down ten out of ten Russian army jet drones in the skies over the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions during the day. This was reported by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Telegram, according to Ukrinform. The military notes that between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, Russian invaders intensified air attacks using jet UAVs toward Kyiv. All necessary means, including aviation, were used to neutralize enemy drones. As of 5:00 p.m., ten out of ten targets have been shot down. It is expected that after examining the wreckage, experts will determine the type and payload of these UAVs. The enemy attack continues: Shahed-type kamikaze drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles have been spotted south of Kyiv. Citizens are urged not to ignore the air raid alert. It is emphasized that combat operations are ongoing. As reported by Ukrinform, Air Defense Forces destroyed one ballistic missile and 89 drones used by the Russians to attack Ukraine from the evening of January 13 to the morning of January 14. We recently published 10 Stocks Leaving Wall Street in the Dust; 4 Hit Fresh Records. T1 Energy Inc. (NYSE:TE) was one of the top performers on Tuesday. T1 Energy soared to an over two-year high on Tuesday, as investors took heart from an analysts bullish outlook on its partnership with Nextracker Inc. At intra-day trading, the stock jumped to a new high of $8.51 before paring gains to finish the session just up by 9.02 percent at $7.86 apiece. This followed a market report from Zacks Research, saying that T1 Energy Inc.s (NYSE:TE) multi-gigawatt solar module frame supply agreement with Nextracker Inc. last October would help accelerate the industrys shift from imported aluminum frames toward US-made, specialty steel alternatives, supporting domestic demand for more durable solar technologies. T1 Energy (TE) Hits 2-Year High as Analyst Turns Bullish Under the agreement, T1 Energy Inc. (NYSE:TE) would use Nextrackers patented steel module frame technology for its 5 GW solar manufacturing facility in Dallas, Texas. In other news, T1 Energy Inc. (NYSE:TE) recently implemented a broader restructuring initiative in a bid to comply with US government laws and continue its qualification for the 2026 tax credits. This followed the amendment of its certificate of incorporation to impose limits on its foreign ownership, repayment of existing debt to a Chinese investor, as well as the removal of the latters previous right to appoint a covered officer. Signed into law last July, the OBBBA restricts companies with excessive foreign ownership from receiving 45X tax credits, particularly those tied to what the US identified as prohibited foreign entities such as those from China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran. Additionally, tax credits received by the eligible companies are not allowed to be sold or transferred to PFEs. While we acknowledge the potential of TE 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. On Wednesday, the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Iranian ambassador over the use of violence against protesters in the country. According to Ukrinform, this was reported by Sweden Herald, citing a statement by Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard. The head of the Swedish Foreign Ministry explained that the measure is being taken "to strongly condemn Iran's deadly violence against peaceful protesters and widespread arbitrary detentions." The Iranian peoples right to express their opinions and to demonstrate must be respected. Access to the internet must be restored, Stenergard emphasized. As reported by Ukrinform, on Tuesday, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani summoned the Iranian ambassador to Rome over the violent suppression of anti-government protests in the country. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said on Wednesday morning that the death toll from nationwide protests in Iran had exceeded 2,500. According to Iran International, at least 12,000 protesters were killed in Iran on the direct orders of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Illustrative photo: Pixabay The opposition in the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic will continue its attempts to remove Tomio Okamura from the post of speaker due to his controversial statements. This was reported to Ukrinform by Olga Richterova, Chair of the Pirate Party's parliamentary faction and Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies. Most likely, we will resubmit this proposal either by me personally or by one of the other representatives of the five democratic opposition parties this Thursday, and we will persistently continue to do so, Richterova said. According to her, the opposition parties will again propose the dismissal of Tomio Okamura from the post of speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, as he has clearly demonstrated that he has no respect for constitutional values. "His scandalous statements, accompanied by scandalous behavior, also harm the security interests of the Czech Republic, and we do not want him to represent us abroad. This certainly has a very significant impact on relations with Ukraine, which is heroically fighting for all of us, and we are well aware of this," said the MP. That is why the Pirates initiated a petition to dismiss Tomio Okamura. Richterova emphasized the excellent cooperation of all five opposition parties on this issue, thanks to which 92 signatures were collectedall that the opposition was able to obtain. However, the government majority has 108 deputies, so it was able to block even the inclusion of the issue on the agenda the day before. "But it is critical that we return to this issue again and again, that we keep reminding them. We know that even minor but constant pressure can wear away even the hardest rock. And this is not a trivial matter, because all five opposition parties agreed that Mr. Okamura's statements and actions crossed all possible boundaries, and we all signed a demand for his dismissal," Richterova said. Read also: Czech FM sees good prospects for cooperation with Ukraine in field of countering drones As reported, on January 13, the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic began a session in Prague to discuss the issue of trust in the government. On Tuesday, ministers of the new government and some deputies spoke. On Wednesday, the debate continues, with mainly opposition representatives speaking. Ukrinform's photos are available for purchase on this page. Tweet tweet button for twitter Published January 14, 2026 MONROE, La. The University of Louisiana Monroe has completed a comprehensive, campus-wide review of its academic programs as part of an ongoing commitment to ensure that every degree program and support division operates efficiently, aligns with workforce demands, and prepares students for meaningful careers. These academic program reviews will continue on a regular basis as industry needs, enrollment patterns, and labor market conditions evolve. In addition, ULM will be evaluating non-academic and support units to ensure resources across the institution are focused on maximizing student success. This review represents one of the most extensive institutional evaluations in ULMs history and reflects a strategic commitment to transparency, data-informed decision-making, and continuous improvement. The process examined multiple years of historical and comparative data, including recruitment, retention, graduation rates, and job placement outcomes, as well as labor market analytics and workforce projections. Industry input and tools such as Lightcast job market data were also used to assess alignment between academic offerings and current and emerging employment opportunities. The review underscored the overall strength of ULMs academic offerings and provided a framework for ensuring all programs continue to evolve alongside workforce and industry needs. University leadership will continue working with several programs to strengthen outcomes in areas such as recruitment, retention, and completion. Student success remains the guiding principle behind every decision. As a result of this evaluation process, ULM will phase out five degree programs effective immediately: Agribusiness, Management, Modern Languages, Health Studies, and Gerontology. Beginning in fall 2026, the university will no longer admit new students into these programs. This action does not represent a removal of all degree content. Courses associated with these programs will remain housed within their respective academic units, and many will continue to be offered as part of other degrees, concentrations, or credentials. For example, Spanish coursework will continue to be available, and management courses will remain integral to the Bachelor of Business Administration curriculum. Current students enrolled in the affected programs will be fully supported and allowed to complete their degrees through formal teach-out plans. Students who remain continuously enrolled and make satisfactory academic progress will be able to finish their programs as planned. Individualized advising will help students map their path to completion or explore alternative degree options aligned with their career goals. A degree program will officially conclude only after the final enrolled student graduates. At ULM, student success is paramount to everything we do, said Dr. Carrie L. Castille, ULM President. This review reflects a careful, transparent, and data-driven approach to ensuring our academic offerings are relevant, valued, and aligned with todays financial and industry landscape. It is more about strengthening pathways that equip students for real jobs and real opportunities, and less about narrowing what already exists. Castille noted that these decisions were not taken lightly. Agriculture has shaped most of my lifes work, so these decisions are not easy, especially when they involve areas like agribusiness that are personally meaningful to me, said Castille. Throughout this process, I have been in close conversation with our agriculture employers and community partners. They have consistently shared that todays workforce needs are shifting and that success in modern agriculture increasingly relies on strong business skills. We are responding to that reality. A solid foundation in business is essential because agriculture is big business. Our goal is to ensure students receive the highest quality education and are fully prepared to meet evolving workforce demands. Dr. Michelle McEacharn, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized similar sentiments. As someone who served as dean with direct oversight of a few of these programs, they are truly close to my heart. I have seen firsthand the dedication of our faculty and the passion of our students. While this makes the decision to phase out some programs difficult, I also recognize the significant shifts happening across the workforce. Our responsibility is to ensure that our academic offerings evolve in ways that position students for longterm success, and this moment calls for aligning our programs with those emerging needs. In addition to program transitions, ULM will introduce three new degree programs beginning in the 20262027 academic year to address emerging workforce needs: a Bachelor of Science in Disaster Management, a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Sciences, and a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Organizational Leadership. Further expanding access and opportunity, ULM signed an educational partnership agreement with Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) in July 2025. The agreement creates a streamlined pathway for students earning an Associate of Applied Science degree at LDCC to transfer to ULM and complete a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Organizational Leadership. Guided by ULMs strategic plan and aligned with the priorities of the University of Louisiana System and the Louisiana Board of Regents, the university will continue evaluating academic, support, and administrative functions to ensure resources are focused where students can achieve the greatest success and long-term impact. Fact Check: Plundering of Somnath and other Hindu temples Temple destructions in ancient and medieval India were not primarily a religious phenomenon Campaign around Ram Temple, i.e. the demolition of Babri Masjid paid rich electoral dividends to the BJP, and also to its parent RSS. Kashi and Mathura are in the line. A new front has now been opened with Somnath Swabhiman Parv (Somnath Self pride Festival) Speaking on the occasion with full religious regalia, our non-biological Prime Minster stated two things, directly and subtly. One that Somnath Temple stood as the symbol of glory of India, the Muslim kings attacked it repeatedly, but it kept coming back in its greater glory. Mahmood Ghazni demolished it in 1026 and plundered it 17 times. The second point he made was directed against the Congress party, more particularly Jawaharlal Nehru who is the present PMs pet hate persona, as being opposed to its rebuilding. It is doubtful if any place of worship can be the symbol of any nation. The most important part of religion has been its moral values as the Father of the Nation, Gandhi, taught us. As far as Mahmood Ghazni is concerned he did plunder it. His Court historians highlighted that he did it for religious purposes as idol worship is not permitted in Islam. Persian sources Al-Utabi and Al-Baruni, call Somath as treasure house. In this theory, the major loophole is that if idol destruction was his aim, why did he spare so many idols which were on the way from Gazna to Somnath? Mahmood Ghazni might have many motives behind this raid on Somnath. The primary was wealth; it was among the rich temples of India. As per Romila Thapar (History of Ancient India, Penguin) it had wealth equivalent to 20000 golden dinars (Coins). There are no definitive sources to establish that he plundered it 17 times. This is a popular myth. The wealth he plundered was loaded on many elephants and taken to Gazna. Mahmoods army had many Hindu Generals, like Tilak, Sondhi, Harzan and Hind, as per Tarikhe Bayaki. Mahmoods successor Masood sent his army under the leadership of Tilak, one of the generals of his army, to central Asia to plunder wealth from a mosque. Ghazni appointed one of the local Hindu kings as his governor as he left Somnath. He also issued coins with Sanskrit words on that. More so King Anandpal of Thaneshwar helped him by sending elephants and soldiers etc. Temple destructions in ancient and medieval India were not primarily a religious phenomenon. Richard Eaton in his research on temple destructions in preMughal India tells us that in fight between two Hindu kings the victor Hindu King used to demolish the Kuldevata (clan god) idol of defeated king and install his own Kuldevata there. In the fight between Khilji and Abdul Fath Dawood of Multan a masjid was destroyed. Associating religion with the Kings began with the British who introduced communal historiography in India to pursue the policy of divide and rule. Beginning with James Mills book on History of India to Elliot and Dawsons multivolume, History of India as told by her Historians. Religion was the central marker of Kings rule. Modis politics is opening this new divisive front and trying to tie in Nehru also in the narrative. He is projecting as if Nehru was opposed to rebuilding of Somnath. Thats a lie. The matter came up when Gandhi was alive and he categorically stated that state funds should not be used for building of the temple. This is what Supreme Court few years ago opined when Ram Temple was being planned. Gandhi, Nehru and Patel were unanimous on this. In the prayer meeting on 28 November 1947, he stated that Junagadh Government cannot give any state funds for building of the temple. Gandhi asked Sardar Patel whether any funds were being given to the building of Somnath Temple. Patel replied that till I am alive, no such thing will happen and that donations for rebuilding will be collected from the public. Accordingly, a trust was formed with Sardar Patel as Chairman and with K.M. Munshi and Gadgil, as trustees which completed the task of building the temple. The false propaganda does not stop here. Then comes the inauguration of the temple. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was invited to inaugurate the temple. He asked Nehru about it. In a letter to Nehru, Rajendra Prasad on 2nd March 1951 said that he wants to go to inaugurate the temple in his personal capacity. Nehru said if he wants to go, he has no objection. Same thing Nehru stated to C. Rajagopalachari on 11th March 1951. (As per Piyush Babele) Piyush Babele clarifies the whole truth based on evidence. He also takes a dig at the present PM, as to why the then President Ramnath Kovind and Draupadi Murmu were not invited in the events related to Ram Temple. Clearly these two Presidents were not invited for Ram Temple foundation and inauguration as one was a Dalit and another an Adivasi! In a supplementary on History, Ajit Dobhal, who has been holding the high post of National Security Advisor (NSA), on the occasion of inauguration of a youth festival in Delhi gave the advice which is very retrograde. As per him, "our temples were plundered, our villages were ransacked so it is time now to take revenge for this!" Doesn't he aware that revenge is not a part of the modern legal system. It is the stuff from the medieval times. For every crime the guilty should be punished and the innocent should be given protection. So for the alleged crimes he is mentioning the revenge is to be taken against whom? For temple destruction by Muslim and Hindu kings, who should be taken revenge on? There are atrocities of history which he did not mention. The Buddha Vihar were destroyed, Jain temples were smashed, atrocities against Dalits and women were the norm. There was the tradition of Sati, burning women alive on the funeral pyre of her husband. Who should take revenge for all this? History is not a tool to divide the society and perpetuate the injustices of the past. It is there to show us what wrongs have happened in the past which should not happen again. We need to march towards a just society where all live the life of dignity and respect. A society where all of us enjoy equal citizenship rights. [The writer, Ram Puniyani, is former Professor IIT Bombay.] 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 Ramadan 2026: List of Imams to lead Taraweeh at Makkah Grand Mosque The Presidency of The Two Holy Mosques today i.e. January 13, 2026 released the list of 7 Imams who will lead the Taraweeh Prayers at the Grand Mosque at Makkah (Masjid al Haram) during the Holy Month of Ramadan 1447H Ramadan 2026: The Presidency of The Two Holy Mosques today i.e. January 13, 2026 released the list of 7 Imams who will lead the Taraweeh Prayers at the Grand Mosque at Makkah (Masjid al Haram) during the Holy Month of Ramadan 1447H. Ramadan 1447AH Start Date According to Ummul Qura Calendar , the New Moon of Ramadan, the Holy Month of Fasting in the year 1447 AH, is likely to sight on February 17, 2026 which is 29th of the month of Sha'ban 1447 AH. If the Ramadan Moon is sighted on February 17, Ramadan 2026 will begin on Wednesday February 18, 2026. If the new moon is not sighted on February 17, then February 18 will be counted as Sha'ban 1447 AH, and fasting of the Holy Month Ramadan 2026 will start on Thursday February 19, 2026. Taraweeh vs Tahajjud Taraweeh Prayer is offered after Isha during the month of Ramadan. A non-mandatory prayers, Taraweeh is Special Night Prayers equivalent to Tahajjud. Tahajjud is the best when offered alone deep into night. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) offered Taraweeh Prayers in congregation, and hours earlier than the suggested time of Tahajjud. Along with mosques across the world, Special Night Prayers of Ramadan or Taraweeh are performed in Makkah Grand Mosque and the Prophet Mosque, Masjid Nabawi, in Madinah that are also broadcasted live. As millions of Muslims from across the world come to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah for whole of the Holy Month, special attention is given for the appointment of Imams to lead Taraweeh at The Two Holy Mosques. List of Imams to lead Taraweeh Prayers in Makkah Mosque The General Presidency of The Two Holy Mosques has released the list of 7 Imams who will lead the Taraweeh Prayers in Makkah Grand Mosque. They are: President Sheikh Abdur Rahman As Sudais: Sheikh Al Sudais is the President of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques. He is renowned for his emotive and powerful style of Quranic recitation around the world. Sheikh Maher Al Muaiqly: Sheikh Maher is a prominent Imam and noted member of the Presidency. His clear, measured recitations are widely followed and respected by listeners internationally. Sheikh Abdullah Juhany: Sheikh Abdullah Juhany is a prominent Imam of the Grand Mosque recognized for his melodic voice. He serves as a professor at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah. Sheikh Bandar Baleelah: Sheikh Bandar Baleelah is an esteemed Imam known for his devout and serene recitation style. He also holds a position as a professor of Islamic studies. Sheikh Yasir Dawsary: Sheikh Yasir Dawsary is a distinguished Imam and preacher celebrated for his strong, resonant voice. He is a faculty member at the Islamic University of Imam Muhammad bin Saud. Sheikh Badr Al Turki: Sheikh Badr Al Turki is a senior Imam appreciated for his precise and contemplative recitation. He contributes as a faculty member at Umm Al-Qura University. Sheikh Waleed Al Shamsan: Sheikh Waleed Al Shamsan is a respected Imam of the Grand Mosque. He is known for his heartfelt recitations and also serves in an academic role. A glance at the list of the Imams revealed it to be the same as the last year . The Presidency is likely to release the Taraweeh Schedule for Ramadan 2026 / 1447 AH in a few weeks. The Presidency will in a couple of days also released the list of Imams to lead Taraweeh prayers at Masjid Nabawi in Madinah. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic US Withdraws from UN Agencies, India Can Step in Guided by the Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One Earth, One Family, One Future), India can amplify Southern priorities with inclusivity and balance US President Donald Trump has ordered US withdrawal from 66 international organizations, including 31 UN entities and 35 non-UN bodies, targeting climate, human rights, and gender equality institutions. The administration characterizes these organizations as serving globalist agendas contrary to the American interests. However, this mundane decision leaves the field open for the countries like India to revitalise and reform the United Nations, and push the Global South leading the international body. US President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from 66 international organisations, calling them "anti-American" and contrary to US interests. Trump directed all executive departments and agencies to take immediate steps to withdraw from 66 of the UN-led organisations "as soon as possible," ceasing both participation and funding to the extent permitted by law. The withdrawal affects organisations spanning climate action, human rights, gender equality, and international development. Among the most significant withdrawals is the US exit from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the underlying treaty for the Paris climate agreement. The list also includes the International Solar Alliance, a collaborative initiative between India and France on climate change with over 100 signatory countries. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterised the targeted institutions as "redundant in their scope, mismanaged, unnecessary, wasteful, poorly run, captured by the interests of actors advancing their own agendas contrary to our own, or a threat to our nation's sovereignty, freedoms, and general prosperity." Rubio stated that what began as a framework for international cooperation has "morphed into a sprawling architecture of global governance, often dominated by progressive ideology." US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz emphasised that the US will no longer fund organisations that "do not serve, or in many cases work counter to, American interests." Rubio emphasised that "the days of billions of dollars in taxpayer money flowing to foreign interests at the expense of our people are over," signalling the administration's broader shift away from multilateral engagement. The State Department confirmed that additional reviews of international organizational participation remain ongoing. The UN said on Thursday (January 8) that its work will continue despite the US announcement on Wednesday (January 7) . Our work will continue, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at the UN headquarters in New York. The secretary-general respects the sovereignty of each of the members of this organization, and he also strongly believes that the challenges that we face today can only be solved through international cooperation. Thats been his view since he started on day one. It continues to be his view. Opportunity for India At a practical level this offers a golden opportunity to India and other like-minded countries to draw-up a programme for reorganising and revitalising the UN, as per the aspirations of these countries, which so far have been a vocal critic of the P-5.In this mammoth campaign Indias role in establishing the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) to promote self-determination for developing nations, can become its badge of honour. Additionally, what goes in favour of India to lead this campaign is its diplomatic and multilateral during the past 10 years. During this period, India acted as a mediator between North and South on climate change, trade, and security issues. It could very deservedly project itself as a Vishwa Bandhu (friend of the world), advocating inclusivity in global governance. During its G20 Presidency (2023), India ensured the African Unions inclusion as a permanent member, a landmark move for Southern representation. Indias active participation in BRICS, Quad, and the Voice of Global South Summit reflects its commitment to global governance reform and strategic balance. India has persistently demanded reforms in global institutions like the UNSC, World Bank, and IMF to reflect the voices of developing countries. Also Read: US withdrawal from Global Organisations demands more than criticism India is leading sustainable development efforts among developing nations. The Mission LiFE and the ISA and the National Green Hydrogen Mission reflect Indias sustainable development leadership. As the 3rd-largest producer of wind and solar energy, India is supporting climate justice for vulnerable nations. India is a global leader in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Platforms like Aadhaar and UPI have inspired over 12 countries to adopt similar systems, enhancing digital equity and inclusion in the Global South. India has emerged as a first responder in global crises through humanitarian missions such as Operation Dost (Turkey), Operation Karuna (Myanmar), and Operation Kaveri (Sudan), reinforcing its role as a key development partner. India has extended Lines of Credit (LOCs) worth USD 12 billion to 42 African countries as part of its development finance initiatives. Global South in the Current World Order UN Security Council (UNSC) still reflects post-World War II power structures. India, the world's most populous country and a major economy, still lacks a permanent seat in the UNSC despite decades of advocacy. The undermining of the UN system by major powers (like the US) has left smaller countries with no neutral forum to address regional conflicts or economic grievances. Global South countries are increasingly pressured to pick sides in US-China or US-Russia rivalries. This undermines strategic autonomy and distracts from development goals. The Global South is also wary of the West for its selective human rights advocacy, acting on Ukraine while ignoring Gaza, and Global South countries often face external interference in internal matters. Promoting South-South Cooperation The South-South Cooperation (SSC) can helps address gaps in finance, technology, and capacity-building that North-South aid often could not cover. Initiatives like the India-UN Development Partnership Fund have extended demand-driven assistance to Pacific Island nations and Africa, offering flexible and context-specific support. Unlike one-size-fits-all models, SSC aligns well with the 2030 Agenda by providing context-specific and sustainable solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SSC can also work in conjunction with developed nations through triangular cooperation, where Northern partners support Southern-led initiatives. This would create synergy rather than competition, as seen in FAO-led agricultural projects supported by China and implemented in Latin America. The SSC has played a key role during global emergencies. Indias vaccine diplomacy during Covid-19 is an example of solidarity-driven responses that complemented (or filled the void left by) North-South efforts. By enabling flexible, peer-driven solutions, SSC helps countries confront overlapping crises such as climate change, pandemics, and debt distress. The Challenges Growing South-South trade and investments (China-Africa, India-ASEAN) will shift global economic gravity, contesting the centrality of the North. Many Global South countries have raised concerns about the Wests use of aid as a tool of influence, with strings attached related to governance or policy reform. SSC presents a counter-model that is non-conditional and sovereignty-respecting. Nearly 60% of high-tech exports from developing countries are traded within the Global South, indicating growing intra-South economic interdependence beyond traditional North-South flows. The rise of Southern powers like India in initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) challenges the notion that development leadership and solutions must come from the Global North. Thus, a stronger and united Global South, with a credible leadership, and equitable participation in global governance can fill the void created by the US withdrawal from UN organisations. Guided by the Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One Earth, One Family, One Future), India can amplify Southern priorities with inclusivity and balance. Its leadership can help transform the Global South from a passive voice into an active player shaping a new world order. (The writer, Asad Mirza, is a New Delhi-based senior commentator on national, international, defence and strategic affairs, environmental issues, an interfaith practitioner, and a media consultant.) Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Prosecutors in Taiwan issued an arrest warrant for the chief executive officer of Chinese smartphone company OnePlus, stepping up efforts to stem potential losses of technology and talent to a geopolitical foe. The Shilin district prosecutors office said it issued the warrant for CEO and co-founder Pete Lau, one of the Chinese mobile industrys more prominent figures and a regular public pitchman for industry leader Oppo. Prosecutors also indicted two Taiwanese citizens who worked for Lau and accused OnePlus of illegally recruiting more than 70 engineers across the island since 2014. Most Read from Bloomberg The move was the latest in a series of actions that underscore Taipeis growing resolve to counter Chinas tech industry, while wielding its own technological prowess to gain influence. In 2025, Taiwan threatened to bar chip shipments to South Africa, sued Tokyo Electron Ltd. for failing to prevent alleged intellectual property theft, and launched a probe into whether a new Intel Corp. hire stole trade secrets from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Efforts to prevent the poaching of Taiwans talent and outflow of intellectual property appear to have intensified since President Lai Ching-te took office in 2024. In September, prosecutors issued a warrant based on similar grounds for Luxshare Precision Industry Co. chair Grace Wang, taking aim at a prominent Chinese iPhone assembler. Lau and his two employees are accused of violating the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. Hes one of the better-known founders in Chinas tech industry, respected for an obsession with quality that helped make OnePlus a global player. He plays a pivotal role also at Oppos phone launches as its chief product officer. The executive didnt respond to Bloombergs request for comment. OnePlus provided a statement that said its business operations continue as normal and remain unaffected. Taiwan justice ministry representatives didnt respond to requests for comment Wednesday. Taiwan has become a favorite recruitment spot for China because the two share a language and the island is home to some of the worlds best tech talent. In response, Taipei has erected restrictions and safeguards particularly for its world-leading semiconductor industry, citing national security. For instance, it doesnt allow Chinese companies to set up local operations or hire locally without formal government approval. By Jonathan Stempel Jan 14 (Reuters) - Tesla agreed to enter mediation that could resolve the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's lawsuit accusing Elon Musk's electric car maker of tolerating severe and widespread harassment of Black employees at its Fremont, California, assembly plant. The EEOC said it is working with Tesla to choose a mediator, and negotiations could begin in March or April. It also said both sides will make a proposal to the presiding judge by June 17 on what to do if settlement discussions and mediation are unsuccessful. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley in San Francisco agreed on Tuesday night to put some evidence-gathering deadlines on hold so mediation could take priority. Tesla and the EEOC did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside business hours. The agency sued Tesla in September 2023 during the Biden administration, saying the company's employment practices violated federal law. It alleged that harassment at the Fremont plant included racial slurs, and displays of racist graffiti such as swastikas and nooses. Some of the graffiti appeared on vehicles rolling off the assembly line, it said. Tesla has denied that it knew about the harassment and did nothing about it, and accused the agency of "headline-chasing." The Austin, Texas-based automaker has faced several lawsuits over the alleged mistreatment of workers at the Fremont plant. It won a legal victory on November 17 when a California state judge said more than 6,000 Black workers at the plant could not sue Tesla as a group in a class action, because many workers chosen to testify were unwilling to do so. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Edwina Gibbs, Elaine Hardcastle) The University of Wyoming has launched a comprehensive search for the next executive director of its nationally and internationally recognized School of Energy Resources (SER). The next leader will be tasked with guiding UWs premier interdisciplinary energy research and academic efforts that support Wyomings role as a global energy leader. SERs governing body, the Energy Resources Council (ERC), in conjunction with UW, has engaged search firm Spencer Stuart to work with an appointed search committee to fill the position promptly. The ERC and the UW Board of Trustees have confirmed Scott Quillinan as SERs acting executive director. He will serve until the search for a new full-time executive director has been completed. SER is central to UWs mission, facilitating interdisciplinary academic, outreach and research programs across engineering, science, economics and policy. Its core focus is to advance energy-driven economic development for Wyoming, fulfilling the states promise to be a leader in a thriving and sustainable energy future. As UWs land-grant energy hub, SER ensures cutting-edge energy programs directly serve the people, communities and industries of Wyoming. The new executive director will build on this strong foundation to significantly elevate SERs national and international reputation and expand the impact of the universitys energy and extractive initiatives, including critical minerals, fossil fuels and unconventional resources. This is a pivotal moment for the School of Energy Resources and the state of Wyoming; we are seeking a visionary leader who can bring a world-class perspective to our energy future, says David Emery, who recently was elected chair of the ERC. We are committed to finding a dynamic individual with substantial energy industry experience who can expand SERs research and outreach footprint and solidify its standing as a key driver of Wyomings economy. The position profile, which includes comprehensive information about the job duties, expectations and the mission of the school and university, is available here. Spencer Stuart is actively accepting applications and nominations at UWyomingSER@SpencerStuart.com. A robust search committee representing the UW trustees, the broader UW community and key Wyoming stakeholders has been assembled. Co-chaired by Emery and UW Trustee Paul Ulrich, the search committee includes ERC Vice Chair and state Sen. Ed Cooper, of Ten Sleep; Randall Luthi, policy director for Gov. Mark Gordon; and Travis Deti, executive director of the Wyoming Mining Association. UW community members represented on the committee are Parag Chitnis, vice president for research and economic development; Jenna Shim, dean of the College of Education; John Kaszuba, the John and Jane Wold Centennial Chair in Energy and SER professor of geology and geophysics; Trina Igelsrud Phieffer, director of SERs Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion; Angela Ver Ploeg, senior director of corporate engagement with the UW Foundation and the Office for Strategic Partnerships; and Erica Belmont, associate professor of mechanical engineering. This committee will work with Spencer Stuart to screen and select top-tier candidates for in-person interviews on campus later this year. A female ichneumonid wasp, Megarhyssa perlata, drills into a tree to insert eggs on wood-boring beetle larvae hidden deep inside. (Kees Zwakhals Photo) Scott Shaw, a University of Wyoming entomology professor, recently contributed to a comprehensive new book on Darwin wasps, insects that have a vital role in agriculture. Published in December 2025 by Springer Press, Darwin Wasps of the Middle East is an in-depth resource for those involved in agricultural crop protection, entomologists, students and researchers. Shaw describes the Ichneumonidae family, also known as Darwin wasps, as one of the most economically and ecologically important of all insect families. Wasps from this family feed upon and kill many kinds of plant-feeding insects, regulating potential pests in forest and rangeland ecosystems. Many ichneumonid wasp species have been used in integrated pest management and biological control programs to suppress insect pests without using insecticides. For example, the wasp Bathyplectes anurus is widely used as a biocontrol agent to suppress alfalfa weevil pest populations in the western United States. Darwin Wasps of the Middle East provides a global perspective on the biology, ecology, distribution and potential biocontrol applications of this wasp family. The book also describes more than 2,300 Darwin wasp species found in the Middle East. At the present time, in my opinion, this is the best introduction for new students desiring to learn about the beneficial wasp family Ichneumonidae, Shaw says. Organized into two volumes, the book features 28 contributing authors from 16 countries. Shaw served as a contributing author for 19 of the books 38 chapters and co-edited the entire work, which contains more than 1,500 pages. To learn more about Darwin wasps or the new book, email Shaw at Braconid@uwyo.edu. About the UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources The University of Wyoming College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources serves students and communities through innovative scholarship, research and outreach. Guided by the land-grant principles of discovery and experiential learning, the college facilitates meaningful educational opportunities in the classroom, laboratory and community. The college offers degrees in the departments of agricultural and applied economics; animal science; botany; ecosystem science and management; family and consumer sciences; molecular biology; plant sciences; veterinary sciences; and zoology and physiology. The college also offers degree programs in agricultural communications, microbiology, and ranch management and agricultural leadership. To learn more, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwag or call (307) 766-4133. Tokyo Century has formed a joint venture (JV) with Downing to develop solar power projects across the UK, targeting a cumulative capacity of approximately 500MW. This partnership marks Tokyo Century's entry into managing the full life cycle of solar power plants outside Japan, from construction through to operation. The JV looks to amass a solar portfolio distributed over roughly ten sites by 2028. It will focus on pre-construction solar installations that have already secured necessary grid connections and permits. These initiatives are expected to deliver stable, long-term revenue streams through the UK's contract for difference (CfD) scheme. The UK Government has outlined plans to expand its solar capacity significantly by 2030 as part of its strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Tokyo Century views the UK as a crucial market for expanding its renewable energy footprint internationally. Downing, an investment and development specialist focusing on renewable energy, will bring its expertise in project development, asset management and operational strategies within the UK and northern Europe. The collaboration will involve joint decision-making on asset acquisitions, project financing and divestment strategies. By leveraging Downing's established capabilities in solar asset management, Tokyo Century intends to enhance its business operations in Europe. For Tokyo Century, this JV represents a significant step in advancing its European renewable energy strategy. The company has previously invested in high-quality operational assets across the continent. This new phase will allow Tokyo Century to actively participate in construction and development roles, broadening its scope within the renewable energy sector. The JV aims to balance stable revenue generation with growth potential while contributing to the deployment of clean energy solutions and decarbonisation efforts. In terms of strategic significance, Tokyo Century intends to utilise this partnership to build expertise in risk management and governance related to power plant construction and operations. This is aimed at significantly boosting its international business management capabilities. By engaging equally with Downing in managing the venture, Tokyo Century aims to accelerate the creation of a diversified portfolio that aligns with both stable earnings and growth prospects. "Tokyo Century, Downing launch UK solar JV targeting 500MW" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Key Takeaways Pakistan signed an agreement with a WLFI-linked firm to integrate the USD1 stablecoin into its regulated digital payments system. The partnership targets faster, cheaper cross-border payments, with a focus on remittances. The deal marks one of WLFIs first sovereign-state tie-ups. Pakistans relationship with cryptocurrency has changed dramaticallyand quickly. Once firmly opposed to Bitcoin (BTC) and digital assets, the South Asian nation has spent the past two years quietly rewriting its stance as global attitudes toward crypto have shifted, particularly in the United States. That evolution took a decisive step this week, when Pakistan signed an agreement with a company affiliated with World Liberty Financial (WLFI) to integrate its U.S. dollarbacked stablecoin, USD1, into its regulated payments system. Pakistan Moves To Integrate WLFIs USD1 Stablecoin The agreement, executed through SC Financial Technologies (an affiliate of WLFI), marks one of the first instances in which a decentralized finance (DeFi) firm linked to U.S. President Donald Trump has partnered directly with a sovereign state. Signed on Jan. 9, the deal involves collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan to integrate WLFIs USD1 stablecoin into the countrys regulated digital payments framework. Rather than operating in a gray zone, USD1 is expected to coexist alongside Pakistans emerging digital finance infrastructure under regulatory oversight. WLFI CEO Zach Witkoff traveled to Islamabad for the announcement and met with senior officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Governor of the State Bank. Our focus is to stay ahead of the curve by engaging with credible global players, understanding new financial models, and ensuring that innovation, where explored, is aligned with regulation, stability, and national interest, Finance Minister Aurangzeb said. At the center of the initiative is cross-border paymentsespecially remittances, which remain a lifeline for Pakistans economy. Overseas Pakistanis send home more than $30 billion annually, much of it through costly and slow traditional banking channels. Officials hope that using a regulated stablecoin could reduce fees, speed up settlement times, and improve transparency. Pakistan is also moving in parallel on broader reforms, including drafting comprehensive virtual asset regulations and preparing pilots for its own central bank digital currency (CBDC). Medallion mosaic of Leo XIV to be installed in St Paul Outside the Walls. The Vatican on Wednesday unveiled a large mosaic portrait of Pope Leo XIV destined for the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, continuing an ancient papal tradition. The mosaic roundel comprises around 15,000 tiny glass enamel tiles, or tesserae, and was created by the Vatican studio of the Fabric of St Peter using a centuries-old technique. The medallion, with a diameter of 137 centimetres, was based on an oil painting by master mosaic artist Rodolfo Papa, Vatican News reports. The Mosaic of POPE Leo XIV at St. Paul Outside the Walls The Pope received the mosaic that will be displayed in the papal basilica, sharing a moment with the artists and offering his blessing to those present The basilica features an extensive series of portraits pic.twitter.com/qFTfLD0lkR ROME REPORTS (@romereports) January 14, 2026 The artwork will join a frieze of mosaic portraits of all the popes since St Peter, as part of a tradition that accompanies the election of every pontiff. The completion of the mosaic, which will be installed in a niche beside the portrait of Pope Francis in the right nave of the papal basilica, comes more than eight months after the election of Pope Leo XIV. A niche awaits the mosaic of Pope Leo XIV at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls. Photo credit: essevu / Shutterstock.com. The tradition of papal mosaics in St Paul's dates back to the pontificate of Leo I in the fifth century, however most of the original mosaics were lost in the great fire of 1823 which devastated the church. The custom was revived by Pope Pius IX during the massive effort to rebuild the basilica which was completed in 1854 during the pontificate of Gregory XVI. Photo credit Vatican Media Taxi drivers protested in Rome against Uber and the government. Matteo Hallissey, president of the liberal +Europa party and the Italian Radicals, was attacked by an angry group of taxi drivers during a protest outside parliament in Rome on Tuesday. The incident occurred during a national strike, called by 18 unions representing cab drivers, who are demanding stricter regulations for multinational ride-hailing apps. The 24-hour strike saw taxi drivers across Italy protest the government, accusing it of failing to keep its promises and favouring the entry of multinationals such as Uber by liberalising the sector. Taxi drivers staged a protest in front of Palazzo Montecitorio, throwing smoke bombs into the piazza and chanting "Uber, Uber, Fuck off". Hallissey, 22, arrived in their midst carrying a sign saying "No more lobbying" and holding a POS machine which he offered provocatively to taxi drivers, who are regularly accused of claiming their electronic payment system does not work, in order to receive their fare in cash. The sight of Hallissey provoked a wave of insults and threats from the taxi drivers who chanted "Piece of shit" in his direction before turning violent, prompting the politician to leave the scene. "They chased us across the piazza and attempted to outrun the police to reach us, spitting and kicking", Hallissey told reporters, adding: "Multinationals already operate in all European capitals and in Italy alone they must be subject to enormous constraints because of this 25,000-strong lobby." Calci, sputi e minacce da parte dai tassisti. Ecco cose accaduto oggi alla manifestazione a Roma. @matteohallissey pic.twitter.com/zfPNEPlauh Ivan_Grieco (@Ivan_Grieco) January 13, 2026 The strike was called by unions against the government amid demands for "clear rules for digital platforms, preventing the excessive power of algorithms" and protection of taxi services as a local public service "in the face of the aggressive entry of multinationals." "Taxi services are regulated by rates set by the municipality, with checks, safety obligations and specific responsibilities towards users" - Nicola Di Giacobbe, coordinator of Unica Taxi Filt Cgil union said - "Today, this model is being challenged by the aggressive entry of private multinationals, which aim to replace a public service with platforms driven by algorithms and profit-driven logic". Taxi drivers are particularly targeting the decree regulating digital intermediation platforms, which was put on hold by the transport ministry following criticism from the European Commission, newspaper Domani reports. In the meantime, the protest by the taxi drivers has prompted transport minister and deputy premier Matteo Salvini to convene a meeting with representatives of the sector on Wednesday. Photo Leggo Offerpad Solutions (OPAD) stock soared as much as 70% on Friday morning after President Donald Trump said the federal government may invest up to $200 billion in mortgage bonds. Such an initiative, he believes, will drive mortgage rates down and make it more affordable to buy a house in the U.S. Were bringing back the American dream, the president wrote on Truth Social. More News from Barchart Despite its meteoric rally on Friday, Offerpad stock remains down more than 70% versus its 52-week high. www.barchart.com How Trumps Comment Helps Offerpad Stock Retail investors cheered OPAD stock on Trumps social media post primarily because it stands to benefit from any policy that lowers mortgage rates and boosts housing affordability. As an iBuyer, Offerpads business, buying a house from a seller and reselling it to a buyer, relies significantly on transaction volume. A massive investment from the federal government in mortgage bonds up to $200 billion would ease financing costs, lower monthly payments, and expand the pool of qualified buyers. For the U.S. housing market, this would mean faster turnaround, higher demand, and more liquidity, and for Offerpad Solutions, that would translate into more pronounced revenue opportunities and improved margins. Why OPAD Shares Still Arent Worth Owning For serious investors, OPAD shares still arent attractive as they face a grueling path to profitability, characterized by eroding revenues and structural financial instability. In the latest reported quarter, Offerpad Solutions revenue crashed 36% on a year-over-year basis, and managements guidance for 2026 remains underwhelming. Moreover, despite aggressive cost-cutting, the company continues to post adjusted EBITDA losses, signaling its core iBuying business model struggles to scale without burning significant capital. Finally, Offerpad remains a penny stock, which means its vulnerable to excess volatility that often ends up hurting late investors. How Wall Street Recommends Playing Offerpad Solution Due to the aforementioned headwinds, Wall Street remains bearish on Offerpad shares as well. According to Barchart, the consensus rating on OPAD stock sits at Hold currently, with the mean target of $1.91 indicating limited potential upside from current prices. Niamh ODonoghue A man has been given a six-year sentence for possession of drugs for sale and supply and money laundering. Reece Byrne (22) of Poppintree Crescent, Ballymun, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of drugs for sale or supply and money laundering at Cranogue Close, Ballymun on December 12th, 2023. I dont see Mr Byrne on the lowest rung, said Judge Martina Baxter before handing down a six-year sentence with the final six months suspended and backdated it to November 2025 for time spent in custody. Using someone elses home indicates an element of control, said the judge. Garda Pierce ODwyer of Ballymun Garda Station gave evidence that when gardai exercised a search warrant at the address. Mr Byrne was the sole occupant of the house. He told John Moher BL, prosecuting, a large amount of cocaine was found on the table along with a quantity of diazepam. More drugs were found in the attic including heroin worth 13,286 and cocaine worth 34,000. The total market value of the drugs was 48,000. Byrne acknowledged possession of the drugs at the scene but later said they were not his drugs but gardai did not accept this. He claimed he had a drug debt. Judge Baxter took account of his assistance at the scene, that he entered a plea and had no previous convictions. She noted Byrne said he owed money due to a drug debt but said gardai did not accept this. The judge noted he receives weekly visits from family in prison and has one disciplinary report for possession of a mobile phone. His co-accused Laura Smith (29) of Crannogue Close, Poppintree, Ballymun was given a two-and-a-half-year suspended sentence by Judge Martin Nolan last November after pleading guilty to allowing her house to be used for the preparation of drugs for sale or supply on the same date. Evidence was heard during her sentence hearing that Smith was aware that drugs were being prepared and stored in the house but she was unaware of the quantity and the type. The court heard no trappings of wealth were found and the investigating garda agreed with Smith's defence counsel that she was co-operative and used to a degree by her co-accused. Smith has no previous convictions. Judge Nolan said she was a mother-of-three and was expecting another, that the court considered she was unlikely to reoffend in the future and thought it was unjust to imprison her. Tom Tuite A US security guard was arrested for having 280,000 worth of cannabis in his bag after reporting missing luggage at Dublin Airport. Ulises Mendez, 30, with an address at North West Hope Street, Santa Anna, California, had bail set at 10,000 at Dublin District Court on Wednesday. Judge Treasa Kelly noted from Garda Emmet O'Byrne that the accused arrived on Sunday on a flight from San Diego via Chicago. He alerted officials about his missing luggage and left. Meanwhile, the baggage was "screened", and he was contacted the following day. The court heard that he had initially planned to leave Ireland on January 27th, but rebooked to return to America on Tuesday this week. He presented at US customs, who alerted Irish officials, and gardai came and arrested Mr Mendez and charged him with possessing cannabis for sale or supply. The accused had nowhere to reside in Ireland, no ties to the country, and was a flight risk, the garda contended. Defence solicitor Luke Staines pleaded for bail, saying his client would surrender his passport, which would make it difficult to return to the United States. Wearing a green sweater saying "Temple Bar", he stood silently throughout the hearing and did not give evidence. Co-accused Ricky Adame, 27, who also has an address in Santa Anna, California, faces the same charge and returned to the airport after he reported his bag was missing. Garda Patrick Stynes alleged Mr Adame's bag contained 68,000 worth of cannabis and seed capsules. He was granted bail of 5,000, with a deposit of 3,000. Legal aid was granted to the pair, who have yet to enter pleas and must surrender their travel documents if they take up bail. They were remanded in custody to appear again later this month. Convicted fraudster Catherine OBrien has received a 25 month sentence for dishonestly inducing a man out of 22,000. O'Brien, of An Grianan, Ballinroad, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, dishonestly induced John Blake into paying her 20,000 to purchase a horse named Lingreville, 1,100 for insurance and 984 to transport the horse from France to Ireland. OBrien cajoled and manipulated her victim into parting with his life savings to pay for the fictional horse, its transport and insurance. During a three-week trial in July, evidence presented showed that the broodmare Lingreville had never been purchased or had never entered Ireland. The jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts in just under 40 minutes. OBrien first met Mr Blake in late 2017 through the dating website Plenty oFish and presented herself as a successful and highly-regarded expert in the equine industry. When he first met OBrien, he was seeking companionship. In March 2018 she encouraged him to pay 20,000 for the breeding rights of a stallion horse she claimed to own, named Shakeel. Soon afterwards, she suggested that he buy a broodmare from France to maximise his investment on the stallion. There began a series of lies that left Mr Blake without his life savings. Mr Blake took out a 14,000 Credit Union loan to pay for the horse, a loan he had to pay back. In total, he gave OBrien just over 42,200 throughout their correspondence. OBrien sent him pictures purporting to be his horse and foal throughout the year, and scurried any attempts he made to see the horse. Mr Blake discovered the lie in September 2019, when he went to John Walshs home in Lismore and was told by his wife that there was no horse named Lingreville. OBrien was charged by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in September 2021. In October 2021, OBrien and Mr Walsh paid Mr Blake 22,000 in a "settlement". Victim impact On Wednesday, January 14, OBrien appeared at Waterford Circuit Court via video-link from Limerick Prison. She appeared before Judge Eugene OKelly, who oversaw her trial last July. OBrien was seen sat in a wheelchair and accompanied by a male nurse. Throughout her appearance she made several wincing gestures. The court heard from her legal counsel Ronan OCarroll BL that she wanted to be sentenced in the absence of a medical report. Detective Garda Joe Wyse gave an outline of the case to State Prosecutor Dylan Redmond BL. Det. Wyse read out the victims impact statement, as Mr Blake was too ill to attend the court in person. In the statement, Mr Blake described how the fraud left him feeling traumatised, embarrassed, scared and isolated. He began: I am not a man of financial means. I am 69 years old. At age 44 I lost my wife to cancer, she was 41. I worked part-time to raise my five children. At age 60 I was diagnosed with bowel cancer, at 62 I had a stroke and at 64 I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Mr Blake went through all these health emergencies while dealing with the financial and emotional fallout of the fraud. He wrote: I had to pick up work and at 68 I was diagnosed with prostrate cancer. He said that the trauma of the deceit has stolen years off his life, his health and time with his children. He wrote about struggling to tell his children about the deceit, and his anxieties and struggles to sleep. This seven year ordeal has traumatized me, he said. Defence Mr OCarroll told the court that OBrien maintains her innocence and claims that the whole matter was a "mistake", but also expressed that she bore "no ill will" towards Mr Blake. The court heard that OBrien had a lonely childhood in Cork. She had a short academic career in legal studies but gave it up after having her eldest daughter. She was described as being "self-employed" for a number of years, setting up different short-lived businesses. Mr OCarroll said that she has two adult daughters but they had a "strained relationship" due to her legal issues. In 1999 she was charged with making a false report to Gardai relating to a "missing car" in Kanturk, Co Cork. Mr OCarroll noted that she should be seen as having an "unblemished record" due to the vintage of the conviction, which was accepted by Judge OKelly. According to Mr OCarroll, OBrien has a "low-risk of re-offending" and intends to work in the equestrian industry post release. He said that her "dreams" of working in farming were "scuppered by her health issues". Sentence Judge OKelly reiterated how OBrien presented the scam as a "zero-risk" investment to her victim. He described OBrien as taking advantage of an elderly man and leaving him "vulnerable, embarrassed and ashamed". Judge OKelly sentenced her to 20 months for the first count of fraud, and five months for the latter charges. The first two charges are to run concurrently, while the third will be served consecutively due to the time range. The sentence was backdated to July 2025. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme Motorists in Waterford and across the country are being encouraged to give their support to Pieta on Thursday, January 15. The 'Fuel Up for Pieta' initiative is being initiated nationwide and through it Circle K will donate .1c for every litre of fuel sold at pumps to Pieta. It's part of a three-year partnership between the company and the national charity which supports suicide prevention and 24/7 crisis support. A spokesperson for Circle K said the initiative will make it easy for customers to support Pieta with donations being made automatically when they fuel up at any Circle K outlet across Waterford that day. "The partnership will see Circle K commit to fundraising 1 million over the next three years," said the spokesperson. Pieta's services include free counselling to those with suicidal ideation, those engaging in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide across Ireland. Support will also extend to Northern Ireland, with customer donations directed to PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity, Pietas partner in the region. "This approach ensures that funds raised locally go directly towards supporting individuals and families within their own communities throughout the initiative," said the spokesperson, in a statement to waterford-news.ie Tomorrow will mark the official launch of the partnership and the spokesperson for Circle K said both organisations share a commitment to being consistently present and supportive in communities across Ireland. "With its nationwide network and local presence, Circle K is proud to stand alongside Pieta and PIPS in raising awareness and vital funds to help ensure professional suicide and self-harm prevention services are available whenever and wherever they are needed," she said. The new partnership builds on Circle Ks longstanding support for Pieta; each year the company provides free tea and coffee to participants across its network after the annual Darkness Into Light walks. The spokesperson said it's "a gesture that has become a meaningful part of the nationwide event". Most recently, Circle K also supported Pieta through its Coast to Coast fundraising initiative, helping to raise vital funds and awareness for the charitys life-saving services. Speaking about the launch of the partnership, Ciara Foxton Managing Director, Circle K Ireland, said: At Circle K, supporting the communities we serve isnt just part of what we do, its at the heart of who we are. We are proud to begin this new three-year partnership with Pieta, an organisation that delivers life-saving support to those in crisis. Together, our goal is to raise vital funds and awareness so that anyone in need can access free, professional help, 24 hours a day, every day." "We are equally committed to supporting PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland in Northern Ireland, ensuring that this partnership reaches every corner of the island," said Ms Foxton. "We know this is a cause close to many of our colleagues and customers, and were proud to stand with Pieta and PIPS in helping to raise vital awareness and support for those who need it most," she added. Meanwhile, Stephanie Manahan, CEO at Pieta said: This partnership with Circle K represents a meaningful commitment to suicide and self-harm prevention across Ireland. It will help Pieta continue to provide free, professional support to people experiencing suicidal distress, self-harm, or the impact of suicide, whenever they need it, and wherever they live." She said Circle K's strong community presence and long-standing support for Pieta reflected "a shared belief that mental health support should be visible, accessible, and available without barriers". "We are deeply grateful to Circle K, its teams, and its customers for helping to ensure that no one faces crisis alone," said Ms Manahan. She also said that demand for Pieta's services continue to grow and that long-term partnerships like that with Circle K are "vital" for keeping the organisation's therapy services and 24/7 Crisis Helpline open, accessible and staffed by qualified therapists. "The funds raised through this initiative will directly support that work and help us be there at the most critical moments," she said. High Court Reporter A former Portlaoise prison guard involved in a foiled 1988 escape attempt by a paramilitary prisoner, but who was later dismissed, has taken a High Court challenge against a Defence Force complaints process tribunal that refuses to hear from him. Sean O'Brien (65) of Ballycumber, Co Offaly, has taken the case against 'the Tribunal of Inquiry into issues relating to the complaints processes in the Defence Forces and the culture surrounding the making of complaints'. He lists the Minister for Defence, Ireland and the Attorney General as notice parties. Mr O'Brien is asking the High Court to quash the tribunal's decision from April of last year, refusing him permission to make representations, as the terms of reference were limited to those employed by the Department of Defence or the Defence Forces. Mr O'Brien submits he was a prison officer and civil servant at the prison from February 1980 to May 1989. He submits the Defence Forces had been "in control" of the prison by way of armed guard since 1973. He claims the Defence Forces were the body responsible for the security of the prison and its occupants and that this placed him inside the terms of reference into the tribunal examining the complaints procedures. Mr O'Brien claims he was the victim of "abuse" at the hands of the Defence Forces on the night of May 18th, 1988, when he says he was "instrumental" in apprehending prisoner Patrick McVeigh who attempted to escape after a UK warrant for his extradition was issued. He claims that shots fired in his and the prisoner's direction were fired with "lethal intent" but narrowly missed them both. Mr O'Brien says he believes his dismissal in May 1989 amounted to penalisation for reporting this and other "abuses" within the Defence Forces and that he had been precluded from participating in any inquiry that may have taken place as he was never interviewed about it. He submits that the impact of the experience had a debilitating impact on his mental health and that he suffered PTSD and suicidal ideation. At the High Court on Wednesday, Diarmuid Rossa Phelan SC, instructed by John Gerard Cullen Solicitors, for Mr O'Brien, said his client had been working under the Defence Forces at the time as they had taken control of the prison. Mr Phelan said his client worked in the country's highest-security prison where INLA and IRA prisoners had to be separated. Mr Phelan said the tribunal was concerned with civil servants and civilian employees at the Department of Defence and members of the Defence Forces but that this should not preclude Mr O'Brien from making representations, even though his official employer was the Department of Justice. Counsel said his client was not seeking to "take on" the tribunal but wanted to have his voice heard regarding the handling of his abuse complaints. Mr Phelan said his client was engaged in the service of the State at the time and acted with "commendable bravery that placed his life at risk" but those actions changed Mr O'Brien's life "from that moment". "It [the tribunal] must inquire into the matters and processes of complaints of abuse. He [Mr O'Brien] squarely falls into this category," said counsel, who added that "not being heard was a further trauma". Eileen Barrington SC, for the tribunal, said that Mr O'Brien's employment had been terminated due to absenteeism which began before the May 1988 incident. Ms Barrington said it had been accepted that Mr O'Brien was an employee of the Department of Justice and had never been an employee of the Department of Defence. Ms Barrington said the tribunal had fully considered Mr O'Brien's submissions and had given him a definitive answer. Counsel said that to include Mr O'Brien in a Defence Forces complaints procedure investigation would "cast a very wide net" and that the tribunal had a three-year time limit. Ms Barrington said it "couldn't be clearer" that the tribunal's obligated purpose was to look into those working at the Department of Defence or in the Defence Forces regarding a duty of care for those in their workplace. She said the tribunal could not be extended to anyone who came across someone on the street who "gave them a box" but happens to work for the department or the military. Ms Barrington said It was clear that the filters employed by the Tribunal were "obviously designed to capture a subset of persons" and there was no obligation to hear Mr O'Brien if he fell outside the terms of reference. Ms Justice Miriam O'Regan reserved her judgement in the matter. As part of a pilot project BreakingNews.ie has used AI to suggest headline options for this article. The final headline was chosen and edited by BreakingNews.ie journalists. Find out more Advertisement Updated NationalLiterature Vicious assault: Ousted writer threatens defamation action against South Australian premier Kerrie O'Brien and Calum Jaspan Updated January 14, 2026 2:36pm ,first published 9:05am 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 Palestinian-Australian writer removed from Adelaide Writers Week by the Adelaide Festival board says she is taking legal action against the South Australian premier, accusing him of defaming her by suggesting she was an extremist terrorist sympathiser. Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah said on Wednesday that her lawyers had sent a concerns notice to Peter Malinauskas over comments he made at a news conference on Tuesday. Academic and writer Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah. Her legal action comes after a dramatic few days in South Australia, with the cancellation on Tuesday of Adelaide Writers Week, and the resignation of its director Louise Adler, after 180 authors quit the line-up following a decision by members of the Adelaide Festival board to remove the academic from the literary festivals program. Adler told this masthead on Wednesday she couldnt understand why the premier had backflipped when in the past he has supported the right of writers week to program whomever it chose. Advertisement She recalled that Malinauskas had found Palestinian-American writer Susan Abulhawas social media commentary to be offensive in 2023 after she had been critical of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Of course, he is perfectly entitled to that view, indeed in this democratic country he can even choose not to attend her event, Adler said. His problem is that in front of 1200 people in the Adelaide Town Hall, he declared that if politicians were to take on the role of arts curators we might as well be living in Putins Russia. He could have adopted exactly the same response to Randa Abdel-Fattahs appearance. The Adelaide Festival board announced last week 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. Conservative Jewish groups previously criticised the Palestinian writer for social media posts critical of Israel. In a post on Instagram on Wednesday, Abdel-Fattah wrote that Malinauskas comments suggested I am an extremist terrorist sympathiser and directly linked me to the Bondi atrocity. This was a vicious assault on me. Advertisement For the past week since I was cancelled by the Adelaide Festival board, the South Premier Peter Malinauskas has made many public statements about me and my character, she wrote on Instagram. We have never met and he has never attempted to contact me. He knows nothing about me, beyond what he has been told by the Murdoch press and the pro-Israel lobby, which he has apparently accepted without question. On Tuesday, Malinauskas was asked during a press conference whether there was any political interference in the festival boards decision to remove Abdel-Fattah from Adelaide Writers Week. Can you imagine if a far-right Zionist walked into a Sydney mosque and murdered 15 people? the premier told reporters. Can you imagine that as premier of this state, I would actively support a far-right Zionist going to writers week and speaking hateful rhetoric towards Islamic people? Of course I wouldnt. Advertisement South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas speaking on Wednesday. Nine News The reverse is happening in this instance, and Im not going to support that either, and thats a reasonable position for me to have. Speaking in response to questions about the defamation notice which at that stage he had not seen on Wednesday, Malinauskas said all of my remarks and actions have been founded by a desire for compassion and in the pursuit of decency. Asked if he owed Abdel-Fattah an apology, he said people will be able to judge my remarks for themselves. Michael Bradley of Marque Lawyers confirmed he had issued a concerns notice to Malinauskas, which is a statutory requirement under the Defamation Act before proceedings can commence. Advertisement Related Article Literature Adelaide Writers Week cancelled after director quits Whether Randa does commence proceedings will depend very much on how he responds, he said. I think the defamatory aspects of [the Premiers] comments yesterday are obvious to everyone. Adler described the decisions taken by the former Adelaide Festival board as an act of cultural vandalism. In their latest statement, the board say about this wasnt about identity and dissent. It was absolutely about dissent, it was precisely about identity. Its clear that silencing one Palestinian writer was more important than a festival of six days, 165 sessions, 220 plus writers, she said. Advertisement The term cultural safety is code for saying, I dont want to hear your opinion. South Australian Jewish leader Norman Schueler told Adelaides The Advertiser newspaper on Friday his community had asked that Abdel-Fattah be excluded. Over a number of festivals there have been certain presenters who have been problematic and we are extremely pleased that they have for once listened to what we have to say, he said. In other developments, the ABC received a series of letters complaining about two of its most senior journalists, Americas editor John Lyons and global affairs editor Laura Tingle, who were two of the 180 writers to have withdrawn. The letters, which were written to formats and circulated among pro-Israel chat groups, were addressed to various ABC figures including board members, managing director Hugh Marks and news boss Justin Stevens, alleged Lyons and Tingles withdrawals raised questions about the ABCs commitment to impartiality and its editorial standards. The existence of the letters was first reported by Deepcut. The ABC is not expected to take action against its journalists, considering both Lyons and Tingle were both appearing in personal capacities, as was 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson, who also withdrew from the line-up. There is no evidence indicating any of the journalists decisions to withdraw would have breached the ABCs codes of conduct regardless, according to ABC sources not authorised to comment on the record. Advertisement Lyons was due to speak about his new book on the Ukraine war, A Bunker in Kyiv. He has previously criticised the Israel lobbys influence on Australian politics and society in his book Balcony Over Jerusalem. The ABC did not provide a comment. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. It was a memorable proposal for all the wrong reasons. At a Bootleg Rascal concert at The Triffid in Brisbane on January 10, a fan took to the stage and encouraged his girlfriend to join him as he readied himself to make a public declaration of love. We saw Bootleg Rascal about two years ago ... theyre our favourite band, and I thought today, why not, you know? Maybe todays the time, the unnamed man said as his girlfriend tried to stop him from taking a knee on stage. Will you no? the man stammered as his partner shook her head and rushed offstage to the shock of the crowd. For the past year, surging oil production from the Americas led by the United States, Guyana, and Brazil has been a headache for OPEC in its efforts to rebalance the market and seek higher oil prices. OPECs efforts to continue influencing global oil supply and prices could be further undermined by the U.S. intervention in Venezuela and President Donald Trumps idea to control the oil industry of the worlds biggest crude resource holder. OPEC member Venezuela is estimated to hold 303 billion barrels of crude oil, more than each of its fellow OPEC producers, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, or the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The U.S. controlling the Venezuelan reserves, and U.S. companies investing in recovering the struggling oil industry in the South American country could seriously tip the scale of energy market dynamics to U.S. favor. This would undermine OPECs influence on the global oil markets, analysts say. Any meaningful recovery of Venezuelas oil supply, which is currently at less than 1% of global daily demand, would need billions of U.S. dollars, probably upwards of $100 billion, in investments, and years to take hold. And thats considering that there will be solid new legal frameworks and security guarantees that would give assurances to potential investors that they would not face another asset seizure and nationalization. Related: Is Iraq About to Make Its Biggest Geopolitical Pivot in Years? President Trumps plan to have U.S. firms invest in Venezuelas oil sector recovery was not met with enthusiasm by the executives of the top U.S. oil firms at the Friday meeting at the White House. Despite President Trump touting Venezuelas oil as a creator of tremendous wealth for industry and great wealth for the American people, the reception from executives was lukewarm. Weve had our assets seized there twice, and so you can imagine to re-enter a third time would require some pretty significant changes from what weve historically seen here, Exxons CEO Darren Woods told President Trump. If we look at the legal and commercial constructs and frameworks in place today in Venezuela today, its uninvestable. Regardless of how investable Venezuela will be in the future, the U.S. control over its oil industry would change the power balance in the oil markets, giving the U.S. more sway in longer-term supply. This would leave OPEC and the wider OPEC+ group including Russia and Kazakhstan with potentially diminished clout in influencing the oil market balances and prices. Advertisement Exclusive NationalBushfires The simple system that could stop houses burning in bushfires Liam Mannix January 13, 2026 4:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Examine, a free weekly newsletter covering science with a sceptical, evidence-based eye, is sent every Tuesday. Youre reading an excerpt sign up to get the whole newsletter in your inbox. The federal government is considering implementing mandatory bushfire-resilience star ratings for houses in Australias fire-prone regions in an attempt to encourage owners to retrofit homes and help buyers avoid increasingly unliveable areas. Following requests from state governments, the Commonwealth has invested in home resilience funds in NSW and Queensland, which pay up to $150,000 to help disaster-harden at-risk homes. Victoria does not have a similar scheme, but the federal government said on Tuesday that it was open to a request. A 2025 research project centred on Harcourt in central Victoria found 90 per cent of homes scored only one bushfire-resilience star out of a possible five. At least 47 homes in Harcourt were lost to out-of-control bushfires on Thursday and Friday. Advertisement Resilient Building Council CEO Kate Cotter in front of a house built to bushfire standards. Justin McManus Bushfires are a wicked problem for Victoria, the fastest-growing state in Australia. New arrivals are increasingly moving to the regions, and the government is under pressure to build large numbers of new homes. At the same time, regional homes face dramatically escalating bushfire risks due to the climate crisis. The number of extreme fire weather days has increased by more than 50 per cent over the past four decades. We have large numbers of legacy [housing] stock built prior to the building code requiring bushfire treatments, said Professor Alan March, an expert on urban planning and bushfires based at the University of Melbourne. That is our greatest vulnerability. Retreating that is, not rebuilding in burnt-out towns is one option. But many of the homes lost last week werent in designated high-risk bushfire zones. Advertisement David Foley sits among the ruins of buildings in the tiny goldfields town of Harcourt. Fifty homes were lost in the town in the latest bushfires. Jason South If you say youre not going to be there, where are you going to be? Are you just going to have buildings in the city and not in the country? Thats not going to be doable, said Gary Morgan, Victorias former chief fire officer. The option winning increased support from policy-makers and think tanks is incentivising home owners to upgrade existing houses to make them less likely to burn down. In December, the Productivity Commission threw its weight behind the bushfire star-rating system and recommended mandatory disclosure of the rating when a house is rented or sold. The commission also said the government should develop a database allowing home owners to look up their current and future climate crisis risk information that is currently hard or impossible to get, said commissioner Martin Stokie. Advertisement Home owners dont currently have good and comprehensive information on the climate risks they face, he said. Hence investment in adaptation and mitigation for bushfires and other environment disasters is insufficient for the increasing risks we face due to climate change. A spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency said the government was considering the recommendation, and reiterated that it was open to requests for resilience funds in other states and territories. The Australian government is open to working with any jurisdiction that seeks to implement initiatives that improve resilience for households, they said. The bushfire star rating system known as a resilience rating is being spearheaded by the Resilient Building Council, a coalition of researchers, banks and insurers funded by the federal government. Ratings are delivered by an app, where home owners in bushfire-risk areas provide data about their property and upload photos. A star rating of between one and five is provided free, or you can have an independent expert certify the result for $220 (certification is valid for three years). A five-star rating means the house has about a 1.5 per cent chance of burning down in a bushfire. Advertisement Kate Cotter: Most people have not got a resilient home we expect that. Justin McManus A 2025 pilot of 140 homes in Mount Alexander Shire, which covers Harcourt, found 90 per cent of homes received only a single star. Most people have not got a resilient home we expect that, said Resilient Building Council chief executive Kate Cotter. The app also generates a report with a mix of low-cost and more expensive recommendations on how to raise the star rating. Most changes are small: installing mesh to stop embers getting into the gutters or roof, cutting down vegetation near the home, and installing fire-rated door seals. Advertisement Related Article Victoria bushfires Nick lost his insurance during COVID. Then, the bushfires came With bushfire, its often a lot of little things, said Cotter. The average cost to lift an older home in a high-risk area by two stars is about $30,000, but that can be offset by savings on home insurance. Several insurers now offer substantial premium discounts if a home owner can improve their bushfire resilience. But Cotter says that in Victoria, the missing piece of the puzzle is government subsidies. Advertisement If you do put some government support in, regional Australia are really taking up those programs. A spokesperson for the Victorian government said it would consider changes to star ratings. We know that our homes are the most important investment many of us will make in our entire lives. Any changes to bushfire resilience star ratings would be carefully considered, they said. When deciding how to best prepare Victorians for natural disasters, we carefully balance the benefits of mitigation with other factors, such as encouraging people to evacuate instead of staying behind and being put in serious danger, they said. The Examine newsletter explains and analyses science with a rigorous focus on the evidence. Sign up to get it each week. CORRECTION This article originally stated NAB offered discounted mortgages for home owners who improved their bushfire rating. NAB clarified that it used to offer this service but no longer operates it. The article has been corrected. Advertisement NationalWALiterature Schools, bookstores pull Craig Silveys back catalogue after child exploitation charges Heather McNeill and Bronte Gossling January 14, 2026 8:04am 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 literary world is reeling after acclaimed Australian author Craig Silvey was charged with child exploitation material offences, with publishers, schools and bookshops pulling his books from their shelves. The writer, 43, was arrested at his Fremantle home on Monday after he was allegedly caught by detectives actively engaging with paedophiles online, expressing interest in children and sharing child exploitation material. Loading You sound amazing, looking gorg too we have similar interests would love to chat more, read messages allegedly sent by Silvey on the platform. During his first appearance in Fremantle Magistrates Court on Tuesday, prosecutors alleged the Jasper Jones author had refused to provide police with his passwords to access his phone, laptop and other electronic devices. Advertisement He was granted bail on the condition he live with his mother and report to police three times a week. However, he did not post his $100,000 surety after the court appearance, and was transported to prison a short time later. Related Article Courts Acclaimed Australian author arrested on child exploitation material charges Silveys publisher, Allen & Unwin, has halted promotion of his books as state education departments pull his novels from school bookshelves. Allen & Unwin is aware of the serious charges brought against author Craig Silvey in Fremantle this week, the publisher said in a statement. The nature of the allegations is deeply distressing. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all survivors of child exploitation and their families. Advertisement We acknowledge this is an active police matter, and that Mr Silvey is entitled to procedural fairness and a presumption of innocence until the matter is dealt with by a court. Given the gravity of the charges, Allen & Unwin will pause promotional activity of Mr Silveys work while the legal process takes its course. In the wake of the charges, WA Education Minister Sabine Winton ordered schools to remove the authors books from their English courses. There are over 100 texts that students may study in years 11 and/or 12 literature, she said. Jasper Jones and Rhubarb by Craig Silvey are two of these texts, with Jasper Jones also being one of 40 suggested texts that may be studied in years 11 and 12 ATAR and General English Courses. Advertisement I have asked the Department of Education to ensure that schools cease using texts by Craig Silvey for the 2026 school year while the allegations are under investigation. Education departments in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory have also instructed schools to remove Silveys catalogue. Book stores around the country are also pulling Silveys books from their shelves, including major retailer Dymocks. Silvey has been writing for more than 20 years, with Jasper Jones selling nearly 1 million copies worldwide. His 2022 novel Runt collected a number of awards and was adapted into a feature film in 2024. Advertisement Sydneys Belvoir Theatre Company has indefinitely paused work on its stage adaption of Runt, which was due to open in August. The City of Subiaco, which runs the Craig Silvey Award for Young Writers, said the author would have no longer be the awards namesake. The city has no ongoing arrangement with Craig Silvey, Mayor David McMullen said. Mr Silvey will have no affiliation with the 2026 Young Writers Award. Silvey is yet to enter a plea to one count of distributing child exploitation material and one count of possession of child exploitation material. Advertisement He is due back in court in February. 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 Updated NationalWATobacco Zempilas urges action on tobacco laws as Huntingdale shop destroyed in suspected arson attack Heather McNeill and Hamish Hastie Updated January 14, 2026 12:45pm ,first published 9:45am 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 Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas has warned someone may be seriously injured or die unless the Cook government urgently introduces laws to stamp out WAs spiralling tobacco wars after another store was gutted by fire overnight. Ashtar WA in Huntingdale was destroyed by fire around 3am on Wednesday, with arson squad detectives arriving at the scene to investigate the suspicious blaze later in the morning. Firefighters at the Huntingdale shop overnight. 9 News Perth Several stores within the Huntingdale shopping centre on Pipit Close were cordoned off, with power cut to the complex, including the nearby IGA. Police are also investigating if a car fire in Forrestdale, a short time later, is linked to the suspected arson attack. Advertisement Its the second time within six months the Ashtar WA shopfront has been targeted by arsonists. Related Article Tobacco WAs tobacco laws stop kids buying ciggies at the deli but not much else In August, offenders forced entry into the shop around 2am and set fire to the store. That incident was part of a series of tobacco war-related attacks carried out within days of each other, with WA Police at the time labelling the crimes as extortion, arson, drive by shootings straight out of the playbook of organised crime. Zempilas and opposition police spokesman Adam Hort held a press conference outside the burned out shop on Wednesday morning. Advertisement Zempilas said the government had not acted on the warning signs and now community safety was at threat. We have not seen this tough legislation brought in, now somebody may well die or be seriously injured because of a firebombing like the one that took place earlier this morning, he said. How many incidents is it going to take, and how seriously does somebody need to be injured? Or does it take a West Australian dying on his watch before the premier will finally step in and do something about it? The government is drafting new laws that will match leading states like Queensland and NSW which will give health regulators and police powers to shut down shops selling illicit tobacco and vapes, but Premier Roger Cook has so far refused to reveal when they would be introduced to parliament. Advertisement On Tuesday, Cook said the new laws were complex and required amendments across several acts. Zempilas called on the premier to commit to introducing the laws on the first day of parliament next month. Premier, please, on behalf of the people of Western Australia, mate, do your job, he said. Bring that legislation in and stop incidents like this happening. It will cost somebody their life. Somebody will be seriously injured and Premier, if you do nothing, this will be on you. Advertisement Cook said on Tuesday police were cracking down on the industry and had made significant arrests, and he intended to crush the illicit trade. We know the police are getting on to this we hate, we hate this industry. Im going to crush it. Im going to drive these people out of business and weve got to make sure that we have the toughest laws in the nation to get that going that, he said. No one has been convicted since the first West Australian tobacco war-related incident in Midland in October 2024, however so far six arrests have been made, and those cases are progressing through the courts. Most targeted stores reopened and continued to trade. Earlier this week, WA Police revealed low-level criminals allegedly hired to conduct firebombings or shop shootings as a standover tactic were never paid. Advertisement NSW, South Australia and Queensland have shut-down laws that allow for convenience stores found selling illicit tobacco products to be closed, but WA lacks anything similar. Related Article Crime Firebombings no deterrent as Perth tobacco shops keep selling illicit cigarettes 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. Adding to the challenge is the publics apparent support of cheaper cigarettes and vapes. A 20-pack 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. Advertisement 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. with Rebecca Peppiatt 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 PoliticsNSWBondi shooting The premier wants this ghoulish reminder gone. The daughter of a Bondi hero feels differently Max Maddison and Kate Aubusson Updated January 14, 2026 2:54pm ,first published 9:37am 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 Premier Chris Minns says the footbridge used by the Bondi gunmen should be demolished, warning that, if retained, it would be a ghoulish reminder of the terror attack or potentially be used by copycat perpetrators. However, the daughter of one of the 15 people killed in the December 14 attack would prefer the pedestrian bridge remain intact but with a permanent mural to honour the lives lost. The bridge at the northern end of Bondi will be the subject of a special meeting of Waverley Council on Thursday. The concrete structure was used by the father-and-son gunmen when they killed 15 people and injured dozens more as revellers celebrated the first night of Hanukkah in Archer Park. Police patrol the Bondi Beach footbridge after the terror attack. Oscar Colman Ahead of the council meeting, Minns said his personal view was the crossing should be removed. But he noted it was a decision for council, and he would ultimately be guided by the views of the victims and their families. Advertisement I would just hate it to be a ghoulish reminder or even exploited by reprehensible people in the future, he said. We cant allow one of the most beautiful places on Earth to be remembered forever and only as a place of horrible terrorism because its so much more than that, and it means an enormous amount to the Jewish community. Premier Chris Minns and Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin announce that Multicultural NSW chief executive Joseph La Posta (left) and NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Michele Goldman (right) will be the joint co-ordinators-general for the Bondi response. Dominic Lorrimer A statement released by Waverley Council last month acknowledged the varying views about the future of the footbridge, including retaining the crossing, removing the structure, or adapting it with murals to honour the victims of the attack. Sheina Gutnick, the daughter of Reuven Morrison, who was shot and killed after he hurled objects at the gunmen, said the footbridge hasnt committed any atrocity. Advertisement Its just a place not liable for the vile actions of others, Gutnick said. I think it would be nice to have a mural on there, she said, suggesting a recreation of a chalk rendering of a menorah that had been drawn on the bridge in the days following the antisemitic attack. Sheina Gutnick, daughter of Bondi victim Reuven Morrison. Sitthixay Ditthavong But it should still hold the purpose that it has, of assisting pedestrians access to the beach, which Gutnick thinks of as Dads beach. Gutnick said her friends believe her fathers actions saved their lives by distracting the gunmen as they huddled on the ground, hiding their babies underneath their bodies. Advertisement I think its important for us to honour the lives that we lost that day, rather than demolish and destroy, she said. Michele Goldman, one of the newly appointed co-ordinators-general to support the Bondi community and chief executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, agreed with the premiers position. Goldman stood alongside Multicultural NSW chief executive Joseph La Posta as the premier announced the pair had jointly been appointed co-ordinators-general to oversee the recovery from the nations worst terrorist attack. Asked for her views, Goldman said she was yet to hold extensive discussions with the community, but she personally believed the bridge should be removed. I would probably share the premiers view. As someone whos been a local for many years, I feel like our sense of safety has been invaded, she said. For such a beautiful place which represents so many wonderful values to the Australian community in the long term, we need to ensure that Bondi is restored to what represents this great country. Advertisement Goldman acknowledged concerns about the structural integrity of the footbridge may mean the decision has already been determined. Related Article Bondi shooting Sydney prayer hall linked to radical preacher closes permanently A structural engineering report to be considered at Thursdays council meeting concluded the two pedestrian bridges, including one crossing Park Drive at Bondi Park, were deemed to have reached the end of their useful lives and require replacement within several years. Minns was also asked about a draft the federal government bill, under which quoting religious text could be used as a defence to new hate speech laws. He said reading from scriptures should not be a justifiable excuse to vilify, harass or encourage violence. Advertisement Hate speech thats being used to attack other Australians; it cant be justified. 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 Updated WorldAsiaThailand Dozens killed after crane falls on Thai passenger train Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um Updated January 14, 2026 4:11pm ,first published 2:06pm 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 At least 31 people have been killed and more than 60 are injured after a train was derailed in north-eastern Thailand when a construction crane fell on three of its carriages. The train was travelling through the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, 230 kilometres north-east of Bangkok, when the crash occurred. It was travelling from the capital to the Ubon Ratchathani province, police said. The derailed train can be seen with the fallen crane above. Nakhon Ratchasima provincial government Police told Reuters there were more bodies in the wreckage that had yet to be retrieved. The death toll has reached 25. The search for more bodies is ongoing, Police Colonel Thatchapon Chinnawong told Reuters by phone. Advertisement Earlier, Chinnawong said the crane had started to shift, creating difficulties in recovering bodies from the train. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said there were 195 passengers on board and that he had ordered a thorough investigation to be carried out. Those killed were in two of the three carriages hit by the crane, he said. The crane was working on a high-speed rail project when it collapsed and hit the passing train, causing it to be derailed and briefly catch fire. Advertisement Images shared by the ministry showed carriages overturned next to shrubland and firefighters extinguishing a blaze as smoke billowed out. Footage of the crash site verified by Reuters shows rescue workers trying to extract casualties from one of the buckled carriages, with badly injured passengers already being loaded into ambulances. The elevated high-speed rail project, one of several under construction in Thailand, was being built above the existing rail line. Part of the collapsed crane is still propped up by the stanchions built to support the new rail link. The construction is part of the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima segment of the transnational high-speed rail project linking the Thai capital with southwest Chinas Kunming, via Laos. Advertisement In 2025, the Thai government said that more than a third of construction had been completed in the segment connecting Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, and the entire line to Nong Khai at the border with Laos would be ready by 2030. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing that the Chinese government attached great importance to the safety of projects and personnel and was looking into the situation. At present, it seems that the relevant section was under construction by a Thai enterprise. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. 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: Thailand Rail Tragedy Advertisement WorldMiddle EastDeath penalty This Iranian protester faces imminent execution just days after his arrest Kieran Kelly January 14, 2026 6:50am 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 An Iranian man will be executed this week after joining anti-regime protests, a human rights group says. Erfan Soltani, 26, is due to be hanged on Wednesday, Iran time, after being detained last week. His family has been given no information about the charges against him or the judicial proceedings. The clothes shop owner is accused of taking part in the nationwide protests that have swept Iran on a scale unprecedented in recent years. Erfan Soltani, 26, is set to be executed by hanging this week, according to the Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights. This is the quickest we have seen a case move, Arina Moradi, from the Norway-based Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights, told the London Telegraph. Advertisement This is the pattern of the Islamic Republic, for the judiciary to swiftly punish protesters with the death penalty. This will certainly not be a single case. The government is using every tactic they know to suppress people and spread fear. Related Article Trump diplomacy There are rivers of blood: Iran horror emerges as phone lines restored US President Donald Trump said he would take very strong action if the Iranian government started hanging protesters, but did not elaborate. I havent heard about the hanging. If they hang them, youre going to see some things... we will take very strong action if they do such a thing, he told CBS News on Wednesday (AEDT). Advertisement Beyond the rampant killings of demonstrators on the streets by security forces, Soltanis is the first known case of an execution being ordered amid the current unrest. However, Mordai said her group was very concerned about the fate of other detained protesters following the regimes threats of harsh punishments. Many more executions are expected. Loading A source close to the Soltani family said authorities told them that his imminent death sentence was final and he would only be allowed a brief moment with his relatives before the execution. Soltani was arrested at his home in Karaj, in north-central Iran. Four days later, his family was notified that his execution was scheduled, according to the Hengaw organisation. Advertisement It said he was given no right to defence or to a proper trial, adding: This case constitutes a clear violation of international human rights law. Some 10,700 people have been arrested since protests began late last year, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The Islamic Republic, shaken by the scale of the protests and Trumps threats to intervene, is expected to make an example of some protesters in an effort to quell the unrest. The regimes security forces launched a crackdown on the demonstrations last week after they spread to all of Irans 31 provinces, opening fire on crowds under apparent shoot-to-kill orders. Advertisement One Iranian official told Reuters that 2000 people had been killed in the unrest so far, but human rights groups said the real death toll could be far higher. Related Article Analysis Protests Iranian leaders brutal gamble in showdown with Trump On Tuesday, Trump, who is considering airstrikes against the regime, told Iranian protesters that help is on its way. He warned that the regimes killers and abusers would pay a big price. The unrest, which broke out on December 28 over economic grievances, quickly grew into a national movement with thousands taking to the streets demanding an end to the regime that has ruled the country since 1979. Information from inside Iran is scarce after the regime imposed an internet blackout, in an apparent attempt to hide reports of security forces opening fire on protesters. Advertisement Hospitals are overwhelmed with victims, and bodies have piled up outside morgues, according to footage that has managed to be sent abroad. On Tuesday, the US warned its citizens to leave Iran immediately. Loading The Telegraph, London 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 AmericaEpstein fallout Clintons refuse to testify in Epstein probe designed to result in our imprisonment Stephen Groves January 14, 2026 3:21am 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: Former US president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton are refusing to comply with a congressional subpoena to testify in a House committee investigation of the late sex-trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. The Clintons, in a letter released on social media early on Wednesday (AEDT), slammed the House oversight probe as legally invalid, even as Republicans prepared contempt of Congress proceedings against them. Former US president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton. AP The Clintons wrote that the chair of the House oversight committee, Republican congressman James Comer, is on the cusp of a process literally designed to result in our imprisonment. We will forcefully defend ourselves, wrote the Clintons, who are Democrats. Advertisement They accused Comer of allowing other former officials to provide written statements about the Epstein to the committee, while selectively enforcing subpoenas against them. The intensifying clash adds another dimension to the fight over Epstein, raising new questions about the limits of congressional power to compel testimony. It also comes when Republicans are grappling with the Justice Departments delayed release of the Epstein files after a bipartisan push for their release. Comer said he would begin contempt of Congress proceedings next week. It potentially starts a complicated and politically messy process that Congress has rarely reached for and could result in prosecution by the Justice Department. No ones accusing the Clintons of any wrongdoing. We just have questions, Comer told reporters after Bill Clinton did not show up for a scheduled deposition at House offices on Tuesday, Washington time. Advertisement He added, Anyone would admit they spent a lot of time together. Clinton has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein but had a well-documented friendship with the wealthy financier throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Jeffrey Epstein and Bill Clinton together in an undated image released last year as part of the so-called Epstein files. AP Republicans have zeroed in on that relationship as they wrestle with demands for a full accounting of Epsteins wrongdoing. We have tried to give you the little information we have. Weve done so because Mr Epsteins crimes were horrific, the Clintons wrote in the letter. Advertisement Epstein was arrested in 2019 on federal sex-trafficking and conspiracy charges. He killed himself in a New York jail cell while awaiting trial. Multiple former presidents have voluntarily testified before Congress, but none has been compelled to do so. That history was invoked by President Donald Trump in 2022, between his first and second terms, when he faced a subpoena by the House committee investigating the deadly January 6, 2021, riot by a mob of his supporters at the US Capitol. Trumps lawyers cited decades of legal precedent they said shielded an ex-president from being ordered to appear before Congress. The committee ultimately withdrew its subpoena. Comer also indicated that the oversight committee would not attempt to compel testimony from Trump about Epstein, saying that it could not force a sitting president to testify. Trump, a Republican, also had a well-documented friendship with Epstein. He has said he cut off that relationship before Epstein was accused of sexual abuse. Advertisement Related Article Updated Epstein fallout Trump breaks silence on Epstein files to defend Bill Clinton Meanwhile, the congressional co-sponsors of legislation that forced the public release of investigative documents in the sex-trafficking probe of Epstein and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell asked a New York judge in a letter to appoint a neutral expert to oversee release of the materials. The letter, dated January 8, was delivered to the judge on Monday night, New York time. Congressmen Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, and Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, told US District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer they had urgent and grave concerns that the Justice Department has failed to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which required the files to be released last month. They said they believed criminal violations have taken place in the release process. Engelmayer presides over the Maxwell case. Maxwell, a former Epstein girlfriend, is serving a 20-year prison sentence after her 2021 sex-trafficking conviction for recruiting girls and women to be abused by Epstein and for sometimes joining in the abuse. Advertisement Related Article Epstein fallout Unredacted Epstein files and the Clintons subpoenaed by US House panel Last month, Maxwell sought to set aside her conviction, saying new evidence had emerged proving constitutional violations spoiled her trial. Justice Department officials, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment, have said the files release was slowed by redactions required to protect the identities of abuse victims. In their letter, Khanna and Massie wrote that the departments release of 12,000 documents out of more than 2 million documents being reviewed was a flagrant violation of the laws release requirements and had caused serious trauma to survivors. Put simply, the DOJ cannot be trusted with making mandatory disclosures under the act, the congressmen said as they asked for the appointment of an independent monitor to ensure all documents and electronically stored information were immediately made public. Advertisement Related Article Epstein fallout Dramatic day as Democrats and Republicans threaten impeachment over Epstein files They also recommended that a court-appointed monitor be given authority to notify and prepare reports about the true nature and extent of the document production and whether improper redactions or conduct have taken place. Engelmayer directed the Justice Department and Maxwell, if she wishes, to respond to the allegations by the congressmen by Friday. AP 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 WorldNorth AmericaUS politics Extraordinary, aggressive: FBI raids journalists home, seizes devices Michael Koziol Updated January 15, 2026 5:45am ,first published 3:17am 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 US Federal Bureau of Investigation has raided the home of a newspaper journalist who covers the federal government, seizing laptops and a phone in a highly unusual move as part of an investigation into illegal retention of classified information. Attorney-General Pam Bondi said on social media the FBI executed a search warrant at the home of a reporter who was obtaining and reporting classified and illegally leaked information from a Pentagon contractor. Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson. The Washington Post The Washington Post identified that reporter as Hannah Natanson, who covers the reshaping of the federal government under the Trump administration. She recently wrote about the deluge of tips she received over the past year from aggrieved government workers. The Post reported that federal agents seized Natansons phone, personal and work-issued laptops and a watch, and that she was told she was not the target of the investigation. It identified that person as Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a system administrator accused of taking home classified reports. Advertisement Perez-Lugones was arrested and charged last week. A 10-page criminal complaint against him does not mention leaking or disseminating the information. But in a document opposing bail, the government said the defendant was alleged to have disclosed sensitive information, and is capable of disclosing more if released. FBI director Kash Patel also confirmed the search of the reporters home, claiming she was endangering our war fighters and compromising Americas national security by obtaining and publishing sensitive military information. The Washington Post office in Washington, DC. Bloomberg The alleged leaker was arrested this week and is in custody. As this is an ongoing investigation, we will have no further comment, Patel said. While it is a crime to leak classified information, and it is commonplace for the FBI to investigate such leaks, it is not a crime for a journalist to obtain and report on such information. It is considered highly aggressive for a reporters home to be raided. Advertisement Katherine Jacobsen, North America co-ordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said the raid should disturb all Americans, with the US at a critical juncture as the Trump administration eroded civil liberties. Using the FBI funded by American taxpayers to seize a reporters electronic devices, including her official work laptop, is a blatant violation of journalistic protections and undermines the publics right to know, she said. FBI director Kash Patel. AP Without assurances that journalists can protect their reporting materials, accountability journalism will suffer a major setback, eroding yet another mechanism for government accountability. In a note to staff, Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray confirmed Natanson was not the target of the investigation, and said the paper had been in close contact with her and legal counsel. He also said the paper had a long history of zealous support for press freedom. Advertisement This extraordinary, aggressive action is deeply concerning and raises profound questions and concern around the constitutional protections for our work, Murray said. CNN reported that the raid was conducted at the request of the Pentagon and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. The FBI raided the home of a Washington Post journalist in a highly unusual and aggressive move. AP Bondi and Hegseth appeared to confirm that in their social media posts, with Bondi saying she was proud to work alongside Secretary Hegseth on this effort. Hegseth thanked Bondi for having the back of our war fighters. Hegseth was embroiled in controversy last year when he shared sensitive military operational information in a Signal group chat that, unbeknownst to him, included a high-profile journalist, Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. Advertisement Advertisement President Trump has zero tolerance for it and will continue to aggressively crack down on these illegal acts moving forward. Last month Natanson wrote a first-person account of her year as the federal government whisperer, receiving tips from almost 1200 government workers about how their workplaces or missions were being upended by the Trump administration. With 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. A couple of years ago, Venezuelas government decided to revive a territorial claim over much of its neighbor, Guyana. The tiny country was emerging as a major oil producer, and Venezuela wanted a piece. Then came Trump and removed the head of that government. Essequibo lies between Guyana and Venezuela, with both claiming sovereignty, while Venezuela is planning a referendum on Sunday to determine the territorys ownership future. The 61,000+ square mile territory represents about two-thirds of Guyanas territory and is also the site of a string of huge offshore oil discoveries by Exxon. Those discoveries, the first of which was announced in 2015, were what reinvigorated Venezuelas claim on the territory. Over the ten years since then, Exxon and its partners in the Stabroek Block have tapped reserves estimated at over 11 billion barrels of crude, and Guyanas production is rising in leaps and bounds. Last year, Exxon reported output of over 660,000 barrels daily in mid-2025, rising further to 900,000 barrels daily, eyeing production capacity of as much as 1.7 million barrels daily by 2030. But Nicolas Maduros ambitions in Essequibo were threatening that. Now, with the Venezuelan president ousted by the United States, analysts believe oil production in Guyana will go more smoothly, without the risk of the country ceding two-thirds of its territory to its larger neighbor. Related: Markets Price Chaos as Oil Finds Its Footing Sighs of relief will have been exhaled in some offices, particularly on the ground, because thats a constant threat whether youre trying to manage logistics and so on, or making sure that ships are getting around safely, Verisk Maplecroft analyst Eileen Gavin told CNBC this week. These are all offshore facilities and highly expensive ones at that. So, having the U.S. armada, as they are calling it, is certainly helpful, she added. Some noted that an actual incursion by Venezuela into Essequibo was unlikely to begin with, because it would have triggered an immediate U.S. response to protect business interests in oil. With Venezuela already in the USs crosshairs and Exxon the largest operator in Guyana, any aggression would likely have elicited a US response, Morningstar director of equity research Allen Good told CNBC. Now, with the USs intent to control the country, any action by Venezuela becomes even more remote, removing a nuisance for Exxon and Guyana, Good noted. Systematic Infiltration and Marginalization of Assyrian Institutions in Northern Iraq (AINA) -- The Assyrian people, as one of the indigenous nations of Mesopotamia, face an increasingly coordinated campaign of political, social, and economic marginalization in northern Iraq. This campaign extends beyond neglect and reflects a sustained pattern of interference by the so called Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), aimed at weakening Assyrian political organizations, fragmenting social cohesion, and neutralizing independent representation. Assyrian political organizations and religious institutions in northern Iraq have been systematically infiltrated through KRG-linked channels. Financial inducements, selective employment, and political privileges are used to co-opt individuals, while those who maintain independent positions are sidelined, discredited, or excluded from decision-making processes. These practices undermine institutional autonomy and convert representative bodies into mechanisms of external control. Intimidation remains a central tool in this strategy. Activists, clergy, journalists, and community leaders who document land seizures, demographic manipulation, or violations of Assyrian rights often face administrative obstruction, security pressure, or professional retaliation. Such conditions suppress legitimate dissent and foster an environment in which silence becomes necessary for personal safety and economic survival. Equally damaging is the deliberate use of propaganda to erode Assyrian national identity. KRG-affiliated media outlets and aligned organizations promote narratives that recast Assyrians solely as a religious minority, distort historical realities, and portray indigenous political demands as destabilizing. This systematic narrative shaping weakens collective identity and disrupts intergenerational continuity. Economic exclusion reinforces these pressures. Despite producing highly qualified graduates, Assyrian communities in northern Iraq are largely denied equitable access to public-sector employment, development programs, and economic decision-making structures. Employment and opportunity are frequently conditioned on political loyalty rather than merit, ensuring continued dependency and accelerating forced migration from ancestral lands. These practices, political infiltration, intimidation, propaganda, and economic marginalization, form a coherent and deliberate pattern. Their cumulative effect is the gradual depopulation of Assyrian areas, the erosion of independent institutions, and the silencing of indigenous political agency. Under such conditions, migration is not a voluntary choice but the result of sustained pressure. Call to Action The so called Kurdistan Regional Government must immediately end interference in Assyrian political and religious institutions in northern Iraq and guarantee their full independence in line with democratic principles and international human rights standards. This includes safeguarding freedom of political expression, ensuring equal access to employment and economic opportunity, protecting individuals from intimidation, and recognizing the Assyrian people as an indigenous nation with legitimate collective rights. International human rights organizations, diplomatic missions, and Iraqi federal authorities must urgently examine these patterns and establish credible monitoring and accountability mechanisms. Continued inaction risks enabling the irreversible erosion of one of Mesopotamia's oldest indigenous communities. Protecting Assyrian institutions, identity, and economic viability is not a symbolic demand, it is a prerequisite for justice, pluralism, and long-term stability in northern Iraq. Amaroq (AMRQF) is stepping into the limelight amid a growing strategic focus by the U.S. government regarding Greenland. This is happening at a time when government officials are focused on assisting developments related to strategic materials, military supply chains, and energy security. For investors, it is also important to note that Amaroq is not seeking investment in the future, as the company is already hard at work in South Greenland, where it owns material metal and gold-producing assets. Institutional interest has followed suit. The stock price of AMRQF is up 13% in the past five days despite market turmoil, and trading volumes have started to increase. Of course, AMRQF stock is well away from its highs. But geopolitical significance has a way of turning a storyline on its head quicker than a balance sheet. More News from Barchart Politically, it's important to note that this represents a broader theme of Western governments being interested in reducing supply-chain risks for germanium, gallium, copper, and rare earth minerals. At the center of the U.S. discussion currently is Greenland, and Amaroq represents one of the few publicly listed names that can take advantage. About Amaroq Stock Amaroq is a mining and exploration company that mainly operates in Greenland. In base and precious metals as well as critical commodities, its crown jewel is the Nalunaq gold deposit located in South Greenland. The firm is headquartered in Toronto and trades under the AMRQF stock ticker. Trading at about $1.68 currently, the market capitalization of AMRQF remains small-cap, reflecting a role more akin to that of a frontier miner rather than a strategic supplier. The stock price for the past 52 weeks has ranged from a low of $0.71 to a high of $8.51. Amaroq has performed well compared to other junior mining companies due to enhanced visibility as well as geopolitical factors that not all sectors can benefit from. https://www.barchart.com The metrics used for valuating Amaroq are different from the typical metrics used for traditional miners. This is because the company is undergoing a transition phase, where it is changing from a development-stage company to a production-stage one. As a result, the financial metrics typically used to evaluate a company are not yet relevant here. By Alexandra Alper WASHINGTON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers and former officials on Wednesday questioned President Donald Trump's decision to allow Nvidia to sell its second most powerful AI chips in China, arguing the move erodes America's AI edge and threatens to electrify Beijing's military. The Trump administration on Tuesday gave a formal green light to China-bound sales of Nvidia's H200 chips, putting in place a rule that will likely kick-start shipments of the H200 despite deep concerns among China hawks in Washington. Matt Pottinger, who served as a senior White House Asia advisor during Trump's first term, told a congressional hearing that the administration is on the "wrong track" on AI and that its decision to allow the chip sales will damage its goal of winning the AI race. Selling H200s to China "will supercharge Beijing's military modernization, enhancing capabilities in everything from nuclear weapons to cyber warfare, autonomous drones, biological warfare and intelligence and influence operations," he said. "Congress needs to put guardrails in place so that this mistake can't be repeated," he added. Some Republican lawmakers echoed his concerns, without explicitly condemning the policy change. "You cannot sell military-grade AI technology to China," Michael McCaul said, without referencing H200s specifically. "They steal so much intellectual property from this country but we don't have to sell it to them." National security fears around Beijing's access to American AI chips had prompted the Biden administration to bar sales of the prized semiconductors to China. The Trump administration, led by White House AI czar David Sacks, has said shipping advanced AI chips to China discourages Chinese competitors - such as heavily sanctioned Huawei - from redoubling efforts to catch up with the most advanced chip designs from Nvidia and AMD . Pottinger described that notion as a "fantasy." The regulations released on Tuesday specify that before being exported to China, chips must be reviewed by a third-party testing lab to confirm their technical AI capabilities. China also cannot receive more than 50% of the total amount of chips sold to American customers. Nvidia will need to certify there are enough H200s in the U.S. before shipping any to China. Chinese customers must demonstrate "sufficient security procedures" and cannot use the chips for military purposes. At least one Republican lawmaker, Congressman Brian Mast, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee holding the hearing, praised some guardrails contained in the regulations, describing "know your customer" provisions in the measure as "significant." Comedian, storyteller Baratunde Thurston to speak at Weber State University January 14, 2026 OGDEN, Utah Weber State Universitys Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities will host comedian, author, and storyteller Baratunde Thurston for a Browning Presents! event Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Val A. Browning Centers Allred Theater. The event is free and open to the public. Thurston is an Emmy-nominated host and creator of the podcasts Life with Machines and How to Citizen. He also leads PBSs America Outdoors and is the author of the bestselling memoir How to Be Black. Known for his sharp wit and thoughtful storytelling, Thurston takes audiences on a hilarious and insightful exploration of what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world. In addition to the evening event, Thurston will meet with Weber State students earlier in the day, offering an opportunity for students to ask questions and gain insights into his work in media, comedy, and storytelling. "Thurston challenges us to think deeply about our shifting place in the world, said Deborah Uman, Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities dean. I look forward to hearing his ideas about citizenship as a practice of active participation and about how we can navigate a world that is rapidly changing, both technologically and environmentally. This Browning Presents! event is part of WSUs ongoing commitment to providing students and the community access to influential voices in media, culture, and the arts. For more information and more upcoming events, visit the Browning Presents! website. About Browning Presents! Browning Presents! is a free event series hosted by the Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities at Weber State University. Funded by the Browning Foundation, it has brought culture and education to northern Utah since 1978. The series features artists, thinkers, and performers from around the world, helping to spark conversations and connect communities through the arts. Key Takeaways News that Sun Country planned to merger with fellow low-cost airline Allegiant lifted the former's shares today. Analysts approved of the move, calling it a "merger of two equally well-run low-fare airlines." Investors see sunshine for Sun Country Airlines stock following news that it plans to merge with another ultra-low-cost carrier. Sun Country (SNCY) shares were up some 12% Monday, a day after the airline agreed to combine with fellow ultra-low-cost carrier Allegiant Travel Company (ALGT) to "create a leading leisure-focused U.S. airline." Allegiant's stock was down about 6%. (Read Investopedia's live coverage of today's trading here.) Las Vegas-based Allegiant will acquire Minneapolis-based Sun Country for $1.5 billion in cash and stock, including $400 million of net debt. The deal might not not be the last move to consolidate the domestic low-cost space. Spirit Airlines owner Spirit Aviation (FLYY) entered the Chapter 11 restructuring process for the second time in less than a year in late August. Frontier Group (ULCC), the parent of Frontier Airlines, replaced longtime CEO Barry Biffle last month amid a sharply declining stock price. Why This Matters to Investors The deal, which would merge two low-cost air carriers, could herald more merger activity in the sector. Investors applauded the news that Sun Country and Allegiant planned to merge, with the companies seen as reliably profitable and serving complimentary markets. Upon closing, which is expected in the second half of 2026, Allegiant and Sun Country shareholders would own about 67% and 33%, respectively, of the combined company, which would continue under the Allegiant name. Each would operate separately until they obtain a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration. Allegiant CEO Gregory Anderson would serve as the combined company's CEO, while Sun Country CEO Jude Bricker would join the board and serve as an advisor to Anderson. The new company would be headquartered in Las Vegas but keep "a significant presence" in Minneapolis-St. Paul, according to the release announcing the deal. "Allegiant and Sun Country are well positioned to create one of the most adaptable and resilient airline models in the industry, with the ability to respond quickly to changing market conditions, traveler demand, and charter and cargo partner needs," the release said. The deal may not face substantial regulatory concern, as the carriers have served different markets. Allegiant flies routes with little competition from small cities, while Sun Country handles cargo flights for Amazon (AMZN), charter routes, and scheduled flights across the U.S. and to international destinations in Mexico, Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean. By Rachna Uppal ABU DHABI, Jan 14 (Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday joined a U.S.-led initiative to secure AI and semiconductor supply chains, dubbed Pax Silica, further strengthening economic ties with the United States. The programme is a key pillar of the Trump administrations economic statecraft strategy to reduce dependence on rival nations and strengthen cooperation among allied partners. The group also includes Australia, Britain, Israel, Japan, Qatar, Singapore and South Korea. "Ultimately we want to focus on the arteries of the supply chain, primarily logistics, the muscle of the supply chain, via industrial capacity, and the fuel of the supply chain, primarily capital and energy," U.S. Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg told Reuters. "And we view the UAE as a comprehensive partner that can make meaningful and important contributions in all three of those areas." Helberg invited the UAE on behalf of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to a ministerial level meeting on critical minerals in Washington next month, which he said would include a "large group" of countries. The UAE has been spending billions of dollars to become a global AI hub, looking to leverage its strong relations with Washington to secure access to U.S. technology, such as some of the world's most advanced chips. It has also signed a multibillion-dollar deal to build one of the world's largest data centre hubs in Abu Dhabi with U.S. technology. Asked whether Trump's threat to impose a 25% tariff on U.S. trade by countries - a group including the UAE - that do business with Iran would affect the U.S.-UAE relationship, Helberg said he was "very confident in the strength and depth of America's relationship with the UAE". While Gulf neighbour Qatar is part of the Pax Silica programme, regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia, which also harbours ambitions to evolve into a global AI hub, is not. Helberg said he held an initial round of discussions with Riyadh on Tuesday but that the U.S. and Saudi Arabia had also already negotiated a very substantial bilateral AI deal. (Reporting by Rachna Uppal; editing by Mark Heinrich) They may account for just a small share of the Irish van market, but small businesses and tradespeople are spoilt for choice when it comes to purchasing a car-derived van (CDV), as many vehicle manufacturers now offer one in their line-up. CDVs are built on passenger-car platforms, so they offer car-like handling and comfort while providing extended cargo space and a favourable VRT rate. However, modifications must be carried out to an appropriate safety standard, and the Revenue Commissioners keep a close eye on compliance. My latest Jeep test drive was the Avenger CDV, available in both fully electric (BEV) and hybrid powertrains, delivering genuine Jeep DNA with all-weather and all-terrain capabilities despite its front-wheel-drive layout. Its compact dimensions of 4.08m in length, 1.78m in width, and 1.53m in height make it ideal for city use. Up front, the signature seven-slot grille and full LED headlights stand out, and the skid plates reflect Jeep's iconic personality. Painted alloy wheels are from 16-inch to 18-inch. The Avenger Commercial has a very decent cargo area, although no official payload figures have been released. This is a smart-looking calling card for a business or sole operator when visiting clients, as it will impress with its stylish design and practicality. The model name Avenger is displayed on both sides, and a blue e on the left rear shows it is an electric car, as does the green flash on the number plate. The glass on the rear side windows is left in situ, but the windows are fully covered to comply with regulations. From the outside, it is difficult to believe this is a small van, and I had to open the rear door to convince a friend that it was indeed a small load lugger, not a passenger car. The cabin is a nice place to spend time in. Seats, with cloth/vinyl upholstery and grey accents, and Jeep embossed on the seatbacks, were very comfortable and supportive; the drivers seat has 6-way manual adjustments, and the passenger seat has 4-way adjustments. There's some extra storage in the pockets left in place on both seat backs. Other storage areas include a half-sized glovebox with an open shelf above, a deep storage area on the central console with a foldable cover and two cupholders, an area below the front armrest, and large front door bins. Both USB-A and USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad are standard. The Altitude grade features a 10.25-inch infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless Mirroring. There are physical buttons for volume, defrost (windscreen and rear window), fan, and climate controls (single-zone). The transmission selector is a row of separate buttons mid-dash and includes a B for more regeneration to help charge the battery. There's an electric parking brake with Auto Hold. The customisable drivers instrument cluster shows relevant information, with the current speed shown at the centre top. I liked the twang sound of a guitar chord when I indicated to turn. My car had a power tailgate and a big rear wiper. The retention of the doors interior trim and armrest indicates a conversion, as do the disconnected power window switches and, of course, a see-through, wire bulkhead, which, with the large rear tailgate window, provides excellent rear visibility. The cargo floor is height-adjustable, and there is a tyre sealant below. Avenger BEV delivers 260Nm of instant torque; both passenger and CDV vans share the same 115kW (156hp) electric motor and powertrain. Altitude has a claimed electric range of 394km WLTP (573km urban) and a power consumption of 15.7 kWh/100 km; Longitude offers a slightly higher range of 400km (580km urban). Road tax is 333. The Selec-Terrain system includes six drive modes of Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow, Mud and Sand, as well as Hill Descent Control, giving it almost all-terrain ability despite being front-wheel drive. Both grades come highly specced. Other features included a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, heated and power door mirrors, connected services, Adaptive Cruise Control, vulnerable road user recognition for pedestrians and cyclists, an Emergency Response System, and a Mode 3 charging cable. The Jeep Avenger small 5-door SUV received three out of five stars in Euro NCAP testing. The BEV can fast charge at 100kW DC from 20 to 80% in 24 minutes. EV batteries are designed to last the Avenger's planned life. Jeep offers an eight-year warranty up to 160,000km. Customers can choose from the following exterior colours: Snow (my car), Volcano, Ruby, Sun, Lake, Granite, or Stone. Only the Volcano colour comes as standard; the others are an extra 950. The Jeep Avenger CDV was awarded the title Car-Derived Van of the Year 2026 in association with Continental Tyres in November 2025, following a vote by experienced commercial vehicle journalists who are members of the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI). I enjoyed it so much that I didnt want to return it after my test drives. PRICES: Longitude BEV Commercial is from 39,108 (30,627 net of grant + VRT Relief); Altitude BEV Commercial is from 32,964 net of grant + VRT relief and at 26,800 + VAT. An artist has said he will never be able to work in the same way again after he suffered an injury to his hand during an assault on a bus. George Rowland, aged 61, of Dugort, Achill Island, pleaded guilty at the local district court to assault causing harm to Antoin O hEocha. Sgt John OReilly told the court that Gardai received a report of an incident that occurred on board a Bus Eireann bus in Achill Sound on September 14, 2023. The bus had stopped to allow Rowland to disembark but he was refusing to do so as he was in an intoxicated state. Mr O hEocha, who was fellow passenger, asked Rowland to leave the bus as it was being delayed. The victim "engaged" with Rowland three times before he was assaulted, suffering an injury to his hand. Rowland has a number of previous convictions. Solicitor Gary Mulchrone said his client had lived in the United Kingdom for most of his life but moved to Achill where he had family roots. Rowland accepts he should never have put his hands on Mr O hEocha. The solicitor noted that Mr O hEocha was taking the bus to catch a train in Westport and was concerned he would run late due to Rowland holding up the bus. Mr Mulchrone said Rowland himself had been the victim of a serious assault for which he is still receiving treatment. Mr O hEocha told the court that he works as an artist and has been unable to use his hand in the same way since the assault. Physiotherapists had told him this is how it will be for the rest of his life. Judge Sandra Murphy said it was an aggravating factor that this incident occurred on public transport where the passengers had a right to feel safe and which was the bus drivers place of work. She said it was clear from Mr O hEochas victim impact statement that the incident had a significant impact on him. Judge Murphy said she would require an up-to-date medical report from Rowlands GP and a probation report. She adjourned the case until May 14 next. A Wicklow man who broke the window of a Mayo garda station has avoided a conviction after fully compensating the State for the damage caused. TJ Kenny, aged 24, of Sli na Slaine, Baltinglass, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty at Achill District Court to a charge of criminal damage. During a previous sitting, the court heard that Kenny had thrown stones at the window of Achill Garda Station, breaking it and causing 650 worth of damage. The station was unoccupied when the incident occurred on October 7, 2024. The defendant was identified from CCTV. He was later cautioned at Baltinglass Garda Station and made a full admission when shown the CCTV. Kenny has no previous convictions. Solicitor Gary Mulchrone said his client was working with a broadband crew in the Achill area when the incident occurred. Kenny was intoxicated at the time, saw a light on inside the station and threw stones to try and get someones attention. Mr Mulchrone said his client had paid compensation and accepted full responsibility for the damage caused. Judge Sandra Murphy noted that Kenny had taken responsibility for the incident and that the State was not at a loss for the damage caused. She agreed to apply the Probation Act, meaning the defendant will not have a criminal conviction recorded against him. 2026 starts with a lot of clouds overhead. The international system is volatile and unpredictable. Our problems on the domestic front seem intractable, even unsolvable. So what will the year bring us politically? We should start with our biggest problem: housing. It is the most difficult problem we face and there is a widespread sense that we are not going to be able to fix it. There is certainly no confidence or even optimism that we can. The housing issue has developed in stages: from being a problem in our society into a phase of crisis which now risks spilling out of control, becoming a fundamentally destabilising factor for us all. That is reflected in peoples attitudes and thus our politics in a wide range of seemingly unconnected ways. If young people cant buy a house, or rent a decent one at a reasonable rate, the societal consequences are disastrous. Fewer young people are marrying, they are having fewer children, and they are having those children later in life. Many young people are wondering why they should work really hard and get a decent salary when all that will do is get them stuck in private rental: with too much means to access social housing and not enough to buy privately. That is of course only one dimension to the housing crisis, but it is very real and does not always get the attention it requires. It cannot be allowed to linger and become embedded. Your political outlook whether you are left or right is irrelevant to that. If young people do not see an incentive to get on in their life and in their career, then we are in deep trouble. It is already a pervasive feeling among them. And that social effect of the housing crisis is felt more widely in our politics. For those of us of an older generation, who simply cannot understand how young people could sing ooh ah up the Ra, we must remember that social crises and politically radical views are connected. The first leads to the second. So throughout 2026, the government is going to be hoping that the measures it adopted in 2025 start to bear fruit in terms of new starts and new builds. The political heat map will change in response to that. Objections to new housing will be more harshly analysed and treated. But the fundamental generational fault line in our politics wont change: many who have good housing will place much less priority on and even sometimes resist the actions that are required to house those who dont. Another area where political actions in 2025 will shape the political year of 2026 is with respect to the Presidency. One of the political questions of the year will be to what extent and on which issues President Connolly will openly challenge and contest government policy. Her supporters will argue that she was elected to do so. Politically, they may have a point. Constitutionally, less so. How that plays out in the context of the frankly wild international situation we have right now will be one of the political interest points and fault-lines of 2026. The government remains committed to removing the Triple Lock, the provision that states a United Nations Security Council resolution for an action is needed before Irish troops can serve abroad. President Connollys view is diametrically opposed to that of the government. How that plays out will be a test of both strength and resolve between the two. Of course, now that literally the entire system of international relations and stability is collapsing around us, some may well see a debate on the Triple Lock as falling somewhat below the level of events. Others may point out that a country which has decided to oppose the Mercosur trade deal, just at the moment when the international trade which has made us prosperous is under direct attack, can hardly be said to be engaging at the highest level in general. In that kind of context, it might have been best to hide away in the corner in 2026 and hope we wouldnt be noticed. But 2026 wont be that kind of year, because the second half of the year will see the European Union Presidency in Ireland. That means that most of the big decisions or indecisions the EU will make in that period will happen here. By then, our European partners may have decided or have had it decided for them that they need to create a European Defence Alliance to succeed NATO. Reforming the Triple Lock will seem like small potatoes then. Luckily, and perhaps also unluckily, for the government, the pot of money from Corporation Tax keeps on growing. Its marvellous of course to have loads of money flowing in and it is very easy to spend. But it is awfully hard to keep the public finances in check in that context. Lets hope that whatever is bringing in that vast sum of money doesnt change. But dont think for a moment that we have any hand, act or part in whether it does or not. And if the money dries up, in 2026 or after, our politics will change, whatever the rhetoric on all sides. The other big political change seen in 2025 which will play out in 2026 is the governments new line on immigration. The government will continue to take a series of actions on the issue, while trying not to inflame the situation. The opposition will probably find their response to this challenging, partly because public opinion on the issue is pretty clear, but also because there will be different views on the issues within the parties that would make up a potential left government. Lastly, in 2026, the Taoiseach will be in his last full year in the office. According to the coalition deal, the swap over to the Fine Gael leader as Taoiseach is scheduled to take place in November 2027. Some of the Taoiseachs critics in his own party will spend time in 2026 trying to make sure he doesnt get there. A man who has been leader of his party since 2011 presumably has other ideas, and his own timescale in mind. But on that, and on almost every other political matter at the moment, we can expect to be surprised by 2026 whatever our predictions are right now. Things are moving so fast we dont know where we will be next week, never mind by December. But there is one thing we can be sure of, alas: by the end of the year there still wont be enough houses for all the people who need them. UBS chief executive Sergio Ermotti is preparing to leave his role in April 2027, reported the Financial Times citing sources. Ermotti, who rejoined UBS in 2023 following the government-brokered acquisition of Credit Suisse, is anticipated to exit after completing the integration work between the two banking institutions. The move comes at a significant moment for UBS, which is currently engaged in discussions with Swiss authorities over plans to impose stricter capital requirements. This ongoing dispute has prompted questions about whether UBS might consider relocating its headquarters abroad. Chair Colm Kelleher brought Ermotti back into the chief executive position at UBS, an office he had occupied for nine years until 2020, shortly after the bank agreed to acquire Credit Suisse in a rescue deal. The process of finding a replacement is expected to accelerate ahead of the bank's annual general meeting next year, the news publication added. Among those seen as potential successors is Aleksandar Ivanovic, asset management chief who joined the group executive board in March 2024, as per the report. Other internal candidates include Iqbal Khan and Robert Karofsky, co-heads of wealth management, as well as Bea Martin, who became chief operating officer last year after managing the division responsible for winding down unwanted Credit Suisse assets. The exact timing of Ermottis departure has not been confirmed by the board and could still be adjusted, sources added. On his return to UBS, Ermotti committed to remain at the helm for three to five years when he returned in 2023. His remit included overseeing the absorption of Credit Suisse and outlining plans for future growth while developing internal talent for succession. The integration process has included tackling regulatory and legal issues inherited from Credit Suisse. During this period, UBS's share value has doubled. However, Ermottis tenure has also seen a public disagreement with Swiss authorities regarding proposals that would require UBS to increase its capital buffer by approximately $24bn. The bank has argued that such changes would jeopardise its operations. Decisions on these reforms are expected before Ermotti steps down. Chairman Kelleher is leading succession planning and is said to be seeking a transition similar to that recently carried out at Morgan Stanley, which offered a choice among several internal candidates. Iqbal Khan has frequently been mentioned as a possible successor. Previously at Credit Suisse, Khan moved to UBS after a contentious episode with his former employer and later relocated to Hong Kong in 2024 as head of Asia-Pacific. At that time, Robert Karofsky became head of the Americas division. United Airlines, RTX, and Northrop Grumman are all betting on a clean-sheet aircraft that promises to reduce fuel burn by as much as 50 percent per passenger mile, compared to similarly sized tube-and-wing models. California-based JetZero-which has ditched the conventional tube-and-wing for a blended-wing body (BWB) or "all-wing" configuration-said Tuesday that it raised $175 million in a Series B round led by B Capital, a new investor. The round also included participation from United Airlines Ventures, RTX Ventures, and Northrop Grumman, all of which have existing ties to JetZero. United Airlines Ventures in April made an undisclosed investment and signed a purchase agreement for up to 100 aircraft and 100 options, contingent upon the flight of a full-scale demonstrator in 2027, among other conditions. JetZero in 2023 won a $235 million Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) contract to build and fly an early version of its flagship Z4 that is expected to deliver fuel efficiency gains of 30 percent, with added lift and improved mobility. Northrop's Scaled Composites division is working with JetZero toward that demonstration. "A fleet of these could save the U.S. Department of the Air Force up to $1 billion in fuel costs per year," Ravi Chaudhary, former assistant secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment-and an adviser for JetZero for six months in 2025, per his LinkedIn-told The American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 2023. RTX is tied to JetZero through its Pratt and Whitney and Collins Aerospace units. The former is supplying its PW2040 turbofan engine and auxiliary power units for the Z4 demonstrator, while the latter will provide nacelles, fairings, and engine support structures. JetZero in 2025 also secured a formal partnership with Delta Air Lines and is part of the carrier's Sustainable Skies Lab, which it said will provide maintenance, operational footprints, and other resources to validate the Z4's technology. The two had been working together informally since 2021. Delta will also consult on the Z4's interior design. Alaska Star Ventures, the investment arm of Alaska Airlines, participated in JetZero's 2023 Series A round and has options for future aircraft orders. "If successful, JetZero has the potential to evolve our core mainline business by developing aircraft with a bigger, more comfortable cabin experience for our customers while increasing fuel efficiency across our network," said Andrew Chang, head of United Airlines Ventures, in April. Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang has advocated for selling some advanced chips in China, arguing global AI systems should be built on US technology (Patrick T. Fallon) Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/AFP The US Commerce Department on Tuesday opened the door for Nvidia to sell advanced artificial intelligence chips in China with restrictions, following through on a policy shift announced last month by President Donald Trump. The change would permit Nvidia to sell its powerful H200 chip to Chinese buyers if certain conditions are met -- including proof of "sufficient" US supply -- while sales of its most advanced processors would still be blocked. However, uncertainty has grown over how much demand there will be from Chinese companies, as Beijing has reportedly been encouraging tech companies to use homegrown chips. Chinese officials have informed some firms they would only approve buying H200 chips under special circumstances, such as development labs or university research, news website The Information reported Tuesday, citing people with knowledge of the situation. The Information had previously reported that Chinese officials were calling on companies there to pause H200 purchases while they deliberated requiring them to buy a certain ratio of AI chips made by Nvidia rivals in China. In its official update on Tuesday, the US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security said it had changed the licensing review policy for H200 and similar chips from a presumption of denial to handling applications case-by-case. Trump announced in December an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping to allow Nvidia to export its H200 chips to China, with the US government getting a 25-percent cut of sales. The move marked a significant shift in US export policy for advanced AI chips, which Joe Biden's administration had heavily restricted over national security concerns about Chinese military applications. Democrats in Congress have criticized the move as a huge mistake that will help China's military and economy. - Chinese chips - Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang has advocated for the company to be allowed to sell some of its more advanced chips in China, arguing the importance of AI systems around the world being built on US technology. The chips -- graphic processing units or GPUs -- are used to train the AI models that are the bedrock of the generative AI revolution launched with the release of ChatGPT in 2022. The GPU sector is dominated by Nvidia, now the world's most valuable company thanks to frenzied global demand and optimism for AI. H200s are roughly 18 months behind the US company's most state-of-the-art offerings, which will still be off-limits to China. Nvidia's Huang has repeatedly warned that China is just "nanoseconds behind" the United States as it accelerates the development of domestically produced advanced chips. By Timothy Gardner Jan 14 (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury Department on Wednesday extended a license by more than a month - until February 28 - for companies to talk with Russian energy company Lukoil about buying its foreign assets. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft, Russia's two biggest energy companies, on October 22 as part of an effort to pressure Moscow over its war in Ukraine. Lukoil put its assets up for sale shortly after. The company's global assets - which include oil fields, refineries and a network of retail gas stations - are worth about $22 billion and have drawn interest from a wide variety of entities including U.S. private equity firm Carlyle Group and a group comprising oil major Chevron and Quantum Capital Group. The extension of the general license issued by the U.S. Treasury, which had been due to expire on January 17, also allows interested parties to enter into contingent contracts for the sale of the assets and the wind-down of related work on them. It was the second extension of the deadline, with the first issued in December. Due to the U.S. sanctions, the Treasury would need to approve any deals struck with Lukoil over its assets. Lukoil has been hard-hit by the U.S. sanctions, with overseas operations disrupted from Iraq to Finland. The company had asked for an extension of the negotiations deadline so that it has more time to work on deals, sources previously told Reuters. (Reporting by Timothy Gardner, Bhargav Acharya and Ismail Shakil; Editing by Will Dunham) Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang [Getty Images] The US government has given chip giant Nvidia the green light to sell its advanced artificial intelligence (AI) processors in China, the Department of Commerce said on Tuesday. The H200, Nvidia's second-most-advanced semiconductor, had been restricted by Washington over concerns that it would give China's technology industry and military an edge over the US. The Commerce Department said the chips can be shipped to China granted that there is sufficient supply of the processors in the US. President Donald Trump said last month that he would allow the chip sales to "approved customers" in China and collect a 25% fee. Nvidia's spokesperson told the BBC that the company welcomed the move, saying it will benefit manufacturing and jobs in the US. The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security said its revised export policy applies to Nvidia's H200 chips, as well as less advanced processors. Chinese customers must also show "sufficient security procedures" and cannot use the chips for military uses. The H200 chip is a generation behind Nvidia's Blackwell processor, which is considered to be the world's most advanced AI semiconductor and remains blocked from sale in China. Chinese embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu told the BBC on Wednesday that Beijing has consistently opposed the "politicisation and weaponisation of tech and trade issues". "We oppose blocking and restricting China, which disrupts the stability of industrial and supply chains," he said. "This approach does not serve the common interests of both sides." Nvidia has been caught in a geopolitical tug-of-war between the US and China - two sides of a global AI race. Trump reversed the chip-selling restriction last July, but demanded that Nvidia pay a cut of its earnings from China to the US government. Beijing then reportedly ordered its tech companies to boycott Nvidia's China-bound chips and prioritise semiconductors made domestically. That move was designed to bolster China's tech industry, though experts have consistently said that the country's chips still lag behind the US. Throughout 2025, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang continually lobbied Washington to allow the sale of the firm's high-powered chips to China, arguing that global market excess is essential for America's competitiveness. Some officials in the US, however, have expressed concerns that the chips would benefit Beijing's military and hurt America's progress in AI development. Costco's $4.99 chicken has been one of its major calling cards, and the warehouse club has gone to extreme steps to keep it at that price point. "Costco is willing to go to extreme lengths to keep its prized rotisserie chickens at $4.99," according to CNN. "For the past few years, it's been recruiting farmers in Nebraska and recently opened a sprawling, $450 million poultry complex of its very own in Nebraska." The warehouse club loses money selling the chickens, but makes up for it in added sales and simply by enticing members to its stores. "A loss-leader is an item that costs more to make or manufacture than it sells for, but it gets people in the door and buying other items that make up for the hit to a company's bottom line," Food Republic reported. "In Costco's case, the roughly three-pound birds are a beloved item whose ultra-low price tag alone is worth a trip to the store for many." Those cheap chickens, however, appear to be putting Costco members at risk of salmonella, according to a report shared by Sentient Media. Costco has a chicken problem "The report, by advocacy group Farm Forward, is based on an analysis of USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection data from 2020-2024 and focuses on Costcos Lincoln Premium Poultry chicken slaughter and processing plant in Fremont, Nebraska. The plant slaughters over 100 million chickens annually for its rotisserie chicken and Kirkland Signature raw chicken brand, and reportedly supplies about 40% of Costcos chicken," the news website shared. The data showed some concerning things about Costco's chicken. Since Costcos Fremont plant opened in 2019 it has consistently failed the USDAs monthly rolling tests for salmonella, receiving the worst Category 3 rating 92% of the time, the report says. Over a more recent period, from September 2023 through July 2025, the Fremont plant received a Category 3 rating 100% of the time, the director of Farm Forward, Andrew deCoriolis, tells Sentient, suggesting that contamination rates are getting worse. Consumer Reports also includes the Costco plant among its most contaminated poultry plants in the U.S. based on data collected through July 26, 2025. How consumers can avoid food poisoning Consumer Reports shared tips on how to avoid eating contaminated meat. Wash your hands in warm soapy water throughout the cooking process before prepping, after handling raw meat, and again when finished. Also wash knives used on meat before using them to cut other foods. Use separate cutting boards for meat and other food products. Cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165 F and use a meat thermometer to check. While shopping at the grocery store, keep raw meats in a disposable bag, away from other foods, especially ones youre likely to eat without cooking, like fruits and vegetables. In the refrigerator, store raw meat in a bag or bowl to prevent leaking. Thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator so that it stays below 40 F. Doing so will impede the growth of bacteria. Avoid rinsing raw meat because it can spread bacteria around your sink or counter. Costco still sells its chickens for $4.99.Shutterstock Shutterstock FDA can't stop Costco's rotisserie chicken Just because the USDA has failed a plant does not mean that it can stop its products, in this case chicken, from reaching consumers. "The agency does not have the authority to stop the plants operation, stop raw meat from reaching store shelves, or recall raw meat products. The contaminated chicken can still be sold in grocery stores across the country," Sentient reported. Costco did not immediately return a request for comment on this story filed through its media request form. Costco's rotisserie chicken is a massive draw As a long-time, but not current, Costco member, I've never enjoyed its rotisserie chicken. The chain injects its chickens with a saline solution, and I find the pricier, but still affordable, whole chickens at Fresh Market and Whole Foods a better option. Former CFO Richard Galanti explained during Costco's first-quarter 2023 earnings call that the $4.99 price was part of the chain's brand promise. "Part of it is also consciously keeping the price on the chicken at $4.99...and keeping the price of the hot dog. All those things go into that equation as well. But we know that that can be a driver of business," he said. In a 2015 earnings call, he noted that the move has cost the company money. When others were raising their chicken prices from $4.99 to $5.99, we were willing to eat, if you will, $30 to $40 million a year in gross margin by keeping it at $4.99, Galanti said, according to The Seattle Times. Thats what we do for a living. Related: Kroger and McDonalds take on high prices as inflation rises Costco sells a lot of chickens Costco sold about 137 million rotisserie chickens in 2023 , according to Chowhound. Costco has been selling more than 100 million rotisserie chickens annually since at least 2020 , added the LA Business Journal. Previous filings/reporting show 117 million sold in fiscal 2022 and 106 million in 2021, according to the chain's 2023 annual report. Related: Popular drive-thru coffee chain closing all locations This story was originally published by TheStreet on Jan 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Kurds Are Seezing Assyrian Lands in North Iraq Something is happening in northern Iraq that barely registers outside the region -- yet for Assyrians, it is an existential threat. In the village of Bakhetme, more than 1,500 dunams of land have been confiscated and are being transferred to Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and public employees. For the villagers, this is not paperwork or bureaucracy. It is their homes and their future. All this comes as Iraq debates something historic: the implementation of Article 125 of the constitution -- self-administration for Assyrians, on their land, in their homeland. The land now being allocated is the same land Assyrians were stripped of by Saddam Hussein's regime in the 1980s, when the village was emptied and converted into a military zone. After 1991, the villagers returned, rebuilt their homes and farms, and reclaimed their land through work, not force. Today -- three decades later -- they are losing that same land again, not to bulldozers, but to administrative decrees. This is neither isolated nor accidental. It follows a clear pattern: Their representation in Iraq's parliament is hijacked Their cemeteries are vandalized -- as in Shaqlawa, where crosses and nameplates were smashed Their houses are demolished in historic Assyrian towns like Bartella In Bakhetme we see the final step: the land itself is taken Iraq's leaders often speak of democracy and minority rights. But lofty phrases collapse when the people they are meant to protect are losing their homes with a signature on a document. A community that cannot keep its land cannot keep anything -- not its holy places, not its schools, not its name. It is also revealing to see what the world chooses to be outraged about. In other parts of the Middle East, opinion pages and UN halls fill with protests against settlement policies and demographic engineering. But when the same mechanisms target Assyrians -- confiscated fields, reassigned property, quiet administrative steps that slowly replace one population with another -- the silence is almost total. No one uses words like occupation or colonization, even though the outcome for those living there is the same. In practice, a Kurdification of Mesopotamia is underway. As a Kurdish state-in-waiting expands on Assyrian ancestral land, the Assyrian space contracts. Assyrian and Kurdish struggles for self-determination should be able to move forward side by side -- two stateless peoples with equal rights to self-rule -- but reality shows a different logic. One people is building a state; the other is losing its home. The villagers of Bakhetme are demanding three basic things: An immediate halt to land confiscation The return of their property A justice system that finally delivers the protection it promises These are demands that should be self-evident. Yet in a country where minorities lack militias, lack political leverage, and lack protection, even the simplest rights become a fight for survival. Bakhetme is not a local dispute. It is a warning sign. A people who survived genocides, massacres and terrorism are now being pushed out through paperwork and policy, by forces today dominated by Kurdish actors. The irony is almost unbearable. Kurdish leaders speak of creating a "Christian administrative unit." But carving out a Christian enclave only to fold it into KRG control is something Assyrians will never accept. Assyrians demand self-administration in northwest Iraq -- in line with Article 125 and Iraq's own federal system. Because if self-rule does not include protected land and genuine authority, then it is not self-rule -- it is a facade. Michael Merdoyo is An Assyrian living in Exile, member of the Swedish Medborgerlig Samling (Citizens' Coalition). By Elizabeth Howcroft PARIS, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Visa is working to integrate stablecoins into existing payment systems, seeing an opportunity to maintain its market leadership as these tokens gain traction, Visa's head of crypto, Cuy Sheffield, told Reuters. Stablecoins, cryptocurrencies typically pegged to the U.S. dollar, allow funds to be moved outside traditional banking systems. While their circulation has surged, led by El Salvador-based Tether's USDT with around $187 billion tokens in circulation, mainstream merchant acceptance remains limited. Even if new payments systems are built using the technology behind stablecoins, "you still have to come back and connect to the existing merchant acceptance ecosystem if you want that product to be used," Sheffield said, referring to the current network of sellers that accepts payments. NO CURRENT 'MERCHANT ACCEPTANCE AT SCALE' Visa already has various stablecoin-related initiatives, including stablecoin-linked payment cards. In December it launched a pilot programme to allow some U.S. banks to settle with Visa using Circle's stablecoin, USDC. Currently, there's no "merchant acceptance at scale" allowing holders to spend their stablecoins, Sheffield said. This means that companies "need Visa's products and services more than ever to be able to actually get real customers using them," he said. Visa's stablecoin settlement volumes have hit $4.5 billion in annualised run rate, a small fraction of the $14.2 trillion in annual payments volume Visa processed last year. "But this is growing significantly month over month," Sheffield said. "We're seeing demand, and it's mostly this class of stablecoin-linked card providers." SOME BANKS CONSIDER LAUNCHING THEIR OWN STABLECOINS Some banks, including Goldman Sachs, UBS and Citi, last year said they were exploring launching their own stablecoin, following warnings that stablecoins could potentially undermine the role of commercial banks in global payment flows. European banks, including ING and UniCredit, have formed a company to launch a euro-pegged stablecoin, to counter U.S. dominance in digital payments. Visa's Sheffield said he was excited about euro-backed stablecoins. "I think the stablecoin story shouldn't just be about dollars," he said. HIGH-FREQUENCY TRADERS DOMINATE MARKET There are more than $270 billion worth of stablecoins in circulation, more than twice the $120 billion from two years ago, according to a data website run by Visa and blockchain analysts Allium Labs. US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are scheduled to meet at the White House Wednesday with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and Greenlands Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Motzfeldt. The meeting takes place amid escalating threats by US President Donald Trump to seize Greenland by military force, prompting European politicians and analysts to warn of the end of the NATO military alliance. From left: U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic attend a joint media conference during the EU Trade Ministers meeting at the European Council building in Brussels, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. [AP Photo/Omar Havana] Trump has repeatedly insisted on Washingtons need to seize control of Greenland, a message he reinforced in an interview with The Atlantic earlier this month. He asserted that the island was needed for reasons of national security, pointing to alleged threats posed by Russia and China. The US has had a continuous military presence on the island since World War II, and retains the Pituffik Space Base, which is crucial for missile defence. Trumps determination to take over Greenland is part of his so-called Donroe Doctrine. Outlined in last Novembers National Security Strategy, it vows to eliminate all non-hemispheric competitors from the Western hemisphere and give Washington unchallenged domination over the areas raw materials and trade routes, as well as the governments of other states. Taking control of Greenland, which lies off the Canadian east coast, would strengthen Trumps push to integrate Canada as the 51st state of the US. Houses covered by snow are seen on the coast of a sea inlet of Nuuk, Greenland, on March 7, 2025. [AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka] This America first policy has produced a deep rift in the post-war transatlantic alliance. The European imperialist powers, which long relied on US hegemony to pursue their own global interests, now find themselves targeted by Washington as competitors in a new redivision of the world. Trumps seizure of Greenland would spell the end of the alliance, an outcome the European powers are desperately trying to avoid because they are not yet ready militarily to act independently without US support. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul declared Sunday, prior to departing for Washington for talks with Rubio, that NATO should assume a greater role in the Arctic, and that only Greenland and Denmark should determine Greenlands sovereignty. Security in the North Atlantic is a special responsibility for us, its not just in NATOs name, but its also very important strategically for our common security. Underlining Berlins own aggressive ambitions in the Arctic region, Wadephul paid a visit to Iceland en route to Washington. The German armed forces (Bundeswehr) signed a declaration of intent with the North Atlantic island last year that will allow the stationing of German aircraft and naval vessels in Iceland. Wadephul stressed the strategic significance of the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom (GIUK) gap, a stretch of water that serves as one of Russias last remaining access routes to the open sea. Notwithstanding Trumps brazen threat to seize its territory, which it ruled as a colony until 1953, the Danish government is also continuing to plead for a renewal of its alliance with Washington. At a press conference before his departure for Washington, Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen wore a pin displaying a Danish and American flag side by side. Social Democrat Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasised at a separate press conference with Greenlands Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen that Denmark was prepared to spend more on Arctic security. Asked how she could persuade Trump not to take over Greenland, Frederiksen responded that Denmark could do so by being a good ally as Denmark has always been. Further spending on Denmarks military, which has already risen sharply over recent years, will be paid for by public spending cuts and attacks on the working class. Copenhagen has already committed to purchasing an expanded fleet of F-35 fighter jets to facilitate Arctic operations, new ships, drones, and radar systems to patrol Greenland, and a new headquarters to expand the armys Arctic Command on the island. Denmarks defence spending rose by 80 percent in 2025, reaching 68 billion kroner (9.1 billion), compared to 37 billion in the previous year. The European powers have postured as defenders of international law in the face of Trumps threat to resort to military force to own Greenland if necessary. Last week, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain issued a joint statement with Denmark declaring that they would all uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen stated that law is stronger than force, while Council President Antonio Costa asserted, Nothing can be decided about Denmark and about Greenland without Denmark, or without Greenland. This is utter hypocrisy. The European powers have never shown any concern for international law when violating it suits their imperialist interests, such as with the carve-up of Yugoslavia, or NATOs involvement in the neocolonial occupation of Afghanistan or air bombardment of Libya. Earlier this month, they refused to explicitly condemn Trumps illegal abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his vow to run the South American country like a colony. The major European powers are desperately trying to retain some form of cooperation with the US for as long as possible, as they rush at breakneck speed to carry through vast rearmament programmes to put them in a position to act independently of, and even against, Washington on the world stage. But these plans will still take several years to implement, and will inevitably provoke an explosion of class struggle as governments across the continent eliminate what remains of public services and worker rights to pay for militarism and war. For the time being, they remain dependent on US logistical and military support to continue the war against Russia, which the European powers want to pursue at all costs. In addition to the breakup of the transatlantic alliance, what really troubles the European imperialists about Trumps seizure of Greenland is that they could be cut out militarily and economically from the Arctic region. Due to climate change, control over the Arctic is key for dominating new trade routes opening up as ice melts. Moreover, a US takeover of Greenland would not only give Washington ownership over the islands rich natural resources, but also Denmarks claims to territorial waters in the Arctic Ocean, which include oil and gas exploration rights under the seabed. The European powers hope to avert this outcome by expanding NATOs involvement in the region. The Financial Times reported that Britain, France and Germany are in talks to create an Arctic Sentry exercise, modelled on the Baltic Sentry operation established early last year under German command aimed at strengthening surveillance of Russian vessels in the Baltic Sea. Arctic Sentry would include US troops in a bid to mollify Trumps concerns about a lack of security in Greenland. At the same time, European politicians have acknowledged openly that an American seizure of Greenland would spell the end of the NATO military alliance. If you turn your back on cooperation by threatening an ally, something we have not seen before, everything comes to an end, said Frederiksen on Sunday. Armin Laschet, a member of the governing Christian Democrats in Germany and chair of the German parliaments foreign affairs committee, commented, We have to make clear to the Americans in diplomatic talks that military action against a small NATO country would destroy the remaining trust in the alliance. None of the contending parties have anything progressive to offer the population of Greenland, or the working class throughout Europe and the US. An American imperialist takeover of the island would mark a further step in Trumps mad plan to dominate the Western hemisphere as the foundation for world war against Washingtons rivals, above all China. Some sort of compromise under which Greenland remains nominally part of the Kingdom of Denmark would be based upon a huge expansion of US and NATO military activity in Greenland and throughout the Arctic, turning the entire region into another front in a rapidly escalating third world war. The only way to stop the revival of imperialist barbarism on both sides of the Atlantic is through the construction of a working-class-led anti-war movement based on a socialist programme. Workers in Europe and the United States, who are bearing the full cost of militarism and war through job cuts, austerity and attacks on their social and democratic rights, must unite to put an end to the capitalist profit system, the root cause of war and imperialist plunder. Young conscripts sit waiting in the grass during final exercises at a training area close to Royal Danish Armys barracks in Hovelte, 25 kilometres north of Copenhagen, Denmark, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. [AP Photo/James Brooks] In the coming days, 18-year-olds in Germany must register to be mustered for the new military service. Most of them will receive this news with horror and fear. The gradual reintroduction of conscription, which was initiated last year, signifies the preparation for war in a very immediate sense. Young people are to fight, kill and die for the interests of German imperialism. This prospect is meeting with overwhelming opposition among young people. Following a nationwide school strike in December, school students and young workers are planning the next strike against conscription for early March. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) stresses that the fight against conscription requires a fight against war preparations and militarism as a whole and the mobilisation of the working class on the basis of a socialist perspective. The strikes must be expanded from the schools to the factories and workplaces and can thus become the spark for a Europe-wide strike movement against the pro-war policy. In Greece, university students and workers protested in mid-December and again last week against a tightening of the existing military service. On Friday, the Greek parliament passed the law Roadmap for the Transition of the Armed Forces into the New Era. It provides for registration for the 12-month military service to begin at age 17, so that young adults can be conscripted immediately after school. Those who report for the military immediately at 18 must serve only nine instead of 12 months. This incentive is intended to lure young people into the army as quickly as possible. Those who apply for a deferment due to university studies or vocational training are now being put under massive pressure: University students can only be exempted from military service until the age of 25 (or until 26 or 27 for a five- or six-year degree course) and doctoral students until the age of 30; vocational students only until 21. Most students in Greece have to work on the side to make ends meet financially and therefore do not complete their studies within the standard period of time. In practice, this means that in the future they will be forced to interrupt their studies for a full year of military service, which will have negative effects on scholarships, as well as housing and social benefits, and will delay their degrees. Only from the age of 40 (previously 33) can one buy oneself out of military serviceat a high price of 1,500 [$US 1,746] per month (previously 810 [$US 943]). Those who have served now remain in the reserve until the age of 60 (previously until 45). In addition, the recognition of mental illness is being made more difficult, and voluntary military service for women is being introduced. Dozens of student associations in Athens called for protests on January 8 and demanded the repeal of the law. This law is designed to prepare the Greek army for more active participation in NATO plans, their statement reads. They warn: With these regulations, they want to make more young people more quickly available to send them to the battlefields for the profits of the major corporations. Conscription is on the march across Europe. Numerous countries have expanded military service, are reintroducing conscription or harbour corresponding plans. This step results directly from the military rearmament in the NATO war against Russia and the preparation of a Third World War, which would turn the entire European continent into a battlefield. In 2025, nine of 27 EU countries had conscriptionGreece, Cyprus, Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden. While Latvia only reintroduced the 11-month military service in 2024, all these countries are expanding their existing military service, like Greece. For example, Denmarks Social Democratic government has extended the duration of military service from four to 11 months and introduced mandatory mustering for women starting this year. Croatia is returning to conscription, which had been suspended since 2008. Even the nominal opposition Social Democrats voted in favour. From this year, men must once again complete a two-month basic military training. In France, conscription, suspended since 1997, is not yet being reactivated. But President Emmanuel Macron, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the French Armed Forces, announced the introduction of a new voluntary service starting this September during an appearance before uniformed soldiers in November. Recruitment of 18- to 25-year-old men and women for the 10-month military service, which is allegedly oriented towards homeland defence, has begun in recent days. The number of volunteers is to rise to at least 10,000 by 2030. Macron declared: This service pursues three goals: To strengthen the pact between our nation and the army, to increase the resilience of our nation and to consolidate the training of our young people. As in Germany, the militarisation of the whole of society is justified with the pretext that one must defend oneself against the supposed threat from Russia. The voluntary service is merely the preliminary stage of conscription, which from the governments perspective is simply not yet implementable logistically and financially. However, Macron emphasised: In the event of a major crisis, parliament can draft everyone else beyond the volunteers and make military service mandatory. In Italy, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto of the fascist governing party Brothers of Italy (Fratelli dItalia) also proposed a new military service at the end of November last year. The goal is initially the recruitment of 10,000 volunteers and then the increase of the armed forces by 40,000. At the same time, Italy is increasing military spending and wants to establish a new cyber army for digital warfare. There is a broad rejection of conscription in the Italian population, which was suspended two decades ago. According to a survey by the Centre for Social Investment Studies (CENSIS) last July, barely a third of those surveyed fear that Italy could be directly involved in a war in the next five years. Yet only 16 percent of Italians of military service age would take up arms for the country. Some 39 percent of those surveyed between 18 and 45 would describe themselves as pacifist conscientious objectors, 19 percent would try to evade conscription in other ways. This rejection of conscription is part of the immense opposition to Italys war policy, which was clearly shown in the powerful strikes against the war budget and the genocide in Gaza last year. The news agency Reuters also refers to a further survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations, in which only 17 percent of Italians spoke out in favour of an increase in defence spending. In Poland, where conscription was abolished in 2009, the government has launched a nationwide military training programme. It wants to train 400,000 people for the event of war this yearfrom school students to pensioners. Despite the vehement war propaganda and rearmament in Poland against the backdrop of the Ukraine war, here too, the majority of the population is not in favour of military service. Based on an opinion poll from August 2025, Euronews reported that 49.1 percent of all respondents refused to defend the country voluntarily in the event of war, while 6.1 percent were undecided. Among 18- to 29-year-oldsthe age group that would be sent to the trenches firstthe result was even more unequivocal: 69 percent do not want to go to the army. In Romania, where conscription was abolished in 2007, the government introduced a four-month voluntary military service last October for 18- to 35-year-old men and women starting in 2026, in order to replenish the professional army with young reservists. They are lured with remuneration of 400 to 600 per month as well as free accommodation, board, medical care and a bonusa perfidious blackmail when one considers that many young people in this shattered Balkan country live in poverty. All these voluntary or mandatory military service models have one and the same goal: to prepare the youth of Europe quickly and comprehensively for a hot warmilitarily and ideologically. When Donald Trump goes on a rampage of plunder in Eastern Europe, Latin America or the Middle East and ignites a war against China, the European powers do not want to stand there empty-handed. They are pursuing their own imperialist predatory interests, which have not the slightest thing to do with the defence of European peace ideals against Russia or the US. Just like Trump, they are concerned with access to more raw materials, markets and sources of profit, for which they are ready, as in the First and Second World Wars, to sacrifice millions of young people as cannon fodder on the battlefields of Europe. But their Achilles heel is the seething opposition to war in the population. The school strike in Germany, the protests by university students in Greece and the strikes in several countries against support for the genocide in Gaza are only the beginning. They must become the starting point for a united, cross-border anti-war movement of the working class, which opposes the capitalist Europe of rearmament and war hysteria, the Europe of poverty and social inequality, with a common struggle for the United Socialist States of Europe. Uganda is holding presidential and parliamentary elections on Thursday under conditions of sweeping state repression. The purpose is to secure yet another fiveyear term for 81yearold Yoweri Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM), whose social base has steadily eroded amid deepening economic hardship, mounting social tensions and Kampalas participation in regional wars. Since independence in 1962, political power in Uganda has changed hands only through rebellions or military coups. Museveni is no exception. He has ruled the country with an iron fist since 1986, when his rebel movement seized Kampala under the banner of anti-tribalism, land distribution and a no-party democracy. He implemented a neo-liberal regime at the service of international capital, for which he was rewarded with development aid and praised as a beacon in the Central African region by former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Museveni has twice amended the constitutionremoving term limits and later the presidential age capto ensure his continued hold on power, while repeatedly jailing opponents. Violence, intimidation and electoral manipulation have characterised every election held under his rule. H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda at the Somalia Conference in London, 7 May 2013. [Photo by Foreign Commonwealth Office / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 Museveni and the NRM are urging voters to protect the economic gains of recent decades and to make the leap into high middle-income status. Central to this narrative is the promise of future oil wealth, with Museveni banking on revenues from the newly established oil industry, associated infrastructure and the pipeline linking Ugandas Lake Albert oilfields to the Tanzanian port of Tangathe East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)which is scheduled to enter commercial production in July this year. That such wealth would be shared with the population is a fiction. The only people with gains to defend are the financial and business elites around the state and military apparatusincluding Musevenis own family. Ugandas richest 10 percent receive 35.7 percent of national income, while the poorest 10 percent survive on just 2.5 percent. The social crisis is most acute among young people, who make up more than 70 percent of the population. More than half of those aged 18 to 30 are not in employment, education or training, according to the UNDP, with young women disproportionately affected. Only 90,000 graduatesaround 13 percentsecure formalsector jobs each year. For the vast majority of young people, the only options are unemployment or precarious and hugely exploitative work in the informal economy, without contracts, benefits, or job security amid a soaring cost of living crisis. Access to healthcare has collapsed. The termination of US funding to USAID and the World Health Organisationprogrammes that supported HIV, malaria, Ebola and maternal and child health servicesled to thousands of health workers losing their jobs. US foreign assistance to Uganda totals around $710 million annually, most of it for HIV/AIDS treatment, supporting more than 700,000 people. This is nearly double the Ugandan governments entire health budget for 2024/25, underscoring the fragility of the system and its dependence on external funding. Museveni cracks down on opposition Aware of his fragile support, Museveni has launched a savage repression on the main opposition party led by the 43yearold National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine. In the 2021 election, he won 35 percent of the vote in the 2021 election to Musevenis 58 percent, with the NUP securing 57 parliamentary seats. When Wine rejected the results as fraudulent, his supporters faced violent repression, with dozens killed and thousands detained. During the current election campaign, repression has intensified sharply. According to Amnesty International, around 400 NUP members have been arrested, many of them subjected to torture. The militarised repression is so pervasive that Wine wears a bulletproof vest and helmet at campaign events. Museveni has also jailed prominent opposition figure and former ally, Kizza Besigye, who has run against him four times, after the regime abducted him in Kenya in 2024, and charged him with treason. The campaign period has been marked by heavily militarised policing, with armoured vehicles on the streets of Ugandas towns and cities, and security forces teargassing opposition rallies. Museveni shut down internet from Wednesday to Sunday. The blackout is intended to facilitate rigging of the election, prevent possible protesters from coordinating, and give the security forces free rein to carry out a bloodshed. Similar tactics were employed in neighbouring Tanzania, where an internet shutdown was imposed after mass protests, leading to mass killings of hundreds, potentially thousands; and in Kenya, after the Gen-Z protests erupted against austerity measures. No one doubts that the results of Ugandas presidential and parliamentary elections will be a win for Museveni and his cronies. Through bribery, coercion and administrative exclusion, NUP candidatesespecially outside Wines central strongholdshave been induced to defect, withdraw or been disqualified to ensure ruling-party candidates run unopposed. In parallel, the regime has poured millions into vote-buying among informal-sector workers in central Uganda to undermine Wines urban support. Uganda and imperialism Museveni has enjoyed the backing of US imperialism and the European powers for decades. Washington has poured more than a billion dollars over the last 20 years into military aid, training the units responsible for torture, abductions and disappearances at home and abroad. Uganda has more than 15,000 troops stationed in Somalia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic, where they serve as a proxy force protecting the grip of the imperialist powers and their corporations over the regions vast mineral resources, while looting resources in their own interests. Last year, in bid to curry favour with President Donald Trump, secure trade concessions, and pre-empt any US criticism of the elections, Museveni agreed to accept migrants from third countries deported from the US. Location map of Uganda [Photo by Own work, copyleft: Multi-license with GFDL and Creative Commons CC-BY-SA-2.5 and older versions (2.0 and 1.0) / CC BY-SA 3.0 Museveni, however, can no longer take US backing for granted. In recent years, as he has deepened ties with Washingtons rivals, including China, Russia, and Iran, the US has moved to downgrade its economic relationship with Kampala. Uganda was removed from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), ending its preferential duty-free access to US markets, in 2023. Earlier this year the Trump administration imposed a 15 percent tariff on Ugandan exports, hitting coffee, vanilla, cocoa, and petroleum products particularly hard. Underlying this is Chinas involvement in Ugandas oil industry and pipelines. China has provided crucial funding for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and related oil projects while European and US states and financial institutions have withdrawn. Uganda also joined the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) bloc as a partner nation in early 2025. Museveni himself has tacitly acknowledged the deterioration of relations with Washington. Responding to the recent US attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro, he remarked, Americans actions in Venezuela are still unclear; we have yet to learn what is really happening. Although the Americans are powerful in the air and at sea, if they come within close range on land, we can defeat them. The statement underscored Kampalas fears that it too could be targeted for regime change. Bobi Wine no alternative The NUP opposition, however, offers no alternative. Wines support is concentrated among young people and the frustrated middle-class layers in Kampala and the Buganda and Busoga (west and east of Kampala respectively) that want a greater share of the cake. He has no perspective to win the support of the rural poor who constitute around 70 percent of Ugandas population. The NUPs Manifesto 202631 is explicitly pro-capitalist, pledging to lower the cost of doing business by lowering taxes, simplifying licensing procedures, and promoting digital solutions to cut bureaucratic delays, while establishing transparent, consistent regulatory frameworks to make Uganda more investor-friendly. Ugandan opposition politician Bobi Wine giving an interview to Voice of America in 2024 [Photo: VoA - YouTube] At the centre of the NUPs programme is attracting foreign investment and expanding industrial parks and special economic zones to facilitate it. The manifesto commits to developing at least 30 industrial parks by 2030, arguing that governments must foster industrial clusters as common special economic zones to boost foreign investment. It promises to provide core infrastructure, utilities, and land access to serious domestic investors and to offer fiscal incentives such as tax breaks to firms operating within these zones. On public debt, the NUP pledges to restore so called fiscal rule of law, to renegotiate rather than repudiate the debt, and to protect investor confidence. In practice, this can only translate into continued austerity imposed on already depleted healthcare, education, and social services. In foreign policy, the most striking feature of the NUPs programme is what it omits. There is no opposition to Ugandas role as a regional military proxy for the imperialist powers, nor to the deployment of the security apparatus to defend strategic and corporate interests at home and abroad. The manifesto is silent on Ugandas military interventions in Somalia, South Sudan and the DR Congo. Wine, himself a millionaire, is positioning himself as a more acceptable, youthful and reform-minded manager for imperialism and factions of the Ugandan bourgeoisie. He has a long track record of appealing to US and British imperialism to impose sanctions on Musevenis inner circle, appealing to the very powers that have sustained his dictatorship for four decades. Significantly, Wines rallies have been marked by the prominent display of US flags, amid the backdrop of Washingtons attack on Venezuela. These are a clear appeal to Washington. Wine has refused to condemn the recent US military attack on Venezuela and has maintained ties with factions of the Venezuelan opposition that for years have sought to oust the Bolivarian government with active support from Washington. In 2021, Wine posted a picture of a Zoom call with Juan Guaido, the US-trained and funded operative of the extreme right-wing Voluntad Popular (Popular Will) party, recognised by the US as interim president, and referred to him as President in the post. In his tweet he wrote, Very pleased to speak with President @jguaido We discussed the way forward for both countries, and the need to build synergies for the defence of democratic principles and human rights across the globe. The post generated widespread backlash in Uganda and was later removed from his social media accounts. Wine is now calling for mass Gen-Z style protests if there is, as expected, electoral fraud. Lessons of the Gen Z protests However, the experience of the Gen-Z protests across Africa provides a decisive warning. In country after country, mass eruptions of youth anger against rigged elections, austerity and repressionfrom Kenya and Tanzania to Mozambique and Angolahave demonstrated immense courage and determination is not enough. These movements have been channeled behind pro-capitalist opposition parties, and met with brutal repression, paving the way to the consolidation of authoritarian rule. Without a clear break from all factions of the ruling class and their imperialist backers, spontaneous protests are contained, diverted or drowned in blood. Uganda will be no exception. Calls for Gen-Z style mobilisations under the political leadership of the NUP and other factions of the Ugandan bourgeoisie subordinate the social demands of youth and workers to a programme that leaves capitalist exploitation, imperialist domination and the repressive state apparatus intact. The key task is to build a revolutionary leadership rooted in the working class and linked to workers throughout the region and in the imperialist centres. It means building sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International in Uganda and across Africa and the globe to unite workers and youth in the fight for world socialism. Nurses on the picket line in New York City, January 13, 2026 On Tuesday 15,000 nurses at four hospitals in New York City continued their strike into its second day. Nurses are fighting for safe staffing levelswhich was also a key demand in their three-day strike two years agoas well as adequate health benefits, which enable them to afford their own healthcare. Reports have come out that Mount Sinai management fired three labor and delivery unit nurses on the eve of the strike by voicemail, in an act of intimidation. The fired nurses claim that after they refused managements demand that they train the travel nurses who would replace them if they went on strike, they were falsely accused of hiding supplies and fired without any investigation. The strike has won enormous support among workers in New York City and across the country, reflecting deep-seated anger over inequality and worsening conditions. The nurses strike emerges as an initial flashpoint in what could develop into a far wider confrontation between workers and the corporate and political establishment. This year alone, hundreds of thousands of workers in New York City face contract expirations, including roughly 150,000 municipal workers in AFSCME District Council 37, whose contract expires in November, and some 37,000 subway and transit workers in Transport Workers Union Local 100, whose contract expires on May 15. A delegation from the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council union on the nurses picket line in New York City, January 13, 2026 The strike raises the necessity for its expansion into a unified movement against social inequality, bringing the organized power of the working class into direct conflict with the financial oligarchy, which is centered in New York City and has the Trump administration at its head. Rather than allowing struggles to be isolated and defeated one by one over the course of the year, workers must seize the opportunity created by the nurses strike to begin coordinating a broader offensive, culminating in a city-wide general strike, now. The issues in the strikesafe staffing, healthcare, wages and basic living standardscan only be resolved through a frontal assault on the privileges and power of the corporate ruling elite by a movement of the working class. Such a perspective requires that workers themselves take the initiative. NYSNA (New York State Nurses Association) officials are already repeating their role from 2023, when they abruptly called off a strike at 11 of the 15 hospitals involved, isolating other nurses and shutting down the struggle after just three days. Nurses must be on guard against a repeat of this betrayal. Workers in other unions must likewise not accept mere verbal support on the part of their own officials but fight for joint actions. To prevent the strike from being sold out, rank-and-file nurses should form independent strike committees to assert democratic control over picketing, contract negotiations and the direction of the struggle, and to actively reach out to other sections of the working class in New York City and nationally for unified support and joint action. Reporters from the World Socialist Web Site spoke to nurses on the Mount Sinai East picket in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday about their struggle. A pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) nurse spoke about the effects of understaffing. When our unit is understaffed, the shift is very hectic and sometimes very unsafe. Its the same on any unit in the hospital. In the ICU, were lucky with better ratios. But when we have surges, like with RSV and respiratory viruses, sometimes that can go up to three patients per nurse. In other units, especially in the adult side, nurses can have four, five, six, seven patients when theyre understaffed. A lot of the risks involve efficiency and care. If you have too many patients, youre less likely to catch signs of decompensation quickly. So if a patients going to need increased care or they are getting sicker, sometimes you wont be able to catch that early because youre caring for all your other patients. This strike right now is a perfect example of how the hospital says they dont have enough money, but they do. Theyre paying the [scab] nurses $10,000 a week to work the strike while saying that they cant afford to pay the nurses health insurance. And so really, its a question of where they want to put that money. And they clearly dont want to put it into their own nurses. I think the way they see it is that they would rather keep that money for their profits and for their millionaire CEOs. I think in a country like the United States, where you dont have guaranteed health insurance, youre going to be sicker. We have a huge disparity in access to preventative care in this country. When people cant have primary preventative care, they rely on the hospital systems a lot more. A lot of people cant access healthcare outside of the emergency room and so the hospitals are heavily burdened with more patients because of this. So patients get sicker, their health is neglected and then the strain appears in the hospital. She also said that Mount Sinai has a VIP unit in the hospital for the wealthy. The rooms are much bigger. They have a concierge kitchen for them. Its terrible, and the people are really going to hurt. Its not going to affect the upper class. Its going to affect all the other Americansworking class Americans. And honestly, were the people who keep the country afloat, and if our health cant be protected, the country is going to struggle. An oncology nurse spoke about her experience with her own healthcare coverage she receives from her job. When I started at Mount Sinai a couple years ago, I loved my job and I was very excited to be here and part of the institution. I got pregnant and then found out that the maternity leave is seven and a half hours, total. I worked 12-hour shifts. So I had to take vacation to literally give birth to a baby and was in the hospital for a week. Thats not good healthcare. Thats not [what] we tell our patients, that they need to take time to heal. And thats not how we should be treated either. Theres always been a big, big discrepancy between the haves and have-nots in New York. You have the very, very rich, and you have the not wealthy. And somehow now I think when you look at it and affordable rents, your income has to be like over $150,000. Thats insane for most people. They cant afford that. A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse explained, When were short staffed, we can have like 26 nurses for up to 60-plus babies. We can have three babies plus assignments on our lower acuity side, which is not safe. And our high-acuity side you can have an intubated baby paired with another patient. You just cant focus and really play close attention to anything thats going on with your assignment. That puts our babies and their families at risk, and thats why were out here protesting for them. A perioperative nurse, working in the operating room for the last seven years, declared short staffing is dangerous for patients and staff. I havent had any incidents, but I have seen patients attack staff. We dont have any security on the floors so we have to deal with that on the floors. They terminated our health insurance so currently, we have no healthcare. Im forced to go into rooms where patients have all sorts of things, and I dont have coverage in case I get sick. This was not because of the strike, but since January 1 Anthem and the hospital could not come to terms with pricing. It affects the patients coming into the hospital, because if I get sick I pass it on to my patient, my patient passes it on to the next person. Its unsafe conditions in there. I cant heal myself or take the time I need because theyre trying to cut back on that. But in every hospital you go to you will see VIP suites, even though all patients in my eyes are VIP and get special treatment. VIP suites are like hotel rooms. There is definitely a connection with government healthcare cutbacks. That is what the hospital complains about. The new pricing is because of the cuts the President has made. The Democrats are not doing any fighting back whatsoever. Asked about expanding the strike, the OR nurse said, I wish we could pull everybody together and do a general strike. I think we would win. We would make some changes, but it has to be unity, getting everybody to do it. Word of the strike has also spread widely to healthcare workers across the country. In San Diego, UC Health Hillcrest hospital workers expressed strong statements to the WSWS in solidarity of New York nurses. One resident said, The residents are in solidarity with the nurses and definitely support their struggling for better staffing and wages. Nurses safe staffing is important to being able to provide quality care to our patients. Another nurse stated, I completely support it! For better wages and especially if its over safer working conditions. Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG) is one of the 10 cheapest oil and gas stocks to invest in. According to the companys announcement dated January 5, it has entered into five-year time charter agreements for two of its LR2 product tankers, STI Rose and STI Alexis. Both tankers were constructed in 2015 at a daily rate of $29,000 per vessel. The charters are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026. oil tanker The company currently owns or leases a fleet of 93 product tankers with an average age of 9.8 years. Its fleet consists of 42 MR tankers, 14 Handymax tankers, and 37 LR2 tankers. The firm has also agreed to sell three LR2 product tankers, with closings expected in the first quarter of 2026. In addition to this, the company has 4 MR newbuildings expected to be delivered in 2026 and 2027, two LR2 newbuildings due in the third quarter of 2027, and two VLCC newbuildings with planned delivery in the second half of 2028. On January 2, BTIG analyst Gregory Lewis reaffirmed a Buy rating on the stock, along with the price target of $75. The firms price target implies a further 36.4% upside from the current levels. This upside is consistent with the median Wall Street analysts upside of 35%. Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG) is engaged in the seaborne transportation of refined petroleum and crude oil products globally. Its fleet consists of 99 owned and leased financed tankers as of March 20, 2025. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Monaco. While we acknowledge the potential of STNG 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: Cathie Woods Stock Portfolio: Top 10 Stocks to Buy and 30 Most Fantastic Stocks Every Investor Should Pay Attention To. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Since the reactionary mass murder of 15 people at Sydneys Bondi Beach on December 14, the entire Australian political and media establishment, led by state and federal Labor governments, has sought to use the horrific terrorist attack as a pretext to slash democratic rights. The immediate target is opposition to Israels imperialist-backed genocide in Gaza, but ultimately this campaign is aimed at stamping out all forms of political dissent by workers and young people. Enthusiastically backing this witch hunt is the Murdoch-owned Australian, the journal of record for the countrys ruling elite. The newspaper has waged an unrelenting campaign since October 2023 against students, academics, medical professionals and anyone else who has failed to unconditionally support the Zionist ethnic cleansing operation, but its crusade has risen to a fever pitch in the wake of the Bondi attack. On Thursday, the newspapers front page featured an exclusive, headlined Exposed: unions secret anti-Israel campaign. Citing leaked internal documents, author John Ferguson denounces the Unionists for Palestine (U4P) group, which he claims has carried out a systematic attack on Israeli interests in Australia and an internal struggle to gain mainstream union support for the cause. In fact, the role of the U4P, led by the pseudo-left groups Socialist Alternative in Melbourne and Solidarity in Sydney, has been to provide left cover for the intransigent refusal of Australias trade unions to allow workers to take action against the genocide. In explicit repudiation of the calls from Palestinian unions for solidarity actions, the bureaucracy has ensured that not a single strike aimed at blocking the supply of weapons parts or other goods to the Zionist regime has taken place. This absence of industrial action is not because of any lack of opposition among workers to the genocide, a fact clearly attested to by the sustained and often weekly mass protests in Australias major cities, and, in particular, the August march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge involving some 300,000 workers and young people. The union apparatus could not have held back this tide of oppositional sentiment without the support of the pseudo-left and U4P. To the extent that U4P has carried out any actions at all, they have been designed to create the illusion that the unions are engaged inor could be persuaded to engage ina struggle against the genocide. The purpose of this charade is to keep workers tied to the union bureaucracy, even as it refuses to sanction any form of industrial action, and defend the unions ongoing support of the complicit state and federal Labor governments. Ferguson, and the ruling class for which he speaks, understand this clearly and do not fear the U4P. This attack is part of the broader Labor-led effort to exploit the death of 15, mostly Jewish, people at Bondi to neuter broad and growing support for the Palestinian people among workers and youth. ASU for Palestine members protesting in Melbourne on January 11, 2026 [Photo: ASU for Palestine] While the article focusses on ASU for Palestine, a subset of the U4P comprising members of the Australian Services Union, it is really aimed at the working class as a whole, to which it sends a clear message: Not even the slightest, most limited opposition to Israels genocide or the broader program of imperialist war will be tolerated. This is underscored by the mention towards the end of the article that scores of [union members] have their identities disclosed in the documents. This is a thinly veiled threat: Any workers who dare to get involved with ASU for Palestineor any other pro-Palestinian organisations, for that mattershould not be surprised if they are targeted for personal retribution and intimidation. What is most notable about the piece, aside from its hysterical tone, is how minor the supposed actions of ASU for Palestine actually are. First on the list is the enormous pressure ASU for Palestine have placed on Vision Superan industry superannuation fund partly run by the ASU bureaucracyallegedly provoking the fund to divest from its Israeli investments last October. In fact, as the Australian wrote at the time, Vision Supers stakes in two Israeli banks were really just pocket lintamounting to $8 million of the $29 billion the fund managesand the divestment pure theatre. Moreover, while ASU for Palestine celebrated the Vision Super divestment announcement, they used it as cover for the fact that the fund had ignored their demand to end its investment in weapons manufacturers, including BAE Systems, Raytheon Technologies and GE Aerospace, and other companies assisting in or profiting from Israels genocide and occupation. Ferguson goes on to complain that ASU for Palestine advocated for asking coworkers what they thought about the Gaza genocide and encouraging them to join the union. In a desperate and unhinged attack on this utterly benign form of workplace activism, the writer notes that the group recently encouraged such activity just weeks before the Bondi massacre. Beyond this, the Australians case against ASU for Palestine amounts to little more than the group holding numerous meetings since October 2023 and occasionally lobbying for Palestinian solidarity within the broader trade union framework, including through the temporary hoisting of a Palestinian flag above the Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC) building in Melbourne. Not mentioned in the article is the (self-described) crowning achievement of U4P and ASU for Palestine: two brief stop-work rallies in Melbourne last year, involving no more than a few dozen staff, many attending in their lunch break before returning to work. Limited as these events were, under conditions where every union bureaucracy in the country has worked to ensure that not a single strike against the genocide has taken place, the brief stoppages were so remarkable that the organisers of the second awarded themselves a commemorative plaque. The Australians attack on ASU for Palestine is in line with a further shift to the right by the unions, which have already spent more than two years blocking any industrial action by workers, directly repudiating the desperate calls for solidarity from the Palestinian trade unions. With the Bondi terror attack as a pretext, VTHC Secretary Luke Hilakari and Health Services Union President Gerard Hayes last month openly denounced protests against the genocide. Hayes declared it was obscene to continue to protest at this point in time, while Hilakari said pro-Palestine protesters had made all the points they need to make about Gaza and they just need to back off. Significantly, the two union leaders made these statements to the Australian, which gleefully reported the news of two prominent union officials openly lining up in support of Labors police-state measures to crush working-class opposition. Illustrating the union bureaucracys agreement with the right-wing Murdoch-controlled outlet, Hilakari also took the opportunity to attack U4P and its pseudo-left backers, declaring, the extreme left is horrible, absolutely horrible, and can be completely out of control. The rapid shift to the right by the unions after the Bondi attack, in line with the entire political establishment, is a significant development, but not one that comes out of the blue. For decades, the unions have served as an industrial police force, suppressing workers opposition to attacks on their jobs, wages and conditions by governments and big business. A key component of that suppression has been the unions enforcement of the harsh anti-strike provisions contained in the Fair Work Act, drafted and refined through the collaboration of the top union bureaucrats with successive federal Labor governments since it was introduced under the Rudd-Gillard administration in 2008. Labors moves to criminalise protestopenly supported by Hayes and Hilakari and not opposed by a single union leaderare the logical extension of these draconian strike bans from the workplace to the political arena. As is the case with the Fair Work Act, the anti-protest laws will provide a pseudo-legal justification for what the union apparatus has already been enforcing since October 2023the suppression of working-class struggle against genocide and war. Despite this, the pseudo-left organisations, including their Unionists for Palestine front groups, continue to insist that the union bureaucracies and Labor governments can be reformed through polite appeals and yet more protests. Most strikingly, Socialist Alternative has characterised Labors state and federal assault on democratic rights in the aftermath of the Bondi attack as an inexplicable capitulation to the far-right, against which it must be defended. This is in line with how the pseudo-left cover for the unions in every workplace betrayal, cloaking their complicity with the bureaucracy behind periodic appeals for greater militancy and occasional calls for the repeal of anti-strike laws. What has been demonstrated since the Bondi attack is that the more Labor and the unions shift to the right, the more energetically the pseudo-left seek to defend them. This exposes their role as a last line of defence for the political establishment, employing left-populist and occasionally socialist rhetoric to divert genuine opposition to the ruling class into the safe channels of reformism and protest politics. Like the unions, the pseudo-left organisations claim to represent the working class is a fraud. Instead, they speak for sections of the upper-middle class, seeking to advance their own material interests within the capitalist system. The lesson for workers is clear: To fight genocide and war, and to defend democratic rights, workers need to take matters into their own hands. In the first instance, this means establishing rank-and-file committees in every workplace, politically and organisationally independent of the complicit unions and Labor. Through such committees, linking up across industries, throughout Australia and internationally, what must be built is a socialist movement of the working class, directed against genocide, war and their root cause, capitalism itself. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player A B-2 stealth bomber conducts a flyover on the South Lawn of the White House, Saturday, July 4, 2020, in Washington. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon] The Trump administration is preparing an imminent military attack on Iran in the next stage of a regime-change operation aimed at returning the Middle Eastern country of 93 million people to neocolonial subjugation and placing its vast oil reserves under US imperialist control and domination. For days, Trump, Americas fascist would-be dictator president, and his henchmen have been threatening to strike Iran with bombs and missiles under the cynical pretext of defending anti-government protestors. On Tuesday morning, in a social media post framed as a message to the Iranian protesters, Trump declared, TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS... Help is on its way. This was just hours before he was to confer with top Pentagon generals and his national security staff on options for attacking Iran. Open-source intelligence and flight-tracking data reveal that since December there has been a surge of US war materials to the Persian Gulf region, a necessary prerequisite for waging war on Iran. Trumps attempt to depict himself as the liberator of the Iranian people is a monstrous fraud, based on the Hitlerian concept of the Big Lie. US imperialism never reconciled itself to the mass uprising that overthrew the tyrannical regime of the Shah in 1979. It has mounted a decades-long campaign of threats, military aggression and economic warfare against Iran and its people. In 2018, Trump torpedoed the UN-backed Iran nuclear accord and unilaterally imposed crippling sanctionssubsequently reinforced under the Democrat Bidenwith the avowed aim of crashing Irans economy and bringing about regime-change. Washingtons desired outcome has always been driving the Iranian people into deprivation and misery. The sanction-enforced cut-off of access to drugs and advanced medical devices has alone caused tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of premature deaths. As always, the US corporate media are all reading from the same script dictated from the White House. They question nothing, investigate nothing. Less than two weeks ago, Washington illegally attacked Venezuela, killing more than 80 people, kidnapping its president and claiming control over what are the worlds largest oil resources. In the weeks preceding, the media repeated the administrations transparent lies that President Nicolas Maduro headed a narco-terrorist regime, just as they breathlessly repeated the claims of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney regarding Saddam Husseins weapons of mass destruction in the run-up to American imperialisms 2003 invasion of Iraq. Now Trump, his Democratic Party enablers and the media are exploiting the demonstrations in Iran to create a new casus belli. It replaces that used to justify last Junes 12-day US-Israeli war on Iran that killed more than 1,000 people, and which Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invoked when they held a war conclave at Mar-a-Lago on December 29the threat supposedly posed by Irans civilian nuclear program. No doubt there is widespread anger and dissatisfaction with Irans clerical-led bourgeois nationalist regime, which represses any form of working class political self-expression and has systematically dismantled the social concessions made to the working people in the immediate aftermath of the 1979 revolution that overthrew the tyrannical monarchical dictatorship of the Shah. Given the shutdown of the Internet and social media, it is difficult to make a comprehensive assessment of all the forces at work within Iran. But at this point, there is not credible evidence that the protests now unfolding in Iran are a movement of and for the working class. This is attested to by their social composition, absence of any demands to address the pressing socio-economic problems facing Irans workers and rural toilers, and the lack of any organized working class intervention in the form of mass strikes. The protests were initiated by the bazaarithat is, a section of the bourgeoisie and petty bourgeoisie comprised of money-lenders, merchants and shopkeepersand have taken on an ever more explicitly right-wing, pro-imperialist character, akin to the color revolutions instigated by American imperialism and it agents in Ukraine, Georgia and elsewhere. The operatives of the CIA and other imperialist intelligence agencies are manifestly present and playing a major role in inciting violence, alongside such foreign-based imperialist operatives as the Shahs son, the Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who late last week urged protesters to press for the governments overthrow by seizing and holding city centers. On Thursday, Israels far-right Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu boasted that Israeli agents are operating on the ground in Iran. As in 1953, when the CIA and Britains MI5 organized the coup that overthrew Irans elected prime minister, the nationalist Mossadegh, imperialism works through sections of the Iranian bourgeoisie and petty-bourgeoisie, including, no doubt, disaffected sections of the Islamic Republics establishment, eager to secure their wealth and privileges by functioning as direct imperialist agents. The elements that at this point predominate in the demonstrations are viciously hostile to the plight of the oppressed masses, as exemplified in the prominent protest slogan, My heart beats only for Irannot for Gaza, not for Lebanon!, the protesters targeting of Afghan refugees, and the increasing embrace of the Pahlavi dynasty. Due to the misrule of the Islamic Republic and the political confusion spread by the pseudo-left in and outside Iran, who call for unity with far-right forces in the name of democracy, tragically some workers and students have no doubt been caught up in the ongoing protests and state repression. But as the World Socialist Web Site previously explained, any progressive tendency in Iran would have to immediately repudiate Trumps support, denounce the threat of imminent US military action and call for the immediate lifting of the punitive sanctions that are strangling Irans economy. From all indications, as the pro-imperialist character of the protests has become clearer, they have become restricted to more privileged sections of Iranian society. Within the working class, the memory of the Shahs regime, its subservience to US imperialism, monopolization of the countrys wealth and the brutal repression upon which it rested, endures. The imperialists now declaring their horror and revulsion over the events in Iran have not been moved by the ongoing slaughter of tens of thousands of Palestinian men, women, and children in Gazato say nothing of the Nazi-style starvation of the entire enclaves populationperpetrated by Israel with the full support and military assistance of Washington, first under Biden and now Trump. As in Venezuela at the beginning of the year, the Trump administration is acting with utter criminality and recklessness. However, more than criminality connects the attack on Venezuela and the regime-change operation, and an impending military attack targeting Iran. They are part of a developing world war. The US is seeking to seize hold of the worlds oil resources in preparation for military confrontation with China. China imports more than 70 percent of its daily oil consumption, with Iran accounting, according to various estimates, for 11 percent or more of all Chinese imports in 2025 and Venezuela for 3-4 percent. Losing access to Iranian oil would be a significant economic and strategic shock to Chinas independent industrial base. Workers must be warned: US imperialism is on the verge of launching a new war against Iran whose consequences are incalculable. In threatening Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated, When [Trump] says hell do something, he means it. Trump has repeatedly vowed to unleash military fury against Iran, just as he has pledged to rule like a dictator. I dont need international law, Trump told the New York Times last week. The only thing that can stop me, he continued, is my own will. In reality, there is something that can stop him: the international working class. Even as Trump prepares for war on Iran, 15,000 nurses are on strike in New York Citythe largest nurses strike in the city in decades. In France, hundreds of thousands have struck against austerity. Italy saw a general strike in November. Belgiums workers walked out against the countrys coalition government. From Germany to the UK to Latin America, the objective conditions for a global movement against capitalism and war are emerging. As the WSWS wrote in its New Year statement: The ruling class has made clear what they want 2026 to be: a year of unrestrained military violence. The answer must be to make 2026 a year of class struggle and the development of a mass movement for socialism. This depends on the building of a new leadership in the working class, rooted in the principles of Marxism and armed with the strategy of permanent revolution to forge its political independence and unify its struggles across state boundaries and continents. Six federal prosecutors in Minnesota and multiple senior Civil Rights Division lawyers at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. have resigned in the last 48 hours after the Trump administration refused to investigate the killing of Renee Nicole Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jonathan Ross last week in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Protesters confront federal immigration officers outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Minneapolis. [AP Photo/Adam Gray] Among those who have resigned are Assistant US Attorney Joe Thompson, appointed by President Donald Trump last June, along with Harry Jacobs, Melinda Williams, Thomas Calhoun-Lopez, Ruth Schneider and Tom Hollenhurst. In D.C., at least six senior prosecutors in the criminal section of the Civil Rights Division have also indicated they are resigning after the head of the division, Trump loyalist Harmeet Dhillon, informed staff that the division would not investigate the actions of Ross. The Civil Rights Division normally investigates every fatal shooting by a federal officer to review whether civil rights violations occurred, even if the inquiry later concludes that no charge is warranted. In this case, however, the division was excluded from the Minneapolis shooting probe entirely, a decision that prompted an extraordinary exodus of career prosecutors. In a statement Tuesday, Trumps personal lawyer-turned Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said there was currently no basis for a criminal civil rights investigation into the killing of Good. The murder of Good and ongoing federal occupation of Minneapolis-St. Paul have provoked mass protests across the United States. Demonstrations erupted last week after video evidence, viewed by millions of people, showed ICE agent Ross positioning himself in front of Renee Nicole Goods vehicle before firing his pistol first through the bottom far-right corner of the windshield and then twice through the open side window, killing the unarmed mother of three. After murdering Good, Ross called her a f__king bitch and quickly left the scene. His fellow ICE thugs prevented a self-identified physician from rendering any medical aid to Good after she was shot. Emergency medical technicians were not able to drive directly to the scene of the shooting and were forced to walk on foot, further delaying medical care. In the aftermath of the ICE murder, top Trump administration officials quickly labeled Good a domestic terrorist and backed Rosss killing of her, justifying it as self-defense. Even as more video evidence emerged confirming that Good did not try to hit Ross, or any other agent, with her vehicle, Vice President JD Vance doubled down in his attacks on the dead mother, calling her a deranged leftist who was engaged in classic terrorism. After the killing of Good, federal officials quickly moved to stifle any local investigation into Ross. Rather than investigate Ross and other ICE agents for their role in the murder, the Trump administration and the FBI are pursuing an investigation into Goods widow and any alleged political or organizational ties of the couple, turning the killing into a spearhead for criminalizing dissent and expanding state repression. The New York Times reported on January 12 that federal investigators are looking into [Goods] possible connections to activist groups protesting the Trump administrations aggressive immigration enforcement. The Trump administrations refusal to investigate the killing of Good is not an isolated distortion of justice, but part of a broader political-legal offensive rooted in National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7) issued in September and the December 4 memorandum from US Attorney General Pam Bondi that followed. NSPM-7 creates a domestic terrorism framework that strings together unrelated acts of protest, opposition to immigration enforcement and left-wing political expression into a single alleged conspiracy of organized political violence, recasting anti-capitalist, pro-immigrant, anti-fascist and socialist sentiments as indicators of terror to be hunted down by the federal state. The Bondi memo, issued in December to implement NSPM-7, explicitly tasks the FBI and Department of Justice with compiling lists of groups and individuals deemed to be engaged in domestic terrorism, disseminating intelligence on Antifa and Antifa-aligned networks, and mobilizing joint terrorism task forces to investigate and disrupt these political formations. Far from being limited to violent crime, these directives criminalize political dissent and protest under the rubric of terrorism, effectively giving the state license to treat criticism of the government, pro-immigrant activism and socialist advocacy as security threats. As the World Socialist Web Site has explained, NSPM-7 and the Bondi memo together constitute a fascistic blueprint for deploying the full federal police apparatus against the democratic rights of workers and immigrants, regardless of citizenship status. Trumps own Truth Social post on Tuesday leaves no doubt about the political character of the federal response. In a string of false and inflammatory claims, he told Minnesotans that the state suffered from thousands of already convicted murderers, drug dealers and addicts, rapists, violent released and escaped prisoners, dangerous people from foreign mental institutions and insane asylums, and insisted that all the patriots of ICE were simply trying to remove these alleged threats from their communities. He charged professional agitators with fomenting unrest and promised a day of reckoning & retribution, even though the only ones kidnapping workers and shooting mothers in the face for a paycheck are agents of the federal Gestapo. Trumps rant is a public declaration of policy. The language of reckoning and retribution, the demonization of immigrants and protesters as violent criminals mirror the framework established by NSPM-7 and the Bondi memo. What is being prepared is not a narrow policing operation, but the normalization of mass repression. The state is laying the ideological and legal groundwork to treat opposition to capitalism, deportations and authoritarian rule as a form of domestic terrorism, justifying surveillance, raids, prosecutions and violence against broad layers of the working class. The fascistic character of these actions flows from a deeper crisis of American capitalism itself. The state is moving to repression not from a position of strength, but because its social foundations are collapsing. Millions of workers and young people are rejecting the existing political order, with support for socialist ideas and opposition to ICE and mass deportations reaching historic levels. What is being prepared is the violent defense of a discredited system. The Democratic Party offers no genuine opposition to this police-state agenda. Notwithstanding verbal denunciations from so-called progressives such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, the Democrats oppose calls to shut down ICE, end the pogrom against immigrants, release the tens of thousands imprisoned in ICE concentration camps and guarantee the rights of all workers, native-born and immigrant alike. The Democratic Partylike Trump and the Republicans a party of the corporate oligarchy and the capitalist statefears the emergence of mass working class opposition from below far more than it does the consolidation of a presidential dictatorship. The response cannot be appeals to the very institutions carrying out these crimes. It requires the independent mobilization of the working class and the building of rank-and-file organizations outside the control of the corporate parties and union bureaucracies to protect workers from the immigration Gestapo and begin preparations for a general strike to bring down the fascistic Trump regime. In a major step aimed at prolonging NATOs war with Russia in Ukrainewhich has now lasted almost four yearsBritains Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced it will rapidly develop a ground-launched deep-strike ballistic missile intended for use by Ukrainian forces. In a January 11 MoD statement Defence Minister John Healey said the new ballistic missile can deliver a 200kg warhead over more than 500 kilometres (310 miles), giving Ukraine what he called a long-range punch to counter Russian aggression and bringing Moscow within range of the weapon. Healey added that the missiles will be capable of being launched from a range of vehicles, firing multiple missiles in quick succession and withdrawing within minutesallowing Ukrainian forces to hit key military targets before Russian forces can respond. Defence Secretary John Healey speaking at the Heads of Mission Conference at Lancaster House, July 1, 2025 [Photo by Rosie Hallam / MOD / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 The Nightfall project was launched officially last August in a government commission asking companies whether they could meet the missiles technical requirements. The project was described as building on the UKs ironclad commitment to Ukraine, particularly to its long-range capabilities, through the gifting of thousands of deep-strike one-way attack drones. By March this year, the MoD said, three industry teams would each be awarded a 9 million development contract to design, develop and deliver their first three missiles within 12 months for test firings. The cost of the missiles is staggering, with a slated production rate of 10 systems per month and a maximum price of 800,000 per missile. For context, while the Starmer government imposes pay restraint throughout the National Health Service, the cost of a single Nightfall missile would pay for the annual salary of up to 25 NHS nurses. Supplying such missiles is crucial for the European powers as they seek a continuation of the war. Ukraine has so far received Storm Shadow cruise missiles from the UK (with a range of 250km or 160 miles) and ATACMS ballistic missiles from the US (with a range of 300 kilometres or 186 miles). They have become increasingly important to Ukrainian strategy, used to target Russian military and industrial infrastructure well behind the front lines. Besides having a longer range than either Storm Shadows or ATACMS, the Nightfalls could fill the gap left if Ukraines stock of the American-made missile is not resupplied. It remains unclear how many ATACMS Ukraine has left, with US officials in recent months expressing concern that their own stockpiles are being depleted. According to an Associated Press report last March, A U.S. official said the U.S. provided fewer than 40 of those missiles overall and that Ukraine ran out of them in late January. Nightfall missiles were, in Healeys words, necessary to keep Ukraine in the fight and to put leading-edge weapons into the hands of Ukrainians. His comment, you defend your cities by having layers of defence, and you partly defend by being able to attack, underscores that British and European support for Ukraine is aimed at using the country as a platform for offensives against Russia. The Project Nightfall timetable follows an agreement between Britain and France earlier this month to establish and protect military hubs across Ukraine following any ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia. That long-range missiles could be central to these hubs is proof of the plan to develop Ukraine as a forward base for NATO, armed to the teeth. The European NATO powers are developing their own long-range land-based missiles. Launched in July 2024, the European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA)comprising France, Germany, Italy, the UK, Sweden, Poland and the Netherlandsis expected to play a key role in Europes defence posture by the 2030s. Amid US threats to withdraw military support from NATO and Europe, ELSA aims at strengthening the European defence industrial and technological base and contributing to strengthening the European pillar of the Alliance, for better sharing of the burden between Allies. Pushing forward with this rearmament programme, last May the UK and Germany announced a partnership to develop a deep precision strike weapon with a planned range exceeding 2,000 kilometres (1,240 miles). While ELSA remains formally intact, it is wracked by national divisions. The Defence Express news site reported this month that of the seven countries leading it, four have already pursued their own national strategies. France was one of the countries to propose the establishment of ELSA. However, as Defence Express reported, Frances 1,000-kilometre LCM cruise missile is now increasingly viewed as a purely national project, with test flights planned for 2028. Meanwhile, Pariss plan to develop a 2,000-kilometre ballistic missile by 2030 is reportedly no longer being discussed as an area for cooperation. The presence of NATO troops, military hubs and long-range ballistic systems on Ukrainian soil massively elevates the risk of a direct confrontation between nuclear-armed powers. Moscow has repeatedly warned it will not accept NATO forces on Ukrainian territory, now, or as part of any US-brokered ceasefireand would treat them as legitimate targets. Prior to the Anglo-French pledge to deploy troops to Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the Federation Council, Russias upper house of parliament, December 10, As the president [Vladimir Putin] stressed, we have no plans to fight against Europe. No plans at all. However, we will respond to any hostile steps, including the deployment of European troops to Ukraine and the seizure of Russian assets. And we are already prepared to respond. Serving as the main junior partner of US imperialism, Britain has played a key role in provocations against Moscow. As Trumps hostility to the European powers grows, it is working hard to maintain a transatlantic anti-Russian alliance. Last week, using UK bases, joint US-British forces seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in waters off Scotland. At the request of the US, a Royal Air Force surveillance plane and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Tideforce took part in the operation. The British government has used the operation as a springboard for escalating plans targeting Russias shadow fleet of oil tankers. Following the operation, Healey told Parliament that the government was stepping up action on the [Russian] shadow fleet, developing further military options and strengthening coordination with allies. On Monday, The Times revealed that British special forces are being lined up to storm Russian shadow fleet vessels. The report stated that elite soldiers trained to rappel onto ships from helicopters and capture their crews could target hundreds of Russian-linked oil tankers. The Special Boat Service (SBS) is reportedly likely to lead the missions. A defence source all but confirmed to the newspaper that such seizures at sea were being planned, stating: If you want to dial up the economic pressure on Russia, that looks like operators fast-roping onto illegal oil tankers. Shortly after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a Royal Commission last Thursday, ostensibly into the December 14 attack in Bondi, the move was effusively welcomed by the Australian Greens. The inquiry, the Greens claimed, was a chance to learn hard lessons from the terrorist atrocity. In reality, the Commission, as its terms of reference and the ruling-class campaign for its establishment make clear, has nothing to do with uncovering how the Bondi terror attack occurred. Instead, the horrific murder of 15 people is being exploited to establish what will be a witch-hunting body, aimed at suppressing mass opposition to the genocide in Gaza, based on the slander that it is antisemitic, the label falsely applied to all criticism of Israels actions. The Greens immediate support for such an operation is highly revealing. Throughout the more than two years of Israels bombardment, the party has condemned the war crimes, seeking to win support on that basis from workers and particularly young people. But, amid a sharp shift in the situation and an escalation of the protracted campaign to outlaw mass opposition, the Greens are falling into line, demonstrating that their previous criticisms were phoney posturing. Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young [Photo: Australian Greens] The statement, issued in the name of acting party leader Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, was an exercise in cynical double-speak. Hanson-Young presented the Commission as a bona fide examination of the circumstances of the Bondi attack, aimed at preventing another such tragedy. In doing so, the Greens leader said nothing at all about the circumstances of Albaneses announcement. He called the inquiry, after a campaign spanning weeks by the corporate media, the Liberal-National Coalition, far-right parties, business groups and Zionist supporters of Israel. All of them had insisted that a Royal Commission was urgently necessary, not to examine how the intelligence agencies failed to prevent the attack, but to crack down on hostility to the genocide, including by banning protests and vilifying pro-Palestinians as antisemites. Labor governments have led the campaign to shift responsibility for the December 14 shootings on those who protest the Israeli genocide in Gaza, which all the Labor governments, state and federal, have defended and justified. The Royal Commission has been tasked with formally determining that fact. Hanson-Young issued the statement after Albanese had made clear he was giving these reactionary forces exactly what they wanted. Three of the four terms of reference for the Commission centre on vilifying opposition to the genocide and boosting the powers of the state, with just one of them directly relating to the circumstances of the attack itself. In his remarks announcing the Commission, Albanese had presented pro-Palestinian protests as an unacceptable threat to public safety. He had declared that his government accepted a definition of antisemitism that outlaws strident criticism of Israel. And he reiterated that Labor was committed to implementing the recommendations of a report prepared by its Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal, for the defunding of public institutions that fail to stamp out such criticism, Zionist censorship of the entire press and pro-Israeli propaganda throughout the education system. Hanson-Young and the Greens were aware of all of this. They chose not to mention it, because it thoroughly exposed their duplicitous presentation of the Commission as an impartial fact-finding mission. Indeed, Hanson-Young went further, presenting the Royal Commission as some sort of exercise in national healing. It was a chance to learn hard lessons while minimising divisive politics in crafting a national response to the anti-Semitic Bondi mass shooting. This could contribute to bringing together multicultural Australia to reinforce our values of tolerance, democracy and respect. All of which is the most cynical of political double-speak. The Greens should explain to the millions of people who oppose the genocide how defaming them as antisemitic and blaming them for a terrorist attack will reinforce the values of tolerance and respect. They might also tell Muslims and immigrants how the governments racist dog-whistling will bring together multicultural Australia. The terms of reference include suggestions of tightening the already racist and draconian border control regime, including with Trumpian interrogations of immigrants about their political beliefs. The statement concluded with a declaration of complete support for the government. The Greens will continue to work constructively with the Government to ensure our communities are safe and free of hate and prejudice, Hanson-Young stated. This is the same government that the Greens were correctly accusing of complicity in a genocide not so long ago, and of fuelling prejudice and division by attacking opponents of it. The Greens response will no doubt come as a surprise to layers of workers and youth, who have supported its condemnations of the genocide. But the statement is not an aberration. It flows from the entire character of the Greens as a party of the capitalist state, committed to defending the existing order. In the first instance, there is the question of the Greens previous condemnations of the genocide. Such condemnations were not connected to any political fight against the Labor government but to bolstering illusions in it. At protest after protest, and in statement after statement, the Greens appealed to Albanese and other Labor leaders to end their support for Israel and to oppose the genocide. That line obscured the reality that Labor has backed the atrocities because it is a party of imperialist war. In practice, it has served to politically-neuter the mass opposition and subordinate it to the very government that is complicit in the genocide. For the Greens, moreover, the genocide has always been a single issue. It has not prevented Greens parliamentary representatives from collaborating with the Labor government on other questions, including backing its pro-business environmental legislation late last year, and earlier supporting elements of its pro-developer housing policies. In the lead-up to the May, 2025 federal election, the Greens largely shelved their posturing over Gaza. Then party leader Adam Bandt did not raise the issue in his public appearances. In an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, he refused to repeat previous condemnations of Labor as complicit in the genocide. Instead, the entire thrust of the Greens campaign was to obtain the balance of power in parliament and form a coalition with Labor. As part of this right-wing orientation, the Greens outlined their first costed military policy, including $4 billion for the production of missiles and drones. That was a signal that the Greens would collaborate with Labor in the drive to war, not only against Palestine, but also in Australias frontline role in US-led preparations for war against China in the Indo-Pacific. The Greens election campaign was a disaster, with the party losing three of its four lower house seats and its vote static amid widespread political disaffection. With the Greens running on the policy of forming a coalition with Labor, there was little reason for people to vote for it, rather than for Labor itself. Labors victory, in turn, was not an expression of support for that party, but of opposition to the Liberal-National Coalition and its association with the fascistic US President Donald Trump. The Coalition was routed and remains mired in crisis. Under those conditions, the Greens are seeking to position themselves as the new second party of capitalist rule, mature enough to collaborate with the government and with the agencies of the capitalist state. This open turn to the right is an indictment of pseudo-left parties, such as Socialist Alternative and Socialist Alliance, which presented the posturing of the Greens over Gaza as good coin and repeatedly gave their leaders a platform to sound off at pro-Palestinian protests. Those seeking to fight war and the lurch towards authoritarianism must fight not only the Labor government, but also the Greens and their pseudo-left backers. What is required is an independent, socialist movement of the working class directed against the entire parliamentary set-up and a capitalist system that is hurtling towards barbarism. US private equity firm Warburg Pincus is exploring a possible sale of London-based insurance broker McGill and Partners, Bloomberg reported, citing sources. The firm has held preliminary talks with potential advisers to assess strategic options for McGill and Partners, the sources said, requesting anonymity as the discussions are not public. The transaction could value the business at more than $1bn, they added. A formal sales process may be launched later this year, although Warburg Pincus could also opt to retain ownership. A McGill and Partners spokesperson declined to comment, saying the management team remains focused on running the business and executing its long-term growth strategy. McGill and Partners was established in 2019 by Steve McGill, previously group president at professional services company Aon. The company reported revenue growth of more than 20% in the first half of 2025, alongside a 79% rise in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation compared with the same period a year earlier. Warburg Pincus made its initial investment in McGill in 2019. Five years later, the firm moved the business into a multi-asset continuation vehicle supported by HarbourVest Partners, Ardian and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. In September, McGill secured new credit facilities amounting to $300m from Morgan Stanley, Permira and Bridgepoint Group, saying the funding would support the companys next phase of growth. Last December, Warburg Pincus reportedly considered divesting its 26% stake in Indian insurer IndiaFirst Life Insurance. The talks were reported to suggest a valuation of more than Rs100bn ($1.1bn) for the Mumbai-based insurer. The stake is held via Warburg Pincus affiliate Carmel Point Investments India. "Warburg Pincus weighs potential sale of McGill and Partners " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. The wheat complex is showing losses so far on Tuesday. Chicago SRW futures are showing 2 to 3 cent losses so far on the day. KC HRW futures are down 6 to 7 cents so far on Tuesday. MPLS spring wheat is showing fractional losses at midday. The 7-day forecast from NOAA shows very little precip in the Southern Plains over the next week, with light totals in the SRW area. More News from Barchart USDA showed no changes the 2025/26 US wheat output, as feed and residual was trimmed by 20 mbu on the balance sheet to 100 and carryover from 2024/25 was up 4 mbu. That took US wheat ending stocks up 25 mbu to 926 mbu per the WASDE report. World wheat stocks were raised by another 3.38 MMT to 278.25 MMT. The quarterly Grain Stocks report showed December 1 wheat stocks at 1.675 bbu, above the average guess of 1.636 bbu. That was also 107 mbu above the same period last year. Russias wheat export projection for 2025/26 is estimated at 46.5 MMT by IKAR, up from their previous estimate of 44.1 MMT. European Commission data showed wheat exports at 11.6 MMT from July 1 to January 11, lagging the 11.8 MMT from last year. Mar 26 CBOT Wheat is at $5.09 1/4, down 2 cents, May 26 CBOT Wheat is at $5.20 1/4, down 2 1/2 cents, Mar 26 KCBT Wheat is at $5.19 1/2, down 7 1/4 cents, May 26 KCBT Wheat is at $5.31 1/4, down 6 3/4 cents, Mar 26 MIAX Wheat is at $5.65, down 3/4 cent, May 26 MIAX Wheat is at $5.76 1/4, unch, 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 Wheat is trading with slight gains to kick off Wednesday trade. The wheat complex closed the Tuesday trade mixed, as spring wheat was stronger and KC leading the charge to the downside. Chicago SRW futures posted fractional to penny losses in the front months to close out the day. Preliminary open interest was up 6,477 contracts on Tuesday. KC HRW futures closed the Tuesday session with contracts 6 to 7 cents in the red. OI slipped 823 contracts on Tuesday. MPLS spring wheat was fractionally to 2 cent higher in the front months on the day. The 7-day forecast from NOAA shows very little precip in the Southern Plains over the next week, with light totals in the SRW area. More News from Barchart Russias wheat export projection for 2025/26 is estimated at 46.5 MMT by IKAR, up from their previous estimate of 44.1 MMT. European Commission data showed wheat exports at 11.6 MMT from July 1 to January 11, lagging the 11.8 MMT total from last year. The FranceAgriMer estimates the French soft wheat ending stocks at 2.8 MMT, up slightly from last month. Mar 26 CBOT Wheat closed at $5.10 1/2, down 3/4 cent, currently up 2 cents May 26 CBOT Wheat closed at $5.21 3/4, down 1 cent, currently up 2 cents Mar 26 KCBT Wheat closed at $5.19 1/2, down 7 1/4 cents, currently up 1 1/4 cents May 26 KCBT Wheat closed at $5.31 1/4, down 6 3/4 cents, currently up 1 cents Mar 26 MIAX Wheat closed at $5.67 1/2, up 3/4 cent, currently up 1 1/2 cents May 26 MIAX Wheat closed at $5.78 1/2, up 1 1/4 cents, currently up 1 3/4 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 Timothy Busfield made his first court appearance in New Mexico on Wednesday to face child sexual abuse charges alleging the 68-year-old Emmy-winning actor and director abused 11-year-old twin boys on a film set. Busfield, in an orange prison jumpsuit, appeared via video from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County, where he is being held without bail. He did not enter a plea. A lawyer for Busfield told Judge Felicia Blea-Rivera that Busfield was advised of the charges against him. The judge informed Busfield that a pretrial detention motion seeking to keep him in custody had been filed by the Bernalillo County district attorneys office, and that he will remain in jail until a hearing on the motion, scheduled for Jan. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Busfield turned himself in to authorities in New Mexico on Tuesday, four days after an arrest warrant was issued by the Albuquerque Police Department. He was booked into jail on two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and one count of child abuse. According to the pretrial motion, the parents of a third alleged victim came forward this week accusing Busfield of sexual abuse. The alleged incident occurred several years ago at B Street Theatre in Sacramento, Calif., according to the filing. While auditioning for [Busfield] at B Street Theatre, the 16-year-old reported that [Busfield] kissed her and put his hands down her pants and touched her privates, the newly filed motion alleges. Busfield founded B Street Theatre, originally called Theatre for Children, in 1986. The actor begged the family to hold off on reporting the alleged incident to police if he received therapy, and the girls father, who is a therapist, agreed, according to the filing. Timothy Busfield. (Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center) Busfield has not been charged in relation to the new allegation. A representative for the actor did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Stanton Stein, an attorney for Busfield, said in a statement to Yahoo on Tuesday that his client is determined to clear his name. Tim voluntarily appeared before New Mexico authorities after traveling across the country to confront these false and deeply troubling allegations, Stein said. He is innocent. Busfield is best known for his TV roles on The West Wing and Thirtysomething and in the movie Field of Dreams. He is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, who starred in Little House on the Prairie. Gilbert deleted her Instagram account after the allegations against Busfield became public. In a separate statement, a representative for Gilbert said she would not be making any public comments about the case at the request of Busfields lawyers. Her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment, the statement said. Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. What are the allegations against him? Allison Janney and Busfield in 1999 on NBCs West Wing. (Eric Liebowitz/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) According to the criminal complaint, an investigation into Busfield began in November 2024 when a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital alerted police about suspected sexual abuse of the twin boys, who were both child actors. The minors are not identified in court documents. Advertisement Advertisement The alleged abuse occurred on the set of The Cleaning Lady, a now canceled TV drama Busfield directed and acted in, between 2022 and 2024. According to the complaint, Busfield would tell the boys to call him Uncle Tim. When the mother of the boys asked if anyone had ever touched them in a manner that made them feel uncomfortable, the children responded by asking, You mean like Uncle Tim? At the time of the initial investigation, in November 2024, the boys said that Busfield would tickle them, but did not disclose any sexual contact, and police determined that the case did not meet their acceptance criteria. In October 2025, the mother reported to Child Protective Services that both of her children disclosed that they had been sexually abused by Busfield. Advertisement Advertisement One of the children told a forensic child interviewer that the alleged abuse first occurred when he was 7 years old. The child said that Busfield touched him five to six times over his clothing in his poop and pee area. The child described a similar incident when he was 8 years old, in which Busfield touched him in the same areas over his clothing three to four times. He said he was afraid to tell anyone because Tim was the Director, and he feared Tim would get mad at him, the complaint states. According to the complaint, the boy previously told a therapist he was having nightmares about the director touching him and waking up scared. The boy also disclosed that the director had touched and rubbed his penis 3 or 4 times and appeared to be ashamed. The other boy told the forensic child interviewer that Busfield started touching them for the first two years they were on set. The boy said the touching occurred as they were filming in the house, and that he did not like being touched, but did not say anything because he did not want to get in trouble. What did Busfield tell police? Melissa Gilbert and Busfield in 2023. (Stephane Cardinale/Corbis via Getty Images) (Stephane Cardinale/Corbis via Getty Images) Busfield denied the allegations when he spoke with investigators in November 2025. Advertisement Advertisement During a phone interview with police, Busfield was asked if he ever had any physical contact with these boys and if he ever picked them up and tickled them. He said it was highly likely because, as a director, he wanted to foster a playful environment. I dont remember it, Busfield said, according to the complaint. If it happened, I dont remember overtly tickling the boys ever, but it wouldnt be uncommon for me. Busfield and Gilbert told police that they had a relationship with the alleged victims and their family outside of work. The couple advised that they did buy the two boys Christmas gifts and were together on several social functions, per the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Busfield said that the boys were eventually replaced by another child actor on the show, and that he was told by another actor that their mother wanted revenge on him for not bringing her kids back for the final season. Busfield and Patricia Wettig in 1989 on ABCs Thirtysomething. (ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images) In my training and experience, pedophiles often infiltrate families under a trusted role, like Timothy, who, as a producer, exploited the hectic film sets to tickle and touch [the boy] on his penis and buttocks, masking it as play, Albuquerque Police Officer Marvin Brown wrote in a conclusion to the complaint attached to the arrest warrant. He would invite the family to off-set gatherings, with his wife buying Christmas gifts to foster closeness, making [the boy] feel special and dependent classic grooming to erode boundaries, isolate the victim, and silence suspicions by blending abuse into normalcy, Brown continued. This dual tactic, charming parents while secretly violating the child, builds a web of complicity that is hard to unravel, delaying detection, as families trust the abusers facade. What did Warner Bros. say? According to the complaint, attorneys for Warner Bros. Television, which produced The Cleaning Lady, told police that in February 2025, the studio conducted an independent investigation into allegations that Busfield kissed a minor male actor on the face in a makeup trailer, but could not find evidence to support the claims. Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, a Warner Bros. spokesperson said in a statement that we are aware of the current charges against Mr. Busfield and have been and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement. In a video taken at his lawyers office shortly before he turned himself in, Busfield said he drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque to confront these lies. Im sure most of you know, that are watching this, that I was ordered to come to Albuquerque Im here now, he said in the video, which was published by TMZ. I got the call Friday night. I had to get a lawyer. Saturday, I got in the car and drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque. Theyre all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys and Im gonna fight it, Busfield continued. Im gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong. He added: So hang in there and hopefully Im out real soon and back to work. I love everybody for supporting me, thank you. Hollywood A-lister George Clooney isnt done pushing back at President Donald Trump. Clooney was on stage Sunday night to present the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture along with his Oceans Eleven co-star Don Cheadle, People reported. Thats when Clooney took a piece out of Trump, who had criticized Clooney and Clooneys wife, human rights attorney Amal, for recently accepting French citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Bonsoir, mes amis, Clooney said, wishing those in the crowd a good evening in French. He added: Cest un honneur detre ici, (its an honor to be here). Cheadle got in on the act, wishing Clooney bonsoir or good evening. Trump in December had lambasted the Clooneys for accepting French citizenship. Good News! George and Amal Clooney, two of the worst political prognosticators of all time, have officially become citizens of France which is, sadly, in the midst of a major crime problem because of their absolutely horrendous handling of immigration, much like we had under Sleepy Joe Biden, the president wrote on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Clooney at the time fired back: I totally agree with the current president. We have to make America great again. Well start in November, referring to the the 2026 midterm elections, when control of Congress will be decided. The French government had the time welcomed the Clooneys. We are delighted, like many French people, to welcome George and Amal Clooney into the national community, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Dec. 31. Trump and Clooney have battled ever since Clooney penned an op-ed in the New York Times in 2024 that urged then-President Joe Biden to withdraw that years race for the White House. Read the original article on silive.com. Kristy Scott laid bare what allegedly went wrong in her marriage to Desmond Scott and their plans for custody over their children, division of property and more in her divorce petition obtained exclusively by Us Weekly. Kristy, 30, filed for divorce from her husband, 31, after 11 years of marriage on December 30, 2025, claiming, Desmond Scott has committed adultery. In her petition filed in Harris County, Texas, Kristy stated that their marriage has become insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities, noting that destroys the legitimate ends of the marriage relationship and prevents any reasonable expectation of reconciliation. Advertisement Advertisement The state of Texas defines adultery as the voluntary sexual intercourse of a married person with someone other than their spouse. Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images Texas legal firm Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law notes on its website that emotional affairs, sending inappropriate text messages, or spending time with another person are not, by themselves, considered legal adultery. Kristy did not go into further details about the alleged adultery in her divorce filing. When it comes to their two children sons Vance, 7, and Westin, 6 Kristy informed the court that she and Desmond plan to enter a written agreement about custody, access and support. Advertisement Advertisement However, if they cannot agree on terms for the kids, Kristy wants the court to decide for them. Kristy Scott Files to Legally Change Name, Doesnt Want Estranged Husband Desmonds Surname Amid Divorce The TikTok star also said they entered a marital property agreement, which defines their rights to all property, both community and separate. Kristy wants the court to enforce the property agreement, noting that nothing in this petition should be construed as a challenge. Kristy said she and Desmond will enter into an agreement to divide their community estate, likely referring to the dream home they built before their split. Advertisement Advertisement The social media influencer also stated that she owns property that is not part of the community estate and that she wants the court to treat it as separate. Thats not all. Us previously reported that Kristy made it clear she no longer wants her estranged husbands last name and has requested the court legally change her surname back to Small. TikToker Kristy Scott Files for Divorce From Husband Desmond Scott, Cites Alleged Infidelity: Report She also demanded that Desmond pay her attorneys fees, as well as court costs and expenses related to the divorce case. Kristy and Desmond tied the knot in August 2014. She did not list a date of separation in her filing, but did note they will soon cease to live together as spouses. Advertisement Advertisement The pair rose to fame on social media with their hilarious prank videos and light-hearted content. Following her divorce filing, Desmond addressed their split and Kristys accusations. I want to begin by apologizing to Kristy, our family, and everyone who has been impacted by the public attention surrounding this situation, he announced via his Instagram Story on Saturday, January 10. I know this news has been disappointing for many, and Im truly sorry for the hurt it has caused. Desmond went on to explain: Kristy and I faced challenges and made sincere efforts to work through them. Toward the end of 2025, I wanted to separate, and I had conversations with Kristy regarding this. During this period, I made choices that I am not proud of. He also shared that he took responsibility for those actions, while vowing to be an active, present, and loving parent to our boys. (NewsNation) Could Meghan Markle be returning to the United Kingdom this summer? The Duchess of Sussex may join Prince Harry in the U.K. this year for the one-year-to-go kickoff celebrations for the next Invictus Games, according to People magazine. Harry was always expected to attend the celebration in Birmingham, England, but Meghan joining him depended on whether he got officially approved for armed security while visiting the U.K. Advertisement Advertisement The British government is likely to reverse its position not to grant Harry, 41, security when visiting Great Britain, now saying that he meets the criteria for taxpayer-funded, armed security, according to recent reports. The move would allow the Duke of Sussex to bring Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to the U.K. Prince Harrys safety concerns Harry has maintained that without proper government security, he wouldnt be able to bring his children and his wife back to the U.K. for safety reasons. Its now a formality. Sources at the Home Office have indicated that security is nailed on for Harry, insiders told the Daily Mail on Sunday. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex at Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival held at Spring Studios on October 09, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images) Meghan Markle arrives at the Paley Honors Fall Gala on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) Meghan has attended past Invictus Games events with Harry. Advertisement Advertisement She attended a celebration for the event in Vancouver, Canada, in February 2024, People reported, as well as a September 2022 event in Dusseldorf, Germany. 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. Embattled actor Timothy Busfield surrendered to New Mexico authorities Tuesday after a warrant was issued for his arrest in connection with child sex abuse charges and insisted he was innocent and the disturbing allegations were all lies. The West Wing star turned himself in to the Albuquerque Police Department after cops alleged he engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with 11-year-old twin boys while directing the Fox show The Cleaning Lady in 2024, the police department confirmed to The Post. The Revenge of the Nerds actor denied the horrible accusations, stressing that he did not do anything to those little boys in a video message his lawyer shared with TMZ ahead of his arrest. Timothy Busfield turned himself into the Albuquerque Police Department after cops alleged he engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with 11-year-old twin boys. Bernalillo County District Attorney The actor insisted he was innocent and the disturbing allegations were all lies in a clip released to TMZ. TMZ Im going to confront these lies, theyre horrible, Busfield, 68, said in the clip. Advertisement Advertisement They are all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys. And Im going to fight it. Im going to fight it with a great team, and Im going to be exonerated. I know I am because this is all so wrong and all lies. So hang in there, and hopefully Im out real soon and back to work. I love everybody for supporting me. Busfield, who was declared missing, also noted that he traveled 2,000 miles to Albuquerque after learning of the charges Friday and obtaining a lawyer the following day. Representatives for Busfield did not immediately respond to The Posts request for comment. Melissa Gilbert and her husband Timothy Busfield, at the Monte Carlo Television Festival on 20 June 2023. Best Image / BACKGRID The Michigan-born actor-director, best known for his role as Danny Concannon on HBOs political drama The West Wing, faces two counts of criminal misconduct against a minor one for each child according to a warrant issued on Friday by New Mexico Police. Advertisement Advertisement He is accused of inappropriately touching one of the boys three or four times, and the other five or six times, according to the warrant. Follow The Posts coverage on Timothy Busfield The alleged abuse began in 2022, when the boy was 7 years old, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt investigated until November 2024, when a physician notified police about suspected sexual abuse after examining one of the children at the University of New Mexico Hospital, according to the criminal complaint. Attorneys for Warner Bros., which produced The Cleaning Lady, told cops that a prior independent investigation into the allegations found no evidence to support the claims, the complaint alleged. But the Field of Dreams actor allegedly admitted to police that it was highly likely he touched kids on the set of the Fox show, explaining how there were no specific rules regarding physical contact with children. Busfield, who is married to former child actress Melissa Gilbert, told Officer Marvin Brown that the set of The Cleaning Lady was a playful environment, according to an arrest warrant obtained by US Weekly. Advertisement Advertisement I mean, Im always around people, right? It would be, you know, in front of the parents. There would never be a weird moment about it, Busfield said in the Nov. 3, 2025 interview, according to the arrest warrant. Actor Timothy Busfield visits the Build Series to discuss the ABC drama series For Life at Build Studio on February 11, 2020 in New York City. Getty Images I dont really remember picking those boys up. I remember picking up the boy who followed them. Id pick him up and hed be giggling and that would sort of get him ready to act. Busfield reportedly added that tickling a child wouldnt be uncommon for him, but claimed he didnt remember overtly tickling the boys ever in relation to the case. However, the child actors were never alone on set without the teacher, a welfare worker, or a parent, he insisted. Advertisement Advertisement Busfields lawyer, Larry Stein, believes the sickening allegations were driven by revenge. Stein, in a statement to The Post, claimed the boys mother told an actress on the New Mexico set she wanted payback after her sons were cut from the shows final season. As reflected in the criminal complaint, after her son was terminated from the show, the boys mother vowed to get her revenge against Timothy Busfield,' he argued in the statement. What followed appears to be a calculated effort to construct a case, driven by animus not fact, despite prior investigations finding no evidence of wrongdoing. The claims being made against Tim are completely false, and we will fight this to the end until the truth prevails. NEED TO KNOW Timothy Busfield is facing another allegation of sexual abuse after he surrendered to police on Tuesday, Jan. 13 The actor is currently charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse, according to a statement by Bernalillo District Attorney Sam Bregman on Jan. 13 A pretrial detention motion filed Jan. 14 includes a new report of sexual abuse allegedly conducted by Busfield Another allegation has been made against Timothy Busfield. The West Wing alum, 68, surrendered to the Albuquerque Police Department on Tuesday, Jan. 13 after a warrant for his arrest was issued days earlier. The warrant alleged that Busfield engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with two boys. Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 13, Busfield was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse. Prosecutors are seeking to keep him detained while he awaits trial. In a pretrial detention motion filed on Jan. 14 and obtained by PEOPLE, Busfield faces another accusation of sexual abuse. The motion states that "another victim's father," Colin Swift, reported to law enforcement on Jan. 13 that Busfield allegedly had sexually abused Swift's daughter "several years ago" in Sacramento, Calif. "While auditioning for [Busfield] at B Street Threatre, the 16-year-old reported that [Busfield] kissed her and put his hands down her pants and touched her privates," per the motion. Advertisement Advertisement Busfield allegedly "begged the family to not report to law enforcement if he received therapy," and Swift, being a "therapist himself, thought at the time that was the best thing to do." Busfield founded the B Street Theatre in 1986, then known as the Theatre for Children, Inc. Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Timothy Busfield at the 34th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February 2019 Timothy Busfield at the 34th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February 2019 The actor, who is married to Melissa Gilbert and best known for his roles in The West Wing and Field of Dreams, was alleged to have engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with two boys, 11-year-old twins, whose identities were withheld from the public in the arrest warrant issued on Jan. 9. Before he turned himself in to authorities, he filmed himself in a video obtained by TMZ. "I did not do anything," he said. Advertisement Advertisement "Hi everybody, it's Tim," the video began. "I'm sure most of you know, that are watching this, that I was ordered to come to Albuquerque I'm here now. I got the call Friday night, I had to get a lawyer. Saturday I got in the car, drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque. I'm gonna confront these lies. They're horrible." He continued, "They're all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys and I'm gonna fight it. I'm gonna fight it with a great team, and I'm gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies." He concluded by saying. "So hang in there and hopefully I'm out real soon and back to work. I love everybody for supporting me, thank you." In the motion for pretrial detention, authorities are asking the judge to "detain" Busfield while trial is pending. Advertisement Advertisement "The Defendant's repeated sexual touching of the victim's intimate areas, combined with deliberate grooming behaviors, establishes a sustained pattern of predatory conduct," the motion said. "This conduct demonstrates that the Defendant poses a serious and ongoing danger not only to the named victims, but to any child placed within his proximity. Sexual exploitation of children reflects a profound disregard for the physical safety, emotional well-being, and developmental health of minors, and it evidences a risk that cannot be adequately mitigated through supervision or conditional release." In the Jan. 9 warrant, the parents of the victims said the boys met Busfield on the set of the FOX series, The Cleaning Lady, after Busfield joined as a director in season 2 (which aired in 2022), according to the arrest warrant. An investigation began on Nov. 1, 2024, after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) alerted police about alleged sexual abuse. Officer Marvin Brown alleged that two boys, 11-year-old twins were the subject of sex crimes by Busfield. One of the minors alleged that the incidents began when he was 7 years old, per the arrest warrant. 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. The parents were advised by an attorney to take the children to UNMH, where they said professionals suggested the boys "were groomed," per the warrant. It was later determined, however, that the case did not meet authorities' acceptance criteria at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Later, in October 2025, the victims' mother filed a police report and told Child Protective Services (CPS) that her children both disclosed that there was sexual abuse by Timothy from around November 2022 to Spring 2024." However, according to the warrant, she was told that because physical abuse had not occurred, nothing could be done. The mother told authorities on Sept. 2, 2025, and Sept. 22, 2025, that one of the boys told his counselor that Busfield inappropriately touched him. When one of the victims was 10 years old, his therapist diagnosed him with moderate post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety following claims of inappropriate touching. The therapist said the child began having nightmares about the director touching him and waking up scared, and claimed Busfield had touched and rubbed his penis 3 or 4 times and appeared to be ashamed," per the warrant. Advertisement Advertisement He also suffered from bed-wetting and other behavioral issues, the warrant alleges. During an investigation, Busfield allegedly told police that the parents were upset their sons had been replaced with a younger actor who auditioned, according to the warrant. Shortly after, the actor got a call from Warner Bros., informing him they were investigating a complaint. A representative at Warner Bros. Television told PEOPLE in a statement, "The health and safety of our cast and crew is always our top priority, especially the safety of minors on our productions. 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] have been and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement." Busfield was once ordered to pay $150,000 to a Minneapolis law firm after rejecting Busfields claim that the firm fabricated a sexual assault case against him, per a report. Advertisement Advertisement In 1996, U.S. District Judge James Ideman ordered the actor, who is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, to reimburse the firm Messerli & Kramer the amount it cost to defend itself in a defamation suit filed by Busfield. After Busfield appealed, the parties settled the defamation case. Busfield had claimed the firm made up a story that he sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl, per DeseretNews.com. The girl was an extra on the 1993 movie Little Big League, which he directed, according to the outlet. According to DeseretNews.com, Busfield settled the underlying lawsuit with the girl for an undisclosed amount. In the Jan. 9 warrant, another allegation was mentioned, this one dating from March 18, 2012. "A twenty-eight-year-old woman accused Busfield of battery in an LA movie theateralleging he slipped hands under clothes, touched genitals for four minutes," per the arrest warrant. There was no lawsuit filed and prosecutors "passed due to slim evidence," the warrant states, adding that Busfield "called it consensual." 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 Key Points Bitmine Immersion Technologies is a crypto treasury company similar to Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy). The company is aiming to raise funds through common stock offerings to buy Ethereum. It is now trading at a discount to its cryptocurrency assets, which presents a dilemma for the business. 10 stocks we like better than Bitmine Immersion Technologies Shares of Bitmine Immersion Technologies (NYSEMKT: BMNR) rose an astonishing 248% in 2025, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. The company essentially restarted its business model as it took on new management from high-profile investors and financial media personalities, raising funds through stock offerings to buy Ethereum. The stock is up big, but down 77% from all-time highs set earlier in 2025. Here's why it was up so much in 2025, and whether shares are a buy right now. Selling stock to buy cryptocurrency Bitmine Immersion Technologies is a cryptocurrency treasury company, meaning it raises money to buy crypto assets. Instead of buying Bitcoin like Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), Bitmine Immersion Technologies is investing in Ethereum. The company started off with a bang by bringing on financial media personalities and analysts Tom Lee and Dan Ives to the project. Ives is spearheading an investment in Worldcoin. After raising funds through common stock offerings, Bitmine now owns over 1 million Ethereum tokens plus other cryptocurrencies worth $14 billion as of its latest press release today, January 12th, 2026. The stock now trades at a discount to these holdings, with a market cap of $12.9 billion as of this writing. In order to keep up its pace of investments, Bitmine is looking to raise the limit of its total shares outstanding from 500 million to 50 billion, a 100x increase that will allow it to keep selling stock to buy more Ethereum. This is an aggressive play by the company as it looks to buy up as much Ethereum as it possibly can. To do so, it will have to dilute existing shareholders or turn to the debt markets. Image source: Getty Images. Is Bitmine Immersion stock a buy? Cryptocurrency treasury companies operate with a bit of a Catch-22. If they trade at a premium to their cryptocurrency holdings, they can sell more stock at a premium to buy more cryptocurrencies, which will lead to an increase in per-share crypto value. However, this means you are buying a stock that is overvalued compared to its current net asset value (NAV). If they trade at a discount to their NAV -- like Bitmine Immersion Technologies right now -- the stock may look cheap compared to current crypto prices, but it takes away the company's ability to buy more cryptocurrencies in an efficient manner through selling new shares of stock. Plus, cryptocurrencies are generally highly volatile, historically going through major drawdowns from time to time. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The state is now 'known as a hotspot for social media content creators' and reality TV stars like Heather Gay and Taylor Frankie Paul. | Credit: Illustration by Stephen Kelly / Getty Images All eyes are on the Beehive State, as Utah has emerged as a powerhouse in the media sphere in recent years. While interest in wholesome family content, particularly of the Mormon variety, has garnered the region growing attention, not all aspects of the states popularity have panned out so well, leading to a new set of laws to protect Utah children. Social media hub Amid the trad wife phenomenon and advent of mommy influencers, Utah has become known as a hotspot for social media content creators, Fox 13 said. It is a really unique part of Utah that makes it stand out amongst other states, Mariah Wellman, an assistant professor at Michigan State University who researches the influencer industry, said to Fox. Utah is a hub for Mormons, and the Church of Latter-day Saints has been a source of public fascination for years, said A Frank Voice . LDS culture has always emphasized documentation, memory-keeping and family presentation, so when social media came along, many LDS women were basically already halfway to being influencers. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have become a digital extension of an existing cultural practice. Advertisement Advertisement The stars of the Hulu series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives epitomize the popularity of Utah momfluencers as the faces of #MomTok. Another popular Mormon creator, Hannah Neeleman a former Juilliard ballerina turned farmer and parenting influencer with a family of 10 has gained an immense following by chronicling her life on the aptly named Ballerina Farm. Local organizations within the LDS Church are also adopting social media platforms; the Young Women Worldwide Instagram account, which launched in 2023, has gathered tens of thousands of followers, positioning itself as a safe space for young LDS women, leaders and parents. Utah educators are also embracing social media. This is a legitimate career, and we have to start to accept it, its not going away, said Charity Richins, an influencer marketing teacher at North Summit High School, to Fox 13 . The classes received approval from the Utah State Board of Education last year and are now being offered in schools across the state. The course is part of Utahs Career and Technical Education program, designed to provide students with real-world skills. Reality TV staples Beyond social media stardom, Utah is also a hotbed for reality television. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives made headlines for following a #MomTok group navigating faith, relationships and public perception after a swingers scandal. The show has led to additional projects for some of the stars, including Taylor Frankie Paul , who was named the newest star of The Bachelorette for Season 22, and rivals Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck, who both competed on Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars . Reality TV staple Bravo has two Utah-based shows: The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City debuted in 2020 and Sold on SLC in 2024, the latter putting a Utah spin on Selling Sunset, Collider said. Salt Lake City is the hidden gem of reality television, with multiple networks already tapping into its potential. The casts of these shows stand out because they have to battle between the religious and social standards in Utah and external temptations from the media and pop culture. The conflict creates a welcome new dynamic for reality TV, since the shadiest drama, the darkest secrets and the biggest fights come from the people you least expect. Viral product marketing Utah creators have used their influence to help several products go viral. Most notably, Utah was at the forefront of the Stanley cup craze. These water bottles were designed in 1913 and introduced their modern 40-ounce version in 2016, which saw limited sales. Then in 2017, they were featured on The Buy Guide , a popular Utah-based shopping blog and Instagram account launched by three former Brigham Young University students. Over the next few years, the cups became a signature momfluencer accessory that paired nicely with Utahs dirty soda craze, Axios said. Advertisement Advertisement Other viral products have also come from Utah-based companies, including Owala water bottles and HydroJug water tumblers. Both cups have followed Stanley mugs to become the preferred beverage carriers of the social media set. Crumbl Cookies, a bakery company that was founded in Logan, Utah, in 2017 and later expanded nationwide, also soared to popularity in recent years, even featuring a collaboration with the Kardashian-Jenner family. Thanks to influencer culture and reality TV, Utah has emerged as a center for aesthetic influence in the beauty industry, Glamour said. Utahs beauty obsession is not new. During the 2010s, beauty influencers from the state captured our timelines and built big followings from their long mermaid hair, tanned skin and fluffy eyelashes. Now, a new crop of Utahns are bringing the aesthetic to the next generation, but instead of bloggers, its mostly TikTok influencers and reality TV stars driving the shift. Thanks to the popularity of Utah creators and reality stars, the hyperfeminine, done-but-not-overdone vibe that characterizes Utah beauty has emerged as highly influential for women across the country. The popularity backlash Even as family vloggers and parenting influencers surge in popularity, a pall has been cast over the community due to some recent developments. Ruby Franke, a Utah mother of six, gave parenting advice to millions on YouTube before her arrest for child abuse in 2023. Franke and her partner in crime, therapist Jodi Hildebrandt, have become the subject of documentaries exposing the abuse, including the Hulu docuseries Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke and the Netflix doc Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story. When the London Critics Circle shortlisted Delroy Lindo as one of their five nominees for Best Supporting Actor this year, for his part as Delta Slim in Ryan Cooglers Sinners, its possible but unlikely that every last one of them knew that they were, essentially, voting for a local. Its a measure of the actors versatility that many associate him with American cinema, notably a bunch of films with Spike Lee, but Lindo was born in Lewisham like punk rocker Sid Vicious, actor Jude Law, fashion designer Alexander McQueen, or Matt Goss from Bros and went to school at the nearby Woolwich Polytechnic. Lindo has been acting on stage, screen and TV for 50 years now, but he remains a mercurial talent, endlessly capable of reinvention, his superpower being the ability to steal a scene without chewing the scenery or throwing shade on anyone else in the frame. If you want a monologue, this is your man, an actor who learned his trade at the American Conservatory Theater and brings a deep, lived-in, Shakespearean intellect to any role he takes. This all comes into play in Ryan Cooglers Sinners, a vampire horror set in the Depression-era Mississippi Delta yet also very much about the world that we live in today. More from Deadline DEADLINE: When did you first hear about Sinners? DELROY LINDO: Ryan had sent me some communications, and then eventually he sent me the script. I read it and pretty much agreed to do it right then. It was relatively straightforward from that standpoint. Yeah, that was it in a nutshell. DEADLINE: And what appealed to you about it? LINDO: I recognized from the very beginning that this was a particular singular piece of material from the standpoint that it was, I thought I still do think a very contemporary story. I was really intrigued by the fact that even though it was set in 1932, it resonated so much contemporaneously. I mean, acutely. Acutely. And so, the juxtaposition of the historical, and then just the dynamism of the narrative itself, I thought was very, very singular. When I spoke with Ryan I said, This is what Im seeing here, man. Am I right? And he confirmed that. So, pretty much in terms of my understanding of the material, I felt that I was in sync with Ryan as storyteller, and that made the prospect of doing this work that much more intriguing and compelling. DEADLINE: I came to the film quite late, but what struck me is that its a film about music, about roots music, folk music, R&B, blues. I wonder, at what point did you realize that was the way the film was going? LINDO: Im going to disagree with you. I think the film is about a lot of things, music being central and fundamental, but the film is about history, its about culture, about Black culture, its about community, its about the saving of that community, the preserving of culture, the preserving of tradition. Its about a lot of things. So, music is one component, a very important component, fundamental and even elemental. But the reason that Im pushing back on you is because I think the strength of this film has to do with the fact that it has such a wide-ranging palette. Its conveying these various narratives that I believe have then gone on to resonate for audiences. And thats the reason I believe that audiences are going multiple times to see this film. DEADLINE: To push back on you a little bit, I think music encapsulates all those things youre talking about. So, when I say its about music, Im not just saying its about the sound of music, its about the social aspect of music, which Im very, very fascinated by in this film if that makes sense. LINDO: Right. But theres another interesting point thats raised with regard to your personal reaction, your response to the film and viewing it through the lens of music. It points up to me, once again, that audiences and you, on some level, are a classic example will take from this film what they will. I mean, any of us, we engage with the material through the lens of our own experience, and then we take from the experience, likewise, through the lens of who we are. I mean, its entirely fine, frankly. I guess I was wanting to be relatively sure that you were not and you have every right to, actually saying to me, Hey, its just about music. Thats your right as an audience. But I guess I wanted to ensure that the larger themes that I see in the narrative were not being lost on you. DEADLINE: No! It made me think about artists like Leadbelly and the myth of LINDO: Robert Johnson? DEADLINE: Yes, the impact that these musicians made, their power and their longevity were still talking about them now. LINDO: Thats right. Thats a great point. The vibrancy, the global reach of this music, which is connected to the vibrancy, the longevity. I mean, everything youve said, I agree with you. Delroy Lindo, Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler on the set of 'Sinners' DEADLINE: So, tell me about the research you did. Youre not a musician, are you? LINDO: No. The research started with my reading two books that Ryan sent me, Deep Blues by Robert Palmer and Blues People by Amiri Baraka, who when he wrote the book was known as LeRoi Jones. It started there for me, reading those books, getting a sense of the history and the lifestyle that surrounds many of these musicians. Following my reading of those books, I just immersed myself in the music of artists such as Son House, Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, a range of musicians specifically associated with Delta Blues. Advertisement Advertisement I also looked at a lot of documentaries, just to not only get a sense of how those people talk, but how they move, how they are as human beings, what their relationship is to the world around them. All of which I felt was important for me to expose myself to, and, as much as I could, immerse myself in, in order to filter it through my own process, and hopefully come up with a man Delta Slim that would serve the story in the way that Ryan wished. DEADLINE: Is there much footage of that time? LINDO: Well, not necessarily of that time, but you can go on YouTube. Theres footage of people from various communities in the Mississippi Delta just living their lives. So, theres footage thats accessible, thats attainable, for sure. DEADLINE: Is there a particular reason why that Ryan set the film there? LINDO: His uncle, who passed on, I believe, 10 years ago. Ryan was very close to his uncle, and his uncle would play this music a lot. His uncle was steeped in the music and in the culture. I mean, youd have to ask Ryan, but from what I gleaned, he wanted to pay homage to his uncle and the music. And I think that thats where the story was born. DEADLINE: Obviously, you have an amazing monologue in the film. You always seem to have an amazing monologue in your movies. Tell me about this one. Was it scripted, or did you have to work on it? LINDO: It was scripted. It was a three-page monologue. Much has been made of the end section, in which I improvised. I improvised throughout the monologue in small ways, but generally it was pretty much what Ryan had written. It was a three-page monologue because there were that many words. I had to commit those words to memory, which is not necessarily the ideal way for me to work, but there was just so much dialogue that I had to, just technically, commit it to memory. And then I started working on it in context of actually shooting the scene. DEADLINE: And so is this where your theatrical experience comes in handy. LINDO: I guess. Its interesting Im not naturally compelled to deconstruct these things until Im asked a question about them, so, its difficult for me to break it down and articulate it clearly. You mentioned my theater training. Absolutely. Im sure that helped me in terms of structuring the monologue, in terms of identifying what I felt the shape was, the emotional shape, modulating it, all of those things. And yes, Im sure that my training as a theater actor was extremely helpful. DEADLINE: Because youre moving at the same time. Youre in a moving car, youre seeing things around you, and, obviously, youre being distracted by real life. LINDO: Im seeing things and Im dealing with human beings inside the car with me but all of that helps. And again, Im thinking about this now in the moment with you. All of that becomes part of the experience of reliving these experiences through the monologue. Theyre not separate. They all become a piece. Being in the car, being in the countryside, conveying this story to the two men in the car with me, its all one dynamic. DEADLINE: And you dont overplay the emotion, which is what I like about that scene. You could be very dramatic, but its almost conversational. Youre telling a story just as you would to two guys in a car. LINDO: And I consider that a compliment, so thank you for that. Ill say this and again, its not necessarily something I was conscious of when I was making the work its beautiful, and its profound. And at the same time, its obvious. Any oppressed people find outlets in humor. Theres a direct connection between their oppression and their humor, their ability to laugh. And blues musicians, blues music, is absolutely no exception. I could be wrong, but theres not an ounce of victimization in the culture. Even when somebodys saying, My woman left me for another man and Im broke and I aint got a pot to p*ss in or a window to throw it out of, even when thats the sentiment, the melody, the lyricism of the sentiment that is infused in the music elevates it from the realm of, Oh God, woe is me, woe is me, woe is me. And thats the artistry, right? Thats the artistry of the music. Its the artistry inherent in the culture. And I would say that that is common to any oppressed people. It is certainly intrinsic to people of African descent. DEADLINE: Well, by the end of the movie, the guitar has become a weapon. It may be broken, but LINDO: Thats right. Its not only the representation of the survival of this young man, the survival of the culture, but it also becomes the instrument, literally and figuratively, of fighting back and repelling this evil force. DEADLINE: What questions do people ask you about this movie? LINDO: Its almost like a gift that keeps on giving, emotionally, from the standpoint that the kinds of questions I get asked. Im not talking about journalists. Im talking about moviegoers. They talk about how the movie impacted them personally. I recently had a conversation in London. I had a conversation with a woman who said she thought that the film was about immigration. And I said, Really? What do you mean? Well, she was from the Dominican Republic, or she was at least of DR extraction, but Im pretty certain she was born in the Dominican Republic. Again, it was a classic example of somebody filtering her response to the film through her own personal experience. She said to me that shed been trying to make a film about the Dominican Republic and her own history. And when she saw the film, she related very strongly to these two African American men Smoke and Stack returning from Chicago to their home community, trying to uplift the community. Advertisement Advertisement I genuinely had not thought about that in those terms. She articulated it as being a film about immigration. People talk to me about the vibrancy of community in the film, the fact that Chinese Americans were part of this community. I didnt know that. Getting back to the monologue in the car, they talk about my monologue encapsulating for them what the birth of the blues is, directly connecting the seeds of the music and the pain where the music comes from. The two sets of relationships, Smoke and Stack and Annie and Mary, Hailee Steinfelds character. Its about love. Love being impacted and battled by external forces but surviving and flourishing against those odds. Theyre the kinds of things that people have spoken to me about. And then they talk about me personally, how my contribution in the film has impacted them as audience members. DEADLINE: Whats next for you? LINDO: The next thing will be a film that comes out in March. The working title was Zeus. Its a Godzilla/Kong extravaganza. And Im also working on a film that Im going to direct, co-produce and act in. Its set in Jamaica, in a particular community in Jamaica, and it has to do with the power, and the spirituality, and the healing power of community. Thats a film that Im very, very committed to. DEADLINE: Did you write it? LINDO: No, but Ive done rewrites on it. It was originally sent to me back in 2015. The filmmakers at the time wanted me to act in it, but they then were not able to get it off the ground. I got the rights in 2021, and Ive been attempting to raise the money for this film ever since. The story is about a young man who has lost his mother. His parents are both doctors. And we meet him on the day that we discover that his mother has been tragically killed. We then jump forward six years, and he and his father have not mourned the loss of the mother and the wife, respectively. The child then gets sent to his maternal homeland in Jamaica, and hes highly resistant to going, but he goes and is eventually embraced by this community and begins to be able to heal. And as he begins to be able to heal, he and his father can start to heal. Theres a magic realism element. Theres a very strong spiritual element, which is very much in keeping with the area in Jamaica where the story is set, in the Blue Mountains. I resist referring to it as a coming-of-age story, but on some level it is. But its also, again, about community and the power of community to heal and connect. DEADLINE: Where will you shoot it? LINDO: Were shooting in Jamaica. Im of Jamaican extraction, and the story is set during the time that my mom was living in England, which is how I came to be born in England. So, from that standpoint, I had a kind of a personal connection. DEADLINE: To bring us back to Sinners, youve probably heard how things have all gone horribly wrong for the Windrush generation. People thought they were coming to the UK for good, and theyve had successive governments slamming the door in their faces. LINDO: Yes. Its very, very British in my opinion. Im actually writing a book about it. You asked me what Im working on. Well, its a memoir that encompasses, in part, my moms time in England, and my own time in England, as seen through the prism of the Windrush experience. And its interesting that you mentioned that. One of the books that I read is a book called With Hope in Their Eyes. Its a presentation of various individuals and their experiences coming to England. And I remember one of the things that the editor says is, They came with these dreams of being a part of the motherland and the dreams in so many instances became nightmares. For so many Caribbean people, the experience got turned on its head. Advertisement Advertisement Theres so much to investigate, to unpack, to uncover and to heal. Thats what my writing of my book is doing for me, in terms of reassessing my mom, and, by extension, reassessing the whole cultural experience of Caribbean people coming to England and how they have integrated into the society. And on some level to your point have continued, not right across the board but in significant measure, to be rejected and what that dynamic then manifests itself into. And it creates this, and you can tell me better than I can tell you, it creates this ongoing tension, does it not? This cultural and sociopolitical tension. And frankly, if I might say, one of the things thats very much missing in that narrative is Why are there no feature films that have addressed that? Major feature films? So, one of my objectives in writing my memoir has to do with illuminating the experience of somebody like my mom who came from Jamaica as a relatively young person. And even though she left, thank God she left after a few years and went to Canada, I want to very much illuminate that experience, those sets of experiences, and by extension hopefully shine a light, both socio-politically and culturally, on what those sets of experiences were. Hopefully to the extent that it can be healing for myself and healing for anybody who reads the book, and at the very least illuminates some things. DEADLINE: Do you have a title for it? LINDO: I do, and I cant tell you. I have a working title. The working title will quite possibly not be the title when it is released, but I can tell you that knock on wood its on schedule to be released in 2027. And my name will be attached to it, so you will know that its the material that Im discussing with you right now! Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Sleuths-in-training Trina (Tabyana Ali) and (Jens Austin Astrup) may have uncovered the truth about who shot Drew (Cameron Mathison) on General Hospital. But the couple's troubles are just beginning. To start with, they'll have to deal with the fact that they didn't come forward to tell the court and everyone else that they were at Drew's house the night of the shooting, and then there's the fact it may be too late to incorporate the evidence they found into Willow (Katelyn MacMullen)'s trial. Co-Head Writers Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte talked with Soap Opera Digest about the long-term planning for the "Who Shot Drew?" storyline, as well as the equally long-term fallout for Trina and Kai, as well as other Port Charles residents, after the truth becomes known. Van Etten teased: There is so much left to unfold. Revealing who shot Drew is, I think, the end of chapter one or chapter two, depending on how youre constructing it [laughs]. What happens as a result of Trina and Kai making this realization is going to cause huge drama for the people who have been involved in this trial or anyone who has been implicated and thats barely even the beginning! This story was originally published by Daytime Confidential on Jan 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the General Hospital section. Add Daytime Confidential as a Preferred Source by clicking here. General Hospital superstar Anthony Geary passed away last month, but the epic character of Luke died off-screen in 2022. It may be the perfect time to tell more of that story. Key Takeaways Luke supposedly died in a cable-car accident in Austria. It was implied that Victor was responsible for the accident. It was a boring ending for an unforgettable character. GH could bring the story back to the forefront. Sonny and Laura should be the ones to uncover the truth about Lukes death. Lukes Death Geary and Luke both left Port Charles for good in 2015, with a brief cameo in 2017 when Tracy (Jane Elliot) left the show. Then, in 2022, it was announced that Luke had died. Tracy, who had returned to GH, announced to Lukes long-time love, Laura (Genie Francis), that Luke had been killed in a cable-car accident in Austria. Advertisement Advertisement It was later implied that Victor Cassadine (Charles Shaughnessy) was behind the accident. This was not a very fitting end to an epic character who helped redefine soaps in the 1970s and 1980s. GH might have died off long ago if it werent for Luke and Laura. When it happened, a few characters even questioned how Luke died. The ending felt flat for the Port Charles hero, and his sister Bobbie (the late Jacklyn Zeman) expressed disbelief that her heroic brother died in an accident. The Luke that we all knew and loved was more likely to save everyone than to perish the way he did. While Geary was still alive, fans held on to the hope that he would be found alive and, once again, make a triumphant return to Port Charles. Unfortunately, that never happened. Give Luke a Better Farewell The character of Luke should have gone out with more fanfare than he did. Now that Geary has passed, it may be a good time to change up Lukes death. Advertisement Advertisement Laura and Sonny (Maurice Benard) have been working together to get out from Sidwells (Carlo Rota) control. Laura even brought Lukes name up during one of their conversations. A case could be made where Sidwell is either working for or related to the Cassadines. The villain would have information on how Luke really died, and maybe even had something to do with it. It would be great to see Sonny and Laura delve deeper into the truth. Fans love their relationship, and they are the perfect pair to finally give the Luke character the ending he always deserved. read next This story was originally reported on Soap Hub on January 13, 2026. Add Soap Hub as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Making restaurant-quality fried rice at home takes a bit of finesse and technique. The rice must be dry. Youll need to get comfortable cooking over very high heat, frying in stages, and layering ingredients to build proper caramelization. You'll also need to resist the urge to over-sauce. None of this is difficultand once youve nailed the method, youll have a go-to technique for transforming almost any mix of fridge leftovers into a wonderful meal. Below, we start with a foundational recipe from Kenji Lopez-Alt, followed by 10 of our favorite variations, including a Thai-spiced crab version, a chorizo-studded Mexican take, and more. 01 of 11 Serious Eats / Eric Kleinberg In this recipe, Kenji Lopez-Alt debunks the notion that fried rice must be made with day-old rice. While it's essential to use rice thats dry enough to avoid clumping and achieve the right texture, you can replicate that dryness by spreading freshly cooked rice onto a sheet pan (or any wide, shallow vessel) and letting it rest for just a few minutes. For even better results, let it dry under a fan for about an hour to achieve optimal texture. Two more tips: If possible, use a wokit creates multiple heat zones and makes tossing and flipping easier. And go lighter on the soy sauce than you might expect; you dont want to overpower the rices natural flavor. Advertisement Advertisement Get Recipe: Easy Fried Rice 02 of 11 J. Kenji Lopez-Alt The key to this fried riceespecially if youre not using a wokis to cook in stages, giving each ingredient enough time to brown and develop flavor through the Maillard reaction. That means resisting the urge to stir constantly (hard as it may be). Step awaywash a few dishes, evenand let your ingredients, especially the rice, sit undisturbed so a browned crust can form. Youll also want to drain your kimchi; reducing its moisture helps it fry and caramelize more effectively. But dont discard the juiceit gets added at the end to sauce the dish and ensure the kimchis bold flavor comes through. After all, whats kimchi fried rice without a punch of kimchi? Get Recipe: Kimchi and Spam Fried Rice Recipe Advertisement Advertisement 03 of 11 Serious Eats/ Amanda Suarez Ever wished your fried rice were crispier? In most versions, the joy lies in the contrastsome chewy bits, some crisp ones. But if youre a crispy purist, the humble sheet pan is your best friend. Its greatest advantage over even your largest stainless steel skillet? Surface area. Preheat the pan, then spread the rice in an even layer to maximize contact and encourage deep browning as it crisps in the oven. Get Recipe: Sheet-Pan Fried Rice 04 of 11 J. Kenji Lopez-Alt This fried rice gives vegetables equal billing with the rice. Blistered green beans develop deep, savory flavor while retaining their bright snapmaking them a perfect addition to crispy-chewy fried rice. As with other versions, the key to achieving the right texture and browning on a relatively weak Western stovetop is to cook in stages and not shy away from high heat. Advertisement Advertisement Get Recipe: Fried Rice With Blistered Green Beans and Basil Recipe 05 of 11 Serious Eats / Lorena Masso Stir-frying is endlessly adaptable across flavor profiles, as Octavio Pena demonstrates in this Mexican-inspired fried rice. Chorizo takes center stage alongside the riceits rendered fat becomes the cooking medium, infusing the dish with warm, spiced flavor. Cabbage and green onion are cooked until deeply charred for added savory depth, while pickled jalapenos stirred in at the end deliver heat and a pop of briny acidity. Get Recipe: Easy Mexican Fried Rice With Chorizo and Pickled Jalapenos 06 of 11 J. Kenji Lopez-Alt Thai fried rice typically uses a gentler cooking method than the high-heat techniques called for in the recipes above. In this version, rather than starting with blazing-hot oil and finishing with aromatics, youll reverse the process: Begin by gently sauteing garlic and Thai bird chili to infuse the oil with their flavor. That said, this recipe still follows several of the same core principles for great fried rice. Season minimally to let the riceand especially the crabtake center stage. Fry in batches to give each component time to brown and crisp properly. Finish with fish sauce, fresh herbs, and crisp cucumber. Advertisement Advertisement Get Recipe: Thai-Style Crab Fried Rice Recipe 07 of 11 Vicky Wasik This is the simplest fried rice recipe on the list. Originally designed to accompany chicken adobo, it works beautifully as a side for a range of proteins. Or consider using its core techniqueinfusing oil with garlic, straining it, then frying rice in that fragrant oilas a jumping-off point for versions with eggs, chicken, or other add-ins. The method prevents the garlic from burning while preserving it to stir in later, giving the entire dish a boost of aromatic intensity. Call it garlic maxing, if you must. Get Recipe: Garlic Fried Rice Recipe Advertisement Advertisement 08 of 11 Serious Eats / Tim Chin A common thread runs through all these recipes: Each aims to approximate the intense heat and smoky flavor of wok hei, even in a typical Western home kitchen. This version takes things a step furtherTim Chin recommends using a kitchen blowtorch on the vegetables and shrimp to achieve the right level of smoky char. This method also ensures that the shrimp, added at the very end, stay juicy inside while developing ideal browning on the outside. Get Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice 09 of 11 Serious Eats / Qi Ai Indonesias take on fried rice features two of the countrys signature ingredients: sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) and shrimp paste (terasi). To amplify the shrimp pastes flavor, youll grind it with shallots, garlic, and chiles using a mortar and pestle; browning this mixture helps the aromatics bloom and deepens the dishs complexity. The sweet soy sauce adds caramelized notes that balance the intense umami of the shrimp paste. Advertisement Advertisement Get Recipe: Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) 10 of 11 J. Kenji Lopez-Alt This recipe highlights the inherently improvisational nature of fried ricenearly any combination of on-hand ingredients can become an inspired stir-fry. In this case, Kenji Lopez-Alt had leftover pork, corn, and shishito peppers. But its worth seeking out these ingredients specifically: the corn adds sweetness to balance the salty, fatty pork, and the shishito peppers bring a tender snap and charred savoriness that elevate the dish. Get Recipe: Quick and Easy Pork Fried Rice With Corn and Shishito Peppers Recipe 11 of 11 Fried rice, reimagined for breakfast. Topping this endlessly adaptable dish with a dippy fried eggrather than scrambling eggs into the riceand adding bacon nudges it into breakfast territory without straying far from its classic flavor profile. Hot sauce is optional, but lets be honest: you probably want it. 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Advertisement Advertisement Belgrade's floating restaurant and club scene along the Danube and Sava rivers provides luxury nightlife experiences unavailable elsewhere in Europe. The city's luxury dining scene emphasizes innovative Serbian cuisine with international influences, often priced significantly below comparable Western European establishments while delivering equivalent quality. Private cultural experiences, including exclusive access to historic sites and personalized tours of local art galleries, provide luxury travelers with intimate encounters with Serbian culture and history. Zagreb, Croatia Image Credit: Shutterstock. Croatia's capital offers luxury experiences combining Central European sophistication with Mediterranean influences. Properties like Esplanade Zagreb Hotel establish luxury hospitality standards rivaling those in Vienna or Munich. Zagreb's luxury dining scene emphasizes innovative Croatian cuisine using local ingredients, with several restaurants earning international recognition for culinary excellence. The city's luxury shopping district features both international brands and exclusive Croatian designers. Advertisement Advertisement Private experiences in nearby wine regions and exclusive access to Croatia's national parks provide luxury travelers with unique combinations of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Kiev, Ukraine (Pre-2022) Image Credit: Roman.Stasiuk / Shutterstock.com. Before the current conflict, Ukraine's capital had emerged as one of Eastern Europe's most luxurious destinations, with properties like Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv and Premier Palace Hotel establishing new standards for luxury hospitality in the region. Kiev's luxury dining scene had gained international recognition, with restaurants serving innovative Ukrainian cuisine alongside international offerings. The city's luxury shopping districts featured major international brands alongside exclusive Ukrainian designers. Skopje, North Macedonia Image Credit: Shutterstock. North Macedonia's capital offers unique luxury experiences enhanced by the city's dramatic architectural reconstruction. Properties like Stone Bridge Hotel provide boutique luxury experiences within the city's neoclassical center. Advertisement Advertisement Skopje's luxury dining scene emphasizes innovative Macedonian cuisine with Balkan and Mediterranean influences. Private wine experiences in nearby regions provide luxury travelers with exclusive access to indigenous grape varieties and traditional winemaking techniques. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Image Credit: Shutterstock. Bosnia's capital combines Ottoman heritage with Austro-Hungarian elegance, creating unique luxury experiences. Properties like Hotel Europe establish luxury hospitality standards within the historic city center. Sarajevo's luxury dining scene emphasizes innovative Bosnian cuisine with international influences, often incorporating traditional cooking techniques with modern presentation and service standards. Narcissism doesnt appear fully formed, and it doesnt unravel all at once. It develops as a response to early emotional conditions, then hardens into a survival system that worksuntil it doesnt. What follows isnt a list of traits, but a progression of internal strategies that eventually collapse under their own weight. Whether real growth happens depends on what the narcissist does when the system fails. 1. The Formation Of The False Self Shutterstock Narcissism begins as protection, not pathology. Psychological research cited by the American Psychological Association describes the false self as an adaptive response to environments where authenticity wasnt safe or rewarded. The child learns which versions of themselves are acceptable and which emotions must be hidden. Identity becomes something constructed rather than discovered. At first, this construction feels stabilizing. The false self organizes behavior, earns approval, and shields vulnerability from exposure. Theres relief in knowing how to be valued. Nothing about this stage feels dysfunctional from the inside. 2. Validation Becomes The Primary Regulator iStock Once identity is externally constructed, it requires external maintenance. Research on narcissistic regulation published in the Journal of Personality shows that admiration functions as emotional regulation rather than simple pleasure. Praise stabilizes mood, while indifference destabilizes it. Validation becomes necessary for equilibrium. Advertisement Advertisement This is where dependency forms. The narcissist doesnt yet feel insecurethey feel driven. Relationships start to revolve around reflection rather than reciprocity. Without admiration, discomfort appears quickly and intensely. 3. Self-Worth Becomes Conditional Shutterstock Over time, internal worth worsens because its rarely practiced. Confidence exists, but only under the right conditions. When success, attention, or praise dips, the sense of self weakens. Stability depends on constant reinforcement. This brittleness isnt obvious at first. The narcissist often appears confident, even dominant. But the confidence has narrow margins. Anything outside the script begins to feel dangerous. 4. Criticism Is Experienced As Threat Shutterstock As the system tightens, feedback becomes intolerable. Research on narcissistic injury, including work referenced by the National Institute of Mental Health, shows that even mild criticism can trigger outsized reactions. The false self cannot absorb imperfection. Any flaw feels like a collapse. Advertisement Advertisement Defensiveness escalates here. Blame shifts outward, narratives bend, and reality gets negotiated aggressively. Growth stalls because self-examination feels indistinguishable from annihilation. 5. Entitlement Replaces Reciprocity iStock When admiration is required for stability, accommodation begins to feel deserved. Gratitude fades, and expectation takes its place. The narcissist assumes loyalty, access, and emotional labor without consciously demanding it. It feels natural. Relationships start to strain under this imbalance. Others feel used, unseen, or drained. The narcissist experiences pushback as betrayal rather than feedback. The system still functionsbut its under pressure now. 6. The First Narcissistic Injury Shutterstock Eventually, something punctures the illusion in a way that cant be dismissed. A career failure, public rejection, divorce, aging, or being replaced does what smaller critiques couldnt. According to clinical research on narcissistic injury referenced by the American Psychological Association, these moments destabilize the false self because they remove the external reinforcement on which it depends. The loss feels existential rather than situational. Advertisement Advertisement What makes this stage different is scale. The narcissist can no longer explain the rupture away as jealousy or misunderstanding. Something fundamental has shifted, and the old defenses dont fully work. Anxiety, rage, or despair begin leaking through the cracks. 7. Escalation Of Control Shutterstock In response to injury, control tightens. The narcissist doubles down on impression management, manipulation, or dominance to restore equilibrium. Relationships become more rigid, rules multiply, and dissent is punished more aggressively. The goal is to force reality back into alignment. This stage often feels chaotic to those around them. The narcissist is fighting to preserve an identity that no longer fits. Instead of adapting internally, they attempt to restructure the external world. It works briefly, but at a growing cost. 8. Emotional Exhaustion And Identity Fatigue iStock Sustaining the false self requires enormous energy, especially once it stops delivering consistent validation. Over time, emotional fatigue sets in. The narcissist may feel numb, irritable, or strangely empty even when things appear fine. The performance becomes heavier. Advertisement Advertisement This is often when people describe feeling hollow or disconnected from themselves. The mask no longer feels empoweringit feels compulsory. Without knowing why, the narcissist senses that something is wrong. But insight is still threatening. 9. Splitting Intensifies In Relationships Shutterstock As internal tension rises, relationships are increasingly polarized. People are idealized or devalued with little middle ground. Allies become enemies quickly, and repair feels impossible. Ambivalence is intolerable when identity is fragile. This stage accelerates isolation. Others feel whiplash and begin to disengage. The narcissist experiences this as further betrayal, reinforcing the belief that closeness is dangerous. The cycle tightens. 10. Confrontation With Emptiness Shutterstock Eventually, the distractions stop working. Even admiration, success, or control fail to fill the internal void. The narcissist encounters a sense of emptiness that cant be blamed on anyone else. This is often terrifying. Advertisement Advertisement What matters here is interpretation. Some narcissists numb this emptiness with addiction, obsession, or constant stimulation. Others begin to suspect that the problem isnt external. This is the first moment where real growth becomes possiblebut its not guaranteed. 11. The Collapse Of The Old Story Shutterstock At some point, the narcissist can no longer fully believe the story theyve been telling about who they are. Success doesnt feel stabilizing anymore, admiration doesnt land the way it used to, and control fails to restore confidence. The identity that once felt powerful now feels thin. Something essential has stopped working. This stage often looks like depression, irritability, or quiet despair rather than an obvious crisis. The narcissist may describe feeling lost, unmotivated, or disconnected without knowing why. The old narrative no longer protects them. For the first time, theyre face-to-face with the limits of the false self. 12. Either Doubling Down Or Falling Apart Shutterstock When the old identity collapses, narcissists typically move in one of two directions. Some double down, becoming more rigid, more controlling, and more hostile to anyone who threatens their remaining sense of superiority. Others begin to unravel emotionally, experiencing anxiety, shame, or hopelessness. Advertisement Advertisement This is a critical fork in the road. Doubling down can preserve short-term power but accelerates isolation. Falling apart is painful, but it cracks the armor. Growth cant happen without that crack. 13. Chronic Blame-Shifting And Narrative Hardening iStock Instead of integrating responsibility, most narcissists lock into a fixed story about what went wrong. Other people become villains, circumstances become conspiracies, and every loss is reinterpreted as injustice. This narrative protects the ego from shame, but at the cost of reality. The story becomes non-negotiable. At this stage, feedback is no longer just rejectedits rewritten. Anyone who challenges the narrative is cast as abusive, jealous, or unstable. The narcissists version of events hardens into identity. Change becomes increasingly unlikely because admitting error would mean dismantling the last line of defense. 14. Emotional Isolation Masquerading As Independence Over time, relationships thin out or disappear entirely. The narcissist reframes this as self-sufficiency, superiority, or enlightenment. They claim theyre better off alone or that most people are disappointing. What looks like independence is actually withdrawal. This stage is quieter but deeply entrenched. Without close relationships, theres no mirror left to disrupt the narrative. Loneliness gets intellectualized rather than felt. The narcissist stabilizesnot through growth, but through emotional disengagement that prevents further injury. If the idea of squeezing onto another packed island or racing through a checklist of must-sees feels less appealing than it once did, youre not alone. As overtourism fatigue sets in, more travelers are rethinking how they move through the Mediterraneanand in 2026, the journey itself is becoming part of the draw. According to travel experts at Ferryhopper, a ferry booking site that helps travelers compare routes, schedules and prices across hundreds of European destinations, more people are embracing a slower way of traveling. Travelers are increasingly choosing places where the journey sets the tone for the experience, the team says. That means boarding a ferry, watching the mainland fade into the horizon and arriving somewhere that still feels rooted in local life, nature, and tradition. Drawing on booking trends and traveler interest, Ferryhopper has identified five ferry-only hidden-gem Mediterranean destinations they say are especially worth bookmarking this yearplaces across Spain, Italy, Greece and North Africa where arrival by sea is part of the appeal. Below, five Mediterranean islands (and one ferry-first city) that reward the extra stepand tend to stay with you long after youve left. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Delta Adds Nonstop Flights to Two Mediterranean Island Hotspots Best Mediterranean Islands to Visit By Ferry 1. La Graciosa, Spain Street of the Caleta de Sebo town, on La Graciosa island, Canary Islands. F.J. Jimenez ( F.J. Jimenez) La Graciosa feels like a reminder of what island travel once was. Reached by a short ferry ride from Lanzarote, the island has no paved roads, minimal development and a strong commitment to conservation that preserves its raw, volcanic beauty. Visitors are drawn to its wide, golden beaches, lunar landscapes and the sense of space that comes from traveling somewhere still shaped by nature rather than tourism. In 2026, La Graciosa stands out as a destination for travelers seeking simplicity, solitude and a genuine escape without the need for long-haul travel or complex planning. Related: JW Marriott Opens First Hotel in SpainRight in the Heart of Madrid 2. Procida, Italy Colorful Procida, Corricella, (capitale italiana della cultura 2022), Napoli, Italy Lepretre Pierre ( Lepretre Pierre) Procida offers a version of Italy that feels intimate, cinematic and deeply lived-in. Arriving by ferry into its candy-colored harbor, travelers discover a compact island where everyday life takes center stage. Recently named Italys Capital of Culture, Procida has gained recognition without losing its soul. For 2026 travelers craving authenticity, walkability and cultural richness without the spectacle and prices of Capri, Procida delivers a distinctly human-scale Italian island experience. 3. Alonissos, Greece Idyllic Greek islands - Alonissos, Sporades. Charming village Votsi with beautiful bay and beach popular port for sailboats. Greece travel Freeartist ( Freeartist) Located within Europes largest marine protected area, Alonissos offers pine-covered hills, crystal-clear waters and some of the Mediterraneans most important wildlife habitats. Visitors come for hiking trails that wind through quiet villages, calm beaches untouched by mass tourism and the chance to experience marine life responsibly. As eco-conscious travel continues to influence how people choose destinations, Alonissos is emerging as a place where conservation, beauty and slow island living coexist, making it one of Greeces most meaningful destinations for 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Related: This Might Be the Foodiest Cruise in EuropeAnd It Sails From Rome to Athens 4. Astypalaia, Greece Panoramic view of Astypalea island,Greece. Freeartist for getty ( Freeartist for getty) Astypalaia captivates at first sight. Beyond its postcard-perfect views, the island rewards travelers with uncrowded beaches, traditional tavernas and a pace of life that invites lingering rather than rushing. Improved ferry connections are making Astypalaia easier to reach, but its charm lies in what it has resisted becoming. In 2026, it appeals to travelers who want Greeces iconic beauty paired with authenticity and breathing room. 5. Tangier, Morocco Tangier, Morocco. White Residential buildings on a hill facing the Strait of Gibraltar Sergi Formoso for getty ( Sergi Formoso for getty) Tangier offers a captivating gateway to North Africa that is both accessible and culturally rich. Reached by ferry into Tanger Ville, the city blends Mediterranean ease with Moroccan heritage, shaped by centuries of trade, art and international influence. Visitors can wander the historic medina, linger in cafe-lined squares and take in sweeping coastal views where two continents meet. As travelers look beyond Europe for destinations that feel immersive without added complexity, Tangier stands out in 2026 as a city best discovered slowly by sea. Related: The One Mediterranean Port That Cruise Experts Say You Cant Miss This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. For many people, the first things that come to mind when they think of Vietnamese food are hot bowls of pho and crusty banh mi. But, for me, the meal that best represents Vietnamese cuisine is the rice roll platter. Often served as a beautiful spread, the rice roll platter can accommodate all our nuanced regional differences, from the Norths more elegant fare and the center of the countrys punchy spices to the Souths sweet tooth, as well as our national commonalities, like our love for rice and our liberal use of raw herbs and vegetables. Although a rice roll platter tends to require a long list of ingredients, its meant to be a simple preparation thats easily and immediately customizable; think of it as a deconstructed goi cuon, or fresh spring roll, where you can pick and choose whatever you want to include in each roll as you eat. Some combinations are so popular that theyve become the iconic dish for a particular place, like the ca loc cuon banh trang (rice paper rolls with grilled snakehead fish) of the Souths Mekong Delta, and the banh trang thit luoc (rice paper rolls with poached pork) of Da Nang, the major metropolitan center of Central Vietnam. Up North in Ha Noi, nem thinh cuon (rice paper rolls with pigs ears in toasted rice powder) is also a must-try. Helen Le, the Da Nang-born creator of the YouTube channel Helens Recipes and author of two cookbooks, believes rice paper rolls embody the ideal balance of flavor and nutrition in Vietnamese cuisine. You have carbs from the rice paper and vermicelli, she says, and the protein can be fish, meat, or tofu. Then there are herbs and vegetables. Finally, a bold dipping sauce will bring everything together. Advertisement Advertisement Each of the ingredients included in a rice roll platter is carefully chosen, so I asked Le to walk me through how she picks and prepares each component, and I also asked Lauren Lopez and Vicky Tong, the sisters and recipe developers behind the blog Viet Home Cooking, and Jimmy Ly, chef and owner of Madame Vo BBQ in New York, to weigh in as well. The Rice Paper Vy Tran Making rice paper is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. It involves grinding rice and turning it into a batter, steaming the batter on muslin cloth stretched over a pot of boiling water to form rice sheets, cutting those sheets into rounds, and then drying those rounds on bamboo screens, which imprint the rice paper with the wavy pattern of the bamboo weave. There are some villages in Vietnam that specialize in producing rice paper, and some families have been in business for over 200 years. Among the most famous is Trang Bang, a town in the Southwestern province of Tay Ninh, known for its soft, dewy rice paper. And while the most common form of rice paper is sold plain, there are variations made from coconut milk and sweet potatoes, and some are peppered with sesame seeds, dried bananas, or salted shrimp, among other things. Even though grocery stores in the US tend to only carry plain rice paper, shopping for the translucent wrappers can still be confusing. Ly advises against the ones made from 100% tapioca flour since they can be trickier to use as wraps. Instead, look for wrappers made with rice flour or a combination of rice flour and tapioca flour, he says. As a quality check, rice paper should also be gluten-free. Go for Three Ladies (Ba Co Gai) or any labels with the red rose. Lopez and Tong also prefer wrappers with added tapioca flour. They provide a chewier texture and are more pliable, the duo shares. Try brands with the term banh trang deo on the package. Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Le stresses the importance of treating rice paper properly. She cautions against dunking the sheets into water until theyre soggy, the way Gordon Ramsay does in a widely circulated video. Instead, she says, Use your damp hand to rub its surface and wait for 15 to 20 seconds. Itll take some time for the sheet to absorb the water. The Herbs and Vegetables On a rice paper platter, raw herbs and vegetablesnever cookedoccupy the most space. Leafy greens such as Bibb lettuce and mustard greens work well as a crisp and sturdy base, while vegetables like carrot, daikon, and cucumber add crunch. Other less common textural accoutrements include banana blossoms and lotus stems. Fruits like pineapple, green banana, and star fruit can also be included, along with a wide variety of herbs, some of the most popular of which are mint, cilantro, basil, perilla, and fish mint (which, despite its name, is not a type of mint, but heart-shaped leaves that smell slightly fishy and have a tangy aftertaste.) As you put together your own selection of vegetables and herbs for a rice roll platter, you want to have a combination of floral, earthy, bitter, sour, and herbaceous notes, which will help complement the meaty element of the meal and offer contrast to the salty dipping sauce. The Starch: Rice Vermicelli Vy Tran In Vietnam, bun, or rice vermicelli is widely available and can be used immediately; theres no need to boil it in water. It has a shorter shelf life than its dried counterparts in the US, which are often marketed as rice sticks. However, the English translations can be pretty confusing, as I have bought rice sticks and rice vermicelli that were not bun at all. Instead, look for the Vietnamese term bun tuoi (which literally translates to fresh noodle, although its not actually fresh) on the packageyou can never go wrong with that. To use them, cook the noodles in boiling water for five minutes or until they're no longer translucent and rinse them under cold water to prevent clumping. The Protein There are restaurants that serve rice paper rolls with poached pork throughout Vietnam, but the most famous and common rendition is from Da Nang. It features thinly sliced lean ham with both the fat and the skin intact. The cooking technique involves rolling a slab of the meat into a log and securing it with butchers string before poaching. Vy Tran For those who prefer grilled meat, a good option is nem lui, a specialty from the city of Hue that consists of fatty pork pounded into a thick paste, then molded on a lemongrass stalk and cooked over charcoal. You can also find a variation of this meat-on-a-stick in Nha Trang, where pigs skin is added to the mix for some texture. Along the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, vendors lure customers with the smoke from their griller, where parcels of ground beef wrapped in wild betel leaves line up. Advertisement Advertisement In central coastal provinces, steamed mackerel scad is a regular item included in rice roll platters. The fish is lightly seasoned before being steamed with aromatics such as ginger, onion, and scallion. Traveling southward to the Mekong Delta, where life is blessed with plenty of freshwater fish, snakeheads are a popular choice for both steaming and grilling. Get Recipe: Nem Lui Hue (Hue Lemongrass Pork Skewers) The Dipping Sauce Vy Tran Le and Ly both agree that the dipping sauce can make or break a rice paper roll platter, since the proteins are seasoned minimally and the other components are uncooked. For Le, mam nem (fermented fish sauce) is the perfect accompaniment to Da Nangs rice paper roll platter. Like fish sauce, mam nem is made from anchovies, but while the former is strained to produce a clear liquid, the latter isnt, and the final product has a gritty consistency. To tame its funk and briny taste, mam nem is mixed with sugar, pineapple chunks, and aromatics like garlic and lemongrass. Advertisement Advertisement The proteins in a rice paper roll can vary from pork and beef to seafood like fish and shrimp (Ive yet to come across chicken). They can be boiled, steamed, grilled, or poached and are cooked with little-to-no seasoning so that the flavor of each component in the platter can shine through. Those who arent a fan of the overtly funky flavor of mam nem can opt for nuoc cham, the more common fish sauce-based dipping sauce. Those in Southern Vietnam like their nuoc cham sweet and bold, mixing in sugar and chiles, whereas Northerners prefer a milder flavor, blending their fish sauce with vinegar or lime juice, water, and relatively less sugar. To decide on which sauce to use, Lopez looks at what goes inside the rolls. I like to have nuoc cham with marinated-meat rolls and a thicker hoisin peanut sauce with lighter goi cuon, she says. Her hoisin peanut sauce is made from hoisin sauce, peanut butter, and Coco Rico coconut soda. Meanwhile, grilled pork in Hue or Nha Trang comes with a more elaborate meat sauce, which consists of ground pork or liver (or a combination of both) cooked down and thickened with glutinous rice flour. Annatto seed oil is added for an orange tint. Putting It All Together Vy Tran Once youve gathered all the components and youre ready to eat, arrange the spread on your dining table, starting with a generous section for the herbs and vegetables, followed by separate serving dishes for your protein, rice vermicelli, and rice paper. You can have a bowl for the water to dampen the rice paper, but I find a spray bottle can do the trick with less mess. Dont forget a plate and a small sauce bowl for each guest. Vy Tran To assemble a roll, lay the moistened rice paper flat and place the components in its bottom third, leaving some space on both sides of the wrappers. Theres no hard-and-fast rule for what goes in first or last, but I like to add vegetables, then rice vermicelli, and then the protein. I distribute them evenly on the rice paper sheet, so I can get a bit of everything in each bite. To close it up, fold the space on the sides in, pull the bottom of the wrapper up over the filling and start rolling it away from you, using your fingers to tighten the roll as you go. And feel free to enjoy one right after you assemble. Vy Tran While rice paper roll platters started out as a casual meal to prepare at home, they now appear regularly on menus, from push carts on Vietnams street corners to upscale restaurants in the US, like Madame Vo in New York City. While the ingredients vary, there remains a deep sense of intimacy involved in the dishwhether at home or in restaurants, the process of tearing crisp lettuce leaves and rolling rice paper sheets connects people with the bounty that Vietnam has to offer. Read the original article on Serious Eats Within the family law industry, January is known as Divorce Month. Why January? Theories abound. Marital discord rises amid the chaos of the holidays. The new year is a time for life changes. Its also a moment when aggrieved spouses resolve to leave their partners. But do divorces really peak in January? As it turns out, theres not much solid research on monthly trends in divorce filings. Do a Google search and youll find many hits that point back to a single study, published in 2016 by researchers at the University of Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Reviewing 15 years of divorce filings in Washington state, they found not one but two distinct peaks in court activity. And neither was January. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban filed for divorce in 2025. There are 2 peak divorce months. Neither is January. The big months for divorce? March and August. The Washington study found that filings rose sharply in the first three months of the year, eased in summer, then spiked again at summers end, only to plummet through the final months of the year. The study has since been updated to include data through 2018 from five states. The findings haven't changed. "The one thing we do find across all five states is this very distinctive pattern," said Julie Brines, associate professor of sociology at the University of Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Researchers hatched a theory to explain the findings, grounded in the yearly calendar of vacations and holidays. Few couples, they reasoned, would choose to file for divorce between Thanksgiving and the new year. Thats peak holiday season, a time for family to gather, not to splinter. Summer vacation is generally viewed as downtime. Work eases. Families travel. Kim Kardashian filed for divorce from Kanye West in February 2021. Family law attorneys say the early months of the year are a busy time. So, why is January 'Divorce Month'? If divorce peaks in March and August, why do divorce lawyers think of January as Divorce Month? The answer may have to do with how you define divorce. Actual court filings might peak in March, attorneys say, but divorce lawyers get very busy in January. Advertisement Advertisement January sees a 20 to 40% increase in the number of calls that I get from people who want to start learning about the process, said Kimberly Miller, a family law attorney in Minnesota. If people are reaching out in January, you might see a lot of filings in March. Other family law attorneys report a sharp increase in divorce inquiries after the holidays. People wait until after the holidays to file for divorce, because nobody wants to ruin Christmas, said Kristen Shearin, director of the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts. And I think you run into some New Years resolutions: New year, new you. What do you want your new year to look like? In her own practice, Shearin notes a spike in divorce inquiries after the Super Bowl. This year, the big game is scheduled for Feb. 8. Advertisement Advertisement I cannot tell you why that is, she said. Family lawyers see a lot of activity through February and March, in line with the University of Washington findings. Maybe March is when the filings actually occur, but January is when they started the process, Shearin said. She suggests it might be more fitting to think of the first three months of the year as divorce quarter. Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck in August 2024. August is a peak month for divorce filings. Why do so many couples file for divorce in August? As for the second seasonal peak in divorce filings, in August, divorce lawyers see parallels between that month and January. January marks the end of winter vacation and the start of a new calendar year. August denotes the end of summer vacation and the start of a new academic year. Advertisement Advertisement For couples with school-age children, August might be as good a month as any to initiate divorce. Summer break is over, and both partners might want to split before classes begin. Certainly, there are a lot of people who would want to have their parenting logistics worked out before the school year, Miller said. The August peak may also echo a rising trend in the family law industry of gray divorce. The divorce rate for Americans over 55 has doubled since 1990, federal data shows, while the divorce rate for younger couples has declined. A lot of people wait until their kids graduate from high school before a divorce, said Dominique Sciullo, a marital and family law attorney at Brinkley Morgan in South Florida. A divorce in August would play out just as the kids are heading to college. Thinking of divorce? Here are some financial tips. If youre contemplating divorce, family law experts say, do some homework before you file. Here are a few tips: Consult a financial adviser Divorce requires thought and planning ahead, Shearin said. A certified divorce financial analyst specializes in helping people navigate the finances of a marital split. Advertisement Advertisement A financial analyst will charge less than an attorney, Shearin said, and can help you gather the information youll need in the divorce. File your taxes If you and your partner are on amicable terms, you could both save money by filing a joint tax return now, Shearin said, rather than filing separately after the split. The tax return itself is a valuable document in divorce proceedings. Theres great information in a tax return, she said. Plan your post-divorce budget Life can get costly after a divorce. Two households are more expensive than one, said Jacqueline Combs, a matrimonial and family law partner at Blank Rome in Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Before you file, she said, figure out what your income and expenses will be after the parting. Its four things, Miller said. Its what you have, what you owe, what you spend and what you earn. Miller offers an educational website called PartWise that covers the finances of divorce. Take stock of your savings You might feel guilty about starting a savings account that could, in theory, tide you over in divorce. But everyone needs savings, especially someone whos starting over. Its a great idea to have some money set aside for you alone, Miller said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: January may be Divorce Month, but 2 other months have more filings On November 21, 2025, LendingTrees Board approved amendments to the companys Amended and Restated Bylaws to address electronic and hybrid shareholder meetings, clarify advance notice rules for nominations and proposals, update officer titles, reflect recent Delaware corporate law changes related to annual meetings, and make other administrative updates. The company reported that between July 1, 2025 and October 31, 2025, it repurchased 0 shares for US$0 under its existing program, and that it has completed the repurchase of 1,986,534 shares, or 15.74%, for US$254.01 million under the buyback first announced on May 8, 2014. LendingTree updated its outlook for Q4 2025, with company guidance pointing to implied revenue in the US$280 million to US$290 million range and full year 2025 revenue expected between US$1.08b and US$1.09b. Do your thoughts align with the Bull or Bear Analysts? Perhaps you think there's more to the story. Head to the Simply Wall St Community to discover more perspectives or begin writing your own Narrative! Across the available commentary, there is limited explicit bearish or neutral published research. This means reservations such as valuation stretch, upside already reflected in targets, or near term execution risk are not clearly laid out in these specific notes and may require investors to apply their own caution when comparing current prices with the US$72 to US$83 target range. Mizuho flags strong trends in LendingTrees personal loans and insurance segments as part of a broader read through for Intuits Credit Karma, which indirectly reinforces the view that LendingTrees demand signals and data points are attracting attention beyond its own stock. Both JPMorgan and Truist emphasize execution across LendingTrees businesses, with Truist also pointing to scale and a diversified revenue base as positives for the companys growth profile. Truist lifted its target to US$72 from US$62 after what it calls solid Q3 results and an upbeat outlook, highlighting broad based double digit growth across segments, led by Insurance, and pointing to improving leverage that could support future shareholder return decisions. JPMorgan raised its LendingTree price target to US$83 from US$66, citing an updated outlook that points to growth across all segments, which supports the more optimistic end of current valuation views. LendingTrees latest fair value model keeps the core estimate steady at US$81.33, while a slightly lower discount rate and essentially unchanged revenue growth expectations suggest a more confident view of the same fundamental story. Recent Street research, tied closely to Q3 results and updated guidance, helps explain why analysts are clustering price targets in the US$70 to low US$80 range, with firms such as JPMorgan pointing to broad-based segment strength and improving operating leverage. Follow this space to see how the evolving analyst narrative may influence future updates to LendingTrees valuation story and which signals investors may want to monitor next. Story Continues How This Changes the Fair Value For LendingTree Fair Value: The model fair value estimate is kept at US$81.33. Discount Rate: The discount rate moves slightly lower from 9.30% to 9.08%. Revenue Growth: The revenue growth assumption stays effectively unchanged at 5.45%. Net Profit Margin: The net profit margin input remains effectively flat at 5.92%. Future P/E: The future P/E multiple edges slightly lower from 20.23x to 20.11x. Never Miss an Update: Follow The Narrative Narratives on Simply Wall St are short, investor written stories that connect a companys business outlook to explicit forecasts for revenue, earnings and margins, and then to a fair value. Instead of just staring at ratios, you see the reasoning behind the numbers, how fair value compares with todays price, and how that view updates automatically when new news or earnings drop, all in an easy to use format on the Community page. Head over to the Simply Wall St Community and follow the Narrative on LendingTree to stay on top of: How digitalization, new product verticals and AI usage feed into revenue, margins and Fair Value for LendingTree. What would need to happen for the consensus revenue, earnings and P/E assumptions to make sense by 2028. The key risks, including competition, regulation and customer acquisition costs, that could challenge this story. Read the full narrative here: TREE: Normalizing Rates Will Support Broader Segment Recovery And Operating Leverage Improvements. Curious how numbers become stories that shape markets? Explore Community Narratives 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. Companies discussed in this article include TREE. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com From floating palaces that are the largest superyachts on Earth to high-end resorts with curated visitor attractions, Oman's wealth is on full display. We Know Hotels, a website that specializes in exclusive hotel experiences, named Oman as one of the best and "most distinctive" luxury travel destinations in 2026, but not for reasons you may think. As Travel and Tour World reported, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman is specifically emphasizing authentic, sustainable excursions and the country's cultural history to entice travelers, and the desert-meets-sea landscapes and breathtaking beaches are what make this Middle Eastern country stand out. The coastline stretches for nearly 2,000 miles along the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, with beaches that are mostly untouched, undeveloped, and open to all, sharply contrasting the luxury beach clubs found in the United Arab Emirates. Some of Oman's best beaches are found near the capital of Muscat, while farther south, you'll find a variety of secluded beaches popular for different water sports. You'll find luxurious properties like the Chedi and Alila Jabal Akhdar, which are high-end but also offer unique cultural excursions that are local-led. So, while you'll find touches of luxury, Oman focuses on sustainable, culturally rich experiences that let visitors connect with the country in a genuine way, rather than the glitz and glamour of its neighbors. Plus, Oman ranked among the 10 safest countries in the world in 2025, and it's praised by female solo travelers as one of the safest destinations for traveling. Most international travelers fly into the capital's airport, Muscat International Airport, located on the northern coast. To travel around the country, rent a car, hire a private driver, or take one of the country's few public transportation options, like the bus company Mwasalat, which goes to Oman's major cities and tourism areas. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 10 Extra Hotel Fees Guests Should Be Aware Of Before Booking Their Room Discover Oman's breathtaking unspoiled beaches Coastline at Al Mughsail Beach near Salah, Oman - Damira/Shutterstock Across the country, beaches and protected marine reserves remain largely undeveloped, and Oman emphasizes sustainable tourism and conservation efforts that preserve natural habitats. Located about 25 miles off the coast of Muscat, the Daymaniyat Islands Natural Reserve is an archipelago of nine islands. It's a popular spot for snorkeling and diving with sea turtles in special areas, with a certified guide that adheres to ecotourism laws. Farther along the coast, Ras al Hadd sits approximately 150 miles from the capital. Not only is the beach incredibly beautiful, it also attracts visitors who want to witness the nesting sites of endangered green turtles. Usually between July and October, thousands of turtles migrate here to lay their eggs on the reserve's protected beaches. While it's possible to see the turtles without a guide, it's recommended to take a tour from an expert marine specialist who will explain the rules and regulations of viewing them from a safe distance. Tours are available in both the morning and in the evening. Located in the Dhofar Governorate region, you can escape crowds at the tourist-friendly Arabian Sea paradise of Salalah. During the Khareef monsoon season from July to September, the dry desert turns into a wet oasis, with lush waterfalls found in the Wadi Darbat area and lush green valleys. Within driving distance of Salalah, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches of Al Mughsail Beach, Al Haffa Beach, and Fazayah Beach. Just a short 30-mile drive from Salah, Mughsail Beach is among the most popular places to visit to explore the Marneef Cave, hike to the cliffside viewpoints, and watch the blowholes that shoot water as high as 100 feet into the air during the high tide. Experience luxury resorts, historic forts, and desert communities Alila Jabal Akhdar Hotel exterior with a pool in Oman - Alila Jabal Akhdar While you won't find the massive shopping centers of Dubai in Oman, what you will come home with are authentic experiences and memories from private, luxury tours. A must-do attraction is a private expedition to the Wahiba sand dunes that focuses on authentic experiences, from meeting local Bedouin families to learning about desert life over Omani coffee and dates. Visit the Bedouin house of Um Said, where you can see local crafts and pottery and try on traditional outfits. Nearby, the Wadi Bani Khalid is a series of emerald pools framed by palm trees. You can swim here, but be mindful of bringing modest swimwear, like a burkini or wetsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Located about 115 miles from the capital, Bahla Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site made of adobe. Other private tours highlight Oman's frankincense heritage, with guided visits to the frankincense groves where the trees themselves are recognized by UNESCO for their historical significance. As far as luxury accommodation goes, the Chedi Muscat is a five-star beachfront property with rooms that start at around $500 per night. Guests can book private city tours that include a stop at the famous Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a beautiful mosque that's known for its modern Middle Eastern architecture. Another luxury option is the Alila Jabal Akhdar, found high in the Hajar Mountain Range. Rates start at around $900, but it's worth every dime after you see the stunning canyon views from the villas and suites. To really pamper yourself, take a swim in the infinity pool or book the signature Jabal Akhdar massage that uses local frankincense oil. To get off the property and really explore the area, book the five-hour Nizwa tour, where you can visit traditional souk markets, taste regional dishes, and see pottery makers in action with a local tour guide. 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. There's luxury, and then there's luxury by Volcan de mi Tierra, one of the most popular tequila brands with a storied history in Mexico. Volcan has partnered with ARCA, the world's leading purveyor of premium natural stone, for this one-of-a-kind bottle dubbed Coleccion La Gavilana I. The Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy-owned (LVMH) company plans to release a new marble vessel and an exclusively crafted tequila each year. A Masterpiece to be Admired For the brand's first release, the bottles are made from Bianco Carrara marble. Yes, the Carrara region of Italy, and only 1,774 bottles will be available worldwide. "We honor our vision of Mexico through our tequila. This project remits to my family origins in Jalisco, when my ancestors settled in our Hacienda La Gavilana in 1774," said Santiago Cortina Gallardo, CEO and co-founder of Volcan de mi Tierra, in a statement. "Partnering with a visionary agent like ARCA whose master stonemasons share our commitment to artistry, and whose work embodies our dedication to creating something unique with Volcan ensures the world will discover not only a beautiful bottle but also a singular tequila that stands as a testament to our craftsmanship." Advertisement Advertisement Yes, the 1,774 bottles for sale are in homage to the year that the Gallardo family settled in Jalisco at the Hacienda known as La Gavilana, with each piece uniquely and meticulously engraved with the silhouette of Volcan's Prestige Collection bottles. The First Anejo Admiring the bottle's one thing -- as many did during Art Basel in Miami -- but there's also the rich agave inside of it: Volcan's first Anejo. Helmed by Volcan's Master Tequilero, Marcelino Lucke, the Anejo is aged for over 18 months in European oak and finished for an additional 414 days in sherry casks, resulting in rich notes of ripe fruit, dark chocolate, and warm spice, according to Volcan. Each bottle retails for $2,900. This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jan 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Drink section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. January marks the start of a new yearand in many parts of the country, its also time for homeowners to square away their property taxes. By becoming familiar with property tax deadlines, particularly those in January, you can avoid penalties and keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. If you do miss a deadline, however, dont fret. There are strategies to minimize the consequences and keep your bank account in check. When are property taxes actually due? Property tax deadlines vary by state and even county, but there are several places where they are due in the first month of the year. Advertisement Advertisement January taxes are usually due when a jurisdiction follows a quarterly or semiannual tax payment schedule, says Jonharold Cicero, partner and real estate attorney at DL Partners in New York City. If you live in any of these states, you may owe property taxes this month, depending on local regulations. Texas: Property taxes are usually due by Jan. 31. New York: Most cities, including New York City, impose January deadlines. Mississippi: Since property taxes are typically due by Feb. 1, January payments are common. Nevada: The third installment of property taxes is due in January. Wisconsin: The first installment payment is usually due by Jan. 31. Advertisement Advertisement South Carolina: Most counties require payment by Jan. 15. North Carolina: Property taxes are typically owed by Jan. 5. If you miss the deadline, Cicero explains that penalties and interest usually start accumulating the next day. Your county assessor will likely send you a tax bill indicating when your taxes are due and when a penalty will hit, explains Jeremy Schachter, branch manager at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. in Phoenix. If your taxes are escrowed or included in your mortgage, you can expect your lender to send the payment on your behalf. Ilir Salihi, real estate investor and founder at IncomeInsider.org in Rockville, MD, points out that its also common to get new assessment notices in January. Theyre designed to assess the value of your property and calculate how much taxes you owe. Advertisement Advertisement Once you receive a notice, you get a 30 to 45 day appeal window, depending on your county. If you want to contest the value of your home, make sure you appeal within that short window, or you'll likely be stuck at their assessed value until the following year, says Salihi. Dont overlook the homestead exemption If youve moved recently, the homestead exemption should be on your radar. Its a property tax benefit that reduces the taxable value of your home and in turn, how much you owe in property taxes. Since its tied to the property, rather than the homeowner, you have to file shortly after you move as it doesnt automatically carry over. Advertisement Advertisement A common issue we see is where people have purchased a new home and they neglect to obtain a homestead exemption on their new home. If this happens, they can wind up paying a lot more in property taxes for that year, says David Metzger, partner at Williams Teusink in Atlanta. He explains that homestead application deadlines are typically very firm. If you bought a new home in the last year, you need to find out when the deadline is to apply as soon as possible. Visit your local county assessors website for this information. How to find your local deadlines Regardless of whether your property taxes are paid by your mortgage lender or by you, its always wise to check in with your local county assessor directly. Find out if there are any increases scheduled for the coming year and make sure there are no outstanding balances that are collecting interest and penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Many jurisdictions now post property tax bills and assessments online, so it's a good idea to locate that website and bookmark it, explains Cicero. A second option would be to check with your mortgage company and see if your escrows were used and disbursed. What to do if you miss a deadline If you ever miss a deadline, pay your property taxes as soon as possible to stop the interest charges from accumulating. Then, speak to your county tax collector about a penalty abatement or a payment plan. If it's a first-time penalty, assessors and collectors are usually fairly accommodating and willing to work with you to work out a financial option that aligns with your budget and needs, says Salihi. In the event you happen to miss your appeal deadline on your assessment, Salihi recommends you try to petition for a correctionas long as you have reason to believe the assessor made a factual error, such as calculating the wrong square footage. There are few things Arabella Carey Adolfsson enjoys more than going fishing near her lakeside home in Sweden during the summertime, or getting her camera out and taking photographs of the natural beauty surrounding her. She and her husband Stefan, a Swede, often take their boat out from Torpon, the island where they live, onto the waters of Lake Sommen, savoring the picturesque views of the surrounding fields, forests and cliffs. Its gorgeous here, Adolfsson, who was born and raised in San Diego, tells CNN Travel. Sweden is beautiful. The lake is beautiful. The air is clean. Theres no traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Since moving to Scandinavia in 2022, after spending much of her life in California, shes come to appreciate the rhythm of having four distinct seasons though Swedish winters, she admits, can be quite brutal. Serendipitous moment Arabella Carey Adolfsson and her husband Stefan in Torpon, Sweden. - Courtesy Arabella Carey Adolfsson There are other pleasures too. Adolfsson says she enjoys being close to the rest of Europe. The couple sometimes drive to Copenhagen and then fly to Portugal, or drive to Stockholm, four hours away, where they can jump on a plane to Latvia or Hungary. And yet, nearly three years into the move, Adolfsson says that settling into life in Sweden has come at a cost she hadnt fully anticipated. She and her husband, who met and married in 2009, had long imagined splitting their time between Sweden, Mexico and California. Stefan and Adolfsson who is Mexican American, have three children and three grandchildren between them. Advertisement Advertisement They first tried living in Sweden together in 2016, moving to the southern city of Lund, near Malmo, but after two and a half years Adolfsson returned to the United States, homesick. They decided to try again after what she describes as a serendipitous moment in August 2022, when she came across an online listing for a beautiful furnished lakeside house on Torpon. Within a month, they had bought the property and by October, they had moved in. Only after arriving in Torpon did Adolfsson realize that their new home was in the middle of nowhere. The island, small and sparsely populated, is at least half an hour drive to what she calls civilization. Despite having lived in Sweden before, moving to such a remote part of the country proved to be a culture shock for Adolfsson. Days can pass without her seeing anyone other than her husband. Advertisement Advertisement Im very much a person who loves people and gets my energy from being around people, she said. On Torpon, she added, residents tend to keep to themselves. Making friends has been difficult. Back in San Diego, Adolfsson was surrounded by her large extended family. The absence of that community has been one of the hardest adjustments for her. There was a huge slice of my life that was taken away, she says. And I still havent figured out what to replace it with. She is, however, grateful that her sister lives in Germany, which is in the same time zone as Sweden. Mental reset The grandmother of three is in awe of the natural beauty of Torpon, which she says is "hopping" during the summer. - Jeppe Gustafsson/Shutterstock She recognizes that life might feel different in a city, rather than on an island with no public transportation and a single restaurant. Advertisement Advertisement Torpon hums with activity in the summer kayaking, paddleboarding, boating but winters are long and quiet, the island more or less deserted. Adolfsson and Stefan, who works as a substitute teacher, plan their grocery shopping trips to the mainland carefully, stocking up before retreating indoors. When a foot of snow is on their doorstep, they huddle up in the house and eat and drink. Adapting, she has learned, requires a mental reset. Its a matter of reworking the program in your head that you were used to running, she says, and running a new program. Adolfssons new program involves seeing as much of Europe as she can. Shes traveled to Slovenia, Latvia, Portugal, Germany and Mallorca since moving to Sweden, making collages of her photographs for family and friends and writing a childrens book inspired by her grandchildren. Advertisement Advertisement This allows me the time to be creative, she says. Video chats keep her in touch with family and friends back in the US. Adolfsson cherishes her Sunday calls with her family, describing how her three-year-old grandson hugs the telephone before saying goodbye. Thank God for the technologies that we have now, so that we can be expats and stay connected, she says. Language has been another hurdle. Although she had some Swedish before moving, Adolfsson was far from fluent. Classes have helped her better communicate, but her limited skill proved a barrier to integrating with Swedes. The reserve she perceives in Swedish culture has also required her to make some adjustments. Im Hispanic, and were like PDAs all over the place, she says. The Swedes are more reserved. So you dont have a lot of hugging and kissing. Advertisement Advertisement There are plenty of upsides. Her new life may be much quieter than the one she left behind in San Diego, but Arabella Carey, who works remotely, says theres a distinct lack of stress, which shes grateful for. Down to earth According to Adolfsson, the small and sparsely populated island, is at least half an hour drive from civilization. - Courtesy Arabella Carey Adolfsson The cost of living is more favorable, too. Everything is cheaper in Sweden compared to California, Adolfsson says particularly housing. The water in her home is free because it comes from the lake. Health care in Sweden is far less expensive than the US, she says. When she spent five days in hospital after a fall a few years ago, she was amazed to receive a total bill of less than $100. While she has grown to appreciate many aspects of Swedish life, the cuisine is not among them. She misses easy access to good Mexican food and says finding a decent tortilla has proved elusive. And, having come to appreciate the finer things of life as shes gotten older, she finds herself at odds with down to earth Swedish culture. Advertisement Advertisement She misses the ease of some aspects of life in the US, stressing that Sweden is not a convenient country. Shes bemused by what she describes as the do-it-yourself culture, which she finds very admirable but way over my head. Looking back, Arabella Carey believes that the move wouldve been easier and simpler at a younger age. Change is more difficult the older you get, she observes. Its gorgeous here, Arabella Carey says of Torpon. - Courtesy Arabella Carey Adolfsson She wishes shed had more of an understanding of the techniques and behaviors required to explore, integrate and assimilate in a new place with ease before leaving the US, and feels that these are becoming necessary skills the more global we become. For now, she plans to remain in Sweden, returning to San Diego every few months and hoping, eventually, to return back for good if she can persuade her husband. Advertisement Advertisement Her advice to others considering a similar move later in life is to ensure they have a connection to the place, and understand that its going to take time. Youre going to be lonely and alone at times, she adds. And youre going to have some tough days where you wish you were home. But youre going to make some great memories. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The air is alive with the mouth-watering aromas of lemongrass, coriander and freshly grated ginger. We can almost taste them, and taste them we will, because today we'll be preparing traditional Thai fare - in Thailand, no less. A group of 10 culinary-curious tourists have gathered at the Zabb E Lee Cooking School in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai. There are two 5-hour courses to choose from, in the morning and late afternoon, held in an airy bamboo pavilion surrounded by tropical greenery. But first we visit the local market. Vendors vie for our attention, small fish glisten on ice, exotic aromas abound. Our teacher, who goes by the name Alice, explains which herbs, chili peppers and vegetables go with which well-known dishes, from extra-spicy som tam (papaya salad) to Thai green curry. Advertisement Advertisement Back in the pavilion, each of us gets a cooking station with a wok, mortar, pestle and freshly chopped herbs. Each can choose four traditional dishes - an appetizer, stir-fry, soup and curry, plus a curry paste and sticky rice with mango, a classic dessert with coconut milk sauce and slices of fresh mango. Relaxed and with humour, Alice explains every step, be it the proper way to chop garlic, bruise lemongrass stalks or stir-fry the ingredients of a dish. From time to time, we even sing and dance a little. Thai cooking is fun! After each dish has been prepared, we sit together at a long, wooden table and enjoy our self-made creations. Many of us are surprised to find that quite a few taste better than their restaurant versions. Thailand's second-largest city after Bangkok, Chiang Mai has become a premier culinary tourism destination, with many cooking schools both in and around it. Among them are Sammy's Organic Thai Cooking School, Grandma's Home Cooking School (specializing in Lanna cuisine, influenced by neighbouring Burma, Laos and China) and Mama Noi Thai Cookery School, located on an organic farm. Advertisement Advertisement Many of the schools offer a pick-up service from tourists' hotels, there are half-day and all-day courses, and the prices are surprisingly moderate. The cooking courses are a hands-on - and in-mouth - experience that give you know-how you can use at home. Wouldn't it be nice to toss flavourful pad thai, a popular Thai street food featuring stir-fried rice noodles, in a sizzling wok in your own kitchen? Before they start cooking, participants visit a local market. Course instructor Alice explains the herbs and spices typical of the country ingredients for the course are also purchased. Carola Frentzen/dpa Tom Kha Gai is a delicious soup with chicken and coconut milk. Carola Frentzen/dpa Herbs, vegetables, chillies: The culinary experience begins with a tour of the market. Carola Frentzen/dpa Course instructor Alice explains the various ingredients used in typical Thai dishes. Carola Frentzen/dpa Advertisement Advertisement With a little supervision, one participant prepared a som tam a typical green papaya salad with chillies and peanuts. Carola Frentzen/dpa Mango sticky rice is one of Thailand's most famous desserts, made from sweet sticky rice with coconut milk sauce and served with fresh mangoes. Carola Frentzen/dpa Course instructor Alice explains how to prepare fresh summer rolls correctly. Carola Frentzen/dpa Participants cook in an airy bamboo pavilion. Everyone can choose between different traditional dishes and is allowed to prepare five courses. Carola Frentzen/dpa Some 11 people have been federally charged after they were accused of trafficking drugs in Bristol and throughout central Connecticut, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The charges stem from a long-term investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration's New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Bristol Police Department. The investigation found that Joshua Ocasio led a drug trafficking organization and, with the assistance of Jose Rosado-Ortiz and Ryan Jassor, acquired and distributed fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, counterfeit pills pressed with fentanyl and pharmaceuticals, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Advertisement Advertisement The drug trafficking network has been connected to six fatal overdoses - five in Bristol and one in Berlin - that occurred between April 2024 and May 2025, said David X. Sullivan, the U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut. After Ocasio and Rosado-Ortiz were arrested last month, authorities searched their homes, finding kilograms of drugs and thousands of pills, as well as more than $440,000 in cash, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. On Jan. 7, a federal grand jury in Bridgeport returned an indictment charging the 11 people, who were identified as: Ocasio, also known as "J" and "Jim," 30, of Middletown Rosado-Ortiz, 29, of Manchester Jassor, 30, of Phoenix, Ariz. Debra Jankowski, 44, of Avon Toni Risucci, 29, of Watertown James Warkoski, 58, of Plymouth Ryan Riback, 24, of Plainville Kyle Mastroianni, 32, of Bristol Robert Pinette, 39, of Bristol Griffin Deprey, 28, of Plainville Quran Muhammad, 30, of East Windsor Advertisement Advertisement As part of the organization, the U.S. Attorney's Office said Ocasio employed seven people as drug runners and had them conduct drug transactions on his behalf. He also frequently rented vehicles for the seven people, who were identified as Jankowski, Risucci, Warkoski, Riback, Mastroianni, Pinette, and Deprey. Muhammad then helped facilitate drug transactions for Ocasio and, when he acquired narcotics from Ocasio, he would distribute them to his own customer base, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Ocasio and Rosado-Ortiz were arrested on federal criminal complaints on Dec. 4. On that same date, authorities searched both of their homes. Inside Ocasio's home, authorities found $440,000 in cash and watches and jewelry valued at $270,000, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. In Rosado-Ortiz's home, authorities discovered a deluge of drugs. In all, officials found approximately 2 kilograms of cocaine, 1 kilogram of crack cocaine, 250 grams of fentanyl, 200 grams of methamphetamine, 2,5000 Oxycodone pills, 500 Xanax and Adderall pills, tabs of LSD and 1 ounce of ketamine, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Authorities also seized 25 empty kilogram wrappers that field tested positive for the presence of cocaine, an AR-15-style rifle, a ghost gun, $10,000 in jewelry and $7,2660 in cash from Rosado-Ortiz's home, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Sullivan praised law enforcement for their work in the investigation, "which resulted in dismantling this drug network and bringing Mr. Ocasio and his associates to justice." "As alleged, Joshua Ocasio operated a sophisticated drug trafficking network that, quite literally, destroyed lives in Bristol and surrounding communities in central Connecticut," Sullivan said in a statement. "The U.S. Attorney's Office and our law enforcement partners continue to target those who profit from the illegal distribution of fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics." Bristol police Chief Mark Morello said that, because of this work, the city and state are safer. "These efforts hold accountable those whose actions poison our communities and contribute directly to loss of life," Morello said. Advertisement Advertisement The indictment that was returned last week charged each of the 11 defendants with conspiracy to possess, with intent to distribute, and to distribute, controlled substance. If convicted of the charge, and based on the type and quantity of drug attributed to each person, Ocasio, Rosado-Ortiz, Risucci, Riback and Mastroianni would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years with up to a life sentence, while Jankowski, Pinette and Deprey would face at least five years in prison and upward of 40 years. If convicted, Jassor, Warkoski and Muhammad would each face up to 20 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The indictment also charged Ocasio in connection with the overdose death of a 20-year-old woman in Bristol from October 2024. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl and cocaine resulting in death and serious bodily injury, which, if convicted, carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Rosado-Ortiz was also charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. This article originally published at 11 members of Bristol-area drug trafficking ring connected to overdose deaths face federal charges. In the race to be the hottest year ever recorded by humans, 2025 lost by a hair. It came in third, at 1.47 C above the pre-industrial reference period (1850 to 1900), according to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), which runs and uses data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service. That meant 2025 was 0.13 C cooler than the hottest year ever, 2024, and just 0.01 C lower than 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Its not good news, said Florian Pappenberger, director general of the ECMWF. It's quite concerning, and it's not just our news. Other organizations co-ordinated with the European data, including the non-profit Berkeley Earth and the UK Met Office. Though the decimals of degrees differ, they all arrived at 2025 as the third warmest year on record. But experts say third place still meant a year replete with dangerous and deadly conditions for hundreds of millions of people. We are in the hottest decade at the moment, said Fahad Saeed, senior climate scientist with Climate Analytics, and who was not involved in the temperature record analyses. He adds that just because 2025 didnt take the top spot, it doesnt mean regional records werent broken. From Dakar to Dushanbe Last year was also the third warmest for Europe, according to the European data. Intense summer heat added to that, scorching major cities such as Barcelona, which recorded its hottest June in more than a century. The United Kingdom recorded its warmest year ever, according to the U.K. Met Office. Advertisement Advertisement All that heat was exacerbated by climate change, driven by humans burning fossil fuels, and linked to more than 1,500 deaths in a rapid analysis by scientists at Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. In Canada, a dozen heatwaves from southern British Columbia, to Fort Smith, N.W.T., to the Atlantic provinces were also found to be made more likely by climate change, according to an analysis from Environment Canada. And while all those regions saw extreme heat, for northwest Africa and several central Asian countries, temperatures approached unimaginable territory. Khady Camara, left, stands with two women in the northeastern region of Ranerou Ferlo. She says they are forced to walk kilometres to find suitable water to drink. (Submitted by Khady Camara) People were suffering, especially women and young people, said Khady Camara, an environmental activist and president of EcoFem in Senegal. The temperatures in the dry season, she says, approached upwards of 40 C, with children feeling the heavy burden. Her own 12-year-old son would come from school those days feeling exhausted. Advertisement Advertisement Oh, mom, I was hot; I was thirsty. It is very hot in our class, there is no AC, there is no fan,' recalled Camara, who spoke to CBC News in French from Dakar. And imagine, if this child in Dakar is tired, what about a child in a rural village who must walk many kilometres under the sun, under 44-, 45-degree heat?" (Submitted by Khady Camara) Khady called it a demoralizing and stressful event for people in Senegals north, particularly for women. She says they are the ones bearing the brunt of the field work outdoors, as many men abandon rural areas for opportunity elsewhere. Unexpected heat For some countries, even the typically cooler times of the year broke records. Tajikistan went through an unusual heatwave in March, and the expected nighttime relief during the hot summer months didnt come. Advertisement Advertisement No one really slept that well in July and August, described Arnaud Caiserman, senior research fellow at the University of Central Asia, adding that the hospitals in Dushanbe, where hes based, were saturated in July from people having breathing issues. But perhaps most striking for Caiserman, who studies the mountainous regions, was a dramatic collapse in the Dehdal glacier, captured in an Instagram video last October. We say it surged, which means that you can see the glacier moving from top to valley bottom very rapidly, several metres per second, Caiserman said. And this is due to the increasing viscosity of the ice related and triggered by high temperatures. Pacific warming ahead? One of the reasons 2025 didnt take the top spot, experts say, is due to the influence of La Nina, bringing cooler conditions to the Pacific and tropical regions. Still, it was considered a weak one, with Berkeley Earths report calling it by far the warmest La Nina year on record. A nurse cools down an elderly person at a geriatric hospital in Lyon. Older people suffer the impacts of extreme heat more acutely. (Jeff Pachoud/AFP/Getty Images) Signals from the U.S.-based Climate Prediction Center suggest La Nina will shift to a neutral status soon leaving the door open to a potential warming later this year through its opposing force, El Nino. Its not a certainty, but given El Nino contributed to 2023 and 2024s hottest years ever, its worrying. Advertisement Advertisement Experts say greenhouse gas emissions must be brought down. Like many other places on earth, these [heat] episodes are more frequent and they last for a longer time, Caiserman told CBC News from near Lyon, France. So what people need to keep in mind and think about is that this will happen again. Saeed, at Climate Analytics, points to the investment in renewable energy going in the right direction twice the amount going to coal, oil and gas. So we are convinced that renewables are the future and we can phase out fossil fuels, Saeed told CBC News from Islamabad. It is making economic sense, but the scale and the speed at which it is needed, that is not happening. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- According to preliminary crime data from the Midland Police Department, serious crime in the city went down slightly in 2025, but some violent crime categories increased. Police reported that total Part 1 crimes, which include the most serious offenses tracked by the FBIs Uniform Crime Reporting program, fell by about 0.2% from 2024 to 2025. Overall, Part 1 crime is down about 11% compared with 2021. Part 1 crimes refer to specific offenses defined by the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program established by the FBI to track and report crime statistics in the U.S. These crimes are considered the most serious and are used as a standard measure of crime levels. Advertisement Advertisement Homicides continued to decline for the third straight year. Police said the city recorded 13 homicides in 2022, seven in 2023, five in 2024, and three in 2025. That makes 2025 the lowest year for homicides since at least 2021. However, some violent crime categories rose in 2025. Police data shows reports of forcible rape increased to 95 cases, up 4.4% from the year before. Robbery also rose, with 42 cases reported, a 16.7% increase. Other major crime categories declined. Assault, burglary, and larceny theft all dropped compared with 2024, and motor vehicle thefts were also down. Police said assault and burglary are now at their lowest levels since at least 2021. In total, overall crime numbers, which include misdemeanors, went up in 2025. Police also reported that total crimes rose from 11,102 in 2024 to 11,604 in 2025. Even with that increase, the 2025 total remains the second-lowest since at least 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Police said the numbers are preliminary and could change slightly as final reports are completed. Listed below are the numbers shared in the report: Part 1 crimes: 2021: 3,067 2022: 3,043 2023: 3,049 2024: 2,731 2025: 2,725 Part 1 crimes in 2025: Homicide 3 (down 40%) Forcible rape 95 (up 4.4%) Robbery 42 (up 16.67%) Assault Part 1 316 (down 0.63%) Burglary 291 (down 2.68%) Larceny-Theft (except Motor Vehicle) 1,673 (down 3.79%) Total Part 1 crimes 2,725 (down 0.22%) Total Crimes: Total Crimes 2021: 12,012 2022: 12,516 2023: 11,698 2024: 11,102 2025: 11,604 Source: Midland Police Department 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 Yourbasin. Interior of a modern data center. (Photo by Imaginima/Getty Images) Virginias ever-growing fleet of data centers will take the spotlight when the General Assembly reconvenes this week. Along with bills addressing issues like energy use and siting, legislators will need to address a problem that received little attention in previous years: the diesel generators that provide backup power in emergencies. In Northern Virginia, where most data centers are concentrated, millions of people are exposed to air pollution from thousands of massive diesel generators. Air toxins permeate the surrounding area every time these generators are run for routine testing and maintenance, with greater levels of pollution when they all kick on at once in a grid emergency. As more data centers go up in suburban neighborhoods and close to schools, residents fear that their health, and that of their children, is being sacrificed to Big Techs AI ambitions. Advertisement Advertisement Ongoing research led by Dr. Damian Pitt at Virginia Commonwealth University, using data from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), shows pollution from data centers currently makes up a very small but growing percentage of the regions most harmful air emissions, including CO, NOx and PM2.5. (In pollution, the automobile is still king.) Already the appendix to the report, using 2023 data, shows significant impacts to neighborhoods around data centers in Loudoun and Prince William counties, exceeding emissions from other high-pollution facilities in the region. (Map courtesy Damian Pitt/Virginia Commonwealth University research team) But as the research team noted, the total allowable emissions under DEQ permits is far greater, and this also keeps growing with construction of each new data center. And those are annual limits, which could be met with very high emissions on a limited number of days. Its not hard to imagine the health crisis that might accompany a grid emergency causing all of the areas generators to fire up at once on a hot summer day, perhaps when smoke from wildfires is already pushing air quality into the hazard zone. Yet the problem grows with every new data center thats built, each one requiring backup power on site. In Virginia, diesel is the fuel of choice, most of it burned in so-called Tier II emergency generators with no pollution controls. Advertisement Advertisement In the past year, large operators have started installing Tier IV generators in addition to Tier II generators. The Tier IV have some pollution controls and are not restricted to emergency use. They are subject to the same annual emissions limits, but as long as they stay under the permitted level there is no limit on how much they can run. The new trend suggests that operators who install these non-emergency generators either think their Tier II generators may be used so much in the future that it will put the data center at risk of exceeding the permits annual air pollution limits which would be bad or they intend to use the Tier IV generators outside of emergency situations which might be worse. Either way, it appears operators expect to burn a lot more diesel fuel in coming years. One Amazon permit I reviewed contemplates a single data center using up to ten million gallons of diesel fuel annually for 173 generators. All that diesel fuel is delivered by diesel trucks, which adds to the regions pollution but isnt limited by the permits. Why so much? DEQ guidance from January 2025 indicates that data centers have two to three levels of redundancy in their generator capacity that is, backups for the backups, so operators never have to fear losing power if some of the generators wont start. As a result, there is more generator capacity than data center load. Together, Northern Virginias 4,000-plus diesel generators add up to over 11 gigawatts of energy capacity exceeding Dominion Energys entire natural gas fleet, and enough to power millions of homes. Advertisement Advertisement But of course, they dont power millions of homes. They are used only for data centers, and when all goes well, they arent used at all. These thousands of generators just sit around doing nothing. Apparently, this is the cheapest possible way to ensure data centers never lose power, but its hard to believe they cant do better. If there is redundancy anyway, data centers ought to be using batteries or other storage as their first line of defense in an outage, reserving Tier IV for second-line backup and eliminating Tier II generators altogether. Typical lithium-ion batteries provide four hours of electricity, enough to cover most backup needs and still leaving room to help the grid meet peaks in demand. A (very) few operators are in fact doing this, but unless Virginia acts to require it, Big Tech has little incentive to prioritize clean backup power. The use of diesel generators offloads the true cost of backup power onto residents in the region, who pay in the form of worse health outcomes and a lower quality of life. Evidently that suits the tech companies just fine. While residents demand an end to the pollution, Virginias government has been going in exactly the opposite direction. This fall, DEQ amended a guidance document to allow Tier II generators to run more often. DEQ achieved this by changing the definition of emergency to include planned power outages, such as might occur when a utility schedules work on a substation that supplies electricity to a data center. Advertisement Advertisement DEQ cut some legally-questionable corners to get this change finalized two weeks before the end of Glenn Youngkins term as governor. When word got out, more than 500 people submitted comments online and by email, overwhelmingly opposed to easing generator restrictions. Only a small handful of commenters supported the change, mainly the data centers themselves and a couple of their chamber of commerce allies. DEQ didnt respond to ordinary residents, but the letter it mailed to what seems to have been a select few commenters was unrepentant. DEQ did not even acknowledge the suggestions that it require batteries instead of allowing the increased use of the dirtiest diesel generators. Pressure will now be on the General Assembly to tackle the issue. This session will likely see the reintroduction of legislation offered in 2024 and 2025 by Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, and Del. Rip Sullivan, D-Fairfax, limiting or banning the use of diesel generators at data centers as part of larger bills addressing their energy use. And this year a new Loudoun County Democrat, Del. John McAuliff, has introduced legislation requiring data centers to use storage as the first line of defense in emergencies, limiting Tier IV generators to emergency use when storage is exhausted, and removing the option of Tier II generators altogether. The bill also adds air monitoring and public notification requirements. Advertisement Advertisement No doubt the data center lobby will resist these measures, as they have absolutely every initiative that would require them to shoulder the cost of their presence in Virginia. Their allies in the General Assembly will fret that requiring Amazon to prioritize cleaner alternatives to diesel generators might raise costs incrementally for a multinational company and its billionaire chief. That feels increasingly out of touch. In November a Virginia government report calculated that the data center industry received more than $2.7 billion in incentives over the past decade, thanks to Virginia taxpayers. It shouldnt be any surprise that now the taxpayers would like a little consideration in return. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A 23-year-old Texas man has died following a rollover crash Saturday in Seguin, authorities said. Troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety's Highway Patrol responded at 8:45 a.m. Saturday to a report of a single-vehicle crash and found the man's body in a field near the 4300 block of Old Seguin Luling Road in Guadalupe County. DPS officials identified the man Tuesday as Mason Lane Pfantz of Seguin. Advertisement Advertisement READ ALSO: Texas man jailed, accused of trying to strangle 12-year-old son According to a preliminary investigation, a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling west on Old Seguin Luling Road when it left the roadway and rolled over multiple times, authorities said. Investigators said it appeared Pfantz was ejected during the crash, which is believed to have occurred several hours before it was reported. DPS is investigating the incident. This article originally published at 23-year old Texas man dead after Seguin rollover crash, officials say. By Raphael Satter WASHINGTON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - A coalition of women's groups, tech watchdogs, and progressive activists is calling on Alphabet owner Google and Apple to remove the social media site X and its related chatbot, Grok, from their app stores. In open letters published on Wednesday, the coalition accused the Elon Musk-owned apps of generating illegal content that violates both companies' terms of service. The push, whose backers include the feminist group UltraViolet, the National Organization for Women, the liberal group MoveOn, and the parent advocacy group ParentsTogether Action, is aimed at piling pressure on Musk after Grok began generating sexually charged, degrading, or violent images of women and children. "We are really imploring Apple and Google to take this extremely seriously," Jenna Sherman, UltraViolet's campaign director, told Reuters ahead of the letter's release. "They are enabling a system in which thousands, if not tens of thousands, of people, particularly women and children, are being sexually abused through the help of their own app stores." X did not return a message seeking comment on the letter. Its parent company, xAI, which powers Grok, responded with the words, "Legacy Media Lies." Google and Apple have not returned repeated messages seeking comment about X and Grok. Scrutiny continues to build after X was flooded with hyper-realistic images of women and minors in skimpy clothing at the turn of the new year. Malaysia and Indonesia have already banned Grok over the explicit content, while authorities in Europe and the United Kingdom have announced investigations or demanded answers. Separately, some organizations and leaders are pulling back from X. On Tuesday, the American Federation of Teachers announced it was quitting the social network over indecent images of children produced by Grok. While X has adjusted the chatbot's behavior so that images Grok generates or edits are not posted to the public timeline, a Reuters test of Grok on Tuesday showed it was still generating bikini-clad versions of people's photographs on demand. Sherman said while Apple and Google both claim to take child protection seriously, their treatment of X would reveal "what their values actually are in practice." (Reporting by Raphael Satter; Editing by Chris Reese) MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) Almost $30,000 worth of tools and equipment were stolen from a construction site in Mt. Juliet early Tuesday morning. The theft happened at a construction site in the 1300 block of Old Lebanon Dirt Road. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com (Courtesy: Mt. Juliet Police Department) According to Mt. Juliet police, the stolen equipment was recovered at a home on Madison Street in Nashville by Tuesday evening. It is not known if anyone was taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Mt. Juliet police posted the department is grateful to have recovered the majority of the stolen property for the theft victim. The relentless work of our team, their deep care for our community, and the effective use of technology continue to drive results in our investigations. Some schools in Mt. Juliet were placed in a precautionary soft lockdown while officers searched for the suspects in the area between Old Lebanon Dirt Road and Division Street from Jefferson Drive and Chandler Road to the county line. No additional information was immediately released. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Four former UPS employees at a Louisville facility are facing charges after they were accused of stealing Apple products valued at more than $150,000 while on the clock, according to court documents. Takiyha Jones, Jasmine Kimbrough and Wael Ayari, all of Louisville, pleaded not guilty to complicity to engaging in organized crime and complicity to theft by unlawful taking or disposition from a building during a Jan. 13 arraignment hearing. Each of their cash bonds were set at $112,500, and they are currently being held at Louisville Metro Department of Corrections. The fourth employee, Kavion Hudson, currently has a felony warrant for his arrest for the same charges, Louisville Metro Police spokesperson Matt Sanders said. Advertisement Advertisement A UPS spokesperson confirmed the individuals no longer work for the company. According to an arrest citation, UPS discovered the product loss at the destination locations after employees began to unload the trailers and found merchandise boxes left behind. An internal UPS audit found that the thefts occurred at the UPS Centennial Hub on Air Commerce Drive. Video surveillance reportedly shows Jones and Kimbrough taking the merchandise and having backpacks with the products inside. Police said Kimbrough possessed a backpack that had 22 iPhones, four pairs of AirPods and one charging cable, which had an estimated value of $25,000. According to an arrest citation, Hudson's backpack contained 45 iPhones. Since the arrests, LMPD detectives have determined that a total of $155,000 worth of Apple products was stolen. Advertisement Advertisement "Of that amount, LMPD and UPS have recovered about $107,000 in stolen merchandise, and we are still missing roughly $48,000 worth of Apple products," Sanders said. LMPD is currently investigating the case, as detectives work to locate the remaining stolen items. "This case highlights the strength of our partnership with UPS and the dedication of our detectives. Their hard work and collaboration have been instrumental in recovering stolen property and pursuing justice," LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey said in a statement. "Theft doesnt just impact businesses it ultimately drives up costs for consumers across our community, and we remain committed to holding those responsible accountable." Jones, Kimbrough and Ayari are scheduled to next appear in court Jan. 22. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Former UPS workers face charges for allegedly stealing Apple iPhones, AirPods An Ohio man who was convicted of sex trafficking and exploiting two teenagers had his 40-year prison sentence affirmed by the Court of Appeals. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Tuesday, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the 40-year prison sentence imposed on 44-year-old Kelly Richards of Cincinnati, who was convicted at trial of sex trafficking and exploiting two teenagers. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement After a six-day trial, Richards was found guilty on all five counts of sex trafficking minors, sexually exploiting children, and illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Richards was sentenced in October 2024 to spend 480 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release. Richards drugged, raped, abused, photographed, and sold two teenage girls, according to a press release from the Southern District of Ohio U.S. Attorneys Office. He held the two teens in a one-bedroom apartment that the appeals court called a house of horrors, and provided them with cocaine before assaulting them and forcing them to have sex with other men. Advertisement Advertisement On appeal, Richards challenged his convictions and argues that his sentence was substantively unreasonable. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the convictions and sentence. The court noted his horrific crimes against multiple victims and failure to show a scintilla of remorse for his actions. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Gov. Kim Reynolds delivered a packed legislative agenda to lawmakers in her annual Condition of the State address Jan. 13. Procuring property tax cuts, expanding cancer care and imposing stricter penalties for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes are at the core of her policy priorities for the 2026 legislative session. Reynolds, a Republican is not seeking reelection this year. More: Kim Reynolds calls for $3B property tax cut in Condition of the State Advertisement Advertisement Here's a look at six of Reynolds' top priorities for the 2026 legislative session. Reynolds unveils her property tax plan Reynolds unveiled her plan to cut property taxes, which Republicans have labeled their top priority. A major component of her proposal is a 2% cap on revenue growth for local governments. That cap would not include new construction and would contain exceptions for debt service and school funding. Her plan also would freeze property taxes for all Iowans aged 65 and older whose homes are valued at no more than $350,000. She also proposed creating tax-deductible savings accounts for first-time homebuyers. Her office said the plan would cut property taxes by $3 billion over six years. Tackling Iowas rising cancer rates Answering Iowans calls to address the states rising cancer rates, Reynolds highlighted ways Iowa plans to reshape cancer care across the state. Advertisement Advertisement The state is devoting $50 million in federal grant funding this year to cancer screening, prevention and treatment. The grant program is intended to help offset cuts to federal Medicaid spending over a decade under the GOP tax and spending law dubbed the big, beautiful bill. Iowa will use the grant to reshape rural health care by creating cancer-specific hubs that help boost access to cancer treatment and prevention. Iowans can expect initial findings to be shared in the coming weeks from the states study conducted in partnership with the University of Iowa College of Public Health to study the root causes of Iowas rising cancer rates. Reynolds approved allocating $1 million toward the study in 2025. Stricter penalties for undocumented immigrants Reynolds office said she would introduce legislation that makes it more difficult for undocumented immigrants who are arrested to make bail. Advertisement Advertisement The bill would create a presumption that any undocumented immigrant arrested in Iowa for a crime other than a simple misdemeanor is a flight risk and should not be granted bail. The defendant would be allowed to challenge that presumption. Gov. Kim Reynolds delivers her 2026 Condition of the State address on Jan. 13, 2026, at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. 'Make America Healthy Again push Reynolds is pitching a couple of ideas that fall in line with the Trump administrations Make America Healthy Again movement. She wants to prohibit certain dyes and preservatives from being used in meals fed to students in K-12 schools. The proposed banned dyes include Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, potassium bromate and brothel paraben. That would take effect in July 2027. She also is asking lawmakers to codify a requirement that the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Summer EBT waivers in favor of state initiatives to provide low-income Iowans with nutritious foods. Push to improve veterans services State funding for county veterans services would be shifted to create a new performance-based grant program under Reynolds proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Reynolds plan calls to repurpose existing state funds to create a new program where the higher a county's veterans affairs compensation per capita, the more money a county will earn as a way to improve outcomes. People applaud during Gov. Kim Reynolds' Condition of the State address on Jan. 13, 2026, at the Iowa State Capitol. Support for charter schools Reynolds will pursue legislation building on efforts she has championed to expand school choice after passing a law in 2023 creating education savings accounts that divert public funds to private school expenses. She will ask lawmakers to allow per-pupil funding to follow students to public charter schools and ensure that public charter school students may access concurrent enrollment to get college credit and extracurricular activities. Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@registermedia.com. Follow her on X at @marissajpayne. Advertisement Advertisement Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What are Kim Reynolds' 2026 policy priorities? Here are 6 takeaways. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott met Tuesday at the Governors Mansion with several U.S. ambassadors to discuss transatlantic security, Texas defense manufacturing and innovation sectors, and the promotion of U.S. industry, according to a press release from the governors office. The meeting included Matthew Whitaker, Joseph Popolo, Tom Rose, and Nicholas Merrick. According to the release, Abbott highlighted Texas advanced manufacturing capabilities and the states role as a national leader in artificial intelligence, defense innovation, semiconductor capacity, and the global aerospace and aviation industry. The governor and ambassadors emphasized the importance of maintaining strong partnerships between Texas and allied nations to support national security and defense manufacturing. Advertisement Advertisement Whitaker thanked Abbott for his efforts to ensure the United States and its allies remain strong against what the release described as bad actors. Officials said the meeting focused on strengthening transatlantic cooperation and promoting U.S. industry through state and federal collaboration. The discussion also addressed Texas energy sector. The release noted that Texas all-of-the-above energy approach has strengthened the states ability to support large-scale manufacturing and innovation. Abbott also discussed Texas efforts to expand nuclear energy development, including the creation of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office and the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund, which are intended to incentivize nuclear energy projects within the state. According to the release, the ambassadors echoed the importance of reliable energy generation to power critical industries, including defense manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and semiconductor production. The meeting comes amid a broader focus by federal and state officials on the role of advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence in national security. As The Dallas Express previously reported, the U.S. Department of War this week announced an Artificial Intelligence Acceleration Strategy aimed at making the U.S. military an AI-first fighting force, underscoring the growing emphasis on domestic AI development and defense innovation. The ambassadors met with Abbott during a two-day tour of Texas that included visits with major manufacturers in several cities across the state, according to the governors office. The Pennsylvania man suspected of stealing more than 100 pieces of human remains from a historic cemetery has allegedly admitted to selling some of them online while the graveyard solicits donations to upgrade its security. Jonathan Gerlachs purported admission, along with the most complete account yet of how he caught the attention of law enforcement, are contained in search warrants obtained by authorities investigating a case one government official called a horror movie come to life. Detectives said they were already investigating reports of cemetery burglaries when police evidently received a tip that was submitted online and urged them to look into whether Gerlach was connected to one mausoleum robbery in particular. As the Pennsylvania news outlet WHP-TV reported in the Baltimore Sun, the tipster described knowing someone who had been in Gerlachs home and had spotted a partially decomposed corpse hanging in the basement. Advertisement Advertisement The tipster further alleged that Gerlach, 34, had claimed to have been in Chicago selling a human skull at one point. A social media account of his purportedly followed other users devoted to skeleton collecting and sales, and the tipster directed investigators attention to it, authorities alleged. While combing through his social media, detectives noted how someone in a so-called human bones and skull selling group thanked Gerlach for what was described as a human skin bag. Detectives furthermore said they found Gerlach on a money payment app, and his profile picture showed someone holding what appeared to be a human skull. Police have said they eventually linked Gerlach to grave burglaries at Mount Moriah cemetery in the Philadelphia suburb of Yeadon in particular after they noticed his Toyota Rav4 repeatedly showing up on license plate readers nearby. His cellphone records also established that Gerlach was in the vicinity of the cemetery around the time of the burglaries in mausoleums and underground burial vaults there. Yeadon police alleged that they saw Gerlach leaving Mount Moriah with a crowbar and burlap sack on 6 January. They arrested him near the car, where bones and skulls were visible in the backseat area, according to the police statements cited by WHP-TV. Advertisement Advertisement The burlap sack, meanwhile, allegedly contained two childrens mummified remains, three skulls and several loose bones, Yeadon police said. Gerlach allegedly acknowledged that he sold some remains online but that the vast majority of them were in the basement of his home in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, about 70 miles away, said the search warrant cited by WHP-TV. Police searched Gerlachs Ephrata home the next day. Officers said they discovered human remains in the basement, on shelves, hanging from the ceiling and at a storage locker. The local district attorney Tanner Rouse said investigators had essentially walked into a horror movie come to life. This, he remarked, [was] an unbelievable scene. Officers subsequently booked Gerlach with nearly 575 alleged crimes at least to start, including more than 100 counts of corpse abuse. He also faces charges of theft, burglary, intentional desecration of venerated objects, trespassing, criminal mischief, receiving stolen property, and desecrating historic lots as well as burial places. Advertisement Advertisement Gerlach remained in custody Tuesday in lieu of $1m bail at the jail in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, which encompasses Yeadon. He was tentatively scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing on 20 January. Mount Moriah was established in 1855. Among those who were once interred there was Betsy Ross, the Philadelphia seamstress credited with sewing the first US flag. Many of the cemeterys 150,000 grave sites are said to have remains dating back to the USs war of independence from the UK, which began in 1775. Despite that historical background, the cemetery endured years of neglect. It lacked a security fence at the time of the burglaries attributed to Gerlach, and it also has a number of easily accessible entrances. Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery, a non-profit which has striven to maintain the graveyard as much as possible, has said it hopes to install new surveillance cameras, initiate patrols of the grounds, and erect a security fence in the aftermath of Gerlachs arrest. The group has also asked the public to consider making tax-deductible donations to the cemetery to support the planned upgrades, as the Philadelphia news outlet WTXF reported. At least 3,428 demonstrators have been killed in Iran since the outbreak of protests at the end of December, according to the human rights organization Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO). The Oslo-based group also said the actual death toll could be significantly higher. According to the organization, more than 10,000 people have been arrested during the protests. The activist group also voiced concern at the actions of the Iranian authorities and warned of mass executions of detained demonstrators. Advertisement Advertisement IHRNGO also referred to reports by state media, according to which at least 121 police officers, security and state forces were killed in the unrest. The figures cannot currently be independently verified. The internet in Iran has now been shut down for almost a week, and information is only slowly reaching the outside world. Since Tuesday residents in Iran have again been able to make international phone calls. Jan. 13 (UPI) -- The end of temporary subsidies for Affordable Care Act health insurance policies is raising rates and causing many to lower their coverage or forgo it as open enrollment nears its end. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services run the HealthCare.gov enrollment site in 30 states and reported about 800,000 fewer signups compared to last year, according to NBC News. Those states also are seeing fewer new signups and fewer policy renewals than last year. Advertisement Advertisement "People are saying: 'I just can't make the math work. I cannot afford this," Audrey Morse Gasteier, executive director of the Massachusetts Health Connector, told NBC News. She said many are gambling that they won't have any health problems over the next year as the ACA health insurance plan rates rise by an average of 26% and as much as 114% in some states. Affordability does not appear to be a factor in several other states, though. Twenty states and the District of Columbia have their own respective ACA health insurance exchanges, and 10 of them said they are seeing record numbers of health insurance enrollees. Advertisement Advertisement Officials in New Mexico, Minnesota and Colorado also are reporting either level or increased numbers of enrollees when compared to 2025. Yet, in Virginia, Idaho and Massachusetts, the number of people choosing to end their coverage is about double the number from 2025. The situation is worse in Pennsylvania, where the number dropping their coverage -- 70,000 -- is three times as much as a year ago and rising. In Kentucky, New York and California, new enrollees also are down, and many returning policyholders are lowering their coverages to the most affordable policies that also have the highest deductibles. Advertisement Advertisement The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reported 22.8 million have signed up for individual health insurance plans via the health insurance marketplaces since open enrollment started on Nov. 1. The number includes 15.6 million who bought policies via HealthCare.gov in the 30 states that use it and 7.2 million in the other 20 states and the District of Columbia. About 2.8 million plans were sold to new enrollees, while the other 20 million are returning policyholders. The annual ACA open enrollment period generally ends on Thursday, but some states have longer enrollment periods, and federal lawmakers might extend the enrollment period as part of a measure that would retroactively extend ACA subsidies for three years. Akesos cadonilimab has outperformed the activity of the current standard of care (SoC) treatment option during a real-world study in first-line gastric or gastroesophageal cancer. The AK104-302 trial (NCT05008783) put cadonilimab plus chemotherapy agent Xelox (oxaliplatin and capecitabine) head-to-head with chemotherapy alone. During the study, cadonilimab plus Xelox met its trial endpoint, offering a statistically significant four-month improvement to overall survival (OS) over Xelox alone reaching 14.3 months compared to 10.3 months. Advertisement Advertisement The combination of cadonilimab and Xelox also exhibited a progression-free survival (PFS) of 9.3 months, which was significantly longer than the 5.8 months observed in the control cohort who received Xelox alone. The safety and tolerability profile of cadonilimab plus Xelox was also similar to chemotherapy alone, with no significant differences in the rate of serious adverse events (AEs) observed between the control and treatment groups. The positive impact of cadonilimab plus chemotherapy was seen in patients with low programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression a genotype which is observed in nearly 50% of all advanced gastric cancer patients. Results of the AK104-302 study align with the outcome of the Phase III COMPASSION-15 trial (NCT05008783), which was the basis of cadonilimabs Chinese approval in 2024. Akeso first presented this data at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium (ASCO GI) in San Francisco. Advertisement Advertisement To further evaluate cadonilimab, Akeso will run the global head-to-head COMPASSION-37 trial, where the company will compare cadonilimab plus chemotherapy to Opdivo (nivolumab) and chemotherapy and as a monotherapy. Akeso got the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) go-ahead to commence the Phase III trial back in December 2025. The company is also running a second global registrational study on cadonilimab, which will weigh up the therapys potential in patients with immunotherapy-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma. Harnessing new options for PD-L1-low gastric cancer Recently, the oncology sector has seen some significant advancements in the treatment paradigm, with targeted therapies gaining approval across a broad range of indications. While some progress has been made in treating gastric cancer, the SoC still centres around the use of chemotherapy agents, with PD-1-directed immunotherapies like Opdivo, Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and Imfinzi (durvalumab) also being employed when a patient is eligible. Advertisement Advertisement However, PD-1 immunotherapies are not available to a notable proportion of the gastric cancer patient population, as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) previously restricted their use to those with PD-L1-positive disease due to the low efficacy of such drugs in PD-L1-low or non-expressors. This has left patients with low PD-L1 tumour expression with significant unmet needs, as there are no immunotherapies currently approved that are suitable for use. According to Akeso, cadonilimab could address this challenge by elevating the standard of cancer immunotherapy and addressing clinical challenges unresolved by single-target PD-1 inhibitors. While cadonilimab has already been approved for use in China, Akeso will likely have to replicate these results in global studies to gain US or European approval meaning the therapy may not reach either of these markets in the near-term. Advertisement Advertisement GlobalData, parent company of Clinical Trials Arena, forecasts that cadonilimab will make $853m for Akeso across the Chinese market in 2031. "Akesos PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific trumps chemo in frontline gastric cancer" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand. With more Americans looking to save money, one discount supermarket is looking to expand in Central Florida. Aldi says it is planning to expand its distribution center in Polk County to deliver more fresh food across our area. Aldi says it also wants to open 180 new stores this year, including nearly 90 in the southeast. The rise in new store openings represents Aldis growing presence in the grocery sector, particularly in areas where it can meet the needs of cost-conscious consumers. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The XRP price rose after reports that Ripple secured preliminary approval for an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license in Luxembourg. This regulatory milestone marks another significant step for the blockchain payments firm as it expands across Europe. Ripples Europe Strategy Is Coming Into Focus And XRP Sits Inside the Rails Ripple said Luxembourgs financial regulator, the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), has issued an initial green light for the EMI license, subject to remaining conditions. If finalized, the authorization would allow Ripple to offer regulated payment services involving stablecoins and other digital assets across the European Union through passporting, using Luxembourg as its regulatory base. The development places Luxembourg at the center of Ripples European strategy. An EMI license in the country would enable Ripple to operate under harmonized EU rules. This gives it access to multiple member states without seeking separate approvals in each jurisdiction. For a sector facing increasingly strict oversight, the ability to scale compliantly across borders has become a decisive advantage. Ripple investors appeared to welcome the news, with the XRP price climbing as traders digested the implications of Ripples expanding regulatory footprint in Europe. As of this writing, XRP was trading for $2.14, up by nearly 4% on the news. XRP Price Performance. Source: BeInCrypto While price reactions to regulatory developments have often been uneven, the Luxembourg approval reinforces a growing narrative that Ripple is emerging as one of the most institutionally compliant crypto firms operating in major financial markets. UK and Luxembourg Licenses Signal Ripples Broader European Regulatory Strategy The Luxembourg progress follows closely on the heels of Ripples recent regulatory win in the UK. Last week, the company confirmed that its local subsidiary, Ripple Markets UK, secured both an EMI license and crypto-asset registration from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). As BeInCrypto reported, clearing FCA scrutiny is a rare achievement in the crypto industry, with the majority of applicants failing to meet the regulators standards. Together, the UK and Luxembourg approvals signal a coordinated effort to integrate Ripples payments business into Europes regulated financial system. The company is also pursuing authorization as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) under the EUs Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. This positions it to align fully with the blocs new digital asset rules as they take effect. Ripple said the European approvals add to a global portfolio of more than 75 regulatory licenses, including US money transmitter licenses and authorizations in jurisdictions such as Singapore and Dubai. Grab your quarters, Aldi is expanding. Last year, the German budget retailer set out to open 226 new locations across the country. This year, Aldi has plans to open 180 new stores across 31 states, including expansion into two new states. As Aldi enters its 50th year in the U.S., the grocer is making significant headway into its goal of operating 3,200 storesand investing $9 billionby the end of 2028. Including the 180 new openings, Aldi plans to own a total of nearly 2,800 stores by the end of the year, some of which will be at former Winn-Dixie sites. As part of its 2026 growth plan, Aldi is breaking ground in Maine and Colorado for the first time. Aldi Is Coming to Maine and Colorado The city of Portland, Maine, will be the first in the state to have an Aldi location, and will mark the brand's entry into its 40th state overall. There are no further details on when the store will have its grand opening or the exact store location. Advertisement Advertisement Building on its East Coast expansion, Aldi announced a five-year plan to launch operations in Colorado. The brand plans to open an impressive 50 new stores in the Denver and Colorado Springs markets over the next two years. Details such as date openings and addresses have not yet been shared. Other key regions, such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, and the American Southeast, will see significant Aldi expansion in 2026 and beyond. Getty Images/Allrecipes "Anxious to see this happen," said one Facebook user about the expansion into Colorado. "I have heard good things about this grocery store." In addition to the brand's storefront expansions, Aldi announced investments in three new distribution centers in Florida, Arizona, and Colorado in 2027, 2028, and 2029, respectively. "These strategic investments are all about making sure customers can continue to count on us for the quality, affordable groceries and enjoyable shopping experience they love," said the CEO of Aldi U.S. in a press release. "As we look ahead to our next 50 years in the U.S., we'll continue to earn shopper loyalty by staying true to what's made Aldi successful: keeping things simple and delivering real value." Advertisement Advertisement Included in the brand's $9 billion U.S. investment is a plan to "upgrade its online shopping experience." Aldi has a cult-like following for a reason. Its high-quality private label, consistently low prices, European imports, and ever-so-tempting Aldi Finds promotions bring thousands of shoppers through its doors each week. More Aldi locations mean more opportunities for shoppers to get in on the funand we couldn't be more excited. Read the original article on Allrecipes Alina Habba, who stepped down as New Jerseys top prosecutor, wants her old job back. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday asked the full Third Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider a three-judge panels December ruling that Habba was serving unlawfully after staying in the job too long without Senate confirmation. The ruling prompted Habba to step down. In a declaration accompanying the request for a rehearing, Habba said she resigned because she didnt want legal controversy over her authority to "interfere with the offices critical and important work. Challenges to her authority were brought by defense attorneys and had already disrupted criminal and civil proceedings in New Jersey federal courts. Advertisement Advertisement If the Third Circuit or the Supreme Court sides with her, I intend to return to my prior position, Habba wrote. Habba, who is still working at the Department of Justice as senior adviser to Bondi, is one of several federal prosecutors whom President Donald Trump and Bondi have tried to keep in office without Senate approval. So far, courts have sided against attempts to circumvent the Senate confirmation process and disqualified prosecutors in Nevada, the Los Angeles area, Virginia and elsewhere. The latest of those rulings came last week when a federal judge disqualified the top prosecutor in upstate New York and tossed subpoenas his office issued to state Attorney General Letitia James, a Trump foe. DOJ has said it would press the appointment powers issue on Trumps behalf. If Habba didnt say she wanted her job back, the case which is the furthest along could be moot, delaying a showdown over the presidents powers. Advertisement Advertisement Still, Habbas decision to vacate the position in early December was an unexpected twist because she could have kept her job while appealing. In the request for a rehearing, Bondi argued the three-judge panels ruling created new uncertainty in how certain vacancies can be filled. One of the judges on the Third Circuit who was not on the three-judge panel is Emil Bove who, like Habba, was a personal attorney to Trump. He then became a top Justice Department official while Habba ran the New Jersey U.S. attorney's office. Since taking the bench in September, Bove has taken a handful of actions that many legal experts say are unorthodox if not unethical for a sitting judge. Nick Bach, of Wichita, leads the crowd in chanting "human needs are human rights" at a Jan. 14, 2026, rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA Hundreds of Kansans chanted f*** ICE, carried pointed and sometime profane signs, and sang protest songs Wednesday as they flooded the second floor of the Statehouse to rally for human rights. Fourteen groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes, El Centro and the Sierra Club, joined forces to promote the rally. The crowd swelled to elbow-room only around the center of the floor, with dozens more demonstrating from the railings above. Advertisement Advertisement Rabbi Moti Rieber, executive director of Kansas Interfaith Action, which helped organize the rally, told the crowd, We are living in troubling times. America is showing its dark underbelly, Rieber said. The original sins of the United States anti-Black racism, brutal oligarchic capitalism and slaveholder Christianity are all in power right now. The wealthy and powerful are completely protected from their criminal activity and the consequences of their actions. Rieber and other speakers addressed food insecurity, voting rights, climate change, health care, reproductive right, public education, and immigration enforcement themes that also appeared on handwritten signs throughout the crowd. Rabbi Moti Rieber, executive director of Kansas Interfaith Action, speaks to the crowd at the Jan. 14, 2026, human needs are human rights rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Several signs referenced U.S. Immigration an Customs agent Jonathan Ross killing Renee Nicole Good in her car last week in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement You may have been surprised that they shot a normie white woman in the face, but when Christian nationalism sees white people standing with the other, they see that as treason worthy of death, and that is what we are facing today, Rieber said. Before the speeches began, the crowd sang lines from Woody Guthries All you Fascists Bound to Lose. Mandy Todd, a Lindsborg pastor and director of engagement and development for Kansas Interfaith Action, led a rendition of the civil rights anthem Aint Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round. Demonstrators hold signs at the Jan. 14, 2026, human needs are human rights rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) At various times during the two-hour rally, the crowd sustained chants of f*** ICE and human needs are human rights. Several people held signs that read: Necesidades humans son dereschos humanos, which is Spanish for human needs are human rights. Advertisement Advertisement Demonstrators also carried signs that read: What was the $ bonus ICE got for murdering Renee?? Renee Nicole Good is not collateral damage. Justice for Renee. And Unmask and disarm ICE killers. One person sat on a box that read: Salt melts ICE. Carol Nistler, of Miami County, and Chris Wilson, senior pastor of Saint Andrew Christian Church in Olathe, hold signs at the Jan. 14, 2026, human needs are human rights rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Chris Wilson, pastor at Saint Andrew Christian Church in Olathe, held a sign reading, The power of the people is stronger than the people in power. He said lawmakers were too busy targeting transgender people, public education and things that make our state better. Theyre spending way too much energy targeting the few versus supporting and funding things for the larger majority of people in the state, Wilson said. Advertisement Advertisement He attended the protest with Carol Nistler, of Miami County, who said she wanted to make her voice heard about everything and to remind our legislators of their real job, which is to serve the people of Kansas. Her sign read: Legislators: Who do you serve? The Rev. Mandy Todd, a Lindsborg resident and director of engagement and development for Kansas Interfaith Action, leads the crowd in song at the Jan. 14, 2026, "human needs are human rights" rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. Demonstrators hold signs at the Jan. 14, 2026, "human needs are human rights" rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. Demonstrators hold signs at the Jan. 14, 2026, "human needs are human rights" rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. A demonstrator sits on a "salt melts ICE" block at a Jan. 14, 2026, "human needs are human rights" rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. Advertisement Advertisement Demonstrators hold signs at the Jan. 14, 2026, "human needs are human rights" rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. Demonstrators hold signs at the Jan. 14, 2026, "human needs are human rights" rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. Demonstrators hold signs at the Jan. 14, 2026, "human needs are human rights" rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. Demonstrators hold signs at the Jan. 14, 2026, "human needs are human rights" rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. Advertisement Advertisement Demonstrators hold signs at the Jan. 14, 2026, "human needs are human rights" rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. Demonstrators hold signs at the Jan. 14, 2026, "human needs are human rights" rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. Demonstrators hold signs at the Jan. 14, 2026, "human needs are human rights" rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. Demonstrators hold signs at the Jan. 14, 2026, "human needs are human rights" rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. Advertisement Advertisement Erin Murrow, left, and Jennifer Auge, both of Wichita, hold signs at the Jan. 14, 2026, "human needs are human rights" rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. Demonstrators hold signs at the Jan. 14, 2026, "human needs are human rights" rally at the Statehouse in Topeka. NC A&T State University tried unsuccessfully on Jan. 13, 2026 to have the NC Board of Elections approve a voting site on the Greensboro HBCU's campus.(Photo: Lynn Bonner/NC Newsline) NC A&T State University students packed the North Carolina State Board of Elections meeting in Raleigh to support an early voting site on their campus for the upcoming primaries. When the board adopted a plan without a voting site on the Greensboro campus, students stood with their signs near the front of the room behind the presenters desk. Advertisement Advertisement After a student said board members wouldnt look them in the eye, board Chairman Francis De Luca threatened to call the cops on students if they didnt leave. One student said the outcome would have been different if the group was white. De Luca said he resented that suggestion. Jeff Carmon, the state boards only Black member, walked up to the students and encouraged them to keep working. The student protest was just one mark in a contentious meeting where the state boards Republican majority decided that Elon University and Western Carolina University also will not have early voting sites for the primary, even though those colleges have a history of hosting polling places. Western Carolina University in Jackson County has had a polling place on campus since 2016 thats been used in five general elections and four primaries, according to a document prepared for the board. The state board voted 3-2 to get rid of it. Advertisement Advertisement Without the campus site, the closest polling place for students will be a recreation center nearly two miles away. Students without transportation will have to walk along a four-lane highway and through a meadow to get there. Closing the campus voting site would not save money, but would create barriers to voting for young, rural residents, Jackson County Board member Betsy Swift told the state board. Sixty-four percent of students dont have vehicles, she said. But Jackson County Board Chairman Bill Thompson said parking on campus is scarce, and students will find their way to the recreation center. Advertisement Advertisement Students are adults, he said. Theyve demonstrated above-average ability and mobility. Taylor Bucklin, a Raleigh resident and recent Western Carolina University graduate, said getting rid of the campus voting site will hurt student engagement and reduce voter turnout. This is an awful, evil decision, she said. I dont agree with it one bit. Board member Siobhan Millen, a Democrat, said she was disappointed but not surprised by the votes. We want to encourage kids to vote, so Im kind of disappointed how it came out, she said. Student voting is in the crosshairs. A&T students gathered outside after the board rejected a campus site. Advertisement Advertisement Zayveon Davis, a voter engagement leader at the HBCU, said shuttles would be available for students to vote at the nearest polling place. Its really disappointing that we came all this way for our voices not to be heard, for us to be laughed at to our face, and for our votes not to be protected, but Im extremely proud of the effort that we did today, Davis said. So I hope that everybody leaves here knowing that your voice does matter. Your vote does matter. And if it didnt, they wouldnt be working this hard to take it away. NC A&T students gather outside the Dobbs Building in Raleigh on Jan. 13, 2026 after the GOP majority on the NC Board of Elections rejects a plan for a campus early voting site for the primaries. (Photo: Lynn Bonner/NC Newsline) Sunday voting rejected The boards Republican majority also rejected several counties early voting plans that included Sunday voting hours. Local county boards of elections adopt early voting plans for primary and general elections that include polling locations and hours. If local boards do not unanimously agree on a plan, the state board decides. The state board can vote on a plan posed by the county board majority, the minority, or come up with its own plan. Advertisement Advertisement The state board set plans for a dozen counties on Tuesday where local board votes were not unanimous. In five of those counties, they rejected Sunday voting hours. Harnett will not have Sunday hours for the first time since 2018. Sunday voting was eliminated in Greene County, which has had Sunday voting hours for primaries and general elections since 2016. Democrats on the Brunswick County elections board wanted to add Sunday hours to accommodate the countys fast-growing population. The state board majority rejected that plan. Democrats on the Craven board wanted Sunday hours, but Craven Board Chairman Ross Hardeman told the state board there was no precedent for Sunday voting in midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement The state board voted against Sunday hours even in an instance where the local boards majority wanted them: the Columbus County Republican board chairwoman voted with the boards two Democrats for Sunday hours. She believes in the value of Sunday voting, Carmon said of the Columbus Chairwoman Jillian McPherson-Edge. What are we doing if we dont support what the chair of this particular board believes? Noting that Columbus has had Sunday voting hours in recent years, Millen said the state is retreating, and going against the advice of the county Republican chair. I just find that outrageous, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Most votes were 3-2 with Republicans in the majority. Republicans tend to want to limit Sunday voting and college student voting. During a break in the meeting, De Luca said he does not like voting sites on university campuses. Im not thrilled, De Lucas said. Theres no parking. They may set aside parking, if its filled, youre going to get a ticket. We dont put sites where theres no parking anywhere else. De Luca said he is also against Sunday voting. I dont think we should be voting on Sunday, he said. I know a lot of people who do nothing on Sunday because thats the Lords day. Sunday early voting is frequently used by Black churches for Souls to the Polls voter engagement drives. At a glance A 25yearold Anniston man received a 32month federal sentence after prosecutors said he fired a converted machine gun during an April 2024 shooting that injured a woman and a child. Investigators recovered a modified Glock pistol, surveillance footage of the gunfire, and evidence of drug activity inside the home, according to a recent news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office. Federal officials say the case falls under a Homeland Security Task Force initiative targeting violent gangs, drug networks, and crimes involving children across the United States. Advertisement Advertisement ANNISTON A Calhoun County man identified by federal authorities as a member of a local gang has been sentenced to more than two years in prison after investigators linked him to a shooting that wounded a woman and a young child, according to a recent news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office. U.S. District Judge Corey L. Maze ordered 25yearold Justus Ramone Edmonson of Anniston to serve 32 months in federal custody. Edmonson pleaded guilty in August to possessing a machine gun a charge that stemmed from a violent encounter at his Anniston residence in April 2024. Anniston police officers were called to the home after reports of gunfire and multiple victims, the release stated. A group gathered on the front porch came under attack, and officers found that a woman and a threeyearold child had sustained gunshot wounds after being caught in the crossfire. A search warrant executed at the residence uncovered a Glock 9mm pistol that investigators say had been altered with a machine gun conversion device, commonly known as a Glock switch. Prosecutors said the weapon belonged to Edmonson. Doorbell camera footage captured Edmonson firing the modified gun during the incident, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities also reported finding evidence that the home was being used to sell controlled substances. At sentencing, prosecutors presented information linking Edmonson to a local gang known as the Cutthroat Mafia. Federal officials noted that the case falls under the Homeland Security Task Force initiative created by Executive Order 14159, which focuses on dismantling violent gangs, drugtrafficking groups, and criminal networks that endanger communities and children. The Alabama task force includes agents from multiple federal agencies, with prosecution led by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Alabama. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Anniston Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison J. Garnett prosecuted it. Some residents of Apex are voicing concerns about a proposed massive data center near their neighborhood. The proposed site, spanning 190 acres near Old US-1 and Sharon Harris Road, would include four buildings dedicated to computing and networking for AI and cloud services. The plan has been under consideration for months, and while no decision has been made, many neighbors are actively opposing it. Although the data center was not on the agenda for Tuesday night's Apex town council meeting, dozens of residents attended to make their opposition clear. Advertisement Advertisement Developer Natelli Holdings, which has experience with similar projects in Maryland for Fannie Mae and the Social Security Administration, has previously addressed community concerns at meetings. The company indicated it would work to mitigate noise from the cooling system and backup generators. Neighbors have raised significant concerns about the project's potential impact on electricity usage, which they say would strain the town's resources. "The biggest one for us is just the resources it takes to power that thing. It's going to take 25 to 30% of the Sharon Harris' power just for that one center. At least a million gallons of water per day, which really limits the growth of Apex," Craig Spence, a neighbor, said. "Also, from what I understand, the way they negotiate the contract for the power, they get a discount." The town council has emphasized that no decisions have been made and that they are focused on understanding the potential impacts before taking further steps. Advertisement Advertisement "We all recognize that data centers are going to be a problem. They're going to be a thing that's going to be coming before us. And what we need to do is we need to figure out what's going to be our policy way ahead," Apex Councilmember Ed Gray said. However, some argue that the debate extends beyond a "not in my backyard" mentality. Regulation is where they can make real change, said neighbor Ashley Soucar. "We need all that computing power, but it doesn't need to be in people's neighborhoods," she said, "and it certainly doesn't need to be the number of data centers that people are throwing money at right now." The next step is a planning meeting scheduled for January 22, where more details about the potential impacts are expected before Apex considers any formal proposal. The White House has defended US President Donald Trump after he aimed an offensive gesture at a heckler during his appearance at the Ford factory in Detroit on Tuesday. Footage of the incident published by TMZ appears to show Trump responding to a man who shouted at him from afar. The White House said: "A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response." Advertisement Advertisement The heckler has been suspended by Ford, the United Auto Workers union told the BBC's US partner, CBS News. Within 24 hours of the incident, two separate GoFundMe pages have raised nearly $700,000 (521,000) for him from more than 27,000 donors. A Ford spokesperson told CBS: "One of our core values is respect and we don't condone anyone saying anything inappropriate like that within our facilities. "When that happens, we have a process to deal with it but we don't get into specific personnel matters." According to the subtitles provided by TMZ, the heckler called Trump a "paedophile protector". Advertisement Advertisement In the clip, which shows Trump from a distance, the president can be seen speaking back at the heckler, allegedly mouthing an expletive as well as using a middle-finger gesture. A man who spoke to The Washington Post, named TJ Sabula, identified himself as the man who shouted. He said he had "no regrets" about what he did. Sabula reportedly said he his remarks referred to Trump's handling of the Epstein files. Trump has faced pressure for more transparency on what was uncovered by federal investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender. Trump signed a law that compelled the Department of Justice (DoJ) to release all the files that it held on Epstein by 19 December, although only a fraction of the files have so far been made public. Advertisement Advertisement Trump was once friends with Epstein before they fell out, which Trump says was years before Epstein was first arrested. Trump has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. United Automotive Workers (UAW), the union that represents Sabula, defended his actions, saying: "He believes in freedom of speech, a principle we wholeheartedly embrace, and we stand with our membership in protecting their voice on the job." Trump was in Detroit on Tuesday to give a speech to the Detroit Economic Club. The president's public use of expletives have attracted headlines in the past - for example, when discussing the relationship between Iran and Israel last June. Advertisement Advertisement His predecessor Joe Biden also caused controversy for uttering an expletive during a conversation with a worker during his own visit to a factory in Detroit while on the campaign trail in 2020, before he was elected president. A former Aramark employee was charged with attempted sexual assault after a child reported the man followed him into a stall at NRG Stadium during a Texans home game, according to court documents. Now, the little boys' parents are talking to reporters, saying they hope for justice and to find a good samaritan who helped them realize something was wrong. According to Houston police, 21-year-old Ushay Nixon is accused of attempting to sexually assault the child inside a restroom stall at NRG Stadium on Sunday, December 14. The boy's mother says her son had gone to use the restroom when Nixon, who was working as a bathroom attendant, directed him into a stall. Advertisement Advertisement Once inside, the family says Nixon closed the stall door and began inappropriate actions toward the child. The boy quickly realized something was wrong, unlocked the door, and ran out. A bystander who witnessed part of the encounter immediately sought out the child's parents to alert them. The boy's mom remembers what the man said to her. "He had such concern in his voice. You could tell," said the mom. "He kept saying, I don't know, it didn't look right. I don't know if you're okay with that type of thing, I'm not.' He just kept repeating himself. So you could sense the concern in his voice." The mom asked the boy what happened, and court records show that's when the boy told his parents that someone pulled his pants down in the bathroom. At that point, the boy's father said he jumped up, and with the boy, went back to the bathroom area, where he says his son was able to point at Nixon. Advertisement Advertisement The father says Nixon then ran into a supply closet and hid, while he called the police. Houston police were able to detain Nixon on-site. "I wasn't able to protect him that day, but he protected himself," the boy's father said. "And I keep thinking about that Good Samaritan. I'm almost begging for the chance to shake that man's hand and thank him." During a recent court appearance, prosecutors revealed that Nixon had previously been accused in two similar cases, though those charges were dismissed after family members declined to move forward. Nixon had been employed by Aramark as a restroom attendant. In a statement, the company said the employee is no longer with the organization and that it is cooperating fully with investigators. Advertisement Advertisement The boy's parents have since filed a civil lawsuit, arguing that Nixon should never have been hired for a position inside stadium restrooms. "This is an accused pedophile that Aramark hired to work in their restrooms, and that's just unacceptable," the family's attorney, Anna Greenberg, said. Because the two previous charges were dropped, it is unclear if the arrest records alone would have shown up in a standard background check. Greenberg says she intends to find out during the civil suit process. Nixon remains in jail. Houston Police are asking the good samaritan who intervened, along with any other witnesses from that day, to come forward. For news updates, follow Miya Shay on Facebook, X and Instagram. An Arkansas couple who tried to sell their 2-month-old infant for a six-pack of beer and $1,000 is finally facing justice. In a plea deal, dad Darien Urban, 22, was sentenced to three years behind bars for attempted accepting compensation for adoption, while mom Shalene Ehlers, 21, was only put on probation for six years for attempting to accept compensation and endangering the welfare of a minor, according to Law & Crime. The baby-selling plot was exposed on Sept. 21, 2024, when Benton County Sheriff officers responded to a call from a campground manager in Rogers, Ark., who said a couple was trying to trade their baby for some suds, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Detectives interviewed a woman who said she had turned Ehlers down when she came to her camper begging for brewskis. Advertisement Advertisement But Ricky Crawford, who overheard the conversation, offered to give the pair beer if he could keep their baby for the night. Crawford then brought the child to the campsite of Cody Nathaniel Martin. Urban and Ehlers tracked them down and made them an offer they could keep the child forever if they also gave them $1,000. Martin agreed, and the young parents even signed a written contract. It read, I Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers are signing our rights over to Cody Nathaniel Martin of our baby boy [name redacted] for $1,000 on 09/21/2024. Disclaimer: After signing this there will be no changing yall twos minds and to never contact again. According to the affidavit of probable cause, the agreement was videotaped to ensure it was legal. Advertisement Advertisement As part of their plea deal, the depraved duo has been barred from having any contact with their son, who is reportedly now living in a stable, adoptive home. Read More From Globe This story Arkansas Couple Facing Justice After Allegedly Trying to Sell Their 2-Month-Old for Beer and $1,000 first appeared on Globe. Add Globe as a Preferred Source by clicking here. MARION COUNTY, Ark. A man has been arrested after being labeled as a suspect in the death of a woman in Marion County, Arkansas. Jimmy Liveretts mugshot, photo courtesy of Marion County Sheriffs Office. According to a Marion County Sheriffs Office press release, Jimmy Jay Liverett, 49, of Yellville, Arkansas, has been charged with capital murder, aggravated robbery, abuse of a corpse and two counts of tampering with physical evidence. Law enforcement states that the investigation began when Dena Andrews, 73, was found dead on Nov. 14, 2025, after being reported missing the day before by officials. Advertisement Advertisement Andrews was found a short distance from her residence on Broad Rock Lane in the rural Lakeway area of Marion County in a wooded area, the sheriffs office says. The Arkansas State Medical Examiner determined during an autopsy of Andrews body that the cause was a homicide caused by a gunshot wound. Officials located Liverett at a motel in Strafford, Missouri, two days later on Nov. 16, 2025, for the theft of Andrews vehicle. As further investigation continued by the Arkansas State Crime Lab, it was identified that Liverett was a suspect for the incident. The Marion County Circuit Court later issued a warrant for his arrest after an affidavit was approved. Advertisement Advertisement Liverett was taken into custody on Tuesday, Jan. 13, with the assistance of the United States Marshal Service Western Arkansas Fugitive Task Force. He was placed in the Marion County Detention Center with no bond pending an initial appearance. 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. For many American student loan borrowers, the risk of default feels closer by the day. More than 5 million borrowers with student loans from the Department of Education were in default as of June 2025, according to Federal Student Aid data. And more than 4 million more are in late-stage delinquency and at risk of defaulting in the coming months. Defaulting on your student loan can carry a major cost, from mounting interest charges to garnished wages and withheld tax refunds. While your loans are in default, you also wont be eligible for any additional federal student aid or for benefits like deferment and forbearance, and your credit score may suffer. The best thing you can do is avoid default status if you havent reached it yet, or take action to get out of default as quickly as you can. Student loan delinquency vs. default As soon as you miss a student loan payment, your loan is considered delinquent. But a missed payment doesnt necessarily mean youll face long-term consequences. Make your past-due payment as soon as possible or talk to your loan servicer about other options such as deferment or forbearance. If you dont make your loan payment within 90 days, the delinquency is reported to the credit bureaus which can bring down your credit score and remain on your credit report for several years. By still leaving your delinquent student loan unpaid, youll risk moving into default. When does your student loan go into default? The type of student loan you have determines when it moves from delinquency to default. Heres what that timeline looks like for different types of federal student loans: William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program: The most common federal loans, this type includes Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Direct Consolidation Loans, all issued by the Department of Education. These loans go into default if you dont make a payment for 270 days. Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program: These loans were last issued in 2010, and included Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans, Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, FFEL PLUS Loans, and FFEL Consolidation Loans. These loans are considered in default after 270 days without payment. Federal Perkins Loan Program: These low-interest loans were last issued in 2017, and final disbursements were made in 2018. Perkins Loans may be issued by your school. There are different standards for defaulting with a Perkins loan than other federal student loans, and just missing a payment could put you in default. How to get your federal student loans out of default The first thing you should do when your student loan goes into default is contact your loan servicer. You can find your servicer by logging into your federal loan account at StudentAid.gov. The most straightforward way to get out of default is to repay your loans in full. However, making a large lump-sum payment is not a likely option for most borrowers. The other options for defaulted student loans are loan consolidation or loan rehabilitation. Your individual circumstances and type of loan can impact your eligibility for either option, and will determine which is the right choice for you. Make sure to discuss the details of your loan with your loan servicer to help decide. Rehabilitate your loans You can start a loan rehabilitation program with your loan servicer to get out of default and have the record of default removed from your credit report. This may be the best option if youre eligible and you dont want your student loan default to affect your credit history long-term. The terms of the rehabilitation also depend on the type of loan you have. For Direct Loans and FFEL Loans, youll need to agree to the terms and make nine on-time (within 20 days of the due date) monthly payments toward your defaulted loan over 10 consecutive months. Your loan servicer will determine the payment amount, but it can range from 10% to 15% of your monthly income. For Perkins Loans, rehabilitation terms are similar. Youll need to make a full monthly payment (as determined by your loan servicer) within 20 days of the due date for nine consecutive months. One important thing to know is that you can only rehabilitate your loans once. If you go into default again, youll need to take a different action to recover. Beginning on July 1, 2027, borrowers will be allowed to rehabilitate a defaulted loan twice, thanks to changes made in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. When you consolidate your defaulted federal loan, both the principal and any interest charges you owe will be rolled into a Direct Consolidation Loan. Then, youll agree to pay the new loan under an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan based on a percentage of your income. The other option youll have is to make three consecutive, on-time payments toward your defaulted loan before you consolidate it to a Direct Consolidation Loan. This payment amount is set by your loan servicer, and must be reasonable and affordable for your financial situation. After you make these payments and consolidate the loan, you can choose any repayment plan you qualify for, including IDR. Once youve consolidated and begin paying down your new Direct Consolidation Loan, youll regain federal loan benefits such as deferment, forbearance, and loan forgiveness. However, your default will stay on your credit report. Default and student loan collections As of May 2025, the Department of Education resumed collections on defaulted student loans, which had been paused since 2020. If youve defaulted on your federal student loan, the loan can become due in full immediately. When this happens, your loan servicer can begin to take money from your wages or income tax refund (and other federal payments you may receive) to use toward loan repayment. Youll receive notice before this happens and can take actions to get your loan out of default status to avoid your wages and payments being withheld including loan consolidation or rehabilitation. If youve already had your wages garnished to repay your defaulted loan, you may not qualify for consolidation until the order to garnish your wages is lifted. If you choose loan rehabilitation, your servicer may continue to garnish your wages or collect payment from your tax refund (in addition to your required payments), either until your loan is no longer in default or youve made at least five rehabilitation payments. How to get private student loans out of default Just like federal loans, missing multiple monthly payments toward a private student loan can lead to default. Exactly when your student loan moves from delinquency to default will depend on your lender, though its usually within 120 days of your first missed payment. Getting out of default from a private student loan will also vary depending on your lender. Federal rehabilitation and consolidation plans arent available for private loans. Your lender or the collections agency managing your loan can give you more information about your options, such as reduced payments or payment plans. But you should make sure to reach out quickly after entering default status to avoid mounting collection fees and ongoing effects on your credit. This article was edited by Alicia Hahn. Turkey, which deems Kurdish militants in northern Iraq terrorists, has warned in recent days that any foreign intervention in Iran would escalate regional crises. Armed Kurdish separatist groups sought to cross the border into Iran from Iraq, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, in a sign of foreign entities potentially seeking to take advantage of instability after days of crackdown on protests against Tehran. The three sources, who included a senior Iranian official and who all spoke on condition of anonymity, said Turkey's intelligence agency had warned Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) of the Kurdish fighters crossing the frontier in recent days. Advertisement Advertisement The Iranian official said the IRGC had clashed with the Kurdish fighters, who the official said sought to create instability and take advantage of the protests. The Guards are an elite force that has suppressed previous bouts of unrest in Iran. The Turkish intelligence agency MIT did not immediately comment on the issue, nor did the presidency in Ankara. Turkey, which deems Kurdish militants in northern Iraq terrorists, has warned in recent days that any foreign intervention in Iran would escalate regional crises. The fighters had been dispatched from Iraq and Turkey, the Iranian official said, adding that Tehran has asked those countries to halt any transfer of fighters or weapons to Iran. People stand at the Kapikoy Border Gate, between Turkey and Iran, in Van province, Turkey, January 14, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/Ismet Mikailogullari) Fundamental mismatch between state identity and population Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) leader Hussein Yazdanpana told The Jerusalem Post on January 6 that what is unfolding in Iran is not merely an economic crisis, but the manifestation of a far deeper political one. Advertisement Advertisement Yazdanpana said that Iran is suffering from a fundamental mismatch between the identity of the state and that of its population, drawing parallels to the crises that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union and plunged Yugoslavia into war and genocide. Since the latest wave of unrest erupted, PAK has called for an emergency meeting of Rojhelats political parties, urging immediate and unified action around a joint Kurdish strategy to defend the region. Rojhelat is home to more than 14 million Kurds and is Irans most heavily militarized region. Susan Quitaz contributed to this report. Maritime authorities in the Philippines busted a wildlife trafficking operation in early December, resulting in the arrest of six individuals. What's happening? According to GMA News, the Philippine National Police's Maritime Group investigated a boat on the waters of the Lower Makar River in General Santos City. When authorities raided the boat, they discovered a range of exotic wildlife stuffed into two crates. Advertisement Advertisement They found over 20 leopard tortoises a tortoise species originating from sub-Saharan Africa as well as the colorful Nicobar pigeon, which is native to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Authorities arrested the six Indonesian nationals on board, but they are still looking for one: the boat operator from the Sarangani province of the Philippines. According to the GMA News report, they face charges of violations of wildlife and immigration laws. Why is wildlife trafficking concerning? Wildlife is often illegally transported across international borders to be kept as exotic pets or to fulfill the ingredient requirements for certain traditional medicines. Advertisement Advertisement Wildlife products, such as wildlife pelts or ivory wild boar teeth, are kept as trophies or traded for steep prices as payment for other illicit products found on the black market. Not only are vulnerable and endangered wildlife poached, but they are also smuggled in cruel conditions without food or in extreme heat that often leads to trauma, injury, or even death. If they miraculously survive the unsafe transport conditions, they could become an invasive species in their new environment if released, threatening local wildlife and habitats, and disrupting the balance of native ecosystems. What's being done about wildlife trafficking? The Philippines maritime authorities are working closely with the Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to continue investigating the matter and to properly and humanely evacuate the invasive species, returning them to their homeland. Advertisement Advertisement There has also been an increased anti-trafficking effort globally to prevent illegal wildlife and wildlife products from crossing international borders. For example, Operation Thunder is a global initiative and collaborative effort between over 100 countries to combat illegal wildlife trading. According to an Interpol report, Operation Thunder seized about 30,000 live animals and tens of thousands of endangered plant species across 4,640 seizures. 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. A Turquoise Alert was issued for a woman reported missing out of Avondale. Isabella Comas, 21, was last seen around 3 p.m. on Jan. 11 and was reported missing after she did not pick up a friend for work as usual, according to the alert notice issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety on Jan. 13. Comas did not show up to work Jan. 12 and could not be reached by phone, according to the notice. Her cellphone was located and recovered, but her whereabouts remain unknown, the alert said. Advertisement Advertisement Comas is described as Hispanic, 5-feet-3, 110 pounds, with brown eyes and pink hair. She was last seen wearing a baggy navy-blue shirt, blue pants with a white line going down their side and was possibly wearing sandals, the alert said. Comas was last seen driving a red 2011 Hyundai Sonata with Arizona license plate 2EA6LW, according to the alert. Anyone with information on Comas' whereabouts is asked to call Avondale police at 623-333-7001. "The goal of the Turquoise Alert is to locate the missing endangered person through efficient information dissemination and communication that results in the safe and expedient recovery," read a statement on DPS' website. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Turquoise Alert sent for Isabella Comas, woman missing from Avondale A federal prosecutor apologized in court Jan. 13 and called last year's deportation of a Babson College student to her Central American birth country "a mistake," records in the federal case show. Any Lucia Lopez Belloca, a freshman at Babson College in Massachusetts, was stopped at Boston Logan Airport on Nov. 20, detained by federal immigration officials, and deported to Honduras. Her attorney, Todd Pomerleau, filed a lawsuit challenging her detention the next day. Belloca is among swaths of people being targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement since President Donald Trump took office last year. Advertisement Advertisement During a Jan. 13 hearing in federal court in Boston, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Sauter apologized to the college student, online clerk notes from the proceeding show, and acknowledged the court's order was violated. "The Government forthrightly acknowledges that it made a mistake and, this incident aside, has a record of complying with stay of removal orders issued by court," the notes read. "On behalf of the government, we want to sincerely apologize," Reuters reported Sauter told Judge Richard G. Stearns, after citing a "mistake" by an ICE officer who thought the order no longer applied and failed to properly flag it. Protests across the nation Saturday decried a fatal shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent and Trump's military actions in Venezuela. See the nationwide protests, beginning here in New York City near the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in Manhattan during an Ice Out for Good protest in Manhattan Jan. 10, 2026. The Javits Federal Building is where ICE officers have arrested immigrants attending mandatory check-ins. Diane Pittman attends the protest dressed as The Statue of Liberty on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, during the No ICE No War protest at Unity Park in Greenville, South Carolina. A person dressed up as "king Trump" dances as demonstrators gather to protest the recent US operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of the Venezuelan President and against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, on Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts on January 10, 2026. Protesters gather in steady rain outside the Henderson County Courthouse in Hendersonville, North Carolina on Jan. 10, 2026. A protester holds a sign during the Power to the People rally on Jan. 10, 2026, at Bandshell Park in Ames, Iowa. Dahlonega Peck joins demonstrators at an antiICE protest organized by the Party for Socialism & Liberation at 13th Street and University Avenue in Gainesville, FL, on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. Party members and local residents gathered to condemn ICEs violent actions in several cities and to protest the killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota earlier this week. A man holds a sign stating that Silence is compliance. Dont let cruelty win during a rally against ICE at 14th and Erie, Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Sheboygan, Wis. Organizers hang up a photo of Renee Good, who was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, during a protest against ICE activity at Evelyn K. Davis Park on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa. Diane Pittman attends the protest dressed as The Statue of Liberty on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, during the No ICE No War protest at Unity Park in Greenville, South Carolina. Protester gather near the Federal Building in Eugene against ICE activities in the United States on Jan. 10, 2026. Phyllis Krueger, 79, of Salem writes a Defund ICE sign at the Oregon State Capitol on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Salem, Ore., in response to the killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. A woman holds an umbrella as people protest against increased immigration enforcement, after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, outside the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 10, 2026. A anti-ICE protester shout at ICE agents as they exit the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building parking lot during demonstrations sparked by the fatal shooting of a Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on Jan. 10, 2026. Ivan leads a chant during a protest against ICE and the Trump administration's actions in Venezuela on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Savannah City Hall in Savannah, Ga.. A protester displays a sign during the Power to the People rally on Jan. 10, 2026, at Bandshell Park in Ames, Iowa. Protesters gather at the Federal Building in Eugene Jan. 10, 2026. Savannah Police officers wrestle a protestor to the ground as they arrest them in Bay Street during a protest against ICE and the Trump administration's actions in Venezuela on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Savannah City Hall in Savannah, Ga.. Protesters organized outside the Harding Memorial Jan. 10 to protest the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and President Donald Trump. Demonstrators gather to protest the recent US operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of the Venezuelan President and against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, on Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts on January 10, 2026. A woman attends to her dog during the ICE Out For Good protest Jan. 10, 2026, at the John F. Seiberling Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Akron, Ohio. Demonstrators gather to protest the recent US operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of the Venezuelan President and against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, on Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts on January 10, 2026. Demonstrators gather to protest the recent US operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of the Venezuelan President and against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, on Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts on January 10, 2026. Demonstrators gather to protest the recent US operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of the Venezuelan President and against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, on Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts on January 10, 2026. Demonstrators gather to protest the recent US operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of the Venezuelan President and against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, on Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts on January 10, 2026. A dozen people turned out on the pedestrian walkway over the Indiana 45/46 Bypass to protest the fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Good in Bloomington, Ind., Jan. 10, 2026. Several hundred protesters attended an Ice Out for Good protest in Manhattan Jan. 10, 2026. People gather in Petoskey during the ICE Out For Good protest on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. The nationwide demonstrations were coordinated in response to the killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis on Jan. 7 by an ICE agent. Jolie Schwab of Manhattan was among those attending an Ice Out for Good protest in Manhattan Jan. 10, 2026. Protestors hold signs during a protest against ICE and the Trump administration's actions in Venezuela on Saturday at Savannah City Hall in Savannah, Ga. Debra Hyman, left, and Marie Gianelli participate in the IEC Out For Good protest in front of Delta College at Pacific and Yokuts avenues in Stockton, Calif., Jan. 10, 2026. Protesters gather in Dover, New Hampshire, Jan. 10, 2026 for one of many protests held nationally after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minnesota. A person holds a sign at the Oregon State Capitol on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2025, in Salem, Ore., in response to the killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. A sign reading No Kings in America rests on rain-soaked grass during a protest outside the Henderson County Courthouse in Hendersonville, North Carolina on Jan. 10, 2026. Protesters display signs during the Power to the People rally on Jan. 10, 2026, at Bandshell Park in Ames, Iowa. People march as they protest against increased immigration enforcement, after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 10, 2026. Demonstrators gather to protest the recent US operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of the Venezuelan President and against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, on Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts on January 10, 2026. Demonstrators protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement at Lafayette Square in Washington, DC on January 10, 2026. Demonstrators protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement at Lafayette Square in Washington, DC on January 10, 2026. Demonstrators protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement at Lafayette Square in Washington, DC on January 10, 2026. Tessa Petit, executive director of the Florida Immigration Coalition, calls on protesters to continue to oppose immigration enforcement in the U.S. in suburban Boca Raton, Fla., Jan. 10,. 2026. A dozen people turned out on the pedestrian walkway over the Indiana 45/46 Bypass to protest the fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Good in Bloomington, Ind., Jan. 10, 2026. A man raises his first in solidarity during an ICE Out For Good protest Jan. 10, 2026, at the John F. Seiberling Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Akron, Ohio. See the scene: ICE shootings, Venezuela strike spark national protests 1 of 42 Protests across the nation Saturday decried a fatal shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent and Trump's military actions in Venezuela. See the nationwide protests, beginning here in New York City near the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in Manhattan during an Ice Out for Good protest in Manhattan Jan. 10, 2026. The Javits Federal Building is where ICE officers have arrested immigrants attending mandatory check-ins. Sauter said there were no grounds to hold anyone in contempt, but he called it "a rare instance of the government not following an order" in more than 700 cases filed in the state of Massachusetts by migrants challenging their detention since Trump took office. Advertisement Advertisement Stearns, appointed by former President Bill Clinton, commended Sauter for acknowledging the mistake but did not rule on the case. The judge, notes show, urged the Trump administration to resolve the matter by issuing a student visa to the college student. When reached by phone on Jan. 14, Pomerleau told USA TODAY his client, who has yet to return to the United States, was hopeful following the hearing. Tear gas, snowballs, arrests. Feds and protesters clash in Minneapolis. 'An apology is a good first step' Pomerleau said he asked the judge to order the government return his client to the United States and to hold the government officials in contempt. Advertisement Advertisement "The rule of law ought to matter," Pomerleau said he told the judge. "The judge has the authority to return her to the country," Pomerleau said. "An apology is a good first step, but what are you going to do about it? Right now we don't have a remedy to hold the ICE officer responsible." The White House deferred comments to the Department of Justice, who could not immediately be reached by USA TODAY. 'Thrown into the air' Shark attacks, injures California surfer Why was the Babson College student deported? On the day she was detained, Pomerleau said his client was headed home to see family in Texas for Thanksgiving break. He said his client was told there was an issue with her boarding pass, and on her way to customer service, was placed in handcuffs and removed from the airport. Advertisement Advertisement Belloca was never shown a warrant or given an explanation for being detained, her attorney said, but was later told she had a removal order from immigration officials. Pomerleau said his client came to the states at age 8, and had been in court proceedings that ended in 2017 alongside her mother seeking asylum. The Department of Homeland Security said Belloca entered the United States illegally in 2014, and in 2015, an immigration judge ordered her removal, but she "illegally stayed in the country since." But Pomerleau reiterated the only records hes found in government databases indicate his client's case was closed in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US attorney admits Babson College student's deportation was mistake By Andrew Silver SHANGHAI, Jan 14 (Reuters) - BGI Genomics and Roche Diagnostics have rolled out tests for Alzheimer's disease in China, the companies said, in an effort to expand access to easier-to-use diagnosis and monitoring choices for patients with the brain-wasting condition. In a statement, BGI Genomics said doctors are using a blood test it developed as an auxiliary tool in Guangzhou, Qingdao, Shenzhen and Wuhan to evaluate the disease's progression and the risk of onset. Advertisement Advertisement Switzerland's Roche also said in a statement that its team in China was working with a local regulatory authority to make its own test measuring pTau181, a key protein associated with Alzheimer's disease, available to patients in Boao, Hainan province. The Roche test was put into clinical use at a hospital in Boao, the official Hainan Daily reported on Monday. Roche did not respond to questions related to the report. Blood tests could speed up diagnosis of the disease and make it easier to access treatments such as Biogen and Eisai's Leqembi and Eli Lilly's Kisunla, since traditional tests are often costly or uncomfortable. Other options to detect Alzheimer's include a spinal tap, which requires an invasive puncture to collect spinal fluid, or an expensive PET brain scan. Advertisement Advertisement BGI Genomics said its test cannot be used as standalone evidence for an Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment, citing a possibility of a small number of failures, but doctors said it was helpful for early screening. Roche said a negative test for pTau181 with its product meant "most people can avoid further unnecessary investigations for Alzheimers using CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) or PET and can be put on the appropriate pathway for their condition." (Editing by Miyoung Kim and Thomas Derpinghaus) A bill introduced in the Kentucky legislature would require all local law enforcement agencies and the Kentucky State Police to enter into formal agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and participate in immigration enforcement. Senate Bill 86, filed Jan. 13 by Phillip Wheeler of Pikeville, would mandate participation in three models of ICEs 287(g) program: Task Force model: Allows officers to identify, process and detain people suspected of being in the country illegally during routine policing Jail Enforcement model: Allows corrections officers to be deputized by the federal government to question people in custody about their immigration status Warrant Service Officer model: Trains local officers to serve and execute administrative warrants on people held at the agencys jail Advertisement Advertisement SB 86 is about clarity, consistency, and public safety, Wheeler, a Republican, said in a news release. When individuals are already in custody for criminal activity, law enforcement agencies should have the tools and partnerships needed to ensure the law is enforced appropriately and responsibly. In a statement, the advocacy group Kentucky Citizens for Democracy said it stands firmly against any legislation that expands or mandates cooperation with ICE. We believe public safety is built on trust, not fear, the group said. Northern Kentucky Republican T.J. Roberts also filed a related proposal, House Bill 47, that would require the Kentucky State Police to participate in the Task Force model and authorize troopers to make immigration arrests on ICEs behalf during routine policing. Advertisement Advertisement Roberts said he initially drafted the bill to require all local agencies to adopt the Task Force model, similar to Senate Bill 86. But he said he narrowed the language to apply only to KSP after local agencies told him they were interested in partnering with ICE voluntarily. Roberts, who previewed the legislation in November, also said significant federal funding is available for agencies that agree to participate in the Task Force model of the 287(g) program. Twenty-one law enforcement agencies and jails in Kentucky currently have active 287(g) agreements with ICE. The McCracken County Sheriffs Office has a pending agreement for the agencys Task Force model. About a thousand people showed up in downtown Louisville to protest the killing of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agents in Minneapolis. Protesters marched from Jefferson Square Park to the Gene Snyder Federal Courthouse and then to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office. Thursday, January 8, 2026 Both bills were filed Jan. 13 and, as of Jan. 14, had not received a hearing. They come at a time of heightened scrutiny of the federal agency following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis by an ICE officer. Advertisement Advertisement On January 8, hundreds of people gathered in downtown Louisville to protest the killing of Good, a 37-year-old mother of three. The day before, Metro Councilmember J.P. Lyninger announced that he would reintroduce legislation to prevent law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing masks solely to conceal their identity. (Exceptions would be made for weather conditions and undercover operations.) The legislation failed in December when Democrat and Metro Council President Brent Ackerson joined council Republicans to oppose the measure, while Democrat Marcus Winkler voted present. Louisville does not have a 287(g) agreement with ICE. But in July, the local jail began honoring 48-hour holds on federal immigration detainers, a change that removed the city from the Trump administrations list of sanctuary jurisdictions. After that shift, ICE holds surged at the corrections facility. Roughly half of the jailed people with holds between Aug. 1 and Oct. 1 were booked on traffic-related offenses or drunk driving charges. Advertisement Advertisement Monroe Trombly covers public safety. He can be reached at mtrombly@gannett.com. His X handle is @MonroeTrombly. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky lawmakers push mandatory ICE agreements for all agencies Ugandas government imposed a nationwide internet blackout on Tuesday ahead of Thursdays presidential election, triggering a surge in downloads of Bitchat, a decentralized messaging app that operates offline. The Uganda Communications Commission ordered mobile providers to suspend public internet access from 6 p.m. local time, citing concerns over misinformation and electoral fraud as 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni seeks his seventh term against opposition challenger Bobi Wine. Bitchat developer Calle reported the app became Ugandas most downloaded application as citizens prepared for the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement The peer-to-peer messenger uses Bluetooth to relay encrypted messages between nearby devices, creating mesh networks that function independently of traditional internet infrastructure and do not require phone numbers or account registration. Internet Blackout Mirrors 2021 Election Crackdown According to Vanguard, the Uganda Communications Commission justified the suspension as necessary to prevent online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks that could undermine national security during the election period. The directive applies to all access technologies, including mobile broadband, fiber-optic services, and satellite internet, with violators facing fines and possible license suspensions. NetBlocks confirmed nation-scale disruption to internet connectivity shortly after the 3 p.m. GMT implementation deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Voice calls and basic SMS services remained operational, while essential state services received exemptions through secure whitelisted systems restricted to authorized personnel. The government had repeatedly promised internet access would remain available, stating on January 5 that claims suggesting otherwise are false, misleading, and intended to cause unnecessary fear and tension among the public. Uganda previously cut internet access during its 2021 election, which international observers described as marred by widespread allegations of rigging and state violence against opposition supporters. Opposition Faces Intensified Repression Ahead of Vote United Nations Human Rights Office reported that police and military forces used live ammunition to disperse peaceful rallies, conducted arbitrary detentions, and abducted opposition supporters in the election run-up. Advertisement Advertisement Security forces detained hundreds of opposition supporters while repeatedly firing tear gas at campaign events supporting Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi. The government on Tuesday ordered two local rights groups (Chapter Four Uganda and Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda) to immediately cease operations. The state-run National Bureau for NGOs accused the organizations of activities prejudicial to Ugandas security. Both groups had documented alleged arbitrary detention and torture of opposition supporters and journalists covering the election campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Another opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, who challenged Museveni in four previous elections, remains jailed on treason charges after being kidnapped in Kenya in 2024 and returned to Uganda for military trial. Decentralized App Provides Communication Alternative Bitchat entered beta testing in July and requires no accounts, phone numbers, or central infrastructure. The app fragments messages into 500-byte chunks that hop between devices within 30 meters, with up to 7 relay points enabling transmission during connectivity blackouts. Store-and-forward systems cache messages for offline users up to 12 hours, ensuring delivery when direct connections are unavailable. Advertisement Advertisement Wine encouraged supporters to download the application during his final Monday rally, where heavy security deployment established a perimeter that deterred attendance. Bobi Wine during the partys final campaign rally in Kampala on Monday. | Source: NYT Soldiers chased down and beat at least one person for waving Ugandas national flag, a symbol of Wines campaign that authorities have banned. Uganda Communications Commission executive director Nyombi Thembo warned regulators could disable Bitchat if needed, stating, Dont be excited by Bitchat, its a small thing. Advertisement Advertisement Calle rejected that assessment, citing internal data showing over 400,000 Ugandan downloads while declaring, You cant stop Bitchat. You cant stop us. Museveni came to power in 1986 after leading a five-year rebellion and is Africas third-longest serving head of state. He has changed the constitution twice to remove age and term limits. His campaign slogan Protecting the Gains contrasts sharply with Wines Protest Vote message, emphasizing generational change for Ugandas population, where more than one in four citizens are between 18 and 30 years old. Notably, Ugandas adoption follows similar patterns during recent civil unrest across multiple countries. Advertisement Advertisement Nepal recorded 48,781 downloads in September during youth-led protests against government corruption that left 22 dead and forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis resignation, while Madagascar saw searches spike from zero to 100 during violent demonstrations over water and electricity shortages that prompted government curfews across the capital. Read original story Bitchat Downloads Spike in Uganda as Government Prepares Internet Shutdown for Election by Anas Hassan at Cryptonews.com Boeing on Tuesday agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by a Canadian man whose parents and sister were killed in a 737 Max crash in Ethiopia in 2019. Attorneys for the plaintiff announced the settlement Wednesday, after jury selection had taken place and just before opening statements were set to begin. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, flown with a 737 Max 8, crashed shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (HAAB), killing all 157 people on board. It was one of two fatal 737 Max crashes that forced a global grounding of the type and an FAA investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiff Manant Vaidya of Toronto lost his parents, Pannagesh and Hansini Vaidya, and sister Kosha Vaidya in the accident. Also killed were Kosha's husband, Preritkumar Dixit, and their two children, Ashka and Anushka Dixit. The Vaidya family lived in Canada at the time of the crash and was traveling during the girls' spring break. "Boeing accepted full responsibility for the senseless and preventable loss of these innocent lives, and this corporate giant has now been held accountable to this family, especially to this good man who lost his dear mom, dad, and sister," Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner of Clifford Law Offices, said in a statement. Investigators ultimately linked the 737 Max crashes to the aircraft's Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), which forced both flights into a nose-down position based on faulty data. Advertisement Advertisement Boeing acknowledged the system's role in the crashes and last year entered a non-prosecution agreement with the U.S. government that will require it to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties. In November, the company reached a $35.8 million settlement with the family of an Indian woman who was killed in the crash in Ethiopia. Boeing has settled other cases tied to the crashes out of court. Though San Francisco's mayor urged major academic institutions to open a campus in the city's faltering downtown, Vanderbilt University chose instead a fast-growing pocket of the city a mile or so to the south. The prestigious, Nashville-based research university confirmed Tuesday that it has snapped up the 4.5-acre campus of the California College of the Arts campus in Showplace Square, the city's design district, which sits on the edge of the Mission, Potrero Hill and Mission Bay neighborhoods. The announcement coincided with the news that CCA will be closing when it transfers its campus to Vanderbilt in 2027. Advertisement Advertisement The deal was celebrated as a win for the city: The art school had faced financial struggles for years, and the transaction offset a "gut punch of an institution like CCA going away" and its facilities sitting "vacant," said downtown Supervisor Matt Dorsey. "This feels to me like it was a great save," Dorsey told the Chronicle. For Mayor Daniel Lurie, Vanderbilt's deal represents the successful culmination of his office's nearly year-long hustle to draw a major university and thousands of students to San Francisco. Advertisement Advertisement But there is a problem: Vanderbilt's new campus is not downtown as Lurie hoped. Nor is it in the struggling Mid-Market neighborhood, where office buildings and retail spaces remain empty and vacancy continues to rise even as other parts of the city thrive. Instead, the university will be piggybacking on the success of a part of the city that has already come roaring back from the pandemic, with UCSF buying buildings, Chase Center drawing millions to concerts and sporting events, AI companies gobbling up space and restaurants opening from Mission Rock to Thrive City to the brick warehouses along Third Street. Since Lurie took office last year, his team has touted plans to reinvigorate downtown - where office vacancy has hovered at historic highs for nearly six years, the storefronts of major retailers sit dark and a 1.5 million-square-foot mall is nearly vacant - with a national university that would fill downtown's streets with students who would "live, work and play" in the area. Lurie and his predecessor, former Mayor London Breed, pushed tax breaks and economic incentives to lure investors willing to convert vacant office buildings to housing, but so far not a single conversion project has moved forward. More recently, city leaders were hopeful that students in need of housing near their downtown campus could be a catalyst. Advertisement Advertisement "One of the wonderful components of a university is that it reinvigorates a neighborhood because people live, work, play and learn right there in that area," Ned Segal, Lurie's chief of housing and economic development, said in October. At the time, Vanderbilt was confirmed to be in talks to take over the Chronicle's longtime headquarters at 5th and Mission streets in SoMa, an area in dire need of resurrection. New York-based Hearst Corp. owns the property as well as the Chronicle and SFGATE, which is also headquartered at 901 Mission. That plan appears to have changed sometime in the last month, according to a local real estate insider who has been tracking Vanderbilt's San Francisco campus expansion and described the university's shift from a downtown location to Showplace Square as unexpected. "I know how much time the owners of the Chronicle building spent with Vanderbiltthat whole thing is really shocking," said the individual, who requested anonymity to preserve business relations. The source described the 5th and Mission area as "incredible from a location perspective" - but noted that its battle with "perceived safety issues" continues. Advertisement Advertisement "The comment that tenants in the area have is it isn't safe for a 22-year-old girl right out of college to go from the BART station to the buildingwith a laptop in a backpack,'" the source said. "But, there has been some improvement." University of the Pacific's school of dentistry is located across Fifth Street from the Chronicle building. A spokesperson for Vanderbilt confirmed that the two institutions "entered into a definitive agreement earlier this month." The terms of the deal, including what Vanderbilt paid for CCA's campus, are not known. Responding to questions about whether safety downtown was a factor in Vanderbilt's site selection, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said Tuesday that the opportunity to move into a "ready-made campus" in Potrero Hill was too good to pass up. Advertisement Advertisement "It's not the neighborhood so much," he said about the SoMa area. Diermeier said that Vanderbilt looked at "different opportunities" that "would have been possibilities had the opportunity to work with CCA not arisen." "There was a moment that they had to make a decision to wind down their operations," Diermeier said. "It was something that made it much easier for us to be able to operate on a shorter timeline. If you have to renovate a building or something like that, it takes longer and is more expensive." Diermeier confirmed that the Chronicle's building was a serious candidate. Hearst announced plans last year to relocate both publications into a building it purchased at 450 Sansome St. The move is now slated for the spring. Advertisement Advertisement Diermeier said Vanderbilt now needs to raise the funds for its Showplace Square campus and is still working out the programming, but said it will have a technology as well as a creative focus. As a "residential college," Vanderbilt will fill the 750 existing housing units that are currently part of CCA's campus with up to 1,000 of its undergraduate students, Diermeier said. "We have learned that students love to be on campus the first two years and by the fourth year, they like to spread their wings a little bit," Diermeier said. Colin Yasukochi, research directorfor real estate firm CBRE, said that downtown could have used an institution like Vanderbilt to activate it. But he said the Third Street corridor near Vanderbilt's future campus is "emerging as a premiere education corridor," with UCSF's sprawling campus already located nearby. Advertisement Advertisement "That's a newer part of the city and it's gained a lot of prominence among tech and AI companies. With UCSF continuing to grow there, and adding another prominent education institution to that corridor it will still end up being a pretty big boost for the city." The area around Fifth and Mission has been dealt one blow after another since the pandemic. Once the centerpiece of a much-celebrated 5M redevelopment, the intersection now boosts an empty mall on the verge of closing. It has a newly constructed office building at 415 Minna that is 90% empty. A 400-unit condo building slated to be built to the south of the Chronicle building on Fifth Street is stalled. The historic Chronicle building, with its signature clock tower, will be mostly unoccupied come spring. Developer Eric Tao, who's built about 1,000 units and a hotel in the Mid-Market and Central SoMa neighborhoods, said "it's really disappointing that (the Vanderbilt campus) is not happening at 5M." "Right now Mid-Market is hurting - apartments, condo sales, leasing. The hotel is not doing great," he said, referring to the Timbre Hotel, which he helped build. "The recovery has not spread to Mid-Market yet. We are nowhere near pre-pandemic levels." Advertisement Advertisement David Seward, CFO of UC College of the Law, which opened a 656 bed housing complex in the Tenderloin in 2024, said the CCA deal is welcome even though a 5M campus would have helped the "academic village" his school is building a few blocks away. "We are just thrilled they are coming to San Francisco," he said. "They are coming in with 1,000 full-time students and it makes a lot of sense for them to acquire a turn-key operation." Dorsey, the SoMa supervisor, said that he understands that Vanderbilt had to do what is best for its bottom line. "Initially I liked the idea of them being in the Chronicle building. I would really love something for the mall," he said. "We also have to defer to the institution about what's best for them." Advertisement Advertisement But other city leaders were reluctant to comment on whether there are plans for other academic institutions downtown. The Chronicle asked Segal, the city's head of housing and economic development, at Tuesday's news conference about whether the effort to resurrect downtown with another university of Vanderbilt's caliber continues, but did not receive a response. Charles Lutvak, a spokesperson for Lurie, did not confirm whether the city is in active talks with other university partners. "We would be happy to have more academic partners," he said. "If we have another university to announce, we will do it." This article originally published at Booming S.F. neighborhood will be home to new college campus - a blow for downtown. Update: The livestream has ended, but you can watch the replay on the video above. Previously: Gov. Mike Braun will give his second annual State of the State speech at 7:30 p.m., capping off an eventful first full year in office. Braun followed through on some of the promises in his first State of the State speech, such as reforming property taxes and cutting state agency spending. But it didn't all go smoothly: his property tax reform effort was diluted in the legislature and is currently being tweaked this legislative session amid concerns from city and town governments. Advertisement Advertisement The governor has also taken a different approach to economic development, initiating an audit of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and focusing on boosting pre-existing Indiana businesses rather than attracting big out-of-state deals. The IEDC is now paying significantly less per incentivized job, though some have criticized Braun for lacking a comprehensive strategy. Braun's first calendar year in office came to a tumultuous end when Indiana lawmakers rejected mid-decade redistricting against his will. The public spat with Senate Republicans, most of which opposed redistricting, will likely complicate Braun's ability to pass his legislative agenda, political science experts said. You can watch the State of the State address right here on this page. Check back in to IndyStar.com after the speech for a transcript and analysis of Braun's remarks. Contact breaking politics reporter Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com or find her on X at @marissa_meador. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Gov. Braun gave his annual State of the State speech. See the replay Assyrian Dentist Named Among World's Top 100 Impactful Doctors North Iraq -- Reflecting the scientific and professional excellence of the Assyrian community, particularly in medicine, dentist Mariam Qardagh from Armota, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), has earned a place among the world's top 100 impactful doctors, Class of 2026. This recognition was awarded by World's Top Doctors, whose selections are determined through a nomination process and an internal committee's evaluation based on specific criteria. Holding a dental degree from Erbil Medical University, Qardagh has built a career advancing digital dentistry across the Middle East and Africa, becoming a distinguished role model for women in the Assyrian community. Her success is the product of focused and deliberate effort dedicated to moving the field of dentistry forward in line with scientific and technological progress. Assyrian-American brothers Dr. Rabi Hanna and Dr. Gabi Hanna were honored by Lamassu Biotech, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, in recognition of their efforts to bring hope and healing to patients suffering from some of the most challenging forms of cancer. Dr. Rabi Hanna, Chair of the Department of Pediatric Hematology--Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplant at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, was commended for transforming his department into a leading national center for pediatric cancer care. A practicing physician at the Cleveland Clinic for more than 15 years, he is recognized as a pioneer in pediatric hematology and bone marrow transplantation, as well as a sought-after speaker on cancer research and treatment innovation. Dr. Gabi Hanna, Chief Executive Officer of Lamassu Biotech, leads the development of the company's flagship drug, SA53, a novel therapy currently in human clinical trials at the Cleveland Clinic. The drug targets MDM2, a key protein that regulates the well-known tumor-suppressor gene p53. Britain is intensifying its focus on Arctic security, the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said as she tours Scandinavia. Her visit comes amid ongoing concerns regarding US threats to annex Greenland, highlighting the strategic importance of the region. Ms Cooper is also poised to advocate for enhanced Nato efforts to safeguard the High North from Russian aggression. During her visit to Finland and Norway on Wednesday, she is scheduled to meet Finnish border guards and British Royal Marines at Norway's Camp Viking base. Advertisement Advertisement Ms Cooper said the government is "reinforcing our diplomatic and security commitment to the region." Ahead of the trip, she said: Britain is stepping up on Arctic security. With our allies we are working to strengthen Arctic defences and deter any attempts from the likes of Vladimir Putin to threaten our interests and our infrastructure. Ms Cooper said the government is reinforcing our diplomatic and security commitment to the region (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA) She added: We see it as our responsibility and our duty to tackle these challenges head on, making us all safer in the process. Arctic security is a critical transatlantic partnership issue for the security of Britain and Nato. Coming together as an alliance allows us to unify and tackle this emerging threat. Advertisement Advertisement But while Ms Coopers visit has been billed as focusing on Arctic security, it comes under the shadow of Donald Trumps repeated insistence that the US needs to take over Greenland to prevent Russia or China getting hold of the territory. Mr Trumps administration has even threatened to use force to annex Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Nato ally Denmark, prompting concern about the future of the transatlantic alliance. On Tuesday, Greenlands energy minister Naaja Nathanielsen told a press conference in Westminster the territory had no intention of becoming American and felt betrayed by the US. But while she warned that we would all be under attack if the US invaded Greenland, she maintained that Greenland wanted a peaceful solution and was open to greater security monitoring or an expanded Nato deployment. Since the US began talking more loudly about annexing Greenland at the start of 2026, the UK appears to have increased discussions of Arctic security, with Sir Keir Starmer mentioning the issue in calls with Mr Trump, the Danish prime minister and the Nato secretary-general last week. In the aftermath of the Palisades and Eaton fires, California officials are fast-tracking projects to prevent the next major wildfire. Wildfire prevention efforts have been underway on state and federal land for decades. In the Santa Monica Mountains near the community of Topanga, fuel-reduction operations are being fast-tracked. Leigh Adams Croley, a fire prevention specialist with the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, explained there are parts of Topanga, such as Old Topanga, that haven't burned in decades. Advertisement Advertisement "We feel that this area is an extremely vulnerable area," Croley said. "We have long, windy roads that don't have good infrastructure for our fire engines to be able to operate the way they could operate in any areas of the Santa Monica Mountains." California's Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot said the state has streamlined approvals for these projects. "In the past, they've required just too long to go through environmental permitting and approval process," Crowfoot explained. What took a year to get approved is now taking 30 days. In Topanga, the Los Angeles County Fire Department partnered with MRCA to construct fire breaks near homes. That gives firefighters access to mountainous terrain to help save communities. Advertisement Advertisement Those in fire prevention admit fire breaks wouldn't have stopped embers driven by 100-mph winds during the Palisades and Eaton fires, but brush-clearance projects are one piece of the puzzle to prevent future devastating wildfires, which also includes home hardening, Zone Zero, infrastructure and firefighting investments. "Fuel breaks will slow down fires, including ones we know we're going to have in the future and enable the protection of communities," Crowfoot said. "You know, not all fires that threaten our Southern California communities will manifest like that firestorm last January." "It's all about reducing risk. We're not going to eliminate the risk, but our focus is reducing it," Crowfoot added. Fuel-reduction operations aren't just taking place in the mountains, but also along roads in neighborhoods off Topanga Canyon Boulevard - roads that could be critical evacuation routes during a fire. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Buffalo man was arrested on Sunday after he allegedly fired off a gun inside a bar on Broadway, police announced. Police said shots were fired inside a bar at 1334 Broadway while they were on scene just before 4 a.m. Sunday morning. Patrons ran outside to escape. No one was injured. Police caught up to a suspect who had allegedly been holding a gun. A handgun loaded with four rounds was recovered. Advertisement Advertisement Kacene Brathwaite, 42, of Buffalo, was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and first-degree reckless endangerment. Latest Local News Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. 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 News 4 Buffalo. President Donald Trumps plans to acquire Greenland could reportedly cost $700 billion, despite it being deeply unpopular with Americans. Trump has vowed that he would take over the Danish territory one way or the other, a statement officials from Denmark and Greenland have vehemently rejected. The $700 billion price tag is an estimate crunched by scholars and former U.S. officials for planning purposes, and is more than half the Defense Departments annual budget, according to NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been tasked with developing a proposal to purchase Greenland that will be put to the president in the coming weeks, a senior White House official told the outlet. Rubio and Vice President JD Vance are due to meet with officials from Denmark and Greenland in Washington, D.C. Wednesday. The Trump administration continues to push forward on its plan to add Greenland to the U.S. despite outrage from European leaders. Now, a new poll also shows that Trumps plan is unpopular with Americans - with nearly 75 percent saying using military force to take the island was a bad idea. President Donald Trumps plans to acquire Greenland could reportedly cost $700 billion, despite the acquisition being deeply unpopular with Americans (AFP via Getty Images) In response to the poll, Anna Kelly, deputy White House press secretary, said that Trump is always generating creative ideas to bolster national security and echoed Trumps claim that Greenland faces threats from Russia and China. Many of this Presidents predecessors recognized the strategic logic of acquiring Greenland, but only President Trump has had the courage to pursue this idea seriously, Kelly said in a statement to The Independent. As the President said, NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the United States, and Greenlanders would be better served if protected by the United States from modern threats in the Arctic region. Advertisement Advertisement Trump warned in a Wednesday Truth Social post that if America doesnt acquire Greenland, Russia or China will. The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building, Trump said. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DONT, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! The move is not a popular one with Americans, with just 17 percent approving of Trumps efforts to acquire the mineral-rich island, according to polling published Wednesday by Reuters/Ipsos. Some 47 percent of Americans disapproved, while 35 percent were unsure. And 71 percent of Americans including nine in 10 Democrats and six in 10 Republicans said using military force to achieve Trumps goal was a bad idea, compared to 4 percent who said it would be a good idea. Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, pictured in Greenland last year, are due to meet with officials from Denmark and Greenland in Washington, D.C. Wednesday (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) The polling found 66 percent of Americans said they were worried the plans to take over Greenland would damage the NATO alliance and the U.S. alliance with Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Officials from Greenland and Denmark have held firm that the territory is not available to buy. We are not for sale and that we will not be annexed, Jess Berthelsen, chair of Greenlands national trade union confederation SIK, told The Guardian. Berthelsen said the people of Greenland cant recognize claims made by Trump that the territory is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. His claims about our waters being full of Russian and Chinese ships, we cannot see that at all, the union leader told the outlet. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley speaks at a press conference in Sioux Falls on April 25, 2025. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) South Dakotas attorney general issued an opinion Tuesday saying that candidates for office and elected officials can use campaign funds to pay child care and security costs under some circumstances. Marty Jackleys official opinion came in response to a question on the issue from Democratic Senate Minority Leader Liz Larson of Sioux Falls. Advertisement Advertisement State law doesnt forbid or permit the use of campaign funds for security or child care, Jackleys opinion says, but there are broad outlines on what constitutes acceptable uses. Campaign money can be spent on things directly related to a campaign, incident to being a public official or former public official, or donated to other campaigns or campaign committees, the opinion says. Election 2026 News and commentary on statewide races and ballot questions. Read the latest> State laws offer broad descriptions on what constitutes campaign activity, which Jackley says was intentional and meant to avoid excluding some activities those laws authors may not have considered. Advertisement Advertisement The Federal Election Commission, he notes in the opinion, explicitly permits candidates for federal office to use campaign contributions for childcare expenses incurred during the candidates political campaign. As of the date of this letter, fifteen states have enacted similar laws, the opinion says. These states, including our neighbors Minnesota and Montana, permit a candidate to use campaign funds to pay reasonable and necessary childcare or dependent care expenses incurred because of the campaign. A smaller number of states, he wrote, now recognize security spending as an acceptable use of funds. Advertisement Advertisement Jackley concluded that such expenses may be permissible so long as there is a clear nexus to the campaign or office and are not for personal benefit. The Legislature has the power to create and revise statutes and has the duty to clarify the relevant statutes if desired, Jackley wrote. Senator: Clarity request born of safety concerns Security was the primary reason for the request, Larson said. Concerns over the safety of candidates have grown since the killing last year of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Larson said. The man who killed the Hortmans shot and wounded Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife the same day. This is a dangerous role that were playing at certain times, Larson said. So we want a clarification on that. Advertisement Advertisement Security spending wouldnt necessarily take the form of paid security guards, Larson said, although it could. Campaign funds could be used to pay for more basic security features like deadbolts at campaign offices or surveillance cameras. Were not governor-level, Larson said of state lawmakers. We dont need a full entourage. But sometimes there are things that you want to have taken care of. Wrapping child care into the request for clarification made sense, Larson said, as thats become a more common question around the country for parents who aim for political office. Former Democratic Sen. Reynold Nesiba of Sioux Falls brought a bill to legalize the use of campaign dollars for child care in 2024, with Larson as a co-sponsor. The Senate State Affairs Committee rejected that bill 8-1. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BEIJING (AP) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Beijing on Wednesday night, beginning a four-day visit designed to repair foundering relations between the two nations as Canada looks to develop ties with countries other than the United States. Its the first visit of a Canadian leader to China in nearly a decade. Carney will meet with Premier Li Qiang, his counterpart as head of government, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. "We will double non-U.S. trade over the next 10 years. That means we are cognizant of that fact that the global economic environment has fundamentally changed and that Canada must diversify its trading partners, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said in Beijing after she arrived with Carney for the visit. Advertisement Advertisement Chinas state media has been calling on the Canadian government to set a foreign policy path independent of the United States what it calls strategic autonomy. Canada has long been one of Americas closest allies, geographically and otherwise. But Beijing is hoping that President Donald Trumps economic aggression and, now, military action against other countries will erode that long-standing relationship. Trump has said, among other things, that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state. Carney has focused on trade, describing the trip to China as part of a move to forge new partnerships around the world to end Canadas economic reliance on the American market. Trump has hit Canada with tariffs on its exports to the United States and suggested the vast, resource-rich country could become Americas 51st state. The Chinese government bristled at former U.S. President Joe Bidens efforts to strengthen relations with Europe, Australia, India, Canada and others to confront China. Now it sees an opportunity to try to loosen those ties, though it remains cautious about how far that will go. Advertisement Advertisement The downturn in relations started with the arrest of a Chinese tech executive in late 2018 at American request and was fueled more recently by the government of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which decided in 2024 to follow Bidens lead in imposing a 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles. China has retaliated for both that and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum with its own tariffs on Canadian exports including canola, seafood and pork. The conversation has been productive. The negotiations are continuing, Anand said when asked if she was optimistic about a deal to reduce tariffs on canola. Prime Minister Carney is here to recalibrate the Canada-China relationship. Carney met with Xi in October at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea. ____ Gillies reported from Toronto. With Canadas prime minister in China this week on a trade mission, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is doubling down on his plea to Mark Carney: do not remove tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Speaking at Queens Park Tuesday alongside state representatives from Michigan, Ford said he is very concerned about a possible rollback of tariffs that would allow the Chinese government to dump cheap Chinese parts and cheap vehicles here, at cost to Canadian and American jobs. I am absolutely, 100 per cent dead against this, Ford said. Advertisement Advertisement It would not be good for Ontario and Canada, and it sure the heck wouldnt be good for the U.S. and it wouldnt be good when it comes to negotiating with president Trump. Canada opened a trade irritant with China in recent years as the government, in lockstep with then-U.S. president Joe Biden, slapped a 100 per cent tariff on EVs arguing the measure was required to protect Canada's domestic automobile industry. China retaliated by slapping tariffs on canola, seafood and pork. Ottawa has since been under pressure, notably by Prairie premiers, to lift those duties to provide relief for Canadian farmers, producers and harvesters. PM to talk trade, energy, agriculture and security Carney's arrival in China will be the first time a prime minister has visited the country since 2017. His trip has broad goals of elevating "engagement on trade, energy, agriculture, and international security," according to his office, as he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Advertisement Advertisement Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is joining Carney on the trip, with a goal of addressing Chinese tariffs on canola. Ford said Tuesday that he fully understands Moes standpoint for negotiations as he is protecting Saskatchewan, but added that it is his job to protect Ontario and its auto industry. The premier also said that his standpoint would be different if a Chinese manufacturer opened a plant in Ontario and invested in the province. Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, echoed that sentiment in an interview on CBC Radios Metro Morning Tuesday. If theyre willing to invest here and then buy Canadian supplies and raw materials and employ Canadian workers, well then they become Canadian cars too, Volpe said. A new world for trade He also said its important for Canada to recast its relationship with China in the wake of the new world brought about by U.S. President Donald Trumps second term, but maintained that Carney should approach with caution. Advertisement Advertisement Yes, agricultural workers absolutely deserve the prime minister to go over there with an open mind and negotiate, but we remind him all the things that were true two years ago are still true today," Volpe said. Last year Chinas ambassador to Canada suggested the Chinese electric-vehicle giant BYD has been interested in investing in Canada. Wang Di told the Globe and Mail BYD "had carefully thought about coming to Canada to make investment" but "met huge difficulties, restrictions and obstruction and they had to give up." He told the newspaper in March the electric vehicle manufacturer's presence in Canada would have provided Canadians with "good-quality" and less-expensive electric vehicles. In a new episode of Going Rogue, journalist Lara Logan speaks with Venezuelan investigator Martin Rodil, who describes what he calls a decades-long effort to expose Venezuelas ruling apparatus as a transnational criminal enterprise. Rodil, who says he worked with U.S. agencies including the DEAs Special Operations Division, outlines how Venezuelas Cartel de los Soles allegedly evolved from a political alliance into a global narco-terror network trafficking cocaine, laundering oil and gold revenues, and exporting violence across the hemisphere. According to Rodil, the cartels origins trace back to early coordination between Cubas intelligence services, Venezuelas military leadership, and Colombias FARC, forming what he describes as a state-protected trafficking pipeline designed to weaponize drugs against the United States. A State-Embedded Criminal Network Rodil argues the Cartel de los Soles differs from traditional drug organizations because it is allegedly embedded within Venezuelas military and political hierarchy rather than operating outside the state. Advertisement Advertisement He describes the cartel as a loose federation of military-run networks, each controlling territory, logistics, and trafficking routes, with Venezuelas geography providing access to Caribbean, Central American, Atlantic, and European corridors. Rodil also claims the regime exported criminal organizations abroad, including Tren de Aragua, which he describes as a gang weaponized to suppress opposition, destabilize neighboring countries, and later operate beyond Venezuelas borders. Echoes in Dallas Express Exclusive Reporting Rodils allegations closely mirror warnings published in two recent Dallas Express exclusives featuring high-ranking Venezuelan defectors now imprisoned in the United States. In December, DX published a letter from former Venezuelan military intelligence chief Hugo Carvajal Barrios, who alleged that Venezuela operates as a narco-terrorist regime targeting the United States through drug trafficking, foreign intelligence partnerships, and exported criminal networks. Advertisement Advertisement Days later, DX obtained a second letter from retired Major General Cliver Antonio Alcala Cordones, who claimed Nicolas Maduro expanded Tren de Aragua from a prison-based gang into a transnational criminal force and exported its operatives abroad, including into the United States. Both former officials who served in different branches of Venezuelas security structure describe Venezuela as a criminal enterprise they say threatens U.S. national security. The Dallas Express has not independently verified the allegations contained in either letter. Elections, Influence, and Foreign Partnerships During the episode, Rodil further claims Venezuelan operatives used election technology and foreign partnerships to influence democratic systems beyond their borders. He alleges these efforts were part of a broader strategy to secure political protection and legitimacy for the regime. Rodil also asserts that foreign governments including China, Iran, and Cuba played roles in sustaining the cartels operations through financial, logistical, and intelligence cooperation. These claims remain disputed and have not been independently verified. Why Rodil Says It Matters Now Rodil argues recent U.S. actions against Venezuelas leadership represent a turning point but says dismantling a system he describes as decades in the making will require sustained pressure and enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement He frames the issue not as foreign intervention, but as self-defense, claiming drug trafficking, corruption, and hybrid warfare have directly harmed American communities through addiction, crime, and political destabilization. Episode 55 of Going Rogue with Lara Logan is available on YouTube and Substack. A growing number of states have rejected recent changes to the national vaccine schedule as more than 200 health groups across the country urge lawmakers to investigate why the schedule was changed and why credible scientific evidence was ignored. In early January, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that children receive vaccines against 11 diseases, instead of 17. The new guidelines nixed universal immunizations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, rotavirus, COVID-19 and influenza. Typically, an independent group of physicians and public health officials undertakes a lengthy public review process before changing federal vaccine recommendations. While HHS noted that a scientific review was conducted, no further details were provided, and no concrete evidence supporting the update was published. Advertisement Advertisement Marty Makary, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, celebrated the CDC announcement as a return to transparency. "Public health works only when people trust it," he said. "That trust depends on transparency, rigorous science and respect for families. This decision recommits HHS to all three." Physicians and public health officials from across the country immediately criticized the move. "The decision to change CDC's childhood immunization schedule is reckless and deeply dangerous," Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said in a press release published the same day the CDC announced its new recommendations. Advertisement Advertisement "It abandons decades of rigorous, evidence-based science and replaces clear public health guidance with confusion and doubt," Goldstein continued. Since then, at least 18 states have rejected the new guidance, including 14 that voted against President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Most state public health departments recommend that parents follow the American Academy of Pediatrics schedule, which predates the Trump administration and includes 18 vaccines. What impact do federal guidelines have? Federal vaccine recommendations are not legally binding, Dorit Reiss, a professor of law at the University of California San Francisco, previously explained to Straight Arrow News. Each state has its own procedures and statutes outlining how to utilize federal recommendations in setting local laws and vaccine schedules. Advertisement Advertisement But even state vaccine guidance is not compulsory: States can only dictate which vaccinations children must receive to attend public school. "We often talk about mandates or compulsory vaccination, but in no case is an individual or a child being vaccinated against their will or against their parents' will," said Jason Schwartz, an associate professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Yale School of Public Health. "When we talk about these required mandates or vaccine mandates in the United States, it's ultimately a policy in place that makes vaccination a condition of attending school in those states," he told SAN. Today, no American, outside of the military, is required by law to receive any vaccine. The federal government has historically, though in rare instances - such as during the COVID-19 pandemic - mandated vaccines. Growing friction between state and federal governments Since the second Trump administration began last year, a number of states have moved to form regional health alliances, allowing states to coordinate with one another. California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii formed the West Coast Health Alliance while nine northeastern states joined the Northeast Public Health Collaborative. Advertisement Advertisement Fifteen states and territories - California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington also formed the Governor's Public Health Alliance. Several states - including California, Illinois and Maryland - have also passed or proposed legislation to empower state health officials to bypass or disregard federal guidance. A lawsuit over vaccine policy Last July, six professional health societies - including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association and the Infectious Disease Society of America - and a pregnant woman sued Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. "for making unilateral, unscientific changes to federal vaccine policy." The lawsuit asserts that Kennedy violated federal law by changing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant women without scientific support, and by firing every member of the CDC's existing immunization advisory committee. Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy appointed new members to the committee who went on to recommend that children no longer receive the chickenpox vaccine at the same time as the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shot. Two months later, the panel altered longstanding recommendations for universal hepatitis B vaccination. Late last year, the health organizations amended their lawsuit to include concerns that the new advisory committee members lack the expertise required for the role. The plaintiffs asked a judge to halt Kennedy's changes to COVID-19 vaccine policy and to nullify decisions made by the newly constituted vaccine advisory committee. A judge has since rejected the government's motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement The post The CDC recommends fewer vaccines. States are pushing back appeared first on Straight Arrow News. Related Links Editor's note: This article contains graphic descriptions of alleged crimes. Numerous child abuse and sex crime allegations are detailed in charging documents filed against the mother and stepfather of the 12-year-old boy who was found in rural Caddo County after being missing for nine days. The documents provide the deepest insight yet into the horrific treatment authorities believe the boy faced over the past six years. His disappearance set off a search that generated national attention and ultimately led to the arrests of his mother and stepfather. Advertisement Advertisement The felony charges allege the pair abused the boy and a girl, who are only identified in court documents by their initials. The Oklahoman previously reported the boy's name after authorities asked for the public's help in finding him. The newspaper is not naming the boy in this story due to the nature of the allegations against his caregivers and his status as a minor. More: Missing 12-year-old boy told volunteer rescuers, 'I'm sorry' Mother, stepfather facing multiple abuse, neglect charges Kimberly Kay Cole, 33, faces 11 charges in total, including child abuse, child sexual abuse, neglect, conspiracy and crimes against nature. George Franklin Cole Jr., 43, was charged with 14 counts. His charges include child abuse, neglect, child sexual abuse, conspiracy and a pattern of criminal offenses. After Cole's charges were read in court on Jan. 12, prosecutors said he tried to take his own life and remains hospitalized in critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement If convicted, both adults could spend the rest of their life in prison. The court has sealed some documents in the case, but charging documents provide some basic information that is graphic in nature: Kimberly Cole is accused of forcing her son to eat hot sauce as a punishment and restraining him with zip ties and handcuffs. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation also claims that she abused the girl by choking her and inappropriately touching her. She is also accused of "crimes against nature," which is a charge alleging she engaged in sexual acts with two dogs. George Cole's charges allege that he used a stun gun on the boy in Caddo County and in Chickasha. A third charge alleges that while in Woodward, he knocked out the boy's tooth with a cattle prod. George Cole is also accused of stabbing the boy with a knife, hitting him with a nightstick and slamming his head into a vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement The OSBI said he forced the girl to watch videos involving humans and animals. The neglect charges stem from allegations that both children were kept out of school and lacked parental supervision. State and local authorities, including volunteer groups, spent more than a week searching for the boy after he went missing on Jan. 2 from a Chickasha hotel. He was found nine days later in rural Caddo County, scared but healthy. More: What is the United Cajun Navy? Volunteer group finds missing Oklahoma boy Police had said while the boy was missing that he would not be reunited with his mother and would be kept safe after he was found. They have not disclosed where the boy is now living but officials promised to place him in a safe home. Advertisement Advertisement The Caddo County case is not the only court action pending against the boy's caregivers. Court records filed in Grady County by a family member of George Cole accused him and Kimberly Cole of harassment, stalking and domestic abuse stemming from an incident on Jan. 2, the same day the boy went missing. In a petition for a protective order, the family member said George Cole threatened to pull a gun on her. Kimberly was accused of threatening physical harm against the individual. "She said she will pull a gun on me if they see me outside," the relative wrote in her request for a protective order. Additional charges of possession of a firearm after conviction were filed against George Cole in Grady County. Contributing: Staff writer Jessie Christopher Smith This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Charges filed against Oklahoma couple after missing Chickasha boy found A Charlotte homeowners association dropped its attempt to foreclose on Jeffrey Baldwins home Tuesday, ending a legal battle that began with a disputed $100 fine. Attorneys for The Settlements HOA in northeast Charlotte said at a hearing at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse Tuesday it was withdrawing its foreclosure petition, removing the immediate threat that Baldwin and his husband could lose their home and effectively dismissing its case against the couple. Baldwin became a vocal advocate for HOA reform in North Carolina after his case began and said the win was a victory for homeowners across the state. Though attorneys for the HOA did not explain in court why they withdrew the foreclosure petition, Baldwin said he believes the decision spoke for itself. Advertisement Advertisement To me it just signaled that they knew what they have done for years was wrong, he said. It just, you know, reassured what I knew, that what I was fighting for was right. Foreclosure dispute escalated from $100 fine The case began with a disputed $100 HOA fine tied to Baldwins truck, which the association said violated the neighborhoods restrictions on commercial vehicles, the Observer previously reported. Baldwin said the dispute escalated into a $1,337 lien based entirely on alleged violation fines. Baldwin said the HOA later waived the fines during a hearing, acknowledging they were invalid. Baldwin said the HOA then shifted its claim to unpaid 2024 and 2025 dues after rejecting his attempt to pay his 2024 assessments in good faith. Baldwin said he deposited sufficient funds with the Mecklenburg clerk to cover any legitimate dues. Under North Carolina law, Baldwin said, a lien based solely on fines must be enforced through judicial foreclosure, meaning the HOA used the wrong legal procedure from the start. Advertisement Advertisement The distinction matters because North Carolinas nonjudicial foreclosure process, which Baldwins HOA pursued, is handled through the clerk of superior court rather than a judge and can move more quickly. HOAs are empowered. HOAs are fearless. HOAs really have very little checks. The nonjudicial foreclosure process doesnt start with a judge like this, it ends with a judge. And the amount that an HOA has to prove is so little, Baldwins attorney Jim White said. I personally think HOAs should not be permitted to use the nonjudicial foreclosure process. They shouldnt be able to have a streamlined way to get someones house. They should have to work for it. Baldwins advocacy and whats next Baldwin has increasingly framed the case as example of why North Carolinas HOA laws need to change. The Observer previously reported that Baldwin advocated publicly for reforms that would put limits on fines and change how foreclosure threats are used in HOA disputes. Baldwin said Tuesdays outcome was emotional, in part because he believes many homeowners could not afford to fight a foreclosure petition, even if they believe the HOA is wrong. Advertisement Advertisement For many people, owning a home is like the American dream, and my HOA was trying to take that away from me. So thats why I was emotional, because I now have an opportunity to keep my home, but there are many people that dont have that opportunity, Baldwin said. Baldwin also said he hopes his outcome encourages other homeowners to challenge their HOAs rather than assume the foreclosure process is unstoppable. Im hoping that it gives them hope that they can fight their HOAs, that they can show some accountability. Thats something that I think were lacking, and thats what I think Im working on, is accountability, and specifically to end the use of nonjudicial foreclosure to take somebodys home, Baldwin said. While Tuesdays hearing ended the HOAs current foreclosure attempt, White said he and Baldwin plan to file a motion seeking attorney fees and expect another court date focused on whether the HOA should be required to reimburse some costs Baldwin incurred while defending the case. Venezuela's Chinese air defense radars weren't game-changing during the US raid to capture Maduro. China has touted the effectiveness in combat of radars like its JY-27A. The lack of effect recently raises questions about both the radar and their operators. Venezuela's military had Chinese-made anti-aircraft radars available when the US launched a surprise air assault against the country to capture the country's now-former leader, Nicolas Maduro, earlier this month. They appear to have been of little help. Operation Absolute Resolve involved over 150 US military aircraft, none of which were shot down. A helicopter was hit, reportedly by machine gun fire, but remained operational. Advertisement Advertisement Venezuela has a number of China's JY-27A mobile radars, which Beijing has touted as top-of-the-line systems. It has said the radar can detect stealth assets, like the American F-22 and F-35, from over 150 miles away. The success of the surprise raid by US special operators into downtown Caracas, part of a larger mission which involved not only stealth airpower but also older fourth-generation aircraft and helicopters, suggests that something didn't go as planned on defense. That may be on the operators rather than the tech though. After the raid, a Japanese reporter asked a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson what Beijing thought about the "large amount of military equipment" China sold Venezuela apparently being "of little practical use." The Chinese spokesperson responded by condemning the US strike. A destroyed air defense unit at a Venezuelan military base. Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/REUTERS The Chinese-made JY-27A is a long-range radar used for detecting and tracking hostile aircraft in protected airpsace. Introduced in 2014, the radar system consists of a radar mast with multiple antenna panels supported by separate radar and control vehicles. Chinese sources claim it has features designed to reduce jamming. A newer version, the JY-27V, has since been developed. Advertisement Advertisement When Venezuela purchased JY-27As from China last year, there were claims that the radars were able to lock onto multiple F-35B fighter jets off the Venezuelan coast, presenting a potential challenge to the one-way transparency advantage of the US military. "That's all well and good," Michael Sobolik, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, told Business Insider, "but when it really matters is in a moment of conflict." Perhaps they were unable to withstand sophisticated electromagnetic spectrum attacks, or maybe they were improperly utilized by their operators. Either way, if they weren't effective, they were of little use for air defense. Radar systems are what inform air defense crews on what they'll need to target and what weapons they need to use. "If you don't have functioning radars then you're a sitting duck," he said. US military leaders said that American aircraft were able to overwhelm Venezuelan air defenses, which has been assessed to include a range of Russian-made systems like S-300VM batteries, Buk-M2 systems, and older S-125 Pechora-2M launchers, as well as the Chinese radars. Some of these pieces are capable but aren't the newest variants used by their respective exporters. Advertisement Advertisement In the aftermath, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth mocked the effectiveness of the Russian air defenses. Nothing was said about the Chinese radars in that speech. Key to air defense is how the network works together, and the effectiveness of the operator is vital. In Venezuela's case, it may have been lacking the necessary conditions for successful air defense operations. Seven US troops were hurt during the raid in Venezuela over the weekend, a defense official said. US Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isabel Tanner A study from the Miami Strategic Intelligence Institute think tank, which hosts experts on Latin America, assessed Venezuela's air defenses as being in critical condition as of last year. It said that over 60% of its radar fleet was non-operational, combat aviation doesn't fly often, and the country has received little maintenance support and spare parts from its exporters. Advertisement Advertisement Venezuela purchased Chinese-made radars and Russian-made surface-to-air missile batteries to modernize its air defenses, but the hardware alone can't make up for internal shortcomings. Analysis by The New York Times found that some of Venezuela's air defense equipment was in storage or not operational, leaving it unprepared for the US attack. Reports also indicated Venezuela's military lacked the spare parts and technical background to keep air defense systems running. Even if the failures are on the part of the Venezuelan military, the ineffective performance of the Russian and Chinese systems sends a "pretty big message," Sobolik said. It elevates confidence in US capabilities while raising questions about those of rivals, though there are limits if it's on the operator. US officials said no American aircraft or military personnel were lost during the raid on Venezuela. Of the 150 aircraft and almost 200 American troops involved in the mission, one helicopter took fire and seven troops were injured. Read the original article on Business Insider Key Points Spring & Mulberry is recalling its Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate bar after possible Salmonella contamination, according to the FDA. No illnesses have been reported so far, but the FDA warns Salmonella can cause symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, with higher risks for children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Consumers who purchased the recalled chocolate should not eat it and can request a refund by emailing a photo of the product and lot code to Spring & Mulberry, then disposing of the item. Check your sweets stash. Spring & Mulberry of Raleigh, North Carolina, is recalling its Mint Leaf Date-Sweetened Chocolate bar due to possible Salmonella contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The chocolate is packaged in a teal-colored box with "Spring & Mulberry" and "Mint Leaf Date Sweetened Chocolate" listed on the front. The affected lot code (#025255) is listed on the back of the packaging and on the inner plastic wrap. The product was available for purchase online through the company's website, as well as via retailers such as Amazon and Nordstrom, and through select retail stores nationwide since September 15, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement So far, no illnesses or adverse health effects have been reported in connection with the recall. The FDA warns that healthy individuals infected with Salmonella may experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Symptoms usually start six hours to six days after infection and typically last four to seven days, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In rare circumstances, an infection can spread throughout the body, causing more severe illnesses such as meningitis, endocarditis, and arthritis. Children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you purchased the recalled chocolate, request a refund by sending a photo of the product and the lot code to Spring & Mulberry at recalls@springandmulberry.com, then dispose of the product. Read the original article on Martha Stewart The aircraft used in the US militarys first strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, a strike which has drawn intense scrutiny and resulted in numerous Congressional briefings, was painted as a civilian aircraft and was part of a closely guarded classified program, sources familiar with the program told CNN. Its use immediately drew scrutiny and real concerns from lawmakers, one of the sources familiar said, and legislators began asking questions about the aircraft during briefings in September. Two sources familiar with the matter told CNN the plane is largely used for reconnaissance and surveillance missions and wasnt painted the usual grey applied to military planes. Administration officials told lawmakers the aircraft wasnt pretending to be a civilian aircraft and pointed out the fact that it was using a military transponder and had a military tail number, a source said. While lawmakers raised concerns in the fall, its not clear that the use of the aircraft would violate the law of war which prohibits military personnel from pretending to be civilians to attack an enemy. Advertisement Advertisement Pentagon officials told lawmakers during the briefings that the operation was hurried and that the aircraft was the most available at the time. But one of the sources familiar with the matter said the reasoning didnt hold up given the intensive planning that supposedly went into the operation and the months-long buildup of US military assets in the region. There were unlimited assets available to use, but they chose this one, the source familiar with the matter said. The New York Times first reported concerns about the aircraft. The U.S. military utilizes a wide array of standard and nonstandard aircraft depending on mission requirements, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said in response to questions from CNN about the use of the aircraft. Prior to the fielding and employment of each aircraft, they go through a rigorous procurement process to ensure compliance with domestic law, department policies and regulations, and applicable international standards, including the law of armed conflict. The intentional disguising of a military aircraft as civilian in order to trick enemy combatants would be an act of perfidy, defined in the Defense Departments Law of War Manual as an act that invites the confidence of the enemy to believe they are entitled to protection, with the intent to betray that confidence. One of the examples that falls under prohibited actions of killing or wounding the enemy through perfidy is feigning civilian status and then attacking the enemy. Advertisement Advertisement But the situation in September is not so clear cut, according to legal experts. The operations in the Caribbean which have killed at least 115 people have not been legally defined as a war, as Congress has not declared such a conflict. The head of the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel told lawmakers last year that the activities in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean do not require a declaration of war from Congress and dont meet the definition of hostilities. Still, a Pentagon notice provided to Congress in October said President Donald Trump determined the US was in an armed conflict with the drug cartels. Perfidy rules apply in war, and this was not a war, Rachel VanLandingham, a former Air Force judge advocate and current law professor at Southwestern Law School, told CNN. Josh Kastenberg, also a former Air Force judge and prosecutor who is now a professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law, said that for it to be true perfidy the actions would need to be not just trying to camouflage what the military was doing, but doing it with the intended effect of getting them to believe theyre safe. Advertisement Advertisement If the US was in a legitimate armed conflict and the law of war applied, the issue would be perfidy if the intent was to induce the boat crews reliance on a belief that the aircraft was non-threatening in order to get them not to fight back or flee, Daniel Maurer, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and former judge advocate, told CNN. That assumed the crew on the boat or in the water could visually see the aircraft, Maurer said. But were not in an armed conflict. In a law enforcement paradigm, the missile strikes were already illegal regardless of what the aircraft looked like. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Claudette Colvin, whose refusal to move to the back of a Montgomery, Alabama, bus as a teenager preceded the better-known efforts of Rosa Parks by less than a year, has died. She was 86. "It is with profound sadness that the Claudette Colvin Foundation and family announce the passing of Claudette Colvin, a beloved mother, grandmother, and civil rights pioneer," the foundation and family said in a statement posted on Facebook. "She leaves behind a legacy of courage that helped change the course of American history." Colvin died of natural causes in southeast Texas near Houston, said Ashley Roseboro of Roseboro Holdings, a Washington, DC-based management and community engagement firm that represents the Colvin family. The Rosa Parks statue is dedicated on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. The Helen Keller statue is dedicated on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. Civil Rights attorney Fred Gray, right, looks on as the Rosa Parks statue on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. Blind visitors read the braille on the book in the hands of the Helen Keller statue on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. Blind visitors touch the face of the Helen Keller statue on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. Blind visitors touch the Helen Keller statue on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. The newly unveiled Rosa Parks statue, far right, is across from the Jefferson Davis statue on the state capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. The Rosa Parks statue on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. The Rosa Parks statue on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. The Helen Keller statue on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. Dignitaries clap during the dedication of the Rosa Parks and Helen Keller statues at the state Capitol in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. A new statue of disability rights activist Helen Keller is revealed outside the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Students practice their sign language as a new statue of disability rights activist Helen Keller is revealed outside the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. A new statue of civil rights icon Rosa Parks is revealed outside the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. A new statue of civil rights icon Rosa Parks is revealed outside the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Guest take photos as a new statue of civil rights icon Rosa Parks is revealed outside the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Guest take photos as a new statue of civil rights icon Rosa Parks is revealed outside the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. A new statue of civil rights icon Rosa Parks is revealed outside the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. A new statue of civil rights icon Rosa Parks is revealed outside the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. A new statue of civil rights icon Rosa Parks is revealed outside the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Civil rights attorney Fred Gray and his wife, Carol, pose for a photo as a new statue of civil rights icon Rosa Parks is revealed outside the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Civil rights attorney Fred Gray and his wife, Carol, pose for a photo as a new statue of civil rights icon Rosa Parks is revealed outside the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Civil rights attorney Fred Gray and his wife, Carol, visit as a new statue of civil rights icon Rosa Parks is revealed outside the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. A new statue of civil rights icon Rosa Parks is revealed outside the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery, Ala. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. The Rosa Parks statue is unveiled on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. The Helen Keller statue is unveiled on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey speaks during the dedication of the Rosa Parks and Helen Keller statues at the state Capitol in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. Keller Johsnon Thompson, of the Hellen Keller Education Foundation speaks during the dedication of the Rosa Parks and Helen Keller statues at the state Capitol in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. Troy University Chancellor Jack hawkins speaks during the dedication of the Rosa Parks and Helen Keller statues at the state Capitol in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. The Rosa Parks statue on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. Civil Rights Attorney Fred Gray and his wife Carol look on during the dedication of the Rosa Parks and Helen Keller statues at the state Capitol in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. Rep. laura Hall and Sen. Vivian Figures speaks during the dedication of the Rosa Parks and Helen Keller statues at the state Capitol in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. Rep. Laura Hall stands at the foot of the Rosa Parks statue during its unveiling on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. People gather for the unveiling of the Rosa Parks statue on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. People gather for the unveiling of the Rosa Parks statue on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. Rosa Parks and Helen Keller statues unveiled at Alabama Capitol 1 of 35 The Rosa Parks statue is dedicated on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed said Colvin's life "reminds us that movements are built not only by those whose names are most familiar, but by those whose courage comes early, quietly, and at great personal cost." A 15-year-old takes a stand It was on March 2, 1955, that Colvin, then a 15-year-old, bespectacled honors student at Montgomerys Booker T. Washington High, stepped onto a City Lines bus in Montgomery. She recalled wearing a light blue sweater and a navy blue skirt. Advertisement Advertisement Later, her mother would say that on any other day, events might have played out differently, but that, as it turned out, fate picked the wrong day to test her daughter. Colvin would explain that she'd just spent February studying Black history and learning about injustices throughout the South in school, and that those thoughts played in her head as she boarded the bus that day. Montgomerys segregation laws dictated that White people sat in front and Black people in back, with a "no mans land" of seats between the two groups. Colvin was seated in the "no mans land" when a group of White passengers boarded. Claudette Colvin is pictured at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School in Montgomery, Alabama, on Feb. 3, 2005 The teen refused to comply when the driver asked her to move to the rear. "I felt as though Harriet Tubman was pushing me down on one shoulder and Sojourner Truth was pushing me down on the other," she said. "So, therefore, history had me glued to the seat. That was the reason I could not move." Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, several police officers boarded the bus too, but Colvin still refused to budge. Colvin was dragged off the bus, handcuffed, and charged with assault and battery, disorderly conduct, and violating city segregation laws. Most of the charges were dismissed, but a juvenile court judge found Colvin guilty of assault, and she was made a ward of the state and placed on indefinite probation. The months that followed were harsh and isolating, with the teenager shunned by friends and left out of social events. "It was difficult because people looked at me differently," Colvin said. "The people who didnt know me said that I was crazy. Some of the parents didnt want their children to be associated with me." Advertisement Advertisement Fred Gray, the young civil rights lawyer who would ultimately take the fight against Montgomerys segregation laws to the United States Supreme Court, lauded the teen's courage in the growing fight for civil rights. "[You had] a 15-year-old girl who did what she did, and was willing to take whatever consequences, not knowing what was going to happen," he said. "Claudette had a lot more courage than many of us involved." Gray and others hoped to challenge Montgomerys segregation laws in court, but with Colvin's segregation violation charge dismissed, the choice was made to wait until a stronger case emerged. "We knew there would be another opportunity and we would be ready," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Nine months later, Parks was arrested. Legacy and long-awaited relief In 1956, Colvin was one of four Black women who were plaintiffs in Browder v. Gayle, which successfully challenged Montgomery's segregated bus seating as unconstitutional, transforming public transportation of all types across the country. Colvin would leave the South after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., moving to New York, where she spent years as a nursing aide. Laws changed; so did society, and in 2019, the Montgomery street where she once lived was renamed Claudette Colvin Drive. But the "indefinite probation" to which shed been sentenced hung over her head like a cloud. Claudette Colvin is pictured as lawyers filed papers to have her name cleared at the family court in Montgomery, Alabama, on Oct. 26, 2021. Finally, in November 2021, after efforts by legal volunteers and researchers, a Montgomery Juvenile Court judge expunged Colvin's 1955 arrest, calling it "a measure of statutory right and fairness" for "what has since been recognized as a courageous act on her behalf and on behalf of a community of affected people." Advertisement Advertisement It had been a long wait. "Im no longer, at 82, a juvenile delinquent," she joked. Two years earlier, as her home city recognized her with the street name change, Colvin would say that she hadnt gone out looking for trouble. No one had asked her to take action, and she had no idea whether support would follow. "I just went out on my own, and I knew I had to take care of myself," she said. "Im a self-made woman. You have to have strong courage, strong faith, and belief in yourself." But to her family, Colvin remains more than a historical figure. "She was the heart of our family, wise, resilient, and grounded in faith," they said in their statement. "We will remember her laughter, her sharp wit, and her unwavering belief in justice and human dignity. Contributing: Shannon Heupel, Melissa Brown, and Brian Lyman, USA TODAY Network . This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Civil rights pioneer Claudette Colvin dies at 86 Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Claudette Colvin, a civil rights activist who was arrested in 1955 for refusing to give up her bus seat to a White woman in segregated Alabama, has died, according to her foundation. She was 86. "It is with profound sadness that the Claudette Colvin Foundation and family announced the passing of Claudette Colvin, a beloved mother, grandmother and civil rights pioneer," the Claudette Colvin Foundation said in a statement Tuesday. "She leaves behind a legacy of courage that helped change the course of American history." Advertisement Advertisement The cause of death was not stated. She died Tuesday in hospice care in Texas, according to Roseboro Holdings, which represents the Claudette Colvin Foundation, The New York Times reported. Born Sept. 5, 1939, in Birmingham, Ala., Colvin made history when at the age of 15 she refused to give up her seat to a White woman on March 2, 1955 -- nine months before Rosa Parks was arrested for performing a similar act of resistance. Her arrest would lead to her being one of four Black female plaintiffs in a case challenging bus segregation in Montgomery. Known as Browder vs. Gayle, the case was successful at the federal district court and was reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court, which sided with the lower court in 1956 that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement According to her foundation, Colvin's act of civil disobedience has become known "as her greatest achievement in life." However, her juvenile arrest record and adjudication of delinquency from the event would remain until December of 2021 when a judge ordered the records to be destroyed. Colvin worked for three decades as a nursing assistant at a Catholic Nursing Home and was the mother of two sons, the grandmother of five grandchildren and the great-grandmother of seven great grandchildren. "To us, she was more than a historical figure. She was the heart of our family, wise, resilient and grounded in faith," her foundation said. Advertisement Advertisement "We will remember her laughter, her sharp wit and her unwavering belief in justice and human dignity." Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., called Colvin "an unsung yet significant hero of the civil rights movement." "Her courage paved the way for Rosa Parks' decision and the launching of a movement that would end segregation," he said in a statement. "Her memory is a blessing, her legacy lives on." Climate change is already fueling dangerous heat waves, raising sea levels and transforming the oceans. Even if countries meet their pledges to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are driving climate change, global warming will exceed what many ecosystems can safely handle. That reality has motivated scientists, governments and a growing number of startups to explore ways to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or at least temporarily counter its effects. But these climate interventions come with risks especially for the ocean, the worlds largest carbon sink, where carbon is absorbed and stored, and the foundation of global food security. Advertisement Advertisement Our team of researchers has spent decades studying the oceans and climate. In a new study, we analyzed how different types of climate interventions could affect marine ecosystems, for good or bad, and where more research is needed to understand the risks before anyone tries them on a large scale. We found that some strategies carry fewer risks than others, though none is free of consequences. What climate interventions look like Climate interventions fall into two broad categories that work very differently. One is carbon dioxide removal, or CDR. It tackles the root cause of climate change by taking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. The ocean already absorbs nearly one-third of human-caused carbon emissions annually and has an enormous capacity to hold more carbon. Marine carbon dioxide removal techniques aim to increase that natural uptake by altering the oceans biology or chemistry. Some of the methods of climate interventions that affect the ocean, such as iron (Fe) fertilization. Vanessa van Heerden/Louisiana Sea Grant Biological carbon removal methods capture carbon through photosynthesis in plants or algae. Some methods, such as iron fertilization and seaweed cultivation, boost the growth of marine algae by giving them more nutrients. A fraction of the carbon they capture during growth can be stored in the ocean for hundreds of years, but much of it leaks back to the atmosphere once biomass decomposes. Advertisement Advertisement Other methods involve growing plants on land and sinking them in deep, low-oxygen waters where decomposition is slower, delaying the release of the carbon they contain. This is known as anoxic storage of terrestrial biomass. Another type of carbon dioxide removal doesnt need biology to capture carbon. Ocean alkalinity enhancement chemically converts carbon dioxide in seawater into other forms of carbon, allowing the ocean to absorb more from the atmosphere. This works by adding large amounts of alkaline material, such as pulverized carbonate or silicate rocks like limestone or basalt, or electrochemically manufactured compounds like sodium hydroxide. Solar radiation modification is another category entirely. It works like a sunshade it doesnt remove carbon dioxide, but it can reduce dangerous effects such as heat waves and coral bleaching by injecting tiny particles into the atmosphere that brighten clouds or directly reflect sunlight back to space, replicating the cooling seen after major volcanic eruptions. The appeal of solar radiation modification is speed: It could cool the planet within years, but it would only temporarily mask the effects of still-rising carbon dioxide concentrations. These methods can also affect ocean life We reviewed eight intervention types and assessed how each could affect marine ecosystems. We found that all of them had distinct potential benefits and risks. Advertisement Advertisement One risk of pulling more carbon dioxide into the ocean is ocean acidification. When carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, it forms acid. This process is already weakening the shells of oysters and harming corals and plankton that are crucial to the ocean food chain. How a shell placed in seawater with increased acidity slowly dissolves over 45 days. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory Adding alkaline materials, such as pulverized carbonate or silicate rocks, could counteract the acidity of the additional carbon dioxide by converting it into less harmful forms of carbon. Biological methods, by contrast, capture carbon in living biomass, such as plants and algae, but release it again as carbon dioxide when the biomass breaks down meaning their effect on acidification depends on where the biomass grows and where it later decomposes. Another concern with biological methods involves nutrients. All plants and algae need nutrients to grow, but the ocean is highly interconnected. Fertilizing the surface in one area may boost plant and algae productivity, but at the same time suffocate the waters beneath it or disrupt fisheries thousands of miles away by depleting nutrients that ocean currents would otherwise transport to productive fishing areas. Ocean alkalinity enhancement doesnt require adding nutrients, but some mineral forms of alkalinity, like basalts, introduce nutrients such as iron and silicate that can impact growth. Advertisement Advertisement Solar radiation modification adds no nutrients but could shift circulation patterns that move nutrients around. Shifts in acidification and nutrients will benefit some phytoplankton and disadvantage others. The resulting changes in the mix of phytoplankton matter: If different predators prefer different phytoplankton, the follow-on effects could travel all the way up the food chain, eventually impacting the fisheries millions of people rely on. The least risky options for the ocean Of all the methods we reviewed, we found that electrochemical ocean alkalinity enhancement had the lowest direct risk to the ocean, but it isnt risk-free. Electrochemical methods use an electric current to separate salt water into an alkaline stream and an acidic stream. This generates a chemically simple form of alkalinity with limited effects on biology, but it also requires neutralizing or disposing of the acid safely. Other relatively low-risk options include adding carbonate minerals to seawater, which would increase alkalinity with relatively few contaminants, and sinking land plants in deep, low-oxygen environments for long-term carbon storage. Advertisement Advertisement Still, these approaches carry uncertainties and need further study. Scientists typically use computer models to explore methods like these before testing them on a wide scale in the ocean, but the models are only as reliable as the data that grounds them. And many biological processes are still not well enough understood to be included in models. For example, models dont capture the effects of some trace metal contaminants in certain alkaline materials or how ecosystems may reorganize around new seaweed farm habitats. To accurately include effects like these in models, scientists first must study them in laboratories and sometimes small-scale field experiments. A cautious, evidence-based path forward Some scientists have argued that the risks of climate intervention are too great to even consider and all related research should stop because it is a dangerous distraction from the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Advertisement Advertisement We disagree. Commercialization is already underway. Marine carbon dioxide removal startups backed by investors are already selling carbon credits to companies such as Stripe and British Airways. Meanwhile, global emissions continue to rise, and many countries, including the U.S., are backing away from their emissions reduction pledges. As the harms caused by climate change worsen, pressure may build for governments to deploy climate interventions quickly and without a clear understanding of risks. Scientists have an opportunity to study these ideas carefully now, before the planet reaches climate instabilities that could push society to embrace untested interventions. That window wont stay open forever. Given the stakes, we believe the world needs transparent research that can rule out harmful options, verify promising ones and stop if the impacts prove unacceptable. It is possible that no climate intervention will ever be safe enough to implement on a large scale. But we believe that decision should be guided by evidence not market pressure, fear or ideology. 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: Kelsey Roberts, Cornell University; UMass Dartmouth; Daniele Visioni, Cornell University; Morgan Raven, University of California, Santa Barbara, and T Read more: Through his role at Cornell University, Daniele Visioni receives funding from the Quadrature Climate Foundation and the Advanced Research + Invention Agency UK. Daniele Visioni is Head of Data for Reflective, a philanthropically-funded initiative focused on responsibly accelerating sunlight reflection research. Advertisement Advertisement In addition to her primary role as UCSB faculty, Morgan Raven serves as the Chief Science Officer for, and holds minor equity in, a seed-funded startup company exploring applications of biomass-related CDR (Carboniferous). This work was supported by a grant from the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment to UCSB. Through his role at the Univeristy of Tasmania, Tyler Rohr receives funding from the Australian government and Co-Labs ICONIQ Impact Co-Labs to research impacts and efficeincy of marine carbon dioxide removal. Kelsey Roberts does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. For months, a black mixed-breed dog had roamed through Lake Wynonah and the surrounding countryside, eluding those who were trying to help him. It wasnt clear where the dog had come from, but many people who had seen him posted his whereabouts online in the hope that someone could guide him towards his forever home before he ran into trouble. Joining the cause was Angela Beaver of Auburn, who had experience in such cases. Advertisement Advertisement Beaver founded the non-profit Coal Mountain Animal Rescue as a licensed shelter in 2020, after working as an animal rescue volunteer in the Scranton area and in New Jersey for years. I didnt realize how bad the animal crisis was locally in my own backyard until we got started, she said. Angela Beaver with Coal Mountain Animal Rescue sits with Doggo in Auburn, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Since then, Beaver has caught and rescued about 10 dogs locally, some of which were in rough shape by the time she was able to capture them. She was hoping to avoid that fate for the wandering black dog in Lake Wynonah, and on the evening of Jan. 3, she set up a baited cage for him at a home in the development. Advertisement Advertisement With a 24-hour camera pointed at the trap, she placed a combination of moist dog food, dry kibble and liquid smoke inside and waited for him to come, knowing he must be hungry. After a few days, the dog tentatively entered the cage, but just partially, and not far enough to step on the foot pedal that would close the door behind him. Then on the fifth night it happened Beaver saw on camera that the dog had been caught. For Beaver and her volunteer crew that helped her, it was another big step in their mission to help as many dogs and cats in the area as possible. These animals didnt ask for the lives they got, and they dont know what they did wrong to deserve this, she said. They dont have a voice, so we need to speak up for them. Advertisement Advertisement Coal Mountain assists pets in critical need, including those at large that were either dumped or escaped, along with shelter animals, and those whose owners are legitimately no longer able to care for them, Beaver said. She reunites some pets with their owners, houses others herself until theyre adopted, or serves as a middleman between foster families and future owners. The organization relies on volunteers, donations, supplies, transport and boarding, and the willingness of fosters and adopters to open up their hearts and homes, Beaver said. Our community has been wonderful, she said. Coal Mountain currently has seven rescued dogs in its custody, including four in Beavers home, and three in foster homes. It also has 27 cats, including 11 in Beavers house and the rest in foster homes. Advertisement Advertisement Charlie the dog enjoying outdoor time with Angela Beaver of Coal Mountain Animal Rescue in Auburn, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) We are bursting at the seams, she said, a situation she knows that other Schuylkill shelters are also experiencing. Those interested in adopting from Coal Mountain can view the available pets on the organizations website at coalmountain.org. The black dog that Beaver recently rescued in Lake Wynonah, which she named Hero, has already had a new family come forward to adopt him. The most amazing part of it all is that Hero went from being a throw away dumped dog to being a loved and cherished part of a family, Beaver said. Hes the happiest dog now. Youd never know hed been outside since October. Hes a good boy. Advertisement Advertisement Most adoptions dont happen that quickly, though. Hero, a dog recently captured in Lake Wynonah by Coal Mountain Animal Rescue. (PHOTO COURTESY OF COAL MOUNTAIN ANIMAL RESCUE) In some instances, that is because law enforcement agencies must first investigate whether the animal was illegally dumped or abused. That is the case with another mixed-breed dog that Beaver rescued in December along Burma Road in Saint Clair. That one came to her attention as people were posting online about it after it had a confrontation with a porcupine that left it with multiple quills stuck in its face and eye. Beaver was able to capture that dog in a crate as well, and it has since recovered fully, though the police investigation into who dumped it is continuing. Advertisement Advertisement Beaver has gotten better at the capture process through trial and error, and by relying on advice from others who have done such work, she said. Without Coal Mountains help, the dog on Burma Road likely would not have survived outdoors, nor would many of the others that the organization has rescued, she said. The fact those animals are now doing so well is a credit to her volunteers, she said, and to those who donate money and pet food to help their cause. She thanked four volunteers for their recent help with Hero, mentioning Kristina Berger, Pam Richie, Krystal Schware and Kaylie Rogers, who assisted in trapping the dog and preparing him for his adjustment to being back indoors. Beaver already has plans to help two more stray dogs that have been wandering through Saint Clair together, with the intent of capturing them as well. Advertisement Advertisement She advises those whose dogs or cats escape to call their local police, the state dog warden, and area shelters first for information, and to spread the word online and by posting flyers to get the attention of someone who may have seen it. Angela Beaver with Coal Mountain Animal Rescue scratches Ben in Auburn, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) If their pet remains at large, they can call Coal Mountain at 570-728-5728, she said. The organization currently has about 10 active volunteers, but can always use more, she said. Coal Mountain also greatly needs more donors, she said, particularly for its veterinary bills, as it currently has a combined balance of $13,000 between two area vet clinics. Wed be over the moon happy if we could get those vet bills down, she said. Jan. 14 (UPI) -- A construction crane collapsed Tuesday on a train with nearly 200 people aboard in northeastern Thailand, killing at least 22 people and injuring dozens more, officials said. The incident occurred in Sikhio in Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeast of Bangkok, at about 9:05 a.m. ICT, the Thai government's Public Relations Department said in a statement. The collapse of the crane working on the high-speed rail bridge derailed the train traveling below. Pictures of the scene show that several passenger carriages suffered extensive damage and were lying on their sides beside the track. A photo of the incident posted online by the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Government shows a fire at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement The death toll sits at 22, but it has been updated at least twice in the four hours since the derailment occurred. At least 64 people were injured, the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Government said in a statement, adding that the bodies of the deceased have been moved to Sikhio Hospital. Special Express Train No. 21 was en route from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station to Ubon Ratchathani with 195 passengers and staff on board when the incident occurred, the State Railway of Thailand said in a statement. "Authorities are currently in the process of verifying individual identities and providing close care to those injured," the agency said. At least eight of the injured victims were classified as in critical condition and 19 in serious but stable condition. Another 30 were considered to have suffered minor injuries, the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Government said in an update. The cause of the crane collapse was under investigation. This is a developing story. Rep. Nico Rios, R-Williston, speaks during a legislative hearing on April 3, 2025. He is not seeking reelection in 2026. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor) A controversial Williston lawmaker said he will not seek reelection this year. Rep. Nico Rios, a Republican, told the North Dakota Monitor Tuesday he will not seek his partys endorsement during the NDGOP District 23 convention on Saturday. He said he plans to focus on his career and personal life when his term expires at the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Im real busy at work, and its cost me a lot of time away from my personal life for the last four years, Rios said. In 2023, Rios was arrested for drunken driving and was captured on an officers body camera berating a police officer using homophobic and racist language. The video also showed Rios attempting to use his position to intimidate law enforcement. Republican legislative leadership and the North Dakota Republican Party called on Rios to resign after the incident, which he did not do. In the aftermath, legislative leadership removed Rios from the interim Judiciary Committee. At the time, House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, R-Dickinson, said it wouldnt have been appropriate to have law enforcement testify to a committee in which he was a member. During the 2025 legislative session, district and state Republican party leaders denounced antisemetic comments Rios made on social media about the Jewish heritage of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Advertisement Advertisement After the post, Corey Johnson, chair of the District 23 Republicans, said he did not believe Rios had the confidence of the district, but he stopped short of calling for a recall petition to be circulated. Rios was elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 2022. During last years legislative session, he was the primary sponsor of six bills and resolutions. All either failed or were withdrawn, including a resolution that sought to declare that North Dakota acknowledges the kingship of Jesus Christ. Rios works in the oil and gas industry and said focusing on an election campaign over the next year would limit his opportunities to better his career. Johnson said he plans to seek the districts endorsement for one of its House seats. He added he will turn the gavel for the convention over to the districts first vice chair once the endorsement process begins. Advertisement Advertisement He also said hes had informal conversations with multiple other candidates who seemed interested in running for a seat in the Legislature, but none have officially announced their candidacies. Were going to run a fair and impartial process and make sure all of our constituents get their voices heard, Johnson said. Sen. Todd Beard, R-Williston, and Rep. Dennis Nehring, R-Williston, the two other lawmakers representing District 23, are both expected to run for reelection and seek the districts endorsement on Saturday, Johnson said. North Dakota Monitor reporter Michael Achterling can be reached at machterling@northdakotamonitor.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SpaceX's internet satellite service known as Starlink is reportedly accessible in Iran for free, even amid a nationwide communications blackout as anti-government protesters take to the streets. Iran has almost completely shut down internet services in the nation to curtail communications as demonstrations against the nation's regime have entered their third week. Human rights organizations have increasingly sounded the alarm over the government's deadly crackdown on protests, which has prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to threaten to intervene. Aside from the potential for U.S. military intervention, Trump also signaled that he would have a conversation with billionaire Elon Musk, whose SpaceX rocket company is responsible for deploying into orbit internet-beaming Starlink satellites. Advertisement Advertisement Now, several media reports have surfaced indicating that Starlink is available in Iran, even though the service has been formally banned in the country since June 2025. Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander captures its shadow on the moon's surface after completing a successful landing March 2 near a volcanic feature on the moon called Mons Latreille. The vehicle became the first of two landers manufactured by a U.S. company to reach the moon is 2025 in crucial missions to lay the groundwork for NASA to return humans to the lunar surface in the years ahead. Athena, the lunar lander on Intuitive Machines' IM-2 mission, captured this image of the moon's surface with Earth seen in the distance ahead of a March 6 landing attempt. While the lander was the second U.S. vehicle to reach the moon within a week, it ultimately landed on its side, which hindered much of its mission. NASA astronaut Suni Williams is helped out of a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft March 18 following a return to Earth after a nine-month stay at the International Space Station. She and NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore crewed the Boeing Starliner, which had launched in June 2024 on a failed test flight that was meant to return them to Earth a few days later. Butch Wilmore reacts after he and Suni Williams and two other astronauts splashed down March 18 in a Crew Dragon space capsule following their return to earth from the International Space Station off the coast of Florida. The astronauts' extended stay at the orbital outpost dominated the news cycle for months. A SpaceX support team member is seen airborne while working to lift the SpaceX Dragon capsule that returned the Starliner astronauts and two others onto a recovery vehicle following its landing off the coast of Florida. This picture shows the crew of a privately-funded mission known as Fram2, from left to right, mission specialist and medical officer Eric Philips, mission commander Chun Wang, pilot Rabea Rogge and vehicle commander Jannicke Mikkelsen on March 19, 2025 in Hawthorne, California. Launched March 31 from Florida using a SpaceX Dragon capsule, the mission became t first ever human spaceflight over the Earth's polar regions. Pop musician Katy Perry emerges April 14 from Blue Origin's New Shepard capsule in West Texas following a brief flight to the edge of space. Perry was part of an all-women crew that also included broadcast journalist Gayle King that took the ride from Blue Origin's facility called Launch Site One. The high-profile launch attracted plenty of headlines and even drew some backlash from those who viewed the mission as a wasteful publicity stunt. Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket carrying astronauts Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, Kerianne Flynn, Gayle King, Katy Perry, and Lauren Sanchez lifts off April 14 from Launch Site One near Van Horn, Texas. Blue Origin has since launched five more human spaceflights on the New Shepard in 2025. This photo depicts a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the latest batch of Amazon's broadband satellites on Dec. 16 to low-Earth orbit after launching from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Formerly called Project Kuiper, the venture has since been renamed Amazon Leo. Since its debut April launch, Amazon Leo has deployed 180 of 3,000 satellites planned for its first constellation, which could challenge SpaceX's Starlink. A group of Blue Origin employees with their friends and families gather on the beach in Cape Canaveral for the launch of Blue Origin's second New Glenn rocket in 2025. Following its January debut, the rocket launched for the second time Nov. 13 from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, sending NASA's twin ESCAPADE spacecraft on their trek to Mars. Darkness falls Nov. 9 as a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket is prepped for its second-ever launch from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Blue Origin is developing the towering rocket for heavy-lift missions that could see Jeff Bezos' company compete with Elon Musk and SpaceX. The SpaceX Starship spacecraft sits Oct. 12, 2025 atop the Super Heavy booster before sunrise as preparations continue for its 11th test flight from the company's complex in Starbase, Texas. A SpaceX Super Heavy booster carrying the Starship spacecraft lifts off Oct. 13, 2025, on its 11th ever test flight at the company's launch pad in Starbase, Texas. The launch was Starship's fifth of 2025, and second consecutive successful test flight following a year that was early on marked by explosive failures. SpaceX is developing the rocket for future missions that would help NASA astronauts land on the moon and also potentially transport the first humans to Mars. 2025 spaceflight in photos. See images of Blue Origin, SpaceX missions 1 of 13 Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander captures its shadow on the moon's surface after completing a successful landing March 2 near a volcanic feature on the moon called Mons Latreille. The vehicle became the first of two landers manufactured by a U.S. company to reach the moon is 2025 in crucial missions to lay the groundwork for NASA to return humans to the lunar surface in the years ahead. Here's what to know about Musk's Starlink, and how it became accessible in Iran. Spaceflight in 2026: 6 spaceflights in year ahead, from NASA moon missions to SpaceX Starship SpaceX's Starlink service available in Iran, reports say Three people inside Iran confirmed to Reuters that some Iranians are still using the Starlink satellite internet service despite a nationwide communications blackout. Multiple media outlets, including CNN and the New York Times, have also independently confirmed that access to Starlink services are not only available in Iran, but free. Advertisement Advertisement Starlink is not licensed to operate in Iran, but Musk has previously said the service is active there, Reuters reported. SpaceX has not posted about whether Starlink services are available in Iran on social media site X as of Wednesday, Jan. 14. Anti-government protests in Iran appeared to accelerate on Jan. 9, sparked by anger over the collapse of the country's currency and a broader sense of hopelessness and disillusionment with Tehran's clerical leaders. The uptick in unrest also comes as President Donald Trump warned Iran's authorities against killing peaceful protesters, saying Washington "will come to their rescue." See the scenes in Iran, beginning here on the streets amid anti-government unrest in Tehran, Iran, in this still image obtained from social media video released on January 8, 2026. Witnesses told Reuters protesters gathered in the streets on Thursday, January 8, however this video's date taken has not been verified. Protesters gather as vehicles burn, amid evolving anti-government unrest, in Tehran, Iran, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video released on January 9, 2026. People tear down an Iranian flag after it was taken down in Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran, in this still image obtained from a social media video released on January 8, 2026. Date when the video was filmed could not be confirmed. An overturned car and multiple fires burn as protesters chant outside a police station, during Iran's biggest demonstrations in three years over economic hardship, in Azna, Lorestan Province, Iran, in this still image obtained from a social media video released on January 1, 2026. Protesters gather amid evolving anti-government unrest in Tehran, Iran, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video released on January 9, 2026. Witnesses told Reuters protesters gathered in the streets on Thursday, January 8, however this video's date taken has not been verified. 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. The date of the videos could not be verified. Witnesses in Tehran told Reuters that protesters gathered in the streets on Thursday, January 8. People gather on the streets during a protest in Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran in this screengrab obtained from a social media video released on January 8, 2026. The date could not be verified but multiple videos verified to Mashhad were posted online on January 8. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi speaks during a press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, January 9, 2026. Burning debris lies in the middle of a street during unrest in Hamedan, Iran on January 1, 2026. The demonstrations erupted after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar shut their businesses to protest the sharp fall of Iran's currency and worsening economic conditions, with clashes reported in several provinces and Iranian media and rights groups saying multiple people were killed in the violence, marking the largest protests to hit the Islamic Republic in three years. A person uses a lighter to set fire to a banner during demonstrations in Hamedan, Iran, on January 1, 2026. The demonstrations erupted after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar shut their businesses to protest the sharp fall of Iran's currency and worsening economic conditions, with clashes reported in several provinces and Iranian media and rights groups saying multiple people were killed in the violence, marking the largest protests to hit the Islamic Republic in three years. Burning debris lies next to an overturned dumpster in the middle of a street during unrest amid demonstrations in Hamedan, Iran, on January 1, 2026. The demonstrations erupted after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar shut their businesses to protest the sharp fall of Iran's currency and worsening economic conditions, with clashes reported in several provinces and Iranian media and rights groups saying multiple people were killed in the violence, marking the largest protests to hit the Islamic Republic in three years. Rocks, tree branches, and a toppled charity box remain on a street during unrest amid demonstrations in Hamedan, Iran, on January 1, 2026. The demonstrations erupted after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar shut their businesses to protest the sharp fall of Iran's currency and worsening economic conditions, with clashes reported in several provinces and Iranian media and rights groups saying multiple people were killed in the violence, marking the largest protests to hit the Islamic Republic in three years. A protester flashes victory signs as traffic slows during demonstrations in Hamedan, Iran, on January 1, 2026. The demonstrations erupted after shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar shut their businesses to protest the sharp fall of Iran's currency and worsening economic conditions, with clashes reported in several provinces and Iranian media and rights groups saying multiple people were killed in the violence, marking the largest protests to hit the Islamic Republic in three years. Security forces detain protesters outside a commercial building on Ahmadabad Street in Mashhad, Iran on January 3, 2026. Iran has experienced recurrent waves of protests in recent years driven by political repression, economic hardship, rising living costs, and restrictions on civil and social freedoms, including women's rights. Demonstrations have frequently been met with arrests, heavy security deployments, internet disruptions, and, according to activists and rights groups, the killing of protesters, as authorities move to suppress dissent. People walk down the street, chanting in Farsi, "Reza Shah, rest in peace", in Tehran, Iran, in this still image obtained from a social media video released on December 30, 2025. Demonstrators attempt to force a gate open to gain access to a building during a protest in Fasa, Iran, in this still image obtained from a social media video released on December 31, 2025. See Iran's anti-government protests, huge crowds, unrest in photos 1 of 16 Anti-government protests in Iran appeared to accelerate on Jan. 9, sparked by anger over the collapse of the country's currency and a broader sense of hopelessness and disillusionment with Tehran's clerical leaders. The uptick in unrest also comes as President Donald Trump warned Iran's authorities against killing peaceful protesters, saying Washington "will come to their rescue." See the scenes in Iran, beginning here on the streets amid anti-government unrest in Tehran, Iran, in this still image obtained from social media video released on January 8, 2026. Witnesses told Reuters protesters gathered in the streets on Thursday, January 8, however this video's date taken has not been verified. What's going on in Iran? Trump speaks to Elon Musk about restoring internet SpaceX founder Elon Musk speaks in June 2021 on a screen during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. If true, the availability of Starlink during a volatile conflict would be the latest sign of Musk and SpaceX's growing influence during times of global unrest. Trump had said Sunday, Jan. 11, that he planned to speak with Musk, the world's richest man, about restoring internet in Iran. Authorities in Iran have disrupted services for days as demonstrators protest soaring prices and the abrupt collapse of Irans national currency in the most expansive protests in the country since 2022, according to Reuters. What is Starlink? Starlink is SpaceX's lucrative satellite internet business. Advertisement Advertisement SpaceX bills itself as the only satellite internet provider with its own reusable rocket its two-stage, 230-foot Falcon 9 capable of deploying the technology. After services first became available about five years ago, more than 7 million people in 150 countries now use the internet service, SpaceX said as recently as October. 5 years ago today, Starlink connected our first paying customer with high-speed, low-latency internet from space. Today, Wendy and Sean are joined by over 7M people across 150 countries, territories and markets staying connected with Starlink. Thank you to all of our customers. pic.twitter.com/bAAIN2G3OW Starlink (@Starlink) October 26, 2025 While most satellite internet services operate from single geostationary satellites orbiting Earth at about 22,236 miles, Starlink is a constellation of thousands of satellites that operate from a low-Earth orbit, about 341 miles up. Residing closer to Earth's atmosphere allows Starlink's satellites to have lower latency and data time between user and the satellite, improving performance of things like streaming, online gaming and video calls. That means the satellites are equipped to make internet service accessible in rural areas and other regions that have been traditionally harder to reach. How many Starlink satellites are in space? Since the first launch in 2019 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, Starlink has grown into a constellation of more than 9,400 satellites in space. Advertisement Advertisement Today, SpaceX's workhorse Falcon 9 rocket regularly deploys Starlink satellites into orbit from Florida at both NASA's Kennedy Space Center and also the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as well as California. The first West Coast launch from the Vandenberg Space Force Base came in 2021, a Vandenberg spokesperson previously told the USA TODAY Network. Many observers and analysts believe SpaceX has a goal of deploying about 30,000 Starlink satellites into orbit within the next five years though the company still requires regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission to do so. NASAs Hubble Space Telescope last observed come 3I/ATLAS on Nov. 30, about four months after Hubble's first look at the interstellar comet. 3I/ATLAS became one of the biggest cosmic stories of the year when astronomers deemed it to be the third-ever discovered interstellar object in our solar system originating from an entirely different part of the galaxy. The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera aboard NASAs Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured this image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on Oct. 2, 2025. At the time it was imaged, the comet was about 19 million miles from the spacecraft. The comet didn't come nearly as close to Earth, when it reached a distance of 170 million miles from our planet on Dec. 19. This image shows the 3I/ATLAS interstellar comet as a bright, fuzzy orb in the center. Traveling through our solar system at 130,000 miles per hour, 3I/ATLAS was made visible by using a series of colorized stacked images from Sept. 11-25, using the Heliocentric Imager-1 (H1) instrument, a visible-light imager on the STEREO-A (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory) spacecraft. The colorization was applied to differentiate the image from other observing spacecraft images. Because it's big enough to be deemed a "city killer," asteroid 2024 YR4 became a source of alarm due to the uncommonly high risk it had of colliding with Earth on Dec. 22, 2032. For a time, it was the only object among more than 37,000 known large space rocks with any chance of hitting Earth anytime soon with its probability of impact even rising to a record level of 3.1%.That began to change in late February as more precise observations allowed scientists to effectively winnow down the asteroid's odds of impact to a number so low, it might as well be zero. An exoplanet known as K2-18b achieved a degree of fame in April when a team of astronomers claimed to have found in its atmosphere "the strongest evidence yet" that life exists anywhere else besides Earth. Other scientists have since cast doubt on the findings putting a damper on the notion that humanity finally had proof that we aren't alone in the cosmos. This artist's concept shows what exoplanet K2-18b could look like based on scientific data. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has observed K2-18b, an exoplanet 8.6 times as massive as Earth, revealing conditions that could support life on the exoplanet. NASAs Perseverance Mars rover is seen in a "selfie" that it took over on Sept. 10, 2021. Perseverance rover, along with Curiosity, is one of the agency's two car-sized robots exploring the Martian surface for signs that the planet was once habitable. And in September, NASA officials confirmed that one of the rovers finds contained a potential biosignature. A reddish rock nicknamed "Cheyava Falls", with features resembling leopard spots was discovered by NASA's Perseverance rover in Mars Jezero Crater in July 2024, in this handout photograph released on September 10, 2025. The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, light up the night sky Nov. 11 east of Denver, Colorado. A powerful geomagnetic solar storm in November blasted Earth and created the conditions necessary to reveal the auroras much further south in the United States than is typical. A group of friends take photos of the northern lights Nov. 11 as they appear over Clinton Lake in Lawrence, Kansas. After NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center issued a "severe" geomagnetic storm watch in November, many people in the Northern Hemisphere, which includes the U.S., had an extraordinary opportunity to gaze upon some breathtaking red and green auroras in their own backyard. In June, the state-of-the-art Vera C. Rubin ground telescope in Chile unveiled its first stunning images of the cosmos. This particular image combines 678 separate images taken by the observatory in just over seven hours of observing time. Combining many images in this way clearly reveals otherwise faint or invisible details, such as the clouds of gas and dust that comprise the Trifid nebula (top) and the Lagoon nebula, which are several thousand light-years away from Earth. 2025 was a year of cosmic discoveries. Here's a look back at 6 1 of 11 NASAs Hubble Space Telescope last observed come 3I/ATLAS on Nov. 30, about four months after Hubble's first look at the interstellar comet. 3I/ATLAS became one of the biggest cosmic stories of the year when astronomers deemed it to be the third-ever discovered interstellar object in our solar system originating from an entirely different part of the galaxy. Elon Musk provides Starlink services during unrest, natural disasters Musk and SpaceX have routinely provided Starlink services in the past in regions marked by unrest or conflict, including in Ukraine amid the prolonged war with Russia. In cases of natural disaster in the U.S., the service has often been made free. Advertisement Advertisement For instance, Starlink was most recently offered to residents of Jamaica and the Bahamas in October 2025 when Hurricane Melissa barreled through the region. Starlink was also recently offered to residents of Texas in July 2025 amid deadly flooding, and to customers across Florida and other impacted states in 2024 during Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Contributing: Joey Garrison, Kathryn Palmer, USA TODAY; Reuters Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elon Musk, SpaceX make Starlink free amid protests in Iran, reports say Anytime there's a discussion around global military power, the conversation usually veers toward the things that grab our attention the most: massive aircraft carriers, undetectable stealth fighters, and military technology in general. The infrastructure that actually makes all of that possible things like the locations where all this advanced equipment is stored, serviced, fueled, and kept on standby military bases is often ignored. While establishing military and air bases inside one's own territory is no big feat, what differentiates a simple sovereign nation from a formidable military power is the ability to project its military power far beyond its immediate borders. Major military powers usually do this by establishing military bases (including air bases) in regions far from their homeland. Several countries maintain air bases outside their national territory. The United Kingdom has a handful of permanent overseas RAF air bases, primarily located in British Overseas Territories such as Cyprus, the Falklands, Gibraltar, and Ascension Island. France also operates a few overseas air bases, mostly around Africa and the Middle East, while Russia has foreign air bases scattered across former Soviet states and a handful of active conflict zones. China has one publicly known airbase in Djibouti, while India, until recently, operated one airbase in Tajikistan. Advertisement Advertisement But these all pale in comparison to the United States. Using unclassified data from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Congressional Research Service, we determined that the United States operates more than 120 overseas military bases and sites worldwide. Of these, 29 are formally designated Air Bases, with dozens more overseas facilities that can be used to fly, land, and maintain aircraft. Read more: 13 Of The Best-Looking WW2 Aircraft Counting Air Force Bases is more complicated than it sounds A U.S. Fighter jet at an U.S. Air Base in Japan - Zhicheng Qin/Getty Images Military and air force bases are strategic assets, so information is often classified, and many sites are located in obscure, inaccessible places. Then there is the confusion around what really constitutes an air base. The Congressional Research Service report clearly marks air bases separately, but also includes facilities like Marine Corps Air Stations and Naval Air Facilities, which can have the capability to land planes and maintain aircraft, but are not formally classified as air bases. Nevertheless, if we manually count the facilities officially listed as air bases (marked as "AB" in the Congressional Research Service report, and also labeled as an Airbase), we arrive at a total of 29 overseas U.S. air bases that were active at the time the report was published. Here's how these airbases are split by region. In the Indo-Pacific region, there are a total of 7 air bases spread across Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. Moving to Europe, there are a total of 9 US Air Bases spread across the continent. Then there is the Middle East, which has the greatest concentration of U.S. Airbases with a total of 10 active sites spread across the region. Africa hosts two U.S. air bases, both in Niger. In South and Central America, the U.S. hosts a single site that is classified as an Air Base. Advertisement Advertisement If we expand our definition of an airbase beyond what the CRS report says and add sites capable of handling aircraft operations to the list, the number jumps from 29 air bases to anywhere between 60 and 80 sites with an active runway. Why the U.S. has so many airbases, and why others don't A fleet of US Air Force F-15E's stationed at an U.S. Air Base in Greece, Europe - Kostas Alkousis/Shutterstock The reason for the massive difference in the number of overseas airbases operated by the U.S. compared to other countries comes down to one basic fact. The United States tailors its military strategy to its global ambitions, whereas other countries view air bases as a way to strengthen regional dominance and project power in a limited area. An example of this is China, which has been trying to strengthen its military presence in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, regions geographically close to China. The country does not have military interests outside of this sphere of influence as of now, although as an emerging power, that could change in the future. From a U.S. perspective, its overseas air bases let the country deploy aircraft without having to rely on long-range sorties from the mainland. It also serves as a deterrent to adversaries who may intend to cause harm to U.S. allies or U.S. interests in the region. This is evident from the location of US Air Bases in various regions. Its bases in Europe support NATO operations in the region and serve as a deterrent to Russia, while its bases in the Middle East help the U.S. maintain its influence across the region. In the Indo-Pacific region, U.S. Airbases let the country keep a close watch on China, which claims the economically important island of Taiwan, a close U.S. ally, leading to rising tensions. All things said, as of 2026, the conclusion is clear. The United States operates the only truly global overseas air base network in existence today. Advertisement Advertisement Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on SlashGear. It is typically a somber day, one in which Haitians remember the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010, destroying much of Port-au-Prince and surrounding cities, killing hundreds of thousands of people and leaving 1.5 million injured and an equal number homeless. But on Monday, as residents of South Florida gathered in Little Haiti alongside current and former elected officials from Miami-Dade and Broward counties to commemorate the disasters 16th anniversary, the observance took on a different meaning and a renewed sense of urgency. More than 350,000 Haitians are facing possible deportation with the pending end of Temporary Protected Status, which until recently had protected them from deportation by allowing them to legally live and work in the United States. Now with its pending end, absent a change of heart by the Trump administration or a court order, many will soon find themselves targeted for deportation to a country where more than half of the population do not have enough to eat, more than 1.4 million are displaced by armed gangs, and kidnappings and killings are rampant as gangs control most of the capital and other parts of the country. Advertisement Advertisement In Haiti, the reality was driven home by the governments own solemn wreath-laying ceremony, held on the grounds of the National Palace, which has yet to be rebuilt after it collapsed during the quake. For years, the official commemoration took place at a memorial north of Port-au-Prince in Titanyen, where many of the 350,000 killed are buried in mass graves. But the area has been off limits now for several years after the Taliban gang took control of the area and the main highway north of the capital. It would have been encouraging to tell you that after 16 years things are better, said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien, speaking at the corner of North Miami Avenue and 61 Street, where a statue honors one of Haitis founding fathers, Toussaint Louverture. She described Haiti as a country at war. Based on the reports coming out, Haiti is 10 times in worse shape than in 2010, Bastien added. Miami-Dade Commissioner Marleine Bastien, center, demands the reinstatement of TPS for Haitians along with Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee, left, and Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava during a community vigil in Little Haiti on Monday, Jan. 12. (Carl Juste/cjuste@miamiherald.com) Young women and girls do not think about if theyre going to be raped, said Bastien, quoting a recent Miami Herald series on her homelands rape epidemic, titled Haitis Lost Generation. They think about when, to the point now, according to the recent reports, that young girls were too young to be sexually active, their parents are putting them on birth control. Advertisement Advertisement During an impassioned plea in which she asked her fellow Haitians in the Caribbean nation to unite and put down their arms, she also posed the question that immigration lawyers and advocates have for months been asking: How can we plan to deport people who have lived their lives here, worked here? These are brothers, our teachers, our doctors, our engineers who live here. Bastiens grassroots organization Family Action Network Movement organized Mondays commemoration. How can we send them to a place where they will, they can, and some will lose their lives? she added. TPS slated to end Feb. 3 Last year, after losing a rare court battle to rescind an extension of TPS that the Biden administration had granted before leaving office, the Trump administration announced that Haitis designation would end on Feb. 3. In her notice, Department of Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem said Haitians can return to other parts of the country other than the gang-ravaged capital, and it is not in the national interest of the United States for them to remain. The rationale has been challenged in court. Last week, U.S. Judge Ana C. Reyes in Washington, presiding over one of several lawsuits seeking to block the termination of TPS for Haitians, questioned the administrations position. Advertisement Advertisement She is expected to issue a decision by Feb. 2. On Monday, amid pleas for compassion and questions about the administrations rationale, advocates warned that ending TPS would leave thousand of jobs unfilled, from nursing homes to airports, and it would destabilize communities. Miamis new mayor, Eileen Higgins, said Haitian families have built homes, businesses and institutions across South Florida. The elimination of TPS is going to break our hearts again, Higgins said. We have to make it clear to our elected officials in Washington that enough is enough. TPS is there for a reason until there is stability, safety and prosperity in Haiti. We are waiting on God Rose, a mother of three who asked that her last name not be used for fear of being targeted, says despite TPS official end date, she was forced to leave her $16-an-hour job at Home Depot on June 20. Unable to pay her rent, she was later evicted and now struggles to come up with the $1,900 for her new place. Advertisement Advertisement Up until now, there is nothing but uncertainty, said Rose. We are waiting on God, hoping he does something for us. One of more than 100,000 Haitians who arrived in the U.S. through a humanitarian parole program introduced under President Biden and later curtailed under Trump, Rose says she was a survivor the devastating quake. I was standing on my porch when we felt the house shaking, she said. I had a child sitting next to me in a chair and the chair slid away as I reached out. Before we knew it, people were coming toward us covered in dust, some injured, some who had lost an eye. It was really difficult. Although none of her children were killed, she lost friends and family members. The anniversary, she said, is always painful especially this year. Asked whether she had a home to return to in Haiti, Rose said armed gangs have taken over her house. We are afraid For those of us who have seen the destruction of our nation, year after year, we are still grieving. Were grieving those we lost, but we are also grieving the hopes we had after the earthquake, hope for a new nation, hope for new beginnings, hope for a bright future, said Tessa Petit, executive director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, as she recalled the loss of her own mother. Advertisement Advertisement In recent weeks, organizers have tried to conduct outreach with parents of minor children, in hopes of getting them to designate who should care for them in case they are targeted under the administrations mass deportation. But instead of finding willing participants, she said, they are encountering fear. We are afraid, afraid because we know that this means sending hundreds of thousands of people to their deaths, Petit said. We are not asking for a handout. We are not asking for favor. We are asking for fair treatment. We are asking for the application of the rule of law, because by law, we qualify for TPS. We also ask that we are recognized for everything that We contribute to this country. Those sentiments were reiterated throughout the event, which began at the statue and concluded at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex after a rain-soaked procession through the neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Before the march, Miami-Dade County Daniella Levine Cava noted that the U.S. government currently advises Americans to stay away from Haiti. Yet, we say we can return Haitians, cancel their TPS and they must go home. To what home? she said. Its inhumane. She and other local leaders stressed that the issue transcends politics. Our national interest doesnt just exist where they have oil, Miami-Dade Country Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III said, referring to the recent U.S. actions in oil-rich Venezuela. We dont just need immigrants from northern European countries. With more than 53 percent of Miami-Dade County residents born abroad, he added, Were the epitome of the American dream. Were how it lives, and it breathes, and it works, and we do it together. Im not asking for charity. Im asking for our own selfish, our own self-interest that says that TPS should actually remain in place. Authorities in central Florida have arrested a young couple, charging them with neglect after their newborn twin babies had to be hospitalized. Madison Smith, 23 and Leroy Somersall III, 24, live in Sanford, Florida, where police have charged them with child neglect with great bodily harm. Police said the twin babies a boy and a girl, born five months ago were taken to the hospital on January 6 after one was found unresponsive. While there, medical staff quickly realized the twins were severely in a malnourished state and extremely dehydrated. Advertisement Advertisement Hospital officials called police and told them the infants' bones were showing, and that their abdomens had sunken in, according to arrest documents obtained by Us Weekly. The brother and sister, whose names were redacted in court records, weighed only 5.7 pounds at the time of their hospital admission. The baby boy actually weighed more when he was discharged from the hospital after his birth, it is alleged in the arrest report. Both babies were "thin and frail" in appearance, and had low blood sugar levels, according to the arrest reports. Nurses also told police the babies seemed "very sick, underfed, and malnourished." The arrest report notes the twins were born a month prematurely, and that Smith had tested positive for THC while the babies were in utero. Advertisement Advertisement Parents Busted in South Carolina After 5-Month-Old Dies in Suspected Child Abuse Case "There are concerns that the children are not being fed properly," read the arrest report, which noted the couple have a "history" of complaints lodged against them with the department of Children and Families. The reports claim Child Protective Services received a tip about possible abuse of the twins. Speaking to police at the hospital, the couple allegedly claimed they were not advised by health care professionals about the need to feed babies more as they develop and acknowledged that they provided the twins with minimal amounts of formula, because they were newly born. Advertisement Advertisement But during a search of the couple's RV, police allegedly found no formula on hand. Also missing from the RV and the trash can were empty containers of formula, police alleged. The police report alleges the two babies started gaining weight between January 6 and Sunday, January 11, as the hospital staff had been feeding them regularly. "Hospital staff have expressed that both children are expected to survive," according to the arrest reports, which claim one of the two children is suffering from an unspecified neurological condition. The couple was scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, January 13. It was unclear what the outcome of that initial hearing was. Us Weekly was trying to confirm if the couple had entered pleas or were represented by counsel. If you suspect child abuse, please call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit ChildHelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential, and the hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. An animal rights groups lawsuit against the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium is moving forward. In October, the Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) submitted a habeas corpus petition in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas for the release of five female African elephants. NhRP alleges harm to the elephant by zoo practices, including restraint, early separation of mothers and calves and disruption of bonded groups. Advertisement Advertisement The zoo has claimed its elephants are thriving under the highest standards of care, with accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. On Tuesday, Common Pleas Judge Mary C. McGinley issued a habeas corpus order on the elephants behalf. McGinley also set a Jan. 28 hearing on the zoos motion to dismiss the NhRPs petition. If the motion is denied, the zoo would need to justify the elephants confinement at a full hearing on March 2. The NhRP says this is the first habeas corpus order for nonhuman animals in Pennsylvania history, and the third in U.S. history. The legal system routinely refuses to even hear cases brought on behalf of animals simply because they are not human, NhRP Senior Staff Attorney Jake Davis said. That the court is examining this case is a welcome departure from business as usual and an opportunity to correct the gross injustice of the elephants captivity. Advertisement Advertisement Weve reached out to the Pittsburgh Zoo about the judges order and are waiting to hear back. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Fears that the new Czech populist government would add another brick to the anti-Ukraine camp appear to be premature at least, for now. Petr Macinka, Czechia's new foreign minister, who visited Ukraine on Jan. 9 mere hours after a Russian Oreshnik strike, affirmed that the two countries remain allies and that the Czech ammunition initiative will continue. Yet, the conciliatory messaging is being muddled by more radical members of the new ruling coalition. Advertisement Advertisement The anti-Ukrainian rhetoric of Tomio Okamura, chairman of the Czech parliament's lower chamber and leader of the far-right Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, arguably surpasses even that of Hungary's Viktor Orban and Slovakia's Robert Fico. In his New Year address, the Czech far-right politician accused "Ukrainian thieves around (President Volodymyr) Zelensky's junta, who built themselves golden toilets," of siphoning off aid flowing to the war-torn country. Tomio Okamura, leader of the Freedom and Direct Democracy party, poses as he attends a final debate at public radio ahead of the parliamentary election in Prague, Czech Republic, on Oct. 3, 2025. (Michal Cizek / AFP via Getty Images) Observers link this foreign policy stunt to diverging interests of the three ruling parties Prime Minister Andrej Babis's populist ANO party, Macinka's anti-environmentalist Motorists, and the far-right SPD. Although Czechia's new external strategy is still only taking shape, a split between pragmatists like Macinka and Babis and hardliners like Okamura is already coming into view. Advertisement Advertisement "In the coming months, we can expect Prime Minister Babis, who insists that foreign policy ultimately rests in his hands, to maintain a pragmatic pro-Ukraine, pro-EU and pro-NATO line," says Mila O'Sullivan, a researcher at the Institute of International Relations in Prague. "Yet this support will be framed through a populist and extractivist lens: what benefits Czechia first, and what aligns with his own political and business interests." Babis the pragmatist When Babis's ANO party ousted Petr Fiala's pro-Ukrainian coalition in the October 2025 elections, Ukraine braced for a shake-up in its once-tight partnership with Prague. However, while Babis initially vowed to cancel Czechia's ammunition initiative for Ukraine arguably the country's most significant contribution to Ukraine's defense he shifted his tone closer to the elections. Advertisement Advertisement Finally, during the Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris on Jan. 6, Babis confirmed that the initiative, which supplied Ukraine with 1.8 million rounds last year, would continue and that Czechia would remain its coordinator, albeit not contributing financially. Prime Minister Andrej Babis of the Czech Republic speaks at a news conference following the appointment of a new government cabinet in Prague, Czech Republic, on Dec. 15, 2025. (Milan Jaros / Bloomberg via Getty Images) Even during Fiala's tenure, Czechia has not played a leading role in financing the initiative, as the costs have been primarily covered by European allies. In contrast, Prague's role as a coordinator is difficult to replace due to Czechia's vast contacts in the global defense industry market. Babis took a similar strategy toward the EU's $100 billion loan to Ukraine not blocking the vitally important package but refusing any financial obligations on Czechia's part. With this approach, Babis is upholding his promise to his voters to curb Czech money flows to Ukraine, while quietly allowing international support to continue. A Ukraine visit under the Oreshnik strike When Macinka visited Kyiv on Jan. 9 his second foreign official trip since taking office the capital was just hit with a barrage of Russian drones and missiles that killed at least four people. Advertisement Advertisement The same night, Russia struck the western city of Lviv with its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, the second time the weapon was used against Ukraine. "I'm absolutely shocked," Macinka said, standing beside Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, when shown a residential building struck by a Russian Shahed drone. Macinka has maintained a friendly tone throughout his visit. At a press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart, he said it is "clear that Ukraine is very interested in peace" and it is "time for Russia to make concessions," while touting a possible cooperation with Ukraine in drone technology. Furthermore, in a media interview just a few days before the trip, Macinka reaffirmed that Ukraine is Czechia's friend and ally, while only a few "weirdos" among Czechs favor Russia. The latter comment in particular has caused a stir among the far-right wing of Czechia's ruling coalition. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (C-L) and Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka (C-R) walk along a snow-covered street in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Jan. 9, 2026. (Eduard Kryzhanivskyi / Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine / Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Pavel Havlicek, a research fellow at the Association for International Affairs in Prague, summarizes that Macinka's visit was a positive signal for Czech-Ukrainian relations. Advertisement Advertisement This is despite some controversial statements by Filip Turek, a Motorist lawmaker who accompanied Macinka. Turek, the party's original pick for foreign minister and later the subject of a scandal over past xenophobic and racist posts, said "NATO expansion" and "ethnic reasons" helped trigger the war in Ukraine, even as he stood before a residential building damaged by Russian strikes. O'Sullivan agrees that the visit was an "important symbolic signal of continued support for Ukraine," but noted it is yet to be seen "whether Czech backing remains strong in practice" and goes beyond the ammunition initiative. The positive rapport, she warns, may not last forever. Advertisement Advertisement "We will likely see some more sharpening political rhetoric (from far-right and anti-establishment parties) in the near future, which could possibly destabilize the governing coalition itself," she told the Kyiv Independent. Internal politics in play Macinka's visit served as a sort of salve for the diplomatic clash sparked earlier this month by Okamura's New Year's anti-Ukrainian speech. Vasyl Zvarych, Ukraine's ambassador in Prague, publicly protested Okamura's comments, which led to Macinka chastising the Ukrainian diplomat in turn. According to Havlicek, these developments are largely driven by internal political concerns of the ruling parties. Advertisement Advertisement "Tomio Okamura did not make the New Year speech out of the blue," the expert believes. The far-right party has sought to reassure its "pro-Russian electorate" after surprisingly Ukraine-friendly comments of the SPD-backed defense minister, Jaromir Zuna, according to Havlicek. Zuna, a retired general whom the SPD nominated for the cabinet as a "non-partisan expert," declared openly in December that "Russia is an aggressor" and Czechia will continue supporting Ukraine, forcing Okamura's team to walk back the comments. Macinka and the Motorists, in turn, are seeking to break away from the Moscow-friendly messaging of the Czech far-right while fishing for a "new electorate," Havlicek concludes. Advertisement Advertisement Babis, on the other hand, has mostly avoided the topic of Ukraine, focusing on EU politics instead, the expert adds. Czech politics are likely to remain volatile as the new ruling coalition finds its footing, and these dynamics may yet spill over into the country's relations with Ukraine. However, despite the changes in the government, O'Sullivan reminds that "bottom-up" solidarity with Ukraine persists among the Czechs, including civil society support for Ukrainian refugees and ongoing volunteer donations to Kyiv's struggle. Note from the author: Hi, this is Martin Fornusek. I hope you enjoyed this article. In our team, we believe fact-based and truthful reporting should be available to all that's why we don't use any paywall. Advertisement Advertisement If you'd like to help us provide you with more in-depth coverage of Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression, European politics, and other topics, please consider joining the Kyiv Independent community. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A domestic dispute over child visitation turned deadly Sunday night in Slaton, Texas, when a man killed two relatives before taking his own life; two others remain critically injured. The small city sits about 15 miles southeast of Lubbock in the High Plains region. George Cantu, 27, entered a home at 335 E. Floyd St. armed with a handgun at 10:52 p.m. on January 11. Police say he was upset about ongoing issues with his common-law ex-wife, Jasmine Rivas, 24. Advertisement Advertisement Cantu shot Rivas and Isaiah Chapa, 20, before fatally shooting his cousins, Marisol Ramirez, 18, and Araceli Valdez, 23. He then turned the gun on himself. Both Rivas and Chapa were rushed to University Medical Center with critical injuries. Their current conditions have not been released. The Slaton Police Department confirmed alcohol was a factor in the shooting. The Metro Crimes Unit has taken over as the lead investigative agency. Police are treating the case as a double capital murder-suicide. By Phil Stewart, Parisa Hafezi and Andrew Mills WASHINGTON/DUBAI/DOHA, Jan 14 (Reuters) - The United States is withdrawing some personnel from bases in the Middle East, a U.S. official said on Wednesday, after a senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned neighbours it would hit American bases if Washington strikes. With Iran's leadership trying to quell the worst domestic unrest the Islamic Republic has ever faced, Tehran is seeking to deter U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated threats to intervene on behalf of anti-government protesters. Advertisement Advertisement The U.N. Security Council is due to meet on Iran on Thursday at the request of the United States. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the United States was pulling some personnel from key bases in the region as a precaution given heightened regional tensions. "All the signals are that a U.S. attack is imminent, but that is also how this administration behaves to keep everyone on their toes. Unpredictability is part of the strategy," a Western military official told Reuters later on Wednesday. At the White House, however, Trump suggested he was adopting a wait-and-see posture toward the crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Trump told reporters that he has been told that killings in the Iranian government's crackdown on the protests were subsiding and that he believes there is currently no plan for large-scale executions. Asked who told him that the killings had stopped, Trump described them as "very important sources on the other side." The president did not rule out potential U.S. military action, saying "we are going to watch what the process is" before noting that his administration had received a "very good statement" from Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Wednesday "there is no plan" by Iran to hang people, when asked about the anti-government protests. Advertisement Advertisement "There is no plan for hanging at all," the foreign minister told Fox News in an interview on the "Special Report with Bret Baier" show. "Hanging is out of the question," he said. According to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights Society, hangings are common in Iranian prisons. TIMING REMAINS UNCLEAR Two European officials said U.S. military intervention could come in the next 24 hours. An Israeli official also said it appeared Trump had decided to intervene, though the scope and timing remained unclear. Qatar said drawdowns from its Al Udeid air base, the biggest U.S. base in the Middle East, were "being undertaken in response to the current regional tensions". Advertisement Advertisement Three diplomats said some personnel had been told to leave the base, though there were no immediate signs of large numbers of troops being bussed out to a soccer stadium and shopping mall as took place hours before an Iranian missile strike last year. Britain was also withdrawing some personnel from an air base in Qatar ahead of possible U.S. strikes, The I Paper newspaper reported. The British defence ministry had no immediate comment. Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene in support of protesters in Iran, where thousands of people have been reported killed in a crackdown on the unrest against clerical rule. Iran and its Western foes have both described the unrest, which began two weeks ago as demonstrations against dire economic conditions and rapidly escalated in recent days, as the most violent since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that installed Iran's system of Shi'ite clerical rule. Advertisement Advertisement An Iranian official has said more than 2,000 people have died. A rights group put the toll at more than 2,600. Iran has "never faced this volume of destruction", Armed Forces Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi said on Wednesday, blaming foreign enemies. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described "the most violent repression in Iran's contemporary history". Iranian authorities have accused the U.S. and Israel of fomenting the unrest, carried out by people it calls armed terrorists. IRAN ASKS REGIONAL STATES TO PREVENT A US ATTACK Trump has openly threatened to intervene in Iran for days, without giving specifics. In an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, he vowed "very strong action" if Iran executes protesters. He also urged Iranians to keep protesting and take over institutions, declaring "help is on the way". Advertisement Advertisement The senior Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Tehran had asked U.S. allies in the region to prevent Washington from attacking Iran. "Tehran has told regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Turkey, that U.S. bases in those countries will be attacked" if the U.S. targets Iran, the official said. Direct contacts between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff have been suspended, the official added. The United States has forces across the region including the forward headquarters of its Central Command at Al Udeid in Qatar and the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. Advertisement Advertisement GOVERNMENT DOESN'T SEEM NEAR COLLAPSE, WESTERN OFFICIAL SAYS The flow of information from inside Iran has been hampered by an internet blackout. The U.S.-based HRANA rights group said it had so far verified the deaths of 2,403 protesters and 147 government-affiliated individuals, dwarfing tolls from previous waves of protests crushed by the authorities in 2022 and 2009. The government's prestige was hammered by a 12-day Israeli bombing campaign last June - joined by the U.S. - that followed setbacks for Iran's regional allies in Lebanon and Syria. European powers restored U.N. sanctions over Iran's nuclear programme, compounding the economic crisis there. Advertisement Advertisement The unrest on such a scale caught the authorities off guard at a vulnerable time, but it does not appear that the government faces imminent collapse, and its security apparatus still appears to be in control, one Western official said. The authorities have sought to project images showing they retain public support. Iranian state TV broadcast footage of large funeral processions for people killed in the unrest in Tehran, Isfahan, Bushehr and other cities. People waved flags and pictures of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and held aloft signs with anti-riot slogans. (Reporting by Elwely Elwelly and Jana Choukeir in Dubai, Bassam Masoud in Doha, John Irish in Paris, Lili Bayer in Brussels, Bo Erickson in Detroit, Susan Heavey, Joey Roulette, Doina Chiacu and Kanishka Singh in Washington, Michelle Nichols at the United Nations, Bhargav Acharya in Toronto; writing by Tom Perry, Peter Graff, Mark Heinrich and James Oliphant; editing by Frances Kerry, Alexandra Hudson, Gareth Jones, Diane Craft and Michael Perry) A bill to require every public school system to adopt a policy to limit cellphone use during instructional time has cleared the House for the first time, nine months after its introduction. One of the earliest pieces of legislation to pass in this second leg of the 153rd General Assembly, it must now return to the Senate to be heard with amendments related to policy due dates and other reporting details. That chamber already green-lit the bill unanimously in May 2025. Once it reaches Gov. Matt Meyer's desk, it will likely find a signature. Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the first-term governor pitched a $500,000 investment to "get cellphones out of our classrooms" in his first budget reset. The state ultimately earmarked about $250,000 to extend the its pilot program that has helped schools restrict or ban the same. Mirroring last fiscal year's figure, it brought total investment to about $500,000. Most Delaware educators seem to agree cellphones should stay out of the classroom. But both methods and enforcement vary by building, so just how to do it remains open to debate in more places than Legislative Hall. SB 106 sends a clear message to school districts that inappropriate cell phone usage in our schools directly correlates with low productivity, poor test performance, and increased behavioral problems, bill sponsor Sen. Eric Buckson said in a statement. About eight schools applied and landed grants in 2024 for "cell-hiding pouches" the largest ticket just above $77,500, the smallest about $6,100 and shared largely positive educator feedback, though the measure was not "a silver bullet" on behavioral challenges. Advertisement Advertisement The latest applications to get in on more money for the 2025-26 school year were due in September 2025 to the Delaware Department of Education. By Sept. 24, the state had gotten only one. After reopening a second round, DDOE said nine additional applications were granted: Charter School of New Castle: $9,843.75 Freire Charter School: $12,575.00 Providence Creek: $10,985.75 Christina School District: $124,992.75 (Bayard School, $15,000.00; Gauger-Cobbs Middle, $24,753.75; Kirk Middle, $21,217.50; Shue-Medill, $25,122.75; Newark High, $38,898.75) Appoquinimink School District: $60,375 in round one, $31,227.80 in round two, to fund pouch programs across all four of its middle schools. These join schools funded by the pilot in 2024 others in Appo, Caesar Rodney High School, four charter schools and more alongside schools in Brandywine, Smyrna, Colonial, Indian River and many others that have already begun their takes on programs. Advertisement Advertisement Others, like Milford and Cape Henlopen to name a couple, have elevated existing policy against phones. This legislation builds on the successful work of many districts and ensures that our state is aligned in its goal of limiting distractions in the classroom while still providing the flexibility for districts to develop their own policies," said fellow sponsor and chair of the House Education Committee, Rep. Kim Williams. What should bans look like? Delaware's latest $250K for cellphone pilot nets new application What changes with Delaware law banning phones? Educators at Talley Middle School help students place their cellphones in YONDR pouches for the school day on Oct. 22, 2024, in Delaware's Brandywine School District. Talley is just one school enforcing a cellphone ban pilot for the first time this fall, as support for the effort blooms across the state. As written, the bill could read like a call for new tactics or simply to justify renewing emphasis on existing policy. Advertisement Advertisement Either way, school districts and charter schools could soon be required to post their adopted cellphone policies online by Aug. 31. The bipartisan bill mandates districts and charters develop a cellphone policy with "clear guidelines" defining acceptable cellphone use, limits on that use during instructional time, as well as designated times and places where students may use their phones. Policies must also establish appropriate consequences for violations, per bill text, and include exceptions for emergencies. Just about every Delaware district already has guidelines within student and family handbooks on limiting personal phone use, though enforcement may be another question. "There is always going to be people in the back like, 'Oh, we're already doing this. Why are you making a law about it?'" Shae Parks, a high school educator in Milford, said in coverage last fall. "It's not going to change anything, but it does show a redirect in attention." Advertisement Advertisement As pilots continue across the state, some educators want to keep watching feedback. "Just that ideological acknowledgement of 'This is our position and the importance that we're placing on this,' I think, does still help districts kind of justify any further measures they feel like they need to take," Parks said back in October. "But it doesn't push them into a box of one having to spend a crazy amount of money on YONDR pouches or jumping the gun on purchases that are just now being implemented." Back in Dover, House Democrats credited the measure to the work of a legislative task force on student behavior and school climate, which issued it's first recomendations in November 2024. Look back: They banned cellphones in their Delaware schools. How's it going? Delaware said, silence your phones. Survey says? Educators at Talley Middle School help students place their cell phones in YONDR pouches for the school day on Oct. 22, 2024, in Delaware's Brandywine School District. Talley is just one school enforcing a cell phone ban pilot for the first time this fall, as support for the effort blooms across the state. Thousands of Delaware students have already felt the impact of the state's pilot program started in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement That doesn't include several other buildings, like Indian River's high schools, some Red Clay schools and more, who have approached varied cellphone limits outside of the state's grants. New grantees must still track progress, but DDOE shared a 2025 survey of some 4,200 students and staff on how pouch-fueled bans were going, so far: 64% of students did not recommend continuing the use of cellphone pouches in post-surveys, while about 9% were both "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the pilot However, about 83% of educators were in favor of keeping pouch bans going 60% of those educators reported positive changes in student behavior and classroom management It wasn't a perfect fix, though, with only about 35% of educators reporting pouches "moderately," or for 28% "significantly," reduced distractions Nearly half, or 45%, of students surveyed reported no issues with pouches, but about 34% expressed concern with emergency access. Educator support: From Play-Doh to Poe, how Delaware teachers harnessed new reading grants Advertisement Advertisement How do you feel about cellphone bans? Another education story? Contact Kelly Powers at kepowers@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware bill on tightening school cellphone policies may soon be law The Democratic representative Robin Kelly on Wednesday formally introduced articles of impeachment against Donald Trumps homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, following the fatal shooting of a US citizen by an immigration agent in Minneapolis last week. Secretary Noem has brought her reign of terror to the Chicagoland area, LA, New Orleans, Charlotte, Durham and communities east, north, to south to east to west Kelly said in a press conference on Wednesday. She needs to be held accountable for her actions. The new push comes amid mounting national outrage over the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, killed at the wheel of her car on a residential street by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during high-octane deployments of law enforcement in cities and towns across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Kelly, an Illinois Democrat, said she filed three articles of impeachment against Noem obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust, and self-dealing and has the backing of 70 members of Congress. While Noem and the Trump administration have characterized the incident as an act of domestic terrorism by a professional agitator, video evidence and local officials have sharply contested that narrative. The Minneapolis mayor, Jacob Frey, described the shooting as a reckless use of power and demanded the agency leave the city. The administration has responded by sending more federal agents, as tensions between officers and residents escalate. How silly during a serious time. As ICE officers are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them, Rep. Kelly is more focused on showmanship and fundraising clicks than actually cleaning up her crime-ridden Chicago district, said a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson. We hope she would get serious about doing her job to protect American people, which is what this Department is doing under Secretary Noem. In response, Kelly said of Noem: You have violated your oath of office and there will be consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Late last year, the representative Delia Ramirez, a fellow Illinois Democrat, moved to impeach Noem, amid an immigration crackdown in Chicago. They accuse the secretary of willfully obstructing congressional oversight by withholding appropriated funds and repeatedly blocking lawmakers from entering DHS facilities. It further alleges a violation of public trust through the use of warrantless arrests and the use of violence against US citizens and lawful individuals. It also charges Noem with self-dealing for inappropriately using taxpayer dollars to fund an ad campaign for ICE recruitment, and awarding the $200m recruitment contract to a firm run by the husband of the senior DHS official and chief spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin. Despite rising fury among Democrats over the administrations increasingly violent enforcement tactics, the party is at odds over how to respond. House Democratic leaders have not endorsed Kellys impeachment effort, which is unlikely to succeed in the Republican-controlled House. Other Democrats have called for using an upcoming government funding deadline to try to rein in ICE and slash funding to the agency. Kelly, who is running in a competitive Democratic primary to replace retiring Senator Dick Durbin in Illinois, has positioned herself more aggressively on the issue than leadership. We havent ruled anything in and we havent ruled anything out. Everything is on the table from the standpoint of complete and total accountability, the Democratic minority leader, Hakeem Jeffries, told reporters on Monday. Noem, Jeffries added, was completely and totally unqualified and should be run out of town as soon as possible but he questioned whether impeachment was the best way to accomplish that objective. Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, House Republicans impeached Joe Bidens secretary of homeland security, Alejandro Mayorkas, breaking precedent and pushing through charges that even some in their own party warned were political in nature. The Senate dismissed the charges on the basis that they did notallege conduct that rises to the level of a high crime or misdemeanor. Impeachment requires a majority vote in the House to approve the charges, and a two-thirds majority in the Senate to convict and remove an official from office. The News Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., wants to redirect nearly $75 billion in ICE funding from the GOPs 2025 megabill rather than defund the agency at the Jan. 30 deadline, according to a proposal first shared with Semafor. Cortez Masto is proposing that $45 billion for ICE detention centers be allocated to Justice Assistant Grant programs and nearly $30 billion in enforcement money to the COPS law enforcement hiring program. I support strong border security. We need it, Cortez Masto told Semafor. But this administration is not going after hardened criminals with this money. So why dont we redirect it to those local law enforcement agencies that are really focused on keeping our community safe? Advertisement Advertisement The second-term Nevada Democrat argued that the extra ICE funding is going toward hiring officers with less training, who are inciting some of what we are seeing happening across the country. Know More Cortez Masto has strongly criticized ICEs enforcement in Minnesota and told Semafor it amounted to racial profiling and setting quotas. But the Nevada Democrat also dislikes government shutdowns or standoffs over them. Her proposal seeks to impose some accountability on ICE without setting up a shutdown fight on Jan. 30. Its backed by Democratic Sens. Chris Coons of Delaware, Jacky Rosen of Nevada, John Hickenlooper of Colorado and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico. If we transfer these funds, we dont rescind ICEs regular appropriations, she said. We still need to secure the border and go after violent criminals who are undocumented. Cortez Masto has a long history of prioritizing local police and argues that beefing up their funding is the best way to focus on increasing law enforcement. She says her proposal would help hire as many as 200,000 police officers and help understaffed departments beef up their personnel. Advertisement Advertisement The bill would redirect that ICE money over four years, but Republicans arent going to want to reprogram money they just passed. Cortez Masto knows that, but also knows Democrats might have more power in Congress next year to better make their move. I doubt that they would support redirecting that $75 billion. But it doesnt mean that we dont fight for it, and it doesnt mean when we take control as Democrats, we dont look to do the same thing, she said. The Scoop Its rare to see President Donald Trumps White House invite a Democrat to come over, and Sen. Peter Welch used his time to go off-topic. Welch told Semafor that, while Trumps signing of a bill allowing whole milk in schools is really important for Vermont dairy, he went into the meeting planning to press the president directly on extending the expired enhanced premium tax credits for the Affordable Care Act. Those subsidies expired last month, and lawmakers in both parties are trying to get Trumps support for reviving them. Welch urged both Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to back an extension of the ACA premium tax credits, a spokesperson said. Senator Welch has worked closely with a bipartisan group of Senators on a deal to extend the credits. Led by Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, on the Republican side, the tentative deal for a two-year extension of the subsidies, with income caps and an end to zero-dollar premium plans, is on pause for now as Trump seeks to introduce some of his own health care ideas. Im still totally committed to making every effort to extend these tax credits, Welch told Semafor. Weve got the framework of a doable deal, but nothing will happen unless the president gives it his OK. Advertisement Advertisement Welch also met with Trump and former Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., during his first term to discuss prescription drug prices. But its rare for any Democrats at all to get face time with the president these days, and Welch said he wanted to take advantage of it. Notable Democrats Gretchen Bulova (left) and Margaret Franklin won special elections Tuesday to fill vacant seats in Virginias House of Delegates, retaining Democratic control of House Districts 11 and 23 after both seats were opened by lawmakers joining Gov.-elect Abigail Spanbergers administration. (Photos courtesy of campaigns) Just hours before the Virginia General Assembly was set to convene, Democrats on Tuesday held onto two House of Delegates seats in special elections, extending a winning streak that has followed a wave of legislative departures to fill key roles in Gov.-elect Abigail Spanbergers incoming administration. By 8 p.m., Democrat Gretchen Bulova defeated Republican Adam Wise in House District 11 by 69.729.8% out of 5,932 votes cast, according to unofficial results from the Virginia Department of Elections. Bulova will succeed her husband, former Del. David Bulova, who retired his seat after being tapped last month as Virginias next secretary of natural and historic resources. Advertisement Advertisement And in House District 23, Democrat Margaret Franklin defeated Republican Vern Robinson by 77.222.6% out of 6,428 votes cast, filling the seat vacated by Del. Candi Mundon King, D-Prince William, who is joining Spanbergers cabinet as secretary of the commonwealth. The two contests were the latest in a series of special elections triggered by lawmakers leaving the General Assembly to serve in Spanbergers administration. Democrats have so far managed to defend each of the vacated seats, maintaining their majority in the House of Delegates and the state Senate as the new governor prepares to take office. While the districts in Tuesdays elections lean Democratic, Republicans had hoped the off-cycle contests might present an opening to flip at least one seat amid typically lower participation. We congratulate Delegate-elect Gretchen Bulova and Delegate-elect Margaret Franklin on their special election victories in HD-11 and HD-23, House Democrats said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement As the General Assembly prepares to get to work, we look forward to serving alongside them, rolling up our sleeves, and delivering strong, responsible leadership that meets the moment and delivers for Virginians across the commonwealth. HD-11, located in northern Fairfax County, has long been a Democratic stronghold. The district backed Democratic candidates at every level in recent statewide elections and is home to a large number of federal workers and college-educated voters. Gretchen Bulova enters the House with deep ties to the district and state politics. She previously served as a member of the Fairfax County School Board and has worked as an advocate on education and environmental issues. On the campaign trail, she emphasized continuity with her husbands record, highlighting priorities such as public education funding, environmental protection and transportation. Advertisement Advertisement David Bulova, a veteran environmental legislator first elected in 2005, was selected by Spanberger to lead the natural and historical resources secretariat, overseeing agencies responsible for environmental regulation, conservation and historic preservation. His appointment was part of a broader effort by the incoming governor to draw experienced lawmakers into her cabinet. HD-23, which covers parts of Prince William County, has also trended Democratic in recent cycles as the region has grown more diverse and suburban. Franklin campaigned on a platform centered on public education, health care access and economic opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement A longtime community advocate, Franklin has worked with local nonprofit organizations and emphasized her experience navigating state and local systems on behalf of families. Her victory ensures Democrats retain control of a seat that King had represented since winning it in a 2021 special election. Kings move into the administration created the vacancy that Franklin will now fill. Tuesdays outcomes mean Democrats have successfully defended multiple seats vacated by lawmakers joining Spanbergers cabinet, reinforcing the partys strong hold on the House as the 2026 legislative session approaches. Another special election is scheduled for Jan. 20 in House District 17, also in Fairfax County, where Democrat Garrett McGuire will face Republican Christopher Cardiff. Both are vying to succeed Del. Mark Sickles, D-Fairfax, who is set to become Virginias next secretary of finance in Spanbergers administration. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE An 8-foot high construction fence is starting to encircle the former data processing center. Its near Hartfords minor league ballpark, the first step toward a demolition that would make space for new development including a potential, $90 million center for applied artificial intelligence. But passersby wont notice walls tumbling down right away. Over the next two months or so, work will focus inside the 190,000-square-foot, bunker-like structure vacant for nearly two decades and long the target of vandals and the object of thieves who stripped the concrete structure of anything of value. Advertisement Advertisement What people will be able to see probably wont start until April or May, William Diaz, a project manager for the citys department of development services, said. Everything has to go down to the studs before they start taking the building down. Diaz said metal structural beams, for instance, are sprayed with asbestos, which must be removed, and the lowest two underground floors are flooded. Leveling the now, city-owned data center is expected to cost $9.4 million, a combination of state and city funds, including a $6 million brownfields clean-up grant. The demolition is expected to wrap up by June 1, according to the citys latest predictions. The redevelopment plans for the nearly 3-acre parcel include the AI center, a $30 million, 120-room boutique hotel and 200-space parking garage. The developer would be Stamford-based RMS Cos., which is leading the construction of apartments around Dunkin Park, just north of the heart of downtown. Advertisement Advertisement It is likely that construction on the hotel and parking garage would begin first, followed by the AI center. The city of Hartford hopes that a major portion of the funding for the AI center will come from the states Innovation Clusters program, designed to promote the expansion of next-generation technology in Connecticut. In turn, the technology is seen as driving future economic development and job growth. In September, the state awarded $50.5 million to New Haven from the clusters program to build on its aspirations to become a major center for the life sciences industry and emerging quantum technology. The latter is seen as changing the capabilities of computers and research. At the time of the award, Daniel OKeefe, the states commissioner of economic and community development, said Hartford and Stamford the remaining two of the three finalist cities seeking cluster funding were still very much in the running. Advertisement Advertisement Since then, the state and the city have been in further discussions about its AI center proposal. We have been working very closely with them on the details of this very large project, Jeff Auker, Hartfords director of development services, said. We submitted updates to them right before the holidays and they are under review right now. Auker said, the city hopes to sit down with the state and hammer out the final details in the next days or weeks. Hartfords AI aspirations could cost as much as $90 million over five years, likely first beginning with a temporary space and then a permanent location. Advertisement Advertisement If Hartford is successful were securing cluster grant funding, Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said he is confident that the city would be able to line up the balance for AI Center not covered by the clusters grant. Online giant Google already has expressed interest in helping the applied AI center in Hartford outfit itself with crucial, rapidly-evolving technology. A fence is placed around the former Windsor Street data processing center in Hartford on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (Aaron Flaum/Hartford Courant) A fence is placed around the former Windsor Street data processing center in preparation for demolition in Hartford .(Aaron Flaum/Hartford Courant) Once the former data processing center on Windsor Street in Hatford is demolished, redevelopment is planned, including a $90 million center for applied artificial intelligence. (Aaron Flaum/Hartford Courant) A fence is placed around the former Windsor Street data processing center in Hartford on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (Aaron Flaum/Hartford Courant) Show Caption1 of 5A former entrance to the old data center on Windsor Street in Hartford is fenced off in preparation for the building's demolition.(Aaron Flaum/Hartford Courant)Expand City officials have said the AI center would be separate from what the corporations are spending on AI estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. But collaborations with them especially in insurance and health care are absolutely foreseen, they said. The city also isnt focusing on the incubator space for start-ups that could too easily relocate. Advertisement Advertisement Hartfords sweet spot is the area between the large companies and the start-ups. This is where new ideas some developed at colleges and universities are tested and worked on in a lab using digital tools that are commercially available. But a key part of the vision also targets training to prepare a workforce for using AI, which many believe will be the most consequential technology in the future, its impact even deeper than the development of the internet. Some, however, have expressed concerns that AI has the potential to replace jobs, especially ones that handle more routine tasks. Kenneth R. Gosselin can be reached at kgosselin@courant.com. Denmark has said that a fundamental disagreement over Greenland remains with president Donald Trump, following talks with US vice-president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio on Wednesday. Denmark and Greenland are stepping up military presence on the island and allied reinforcements are expected to follow, with Sweden confirming a deployment of military officers to the Arctic at Denmarks request, according to a statement by prime minister Ulf Kristersson. Both Denmark and the US have agreed to create a working group to discuss ways to resolve their differences as Mr Trump continues to call for a US takeover of the Arctic territory. Despite a fundamental disagreement, Denmark and the US are creating a working group (AFP via Getty) The group, in our view, should focus on how to address the American security concerns, while at the same time respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark, Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told reporters, after a highly anticipated meeting in which Greenlands foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, was also present. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Rasmussen said that the prospect of the US acquiring Greenland was absolutely not necessary, as he relayed Denmark has the longest-lasting diplomatic relation with the US than any other ally. Earlier today, Greenlands government and Denmarks defence ministry released a statement announcing that the geopolitical tensions have spread to the Arctic. The government of Greenland, and the Danish ministry of defence have therefore decided to continue the Danish armed forces increased exercise activity in Greenland, in close cooperation with Nato allies. From today, there will be an expanded military presence in and around Greenland. Advertisement Advertisement The plan includes military exercises involving fighter aircraft, naval tasking, receiving allied troops, enhanced policing and guarding critical installations. Danish minister of defence Troels Lund Poulsen explained that Denmark would have a bigger military footprint and a more permanent presence on Greenland going forward, although he conceded that it is unlikely that a Nato nation would attack another Nato country. Vice-president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio arrive at the White House (AFP via Getty) Mr Trump has ramped up his demands to secure the territory under full US control adding that anything less than that is unacceptable. He has repeatedly said that Greenland is essential for American national security and in order to prevent Russia or China from imposing their own control over the region. Advertisement Advertisement He said on Wednesday that something will work out with respect to the future governance of the Danish overseas territory as he spoke to reporters in the Oval Office. Greenland is very important for the national security, including of Denmark, he said. And the problem is theres not a thing that Denmark can do about it if Russia or China wants to occupy Greenland, but theres everything we can do. You found that out last week with Venezuela, he added. His aspirations have come up against widespread resistance across Europe, with the European commissioner Andrius Kubilius saying that a takeover would spell the end of Nato. European Union Commission president Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the close relationship between the EU and Greenland, telling a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday: We respect the wishes of the Greenlanders and their interests and they can count on us. Advertisement Advertisement French president Emmanuel Macron backed his European allies, saying, We do not underestimate statements on Greenland. If the sovereignty of a European country and ally were to be affected, the knock-on effects would be unprecedented. France is monitoring the situation very closely and will act in full solidarity with Denmark and its sovereignty. The UK is also considering sending backup, according to reports. Donald Trump has said he needs the territory for national security (Getty) US vice-president Mr Vance had requested to be included in discussions that had been prompted by Denmark and Greenlands foreign ministers, but his involvement had prompted concern due to his hardline position on a US takeover. Last week, he warned Europe that it needed to take Mr Trump seriously on his aspiration to acquire it. Advertisement Advertisement What were asking our European friends to do is to take the security of that land mass more seriously, because if theyre not, the United States is going to have to do something about it, he said. Greenland is a semi-autonomous region run by Denmark (Reuters) Mr Trump said the scheme was vital for the Golden Dome that we are building. Nato should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DONT, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! he said in a Truth Social post on Wednesday. He added: Militarily, without the vast power of the United States, much of which I built during my first term, and am now bringing to a new and even higher level, NATO would not be an effective force or deterrent Not even close! Advertisement Advertisement The president said that Nato would become far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Mr Trump first floated the idea of purchasing the territory known to hold a vast wealth of untapped minerals and natural resources in 2019. Denmark runs Greenland as a semi-autonomous territory. By Nandita Bose, Simon Lewis and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen WASHINGTON/NUUK, Jan 14 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump reiterated on Wednesday that the U.S. needs Greenland and that Denmark cannot be relied upon to protect the island, even as he said that "something will work out" with respect to the future governance of the Danish overseas territory. The remarks, which came after a high-stakes meeting between U.S., Danish and Greenlandic officials, indicate that there are still fundamental, if not intractable, differences between how Washington, Copenhagen and Nuuk see the political future of the island. Advertisement Advertisement "Greenland is very important for the national security, including of Denmark," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "And the problem is there's not a thing that Denmark can do about it if Russia or China wants to occupy Greenland, but there's everything we can do. You found that out last week with Venezuela," he said. After meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance at the White House on Wednesday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt said the U.S. and Denmark would form a working group to discuss a broad array of concerns regarding the island that could meet in the coming weeks. GREENLAND 'NOT FOR SALE,' COPENHAGEN AND NUUK SAY But they also made clear that Washington had not budged on its position that it must acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark that is strategically located and rich in minerals. Rasmussen and Motzfeldt described such an outcome as an unacceptable breach of sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement "We didn't manage to change the American position," Rasmussen told reporters outside the Danish embassy in Washington. "It's clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland." Trump has not ruled out taking Greenland by force. Before the two-hour meeting, he argued on social media that NATO would become far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the U.S. "Anything less than that is unacceptable," he wrote. In recent weeks, he has frequently repeated longstanding claims that acquiring Greenland is a national security imperative and that Denmark is not capable of warding off Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic region. Greenland and Denmark say the island is not for sale, that threats of force are reckless and security concerns should be resolved among allies. Prominent EU countries have backed Denmark, a member of the NATO alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the meeting, Greenland and Denmark said they had begun to increase their military presence in and around Greenland in close cooperation with NATO allies, as part of their promise to beef up Arctic defense. Late on Wednesday, a Danish Air Force plane landed at Nuuk airport and personnel in military fatigues disembarked, footage showed. The Danish military will support the preparation of exercise activity, according to the nation's Joint Arctic Command. Germany, Sweden and Norway have also announced that they would send military personnel to the island. The increased military presence would include a range of exercise activities throughout 2026, according to the Danish defense ministry. Advertisement Advertisement AVOIDING A ZELENSKIY MOMENT AT THE WHITE HOUSE In their remarks to reporters, Rasmussen and Motzfeldt called the meeting respectful and emphasized that Denmark shared U.S. concerns about Arctic security. But they firmly rejected the idea of the island becoming American. While Trump has at times portrayed the island as besieged by Russian and Chinese ships, Rasmussen rejected that characterization, saying "it is not a true narrative that we have Chinese warships all around the place." The meeting presented an opportunity for Copenhagen and Nuuk to de-escalate the crisis and find a diplomatic path to satisfy U.S. demands for more control, analysts said. Advertisement Advertisement Noa Redington, an analyst and former political adviser to previous Danish premier Helle Thorning-Schmidt, said concerns were high in Denmark and Greenland that Motzfeldt and Rasmussen could be treated in the same way as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, when he suffered a public humiliation in a meeting with Trump - and Vance - at the White House in February 2025. "This is the most important meeting in modern Greenland's history," he told Reuters. Denmark and Greenland had originally sought a meeting with Rubio, hoping to have a discussion among top diplomats on resolving the crisis between the two NATO allies. But Denmark's Rasmussen said Vance had also wanted to participate. European diplomats had said the White House had for months brushed off Denmark's attempts to engage on Greenland at a high level. Wednesday's meeting was the first principal-level encounter between U.S. and Danish officials on the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Anxiety has been high in Greenland. "I have been sleeping very, very badly, really," said Liv Aurora Jensen, a craftswoman and designer in Nuuk, right before she watched the Motzfeldt and Rasmussen press conference on television. "I was talking to my sister yesterday and I told her: 'I'm trying not to get a panic attack.'" 'WE STAND WITH THE KINGDOM' OF DENMARK, GREENLAND SAYS Greenlandic leaders appear to be shifting their approach to handling the diplomatic crisis. Until recently, they were stressing Greenland's path to independence, but now their public statements put more emphasis on Greenland's unity with Denmark. Advertisement Advertisement "It's not the time to gamble with our right to self-determination, when another country is talking about taking us over," Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told Greenland daily Sermitsiaq in an interview published on Wednesday. "That doesn't mean that we don't want something in the future. But here and now we are part of the kingdom and we stand with the kingdom," he said. Motzfeldt had a similar message. "We choose the Greenland we know today as part of the Kingdom of Denmark," she said in a statement released by the Danish ambassador to the U.S. late on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Trump's desire for Greenland contrasts with Americans' opposition to annexation of the Arctic island, according to a new poll. Just 17% of Americans approved of Trump's efforts to acquire Greenland, and substantial majorities of Democrats and Republicans opposed using military force to annex the island, the Reuters/Ipsos poll found. Some 47% of respondents disapproved of U.S. efforts to acquire Greenland, while 35% said they were unsure, in the two-day poll which concluded on Tuesday. (Reporting by Nandita Bose in Washington, Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen in Nuuk, Tom Little and Stine Jacobsen in Copenhagen; John Irish, Elizabeth Pineau and Louise Rasmussen in Paris; Jan Strupczewski and Inti Landauro in Brussels; Susan Heavey and Doina Chiacu in Washington; Writing by Terje Solsvik, Gwladys Fouche and Gram Slattery; Editing by Alex Richardson, Alistair Bell, Don Durfee and Chizu Nomiyama) The Oconee County Sheriffs Office is searching for a 16-year-old who has been missing for almost two weeks. Cooper Bryant Crawford was originally reported missing on Jan. 2. A family member reported to deputies that Crawford was last seen leaving his home on West Oak Highway near Townville. He has a medical condition that requires him to take medication. ALSO READ: Man arrested in death of woman reported missing in 2022 Advertisement Advertisement What he was wearing or his direction of travel was unknown at the time. Deputies describe Crawford as 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 170 pounds. He also has dark brown hair and blue eyes. They believe he may be in the Charlotte or Gastonia areas of North Carolina. Anyone with information about Crawfords whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately. VIDEO: Man arrested in death of woman reported missing in 2022 A Waukesha County sheriffs deputy shot themself in the foot during a Jan. 13 training session at a firing range, according to Waukesha County Technical College and the Waukesha County Sheriffs Office. The incident occurred around 8:23 a.m. at the college's firing range, 800 W. Main St. in Pewaukee, WCTC said in a statement. Deputies were attending department training when a firearm was unintentionally discharged, according to the sheriffs office. The deputy received treatment at a hospital, then was released. No other injuries were reported. Advertisement Advertisement The firing range is not open to the public and is used for criminal justice training and rented to law enforcement agencies, according to WCTC. WCTC said Village of Pewaukee law enforcement is investigating the incident. (This story was updated to change or add a photo or video.) Adrienne Davis is a south suburban reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Deputy injured in accidental shooting at Pewaukee WCTC range Nicolas Maduros bodyguards did not know what had hit them when US forces swooped in to snatch the Venezuelan leader from beneath their noses. One moment they were ready to fight. The next, a wave of sound knocked them off their feet, leaving them bleeding from the nose and vomiting blood, according to one account of the daring raid. Experts have questioned the details from that account, which has been circulated by the White House, but also say a mysterious weapon could indeed have been deployed by US special forces. Advertisement Advertisement The US, and its adversaries, spent decades exploring sonic and radio-wave technologies to cripple enemy combatants. US special forces captured Nicolas Maduro and his wife from their Caracas residence On Monday, CNN reported that two intelligence sources had concluded the top-secret technology may be behind the so-called Havana Syndrome, a mysterious affliction which has bedevilled American diplomats around the world. The first instances of the condition were reported in 2016, when American diplomats stationed in the US embassy in Cuba began suffering from unexplained cognitive symptoms, including extreme headaches, vertigo, memory loss, and hearing loss. Since then, cases of Havana Syndrome have been reported by diplomats and government personnel in more than 15 countries. Advertisement Advertisement According to The New York Times, diplomats stationed in China have also experienced light-headedness, sleep issues and their children getting nosebleeds. Havana Syndrome symptoms, usually associated with head trauma, have no obvious cause. Some believe the illness arises as a result of a targeted sonic attack. Others put it down to stress, air pollution, and chemical agents like pesticides. The Iranian bodyguards account has surfaced amid reports that the US acquired its own device capable of afflicting Havana Syndrome-like symptoms in 2025, raising suspicions it may have been deployed on the battlefield. Advertisement Advertisement A guard who supposedly witnessed the American assault on Mr Maduros compound on Jan 3 claimed the group defending the Venezuelan leader was hit by some kind of sonic weapon. Suddenly I felt like my head was exploding from the inside, the unnamed individual said in an interview shared by a conservative influencer over social media. We all started bleeding from the nose. Some were vomiting blood. We fell to the ground, unable to move. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, shared the interview with the caption: Stop what you are doing and read this. Stop what you are doing and read this https://t.co/v9OsbdLn1q Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 10, 2026 The White House has not commented on whether Ms Leavitt was confirming the accuracy of the story by retweeting it. Advertisement Advertisement Thomas Withington, a research associate at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said it was entirely plausible that US commandos had used a sonic device to subdue Mr Maduros bodyguards. However, he said he had not come across such extreme reactions to similar weapons. Dr Withington has previously experienced one of those sonic devices and described it as horribly uncomfortable. But having those sorts of nosebleeds and horrible physiological results is new to me, he added. Iain Boyd, director of the centre for national security initiatives at the University of Colorado, said a weapon combining radio and sonic waves could have a similar effect. Advertisement Advertisement If you had a person in a room, and you exposed them at close range to powerful waves (radio and sonic), then... vomiting and nose bleeding could be resultant effects, he told The Telegraph. The radio waves can interfere with brain activity (causing nausea and vomiting) and the sonic waves can increase pressure internally (causing a nosebleed). b' ' However, Dr Boyd said it was not technically feasible that the effect would work over a large area or that a weapon requiring an enormous input of electrical power could have been transported by the US to Venezuela. American special forces poured into Caracas on Jan 3, with a team of helicopters dispatched to Mr Maduros compound to capture the former leader alongside his wife. Advertisement Advertisement Any such weapon would have to be relatively small to take on the smash and grab raid, which was accomplished without losing any American lives or equipment. Not long ago, the closest the US had come to developing a sonic weapon was blasting rock music outside the Vatican diplomatic mission in Panama City, where Manuel Noriega in 1989 took refuge following an invasion by American forces. The mix of AC/DC, Guns N Roses and Led Zeppelin did the trick. A little over a week of musical barrage later, the Panamanian dictator, like Mr Maduro a South American leader arrested on drugs charges, surrendered. American forces used music to intimidate Manuel Noriega during Operation Nifty Package in 1989 - William Gentile Over the following years, the Pentagon funnelled money into a non-lethal weapons programme. David Hambling, a journalist, described the results as somewhere on the spectrum between shouting and shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Washington has taken steps in developing such weaponry, but from what is publicly known such developments have been limited. The US has deployed a long-range acoustic device in Iraq and Afghanistan, which began as a loudhailer device for ships but has since been used for crowd control. It can cause ear pain, disorientation, eardrum ruptures and irreversible damage. Their use is widely restricted around the world. The US also developed a weapon known as the active denial system, which uses concentrated radio waves to heat the skin of targets. Although it was deployed to Afghanistan, it was never used. Advertisement Advertisement Development of similar weapons at different radio frequencies is widespread for defending against drones and other airborne threats, Dr Boyd said. The US deployed a long-range acoustic device in Iraq and Afghanistan The US navy also created a weapon known as electromagnetic personnel interdiction control, which was meant to disable the vestibular system, leaving the targets unable to stand up. That bears some resemblance to the account of Mr Maduros capture. But there is no evidence it ever worked, or was anything other than a laboratory prototype. America is not the only power that has apparently taken the plunge into developing these technologies. Suspicion has built in recent years that a foreign power, possibly Russia, is bombarding American officials with microwaves and damaging their nervous system, causing the global reports of Havana Syndrome from diplomats and government officials. Advertisement Advertisement Whether this is the result of the deliberate deployment of a covert weapon, or a byproduct of an operation to collect intelligence, is a matter of some debate. b' ' CNN reported on Monday that the Pentagon had spent more than a year testing a weapon investigators believe could be the cause of Havana Syndrome, having purchased it as part of an undercover operation for an eight-figure sum. The device produces pulse radio waves and is small enough to fit in a backpack. It contains Russian components but is not entirely Russian in origin, a source said. There is still some debate if a weapon is indeed the cause of the hundreds of Havana Syndrome illnesses reported around the world. But the reporting is sure to spur questions about whether the US could have adapted its use on the battlefield. On the other hand, attributing the US troops success to sophisticated technology could be an attempt by the Venezuelans to cover up their own failings. Despite signs for months that Mr Trump was preparing to move against Mr Maduro, the army was unable to operate or maintain advanced anti-aircraft systems like the S-300, according to the New York Times. Analysis of satellite imagery also showed that defences were still in storage this month when the US military launched Operation Absolute Resolve and bundled the Venezuelan leader into a helicopter. 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. DES MOINES, Iowa Even more students in Des Moines Public Schools will get the chance to pursue careers in welding thanks to a $50,000 grant that will help the current program expand. DMPS announced Wednesday it has been awarded the STEM BEST grant from the Iowa Governors STEM Advisory Council. The money will allow the district to add eight new welding booths at the Central Campus welding program, as well as upgrade the labs ventilation system. DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding program at Central Campus. (Courtesy: DMPS) DMPS welding instructors and student interns will fabricate the new booths. Advertisement Advertisement This investment allows us to meet growing student interest while strengthening Iowas workforce pipeline, said district leaders. It expands equitable access to high-quality career and technical education and prepares students for meaningful careers after graduation. One dead, two injured in Jackson County rollover crash DMPS said the grant will allow for capacity at the welding lab to grow by 40%, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. As part of the welding program, students are provided access to mentorship, dual credit, and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities. Metro news 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 who13.com. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) said Tuesday that its launching a seven-figure voter registration initiative aimed at young people without a college education ahead of this years midterms. The DNC plans to train more than 100 young Democrats on helping register young voters in battleground districts in Nevada and Arizona in addition to several National Weeks of Action that will mobilize voter registration efforts across the country. Everywhere I go, young people tell me they want to be involved, want their voices heard, and want leaders who actually show up for them when it counts. When I ran for Chair, I made it clear that voter registration must once again be a top priority for the DNC, DNC Chair Ken Martin said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement And while Republicans are doing everything they can to silence young voters, voters of color, and working families, were getting to work, he continued. Our answer is simple: Were going to register voters, train organizers, empower young people, and make sure they have the tools to shape their future. The national party said it was their largest-ever investment in voter registration targeted at young people and people of color. Democrats saw their support among young voters, including young men, backslide during the 2024 elections. But recent polling has suggested that young people may be souring on the GOP, offering an opening for Democrats to make gains with the demographics again. Yet, experts are warning against taking the voting bloc, which has generally voted more Democratic, for granted. Advertisement Advertisement In 2026, young voters arent looking for candidates who check boxes in a purity test or who stick to one party talking points. Theyre really, actually looking for politicians who are just true to themselves and are willing to take a strong, specific stance on the issues that are affecting their daily lives, Rachel Janfaza, who leads youth listening sessions through her research firm The Up and Up, told The Hill earlier this month. 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. DOJ: Ex-Navy SEAL planned to attack police with fireworks at California protests EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A federal jury convicted a former U.S. Navy SEAL of intending to use explosives against law enforcement officers at the No Kings Day protest in California last year, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office with the Western District of Texas. The U.S. Attorneys Office says on Thursday, June 12, Gregory Vandenberg, 49, was traveling from El Paso to San Diego, California, to attend the No Kings Day protests, which were scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 14. While in New Mexico, Vandenberg visited a travel center off I-10 near Lordsburg and purchased six large mortar fireworks, which are designed to shoot high into the air and explode, and 72 M-150 firecrackers, which are designed to sound like gunfire, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement During his visit at the travel center, Vandenberg told the store clerk that he intended to throw fireworks at police officers at the upcoming protests, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Vandenberg also asked the store clerk about the amount of gunpowder in the fireworks, their explosive impact, and their ability to harm others. He also talked about taping multiple fireworks together to increase their explosive impact. Vandenberg also told the store clerk that he was not interested in the color or display of the fireworks and only their ability to cause explosions and harm law enforcement, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. The former U.S. Navy SEAL also encouraged the store clerk to join him at the protests and also discussed handing out fireworks to others at the event. Advertisement Advertisement While purchasing the fireworks, he lied to the cashier and said he was not from the U.S. when he was asked for his ID. He also asked the cashier if the store was going to track him. The U.S. Attorneys Office adds that while at the store, Vandenberg was wearing a t-shirt that stated AMALEK in large letters on the front. Vandenberg made the shirt himself and stated that the word meant the destroyer of the Jews. Employees recorded his license plate and contacted law enforcement, and federal agents were able to track Vandenberg in Tucson, Arizona, and arrested him the following morning while he was sleeping in his car at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The U.S. Attorneys Office says Vandenberg was unemployed at the time and was living out of his car. However, he told law enforcement officials that he was traveling for work and that he was visiting friends in Phoenix that weekend. After searching Vandenbergs vehicle, officials found the purchased fireworks along with clothing that displayed antisemitic, anti-Israel, and extremist symbolsincluding a t-shirt with an image of the Al-Qaeda flag and a t-shirt calling for the destruction of Judea, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Officials also searched Vandenbergs phone and found violent and extremist content, including antisemitic, anti-Israel, and anti-U.S. materials, as well as messages discussing the upcoming protests. Officials also found messages on his phone suggesting that he was upset with the U.S. government, including President Trump, because he viewed the U.S. government as being controlled by Israel and the Jews, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Vandenberg was convicted of the transportation of explosives with the intent to kill, injure, or intimidate, and attempted transportation of prohibited fireworks into California. Following the verdict, Vandenberg was ordered to remain in custody pending sentencing, and he faces up to 10 years in prison. 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 KTSM 9 News. WASHINGTON After laying off virtually all remaining members of a key "peacemaking" unit that had defused police-protester conflicts, the Department of Justice has quietly reversed course and rescinded the terminations of 12 of them, USA TODAY has learned. The members of DOJs Community Relations Service, who were given "reduction in force" letters Sept. 29, received another letter late the night of Jan. 9 telling them they have the option to return. The employees cant return to CRS, though, because the entire 57-person unit was dismantled by the Trump administration last fall after it concluded that CRS' "mission does not comport" with its "law enforcement and litigating priorities," as USA TODAY reported on Jan. 10. People take part in a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York on Jan. 7, 2026 after an ICE officer shot dead a woman in Minneapolis. A person holds a sign following the death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman who was shot in her car by a U.S. immigration agent, according to local and federal officials, in Minneapolis, as Altadena community members gather at an event marking the first anniversary of the devastating Eaton Fire, in Altadena, Calif. on Jan. 7, 2026. About 400 of those who gathered at night in near-freezing temperature on Jan. 7 near the site where a woman was allegedly shot by an ICE officer earlier in the day in Minneapolis continue chanting and walking down East Lake Street. People demonstrate against ICE during a vigil honoring a woman who was shot and killed by an immigration officer earlier in the day in Minneapolis, Minn., on Jan. 7, 2026. An immigration officer in Minneapolis shot dead a woman Wednesday, triggering outrage from local leaders even as US President Donald Trump claimed the officer acted in self-defense. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey deemed the government's allegation that the woman was attacking federal agents "bullshit," and called on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducting a second day of mass raids to leave Minneapolis. Demonstrators gather at a vigil after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a U.S. citizen on Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. People gather Jan. 7 in south Minneapolis, where a woman was allegedly shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. On Jan. 7, a home near where a woman was allegedly shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent as a sign that speaks against ICE being in Minneapolis. People take part in a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York on Jan. 7, 2026 after an ICE officer shot dead a woman in Minneapolis. A Border Patrol federal looks at demonstrators, at a protest against the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, during a rally against increased immigration enforcement across the city, outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 8, 2026. People protest against the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, during a rally against increased immigration enforcement across the city outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 8, 2026. Border Patrol federal agents detain a demonstrator at a protest against the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, during a rally against increased immigration enforcement across the city outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 8, 2026. People protest against the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, during a rally against increased immigration enforcement across the city outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 8, 2026. A man protests against the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, during a rally against increased immigration enforcement across the city outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 8, 2026. A demonstrator holds a picture of Renee Nicole Good as people protest against the fatal shooting of Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, during a rally against increased immigration enforcement across the city outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 8, 2026. A federal agent gestures towards a demonstrator at a protest against the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, during a rally against increased immigration enforcement across the city outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 8, 2026. A federal agent speaks to detained demonstrators, during a protest against the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, during a rally against increased immigration enforcement across the city, outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 8, 2026. A woman protests against the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, during a rally against increased immigration enforcement across the city outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 8, 2026. A man protests against the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, during a rally against increased immigration enforcement across the city outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 8, 2026. A medic assists a man at a protest against the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, during a rally against increased immigration enforcement across the city outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 8, 2026. A demonstrator faces a Border Patrol federal agent at a protest against the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, during a rally against increased immigration enforcement across the city outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 8, 2026. A woman holds a banner, as demonstrators take part in a protest against the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, during a rally against increased immigration enforcement across the city, outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 8, 2026. Demonstrators stand amid tear gas as they take part in a protest against the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, during a rally against increased immigration enforcement across the city, outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 8, 2026. A demonstrator holds a sign referring to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a protest march in Lower Manhattan against increased immigration enforcement in New York City, January 8, 2026. A demonstrator holds a sign during an anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest march in Lower Manhattan, opposing increased immigration enforcement in New York City, January 8, 2026. Demonstrators take part in an anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest march in Lower Manhattan, opposing increased immigration enforcement in New York City, January 8, 2026. A demonstrator holds a sign during an anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest march in Lower Manhattan, opposing increased immigration enforcement in New York City, January 8, 2026. A demonstrator holds a sign referring to the fatal shooting of the driver Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on January 7, during an anti-ICE protest march in Lower Manhattan, opposing increased immigration enforcement in New York City, January 8, 2026. Demonstrators carry signs during an anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest march in Lower Manhattan, opposing increased immigration enforcement in New York City, January 8, 2026. Voces De La Frontera held a protest in front of ICE headquarters on East Knapp Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Jan. 7, 2026. A demonstrator hands out signs during a vigil following a shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis. According to federal officials, an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good during a confrontation earlier today in south Minneapolis. People take part in a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York on Jan. 7, 2026 after an ICE officer shot dead a woman in Minneapolis. About 400 of those who gathered at night in near-freezing temperature on Jan. 7 near the site where a woman was allegedly shot by an ICE officer earlier in the day in Minneapolis continue chanting and walking down East Lake Street. See ICE protests around country sparked after Minnesota shooting death 1 of 32 People take part in a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York on Jan. 7, 2026 after an ICE officer shot dead a woman in Minneapolis. The recission letter was sent after 9 p.m. Jan. 9, seven hours after USA TODAY began asking the Justice Department about the layoffs, and whether it had contingency plans to send experts to defuse protests that erupted after two shootings by federal immigration enforcement agents. Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department confirmed the callbacks in a legal filing Jan. 13 in federal court in Boston, in a court case in which civil rights groups allege the firings were part of an unlawful effort by the Trump administration to dismantle the historic conflict resolution organization. In the filing, Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate said DOJ had decided to reinstate the employees "as a matter of administrative discretion" but did not address whether the administration has any plans to reestablish the unit. Before it was shut down in October, CRS had about 20 employees at Justice Department headquarters, and the rest spread across 30 DOJ field offices. Many of the employees took "fork in the road" buyouts offered by the Trump administration. Of the remaining 13 employees who received layoff notices and left in October, all but one received letters reversing their termination on Jan. 9. The "RIF Recission" letters began arriving in email inboxes after 9:30 p.m., according Julius Nam, the former senior Justice Department official who led the unit. The letter said the former employees "separation" was being rescinded and that they could get back salary and benefits for the pay period starting last Nov. 2. They would also get their old "title, series and grade" if they notified the Justice Department by Jan. 16. And they'd have to agree to start Feb. 9, according to the letter, a copy of which was shared with USA TODAY. Advertisement Advertisement In its letter Friday, DOJ said that returning employees would start work at the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys "pending leadership guidance." The EOUSA provides support for the 93 U.S. attorneys located throughout the country. More: Trump killed DOJ 'peacemaker' unit used to defuse tense protests A DOJ award in 2025 for 'outstanding work and skills in de-escalating tensions' Since its 1964 inception, CRS deployed professional mediators to some of the most potentially explosive conflicts between police and protesters in the modern era, from the Civil Rights marches of the 1960s to the anti-Arab sentiment following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to the wave of street clashes following a Minneapolis police officer's murder of George Floyd in 2020. Members of CRS teams have won prestigious Justice Department awards over the decades, including one for defusing tensions and protests at the 2024 Republican and Democratic National conventions, where protesters clashed with police over a range of issues including President Donald Trumps anti-immigration campaign platform. Advertisement Advertisement As head of the unit, Nam was on the ground and working closely with the Milwaukee and Chicago police departments and Secret Service to help ease tensions between protesters and law enforcement. "I was at the law enforcement command center 12-plus hours each day of the conventions coordinating responses," said Nam, who left DOJ voluntarily in October. The U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service (CRS) is given a DOJ award for Outstanding External Contribution at the 72nd Attorney Generals Awards for its team that deployed to the large protests that took place during the Republican National Convention and Democratic National Convention. Nam said CRS would have used a similar approach to recent protests in Minneapolis and hundreds of other U.S. cities in response to an ICE agents fatal shooting of Renee Good. 'Why are we receiving emails from DOJ so late at night?' The Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment on the recission letter, including on what prompted it. Advertisement Advertisement But Nam, a former Civil Rights prosecutor at DOJ, said he believes the USA TODAY inquiry played a role, as well as a recent court ruling ordering some other government workers to be reinstated. "The media inquiry certainly had an effect," said Nam, who is helping lead efforts to support a lawsuit against DOJ and for additional congressional funding for the restoration of CRS. One of the laid off employees, administrative support specialist Chez Chez Jackson, told USA TODAY she had heard nothing from the Justice Department about the possibility of returning prior to Jan. 9, and had gotten a job as a flight attendant. "I received my letter Friday night, close to 10 oclock, and my thought was, 'Why are we receiving emails from DOJ so late at night?'" said Jackson. "I think they wanted to get those [letters] issued before the article came out to cover their behind, for lack of a better word." Advertisement Advertisement Now Jackson is weighing whether to return to the Justice Department or start flight training school. "In my mind, I had probably moved on to a new career," she said. She may ask the airline to push back her start date, though, because she was laid off from DOJ with just six months to go before hitting her 20-year service mark and the retirement benefits that come with that. The CRS was established by Congress as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which technically means only Congress can shut it down, not the administration. Thats one reason why Nam is assisting the 11 civil rights groups that are suing. Advertisement Advertisement In a response to the lawsuit, the DOJ said it hasnt technically shut down the CRS because it kept on one CRS employee, who is now working within EOUSA "to ensure a smooth transition of CRS functions." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DOJ laid off its peacemakers. Now it wants some to return Somewhere deep in a bunker, or wherever he may be hiding, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will probably not reflect on one bitter reality. Regardless of what happens next, and whether Donald Trump orders American stealth bombers into action or breaks his promise to intervene, the lifes work of Irans Supreme Leader already lies in ruins. During Khameneis 37-year rule, the Islamic Republic has gone from being a revolutionary state and bastion of resistance against what his most ardent followers call the global arrogance America, Israel and the West to an empty vessel, defanged of power and ambition. Under him, the dream of Iran as regional superpower and shining example of Islamic rule has died. Khameneis great project was to forge an axis of resistance capable of inflicting such harm on Israel and America that neither would dare attack Iran. Advertisement Advertisement To achieve this power of deterrence, he dispatched the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and particularly its expeditionary wing, the Quds Force under the late General Qasem Soleimani to sharpen the claws of Irans ideological and religious allies across the Middle East. The IRGC supplied tens of thousands of missiles to Hezbollah, the radical Shia movement in Lebanon. Soleimanis men did the same for Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza. From 2012 onwards, they intervened with full force in Syrias civil war, preserving Bashar al-Assads bloodsoaked dictatorship as an ally and vital supply route for the axis of resistance. In Iraq, the IRGC built up a constellation of Shia militias; in Yemen, they backed the Houthi rebels who seized the countrys capital, Sanaa, in 2014. Even in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Iranian agents tried to subvert the ruling monarchies by stirring up rebellion among Shia subjects. Meanwhile, at home, Khamenei exposed Iran to a crushing burden of economic sanctions as the price of driving forward the countrys nuclear programme and giving himself the ability to build the ultimate weapon. Advertisement Advertisement By turning Iran into a nuclear threshold state and the paymaster and arms dealer of a chain of formidable terrorist movements, capable of raining down destruction on the nations foes Khamenei sought to protect the Islamic Republic from attack and guarantee the survival of his regime. With Iran secure and powerful abroad, its clerical rulers would be free to order and regiment their own society according to Islamic principles, creating an example of stability and success that the rest of the Muslim world would wish to follow. Such were Khameneis vaulting ambitions, pursued with dogged tenacity from the moment that he succeeded his old mentor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, as supreme leader in 1989. And what has become of the grand plans? Khamenei came to discover that arming terrorists is far easier than coping with the consequences of their actions. The Hamas atrocity of Oct 7 2023 provoked Israel into launching a meticulously planned and devastatingly effective campaign to destroy the axis of resistance once and for all. Advertisement Advertisement First Hamas was pulverised in its Gaza stronghold. Then, in 2024, Israel eliminated virtually the entire leadership of Hezbollah and thousands of rank-and-file operatives, including by the extraordinary method of turning the terrorist groups pagers and walkie-talkies into lethal booby-trapped devices. The evisceration of Hezbollah robbed Assad of his most useful ally, triggering the downfall of Syrias dictatorship in December 2024. Six months later, Israel and America launched what became a joint strike against Irans nuclear programme, wrecking Khameneis path towards the ultimate weapon by reducing his vital plants and installations to smoking ruins. Elsewhere, Israel and America bombed the Houthis in Yemen who were, in any case, Irans least reliable allies while Iraqs Shia militias were cowed into lying low and staying out of the struggle. One by one, every link in the chain of Irans axis of resistance was ruthlessly broken. Advertisement Advertisement And what of Khameneis plan to build a perfect Islamic society at home? It turned out that Irans ambitious youth were not prepared to take instructions on how to live their lives from ageing Ayatollahs. When a young woman, Mahsa Amini, was murdered in state custody in 2022 after being arrested for supposedly wearing her hijab improperly, many thousands took to the streets in protest. The regime restored control with its customary brutality yet it quietly stopped enforcing the law that compels women to cover their hair in public. The thuggish morality police, previously given free rein to harass women in the streets, disappeared from the cities. The Islamic Republic implicitly admitted that it could no longer enforce its strictures on young Iranians. Today, if he has any self-knowledge at the age of 86, Khamenei must contemplate the collapse of all his schemes. Iran was supposed to be strong enough to deter an American attack. Now Trump is free to decide whether or not to intervene in the Islamic Republics latest internal crisis. Advertisement Advertisement The axis of resistance was intended as a mighty force against Irans enemies. Now even Lebanons traditionally feeble government is committed to disarming Hezbollah and sending its army to control the terrorist groups old strongholds in the south of the country. Irans society was supposed to present a shining example of Islamic piety. Now its people are marching against their clerical rulers once again and not even the most obdurate Ayatollah dares enforce the rules on what women should wear on their heads. Khameneis regime may or may not survive the days and weeks ahead. But whatever happens, the Islamic Republic under his calamitous rule has become a hollow shell. 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. Attorney General Gentner Drummond has reached a standalone settlement with one of the companies involved in a long-running lawsuit over poultry operations in eastern Oklahoma. The settlement with George's Inc., resolves all state claims against the company over pollution in the Illinois River watershed. "This settlement demonstrates that fair, good-faith negotiations can produce outcomes that serve everyones interestsprotecting Oklahomas water resources while respecting the economic realities facing our agricultural partners," Drummond said in a news release. "Georges willingness to come to the table and work toward meaningful remediation, rather than prolonged litigation, reflects the kind of responsible corporate citizenship I hope to see from all parties in this case." Advertisement Advertisement George's is one of seven companies involved in the litigation, which reached a conclusion in December after 20 years in Tulsa's federal court. U.S. District Judge Gregory Frizzell issued his 33-page order on Dec. 19, which required companies including Tyson, Cargill, George's, Simmons and Cal-Maine to fund decades of cleanup and imposes strict restrictions on waste application practices. Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt criticized that result, blaming Drummond for failing to reach a fair settlement. He has said he believes Oklahoma poultry farmers will ultimately be hurt by the settlement, because it will make it harder for them to sell their chickens to corporate buyers. The dispute over the lawsuit has become a major point of contention between Stitt and Drummond, a fellow Republican who is running for governor. The companies in the suit have since notified the federal court that they would appeal Frizzell's ruling. What to know about settlement details Under the settlement negotiated by Drummond and announced Jan. 14, George's must pay $5 million to the state for remediation, conservation projects and attorney fees. By reaching the agreement, the state agreed to drop its claims against George's. Advertisement Advertisement Other details of the settlement are: George's commits to removing poultry litter from the Illinois River Watershed over seven years, progressively reducing the amount remaining from no more than 40% to no more than 20% George's pays $250,000 for a so-called "special master" to monitor compliance Georges agrees that litter removed from the Illinois River Watershed will not be applied to land in any other nutrient-sensitive watersheds in Oklahoma Stitt responded to the settlement by reupping his criticism of Drummond. "This new settlement only helps one grower in Oklahoma, and my concern is for all Oklahoma growers," Stitt said. "Today I renew my call for Drummond to request a stay from Judge Frizzell to protect all growers and continue settlement discussions, bringing my secretary of agriculture and secretary of environment to the table so that the state can be fully represented in protecting both domestic poultry supply and our natural resources." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma settles Illinois River pollution case against George's Duke Energy customers in Florida may be able to receive a free tree. Duke Energy is giving away 1,000 trees to its customers in Florida starting Friday, as part of its initiative to promote safe planting practices around power lines. The free trees, including options such as live oak and sweetbay magnolia, will be shipped directly to homes by National Arbor Day in April. This effort aims to educate customers on proper tree placement that minimizes risks near electrical infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement The giveaway is set to launch Thursday, providing Florida residents an opportunity to participate in the Arbor Day celebrations with new trees. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Jan. 14 (UPI) -- El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele traveled to Costa Rica during the final stretch of that country's presidential campaign, triggering a fresh political and legal controversy. Bukele's main public activity was attending a midday ceremony Wednesday to mark the start of construction of the Center for High Containment of Organized Crime, known by its Spanish acronym CACCO, a new maximum security prison promoted by the Costa Rican government. The facility is a smaller version of El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT, built under Bukele's administration to hold members of criminal organizations. Advertisement Advertisement The Salvadoran government donated the prison blueprints to Costa Rica, a contribution that President Rodrigo Chaves' administration says saved an estimated $25 million, according to Costa Rican outlet El Observador. CECOT, which holds gang members and people accused of terrorism, has become a symbol of El Salvador's crackdown on organized crime. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration also deported migrants there who were identified as suspected gang members. Confirmation that Bukele would arrive in Costa Rica just three weeks before the presidential election opened a new front of conflict between Chaves' government and the opposition. Costa Rica votes Feb. 1, and public security has dominated the campaign debate. In that context, Bukele's figure, widely associated in Central America with hardline security policies, is seen by supporters as proof that order can be restored. Critics point to his consolidation of power and what they describe as the erosion of democratic institutions in El Salvador. Advertisement Advertisement The visit also prompted legal action before Costa Rica's Supreme Electoral Tribunal, known as the TSE, the independent body that oversees elections. Semanario Universidad reported that the TSE received complaints tied to Bukele's arrival, including requests to bar his entry over concerns of electoral interference and cross-complaints among political actors alleging foreign financing and political use of the visit. The tribunal rejected those challenges and decided the visit could proceed, while warning that foreign delegations must not intervene in domestic political affairs, La Nacion reported. That decision, though, became a political event, turning a protocol visit into an episode with clear electoral implications, where any gesture, statement or photograph could be read as endorsement or interference. Advertisement Advertisement Opposition presidential candidate Claudia Dobles questioned the visit. "The first thing is that President Bukele comes for nothing," she said, calling it "an inspection of a prison that does not exist." "They sold us smoke with the idea of a mega-prison because in reality it is an expansion of La Reforma," she said, referring to Costa Rica's main prison complex, "which does need to be done," Dobles told outlet CRHoy. Costa Rica is facing a surge in violence linked to organized crime and drug trafficking disputes that has pushed homicides to historic highs. Advertisement Advertisement The country recorded 873 in 2025, nearly matching the 876 reported in 2024 and following a record 906 killings in 2023, according to data from the Judicial Investigation Agency, known as the OIJ, Costa Rica's main criminal investigation body. Official analyses show that many of the killings are attributed to score-settling and were committed primarily with firearms, a pattern consistent with the expansion of criminal networks and their territorial control. The Rhode Island Board of Elections and board staff and attorney meet on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (Screenshot) A proposal to let Rhode Island voters sign candidates nomination papers electronically increasing access and fending off fraud inched forward Tuesday with the Rhode Island Board of Elections backing. The seven-member panel voted unanimously to support all four pieces of election-related legislation pitched by Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore, including the first-in-the-nation online nomination paper portal. Faith Chybowski, a spokesperson for Amore, said in email Wednesday that Amore appreciates the election boards support. Advertisement Advertisement But Amore will still have to convince the Rhode Island General Assembly and Gov. Dan McKee on his vision. As Amore explained to the state elections board at a Jan. 6 meeting, voters can already register or update their registration online, and apply for mail ballots, via the Department of States online portal. Using that same software to also let voters sign papers for local, state and federal candidates to qualify for the ballot verifying their identity with the last four digits of a Social Security number or drivers license could eliminate some of the guesswork for local and state election administrators charged with verifying paper-and-pen John Hancocks. And it could prevent the criminal forgery that upended the 2023 special election for Rhode Islands 1st Congressional District, when fake signatures, including those of dead residents, were spotted on the papers for Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos. Matos, once a frontrunner in the 11-way primary, finished a distant fourth despite proclaiming her innocence in the signature scandal. Two contractors hired by her campaign to help collect signatures were later charged with multiple criminal felonies for the forgeries. Advertisement Advertisement The option to sign nomination papers online pen-and-ink collections would also remain would also expand access for disabled, overseas and military voters otherwise left out of the early stages of the election process, Amore said. And, it would make it easier for candidates to gain ballot access, guaranteeing at least online that their supporters live in the right district to make the signatures count. The Rhode Island Board of Elections offered little discussion in its recommendation vote Tuesday, having already weighed and commended the measure during a prior meeting. Other election-related pieces of legislation backed by the state elections board Tuesday included easing fines for candidates and campaigns over late filed campaign finance reports; eliminating the state constitutional requirement that voters register at least 30 days before an election (a shorter timeline would be up to the General Assembly to determine); and extending the option for disabled and military voters to submit ballots through a secure, electronic system, extending a 2022 law which expired at the end of 2025. The House Committee on State Government and Elections is scheduled to give initial consideration to the electronic ballot extension bill on Thursday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Gov. Dan McKee stays positive during his State of the State Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. At left is Rhode Island House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) With a tough reelection battle looming, Gov. Dan McKee leveraged his 2026 State of the State address to appeal to voters hearts, minds, and above all, their wallets. When I was working on this upcoming budget, I was thinking about the costs that keep Rhode Islanders up at night, the costs we must lower to keep our state competitive and growing, McKee said a few minutes into the speech at the State House Tuesday night. Advertisement Advertisement His solution: an Affordability for All agenda that soothes wallet woes like health insurance, taxes, child care, energy bills and gasoline. The series of tax cuts and credits will keep $215 million in peoples pockets for the first full year, with an estimated $1.4 billion in collective savings over the next five years, McKee said. But first, the embattled five-year governor must secure a second full term, beating low approval ratings and fierce criticism from at least one serious Democratic competitor. The 2026 gubernatorial election hovered, unmentioned but unignored, over a packed crowd of elected officials, judges and special guests in the House of Representatives chamber. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez received the first mentions of the night, as McKee paid tribute to the students, families, university staff and first responders who showed their best selves during the fatal Brown University shooting exactly one month ago. Two students were killed and nine more were injured, with a six-day manhunt before the shooter was found dead in a storage facility in New Hampshire. Advertisement Advertisement There arent words to fully express the gratitude I feel for the countless people who stepped forward during this painful time, McKee said, prompting a standing ovation from the crowd. Seated to McKees right, temporarily displaced from his usual position behind the rostrum, was House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, still mulling a challenge to McKee in the 2026 gubernatorial primary. Shekarchi expects to share his decision by the end of March. Asked by a reporter after McKees speech whether he might be delivering the gubernatorial State of the State next year, Shekarchi played coy. Im worried about tomorrow, let alone next week or next month or next year, Shekarchi said. Advertisement Advertisement Both Shekarchi and Senate President Valarie Lawson declined to offer a letter grade assessment of the governors remarks. Ive left the classroom, so my grading days are over, said Lawson, who taught in East Providence Public Schools for three decades. Dollars and cents McKee offered a broad brush preview of his funding and policy priorities Tuesday, which will be unveiled in full when the governor releases his proposed fiscal 2027 budget Thursday. One noteworthy detail: McKees pledge to undo the 2-cent hike in the gas tax that took effect in July. The increase, approved by lawmakers as part of the fiscal 2026 budget, helped close the Rhode Island Public Transit Authoritys perennial budget shortfall, providing an estimated $8.7 million to the transit agency in fiscal 2026. Policy experts doubted motorists would change their patterns when paying 41 cents, rather than 39 cents, a gallon at the pump. Advertisement Advertisement But McKee on Tuesday touted the $9 million in relief from his proposed rollback. When it comes to filling up your tank, every dollar matters, he said. The governor said his forthcoming budget proposal will also fully close RIPTAs projected $14 million deficit for fiscal 2027. He did not say how, nor did he acknowledge that the agencys funding gap would widen if the gas tax is reduced. Gov. Dan McKee shakes hands with Rep. Joseph McNamara, a Warwick Democrat. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) In another nod to tax woes, McKee pitched his plan to eliminate the state income tax on Social Security benefits. Rhode Island is one of only eight states that tax Social Security income, though residents 67 and older are exempt if their total income is less than $107,000 a year, or $133,750 for joint filers. Advertisement Advertisement Tax relief is the top priority for AARP Rhode Island, which estimates more than 91,000 seniors paid state income taxes on Social Security in 2022. The tax provides $40 million in state revenue each year. McKee did not explain the napkin math that will even out these new expenses, which stand to widen a projected $101 million deficit without new revenue sources. In fact, his address laid out many more new or increased expenses, like a $325 per child state tax credit program another big applause-getter. The total cost to establish permanent and regular tax relief for families with minor children was not available. Other new or increased costs included: $ 1 billion in energy bill relief over the next five years, including reforms to the portion of utility costs resulting from state taxes and policy mandates to Rhode Island Energy. $ 20 million to help Rhode Island meet new federal rules around Medicaid eligibility and keep recipients insured. $10 million to help hospitals care for the projected increase in uninsured patients. $9.5 million to launch a marketplace affordability program to help 20,000 residents maintain their health coverage through the state health exchange despite expiring federal subsidies. Advertisement Advertisement McKee also pledged unspecified funding for Planned Parenthood, to make permanent the Hope Scholarship at Rhode Island College regardless of students income and to double the states annual grant to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The fiscal 2026 budget included $800,000 in support for the states central food bank after lawmakers opted to increase funding from McKees initial proposal for $550,000. Taking on Trump Much of the extra money for social safety net programs aims to cushion the blow of sweeping federal changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Preliminary state analysis suggests devastating human and financial impacts for Rhode Island: Tens of thousands of low-income residents, seniors and lawful immigrants are at risk of losing critical food assistance, health insurance or both. As participation in Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and HealthSource RI declines, federal funding to the state will also shrink, leaving state administrators with fewer resources to carry out the massive changes to longstanding programs. Right now, I know that a lot of families are questioning what the future holds, McKee said. They turn on the TV or scroll through social media, and theyre concerned about what the months and years ahead may bring. I understand that, because my own family is having those same conversations. McKee blasted President Donald Trump for the harmful policies while promising to protect vulnerable residents and defend the states economy and values. Advertisement Advertisement As Governor, Im not going to stand by and let President Trump price Rhode Islanders out of their way of life, McKee said. His comments came one day after a federal judge in D.C. lifted the Trump administrations order to pause work on the Revolution Wind project. The 65-turbine project being built south of Rhode Island was 87% complete when the federal suspension order arrived in December just five months after an initial stop work order halted the project. As Governor, Im not going to stand by and let President Trump price Rhode Islanders out of their way of life. Gov. Dan McKee The second halt to construction threatened major financial losses for the international developers, while putting Rhode Islands economic and environmental future in limbo. McKee singled out Tony Vaz, a union carpenter and one of 2,000 local laborers employed through the Revolution Wind project. Advertisement Advertisement Tony, until this project is complete, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with my fellow Democratic governors and put the full weight of our state behind this fight, McKee said. Let me be clear: We will not back down. Rhode Island College senior Sonya Cheteyan, who will soon graduate from RICs Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies, talks with Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos at 7 p.m. before McKees speech began. At center is former U.S. Rep James Langevin, the institutes chair. (Photo by Nancy Lavin/Rhode Island Current) Other guests of honor who received shoutouts during McKees remarks included Sonya Cheteyan, a senior at Rhode Island College, Hope Scholarship recipient and one of the first soon-to-be graduates from the colleges new cybersecurity program; Nashaly Salazar Martinez, a working mom who staggered shifts with her husband, Austin, because they couldnt afford child care; George Ortiz, co-founder and chief servant officer of the ELISHA Project, which helped fill gaps in food assistance during the federal government shutdown; and John Galvin, president of AAA Northeast. The Providence insurance company was recently awarded $6.8 million in redeemable state tax credits to expand its local operations for its related insurance carrier, Motor Club Insurance Company. The carrier plans to hire 370 workers and open a new claims center by 2030. Tony Vaz, a Building Futures graduate and a member of Carpenters Local 330, stands when Gov. Dan McKee recognizes him during his State of the State address on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. Vaz earned his offshore wind credentials through the Real Jobs RI program. (Photo by Nancy Lavin/Rhode Island Current) J-O-B-S McKee shifted focus with what he called one of the favorite lines of his speech. Advertisement Advertisement While we work to deliver Affordability for All, we must also fight for a future where theres opportunity for all, McKee said. McKee called jobs the heart of opportunity, underscoring the emphasis by spelling out the four-letter word. Under his administration, the state has added 36,000 private sector jobs. That includes, including significant expansions and openings of major companies, from Fidelity to Amazon, Blount Fine Foods and REGENT. Were not just attracting new companies and helping existing businesses grow, McKee said. Were putting people to work, building projects that will pay dividends for generations to come. Jobs and workforce development form the foundation for a massive $600 million borrowing scheme McKee pitched Tuesday, subject to voters approval on the ballot in November, as follows: $215 million to support infrastructure improvements at all three state higher education institutions $120 million to boost housing supply, including a dedicated $25 million carveout to increase home ownership; $115 million to expand maritime and defense infrastructure, invest in life science and manufacturing companies $50 million to upgrade career and technical education classrooms in public secondary schools A new state history center (amount unspecified) as requested by Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore. Amore initially failed to win over lawmakers on a $102 million state archives building in 2024, but returned with a proposal for a scaled-down $60 million version. A separate, $20 million homeownership program will be launching later this month, McKee said. Also coming up on the calendar: the scheduled sale of Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. The Centurion Foundation has pledged to finish lining up the financing to buy the hospitals by Friday, as bankrupt owner Prospect Medical Holdings looks for a fast exit. McKee, whose administration unsuccessfully tried to orchestrate a backup offer from Landmark Medical Centers owner, Prime Healthcare, said Tuesday he will do everything in our power to keep the safety net hospitals open. Tucked into the 50-minute speech was a brief acknowledgement of what preliminary polls suggest might be the biggest problem facing McKees reelection: the Washington Bridge. McKee has repeatedly rebuffed questions concerning oversight and repair work to the aging westbound highway before its late 2023 closure. But his forthcoming fiscal 2027 spending plan will provide additional engineering oversight at the state transportation department to review inspection reports as a preventative step, McKee said. Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti Jr. enters the House chamber before the start of Gov. Dan McKees State of the State on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) He did not address potential consequences for Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti Jr. Helena Buonanno Foulkes, McKees 2026 Democratic gubernatorial rival, said she would fire Alviti if elected governor. Foulkes also excoriated McKee for the lengthy and costly rebuild. But, he acknowledged the frustrating commuters still grappling with the traffic-snarled thoroughfare. As I hear that frustration, I want to be clear: we will never compromise when it comes to your safety. McKee said. That is a promise I made in 2023, and a promise I make again today. McKee compared Rhode Islands replacement bridges November 2028 completion date with the late 2030 rebuild of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland, which collapsed in March 2024, killing six people. McKee ended his sixth State of the State address with a message of resilience. As we all think about the future of our state over the next few years, this is my commitment to you: Together, we will stand up to President Trump when he tries to take away Rhode Islanders health care, food assistance, jobs, or the programs that families rely on, McKee said. I am asking the people of our state to join me, and together, we will continue to build the future Rhode Island deserves because Rhode Islands future is one worth fighting for. GOP, progressives respond While McKees vision focused on quality of life, House Minority Leader Michael Chippendale saw dollar signs. Tonight, the Governor stood before the people of Rhode Island and talked about progress. About investments. About programs. About plans. All of which require tax dollars, Chippendale said in a response delivered on behalf of state Republicans. The Foster Republican decried the states upward spending trajectory, referring to analysis by the business group the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council that state spending growth continues to exceed its revenue. Chippendale placed blame squarely on the Democratic majorities that have Smith Hill for decades, noting the real world consequences for working families who in turn shoulder increased taxes and fees but fail to see any benefits of the state spending spree. We already spend more than triple what we did 25 years ago, yet health care is less affordable, housing is less attainable, workforce participation is lower and health and human services alone now consume more than a third of the entire state budget, Chippendale said. A budget should reflect our values, yes but a government that truly values its people makes it easier for them to stand on their own, not harder. We simply must change the direction our state is headed. Across the political aisle, progressive lawmakers and organizers said McKee did not go far enough in policies and spending to protect the most vulnerable, funded through a state surtax on top earners. Im really disappointed to see Governor McKee leave out any mention of asking the top 1% to pay their fair share after suggesting this was this year to pass a millionaires tax just a few days ago, said Sen. Tiara Mack, a Providence Democrat, referencing McKees suggested support for the proposal in a Boston Globe interview. We cannot have leaders that react to rising costs and serious funding threats to our schools, hospitals and public transportation by leaving billions of dollars on the table because we wont ask the wealthiest people in our state to genuinely pay their fair share. Progressives are expected to unveil a trio of bills next week, including a tax on the top 1% of earners, that would generate an estimated $600 million in annual revenue. We can do better here in Rhode Island and that means taxing the wealthiest 1% in a way that genuinely reflects their ability to pay, so we can deliver immediate relief to working people and small businesses, and help make things like rent and childcare actually affordable, said Georgia Hollister Isman, New England regional director for the Working Families Party. Various iterations of a millionaires tax have surfaced in the Rhode Island General Assembly for years, but failed to advance in either chamber without leadership support. Shekarchi confirmed to reporters after the speech that the governors budget proposal includes a 3% surtax on the top 1% of earners. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Estonia said on Tuesday it had banned 261 Russians who fought in Ukraine from entering the country, promising it was "just the start." The interior ministry said in a statement those who had committed atrocities in Ukraine had "no place in the free world." Estonia, which shares a border with Russia, has advocated for a Europe-wide visa ban on Russian veterans of the Ukraine war for months and has gained support from Baltic and Nordic countries. Advertisement Advertisement The ministry estimates as many as 1.5 million Russians have taken part in the full-scale invasion, about half of them having served on the front line. Interior Minister Igor Taro said the threat posed was "not theoretical," adding that the Russians had "combat experience and military training and may often have a criminal background." The ban was formally implemented last week, according to the ministry, and announced on social media by officials on Monday. "This is only the beginning," Foreign Minister Markus Tsahkna wrote on X on Monday, adding, "We call on other countries to do the same." Advertisement Advertisement "Ensuring accountability for war crimes while safeguarding Europe's security is essential to a just and lasting peace," Prime Minister Kristen Michal wrote on X. The move was praised on Monday by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiga, who called entry bans a "necessary security measure" and "a clear signal that impunity will not be tolerated" on X. The entry ban for Russian service personnel comes on the same day that a United Nations monitor said that last year was the deadliest for civilians in Ukraine since 2002, the year Russian invaded the country. Emergency services personnel work to extinguish a fire following a Russian attack in Kharkiv, 13 January, 2026 - AP/Ukrainian Emergency Service At least 2,514 civilians were killed and 12,142 injured by war-related violence in Ukraine last year, representing a 31% increase in victims compared to 2024 and 70% compared to 2023, said the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU). Advertisement Advertisement According to the mission, 97% of the casualties it verified in 2025 occurred in Ukrainian government-controlled territory from attacks launched by Russian armed forces. "Our monitoring shows that this rise was driven not only by intensified hostilities along the frontline, but also by the expanded use of long-range weapons, which exposed civilians across the country to heightened risk," said Danielle Bell, head of the HRMMU. The EU Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen must once again face a vote of no confidence in the European Parliament, dpa learnt on Wednesday. Parliament President Roberta Metsola has informed the parliamentary group leaders of this, dpa has been told by sources close to the matter. The debate and vote will take place at next week's parliamentary session in Strasbourg. This is the fourth motion of no confidence against von der Leyen and her team in around six months. Advertisement Advertisement The latest motion is being tabled by the right-wing Patriots for Europe group (PfE), which has criticized von der Leyen and her team primarily for the trade agreement with the South American Mercosur states of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Its members include EU lawmakers from French politician Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN) and the party of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The French government survived a vote of no confidence linked to the Mercosur deal, also initiated by RN, on Wednesday. For a motion of no confidence to be debated and put to a vote in the European Parliament, it must be supported by at least one tenth of the 719 lawmakers. In a statement on the motion, the PfE criticized what they see as the blatant disregard for the European Parliament, national parliaments and millions of European farmers in the conclusion of the Mercosur agreement. Advertisement Advertisement "EU-Mercosur is a death sentence for our farmers and the end of our food sovereignty. Enough is enough," it said on X. The agreement opens up markets to products that do not meet European standards, PfE said, adding that the safeguard clauses proposed by the Commission do not offer any real protection, Back in September, the group had already tabled a motion of no confidence against the European Commission and voiced similar criticism. This vote of no confidence will not prevent the agreement from being signed. The signing is scheduled to take place this Saturday in Paraguay. Von der Leyen and EU Council President Antonio Costa are travelling to the South American country for the ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement The previous PfE motion failed decisively in an October vote when 378 lawmakers voted against it, with 179 in favour. A two-thirds majority of the votes cast would have been necessary for it to succeed. However, for the first time, members of the centre-right EPP - the party grouping to which von der Leyen belongs - voted against her and her commission. Motions of no confidence can only be brought against the entire Commission. In October, the Commission survived a separate motion of no confidence and an initial vote of no confidence in July also failed. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled on Wednesday details on how the European Union is to support Ukraine with 90 billion ($104.8 billion) over the next two years, including 60 billion to bolster the military. "We all want peace for Ukraine and for that Ukraine must be in a position of strength," von der Leyen said in Brussels, weeks before the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The loan package is to provide "stable and predictable funding" and "reaffirms Europe's unwavering commitment to the security, the defence and the future prosperity of Ukraine," von der Leyen said. Advertisement Advertisement Two-thirds of the funds are earmarked for military support. Ukraine is required to spend the money on Ukrainian and European-built equipment but can acquire weaponry from abroad if the needed equipment is not available in Europe, von der Leyen said. "With the military assistance, Ukraine can stand strong against Russia and, at the same time, it can integrate more closely into Europe's defence industrial base," she said. The remaining 30 billion is meant to support Kiev's budgetary needs but are tied to further reforms in the areas of democracy, rule of law and anti-corruption measures. Advertisement Advertisement The conditions are "to make sure that Ukraine moves forward on its path of accession to the European Union" and are "non-negotiable for any financial support," the commission president said. Von der Leyen said she hopes the first disbursement to Kiev can be done as early as April, once the European Parliament and capitals have scrutinized the proposal. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled on Wednesday details on how the European Union is to support Ukraine with 90 billion ($104.8 billion) over the next two years, including 60 billion to bolster the military. "We all want peace for Ukraine and for that Ukraine must be in a position of strength," von der Leyen said in Brussels, weeks before the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The loan package is to provide "stable and predictable funding" and "reaffirms Europe's unwavering commitment to the security, the defence and the future prosperity of Ukraine," von der Leyen said. Advertisement Advertisement Two-thirds of the funds are earmarked for military support. Ukraine is required to spend the money on Ukrainian and European-built equipment but can acquire weaponry from abroad if the needed equipment is not available in Europe, von der Leyen said. "With the military assistance, Ukraine can stand strong against Russia and, at the same time, it can integrate more closely into Europe's defence industrial base," she said. The remaining 30 billion is meant to support Kiev's budgetary needs but are tied to further reforms in the areas of democracy, rule of law and anti-corruption measures. Advertisement Advertisement The conditions are "to make sure that Ukraine moves forward on its path of accession to the European Union" and are "non-negotiable for any financial support," the commission president said. Von der Leyen said she hopes the first disbursement to Kiev can be done as early as April, once the European Parliament and capitals have scrutinized the proposal. Use of immobilized Russian assets not off the table The funding plans were endorsed by EU leaders in December after lengthy discussions over how to cover Kiev's long-term economic needs. EU leaders had agreed on the loan as a compromise after plans to use billions of euros in frozen Russian state assets to cover Ukraine's financing needs for the coming years failed to gain the necessary support. Advertisement Advertisement Three EU countries - Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic - however did not back the agreement. The loan has no fixed term, EU Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said. Kiev will only have to repay the loan if Ukraine receives reparations from Russia for the destruction caused by the war, Dombrovskis said. Interests on the loan are to be covered by EU countries with the exemption of the three countries that did not back the loan, he said. The commission also stressed that the around 210 billion in assets remain frozen and that the EU "reserves its right to use the Russian assets immobilised in the Union to repay the loan, in full accordance with EU and international law." Personalised health benefits platform company Evermore has signed a retail agreement with US retail chain United Supermarkets. As of this year, the contract will expand where health plan benefits can be spent across Texas and eastern New Mexico. evermore said its benefit cardholders will be able to shop at more than 100 stores operated by United Supermarkets across various regions under the new deal. Advertisement Advertisement evermore growth vice-president Jared Childs said: United Supermarkets has always stood out for its genuine commitment to community. Their stores are where families shop, gather, and rely on consistent quality. "By bringing evermores benefits to Uniteds guests, were helping more people access nutritious groceries at trusted locations across west Texas and eastern New Mexico, important regions for the health plans we support. The partnership covers Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and commercial plans, enabling eligible members to use their benefits for nutritious food and essential everyday goods. The addition of United Supermarkets increases evermores retail presence in Texas and New Mexico, aligning with its planned expansion in health plan participation and member coverage in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Founded in 1916, United Supermarkets runs stores throughout Texas and eastern New Mexico under the United Family of Stores banner, including United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos, United Express and Albertsons Market. evermore said the agreement is intended to broaden access to everyday necessities and support healthier living for members across the region. United Supermarkets CMO Tony Crumpton added: We are proud to join the evermore retail network. They are modernising benefits administration to be more accountable, accessible, and outcomes-driven. Their dedication to exceptional member experience matches our companys values and fits with our drive to support our shoppers health care needs. "Evermore extends retail partnership network with United Supermarkets" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Did the phrase "One of ours all of yours" originate in Nazi Germany after all the residents in a Czech village were killed in retribution for the killing of an SS officer? No, that's not true: The phrase, which was displayed on a lectern at a DHS press conference, is not present in historical records of Nazi slogans, nor is it on the website of the Department of Homeland Security. The entire Czech village of Lidice was wiped out by Nazis in 1942, but there is no record of this phrase, in English, German, Czech, or Spanish, being associated with any subsequent Nazi or fascist propaganda. The undocumented claim about the phrase appeared in a post (archived here) published on Facebook on Jan. 11, 2026. It opened: "One of ours, all of yours" is a line from Nazi Germany. It was coined when an SS officer was killed in a Czech Village and the Nazis killed every single resident of that village in response. This very line appeared on a U.S federal government podium. Let that sink in. This is what the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing: Image Source: Lead Stories screenshot from facebook.com/penny.mangas/posts/pfbid02K1XamkWkg3R7vWwDadEAzdApZXtmDEg28n7o53adinV2U53kvtvs6U4ddrAAJr8wl. This photo is real and appears on the Alamy.com editorial photo website (archived here). The photo is captioned: New York, USA. 08th Jan, 2026. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem speaks during a press conference at One World Trade Center, New York, NY, January 8, 2026. (Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA) Credit: Sipa USA/Alamy Live News The lectern has a placard with a Department of Homeland Security web address, dhs.gov/wow (archived here) and the phrase: ONE OF OURS ALL OF YOURS Advertisement Advertisement The phrase in English does not have a clear historical footprint, with Google search results pointing to duplicate social media posts about this sign on the lectern, and conversations surrounding it. Lead Stories used Google to translate the phrase into German, Czech, and Spanish. Respectively: Einer von uns, alle von euch Jeden z nasich, cely tvuj Uno de los nuestros todos tuyos The story mentioned in the social media post (above) of the Nazi destruction of the village of Lidice (archived here) has some inaccuracies. These are outside the scope of this fact check. On June 10, 1942 The Czech village was razed and all the men over 16 years old were killed. Most of the women and children were killed in concentration camps. The Lidice Memorial website (archived here) says in all 340 people were killed and 143 women survived the war and returned to the rebuilt village. Google searches for the phrase in German (archived here) or in Czech (archived here) only return results discussing this question from the past several days (pictured below). Several assert that it is a fascist slogan but do not provide any documentation to support that this was a World War II fascist propaganda slogan. Image Source: Lead Stories screenshots from google.com/search. Another theory was posted on Threads on Jan. 12, 2026, suggesting the phrase was originally a Spanish slogan (pictured below). The post, featuring a slightly different Spanish phrasing than Google Translate offered, reads: Historical Parallel: Critics pointed out that the phrase closely mirrors fascist rhetoric. Specifically, it has been linked to a slogan from the Spanish Civil War used by Francisco Franco's supporters: "Uno de los nuestros, todos de los vuestros" ("One of ours, all of yours"), which was used to justify collective reprisals--the practice of punishing an entire community for the actions of a single individual. Nazi Association: While the Spanish Falange used the most direct equivalent, the concept aligns with the Nazi practice of Sippenhaft (kin liability) and general collective punishment used by the Third Reich to enforce total obedience. Image Source: Lead Stories screenshot from threads.com/@hawkoftheinternet/post/DTYwtY9iMTI. Advertisement Advertisement Searching Google for both Spanish language translations (archived here and here) did not produce results pointing to Francisco Franco's supporters during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. The phrase "Uno de los nuestros" tops the results because it is the Spanish language title for the 1990 film Goodfellas. Lead Stories reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment and will update this article if appropriate. SOUTH HADLEY Recovery efforts are underway Wednesday after a man seen to be clinging to ice in the Connecticut River slipped under the water and could not be rescued, officials say. At around 3:05 p.m. Tuesday, the South Hadley Fire Department received a 911 call that a person was in the Connecticut River behind 34 Canal St., according to a statement from Capt. Jason Houle, public information officer for Fire District 1. The Hampden County Sheriffs Office, which is assisting the South Hadley Fire Department, said the man reportedly went under the water near the Muller Bridge, according to a statement Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriffs Office Drone Unit and South Hadley Police Department are conducting aerial searches of the river and surrounding riverbanks. The Massachusetts Environmental Police is using a waterborne drone beneath the ice to search areas unreachable from the surface, the statement said. The man, who has not been identified by public safety agencies, slipped under the water while Fire District 1, Fire District 2 and Holyoke Fire responded to the scene and were attempting to rescue him, the South Hadley Fire Departments statement said. Efforts were impacted by the river current and ice conditions, the statement said of the failed rescue effort. Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs department said severe winter conditions on the Connecticut River has significantly impacted search efforts. Houle, the South Hadley Fire Department spokesman, said in the statement the rescue mission had as of Wednesday turned into a recovery effort. Ice covering the river is more than a foot thick in some areas, making it unsafe and impossible to deploy a boat. As a result, the operation has required an adaptive approach utilizing specialized technology, the sheriffs statement said. The Massachusetts State Police, South Hadley Police, Holyoke Police and Western Massachusetts Regional Dive Team also provided assistance with the search. Sheriff Nick Cocchi said Wednesday in an emailed statement that specialty units are trained for some of the most challenging and unpredictable conditions. Advertisement Advertisement While this is an incredibly difficult operation, our focus remains on supporting our partners and keeping the family of the individual at the center of everything we do. Our hearts are with them as crews continue their efforts, said Cocchi. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The FBI was secretly tracking former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens nearly a year before federal prosecutors said their public corruption case began, according to FBI records and court filings attached to Owens recent motion to dismiss federal corruption charges. More strikingly, those same filings show the FBI had been collecting corruption allegations about Jackson officials since at least 2017 including claims involving Lumumba, City Councilman Kenneth Stokes and Owens former bodyguard. This was years before the FBI's 2023 undercover operation that led to the federal indictments of Lumumba, Owens and former City Councilman Aaron Banks in November 2024. The newly released court records show that by late 2022 federal agents had obtained phone-tracking authority on Lumumba, wired up a confidential informant to record him and formally added Owens as a subject of an FBI investigation tied to alleged bribery and contract-steering at Jackson City Hall. Advertisement Advertisement The records were made public this week as part of Owens motion to dismiss his 2024 federal indictment, in which his lawyers attached hundreds of documents, including FBI emails, confidential informant reports and discovery materials produced by prosecutors. Owens argues that the government improperly targeted and entrapped him. The federal government responded to Owens' motion with its own emergency motion to remove Owens' motion to dismiss from public view. Federal prosecutors said Owens' lawyers improperly filed unredacted FBI interviews, grand jury testimony and other sensitive discovery that was only to be shared privately with the defense. The Justice Department said the exhibits violate a February 2025 court order and could endanger witnesses, taint the jury pool and interfere with ongoing investigations. The government asked to seal the "Motion to Dismiss" and the "exhibits attached thereto and Memorandum in Support." On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan granted the government's motion, sealing Owens' motion to dismiss, as well as the exhibits. Owens did not respond to requests for further comment. Advertisement Advertisement More: FBI files lay out years of corruption allegations tied to Jackson government A longer-running Jackson corruption file Included in the newly released court filings were a series of FBI confidential human source reports. These reports are internal documents in which agents summarize information provided by a cooperating witness during an investigation. The reports cover the years of 2017, 2019 and 2021. Additionally, they allege that federal agents received corruption claims about some Jackson officials and their associates years before the FBI launched its undercover operation in 2023. In 2017, the first year Lumumba took office as mayor, a cooperating source alleged that Lumumba received campaign support, including cash contributions and a campaign vehicle, from people involved in laundering money through a Jackson nightclub and rental properties. Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, the same source claimed Lumumba continued associating with those figures and personally intervened with the Jackson Police Department to stop officers from pursuing an alleged assault involving members of the group. In 2021, the source alleged that City Councilman Stokes demanded cash payments in exchange for help with city matters, and that Torrence Mayfield then a Jackson police officer who later worked as an investigator and bodyguard for Owens accepted bribes and sold ammunition and firearms to a convicted felon. Taken together, the reports describe allegations of bribery, campaign contributions and cash payments involving Jackson officials and people with access to City Hall. Stokes, who has frequently accused others of corruption at City Hall, denied the allegations Tuesday. Lumumbas phone was already being tracked On Aug. 2, 2022, the FBI obtained a pen register and trap-and-trace order for Lumumbas phone, allowing agents to log who he called, who called him and when. Advertisement Advertisement In that filing, the FBI said its investigation was based on a confidential human source reporting that former city lobbyist Quincy Mukoro was allegedly extorting people who wanted Jackson contracts. According to the FBI, Mukoro told witnesses he was best friends with Lumumba and could guarantee a contract with the City in exchange for $50,000 to $70,000. Mukoro is the founder and president of the Octagon Group, a full-service government affairs and business development firm, according to the companys website. Lumumba and Mukoro could not be reached for comment. Neither has been charged in relation to the allegations described in the filing. Advertisement Advertisement The filing did not accuse Lumumba of personally taking money, but it placed him at the center of a kickback scheme described by federal agents nearly two years before the federal indictment was returned in November 2024. Other people listed on the form included Mukoro; Safiya Omari, Lumumbas chief of staff; Hondo Lumumba, his bodyguard; and Socrates Garrett, a Jackson businessman who did business with the city during Lumumbas time in office and later ran against him for mayor in 2025. It's unclear why those names were included on the form. FBI wired up a source to record Lumumba in 2022 Three months later, on Nov. 1, 2022, the FBI escalated its surveillance, documents show. A cooperating witness code-named Roadrunner signed a consent form authorizing agents to secretly record conversations with Lumumba, Mukoro, lobbyist Elliott Flaggs and others yet unknown. The authorization allowed agents to use body microphones, phone-recording software, internet-message monitoring and pen-register tracking on the informants phone. Advertisement Advertisement The form shows that by late 2022 the FBI had a wired insider "Roadrunner" authorized to record Lumumba and those in his political circle. Owens challenges when and why the FBI started investigating him A Sept. 12, 2022 internal FBI email shows agents were examining Owens, who was first elected DA in 2019, months before the start of the 2023 undercover operation that later led to his indictment. In the email, FBI agent Bradford Sauls wrote to a federal prosecutor and Special Agent Lawrence Correll that investigators had already gathered information about Owens loans and were seeking state employee records to verify how many people Owens claimed worked for his business. Sauls also said agents were tracking the Downtown Cigar Company in Downtown Jackson the cigar bar Owens owns that later became a hub of the undercover operation. Sauls then added that Owens was being added as a subject to one of our investigations, and that subpoenas would soon follow. Advertisement Advertisement That internal FBI email directly conflicts with how prosecutors have publicly described the origins of the case. In October 2024, FBI Special Agent Lawrence Correll testified under oath that Owens was not a target when the investigation began and only became involved after a chance encounter with undercover agents in 2023. And is it accurate to say that Owens kind of then inserted himself into this bribery scheme? a prosecutor asked Correll. Thats correct, Correll replied. In letters sent to defense attorneys in November and December 2025, prosecutors repeated that position, saying Owens only appeared in earlier FBI records because he was mentioned during an unrelated murder investigation that spanned from 2020 and was closed by the FBI in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement The September 2022 FBI email, however, does not reference a murder case. Instead, it discusses Owens finances, employees and business interests and explicitly states he was being added as a subject of an FBI investigation. That contradiction sits at the heart of Owens motion to dismiss. Owens says the FBIs handling of the case including when agents began targeting him and how they described that timeline to the grand jury should be considered outrageous government conduct" that violated his constitutional right to due process. Thus, the charges should be thrown out. In his motion to dismiss, Owens argues that the FBI and prosecutors misrepresented the true timeline of the investigation to the grand jury. He says agents were already targeting him and other Jackson officials for corruption in 2022, and that the 2023 undercover operation continued an existing investigation aimed to "get him." Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors dispute that, saying Owens voluntarily joined the scheme and that the undercover operation was properly conducted. But the records now attached to Owens motion show that by late 2022, the FBI had already: Started scrutinizing Owens loans, employees and business interests . Formally added Owens as a "subject" of an FBI investigation. Collectively, those documents portray a federal corruption probe that was already well underway long before the first undercover developer ever walked into the Downtown Cigar Company, the sting that ultimately brought charges against Banks, Owens and Lumumba. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: FBI files reveal early probe of Lumumba, Owens before corruption case Youd think grabbing a gallon of distilled water would be the safest, most boring purchase you could make at the grocery store. Theres no need to debate with yourself on what flavor to purchase and scrutinize the ingredients for questionable additives. It turns out that assumption just got a lot murkier for Midwest shoppers, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration officially announced on January 8, 2026, that it is tracking an ongoing recall involving thousands of gallons of distilled water sold in plastic jugs after a foreign substance was found inside some containers. The recall affects 38,043 gallons of Meijer Steam Distilled Water packaged in 1-gallon plastic jugs. According to the FDA, the water may contain a floating black substance. The agency has not yet assigned a classification to the recall, which would determine how serious the health risk may be. What Shoppers Need to Know Meijer initiated the recall on Nov. 13, 2025. The affected jugs have red caps and can be identified by the barcode, UPC 041250841197, a best by date of Oct. 4, 2026, and lot code 39-222 #3. The product ID is listed as 472859, with Meijer item code 477910. Advertisement Advertisement The recalled water was sold at Meijer stores across six Midwest states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The FDA said consumers should not drink or use the water. Customers can discard the product or return it to a Meijer store for a full refund or replacement. No additional details were released about the source of the contamination, but the FDA said the recall remains under review. The Stakes Are Higher with Distilled Water Unlike spring or purified drinking water, distilled water serves specific medical purposes where purity isnt optional, but critical. The CDC explicitly warns people to use only distilled, sterile, or boiled water in neti pots for sinus rinses because tap water can harbor brain-eating amoebas. CPAP machine manufacturers strongly recommend it for the use of humidifier chambers that help sleep apnea patients breathe at night. Tap water use in this case causes mineral buildup that could damage the equipment and create bacterial growth. The same goes for humidifiers and other medical devices. Advertisement Advertisement Essentially, when you buy distilled water, youre specifically paying for purity. Its supposed to be water stripped down to H2O and nothing else. So when floating black foreign substance shows up in a product marketed as the cleanest water you can buy, it defeats the entire reason people reach for distilled water in the first place. Sources: FDA, allrecipes Read the original article on GEEKSPIN. Affiliate links on GEEKSPIN may earn us and our partners a commission. SACRAMENTO, California California Democrats will likely be able to use their gerrymandered congressional map in next years midterm elections after a panel of federal judges on Wednesday upheld it. In a 2-1 ruling, the panel rejected a request to block the map from the California Republican Party and Donald Trumps Justice Department, which sued the state after voters in November approved new boundaries, drawn in a bid to create five additional blue seats. Judge Josephine Staton, a Barack Obama appointee, wrote the ruling, with Judge Kenneth Lee, a Trump appointee, dissenting. Joe Biden appointed Judge Wesley Hsu joined Staton in her ruling. Advertisement Advertisement We find that Challengers have failed to show that racial gerrymandering occurred, and we conclude that there is no basis for issuing a preliminary injunction, Staton wrote. Our conclusion probably seems obvious to anyone who followed the news in the summer and fall of 2025. Gov. Gavin Newsom cheered the ruling, saying, Republicans weak attempt to silence voters failed. California voters overwhelmingly supported Prop 50 to respond to Trumps rigging in Texas and that is exactly what this court concluded, he said in a statement. Democratic leaders initiated the redistricting effort and special election this summer after Trump urged Texas to carve out five new red districts. Advertisement Advertisement Republicans and the DOJ alleged California Democrats engaged in racial gerrymandering when they drew the new map. But attorneys for Newsom, Secretary of State Shirley Weber and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee argued the redistricting effort was undertaken for partisan purposes, not to benefit any racial group. It seemed likely the judges would uphold the states map after the Supreme Court allowed Texas new congressional map to stand in a ruling that invoked California. It is indisputable the impetus for the adoption of the Texas map (like the map subsequently adopted in California) was partisan advantage pure and simple, the high courts ruling said. The GOP or DOJ could seek emergency relief from the Supreme Court, but experts have said the high court would be unlikely to step in, given their ruling on the Texas map. At least six prosecutors with the U.S. attorneys office in Minnesota have resigned over their concerns with the direction of the investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, a person familiar with the resignations told NBC News on Tuesday. The person confirmed the resignations of Joseph Thompson, Melinda Williams and four other attorneys. The two named attorneys, Thompson and Williams, did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment by NBC News. The attorneys had felt pressure from Justice Department leadership, both in Minneapolis and in Washington, to investigate any ties to activist groups by Good and her widow, said a law enforcement official with knowledge of their decisions. The official said the prosecutors were also concerned about a decision to cut out state and local authorities from the federal investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Thompson was a principled public servant who spent more than a decade in law enforcement in the state. A bullet hole in the windshield of Renee Good's vehicle on Jan. 7. (Stephen Maturen / Getty Images) (Stephen Maturen) This is a huge loss for our state, Walz said of the resignations. This is the latest sign that President Trump is pushing nonpartisan career professionals out of the Department of Justice. Good was in the drivers seat of an SUV in a residential part of Minneapolis last week when she was killed. Video from eyewitnesses shows officers telling Good to get out of her car before she begins driving away. Gunshots can be heard, and the SUV slams into a parked vehicle. Video obtained by NBC News that appears to have been recorded by Jonathan Ross, the officer who shot Good, captured Good and her wife talking to an officer in the moments before he opened fire. Advertisement Advertisement In the video, Good turns the steering wheel to her right, away from the officer, as she begins to drive. Ross shouts what sounds like whoa and fires, as multiple shots can be heard in the video. The view of his phone camera jerks around, points up to the sky and captures a glimpse of his masked face. Ross phone levels out and captures the SUV accelerating down the street. A male voice said, f-----g bitch moments before Goods car crashes. The FBI is investigating. But Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement Tuesday there was "currently no basis" for an investigation by the criminal section of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division. Advertisement Advertisement ICEs Office of Public Responsibility is conducting its own internal investigation, Blanche said, as is protocol for the agency after every officer-involved shooting. Any investigation runs parallel to the FBIs investigation into the shooting, a Justice Department official said. The Department of Homeland Security has said Good, an award-winning poet, weaponized her vehicle against the ICE officer who fatally shot her in self-defense. Local and state officials have disputed that claim, saying Good, 37, was only trying to leave the scene. A portrait of Renee Nicole Good is pasted to a light pole near the site of her shooting. (Stephen Maturen / Getty Images) (Stephen Maturen) Officials in Minnesota have criticized federal authorities for barring the states Bureau of Criminal Apprehension from participating in the investigation. Asked about the decision last week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused state investigators of allowing people to harass and incite violence against federal officers. Advertisement Advertisement The New York Times first reported the resignations. Thompson, one of the prosecutors who resigned, oversaw a yearslong investigation that resulted in dozens of charges against people accused of defrauding millions of dollars in government funds. The Trump administration cited the fraud investigation when it dispatched ICE officers to Minnesota. The statement from the governors office said Thompson has worked extensively with state regulators and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to bring federal prosecutions against fraud involving public programs. His work supported oversight, enforcement, and program integrity. A blood-covered air bag inside Good's vehicle. (Alex Kormann / Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images) (Alex Kormann) Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said in a statement about the resignations, The legitimacy of the justice system depends on institutions not rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement Joe Thompson is an institution within law enforcement, directly responsible for building and prosecuting the fraud cases now being cited to justify this moment, he said, referring to allegations of fraud at child care facilities. When you lose the leader responsible for making those cases, it signals that this isnt about prosecuting fraud, OHara said in the statement. Last week, the Trump administration deployed more than 2,000 officers and agents from ICE and Homeland Security Investigations to Minneapolis after a right-wing influencer accused several Somali-run day care facilities of fraud. State officials who investigated the allegations said they found no evidence to back up the claims. Advertisement Advertisement Within the main Justice Department in Washington, at least six leaders at the criminal section of the Civil Rights Division were taking early retirement, two people familiar with the matter told NBC News. A third person familiar with the departures said that they were planned before the Minnesota shooting. The division, which is tasked in part with investigating possible abuse by law enforcement, has lost hundreds of attorneys since President Donald Trump returned to office. MS NOW first reported on the departures. Kristen Clarke, the former head of the division under President Joe Biden, said the departures would have a major impact. The hollowing out of the Civil Rights Divisions national expertise hurts every American, Clarke said. Unparalleled expertise and commitment to impartiality is precisely whats needed in this moment. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com " " Guan Yu, also known as Guan Gong, was a military general serving under Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han dynasty. Mattia Al Azizzy / Shutterstock Why did the Han dynasty fall? How did one of the most durable early Chinese empires unravel from the inside? There's not a singular answer. The Han dynasty shaped Chinese identity, governance, and culture so deeply that its collapse still echoes across East Asian cultures. Advertisement Like the Roman Empire, the Han did not fall in a single moment. It frayed, cracked, and finally came apart. A federal investigation has uncovered the startling consequences of stationary outdoor generators and recommends that people move them farther from their homes. What's happening? WVUE summarized the report, which found that carbon monoxide had seeped into 105 Louisiana homes via stationary generators in the days following Hurricane Ida in 2021. The Consumer Product Safety Commission conducted the study, which found that more than a dozen people fell ill after carbon monoxide entered their homes. The CPSC is now recommending that people keep their stationary generators at least 25 feet from their abodes. Prior guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association have recommended a distance of 5 feet. Advertisement Advertisement "You could wipe out generations in one quick breath," Michelle Babin, one of the affected residents, told WVUE. "They call it the silent killer, and it really is. We had no idea." Why is this report important? Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. Many fuel-burning products, such as gas stoves, electric generators, and combustion engines, create carbon monoxide. Exposure to this gas can lead to poisoning, when it builds up in the blood and results in symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, weakness, loss of muscle control, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness, per the Mayo Clinic. Ultimately, this can lead to death, but even survivors may experience permanent effects, including memory loss, personality changes, and movement problems, according to the clinic. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning goes up after natural disasters, when people rely on generators for electricity. One New York-based study found that children are at far greater risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during power outages, largely due to improper generator use. However, pediatricians have also warned about such risks associated with the use of wood and gas stoves. What's being done about carbon monoxide poisoning? If you feel any of the beginning symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, it's important to get outdoors as quickly as possible and to seek medical attention immediately, the Mayo Clinic advises. Advertisement Advertisement It also highlights the importance of having working carbon monoxide detectors and using gas appliances as intended for instance, don't use a gas stove to heat your home. Generators should not be used in enclosed spaces such as garages or basements. Another thing you can do to protect your family is to invest in an induction range, an electric-powered cooking option that does not release carbon monoxide or other pollutants into your home. This affordable alternative can save you money on your energy bills since it is about three times more efficient than gas stoves and cooks food faster. If you rent or just aren't ready for a major kitchen renovation, you might consider a plug-in induction burner instead. These devices start at around $50 and deliver all the same benefits as a range. 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. (The Center Square) - Nevadas broadband plan to bring more reliable internet to an estimated 28,000 Nevadans in rural areas has been approved by the federal government. As part of the approval, the state will get $170 million in federal funding. The breakthrough comes after a late Trump administration reversal and change of priorities toward technological neutrality in the national Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment program after the Biden administration approved Nevadas plan. Advertisement Advertisement This historic funding will be transformative for communities statewide, said Britta Appel, director of the Governors Office of Science, Innovation and Technology. With NTIA approval of Nevadas BEAD proposal, we are now one step closer to deployment and realizing our goals," Appel added. But Nevadas BEAD goals, while still focused on universal high-speed broadband internet access, have changed approaches in the past year. This comes after the Trump administration rescinded approval of the states fiber optic-based internet expansion plan in a June 2025 move, along with two other states. According to the Trump administration, Nevadas original $416 million plan was a bad deal. Today we proudly announce a new direction for the BEAD program that will deliver high-speed internet access efficiently on a technology-neutral basis, and at the right price, said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in a June press release. Lutnick added later, The American people will get the benefit of the bargain, with connectivity delivered around the country at a fraction of the cost of the original program. Advertisement Advertisement Brent Legg, executive vice president of government affairs for longtime broadband advocate Connected Nation, said his organization disagreed with Lutnicks technology neutrality emphasis. It's hard to put all technology types on a level playing field when they're very different in their capabilities, and they're very different in terms of their upgradeability in the future," Legg told The Center Square. Legg added that the shift in focus to satellites meant the minimum requirement for broadband would still be met, at a very low cost. But he said internet speed, latency and jitter would likely grow in importance in the future. The expansion of AI, for example, could test current satellite capabilities and require upgrades in the not-so-distant future. By and large, fiber is more upgradeable than other forms of service delivery, said Legg. Obviously it's very expensive to put a new satellite into space to upgrade capacity. Advertisement Advertisement The states original plan, approved under the Biden administration, would have covered roughly 50,000 rural homes, businesses and other locations, while the new version covers an estimated 28,000 in rural areas. Nevada has some of the most sparsely populated rural areas in the country. More than 98% of residents in three Nevada counties (Lander, Esmeralda and White Plane) have access to reliable broadband internet speeds, as per 2021 University of Nevada, Las Vegas data. The previous version of Nevadas BEAD plan prioritized fiber optic internet to Nevadas rural areas, widely considered the gold standard for internet connectivity. Much like gold, fiber optic is expensive. Technological neutrality has instead put a focus on cheaper and lower quality internet. While Nevadas first program was around 80% fiber optic extensions, the latest is 64%, with the difference largely made up by satellite providers at 29%. Advertisement Advertisement It's either spend money now, or deploy the minimum viable product now and then potentially have to spend more later, said Legg. In doing so, the federal government has saved at least for now over $20 billion on the $42.5 billion BEAD program. In Nevada, only $170 million have been approved of an initial $416 million. Legg said that figure is likely to go down as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration scrutinizes individual projects for potential savings. Amazons low Earth orbit satellite internet provider Kuiper and SpaceXs Starlink are two companies that gained from the satellite expansion under technological neutrality. They net $3.3 million and $2.4 million in Nevada, respectively. The largest Nevada contract was given to SkyFiber, a Reno-based internet company that provides fiber optics, at $57.5 million. But now Congress is trying to free up the more than half of BEAD funds that will go unspent. The SUCCESS for BEAD Act, or HR 6920, has proposed a variety of other ways states could spend these funds. Congress proposals include anything related to broadband expansion from roadways to workforce development programs. Basically other forms of internet infrastructure that's not last mile, that's not to individual homes and businesses, but other elements of the telecom ecosystem that need to be enhanced, said Legg. Advertisement Advertisement Despite the $170 million allocated for internet expansion, only 6% of Nevada's residents live in rural areas. But Legg argued that as AI and the internet become more crucial to the economy and daily life, having broadband should be treated as a right. You definitely want people who live in rural areas to have the same access to health care, the same access to emergency communications, the same access to education, said Legg, because people who live in rural areas deserve that kind of experience too. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists intercepted Khapra beetle remains at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport last spring, federal officials say. Khapra beetle is one of the many significant threats we face at our borders, said Area Port Director Fadia Pastilong in a news release. This particularly destructive insect is known to be extremely difficult to detect, which is why even intercepting a cast skin is a big deal. Due to its invasive nature, khapra beetle is one of several insects USDA considers quarantine significantdead or alive. The Khapra beetle, touted as the world's most invasive grain pest, was found in Detroit's Airport on April 18, 2025, when a traveler returning from Lebanon was sent to secondary inspection after undeclared seeds were discovered in their luggage. CBP seized the seeds. Advertisement Advertisement Upon inspection, local CBP and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials discovered a single cast skin in the seeds. More: State toughens rules on farm manure removal More: Frontier Airlines announces new nonstop flights from DTW for $29 The beetle is one of several insects the USDA considers quarantine significant, dead or alive, due to its ability to enter warehouses or granaries and cause stored products to be inedible. Federal officials say the beetle could uproot the nation's agricultural economy. The beetle can go dormant and is resistant to pesticides, which has previously resulted in control efforts being long-term and costly. Advertisement Advertisement The traveler received a warning to declare all agricultural goods and was eventually released, officials say. Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Invasive grain pests found in Detroit Airport. What we know A former Jacksonville woman is asking a federal judge for mercy in a smuggling case with two brothers from Haiti accused of trying to sneak guns into the violence-plagued Caribbean nation. I refuse to debate with the case or go to trial. I take full accountability, Francesca Charles wrote in a letter from Miamis Federal Detention Center that was added to a Jacksonville court docket Jan. 5. Charles, 28, could face up to 20 years in prison along with brothers Jacques Jerry Pierre and Jeff Pierre if theyre convicted of all counts in an October 2025 indictment accusing them of conspiracy, smuggling and illegal shipment of firearms. Police patrol Port-au-Prince, Haiti near Toussaint Louverture International Airport after reports of more gang shootings, in this photo from February 2025. Haiti's capital could become overrun by criminal gangs if the international community does not step up aid to a UN-backed security mission there, the UN warned in a January 2025 report. More: North Florida gun dealer gets prison for trafficking as smugglers move weapons overseas Advertisement Advertisement News reporting from Haiti and the neighboring Dominican Republic in March 2025 listed the three as having been arrested in Haiti after a shipment of guns headed there was seized in the Dominican Republic in February 2025. Some of that reporting said the weapons were intended for delivery to 400 Mawozo, a Haitian street gang that gained wide attention in 2021 for kidnapping 17 missionaries with a religious group from Ohio. The gangs former leader was later extradited to the United States and sentenced in December to life in prison on top of a sentence for gun trafficking. A release from the U.S. Attorneys Office about the Jacksonville gun case said that 18 rifles, five handguns and about 36,000 rounds of ammunition had been found in February 2025 in a shipping container labeled as holding ordinary household goods. Investigators concluded that at least 20 of the 23 seized guns had been bought by Charles or one of the Pierre brothers, said the release. While lumping the defendants together on most points, the release singled out Jacques Jerry Pierre, 32, to say he bought two Barrett .50-caliber rifles, one seized in the Dominican Republic, which prosecutors described as a heavy-duty, military-style weapon commonly mounted on top of vehicles by gangs or cartels. People protest against gang-related violence and to demand the resignation of Haiti's transitional presidential council, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, May 15, 2025. Haitians living in Florida fear deportation to the Caribbean nation, saying conditions there are unsafe. The three defendants bought at least 46 firearms over nine months that ended in February 2025, the U.S. Attorneys Office release said. Advertisement Advertisement Guns were bought from at least five federally licensed dealers, according to the indictment, which said someone besides the three defendants arranged for the shipping container to be moved from Miami to Haiti and that the gun were never mentioned. The U.S. Attorneys Office release said Charles is an American citizen and the Pierre brothers are citizens of Haiti who were considered Florida residents. The defendants traveled to the Dominican Republic three days before the shipping container was intercepted there, the release said. Locked up in South Florida awaiting transfer for court proceedings, Charles wrote in late December to the federal courthouse in Jacksonville, saying I feel the need to share remorse toward my terrible actions. She wrote that two years she had lived in Jacksonville uplifted my sprits and motivated her to further a medical career, saying she had earned a medical technology certificate and one as a phlebotomist. People displaced by armed gang attacks take refuge in the town hall of the Kenscoff neighborhood in Port-au-Prince in this photo from February 2025. According to official sources there were more than 3000 internally displaced people in Kenscoff. Haiti has been mired for decades by political instability, made worse in recent years by criminal gangs that have grown more powerful. Gangs now control 85 percent of the capital Port-au-Prince and children -- some as young as eight years old -- now make up to half of all armed groups, UNICEF spokesman James Elder told reporters in Geneva. More: Jacksonville missionaries back in Florida fear for the children and families in Haiti Advertisement Advertisement I enjoy taking care of my patients as much as I do for my Grandmother at home, wrote Charles, pleading for a judge (no name is mentioned) to give me one more chance on Home Detention/Probation for however many years that you feel is necessary. Charles hasnt yet had a court hearing in Jacksonville, but Senior U.S. District Judge Brian Davis has scheduled a trial to begin April 6. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: 3 charged in Jacksonville with smuggling guns to gang-plagued Haiti IOWA (KCAU) In front of a packed House Chamber, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds offered her final road map for state government on Tuesday night. Governor Reynolds 9th and last Condition of the State address included a few big surprises and words of thanks for Sioux Citys 185th Air Refueling Wing of the Air National Guard. The 66-year-old Governor is leaving state politics, at least for the time being, after spending the last 15 years as either Governor or Lieutenant Governor. Priorities: Tax proposal, cap on revenue growth As was expected, Reynolds highlighted a handful of priorities for her last year in office, including a property tax proposal she said would save Iowans $3 billion while also freezing property tax bills for those ages 65 and older with homes valued at $350,000 or less. Advertisement Advertisement Reynolds plan also puts a cap on overall revenue growth for local government in order to limit their growth. She said that one of the drivers of taxes is spending. Its simple but effective, Governor Reynolds said. You remember when we were kids, our parents would tell us that money doesnt grow on trees. Well, I think its time governments learn that lesson too. Wouldnt you agree? Story continues below Cancer prevention, screening, treatment Only Kentucky lists more new cancer cases each year than Iowa. Governor Reynolds outlined plans to use $50 million of new federal funding for rural health care to change that. Advertisement Advertisement Reynolds said the money will be invested in cancer prevention, screening, and treatment. She added that the funding is expected to grow by $183 million over four years, all in an effort to catch cancer early through exams, tests, and check-ups. Were making early detection the norm, not the exception, Reynolds said. Replacing fear with hope and making sure that if families hear the word Cancer, they also hear, We caught it early, and we can treat it.' Honoring Rocky De Witt, fallen soldiers Reynolds also took time to honor three state lawmakers who died since the last session ended. One of those lawmakers was former State Senator Rocky De Witt from Lawton, who passed away in June after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Also remembered were two Iowa National Guard soldiers killed in an attack in Syria in December, as well as others who were injured. Advertisement Advertisement The Governor singled out members of Sioux Citys 185th Air Refueling Wing who helped with the treatment and evacuation of two of those seriously injured soldiers, as well as the transport of Guard members from Des Moines and Marshalltown who were killed. 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 KCAU 9 News | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. NEED TO KNOW A groom suffered second-degree burns after a fire broke out at his wedding in Italy in December 2025 The blaze at Palace Hotel Kristall in Ariano Irpino, Italy, was allegedly ignited by sparklers No other guests were burned, but the venue suffered severe damage and is now listed as permanently closed on Google What was meant to be a night of cake, dancing and I do ended in flames for one couple late last month. About 200 guests were gathered at the Palace Hotel Kristall in Ariano Irpino, Italy, on the evening of Dec. 27, 2025, when sparklers allegedly ignited a fire at the venue mid-celebration, according to numerous Italian outlets, including RaiNews, L'Unione Sarda and la Repubblica. Advertisement Advertisement Several large sparklers resembling light fountains had been arranged inside the establishment and lit during the event, la Repubblica reported. Footage shared by the outlet shows the top of the light spouts grazing the ceilings as guests looked on and recorded the spectacle. Once the fire caught, it only took minutes for the room to become engulfed in flames, and it quickly spread to the lobby as well, according to the local outlets. 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. GoogleMaps Palace Hotel Kristall in Italy Palace Hotel Kristall in Italy Footage of the incident shows the orange blaze and billowing black smoke filling the building, visible through the entrances. In one clip, smoke rose above a sign reading Hotel Kristall. Other clips show fire and smoke visible from a different area of the building. Advertisement Advertisement In the footage shared by la Repubblica, people can be heard speaking frantically and children can be heard crying. The groom was the only individual burned in the blaze, though other individuals suffered minor smoke poisoning, according to the Italian outlets. While the approximately 200 wedding guests escaped relatively unscathed, the newlywed who, like his wife, is a resident of nearby town Calitri was hospitalized due to his burn injuries, the outlets reported. Getty Stock image of sparklers on a wedding cake Stock image of sparklers on a wedding cake The groom suffered second-degree burns on his hand and head while attempting to put out the blaze, according to RaiNews. He received treatment at the hospital and was released overnight, per the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters from both Ariano Irpino and Grottaminarda were among the first responders on the scene, along with the Carabinieri, one of Italys national police forces, according to local reports. There were several emergency vehicles on the scene, footage shows. The Carabinieri of the Ariano Irpino investigated the blaze, per la Repubblica. The outlet also reported that the owners of the Palace Hotel Kristall were shocked by the unprecedented incident, which caused significant damage to the venue. Google now lists the business as permanently closed. Read the original article on People CANTON A cat was found unharmed after firefighters extinguished a fire that started in the attic of a multi-unit home at 1220 Louisiana Ave. NW on the afternoon of Jan. 14. The Canton Fire Department was called at 1:15 p.m. and arrived at 1:19 p.m. to find heavy smoke coming from the attic. "An adult male and female were found exiting the first-floor apartment with their two dogs as firefighters arrived," Division Chief Steven Henderson wrote in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement "The second-floor apartment was occupied by another adult male and female, who were not home at the time of the incident. Occupants indicated there may have been an additional individual living in the residence, though no name or details were known." A cat was found unharmed after the Canton Fire Department responded to a fire in a multi-unit home at 1220 Louisiana Ave. NW. Due to the extent of the fire damage, the residence was deemed unsafe for occupancy, Henderson said. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced occupants. The value of the damage to the structure was estimated at $30,000, and to the contents, at $10,000. The home was not insured. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. SAFER grant: A closer look at why Canton turned down funding for more firefighters This article originally appeared on The Repository: Fire starts in attic of house on Louisiana Avenue NW in Canton Fired WINK News chief meteorologist Matt Devitt is talking again this week, but not about why he was fired after a decade of working at the Fort Myers CBS affiliate. On Tuesday (Jan. 13) Devitt went to his social media again to express frustration about not being able to change his Facebook page associated with WINK News. He said this: Vote! Florida weatherman Matt Devitt was fired. Who will replace him at WINK? Advertisement Advertisement "They're (Facebook) not allowing me to take my former employer out of my name and 'rejecting' my request to." Bringing humor to his job: Frozen iguanas, Florida weather: Best Matt Devitt memes over the years He was doing some crowd sourcing to see if any of his one million-plus followers on Facebook know what the trick is to connect with someone at Facebook to ask that Matt Devitt WINK Weather be replaced with Matt Devitt Weather. Here is his full post on X: Hi all. Thanks everyone for the overwhelming support over the past several days, I really appreciate it. Some have asked why I haven't changed my name on @Facebook or been posting updates. They're not allowing me to (Facebook) take my former employer out of my name and Matt Devitt (@MattDevittWX) January 13, 2026 As of Wednesday morning (Jan. 14) the Devitt-WINK News Facebook page with 1.2 million followers was still active. Devitt's post about WINK News firing him now has 82,000 reactions and nearly 28,600 comments on Facebook mostly from viewers mad about his departure. Advertisement Advertisement WINK loses another weather expert: WINK News loses another member of weather team after Devitt firing Devitt's firing has attracted attention from several political leaders, too. Neither WINK nor Devitt have responded to requests for further comment from The News-Press/Naples Daily News. Also on Tuesday, Jan. 13, WINK News meteorologist Nikki Sheats announced she's leaving the station. Please support local community journalism and stay informed about Southwest Florida news by subscribing to The News-Press and Naples Daily News; download the free News-Press or Naples Daily News app, and sign up for daily briefing email newsletter, food & dining and growth & development newsletters here and here. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Why was Florida weatherman Matt Devitt fired from WINK News? A fire early Wednesday forced several hundred residents from the Brighton Towers condominiums in Atlantic City, New Jersey, leaving nine units unlivable and sending one police officer to the hospital with minor injuries, according to building management and city officials. The fire appeared to have started in a bedroom on the building's eighth floor. While most residents were allowed back inside after crews brought the incident under control, those living in several corner units remained displaced. The evacuation began around 5 a.m., when residents were jolted awake by pounding on their doors. Advertisement Advertisement "Grab your coats and just leave. Or just grab whatever and just leave," resident Deep Halvawala said. "We didn't even have a minute to do anything." Another resident, Perry Lippowitsch, said false alarms were common in the building - but this time the danger was real. "It was pretty scary. Somebody banging on your door. Fire alarms go off a lot. It's usually a false alarm. This time it wasn't," he said. Lippowitsch said he rushed to reach his elderly mother in her unit. "Grabbed the shirt on my back. Went to get out of there. I got my 93-year-old mom, made sure she got out. At least we're all safe," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Fire officials said several residents with mobility challenges required assistance evacuating. "We took them out on balconies, covered them in blankets. We kept a firefighter with them," Acting Chief Paul Hess said. "We said we're going back. We had to be able to get them down an evacuation stairwell." Five residents were evaluated on scene and did not need medical treatment, according to city officials. Atlantic City Fire Chief Scott Evans said crews are well acquainted with the property. The high-rise, built in 1966, was the site of a deadly fire in 1969 that killed four people. Advertisement Advertisement Evans said the department continues to respond to frequent calls at the building. "There are no sprinklers here," Evans said. "This was a fire that was manpower intensive. The fire went to a fourth alarm." Officials said the building is exempt from current sprinkler requirements due to its age. The condo association president told Action News the property is up to code on all required fire alarms and extinguishers, adding that installing sprinklers now would likely cost millions of dollars. Public Safety Director Sean Riggin credited firefighters for preventing more serious injuries. Advertisement Advertisement "The speed with which the fire department put this fire out - there's absolutely no doubt it saved lives," he said. The injured police officer was treated for smoke inhalation and later released. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The 2026 Georgia General Assembly kicked off their 40-day legislative session Monday with issues from property taxes to THC to cell phones in schools up for debate. A number of open seats haven't put a damper on the first few days of the session, and on Wednesday, the first bill passed. SB 204 passed the Senate with a vote of 31-21 and now heads to Governor Brian Kemp's desk where it will be signed or vetoed. What's in the bill? SB 204 challenges local municipalities and towns setting their own ordinances on how firearms should be stored, whether during gun shows or in private possession. Advertisement Advertisement The bill says counties or municipalities cannot regulate gun storage through avenues like zoning, ordinances or resolutions. It also would allow gun owners to sue their local authority for $25,000, and legal fees, if they are affected by a local ordinance now in conflict with the state law. The bill passed a House vote in April 2025 by a 99-74 majority, but was tabled for the Senate for the 2026 session. SB 204's origins The bill targets ordinances like that in Savannah which can impose fines and possible jail time on gun owners that don't secure their guns within unlocked vehicles. Colton Moore, a Republican Senator from Trenton and the sponsor of the bill, said on the Senate floor that the Savannah ordinance would turn victims of car thefts into criminals if a firearm was found in the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement "You can travel the state freely, knowing that you're not going to be a victim of a crime and then be made a criminal, as we've seen in Savannah, Georgia," he said. Georgia state Senator Colton Moore A case in which the defendant challenged the Savannah ordinance as part of his criminal defense was dismissed by a judge in November. The Chatham County Recorder's Court judge said the city ordinance violates state law and the U.S. Constitution. "You see, we are the supreme lawmaking authority in this state, not some liberal municipality," Moore said on the floor, the Georgia Recorder reported. Moore is running in the special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in the U.S. House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement A Democratic senator from Savannah, Derek Mallow, told the outlet this ordinance had reduced gun thefts by over 30%, and that while the city supports the Second Amendment, the ordinance protected public safety when guns were stolen from unlocked cars. Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Todays Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What was the first bill passed in the Georgia 2026 legislative session? Florida consistently ranks among the top five deadliest states for pedestrians, and this year Florida lawmakers are looking at ways to combat that stigma. Pedestrian safety, especially for students, has been top of mind here in Duval recently. School Board Member Cindy Pearson (District 3) noted earlier this month the school district launched its new Be Safe Be Seen campaign to address a concerning trend of dangerous driving around stopped school buses. Advertisement Advertisement Last year I think we had 42 or 43 students hit with three fatalities, Pearson said. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< For local parents like Katie Hathaway, its a constant concern when sending her children off to school. And getting kids to and from school safely every day is the bare minimum we should be doing, Hathaway said. Now, state lawmakers are considering a new bill that aims to improve safety at crosswalks. The bill would require any new crosswalks in school zones or on public roadways with speed limits of 35 miles-per-hour or higher to install one of four different safety crossing signals. Advertisement Advertisement They include flashing beacons, in-roadway warning lights, pedestrian hybrid beacons and rectangular rapid flashing beacons. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Pearson said she likes the goal, but would like to see the plan include a public safety campaign. It is quite dangerous for our students when our drivers either dont recognize the signal, dont know how to interact with it or just ignore it, Pearson said. Hathaway also supports the base mission of pedestrian safety, but noted that, without any state funding attached, the bill would increase costs on local governments. Advertisement Advertisement Families need safer routes, but you cannot implement legislation like this without the funds to back it and this comes at a time when some in our state want to eliminate property taxes, which help fund projects like this, Hathaway said. The bill cleared its first committee stop in the House Wednesday morning, and concerns around a lack of flexibility and funding were raised. The bill sponsor indicated hes willing to make changes as the bill moves forward to address those concerns. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' job approval rating has slipped to 50%, "down from the 53% ... he posted last March," according to the latest Mason-Dixon poll released Jan. 14. But even the pollster admits that isn't too shabby. "Overall, a 50% approval rating is not bad it is simply somewhat lower than what he has enjoyed throughout his tenure," said Brad Coker, CEO and managing director of Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy in Jacksonville. Advertisement Advertisement The latest rating is down from a high of 62% in March 2019, the poll shows. DeSantis was first sworn in as governor on Jan. 8, 2019. More: House Speaker calls Gov. Ron DeSantis 'petulant' after handshake snub And the poll's summary explains there are "notable drops among several voter groups": "Among voters with no party affiliation, (DeSantis') approval rating has dropped by 10 points from 51% to 41%," the summary says. "Among Hispanic voters his approval rating has declined from 57% to 49% and among Black voters it has slipped from 16% to 7%." "Among voters 50 and older, his approval rating is down 4 points from 56% to 52%." "He is also now 'under water' with women, with 49% disapproving and only 45% approving." Advertisement Advertisement Coker suggests several explanations, citing "national trends against Republicans in general and natural voter fatigue with governors nearing the end of their second term in office (very common)." He added: "Additionally, his positions on issues that are not as popular as some of his early initiatives could be contributing to his rating decline." This poll was conducted Jan. 812, with a total of 625 registered voters statewide interviewed by phone, according to the summary. The margin of error is plus or minus four percentage points. DeSantis has historically downplayed opinion polls The governor, however, has notably disdained public opinion polls, once saying that when he became governor, Im like, you know what, Im not doing polling." Advertisement Advertisement "Im not going to be one of these politicians that just has the finger in the wind, thats so worried about kind of this or that, he said in June 2022 at the Florida American Legion Boys State program, according to Breitbart. You got to do whats right. ... And you know, responding to polls is being a follower. Thats not being a leader. A leader will set out a vision, will execute on that vision. And then when the results are positive, you know what? People will be with you when you do that. DeSantis ran unsuccessfully for the GOP nomination for president in 2024 and is term-limited as governor, set to leave office in January 2027. But "with no immediate announced political plans, DeSantis popularity drop probably has no immediate impact," Coker said. If you can't view the polling document above, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Jim Rosica is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK Florida Capital Bureau. Reach him at jrosica@tallahassee.com and follow him on Twitter/X: @JimRosicaFL. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis job approval rating slips in latest Florida poll It's flu season in Massachusetts, and most sick Bay Staters are coming down with Influenza Type A, according to recent health data. During the week of Dec. 28, 2025, to Jan. 3, 2026, there were 7,514 lab-confirmed influenza cases in Massachusetts, down from 8,860 the week prior, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said. Of those cases, there were 6,630 Influenza Type A (unsubtyped) positive results, 439 Influenza Type A (H1) positive results, 182 Type A (H3) positive results, 121 Type B positive results, and 16 unknown flu type positive results. Advertisement Advertisement While the current estimated influenza-like illness activity in Massachusetts is still considered "very high," related hospitalizations have been on a decline since the last week of December, according to the department. Here's what to know about Influenza Type A and Type B. After an intense month in December, flu cases were still high but on the decline the first week in January. Flu symptoms 2026 Flu symptoms in adults and children come on quickly, with symptoms lasting from a few days to two weeks fatigue and chills to start, followed by fever, body aches, cough, headache, sore throat, congestion, and (runny or stuffy nose), according to the Cleveland Clinic. A fever is considered 100.4 degrees or higher, and a high fever is 102.4 degrees or higher, Harvard Medical School said. Influenza can cause diarrhea and nausea, especially in children, Dr. Stuart Ray, a professor of medicine and oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, told TODAY.com. Some people experience a loss of taste and smell with either type, which can also occur with COVID-19. What's the difference between Type A and Type B? The most common and most severe flu strains are Influenza A and Influenza B, according to the CDC. The "super flu" virus going around, "subclade K," is a mutated version of one of the subtypes of Flu A, which makes it harsher for older adults. Advertisement Advertisement Of the data collected so far during the 2025-2026 flu season, there have been 15,000,000 illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 7,400 deaths from flu so far this season in the U.S. Of the subtypes tested, 94.3% were Type A (which included "subclade K"), while about 5.7% were Type B. Flu A is known to cause more severe illness and has been known to cause pandemics, such as the 1918 flu pandemic that led to at least 50 million deaths worldwide. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Influenza A typically starts in the fall and hits its full stride by February or March, but can last through April. Influenza B tends to pick up in March. While influenza Type A is a more common and more severe illness than Type B, both types spread the same way and cause similar symptoms, the Cleveland Clinic said. Doctors treat both types the same way. Advertisement Advertisement Of the less common flu types, Influenza C virus infections generally cause mild illness and are not thought to cause epidemics among humans, according to the CDC. Influenza D virus infections mostly affect cattle and other animals. Which type of flu is dominating Massachusetts? The flu currently dominating Massachusetts is known as "Seasonal type A/ H3N2," which is a strain of Influenza A, according to the Department of Public Health. And a newer, more powerful flu strain, known as "subclade K," is also in the U.S., according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Seth Jacobson of the USA Today Network contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Difference between Influenza Type A and Type B President Donald Trump talks with workers at Ford's F-150 factory in Dearborn. Jan. 13, 2025 | White House photo Updated on 1/14/26 at 11:40 a.m. A union-backed auto worker at Ford Motor Co. was caught on video heckling President Donald Trump as a pedophile protector when he visited a Dearborn factory on Tuesday ahead of his address to the Detroit Economic Club. The video that has now gone viral shows Trump responded in kind by mouthing an expletive at the worker, twice, and displaying a middle finger as he walked away. Advertisement Advertisement Now, the union says the worker has been suspended while Ford looks into the matter. A representative from the UAW told Michigan Advance late Tuesday that they could confirm that he was suspended but the length of the suspension was unknown. The union was also uncertain about the process that would follow to investigate the matter. On Wednesday, the UAWs Laura Dickerson, who serves as the Ford department director, issued a statement saying the autoworker at the Dearborn Truck Plant is a proud member of a strong and fighting unionthe UAW. He believes in freedom of speech, a principle we wholeheartedly embrace, and we stand with our membership in protecting their voice on the job. Dickerson said the UAW will ensure their member receives the full protection of all negotiated contract language safeguarding his job and his rights as a union member, adding that workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyoneincluding the President of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement The video, which was first published by Distill Social, shows Trump walking around a raised portion of the Dearborn F-150 plant when the worker, who is not seen on screen, yells to Trump and calls him a pedophile protector, a reference to Trumps widely reported connections to deceased pedophile and sex trafficker Jeffery Epstein and the Trump administrations bungling of a new law that ordered the FBI to release all of the files that the department had available to them. A message seeking comment from Ford to confirm if the worker was fired or suspended was not immediately returned on Tuesday evening. The worker has since been identified by the Washington Post as 40-year-old TJ Sabula, a line worker and member of UAW Local 600. Sabula told the paper he has no regrets about what happened at the factory. Advertisement Advertisement I dont feel as though fate looks upon you often, and when it does, you better be ready to seize the opportunity, Sabula told the Post. And today I think I did that. Michigan Advance made multiple attempts to contact Sabula, but has yet to receive a response. In a statement to the Advance, White House communications director Steven Cheung called the worker a lunatic who was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage. And the president gave an appropriate and unambiguous response, Cheung said. U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) said she spoke to a well placed source in the workers local union who said he was facing disciplinary action. Advertisement Advertisement Ford said they cant talk about it because its a human resources issue, Tlaib said. In the past, when President Obama (went) onto the plant floor and other times people have said some terrible things, they didnt get fired. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) also told the Advance that the union confirmed that the confrontation meant the man was facing disciplinary action. Dingell also said she was inquiring with Ford about the status of the mans employment, and if he was being suspended and investigated in violation of his free speech rights. When youre on a factory floor with union members that have strong feelings, you need to be prepared for whatever theyre gonna say, and I hope theyre not firing him because I believe in free speech, Dingell said in an interview. The UAW worker was expressing his right to free speech, and Im asking questions as to what has happened. Advertisement Advertisement Some have seen the constant delays from the FBI and the slow walk to release the files as Trump protecting either himself or his wealthy elite friends from scrutiny or a clear connection to Epstein. In response to the confrontation, the Democratic National Committee denounced Trump for being more concerned with his ego than his spiraling economy, where job cuts are skyrocketing, hiring has slowed, unemployment remains high, and prices continue to soar. As working families struggle to make ends meet in Trumps economy, the Trump family and their wealthy donors keep getting richer theres no bigger F-you than that, said DNC Senior Advisor for Messaging, Mobilization and Strategy Tim Hogan in a statement. The real question is: Why does the mere mention of Epstein set him off? Tlaib echoed that point. Advertisement Advertisement The worker could have said anything, but this worker felt compelled to say youre protecting a pedophile. I feel very strongly that Ford Motor Company is sending a message that people cant stand up for sexual abuse survivors, Tlaib said. This story has been updated with details on the workers identity and comment from the UAW. Michigan Advance Editor-in-Chief Jon King contributed to this story. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A Ford employee and UAW member has been suspended after a verbal exchange with President Donald Trump during the president's visit to Ford Motor's Dearborn Truck Plant on Jan. 13. In the incident the president is reported to have made an obscene gesture in return to the worker. Trump visited the factory where Ford assembles its F-150 pickup ahead of a planned speech before the Detroit Economic Club. It was a visit that started off well and by and large was positive, Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford told the Detroit Free Press on the sidelines of the Detroit Auto Show late Jan. 13. Advertisement Advertisement "He loves Ford, which is great. He really wanted to come here and thank us for our industrial capability and also for building the best-selling vehicle in America," Ford said. "It was a great visit. Any time you have the president of the United States come to see you, it's a good thing." But as the president walked the floor, a worker shouted at Trump a statement that included the words "pedophile protector," according to a report by TMZ. It was an apparent reference to Trump's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the U.S. Department of Justice's reluctant release of the infamous Epstein Files. Epstein's death in prison was ruled a suicide. More: Multiple protesters arrested outside Trump's speech in Detroit More: In Detroit speech, Trump touts an economic boom invisible to many Advertisement Advertisement Trump is said to have responded mouthing back at the worker: "F--- you" before flipping him the middle finger, TMZ reported. The Washington Post also reported Trump's obscene gesture. Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement to USA TODAY. "A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response," A spokesman for the UAW told the Free Press only that a UAW Local 600 member was suspended after the incident. It did not comment beyond that statement and the spokesman would not allow his name to be published. When asked about the incident, Bill Ford told the Free Press, "Discipline is in the hands of the organization. It's unfortunate and 99% of the employees in the plant were great and I was embarassed because we're the host. But that was six seconds out of an hour tour and the tour went great. I think he really enjoyed it and we did too. I understand that gets a lot of social media play and that's the world we live in. But it was a very small part of the day." Advertisement Advertisement When asked about a video clip of the incident, Ford spokesman Dave Tovar emailed a statement saying the company had a great event and is proud of how employees represented Ford. U.S. President Donald Trump and CEO of Ford Jim Farley clap, as President Trump visits a Ford production center, in Dearborn, Michigan, U.S., January 13, 2026. More: Ford's quest to dominate the off-road market expands with Bronco RTR "Weve seen the clip youre referring to," Tovar said. "One of our core values is respect and we dont condone anyone saying anything inappropriate like that within our facilities. When that happens, we have a process to deal with it, but we dont get into specific personnel matters." Ford spokesman Mark Truby told the Free Press at a Ford event during the Detroit Auto Show on the evening of Jan. 13 that the company will investigate the incident and declined to comment on any further status of discipline for the worker. Advertisement Advertisement Jamie L. LaReau is the senior autos writer for USA Today Co. who covers Ford Motor Co. for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Jamie at jlareau@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ford worker suspended after exchange with Trump during Detroit visit Mark Brnovich in 2019 at his inauguration for a second term as attorney general. Photo by Gage Skidmore | Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0 Former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich is dead at the age of 59, his family said. We are heartbroken with this loss and are deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support from so many wonderful people across the state and country, a representative for the family said in a written statement. The family asks for privacy during this difficult time. Memorial service arrangements will be made public as they become available. Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The statement was first reported by ABC15. A cause of death has not been announced. Brnovich was elected attorney general in 2014 after ousting incumbent AG Tom Horne in a contentious primary election that centered on FBI investigations into Horne for alleged campaign finance violations. He served two terms as AG and ran for U.S. Senate in 2022, where he lost in the primary to Blake Masters. Although he had a falling out with then-President Donald Trump in 2020 after he told the country that allegations of election fraud in Arizona were untrue, Brnovich made up with Trump. After he was elected to a second term as president in 2024, Trump nominated Brnovich to be ambassador to Serbia, where his parents immigrated from. But in late 2025, Trump quietly pulled his nomination. Advertisement Advertisement Brnovich blamed the deep state for blocking his appointment. As the process dragged on, it became clear that the bureaucracy of the deep state does not want to serve anyone with my political, ethnic and religious background in Serbia, he told the Serbian Times. Arizona political leaders were quick to mourn Brnovich. AG Kris Mayes, who replaced Brnovich as the states top attorney, said she was saddened by the unexpected news of his passing. My heartfelt condolences go to his wife Susan and their entire family at this difficult time. Mark dedicated many years to public service in Arizona, including his two terms as Attorney General, she said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement And Horne, who Brnovich defeated in 2014, said the pair long ago put aside their political differences. Mark Brnovich was an outstanding, dedicated public servant and a devoted family man. He will be missed. At one time we were political opponents, but we eventually became friends, for which I am grateful. My hope is that his family finds peace as they mourn this wonderful person, he said in a statement. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Former Bothell councilmember James McNeal has pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and second-degree assault, both domestic violence charges, in the killing of his 20-year-old girlfriend, Liliya Guyvoronsky, according to the King County Prosecutors Office. McNeal entered the guilty plea Tuesday, resolving a case that began in late April 2024 when Guyvoronsky was found dead inside her South Seattle home. Prosecutors say McNeal now faces a sentencing range of 95 to 125 months for first-degree manslaughter and 12 to 14 months for second-degree assault. Advertisement Advertisement Under state law, the sentences would run concurrently. Prosecutors have said they intend to ask the judge to impose the high end of both sentencing ranges 125 months for manslaughter and 14 months for assault along with additional years of community custody under the Department of Corrections and restitution following McNeals prison term. Discovery of the killing Police were called to a home in the 4600 block of South Orchard Street in the Brighton neighborhood of South Seattle on April 30, 2024, after McNeals attorney contacted 911 to report what court documents described as a likely homicide. Officers found Guyvoronsky dead inside her bedroom. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators determined she had been strangled and had likely been dead for more than 24 hours before police arrived. She was found naked in her bed, according to charging documents. Homicide detectives took over the investigation, and patrol officers secured the scene while evidence was collected. Arrest and injuries McNeal, who was 58 at the time, was arrested at the home and treated by Seattle Fire medics for injuries before being transported to Harborview Medical Center. Prosecutors later said his injuries were self-inflicted cuts to his wrists. Photos included in court filings appeared to show blood on his clothing. Advertisement Advertisement McNeal was initially booked on suspicion of homicide. Relationship details Court documents state that McNeal and Guyvoronsky had been in a relationship and had argued and broken up three days before her body was found. A neighbor told KIRO 7 News that McNeal had been dating Guyvoronsky. Another neighbor described her as a friend. Its just really awful. She was really sweet, the neighbor said. Vigil and community response More than 100 people gathered on May 16, 2024, outside Guyvoronskys townhome to honor her life. A candlelight vigil filled the area with flowers, balloons and messages from friends and loved ones. She was 20 years old, and she was young, she was figuring out her life and she was a beautiful and talented young woman, said Madison Darner, a close friend. Advertisement Advertisement Darner said the vigil was meant to reclaim the space where Guyvoronsky was killed. Kinda to take back the place that she was taken from and to lift her up and be able to help her know that this was still her safe place, she said. Friends described Guyvoronsky as caring and deeply empathetic. She cared for every single person and the intention behind her actions was so sincere and genuine. No one deserves to be murdered like that, Darner said. Darner also spoke about the relationship, saying it became unhealthy. They were in a relationship. That she cared for him at some points. That it came pretty toxic quickly, she said. She was trying to get away from it, we all saw that. She was done with that. Advertisement Advertisement City officials and local organizations used the vigil to speak about the dangers of domestic violence, which loved ones said ultimately cost Guyvoronsky her life. McNeals background McNeal served two terms on the Bothell City Council after being elected in 2016. He lost his re-election bid at the end of 2023. One former colleague, Tom Agnew, said he was still struggling to understand the case. Ill support him as much as I can, but my heart still goes out to that family, the victims family, oh my God, what a tragedy for them a 20-year-old woman taken out in the prime of her life, I mean, its sad, Agnew said. Ive been trying to put this all together as the rest of us have and the only thing we can all think of is the divorce hit him a lot harder, there was a mental health issue, he never got it treated, there was a catastrophic collapse, I dont know. Sentencing ahead McNeal remains in custody as he awaits sentencing. The final sentence will be determined by a judge, though prosecutors have already signaled they will seek the longest prison term allowed under state guidelines. Jan. 13Former Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich's campaign for Wyoming governor got off to a confusing start on Tuesday. "It's official," Knezovich wrote on Facebook, with a photo depicting his campaign slogan, "Wyoming First." "My entire career as sheriff in Spokane has prepared me for this," Knezovich said during a Tuesday phone interview. "The good, the bad and the indifferent." Advertisement Advertisement But after a Spokesman-Review reporter pointed out Tuesday evening that the Wyoming Constitution requires gubernatorial candidates to be Wyoming residents for five years before the election, he acknowledged the rule could cause his campaign a hiccup: "I'll be back in 2030," he texted a reporter. He wasn't fully giving up, however. "I'm checking with an attorney because we have owned a residence here for nearly 10 years," he said in a text. Knezovich, running as a Republican, ended his nearly 17-year tenure as Spokane County's sheriff in December 2022, saying at the time he had accomplished everything he felt he could in Washington. Knezovich left the Spokane area to return to his home state of Wyoming, a place that bore three generations of his family. His grandfather and great-grandfather came to the United States from Austria and began working in the coal mines. Wyoming will always be home to him, he said. Advertisement Advertisement "As much as my wife and I loved the Spokane area, I am a Wyoming boy at heart," he said. "You can take the boy out of Wyoming, but you can't take the Wyoming out of the boy." Knezovich remains one of the longest-serving sheriffs in the county's history. Since living in Wyoming, Knezovich has taken up law enforcement-adjacent jobs, such as volunteering as the public safety director and chief of police in the town of Superior. He was also elected to the Wyoming Community College board of trustees in 2024. Knezovich moved to Spokane in the summer of 1996 because his work as a police officer in Wyoming did not offer satisfactory pay or retirement benefits to provide for his family, he said. Washington did. It's partly why Knezovich threw his hat into the ring to run as a Republican governor of Wyoming because there aren't enough opportunities in the state for people's children to want to stay, he said. Advertisement Advertisement "It's been that way since I was a kid," Knezovich said. "It is something I intend on changing." When he visited the state Capitol as a young boy, it was also a lifelong goal to go back one day. "I said, 'I want to be back here someday. And when I come back, I want to be governor,' " he said. Knezovich, who mostly supports the policies of President Donald Trump, acknowledged the Wyoming superintendent of education already had the president's endorsement for governor. It doesn't faze him, he said. "The most important endorsement is the people of Wyoming, and that is what I am working to get," he said. "They are going to show their credentials, I will show mine." Advertisement Advertisement Knezovich is a U.S. Army veteran, but typically declines to accept people's praises when they thank him for his service. Instead, he says, he asks them to go out and vote. "If you wanna thank me, vote, and vote in the primary. It is in the primary we are losing control of this country," he said. "The extremes vote in the primary, and that is why we get the candidates we get." Asked about Trump and immigration, a topic that has heated up in the last week over a federal agent's killing of a 37-year-old mother in Minnesota, Knezovich said he hopes immigrants have the same opportunity that his family was given when they came to the U.S. from Austria. "I wish that for every immigrant that comes in and does it the legal way ... The laws need to be respected. It is disrespectful to every immigrant that has done it right because of others that didn't," Knezovich said. "I am very proud of my immigrant heritage and what it has done for my family." Advertisement Advertisement Knezovich said in a news release announcing his gubernatorial run that he wants to "stop wasting our tax dollars and spending money the government does not have." "I look forward to serving the People of Wyoming and working to make Wyoming the greatest place in America to live, work and raise a family. Thankfully we have a President who understands these priorities, and I look forward to working with President Trump to accomplish the mission of making America, and Wyoming, the manufacturing, energy, and tech giants we should be," the statement said. "Time to bring back the American Dream for every Wyoming worker and family, while preserving Wyoming's heritage for our kids and grandkids." At the time of his retirement, Knezovich was praised by other members of the sheriff's office for creating a task force of law enforcement agencies to combat gang violence in the community, re-energizing the county's Sheriff Community Oriented Policing Effort to improve neighborhood responses to crime and serving as a founding member of the Spokane County Human Rights Task Force. He also led the charge to restart Crime Check, the area's nonemergency line that was previously disbanded due to budget issues. Advertisement Advertisement Knezovich, who said Tuesday he is a proud Republican but grew up in a Democratic home, was notably a vocal critic of former Republican state Rep. Matt Shea, even as other Republicans stood by him after he was ousted from the state House GOP Caucus in 2019. In later years, Knezovich turned his attention to members of the Democratic Party, including local and state elected officials, whom he accused of pushing policies that promoted lawlessness. He often sparred with Democratic members of Spokane's city council during his time in office, including vehemently opposing higher fines for railway operations, a measure some progressives in Spokane had supported. The proposal was later rejected by local voters, something Knezovich touted as a win. While states away, the former sheriff largely keeps up with the happenings in Spokane, but not because he calls current Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels repeatedly. It's because people in Spokane choose to contact him. "There are times I regret maybe not staying longer and fighting the fight," he said of leaving Washington. "But after four terms, it was time for me to switch gears." Knezovich said much of Spokane hasn't changed. "I still have great passion for the people of Spokane County. It breaks my heart to see the current political environment ... And it's getting worse," he said Tuesday. "Drugs, homelessness ... It breaks my heart to see the Democratic Party in Spokane has been taken over by socialists and communists." Fresno area hospitals and healthcare facilities racked up tens of thousands of dollars in penalties for putting patients in harms way or contributing to their deaths. California issued 43 immediate jeopardy penalties to hospitals and healthcare facilities statewide, for $2,850,000 in penalties, according to the California Department of Public Healths Center for Health Care Quality state enforcement actions dashboard. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services define immediate jeopardy as noncompliance that has placed the health and safety of recipients in its care at risk for serious injury, serious harm, serious impairment or death. It is the most serious type of deficiency or violation. In California, citations for these violations can result in administrative fines between $25,000 to $125,000. Sixteen, or 37%, of these citations were issued to Valley based healthcare institutions in Fresno, Kern, Madera, Merced, Tulare, Stanislaus counties. Advertisement Advertisement From erroneous insertions of feeding tubes to abuse at a behavior health center to a preventable death post-pregnancy, Fresno area institutions were cited tens of thousands of dollars in 2025 for putting patients in harms way. Bruce Spurlock, executive director of Cal Healthcare Compare said administrative penalties like immediate jeopardies should not be used to analyze the overall quality of a hospital. His organization provides free an unbiased, one-stop snapshot of how local facilities measure up against each other and to statewide averages on a variety of quality metrics. Each year, they produce a patient safety honor roll of California hospitals. Spurlock said in an interview that immediate jeopardy citations usually issued for incidents that happened in the past and can often miss the systems-issues lying underneath. The citations typically focus on only one safety issue, which might not even be the most important one. Enforcement and analysis can vary from surveyor to surveyor, and also depend on hospital self-reporting, too, he said. Immediate jeopardy and administrative penalty data should be a tool for quality improvement, not a tool for quality measurement, he said. Immediate jeopardy citations in Fresno area in 2025 Several San Joaquin Valley hospitals were cited by the California Department of Public Health for patient safety violations in 2025. Immediate Jeopardy citations are relatively rare All hospitals incur violation deficiencies during the course of regular operations, which are noted instances of failing to comply with state or federal requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Not all deficiencies are serious. Some can be issued for something as mundane as inadequate signage and doors that dont close properly. The most serious violations can escalate to what state and federal inspectors call immediate jeopardy situations, ones that can cause or have caused serious patient injury, harm or even death. This rare designation can result from one violation or a series of them in a short period of time. Any incident of Immediate Jeopardy ... is a serious violation and CDPH must go on site within 24 to 48 hours to ensure patient safety, the CDPH Office of Communications told The Bee in 2023. A 2021 analysis of hospital deficiencies reported by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) over a 10-year period found that only 2%, or 730 of 30,808, were elevated to immediate jeopardy designations. The analysis was published in the Journal of Patient Safety. Fox News Griff Jenkins pressed Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) on calling ICE protesters heroes, arguing many of them are crossing a line in their demonstrations after an agent shot and killed a 37-year-old mother in the city. Frey joined Jenkins for an interview that aired on Fox & Friends on Wednesday morning, where they discussed the death of Renee Good, protests in Minneapolis, a lawsuit by the city to remove ICE, and an investigation into potentially billions of dollars of fraud in Minnesota. Jenkins at one point cut in footage of protesters confronting ICE agents in Minneapolis. Some yelled, shame, while others blocked ICE vehicles. One woman blocked a vehicle and screamed at agents, You want to shoot me in the face?! Advertisement Advertisement Just look at some of the videos, Mayor Frey, that we have seen of these protesters, many of whom you have praised. Youve called them heroes for being out there exercising their First Amendment rights, but theyve gone farther. Theyre blocking their operations, Jenkins told Frey. We had thousands of protesters Frey began before Jenkins pushed the video compilation of protesters. Take a look at the videos. Youve seen these. Play these, Jenkins said. Im happy to look at video. Ive seen it happening live, Frey said. The mayor was then cut off as the video played. So thats just a sampling of it, youre seeing it in real time. You are aware that 18 U.S. Code 111 makes it a federal crime to impede, interfere, or even assault officers and we see the protesters crossing a line of protesting, throwing rocks, hitting cars, and interfering in the federal governments view of their operation of our federal immigration law enforcement, Jenkins said. Advertisement Advertisement Frey defended the demonstrators, saying they are standing up for their neighbors and arguing the majority of those on the streets are protesting peacefully. We have had perhaps tens of thousands of people peacefully protesting in the streets, and at the same time, yeah, they are going to stand up for their neighbors, and what we are seeing time and time again is unconstitutional conduct by ICE, he said. ICE is not new. Our separation ordinance in the city is not knew. ICE has been around for decades, so has our separation ordinance. Thats what is new. What is new is the way that the Trump administration is presently conducting themselves. At a press conference this week, Frey praised protesters and said he is grateful for them, calling them heroes standing up for each other. Weve got heroes that are standing up for each other, he said. Theyre standing by the neighbors that they love. Advertisement Advertisement After the shooting of Good last week, Frey sent a clear message to ICE, telling them to get the f*ck out of Minneapolis. Watch above via Fox News. The post Fox News Host Grills Minneapolis Mayor for Calling ICE Protesters Heroes in Showdown Interview first appeared on Mediaite. By Louise Rasmussen and Muvija M PARIS, Jan 14 (Reuters) - France's interior ministry said on Wednesday it has banned 10 British far-right activists from entering or staying in the country, after they carried out actions deemed to incite violence and seriously disturb public order on French territory. The activists, identified as members of a group called "Raise the Colours" that was involved in a national flag-raising campaign, seek to find and destroy boats used to carry migrants and spread propaganda on France's northern coast calling on the British public to stop migration, the French interior ministry said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement "Our rule of law is non-negotiable, violent or hate-inciting actions have no place on our territory," French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez wrote on social media platform X on Wednesday. The ministry said it was informed of the group's activities in December and that it had referred the matter to the relevant authorities, as the actions were likely to cause "serious disturbances" to public order. It declined to give further details on how many boats the group had destroyed and how it was disseminating its propaganda. MIGRATION A FOCAL POINT FOR BRITISH VOTERS "Raise the Colours" said it had not received any formal notifaction of France's measure and said the statement concerned specific individuals rather than the group as a whole. Advertisement Advertisement "The organisation does not support violence or any unlawful activity," it said in an emailed statement. The group describes itself as a grassroots movement that began in the central English city of Birmingham, when a small group started tying national flags to lampposts in a show of national pride. It says the effort has since spread across the UK. The display of the red-and-white St George's Cross for England and the Union Jack for Britain has prompted concern among some migrant communities as a reflection of rising antiimmigration sentiment in the country, coinciding with a wave of protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers last year. The British Foreign Office did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement The crossings of small boats carrying migrants from France, the most visible sign of arrivals, has become a focal point for British voters and has helped propel Nigel Farage's right-wing, anti-immigration Reform UK party, into a commanding opinion poll lead. Farage last year in London met the leader of French far-right National Rally (RN) party, Jordan Bardella, who has accused France of being too soft on immigration. (Reporting by Louise Rasmussen in Paris and Muvija M in London, Editing by Aidan Lewis and Hugh Lawson) French authorities have banned 10 British far-right activists for actions in France intended to stop migrants crossing to England on small boats, the interior ministry said Wednesday. Immigration has become a central political issue in the United Kingdom, as the government seeks to stem a wave of undocumented migrants arriving on British shores after paying smugglers to cross the Channel. The arrivals have fuelled widespread public concern and rising anger on the British far right, and since last year videos have circulated of anti-migrant vigilantes visiting France to take matters into their own hands. Advertisement Advertisement France's interior ministry said it responded to reports that members of the "Raise the Colours" movement had conducted anti-migrant activities in France. On Tuesday, "territorial bans were issued against 10 British nationals, identified as activists within the movement and having carried out actions on French soil", it said. "Raise the Colours" on X denounced the ban as "absolutely disgraceful". In a written comment to AFP, it said it understood the ban targeted "specific individuals, rather than the organisation as a whole". "Raise the Colours has always maintained that its activities must remain peaceful and within the law. The organisation does not support violence or any unlawful activity," it added. Advertisement Advertisement Its website on Wednesday included a banner that said the movement did not support "vigilante behaviour" or "anyone travelling to France, approaching migrant vessels, or attempting to intervene in crossings". - 'Not welcome' - The French ministry said it would not name the 10 people, and did not describe the exact nature of their actions. French authorities have opened an investigation over an alleged "aggravated assault" on migrants in September in a coastal area near the northern city of Dunkirk. Four men carrying British and English flags verbally and physically assaulted a group of migrants in Grand-Fort-Philippe on the night on September 9 to 10, telling them they were not welcome in England, a charity working with migrants called Utopia 56 told AFP. Advertisement Advertisement "Raise The Colours", in a post on X responding to a news report of the probe in November, however claimed it had "only been going over to France in the past month". Another of its social media accounts on Instagram late last year posted videos of anti-immigration activists on France's northern coastline. In one video posted in November, a man filmed himself on a French beach, saying he had found a small inflatable boat buried in the sand and had slashed it. "That is not going to England," said the man, who elsewhere has called himself Ryan Bridge. In another post published earlier the same month, he waded into the sea shouting at what appeared to be dozens of undocumented migrants boarding an inflatable dinghy on their way to England. Advertisement Advertisement "You're not welcome in our country," he said, calling the passengers "potential rapists, murderers and child abusers". In a third November video, Bridge filmed himself in the French capital speaking to would-be migrants. AFP had spotted three such individuals on a beach in the northern area of Gravelines on December 5. - 'Fan hatred' - Paul Alauzy, from the Medecins du Monde charity that helps migrants, welcomed what he described as a travel ban against "far-right activists who fan hatred and sow division by targeting extremely vulnerable people who are simply seeking refuge". Advertisement Advertisement A spokeswoman from L'Auberge des Migrants, who asked to remain anonymous to protect her safety, said it was a good move from the French authorities, but that it came very late. Her charity had been signalling a problem since May last year, she said, adding they had received reports of people being tasered and person who had their arm broken. The debate about immigration in the United Kingdom last year triggered a new trend of flying English and British flags. Anti-racism campaigners say far-right activists are behind the main organisers, "Raise the Colours". Migrants from impoverished or war-torn countries have long sought to cross the Channel from France to the United Kingdon dreaming of a better life in Britain. Advertisement Advertisement Last year saw the second highest number of undocumented migrants arrive on British shores since such crossings began in 2018. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has struggled to reduce the number of migrants arriving in the country -- the vast majority of them legally. The issue is being exploited by the anti-immigration Reform party led by Nigel Farage. burs-ah/giv BANGKOK (AP) Iranian demonstrators' ability to get details of bloody nationwide protests out to the world has been given a strong boost, with SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service dropping its fees to allow more people to circumvent the Tehran government's strongest attempt ever to prevent information from spilling outside its borders, activists said Wednesday. The move by the American aerospace company run by Elon Musk follows the complete shutdown of telecommunications and internet access to Iran's 85 million people on Jan. 8, as protests expanded over the Islamic Republic's faltering economy and the collapse of its currency. SpaceX has not officially announced the decision and did not respond to a request for comment, but activists told The Associated Press that Starlink has been available for free to anyone in Iran with the receivers since Tuesday and that the company has gone even further by pushing a firmware update to help circumvent government efforts to jam the satellite signals. Advertisement Advertisement The moves by Starlink came two days after President Donald Trump told reporters on Air Force One that he was going to reach out to Musk to ask for Starlink help for protesters, a call later confirmed by his press secretary, though it's not clear if that is what prompted Musk to act. Starlink has been crucial, said Mehdi Yahyanejad, an Iranian whose nonprofit Net Freedom Pioneers has helped smuggle units into Iran, pointing to video that emerged Sunday showing rows of bodies at a forensic medical center near Tehran. That showed a few hundred bodies on the ground, that came out because of Starlink," he said in an interview from Los Angeles. "I think that those videos from the center pretty much changed everyone's understanding of what's happening because they saw it with their own eyes. Since the outbreak of demonstrations Dec. 28, the death toll has risen to more than 2,500 people, primarily protesters but also security personnel, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Starlink is banned in Iran by telecommunication regulations, as the country never authorized the importation, sale or use of the devices. Activists fear they could be accused of helping the U.S. or Israel by using Starlink and charged with espionage, which can carry the death penalty. Cat-and-mouse as authorities hunt for Starlink devices The first units were smuggled into Iran in 2022 during protests over the country's mandatory headscarf law, after Musk got the Biden administration to exempt the Starlink service from Iran sanctions. Since then, more than 50,000 units are estimated to have been sneaked in, with people going to great lengths to conceal them, using virtual private networks while on the system to hide IP addresses and taking other precautions, said Ahmad Ahmadian, the executive director of Holistic Resilience, a Los Angeles-based organization that was responsible for getting some of the first Starlink units into Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Starlink is a global internet network that relies on some 10,000 satellites orbiting Earth. Subscribers need to have equipment, including an antenna that requires a line of sight to the satellite, so must be deployed in the open, where it could be spotted by authorities. Many Iranians disguise them as solar panels, Ahmadian said. After efforts to shut down communications during the 12-day war with Israel in June proved to be not terribly effective, Iranian security services have taken more extreme tactics now to jam Starlink's radio signals and GPS systems, Ahmadian said in a phone interview. After Holistic Resilience passed on reports to SpaceX, Ahmadian said, the company pushed its firmware update to avoid jamming. Security services also rely on informers to tell them who might be using Starlink, and search internet and social media traffic for signs it has been used. There have been reports they have raided apartments with satellite dishes. There has always been a cat-and-mouse game, said Ahmadian, who fled Iran in 2012 after serving time in prison for student activism. The government is using every tool in its toolbox. Advertisement Advertisement Still, Ahmadian noted that the government jamming attempts had only been effective in certain urban areas, suggesting that security services lack the resources to block Starlink more broadly. A free Starlink could increase the flow of information out of Iran Iran did begin to allow people to call out internationally on Tuesday via mobile phones, but calls from outside the country into Iran remain blocked. Compared to protests in 2019, when lesser measures by the government were able to effectively stifle information reaching the rest of the world for more than a week, Ahmadian said the proliferation of Starlink has made it impossible to prevent communications. He said the flow could increase now that the service has been made free. Advertisement Advertisement This time around they really shut it down, even fixed landlines were not working, he said. But despite this, the information was coming out, and it also shows how distributed this community of Starlink users is in the country. Musk has made Starlink free for use during several natural disasters, and Ukraine has relied heavily on the service since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. It was initially funded by SpaceX and later through an American government contract. Musk's involvement had raised concerns over the power of such a system being in the hands of one person, after he refused to extend Ukraine's Starlink coverage to support a planned Ukrainian counterattack in Russian-occupied Crimea. As a proponent of Starlink for Iran, Ahmadian said the Crimea decision was a wake-up call for him, but that he couldn't see any reason why Musk might be inclined to act similarly in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Looking at the political Elon, I think he would have more interest ... in a free Iran as a new market, he said. Starlink's moves to circumvent Tehran's efforts to shut down communications is being watched closely around the world. The satellite service has expanded rapidly in recent years, securing licenses in more than 120 countries, including some with authoritarian rulers who have persecuted journalists and protesters. Julia Voo, who heads the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Cyber Power and Future Conflict Program in Singapore, said there is a risk of activists becoming reliant on one company as a lifeline, as it creates a single point of failure, though currently there are no comparable alternatives. China has been exploring ways to hunt and destroy Starlink satellites, and Voo said the more effective Starlink proves itself at penetrating government-mandated terrestrial blackouts, the more states will be observing. Advertisement Advertisement It's just going to result in more efforts to broaden controls over various ways of communication, for those in Iran and everywhere else watching, she said. ___ Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Bernard Condon in New York contributed to this report. France's minority government will face two no-confidence votes on Wednesday amid a row in parliament over the EU's Mercosur trade deal. Beginning in the afternoon, deputies will discuss the separate motions filed by the far-right National Rally of Marine Le Pen and the far-left France Unbowed. Observers do not expect the motions to succeed or to bring down the centrist government. On-and-off negotiations on the free trade agreement between the European Union and the four South American Mercosur countries Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay started in 1999. According to the European Commission, the proposed free trade area, covering more than 700 million people, would be the largest of its kind in the world. Advertisement Advertisement At a meeting of representatives from the EUs 27 member states last week, a sufficient number backed moving ahead with the long-delayed deal. The agreement is due to be signed on Saturday in Paraguay. France has long voiced strong opposition to the accord and ultimately voted against the deal, despite securing concessions from the European Commission. French farmers argue the EUMercosur agreement will flood European markets with cheap agricultural imports, threatening their livelihoods. France Unbowed accuses President Emmanuel Macron and his government of failing to oppose the agreement forcefully enough, while the far right argues that France's national interests have not been adequately defended. France's centrist government has survived two no-confidence votes. Only 256 and 142 of the 577 members of the French National Assembly withdrew their confidence in the minority government in votes held on Wednesday. Marine Le Pen's far-right nationalists and the left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI) had each requested a vote against Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's government over dissatisfaction with the Mercosur trade agreement. Advertisement Advertisement In doing so, they also strongly criticized President Emmanuel Macron, although his office was not at stake in the vote. The European Union's planned free trade agreement with four South American Mercosur countries - Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay - had been under negotiation since 1999. According to the European Commission, the new free trade area, with more than 700 million inhabitants, would be the largest of its kind in the world. At a meeting of representatives from the 27 EU countries last week, a sufficient number of participants voted in favour of concluding the deal. The signing is scheduled to take place in Paraguay on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement France has repeatedly voiced loud criticism of the agreement. Despite several concessions, Macron ultimately announced that he would vote against the deal. LFI now accuses Macron and the government of not having opposed the agreement strongly enough. The far-right nationalists complain that France's interests have not been adequately represented. The centrist government also survived two votes of no confidence brought by LFI and the nationalists shortly after it took office in October. At that time, however, the vote was closer. PARIS, Jan 14 (Reuters) - French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's government on Wednesday survived a second vote of no confidence in the National Assembly that had been called in protest against the EU-Mercosur trade deal. The motion, filed by the far-right National Rally (RN) party, was backed by 142 members of parliament's lower house. 288 votes were needed for the motion to pass. An earlier no-confidence motion filed by the hard-left on the same matter had also failed. (Reporting by Benoit Van Overstraeten and Inti Landauro; Editing by Richard Lough) In a news conference organized by Fresno County Supervisor Gary Bredefeld, a group of local officials on Tuesday defended ICE agents. Immigrant advocates are reacting to several claims made by those officials. Supervisor Garry Bredefeld claimed that ICE agents are "under attack," yet could not say if there is any threat to them here locally. Division and fallout continue across the country as ICE operations and clashes with protesters continue. RELATED: Protesters in Fresno demand justice after ICE agent fatally shoots woman in Minneapolis "ICE, get the F*** out of Minneapolis," said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Advertisement Advertisement "ICE is not a danger or threat to our communities," said Bredefeld. "I personally strongly condemn the growing attacks on ICE agents and reckless political rhetoric coming from radicals and extremists that vilify federal law enforcement for simply doing their jobs as required by the law." Standing beside a screen of alleged undocumented criminals from out of state, the supervisor said he has not seen any threats against ICE agents locally. He was then asked why he held the press conference. "Are you watching what is happening in the country? That's a stupid question. The fact is, ICE is under attack. You know, everybody knows it. We're one step away from any violent attack happening here," says Bredefeld. Fresno immigrant advocates are now speaking out, denouncing the 'divisive rhetoric' made by the Supervisor. Advertisement Advertisement "It's shameful that one of our elected officials goes rogue on his own individual opinions and not really carrying the message of what Fresno is all about," says Lady Diana Oliva, Casita Feliz Founder and CEO. As the frustration grows on both sides following the fatal ICE shooting of a Minnesota protester, a new poll released Tuesday by Quinnipiac University says a majority of voters, 57%, say the deadly shooting was not justified. "We shouldn't see our local leader celebrating or protecting a rogue agency that is acting on an anti-immigrant and xenophobic agenda that is being put out by the Trump Administration. For us, it's very concerning to hear those statements," says Sukaina Hussain with the California Immigrant Policy Center. According to The California Immigrant Policy Center, over the past four months, ICE officers have fired on at least nine people in five states and Washington, DC. Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security reports 275 assaults on ICE law enforcement since the start of President Trump's term, compared to just 19 in 2024. That's a more than 1,300% percent increase. Just days after a protest in Fresno, immigration advocates say they are not backing down. "We are not going to be quiet. We are not going to be intimidated, and we are not going to bow down to the wishes of Supervisors who decide to villainize communities who are just looking out for each other," says Hussain. We asked Supervisor Bredefeld if he was aware of any ICE operations underway here in Fresno County, and he said he was not. He ended his comments on Tuesday by calling on other local leaders to voice their opinions on the matter. For news and weather updates, follow Brisa Colon on Facebook, X and Instagram. More than two years after four Pepperdine University seniors were killed in a crash along Pacific Coast Highway, the pain of that night remains vivid for those who lived it from the friends who were supposed to meet them at a party, to the first responder who arrived at the scene. On Wednesday, a judge is expected to set a trial date in the case. For the first time, those closest to the tragedy are sharing their experiences as the case moves closer to trial. The four students Niamh Rolston, 20, Peyton Stewart, 21, Asha Weir, 21, and Deslyn Williams, 21, were on their way to meet friends on Oct. 17, 2023, when they parked along PCH and began walking toward a nearby house. They never made it inside. Advertisement Advertisement They just got out of the car, said Hannah Ellen, Deslyns best friend. She called me and was happy, saying we were here and walking over. And then it [the call] just went out. From left to right, the victims are identified as Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams. Fire crews and police at the scene of a crash that killed 4 Pepperdine students in Malibu, California on Oct. 17, 2023. (KTLA) Fire crews and police at the scene of a crash that killed 4 Pepperdine students in Malibu, California on Oct. 17, 2023. (KTLA) Fire crews and police at the scene of a crash that killed 4 Pepperdine students in Malibu, California on Oct. 17, 2023. (KTLA) Fire crews and police at the scene of a crash that killed 4 Pepperdine students in Malibu, California on Oct. 17, 2023. (KTLA) FILE Candles and flowers are placed along along the Pacific Coast Highway, after a crash that killed four college students and injured two others, in Malibu, Calif., on Oct. 19, 2023. The 22-year-old driver of the BMW that struck and killed the four Pepperdine University students last week pleaded not guilty, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, to four counts of murder, and prosecutors said he was speeding at more than 100 mph moments before the crash. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File) Debris is seen along the Pacific Coast Highway, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, in Malibu, Calif. Tuesday. A 22-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a crash in Malibu killed four women, who are believed to be college students, and injured two others, officials said Wednesday. The six pedestrians were struck at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday along Pacific Coast Highway about 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Pepperdine University, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Fire crews and police at the scene of a crash that killed 4 Pepperdine students in Malibu, California on Oct. 17, 2023. (KTLA) Fire crews and police at the scene of a crash that killed 4 Pepperdine students in Malibu, California on Oct. 17, 2023. (KTLA) Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams died when authorities say a speeding driver hit them on the Pacific Coast Highway roughly four miles east of the school. From left to right clockwise, the victims are identified as Peyton Stewart, Niamh Rolston, Deslyn Williams and Asha Weir. Debris is seen along the Pacific Coast Highway, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, in Malibu, Calif. Tuesday. A 22-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a crash in Malibu killed four women, who are believed to be college students, and injured two others, officials said Wednesday. The six pedestrians were struck at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday along Pacific Coast Highway about 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Pepperdine University, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) That night was different from the norm. Two of the friends they usually arrived with were running late. Essentially, the first seat in the car was supposed to be mine, said Bridget Thompson, the victims roommate. Inside the house, the party was underway when a loud crash echoed outside, sending guests rushing toward the street. Thats when friends realized the four women hadnt arrived and their phone locations showed they were still on PCH. Advertisement Advertisement We started getting texts saying thered been an accident outside, said Georgia Puckett, a close friend of the victims. All of the girls locations say theyre on PCH and at the house, but theyre not here. And theyre not answering their phones. Will you try to get ahold of them? As minutes turned into hours, friends desperately tried to reach them and began calling hospitals. I spent the rest of the night sitting on the side of PCH calling hospitals, Thompson said. Begging. Screaming. Crying. Just hoping they were alive. While friends held onto hope, Billy Melcher, the first responder on scene, says the severity of the crash was immediately clear. Advertisement Advertisement The damage to both the victims and the vehicles was haunting, Melcher said. Its stuck with me every day since that night. Melcher was the one who found the victims bodies. Coming across three people in the span of a minute or two it makes you wonder how many people youre dealing with, he said. The grief from friends who arrived at the scene left a lasting impression. There was screaming and yelling, begging us for help, Melcher said. When theres nothing you can do, it takes a toll on you. Instead of pushing first responders away, Melcher says the grieving community pulled them in. It felt like we were grieving together, he said. Thats something Ive never experienced before and something I didnt know how badly I needed. Four white ghost tires were placed along PCH in Malibu in honor of Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams who were killed by a speeding driver on Oct. 17, 2023. (KTLA) Friends and family of the four Pepperdine students killed in a crash on PCH last year were honored at their ghost tires on Thursday, the one-year anniversary of their tragic deaths. Friends and family of the four Pepperdine students killed in a crash on PCH last year were honored at their ghost tires on Thursday, the one-year anniversary of their tragic deaths. Four white ghost tires were placed along PCH in Malibu in honor of Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams who were killed by a speeding driver on Oct. 17, 2023. (KTLA) From top right: Peyton Stewart, Prosecutors allege the crash was caused by Fraser Bohm, 24, who is accused of speeding along PCH. He faces four counts of murder, and a trial date is expected to be set Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement More than two years later, the loss is still deeply felt among many in the community. They were the best girls, Puckett said. They were my best friends. Friends, alumni and first responders continue to attend court hearings together, sharing updates and supporting the victims families. It couldve been any of us, said Lily Bradshaw, a Pepperdine alum. So many students have parked on the side of PCH and walked to a house. Thats just part of going to Pepperdine. Bradshaw started an Instagram page called justicefor4angels to help the community keep up with the case as it nears trial. For those who continue to show up, justice means more than a verdict. It means honoring the lives that were lost. Advertisement Advertisement Peyton was super selfless and ambitious, Thompson said. Nieve was fearless. Deslyn was everyones hype woman. And Asha a gentle soul. They were incredible people. As the case moves forward, friends and loved ones say they hope sharing their story ensures Peyton, Nieve, Deslyn and Asha are never forgotten. 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 KTLA. The Brief Georgia Senate Democrats introduced legislation to tighten oversight of ICE agents Tuesday. The deadly ICE-involved shooting in Minnesota has reignited a broader debate over immigration enforcement and accountability. The proposal is already receiving pushback from Republican lawmakers. ATLANTA - Protests are spreading across Georgia and the country after a woman was killed during a confrontation with ICE agents in Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement The case has reignited a broader debate at the Georgia Capitol over immigration enforcement and accountability. Georgia Democrats introduce ICE oversight bills What they're saying "It's just not good public safety for us to have unmarked agents operating, conducting essentially criminal raids without us knowing who they are," said Sen. Kim Jackson, D-Stone Mountain, "What they're there for, and especially not to be able to see their faces." Senate Democrats dropped four bills aimed at tightening oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Tuesday. "The state government, state Democrats are leading right now on this to create that accountability," Sen. Josh McLaurin, D-Sandy Springs explained. "So that those ICE agents think twice before they act improperly." Georgia lawmakers discuss the "Fight Back on ICE" legislative package aimed at increasing federal agent accountability at the Georgia State Capitol on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. (FOX 5) The proposals would require ICE agents to visibly identify themselves and unmask during enforcement actions, create civil liability for individual agents accused of wrongdoing, require agents to obtain a judicial warrant before entering so-called "safe spaces" like daycare centers, and prohibit the deployment of the National Guard in Georgia without the governor's approval. Georgia GOP calls ICE bills ridiculous The other side The bills are already receiving pushback from Republican lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement "The idea that we're going to create these new liabilities and make it harder for them to do their jobs when, when they're just following the oath of office that they took, I think it's ridiculous," said Sen. Brian Strickland, R-McDonough. They said some of the proposed legislation is already covered in state and federal laws. "I guess something that concerns me is when we see something that we don't like or we see something that makes us uncomfortable, the reaction of many in this building is to run out and write a piece of legislation," explained Sen. Randy Robertson, R-Cataula. What is the Fight Back on ICE bills? Dig deeper The "Fight Back on ICE" package focuses on prohibiting anonymous operations, protecting sensitive locations, and asserting gubernatorial control over the National Guard. Advertisement Advertisement The first measure, Senate Bill 389, would require all federal immigration agents to wear visible badges and remain unmasked while conducting operations in Georgia. Sen. Kim Jackson, the bills sponsor, said the legislation aims to end the "terror" of unidentifiable agents in tactical gear. "It is time to unmask ICE," Jackson said, arguing that anonymity allows agents to commit "brazen, violent acts" without being held accountable or identified by the public. Georgia lawmakers discuss the "Fight Back on ICE" legislative package aimed at increasing federal agent accountability at the Georgia State Capitol on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. (FOX 5) Senate Bill 390, introduced by Sen. Emmanuel Jones, seeks to curb the presidents ability to use the National Guard for immigration purposes without local consent. The bill would prohibit the deployment of Georgia National Guard units for federal immigration missions unless the governor grants express permission. Jones characterized the current use of the Guard as a "political witch hunt" and said the bill would protect the "patriotism of our troops" from being abused by the federal government. The third proposal, Senate Bill 391, targets enforcement in community hubs. Sponsored by Sen. Nabila Parkes, the bill would bar immigration enforcement at "sensitive places"including schools, hospitals, places of worship, and domestic violence sheltersunless agents possess a judicial warrant. Parkes emphasized that the bill is intended to maintain stability and safety for families, noting that "kids should be focused on learning, not fear." Rounding out the package is Senate Bill 397, which creates a new legal pathway for individuals to sue federal officials in state court. Sen. Josh McLaurin said the bill establishes a "civil cause of action" against agents who violate constitutional rights. By allowing for personal liability in cases of overreach, McLaurin argued the state can create a "deterrence" against lawless behavior, citing reports of ICE agents "acting with utter lawlessness" in communities across the country. Advertisement Advertisement The bills have not yet been made public on the Georgia General Assembly website. The Source FOX 5's Deidra Dukes spoke with Georgia lawmakers under the Gold Dome for this article. Additional details come from the Georgia General Assembly records. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reporting was also used. A metro Atlanta high school was on lockdown Wednesday afternoon after a weapon was found on campus. According to a message sent to parents of Union Grove High School students and shared with Channel 2s Tom Jones, a student at the high school was found with a weapon. In the message sent to parents, the school district said in part: We cannot stress enough the importance of your support in reminding your children that inappropriate objects or weapons of any kind, real or realistic-looking, are never permitted. This is a serious violation of the code of conduct and will be met with consequences from the school and possibly from local law enforcement. The safety and security of our students and staff is our utmost priority. Advertisement Advertisement Officials added that the incident did not disrupt the school day, but parents were notified out of a commitment to transparency. The students identity was not revealed. In a statement shared with Channel 2 Action News on Wednesday evening, district officials said multiple weapons were found on campus. This is a serious violation of the code of conduct and will be met with consequences from the school and local law enforcement, a district spokesman said. We want to thank our law enforcement partners as well as our school leaders, faculty, staff, students and parents for their support today. Todays outcome emphasizes the importance of see something, say something. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] German Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer is in favour of making it easier for wolves to be shot, as the number of packs is rising in the country. Lawmakers are set to debate proposals on how to deal with the growing wolf population in Germany later on Wednesday, with the ruling coalition in favour of allowing the animals to be shot after breaking through fences or killing sheep, for example. The proposition, widely backed by farmers, has been met with opposition by animal rights activists. Advertisement Advertisement "We now have over 200 wolf packs in Germany," Rainer told public broadcaster ARD on Wednesday morning. "In terms of area, we have more wolves than they have in Russia," he said, adding that intervention was needed. The minister noted that wolf attacks did not only cause economic damage but put an emotional burden on farmers too. Rainer said funds would still be made available for protective measures including fences and guardian dogs. "We have no intention whatsoever of exterminating the wolf," he stressed. Wolves are protected in Germany, but the country's wolf population has been increasing in recent years at least in some parts of the country, officials said in a report to the European Union in July. Advertisement Advertisement Conservation group NABU argued that making it easier to kill wolves did not help to protect farm animals, instead advocating for better protection of livestock. "Science and practice show that regular hunting of wolves neither significantly reduces livestock kills nor does it ease the pressure on grazing livestock owners," NABU's Marie Neuwald told dpa. The western German state of Rhineland-Palatinate has suspended deportations to Iran effective immediately, citing the leadership's brutal crackdown on protesters. "The human rights situation in Iran has been characterized by systematic oppression for years," state Interior Minister Katharina Binz said when announcing the decision on Wednesday. But as security forces respond with extreme force to the protests that erupted in late December, the situation has worsened dramatically once again, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Anyone currently sent back to Iran faces real risks to their life and freedom, according to the minister. "We have a humanitarian responsibility and protect the people living here," said Binz. Deportations are initially to be suspended for three months, with convicted criminals and individuals deemed to be posing a security risk exempted from the measure. Germany has joined other NATO allies like Sweden, Canada, and the Netherlands to send troops to Greenland as President Donald Trump intensifies his threats to take over the country. Troops will be deployed to the northern territory this week, according to reports. German politician Peter Beyer told BILD that the deployment is not meant to spark a confrontation against the U.S., but a measure to ensure the common security interests of all NATO partners. Advertisement Advertisement Nothing less can be our ambition, and our solidarity with Denmark and Greenland is unwavering. Several officers from the Swedish Armed Forces are arriving in Greenland today, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson posted to X on Wednesday. They are part of a group from several allied countries. Together, they will prepare for upcoming elements within the framework of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance. It is at Denmarks request that Sweden is sending personnel from the Armed Forces. Nagra officerare fran den svenska Forsvarsmakten anlander idag till Gronland. De ingar i en grupp fran flera allierade lander. Tillsammans ska de forbereda kommande moment inom ramen for den danska ovningen Operation Arctic Endurance. Det ar pa forfragan fran Danmark som Sverige Ulf Kristersson (@SwedishPM) January 14, 2026 The deployments come as Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen said Trumps push to acquire Greenland is totally unacceptable to the people of both Denmark and Greenland after a brief meeting at the White House on Wednesday. Rasmussen told reporters that he and Greenland Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt had a frank but also constructive conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. Advertisement Advertisement He said Denmark was eager to work with the U.S. and other NATO allies to ensure the long-term security of the massive island. But he said both Danes and Greenlanders have no desire to get bought or conquered by the U.S. The president has made his view clear, and we have a different position, Rasmussen said. Its no secret that Trump wishes to annex Greenland, with the president repeating the desire since re-taking office by force, if necessary. The post Germany Joins Canada, Sweden, and Other Nations in Sending Troops to Greenland as Trump Threats Intensify first appeared on Mediaite. President Donald Trump's "Golden Dome," a cutting-edge missile defense system meant to intercept threats targeting the American homeland, will make its debut in Guam, Del. James Moylan told Fox News Digital. "Were having an army battalion come on over there because were getting the Golden Dome," Moylan, R-Guam, said. "This is where the president wants to see it work. This is where it's starting on Guam." Moylan explained that the island is no stranger to fielding cutting-edge American defense technology. Advertisement Advertisement Trump Calls For $1.5T Defense Budget To Build Dream Military Del. James Moylan, R-Guam, leaves a House Republican Conference caucus meeting in the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, Feb. 7, 2023. (Getty Images) "Were the furthest west," Moylan said, referring to the U.S. territorys position in the Pacific, roughly halfway between Japan and Australia. "We have several nuclear cells there as well. We have a lot of things going on." Moylan did not say when he expected testing for the dome to begin. The White House also did not provide a timeline when asked Tuesday. Read On The Fox News App "President Trumps Golden Dome will utilize next-generation technology to defend Americans against the evolving threat landscape," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in response to a Fox Digital inquiry. Advertisement Advertisement Moylans description of the domes development comes as President Donald Trump has asked lawmakers to ramp up defense spending to $1.5 trillion in 2027 a $500 billion increase over current levels. Congress secured nearly $25 billion in funding for the Golden Dome last year in Trumps signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a tax and border security package. But with Trump now making additional requests, Republicans like Moylan believe advancing the nations missile defense system is one of the many projects that justify a higher price tag. The Golden Dome aims to build on similar technology implemented in Israels Iron Dome missile defense system an integral piece of Israels arsenal that intercepts rockets and other projectiles midair. North Korea Test-launches Hypersonic Missile System In Front Of Kim, Nation Says President Donald Trump aims to create a missile defense system like Israel's Iron Dome, pictured left, for U.S. national defense. Trump and other administration officials have described the American design as a scaled-up version of the Iron Dome that will help safeguard against increasingly advanced threats. Advertisement Advertisement "The Department [of War] has developed a draft architecture and implementation plan for a Golden Dome system. [It] will include space-based interceptors and sensors," Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said in a May press release. "The Golden Dome will progressively protect our nation from aerial attacks from any foe. Golden Dome will be fielded in phases, prioritizing defense where the threat is greatest," Hegseth wrote. According to the Department of War, the system is geared to help defend against ballistic, hypertonic, and cruise missiles. Moylan said Guam was always going to be an important location for the dome. Advertisement Advertisement "Guam has always been a strategic location since Spanish [rule], and we continue to be. We had World War II; now we have the [Chinese Communist Party] trying to get Taiwan. Its the hottest area there right now, and thats why were built up there," Moylan said. Chinas Global Aggression Check: Taiwan Tensions, Military Posturing, And Us Response In 2025 Image shows an LRAD being tested in Guam in December 2025. He acknowledged that the United States has key allies, such as Australia, Japan and the Philippines, which also occupy the area. "But theyre not the United States," Moylan added. "That's why the defense budget is so important to get this going. And so, we're protecting the homeland, protecting the people of Guam and all our allies as well. We can stop [threats] right there," Moylan said. The Department of War did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Original article source: 'Golden Dome' missile shield to be tested by Trump in key American territory Rep. Sheryl Delozier, R-Cumberland, speaks at a Capitol press conference (Capital-Star photo). Republican state Rep. Sheryl Delozier announced Tuesday she will not seek reelection after nine terms, putting her Cumberland County district up for grabs. Delozier has represented the 88th District, which includes Mechanicsburg, New Cumberland, Shiremanstown, Hampden Township and part of Lower Allen Township, since 2008. Her office did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania Democrats immediately identified Deloziers seat as a prime opportunity for the party to strengthen its majority in the state House. With all 203 House seats up for election in November and Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro running for reelection, state Democratic Party Chairperson Eugene DePasquale said he hopes to build on the momentum of the 2025 elections. The party retained three state Supreme Court seats and won dozens of down ballot races across the commonwealth. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX We are not only going to reelect Gov. Josh Shapiro, but we are in a great position to expand our majority in the House and flip the Senate. With a trifecta in Harrisburg, Governor Shapiro will be able to get even more done for the people of Pennsylvania in his second term, DePasquale said. Advertisement Advertisement The state Democratic Party said Deloziers retirement from the House is a sign that state Republicans are aware their full embrace of Donald Trumps toxic Washington agenda is putting them on shaky ground for 2026. The partisan make-up of the House could change before the Nov. 3 general election. House Speaker Joanna McClinton called special elections later this year. Voters will elect state representatives Feb. 24 to complete the unexpired terms of former Rep. Joshua Siegel (D-Lehigh), who was vote in as Lehigh County executive, and former Rep. Dan Miller (D-Allegheny), who was elected to the Allegheny County Common Pleas Court. On March 17, voters will elect representatives to replace former state Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair), who resigned Dec. 31 to become a Blair County judge and former Rep. Toren Ecker (R-Adams), who was elected to a judgeship in Adams County. Advertisement Advertisement Delozier told PennLive she is leaving the House to pursue other opportunities and did not give a specific reason. As a leader in the House Republican Caucus, Delozier made a name as a bipartisan lawmaker at a time when the General Assembly became more divided. House Democrats have controlled the chamber by a single seat since 2023, while the GOP maintained their three-decade majority in the state Senate. Delozier partnered with House Appropriations Committee Chairperson Jordan Harris on the second revision of Pennsylvanias 2018 Clean Slate law, which erased low-level criminal convictions for thousands who have not committed another crime. She also was the sponsor of 2019 legislation called Marsys Law to codify constitutional rights of crime victims to be informed of trials, hearing dates, and their right to attend and participate. Gov. Kelly Armstrong smiles while giving his State of the State address Jan. 7, 2025, at the Capitol. (Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong will kick off the special session of the Legislature next Wednesday with a State of the State address. Armstrong will speak to lawmakers as they convene in Bismarck to allocate federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding, Armstrongs office announced Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement The address will begin at 10 a.m. CT Jan. 21 and will be livestreamed on the governors office website and on the legislative website. Armstrong is expected to address his executive order that convened the special session and the federal rural health funding, awarded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as part of the One, Big Beautiful Bill Act that was signed into law in July. North Dakota will receive at least $500 million in rural health funding over the next five years, but could receive up to $1 billion. The $199 million award for the first year of the program is about average compared to other states but is one of the largest per-capita awards in the country. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Three current members of Florida State Universitys Board of Trustees, all alumni, will remain on the panel. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Jan. 12 that FSU trustees Maximo Alvarez, Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz who currently serves as the boards vice chair and Jorge Gonzalez have been reappointed to the universitys board. Outside of Alvarez's service to the FSU board, he is the president of Sunshine Gasoline Distributors, which is Florida-based and operates in over 300 locations as it supplies major brands like Shell, Chevron and Exxon. Alvarez also is a member of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Florida Consumer Council and previously served as a member of several groups including the Florida Petroleum Marketers Association, the First Tee of Miami, the Miami Childrens Hospital Board and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Advertisement Advertisement A Cuban immigrant, Alvarez earned both his bachelors and masters degrees from FSU in business administration in 1969 and 1970. FSU trustee Maximo Alvarez. Cuevas-Diaz, a Coral Gables native, is a partner and deputy section leader for the global law firm Holland and Knight in Miami. She is also a member of the Coral Gables Community Foundation Board and the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, and she previously served as the president of the Cuban American Bar Association. She received her bachelors degree from FSUs College of Social Sciences and Public Policy in 1997 before going on to earn her juris doctor (J.D.) degree from Tulane University, located in New Orleans, in 2000. FSU's Board of Trustees Vice Chair Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz speaks during a board meeting at the Turnbull Conference Center on campus on August 29, 2025. Gonzalez is president and chief executive officer of The St. Joe Company, which is a real estate developer and asset manager concentrated primarily on the area between Tallahassee and Destin. In 2024, the company was the developer of the first of several buildings currently open on the new Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and FSU medical campus in Panama City Beach. Advertisement Advertisement More: FSU/TMH Medical Campus in Panama City Beach opens first building Previously, Gonzalez served as the president of FSUs Panama City Development Board, the chairman of the Bay County Economic Development Alliance and a member of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The two-time FSU alumnus earned his bachelors degree in political science in 1987 and his masters degree in urban and regional planning in 1989 from the university. Florida State University Board of Trustees member Jorge Gonzalez attends a meeting of the board. Under Floridas State University System, the governor appoints six members, while the Board of Governors gets to appoint five members. Also serving as trustees are the faculty senate president and president of the student body. All must be confirmed by the Florida Senate. Tarah Jean is the higher education reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat, a member of the USA TODAY Network Florida. She can be reached at tjean@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @tarahjean_. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Ron DeSantis reappoints three alumni to FSU Board of Trustees Gov. Larry Rhoden delivers his State of the State address on Jan. 13, 2026, at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre. (Photo by Meghan O'Brien/South Dakota Searchlight) PIERRE South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden asked lawmakers on Tuesday to pass legislation that would stop the delivery of medication into the state that can be used to end pregnancies. This session, Ill be working with legislators and the attorney general on legislation to stop abortion pills from coming into South Dakota, and I hope that legislation reaches my desk, Rhoden said. Advertisement Advertisement Abortion is already illegal in South Dakota, unless the mothers life is threatened by a pregnancy. https://southdakotasearchlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/011326-State-of-the-State-W.mp3 Listen to an audio story about the State of the State speech from Searchlight reporter Meghan OBrien. (Broadcasters: Scroll to the bottom of this story for downloadable scripts and audio.) Late last year, a New York-based nonprofit called Mayday Health posted abortion rights advertisements at gas stations around South Dakota. The ads, which directed people to a website on medication abortion options, drew a cease-and-desist letter from South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley. Advertisement Advertisement Abortions are banned in South Dakota except for specific, extenuating circumstances, Jackleys office wrote in a press release on the issue. State law also prohibits the administering or procuring of any medicine, drug or substance to perform an abortion. Jackley is suing the organization to stop the ads. Mayday Health countersued in federal court, arguing that South Dakota is trying to suppress constitutionally protected free speech. In his State of the State speech Tuesday during the first day of the 2026 legislative session at the Capitol in Pierre, Rhoden, a Republican, told a joint session of the state Senate and House of Representatives that the state can do more to stop medication abortion. He also asked lawmakers to rise and thank the leaders of two crisis pregnancy centers in the state, which he said help women who have complications from abortion medication and some who are seeking reversal of the medications effect. Advertisement Advertisement No bill outlining how the state would stop abortion pills from entering the state has been filed. Rhoden and Jackleys offices did not offer any details on any such proposal when asked by South Dakota Searchlight. The bill has not yet been introduced, and the supporters will be made known at the appropriate time, said Josie Harms, Rhodens spokeswoman. Democrats decry misinformation In his speech, Rhoden said abortion medication being illegally mailed into South Dakota is the biggest threat to unborn lives in the state. He also said the pills are dangerous for women. Senate Minority Leader Liz Larson, D-Sioux Falls, said she obviously disagrees with South Dakotas abortion ban, but said her biggest issue with Rhodens speech was the governors mentioning of facts that are untrue about abortion pills. Advertisement Advertisement They are used in a variety of medical situations, including miscarriage and abortion, that are really necessary for women, Larson said. Rep. Kadyn Wittman, D-Sioux Falls, told South Dakota Public Broadcasting she took issue with blatant misinformation and mistruths about medication abortion, and that Mayday Healths ads amount to First Amendment rights and protected speech. Wittman mentioned the states life of the mother exception and said shed like to see legislation clarifying what the life of the mother actually means. Im hopeful that well see it this year, Wittman said. Weve always been looking for clarity around abortion access in South Dakota. Advertisement Advertisement Rhodens proclamation on abortion drew praise from a political opponent, however. Speaker of the House Jon Hansen, R-Dell Rapids, is running against Rhoden in this years primary election for governor. Hansen said he appreciated that portion of Rhodens speech and called it an area of agreement. Pro-life has always been near and dear to my heart, Hansen said. And the governor called out our pregnancy help centers in the state, who do incredible work each and every day. South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden delivers his 2026 State of the State speech at the Capitol in Pierre. (Video courtesy of South Dakota Public Broadcasting) Property taxes Hansen said he disagrees with Rhoden on property tax legislation, an issue thats set to be heavily debated throughout the three-month legislative session. A summer task force, a group Hansen was a part of, came up with 19 proposals to deal with growth in property taxes. Rhoden said last year that he didnt like many of the ideas. Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, he talked about his own previously announced plan, which would allow counties to replace their share of owner-occupied property tax revenue with a half cent sales tax. His proposal offers flexibility to local decision-makers, Rhoden said, noting that sales tax collections could help the counties that most need property tax relief. The areas with the biggest property tax increase are also those that attract the most visitors, Rhoden said. Hansen rejected that plan as a tax increase. I remain committed to lowering the tax burden on the people of the state by actually cutting the size of government, Hansen said. And Im looking for more support out of the governors office for that kind of approach. Advertisement Advertisement There were also a host of property tax proposals last year. Rhoden noted in his speech that a property tax bill hed championed was the only one that passed. It sought to slow residential property tax growth with several methods, including temporarily capping assessment growth, exempting some home improvements from assessment calculations, and expanding eligibility among disabled and elderly people for assessment freeze programs. It wasnt meant to solve every problem, but it helped to stem the bleeding, Rhoden said. Now, its time for more substantial relief. Focus on national security in economic development Rhoden declared national defense the next major area of economic development for the state. He pointed to Sioux Falls-based MMS Products, which he said is leading the field for innovation of drone munitions. The company recently secured a $35 million federal contract. Advertisement Advertisement National security will be the major focus of my economic development efforts, Rhoden said. He said economic development is a good thing, and pointed to recent Future Fund awards to a biotechnology project company in Brookings and industrial parks in Aberdeen and Watertown as proof that money can be used, strategically, to support forward-looking projects. The Future Fund is a pool of money, paid for through a tax on employers, thats meant for economic development and is under the governors sole control. Gov. Kristi Noems use of the fund, including for a rodeo and to support gun range funding rejected by the Legislature, drew scrutiny prior to her exit from the state. Advertisement Advertisement The first bill filed for this years session in the state Senate seeks to require the state Board of Economic Development to review all applications for loans or grants out of the Future Fund. Rep. Scott Odenbach, R-Spearfish, is the majority leader for the House of Representatives. All lawmakers agree that economic development is good, he said, but the details are important. Its a good thing, but its not the only thing, Odenbach said. Some lawmakers have expressed concerns about data centers, including Rep. Dylan Jordan, a Clear Lake Republican. A data center proposal in his county has drawn opposition, as has a proposal for Minnehaha County. Odenbach expects to see plenty of discussion on data centers, which have drawn opposition from even those he described as free-market Republicans who support growth but also like peace and quiet. We need to make sure were safeguarding our water resources and also safeguarding our residential electric utility users so that they dont wake up one day and theres a 25% rate increase or a blackout because weve gotten ahead of ourselves in building data centers, Odenbach said. Public safety The Spearfish Republican said lawmakers in both parties are likely to support Rhodens policy initiatives on public safety. Rhoden threw his support behind a bill offered by South Dakotas State Tribal Relations Committee that would recognize tribal officers as law enforcement officers in South Dakota. South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper Emily Metzger stands to be recognized as the Governors Award for Heroism recipient during Gov. Larry Rhodens State of the State address on Jan. 13, 2026, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Photo by Meghan OBrien/South Dakota Searchlight) Under current law its a felony to assault a state, county or local police officer, but not to assault an officer employed by one of the states tribes. For far too many years, tribal law enforcement officers have not had the full protection of South Dakota law, Rhoden said. Rhoden also said he will propose a bill that would scrub the addresses of law enforcement officers and judges from the states voter registration database to protect them from potential attacks. The doxxing releasing home addresses and contact information of law enforcement has become a serious problem in other states, Rhoden said. Rhoden recognized one law enforcement officer by name during his speech: Emily Metzger, a state trooper. Metzger ran her patrol car into a vehicle speeding in the wrong direction on Interstate 90 last year in an attempt to stop it. The offending vehicle kept going after the first collision, Rhoden said, and Metzger again ran into it to stop it before arresting the driver. Metzger was in the House gallery for the speech. Rhoden awarded her the Governors Award for Heroism on Tuesday and asked her to stand for an ovation from lawmakers. For broadcasters From Searchlight reporter Meghan OBrien: Denmark's foreign minister has said there is a "fundamental disagreement" with the US over Greenland after talks at the White House. Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the meeting with Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday had been "frank but constructive". But he added that US President Trump was insisting on "conquering" Greenland which was "totally unacceptable". "We made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of [Denmark]," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Trump afterwards reiterated his interest in acquiring the resource-rich island, a position that has rattled allies across Europe and stoked tensions with Nato. The hour-long meeting between the US, Denmark and Greenland failed to bring a major breakthrough, although all sides agreed to set-up a high-level working group to discuss the future of the autonomous Danish territory. Rasmussen said there were "red lines" the US could not cross, and the working group would meet in the coming weeks in an effort to find a compromise. He added that Denmark and Greenland were open to the possibility of the US opening more military bases on the island. "It's productive to start discussions at a high level," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Rasmussen also said there was an "element of truth" in Trump's view that security should be bolstered to counter Russian and Chinese interests in the Arctic. But he said the president's comments about the presence of Russian and Chinese warships around Greenland were "not true". Despite being a sparsely populated territory, Greenland's location between North America and the Arctic makes it well placed for early warning systems in the event of missile attacks and for monitoring vessels in the region. Trump has repeatedly said acquiring it is vital to US national security. Advertisement Advertisement The US already has more than 100 military personnel permanently stationed at its Pituffik base in Greenland's north-western tip, a facility that has been operated by the US since World War Two. Under existing agreements with Denmark, the US has the power to bring as many troops as it wants to Greenland. After the talks on Wednesday, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greenland Vivian Motzfeldt said the territory was open to greater co-operation with the US but also opposed a takeover. "We have shown where our limits are," Motzfeldt said. Vance and Rubio did not immediately comment after the meeting. Trump, meanwhile, told reporters in the Oval Office: "We need Greenland for national security." Advertisement Advertisement "The problem is there's not a thing that Denmark can do about it if Russia or China wants to occupy Greenland, but there's everything we can do," he said, adding that he does not believe the US can rely on Denmark to defend the island. The talks came as allies in Europe moved quickly to show support for Greenland. Sweden on Wednesday pledged to send armed forces to the territory at Denmark's request. Germany said in a statement provided to the BBC that it would send a "reconnaissance team" to Greenland to "explore the general conditions for possible military contributions to support Denmark in ensuring security in the region". Advertisement Advertisement Speaking in Sweden on Wednesday evening, the UK's Defence Secretary John Healey said after a request from Denmark, the UK would be sending one military officer as part of the reconnaissance team. France's foreign minister said the country planned to open a consulate on the island next month. French President Emmanuel Macron said his country would also participate in the reconnaissance team and that "French military elements" were already on the way to Greenland. Denmark said its military expansion in Greenland will take place "in close co-operation with allies". "Geopolitical tensions have spread to the arctic," it said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement The White House talks were just the latest round of diplomatic discussions over Trump's growing interest in the territory. It is unclear whether the president is considering using military force to seize the island, and he once again declined to rule it out when asked on Wednesday. Other options reportedly under consideration include purchasing the territory - though neither Danes nor Greenlanders have said it is for sale. Since taking office, Vance has criticised Denmark's stewardship of Greenland. The vice-president visited soon after taking office. Trump has argued control of the territory is critical for his planned missile defence system, Golden Dome. Advertisement Advertisement "It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building," Trump said in a social media post early on Wednesday. "Nato should be leading the way for us to get it." Public opinion polls suggest a majority of Greenland residents oppose coming under US control. The island's representative to the US says the last time Greenlanders were asked if they wanted to be part of the US, in January 2025, only 6% were in favour of doing so, while 85% were against. Most Americans oppose US control of Greenland as well. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Wednesday indicated just 17% of Americans support the US seizing Greenland, compared to 47% who said they opposed Trump's push to acquire the island. Advertisement Advertisement The latest talks on Greenland follow US military operations in Venezuela and against Islamic State targets in Syria. Trump has also threatened to take military action to stop Iran's crackdown on a growing protest movement engulfing the nation. Are you in Greenland? Share your perspective here or use the form below. Elon Musks embattled artificial intelligence chatbot Grok is getting support from the Pentagon. The chatbot embedded into X, the social media network owned by the Texas billionaire, drew global outcry earlier this month for generating highly sexualized images of minors and adults without their consent. And this week, Democrats in the Texas House called for Attorney General Ken Paxton to take on Musk over the issue. Call to investigate The ask: More than 40 Texas House Democrats want Attorney General Ken Paxton to investigate Elon Musks AI chatbot Grok over the creation of sexualized images. Advertisement Advertisement The stakes: The request puts Paxton, now running for the Senate, between his tough-on-tech, child-protection record and a powerful conservative donor. The hook: Lawmakers cite Texas new AI law and Paxtons past billion-dollar tech settlements as evidence he has the authority to act. But in a speech Monday evening in Starbase, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Grok will join Googles generative AI engine in operating inside the Pentagon network as it pushes to get all its data into the developing technology. RELATED: At Starbase, Pete Hegseth lays out plan for a defense industry built on artificial intelligence, Grok Advertisement Advertisement Very soon we will have the worlds leading AI models on every unclassified and classified network throughout our department, he said at Musks SpaceX headquarters in South Texas. That stirred new global concern about the chatbot, but Texas Democrats were already seeking action at home. Led by Rep. Mihaela Plesa of Dallas, more than 40 Democrats this week demanded an inquiry into the allegations that X is being used to churn out explicit, sexualized images. Their move sets up a politically charged test for Paxton, potentially pitting the Republican against a powerful conservative figure, key national GOP donor and major presence in Texas. Paxton is campaigning for the U.S. Senate seat held by Sen. John Cornyn. Advertisement Advertisement Paxtons office could not be reached for comment. But he has long emphasized a tough stance on child exploitation and big tech, including lawsuits against major technology companies. Plesa said she became concerned with Musks chatbot tool after encountering a sexualized image of Renee Good, the Minnesota woman fatally shot last week by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent. I was horrified when I saw what I saw on X, and Im sure that parents are horrified to see this, too, she told Hearst Newspapers, adding that her searches had found other inappropriate imagery. Musk has at times appeared to delight in use of the tool, recently asking it to create an image of himself in a bikini. Advertisement Advertisement Amid last weeks uproar, Musk said accounts trying to use Grok to create images of undressed children would suffer consequences. The company also said in a statement on X that it would remove illegal content depicting children and permanently suspend accounts that asked Grok to make such images. On Thursday, it said it would restrict use of the platforms image generation and editing features to paying subscribers. As of Tuesday, though, they were still available to free users. Plesa said Xs assurances fall short. We are asking the attorney general to focus on our kids, on women in the state who have experienced this and have become victims of this, she said. We are asking for clear pathways as to if you are a victim, how to resolve this, how to get legal action, how to get these images removed from the internet. Advertisement Advertisement Her call for an investigation adds Texas lawmakers to a growing list of officials across the U.S. and the globe seeking government scrutiny of X. Several Democratic U.S. senators have called for a review of Grok, and the European Union ordered X to retain documents related to the AI chatbot. On Tuesday, Malaysian authorities said they would take legal action against X, accusing it of failing to ensure user safety. The U.K.s media regulator said Monday it launched an investigation into whether X violated its duty to protect people from illegal content. On Saturday, Indonesia blocked access to Grok. Officials in France said they were widening an existing investigation. The Indian government accused Grok of gross misuse of AI and serious failures of its safeguards and enforcement. Last year in Texas, the Legislature passed the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act, making it illegal to design an AI tool solely for the creation of child pornography and deepfake videos. The law took effect Jan. 1. Under that law, Paxton has the authority to ask X to shut down until we figure out whats going on, Plesa said. The attorney general has not shied away from suing big tech companies. His office secured billion-dollar settlements from Google and Meta over allegations of illegal tracking of users geolocation and biometric data. Assyrians in Iraq Face Ongoing Persecution, Displacement, and Political Marginalization Baghdad -- With each passing year, the challenges threatening the Christian presence in Iraq continue to grow. A land that embraced Christianity in its earliest centuries has seen its Christian population subjected to persistent persecution and displacement. Since 2003, the number of Christians has fallen from more than 1.5 million to just 300,000 as a result of bombings and attacks targeting churches and Christian neighborhoods. With the rise and territorial expansion of the Islamic State (ISIS), conditions deteriorated further, leading to the collapse of what remained of many Christian communities. Today, despite the liberation of these areas from ISIS, Christians remain trapped in the same cycle of fear and pressure. Extremist Islamist groups are active across Iraq, alongside Iran-backed Shia militias, all of which threaten the Christian presence. Christian villages in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) have also come under attack during Turkish and Iranian military operations, forcing many residents to flee increasingly unstable and unsafe areas. In addition, many Christian women now choose to wear the hijab to protect themselves from harassment or the threat of public stoning. Some face "honor killings" or sexual assault if their conversion to Christianity is discovered after previously being Muslims. Meanwhile, Christian men lose jobs or face exploitation in the workplace because of their faith, placing their families at serious risk, as men are often the primary breadwinners. Even Christian cemeteries have not been spared. In a systematic attempt to erase the Christian historical presence in Iraq, extremists have desecrated graves in the cemeteries of Shaqlawa and Armota. Last December, as the Christmas holiday approached, around 40 graves were deliberately destroyed in the Assyrian cemetery in Shaqlawa. This attack came only two weeks after a similar act of vandalism in Armota. According to Joseph Sliwa, head of the Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union (Huyodo d'Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA), local authorities in both cases prevented filming of the damage so the issue would not attract public attention and media coverage, which could undermine the "false positive image" authorities in Arba'ilo (Erbil) seek to promote. For many years, Iraqi elections have not reflected the country's true reality. Instead, they are used as political theater to install power brokers who tighten their grip over the state. Against this backdrop, and in order to prevent Christian rights from being forgotten, Patriarch of the Chaldean Church Mar Louis Raphael I Sako issued a strong appeal to members of the Assyrian community in Iraq. He urged them not to support corrupt politicians or candidates linked to armed factions that control cities, resources, and the fate of the population in Nineveh Plains -- the historical homeland of Christian Assyrians. Patriarch Sako warned against attempts to manipulate voters by internal and external actors, in what appeared to be a clear reference to Rayan al-Kildani and the "Babylon Movement," a faction affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and backed by Iran-aligned Shia groups. "We will not accept that the Christian component be turned into fuel for the interests of these foreign forces," Sako said. He also expressed frustration over the Iraqi government's continued neglect of minority rights, stating, "Unfortunately, for more than 15 years, the Iraqi government has failed to protect the rights of minorities and to take concrete measures that guarantee their fair status and safeguard their representation and role." Yet he also offered a glimmer of hope despite the bleak reality facing Iraq's Christians, saying, "Despite their wounds, Christians will not surrender, and they will continue their struggle to obtain their constitutional rights that guarantee their future and survival." As these hardships persist, observers continue to ask whether Christians can endure further injustice in the land of their ancestors and the birthplace of their faith. (The Center Square) New Hampshire Republicans have tapped former Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan to lead the party following the abrupt resignation of its former chairman. The GOP's Executive Committee announced Tuesday that it approved Callaghan to serve as chairman of the New Hampshire Republican State Committee. He replaces Jim MacEachern, who stepped down Monday after less than years as the party's chairman. "Im incredibly honored to take on this role," Callaghan said in a statement. "The strength of our party comes from the grassroots up, and Im excited to work with our committees and elected officials across New Hampshire to win in November." Advertisement Advertisement Callaghan, a veteran law enforcement officer, was elected Rochester mayor in 2021 after flipping a seat held by Democrats for decades. Republican party officials credit Callaghan with reducing crime, reviving the citys downtown and creating jobs during his tenure as mayor. He is also currently a lieutenant in the Strafford County Sheriffs Department. Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte was among those who voiced her support for Callaghan in a statement provided by the party that praised his campaigning prowess. "Paul has won tough races the New Hampshire way by knocking doors and working hard. He knows how to build a strong grassroots campaign, and he has never backed down from the tough fights," Ayotte. "Paul understands what it takes to win and hes exactly what our party needs as we head into November." MacEachern submitted his letter of resignation Monday ahead of a Jan. 24 "emergency" meeting of the party's Executive Committee to discuss replacing him over a confrontation with a GOP congressional candidate, who later dropped out of a primary race in the First Congressional District race. GOP officials didn't mention the controversy that led to his resignation. Advertisement Advertisement "After careful consideration, I have concluded that I can no longer devote the time and attention required to fully carry out the responsibilities of this office," MacEachern wrote in his resignation letter to party officials. "It has been an honor to serve as chairman of our great party." Manchester Republican Elizabeth Girard, who served as a chair of Donald Trumps 2024 presidential campaign in New Hampshire, suspended her campaign for the congressional seat two weeks ago. She cited "obstacles" in her efforts to win support from party activists, but didn't publicly blame MacEachern for forcing her out of the congressional race. "I turned to the leadership in our party for resolution," Girard, a former head of the state chapter of the National Federation of Republican Women, said in a statement. "Instead, I received words young women should never have to hear, facing situations women should never have to encounter." (The Center Square) New Hampshire lawmakers are moving to tighten that states voting laws by prohibiting high school or college students from using their student identification cards to vote in elections. The Republican-backed proposal, which recently cleared the state House of Representatives on a 190-148 party-line vote, would eliminate a provision of state election law allowing voters to show a college identification card to receive a ballot. Instead, students would be required to present an ID issued by the federal government or an out-of-state drivers license, ID card or U.S. passport. Proponents of House Bill 323 say many students who present those college IDs are nonresidents. They say requiring government IDs for students to vote would help ensure the integrity of the state's election system. Advertisement Advertisement "Every argument you hear against this is just ludicrous," state Rep. Ross Berry, a Weare Republican and chair of the House Election Law Committee, said in remarks on the House floor ahead of the bill's passage. "You need a government ID to collect social security, to get on welfare. You need an ID to get on a plane. It's a part of life." Democrats blasted the proposal as election interference and warned that the legislation, if approved, would likely be challenged in court. The reality behind this bill is its a blatant attempt to unconstitutionally prohibit students, who are already registered and qualified voters in New Hampshire, from exercising their undeniable constitutional right to vote," state Rep. James Newsom, a Contoocook Democrat, said in opposition to the bill. New Hampshire has wrangled for years over proposals to restrict student voting and tighten voter ID requirements while blocking attempts by Democrats to expand early voting and mail balloting. Advertisement Advertisement State law allows students who are temporarily living in the Granite State to claim residence and vote. New Hampshire has more college students per capita than any other state. Students are a sizable chunk of the electorate that helped tip the state's vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, Joe Biden in the 2020 election, and Kamala Harris in 2024. Election integrity has been an issue in New Hampshire since the 2016 presidential election, when then-Republican candidate Donald Trump claimed that busloads of Massachusetts Democrats were brought into the state to vote against him. Trump reiterated the allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 elections, which he ultimately lost. In 2024, then-Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, signed a bill that requires identification to cast a ballot, without exceptions, and documented proof of U.S. citizenship for first-time New Hampshire voters to register to vote. Advertisement Advertisement Despite the concerns about fraud, a 2022 report by the state's Special Committee on Voter Confidence concluded that New Hampshire's election system "works as is intended" and "deserves the support and confidence" of the state's voters. Instances of voter fraud are "rare and isolated," and promptly investigated by state and local election officials, according to the report. The bill on student ID requirements now heads to the GOP-controlled state Senate, which must approve it before sending it to Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte's desk for consideration. Floridas 60-day legislative session began with House and Senate Republican leaders promoting their plans, priorities and the promise of doing whats right for the state and its residents. But whether House Speaker Daniel Perez of Miami and Senate President Ben Albritton of Wauchula can get on the same page remained the underlying question on the sessions opening day. Honestly, I dont know what is going to happen, Perez conceded in his opening address to the House. Thats OK because the journey is the best part. Advertisement Advertisement The early part of the voyage, though, proved rough. DeSantis sets tone with snub of Perez Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered his eighth and final State of the State speech to a joint session of the Legislature as the states chief executive. But after concluding the roughly half-hour presentation, DeSantis left the speakers rostrum without sharing a handshake with Perez, a snub widely seen and taken as a reflection of lingering hard feelings, at least from the governor. Im always willing to shake the governors hand, Perez later told reporters, adding that he was willing to put past differences aside. Im able to compartmentalize. Obviously, personally, we are not on the same page. But politically, we have a job to do. Advertisement Advertisement For his part, Albrittons comments to senators stressed collaboration and communications as driving forces. But he also told senators to buckle in. Special overtime sessions already are anticipated after this sessions scheduled March 13 finish. Congressional redistricting is set for an April special session. Crafting a ballot measure for November asking if voters want to cut property taxes now also is looming as a future special session item, according to DeSantis and Albritton. The redistricting delay stems from DeSantis' wish to wait for a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court on whether residents' race should be considered when drawing congressional district boundaries. It might take more time, Albritton said of the two-month session just dawned. In fact, it might take a lot more time. But thats the design of our form of government. Advertisement Advertisement Different priorities and shifting allegiances cast a troubling cloud over Tuesdays kick-off. Perez says hes ready to forge ahead on big-ticket issues over the next 60 days although he left himself some wiggle room. We could; we could not, Perez said of taking up redistricting during the regular session. Trump's redistricting demand will wait The rare, mid-decade congressional redistricting effort is pushed by President Trump. Property tax proposals have already advanced in House committees, even though DeSantis has dismissed them as milquetoast. Across the Capitol rotunda, Albritton appears to be taking his cues from DeSantis. Hes ready to wait until later special sessions to take on the big items redistricting and possibly property taxes. Opening day speeches from Albritton and Perez drew only one reference to property taxes, and that was from the Senate president. Advertisement Advertisement Neither touched on redistricting, in which Florida Republicans are expected to redraw congressional boundaries to help Trump and the GOP maintain control of the U.S. House after the November elections. What to watch for... Amid GOP tension, a DeSantis swan song: Five things to watch Despite Trump, everyone's talking prices Trump downplays but Florida GOP puts affordability on to-do list Last years 60-day session took an extra 45 days to finish. Back then, Perez and Albritton clashed over tax breaks and the budget, while DeSantis sniped mostly at the House. In the months since that June end, the divide has deepened. Perez remains in the term-limited DeSantis doghouse. Advertisement Advertisement The pair have feuded since Perez spearheaded a push early last year to diminish DeSantis role in enforcing the Trump administrations roundups of undocumented migrants in Florida. And the relationship hardened during last years session. Familiar pitch from governor on property taxes DeSantis made a familiar pitch for cutting property taxes in his opening day address, telling lawmakers that the state's residents should be able to own (their) home without paying perpetual rent to the government. While providing no specifics on what he wants, the governor has said the matter should wait until a later special session. Albritton has endorsed that approach. Advertisement Advertisement We are absolutely committed to putting something on the ballot that can help Florida homeowners. Period, end of story, Albritton said. Were working through that. But, he added, Im not going to pen myself in on what the timing is going to look like. John Kennedy is a reporter in the USA TODAY Networks Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jkennedy2@gannett.com, or on X at @JKennedyReport. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Republican rift on display in Day 1 of legislative session HAWAII COUNTY, Hawaii (KHON2) The Hawaii Rise Foundation Scholarship Program is a community-driven scholarship program that supports Big Island students pursuing education, training, or personal growth. 5 must-knows for this prestigious $185K Hawaii scholarship It began in 2016 with a single $1,000 scholarship donated by Keaukaha General Store, and has grown into $50,000 in scholarships for 2026, supported by local families, businesses, and organizations across Hawaii Island. Advertisement Advertisement Were told each scholarship is created and funded by a local sponsor and reflects their values, story, and hopes for the next generation. This means students are supported not just financially, but personally by people in their own community who believe in them. Hawaii Island high school seniors, current college students, and nontraditional students are encouraged to apply. Funds are available for so many kinds of students: college, trades, first responders, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, educators, single parents, foster youth, those with a military background, children with special needs. Looking for college scholarships? A 17 year-olds nonprofit group can help! Applications are open now and can be found on hawaiirisefoundation.org or on Instagram @hawaiirisefoundation. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2026, and award notifications will be sent by May 1, 2026 and organizers also always have an award ceremony in the Summer where the donors and awardees get to meet each other. That will be in June 2026. 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 KHON2. Helge Fuhst is set to become chairman of the editors-in-chief of Germany's Axel Springer's Premium Group, which includes brands like Politico Germany, Business Insider Germany and Germany's Welt newspaper. Current editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard, is stepping down from his positions due to health reasons, Axel Springer said in a press release on Wednesday. "With Helge Fuhst, an outstanding journalist and an excellent media manager is taking over the editorial leadership of the Premium-Gruppe," Axel Springer chief executive Mathias Dopfner was quoted as saying. Advertisement Advertisement "He will continue to build on the successful path we embarked on a year ago and further sharpen the strategic positioning of the brands together with the Editors-in-Chief." Fuhst currently leads the editorial team at public broadcaster ARD's Tagesthemen, one of the most widely watched newscasts in Germany. At Axel Springer, he is set to oversee editorial coverage across all brands of the Premium Group and also serve as editor-in-chief of the Welt Group. Gordon Repinski and Moritz Seyffarth will remain editors-in-chief at Politico Germany and Business Insider Germany, respectively, and they will continue to lead the group's Competence Centers for politics and business respectively. Hezbollah insists that the deal only applies to the southernmost region of Lebanon that borders Israel and has refused to relinquish its arsenal elsewhere. A senior Hezbollah official has warned Lebanon's government that pressing on with efforts to disarm the group throughout the country would trigger chaos and possibly civil war, according to comments circulated by the armed group on Wednesday. Lebanon has pledged to bring all arms in the country under state control, in line with a 2024 agreement that ended a devastating war between Hezbollah and Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah insists that the deal only applies to the southernmost region of Lebanon that borders Israel and has refused to relinquish its arsenal elsewhere. In an interview with Russian state media outlet RT, senior Hezbollah political official Mahmoud Qmati said pursuing a state monopoly on arms further north would be "the biggest crime committed by the state." "The path taken by the Lebanese government and state institutions will lead Lebanon to instability, chaos, and perhaps even civil war," Qmati said, though he added that Hezbollah would not be dragged into a confrontation with Lebanon's army. The Lebanese army said last week that it had taken operational control in the area between the Litani River and Israel's border. The Lebanese cabinet has asked the army to brief it in early February on how it would pursue disarmament in other parts of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah has said that Israeli troops must withdraw from five hilltop positions they occupy in southern Lebanon, halt near-daily airstrikes on Lebanon, and release detained Lebanese before any further disarmament is discussed. "There will be no talk or dialogue about any situation north of the Litani River before Israel withdraws from all Lebanese territory, liberates the South and the prisoners, and stops its violations against Lebanon," said Qmati. Aoun: Lebanon will continue disarmament campaign even as Israeli strikes continue Israel says that efforts to disarm Hezbollah fighters have been insufficient, raising pressure on Lebanese leaders who fear Israel could escalate strikes. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Sunday that Beiruts campaign to dismantle armed groups will continue even as Israeli strikes continue, insisting that disarmament will move forward across the country, including areas north of the Litani River. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Sunday that Beiruts campaign to dismantle armed groups will continue even as Israeli strikes continue, insisting that disarmament will move forward across the country, including areas north of the Litani River. By Maya Gebeily BEIRUT, Jan 14 (Reuters) - A senior Hezbollah official has warned Lebanon's government that pressing on with efforts to disarm the group throughout the country would trigger chaos and possibly civil war, according to comments circulated by the armed group on Wednesday. Lebanon has pledged to bring all arms in the country under state control, in line with a 2024 agreement that ended a devastating war between Hezbollah and Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah insists that deal only applies to the southernmost region of Lebanon that borders Israel and has refused to relinquish its arsenal elsewhere. In an interview with Russian state media outlet RT, senior Hezbollah political official Mahmoud Qmati said pursuing a state monopoly on arms further north would be "the biggest crime committed by the state". "The path taken by the Lebanese government and state institutions will lead Lebanon to instability, chaos and perhaps even civil war," Qmati said, though he added that Hezbollah would not be dragged into a confrontation with Lebanon's army. The Lebanese army said last week that it had taken operational control in the area between the Litani River and Israel's border. The Lebanese cabinet has asked the army to brief it in early February on how it would pursue disarmament in other parts of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah has said that Israeli troops must withdraw from five hilltop positions they occupy in southern Lebanon, halt near-daily airstrikes on Lebanon and release detained Lebanese before any further disarmament is discussed. "There will be no talk or dialogue about any situation north of the Litani River before Israel withdraws from all Lebanese territory, liberates the South and the prisoners, and stops its violations against Lebanon," said Qmati. Israel says that efforts to disarm Hezbollah fighters have been insufficient, raising pressure on Lebanese leaders who fear Israel could escalate strikes. The war in Gaza that erupted in October 2023 triggered months of cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with near-daily exchanges of fire along the Lebanon-Israel frontier. (Reporting by Maya Gebeily; Writing by Tala Ramadan; Editing by Alex Richardson) PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) A crowd of protestors packed a portion of Rhode Island State House rotunda Tuesday evening ahead of Gov. Dan McKees annual State of the State address. The Peoples State of the State called on McKee to address Rhode Islands homelessness crisis. Advocates also urged him to continue funding the No One Dies program an initiative created by the Rhode Island State Council of Churches to provide emergency warming centers during frigid weather. We have received $200,000 from the Executive Office of Housing, said Harrison Tuttle of the Rhode Island Homelessness Advocacy Project (RIHAP). We have spent $78,000 of that amount. We are not going to have enough money to get through the winter. We need churches all througout the state to come together and open their doors. Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Key moments from McKees State of the State address This comes after last years State of the State, when McKees staff scrambled to block public access to the rotunda 90 minutes before a planned protest. This sparked a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Rhode Island. The ACLU offered to sue the governor for not allowing us to exercise our First Amendment right, RIHAPs Eric Hirsch said. The ACLU and lawyers for the state reached an agreement that allowed protestors to have access to a small portion of the rotunda this year. The fact that were on the rotunda is incredible, Tuttle said. People are coming to share their experiences toward a solution that Rhode Island should have had a long time ago. Advertisement Advertisement Tuttle, whos the lead plaintiff in the ACLUs lawsuit, did not have any further comment despite the agreement. RIHAP advocates told 12 News the lawsuit against the state is still pending. SEE ALSO: GOP responds to McKees State of the State address 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. 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. Honduras electoral authorities rejected Monday an order by the outgoing president to recount November's election won by Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura. Asfura, a conservative businessman, was declared the winner of Honduras's presidential election on December 24, weeks after a tight race marred by delays and allegations of fraud. Outgoing Honduras President Xiomara Castro, who finishes her term January 27, called for a meeting with Trump last week saying his public backing of Asfura "negatively influenced" the election and demanded a vote recount. Advertisement Advertisement The head of the National Electoral Council (CNE), which oversees elections in Honduras, said in a statement on X on Monday that the recount decree was "unconstitutional and illegal" adding that it attempted to "usurp" the electoral body's independence. The US State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs also warned on Saturday that "attempts to illegally overturn Honduras's election will have serious consequences." Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Asfura in Washington on Monday where they discussed "the importance of combatting transnational crime, strengthening regional security, attracting new investment opportunities, and ending illegal immigration," the State Department said. Asfura, a 67-year-old son of Palestinian immigrants, narrowly defeated conservative TV personality Salvador Nasralla, 40.1 percent to 39.5 percent in the presidential contest. Advertisement Advertisement Hector Valerio, the head of Honduras's armed forces, told reporters during a press briefing Monday the military supported the CNE's decision to reject the recount. The governments of Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Guatemala have also pushed back on Castro's effort. bur-lga/ane The House oversight committee will move to hold Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress, its Republican chair James Comer said on Wednesday, after the former first lady joined her husband Bill Clinton in refusing to comply with a subpoena for testimony regarding the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The announcement came a day after the Clintons said they would not honor subpoenas from the investigative panel to discuss Epstein, a former friend of the ex-president, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton joined her husband in defying a bipartisan, lawful congressional subpoena to show up today, Comer told reporters on Wednesday morning, after the deadline for Hillary Clinton to appear passed. Advertisement Advertisement Were going to hold both Clintons in criminal contempt of Congress. The oversight committee will consider a contempt resolution next Wednesday, Comer said. The measure will need to be approved by the panel and the full House of Representatives, both of which are controlled by the GOP, before it is referred to the justice department, which would decide whether to seek an indictment before a grand jury. Bill Clintons office later released sworn declarations it said were shared with the oversight committee in which both the former president and first lady deny any knowledge of Epsteins crimes, and said they were not involved in the governments investigations into him. When the committee convened for Hillary Clintons deposition, a Democratic aide criticized Comer and the Republicans for relentlessly seeking Hillary Clintons testimony but not being similarly aggressive in interviewing other witnesses, or enforcing a subpoena sent to the justice department for its records related to Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement The aide also noted that Donald Trump had called for attorney general Pam Bondi and the FBI to investigate Bill Clintons links with Epstein. Against that backdrop, oversight Democrats have grave concerns about the presidents publicly stated expectation that DoJ and the FBI will incriminate leaders of the opposition party, as well as the presidents demonstrated willingness to use the nations law enforcement agencies to distract from his own lengthy relationship and interaction with Epstein, the aide said, according to a transcript that was released by Bill Clintons office and verified by the Guardian. The oversight committee subpoenaed the Clintons together with several former attorneys general and FBI directors last August after the justice department sparked outrage by announcing that the Epstein matter was closed. That incensed Trump supporters who believed that the late financier lay at the center of a larger plot, which they expected the president to reveal. In the months that followed, the committee made public documents obtained by Epsteins estate which detailed his relationship with Trump, a one-time friend who insisted that he cut ties with the financier before his 2008 guilty plea to state charges of solicitation of prostitution and solicitation of prostitution with a minor in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Separately, a bipartisan group of lawmakers forced through Congress legislation that has required the release of government files related to the Epstein case. Bill Clinton, who was known to socialize with Epstein in the late 1990s and early 2000s, has been shown in some photos made public as a result of that law, including one of the former president in a hot tub and swimming in a pool. Clinton has not been accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein and has long denied any knowledge of Epsteins crimes. In a letter to Comer, attorneys for the Clintons argued that the oversight committees subpoenas were invalid and legally unenforceable, untethered to a valid legislative purpose, unwarranted because they do not seek pertinent information, and an unprecedented infringement on the separation of powers. The former first couple separately issued a joint statement in which they blasted the policies that Trump and Congresss Republican majorities had supported over the past year, and said that they would welcome contempt of Congress proceedings as a way to prevent them from doing more damage. Bringing the Republicans cruel agenda to a standstill while you work harder to pass a contempt charge against us than you have done on your investigation this past year would be our contribution to fighting the madness, the Clintons wrote. Prosecutions for contempt of Congress were once rare, but during Joe Bidens presidency, two former advisers to Trump Peter Navarro and Steve Bannon served jail time after being convicted on the charge for ignoring subpoenas from the congressional committee that investigated the January 6 attack. SXSW Sydney, which runs the southern hemisphere's SXSW event, will not return in 2026, with organisers stating this decision "reflects a changing global environment that is impacting major events, festivals and cultural programs worldwide." SXSW (South by South West) Sydney was a massive "festival of festivals" that, over the last three years, brought together creative professionals from different industries. Just like the original in Austin, it was divided into key pillars: 1) Tech & Innovation: Startups, AI, robotics, and future trends. 2) Games: Esports tournaments, indie game showcases, and industry panels. 3) Music: Live showcases of emerging artists from the Asia-Pacific region. 4) Screen: Film and TV premieres, director Q&As, and red carpet events. 5) Culture: Art installations, food, and thought leadership. Noting its close work with the NSW Government and SXSWs global owners, Penske Media Corporation, the local SXSW Sydney team said it explored potential pathways forward for the event with all concerned, however, "prevailing market conditions mean the Sydney edition will not be going ahead at this time." Between 2023 and 2025, we're reminded "SXSW Sydney generated an estimated $276 million in total economic impact. "The event attracted more than 63,000 out-of-region attendees and recorded a 35% year-on-year growth in international visitation between 2024 and 2025. In 2025 alone, the event attracted a total attendance of more than 345,000, representing a 15% year-on-year increase." The organisers are implicitly suggesting not enough funds were on offer from the various stakeholders, be it the NSW Govt, the public, sponsors, advertisers nor HQ, but you can safely assume that if money were no object, there's no reason why the show wouldn't continue for years to come. Indeed, Co-Managing Directors Simon Cahill and Jono Whyman were keen to thank those who had helped madke SXSW Sydney a success over the past three years, stating: SXSW Sydney would not have been possible without our partners, Destination NSW and SXSW, as well as those who contributed to the event - our speakers, sponsors, volunteers and attendees. "SXSW Sydney was an unforgettable three-year journey, and we owe a debt of gratitude to the people who joined us for it. We are especially grateful to the SXSW Sydney team for their dedication and hard work in bringing this event to life and establishing a platform that showcased Australia and the Asia-Pacific as pioneers in global culture. Clearly, there's no point burning bridges, because if "prevailing market conditions", SXSW Sydney might some day return - but clearly, at the moment, not any time soon, and certainly not this year, sadly. Jenny Connelly, Chief Digital Officer for Penske Media and Director in Charge of SXSW added: "SXSW Sydney represented an ambitious and meaningful extension of the SXSW brand, and we are incredibly proud of what was built in partnership with the Sydney team, Destination NSW, and the broader creative community. Over three years, SXSW Sydney demonstrated the power of convening global innovators, creatives, and leaders, and created a platform that elevated voices from Australia and the Asia-Pacific region onto the world stage. While the event will not proceed in 2026, we are grateful for the collaboration, creativity, and commitment that defined SXSW Sydney." SXSW Sydney notes its committment to staff and "will be working closely with team members to provide appropriate support." Whether SXSW might return later this decade or perhaps in the 2030s when the robot revolution will presumably be in full swing is yet to be seen, with SXSW in Austin, Texas, the place to go until SXSW Sydney or Melbourne possibly one day returns. The SXSW Sydney website has the following message: A FINAL THANK YOU Every great story has a final page, and it is with a heavy heart that we share that SXSW Sydney has reached its closing chapter and will not be returning in 2026. Its bittersweet to be saying goodbye while the momentum is so high. Were still celebrating the success of this past year - one that saw total attendance of more than 345,000 (representing a 15% year-on-year increase) and cemented a three-year cumulative economic impact of $276 million. To the tens of thousands of you who filled the halls of ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour, and surrounds over the past three years: thank you for being a part of the SXSW Sydney journey. You didn't just attend an event; you came together to help us build a vibrant, global community that transformed the heart of our city every October. While this chapter ends here, the connections made and the ideas sparked on our stages will continue to resonate. Thank you for making these past three years unforgettable. The SXSW Sydney Team Washington The House passed the latest bipartisan funding package Wednesday, moving one step closer to fully funding the government through September. Congress is rushing to beat a Jan. 30 deadline to pass the annual appropriations bills to avoid another government shutdown. Top lawmakers on the Senate and House appropriations committees released a two-bill package Sunday that contains funding for the Departments of State, Treasury and other related agencies. Advertisement Advertisement The House voted 341 to 79 to pass the package, kicking it over to the Senate. The Senate, meanwhile, is moving through procedural votes on a three-bill package that includes funding for the Departments of Commerce, Justice and Interior, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency. The House approved the package last week in a vote that was overwhelmingly bipartisan. If both pieces of legislation make it to President Trump's desk, Congress will have four more appropriations bills to pass to fully fund the government through the end of the fiscal year. But the Senate has a weeklong recess next week and the House is scheduled to be out the week after creating a quick turnaround on the final bills, including a controversial measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Advertisement Advertisement Plans were dropped to include the Homeland Security Department appropriations in the package unveiled this week after an ICE officer fatally shot a Minnesota woman. Democrats have threatened to withhold their support for this funding if it does not include ICE reforms. "It's a politically very sensitive topic," GOP Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, said Tuesday. "That's why we decided not to push ahead with a Homeland bill this week." Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said it's "one of the major issues that the appropriators are confronting right now." Cole said negotiations on the other remaining bills are "very close" to wrapping up and he expected passage in both chambers. Advertisement Advertisement "Then we've just got to strategize how to get Homeland, if we can," he said. "But most of the government should be up and functional." If a deal can't be reached on Homeland Security, Cole said lawmakers would likely pass another temporary measure, which would maintain funding for the agency at its current level. Sneak peek: The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis Civil Rights icon Claudette Colvin dies at 86 Chicago believes again as the Bears catch fire The Brief A flight from Amsterdam to Houston ended up landing in Reykjavik on Monday. United Airlines says the plane experienced a mechanical issue. The passengers were taken to Houston on another aircraft. HOUSTON - A flight from Amsterdam to Houston landed in Iceland on Monday due to a mechanical issue, airline officials say. What we know According to United Airlines, United Flight 21 safely landed in Reykjavik to address the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Another aircraft took the customers to Chicago, where there was a crew change, and then continued to Houston. (Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images) By the numbers According to United Airlines, the Boeing 767-300ER was carrying 194 passengers and 10 crew members. What we don't know No specific information was provided about the mechanical issue. The Source The information in this article comes from United Airlines. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Hundreds of drivers were pulled over on U.S. 71 highway on Tuesday in an enforcement effort by the Kansas City Police Department. According to KCPD, the enforcement was implemented because of numerous traffic complaints and crashes on U.S. 71 in recent months. Kansas City seeks $63.2M for FIFA World Cup safety measures Here are the numbers from Tuesdays enforcement on U.S. 71: Seven citations for driving suspended/revoked 205 citations/warnings for hazardous moving violations 101 citations/warnings for non-moving violations Advertisement Advertisement The crackdown comes as Kansas City police continue stepped-up traffic enforcement across the metro. In recent months, KCPD announced it would maintain increased speed enforcement along major corridors like Southwest Trafficway, citing similar concerns about speeding, crashes and dangerous driving behaviors. City leaders are also moving forward with longer-term enforcement tools. Red-light and speed cameras are set to return to Kansas City after nearly a decade without them. The goal of bringing them back is to reduce crashes and hold dangerous drivers accountable, even when officers arent present. 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. NEW YORK (AP) Federal officials are reinstating hundreds of U.S. health workers who were laid off last year from a small health agency that aims to protect workers. In April, President Donald Trump's administration gutted the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, where scientists, engineers and others conduct research and recommend ways to prevent work-related injury, illness, disability and death. Government officials laid off close to 900 of NIOSH's 1,000 employees. The layoffs were part of the Republican presidents remaking of the federal workforce led by then-adviser Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, but they drew harsh rebukes from firefighters, coal miners, medical equipment manufacturers and a range of others. Advertisement Advertisement Some employees were brought back last year amid legal challenges and political pressure, including those who staffed a health monitoring program for miners in West Virginia. But now all the terminations have been rescinded, according to the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents workers at NIOSH and parts of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The administrations attempt to lay off nearly every NIOSH worker was shameful and illegal, considering that much of NIOSHs work is required by law," AFGE national president Everett Kelley said in a statement. A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesman on Wednesday confirmed that laid-off NIOSH employees were being reinstated. The Trump Administration is committed to protecting essential services whether its supporting coal miners and firefighters through NIOSH, safeguarding public health through lead prevention, or researching and tracking the most prevalent communicable diseases," spokesman Andrew Nixon said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Nixon did not respond to questions about how many workers were being reinstated, why the workers were laid off or why HHS decided to rescind the layoffs. Its unclear how many of the laid-off NIOSH workers have taken other jobs or decided to retire and wont be returning, officials said. It's likely that many have moved on and won't be returning, said Michael Barasch, an attorney who represents 9/11 survivors and their families. He has helped clients enroll in the NIOSH World Trade Center Health Program that provides medical monitoring and treatment. He described the NIOSH layoffs and their impact as horrifying. More agency workers may be coming back now, but the layoffs last year delayed diagnosis and treatment and it's likely that people died because of these cuts, he said. At the end of last year, the CDC had about 10,800 full-time workers, or about 20% fewer than the number with the agency before the April layoffs began, according to the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Idaho Gov. Brad Little takes questions from reporters after his State of the State Address on Jan. 12, 2026, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) Facing a tough budget year, the Idaho governor did not recommend providing a pay increase for state employees, who will also see higher health insurance costs. Leaders of the state legislative committee tasked with making compensation recommendations for the states 25,000 employees told the Idaho Capital Sun on Tuesday they arent sure whether the joint committee will meet at all this year. Advertisement Advertisement The joint Change in Employee Compensation, known as CEC, Committee, typically starts meeting ahead of the legislative session and again early in the session to make its recommendation to the budget-writing committee. Sen. Dan Foreman, R-Moscow, discusses a piece of legislation on the Senate floor on March 10, 2025, at the Idaho Capitol Building in Boise. Also pictured is Sen. Kevin Cook, R-Idaho Falls. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) Were still thinking over the CEC issue, committee Co-Chair Sen. Dan Foreman, R-Moscow, said Tuesday. Obviously, the budgets an issue this year, more so than normal. Heading into the 2026 legislative session, the state is facing an estimated $600 million to $1 billion budget shortfall for the next fiscal year. Gov. Brad Littles proposal to balance the budget includes no adjustment of employee salaries, based on current revenue projections, according to the Legislative Budget Book. Advertisement Advertisement Should revenue projections indicate sufficient funding, the Governor recommends prioritizing change in employee compensation to ensure state employee pay remains competitive, the budget book said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Idaho Legislatures budget committee is scheduled to set maintenance budgets on Jan. 23 Increasing health care costs mean that state employees will see an estimated 7.3% increase in out-of-pocket costs for health and dental insurance costs, according to the governors budget proposal. Employees may see increases between $29 and $654 per year, depending on the plan type and the number of dependents enrolled. CEC Committee Co-Chair Rep. James Holtzclaw, R-Meridian, said Tuesday he wasnt sure if the committee would meet, but that the health care increase concerned him. Advertisement Advertisement I think its important for us to keep employees whole, he said. I really think we have the best employees, and we want to just keep them happy. The budget-writing Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee is scheduled to set statewide maintenance budgets on Jan. 23. These bare-bones agency budgets include previously approved spending, with new requests considered in subsequent enhancement budgets. House Speaker Mike Moyle in a press conference Monday said he hasnt had discussions regarding employee compensation. We have some of the best employees ever We love these guys, and we share their concerns, and well do what we can to help them, Moyle said when asked about employee raises. But maybe this year its going to be a little off the table. Idaho HR report shows 14% turnover, and salaries lagging behind market The Idaho Division of Human Resources annual workforce report found the state experienced 14.6% turnover in 2025, and had an 11.2% vacancy rate. Advertisement Advertisement The report found the states average base salary is 15% behind the 50th percentile of the public and private sector. The findings in the report prompted CEC committee member Rep. John Gannon, D-Boise, to call for the committee to meet and consider wage increases for employees. He told the Sun he has been requesting a meeting. No business or government can operate efficiently with this kind of dysfunctional employment, Gannon said in a written statement. the best employees will be encouraged to seek comparable employment elsewhere. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Six Hamas fighters were spotted by IDF surveillance on Tuesday, trying to surprise and ambush the military. After counter-fire and additional operations, all six terrorists were killed. The IDF on Wednesday unveiled a video with unusual clarity and detail of a full-fledged gunfight between soldiers from the IDF's 7th Armored Brigade and a Hamas terror cell in the Rafah area of deep southern Gaza. Few clear videos have emerged since summer 2024, not just because of the ceasefire, but also because large-scale clashes between Hamas forces and Israeli troops have become rare following Hamass defeat in Rafah at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Most fighting has involved one or two terrorists at a time, emerging quickly from a tunnel to stage a guerrilla-style attack before fleeing or fighting in tunnels where it is hard to get a clear video image. The six Hamas fighters were spotted by IDF surveillance on Tuesday, trying to surprise and ambush the military. Two IDF tanks were sent to deal with Hamas, but the terrorists succeeded in hitting one of the tanks around three times, according to the short video. An IDF tank operates in the Gaza Strip. May 9, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) However, the tanks were not destroyed and shortly after unleashed a massive volume of return fire at the terrorists. The video does not show the IDFs reported airstrikes on Hamas in the area. However, the position where the six terrorists stood can be seen falling apart, with sparks and other undefined items flying into the air from the force of the IDFs counter-fire. IDF confirms all six Hamas terrorists killed after additional operations in area An initial IDF report said that two of the terrorists were killed, and others were being pursued. Advertisement Advertisement However, after completing their counter-fire and additional operations not recorded on video the IDF determined that all six terrorists were killed. They also found extensive weapons around the terrorists. The IDF said that the Hamas fighters were infringing on the 53% of Gaza under Israeli control, in violation of the ceasefire. Long-shot congressional candidate Bruce Leon, who has said the influential pro-Israel lobbying organization AIPAC pressured him into dropping out of the race for Illinois 9th Congressional District, officially filed paperwork Tuesday to remove his name from the ballot and endorsed Phil Andrew, a former FBI agent. As we sit beside each other, we are were looking at a nation that is divided in a world that is full of danger and conflict, and were both doing this because we recognize that what weve been doing up until this point has not worked, Andrew said in a joint Tribune interview with Leon at Andrews Skokie campaign office Tuesday. As cliche as it sounds, we are stronger together. While Leon was primarily self-funded and had a slim-at-best path to victory, his move to endorse Andrew followed him saying the American Israel Public Affairs Committee pressured him to drop out to help clear the field for state Sen. Laura Fine in the crowded race. Advertisement Advertisement Fine and Leon are both Jewish and AIPAC has seemed to tacitly endorse Fine, even though she has said she has not sought the groups endorsement. Andrew worked for more than two decades at the FBI, including as an undercover agent and hostage negotiator, according to his campaign. In 1988, he survived being shot while trying to take away a gun from Laurie Dann following a school shooting in which Dann held Andrew and his parents hostage. Since leaving the FBI, he has run PAX Group, a security consulting practice. As of last quarter, Andrew was among the top fundraisers in the primary race. Though he bolstered his war chest by making a $200,000 loan to his campaign, he lacks high name recognition or the status of an elected official. Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and political commentator Kat Abughazaleh led in cash on hand as of the last fully reported fundraising quarter, which ended in September. Advertisement Advertisement Fine was also among the stronger fundraisers last quarter, raising six figures, as did Skokie school board member Bushra Amiwala, state Rep. Hoan Huynh, state Sen. Mike Simmons, former federal prosecutor and Microsoft strategist Nick Pyati and economist Jeff Cohen, all Democrats. Veteran Sam Polan also had a six-figure war chest after loaning money to his campaign. Updated fundraising reports for all candidates are due later this week. The winner of the Democratic primary on March 17 will be the front-runner in the race to represent the North Side and north suburban deep blue district, which has been represented since 1999 by retiring U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky. Earlier this month, Schakowsky endorsed Biss. Advertisement Advertisement Leon said Tuesday that he will keep his staff to campaign for Andrew and described the endorsement as a merger. We really see this as, like, a force multiplier, Andrew said. Im new to politics, but I understand that it is a process of addition. Leon, a staunch supporter of Israel, has said AIPAC pressured him for months to drop out of the race to consolidate support for Fine, who has more widespread backing and has been endorsed by dozens of Democratic leaders in the district. On at least one occasion, representatives of the lobbying group spoke to leaders of Leons Orthodox Jewish community, adding to the pressure Leon felt to leave the race, he said. Leon told the Tribune he planned to drop out more than two weeks ago and filed the paperwork Tuesday, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections. Advertisement Advertisement On the issues, Leon said he aligned with Andrew on supporting community security and on options for low-income students to access private schools. There was a personal connection, too: Andrews wife, Michelle, grew up a few doors down from Leons family in Deerfield, Leon said. Asked in late December whether her campaign had been in contact with AIPAC and how she felt about the organization, Fine didnt answer directly. Im a proud Jewish woman who supports Israel, and Im the co-chair of the Jewish Caucus in the Illinois Senate. So its no surprise to me that people are putting us together, because Im a pro-Israel, Jewish woman, she said. Advertisement Advertisement AIPACs fundraising arm is the largest pro-Israel political action committee in the country and one of the most powerful for any issue in the country. AIPAC pushes its allies in Congress to support Israels interests, including through continued military assistance that has come under scrutiny during Israels attacks on Palestinians in Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas. While it supports bipartisan candidates, the organization has been criticized by progressive Democrats who point out that Republican donors have helped fund its efforts to elect allies of Israel. Martin Ritter, a Chicago-based leader at AIPAC, declined to immediately comment Tuesday. Andrew, for his part, criticized the outsized influence of AIPAC in the race but said his campaign would welcome support from all the different places that resources could come from, as long as they recognize we are moving forward on a shared vision for the future. Advertisement Advertisement Leon had dreamed of representing the Orthodox Jewish community in Congress, he said, but felt some relief at giving up the campaign this week. I feel better for the city of Chicago, the 9th District and the country if we can pull this off, he said. The Brief The March 17 primary election in Illinois is coming up in a matter of weeks. Voters will cast their ballots on nominees for federal, state and local offices. Local election authorities already have information for those who want to look up their polling place for Election Day. CHICAGO - Voting for the 2026 Illinois primary election is starting in just a few weeks, when voters will decide on nominees for local, state, and federal offices. Advertisement Advertisement While there are multiple ways to cast your ballot, including voting by mail, voting in person may be the preferred option for many residents. Generally speaking, voters should be able to look up where to vote on the website for their local election authority, which is usually their county clerks office. Most counties will operate multiple early voting site options for in-person voting before Election Day, which is March 17. RELATED: When does early voting start for Illinois 2026 primary election? On Election Day, voting then usually opens up to several more polling places. Here is a quick overview of how voters can find where to vote based on where they live. City of Chicago Voters can look up their Election Day polling place on the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners website. Advertisement Advertisement They will need to enter their full name and address to find their polling place. Its also possible to verify if theyre registered to vote and view a sample ballot. Suburban Cook County Voters can look up their Election Day polling place on the Cook County Clerks Office website. They will need to enter their full address and last name to see their polling place. They can also look up their early voting site, their registration status and who their elected officials are. DuPage County Voters can look up their Election Day polling place on the DuPage County Clerks Office website. They can either look up their polling place with their name and the last four digits of their social security number or drivers license number, or they can look up by their address. Advertisement Advertisement They can also look up a sample ballot with their address. Kane County Voters can look up their polling place by searching their name and address on the Kane County Clerks Office website. The clerks office also published a full list of polling places on its website. Kendall County Voters can look up their polling place on the Kendall County Clerks Office website. They will need to use their name and birthdate to see their polling place. Voters can also look up a sample ballot and their voting history. McHenry County The McHenry County Clerk's Office has only published early voting schedules and locations as of Jan. 12. But a list of polling places from the previous April 1, 2025 election is still available on the website. Will County Voters can look up their polling place on the Will County Clerks Office website. Advertisement Advertisement They will need to input their name, birthday, and house number to look up their polling place. Voters can also apply for a mail-in ballot and view a sample ballot for the upcoming election. DeKalb County Voters can look up a list of Election Day polling places on the DeKalb County Clerk and Recorders Office website. Grundy County Voters can look up a list of Election Day polling places on the Grundy County Clerks Office website. Kankakee County Voters can look up a list of Election Day polling places on the Kankakee County Clerks Office website. State Rep. Justin Jones, a Nashville Democrat, has filed a bill called the "Stop American Gestapo Act," which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) As the Tennessee Legislature reconvenes this week, Republicans have signalled that immigration, for a second year in a row, will be a central policy priority. A Republican supermajority controls both the Tennessee House and Senate. On Monday House Speaker Cameron Sexton told reporters the Republican caucus plans to unveil a package of immigration-related legislation this week, crafted in collaboration with White House Homeland Security advisor Stephen Miller. Sexton offered few specifics. Advertisement Advertisement Separately, and ahead of the January 30 bill-filing deadline, a series of bills already introduced highlight Republican priorities for policies aimed at immigrants living unlawfully in Tennessee, a population estimated at 160,000-190,000 or 3%-4% of the states population. Tennessee has long been a beacon for state-led immigration restriction and this session will be no different, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, an Oak Ridge Republican said in a statement to the Lookout. The federal government under President (Donald) Trump has put a priority on sealing our borders and hastening the return of illegal immigrants to their native lands. We will do all we can to assist in that effort, he said. The Tennessee Republicans immigration agenda is expected to draw intense pushback, as it did last year when throngs of protestors flooded the Capitol on a near-daily basis to protest a slate of bills targeting immigrants. On Tuesday, protests bookended the opening and close of the first day of the 2026 session as protestors condemning ICE commingled with those speaking out against anti-drag legislation. Advertisement Advertisement More Tennesseans than ever are ready to show up at the Capitol, contact their representatives, and defend their neighbors, said Lisa Sherman Luna, executive director of TIRRC votes, the political action arm of the states largest immigrant advocacy group the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition. We wont watch quietly while our communities are targeted for harm and while ICE escalates violence against the people we love. The group helped rally protestors for weeks at the Capitol in the spring in opposition to a host of immigrant related legislation including a measure to bar children without lawful status from public schools. While the measure failed to pass last year, House Leader William Lamberth, a Portland Republican, did not rule out reviving the bill this year. Advertisement Advertisement Despite protests, Republicans last year easily passed measures targeting immigrants and those who aid them, including creating a new crime for those who harbor immigrants and new law giving law enforcement the power to order observers to stand back 25 feet. Both laws are currently being challenged in court. Legislation enacted in 2025 also included the establishment of a state-level immigration enforcement office to coordinate with the federal government, $5 million in grants to local law enforcement that enter into agreements with ICE and markers on license plates to identify legal immigrants who are not citizens. Immigrants without legal status cannot obtain a Tennessee drivers license. Immigration bills introduced thus far in 2026 include SB1466, measure by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, a Franklin Republican, to shield information about immigration enforcement operations from public view, including the identities of local and state law enforcement officers involved in them. The bill is widely seen as aimed at the actions of Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnell during a mass immigration dragnet in Nashville during May that led to the detention of about 200 people during traffic stops. Advertisement Advertisement OConnell continued to enforce a longstanding executive order requiring city departments to report interactions with immigration officials, posting them publicly. The public posts temporarily revealed the names of federal immigration officials inadvertently, the mayors office said. But the postings drew blowback from Trump administration officials as well as Republican lawmakers. Johnsons bill would create felony charges for public officials who release such information, punishable by six-year prison terms and fines. Johnson also introduced a bill, SB1587, creating a misdemeanor crime for immigrants without lawful presence to operate commercial vehicles in the state and requiring notice to immigration authorities. Sen. Brent Taylor, a Memphis Republican, introduced SB1486 to require jails to keep immigrants without lawful presence in custody 48 hours beyond their release date to allow for federal immigration officials time to pick them up. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have also introduced several bills weeks ahead of the filing deadline. A day after Minneapolis resident Renee Good was shot by an ICE agent, Rep. Gabby Salinas filed a bill, HB1482, that would prohibit ICE personnel from going onto the grounds of public schools and churches without notice. In a statement Salinas said the bill was in response to countless reports of ICE officers patrolling and surveilling neighborhoods, schools and church communities since the Memphis Safe Task Force convened by President Donald Trump in September dispatched more than 1,000 federal law enforcement agents, including ICE and Border Patrol, to Memphis. No child or person should fear being abducted or risk having their family ripped apart when they leave their home, the statement said. We are losing friends, neighbors, caretakers, and community members daily. Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Nashville Democratic Rep. Justin Jones filed legislation titled the Stop American Gestapo Act, which bars federal, local and state law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while on duty, with certain exceptions for health and safety reasons. The bill, HB1442, also requires law enforcement to clearly display their names and badge numbers. More immigrant-related bills are expected to be introduced by members of both parties in the weeks ahead. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Some Indiana lawmakers are eying to get rid of at least a portion of the state's 1,000-plus townships. Two Republican-led bills that would substantially reduce the number of townships across the state using different methods while not outright removing the arcane level of government altogether are being seriously discussed in the Statehouse, putting more gas behind an idea that's been floated by some government efficiency reformers across the political spectrum for more than two decades but never crossed the finish line. Beyond poor assistance, township government is responsible for just a few other tasks such as noxious weed removal and abandoned cemetery care, leading many to suggest a larger level of government like cities or counties could easily take over their responsibilities. But that idea has been strongly pushed back on by advocates who say the state shouldn't lose the level of government that's closest to the people. Advertisement Advertisement The new legislation comes after a 2025 IndyStar analysis that found Indiana taxpayers spent nearly $20 million on township trustee and board member pay alone in 2024, almost as much as the $25 million they doled out in poor relief assistance to residents. In more than 75% of Indiana townships, taxpayers spent more on trustee and board member salaries in 2024 than they did on poor relief. There were nearly 150 townships listed as providing no assistance at all that year. It's early on in the legislative process, meaning it's unclear if either of the bills will curry enough favor with the Republican-supermajority legislature, most of which so far has been reticent to do away with townships despite bills filed at least every few years that would accomplish that. But one of the bills, authored by Noblesville Republican Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler, passed out of the House's local government committee on Jan. 13 with a 9-3 vote, meaning at least one will move to the full House for consideration. The other bill, Senate Bill 270, is scheduled for a hearing on Jan. 15. Members of the Indiana House of Representatives stand for the Pledge of Allegiance as lawmakers return for the 2026 legislative session Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at the Indiana Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis. 'Deliver better value for taxpayers' Shonkwiler's bill would force certain smaller townships to merge with municipalities or counties, phasing them out by 2028. Townships can already choose to merge together under Indiana law, and Shonkwiler said the bill preserves their ability to do that. Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 1315, is primarily about accountability, efficiency and a way to modernize Indiana government, she said. She said it's a problem that two residents with the exact same struggles who are living in two different townships can have access to entirely different levels of support when it comes to poor assistance since some smaller townships don't offer it. "Hoosiers (should) receive equitable access and consistent outcomes regardless of which side of the township line they live on," Shonkwiler said in committee. "The goal is straightforward: protect essential services, reduce unnecessary government overhead ... and deliver better value for taxpayers." More: Some leaders want to kill Indiana's 1,000+ townships. Is Gov. Mike Braun on their side? Shonkwiler's bill had support from local chambers of commerce and municipalities like the cities of Carmel and Fishers. But it also had some vocal opposition from townships themselves, who say township government is imperative to preserving quality of life. Advertisement Advertisement Most townships would remain under the bill Shonkwiler estimated that 200 would likely be removed as a result of the bill. It wouldn't touch townships in Marion County, larger townships or those with fire departments. But some influential townships including Clay Township in Carmel would be eliminated by the bill, leading to one Carmel City Council member coming to the legislature to testify against it even though a lobbyist for his city supported it. Carmel council president Matthew Snyder called the proposal "about as anti-Republican as it gets." Township government is "accountable to neighborhoods, not bureaucrats." "Eliminating it does not shrink government, it centralizes power," Snyder said. "Clay township didn't simply exist alongside Carmel. It built Carmel. Every single park that defines the city's quality of life. Every single fire station that protects its families. ... Township government never has held Carmel back. It has empowered Carmel to become one of the most successful cities in the world." Advertisement Advertisement Shonkwiler said though township government reform has been talked about for decades to no avail, there's more incentive to do so now in the wake of the property tax reform bill that lawmakers passed last year. "It did have us start looking at that from a meaningful perspective," Shonkwiler said. "Township trustees are very passionate about their role, and I have nothing but compassion for them and the fact that many of them go above and beyond. When you look at it from an overhead (and) redundancy (perspective), why can't they do that under the city? I think they can." Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness came to testify in support of the bill, saying that municipalities like his are equipped to take over township services. Fadness said most of Indiana's population used to live in rural areas 50 years ago. Now, most live in urban areas. "There's logic in asking questions about (whether) our government structure is set up to provide services effectively given the fact that things have changed so much," Fadness said. "It's a higher-level conversation rather than whether I like my township trustees or not. The broader question is: can we provide a higher level of service ... in a different structure?" Advertisement Advertisement Shonkwiler's bill was opposed by the Indiana Township Association which represents the state's 1,000+ townships. Dan Shackle, a Frost Brown Todd attorney representing the association, said townships understand the need for efficiency in township government but said the state should be interested in trying to reduce townships "based on performance and merit-based metrics," not just looking at population size. Another idea: Performance-based mergers A Senate bill that would require township mergers takes a different tact. Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell, proposed a bill that would require the state to essentially rate townships based on performance, and require mergers for lower-performing townships. Marion County would also be exempted from Niemeyer's bill. Advertisement Advertisement Niemeyer's bill is scheduled to be heard Jan. 15 in the Senate's local government committee. He expects it to result in the elimination of 350 of Indiana's townships. Niemeyer said he believes regardless of size, some townships are doing good work and deserve to stay, particularly those that operate fire departments serving rural and unincorporated areas. "I'm a strong supporter of township government," he said. "They're the closest government to the people. Once they merge together, theyll be able to (do) more for their area." That bill requires the Department of Local Government Finance to compile township data and "assign points based upon the township government's performance." Advertisement Advertisement Townships that are assigned a minimum number of points would be required to merge with nearby townships that have fewer points. The bill would make all mergers effective in January 2028 and establish interim township governments until new trustees and legislative bodies are elected during the 2030 general election. More: Indiana leaders already forced one school district to consolidate. Are more on their way? Shackle, the attorney representing the Indiana Township Association, said the group prefers Niemeyer's bill over Shonkwiler's bill. He said lawmakers shouldn't rely primarily on population to make choices about which townships stay and which go. Advertisement Advertisement Niemeyer's bill also "clearly guarantees continuity of services," Shackle said. Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@indystar.com or follow her on X @hayleighcolombo. Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, curated by IndyStar political and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Is this the year Indiana gets rid of some of its 1,000-plus townships? SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. One central question about Russia's invasion of Ukraine has always been whether Vladimir Putin would be satisfied if allowed to succeed, or if he'd go further, aiming to collapse NATO from within and reestablish a sphere of influence for Moscow that just a few decades ago stretched deep into central Europe . More importantly, could he? It was U.S. General "Stormin' Norman" Schwarzkopf who said he judged opponents by their capabilities, not their intentions, and on Thursday night Russia sent a reminder that it remains capable. For only the second time since the start of Russia's invasion in 2022, it used one of its 12,000 km-per-hour-plus, multi-warhead Oreshnik missiles, targeting a gas-storage facility outside the West Ukrainian city of Lviv. The location, so close to the Polish border, made it clear that this was a message and that the desired audience was European. Putin was telling Europe's leaders that he can strike anywhere on the continent, using an intermediate-range ballistic missile that would give very little notice or possibility of interdiction. This has not been a great period for Russia's military reputation. In recent weeks and months, Moscow has claimed victories in two Donbas cities, only to have Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy show up to parade for the cameras in one, Kupyansk, and for Kiev's forces to hold on in the other, Pokrovsk, after well over a year under attack. In Venezuela , Russian air defenses failed to stop U.S. aircraft and special forces from breaching the capital to abduct President Nicolas Maduro . There were similar failures to protect allies in Iran and Syria last year. And for all the Kremlin's success in portraying its victory in Ukraine as inevitable, actual advances have been extraordinarily slow and costly. As former Australian Army Major General Mick Ryan writes on the Oreshnik strike, this was "the sign of a fearful, worried leader with challenges at home and abroad, and not one that is confident and anticipating victory." I'd add that Putin was also expressing frustration over the fact that Ukraine and its European partners seem to have persuaded President Donald Trump to back away from his initial embrace of a 28-point, made-in- Moscow plan for ending the war on its terms. The latest, non-Kremlin draft offers Kiev security guarantees that would involve stationing French and British troops on Ukrainian territory to ensure the ceasefire held. You can argue about how effective those forces would be if tested (likely a key part of the Oreshnik's intended message), but Putin's demands when starting the war were that all North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces should be withdrawn from ex- Warsaw Pact and Soviet Union states. He did not fight it to see NATO deploy to Ukraine . Trump, in an interview with The New York Times , said he had agreed for the U.S. to play a supporting role in those security guarantees because he believed Putin wouldn't try to break the ceasefire, in any case. Like Schwarzkopf, you have to ask if that confidence is based on assumptions about the Russian leader's intent, or his capabilities. You can make a strong case for why Putin shouldn't want to risk taking on NATO . It would seem a tall order after the heavy weather Russian forces have made of trying to occupy Ukraine . Western estimates of the country's military losses run as high as 1.2 million personnel killed or wounded, not to mention thousands of tanks, hundreds of aircraft and more than two dozen warships. Yet this is misleading. For all their problems, Russia's mobilized, combat-ready armed forces are considerably larger and more experienced than they were four years ago. Personnel have been replaced, command and control improved and Russian troops have developed advantages in drone and electronic warfare that only Ukraine can match. Tank and artillery numbers now seem to matter less. On top of that, an operation to destabilize NATO would likely be a different kind of conflict than the territorial war of attrition in Ukraine . A new study of improvements in the Chinese and Russian air forces by Justin Bronk , an airpower specialist at the UK's Royal United Services Institute , makes fascinating reading. He points out that most Russian fighter jets destroyed in the war have been models that would not be of much use in a conflict with NATO . And because the vast majority were either hit while empty on the ground, or while in Russian airspace allowing safe ejection, pilot losses have been much lower. Those pilots are far more experienced and able after four years of high-intensity combat than they were in 2022. In the meantime, Russia has shifted to a war economy, found sources for sanctioned weapons components and built more planes than it has lost old ones. While it has one or two fewer heavy bombers, its air force is bigger and better at its job. The result, says Bronk, is that the West has lost its guarantee of air superiority over China and Russia just as it had become most reliant on that advantage. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban is one of many who believe Europe and NATO have nothing to fear from Putin, because he's "hyper-rational" and would therefore be unwilling to take on Europe , with its advanced if fractured militaries and vastly larger population and economy. This could be true, but not because Putin is hyperrational. If he were, there would be no war in Ukraine . NATO would still be honoring its 1997 deal not to station troops on the territory of the alliance's newer East European members, as it did until Russia annexed Crimea and started a war in Eastern Ukraine in 2014. Ukraine's constitution would still prohibit it from joining NATO , as it did until December that year. Finland and Sweden would remain neutral. The outlook for Russia's economy would be rosy, unburdened by sanctions and lost human capital, and made rich by Europe's once-insatiable demand for its oil and gas. If you want a reminder of why Putin went to war, read the 7,400-word screed of historical fantasies and resentments he delivered in a televised address three days before the invasion. So yes, it would make no sense for Putin to restart his war in Ukraine , or to launch new declared or hybrid wars aimed at collapsing NATO . But invading Ukraine didn't add up either. With the conventional, let alone nuclear, capabilities still at his disposal, it's plain foolish to act based on assumptions about what he intends. (COMMENT, BELOW) Marc Champion is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Europe, Russia and the Middle East. He was previously Istanbul bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal. Previously: Social media is going bananas after President Donald Trump flipped off an apparent heckler who could be heard calling him a pedophile protector. A video shared by TMZ online shows Trump on Tuesday pointing to a person, appearing to mouth the words f--- you. He then raises his middle finger in the same direction. The individual, who is off camera, could be heard yelling pedophile protector before catching Trumps attention an apparent reference to his administrations handling of the investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement The interaction came after Trump toured a Ford factory in Michigan and delivered a subsequent speech intended to tout the U.S. economy. A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response, White House communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement to TMZ following the incident. The exchange immediately went viral on social media, prompting a mix of reactions. CONFIRMED: Hes from New York, blogger Breanna Morello wrote on X. The press account for California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) asked, Struck a nerve?The Hodgetwins, known for their conservative commentary, said that Trump is wild while adding a laughing emoji. Lmao I love how clearly upset this makes him, one user posted, while conservative lawyer and Trump critic George Conway wrote bravo to the worker who shouted at the Chief Pedophile Protector of the United States.MAGA commentator Gunther Eagleman attached an image of himself, noting that he stands with Trump in giving a deranged Leftist the middle finger. Advertisement Advertisement TJ Sabula, a 40-year-old United Auto Workers Local 600 line worker at the factory, later told The Washington Post that he was the person behind the insult. He said he has been suspended from work while an investigation is ongoing. As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever, Sabula said, while claiming that he has been targeted for political retribution for embarrassing Trump in front of his friends. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen delivered the Condition of the Judiciary address Jan. 14, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen asked state lawmakers for support Wednesday in making difficult changes to the state judicial branchs magistrate system and employee compensation structure. She spoke to a joint session of the Legislature in her annual Condition of the Judiciary address. Advertisement Advertisement Christensen said as she was preparing for her remarks ahead of the 2026 legislative session, there was one major theme she wanted to highlight: Leadership. In the past year, she said she spoke with leaders in the state executive and legislative branches about the issues facing the judicial branch, and the challenges they faced as leaders in Iowa. Across every conversation, the message was unmistakable, do what you believe is right, even when it is not popular, and when difficult decisions must be made, explain yourself,' Christensen said. That is what I will do today. Christensen shared a change made in the state judicial branch in the summer of 2025 changes to the employment classification and compensation structure. She said the state court administration, working with a consultant, reexamined how the more than 1,500 workers are defined and paid in the current system and made changes which sparked a lot of grumbling throughout the system. The review found while overall compensation was competitive for most positions, it also found roughly a quarter of judicial staff were underpaid compared to comparable government jobs, and roughly 10% were paid at or above what data shows their job and duties receive. Based on these assessments and recommendations made by the consultant, Christiansen said the system reduced job classifications from 140 to 82, standardized pay grades and raised the minimum salary for the 25% of jobs evaluated as underpaid. Advertisement Advertisement However, these changes were not universally popular. Change can be uncomfortable, and for some it feels personal, Christensen said. But we could no longer ignore a long-standing pay practice that unintentionally favored some while others, often just as dedicated, were underpaid for years. That is difficult to sustain, particularly in a publicly funded system. The changes made to the systems job classification and compensation structure caused both positive impacts almost overnight, the number of applicants for judicial branch positions soared, Christensen said as well as negative impacts, as many longtime employees were deeply disappointed by shortened pay ranges or the loss of automatic reclassification based on years of service. We need to work on that, Christensen said. Experienced staff is just as important as recruiting new talent. Advertisement Advertisement The judicial branch is requesting $1 million to address salary compression caused by the recent restructuring, saying this funding will allow the judicial system to more equitably and competitively pay long-term branch employees. Christensen requests support for revamping magistrate system The chief justice said the second monumental decision the court system took on in the past year was the modernization of Iowas magistrate system. Christensen also brought up a need to change Iowas magistrate system in her 2025 address. Magistrates are the part-time judicial officials with the authority to conduct preliminary hearings and issue search warrants. Serving the county they reside in or a neighboring county, these officials, who serve four-year terms, preside over cases including simple misdemeanors, evictions, small claims and involuntary commitment proceedings. For most defendants, a magistrate is the first judicial officer a defendant will see, Christensen said. While magistrates play an important role in Iowas judicial system, Christensen said the branch was proposing reducing the number of required magistrates in the state system. Current Iowa statute requires 206 magistrates statewide, she said, a provision the judicial system proposes eliminating, alongside the requirement that each county is required to have at least one magistrate. Advertisement Advertisement Today, it no longer reflects the workload reality, Christensen said. in fact, we have perhaps 60 more magistrates than the work requires. That is not sustainable. Currently in Iowa, these officers appointed to serve four-year terms are expected to devote roughly a third of their professional time to serving the judicial branch, and are free to practice law or earn additional income through other employment during the other two-thirds of their work week. Because of that division, magistrates are paid $46,611 a year 31% of the pay a judge, who is required to serve on a bench full time and cannot practice law. However, she said, this pay structure does not make sense, as the workload of the magistrates currently required under Iowa law means we are paying nearly $600,000 each year in salary and benefit costs for work that does not equal one full-time position. The judicial branchs proposal would assign magistrates to a judicial district rather than a county, and would allow the state court administration to determine how many magistrates are needed in each judicial district and subdistrict based on a countys case filings and recent time study. It would also increase the devoted workload for magistrates from one-third of their work week to 40%, or two days, she said. These changes, modeled after the states system for trial court judges, would allow the state to more effectively address the needs of Iowa courts, Christensen said. Advertisement Advertisement Change is never easy, Christensen said. But I am confident this is the right step for our courts. With your support, we can streamline and right-size the magistrate system, improve how the work is administered and save a minimum of $2.5 million annually for the judicial branch. Judicial pay and indigent defense concerns return The changes to Iowas magistrate system was not the only issue Christensen repeated from previous years addresses. She said the issues of judicial pay and indigent defense remain unresolved in the state, and will cause problems if not addressed. I am committed to bringing up these issues until we move beyond discussion and see meaningful progress, she said. Low judicial pay in Iowa is leading to fewer applicants applying for judicial openings across the state, she said, which reduces the quality of applicants filling important roles in Iowa. She pointed to a district court judge opening in April 2025 for District 8A in southeast Iowa, where only two attorneys applied to fill the position. Advertisement Advertisement Keep in mind, the job of a judicial nominating commission is to review all applicants and send the two most qualified candidates to the governor, Christensen said. But when there are only two applicants, its a guarantee both are going to the governor, regardless of their resumes, regardless of experience, regardless of temperament. She said Iowa is a whisper away from having openings where only one applicant applies to fill a position, stripping a judicial nominating commission or the governor of the ability to meaningfully evaluate whether a person is well-suited to fill the position. Christensen said the state was requesting an increase in pay for judicial officers of at least 4.3% in fiscal year 2027 to cover the cost-of-living growth and recover at least a portion of the purchasing power judges have lost in recent years. The funding would result in a total increase of $2,256,477 for judicial officer salaries, according to the state court administration. This is a decreased request from last years proposal, which sought to link district court judges salaries to 75% of a federal judges salary. This proposal would have amounted to a 10.2% increase in pay, she said. Advertisement Advertisement We recognize that would be a big step in a single year, but couldnt we begin to close the gap? She also said while indigent defense pay is not a part of the judicial branchs budget, the underfunding of contract attorneys providing indigent defense has a profound impact on our courts. She called for Legislature to take action on this issue, saying like judicial pay, this isnt tomorrows problem, its todays reality. As an example, she brought up a June 1, 2025, criminal complaint in Davenport where a man, who had a prior Operating While Intoxicated conviction and was driving without a license, was arrested for driving the wrong direct on a one-way street by an officer who noted slow, slurred speech and open containers of beer and whiskey in the vehicle. After being arrested, the defended requested and qualified for court-appointed counsel, but there were no attorneys available. After two and a half months, without the appointment of an attorney, his case was dismissed. Could this happen in an OWI case that ended up killing someone? Or a sexual abuse case involving a child? Of course it could, Christensen said. If we cannot hold criminal defendants accountable, Iowans are at risk. We are playing with fire. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Iran's foreign minister has spoken by phone with his French counterpart following European criticism of the violent crackdown by Iranian security forces on demonstrators. In the Tuesday evening call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, the two discussed recent "events," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on Telegram on Wednesday. Barrot had sharply condemned the deadly suppression of mass protests in Iran on Tuesday and summoned Irans ambassador in Paris. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking in parliament, he described the demonstrations as a "call for freedom" and a "peaceful revolt" that was being crushed in an inhumane manner. Several other European countries have also summoned Iranian diplomats in protest over the crackdown. During the call, Araghchi defended the actions of Irans security forces, saying that protests which initially began peacefully had turned violent due to the involvement of "trained terrorist elements." He also alleged foreign interference in Iran. This week is crucial in terms of the protests. Many issues are coming together at the same time as Irans regime seeks to ride out the challenge. Iran has pursued a variety of policies since protests broke out in late December. It initially sought to ignore the protests, hoping they would come and go after several days. After that didnt work, it sought to distract from them by spotlighting its foreign policy, such as meetings in Lebanon and with Omani officials. Now it has moved into the killing stage, massacring thousands of people. This is a very typical response by the regime. It is what has enabled the regime to survive many protest rounds in the past. The regime is not a monolith, and it is not so inflexible that it breaks under pressure. What that means is that Irans regime knows its limitations. Advertisement Advertisement It knows it cant control everything. It also knows that large numbers of people dislike the government. It knows it has a hard time controlling areas in the periphery where minorities live, such as southeast Irans Baloch areas and the area of Kurds, Arabs, and Azeris in the west. Irans response is often to let protests run their course for days or weeks and then massacre people. In this case, Iran is under a larger amount of pressure because it was weakened by the 12-day war in the summer of 2025. Ostensibly, Iran lost some of its nuclear program and some of its ballistic missile capabilities. However, the regime attempts to paper over this and claim that it is unfazed. As such, the regime is able to portray itself as largely unchanging and unwilling to change. What has happened over the weekend, in the last several days, is that Iran is also calling what it assumes is a US bluff. While US President Donald Trump has indicated support for the protesters and warned Iran against killing people, it is clear that Tehran does not take this seriously. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attends a mourning ceremony for the deaths of Iranian military commanders and scientists, who were killed in Iran's 12-day war with Israel, in Tehran, Iran, July 29, 2025 (credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/West Asia News Agency/Reuters) Iran has been correct so far that it can avoid US action. This may change It assumes that if it does the killing in the dark, without internet connections and cut off from the world, then the US wont act because there wont be easy images to hang US action on. So far, Iran has been correct in this analysis. However, a change may be coming. Iran is gambling that by the time the US does act, the protests will be over and many will have been killed. Advertisement Advertisement This is Irans game plan. It performed the early aspects according to its well-known script. It sought to do nothing and initially downplayed the protests. Then it unlimbered the methods of oppression, cutting off the internet and making the country essentially go dark, as it began a massive crackdown. Now Iran is also calling for countries not to intervene. Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, held a telephone conversation with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, to condemn any interference in Irans internal affairs, according to the pro-Iran Al-Mayadeen channel on January 14. This is an example of how Iran is seeking to warn against any US action or foreign intervention. Iran is also apparently doing outreach to other countries, such as the Gulf, possibly to discuss mediation and also to see if it can get countries in the Gulf, which are close friends with the US, to warn the US against any kind of action. Iran will play the destabilization card, claiming that if the regime is weakened, then instability will flow around the region, harming Pakistan, Turkey, and the Gulf states. As such, countries such as Turkey, Pakistan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia appear very concerned about any US action regarding Iran. All those countries are key US partners and allies. This is why this week is so crucial in terms of the protests. Many issues are coming together at the same time as Irans regime seeks to ride out the challenge. Anti-government protests in Iran appear to have eased following days of nationwide unrest, according to an analysis published by the US-based Critical Threats Project (CTP). The report said only seven protests were recorded across six provinces on Tuesday, a steep decline from last Thursday, when 156 demonstrations were documented in 27 of Irans 31 provinces. The CTP is run by the Washington-based think tanks Institute for the Study of War and American Enterprise Institute. Advertisement Advertisement The authors cautioned that the scale of protest activity remains difficult to assess due to widespread internet shutdowns, which have limited the flow of information out of the country. The report also pointed to the high number of casualties reported during the unrest: "This level of brutality may be discouraging protesters and decreasing the rate of protest activity," it said. Residents of Tehran were able to make international phone calls again on Tuesday for the first time in several days. They described a tense calm across the city, with the largest mass protests having taken place last Thursday and Friday. Security forces have responded to the demonstrations with extreme force, residents said. According to the human rights group Hengaw, more than 2,500 people have been killed since the protests erupted in late December. The toll could not be independently confirmed. Iran's judiciary on Wednesday warned the public against cooperating with Iran International, an exile broadcaster based in London that authorities have said spreads disinformation about the Islamic Republic on behalf of the Saudi government. Any cooperation, interaction and exchange of information with the Persian-language channel is prohibited, the Prosecutor Generals Office said, according to a report by the state controlled Iranian broadcaster. Iran has designated the company behind the broadcaster as a terrorist organization. The broadcaster has no reporters on the ground but relies on tips it receives from inside the country and has reported extensively on the latest protest wave. Advertisement Advertisement In 2018 the Guardian newspaper reported that Iran International was financed indirectly through Saudi connections. The media company rejected the report. Despite an internet shutdown, many people in the country can receive the channel via TV satellites. Unlike state television programmes, which are subject to heavy censorship, Iran International reports extensively on the protest wave, including with many tips the channel receives from inside the country. An Iranian dry cargo vessel has been involved in an accident in the Caspian Sea. It was tracked on the same route used by ships suspected of carrying weapons from Iran to Russia. Source: Russian media outlet Vazhnye Istorii (Important Stories), citing Turkmenistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs; CNN; The Wall Street Journal Quote from Turkmenistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "On 14 January 2026, the Coast Guard Services of Turkmenistan received an SOS signal from the Iranian dry cargo ship Rona, which was in distress in the Caspian Sea." Advertisement Advertisement Details: Turkmenistan's coast guard rescued 14 crew members, who were citizens of Iran and India. The Foreign Ministry said that the procedures required under international rules in such cases are currently being carried out. Tracking data shows that the Rona called at the ports of Astrakhan, Makhachkala and Azov 20 times between October 2024 and December 2025. It sailed there from the Iranian ports of Amirabad and Anzali and was on another voyage to Astrakhan. In 2023, a CNN investigation found that the main route for suspected maritime arms shipments from Iran to Russia runs between Astrakhan and Amirabad via Anzali. The Wall Street Journal reported that hundreds of thousands of artillery shells and other types of ammunition are reaching Russia via this route. Background: A unit from Ukraine's Special Operations Forces, in cooperation with the resistance movement Chornaya Iskra (Black Spark), carried out a special operation that resulted in strikes on two Russian vessels transporting weapons and military equipment in December 2025. They are under US sanctions for their involvement in transporting military cargo between Iran and Russia. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! JERUSALEM (AP) Israels recognition of Somaliland has thrust the breakaway territory into the international spotlight, causing an uproar in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East as a surprise new factor in regional power struggles. For Israel, the decision reignites questions about the contentious proposal raised last year by American and Israeli officials for Somaliland to take in Palestinians displaced from Gaza. Israel also could use Somaliland as a base to more closely respond to attacks from Iran-backed Houthis rebels in Yemen, just across the Gulf of Aden. Israel also would get a diplomatic win. Somaliland's foreign minister told The Associated Press that it aims to join the Abraham Accords, bilateral agreements between Israel and Arab and Muslim-majority countries. Advertisement Advertisement It is a mutually beneficial friendship," Abdirahman Dahir Adan said in an interview. In return, Somaliland gains open cooperation with Israel in trade, investment and technology." But the first international recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation also could make it a target. Analysts warn that its ties with Israel could become a rallying cry for Islamic extremists, destabilizing an already volatile region in which Somaliland has prided itself as an oasis of relative calm. Al-Qaida affiliate al-Shabab, based in Somalia and the key challenge to that country's stability, is already making threats. The group has rarely carried out attacks in Somaliland, which broke away in 1991 as Somalia collapsed into conflict. Members of the movement reject Israels attempt to claim or use parts of our land. We will not accept this, and we will fight against it, al-Shabab spokesperson Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rageal said in an audio message posted on one of the group's sites. Advertisement Advertisement Strategic location Somaliland sits along one of the worlds busiest maritime corridors. It has drawn interest from foreign investors and military powers who see it as a potential alternative to neighboring Djibouti, which is home to the premier African bases for the American and Chinese militaries, and those of several other nations. Somaliland lies less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) from Yemen, where the Houthis have been targeting commercial and other ships in response to the Israel-Hamas war. The attacks have upended shipping in the Red Sea, through which about $1 trillion of goods pass annually. The Houthis also fired scores of missiles and drones at Israel during the war in Gaza, triggering long-range strikes by Israel's air force. If you are trying to watch, deter or disrupt Houthi maritime activity, a small footprint (in Somaliland) can provide disproportionate utility, said Andreas Krieg, a military analyst at Kings College London. Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after Israel's recognition, the Houthis threatened Somaliland. No limits to cooperation Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Somaliland last week, and Somalilands president is expected to visit Israel soon. This is a natural connection between democratic countries both in challenging regions, Saar said in defending Israel's recognition. Israel and Somaliland have said their new ties would include defense cooperation, but officials declined to elaborate. Somaliland's foreign minister said that details would follow his presidents visit to Israel. There are no limits as to what areas we can work with, Adan said. Advertisement Advertisement He expressed hope that Israel's recognition would bestow new legitimacy on Somaliland and prompt others to recognize its sovereignty, even as Somalia has angrily rejected it. Before Israels recognition, we were worried so much that other powers like Turkey and China would squeeze us, Adan said, mentioning two of Somalias top benefactors. Im very hopeful that in the near future there will be many other countries that will follow Israel. But the foreign minister insisted there has been no discussion with Israel about taking in Palestinians from Gaza. U.S. and Israeli officials told the AP last year that Israel had approached Somaliland about the proposal. Warnings of violence Advertisement Advertisement Israeli recognition of Somaliland has pushed the region into uncharted waters, said Mahad Wasuge, director of Somali Public Agenda, a think tank. It could increase violence or bring proxy wars, particularly if the Israelis want to have a presence in the port of Berbera to counter threats in the Red Sea, he said, referring to Somaliland's largest port. The 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the African Union continental body, have condemned Israel's recognition. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has said it threatens his country's sovereignty. He said that Somalis wouldn't accept their nation being used by a foreign power accused of harming civilians meaning Palestinians in Gaza and warned that the establishment of foreign military bases would further destabilize the region. Advertisement Advertisement Somali territory cannot be divided by a piece of paper written by Israel and signed by (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu," Mohamud said in a televised address. Adan dismissed the criticism from Mogadishu, calling Somalia a failed state. Great power rivalries Already, Israel's recognition has rocked the balance of powers in a region where rich Gulf countries and others have a growing interest. On Monday, Somalia annulled its security and defense agreements with the United Arab Emirates, a key regional ally of Israel that has long invested in Somaliland's Berbera port, saying it was meant to safeguard unity, territorial integrity, and constitutional order. Advertisement Advertisement For the UAE, the area is important for its proximity to Sudan, where it has been accused of funding and arming the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in that country's civil war. And last week, Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of using Somaliland as a transit point to smuggle the leader of a separatist group out of southern Yemen. Asher Lubotzky, an analyst with Israels Institute for National Security Studies, said that Somaliland is one of several examples of the emerging alliance between Israel and the UAE, which have sought to align with U.S. foreign policy and shown a willingness to eschew international norms while countering extremist groups. We know the Israeli interest is with the Houthis, but Somaliland also has an interest in some kind of an external protection, he said. Others put on alert by Israel's recognition are Turkey, Somalias largest investor and a rival to Israel, and China, which has long viewed Somaliland with suspicion over its ties with Taiwan. A rare visit to Somalia by China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, set for last week did not occur as the Chinese embassy cited scheduling reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Closer to home, landlocked Ethiopia, Africas second-most populous country, sees Somaliland next door as a key route to the sea. It has remained silent on Israel's recognition perhaps scrambling, like many other countries, to understand what might come next. ___ Omar Faruk reported from Mogadishu, Somalia. Samy Magdy in Cairo, and Josef Federman in Jerusalem, contributed to this report. ___ This version corrects the name of the Somali Public Agenda think tank. TOKYO, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Japan declined on Wednesday to comment on the Bank of Japan's absence from a statement by other central banks supporting U.S. Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, following the Trump administration's threat of criminal indictment. "The matter concerns the BOJ's own judgment, so the government will refrain from commenting," said Japan's top government spokesman, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, in a regular press conference. The BOJ was not among the major central banks that issued the joint statement backing Powell. Advertisement Advertisement The rare joint statement was signed by the heads of the European Central Bank, the Bank of England, the Bank of Canada, as well as the central bank chiefs of Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Australia, South Korea, Brazil and France. Asked about the importance of independence of central banks, Kihara said the government believes that the ultimate responsibility for macroeconomic policy lies with the government. "As stipulated by law that monetary policy is part of overall economic policy, the BOJ is required to maintain close coordination and sufficient communication with the government," he said. "That said, the specific methods of monetary policy should be entrusted to the BOJ," he added. (Reporting by Kentaro Sugiyama and Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Jacqueline Wong) Jan. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. Vice President JD Vance was set to meet at the White House on Wednesday with the foreign ministers of Greenland and Denmark and their U.S. counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to discuss the future of Greenland. The talks come amid a hardening of positions of Washington and in Copenhagen and Nuuk as NATO countries in Europe scramble to put together a credible security package to close the gaping hole in Greenland's defense cited by U.S. President Donald Trump as the reason the United States needs to take over the island. Ahead of the White House meeting, Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said Tuesday the territory wanted to remain part of Denmark. Advertisement Advertisement "If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose NATO, the Kingdom of Denmark and the European Union," prompting Trump to retort that his stance would be a major problem. "Well that's their problem. I disagree with him. I don't know who he [Nielsen] is. Don't know anything about him, but that's going to be a big problem for him," said Trump. The effort to ramp up the presence of NATO forces on and around the island and across the Arctic region is being led by Britain and Germany, while France confirmed it was establishing a consulate in Greenland due to open Feb. 6. "It's a political signal that's associated with a desire to be more present in Greenland, including in the scientific field," said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Advertisement Advertisement "Greenland does not want to be owned, governed or integrated into the United States. Greenland has made the choice of Denmark, NATO, the European Union," he said. Negotiations among the Europeans already underway are looking at options, including possible boots on the ground -- but no numbers -- as well as warships, aircraft, submarines and anti-drone defense systems. Consensus was said to be coalescing around an Arctic version of the "Baltic Sentry" partnership established by NATO in 2024 to ramp up its military presence in the Baltic Sea in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. German Reservists Association chairman Patrick Sensburg said a European brigade at a minimum -- 5,000 troops -- should be deployed in Greenland as early as possible, promising Germany would "bear special responsibility in the endeavor," while benefiting from valuable Arctic experience. Advertisement Advertisement Britain is also in discussions with European allies on deterring with Russian and Chinese interest in Greenland by stationing forces in Greenland, with the U.K.-based defense think-tank RUSI saying that with major NATO "Cold Response" exercises due to get underway in the High North on March 9, they were already deploying ships and other maritime forces into the region. The Norwegian-led war games will see 20,000-25,000 troops from as many as 15 of NATO's 32-member nations train on land. sea and air in the harsh, arctic conditions of the Arctic winter to practice to defend Norway and NATO's northern flank. Meanwhile, battle lines over the issue were being drawn on Capitol Hill with senators from both sides of the aisle sponsoring legislation prohibiting the U.S. military from using funds appropriated by Congress to occupy or annex or mount military operations against any NATO territory, including. Rep. Bill Keating, D-Mass., authored a similar measure in the House on Monday, which is backed by a group comprising both Democrats and Republicans, in response to a Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act, an effort by Rep. Randy Fine R-Fla., to authorize Trump to acquire the island. Advertisement Advertisement Fine's bill would also mandate a report to be prepared for Congress outlining the changes to federal law required to turn Greenland into America's 51st state. Trump first highlighted the critical status of Greenland in relation to the national security of the United States in his first term but the thinking goes back as far as World War II when U.S. forces occupied the island to prevent it being taken over by Nazi Germany, which had already overrun Denmark. Current geopolitics has seen Trump's interest in Greenland grow exponentially since coming into office again in January 2025, with him saying that the United States is now out of options and that if it doesn't take over the island, Russia or China will. A family in New Jersey is speaking out after their car, which had priceless personal belongings inside, was stolen from their driveway. 13-year-old Leighton Malone is a synchronized skater. Think figure skater, but on a team. She leaves Wednesday morning for a big competition to qualify for nationals. "I want to be as dedicated as I can to the team, and I think that requires doing the best that I can," Malone said. Advertisement Advertisement The 8th grader has worked so hard for the competition, but it was almost taken away. Last weekend, someone stole her family's BMW from their driveway in Bloomfield. The problem: Malone's skates and equipment were in the car. "She cried for over an hour and she was not consolable. And I, as a mother, I just went into fix-it mode," Malone's mother, Dawn, said. Once the devastation settled, the family purchased another $1,000 pair of skates, but money could not put more days on the calendar to break in the skates before the competition. Trying to cram in extra sessions on the ice, Malone came in at 6 a.m. on Tuesday to skate before school. Advertisement Advertisement "I definitely want to skate really hard and take advantage of all the practices that we get before we hit the ice and really compete," Malone said. Her brother's cello was also in the car -- a $5,000 instrument that he no longer has for practice or performances. Eyewitness News got a preview of the routine that Malone's synchronized team will be performing this coming weekend. As for the person who stole their family's vehicle, Malone is trying to understand the situation. "I try to be as empathetic as possible. I hope that they can understand that was something that was valuable to me too. And I really just want my stuff back," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Malone's family tells Eyewitness News it takes a minimum of 10-13 hours to be properly break in a new pair of skates. While Malone might not have that luxury, she has something the car thieves cannot steal: her determination. ---------- * 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. Two young boys were found dead inside their New Jersey home, and now their mother is under arrest. Authorities say the children's father called 911 around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday after coming home from work and finding his two sons unconscious. He told dispatchers that his wife had done something to them. When officers arrived, they found the father and his wife, 35-year-old Priyatharsini Natarajan, inside the Hillsborough home. Advertisement Advertisement The two boys, ages 5 and 7, were discovered in a bedroom. Emergency crews tried to save them, but it was too late. Both children were pronounced dead at the scene. Their names have not been released. Investigators say Natarajan caused the deaths of her children earlier that day. She was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. A not guilty plea was entered on her behalf during a virtual hearing on Wednesday. She is due back in court on Jan. 20 for a detention hearing. Officials say autopsies will be performed to confirm the children's identities and determine how they died. Advertisement Advertisement Hillsborough Superintendent Mike Volpe said the students attended Sunnymead Elementary School. He said crisis response teams will be available on-site at the school as long as needed. "There are no words to adequately capture the weight of this tragedy, and our hearts are with the families and the entire Sunnymead community as they grieve," Volpe said. ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More New Jersey 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. JetBlue Airways has announced the permanent discontinuation of three flight routes as part of a shift to focus on higher-performing markets. The affected routes include Boston to Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; LaGuardia Airport to Tampa, Florida; and New York to Tulum, Mexico. The airline revealed these changes through industry sources, with aviation insider JonNYC first breaking the news on the social media platform X. Passengers who have already booked flights on these routes will receive full refunds or rebooking options through alternative airports. The decision is an operational adjustment for the carrier, as it redirects resources to expand its presence in the Caribbean and upstate New York markets, according to AirlineGeeks. JetBlue Shifts Focus To Caribbean And Regional Markets The airline plans to concentrate on what it calls new and high-performing markets following the route cancellations. JetBlue will expand its operations in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with new service to Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Norfolk, and Richmond. The carrier also plans to strengthen its upstate New York presence with routes connecting Buffalo to San Juan and Fort Myers, as well as a new Syracuse-Fort Lauderdale service. Advertisement Advertisement JetBlue has implemented accommodation measures for travelers affected by the permanent cancellations. Passengers booked on the Boston-to-Dallas/Fort Worth route can rebook via Fort Lauderdale or request a full refund. Those scheduled to fly the LaGuardia to Tampa service can either depart from JFK Airport with a connection through Fort Lauderdale or obtain a complete refund. The airline has not specified any alternative arrangements for passengers from New York to Tulum beyond the refund option. Travel insurance has become increasingly relevant for travelers facing such disruptions, particularly amid recent challenges such as weather delays, government shutdowns, and airspace closures in regions like Venezuela. Passenger Protections Recent disruptions across the aviation industry have prompted many travelers to purchase travel insurance policies as a safeguard against last-minute itinerary changes. Weather-related delays, service interruptions, and geopolitical factors affecting airspace access have created uncertainty for passengers planning trips. JetBlues decision to offer full refunds and rebooking alternatives aligns with current industry practices for permanent route cancellations. However, the timing during the peak spring travel booking season affects numerous passengers who planned trips through these markets. The post JetBlue Issues Refunds After Permanently Canceling 3 Flight Routes appeared first on Travel Noire. Joe Rogan criticized immigration enforcement tactics during the latest episode of his popular podcast, calling the fatal ICE shooting of Minnesota woman Renee Nicole Good a "terrible tragedy." "It's very ugly to watch someone shoot a U.S. citizen, especially a woman, in the face," the podcaster said during an interview with Republican Sen. Rand Paul on the "Joe Rogan Experience" that aired on Jan. 13. "I'm not that guy. I don't know what he thought. And again, this is a guy who had almost been run over, but it just looked horrific to me." Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was fatally shot in her car by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent on Jan. 7 during an immigration operation in a residential area near downtown Minneapolis. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said hours after the shooting that the officer's actions were in self-defense and claimed Good used her car to attempt to hit the agents, calling it "domestic terrorism." One person was killed in a shooting involving a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, officials said. Minneapolis Gov. Tim Walz said on Jan. 7 that the shooting involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has surged agents into the Minneapolis area amid a broader federal crackdown on fraud in the state. Here, a member of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) restrains a protester trying to block vehicles from leaving the scene after a driver of a vehicle was shot. Journalist KingDemetrius Pendleton is treated after being exposed to a chemical irritant following a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. A man is treated after being exposed to a chemical irritant following a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. People gather near the scene of a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. Members of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office look on as people gather near the scene of a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. People gather near the scene of a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. Members of law enforcement work the scene following a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. Minneapolis City Council member Jason Chavez (L) addresses onlookers following a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on January 07, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. An aerial view shows protesters clashing with police after a driver of a vehicle was shot amid an immigration enforcement surge, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jan. 7, 2026, in this screen grab taken from a video. A federal agent uses pepper spray on protesters blocking a street after a driver of a vehicle was shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 7, 2026. Police tape is seen around a vehicle with a bullet hole the windshield after a driver was shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 7, 2026. Members of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stand guard after a driver of a vehicle was shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 7, 2026. Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino looks on after a driver of a vehicle was shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 7, 2026. Members of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stand guard after a driver of a vehicle was shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 7, 2026. Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino and members of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stand guard after a driver of a vehicle was shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 7, 2026. Members of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stand at the scene after a driver of a vehicle was shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 7, 2026. A federal agent runs towards protesters trying to block vehicles from leaving the scene after a driver of a vehicle was shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 7, 2026. People gather near the scene of a suspected shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on Jan. 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, "fearing for his life" killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis. Federal agent fatally shoots woman in Minneapolis: See chaotic scene 1 of 18 One person was killed in a shooting involving a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, officials said. Minneapolis Gov. Tim Walz said on Jan. 7 that the shooting involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has surged agents into the Minneapolis area amid a broader federal crackdown on fraud in the state. Here, a member of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) restrains a protester trying to block vehicles from leaving the scene after a driver of a vehicle was shot. Later in the podcast, Rogan questioned the claim that Good was attempting to run over the ICE agent who shot her to death, arguing: "When people say its justifiable because the car hit him? It seemed like she was turning the car away." Advertisement Advertisement After his comments about Good, Rogan criticized the Trump administration's immigration enforcement tactics, calling them dangerous. "You don't want militarized people in the streets just roaming around, snatching up people, many of which turn out to be U.S. citizens that just don't have their papers on them," Rogan said. "Are we really gonna be the Gestapo, 'Where's your papers?' Is that what we've come to?" Rogan's recent criticisms of Trump In the closing days of the 2024 election, Rogan interviewed then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance. Following the interviews, as well as hours before Election Day, Rogan went on to endorse Trump, saying Elon Musk provided a "compelling case" to vote for Trump. But in recent months, Rogan has criticized Trump multiple times. Back in December 2025, the podcaster called out Trumps comments against the famed actor and director Rob Reiner, who was killed alongside his wife at their Los Angeles home. Advertisement Advertisement Minneapolis shooting: They film and monitor ICE agents making arrests. But who are they? "The Rob Reiner thing is not funny," Rogan told podcast guest Shane Gillis during the December episode. "When you see it with no empathy, that's when it's hard to like." Months earlier, Rogan called the Trump administration's refusal to release more information about disgraced financier and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein a "line in the sand." "You have this one hardcore line in the sand that everybody had been talking about forever, and then they're trying to gaslight you on that," Rogan said. Contributing: Patrick Ryan and Kathryn Palmer, USA TODAY Advertisement Advertisement Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Rogan criticizes ICE tactics: Is the US going to be the 'Gestapo'? A south suburban school district has voted to terminate a custodian accused of serious crimes. Joliet Public Schools District 86 acted quickly Wednesday night as the board formally fired the 23-year-old janitor who is facing child pornography charges. The suspect was a janitor at Eisenhower Elementary School. According to the district, he has not worked there since October. Joliet Public Schools District 86 said counselors were available for students and staff Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Parents were left with far more questions than answers, Joliet parents voice their fears Wednesday morning as students were dropped off at Eisenhower Elementary School. "Honestly, I was feeling like taking my kids out of school," one parent said. "If you allowed this to go on for so long, we don't know what he's done. He's worked here since 2022." Jeremy Ledesma, a 23-year-old janitor at Eisenhower and Edna Keith Elementary Schools, faces child pornography charges. In a statement Wednesday morning, the district claims that Ledesma passed all required state and FBI background checks before being hired in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement The district states that it was made aware of a police investigation into Ledesma in October 2025 and immediately placed him on leave. He hasn't been back since. The district said, "The charges do not allege that any criminal conduct occurred on school property. We will continue to cooperate fully with the police, however, details of this ongoing criminal investigation and videos have not been shared with us." The district said that leadership was not informed of the nature of Ledesma's charges until last Friday, a day before parents were informed over the weekend. The district claims that Ledesma also allegedly photographed children playing at the Eisenhower Elementary playground. Advertisement Advertisement "I feel disgusted," one parent said. "I feel like the children were led to be in the presence of a predator. And we don't know what any of the children endured because they told us not to talk about it." Ledesma is in custody and is set to appear in Will County court Thursday for a retrial detention hearing. The school district said in a statement, "Joliet Public Schools District 86 takes all reports involving the safety of our students and staff very seriously. Late last week, one of our custodians who worked the late afternoon/evening shift at two of our schools was arrested. This individual, Mr. Ledesma, passed all required state and FBI criminal background checks prior to being hired by District 86 in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement In October 2025, the District was notified that Mr. Ledesma was the subject of a police investigation. Out of an abundance of caution, we immediately removed him from our facilities on October 3, 2025, and placed him on leave. He has not returned to any of our schools since that time. The charges do not allege that any criminal conduct occurred on school property. We will continue to cooperate fully with the police, however, details of this ongoing criminal investigation and videos have not been shared with us. Mr. Ledesma has been suspended without pay pending discharge. Both of our schools have counselors available for all students and staff to assist as we navigate this difficult time." By Nate Raymond BOSTON, Jan 13 (Reuters) - A U.S. federal judge on Tuesday urged the Trump administration to resolve a "bureaucratic mess" by issuing a student visa to a college student who was deported to Honduras after being arrested at Boston's airport while trying to visit her family for Thanksgiving. U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns during a hearing in Boston raised that prospect as a "practical solution" to how to resolve a lawsuit by Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, a 19-year-old student at Babson College who was sent to Honduras in violation of a court order. Advertisement Advertisement Lopez Belloza, who was brought to the U.S. from Honduras by her parents when she was 8, was arrested on November 20 based on a removal order she says she did not know existed. Her lawyer filed a lawsuit challenging her detention the next day. A federal judge in Massachusetts issued an order on November 21 barring Lopez Belloza from being deported or transferred out of Massachusetts for 72 hours. But by that time, Lopez Belloza had already been flown to Texas, potentially stripping Stearns' court of jurisdiction. She was flown to Honduras on November 22. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Sauter acknowledged the court's order was violated, a development he blamed on a "mistake" by an officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement who thought the order no longer applied and failed to properly flag it. Advertisement Advertisement "On behalf of the government, we want to sincerely apologize," Sauter said. He said there were no grounds to hold anyone in contempt, however. He called it a rare instance of the government not following an order in the over 700 cases filed in Massachusetts by migrants challenging their detention since President Donald Trump took office last year with a hardline immigration agenda. Stearns, who was appointed by Democratic President Bill Clinton, commended Sauter for acknowledging the mistake and asked what the remedy should be, saying "we don't want to lose sight that we have a real human being here." Todd Pomerleau, Lopez Belloza's lawyer, urged Stearns to order the government to facilitate the return of his client and to hold officials in contempt. Advertisement Advertisement "The rule of law ought to matter," Pomerleau said. Stearns did not immediately rule. But he floated an alternative, recommending the State Department issue Lopez Belloza a student visa allowing her to finish her studies. "We all recognize a mistake was made," Stearns said. "She's a very sympathetic person, and there should be some means to addressing this." (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) Gov. Laura Kelly delivers her State of the State speech on Jan. 13, 2026, in the Kansas House. (Photo by Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA Gov. Laura Kelly says Kansans wouldnt have elected her if she were the type of politician who screamed the loudest and relied on bullying others to get her way. She said during her annual State of the State speech Tuesday night it was a certainty Kansas would have suffered in terms of managing the government, advancing economic activity and elevating the quality of life if voters had chosen a governor who confused toxicity for leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Im here because Kansans were looking for someone who would turn the volume down, to do more listening than yelling, to bring people together, to compromise and govern from the middle, Kelly told the joint session of the House and Senate. Kansans are the most civil, decent people on earth. And they expect that from us, too. I say to everyone here do not let the loudest voices, on either extreme, drown out the voices of the vast majority of Kansans who want to see us work together. Kelly said placing cooperation ahead of partisanship and having the courage to treat colleagues with respect was key to finding common ground among politicians with different ideologies and backgrounds. She said this form of leadership led to enactment of 587 bipartisan bills in her seven years as governor. It created an environment where cross-party dialogue could produce an economic incentive deal for construction of a stadium in Wyandotte County to host the Kansas City Chiefs. To land the Chiefs, we all put politics aside, the Democratic governor said. We all put personal differences aside. And we didnt care who got the credit. She said the core of this mostly collegial relationship was borne through years in which Kansas overcame major challenges. She said the state moved away from an era of budgeting woes marked by gimmicks and funny money, underfunding of K-12 schools, crumbling bridges and highways, a quality of life that fed a youth brain drain and missed opportunities for job growth. Advertisement Advertisement The perception of Kansas was transformed by attracting more than $30 billion in business investment and the creation of 80,000 good-paying jobs since 2019, Kelly said. The state slashed annual taxes by more than $1 billion, including elimination of the unpopular $500 million state sales tax on groceries. The balance in the states rainy-day fund mushroomed to $2 billion. High-speed internet was provided to 117,000 homes and businesses. Kansas paid down about $2 billion in debt. The states crime rate fell to a 20-year low. I know there is more to do, Kelly told the GOP-dominated House and Senate. But after seven years, I also know that the state of our state has never been stronger. Ultimately, we were able to get our state back on track because we showed that civility can still exist in our politics, that you can get a whole lot done when you work with others. Gov. Laura Kelly delivers her State of the State speech on Jan. 13, 2026, in the Kansas House. Gov. Laura Kelly delivers her State of the State speech on Jan. 13, 2026, in the Kansas House. Gov. Laura Kelly delivers her State of the State speech on Jan. 13, 2026, in the Kansas House. Gov. Laura Kelly delivers her State of the State speech on Jan. 13, 2026, in the Kansas House. Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Laura Kelly delivers her State of the State speech on Jan. 13, 2026, in the Kansas House. Gov. Laura Kelly delivers her State of the State speech on Jan. 13, 2026, in the Kansas House. Gov. Laura Kelly delivers her State of the State speech on Jan. 13, 2026, in the Kansas House. Gov. Laura Kelly delivers her State of the State speech on Jan. 13, 2026, in the Kansas House. Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Laura Kelly delivers her State of the State speech on Jan. 13, 2026, in the Kansas House. From left, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Treasurer Steven Johnson and Attorney General Kris Kobach appear Jan. 13, 2026, in the gallery above the House as Gov. Laura Kelly delivers her State of the State speech. Gov. Laura Kelly delivers her State of the State speech on Jan. 13, 2026, in the Kansas House. Gov. Laura Kelly pauses to take a selfie with Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau and other lawmakers at the state of the state speech. Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Laura Kelly arrives Jan. 13, 2026, at the entrance of the Kansas House to deliver her final State of the State speech. Gov. Laura Kelly takes a selfie with Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau and other lawmakers at the annual state of the state speech. Gov. Laura Kelly arrives Jan. 13, 2026, in the Kansas House to deliver her final State of the State speech. Sen. Oletha Faust Goudeau waves as she and other lawmakers prepare to escort the governor to her Jan. 13, 2026, State of the State speech. Advertisement Advertisement Senate President Ty Masterson prepares to walk Jan. 13, 2026, to the Kansas House for the governor's State of the State speech. Kansas Supreme Court Justice Dan Biles arrives Jan. 13, 2026, at the Kansas House for the governor's State of the State speech. Emporia State University political scientist Michael Smith arrives Jan. 13, 2026, at the Kansas House for the governor's State of the State speech. Kelly, a term-limited governor who leaves office in January, said this moment in Kansas politics shouldnt be taken for granted. There are too many forces trying to push us all into our partisan corners and make the other party the enemy, Kelly said. Let me state the obvious. We live in extraordinarily challenging times. And I dont just mean our politics. Kelly said societal change in the past decade was head-spinning. People found themselves more attached to telephones and other electronic devices than ever before. The world crashed into the COVID-19 pandemic. People emerged from the other side to more remote work, AI bots and self-driving vehicles that made people yearn for simpler times, Kelly said. An era defined by disruption required more, not less, from political leaders, she said. Kansans demonstrated at the ballot box they yearned for leaders who could offer strength, resolve, character and a clear vision, Kelly said. She said the United States received the opposite at the national level in Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement From both parties, Kelly said. Where it became acceptable for our nations leaders to treat one another in the most uncivilized ways imaginable. Language and behavior wed never tolerate from our own children. Instead of using this new technology to reach people with messages of unity and hope, these devices have been turned into weapons for elected leaders to ignite chaos and anger and even violence. Instead of representing their communities, elected officials turned into foot soldiers for their political parties firing off insults and vitriol to score likes or follows or wins for their team instead of doing whats right for their constituents, Kelly added. Its as if they checked their free will at the door and just did as they were told. Treating their own colleagues in such angry and dehumanizing ways, just because theyre in the other party. And the most frightening part its now become the new normal. She said the better alternative was to model political discourse evident in Kansas, where politicians could engage in civil exchanges and, at times, acknowledge folks in the other political party had good ideas. She said that same attitude would be useful in the 2026 session of the Legislature, which began Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Kelly said the state should fully fund K-12 public education and increase the states investment in special education. To fill a funding gap ignored by Congress, she said Kansas had provided $120 million for students in special education. Kellys proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year would continue to increase state investment in disabled and gifted students in public schools. She said Kansas also ought to provide sufficient funding to cover the cost of reduced-price meals in schools to ease financial stress on families. The cost would be approximately $5 million annually. We know with grocery costs being what they are right now, that for many of these families, even that reduced cost is untenable, Kelly said. Lets make it clear: No child in Kansas should ever have to worry about having enough to eat. Life is hard enough for our children these days. Kelly endorsed a bipartisan Kansas Senate bill that would ban cellphone use by students during the school day. The bell-to-bell ban in public and private schools could be implemented in the 2026-2027 school year. Advertisement Advertisement She said Kansas had taken strides to improve services to people challenged by mental illness, but the Legislature should do more to increase treatment beds, hire more treatment professionals and to broaden the crisis response network. The governor urged the Legislature to dedicate themselves to crafting a comprehensive, long-term strategy for advancing reform in water policy. The state needed a stable funding source for programs aimed at improving the supply and quality of water statewide, she said. The majority of water used in Kansas goes to irrigating crops, which invites political turmoil when changes were proposed. I know it is a very sensitive political issue, Kelly told lawmakers. But the future of our entire state is dependent upon the actions we take today. It will require looking beyond the next election and looking instead to the next generation. House Speaker Dan Hawkins presides over the House during a Jan. 12, 2026, session. The Wichita Republican delivered the GOP response to the governor's State of the State speech. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins underscored the force of the Republican supermajority and its 2025 policy wins in his response to Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys final State of the State address. Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, also promised solutions to cost of living issues, health care woes and academic outcomes in K-12 schools during the 2026 legislative session, where Republicans maintained an 88-37 advantage in the House and a 31-9 margin in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Kellys State of the State speech was part victory lap, part warning. Kelly, who will leave office at the end of 2026, celebrated enticing the Kansas City Chiefs, who will move from Missouri to play in a new stadium in five years, and her seven years in office. And she cautioned against accepting uncivil political discourse as the norm. Its Hawkins final State of the State response, too, which he prerecorded ahead of Kellys address Tuesday. He is running for state insurance commissioner. His rebuttal touted tax relief legislation, and he spoke of prioritizing quality K-12 schools, housing and roads. Three things, he said, have made a difference in the state budget. One: A focus on efficiency inspired by the Trump administrations DOGE, or department of government efficiency. Two: Investing in government functions such as schools, roads, public safety and water. And three: Reducing state spending. Advertisement Advertisement His 2024 speech was laden with critiques of Kelly and the Biden administration, and he vowed at the time to focus on shrinking government, reining in energy costs, improving civil services and cracking down on communist China. Two years later, he threw fewer jabs. He criticized Kelly for covering up waste, fraud and abuse in the state budget and massive spending proposals. However, the Republican majority was, by its own authority, responsible in 2025 for proposing, negotiating and passing the state budget. The bottom line is we are focusing on the core services of government and doing those things right, he said. Were putting people first, and its working. This past year alone, we reduced state spending by over $200 million. That figure is in contrast to the 2024-2025 state budget. Advertisement Advertisement Republicans actually reduced spending by $38 million last year compared to the governors proposed 2025-2026 budget, according to numbers confirmed in August by his staff. Hawkins said schools were the Legislatures No. 1 budget priority. Republicans historically have not always put forth proposals that fully fund public schools, however. He voiced support for a proposed bipartisan cellphone ban in K-12 schools, hypothesizing it could improve test scores. Health care, he said, is another priority. Its beyond frustrating to see enormous federal and state government funding pumped into the system, and yet costs keep skyrocketing, and middle class families are forced to keep paying more, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Hawkins has opposed Medicaid expansion in Kansas, which has shown in some states to lower state and consumer costs. The solutions Hawkins sees include improving hospital reimbursements, enhancing telemedicine, improving hospital pricing transparency, lowering prescription costs and creating oversight for the Rural Health Transformation Fund, a $50 billion program established in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to offset the bills cuts to rural health providers. He said the fund, if used wisely, has the ability to rightsize health care for rural Kansas communities. Payouts to big hospital systems and programs based on buzzwords instead of actual care, as some have suggested, are not going to cut it, he said. He said the 2026 Legislature, as part of our people-first agenda, will concentrate on cost of living concerns, including housing, insurance and utility costs. Advertisement Advertisement Hawkins promised to modify tort law to lower insurance costs and deregulate single-family home building to lower housing costs. Quality and affordable housing was identified as a major need, especially in rural communities, in the states 2021 Housing Needs Assessment. A growing population and the compounded effects of the 2008 recession have created a housing shortage in Kansas. The Legislature last year passed legislation that will whittle down the states low-income housing tax credit program, which helped fund the construction and rehabilitation of low-income rental housing, until it is discontinued in 2028. Hawkins, who has served 13 years in the Legislature, ended his response by committing Republicans to having Kansans backs. When I look out on our great state, I see the challenges we face, he said. But weve faced challenges before. Bleeding Kansas, grasshopper plagues, ice storms, prairie fires, tornadoes and the dust bowl, to name a few, he said. But Kansas remains undefeated, he said. We dust ourselves off, and we confront our problems head on, and we carry on. AP Photo/Alex Brandon Decide defy the media too fast Instead of pushing palaces to fall Put that, put that, put that up your wall That this isnt fortunate at all Radio station decide yourself Were calling out in transit Calling out in transit Radio Free Europe (Radio) Radio Free Europe, by R.E.M. US Agency for Global Media senior advisor Kari Lake has blocked Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty from broadcasting into Iran using a USAGM transmitter located in Kuwait, reported Oliver Darcy in his Status newsletter. Lake narrowly lost the 2022 Arizona governors race to Democrat Katie Hobbs, and since then has paired her support for former President Donald Trumps baseless claims of fraud in the 2020 election with her own unfounded accusations that her election was stolen from her as well. In reality, a post-election analysis showed that Lake lost in large part because tens of thousands of Arizonans cast votes for other Republicans but not her. After she lost the 2024 Arizona Senate race to Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Lake vowed she wouldnt run for office again, but she wasnt done with politics; her unwavering loyalty to Trump scored her an appointment to serve as the senior advisor for USAGM. (Lake has identified herself as the acting CEO of USAGM, but the legal status of that title is under dispute.) Advertisement Advertisement Her tenure heading the federal agency responsible for broadcast networks that have long targeted areas of the world with restrictions on press freedom has been heavily criticized by free speech and democracy advocates, as she has presided over massive staff cuts and other efforts to eliminate or drastically reduce USAGM programs. The ongoing protests in Iran have been escalating over recent weeks, and Trump himself has voiced strong support for the Iranian people protesting against the authoritarian regime, even going so far as to openly threaten U.S. military action. But according to Darcys report, Lakes agency didnt take a simple and easy opportunity to provide helpful communications support to the Iranian protesters. Kari Lake has blocked Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty from using a USAGM transmitter in Kuwait to broadcast news and protest updates into Iran amid the Islamic Republics government-induced internet blackout, wrote Darcy, highlighting that this was contrary to Trumps public statements of support for the protesters and it was not entirely clear why Lake had done this. Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, RFE/RL announced its Persian-language service Radio Farda was working with several commercial vendors to provid[e] an alternative to state-controlled media through its digital platforms notablynot the USAGM, noted Darcy. Darcy further reported that RFE/RL had made multiple requests to USAGM to gain access to the powerful transmitter in Kuwait to communicate with the Iranian people. USAGM is working to increase its broadcasting message into Iran during this critical time in a number of ways. We are working in close coordination with RFE/RL to ensure consistency of message, Lake said in a statement a USAGM spokesperson provided to Darcy, but offered no response when Darcy asked if that coordination would include allowing access to the Kuwait transmitter. Whether its music or a free press censorship anywhere is a threat to the truth everywhere, said R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe when the band issued a 2025 remix of Radio Free Europe on a 5-track EP with proceeds to benefit RFE/RL. Radio Free Europes journalists have been pissing off dictators for 75 years. You know youre doing your job when you make the right enemies. The post Kari Lake Blocks Radio Free Europe from Using U.S. Transmitter in Kuwait to Broadcast into Iran: Report first appeared on Mediaite. MOSCOW, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Kazakhstan on Wednesday urged the U.S. and Europe to help secure the transport of oil following drone attacks on tankers heading to a Black Sea terminal on the Russian coast which handles one percent of global supply. Unidentified drones struck at least two oil tankers in the Black Sea on Tuesday, including one chartered by U.S. oil major Chevron, as they sailed toward a terminal on the Russian coast to load oil from Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan's foreign ministry said in a statement that three tankers were hit en route to the marine terminal of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) in the Black Sea. Advertisement Advertisement On November 29, drones also attacked CPC's exporting equipment, resulting in a fall in oil exports via the outlet. "The increasing frequency of such incidents highlights the growing risks to the functioning of international energy infrastructure," the ministry said in a statement. "We therefore call upon our partners to engage in close cooperation to develop joint measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future," it added. Russian defence ministry said on Wednesday that the Matilda tanker, sailing under the Maltese flag, came under attack by two Ukrainian strike drones at a distance of about 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the city of Anapa in Russia's Krasnodar region. Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine did not comment on the incident. Shareholders in CPC's 1,500-km (930-mile) pipeline include Kazakhstan's state-owned oil company KazMunayGas, Russia's Lukoil and units of U.S. oil giants Chevron and ExxonMobil. Russian terminals on the Black Sea handle more than 2% of global crude. Its waters, which are shared by Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania and Turkey, as well as Russia and Ukraine, are also crucial for the shipment of grain. CPC alone accounts for around 80% of oil exports from Kazakhstan. (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Anastasia Teterevleva and Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Mark Potter/Guy Faulconbridge) Stop that hugging! Travelers leaving the New Zealand city of Dunedin better say their goodbyes at home, the Associated Press reports. The airport's drop-off area will now restrict parting hugs to three minutes in an effort to prevent traffic jams. Airport CEO Dan De Bono said officials hope to "keep things moving smoothly." Not all travelers were accepting of the time limit, saying the rule "breached basic human rights." But, De Bono assured them, "We do not have hug police." [AP, 10/22/2024] The Phone-Down Kentucky Act says drivers can be fined for holding a cell phone while driving to send electronic messages, like texts and emails, or watch moving images, like videos and games. (Photo by Getty Images) FRANKFORT Kentuckians who hold their phones while driving could face $100 fines under a bill that cleared a Senate committee Wednesday with bipartisan support. SB 28 progress Its probably one of the least restrictive hands-free bills in the country, but its a step in the right direction, Senate Transportation Committee Chair Jimmy Higdon told his colleagues. It adds Kentucky to the list of states, approximately 30 states across the country, that do not allow you to have a handheld device in your hand and communicate with it (while driving). Advertisement Advertisement Higdon, a Lebanon Republican, presented the legislation, Senate Bill 28, to the committee Wednesday morning. Higdon is retiring from the legislature at the end of this year, and the bill is one of his priorities. SB 28, or the the Phone-Down Kentucky Act, says drivers cannot hold a cell phone while driving to send electronic messages, like texts and emails, or watch moving images, like videos and games. Fines assessed under the legislation will be divided among a traumatic brain injury trust fund, the Kentucky trauma care system fund and a veterans program fund. Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon. (LRC photo) While presenting his bill, Higdon spoke of meeting Alyssa Burns, whose daughter Camberleigh died in a 2022 crash after a distracted driver hit their car days before her second birthday. Burns previously spoke in support of Higdons bill during the legislative interim. In a statement last week, Burns said justice for Camberleigh is represented through this bill and through any legislation that ensures no one has the power to take a life without facing consequences. Advertisement Advertisement I know this bill wont bring Camberleigh back, but in a way, it keeps her name and memory alive, Burns said. She is not just a statistic on a piece of papershe was a little girl with her whole life ahead of her. Several committee members expressed support for the legislation. Sen. Donald Douglas, R-Nicholasville, who is the vice chairman of the committee and a physician, said that he has spent a lot of nights in the operating room, helping put people back together who were distracted and who ended up in the operating room after car accidents. I want you to know I really got tired of seeing our sons and daughters in the emergency room, in the operating room, because of the distractions, Douglas said. So I appreciate it for that account. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Karen Berg, D-Louisville, said that she has been among lawmakers, including Higdon and a few other committee members, who have been practicing getting in the habit of hands-free driving after hearing that the bill would be debated this session. Once you get in the habit of docking your phone when you get in the car, and then you do not touch it again until you get out of the car, it gets easier and easier. It really does, Berg said while voting in favor of the bill. Sen. Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, said that he was supportive of the bill, but in some areas, I think it doesnt go far enough. He added that he would like to see the bill explicitly bar drivers from using cell phones while at a stoplight. I know probably everybody in this room has sat behind someone at a red light or a stoplight, looking at their phone, and everybody goes on in the other lanes, and youre sitting there, stuck behind that person. I think thats a safety issue as well, Elkins said. I would hope that maybe we could entertain an amendment or address it at some point in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Gex Williams, R-Verona, said while voting in favor of the current bill, he had opposed previous versions because of it barring the use of phones while at a stoplight. He argued that drivers can signal to other stopped cars that the light is green by sounding their car horn. I support it precisely because you can stop and make a call at a green light, unlike last years, Williams said. The bill now awaits a floor vote in the Senate. A state of emergency had been declared for the entire energy sector in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced after a crisis meeting on Wednesday. A coordination centre will be set up to deal specifically with the needs of capital Kiev, a city of 3 million people. The entire government is to organize additional equipment and aid. Kiev's supply networks were knocked out during a heavy Russian airstrike last Friday. Initially, 6,000 apartment blocks had no heating, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at a meeting with his city administration. Advertisement Advertisement Currently, 400 buildings are still without heating, and it is hoped that they will be reconnected to the district heating network by Wednesday evening. With temperatures of -12 degrees Celsius during the day and -18 degrees at night, unheated buildings cool down quickly. Three hours of light, 10 hours of darkness For most citizens, there are only three hours of electricity and then 10 or more hours without, Klitschko reported. The city is in its most difficult situation since the start of the war with Russia in 2022. Kiev is suffering from a humanitarian crisis and is reaching a critical point, journalist Oleksiy Sorokin of the Kyiv Independent wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement "I think its safe to say that Kyiv has reached the state of a severe humanitarian crisis and approaches a critical point," he said. "There are places in Kiev that are currently uninhabitable." Criticism of Kiev's city leadership However, the government's intervention in the capital, and thus in Klitschko's jurisdiction, also means that an old political conflict is resurfacing. The newly appointed Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal praised the city of Kharkiv's preparations for such emergencies in parliament. Kiev was ill-prepared, he said. "I would say completely unprepared. That is why emergency measures must now be taken," Shmyhal asserted. Advertisement Advertisement As one step, the government wants to relax the night-time curfew so that citizens can go to the approximately 1,200 warming centres in Kiev at any time. Russia reports drone deaths Mutual drone attacks between Russia and Ukraine overnight into Wednesday caused casualties and damage to energy infrastructure, regional officials on both sides said. In the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, four people were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack, the governor of the Rostov region, Yury Slyusar, said in a post on Telegram. Fires broke out in several apartments in multi-storey residential buildings, and a man was found dead in one of the flats, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Slyusar also reported two fires in the city's industrial zone. In Russias Belgorod region, a woman was killed in the village of Zozuli in a Ukrainian drone strike, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said. Later, a man was killed by a drone explosion in the city of Shebekino, he added. Ukraine also hit Russia again targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure amid freezing temperatures. In the south-eastern Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, Russian forces attacked civilian infrastructure on Tuesday evening and overnight, according to the head of the citys military administration, Oleksandr Vilkul. The strikes triggered emergency power cuts affecting about 45,000 customers, while district heating was disrupted in more than 700 buildings, Vilkul said in a Telegram post. The situation had stabilized by morning, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for nearly four years. As part of its defence, Ukraine carries out strikes on targets inside Russia. The number of casualties and the scale of damage from Ukrainian attacks are far smaller than the devastation caused by Russian strikes across Ukraine. Kingdom of God Global Church has launched a legal battle to reclaim millions of dollars in cash, gold bars and luxury vehicles seized by federal agents, arguing their confiscation is unconstitutional and excessive. The petition marks the latest development in the case against church leader David E. Taylor and executive director Michelle Brannon. They face decades in prison if convicted of money laundering and using parishioners as slave laborers in call centers, including in Tampa, that raised millions in donations. Federal prosecutors now say the FBI is also investigating evidence that Taylor, who refers to himself as Jesus best friend and an apostle, solicited thousands of sexually explicit photos and videos from church members. Advertisement Advertisement As the criminal case proceeds toward an April trial in Detroit, the churchs new civil filing seeks the return of $4.2 million held in Chase Bank accounts. It also wants back a trove of physical assets taken during raids in Tampa, Ocala, Michigan and Texas, including seven Mercedes-Benz and two Bentley sedans. Thechurch argues it is an innocent third party not named as a defendant or accused of any crime. Its lawyers say the seized assets are essential for its ministry, charitable work and operational expenses. Prosecutors allege Taylor and Brannon ran a cult-like organization that coerced and stripped followers of their autonomy under threats of physical violence, food deprivation and eternal damnation. Documents filed since the raids shed light on the wealth accumulated by the church, particularly at the 28,000-square-foot home in Tampas gated Avila community where Brannon was arrested and where records say 57 church members were found during an Aug. 27 raid. Advertisement Advertisement FBI agents found around $500,000 in gold bars, $60,000 in cash and valuable jewelry stored in a locked safe there, records state. Investigators also found designer clothing, purses and piles of foreign currency, including $1.6 million Iraqi dinars. Brannons lavishly furnished multi-bedroom suite, documents state, included two large walk-in closets and a bathroom with two showers and four vanities. In contrast, prosecutors described agents finding evidence of church members sleeping on floors and sharing single rooms, including approximately 13 people sharing quarters above the garage with a single bathroom. In a recent detention hearing, Taylors defense attorney reframed the alleged abuse as voluntary religious devotion perhaps hard for outsiders to understand but not criminal. Church members, he argued, were consenting adults, free to leave at any time, who went on outings to Disney World and the Florida Aquarium. The defense argued that years-ago boot camps described by prosecutors, where victims were allegedly deprived of food and sleep, were actually voluntary theological orientations that were rigorous, but not harmful. Taylors indictment included numerous text messages in which the pastor threatened food deprivation or sending workers to live in a homeless shelter for failing to bring in enough money. In arguing for Taylors pretrial release, his attorney pointed to more recent texts from Taylor suggesting workers sleep late and take time off for rest or personal business. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors, in response, presented new texts in which Apostle Taylor berates managers over church workers only raising $18,000 in a workday. He would be arrested days later. I want everyone on the street now at the end of the night whose numbers were low!! They sleep on the street tonight after 2 hours of trash pickup, one text message states. I want all of them spread out no communication on the streets or playing! Only be brought back when its time to start in the morning at 10 a.m. Taylor remains in federal detention. Judges have repeatedly denied his bond requests, ruling that he poses a significant danger to the community and a flight risk. In a recent hearing, a judge cited concerns that Taylor could use his position to intimidate witnesses and victims. In that hearing, prosecutors revealed that the government is investigating whether female church members were coerced into sending sexually explicit photos and videos to Taylor as a condition of their service. Advertisement Advertisement One filing references an explicit masturbation video sent to Taylor by a female worker in which the worker cries and apologizes for the delay in completing the assignment, and states that she understand(s) that (she) need(s) to do this and cant delay. Prosecutors, arguing to keep Taylor in custody, pointed toward an alleged record of intimidation regarding the women who he threatened with disclosure of those images. The defense strongly pushed back, arguing the images were the result of consensual adult relationships. Taylor had been living in seclusion in North Carolina for five years as he focused on writing books and was, his attorney Scott Rosenblum said in court, going through a process to try to find a lifelong partner. Its difficult for him to date, but thats what his version of dating is. Advertisement Advertisement These are types of relationships, now, that may not be approved by the government, but theres nothing illegal about it, and therell be nothing when the vetting is done to suggest that it was forceful at all. The defense also argued that the FBIs seven-year investigation was based on misleading tips from the ex-husband of a member, who became enraged when his former wife donated her $1 million divorce settlement to the church. Brannon has been released on bond and remains under home incarceration with GPS monitoring. While prosecutors argued Brannon was a danger due to her fierce loyalty as Taylors foot soldier, the judge in Michigan ruled that the government had not provided specific enough facts to prove she posed an immediate threat to the community. The judge factored in Brannons lack of a prior criminal record and her health issues she suffered a cardiac event while in custody, her attorney said in granting her release. She is barred from contacting church members or accessing church funds. Advertisement Advertisement Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case is proceeding in the Eastern District of Michigan. In their efforts to secure Taylors release, his attorneys have perhaps offered a preview of arguments theyll deploy before a jury. Their filings suggest a strategy of placing responsibility on the accusers, arguing that church members decision to not leave suggests a desire to be there rather than criminal coercion. In one filing, Taylors attorney challenged the validity of the indictment by citing a lawsuit brought by former members of the Sea Org against its parent organization, the Church of Scientology. In that case, the accusations were far more draconian that what the Government alleges pastor Taylor has done, the filing states, and yet, none of those claims were sufficient to withstand the defendants (the Church of Scientologys) request for summary judgment. In clearer language, the Church of Scientology was accused of worse but won without ever going to trial. For better or worse, money matters quite a bit in American politics. It could shape the race to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell this year. Campaigns for two of the three leading Republicans have released their fundraising numbers early, both to the conservative-leaning New York Post. The results werent too surprising. Central Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr continues to lead the money race, sitting on more than $6.2 million in cash on hand. He raised almost $1.4 million in the final quarter of the year, from Sep. 30 to Dec. 31. Advertisement Advertisement Lexington tech entrepreneur Nate Morris continued to raise a large amount of money. He brought in $2 million during the final quarter, about $1.4 million of that coming from his own pocketbook; Morris founded the waste and tech company Rubicon and made $41 million in just one year there. Daniel Cameron, the former attorney general who has led in the publicly available polls but trailed behind in the fundraising game, has not released his numbers as of Tuesday evening. Typically, the full breakdown of funds raised into campaigns and political action committees, and where those funds are coming from, in the final quarter of the year become publicly available in the middle of January. Rogers gets endorsement from opponents mentor Kevin Smith, a Kentucky Republican with a bona fide political resume, became the biggest story of the election filing deadline when he launched a primary campaign against Rep. Hal Rogers, 88, the longest continuously-serving member of the U.S. House. Advertisement Advertisement The biggest piece of Smiths resume in Kentucky GOP politics was his time working closely with Mike Duncan, a Martin County banker who chaired the Republican National Committee in the late 00s and led the United States Postal Service during President Donald Trumps first administration. On Tuesday, Duncan released a statement to the Herald-Leader making it clear hes backing Rogers. He wrote that Rogers had his unwavering support and full endorsement. Congressman Hal Rogers is a personal friend going back to my days in College Republicans, and its been a privilege to support him throughout his remarkable career. Hal continues to work tirelessly for the betterment of Eastern Kentucky, the Commonwealth, and the entire country. Simply put, we have no stronger champion in Washington, Duncan wrote. Smith was a longtime aide for Duncan, and worked briefly as an aide to McConnell, who has also endorsed Rogers. A native of Clay County, he has worked as an attorney in London for several years. He was part of Kentuckys delegation to the Republican National Committee in 2024, 2020, 2016 and 2012. Advertisement Advertisement Smith did not respond to a request for comment on Duncans endorsement Tuesday. Kentucky Rep. Hal Rogers has a clear view of the U.S. Capitol from his Washington office. Rand on Rogan Sen. Rand Paul appeared on one of the most popular podcasts in the country Tuesday, sitting down with Joe Rogan for two hours and 43 minutes. The pair, aligned on vaccine skepticism and enmity towards former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci, spoke at length about Pauls attempts to punish Fauci. They also criticized Trump in a couple distinct ways. Rogan, who is credited with boosting Trump and Vance in the lead-up to the 2024 election, offered a stark assessment of how many Americans view Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in the wake of an officer shooting and killing Renee Good in Minnesota. He said many people see the officers as murderous, military people. Advertisement Advertisement Are we really going to be the Gestapo? Wheres your papers? Is that what weve come to Rogan asked. In their discussion of the Trump administrations recent decision to extract Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on drug and gun charges, killing several Venezuelans in the process, Paul offered scathing criticism. He called the gun charges nothing, and cast the administrations narrative on fentanyl coming from Venezuela as a sham pretext for regime change, recalling a back-and-forth between himself and a journalist. She said, Well, dont you care about the kids in our country dying from fentanyl? I said Of course, I do, but you know no fentanyl comes from Venezuela. Not a little bit. Zero, Paul said. Advertisement Advertisement Paul was not the only Kentucky conservative talking to a high-profile web content creator. In a move that might surprise some, conservative commentator and Kentuckian Scott Jennings will appear on The Adam Friedland Show, a freewheeling left-of-center internet talk show. The episode is set to release Wednesday. One on one It seems like the other Republicans running in the 4th Congressional District have heeded Trumps words. After the president posted to social media asking Republicans to clear the field for Ed Gallrein, the candidate hes endorsed in a bid to unseat Massie, Robert Wells withdrew from the race Monday. Advertisement Advertisement That leaves just Gallrein and Massie. I had two opponents in my primary. The BULLIES who leach off Trump chased one of my opponents out of the race TODAY. Theyre worried and hope this will improve the chances of their swamp candidate, and it could, Massie wrote in a post to X soliciting donations. Wells did not respond to a request for comment. U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that hes been told on good authority that plans for executions in Iran have stopped, even as Tehran has signaled fast trials and executions ahead in its crackdown on protesters. The U.S. presidents claims, which were made with few details, come as hes told protesting Iranians in recent days that help is on the way and that his administration would act accordingly to respond to the Iranian government. But Trump has not offered any details about how the U.S. might respond and it wasnt clear if his comments Wednesday indicated he would hold off on action. Advertisement Advertisement Iran closed its airspace to commercial flights for over four hours early Thursday, according to pilot guidance issued by Iran, which lies on a key East-West flight route. International carriers diverted north and south around Iran, but after one extension, the closure appeared to have expired and several domestic flights were in the air just after 7 a.m. local time. Earlier Wednesday, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, Irans judiciary chief, said the government must act quickly to punish more than 18,000 people who have been detained through rapid trials and executions. The security force crackdown on the demonstrations has killed at least 2,586, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported. The death toll exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalls the chaos surrounding the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Here is the latest: Advertisement Advertisement Airspace closure over Iran appears to have expired An order by Iran closing its airspace to commercial aircraft appeared to have expired and several domestic flights were in the air just after 7 a.m. local time on Thursday. The closure lasted for over four hours, during which time international carriers had diverted north and south around Iran. Iran further extends order closing its airspace to commercial aircraft Iran further extended an order closing its airspace to commercial aircraft without explanation early Thursday as tensions remain high with the United States over Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. Advertisement Advertisement A notice to pilot said the closure was estimated to last until 7:30 a.m. local time. A previous order had closed the airspace for just over two hours. The Iranian government offered no explanation of the decision to shut its airspace. US requests emergency meeting of UN Security Council on Iran The United States requested an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Iran on Thursday afternoon, a council diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the meeting has not yet been scheduled. ___ Associated Press writer Edith Lederer at the United Nations contributed. US Embassy in Kuwait orders temporary halt to base movements Advertisement Advertisement DUBAI, United Arab Emirates The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait said it had ordered a temporary halt to its personnel from going to multiple military bases in the small Gulf Arab country amid heightened tensions with Iran over a crackdown on nationwide protests there. It said that it was a temporary halt to movement into facilities at Camp Arifjan, Camp Buehring, Ali Al Salem Air Base and Camp Patriot. Kuwait is home to U.S. Army Central, the services Mideast command. US Embassy in Qatar urges increased caution The U.S. Embassy in Qatar issued a notice early Thursday, saying it had advised its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit nonessential travel to Al Udeid Air Base. Advertisement Advertisement We recommend U.S. citizens in Qatar do the same, it added. Some personnel at a key U.S. military base in Qatar were advised to evacuate by Wednesday evening, according to a U.S. official and the Gulf country. Execution of protester delayed, family says A 26-year-old protester who was detained last week by Iranian authorities has had his execution postponed but has not been released, according to one of his relatives. Activists said that Erfan Soltani, a clothing shop employee, was among the thousands of Iranians who were rounded up in the last week after nationwide protests sparked by economic distress turned into days of deadly anti-government unrest. Advertisement Advertisement Somayeh, a 45-year-old close relative of Soltani who is living abroad and asked to be identified by first name only for fear of government reprisal, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that his family had been told his execution would be set for Wednesday but it was postponed when they got to the prison in Karaj, a city north-west of Tehran. The relative said that his family has spent the last six days in agony over what could happen to him and now are left with even more uncertainty. Iran closes airspace Iran issued an order early Thursday to close its airspace, without explanation. The order came amid heightened tensions over its bloody crackdown on protesters during nationwide protests and the possibility of American strikes in response. Advertisement Advertisement The flight-tracking website FlightRadar24.com noted the order closed Irans airspace for a little more than two hours. Iranian foreign minister urges US to choose diplomacy Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with Fox News Channels Special Report that Iran is ready for negotiation and has been for the past 20 years. He urged the U.S. to find a solution through negotiation, and said diplomacy is much better than war. Araghchi blamed terrorist groups for the violence as part of an Israeli plot to drag (Trump) into the conflict. UK shuts Tehran embassy and withdraws diplomats Advertisement Advertisement Britain has shut its embassy in Iran and withdrawn its diplomats as tensions spiral over security forces lethal crackdown on protests and speculation about U.S. action in response. The U.K. Foreign Office said Wednesday that we have temporarily closed the British Embassy in Tehran, this will now operate remotely. It said British staff have been withdrawn due to the security situation. The government had already advised British citizens against traveling to Iran. Iranian foreign minister asks UN to condemn terrorism In a letter obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for the top U.N. official to condemn and reject all acts of terrorism during the unrests regardless of the incentives. Advertisement Advertisement Araghchi reiterated Iranian officials claims, without providing evidence, that the U.S. and Israel have been directly involved in the escalation of recent nationwide protests in Iran that have killed more than 2,500 Iranians. Peaceful protests started from Dec. 28, 2025 on economic grounds were sabotaged by terrorist elements who turned them into armed riots, he wrote to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Iranian government holds mass funeral A mass funeral was held in Tehran for some 100 security force members killed in the demonstrations. Tens of thousands of mourners attended, holding Iranian flags and photos of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The caskets, draped in Iranian flags, stood stacked at least three high. Red and white roses and framed photographs of the dead covered them. Iranians describe the governments crackdown We are very frightened because of these sounds (of gunfire) and protests, said a mother of two shopping for fruits and vegetables, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. We have heard many are killed and many are injured. Now peace has been restored, but schools are closed, and Im scared to send my children to school again. Ahmadreza Tavakoli, 36, told The Associated Press he witnessed one demonstration in Tehran and was shocked by the use of firearms by authorities. People were out to express themselves and protest, but quickly it turned into a war zone, Tavakoli said. The people do not have guns. Only the security forces have guns. Iranians and Germans protest in Berlin At a protest march of 900 Iranian exiles and German supporters in Berlin on Wednesday night, Maryam Nejatipur, 32, told The Associated Press how unbearably worried she was about her family back home. Theyre in a complete blackout. We dont have any news, said the former teacher who was forced to leave her home country about two years ago. She said she didnt know how to get through the days since Iran shut down the internet and phones and she could not longer find out if her family was still alive. She sobbed and said really she was not only worried about her immediate family but all Iranians. There are 90 million people inside Iran and they are killing all of them, she said. US met with exiled former crown prince of Iran U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has met with exiled former crown prince of Iran Reza Pahlavi, a White House official confirmed on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity about the private meeting. The official provided no further details. Italy foreign ministry advises Italian citizens to leave Italys Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has been meeting on Wednesday evening with officials from the Italian Ministry of Defense, the Italian Ambassador to Tehran and ambassadors from the main capitals involved in the current crisis in Iran. The ministry reiterated its recommendation that Italian citizens should leave Iran if they are able to do so, a statement said. Irans Revolutionary Guard blames US and Israel for protests Mohammad Pakpour, commander of Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, threatened Wednesday that the country would give a decisive response to the death of Iranian martyrs and security protectors, according to Irans semiofficial Tasnim news agency. Pakpour reiterated Iranian officials claims that U.S. and Israel have instigated these protests and that they are the main killers of the hundreds of casualties. He added that those countries will receive the response in the appropriate time. Pakistan says it will play role in regional peace Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a call Wednesday with Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani that Pakistan would continue to play a positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability, a statement from Sharifs office said. The two leaders discussed recent developments in the Middle East and expressed satisfaction with the current trajectory of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar, according to the statement. Sharif praised Qatars role in promoting peace, dialogue and mediation in the region and acknowledged its efforts to defuse tensions through diplomatic means. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days, the statement said. Protesters rally outside US embassy in Bucharest Scores gathered on Wednesday in a show of support for the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran. Some held posters of Irans exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi and others of U.S. President Donald Trump. One placard read: President Trump! Iranian people deserve freedom Hear their voice. We are here to be the voice of the Iranian people against the Islamic regime in Iran, Esi Fallah told The Associated Press. We are here to ask President Trump for help ... The regime in Iran fires at its people. Fallah added that he has not been able to contact his family in Iran due to the internet blackout. We dont know anything about them since Friday, he said. Another protester, Mahzad, who only gave his first name, said: For five days, I have no news from my family or my friends. I don't know if they are still alive." US issues another alert advising citizens to leave Iran U.S. citizens should leave Iran now. Consider departing Iran by land to Turkiye or Armenia, if safe to do so, the virtual U.S. embassy in Tehran said in a statement Wednesday. This is the third alert in five days. The embassy also said U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran using their Iranian passports. Some personnel at US base in Qatar advised to evacuate Some personnel at Qatars Al Udeid Air Base have been advised to evacuate by Wednesday evening, a U.S. official said. The decision came as a senior official in Iran brought up an earlier Iranian attack there. The official, who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive plans, described the move at the base as a precautionary measure. The official wouldnt go into any further details about the move, including whether the evacuation was optional or mandatory, if it affected troops or civilian personnel, or the number of those advised to leave, citing the need for operational security. It comes as anti-government protests in nearby Iran continue and U.S. President Donald Trump has said that he is willing to conduct military operations in the country if the government continues to retaliate against the protesters. Why Musks free Starlink access is a game-changer for Iranian protesters SpaceXs Starlink satellite internet service dropped its fees to allow protesters in Iran to send updates of what is happening inside the Islamic Republic following a communication blackout by authorities. Elon Musks SpaceX has not officially announced the decision and did not respond to a request for comment, but activists told The Associated Press that Starlink has been available for free to anyone in Iran with the receivers since Tuesday. Starlink has been crucial, said Mehdi Yahyanejad, an Iranian whose nonprofit Net Freedom Pioneers has helped smuggle units into Iran, pointing to footage that emerged Sunday showing rows of bodies at a forensic medical center near Tehran. Starlink is banned in Iran. Tens of thousands of mourners attend mass funeral in Tehran Tens of thousands of mourners thronged the streets near Tehran University for a mass funeral of security forces and civilians on Wednesday. After Iranian state television reported that 300 coffins would be on display at Tehran University, Associated Press reporters there saw around 100. It wasnt clear why there was a discrepancy. Many held Iranian flags and identical photos of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and their relatives. The caskets, covered in Iranian flags, were stacked at least three high in the backs of trucks and covered with red and white roses and framed photographs of people who were killed. The crowd chanted and beat their chests in response to an emcee speaking from a stage. One man in the crowd held up a photo of U.S. President Donald Trump during the Pennsylvania assassination attempt, emblazoned with: The arrow doesnt always miss! The presenter, his voice booming across the crowd, blamed the U.S. for the unrest. All of our problems are because of America, todays economic problems are because of American sanctions. Death to America! he yelled, prompting the same chant from the tens of thousands of people, dressed mostly in black. India urges nationals to leave Iran India's Embassy in Tehran urged Wednesday all Indian nationals to leave Iran, citing what it called an evolving situation in the Islamic Republic. The statement, posted on X, also advised Indian citizens to remain highly vigilant and avoid areas where protests are taking place. 2 men climb into the grounds of the Iranian embassy in Berlin to tear down flag German police said Wednesday the two climbed over a fence into embassy grounds and tore down an Iranian flag. Both wanted to hoist two pre-Islamic Republic flags but failed, German news agency dpa reported. They left the grounds when guards used pepper spray and were detained on the sidewalk outside. The incident happened late Tuesday. Middle East governments advise US to avoid Iran conflict, diplomat says Major Middle East governments were discouraging the Trump administration from waging a war with Iran, fearing unprecedented consequences in the volatile region, an Arab Gulf diplomat said Wednesday. The Cairo-based diplomat, who was given anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak to the media, said major governments in the region, including Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, have been in constant contact with the U.S. administration over a potential American strike on Iran that could explode into a full-blown war. Such a war will certainly have dire repercussions not only on the Middle East but also on the global economy," he said. Iranian mass funeral to include 300 bodies, state media say Iranian state television said Wednesdays mass funeral in Tehran would include 300 bodies of security force members and civilians. The funeral is expected to take place at Tehran University under heavy security. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said 2,417 of the dead were protesters and 147 were government-affiliated. Twelve children were killed, along with 10 civilians it said were not taking part in protests. More than 18,400 people have been detained, the group said. Gauging the demonstrations and the death toll from abroad has grown more difficult. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the toll, given the communications being disrupted in the country. ___ Melanie Lidman contributed from Jerusalem. US tariffs connected to Iran trade could hurt India Trumps decision to impose a 25% tariff on countries that trade with Iran could impact India, an expert said, as New Delhi already faces existing 50% U.S. trade levies due to its purchases of Russian oil. Abhijit Mukhopadhyay, a senior economist at the Chintan Research Foundation in New Delhi, said the bigger risk is not India-Iran trade, but Indias access to the U.S. market, as its exports to Iran are modest. India mainly exports rice, tea, sugar, pharmaceuticals and electrical machinery to Iran, while importing dry fruits and chemical products. Textiles and garments, gems and jewelry and engineering goods are likely to be the most vulnerable sectors, he said. Trumps latest move also could affect Indias investments in Iran, including the strategically important Chabahar port, which gives India a trade route to Afghanistan, Central Asia and Europe while bypassing Pakistan, Mukhopadhyay said. Irans judiciary chief signals fast trials and executions ahead Irans judiciary chief signals fast trials and executions for those detained in nationwide protests. Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei made the comment in a video shared by Iranian state television on Wednesday. He emphasized the need for swift action, saying delays would lessen the impact. His remarks challenge Trump, who warned Iran about executions in an interview aired Tuesday. Trump stated the U.S. would take strong action if Iran proceeded with executions. The situation highlights escalating tensions between the two countries over the handling of the protests. Dozens of Pakistani students studying in Iran return home Dozens of Pakistani students studying in Iran have returned home through a remote southwestern border crossing, a Pakistani immigration official said Wednesday. Federal Investigation Agency spokesperson in Quetta city, Samina Raisani, said about 60 students crossed into Pakistan on Tuesday through Gabd border in Balochistan province with valid travel documents. More students were expected to return through the same crossing later Wednesday, she said. Mudassir Tipu, Pakistans ambassador to Iran, said Tuesday that Iranian universities had rescheduled exams and permitted international students to leave the country. Satellite internet provider Starlink offers free service inside Iran The satellite internet provider Starlink now offers free service to people in Iran who have access to the company's receivers, activists said Wednesday. Mehdi Yahyanejad, a Los Angeles-based activist who helped get the units into Iran, told The Associated Press that the free service had started. Other activists also confirmed in messages online that the service was free. Starlink has been the only way for Iranians to communicate with the outside world since authorities shut down the internet Thursday night as nationwide protests swelled and they began a bloody crackdown against demonstrators. Starlink did not immediately acknowledge the decision. MS NOW host Lawrence ODonnell on Tuesday excoriated President Donald Trump for lying about the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good at the hands of a federal immigration agent before chronicling a resulting exodus of top officials at the Department of Justice. Donald Trump says, She ran him over, said ODonnell. The man who thinks hes the acting president of Venezuela said, She ran him over. She didnt try to run him over. She ran him over. Those were Donald Trumps exact words when lying about Renee Good. Politics: CNN Doctor Says This Moment Shows Donald Trump Needs to Be Evaluated Footage of the incident in Minnesota last week showed Good partially blocking the road with her car but attempting to reverse away from the situation, when an ICE agent, later identified as Jonathan Ross, approached and fired through her windshield. Advertisement Advertisement Trump claimed one day later that she ran him over, and according to a Minnesota Star Tribune report citing sources familiar with the matter, his Justice Department has since requested that the slain womans widow be investigated for possible federal charges. ODonnell noted this has since led several senior DOJ officials to resign in protest. It was mass resignation day in the Trump Justice Department today from Minnesota to Washington, D.C., said the Last Word host during his segment on the aftermath. In Washington, six members of the Civil Rights Division of the Trump Justice Department quit. Politics: Ex-FBI Deputy Director Slams DHS Claims About Latest ICE Shooting: 'They Have No Credibility' ODonnell cited an MS NOW article about top staffers of the criminal section at the Civil Rights Division leaving their Justice Department jobs after Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon decided not to investigate Ross for killing Good. Advertisement Advertisement Dhillon is an anti-voting rights extremist and was Trumps legal adviser for several years. The article noted that the divisions criminal section normally probes any fatal shooting by law enforcement and specializes in rooting out potentially improper use of force. ODonnell noted that these staffers are not being allowed to do so in this case, however. And in Minnesota today, another six attorneys quit the Trump Justice Department and the U.S. attorneys office there, he added. The Minnesota Star Tribune reports that, quote, A majority of the leadership team at the Minnesota U.S. attorneys office resigned on Jan. 13. The Tribune reported that these individuals quit over directives from top federal officials, such as blocking the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension from the investigation into the shooting and a request from Trumps DOJ to investigate Goods widow. Politics: Donald Trumps Pathetic Fundraising Email About His Dying Laptop Crashes Hard Online Becca Good mourned her late wife in a heart-wrenching public statement Friday. Advertisement Advertisement ODonnell began his show with relatable anger and wondered if Trump has dementia, but noted that its difficult to make a public diagnosis because his combined stupidity and pathological lying can make anyone sound like theyre in neurological decline. Hes also the most ignorant person in the history of the American presidency and usually operates at a level of public stupidity never seen in American political history, he added. Watch the full Last Word segment on MS NOWs YouTube account. Related... Read the original on HuffPost A week after a Minnesota woman was fatally shot by a federal immigration officer, California legislators moved forward a bill that would make it easier for people to sue federal agents if they believe their constitutional rights were violated. A Senate committee passed Senate Bill 747 by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), which would provide Californians with a stronger ability to take legal action against federal law enforcement agents over excessive use of force, unlawful home searches, interfering with a right to protest and other violations. California law already allows such suits against state and local law enforcement officials. Advertisement Advertisement Successful civil suits against federal officers over constitutional rights are less common. Wiener, appearing before Tuesday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, said his bill has taken on new urgency in the wake of the death of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota, the 37-year-old mother of three who was shot while driving on a snowy Minneapolis street. Good was shot by an agent in self-defense, said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who alleged that Good tried to use her car as a weapon to run over the immigration officer. Read more: 'Active shooter' or ICE agent's victim? What happened in L.A. New Year's Eve killing? Advertisement Advertisement Good's death outraged Democratic leaders across the country, who accuse federal officers of flouting laws in their efforts to deport thousands of undocumented immigrants. In New York, legislators are proposing legislation similar to the one proposed by Wiener that would allow state-level civil actions against federal officers. George Retes Jr., a U.S. citizen and Army veteran who was kept in federal custody for three days in July, described his ordeal at Tuesday's committee hearing, and how immigration officers swarmed him during a raid in Camarillo. Retes, a contracted security guard at the farm that was raided, said he was brought to Port Hueneme Naval Base. Officials swabbed his cheek to obtain DNA, and then moved him to Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles. He was not allowed to make a phone call or see an attorney, he said. "I did not resist, I did not impede or assault any agent," Retes said."What happened to me that day was not a misunderstanding. It was a violation of the Constitution by the very people sworn to uphold it." Advertisement Advertisement He also accused Department of Homeland security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin of spreading false information about him to justify his detention. Homeland Security said in a statement last year that Retes impeded its operation, which he denies. Retes has filed a tort claim against the U.S. government, a process that is rarely successful, said his attorney, Anya Bidwell. Lawsuits can also be brought through the Bivens doctrine, which refers to the 1971 Supreme Court ruling in Bivens vs. Six Unknown Federal Agents that established that federal officials can be sued for monetary damages for constitutional violations. But in recent decades, the Supreme Court has repeatedly restricted the ability to sue under Bivens. Wiener's bill, if passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, would be retroactive to March 2025. Advertisement Advertisement "We've had enough of this terror campaign in our communities by ICE," said Wiener at a news conference before the hearing. "We need the rule of law and we need accountability." Weiner is running for the congressional seat held by former House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco). Representatives for law enforcement agencies appeared at Tuesday's hearing to ask for amendments to ensure that the bill wouldn't lead to weakened protections for state and local officials. "We're not opposed to the intent of the bill. We're just concerned about the future and the unintended consequences for your California employees," said David Mastagni, speaking on behalf of the Peace Officers Research Assn. of California, which represents more than 85,000 public safety members. Advertisement Advertisement Wiener's bill is the latest effort by the state Legislature to challenge President Trump's immigration raids. Newsom last year signed legislation authored by Wiener that prohibits law enforcement officials, including federal immigration agents, from wearing masks, with some exceptions. The U.S. Department of Justice sued last year to block the law, and a hearing in the case is scheduled for Wednesday. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Revolutions throughout history have often had a charismatic central figure at their core, such as Lenin, Mao or Castro. But beginning in the late 20th century, a wave of protests and revolutions emerged that neither began with concrete leadership or had an emerging central figure as the revolution proceeded. This phenomenon, described in political science literature as horizontal movements or leaderless resistance, is one of the most important developments in contemporary political history. Advertisement Advertisement But can leaderless revolutions be victorious? And if so, how exactly do they succeed? Iranian protesters demonstrate against Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in Tehran, 9 October, 1978 - AP Photo What is meant by a "leaderless revolution"? A leaderless revolution does not necessarily mean there are no influential figures connected to the protests, it means that decision-making is not centralised. There is no formal hierarchy and, most importantly, the legitimacy of the revolution comes from below via collective action rather than from a specific figure or party. Moreover, coordination of activities in such revolutions is carried out mainly through social networks or other groups. This model of revolution is usually a reaction to historical distrust of charismatic leaders who, after victory, have themselves become a source of repressive power. Advertisement Advertisement Related Tunisian Revolution: Rifts within security forces Tunisia's revolution, the first such protests in the wider Arab Spring movemet, is a classic example of a leaderless uprising. During events in the North African country that had begun in December 2010, protests were not initiated by a specific political party or led by a recognised leader. The revolution was sparked by the self-immolation of a street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi in protest against the confiscation of his fruit, government corruption and unemployment. In a short time, a network of young people, trade unionists, lawyers and social media users joined this popular uprising. Advertisement Advertisement Popular protests continued for 28 days, eventually forcing President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who has ruled the country for more than 23 years, to dissolve the government and parliament, relinquish power and flee to Saudi Arabia. Protesters chant slogans against President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali during a demonstration in Tunis, 14 January, 2011 - AP Photo One of the key factors in the success of the protesters in overthrowing the regime, alongside deep and pervasive social discontent, were deep rifts within the security forces. Furthermore, not having a single leader for the revolution was considered a concession to the revolutionaries because it did not give the government the opportunity to act to remove them. Despite the absence of a leader, the role of unions including the General Syndicate of Tunisian Workers (UGTT) was crucial during the protests. Although the revolution was a success, the absence of a leader and a clear plan for the post-Ben Ali era caused ideological rivalries, economic crises and institutional weakness that plunged Tunisia into a period of instability that eventually led to the return of a kind of authoritarianism. Advertisement Advertisement The events in Tunisia showed that although a leaderless movement can bring down the ruling regime, a new system cannot be built without a clear political project for the future. Related Egyptian Revolution: Different groups, single goal The Egyptian Revolution consisted of a series of protests, marches and civil disobedience, inspired by the success of the Tunisian Revolution and within the framework of movements dubbed the Arab Spring. Beginning in January 2011, the protests in Egypt were also inspired by the student-led "Atpur" (Resistance) in Serbia; a movement that started peaceful protests in 2000 which, with the support of the army, led to the fall of Slobodan Milosevic's government. Advertisement Advertisement Egypt's protest movement, propelled by widespread use of Facebook and Twitter, eventually led Hosni Mubarak to resign the presidency after 30 years and cede all authority to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, made up of top army commanders. This revolution had two key features. First, during the revolution, the Egyptian military did not support Hosni Mubarak, and Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq Zaki was also forced to resign less than a month after Mubarak stepped down. Second, the protests, although lacking any collective leadership or charismatic mouthpiece with which the protesters could relate, succeeded in bringing together disparate social groups with different agendas under a single goal. Anti-government protesters gather in Tahrir Square in Cairo, 29 January, 2011 - AP Photo Egypt's strong point With so many points of view and different groups at work, not having a specific leader from a particular intellectual perspective, which might have been a serious weakness for the continuation of the Egyptian revolution, became its strong point. Advertisement Advertisement Ahmed Assili, an Egyptian blogger and television presenter, makes another point. "The lack of leadership prevented the regime from dominating us," he said. "In particular, leaders can be intimidated, placated or engaged in negotiations in which the regime makes concessions to save itself." In this way a leaderless movement was formed in Egypt, in the course of which, everyone was united around a very simple but radical demand: the immediate abdication of Hosni Mubarak. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak attends a meeting with Emirates foreign minister at the Presidential palace in Cairo, 8 February, 2011 - AP Photo Nevertheless, the protesters' activities were disciplined and organised. Six groups - including the 6 April Youth Movement, the Raging Youth Movement and Mohamed ElBaradei's Alliance for Change - consulted each other informally about how to organise the gatherings in Tahrir Square. Advertisement Advertisement However, that lack of clear leadership eventually became a problem. After Mubarak's fall, the organised forces that played a marginal role in this revolution, including the army and the Muslim Brotherhood, quickly filled the power vacuum. The result is that although the revolution was successful, the revolutionaries were eliminated and an authoritarian system was once again installed. Egypt serves as a warning that if one leaderless movement cannot quickly introduce political representatives, others will step in. Ukrainian Revolution: Hope and violence in downtown Kyiv The Euromaidan revolution in Ukraine is another example of a leaderless movement. The movement lasted for more than three months, from November 2013 to February 2014. Advertisement Advertisement The revolution began with a journalist's message calling for a rally on Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti) in central Kyiv to protest against the government's refusal to sign an Association Agreement and free trade deal with the European Union. This revolution, although leaderless, quickly and spontaneously saw organised activities among different groups, largely coordinated on social media. Planning all the associated elements to keep the protest running, from food to healthcare, created a strong sense of community among the protesters. The standoff reached a climax in February 2014, when police unleashed a brutal crackdown on the protests and dozens of people were slain between February 18-21, many by police snipers. Advertisement Advertisement A European-mediated peace deal between the government and protest leaders envisioned the formation of a transitional administration and an early election, but demonstrators later seized government buildings and the Russia-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych fled to Russia. Smoke and fireballs rise during clashes between protesters and police in central Kyiv, 25 January, 2014 - AP Photo Strengths and weaknesses of leaderless revolutions One of the most important characteristics of such leaderless revolutions is their relative irrepressibility, because the removal of an individual does not destroy the movement. The other characteristic is the wider participation of the people. In such revolutions even collective action moves ahead of organisation and leadership and in fact legitimacy comes from street presence, not from institutions or programmes. The other advantage, at least in the short term, is that it reduces the risk of creating an individual dictatorship. One of the most important weaknesses of leaderless revolutions is the lack of a central figurhead leads to an inability to make snap decisions at critical moments. The other problem with such revolutions is the lack of political representation to negotiate or to participate in the process of transferring power and the danger of the revolution being hijaked by entrenched forces is always present. Iranians attend an anti-government protest in Tehran, 9 January, 2026 - AP Photo For this reason, some revolutions failed not because of the protesters, but because of a lack of strategy in the post-revolution political arena. The existence of a leader for the revolution or its emergence in the course of the revolution) can also somewhat guarantee the conditions after victory, preventing the return of authoritarianism or the creation of chaos after the revolutionary period. But whether there is a leader from the beginning of the revolution or one emerges during it, one thing is clear: if the opposition fails to organise itself, the ruling power will quickly do so. Leaderless revolutions are the offspring of an age of mistrust. They can shake and even overthrow the ruling regime, but if they cannot bridge the gap between people power and the post-revolutionary political structure, their victory will be shortlived. DUBAI, Jan 14 (Reuters) - The death toll from protests in Iran has reached 2,571, the U.S.-based HRANA rights group said on Wednesday, as the Islamic Republic's clerical rulers try to quash the biggest wave of dissent in years, sparking threats of U.S. intervention. A renewed confrontation between Washington and Tehran, following an Israeli and U.S. bombing campaign against Iran last year targeting its nuclear programme, would furthers unsettle the Middle East - already battered by the two-year war in Gaza. U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranians on Tuesday to keep protesting, promising help is on the way. Advertisement Advertisement Iranian officials, however, have accused U.S. and Israel of fuelling violence in the country and blamed the deaths on "terrorist operatives" receiving foreign guidance to instigate. HRANA said it had so far verified the deaths of 2,403 protesters, 147 government-affiliated individuals, 12 people aged under 18 and nine non-protest civilians. An Iranian official said on Tuesday about 2,000 people had been killed, the first time authorities have given an overall death toll from more than two weeks of nationwide unrest. 'HELP ON THE WAY' Asked what he meant by "help is on its way", Trump told reporters they would have to figure that out. Trump has said military action is among the options he is weighing to punish Iran over the crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement Trump had already announced 25% import tariffs on products from any country doing business with Iran - a major oil exporter. China, which buys much of Iran's oil exports, swiftly criticised the move. 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. Iran vowed to retaliate against any attack by targeting Israel and U.S. bases and ships. The unrest, sparked by dire economic conditions, has posed the biggest internal challenge to Iran's rulers for at least three years and has come at a time of intensifying international pressure on Iran over its nuclear and ballistic missiles programmes. Advertisement Advertisement Trump said he cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the "senseless killing" of protesters stopped and in a later comment told Iranians to "save the name of the killers and the abusers ... because they'll pay a very big price." IRAN'S DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS Iranian officials have intensified diplomatic contacts in the region in the past few days, holding calls with Qatar, Turkish, and Iraqi officials. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi had spoken with his counterpart in the United Arab Emirates, the Iranian foreign ministry said on Wednesday. The Arab Gulf country is one of Iran's big trading partner, but also a close ally to both the U.S. and Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Araqchi told Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan that "calm has prevailed (in Iran) thanks to the vigilance of the people and law enforcement forces" and Iranians are determined to defend their national sovereignty and security against any foreign interference, said the Iranian foreign ministry. Araqchi spoke on Tuesday with France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, and called on him to condemn "foreign interventionist in the internal affairs" of Iran. France had summoned the Iranian ambassador over the "unbearable and inhumane" crackdown by Iranian authorities to quell protests across the country. The protests began on December 28 over the fall in value of Iran's rial currency and have grown into wider demonstrations and calls for the fall of the clerical establishment. Advertisement Advertisement So far there are no signs of fracture in the security elite that could bring down the clerical system in power since a 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran's authorities have taken a dual approach, cracking down while also calling protests over economic problems legitimate. Iran's chief justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said on Wednesday, during a visit to one of Tehran prisons where people arrested in protests are being held, that speed in punishing those "who beheaded or burned people" was critical to ensure that such events would not take place again. (Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Writing by Nayera Abdallah, Editing by Christopher Cushing, Lincoln Feast and Michael Perry) School choice is costing the Leon County School District millions of dollars annually, says School Board member Alva Smith, who has been adamant about exploring the option of closing or consolidating under-enrolled campuses. During the Jan. 13 board meeting, Smith braved a return to the topic of shuttering schools, an idea her colleagues have rejected and said is premature to discuss. An 18-page data packet compiled by Smith and shared with colleagues shows reports from the state Department of Education highlighting the district's status on teacher salaries, school capacity, facility usage, finances and student population. Advertisement Advertisement The packet shows that several Leon County schools are operating well below capacity, a trend district leaders say has been driven by declining enrollment, expanding school choice options and a legislature that has steered public dollars toward private and charter schools. The data indicates that Leon Countys enrollment challenges mirror patterns seen across Florida, where districts are grappling with declining enrollments amid increased competition. Leon County School Board member Alva Smith participates in a meeting Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. "This information is meant to encourage thoughtful conversation and full transparency while seeking ways to operate more efficiently, pay our teachers and school support workers the salaries they deserve and preserve programs that benefit all of our students," Smith said. The documents in the report were pulled from already published records on the Florida Department of Education's website. Advertisement Advertisement "Enrollment in our traditional public schools has seen a slow and steady decline caused by school choice, successful charter school options, and most recently declining birth rates and the expansion of the Florida Empowerment Scholarships," Smith told board members. "Whether we support school choice or not, we must face the reality in which we live and utilize our declining resources with the utmost efficiency." Smith noted that during the 2019-20 school year, $2.5 million was diverted from LCS and poured into local Family Empowerment Scholarships to cover tuition costs for students at private schools. Over the years, that total has jumped to $28.2 million to cover the cost of private school tuition scholarships. And the same goes for charter schools. During the 2024-25 school year, $18.6 million was funneled to the district's charter schools. The money could have been added to the district's operating budget. Furthermore, over half of the district's student population takes advantage of the school choice option at traditional public schools, opting out of zoned schools and attending other schools for magnet programs. Enrollment at neighborhood schools in areas such as Griffin Heights, Frenchtown and south Tallahassee have been affected heavily by the shifts. Leon County School Board member Roseanne Wood participates in a meeting Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. School Board Member Rosanne Wood said closing a school would save the district about $1 million a year. To compare, she noted that a property tax increase could generate more than $30 million annually for the district. Advertisement Advertisement One of the under enrolled schools that Smith has referenced in her argument is Hartsfield Elementary School, which is in Wood's district. The school has an enrollment of 374 students and capacity for 615 students. "We've got a much bigger problem than saving a million dollars," Wood said. "Where schools are, memories are made. History is made." She added: "Even if its diminishing in size, that neighborhood school is so important to that neighborhood." While Wood emphasized the community value of neighborhood schools, she also discussed other ways to address the districts financial challenges, including a possible tax increase. Consideration of a tax increase has been discussed by the board as it plans to send the half penny sales tax initiative back to voters to support construction and capital projects. Advertisement Advertisement School Board Member Laurie Cox joined the discussion, mentioning her desire to protect the district's public schools but not by shying away from hard conversations. "We need to make sure that we're doing everything we can to protect the integrity of our public schools but at the same time, I don't think we can say we're not going to have this conversation because I think it needs to be a comprehensive approach. I don't think closing schools is the first thing we should absolutely look at," Cox said. Leon County School Board member Marcus Nicolas participates in a meeting Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. School Board chair Marcus Nicolas wrote an opinion column navigating the dangers of discussing closing a school and the reality it poses to families who view them as community pillars. Schools "anchor generational traditions, neighborhood pride, and our shared civic responsibility to educate the next generation. That is why, when public conversations turn to closing schools to address under- or over-enrollment, we must proceed with care," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Nicolas and board colleague Darryl Jones chose not to speak on the issue during Tuesday's meeting. Smith said she still plans to reference the data at the boards public annual retreat on Jan. 26, even though discussion of school closures will not be on the agenda. Budget cuts, however, are expected to be discussed. Alaijah Brown covers children & families for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at ABrown1@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter/X: @AlaijahBrown3. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: How school choice is draining millions from Leon County schools SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that "help is on its way" to anti-regime protesters in Iran and warned that the country's government - whose security forces, one rights group estimates, have killed at least 2,000 people during a brutal crackdown on the demonstrations - will pay a "big price." "To all Iranian patriots, keep protesting. Take over your institutions if possible and save the name of the killers and the abusers that are abusing you," Trump said in remarks to the Detroit Economic Club during a trip to Michigan on Tuesday, echoing a statement he posted earlier in the day to Truth Social. "I've canceled all meetings with the Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stops. And all I say to them is help is on its way," he added. Trump's escalating rhetoric and the soaring death toll from inside Iran come as the White House said this week that Trump's administration was weighing diplomatic options, along with potential responses including military strikes. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimated Tuesday that more than 2,000 people have been killed since demonstrations began on Dec. 28, including 135 people affiliated with the government. The Washington Post could not independently verify the toll in part due to a nationwide communications blackout. "It's a full-on war," said a woman who spoke to The Post by phone from the suburbs of Tehran, providing a rare account of the crackdown since the government-imposed blackout began. After joining the protests Friday, she described running from security forces into a dark alley. "I didn't have my glasses or contact lenses so I could not see properly," she said, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. "I saw many bags on the ground and thought they were rubbish," the woman said. "I was running in that alley to get to a main road when I hit one of the bags. They were bodies, dead bodies. I can't know how many." Videos showing similar scenes have begun to emerge from Iran despite cuts to internet and phone lines. One video that could not be verified by The Post shows dozens of corpses in body bags. In a separate incident, the woman in Tehran's suburbs said she saw security forces raiding a small clinic where injured protesters were receiving treatment. "They went in, we heard shootings and they left. Then there were women and men shouting and crying," she said. "I went inside; they had killed the two injured protesters who had come to the clinic. People were just shouting and crying." The Iranian government's decision to launch a violent crackdown on the protests appears to signal its desperation, according to a European diplomat briefed on the situation in Iran, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter with reporters. "The situation in Iran is dire. The regime is fighting for its survival and is deploying overwhelming force against protesters," he said. A second European official with direct knowledge of what's happening inside Iran said government forces are arresting thousands and employing other brutal tactics. "The regime is also leaving the dead bodies of protesters on the streets as a warning to all Iranians," the official said. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday that Tehran was keeping lines of communication with the United States open and is ready for either "war" or dialogue. "We are not warmongers, but we are prepared for war. We are also prepared for negotiations, but fair negotiations, with equal rights and mutual respect," he said to a gathering of ambassadors in Iran. The Iranian offer of negotiation "is not a gesture of compromise but an attempt to buy time - time to crush the protest movement and break the will of the population," the diplomat said. If Trump chooses to negotiate with Iran's leadership, the diplomat said, "the regime may not only survive this moment but emerge emboldened, acting with greater impunity and brutality." Iran has warned that Israel and U.S. military bases in the region would be "legitimate targets" in the event of a U.S. attack on Iran. "Israel has powerful options short of joining overt U.S. military action, and for now Washington likely prefers it that way," said Mark Dubowitz, who heads the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based organization that has long advocated a hard line toward Tehran. "But Israel's commitment to bringing down the regime in Iran should not be doubted." On Monday, Trump imposed an immediate 25 percent tariff on goods from nations doing business with Iran, which will mean higher prices for American importers of products from major countries, such as China, India and Turkey. As Trump's rhetoric toward Iran grows increasingly hawkish, Europe has also started taking further diplomatic steps against the Iranian government. "The rising number of casualties in Iran is horrifying. I unequivocally condemn the excessive use of force and continued restriction of freedom," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement Tuesday. "Further sanctions on those responsible for the repression will be swiftly proposed," she said, adding that the European Union has already put sanctions on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps "in its entirety." E.U. foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced this week that she was willing to propose new sanctions on Iran over its brutal response to the protests, in addition to the sweeping sanctions that the bloc has imposed on Iran over human rights abuses, nuclear activities and support for Russia. "The courage of the Iranian people is humbling," Kallas said in a joint news conference with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Berlin on Tuesday. "The regime has a track record of brutally suppressing protests, and no one knows what the next days will bring. The heavy-handed and brutal response by the security forces is unacceptable and exposes a regime afraid of its own people." Kallas said it was hard to predict what would happen with the Iranian government, suggesting that it "might go like the Assad regime fell" - referring to Syria's Bashar al-Assad, whom rebel forces ousted in December 2024 - but that "very often these regimes are very, very resilient." "What we continue to do is support the civil society, and we are also putting more sanctions on the ones who are using violence against the peaceful protesters," Kallas said. (COMMENT, BELOW) I refuse to join the stoning crowd Leslie Wexner did not need my support when things were great. Now that Congress appears bent on seeking his input on Jeffrey Epstein, I lend Mr. Wexner my support. I never met Wexner and don't know or approve of any shadier side he has, but his impact on my life is real. I have been treated at the Wexner Medical Center. Ohio State's new University Hospital bears his name. I've enjoyed arts at the Wexner Center for the Arts. My child has received tremendous care at Children's Hospital, to which he gave millions of dollars. Advertisement Advertisement He has been a great giver to Jewish Columbus and all other cultural and religious activities in Columbus. He has kept his charitable money here. Opinion: Wexner and Trump's apparent creepy notes to Epstein show misogyny's power None of these acts put him above scrutiny. Accountability matters. Facts matter. If wrongdoing is proven, consequences should follow. But I refuse to join the stoning crowd. I give Les Wexner grace because my own life has been touched by the good his name helped bring to my life and because fairness requires patience. He needs support now, not because of misdeeds, but because a lifetime of good should not be erased by a season of outrage. Advertisement Advertisement Giving Wexner grace isn't weakness. It's maturity. Michael Oser, Columbus ICE isn't the problem I see many Americans demanding that ICE be abolished. I disagree with that sentiment wholeheartedly. We never thought ICE should be abolished before this current administration appointed thugs to run our federal law enforcement agencies. After all, those federal agents running around our country aggressively attacking anyone who they come in contact are not just ICE agents. They are from the FBI, DEA, IRS, Border Patrol and any other federal agency that can scrape up bodies. The agency does not matter, the leadership matters. The training matters. Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: Snap judgments about ICE shooting may lead to disaster. What we don't know. The refusal to follow the law matters. The attempts to instigate a negative response to the existence of federal agents in our cities matters. Many agree with me that these actions are designed to provide rationale for the issuance of martial law in order to prevent future elections. So, I am saying we should be abolishing this administrations desire to control every aspect of American life. No president should be refusing to fund programs funded by Congress, no president should be attacking anyone he perceives as not being loyal or who disagrees with his insane view of the world, and no president should be moving America into the realm of a rogue nation devoid of any laws. John Rouse, Pickerington This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Epstein's sin shouldn't erase Les Wexner's 'lifetime of good' | Letters A U.S. plane with a civilian-style outward appearance and the ability to launch munitions from within its fuselage carried out the first controversial strike on an alleged drug smuggling boat, according to multiple reports. Questions have been raised about this line of reporting. However, there are very real discreet munition launch options available for aircraft that can retain a distinctly civilian outward appearance, enabled heavily by one specific system called the Common Launch Tube (CLT). The New York Times was first to report yesterday on the use of the civilian-looking aircraft, which it also described as a secret capability, in the strike on the boat in the Caribbean Sea on September 2, 2025, citing anonymous sources. The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal published additional reports today, again citing unnamed sources, on the involvement of this as-yet unidentified plane. It is not clear what the aircraft was. While multiple officials confirmed that it was not painted in a classic military style, they declined to specify exactly what it looked like, according to the story from the Times. The aircraft also carried its munitions inside the fuselage, rather than visibly under its wings, they said. President Trump has shared video of a deadly U.S. military strike on a drug smuggling vessel from Venezuela, which killed 11 people. On Truth Social, Trump stated: "Earlier this morning, on my Orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified pic.twitter.com/dHoVn1bjoE gCaptain (@gCaptain) September 2, 2025 Its transponder was transmitting a military tail number, meaning broadcasting or squawking its military identity via radio signals, that report added. Advertisement Advertisement It was a secretive military aircraft painted to look like a civilian plane, according to the Posts report. The munitions were fired from a launch tube that allows them to be carried inside the plane, not mounted outside on the wing. The Pentagon has told lawmakers that it chose an aircraft painted in civilian colors to carry out a lethal Sept. 2 strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean because the unit could be the quickest ready for the operation, per the Journal. That report also included statements from the Pentagon and the White House that did not expressly confirm or deny the use of a civilian-looking plane. All three pieces discuss whether the use of an armed aircraft with a civilian-style appearance may have violated international law in this instance, something that remains very much open for debate. The September 2 strike, which killed 11 people, has already been a subject of particular controversy over the decision to hit the boat twice, and whether doing so constituted a crime. Since then, the U.S. military has attacked dozens of boats in the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific Ocean, all alleged to be involved in drug smuggling, and this campaign has faced intense legal scrutiny and criticism. MQ-9 Reaper drones and AC-130J Ghostrider gunships are known to have participated in those subsequent attacks. Much debate had already erupted about the details in The New York Times piece after it was initially published. Many questioned whether the unnamed sources may have been confused about the aircraft in question and/or its appearance. Around the time of the September 2 strike, online flight tracking data had shown a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane in the area, which is primarily painted white rather than a more typical military gray and is based on a version of the Boeing 737 airliner. P-8As can carry munitions in an internal bay in the rear of the fuselage, as well as under their wings. It may potentially have the ability to dispense small munitions from inside the fuselage. We will come back to all of this later on. The Navy, as well as the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps, fly a number of other variations of the 737, primarily as transports, under the C-40 designation. A stock picture of a US Navy P-8 releasing a torpedo from its internal bay. USN There is no weapons bay on N235JF ( left ), the aircraft they are referring to is likely P-8A 168012 or 168441 ( right ) which have weapons bays, and were working at the same time. https://t.co/O3EOH4LsHW pic.twitter.com/JA2ljd3lkY _ (@SR_Planespotter) January 13, 2026 A truly secretive 737 with a civilian-type paint scheme is said to have been in the general area at the time of the strike, but is not known to be armed in any way, although that means little in this case. This particular aircraft, which is covered in unusual antennas, currently has the U.S. civil registration number N235JF. The Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) public database shows the jet has been registered to GWP LLC TRUSTEE, which looks to be a shell company, since 2023, but it has been linked to the U.S. military since then. It notably appeared last year directly alongside one of the U.S. Air Forces AC-130Js and a Navy P-8A at a known U.S. forward operating location in El Salvador. Fantastic shots from @The_LAAHS showing AC-130J 15-5825, C-40 N235JF, and P-8A 168999/169012 on the ramp at CSL Comalapa in El Salvador. https://t.co/xTMGgxFZEU pic.twitter.com/G0XfzNypgi LatAmMilMovements (@LatAmMilMVMTs) November 7, 2025 One of the U.S. Air Forces P-9A surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, also referred to by the nickname Pale Ale, is said to have been in the vicinity, as well. The P-9As wear overall white paint schemes and carry civilian registration numbers. They are based on the de Havilland Canada DHC-8 (or Dash-8), versions of which are also in service as airliners. They are also not known to be capable of employing munitions. It's HIGHLY likely that a P-8 was mistaken as a civilian paint job, as one was out on the day in question and likely was involved in the strike. P-8s historically also go very close to the water, and its not uncommon for them to be mistaken as 737s: https://t.co/b9spRbqKHC pic.twitter.com/KNb4NEDOYN TieDye Intel (@TieDyeIntel) January 13, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement What other aircraft may have been present during the strike on September 2 last year is unknown. Not all aircraft that are flying at any one time, civilian and especially military, are visible via online flight tracking sites. What we do know is that companies in the United States openly offer ways to discreetly arm a host of crewed fixed-wing aircraft, especially smaller turboprop-powered types, with precision-guided munitions. All of this has been made easier by the advent of the aforementioned CLT. Each one of these tubes can accommodate payloads up to 42 inches in length and 5.95 inches in diameter, and that weigh up to 100 pounds. Payloads can be fired forward or ejected backward, depending on their design. GBU-44/B Viper Strike and GBU-69/B Small Glide Munition (SGM) glide bombs, AGM-176 Griffin missiles, and ALTIUS 600 drones are just a few of the payloads known to be launchable via CLT. The tubes flexibility makes it extremely probable that even more options exist in the classified realm. It is worth noting here that The Washington Post previously reported that the September 2 boat strike involved the use of GBU-69s and AGM-176s. The P-8A is not known to be capable of employing either of these munitions, lending further credence to the new reporting that another aircraft was used, though not necessarily to it having had a civilian-like appearance. In the past, TWZ has laid out a case for turning the Poseidon into a multi-role arsenal ship with CLT launchers and other capabilities. A GBU-69/B Small Glide Munition. Leidos Dynetics A rendering of the GBU-69/B Small Glide Munition (SGM). Leidos Dynetics An AGM-176 Griffin missile. USN Originally developed by Systima Technologies, which was acquired by Karman Missile & Space Systems in 2021, CLTs have been in U.S. service for years now. Munitions launched via CLTs are part of the armament package for the AC-130J Ghostrider gunships, and this had also been a feature on the now-retired AC-130W Stinger IIs. The U.S. Marine Corps Harvest Hawk armament kit for its KC-130J tanker-transports also includes a CLT launch system. U.S. MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1C Gray Eagle drones are also capable of employing payloads via CLT using launchers loaded on pylons under their wings. As mentioned earlier, AC-130s and MQ-9s are among the aircraft known to have been involved in strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats since September 2 of last year. Advertisement Advertisement The CLTs diminutive size opens up a host of options for launching whatever payload is inside from somewhere within the internal structure of a wide swath of aircraft. Launchers can be readily set up to fire through parts of the fuselage. AC-130Js have an array of CLT launchers built into the upper portion of the aircrafts rear cargo ramp. The latest iteration of the Marines Harvest Hawk kit has a so-called Derringer Door with two launchers that replaces one of he rear paratrooper doors on the KC-130J. This took the place of a launch system strapped to the aircrafts rear cargo ramp, which had to be open for it to be employed, found on earlier iterations of Haverst Hawk. CLTs seen loaded into launchers inside an AC-130W gunship. USAF The Derringer Door used on later iterations of the Harvest Hawk kit. Lockheed Martin Internal CLT launcher arrays are known to be available for Dash-8s and Cessna Model 208 Caravan fixed-wing aircraft, as well as MD Helicopters Explorer series helicopters, among many other types. The Sierra Nevada Corporations (SNC) losing entry in the Air Forces Armed Overwatch competition was a heavily modified version of the Polish PZL M28 Skytruck, dubbed the MC-145B Wily Coyote, which would have come with eight CLT launchers in its main cargo bay, among other features, as you can read more about here. Generally speaking, they could be adapted to fit onto pretty much any aircraft large enough to accommodate them, and do so in a very discreet way, only needing a small aperture for their weapons to exist the aircraft from. A CLT launch system from Fulcrum Concepts for the Dash-8. Fulcrum Concepts Images from a test of Raytheons G-CLAW munition, showing it being ejected backward from a CLT launch system mounted inside a Cessna Caravan. Raytheon Advertisement Advertisement CLT launchers mounted internally are typically reloadable in flight, offering magazine depth benefits and giving the crew more flexibility to select the most appropriate payload for the task at hand, as well as to just launch multiple payloads in relatively rapid succession. With launchers built into doors, it is also easier to add or remove this capability, as desired. This, in turn, can enhance its discreet nature, as the launchers might only be installed right before a mission and removed immediately afterward. In this way, there could be little to no obvious outward signs that an aircraft has this capability during routine movements or other day-to-day activities. Launch systems built into certain parts of an aircraft might not even be readily apparent, to begin with. One company, Fulcrum Concepts, openly offers a launch system compatible with the CLT that fits into the rear of the engine nacelles on variants of the Beechcraft King Air, which is something the U.S. military has at least tested in the past. An image showing an ALTIUS 600 drone being ejected from a CLT launcher installed in the rear of the engine nacelle on a Beechcraft King Air. Fulcrum Concepts Within the U.S. military, Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) publicly operates various fixed-wing aircraft, such as its U-28A Dracos and C-146A Wolfhounds. The U-28As are intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, while the C-146s are light transports. AFSOC has also flown ISR-configured variants of the Beechcraft King Air over the years. Any of these types would be well-suited to these kinds of discreet CLT launcher installations on account of the space available in their main cabins. Its highly probable that this is an option for some of them already. These planes also often have minimal U.S. military markings. Sometimes they wear civilian-type paint schemes, as is notably the case with the Wolfhounds today and has been observed on U-28s, or related types in U.S. service, in the past. A C-146 Wolfhound. USAF One of AFSOCs U-28As, seen at rear, together with a Beechcraft King Air-based MC-12W Liberty aircraft. Air National Guard Andrew LaMoreaux There are even more secretive aircraft in service in the classified ends of the U.S. special operations world, and with the U.S. Intelligence Community that could align with the descriptions found in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal stories, which might have a discreet ability to employ munitions, especially via internally-mounted CLTs. Covert and clandestine strike capabilities would also be well in line with the missions that those aviation elements are often tasked to carry out. On the military side, many of those aircraft are tied to the secretive Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), which was involved in the September 2 strike. Advertisement Advertisement All this being said, we still do not have anywhere near enough information to identify the aircraft referenced in the recent reports. At the same time, the versatility of the CLT means that essentially any aircraft can be converted to a strike platform that can be armed with small and highly accurate precision munitions capable, including ones capable of hitting targets on the move. Unassuming aircraft equipped in this way, and with liveries atypical of what is usually seen on military types, would be able to get even closer to their objectives with much less chance of raising suspicions. Equipping transport and/or corporate aircraft, and especially one like a 737 with its jet speeds and long-range, in such a way could allow it to strike, even by executing the preverbal hammer toss as it flies over a target, while hiding in plain sight, potentially anywhere commercial aircraft can fly. Contact the author: joe@twz.com "(Gov. Kelly) Ayottes not wrong about New Hampshires collection of accolades from think tanks and special interests, but what she doesnt mention is the tyranny of averages underlying her rosy picture." (Photo by Ethan DeWitt/New Hampshire Bulletin) Heres the trouble. At more than $6.50 a pound, a 300% increase since 2010, the high average cost of ground beef long a protein staple for time- and cash-strapped families is straining grocery budgets. Advertisement Advertisement At just under $32,000 a year to place an infant and 4-year-old in center-based child care, the cost of early care and education in New Hampshire is leaving families in an impossible situation: Parents cant afford to work, and of course they cant afford not to. At $40,000 a year, the high price for an in-state student to attend the University of New Hampshire is leaving local kids in a financial hole before their adult lives even begin. What kind of spending power can this state realistically expect from Gen Z 10 or 20 years after graduation, that is if they even stick around, when theyre carrying so much debt? At an annual average worker contribution of nearly $7,000 for an employer-sponsored family health care plan, the rising cost of insurance coverage has become an anticipated yearly pay cut for American workers. At $535,000, the median price for a home in New Hampshire is unaffordable for all but 15% of the states population. Advertisement Advertisement But as far as Gov. Kelly Ayotte is concerned, everything is groovy. Our state remains the envy of the nation, she said in a statement Friday. No. 1 for public safety, health care, child wellbeing, economic freedom, taxpayer return on investment, home internet connectivity, and the lowest tax burden in the nation. Ayottes not wrong about New Hampshires collection of accolades from think tanks and special interests, but what she doesnt mention is the tyranny of averages underlying her rosy picture. Claremont and Pelham, for example, have comparable populations of between roughly 13,000 and 14,000 people, but economically they couldnt be more different. The median household income in Claremont, for example, is about $54,000 while the average in Pelham is just under $127,000. So, Claremonts median is about half the states, but stirred together with a more affluent community like Pelham, things dont look so bad. Add in another similarly populated town like Amherst, with its median household income of $150,000, and all of a sudden it looks like New Hampshire has drafted a clear blueprint for the other 49 states to follow. Advertisement Advertisement The median income for those three communities is more than $110,000, the kind of number that gives New Hampshire its dubious title as one of the richest states in one of the worlds richest nations. I guess the still-struggling families of Claremont and the many, many other working-class communities in the state just dont know how to appreciate a good average. As ridiculous as Ayotte may look in her rose-colored glasses, that occasional eyewear is still preferable to the standard dark shades of her party partners in Concord and Washington. I dont think one politician or even one party is responsible for the high cost of beef, child care, a college education, health insurance, or housing. But unlike the Trump administration and its henchmen and henchwomen in the New Hampshire State House, I know that the overall unaffordability is not caused by immigrants. I know that diversity, in society just as in nature, strengthens rather than weakens communities. And, I know that any fraud committed by poor people receiving government benefits is a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of the fraud committed by the nations wealthiest people collectively, including the legalized fraud inherent in legislation like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the crimes of avoidance and evasion made possible by the lax enforcement, by design, of existing tax laws. I know, too, that the Republican Party often wins elections not by articulating policy positions but by tapping American reservoirs of blame, fear, and hatred. I know that the language of religion is often used by Republican Party leaders to establish the illusion of moral authority, despite the obvious immorality of the violence and cruelty they perpetuate. I know that a vision of progress that strips any population of basic human rights, a nightmare that is playing out right now in cities across the nation, is a tragic regression. Advertisement Advertisement And, I know that most Republicans know all of this, too. Its just that actually solving problems for the people requires a lot of time and hard work, and lying to them about who or what is to blame for their struggles is the easiest thing in the world. This, all the fresh pain and chaos on top of the same old problems, is what easy gets you. LIMA An Allen County jury deliberated for two hours Tuesday before finding a Lima man guilty of attempting to strike a sheriffs deputy with his vehicle during a high-speed chase in September of last year. Jurors convicted Johnathon Herder, 47, on single counts of felonious assault and failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, felonies of the first- and third-degree, respectively. Allen County Common Pleas Court Judge Terri Kohlrieser set sentencing for Herder for Feb. 25. Advertisement Advertisement During closing arguments Tuesday morning, assistant Allen County Prosecutor Cecily Stewart recapped for jurors the litany of offenses she said were committed by Herder during a 33-minute, high-speed pursuit through city streets and rural roadways on Sept. 24. As she recited the list a video of some of the incidents was played for jurors. Twenty-two stop signs ran; five red lights ran; eight times driving off the roadway; 35 times driving left of center; going the wrong way at 70 miles per hour over the Jameson Overpass; traveling 70 miles per hour on Lakewood Avenue; going 70 to 80 miles on county roadways; swerving at a deputy sheriff. The defendant created a substantial risk of physical harm to a person and to property, Stewart said. During the trials opening day on Monday, jurors watched cruiser camera video taken during the pursuit of Herder by Sgt. Ryan Ream of the Allen County Sheriffs office. Deputy Joshua Zimmerly is seen on the video deploying spike stop strips in an attempt to halt Herder, who the state maintained can be seen intentionally swerving toward Zimmerly at the intersection of Robb Avenue and North Metcalf Street. Stewart reminded jurors that Zimmerly testified Monday he believes he would have died if he would not have jumped out of Herders path. Advertisement Advertisement Attorney Steve Chamberlain of the Regional Public Defenders Office told jurors the case was not as cut-and-dried as the state maintains. Chamberlain admitted that his client committed a host of infractions while fleeing and eluding police during the incident. The attorney, however said Herder did not make a conscious choice to attempt to strike Zimmerly with his vehicle a key component of the felonious assault charge. Whats really important is, did he (Herder) act knowingly? Thats a pretty high standard, Chamberlain told jurors. Did he make a conscious choice to try and strike deputy Zimmerly? In the video it is clear he did not aim the car at the deputy. You may find his actions reprehensible, but beyond reasonable doubt is the (legal) standard, Chamberlain said. According to court documents, the pursuit started in the early morning hours of Sept. 24 when Ream attempted to stop a vehicle at the intersection of North Baxter and West Wayne streets for an expired registration violation. Herder began to drive the wrong way on a one-way street and allegedly began to back up his vehicle and nearly struck Reams cruiser. Herder eventually drove off the road at 14007 Moulton-New Knoxville Road and was arrested. The Brief Chicago Public Schools special education teacher Linda Brown, 53, was found dead in Lake Michigan more than a week after she was reported missing. The Cook County Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide by drowning; toxicology results are pending. Surveillance video showed Brown walking alone toward the lakefront after parking her car early Jan. 3. If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 . Or text HOME to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line). CLICK HERE https://afsp.org/risk-factors-and-warning-signs for the warning signs and risk factors of suicide. Call 1-800-273-TALK for free and confidential emotional support. Advertisement Advertisement CHICAGO - New details have emerged in the death of a Chicago teacher who was reported missing more than a week ago and later found dead. The body of 53-year-old Linda Brown was recovered Monday afternoon from Lake Michigan at the 31st Street Harbor after several days of searching along the lakefront. The Cook County Medical Examiners Office ruled her death a suicide by drowning following an autopsy. Additional details were not released. What we know Brown was reported missing Saturday, Jan. 3, after she was last seen in the 4500 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in the Bronzeville neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement She was a special education teacher with Chicago Public Schools. Her husband, Antwon Brown, said she had an acupuncture appointment scheduled for that morning that she never attended. He said the couple watched a movie the night before her disappearance before Brown went to bed. When he woke up the next morning, she was gone, he said. As the search for Brown stretched on for nearly a week, family members released additional information. Her blue Honda Civic was found Thursday near 35th Street and Lake Park Avenue. Surveillance video showed Brown parking the car, getting out and walking toward a pedestrian bridge leading to the lakefront. She appeared to be alone in the video, which was recorded around 3 a.m. Jan. 3, the day she was reported missing. Brown was last seen walking across the bridge. What's next Toxicology results from the medical examiner are still pending, and funeral arrangements have not been announced. Advertisement Advertisement We'll bring more updates to this story as they become available. If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 . Or text HOME to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line).CLICK HERE https://afsp.org/risk-factors-and-warning-signs for the warning signs and risk factors of suicide. Call 1-800-273-TALK for free and confidential emotional support. The Source The information in this article was provided by the Cook County Medical Examiner, Linda Brown's family and previous FOX Chicago reporting. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th) was lauded at the annual Maryland Democrats' pre-session luncheon Tuesday for his decades of service. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters) Less than a week after longtime Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th) announced he will not seek reelection to the seat hes held for 45 years, the list of candidates hoping to replace him is growing and could continue to do so. The eight candidates who were already filed with the Maryland State Board of Elections last week gained a ninth Tuesday, when Republican Michelle Talkington, who unsuccessfully challenged Hoyer in 2024, filed her candidacy paperwork with the board. Advertisement Advertisement His paperwork was not in Tuesday, but Del. Adrian Boafo (D-Prince Georges) announced Monday that hes in the race for the 5th District seat. He already had a congressional campaign website that claimed he had raised $100,000 in one day and garnered 14 endorsements. And that doesnt include the other state lawmakers and former congressional candidates who said this week they are definitely considering the possibility of a run. Political analysts predicted the Democratic primary would be crowded, with the winner of it almost certain of a general election victory in the district, where there were 2.5 registered Democrats for every registered Republican in 2024. The district includes the three Southern Maryland counties of Calvert, Charles and St. Marys with portions or Prince Georges and Anne Arundel counties. Analysts also said they expect voters in the district would choose a more progressive Democratic nominee in the June 23 primary than the more-moderate Hoyer. Boafo said Tuesday that he is optimistic about the race, which he said is about the next chapter for this district. Advertisement Advertisement Its about new generation of leadership, said Boafo, 31, who worked as a campaign manager for Hoyer between 2019 and 2021. This is a five-month sprint, so we only have a short amount of time. We got to get out there and see where we go from here. Del. C.T. Wilson (D-Charles) one of the definitely considering candidates stressed Tuesday that whether its him or someone else, the person seeking the office must have the people of the district in mind. It just cant be people who just want to be in political office, Wilson said. Its important [that] whoever we have in office realizes that. Its a huge concern of mine we just start attracting a lot of politicians, and their claim to fame is politics. Tell me what you have done. Im hoping that somebody has that kind of dignity to make sure theyre running for the right reasons. Other strongly considering candidates include Sen. Arthur Ellis (D-Charles) and former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who ran unsuccessfully for the 3rd District seat in 2024. While Dunn lives in the 8th District, congressional candidates in Maryland are not required to live in the district theyre seeking. Advertisement Advertisement Del. Nicole Williams (D-Prince Georges), who chairs the countys House delegation, reiterated from last week shes giving strong consideration to run. Williams said shell decide in about a week. In addition to Talkington, a Charles County resident, there are five Democrats, two unaffiliated candidates and another Republican currently filed for the seat, according to the board of elections. One of those Democrats, retired Navy officer Terry Jackson, said over the weekend that Hoyers decision to step down opens the field. No one should be anointed. This open seat levels the playing field, and voters deserve a race decided on meritnot inevitability or insider assumptions, said Jackson, who filed his candidacy in October. Hoyer, who said Thursday that he would likely recommend a successor at some point, said that Tuesday was not that time. Advertisement Advertisement When asked a possible endorsement as he left the Maryland Democratic Partys annual legislative lunch, where fellow Democrats heaped praise on him for his service, Hoyer would only say, Im not going to do anything right now. This story was updated on Wednesday, Jan. 14, to correct Sen. Arthur Ellis district. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Gov. Laura Kelly delivers her State of the State speech on Jan. 13, 2026, in the Kansas House. (Photo by Thad Allton for Kansas Reflector) Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly gave her final State of the State address Tuesday night, and it found her in a valedictory mood. Speaking to a joint session of the House and Senate, Kelly listed a familiar litany of her accomplishments (restoring fiscal stability, balancing budgets, funding schools, bringing new jobs to the state) while celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs move across the border from Missouri. Yet reading the speech closely, one could detect a note of regret here and there, a touch of sadness. Advertisement Advertisement The fact is, Kellys tenure was defined as much by what she prevented as what she accomplished. Republican leaders would have slashed education spending, doubled down on the failed economic agenda of former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, done even more damage to LGBTQ+ youths. Kelly slowed or stopped much of this retrograde agenda. But next year, someone else will be delivering the State of the State, and Kansas will have entered a new era. If you think about the last decade in America, the speed of change weve endured is staggering, Kelly told the crowd. We now live our lives attached to devices. Its now how we do business, how we keep up with the news, how we talk to our coworkers and our friends, even our own grandchildren. And in the midst of it all, we also survived a global pandemic, only to return to a world changing even faster with remote work, AI bots, and cars that drive themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Ah, the pandemic. Kelly had scarcely a year in office before COVID-19 scrambled her plans. Medicaid expansion, one of her top priorities on the campaign trail, gave way to the urgent necessity of keeping Kansans alive as a deadly virus swept across the state. Lawmakers like former Sen. Mark Steffen, R-Hutchinson, made political hay of the confusion. Years after the pandemic were distinguished by huge federal recovery spending, which brought its own conflicts and controversies. Kelly won a second a term, thanks to the a lackadaisical campaign by then-Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who is now a congressman. But an enduring GOP supermajority limited her options, and she doubled down on economic development as her signature accomplishment. Kelly had perhaps hoped to begin a new era of bipartisanship and collaboration with Kansas Republicans. Instead, they badmouthed her from the beginning, claiming she didnt have a mandate. Her final State of the State touched on this as well. Gov. Laura Kelly pauses to take a selfie with Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau and other lawmakers at the State of the State speech. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Instead of representing their communities, elected officials turned into foot soldiers for their political parties firing off insults and vitriol to score likes or follows or wins for their team instead of doing whats right for their constituents, she said. Its as if they checked their free will at the door and just did as they were told. Treating their own colleagues in such angry and dehumanizing ways, just because theyre in the other party. Advertisement Advertisement And the most frightening part its now become the new normal. An accepted part of political discourse. Well, I reject it. We must all reject it. You can see Kellys trademark soft touch here: She uses the plural parties as though shes referring to both Democrats and Republicans. Anyone who has watched Kansas politics since 2018 knows the latter bears the lions share of the blame here. Its not even close. Kansas Republican Party officials have turned blind eyes to shocking rhetoric in their pursuit of political power. In some ways, Kelly reminds me of a president with close Kansas ties, Barack Obama. Like her, Obama ran for office as someone who transcended partisanship. However, once he moved into the executive suite, he found that Republican opponents had decided to face him with all their collected fury. Obama spent eight years as president attempting to collaborate across the aisle. Instead, Republicans operatives such as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker John Boehner channeled dark currents in their own party to prevent progress. Advertisement Advertisement Their work bore fruit, eventually, with the election of Donald Trump, a crude and bombastic would-be authoritarian. Lets hope that Kansas leaders leave us a better legacy after Kellys tenure. She summed up her legacy Tuesday night: I did not get elected governor twice by screaming the loudest or bullying others to get my way. Quite the opposite, Im here because Kansans were looking for someone who would turn the volume down, to do more listening than yelling, to bring people together, to compromise and govern from the middle. Kelly stood against feckless partisans and should be commended for her steadfastness. She remains in office throughout the year, and who knows what surprises await. But her plans for Kansas, and her theory of politics, saw only partial fulfillment over the past decade. If only politics worked the way she suggests. Advertisement Advertisement A tip of the Wirestone fez to pal Joel Mathis, whose Kelly column last month for The Kansas City Star inspired this one. Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, 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. The fixed link across the Fehmarn Belt represents an immersed tunnel that will connect the island of Lolland in Denmark with the island of Fehmarn in Germany. This impressive tunnel beneath the Baltic Sea, which is expected to be one of the longest underwater structures in the world, is scheduled to be completed by 2029. Project Scope, Length, and Financing Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika. The Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, with a length of 18 kilometers, will significantly shorten travel time between Scandinavia and continental Europe. The company Femern states that the tunnel is the largest infrastructure project in Denmark and the longest immersed road and rail tunnel in the world. Estimated costs amount to around 7.37 billion euros, while the European Union has approved approximately 1.3 billion euros for this project. Advertisement Advertisement Representatives of Femern explain that an immersed tunnel is a safe, proven, and efficient way to construct an underwater tunnel. The technology was developed in Denmark and is based on experience, among other things, with the resund Tunnel. Maritime Safety and Operational Security Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika. Once completed, the tunnel will not represent an obstacle to maritime traffic in the Fehmarn Belt. Maritime safety is also a top priority during the construction phase. The Fehmarnbelt Tunnel will be just as safe as a corresponding section of highway above ground. It is equipped with continuous emergency lanes and emergency exits along its entire length. A Landmark Engineering Achievement Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika. The Institution of Civil Engineers explains that the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel will lie directly on the seabed, making it an exceptional engineering feat. Advertisement Advertisement With a weight of as much as 73,500 tons per element, these colossal structures are proof of modern engineering. When one segment is ready for transport, watertight bulkheads are installed at both ends, and the section is then carefully towed into position using tugboats. A total of 89 elements will be connected one after another, like assembling giant Lego blocks, to form the complete tunnel. This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review. The Longwood Police Department says an officer shot a man believed to be carrying a gun at a convenience store. It happened Tuesday night at the Circle K store at 1001 West State Road 434. According to a department press release, shortly after 9 p.m., a store clerk called police to report that a man inside the store indicated he was suicidal and armed with a gun. LPD said officers responded and the first officer on scene initially tried to talk to the man to de-escalate the situation, but he did not cooperate with that officer. Advertisement Advertisement The male was reportedly concealing his hands during the encounter, claimed to be armed, and suddenly pulled his hands from the inside of his waistband in a hostile manner, according to the police statement. Thats when the officer shot the suspect, police said. The department said officers immediately began to give the injured suspect first aid on scene and called for paramedics. Police say a Longwood officer shot a man they believed to be armed at a convenience store Tuesday night. Police say a Longwood officer shot a man they believed to be armed at a convenience store Tuesday night. Police say a Longwood officer shot a man they believed to be armed at a convenience store Tuesday night. Police say a Longwood officer shot a man they believed to be armed at a convenience store Tuesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Police say a Longwood officer shot a man they believed to be armed at a convenience store Tuesday night. Police say a Longwood officer shot a man they believed to be armed at a convenience store Tuesday night. Police say a Longwood officer shot a man they believed to be armed at a convenience store Tuesday night. Police say a Longwood officer shot a man they believed to be armed at a convenience store Tuesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Police say a Longwood officer shot a man they believed to be armed at a convenience store Tuesday night. Police say a Longwood officer shot a man they believed to be armed at a convenience store Tuesday night. The suspect, who police have not named, was rushed to a hospital for emergency surgery. Longwood police said no officers were hurt during the incident and that the department had launched a full investigation. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also responded to the shooting and will conduct its own investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Monitor WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News beginning at 5 a.m. for live updates on this developing story. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. PARIS, Jan 14 (Reuters) - If the sovereignty of a European country and ally was affected, the knock-on effects would be unprecedented, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday during a cabinet meeting, referring to the U.S. President Donald Trump's push to take control of the Arctic territory. "We do not underestimate statements on Greenland," Macron said, quoted by French government spokesperson Maud Bregeon. "If the sovereignty of a European country and ally were to be affected, the knock-on effects would be unprecedented. France is monitoring the situation very closely and will act in full solidarity with Denmark and its sovereignty." he added. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the day, the European Commission's President Ursula von der Leyen said there was a strong relationship between the EU and Greenland and that Greenlanders could rely on the EU's support. The Danish and Greenland foreign ministers will meet with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the White House later on Wednesday following weeks of threats by President Donald Trump on Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. (Reporting by Elizabeth Pineau and Louise Rasmussen;Editing by Benoit Van Overstraeten/Sudip Kar-Gupta) SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. President Donald Trump signaled he would assist anti-government protesters in Iran as the White House convened top officials on Tuesday to weigh military options. The president indicated that the time for negotiations with Tehran had passed, saying in a social media post Tuesday morning that he had "cancelled all meetings" with Iranian officials. But some political allies are warning against the dangers of entanglement in another overseas conflict and the domestic costs of abandoning the "America First" foreign policy Trump campaigned on. The arguments against a strike include the danger of an accident or failure as the U.S. military and spy services attempt more high-risk operations, as well as the possibility that the fall of the Iranian government could lead to a more militant regime or another failed state in the Middle East, according to former officials and people close to the White House who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe sensitive private conversations. At the same time, the people said, skeptics of a strike are hoping to avoid the open acrimony leading up to the U.S. bombing of Iran's nuclear sites in June, which stoked divisions in Trump's base over the wisdom of intervention in a Middle Eastern conflict and the meaning of his "America First" slogan. The National Security Council met Tuesday without Trump to prepare options for the president, a person familiar with the meeting said. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials are presenting options to Trump without preference, the person said. The president has repeatedly threatened that the United States could use military force if the government in Tehran keeps killing demonstrators. Other options could include increased economic pressure on the government, cyberattacks and stepped-up support for the protest movement. Reports from activists and opposition news sites covering Iran, which have been hampered by the government's total shutdown of internet and communications, estimate upward of 2,000 deaths from the protests - now in their third week. "HELP IS ON ITS WAY," Trump wrote online, adding an acronym for "Make Iran Great Again" and echoing an earlier post from Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), who has been encouraging Trump to intervene. Asked to clarify during an appearance in Michigan, Trump said, "You're going to have to figure that one out." He later repeated the message in an early-afternoon speech to the Detroit Economic Club. "The President has made his position clear, and he has demonstrated with Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Absolute Resolve that he means what he says," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said, using the code names for the bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities and the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. On Monday evening, Trump announced 25 percent tariffs on countries doing business with Iran. The administration has not elaborated on how that would be enforced. Despite the public saber-rattling, Trump has sounded less certain in private, according to the people close to the White House. Some described him as less enthusiastic than before the bombings in June. Another called it "a coin flip." "We don't care about making Iran great again," Stephen K. Bannon, a longtime Trump adviser who has been one of the few Republican voices publicly advocating against a strike, said on his popular online talk show Monday. "Israel and the United States in there, you're just going to prolong the problem." Unlike in Trump's first term, when some of his national security advisers came from the more hawkish tradition of Republican foreign policy, most of the president's current advisers are less inclined to intervene in the Middle East. Vance supported Trump's decision in June to bomb Iran's main nuclear facilities but has been wary of being dragged into a deeper Middle East entanglement, said two people close to him who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss officials' private views. Trump was briefed last week on military options and a range of other scenarios, according to a former U.S. official familiar with the matter. They include cyberattacks on the Iranian government's infrastructure, measures to counter Iran's blocking of protesters' communications, and strikes on targets associated with Iran's repressive security services. Two European officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe sensitive information, said their countries were asked by the Trump administration Monday to share intelligence on possible targets within Iran. "We don't have any indications that President Trump will target nuclear facilities. It is more likely that he will go after the leadership of organizations and forces that are responsible and involved in the killings of protesters," one of the officials said. Iran's ability to detect incoming aircraft or missiles was dramatically degraded by Israeli air attacks in October 2024 that took out many of Tehran's advanced Russian S-300 air defense systems and other military capabilities. In June, Iran's defenses were further compromised by Israeli strikes during a 12-day war that also saw the U.S. bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Trump on Dec. 29, seeking support for more strikes on Iran's ballistic missile program, amid indications that Tehran is seeking to rebuild them after the June war. Trump reacted coolly in a news conference after the meeting, and the current consultations around U.S. options are more closely attuned to supporting the protesters' calls for regime change than countering any resumption of Iran's nuclear program. The Pentagon is concerned about potential Iranian retaliation, said a person familiar with the administration's thinking. Aircraft, ships and Special Operations personnel were pulled from Central Command, the Defense Department command that oversees forces in the Middle East, in the weeks leading up to the Maduro mission. The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier left its home port of Norfolk in June to sail to the Mediterranean in support of Israel. It was redirected by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Caribbean in November as the Pentagon ramped up its strikes against alleged drug boats, and it remains there, U.S. Southern Command said Monday. The other two deployed carriers at the moment are in the Indo-Pacific; as of Monday, the USS George Washington was in port in Japan and the USS Abraham Lincoln was in the South China Sea, and there were no indications it was going to be deployed to the region, a U.S. official said. The administration right now "just doesn't have the assets in the region to do a full kinetic strike without risking retaliation," said the person familiar with the administration's thinking. "We had to pull a lot of our assets out of Centcom to support Venezuela." But it does have options. There are multiple destroyers nearby capable of firing long-range missiles, and presumably ballistic missile submarines. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine has shown he is willing to use unexpected strike platforms, such as the deployment of U.S.-based B-2 stealth bombers that flew 36 hours straight to strike Iran during Operation Midnight Hammer. As concern grows in the region, Oman, Qatar and other governments whose officials have served as go-betweens in the past have reached out to both sides, several regional officials said, but they have gotten no response from the administration. Meanwhile, U.S. and Israeli demands of Tehran have increased to include dismantling Iran's ballistic missile system and ending all support for proxy militias in the region, especially Hezbollah in Lebanon. "We've always been open to direct conversations if everything was on the table," a second person familiar with administration deliberations said. But for now, they said, the administration is focused on other avenues of pressure and "there is nothing going on" in the direction of talks. Persian Gulf allies have been encouraging the administration to pursue negotiations, out of concern that provoking the collapse of the Iranian government could spark a civil war or create a large, heavily armed failed state similar to Libya or Syria. Former officials also warned that toppling the Iranian regime and unseating Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei could empower hard-liners who would be more aggressive toward the U.S. and Israel, including by accelerating efforts to build a nuclear bomb. A third European official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to share sensitive information, said Iran's leaders are keenly aware that Trump faces potential backlash from his MAGA movement if he uses military force, and are offering negotiations to stall for time. "Should President Trump step back from exerting pressure and instead enter negotiations while protesters are being killed and arrested, the regime may not only survive this moment but emerge emboldened, acting with even greater impunity and brutality," the official said. Public opposition on the right has been more muted than in June, when former Fox News host Tucker Carlson loudly criticized U.S. involvement, prompting a brushback from Trump. Trump said Carlson later apologized. Carlson met with Trump for lunch at the White House on Friday, before a meeting with oil executives about investing in Venezuela. The meeting was not primarily about Iran, one of the people close to the White House said. Carlson did not respond to requests for comment. Trump's open-ended commitment in Venezuela hangs over the National Security Council as officials consider another risky military action that could leave a country with an unclear future. The Maduro raid avoided the loss of any American lives or equipment but could have ended in disaster when one of the attack helicopters was hit. "He hasn't had a blemish on the military side yet," one of the people close to the White House said. "That's going to come if you keep pressing this stuff." (COMMENT, BELOW) FIRST ON FOX: A new pro-Trump initiative aimed at fighting for the nation's seniors is being launched by former White House press secretary Sean Spicer, who believes delivering for seniors will be key for Republicans heading into the 2026 midterms. A video accompanying the launch of the new Seniors Matter For America (SMFA) initiative this week points out that while the youth vote received a lot of attention during the 2024 election, the upcoming midterms will be decided by older Americans, and it is essential conservatives dont leave them behind. "Last November, President Trump made a promise to protect Social Security, safeguard Medicare and drive down drug costs, and hes moving at record speed to fulfill these promises he made to seniors, who are key to MAGA victories in swing districts in 2026," Spicer told Fox News Digital. "Our coalition exists to support President Trump as he delivers on his seniors first, affordability agenda and keep his leadership on these issues top of mind as his administration continues to secure a Golden Age for generations to come." Advertisement Advertisement Republican Senators Hit Border, Touting Tougher Security And Tax Cuts, In 2026 Kickoff Leading up to November, SMFA will focus on policies that protect promised benefits for seniors, help make life more affordable for them and ensure long-term healthcare, including efforts to create a permanent tax deduction for every senior, cut the cost of prescription drugs, and end all taxes on income from Social Security. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), which cited results from The Associated Press several days after the 2024 election, voters 50 years of age supported Donald Trump over Kamala Harris, but only by about five percentage points. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Tim Scott Tells Maga Voters Trump Is On The Ballot As Gop Fights To Grow Senate Majority In 2026 Voters 50 and older were also the majority of the electorate, though numbers may vary depending upon the source, AARP also noted. According to Pew Research, this age group accounted for 56% of the electorate. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (L) speaks during an event on Health Technology in the East Room of the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Mehmet Oz (2nd R) and Acting Administrator of the United States Department of Government Efficiency Amy Gleason on July 30, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Getty Images) President Donald Trump has vowed to protect Social Security and Medicare, but his critics have argued Trump's actions have put these programs in jeopardy amid staffing cuts and the consolidation of regional offices. Meanwhile, Trump critics have also balked at his spending and "one, big beautiful bill," arguing it could trigger massive cuts to Medicare if Congress does not act. Click Here To Download The Fox News App A Social Security card. But, Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act did usher in a provision ensuring roughly 90% of Social Security beneficiaries will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits. Something SMFA would like to ensure happens for everyone on the program, according to details reviewed by Fox News Digital about the new initiative. The Republican spending package also included an additional $6,000 tax deduction for seniors, among its other provisions. Original article source: New MAGA coalition led by Sean Spicer targets voting demographic that will be crucial in 2026 midterms Trump-loving Sen. Markwayne Mullin struggled through a CNN interview about the Trump administrations plans for Iran before getting called out for his bizarre messaging. The Oklahoma Republican was pressed on U.S. involvement in Iran after President Trump took to social media with an all-caps message to protesters there, declaring that HELP IS ON ITS WAY and urging them to TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! The president has repeatedly threatened military action as demonstrations have turned violent throughout the country. The White House, meanwhile, has appeared to relish in stoking speculation, with Trumps press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, quoted saying: Nobody knows what President Trump is going to do except for President Trump. The world can keep waiting and guessing. Advertisement Advertisement Mullin, appearing on CNNs The Source with Kaitlan Collins, made clear that also applies to him. I would support removing the regime thats killing their own people, he said when asked about Trumps threatened military strikes. When asked directly if that meant he was in favor of taking out the Iranian regime, he replied: I am at this point. But moments later, Mullin appeared to walk back his position, insisting, Were not into regime change. This isnt the Arab Spring The reversal prompted immediate pushback from Collins, who noted that Mullin had just said the opposite. Sen. Markwayne Mullin leaves the Senate floor after a vote in the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. / Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag Mullin then attempted to clarify, saying, No, I said Im for the strikes. He went on to argue that taking out the regime is different than regime change, because the latter is up to the Iranian people. Advertisement Advertisement In comments on CNBCs Squawk Box the same day, Mullin stopped short of explicitly calling for regime change, but labelled Irans leadership a murderous regime. Well, first of all, for the regime that is killing its own people, I think they better pay attention to the presidents words. The president doesnt bluff, he said. The Daily Beast has contacted Mullin for comment. People gather at Enghelab Square after a government call to rally against recent protests across the country, chanting anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans, in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 12, 2026. / Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images The standoff between Washington and Tehran has intensified as Iranian authorities cracked down on protests across the country, with activists warning of more than 2,000 demonstrators killed. The protests erupted in December over economic hardship and political repression and have seen demonstrators call for the death of 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has openly weighed a spectrum of responses from sanctions and tariffs to possible military action. After his dramatic message of support to Iranian protesters on Tuesday, he took a softer tone in comments to reporters, saying he was waiting to confirm the number of demonstrators killed before responding accordingly. Of Irans security forces, he said: It would seem to me that they have been badly misbehaving, but that is not confirmed. Iranian officials have signaled that Tehran is prepared for war but insisted they are also willing to engage in dialogue and negotiations. EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Nancy Lavin of Rhode Island Current appeared this week on Behind the Story to discuss Gov. Dan McKees annual State of the State address, along with lawmakers legislative priorities at the General Assembly. Lavin, a senior reporter covering government, politics and policy for the online news outlet, wrote about the governors address that typically outlines his tax and spending priorities ahead of his full budget proposal to the General Assembly. Lavin said covering the State of the State is somewhat easier than writing about the budget each year because it doesnt require as much calculation. This year, she said McKees tone made it clear he was running for reelection in whats likely to be a tough campaign. Advertisement Advertisement McKee is up for reelection this year and we know he has low approval ratings and at least one serious Democratic rival, maybe a second, Lavin said. So this was really a not-so-subtly kind of pledge to voters and I think the way that hes trying to appeal to voters is: Im going to save you money.' Lavin also discussed her recent story that provided a preview of the legislative session, which began earlier this month. Lawmakers are likely to focus on a host of issues, but Lavin said health care is quickly emerging as a top priority on Smith Hill. Thats in large part because of these federal budget cuts and some of them have already happened, a lot of them are soon to come, and we know they are going to have major implications for Rhode Island residents, for hospitals, for nursing homes and insurance companies, Lavin said. Were already seeing all of these consequences now, so I think that that has sort of forced the legislature, whether they want it or not, to really go into crisis mode on health care, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Later in the show, Kim and Eli talked about the Stories we wish we wrote, including: Kims picks Elis picks Watch Behind the Story Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on the WPRI 12+ TV app. Advertisement Advertisement It airs on TV (Sundays at 8 a.m. on FOX Providence and 11 a.m. on The CW Providence), and will be available on demand through the WPRI 12+ app and right here on WPRI.com. Behind the Story is hosted by Eli Sherman and Kim Kalunian of 12 News, along with Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe. BEHIND THE STORY AVAILABLE AS A PODCAST: Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart Radio 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! Advertisement Advertisement 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. Several Republicans, including South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, have been busted casting doubt on President Donald Trumps claims of fraud in the 2020 election. A new report from The New York Times uncovered grand jury testimony from several senior Republican members in which they criticize the president and reveal the lengths he would go to believe the election was indeed stolen. The testimony was taken in 2022 and released after an order was lifted by Judge Scott McAfee of Fulton County Superior Court, who ruled over the Georgia case. Advertisement Advertisement The transcripts, obtained by the Times and taken from the Georgia election interference case, reveal that several vocal Trump supporters, including Graham, considered his claims of fraud to be baseless. In his testimony, Graham described the presidents claims as unnerving. He also told the grand jurors, I have told him more times than we can count that he fell short, and If you told him Martians came and stole votes, hed be inclined to believe it. Sen. Lindsey Graham was memorably booed by the MAGA crowd when he spoke at a campaign rally for then-candidate Donald Trump on July 1, 2023 in Pickens, South Carolina, but Trump endorsed the senator for reelection in March. / Sean Rayford/Getty Images Denying Trumps claims of election fraud in Arizona, Graham instead suggested that his failure to secure the state was the result of his attacks on longtime Arizona Senator John McCain. Trump, who never served in the military and dodged the Vietnam draft, famously called McCain, a Vietnam veteran who spent six years as a prisoner of war, a loser, adding, Hes not a war hero... hes a war hero because he was captured. I like people that werent captured. Advertisement Advertisement The McCain effect in Arizona was real, Graham said in his testimony. And when you look through the suburbs in the states in question, you sort of had a common pattern where President Trump ran behind other Republicans. I was trying to convey that to him. Im sorry he lost, Graham added. But he lost it. In September 2023, Graham released a statement following the release of the grand jury report that recommended he be criminally indicted for his role in attempting to overturn the election. He said that, as then-chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he had questions about Georgias mail-in ballot process, but ultimately voted to certify the election results from every state. Graham suggested that Trump lost Arizona in the 2020 election not because of fraud but because of his relentless attacks on Sen. John McCain of Arizona. / Henry Romero / Henry Romero/REUTERS Graham has emerged as one of the presidents most vocal supporters in the Senate, even going so far as to make bizarre jokes about Trumps stated desire to run for a third term despite a constitutional bar. Advertisement Advertisement Trump even embarrassed Graham during a media appearance earlier this month after the senator called Trumps re-election to the White House the biggest comeback ever. You think so, really? I didnt feel it was a comeback, actually, Trump replied, prompting Graham to scramble to change the topic. Just days later, Graham dubbed Trump the greatest president of all time in an interview with Fox News. In a statement to the Daily Beast, Graham said of the Times report, It should be abundantly clear that all of these weaponized investigations against President Trump had one goal: destroy him and his friends no matter the cost. I never suggested, then or now, that President Trump broke the law. Never forget, Fani Willis politically driven hit job in Atlanta was willing to indict me simply for being a friend to President Trump. As to that process against me, if I were them, Id lawyer up, the statement continued. Advertisement Advertisement My views about why I certified the 2020 election are not breaking news. I made it clear, then and now, that President Trump sincerely believed the election was stolen. We had our differences on this point. I would consider myself, then and now, one of his strongest supporters. In my view, President Trump is shaping up to be the GOAT of U.S. presidents. Despite doubting his claims of election fraud, Sen. Lindsey Graham has since said that Trump is the greatest president of all time. / LOGAN CYRUS / Logan Cyrus/AFP via Getty Other Republicans also provided testimony casting doubt on the presidents fraud claims, including Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who called Trumps attempts to get Georgian lawmakers to intervene a fruitless exercise, and former Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, who described Trumps plan to enlist fake electors in swing states like Georgia the craziest thing Ive heard. Chris Carr, Georgias state attorney general, who is running for governor, revealed in his testimony that Trump had called him to ask him to stop lobbying other state attorneys against joining the lawsuit brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The suit asked the Supreme Court to stop four swing statesMichigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Wisconsinfrom casting their votes for Biden. Paxton told the president that he felt the lawsuit was legally, factually and constitutionally wrong but that he was not lobbying other attorneys general. He added that he told Trump of his claims of election fraud, Were just not seeing the things that you are seeing. Advertisement Advertisement The Daily Beast has contacted the White House for comment. A spokeswoman for Mr. Carr said in a statement provided to the New York Times that he believes the criminal case against President Trump should never have been brought. Gov. Kemp did not immediately respond to a request for comment. After President Donald Trump threatened to cut off funding to sanctuary cities, Mayor Zohran Mamdani doubled down New York City's status and vowed to fight back. It's been a busy 24 hours for Jessica Clemente, head of a South Bronx nonprofit focused on housing, youth services and economic development. President Trump's threat to withhold federal dollars from sanctuary cities like New York would have a huge impact on her organization "WE STAY/Nos Quedamos" -- as 10% of its annual budget comes from Washington. Advertisement Advertisement "The impact is broad in scope, it's not just one kind of area or category, we 're talking it could potentially impact housing stability, ware talking about services," Clemente said. Trump said starting Feb. 1, his administration will not make payments to "sanctuaries or states having sanctuary cities." According to the state comptroller, New York City's budget for this year relies on $7.4 billion in federal funding. The city allocates a significant portion of that money toward social services, education and housing. On Wednesday, Mamdani exchanged texts with the president and made his feelings clear. Advertisement Advertisement "Any cut in funding would have a significant impact on the city's ability to not only fulfill the budget that it has today, but also to fulfill an agenda that would ensure that more New Yorkers can afford to stay in the city," Mamdani said. The rhetoric from Gov. Kathy Hochul was even more direct. "This is just a threat to intimidate states like New York to bow in submission and that is something we'll never do," Hochul said. "So I say this: You touch any more money from the State of New York, we'll see you in court." Back in the Bronx, Clemente has another concern. A slash in federal funding to the state would filter down to her organization, and others, who lean on services financed by Albany. Advertisement Advertisement "We are all bracing ourselves, we are already trying to think about what are safety nets that we can put in place to assure that we are not in this precarious position," Clemente said. ---------- * More Bronx 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. A man has been arrested at Heathrow Airport and faces a charge of murdering a man nearly two decades ago. Atiq Rehman died after being attacked in the street in The Square in Wolverton, Milton Keynes in May 2007, and three men were jailed for his murder in 2008. Umar Farooq, 46, of no fixed address, was detained on Tuesday under a warrant after arriving in London from Pakistan, via Uzbekistan, Thames Valley Police said. Advertisement Advertisement He is due to appear at Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court later. "The murder of Atiq Rehman in 2007 had a significant impact on communities in Milton Keynes at the time, so I understand that news of this arrest and a defendant appearing in court could be difficult for some," said Ch Supt Emma Baillie, policing commander for Milton Keynes. "Due to the ongoing court proceedings, we won't be able to provide any further details on the case, this is to ensure there is a fair trial. "However, we have strong relationships across all our communities and partners within the city and we will be reaching out to listen and support you." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as more information becomes available. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A Utah man was arrested after he allegedly threatened to shoot political organizers at an event at University of Utah. Dean Stewart, 21, was arrested on Tuesday and is facing charges for threat of violence, interfering with a peace officer, and disorderly conduct. According to court documents, Stewart was at a speaking event on Wednesday at the University of Utah and began to be disorderly, including by telling the speaker he should be shot in the neck. He also allegedly made a hand rifle gesture towards the speaker and acted like he was going to shoot the speaker. Advertisement Advertisement How to make ABC4 your preferred news source on Google Witnesses reportedly stated that they were alarmed and feared that Stewart would follow through on his threats. University of Utah Police Department (UofUPD) told him several times to stop, but he refused. He was taken into custody and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on Jan. 12. Since then, several officials have expressed concern and issued statements about this event. University of Utah released the following statement: Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. The Everson Police Department (EPD) says a 37-year-old man was arrested on Monday morning following a chase in a stolen SUV. At around 6:20 a.m., authorities learned of a stolen 2015 Chevy Silverado out of Bellingham. The SUV had GPS tracking onboard and an officer spotted it on Everston Everson Goshen Road, EPD said. Police say the driver refused to pull over and continued along State Route 544 before losing control and crashing through a residents backyard near East Pole Road. The 37-year-old man behind the wheel got out and ran before he was arrested and transferred to Bellingham Police custody, according to EPD. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 75-year-old man has been ordered to be held without bond after he allegedly shot and killed his long-time neighbor, with whom he had experienced multiple altercations over the years, last month. The Sixth Judicial District Attorney Norman R. Wheeler made the announcement on Tuesday, Jan. 13, in a news release. Russel Dobkins, 75, has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of Esker Roland Mayberry. 75-year-old Russel Dobkins On Dec. 26, Grant County Sheriffs Office deputies and the New Mexico State Police responded to 47 Turkey Creek Rd. in Gila after dispatch received a call from Dobkins reporting that he had shot his neighbor. During the call, Dobkins had said, He tried to burn us out, according to investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Upon arrival, deputies found Dobkins outside his home and took him into custody. Mayberry was found in a nearby field with a fatal gunshot wound to the head and evidence of partial burning. Earlier that day, dispatch had received a separate call about a controlled burn at 51 Turkey Creek Rd. from Mayberry. Investigators learned that Dobkins and Mayberry were long-time neighbors and had a prolonged dispute over property and irrigation rights. Neighbors reported that both men had experienced multiple altercations over the years, according to the news release. 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. An Amelia man died in a fatal head-on crash while riding a motorcycle. Paul Creed, 37, was traveling eastbound on Chapel Road, near Ohio 132, in Batavia Township around 4:13 p.m. Jan. 13, according to an Ohio State Highway Patrol news release. Creed, riding a 1994 BMW motorcycle, passed a car going the same direction as him when he struck a 2008 Saturn Astra going the opposite direction, the news release states. Advertisement Advertisement Creed was not wearing a helmet and sustained fatal injuries. Emergency personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. The driver of the Saturn was wearing a seat belt, was taken to a local hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The crash remains under investigation. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Batavia Township motorcycle crash leaves man, 37, dead NEED TO KNOW A California mother of two was killed by her estranged husband before their divorce could be finalized Zarbab Ali received a life sentence for the November 2022 murder of Rachael Castillo The 28-year-old also confessed to engaging in sexual activity with her corpse after the fatal attack A California man has been sentenced for the brutal killing of his wife amid their divorce, authorities said. On Monday, Jan. 12, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced in a press release that Zarbab Ali of Hawthorne was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Rachael Castillo. Advertisement Advertisement Ali previously pleaded guilty to unlawful mutilation, disinterment, or act of sexual contact with human remains and was convicted of murder, per the Ventura County D.A. Castillo, who shared two children with Ali, had filed for divorce. It was nearly finalized when Ali, 29, fatally attacked her while she was alone at her sisters apartment, where she and her sons had been staying. The incident occurred on Nov. 10, 2022, and Ali was convicted on Nov. 21, 2025. Rachel Lynn Castillo/Facebook Rachel Castillo Rachel Castillo On the day of her death, Ali picked up the former couples two sons and took them to his parents home in Victorville before returning to the Simi Valley apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Knowing Ms. Castillo would be alone, he found the front door unlocked, went inside, turned off the lights, and waited for her to exit a bedroom. He then confronted her in a dark, confined hallway and stabbed her 11 times in the neck and chest, the Ventura County District Attorney said. Ali wrapped Castillo's body in a blanket and tried to clean up the mess before he left the apartment and placed her body in the trunk of his vehicle, which investigators said he left had "left open in advance." Ali took Castillo's body to Littlerock, Calif., and used a newly purchased shovel to dig a shallow grave and placed her inside. Afterwards, he went back to his parents house where the children were. Castillo's sister eventually returned to the apartment, where she saw signs of a struggle and contacted the police after noticing Castillos phone and car were left at the residence. Advertisement Advertisement Responding officers found bloody items in a nearby dumpster and spoke with neighbors who recalled seeing Ali before the police arrived. At approximately 2:00 a.m. local time the following day, Ali waited until everyone was asleep in the home and drove from his parents house in Victorville back to where Castillo was buried, the Ventura County D.A. said. He then engaged in sexual conduct with her remains and buried her again, an act prosecutors say he confessed to. (During his trial, prosecutors also showed video of Alis police interrogation, during which he confessed to digging up his wifes body the morning after burying her to sexually assault her.) Simi Valley Police Department detectives and FBI agents were conducting a search for Castillo's body on Nov. 13, 2022, when they found her remains in a remote location in the desert near Littlerock. "Investigators located vehicle tracks for approximately 70 yards, ending at disturbed soil," the D.A. said. "About 20 yards southeast of the dirt piles, investigators found a metal shovel. Beneath one of the disturbed areas of earth, law enforcement recovered Ms. Castillos body. Advertisement Advertisement Ali was arrested that same day after leaving his parents' home. Rachel was more than a victim, her relatives and loved ones said during victim impact statements at his sentencing. She was remembered as a devoted mother, loving sister, a daughter, and a friend, who had a silly, soft-spoken voice that would make anyone smile. Castillo recently began her masters program at Pepperdine University and had dreams for her and her boys future, the statement continued, adding, She deserved to watch them grow. Her loved ones also addressed Ali directly Monday, calling him a coward, while speaking on behalf of two innocent children whose lives were forever changed. Advertisement Advertisement Where any human being should feel shame, disgust, and loathing for what he has done, the defendant has shown no remorse, Senior Deputy District Attorney David Russell of the Ventura County District Attorneys Office Major Crimes Homicides Unit said. 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. His actions place him among the very worst offenders this court will ever see. He deserved no leniency, and todays sentence ensures he will never again be free to endanger another person or inflict further harm on society, Russell continued. Read the original article on People The internationally recognised government of Yemen, known as the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), says its forces have recaptured two strategic southern provinces, reversing a month-long takeover by the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC). In early December 2025, the STC, a UAE-backed secessionist force, seized the two oil-rich provinces of Hadramout and al-Mahra, which border Saudi Arabia, in a campaign that Riyadh described as a red line for its national security. Saudi Arabia, which backs the PLC, responded with a series of air strikes on STC positions, including an attack on the southern Mukalla port, targeting what it described as United Arab Emirates (UAE) weapons shipments to the STC. Advertisement Advertisement The PLC and STC have long been allies in the fight against the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, who captured Yemens capital Sanaa in 2014. Recent clashes have intensified instability in the war-ravaged nation and heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In this visual explainer, Al Jazeera unpacks the various groups fighting for control in Yemen, detailing who controls what on the ground and what this means for the humanitarian situation of the countrys 42 million people. Who are the key players in Yemen? There are three key players in Yemen: The Saudi-backed PLC, the Emirati-backed STC and the Iranian-backed Houthis. (Al Jazeera) Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) The PLC is Yemens internationally recognised, Saudi-backed governing body, based in Aden. Advertisement Advertisement The group has been led by Rashad al-Alimi since 2022, after former President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi formally transferred his powers to the new eight-member body, which was established to unify the various factions fighting the Houthis. The council is composed of a mix of northern and southern political and military leaders. While it included the STC at its founding in 2022 to unite anti-Houthi forces, that alliance collapsed on January 7, 2026, when the PLC expelled the STC leadership following their attempt to seize the countrys eastern oil provinces. The PLCs mandate is to manage Yemens political, security and military affairs during a transitional period and to steer negotiations towards a permanent ceasefire. Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen, on September 14, 2022 [File: Omer Messinger/Getty Images] Southern Transitional Council (STC) The UAE-backed STC has undergone major changes over the past few weeks, leaving its future uncertain. Advertisement Advertisement The group, which initially supported Yemens internationally recognised government against the Houthi rebels in northern Yemen, is seeking an independent state in southern Yemen, much like South Yemen before the unification of the country in 1990, under former President Ali Abdullah Saleh. On January 7, Yemens internationally recognised government announced that the STCs leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, had committed treason and was dismissed from the Presidential Leadership Council. Instead of attending a meeting in Riyadh, al-Zubaidi dramatically fled the country on January 8, reportedly heading to the UAE through Somaliland. On January 9, a delegation of STC members in Riyadh announced the groups disbandment. However, an STC official in Yemen rejected this announcement, telling Al Jazeera that the delegation members in Riyadh were coerced into making the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Saudi Arabia is planning to host a conference of the main political factions from the south to shape the future of Yemen. The president of Yemens Southern Transitional Council, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, on September 22, 2023 [File: Ted Shaffrey/AP Photo] Houthis Ansar Allah, commonly referred to as the Houthis, is an armed group trained and backed by Iran, and holds a considerable area in the north and west of the country, including the capital, Sanaa. The Houthis emerged in the 1990s but rose to international prominence in 2014, when the group rebelled against Yemens government, forcing it to step down. The group then spent years, with Irans backing, fighting a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia, which has largely been frozen since a United Nations-brokered truce in April 2022. Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis control several strategic locations along the Red Sea, including the key port of Hodeidah, giving them leverage over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which is vital to global shipping. In November 2023, the Houthis began targeting civilian and military vessels in the Red Sea suspected of having Israeli ties, a campaign aimed at pressuring Israel to halt its genocidal war in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023. They also launched multiple missile and drone assaults against Israel, with several strikes reportedly hitting their intended targets. Who controls what on the ground? The Houthis control the northwestern regions of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, while the Yemeni government controls most of the rest of the country. The map below highlights who controls what in Yemen based on data from the Sanaa Center for Strategic Studies, an independent think tank focused on Yemen and its surrounding region. The government claims to have control of Aden and other parts of southern Yemen, but STC forces remain in some areas. The government has also declared that all anti-Houthi military forces, including the National Resistance Forces, will now be integrated into the Yemeni military, but that process has not yet begun. (Al Jazeera) Yemens humanitarian situation Yemen still suffers one of the worst humanitarian emergencies in the world, with acute malnutrition, food shortages, and infrastructure collapse affecting millions. Advertisement Advertisement A decade of conflict, economic crisis and lack of social services and ability to work has pushed millions of children into acute malnutrition and scores of diseases, according to the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF). Despite the fragile truce in 2022, which has reduced civilian deaths, access to the most vulnerable has been limited. According to the United Nations, at least 17 million people, about half of Yemens population of 42 million, face acute food shortages. In May 2025, the UN reported that 4.95 million people are facing Phase 3, crisis-level food insecurity, which includes 1.5 million people facing emergency-level food insecurity, Phase 4. Advertisement Advertisement There are about 11 million children in need of humanitarian assistance, and nearly 20 million people in desperate need of help, along with nearly 4.8 million people displaced from their homes since 2015. President Donald Trump is hoping to take control of Greenland, a Danish territory covering more than 836,000 square miles three times the size of Texas, with about 80% covered by a massive ice cap. Flawed maps have often made the island appear smaller or larger than it is. On some maps, it looks similar in size to Africa. So, how big is Greenland? Heres everything to know. More: Distorted maps have misled you: Greenland isn't as big as you think. Scale One of the biggest places in the world, Greenland is approximately 20 times the size of Denmark and 14 times smaller than Africa, according to VisitGreenland.com. Advertisement Advertisement Comparison: The world's largest island that's not a continent, Greenland is larger than France, Germany, Spain, and the UK combined. It's also larger than the state of Alaska but smaller than the contiguous United States. Visual story: Trump's Greenland gambit explained with maps Who lives in Greenland? The island has a population of roughly 56,480 and is among the least densely populated in the world. Roughly 88% of the people who live on the island are Inuit or mixed Danish and Inuit. The remaining 12% of inhabitants are of European descent, primarily Danish. People who live on the island speak both Greenlandic and Danish. Advertisement Advertisement About one-quarter of the population lives in the capital city of Nuuk, which is the biggest settlement on the island and has museums, cafes and fashion boutiques, according to the tourism website. More: Denmark, Greenland expand military presence ahead of US meeting How is the area connected? Despite the countrys size, there are no roads or railway system that connects towns to each other. Each town has its own roads but they stop at the end of the towns. Boats are the most popular mode of transportation. Travel between towns is often done by plane, boat, helicopter, snowmobile or dogsled, the tourism website states. Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How big is Greenland? Here's the size of the world's largest island. At least one person in Sen. Mark Kellys (D-Ariz.) orbit recently joked that his office should send the Trump administration a gift basket when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the Pentagon would open a misconduct review into the Arizona Democrat. The investigation, over a video Kelly filmed in the fall with other Democratic members of Congress calling on members of the armed forces to not follow illegal orders at the height of the controversy around the administrations Caribbean boat strikes, could result in Kelly losing his rank. But it has also elevated Kellys national profile, turning the senator into a household name in military and Democratic circles while positioning him as a rising figure unafraid to speak out against Hegseth at the Pentagon, and President Trump more broadly. Advertisement Advertisement Trump described the video as seditious behavior, punishable by death, while Hegseth just last week said the Pentagon has initiated retirement grade determination proceedings that could reduce Kellys rank and pay. Both have leaned into the fight, suggesting they see it as political gold in MAGA circles and beyond. But its also been a winner for Kelly, and those in his inner circle said the senators immediate reaction was, as one person put it, No fing way are you going to freak me out. Were in the right, and this does not scare me. The 61-year-old Kelly is a Navy pilot who flew 39 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm in Iraq. Hes traveled to space four times and sat by the bedside of his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), while she recovered from a bullet wound to the head after a 2011 shooting at a meet-and-greet with constituents outside a Tucson supermarket. Advertisement Advertisement Since the battle with Hegseth and Trump, Kelly, the son of two police officers, has received death threats and has hired security, those close to him say. He has also refused to back down. He is not intimidating me, and hes not going to, Kelly told Vanity Fair in an interview last month, speaking about Trump. I have been through, you know, harder things than this. Kelly was a top vice presidential candidate in 2024 when former Vice President Kamala Harris was making her picks, losing out to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D). The runner-up was Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D). But some think Kelly could look good at the top of the ticket in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Kelly isnt dissuading people from talking about his presidential prospects. In an interview this month, the senator said he has considered running for president in 2028. Of course, he told content creator Aaron Parnas. I think it would be irresponsible not to think about it. If he does choose to run, he has begun to lay the groundwork since the tussle with the administration began in November. He has done more media recently than he ever has, appearing on shows including ABCs Jimmy Kimmel Live! and earlier this month, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. And allies say they dont expect Kelly to relent. Advertisement Advertisement I was surprised at the administrations decision to instill fear and to deter Mark Kelly from using his voice because if you know anything about Mark, you know that he is not a fearful person, said Jen Bluestein, a consultant who has known the senator and Giffords for years. And theyre sure giving Mark an opportunity to introduce himself to people who had not known much about him before. Those close to Kelly insist he never intended to run for public office. Giffords was the politician in the family. But after former Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) died, Kelly decided to run in the 2020 special election for his seat. He won, and then won again in 2022 for a full term. In her book, 107 Days, Harris who met with Kelly in the final round of interviews while considering a running mate called Kelly magnetic. But she said she was worried he hadnt had what she called an oh s moment during his time in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement I realized I couldnt afford to test Mark Kelly in that ugly grinder, Harris wrote. Recently, amid Kellys back-and-forth with the Trump administration, his allies have come back to this remark. If there was any skepticism of him having a moment, or needing a moment, well heres another moment, said Raquel Teran, a former Arizona state senator and community organizer. This man is someone who has always met the moment. When Kelly appeared in the video in November, along with Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) a former CIA analyst and the other members of Congress, those around him say his only intent as a veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee was to underscore that U.S. troops can refuse illegal orders. Advertisement Advertisement Few would have predicted the size of the Trump-Hegseth backlash to the video, and to Kelly specifically. Mike Noble, the prominent nonpartisan pollster in Arizona and founder of Noble Predictive Insights, who conducts surveys on elected officials in the state every quarter, told The Hill that Kellys numbers have been trending upward not just among Democrats, but he has seen a significant bump among independents on his job approval. This has been good for him, Noble said. Its a fight he wants to have. In August, for example, 43 percent of independents in the state approved of Kellys job performance, while 35 percent disapproved. Last month, a few weeks after the beginning of his feud with Hegseth feud, 52 percent of independents approved of Kellys performance, while 31 percent disapproved. Advertisement Advertisement Kellys approval rating fell slightly with Republicans, however, Noble said. In August, 34 percent of Republicans approved of Kellys job performance, while 59 percent disapproved. Last month, 30 percent approved of the senators performance and 58 percent disapproved. Perhaps as a result, Republicans arent sweating the Kelly groundswell among Democrats. While GOP consultant Brian Seitchik, who is based in Arizona, said Kellys spat with the administration is catnip for Democrats, he doesnt see it translating in a presidential race. I dont think he has the charisma to successfully run for president in modern times, he said. Objectively, he did not perform real well on the stump. Hes a bright guy. Hes got a great story, but he does not electrify a crowd. Advertisement Advertisement But Democrats say the senator is winning this battle. The advantage goes to Kelly on this, said Matt Grodsky, a strategist based in Phoenix. When youre attacking a veteran who is experienced and is a good communicator who people have gotten to know and trust, youre losing the narrative a little bit. 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. Virginia police have arrested a suspect after a video went viral online showing a woman assault a gay man while shopping at a grocery store. Shibritney Colbert, 34, of Landover, Maryland has been charged with felony eluding, assault and battery, destruction of property, and driving an unregistered vehicle, the Alexandria Police Department announced Monday, with the case being evaluated for bias-based penalty enhancements. A man known only by the initial D and his account handle @deonteiy was shopping at Giant grocery store on Christmas day when Colbert approached him and began berating him. The man filmed Colbert ramming him with his cart while throwing groceries at him, making comments such as Boy, get out of here with your gay ass and Im sick of this gay ass shit, bro. www.tiktok.com Advertisement Advertisement just got hate crimed in the grocery store, tik tok please do your thing. Please help me find her. #gaytiktok #dmv #maryland #viralvideo #fyp Just got hate crimed in the grocery store," the man wrote in the video's caption. He wrote in a follow up post, "All jokes aside this was a very traumatic experience for me. I do not believe in hitting women and refused to let her take me that far out of my character." "For those wondering why I chose to record instead of immediately calling the police or reacting, it was because the situation could have easily been misrepresented and turned into a narrative that portrayed me as the perpetrator," he added. "I needed evidence to protect myself. Had I immediately reacted, the conversation would be very different. Life go though." Officers arrived after a 9-1-1 call was placed reporting a fight inside the store, prompting Colbert to flee in her vehicle as they attempted to detain her, according to the police report. Colbert was identified and apprehended with the help of authorities in Maryland, and taken into custody on January 8. She is currently at the Prince Georges County Jail awaiting extradition to Alexandria. Advertisement Advertisement The case is the first to be investigated under the APD's new hate crime and bias-incident policy, developed over the past year in coordination with civil rights groups. The policy formally codifies standards and oversight to ensure identification, documentation, and follow-up in every case. Anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes remain high despite a drop in violent crime overall in the U.S., according to an August report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with 2,278 single-bias hate crimes based on sexual orientation and 527 based on gender identity. This collaboration focused on providing input during the development of the policy; helping align definitions with the Virginia Code, clarifying standards for identifying and documenting bias incidents, and strengthening expectations for oversight and accountability," Darrilyn Franklin, President of the NAACP Alexandria Branch, said in a statement. "The goal was to create a transparent framework that builds community trust and ensures every incident is addressed with the seriousness it deserves. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Maryland woman arrested for assaulting gay man in grocery store faces hate crime charges RELATED It has been one month since two students were killed, and nine others were injured in a mass shooting on Brown Universitys campus. The Mayor of Providence is now seeking a review of the citys response to the events of December 13. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said in a letter to Clara Decerbo, director of the Providence Emergency Management Agency, that the city will take several steps to help prevent a similar incident in the future. Advertisement Advertisement First, the city will hire a consultant to work with all parties involved in the shooting response and use lessons learned to work with other major institutions to improve coordination and communication in response to major threats or emergencies, Smiley wrote. Smiley also said the city will review its memorandums of understanding with local institutions, including the Providence Police Departments Real Time Crime Center, to improve real-time responses on campuses throughout Providence. The city will also review its process for statewide mutual aid requests and responses, including possible training for city staff for future events, Smiley said. In addition, the city will review internal and external public notification procedures and best practices for enhanced alerts and tools beyond those currently available to Providence. Advertisement Advertisement Smiley said the city will work with local unions to ensure appropriate after-action resources were implemented and sufficient for staff. That work includes providing ongoing support, such as training, to help the community monitor ongoing stressors and concerns by facilitating timely referrals to appropriate services and supports. The city will also establish a resiliency center to serve as a midterm or long-term recovery center for those affected by the shooting. Finally, Smiley said the city will continue to collaborate with partners to complete a security review of all city assets to determine whether additional safety measures are needed. The actions outlined above are intended to ensure that we approach this review with rigor, transparency and a clear focus on learning and improvement, while we continue to support the community impacted by this tragic event, Smiley wrote. Advertisement Advertisement The letter also includes a detailed timeline of events from Dec. 13, the day of the shooting. According to the timeline, at 4:05 p.m., the Providence Telecommunications Department Police Control Center and the Fire Alarm Bureau of Control received the first calls reporting shots fired. The calls referenced four locations: the Barus & Holley Engineering Building, Manning Walk, 137 Waterman St. and Thayer Street. Police and fire units arrived within five minutes and found multiple shooting victims by 4:11 p.m. The incident was declared an active shooter situation at 4:15 p.m., and Brown University sent a shelter-in-place notification via text, phone call and email at 4:22 p.m. All critically injured patients were transported within 13 minutes of responders arrival, according to the report. Dispatch took about 80 seconds after the first 911 calls, and first responders arrived on scene in less than 3 minutes and 20 seconds. Advertisement Advertisement This work is critical to strengthening our preparedness, reinforcing public trust, and ensuring that the city continues to respond swiftly, immediately, and compassionately in moments of crisis throughout our response and recovery. To read more included in the letter, you can access it here. Brown Shooting After Action Letter by Boston 25 Desk 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 When I was sworn in as Delawares member of Congress, I made a simple promise: I would work with anyone willing to deliver for Delaware, and I would stand up to anyone who would hurt Delawareans. These last twelve months have felt like a decade in many ways. Time and again, we have seen the president sowing chaos and endorsing cruelty s triking fear into the hearts of immigrant neighbors, disregarding due process, firing public servants and attacking the foundations of the American health care system. Meanwhile, families across Delaware are facing rising utility bills, housing costs, and grocery prices that dont match their paychecks. This is the reality that has shaped my first year in Congress. U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride. I'm focused on protecting Delawareans From day one, Ive focused on protecting Delawareans because a government for and by the people must respect the rule of law, not the whims of the powerful and wealthy few. That meant standing up to political appointees who sought unauthorized access to Americans personal data, pushing for transparency and accountability from the White House, and defending Congresss constitutional role in decisions about war. Advertisement Advertisement Weve seen the consequences when those guardrails fail when wealthy donors are given a blank check to summarily fire civil servants and hollow out federal agencies Congress created to serve the public. We also witnessed relentless attacks on the American health care system: the largest cut to Medicaid in our history, mass firings of health care workers, and partisan attacks in the research and institutions that keep us safe from disease. Science not ideology should guide decisions that affect peoples health. Thats why I supported legislation to protect vaccine access, fought to restore and strengthen Medicaid funding, reinstate federal health workers and extend Affordable Care Act tax credits something we are much closer to now than when my Democratic colleagues and I started that effort. Ill be the first to admit it: it can feel like Congress isnt doing enough to address everyday concerns. But after my first year in office, Im proud to say I know that progress is still possible, despite a loud, divided and too-often dysfunctional Washington, when we listen to one another and put people over politics. Every day in Washington, while I work to defend our democracy and address the cost of living, Delawareans reach out to my office for help navigating federal bureaucracy. A Social Security notice demanding tens of thousands of dollars because of an administrative error. A delayed tax refund. A stalled SBA loan. A grandmother unable to access her Medicare coverage. A veteran denied the benefits they earned in uniform. Advertisement Advertisement To the people facing these challenges, they mean everything. In every constituent we serve, we learn how to make government deliver better for all of us. Thats why Im most proud that my office helped over 800 Delawareans this year, returning nearly $4 million directly to families. Oftentimes, government isnt abstract its whether a problem gets solved or a door gets slammed shut. Delivering for our neighbors also means bringing resources home. This year, working alongside Senators Coons and Blunt Rochester, we helped secure over $200 million in federal grant funding for Delaware communities, hospitals, schools, and local governmentsalong with more than $76.4 million of new direct investment across our state. When I was elected, I hadnt hoped to serve in the minority. So, yes, I have real disagreements with my Republican colleagues. When I need to stand up to policies that would hurt Delaware, I do and always will. But Delawareans know something Washington sometimes forgets: you can stand for your values and still work together where common ground exists. Thats how we deliver results. Advertisement Advertisement I introduced five new bills, all with bipartisan support, all shaped directly by conversations with Delawareans from consumer protection to supporting farmers. One of my bills that would expand investment for entrepreneurs and small businesses passed the House unanimously this past summer. I led a bipartisan effort to restore funding the Trump administration cut from Delawares Manufacturing Extension Partnership, protecting small and mid-sized manufacturers and good-paying jobs, and helped secure bipartisan funding for Delaware-developed cooling technology that reduces data centers energy and water use and eases pressure on utility costs. And when the Trump administration moved to cut Medicares funding for home health care, I worked across the aisle to stop it preserving nearly $1 billion so seniors can receive care at home and caregivers can keep doing their jobs. Ive continued my work to expand paid family and medical leave nationally and support fair wages, because no one should have to choose between their family or their wellbeing and their livelihood. Supporting our veterans has remained a priority from protecting earned benefits, to cutting red tape at the VA, to ensuring servicemembers are paid even during a government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Sarah McBride: This is the agony the Republican budget hurls at Delaware | Opinion I'm proud of Delaware I consider myself the luckiest member of the House. Not everyone gets to represent the greatest state in the Union. Thats why I also spent this year traveling across Delaware joining town halls and roundtables, touring small businesses, and taking over 360 meetings with neighbors across 35 towns and cities. Those moments at home remind me of the true Delaware way: democracy works best when we focus less on ideology and more on outcomes less on noise and more on neighbors. It is the privilege of my lifetime representing our state in the House of Representatives. As I begin my second year, Im more clear eyed than ever about the work ahead. Im grateful to the people of Delaware for trusting me with this responsibility. Sarah McBride serves as U.S. representative for Delaware's at-large congressional district. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Sarah McBride Delaware representative Donald Trump | Opinion Gov. Dan McKee gave his pitch on Tuesday night for why he should become the state's longest-serving governor since the Colonial era during a State of the State speech peppered with promises, including $215 million in financial relief for sticker-shocked Rhode Islanders. His proposed "Affordability for All" package, described in his 48-minute Jan. 13 speech, includes relief on multiple fronts, including a step toward the elimination of taxes on Social Security income, a rollback of the gas tax and an expanded child tax credit. As protesters gathered elsewhere in the State House to decry his administration's response to the homelessness crisis, McKee, who is seeking reelection this year, told lawmakers and other assembled dignitaries, "In the years ahead, we will keep fighting for the future Rhode Islanders deserve." Advertisement Advertisement "We will keep Rhode Island building, and our economy growing," he said. "We will help our children reach their full potential. We will put more money back in families pockets and raise incomes in every home." "And we will work together to fight back against harmful policies from the Trump administration [by] protecting our most vulnerable and defending Rhode Islands economy and values," he continued. Gov. Dan McKee framed his agenda and began to make the case to Rhode Islanders that he deserves another four years in office in the annual State of the State address on Tuesday, Jan. 13. McKee vows to fight against President Trump's policies As he readied his version of a proposed state budget to be delivered to lawmakers on Thursday, Jan. 15, McKee said he was struck again and again by the extent to which "President Trump has made life more expensive at every turn." "His erratic tariff policies have swept through the economy, raising prices on groceries and household goods. In the first eight months of the Trump presidency, the average household paid an additional $700 due to higher costs," McKee said in his speech. Advertisement Advertisement In addition, "President Trumps budget threatens Medicaid coverage for more than 30,000 Rhode Islanders," he said. "No state can fully backfill all the federal cuts coming our way, but as my administration demonstrated during the SNAP crisis, we will act with compassion and use our limited resources to protect the most vulnerable." McKee is seeking a second four-year term, on top of the 21 months he spent completing predecessor Gina Raimondo's term after she resigned in March 2021 to become former President Joe Biden's secretary of Commerce. These were the top takeaways from McKee's speech to a packed audience in the House chamber and a televised audience: An 'Affordability for All' agenda On Tuesday, McKee joined numerous Democrats across the country placing "affordability" at the center of their 2026 message. Advertisement Advertisement In the proposed new state budget, he will promise $215 million in relief in 2026 and 2027, and $1.4 billion over the next five years, from the "creation of Rhode Islands first permanent child tax credit, lowering the gas tax, reducing the charges on your electric bill, lowering health care costs, and eliminating the tax on Social Security." McKee described where some of the $215 million he promises to put "in Rhode Islanders' pockets" will come from, but a full breakdown will only come when he proposes his annual budget. Giving a nod to leaders and lobbyists in the audience from the AARP Rhode Island, McKee said of the Social Security tax exemption: "Theyve been fighting this fight for many years, because they know that eliminating this tax will keep retirees in our state, contributing to our economy and improving their quality of life." Gov. Dan McKee prepares to deliver the annual State of the State address on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Tax rollbacks, cuts and credits McKee is proposing Social Security: More specifically, McKee proposed an exemption for all Social Security income from the state income tax for those with more than $107,000 in annual income who are exempt from the current tax break. The tax cut is estimated to cost the state more than $50 million per year in lost revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Children: "Weve provided tax relief to families before, and now, were expanding the dependent deduction to create Rhode Islands first permanent Child Tax Credit. With $325 per child available, well be giving more money to more families!" Gas tax: Acknowledging that last years 2-cent gas tax increase "pushed Rhode Island to the 10th highest in the country," McKee said his budget proposal will roll back last years gas tax increase. Utility costs: As it stands, "Rhode Island has the fourth-highest residential electricity rates in the nation. We cannot let this continue," said McKee, promising to "reform and reduce the 25% of your energy bill that comes from state programs and taxes. These changes will align us with our neighboring states ... lower your bill," and "deliver over $1 billion in energy relief over the next five years." Health insurance: Amid many still unanswered questions, McKee said his "budget will hold private health insurers accountable by setting enforceable caps on costs, with penalties for any company that does not comply." Advertisement Advertisement He also targeted his comments and proposed relief at those who buy their health insurance through the state-run Obamacare marketplace, HealthSource RI, who are facing huge increases because the GOP-led Congress chose not to extend expiring subsidies. "Keeping our uninsured rate as low as possible is important to all of us because it helps stabilize our health insurance costs, and lessens the risk placed on our health care system,'' McKee said. "Thats why my budget will invest $9.5 million to create the states first Marketplace Affordability program to support the 20,000 Rhode Islanders who are at the greatest risk of losing their HealthSource RI coverage." Conspicuously absent from his speech: Any mention of the new "millionaires tax" he confirmed Monday that he will include in his budget proposal. However, after the speech House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi said McKee's proposal to raise the tax rate on income over $1 million from 6% to 9% is expected to generate $63 million in the first year. General Assembly response Shekarchi and Senate President Valarie Lawson have been noncommittal on the millionaires tax. Advertisement Advertisement "I want to see the data around it," Shekarchi said about whether he will back McKee's millionaires tax. "I want to see the statistics around it. I want to see how it's been working in Massachusetts. They say that there's been slightly more millionaires. Some people would say there would have been a lot more." Shekarchi gave a chillier reception to McKee's idea to nix the 2-cent-per gallon increase in the gas tax that lawmakers voted on just six months ago. "Since that very, very slight increase has gone in effect, I have not heard any complaints from anybody," Shekarchi said. "As a matter of fact, I think overall gas has been down slightly in the last year. So it's a matter of how much revenue you get from that and where that revenue goes." Opposition to the gas tax hike and new tax on expensive second homes prompted McKee not to sign the budget passed by the Assembly. Advertisement Advertisement Neither Shekarchi, who is considering running against McKee this year, nor Lawson were willing to grade McKee's speech as a whole. Other promises "As Washington Republicans cut nutrition benefits for 2,300 Rhode Island households," McKee promised his budget "will double the state grant to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank." "And as they reduce funding for womens health, my budget adds funding to Planned Parenthood," he said. "Together, these actions will ensure vital health and nutrition support continues to reach those who need it. " McKee references program to cut energy bills "We cant forget that against the backdrop of rising costs, our ability to generate affordable energy in our own backyard has been threatened by the Trump administration twice," McKee said. Advertisement Advertisement Just a day earlier, he noted "a judge once again found that the Trump administrations most recent stop work order [for Revolution Wind] was baseless, clearing the way for workers to get back on the job." While he remains committed to offshore wind, McKee continues to take aim at energy efficiency programs supported by climate advocates. Last month, utility regulators approved a McKee-backed $21 million cut in energy bills 42 cents a month for the typical customer that pay for efficiency programs to insulate homes, upgrade appliances and adopt other measures to tamp down energy usage. McKee didn't provide details in his speech, but appears to be targeting the same program. Did McKee mention the Washington Bridge? Anyone who bet money that McKee would not mention the Washington Bridge lost money. Advertisement Advertisement He mentioned it, but only as a symbol of his "commitment to safety." "To continue that commitment to safety, my budget will include additional engineering oversight at the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to review inspection reports and ensure an abrupt closure like this never happens again," he said, without elaboration. New bonds will be coming to the November ballot Continuing an election year tradition, McKee signaled that he is ready to propose a combined package of $600 million in state bonds that would need to be approved by voters in November. They include: $215 million for higher education to pay for new or upgraded facilities at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the Community College of Rhode Island A bond of unspecified size to pay for a new state archives and history museum supported by Secretary of State Gregg Amore $115 million for economic development to "expand maritime and defense infrastructure at Quonset, invest in the 195 District and life sciences, grow our ocean-tech industry" 'Keep Rhode Island building' When McKee took the stage, he also touted the "progress" made on his watch in multiple arenas, from job growth to a drop in school absences. Since the start of his administration, he said "over 36,000 private sector jobs have been added to our economy, with many more in the pipeline." He named, among others: Fidelity in Smithfield Regent in North Kingstown Amazon in Johnston Breeze Airways in Warwick Organogenesis in Smithfield Anduril in North Kingstown Blount Fine Foods in Warren Norpak in South Kingstown Flux Marine in Bristol He also listed taxpayer subsidized construction at multiple locations, including "projects like Centreville Bank Stadium; URIs Bay Campus; 150 Richmond and our new State Health Lab; the State Police Southern Barracks; DCYFs facility for girls in Exeter; new schools across our state; Rhode Island Air National Guards new headquarters; and major upgrades to the Port of Galilee and the Port of Davisville." "Keep Rhode Island building," McKee said. "That's one of the best ways to protect our economy from national downturns." Reactions Reactions ran the gamut from "disappointment" that McKee did not include mention of a millionaires tax in his speech to delight that he will propose a bond to build a new archive for Rhode Island's one-of-a-kind historical documents. House Minority leader Michael Chippendale did not comment on the specifics of what McKee said, but the "pain" the GOP believes Rhode Island leaders have imposed on Rhode Islanders since 2000, a period that includes former Republican Gov. Donald Carcieri. "For a lot of Rhode Islanders, the lived experience of the last 20 to 25 years doesnt feel like progress at all. It feels like running faster and harder just to stay in the same place. It feels like doing everything you can to get by and still falling behind," Chippendale said. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: McKee focuses on affordability, Trump cuts in State of the State speech MEDIA MATTERS, THE LEFT-LEANING WATCHDOG of right-wing media that has been a staple of blue Twitter for nearly two decades, will cease posting on the site starting tonighta direct result of their lengthy legal fight with the company now known as X and its owner, Elon Musk. Their reason for going dark, according to staff: changes to Xs terms of service, scheduled to go into effect at midnight tonight, that seem specifically designed to hurt Media Matters chances in their legal battleand highlight the lengths to which Musk will sometimes go to punish his critics. Some of the changes to Xs terms of service underscore Elon Musks ability and seeming willingness to change the rules of the platform to punish speech, said Angelo Carusone, chairman and president of Media Matters, in a statement on Wednesday evening. Theres little reason to believe similar tactics wouldnt be used again at crucial moments, like in the runup to elections. Having so much power to control the flow of information should concern everyone invested in democracy. Advertisement Advertisement The two companies have been fighting in court since 2023. That November, Media Matters published a report criticizing Musks anything-goes moderation policies and demonstrating that advertisers content was sometimes showing up next to hate speech and neo-Nazi posts. Xwhich was then suffering through a damaging exodus of advertisers due to exactly these concernsquickly filed what Musk described as a thermonuclear lawsuit accusing Media Matters of gaming Xs algorithm in a way that misrepresented the real user experience. Media Matters called the lawsuit frivolous, accused Musk of trying to weaponize the law to silence critics, and vowed to fight it out in court. Share Much of the recent court wrangling, however, hasnt concerned the merits of Musks accusation but a preliminary procedural matter: Which court or courts provide the proper venue for trying the case? X didnt file its lawsuit in San Francisco, where X was then based, or in Washington, D.C., home of Media Matters. Instead, it brought the case in the Northern District of Texasa frequent court-shopping destination for conservatives looking for legal advantagewhere it landed on the desk of Chief Judge Reed OConnor. In addition to a lengthy track record of pro-conservative rulings, OConnor has faced criticism for presiding over Musk-related lawsuits while personally owning Tesla stock. While OConnor recused himself from a different 2024 case brought by XMusks attempt to punish businesses for no longer buying ads on his platformhe declined to do so in the Media Matters case. The new X terms of service specifically require that all cases involving the company be filed in the Fort Worth division of the Northern District of Texas. There are just three judges assigned to that division, including OConnor. Because one is a senior-status judge with a reduced caseload, the odds of any case filed in that division being assigned to OConnor are greater than one in three. Advertisement Advertisement If you care about democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, come be a part of our growing communitysign up for Bulwark+ today: Media Matters has been fighting Musks maneuver to get the suit in front of OConnor. In response to Xs lawsuit, they argued that, by suing in Texas, X had violated its own terms of servicewhich stipulated at the time that all disputes involving X be brought solely in the federal or state courts located in San Francisco County and under California law. Media Matters made the same claim in a countersuit filed against X in California. (In October 2024, Musk belatedly updated Xs terms of service to require all future litigation involving the company to be brought in North Texas.) But a new change in Xs terms of service, announced last month and effective as of tomorrow, seems designed specifically to undercut Media Matters venue argument. Now, in addition to insisting that all new federal disputes be held in Judge OConnors district, X is also attempting to bind its users to an agreement that all pre-existing U.S. disputes be litigated there as well. Heres the relevant passage (emphasis added): The choice of law and forum selection provisions of this paragraph shall apply to pending and future disputes and shall apply to your dispute regardless of when the conduct relating to the dispute arose or occurred. Ongoing use of X requires ongoing assent to the companys terms of service. In Media Matters case, that would mean providing Musk with a weapon to deploy against them in court. As a result, when the new terms go into effect tonight, Media Matters will stop all publishing on the platform. Their accounts wont be deletedMedia Matters says it doesnt want to free up the handles for impersonators or trollsbut there will be no further engagement on the platform from the nonprofit or its employees, according to a person familiar with the groups thinking. Media Matters official account has nearly 415,000 followers on X; some of the organizations most well-known personalities, like senior fellow Matthew Gertz, have hundreds of thousands. Advertisement Advertisement Treat yourself: Join Bulwark+ for 2026 Unsavory terms of service agreements are hardly unique to X. Most users breeze through such agreements without taking in a word; courts, on the other hand, have typically treated them as binding legal contracts. And tech companies habitually take full advantage, slipping in all sorts of self-dealing legal goodies: venue stipulations, caps on damages they can be sued for, requirements to solve disputes through arbitration rather than lawsuits, bans on class-action suits, and so on. This has been going on for like twenty yearsnot with X in particular, but with data privacy in general, said Nancy Kim, a law professor and expert on contract law at Illinois Techs Chicago-Kent College of Law. Were just getting our rights slowly eroded, and these platforms are just increasingly getting more and more powerful, and theyre doing this through terms of service. But Xs conduct stands out for a few reasons. For one, theres the obviously personal nature of the proposed changes. The lawsuit against Media Matters is a personal hobbyhorse of Musks, who has repeatedly described the organization as pure evil, evil incarnate, evil to its core, a scam, and a radical left propaganda machine. Compared to the practices of other businesses, its significantly outside the norm for Muskespecially after having already made it harder for any future litigants to win in court against Xto further tinker with the terms of service to bolster his side in one particular set of ongoing lawsuits. Advertisement Advertisement Then theres the fact that Xfor better or worsestill functions, in many respects, as a digital public square. Discourse there still sets the table for much of the political conversation in the rest of the country. Media Matters decision to stop posting means X will lose a significant voice pushing back on the monsoon of fact-agnostic MAGA infotainment thats become ubiquitous on the platform. As Musks endless campaign against Media Matters continues to show, the openness of that discourse rests on the whims of one crabby, strung-out, impetuous billionaire, whose devotion to the ideals of free and open communication tends to shrivel up quickly when it comes into tension with his various political campaigns, ideological beliefs, or personal vendettas. If Musk is willing to repeatedly revise Xs terms of service just to make it easier to punish Media Matters, what else might he do to restrict what was once regarded as a national, or even global, public square? And to what extent are other users who remain on the platform1 enabling him to do soand exposing themselves, perhaps, to liability of their ownby continuing to use it? Leave a comment Share 1 Full disclosure: The author of this article is still on X. You should follow him. A 36-year-old McDonough man has been arrested after investigators say he tried to meet what he believed was a 14-year-old girl in Gwinnett County. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Gwinnett County police say the arrest came after an undercover investigation by its VICE Unit earlier this month. Investigators say the man had been communicating online with someone he believed was a teenage girl and sent explicit photos of himself while asking to meet in person. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 5, police say the man, identified as Jonathan Dismang, traveled from McDonough to a prearranged location in Norcross to meet the girl. Instead, he was met by officers and arrested. Dismang now faces several charges, including using a computer to solicit a child for illegal acts, attempting to commit a felony, and obscene internet contact with a child. He was booked into the Gwinnett County Jail and is being held without bond. GCPD says the investigation was part of an ongoing effort to protect children from online exploitation. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Milwaukee-area refugees passed their naturalization exams and were days away from swearing allegiance to the United States at an oath ceremony. It was the last step to becoming U.S. citizens. Then the news came: Their ceremonies were canceled. The reason? They were from Myanmar also known as Burma and President Donald Trump's administration has halted all legal immigration processing for everyone from Myanmar and 38 other countries. Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 14, he expanded the visa processing pause to 75 countries, saying he wanted to reassess the entry of "foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits." The policy leaves hundreds, perhaps thousands, of local immigrants and refugees in limbo. Citizenship interviews and oath ceremonies, as well as green card decisions and work permit renewals, have all been stalled for people already living in the U.S. legally. In the case of refugees, they already underwent years of vetting abroad before the U.S. government helped resettled them in Milwaukee. Officials who work for several Milwaukee agencies that provide citizenship classes and legal aid to immigrants and refugees said the policy has a domino effect. Advertisement Advertisement One provider, Caitlyn Lewis of the Community Center for Immigrants, said she knows of dozens of local refugees who have been wrongly fired from their jobs because the federal government hasn't yet renewed their work permits or issued them green cards, and companies don't understand that people with refugee status are allowed to work legally in the U.S. without those documents. Green cards, which look somewhat like driver's licenses, provide proof of legal permanent residency. Refugees actually have permanent resident status once they arrive, but they still have to apply for the green card itself. If they get the card, it's backdated to when they arrived; if getting it is held up, they can prove their legal status with other documents, but employers, schools and other agencies may not know that, Lewis said. "That's been the most upsetting thing for me to personally hear from our clients," Lewis said. "They're losing their jobs, they're having trouble feeding their families. They're having trouble getting new jobs. They're just feeling so desperate because they're so lost, and they don't know what they can do." Caitlyn Lewis, executive director of Community Center for Immigrants, leads a mock interview with one of her citizenship class students at the Burmese Rohingya Community of Wisconsin in Walkers Point on the morning of Jan. 14, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee has what's believed to be one of the largest U.S. populations of Rohingya refugees, an ethnic group from Myanmar that's faced genocide. Milwaukee is also home to immigrant communities from Laos, Sudan, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Russia, Thailand countries also named by Trump in the stoppage. Advertisement Advertisement Among Lewis' clients at the Community Center for Immigrants, about 500 refugee green card applications are on pause, and 60 to 70 citizenship interviews are stalled, she said. Lewis said she's reminded of the common talking point that people seeking to enter the U.S. "need to come here the right way." Refugees did come here the right way, she emphasized. "They've done all the things, they've checked all the boxes, they've been interviewed multiple times, they've been vetted multiple times," she said. "It's really disheartening and terrifying because they've worked so hard. They're so close." Approvals, ceremonies slow no matter the country of origin Legal services staff in Milwaukee said even if their clients are not from the list of countries that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services designated as high-risk, applications are being met with unusual, months-long delays. Advertisement Advertisement Lewis said two of her nine students whose December oath ceremonies were canceled without explanation are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country wasn't on the government's list until Wednesday's expansion. Its neighbor, the Republic of the Congo, is. Lewis wonders if their ceremonies initially were canceled because federal workers didn't know they are different countries. Roselia Navarro, manager of the New American Program at the immigrant advocacy organization Voces de la Frontera, offered another example. About six adults originally from Mexico, which is not on the list, who passed the citizenship interview and exam have been waiting upwards of three months for their oath ceremonies to be scheduled, she said. That's atypically long. Navarro doesn't know why dates haven't been assigned. But she has noticed that in recent months, the number of her students receiving dates for an oath ceremony has slowed to a trickle. Advertisement Advertisement "It's sad. I've seen these people work really hard and study and go to their classes weekly," she said. "Now they're being held back and we don't even know why." Navarro also has noticed that letters her students receive after their citizenship interviews read, "A decision will be determined," instead of, "Congratulations, you passed." "We're just trying to stay very positive in our classes," she said. Refugees a continued Trump target The Trump administration argues President Joe Biden's administration not only let too many people cross the southern border into the U.S., but also that the federal refugee resettlement program lacked proper vetting under Biden. Advertisement Advertisement But people caught in the current jam often far predate anything done by Biden. Under the decades-old resettlement system, people who flee their homeland and settle in a second country can apply for refugee status with the United Nations. Most wait years in that second country, undergoing rigorous background checks and health scans. Just a fraction are chosen to resettle in the U.S., where they are eligible for green cards and, eventually, citizenship. "Many of these people were in the refugee process before even Trump was president the first time. Many have been in this process for decades," Lewis said. "Refugees are one of the most vetted immigrant groups here in the United States." The Trump administration in January 2025 stopped nearly all refugee resettlement "to safeguard U.S. citizens from aliens who may seek to commit terrorist acts, pose threats to national security, promote hateful ideologies, or exploit immigration laws for malicious purposes," according to an administration memo. It later opened resettlement to white South Africans, a decision considered inconsistent at best. Advertisement Advertisement It now has stopped making decisions on immigration cases from countries it said "demonstrate significant deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information sharing." "It is paramount that the United States Government ensure aliens in the United States do not intend to threaten its citizens or undermine or destabilize its culture, government, institutions, or founding principles," a Jan. 1, 2026, memo said. Providers urge patience, perspective Jim Dressner oversees the International Community Center, which offers citizenship and English classes, and is connected to Milwaukee's Eastbrook Church. He's noticed a handful of issues among his students, including an Algerian woman who passed her citizenship interview but was told a decision couldn't be made in her case, and a Burmese man who's heard no updates for months on his work permit. The delays are unusual for Dressner, who, in his experience, has only ever seen one major delay before now. Although he's noticed his students are stressed, he takes a big-picture perspective on the current pause. Advertisement Advertisement "Particularly with refugees, going through these situations is not the hardest thing they've ever done. They've been through a lot, and they've been at the mercy of UNHCR bureaucracy over the years," Dressner said, referring to the UN refugee agency. The International Institute of Wisconsin is a Milwaukee social services agency that used to resettle refugees until the Trump administration all but stopped the program. Its legal services department primarily handles cases for U.S. citizens or permanent residents seeking legal status for family members, such as spouses. Those family-based petitions actually have seen faster turnaround times recently, said Abby Cole, the agency's legal services director. But she also has seen longer wait times for other cases, and two cancellations, one for a green card interview and another for a citizenship interview. Both clients are from Myanmar. Advertisement Advertisement "Clients are understandably frustrated, however, they understand that they need to be patient," Cole said. "They have been prepared to wait through these long processing times." Cole and other legal service providers said they are continuing to encourage people to submit their paperwork to the federal government, because the pause applies only to decisions. Caitlyn Lewis, executive director of Community Center for Immigrants, gives study materials to one of her citizenship class students at the Burmese Rohingya Community of Wisconsin in Walkers Point on the morning of Jan. 14, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. According to the CCI, about 85% of their students have been affected by the immigration processing pause. Legal immigration in crosshairs Because of ethnic persecution in Myanmar, many Burmese refugees are stateless, not recognized as citizens by the Burmese government or by the countries they lived in after fleeing, such as Malaysia and Thailand. In the U.S., they had their first shot at becoming a citizen of a country. "They are so hardworking, they're dedicated. They're so appreciative of being here in the United States. They bring so much to Wisconsin," Lewis said of Burmese refugees. About 200 immigrants recently sued Trump in federal court out of Massachusetts over the processing halt, arguing it's illegal. A decision in lawsuit could affect local immigrants' cases. Looming is the promise from the Trump administration that it will start reevaluating the cases of refugees resettled under Biden's presidency. The logistics of such an effort remain unclear. As it carries out its immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, the Department of Homeland Security said it is reviewing cases of refugees for alleged fraud. All of this is part of the Trump administration's broader crackdown on legal immigration. It has cut off pathways to gain legal status in the U.S. and revoked the legal status of people already in the U.S. It has tried to end Temporary Protected Status for immigrants from a number of countries, paused all asylum decisions and revamped the skilled worker visa program, among other moves. Sophie Carson is a general assignment reporter who reports on religion and faith, immigrants and refugees and more. Contact her at scarson@gannett.com or 920-323-5758. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Trump processing pause stalls Milwaukee refugee citizenship applicants Sit of Hudbay Minerals Inc.'s Rosemont project, later renamed Copper World south of Tucson. The project that was the subject of a court ruling that reinterpreted the General Mining Law of 1872. (Photo by David Abbott/Arizona Mirror) Nevada lawmakers are once again taking the lead in a bipartisan effort to reverse a court ruling adopting a stricter interpretation of a 150-year-old federal mining law. Mining developers in the West have grappled with the aftermath of a 2022 Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that essentially restricted mining companies from dumping waste on federal lands where they did not have a valid mineral claim a practice that had gone on unimpeded for decades. Advertisement Advertisement While federal mining law allows companies to mine on federal land if they have a valid mining claim, the federal court decision ruled that companies are not guaranteed the right to use adjacent federal land without valuable minerals for related mining purposes such as waste rock disposal or running power lines. The Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2025 introduced by Republican Rep. Mark Amodei passed the Republican-led House of Representatives with a 219 to 197 vote during the lame-duck session in December. While the legislation passed mostly along party-lines, the bill picked up nine Democrats, including Nevadas Rep. Steven Horsford, a cosponsor of the bill. Only one Republican voted against the bill, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. Nevadas other Democratic Representatives, Susie Lee and Dina Titus, have raised concerns with the bills broad language, and voted against its passage last month. Advertisement Advertisement Western legislators have largely led the effort to reverse the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals Rosemont decision which found that the federal government erred when it approved the Rosemont Copper Companys plan to dump mining waste on U.S. Forest Service land in Arizona where the company could not prove they had a valid mineral claim. The Mining Regulatory Clarity Act restores decades of established precedent, repairs a permitting process undermined by the Rosemont decision, and gives domestic mining operations the certainty they need to compete aggressively and win, said Amodei in a statement on its passage. The bill would essentially reverse the ruling by removing a provision in the General Mining Act of 1872 that mining companies must show a mineral deposit is present before building roads and other support facilities at a potential mining site. The bill would also create an abandoned hard rock mine fund to support reclamation programs. Streamlining the hardrock mining process will create good jobs and strengthen our energy sector. At the same time, this legislation delivers more resources for the Silver State to clean up past mining-related contaminants in our environment, Horsford said in a statement on its passage. Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Amodei introduced a similar bill which also passed the Republican-controlled House and was included in a larger mining reform package in the Senate. But that package, shepherded by former independent U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, fell apart during the lame duck session despite a strong bipartisan desire to implement permitting reform. Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto is sponsoring a companion bill in the Senate, which passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in April of 2025. Cortez Mastos office said the states senior senator will continue exploring all avenues to move it forward in the Senate. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Republican Rep. Bruce Westerman said the ramifications of the Ninth Circuits decision are substantial, and urged the bills passage. Although the Rosemont decision involved Forest Service lands, it has prompted multiple lawsuits targeting projects on BLM lands based on similar regulations, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement During debate on the House floor, California Rep. Jared Huffman questioned the notion that the Rosemount decision created significant roadblocks for the mining industry, adding he has found no evidence that any mines are currently being held up because of the Rosemont decision anywhere in America. You know what happened to the Rosemont mine after that court decision came down? The next day, the company paid for private lands for its waste disposal. Zero problem. The mine wasnt stopped. Its just the industry would prefer to use the public lands, your lands, and to be able to dump for free, Huffman said on the House floor. Huffman said several Democrats have offered several amendments to Republican leadership that would improve the bill and prevent foreign mining companies from abusing the General Mining Act of 1872. Lee, who represents Nevadas third district, said she supports a Rosemont fix but that the bill required more clarity to get it through the Senate and to the Presidents desk. Advertisement Advertisement While I appreciate the significant improvements made to this legislation, further tightening some of the language in the bill will be essential to preventing potential abuse and misuse, Lee said. Lee proposed an amendment that would limit impacts to lands that are actually necessary for mining operations and clarify that the federal government has the authority to regulate mining on all of the public lands in its care, but that amendment was rejected. If my amendment had been included, I would have voted in support of the legislation, Lee said. On the House floor, Democrats also argued Amodeis bill would only benefit the mining industry by making it easier for companies to develop sites without documented mineral deposits. Huffman said the bill would give too much power to and provide too little accountability for mining companies that already work in a favorable regulatory environment. The Education Ministry considers a new policy requiring portraits of government officials in classrooms, sparking debate amid rising political tensions. The Education Ministry is considering a mandatory display of the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu's, photo in every classroom, according to a report by Israel Hayom on Tuesday. Currently, the existing guidelines, outlined in the Director General's circulars, state that the Israeli flag is the only national symbol that must be displayed in the main building of all recognized educational institutions. Advertisement Advertisement However, the Ministry is contemplating the establishment of a unified policy regarding the display of state symbols in schools, which could mandate the presence of portraits of government officials, such as the Prime Minister, the President, and the Opposition Leader, in classrooms. The proposal for mandatory portraits has sparked debate among both educators and students, particularly in light of the current political climate, which is expected to intensify as elections approach. Reports from Israel Hayom indicate that videos have surfaced showing educators removing Prime Minister Netanyahus photo from classrooms, with some students taking part in those acts. Opposition head MK Yair Lapid leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, May 26, 2025 (credit: NOAM REVKIN FENTON/FLASH90) Other protested images of Israeli leadership In other instances, there have also been objections to displaying images of Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, and others still have called for the removal of photos of the IDF Chief of Staff, especially following the events of October 7, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement In a related initiative, the Branco Weiss network of high schools has announced that the Declaration of Independence - signed at the founding of the state - will now be required to be displayed in every classroom across its schools, according to Israel Hayom. Aviv Kinan, the CEO of Branco Weiss, informed staff: This month, we sent your schools posters of the Declaration of Independence (one for each classroom) so that it can be displayed in every room, reminding students of our shared social foundation. He added, Especially during times of division, tense dialogue, and waning trust, the Declaration of Independence serves as a reminder of our shared values as a state, society, and people. This founding document, upon which the state was built, should be displayed in every classroom, and all students should be familiar with its contents. In response to these developments, the office of Education Minister Yoav Kish stated, This report is designed to cause division. The Education Ministry is exploring the development of a unified policy regarding the display of state and government symbols in educational institutions. Any other interpretation is incorrect and misleading. (FOX40.com) A 76-year-old hiker reported missing in the Nevada County wilderness was rescued on Sunday. Officials with the Nevada County Sheriffs Search & Rescue team said 32 of its members, with assistance from several deputies, began searching around 7:30 p.m. Sunday for the hiker in the Powerhouse Road area several miles northeast of Nevada City. After a nearly five-hour search in icy conditions, the hiker was located just before midnight by search-and-rescue personnel operating a drone with thermal imaging. Advertisement Advertisement Sheriffs deputies said multiple resources were deployed, including K-9 teams, utility terrain vehicles, Jeeps, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter. 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. NEED TO KNOW A mom of three from Conway, Arkansas, died after suffering a brain aneurysm while driving and subsequently crashing into oncoming traffic Tylene Wright was mom to two daughters, aged 22 and 16, and also had a 19-year-old son called Xavier Xavier created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for living expenses for himself and his sisters after the loss of their mom, and on the page, he described her as "a truly caring and beautiful soul" A mom of three from Conway, Arkansas, has died after suffering a brain aneurysm while driving in December. On Monday, Dec. 29, Tylena Wright lost consciousness while driving and "moving into oncoming traffic," according to KARK.com and a GoFundMe page created by her son, Xavier Wright, 19. Advertisement Advertisement The neurologist told us later on that day, that theres really nothing we can do about it, Xavier told KARK.com in an interview, published Jan. 12. Theres too much brain bleeding. And after that, the next day, we had to pull the plug on her. As well as Xavier, Wright was also mother to a 22-year-old daughter, who hasnt been named, and her 16-year-old daughter Aariah, KARK.com reported. Xavier described his mother in his GoFundMe tribute as a truly caring and beautiful soul, always smiling and bringing joy to everyone around her." He continued, "To us, she was more than a mother she was our best friend and the heart of our family. Advertisement Advertisement Xavier went on to say that following their mom's death, he and his siblings had been trying to keep our normal day-to-day schedule. Still try to stay normal at the same time. GoFundMe Tylena Wright Tylena Wright Its been hard, he told the outlet. Xavier and his sisters also expressed their desire to remain in the home where they lived with their mother. PEOPLE has contacted Xavier for comment and a tribute, but did not immediately receive a response. GoFundMe Tylena Wright and her kids Tylena Wright and her kids Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. I would love to stay here as long as I can. So, you can just feel like shes here with you. Whenever shes not, Aariah told KARK.com. Advertisement Advertisement Xavier, who is currently in college, also expressed his pressures of wanting to take care of his sisters. I know Ive got to find a way to keep focused and keep doing what I was doing when she was here, he said. The siblings' GoFundMe page has so far raised $18,705 out of a $22,000 goal. Now that shes gone, my sisters and I are facing a difficult road ahead, Xavier wrote in the description. We are determined to stay in our home and continue our college education, but without her support, its a real struggle. He added, The financial burden of living expenses and maintaining stability has become overwhelming, and we are reaching out for help during this incredibly hard time. Read the original article on People (Editor's note: This story has been updated to add new information.) As the Walk for Peace continues, the group of Buddhist monks is closing in on North Carolina and the Charlotte area. As of Jan. 13, the procession of 19 monks and their support crew was anticipated to arrive in Charlotte on Jan. 14. Heres what we know: The trek The Walk for Peace started in Fort Worth, Texas, in October. It is expected to conclude on Feb. 10 in Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement The journey is being charted online and on the Walk for Peace Facebook page. Unexpected injury The monks have been accompanied by their rescue dog, Aloka. The dog sustained a leg injury and had surgery in South Carolina on Jan. 12. The monks explained in a TikTok video that the injury dates back to Aloka's time as a stray in India. Aloka will be able to walk for up to 10 minutes at a time, a maximum of six times per day for the first week after his surgery, according to information posted on social media. Arrival in Charlotte The first stop will be at Marion Diehl Recreation Center and Pool at 2219 Tyvola Road, Charlotte. Advertisement Advertisement Visiting hours will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Photos and videos of the journey show well wishers waving, holding signs and bringing gifts. Buddhist monks wave at bystanders during day 71 of the Walk for Peace on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in Lexington, Ga. Traveling through North Carolina North Carolina stops also include: First Baptist Church-West, 1801 Oaklawn Ave., Charlotte 265 Willow Creek Drive, Salisbury 2021 Bishop Road, Greensboro 331 Silk Hope Road, Siler City Paul Derr Track Facility, 2495 Cates Ave., Raleigh 3591 NC-58, Centerville Sharing gifts, prayer The monks have shared prayers, meals, hugs, flowers and bracelets that symbolize good fortune and peace. This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: When will Buddhist monks arrive in Charlotte, North Carolina? Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) talks about the challneges of the 2026 legislative session during an interview in his office on Monday. (Photo by Christine Condon/ Maryland Matters) The 2026 General Assembly session was supposed to be a quiet one, after a 2025 session when lawmakers closed a $3.3 billion budget gap with a combination of one-time fund transfers, program cuts and $1.6 billion in tax increases. Instead, Gov. Wes Moore (D) enters the legislative session that starts Wednesday the last session of his first term facing a number of challenges before his reelection campaign begins in earnest. Advertisement Advertisement Theres a projected $1.5 billion budget deficit, the likely loss of federal jobs and federal funding as a result of Trump administration policies, tepid relations with lawmakers, a potential showdown over redistricting and ongoing threats to funding to replace the Francis Scott Key Bridge. But in the days leading up to the session, Moore has methodically rolled out his legislative priorities in a series of press conferences, on housing, education, crime prevention, economic development, health care and more. When asked in a a wide-ranging interview Monday what signature initiative was a must-have for the last session of the term, the governor would only say there is a lot that needs to be accomplished. And I know thats why Im asking for a second term. Theres more work to be done, he said. I think the people of this state will know that Ive kept my promises. That when I said that were going to focus on creating pathways to work, wages and wealth, that weve been able to get more people into the workforce. That weve been able to quadruple the amount of people in apprenticeship and trade platforms, he said. We signed the largest mass pardon in the history of the United States of America to get more people employed. We went from 43rd in the country in unemployment to, at one point, literally having the lowest unemployment rate in the entire country. Advertisement Advertisement Despite that, he enters his fourth legislative session with slowly declining public approval. Moore, the first Black man elected governor in Maryland and just the third nationally, entered office with approval ratings at or above 60%. Since 2024, those numbers have declined in polls by organizations including the Institute of Politics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the Annapolis-based Gonzales Poll. In a Gonzales poll released Tuesday, Moores overall approval rating was about 52%, but the gap between his approval and disapproval numbers is now 11 points, down from a robust 35 points earlier. Im not a person who spends my time looking at poll numbers, Moore said Tuesday. I really like to spend time on things that actually matter to the people of our state, making sure we can make our state safer, making sure we can continue the historic drops in violent crime thats what I focus my time on. Inside the State House, Moore faces potentially cooler relations with lawmakers of his own party. Advertisement Advertisement During a December special session, the Democratic super-majority legislature overrode more than a dozen bills vetoed by Moore including a bill to create a commission on reparations. Around the same time, he angered many lawmakers in his party by announcing a campaign slate that could back primary challengers for those not seen as supportive enough of the governors agenda. One item likely to test State House relations is the proposal to redraw the states congressional districts, to counter Republican states that have redistricted to gain partisan advantage in hopes of retaining control of Congress in 2026. Moore and House leaders support the move, but the Senate appears dead-set against it. Moore in November created a five-member advisory commission to study the current state maps for fairness though he has never defined the term and make a recommendation. The panel meets Friday and could potentially recommend a map to the legislature. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) speaks in his office in advance of the 2026 legislative session. (Photo by Christine Condon/ Maryland Matters) Moore said any legislation will come from the General Assembly, not from his office. Advertisement Advertisement This is not an administration bill, he said Monday. Ive been clear about where my priorities are, but Ive also been clear that its never the wrong time to fight for democracy. Once the commission makes the recommendations, theyll send it to the Maryland General Assembly and then itll be in the hands of lawmakers, he said. That fight could pale, however, in the face of the newest budget deficit. Moore and legislature leaders appear to agree that no additional taxes are likely this year. Moore promised his upcoming budget will include a general fund proposal that is lower than the one in the current year budget. Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Moore proposed a total budget of $63.7 billion a 1% increase over the previous year, but that included a $27 billion general fund budget that was 1% smaller. I think that there are certain themes that people will be able to see from from this budget. One is, this is going to be the fourth budget in a row that Ive introduced thats not just a balanced budget, but that we are going to decrease the size of the general fund, he said. Moore did not elaborate on the size of the decrease, but another 1% reduction in the general fund would be a cut of about $270 million, or less than one-fifth of the projected fiscal 2027 deficit. The governor said that while last years budget reflected some of the greatest fears we had from the Trump-Vance administration, this years budget will reflect the greatest realities of federal policy under President Donald Trump (R). Among those, the loss of 25,000 federal jobs in the state between January and November. Advertisement Advertisement Were 25,000 a year in, OK? Were a year in and I think that this is an administration that has shown they do not have respect for federal workers, Moore said. They dont have respect for government. Their idea of fixing government is setting it on fire. And Moore said he expects more hits to come this year from an administration that telegraphs their punches. They have been telegraphing their punches from Inauguration Day, and theyve been telegraphing the fact that that this assault on Maryland, this assault on our most vulnerable, this assault on our communities of color they have been very clear about what theyre going to do, and they have given no indication that they are done, Moore said. In fact, the only indication weve gotten is that theyre just getting started. The state is also expecting federal funding to replace the Francis Scott Key Bridge. But costs have grown from a rough estimate of $1.7 billion in the days immediately following the collapse to about $5.2 billion today. Advertisement Advertisement U.S Transportation Department Secretary Sean Duffy has been critical of aspects of the project, raising concerns among some that the federal goverment will not come through with the 100% replacement costs approved by Congress under President Joseph Biden. Moore, who is scheduled to meet Thursday with Duffy, dismisses that threat. This is the fastest moving large project in the country, Moore said, adding he was willing to work with the president and the federal government to move the project forward. This is Americas bridge when you think about its importance to the Port of Baltimore and its importance to commerce as a whole, he said. And so Im looking forward to sitting down with the secretary to continue not just to make our case, but continue to show him, or just remind him, why Congress already had full faith in the work that were doing. The governor sidestepped questions about a contingency plan, should federal funding falter, saying he would continue to work with federal lawmakers if necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Im just grateful that Congress provided the authorization, and were continuing to look forward to working with Congress to ensure that that stays stable, Moore said. Maryland Matters Reporter William J. Ford contributed to this story. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Morocco has cemented its position as Africas most visited destination for the second consecutive year. The country welcomed approximately 19.8 million international tourists in 2025, according to official tourism authority data reported by Business Insider Africa. The figure represents a 14 percent increase from the previous year, narrowly edging out Egypt, which recorded roughly 19 million visitors despite posting a sharper 21 percent year-on-year growth. Both North African nations have shattered their own records, underlining a robust post-pandemic recovery that positions them as pillars of the continents tourism economy. The numbers confirm what industry observers have noted since 2024: Morocco maintains a lead in absolute arrivals, while Egypts percentage gains reflect a steeper rebound from earlier challenges. Moroccos Strategic Expansion Fuels Visitor Growth Moroccos sustained performance stems from deliberate infrastructure investments and connectivity enhancements that have transformed its accessibility. The kingdom has rolled out expanded air routes connecting secondary cities to European and Gulf markets, with both low-cost carriers and legacy airlines increasing capacity to meet demand. Advertisement Advertisement Event-driven travel has played a notable role, particularly the hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations, which drew international attention and visitors. However, the countrys strategy extends beyond marquee events. Continued investment in urban tourism centers, coastal resort development, and desert destinations form part of a comprehensive approach to position tourism as a cornerstone of economic growth ahead of major international gatherings planned for later this decade. Egypts Sharp Rebound Signals Recovery Momentum Egypts 21 percent surge in tourist arrivals marks a recovery from a challenging period shaped by currency instability, regional security concerns, and the indirect impact of the Gaza conflict on traveler sentiment. The 2025 figures demonstrate renewed confidence in the destination, driven by enhanced flight connectivity, the unveiling of major cultural attractions, and sustained demand for Red Sea resort experiences. The countrys appeal as a sun-and-culture destination remains formidable, drawing visitors to ancient monuments and coastal getaways alike. While starting from a lower base than Morocco, Egypts percentage growth rate suggests momentum that could reshape the competitive landscape between the two nations in the coming years. Methodological Considerations Shape Regional Rankings Direct comparisons between Morocco and Egypt carry certain complexities that merit consideration. Per HESPRESS, the UN World Tourism Organization notes that differing methodologies in counting visitors, including variations in how cruise passengers and short-stay travelers are classified, can affect rankings. Advertisement Advertisement Egypts gradual release of tourism data during its post-pandemic recovery in 2024 also complicated year-over-year comparisons. Despite these technical distinctions, the broader narrative remains clear: both countries achieved record-breaking performance in 2025, reinforcing their status as Africas tourism powerhouses. The post Morocco And Egypt Smash Records As Africas Top Tourist Destinations appeared first on Travel Noire. Representatives with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were in Roxbury on Jan. 14, apparently scouting a Route 46 warehouse as a possible migrant deportation facility, local officials in the Morris County town said that day. The visit came the morning after Roxbury's council passed a resolution opposing the rumored siting of an ICE processing center in town. "Early this morning, we became aware of a potential ICE site visit in Roxbury Township," township officials said in a statement. "Once our township manager confirmed ICE was at the location, he contacted our elected officials and police chief to coordinate an immediate meeting." Advertisement Advertisement A delegation of Township Manager J.J. Murphy, Police Chief Matthew Holland and elected officials then met with ICE representatives and the owner of the building, according to the statement. During that meeting, Roxbury officials said, "We outlined our concerns, including the size of our police department, the fact that we have a volunteer fire department, the limitations on the water and sewer capacity, the significant traffic concerns at that location, and the overall safety and well-being of our community." The property at 1879 Route 46, a 474,000-square-foot warehouse known as the Roxbury Logistics Center, is owned by the Dalfen Industrial Group, according to an online listing that says it has "all space available." An email sent there for comment was not immediately returned. Leasing agents for the property also did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Is ICE coming to Roxbury? Roxbury has become an epicenter of protest in Morris County following a Christmas Eve report in the Washington Post about federal Department of Homeland Security plans to build a nationwide network of immigrant detention and processing centers. The Trump administration wants to accelerate its removal of undocumented immigrants, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Roxbury was among the locations, listed as a proposed processing site potentially with 500 to 1,500 beds. More: ICE raid in Morristown leads to multiple arrests. Here's what we know Spurred by that report, protesters packed a routine Roxbury council meeting on Dec. 30 to object to the idea. About 150 people then rallied on Jan. 4 along a Roxbury highway to express their opposition. More protesters attended the council meeting on Jan. 13, when Roxbury officials voted unanimously to state their opposition to an ICE facility in town. "While the site selection is still months away, we made the ICE contacts aware that we want them to be transparent with information moving forward," the officials' Jan. 14 statement adds. Advertisement Advertisement Adam McGovern of the Morristown-based immigrant advocacy group Wind of the Spirit said he witnessed the meeting between ICE and Roxbury officials at the site. "A frightening sight, as I watched black vans going in and out of the building," he said in a text. "We need every possible protection we can get for our immigrant neighbors and the rest of us who care about them and are at risk to our own safety." The Roxbury Township Council approved a resolution opposing a reported ICE facility on Jan. 13, 2026. The Roxbury resolution passed on Jan. 13 "unequivocally opposes" the conversion of existing industrial warehouses within the municipality for the creation of an ICE processing facility or "any other facility that disregards the township's land use and regulatory ordinances" and places "unanticipated burdens" on the town's resources, infrastructure and services. Town officials maintained that they have not been "informed, approached, inquired, or solicited" by the federal government regarding such a facility, according to the resolution. Advertisement Advertisement "I am not voting against any of our country's laws, including our immigration laws," Roxbury Mayor Shawn Potillo said ahead of the vote. "It is my job to protect the residents in Roxbury and that's what I am doing here," the mayor later added. State Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco, who is also the Roxbury municipal attorney, said during the meeting that it was his understanding that that type of facility is not authorized in the township. But, he cautioned that the federal government has "immunity from a lot of the laws and regulations of smaller agencies, especially a municipality. So, it would be very difficult if the federal government came in and tried to locate in one of the existing warehouses." Messages left for ICE and Homeland Security in recent weeks have not been returned. Staff Writer Amanda Wallace contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Roxbury NJ confirms ICE scouted warehouse for migrant processing EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 35-year-old woman was held without bond on Wednesday, Jan. 14, after she was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of her 11-month-old son near Silver City, according to the Sixth Judicial District Attorneys Office. Grant County Sheriffs Officials reported that Madeline Daly, 35, brought her 11-month-old son into New Mexico from Wyoming, violating a court order that had granted emergency custody to the childs father. On Dec. 23, deputies responded to a rural property along Highway 14 just outside Silver City, after receiving a tip that Daly was wanted in Wyoming on kidnapping charges, according to the Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement Sheriffs deputies were able to find Daly at a rented bunkhouse and later saw her attempting to flee toward a motorized RV with the child. Deputies were able to surround the RV while working to get a search warrant, and during this time, a gunshot was heard, according to the Attorneys Office. Deputies rushed into the RV and discovered Daly had fatally shot her son with a 9 mm handgun, the Attorneys Office said. After a brief struggle, Daly was taken into custody, and deputies attempted to save the child by rushing him to an awaiting ambulance. New Mexico State Police crime scene investigators secured the area. Advertisement Advertisement The entire incident was assisted by the Hurley Police Department, Forest Service law enforcement officers, a Native Air helicopter, and emergency medical services. 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. NEED TO KNOW Three wolf-like canines were found wandering around in the woods of Lancashire, England, on the day before Halloween At first, police shared in an update that the animals were "not thought to be wolves," quipping, "there was no full moon" However, an exotic animal charity solved the mystery two months later by sharing the results of the animals' DNA tests An exotic animal charity has discovered the true identity of three wolf-like canines found in the woods of Lancashire, England, the day before Halloween. On Oct. 30, Preston Police shared in a social media post that three wolf-like animals were seen wandering near Station Lane around 4:15 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement "Officers, including our specially trained dog handlers, attended, and the three animals have been secured and taken to a safe location," authorities wrote on Facebook at the time. "Enquiries into what type of animal they are are ongoing, and once those enquiries have been conducted, they will be handed over to the relevant authorities." The following day, on Halloween, Preston officials shared an update that the three canines were "not thought to be wolves." "We should've known there was no full moon," police quipped in the post alongside a photo of two of the canines. "We've now firmly handed care of them over to the council. The members of the public who reported this did so in good faith, and we want to thank them for getting in touch." After their capture, the animals were allegedly transported to kennels, where they were to be euthanized if no one came for them in 8 days. Wolves of Wiltshire a small exotic animal charity based in Wiltshire stepped in to help with the rehabilitation of the wolf-like dogs with help from 8 Below Husky Rescue. Advertisement Advertisement "While they still require significant care and attention, their progress is encouraging," the organization shared in a Dec. 5 Facebook post. "Wolf dog behavior differs from that of typical domestic dogs, and the higher the wolf content, the greater the level of care required. The puppies arrived this morning and immediately engaged in play with each other, displaying a sense of relaxation in their new home." The rescue dedicated the following weeks to helping the canines settle in, giving the new arrivals time to bond with the organization's wolfdogs. Eventually, Wolves of Wiltshire decided to have DNA tests run on the canines found in the park to determine whether they were wolves or dogs. Although Preston City Council initially identified the canines as German shepherd-type dogs, the DNA tests show that the animals are nearly 50 percent grey wolf and just over 50 percent Czechoslovakian Vlcak, a breed of wolfdog. "Due to the very poor start in life these three pups have had, they are currently fearful and reluctant to trust humans," the rescue shared of the animals, which the nonprofit has confirmed are wolfdog hybrids. "Right now, their instinct is not to seek comfort it is to look for escape routes." 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. Wolves of Wiltshire stated that it would keep the wolf-hybrids in a secure, kennel-based environment with the companionship of another stable dog until they can build more confidence and emotional security. Advertisement Advertisement "Placing them in a home right now, even a loving one, would not be responsible," they continued on Facebook. "Fearful wolf-hybrids are at high risk of escape, and an escape can sadly lead to injury or death through traffic, fear, or misunderstanding. That is not a risk we are willing to take." Read the original article on People The Belfast businessman Frank Cushnahan has decided not to give evidence in his defence at his fraud trial. Cushnahan, 84, from Alexandra Gate, Holywood, County Down, has been on trial since September in relation to his role as an adviser to the National Asset Management Agency, known as Nama. He denies a charge of fraud by failure to disclose information. At the start of proceedings on Tuesday, his barrister Frank O'Donoghue KC told the court that the defence would not be calling any evidence. Advertisement Advertisement The judge Madam Justice McBride asked the barrister: "Have you advised your client that the stage has now been reached at which he may give evidence and if he chooses not to do so the jury may draw such inferences as appear proper from the failure to do so?" The barrister confirmed he had done so. The prosecution concluded its evidence last week and the trial has now moved into its final stages. What is Frank Cushnahan accused of? Cushnahan has been a prominent businessman in Northern Ireland over many decades, working in both the private and public sector. The trial dates back to 2013 when he was an advisor to Nama, and there was the potential sale of its Northern Ireland loan book after the financial crash. Advertisement Advertisement Cushnahan served as an adviser to Nama for three years. It is alleged that between April and November 2013, he was providing assistance to an American firm called Pimco but did not tell Nama, even though, the prosecution say, he was under a legal duty to do so. At the time, Pimco was interested in buying the Northern Ireland loan book from Nama. In the end, it was sold to another firm, Cerberus, in a deal worth more than 1bn. It is alleged that by failing to disclose information to Nama, Cushnahan was in a position to make a gain for himself or someone else. The trial at Belfast Crown Court is being held before a 12-member jury of nine men and three women. What is Nama? Nama was set up by the Irish government to deal with toxic property loans after Ireland's banking crisis in 2008 [BBC] Nama is the Republic of Ireland's "bad bank", set up to deal with toxic loans after the 2008 property crash. Advertisement Advertisement The agency was established by the Irish government in 2009. It was responsible for recovering the value of problematic loans made by other Irish banks during the Celtic Tiger period. Nama bought these loans (land and property and associated loans) at a discount and sold them to the highest bidder - developers and investment firms. Nama had previously paid about 1.1bn to Irish banks for the Northern Ireland loans, that were worth about 4bn. The Northern Ireland loan book was packaged into one portfolio, to be sold in one lump. That portfolio was called Project Eagle. Four astronauts left the International Space Station on Wednesday evening, weeks earlier than planned, in a first-of-its-kind departure due to a medical issue. Their journey back to Earth is expected to culminate early Thursday with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov are returning in the same SpaceX Dragon capsule that they flew to the space station. The group, known as Crew-11, undocked from the orbiting outpost at 5:20 p.m. ET and will spend nearly 11 hours traveling home. Endeavour Crew, enjoy the ride home, SpaceX mission controllers radioed to the astronauts, referring to the operational name of the Dragon capsule. Advertisement Advertisement The crews departure was the first time in the space stations 25-year history that a mission was cut short because of a medical problem that arose in orbit. NASA officials have not provided details about the affected crew member or the nature of the medical issue, citing medical privacy concerns. The agency has, however, said the situation is stable and not considered an emergency evacuation. First and foremost, we are all OK, Fincke wrote on LinkedIn over the weekend. Everyone on board is stable, safe, and well cared for. This was a deliberate decision to allow the right medical evaluations to happen on the ground, where the full range of diagnostic capability exists. Its the right call, even if its a bit bittersweet. The astronauts spent time Tuesday packing cargo into their Dragon capsule and preparing the spacecraft for departure, according to NASA. They also reviewed undocking and landing procedures, though SpaceXs Dragon is designed to fly to and from the space station autonomously. The Crew-11 astronauts are expected to splash down off the coast of California at about 3:41 a.m. ET on Thursday. The journey will include a deorbit burn to slow the spacecraft before it plunges through Earths atmosphere and lands with parachutes in the water. Advertisement Advertisement Cardman, Fincke, Yui and Platonov arrived at the International Space Station in August and were slated to stay until late February. But NASA revealed last week that a crew member had experienced a medical incident while at the orbiting outpost, prompting the agency to call off a spacewalk in which Cardman and Fincke were to perform upgrades to the exterior of the station. Days later, agency officials announced that they would bring the crew home about a month early as a precautionary measure. After discussions with chief health and medical officer Dr. JD Polk and leadership across the agency, Ive come to the decision that its in the best interest of our astronauts to return Crew-11 ahead of their planned departure, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said Thursday. The astronauts are scheduled to land back on Earth before the next space station crew arrives in orbit, though NASA flight engineer Chris Williams and two Russian cosmonauts will remain onboard. NASA officials said they are evaluating options to move up the next launch, a mission known as Crew-12, which is scheduled to lift off no earlier than Feb. 15. But Williams will likely be the only NASA astronaut overseeing U.S. science experiments and operations on the station for several weeks. In a predeparture change of command ceremony Monday, Fincke passed his leadership of the space station to cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov. Advertisement Advertisement Sergey, its a honor and a pleasure to be a commander, and I cannot imagine being happier than to hand over command to you, Fincke said. He called his crews unexpectedly early departure interesting times, but spoke fondly about his stay in orbit. Were from all over the planet, and were working together, Fincke said. Its a great symbol of what human beings can do. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com On December 6, NASAs MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) spacecraft, which has been studying the Red Planets upper atmosphere for over a decade, mysteriously went offline. The spacecraft was expected to send telemetry back to Earth, signals that were never picked up by NASAs Deep Space Network, a global system of massive radio antennas making up an interplanetary communications network. Less than a week later, NASA issued a new update, admitting that MAVEN appeared to be rotating in an unexpected manner when it emerged from behind Mars. Then, on December 23, the agency issued its last update, promising that its continuing efforts to recontact its lost spacecraft. Advertisement Advertisement But weeks later, things arent looking much better. As SpaceNews senior writer Jeff Foust pointed out, NASA planetary science division director Louise Prockter conceded during a Tuesday meeting that the agency is very unlikely to recover the MAVEN orbiter. Not all hope is lost. Mars solar conjunction, a weeks-long period when Mars and Earth are on opposite sides of the Sun, will end on January 16, which will give NASA a new opportunity to reestablish contact. In its latest December 23 update, NASA explained that the MAVEN team was attempting to create a timeline of possible events and identify the likely root cause of the issue by analyzing tracking data fragments recovered from a December 6 radio science campaign. NASA also leveraged the Mastcam instrument attached to its Curiosity rover to attempt to take a picture of MAVEN, but failed to detect the missing spacecraft. Advertisement Advertisement Its a sad state of affairs, but fortunately there are three other spacecraft that can still relay communications between Mars missions and the Earth. A next-generation orbiter, dubbed Mars Telecommunications Orbiter, was also recently revived in president Donald Trumps so-called Big, Beautiful Bill act though it remains unclear when it will launch. For now, all we can hope is that NASAs renewed efforts to make contact with MAVEN will prove successful once it emerges from behind Mars once again. But given Prockters latest comments, the situation isnt looking promising. More on MAVEN: NASAs Mars Spacecraft Spinning Helplessly After Signal Lost Verizon customers experienced a mobile service outage across the nation on Wednesday. More than 180,000 unconfirmed reports were made to Downdetector, peaking in the early afternoon. The hotspot map showed most of the reports coming from New York City, Chicago and Portland, Oregon. The network status section of the Verizon website appeared to have crashed, as well. The outage affected voice, text, and data service, but users reported retaining WiFi connections to use apps. Hundreds of Verizon Fios reports were made as well, according to DownDetector. Advertisement Advertisement Many users reported seeing SOS in the area of their cellphone screen typically reserved for service bars and 5G icons. Disconnecting and reconnecting via airplane mode or restarting devices did not appear to solve the problem. 911 calls should still go through via other networks or satellites. Customers with an iPhone 14 or newer device can try the Messages via Satellite feature until the outage ends. We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers, the company wrote on social media. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience. Advertisement Advertisement Verizon engineering teams are continuing to address todays service interruptions, the company said in an update later Wednesday afternoon. Our teams remain fully deployed and are focused on the issue. We understand the impact this has on your day and remain committed to resolving this as quickly as possible. An estimated time for service to be fully restored was not provided. T-Mobile, AT&T and US Cellular customers also reported outages, but in much smaller numbers. NYC Emergency Management is aware of the situation involving cellphone network outages, the agency said in a statement. We are working closely with our partners at OTI & various utility providers to assess any potential effects on city agencies & essential services. We are also gathering information and updates from the affected network providers. The cause and scope of the outage are still being investigated. We will provide updates if the situation changes in a way that impacts the City of New York. Verizon is working to fix an outage that knocked out service for more than 170,000 customers across the U.S. on Wednesday, according to the website Downdetector. The website tracks phone service and app outages; it reported a spike in outages around noon ET, and its map showed Seattle, Atlanta, and New York were hit especially hard. Other big cities hit by the outage included Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. The New York Times reported some customers saw their mobile devices flash SOS in the status bar where the network signal is usually shown. Advertisement Advertisement Verizon told NYT it was working quickly to resolve the problem. We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers, spokeswoman Karen Schulz told the paper. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience. Fox News ran a quick report on the outage on America Reports on Wednesday afternoon. Co-host John Roberts reported customers were grappling with voice and data problems. Downdetector users from across the U.S. jumped in the comments section to talk about their phone issues. Advertisement Advertisement This outage is huge..from coast to coast, one commenter said. Dont be surprised that Iran is behind this. Another user in Long Island, New York, said her phone was in SOS mode, but her husband had no problem on his phone while sitting next to her on the couch. Other irritated customers said their phones were only allowing them to make calls to emergency services but were otherwise unusable. And like when other apps and services go down, a bunch of people joked and vented about it on X. One user pointed out the outage was pretty annoying after just receiving a notification to pay their bill. Here is a taste: Its Verizon sending me this then having a outage pic.twitter.com/PMEV3jES5j young OG (@thatyoungOG1) January 14, 2026 Everyone with Verizon right now pic.twitter.com/E9OrrZgZ4t Cameron Arcand (@cameron_arcand) January 14, 2026 Great day to be a @Verizon customer! America lunges closer and closer to a third-world country by the day Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 14, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Ayo are we being attacked? Verizon is down all over the country pic.twitter.com/OoG949ztdW MrMiles (@Mr_Milestv) January 14, 2026 Everyone on X with Verizon down pic.twitter.com/tHR9dYbYzp Kayla Murphy (@thekaylamurphy) January 14, 2026 Watch the Fox News report above. The post Nationwide Verizon Outage Wrecks Service for 170,000 Customers first appeared on Mediaite. Federal agents have detained a handful of Native Americans amid the Trump administration's immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota. The detention of at least five men in and around Minneapolis has sparked an outcry among Native American groups about Indigenous people being racially profiled as undocumented immigrants by federal immigration agents. Minneapolis is one of the largest urban centers for Native Americans in the United States. It is deeply offensive and ironic that the first people of this land would be subjected to questions around their citizenship, Jacqueline De Leon, senior staff attorney at the nonprofit Native American Rights Fund and a member of the Isleta Pueblo. Yet nevertheless, that is exactly what were seeing. US Customs and Border Protection agents arrest a man after not providing documents proving he's a citizen of the United States while patrolling a neighborhood during immigration enforcement activity in Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minn. on Jan. 11, 2026. A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good on the streets of Minneapolis on Jan. 7, leading to huge protests and outrage from local leaders who rejected White House claims she was a domestic terrorist. U.S. Border Patrol agents smash a man's car window before dragging him out and taking him into custody when he failed to present citizenship documentation at a gas station on Jan. 11, 2026 in St. Paul, Minn. The Trump administration has sent an estimated 2,000 federal agents into the area as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants. Border Patrol agents deploy tear gas as they clash with residents in a residential neighborhood after a minor traffic accident Jan. 12, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. The Trump administration has sent an estimated 2,000 federal agents into the area in a push to arrest undocumented immigrants. Federal law enforcement agents clash with residents in a neighborhood following a minor traffic accident Jan. 12, 2026 in Minneapolis. The Trump administration has sent an estimated 2,000 federal agents into the area in a push to arrest undocumented immigrants. Federal law enforcement agents deploy tear gas as they clash with residents in a residential neighborhood after a minor traffic accident Jan. 12, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. The Trump administration has sent an estimated 2,000 federal agents into the area in a push to arrest undocumented immigrants. Federal law enforcement agents ask a women to produce citizenship documentation as she was walking down the street Jan. 12, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. The Trump administration has sent an estimated 2,000 federal agents into the area in a push to arrest undocumented immigrants. Federal law enforcement agents take a person who was standing in a residential neighborhood into custody when he was unable to produce citizenship documentation Jan. 12, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. The Trump administration has sent an estimated 2,000 federal agents into the area in a push to arrest undocumented immigrants. ICE agents in St. Cloud on Jan. 12. State Sen. Aric Putnam, DFL-St. Cloud, speaks with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at around 12:30 p.m. Jan. 12 in front of a few businesses on Third Street North. Crowds gathered at the intersection of Third Street N and 33rd Avenue N in St. Cloud as ICE agents came through the area Jan. 12. Federal agents continue surge of immigration enforcement in Minnesota 1 of 10 US Customs and Border Protection agents arrest a man after not providing documents proving he's a citizen of the United States while patrolling a neighborhood during immigration enforcement activity in Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minn. on Jan. 11, 2026. A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good on the streets of Minneapolis on Jan. 7, leading to huge protests and outrage from local leaders who rejected White House claims she was a domestic terrorist. USA TODAY previously spoke with Native American citizens worried about getting caught at the start of President Donald Trump's push to apprehend and deport millions of immigrants suspected of being undocumented. The incidents against Native people appear to be increasing. Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 8, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Jose Roberto Beto Ramirez, a 20-year-old Red Lake Nation descendant, outside of Minneapolis during a traffic stop his aunt filmed. He was later released and no charges were filed as of Jan. 9, Indian Country Today reported. In a statement, ICE said Ramirez violently assaulted an ICE officer during a high-risk immigration enforcement stop. The investigation is ongoing, ICE said. The same day as Ramirez's arrest, Oglala Sioux Tribal President Frank Star Comes Out said four tribal members had been detained by ICE. The four men were homeless, sleeping under a bridge near the Little Earth housing project, he said in a Jan. 8 Facebook post. On Jan. 13, the Oglala Sioux Tribe said three of the men are still in detention after being transferred to an ICE detention center at Fort Snelling in Minnesota. One man has been released. U.S. Border Patrol agents clear the street after detaining a protestor, after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jan. 11, 2026. In a memorandum, the Oglala Sioux Tribe said the detention of the men violates "tribal treaties, statutory law and constitutional rights of sovereign people." The memorandum said that when the tribe attempted to request more information, federal officials said the tribe could access more information if it entered into an agreement with ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. Advertisement Advertisement This is not a misunderstanding or an enforcement discretion issue, Star Comes Out said in a statement. This is a treaty violation. Treaties are not optional. Sovereignty is not conditional. Our citizens are not negotiable. Neither ICE nor DHS immediately responded to emailed questions about the incident or the tribe's memorandum. Star Comes Out, like other tribal leaders, issued information about what to do if a Native person was approached or detained by ICE. The Native American Rights Fund also released a Know Your Rights flyer. In the Southwest, Navajo Nation leaders advised citizens last January to carry their Certificate of Indian Blood or tribal identification card. Groups have also expanded hours to distribute tribal identification documents. Tribal citizens can use tribal IDs as proof of citizenship, but many federal officers are unaware of this proof of identification, said Caroline LaPorte, a staff attorney at the Indian Law Resource Center and a descendant of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Some may have difficulty providing their identification, especially if theyre experiencing homelessness, LaPorte said. Advertisement Advertisement She added recent stops of Native people also point to so-called Kavanaugh stops, referring to a Sept. 8 Supreme Court decision allowing ICE to use race, accent, job, or location to detain people. Justice Brett Kavanaugh largely upheld ICE sweeps in Los Angeles that indiscriminately targeted Latinos suspected of being undocumented. Why would a Native person be detained? Its because theyre brown, LaPorte said. Thats it. Its that racial profiling piece from that case that has everyone so up in arms. A day before Ramirezs stop, the Red Lake Tribal Council issued a Jan. 7 advisory about the Trump administrations enforcement in Minnesota. We all need to be extra careful, and we must assume that ICE will not protect us, the advisory said. 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: Native Americans detained amid ICE's enforcement surge in Minnesota A special committee hearing at the North Carolina state legislature is focusing on involuntary commitment and public safety Wednesday, with the murder of a Raleigh teacher expected to be a central topic. Police charged 36-year-old Ryan Camacho with the murder of Zoe Welsh, who was killed by an intruder at her home in Raleigh. Camacho previously faced a misdemeanor breaking and entering charge, which was dropped after a mental competency exam determined he could not stand trial. The District Attorney's Office sought his involuntary commitment, but a judge denied the request. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers are now examining the gap between the standards for competence to stand trial and those for involuntary commitment. "I'm hoping to learn from the experts and see what solutions we can come up with," said Ya Liu, a representative of NC House District 21. "I am prepared to ask some questions and to make sure tragic stories like this never happen to another family or resident. This should not be." The committee agenda includes hearing from mental health experts and reviewing measures that have proven effective elsewhere. Michael Gates, the former Huntington Beach city attorney who spent his tenure as a staunch antagonist to California's liberal politics, is running for state attorney general as part of a slate with Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton. Gates, 50, announced the launch of his campaign for the state's top law enforcement job during an event at the Huntington Beach Pier on Wednesday flanked by Hilton, former state Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero, who is running alongside Hilton for lieutenant governor, and a trove of supporters. "California has the highest cost of living and the highest taxes, which are crushing families, and Sacramento elites keep scheming for ways to raise our taxes while leaving our streets unsafe for our families and our businesses," Gates said. "Sacramento has proven that it is completely out of touch with everyday Californians." Advertisement Advertisement Read more: California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta opts against running for governor. Again Gates' speech launching his campaign struck a similar tone to the messaging he employed in his role as Huntington Beach city attorney, where he positioned himself in direct opposition to the state's Democratic leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and current Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta. Bonta this week announced he was running for reelection, opting not to run for California governor. As attorney general, Bonta has sued the Trump administration more than 50 times, calling the president's policies "vicious, inhumane, unlawful" and, in many cases, unconstitutional. Gates, a lifelong Republican, was first elected as Huntington Beach city attorney in 2014 and was reelected twice. He held the role until last year, when he was appointed as a deputy assistant attorney general in the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division. After a 10-month stint with the federal government, Gates announced he had resigned the post so he could spend more time with his family. He was rehired to work as an assistant city attorney in Huntington Beach. Advertisement Advertisement During his tenure with the city, Gates engaged in legal tussles with the state over voter identification, housing mandates, immigration and other issues with mixed results. Read more: Who is running for California governor in 2026? Meet the candidates In recent years, the city successfully sued the state to recoup millions of dollars in redevelopment agency loan money from a waterfront development and an affordable senior housing project. But legal fights over voter identification and housing have been less fruitful. Last year, the 4th District Court of Appeal struck down Huntington Beach's law that would require residents to show an ID to cast their ballot in local elections. Advertisement Advertisement The city's legal battle over housing requirements was also delivered a blow last year when the state Supreme Court refused to review an appellate court ruling in the state's favor compelling the city to adhere to state mandates for affordable housing. Huntington Beach had argued its designation as a charter city exempted it from the state's directives. "This man, Michael Gates, he is the fighter we need for California," Hilton said on Wednesday, drawing cheers from the crowd. "You know better than anyone because he led that revolution right here in Huntington Beach." Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A rendering of Project Jupiter, the name for a proposed massive data center project in Dona Ana County. One southern New Mexico state senator aims to introduce more regulations for the on-site power generation for Project Jupiter and similar projects. (Courtesy of BorderPlex Digital Assets) As controversial proposals to power multi-billion dollar data centers in southern New Mexico wind through the courts and permitting processes, one state senator aims to close what he considers a loophole that could allow the projects to bypass the states clean energy requirements. This week, state Sen. Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces) introduced a draft bill that would empower state regulators to have approval powers and set new rules for the on site power grids often called microgrids and require these private power sources to follow the landmark Energy Transition Act. Advertisement Advertisement A microgrid describes developments that generate electricity without drawing from a larger power companys grid. These projects currently are not bound by requirements to generate power with cleaner energy sources and face less scrutiny by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, Steinborn said in a call with Source NM this week. Its a path to having very dirty energy for these massive data centers rather than using more renewable energy as we require full public utilities, Steinborn said. Microgrids pose a threat to the climate and New Mexicos air quality if we dont establish minimum renewable energy and other standards regarding water efficiency. In public meetings and statements, representatives of Project Jupiter said the microgrid will comply with the states law to use fully renewable energy sources by 2045. But state lawmakers disagree on whether a last-minute floor amendment to House Bill 93 passed in the 2025 legislative session allows for microgrid developments to circumvent sequential goals laid out in the law. Advertisement Advertisement Steinborns bill, if adopted, would require the PRC to put forward new rules for any microgrid producing more than 20 megawatts, enough to power more than 16,000 homes. The bill would grant regulators oversight over the approval and operation of microgrids and require proof from any microgrid slated to come online after May 2026 of its ability to meet the states renewable energy standards. Those standards require 40% percent of a microgrids power generation to come from renewable sources by 2028; 50% clean power generation by 2030; and 100% clean power by 2040. Additionally, the bill would require microgrid operators to submit annual reports after 2027 detailing how much power they generate; water usage and compliance with state laws. Project Jupiter, a data center proposed for southern Dona Ana County, would emit as many greenhouse gasses as Albuquerque and Las Cruces combined. Applications submitted to state officials include two natural gas generating stations the microgrid to power the project which are projected to generate as much electricity as the entire PNM system. In addition to raising emissions, the project threatens air quality in an area already impacted by ozone and other pollutants, said Las Cruces environmental lawyer David Baake in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico continues to struggle with serious air pollution problems driven by the combustion of dirty fossil fuels, Baake said. Steinborns bill, he said, protects public health and the climate by ensuring that AI data centers take advantage of our states abundant renewable energy resources instead of building more dirty fossil fuel power plants. Steinborn said Project Jupiter initially spurred the bill, but pointed to another data center in Lea County with a planned microgrid with gas and nuclear power plants, as signs of a bigger issue. Project Jupiter started it, but then it became very clear that this is part of the bigger, maybe even strategy, of some in our state government to bring in lots of data centers into the state, he said. Their strategies collectively seem to be that they dont have to follow any environmental renewable energy standards, so Im concerned not only for whats been announced, but whats in line behind it. He continued: Its an ecological disaster in the making, quite frankly, that we need to address. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Welcome to Foreign Policys China Brief. The highlights this week: China condemns U.S. President Donald Trumps justification for seizing Greenland, a notorious crime boss is extradited to China, and a viral app resonates with a disheartened younger generation. Sign up to receive China Brief in your inbox every Tuesday. China Condemns U.S. Rhetoric on Greenland One justification U.S. President Donald Trump has offered for taking over Greenland is that if we dont do it, Russia or China will. On Monday, China condemned the United States for using supposed Chinese actions as a pretext for threatening Greenlandand its hard to argue with Beijing on this one. Advertisement Advertisement The idea that China is ready to seize Greenland at any moment is absurd, and Trumps claims that Chinese destroyers and submarines are circling the island are blatantly false. As the crow flies, China is roughly 4,800 miles from Greenland and considerably farther by any viable sea route. Unlike the United States, China lacks a global network of military bases capable of supporting an operation at that distance; its only overseas naval bases, in Djibouti and Cambodia, are even farther from Greenland. From Taiwan to the Himalayas, China is rather explicit about its territorial ambitions and border disputes. I have literally never seen a Chinese argument for acquiring Greenland, whether in a strategic paper or in online nationalist fantasy. Some argue that Trumps rhetoric here is merely a crude expression of genuine concern about Chinese influence in Greenland. Thats an even weaker argument, and it risks diverting attention from genuinely troubling Chinese influence activities elsewhere in regions that matter far more to Beijing. Its true that China has interests in Greenland and the Arctic, particularly in rare-earth deposits. But Greenlands critical mineral potential is largely hypothetical at this point. There is currently no rare-earths mining in the country, in large part because the deposits lie in extremely remote and inhospitable Arctic territory. Practical obstacles, not government directives, have constrained Chinese exploration, though some firms have invested in prospective sites. Advertisement Advertisement Chinese companies have also investedor tried to investin Greenlandic infrastructure, with some bids reportedly blocked by the Danish government. But not every Chinese commercial venture is part of a grand strategic plan. Like firms everywhere, Chinese companies invest because they want to make money. This raises a broader question for honest analysts about how to determine what constitutes a threat versus a legitimate interest when it comes to Chinas global activities. When China conducts Arctic research missions, is it contributing to global scientific knowledge, or laying the groundwork for power projection? When it seeks to place stations to support its BeiDou satellite navigation system, is that inherently more threatening than comparable U.S. efforts? U.S. rhetoric about Chinas supposed threat to Greenland rarely specifies what China would actually do there, or why. This stands in sharp contrast to Chinas sustained influence campaign in the Pacific islands, a region that genuinely matters for Chinese military logistics and the ability to disrupt U.S. supply chains. The political environment there is also entirely different. Greenland, a stable, semi-autonomous Danish territory, lacks anything resembling the security pacts, political volatility, and patterns of coercion and bribery that have characterized Chinas engagement in parts of the Pacific. Advertisement Advertisement Its telling that the surge in commentary about a Chinese threat to Greenland came after Trump started talking about it. Much of this discourse appears less concerned with U.S. interests or Chinese behavior than retrofitting strategic logic onto Trumps naked militarism and his assault on U.S. alliances. What Were Following China-Iran relationship. Tehrans violent repression of ongoing protests has drawn condemnation from Western governments, but not from Beijing. While China hasnt yet made an official statement, Chinese officials routinely interpret unrest in allied autocracies as an artificial product of foreign subversion, blaming the CIA and other Western actors for so-called color revolutions. Such solidarity pays diplomatic dividends, and Beijing has been able to count on Irans support for Chinas oppression of Muslim minorities. Meanwhile, Trumps threat to impose 25 percent tariffs on countries that trade with Iran is likely to clash with his desire to preserve a trade deal with ChinaIrans largest trading partner. Advertisement Advertisement Crime boss seized. Southeast Asias organized crime syndicates have often drawn Beijings ire for kidnapping and scamming Chinese citizens. Yet many of these groups are disproportionately run by ethnic Chinese minorities or expatriate Chinese nationalsand face plausible accusations of ties to Chinas military and intelligence services. That context makes the downfall of alleged Chinese-Cambodian mafioso Chen Zhi particularly interesting. Chen, a 38-year-old Fujian native, began his criminal career running a cyber-extortion ring in China in the 2000s. By the 2010s, he had become a major power broker in Cambodia, acquiring citizenship in 2014, cultivating close ties with senior officials, and overseeing scam compounds that often relied on coerced Chinese labor. A U.S. indictment last October set the stage for the collapse of Chens empire, and last week China successfully pressured Cambodia into extraditing him. His removal is unlikely to dismantle Cambodias scamming industry, but it may prompt a recalibrationone in which successor figures are more careful about targeting Chinese citizens and drawing Beijings attention. FPs Most Read This Week Annexing Greenland Would Be a Strategic Catastrophe by Casey Michel The Real Reason China and Russia Wont Try a Maduro-Style Raid by Decker Eveleth The Donroe Doctrine Makes No Sense by Stephen M. Walt Tech and Business Advertisement Advertisement Viral app. A new Chinese app that lets friends check in on one anothercheekily titled Are You Dead?, a pun on a popular food-delivery apphas become a symbol of the fragility and isolation felt by many young Chinese living alone. It quickly topped paid app download charts, though driven more by viral curiosity than actual usage. The app resonates because it taps into the younger generations deep well of frustration and burnout, exacerbated by persistent post-COVID-19 joblessness and growing anxiety about displacement by artificial intelligence. This precarity is hardly new: Slang terms such as yizu and diaosi emerged more than a decade ago to describe the same conditionbeing stuck on the lowest rungs of the urban ladder, with little hope of climbing higher. Winter heating. For the first time since 1973, coal generation in both India and China fell last year. Chinas energy transition has delivered visible benefits, especially in Beijing, where the smog-choked winters of the 2010s are now largely a thing of the past. But northern winters are harsh, and rural residents have borne the costs of the push to replace coal heating with natural gas. A sweeping 2017 campaign caused major disruptions after coal heating systems were removed in some places before replacements were installed, prompting temporary policy reversals. Advertisement Advertisement As journalist and analyst Zichen Wang notes in an excellent recent piece, many northern villagers continue to struggle with the higher costs imposed by the energy transition. Coal stoves were highly pollutingbut cheapand the gas subsidies introduced in 2017 are now being phased out. By Elizabeth Pineau and Ingrid Melander PARIS, Jan 14 (Reuters) - French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu survived two no-confidence votes in parliament on Wednesday, clearing the way for the government to focus on yet another budget showdown in the coming days. The no-confidence motions, filed by the far-right National Rally (RN) and hard-left France Unbowed (LFI), aimed to protest the European Union's trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc. Advertisement Advertisement Despite French opposition, EU member states last week approved the signing of the long-debated deal with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The RN and LFI accused the government of not doing enough to block it. "Inside the country, you are a government of vassals serving the rich. Outside, you are humiliating our nation before the European Commission and the U.S. empire," chief LFI lawmaker Mathilde Panot told the government, speaking in parliament ahead of Wednesday's no-confidence motion votes. PM SAYS OPPOSITION LEADERS 'ACTING LIKE SNIPERS' The Socialist Party had ruled out backing the no-confidence motions and the conservative The Republicans also said they would not vote to censure the government over Mercosur. Advertisement Advertisement As a result, both motions failed. The one tabled by LFI received only 256 votes in favour, 32 votes short of what was needed for the motion to pass. The second motion, put forward by the far right, received 142 votes in favour and also failed. Lecornu said time spent on the no-confidence votes was further delaying fraught debates on the country's 2026 budget, which he said political leaders should instead focus on. "You are acting like snipers lying in wait, firing into the executives back at the very moment when we must confront international disruptions," he said. NEXT ON THE AGENDA: TOUGH BUDGET TALKS Advertisement Advertisement Now, one of several options regarding the 2026 budget would be for Lecornu to invoke Article 49.3 of the Constitution to push through the finance bill without a vote, after negotiating a text with all groups except the RN and LFI, one government source said. That would almost certainly lead to more motions of no-confidence. Lawmakers are eager to end weeks of wrangling over the budget, even if it means the country's deficit remains near 5%, sources said. President Emmanuel Macron, according to his entourage, wants a budget adopted in January and is "neutral" on how to achieve that. Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said on Tuesday that "nothing is excluded" to pass the budget. Advertisement Advertisement France's political situation has been fragile since 2022, when Macron lost his majority in parliament. His problems worsened when he unexpectedly called early legislative elections in mid-2024, only to deliver a hung parliament split between three distinct ideological blocs: his centre-right alliance, the left, and the RN. (Reporting by Elizabeth Pineau; Additional reporting by Dominique Vidalon, Blandine Henault and Zhifan Liu; Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Alison Williams) At a suburban Kyiv railway station, two carriages painted in the blue and white livery of Ukrainian Railways sit on the main platform, their diesel engines running as snow steadily falls. The train is not going anywhere but it is providing a vital service for dozens of people who have been left without power and basics like running water or heating. These are Ukraine's "Invincibility Trains", designed to boost public morale and provide some comfort as a bitter winter coincides with intensifying Russian attacks. In one of the carriages, Alina sits watching her infant son Taras playing with toys provided by international charities who help run the service. Advertisement Advertisement "It's winter and it's rather cold outside," says Alina which is something of an understatement. With the effect of the wind-chill, temperatures this week in Kyiv have hit -19C. It is bitterly cold. "I live in a new building on the 17th floor, but we have no elevator, no electricity and no water supply," says Alina. As Taras plays with his toys, she says it is also a relatively safe and comfortable place for her daughter to meet friends. It is also a welcome distraction for Alina, whose husband works all day in a factory, but she suddenly starts to stutter and weep as she tells me about her 54-year-old father who was killed at the front two years ago in a summer offensive near Bakhmut. As she regathers her composure, Alina says she will definitely come back here and welcomes the relief the train brings from the weather and the nightly Russian strikes. For Alina and Taras, the train is a distraction from the hardship of daily life [BBC] Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of deliberately exploiting the bitter winter to target power stations, energy storage facilities and other critical infrastructure. Kyiv's Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, somewhat controversially this week also suggested that city residents, who could, should leave Kyiv to help ease pressure on critical resources. Advertisement Advertisement It was a comment seized upon by Russia as a sign of resignation and defeatism. But despite such obvious hardships, most people here in Kyiv remain stoic and are prepared to put up with them. For Yulia Mykhailiuk, Ihor Honcharuk and their one-year-old son Markiian, that means heating building bricks on a gas stove to try to warm up the rest of their small apartment. The flat, in an old Soviet-era apartment block on the east side of the Dnipro river, is a temporary move because their own home was partially damaged in a Russian attack last August. Advertisement Advertisement "We've had electricity today for something like four minutes," Ihor tells me. "All of our charging stations and power banks have no energy left in them." "For the first time in a while we have a real winter in Ukraine," says Yulia somewhat ironically. "With this -12 to -16 cold and no heating, the apartment gets cold pretty soon." Ihor and Yulia say they will leave Kyiv temporarily because of the energy crisis [BBC] The large batteries the couple have bought, like many city residents, to charge up when electricity does return are of no use when it comes to heating appliances because they run down so quickly. For now, dressing the baby up in multiple layers of clothing is the only solution, but Yulia says at the weekend they will heed Mayor Klitschko's call and temporarily move away from Kyiv to her parents' home outside the city, although she says it's a decision they have made for themselves and not because of pressure from the mayor's office. Advertisement Advertisement The energy crisis is not the only reason to move. Just across the courtyard from their new, temporary home, a recent Russian drone strike hit an apartment block, badly damaging several homes. Kyiv's problems are exacerbated by the fact it has borne so many Russian airstrikes against homes and critical infrastructure installations and, as home to more than three million people, the power shortages impact many people. The most recent Russian attacks against energy installations in the capital and other big cities have had a cumulative effect that is much worse than before. Klitschko said strikes on Monday night had caused the worst electrical outage the city had yet seen, and on Tuesday more than 500 residential buildings were still without power. Advertisement Advertisement "Compared to all previous winters, the situation now is the worst," Olena Pavlenko, president of the Kyiv-based think tank DiXi Group, told the Kyiv Independent website. "Every time it's harder to recover. Everything is under ice, and repairs of cables and grids are now two to four times more complicated," she said. Engineers are working to locate and repair damaged cables [BBC] Around the clock and across the city, engineers from private energy companies and the municipal authority are repairing power plants hit directly in Russian strikes or installations indirectly affected by them. On another bitterly cold morning we found hardy engineers using mechanical diggers and working with their bare hands to locate and repair damaged power cables which serve the huge multi-occupancy tower blocks on the river's east bank. Advertisement Advertisement The city authorities have repeatedly asked people and business not to use high-energy consumption devices because they use so much power, and when the electricity supply returns, the surge in demand for power causes the system to collapse hence the damaged power cables we saw being repaired. But the engineer in charge here acknowledged it was a temporary fix. "It will take years and years. We are currently working literally in emergency modes," says Andrii Sobko from Kyiv Electric Networks. "The equipment is literally operating at its critical parameters so that at least the residents have light." As the war drags on, it's hard to find anyone in Ukraine who has not been directly impacted by the conflict. Kyiv is enduring its fourth winter since Russia's full-scale invasion began [BBC] Stanislav or "Stas" has also come down to the Invincibility Train to get warm, meet friends and get some power for his phone. The eleven-year-old says his home is very cold and there'd recently been no power in the family's apartment for 36 hours. Advertisement Advertisement He recalls with clarity the opening day of the war almost four years ago when he could see bright flashes in the sky - a "bright orb" - as Russia launched its attacks. These days it is the threat of Russian drones that keeps him awake at night. "When I hear something flying it's really scary, because you don't know if it will explode now, or if it will fly on and you survive." As we perch on the top bunk of the carriage where he is sitting with another friend, Stas is frank about the impact of the war on his generation. "I forget the times when there was no war, I don't remember those moments life is difficult," says Stas, his smile wide and demeanour remarkably bubbly. Advertisement Advertisement There are all kinds of people seeking warmth, comfort or company on the train. But my next conversation with an elderly lady, who says her discomfort is nothing compared with what soldiers on the front are enduring, is abruptly cut short as the familiar high-pitched sound of an air raid alert rings out on our phones. The conductor orders everyone off the train and directs them to a shelter, about a kilometre away. Most head home instead, to the cold and their interrupted power supplies but all - including Stas and Alina - say they'll be back tomorrow. Everyone in Kyiv is putting a brave face on things. This extraordinarily cold winter, even by Ukrainian standards, will not last for much more than a couple of months and the energy crisis will ease. What most people fear is that, despite some optimism at the end of last year, there is no end in sight to the war itself and the inevitable loss of life. Additional reporting by Firle Davies and Mariana Matviechuk. By Heejin Kim SEOUL, Jan 13 (Reuters) - North Korea's Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, said on Tuesday South Korea's hope for an improvement in relations is an illusion that cannot be realised, state media KCNA reported. The leader's powerful sister, who is a director of North Korea's ruling party, criticised a comment attributed to a South Korean government official on Tuesday that Seoul saw a chance of talks resuming with Pyongyang based on her recent reaction to an alleged drone incursion into her country. Advertisement Advertisement "In conclusion, it has already gone wrong in their expectation," Kim was quoted by KCNA as saying. "As far as Seoul's various hope-filled wild dreams called 'repair of (North-South) relations' are concerned, they all can never come true," Kim said. The official at South Korea's Unification Ministry, which oversees relations with North Korea, told reporters that the Kim Yo Jong seemed to have toned down her statement at the weekend when she urged Seoul to investigate drones flown to the North. South Korea had "committed a grave provocation by infringing upon North Korea's sovereignty," Kim Yo Jong said in the statement published late on Tuesday, echoing her earlier criticism over the drones, according to KCNA. Advertisement Advertisement "I make it clear once again to the hooligans of the enemy state," she said, demanding a South Korean government apology and a pledge never to let similar incidents from occurring. The administration of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has been seeking to improve ties with Pyongyang, but so far its overtures have been rebuffed by its neighbour. (Reporting by Heejin Kim; Editing by Andrew Heavens, Ed Davies) You are the national military of Iran, not the military of the Islamic Republic. You have a duty to protect the lives of your compatriots," Pahlavi wrote. Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi assured protesters in the ongoing demonstrations against the government that American help was coming while also urging Irans army to abandon the regime and join the opposition in a statement released on Wednesday morning. My compatriots, Pahlavi began in his statement, posted to X/Twitter. By now, you have probably heard the message from the President of the United States. Help is on the way. Continue the fight, as you have done so far. He went on to state that there was a sea of blood between the Iranian people and the regime, which he asserted would be prosecuted for their actions. He then called for Irans army to cease defending the countrys leadership. Pahlavi urges Iran's army to abandon regime, join protesters But I also have a special message for members of the Army, he concluded. You are the national military of Iran, not the military of the Islamic Republic. You have a duty to protect the lives of your compatriots. You do not have much time. Join them as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement The crown princes message comes as official confirmations of the death toll from the protests cross 2,000. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi addresses the National Cooperation Convention in Munich, July 26, 2025. (credit: PRP/Flickr) On Tuesday, an Iranian official told The New York Times that around 3,000 people had died. The following morning, US-based Iranian rights group HRANA confirmed that at least 2,403 protesters had been killed. Pahlavis assurance that US help was on the way follows US President Donald Trump's statement on Tuesday on his Truth Social platform. The president also noted that he had canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the regime ceased its violent crackdown on protesters. That day, the US told its citizens to immediately leave Iran via a notice released by its virtual embassy in Tehran. Advertisement Advertisement US citizens should leave Iran now. Consider departing Iran by land to Turkiye or Armenia, if safe to do so," the notice said. French foreign minister: Iran crackdown could be most violent in its contemporary history Also speaking on Iran's crackdown on demonstrations across the country, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Wednesday that they were the most violent in the country's contemporary history. "What we suspect is that this is the most violent repression in Iran's contemporary history and that it must absolutely stop," Barrot said. Iran's digital blackout continues As the protests rage in the Islamic Republic, internet blackouts in the country also continued on Wednesday, according to data shared by internet monitoring organization NetBlocks. The organization's data showed that the internet blackout passed its 132nd hour. Reuters contributed to this report A now-infamous bear that made headlines after taking over the crawlspace of an Altadena home for months made residence under two more homes in the area. The bear, known as Yellow 2120, made its way into the homeowner's crawl space under his kitchen around Thanksgiving and had been there ever since. An Altadena man got a big surprise when he found a 500-pound bear had made the narrow crawl space under his home a den for the winter. Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the BEAR League from Lake Tahoe traveled to the area to help the Altadena homeowner remove the bear using paintballs to scare him out of the crawlspace in the neighborhood along Altadena Drive below the San Gabriel Mountains. They then placed an electrified doormat to block the entrance. Before the BEAR League stepped in, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) crews tried multiple times to get the bear out, but the animal kept coming back. On Tuesday, the nonprofit shared that the bear went into the crawlspace of another Altadena home after being evicted. He stayed there for one day before moving to a third home. The BEAR League also assisted the third family, placing the electrical mats to spook the 550-pound black bear out of the area. Yellow 21201 finally left after three days and has not returned, according to the nonprofit. The NTSB has released its preliminary report into the fatal collision of two helicopters in the skies over Hammonton, New Jersey. The crash happened the morning of Sunday, Dec. 28, near the intersection of Route 30 and Basin Road, about a mile from the Hammonton Municipal Airport. Both helicopters went down in a nearby field off Rt. 206, with one bursting into flames. In the report, the NTSB said both helicopters had taken off from Vineland-Downstown Airport around 9:48 a.m. and flew parallel paths to the airport in Hammonton, arriving at 9:58 a.m. NTSB issues the preliminary report for its ongoing investigation of the Dec. 28, 2025, midair collision between an Enstrom F-28A helicopter, and an Enstrom 280C helicopter near Hammonton, New Jersey. Download the report PDF: https://t.co/htIq1LpwTN NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) January 13, 2026 The pilots stopped for breakfast at the airport cafe, where they were regular customers, according to the cafe's owner. Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance video reviewed by investigators showed the helicopters flying close to each other shortly after they lifted off, sometime before 11:24 a.m. "The helicopters were slightly staggered from one another and flying on a similar heading, similar to a formation flight," the report reads. Two pilots were killed after their helicopters collided in midair over Hammonton, New Jersey on Sunday. The NTSB said that as the flight continued, the helicopters moved toward each other until they collided. "One helicopter began a tumbling descent toward terrain before exiting the frame of the video," the NTSB report reads. "The other helicopter pitched up sharply before leveling out. Shortly after, the helicopter began yawing in a clockwise direction and descended rapidly until it exited the video frame." Advertisement Advertisement The NTSB said it tracked a debris path that was 1,211 feet long. Michael Greenberg, 71, of Sewell, N.J. and Kenneth Kirsch, 65, of Carneys Point, N.J., were killed in the crash. Investigators say a covering on the main rotor blade of one helicopter had an impact mark with paint transfer of a color consistent with the tail rotor blade of the other helicopter. The full investigation into the cause of the collision could take up to a year to complete. ALBANY, N.Y. Ahead of a tough reelection fight, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled an agenda aimed at bridging the divides in the Democratic Party moving to fight President Donald Trump and capture progressive excitement surrounding Mayor Zohran Mamdani, while also tending to anxiety among moderates about public safety and protests outside synagogues. In most states, governors use their annual State of the State addresses to detail their upcoming legislative plans for the year, boosting their own records while charting a path ahead. For Hochul, however, her speech this year carried additional significance, as the centrist from Buffalo faces challenges from both her political left and right in a heavily contested election cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Her own second-in-command, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, has assailed her for months and launched an unusual primary challenge against his boss, casting Hochul as a reactive executive unable to meet the political moment during Trumps second term. Republican Bruce Blakeman, a Trump-aligned county official from Long Island, has also announced a run for governor, bashing Hochul over the states high taxes and cost of living. At the same time, the governor is under mounting pressure from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party to help steward Mamdanis ambitious agenda at the state Capitol and raise taxes on the states richest residents. Hochul appeared aware of the rocky political terrain during her State of the State, announcing a slate of affordability proposals, pledging additional public safety programs, as well as a raft of proposals meant to counter the Republican presidents agenda. If theres one thing I know, its that when New Yorkers move forward with strength and compassion side by side there is no challenge we cannot meet, no tyrant we cannot beat and no future we cannot build, she told a packed crowd at The Egg, the striking domed performing-arts center near the states ornate Capitol building. Advertisement Advertisement Child care a signature priority for Mamdani was also at the top of Hochuls list, with the governor reiterating plans to set up a child care program for 2-year-olds in New York City, along with a wider plan to establish a universal pre-K program throughout the state by 2028. Mamdani, who was seated near the stage, rose to applaud Hochuls child care plan. The rest of the room followed, delivering her a standing ovation. Amid the clapping, the governor added: Republicans have kids, too you can stand. Hochul then turned to crime, promising to continue enhanced police patrols on New York Citys subways and expand the use of mental health teams throughout the transit system. She also proposed a ban on protests within 25 feet of a house of worship, referencing a recent incident outside a synagogue in Queens where people chanted pro-Hamas remarks, with Hochul saying: Thats not free expression. Thats harassment. And targeting a Jewish community in this way is antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement Hochul wove heavy criticism for the federal government and Trump into her speech, at one point saying that she would ensure New Yorks immunization standards are set by trusted medical experts, not conspiracy theorists. The governor debuted two proposals centered on the presidents immigration crackdown one that would allow people to sue federal officers when they act outside the scope of their duties, and another to ensure sensitive locations, such as schools, hospitals and houses of worship, can be protected from civil immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. Public safety will always come first, but it must be pursued lawfully and with humanity, Hochul said. Her plans will be subject to negotiations with the state Legislature, which is controlled by Democrats, over the coming months. Advertisement Advertisement While Hochul was in Albany, Delgado, who the governor picked to be her No. 2 in 2022, was running counter-programming, making stops along what he has called the State of the People Tour. This moment demands urgency, honesty, and the courage to act. New Yorkers cant afford Governor Hochuls half-measures, he said in a statement. After Hochuls address, Blakeman fired off his own criticism, saying: If speeches fixed problems, New York would be thriving. Instead, families are struggling and businesses are leaving. _____ The president of Oglala Sioux Tribe in South Dakota on Tuesday called for the immediate release of tribal members who were detained at a homeless encampment by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota last week. Three of the four Oglala Sioux Tribe members who were arrested in Minneapolis on Friday have been transferred to an ICE facility at Fort Snelling, President Frank Star Comes Out said in a statement released with a memorandum sent to federal immigration authorities. The Oglala Sioux Tribe's memorandum makes clear that tribal citizens are not aliens and are categorically outside immigration jurisdiction, Star Comes Out said. Enrolled tribal members are citizens of the United States by statute and citizens of the Oglala Sioux Nation by treaty. Advertisement Advertisement Details about the circumstances that led to their detention were unclear. In the memorandum sent to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Star Comes Out said the when tribal nation reached out to the agency it was provided with only the first names of the men. Homeland Security refused to release more information, unless the tribe entered into an immigration agreement with ICE. DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday evening. Star Comes Out said the tribe has no plans enter an agreement with ICE. In a post to his Facebook page, Star Comes Out said that the four detained tribal members are experiencing homelessness and living under a bridge in Minneapolis. One of the members was released from detention. Advertisement Advertisement In the press release, he demanded information on the status of the three men in detention, the release of all tribal citizens in ICE custody and a meeting between the tribe and the government. Fort Snelling has a troubling history for Indigenous people. It was the first military outpost in the area, and Dakota people were held prisoner there during the Dakota War of 1862, an armed conflict between the U.S. and Native Americans, said Nick Estes, an associate professor in American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota and a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. It has this really notorious anti-Indigenous, specifically anti-Dakota, history, Estes said. Its kind of like a continuation on the monopoly of violence from the military outpost to the ICE facility. It's not the first time in recent months that ICE agents have detained tribal members. Advertisement Advertisement Last year, elected leaders in the Navajo Nation said that tribal citizens in Arizona and New Mexico reported being stopped and detained by ICE officers. In November, a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in Arizona who had been arrested in Iowa was mistakenly scheduled to be deported before the error was caught and she was released. That same month, Elaine Miles, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon and an actress known for her roles in Northern Exposure and The Last of Us, said she was stopped by ICE officers in Washington state who told her that her tribal ID looked fake. Indigenous rights groups as well as the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians have established places in Minneapolis where tribal citizens can apply for tribal ID cards, in case they are approached by ICE and need to provide identification. I never thought that Id have my tribal ID hanging around my neck, but I do, said Mary LaGarde, executive director of the Minneapolis American Indian Center. So, its just important that they have proper identification on them and not to panic. Casey Rollins, the executive director of Springfield, Ohio local nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul, is working to bring attention to the unfolding crisis of children left behind when their parents are deported. (Photo by Maddie McGarvey for The 19th.) This story was originally reported by Amanda Becker of The 19th. Meet Amanda and read more of their reporting on gender, politics and policy. SPRINGFIELD, Ohio Since last summer, Casey Rollins has braced for the day that children of Haitian immigrants would walk into the Catholic charity she runs without their parents. Advertisement Advertisement That day has arrived. First, one group of siblings. The next day, another. In one week last month, nine children whose parents were no longer in the country came in with their extended families. Rollins and other advocates for immigrants fear these are the first cases in a looming avalanche of family separations that could overwhelm this city of about 60,000 in a central Ohio county that has in recent years absorbed an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 immigrants, many of them Haitians. Rollins has worked closely with Haitian immigrants since becoming executive director of Springfields St. Vincent de Paul at the end of 2016. At first, the Catholic charity focused on providing language assistance to Haitian Creole speakers. Then she connected them to the charitys thrift store for the warm clothing they would need to endure winter in Ohio and furniture and appliances to set up their new homes. The community center also offered computer access for them to apply for work permits and look for jobs in one of the companies that were drawn to the area by state economic incentives, like the massive Amazon warehouses and distribution centers in neighboring counties. Advertisement Advertisement Employers specifically recruited Haitian workers via staffing agencies for hard-to-fill positions, their ads touting above-minimum-wage pay and benefits, luxuries for immigrants coming from a country ravaged by decades of political turmoil and a pair of earthquakes that killed and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Arrivals in Springfield ticked up during the COVID-19 pandemic as more people emigrated from Haiti after the president was assassinated and violence worsened. Others came from big cities with deeply rooted Haitian communities, like Miami and New York, drawn by the promise of well-paying jobs in an affordable community that seemed to want them there. The city of Springfield, Ohio, which is home to thousands of Haitian families, is scrambling to get ready for mass deportations that will likely leave many children without their parents. (Photo by Maddie McGarvey for The 19th.) Then, during last years presidential election, Springfields Haitians became the target of a maelstrom of misinformation after someone posted online that they were eating their neighbors pets. President Donald Trump amplified the lie, as did Vice President JD Vance, who grew up an hours drive away, in Middletown, Ohio. Neither the city nor its newest arrivals could stop or control what came next. Neo-Nazi and white nationalist groups like Blood Tribe and Patriot Front disrupted community events and staged protests in front of City Hall and the mayors house. Phoned-in bomb threats forced the temporary closure of schools. In February, the city of Springfield and targeted individuals sued Blood Tribe over its intimidation campaign. Rollins, who lives across the street from the mayor, is one of the other plaintiffs. Its almost as if the threats and volatility only fueled and refocused Rollins, who does not accept a salary for her work. As the world around the Haitians in Springfield changed, the types of services offered by St. Vincent de Paul shifted, too from helping them establish a life in the city to navigating the Trump administrations immigration policies that threaten their ability to legally stay in the country. On the day of his inauguration, Trump issued an executive order protecting the American people against invasion, he called it setting the tone for what was to come. He has since attempted to move up the expiration date of Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, which allows people from Haiti and other designated countries facing conflict or natural disaster to live and work in the United States for a set period of time. He also terminated a Biden-era program known as humanitarian parole, urging immigrants protected by it to self-deport and revoking their ability to work. (These and other pieces of his immigration measures have been challenged in court.) Advertisement Advertisement There were 210,000 Haitians in the United States on humanitarian parole as of late last year. There are currently some 330,000 Haitians in the country with TPS, including thousands in the Springfield area. As things stand, the deadline for them to leave the country is February 3. Over the summer, as immigration agents moved to detain and deport immigrants all across the United States, sometimes to countries that are not their own, Rollins and others at St. Vincent de Paul used every opportunity available to them to tell Haitian parents to get their U.S.-born children American passports. Casey Rollins says nine children in two days have shown up with their immigrant parents already gone and in need of custody arrangements when there are only 17 foster families in all of Springfield. (Photo by Maddie McGarvey for The 19th.) If the child has a passport and the parents have to take the child with them, or have to give the child to a family in a different country say they have to send them to a family member in Chile, or they have to take them to Chile well, the child cant travel to Chile without a passport, she said. The passports are also proof of U.S. citizenship, a critical shield at a time when even U.S. citizens are being caught in Trumps immigration crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement Rollins efforts soon bumped up against complications: a father has gone back to Haiti and is not present to sign the paperwork, a missing birth certificate must be ordered for a child born in another state. She also had to contend with the emotional ups-and-downs prompted by the helter-skelter nature of immigration policy implementation and shifting program end dates, she said. The Haitians she works with, keep thinking that theres going to be a Hail Mary moment, Rollins said. They just have this unbelievable faith I wish my faith was as strong as theirs is But at the same time, I wish their faith was a little bit more pragmatic. Maybe they know better, and it is all going to work out. I hope to God theyre right. But Im looking at this thinking, No, lets be ready. Lets be ready for whatever comes. Rollins is now preparing for a worst-case scenario that may be all but inevitable. Im the town crier, literally and figuratively. Thats all I seem to do these days, Rollins told The 19th during a recent interview. She was sitting at a table at St. Vincent de Paul, shading in this years Christmas card featuring her seven grandchildren or, as she put it, the seven little activists who go out on picket lines with me. The cards often get political. Last years theme was love thy neighbor and featured Santa Claus looking out the window of the community center at a line of immigrants waiting to get in, drawn over a collage of headlines about Springfields Haitian residents. This years states: I need to be able to tell my grandchildren that I did not stay silent. Advertisement Advertisement She dabbed at her eyes as she talked, wondering what might happen to the Haitian parents she has come to know and, most of all, wondering what might happen to their children. On a recent Thursday, the local NAACP chapter convened a town hall at a Baptist church with the theme preparation for mass deportations. The seats were nearly full, and people stood in the back of the nave, lining the walls. Security was heavy; three police cars parked out front. NAACP President Denise Williams introduced a panel that included Rollins; Viles Dorsainvil, director of the Haitian Community Help and Support Center; Carl Ruby, a local pastor whose congregation is heavily invested in assisting local immigrants; and key city officials: Mayor Rob Rue, City Manager Bryan Heck, Police Chief Allison Elliott and Clark County Health Commissioner Chris Cook. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US When it was her turn to speak, Rollins leaned into the microphone and introduced herself. Hello. Im Casey Rollins, and Im a servant leader at St. Vincent de Paul. I am part of a ministry that is from all over the world. She felt a pit in her stomach. Advertisement Advertisement At St. Vincent de Paul, she noted, the number one priority for us is always the children always, always, always, think of our children. Then, she laid out what has been obvious to her since the summer: The deportation of Haitian parents may very likely result in a child custodial dependency crisis in this town, in this state, in this country. Because parents may be deported after a raid, without the chance to decide whether to bring their children when they leave the country. And because they may choose to leave their children behind to give them a shot at living a safer, more stable life in the United States. For many of these kids, this is their country. She explained that she and the workers at St. Vincent de Paul had already helped Haitian immigrants obtain passports for their U.S.-born children, sometimes at a rate of three to four a day. But, she said, the passports wouldnt be enough. A ripple went through the crowd when Rollins told them about the nine children who had come to St. Vincent de Paul after their parents deportations. There were audible gasps. When it came time for questions, nearly every one of them was about the children. Cook added that there are more than 1,300 children in Clark County who have been born to Haitian parents in the last few years alone, meaning all of them would be citizens. The number is likely far higher, plus thousands of children who emigrated from Haiti and more who were born in another country during their parents immigration journey. Advertisement Advertisement The volume of need for this service far exceeds the service were able to provide, Rollins cautioned. Please, please, bear with us all as we cry a lot, as we rage a lot. Feel free to do that with us. Come see us if youd like to be a part of this initiative and this effort. Volunteers packed 1,200 Christmas food baskets this week, some of which will be delivered directly to Haitian families. (Photo by Maddie McGarvey for The 19th.) From a legal standpoint, assisting minors remaining in the country without parents may require action in two different court systems: family and immigration. Children who are U.S. citizens will need legal guardians to sign paperwork for passports and other documents and to handle routine matters like school enrollment and doctors visits. Many will need to pursue a type of guardianship that is triggered by an emergency event, like a deportation or detainment, in order to maintain custody of their children while they are still here. Noncitizen children will also need guardians and they will have their own immigration cases to contend with. Rollins and others assisting Haitian families want to find a way to avoid a potentially chaotic period when decisions cannot be made on a childs behalf because they dont yet have a legal guardian. To succeed, they need to find lawyers to take cases that touch both court systems. Advertisement Advertisement Rollins a 66-year-old from a large Irish Catholic family who taught school for 34 years and educated many of Springfields leaders is a woman of faith who also believes in the power of community. Thats what shes leaning on these days. About two weeks ago, a juvenile court magistrate texted her a photo of the business card for Bridget Emiko Jackson, a family court lawyer who was just telling the magistrate that she wanted to take on more immigration cases. Within minutes of receiving the text, Rollins and Jackson were talking on the phone. I couldnt get out of the courthouse parking lot before I heard from Casey, Jackson said. Next thing I know, Im working on a presentation. Jackson is putting the finishing touches on a series of slides that lay out what a legal process could look like to assist children with guardianship. A friend and former law school classmate she now practices alongside has jumped in to assist. Their goal is to have it ready for potential funders, volunteers, other lawyers, community groups and relevant government agencies as early as this week. Casey Rollins talks with Lou Ann Horstman of Springfield Neighbors United at Groceryland in Springfield, OH on December 11, 2025. (Maddie McGarvey for The 19th.) Rollins knows there will need to be many more people like Jackson to handle the number of guardianship cases that will very likely arise under the current climate and if the February deadline for the end of TPS holds. She keeps hundreds of informational sheets about filling out child passport applications and creating family immigration raid emergency plans on the long table just past St. Vincent de Pauls front doors. Two volunteers spent last week fully focused on immigration matters as others began to pack 1,200 Christmas food baskets. Some will be hand-delivered to Haitian families. Advertisement Advertisement She noted that already, people have reached out to help, at times transcending their politics. Groups like Springfield Neighbors United, a critical partner in the passport effort, and G92 have formed to help the cause. Leaders from the Nation of Islam are working in concert with Catholic nuns. Rollins hasnt always agreed with the citys elected leaders, but works with them closely because, she said, I believe in people who believe in people. And she is choosing to believe in the underlying goodness of the people of Springfield, where she grew up, married, worked and raised her son. She is choosing to believe they will not let their Haitian neighbors down. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX An Ohio man is facing charges after allegedly holding a woman against her will and abusing her in his home. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Jamere Jones, 25, of Toledo, was indicted on Tuesday by a Lucas County grand jury on several charges, including kidnapping, rape, strangulation, and felonious assault, according to WTOL, a CBS affiliate in Toledo. Court documents originally filed in Toledo Municipal Court state that Jones barricaded a door to keep a woman, who was 21 weeks pregnant at the time, inside his home. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Jones is accused of beating the woman with his hands, a hammer, a chain, and a belt, according to court documents. He also allegedly pointed a loaded Hammerli Arms .22 caliber rifle at the victims chest and threatened to kill her. WTOL reported he is also accused of pouring rubbing alcohol on her head. He then allegedly used a lighter to threaten to set her on fire. The victim also claims she was strangled and raped multiple times while barricaded inside the house. A judge set the bond for Jones at $590,000. Hes also ordered not to have contact with the victim and to have no weapons. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Archbishop of Oklahoma City, who is the current president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, recently met with President Donald Trump to discuss issues of "mutual concern." The Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley met with Trump at the White House on Monday, a spokesperson for Catholic bishops' group, said. "Archbishop Coakley had the opportunity for introductory meetings with President Trump, Vice President (JD) Vance, and other administration officials, in which they discussed areas of mutual concern, as well as areas for further dialogue," Chieko Noguchi, executive director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops office of public affairs, said. President Donald Trump, seated, meets with Archbishop Paul Coakley on Jan. 12 at the White House. More: Leading role: Mixed reactions pour in as Oklahoma archbishop takes on influential leadership role Advertisement Advertisement "Archbishop Coakley is grateful for the engagement and looks forward to ongoing discussions." Coakley talked about the meeting in a social media post on Tuesday. "Monday, I had the opportunity to meet with President Donald Trump, and also Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and their wives," he wrote. "The meetings served as an introduction as well as an opening to further conversations on topics of mutual concern, which will hopefully carry forward. I appreciate the opportunity and welcome the potential for ongoing productive conversations." The meeting was closed to the news media. Advertisement Advertisement Coakley was elected president of the bishops' conference at the fall plenary assembly in November. The bishops have voiced both concerns and gratitude for the Trump administration as Trump's second term continues. In February 2025, the group said it "welcomed" Trump's executive order entitled Keeping Men out of Womens Sports. "The Catholic Church teaches, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms: Man and woman have been created,' which is to say, willed by God: on the one hand, in perfect equality as human persons; on the other, in their respective beings as man and woman," the bishops said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement 'Being man' or 'being woman' is a reality which is good and willed by God. Athletics not only provide valuable educational opportunities, fostering discipline, teamwork, and personal growth, but they also serve as a celebration of the human body as a gift from God." More recently, the bishops expressed concerns about the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts. The group expressed its unease in a special pastoral message at the same meeting in which Coakley was elected. "We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants," the bishops said in their statement. "We are concerned about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of access to pastoral care. We lament that some immigrants in the United States have arbitrarily lost their legal status." This story was updated to add more information. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Paul S. Coakley, OKC archbishop, met with President Trump Mountain States Policy Center on January 13 released results from the first annual Washington Poll, a new statewide research effort designed to help lawmakers, community leaders, and citizens better understand what Washingtonians believe the state should prioritizeand how the state should move forward. The inaugural poll, conducted January 29, 2026 among 800 registered voters in Washington, shows voters focused on kitchen-table issuesparticularly the economy, taxes, and state spendingwhile also expressing strong interest in education reforms and greater transparency in public schools. Washington may be a state full of opportunity, but leaders cant solve problems if they arent aligned with the priorities of the people they serve. The Washington Poll is meant to provide a clear, reliable picture of what voters are thinkingand to help guide serious policy conversations toward solutions that reflect what Washingtonians want. Advertisement Advertisement When asked what the top priority should be for the next legislative session, voters most often chose: Improving the states economy (32%) Lowering taxes (31%) Balancing the state budget (16%) Voters are also concerned about state finances. With Washington facing a $2 billion budget shortfall, nearly two-thirds say lawmakers should focus on cutting spending rather than increasing taxes: 62% cutting spending 5% increasing taxes 25% both And when asked broadly about state spending levels, 67% say Washington state government spends too much, compared with just 12% who say it spends too little. More Washingtonians say the state is headed in the wrong direction (52%) than the right direction (37%). Advertisement Advertisement The poll also indicates a growing concern that Washington may be falling behind neighboring states on the cost of doing business. Many voters believe Idaho (47%) and Montana (45%) have better business and tax policies than Washington. In addition, 43% of respondents say decisions by the governor or legislature have caused them to consider moving out of Washington. Voters rate Washington public school performance as excellent or good (41%) versus fair or poor (55%). At the same time, voters show broad openness to reforms: 69% favor expanding education choice options 84% support the Public School Transparency Act, which would require school districts to clearly present spending and outcomes information in an accessible format Advertisement Advertisement Affordable housing is widely viewed as a serious challenge, with 95% describing the problem as very or somewhat serious. Asked what would best address housing affordability, voters are split between two broad strategies: 40% increase rent controls and build more public housing 39% reduce regulations to make it easier for private builders to build more homes Mountain States Policy Center launched the Washington Poll to provide a consistent, annual benchmark that tracks public opinion over timegiving policymakers and the public the data needed to engage in more informed debate and better decisions. Advertisement Advertisement The goal of the Washington Poll is straightforward. Washingtonians deserve to know where the public stands on the issues shaping our futureso we can focus on the policies that will make this state more affordable, more competitive, and more hopeful. This statewide survey of 800 registered Washington voters was conducted online January 29, 2026 by RMG Research, Inc. The sample was weighted to reflect the states registered voter population. The margin of sampling error for the full sample is 3.5 percentage points. Full results of the Washington Poll and the crosstabs are available here. Chris Cargill is the President of Mountain States Policy Center, an independent free market think tank based in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Eastern Washington. Online at mountainstatespolicy.org. For years, conservatives have warned that Americas welfare systems are not merely vulnerable to abuse, but structurally designed in ways that invite it. Recent reporting out of Minnesota has forced even reluctant observers to confront that reality. Daycare subsidies have dominated the national conversation ever since YouTuber Nick Shirley visited several Somali-run facilities in the Minneapolis area in December. His expose followed a groundbreaking story highlighting not only the scale of the fraud, but also revelations that some of the money was going to terrorists back in Somalia. Shirleys reporting has inspired journalists both citizen and professional in other states, from Ohio to Washington to Texas. Here in Idaho, numerous citizen journalists began investigating daycares that appeared to be receiving exorbitant amounts of taxpayer funding. While there have not yet been clear-cut cases of fraud on the scale Shirley uncovered in Minneapolis, these investigations have raised questions, and in particular about certain providers (perhaps I should say alleged providers) in the refugee community. Advertisement Advertisement What no one is discussing is that the obvious fraud is only the tip of the iceberg. What happens if the fraudsters are even just a little bit more subtle? Beyond cases in which the daycares exist only on paper or perhaps only as a misspelled sign how many tax dollars are being disbursed for nonexistent extra children? For inflated hours? For services that exist more in theory than in practice? An even deeper concern is the system, designed to be exploited, that enables such fraud. The current framework of federal and state subsidies for small businesses, child care, and welfare discourages scrutiny while funneling public money to dubious destinations. These programs were created to address real needs child care, housing, food assistance. But administration of the funds has been outsourced to a sprawling and largely unaccountable network of government agencies and nonprofits. These organizations not only lobby for more spending; they often help design the very rules that govern how that spending occurs. When those funds disproportionately benefit minority groups, such as Somali refugees, an additional layer of insulation from accountability emerges. Any criticism can be dismissed as racism or xenophobia. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) has already denounced scrutiny of alleged fraud in his state as white supremacy. Leaders of the Feeding Our Future nonprofit the focus of a separate federal investigation that eventually led to multiple convictions for a $250 million fraud on taxpayers actually dared threaten the state with civil rights litigation if it failed to promptly approve expenditures for their scams. Advertisement Advertisement Is it any surprise that people would take advantage of such a system to enrich themselves and their communities? The system incentivizes the creation of small, in-home childcare businesses that frequently serve only members of the same community. Despite appearing on state childcare registries and sometimes even displaying street-facing signage, many of these daycares are not open to the general public. Although they may serve a legitimate function caring for children of refugees or immigrants working long or irregular hours their structure appears designed to maximize access to subsidies rather than to operate as conventional businesses. Add to this the presence of cultures in which exploiting such systems is not considered shameful but clever, and the outcome becomes predictable. American welfare programs were designed around trust, with the intention of providing a hand up rather than a handout. Oversight, however, has become politically radioactive. Bureaucrats are risk-averse, politicians fear bad headlines, and nonprofits know how to deploy moral language to shut down debate. Attempts to scrutinize these programs are routinely framed as attacks on vulnerable populations. Advertisement Advertisement In Idaho, a recent bill that merely lowered the income limits for those taking refugee assistance simply aligning them with the income limits applied to citizens was met with criticism from Democrats, nonprofits, and even refugees themselves. It is fair to ask why the government subsidizes industries like childcare at all. Americans are a generous people, but generosity has limits. We cannot afford to import the entire third world and subsidize every facet of their lives, especially when the system is so easily exploited. Results matter more than intentions, and the results exposed in recent weeks speak for themselves. Yet even Republicans seem reluctant to address the underlying problem. The latest Health and Human Services spending bill includes between $4 billion and $6 billion for refugee assistance, depending on whether the House or Senate version prevails. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), the House Majority Whip from Minnesota, is engaging in tough talk calling for the deportation of refugees involved in fraud but will the co-founder of the House Somalia Caucus follow through? Ultimately, the purpose of a system is what it does. Our welfare and subsidy system funnels taxpayer money through opaque and unaccountable channels, enriching a vast ecosystem of nonprofits attached to it like barnacles on a ship. Advertisement Advertisement Arresting a handful of scammers will not fix the underlying problem. Like scraping those barnacles away, reform will be rough and painful but it is necessary. Brian Almon is chairman of Idahos District 14 Republican Party, a trustee of the Eagle Public Library Board, and editor of the Gem State Chronicle. 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. Federal police wait inside the gate of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center south of downtown Portland during protests on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2025. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle) As legal battles threaten the viability of state laws that prevent federal immigration agents from covering their faces, Oregon lawmakers on Tuesday took a major step toward entering the fray themselves. Members of the House Committee on Judiciary heard testimony Tuesday from civil liberty and immigrant rights advocates about a new bill: the Law Enforcement Accountability and Visibility Act, introduced by Rep. Farrah Chaichi, D-Beaverton. Lawmakers in states including Michigan, New York, Washington, Tennessee, Illinois and Massachusetts are weighing similar pieces of legislation, and Portlands city leaders are also considering a facial covering ban for law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Theres a question whether you can tell the feds what to do, but we want anyone practicing law enforcement in the state of Oregon to abide by these rules, Chaichi told her colleagues. And if the feds dont abide by these rules, at the very least, we know our locals are not the masked people you see outside. The legislation would empower individuals to sue public agencies for damages, attorney fees or a court order when the law is violated, creating non-criminal tools for local and state law enforcement to investigate individuals wearing masks when they have enough cause to suspect someone is impersonating a law enforcement officer, according to a Tuesday memo. The bill would come with a 90-day implementation phase, allow for medical or undercover operation exemptions and require every law enforcement agency operating in the state to have a public policy regarding facial coverings that generally prohibits masking. Tackling federal agent masking was a key priority of House Democratic legislative leadership, but it remains to be seen whether such a bill would survive legal challenges citing the U.S. Constitutions supremacy clause. The section allows for federal laws to supersede conflicting state ones and provides a significant level of criminal immunity for federal officers based on a landmark 1890 U.S. Supreme Court precedent. Supporters of such masking laws, however, say that face coverings stymie efforts at accountability when individuals impersonate agents and ultimately result in fewer people, including crime victims, cooperating with any law enforcement agency. Chaichis proposed legislation comes after two Oregon state lawmakers last August announced they would introduce a constitutional amendment that requires voter approval aimed at stopping what they called secret police. That would likely require a resource-intensive push to get the ballot measure over the finish line, while the Trump administration has already begun to fight similar measures across the country in federal court. Advertisement Advertisement A staffer for Rep. Tom Andersen, D-Salem, told the Capital Chronicle on Tuesday that his constitutional ballot legislation is close to being finalized, but that the representative supports Chaichis bill as well. Andersen and Rep. Cyrus Javadi, D-Tillamook, announced their legislation after masked federal agents in Beaverton apprehended a father last July outside his childs preschool, part of a shift by the federal government which historically held off immigration enforcement in areas such as hospitals, houses of worship and schools. An unnamed spokesperson for the Homeland Security Department previously told the Capital Chronicle in a statement responding to the duos bill that such pieces of legislation stoke dangerous rhetoric against Immigration and Customs Enforcement for cheap points and fundraising emails. When our heroic law enforcement officers conduct operations, they clearly identify themselves as law enforcement while wearing masks to protect themselves from being targeted by highly sophisticated gangs like Tren de Aragua and MS-13, criminal rings, murderers, and rapists, the spokesperson added. Legal battles loom In California, meanwhile, lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom passed the nations first anti-masking law applicable to federal law enforcement agents, creating a criminal and civil penalty process for alleged violations. Lawyers for the federal government eventually sued the state in November, seeking to halt implementation of the law on the grounds that it unlawfully interferes with federal agents duties and prevents them from avoiding being targeted or doxed for their work. Advertisement Advertisement Federal attorneys in their lawsuit also challenged a California law requiring agents to wear visible identification. A judge is set to hear arguments Wednesday for a preliminary order blocking Californias anti-masking law, which was supposed to take effect at the start of the year. Californias attorneys have agreed to pause the laws enforcement against federal agents until the judge makes a ruling, court records show, but legal experts have expressed doubt that the masking laws will survive in court. On Tuesday, lawmakers heard from Portland Police Chief Bob Day, who emphasized his support for the agencys policy preventing it from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement activities. He said that growing confusion prompted by the federal governments increased presence could affect his own agencys ability to retain trust. The bureaus identification policy already requires members to identify themselves by name when responding to a call for service and display their badges and name tags on their outermost garment. Anytime we bucket all of law enforcement into the same area and the same critique, I think thats a risk. You have really excellent law enforcement within the state and a lot of really good work being done, Day said, but that doesnt mean we shouldnt certainly look at the importance of identification. Michael Abrams, policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Unions Oregon chapter, told lawmakers that while the issue exists in a legal gray area, he was more confident in Oregons law compared to California because it applies across the board to state, local and federal law enforcement agencies. Californias law exempts state law enforcement. More sanctuary standing The new legislation from Chaichi also contains several provisions to boost Oregons sanctuary laws, which have for decades served as some of the strongest in the nation by blocking state and local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement activities without a court order. Chaichis bill memo also calls for prohibiting Oregon state and local employees from cooperating with federal or another states crackdowns on free speech or targeting of protected classes. Advertisement Advertisement Alongside that provision is another part of the measure which would make public any terms of agreements between local law enforcement in federal joint task forces tackling crime. The bill would prohibit a state or local agency or officer from surveilling or investigating an individual based on First Amendment activities or protected classes. It would also outlaw using confidential informants for investigations based on membership in a protected class under state anti-discrimination laws. The new masking legislation is one of several bills lawmakers hope to pass in response to the Trump administrations increasingly aggressive deportation crackdown, which prompted at least 1,100 arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Oregon last year. Thats according to immigration advocates and the Deportation Data Project, a public records database from university researchers which has tracked federal detention data from Jan. 1, 2025 to Oct. 15, 2025. While ICE has claimed its crackdowns are catching criminals, recently available data shows that only 32% of people arrested in 2025 had criminal convictions. Thats down from 45% of the people ICE arrested in Oregon in 2024, according to the project. Several Oregon Democrats on Wednesday morning are expected to unveil additional legislation involving immigration issues, such as sensitive data privacy for immigrants, restrictions for state contracts with businesses that support ICE operations and additional resources for immigrants using the legal system. Another bill allowing individuals to sue federal agents in civil court is also set to be considered in the upcoming session. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Jan. 14OTHELLO Spencer Williams was appointed as interim Othello city administrator Monday, but not before a discussion on who the city administrator should be. Council member Marc Spohr said he thought it should be the new mayor, Ken Johnson. Othello City Council members voted in December to change city ordinances governing the roles of mayor and city administrator. Spohr said he thought the December vote was wrong. "If these (votes) are determined to be illegal, which I have been instructed they are, then right now Ken Johnson is city administrator," Spohr said. "I think what they did in these ordinances was more retaliatory and vindictive than beneficial to the city." Advertisement Advertisement Former Mayor Shawn Logan was working as the city administrator in addition to his elected role as mayor, which required a change in city ordinances. After Logan was defeated for reelection, council members changed the ordinance to split the two jobs. Spohr said the previous council made a mistake in revising the ordinance after the election. During the mayoral campaign, Johnson said he thought the two roles should be separate and that he didn't want the city administrator job, which he confirmed during Monday's meeting. Spohr argued that it didn't matter. "You can't change a position, roles and responsibilities between the time of the election and when they take office. You pay a certain fee for that position and that compensation," Spohr said. "You can't change that." Spohr said Johnson and Logan were charged a filing fee that included the salary for the city administrator job as well as the mayor's. Since that was the case, Spohr said he thought city officials needed a legal opinion before appointing a new city administrator. Advertisement Advertisement "When Ken ran for mayor, the expectation was that the position was city administrator and mayor," said council member Kelli Camp. The actual office Johnson and Logan filed for, according to the Washington State Auditor's Office, was the mayor's. Williams said that when it came to setting salaries, the two jobs were considered separately. "They're two different salary amounts. Those are both set by the independent salary commission," Williams said. The filing fee was, and is, set by the Adams County Auditor's Office. Auditor Heidi Hunt did not return a phone call or email asking about the filing fee by press time. Advertisement Advertisement Spohr was the only no vote on the resolution to appoint Williams to the interim job. Williams said city officials plan to start by looking in Othello. "Our goal is to advertise internally, as Mayor Johnson and I have been discussing this over the last few weeks," Williams said. "Our goal is, first of all, to find somebody that's an Othello person that can be here for many years to come." Williams said city officials would look outside Othello if they couldn't find a suitable candidate in town. Council member Chris Dorow said he would support looking outside of Othello from the beginning. "It's fine to prioritize Othello, but a lot of city administrators who took this job moved to Othello and stayed for quite a while," Dorow said. Council member Angel Garza asked if Johnson had an estimate for the search. Johnson said he hoped to find someone within three months. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) Panama City commissioners are getting back into the road business. They voted 3-2 to buy equipment and hire staff to establish an internal city paving team. This crew would be used to tackle smaller residential road improvement projects. The city already has a pothole team and uses private contractors for big projects. This crew would address road segments in need of repair or other minor issues that can still create major problems for residents. Advertisement Advertisement The five-year plan would cost millions, with funding provided by the downtown north and Millville CRAs, some grants, and environmental reserves. PC officials continue work on ordinance that regulates the citys business landscape Opponents say it will cost too much, and supporters say improving roads should be the citys top priority. What I suggested today was that we take a pause and that we prioritize whats unnecessary spending, and we save that money for right now. So, for example, the paving project or the pay and the material and the functions that go with it, I suggested that we not do that right now, only because theres going to be 5.5 million thats tied up that we might need, but we might not need, Panama City Commissioner Robbie Hughes said. Advertisement Advertisement I think that when the citizens see that were actually taking movement, were actually moving forward with paving peoples roads and fixing, you know, the horrible conditions that are out there in some of these areas. I think theyll be pleased that were doing so very cheaply, Panama City Commissioner Brian Grainger said. The city has already identified road segments for the first year of the plan, like Bay Avenue, 4th Street, Wilson Avenue, East 16th Street, Williams Avenue, Satsuma, and more. Commissioner Grainger admits there will be some growing pains and that training staff on the new equipment will take some time. 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 mypanhandle.com. Dustin Dusty Turner, whose parole was recently certified after more than three decades in prison, will not receive a release date until he completes a required re-entry program that could keep him incarcerated for at least two more months, according to his advocates. An update posted Tuesday, January 13, on Turners Instagram account said he was transferred days after his parole hearing from Buckingham Correctional Center to another Virginia facility to complete Intensive Re-Entry Programming, or IRP, which has been made a condition of his parole. Turners supporters said the requirement has delayed any timetable for his release despite what they described as a low-risk assessment score. Advertisement Advertisement According to the updated social media post, Turner had been housed at Buckingham under the Virginia Model, an incentive-based system emphasizing rehabilitation and accountability, where he lived in a veterans pod and had access to expanded programming and communication. Turner was moved two days after the parole hearing, despite requests that any additional programming be completed at Buckingham, where he was described as stable and thriving. Since the transfer, Turner is now held in a unit described by his advocates as heavily affected by drugs and gangs, with significantly reduced access to communication. The post said the facilitys JPAY kiosk is down indefinitely, leaving Turner without email access and limiting him to one or two phone calls per day. For safety reasons, the update added, he is now housed alone in a cell. Advocates said they have been told that Turner will not be assigned a release date until he completes IRP, which they said is being fast-tracked and could take at least eight weeks. Under standard timelines, the post said, the programming can last five to six months. Turner, now in his 50s, was convicted in a 1996 Virginia trial of abducting and killing 21-year-old Jennifer Evans and sentenced to 82 years in prison. He has long maintained that he did not commit the murder, a claim supported in part by later sworn statements from a co-defendant who said he acted alone. Virginia appeals courts ruled that the co-defendant acted independently, but higher courts eventually declined to overturn Turners conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Turner participated in an exclusive interview with The Dallas Express shortly before a January 7 parole hearing that advocates said was the final procedural step to certify an earlier parole vote. How I have been able to cope with the challenges of each day after 11,000 plus days in prison for crimes I did not commit is difficult to sum up in so many words, Turner said in the DX interview. I expect to unravel and express all of that after my long-overdue release. Shortly thereafter, the Virginia Parole Board certified the votes granting parole, though no release date was provided at the time. Turners Instagram account said his legal and advocacy team is actively pressing for clarity and monitoring his conditions, while urging supporters to continue writing letters during what they described as the final phase of his incarceration. The Virginia Department of Corrections was contacted by DX but did not immediately respond with a comment before publication. Former Rep. Mary Peltola raked in $1.5 million in the first 24 hours of her bid to unseat GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan in Alaska, a sizable haul to kick off what will likely be a costly battle for Democrats to flip a Senate seat squarely in Trump terrain. Peltolas day-one haul was fueled by small-dollar donors from across Alaska, including fisherman, silversmiths and train conductors, according to information her campaign shared first with POLITICO. Ninety-six percent of those contributions were $100 or less. In just 24 hours, Alaskans made it clear that were ready to put Alaska first, Peltola said in a statement. Im grateful and honored for this incredible support from people who are ready to take on the special interests and DC people and focus on what matters: fish, family, and freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Peltola raised more in one day than the roughly $1.2 million that Sullivan brought in over the third quarter of last year, according to federal campaign finance filings. Sullivan had yet to post his fourth-quarter fundraising report as of Tuesday night, but the Republican was sitting on nearly $4.8 million in cash on hand to start the last three months of the year. Her total was likely padded by messages from prominent Democrats including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), former Vice President Kamala Harris and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), who blasted out emails Monday asking their supporters to split donations between their political arms and Peltola. Her campaign said it also recruited more than 500 volunteers in its first day. The former congresswomans entrance into the race is a recruiting coup for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer the latest addition to the roster of former lawmakers the New York Democrat is relying on to help the party net four seats to retake control of the Senate. And it gives Democrats another offensive target on a map theyve been pushing to expand after sweeping victories in last years off-cycle elections. Advertisement Advertisement Peltola has twice won statewide elections in Alaska, snagging her at-large House seat in a special election in September 2022 to replace the late Rep. Don Young and going on to win a full term that November. She lost her seat in 2024 by 2.4 points, but outperformed Harris as President Donald Trump swept the state by 13. She faces an uphill climb against Sullivan, who ousted Democratic incumbent Mark Begich in 2014 to win his seat and has kept it red since. Cook Political Report moved the Alaska Senate race from solid Republican to lean Republican after her launch Monday. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican who has backed Peltola in the past, endorsed Sullivan on Monday. State police believe there could be hundreds of victims from one taxidermist in Derry Township. John Anthony is one of many who police say gave Mike Chesla, of Forever Ridge Taxidermy, a deposit with an animal and have not received anything in return. Im out of my trophy, fish, and out my money, Anthony said. In that business, I understand it takes a while, but now were looking at almost four years since the first two fish were taken in, and it will be three in April for this last one. Advertisement Advertisement Eric Haggerty tells Channel 11 its been two years since he gave Chesla his coyote. He says several others have had the same experience. I heard there was a little boy who caught his first fish, but, unfortunately, never ended up receiving that back, Haggerty said. So, Im kinda having a heavy heart for everyone else out there who is in the same shoes as me. PSP, along with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, searched Cheslas business on Dec. 22 and now have all the animals they found inside. Police could not confirm a total dollar amount for the unfulfilled jobs. No arrests have been made at this time, but officials are asking all victims to come forward. Advertisement Advertisement They received several complaints dating back to 2021 and believe there could be hundreds of people affected by the business. Unfortunately, police couldnt identify the animals owners, so if you believe they may have your property, call the state police barracks in Greensburg at 724-832-3288. PSP tells potential victims to provide any proof tying them to their animals. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Danny Griffiths, who has been unhoused for most of the past 20 years, wants state leaders to hold Providence Police accountable for alleged harassment of unhoused people like himself. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) As lawmakers and guests made their way to the House floor to hear Gov. Dan McKee outline his vision for a better Rhode Island, progressive advocates filled the State House rotunda early Tuesday night to provide theirs one calling on McKee and other state leaders to make more commitments toward reducing homelessness. We are living in challenging times, Kevin Simon, director of outreach for the Mathewson Street Church in Providence, told the crowd of 70 people. This is not the Rhode Island we want, this is not the Rhode Island we hope for. Advertisement Advertisement Its the second consecutive year demonstrators have used the governors State of the State speech in order to highlight the growing economic disparities and social challenges facing Rhode Islanders through a Peoples State of the State. This year, advocates were able to air their grievances from the center of the State House under an agreement reached in a federal lawsuit brought by the ACLU of Rhode Island after the McKee administration barred protesters from the rotunda during his 2025 State of the State. Activists didnt dwell on last years State House access issues, instead focusing their attention on what to do for homeless Rhode Islanders in the middle of winter. Simon reminded the crowd that volunteers counted at least 2,373 unhoused individuals across the state during the annual Point in Time Count last January. It was a 2.8% decrease from the record high of 2,442 in 2024, but still too high for Simons liking. That number should be zero, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Here are the policy changes advocates want to see from state leaders: Harrison Tuttle, a warming center coordinator for the Rhode Island State Council of Churches, speaks with investigative reporter Jim Hummel following the 2026 Peoples State of the State. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) More warming centers, even more oversight The 2025 Point in Time census of Rhode Islands unhoused population found 618 people were without any shelter across the state a 15.7% increase over 2024. Advocates demanded the state to expand the network of emergency warming centers beyond what the $1.7 million grants the states Executive Office of Housing allocated to groups last fall to support such spaces, along with increasing the number of seasonal shelter beds. That included $200,000 given to the Rhode Island State Council of Churches, which used the money toward its newly created No One Dies (NOD) program, where local churches open their doors as overnight warming centers during extreme weather. Advertisement Advertisement The initiative launched Dec. 5, and the State Council of Churches has already spent nearly half of its allocation, said Harrison Tuttle, a warming center coordinator for the organization. In the last several weeks, he said over 400 people have experienced a new standard of care. Its been led with compassion and the expertise of some of the best outreach workers in the state, Tuttle said in an interview. Though advocates organized by the Rhode Island Homeless Advocacy Project commended the state for its recent investment, speakers at the protest claimed people staying overnight at some shelters and warming centers have been mistreated. They alleged many spaces lack any place to store belongings, sanitary showers and bathrooms. One speaker told the crowd when she stayed at Crossroads Rhode Islands emergency shelter in Providence, she had to sleep on a table. It was humiliating and uncalled for, she said. Advertisement Advertisement To ensure quality control across the states network, advocates said they want to see the Executive Office of Housing increase inspections and oversight of the warming centers and shelters. A spokesperson for the office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on advocates proposal. House the Homeless reads a sign held by a demonstrator during the 2026 Peoples State of the State on Jan. 13, 2026. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) ECHO Villages across Rhode Island To ensure fewer Rhode Islanders are without shelter, advocates called on the state to construct more rapidly deployable sites like ECHO Village the community of 45 tiny cabin shelters that opened in February 2025 off Route 146 in Providence. While quick to assemble, ECHO Village cabins sat empty for over a year as officials struggled to figure out how they fit into the states fire and building codes, which had no category for the shelters. Advertisement Advertisement ECHO Village originally had a one-year lease through fall 2025. State officials extended it through the end of September 2026. To ensure delays never happen again for any similar type of shelter project, lawmakers last year approved legislation that would exempt municipalities from fire and building codes for 180 days, so long as a city or town declares an emergency, to construct temporary shelters. Continue placing Housing First Advocates say state leaders have insufficiently addressed the root cause of homelessness across the state: a perceived lack of permanent housing for very low-income households. Permanent supportive housing is a cornerstone of the Housing First model, which prioritizes providing immediate housing without preconditions, such as sobriety or treatment programs, to stabilize lives of residents. An estimated 1,500 Rhode Islanders now live in such housing units. Advertisement Advertisement McKees RI 2030 plan calls for adding 375 more units with services plus 500 deeply subsidized units by 2030. We cant wait until 2030 we need to be looking at ways to solve this now before we start to lose more friends, Simon said. So many Rhode Islanders are one medical emergency or paycheck away from being homeless. But theres a big question mark over just how many units can be added as the Trump administration fights to shift more federal funding to programs that tie housing to accountability. A group of democratic-led states, along with another coalition of communities and homeless care providers, sought a preliminary injunction after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a Nov. 13 Notice of Funding Opportunity that would have capped how much of the $3.9 billion grant program could be used for permanent supportive housing at 30%. Advertisement Advertisement That policy is on pause after a federal judge ordered HUD to keep its Housing First approach for now as lawsuits filed against the Trump administration by the Rhode Island Council of Churches and a coalition of blue states continue to play out. However, HUDs revised funding notice released Jan. 8 stated it would go back to its original 30% funding cap if the Trump administration wins the legal battle. A protester holds up a sign on the rotunda steps during the 2026 Peoples State of the State on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) End alleged police harassment Exacerbating the homelessness crisis, at least in Providence, advocates say is the misguided policy of allowing police to continue to raid homeless encampments. The Rhode Island Homeless Advocacy Project gathered outside the capital citys Public Safety Complex last February to protest incidents between police and homeless individuals reported at the Mathewson Street Church. At the time, Providence Mayor Brett Smileys office said the city was deeply committed to addressing homelessness through a comprehensive, collaborative approach. Since then, there have been fewer incidents outside the church, Simon said. But issues still persist elsewhere in Providence. Advertisement Advertisement Danny Griffiths, who has been unhoused for most of the past 20 years, claimed he was jumped by three police officers in August 2025. I got assaulted, he said. They didnt ask me my name, didnt ask me nothing. Griffiths is now recovering from drug addiction and said hes still stopped by police even as hes started to get back on his feet. He wants problem officers to be held accountable. We can do great things, all we need is a nudge, Griffiths told the crowd. Anthony Vega, a spokesperson for Smileys office said in an emailed statement Tuesday that the city has a process when an encampment is reported by a member of the public or another entity. This involves a multi-department approach of which Providence Police are one piece. Advertisement Advertisement Many encampments are addressed through the work of outreach partners prior to engagement from city departments, Vega added. This approach follows all city and state laws and national best practices. Advocates demanded that the state, particularly the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General, end the unconstitutional actions. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronhas office did not immediately respond to request for comment Tuesday night. Rhode Island State Police troopers talk while standing on the rotunda steps near the House floor during the 2026 State of the State on Jan. 13, 2026. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A person was hit by an MBTA bus in South Boston late Tuesday night. Boston police told Boston 25 News the collision happened around 10:15 in the area of Old Colony Ave at Dorchester Street. There was no immediate word on the victims condition or how the crash happened. Boston 25 News has reached out to MBTA transit police for more information. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The United States is withdrawing some personnel from its bases in the Middle East, a US official told the Reuters news agency, after a senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned neighbours it would hit US bases if Washington launches strikes on Iran. As Irans leadership battles widescale antigovernment protests, Tehran is seeking to deter US President Donald Trumps repeated threats to intervene on behalf of the protesters. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the United States was pulling some personnel from key bases in the region as a precaution given heightened regional tensions, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement Some personnel have been advised to leave the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar by Wednesday evening, Reuters reported, quoting three unnamed diplomats. Its a posture change and not an ordered evacuation, one diplomat said, adding that they were not aware that a specific reason had been given for the posture change. Qatar said the drawdown of some personnel from the Al Udeid airbase comes in response to current regional tensions. Qatars International Media Office said Doha continues to implement all necessary measures to safeguard the security and safety of its citizens and residents as a top priority and said that actions are under way for the protection of critical infrastructure and military facilities. Advertisement Advertisement There has been no comment from the US Embassy in Doha. The UK is also reducing the number of its personnel at the airbase in Qatar, the BBC and The i newspaper reported. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said that the department did not comment on details of basing and deployments due to security. The UK always puts precautionary measures in place to ensure the security and safety of our personnel, including, where necessary, withdrawing personnel, the spokesperson was cited as saying by Reuters. Al Udeid houses about 10,000 troops. Last year, more than a week before the US launched air strikes on Iran, some personnel and families were moved off US bases in the Middle East. After the US attacks in June, Iran launched a missile attack on the base in Qatar. Advertisement Advertisement The US embassy in Saudi Arabia also told its personnel to act with caution and avoid military installations. Given ongoing regional tensions, the US mission to Saudi Arabia has advised its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to any military installations in the region. We recommend American citizens in the Kingdom do the same, the embassy said in a statement on its website. Irans warning to regional countries Reuters quoted a senior Iranian official as saying that Tehran had warned regional countries it would strike US military bases in case of an attack by Washington. Tehran has told regional countries from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Turkiye that US bases in those countries will be attacked if US targets Iran asking these countries to prevent Washington from attacking Iran, the unnamed senior Iranian official said. Advertisement Advertisement The comments follow US President Donald Trumps threats to intervene militarily in Iran over the bloodshed during nationwide protests. Trump called on Iranians to take over state institutions, promising that help is on the way. The 24-hectare (59-acre) Al Udeid base, in the desert outside the capital Doha, is the forward headquarters for US Central Command, which directs US military operations in a huge swath of territory stretching from Egypt in the west to Kazakhstan in the east. In January, US Central Command said it had opened a new coordination cell (MEAD-CDOC) at Al Udeid, in coordination with regional partners, to enhance integrated air and missile defence. The new cell would improve how regional forces coordinate and share air and missile responsibilities across the Middle East. DOHA, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Some personnel have been advised to leave the U.S. military's Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening, three diplomats told Reuters, amid warnings from Washington that it could intervene to protect protesters in Iran. The U.S. embassy in Doha had no immediate comment and Qatar's ministry of foreign affairs did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for confirmation or comment. Al Udeid is the Middle East's largest U.S. base, housing around 10,000 troops. Advertisement Advertisement "It's a posture change and not an ordered evacuation," one of the diplomats told Reuters. The diplomat said he was not aware that a specific reason had been given for the posture change. A senior Iranian official told Reuters earlier that Tehran warned regional countries it would strike U.S. military bases in case of an attack by Washington, after President Donald Trump threatened to intervene in Iran. Last year, more than a week before the U.S. launched air strikes on Iran, some personnel and families were moved off U.S. bases in the Middle East. After the U.S. attacks in June, Iran launched a missile attack on the base in Qatar. (Reporting by Andrew MillsWriting by Nayera AbdallahEditing by Edmund Blair) The post From Pest to Pride: How the Coyote Became South Dakotas State Animal appeared first on A-Z Animals. Quick Take The coyote became South Dakotas state animal in 1949 , chosen for its resilience, adaptability, and intelligence over other candidates like the bull. A celebrity coyote named Tootsie helped sway public opinion after being rescued in the Black Hills, showing the animals charm and cleverness. Despite its symbolic status, South Dakota once ran a state bounty program paying hunters for adult coyotes and pups, though the program has ended. Coyotes hold cultural significance in Native American folklore and thrive across the state today, with an estimated population of around 70,000. An animal once considered a pest with a bounty on its head managed to become the official state animal of South Dakota. The bull was also considered, but lawmakers ultimately chose the coyote for its resilience, adaptability, and intelligence. A celebrity coyote named Tootsie had a lot to do with changing public perception of the animal. Today, coyotes thrive in South Dakota. With a population of around 70,000, South Dakota has one of the highest populations of coyotes in the country. Coyotes can survive in nearly every type of habitat across North America. Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock.com (Harry Collins Photography/Shutterstock.com) Governor George T. Mickelson signed the legislation to designate the coyote as the official state animal of South Dakota on March 5, 1949. Lawmakers debated other animals during the floor discussion, including the bull. But the coyote won the day with State Senator Alfred Roesler saying, The coyote has managed to get along in the face of civilization that is encroaching upon him. Again, you might say his spirit to survive is a lot like the citizens of South Dakota who have gone through adverse conditions. There was a fairly recent attempt to change the state animal from the coyote to the bison in 2012, but the bill failed, and the coyote retained its position. Advertisement Advertisement When settlers began arriving in South Dakota in the 1800s, the people faced harsh conditions. They had to deal with blizzards, prairie fires, floods, and grasshopper plagues. To survive, people dug deep wells for water, burnt buffalo chips for warmth, and built their homes from prairie sod. Its no wonder that state lawmakers sought a resilient and resourceful animal such as the coyote to represent the people of South Dakota. Coyotes hold an important place in Native American culture. The Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center describes the coyote, sugmanitu, as a trickster and culture hero, often described as witty, clever, obscene, vulgar, and thieving. In folklore, the coyote often takes the shape of a man who plays tricks on people. The stories frequently end with the coyote having to face the consequences of his bad decisions, teaching people morality. Like other large predators that preyed on farmers livestock, coyotes were considered pests. Many states, including South Dakota, offered bounties. However, one mans pet coyote, Tootsie, helped to change public opinion about coyotes. In 1947, Deadwood resident Ollie Wiswell found a female orphaned pup too young to care for herself wandering the Black Hills of South Dakota. Ignoring the bounty on pups, Wiswell brought the helpless little pup home. When coyotes face population decline, mothers give birth to larger litters, helping their populations rebound. Ronnie Howard/Shutterstock.com (Ronnie Howard/Shutterstock.com) Wiswell gave the coyote to Fred and Esther Borsch, owners of the Spot Liquor store in Deadwood. The Borsches loved the pup. They named her Tootsie, and Fred taught her how to howl along to his singing. Tootsie proved to be very popular, not only in Deadwood but around the country. Fred even took her on a ten-state tour, which included a visit to the White House. Rumor has it that President Eisenhower and Vice President Nixon were enthralled by the friendly coyote. Two years after Wiswell saved Tootsie in the Black Hills, coyotes became the official state animal. Today, the former Spot Liquor store is now known as Tootsies Taproom. Advertisement Advertisement Although the coyote is now the state animal, South Dakota once paid hunters $5 for adult coyotes and $2 for coyote pups through a state-run bounty program. While the state program has ended, some counties still offer bounties for coyotes during certain times of the year. Unlike other large predators, such as wolves and bears, coyotes have been expanding their range for the past 100 years. Today, they live in nearly every type of ecosystem in North America. Before the 1700s, coyotes mainly lived in the prairies and deserts of central North America and Mexico. There are several reasons why coyotes thrive in forests, prairies, grasslands, suburban, and urban environments alike. For one thing, coyotes are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of small animals, plants, and carrion. They hunt rabbits and squirrels in the suburbs, scavenge trash, and even prey on small pets. In rural areas, they also feed on larger animals such as deer and livestock. Furthermore, many large predators that competed with coyotes have been eradicated across much of the lower 48 states, allowing coyotes to move in and multiply. And finally, coyotes will give birth to larger litters and mate at younger ages when their population is experiencing stress or decline. Despite bounties on their heads, persecution by farmers and ranchers, and various attempts to eradicate them, coyotes have ways of quickly rebounding their populations. The post From Pest to Pride: How the Coyote Became South Dakotas State Animal appeared first on A-Z Animals. A pet bunny and cat were killed when a stray dog wandered into their Florida home and attacked them before biting a police officer, authorities said. The horrific scene played out in a Fort Lauderdale home when a resident called 911 after a "large dog" entered her home Tuesday morning, Fort Lauderdale police told the USA Today Network. The dog made its way into the home where the pets were and attempted to attacked the mom. Officers arrived and found the dog outside the residence with the bunny in its mouth. Advertisement Advertisement Detectives said the canine dropped the rabbit and bit an officer on the forearm, prompting the officer to discharge his firearm, striking the dog, authorities said. The dog fled and was found a few blocks away where it was taken into custody and later died from the gunshot wound injury. Its not known what breed the dog was or who its owner is. The officer who was bit was treated for minor injuries. No other injuries were reported. Michelle Spitzeris a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the networks Rapid Response reporter, she covers Floridas breaking news. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Cat, rabbit killed when stray dog enters home, attacks, bites officer Philadelphia police say they're investigating three murders of people connected to a tow company. Sources tell Action News police are working with their federal partners on this case. Family and police sources say all the victims worked for 448 Towing and Recovery. READ MORE | Parents want answers after tow truck driver killed in drive-by shooting The most recent incident happened Sunday night when a Honda Accord pulled up at Knorr Street and Bustleton Avenue. Aaron Whitfield was killed and his girlfriend was injured. Advertisement Advertisement "It could be over territory. For some reason, they believe they have territory in the city, which we all know they do not," said Philadelphia Police Staff Inspector Ernest Ransom. Investigators are also looking for a navy blue Jeep Cherokee possibly involved in the killing of David Garcia-Morales, who was gunned down in his tow truck in the middle of the 4200 block of Torresdale Avenue on December 22. Police said the fatal shooting of Aaron Smith-Sim on the 2700 block of Hicks Street in late November may also be connected. SEE ALSO | Man shot while driving in Frankford; suspect at large "He was what we call a spotter for tow trucks. So what happens when there is an auto accident, they'll run out to the scene quickly and then notify their tow truck operators, and they'll get to the scene as soon as they can," said Ransom. Advertisement Advertisement The Investigative Team has been putting the spotlight on the towing industry for years. In Philadelphia, there's a rotational tow system. Police dispatch companies to accidents, but some tow operators often skirt the law by bypassing the rotation and arriving at crash scenes prior to police arrival. Investigators tell Action News the tow industry, unfortunately, has some unsavory characters with lengthy criminal histories, including violence. Aaron Whitfield's mother, Kimberly Randlemann, knows all too well as she prepares for his funeral. "They have no respect for nobody no more. They don't care where you are, who you're with, they don't care," said Randlemann. Advertisement Advertisement Action News has been unable to reach the owner of 448 Towing and Recovery for comment. Police say if you have information or know the whereabouts of that Honda Accord and Jeep Cherokee, call them at 215-686-TIPS. As the public fallout continues from the surprising firing of WINK News chief metorologist Matt Devitt, a new challenge confronts the decision-makers at the Fort Myers CBS affliiate. Who will replace Devitt? Will Devitt's replacement come from inside the walls of WINK News, where there remain six individuals on the weather team, which the WINK News website refers to as "The Weather Authority?" More: WINK firing of Matt Devitt ignites political fight in SW FL race Advertisement Advertisement Or, will the management at WINK go outside and search nationally for Devitt's replacement. Based on the public outrage over the firing, whomever takes his place will have a tough act to follow. There's a lot of speculatiom swirling around regarding the firing of Devitt, but nothing official from him or WINK News. Devitt is a much-loved weather expert in this market for a decade who connected with his audience with his calm and reassuring approach during hurricane coverage. Devitt posted a statement on his social media page, saying he was fired on Jan. 10. "This decision was not one that I expected or agreed with and was not given the opportunity to say goodbye on-air," Devitt said. "It was a complete shock to me, my family and fellow coworkers." Who is WINK News metorologist Josh Green? On Monday's (Jan. 12) WINK News broadcast it was Josh Green who filled the weather slot that Devitt previously held during the evening newscasts. Green is a recent hire at WINK News (May 2025) and has been working weekend shifts, primarily, and filling in other gaps when needed. Josh Green, left, on the WINK News set with anchors Lois Thome and Chris Cifatte during the Monday, Jan. 12, 2025 5 p.m. newscast in Fort Myers. Green studied meteorology at Florida State University. According to the WINK website, Green, before moving to Southwest Florida, forecasted hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe weather in Tallahassee, earning recognition as Floridas Best Weathercaster in a small market in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Monday (Jan. 12) also happened to be WINK's first time broadcasting from its new headquarters in Gateway. The station is moving its operations from downtown Fort Myers after costly damage from flooding from past hurricanes. If Devitt's replacement is not Green, then who should it be? One of the five other people on the WINK weather team or someone else? You can take our poll here, or use this interactive voting tool to cast your vote: Poll: Who should replace Matt Devitt at WINK News? Who is WINK News metoroligist Zach Maloch? The No. 2 metorologist at the station, Zach Maloch, currently handles the weather for the WINK morning newscasts during the week. According to the WINK website, Maloch is a certified broadcast meteorologist by the American Meteorological Society and holds a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Iowa State University. Originally from the Chicagoland area, he has forecasted across the country from Iowa and Arkansas to North Carolina and Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Maloch first joined WINK in 2016, where he played a key role guiding viewers through Hurricane Irma. After a successful run as a meteorologist in Raleigh, North Carolina, he returned to Southwest Florida in 2022 to serve as a marketing consultant. But it didnt take long to realize where he belonged: back in front of the weather wall, helping viewers navigate everything from morning sunshine to severe weather. After assisting during Hurricane Idalia in 2023, Maloch officially rejoined the WINK weather team. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Who will replace Matt Devitt on WINK News weather team? Dickson Republican Rep. Jody Barrett says he will oppose a plan backed by Gov. Bill Lee to expand the number of private school vouchers handed out. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Plans to substantially expand the size of Tennessees private-school voucher program in 2026 will meet resistance from rural lawmakers, mainly because of the high cost. Republican Reps. Jody Barrett of Dickson and Todd Warner of Chapel Hill told the Lookout Wednesday they plan to oppose proposals to increase the number of vouchers awarded through the Education Freedom Scholarship program, which could push the expense to nearly $300 million. Republican Rep. Monty Fritts, a Kingston lawmaker running for governor, also opposes private-school vouchers. Advertisement Advertisement One of the main pillars to my objection against the program last year was the financial and fiscal conservative concerns about funding the program, Barrett said Wednesday. So unless theres some pot of money out there that they havent disclosed to us yet that will fund this program and cover its costs, I just dont see how were going to avoid stepping off into a black hole if we keep doing this. Barrett is sponsoring House Bill 1544, which would require the state to provide lawmakers with a full report on the private-school voucher program, including the number of students already enrolled in private schools. Some 20,000 students received $7,300 to enroll in private schools this year. Lawmakers such as House Speaker Cameron Sexton want to double the programs size after the Department of Education turned down 22,000 other applicants because the program reached its cap. Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Bill Lee wants to increase the number of vouchers, as well, but lawmakers wont know the details until he makes his State of the State address Feb. 2. The law allows 5,000 more students to be added in the second year. But Barrett said even that is subject to the legislature approving the funding for more students, a move that could put a damper on the $144 million program. Passage during a 2025 special session came with a $430 million total cost, including money for one-time teacher raises, funds to offset losses to public school districts and expenses for administration. Warner, an outspoken critic of the plan in 2025, called it a scam from day one. He said figures would show an estimated 70% of the vouchers dished out this year went to students already enrolled in private schools, if the state would reveal those numbers. The Department of Education has declined to release the number of scholarships given to private-school students, saying it wasnt required in the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement I think our leadership makes a bad mistake running this type of bill in election year because theyre gonna get these rural Republicans, these rural conservatives where theres no private schools, theyre gonna get em primaried, and its already happening, Warner said. In contrast, Republican Rep. Dennis Powers of Jacksboro said he will support a major expansion if the state has the money to back it. Simply because we want to give everybody the opportunity to do it because we have 22,000 people that didnt get to do it that applied for it, said Powers, who has a primary challenger even though he backs the program. Powers added that any exodus of students from public schools could give districts a break from overcrowded classrooms. Rep. Dennis Powers, a Jacksboro Republican, says the state wants everyone who wants a private school voucher to have one. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) A recent report by Comptroller Jason Mumpower didnt do much to improve the outlook for voucher expansion, Barrett said. Advertisement Advertisement The audit of Tennessees Education Savings Account program, which is limited to low-income students in Memphis, Metro Nashville and Chattanooga showed participation at only 3,693 students this year, well below the 5,000 maximum, and that most of them left high-performing schools to get the $9,400 in state funds. The report also showed that students in the program arent performing as well as their peers in public schools in both academic achievement and growth in test scores. Only students in Memphis performed better than their peers in public schools and only slightly. If lawmakers do anything, Barrett said, they should merge the two programs and put income limits on all vouchers to make sure they go to lower income students. The scholarship program is split between all students and those at 300% of the federal poverty level. Advertisement Advertisement Sexton wants to drop income limits on the programs to offer the funds to all students. He also said the application deadline should line up with private school schedules and that fraud controls suggested by the comptroller should be enacted. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Scoop The progressive group Justice Democrats is endorsing Claire Valdez, a New York state assemblywoman and former union organizer, to replace retiring Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y., according to an announcement shared with Semafor. The Democratic primary for the deep-blue seat also includes Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, himself an avowed progressive but the 36-year-old Valdez is more closely allied with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a fellow democratic socialist. She was the sole elected official to join Mamdanis initial campaign launch; if she prevails in the primary, Valdez would likely operate as his closest ally in Congress as Democrats search for a way forward after their 2024 defeats. Claires deep roots in the labor movement are desperately needed in a Congress and Democratic Party overrun by corporate interests and billionaire greed, Justice Democrats Executive Director Alexandra Rojas said in a statement. Know More Valdez is also endorsed by the United Auto Workers union, of which shes a former member, and its president, Shawn Fain. Other progressive groups have endorsed Reynoso, pointing to a potential schism on the left in the primary. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., another prominent Mamdani ally who represents a nearby congressional district, has yet to endorse in the race. In one of the early committee hearings of Washingtons 2026 short legislative session, lawmakers heard a bill that would remove juveniles who commit serious, violent offenses from the three strikes law in Washington. The Three Strikes law was passed by voters in 1994, requiring that persistent offenders of the most serious crimes in Washington State --like murder, felony assaults, rapes, and sexual assaults-- would be sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of the third of those crimes. Proposed Senate Bill 5945 would remove serious crimes committed by juveniles from being considered in sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Theyre valuing and hand-holding the criminals of this state and to hell with the victims, to hell with my grandmother, to hell with me, Melanie Roberts said of the bill. Roberts grandmother, Ruth Dalton, was murdered in Seattles Madison Park neighborhood, where the community remembered her as a beloved dog-walker and staple of the area. She was sending Bible devotionals when she was killed. The man arrested and accused of her murder, Jahmed Haynes, would get a third strike if convicted, though his first strike was from a 1993 crime when he was a juvenile, meaning the strike would be removed if the bill passes. The only thing that has given me any comfort is that my grandmothers death would be the reason Haynes would spend the rest of his life in prison, Roberts said. Advertisement Advertisement Her sentiment is reinforced by the fact Haynes entered a plea deal that avoided what would have then-been a third strike years before Daltons death, meaning he would have been sentenced to life. KIRO 7 Investigated the challenges that has caused Roberts and her family. Supporters of the bill say its based on research into adolescent brain development. In recent years, Washington has made significant strides in updating its criminal legal system to reflect the research we know about brain development and young peoples cognitive capacities, Katy Hurley testified Tuesday, who is a special counsel for Criminal Policy and Practice at the King County Public Defenders office. Advertisement Advertisement Hurley says Black and other people of color are 16 times more likely to serve a life sentence for offenses committed while under 18, versus white offenders. Senator Claire Wilson, a Democrat representing Auburn and South King County, said that disproportional impact is something shes trying to change. Its not not holding young people accountable and its not not holding adults accountable, but its also understanding where they are in their own development, Wilson said. She said that this change in law has been considered for several years in the state Congress. Several estimates given during testimony say 24 incarcerated individuals would be eligible for case review, should the law pass. Advertisement Advertisement The bill would not remove sentences for other serious crimes committed as adults, but would require resentencing. State organizations representing prosecutors, sheriffs and police chiefs testified against the bill, saying that while the bills intent is around juvenile offenders, it ignores strikes that were earned as adult offenders. Theyre condoning criminals, theyre condoning bad behavior, violent behavior, Roberts said. Strikes arent just felonies, they are violent felonies against others. A demonstrator was hit in the face with a projectile fired by a federal officer at close range during a Southern California protest, leaving him bloodied and with serious injuries, according to video and accounts from fellow protesters and family on Tuesday. The Friday gathering outside the federal immigration building in the city of Santa Ana was in response to the shooting death of Renee Good in Minneapolis by a federal agent, which has kicked off a wave of protests around the country. The video above is from a previous report. Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of people had marched in the streets in Santa Ana until a smaller group was left outside the federal building by evening, shouting expletives through megaphones about Immigration and Customs Enforcement, video showed. At one point, they burned what appeared to be an American flag on the steps of the building while shouting "Justice for Renee Good." The demonstrators came up onto the plaza, where a handful of agents stood in riot gear and held crowd-control gear. At one point, officials forcefully move a demonstrator back down onto the steps, and the group continues to chant as the agents appear to urge them to move back. Later, an orange cone can be seen rolling up onto the plaza, and officers begin firing munitions as they walk toward the crowd. It is not clear if the cones were thrown and by whom. The injured demonstrator, identified as 21-year-old Kaden Rummler by his aunt, is seen on video shouting through a megaphone along with others outside the building, where several officers are stationed in riot gear. The officers approached the crowd, then grabbed another demonstrator by the arm, identified in a federal criminal complaint as Katelyn Skye Seitz, pulling them onto the steps. In response, Rummler and a few other demonstrators step forward, shouting. One of the officers fires a crowd-control weapon, striking Rummler from several feet away. Rummler grabs his face and falls to the ground. An officer grabs Rummler by the shirt and drags him backward across the ground, the video shows. His face is bloody, and other demonstrators shout, "Leave him alone." Officers take Rummler into the federal building, and later video appears to show him face down on the ground being handcuffed. 010925-kabc-raw-ice-protest-oc-vid Video of the incident was taken by OC Hawk, which films breaking news in Orange County. Advertisement Advertisement Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, called the group violent rioters and said that two officers were injured. Two protesters were arrested and charged with assault on a federal officer and disorderly conduct, she said. She did not respond to questions about the nature of the officers' injuries or the injury of the protester. Protester says he lost sight in his left eye The U.S. Department of Homeland Security didn't answer questions about what type of projectiles were fired, but another protester said Tuesday they were pepper balls. Rummler was blinded in his left eye, according to his aunt, Jeri Rees. Rees said her nephew, a college student, was in the hospital for two days and underwent six hours of surgery on his left eye. Advertisement Advertisement She said he was released from the hospital on Tuesday while doctors work to determine what the fragments are made of to assess whether additional procedures are needed to remove them. Rees said he was hit in the left eye and suffered skull fractures. "He's completely blind" in that eye, she said. "There's a hole in his eyeball." Rees said her nephew was given a citation for disorderly conduct. In a statement read by another protester on Tuesday, Rummler said he felt ringing and pressure around his skull and was dragged toward the building, bleeding while struggling to breathe. "I will never see through my left eye again, not even light," he said in the statement. "I'm just glad I'm alive to tell my story." Advertisement Advertisement It was not immediately possible to independently confirm details of the injuries. The fellow protesters, from the group Dare to Struggle, declined to say what hospital he had been taken to. Seitz, one of the arrested protesters, said the group was there to "rightly protest the brutal execution of Renee Good, and the government agencies that uphold ICE's ongoing brutality." Seitz identified themselves at the news conference as Skye Jones. A federal complaint alleges Seitz failed to leave the property despite warnings and threw an orange cone at officers, then resisted arrest and struck an officer on the shoulder and in the groin. Details weren't immediately available about the second set of charges filed, and the U.S. Attorney's Office didn't immediately respond to questions about them. Additional video shows demonstrators still gathered and shouting at agents after the confrontation breaks out. Some officers are standing at the door to the building, and another demonstrator approaches. Officers can be heard firing more rounds. The protester walks back toward the group covered in a white powder. He appears to have a cut on his face, and other demonstrators call for a medic. Anti-government protests that have shaken Iran for more than two weeks appear to be subsiding, according to analysts and residents. A report published by the US-based Critical Threats Project (CTP) said only seven protests were recorded across six provinces on Tuesday, a sharp drop from last Thursday, when 156 demonstrations were documented in 27 of Irans 31 provinces. The CTP is run by the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War and American Enterprise Institute. Advertisement Advertisement The authors cautioned that the true scale of protest activity remains difficult to assess due to widespread internet shutdowns that have restricted the flow of information out of the country. They also pointed to the high number of reported casualties during the unrest, noting that "the level of brutality may be discouraging protesters and decreasing the rate of protest activity." The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has said more than 2,400 demonstrators have been killed, a figure that would make the crackdown the deadliest in Irans recent history. The toll could not be independently confirmed. Residents of Tehran said on Wednesday that there was tense calm in the capital. Police and security forces remain stationed at many key locations, but their presence is less extensive than over the weekend, residents said. Arrests and media warnings Iranian authorities continue to move against protest organizers. Advertisement Advertisement State media reported on Wednesday that security forces had arrested several alleged protest leaders in the western province of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. According to state radio, the intelligence arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps detained what it described as "key figures responsible for insecurity." The province saw some of the fiercest clashes at the start of the protest movement in late December. After security forces opened fire on demonstrators, severe unrest erupted in the city of Lordegan, resulting in numerous deaths. Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari is an economically underdeveloped region where distrust of the state runs high, and analysts say the harsh security response contributed to the rapid escalation there. Advertisement Advertisement The judiciary also warned the public against cooperating with Iran International, a London-based Persian-language broadcaster that authorities accuse of spreading disinformation on behalf of Saudi Arabia. Any cooperation or exchange of information with the channel is prohibited, the Prosecutor Generals Office said, according to state media. Iran has designated the company behind the broadcaster a terrorist organization. Supporters mobilized in Tehran Meanwhile, Irans leadership mobilized supporters in Tehran. State television showed crowds attending funeral processions for security personnel killed during the unrest. Advertisement Advertisement Mehdi Chamran, chairman of Tehrans city council, said he was undeterred by threats from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to intervene militarily on the side of the protesters. "We remain on the streets because of the message of the martyrs and our beloved leader," Chamran said. The state has not released official figures on how many members of the security forces have been killed since the unrest began. Protests began in Tehran on December 28 as demonstrations by shopkeepers over a sharp fall in the value of the Iranian rial and worsening economic conditions, before evolving into a nationwide uprising against the Islamic Republics authoritarian system. Security forces launched a heavy crackdown using riot police, tear gas, live ammunition and mass arrests, witnesses and rights groups said. Putnam County Common Pleas Court Jan. 5 Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, Troy, Mich., was granted a foreclosure judgment against Delia Delerosa, Columbus Grove, in the amount of $73,277.89, plus interest and costs. Jan. 9 Erin Tijerina, Leipsic, and Arnold J. Tijerina, Jr., Leipsic, were granted a dissolution of marriage. They were married June 30, 2016 in Leipsic and have one child. New Cases Kristie M. Neace, Columbus Grove, v. David M. Neace, Columbus Grove; divorce with children. Advertisement Advertisement Margarito Villasano, Continental, v. Claudia Villasano, Belmore; divorce without children. Putnam County Municipal Court dispositions Dec. 30 Samuel L. Geckle, 57, Leipsic, was fined $150 for driving under FRA/noncompliance suspension. Jan. 2 Crystal P. Zimmerman, 27, Napoleon, was fined $150 for driving under FRA/noncompliance suspension and $50 for display of lighted lights. Jan. 6 Gerald L. Snavley, 57, Continental, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of persistent disorderly conduct. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended, $250 fine and not be present at the home of the victim for one year. Deyvi R. Velazquez, 21, Deshler, was fined $150 for school bus violation. Advertisement Advertisement Jan. 8 Thomas E. Maag, 62, Ottawa, pleaded guilty to physical control. Sentence: 180 days jail, 135 days suspended, $500 fine, and complete a drug/alcohol assessment. A charge of open container was dismissed. Craig J. Burris, 39, Cridersville, pleaded guilty to driving without a valid license. Sentence: 180 days jail, 100 days suspended and court costs. Charges of driving under FRA/noncompliance suspension and failure to obey a traffic control device were dismissed. Morgan Jo McLaughlin, 22, Cecil, pleaded guilty to child endangering. Sentence: 180 days jail, suspended, court costs, and abide by terms of the case plan established with Putnam County Juvenile Court. Advertisement Advertisement Douglas R. Scott, 43, Cincinnati, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of second offense reckless operation. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended, $250 fine, suspended. A charge of expired plates was dismissed. Putnam County Municipal Court judgments Jan. 5 Bank of America, Charlotte, N.C., consent judgment v. William Unterbrink, Ottawa, $6,061.54, plus costs. Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, Lima, agreed judgment v. Christopher W. Buchanan, Ottawa, $1,272.05, plus interest and costs. Jan. 7 Barbara S. Bolenbaugh, Fort Jennings, was granted judgment against Nicole Grohaus, Fort Jennings, in damages to her car by defendants dog following a small claims trial. The judgment granted included the amount of $4,045.88 for car body repair and $321.75 in car rental fees, plus court costs. TORONTO (AP) The leader of Canada's French-speaking province of Quebec announced Wednesday he is stepping down because he is unpopular. The Coalition Avenir Quebec party will have a short time to choose a new leader to replace Premier Francois Legault ahead of the provincial election scheduled for this fall. Legault founded the party and has been Quebecs premier since 2018. I'm seeing now that many Quebecers are hoping and wanting a change and a change in premier," Legault said. Advertisement Advertisement "For the good of my party, and especially for the good of Quebec, I am announcing that I will be resigning my position as the premier of Quebec, Legault said he will stay on until a new party leader has been appointed. He is the least popular premier in the country right now, said Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal. He has been in power since late 2018, and he was very popular at first but his popularity started to decline in early-mid 2023. People lost trust in him and his government due to unpopular policies and poor public communications, among other things. Advertisement Advertisement The Coalition Avenir Quebec has sought more autonomy and power for Quebec within Canada. Quebecs separatist party, the Parti Quebecois, might win the provincial election in the fall. The province's Liberal party, staunch supporters of Canadian unity, are also in need of a new leader after its previous leader stepped down over allegations of vote-buying by party members. Quebecs identity has been contentious since the 1760s when the British completed their takeover of what was then called New France. In the 1960s, the Parti Quebecois was formed under the leadership of a TV commentator-turned-politician named Rene Levesque, who would go on to rule the province for nine years. Advertisement Advertisement Quebec, which is about 80% French-speaking, has significant autonomy already. The province of 9.1 million sets its own income tax, has its own immigration policy favoring French speakers, and has legislation prioritizing French over English. Voters have twice rejected sovereignty, though only by a razor-thin margin in a 1995 referendum. The presence of Donald Trump in the White House should give pause to those who think a provincial independence referendum is a good idea in the current context, Beland said. President Donald Trump posted a baffling social media post demanding that a U.S. citizen and Democratic congresswoman be thrown out of the country. The president has been raging against Somali-American Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota for more than a month after news broke that some members of the Somali diaspora had allegedly defrauded the state of Minnesota by billing for social services that were never provided. On Wednesday, Trump shared an article from the conservative site Just the News about U.S. citizens of Somali origin transporting cash from Atlanta, Georgia, and Columbus, Ohio, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, en route to Dubai, UAE. Rep. Ilhan Omar has called President Trump's They should be thrown out of the USA. Get it done, NOW! That includes their loser Rep. Omar, who married her brother (gross!), Trump wrote Wednesday on his platform Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement He then shared an interview with House Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota, saying the states Democratic Gov. Tim Walz should be in cuffs. Neither Walz nor Omar, who fled Somalias civil war as a child, has been accused of any involvement in the fraud scheme. Truth Social/Donald J. Trump It was not immediately clear who the president was addressing or how he envisioned throwing out Omar, since its unconstitutional to deport an American citizen. The 43-year-old spent four years in a refugee camp in Kenya before being granted asylum and moving to the U.S., becoming a citizen in 2000 at age 17. The Daily Beast has reached out to Omar, Walz, and the White House for comment. Advertisement Advertisement The president apparently became fixated on the idea of throwing out Omar after he saw a video, which he shared on Christmas Day, of former Fox News host Megyn Kelly calling Omars citizenship into question. Throw her out of the U.S., Now! he wrote. He also railed against her last month at a Cabinet meeting at the White House and a campaign-style rally in Pennsylvania. Ilhan Omar is garbage. Her friends are garbage. These arent people that work. These are people that say, Lets go, come on, lets make this place great. These are people that do nothing but complain, he told his Cabinet. President Trump also shared an interview with a lawmaker who said Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz Less than a week later, he took the stage at a rally in Pennsylvania and announced a permanent pause on migration from hellholes like Somalia, and once again raged against Omar until the crowd began chanting, Send her back! Advertisement Advertisement The lawmaker responded by calling out Trumps obsession with her, which she described as creepy and weird. Trumps obsession with me is beyond weird. He needs serious help, she wrote on social media. Since he has no economic policies to tout, hes resorting to regurgitating bigoted lies instead. He continues to be a national embarrassment. The same lawyer that represented the family of George Floyd will be representing Renee Nicole Good's relatives, launching a civil investigation into her killing. Chicago-based law firm Romanucci & Blandin has been retained by the wife, parents, and four siblings of Good, a 37-year-old poet and mother-of-three fatally shot by an ICE officer last week in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The firm told The Washington Post that the community is not receiving transparency about this case elsewhere, so our team will provide that to the country." People in Minneapolis and across this country truly, truly care about what happened to Renee Good and are committed to understanding how she could have been killed on the street after dropping her child off at school," said Antonio M. Romanucci, a civil rights lawyer and one of the firms founding partners. "They want to know what could and should have been done to let Renee live and pick her child up safely from school that afternoon. As often as possible, our team will promptly and transparently provide updates on what we learn. Related: Who was Renee Nicole Good? Remembering the Minneapolis poet and mother killed by ICE Floyd was a Black man murdered by police in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020, sparking nationwide protests and renewed attention toward the ongoing epidemic of police brutality against communities of color. Floyd's killer, Derek Chauvin, was convicted in 2021 of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. Floyd's family filed a lawsuit against the city and the four officers, resulting in a historic $27 million settlement the same year. Advertisement Advertisement Good was killed January 7 in what Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called targeted operations" near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue. Noem alleged that rioters began blocking ICE officers, claiming that Good weaponized her vehicle by attempting to run over agents. Noem labeled Good's actions as "domestic terrorism" and those of the officers as "self defense," but multiple eyewitness accounts and video footage from the incident contradict this. The footage shows Good was attempting to leave the scene by turning right when an agent, identified as 43-year-old Jonathan Ross, circled her vehicle from the front and opened fire into her driver's seat window. The vehicle then crashed into a nearby light post, with Ross then walking away from the wreckage uninjured. Footage Ross took from his own cellphone shows that he was not in the path of the vehicle, and that he called Good a fucking bitch" after firing. Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have disputed the DHS account of Good's killing, with Frey dubbing it "bullshit." Both have called for a thorough investigation and for ICE to withdraw its agents from the state, though neither seem likely to happen, as the FBI has since announced that it will be solely leading the inquiry into Good's death, freezing out the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Related: We've all seen the video. Do Kristi Noem and mainstream media think we're stupid? Good's killing occurred after the DHS deployed roughly 2,000 federal agents in the state as part of an aggressive crackdown on supposed fraud. Noem said over the weekend that "hundreds" more officers would be deployed to Minneapolis, nearly five times exceeding the number of police officers employed by the city (585, according to state records). In response, the city and state have filed a lawsuit against the DHS, accusing it of "inflammatory and unlawful policing tactics." Advertisement Advertisement The law firm is launching a civil investigation into Good's killing, seeking to file claims against ICE, the federal government, and other responsible parties. They also vow "to share information learned in the investigation on a rolling basis so that both public officials and concerned individuals across our American communities can see and understand the facts as we learn them." "Be Good. Thats all Renee wanted to be. Good to her partner, her family, her children and her community. She wanted to see a better world for her kids," Romanucci continued. "As a Christian, she would pray for all of us to do better, to be better. We will honor her memory by seeking accountability and change in her name." This article originally appeared on Advocate: Renee Good's family will be represented by the same lawyer as George Floyd's RELATED Renee Goods loved ones are speaking out to deny a bogus claim that the mother of three, who was shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis last week, had an extensive criminal record. Morgan Fletcher, Goods one-time sister-in-law, wrote in a since-deleted Facebook post that she never thought the death of a loved one would be so high profile or a massively divisive, political topic. Politics: Gavin Newsom Sums Up Trumps Middle Finger Meltdown In 3 Words We are grieving. Heavily. And yes, we see everyones posts and comments. Some in support but also, the nasty ones ripping apart our beautiful and beloved Renee, Fletcher wrote. And weve seen the false claims and the wrong Renee Goods info being posted (criminal history? She didnt have one). Advertisement Advertisement Since Trump and officials in his administration began to bash Good by claiming that she was a domestic terrorist, iterationsof her so-called rap sheet have circulated on social media and appear to tie her to several arrests between 2022 and 2024. In reality, the extent of Goods criminal record only goes as far as two traffic tickets, one in 2019 and one in 2012, PolitiFact found. At least one of the faux screenshots showed the late 37-year-old mothers age as 44. Fletcher reminded her followers that Good was our family and her 6-year-old son, whom she reportedly dropped off at school before encountering federal agents, was now an orphan. Demonstrators hold an image of Renee Good during a protest outside the U.S. Customs and Border Protection headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg via Getty Images Fletcher also had a message for everyone, regardless of their views on ICE and whether or not they thought Good did or didnt deserve what happened to her. Advertisement Advertisement Please remember she was a human being and she had loved ones including children who can and will likely see all of these things about their mother and her wife, whom she loved dearly, Fletcher wrote. Please remember to BE KIND. And if you claim to be a Christian, especially, please check your heart, attitude, and response to the tragic death. For they will know you by your fruits. Politics: Jeanine Pirro Furiously Backpedals After Jerome Powell Probe Gets GOP Backlash In separate comments, Jessica Fletcher, also Goods one-time sister-in-law, told The Guardian that there has been so much hateful rhetoric surrounding the deadly shooting. She noted that people were missing a picture of who Renee was. Fletcher drafted a statement to The Guardian that was mostly comprised of relatives connected to Goods late husband Timmy Macklin Jr., a U.S. Air Force veteran who died in 2023 at age 36. Advertisement Advertisement The relatives said they wanted to avoid the divisiveness and harsh language that had orbited discussions around the deadly shooting. Related... Read the original on HuffPost U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, an Illinois Democrat, introduced articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Wednesday. This comes after what Kelly called a reign of terror by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other agencies of the Department of Homeland Security. It includes the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis January 7. Related: Who was Renee Nicole Good? Remembering the Minneapolis poet and mother killed by ICE Advertisement Advertisement Secretary Noem has brought her reign of terror to the Chicagoland area, L.A., New Orleans, Charlotte, Durham, and communities north to south to east to west, Kelly said at a press conference, as reported by The Hill and other sources. She needs to be held accountable for her actions. Renee Nicole Good is dead because Secretary Noem allowed her DHS agents to run amok, Kelly added. Families are forever torn apart. DHS and other Trump administration officials have claimed ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot Good in self-defense because she tried to ram him with her vehicle, but video of the incident shows Good driving away and posing no threat. Related: Who is Jonathan Ross? ICE agent who killed Renee Good once broke a suspect's car window The first article of impeachment alleges Noem denied Kelly and other members of Congress oversight of ICE detention facilities. Noem would not let Kelly into the ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, and its been documented that congresspeople were denied access to ICE facilities in Texas, Colorado, California, New York, Virginia, and Washington, the article states. Advertisement Advertisement The second accuses Noem of violating the public trust, including multiple violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act and the First and Fourth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. She has also denied due process by directing ICE to make arrests without a warrant and use violence against U.S. citizens and others, according to the article. The third alleges self-dealing, saying Noem used $200 million in taxpayer funds for an ICE recruitment ad campaign and bypassed the normal competitive bidding process to award a contract to a firm called Strategy Group, founded just days earlier by the husband of senior DHS official Tricia McLaughlin. Noem claims to be taking murderers and rapists off our streets, but none of the 614 people arrested during Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago has been charged or convicted of murder or rape, Kelly said at the press conference. The impeachment effort is unlikely to advance in the U.S. House, which has a slight Republican majority, but Kelly has 70 cosponsors for her articles, all Democrats. Others are interested, she said. The House brings the impeachment charges if a majority of members approve, and if that happens, the Senate holds a trial and votes whether to convict the accused person. Conviction requires a two-thirds vote by senators and removes the person from office. Advertisement Advertisement Cosponsors include LGBTQ+ House members Angie Craig of Minnesota, Becca Balint of Vermont, Eric Sorensen of Illinois, Julie Johnson of Texas, Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, Sarah McBride of Delaware, Ritchie Torres of New York, and Emily Randall of Washington State. Asked if House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who has not signed on as a cosponsor, approved of Kellys effort, she said, Youll have to answer to Jeffries, but I would not be standing here if I was told not to. We havent ruled anything in, and we havent ruled anything out. Everything is on the table from the standpoint of complete and total accountability, Jeffries told reporters Monday, according to The Guardian. He said Noem is completely and totally unqualified and should be run out of town as soon as possible but was not sure if impeachment was the best way to accomplish that objective. Some Democrats favor cutting ICE funding instead. Kelly is seeking the Democratic nomination to succeed U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, who is retiring. She has positioned herself more aggressively on the issue than leadership, The Guardian notes. Advertisement Advertisement A DHS spokesperson brushed off the charges against Noem. How silly during a serious time, the spokesperson told media outlets. As ICE officers are facing a 1,300 percent increase in assaults against them, Rep. Kelly is more focused on showmanship and fundraising clicks than actually cleaning up her crime-ridden Chicago district. We hope she would get serious about doing her job to protect American people, which is what this department is doing under Secretary Noem. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Rep. Robin Kelly files articles of impeachment against Kristi Noem One of the most disturbing videos of Donald Trumps invasion of Minneapolis features federal agents manhandling two Target employees, who scream their names at onlookers and insist theyre citizens (which appears to be true). A few minutes later, the victims were released in another parking lot, injured and bleeding. All the details are disturbing, from distressed onlookers trying to get the young mens contact information during the initial assault to people yelling they tortured him as a newly released victim sobs like the child he reportedly is. But the moment that stood out most to me was when one good Samaritan asked plaintively while helping the distressed teenager, We got to be able to call somebody. In a sane country, that guy would be right. In a country that elected Trump to a second term, however, this is more a lament for what has so quickly been lost, as he proves himself every inch the fascist that hysterical progressives said he was. In the ongoing war on this once-peaceful Midwestern state, Trump and his Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have been trying to impress upon people a sense of hopelessness. After the Jan. 7 shooting of Renee Nicole Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Jonathan Ross, Trumps corrupt administration has been in full cover-up mode, signaling to immigration officers on the ground that they can do whatever they want to people including kill them without any consequences. The goal is to scare ordinary people into giving up and hiding in their homes, afraid they will be the next to be shot or taken away in a van to be tortured. Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the opposite is happening. Realizing there is no one out there who will swoop in and save them, the everyday people of Minnesota are, like Good, standing up for their community. Alex Tabet of MSNOW reported Monday that community organizers in Minneapolis told him there has been a surge of volunteers since Goods death and more more people are raising their hands, asking to help out, resist the ICE raids all despite the fact that its clearly a dangerous behavior. The videos pouring out of Minnesota onto social media right now are horrific, showing both ICE and Border Patrol agents acting like the Gestapo by assaulting peaceful people with impunity and suggesting that they will kill more people if residents dont submit. But time and again, those videos also show reason for hope: Ordinary people are refusing to comply. They film Noems secret police, blowing whistles and making a fuss, even as those masked cowards attack them. They calmly reply, camera in hand, Go to church, as ICE officers bellow violent threats at them. Crowds gather and run ICE agents off just by being peaceful but annoying. In one incident, a woman at home with her baby gives sanctuary to her DoorDash driver, yelling at officers outside that she will not open the door until they return with a warrant. My heart went out to the man who said, on behalf of a beaten and terrified teenager, We got to be able to call somebody. But by being there by helping the kid and documenting the incident hes doing what needs to be done. Advertisement Advertisement Institutions are failing us. The FBI is thoroughly corrupted, more interested in covering up ICE crimes than fighting crime. Local Democratic officials are trying, but they are hamstrung by bureaucratic red tape and the slow-moving court system. The business class is too worried about infuriating a vindictive president to stand up for their workers and customers. Institutions are proving to be inadequate to face down the fascist threat. People are realizing that the only heroes coming to save us are us: regular folks in their leggings and puffer jackets, armed only with iPhones and understanding that we are Americans, and we do not put up with this. Its unfair that it has to be this way, that so many of the elites are unwilling to give back by sticking their necks out. And its incredibly unfair that Renee Good is dead, that her wife is a widow and her son an orphan. It shouldnt have to be this way. Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Sign up for her free newsletter, Standing Room Only, now also on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. But the good news is that normal people have far more power than they often think. Good has become a genuine martyr, inspiring people and making them realize that they can make a significant contribution with the power of a camera phone and a red beanie cap. She set out to help her neighbors that day and ended up shocking a nation hopefully into waking up to the fact that yes, this is fascism, and no, its not Trump derangement syndrome to say so. Advertisement Advertisement In the early days of the first Trump administration, the resistance took on feminine identity that, as the years went by, became seen as increasingly uncool and embarrassing. The one thing that centrists, MAGA types and wannabe hipster leftists could agree on was that they hated the middle-aged wine moms in pink knitted pussy hats, with their earnest fears about the collapse of democracy, who watched MSNBC. This loathing of normie liberals was always rooted in misogyny, even when coming from other women, who were usually pulling a Im sexy and cool, not like those cat sweater ladies move, but making it political. And it came at the high cost of signaling to ordinary people that theyre being hysterical if they think either that Trump is a serious threat or that its important to put up a real resistance to Trumpism. Well, as Michelle Goldberg wrote in the New York Times on Monday, the shrillest of Resistance libs have always understood Trump better than those who make a show of their dispassion. Or, as independent journalist Leighton Woodhouse admitted on X, The hysterical pussy hats were right. Im tempted to offer a lecture on how the 2017 Womens March was about liberal women correctly understanding that a man accused by over a dozen women of sexual abuse was throwing up red flags about how hell govern, but theres no reason to gild the lily here. What matters now is that resistance moms were the vanguard then, and they are the vanguard now. As police, government officials, federal watchdogs, businesses and universities fail to take a stand, normie moms like Renee Good are putting it all on the line to stop fascism. And while critics of the pussy hat crowd have always gendered their targets as annoying white women who need to STFU, the reality is that the regular folk who are ready to step up have always been a diverse crowd. I was at the D.C. Womens March in 2017, and I saw every race, gender and age marching, cringey pink hats and all. Over the past year, the biggest victories against Trump have come not from the elites or institutions, but from college kids and office workers, cat ladies and Uber drivers. When Trump tried to censor Jimmy Kimmel, it was the pumpkin latte drinkers whose ire forced ABC to bring him back on. When the president sent National Guard troops to terrorize cities like Portland, D.C., Los Angeles and Chicago, people who still wear skinny jeans turned off Netflix, inflated the frog and unicorn costumes, and resisted the invasion until Trump finally gave up. And I believe time will show that Good, by pulling her Honda full of stuffed animals onto a street in Minneapolis to bear witness to ICE atrocities, will be remembered as a hero that activated thousands more like her. Advertisement Advertisement Democracy is often an all-too-abstract concept, but this is what it looks like: moms in cars, armed with nothing but iPhones and a clear view of right and wrong. The cavalry is here to save us, and shes driving a minivan. The post Resistance moms will save us appeared first on Salon.com. A retired British couple died during their Christmas holiday on a remote island in the Maldives. Elaine Richmond and her husband Malcolm are believed to have died in a scuba diving accident while visiting Ellaidhoo over the festive period. Stubbs and Hope funeral directors, near their home in Chesterfield, announced their deaths. A spokesman said Ms Richmond died on Dec 19, while her husband died in hospital three days later. Advertisement Advertisement There were no criminal or suspicious circumstances, he added. An inquest into the couples deaths is scheduled to open at Chesterfield Coroners Court on January 30. Mr Hope said the couple did not have any children but that their next of kin, a niece living near Manchester, had been informed. The pair had been going to the islands for 17 years - Getty Images Their funerals will be held on January 29 at noon at Brimington Crematorium. A post on the funeral directors website said: Elaine and Malcolm Richmond of Inkersall have tragically passed away just days apart at Christmas. All who knew them are welcome to attend (the funeral) and celebrate their lives. Any donations received will be given to Ashgate Hospice. Advertisement Advertisement The Richmonds are said to have celebrated Christmas at the resort where they died for the past 17 years and visited the resort 60 times in total. b' ' A tribute post on a Facebook group called Maldives Holidaymakers said: With deepest regret and sadness, we would like to inform you that two of our dearest members of the Ellaidhoo group, Elaine and Malcom Richmond, sadly passed away whilst on the Maldives over the Christmas holiday period. They were members of Maldives Holidaymakers and they were known to a lot of members but they regularly visited Ellaidhoo. Elaine and Malcolm visited Ellaidhoo over 60 times, three times in 2025, and in addition had been going to the island for the last 17 years at Christmas. Advertisement Advertisement They will be sadly missed by family and the many friends that they made over their many visits. They were very popular with all the staff they had made friends with and will be sorely missed. The Maldives are located southwest of India and Sri Lanka and form the smallest country in Asia. Ellaidhoo, located 26 miles (42km) from the capital Male, is only accessible by seaplane or speed boat. 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. Drivers would still have to go to a regional office to obtain an initial license under Senate Bill 7.(ky.gov photo) FRANKFORT Senate Republicans priority bill to give local officials the power to renew drivers licenses in counties without regional offices moved out of a committee Wednesday morning. Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. Aaron Reed, R-Shelbyville, gained a slew of GOP co-sponsors after it was filed Tuesday. Senate Democratic Floor Leader Gerald Neal, of Louisville, is also co-sponsoring the legislation. Unless you have a regional office in your backyard, every one of us has heard the same message from constituents that the current drivers license system is not meeting the needs of Kentucky, Reed said. We have long drives, long lines and repeated delays that have created real frustration across the commonwealth. Advertisement Advertisement The bill received unanimous approval in the Senate Transportation Committee after Reed presented it. The committee chairman, Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, had appeared with Reed at a Tuesday press conference about the legislation. Reeds bill comes in response to reports of delays in getting appointments at regional offices, extended wait times and long drives to offices for rural Kentuckians. Kentucky has 34 regional offices that issue and renew drivers licenses. Under the legislation, drivers would still have to go to a regional office for an initial license. Counties without a regional office could choose a local official to offer license renewal and duplication services. Sen. Greg Elkins, R-Winchester said that his local circuit clerk and county clerk have expressed interest in offering the services. Advertisement Advertisement I was concerned that we may not get people that wanted to do it, and that doesnt seem to be the case, Elkins added. Sen. Gex Williams, R-Verona, noted Neals support for the bill along with 27 Republicans and called the legislation truly a bipartisan bill. SB 7 now awaits a floor vote in the Senate. A flag waves on Maryland Avenue in Annapolis, near the State House, where lawmakers will convene Wednesday for the 2026 General Assembly, its 449th meeting. (Photo by Danielle E. Gaines/Maryland Matters) Ask anyone who has ever engaged in family research and they will tell you rebuilding history is hard. Records are not always as complete as you would like. Its why Ken Burns has a job. It is in that spirit that we make a smallish correction to the reported biography of House Speaker Joseline Pena-Melnyk (D-Prince Georges). Advertisement Advertisement Maryland Matters reported (as did others) that Pena-Melnyks election to the rostrum in December represented a number of firsts in the chamber. Among those, that she was the first immigrant to be speaker of the House of Delegates. At the time of reporting, the state legislative library could find no records that suggested otherwise. (Those librarians are actively engaged in an effort to build out the biographies of past officials a legislative genealogy, if you will.) A late-night tip sent us down a research hole a very specific hole. The death certificate issued for John Hubner, an immigrant from Bavaria Germany who presided over the House and later the Maryland Senate. (Maryland State Archives) While we cannot say who was the first immigrant Speaker of the House, we do know there was at least one before Pena-Melnyk John Hubner, a Baltimore County Democrat. Hubner, a Catonsville resident, owned and developed real estate around the turn of the century. He served both in the House and Senate and served as both speaker and, several years later, as Senate President, according to a Maryland State Archives biographical sketch. Advertisement Advertisement The sketch did not list his birthplace. But an obituary in the Baltimore Sun and a copy of his death certificate issued on Sept. 8, 1920, did note his place of birth as Bavaria, Germany an immigrant to the U.S. The state Department of Legislative Services Library helped confirm the research. Jack Derr, senator from Frederick, dies Former Sen. John W. Jack Derr, who represented Frederick and Washington counties, has died. Jack was an always pleasant, soft spoken, and respected legislator during his entire 16 years in the Maryland Senate, said Marty Madden, a former state senator. This demeanor made him an extremely effective advocate for his constituents in Frederick and Washington counties. Jack bought goodwill to all sides regardless of the issue. Both Annapolis and Washington could use more Jack Derrs. Derr died Jan. 7 in Park Rapids, Minnesota, where he and his wife had a retirement home. No cause of death was released. He was 84. Advertisement Advertisement He was born in Frederick in 1941. He attended Frederick High School and in 1963 earned a bachelors degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1963-1969. Derr, a Republican, was elected to the Senate in 1982 and served four terms all on the Senate Economic and Environmental Affairs Committee. He also served as Senate Minority Whip from 1996-1999 when he left the Senate. Derr is survived by his wife Joy and the couples four children: David J. Derr (Martha) of Gig Harbor, Washington; Elizabeth Derr Schultz (Matthew) of Anchorage, Alaska; Andrew M. Derr (Kelly) of Middletown; Amy Derr Hodges (John) of Bristow, Virginia; and 15 grandchildren. Funeral services are planned for noon Eastern time at Hubbard United Methodist Church. The service will be livestreamed from Park Rapids. Bryant appointed to elections role SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Wes Moore on Tuesday named Eric Bryant to fill the seat on the Maryland State Board of Elections vacated by Yaakov Jake Weissmann when he left to become the states budget secretary last fall. Bryant most recently served as chief of staff for Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-7th), but has more than three decades of experience in law, government, and elective politics, according to a statement from the governors office. Eric Bryants career has been defined by a deep understanding of the law and an unwavering commitment to the democratic process, Moore said in the statement. He brings a rare perspective that combines technical legal expertise with a lifelong dedication to civil rights. Eric is the right public servant to ensure Marylands elections remain fair and free. Moores office said Bryants experience in local, state, and federal campaigns give him practical experience with the election laws of Maryland, the Maryland State Board of Elections, federal elections law, and the Federal Election Commission. He has worked for years on voter re-enfranchisement, as well as on an update to state elections regulations so that they kept pace with digital advertising. Advertisement Advertisement Before working with Mfume, Bryant spent 14 years as a partner with Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC. He also worked as a national office staffer with the NAACP, working on an array of civil rights issues, including large-scale voter registration drives and voter re-enfranchisement efforts. He called the nomination to the elections board a humbling honor. As a product of the civil rights movement, the principle of one person, one vote is more than a slogan to me, it is a moral imperative. I look forward to serving the board with purpose and integrity to ensure Maryland continues to have transparent, free and fair elections, he said, according to the governors statement. Bryant earned his law degree from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and his bachelors degree from Duke University. Two new judges for Montgomery, Prince Georges circuit courts Apparently, its appointments week in Annapolis, in addition to being the opening week of the 2026 General Assembly. Moore on Tuesday elevated Montgomery County District Court Judge Victor Manuel Del Pino to the circuit court bench in the county and announced the appointment of Joseph C. Ruddy, a lawyer in the Prince Georges County Office of Law, to a seat on the Prince Georges Circuit Court. Advertisement Advertisement The Montgomery County and Prince Georges County Circuit Courts are gaining two exceptional legal professionals who have dedicated their lives to advancing justice under the law, Moore said in a statement released by his office. These public servants bring a wealth of legal experience, and I am grateful for their continued service to our state. Del Pino has been a district court judge since 2019, and before that was in private practice for nine years with McGann, Del Pino and Hughes. He was a prosecutor in the Montogomery County States Attorneys Office for seven years, including two years as chief of the Gang Prosecution Unit. He also served two terms on the board of trustees of the Maryland Public Defenders Office. A lifelong resident of Montgomery County, he is fluent in Spanish. He is set to begin teaching this year the Georgetown University School of Law, and earned his law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Ruddy has been with the Prince Georges County Office of Law for seven years, where he has been legal adviser for the county police since June. Before that, he spent more than six years as deputy county attorney, where he provided legal guidance to all county agencies, including the County Council. Roddy was a prosecutor for 15 years in the Prince Georges County States Attorneys Office, and served early in his career as a clerk to Prince Georges County Circuit Judge Ronald D. Schiff. He has been a course instructor for multiple police departments, covering topics that include the Fourth Amendment and expert testimony, and earned his law degree from the Catholic University of America. Jan. 13A Rock Falls man was to stand trial this week on charges of one count of home invasion, which could have sent him to prison for 30 years; one count of criminal sexual assault; one count of aggravated domestic battery; and two counts of aggravated battery in connection with a 2021 home invasion in Rock Falls. But instead of presiding over Daniel J. Yanes's trial, Whiteside County Judge Hany Khoury, who was assigned to the case last week, heard arguments Monday from defense attorney James Mertes about why he believed the entire case should be dismissed. [ Whiteside County judge to rule Tuesday whether home invasion case will proceed to trial Wednesday ] Advertisement Advertisement When it was over, Khoury, at a hearing Tuesday morning, denied the motion to dismiss the case, but did accept a plea agreement presented by Whiteside County State's Attorney Colleen Buckwalter in which Yanes pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery and all other charges were dropped. Yanes was sentenced to 30 months of probation and will serve 180 days of periodic imprisonment that will allow him to work. He also was fined $5,000. The deal was the same agreement that Whiteside County Judge James Heuerman rejected Dec. 11 after hearing the victim's impact statement during a plea hearing, according to court documents. Yanes, 48, was taken into custody on April 11, 2022, on charges of home invasion and criminal sexual assault in connection with an Illinois State Police investigation into an Oct. 1, 2021, incident in Rock Falls. He demanded a speedy trial and was released from jail after posting bond. Advertisement Advertisement At issue in the weeks leading up to the trial were the defense's claims that Yanes's right to a speedy trial was violated because the trial date was pushed back for reasons not attributable to Yanes. Mertes also maintained Monday that Heuerman, whom he said initially indicated he would accept the agreement, should have recused himself after deciding to reject it Dec. 11, but instead went on to preside over and deny a motion to dismiss on Dec. 26 and set a Jan. 13 trial date. Khoury was assigned to the case Jan. 9. He ruled Tuesday morning that the delays that pushed the trial date to Jan. 13 were attributable to the defendant and that his right to a speedy trial was not violated. Khoury on Tuesday also heard an impact statement from the victim, in which she began detailing her relationship with Yanes beginning in 2019. Mertes objected to the nature of the statement, with Khoury then telling the victim that she had to keep her statement focused on the charge to which Yanes pleaded guilty. The court recessed for 30 minutes to allow the victim to revamp her statement to comply with those parameters. In her revised statement, the victim said Yanes is a narcissistic abuser, described the plea agreement as "disgraceful" and said those who were complicit in allowing the plea agreement would be to blame should Yanes go on to hurt another woman in the future. Royal Caribbean passengers booked on dozens of Caribbean cruises this year are being notified that the cruise itinerary they chose for their vacation has just been changed. Although the itinerary changes will likely be disappointing for many passengers, the cruise line is giving ample notice about them, which makes it easier for vacationers to plan for a slightly different cruise experience than they expected. The changes mean that passengers wont get the chance to visit a beloved Caribbean destination on 2026 cruises, but in most cases, vacationers will visit an alternate port instead. Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Labadee is Royal Caribbean's private cruise destination in Haiti. Mary Baratto / Shutterstock.com (Mary Baratto / Shutterstock.com) Royal Caribbean is extending its pause on visits to Labadee, Haiti through December 2026 Concerns about ongoing civil unrest and widespread violent crime in Haiti have led Royal Caribbean to cancel all scheduled 2026 visits to its private destination on Haitis northern coast, Labadee. The Caribbean port is beloved for its natural beauty, but cruising there has been challenging over the last two years due to the countrys security risks. Advertisement Advertisement Royal Caribbean planned to sail to the port on many 2026 cruises, but with violent gang activity still a problem in the country, the cruise line has made the decision to extend its current pause on visits to Labadee through December 2026. Related: Royal Caribbean reverses unpopular restaurant menu change We have been monitoring the evolving situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and out of an abundance of caution, we're cancelling our visits to Labadee through December of 2026, Royal Caribbean wrote in an email to travel agents that Come Cruise With Mes travel agent partner, Postcard Travel, received. The cancellations impact dozens of cruise itineraries across 12 Royal Caribbean ships: Advertisement Advertisement Adventure of the Seas Allure of the Seas Brilliance of the Seas Explorer of the Seas Freedom of the Seas Icon of the Seas Independence of the Seas Jewel of the Seas Legend of the Seas Oasis of the Seas Star of the Seas Utopia of the Seas In most cases, Royal Caribbean substituted another port for Labadee, but on a few itineraries, Labadee was replaced with a sea day. Cruise lines will always try to replace a port, but sometimes an alternative just isnt available. This could be due to port availability, ship size, or another reason. The port replacing Labadee on 2026 cruises varies by itinerary. A number of itineraries will now visit Nassau, Bahamas, a port where Royal Caribbean just opened a new Royal Beach Club. Other ports serving as replacements for Labadee on certain itineraries include Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Cozumel, Mexico; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Subscribe to Come Cruise With Mes YouTube channel for expert advice on making the most of your cruise vacation. Why does Royal Caribbean continue to cancel visits to Labadee? Haiti has been under a state of emergency since March 2024 due to an ongoing conflict with violent gangs who took control of the majority of Haitis capital city, Port-au-Prince. Advertisement Advertisement Although Labadee is a secure cruise line facility in a remote location hours away from Port-au-Prince, Royal Caribbean called off visits to the port for several months in 2024 out of an abundance of caution. Later in the year, the cruise line resumed visits to Labadee, but called them off again in spring 2025 when gang violence expanded outside of Port-au-Prince. Related: Royal Caribbean set to streamline Miami cruise experience Haiti remains under a Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory from the U.S. State Department, and while the advisory doesnt specifically state that cruise passengers shouldnt visit ports in Haiti, it warns of security concerns. The U.S. Coast Guard has concerns about security in the ports of Haiti. Until those are addressed, the Coast Guard advises mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Haiti to exercise caution, the travel advisory states. Advertisement Advertisement If security concerns persist through 2026, Royal Caribbean may also be forced to cancel 2027 visits to Labadee. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Mes Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472. This story was originally published by TravelHost on Jan 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Royal Caribbean International ships wont visit the cruise lines private destination in Haiti through at least the end of the year. Out of an abundance of caution, we have extended our pause to Labadee through December 2026, its parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. The company previously suspended calls to the Caribbean island nation through April 2026 amid ongoing violence in the country. The cruise line last visited Labadee in the first quarter of 2025, after pausing stops there the year before. Advertisement Advertisement Gang violence escalated in Haiti in 2024, and the country has been under a state of emergency since March of that year. A U.S. State Department travel advisory lists it as Level 4, denoting a do not travel warning, its highest rating. Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti, the alert said. They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. Do not travel to Haiti for any reason. The U.S. Coast Guard also has concerns about security in the ports of Haiti, the State Department said. Until those are addressed, the Coast Guard advises mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Haiti to exercise caution." Travelers visiting Haiti should steer clear of crowds and demonstrations, arrange hotel bookings and airport transfers ahead of time or have hosts meet them when they arrive and make evacuation plans that do not require help from the U.S. government, among other measures, according to the advisory. A full list of recommendations can be found online. Advertisement Advertisement Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Royal Caribbean extends pause on Labadee, Haiti stops through December MOSCOW, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Russia has detained the chief doctor and acting head of the intensive care unit at a Siberian maternity hospital after the deaths of nine newborn babies, investigators said on Wednesday. Russia's State Investigative Committee said that the doctors had been detained on suspicion of causing death through negligence. It was not immediately possible to reach the doctors or their lawyers. "As a result of the suspects' improper performance of their official and professional duties in organising and providing medical care... nine newborns who were born between 1 December 2025 and 12 January 2026 died," the Committee said. Advertisement Advertisement The case, reported by state and independent news outlets, provoked widespread outrage in Russia. Politicians, commentators and ordinary Russians asked how the country could hope to raise its birth rate - a priority set by President Vladimir Putin - if such tragedies were allowed to happen. (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Anastasia Teterevleva; editing by Guy Faulconbridge) Mutual drone attacks between Russia and Ukraine overnight caused casualties and damage to energy infrastructure, regional officials on both sides said on Wednesday. In the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, four people were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack, the governor of the Rostov region, Yury Slyusar, said in a post on Telegram. Fires broke out in several apartments in multi-storey residential buildings, and a man was found dead in one of the flats, he said. Slyusar also reported two fires in the city's industrial zone. Advertisement Advertisement In Russias Belgorod region, a woman was killed in the village of Zozuli in a Ukrainian drone strike, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said. Later, a man was killed by a drone explosion in the city of Shebekino, he added. Russia again targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure amid freezing temperatures. In the south-eastern Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, Russian forces attacked civilian infrastructure on Tuesday evening and overnight, according to the head of the citys military administration, Oleksandr Vilkul. The strikes triggered emergency power cuts affecting about 45,000 customers, while district heating was disrupted in more than 700 buildings, Vilkul said in a Telegram post. The situation had stabilized by morning, he added. Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for nearly four years. As part of its defence, Ukraine carries out strikes on targets inside Russia. The number of casualties and the scale of damage from Ukrainian attacks are far smaller than the devastation caused by Russian strikes across Ukraine. MOSCOW, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that the United States was fragmenting the very international system which Washington helped to create by undertaking what he said was an illegal operation to topple Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and by threatening Iran with attack. "We are talking about a gross violation of international law," Lavrov said of the U.S. operation to capture Maduro. He added that Russia remained committed to its agreements with Venezuela, a Russian ally. "In general, this and other actions in the international arena indicate the line of our American colleagues to break the entire system that has been created for many years with their participation," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Lavrov, who has served as foreign minister since 2004, said the entire international order - along with globalisation - had been "flushed down the drain" and was now fragmenting. When asked about U.S. threats against Iran, Lavrov said that Moscow needed to keep working with Tehran to implement their bilateral agreements and that no other country could change the nature of ties between Russia and Iran. Lavrov suggested that the United States, by abandoning the principles it had promoted for so long, was damaging its own image. "Our American colleagues look unreliable when they act in this way," Lavrov told a news conference with his Namibian counterpart in Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Asked about a Bloomberg report that White House envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are seeking to travel to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, Lavrov said that Putin had repeatedly said that he is open to serious discussions about peace in Ukraine. It would, Lavrov said, be helpful if Washington briefed Moscow on the latest peace proposals for Ukraine. (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin and Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Guy Faulconbridge/ Anastasia Teterevleva; editing by Andrew Osborn ) NATO's secretary general said up to 25,000 Russian soldiers are being killed in Ukraine each month. Mark Rutte described the carnage as "unsustainable" for Moscow. That suggests that a breaking point is coming, though it remains unclear when. Russia's military is suffering heavy losses fighting in Ukraine, with up to 25,000 soldiers killed a month, NATO's top civilian official said this week, calling the carnage "unsustainable" for Moscow. "The Russians, at the moment, are losing massive amounts of their soldiers thanks to the Ukrainian defense," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told European lawmakers at a forum in Brussels on Tuesday. He said that 20,000 to 25,000 troops are dying each month as the war drags on. Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not talking seriously wounded. Killed." Rutte clarified. He compared the incredibly high losses to the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, where an estimated 15,000 of its soldiers were killed over a period of more than nine years. "Now they lose this amount or more in one month," he said of the number of Russian soldiers killed every month. "So that's also unsustainable on their side." Russia has not disclosed official casualty figures, but Ukrainian and Western estimates paint a grim picture for Moscow. Britain's defense ministry said in an intelligence update Wednesday that Russia has likely suffered over 1.2 million battlefield casualties since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago, averaging 1,100 soldiers killed and wounded every day last month. Ukrainian soldiers fire artillery rounds at Russian positions on January 1. Marharyta Fal/Frontliner/Getty Images Russia's average daily casualty rate from August to December 2025 increased steadily, although it was still lower than during the same months in 2024, according to the ministry. It said the recent uptick came as Moscow made small territorial gains, and the heavy losses are expected to roll into 2026 "with continued dismounted infantry attacks on multiple axes." Advertisement Advertisement Russian forces have been focused on seizing the war-torn city of Pokrovsk in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region for more than a year. It has been the site of some of the war's most intense fighting. Ukrainian officials have said that attack drones are the biggest battlefield killer of people and equipment, believed to be responsible for eliminating around 90% of all targets hit. Military units regularly publish footage of their combat kills on social media. The casualty assessments underscore the significant attrition for Russia. It has a much larger population pool from which it can pull new soldiers and replenish losses than Ukraine does. However, Moscow has tried to avoid large-scale involuntary mobilization during the war, and conflict analysts believe it is unlikely to do so anytime soon. Kateryna Stepanenko, a Russia research fellow with the Institute for the Study of War, a US think tank, told Business Insider that Moscow has increasingly relied on covert and informal recruitment networks to avoid a full mobilization, which would likely come at a tremendous political cost. Advertisement Advertisement Russian military efforts to bring fresh troops into its war against Ukraine include offering financial benefits to some informal recruiters, sourcing combat personnel from overseas, and playing with the legislation on the use of active and inactive reserves, among some other unofficial methods, Stepanenko said. A Ukrainian soldier near Pokrovsk, in the eastern Donetsk region. Marharyta Fal/Frontliner/Getty Images "Before, the Kremlin just assigned your military recruitment centers, some paramilitary organizations, and regional authorities to do recruitment," she said. Now, Moscow has to think: "Where else can we squeeze recruits from?" US and Ukrainian assessments from last year suggested that Russia was pulling an average of 30,000 to 36,000 new soldiers a month into the war, figures similar to its casualty rate. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said thousands more than that are volunteering. "It is certainly a challenge for Russian forces to replace personnel and replace the casualties," Stepanenko said, adding that Russia will eventually "hit a wall" if it doesn't change its personnel and recruitment system eventually. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Ukraine, which does not disclose official casualty figures similar to Russia, is believed to have suffered an estimated 400,000 soldiers killed and wounded. Those losses hit hard, as Ukraine faces a constant struggle for manpower. The proliferation of drones over the battlefield has made it increasingly difficult to evacuate casualties from a widening kill zone that extends in both directions along the front line, significantly contributing to the heavy losses. Ukrainian and Western soldiers and officers have said that "golden hour" the first 60 minutes after a severe injury when medical treatment determines whether a soldier lives or dies is long gone in this war. Read the original article on Business Insider Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Professor and senior associate dean of engagement Janet A. Jokela discusses her article Reflecting on the significance of World AIDS Day from the 1980s to now. Janet shares harrowing memories from her time as a medical student in the mid-1980s, recalling the fear and stigma that surrounded the early days of the AIDS epidemic. She traces the evolution of treatment from a time of hopelessness to the revolutionary arrival of protease inhibitors and the global impact of PEPFAR. The conversation highlights touching patient stories that illustrate how a diagnosis once considered a death sentence has become a manageable condition, allowing people to live full and service-oriented lives. Join us to honor those lost and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit in the face of a terrifying disease. Partner with me on the KevinMD platform. With over three million monthly readers and half a million social media followers, I give you direct access to the doctors and patients who matter most. Whether you need a sponsored article, email campaign, video interview, or a spot right here on the podcast, I offer the trusted space your brand deserves to be heard. Lets work together to tell your story. PARTNER WITH KEVINMD https://kevinmd.com/influencer SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended Transcript Kevin Pho: Hi. Welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today, we welcome back Janet A. Jokela, infectious disease physician and former treasurer of the American College of Physicians. Todays KevinMD article is Reflecting on the significance of World AIDS Day from the 1980s to now. Janet, welcome back to the show. Janet A. Jokela: Thank you so much, Kevin. It is great to see you. Kevin Pho: All right, so tell us what your latest article is about. Janet A. Jokela: When everything was unfolding around World AIDS Day, which was December 1, it got me thinking. I asked myself: What is the significance of World AIDS Day? It made me think about my own experiences from when I was a medical student through now and just how significant it had been for my patients and for me. So that is what I was reflecting on, including a number of these different patient interactions. Kevin Pho: I would love for you to share some stories about your background training. I know that we have talked in the past, and you trained in Boston at the old Boston City Hospital. In your article, you described growing up to see your first HIV patient in 1985. Tell us about that moment and how that moment shaped your early understanding of medicine and HIV. Janet A. Jokela: I will do that, Kevin. I tell you, it makes me a little teary-eyed thinking about all of this. It was such a profound time. In medical school around that time, it was all in the news. We were hearing all these horrible things about young people dying. We did not know how it was transmitted or what was going on. People were overtly discriminated against. It was just so sad. It was tragic. As a medical student, I remember rounding with the team. We came to the patients door, and we were in the hallway. The attending turned to me and said: Well, you dont have to go in the room if you dont want to. I thought to myself, Whatever. What is this? ADVERTISEMENT This patient had pneumonia. In retrospect, I am sure it was *Pneumocystis*. Remember, people did not know how any of this was transmitted. We put on gowns, little booties, caps on our heads, gloves, and masks. It was like we were going into the OR. We walked into the room and stood about ten feet away from the bed. That is about all I remember. In retrospect, I realize how hard we were working to protect ourselves because we did not know exactly what this person had or if we might all walk out infected. That was weird, but that is where we were at that time. There was so much unknown about HIV and AIDS back in the 1980s. Kevin Pho: In your article, you talk about being instructed to tell a dialysis patient that he had AIDS all by yourself. Tell us more about that. What happened there? Janet A. Jokela: Things were early on, and I will not share the name of the institution where this happened. I was doing a rotation, and it was a nephrology rotation. Dialysis patients at that time were at very high risk of getting infected with all the exposure to blood products. The test was done, and the patient was positive. My attending just turned to me and said: Just please go in and tell this patient that theyre positive. I was a shy, trusting, and quiet medical student. I did as I was told. I walked in and told this patient. He knew exactly what I was talking about. His eyes bugged open, and he looked at me with shock. He more or less screamed. Then he abruptly ran out of the room. I was sick to my stomach. It is hard to think about even today. What were we doing at that time? In retrospect, I wish I had spoken up and said, No, I prefer to have someone with me. That did not happen. It was horrible for this poor patient. Kevin Pho: How did that traumatic memory influence how you teach medical students today? Janet A. Jokela: That is a great question. Let me tell you, this whole HIV thing motivated me to eventually pursue infectious diseases. It makes me teary-eyed because it was so wrong. It was wrong that these people were discriminated against because of an infection they had. It struck a chord in me that I wanted to serve these patients and take care of people who needed compassion, empathy, and care. There are people who just want to do that, and it really moved me. With medical students today, it has informed how I interact with them. It has helped shape me into a student advocate and a resident advocate. We do not put students or residents in situations like that. We have their back because these learners are vulnerable. It is important for us to protect them. Kevin Pho: Today, we have so many effective medicines against HIV and AIDS. When I was reading your story, you were talking about some patients that declined rapidly before there were any treatments. I was not there at the time, but it was such a devastating disease before we had these treatments. Janet A. Jokela: Absolutely. I was thinking back to my days in residency at Boston City Hospital. I remember counting at the time, and about 25 percent of our patients at any given time had HIV/AIDS. Typically, they had advanced HIV/AIDS. These were people with *Pneumocystis*, cryptococcal meningitis, or disseminated *Mycobacterium avium* infection. As a young resident in my late 20s or early 30s, I saw patients who were our age. We were seeing people die of this brand new, ugly, and horrible infection. There is one patient I wrote about in the article. I cared for this woman in the hospital. Later, she came back in. She recognized me, but when I looked in her room, I did not really recognize her. I saw her name and we conversed a little bit, but I could not bring myself to remember her except through her eyes. I thought, OK, theres Julie. Aside from that, she had advanced disseminated *Mycobacterium avium* complex infection. She died a week later. It was absolutely tragic. Kevin Pho: In your article, you talk about Dr. Tony Fauci and Dr. Koop and some of the things at the time that may have been considered controversial. What are some of the things that they did to fight against HIV? What are some of the things that were deemed controversial at the time? Janet A. Jokela: There is a lot of wonderful information online if we search for it. Regarding our former Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, there was apparently controversy early on about the fact that he did not speak out enough. Later on towards the end of his term, he was speaking out forcefully. There are some lovely quotes you can find where he says: We dont have treatment. We dont have a vaccine. All we have today is education. We had to educate people so they could protect themselves. He said, Im the surgeon general of everybody. That was a powerful and important statement. Tony Fauci was vilified early on because he was at the NIH, and people felt like he was not doing enough. The activist patient groups felt like he was not doing enough to get patients into trials or get new drugs out. He did some radical things at that time. He started meeting with the HIV activist groups. He is absolutely a hero. He was able to expand access to the parallel track of clinical trials and push through to make new drugs available to people. That was tremendous. Another thing with Tony Fauci is that he was the brainchild behind PEPFAR. He worked with a team and President Bush back at that time to put this all together and get it out. He is a living hero. Kevin Pho: For those who are not familiar with what PEPFAR is, tell us what that is about. Janet A. Jokela: That is the global program on HIV. The United States poured a ton of money into it to expand access to treatments all over the world. It has been credited with saving millions of lives and preventing millions of infections around the world. It has been hugely successful. It has probably been the largest program in the world dedicated to just one disease. It has been successful in terms of saving lives all over the world. Kevin Pho: As you reflected back on the decades of HIV/AIDS history, what are some of the biggest advancements or breakthroughs during that time that really turned the tide against that virus? Janet A. Jokela: There have been a number of them, and so many people have been involved. One of the biggest breakthroughs was with protease inhibitors in the mid-1990s. Suddenly, we had a cocktail to give patients to manage their infection. That was huge. Trip Gulick is a colleague of mine in New York City who was leading the trials at that time. It was fabulous news and a real game changer. We have to remember that while people like Trip were leading those trials, it was the patients involved in these trials who made that information available to us. We have to thank these patients who served the world in this way. There have been so many advancements since that time. The whole concept of U=U, or undetectable equals untransmittable, is a huge concept. This means that if someones viral load is suppressed for at least six months, they cannot transmit the virus. That was a real game changer as well. Closely tied to that is the idea that if someone is undetectable, they cannot transmit the virus, which is treatment as prevention. That concept was really important for us as caregivers and for patients. Kevin Pho: So what do we have to look forward to? We are speaking in January of 2026. What is on the horizon when it comes to HIV treatment or prevention? Janet A. Jokela: Fingers crossed with all of this because so much of it depends on federal funding for studies, treatments, and studying vulnerable populations. It has been dependent forever on federal funding, so we will see where all that goes. That said, there have been some exciting developments in injectables in terms of preventing HIV acquisition. That is also a game changer. Someone may get a periodic shot and be protected against HIV infection. There has been some exciting work going on related to HIV vaccines in parallel with all of this. We have also learned a lot over the years about side effects with antivirals. We are in a better place with all of that and continue to move to simpler regimens. We know that they can be effective with fewer side effects than before. The goal is to end the pandemic. We want to decrease the number of infections and get it as close to zero as possible. Kevin Pho: We are talking to Janet Jokela, former treasurer of the American College of Physicians and infectious disease physician. Todays KevinMD article is Reflecting on the significance of World AIDS Day from the 1980s to now. Janet, as always, we will end with some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience. Janet A. Jokela: I think especially about our students and residents who are thinking about what they want to do. First, follow your passion. I was compelled to work on behalf of these patients in this patient population, and that sustained me throughout my career. In all these different capacities, we uphold our oath. Our oath is to take care of our patients no matter what. We must do so humbly, meet them where they are, and do the best we can to take care of them to the best of our ability. Kevin Pho: Janet, as always, thank you so much for sharing your stories, time, and insight. Thanks again for coming back on the show. Janet A. Jokela: Thank you so much, Kevin. I appreciate it. South Carolina's Inspector General will examine the relationship between Clemson University and a proposal for a massive new subdivision in Oconee County following potential conflict of interest concerns. (File photo courtesy of Clemson University) COLUMBIA South Carolinas inspector general will examine the relationship between Clemson University and a proposal for a massive new subdivision in Oconee County following potential conflict of interest concerns. Clemson became entangled in the controversy surrounding the 600-acre development as President Jim Clements and former Gov. Nikki Haley, a Clemson board member, also sat on the board of the publicly traded homebuilding company believed to be behind the proposed neighborhood. Senate President Thomas Alexander, who represents Oconee County, requested the investigation to ensure accountability and uphold public confidence, according to a statement Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker Murrell Smith also backed the request. Public confidence in our institutions depends not only on whether the law is followed, but on whether actions are viewed as beyond reproach, the Sumter Republican said in a statement. Clemson officials, in a statement, said the college will cooperate fully with the inspector general and expressed confidence the review will confirm the school acted appropriately. Developers of the project approached Oconee County leaders about their proposal last year. Though developers never submitted an official application with the county, an early marketing plan called for 5,200 housing units a number that was later reduced to 3,200 units. It also included a satellite Clemson campus on the property, located about 5 miles northeast of the school, near Newry Mill. Advertisement Advertisement The developers also were in contact with the colleges senior management team in 2023 and 2024, even flying Clemson staff on a company plane to tour a similar development near Purdue University in Indiana. Messages from the developers came from an email addresses associated with United Homes Group, formerly Great Southern Homes, the publicly-traded company where Clements had been on the board since 2022. Both the college and the company denied that the homebuilder benefited from the connection to the university or used it to put pressure on the county to approve development plans. At no point has the University provided funding for, partnered on or endorsed the planning or construction of any residential development related to this proposal, the college wrote in a statement to the SC Daily Gazette and other outlets. Advertisement Advertisement As is standard practice, an administrative team conducted a preliminary review to assess the multi-use concepts potential economic and community impact, the statement continued. After completing its due diligence, the University decided not to pursue the economic development initiative. Clemson staff last met with the developers in November 2024. Clemson, in a December letter to Oconee County Council, also stated United Homes was not the developer. Instead, the developer was a different, separate company operated by Michael Neiri, the chairman of United Homes and a Clemson alumnus. Legislators said the request to have the inspector general look into the issue is not an allegation of wrongdoing, but rather a proactive and responsible step to ensure transparency. Advertisement Advertisement The people of Oconee County deserve clarity and confidence in the decisions that affect their community, state Rep. Adam Duncan said in a statement. An independent review ensures that questions are answered thoroughly and objectively, and public trust is maintained, said the Republican who represents the district impacted by the Newry development. Editors Note: This article has been updated with a statement from Clemson University. Heres what youll learn when you read this story: Researchers recently spotted an ancient Maya city using LiDAR. Its located in the Balamaku ecological reserve on the west side of the Yucatan Peninsula. Further ground investigation showed an array of complex structures in an area otherwise largely unknown to researchers. The array of buildings discovered lends credence to the idea that this city could have played a major role in the region. The jungles of the Balamaku ecological reserve on the Yucatan Peninsula recently offered up a remarkable look at an ancient Maya city, one likely to be rather regionally prominent. Though it is over 1,000 years old, this city wasnt known to the modern age. Its re-discovery comes thanks to airborne laser scanning (LiDAR) and subsequent on-the-ground archeology. Advertisement Advertisement Tucked some 37 miles deep in the jungle, a research teamled by Ivan Sprajc, a professor of archaeology from Slovenia who has directed work on the Yucatan Peninsula since 1996took info from the airborne scan to discover the true location of a 1,000-year-old Maya city complete with complex buildings, plazas, and even a ball game site. Highlighted by several pyramidal structures over 50 feet tall, the city is perched on a peninsula of high ground surrounded by extensive wetlands. The 123-acre site includes three plazas featuring imposing buildings and surrounded by several patio groups, according to Mexicos National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the group working to explore the densely vegetated reserve in the state of Campeche. Between the two main plazas there is a complex made up of various low and elongated structures, arranged almost in concentric circles Sprajc says in a statement translated from Spanish. A ball game is also included. A causeway connects the southeastern complex with the northwest portion, where most of the construction rests. It is highlighted by a pyramid rising 82 feet above the natural terrain. Advertisement Advertisement Researchers named the newly discovered city Ocomtun, stone column in Yucatec Maya. The multiple cylindrical columns discovered likely serving as entrances to upper rooms of buildings. As the team searched the site, they continued to locate structures leading toward the La Riguena River that included stairways, monolithic columns, and central altars. The team also discovered an area for a ball field and the possibility of either markets or space for community rituals. The site served as an important center at the regional level, Sprajc says, probably during the Classic period (250-1000 AD). The most common ceramic types that we collected on the surface and in some test pits are from the Late Classic (600-800 AD); however, the analysis of samples of this material will offer us more reliable data on the sequences of occupation. The team believes the Ocomtun site underwent alterations sometime around 1000 AD, thanks to the shrines in the center of the patio and squares. A reflection of ideological and population changes in times of crises, Sprajc explains, that, finally, by the 10th century led to the collapse of the complex sociopolitical organization and the drastic demographic decline in the Maya Central Lowlands. Advertisement Advertisement Located within 18 to 31 miles of three other Maya cities discovered within the last decade, the exploration of Balamaku ecological reserve continues to offer up exciting finds. The Ocomtun unearthing may prove the most alluring. You Might Also Like (Photo Credit: Julia Demaree Nikhinson for the AP) A Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President JD Vance has been placed on leave on Wednesday after he was caught on undercover video spilling details about Vances travel plans and how the vice president is protected. Reporter James OKeefe shared the 14-minute report on X on Tuesday. The agent, identified as Tomas Escotto, believed he was on a date with woman while he was blabbing about Vance; the woman turned out to be a reporter for OKeefe Media Group. Advertisement Advertisement Escotto talked about how the vice president is protected and the security measures agents take. He also told the woman he voted for ex-President Joe Biden and I hate that sh*t when talking about President Donald Trumps ICE raids. The agent later texted the woman on Dec. 26 about Vances travel plans for the next week, revealing he would be in Ohio and Florida for a handful of days. He also sent the reporter pictures of him aboard Air Force 2 and also pictures that provided metadata on where the presidents convoy was located. He knew he was not allowed to share much of the information he was talking about. At one point he texted the woman, I sign[ed] paperwork , so if i dont have to give out information, I never do, otherwise I get in trouble. BREAKING: U.S. Secret Service Agent Assigned to VP JD Vance Leaks Sensitive Security Information to Undercover Reporter. Escotto is a holdover from the Biden administration and stated that he voted for Joe Biden, while expressing opposition to ICE & the Trump administrations pic.twitter.com/AyAjrt3XY4 James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) January 13, 2026 Less than a day later, Escotto was placed on leave. The New York Post reported his security clearance was suspended and his access to Secret Service buildings and systems was revoked, pending an internal investigation. Advertisement Advertisement The US Secret Service has no tolerance for any behavior that could potentially compromise the safety, privacy or trust of our protectees, Deputy Director Matthew Quinn told the Post. He added, The US Secret Service has also issued an order for all personnel to retake the agencys required anti-espionage training in order to ensure employees are aware of the threats posed by individuals aiming to exploit agency employees for information about our protective operations. Covertly recording government officials has been a staple of OKeefes reporting over the years, including when he captured Attorney General Pam Bondi on undercover camera last May. Watch the video above. The post Secret Service Agent for JD Vance Gets Suspended for Blabbing to Reporter in Undercover Video: No Tolerance first appeared on Mediaite. Tributes continue for fallen Delaware State Police Corporal Matthew "Ty" Snook. Sen. Chris Coons delivered a speech on the Senate floor in Washington on Tuesday to honor Snook. A gunman shot and killed the trooper inside a DMV office in Minquadale two days before Christmas. During his speech, Senator Coons reflected on Snook's life as a father, husband, and beloved community servant. Funeral held for fallen Delaware State Police Corporal Matthew "Ty" Snook Advertisement Advertisement "What makes a hero? Someone whose instinct is protection. Someone whose service is about loving others, even when faced with mortal pain and fear. Corporal Snook's family and friends knew a hero," Coons said. Senator Coons also said that he and Senator Lisa Blunt-Rochester have introduced a resolution of the Senate that would honor Corporal Snook's life and bravery. After declining to call Israel's actions in Gaza "genocide" during a congressional debate forum, State Senator Scott Wiener has changed course. Wiener posted a video to social media Sunday, saying he does believe the conflict in Gaza is genocide. For years, Ive condemned Netanyahu and his extremist government and the devastation theyve inflicted on Gaza. Its why Ive been clear I wont support U.S. funding for the destruction of Palestinian communities. Ive stopped short of calling it genocide, but I cant anymore. pic.twitter.com/71nIt6K527 Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) January 11, 2026 The statement comes days after a forum featuring Wiener and other candidates who are hoping to fill Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi's seat in Congress. Advertisement Advertisement "For those of you who saw the debate clip from last week I want to clarify that I do believe Israel has committed genocide in Gaza," Wiener said in the video. "To me the Israeli government has tried to destroy Gaza and to push Palestinians out. And that qualifies as genocide." Wiener, who is Jewish, talked about how the word genocide can be sensitive given its connection to the Holocaust. In the past, he stopped short of calling Israel's actions genocide, but says he can't anymore. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and other Senate liberals are urging their Democratic colleagues to pivot to economic populism by confronting corporate power and billionaires, warning that just talking about affordability alone wont move swing voters who backed President Trump in 2024. There is clear consensus in our party for a relentless focus on affordability this year and beyond. We agree. But it would be a mistake to embrace an affordability agenda that fails to confront the billionaires and corporations making it impossible for hardworking Americans to achieve and afford a middle-class life, they wrote. Bland policy proposals without a narrative explaining who is getting screwed and who is doing the screwing will not work, they warned. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.), two other outspoken progressives, also signed the memo to interested Democrats. Semafor first reported the memo to colleagues. The Democrats cited a recent poll published by the Century Foundation of 1,426 registered voters that found that Americans increasingly cannot afford basic goods such as medical care and groceries and that people without college degrees are twice as likely to skip medication or a meal. And the survey found that voters across demographic groups believe corporations and the wealthy hold too much power and these voters overwhelmingly support policies that put money in the hands of working people. Advertisement Advertisement Murphy, Warren, Schiff and Smith argued that Democrats must demonstrate a real willingness to take on corporate power and the billionaires who are making it impossible for the American people to provide for themselves and their families. They cited data from the Center for Working Class Politics that found that an economically populist platform can win back working-class voters who supported Trump, but warned the message falls flat when politicians try to have it both ways by appeasing corporate allies. They wrote that working-class voters see politicians Republicans and Democrats cozying up to those same corporations to line their own pockets rather than directly confronting corporate power. The senators argue that Americans are demanding bold, populist economic policies not just technocratic fixes at the edges so that hard work is valued and rewarded. Advertisement Advertisement They cited a poll by the Dignity of Work Institute, an organization affiliated with former Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), that found 86 percent of Americans want significant changes to the economy and three in 10 say that the whole system needs to change. They argue that Trumps campaign of faux economic populism succeeded in 2024 but that it has failed to deliver on its promises to make basic goods and services more affordable, setting the stage for a backlash to his presidency and laying the foundation for a large popular majority to wrestle government back from the billionaires and corporations. The Democratic Party can be the voice for that majority but only if we are willing to adopt a platform rooted in true economic populism, they advised. 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. Washington Senate Republicans killed a war powers resolution to limit President Trump's ability to further strike Venezuela after the White House put pressure on a handful of GOP senators who supported it. Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana flipped their support Wednesday after initially voting to advance it. Vice President JD Vance had to step in to break the 50-50 tie. Republicans used a procedural maneuver to block the measure, arguing that the resolution should no longer be "privileged" which gives it priority on the floor because the U.S. is not currently engaged in "hostilities" with Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, previewed the argument in floor remarks Wednesday morning. "Today, we expect a vote on a resolution to direct the removal of U.S. forces from hostilities in or against Venezuela, even though the U.S. is not currently engaged in hostilities in or against Venezuela," Thune said. "We have no troops on the ground in Venezuela. We're not currently conducting military operations there." Senators advanced the resolution, introduced by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, last week after the U.S. captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife and Mr. Trump asserted the U.S. is now in charge of the country. Five Republicans joined all Democrats in support of the measure, pushing it forward after two previous failed attempts in the upper chamber to advance similar resolutions to rein in Mr. Trump's military action in the region. Advertisement Advertisement The GOP senators who voted with Democrats to advance the measure were Hawley, Young, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky. Murkowski, Collins and Paul voted against the GOP effort to kill the resolution Wednesday. Kaine said Wednesday night he was disappointed in the outcome but saw it "as a growing set of cracks" in the GOP's willingness to stick with Mr. Trump on the issue. Last week, Mr. Trump quickly lashed out at the Republicans, saying they "should never be elected to office again." He again criticized the senators on Tuesday during a speech at the Detroit Economic Club, calling them "real losers." Advertisement Advertisement Some of the senators said they received calls from Mr. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of Wednesday's action. Hawley said Rubio had addressed his concerns about U.S. troops in Venezuela. He said Rubio confirmed the U.S. "has no ground troops currently in Venezuela" and that if the administration plans to put troops in Venezuela, "they would abide by the War Powers Act and they would come to Congress for congressional authorization." "The secretary told me directly that the administration will not put ground troops in Venezuela," Hawley said. Young pushed back on criticism that he caved to pressure from the president, telling reporters that senators had "secured some valuable reassurances and deliverables" from the White House on Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement "I think we played our hand well," Young said, contending that the resolution was heading for a presidential veto if it eventually did make it through both chambers. Both the House and Senate would have needed a two-thirds majority to overcome a veto, which was unlikely. The switch-up appeared to come as a surprise to Kaine, who said Wednesday morning that he expected all five Republicans to stick with Democrats. Before Maduro's ouster, lawmakers said they had received insufficient answers from the Trump administration about whether its end goals in Venezuela included regime change, as the U.S. ramped up strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats, imposed an oil blockade and Mr. Trump threatened land strikes. Republicans who voted last week to advance the resolution cited Mr. Trump's comments about running Venezuela and the potential for U.S. forces to be deployed there as reasons for the measure gaining their support. Advertisement Advertisement A day after the initial Senate vote, Mr. Trump announced he had called off a "second wave" of attacks against Venezuela, claiming the two countries "are working well together." But, he said, U.S. naval forces in the region would "stay in place for safety and security purposes." Kaine attributed Mr. Trump's decision to cancel more strikes to the war powers vote. CBS News did not receive a response from the White House regarding Kaine's assertion. Sneak peek: The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis Civil Rights icon Claudette Colvin dies at 86 Chicago believes again as the Bears catch fire A man arrested in connection with the current wave of protests in Iran has been sentenced to death and told he faces execution, his family and a human rights group say. Erfan Soltani, 26, was arrested last Thursday in the city of Fardis, just west of Tehran. Days later, authorities informed his family his execution had been scheduled for Wednesday without giving any additional details, according to Norway-based Kurdish human rights group Hengaw. On Wednesday, Hengaw said it had "serious and ongoing concerns regarding Soltani's right to life" but that, according to information obtained through relatives, his execution had been postponed. Advertisement Advertisement Iran's judiciary has not yet commented on Soltani's case or announced any execution in connections with the protests. The internet blackout imposed by the government has also made obtaining information on his status - and others in potentially similar situations - difficult. Awyer Shekhi of Hengaw told the BBC she feared there were "many" cases like Soltani's, highlighting the scale and speed to which Iranian authorities were carrying out violent crackdowns compared to previous protests. On Tuesday, one of Soltani's relatives told BBC Persian that a court had issued a death sentence "in an extremely rapid process, within just two days". Advertisement Advertisement Soltani is a resident of Fardis, Karaj, where he owns a clothes shop. He was arrested "at his private residence", Hengaw said in a statement. Iranian authorities have reportedly failed to give Soltani's family any more information about his case, citing only that he had been arrested in connection with a protest. His sister, who is a lawyer, tried to pursue the case but authorities told her there was nothing to pursue, Shekhi told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "He is just someone who is against the current situation in Iran... now he's received a death sentence for expressing his opinion." Advertisement Advertisement Shekhi said prisoners on death row in Iran were typically granted a final visit by their loved ones before their execution. While the Iranian authorities had told the family they would allow a meeting with Erfan before his execution, he had not been allowed any contact with his family since his arrest, she added. There was a "high chance" other people in Iran were in a similar position to Soltani, but there was little information about them because of the internet shutdown, according to Shekhi. President Donald Trump has said the US will take "very strong action" against Iran if it executes protesters - telling Iranians to "KEEP PROTESTING" in a post on his Truth Social platform. He also said he has cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials "until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY". Advertisement Advertisement He has since said that his administration had been told "on good authority" that "the killing in Iran is stopping, and there's no plan for executions". Authorities in Tehran imposed an internet blackout last Thursday, as the protests escalated and authorities stepped up their deadly crackdown. The BBC and most other international news organisations are also unable to report from inside Iran, making obtaining and verifying information difficult. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said it had so far confirmed the killing of 2,417 protesters, as well as 12 children and 10 uninvolved civilians, despite the blackout. Nearly 150 people affiliated with the security forces or government had also been killed, the group said. Advertisement Advertisement At least 18,434 protesters have been arrested during the unrest, according to HRANA. Iran's judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei has pledged swift legal action against what he called "rioters". According to Mohseni-Ejei, those who have "committed terrorist acts should definitely be given priority for trial and punishment". Authorities were planning to hold open trials for some of the main figures involved in recent unrest, with proceedings accessible to the media, he said on Wednesday. But Iran's handling of Soltani's case "constitutes a clear violation of international human rights law", Hengaw's statement said, adding: "The rushed and non-transparent handling of this case has heightened concerns over the use of the death penalty as a tool to suppress public protests." Advertisement Advertisement "Erfan is the first protester to be sentenced to death, but he won't be the last," the US State Department said on its Farsi-language X account. The protests, which have reportedly spread to more than 180 cities and towns in all 31 provinces, were sparked by anger over the collapse of the Iranian currency and soaring cost of living. They quickly widened into demands for political change and became one of the most serious challenges to the clerical establishment since the 1979 Islamic revolution. [BBC] At least 12 men have been executed in Iran over the past three years after being sentenced to death in connection with the 2022 "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests. Advertisement Advertisement That nationwide unrest was triggered by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish woman who was accused by morality police of wearing "improper" hijab. Human rights groups say the last such execution happened on 6 September, when Mehran Bahramian was hanged in Isfahan. The Norway-based group, Iran Human Rights, reported at the time that the authorities had tortured Bahramian to obtain confessions and that he did not receive a fair trial. He was sentenced to death by a court in January 2024 on the charge of "enmity against God" for allegedly killing a member of the Revolutionary Guards at a protest in Semirom in December 2022, it said. Shin Bet Chief David Zini announced the appointment of "N." as the new deputy head, with Prime Minister Netanyahus approval. Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) Chief David Zini announced Wednesday that he will appoint "N." as the new Deputy Head of the Shin Bet. N. began his service with the Shin Bet as a coordinator in the South, and took on many roles over the course of his career, including fieldwork. After his retirement, he continued to serve the public in both the security establishment and the private sector. Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu approved N's appointment, and he will assume his position next month. Maj.-Gen. David Zini attends a ceremony held at the IDF Central Command headquarters in Jerusalem, July 8, 2024 (credit: OREN BEN HAKOON/FLASH90) Previous Shin Bet Deputy Head S. to be replaced N. will replace thecurrent Deputy Head, "S." who has served in the organization for the last 30 years. S. previously served as the agency's acting director after the departure of former chief Ronen Bar, who promoted him to deputy chief in January 2025. S. was on a first-round short list for potential appointment by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but did not make a second-round short list, which included other former deputy chiefs who had served in that role longer than him, as well as other senior defense officials from outside of the Shin Bet, such as Zini. In his announcement of N's appointment, Zini thanked S. for his service as Deputy Head during this period of Israel's history. Yonah Jeremy Bob and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report. U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) offers remarks at a June 6, 2025 town hall in Lansing. | Kyle Davidson Updated at 3:17 p.m. U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin says she is the subject of a Justice Department investigation connected to a video in which she and several other Democratic lawmakers urged U.S. military and intelligence personnel to refuse illegal orders. The Michigan Democrat from Holly and former CIA officer, confirmed the inquiry in an interview with The New York Times published Tuesday, saying she learned of the investigation from the office of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the chief federal prosecutor in the District of Columbia. A spokesman for Pirros office declined to confirm or deny to the Times that any investigation was underway. Advertisement Advertisement Ive studied this kind of political authoritarianism in other countries my entire professional life, Slotkin told the Times. I just cant believe I am talking about it in my own country. Slotkin then followed up with a video response Wednesday, posted to social media. Last week, the U.S. Attorney for D.C. asked to interview me because of a 90-second video that President Trump didnt like. The intimidation *is the point*. And its not going to work. Watch my full response. pic.twitter.com/j6Z9bYqi5y Sen. Elissa Slotkin (@SenatorSlotkin) January 14, 2026 To be clear, this is the presidents playbook, Slotkin said in reference to the investigation. Truth doesnt matter, facts dont matter. And anyone who disagrees with him becomes an enemy, and he then weaponizes the federal government against them. Its legal intimidation and physical intimidation meant to get you to shut up. Slotkin went on to say she did not believe Trumps vision for the nation is shared by a majority of Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Because this country is worth fighting for. Our freedom of speech is worth fighting for. Our values, our core values, are worth fighting for. And right now, speaking out against the abuse of power is the most patriotic thing we can do, Slotkin concluded. The announcement of an investigation marks an escalation in the Trump administrations response to a 90-second video posted to social media in November in which Slotkin and five other Democratic members of Congress all with military or intelligence backgrounds told members of the armed forces and intelligence community that they can refuse illegal orders and should stand up for our laws and our Constitution. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The lawmakers did not identify specific orders they considered unlawful in the clip. Military justice experts say service members are already required under the Uniform Code of Military Justice to disobey orders they reasonably determine to be unlawful. Advertisement Advertisement The video drew immediate and intense criticism from President Donald Trump. He took to Truth Social to accuse the lawmakers of seditious behavior and urged that they be arrested and put on trial, later characterizing their actions as punishable by death. Trumps posts also amplified threats from supporters. In the weeks since the videos release, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has contacted lawmakers who appeared in the video to schedule interviews, while a separate Pentagon review has focused on Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly. Kelly, as a retired officer, is the only participant in the video still subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Kelly has since sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the department for trying to demote his retirement rank and pay. Slotkin said the controversy has brought increased threats against her and her family, including a bomb threat at her Oakland County property in the days after the videos release. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Slotkins Democratic colleague,U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) issued a statement condemning the investigation. Elissa Slotkin is a patriot who has dedicated herself to serving our country, Stevens said. Reminding service members that they have a duty to refuse illegal orders is not sedition. It is a safeguard of democracy. Using law enforcement to retaliate against elected officials is dangerous and straight out of the authoritarian playbook. I stand with Senator Slotkin and with every public servant who honors their oath and fights to uphold the Constitution. This story has been updated with additional comment. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX When my father-in-law died by suicide, our family did not just lose a person. We lost the gravitational center of a small universe. He was a giant in my eyes. Not because of his curriculum vitae, though his was extraordinary, but because of the way he moved through the world: steady, modest, and relentlessly devoted to the people who needed him. He had survived what should have broken a human being. As a Jewish child born in Poland, he endured five years in Siberian labor camps during the Holocaust. He later came to Israel on the Exodus in 1947, and his family struggled to make a life on a kibbutz. He taught himself to read. When he finally had access to school, he excelled with the same intensity he later brought to medicine. He graduated from Hadassah Medical School in Israel and eventually moved to the United States with his wife and their children after securing a fellowship at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. He went on to receive a research grant through the Cardeza Foundation and spent years studying pediatric blood disorders and cancers, including beta thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and brain tumors. [Image of sickle cell disease pathophysiology] He published widely, including papers in journals that make most physicians quietly blink twice: Nature, JAMA, Science, The New England Journal of Medicine, and The Lancet. He ran a free clinic in Philadelphia for sickle cell patients. At CHOP, he became director of clinical pediatric laboratories. He gave his life to medicine in the most literal sense. The humble giant But if you asked him about any of that, he would have redirected the conversation back to work, or to the patient, or to what you were learning. My husband remembers doing hospital rounds with his father as a child, lingering at the nurses station, watching the choreography of a busy clinical floor. People stopped to greet him, not because he demanded recognition, but because he had earned something rarer: trust. He never sought praise. He taught my husband that humility is a big part of what makes a great clinician. He lived that humility too. He drove a Honda. He wore ordinary clothes. He lived in a modest home. He carried a worn bag full of medical journals everywhere, the way some people carry a novel or a prayer book. He read far outside his specialty. He was always eager to hear what my husband or I were seeing in practice, always curious, always learning. He was a dedicated father, husband, and grandfather. What none of us saw was that he was also carrying pain he did not name out loud. The culture of silence ADVERTISEMENT Physicians are trained to endure. They learn early that discomfort is a tax you pay for mastery. They learn to stay calm during chaos, to carry other peoples terror without flinching, to keep moving while sleep-deprived, grieving, hungry, and afraid. They learn to normalize the abnormal. They learn, in a thousand small ways, that their needs are inconvenient. The public sees the white coat. The public assumes stability. The public assumes physicians will ask for help if they need it. That assumption is often wrong. In 2012, my father-in-law was 75 years old and still working. He ran two clinics. In one, he saw a panel made up entirely of Medicaid patients. Reimbursement was so poor he struggled to meet overhead. He was caught between what his patients needed and what the system would pay for. To keep caring for Medicaid patients without cutting corners, he began subsidizing the clinic with his own savings. Somewhere in the private logic of despair, he came to believe that his death was the most responsible way to solve the problem. There are sentences I still cannot write without feeling my body tighten: He did not see a way out. The aftermath of loss After he died, his patients were left in shock and grief. The community lost a physician who was described by one patient simply as best pediatrician and hematologist ever. So thoughtful, learned, and gifted. People do not write that about a doctor who merely did the job. They write that about a doctor who changed the experience of illness. Our family entered the long, disorienting landscape of grief. The denial. The anger. The depression. There were so many unanswered questions. The search for a clear reason that would make the outcome feel less senseless, and therefore easier to survive. The week after he died, when the initial shock loosened enough for my brain to form sentences again, the questions began. Why? How many more are there? A few years later, I found the book Physician Suicide Letters by Dr. Pamela Wible. I thought I would read it quickly, the way I often consume hard material, with a kind of professional distance. I was wrong. It took me more than a year to finish. I could only read a few letters at a time before I had to stop. With each one, my heart felt heavier, not only for the physician but for the people left behind: parents who would never again hear their childs voice, spouses trying to explain an unexplainable absence, brothers and sisters stunned by the suddenness, children growing up with a hole they did not choose. Grief has a familiar vocabulary, but suicide adds a particular cruelty. It leaves survivors holding both love and unanswered questions, forever. What haunted me most was how often the letters described the same pattern: A physician who had learned to perform competence so convincingly that even the people closest to them had no idea how much pain was being carried. The suffering was not absent. It was hidden in plain sight. The final days I also wondered why my father-in-law had not left a letter. Everything happened so quickly, during a family visit. I still find myself imagining that even in his final act he was trying to reduce the burden on us, to spare us extra air travel with a toddler, to keep the disruption contained. We think we understand why he took his life. We can point to the financial strain, the clinic overhead, the rising life insurance premiums, and the fear of leaving my mother-in-law unprotected. But if there is one thing suicide teaches the living, it is that there are always layers to suffering. The financial piece is the one we can name. It is also the one we believe became the last straw, the moment when his mind could no longer see a path forward. The night before he died had been ordinary. That is one of the details that still bends time. He knelt down and laced up my ice skates and his granddaughters skates with care. He stood at the edge of the rink smiling as we glided past, blowing kisses. When he smiled, his whole face smiled with him, eyes squinting, joy unmistakable. For years I replayed that night and ran the same mental experiment on myself: If I had noticed something, if I had said something different, if I had asked one more question, would it have changed the ending? In our case, we tried. When he did not show up to pick us up at the hotel the next morning, we knew something was wrong. We searched. We were minutes too late. That kind of proximity is its own form of mental torture. There is a particular kind of grief that comes with suicide. It makes you rewind your life as if it were a film you could edit. You cannot. You can only tell the truth. So here is the truth: He was extraordinary, he was loved, and he still could not find a way to stay. If you are a physician reading this and you recognize even a trace of his thinking, the belief that you must carry it alone, that your family will be better off without your burden, that asking for help will cost too much, please hear this clearly: Those thoughts are not the truth. They are depression talking, a brain under siege, rewriting reality until self-harm looks like relief. That is not who you are. That is what untreated suffering can make your mind believe. This essay is my father-in-laws story. The essays that follow will look directly at the conditions that can make physicians disappear behind competence, and what must change so fewer families learn what minutes too late feels like. In memory of Shlomo Friedman, MD. May his memory always be a blessing. Resources If you are in immediate danger or think you might harm yourself, call 911, go to the nearest emergency department, or call/text 988 (U.S. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24/7). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988, or use online chat. Call or text 988, or use online chat. NAMI HelpLine (National Alliance on Mental Illness): 800-950-6264. Text NAMI to 62640. For information, referrals, and support. Not an emergency line. 800-950-6264. Text NAMI to 62640. For information, referrals, and support. Not an emergency line. Physician Support Line: 1-888-409-0141. Free, confidential peer support for U.S. physicians and medical students from volunteer psychiatrists. 1-888-409-0141. Free, confidential peer support for U.S. physicians and medical students from volunteer psychiatrists. Dr. Pamela Wible, MD, Physician Peer Support Groups (Ideal Medical Care): Physician peer support groups and related support options. Carrie Friedman is a dual board-certified psychiatric and family nurse practitioner and the founder of Brain Garden Psychiatry in California. She integrates evidence-based psychopharmacology with functional and integrative psychiatry, emphasizing root-cause approaches that connect neuro-nutrition and gutbrain science, metabolic psychiatry, immunology, endocrinology, and mindbody lifestyle medicine. Carries clinical focus bridges conventional psychiatry with holistic strategies to support mental health through nutrition, physiology, and sustainable lifestyle interventions. Her professional writing explores topics such as functional medicine, autism, provider well-being, and medical ethics. The Brief A new tool can now help Pennsylvania residents become, or stay, eligible for SNAP benefits. New federal rules added work requirements to receive benefits last year. The state is now helping to connect recipients with volunteer opportunities. PENNSYLVANIA - It's been several months since SNAP benefits were limited for some recipients, and now Pennsylvania is trying to help its residents meet the new requirements. What we know Beginning on Tuesday, Pennsylvania residents will be able to keep their SNAP benefits with a new tool connecting them to volunteer opportunities across the state. Advertisement Advertisement New federal rules require some people to meet work requirements to keep or become eligible for SNAP benefits. Those work requirements include working, volunteering and/or participating in an education or training program. Pennsylvania residents can search online for volunteer opportunities in their zip code. Work requirements must total at least 20 hours a week, or 80 hours a month, and have to be reported. How it works To find volunteer opportunities on PA Navigate: Go to pa-navigate.org, enter your ZIP code, and search for "volunteer opportunity." Contact the organization where you want to volunteer to learn more and get connected to volunteer opportunities. The organization where you volunteer completes the Community Service Verification Form to track your volunteer hours. What they're saying "DHS is committed to doing everything we can to connect Pennsylvanians who receive SNAP with tools and information to help them keep their benefits and feed themselves and their families," said Department of Human Services Secretary Arkoosh. Advertisement Advertisement "Adding volunteer listings to PA Navigate both helps SNAP recipients meet the new federal requirements and helps community-based organizations fill volunteer roles, which are often so important to their ability to serve their communities." The backstory On September 1, 2025, SNAP benefits changed for Pennsylvania after President Donald Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" was passed in July. Some SNAP recipients will now have to meet work requirements and report them to the Department of Human Services. If the SNAP recipient does not meet the work requirements, they will be limited to three months of SNAP benefits for a 3-year period. Advertisement Advertisement The new SNAP benefit rules apply to you if you: Are between 1854 years old Do not have a dependent child under 18 Are considered physically and mentally able to work The Source Information from this article was sourced from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and previous reporting by FOX 29 Philadelphia. Snow, lake-effect and freeze-ups to accompany colder air into next week A series of storms will travel from central Canada to the Midwest and Northeast into early next week. Each storm will bring areas of steady snow, while repeated surges of cold air will produce rounds of lake-effect snow and create the risk of rapid freeze-ups. As many as three clipper storms with trailing cold fronts are expected to pivot through the region into early next week. The first storm was producing areas of rain and thunder in the Southeast and areas of rain in the Northeast Wednesday. The storm was also producing snow from northern Illinois to Michigan, which will spread across the Ohio Valley, Appalachians and part of the coastal Northeast through Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement "More than half a foot of snow is expected in some areas downwind of the Great Lakes in Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New York. A few spots could receive a foot or more of snow through Thursday night," AccuWeather Meteorologist Elizabeth Danco said. The AccuWeather Local StormMax snowfall is 24 inches. AccuWeather.com While most of the snow around the Great Lakes will fall as lake-effect snow, colder air behind the storm's cold front will bring 1-6 inches of snow as far south as the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina and as far east as the Catskills in New York and the Green and White Mountains of New England. Closer to the Interstate 95 corridor in the mid-Atlantic and New England, rain will mix with wet snow or change to a period of wet snow through Thursday morning. Conditions will vary by location, but enough snow could fall to coat roads, especially from areas just north and west of Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia, New York City and Boston, where temperatures may drop below freezing. AccuWeather.com The next clipper storm will waste no time rolling southeastward. Snow is forecast to spread from Duluth, Minnesota, midday Thursday, reaching Chicago and central Michigan Thursday night, then Cleveland during the midday hours Friday. Advertisement Advertisement The round of steady snow from the second clipper storm will generally range from 1 to 3 inches, with higher amounts of 3-6 inches in northern Minnesota, northern and western Michigan and northwestern Wisconsin. AccuWeather.com As this storm moves across the interior Northeast during the weekend, lake-effect snow will accumulate. Some snow will still reach as far south as the southern Appalachians and as far east as the Poconos, Catskills and Berkshires Saturday and Saturday night. AccuWeather.com A third clipper storm will drop into the Upper Midwest over the weekend with areas of steady snow from northern Minnesota to northern Michigan. Meanwhile, a developing storm along the Gulf Coast over the weekend could spread a zone of snow, sleet and rain from southern Georgia to southern Delaware Sunday. There is the potential that the storm could track farther inland over the Southeast and farther north into the coastal Northeast. There is also the chance the storm will remain weak and head out to sea and bypass the I-95 Northeast. A word of caution as colder air and snow follow recent warmth When colder weather and snow follow a period of warmth, some slushy or wet roads can still freeze quickly, creating hazardous travel conditions. Advertisement Advertisement "These conditions can occur in areas that receive a thin coating as well as a foot of snow," Danco said. "Drivers should be prepared for slick spots and rapidly changing visibility." GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP In many cases, recent rain has washed away salt and other snow-melting compounds from the roads. Higher temperatures in recent days have allowed road surfaces, parking lots and sidewalks to warm, which may cause snow to melt at first before refreezing. However, as temperatures quickly dip, untreated areas may be subject to a flash freeze. These conditions can occur at any time of day, just as well as at night, this time of year. 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. A bar of hotel soap led police to the killers of a retired Erie industrialist in 1945. Dubbed the "Hilltop Murder" in a national "Gang Busters" radio episode, the killing of Joseph B. Campbell at his Millcreek home was "one of Erie County's most atrocious crimes," according to the Erie Daily Times. Two men confessed to the murder and were executed in March 1946. They had lobbied for life sentences or to be used as atomic testing "guinea pigs" instead. The crime scene Campbell, 73, lived alone on a small farm on the Waterford Pike, now upper Peach Street, "on a knoll overlooking the valley which embraces Kearsarge and the flying field nearby," the Erie Daily Times reported on Aug. 6, 1945. The "flying field" was on farmland now occupied by the Millcreek Mall. Advertisement Advertisement Campbell was an engineer with Erie City Iron Works and Hays Manufacturing before founding Campbell Brass Works at West 16th and Cascade streets. He also built the former 10-story Ariel Building at East Eighth and State streets and a mansion downtown. He later lived fulltime in the Millcreek farmhouse that he had built as a summer home in 1909. The Aug. 6, 1945, Erie Daily Times reports on the murder of Joseph Campbell. Campbell's bloodied and bound body was found in the farmhouse kitchen by daughter Ruth Van Cleve on Aug. 5, 1945. "I was too shocked even to cry out," Van Cleve said later. "I was stunned. I ran to neighbors. I even forgot about calling the police." Advertisement Advertisement Campbell had been beaten, his skull fractured in two places, according to autopsy results. "The crime was one of the most brutal in the history of the state police," the Erie Times-News reported on Aug. 6. Campbell's car, revolver and about $65 in cash were missing. The telltale soap The first major break in "one of the largest manhunts in the history of Erie County" came days later when Campbell's car was found abandoned near Canton, Ohio, with a Michigan license plate on it. Campbell's Pennsylvania plate and matchbooks advertising Michigan businesses were found inside the car. Erie investigators went to Canton and found a bar of soap imprinted with the name of the Republic Hotel in Bay City, Michigan, in bushes near the car. In Bay City, the hotel register listed the names of two Williamsport, Pennsylvania, men who had stayed there after Campbell's murder. Advertisement Advertisement John "Jack" West, 27, and Robert "Bob" Pepperman, 29, had both been in and out of juvenile detention facilities, jails and prisons since age 14. They were taken into custody in Williamsport and quickly confessed to robbing and killing Campbell. The "hardened and shifty-eyed ex-convicts" repeated their confessions for reporters when they were brought to Erie on Aug. 20. They re-enacted the crime in Campbell's home the following day. Repaying kindness with killing Three days before the murder, West and Pepperman told Campbell that they were hitchhiking to Pittsburgh and were hungry, according to their confessions. Campbell gave them sandwiches and berries that they ate outside. Advertisement Advertisement The men returned Aug. 1, 1945, waiting near the home until dark. They then knocked on the door and said they'd lost a fountain pen on the property. Campbell got a flashlight to help in the search and was attacked when he returned to the door. The Aug. 20, 1945, edition of the Erie Daily Times describes the capture of the killers of Joseph Campbell. He "put up a hell of a fight," Pepperman said. The robbers ransacked upstairs bedrooms and took the cash, revolver and suits that they later wore in place of their bloodstained clothing. They drove Campbell's car to Canada, crossed back into the U.S. at Detroit and made their way through Michigan and Ohio before returning home to Williamsport. West and Pepperman pleaded guilty following their indictment on the murder charge on Aug. 31. 'Path of evil' Erie County District Attorney Burton Laub successfully argued that Campbell's killing, during the course of a robbery, was first-degree murder, punishable by death. Advertisement Advertisement "They have chosen the path of evil as against the path of decency," Laub said of the killers, and committed "one of the most atrocious and cold blooded crimes in the history of our county." Defense attorney Elmer Loose argued that the men's upbringing and home lives led to their crimes and that they should be sentenced to life in prison, not death. Judges Elmer Evans and J. Orin Waite weighed the evidence, including the first recorded confession ever played in Erie County court, and sentenced West and Pepperman to death in September 1945. The killers were "professional criminals" and "a menace to society, waging war on it for profit," the judges said in their ruling. "By mercilessly beating and leaving to die an old gentleman who had been so kind to them, they have indicated viciousness and cruelty of heart and mind." Advertisement Advertisement Loose unsuccessfully appealed the sentence to the state Supreme Court and the state Board of Pardons. Atomic 'guinea pigs' and jailhouse romance West and Pepperman resigned themselves to die, but not by electrocution, as ordered. Both men volunteered to be "guinea pigs" for U.S. atomic testing instead. Authorities passed on the offer. A Times-News columnist applauded it. If the military "blew them to pieces," he wrote, "the state would save about two cents worth of electricity, the $350 the executioner receives for pulling the switch and the wear and tear on the sheriff's tires when he moves them to the death house." Held at the Erie County Prison until March 23, 1946, West and Pepperman received few visits from family. The public, though, clamored to see them, wanting to assess their mindsets or to read poetry and even perform magic tricks for the condemned. Advertisement Advertisement One visit that was allowed was by Alda Palmatier, a Williamsport woman who told reporters that she was a friend of Pepperman's and had come to love him since Campbell's murder. A photograph of the couple kissing through the bars of Pepperman's cell was printed in the Erie Times-News days before his execution. 'Two thousand volts of surging electricity' A Times reporter attended and reported on the executions at Rockview Penitentiary near State College shortly after 12:30 a.m. on March 25, 1946. West died first. He watched as guards snapped clamps across his chest and attached an electrode to his left leg. Then came the death mask over his face and after that, the current. When it was switched off, a priest "stepped forward, anointed the chest with holy oil as the final step of Extreme Unction, and over the body made the sign of the cross." Advertisement Advertisement A century ago in Erie: Frozen bodies were brought ashore after a lake shipwreck. Legends linger. Pepperman was executed minutes later. "Two thousand volts of surging electricity early Monday put a final period to the last chapter in the long criminal careers of John Darius West and Robert William Pepperman," the Times reported. On June 8, 1946, when the nationwide "Gang Busters" radio crime show detailed Campbell's murder and the investigation that led to his killers, it was said to be the first time in radio history that a recorded confession by a killer was broadcast. Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Bar of soap solves 1945 murder of Erie industrialist. 2 men executed The Madison Social Security Administration field office. (Wisconsin Examiner photo) Wisconsinites are holding rallies across the state Wednesday to call on Congress and the Trump administration to increase funding for operations at the Social Security Administration. Staff reductions and office closures in the last year have created bottlenecks in service for members of the public who need help from the agency, according to Jessica LaPointe, the Wisconsin-based president of American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Council 220. The union represents field operations employees for the Social Security Administration across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Were struggling to meet the needs of the public, LaPointe said, with more than 10,000 people a day becoming eligible for the federal retirement program. Along with AFGE, the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans will be rallying outside Social Security offices in eight Wisconsin communities Wednesday. When they start closing offices, that hinders our senior citizens, said Ross Winklbauer, president of WARA. They call into Social Security if they have a question or to file a claim, and theyre sitting on the phone for hours because of short staffing and not getting their questions answered. WARA will take part in a rally starting at 12 noon outside the Social Security offices in the Milwaukee suburb of Greenfield along with AFGE. Rallies are also planned in Eau Claire, Madison, Racine, Rhinelander, Stevens Point, Wausau and Wisconsin Rapids. Winklbauer said WARA has about 100,000 members in the state, mostly union retirees, and about 1,000 active participants. Advertisement Advertisement The rallies are part of a national day of action in anticipation of the possibility that the government will shut down at the end of January if Congress cant agree on a budget for the rest of the year, LaPointe said. Talks are underway between congressional Republicans and Democrats to enact the rest of the governments spending plan for the current year by the upcoming deadline. Nevertheless, LaPointe said the most recent shutdown that started Oct. 1 and ran for a record 43 days brought home to many field office workers in the Social Service Admin. the limits of their compensation, especially if they are furloughed. In a report released Wednesday, the Strategic Organizing Center said its review of 36,000 Social Security workers pay rates showed that 54% just over half were paid less than what the MIT Living Wage Calculator has set as a living wage for the regions of the U.S. where they live. The developers of the calculator at the MIT Living Wage Institute define a living wage as the rate that a full-time worker requires to cover the costs of their familys basic needs where they live. Advertisement Advertisement We dont get paid enough to save for a rainy day, LaPointe said. Were understaffed, were underpaid and were struggling to meet the needs of the public who are coming to us for their earned benefits. In January 2025, when President Donald Trump took office, the agencys staff was at its lowest in 50 years, LaPointe said, and the public was waiting too long for benefits and services. Since then, the agency instituted a buyout program, offering workers up to $25,000 to quit, and the staff dropped from 58,000 a year ago to about 50,000 now the largest single staffing cut in Social Security history, LaPointe said. About 2,000 field staff were lost in the last year 10% of the field operations, she said, with the number of employees at some offices falling to single digits. Advertisement Advertisement LaPointe said the agency has moved to digital first operations that favor online or telephone contacts instead of in-person visits. In addition, the agency has shifted to processing inquiries from the public nationally rather than at the local office she said where a customer out in California would be served by someone in Wisconsin, or a customer in Madison might be served by someone in New Jersey. In an email message, a Social Security Administration spokesperson depicted the digital shift as part of a modernization program so that more Americans are choosing to resolve their needs online or over the phone. The statement cited a recent audit by the Social Security Administration inspector general that found average hold times for callers had dropped to seven minutes by September 2025 from a high of 30 minutes in January. Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano has pledged to have the right level of staffing to operate at peak efficiency and deliver best-in-class customer service to the American people, the spokesperson said. The Social Security Administration is taking action to improve workplace satisfaction, support professional development, and enhance communication across all levels of the organization, the spokesperson added. Advertisement Advertisement LaPointe, however, said theres been a breakdown in community based service with the new system, and Social Security staffers are no longer the face of government in the local community. You now have to have an appointment to do anything with Social Security, LaPointe said. Its created a bottleneck of service to where people cannot get access to apply for benefits in a timely fashion. Frontline workers are concerned that a move toward using artificial intelligence technology to review benefit applications will increase errors either benefit approvals that are mistaken or unwarranted denials, she said. It still takes a human being to adjudicate claims every claim, whether on the phone, online or in person, LaPointe said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NEED TO KNOW Ian Alexander Sheltons body was recovered from Lake Afton in Kansas more than a month after he went missing I want people to remember him as someone who gave up a lot to be with his mom, whos fighting cancer, and was always there for her when she needed him, his friend Justin Stroud said Detectives confirmed that Shelton had been at the lake during the early hours of Dec. 3 and suspected he may have been experiencing a mental health crisis A missing mans body was recovered from Kansas' Lake Afton more than a month after he reportedly vanished from a night out. Ian Alexander Shelton's remains were recovered on the south side of the lake on the afternoon of Saturday, Jan. 10, the Sedgwick County Sheriffs Office said. Advertisement Advertisement His cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Authorities first sought the publics help with locating Shelton, 30, on Dec. 5 after he was reported missing, according to a news release. Shelton was last seen leaving the Lets Roll Seneca bowling alley at 9:30 p.m. local time on Dec. 2 and was considered endangered because of the cold weather and the clothes he was wearing. Detectives searched the Lake Afton area on Dec. 6 and, two days later, confirmed that Shelton had been at the lake during the early hours of Dec. 3. They suspected he may have been experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of his disappearance. Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office Ian Alexander Shelton Ian Alexander Shelton "We don't show any other signs right now to think that there was any foul play I know there's been some speculation on social media about that, Sedgwick County Sheriff's Capt. Matthew Lynch told ABC affiliate KAKE last month, noting that Shelton seemed to be with a woman at the lake. Advertisement Advertisement "We are trying to preserve evidence or statements that we get in case this does turn into a criminal investigation, Lynch said then. On Dec. 9, the sheriffs office led a large-scale coordinated search of approximately 3.5 square miles in and around Lake Afton Park, according to a news release. But after finding no signs of Shelton after days of search efforts, organized operations were concluded on Dec. 10. Its just been like holding your breath for as long as you can, hoping for air, Justin Stroud, a close friend, told KAKE of what it was like searching for Shelton alongside more of his loved ones. Advertisement Advertisement We met when he was 13. Im a little bit older than him, but we met through a really close friend of ours, and we hit it off right away, Stroud said. According to the sheriffs office, Sedgwick County firefighters were finally able to recover Sheltons body on Saturday when an individual reported an unidentified object floating in the water. This case remains an open and active investigation, officials said. The Sedgwick County Sheriffs Office extends its condolences to the family and friends of Ian Alexander Shelton during this difficult time. Stroud has remembered his longtime friend for his positive and supportive personality especially when it came to supporting his mom during her journey with stage four cancer. Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office Ian Alexander Shelton Ian Alexander Shelton He was an amazing person. Theres not anybody that knew Ian that would ever have anything bad to say about him, Stroud told KAKE. He lit up rooms when he walked into them. Advertisement Advertisement I want people to remember him as someone who gave up a lot to be with his mom, whos fighting cancer, and was always there for her when she needed him, he added. Sheltons mother, Stacy, also paid tribute to him on social media. I always hoped that they would have been able to spend years together playing guitar, she wrote of her late husband and son on Facebook. I'm comforted to know that Ian is with his Mark making music once again. In a separate post, she added, I love you son. Read the original article on People SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The South Dakota Bureau of Finance and Management does not plan on adding additional funds to state governments rainy day accounts. During the bureaus presentation to the Joint Committee on Appropriations, in 2025, around $169 million was added to the states budget reserves, ending Fiscal Year 2026 with $492 million. Rhoden on half-cent sales tax, civility and more BFM Commission Jim Terwilliger said Tuesday that more money was put into reserves to help pay for the new mens prison. Advertisement Advertisement Currently, there is $413 million in the rainy day accounts and a good share of the $78 million was used to help fund and finalize the prison, Terwilliger said. Within this years budget proposal, the Rhoden administration has recommended transferring about $98 million out of the rainy day accounts, which would drop state governments reserves to $315 million. The governor recommended that $98 million be transferred to state governments general fund. Gov. Larry Rhoden in his December budget speech called for the Legislature to reduce the amount placed in reserve funds to 12.5%. That reduction is tied to the proposed $98 million transfer. South Dakota currently has two state laws regarding reserves. One calls for the administration to transfer any unobligated money at the end of the fiscal year to whats known in state law as the budget reserve fund. That fund is capped at 10% of the prior years general appropriation. Advertisement Advertisement The second reserve law calls for any additional unobligated money to flow into the general revenue replacement fund. That fund is capped at 15% of the prior years general appropriation. The thought process is itll be a little bit more cautious as it relates to managing the balance in our reserve funds, Terwilliger said. Republican Sen. Glen Vilhauer asked how much additional funds would be needed to get to the 10% the budget has operated under for the last few years. Terwilliger said around $62.5 million. Republican Sen. Ernie Otten asked when the last time funds were taken from the rainy day reserves. That would have been during the September special session on the mens prison. Advertisement Advertisement With money used from the budget reserves, and around $17 million in general bill amendment reductions, along with $55 million in general bill increases, $14 million in expenditure transfers and $23 million in emergency appropriations, there will be about $14 million left on the bottom line for the Legislature to decide how to use in state governments budget. Terwilliger said a majority of the budget (30%) goes toward Medicaid, with 29% going to K-12 education and 14% going to higher education. Protecting the public and taking care of people each receive 11% of the budget. All other departments, bureaus and constitutional offices get 5%. The states year end surpluses had been higher in the past due to COVID-19 and additional federal dollars. Terwilliger says its starting to come back down to normal. In 2025, unclaimed property finds contributed about $63 million to the surplus. 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 KELOLAND.com. Federal officials have arrested and charged a Plymouth man with two counts of sexual exploitation of children. In charging documents, Robert Meserve, 38, was accused of engaging in communications, negotiating payment and directing the sexual abuse of two children in the Philippines by trusted adults on live streams, which Meserve recorded, in June 2025. Officials say an examination of Meserves devices revealed files consistent with child sexual abuse material and numerous communications and corresponding payments, which detail the sexual abuse of the two children in the Philippines ages 6 and 8 including a nonverbal minor with disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Meserve was arrested Tuesday, Jan. 13, in Bergen, New Jersey, and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date. A conviction of these charges carries a sentence of 15 to 30 years in prison, between five years and a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide program created in 2006 by the Department of Justice designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Meserve was arrested through cooperation between Homeland Security Investigations; the Bergen County, New Jersey, Prosecutors Office; Massachusetts State Police; and the Plymouth Police Department. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Plymouth man arrested, charged with child exploitation The leader of a Southern California street gang was sentenced to nine years in prison for ordering the kidnapping of a woman in Riverside. Luis Ramirez, 49, of Jurupa Valley, will serve the nine-year sentence consecutively to his current life sentence in prison, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Ramirez was a leader of Westside Riva (WSR), a Jurupa Valley-based street gang in the Inland Empire. The gang engaged in a variety of racketeering activities, including extorting local businesses for the payment of taxes for permission to operate within areas the gang claimed as its territory, court documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Westside Riva also operated an illegal gambling business and required other gambling businesses operating within its territory to pay a portion of their revenue for the gangs permission to operate. In 2023, the victim, a woman only identified as Person 1 in court documents, was sitting in the back seat of a car when the driver was pulled over by deputies, according to the Los Angeles Times. Luis Ramirez is seen in a 2023 photo from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The woman had $7,247 in her purse. Believing the money came from extortion, deputies seized the cash. According to the Times, that money belonged to Ramirez who, while still serving a life sentence in prison, ordered his associates, Jose Jonathan Rubalcaba Alarcon, 23, and Gilbert Rey Martinez, 22, to kidnap the woman, reportedly saying, That b better get my money. Advertisement Advertisement On Sept. 27, 2023, the woman was abducted in Riverside and brought to a Jurupa Valley clothing store that was operated by the gang, where she was locked inside and held hostage for several days. The woman told authorities that she was taken to Walmart to purchase an air mattress before being brought to the shop, where she said Ramirez planned to have her perform sex acts for paying customers on OnlyFans, the Times reported. The woman was ultimately able to escape on Oct. 1, 2023, after being left alone inside the store that day, prosecutors said. In 1995, when Ramirez was 18 years old, he was convicted of attempting to murder three men and was sentenced to three consecutive life terms. In that incident, he had shot the men at a fast-food parking lot after demanding to know where they were from. Advertisement Advertisement For the kidnapping case, in July 2025, Ramirez pleaded guilty to one count of violent crime in aid of racketeering. His associates, Rubalcaba and Martinez, also pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges. Martinez is serving a 46-month sentence and Rubalcaba is serving a 41-month sentence. At [Ramirezs] direction, [Rubalcaba and Martinez] kidnapped and confined Person 1 in a WSR-controlled store, without regular access to food, for four to five days, prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. Person 1 was malnourished, did not have access to necessary medication, suffered physical abuse at the hands ofMartinez, suffered emotional distress, and was ultimately admitted to a hospital following her escape. On Jan. 13, 2026, Ramirez was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison. A judge ordered him to serve the nine-year sentence consecutively to his current life sentence in prison. Advertisement Advertisement The case was investigated by the FBI and the Riverside County Sheriffs Office. 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 KTLA. St. Johns County is bracing for an Arctic cold front that will bring freezing temperatures this week and into next week. Currently under a freeze watch, the National Weather Service in Jacksonville is predicting widespread frost and freeze forecasts with inland lows plummeting to the mid- to upper 20s and coastal lows falling to or "around" 30 degrees in the early morning hours of Friday, Jan. 16 and again on Monday, Jan. 19. Temperatures could fall below 27 degrees, which is considered a hard freeze, for agricultural areas in the vicinity of Elkton and Hastings early on Friday morning. Freeze Watch for St. Johns County Thursday - Friday, Jan. 15 and Jan. 16. Ben Nelson, senior meteorologist for the NWS Jacksonville office, told the St. Augustine Record that afternoon showers will move ahead of this front on Jan. 15 and maybe Jan. 16. Advertisement Advertisement Strong, northwesterly winds will arrive behind the cold frontal passage shortly after sunrise on Thursday, and despite full sunshine during the afternoon hours, highs will struggle to reach 50 degrees, he said. This will be the first widespread freeze to hit St. Johns County since Florida experienced snow in January 2025. The National Weather Service is predicting widespread frost with inland lows plummeting to the mid to upper 20s and coastal lows falling to the freezing mark in the early morning hours of Friday, Jan. 16 and again on Monday, Jan. 19. Diminishing winds will likely allow widespread frost to form during the predawn and early morning hours on Friday, so residents should begin preparations to protect sensitive vegetation, Nelson said. Temperatures will remain in the 50s on Friday, but full sunshine and lighter wind speeds will make for a slightly warmer feel during the afternoon hours. Nelson said that 30-degree temperatures are expected inland and 40-degree temperatures along the coast on Friday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Saturday will be the nicest weather day of the weekend, as highs rebound into the 60s ahead of a reinforcing Arctic cold front, he said. This front will cross our area on Sunday morning, sending highs tumbling back down into the 50s, and lows by early Monday will again be near freezing at inland locations. Temperatures begin to slowly rise on Jan. 20. Mornings will remain chilly, but afternoon highs will climb to 60 degrees by Thursday, Jan. 22. The National Weather Service is predicting widespread frost with inland lows plummeting to the mid to upper 20s and coastal lows falling to the freezing mark in the early morning hours of Friday, Jan. 16 and again on Monday, Jan. 19. A freeze watch has been issued for St. Johns County as well as a large portion of South Florida through the northern shores of Lake Okeechobee. What is a freeze warning? National Weather Service - the 5 P's Protect - People Pets Pipes and Plants from cold weather. A freeze warning is issued when significant, widespread freezing temperatures are expected. Advertisement Advertisement A freeze watch or warning is issued in Florida 24 to 48 hours in advance when temperatures are expected to hit 32 degrees or lower for at least two hours, according to the National Weather Service Tallahassee. Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text Cheryl McCloud of the USA TODAY Network-Florida contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Cold is heading for St. Johns County for the next 7 days. How cold? Ironic, isnt it? Just as the tyrant of Tehran unplugged the internet to suppress a courageous popular uprising, the Prime Minister of Great Britain was threatening to ban the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Of course, Im not accusing Keir Starmer of plotting an Ayatollah-style repression of our people. But you cant have it both ways. Starmers lack of instinct to oppose tyranny he has given little support for Irans desperate attempt to overthrow the worlds worst dictator is reflected, I think, in his willingness to indulge his own version of authoritarianism lite. Its hard to believe, isnt it? A roll-call of the countries to have banned X so far includes China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, Myanmar, Venezuela and Turkmenistan. Are we really going to live to see Britain added to that list? Advertisement Advertisement Before the weariest of objections is raised, let me make clear that I am not in favour of deepfake pornography. The row began when Grok, Elon Musks artificial intelligence service, digitally undressed people, including children, when requested to do so on X. Our doughty technology secretary, Liz Kendall, described it as despicable and abhorrent showing that the Government can find its spunk when it wants to and there are surely few who would disagree. But Grok is not the only AI system able to carry out such intrusions. Clearly, this is part of a much larger problem involving the helter-skelter pursuit of super-intelligence with scant regard for the human consequences. What are we going to do, unplug the internet? Call me a cynic, but it feels like something else is going on here. It is true that the Online Safety Act, which invested Ofcom with the power of the X-ecutioner (sorry), has long been criticised as a censors charter. But X is hardly the only social media offender. TikTok is widely exploited by human traffickers, while paedophiles are known to target children using Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook. None of those are facing a ban. It cannot be a coincidence that the app in the cross-hairs belongs to Elon Musk. Advertisement Advertisement The Prime Minister could be forgiven, perhaps, for harbouring a grudge against the worlds richest man, who has branded the Labour leader a national embarrassment who is complicit in the RAPE OF BRITAIN, and backed Right-wing politicians. The feud began in the aftermath of the 2024 Southport stabbings, when Musk posted that the crackdown on anti-migrant protests meant that civil war is inevitable under TwoTierKier. In turn, Downing Street branded his remarks deplorable, underlining its ability to condemn outrages when sufficiently piqued. Later that year, Musk reacted angrily when he was not invited to the International Investment Summit in London, ranting that no one should go to the UK while it was releasing convicted paedophiles in order to imprison people for social media posts. Hard to disagree, to be fair. More recently, the two men have clashed over online censorship, with Musk remarking that Britain was going full Stalin and becoming a tyrannical police state. Clearly, this is personal. It is hard to avoid the conclusion that by using state power against his enemy, the PM is being rather Trumpian. Advertisement Advertisement Herein lies the danger. Donald Trump, with whom Musk dined last weekend, is famously mercurial, telling The New York Times this week that his own mind was the only thing that can stop me. At this delicate geopolitical moment, it wouldnt take much to turn him against Britain. Prime Minister, is it really worth risking our relationship with America by acting like a poundshop Trump? Never Again? How the West betrayed the Jews and Itself, by Jake Wallis Simons, is out now Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller drew sharp condemnation Tuesday over a message he sent to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers during an interview with Fox News host Will Cain. Miller asserted that ICE agents have federal immunity in the conduct of your duties and declared that anyone who touches or obstructs them is committing a felony. Legal experts and commentators pushed back on social media, stressing that prosecuting federal agents is possible, even if its often difficult, as a recent HuffPost report explained. Advertisement Advertisement Other critics called Millers overall tone utterly chilling and a greenlight for abuse that amounted to declaring open season for ICE agents on immigrants AND citizens alike, and encouraged officers to go and spread violence and terror. Politics: U.S. Suspending Immigrant Visa Processing From 75 Countries Millers remarks came amid heightened scrutiny of ICE following the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis. The anti-immigration hardliners full comments were as follows: To all ICE officers: You have federal immunity in the conduct of your duties. and anybody who lays a hand on you or tries to stop you or tries to obstruct you is committing a felony. You have immunity to perform your duties, and no one no city official, no state official, no illegal alien, no leftist agitator or domestic insurrectionist can prevent you from fulfilling your legal obligations and duties. And the Department of Justice has made clear that if officials cross that line into obstruction, into criminal conspiracy against the United States, or against ICE officers, then they will face justice. REMINDER. To all ICE officers: You have federal immunity in the conduct of your duties. Anybody who lays a hand on you or tries to stop you or tries to obstruct you is committing a felony. You have immunity to perform your duties, and no oneno city official, no state official, pic.twitter.com/xoWDjOctLe Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 13, 2026 The Department of Homeland Security later shared footage of Millers comments on X, formerly Twitter, describing them as a REMINDER to ICE officers. See above. Not just false, utterly chilling. Saying you have a free pass to murder people. The law and constitution are clear. States can arrest federal officials who violate their laws. Period. https://t.co/78OL807KWm Norman Ornstein (@NormOrnstein) January 14, 2026 Miller will be directly responsible for the next American that an ICE agent kills. This is a greenlight for abuse and has no basis in actual law. https://t.co/BFDvocB9FX Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) January 14, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement The message here to ICE couldn't be clearer. It's open season, on immigrants AND citizens alike. So fire away, gang! No one is going to stop you! And why does "justice" always sound like a swear word--like something evil--when spoken by @StephenM? https://t.co/mbFEgeHwsi David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) January 14, 2026 I guess they only ask democratic state and city officials about their obligation to lower the temperatures out there Btw ICE dudes, this is not true and you must know in the end this guy does not have your back https://t.co/TODvdr7AfJ Kevin Clarke (@ClarkeAtAmerica) January 14, 2026 Not a word about doing their duty obeying the law and respecting the Constitution. Is it clear now what the message is? Go and spread violence and terror. https://t.co/rWTX1RZoTG Henrique Burnay (@HBurnay) January 14, 2026 What could possibly go wrong by providing human beings with unlimited power while simultaneously eliminating any legal consequences for exerting that power. Weve seen this recipe before. A best seller throughout history. Dont forget to garnish the dish by dehumanizing the https://t.co/pL7u6xlOjd Sean Silverman: Silverman Bar Exam & LSAT Tutoring (@BarExamTutor) January 14, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Hes not a lawyer. There is no blanket immunity for criminal behavior. States can and should hold federal officers accountable. https://t.co/og2tilqgr0 Eli Northrup (@EliNorthrup) January 14, 2026 Among the most glaring issues of this statement: qualified immunity, which is what ICE officers are covered under, does not shield them from prosecution for ********* conduct, civil rights abuses, or excessive force.* https://t.co/S0PVdCmoFJ Evan Rosenfeld (@Evan_Rosenfeld) January 14, 2026 ICE agents do NOT have blanket "federal immunity" to violate the Constitution, assault citizens, or conduct warrantless home invasions. Obstruction is a crime, but so is unlawful force by officers. Molly Ploofkins (@Mollyploofkins) January 14, 2026 The worst person you knew in high school is giving the dumbest people you knew in high school permission to kill you with impunity and no fear of repercussion. https://t.co/X8WFyluhX6 lindol (@lindol22) January 14, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Shameful. Randall Hunt (@ranman) January 14, 2026 Related... Read the original on HuffPost Two ancient wolf pups found entombed in Siberian permafrost more than a decade ago are revealing new stories, thanks to rich DNA clues preserved inside their bodies. In a first, researchers found a chunk of meat from a woolly rhinoceros a creature similar in size to modern white rhinoceros, but with a shaggy coat of hair preserved inside the stomach of one of the pups. DNA from that flesh and fur survived beneath the Siberian ice for more than 14,000 years, enabling scientists to sequence the entire genome. They shared their findings in a study published in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution on Wednesday. This is the first time an entire genome has been reconstructed from an Ice Age animal that was inside another Ice Age animal, said Camilo Chacon-Duque, an author of the study and an evolutionary biologist at Uppsala University in Sweden. Its a high quality, high resolution genome. The piece of woolly rhinoceros tissue found in the stomach of the preserved wolf pup in Stockholm in 2020. (Love Dalen) (Love Dalen) The woolly rhinoceros in question died some 14,400 years ago, just a few hundred years before the species disappeared from the fossil record. That means researchers now have a snapshot of the species genome right before it was snuffed out. Advertisement Advertisement This sample is by far the youngest woolly rhinoceros that has been sequenced with youngest, I mean the closest to the extinction of the species, Chacon-Duque said. Evolutionary biologists have long debated whether hunters or climate change ultimately doomed the woolly rhinoceros. The new genomic data suggests the population may have been healthy right up until the end before something caused it to crash. Tumat-1 wolf pup in Vienna in 2018. (Mietje Germonpre) (Mietje Germonpre) A group of ivory hunters looking for mammoth tusks found the first of the two small puppies in Siberia about 15 years ago. Four years later, they discovered the other. The hunters couldnt have known that these mummified animals known now as the Tumat puppies would helping scientists unravel the fate of a different species. Advertisement Advertisement The puppies, both females, were likely littermates: They were found within about 6 feet of each another and shared some DNA characteristics, according to research published last year in Quaternary Research. The permafrost section where the Tumat wolf puppy was found, with co-author Sergey Fedorov and a colleague in the foreground, near Tumat, Russia, in 2011. (Sergey Fedorov) (Sergey Fedorov) They died at a fairly young age at about nine weeks, said Anne Kathrine Wiborg Runge, a co-author of the Quaternary Research paper. They still had their milk teeth. That earlier study suggested that melting permafrost could have triggered a landslide that buried the wolves in ice or snow. Its also possible that the puppies died after their den collapsed, it said. Theyre getting immediately buried and frozen in a freezer a deep freeze for 14,000 years, said Nathan Wales, Runges co-author and a senior lecturer in the department of archaeology at the University of York in the United Kingdom. Advertisement Advertisement Because the puppies were found near a site where ancient humans had butchered woolly mammoths, researchers had wondered whether they might be domesticated dogs, as opposed to wolves. But no mammoth DNA was found in their stomachs, which would have been a clue linking the puppies to humans. Instead, researchers think one puppys last meal was the woolly rhinoceros. The other had recently eaten a bird, which left some feathers in permafrost, as well as rhinoceros meat. The autopsy of the Tumat wolf puppy by study co-authors Sergey Fedorov and Mikkel Sinding in Vienna in 2018, when a fragment of woolly rhinoceros tissue was found in its stomach. (Mietje Germonpre) (Mietje Germonpre) In the study published Wednesday, Chacon-Duque sequenced a tough, thick hunk of flesh from that final meal. This piece has been lying around essentially in the stomach for many, many years, Runge said. Its just incredible. Complete genomes of woolly rhinoceros are rare, but the researchers were able to compare the genome to two other high-quality ones that died about 18,000 and 49,000 years ago, respectively. Love Dalen, one of the co-authors of the new study, holding a woolly rhinoceros horn. (Irina Kirillova) (Irina Kirillova) Chacon-Duque and his colleagues found no evidence of inbreeding or harmful mutations that would have doomed the population it seemed to be healthy. Advertisement Advertisement Theyre not finding signs that the population is just collapsing and thats odd, given that the species goes extinct, said Wales, who specializes in ancient DNA but was not involved in the new research. A few hundred years after this particular rhinoceros walked the earth, the Northern Hemisphere began an abrupt warming period that would ultimately end the Ice Age. The study authors think the newly sequenced DNA provides evidence that climate change was the driving factor behind the extinction of the woolly rhinoceros. J Camilo Chacon Duque, a co-author of the new paper. (Natalia Romagosa) (Natalia Romagosa) Chacon-Duque said that warming likely stressed the cold-adapted population. It might also have allowed humans to expand into the geographic range of the woolly rhinoceros and spread disease. All these things will act in synergy to probably make the final demise of the species, Chacon-Duque said. But we definitely think that climate change is the key factor. Advertisement Advertisement Mick Westbury, an associate professor and evolutionary biologist at the Technical University of Denmark who did not contribute to the research but has studied ancient rhinos, said the theory was plausible. But Westbury added that rare and ancient DNA can be hard to interpret and that it can take generations to see the impacts of population decline on the genetics of a species. The woolly rhinoceros might have been imperiled even if this creatures genes didnt show it, he said. Genomics alone sometimes doesnt sell the whole picture, Westbury said. Still, as human-caused climate change intensifies and threatens modern species, Westbury said this research could offer conservationists an important lesson. Advertisement Advertisement The woolly rhino, according to this result, didnt look terribly vulnerable to extinction, Westbury said. Just because a living species on the surface looks OK genetically doesnt mean its not vulnerable. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Students with disabilities who leave a traditional public school to enroll in a charter school experience improved academic outcomes along with their general-education peers, according to a new study. Its a sign, researchers say, of the possible benefits of charter schools for some students who receive special education services. The study, published Jan. 13 from the National Center for Research on Education Access and Choice, analyzed records from more than 1.7 million Michigan K-8 students who switched from a district to a charter school between 2013 and 2018. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter The nonprofit concluded that while students with disabilities spent more time in general-education classrooms and received less intensive services than their peers in traditional public schools, their standardized test scores increased along with those of their classmates who didnt qualify for special ed. Advertisement Advertisement Charter enrollment for students with disabilities has historically trailed behind that of public schools. While parents sometimes seek out charter schools after poor experiences with traditional districts, charters also have a controversial reputation regarding special education. One national study found that charter schools may discourage parents from enrolling their children with disabilities because of concerns about how special education students impact overall academic performance and budgets. Related Report: Charter Schools Are Failing Students with Disabilities But the results in Michigan show that children who receive special education services do well academically with fewer supports when they enter charter schools, suggesting charters may have adopted, identified and developed approaches to teaching students with disabilities that warrant further study, the research says. Charter schools can be a useful educational tool for parents with students with disabilities, said Scott Imberman, one of the studys authors. They shouldnt be quick to rule it out, because it does seem that, for at least a substantial segment of disabled students, charter schools are helpful for them at least for their academic performance. Advertisement Advertisement The study found that math and reading test scores improved for both special education and general education students for at least two years after they enrolled in a charter school. Absence rates also decreased. These findings match a similar study in Boston, which revealed that children with disabilities who were accepted at a charter school through a lottery system were more likely to meet college-ready benchmarks than special education students in traditional public schools. Imberman said that because children with complicated special education needs tend not to enroll in charter schools, the studys results suggest students with less severe disabilities can thrive alongside the general-education population. Related Timeline: How Michigan Charter Schools Have Evolved The study used students individualized education plans to see how special education services changed after enrollment in a charter school. Before switching, all students spent an average of 2.3% of their school day in a special education setting. The rate dropped to 1.2% immediately after entering a charter school but rebounded to pre-charter levels by the third year of enrollment. Advertisement Advertisement Identification rates for special education students also mostly stayed the same around 14.5% when students switched, but then gradually increased. Two to three years after charter school enrollment, special education identification rates increased 1 to 2 percentage points. The study also analyzed the use of resource and cognitive programs, two areas of special education services that are tailored to specific student needs. Resource programs often provide services to students who spend most of their school day in a general education classroom, while cognitive programs include more costly and intensive therapies, and students usually work with a designated special education instructor, according to the study. Once Michigan students with IEPs switched from a traditional public school to a charter, participation in resource programs increased by 4 percentage points, while cognitive programming decreased by 5 points. A key limitation of the study is that the research only shows what was written in students IEPs and what changed post-enrollment in a charter. It does not reveal whether the school actually followed through with required services. Advertisement Advertisement Our data also does not reflect the perspectives of students and families, the study said. It is essential that students with disabilities are included in future research on school choice to understand whether their needs are being met in different choice contexts. Recently, charter schools in Chicago and Maryland were found to have violated special education laws, and one in Indianapolis suspended students with disabilities at three times the state average. Imberman said many charter schools arent set up to effectively serve some special education students, especially those with severe disabilities that require costly therapies and assistance. This is a large concern in the back and forth with traditional schools and charter schools, particularly when it comes to students with disabilities that even if students with disabilities are entering charters, the ones who are most expensive are the ones who remain in the traditional public schools, he said. That creates a disproportionate burden on the traditional public schools. CAIRO (AP) Sudan peace efforts resumed in Cairo on Wednesday with Egypt and the United Nations calling on warring parties to agree to a nationwide humanitarian truce, as the war between the army and its rival paramilitary nears the three-year mark. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told reporters that Egypt wouldn't accept the collapse of Sudan or its institutions, or any attempt to undermine its unity or divide its territory, describing such scenarios as red lines. Abdelatty said during a joint news conference with Ramtane Lamamra, the U.N. secretarygenerals personal envoy for Sudan, that Egypt won't stand idly and won't hesitate to take the necessary measures to help preserve Sudans unity. Advertisement Advertisement "There is absolutely no room for recognizing parallel entities or any militias. Under no circumstances can we equate Sudanese state institutions, including the Sudanese army, with any other militias, he said on the sidelines of the fifth meeting of the Consultative Mechanism to Enhance and Coordinate Peace Efforts. Lamamra said the meeting demonstrated that diplomacy remains a viable path toward peace. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, and the military have been at war since April 2023. The conflict that has seen multiple atrocities and pushed Sudan into one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises. Although repeated attempts at peace talks have failed to end the war, Abdelatty said that there's a regional agreement to secure an immediate humanitarian truce, including certain withdrawals and the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors. Humanitarian aid Advertisement Advertisement Massad Boulos, the senior U.S. adviser for Arab and African Affairs, also took part in the meeting. He said that more than 1.3 metric tons of humanitarian supplies entered el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, on Wednesday, with the help of American-led negotiations, marking the first such delivery since the city was besieged by the RSF 18 months ago, and fell to the paramilitary group in October. As we press the warring parties for a nationwide humanitarian truce, we will continue to support mechanisms to facilitate the unhindered delivery of assistance to areas suffering from famine, malnutrition, and conflict-driven displacement, Boulos posted on X. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi discussed with Boulos the need to increase coordination between both countries to achieve stability in Sudan, with el-Sissi expressing appreciation to U.S. President Donald Trumps efforts to end the war. U.S. and key mediators Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, known as the Quad, proposed a humanitarian truce, which both sides reportedly agreed to, but the conflict has persisted. Advertisement Advertisement The President emphasized that Egypt will not allow such actions, given the deep connection between the national security of both brotherly countries, the Egyptian presidents office said in a statement. The United States has accused the RSF of committing genocide in Darfur during the war, and rights groups said that the RSF committed war crimes during the siege and seizure of el-Fasher, as well as in the capture of other cities in Darfur. The military has also been accused of human rights violations. Latest wave of violence The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday that at least 19 civilians were killed during ground operations in Jarjira in North Darfur on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement A military-allied Darfur rebel group said that it carried out a joint operation with the army in Jarjira, liberating the area and its surroundings and forcing RSF fighters to flee south. At least 10 others were killed and nine injured also Monday in a drone attack that hit Sinja, the capital of Sennar province, according to OCHA and the Sudan Doctors Network. The network said in a statement that the drone strike was launched by the RSF and hit several areas in the city. It said that civilians are being deliberately targeted in a full-fledged war crime. The network said that it holds the RSF fully responsible and demands an end to the targeting of civilians and the protection of civilian infrastructure. Recent violence displaced more than 8,000 people from villages in North Darfur, with some fleeing to safer areas within the province and others crossing into Chad, according to the latest estimate by the International Organization for Migration. Candidates for public office can sue in advance over vote counting practices they contend are illegal, the Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. The justices ruled, 7-2, that Rep. Michael Bost (R-Ill.) can proceed with a lawsuit challenging a practice President Donald Trump has long decried: counting ballots received after Election Day. The decisionaddresses only the threshold issue of who can challenge election procedures and did not resolve the question of whether the longstanding practice of tallying votes postmarked by Election Day but received later violates federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Bost claimed in a lawsuit he filed with two other candidates in 2022 that Illinois is violating federal law by counting ballots that come in up to two weeks after the election. Lower court judges rejected Bosts lawsuit, concluding that the money he said he would need to expend on pollwatchers wasnt enough of an obstacle to his campaign to give him the right to seek legal relief. But Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the courts majority opinion that candidacy itself is sufficient to confer legal standing to pursue such a lawsuit. Win or lose, candidates suffer when the process departs from the law. Thus, the long-shot and shoo-in alike would suffer harm if a State chose to conduct its election by, say, flipping a coin, Roberts wrote, joined by Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. Advertisement Advertisement Roberts also warned that elections could become more chaotic if candidates claiming legal violations had to wait until they actually spend extra money or know that the vote tally is close enough for late-arriving ballots to matter. Premising standing on a candidates risk of election loss or failure to achieve a certain vote threshold could channel many election disputes to shortly before election dayor worse, after, the chief justice wrote, reaffirming a 2006 Supreme Court decision discouraging court-ordered changes in the weeks leading up to an election. The democratic consequences can be even more dire if courts intervene only after votes have been counted, he added. Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan agreed Bost had standing, but said it flowed only from the financial costs he expected to incur in sending pollwatchers to observe post-election tabulation. Both said the court was making a mistake by declaring that all candidates have standing to contest any election-related practice. I cannot join the Courts creation of a bespoke standing rule for candidates, Barrett wrote in a concurring opinion Kagan joined. Elections are important, but so are many things in life. We have always held candidates to the same standards as any other litigant. Advertisement Advertisement Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor dissented, rejecting both those approaches. Jackson and Sotomayor indicated they would have ruled that Bost and the other candidates lacked standing to pursue the case at the time they filed it, although they could have done so if they showed they were likely to lose as a result of the states practice. Alarmingly, todays ruling also has far-reaching implications beyond Bosts election, since dispensing with our usual standing requirements opens the floodgates to exactly the type of troubling election-related litigation the Court purportedly wants to avoid, Jackson wrote, joined by Sotomayor. The justices agreed in November to hear a pair of cases challenging a Mississippi law allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive within five business days after the election. Those cases, brought by the Mississippi Republican Party and Libertarian Party, are expected to be argued in March or April. A man accused of shooting an 11-year-old girl in Antioch is now behind bars. San Francisco jail records show the 23-year-old suspect is in custody. ABC7 News is not identifying him because he hasn't been formally charged. Last week, police say he fired shots that hit the girl who was in a nearby car. He has been wanted since that shooting. Meanwhile, the father of the girl tells ABC7 News reporter Gloria Rodriguez he's relieved the suspect is in custody but he still fears for the safety of his family. EXCLUSIVE: Father opens up after 11-year-old girl shot in head in Antioch apartment complex The father of an 11-year-old girl shot in the head in an Antioch apartment complex Monday said he feels like his heart is being ripped out. Advertisement Advertisement The father, who wants to protect their identity, shared a picture of his 11-year-old daughter at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland, where she remains in critical condition. It was taken two days after she was shot in the head in Antioch. She has bandages on her head and tubes all over her body. They are hopeful she will return to the vibrant girl she was before a stray bullet struck her. The father said his daughter is regaining her vision. "I'm so happy," he said. "I cried out of sadness. Now, I cry out of happiness." Antioch police said the suspect turned himself into the San Francisco Sheriff's Office Monday. Police had already identified the suspect and were looking for him. Advertisement Advertisement The girl was in a car with her family leaving the Delta View apartments in Antioch heading to the store when she was shot in the head on Jan. 5. Police say it appears the shooter was trying to hit someone else. They say the family was not targeted. The father said he wants justice and all applicable charges filed against the suspect. "What happened to me could have happened to any family, any person not involved with anyone," he said. A GoFundme for the family to use for medical bills and to move out of the apartment complex has raised more than $20,000. The family says they never want to go back to that apartment. Advertisement Advertisement "I thank everybody who helped me without even knowing me," he said. The case is expected to be filed with the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office later this week. "We do believe a few people helped him out along the way, and if appropriate we will be charging maybe one or two people in this case," Antioch Police Lt. Bill Whitaker said. Antioch police are still asking anyone with info about the shooting to reach out to them at (925) 481-8147. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live NEED TO KNOW The family of Spencer Tepe says they are not surprised with the arrest of Michael David McKee in connection with the killings of Spencer and his wife Monique Monique had been "vocal" about McKee's alleged emotional abuse during the brief time the pair were married, according to a relative McKee is facing aggravated murder charges in connection with the killings of the couple The man suspected of killing Monique and Spencer Tepe allegedly threatened Monique with her life years prior when he was married to her, a family member tells PEOPLE. Monique, 39, and her husband Spencer, 37, were shot to death in their home in Columbus, Ohio on Dec. 30. Their two children, ages 4 and 1, were a few feet away in the same house but were physically unharmed. Advertisement Advertisement The arrest of Monique's ex-husband Michael David McKee in connection with the killings came as no surprise to Spencer's family, who say they were well aware of McKee's alleged conduct during his marriage to Monique. Spencer's brother-in-law Rob Misleh tells PEOPLE that Monique had been "very vocal" about the alleged emotional abuse McKee, 39, inflicted on her during their marriage which lasted two years and ended in 2017. McKee allegedly threatened Monique's life "many times," according to Misleh, who says that Monique had told him about the abuse. The alleged threats were verbal in nature. "Monique was very vocal about being terrified of this guy [until her death]," says Misleh, who is married to Spencer's sister. "He was very emotionally abusive to her, to the point that it changed her as a person." Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have not explicitly accused McKee of emotional abuse. PEOPLE has reached out to the public defender who is currently representing McKee in Illinois for comment about the allegations but did not immediately hear back. Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said at a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 14, that the killings were "targeted." "This was a domestic violence-related attack," she said. Courtesy of Rob Misleh Spencer Tepe and Monique Tepe Spencer Tepe and Monique Tepe 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. McKee has been charged with two counts of aggravated premeditated murder. He was arrested in Illinois, where he resides, and is awaiting extradition to Ohio to face the charges. Advertisement Advertisement A public defender representing him in Illinois said earlier this week that McKee plans on pleading not guilty to the charges. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.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 Tens of thousands of dollars have been raised for an autoworker at a Ford plant in Michigan who was suspended without pay after heckling Donald Trump. TJ Sabula is said to have called the president a pedophile protector as Trump toured the automotive giants River Rouge complex on Tuesday. Trump then appeared to give Sabula the middle finger, according to a video published by celebrity news and gossip site TMZ, which claimed that Trump also yelled obscenities prior to making the gesture. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Trump gives heckler the middle finger during Michigan Ford plant visit In an interview with the Washington Post, Sabula said as far as calling him out he had definitely no regrets whatsoever. But he said he was concerned about his job security after the incident, claiming he had been targeted for political retribution and for embarrassing Trump in front of his friends. I dont feel as though fate looks upon you often, and when it does, you better be ready to seize the opportunity, Sabula added in the interview. And today I think I did that. A GoFundMe was created on his behalf to help cover lost income from the suspension. As of Wednesday lunchtime, it had raised more than $150,000, with purported donors including the band the Dropkick Murphys. Advertisement Advertisement TJ is a father of two young children, husband, and is a proud United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 600 line worker. Funds donated will support TJ and his family to cover expenses during this time of uncertainty, the GoFundMe campaign states. Ford did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The White House communications director, Steven Cheung, didnt confirm whether Trump flashed his middle finger, but argued in a statement to the Guardian that the president had given an appropriate and unambiguous response when a lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage. Trump had been touring the Ford complex before delivering a speech at the Detroit Economic Club. The United Auto Workers criticized Sabulas suspension, and vowed to fight it. Advertisement Advertisement The autoworker at the Dearborn Truck Plant is a proud member of a strong and fighting union the UAW, said Laura Dickerson, vice-president and director of the Ford department at the UAW. He believes in freedom of speech, a principle we wholeheartedly embrace, and we stand with our membership in protecting their voice on the job. The UAW will ensure that our member receives the full protection of all negotiated contract language safeguarding his job and his rights as a union member, she added. Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyone including the President of the United States. Syria's army was moving reinforcements east of Aleppo city on Wednesday, a day after it told Kurdish forces to withdraw from the area following deadly clashes last week. The deployment comes as Syria's Islamist-led government seeks to extend its authority across the country, but progress has stalled on integrating the Kurds' de facto autonomous administration and forces into the central government under a deal reached in March. The United States, which for years has supported Kurdish fighters but also backs Syria's new authorities, urged all parties to "avoid actions that could further escalate tensions" in a statement by the US military's Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper. Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Syrian state television published an army statement with a map declaring a large area east of Aleppo city a "closed military zone" and said "all armed groups in this area must withdraw to east of the Euphrates" River. The area, controlled by Kurdish forces, extends from near Deir Hafer, around 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Aleppo, to the Euphrates about 30 kilometres further east, as well as towards the south. State news agency SANA published images on Wednesday showing military reinforcements en route from the coastal province of Latakia, while a military source on the ground, requesting anonymity, said reinforcements were arriving from both Latakia and the Damascus region. Both sides reported limited skirmishes overnight. Advertisement Advertisement An AFP correspondent on the outskirts of Deir Hafer reported hearing intermittent artillery shelling on Wednesday, which the military source said was due to government targeting of positions belonging to the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. - 'Declaration of war' - The SDF controls swathes of the country's oil-rich north and northeast, much of which it captured during Syria's civil war and the fight against the Islamic State group. On Monday, Syria accused the SDF of sending reinforcements to Deir Hafer and said it would send its own personnel there in response. Kurdish forces on Tuesday denied any build-up of their personnel and accused the government of attacking the town, while state television said SDF sniper fire there killed one person. Advertisement Advertisement Cooper urged "a durable diplomatic resolution through dialogue". Elham Ahmad, a senior official in the Kurdish administration, said that government forces were "preparing themselves for another attack". "The real intention is a full-scale attack" against Kurdish-held areas, she told an online press conference, accusing the government of having made a "declaration of war" and breaking the March agreement on integrating Kurdish forces. Syria's government took full control of Aleppo city over the weekend after capturing its Kurdish-majority Sheikh Maqsud and Ashrafiyeh neighbourhoods and evacuating fighters there to Kurdish-controlled areas in the northeast. Advertisement Advertisement Both sides traded blame over who started the violence last week that killed dozens of people and displaced tens of thousands. - PKK, Turkey - On Tuesday in Qamishli, the main Kurdish city in the country's northeast, thousands of people demonstrated against the Aleppo violence, with some burning pictures of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, an AFP correspondent said, while shops were shut in a general strike. Some protesters carried Kurdish flags and banners in support of the SDF. "Leave, Jolani!" they shouted, referring to President Sharaa by his former nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. Advertisement Advertisement "This government has not honoured its commitments towards any Syrians," said cafe owner Joudi Ali. Other protesters burned portraits of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, whose country has lauded the Syrian government's Aleppo operation "against terrorist organisations". Turkey has long been hostile to the SDF, seeing it as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and a major threat along its southern border. Last year, the PKK announced an end to its long-running armed struggle against the Turkish state and began destroying its weapons, but Ankara has insisted that the move include armed Kurdish groups in Syria. Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, the PKK called the "attack on the Kurdish neighbourhoods in Aleppo" an attempt to sabotage peace efforts between it and Ankara. A day earlier, Ankara's ruling party levelled the same accusation against Kurdish fighters. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported 45 civilians and 60 soldiers and fighters from both sides killed in the Aleppo violence. Aleppo civil defence official Faysal Mohammad said Tuesday that 50 bodies had been recovered from the Kurdish-majority neighbourhoods after the fighting. bur-strs/lar/lg/axn By Ben Blanchard, Trevor Hunnicutt and Dagmarah Mackos TAIPEI/WASHINGTON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Taiwan signaled on Thursday that a tariff deal with the United States could come soon, after its negotiators left for the latest round of talks with Washington, saying both sides are expected to announce where they have reached "consensus". Semiconductor powerhouse Taiwan has been in talks with the United States to get the tariff on its exports cut from 20% to 15%. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the Taiwan cabinet's working group on Taiwan-U.S. trade said that Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun and trade envoy Yang Jen-ni had departed for the United States late Wednesday for the sixth round of face-to-face consultations. The aim is the further reduction in reciprocal tariffs, securing most-favored treatment for tariffs on chips and other products, promoting a better trade balance and forming a strategic partnership on the global AI supply chain, it said. "After this round of consultations, both sides are expected to publicly announce the content on where they have reached consensus," it added, without giving details. Taiwan will then schedule a date to sign documents with the Office of the United States Trade Representative and then submit this for review in Taiwan's parliament, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Two people familiar with the matter said an announcement on the tariffs deal could come by the end of the month. However, Taiwan's Office of Trade Negotiations spokesperson Benjamin Hsu told Reuters that as the delegation had only just left, it was hard to say when "results can be achieved". "As for announcing the outcomes, that still requires agreement by both sides," he added. The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the meetings in Washington. It was not immediately clear which U.S. officials would take part. A major semiconductor producer, Taiwan has said its offer to the U.S. included help in replicating the island's success in building tech clusters around dedicated science parks. Advertisement Advertisement Under the deal, it is expected that chipmaker TSMC would commit to building more facilities in Arizona, according to one of the people. TSMC has declined to comment on whether it would invest more in the U.S. on top of the $165 billion that it has already pledged. Taiwan's chips are not subject to the U.S. tariffs. However, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed a 25% tariff on certain AI chips, such as the Nvidia H200 AI processor, under a new national security order released by the White House. Addressing that new order, Taiwan's statement said that it has previously held multiple discussions with the U.S. and reached consensus on preferential tariff treatment for semiconductors and related products. Advertisement Advertisement "After confirming this with the U.S. side during the current consultations, our side will provide a public explanation," it added, without elaborating. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Dagmarah Mackos and Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Jeanny Kao in Taipei; Editing by Alexander Smith, Alistair Bell and Michael Perry) ALBANY - The owners of the pizza-focused Taste of Italy in Latham said they have purchased the restaurant Risotto, which opened in 2011 at 320 Northern Blvd., across from Samaritan Hospital - Albany Memorial campus. They plan to debut it in the spring as a full-service Italian spot named Grazie, the Italian word for "Thank you." Frank and Alyssa Cappello, who founded Taste of Italy in mid-2019, said in a video posted on Facebook on Friday that they finalized the deal the prior day. Risotto appears to have closed in mid-December, according to comments on social media. Advertisement Advertisement "This is my new restaurant, guys. I'll be opening this up," Frank Cappello, who uses the online name Frankie Fresh in his videos, said in the announcement. He confirmed the news in a phone interview Tuesday. Cappello said Taste of Italy, located in the Latham Shoppes complex, will remain open. Grazie will feature classic as well as elevated ingredients including steak, lobster and shrimp, according to Cappello. Although he has previously been involved with the opening of 27 quick-serve restaurants, he said, this will be the first with a liquor license. In the video, Cappello said, "That kitchen's getting demolished. We're starting over." Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere in the video he said, "We got a lot of work to do to get this open. Probably looking at two months, maybe three, maybe four." After his wife replied, "I would like to be open for Valentine's Day," he said, "I would like to be open Valentine's Day, too," which at that point was five weeks in the future. In a new video from Monday night, Frank Cappello said, "This has become a lot more work than I thought it was going to be," adding that he and a five-person crew had put in 40 hours of cleaning in four days. On Tuesday, Cappello said his attorney predicted a three-month turnaround for a new liquor license. Advertisement Advertisement "If he can do that, I can have the place ready," he said. The seller was initially unclear. Risotto's founder, Dave Camacho, is listed on a liquor license that was renewed Nov. 1 and surrendered Dec. 15, according to a State Liquor Authority database. However, The Business Review reported in September that Camacho had sold the business in May to Shira Avila, whose father, Jimmy Bishop, started working in the Risotto kitchen in 2013. Cappello said it was his understanding that the earlier sale was never completed. Neither Camacho nor Avila could be reached for comment. This article originally published at Taste of Italy owners take over former Risotto in Albany. Sha Reh, a 19-year-old who survived a 2024 murder-suicide that killed his parents and three siblings, died unexpectedly on Sunday, PEOPLE reports. Reh died of natural causes at his aunt and uncles house, just one week after achieving his goal of attending the University of Utah. His family established a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses. While we are devastated at the news of his death, the knowledge of the joy of his reunion with his family exceeds our pain, his family wrote in a statement. He was among those who were once blind, but now can see. He has a perfect vision of his and his familys eternity, and his home is now with them. Advertisement Advertisement In December 2024, West Valley City police responded to the familys home after a relative found Reh with a gunshot wound to the head, according to PEOPLE. He was 17 at the time. Inside, officers discovered five deceased family members. Police identified the victims as his mother, Bu Meh, 38; his sisters, Kristina Ree, 8, and Nyay Meh, 2; and his brother, Boe Reh, 11. Authorities said they believe his father, Dae Reh, 42, killed his wife and children before dying by suicide. The attack left Reh blind, and he had to learn Braille and other life skills to prepare for college. Josh Adams, the assistant principal at Granger High School, told Fox 13 that he had spoken with Reh just a few weeks before his death. Advertisement Advertisement Honestly, Sha was the kindest person Ive ever known, Adams said. And Ive gotten to know him pretty well over the course of the past year... and my life was so much better for it. Adams added that Reh had so much to offer this world... theres no one better to teach endurance, to teach empathy, forgiveness. In a May 2025 interview with KSL, Reh said his faith helped him remain positive. I strive to do good things in this world, Reh said. I am very grateful and blessed to have this opportunity to be happy. His family wrote that caring for him and watching him grow and regain his independence has been a labor of love for our family. Read the original article on cleveland.com. An Arctic blast of bitter cold is set to hit the eastern half of the country this week as Utah deals with the worst air quality in the U.S. The Arctic blast will drop temperatures to well below average in the central and eastern U.S. as far south as Florida, according to USA Today. This freezing weather, brought in by a series of cold fronts, follows an unseasonably warm start to the week. Heres a look at what the weather is set to be like across the nation this week. Cold and snow hit the eastern part of the country The incoming cold air is also expected to be paired with snow in some areas this week. Snow is projected in parts of Michigan, Indiana and Ohio on Wednesday before moving into the Northeast late Wednesday night and Thursday, per AccuWeather. Advertisement Advertisement The highest snow totals are expected in areas downwind of the Great Lakes. Areas like Cleveland, New York and Buffalo are expected to accumulate enough snow to cause slippery travel conditions. Forecasters say another storm will bring more snow to areas around the Great Lakes on Thursday and Friday. Bus driver Jackie Terry builds a snow sculpture for her students to enjoy along their bus route on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 in Vergennes, Vt. | Amanda Swinhart Along with the cold and snow, there are also strong winds expected, with gusts as high as 40 mph possible in the Northeast and New England on Thursday, per reports. A surge of Arctic air is expected to keep temperatures below average in the central and eastern U.S. through late January. Ryan Maue, a Weather Trader meteorologist, told USA Today, We are poised to see a potentially historic Arctic polar vortex blast across North America (and Eurasia) into the end of January. Freezing temperatures are expected as far south as Florida A cold front will also hit the southeastern U.S. late Wednesday into Thursday, bringing freezing temperatures as far south as Florida, according to AccuWeather. Advertisement Advertisement Cities such as Atlanta and Nashville are expected to see high temperatures in the 30s on Thursday. Reports say in northern Florida, low temperatures are expected to dip into the 20s on Thursday night in cities such as Tallahassee and Jacksonville. In places like Lakeland and Orlando, temperatures will drop to the 30s. Central Florida is also expected to see a freeze on Thursday night. While Florida will see a drop in temperature, most believe it will not receive snow. The farthest south that snow is expected to reach this week is the Appalachians of Tennessee and North Carolina. The persistent cold in the south is predicted to carry into early next week, per AccuWeather. Utah faces poor air quality from an inversion While Utah is not experiencing the same Arctic blast that most of the country is, it is dealing with an inversion formed by the states latest storm wave, according to KSL.com. This inversion has caused the states air quality to plummet. Advertisement Advertisement Multiple cities in the Salt Lake Valley are leading the nation in poor air quality this week, per KSL. Utahs air quality is currently the worst in the country, and with inversions on the horizon, its only expected to get worse. Thats why I am working with local leaders to bring additional resources to Utah that will improve air quality and Utahns quality of life. pic.twitter.com/ecTyz2Idfi Senator John Curtis (@SenJohnCurtis) January 14, 2026 As the week continues, the poor air quality is expected to spread into Davis and Utah counties as well, reaching air quality levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups. The Utah Division of Air Quality has prohibited open burning and solid fuel burning devices across the region this week to stop people from making the air quality worse than it already is. Utahns are also encouraged to limit their trips to reduce vehicle emissions. According to KSL.com, an inversion develops when warm air forms over cold air in the valley, trapping the cold in place and any water vapor and emissions below. This typically occurs when theres a lull in storm activity. This inversion and the poor air quality that comes with it will likely persist through the end of the week, with relief hopefully coming from a storm next week. An Illinois doctor accused of killing his ex-wife and her husband remains in an Illinois jail waiting to be brought to Ohio to face aggravated murder charges. Michael McKee, 39, continues to be held in Winnebago County (Illinois) awaiting extradition to Ohio. According to 17th Circuit Court records in Illinois, initial plans for McKee to be brought to Ohio by the end of the week are not feasible. A status conference is now set for Jan. 23 to check on the status of McKee's transfer. That court date will be canceled if McKee has already been brought to Ohio. On Jan. 12, McKee appeared in Winnebago County and formally waived an extradition hearing, agreeing to be brought to Franklin County. Advertisement Advertisement McKee is charged with aggravated murder in connection with the Dec. 30 deaths of Monique Tepe, 39, and Spencer Tepe, 37, in their home on the 1400 block of North 4th Street in Weinland Park. What happened when Michael McKee was arrested? McKee was arrested at a Rockford, Illinois, Chick-Fil-a on Jan. 10, around the same time charges against him were formally filed. McKee was detained approximately three minutes before Municipal Court records show the murder charges against him were formally filed at 10:45 a.m. The documents were then timestamped at 10:57 a.m. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed agents took McKee into custody at 10:42 a.m. Eastern time at the fast-food restaurant. Advertisement Advertisement Columbus police Chief Elaine Bryant said a subsequent search of McKee's Chicago condo resulted in multiple weapons being found. One of those weapons, Bryant said, has been preliminarily matched to evidence through ballistics testing to the Tepe homicide scene. How will McKee be returned to Ohio? Brian Steel, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9, said there are two options for McKee to be brought to Ohio. Columbus police's fugitive recovery unit could go to Illinois to pick up McKee and transport him, but out-of-state transports can be cost prohibitive depending on the circumstances, Steel said. Columbus police also contract with a private service that picks up fugitives and transports them between jurisdictions. That service utilizes a schedule based on their routes and will make multiple stops along the way, Steel said. It is unclear what method Columbus police will use to bring McKee to Franklin County. Advertisement Advertisement More: Tepe murder case moves forward with Michael McKee arrest. What to know Who is Michael David McKee? McKee is a vascular surgeon who worked at a practice in Rockford, a city about 90 minutes west of Chicago. He attended Ohio State University for undergraduate and medical school. Previously, he practiced in Nevada where his medical license lapsed in mid-2025. McKee is one of several doctors named in a malpractice suit that remains pending in Clark County, Nevada. He also has a valid medical license in California. Monique Tepe and McKee were married from 2015 until 2017. Why did police suspect Michael McKee? According to Franklin County Municipal Court records, Columbus police identified a vehicle near the Tepe home shortly before the homicides are believed to have taken place and leaving shortly after. Detectives were able to identify the vehicle and track it to Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Court records say evidence showed McKee was "in possession of" the vehicle "prior to and after the homicides." Police confirmed the vehicle was not a rental. McKee is also accused in court records of planning the killings, commonly called premeditation. The court documents available to the public do not provide any details as to why police believe this. Both Spencer and Monique Tepe were shot multiple times, court records say, but final autopsy reports have not been released. Bryant would not comment on a possible motive in the case, citing the ongoing police investigation. Tepe relative says Monique was 'terrified' of McKee Records from the divorce proceedings between McKee and Monique Tepe show the separation was settled quickly with a final decree being issued about a month after Monique filed the initial complaint. Documents show there was no alimony or spousal support granted for either party. Incompatibility was the listed reason for the couple's marriage ending. They did not have any children together. Advertisement Advertisement Spencer Tepe's brother-in-law, Rob Misleh, told NBC News that Monique had spoken about McKee being emotionally abusive and the toll the relationship had taken. "It wasnt like she had just completely forgotten about him," Misleh told the outlet. "She would talk quite often about how terrified she was of him and how much he messed with her mental health. And it was lasting." The Tepes' two children, who were found physically unharmed in the home at the time their parents were found, and their goldendoodle are being cared for by family. Reporter Bethany Bruner can be reached at bbruner@dispatch.com. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: When will Michael McKee, man charged with Tepe murders, return to Ohio? Anti-fracking advocates hung up signs before an Oil and Gas Land Management Commission meeting. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) A Texas-based company was chosen as the highest and best bid to frack about 170 acres of Leesville Wildlife Area during Mondays Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission meeting. Grenadier Energy IIIs bid was selected among three total bids. The commission is required to pick the highest and best bid per Ohio law. The lease bonus is $1,029,840 and includes a 12.5% royalty, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Fracking is the process of injecting liquid into the ground at a high pressure to extract oil or gas. The commission also voted to approve more than a dozen different areas of land to move forward to bidding for fracking. Some of the areas include 4,360 acres in Egypt Valley Wildlife Area, another 366 acres in Egypt Valley Wildlife Area, and 382 acres in Jockey Hollow Wildlife Area. Public hearing In a rare move, the commission held a public hearing before their commission meeting on Monday to discuss a new law that ups the term of a standard lease from three years to five years when leasing oil and gas rights. Advertisement Advertisement Ohio House Bill 308 passed at the end of 2024 and went into effect in March 2025. More than 20 people opposed to extending the fracking leases spoke out for more than an hour about the harmful effects of fracking. No one spoke out in support. People were limited to talking for three minutes and the commissioners had no comments after people offered public comment. I think that high-pressure hydraulic fracturing (fracking) under public lands is a bad idea when it applies to a three-year lease for such activity, and its a worse idea for five-year leases, said George Banziger, of Washington County. This kind of extractive activity will desecrate our valuable public lands for the current generation and for future generations by polluting air and water, drawing huge amounts of water from the watersheds that serve these public lands, adding service roads and truck traffic, and generating lots of toxic and radioactive waste. Advertisement Advertisement Ohioans have submitted almost 7,000 public comments asking the the commission to deny nominations to frack public land, said Cathy Cowan Becker, with Save Ohio Parks. We dont know if commissioners even read these comments, she said. Becker hopes Ohioans can speak up regarding specific nominations at future meetings. We are the people who own and use these public lands, she said. We deserve a real voice in what happens to them. Peter Maxwell said there is nothing more important to him than the preservation of the quality of water. Fracking, or fracturing the Earths crust to extract natural gas, has other inadvertent and unavoidable consequences, including earthquakes and contamination of groundwater by the toxic chemicals injected into the voids, said Maxwell, of Westerville. Advertisement Advertisement Linda New, of the Northeast Ohio Sierra Club, said Ohios state parks should be revered and protected by government agencies and officials. Fracking under these publicly owned natural areas is unacceptable, she said. Its irresponsible to allow this to happen for three years; extending a lease to five years is unconscionable. There were approximately 2,000 incidents associated with oil and gas wells in Ohio from 2015-2023, according to FracTracker Alliance a nonprofit that collects data on fracking pipelines. Theres also evidence that shows increased exposure to fracking impacts health, in particular childrens health, including low birth weight, preterm births, congenital anomalies, and asthma, according to Yale School of Medicine. Advertisement Advertisement We must care for the future of our children and grandchildren, said Judy Smucker, of Third Act Ohioans. May they continue to live and enjoy our public lands and parks. For the first time, commission Chair Theresa White took questions from the media after Mondays meeting. The public comments are one of the factors that are reviewed, she said when asked about the board doing the opposite of what the public asked the commissioners to do. Its not the only factor. So we are considering all of the information thats presented before us and really trying to weigh all of that information in one consolidated case with either a yes or no answer. Follow Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE According to the National Center for Education Statistics, teacher vacancies across the country have become increasingly harder to fill within the last decade. The state of Illinois has addressed the issue through the Teacher Vacancy Grant Pilot Program (TVGPP). The initiative has been studied over the past few years, showing 5,400 new hires and even more retention in its first year. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) reported them directly linked to the program. Sherrard School District is just under 30 minutes outside the Quad Cities and happens to be one of the districts thats seen some positive change. Thats ultimately why were here, to get the kids what they need, which is a quality education. If we cant fill the teaching roles, its next to impossible to do that, says Carl Johnson, Sherrard School District Superintendent. Advertisement Advertisement The TVGPP directed $45 million in Illinois state funding towards school districts in dire need. For us, its about $90,000, says Johnson. Johnson has seen the teaching industry change throughout his career and has witnessed the problem first-hand. I think when I got my first teaching job, there were probably 100 applicants for that job, says Johnson. We have to make sure that we find quality candidates to fill those roles, and thats getting harder and harder. 60% of the statewide funds went to rural districts like Sherrard. Our tax base, we cant afford to pay the salaries that some of the Quad Cities schools can pay, and I mean thats just basic economics, nobody begrudges that, says Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement The money gives Sherrard room to implement recruitment and retention strategies. When you have that chunk of money that you can experiment with and be innovative, it gives you the freedom to try a few things, says Johnson. Sherrard created a mentor program for new teachers that has grown in the past few years. In addition to that, weve made sure that we have supported furthering education, for example. Weve been able to double that amount because of the teacher vacancy grant, says Johnson. As of January 2026, Sherrard has entered its last few months utilizing funds from the program. Most of the things that weve been able to do with this grant have led to enough in the results category that the school board is definitely in favor of continuing anything that we would like to do with that, says Johnson. One of the initiatives that was started thanks to TVGPP funding and will continue, according to Johnson is an attendance bonus for teachers. Advertisement Advertisement Each school district in Illinois eligibility was considered at the start of the program. Some local districts werent chosen for various reasons take the Rock Island-Milan School District for example they had no teacher vacancies in 2023. Early findings from last school year are available here on the ISBEs website, with results from the current school year to come. For more information on the Teacher Vacancy Grant Pilot Program, 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. California officials reported the state's first shark attack of 2026 this week, when a man suffered serious injuries after being bitten while surfing in waters off Mendocino County. The Jan. 13 incident took place in the Pacific Ocean just north of the Gualala River on California's northern coast, the area's Fire Protection District Chief Jason Warner told USA TODAY. The site of the attack is about 115 miles north of San Francisco. Emergency crews responded at 8:45 a.m. after receiving reports of a person in distress in the water. Advertisement Advertisement Warner said the victim was attacked while other surfers were nearby, about 150 feet from the shoreline. When crews arrived on scene, the man "had self-extracted" from the ocean. "It's not a popular swimming beach because it's known to have undertows, but surfers are known to frequent the area," Warner said. What's left of a surfboard following a Jan. 13, 2026 shark attack on a surfer in waters off Mendocino County, California. The victim suffered serious but non-life threatening wounds to his thigh. Witness says 'large shark' swam off with half of surf board The San Francisco Chronicle identified the victim as 26-year-old Tommy Civik, and reported that a witness in the area told officials they saw him "thrown into the air by the shark," then watched the large creature swim off with half of Civiks board before vanishing into the ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Mendocino County Sheriff's Office Captain Quincy Cromer, whose agency responded to the scene to assist fire rescue crews, told USA TODAY the victim self transported to a hospital to be treated for his injuries. A posted sign warns people to keep out of the water as officials keep the beach closed after a shark attacked a person in California. At the hospital, Warner said, the victim received multiple stitches to his upper leg, but was expected to live. It was not immediately clear what kind of shark went after the surfer. But Warner said the surfer's wetsuit and board were sent to The California Department of Fish and Wildlife for further investigation. USA TODAY has reached out to the agency. American killed in shark attack: Minnesota woman dies from shark attack in Virgin Islands Attack comes after woman killed by shark in Pacific Grove The attack came less than a month after a woman was fatally attacked by a shark while swimming about 230 miles south in Monterey Bay. Advertisement Advertisement Erica Fox, a 55-year-old triathlete, disappeared in in Lover's Point with more than a dozen other people swimming with her. Pacific Grove Police Cmdr. Brian Anderson told USA TODAY deputies believe a shark was responsible for her death. A witness told police they saw a shark breach the water with what appeared to be a human body in its mouth, according to previous reports from USA TODAY. The shark then submerged below the waterline without resurfacing. Officials said Fox's body was found several days later. How many people are attacked by sharks each year? According to data from the International Shark Attack File, run by the Florida Museum of Natural History, the world averages 65 documented shark attacks each year. On average, six fatal attacks are reported annually, the data shows. Advertisement Advertisement At least four shark attacks were reported in California last year, according to data from TrackingSharkss.com. The year prior, in 2024, one person was attacked in the state, the website's data shows. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shark attacks surfer in California, marks 1st reported attack in 2026 As students return to classrooms after the holiday break, law enforcement agencies are stepping up efforts to keep children safe near schools. The Thurston County Sheriffs Office partnered with the Washington State Patrol last week to target speeding and other dangerous driving behaviors in school zones across the county. During the operation, both agencies stopped a total of 117 vehicles, with Thurston County Sheriffs Office deputies issuing 40 infractions. Advertisement Advertisement In one instance, 15 vehicles were pulled over in just 25 minutes for speeding in a single school zone. Sgt. Levi Locken with the Thurston County Sheriffs Office said the public response to the increased patrols has been largely positive. The public, obviously theyre not exactly thrilled to get citations when they get them, but they understood, and they liked seeing us out there, Locken said. [We] definitely had a lot of positive remarks from the public in general about us being out there and making sure the kids are safe, getting back to school, and everyones abiding by the laws. Currently, the Sheriffs Office Traffic Unit consists of two deputies who primarily work night shifts. Advertisement Advertisement The department hopes to expand the unit by adding two more deputies focused on daytime enforcement. That would allow for more frequent emphasis patrols, particularly during school hours. Sheriff Derek Sanders says dangerous driving behaviors remain a major concern throughout the county. Its just crazy driving out here. The amount of reckless driving, impaired drivingweve got cars blowing through stop signs on school buses, all these different things, Sanders said. This traffic unit, which will soon have a total of four deputies assigned to it, is going to be effective. He added that traffic safety is the number one complaint he hears from residents. The post A Win for the Species: How Two Tiny New Cubs Are Strengthening the Sloth Bears Future appeared first on A-Z Animals. Quick Take Two sloth bear cubs were born at the Smithsonian National Zoo on December 7, 2025. It is the first time in 12 years that sloth bear babies are present at the zoo. The birth is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan program to support breeding and reproduction of threatened species . The sloth bear cubs will be available for public viewing in spring 2026. For the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), Christmas came early in 2025. Zookeepers were delighted to welcome two new arrivalssloth bear cubs, born in an off-exhibit den in the Asia Trail exhibit. Meet the Zoos Sloth Bear Cubs The two cubs, born in the early morning hours of December 7, 2025, marked the first time in 12 years that the Zoo had sloth bear cubs in residence. They were born to Molly, a recent addition to the Zoo. Both mother and cubs appear healthy. Advertisement Advertisement Animal care teams are monitoring mom and cubs remotely to avoid disturbing the trio. Caregivers are ensuring that the mother has access to the necessary nesting materials and food to properly care for her babies. The sex of the cubs has not yet been determined. Zookeepers are waiting for that to happen before naming the cubs. Sloth bear Molly with her two tiny cubs. Smithsonians National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Original / License (Smithsonians National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute) The cubs arrival was extra special because NZCBI is one of only 15 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos that have sloth bears as residents. Overall, there are only 42 sloth bears in total at the 15 AZA-accredited zoos. The addition of two healthy cubs is a significant contribution to the species captive population. The birth of two sloth bear cubs at the Smithsonians National Zoo is a significant achievement for the AZAs Species Survival Plan, says Asia Trail curator Michael Brown-Palsgrove. These cubs strengthen the genetic diversity and sustainability of the managed population while also supporting global conservation efforts for this vulnerable species through research, education, and public engagement. Sloth bear cubs are blind and helpless at birth. They weigh just one pound and spend their time nursing and sleeping. Their eyes open in about a month, and they begin walking at around 45 days. They will nurse for about one year. Throughout this time, Mom Molly will remain very protective of her offspring. Advertisement Advertisement According to Stacey Tabellario, Animal Keeper at the Smithsonian National Zoo, even zoo personnel wont see the cubs in person for several months. Until the cubs are big enough to hop on moms back, she will keep them in the den where she feels safest, she says. Once she can move around, confident that her babies are secure on her back, she will gradually introduce them to the outside world. She also notes that Molly is doing an excellent job as a first-time mom. She is protective, caring, and nurturing. One sign that animal keepers had that the cubs were doing well was when they heard the distinctive humming sound that sloth bear cubs make when nursing. Tabellario likens the sound to a car trying to start, and says it is an audible sign to mom that the cubs are content. It took hours after the cubs were born for us to hear the first audible humming sounds, she says. When we finally heard it, we were all overjoyed! She estimates that it will be a few more months before the cubs make their first foray into the outside world. A Pregnancy Focused on Conservation Mollys pregnancy was a planned breeding via the AZAs Species Survival Plan (SSP). The plan coordinates the genetic management of sloth bears across all accredited AZA zoos. The selection process, according to Tabellario, is extensive and well-coordinated. Advertisement Advertisement The AZA carefully considers the genetic makeup of each bear to determine if it will be a good match to produce cubs with desirable genetics, she says. Once a match is made, bears are moved among the AZA zoos to facilitate breeding. Molly is six years old, and she arrived at NZCBI in April 2025 from the AZA-accredited Sunset Zoo in Manhattan, Kansas. One of the two sloth bear cubs shortly after birth. Smithsonians National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Original / License (Smithsonians National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute) It took hours after the cubs were born for us to hear the first audible humming sounds. When we finally heard it, we were all overjoyed! Stacey Tabellario, Animal Keeper at the Smithsonian National Zoo Molly was gradually introduced to NZCBIs two resident male sloth bears, Niko, age 11, and Deemak, age 7. Once the three adult bears were comfortable with each other, they didnt waste any time. Zoo staff noticed breeding behavior between Molly and both male bears almost right away. As of today, it is unknown which male bear is the father. It is possible that each male fathered one of the cubs, which is not unusual in the wild. When the cubs are bigger, keepers can extract DNA from them. The genetic material will then be tested against samples from Niko and Deemak in NZCBIs onsite genomics lab. Discover More About Sloth Bears Sloth bears, Melursus ursinus, are native to the forests and grasslands of Sri Lanka, India, and southern Nepal. They were once known to also live in Bhutan and Bangladesh, but it is unconfirmed that any sloth bears are still present in those two countries. Officially, they are considered no longer present in Bangladesh, with Bhutan remaining an uncertainty. Advertisement Advertisement Adult sloth bears are five to six feet (1.5 to 2 meters) long and stand two to three feet (0.5 to 1 meter) tall at the shoulder. They weigh, on average, between 200 and 300 pounds (90 to 140 kg). They have shaggy black coats and short, light brown muzzles. A large adult sloth bear walking about in the forests of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, India. Malcolm/iStock via Getty Images (Malcolm/iStock via Getty Images) Sloth bears consume both fruit and insects. When trees are bare, the bears use their long, curved claws to dig for ants and termites. If food is especially scarce, sloth bears will raid farm crops and even eat carrion. Sloth bears possess the unique ability to fully close their nostrils. This helps protect them from insects, dirt, and dust when they excavate insect nests. They also have a gap where the two top front teeth should be. This space allows them to suck up insects easily. Sloth bears also have large canine teeth, which they use for defense against their natural predatorstigers, jackals, leopards, wolves, and other bear species. They are generally solitary animals, but in the wild, small groups may form if food resources are plentiful. Unlike many other bear species, sloth bears do not hibernate. Advertisement Advertisement One of the most interesting aspects of sloth bears is their intelligence. According to Tabellario, while all bears are smart, sloth bears are at the head of the class. We often joke that sloth bears are actually apes in bear suits due to their intelligence, she notes. If all bears were in the same school class, sloth bears would definitely be the valedictorians. Why These Cubs Are a Conservation Win There are estimated to be fewer than 20,000 sloth bears left in the wild. They are on the IUCNs red list, where the species is considered vulnerable. The majority of these wild sloth bears live in India, with an estimated population of around 6,000 to 11,000. Sri Lanka is home to fewer than 1,000 sloth bears. Some estimates put that number even lower at around 500. The biggest threats to sloth bears in the wild are habitat loss, poaching, and human-bear conflicts. Researchers note that sloth bears perceive humans as predators, which increases the likelihood of conflict when they encounter people. Sloth bear cubs are blind and helpless at birth. Smithsonians National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Original / License (Smithsonians National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute) In captivity, it is believed there are around 300 sloth bears in zoos around the world. Only 42 of those are in AZA-accredited zoos. Successful breeding and reproduction under close AZA scrutiny ensures a strong genetic line for future generations of sloth bears in captivity. These successful births and healthy cubs help increase sloth bear populations and reduce the risk of extinction for the species. Advertisement Advertisement NZCBI contributes to sloth bear conservation in other ways, too. According to the Zoo, in addition to breeding and reproduction efforts, NZCBI contributes to sloth bear conservation in Asia through the AZAs SAFE Sloth Bear program, participating in wildlife surveys and monitoring efforts across the species range. The post A Win for the Species: How Two Tiny New Cubs Are Strengthening the Sloth Bears Future appeared first on A-Z Animals. Mach 2 (twice the local speed of sound) is incredibly fast, and few modern aircraft fly much faster. Operating at higher speeds is rare in real-world warfare and entails huge compromises. Despite this, some astonishingly fast planes flying today comfortably exceed Mach 2. A handful of designs prove that extreme speed still matters, surviving decades of changing doctrine. You may be surprised to learn that work on the youngest aircraft in this list started in the 1980s, and that most were designed in the 1960s. One of the aircraft is rarely mentioned or ranked so highly, but our new research revealed it deserves a place. Meet the Top 10 Fastest Warplanes in Service Today. 10: McDonnell Douglas F 4 Phantom II - Mach 2.2 McDonnell Douglas F 4 Phantom II - Mach 2.2 The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a twin-engine, two-seat, long-range supersonic fighter and attack aircraft developed in the late 1950s. Originally designed for the US Navy, it proved exceptionally adaptable, serving in air-to-air, strike and reconnaissance roles with air forces across the world for more than half a century. Advertisement Advertisement The Phantom is highly regarded for its versatility, robustness and combat record. It served simultaneously with the US Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, an unusual achievement, and was widely exported. Its powerful radar, speed, heavy weapons load and ability to operate from carriers or relatively austere bases made it a formidable and flexible combat aircraft. 10: McDonnell Douglas F 4 Phantom II Mach 2.2 McDonnell Douglas F 4 Phantom II Mach 2.2 The F-4 is capable of speeds around Mach 2.2 in service, enabled by two powerful turbojet engines, large variable-geometry intakes and a very strong airframe. Specially modified examples set world speed and climb records in the early 1960s, with one reaching approximately Mach 2.6. Persistent rumours also claim Israel operated a secret water-cooled, high-speed reconnaissance Phantom capable of around Mach 2.8, though no firm evidence confirms this aircraft ever flew. Although largely retired, the Phantom remains in limited service today despite it first flying in 1958, making it older than many of the fathers of the pilots who fly it today! Iran operates the largest remaining fleet, using the type operationally, while smaller numbers have been retained elsewhere demonstrating the Phantoms astonishing longevity. 9: Dassault Mirage 2000 - Mach 2.2 Dassault Mirage 2000 - Mach 2.2 The Mirage 2000 is a French delta (or triangular) wing multirole fighter built by Dassault Aviation. It was one of the first fly-by-wire fighters, allowing designers to tame the limitations of a traditional delta wing. The FBW system provides pilots with precise control, mitigating inherent handling quirks and enabling effortless manoeuvres. Advertisement Advertisement The Mirage 2000 is highly regarded for its combination of agility, reliability and fine handling. Many of its systems were advanced for their time, and it performs well in both airdefence and ground strike missions. It has also been tasked with the nuclear strike role as the 2000N. 9: Dassault Mirage 2000 Mach 2.2 Dassault Mirage 2000 Mach 2.2 The Mirage 2000 can reach Mach 2.2, supported by its powerful SNECMA M53 engine, efficient aerodynamics and low drag. Earlier French aircraft like the Mirage 4000 promised even greater speed but never entered production, while the experimental Mirage G8 remains the fastest European aircraft ever flown reaching Mach 2.34. Today the Mirage 2000 remains in service with several air forces, including France, India, Egypt, Greece, Qatar and Ukraine. Ukraine has received French Mirage 20005Fs and uses them to help defend its airspace, including intercepting Russian missiles and drones alongside F16s. 8: Lockheed Martin F 22 Raptor - Mach 2.25 Lockheed Martin F 22 Raptor - Mach 2.25 The F 22 Raptor is the United States Air Forces air superiority fighter and a leading example of a fifth-generation combat aircraft. It was designed to dominate contested airspace by detecting and engaging adversaries long before the Raptor itself is detected, giving it a decisive tactical advantage in modern warfare. Advertisement Advertisement The Raptor is highly regarded because it combines stealth, agility, and advanced avionics with sensor fusion. It also delivers incredible sustained high-speed performance. Its stealth design reduces detection by radar, while sensor fusion provides the pilot with superior situational awareness, making it exceptionally capable in both beyond-visual-range and close engagements. 8: Lockheed Martin F 22 Raptor Mach 2.25 Lockheed Martin F 22 Raptor Mach 2.25 The aircraft is exceptionally fast for a stealth design, with a top speed at altitude of around Mach 2.25 and a supercruise capability of roughly Mach 1.8 (cruising supersonically without afterburner). These high speeds are primarily achieved by its powerful Pratt & Whitney F119 engines and a relatively clean aerodynamic design. As security considerations relaxed, public references shifted from the generic Mach 2 figure to the more accurate Mach 2.25 quoted today. Its fixed, carefully shaped supersonic intakes efficiently slow incoming air to subsonic speeds (the role of all supersonic jet intakes) before it enters the engines while maintaining a low radar signature. This allows the Raptor to balance maximum speed and stealth, whereas other stealth aircraft often use more restrictive intake designs that limit top speed. 7: McDonnell Douglas F 15C Eagle - Mach 2.252.3 McDonnell Douglas F 15C Eagle - Mach 2.252.3 The F15C Eagle is a single-seat, all-weather air-superiority fighter developed by McDonnell Douglas for the United States Air Force. The F15 family has served since the late 1970s, with the F15C entering service around 1979. It combines speed, agility, and a large, effective radar with long range, remaining a key component of American air superiority. Advertisement Advertisement It was the most potent fighter in the world for much of its early career. Though its lower-speed manoeuvrability was surpassed in some aspects by the Soviet MiG-29 and Su-27 in the 1980s, overall, it remained an extremely capable fighter. It achieved numerous air-to-air victories in early service, demonstrating the effectiveness of its twin engines, aerodynamic design, and advanced flight controls for its era. 7: McDonnell Douglas F 15C Eagle - Mach 2.252.3 McDonnell Douglas F 15C Eagle - Mach 2.252.3 The Eagle can reach very high supersonic speeds thanks to its twin Pratt & Whitney F100 engines, lightweight airframe, and aerodynamic efficiency. Its wing is designed primarily for subsonic manoeuvrability rather than supersonic optimisation, but the aircraft can still reach speeds of around Mach 2.252.3 in a clean configuration without external stores. Its thrust-to-weight ratio being greater than one (in certain configurations) allows excellent acceleration and climb performance. Despite claims of Mach 2.54, pilots report that the fastest speeds achieved in practice are Mach 2.252.3 in brand-new aircraft with no pylons or weapons. The higher figure is probably unattainable under operational conditions and reflects design limits rather than real-world experience. 6: IAI Kfir - Mach 2.3 IAI Kfir - Mach 2.3 The Kfir evolved from Israels Nesher, an unlicensed copy of the French Mirage 5 built after a French arms embargo stopped deliveries. The Nesher retained the Mirage 5s layout but was produced entirely in Israel. It formed the basis for the more powerful and refined Kfir design. Advertisement Advertisement For the Kfir, Israel replaced the Mirages SNECMA Atar engine with the General Electric J79 turbojet, the same engine used in the F4 Phantom. This gave the aircraft significantly more thrust, enabling faster acceleration, higher climb rates, and improved supersonic performance. The engine upgrade made the Kfir faster than both the Nesher and the original Mirage 5, with a top speed of around Mach 2.3. 6: IAI Kfir - Mach 2.3 IAI Kfir - Mach 2.3 The airframe was reinforced to cope with the J79s power, and intake ducts were optimised for high-speed airflow. These modifications allowed the Kfir to carry heavier payloads while maintaining stability and control at supersonic speeds. Combined, the engine and airframe improvements gave the Kfir superior performance compared to its Mirage predecessors, making it a highly capable strike and interceptor aircraft. Kfirs were operated extensively by the Israeli Air Force and later exported. Today, small numbers remain in service with the Colombian Aerospace Force and Sri Lanka Air Force, while several are flown by contractors for U.S. training. In the 1980s, some were leased as the F21A Lion for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps adversary training. 5: Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum Mach 2.3+ Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum Mach 2.3+ Along with the Flanker and the Foxhound, intelligence reports of the MiG-29 tactical fighter sent ripples of panic through Western defence planners. The MiG-29 combined high performance, mind-bending manoeuvrability, a new radar, and new missiles (including a new ultra-agile missile aimed by a helmet-mounted sight). Advertisement Advertisement Designed to counter the US F-15 and F-16, and replace older tactical fighters, the MiG-29 entered service in 1983. It combined an excellent aerodynamic configuration, very similar to the larger Su-27, with two powerful engines, and unlike the early F-16s, could fire medium-range air-to-air missiles. 5: Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum - Mach 2.3+ Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum - Mach 2.3+ Whereas the F-16 enjoyed a healthy manoeuvrability advantage over the MiG-23, the MiG-29 levelled the playing field. The excellent manoeuvrability was fortified with the helmet-cued thrust-vectoring R-73 Archer missile, the first of its kind, gifting the Fulcrum with a terrifying potency in close-in air combat. Though fast, its very limited range makes time at high Mach extremely limited. Though in many respects superb, the Cold War-era MiG-29 had smoky engines, making it easy to spot from a distance, a limited range, and a human-machine interface far inferior to that of the F-16 and F/A-18. However, it was a hot tactical fighter, with a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio, able to deploy from rough and ready austere airfields, and represented a serious threat. The MiG-29 remains in service with several operators, notably the Ukrainian Air Force. 4: Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker - Mach 2.3+ Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker - Mach 2.3+ The most feared Soviet fighter for the final years of the Cold War was the Su-27. It boasted everything in spades: spectacular turn rate, astonishing high alpha performance, world record-setting climb rate weapons persistence (it could carry more air-to-air missiles than any other Cold War fighter) and, importantly, a long range. Advertisement Advertisement The Sukhoi T-10 (the company designation for the series) had a troubled early development, and the actual production aircraft looked somewhat different from the initial prototype. It entered service in 1985 and, once mature, challenged the F-15C Eagle for the unofficial title of the worlds best fighter. 4: Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker - Mach 2.3+ Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker - Mach 2.3+ Though similar to the MiG-29 in configuration, the Su-27 is far larger. The Su-27 is around 22 metres long (over 72 feet), while the MiG-29 is about 17 metres (over 55 feet). The Flanker series proved highly adaptable, but the story of these derivatives lies after the Cold War. The Flanker combines a clever aerodynamic configuration with a large amount of the aircrafts fuselage contributing to lift, with a high power-to-weight ratio (at lighter fuel loads). Shortly after the Cold War, the Flankers jaw-dropping air displays astonished Western audiences with extremely high alpha and wild controlled manoeuvres at extremely low speeds. 3: Boeing F 15EX Eagle II - Mach 2.5 Boeing F 15EX Eagle II - Mach 2.5 The Boeing F15EX Eagle II is the latest evolution of the proven F15 fighter family, derived from the advanced F15QA development of the F15E Strike Eagle. It combines modern avionics, longrange radar, planned drone command roles, long range and a huge weapon load. Something of a media stir was made when Boeing claimed the aircraft was capable of close to Mach 3, vastly faster than almost all fighters, which generally top out at around Mach 2. Advertisement Advertisement The F15EXs oftenquoted Mach 2.9 top speed is a theoretical maximum in an ideal, clean configuration without weapons, sensors, or weapons pylons. In actual flight tests, the highest recorded speeds reached just under Mach 2.5, confirming that operational performance is below the theoretical ceiling, with Mach 2.9 representing an unattainable limit under normal conditions. 3: Boeing F 15EX Eagle II - Mach 2.5 Boeing F 15EX Eagle II - Mach 2.5 It is highly regarded because it brings together significant payload capacity, endurance and modern systems while retaining classic F15 handling. Its ability to carry large numbers of airtoair and airtoground weapons, extended patrol range and networked situational awareness make it useful in highintensity scenarios, including potential future conflicts across the Pacific. The F15EX uses conventional intakes optimised for smooth airflow at supersonic speeds. Without stealth constraints, the design allows it to maintain efficiency and power at high speed while carrying weapons. Its radar cross-section is lower than the older F15C and modestly reduced compared with the F15QA due to radarabsorbing coatings and shaping, although it is not a stealth aircraft. 2: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Flogger - Mach 2.6+ Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Flogger - Mach 2.6+ Outrageously fast and made in colossal numbers, the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Flogger was a single-engined variable geometry (swing) wing tactical fighter that served the Warsaw Pact nations from 1970 until the end of the Cold War. Though something of a handful to fly, the Flogger force was a huge combat mass of high-performance fighters. Advertisement Advertisement We spoke to Mihai Valceleanu about the Floggers astonishing speed, ..maximum Mach number stated in most sources is 2.35. And thats correct, for reasons of temperature and directional static stability, the MiG-23 is indeed limited to Mach 2.35. But thats not its true limit. According to the MiG-23M/ML flight manuals, the maximum Mach at high altitude is 2.55 or 2.6, and thats not even cleanthats when carrying two R-23 missiles! 2: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Flogger - Mach 2.6+ Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Flogger - Mach 2.6+ Capabilities varied hugely between the variants, from the rather basic MiG-23MS to the formidable MiG-23MLD. It also spawned dedicated ground attack variants in the form of the radarless duck-nosed MiG-23BN and slower, heavily armed and armoured MiG-27, complete with a 30-mm Gatling-style rotary cannon. A total of 5,047 MiG-23s were made, representing well over 40% of all variable geometry wing aircraft ever produced. This Soviet fighter was relatively cheap and straightforward to make and spoke of the Soviet doctrine of superior numbers over high technology and the ability to operate from austere airstrips. 1: Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhound Mach 2.83 Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhound Mach 2.83 Building on the earlier MiG-25, the MiG-31 was designed as a dedicated long-range interceptor. Its exceptional speed capability derives from a combination of very powerful turbofan engines, a highly optimised intake and airframe designed for sustained supersonic flight, and a mission profile focused on high-altitude interception rather than manoeuvring combat. It is capable of higher sustained speeds than any other operational combat aircraft, and remains the fastest air-breathing, crewed military aircraft in full service. Such extreme speeds are rarely used in routine operations due to fuel consumption and engine life considerations, but the performance envelope remains available when required. Although its mission set has expanded over time, the aircraft remains highly specialised compared to modern multirole fighters. 1: Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhound Mach 2.83 Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhound Mach 2.83 Like the US Navys F-14 Tomcat, the MiG-31was designed to carry very large, long-range air-to-air missiles. During Russias invasion of Ukraine that started in 2022, modified MiG-31K aircraft have been used to launch the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal, an air-to-ground ballistic missile. These missiles have been employed against targets including hardened infrastructure, airbases, energy facilities, and ammunition depots, with the MiG-31s speed and high launch altitude used to extend missile range and impact energy. During the Soviet period, the aircraft was tasked with defending vast areas of national airspace, operating in coordinated formations and sharing radar data via datalink. With a maximum speed of Mach 2.83 and a take-off weight comparable to that of a Second World War heavy bomber, the MiG-31 remains in limited service in Russia, continuing to fulfil a niche high-speed role. Interestingly, while the similarly fast MiG-25 was long believed to be fully retired, its appearance at a 2025 Algerian military parade means the MiG-31 may now share the top speed slot. 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 ]]> An 80-year-old tourist attempted to fly home from Tenerife with his deceased wife in a wheelchair, police in Spain confirmed on Wednesday. A police spokeswoman told dpa that the man had managed to get through security at Tenerife Sur Airport during the incident, which happened late last year. The police spokeswoman said that staff became suspicious when they saw the lifeless elderly woman, and one employee noticed that her hand was already completely cold. An emergency doctor later confirmed the woman's death. Advertisement Advertisement As the police found no evidence of a crime, the man was not arrested. The spokeswoman was unable to say where he and his wife came from, or exactly where they were flying to. She said it is also unknown whether the man was even aware that his wife had died. EDWARDSVILLE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A traffic stop in Edwardsville led to police arresting a man accused of manslaughter in Rhode Island. On January 8, troopers conducted a traffic stop on South Wyoming Avenue in Edwardsville for a vehicle code violation. Woman charged in DUI crash resulting in death of passenger The driver, Deshawn Anderson, 42, of Plymouth, was found to have an extraditable warrant out of Rhode Island stemming from a manslaughter charge, PSP reported. Advertisement Advertisement As a result, Anderson was taken into custody and is incarcerated at Luzerne County Prison until he is extradited. 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 28/22 News. Prosecutors called several witnesses to the stand on Tuesday in the trial against Brett Ours. Hes accused of attempted homicide in the beating of Preston Coleman at the Aliquippa VFW in 2025. One of those witnesses was Ours ex-girlfriend. The other witness is the victim in this case. He told the jury he thought he was going to die. Over the first two days of trial, the jury has seen video of what the district attorney calls the brutal attack of Coleman at the Aliquippa VFW on January 5 of last year. Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Man accused of brutally attacking another man at Aliquippa VFW arrested after standoff You know, for a while, probably for the first couple weeks, if not the first month, it was very touch and go on whether or not he was going to make it, Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible said. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Its going to be a long road: Father fighting for his life after assault at Aliquippa VFW Prosecutors are using the video to try and prove to the jury that Ours was trying to kill Coleman. Ours ex-girlfriend took the stand and told the jury she and Ours went to the VFW that night to have a few drinks. They were talking with Coleman, whom she said theyd never met before. Advertisement Advertisement When a discussion started over a shooting that happened less than 24 hours earlier at a nearby bar, she said Ours became agitated and then started beating him. Police said Ours repeatedly strangled, kicked and punched the victim for 30 minutes, slammed a barstool over his head and pressed it against his throat. Coleman, who was in a wheelchair during testimony Tuesday, told the jury he thought he was going to die. It was definitely a tough day for him and his family, Bible said. Coleman told the jury that Ours said he was going to kill him. Ours ex-girlfriend said he had a knife on him that night. She said he had given it to her at some point, then asked for it back. She said she refused, saying she was afraid he was going to use it. Advertisement Advertisement The DA said if convicted, Ours faces at least 10 years in prison. Its probably a minimum of 10 years, but that minimum could be higher, Bible said. It could be 15 or 20. Prosecutors are expected to rest their case sometime on Wednesday. Its unclear if Ours will take the stand in his own defense. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW CHICAGO Bands of lake-effect snow are intensifying across parts of western New York and Ohio after creating whiteout travel conditions along the southern shores of Lake Michigan, while snow earlier Wednesday delayed thousands of flights into and out of the Midwest. What Is Lake-effect Snow? Widespread snow is expected downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario and into the interior Northeast. Winter Storm and Lake-Effect Snow Warnings are in place through Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement The Cleveland metro area in particular should see consistent lake-effect snow and potential whiteout conditions through the morning. How To Watch Fox Weather Meanwhile, the lake-effect has begun to taper along Lake Michigan in Michigan and Indiana, where more than a foot of snow has piled up since Wednesday afternoon. More accumulation is expected in that area into Thursday afternoon. FOX Weather Correspondent Robert Ray was live Wednesday evening in Benton Harbor, Michigan as the strong lake-effect snow took hold Wednesday night, packing high winds that sent snow and sand sideways. "My goodness it is roaring right now. It feels like a tropical storm, but then you add freezing cold temperatures with the wind and the snow and it makes it even more uncomfortable than when you're in those tropical scenarios," Ray said. Advertisement Advertisement What You Should Know About Blowing, Drifting Snow The intensity of the storm forced even winter-adjusted cities like Benton Harbor and Michigan City, Indiana to close municipal buildings early Wednesday afternoon. A trifecta of forecast ingredients kicked the lake-effect snow machine into high gear, as winds were perfectly aligned to tap into the abundant moisture over the relatively warm waters of both Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. At least 10 semi trucks were involved in a multi-vehicle pileup in Indiana. Farther east in Elkhart County, Indiana, at least 10 semi-trucks were involved in a 30-vehicle pileup on Interstate 80 Wednesday afternoon. At Least 10 Semi Trucks Involved In Massive Car Pile-up In Indiana Advertisement Advertisement State police told FOX Weather that blowing snow greatly reduced visibility. A flash freeze plunged temperatures as much as 10 degrees in an hour across some places in the Ohio Valley, setting the stage for additional dangerous driving conditions for the evening commute. Chicago's OHare International and Midway International airports reported quarter-mile visibility Wednesday morning after Snow Squall Warnings were issued late Wednesday morning. More than 1,000 flights were delayed into and out of O'Hare alone Wednesday. Airport Ground Stops Vs. Ground Delays: What Are They And How Do They Happen? Advertisement Advertisement The snow will wind down across the Great Lakes through Thursday evening. More than 5 inches of snow is likely across the Buffalo, New York metro area downwind of Lake Erie, all told. The initial cold front responsible for the winter weather blasted the Appalachians Wednesday. Snow was reported across West Virginias Allegheny Mountains and into the Blue Ridge Mountains of Tennessee and western North Carolina. Winter Alerts remain in effect for higher elevations through Thursday morning. Original article source: Intense lake-effect snow bands slam Great Lakes, shifting east as winter blast spawns dangerous crashes The Trump administration has designated three chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood, which it says threaten U.S. interests, as terrorist organizations in an attempt to curtail their financial support. The State Department announced Tuesday that the label was given to the Lebanese, Jordanian and Egyptian chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood, a group founded in Egypt in the late 1920s and whose presence has spread across the Middle East in the decades since. These designations reflect the opening actions of an ongoing, sustained effort to thwart Muslim Brotherhood chapters violence and destabilization wherever it occurs, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. The United States will use all available tools to deprive these Muslim Brotherhood chapters of the resources to engage in or support terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement The State Department said the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and that its leader, Muhammad Fawzi Taqqosh, was designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The FTO label, the most severe used by the U.S. government, allows the groups U.S.-held assets to be frozen, bars its members from entering the country, and makes it unlawful to knowingly provide material support or resources to the group. The Lebanon chapters armed wing, known as the al-Fajr Forces, launched rockets into northern Israel following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas that started the war in Gaza, according to a White House fact sheet. Hamas shares ideological ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, having been founded in 1987 as a Palestinian offshoot of the group. The Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control also designated the Egyptian and Jordanian branches as SDGTs for providing material support to Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement The Muslim Brotherhood has a longstanding record of perpetrating acts of terror, and we are working aggressively to cut them off from the financial system, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. This Administration will deploy the full scope of its authorities to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat terrorist networks wherever they operate in order to keep Americans safe. Muslim Brotherhood leaders have said they renounce violence, and the Egyptian and Lebanese chapters pushed back on their inclusion in statements to The Associated Press. The decision came weeks after President Trump signed an executive order that directed Rubio and Bessent to determine whether the chapters warranted a terrorist designation. The Muslim Brotherhood is banned or restricted in several countries across the region, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Jordan. Advertisement Advertisement Two U.S. states, Florida and Texas, have also labeled the group as a terrorist organization within the past several months. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Trump administration is ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali immigrants, making it easier to deport thousands of people from the US. "Country conditions in Somalia have improved to the point that it no longer meets the law's requirement," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said. TPS prevents US officials from deporting immigrants to countries deemed unsafe. Starting March 17, around 2,500 Somalis will lose their work authorisations and legal status, making them eligible for deportation. Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump has made it known he does not want Somali immigrants in the US, and has launched a major effort in Minneapolis to detain and deport people in the country illegally. "Temporary means temporary," Noem said in a statement to the BBC. "Further, allowing Somali nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to our national interests. We are putting Americans first." Congress established TPS in 1990 to give refuge to people from countries that experienced war or environmental disasters. Immigrants with TPS authorisation are typically allowed to live and work legally in the US. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the BBC that there are 2,471 Somali nationals with TPS, and 1,383 people with pending applications. Advertisement Advertisement DHS responded to an online post about the announcement that the protective status was ending for those people with a Trump portrait carrying the caption: "I am the captain now." Noem last month announced a surge of immigration officers in Minnesota, home to a large Somali diaspora community and where a sprawling federal fraud investigation found problems in the state's childcare industry, which the administration has linked to Somali immigrants. Jonathan Ross, an immigration enforcement agent, fatally shot US citizen Renee Good in her car last week during the Minneapolis operation sparking large protests locally and nationally. The Trump administration says the agent acted in self-defence but local officials insist the woman posed no danger. Trump has for months said he wants Somali immigrants to leave, saying they should "go back to where they came from" and "their country is no good for a reason". Trump also said the US would "go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage into our country". Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of Tuesday's announcement, Trump also posted online saying "FEAR NOT, GREAT PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA, THE DAY OF RECKONING & RETRIBUTION IS COMING!" TPS for Somalia was first designated in 1991 by Republican President George H W Bush, following the outbreak of civil war in the country, and has been renewed since then by both Democratic and Republican presidents. The Biden administration had renewed TPS for Somalia for the maximum 18 months allowed under the law, which are set to end in March. Over the last year, the Trump administration has moved to end TPS for immigrants from other countries previously deemed unsafe, including Venezuela, Haiti, Afghanistan, and Nepal. Advertisement Advertisement Those attempts have been challenged int he courts and in September a federal judge ruled that a move to end TPS for Haitians and Venezuelans was unlawful. What questions do you have about Trump's first year since returning as President? Click here or use the form below. By Nate Raymond BOSTON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's administration is reversing course on firing nearly every employee at a 1960s-era agency within the U.S. Department of Justice known as "America's peacemaker" that is tasked with quelling racial and ethnic tensions in U.S. communities. The Justice Department, in a filing on Tuesday in federal court in Boston, disclosed that it had on Friday rescinded layoff notices it issued in September to 13 of the Community Relations Service's employees as part of a "reduction in force". Advertisement Advertisement Those job cuts would have eliminated almost all of its employees, a fact civil rights groups cited in a lawsuit arguing the firings were part of an unlawful effort by Trump's administration to dismantle the Community Relations Service. In Tuesday's filing, the Justice Department said it decided to reinstate the employees "as a matter of administrative discretion." But it did not say if they would be resuming work on Community Relations Service functions, a fact the plaintiffs noted in a separate filing. The plaintiffs, who include the Ethical Society of Police and two local branches of the NAACP, asked a judge to hold a hearing to assess the impact on the case and if the reinstated employees would return to work on CRS duties. The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement The agency was established by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and since then has deployed teams to mediate school desegregation conflicts and address unrest in various high-profile cases, including after the 2020 death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed by a white Minneapolis police officer. Under Trump, the agency has declined all new requests for services and assistance, according to the lawsuit. Trump's administration has proposed abolishing the agency, and his budget proposal for the current fiscal year contained no money for it. But a bipartisan appropriations package moving through Congress would instead give $20 million to the Community Relations Service. In October, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani declined to issue a temporary restraining order blocking the 13 employees' termination, but she said the plaintiffs made a strong showing they would likely ultimately prevail. Advertisement Advertisement Talwani, who was appointed by Democratic President Barack Obama, has since October been weighing whether to issue an injunction requiring them to be reinstated and preventing the agency's dismantling. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; editing by Mark Heinrich) NEW YORK (AP) A top Democrat slammed the Trump administration late Wednesday for creating uncertainty and confusion in cutting thousands of substance abuse and mental health grants and then abruptly reversing course. House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rep. Rosa DeLauro described Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision-making as dangerous and haphazard after grant recipients began laying off employees based on the original plans. He must be cautious when making decisions that will impact Americans health, DeLauro, D-Conn., said in a statement. I hope this reversal serves as a lesson learned. Advertisement Advertisement The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration on Tuesday night had canceled some 2,000 grants representing nearly $2 billion in funding, according to an administration official with knowledge of the cuts who was not authorized to discuss them publicly. But by Wednesday evening, those cuts were being reversed, according to reports in The New York Times, NPR, The Washington Post and others. Grant recipients who had their funding canceled on Tuesday told The Associated Press they hadn't yet received word of the reinstatements. Some had already made difficult decisions in response to the cuts, including laying off employees and canceling scheduled trainings. The reason for the reversal wasn't immediately clear, and spokespeople for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services didn't respond to requests for comment Wednesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Cuts had affected a wide range of programs The grant cancellations had pulled back funding for a wide swath of discretionary grants and represented about a quarter of SAMHSA's overall budget. They built on other, wide-ranging cuts that have been made at HHS, including the elimination of thousands of jobs and the freezing or canceling of billions of dollars for scientific research. The cuts had thrown into jeopardy programs that give direct mental health services, opioid treatment, drug prevention resources, peer support and more to communities affected by addiction, mental illness and homelessness. Without that funding, people are going to lose access to lifesaving services, Yngvild Olsen, former director of SAMHSAs Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and a national adviser at Manatt Health, said earlier Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement SAMHSA, a sub-agency of HHS, notified grant recipients that their funding would be canceled effective immediately in emailed letters on Tuesday evening, according to several copies received by organizations and reviewed by The Associated Press. The letters, signed by SAMHSA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher Carroll, justified the terminations using a regulation that says the agency may terminate any federal award that no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities. Grant recipients who were notified of the cancellations said they were confused by that explanation and didn't get any further detail about why the agency felt their work didn't match up with SAMHSA's priorities. The goal of our grants is entirely in line with the priorities listed in that letter, said Jamie Ross, CEO of the Las Vegas-based PACT Coalition, a community organization focused on substance use issues that lost funding from three grants totaling $560,000. Advertisement Advertisement Grant recipients were already taking action in response to the cuts Organizations reeling from the news on Wednesday told the AP they had already been forced to cut staff and cancel trainings. In the long term, many had been considering whether they could keep programs alive by shuffling them to different funding sources or whether they'd need to stop the services altogether. Robert Franks, CEO of the Boston-based mental health provider the Baker Center for Children and Families, which was told Tuesday it was losing two federal grants totaling $1 million, said Wednesday afternoon that the loss of funding would force his organization to lay off staff and put care in jeopardy for some 600 families receiving it. One of his organization's canceled grants had been awarded through the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative, a more than 20-year-old program supporting specialized care for children who have been through traumatic events ranging from sexual abuse to school violence. Advertisement Advertisement Franks said his organizations work directly advances SAMHSA's goals to address mental illness. He said trauma care provided to children through his organization helps people from all walks of life and reduces burdens on other parts of society. He could not be reached late Wednesday to respond to the news of the grant reinstatements. Both Ross and Ryan Hampton, founder of the advocacy nonprofit Mobilize Recovery, told the AP they hadn't yet been notified of any reversal to the grant cuts they'd been notified of Tuesday night. The National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors, a group that represents local organizations that deliver safety net services, sent a letter to its members on Wednesday noting that multiple of its partners estimated the slashed grants totaled around 2,000 and likely amounted to some $2 billion. The group said the funding pullbacks appeared to focus on grants classified as Programs of Regional and National Significance. The group said it believed certain block grants, 988 suicide and crisis lifeline funding and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics were spared from the cuts. Sen. Jacky Rosen on the Senate floor in September 2025; Rep. Steven Horsford at a "Fight Oligarchy" rally in May, 2025. (Rosen image, Senate video screengrab; Horsford photo by Michael Lyle/Nevada Current) With President Donald Trump calling on Congress to ban corporate homeownership at the federal level, Nevada Congressional Democrats are pushing the administration to support existing legislation that monitors, but doesnt cap, investor ownership of single family homes. U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford and U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen sponsored the Housing Oversight and Mitigation Exploitation (HOME) Act that seeks to enable federal agencies to investigate price-gouging practices by corporate investors and review anti-competitive practices in the residential housing market. Advertisement Advertisement The Nevada Democrats recently sent a letter to Trump urging his support for the bill. If passed, the U.S. Housing and Urban Development would be tasked with determining if corporate investors buy more than 5% of the single-family housing units in a market over a three-year period. Horsford and Rosen both said there were issues with placing a blanket cap or limit on investors at the federal level. My bill intentionally relies on a percentage instead of a specific number limit before an investigation is triggered because housing markets vary widely, Rosen said in a statement. The impacts of buying up fifty homes in Las Vegas will be different than in Elko, which is why we cant use a once-size-fits-all approach. Advertisement Advertisement Horsfords office said since the number of large, out-of-state investors makes up a single digit percentage of single-family housing stock a nationwide cap will not prevent the problem. It could however incentivize institutional investors to make smaller-scale purchases, merging with other investors, or building homes for rent as a loophole, the office said in a statement to Nevada Current. That is why the HOME Act establishes monitoring and investigation triggers based on market concentration. The goal is to penalize bad actors while allowing responsible corporate owners to contribute to the housing supply by building new rental and affordable homes. Horsfords office noted that he did support failed state legislation that sought to cap the number investors could buy in a single year. There have been several proposals in recent years at the federal level from Congressional Democrats that seek to limit corporate investors from purchasing single family homes. Those bills have lacked Republican support. Advertisement Advertisement Trump posted on social media last week asking Congress to take action in an effort to tackle the housing and affordability crisis. I am immediately taking steps to ban large institutional investors from buying more single-family homes, and I will be calling on Congress to codify it, Trump wrote in a social media post last week. People live in homes, not corporations. The post didnt outline any legislative language. Trump indicated he would outline details of his proposal at the annual Davos Summit in Switzerland next week. The announcement has resulted in some Republicans jumping on the bandwagon, even those who have been hostile to efforts to rein in the industry, said Sam Garin, the senior communications coordinator for the Private Equity Stakeholder Project. Advertisement Advertisement Nevada Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, who has repeatedly stymied state legislative efforts to rein in corporate homeownership, announced he was actively developing a working group on the issue shortly after Trumps post. In the letter Rosen and Horsford sent to Trump, they called on him to enact meaningful oversight of the housing market, preventing large institutional investors from manipulating prices, and holding bad actor corporate property owners accountable for abusive practices that are increasing housing prices and putting the American Dream out of reach for millions of families. The HOME Act is just one approach to addressing the housing crisis, Garin said. As the nation struggles to address the housing crisis, which include rising rents, limited affordable and available housing, and little tenant protections, there should be different policies adopted at both the federal and state level, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Both Congress and state legislatures need to look at many solutions from landlord registries to rent stabilization. Its the kind of thing where we need to come at it from a bunch of different angles to actually address it, Garin said. Obviously we support a cap and think its a really great idea. It doesnt have to be a cap. What we could also see is changes to the tax code that reduce incentives for private equity firms or other institutional investors to be buying up these houses and profiting from them. While the HOME Act seeks to monitor institutional investors at the federal level, the bill also includes provisions that seek to limit investments from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to investors that have violated renter protections. Its especially notable that the HOME Act would limit investments from Fannie and Freddie to any organizations that have violated renter protections or have kind of engaged in exploitative rent hikes, Garin said. Advertisement Advertisement The problem to any meaningful policy solution is to ensure it has mechanisms of accountability built in legislation. Any policy solution, any kind of policy intervention, needs to ensure that these firms and these big businesses do not get off with just a slap on the wrist or weak enforcement, Garin said. Very often, for these multi-billion dollar businesses, any kind of fines they get from the Federal Trade Commission just becomes a cost of doing business, and not a meaningful way of actually dissuading that behavior in the future. Garin also noted that Trump also has strong connections to the private equity industry as well as Wall Street, and if he wanted to rein in the industry he could use those connections and work to actually get them to treat tenants better. Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane with apparent support from the Idaho Attorney Generals Office has so far pushed back against the Department of Justices intrusion into elections, a power reserved for state legislatures. Up until this point, Idaho has tiptoed quietly past Justices demands for voter roll information, handing over already publicly available data and scrubbing out identifiers. But no more. Someone at the Justice Department must have noticed that Idaho hasnt been giving them exactly what they want, and now theyre coming for Idahos voter rolls, threatening to sue if they dont get their way. Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Justice is seeking unredacted voter personal identifying information, which includes such data as full birthdates, addresses, drivers license numbers and parts of Social Security numbers. Good for McGrane for protecting Idahoans privacy and not disclosing such information, which could be misused or even weaponized to go after or challenge the eligibility of voters who vote a certain way. McGrane, true to his nature, so far has been polite about the whole matter. But at some point, McGrane, a self-described election nerd, is going to have to pull out his pocket Constitution, take off the kid gloves and recite chapter and verse Article 1, Section 4: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof. Advertisement Advertisement In other words, to the federal government: Butt out. If this were a demand from the Biden administration, Idahos conservatives and states rights folks would be yelling bloody murder. Turning over the information would also violate an Idaho law that limits sharing voting data with third parties, as McGrane pointed out to the Idaho Capital Sun. The Department of Justice has used any number of federal statutes to justify its demand to get our personal information, such as the National Voting Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act, and even the Civil Rights Act of 1960. But these laws dont allow for a wide-ranging, blanket demand for unredacted voter information from the states. Advertisement Advertisement Some observers worry not without reason that the Trump administration will act to disrupt or upset the midterm elections to tilt the scales in Republicans favor. Republicans already are implementing mid-decade gerrymandering in certain states to ensure Republican victories to maintain control of the House and Senate, recognizing that theyll have trouble winning fair and square in the midterms. Some Democratic states are considering their own gerrymandering in response, with California even passing a proposition that allowed for a new congressional map. Democratic control of both or even one of those bodies would slow Trumps shockingly swift and relentless march toward authoritarianism. Of course, Trump has little to worry about in ruby-red Idaho he won the state in 2024 with 67% of the vote. But the principle remains the same: The federal governments executive branch has no business in the administration of elections. Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Departments pretext of needing the records to weed out undocumented immigrants is specious. Idaho already scrubbed its voter rolls, and out of a million registered voters, elections officials found only about 30 cases of noncitizens registering, and some of those appear to have been paperwork lags. Some states have bowed to Trumps pressure, and thats bad for the Constitution. McGrane and Attorney General Raul Labrador, as constitutional officers in one of the most Republican states in the country, would send a clear and leading message by refusing the Justice Departments orders. Election meddling is not a partisan issue; its a constitutional and states rights issue. Advertisement Advertisement And one thing thats not negotiable in a Republican state that believes strongly in state sovereignty and the notion of federalism is adherence to the Constitution. McGranes nice-guy attitude, while admirable and refreshing in todays coarsened political landscape, isnt going to get him far in this fight. Trump chews up and spits out nice guys like McGrane even if he is a Republican. This puts McGrane in a quandary, as he has thus far gingerly navigated between the Idaho MAGA land mines for years. At some point, there will be a line of demarcation, a bridge too far, when a spine is necessary, even if it means a future defeat at the ballot box. Advertisement Advertisement McGrane has played the nice guy so far, and look what its gotten him. The Justice Department is still coming after Idahos voter rolls and threatening to sue. We welcome a dialogue with your office to continue to discuss the broader efforts to ensure the accuracy of Idahos voter rolls, McGrane wrote to the Justice Department in September. Their response? You may have seen in the news that we have sued six states earlier this week for refusing to provide their voter registration lists, a Justice Department lawyer said in a Dec. 4 voicemail to the Idaho Secretary of States Office. And were preparing additional lawsuits. Id like to keep everyone out of that as much as possible. But I havent heard anything back from you all. Advertisement Advertisement So we encourage McGrane to play hardball, too. No more Mr. Nice Guy. McGrane and Labrador should hold a joint press conference on the steps of the Capitol and tell the Justice Department, in no uncertain terms, to go pound sand, that the request is patently unconstitutional, unlawful, overbroad and an infringement on Idahos sovereignty and Idahoans privacy. They should say that Idaho will fight like hell to protect your and my protected data. Maybe they could get some members of the Idaho Legislatures Committee on Federalism to join them. You know, pretend that the demand for voter information is coming from the Biden administration. Statesman editorials are the opinion of the Idaho Statesmans editorial board. Board members are opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, editor Chadd Cripe, assistant editor Jim Keyser and community members John Hess, Debbie McCormick and Julie Yamamoto. Xi's special envoy visits Laos Xinhua) 09:46, January 14, 2026 VIENTIANE, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Liu Haixing, special envoy of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping, visited Laos on Tuesday to congratulate the successful convening of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and Thongloun Sisoulith on his election as general secretary of the 12th LPRP Central Committee. Liu, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a congratulatory letter from Xi to Thongloun and conveyed a message. The message stated that China stands ready to work with Laos to advance the continuous development of a China-Laos community with a shared future, guided by the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries. Thongloun expressed his sincere appreciation and extended warm greetings to Xi. He noted that the new central leadership of the LPRP attaches great importance to developing relations with China and is willing to work closely with China to continuously elevate bilateral relations between the two parties and two countries to a higher level. During his visit, Liu also held talks with Bounleua Phandanouvong, head of the LPRP Central Committee's Commission for External Relations. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) President Donald Trump on Tuesday flipped off an autoworker during an appearance at a Ford plant in Dearborn, Michigan, dropping an F-bomb during the interaction for good measure. Trump threw the bird after a worker in the crowd called him a pedophile protector, presumably a reference to the presidents relationship with the late *** trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and his efforts to prevent the release of Justice Department files regarding Epstein in its possession. Politics: Gavin Newsom Sums Up Trumps Middle Finger Meltdown In 3 Words Video of the incident obtained by TMZ shows Trump standing high on a walkway above the factory floor Tuesday in a full-length black peacoat. Advertisement Advertisement Trump glowers as someone below yells, Pedophile protector! He sharply snaps to attention and points a finger at the factory floor below. **** you! Trump mouths, continuing to point as he walks away. Trump also appears to mouth youre fired as he walks away from the workers, dropping his index finger down. Just before he reaches the end of the walkway, the president again faces the workers below, extending a middle finger toward the crowd. Asked for comment, White House spokesperson Steven Cheung called Trumps response appropriate. A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response, Cheung said. Related... Read the original on HuffPost A Main Pass Oil Gathering Co. helicopter aircrew spotted crude oil during an overflight near Main Pass, Louisiana, Nov. 16, 2023. (Photo via U.S. Coast Guard courtesy of by Main Pass Oil Gathering Co., LLC) Lets say you hired a landscaper to work on your backyard. But they left their trash and broken tools scattered around your property and made you clean it all up. Would you hire that same company to work on your front yard? The Trump administration would, apparently. Advertisement Advertisement The administrations proposed five-year program calls for new oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska and, for the first time in decades, off the coast of California. But the same industry that will benefit from Trumps plan already turned the Louisiana coast into a dumping ground, leaving infrastructure behind to decay and pollute our waters. We cant afford more of this. Much of Louisianas marine ecosystem has already been sacrificed for profit, and Trumps plan would be devastating for the Gulfs remaining manatees, sea turtles, gulf sturgeon and Rices whale one of the worlds most endangered baleen whales, with an estimated population of just 51 animals. Our sad reality is what happens when the oil industry is allowed to run rampant. It should be a cautionary tale for other states. There are currently more idle wells than producing wells in the Gulf of Mexico. At least 75% of end-of-lease and idle oil infrastructure off the Gulf Coast is overdue for decommissioning. Hundreds of these wells have sat idle for more than a decade , some far longer. These wells have proven to be dangerous, leaking oil into the water and spewing methane into the atmosphere. In April, Well 59 an 82-year-old idle well broke loose and spewed tens of thousands of gallons of pollutants into Louisiana state waters and wetlands. Advertisement Advertisement For decades, operators have also avoided their cleanup obligations, selling off their low-producing wells to smaller companies, leaving their infrastructure to sit idle for some purported future use, or going bankrupt and deserting their platforms. Even though many of these companies raked in enormous profits while their wells were active, their attempts to evade cleanup obligations lead to persistent safety and environmental hazards. This is California and Alaskas future if Trumps five-year plan moves forward. Louisiana can serve as their crystal ball, and the plan deepens the decommissioning crisis in the Gulf. Long after operators pack up and leave, the underwater world off our coasts will be permanently scarred by rusting platforms and unplugged wells that leak harmful gases and toxins. The fishing industry that helps drive the Gulf Coast and Alaskas economy could be in peril; so will Californias robust tourism industry and iconic beaches. This danger is not lost on most coastal politicians, regardless of political party. When news of Trumps plan first broke, the administration faced so much pushback from states like Florida, South Carolina and Georgia that the entire East Coast was eventually scrapped from the plan. Several top Florida politicians, all Republican, are still working to stop the expansion in the Gulf of Mexico, worried more drilling will harm the states tourism industry. Advertisement Advertisement Why should the oil industry expand off the Gulf, California, and Alaska coasts when it cant even clean up its mess off Louisiana? Once these wells are no longer profitable, the industry will follow its trusted playbook pack up the equipment that still works and leave the rusting remnants behind for us to deal with. These companies should be paying to clean up the disaster they created in Louisiana. Instead, theyre bidding on the next marine environment to pollute. Donald Trump appeared to flip off an autoworker and repeatedly tell him "fuck you" after the man called him a "pedophile protector" during a Ford Factory visit in Michigan on Tuesday. Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images You can see the video on TMZ. The White House responded to the president's actions by saying , "A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the president gave an appropriate and unambiguous response." Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images Related: I Hate To Say It, But After Seeing These Extremely Stupid Pictures Im Convinced Americans Might Just Be The Dumbest People On Earth As this viral tweet says, "The President of the United States flipping off an autoworker is a pretty good visual metaphor for this moment in history." Related: These 34 Hilarious Tweets From Last Week Made Me Laugh So Hard I Think I Saw God For A Second Well, now we're hearing from the autoworker himself. Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement 40-year-old TJ Sabula told the Washington Post , "As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever." Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images Related: "That Will Kill You Within Seconds": Some People Are VERRRRRY Lucky The Internet Stepped Up To Identify These Random Things They Found He told the outlet that he's worried he'll be "targeted for political retribution" for "embarrassing Trump in front of his friends," but said, "I don't feel as though fate looks upon you often, and when it does, you better be ready to seize the opportunity. And today I think I did that." Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images Related: "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 Thoughts??? Also in Internet Finds: "We See You Finishing": 46 Hilarious Images That Scream "This Was No Accident" Also in Internet Finds: 50 Things People Somehow Accepted As Completely Normal In The Early 2000s That Were Definitely Very, Very Weird Also in Internet Finds: 19 True Crime Cases That Were So Wild And Upsetting, The Truth Was Almost Unguessable Read it on BuzzFeed.com The interim governing body for Gaza will have 15 members, according to Witkoff, though their names have not been confirmed. It remains unclear how Hamas will be disarmed as required by the plan. US special envoy Steve Witkoff announced the launch of Phase II of US President Donald Trump's Gaza Peace Plan on Wednesday. Sources familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post in advance that Trump would announce a move to Phase II on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement "We are announcing the launch of Phase II of the Presidents 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction," Witkoff wrote on X/Twitter. "Phase II establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), and begins the full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel," he added. "The US expects Hamas to comply fully with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage. Failure to do so will bring serious consequences," he said. "Phase I delivered historic humanitarian aid, maintained the ceasefire, returned all living hostages, and the remains of twenty-seven of the twenty-eight deceased hostages. We are deeply grateful to Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar for their indispensable mediation efforts that made all progress to date possible," Witkoff commented. What is the plan for Phase II? The Palestinian body will have 15 members and will be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Western-backed Palestinian Authority who had been in charge of developing industrial zones, according to a joint statement by mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Other members tapped by Nickolay Mladenov, the former UN Middle East envoy who is expected to represent the Board of Peace on the ground, include private-sector and NGO representatives, according to a list of names obtained by Reuters. Witkoff did not say how many members the body would include or name them. Another announcement regarding the Board of Peace was expected to be made at Davos next week, a European diplomat said. Shaath said in a radio interview that the committee would focus first on providing urgent relief for Gaza, including the provision of housing for displaced Palestinians, many of whom are living in makeshift tent shelters amid the rubble. Advertisement Advertisement "If I bring bulldozers and push the rubble into the sea, and make new islands, new land, I can win new land for Gaza and at the same time clear the rubble. This won't take more than three years," Shaath told a West Bank radio station. The challenge of demilitarization Witkoff said that phase two of Trump's plan also will begin "the full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel." Hamas, which refuses to lay down its weapons, agreed in October to hand over governance to the technocratic committee. It remains unclear how Hamas, which has regrouped since a fragile ceasefire began in October, will be disarmed as required by the plan. In the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority welcomed Trump's effort to move forward with the Gaza phased plan, as stated in a X post by Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh, and voiced support for the committee. Advertisement Advertisement Sheikh said institutions in Gaza should be linked to those run by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, "upholding the principle of one system, one law and one legitimate weapon." Hamas leaders and other Palestinian factions are in Cairo for talks on the second phase, the group said, where members of the technocratic Palestinian committee were expected to meet with Mladenov. Egyptian sources said talks with Hamas will now focus on the group's disarmament. Further Israeli withdrawals within Gaza are tied to disarmament, though Hamas has said it will give up its weapons only once there is a Palestinian state. Advertisement Advertisement Hamas and its rival Fatah group, led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, have both endorsed the list of technocratic committee members, Egyptian and Palestinian sources said. It will also include the head of the Gaza Chamber of Commerce, Ayed Abu Ramadan, and Omar Shamali, who has worked for the Palestine Telecommunications Company (Paltel), Palestinian sources said. The sources said the list would also include Sami Nasman, a retired senior Palestinian Authority security officer and a longtime critic of Hamas. Nasman, a member of Abbas's Fatah movement, is originally from Gaza but has lived in the West Bank since 2007. Israeli officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Qatar expresses hope for Phase II ahead of Trump comments Qatar, a key mediator in the Gaza conflict, has expressed hope that Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff's announcement of the launch of phase two of Trump's 20-point plan to end the conflict in Gaza will help consolidate the calm, Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said on Wednesday. Gvili's mother: Netanyahu affirmed Ran's return is 'our top priority' Talik Gvili, mother of slain hostage St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili, confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called her and confirmed that the return of her son's remains from Gaza is "our top priority." Advertisement Advertisement Gvili is the final hostage whose remains are still being held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas and other terror groups. The move establishing a technocratic committee to govern the strip, and "any other action," would not affect efforts to return Gvili's remains, Talik said. "The statement on Phase II focuses on the demand of disarming Hamas terrorists and demilitarizing the Gaza Strip. There will be no IDF withdrawal until they are disarmed, no construction, and no reconstruction," she said. The Rafah Border Crossing has not yet been reopened because "we insist on [bringing Ran's remains home]," she noted. Advertisement Advertisement Efforts to return his remains are "being carried out in the intelligence and operational echelons, as well as via talks with mediators," she elaborated. "We have clear demands from Hamas because we passed on intelligence information, and things we have requested have not yet happened. Therefore, anything that is expected to happen will not affect the efforts and the demand to return Ran," she affirmed. Hostages and Missing Families Forum denounces Phase II, while Gvili's remains still held in Gaza The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, earlier on Wednesday, denounced the expectation that the Trump administration will proceed into Phase II, due to Gvili's remains still being held in Gaza. "This morning, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, together with the Gvili family, is calling on Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu to honor his commitment, as he promised the family in private conversations, not to proceed to Phase II until Ran is brought home," the forum wrote on their official social media. Advertisement Advertisement "Moving to Phase II now, while efforts to secure Ran's return have not been exhausted, would mean giving up the most significant source of leverage and could effectively condemn Ran to permanent disappearance," the forum said. "Until Ran is returned, the State of Israel will not be able to close its deepest open wound or begin the process of recovery and healing that it so desperately needs. Phase II cannot be implemented while Ran remains in captivity," the forum insisted. Palestinian Authority Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh praises launch of Phase II "The Palestinian Presidency welcomes" Trump's efforts, including "the establishment of the Board of Peace and its executive bodies," Palestinian Authority Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh wrote on X/Twitter. "The Presidency announces its support for the formation of the Palestinian Committee for the Administration of Gaza during this transitional phase," he added. Advertisement Advertisement "The Presidency has maintained close coordination with the Special Envoy for Peace Mr Steve Witkoff, Mr Jared Kushner and the US teams and Mr Nickolay Mladenov in support of the United States efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and to move to the second phase of its implementation, including reconstruction," Sheikh said. "The Palestinian Presidency reiterates the importance of linking the institutions of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and not creating any administrative, legal, or security arrangements that would entrench duplication, division, separation, or fragmentation, with upholding the principle of one system, one law, and one legitimate weapon," he commented. "The Presidency further stresses the importance of working with the United States and relevant partners to take decisive steps in the West Bank in parallel with the transitional phase in Gaza. This includes ensuring a halt to unilateral actions that violate international law, preventing settlement expansion plans and settler terrorism, releasing withheld Palestinian funds, preventing displacement and annexation, and preclude any undermining of the Palestinian National Authority and the two-State solution," he continued. "The Presidency call upon all Palestinian factions, national institutions, civil society organizations, and all segments of Palestinian society to assume their national and historical responsibilities, and to act in a spirit of partnership and highest sense of responsibility in order to ensure the success of this critical transitional phase," he concluded. Zini, Ben-Gvir disagree over proposed names of Gaza technocratic gov't. - N12 An argument erupted between National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief David Zini at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, N12 News reported. During the meeting, Zini stated that Shin Bet approved the names of 15 members of the proposed technocratic government to oversee the Gaza Strip per Phase II of Trump's plan. Zini affirmed that none of the members were affiliated with either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, N12 noted. Ben-Gvir disagreed, noting that one was a deputy minister under then-PA president Yasser Arafat, according to the report. Zini argued that he met all the criteria set, but Ben-Gvir refuted this. N12 approached both Zini and Ben-Gvir's offices, and neither denied the details in the report. Egypt, Turkey, Qatar praise formation of technocratic government Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty affirmed that an agreement over the members forming the technocratic government had been reached during a press conference on Wednesday. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry released a joint statement with Qatar and Turkish partners praising the formation of the technocratic government. This is a "significant development that will contribute to strengthening efforts aimed at consolidating stability and improving the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip," the statement read. We "hope that the formation of the committee will pave the way for the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip," the statement continued. This "will contribute to consolidating the truce and preventing renewed escalation," it affirmed. The three countries, referring to themselves as "the mediators," stressed "the necessity for all parties to fully implement the agreement in order to achieve a sustainable peace and create the appropriate conditions for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, thus fulfilling the aspirations of the brotherly Palestinian people for security, stability, and a dignified life." The statement also confirmed that Ali Shaath would lead the technocratic government. This is the former PA minister whose history reportedly caused the aforementioned argument between Zini and Ben-Gvir. The committee is expected to hold its first meeting at the US Embassy in Cairo on Thursday, and is due to hold future meetings at a temporary headquarters in Egypt, while five offices will be established in the Gaza Strip to coordinate with the committee, Israeli public broadcaster KAN News reported on Wednesday. Reuters contributed to this report. The United States special envoy to Greenland posted a misleading historical claim about the territory he is tasked with planning to take over. History matters, Gov. Jeff Landry wrote on X, before sharing information that was not historically accurate. The U.S. defended Greenlands sovereignty during WWII when Denmark couldnt, Landry wrote, adding, After the war, Denmark re-occupied itside stepping and ignoring UN protocol. History matters. The U.S. defended Greenlands sovereignty during WWII when Denmark couldnt. After the war, Denmark re-occupied itside stepping and ignoring UN protocol. This should be about hospitality, not hostility. @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/2MnIZGQjMU Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) January 11, 2026 Landry also linked to an article suggesting that British troops could be moved to Greenland to defend the territory after President Donald Trump, 79, repeatedly issued warnings that the U.S. would take the autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark one way or the other. Advertisement Advertisement Users were quick to fact-check the 55-year-old Louisiana governor, who was named special envoy to Greenlanda volunteer positionby Trump in December to lead the charge in seeking Greenland, which the president has reasserted the U.S. needs for national security. The president reasserted that the US needs the mineral-rich territory for national security. / Paula Froelich Youre completely full of s--t dude, one user commented on Landrys post. History does matter. The U.S. defended Denmarks territory during WWII by agreement. Denmark never lost sovereignty, never re-occupied Greenland, and violated no UN rules. This is myth, not history, the user continued, writing that the governor should Get an education. Readers collectively also provided corrective context in a community note attached to the post, outlining historical facts that differ from Landrys claims. Advertisement Advertisement According to the historical record, the U.S. and Denmark reached an agreement in 1941 that preserved Danish sovereignty while allowing the U.S. to defend Greenland. Unlike Landrys assertion, Denmark did not reoccupy the territory; instead, Greenland was re-recognized by the United Nations as a Danish county in 1954. Bad when a governor doesnt know his history, one user posted in response to Landrys misleading post. Lets get it straight: Greenland was legally Danish territory before, during and after WWII. Therefore Denmark didnt re-occupy it after WW2," another user clarified. Trump's threats to takeover the island have been met with protests in Denmark and Greenland. / SOPA Images / SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett Landry ended his post in one sentence: This should be about hospitality, not hostility. Advertisement Advertisement Yet, despite the governors opposition to hostility, the Trump administrationand the governor himselfhave escalated their takeover rhetoric, even as Greenlands residents and leaders have spoken out against it. We are not for sale. We dont want to be Americans, we want to be Greenlanders, Greenlandic MP Per Berthelsen told the Financial Times. As administration officials discussed a range of options to acquire the territory of a NATO ally, Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Tuesday, If we have to choose between the USA and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. According to a YouGov poll, a majority of Americans across the political spectrum oppose taking control of Greenland by military force, with 73 percent overall rejecting the idea. Lies are not working, one user summarized in a comment on Landrys historically inaccurate post. The Daily Beast has contacted Landrys office for comment. Not so long ago, the Arctica remote and thinly populated region stretching from Alaska to Siberiaseemed immune to the kind of conflicts that beset so many other parts of the world. Scholars even had a phrase for it: Arctic exceptionalism. Territorial disputes were virtually nonexistent. Until recently, Finland and Sweden still served as buffers between an expanding NATO alliance and the Russian federation, which takes up more than half of the Arctic coastline. Over the last couple of decades, the member states of the Arctic Council reached international agreements on polar bear conservation, commercial fishing in the Central Arctic Ocean, and the rights of Indigenous peoples. The Norwegian phrase High North, low tension, came to serve as a kind of mantra and point of pride. But that cooperative spirit is now a thing of the past. It has been replaced by an emerging era of competition over resources, particularly rare earth metals and control of shipping lanes, increasingly accessible as sea ice melts, and the potential for outright conflict as the United States, Russia, and China all seek to project power in the region. Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has fractured the Arctic Council and stripped it of much of the legitimacy and influence it once had. Since then, diplomatic relations between Russia and the so-called Arctic 7Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the U.S.have deteriorated badly. Russia has officially banned all data sharing with its Western counterparts, and indefinitely suspended scientific collaboration with the U.S. and the EU. Meanwhile, China has declared itself a near-Arctic state and is leveraging Russias relative isolation on the world stage to advance its own vision of a polar Silk Road. And the U.S. has become the most openly belligerent actor in the region amid Donald Trumps renewed threats to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory that is still part of Denmark. As Mia Bennett and Klaus Dodds argue in Unfrozen: The Fight for the Future of the Arctic, the sense of shared responsibility that once defined the region has all but vanished. The focus is now on security and the military buildup that goes along with it, as well as resource extraction and territorial expansion, including claims to the lucrative metals believed to lie at the bottom of the Arctic Ocean. The effects of climate change and questions related to Indigenous sovereignty have largely been placed on the back burner. And even if some sort of agreement or ceasefire is reached in Ukraine, which at this stage seems unlikely, it will not as Bennett and Dodds write, repair the now hard-wired distrust within the Arctic state community. The damage has been well and truly done. Advertisement Advertisement The sense of shared responsibility that once defined the region has all but vanished. The focus is now on security, military buildup, and resource extraction. The plundering of resources in the Arctic is an old story, from furs and whale oil to metals and fossil fuels, and one that has often been wrapped in depictions of the region as an empty wasteland (most famously, perhaps, Alaska Senator Ted Stevens once held up a blank piece of paper to represent the Arctic National Wildlife Refuges coastal plain). Its fate today is inextricably tied to the whims of its two most powerful actorsthe U.S. and Russiawhose current leaders are driven by a kind of nineteenth-century vision of hemispheric consolidation and expansion. But increasingly they must also contend with a third actor, a rapidly warming climate, which is, perversely, opening up new commercial opportunities on land and sea, even as it threatens to radically upend a way of life and natural order that has existed for thousands of years. Bennett, a geographer at the University of Washington, and Dodds, a professor of geopolitics at the University of London, have traveled widely across the Arctic for well over a decade, and the book benefits from a mix of on-the-ground reporting, much of which first appeared on Bennetts blog, Cryopolitics, and an intimate grasp of the ecological and political changes reshaping the region. Advertisement Advertisement The Arctic is warming faster than anywhere else on earth. Sea ice is disappearing and, according to some projections, the Arctic Ocean could see its first ice-free summers as soon as 2030. Warming waters are destabilizing marine ecosystemsAlaskas snow crab population was wiped out in 2022, likely a result of increasing temperaturesand salmon runs along the states major rivers have crashed. And as prized species such as pollock and cod migrate northward in search of colder waters, it is only a matter of time before the Central Arctic Ocean, currently protected by an international treaty, is opened to commercial exploitation. Back on land, permafrost is thawing, raising questions about the viability of northern settlementsabout half of the Arctics four million people live in Russiaand the thousands of miles of oil and gas infrastructure that stretch across the tundra. Storms, fires, and landscape-scale ecological transformation threaten the subsistence-based way of life that continues to sustain northern communities (some villages in Alaska are in the process of being relocated at enormous cost). Aging pipelines and oil wells are also vulnerable, posing new risks to the environment and public health. The changes, however, have also been viewed as a commercial bonanza. In a 2019 speech in Finland, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described the Arctic as a land of abundance and opportunity, with vast mineral stores and fisheries galore. Diminishing sea icerather than a cataclysm for local hunters and the species they depend on and a contributor to rising sea levelswas heralded as opening up a new golden age of trade and shipping. Diminishing sea icerather than a cataclysm for local hunters and a contributor to rising sea levelswas heralded as opening up a new golden age of trade and shipping. Advertisement Advertisement The United States has also continued to expand oil and gas development on Alaskas North Slope, and the Trump administration recently announced that it would resume leasing and development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and vastly increase the acreage available in the National Petroleum Reserve. Russia is forging ahead with massive development projects along its Arctic coastline (Vostok and Yamal LNG, to name two) and banking on new shipping routes to send crude oil to Asia. Meanwhile, new frontiers are being pursued. In 2024, Norwaya pioneer in offshore oil and gas development in the far northbecame the first country to approve exploration licenses for deep sea mining in the Arctic Ocean, though it subsequently imposed a year-long moratorium after pushback from environmental organizations and other EU nations. But the race is on. The U.S., Russia, Canada, Norway, and Denmark (via Greenland) have all made claims, some of which overlap, to the seabed territory beyond their exclusive economic zones. This would give these countries exclusive access to the minerals or fossil fuels at the bottom of the ocean. The search for rare earth metals and other highly prized mineralscopper, zinc, and titanium for exampleneeded to sustain our digital lives (and, incidentally, our advanced weaponry) also extends to land. Greenland, which is believed to possess enormous quantities of mineral wealth, has been coveted for this very reason, though very little mining is actually taking place there. In yet another ominous twist, cold climate locales are seen as an ideal place to build data centers, which are used to power the internet industrial complex and consume such vast amounts of energy that they are susceptible to overheating. Bennett and Dodds also speculate that the Arctic may be considered fertile ground for another risky endeavor: geoengineering. Scientists are already working on ways to deflect solar radiation from reaching the poles by injecting sulfur into the atmosphere and to preserve glaciers and sea ice. One experiment, advanced by a Silicon Valley nonprofit that has since folded, involved dispersing glass beads on the surface of a frozen lake in northern Alaska in the hope that it would reflect the sunlight. Ultimately, Bennett and Dodds see geoengineering as a sign of desperationnot to mention another colonial misadventureand one that has the potential to do enormous damage. In pursuit of a great refreeze, the authors conclude, capable actors may intervene in ways unimaginable just decades ago, destabilizing the environmental and international order alike. Trumps threats toward Greenland present a heavy-handed challenge to one of the more promising recent developments in Arctic politics: the assertion of Indigenous sovereignty as a potential counterweight to the zero-sum scramble for resources driven by the worlds superpowers. Greenland is more than 80 percent Inuit, and, over the last couple of decades, has sought to gain greater autonomy from Denmark, which ruled the island as a colony until 1953. Greenland manages its own domestic affairs, but relies on a block grant from the Danes to fund the government. Denmark also has control of foreign policy and security. Advertisement Advertisement Under this arrangement, Greenlands government has banned offshore oil and gas leasing and, in 2021, stymied a massive rare-earth metals mine near the southern tip of the island because of concerns over environmental contamination. Even on matters of foreign policy, it is now widely assumed that Greenland should have a seat at the table. As Mute Egede, Greenlands prime minister from 2021 to 2025, put it in a speech in 2022 in Nuuk, You are welcome to have an opinion about geopolitics and Greenland, but decisions concerning Greenland must be made here. Nothing about uswithout us. Not surprisingly, Trumps imperial designs on the country have not been warmly received there. In December 2024, before taking office, he began musing about his desire to acquire Greenland, a strategic landmass that has been at the center of U.S. policy in the Arctic since World War II. This proclamation was followed by a semiofficial visit to the island by Don Jr., during which YouTube influencers distributed $100 bills to random people in the capital, Nuuk. At the State of the Union address, Trump reiterated his intent to get Greenland to make its people rich and most of all to advance the cause of international world security, whatever that is. In March, JD Vance, along with his wife, Usha, and then-national security adviser Mike Waltz, traveled to the U.S. military base in far northwestern Greenland. Earlier plans to attend a dog sled race and visit some of the tourist sites in Nuuk were abandoned after it became clear that residents were planning to snub the vice president. And in the wake of the CIAs ousting of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Trump, his top aide Stephen Miller, and Vance have all doubled down on threats to use force to take over Greenland. Denmarks prime minister has said any such action would spell the end of NATO, and Greenlands leaders have flatly refused to entertain the possibility of becoming a vassal of the United States. In Trumps eyes, according to reporting by Susan Glasser and Peter Baker, Greenland is a nice chunk of real estate with a lot of minerals and hed like to add it to his portfolio. As Dodds and Bennett make clear, the fight for the future of the Arctic will be waged not only in Moscow and D.C., but also in Nuuk, Utqiagvik, Karasjok, and beyond. Greenland may only have a population of 56,000, but theyve been waiting 300 years for independence. And if the U.S. hope was to drive a wedge between Greenland and Denmark, perhaps accelerating the push for independence, it seems to have failed. If anything, the two countries have forged closer ties since Trump started making noise about annexing the island. Which leaves us facing the very real possibility that Trump, who last Friday in a meeting in the White House with oil executives to discuss Venezuela said the U.S. would take Greenland whether they like it or not, will do the unthinkable. Even if diplomacy prevails, and some sort of trilateral agreement is reached (Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet with his Danish and Greenlandic counterparts this week), Trumps scorched-earth approach has already done a great deal of damage. We need Greenland for national security and world peace, Trump has said. In reality, his actions have done more to destabilize the region than anything Russia or China could have dreamed of. But in a joint news conference with the Greenlandic foreign minister, he said it was "absolutely not necessary" for the US to acquire the Arctic territory A senior Trump administration official has hit out at Labour over a planned ban on importing hunting trophies. Doug Burgum, the US interior secretary, warned of unintended consequences from the Governments proposed crackdown on hunters bringing body parts of lions, elephants and zebras killed for sport back to Britain. In a letter to Emma Reynolds, the Environment Secretary, which has been seen by The Telegraph, Mr Burgum wrote: While well-intentioned, the legislation risks undermining conservation efforts not only in the United States, but in communities around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Legal, well-regulated hunting particularly trophy hunting plays a vital role in supporting healthy wildlife populations, restoring habitat and supporting local economies. While Donald Trump has branded big game trophy hunting a horror show, his sons Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump are avid hunters. They have faced criticism over photos documenting their previous hunting trips in Africa, including one showing Mr Trump Jr with a dead Buffalo. During his time in office, Mr Trump has reversed a ban on trophy hunting imports imposed by Barack Obamas administration and eased rules around hunting on public land. Mr Burgum pointed to existing legislation in the US that imposes import restrictions on hunting trophies, devised by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which the UK has been part of since the 1970s. Mr Burgum said: We respectfully encourage the United Kingdom to engage through these established channels rather than pursue a blanket ban on all imports. Doug Burgum wrote a letter to Emma Reynolds, claiming the trophy hunting ban risks undermining conservation efforts - Bonnie Cash/Bloomberg It marks the latest incursion into UK policy by the Trump administration as Sir Keir Starmer increasingly comes under fire from counterparts in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trumps allies have repeatedly criticised Britain over new online safety laws, arguing that the crackdown on harmful material amounts to an attack on free speech. US energy secretary Chris Wright has also attacked Ed Milibands net zero policies, branding the transition to green energy sources heartbreaking. Sir Keir has pushed back on some issues, including defending Britains track record on free speech following fierce criticism from Vice President JD Vance, but has stopped short of criticising White House interference in UK politics. The proposed ban on trophy-hunting imports was first pledged by Boris Johnson in the 2019 Conservative Party manifesto but has still not passed through Parliament, despite repeated attempts. Advertisement Advertisement Labour in 2024 vowed to outlaw the practice, but the measure was not included in wide-ranging animal welfare reforms introduced last month, sparking anger from campaigners. As many as 25,000 animal parts have been brought back to the UK by trophy hunters since the 1980s, according to figures from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Actors Joanna Lumley and Ricky Gervais are among the high-profile celebrities who have supported a ban on the practice, which has been branded cruel, barbaric and outdated by animal rights campaigners. The proposed ban has received cross-parliamentary support, with MPs from both parties sponsoring the legislation in private members bills. Trophy hunters are conservation heroes However, critics argue that well-managed trophy hunting is vital in supporting conservation efforts. They point to growing populations of some species in areas where big game hunting flourishes, such as elephant numbers in Zimbabwe. Advertisement Advertisement Safari Club International (SCI), a US-based hunting lobby group, has spent 1m on a campaign to delay the ban on trophy hunting, including funding a controversial Facebook page called Let Africa Live. Charlie Jacoby, who leads SCI in the UK, said: I welcome this latest in a long line of interventions from countries with far better track records on wildlife than the UK. If it annoys a few urban MPs and TV comedians, so be it. This Government has lost touch with people on the frontline of wildlife management. Trophy hunters are conservation heroes. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs declined to comment. 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 has been briefed on military options against Iran over a violent crackdown on protests that has left more than 600 people dead but is holding off for now after receiving private messages from Tehran, the White House said Monday. Trump has repeatedly threatened military action if Iran uses deadly force against anti-government protesters, a red line Washington says Iran is "starting to cross". Media reports indicate Pentagon officials have discussed long-range missile attacks, cyber operations and psychological campaign responses. Advertisement Advertisement White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is exploring messages from Iranian regime officials. "What you're hearing publicly from the Iranian regime is quite different from the messages the administration is receiving privately, and I think the president has an interest in exploring those messages," Leavitt told reporters Monday. "However, with that said, the president has shown he's unafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary, and nobody knows that better than Iran." Tariffs against countries doing business with Tehran Trump announced Monday he would impose 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Tehran "effective immediately," in his first action penalising Iran for the protest crackdown. "Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "This Order is final and conclusive." Advertisement Advertisement China, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Brazil and Russia are among the countries that do business with Tehran. The White House declined to offer further comment or details about the tariff announcement. Leavitt confirmed Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff will be a key player engaging Tehran. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key White House National Security Council officials began meeting Friday to develop a "suite of options" from diplomatic approaches to military strikes to present to Trump in coming days, according to US media reports. Related Advertisement Advertisement Trump told reporters Sunday a "meeting is being set up" with Iranian officials but cautioned "we may have to act because of what's happening before the meeting." "We're watching the situation very carefully," Trump said. The demonstrations are the biggest Iran has seen in years. Protests spurred by the Iranian currency collapse have morphed into a larger test of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's rule. Now in their third week, the anti-government protests have seen more than 500 protesters killed and almost 10,700 arrested, according to a US-based rights group. Iran's parliamentary speaker warned US military and Israel would be "legitimate targets" if Washington uses force to protect demonstrators. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is open to talks but remains "prepared for war." President Donald Trump dismissed Greenland Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen declaring that his people would choose Denmark over the United States taking control of their home. Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Trump was asked about Nielsens comment saying hed prefer Greenland stay with Denmark rather than be absorbed by the U.S., something Trump has long expressed a desire for. Denmark colonized the island 300 years ago and runs some of Greenlands affairs. If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark, Nielsen said in a Tuesday press conference with the prime minister of Denmark. Advertisement Advertisement Trump said the declaration could end up being a big problem for the Greenland leader. Well, thats their problem, Trump declared on Tuesday when told about Nielsens remarks. Thats their problem. I disagree with him. I dont know who he is, dont know anything about him, but thats going to be a big problem for him. The president moved on to discuss ongoing protests in Iran, where thousands have reportedly been murdered. Trump urged protesters to keep going, promising help is on the way. According to a UK Daily Mail report this week, Trump asked the Joint Special Operations Command to come up with an invasion plan for Greenland. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) also introduced a bill on Monday to give Trump authorization to take such steps as may be necessary to annex Greeland. The president said last week that the U.S. needs Greenland for defense. They are going to have to view it themselves, Trump said in reference to the citizens of Greenlands. I really dont know. He was very generous to me, Marco, yesterday. You know, I wasnt referring to Greenland at that time. But we do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense, he told The Atlantics Michael Scherer. Watch above via NewsNation. The post Trump Reacts To Greenlands Premier Saying They Want to Stay With Denmark: Thats Their Problem first appeared on Mediaite. A Nashville businessman and GOP booster has been nominated to a seat on the Tennessee Valley Authoritys board for the second time in less than a year. President Donald Trump is once again asking the U.S. Senate to confirm Lee Beaman to a part-time director position leading TVA, the nations largest public utility. More than 150 local power companies are customers of TVA, a federal entity primarily funded by electricity sales rather than by taxpayers. Directors are responsible for the utilitys policy and strategy, and they can vote to make changes to the electricity rates TVA charges across its seven-state region. Directors also can vote to change TVA's budget, select the CEO and make adjustments to the utility's nuclear development projects. TVA board ends lengthy gridlock with Trump nominees confirmed Beaman was first nominated in 2025 to fill a vacancy left by Joe Ritch, whom Trump fired in April before firing two more directors. Without the required five members needed to conduct regular business, what is normally a nine-member board was stuck in neutral for months until the Senate confirmed four Trump picks in December: Arthur Graham, Mitch Graves, Jeff Hagood and Randall Jones. Advertisement Advertisement All four men had been sworn in by Jan. 12, restoring the quorum with seven active members and two vacant seats. Trump's second nomination for Nashville businessman Lee Beaman Beaman was hoping to have already filled one of the vacant positions but has been challenged by Democrats in the Senate, who grilled him over his personal, political and professional ties during a key committee meeting in December. After the committee postponed a vote that would have sent Beaman's nomination to the full Senate, the year ended without a confirmation. With the ball back in his court to begin 2026, Trump renominated Beaman on Jan. 13. Beaman will need to make it through a set of hearings in the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works which has congressional jurisdiction over TVA nominees before his nomination can be heard by all 100 Senators, who have the final say. Lee Beaman Beaman, if confirmed, would bring the board to eight members, leaving just one vacancy. His term would expire in May 2030. TN Sens. Blackburn, Haggerty criticize TVA and push for Beaman Trump first nominated Beaman on July 1. At the same time, the president put forward nominations for Jones, who's from Alabama, as well as for Graves and Hagood, both Tennesseans. Advertisement Advertisement Beamans hearing in the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works was held separately from (and later than) the other nominees' hearings. At the time, a committee spokesperson said Beaman had not yet submitted the necessary paperwork to make the other hearings. When Beaman finally made it to a hearing, U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty fellow Tennesseans and fellow Republicans spoke on the nominee's behalf. TVA needs board members who can balance sound governance with practical real-world experience, Hagerty said during the hearing. Lee Beaman brings this much-needed mix of skills. Hagerty and Blackburn have been critics of TVA leadership. In a March opinion piece published in POWER Magazine, the senators advocated for a new board and interim CEO to replace outgoing Jeff Lyash. Advertisement Advertisement Days later, Ritch was off the board, whose members had instead named Don Moul as CEO on a permanent basis. Senate Democrats have different view of Beaman's qualifications Democrats on the committee pushed back much more forcefully on Beaman than on the other four nominees. Beaman was named in 2022 as a campaign treasurer to Andy Ogles, who now represents part of Middle Tennessee in Congress. Beaman said during his hearing he had served four months as Ogles treasurer. But in written answers to senators questions, Beaman denied ever acting as treasurer and said he was named to the role without agreeing to perform it. His other connections in Washington, D.C., were also subjects of scrutiny. Beamans friend and pastor Steve Berger has rented Beamans properties in Washington, D.C., to prominent politicians, according to reporting by ProPublica. That includes Speaker of the U.S. House Mike Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Beaman told senators in writing he had no control over sublets at those properties. When asked about reports of Berger making violent comments about LGBTQ people, Beaman said he'd never heard the pastor make those remarks. Mariah Franklin reports on technology and energy for Knox News. Email: mariah.franklin@knoxnews.com. Signal: mariahfranklin.01 This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Trump renominates Nashville businessman Lee Beaman for TVAs board President Donald Trump gave the middle finger to a heckler during a tour at a Ford plant in Michigan on Jan. 13, mouthing "f--- you" in a response the White House described as "an appropriate and unambiguous response." The president was touring the Ford F-150 assembly facility in Dearborn when a worker on the plant floor shouted what sounded like pedophile protector as Trump stood on an elevated walkway, Reuters reported the video as showing. Trump turned toward the person and appeared to respond with an expletive before making a hand gesture with his middle finger as he walked off. The entertainment site TMZ first published video capturing the exchange, and the White House did not dispute its authenticity to USA TODAY. Advertisement Advertisement "A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response," Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement to USA TODAY. The Washington Post reported that the autoworker who interacted with Trump was later suspended from his job pending an investigation. He told the newspaper that he was referencing the Jeffrey Epstein probe. Other Ford employees cheered and welcomed the president as he toured the assembly line, taking photos with workers and shaking hands. President Donald Trump tours the Ford River Rouge Complex on Jan. 13, 2026 in Dearborn, Michigan. Trump is visiting Michigan where he will participate in a tour of the Ford River Rouge complex and later give remarks to the Detroit Economic Club. A worker helps assemble Ford F-150 trucks at the Ford River Rouge Complex on Jan. 13, 2026 in Dearborn, Michigan. President Donald Trump is visiting Michigan where he will participate in a tour of the Ford River Rouge complex and later give remarks to the Detroit Economic Club. President Donald Trump speaks with Ford CEO Jim Farley (2nd R), Ford executive chairman Bill Ford (2nd L) and plant manager Corey Williams (L) as he tours Ford Motor Company's River Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan, on January 13, 2026. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images) President Donald Trump, alongside L/R plant manager Corey Williams, Ford executive chairman Bill Ford and Ford CEO Jim Farley, tours Ford Motor Company's River Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan on Jan. 13, 2026. President Donald Trump (2R) talks with Ford River Rouge Plant Manager Corey Williams (2L), and Executive chair of Ford Motor Company Bill Ford Jr. (R) as they tour the Ford River Rouge Complex on Jan. 13, 2026 in Dearborn, Michigan. Trump is visiting Michigan where he will participate in a tour of the Ford River Rouge complex and later give remarks to the Detroit Economic Club. President Donald Trump walks with Ford River Rouge Plant Manager Corey Williams (R) as they tour the Ford River Rouge Complex on Jan. 13, 2026 in Dearborn, Michigan. Trump is visiting Michigan where he will participate in a tour of the Ford River Rouge complex and later give remarks to the Detroit Economic Club. President Donald Trump, alongside L/R Ford executive chairman Bill Ford and plant manager Corey Williams, tours Ford Motor Company's River Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan, on Jan. 13, 2026. President Donald Trump, alongside L/R Ford executive chairman Bill Ford, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, Ford CEO Jim Farley, and plant manager Corey Williams, tours Ford Motor Company's River Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan on Jan. 13, 2026. Ford production center, on the day of a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump, in Dearborn, Michigan, Jan. 13, 2026. President Donald Trump delivers remarks to members of the Detroit Economic Club at the MotorCity Casino Hotel on Jan. 13, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. Trump has spent the day in Detroit participating in a tour of the Ford River Rouge complex. President Trump visits Ford pickup truck factory during Michigan trip 1 of 10 President Donald Trump tours the Ford River Rouge Complex on Jan. 13, 2026 in Dearborn, Michigan. Trump is visiting Michigan where he will participate in a tour of the Ford River Rouge complex and later give remarks to the Detroit Economic Club. Trump has occasionally used profanity in public settings, often in response to criticism, confrontation or to emphasize his point. Advertisement Advertisement He has faced persistent scrutiny for his handling of sensitive federal records tied to Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died by suicide in jail in 2019. Many of Trump's most loyal supporters believe the government is withholding documents that would reveal the late financier's ties to powerful public figures. Trump has repeatedly denied any knowledge of Epstein's alleged abuse and sex trafficking of girls and has not been accused of wrongdoing. Trumps visit to the Michigan facility was part of an effort to highlight his administrations support for U.S. manufacturing, a key theme as the 2026 election year unfolds. Michigan is seen as a politically important state, and domestic jobs and industry have been central to Trumps economic messaging. President Donald Trump speaks with Jim Farley, CEO of Ford and Corey Williams, Ford River Rouge Plant Manager, as he visits a Ford production center in Dearborn, Michigan, on Jan. 13, 2026. CNN quoted Fords Executive Director of Corporate Communications David Tovar as saying, Weve seen the clip youre referring to. One of our core values is respect and we dont condone anyone saying anything inappropriate like that within our facilities. When that happens, we have a process to deal with it but we dont get into specific personnel matters. Tovar said the presidential visit to the plant went generally very well. We had a great event today and were proud of how our employees represented Ford, Tovar said. Contributing: Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, USA TODAY; Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump flips off 'lunatic' heckler at Ford plant in Detroit President Donald Trump said Wednesday that anything less than US control of Greenland is unacceptable, arguing the United States needs the territory for national security purposes, which could in turn strengthen NATO. NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES, Trump wrote in an early morning Truth Social post. Anything less than that is unacceptable. The post came ahead of a meeting Vice President JD Vance hosted at the White House Wednesday with the Danish foreign minister and his Greenlandic counterpart alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Advertisement Advertisement That meeting yielded few tangible results, with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen noting that he and his Greenlandic colleague had a frank but also constructive discussion with Rubio and Vance, but their perspectives continue to differ. Still, Rasmussen said the parties have agreed to form a high-level working group to explore if we can find a common way forward that is expected to meet in the coming weeks. We agreed that it makes sense to try to sit down on a high level to explore whether theres possibilities to accommodate the concerns of the president while we at the same time, respect the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark. So this is the work we will start, he said at a press conference after the meeting. I must say, the president has made his view clear, and we have a different position, Rasmussen said, noting that Denmark continues to believe that the long-term security can be ensured inside the current framework. Advertisement Advertisement Ideas that would not respect territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the right of self-determination of the Greenlandic people are, of course, totally unacceptable, he said. We therefore still have a fundamental disagreement, but we also agree to disagree, and therefore we will, however, continue to talk. CNN spotted Vance and Rubio walking together out of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building toward the West Wing entrance following the morning meeting. Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon, Trump told reporters that he was about to be briefed on the meeting and expressed some optimism. I have a very good relationship with Denmark, he said. Well see how it all works out. I think something will work out. Advertisement Advertisement In the earlier social media post, Trump reiterated his assertion that acquiring Greenland, which is a self-governing territory of Denmark, is essential for US national security. He added that it is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building, in reference to the missile defense system the Pentagon is developing. He also argued that NATO leaders should be pushing for the United States to have Greenland. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DONT, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! Militarily, without the vast power of the United States, much of which I built during my first term, and am now bringing to a new and even higher level, NATO would not be an effective force or deterrent - Not even close! They know that, and so do I, Trump wrote in the post. On Tuesday, Trump dismissed comments from Greenlands Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who said at a news conference in Copenhagen: Greenland does not want to be owned by the USA. Greenland does not want to be governed by the USA. Greenland will not be part of the USA. We choose the Greenland we know today, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. In response, Trump said, Thats their problem. I disagree with him. I dont know who he is. Dont know anything about him, but thats going to be a big problem for him. Advertisement Advertisement Several factors, accentuated by the climate crisis, make Greenland an important strategic region, such as its geopolitical position, its rich natural resources (including oil, gas and rare earth minerals) and the potential northern shipping routes around it. While Trump has downplayed the significance of Greenlands natural resources, Mike Waltz highlighted last year when he was Trumps incoming national security adviser that the administrations focus on the territory was also about critical minerals and natural resources. Denmark increases military presence in Greenland As Trump continues threatening to take Greenland, the government of Greenland and Denmarks Ministry of Defense announced there would be an increased military presence in and around the territory starting Wednesday due to security tensions. Denmark said its armed forces were deploying capacities and units in connection with exercise activities from today, which will result in an increased military presence in and around Greenland of aircraft, ships and soldiers, including from NATO allies, in the coming period. Advertisement Advertisement It added that the expanded exercise activities could include guarding critical infrastructure, providing assistance to Greenlandic authorities including police receiving allied troops, deploying fighter aircraft in and around Greenland, and naval operations. Sweden has also sent an unspecified number of troops to Greenland, following Denmarks request to do so, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced on X. Norways Ministry of Defense said Wednesday it is sending two military personnel, and the German Defense Ministry said it is sending 13 personnel to participate in an exploration mission in Greenland from January 15 to 17, 2026, together with other European nations. French President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday that France will join other European nations for the joint exercises in Greenland, writing in a post on X, The first French military units are already on their way. Others will follow. European leaders have rejected Trumps calls to control Greenland. Macron warned earlier Wednesday that the knock-on effects of the US trying to seize Greenland from Denmark would be unprecedented. Advertisement Advertisement We do not underestimate the statements regarding Greenland. If the sovereignty of a European and allied country were to be affected, the knock-on consequences would be unprecedented, Macron said, according to his governments spokesperson. He added that France is monitoring the situation and will conduct its actions in full solidarity with Denmark and its sovereignty. Earlier on Wednesday, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reiterated that Greenland belongs to its people, so it is up to Denmark and Greenland to decide its future. For me, it is important Greenlanders know that we respect (their) wishes and they, they can count on us, she added. Trump suggested over the weekend that he would move forward with his goal to acquire Greenland with or without a deal. Advertisement Advertisement Id love to make a deal with them. Its easier. But one way or the other, were going to have Greenland, Trump told reporters on Air Force One. Asked about the possibility of the move compromising NATO, Trump said, Im the one that saved NATO. He stopped short of saying he would pull the US out of NATO, adding, maybe they would be upset if he took Greenland but expressing indifference about the effects of such a move: If it affects NATO, then it affects NATO. Pressed by CNN on Sunday whether he would increase the amount of US military bases on Greenland in the meantime, Trump said, We could put a lot of soldiers there right now if I want, but you need more than that. You need ownership. You really need title. This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Camille Knight, Benjamin Brown and Max Saltman contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com On Tuesday, President Donald Trump said he will withhold federal funding for sanctuary cities or states starting February 1. "Starting February 1st, we're not making any payments to sanctuary cities or states having sanctuary cities because they do everything possible to protect criminals at the expense of American citizens. And it breeds fraud, crime and all of the other problems that come. We are not making any payments to anybody that supports sanctuary cities," Trump said. The president made the comments during remarks at the Detroit Economic Club. Advertisement Advertisement Trump made the comments while talking about investigations into fraud in Minnesota, which he claimed was done by many Somali Americans and said was the reason for "fake" riots against ICE operations in Minnesota. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded in a social media post saying, "Our values and our laws are not bargaining chips. We will always defend New Yorkers, even in the face of federal threats to withhold funding." Later Tuesday night, during a news conference to appoint a TLC commissioner, Mamdani was asked about whether he had spoken to President Trump about his announcement on sanctuary cities. "So I reached out to President Trump to express my sharp opposition to this decision and to make my values clear, and I will always continue to do so, whether to the president or to all New Yorkers to be honest about where we actually stand. I have yet to hear back from the president, and this is the position that I hold as the mayor of New York City," Mamdani said. Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani was also asked about what his plans were if the funds were withheld. "There are many threats that are made to New York City on a regular basis, and I am confident in our city' ability to fight those threats back. And we've also seen whether it be in the courts or whether it be beyond that our ability to win those fights," Mamdani said. A spokesperson for Governor Kathy Hochul said, "New York will work with the federal government to go after dangerous criminals but we will not support their aggressive attacks on hardworking families. If the Trump Administration tries to go after the funding New Yorkers rely on, we'll see them in court." Gov. Hochul stood up to the President in her State of the State Address saying she'd support allowing New Yorkers to sue federal agents if their constitutional rights are violated. But she stopped short of including the 'New York For All Act' which would prevent local officials from working with ICE. Advertisement Advertisement * 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. Donald Trump has defended his administrations increasingly violent immigration crackdown, describing the 37-year-old woman killed by federal agents as likely a wonderful person whose tough actions justified a lethal response. Trumps comments, made during an interview with CBS News after touring a Ford plant in Dearborn, Michigan, came as tensions continue to rise in Minneapolis days after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Renee Good at the wheel of her SUV on a residential street last week. The shooting set off nationwide protests and prompted six federal prosecutors in Minnesota to resign in protest over the justice departments decision not to hold a civil rights investigation into the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Suspended Michigan autoworker who heckled Trump gets outpouring of donations In the interview on Tuesday afternoon, CBS anchor Tony Dokoupil told Trump that he had spoke to Goods father, a strong supporter of the presidents, who was heartbroken over his daughters death and over the administrations characterization of Good as a domestic terrorist. Asked what Trump would say to the grieving father, the US president replied: I would bet you that she, under normal circumstances, was a very solid, wonderful person. But, you know, her actions were pretty tough. Trump, the vice-president, JD Vance, and the homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, have repeatedly said the agent acted in self-defense. There are a couple versions of that tape that are very, very bad, Trump told CBS, making the claim that the footage capturing the shooting can be viewed two ways. Analysis of videos taken from multiple angles show Goods vehicle turning away from the officer as he opens fire. Advertisement Advertisement The administration characterized the incident as an act of domestic terrorism, accusing Good of being a professional agitator. Video evidence and local officials have sharply contested that narrative. Jacob Frey, the Minneapolis mayor, described the killing as a reckless use of power and told ICE to get the fuck out of Minneapolis. The administration has responded by expanding its enforcement operation in the Twin Cities, part of a broader immigration crackdown that has targeted Minnesotas Somali community. The administrations intensifying focus on the state follows a sprawling fraud investigation into pandemic-era meal and relief program schemes that has led to felony charges against dozens of people, many of Somali origin. Trump has used the scandal to justify an enforcement surge and used xenophobic language to attack Somali Americans as garbage, stating: We dont want them in our country. On Wednesday, the Trump administration announced that it would end temporary protected status for Somalis in March, effectively forcing as many as 2,400 people out of the US, even though, in his racist rant last month, the president referred to Somalia as barely a country. Meanwhile, the justice department has signaled it will not open a criminal civil rights investigation into Goods death a sharp break from historical precedent. The administration has also moved to block state investigators from accessing evidence, asserting that Minnesota has no jurisdiction over the killing of its own citizen by a federal agent. Jan 14 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had chosen someone to serve as a new assistant attorney general with a focus on combating fraud nationwide. "We have chosen a person who's very tough, very smart, very fair," Trump told reporters at the White House. He said the successful candidate would be announced soon. Rights advocates and critics say the administration is using fraud allegations as an excuse to target immigrants and political opponents. They also cite his pardons for people with past fraud convictions. Advertisement Advertisement The White House said last week it was creating a new division at the Department of Justice to combat what it called "rampant" fraud. The new assistant attorney general will be responsible for leading the Justice department's efforts to probe, prosecute and remedy fraud affecting the federal government, federally funded programs and private citizens, the White House says. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has singled out Minnesota over what it says is fraud by immigrants in the welfare system and social-service programs. (Reporting by Katharine Jackson in Washington and Ryan Patrick Jones in Toronto;Editing by David Ljunggren) President Donald Trump is setting the stage for the U.S. to be involved in overseeing Venezuela for a significant period of time, after conducting strikes and capturing dictator Nicolas Maduro and labeling himself "acting" president of Venezuela. The move marks his boldest interventionist move yet a foreign policy approach by which one country intervenes in another state's affairs and follows other major military operations from the Trump administration, including strikes in Syria in December 2025 against Islamic State operatives after an ambush against U.S. troops there, and strikes in June 2025 against the Iranian nuclear sites of Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Trump told The New York Times in an interview that was published Wednesday that "only time will tell" how long the U.S. will be running Venezuela, but said it would be "much longer" than a year. President Donald Trump takes questions from members of the press aboard Air Force One on Jan. 11, 2026, while traveling from Palm Beach, Florida. Additionally, Trump announced recently that Venezuela's interim government would hand over up to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S. and that the oil would be sold "immediately." Advertisement Advertisement Trump Discusses Expansion Of Drug Cartel Crackdown, Issues Grim Warning To Iran "We will rebuild it in a very profitable way," Trump told the Times. "Were going to be using oil, and were going to be taking oil. Were getting oil prices down, and were going to be giving money to Venezuela, which they desperately need." Read On The Fox News App Likewise, Trump shared a doctored image that looked like a Wikipedia page that identified him as "Acting President of Venezuela" since January 2026. Previous interventionist actions the U.S. has taken include launching an invasion of Afghanistan in response to the 9/11 attacks Afghanistan-based al Qaeda conducted against the U.S., and an invasion of Iraq in 2003 that led to the toppling of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's regime. In both cases, the U.S. remained in prolonged occupations there. Advertisement Advertisement The language the Trump administration is using now focusing on illegal migration is different than what was used during the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts, which focused on democracy-building and promoting freedom, Katherine Thompson, a senior fellow in defense and foreign policy studies at the libertarian think tank the Cato Institute, told Fox News Digital. Us Raid In Venezuela Signals Deterrence To Adversaries On Three Fronts, Experts Say "But the pathway to achieve those things, I don't see, like, a broad differentiation from the things that we did before," Thompson told Fox News Digital. Thompson said that she doesnt see how the Trump administrations goals could be completed without small rotational deployments from U.S. forces to provide security, particularly in the event that the U.S. reopens its Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement "I don't see how we're going to have a team there without at least some small deployment of rotational forces to achieve security of our own personnel," Thompson said. So far, no U.S. troops are on the ground in Venezuela, and the Senate advanced a War Powers resolution Thursday that, if passed, would bar using U.S. forces within or against Venezuela without Congress' approval. Trump Admin Says Maduro Capture Reinforces Alien Enemies Act Removals 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, New York, Jan. 5, 2026. When asked by Fox News Digital about whether Trump's "Acting President of Venezuela" post was shared jokingly and what it indicates about how long the U.S. will be involved in running Venezuela, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told Fox News Digital: "President Trump will be the greatest President for the American and Venezuelan people in history. Congratulations, world!" Advertisement Advertisement Although Trump has blasted previous administrations for actions in the Middle East and vowed he would bring an end to "endless wars" while ushering in an "America First" agenda prioritizing U.S. interests, Democrats warned that the U.S. may be involving itself in another complicated conflict. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., claimed that the U.S. is on the path to another "endless war." "The very thing that Donald Trump campaigned against over and over and over again was no more endless wars," Schumer said in an interview with ABC News Jan. 4. "And, right now, we're headed right into one with no barriers, with no discussion." Sen Jean Shaheen: Maduro Is Gone, But The Same Power Structures Remain In Venezuela Advertisement Advertisement Trump announced on Jan. 3 that U.S. special forces conducted a "large-scale strike" against Caracas, and seized Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both were taken to New York and appeared in a Manhattan federal court Jan. 5 on drug charges, where they each pleaded not guilty. The raid came after months of pressure on Venezuela and more than two dozen strikes in Latin American waters against alleged drug traffickers as part of Trumps effort to crack down on the influx of drugs into the U.S. The Trump administration routinely stated that it did not recognize Maduro as a legitimate head of state and said he was the leader of a drug cartel. Likewise, Trump said in December 2025 he believed it would be "smart" for Maduro to step down. The Trump administration has justified seizing Maduro as a "law enforcement" operation, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said congressional approval wasnt necessary since the operation didnt amount to an "invasion." Advertisement Advertisement Click Here To Download The Fox News App However, lawmakers primarily on the left have questioned the legality of the operation in Venezuela, which was conducted without Congress' approval. "This has been a profound constitutional failure," the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., said in a statement Jan. 3. "Congress not the President has the sole power to authorize war. Pursuing regime change without the consent of the American people is a reckless overreach and an abuse of power." Original article source: Trump signals long road ahead in Venezuela in his boldest interventionist move yet Jan 14 (Reuters) - White House envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are seeking to travel to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The meeting could happen this month, though plans are not final and timing may slip due to unrest in Iran, the report said. A White House official said no such meeting is scheduled at this time, responding to a Reuters request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. officials will present the latest draft peace proposals to Putin and his team, the report said, adding that the talks were expected to cover security guarantees from the U.S. and Europe to uphold any agreement, and Ukraine's post-war reconstruction. This follows Trump's comments earlier this month expressing frustration with Putin over the continued war in Ukraine, repeating that he had initially believed ending the conflict would be easy. (Reporting by Bipasha Dey and Devika Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Peter Graff) By Seth Herald, Jonathan Allen, Joseph Ax and Ted Hesson MINNEAPOLIS, Jan 14 (Reuters) - A U.S. immigration officer shot and wounded a Venezuelan man fleeing a traffic stop in Minneapolis on Wednesday, the government said, escalating tension over an unwelcome deployment of militarized federal agents in Minnesota's most populous city. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which is overseeing President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, said the shooting came after two people attacked the federal officer with a broomstick and snow shovel as he wrestled with the Venezuelan, who the DHS said was in the United States illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Protesters hurling rocks, ice and fireworks clashed with law enforcement agents who fired tear gas late into the night following the shooting, which came a week after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good, a U.S. citizen, in her car in Minneapolis. Reuters journalists photographed law enforcement officers and demonstrators on dark streets obscured by clouds of tear gas and occasionally illuminated by beams from agents' headlamps and flashes from crowd-control munitions. Appearing with Mayor Jacob Frey at a press conference on Wednesday, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara urged crowds he described as "engaging in unlawful acts" near the shooting scene to disperse. "We do not need this to escalate any further," O'Hara said. Advertisement Advertisement The DHS accused Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, both Democrats, of encouraging resistance to ICE with "hateful rhetoric," a contention Frey rejected. "We cannot counter Donald Trump's chaos with our own brand of chaos," the mayor said. SHOVEL, BROOMSTICK AND GUNSHOTS The latest shooting unfolded in sub-freezing weather on Wednesday evening when the Venezuelan targeted by federal law enforcement officers in the traffic stop tried to get away and crashed his vehicle into a parked car, before fleeing on foot, according to a DHS statement. A pursuing officer caught up with the man, who then "began to resist and violently assault the officer," the DHS said. Advertisement Advertisement As they struggled, two people emerged from a nearby apartment and attacked the officer with a snow shovel and broom handle, it added. The Venezuelan broke loose and started striking the officer with one of the tools, the DHS said. The officer, "fearing for his life and safety," fired and wounded the Venezuelan in the leg, it added. The wounded man and the other two fled into the apartment where they barricaded themselves before all were taken into custody, the government said. The officer and the man who was shot were both hospitalized, the DHS said. A person familiar with the situation said the wounded suspect was in stable condition. The condition of the officer was not immediately known. Advertisement Advertisement CITY ON EDGE The city has been on edge since Good, a mother of three, was shot dead behind the wheel of her car on January 7, during an encounter with ICE agents while taking part in a neighborhood patrol network of activists tracking and monitoring the activities of federal officers. Opponents of the ICE surge say Good posed no physical threat to officers and they have disputed U.S. government assertions that the agent who shot her feared she was trying to run him over. Rather than end the ICE surge, as demanded by state and local leaders, the Trump administration said instead it would send hundreds more agents to bolster a force of about 2,000 deployed to the city earlier. Advertisement Advertisement The latest shooting followed days of chaotic clashes in Minneapolis between heavily armed federal agents and civilians they stop in the streets, as well as with activists, such as Good, who have showed up to observe and record such encounters. The governor himself has encouraged such recordings. "Help us create a database of the atrocities against Minnesotans, not just to establish a record for posterity, but to bank evidence for future prosecution," Walz said in a videotaped message posted online on Wednesday. ICE AGENTS VS COMMUNITY MEMBERS Agents appear to be conducting roving sweeps and arresting people without warrants, based on resident accounts and videos. Advertisement Advertisement Reuters journalists have documented scores of agents carrying weapons through the icy streets of residential neighborhoods, wearing military-style camouflage gear and masks that cover their faces. They are often met by residents blowing whistles and shouting at the officers. On occasion, the agents have smashed car windows and pulled people from their vehicles, videos show. Some have confronted non-white U.S. citizens, demanding to see their identification before walking away, drawing angry jeers and accusations of racism from bystanders. The agents have used chemical irritants on protesters, sometimes firing orange pepper spray into faces at close range or igniting flash-bang grenades near groups in the street. Advertisement Advertisement Disputing accusations of misconduct, DHS has said its agents have increasingly been subject to assaults while trying to find and detain immigration violators. DHS also has rejected accusations of racial profiling, saying arrests are based on reasonable suspicion that individuals lack legal immigration status. Immigration officers have also arrested U.S. citizens for allegedly disrupting enforcement. Groups of agents have chased protesters, including at least one dressed in a giraffe costume, before wrestling them to the ground to detain them. LEGAL REFUGEES SWEPT UP The nonprofit World Relief said dozens of weekend arrests of legal refugees in the state, including children, were part of a Trump effort to re-vet refugees who entered under Trump's Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Asked about such arrests, the DHS referred to accusations of fraud against members of Minnesota's Somali community. "The Trump administration will not stand idly by as the U.S. immigration system is weaponized by those seeking to defraud the American people," a DHS spokesperson said. Trump has seized on the fraud accusations, calling Somali immigrants in Minnesota "garbage" whom he wants deported. Administration officials have sought to tie the Minneapolis crackdown to the scandal. Trump, a Republican, has argued that large-scale surges in Democratic-led cities such as Minneapolis are necessary as authorities there do not sufficiently cooperate with immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement He has threatened to cut off federal funding next month for any state that includes sanctuary cities. (Reporting by Seth Herald in Minneapolis, Jonathan Allen and Joseph Ax in New York and Ted Hesson in Washington; Writing by Joseph Ax and Steve Gorman; Additional reporting by Andrew Hay, Brad Brooks, Ismail Shakil and Kanishka Singh; Editing by Donna Bryson, Diane Craft and Clarence Fernandez) President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that the deadly raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was critical to American influence and success, in part because the U.S. could gain access to the countrys vast amount of oil. Another key benefit, according to Trump: reining in China. If we didnt do this, Trump said Friday, referring to the U.S. military swooping in to seize Maduro and his dubious claims that the U.S. will now run the South American nation, China would have been there and Russia would have been there. Politics: No Reason To Expect It Would Go Any Better Than Iraq: Trumps Venezuela Gambit Could Go From Confusion To Disaster The State Department promoted his message, which echoes the presidents talk of a Donroe Doctrine a Trump-era interpretation of the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine, which positioned the U.S. as the dominant power in the Western Hemisphere, resisting any attempts at European colonialism. Advertisement Advertisement The underlying logic is that such a position will leave the U.S. better off relative to its rivals, which in this era primarily means Beijing. But experts increasingly doubt the Trump administrations Venezuela policy will weaken China and see signs he may end up benefiting it. Venezuela holds the worlds largest oil reserves, which have been underutilized for years. Over the past two decades, China has increasingly collaborated with Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez, both heavy skeptics of the U.S.; all told, Beijing has pumped some $100 billion into Venezuela, chiefly in pursuit of access to oil to support its roaring domestic needs. But amid mismanagement and mounting American sanctions, Venezuelas production has actually plummeted, with even its most productive period in 2025 providing less than half of its daily output in the mid-2000s. This relationship was nowhere near an energy supply game-changer for Beijing, Melanie Hart, an analyst at the Atlantic Council think tank, recently wrote. She noted that China has continued to receive Venezuelan oil, which helped repay the amount provided to the country, but those supplies now account for only a minuscule share of the energy China consumes. Politics: Trump Boasts Of Confiscated Venezuelan Oil But Neglects To Mention How Nasty It Is Andrew Small, an expert on Asia policy at the German Marshall Fund think tank, told HuffPost the Venezuela gamble had, for China, been probably the single biggest failure of any set of overseas investments or commitments theyve made in the last 25 years. Advertisement Advertisement It was a huge disaster and theyve been basically trying to recoup what they can in the period since then, Small said. The U.S. involvement in Venezuela could change things for China, though. Increasing American involvement could, as Trump and his aides pledge, overhaul or at least significantly alter the Venezuelan oil industry, setting the stage for Beijing to wind down its own investment. Chinese President Xi Jinping may be offloading a declining asset at an opportune time, Hart wrote. Politics: Auto Workers Union Says It Will Defend Ford Worker Cussed Out By President Beijing now has a relatively small amount of outstanding loans to Venezuela, around $10 billion, which it may simply be able to write off, Small said. Advertisement Advertisement When Trump gathered leading executives from American oil companies at the White House to discuss Venezuela on Friday, the business figures were clear about their hesitation to get involved there. Darren Woods, the chief executive of ExxonMobil, called the country uninvestable. (Trump has since threatened the energy giant with retribution.) Oil majors were just confirming what Beijing already knew: Venezuelas oil sector is a declining asset, Hart told HuffPost. Still, Trump addressed China and Russia during his comments, seemingly courting them as customers for his envisioned U.S.-Venezuela oil project: China can buy all the oil they want from us, there or in the United States. Russia can get all the oil they need from us, the president said. Politics: Republicans Quash Resolution Limiting Trumps War Powers In Venezuela Chinese oil supplies seem unlikely to be at risk. Meanwhile, China could even identify an eventual upside to the situation should Trumps plans bear fruit by looking to a past example of U.S. policy maneuvers that ultimately benefited it, Small said: the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, the post-invasion development of Iraqs significant oil reserves involved primarily Chinese companies [that were] willing to go in, he said. In contrast, U.S. firms were more cautious, as they tend to be when instability is common and there is a significant potential for violence or unexpected moves by local authorities. Beyond economics, China seems unlikely to suffer as a result of the Trump administrations shock move against Maduro. Venezuela has been the largest purchaser of Chinese military equipment in Latin America, according to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, a congressionally appointed body. Some observers have said the U.S. militarys successful infiltration of the country to abduct Maduro has sent a major signal of how advanced and effective the U.S. is and how unreliable Chinese defense systems are. Yet Small said Chinese officials viewed the air defense and other systems they provide to countries like Venezuela as not fantastic, treating the matter as inconsequential, not as a measure of Chinese capabilities or Beijings own ability to defend itself. Ideologically, the U.S. flexing its muscles and humbling a regime defiant toward Washington has hurt a years-long effort by Xi, Small noted: a bid to rally nations by suggesting close ties with China will help them tell American officials they cannot be pushed around. That effect is deeper because other governments opposed to the U.S. like the regime in Iran, which is facing huge internal unrest appear to be weakening too. Advertisement Advertisement Still, the Trump administrations broader approach to global affairs could permit gains for China that offset any drop in prestige. Politics: Disgusting: Minnesota Senate Race Gets Hostile After ICE Shooting The administration has made significant concessions in its trade war with China. And Small noted that Trump continues to rely on a small circle of advisors in policymaking, rather than seeking wide-ranging analysis and deliberation among government experts that could produce the most rigorously tested policy moves. He tied that to the presidents decision in December to permit the tech company Nvidia to sell artificial intelligence chips to China, ending limits on chip exports imposed by the Biden administration, a step many analysts say could enable major technological advancements by Beijing. I went down the list of [Trump administration] arguments I cannot see how any of them have any credibility. I find it unfathomable from a national security and wider strategic interest perspective, Small said. Advertisement Advertisement Writing in The New York Times this weekend, Rush Doshi, a Biden-era China policy official at the White House, argued Trump is, overall, ceding significant ground to the U.S.s core competitor in global politics as Trump focuses on Venezuela and other projects tied to his Donroe Doctrine. In the 18th century, China and Russia myopically built spheres of influence on the Eurasian steppe while Britain won the century by perfecting the steam engine. In the 19th century, Europeans fixated on the scramble for Africa while the United States leaped ahead by inventing electrification and mass manufacturing, Doshi wrote. Now the United States risks distracting itself by trying to govern Venezuela and seize Greenland while China is dedicating vast sums to winning the technologies of the future, from artificial intelligence and robotics to quantum computing and biotechnology. Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost President Donald Trump on Tuesday gave the middle finger and told an autoworker **** you after he was heckled during his visit to a Ford plant in Dearborn, Michigan. In a clip shared by TMZ, the president looks down from a walkway above the factory floor as someone is heard yelling, Pedophile protector! Its an apparent nod to the presidents ties to Jeffrey Epstein and his administrations handling and sluggish release of files tied to the late convicted *** offender. Advertisement Advertisement The two-letter dig appeared to get under Trumps skin as he responded by pointing his finger toward the factory floor below and appeared to mouth **** you as well as youre fired just before flipping the bird. The presidents reaction to the worker was appropriate, per White House spokesperson Steven Cheung. A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response, Cheung said. Critics on social media praised the autoworker, with one Bluesky user calling the worker a god **** hero and another simply declaring, truth hurts. Check out more reactions below. Advertisement Advertisement We need more people to push him. The more he's insulted to his face, the more he's going to crash out. The worse it gets, the more the GOP will be pressured to act. Keep poking the demented fool. Good on that guy. Mitzi_Majesty (@arkytior46) January 13, 2026 Do not mess with Detroit line workers. I have rarely been more proud. Monica Bisha (@MonicaBisha) January 13, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Related... Read the original on HuffPost Sarah Zent (left) and her three children Carter, Ashton and Aubree were killed in Fort Wayne in 2021 and are the inspiration for a bill moving through the Indiana Legislature that would largely require defendants to be present in court for the reading of victim impact statements. (Photo by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) A proposal to ensure crime victims are not forced to deliver impact statements to an empty courtroom chair advanced unanimously from a Senate committee Tuesday following emotional testimony from families denied the chance to confront the person convicted of killing their loved ones. Senate Bill 9, authored by Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, would require a defendant to be present in the courtroom while a victim delivers a statement about the crime and the sentence, unless the defendant poses a safety risk or causes a significant disruption. Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, discusses her proposal to limit when defendants can be absent during sentencing and the reading of victim impact statements during a Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (Photo by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) The bill cleared the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee in a bipartisan 9-0 vote and now heads to the full Senate. Advertisement Advertisement The legislation was referred to by some supporters as Aubrees Law after 2-year-old Aubree Zent; her siblings, 3-year-old Ashton and 5-year-old Carter; and their 26-year-old mother Sarah, who were killed in Fort Wayne in June 2021. All four died of stab wounds. Family members told lawmakers that the defendant in the case, 22-year-old Cohen Hancz-Barron, chose not to attend sentencing forcing them to read their statements in court without him present. Hancz-Barron was found guilty of the murders and convicted to four life sentences without the possibility of parole. During the sentencing phase of the trial, we gave our victim impact statements to an empty chair, as he has the right to refuse to be shown, to come to that part of the trial, said Jen More, Aubrees grandmother. This is unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement This gives no closure to any of the grieving processes that the victims and the victims families are going through, she continued. As a matter of fact, for me personally, Im stuck. Im stuck because Ive been silenced. I cant go any further in my grieving process. Making sure victims, families are heard Under current Indiana law, victims have the right to make statements at sentencing, but courts can proceed even if a defendant is not present. Senate Bill 9 would tighten that standard by requiring the defendants presence during victim impact statements, with only limited exceptions. As amended in committee, the legislation specifies that a court can excuse a defendant from the courtroom only if they present a safety risk or cause a significant disruption, or if the defendant was tried in absentia or failed to appear for trial. The amended draft also clarifies that sentencing can still proceed in those limited circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement The changes would apply to felony and misdemeanor sentencing hearings beginning July 1. Jen More, who lost multiple family members in a 2021 Fort Wayne murder, testifies before lawmakers on the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee on Tuesday, Jan. 13. 2026. (Photo by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Brown said multiple families who traveled to testify at Tuesdays hearing had been waiting for years to be heard. They wanted the opportunity, after the horrific and brutal murders of these four loved ones, to be able to give their victim impact statement in court to make sure the defendant understood the pain that he brought to their family, she said. And the one day in court that they were there, the defendant was not there. This bill will give them closure. Brown additionally emphasized the importance of preventing judges from using absence as a routine workaround. Advertisement Advertisement In this case, the judge did not require (the defendant) to be there, she added, and we just want to make sure that the judge doesnt use this as a loophole. This is unacceptable Family members repeatedly told lawmakers that victim impact statements are a crucial part of accountability and the grieving process and that delivering them without the defendant present compounded their trauma. Justin More, Aubrees father, described how being denied an opportunity to speak directly to the defendant stalled his healing. He said his victim impact statement included forgiveness for the convicted murderer. I was trying to move forward, but I never got to that point, the father told the Senate panel. (Grieving) is just a very long process, being that I couldnt read the last words to the person who took my daughter from this world. He wasnt even man enough to sit up and sit there and listen to what we had to say. Advertisement Advertisement Travis More, Aubrees grandfather, told lawmakers the bill would ensure future victim statements do not fall on silent ears. Senate Bill 9 will give future grieving victims a chance to face their convicted person and begin the grieving process, he said. Ask yourself, before you vote, am I making a difference for the future victims of Indiana? Sen. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange, speaks in support of a victim impact bill during a Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (Photo by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Kayley Richardson, Aubrees aunt, said the family helped draft the legislation because they felt the system failed them. In no world is it ever okay that the convicted have more rights than any of their victims or their families, Richardson said. There needs to be substantial consequences for such a profound loss. Advertisement Advertisement Angela Zent, founder of the Sarah Zent Foundation and stepmother to Sarah, testified that victim impact statements are not legal formalities. They are the final human truth spoken for those who no longer speak for themselves, she said. When the defendant is allowed to walk away from that moment, not only is it disrespectful, but its also giving him more control and placing more silence on his victims and the families. Senators from both sides of the aisle spoke in support of the bill. One of the most difficult things to do when you have a homicide is to keep the focus on the victim, said Sen. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange, a former prosecutor. Advertisement Advertisement She noted that families frequently attend criminal trials and have to listen to the victim being characterized in many fashions. Quite often, Glick said, the family sits there and endures it. The victim impact statements allow the families to come forward and express to the court, You need to hear this judge. This was a person. These were individuals. These were part of our lives and part of our family who have been taken away, Glick continued. It is very much a part of what should be heard not for the public, maybe not even for the families themselves but for the court to hear that this was a living, breathing individual who was lost to society and lost to everyone who ever cared about them. Democrat Sen. Rodney Pol, an attorney from Chesterton, further flagged that prosecutors are sometimes prevented from telling a victims full story because of discovery rules. The idea that you would sit through one of the worst possible tragedies that your family is ever going to go through and not have your voice heard at the end of it by the person that you feel needs to hear it the most I think that is one of the most important aspects of being a victim, Pol said. Other bills on the move The Senate corrections committee advanced 11 other measures Tuesday, too. Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 271, authored by Sen. Eric Koch, R-Bedford, addresses theft of telecommunications and broadband equipment by tightening rules governing the sale of valuable metals. Another proposal, Senate Bill 160, would add a sentencing aggravator for crimes committed while wearing a mask or other face covering to conceal identity. Senate Bill 140, authored by Sen. Vaneta Becker, R-Evansville, seeks to criminalize doxing, or the intentional online disclosure of personal information to harass or threaten someone, while Senate Bill 144, another by Koch, would strengthen tobacco and vaping regulations. Committee chair Sen. Aaron Freemans Senate Bill 246 would protect children in court records by requiring the redaction of minors names in certain filings, and his Senate Bill 251 separately increases penalties for individuals with prior operating while intoxicated, OWI, convictions. Advertisement Advertisement Multiple measures on the move also deal with bail, including Freemans Senate Bill 252, which revises certain bail procedures and conditions for pretrial release. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Getting through the security checkpoint at six Florida airports could get even faster soon with TSA's facial recognition service. The Transportation Security Administration has made several changes over the past year to make the process smoother while maintaining security, including dropping the "take off your shoes" requirement, adding express lines for military travelers and families and promoting the PreCheck program that allows you to verify your identity ahead of time. Last year, the TSA also launched the PreCheck Touchless ID program, an addition to PreCheck that allows passengers to pass through security checkpoints without presenting an ID Card or boarding pass. You just show your face. Advertisement Advertisement As of Jan. 13, the Touchless ID program is available at 15 U.S. airports for participating airlines, but it's expanding to 65 by this spring including Florida's major airports. Here's what to know. Which Florida airports are getting TSA PreCheck Touchless ID? According to a list from The Points Guy, the following Florida airports will receive TSA PreCheck Touchless ID: By the end of January: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) Miami International Airport (MIA) Orlando International Airport (MCO) Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) By later this spring: Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) Tampa International Airport (TPA) They're part of 50 airports nationwide getting the program by this spring. What is TSA PreCheck Touchless ID? Instead of asking for your ID card or boarding pass, TSA agents use facial recognition technology called Traveler Verification Service to create a biometric template of your face and compare it to images you previously provided to the federal government, similar to using Face ID to unlock your phone. Advertisement Advertisement You must already have an updated profile with a participating airline, have TSA PreCheck, and have a valid passport. Participation is optional and you can opt out even if you've signed up for it. You must still carry a valid, acceptable physical ID and boarding pass and present them if asked. How do I sign up for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID? You must already be signed up for TSA PreCheck. Go to each participating airline profile you have and update it. Follow the prompts. You'll need to add your KTN (Known Traveler Number), upload an image of your passport and select "OPT IN." When you check in on your airline's app, you'll be alerted if Touchless ID is an option. If you opt in, you'll be given a consent indicator on your mobile boarding pass. The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator must appear on your mobile boarding pass before you can enter the dedicated Touchless ID lane. What if I don't want to use it? Does the TSA use it to catch people? You don't have to use the service, even if you've signed up for it. Just don't opt in when you get the alert. A previously taken photo may still be stored, the TSA said. Advertisement Advertisement According to the TSA, the facial recognition system is not used to profile and deport passengers. "TSA is using facial comparison technology at the airport to improve and automate identity verification of passengers, not for law enforcement or immigration enforcement purposes," the agency's FAQ says. "Additionally, TSA does not tolerate racial profiling." How much does TSA PreCheck cost? PreCheck Touchless ID is free for anyone who already have TSA PreCheck. The initial cost of TSA PreCheck ranges from $76.75 to $85. Which airlines use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID? Currently, the following airlines use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, according to the TSA: Alaska Airlines American Airlines Delta Air Lines Southwest Airlines United Airlines Advertisement Advertisement C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: TSA facial recognition coming to 6 Florida airports in early 2026 PANAMA CITY BEACH The Tourist Development Council has been shaken up as investigations into alleged fraud continue. Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO Dan Rowe is going on paid leave, TDC Treasurer Yonnie Patronis has stepped down, and the Bay County Clerk of Court Office will now be overseeing the finances of Visit PCB. At the same Jan. 13 meeting, officials also announced they would be seeking civil action against Aaron Lee, the vice president of administration at the tourism agency, who is currently in the Bay County Jail and on unpaid leave as the investigation continues. Background The Bay County Sheriff's Office shared with reporters during a press briefing that Lee had been arrested on Jan. 3 on charges of grand theft over $100,000 and fraudulent use of a credit card. Advertisement Advertisement Between his hiring in April 2024 and January 2026, authorities say, Lee had over 1,000 transactions on a Visit PCB business credit card, most of which were likely personal in nature. "During the investigation, deputies reviewed (credit card statements) that identified nearly $1,000,000 in charges made on the card, while only approximately $58,000 of those charges were documented as legitimate expenses," Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford told reporters. The Tourist Development Council prepares for a meeting on Jan. 13, 2026 in Panama City Beach, Florida Among those purchases were services for a divorce attorney, expensive trips, clothing and watches from luxury brands, and even a payment to a company that conducts horse auctions, according BCSO. The Jan. 13 TDC meeting started off with some harsh public comments, followed by a resolution passing to book 20 rooms at the La Quinta by Wyndham at 7115 Coastal Palms Blvd. to house Florida Highway Patrol deputies during spring break. Special guest requests restructure Bay County Clerk of Court Bill Kinsaul made an appearance. He took the dias and explained that, in his role as clerk, he is also the comptroller for the county and overseer of its financial operations. Advertisement Advertisement Kinsaul said that the TDC is the governmental side of the tourism operation, while the Convention and Visitors Bureau, also known as Visit Panama City Beach, is the nonprofit private side. Those sitting on the government board are also the ones sitting on the private board. The clerk and comptroller have oversight over the TDC, the governmental side, but not of the CVB, the private side, according to Kinsaul. Bay County Clerk of Court Bill Kinsaul makes his case to the Tourist Development Council for allowing his office financial oversight over Visit Panama City Beach on Jan. 13, 2026 in Panama City Beach, Florida. "In light of recent events, I'm here today to ask you pass a resolution that grants control of all CVB funds to the clerk of court and treat those funds exactly like we do the TDC funds," said Kinsaul. "We have systems and controls that have been in place before I took office. They're in place now. They'll be in place when the next person is elected into office. We have a (team) of financial professionals." He went on to make the case that his team at the courthouse would be rigorous and reliable in their financial oversight, as opposed to having the CVB as a private entity regulating themselves. Advertisement Advertisement "Following thoughtful and constructive discussions with Bill Kinsaul, Bay County clerk of court, it has become clear that his office operates within an environment of strong checks and balances that is independent of the internal systems of the TDC," said former TDC Treasurer Yonnie Patronis. "Aligning the TDC financial processes with this independent framework of oversight would provide a strong foundation for protecting public resources now and well into the future." The resolution would give the courthouse management of all CVB's financial operations, as well as require a comprehensive internal review of policies and operating procedures with the county. Public comments opened up on the item, and after some discussion among the board, they voted to pass the resolution. Former Tourist Development Council treasurer Yonnie Patronis speaks at a meeting on Jan. 13, 2026 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Shakeup Following the passing of the resolution, Patronis made an announcement. Advertisement Advertisement "Now that resolution 2601 has been passed and approved, and many of the duties that were at the level of the treasurer, slash board, are shifted now to the clerk of court's office, I would like to formally announce my desire to step aside as treasurer," said Patronis. "This decision is made solely to allow the council to move forward with complete focus on strengthening the financial systems and restoring confidence and eliminate any potential distractions or misinterpretation," said Patronis. "It is not an acknowledgement of any wrongdoing or fault." Patronis said he will continue to serve the board with efforts to ensure transparency and accountability. Jeff Dibenedictis was chosen by the board to be the next treasurer. Staff from the Bay County Sheriff's Office attend a Tourist Development Council meeting on Jan. 13, 2026 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Later in the same meeting, Dan Rowe, the president and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach, announced that he would be taking paid leave while the situation unwinds. He later clarified that he intended to use his own paid time off and would fully cooperate with the ongoing investigations during that time. Advertisement Advertisement "I take responsibility for my shortcomings in my leadership with Mr. Lee and and I commit to you that I will continue to lean in and execute the mission that you have established for this organization, as well as work to reestablish the public trust," said Rowe. "In consultation with (TDC Chairman Clair Pease), I believe it's in the best interest of the organization that I take a leave to allow the dust to settle," said Rowe. "I look forward to continuing, and in a transparent and accountable structure, to lead the incredible team who I work with." While Rowe takes a leave of absence, Pease, who is also the chair of the county commission, will take over his role at the CVB. Civil action When providing more information about BCSO's investigation of the CVB, their own internal investigation, and seeking the services of independent financial auditor Thomas Howell Ferguson, the CVB's attorney, Cole Davis, also announced that they would be pursuing civil action against Lee. Advertisement Advertisement The agency plans to go after Lee for civil theft using a statute that would allow them to recover anything they believe he took from the organization, if he does not pay it back. They would be able to recover that and triple that amount as well as their attorney fees, according to the attorney. Cole Davis, attorney for the Convention and Visitors Bureau, prepares to speak to reporters after a Tourist Development Council meeting on Jan. 13, 2026 in Panama City Beach, Florida. "In addition to that, we're also going to seek a civil conjunction, and that would freeze any assets that Mr. Lee may have and make a claim on any assets that may have been seized," said Davis. He also told the board that they had employee theft insurance up to $100,000. When Davis asked the board how broad they would like the scope of the audit to be, all members of the board who spoke essentially said that every rock should be overturned, even if it falls outside of the timeline of Lee's employment at the CVB. Missing pages If an official standing accused of stealing over $100,000 wasn't enough to rile up the public, the discovery that a 2024 financial audit submitted to the state was missing a page likely doesn't help. Advertisement Advertisement Attorney Cole Davis confirmed that the uploaded version of the yearly audit was missing page 18, the schedule of findings. He provided the News Herald with the full report that previously wasn't available online. On this page, the auditors note that Lee was the sole individual reconciling bank accounts, and there was no formal review process for someone independent of the function to review and approve the transactions. "We recommend that the bank reconciliations be reviewed by a member of management or governance who is independent of the bank reconciliation process," wrote the auditors. "We also recommend that all reconciliations be signed or initialed and dated by the preparer and the reviewer so that timing and responsibility can be easily determined." They note that the lack of review could cause "material errors or fraud going undetected." Advertisement Advertisement "The circumstances surrounding the publication of the incomplete document are currently under internal investigation, so I cant comment further until the investigation concludes," Davis wrote to the News Herald. Signage outside the offices of Visit Panama City Beach pictured on Jan. 13, 2026 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Public reactions Michael Steinkirchner owns Uncharted Vacations, a property management company in Panama City Beach, and has been advocating for short-term rental owners for some time. He showed up to public comments at the meeting to make his voice heard. "(The 2024 audit) outlined irregularity, it outlined the red flag, if you missed that memo," Steinkirchner told the board. "When (funds) were not caught being diverted, every member of the board at the time broke state law. So there needs to be accountability." Steinkirchner said that Rowe should resign alongside the members of the board to whom the audit was addressed. Advertisement Advertisement "While all of this was ignored, someone stole no less that $100,000," Steinkirchner wrote separately to the News Herald. "If that money would have funded just one more lifeguard, could they have saved someone's life that died in 2024 or 2025?" He provided the News Herald with a Change.Org petition with 70 signatures calling for Rowe's termination. Steinkirchner says he and others also take issue with Rowe's salary, given what they perceive as a lack of oversight. ProPublica's nonprofit explorer tool shows that Rowe was compensated $311,476 in 2024. Clair Pease, chair of the Tourist Development Council as well as the Bay County Board of Commissioners, prepares to speak to reporters after a meeting on Jan. 13, 2026 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Reactions from public officials Across the board, public officials appear to be condemning Lee's alleged actions. "We've all been betrayed by this man, and it's just something that we got to work through now and correct it and change the way we're doing things," Pease told reporters after the meeting. She told reporters she would be providing more information as it becomes available, and in a further move towards rebuilding public trust, asked that future TDC meetings start being livestreamed. "(He) was placed in a position of trust and abused the trust," Commissioner Doug Moore said in previous reporting by the News Herald. "It is important at this point in time that we allow the sheriff and the forensic audit to run its course, and for us to be able to determine exactly what happened. "This experience is a sobering reminder of the limits of our ability to fully know what is happening behind the scenes and the responsibility we carry as stewards of the public trust," Patronis said during the Jan. 13 meeting. "It's important to note that he clearly acted alone, and his actions do not define this organization or the people." Background on the alleged fraud: BCSO: Visit PCB official racked up over $100,000 in fraudulent charges An inmate lookup currently shows that Lee is still in the Bay County Jail as of Jan. 13, with bail set at $200,000. This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Alleged fraud sparks changes in Tourist Development Council Striking barristers declined to continue working on 12 high risk cases in Northern Ireland, The Nolan Show has learned. It is understood the cases include nine serious domestic violence cases, one rape and two serious sexual assaults - one involving a minor. The strike, which began on 5 January, means no Crown Court cases involving people who require legal aid can proceed while the dispute continues. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the Bar Council said it was "dedicated towards resolution and doing what is possible to mitigate the worst effects of this action" on the most vulnerable. Justice Minister Naomi Long told The Nolan Show 13 cases had been identified as having victims at continued risk from the accused. "So far my understanding is that the Criminal Bar have only agreed to proceed with one of those cases and have refused the other 12," she said. Naomi Long said victims, witnesses and public safety were being affected by the strike [PA Media] Long said "significantly vulnerable" people were being affected. Advertisement Advertisement "I think it's very hard to appreciate just how distressing, how disruptive and how traumatising this is for victims and witnesses," she said. "It's also incredibly challenging for those who are accused of these crimes, many of whom because of the very serious nature of them will be on remand in prison yet have not been convicted of any offence." Solicitors and barristers outside the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast [Pacemaker] Last week, Long said her department did not have the adequate funds available to award barristers a pay uplift. The chairman of the Bar Council of Northern Ireland, Donal Lunny KC, said the strike was called because Crown Court legal aid fees had not risen in 20 years. Advertisement Advertisement Long said they had already had a 16% uplift to their fees. On Wednesday, she told The Nolan Show some of those struggling in the profession were "suffering as a result of a small number of barristers who are hording cases". She said one barrister earned more than 3.8m from legal aid alone in 2025. "That is the equivalent of what 53 other barristers earned together," she said. "I am willing to look at pay, I'm willing to look at rates - I'm not taking anything off the table and never have." 'Urgent and pragmatic solution' In its statement, the Bar Council said it remained committed to constructive engagement with the Department of Justice and other parties to "resolve issues and arrive at a place where criminal barristers can make a full return to Crown Court work". Advertisement Advertisement "No-one should be under any doubt, this action was a last resort," it said. "Self-employed criminal barristers want to be in court, running and resolving these cases. "Rather than engage in further media or debate across the airwaves at this time, we should engage urgently in mediation. "That is the only way of achieving the urgent and pragmatic solution necessary to enable criminal barristers to get back to work and victims to have the access to justice that they deserve". Two 14-year-old boys died following a tragedy at Sportsman Park in Inverness, Fla., where a sand hole they were digging collapsed, trapping them for over an hour, per ABC. The incident occurred on Sunday when George Watts and Derrick Hubbard were playing in the park. According to the Citrus County Sheriffs Office, the emergency was reported at 12:44 p.m. after one of their parents tracked them using their cellphone. Rescue teams, including deputies, firefighters and emergency medical services, arrived promptly at the park. The boys were pulled from the hole around 1:15 p.m., and lifesaving efforts were initiated at the scene before they were transported to HCA Florida Citrus Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Hubbard was pronounced dead on Sunday, while Watts succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday afternoon, as confirmed by the Florida District eight and District 5 Medical Examiners offices. Both boys were students at Inverness Middle School, which stated that the situation had deeply affected the school community. They offered counselors and support workers to assist students as they cope with the loss. The Citrus County Sheriffs Office has urged the community to respect the families privacy during this difficult time. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Two men are in custody after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found a man hiding beneath luggage in a rented SUV in Niagara Falls on Thursday, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Israel Enden, 46, was sent to secondary inspection at the Rainbow Bridge early Thursday morning after officers found a man hiding underneath his luggage. Enden, a dual citizen of the United States and Israel, was heading from Toronto to New York City to visit family and clients after he flew into Toronto from Warsaw, Poland. Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the vehicles ownership, Enden allegedly claimed a friend had rented it on his behalf. He was unable to produce a rental agreement, according to court records, and said he had nothing to declare at the border. He was sent to secondary inspection after officers thought Enden gave an inconsistent story. It was during the secondary inspection when an officer noticed a persons back under multiple pieces of luggage inside the vehicle. Several officers were called over to remove the luggage and identified 33-year-old Elazar Wigdorowitz, a citizen of Israel, allegedly hiding in the hatch of the Ford Expedition. Officers discovered Wigdorowitz had obtained a visa in 2010 that was revoked in 2017 due to his criminal history in Israel. In 2018, Wigdorowitz was convicted of conspiracy to commit a felony, assault, extortion, threats, false imprisonment and malicious damage to a vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement He is facing pending charges from 2022 for receipt of an item by deceit, conspiracy to defraud, forgery with intent, use of a forged document, fabricating evidence and obstruction of justice. Wigdorowitzs visa was refused in 2023 because of his criminal history. In early January, he attempted to apply for Electronic System for Travel Authorization under the Visa Waiver Program but was denied. Enden told officers that his friend who rented the SUV, Wigdorowitz and others loaded the luggage into the car while he was seated in the drivers seat. Enden also said both his friend and Wigdorowitz were on the same flight from Warsaw to Toronto but did not sit together. Advertisement Advertisement Enden said his friend had crossed the Rainbow Bridge in a taxi moments before he and Wigdorowitz were sent to secondary inspection. Court records say the luggage in the hatch appeared to belong to all three individuals. Enden said he didnt know Wigdorowitz was in his vehicle or that he had an issue entering the United States. Wigdorowitz claimed he didnt pay anyone to be driven across the border and that he hid in the back of the car because he wanted to visit his rabbis grave in the United States. According to court records, Wigdorowitz would not say if Enden knew whether he was in the car or not. He said he did not think it was a crime to sneak into the United States. Advertisement Advertisement I was in the trunk because I knew they would not let me in without a visa, Wigdorowitz told Homeland Security Special Agent Matthew Mastrorilli. Mastrorilli said in a court document that it would be unreasonable to believe Enden was unaware of anyone else inside the vehicle, considering the cars size and interior layout. Enden was charged with bringing in and harboring certain aliens, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Wigdorowitz was charged with improper entry by an alien, which carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison. Latest Local News Gabriella Baiano has been a digital producer with WIVB since November 2025. View more of her work here. 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 News 4 Buffalo. Greater exports of natural gas have played a significant role in rising U.S. utility bills, an analysis of federal data found. During the 2024 campaign, President Donald Trump promised voters that his policies would lower their energy prices by 50 percent, repeating this pledge in speeches in New York, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. We will cut energy and electricity prices in half within 12 months not just for businesses but for all Americans and their families, he wrote in a Newsweek op-ed. That hasnt happened. Nationwide, electricity bills are up 13 percent compared to last year, with some states facing steeper jumps than others. One of the reasons for those increases is the growing export of liquefied natural gas and a corresponding spike in gas prices, argues a new report from Public Citizen, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization. Advertisement Advertisement The analysis, based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, found that Americans paid $12 billion more for natural gas between January and September 2025 than they did over the same period last year. Because natural gas is used to heat homes directly and to power the electric grid, its price has an outsized impact on Americans utility bills. Higher exports leave Americans more exposed to swings in the global market. LNG exports were up 22 percent this year, according to the report. While the U.S. is already the worlds largest exporter of the fuel, the second Trump administration has made increasing LNG exports a priority. Trumps prioritization of LNG exports is directly in the way of efforts to address energy affordability, said Tyson Slocum, author of the report and the director of Public Citizens energy program. Twenty-five percent of all of Americas natural gas production is being dedicated to natural gas exports. Millions of Americans are struggling to pay their utility bills, Slocum said. The latest Census Bureau data on the subject, from September 2024, showed that 23 percent of Americans reported not being able to pay at least one energy bill in full in the prior year. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to Inside Climate News, Taylor Rogers, a White House spokesperson said: Fixing Joe Bidens energy crisis has been a priority for President Trump since day one, and lowering energy costs for American families and businesses will continue to be a top priority in the new year. High energy prices are a choice, she said. Rogers blamed higher electricity bills in blue states like California on green energy scam projects and said red states have succeeded in lowering energy costs for their residents by embracing President Trumps DRILL BABY DRILL agenda. While its true that California, Hawaii and states in New England have higher prices on average, electricity prices in Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Wyoming all Republican-leaning states have gone up the most since Trump took office, an Inside Climate News analysis of EIA data through September shows. Missouri is contending with a nearly 42 percent increase since January. The second Trump administration has championed LNG exports from the beginning. One of Trumps first acts as president was to reverse former President Joe Bidens pause on permitting for new LNG exports as part of an executive order, Unleashing American Energy. Last December, the Biden administration released a study that found increasing LNG exports could lead to significant greenhouse gas emissions and higher energy prices for American consumers. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump-led U.S. Department of Energy says it has already approved applications from LNG projects authorized to export approximately 25 percent more than 2024 levels. They put the LNG industry on speed dial inside the Oval Office, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, said in a press briefing about the Public Citizen report. Whatever they need, theyre getting. In June, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced four agreements between U.S. producers and the Japanese company JERA to export up to 5.5 million tons of LNG per year over a two-decade period. This investment is a message to the world that American LNG is back thanks to President Trump and were leading on the world stage, Burgum said in a press release at the time. Advertisement Advertisement In September, Burgum and Wright traveled to Europe to attempt to persuade the European Union to reconsider a new regulation limiting methane emissions for imports beginning in 2027. The law would likely curtail the import of U.S. LNG. Trumps August trade deal with the E.U. included stipulations that the E.U. would procure U.S. liquified natural gas, oil, and nuclear energy products with an expected offtake valued at $750 billion through 2028. European benchmark natural gas prices have been declining at the same exact time and rate that U.S. prices are increasing. What this means is American families are subsidizing cheaper gas for Europeans, Slocum said. In 2024, Europe was the leading destination for U.S. LNG exports, accounting for 53 percent. Elizabeth Marx, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project, testified at a public hearing about LNG exports and a proposed LNG terminal held last month by the Pennsylvania House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee. Her legal aid organization helps Pennsylvanians struggling to pay their utility bills. We are deeply concerned about the impact of the rapidly expanding LNG export markets on the affordability of gas and electric service for Pennsylvania families and the corresponding impact on the ability of economically vulnerable households to maintain energy service to their home, she said there. Advertisement Advertisement As of September, terminations for electricity service were up 27 percent year over year in Pennsylvania, and increasing LNG exports are one of the causes, she said. In addition to the electricity price increases triggered by the push to rapidly build and power more data centers, the shutdown and massive cuts within the federal government this year led to disruptions to benefits that typically help residents pay their utility bills and afford groceries, worsening the situation for people barely getting by, Marx said. Marxs work puts her on the frontlines of the energy affordability crisis, and she sees the profound impacts of rising electricity and gas prices on Pennsylvanias families. Evictions. House fires caused by the electric space heaters that residents turn to when they cant afford their heating bill. People cutting back on medication and oxygen that they need to control health conditions. These are real consequences that are happening because of utility insecurity and increasing costs, she said in an interview. Im hopeful about the conversation thats unfolding about affordability, but what Im very concerned about is that were not focusing enough on the overall drivers of the problem. Im not seeing a willingness of regulators to regulate in the way that we need in order to address the fundamental problem, she said. What concerns me most is that affordability will become a buzzword, and we will lose sight of the reality that individual consumers are facing, which is they cannot afford to keep heat on in their homes at a safe temperature. Kiley Bense, Inside Climate News ALSO ON YALE E360 Its a Golden Age for U.S. LNG Industry, But Climate Risks Loom U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, offered a tribute in the U.S. Senate to his hometown newspaper, the Plainville Times, after it folded into a new entity, the Stockton Sentinel-Times. (Photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas, an occupational resident of Washington, D.C., for three decades, says he looked forward to reading weekly editions of the Plainville Times for the latest news from his hometown. Growing up in this small town in western Kansas, I saw firsthand how the newspaper supported the community and brought neighbors, friends and even strangers together, Moran said. Advertisement Advertisement In a speech on the U.S. Senate floor, the Republican explained that the community of Plainville, a city of 1,700 people in Rooks County, could no longer financially sustain the Times. In the end, owners of the Stockton Sentinel offered a lifeline. Going forward, news from Stockton and Plainville will be captured in pages of the newly christened Stockton Sentinel-Times. Local journalism is important to the future of rural America, Moran said. Community journalism pulls us together. National journalism has the habit of tearing us apart. The senator said he was grateful to dedicated editors, reporters and staff whose contributions made his hometown paper informative and beloved. Moran said the Times editor, Candace Rachel, was a steady presence in Plainville with a reporters notebook in hand and a camera slung over her shoulder. The senator said he was grateful the Sentinels owners, Bart Hamilton and Susan Hamilton Schneider, would maintain coverage of his hometown and Rooks County with the Sentinel-Times. Advertisement Advertisement I take sadness in the demise, the departure of my hometown paper. I take pleasure and pride in its continuation with news being covered by the Sentinel-Times, he said. The merger of the Times and Sentinel represents a trend in the Kansas newspaper industry. In 2025, the state had about 150 newspapers. In the past 20 years, approximately 50 newspapers closed or were merged with other publications. Most newspapers in Kansas publish weekly. Moran said managing a newspaper in Kansas, and elsewhere in the United States, was a demanding quest. Today, community journalism faces growing challenges with a rapidly changing media environment as well as workforce struggles and financial strains, he said. President Donald Trump speaks to the press upon returning to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 13, 2026. Credit - Mandel NganAFP/Getty Images The State Department is indefinitely halting the processing of immigrant visa applications for people from 75 countries in another escalation of President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown. The department, which announced the move on X on Wednesday, cast it as part of an effort to bar people who would require public assistance from coming to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people, the department said, adding in another post that the pause impacts dozens of countries including Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea whose immigrants often become public charges on the United States upon arrival. We are working to ensure the generosity of the American people will no longer be abused. The department has not publicly identified all 75 of the countries, but a memo first obtained by Fox News included the full list. In addition to the four named by the State Department in its announcement, the countries reportedly include Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote dIvoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen. The suspension will begin on Jan. 21. It will not apply to tourist, business, or non-immigrant visa applications. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Trump Threatens to Denaturalize U.S. Citizens If They Deserve It. Experts Raise Grave Concerns About Future In instructions sent to consular officers in November, the State Department advised them to deny visas for applicants who were deemed likely to rely on public benefits based on their health, age, economic situation, language abilities, and other factors. The moves have come as part of the Trump Administrations wider efforts to restrict legal immigration into the U.S. alongside its aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration. Those efforts intensified in the wake of an Afghan national being arrested as the suspected gunman in the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., in November, with the Administration pausing asylum decisions, launching a reexamination of green cards issued to people from a number of countries, and expanding a travel ban to include citizens from 39 countries, among other restrictions. A number of the countries impacted by the departments most recent visa suspension were already a part of the Administrations travel ban. TIME has reached out to the State Department for further information. Contact us at letters@time.com. The head of Uganda's electoral body says he has received threats warning him against declaring certain presidential candidates the winners of Thursday's election. Simon Byabakama said he would not be intimidated by such threats from senior state officials, whom he did not name. He was responding to a BBC question about a widely shared video which shows a presidential assistant saying the electoral commission would never declare opposition candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, as president, even if he were to win. Advertisement Advertisement "Some people say if you don't declare so-and-so as president, you will see. I tell them that I am not in the business of donating votes," said Byabakama. President Yoweri Museveni, 81, who has ruled the country for nearly four decades, is seeking a seventh term in office. Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old pop star turned politician, is Museveni's main challenger, seeking to unseat him for the second time after finishing runner-up in 2021 polls. Six other candidates are also in the race, in which about 21.6 million voters are registered to vote. Advertisement Advertisement Campaigning has been marked by the disruption of opposition activities, including the detention of activists and the breaking-up of rallies by police. At the Electoral Commission headquarters in the capital, Kampala, Byabakama said he was not worried about threats from what he called "idle people". "You can see from my demeanour that fear is a word that does not exist in my vocabulary," said the poll chief, adding that only the will of voters and the law would guide the process. In the video shared by the Daily Monitor newspaper on social media last week, Yiga Kisakyamukama, the special presidential assistant for service delivery and monitoring, was captured saying Museveni would never leave power through the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement "Don't expect, don't even think, that Simon Byabakama would announce Bobi Wine. President Museveni, who is on the chair, will remain on the chair. Never think that Museveni would leave power through voting. No, no, no - don't waste our time," Kisakyamukama was heard saying. But Byabakama said Uganda's law, not individual opinions or threats, would determine the outcome of the presidential election. "The law says that the candidate who receives more than 50% plus one of the total valid votes cast is the president of Uganda. It is the voters who determine how many votes a candidate gets. What the voters have said is what I will declare to the nation," he added. The poll chief said he would declare the results within 48 hours of the close of polling, in accordance with the country's laws. Advertisement Advertisement Responding to concerns about the heavy military presence in the streets, Byabakama said security forces were deployed to maintain peace and stability during the electoral process and should not intimidate voters. He also acknowledged opposition concerns about some polling stations being located within military premises, saying the commission was investigating the reports. "If we find that it is true, we shall take the necessary measures to address it," he added. On Tuesday, the authorities cut internet access and limited mobile services across the country in order to curb "misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks". Advertisement Advertisement The network outage has heightened concerns about repression in the run-up to the vote, and has been described by the UN human rights office as "deeply worrying". [BBC] [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts The United Kingdom is considering plans to use oil seized from vessels belonging to Russia's shadow fleet to finance military support for Ukraine. Moscow has used the fleet to circumvent Western restrictions on its energy sector imposed since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Source: The Times, citing a UK government source, as reported by European Pravda Details: Under the options being discussed, London could not only stop the flow of funds to Russia's war machine but also redirect money raised from sanctioned oil to Ukraine. It is not yet known whether such a plan is feasible. Advertisement Advertisement The source said that this would have a double impact on Russia's war machine, as it would not only deprive Russia of illegal war revenues but also help find a way to finance Ukraine's resistance. The Times reported on Tuesday that British special forces are being lined up to storm Russian shadow fleet vessels in a move designed to pressure the Russian economy. Elite troops trained to descend from helicopters onto ships and seize their crews could target hundreds of illegal oil tankers after the government established a legal basis for such raids. Two shadow fleet vessels sanctioned by the UK Spring Fortune and Range Vale are heading towards the English Channel and are expected to enter the strait around midday on 14 January. Advertisement Advertisement Both oil tankers are sailing under false flags of Cameroon and Zimbabwe, making them potential targets for British special forces operations under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act. Spring Fortune was sanctioned by the UK in May 2025 for involvement in activities aimed at destabilising Ukraine or benefiting the Russian government. It has previously operated under various names and flown the flags of Greece, the Marshall Islands, Malta and Panama. Range Vale is involved in exporting oil from Russian ports, particularly in the Baltic Sea, and was placed under UK sanctions in 2024. It is linked to Radiating World Shipping Services, a UAE-based company reportedly among the leading operators of the shadow fleet that is itself under sanctions. The vessel has also repeatedly changed its name and flown the flags of the Cook Islands, Greece, Honduras, Indonesia and Niue. Reports say NATO representatives in the UK are monitoring at least three other suspected Russian oil tankers crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Background: In January, British forces supported US efforts to detain the Russian-flagged tanker Bella 1 (Marinera) in the North Atlantic, including through the use of Royal Air Force aircraft. In December, the UK expanded its sanctions against Russia to cover 24 new entities and individuals, including additional oil companies. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukraine, in a second effort on Wednesday, named its fourth defence minister in the nearly four years since it was attacked by Russia and also approved the former defence minister to the top job at the energy ministry. A clear majority of 277 lawmakers voted for Mykhailo Fedorov for the top defence job. On Tuesday, there were not enough lawmakers in parliament to schedule a vote. President Volodymyr Zelensky had nominated Fedorov for the role. Federov, who will be 35 next week, has been Ukraine's digitial transformation minister since that ministry was established in 2019. After Russia launched its full-scale attack on Ukraine in February 2022, he took on the responsibility of expanding drone production in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Denys Shmyhal was appointed energy minister and first deputy prime minister after being dismissed a few days ago as defence minister with less than six months in the job. On Tuesday, he fell 16 votes short of confirmation. Shmyhal headed the cabinet from 2020 to July 2025 as prime minister. The 50-year-old is considered loyal to Zelensky. Current Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko was first deputy and economy minister under Shmyhal. Ukraine, in a second effort on Wednesday, named its fourth defence minister in the nearly four years since it was attacked by Russia and also approved the former defence minister to the top job at the energy ministry. A clear majority of 277 lawmakers voted for Mykhailo Fedorov for the top defence job. On Tuesday, there were not enough lawmakers in parliament to schedule a vote. President Volodymyr Zelensky had nominated Fedorov for the role. Federov, who will be 35 next week, has been Ukraine's digitial transformation minister since that ministry was established in 2019. After Russia launched its full-scale attack on Ukraine in February 2022, he took on the responsibility of expanding drone production in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky said Federov's most urgent task was "protection of the sky," referring to better air defence against Russian attacks. "There are concrete decisions that must be implemented as quickly as possible," Zelensky added. Fedorov addressed the shortage of soldiers in the Ukrainian army in parliament. He said about 2 million men had evaded mobilization and 200,000 soldiers had deserted or left their units without permission. The militarys organizational structure was outdated, the new defence minister said, and there was too much bureaucracy. Denys Shmyhal was appointed energy minister and first deputy prime minister after being dismissed a few days ago as defence minister with less than six months in the job. On Tuesday, he fell 16 votes short of confirmation. Advertisement Advertisement Shmyhal headed the cabinet from 2020 to July 2025 as prime minister. The 50-year-old is considered loyal to Zelensky. Current Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko was first deputy and economy minister under Shmyhal. MOSCOW, Jan 14 (Reuters) - A Ukrainian drone attack killed one person, injured four others and sparked fires at an unidentified industrial facility in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, regional officials said on Wednesday. Yuri Slyusar, governor of Rostov region, said four people, including a four-year-old child, were injured when falling debris from downed drones damaged their apartments. He later said rescuers discovered a body of a man while clearing the rubble in an apartment that caught fire after the attack, while clearing the rubble. Advertisement Advertisement A fire was sparked at an industrial facility in the city. Slyusar did not identify the facility. There was no comment from Ukraine about the strike. Russia's defence ministry said that its air defences destroyed 25 Ukrainian drones over the Rostov region overnight and 23 over other Russian regions and the Crimean Peninsula. Ukraine has used drones to strike targets inside Russia, saying such attacks seek to degrade Moscows military and energy infrastructure and respond to Russias continued strikes on Ukrainian cities during the war that Moscow launched nearly four years ago. Rostov-on-Don, a major transport and logistics hub near Ukraine, hosts key military headquarters and routes used to supply Russian forces, making it a strategic rear-area centre for Moscows operations and a target for drones. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne and Reuters reporters in Moscow; Editing by Tom Hogue, Thomas Derpinghaus and Michael Perry) Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Ukraine's chief of defense estimate Wednesday that 200,000 soldiers have gone absent without official leave during an address to parliament. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said another 2 million Ukrainians are wanted for dodging the country's draft in addition to the 200,000 who have gone AWOL. The update from Fedorov comes as the four-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches in February. Advertisement Advertisement "I don't want to be a populist -- I want to be a realist," Fedorov said. "The Ministry of Defense is coming into my hands with a [$6.7 million] shortfall, two million Ukrainians who are wanted and 200,000 who are AWOL." The Ukrainian media outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported that Ukraine's Office of the Prosecutor General has opened nearly 290,000 criminal cases for troops who have abandoned their military units. More than 235,000 of those cases were marked for AWOL while more than 50,000 were for desertion. Fedorov's address to his nation's parliament is the first time a Ukrainian official has quantified the scale of the problem it is facing with low morale and military desertions. All Ukrainian men between 18 and 60 years old are required to register for military duty. Men 25 to 60 are eligible to be called into action under Ukrainian law. Advertisement Advertisement Men who are eligible for duty between 23 and 60 are barred from leaving the country, yet tens of thousands have done so. Fedorov is the former deputy prime minister of Ukraine and former minister of digital transformation. As minister of digital transformation, he oversaw Ukraine's adoption and use of drones in combat. BERLIN An aerial video from Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Russian-occupied Ukraine appears to show Russian military trucks parked in the facility, in what would likely be a breach of international law. Defense News was able to independently geolocate the video to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in the city of Enerhodar, which has been occupied by Russian forces since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. The aerial video, which appears to have been taken from a drone, first appeared online on Wednesday, mid-morning European time. It has since widely been shared in Ukrainian Telegram groups devoted to covering the war and sharing footage of combat. Several vehicles in military-style paint schemes are visible in the video, parked under a bridge connecting the nuclear reactors and radioactive waste treatment buildings of the power plant, as well as a larger truck parked near a laboratory and services building. It appears to be a KamAZ military truck, though the low quality of the video makes it difficult to identify with confidence. The snow cover visible in the video is consistent with current conditions on the ground, Defense News confirmed using historic satellite imagery and weather data. Zaporizhia has remained largely snow-cover-free this winter until early this week, indicating that the claims of the videos recentness are accurate. Advertisement Advertisement Among the accounts that have shared the video is Vladyslav Voloshyn, a spokesperson for the Defence Forces of Ukraine. Knowing that we will not fire at the nuclear power plant, the Russians hide their military equipment here, he said in his post. They use the territory and facilities of the ZNPP as a training ground for their UAV operators. There is even evidence that MLRS attacks on Zaporizhia were carried out from here several times. Defense News was unable to independently verify these claims. The Zaporizhzhia power plant, Europes largest nuclear generating station, remains in a cold shutdown, meaning the nuclear chain reaction has been halted, and no electricity is being generated. However, the nuclear fuel remains on site and must be cooled in order to avoid a potentially catastrophic meltdown. For this, the plants pumps require a reliable supply of electricity, which comes from the outside power grid and backup generators. Militaries are generally prohibited from storing military logistics vehicles and equipment at nuclear power plants under international humanitarian law. Article 56 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions specifically requires parties to armed conflict to endeavor to avoid placing military objectives, such as troops, weapons or military vehicles, in or near nuclear power plants. Advertisement Advertisement Nuclear power plants also are afforded special protections and must not be attacked if such attack may cause the release of dangerous forces and consequent severe losses among the civilian population, as is prescribed in the Geneva Conventions. Throughout the war, Russia has been accused repeatedly of misusing the premises of the nuclear power plant to station military equipment and store ammunition. Following a September 2022 inspection mission, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the international nuclear watchdog, explicitly stated that the team observed the presence of Russian military personnel, vehicles and equipment at various places at the [power plant], including several military trucks on the ground floor of the unit 1 and unit 2 turbine halls, as well as parked under the overpass connecting the reactor units. The IAEA has maintained its mission presence at the power plant and continued documenting violations, although its efforts have been hampered by Russian chicanery. In July 2024, when the IAEA sought to confirm reports of land mines and explosives at the nuclear station, Russia specifically denied access to the rooftops of reactor blocks 3 and 4 and parts of the cooling system where military presence had been previously reported. The power plant has also seen combat action and shelling in its vicinity, which has on several occasions disconnected it from the power grid and forced the use of backup generators. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Wide-scale desertions and 2 million draft-dodgers are among a raft of challenges facing Ukraine's military as Russia presses on with its invasion of its neighbor after almost four years of fighting, the new defense minister said Wednesday. Mykhailo Fedorov told Ukraine's parliament that other problems facing Ukraines armed forces include excessive bureaucracy, a Soviet-style approach to management, and disruptions in the supply of equipment to troops along the about 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line. We cannot fight a war with new technologies but an old organizational structure, Fedorov said. Advertisement Advertisement He said the military had faced some 200,000 troop desertions and draft-dodging by around 2 million people. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed 34-year-old Fedorov at the start of the year. The former head of Ukraines digital transformation policies is credited with spearheading the the army's drone technology and introducing several successful e-government platforms. His appointment was part of a broad government reshuffle that the Ukrainian leader said aimed to sharpen the focus on security, defense development and diplomacy amid a new U.S.-led push to find a peace settlement. Fedorov said the defense ministry is facing a shortfall of 300 billion hryvnia ($6.9 billion) in funding needs. Advertisement Advertisement The European Union will dedicate most of a massive new loan program to help fund Ukraines military and economy over the next two years, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday. Fedorov said Ukraines defense sector has expanded significantly since Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022. At the start of the war, he said, the country had seven private drone companies and two firms developing electronic warfare systems. Today, he said, there are nearly 500 drone manufacturers and about 200 electronic warfare companies in Ukraine. He added that some sectors have emerged from scratch, including private missile producers, which now number about 20, and more than 100 companies manufacturing ground-based robotic systems. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Jan 14 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday he would declare a state of emergency in the energy sector to make up for lost time and tackle issues of disrupted power supplies following sustained Russian attacks on infrastructure. Zelenskiy acted as emergency crews proceeded with round-the-clock efforts to restore power and heating supplies thrown into disarray, particularly in Kyiv, by a Russian attack last week. Repairs to thousands of apartment blocks have been compounded by frigid weather, with night-time temperatures dipping close to -20 Celsius (minus 4 Fahrenheit). Advertisement Advertisement "The consequences of Russian strikes and deteriorating weather conditions are severe," Zelenskiy wrote in English on the X social media platform. "Overall, a state of emergency will be declared for Ukraines energy sector ... Many issues require urgent resolution." PRESIDENT CALLS FOR MORE ACTION IN KYIV Speaking later in his nightly video address, Zelenskiy said not enough had been done to deal with the aftermath of the attacks and the state of emergency would allow authorities "more options and flexibility." He called for the establishment of more centres where residents can stay warm and charge electronic devices, and said nightly curfews could be lifted in areas where the security situation permitted it. Advertisement Advertisement The president said Kyiv had done considerably less than other major centres, notably Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, to prepare for the hardships inflicted by the attacks. "Even in recent days, I do not see sufficient intensity," he said. "This must be urgently corrected. Decisions must be made." Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, who has previously been at odds with Zelenskiy over the defence of the capital, rejected the president's criticism. Writing on Telegram, he said heating had been restored to all but about 400 of 6,000 affected apartment buildings and support centres were operating 24 hours a day. "Such statements, first of all, undermine the dedicated work of thousands of people, professionals," Klitschko wrote. "They may not have weapons in their hands, but through their tireless efforts they are also fighting for their country." Advertisement Advertisement In his remarks, Zelenskiy said a permanent coordination headquarters would be set up in Kyiv, with Denys Shmyhal, the newly appointed first deputy prime minister and energy minister, overseeing the work. He said work was under way "to significantly increase the volume of electricity imports into Ukraine." He also urged the military to hold their positions along the 1,200-km (775-mile) front line and diplomats to keep pursuing efforts on documents needed to secure peace. "From our side, maximum productivity is required," he said. "We expect the same level of energetic work from the American side. I personally very much expect this." (Reporting by Ron Popeski, Yuliia Dysa and Oleksandr Koizhukhar; editing by Mark Heinrich, Rod Nickel and Diane Craft) By Catarina Demony LONDON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Britain's foreign minister will visit Finland and Norway on Wednesday, where she will call for NATO to step up its work in the Arctic to safeguard regional interests against Russia. Yvette Cooper's Arctic Circle tour follows renewed threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to take over Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. The Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers will meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he stands with Denmark in its defence of Greenland. Cooper's trip will focus on Russia, which the foreign office described in a statement as the "greatest threat" to Arctic security. In Finland, Cooper will meet border guards defending NATO's eastern flank with Russia, while in Norway she will visit marines taking part in a live training exercise. The high north, which includes Greenland, is home to key shipping routes and critical infrastructure such as undersea cables, making the region vital to Britain's security, the foreign office said. Advertisement Advertisement "The UK and Norway share a determination to ensure Russia does not succeed in its illegal war of aggression," the foreign office said, adding that Russia posed a threat through its military activity, risks to undersea infrastructure and the use of its "shadow fleet". Britain last week provided support to the U.S. in its operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic. "Arctic security is critical to protecting Britain and NATO," Cooper said, urging the military alliance to enhance efforts to defend Euro-Atlantic interests against "hostile states who seek to meddle" in the high north. "Coming together as an alliance allows us to unify and tackle this emerging threat," she added, noting that climate change has opened new shipping routes, exposed valuable resources, and turned the region into a "hotspot" for geopolitical competition. (Reporting by Catarina Demony; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) In mid-January 2026, a rumor circulated online that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security used a lectern displaying a Nazi slogan during a Jan. 8 news conference. Users on social media platforms such as Threads (archived), Facebook (archived) and Reddit shared posts promoting the rumor along with an image claiming to show Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at a lectern displaying the following message: "One of ours, all of yours." https://www.facebook.com/cjstapleton/posts/pfbid02xfwxCH5k5v9T8p8tA6ZE3NjdxYfKhggm4UupyYmBDkoTDxP2eB1hyuFEwcPU3rDpl Advertisement Advertisement The rumor gained traction amid widespread focus on immigration enforcement after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, sparking protests and debate nationwide. Many Snopes readers reached out via social media and email to seek clarification on whether the slogan was authentic and actually originated with the Nazis. The lectern at the DHS news conference did display the phrase "One of ours, all of yours," as confirmed by photographs from the credible photo repository Getty Images and a video from the news conference published by the official White House YouTube channel. However, we found no evidence confirming that the phrase originated verbatim in Nazi Germany, as social media posts suggested. The origin of the phrase was unclear, but it did not appear to have been used by the Trump administration or other presidential administrations before appearing on the lectern. Online searches for the origin of the phrase returned only results for more social media posts claiming it had roots in the Nazi regime, without providing further evidence. Searches of newspaper archives also found no instances of the Trump administration or other governments using the specific phrase. Advertisement Advertisement DHS denied the claim, with a spokesperson writing in an email to Snopes, "Calling everything you dislike 'Nazi propaganda' is tiresome. DHS will continue to use all tools to communicate with the American people and keep them informed on our historic effort to Make America Safe Again." The agency declined to comment on when it adopted the phrase in question or what inspired it. During the Jan. 8 news conference, Noem spoke broadly about immigration enforcement efforts and defended the agent who fatally shot Good. In response to a reporter's question about the incident, Noem said: This vehicle was used to hit this officer. It was used as a weapon and the officer feels as though his life was in jeopardy. It was used to perpetuate a violent act. This officer took action to protect himself and to protect his fellow law enforcement officers. White House officials have said Good tried to run over the agent who shot her, though media analyses have challenged the veracity of that account. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the news conference, Noem also expressed strong support for federal law enforcement, saying, "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." Collective punishment Snopes reached out to Page Herrlinger, a professor of history and chair of the department of Russian, East European and Eurasian studies at Bowdoin College, to ask about the origin of the phrase "one of ours, all of yours" and any potential connections to the Nazis. In an email, Herrlinger said she could not directly connect the phrase to the Nazis, but added that it "seems related to the practice (although not the explicit policy) of collective punishment used by the Nazis against their enemies" in Germany and throughout Europe. The Nazi Party employed collective punishment throughout World War II to hold entire communities accountable and retaliate against them for the death or injury of German soldiers. Herrlinger elaborated: Examples that come to mind: the collective retribution against Jewish communities after the murder of the Nazi official Ernst von Rath by the Jewish teenager Herschel Grynszpan in November 1938 - or the punishment of the family members of those involved in the July 1944 plot to kill Hitler (according to historian Robert Loeffel, it was related to the German practice of "Sippenhaft," which held families liable for the crimes of one of their members). As far as I know, however, these acts of collective punishment were part of a broader system of terror in Germany, but not an explicit policy (in other words, collective retribution was used repeatedly but never codified by Nazi authorities, and this made it all the more powerful as a form of terror/repression). One particular example of collective punishment referred to in many posts sharing the claim was that of the June 10, 1942, destruction of the village of Lidice in the the current Czech Republic (at the time under Nazi control and called the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia) in retaliation for the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, the highest-ranking Nazi of the region. Advertisement Advertisement However, Nazi Germany was not the only government that employed collective punishment tactics. Other historical examples of collective punishment include the passage of the Intolerable Acts against Great Britain's Massachusetts colony in response to the Boston Tea Party in 1773, a major turning point in the relationship between the British Parliament and their 13 colonies that ultimately lead to the American Revolution. Historians estimate that between 1926 and 1953 predominately under the leadership of Joseph Stalin the Soviet Union engaged in collective punishment of perceived "class enemies," including "7-8 million arrested, with perhaps 1 million of these sentenced to death and executed in prison or later in camps," as well as the arrests and deportations of "Poles... Bessarabians... Volga Germans" and more, resulting in 20 million estimated deaths or "13 million excluding peasants." Sources: - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LPcVdVlJyh8. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026. Advertisement Advertisement "18 MORE CZECHS KILLED BY NAZIS; Total Now 344 Since Death of Heydrich, Not Including Massacre at Lidice HULL DENOUNCES TERROR ' Butchery of Hostages' Is Held a Revival of Practice 'Unworthy of Savages.'" The New York Times. TimesMachine, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1942/06/13/87706502.html. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026. "A Short History of the War Crime of Collective Punishment." Opinio Juris, 24 Oct. 2023, https://opiniojuris.org/2023/10/24/a-short-history-of-the-war-crime-of-collective-punishment/. Address for Navy and Total Defense Day. | The American Presidency Project. https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/address-for-navy-and-total-defense-day. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026. Attorney General Francis Biddle to Secretary of State Cordell Hull. https://perspectives.ushmm.org/item/attorney-general-francis-biddle-to-secretary-of-state-cordell-hull. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Collections Search - United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/pa24417. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026. "Germans Destroy Lidice." Holocaust Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/timeline-event/germans-destroy-lidice. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026. "ICE Officer Kills a Minneapolis Driver in a Deadly Start to Trump's Latest Immigration Operation." AP News, 7 Jan. 2026, https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-shooting-crackdown-surge-173e00fa7388054e98c3b5b9417c1e5a. Lidice: "This Is Nazi Brutality." https://perspectives.ushmm.org/item/lidice-this-is-nazi-brutality. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026. Advertisement Advertisement "Nazis Killed 100 Serbs per Dead German." Dw.Com, https://www.dw.com/en/when-nazis-killed-100-serbs-per-dead-german-in-yugoslavia/a-59568136. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026. "PRESIDENT FLAYS HOSTAGE KILLINGS; Calls Nazi Acts Those of Men Who Know They Can't Win -- Churchill Seconds Him." The New York Times. TimesMachine, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1941/10/26/99322247.html. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026. "President's Warning on Atrocities." The New York Times. TimesMachine, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1942/08/22/85579972.html. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026. The Massacre at Lidice "The German Occupation of Europe" Http://Www.HolocaustResearchProject.Org. http://www.holocaustresearchproject.org/nazioccupation/lidice.html. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026. Advertisement Advertisement The trial of German major war criminals : proceedings of the International Military Tribunal sitting at Nuremberg Germany. Text. https://avalon.law.yale.edu/imt/count3.asp. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026. "Video Captures Minneapolis Immigration Arrest in a City on Edge after Shooting of Renee Good." AP News, 11 Jan. 2026, https://apnews.com/article/ice-protests-shootings-minneapolis-portland-3f9db36657dda5bfebf9c240b6011ee5. Wechsberg, Joseph. "The Children of Lidice." The New Yorker, 24 Apr. 1948. www.newyorker.com, https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1948/05/01/the-children-of-lidice. Press freedom groups condemned the FBIs search of a Washington Post reporters home as part of a leak investigation Wednesday. The probe focuses on a government contractor accused of illegally retaining classified documents; the Post reporter Hannah Natanson, who covers President Donald Trumps overhaul of the federal workforce, wasnt accused of wrongdoing. Still, the incredibly rare move reflects the Trump administrations hostile posture toward the media. Reporters cant help but wonder whether this is also a fishing expedition, CNNs media analyst wrote. Natanson wrote last year that more than 1,100 current or former US employees reached out to her during the mass public-sector firings, with colleagues dubbing her the federal government whisperer. Russia and China are expanding their presence in the Arctic for strategic not scientific reasons, according to a senior U.S. commander. "Its not for peaceful reasons," said Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the supreme allied commander Europe, at a conference in Sweden Sunday. "Theyre not studying the seals and the polar bears," he went on. "Theyre out there doing bathymetric surveys and trying to figure out how they can counter NATO capabilities on and under the sea. So thats something that could grow very quickly, and we need to be mindful of it and ready for it." Advertisement Advertisement A bathymetric survey refers to the mapping of the ocean floor, using sonar and other sensors to measure underwater depth and terrain. The surveys can support submarine navigation, identifying underwater chokepoints, and map routes for undersea cables or sensors. Greenland Leaders Push Back On Trump's Calls For Us Control Of The Island: 'We Dont Want To Be Americans' The U.S. controls Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. (Fox News) He said Russia and China increasingly are conducting joint patrols north of Alaska and near Canada, but he does not see an immediate threat, "partly because Russia is so preoccupied with Ukraine." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump has insisted the U.S. must take control of Greenland for national security reasons, citing its strategic location between North America and Europe and its proximity to emerging Arctic shipping routes and military transit corridors. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, sits astride key sea and air lanes that U.S. and NATO officials view as increasingly important as melting ice opens access to the Arctic Ocean. The island also hosts a major U.S. military installation at Pituffik Space Base, which plays a role in missile warning, space surveillance and Arctic operations. Noem Announces Arctic Defense Pact With Canada, Finland To Counter Rival Powers Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, warned that Russia and China are not in the Arctic for "peaceful" reasons. Danish troops practice during a military drill in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, in September 2025. President Donald Trump has insisted the U.S. must take control of Greenland for national security reasons. Grynkewich added that Russia, China and North Korea are increasingly coordinating to oppose the West. In Ukraine, China funds the war effort, Iran supplies weapons and North Korea offers manpower. Advertisement Advertisement "In the Arctic and the high north, we see a similar trend," Grynkewich said. "Russian and Chinese vessels are conducting more and more joint patrols. Chinese icebreakers and research vessels are in Arctic waters, and their research is not for peaceful purposes. Its to gain a military advantage." NATO has stepped up its deterrence posture as security concerns grow in the Arctic and under the sea, Grynkewich said, citing new efforts to protect critical infrastructure and improve allied coordination. He said NATOs Joint Force Command Norfolk, Virginia, recently brought all alliance operations in the Arctic under a single command, a move aimed at strengthening defense across Europe, the High North and key approaches to North America. The alliance is also expanding Arctic surveillance, improving infrastructure and logistics, and increasing the presence of forces trained to operate in extreme conditions, including in Sweden. Advertisement Advertisement Click Here To Download The Fox News App With most Arctic nations now part of NATO, Grynkewich said the alliance is well positioned to secure the region. "Seven of the eight Arctic nations are in the alliance," he said. "The other one is Russia." Original article source: US commander says Russia and China's Arctic patrols are 'not for peaceful purposes' By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Simon Lewis CAIRO/WASHINGTON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - The United States said on Wednesday it is launching the second phase of its plan to end the Gaza war, even as key elements of the first phase - including a complete ceasefire between Israel and Hamas - remain unfulfilled. The first phase has been shaken by issues including Israeli airstrikes that have killed hundreds in Gaza, the failure to retrieve the remains of one last Israeli hostage, and Israeli delays in reopening Gaza's border crossing with Egypt. Advertisement Advertisement By pressing on with phase two, the United States and its mediator partners will need to tackle the even more vexing challenges of disarming Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has refused to give up its arms, and deploying an international peacekeeping force. Announcing the second phase in a social media post, President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said it "establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza" and would begin the process of disarmament and reconstruction. The Palestinian body will have 15 members and will be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Western-backed Palestinian Authority who had been in charge of developing industrial zones, according to a joint statement by mediators Egypt, Qatar and Turkey. 'BOARD OF PEACE' Advertisement Advertisement Israel and Hamas signed off in October on Trump's plan, which says that the Palestinian technocratic body will be overseen by the international "Board of Peace" that is meant to govern Gaza for a transitional period. Other members tapped by Nickolay Mladenov, the former U.N. Middle East envoy who is expected to represent the Board of Peace on the ground, include people from the private sector and NGOs, according to a list of the names obtained by Reuters. Witkoff did not say how many members the body would include or name them. Another announcement related to the Board of Peace was also expected to be made at Davos next week, a European diplomat said. Advertisement Advertisement A U.S. official who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity said invitations were sent out on Wednesday to potential Board of Peace members personally selected by Trump. Shaath said in a radio interview that the committee would focus first on providing urgent relief for Gaza, including the provision of housing for displaced Palestinians, many of whom are living in makeshift tent shelters amid the rubble. "If I bring bulldozers and push the rubble into the sea, and make new islands, new land, I can win new land for Gaza and at the same time clear the rubble. This won't take more than three years," Shaath told a West Bank radio station. Rebuilding Gaza's shattered homes will take at least until 2040, but could drag on for many decades, according to a 2024 U.N. report. Advertisement Advertisement DEMILITARIZATION CHALLENGE Witkoff said that phase two of Trump's plan also will begin "the full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel." Hamas, which refuses to lay down its weapons, agreed in October to hand over governance to the technocratic committee. It remains unclear how Hamas, which has regrouped since a fragile ceasefire began in October, will be disarmed as required by the plan. Washington would work to bridge the differences between the two sides, the U.S. official briefing reporters said, adding that the Israelis "remain skeptical that Hamas will disarm and that the Palestinian people want peace." Advertisement Advertisement "The goal here is to create the alternative to Hamas that wants that peace, figure out how to empower them," the official said, referring to the new committee of Palestinian technocrats as a new "government" for Gaza. "And obviously, now that we have this government, we will be engaging in conversations: with Hamas on the next phase, which is demilitarization; with Israel, on what amnesty program can be given to Hamas if they do this." In the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority welcomed Trump's effort to move ahead with the Gaza phased plan, in a statement posted on X by Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh, and voiced support for the committee. Sheikh said institutions in Gaza should be linked to those run by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, "upholding the principle of one system, one law and one legitimate weapon." Advertisement Advertisement Hamas leaders and other Palestinian factions are in Cairo for talks on the second phase, the group said, where members of the technocratic Palestinian committee were expected to meet with Mladenov. Egyptian sources said talks with Hamas will now focus on the group's disarmament. Further Israeli withdrawals within Gaza are tied to disarmament, though Hamas has said it will give up its weapons only once there is a Palestinian state. Hamas and its rival Fatah group, led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, have both endorsed the list of technocratic committee members, Egyptian and Palestinian sources said. Advertisement Advertisement It will also include the head of the Gaza Chamber of Commerce, Ayed Abu Ramadan, and Omar Shamali, who has worked for the Palestine Telecommunications Company, Paltel, Palestinian sources said. The sources said the list would also include Sami Nasman, a retired senior Palestinian Authority security officer and a longtime critic of Hamas. Nasman, a member of Abbas's Fatah movement, is originally from Gaza but has since 2007 been living in the West Bank. Israeli officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi and Simon Lewis. Additional reporting by Ahmed Shalaby in Cairo, Ali Sawafta in Ramallah, Alex Cornwell in Jerusalem, Ryan Jones in Toronto, and Humeyra Pamuk in Washington; Writing by Rami Ayyub; Editing by Alexandra Hudson, Will Dunham, Aidan Lewis and Diane Craft) Jan 14 (Reuters) - The Trump Administration is reversing its staffing cuts to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Bloomberg News reported, reinstating employees at the agency that provides research and services for coal miners, firefighters and others. The status of NIOSH workers had been in flux since mass job cuts last year, with some workers brought out of administrative leave earlier this month only to be notified days later that they were permanently terminated. Bloomberg, citing Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon, reported late on Tuesday that hundreds of NIOSH's employees had been reinstated. Advertisement Advertisement The HHS did not respond to Reuters' request for comment. In April, around 875 of NIOSH's roughly 1,000-strong workforce were terminated across the country, amid sweeping job cuts by the HHS that affected several high-profile agencies including the FDA, CDC and the National Institutes of Health. Reuters had reported that those potential job cuts, as well as the cuts at the Mine Safety and Health Administration, were putting miners at risk even as President Donald Trump called for a revival of the coal industry. The NIOSH is the U.S. federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths. (Reporting by Christy Santhosh in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas) The U.S. stepped up airstrikes in Somalia in January, targeting al-Shabab and the local affiliate of the Islamic State group, ISIS, according to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). In a Jan. 12 release, AFRICOM said U.S. forces, working with the Somali federal government, carried out airstrikes against al-Shabab militants. AFRICOM said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to "degrade the groups ability to threaten the U.S. homeland, U.S. forces and Americans overseas." Advertisement Advertisement Airstrikes against ISISSomalia were also reported on Jan. 11 and Jan. 9 in northern Somalia, including the Golis Mountains region of Puntland, southeast of Bosaso. Trump Vows 'Very Serious Retaliation' Against Isis After Deadly Syria Ambush Kills Us Soldiers Additional airstrikes targeting al-Shabab were reported on Jan. 8, including one in the vicinity of Buur Heybo, about 154 kilometers northwest of Mogadishu. Read On The Fox News App The command said between the evening of Jan. 34, strikes were also conducted "in coordination with Somali authorities." AFRICOM said in a release the strikes were part of a broader campaign conducted with Somali partners. No casualty figures were released. Advertisement Advertisement The latest spate of operations comes amid a broader intensification of U.S. airstrikes in Somalia. According to information released by AFRICOM, between Feb. 1, when the Trump administration conducted its first strike in Somalia in 2025, and June 10, the U.S. carried out 38 airstrikes against al-Shabab and the Islamic State in Somalia. Deadly Strike On Us Troops Tests Trumps Counter-isis Plan And His Trust In Syrias New Leader AFRICOM has said additional strikes have been conducted since June 10. Independent monitoring organizations have reported a rise in strikes since President Donald Trump returned to office in 2024, according to a report by the Combating Terrorism Center. Advertisement Advertisement The report cited an April 2025 statement by AFRICOM commander Gen. Michael E. Langley before the Senate Armed Services Committee, in which he referenced the potential threat posed by jihadi groups in Africa to the U.S. homeland. "We are acutely aware that if ISIS and al Qaeda groups continue their expansion, they will pose a direct threat to the U.S. homeland," Langley said. "Given this environment, US AFRICOM will work collaboratively with the intelligence community and inter-agency partners to keep the risk to U.S. national security interests low," Langley said in a statement. War Sec. Hegseth Issues Statement After Two U.s. Soldiers Killed In Syria Are Identified Advertisement Advertisement Al-Shabab, an al Qaeda affiliate, has waged war on Somalias government since 2007 and continues to control territory in south-central Somalia. Click Here To Download The Fox News App ISIS-Somalia is a smaller faction concentrated largely in Puntlands mountainous northeast, where it is also said to compete with al-Shabab for influence. According to the U.S.-based Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Somalias conflict with armed groups was the third-deadliest in Africa through 2024, killing an estimated 7,289 people. Fox News Digital has reached out to AFRICOM for comment. Original article source: US launches wave of strikes in Somalia targeting ISIS, al-Shabab terror threats Venezuela has freed 15 journalists, including a leading opposition figure, as the slow release of political prisoners begun after Nicolas Maduro's ouster continues, activists said Wednesday. The administration of acting president Delcy Rodriguez has been releasing prisoners at a trickle over the past six days, in what it calls a goodwill gesture following Maduro's capture by US special forces in Caracas on January 3. So far it has only released a fraction of the more than 800 political prisoners estimated to be languishing in the country's penitentiaries. Advertisement Advertisement They include some Americans, a US State Department official confirmed on Tuesday, without saying how many. Roland Carreno, a journalist and opposition activist, was among a group of at least 15 reporters whose release was announced on Wednesday by a journalist union and a rights group. - Americans released - "We confirm the release of journalist Roland Carrebo. He had been imprisoned since August 2, 2024: 1 year, 5 months, and 12 days," the National Union of Press Workers (SNTP) wrote on X. Carreno, who was imprisoned between 2020 and 2023 on terrorism charges, was detained again in August 2024 during protests over elections that Maduro was accused of stealing. Advertisement Advertisement Caracas said Tuesday it had freed 116 detainees so far, but the Foro Penal rights NGO said it has only been able to confirm about half that number. The US State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, called the release of Americans "an important step in the right direction by the interim authorities." US President Donald Trump has hailed the releases, saying that he called off a second wave of strikes on Venezuela in light of the gesture. Many of those released were jailed for taking part in protests over the July 2024 elections, in which Maduro was declared the victor despite widespread allegations of vote-rigging. Advertisement Advertisement A number of Spanish and Italian citizens have also walked free from Venezuelan prisons in the past week. The United States had already secured freedom for some of its nationals in a deal with Maduro last year. - X access restored - Former deputy president Rodriguez assumed power after Maduro was captured by US forces along with his wife during air raids that left more than 100 dead, according to official figures. The couple were whisked to New York, where they were jailed while awaiting trial on drug trafficking charges. Domestically, Venezuelans regained one freedom on Tuesday -- the ability to post on social media platform X, which had been a popular forum for them. It is once again accessible, more than a year after users were blocked by Maduro's government. Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez updated her profile's bio -- she served as vice president under Maduro -- and wrote: "Let us stay united, moving toward economic stability, social justice, and the welfare state we deserve to aspire to." Access remained spotty to the social media network owned by billionaire Elon Musk, who engaged in heated online exchanges with the ousted Venezuelan leader, until Maduro lashed out in retaliation for criticism of his contested 2024 election and shut X down altogether. Maduro's X account was updated Tuesday with a photo of the deposed leader and his wife, Cilia Flores. "We want you back," the post reads. burs-cb/dw Al-Udeid is the largest US military base in the Middle East [TSGT Scott Reed, USAF] The US and UK are reducing the number of personnel at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, as US President Donald Trump considers whether to take action against Iran over its crackdown on anti-government protests. Officials have told CBS, the BBC's US partner, that the partial American withdrawal was a "precautionary measure". The BBC understands some UK military personnel are also being removed. A Qatari government statement said the measures reportedly being taken by the US were "in response to the current regional tensions". Advertisement Advertisement The Foreign Office has also temporarily closed the British embassy in Tehran, which will now operate remotely, a government spokesperson said. The US embassy in Doha has advised its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to the Al-Udeid air base. Iran closed its airspace from 02:45 local time (22:15 GMT) on Thursday to almost all flights, according to the US Federal Aviation Administration's website. The closure was initially due to last two hours, but was later extended to 08:00 local time (03:30 GMT), according to the Reuters news agency. Several airlines have announced they will reroute flights around Iran in response, including Air India and Germany's Lufthansa. Advertisement Advertisement Air India warned that passengers could experience delays or cancellations as flights through the region were rerouted. Lufthansa issued a statement confirming its flights would avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace "until further notice". According to rights groups, more than 2,400 anti-government demonstrators have been killed in the recent violent crackdown by the Iranian authorities. Regarding the removal of military personnel, the Qatari government said it would continue to "implement all necessary measures to safeguard the security and safety of its citizens and residents as a top priority, including actions related to the protection of critical infrastructure and military facilities". A UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson declined to comment on reports that UK personnel were being withdrawn "due to operational security". Advertisement Advertisement Al-Udeid is the largest US military base in the Middle East and about 10,000 personnel are based there, as well as about 100 UK staff. It is not clear how many will be leaving. Earlier this week, Trump warned the US would take "very strong action" against Iran if the authorities execute protesters. Iran has said it will retaliate if attacked by the US. On Wednesday, he said his administration had been told "on good authority" that "the killing in Iran is stopping, and there's no plan for executions". When questioned by a reporter, Trump said that these were "very important sources on the other side" and that he hoped the reports were true. Advertisement Advertisement The US president was also asked whether military action was now off the table, to which he replied: "We're going to watch and see what the process is." [BBC] The Reuters news agency, citing diplomats, reported that while some personnel had been told to leave the Al-Udeid air base, there was no immediate sign of large numbers of troops being bussed out like in the hours before an Iranian strike last year. Speaking to Fox News on Wednesday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Donald Trump to "not repeat the same mistake that you did in June," adding: "You know, if you try a failed experience, you will get the same result." He also responded to reports of a 26-year-old man whose family say he had been sentenced to death in Iran, saying that "hanging is out of the question" and there would be "no hanging today or tomorrow". Advertisement Advertisement As well as the temporary closure of the British embassy in Tehran, the US Mission to Saudi Arabia has advised its personnel and citizens to "exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to any military installations in the region". Italy and Poland have published statements urging their citizens to leave Iran, while Germany has issued a notice to air operators recommending that flights do not enter Tehran, citing potential risk from "escalating conflict and anti-aviation weaponry". Iran's government has accused the US of seeking to "manufacture a pretext for military intervention", with the parliament speaker warning that if the US attacked, both Israeli and US military and shipping centres in the region would become legitimate targets. The latest protests in Iran began at the end of December following the collapse of the currency and as the country deals with soaring living costs. Advertisement Advertisement They quickly widened into demands for political change and became one of the most serious challenges to the clerical establishment since the 1979 Islamic revolution. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said it had so far confirmed the killing of 2,403 protesters, as well as 12 children, despite an internet blackout. More than 18,434 protesters have been arrested during the unrest, the group also reported. Amnesty International said there were "mass unlawful killings committed on an unprecedented scale", citing "verified videos and credible information from eyewitnesses in Iran". The organisation urged UN member states to recognise the "crimes committed by security forces" in the protests. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that veteran downstate Republican Rep. Mike Bost has standing to pursue a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Illinois election law that allows mail-in ballots postmarked or certified by Election Day to be counted up to 14 days later. The 7-2 ruling, in an opinion authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, overturned lower federal court rulings that Bosts claims of injury by the law were speculative and that he lacked standing to challenge it. Roberts and the court majority ruled that candidates for office have a specialized interest, more particularized than voters, in how elections are conducted. Candidates have a concrete and particularized interest in the rules that govern the counting of votes in their elections, regardless of whether those rules harm their electoral prospects or increase the cost of their campaigns. Their interest extends to the integrity of the election and the democratic process by which they earn or lose the support of the people they seek to represent, Roberts wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Those who spend untold time and resources seeking to claim the right to voice the will of the people have an undeniably different and more particularized interest in knowing what that will is, he wrote. Concurring in Roberts decision were Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. Justice Amy Coney Barrett issued a separate opinion, which Justice Elena Kagan concurred in. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued a dissent, which Justice Sonia Sotomayor concurred with. In a statement issued by Judicial Watch, a GOP-aligned legal organization that supported the congressmans lawsuit, Bost said he was thankful that the court ruled strongly in our favor. This is a critically important step forward in the fight for election integrity and fair elections, Bost said. I look forward to continuing to pursue this case as we navigate the next stages of the legal process. Its vitally important that we restore the peoples trust in our elections. Advertisement Advertisement The ruling in the case, first filed in May of 2022, did not address the legality of Illinois post-Election Day vote counting and sent Bosts challenge back to the federal courts in Chicago. But another case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging Mississippis five-day post-Election Day ballot counting law, could render Bosts challenge moot. The nations high court is considering the Oct. 25, 2024, ruling by a panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that contends the federal statute establishing a uniform day for federal elections, and the U.S. Constitutions elections clause, requires all ballots to be both cast by voters and received by state officials by the end of Election Day. The courts decision on the Mississippi case could have wide-ranging ramifications for Illinois and as many as 27 other states and the District of Columbia, where local and state laws allow post-Election Day ballots to be counted. Illinois filed a brief in support of upholding the existing Mississippi law. Illinois has taken several major steps to expand voting opportunities, including early and mail-in voting, and has allowed voters to tell local election authorities to permanently send them vote-by-mail ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Bost, a six-term congressman from Murphysboro who represents the states 34 southernmost counties, challenged the Illinois law and received the backing of Judicial Watch, the National Republican Congressional Committee and the Republican National Committee. President Donald Trump has regularly criticized mail-in voting, making baseless claims of fraud, and said all ballots should be cast and counted on Election Day. But even in challenging the law, Bosts attorneys did not allege post-Election Day mail-in ballots were fraudulent. Instead, Bost argued the ballots were invalid. In contrast, Democrats have routinely been more effective at conducting organized early voting and vote-by-mail campaigns. Bost alleged in his lawsuit that he suffered economic damages by having to extend his campaign and hire poll watchers to observe the post-Election Day counting of mail-in ballots. Additionally, Bost claimed the post-Election Day ballots could lead to a smaller margin of victory, raising questions about his effectiveness in the minds of future voters. Bost has regularly won reelection since 2020 with more than 60% of the vote, though he survived a 2024 GOP primary challenge from now two-time GOP governor candidate Darren Bailey, 51% to 49%. Advertisement Advertisement Illinois law has been defended, in part, by noting that the additional counting time also benefits members of the military who are casting votes overseas. Bost is chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. In her dissent, Jackson criticized the majority for creating a new rule granting standing to political candidates, merely because they are seeking office, to federally challenge election laws. And she predicted it would open the floodgates to disruptive legal action even after an election is over. A public office is a public trust, and an election for that office is the ultimate expression of the will of the people, not a mere competition to be won or lost. In the Courts (majority) telling, though, elections are a glorified national pastime the competitors success is the main objective, and voters are mere bystanders who simply lend their support, Jackson wrote. When what is at stake is the overall fairness of the electoral process, it is the peoples shared interest in democracy itself (and not just the candidates job prospects) that hangs in the balance, she wrote. _____ U.S. officials are expected to meet with Danish and Greenlandic counterparts in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, amid President Donald Trump's continued expressions of intent to acquire the semi-autonomous Arctic territory despite collective opposition in both Copenhagen and Nuuk. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt are set to lead the delegation to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. In Denmark, "this is the big national news," Jonas Parello-Plesner, a Danish political analyst and former diplomat, told ABC News. "If in the first Trump period the saying was, 'You should take him seriously, but not literally,' I think the saying this time around is, 'You should both take him seriously and literally.'" Advertisement Advertisement Trump first raised the prospect of acquiring the territory during his first term, when Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed the idea as "absurd." Trump's second term has seen the president speak more aggressively about the proposal. "Even from a year ago, I see a quite stark difference in both Greenlandic and Danish attitudes that this is actually potentially really serious and life changing for the Kingdom of Denmark," said Parello-Plesner, who is now the executive director at the Copenhagen-based nonprofit Alliance of Democracies Foundation. Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters - PHOTO: Danish troops take part in a military drill in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, on Sept. 17, 2025. Trump says US will do something on Greenland 'whether they like it or not' Mikkel Runge Olesen, a senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies, told ABC News that the furor is prompting deeper questions among Danes and Greenlanders about their long-standing ties to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement "Is this who the U.S. is now? A superpower going around, invading its small democratic allies?" he asked. "That's scary to think of." "Just think of what it will do for the American alliance system worldwide," he added. "What kind of signal it sends -- if you're allied with the U.S., you may be invaded whenever it suits the U.S." 'You need ownership' Trump has repeatedly suggested that U.S. sovereignty over the world's largest island is necessary to ensure American security and blunt Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic region. As a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland is covered by NATO's collective defense clause. Greenland hosts the U.S. Pituffik Space Base and around 150 American troops, the U.S. having significantly downgraded its footprint from its high point during the Cold War. Advertisement Advertisement A 1951 defense agreement grants the U.S. military access to Greenland, and Danish politicians have repeatedly expressed willingness to work with Washington to expand the American and NATO presence there. Danish officials have also sought to head off concerns about the supposed vulnerability of the Arctic. Last year, Copenhagen announced a $6.5 billion Arctic defense package in response to U.S. criticism that it had failed to adequately protect Greenland. Jim Watson/via Reuters - PHOTO: This file photo shows U.S. Vice President JD Vance touring the U.S. military's Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on March 28, 2025. US military is 'always an option' for Trump to acquire Greenland, White House official says But Trump and his administration appear undeterred. "One way or the other, we're going to have Greenland," the president told reporters aboard Air Force One this weekend. Advertisement Advertisement "If we don't take Greenland, Russia or China will and I'm not letting that happen," Trump said, before deriding Denmark's military strength on the island. "Basically, their defense is two dog sleds," Trump said. "In the meantime, you have Russian destroyers and submarines and China destroyers and submarines all over the place." Asked if there was a deal to be done to avoid further tensions, Trump said he would "love to" because "it would be easier." But when pressed, the president said, "I could put a lot of soldiers there right now if I want. But you need more than that. You need ownership." Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of this week's meeting, Danish and Greenlandic politicians issued statements again rebuffing any suggestion of a U.S. acquisition of the island, statements which were backed by other European leaders. The Associated Press - Trump Denmark Greeland Denmark's PM urges Trump to 'stop the threats' of annexing Greenland "If the United States decides to attack another NATO country, then everything would stop -- that includes NATO and therefore post-World War II security," Frederiksen said in a statement. "Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenland is a member of NATO through the Commonwealth and therefore the defense of Greenland is through NATO," the government in Nuuk said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen posted a photo to social media showing a message sent to him by Frederiksen. "Greenland will not be owned by the United States," the message -- written in Greenlandic -- said. "Greenland does not want to be ruled by the United States. Greenland does not want to be a part of the United States. We want Greenland to continue to function as part of the Kingdom." The leaders of all five political parties holding seats in Greenland's parliament also released a joint statement. "We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders," they said. Before heading to the U.S. on Tuesday, Rasmussen -- the Danish foreign minister -- told reporters in Copenhagen, "Our reason for seeking the meeting we have now been given was to move this whole discussion, which has not become less tense since we last met, into a meeting room where we can look each other in the eye and talk about these things." Appealing to 'the deal-maker' Olesen, of the Danish Institute for International Studies, said Trump's most recent comments "should worry Danish politicians." His apparent dismissal of Copenhagen's efforts to bolster its Arctic readiness "means that either he hasn't noticed" or "he doesn't care. And either way, it's pretty bad." Advertisement Advertisement Trump told The New York Times he believed U.S. ownership of Greenland "is what I feel is psychologically necessary for success." That, too, is "problematic" for Copenhagen, Olesen said. "How do you deal with that?" he asked. "That's the conundrum for the Danish and the Greenlandic politicians," Olesen said, "trying not to provoke Trump too much and trying to give him something." "It will be difficult to offer a compromise if all he wants is ownership," he added. Parello-Plesner, the former Danish diplomat, said the experiences of other nations during Trump's second term may offer models. Joe Raedle/Getty Images - PHOTO: A Greenland flag flies near the flag of Denmark, March 11, 2025, in Ilulissat, Greenland. Denmark doesn't 'appreciate the tone' of US Greenland remarks, minister says Advertisement Advertisement Trump's focus on Panama and perceived Chinese overreach produced a proposed deal for a U.S. firm to take control of two ports there owned by a Hong Kong conglomerate. The president described the deal as "reclaiming the Panama Canal." Jose Raul Mulino, the president of Panama, addressed Trump's comments about the Panama Canal in a post on X last March, saying in part: "President Trump is lying again. The Panama Canal is not in the process of being recovered, and this was certainly not a topic of discussion in our conversations with Secretary Rubio or anyone else. On behalf of Panama and all Panamanians, I reject this new affront to the truth and to our dignity as a nation." In Ukraine, Kyiv alleviated U.S. pressure by agreeing to a rare earth minerals sharing deal as part of the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. "There's also a very pragmatic side to Trump -- the deal maker," Parello-Plesner said. "I think our side needs to give him something to work with," he added. Advertisement Advertisement That could mean fresh commitments on American military deployments in Greenland, a deal related to the territory's untapped mineral wealth or a pledge to do more to block autocratic states from asserting their Arctic ambitions, Parello-Plesner said. It is unclear what might appeal to the U.S. side, he continued. "We've seen for 30 years that the U.S. has just wanted to cut down on the presence up there and only uses it for limited missile defense purposes," he said. The Associated Press - EU--Greenland-Security-Explainer Trump says 'we can't' do without Greenland as Vance tours territory amid US takeover controversy Regarding Greenland's believed mineral wealth, Parello-Plesner said the U.S. government and private companies have been largely uninterested given the territory's inhospitable weather and terrain, extraction challenges and global market forces. A symbolic win might be enough to take the heat out of Trump's push, Olesen said. "It's going to be interesting to see how far Danish and Greenlandic politicians feel they can go in order to avoid being humiliated, in order to avoid handing over the Greenlandic underground to a bully," Olesen continued. "But then again, the stakes are so high, so I wouldn't rule it out, and I wouldn't rule out that if this is something that could solve the crisis." In the meantime, both analysts said Copenhagen and Nuuk are likely to focus on bolstering the image of domestic unity, European solidarity, backing from the U.S. Congress and NATO-led Arctic security. "The Trump policy line is not invulnerable," Olesen said, noting pushback from U.S. voters and members of Congress -- including prominent Republicans. The Associated Press - Trump Trump lays out foreign policy priorities: Venezuela, Greenland "At some point, Trump may decide that it's not worth the bother anymore, and in that case, it would probably be wise to offer him some way to save face and get out of it," he said. But months of back and forth over Greenland have already done significant damage to transatlantic sentiment in Denmark, Parello-Plesner said, in a country he said has long prided itself on broad support for NATO and for close relations with the U.S. Danish forces, for example, sustained a comparable per capita casualty rate as the U.S. in the invasion and occupation of Afghanistan. That strength of feeling, he said, "has dropped tremendously." ABC News' Morgan Winsor and Clark Bentson contributed to this report. Al Udeid is the Middle East's largest US base, housing around 10,000 troops. Some personnel have been advised to leave the US military's Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening, three diplomats told Reuters, amid warnings from Washington that it could intervene to protect protesters in Iran. The US embassy in Doha had no immediate comment, and Qatar's Foreign Affairs Ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for confirmation or comment. Advertisement Advertisement Al Udeid is the Middle East's largest US base, housing around 10,000 troops. "It's a posture change and not an ordered evacuation," one of the diplomats told Reuters. The diplomat said he was not aware that a specific reason had been given for the posture change. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves to his supporters during a press conference after casting his ballot for the parliamentary runoff elections in Tehran on May 10, 2024. (credit: Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images) Earlier on Wednesday, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran warned regional countries that it would strike US military bases in those countries in case of a US attack. "Tehran has told regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Turkey, that US bases in those countries will be attacked if the US targets Iran... asking these countries to prevent Washington from attacking Iran," the official told Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement US President Donald Trumps warnings to the Islamic Republic have included threats of military force. Trump also warned Iran against retaliating against the US, saying that if it did so, the US would respond at levels never seen before. Iranian official confirms Washington-Tehran communications halted The Iranian official also told Reuters that direct communications between Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff have been suspended. US President Donald Trump is seen at a meeting in the White House earlier this month. The president wants to be visibly anti-intellectual, the writer says. (credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images) The senior official added that US threats undermine diplomatic efforts and that potential meetings between the two officials to find a diplomatic solution to a decades-long nuclear dispute have been canceled. The comments confirm a statement made by Trump on Tuesday, when the president posted on his Truth Social social media platform that he had canceled all meetings with Iranian officials. The officials comments also come in the wake of an Axios report on Monday stating that Araghchi had "reached out" to Witkoff over the weekend and that the two discussed the ongoing protests in Iran. An unnamed Israeli official also said it appeared Trump had decided to intervene, though the scope and timing remained unclear. US military intervention in Iran could come in the next 24 hours, two European officials said on Wednesday evening, Reuters reported. An unnamed Israeli official also said it appeared US President Donald Trump had decided to intervene, though the scope and timing remained unclear. Advertisement Advertisement The United States is withdrawing some personnel from key bases in the region as a precaution amid heightened regional tensions, Reuters reported earlier on Wednesday, citing an unnamed US official. The disclosure follows remarks by a senior Iranian official who told Reuters earlier on Wednesday that Tehran had warned neighbors hosting US troops that it would hit American bases if Washington strikes. Britain is also withdrawing some personnel from an airbase in Qatar ahead of possible strikes by the United States, the i newspaper reported on Wednesday, mirroring the US. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves to his supporters during a press conference after casting his ballot for the parliamentary runoff elections in Tehran on May 10, 2024. (credit: Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images) Nations encourage their citizens to leave Iran Polish citizens should leave Iran immediately, the Polish foreign ministry said on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges the immediate departure from Iran and advises against all travel to this country," it said in a post on X. Italy has also appealed to its citizens to leave Iran due to the country's security situation, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. There are around 600 Italians in Iran, most of them in the Tehran area, it added This comes less than 24 hours after the US urged its citizens to leave Iran, and advised them to consider departing by land to Turkey or Armenia, according to a notice released on Tuesday by the US virtual embassy in Tehran. "US citizens should leave Iran now. Consider departing Iran by land to Turkiye or Armenia, if safe to do so," the notice said. US, UK withdraw military personnel from Mideast bases This comes shortly after personnel were instructed specifically to depart the US military's Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening, according to Reuters, amid warnings from Washington that it could intervene to protect protesters in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement The US embassy in Doha had no immediate comment, and Qatar's Foreign Affairs Ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for confirmation or comment. Al Udeid is the Middle East's largest US base, housing around 10,000 troops. "It's a posture change and not an ordered evacuation," one of the diplomats told Reuters. The diplomat said he was not aware that a specific reason had been given for the posture change. Earlier on Wednesday, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran warned regional countries that it would strike US military bases in those countries in case of a US attack. Advertisement Advertisement "Tehran has told regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Turkey, that US bases in those countries will be attacked if the US targets Iran... asking these countries to prevent Washington from attacking Iran," the official told Reuters. President Trumps warnings to the Islamic Republic have included threats of military force. Trump also warned Iran against retaliating against the US, saying that if it did so, the US would respond at levels never seen before. Iranian official confirms Washington-Tehran communications halted The Iranian official also told Reuters that direct communications between Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff have been suspended. The senior official added that US threats undermine diplomatic efforts and that potential meetings between the two officials to find a diplomatic solution to a decades-long nuclear dispute have been canceled. Advertisement Advertisement The comments confirm a statement made by Trump on Tuesday, when the president posted on his Truth Social social media platform that he had canceled all meetings with Iranian officials. The officials comments also come in the wake of an Axios report on Monday stating that Araghchi had "reached out" to Witkoff over the weekend and that the two discussed the ongoing protests in Iran. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) On Tuesday, Utah leaders discussed how they want to prioritize affordable homes this legislative session. During an event held on Jan. 13, Utah leaders and housing advocates met to discuss the states plan for the future of housing and why it matters. For several years, Governor Spencer Cox has been emphasizing the importance of affordable housing in Utah by building starter homes throughout the state. Advertisement Advertisement Steve Waldrip, the Senior Advisor for Housing Strategy and Innovation, says the state has built about 6,500 starter homes in the last two years, but they will need to build significantly more to meet current needs. This is reportedly easier said than done. Utah lawmaker seeks to rename Harvey Milk Boulevard to Charlie Kirk Boulevard One issue limiting how many starter homes can be built is that many lots are already entitled, which means they are ready to be built, but the infrastructure for neighborhoods isnt yet in place. The regional infrastructure needed includes sewer treatment, water tanks, and transportation corridors. Advertisement Advertisement Another issue is the barriers to home ownership, from expensive fees and taxes to city regulations. Wildrip says the average age of a first-time homebuyer is 40, a figure that has risen considerably in the last decade. With a lack of stable housing, many younger families are moving out-of-state, which he says is an issue. We emphasize our families and the connection to our communities, and were losing that when were shipping our kids away, Wildrip said. We want to keep those young families here. We need the workforce. We need the talent. The single greatest threat to our states prosperity is the rising cost of a home. For too long, weve relied on outdated regulations that have effectively priced our children and grandchildren out of the American Dream, he added. Advertisement Advertisement He hopes that Utah will be able to implement significant change and make housing more affordable by building these starter homes. Reportedly, these are issues that Utah lawmakers will be focusing on during the 2026 legislative session and they will be emphasizing partnerships between municipalities and developers. How to make ABC4 your preferred news source on Google Wildrip added, This is no longer just a financial issue; it is a moral imperative to ensure Utah remains a place where the next generation can afford to put down roots. This session, we are focused on finding real, data-driven solutions that prioritize housing supply and innovation. He also encouraged individuals to reach out to their legislators and demand more supply in starter homes. On Feb. 19, legislators will hold a Housing Day on the Hill forum, where the public can express their opinion on the Utah housing situation. Advertisement Advertisement We want them to show their legislators that this matters to them. This matters to families in our great state. This matters to young kids in our great state, He concluded. This is the future of our state, and we want to make sure that we provide that opportunity to have their voices heard. Latest headlines: Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Utah may have won over the Trump administration on the states unique approach to regulating artificial intelligence. Utah Senate President Stuart Adams told the Deseret News/KSL Editorial Board on Tuesday state lawmakers convinced White House counterparts to leave Utahs AI policies alone. And now, Congress may follow Utahs lead. When we showed them the fact that we have a way to allow AI technology to move very rapidly, but embed in it a regulatory scheme, it started to make sense to them that, Hold on a minute, you can do both, Adams said. Advertisement Advertisement In December, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to address the motley patchwork of state AI laws by creating an AI litigation task force and blocking broadband funding for states with cumbersome regulation. President Donald Trump signs an AI initiative in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Washington. | Alex Brandon, Associated Press Utah lawmakers, including former Google employee Rep. Doug Fiefia, voiced concern that Trumps order would undermine the states innovative AI regulations that aim to protect consumers without stifling innovation. In 2023, Utah passed groundbreaking legislation to form a state AI policy lab that garnered international attention by providing liability protection for AI companies as the state works with them to develop pro-growth AI regulations. This past legislative session, lawmakers placed guardrails on the use of AI chatbots for mental health treatment, expanded prohibitions on AI abuse of personal identity and established AI disclosure requirements for businesses. Why Trump administration changed course While Utah lawmakers feared Trumps order could preempt Utahs law through a court challenge, and leave the state with very few regulations on rapidly changing AI technology, Adams said Utahs laws appear safe for now. Advertisement Advertisement I think they backed away because of what were doing, Adams, R-Layton, said, later adding, Weve come up with a better way. And then they started to say, Well, maybe that isnt such a good idea for us to take control. The agreement for Utah to continue with its current AI policies came after Utah legislative leadership engaged in a lot of discussions with people inside the White House, Adams said. I think they started listening. In a separate interview with the Deseret News, Fiefia, who spearheaded Utahs opposition to federal policies restricting AI regulation, agreed with Adams characterization of how the Trump administration has come to view Utah AI policy. Were focused on protecting residents in narrow, high risk areas, while encouraging innovation, Fiefia said. That kind of balance is exactly what allows states and federal government to stay aligned. And I believe that the administration recognizes that Utah is doing exactly that. Fiefia added that this alignment extends beyond letting Utah continue its experiment with AI regulation on its own. He predicted that our bills and our ideas and our approach to AI will soon be adopted in a federal framework. Renee Pinkney, a Park City social studies teacher who serves as the president of the Utah Education Association, speaks about changes to HB267 at the Utah Capitol Building on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. (Kyle Dunphey/Utah News Dispatch) A Republican member of the Utah State Board of Education who backed a 2025 state ban on collective bargaining for public workers is now suing the states largest teachers union. Cole Kelley, who is also a financial literacy and business teacher at American Fork High School, alleges dues paid by members of the Utah Education Association ultimately go toward political causes, parties or candidates even though the association has said they do not. Advertisement Advertisement Exhibits attached to the lawsuit include a list of the unions contributions to Protect Utah Workers. The coalition led an effort earlier this year to undo the unpopular law restricting collective bargaining for unions like the UEA before lawmakers repealed it themselves. Kelley and the conservative Freedom Foundation filed the lawsuit Monday in Salt Lake Countys 3rd District Court, alleging violations of Utahs Truth in Advertising Act. Kelley and the organization are both seeking damages of $2,000 and attorney fees. Theyre also seeking court orders finding the union engaged in deceptive trade practices and requiring corrective advertising. The Freedom Foundations website says it is not a think tank but a battle tank thats battering the entrenched power of left-wing government union bosses who represent a permanent lobby for bigger government, higher taxes and radical social agendas. The group previously filed complaints alleging wrongful political spending by unions in Pennsylvania and Washington state. It also sued the state of Oregon last week over a new state law making it illegal to impersonate a union representative. Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Utah lawsuit accuses the Utah Education Association of falsely claiming that member dues are not used for political parties, candidates, or campaigns. It alleges that such statements on the unions website and social media are considered advertisements under state law because theyre made in connection with the solicitation of business. A spokesperson for the Utah Education Association declined to comment on allegations in the pending lawsuit. The UEA remains committed to serving Utah public educators and the students they serve with integrity, respect and transparency, Hailey Higgins, director of communications and public relations, said in a statement to Utah News Dispatch. Higgins added that Kelley is not a member of the union. Advertisement Advertisement Kelley and the Freedom Foundation contend portions of UEA members dues go to the National Education Association, which uses them to support and/or oppose political parties and candidates with millions of dollars in expenditures each year. The National Education Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Kelley was elected to the Utah State Board of Education in 2024. His district includes an eastern portion of Utah County, along with Wasatch, Duchesne, Daggett and Uintah counties. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE An individual threatened to Kirk conservative students at the University of Utah on Monday, and then proceeded to gesture his hands in the motion of cocking a rifle aimed at them, according to a video recording of the event and police reports. To the two students who sat at a table on campus, where they had set up an open mic in the hopes of engaging in debates with students passing by, his apparent threat insinuated that they should face the same fate as conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10, when he was assassinated while holding a debate at Utah Valley University. During a two-day public-forum debate, hosted by the Christian conservative group Reawaken USA with the Utah Federation of College Republicans, at the Salt Lake City campus on Monday, a student at the university who was passing by first refused to approach the microphone to engage with the students before allegedly threatening them. Advertisement Advertisement Riley Beesley, vice-chairman of the Utah Federation of College Republicans and a student at the University of Utah, said it was toward the end of Day 1 of the groups event when the man started calling them fascists, pigs and Nazis, and repeatedly saying, You should die. University of Utah sophomores Maia Laule and Hailey Watts participate in a conversation during the Utah Federation of College Republicans' Reawaken Tour open mic debate at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News The incident occurred at a time when state leadership is looking at committing more state funds toward campus public safety, following Kirks murder at UVU a little over four months ago. The University of Utah confirmed in a statement to the Deseret News that the individual was a student at the school, and that he was arrested. On Monday, January 12, Dean Stewart, 21, disrupted an event and yelled at a member of Reawaken USA as he was debating in front of Marriott Library. Stewart said that he should be shot in the neck and repeatedly made hand gestures of shooting him with a rifle, the statement said. Stewart was arrested and cited by University of Utah Police Department for disorderly conduct, making threats, and disobeying a lawful order. He was booked into jail and released. Advertisement Advertisement Aden Nicholas, who works with Reawaken and was sitting at the table, told the Deseret News that offensive comments and vulgar gestures are not uncommon during college tours. But the Kirk comment was. University of Utah police maintain a presence outside the J. Willard Marriott Library as the Utah Federation of College Republicans holds a Reawaken Tour open mic debate at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News He added that he found it ironic that one of the topics of discussion was the groups claim that the political left is more violent than the political right. As someone who witnessed Kirks death, Beesley said its disheartening to know that his fellow students feel this way toward him because of his politics. I think its awful, he said. Theres no sanctity, theres no value of life on the left anymore. ... We have a First Amendment right, just as them, but it crosses a line when you say youre going to kill somebody, so as an individual that saw Charlie Kirk die and then being told, Im going to kill you, Im going to Kirk you, I think its awful. I never want to see it again. Advertisement Advertisement Video footage of the incident, viewed by the Deseret News, shows the individual being apprehended by law enforcement shortly after. Utah Sen. Mike Lee posted on X regarding the incident that Charlie Kirk would be devastated to know that Kirk is now a verb used by unhinged leftists to threaten conservatives. Are Utahs college campuses safe? Reece Reitmeier speaks at the Utah Federation of College Republicans' Reawaken Tour open mic debate at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Last October, the Utah Board of Higher Education voted to create a campus security task force whose priority is focused on how to make campuses safer and how to create a system-wide approach to campus safety, Katie Mazzie, associate commissioner of Strategic Initiatives, Community & Government Relations at the Utah System of Higher Education, told the Deseret News. The task force was established a month after the assassination of Kirk, which took place in front of thousands at Utahs largest public university. Advertisement Advertisement Mazzie said Kirks death definitely drew more attention to the issue, but discussing needs and potential approaches for campus safety has been ongoing for about five years. Jim Mortensen, UVUs vice president of finance and auxiliary services, told the Deseret News that it has been a very difficult year for the UVU family as we mourn the loss of life as well as the sense of safety our campus community has long felt, he said. By most measures, UVU remains among the safest campuses in the nation. Even so, we recognize that expectations and risks have shifted, and we must respond accordingly. Costly measures the campus is making to ramp up security include increasing campus law enforcement staffing by at least 50%, bolstering key infrastructure and sustaining an increased level of caution, Mortensen said, noting that any additional funds allocated through the state budget will help with these efforts. University of Utah police officers Ricardo Solorzano and V. Tali maintain a presence outside the J. Willard Marriott Library as the Utah Federation of College Republicans holds a Reawaken Tour open mic debate at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News We will continue to emphasize situational awareness and community preparedness, and we are proud of how our students and employees have responded as we work toward a renewed sense of normalcy, Mortensen said. He also expressed gratitude for the state task forces work. Advertisement Advertisement Geoffrey Landward, the states commissioner of higher education, said previously in a press release that this task force was an opportunity to revisit our policies, our practices and our resources to determine how we can further advance safety on our campuses. We must ensure that our colleges provide spaces where our students can learn, where our faculty can teach and research, and where communities can gather to exchange ideas and enjoy the beauty of our campuses safely, he added. Last month, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox released his budget recommendations for the fiscal year 2027. In it, he allocated $3,430,200 specifically to enhance campus safety and security. Kai Schwemmer, BYU junior, and James Owen, Reawaken Utah president and CEO, engage others in a debate during the Utah Federation of College Republicans' Reawaken Tour open mic debate at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News The colleges public safety is mainly financed at the institutional level through state appropriations. Advertisement Advertisement Spokesperson Audrey Perry Martin from Brigham Young University, a private school in Provo, Utah, which doesnt receive state funds, told the Deseret News that BYU regularly reviews security policies and procedures and has increased investment in campus security in recent years. Ensuring student safety on college campuses is a concern across the nation. The Brown University shooting last month, where two were killed and nine others injured, was followed just two days later by the murder of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor. Though the incidents were found to be connected to a single gunman, the sequence underscored growing concerns among universities and law enforcement about how quickly targeted violence can escalate across campuses. Mazzie said the campus security task force, composed of individuals with expertise in campus safety, will make those determinations about how that funding will be applied for Utah students. Utah Valley University president Astrid Tuminez announced she's stepping down from her role on May 1, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Utah Valley University) Utah Valley University President Astrid Tuminez announced Wednesday she will step down from her role on May 1 after more than seven years, the last of which was marked by tragedy. The announcement comes after Tuminez experienced a rough 2025 marked by her husband Jeffrey Tolks sudden death in February and the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at the universitys campus in September. Advertisement Advertisement She said Wednesday shes resigning to devote more time to her family and personal pursuits. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX UVU has been a labor of love for me. The universitys call to come as you are recognizes and cultivates human potential in bold ways that traditional institutions may overlook, Tuminez said in a news release. Education transformed my life from the slums of the Philippines to a global adventure, and I brought that conviction to UVU. My heart will always be green. Tuminez led UVU since the fall of 2018, making history as the first woman to serve as a full-time president at Utahs largest university. As a student, transferred from the University of the Philippines to Brigham Young University, where she earned a bachelors degree in international relations and Russian literature. Tuminez also has a masters degree in Soviet studies from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Advertisement Advertisement President Tuminez has been a deeply thoughtful leader who has consistently championed student success, Utah System of Higher Education Commissioner Geoffrey Landward said in a statement. We are grateful for her leadership and will work closely with the board and the university to ensure a smooth and well-supported transition. A highlight of Tuminezs tenure is Vision 2030, according to the university, a 10-year plan to better support students, community and workforce. The Utah Board of Higher Education is now establishing a presidential transition team with representatives from the board, the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, and UVU trustees who will oversee the new leadership search process over the next several months, the university said in the release. The presidential transition team will continue working through the first six months of the new presidents tenure, as part of a new presidential search model, the university added. That would extend their support beyond the hiring process. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Vice President JD Vance begins 2026 with a healthy head start toward the Republican presidential nomination that he is widely expected to seek in 2028. Early polls show him with a commanding lead over would-be GOP rivals. Conservative activist Erika Kirk, who last year was named to head the influential Turning Point USA after the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, has already endorsed him. President Donald Trump repeatedly identifies Vance, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as an heir apparent to his MAGA movement. And Rubio has repeatedly deferred to Vance, insisting that the 2028 nomination is his for the taking. The latest nod toward Vance came Sunday, when another oft-mentioned Republican contender, outgoing Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, struck a similarly deferential tone. Advertisement Advertisement I agree with President Trump, I agree with Marco Rubio. I think Vice President Vance would be a great nominee, Youngkin said in an interview with Fox News when asked if he himself was ruling out a campaign for president in the future. But Vances advantages have not quieted speculation around a handful of other GOP prospects, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas, Josh Hawley of Missouri and Rand Paul of Kentucky. With the exception of Hawley, each has run for president before: Cruz and Paul (and Rubio) lost to Trump in the 2016 primaries, DeSantis lost to Trump in 2024. They and others have staked out or reinforced positions seen by White House allies as, at best, opportunistic and oppositional to Trump and Vance and, at worst, purposely antagonistic. And they have homed in on thorny issues such as artificial intelligence and the Jeffrey Epstein files that can cause heartburn at the highest levels of the executive branch. The question is whether any of their maneuverings make for a clear lane around Vance that can lead them to the nomination. Advertisement Advertisement Vance is the clear leader, said a veteran strategist from Trumps past campaigns, who like others was granted anonymity to candidly discuss the early contours of a potential 2028 primary fight. The anti-Vance lane is mostly party elites hunting for defectors and pretending thats a coalition. That didnt work with Trump vs. DeSantis, and it wont work here either unless Vance hands them the opening himself. Vance has sidestepped questions about 2028, telling NBC News in an interview last month that he would never want the focus on the future to come at the expense of this job. As the Republican National Committees finance chair, he is expected to raise money and campaign across the country for GOP candidates in this years midterm elections, the results of which will further clarify his standing in the party. Those positioning themselves against Vance are doing so in ways that are unhelpful to the White House agenda and battle to retain control of Congress at a time of unified government, a person close to the vice president said. Broadly speaking, its just silly and early, this person added, emphasizing that their critique did not extend to Rubio or any other Cabinet member who might be entertaining thoughts of a presidential bid. The midterms havent happened yet and wont for 11 months. A lot of these are just odd, parochial fixations that they have. And a lot of it seems to be driven by interest in getting media attention, much more so than paying attention to the task in front of them now. Cruz raising eyebrows and friends Few have stirred as much speculation as Cruz has. In recent months he has clashed with the Trump administration over the nomination of a NASA administrator and over Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carrs threat to police remarks that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel made about Kirks assassination. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, recently held a "friendraiser" in Miami with some of Florida's political heavyweights. (Heather Diehl / Getty Images file) (Heather Diehl) Cruz also has invited contrasts with Vance by warning about a rise of antisemitism in the GOP. As examples, Cruz specifically has cited an interview that Vance ally Tucker Carlson conducted with Nick Fuentes, an activist known for espousing white supremacist views and praising Adolf Hitler, and anti-Israel questions from attendees at a Turning Point USA event that Vance headlined. Vance, for his part, told NBC News last month that he doesnt think antisemitism is exploding on the right. Advertisement Advertisement Each of the moves has irked White House officials who see them as an effort to undermine the vice president. Those close to Cruz have argued that his focus is more about his long-standing support for Israel and free speech and not intended to be a soft launch of a second presidential campaign. But Cruz is starting to take steps to reactivate a national infrastructure beyond Texas. In Miami last week, he huddled with some of Floridas political heavyweights at a gathering described as a friendraiser, a person familiar with the event said. Hawley and Paul draw Trumps ire Hawley and Paul have also caught flak for splitting with Trump on key issues. They were among five Republicans who received angry calls from the president last week after they joined Democrats to advance a war powers resolution rebuking his use of force in Venezuela. Hawley and Paul also were the only two Republicans who joined with Senate Democrats in September in an early, unsuccessful effort to compel the Justice Department to release all the Epstein files. Paul, known for his libertarian leanings, has long been a particularly prickly thorn in Trumps side. Their frequent public disagreements led to tension around Pauls invitation to an annual White House picnic, and he voted against Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill pressing Vance into service to cast the tie-breaking vote. In a speech Tuesday in Detroit, Trump referred to Pauls votes against his agenda and called him a stone cold loser. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., long known for his libertarian streak, voted against Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill. (Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images file) (Kevin Dietsch) Paul also has attacked Vance directly, having chastised him for endorsing the use of military force to kill alleged Venezuelan drug cartel members Advertisement Advertisement JD I dont give a s--- Vance says killing people he accuses of a crime is the highest and best use of the military, Paul wrote in a September post on X. What a despicable and thoughtless sentiment it is to glorify killing someone without a trial. Hawley, who has downplayed the suggestion that he is planning a presidential bid, has been somewhat subtler with his contrasts, though his moves have occasionally drawn Trumps ire. I dont think real Republicans want to see their President, who has had unprecedented success, TARGETED because of the whims of a second-tier Senator named Josh Hawley! Trump wrote on Truth Social last year after Hawley joined with Democrats to advance a ban on congressional stock trading that expanded to include the president and vice president. Hawley also has scrutinized and sought to regulate artificial intelligence. He has introduced bills seeking to require employers to disclose AI-related job losses, to ban AI chatbot companions for minors and to allow liability claims against AI companies. The White House, meanwhile, has enthusiastically championed the technology. Trump last month signed an executive order aiming to prevent states from regulating AI. And Vance has described robots on job sites as complementary to human labor rather than a threat to replace workers. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has been active in scrutinizing artificial intelligence. (Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images) (Tom Williams) I cant speak to the administration, but Congress is giving the AI industry a big bear hug and a big wet kiss, Hawley told NBC News last month when asked about the contrast. And I think its gross and I think its dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement More recently, Hawley and his wife, Erin Morrow Hawley, launched an anti-abortion group that is planning a national ad campaign and has angered Trump advisers who see it as a move to compete with the anti-abortion Vance, Axios reported. DeSantis, Part II? If DeSantis, who split with Trump to launch an unsuccessful run for president in 2024, runs again in 2028, he would do so positioned in a much different place. Many of his previous top donors have rallied around Trump and could stick with Vance, whom the president installed as the RNC finance chair. To some degree, I think he is hoping that Trump fatigue will set in, said a former adviser to DeSantis presidential campaign. He is going to be among those who are going to try and stake out the non-Vance lane, and you are already seeing that manifest itself. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had a falling-out with Trump world after he ran against Trump in 2024. (Joe Lamberti / AP file) (Joe Lamberti) Like Hawley, DeSantis has issued warnings about AI. But the hints about DeSantis future are more evident in what he hasnt said or done, the adviser said. DeSantis, this person noted, was relatively restrained this month in the immediate aftermath of the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. (DeSantis later raised the possibility of state charges in Florida against Maduro.) The former adviser also observed how DeSantis, known as a strong advocate for Israel, has shown less of an appetite for such advocacy as it becomes an animating issue on the far right. Advertisement Advertisement When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to Mar-a-Lago to meet with the president, he was not there, this person said of DeSantis. Five years ago Ron DeSantis would have been in South Florida for two days waiting for Netanyahu to get there. That tells you he has a pulse on where a portion of the party is, this person added. He has always been good at not only reading where the party is today, but where it is going. A Vance-Rubio ticket? Recent events could also shape the fortunes of several Cabinet members who might have interest in running in 2028. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been in the middle of executing Trumps immigration and border policy, arguably one of the strengths of his return to office. She also, without evidence, quickly characterized the woman shot and killed last week in Minnesota by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer as a domestic terrorist setting a tone that Trump, Vance and others high up in the administration soon followed. But the killing has become a flash point in the debate over how Trump has deployed federal law enforcement and the military to U.S. cities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said he hopes Vance will run for president. (Nathan Howard / Pool via AFP-Getty Images) (Nathan Howard) Then theres Rubio, who also serves as Trumps national security adviser and wears other hats in the administration. He has become a face of the Venezuela operation, as well as other international entanglements that arent always popular with America First Trump backers, and is known for more hawkish foreign policy views than Vance holds. Advertisement Advertisement Vance and Rubio aides have grown weary of the constant questions about a rivalry between the two fueled in part by Trump suggesting that either of them could succeed him, or that they could form a ticket for 2028. Rubio has said he hopes Vance will run for president and that he would be a great nominee if he does. The success of the Trump-Vance administration on issues foreign and domestic, a veteran Republican operative said, will be the foundation that eventual Republican nominee JD Vance builds and improves on as the 48th President of the United States. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com WASHINGTON (AP) A top Danish official said Wednesday that a fundamental disagreement over Greenland remains with President Donald Trump after holding highly anticipated White House talks with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The two sides, however, agreed to create a working group to discuss ways to work through differences as Trump continues to call for a U.S. takeover of the semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. The group, in our view, should focus on how to address the American security concerns, while at the same time respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen told reporters after joining Greenlands foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, for the talks. He added that it remains "clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland. Advertisement Advertisement Trump is trying to make the case that NATO should help the U.S. acquire the world's largest island and says anything less than it being under American control is unacceptable. Denmark, meanwhile, announced plans to boost the country's military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic as Trump tries to justify his calls for a U.S. takeover of the vast territory by repeatedly claiming that China and Russia have their designs on Greenland, which holds vast untapped reserves of critical minerals. The president, who did not take part in Wednesdays meeting, told reporters he remained committed to acquiring the territory. We need Greenland for national security, Trump said. Well see how it all works out. I think something will work out. Advertisement Advertisement Trump named Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland last month. Landry did not attend Wednesday's meeting, but was scheduled to travel to Washington on Thursday and Friday for meetings that include the topic of Greenland, his spokesperson said. Landry, following Trump's latest comments, posted on X that Trump was absolutely right about acquiring Greenland and the territory "is a critical component of our nations national security portfolio. Before the meeting, Trump took to social media to make the case that NATO should be leading the way" for the U.S. to acquire the territory. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has sought to keep an arms-length away from the dispute between the most important power and the other members of the 32-country alliance unnerved by the aggressive tack Trump has taken toward Denmark. Both Lkke Rasmussen and Motzfeldt offered measured hope that the talks were beginning a conversation that would lead to Trump dropping his demand and create a path for tighter cooperation with the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement "We have shown where our limits are and from there, I think that it will be very good to look forward, Motzfeldt said. Denmark bolstering presence in Arctic In Copenhagen, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced a stepped-up military presence in the Arctic in close cooperation with our allies," a necessity in a security environment in which no one can predict what will happen tomorrow. Several of the country's allies, including Germany, France, Norway and Sweden, announced they were arriving in Greenland along with Danish personnel to take part in joint exercises or map out further military cooperation in the Arctic. Advertisement Advertisement NATO is also looking at how members can collectively bolster the alliance's presence in the Arctic, said a NATO official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Greenlanders want the US to back off Greenland is strategically important because, as climate change causes the ice to melt, it opens up the possibility of shorter trade routes to Asia. That also could make it easier to extract and transport untapped deposits of critical minerals which are needed for computers and phones. Trump says Greenland is also vital to the United States' Golden Dome missile defense program. He also has said Russia and China pose a threat in the region. Advertisement Advertisement But experts and Greenlanders question that claim, and it has become a hot topic on the snow-covered main street in Greenlands capital, where international journalists and camera crews have descended as Trump continues his takeover talk. In interviews, Greenlanders said the outcome of the Washington talks didn't exactly evince confidence that Trump can be persuaded. Trump is unpredictable, said Geng Lastein, who immigrated to Greenland 18 years ago from the Philippines. Maya Martinsen, 21, said she doesn't buy Trump's arguments that Greenland needs to be controlled by the U.S. for the sake maintaining a security edge in Arctic over China and Russia. Instead, Martinsen said, Trump is after the plentiful oils and minerals that we have that are untouched. Advertisement Advertisement Greenland has beautiful nature and lovely people," Martinsen added. "Its just home to me. I think the Americans just see some kind of business trade. Denmark has said the U.S., which already has a military presence, can boost its bases on Greenland. The U.S. is party to a 1951 treaty that gives it broad rights to set up military bases there with the consent of Denmark and Greenland. Bipartisan concern from U.S. senators Lkke Rasmussen and Motzfeldt also met with a bipartisan group senators from the Arctic Caucus. The senators said they were concerned Trump's push to acquire Greenland could upend NATO and play into the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who has introduced legislation to try to block any U.S. action in Greenland, said it was stunning to her that they were even discussing the matter. We are operating in times where we are having conversations about things that we never even thought possible, Murkowski said. Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, said it is nonsense to say that the U.S. needs to control Greenland to protect national security. The officials were very open to additional national security assets in Greenland in order to meet whatever risks there are. A bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers plans to show their solidarity by traveling to Copenhagen this week. ___ Burrows reported from Nuuk, Greenland and Ciobanu from Warsaw, Poland. Associated Press writers Stefanie Dazio and Geir Moulson in Berlin, Mary Clare Jalonick, Lisa Mascaro, Aamer Madhani and Will Weissert in Washington, Sara Cline and Jack Brook in Baton Rouge, La., and Catherine Gaschka in Paris contributed to this report. Vanderbilt University announced on Jan. 13 that it will acquire the California College of the Arts' campus to expand its presence nationwide. The university plans to establish a full-time undergraduate and graduate academic campus in San Francisco in 2027, following the California College of the Arts' official end of its century-long presence in the city. This expansion into San Francisco follows similar deals Vanderbilts made in New York City and West Palm Beach, with the goal of becoming "one of the worlds leading centers." Advertisement Advertisement By establishing a significant full-time presence here, Vanderbilt is expanding the ways our students and faculty engage with the worlds most innovative cities and advancing our core mission of education and discovery, said Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier in a press release. Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Vanderbilts plans include serving up to 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students on campus and operating a California College of the Arts Institute at Vanderbilt, which will include the Wattis Institute of Contemporary Arts. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced the acquisition of the private universities during a press conference on Jan. 13 and discussed the city's role in bringing the Tennessee-based university to the West Coast. "We walked them through our city and toured sites to help them think through what was possible," Lurie said. "We shared all the things that make San Francisco the center of innovation, a hub for creativity and a city on the rise." Advertisement Advertisement "Vanderbilt's decision sends a powerful message. It says that San Francisco remains one of the world's great places to live, to learn and to innovate." It's unclear at the time of reporting what the terms of the deal between the two universities are. For years, the California College of the Arts has dealt with financial problems as the university has faced "declining enrollment, (and) CCAs tuition-driven business model is not sustainable." The university had previously received donations from private donors and a $20 million grant from the State of California to provide the California College of the Arts with time to address its financial crisis, but ultimately, these measures of support couldn't save the school from closures, University President David Howse said in a press release about the acquisition. Advertisement Advertisement "These measures have proven to be temporary and not sustainable if we are to serve our community effectively," Howe said in the press release. "Ultimately, neither of these are enough to ensure CCA can continue to operate independently. Recognizing that lasting financial independence is out of reach given our current constraints, we have pursued conversations with potential partners over the last year." The California College of the Arts noted that it will ensure it supports students who are currently on track to complete their degrees by the end of the 2026-2027 academic year. But for students who need additional time to complete their degrees, university leaders stated they will work with accredited institutions to facilitate transfers and ensure students can complete their studies. Vanderbilt noted that former California College of the Arts students are welcome to attend the new university, but will be required to reapply for Vanderbilt. Before Vanderbilt can start operating its new campus, it will need to apply for and obtain approval for all necessary steps to operate in California. Advertisement Advertisement "Vanderbilt has been a thoughtful and responsive partner, with a team of people who clearly respect our 120-year legacy and see in it great value for future generations of students," Howse said. "While CCA will not continue to operate past the 2026-2027 academic year, our legacy will not vanish. It will be held and honored by Vanderbilt." Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at npadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vanderbilt University acquires the California College of the Arts Venezuela has started releasing multiple Americans detained across the country, according to a US state department official. The official did not confirm the identities or number of prisoners released by Venezuela, but in a statement called the move "an important step in the right direction by the interim authorities". It is the first known release of American citizens since a US military operation seized President Nicolas Maduro and his wife during a raid in the capital Caracas on 3 January, to face drug trafficking charges in New York. Advertisement Advertisement The UN says Venezuela has so far only released about 50 people out of what campaigners say is a tally of more than 800 political prisoners in the country. The Venezuelan government, led by Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, announced last week it would start releasing "a significant" number of people considered political prisoners as a "goodwill gesture". Some domestic opposition figures and at least five Spanish citizens are among those confirmed to have been freed so far. But days later, human rights groups have criticised the slow pace of releases. Earlier this week, the son of a jailed opposition figure warned US President Donald Trump to "not be fooled" by Venezuela's promises. Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the government said more than 100 such prisoners had already been released - a figure that exceeds the number confirmed by rights groups or the UN, but which still represents only a fraction of the total number believed to be held. The same day, the UN reiterated its longstanding concerns over the country's use of "widespread and systematic use of arbitrary detention as a tool of repression". Relatives of those still behind bars continue to express frustration and anxiety, and many of them have kept vigil outside the notorious El Helicoide prison in the capital Caracas. Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday's move to release detainees with foreign citizenship appears to signal an effort by Rodriguez to win the favour of the international community, and especially the US, despite the structures that existed during the rule of Maduro remaining in place after he was seized. The release of the US citizens comes ahead of a visit to the White House on Thursday by Maria Corina Machado, the opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner who has made her own efforts to win over Trump. At least three Americans had been freed as of Tuesday night, a source told the New York Times. US Senator Rick Scott, a Republican who represents Florida, thanked Trump for pushing for the release of the prisoners, saying they had been "held captive by Maduro's evil regime in Venezuela for too long". Advertisement Advertisement Scott added in a social media post: "Every single prisoner still held under Delcy Rodriguez should be released ASAP." Over the weekend, Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social account that the process of freeing detainees in Venezuela had begun "in a BIG WAY". Trump said he cancelled a second wave of airstrikes on Venezuela once he learned Caracas was cooperating with the release of prisoners. The developments are being viewed as the first test of Trump's influence in Venezuela following the removal of Maduro. Human rights groups and political activists have long accused the government of using detentions to muzzle its critics. Officials repeatedly denied Venezuela held any political prisoners, insisting they were arrested for criminal activity. Advertisement Advertisement Many were detained after the 2024 presidential election, where Maduro claimed victory despite opponents disputing the results. That vote lacked "basic transparency and integrity", according to the UN, and was denounced as rigged by the US which did not recognise Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader. Previous releases of Americans held in Venezuela have been negotiated through swap deals. Relatives of US citizens detained in the country have said that their loved ones have sometimes been detained while on personal travel. Americans are currently warned by their government against travelling to the South American country due to the risk of wrongful detention. Advertisement Advertisement Among those said to still be imprisoned in Venezuela is 28-year-old James Luckey-Lange, whose aunt recently told the Washington Post that he "has no political ties to Venezuela at all" and was "just a kid that likes to travel". Jan 14 (Reuters) - Venezuelan politician and journalist Roland Carreno was freed on Wednesday in an ongoing prisoner release, and the government promised more liberations would come. The releases, announced last week, are moving slowly, according to advocacy groups and families. Human rights organizations count some 800 political prisoners in the country, but just dozens have been freed, they say. So far, 72 political prisoners have been released, according to rights group Foro Penal. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said later on Wednesday that 406 people had been released, though it was unclear what time period she was referring to or whether those included planned releases. Advertisement Advertisement "Crimes related to constitutional order, hate crimes, violence and intolerance are being evaluated (for planned releases)," Rodriguez told journalists. SPANIARDS, AMERICANS, PERUVIAN SET FREE Crimes such as homicide and drug trafficking will be excluded from eligibility, she added. Many of those the opposition and rights groups consider to be political prisoners are accused of crimes such as treason and acts of violence, which they deny. Those released include Spaniards, Americans and a Peruvian, according to each country's government. The U.S. State Department celebrated the move on Tuesday, but did not confirm how many Americans were released or their identities. Advertisement Advertisement The release of political prisoners in the South American country is a long-running demand of rights groups, international bodies and opposition figures, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, who has several close allies imprisoned. Both Venezuela's top lawmaker, Jorge Rodriguez, the brother of acting President Rodriguez, and U.S. President Donald Trump have said the releases are a gesture of peace. Trump said he canceled a second wave of attacks on Venezuela following its cooperation. For years, Venezuela's opposition and human rights groups have said the government uses detentions to stamp out dissent, a charge authorities have consistently denied. There is no official list of exactly how many prisoners will be released, nor who they are. The releases come after the U.S. capture of President Nicolas Maduro, his arraignment in a New York court on narcoterrorism charges, Rodriguez's interim swearing-in, and the announcement that the U.S. would refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of crude oil stuck in Venezuela under U.S. sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Carreno is a former operations director for opposition party Voluntad Popular who was detained in October 2020, released in 2023 and then arrested again in 2024. The families of both prominent and little-known detainees have anxiously awaited news, with many gathering outside prisons or visiting multiple detention centers in attempts to discover where loved ones are held. Among prominent detained figures are opposition politician Juan Pablo Guanipa and lawyer Perkins Rocha, both close allies of Machado, Rafael Tudares, son-in-law of the opposition's former presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, Voluntad Popular leader Freddy Superlano and Javier Tarazona, the director of a nongovernmental organization that tracks alleged abuses by Colombian armed groups and the Venezuelan military. (Reporting by ReutersEditing by Rod Nickel) Jan. 14 (UPI) -- The detention of 15 teenagers who were arrested accused of terrorism after playing with water in eastern Venezuela has reinforced a climate of fear and uncertainty in a country where citizens say they can be detained for virtually any reason under the ongoing state of emergency. The incident occurred Jan. 5, when the Bolivarian National Police and state police carried out an operation after receiving an anonymous tip alleging "terrorist acts" in the area. During the operation, 15 adolescents between age 13 and 17, along with eight adult men, were detained and taken to a local preventive detention center. They were accused of celebrating the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro, according to local outlet Efecto Cocuyo. Advertisement Advertisement Less than 48 hours later, the detainees were brought before a court in a remote hearing, after which a judge ordered them to remain in custody. Family members said the adolescents and the adults were charged with serious crimes, including terrorism, criminal association, incitement to hatred and treason, and were not allowed to be represented by private attorneys. Venezuelan lawyer and former prosecutor Zair Mundaray described the case as a "national scandal" and said the teenagers were brought before the courts after alleged instructions from the prosecutor's office. Lawyers and human rights organizations have warned that, under the current state of emergency, such procedures have been used to justify detentions, even against minors. Advertisement Advertisement After days of pressure by social media followers, the teenagers were released in the early hours of Tuesday and returned to their families, though they are still required to appear before the court. Accounts gathered by UPI describe a scenario of administrative normalcy overshadowed by fear and uncertainty. A Venezuelan lawyer who asked to be identified as Jason for security reasons told UPI that people in Venezuela live in a complex situation, as the government has never been transparent in its actions, and even less so now. He described the social climate as a "calm between storms," marked by expectation and silence. Advertisement Advertisement "There is a lot of uncertainty, but no one expresses it out loud," he said. Jason added that, on a day-to-day basis, there are no visible changes in how the state functions, despite the new political context. "They are not in a mode of confrontation with the outside world as before, but administrative functions continue as they have," he said. Another account given to UPI reinforces the climate of daily fear. A Venezuelan who identified himself as Robert for security reasons said the state of emergency is having a visible impact on daily life in different parts of the country. Advertisement Advertisement He recounted police officers in Caracas stopped one of his friends, and they confiscated his phone. After finding a photograph of President Maduro detained, they threatened to arrest him unless he paid $10,000. "He didn't have that amount of money. All he could manage to gather and negotiate was $4,500. They released him, but warned him to keep a low profile and not draw attention or they would come for him," Robert said. "I can't give more details about what happened, other than to warn everyone who lives in Venezuela. Don't leave your homes with cellphones, or make sure to delete chats, photos and anything that could be interpreted as rejection of the government," he said. Luciana, who works as a waitress at a restaurant in Chile, said her children who live in Caracas don't want to go out on the street, and if they do, they do not carry their cellphones. Advertisement Advertisement "Despite the changes, we don't know when we will be able to reunite. I haven't seen my children for five years," she said. Researcher Ronal Rodriguez, from the Venezuela Laboratory at Universidad del Rosario, told Red Mas Noticias that conditions governing the public's behavior in Venezuela are highly complex. "The regime has opted to intensify the use of the repressive apparatus. Venezuelan citizens today not only fear the security forces, but especially the pro-government colectivos," he said. Rodriguez added that "these paramilitary criminal organizations serving the revolution are detaining people in the streets, checking their cellphones and mistreating them, in a dynamic aimed at generating fear so citizens do not express themselves in any way." Advertisement Advertisement As citizens describe a climate of fear and self-censorship, the regime maintains that it is moving forward with a process of prisoner releases that independent organizations question. Official figures on releases have shown contradictions in recent days. While the Ministry of Penitentiary Services said 116 political prisoners have been released, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, brother of interim President Delcy Rodriguez, said the number of people released already exceeds 400. Human rights group Foro Penal said the releases do not exceed 70 people, criticizing the lack of information about the identities of those freed and the criteria used. Advertisement Advertisement Unlike in previous years, many relatives have begun to publicly denounce the situation and hold vigils outside detention centers, camping for days while waiting for information or the release of their loved ones -- an unprecedented form of protest in Venezuela. Complaints from families of political prisoners continue to grow, with relatives still awaiting news about the immediate future of their loved ones. From Chile, Nicole Carrasco, daughter of Lt. Col. Ovidio Carrasco, a Chilean-Venezuelan citizen detained by the Venezuelan regime since January 2019, called for support to raise awareness of her father's case and that of hundreds of people jailed for political reasons in Venezuela. She said she decided to break her silence to prevent the case from "being forgotten," and argued that many civilians and military personnel remain imprisoned for refusing to take part in actions they believed were harmful to the country. Advertisement Advertisement Carrasco, who lives in exile for security reasons, said her father was detained for strictly political reasons and is being held at the Rodeo I prison, which she described as operating as a center of torture and isolation for political prisoners in Venezuela. She noted that her father holds Chilean nationality and reported a serious deterioration in his health, including weight loss, visible physical injuries and lasting effects of torture. "Neither fear nor silence protect anyone," she said, calling on the international community and the press to amplify these allegations. The interim government in Venezuela has released at least four U.S. citizens who were imprisoned under President Nicolas Maduro's regime, Fox News confirmed. The release marks the first known release of Americans in the South American country since the U.S. military completed an operation to capture Maduro, who is now facing federal drug trafficking charges in New York. "We welcome the release of detained Americans in Venezuela," a State Department official said Tuesday. "This is an important step in the right direction by the interim authorities." Advertisement Advertisement The release of American citizens was first reported by Bloomberg. Trump Signs Order To Protect Venezuela Oil Revenue Held In Us Accounts Venezuelans celebrate after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country in Santiago, Chile, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Images) President Donald Trump said Saturday that Venezuela had begun releasing political prisoners. Read On The Fox News App "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." Venezuela's interim government has reported that 116 prisoners have been released, although only about 70 have been verified by the non-governmental organization Justicia, Encuentro y Perdon, according to Bloomberg. Advertisement Advertisement National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said prisoner releases would continue, according to the outlet. Trump Administration Files Seizure Warrants Targeting Ships Tied To Venezuelan Oil Trade: Report 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. The U.S. government issued a new security alert Saturday urging Americans in Venezuela to leave the country immediately, citing security concerns and limited ability to provide emergency assistance, the U.S. Embassy in Caracas said. "U.S. citizens in Venezuela should leave the country immediately," the embassy said in the alert. The warning pointed to reports of armed groups operating on Venezuelan roads. Advertisement Advertisement Click Here To Download The Fox News App Venezuelan citizens in Cucuta, Colombia celebrate during a rally on the Colombia-Venezuela border after the confirmation of Nicolas Maduro's capture in Caracas, on January 3, 2026. Following the military operation, Trump suggested that the U.S. would "run" Venezuela for an extended period. "Were going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," he said. Original article source: Venezuela releases multiple American citizens from prison following military operation A federal judge in Manhattan sentenced Venezuelan drug trafficker Carlos Orense Azocar on Tuesday to life in prison plus 30 additional years, capping one of the most sweeping narcotics prosecutions ever brought against a figure tied to Venezuelas shadowy drug networks and alleged corruption at the highest levels of the Caracas regime and its military. Orense Azocar, known by the nickname El Gordo, was convicted in December 2023 after a two-week trial in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick imposed the sentence, finding Orense guilty of conspiring to import massive quantities of cocaine into the United States and of multiple weapons-related offenses. Federal prosecutors described Orense as one of the most prolific cocaine traffickers ever prosecuted in the courthouse, responsible for moving hundreds of tons of cocaine through an international pipeline that stretched from Colombia and Venezuela to Central America, the Caribbean and ultimately the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Carlos Orense Azocar is one of the most prolific cocaine traffickers ever sentenced in this courthouse, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in a statement. Orense Azocar and his co-conspirators, including high-ranking government and military officials, inflicted incalculable damage on this community. Drug Enforcement Administration head Terrance C. Cole called Orense a criminal kingpin who built an empire on deception, fraud, and bribery, adding that his case underscored the agencys determination to pursue powerful international traffickers regardless of their political connections. U.S. investigations into the growth of drug-trafficking operations in Venezuela have identified Orense as one of the oldest operators linked to the so-called Cartel de los Soles, an organization U.S. authorities allege is run by high-ranking members of the Caracas socialist regime and Venezuelas armed forces. According to court documents and trial testimony, Orenses trafficking operation began on or about 2003 and grew steadily over nearly two decades. Prosecutors said he helped transport, receive and distribute loads of cocaine ranging from hundreds to thousands of kilograms at a time, using a sophisticated network of air and sea routes. Advertisement Advertisement At the heart of the operation were a series of cattle ranches, or fincas, owned and controlled by Orense in Venezuelas interior. These properties, authorities said, served as secure hubs for the storage and shipment of cocaine. Investigators testified that the ranches were equipped with clandestine landing strips, underground tanks used to conceal drugs, and arsenals containing hundreds of weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition. From these ranches, cocaine was dispatched aboard small aircraft flying north toward Central America and Mexico, or loaded onto go-fast boats that sped from Venezuelas coastline to intermediate points in the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic and areas near Puerto Rico. The shipments were then funneled onward into the United States. Prosecutors estimated that Orense distributed nearly one ton of cocaine per week for much of the year amounting to as much as 40 tons annually and that over the life of the conspiracy he was responsible for the movement of hundreds of tons of the drug, generating tens of millions of dollars in illicit proceeds. To sustain an operation of that scale, the government said, Orense relied heavily on corruption and violence. Advertisement Advertisement According to the evidence presented in court, he paid millions of dollars in bribes to senior officials throughout the Venezuelan state apparatus, including military generals, National Guard officers, police commissioners and senior figures within the countrys intelligence agencies. Those relationships, prosecutors said, allowed Orense to operate with near impunity inside Venezuela. His government connections allegedly secured access to military-grade weaponry, protection from law enforcement and military raids, safe passage for cocaine convoys through checkpoints, and even fraudulent aircraft transponder codes that allowed cocaine-laden planes to depart Venezuelan airspace without interference. Orense also partnered with armed guerrilla groups operating in Colombia and Venezuela, including elements of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), to source cocaine and ensure safe transit across border regions. Witnesses testified that members of the FARC were occasionally seen guarding landing strips where drug-laden planes touched down, some wearing Venezuelan army uniforms and carrying AK-47 rifles. To protect himself and his shipments, Orense maintained heavily armed security teams. Prosecutors said he traveled in armored vehicles, guarded by gunmen, and used a mix of private security, corrupt police and even military forces to protect convoys. Among the weapons linked to his organization were automatic rifles, submachine guns, handguns modified to function as machine guns, and a mounted .50-caliber machine gun. Advertisement Advertisement One of the governments key witnesses, a co-conpirator identified in court papers only as CC-5, served as a senior member of Orenses security detail and later cooperated with U.S. authorities. CC-5 told prosecutors he was present for dozens or even hundreds of conversations in which Orense discussed large-scale cocaine trafficking with associates, including Venezuelan officials and other traffickers. Court filings describe detailed episodes illustrating the depth of corruption surrounding the operation. In one instance around 2008 or 2009, Orense and members of his security team met a National Guard general, identified as CC-3, at a restaurant in Valencia, Venezuela. After a tense discussion about money, Orense ordered CC-5 to deliver two duffle bags filled with U.S. $20 bills estimated to contain several million dollars to the general. The money was later handed off to men traveling in an official National Guard vehicle. Shortly afterward, when a truck carrying 1,000 kilograms of cocaine was stopped at a highway checkpoint, CC-3 intervened directly. After a brief phone call with the officer on duty, the truck was allowed to proceed without inspection. Prosecutors also said that Orense worked closely with senior figures in Venezuelas intelligence services. In one court document they identified a high-ranking official of the now-defunct Directorate of Intelligence and Prevention Services (DISIP) as CC-1, and the head of the Military Intelligence Directorate (DIM) as CC-2. Advertisement Advertisement The filings further alleged that drug proceeds were laundered through a U.S.-based company tied to a Venezuelan state-owned enterprise, identified in the documents only as Company-2. Orense himself did not testify at trial. His defense challenged the credibility of cooperating witnesses and argued that the government exaggerated his role, but the jury rejected those arguments. Orense was arrested in Italy in May 2021 and extradited to the United States in June 2022 after Italian authorities approved his transfer. U.S. officials credited close cooperation with the Italian government, the DEAs Special Operations Division and its Bilateral Investigations Unit, as well as prosecutors and digital forensics specialists in New York, for securing his arrest and extradition. This sentence sends a clear message, DEA Administrator Cole said. DEA will relentlessly pursue and hold international drug traffickers accountable, no matter how far they run or how powerful they believe themselves to be. As many as 9,500 people are in San Francisco this week for the annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference and investors are getting creative to find places to meet in the crowded city. ABC7 News reporter Luz Pena spoke to the CEO of a venture capital firm who is inviting potential clients into a mobile meeting room. RELATED: J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference 2026 kicks off in SF, packing hotels and bringing big business "Lots of lines that kind of thing. So, it could become an issue," said Tyler Elmer with KeraLink. Advertisement Advertisement John's Grill is projecting they will serve over 4,000 conference goers this week. "We have three floors here at John's Grill and they are all packed with people who are returning from all the J.P. Morgan years in the past, and booking our private events on the third floor and packed from lunch to dinner," said John Konstin Jr., John's Grill owner. We checked multiple coffee shops around the area, and they were all packed. "How difficult has it been to find a place to meet up with people?" ABC7 News reporter Luz Pena asked. "Oh, it's been crazy. Yesterday we went to Starbucks, and we couldn't find a drink, couldn't find a seat. Today we were supposed to meet at Peet's looked around for tables and couldn't find anywhere to meet. We ended up going to the Marriott Marquis, split seats with people," said Steve Duddy, CEO of Duddy Executive services. Advertisement Advertisement We heard of a venture capital firm that got creative and rented a bus to have meetings. The bus is named for the firm "Hatteras Venture Partners." "Hotels charge too much money for hotel suits to have meetings, so we decided, what the heck we are going to have our meeting in a mobile meeting room," said Clay Thorp, Co-Founder and General Partner, Hatteras Venture Partners. Thorp said they've had 35 meetings on the bus this week so far. One of them with some of the biggest biotech investors in the world at once. All of them loved the idea. "To find conference space is nearly impossible you have to do it a year in advance. This has been amazing," said Mark Lampert, CEO Biotechnology Value Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Thorp came up with the idea and said it has become an attraction where deals and connections are happening. "Normally, we would meet and we would have a calm ride very quiet," said Thorp, who also added that they have taken some people around the city to sightsee. And the word is spreading. "I wish I were invited to the bus, but I was not," said Tyler Elmer, KeraLink employee. The Hatte bus is not open to the public. The mobile meeting room is only available for people they want to do business with. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live Thousands of people across the United States are reporting services with Verizon being down on Jan. 14. As of 12:37 p.m. ET, roughly 157,596 customers have reported outages to the real-time tracking website. "We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers," Verizon told USA TODAY in a statement. According to Downdetector, an outage tracking website, is showing widespread outages hitting in major cities across the U.S., plus across many states. Advertisement Advertisement Here's what people in the Carolinas should know. Why is Verizon down? Mobile users report "Call Failed" notices and found "SOS" icons on their screens where signal strength symbols should be. The telecommunication company is still trying to determine the cause of the outage. "Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience," Verizon said in the same statement to USA TODAY. In which states is Verizon down? Downdetector shows outages from North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Louisiana, Tennessee and more. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Is Verizon down in North Carolina? Why is it? What to know Verizon outages today, Wednesday, Jan. 14, hit the U.S. with customers reporting "SOS" mode on their phones, Fios outages, home internet and Wi-Fi outages and other Verizon service issues. In an update on X today, Verizon said it is "working on the issue." Dropped calls and texts not sending are among issues Verizon customers are facing in New Jersey, New York City areas including Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, according to Downdetector. Verizon outages also hit major cities in the U.S., including Chicago, Houston, Texas, Miami, Florida, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Los Angeles. Verizon acknowledged the outage on X, stating they were "aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers," stating they were working to identify and solve the issue quickly. Advertisement Advertisement As of Wednesday afternoon, Verizon's "Check network status" page, to check outages near you, was also down for many Verizon customers. Here's what we know about the Verizon outages impacting you. Is there a Verizon outage? Is Verizon down in my area? Yes, a Verizon outage is causing issues across New Jersey. To check if Verizon is out in your area, input your address using Verizon's "Check Network Status." Some areas are experiencing issues with the website, so contact Verizon customer service via 1-800-VERIZON. Verizon's website can provide details on when the service disruption started in your area and an estimated time of restoration. We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience. Verizon News (@VerizonNews) January 14, 2026 SOS Mode? What is SOS on iPhone? If the words "SOS" or "SOS only" mode is showing up on your iPhone or Samsung phone, it means your device isn't connected to a network. While less of a problem with iPhone 14 or newer models, since there is built-in satellite connectivity to send emergency texts and calls, it could pose issues with an older phone. To troubleshoot your phone, check out Verizon's guide here. Is Verizon Fios down? Yes. Customers are reporting connectivity issues with Verizon's internet, or Verizon Fios, today, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. Verizon is working to restore that as well as data, text, voice and other services. Why is Verizon down? The Verizon outage has been acknowledged by Verizon today, who issued a statement on X saying they were aware of the issue impacting wireless voice and data services, such as Wi-Fi, internet, phone calls and data, and are "working to identify and solve the issue quickly." Check here for further information on outage updates, and when Verizon wireless could restore near you. Verizon Fios and Spectrum are two of the largest internet providers in the United States, but they serve different needs. Both providers offer unlimited data and donOt require annual contracts, but they differ when it comes to speed tiers, promotional deals, and bundling options.E Verizon wireless customer service phone number Verizon's customer service number for technical support is 800-922-0204, and they are available from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. every day. You can also chat with its 24/7 chatbot through the Verizon website. Verizon Fios customer service number Experiencing a Verizon Fios internet issue? To contact Verizon Fios Customer Service 24/7, call 800-837-4966. Verizon Fios outage map To check if Verizon Fios internet is out in your area, put in your street address here to see if Verizon internet is available. Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Is Verizon down right now? See Verizon outage map, what SOS is By David Shepardson and Harshita Mary Varghese WASHINGTON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Verizon Communications said late on Wednesday it was making progress in restoring mobile phone service and plans to offer impacted consumers credits for an hours-long outage that disrupted calls, texting and internet usage for hundreds of thousands of customers. "Today, we let many of our customers down and for that, we are truly sorry," Verizon said. "Our teams will continue to work through the night until service is restored for all impacted customers." Advertisement Advertisement The outage prompted several major cities to advise residents to use other carriers to call emergency services. With the outage more than eight hours old, the carrier said it was still working to resolve the problem but saw no indication of a cyberattack. The company did not disclose the scope of the disruption. But Downdetector, which aggregates data on service outages, said more than 180,000 reports had been submitted at the peak. Downdetector said it has received 2.2 million reports over the last 24 hours related to the Verizon service disruption. "Our teams remain fully deployed and are focused on the issue," Verizon said. "We ... remain committed to resolving this as quickly as possible." Advertisement Advertisement Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr told Reuters after a congressional hearing the agency will review the issue "and take appropriate action." Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez said she would ask the agency to investigate. New York City told residents the outage could affect some users trying to call 911 for emergency help. "Call using a device from another carrier, a landline, or go to a police/fire station to report emergencies," the city said on X. The District of Columbia issued a similar alert. Some Verizon customers posted frantic messages on social media seeking updates on service restoration. Verizon faced a nationwide wireless outage in late 2024 that impacted over 100,000 users at its peak. The outage drew the FCC's attention after several services were affected and iPhone users were stuck in "SOS" mode. (Reporting by Harshita Mary Varghese in Bengaluru; Editing by Sahal Muhammed, Bill Berkrot and Cynthia Osterman) Jan. 14GRAND FORKS Hearts in Action Hospice has honored more than 35 veterans in veteran pinning ceremonies in the last 18 months. Darcy Eszlinger, a volunteer coordinator at HIA, said the ceremonies allow veterans and their families to be recognized for their sacrifices and service. Hearts in Action was previously known as Hospice of the Red River Valley. "The veterans that we work with, they are very stoic. They are very humble," she said. "So this is very fitting that at the end of their life journey we are saying thank you. Thank you for what we did for our nation, and we appreciate it." Advertisement Advertisement At pinning ceremonies, the honoree is recognized for their work both inside and outside of the military. Eszlinger said family and friends are invited to attend and learn more about the veterans' life and experiences. "They have stories to share with their family members that their family members had never even heard of until we came and did these ceremonies for them and acknowledged them," she said. "Their family members are so incredibly thankful that they are finally really receiving recognition for what they did." The ceremonies are part of HIA's partnership with We Honor Veterans, a program that helps hospice and elder-care facilities meet the unique needs of older veterans. Eszlinger said HIA is required to reach certain standards of veteran-specific care, including developing individualized plans that take into account the patient's status as a veteran. "If any of their military experiences were related to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anything like that, then our social workers offer different types of (care) for that," Eszlinger said. "It's not just symptoms of their pain management, but it's also related to if there's any psychological or ongoing effects from their service." Advertisement Advertisement HIA has partnered with We Honor Veterans since 2015. On Tuesday, Jan. 6, United States Navy veteran Lt. Vernon Johnson was honored for his service in a pinning ceremony. Johnson was born and raised in Grand Forks and graduated from the University of North Dakota before joining the Navy. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor for three years aboard the USS Hassayampa, transporting fuel and bombs in support of the Vietnam War. A presiding official at the ceremony, Chief Master Sgt. Jon Saiers, called Johnson a "hero among heroes." "His dedication to this country is very inspiring and serves as a role model for today's young men and women who take the oath of office to serve this great country," Saiers said. "I want to thank you on behalf of the United States and HIA Hospice. You have our unwavering gratitude for the sacrifices you have made." Advertisement Advertisement According to Eszlinger, the ceremonies can connect veterans with others in the community who have lived through similar experiences and serve as a "vital recognition" of their sacrifices. "These are farm kids from Minnesota, North Dakota, and they were sent overseas at 18 and 19 years old and had a job to do," she said. "They really didn't think it was a big deal, but to their families, it was a big deal. To our nation, it's a huge deal." A man gunned down behind an Indian Land furniture store claimed the suspect was stalking him for years. Court documents detail how many times 74-year-old Gary Herendeen tried to report the suspect to police. READ MORE: Arrest made after deadly shooting behind furnishing business Channel 9s crime reporter Hunter Saenz spoke to people who knew the Herendeen well. They told Saenz Henderdeen was a kind soul who loved the outdoors. Advertisement Advertisement Herendeen had several run-ins with his accused killer and some wonder if more could have been done to prevent his killing. Herendeen was found shot to death in his van parked behind Designers Marketplace on Yarborough Road in Indian Land earlier this month. Police arrested Herendeens former roommate, Calvin Lamarr Allen, 44, of Charlotte, for the crime. The two had a history of arguments and in a search warrant, Allen was called Herendeens stalker. Its definitely scary, said a woman, who didnt want to be identified. She lives across the street from where Herendeen recently lived on Shenandoah Avenue in Charlottes Chantilly neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement She remembered multiple visits by police. It was just an unhinged stalker that had been targeting them for years, the woman told Saenz on Wednesday. Theyve had windows broken, multiple attacks on the building and that they knew who it was, but they couldnt do anything about it. Herendeen called the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department seven times since 2024 alleging Allen had vandalized or damaged his car, even leaving a threatening note on Herendeens car parked on Shenandoah Avenue. It read: Leave my car alone. Next, I will burn your building down. If you think Im playing, try me :) Allen recently lived on Bear Street in west Charlotte. Advertisement Advertisement Detectives used Flock cameras and traced his car from his home, down to the crime scene, which was a scene he visited three times in two days. Police told the victim to pull out a restraining order against Allen in the past but there was little more they could do at the time, according to a warrant. Detectives believe Allen used a tracking device on Herendeens van to know where he was when he was killed. VIDEO: Balance that growth: Lancaster County sees rapid development Members of the Virginia House of Delegates meet at the Capitol in Richmond on the opening day of the 2026 General Assembly session, where Democrats advanced four proposed constitutional amendments addressing abortion rights, voting rights, marriage equality and congressional redistricting. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Virginia House Democrats wasted little time flexing their new majority on the opening day of the 2026 General Assembly, pushing through four proposed constitutional amendments Wednesday aimed at reshaping some of the states most consequential political and civil rights debates including one that would allow lawmakers to redraw Virginias congressional map mid-decade. The measures, approved after clearing the House Privileges and Elections Committee earlier in the day, seek to protect abortion rights, restore voting rights for people with felony convictions, remove a defunct ban on same-sex marriage and most controversially grant the General Assembly limited authority to modify congressional districts outside the traditional 10-year redistricting cycle. Advertisement Advertisement All four amendments now head to the Senate, where Democrats also hold the majority. House Democratic leaders framed the aggressive opening-day push as a response to recent national court rulings, partisan redistricting battles in other states and what they described as an urgent need to let voters not politicians or courts decide the future of fundamental rights. Redistricting amendment draws fire The most politically charged of the four measures is House Joint Resolution 4, a proposed constitutional amendment that would create a narrow, temporary exception allowing the General Assembly to redraw one or more congressional districts outside the standard decennial cycle under specific circumstances. Under the proposal, lawmakers could act if another state redraws its congressional map mid-decade for reasons other than complying with a state or federal court order. The authority would apply only to congressional districts not state legislative lines and would expire in 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats argue the amendment is necessary to counter aggressive Republican gerrymanders elsewhere that could tilt control of Congress, while Republicans call it a blatant power grab that undermines Virginia voters 2020 decision to create an independent redistricting commission. This amendment creates essentially a narrow, temporary exception, said Del. Rodney Willett, D-Henrico, the measures sponsor. He emphasized repeatedly that the proposal does not automatically redraw any lines and does not eliminate the Virginia Redistricting Commission. We are not expanding the authority to change the state district lines, Willett said. Were just talking about congressional lines. And more importantly, it does not change any of the lines as they exist today this just creates the process to consider doing that. April special election timeline If the amendment ultimately passes the Senate this session, it would be placed on the ballot during a special statewide election in April, rather than waiting until November a compressed timeline that Democrats say reflects the urgency of ongoing redistricting fights across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Were going to focus on today so well get that out of the House and the Senate, said Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, chair of the House Privileges and Elections Committee, during a news conference Wednesday morning. And then we are looking at a special election for a statewide referendum to have the voters have their say in potentially April. And then once that kicks in, if the voters were to give us that power, we would then be looking at a modified schedule for the primaries, and then our November elections will happen as scheduled. Republicans have warned that the move could open the door to dramatic changes in Virginias congressional delegation. Democratic leaders have openly discussed the possibility of drawing a map that would yield as many as 10 Democratic-leaning districts, leaving just one Republican-friendly seat anchored in Southwest Virginia. House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, rejected that characterization of the state. Advertisement Advertisement Were not a 10-1 state, were not a 9-2 state, Kilgore told reporters Wednesday morning. Were a close, 6-5 state, and some of those congressional seats are very competitive. Republicans have also tried unsuccessfully to stop the amendment in court. A judge in Tazewell County on Tuesday rejected an emergency request from GOP lawmakers seeking to halt the General Assembly from advancing the proposal before the session began. In his ruling, the judge emphasized that courts cannot interfere with the constitutional amendment process while it is still underway. Plaintiffs motion at its core requests the Court to invade the province of the Legislature prior to the final actions of the Legislature, the judge wrote, citing long-standing separation-of-powers principles. Advertisement Advertisement The court also rejected an attempt to bypass legislative immunity by targeting legislative clerks, finding they were simply performing their official duties. Sharp debate in committee During Tuesdays committee debate, Republicans warned the amendment reverses reforms voters approved just four years ago. Were using this end justifies the means method, said Del. Israel OQuinn, R-Washington. He argued that the amendment was improperly introduced after the 2025 election season had already begun and pointed to social media posts showing potential maps. It concerns me that were attempting to go back to the battle days of gerrymandering, OQuinn said. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats countered that the amendment preserves flexibility without mandating any outcome and ultimately leaves the decision to voters. This does not change any of the lines as they exist today, this just creates the process to consider doing that, but it does not mandate that these lines be changed, Willett said. Other amendments headed for November While the redistricting proposal is expected to dominate debate this spring, the other three amendments are slated to appear on Novembers ballot. One would remove a 2006 ban on same-sex marriage from Virginias constitution language that has been unenforceable since the U.S. Supreme Courts 2015 ruling but remains on the books. Advertisement Advertisement Supporters say the amendment is a safeguard should the court revisit marriage equality, something Justice Clarence Thomas suggested after the court overturned federal abortion protections. Another amendment would automatically restore voting rights to people with felony convictions who have completed their sentences. Virginia is one of the few states where former felons permanently lose voting rights unless restored by the governor, a process critics say lacks transparency. The third and most divisive proposal would enshrine reproductive rights in the state constitution. It advanced last year amid emotional floor debates, shouting and a call of out of order in the Senate chamber, and has only moved forward because of Democratic control. Advertisement Advertisement Every Republican lawmaker has opposed the abortion amendment, and GOP leaders have previously backed near-total bans or a 15-week limit without exceptions for fetal anomalies. Since the fall of federal protections, Virginia has become the only Southern state without extensive abortion restrictions, leading to a surge in out-of-state patients seeking care. Like the redistricting amendment, final approval of all three measures would rest with voters. Price said the package of amendments reflects how interconnected the issues before lawmakers have become, particularly amid recent actions by President Donald Trump and Republican-controlled legislatures across the country. Advertisement Advertisement There is no such thing as a single issue struggle, she said, referencing a quote from civil rights activist Audrey Lorde. We do not lead single-issue lives, and I feel like that is more true today, now than ever in my lifetime, because of the actions of Trump and Republican-led state legislatures. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A Washington, D.C., gay couple says they have been plunged into legal and emotional limbo after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained one husband during what had long been treated as a routine immigration check-in. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter. Elias Perez-Zuazo, a Panamanian national, was taken into ICE custody in December after arriving at an agency office in Chantilly, Virginia, for a scheduled appointment he had attended without incident in prior years, according to a report by local NBC affiliate WRC. His U.S. citizen husband, Jonathan Blanco Gallegos, told WRC that the meeting, which was expected to last less than an hour, stretched for several hours before an agent returned Perez-Zuazos personal belongings and informed him that his husband had been detained. Related: Lesbian federal worker pleads for answers about wife trapped in immigration detention limbo Advertisement Advertisement They just take him away, and your lifes put on pause, Blanco Gallegos told the station. Perez-Zuazo entered the United States in November 2021 and was processed at the southern border before being released to pursue his immigration case. The couple married in February 2024 and had begun applying for a green card a path Blanco Gallegos said they believed would allow his husband to remain in the country legally. Instead, Perez-Zuazo was taken into ICE custody without warning. Related: Distraught woman says ICE killed her wife in video after deadly Minneapolis shooting In a statement to WRC, Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said Perez-Zuazo had been ordered removed by an immigration judge and was released into this country by the Biden administration, adding that the agency is not going to ignore the rule of law. Perez-Zuazos attorney disputes that claim and has filed a habeas corpus petition in federal court challenging the legality of his detention. Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge in the Eastern District of Virginia has issued an order barring ICE from removing him from the judicial district while the court reviews whether his detention is lawful. The court has found that his case appears materially identical to a growing number of similar habeas challenges in the district and has ordered ICE to justify why he should remain detained. Related: ICE officer who shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis has been identified In a separate order issued Monday, the court granted the government additional time to respond, directing federal officials to either concede that Perez-Zuazos case mirrors earlier rulings limiting ICEs authority or formally argue why it does not. The governments deadline to respond is 5 p.m. Friday. The detention has raised particular alarm for Blanco Gallegos because same-sex marriages are not recognized in Panama. He told WRC that he fears his husband could face discrimination and danger if deported. Advertisement Advertisement Civil rights advocates have warned that the crackdown is sweeping up people who are actively pursuing legal status and complying with government requirements, transforming routine check-ins into moments of irreversible consequence. Related: Who was Renee Nicole Good? Remembering the Minneapolis poet and mother killed by ICE Related: Shocking video shows ICE agent fatally shooting woman in south Minneapolis The case echoes a growing national pattern affecting LGBTQ+ families navigating the immigration system. Grazi Chiosque told The Advocate in December her wife, Xiomara Suarez, was detained by ICE in Scranton, Pennsylvania, during what had been presented as a routine check-in, even though she had no criminal record and was actively pursuing lawful permanent residency based on her marriage to a U.S. citizen, a legal pathway federal law expressly permits. Advertisement Advertisement Suarezs detention exposed a widening bureaucratic fault line between ICE and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that has left legally married same-sex couples trapped in prolonged detention, contradictory court schedules, and legal limbo despite full compliance with the governments own immigration processes. I got home, and my bed is empty, Blanco Gallegos said. Hes not cooking anymore for me. My heart is broken. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Virginia ICE agents nab gay Panamanian immigrant at routine check-in, mans U.S. citizen husband says RELATED When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The ISS is a key hub for research, including studies involving bacteria. . | Credit: NASA The International Space Station (ISS) is a closed ecosystem, and the biology inside it including its microbial residents don't necessarily behave the same way on our home planet. To better understand how microbes may act differently in space, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studied bacteriophages viruses that infect bacteria, also called phages in identical settings both on the ISS and on Earth. Their results, published recently in the journal PLOS Biology , suggest that microgravity can delay infections, reshape evolution of both phages and bacteria and even reveal genetic combinations that may help the performance against disease-linked bacteria on Earth. Advertisement Advertisement "Studying phagebacteria systems in space isn't just a curiosity for astrobiology; it's a practical way to understand and anticipate how microbial ecosystems behave in spacecraft and to mine new solutions for phage therapy and microbiome engineering back home." Dr. Phil Huss, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and one of the study's lead authors, told Space.com. Bacteriophage basics Bacteriophages, or phages, are the most abundant biological entities on the planet, with experts estimating around 10 31 or ten nonillion bacteriophages on Earth. Not surprisingly, bacteriophages, a name meaning to "eaters of bacteria," are found everywhere, shaping the microbial ecosystems in oceans, soils and even our bodies. But one place where phages may have the most human impact is as a possible treatment against antibiotic resistant bacteria and other bacterial infections. These phages work as tiny "delivery systems" wrapped in proteins. But unlike a delivery person giving a delicious pizza, some phages (like the T7 phage used in this study) infect bacteria by attaching to a specific surface feature on the cell often a molecule embedded in the bacterial cell's outer membranes and injecting its genetic material. Once inside, the phage hijacks the bacteria's machinery to make many copies of itself. Finally, it explodes the bacterial cell and releases a new wave of phage particles that can infect nearby bacteria. This specific attack process by the phage then kicks off an evolutionary arms race between phages and bacteria, as bacteria can evolve resistance to these attacks by changing or hiding the phage's "landing pad" found on the cell's surface. Advertisement Advertisement And things only get more complicated when microgravity gets involved. A diagram showing the full lytic cycle of some phages. | Credit: University of Barcelona, CC BY 3.0 A virus-bacteria showdown in orbit To study how microgravity affects this process, the researchers used a bacteriophage called T7 and its bacterial prey, Escherichia coli, or what is more commonly known as E. coli. To isolate the effects of microgravity as cleanly as possible, the team prepared two identical sets of sample tubes of the bacteria, unshaken, and incubated at the same temperature for one, two or four hours, and a longer period of 23 days. One set of tubes went to the ISS in 2020 , carried by Northrop Grumman 's NG-13 Cygnus spacecraft while the other stayed below on Earth. "The experiment had to work within strict NASA constraints: sealed cryovials had to pass biocompatibility and leak testing, withstand multiple freezethaw cycles, and remain safe to handle on orbit," Huss explained. "The sample size is much lower than what we are used to terrestrially and designing an experiment around this is challenging!" The team also varied the starting ratios of phage to E. coli so that some samples having more phage would be expected to be infected quickly while others would take longer and show stronger dynamics. Advertisement Advertisement Because the two experiments couldn't run in perfect parallel, the team recorded the exact incubation times on the ISS and then matched them on Earth afterward, a common workaround for many ISS biological experiments. Microgravity slows down interactions Under typical Earth lab conditions, the T7 phages can infect and kill E. coli cells in well under an hour, given the life cycle of the phage . But in the system's completely sealed and shake-free setup, which mimicked the conditions of microgravity, the system moved more slowly overall. On Earth, the control group showed a surge in bacterial infections between two and four hours, but in microgravity, the surge didn't appear at any of the shorter incubation periods, suggesting that the phages' infection process had slowed down . Yet, the longer incubation vials told a different story, as after 23 days in orbit, the infection process was successful with fewer E. coli found in the vials. So why do the researchers think the slowdown happened? Advertisement Advertisement "We hypothesize that reduced fluid mixing in microgravity, because there's no gravity-driven convection, lowers the encounter rate between phage and bacteria, and that microgravity-induced stress on the host may alter receptor expression or intracellular processes, further slowing productive infection," Huss added. In other words, in microgravity, phages and bacteria don't bump into each other as often and the bacteria may have evolved to be more resistant to phage attacks that make infection harder, so the entire cycle starts later than it does on Earth. A structural model of bacteriophage T7 at atomic scale. | Credit: Dr. Victor Padilla-Sanchez, PhD, CC BY-SA 4.0 Microgravity mutations After 23 days, the team analyzed the genetic make-up of the phages and saw mutations across its genome, but with microgravity-specific mutations, especially in genes tied to structure and host interaction. These mutations changed how the phage infects the bacteria. "To me one of the most striking findings was not just that mutations appeared across the phage genome, but that microgravity pushed evolution into corners of the phage we still don't fully understand," Huss said. Advertisement Advertisement Based on their findings, microgravity may not just change how fast infection happens but also which of a virus's genes matter most when it comes to successfully infecting a bacterial host. "We're just beginning to scratch the surface," Dr. Srivatsan Raman of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, another lead author on the study, told Space.com. "We just have to do more experiments with more complex conditions." The phages weren't the only ones to change, as the bacteria seemed to evolve too. The E. coli exposed to the phages accumulated many more mutations than bacteria without phage threats, consistent with selection pressure that drives evolutionary arms races. Some of the most notable changes hit genes linked to the outer membranes, potentially altering phage attachment while helping bacteria survive stress. Advertisement Advertisement "Microgravity doesn't just slow things down, it qualitatively reshapes phagehost coevolution, from infection dynamics to the specific genes and mutations that matter," Huss noted. Microgravity as a way forward for Earth-based medicine? Using a technique called deep mutational scanning , the team scanned for over 1,600 mutation variants in the phage genome, finding that the "winning" mutations in microgravity differed sharply from those on Earth. "Our results support microgravity as a distinct selection environment that reveals different parts of the fitness landscape than we can capture terrestrially," said Huss. The researchers used these mutations to create altered phages which they tested on uropathogenic E. coli strains of E. coli associated with urinary tract infections that were more resistant to the T7 phages' attacks. The results showed that these altered viruses could kill the resistant bacteria. Advertisement Advertisement "What we found in the study was that phage mutants that were enriched in microgravity could treat uropathic bacteria and kill them. So, which tells us that there's something about the microgravity condition that makes it relevant for treating pathogens on Earth," Raman said. This has big implications for possible future treatments of bacterial diseases here on Earth, from salmonella poisoning to pneumonia to sepsis. But conducting the further testing required to get there may be tricky. "Running these experiments on the ISS, that's not trivial," Raman added. "I mean, that takes years of planning, and there's just a lot of logistical challenges to get through. To run these experiments, pulling them off in a routine manner would actually be a little challenging to execute." An image of E. coli bacteria under the microscope. | Credit: NIAID What about the future of spaceflight? Zooming from the microscopic to the macroscopic, these results suggest that space microbes won't stay static but instead adapt and evolve in microgravity-specific ways. Advertisement Advertisement "What our data makes clear is that microbes can adapt rapidly and in unexpected ways in microgravity," Huss added. "In principle, those same pressures could enrich traits we worry about on Earth, including drug resistance or altered virulence. This is a plausible evolutionary trajectory that future experiments should actively test by monitoring antibiotic susceptibility, stress responses, and competitive interactions over time." Could these adaptations truly be a threat for humans on long-term space missions? Possibly, but for Raman, more testing is needed before that conclusion could be reached. "Pathogens evolve all the time," Raman said. "I think we ought to do more studies to see if bacteria can evolve towards mutations that might make them more pathogenic under microgravity conditions. Those are not experiments that we've actually done in this study. "But bacteria are very resilient and they evolve all the time. So I wouldn't rule out the possibility, but again, one has to do these rigorous experiments to ask: can a bacteria become a pathogen under ISS conditions?" Advertisement Advertisement One such area of future space research could be looking at the human microbiome, as it's still not well understood how the microbiome evolves in the conditions of space. For humans on Earth, the results of this study are more positive, as microgravity could help scientists to develop phages that can kill off more resistant bacteria. "The real power of these space-derived fitness landscapes is that they don't stand alone. They can be merged with the rich terrestrial datasets we already have to sharpen engineering strategies for therapeutic use cases. That's arguably the most immediately actionable takeaway," said Huss. Walmart has long been a provider of groceries, and the retailer began selling groceries back in 1988 with the opening of its first Supercenter in Washington, Missouri, according to their official website. Today, Walmart is the United States' largest grocery retailer, and the majority of its stores offer fresh groceries. Grocery accounted for nearly 60 percent of Walmart U.S.'s total net sales of $462 billion, according to a report from Grocery Drive. The company also operates more than 4,600 stores in the U.S. A lot has changed since 1988, and that includes how Walmart gets those groceries to shoppers. Now, Walmart has made a decision about how shoppers who don't want to go to their stores will get their groceries delivered. Walmart Makes a Move on Grocery Delivery Walmart and Wing have announced plans to expand the retailer's drone delivery service to an added 150 Walmart stores in four major cities in 2026, dubbing it the "world's largest drone delivery expansion." In addition, Walmart also plans to expand its drone delivery service more in the next two years. Advertisement Advertisement The retailer had already announced plans in 2025 to offer drone deliveries at another 100 stores, so the new announcement is an extension of that move. Greg Cathey, senior vice president of digital fulfillment transformation at Walmart, said in a statement provided to Men's Journal that the expansion will make it easier for shoppers to get last-minute items. It also helps "Walmart meet customers' needs with speed and convenience," the statement says. New Delivery Service is the 'Future of Convenience' "Drone delivery plays an important role in our ability to deliver what customers want, exactly when they want it. Whether its a last-minute ingredient for dinner, a must-have charger for a phone, or a late-night essential for a busy family, the strong adoption we've seen confirms that this is the future of convenience," Cathey said. Cathey added, "By expanding drone delivery to new major metro areas, we are helping more customers solve for their last-minute needs faster than ever before." Advertisement Advertisement "We believe even the smallest package deserves the speed and reliability of a great delivery service," Adam Woodworth, Wing CEO, added in a statement. "Working with Walmart has allowed us to prove that delivering these critical, everyday items in minutes makes a significant difference for families. We are proud to bring that capability to more communities across the country." This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jan 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) Governor JB Pritzker was at Illinois State University on Tuesday to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts transformation project. The $87 million College of Fine Arts expansion project will feature renovations and additions, striking a balance between live performance venues and hands-on learning spaces. Funding for the construction project is coming from Rebuild Illinois. The Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts provides outstanding programming and opportunities to our students and community. This expansion project will only work to further those opportunities, said ISU President Dr. Aondover Tarhule. Advertisement Advertisement The University, and specifically this College, have an incredibly successful alumni base that have impacted the world with their talent and knowledge. This project will give students, faculty, and staff even more opportunities to immerse themselves in various mediums of creative expression, Tarhule said. The new construction will include a single-story Center for the Visual Arts with space for a wood shop and glassblowing, a Commons Building with dance and performance areas, and music rehearsal spaces in a multi-story addition to the Center for the Performing Arts. Existing facilities in the Center for Visual Arts and the Centennial East building will undergo improvements. The Centennial West building will be demolished. Interior renovations of existing buildings are scheduled to take place over the summers of 2026 and 2027. Illinois has long been the hub of culture and creativity. With upgraded facilities, new and expanded artistic spaces, and extensive renovations, were breathing new life and opportunity into ISU campus in pursuit of a world-class fine arts complex, said Governor JB Pritzker. Advertisement Advertisement Generations of ISU students will come to train in art, music, theatre, dance, and more. Especially in these turbulent times, the world needs more investment in the arts. We need more people boldly expressing themselves, speaking truth to power, and finding community, the governor said. RATIO Architects and River City Construction are handling the project, which will include three building additions and multiple renovations. The Transformation Project is expected to be substantially completed in 2028. 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 CIProud.com. A website dedicated to leaking personal information about Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Border Patrol agents was reportedly subject to a cyberattack that its founder believes may have originated in Russia. Dominick Skinner, a Netherlands-based immigration activist, told The Daily Beast that his website, ICE List, came under cyberattack Tuesday evening after the publication reported Skinner planned to release personal information, obtained through a whistleblower, about thousands of employees. The attack, known as a Direct Denial of Service, is when a perpetrator seeks to disrupt access to a network or service by flooding it with superfluous requests in an attempt to overload the system. Advertisement Advertisement Skinner told The Daily Beast that a massive number of IPs began accessing the website, and a large amount of the traffic appeared to come from Russia leading the founder to speculate the attack originated there. The IPs would be run through proxies before hitting our servers, meaning its just impossible to track the source, Skinner told the publication. An attack lasting this long is sophisticated, though. A website based in the Netherlands is doxxing ICE and Border Patrol personnel to combat the Trump administrations aggressive immigration enforcement agenda (AFP via Getty Images) The attack, Skinner said, occurred as he prepared to publicly identify the names of immigration law enforcement officers that were obtained in a dataset from the whistleblower. The ICE List founder had previously told The Daily Beast that a Department of Homeland Security whistleblower provided a dataset of approximately 4,500 immigration personnel after the shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good in Minneapolis. Advertisement Advertisement Some of the information in the dataset included names, email addresses, phone numbers, job titles, and other background information. Skinner said he planned to make a majority of the names public but would provide exceptions for those working in childcare or serving as nurses. DHS has criticized Skinners website calling it disgusting doxxing of our officers that puts their lives and their families in serious danger. Homeland Security Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin has said law enforcement are facing a 1,300 percent increase in assaults and an 8,000 percent increase in death threats against them. Their families are being threatened. We will not back down. Anyone who doxxes our officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, McLaughlin has warned. Advertisement Advertisement ICE List is hosted in the Netherlands, so it cannot be taken down by the U.S. government. Skinner said whoever is attacking the website doesnt want others to access the site. But it just makes us more determined, because it is clear some people out there do not want the names of ICE and Border Patrol agents made public, Skinner told The Daily Beast. Given their behavior lately, and how they are increasingly viewed negatively by the public, thats no surprise. The ICE List founder said he and his team have Direct Denial of Service protections in place, but that attacks of this kind are difficult to prevent and likely to happen again. Across North Africa, the Amazigh people have been coming together to usher in the year 2976. They have, unfortunately, not cracked time travel. Rather, they are almost a thousand years ahead of much of the world because they follow a calendar that starts at 950 BC, when King Sheshonq ascended the throne of Egypt. The Amazigh new year, known as Yennayer, begins between 12 and 14 January - depending on the area in which they live in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya - so over the last few days families have been laying on huge feasts, lighting bonfires and playing traditional music. Advertisement Advertisement Calls of "aseggas ameggaz", or happy new year, have been ringing through villages and busy city streets, while vibrant, meticulously embroidered traditional clothing has been donned for the occasion. Amazigh culture and language has gained greater recognition over the past decade [APP/NurPhoto via Getty Images] The Amazigh (which means "free people" or "noble people") are a range of ethnic groups that are North Africa's original inhabitants, having occupied the region since the beginning of recorded history. The exact size of the population is not known because of a dearth of official statistics, but according to estimates there are tens of millions of Amazigh people living across North Africa. Algeria and Morocco have the biggest populations - the latter is thought to be 40% Amazigh. Yennayer centres on family gatherings, celebrating renewal and the deep connection the Amazigh people have traditionally had with nature. These days Yennayer is marked with parades, concerts and carnivals [APP/NurPhoto via Getty Images] Because the Amazigh are a diverse group, traditional Yennayer food differs from country to country and area to area. In Morocco's High Atlas region, "ourkemen", a rich mixture of legumes, spices and whole grains, is a new year's favourite. Advertisement Advertisement Many families in Algeria enjoy "treze", a combination of sweets, dried fruit and nuts, after the main meal. The snack mix is sometimes gently thrown over the youngest child in a symbol of prosperity. But Yennayer is not just a family thing. It can also be celebrated with the wider community - parades, concerts and carnivals take the new year's spirit out on to the streets. Such proud displays of Amazigh culture are particularly significant as the community has a long history of being marginalised. Food, including couscous, is an important aspect of the new year celebrations [APP/NurPhoto via Getty Images] In the 7th Century, as Arab conquerors swept across North Africa, they brought with them their language and the Islamic religion. Advertisement Advertisement Both of these were adopted officially, at the expense of Amazigh languages and culture. For instance, during Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's rule of Libya, the Amazigh language Tamazight was banned in schools and parents were not even allowed to give their children Amazigh names. However, thanks to the dogged campaigning of Amazigh activists, their culture and language has seen greater recognition over the past decade. In 2011, Morocco recognised Tamazight as an official language. Both Algeria and Morocco also declared Yennayer a public holiday, in 2017 and 2023 respectively. So Yennayer marks not just a victory for the Amazigh people, but also a reminder of centuries-long fight that has got the community to where it is now - in 2976. Yennayer is now a public holiday in Algeria and Morocco [APP/NurPhoto via Getty Images] [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts The S.S. Cape Island, which usually is docked along Ruston Way in Tacoma, has been deployed on a mission. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Transportations Maritime Administration, which manages the ship, told The News Tribune that the Cape Island is on a mission, but they were not sure of the timeline. The spokesperson also did not state where the ship is headed, what the mission entailed and when MARAD last deployed the ship. The ship departed from Tacoma on Jan. 2 and arrived in Everett on Jan. 5, according to marinetraffic.com, which tracks maritime statistics and marine traffic around the world. Advertisement Advertisement The Cape Island is part of the Maritime Administrations Ready Reserve Force, a fleet of ships thats on hand to aid in the rapid worldwide deployment of U.S. military forces. According to the website of Maritime Administration, or MARAD, the program consists of 44 vessels which typically help transport equipment for the Army and Marine Corps. The ship, which is about 208 meters long, is classified as a cargo and logistics naval vessel. According to South Sound Mag, the Cape Island was built in 1976. The Cape Island was until last July accompanied along Ruston Way by the S.S. Cape Intrepid. The two ships had been a fixture in the Tacoma landscape until MARAD relocated the Cape Intrepid to Beaumont, Texas in July and then retired it in October. A man has been critically injured in a police ambush in a west London street in what may be a case of mistaken identity. Witnesses said marksmen surrounded a car in a traffic jam in Pembroke Road in Earls Court and opened fire. The driver was shot several times in the head and body. Scotland Yard said the ambush was part of an operation to recapture escaped prisoner David Martin. He absconded from custody at Marlborough Street magistrates court last month where he was due to face a charge of attempting to murder a police officer. But it remains unclear if the man shot was David Martin. Two senior Scotland Yard officers have already been appointed to investigate the incident. One of the first witnesses on the scene, secretary Jane Lamprill, said the man seemed very badly injured. He was about 30 but I couldnt even see the colour of his hair because of the blood, she said. Another witness, Baroness Helen de Westenholz, saw some of the incident from her home which overlooks the scene. She said: Whilst I was watching I heard one or two more gunshot cracks but I couldnt actually see where they came from. Then I saw that the driver of the Mini had sort of fallen out of his car, he was hanging out from the waist up on to the road with his head on the floor. The man is being cared for in the intensive care unit at St Stephens Hospital in Fulham Road, Chelsea. Two other people, a woman and a man, were passengers in the car. The man ran off after the shooting. The woman was taken to hospital by police officers for the treatment of what are believed to be minor injuries. Courtesy BBC News In context The man shot in the ambush was later named as Stephen Waldorf. Film editor Mr Waldorf, 26, had no direct connection to David Martin. But police believed his female passenger, Sue Stephens, to be Mr Martins girlfriend. Two officers, John Jardine and Peter Finch, stood trial for attempted murder and attempted wounding but were cleared of all charges in October 1983. The pair remained in the police force but were barred from firearm duties. Stephen Waldorf made a full recovery and eventually received 150,000 compensation. David Martin was recaptured soon after the shooting but hanged himself in jail in 1984 before his trial. Like this: Like Loading... Jan 14 (Reuters) - Following are the significant military bases in the Middle East. Iran has threatened to strike U.S. bases in the region if attacked by Washington, after U.S. President Donald Trump told Iranians to keep protesting and declared "help is on the way". BAHRAIN: Home to the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, whose area of responsibility includes the Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. Advertisement Advertisement QATAR: The 24-hectare (59-acre) Al Udeid Air Base, in the desert outside the capital Doha, is the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command, which directs U.S. military operations in a huge swathe of territory stretching from Egypt in the west to Kazakhstan in the east. The Middle East's largest U.S. base houses around 10,000 troops. U.S. Central Command said in January that it and regional partners had opened a new coordination cell (MEAD-CDOC) at Al Udeid to enhance integrated air and missile defence. The new cell would improve how regional forces coordinate and share air and missile responsibilities across the Middle East, it said. KUWAIT: Advertisement Advertisement Several sprawling military installations include Camp Arifjan, the forward headquarters of U.S. Army Central and the Ali Al Salem Air Base, roughly 40 km (25 miles) from the Iraqi border and known as "The Rock" for its isolated, rugged environment. Camp Buehring was established during the 2003 Iraq War and is a staging post for U.S. Army units deploying into Iraq and Syria, according to the U.S. Army website. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: The Al Dhafra Air Base, situated south of the UAE capital Abu Dhabi and shared with the UAE Air Force, is a critical U.S. Air Force hub that has supported key missions against the Islamic State, as well as reconnaissance deployments across the region, according to the U.S. Air Force Central Command. Dubai's Jebel Ali Port, while not a formal military base, is the U.S. Navy's largest port of call in the Middle East and regularly hosts U.S. aircraft carriers and other vessels. Advertisement Advertisement IRAQ: The U.S. maintains a presence at Ain Al Asad Air Base in western Anbar province, supporting Iraqi security forces and contributing to the NATO mission, according to the White House. Iranian missile strikes targeted the base in 2020, in retaliation for the U.S. killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Situated in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq, Erbil Air Base serves as a hub for U.S. and coalition forces conducting training exercises and battle drills. The base supports U.S. military efforts by providing a secure location for training, intelligence sharing, and logistical coordination in northern Iraq, according to a 2024 Library of Congress report. SAUDI ARABIA: Advertisement Advertisement U.S. soldiers in Saudi Arabia - who numbered 2,321 in 2024 according to a White House letter - operate in coordination with the Saudi government, providing air and missile defence capabilities and supporting the operation of U.S. military aircraft. Some are stationed roughly 60 km south of Riyadh, at Prince Sultan Air Base, which supports U.S. Army air defence assets including Patriot missile batteries and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense systems. JORDAN: Located in Azraq, 100 km northeast of the capital Amman, the Muwaffaq al Salti Air Base hosts the U.S. Air Forces Central's 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, which engages in missions across the Levant, according to the Library of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement TURKEY: Turkey and the U.S. jointly run the Incirlik Air Base in the southern Adana province. It hosts U.S. nuclear warheads and has been used to support the international coalition fighting Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. It is also home to 1,465 members of the U.S. military stationed in Turkey. (Reporting by Idrees Ali, Andrew Mills, Luke Tyson, Nadine Awadalla, Federico Maccioni, Pesha Magid, Jana Choukeir, Tuvan GumrukcuEditing by Edmund Blair and Alexandra Hudson) The Trump administration will stop issuing immigration visas to residents of 75 countries, including Cape Verde and Brazil, on the grounds that migrants from those countries "take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates." The State Department announced the move via social media, but provided only a partial list that also mentioned Haiti and Cuba. FOX News reported that the Bahamas, Moldova, Russia and many African countries were also covered. State Department officials declined to provide the full list of countries and instead referred to the FOX News coverage. Advertisement Advertisement "We are working to ensure the generosity of the American people will no longer be abused," the State Department said in a statement. "The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people." New Bedford's connection: Cape Verdean president says New Bedford's Cape Verdeans are important. Here's why. Cape Verde and Brazil on list of countries where immigration is paused According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Massachusetts is the state with the highest population of Brazilian and Cape Verdean immigrants. New Bedford in particular has connections to Cape Verde dating to the 19th century and the city's whaling history, and is one of oldest and largest communities of Cape Verdeans in the country. The city is home to the Cape Verdean Association of New Bedford, and last year marked Cape Verdean Heritage Month to coincide with the country's 50th anniversary of independence. The Cape Verdean flag was raised above City Hall as part of a week celebrating Cape Verde. Latest in Trump efforts to limit legal immigration The move reflects a longstanding effort by Trump to limit who can legally enter the United States and become a permanent resident. Advertisement Advertisement Since 1882, legal immigrants have had to meet public charge rules designed to ensure that they can support themselves via work, savings or a sponsor, without relying on programs like food stamps or welfare. The pause announced Jan. 14 gives federal officials time to determine how to consider more factors in making their decisions, including applicants' age, whether family members living in the United States already receive government benefits, or if the applicant had received federal assistance to care for their American citizen child. In 2019, the Trump administration significantly expanded the list of programs covered by the public charge rule, which also affected immigrants already living in the United States seeking to become permanent residents or citizens. The changes might have blocked legal immigrants who had used Medicaid or federally funded childcare for their American citizen child from ever getting permanent residency. Estevao Landin of Brasil and daughter Brenda during the naturalization ceremony held at the Fall River Justice Ccener Friday Oct. 20, 2023. What critics of the move say Migration-rights groups say the visa pause will likely hurt American citizens living in mixed-status families, and note that use of taxpayer-funded services by immigrant families dropped even before Trump's 2019 rule took effect. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts called the decision "an economic, moral, and security failure." This sweeping ban will separate countless families in Massachusetts and all across our nation from their loved ones. It will hurt universities and businesses in the Commonwealth that rely on students and employees coming to the United States to study and create businesses and jobs. It will diminish our standing as a beacon for immigrants from around the world. We cannot allow the Trump administration to write bigotry into U.S. immigration policy. I urge the State Department to reverse course and resume visa processing. When will the changes take effect? Administration officials said the changes will officially take effect Jan. 21. According to FOX, the full list of countries consists of: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote dIvoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: White House pauses immigration visas for Cape Verde and Brazil The right-wing propaganda machine works hard to instill fear in white women. Its replete with images of crime everywhere and warnings that immigrants are threats. The tragic killing of Renee Nicole Good on Jan. 7 and the Trump administrations response to it have ripped away any remaining pretense: We are witnessing the implementation of a white nationalist agenda, sanctioned at the highest levels of power. Nearly one year since Trumps second inauguration and Elon Musks infamous Nazi salute, white women, in particular, are refusing to play their assigned role as silent shock absorbers for state violence. The victim-blaming looks to have backfired on MAGA. Within hours of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Jonathan Ross shooting Good, an unarmed mother in Minneapolis, the official narrative had already been decided at the highest levels of the Trump administration: She was a domestic terrorist who willfully and viciously tried to run over a federal agent, and thus her shooting death was justified. The refusal to even investigate her killing has reportedly led to a raft of resignations at the Department of Justice. Now, MAGAs entire political project is in question. The administrations crackdown on Minnesota was designed to be popular Donald Trump ran in 2024 on immigration enforcement, and a viral right-wing video targeting immigrants in the area showed it was a top issue for his supporters. But masked agents swarming a Target and abducting employees in broad daylight, and killing a wife and mother in her car, is not what most voters had in mind. The images of Goods blood-soaked SUV, her grieving widow sitting in the snow crying and armed federal agents standing over the scene have shocked the conscience of millions who might have otherwise supported tougher border enforcement, if not the overall darker MAGA agenda. Advertisement Advertisement After Goods killing, the president sat for a lengthy interview with The New York Times, which curiously decided to publish the conversation in bits over the course of several days. So we learned late Sunday that, when asked whether protections that began in the 1960s, spurred by the passage of the Civil Rights Act, had resulted in discrimination against white men, Trump said he believed a lot of people were very badly treated. This has been the central, animating principle of American conservatism for decades: redefining who belongs in the United States and undermining our pluralistic democracy. Vice President JD Vance has been the most explicit member of the administration about this. In a speech last summer, he declared: America is not just an idea. Were a particular place with a particular people and a particular set of beliefs and way of life. He praised so-called Heritage Americans for taming a wild continent. At a White House briefing after Goods killing, Vance alleged without evidence that she was part of a broader left-wing network plotting to attack federal agents. It didnt land the way he expected. Vance has been repeatedly ratioed on X ever since, a small but telling sign that the usual outrage machine is misfiring. Even some MAGA influencers, conditioned to defend ICE reflexively, hesitated. On Tuesdays episode of his popular podcast, Joe Rogan questioned whether Americans want militarized people in the streets just roaming around, snatching up people and creating a Gestapo demanding papers. Disgraced former Fox News host Bill OReilly has urged ICE to de-escalate. Since Goods killing, the right has also amplified its rhetoric that frames liberal white women as traitors and the reason the country is in chaos. Fox News Jesse Watters suggested that a lot of these women are single so you have this instinctive motherhood thats really not been able to be expressed, so they are trying to wrap their arms around the immigrant community. Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only, written by Amanda Marcotte, now also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. White women like Good are not just dissenters within the racial in-group, however, they are proof that the entire white nationalist story about inheritance and destiny is unstable. Still, MAGA plows on. Elon Musk went on a racist tirade on his X platform the same week Good was killed, retweeting a post that declared: If white men become a minority, we will be slaughtered. Remember, if non-Whites openly hate White men while White men hold a collective majority, then they will be 1000x times more hostile and cruel when they are a majority over whites. White solidarity is the only way to survive. Musk added a 100 emoji, signaling complete agreement. Advertisement Advertisement These actions are textbook Great Replacement Theory. The Department of Homeland Security then posted memes on its official account, sharing an image of a lone cowboy beneath a stealth bomber with the words Well have our home again, a lyric from a far-right nationalist song about reclaiming a country by blood or sweat. James Rodden, an assistant chief counsel who acts as an immigration court prosecutor for ICE in Dallas, whom the Observer identified last year as the operator of an X account that posted America is a White nation along with apparent praise of Adolf Hitler, appeared to be back at work this week. But the American people are rejecting this narrative. Poll after poll shows the public turning against ICEs brutal tactics. A Quinnipiac survey found that 53% of voters believe Goods shooting was not justified, including 59% of independents. An extraordinary 82% of Americans have seen video of the shooting, confirmation that this story has broken through in ways most do not. A YouGov poll conducted the same day as the killing found that 52% disapprove of how ICE is doing its job, with 51% calling the agencys tactics too forceful. Most remarkably, a YouGov/Economist poll found that support for abolishing ICE had surged to 46%, with only 43% opposed a dramatic shift from June 2025, when just 27% supported abolition. Even right-wing provocateur Chris Rufo is now disavowing the anti-intellectual rot at the core of the MAGA project: The dissident Right simultaneously won staid government bureaucracies are now posting like Biden-era edgelords and, in winning, lost its function, which is why that movement is now splintering. Good is one of four people killed by ICE since the administrations crackdown began in June, amid more than thirty incidents in which agents opened fire or held people at gunpoint, according to data compiled by the Trace. ProPublica has documented more than 170 instances of U.S. citizens detained by immigration officials. The culture war on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and trans students trained millions of people to believe that civil rights protections are scams and that empathy is weakness. But Renee Goods killing, and the administrations gleeful defense of it, has revealed the truth. The right can terrorize and propagandize, but it cannot easily make liberal white women unsee what they have seen. Advertisement Advertisement CORRECTION: This article has been updated to correctly state the name of the ICE officer who shot Renee Nicole Good. His name is Jonathan Ross, not Brian Ross. The post White women get in the way of Trumps war on civil rights appeared first on Salon.com. Keith Smith, an anesthesiologist in Oklahoma City, and his colleague Steven Lantier finally decided enough was enough. The hospital where they worked was price gouging patients, and the two doctors knew it. "We felt like we were accomplices," Smith told Straight Arrow News. "We were anesthetizing patients that were going to be facing a real financial hardship after even a minor surgery." It was 1997, the year of Tamagotchis and "Titanic" and the first babies of Generation Z. For Smith and Lantier, the year marked a major turning point. Advertisement Advertisement To them, exorbitant medical bills were a symptom of a larger problem: the U.S. health care system's transformation over the past seven decades. Gone were the days when patients negotiated medical fees and paid doctors directly for services. Instead, the modern health insurance model - introduced in the 1920s and expanded after World War II - transformed a professional service into a complex industry. Smith and Lantier wanted to do what they'd always done after diagnosing a disease: Fix it. But more and more, it felt like solving the problem meant leaving the traditional health care system. They would have to forge their own path, becoming early pioneers in a model that has picked up significant steam in recent years: Cash-based clinics. The rise of health insurance Health insurance was designed to spread financial risk, and overtime - particularly with the creation of Medicare and Medicaid - it expanded access to care for low-income and elderly Americans. But it also fundamentally changed how prices were set and who paid for health services, when. Advertisement Advertisement Under the insurance model, patients typically pay insurance companies a monthly premium. When seeking medical care, patients pay a preset portion of the bill, called a co-pay, until they reach a spending threshold, called the deductible. After that, insurance companies pay most of the remaining costs. Over time, this system pushed patients further from the true price of care. Since insurance companies - rather than patients - paid most medical bills, consumer pressure on prices weakened. Providers, hospitals and insurers could raise prices with little immediate resistance, since patients rarely saw the full cost at the point of care. Insurance also introduced complex billing, coding and reimbursement rules. Physicians had to document visits in detail and translate care into billing codes. The insurance companies then reimbursed hospitals based on a convoluted system of set rates and negotiated, clinic-specific discounts. To manage those tasks, practices hired growing numbers of non-clinical staff. Today, health care billing is so complicated that administrative staff outnumber physicians two to one. Insurance payments - especially from Medicare and Medicaid - failed to keep pace with rising administrative costs. As the 2010s gave way to the 2020s, hospitals and medical practices were increasingly acquired by large corporate systems and private investors, introducing explicit profit targets. Clinics responded to these pressures by increasing patient volume and shortening visits. Advertisement Advertisement The financial impact was dramatic. In 1930, health care spending accounted for about 4% of the nation's gross domestic product. By the time Smith and Lantier reached their breaking point in 1997, that number was 13.5%. In 2023, it was 17.6%. That means that nearly $1 of every $5 spent in the entire country goes towards health care. A health system crisis The two anesthesiologists quit their jobs and opened a new surgical center that would charge patients a lower, transparent price for high quality care. "We opened the facility with the idea that we would financially treat patients in a fair way that felt like a mutually beneficial exchange, not a hit and run," Smith said. To do this, the doctors returned to the early-1900s model of health care, where patients pay physicians directly, bypassing insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Smith first had to determine the cost of different surgical procedures. To do that, he tallied all the hard costs of surgery and asked surgeons how much they thought they should be paid for their time. In the early days, many met Smith and Lantier's approach with doubt and disbelief. He heard it all: "Surgery is too complex." "You can't put a price on a surgical service." "That's impossible. It's too much uncertainty." But he proved the naysayers wrong. "It is very doable," Smith told SAN. "It's just that there are a lot of people in the industry that benefit from making sure everybody thinks it can't be done." Advertisement Advertisement In the first few years of his new practice, when patients called, he quoted prices over the phone. Then, he published a list of his prices for each procedure online. Today, the cash-based clinic approach is rapidly gaining popularity in specialty care such as surgery, cardiology and oncology. The model is especially popular in family medicine. In the past four years, the portion of family doctors in cash-based practice grew from 3% to 11%, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Cash-based clinics are an imperfect solution to the nation's complex health care crisis. Health care costs continue to skyrocket, outpacing insurance reimbursement rates and making insurance premiums and care increasingly unaffordable for many Americans. To stay afloat, many providers see more patients in less time, a pressure that has intensified as for-profit health systems and private equity firms acquire practices and emphasize productivity and cost control. These forces have contributed to the declining quality of care and growing physician burnout. As more doctors leave traditional practice faster than they can be replaced, the health care workforce has shrunk - leaving patients with longer wait times and reduced access to care. The resurgence of cash-based clinics After more than 20 years in traditional medical practice, Teresa Lovins, a family physician in Columbus, Indiana, about 800 miles northwest of Smith and Lantier's surgical practice, had also become disillusioned by the health care industry. Advertisement Advertisement Like most family physicians today, she was pushed to see 25 to 28 patients a day to ensure the practice could cover administrative costs and meet profit margin goals. Lovins spent less than 10 minutes with each patient, regardless of their needs. "If the physician cannot complete the care for the patient during that time, often they have to make referrals to specialists to take care of those patients, because that allows them to get in to see the next patient in their day. That is all driven by the reimbursement rate of insurance, both from commercial insurance as well as Medicare and Medicaid," Lovins said. In 2020, Lovins opened her own cash-based clinic. In family medicine, these practices are often called direct primary care. Like Smith's surgical center, Lovins does not accept insurance. Instead, her patients pay a monthly membership fee - ranging from $30 to $100, depending on age - that covers unlimited office visits and most primary care services. Each cash-based clinic sets its own pricing model. Smith charges a flat rate per procedure. Like most cash-based clinic owners, Smith and Lovins list their prices clearly on their websites - a level of transparency largely absent in insurance-based care. Advertisement Advertisement By removing insurance from the equation, Lovins eliminated the need for billing staff and freed herself from productivity targets set by insurers or hospital systems. She also lowered drug costs by passing along wholesale prices, and charges the direct cost of lab tests rather than inflated insurance rates. Each offers its own level of savings. A common lab test, such as a complete blood count, typically costs $35 to $55 when billed to insurance, but about $3 when paid for directly, Lovins explained. Similarly, she recalled purchasing a three-month supply of her own prescriptions at a pharmacy through insurance for $400 before finding it through a wholesaler for $80. "I've been able to get back to the heart of family medicine by doing this direct care," Lovins said. Cost, autonomy and burnout Small businesses that can no longer afford health insurance are turning to cash-based clinics. But big business is also taking note: Boeing, one of the largest companies in the U.S., offers its staff access to direct primary care. Advertisement Advertisement "It's been growing really unfettered over the past several years," said Jane Zhu, a physician researcher at Oregon Health and Science University. Clinicians are increasingly burned out by corporate clinics that force them to see a huge volume of patients, limit their autonomy and bury them in insurance paperwork. Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Wendy Molaska, a family physician in Wisconsin, began experiencing burnout. "I was doing more paperwork and things that weren't related to patient care, and getting to spend less and less time with patients," she said. In national surveys, about 60% of physicians reported symptoms of burnout, and more than 30% said they plan to leave practice within the next two years because of it. Advertisement Advertisement Patients are fed up with long wait times, not being able to see the same doctor consistently and being forced to go to urgent care or the emergency room for primary care services, Zhu explained. Molaska's patients often complained they had to wait months for an appointment that only lasted 15 minutes. "That wasn't really why I went into family medicine." In May 2021, after recovering from breast cancer, Molaska opened her own cash-based practice. After switching, she realized how much the traditional health care system incentivizes physicians to keep patients sick, she said. "The way I got paid was to see patients in the clinic. The more patients I see, the more I get paid. The more complicated the patients, the more I code, the more that they get billed, the more that I then get reimbursed," Molaska explained. "It's really based on this kind of sick care system, and what I realize now in direct primary care, it's actually the opposite. It behooves me to keep my patients as healthy as possible, so they're not coming into the clinic all the time. And because I don't have to code and bill, I don't have to force people to come in for visits that they don't actually need to come into clinic for," she said. An imperfect solution Critics of cash-based clinics argue that they are only a solution for the healthy and the wealthy. That feels off to Lovins: She treats several patients who use Medicare and Medicaid even though she doesn't accept their insurance. "They like that they can have access to their doctor on a better timeframe. They like that the doctor gets to spend more time with them, so they are willing to find that money in their limited income to pay those fees," she said. Molaska told SAN that 41% of her patients are uninsured. Many earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford insurance premiums and deductibles on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, she said. The average American family spends just under $27,000 each year on employer-sponsored health insurance premiums alone, and the premium isn't the only health cost a patient covers. Most insured patients also must meet a deductible; on average, another $1,800. That high price tag keeps people from seeking care. "People are putting off primary care and following up on preventative things and small problems. They wait until they become big problems because they're worried about the copays and the deductibles and the coinsurance and so forth," Molaska said. The direct primary care model helps to fix this problem. Still, Molaska, Lovins and Smith acknowledged that the cash-based model does not solve every problem in the U.S. health care system. Instead, these clinics are a response to an insurance-driven system that made health care more expensive, rushed and opaque. Although the impact of more cash-based practices has not yet been well studied, Zhu pointed out that they may put more pressure on the health system. Physicians who leave traditional practice for a cash-based clinic go from seeing upwards of 3,000 patients a year to 200 to 300, she said. That grants more facetime for those few hundred patients, but exacerbates physician shortages and further increases patient wait times in the rest of the health care sector. Rethinking health insurance Americans still need health insurance to cover unpredictable or major health care costs that could arise at any time, but Molaska envisions a future in which health insurance functions more like car insurance. Americans don't use car insurance to pay for gas, oil changes or a new battery. Routine maintenance is affordable and accessible. In Molaska's analogy, that's like primary care, and patients could cover those costs themselves in cash-based clinics. Health insurance would instead be reserved for major, unpredictable events like when consumers tap into car insurance after a big accident. This type of insurance in the health industry is called a catastrophic health care plan, and Lovins and Smith both said expanding access to it would pair well with the emerging cash-based clinic model. The catastrophic health plan was designed to protect patients from very high medical costs in the event of serious illness or injury through low monthly premiums and high deductibles. The Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, restricted these plans to people younger than 30 or those who could prove they could not afford any other insurance. The Trump administration expanded access to these plans last year. Smith has found that people will pay out-of-pocket even for high-ticket medical expenses. He can offer patients surgery for less than their deductible, he said. He asks: What if that $27,000 average premium payment went directly to paying for medical services instead of just "the opportunity to meet a deductible that people can't afford"? That $27,000 would easily cover the membership fees at Lovins' clinic - on average, about $900 per year - and nearly all the surgeries at Smith's center. Some of Smith's patients do not have insurance; others have self-funded health plans. Increasingly, patients go to Smith's surgical center because his procedures are cheaper than their deductible, he said. The most rapidly growing segment of Smith's patients are people whose care is being denied or delayed by their insurance companies. Smith pointed to a recent example of a patient with a locked knee from a meniscus tear. According to Smith, the patient's insurance company said it would review whether surgery was appropriate and have an answer for them in about three weeks. "That meant the person was not going to be able to walk at all for three weeks," he told SAN. "They came to our facility and paid $4,410 all-inclusive and they were walking later that day." Federal policies are starting to catch on to the cash-based clinic approach. The Trump administration's One Big Beautiful Bill allows patients to use pre-tax funds from health savings accounts to pay for direct primary care memberships starting this month. Cash-based clinics alongside catastrophic health plans are an increasingly attractive option as health insurance premiums continue to skyrocket. Last month, enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expired, more than doubling annual premium payments for some 20 million Americans. The post Why more doctors are billing their patients like it's the 1920s appeared first on Straight Arrow News. Related Links The National Weather Service issued a number of winter storm warnings for a strong cold front is expected to bring significant snowfall and strong winds. "The strong cold front will bring favorable conditions for lake effect snow downwind of the Great Lakes. Winter Weather Advisories are active downwind of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, and Lake Erie for Wednesday-Thursday morning," the NWS said. Michigan Expecting Heavy Snow Once Again The state of Michigan recently received a strong winter storm that dropped several feet of snow on the Upper Peninsula, but winter is just beginning. Advertisement Advertisement "There is also a Winter Storm Warning on the downwind side of Michigan for portions of far northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan as travel conditions will be hazardous due to a forecast 6-8 inches of snow with wind gusts to 40 mph," the National Weather Service said. Alaska Could See 60 mph Winds The National Weather Service issued a number of winter weather warnings for Alaska alone, with strong winds and heavy snow expected. "A compact low in the Bering Sea will track to the Aleutians Wednesday morning, with bands of snow spreading to Adak and Atka. The low will move very slowly across the Aleutians to the North Pacific and then stall just to the south of the chain Wednesday night through Thursday," the NWS said. A prolonged period of snow and blowing snow is expected with the heaviest winds coming out of the northeast on Wednesday night. Total snow accumulation is expected to vary from island to island, but Atka is "favored" to receive the brunt of the storm. Nine Other States Under Winter Weather Advisories While Alaska and Michigan are expected to receive the brunt of the storm, nine other states will see significant snowfall and strong winds. Advertisement Advertisement Indiana: Lake effect snow is expected to hit northern Indiana with total snow accumulations between 2 and 6 inches. The highest amounts will fall in western Cass County. Northwest winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Illinois: Much the same is expected in Illinois this week as the state braces for total snow accumulations locally of 2 to 5 inches. The cold front is expected to bring bitterly cold temperatures to Sunday's showdown between the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams. Maryland: A strong cold front is expected cross the area late Wednesday afternoon bringing up to 2 to 3 inches of snow with it. "Precipitation may mix with snow near 4000 feet elevation as soon as early Wednesday afternoon, but more impactful snow down to elevations near 2500 feet along with rapidly falling temperatures are expected beginning between 7 and 10 PM Wednesday evening," NWS said. Minnesota: Additional snow accumulations up to two inches are expected with winds gusting as high as 35 mph in Iron County. Advertisement Advertisement New York: The Buffalo office of the National Weather Service has been busy over the past week as heavy lake effect snow continues to pour down in the region. The NWS is now calling for new total snow accumulations to reach between 5 to 10 inches with snow beginning on the Tug Hill Plateau Wednesday, while lower elevations mix with rain. "Snow will become widespread across the region Wednesday night, then transition to localized lake effect snow Thursday through Thursday night. The greatest accumulations will be on the Tug Hill Plateau and northern Oswego county," it said. Ohio: The Ohio Department of Transportation and Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission strongly encourage motorists to heed all travel restrictions and delay unnecessary travel as the region is set to be hit with 2 to 5 inches of lake effect snow this week. Pennsylvania: Residents in Warren, PA were warned to prepare for slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning commutes as 2 to 4 inches of snow is expected. Tennessee: Part of Tennessee including the Smoky Mountains are set to see total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, but up to 6 inches for elevations above 5000 feet. Winds are forecast to gust as high as 40 mph while the NWS warned, "Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous." Advertisement Advertisement West Virginia: Parts of West Virginia will see up to six inches of snow while gusty winds up to 40 mph are possible across the higher mountain elevations, which could result in wind chills as low as 10 below Wednesday night and Thursday, primarily above 3,500 feet, along with blowing and drifting of snow. Travel Warnings Announced Amid Winter Storms In addition to warning of heavy snowfall, the National Weather Service is warning those in regions hit with a winter storm warning to avoid travel when possible. "Travel could be very difficult. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday morning commute," a warning from the Marquette NWS office said. "...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches." The Indiana branch warned: "Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Visibilities can also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions." Advertisement Advertisement Related: Netflix Quietly Cancels 'Stranger Things' Creators' Next Show This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jan 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A woman who led police on a wild chase that spanned two major highways in New Hampshire barricaded herself in her vehicle, prompting an hours-long standoff early Wednesday before she was arrested, authorities said. Heather Lewis, 34, of Merrimack, is slated to be arraigned in Manchester District Court later this week on charges including felony reckless conduct with a deadly weapon, disobeying an officer, resisting arrest or detention, criminal mischief, and operating after suspension, according to New Hampshire State Police. Troopers responding to a request for assistance with a suspicious vehicle parked near Citizens Bank on Route 102 in Londonderry after 1 a.m. attempted to speak with the driver, identified as Lewis, but she allegedly fled the scene, setting off a chase. Advertisement Advertisement Lewis later pulled into the Circle K gas station at the Londonderry-Hudson town line, drove her Volkswagen GTI down an embankment, struck a guardrail, and reversed direction on Route 102 in an attempt to further evade officers, state police said. The chase continued onto Interstate 93 north at Exit 4, where troopers deployed tire deflation devices in an attempt to stop the car, but Lewis continued onto Interstate 293, according to state police. Lewis then allegedly tried to drive north on the southbound side of I-293, where a trooper used his cruiser to stop her. At that point, state police say she refused to get out of her car, leading to a standoff that lasted about two hours. Authorities closed the highway while they negotiated with her. Ultimately, state police said a K9 and less-lethal munitions were deployed to take her into custody. Advertisement Advertisement Lewis was then taken to Elliot Hospital to be treated for minor injuries. An investigation is ongoing. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW How much does the average passenger think about airline safety? Truth be told, most of us try our hardest not to think about the worst-case scenarios, but that isnt always easy particularly when tragedies hit the headlines. Last years Air India crash, in which 241 people were killed on a flight from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, was the worst civilian aviation disaster in more than a decade. Prior to that, there was Jeju Air Flight 8423 at the end of 2024, in which 175 passengers and four crew members were killed. While these kinds of incidents tend to leave a mark on the public consciousness, the overall message on air travel from authorities remains the same as it has been for decades: flying is significantly safer than driving, with the chances of any kind of accident vanishingly small. Advertisement Advertisement That doesnt mean that passengers dont worry. After the well-publicised issues with the Boeing 737 Max in 2018 and 2019, one survey revealed that 20 per cent of travellers wanted to know what plane their airline used before booking flights (a phenomenon summarised by some internet users as if its Boeing, Im not going.). Will anything make nervous passengers less jittery? The annual report from AirlineRatings.com takes stock of the publicly available data to rank the worlds safest airlines. But what does it have to say in its latest report? The wreckage of Air India Flight 171 - AFP How do you measure airline safety? Leaving aside the obvious headlines like the Air India crash, there is no obvious metric for measuring airline safety per se although AirlineRatings.com has tried its best on that front. The company says that its ratings are based on input from aviation experts and take into account various factors, ranging from the dramatic (reported incidents) to the more technical (like the age of the fleet and the airlines pilot training processes). Advertisement Advertisement While the report gives a ranking to 385 different airlines, it doesnt go into full detail about the underlying data it uses. It also warns against placing too much emphasis on headline-grabbing crashes, given that these are often caused by freak technical failures (or in the case of Air India, a suspected pilot murder-suicide) rather than decisions taken by the airline. Similarly, many of the incidents recorded by airlines will cover a wide range of different scenarios, most of which probably arent the sort of things that nervous travellers necessarily worry about. But the more of these small incidents that airlines rack up, the more it will show in their safety rating. How reliable are these rankings? As you might expect, some experts take issue with the idea of ranking airlines in this way, given that each carrier will operate in different regions and conditions. Some of the highest placed airlines operate to very few destinations, all of which are highly-developed countries, says Nick Eades, a veteran Boeing 747 captain turned author. By contrast, airlines flying to less developed regions may encounter more issues, even if most of these are very minor. Advertisement Advertisement He also takes issue with the idea that the age of an airlines fleet is necessarily an indicator of its safety record. As long as the aircraft are meticulously maintained then they are just as safe as new aircraft, he says. Some may even argue that they are safer as any design or manufacturing defects would have been discovered and rectified. Which are the safest airlines (according to the report)? AirlineRatings.com publishes two separate rankings: one for full-service carriers like British Airways and one for low-cost short-haul airlines. When it comes to full-service airlines, the top spots go to Etihad (in first place), followed by Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air New Zealand. British Airways comes in 18th place, down from 15th last year, just above Vietnam Airlines. Advertisement Advertisement For the low-cost carriers, the safest airline is Hong Kong-based HK Express, followed by Jetstar Airways and Scoot. Ryanair is in 18th place (down 15 places from last year), with Wizz Air in ninth and easyJet in fifth. Which are the worst airlines for safety? While AirlineRatings.com doesnt publish rankings for those airlines that dont make the top 25, its website does include star ratings for different carriers, with 11 current operators ending up with the lowest ranking of one star. They include Koreas Jeju Air (the airline which suffered the tragic crash in December 2o24), as well as airlines from Montenegro (Montenegro Airlines), Pakistan (PIA), Tanzania (Precision Air), Bangladesh (US-Bangla), Nigeria (Air Peace), as well as five carriers from Russia (including the national carrier Aeroflot). b' ' Advertisement Advertisement For a more comprehensive picture of airline safety, we can also look at the airlines included on the UK Air Safety List and thus banned from flying to or from Britain. The list currently includes carriers from 23 countries, including Armenia, Libya, Nepal, North Korea, Russia, Sudan and Venezuela. In many cases, the classification is largely hypothetical, given that there is little chance of a Libyan or North Korean carrier launching direct flights from Heathrow to Tripoli or Pyongyang. But it still sends a strong signal to anyone considering flying with those airlines. Even so, its worth noting that in many cases the listing isnt down to any decisions made by the individual airline. Its usually that UK or EU authorities arent convinced that the national regulators in question have the correct procedures in place to uphold safety standards for example, having an independent aviation safety board. A strong regulatory framework is the bedrock of airline safety, says aviation expert John Strickland of JLS Consulting. There are so many variables influencing safety that it is really difficult to produce a meaningful list of best or worst carriers. Are certain planes unsafe? Historically, some planes have had safety issues like the de Havilland Comet in the 1950s. As you might expect, these models tended to be either withdrawn from service entirely or suspended for extensive maintenance. Advertisement Advertisement It was a similar story with the Boeing 737 Max, which was grounded for almost two years until it was cleared by US regulators to fly again (subject to mandated design changes). Canadian, European and Chinese authorities soon followed suit, allowing the updated planes to take to the sky again. Of course, its up to aviation authorities to ensure those procedures are followed, which can lead to some gaps. In 2024, the US National Transportation Safety Board warned that up to 40 foreign airlines may still be using the Boeing 737 Max with components that could be unsafe. It did not, however, name any airlines about which it had doubts. Aeroplane manufacturers also look to make safety improvements each time they design a new plane. To give a recent example, the latest models from Boeing and Airbus (the 787-9 and the A350 respectively) have undergone numerous tweaks to minimise the impact of turbulence such as installing more flexible wings. While turbulence isnt usually a cause of serious safety issues, more severe cases have been known to cause injuries. Two years ago, one passenger died and a further 71 were injured after a Singapore Airlines flight from London experienced an extreme bout of turbulence. Advertisement Advertisement Worryingly, there are indications that certain types of turbulence notably clear air turbulence is becoming a more common problem for airlines. The boss of Emirates, Sir Tim Clark, believes there has been a rise in these kinds of patterns, which some researchers have attributed in part to climate change. What can airlines do to improve safety? In most cases, the factors that affect airline safety like regular maintenance of aircraft are set by aviation authorities, which enforce strict rules on how often carriers need to perform checks on their planes. But airlines still make some decisions to reduce risk even further. After the safety issues with Boeing in 2018 and 2019, Ryanair increased the scrutiny it performs on its Boeing planes. Any new deliveries are sent to the airlines maintenance facilities in Dublin where they undergo extensive checks by the carriers own engineers before entering service. Some airlines are also implementing new policies to deal with more extreme turbulence. In Asia, some airlines have decided to suspend all meal and drinks services when the seatbelt signs are turned on. Advertisement Advertisement They hope this will reduce the potential for nasty accidents, where passengers have been hit by flying glassware or scalded with hot drinks. This article was first published in January 2025 and has been revised and updated. 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. A lava field can be seen with the Pioneer Mountains in the background on April 29, 2024, at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve near Arco. On May 2, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge designated 54,000 acres of volcanic landscape across southern Idaho a national monument, adding that the landscape has curious and unusual phenomena of great educational value. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) The worst fate that could happen to the future and integrity Idahos public forests, rugged mountains, white water rivers, hiking trails and sheer walled desert canyons would be for those lands to end up in private ownership. A photo-finish second place worse fate for those lands would be to end up managed by the state of Idaho. Thats the snake oil sale being peddled by Congressman Russ Fulcher. Citing a lack of management by federal land agencies as the primary reason, Fulcher is seeking to build momentum for a transition of land management responsibility to state and local entities. Advertisement Advertisement Fulcher has issued a letter to Idahos constitutional officers, state legislators and county commissioners underscoring the importance of encouraging local resource management. Just noting the crowd Fulcher is contacting paints a pretty clear picture of how this effort, if successful, would ultimately play out. Fulcher bemoaning the lack of federal management ignores the role he and the rest Idahos Republican congressional delegation played in creating any such crisis. All four Republicans sat stone faced, quiet and missing in action last year as the Trump administration slashed thousands of jobs and millions of budget dollars from the land management agencies budgets already approved by Congress. So if theres lack of land manager presence and action on Idahos public lands, Fulcher and the rest of Idahos Republican delegation need only to look in the mirror for much of the reason. Congressman Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho (Photo courtesy of Russ Fulchers official website) Fulcher claims that he hears all the time that other members of Congress are tired of subsidizing states like Idaho which have large tracts of public lands. I suspect thats true in the cloistered, closed Washington, D.C., Republican bubble the Idaho delegation seems to occupy 24/7 these days there probably is a lot of griping about public lands. But I also suspect that there are constituents in the states represented by the gripers who have visited Craters of the Moon National Monument, Redfish Lake, Hells Canyon, the Middle Fork Salmon, and the Selway River and who think that Idahos public lands are a pretty good thing. Advertisement Advertisement Fulcher champions better stewardship through local stakeholder involvement the state, counties, municipalities, tribes, ranchers, and private operators, all working together For over 20 years I was a member of the Owyhee Initiative, a collaboration in Owyhee County formed by the Owyhee County commissioners that included county representatives, ranchers, outfitters, conservationists and consultation with tribal members. The Owyhee Initiative was seen as one of the most successful broad-based collaboratives in Idaho. The Owyhee Initiative worked through many tough, contentious issues, but not once, not ever, did anyone in the collaborative say that in order to succeed, we needed to turn the public land in Owyhee County over to state management. No one offered that as a solution to any problem. And the bottom line to Fulchers proposal is that management of public land by the state of Idaho means micro-management by the Republican ideologues in the Idaho Legislature, which essentially amounts to the same thing as putting groups like the Idaho Freedom Foundation in charge. Time and again Republicans have shown there is issue is too small for them to meddle with. For 10 years the Idaho Legislature refused to let the Idaho Fish and Game Department have a role in wolf management after the successful reintroduction effort. The Legislatures answer to disease conflicts between domestic sheep and wild bighorn sheep was to encourage killing the bighorns. Republican senators in the Legislature even refused to support a resolution celebrating the anniversary of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, arguably the most popular public land destination in Idaho, for fear it would show they supported the concept of public lands. Advertisement Advertisement These are the same folks telling local governments what flags they can and cant fly and what pedestrian street safety modifications cities can pursue. No chance the Legislature would take a pass on hot button topics like salmon restoration, wildlife highway overpasses or forest fuels management. The Republican regime in Idaho state government would see Idahos public land heritage as nothing more than vast wood lots, gravel pit sites and mining ventures. Just this past year Gov. Brad Little was in Idahos backcountry fawning over the proposed mine at Stibnite, a mine which threatens further pollution of important salmon supporting rivers and tribal rights. Can you ever imagine Little going to such lengths to praise, say, a conservation easement that protects public access and recreation, or to celebrate recovery efforts for fisheries on the Yankee Fork? No, I cant either. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX KYIV, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that "much broader changes" were needed in the country's system for mobilising troops for the war with Russia. "Decisions have already been made to ensure a more equitable distribution of personnel among combat brigades," he wrote on X after meeting newly appointed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. "However, much broader changes are needed in the mobilization process that will guarantee more opportunities both for Ukraine's Defense and Security Forces and for economic processes in our state." (Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Hugh Lawson) Organizers of Australias largest free literary festival canceled the event yesterday after more than 180 writers and speakers withdrew over the scrapping of an appearance by an Australian-Palestinian writer and academic. The uproar began when the board of the Adelaide Festival, which runs Adelaide Writers Week, announced on Jan. 8 that they had disinvited Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah from the event given her previous statements and citing cultural sensitivities at this unprecedented time so soon after an antisemitic mass shooting at Sydneys Bondi Beach. There was no suggestion that Abdel-Fattah or her writings have any connection with the tragedy, the board members added. They didnt cite any specific statements by the lawyer, academic and writer of fiction and nonfiction that prompted their decision. Abdel-Fattah decried the move as censorship and said the announcement suggested that her mere presence was culturally insensitive. By yesterday, when the event was canceled, most of the programmed speakers had withdrawn. The episode unfolded amid a fraught national debate in Australia about limits on speech following the Bondi shooting. The writers removal followed lobbying A father and son who were apparently inspired by Islamic State group ideology are accused of the massacre during a Hanukkah event in December, in which 15 people were shot dead. The surviving suspect, Naveed Akram, has not entered a plea to the dozens of murder, terrorism and other charges he faces. In the aftermath, the Jewish Community Council for South Australia the state where Adelaide is located wrote to the festival to lobby for Abdel-Fattahs exclusion, the groups spokesperson Norman Schueler told The Adelaide Advertiser. The Premier of South Australia state Peter Malinauskus also supported the writers removal. The Adelaide Writers Week was scheduled to run for six days beginning in late February, as part of a wider annual culture festival. The 2025 literary event was the festivals 40th and attracted 160,000 attendees. Born in Australia to Palestinian and Egyptian parents, Abdel-Fattah often writes about Islamophobia and had been invited to speak about her novel Discipline, which follows two Muslims, a journalist and a university student, navigating issues of censorship in Sydney. She has been a critic of the Israeli government and an advocate for Palestinians throughout the two-year war in Gaza. Zadie Smith, Ardern quit in protest After the boards statement canceling Abdel-Fattahs appearance, other speakers on the program including British novelist Zadie Smith and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern withdrew from their events too. The Festivals director quit yesterday, citing her objections to the boards decision to disinvite Abdel-Fattah. Louise Adler, a Jewish Australian, wrote in the Guardian that she could not be party to silencing writers. She said 70% of the events speakers had withdrawn. Hours later, a statement on the Festivals Facebook page said that the event would not proceed and that all remaining board members would resign. The statement, which was not attributed to a named individual, offered an apology to Abdel-Fattah for how the decision was represented. Board members wanted to reiterate this is not about identity or dissent but rather a continuing rapid shift in the national discourse around the breadth of freedom of expression in our nation following Australias worst terror attack in history, the statement said. Abdel-Fattah rejected the apology in a post on X, lambasting the decision to cancel her appearance as a blatant act of anti-Palestinian racism. She said the board had apologized for how her removal was presented but not for the decision itself. The removal of Abdel-Fattah prompted some sponsors of the event to withdraw, too. The fate of the wider Adelaide Festival was unclear yesterday, although a new board was due to be appointed today. The event is a major draw for the state and generated millions of dollars in revenue and hundreds of jobs in 2025, a report by the festival organization said. Australias leaders debate hate speech Abdel-Fattahs exclusion came amid proposed or enacted law changes covering hate speech, protest and guns after the Bondi massacre. New South Wales state, where the shooting happened, swiftly passed a law in December banning protest gatherings during periods following terrorism declarations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced yesterday that he would recall the federal parliament in January to vote on his proposed measures to tighten Australias gun controls and lower criminal thresholds for prosecuting hate speech. He has also announced a major national inquiry, called a royal commission, into antisemitism in Australia and the Bondi attack specifically. Albanese said a national day of mourning for those killed would be held on Jan. 22. CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY, WELLINGTON, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... Lawmakers, including Rep. Tom Dent in the back left, listen to Gov. Bob Ferguson deliver the State of the State address in Olympia on Tuesday. (Ken Lambert / The Seattle Times) The Capitol is back to business during opening day of the legislative session Monday in Olympia. (Ken Lambert / The Seattle Times) The declining birth rate in Macau has raised concerns among Legislative Assembly (AL) members about potential teacher unemployment, with Vong Kuoc Ieng, vice president of the Chinese Educators Association of Macau, acknowledging that frontline educators are understandably anxious about the implications. The birth rate in Macau is projected to decline significantly in 2026, with official data indicating that only 2,871 babies were born last year, a decrease of 600 compared to the previous year. In light of the current situation for educators in Macau, a self-identified education professional recently took to social media to express concern for friends pursuing education-related studies, warning that many teachers may face unemployment beginning next year in what they described as an era of significant regression. Speaking to the Times, a primary school teacher, surnamed Wing, candidly expressed her concerns about the impact of the declining birth rate on the education sector. Although the current situation hasnt significantly affected our work yet, if the birth rate continues to drop, it could create a sense of crisis, she said. Wing also noted that some colleagues have already begun pursuing additional degrees to enhance their competitiveness, stressing that this trend warrants attention. As a frontline educator, Vong, also the principal of Escola Choi Nong Chi Tai, noted in an interview with the Times that enrollment trends in Macau have raised widespread concern. He stated, In recent years, the phenomenon of shrinking classes has become increasingly evident, particularly at the early childhood education level. Some schools K1 classes currently have fewer students than anticipated, with actual enrollment figures ranging from single digits to just over a dozen. The situation for K2 is similarly troubling, with only about 20 students enrolled, while K3 classes have over 30. Vong emphasized that, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual birth rate has decreased by three to four hundred compared to the previous year, putting schools under constant pressure to reduce class sizes. He said that teachers concerns stem from the ongoing decline in birth rates. Facing the potential for continued stagnation, primary school classes for grades one, two, and three may become even sparser. Although some educators have chosen to leave their positions, the proportion of departures remains low, and the overall attrition rate is not severe, he stated. Vong stated that it is challenging to quantify the exact number of teachers being reduced, as specific class arrangements and resulting staffing changes are typically finalized only after the academic year concludes. However, he pointed out that, in recent years, the number of students enrolling in teacher education programs has significantly decreased. About seven or eight years ago, the government encouraged outstanding students to enroll in teacher education programs and provided scholarships. However, the governments stance has shifted, gradually reducing support and encouragement for these programs. Authorities have even advised students to avoid teacher training if possible, due to concerns about graduates employment prospects after graduation, he explained. According to Vong, both school administrators and teachers are expressing growing unease about the future of the educational environment, with many educators voicing their concerns on social media. While acknowledging some government policies aimed at addressing these issues, he is calling for more concrete and actionable measures. Short-term recommendations include reducing class sizes to between 23 and 28 students, which would free up enrollment spots, facilitate smaller classes, and enhance educational quality. The educator also suggested that preschool class sizes could be moderately increased to ensure teacher stability and reduce attrition rates. For medium to long-term planning, he emphasized the need for the government to develop effective strategies to boost birth rates. Drawing on successful examples from countries like Singapore, he proposed implementing incentives and extended birth allowance programs, up to 12 years, to encourage young families to have children. However, he opposed proposals to bring in mainland Chinese students, insisting that the focus should remain on improving local birth rates and family conditions rather than relying on external factors. The goal must be to increase our own birth rate, not to depend on bringing in mainland students, as this does not address the fundamental problem. The lack of young people will affect social productivity and healthy development, Vong reiterated, stressing that amidst the challenges of an aging population, young people are vital for social development. Amid teachers concerns, Vong expressed hope that educators will reflect on their career planning and professional development during this transition. As society increasingly promotes inclusive education, he emphasized the importance of teachers proactively adapting to and addressing the numerous challenges within the current education system. Challenge of introducing AI in education At the same time, Macau is facing challenges due to an economic downturn, raising questions about its competitiveness. As calls for urban transformation grow louder, the government has proposed various policy directions such as developing the big health sector and promoting cultural tourism yet the public remains unclear about the specifics and progress of these initiatives. This confusion has led to deep reflection among young people, while the education sector has pointed out that government policies often lack concrete operational details. Taking the Education and Youth Development Bureaus (DSEDJ) earlier announcement of launching a localized smart teaching service platform in the 2026/2027 academic year as an example, Vong pointed out that while the platform exists, teachers may not effectively utilize its resources. Establishing an AI sharing platform would be a significant help for teachers, especially as many feel uncertain about how to apply AI. This platform could provide extensive shared resources, he stated. This concern reflects the pressure felt by many educators who are unsure how to integrate AI into their instruction. Consequently, teacher training becomes crucial for enabling educators to effectively use AI and enhance their professional competence, while students also need to learn how to appropriately utilize AI in the educational process. Vong pointed out that the platforms currently established by the government are imperfect, often experiencing crashes and resource shortages. He expressed hope for the gradual enrichment and improvement of the database, emphasizing the need for it to be more accessible to teachers and equipped with practical information and support. The educator believes the government should first establish a clear direction and framework to track technological trends, as well as allocate special funds for the education sector to facilitate essential investments. Meanwhile, AI and programming have emerged as significant trends in education, with the potential to greatly enhance efficiency while fostering students creativity and critical thinking skills. When effectively utilized, AI can transform the learning experience, Vong remarked. Future classrooms are anticipated to emphasize collective intelligence, group collaboration, and interactive learning demands that could elevate educational standards and catalyze a transformative shift in pedagogy. While the standardization of AI in education will face numerous challenges, the demand for effective integration remains undeniable, he noted. For him, this evolution in teaching methodologies aims to cultivate a more engaged and capable student body, preparing them to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world. Looking ahead, the educator said there is significant growth potential in the fields of information technology and AI. He noted the difficulty of recruiting IT professionals, including at international schools, due to their high mobility and job availability. The overall demand for technology talent in society is constantly increasing, and Macau faces the same challenge. In this context, the government should consider encouraging outstanding graduates to pursue IT or AI-related majors, helping them lay a solid foundation for the future, he concluded. Like this: Like Loading... A former U.S. Navy sailor convicted of selling technical and operating manuals for ships and operating systems to an intelligence officer working for China was sentenced yesterday [Macau time] to more than 16 years in prison, prosecutors said. A federal judge in San Diego sentenced Jinchao Wei, 25, to 200 months. A federal jury convicted Wei in August of six crimes, including espionage. He was paid more than $12,000 for the information he sold, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement. Wei, an engineer for the amphibious assault ship USS Essex, was one of two California-based sailors charged on Aug. 3, 2023, with providing sensitive military information to China. The other, Wenheng Zhao, was sentenced to more than two years in 2024 after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of receiving a bribe in violation of his official duties. U.S. officials have for years expressed concern about the espionage threat they say the Chinese government poses, bringing criminal cases in recent years against Beijing intelligence operatives who have stolen sensitive government and commercial information, including through illegal hacking. Wei was recruited via social media in 2022 by an intelligence officer who portrayed himself as a naval enthusiast working for the state-owned China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, prosecutors said. Evidence presented in court showed Wei told a friend that the person was extremely suspicious and that it was quite obviously espionage. Wei disregarded the friends advice to delete the contact and instead moved conversations with the intelligence officer to a different encrypted messaging app Wei believed was more secure, prosecutors said. Over the course of 18 months, Wei sent the officer photos and videos of the Essex, advised him of the location of various Navy ships and told him about the Essexs defensive weapons, prosecutors said. Wei sold the intelligence officer 60 technical and operating manuals, including those for weapons control, aircraft and deck elevators. The manuals contained export control warnings and detailed the operations of multiple systems aboard the Essex and similar ships. He was a petty officer second class, which is a enlisted sailors rank. The Navys website says the Essex is equipped to transport and support a Marine Corps landing force of over 2,000 troops during an air and amphibious assault. In a letter to the judge before sentencing, Wei apologized and said he shouldnt have shared anything with the person who he had considered a friend. Wei said introversion and loneliness clouded his judgment. MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... By MEGAN HUGHES [email protected] BESSEMER Students in the Bessemer Area Schools returned to classes on Tuesday, following a bomb threat that resulted in the Monday closure of the Washington Elementary School and the A.D. Johnston Junior and Senior High School. During the closure, local authorities performed an in-depth investigation and cleared all Bessemer school buildings. On Sunday evening at approximately 7:05 p.m., the Bessemer School District received a call that made reference to bombs being placed within the high school. According to a press release from the school district, t... By PAMELA JANSSON [email protected] BESSEMER The American Veterans Center and Music Celebrations International have invited Martys Goldenaires Drum and Bugle Corps to be a representative of Michigan in the May 25 National Memorial Day Parade on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. The parade, which includes participants from all 50 states, is streamed online and covered by national networks. Moreover, this year is also the 250th anniversary of the United States, for which the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. In a Tuesday interview with The Globe, Pearce G... A man in an electric wheelchair traveling through Gongbei Port to Zhuhai last week was intercepted by customs officers due to a layer of blue plastic covering the battery compartment, which appeared to conceal tampering. Upon further inspection, 19 used mobile phones were discovered hidden inside. The man admitted he was carrying the items for others in exchange for a transportation fee. Like this: Like Loading... Magh Bihu 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Magh Bihu 2026 greetings to the people of Assam, describing the festival as a symbol of gratitude and unity, and wished peace, health, happiness and prosperity for all. Pakistani Viral Sensation: Alina Amir has become an overnight star on social media - all thanks to her engaging and viral content. Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said the country needs a missile force. Rockets and missiles now operate as part of a single strike ecosystem. In modern warfare, both systems are capable of delivering decisive impact, which is why the Army is considering the creation of a unified Rocket-Missile Force, he told the media. Denmark and Greenland accused Washington of crossing red lines on sovereignty and warned Trumps rhetoric threatens alliances and Arctic stability. A suspected currency exchanger allegedly fell victim to a double-cross, losing HKD500,000 during an illegal currency exchange transaction. Police from Macau and Zhuhai jointly arrested six mainland Chinese men. Four were apprehended in Macau, while two were arrested in mainland China. According to the Judiciary Police (PJ), the alleged victim carried HKD1.89 million in cash to a hotel room in Cotai on January 10 for an illegal exchange with two mainland Chinese men. After exchanging HKD10,000, the victim was choked from behind, forced to the ground, and threatened with exposure of his illegal exchange activities to the police if he did not hand over HKD600,000 in cash. After three hours of negotiation, the two assailants fled with HKD500,000 in cash. The victim later handed the remaining HKD1.38 million in cash to an accomplice outside the hotel. After failing to contact the two suspects to demand the money back, he reported the incident to the police. The two suspected robbers later met with four other individuals, converted the stolen money into renminbi, and transferred it to bank accounts before leaving Macau via the Hengqin Port. The PJ intercepted the four suspects at Border Gate checkpoint, in hotel rooms in Cotai, and on streets in ZAPE. The other two suspects were intercepted by mainland police in Zhuhai on January 11. Ricaela Diputado Like this: Like Loading... * Faculty Fears Falling birth rate raises concerns over teacher unemployment as class sizes shrink, especially in early childhood education, the Times finds * MDT Report | International regatta canceled without warning * Zone A | Over 2,200 units sold in public housing projects * Six men arrested after suspected currency exchanger loses HKD500,000 in double-cross, PJ reports * Govt utilizes over 340 smart devices in care homes to boost elderly care * Former U.S. Navy sailor gets over 16 years for selling ship manuals to Chinese intelligence, prosecutors say DOWNLOAD PDF Wednesday, January 14, 2026 edition no. 4873 Like this: Like Loading... JERUSALEM (AP) Israels recognition of Somaliland has thrust the breakaway territory into the international spotlight, causing an uproar in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East as a surprise new factor in regional power struggles. For Israel, the decision reignites questions about the contentious proposal raised last year by American and Israeli officials for Somaliland to take in Palestinians displaced from Gaza. Israel also could use Somaliland as a base to more closely respond to attacks from Iran-backed Houthis rebels in Yemen, just across the Gulf of Aden. Israel also would get a diplomatic win. Somaliland's foreign minister told The Associated Press that it aims to join the Abraham Accords, bilateral agreements between Israel and Arab and Muslim-majority countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a mutually beneficial friendship," Abdirahman Dahir Adan said in an interview. In return, Somaliland gains open cooperation with Israel in trade, investment and technology." But the first international recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation also could make it a target. Analysts warn that its ties with Israel could become a rallying cry for Islamic extremists, destabilizing an already volatile region in which Somaliland has prided itself as an oasis of relative calm. Al-Qaida affiliate al-Shabab, based in Somalia and the key challenge to that country's stability, is already making threats. The group has rarely carried out attacks in Somaliland, which broke away in 1991 as Somalia collapsed into conflict. Members of the movement reject Israels attempt to claim or use parts of our land. We will not accept this, and we will fight against it, al-Shabab spokesperson Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rageal said in an audio message posted on one of the group's sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Strategic location Somaliland sits along one of the worlds busiest maritime corridors. It has drawn interest from foreign investors and military powers who see it as a potential alternative to neighboring Djibouti, which is home to the premier African bases for the American and Chinese militaries, and those of several other nations. Somaliland lies less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) from Yemen, where the Houthis have been targeting commercial and other ships in response to the Israel-Hamas war. The attacks have upended shipping in the Red Sea, through which about $1 trillion of goods pass annually. The Houthis also fired scores of missiles and drones at Israel during the war in Gaza, triggering long-range strikes by Israel's air force. If you are trying to watch, deter or disrupt Houthi maritime activity, a small footprint (in Somaliland) can provide disproportionate utility, said Andreas Krieg, a military analyst at Kings College London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after Israel's recognition, the Houthis threatened Somaliland. No limits to cooperation Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Somaliland last week, and Somalilands president is expected to visit Israel soon. This is a natural connection between democratic countries both in challenging regions, Saar said in defending Israel's recognition. Israel and Somaliland have said their new ties would include defense cooperation, but officials declined to elaborate. Somaliland's foreign minister said that details would follow his presidents visit to Israel. There are no limits as to what areas we can work with, Adan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He expressed hope that Israel's recognition would bestow new legitimacy on Somaliland and prompt others to recognize its sovereignty, even as Somalia has angrily rejected it. Before Israels recognition, we were worried so much that other powers like Turkey and China would squeeze us, Adan said, mentioning two of Somalias top benefactors. Im very hopeful that in the near future there will be many other countries that will follow Israel. But the foreign minister insisted there has been no discussion with Israel about taking in Palestinians from Gaza. U.S. and Israeli officials told the AP last year that Israel had approached Somaliland about the proposal. Warnings of violence Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli recognition of Somaliland has pushed the region into uncharted waters, said Mahad Wasuge, director of Somali Public Agenda, a think tank. It could increase violence or bring proxy wars, particularly if the Israelis want to have a presence in the port of Berbera to counter threats in the Red Sea, he said, referring to Somaliland's largest port. The 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the African Union continental body, have condemned Israel's recognition. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has said it threatens his country's sovereignty. He said that Somalis wouldn't accept their nation being used by a foreign power accused of harming civilians meaning Palestinians in Gaza and warned that the establishment of foreign military bases would further destabilize the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Somali territory cannot be divided by a piece of paper written by Israel and signed by (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu," Mohamud said in a televised address. Adan dismissed the criticism from Mogadishu, calling Somalia a failed state. Great power rivalries Already, Israel's recognition has rocked the balance of powers in a region where rich Gulf countries and others have a growing interest. On Monday, Somalia annulled its security and defense agreements with the United Arab Emirates, a key regional ally of Israel that has long invested in Somaliland's Berbera port, saying it was meant to safeguard unity, territorial integrity, and constitutional order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the UAE, the area is important for its proximity to Sudan, where it has been accused of funding and arming the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in that country's civil war. And last week, Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of using Somaliland as a transit point to smuggle the leader of a separatist group out of southern Yemen. Asher Lubotzky, an analyst with Israels Institute for National Security Studies, said that Somaliland is one of several examples of the emerging alliance between Israel and the UAE, which have sought to align with U.S. foreign policy and shown a willingness to eschew international norms while countering extremist groups. We know the Israeli interest is with the Houthis, but Somaliland also has an interest in some kind of an external protection, he said. Others put on alert by Israel's recognition are Turkey, Somalias largest investor and a rival to Israel, and China, which has long viewed Somaliland with suspicion over its ties with Taiwan. A rare visit to Somalia by China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, set for last week did not occur as the Chinese embassy cited scheduling reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Closer to home, landlocked Ethiopia, Africas second-most populous country, sees Somaliland next door as a key route to the sea. It has remained silent on Israel's recognition perhaps scrambling, like many other countries, to understand what might come next. ___ Omar Faruk reported from Mogadishu, Somalia. Samy Magdy in Cairo, and Josef Federman in Jerusalem, contributed to this report. ___ This version corrects the name of the Somali Public Agenda think tank. 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: Consistent decline of acetylcholine in the microbiota-gut-brain axis. A) acetylcholine levels were significantly reduced in the feces, colon, blood, and hippocampus; B) Strong correlations were observed between acetylcholine levels in peripheral samples (feces, colon, blood) and central samples (hippocampus). These levels also correlated significantly with gut microbiota disruptions and anxiety-like behaviors. Data are the means standard deviation, n= 8 per group. AB, antibiotics; CD, central distance traveled; CON, control; CT, central time; ORT, open arm time; TD, total distance traveled. Credit: Molecular Psychiatry (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41380-025-03431-0. Antibiotics (ABs) are among the most used pharmaceutical drugs worldwide, as they are currently the most effective medicines for the treatment of bacterial infections. An excessive use of these drugs, however, can damage the gut microbiota, the population of microorganisms living in the intestines that help us to digest food. Bacteria and other microorganisms in the gut are known to also communicate with the brain via a communication pathway that is referred to as the gut-brain axis. Recent research suggests that some gut bacteria help to reduce inflammation and support the healthy functioning of the brain. Researchers at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University have carried out a study exploring the possibility that the effects of ABs on gut bacteria could also facilitate the development of mental health disorders, particularly increasing anxiety. Their findings, published in Molecular Psychiatry, suggest that ABs do in fact damage gut bacteria that help regulate mood, linking their excessive use with higher levels of anxiety. "ABs are widely abused in medicine and may be a risk factor for mental health," wrote Ke Xu, Yi Ren and their colleagues in their paper. "To better understand their effects, we observed mental disorder symptoms in AB-treated mice and patients and investigated possible mechanisms." The effects of antibiotics on the gut and brain As part of their study, Xu, Ren and their colleagues carried out a series of experiments involving adult mice and humans. In the first set of experiments, they administered ABs to mice, then observed their behavior and analyzed microbiomes in their feces, comparing both to those of mice who did not receive Abs. "Using AB-treated mice, we found obvious anxiety-like behaviors, along with differential gut microbiota (mainly Firmicutes and Bacteroidota), reduced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and disrupted gut-brain lipid metabolism," wrote Xu, Ren and their colleagues. "Acetylcholine decreased in feces, colon wall, serum, and hippocampus of AB-treated mice, and this reduction was significantly correlated with anxiety-like behaviors." The researchers subsequently performed an additional experiment, where they collected stool and blood samples from three groups of people, while also asking them how anxious they felt. The first had recently taken antibiotics, did not take antibiotics and others who were healthy and did not require any AB treatment. "Using AB-treated patients (n = 55), AB-naive patients (n = 60), and healthy controls (n = 60), we also observed the obvious anxiety symptoms in AB-treated patients, along with differential gut microbiota (mainly Firmicutes), reduced SCFAs, and disrupted lipid metabolism in feces and serum," wrote the authors. "AB-treated patients showed consistently lower serum and fecal acetylcholine, which was highly correlated with anxiety symptoms." Reversing the effects of ABs on mental health When they analyzed the data they collected, the researchers found that the use of ABs was linked to anxiety-like behaviors in mice and higher levels of anxiety in humans. Moreover, the drugs appeared to reduce the amounts of some helpful gut bacteria, particularly those in the Bacteroides group. In addition, the team found an association between the intake of ABs and a reduction in the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, a chemical that supports communication between nerve cells. Mice and human patients who had received ABs were found to have lower levels of acetylcholine both in the gut and brain compared to those who had not taken ABs. "In both AB-treated mice and patients, co-occurrence analysis indicated that the Bacteroides-acetylcholine pair may play an important role in AB-induced anxiety," wrote Xu, Ren and their colleagues. "At the species level, Bacteroides_caecimuris in AB-treated mice and Bacteroides_plebeius in AB-treated patients were both decreased and significantly correlated with acetylcholine. Furthermore, exogenous methacholine (an acetylcholine derivative) intervention effectively alleviated anxiety-like behaviors and suppressed hippocampal microglial activation in AB-treated mice." Overall, the results of this study suggest that the excessive use of ABs could not only alter the gut microbiota, but it could also increase levels of anxiety and adversely impact people's mental health. In the future, this work could inspire further research exploring the impact of AB intake on mental health, potentially also informing the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at re-balancing the gut microbiome after treatment with ABs. "Our findings highlight the harmful effects of aggressive AB treatment on mood and show the potential of acetylcholine or its derivative to reverse this effect," added the authors. Written for you by our author Ingrid Fadelli, edited by Gaby Clark, 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 Ke Xu et al, Consistent decline of acetylcholine in microbiota-gut-brain axis mediates antibiotic-induced anxiety via regulating hippocampus microglial activation, Molecular Psychiatry (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41380-025-03431-0. Journal information: Molecular Psychiatry 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: Global feature importance for mortality-to-incidence ratio prediction. Credit: Dr. Edward Christopher Dee and Milit Patel For the first time, researchers have used machine learninga type of artificial intelligence (AI)to identify the most important drivers of cancer survival in nearly all the countries in the world. The study, published in Annals of Oncology, provides information on which improvements or policy changes can be made in each country that would have the greatest impact on improving cancer survival. By going to the online tool created by the researchers, anyone can find their country and scroll down to see which factors, such as national wealth, access to radiotherapy and universal health coverage, are most associated with cancer outcomes. Dr. Edward Christopher Dee, a resident physician in radiation oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center, New York, U.S., who co-led the research, said, "Global cancer outcomes vary greatly, largely due to differences in national health systems. We wanted to create an actionable, data-driven framework that helps countries identify their most impactful policy levers to reduce cancer mortality and close equity gaps. "We found that access to radiotherapy, universal health coverage and economic strength were often important levers being associated with better national cancer outcomes. However, other key factors were relevant as well." How the machine learning model works Dr. Dee and his colleagues used machine learning to analyze data on cancer incidence and deaths from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022) for 185 countries. They also collected information on health systems from the World Health Organization, the World Bank, United Nations agencies and the Directory of Radiotherapy Centers. This included health spending as a percentage of GDP; GDP per capita; the numbers of physicians, nurses, midwives and surgical workforce per 1,000 of the population; universal health coverage; the availability of pathology services; an index of human development; the number of radiotherapy centers per 1,000 of the population; a gender inequality index; and the percentage of out-of-pocket expenditure. Mr. Milit Patel created the machine-learning model based on these global health systems data. He is the first author of the study and a researcher in biochemistry, statistics and data science, health care reform and innovation at the University of Texas at Austin, U.S., and at MSK. Mr. Patel said, "We chose to use machine learning models because they allow us to generate estimatesand related predictionsspecific to each country. We are, of course, aware of the limitations of population-level data, but hope these findings can guide cancer system planning globally." The model generates mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIR) that reflect the proportion of cancer cases that result in death and serve as a proxy for the effectiveness of cancer care. It uses a method of explaining individual predictions by quantifying each factor's contribution to the prediction; this is called SHAP (Shapley Additive exPlanations). Policy implications and country examples Mr. Patel said, "Beyond simply describing disparities, our approach provides actionable, data-driven roadmaps for policymakers, showing precisely which health system investments are associated with the greatest impact for each country. As the global cancer burden grows, these insights can help nations prioritize resources and close survival gaps in the most equitable and effective way possible. International organizations, health care providers, and advocates may also use the web-based tool to highlight areas for investment, especially in resource-limited settings." To take Brazil as an example, the model shows that the factor that has the greatest positive impact on the mortality-to-incidence ratio is universal health coverage (UHC), while pathology services, and nurses and midwives per 1,000 of the population may not have as substantial an effect on outcomes. The researchers say this suggests that Brazil should make UHC a priority. As another example, the density of radiotherapy services, GDP per capita, and UHC index demonstrated the greatest impact in Poland on cancer outcomes, among other key factors. This finding suggests that current efforts to strengthen health insurance and service access have led to more pronounced gains than factors such as general health spending, which shows a smaller positive effect. In Japan, the U.S. and the UK, the data show that all health system factors are linked to improved cancer outcomes, with the density of radiotherapy centers in Japan, and GDP per capita in the U.S. and the UK having the greatest impact. This suggests that these are the factors on which policymakers should focus. The picture is more mixed in China. GDP per capita, UHC and density of radiotherapy centers are the factors that contribute the most to better cancer outcomes. Out-of-pocket expenditure, surgical workforce per 1,000 of the population and health spending as a percentage of GDP are factors that are less likely to explain the differences in cancer outcomes at present. In their paper, the researchers write about China: "High direct costs for patients remain a critical barrier to optimal cancer outcomes, even amidst national improvements in health financing and access. These findings underscore that while China's rapid health system development is yielding important gains in cancer control, disparities in financial protection and coverage persist, warranting intensified policy focus on reducing out-of-pocket expenditures and further strengthening UHC implementation to maximize health system impact." Understanding the model's results and study limitations Mr. Patel explained the significance of the green and red bars that show in the graphs for each country, saying, "The green bars represent factors that currently appear most strongly and positively associated with improved cancer outcomes in a given country. These are areas where continued or increased investment is most likely to result in meaningful impact. "However, the red bars do not indicate that these areas are unimportant or should be neglected. Rather, they reflect domains thataccording to the model and current dataare less likely to explain the largest differences in outcomes right now. This may be due to already strong performance in these aspects, limitations of the available data, or other context-specific factors. "Importantly, seeing a 'red' bar should never be interpreted as a reason to stop efforts to strengthen that pillar of cancer careimprovement in those areas can still be valuable for a country's overall health system. Our results simply suggest that if the goal is to maximize improvement in cancer outcomes as defined by the model, focusing first on the strongest positive (green) drivers may be the most impactful strategy." Strengths of the study include coverage of nearly all countries, use of up-to-date global health data; provision of actionable, country-specific policy recommendations (not just global averages), and more explainable AI models. Limitations include reliance on aggregated, national-level data, not individual patient records; variability in registry and data quality, especially in many low-income countries; national trends may overlook within-country disparities, which merit further investigation; and that the study is not able to prove that focusing on particular area will cause an improvement in cancer outcomes, only that such efforts may be associated with cancer outcomes. The findings will help policymakers prioritize, but further studies that intervene in particular areas are needed. Dr. Dee concluded, "As the global cancer burden grows, this model helps countries maximize impact with limited resources. It turns complex data into understandable, actionable advice for policymakers, making precision public health possible." Key medical concepts RT Clinical categories Oncology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Doctors encounter death and dying significantly more than most people. It's the price of saving lives and helping people. Medical students in the U.S., however, receive little or no formal training in how to guide patients and their families through end-of-life issues, according to a new review conducted by Washington State University scientists. Researchers analyzed published papers on medical school death and dying education dating back to 2013. They found 43 articles, with variation in how death and dying was taught, including minimal evidence-based education on how to work with patients and their families on end-of-life care. The paper was published in Academic Medicine. "Training can help a doctor decrease the fear of death for patients and their families, but it also reduces that fear for the medical professional," said Raven Weaver, corresponding author on the paper and an associate professor in WSU's Department of Human Development. "Medical students often don't get enough experience with this until they're practicing in the field. Classroom training could get them thinking about the issue before they face it directly with patients." Logan Patterson, who graduated from WSU's Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine with an MD in May, is the paper's lead author. He plans to specialize in radiation oncology. "Doctors need to be comfortable with the topic of death and talking to patients about it, especially those with cancer," said Patterson, who grew up in Yakima, Washington, and is currently completing a residency in Spokane. "Training for those conversations isn't really taught in medical institutions. A lot of that has to do with required medical testing; multiple choice questions about care planning are hard to write because of the detail required." The existing research evaluated in the new study mostly employed low-rigor designs, with interventions that emphasized new information, integrating new skills, and assessing patient abilities, but were short in duration. As a result, the researchers advocate for evidence-based educational interventions integrated across medical school curriculum, regardless of anticipated specialty area. Medical schools are aware of the missing skills, Patterson said, but finding a place to add them is a challenge. He hopes the paper encourages schools to start prioritizing this type of training. "The first step in figuring out how to teach it is to see how it's currently being taught," said Patterson, who will start radiation oncology training in San Francisco later this year. "We found that it really isn't being taught at all." He saw firsthand the limited training while in medical school. "If you do one shift in an emergency room, you'll likely see a patient who hasn't grappled with end-of-life questions," Patterson said. "Several times I saw families bring a patient with a chronic condition to the hospital because they thought that's what the person wanted, only to learn they didn't want to be there. Better training for doctors could head off the confusion before it becomes a time-sensitive condition in the hospital." Weaver, who specializes in gerontological issues including death and dying, said additional training for doctors could reduce unnecessary medical bills and unwanted treatment. "Research shows that health care is most expensive in the last year of life, and a lot of that is unwanted treatment," she said. "Physicians, understandably, want to save lives. But they often don't consider quality of life." Patterson's ultimate goal is to help patients. Having better-educated physicians would be a big step toward making sure others can do the same. "I think almost any doctor will tell you there's a lack of death and dying training," Patterson said. "It's inevitable that doctors will talk about this with patients. Any boost of knowledge early in their careers will only help them and those they care for." Publication details Logan Patterson et al, Preparing for the inevitable: a scoping review of death and dying education in U.S. medical schools, Academic Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1093/acamed/wvaf003 Journal information: Academic Medicine Clinical categories Geriatric palliative care This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain With an estimated 5 million Americans battling opioid use disorderresulting in tens of thousands of deaths each yeara new study by the University of Texas at Arlington examines how updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines can help nurse practitioners reduce misuse and protect patients. In 2023, approximately 105,000 people died from drug overdosesnearly 80% of which involved opioids, according to the CDC. The UT Arlington study, recently published in The Nurse Practitioner, examines how the CDC's revised guidelines in 2022 provide clearer, more practical direction for nurse practitioners, who often receive limited formal training in pain management compared to other medical conditions. "We, like most medical providers, don't get a lot of training on how to prescribe opioids and treat pain," said Rhonda Winegar, UTA assistant professor in the family nurse practitioner graduate program and lead author of the study. "These guidelines walk providers through the process step by stephelping them prescribe responsibly, monitor patients closely and avoid unintentionally contributing to the epidemic." The updated guidance emphasizes individualized care, clinical judgment and ongoing reassessment. The guidelines focus on four key areas. While the principles may seem straightforward, the study notes that they are often applied inconsistently in practiceparticularly in fast-paced primary care settings where nurse practitioners shoulder much of the responsibility for pain management. The four areas include: Determining whether to prescribe opioids Selecting the appropriate opioid and dosage Establishing appropriate duration of use and follow-up Assessing risks and implementing mitigation strategies "Constant evaluation and follow-up are key," Dr. Winegar said. "It's also important to consider non-pharmacologic options like massage, yoga, acupuncture, water therapy and heating pads." She said incorporating these approaches early can reduce reliance on opioids altogether, especially for patients managing chronic pain. By following the CDC's framework, Winegar said, nurse practitioners can better navigate the risks associated with high doses and prolonged use, which can increase the likelihood of dependence and addiction. "These guidelines help ensure that nurse practitioners are part of the solution, not the problem," she said. Co-authors on the study included UTA nursing professors Zhaoli Liu and Tara Martin. Winegar and Dr. Liu are practicing nurse practitioners. More information Rhonda Winegar et al, Updated opioid prescribing guidelines, The Nurse Practitioner (2025). DOI: 10.1097/01.npr.0000000000000373 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: Psilocybin-induced changes in neural activity are dependent on 5-HT1BR. Credit: Molecular Psychiatry (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41380-025-03387-1 Psilocybinthe psychedelic compound that occurs naturally in certain "magic" mushroom specieshas been shown in trials to provide long-term treatment for depression and anxiety. But the chemical's hallucinogenic effects can make developing treatments expensive and pose significant risks to people living with other psychiatric illnesses. Now, a Dartmouth study identifies a neural receptor that promotes the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin but is non-hallucinogenic. The findings, reported in Molecular Psychiatry, may provide a new potential target for psilocybin-like medications that are safer and more cost-efficient. "When people think about psilocybin, they think about acute effects like hallucinations, which are attributed to the activation of a specific neuroreceptor. We thought that the beneficial effects reported for treating depression and anxiety may be found in other receptors," says Sixtine Fleury, Guarini, the study's first author and a Ph.D. candidate in the lab of senior author Katherine Nautiyal, an associate professor of psychological and brain sciences. "We want to understand where exactly the therapeutic effects of psilocybin come from, whether we can administer this compound in a safe way, or develop non-hallucinogenic analogs," Fleury says. "These are powerful substances, and it's important to understand their mechanisms." Legal status and regulatory developments In the United States, psilocybin is a Schedule 1 controlled substance, making its possession illegal at the federal level. But in the past decade, the FDA has granted psilocybin and related compounds "Breakthrough Therapy" designation for the treatment of major depressive disorder and depression that is resistant to treatment with standard-of-care pharmacotherapies such as antidepressants. Its possession has been decriminalized in some states, and others have proposed or passed laws to regulate its production, sale, or supervised administration for clinical psychiatric use, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health at the National Institutes of Health. How psilocybin interacts with the brain Psilocybin acts on receptors for serotonin, a chemical in the central nervous system that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep. Serotonin is a common target for pharmaceuticals designed to treat depression and anxiety. The psychedelic effects of psilocybin stem from the serotonin receptor 2A, Nautiyal explains. Research into reducing hallucinations has focused on blocking this receptor, but these studies are inconsistent when it comes to preserving the compound's therapeutic advantages, she says. "Our study shows that there likely is another target," Nautiyal says. "Researchers have narrowly focused on the 2A receptor because we know it causes hallucinations, but the screening profiles of psilocybin show that these drugs bind to nearly all of the serotonin receptors." New findings on serotonin receptors Fleury and Nautiyal developed a new model to study the antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects of psilocybin in mice. They used this model to study the brains and behavior of mice given psilocybin and found that the compound's positive behavioral effects are routed through serotonin receptor 1B in addition to 2A. The serotonin system is similar across many species, including mice and humans, Nautiyal says, with the 1B receptor serving as a target for many anti-migraine medications. The study results could help overcome the significant obstacle to using psilocybin medically, Fleury and Nautiyal say. Studies have shown that even one dose of the compound can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety for several weeks up to as long as 6 to 12 months, they say. But many people who might benefit from those effects, such as those with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, or a family history of psychosis, are unable to take psilocybin because of "the risk of psychedelics to trigger psychosis," Nautiyal says. At the same time, testing and administering drugs derived from psilocybin is weighed down by the cost of providing caretakers to safely guide people through the hallucinogenic experience, she says. "Even people without a history of psychotic disorders still have the propensity to enter a highly anxious state, and that's what is controlled in trials," Nautiyal says. "We know this can be done safely, but we still don't know which of the many safeguards deployed in these settings are necessary for the reductions in 'bad trips' and psychiatric treatment." "These substances have the potential to open new avenues for clinical therapy and therapeutic drugs," Fleury says. "It's important to find better treatments that are more efficient and more effective for people, but it's also important that we have a safe way to do that." Publication details Sixtine Fleury et al, The serotonin 1B receptor is required for some of the behavioral effects of psilocybin in mice, Molecular Psychiatry (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41380-025-03387-1 Journal information: Molecular Psychiatry Key medical concepts PsilocybinMajor Depressive Disorder This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The Trump Administration is reversing its deep staffing cuts to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, reinstating hundreds of employees. Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon confirmed the reversal in an email on Jan. 13. Niosh conducts or funds most research into U.S. workplace health and safety. Among other duties, the agency's scientists are responsible for evaluating the risks of new chemicals, testing and certifying the effectiveness of N95 masks, monitoring mine cave-in hazards and administering the health-care program for Sept. 11 responders and survivors. Labor advocates and businesses had warned of devastating consequences after the government moved to eliminate most of Niosh's staff last year. The Trump Administration's cuts upended safety research on issues from fracking to opioids, along with chemical risks in nail salons, electric-vehicle fires and terror attacks, Bloomberg Businessweek reported in September. Last April, HHS had informed staff of plans to terminate around 90% of Niosh's roughly 1,000 employees, eviscerating the agency.The next month, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told lawmakers that he had brought back 328 of those slated for termination, but that it was a moral imperative to downsize his "metastasizing" cabinet agency. Kennedy then proposed a budget that would eliminate around 80% of Niosh's funding, including zeroing out its personal protective equipment certification program. In messages viewed by Bloomberg News on Tuesday, employees who had received layoff notices were told that those were "hereby revoked." Because of the latest reversal, "Life-saving research is going to be able to continue," said Micah Niemeier-Walsh, an American Federation of Government Employees local vice president and Niosh industrial hygienist in Ohio. Major challenges remain ahead for the agency, given how severely projects were disrupted and how many staff have already moved on to other jobs, she said, "We have to rebuild." In an email Tuesday, HHS spokesperson Nixon wrote that the agency remained focused on enhancing all Americans' health and well-being. "Under Secretary Kennedy's leadership, the nation's critical public health functions remain intact and effective," he wrote. Key medical concepts Opioid Clinical categories Occupational medicine 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Hostile racism, such as overt, aggressive and demeaning racial encounters, is significantly associated with increased suicidality in young Black adult men. But not all experiences with racism examined in a new study affected suicide risk in the same way, according to a University at Buffalo School of Social Work faculty member who was part of the research team. The study revealed that hostile racism was associated with a 15% increase in suicide ideation and a 13% increase in suicide attempts, while exposure to aversive-hostile racism, which is often more covert and marked by exclusion and hostility in institutional settings, was associated with a 10% decrease in the likelihood of experiencing suicide ideation, though not in suicide attempts. Avoidant racism, such as segregation policies, did not emerge as a predictor of suicide risk for Black emerging adults, ages 1829. This age group occupies a unique developmental period characterized by identity exploration, instability, self-focus and evolving social roles. Heightened stress during this period can cause psychological stress and elevate suicide risk, as shown in previous research. The findings, published in the journal Social Work in Public Health, underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of the relationship between racism and suicidality and the need for nuanced approaches in the areas of mental health research, clinical practice and policy. "Racism is not a monolithic experience," says Enoch Azasu, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the UB School of Social Work, and a paper co-author. "There are different classes of racism, ranging from microaggressions to systemic exclusion, all affecting people in different ways, and those effects have particularly damaging psychological consequences for this population." The study was conducted in St. Louis, a city whose history of residential segregation and systemic racism came into sharp national focus following the 2014 killing of Michael Brown in nearby Ferguson, making it a critical context for examining how different forms of racism affect mental health outcomes. The study was co-authored by Azasu, Sean Joe, Ph.D., professor of social development at Washington University in St. Louis, and Robert O. Motley Jr., Ph.D., assistant professor of social work at Boston College. At the time of the research, all three were affiliated with the Race and Opportunity Lab at Washington University in St. Louis. Azasu says that future research using longitudinal methods, tracking effects over time, is needed to better understand how racism influences mental health outcomes. Furthermore, social workers should deepen their understanding of racism and the nature of its varying effects. "Effective interventions require culturally attuned African-centered approaches that can improve self-concept, cultural identity and emotional coping," he says. "The more we understand about different classes of racism, the better equipped we'll be to develop targeted interventions that address the specific mental health needs of Black emerging adults." The study used computer-assisted surveys given to 300 Black emerging adults in the St. Louis metropolitan area, all of whom were attending either a university or community college. Participants were asked about suicidal thoughts and planning, and suicide attempts. To distinguish among the different types of racism, the researchers used the 18-item Classes of Racism, a psychological measure that helps quantify exposure to specific classes of racist events in order to assess their impact on someone's mental and physical health. "Understanding the tone and intensity of these racism-based experiences provides critical insight in their psychological impact and allows us to more effectively address this as a public health priority," says Azasu. "While this research highlights serious concerns, it's important to note that strong cultural identity, family support and spirituality serve as protective factors that can buffer against these harmful effects." More information Sean Joe et al, Classes of Racism and Suicide Risk Among Black Emerging Adults, Social Work in Public Health (2025). DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2025.2558949 Key medical concepts Suicide AttemptSuicidal ideation This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Medical errors remain one of the leading causes of death worldwide, rivaling heart disease and cancer. Yet while medicine has made dramatic progress in treating illness, it has made far less headway in preventing avoidable harm. A new perspective article by Prof. Mayer Brezis from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, published in Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, examines why efforts to reduce medical errors so often fall short and what must change to protect patients. The article argues that the greatest barriers to patient safety are not technological or scientific, but cultural. Fear of legal consequences, institutional defensiveness, and a widespread reluctance to acknowledge responsibility frequently lead health care organizations to deny or conceal mistakes rather than learn from them. This "deny and defend" approach, Prof. Brezis explains, prevents meaningful correction and allows the same errors to recur. Prof. Brezis draws on decades of work in health care quality and safety, as well as a personal family tragedy, to illustrate how resistance to transparency can delay life-saving reforms. He highlights communication failures as a leading cause of medical errors, noting that many health care professionals hesitate to speak up when something seems wrong, out of fear of blame or retaliation. Evidence from health care systems and other high-risk fields shows that environments lacking psychological safety are far more prone to catastrophic failures. "Mistakes become deadly when systems refuse to learn from them," says Prof. Brezis. "Acknowledging failure and assuming responsibility are not about assigning blame. They are about preventing the next tragedy and giving meaning to the suffering that has already occurred. "I learned this firsthand after the death of my grandson, whose complex heart defect was missed on a pregnancy ultrasound. Following his tragedy, universal pulse oximetry screening was implemented nationally, a step that likely saves dozens of children each year from the same fate." The article calls for a shift toward a culture of openness, humility, and respectful listening, in which errors are disclosed, discussed, and addressed constructively. Prof. Brezis emphasizes that leadership plays a critical role in fostering psychological safety, encouraging staff to speak up, and transforming failure into improvement rather than silence. Ultimately, the perspective argues that reducing medical errors requires rethinking how health care systems respond when things go wrong. Transparency, accountability, and organizational learning are not optional ideals, Prof. Brezis concludes, but essential tools for saving lives and restoring trust in health care. The primary challenge is conceptual; recognizing that failure is essential for progress. Medical errors can be reduced by understanding their valuable learning opportunities and taking responsibility to improve. More information Mayer Brezis, Why Do We Fail at Reducing Medical Errors? Assuming Responsibility to Leverage Failure into Improvement, Risk Management and Healthcare Policy (2025). DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s532039 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa have developed new mouse models to study a key male fertility gene, providing insights that could help scientists understand and eventually treat male infertility. The study, published in BMC Genomics, builds on years of research into how this gene functions in male reproductive cells. The work, led by Professor Monika Ward of the John A. Burns School of Medicine and the Yanagimachi Institute for Biogenesis Research, focuses on the Y chromosome gene ZFY, which is critical for male fertility. In earlier studies, the team demonstrated that male mice lacking both copies of ZFY were completely infertile and showed widespread disruption of genes involved in sperm development and cell survival. New tools to track ZFY proteins In the newly accepted study, the team used CRISPRCas9 genome editing to add molecular "tags" to the two mouse versions of ZFY, known as ZFY1 and ZFY2. These tags make it possible to detect, isolate and study the proteins in unprecedented detail. Using the tagged mouse models, the researchers were able for the first time to identify which male germ cells produce ZFY1 and ZFY2 proteins and at what levels. "We now know which male germ cells express which ZFY proteins, and how strongly," said Ward. Because ZFY is thought to act as a transcription factorswitching other genes on and offthe new models could help identify which genes it regulates, offering critical insights that may one day guide diagnosis and treatment of male infertility. "We have been after the ZFY genes for a long time. We knew how important ZFYs are for male fertility for quite a while but were unable to learn how exactly they work," Ward said. "The new mice represent a much-needed tool to continue the investigations to determine how ZFY controls spermatogenesis." Publication details Hayden Holmlund et al, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in of the murine Y chromosomal genes Zfy1 and Zfy2, BMC Genomics (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s12864-025-12462-4 Journal information: BMC Genomics Key medical concepts Male InfertilitySpermatogenesis This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The American College of Chest Physicians recently released a new clinical guideline on biologic management in severe asthma. Published in the journal CHEST, the guideline contains seven evidence-based recommendations to provide a framework for pulmonologists, allergists, and immunologists to implement in their own practice. Severe asthma affects 5% to 10% of patients with asthma, which is defined as patients who require high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus a second controller. Biologic agents have become a standard of care in those unresponsive to standard treatments, yet the choice of biologic agent remains highly complex. This guideline examines existing biologics and provides evidence-based recommendations for which biologics to consider for different patient populations. "While there are studies available to help guide the clinician for initial biologic selection, to date, there is no published guideline to assist in biologic selection when a patient has tried and failed one or more biologics," said Amber J. Oberle, MD, lead author on the guideline. "In addition to following this guideline, decisions as to how to individualize biological therapy should occur under a shared decision-making process that carefully considers underlying asthma comorbidities, T2 biomarkers, injection frequency, mode of administration, and access to resources." According to panel consensus, patients lacking a good clinical response after four to six months should switch to an alternative biologic. Characteristics such as baseline oral corticosteroid use, frequency of exacerbation, asthma endotype with available biomarker data, baseline lung function, and comorbid conditions can impact the biologic choice. Of the seven recommendations, highlights include: In adult patients with moderate to severe allergic asthma and a history of one exacerbation per year requiring oral corticosteroids, the panel suggests either omalizumab or dupilumab; however, for patients with more frequent or severe exacerbations requiring hospitalization, the panel recommends dupilumab over omalizumab. In adult patients with severe asthma who are steroid-dependent, the panel suggests anti-IL-5 therapy or dupilumab over tezepelumab. In adult patients with severe asthma who have not demonstrated a clinical response to an initial biologic agent, the switching of agents will be largely influenced by corticosteroid dependency and/or T2 biomarkers. Specifically for patients who have failed to demonstrate a clinical response to anti-IL-5 therapy, obtaining posttreatment fractional exhaled nitric oxide is recommended to help guide decision-making. Publication details Amber J. Oberle et al, Biologic Management in Severe Asthma for Adults, CHEST (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2025.08.042 Journal information: Chest 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: Real-time monitoring reduces medication waste and increases treatment effectiveness. Credit: RenovatioMed At 78 years old, Maria has high blood pressure and needs to take seven different medications throughout the day at specific times. Her morning pill should be taken at 8 a.m., but she may forget. If her blood pressure is uncontrolled at her next appointment, it will be difficult to determine whether the issue is therapeutic failure or lack of adherence to treatment. This hypothetical scenario plays out in millions of Brazilian homes every day. According to the 2019 National Health Survey (PNS), conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) in partnership with the Ministry of Health, poor adherence to drug treatment can have serious consequences, considering that the Brazilian older adult population makes extensive use of medications on a continuous basis. Many older adults do not correctly follow medical prescriptions because satisfactory adherence requires considerable attention, memory, and organization. A 2022 scoping review by the University of Sao Paulo (USP) analyzed Brazilian studies conducted between 2011 and 2021. The review found that the prevalence of non-adherence among older adults ranges from 5.4% to 88.24%, depending on the population studied and the assessment method used. This issue affects more than just individual health; when patients do not take their medication correctly, the entire health care system suffers. There are more hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and tests. A 2017 study by the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) revealed that 14% of emergency visits at the Hospital de Clinicas in Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, were medication-related, including cases of non-adherence to treatment. Brazilian solution With this problem in mind, Fernando Bizerra, a pharmacist with a Ph.D. in health, created RenovatioMed and developed a simple device with embedded technology developed in Brazil. "It's a smart medication organizer with an electronic board and sensors developed by RenovatioMed itself," says the entrepreneur. These sensors collect data for analysis in the company's app and platform. "Our device doesn't depend on the patient or caregiver taking action in the app," Bizerra points out. "We automatically capture access to medications through the organizer itself." The system also detects incorrect access. If a patient tries to take a medication outside of the scheduled time, the device emits a red LED light to indicate that the medication should not be taken at that time. This information is recorded and can be analyzed by the health care team. This type of solution is not new, but few companies venture to create physical devices for monitoring. "There are few solutions of this type: It's difficult to work with hardware," reflects Bizerra. "Our focus is to avoid forgetfulness and prevent administration errors." The organizer holds all the pills for one week (Monday through Sunday) and can be set for up to four different times throughout the day. "It emits audible and light alerts," Bizerra explains. "The little jars with the medications turn green at the time of ingestion. When the medications are taken, we capture that information." Thus, the system not only acts as a reminder but also records each patient's action. The solution addresses three critical scenarios: monitoring older adults and people with chronic illnesses at home, monitoring patients who leave medical or surgical procedures with a new therapeutic regimen, and monitoring high-cost medications, such as oral chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment. In the latter case, missed doses can represent thousands of dollars wasted, in addition to compromising the effectiveness of the treatment. Real-time monitoring app With the app, family members and patients can monitor the entire medication process in real time, including the list of medications, the times for each dose, and whether the medications are being taken correctly. They can also receive alerts if any medication is missed. "If, after 45 minutes, the patient hasn't taken the medication, they receive a notification on their cell phone," Bizerra explains. The platform is even more robust for health care institutions, medical clinics, and health insurance providers. They can monitor all patients using the device globally and access information about each patient's adherence. For each patient, detailed treatment and profile information is accessible. According to Bizerra, user feedback has been positive. "They highlight the device's ease of use and the improvement in the whole family's routine." However, the researcher acknowledges that the study needs to be expanded. "We have patients and family members who have had the device for over two years, and the system has worked without interruption or defect. This shows the robustness of the device," he says. One case report involved a diabetic patient whose blood sugar was uncontrolled. The family was unable to monitor her treatment, and they doubted whether she was taking her medication correctly. With the device, however, it was possible to verify that she was 100% compliant with the treatment and took her medication as prescribed. Since the tests showed that her blood sugar was above normal, the doctor felt confident modifying the treatment: "We were able to help the family, the patient, and the health care professional because the data was used to adjust the treatment." Device availability for BRL 40 per month RenovatioMed leases the device to both health insurance providers and individual customers. The monthly fee includes device rental, app access, and company support. Customers can contract the service directly with RenovatioMed. Currently, the startup serves about 50 patients. During the validation phase, proof-of-concept tests were conducted on the UNIMED provider's system with positive results. "We evolved from a prototype to a finished product," says the researcher. The company has participated in innovation and development programs run by the federal and state governments. Headquartered in the Sao Jose dos Campos Technology Innovation Park, RenovatioMed is now seeking to commercialize the device on a large scale. The potential privatisation of the civic-run MT Agarwal Hospital has emerged as a key issue in Mulund West, with rival parties staking competing claims over who will stop the move. Ward No 107 has drawn particular attention with BJP candidate Neil Somaiya, a former corporator and son of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, entering the fray. The contest was initially expected to be one-sided in Somaiyas favour after the nomination of NCP (Sharad Pawar) candidate Bharat Danani was rejected. However, the Shiv Sena (UBT)-led alliance subsequently backed independent candidate Dinesh Jadhav, adding an element of competition to the race. Somaiya, who previously represented Mulund East, has made civic infrastructure and public services the core of his campaign. Claiming credit for opposing the hospitals privatisation, he said the BJP was the first to raise objections to the proposal. Once the BMC starts functioning, we will scrap the idea of privatising MT Agarwal Hospital, Somaiya said. He also promised solutions to parking and traffic congestion, the installation of CCTV cameras across the ward, and the introduction of a 24-hour helpline and grievance redressal system. Among other pledges, he spoke of developing a bird park and completing the GoregaonMulund Link Road within the next three years. Amid criticism from the Shiv Sena (UBT), which has portrayed him as being indifferent to Marathi interests, Somaiya has sought to underline his local roots. His campaign material describes him as a true Mulundkar and Mumbaikar, highlighting that his mother and wife are Marathi. This is my second election. People know me and know where I belong, he said. Somaiya has also aligned his pitch with state government projects, promising improved connectivity through the metro network and better access to the Eastern Freeway, along with action against illegal immigrants. Jadhav, backed by Shiv Sena (UBT), has centred his campaign on opposing the privatisation of public healthcare. Addressing a rally on the final day of campaigning, Jadhav said the earlier Shiv Sena-led administration had strengthened Mumbais healthcare system by upgrading suburban hospitals such as Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivali and establishing a new medical college in the western suburbs. The expansion of MT Agarwal Hospital began when we were in power, but the current administration has decided to privatise healthcare services. We will stop the privatisation of all civic hospitals, he said. Jadhav also raised local civic issues, including the removal of illegal hawkers and the utilisation of vacant plots for community-oriented schemes. He referred to initiatives aimed at benefiting the Marathi-speaking population, particularly during the monsoon season. The ward has a near-equal number of Marathi and Gujarati voters, and both camps believe they have strong appeal among Marathi voters. With shifting political alignments and healthcare emerging as a defining issue, Ward 107 has become one of the more closely watched contests in Mulund this election cycle. As Mumbai prepares to vote today, over 3.5 lakh voters are being advised to check their polling booth details before heading out to vote, as a citywide reorganisation of polling stations has altered voting locations since the recent assembly elections. The changes follow an increase in the number of polling booths across Mumbai, a move the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) says is aimed at easing overcrowding and improving voter access. As part of the reshuffle, the BMC has added around 300 new polling booths across the city. At the same time, 60 polling booths located within housing societies have been cancelled after civic officials found that some candidates contesting the election were residents of the same societies. While officials maintain that the changes will make voting more convenient and evenly distributed, the revisions have raised concerns about last-minute confusion, particularly as voter slips have already been issued. According to civic officials, the decision to reorganise polling infrastructure was taken after the assembly elections to ensure a more balanced voter load at each booth. Compared with the assembly polls, the reshuffle has altered polling arrangements for more than 3.5 lakh voters. Booth capacity downsized BMC officials said that polling booths, which earlier catered to around 1,600 to 1,700 voters, have now been reorganised, with a revised cap of approximately 700 to 1,300 voters per booth. According to official BMC documents, Mumbai will have a total of 2,287 polling stations and 10,231 polling booths for the civic election. Officials insisted that the cancellation and addition of booths should not lead to major disruptions on polling day. They said voter slips had already been distributed and that adequate measures were in place to guide voters. However, residents living in redeveloping housing societies may face uncertainty, especially in cases where polling locations have been shifted or consolidated. Some residents reported not receiving their voter slips, raising concerns about whether the slips were delivered correctly. A resident from Ghatkopar East stated that although their name appeared on the Election Commissions (EC) voter list, they had not received a voter slip, which added to the uncertainty over their designated polling booth. In a few instances, residents alleged that voter slips were handed over to society office-bearers instead of being delivered directly to individual voters. Help desks, revised timings In response to these concerns, civic officials said help desks have been set up at earlier polling locations for voters from the redeveloping buildings. These desks will guide voters to their updated polling stations to minimise confusion on election day. Mumbai has approximately 1.03 crore registered voters. The polling schedule has also been revised from the timings followed during the assembly elections. Voting will begin at 7.30 am and conclude at 5.50 pm, with officials clarifying that voters present at their polling booth by 5.30 pm will be allowed to cast their vote. Despite assurances from the civic body, the combination of cancelled booths, newly added polling centres, and reports of missing voter slips has raised concerns that some voters may struggle to locate their polling stations, potentially affecting turnout on election day. A day after Mumbai Mirror reported about widespread cash distribution in Dombivli, Thane and Kalyan, the brazen drive spread to Vasai and Ulhasnagar, with the police and the EC pointing fingers at each other. While the police had told Mirror on Monday that they cannot take any action without Returning Officers filing a complaint, Election Commission officials on Tuesday said they can act only if voters come forward to file complaints. The opposition has alleged that both the police and the EC are refusing to act because the violation is by the ruling party, which has denied that it is behind the cash distribution. On Tuesday, Mumbai Mirror reported that workers allegedly belonging to the BJP were caught distributing cash to voters in Dombivli. Less than 24 hours later, two more MMR areas reported political workers, allegedly belonging to the BJP, offering cash for votes. When Mirror spoke to Election Commission officials, they shifted the responsibility, saying they cannot act unless residents submit a complaint. Some officials also passed the bucks to the cops claiming that they are empowered to act suo motu without the ECs intervention. Videos of workers distributing cash to voters surface almost daily, yet the official response remains a polite shrug, cushioned by helpline numbers and appeals to complain if you see something. As campaigning peaked across Thane, Ulhasnagar and Vasai on Tuesday, a series of alleged cash-for-votes incidents has raised serious questions about enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct and the Election Commissions ability to curb money power. Deputy Municipal Commissioner and Election Officer from Thane, Umesh Birrari, told Mirror, We are taking sufficient steps as per rules. I cannot comment further over the phone. Another official, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that the if complaints are reaching police stations, they should act on them instead of waiting for us. Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation Election Officer Umesh Sable told Mirror, Pamphlets containing helpline numbers have been circulated across all areas so that citizens can report mismanagement or money distribution. We have not received any calls so far. Opposition leaders, however, remain unconvinced. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Kedar Dighe alleged systemic failure, saying, The whole system is compromised. Ideally, there should be strict checks on the ground, but the authorities are reluctant. My grandmother, who died 15 years ago, still has her name on the voter list. If such basic corrections are not done, what can we expect when it comes to stopping cash distribution? With repeated incidents surfacing across multiple constituencies, political observers say the real test lies not in issuing helpline numbers or advisories, but in swift, visible and impartial enforcement. Earlier in the day, an incident in Vasai escalated when locals allegedly caught individuals distributing money in the name of BJP MLA Sneha Dubey. The individuals were handed over to the Pelhar Police by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Vasai city president Pravin Bhoir. The police have initiated an inquiry, though officials are yet to officially confirm any political linkage. They are awaiting communication from the Election Commission to investigate the matter. Meanwhile, Ulhasnagar witnessed one of the biggest cash seizures this election season. Acting on information provided by social activist Naresh Gaikwad, a flying squad and Vitthalwadi police conducted a raid near Ambedkar Chowk in the Subhash Tekdi area of Camp No 4. During the operation, a bag containing 50 lakh in cash was seized, sending shockwaves through the citys political circles. Police sources said the cash was being transported in an auto-rickshaw during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. The rickshaw driver has been detained by the police for questioning. The seizure has intensified speculation about the scale of money power at play in the ongoing elections. Residents and opposition leaders allege that cash distribution, along with expensive gifts like televisions and washing machines, has become an open secret, reducing the election to what many sarcastically describe as a clearance sale of democracy. Days after gig workers struck work on December 25 and 31 demanding an end to the unsafe and risky 10-minute delivery model, platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and Zepto on Tuesday reportedly agreed to end the service. Following the intervention of Union Labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya over the safety and security of the gig workers, Blinkit informed the ministry that the companys principal tagline has been revised from 10,000+ products delivered in 10 minutes to 30,000+ products delivered at your doorstep. According to sources, Swiggy and Zomato are likely to follow suit, removing delivery-time commitments from their branding and advertisements. The gig workers, represented by the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), along with Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and several other associated unions, in their appeals to the Ministry had requested an immediate ban on unsafe 10-minute delivery model, an end to arbitrary ID blocking, penalties, and algorithmic punishment, protection of the right to organise and collectively bargain, comprehensive social security, including health insurance, accident cover, and pension. As one of their key demands have been granted, workers and union leaders welcome the move as a stepping stone towards their welfare. For Mirrors January 9 report, Prashant (name changed), a Kurla-based Instamart worker, had expressed how the 10-minute-delivery has led him to complete exhaustion and burnout. On Tuesday, he welcomed the Centres directive. This is the first time a government has listened to gig workers and taken decisive action. We were being penalised for not being able to reach within the specified time, constantly putting our lives at risk, he told Mirror. We had written to the minister earlier as well. We waited a long time, but there was no response from the platform companies. This is a serious issue there have been many accidents, and many lives have been lost. Intervention was necessary. I especially want to thank the public consumers who stood with us consistently, said Shaikh Salauddin, founder president of TGPWU and Co-Founder of IFAT, told Mirror, adding that they will continue to press for the fulfilment of their other demands. Rizwan Shaikh, president of Maharashtra Rajya Rashtriya Kamgar Sangh (MRRKS), however, questioned whether the wider concerns of the gig workers will be addressed. He said, This is something we can see as a starting point, a signal that gig workers may benefit in some way. But our real victory will come only when workers actually receive their rights. Earlier, companies used to pay Rs 100 or Rs 75 per order. Even today, when there is an issue, they revert to those amounts. But normally, its as measly as Rs 10 to 20. Our victory will be real only when a delivery worker can secure their future through this work educate their children and support their families with dignity. As Mumbai heads into a decisive civic battle, infrastructure emerged as both the BJPs strongest calling card and the oppositions sharpest weapon. At the heart of this political face-off lay a project that now symbolises power, pride and ownership of the citys future: the Mumbai Coastal Road. While the BJP and its Mahayuti allies projected the Coastal Road as proof of decisive governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Shiv Sena (UBT) accused the BJP of appropriating projects conceptualised earlier and using development as a facade to benefit corporates. Ask any Mumbaikar BJP Mumbai president Ameet Satam told Mumbai Mirror that Mumbais transformation over the past decade was driven squarely by BJP-led governments. If you wake up any Mumbaikar at 2 am and ask who built the Coastal Road or redeveloped the BDD Chawls, the answer will be the BJP or Mahayuti, he said. Satam acknowledged that the Coastal Road was first conceptualised during the Congress-NCP regime under then chief minister Prithviraj Chavan. However, he claimed the project never moved beyond paper, even when Congress was at the Centre. Not a single environmental clearance was obtained then. It was only after Devendra Fadnavis became the chief minister in 2014 that the project gained real momentum, Satam said, adding that the Coastal Road was later included in the prime ministers top 100 infrastructure projects. According to BJP leaders, swift environmental clearances, central backing and administrative push ensured that the project moved from concept to near completion, something they argue Shiv Sena failed to do despite controlling the BMC for 25 years. On the instructions of Fadnavis, the Coastal Road project was started in 2016 and later completed. Mumbaikars are aware of the work done by Mahayuti, and they will answer this on January 15 via their votes, Satam said. Development for whom? The opposition, however, presented a sharply contrasting narrative. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray outright rejected the BJPs claim. Thackeray told Mumbai Mirror that several marquee infrastructure projects, including the Coastal Road, were conceived and initiated during the Senas tenure, only to be appropriated later by the BJP. If the BJP claims it built the Coastal Road, where is Devendra Fadnavis in any of the visuals? Thackeray asked. We shared photographs of our governments work on the Coastal Road. If they have similar proof, let them show it. If even one image of Fadnavis overseeing the project emerges, I am ready to accept any consequence, he said. Thackeray accused the BJP of using the language of development to conceal what he termed deeper issues of corporate favouritism and democratic backsliding. He added that the BJPs own political history was riddled with alliances and compromises that contradicted its current moral posturing. Thackeray warned that Mumbai was being systematically handed over to corporates, repeatedly invoking the Adani Group. According to him, unchecked consolidation of power could threaten the citys identity. If the BJP comes to power, they will change Mumbais name and hand it over to Adanistan, he claimed. A symbol of progress? The Coastal Road became a metaphor for political ownership of Mumbais future. For BJP, it represented speed, scale, and execution hallmarks of what they call the Modi model. For Sena (UBT), it exemplified how projects rooted in Mumbais earlier planning are now being repackaged for electoral gains. Marathi manoos and the BDD Chawl Beyond the Coastal Road, the BJP also strategically linked development to the Marathi manoos narrative. Satam cited the Worli BDD Chawl redevelopment as a revolutionary initiative. Families who lived in 160 square feet homes are now getting 560sqft houses in South Mumbai itself, he said. This ensures Marathi families dont get pushed out of the city they built. BJP leaders argued that this redevelopment, along with Metro lines, Atal Setu, CCTV expansion, and road concretisation, won them silent support among middle-class and Marathi voters. Dharavi: Development or displacement? The Dharavi redevelopment project, one of the largest urban renewal missions globally, drew criticism from opposition parties, including the UBT, the MNS, and Congress, who labelled it an Adani project designed to benefit corporates over locals. Satam rejected these claims outright. This is a unique SRA project where even ineligible residents are being accommodated. Around 10 lakh people will be getting homes, he said, explaining that residents with documents till 2011 will receive 350sqft ownership homes, while those with documents up to 2022 will get rental housing that converts into ownership later. The state governments role as a stakeholder in the special purpose vehicle, BJP insisted, will ensure transparency and public accountability. What the verdict will decide For the BJP, the municipal election is a referendum on infrastructure, execution and stability. For the Sena and MNS, it is a fight to reclaim the Marathi identity narrative and resist what they call corporate-driven urbanisation. The Coastal Road, cutting through Mumbais coastline, now also cuts through its political conscience, forcing voters to decide not just who built it, but what kind of city Mumbai is becoming. Whether Mumbaikars reward execution or question intent will become clear when ballots are cast. Until then, the citys roads, coastal or otherwise, remain crowded not just with vehicles, but with competing claims to Mumbais soul. Valley Springs, CA The CHP updates last weeks two-vehicle crash on South Camanche Road in the Valley Springs area that resulted in two people suffering major injuries and one being flown from the scene. As we reported here on Thursday (1/8/26), the collision occurred around 12:15 p.m. east of Quartz Drive, north of Highway 12 in unincorporated Calaveras County. CHP spokesperson Jeremy Cooper reports that Tiffany F. King, 54, of Wallace, was driving an Acura TSX westbound. Kenneth L. Glissman, 67, also of Wallace, was driving a Subaru Outback in the opposite direction. Cooper disclosed, King drove off the roadway and subsequently made an unsafe turning movement to the left, causing her to lose control of her vehicle. She crossed over into oncoming traffic, directly into the path of Glissman, colliding head-on. The vehicles came to rest on the right shoulder of the eastbound lane, and both sustained major front-end damage, resulting in major injuries to both drivers. King was taken by ambulance to Modesto Memorial Medical Center, and Glissman was flown to San Joaquin General Hospital for treatment of their injuries. The collision remains under investigation, and alcohol/drugs are not a contributing factor, according to Cooper. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump was consulting with his national security team Tuesday about next steps with Iran as he looked to get a better understanding of the number of Iranian citizens who have been killed and arrested in more than two weeks of unrest throughout the country. Trump said he believes that the killing is significant and that his administration would act accordingly. He added that he believed the Iranian government was badly misbehaving. But the president said he has yet to receive a confirmed number of Iranians killed in the protests that began late last month, saying he has heard five different sets of numbers about the death toll. Since the protests began Dec. 28, 16,700 people have been arrested and more than 2,500 have been killed, the vast majority protesters, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency. The organization relies on a network of activists inside Iran that confirms all reported fatalities. The message is theyve got to show humanity, Trump said of the Iranian government. Theyve got a big problem. And I hope theyre not going to be killing people. The comments came after Trump earlier in the day announced he was cutting off the prospect of talks with Iranian officials amid a protest crackdown, telling Iranian citizens help is on its way. Trump did not offer any details about what the help would entail, but his remarks come just two days after the Republican president said Iran wants to negotiate with Washington after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic. But Trump appeared to make an abrupt shift about his willingness to engage with the Iranian government. Iranian Patriots, keep protesting and take over your institutions if you can, Trump said in speech Tuesday at an auto factory in Michigan. Save the names of the killers and abusers that are abusing you. You are being very badly abused. Iranian ambassador responds to Trump Irans chief envoy to the United Nations, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, denounced Trumps latest comments in a letter to U.N. officials as interventionist rhetoric. This reckless statement explicitly encourages political destabilization, incites and invites violence and threatens the sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iravani wrote. Iranian state media has aired at least 97 confessions from protesters, many expressing remorse for their actions, since the protests began, according to a rights group that is tracking the videos. Iran alleges these confessions, which often include references to Israel or America, are proof of foreign plots behind Irans nationwide protests. Activists say they are coerced confessions, long a staple of Irans hard-line state television, the only broadcaster in the country. And these videos are coming at an unprecedented clip. Trump, in an exchange with reporters during the factory visit, demurred when asked what kind of help he would provide. Youre going to have to figure that one out, he said. The U.S. president has repeatedly threatened Tehran with military action if his administration found the Islamic Republic was using deadly force against antigovernment protesters. Trump on Sunday told reporters he believed Iran is starting to cross that line and has left him and his national security team weighing very strong options even as he said the Iranians had made outreach efforts to the U.S. Trump announced Monday he would slap 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Tehran effective immediately, but the White House has not provided details on that move. China, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Brazil and Russia are among economies that do business with Tehran. Administration leaders weigh US options Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key White House National Security Council officials began meeting Friday to develop options for Trump, ranging from a diplomatic approach to military strikes. We dont want to see people killed and we want to see a little bit of freedom for these people, Trump said. These people have been living in hell for a long time. Iran, through the countrys parliamentary speaker, has warned that the U.S. military and Israel would be legitimate targets if Washington uses force to protect demonstrators. Trump said he was undeterred by threats of Iranian retaliation. Iran said that the last time I blew them up, said Trump, referring to threats from the government ahead of U.S. military strikes in June on key Iranian nuclear facilities. They better behave. More than 600 protests have taken place across all of Irans 31 provinces, the Human Rights Activists News Agency reported Tuesday. Understanding the scale of the protests has been difficult. Iranian state media has provided little information about the demonstrations. Online videos offer only brief, shaky glimpses of people in the streets or the sound of gunfire. Trumps push on the Iranian government to end the crackdown comes as he is dealing with a series of other foreign policy emergencies around the globe. Its been more than a week since the U.S. military launched a successful raid to arrest Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro and remove him from power. The U.S. continues to mass an unusually large number of troops in the Caribbean Sea. Trump is also focused on trying to get Israel and Hamas onto the second phase of a peace deal in Gaza and broker an agreement between Russia and Ukraine to end the nearly four-year war in Eastern Europe. But advocates urging Trump to take strong action against Iran say this moment offers an opportunity to further diminish the theocratic government thats ruled the country since the Islamic revolution in 1979. The demonstrations are the biggest Iran has seen in years protests spurred by the collapse of Iranian currency that have morphed into a larger test of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis repressive rule. ___ Associated Press reporter Michelle L. Price contributed to this report. By AAMER MADHANI Associated Press U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that hes been told on good authority that plans for executions in Iran have stopped, even as Tehran has signaled fast trials and executions ahead in its crackdown on protesters. The U.S. presidents claims, which were made with few details, come as hes told protesting Iranians in recent days that help is on the way and that his administration would act accordingly to respond to the Iranian government. But Trump has not offered any details about how the U.S. might respond and it wasnt clear if his comments Wednesday indicated he would hold off on action. Iran closed its airspace to commercial flights for over four hours early Thursday, according to pilot guidance issued by Iran, which lies on a key East-West flight route. International carriers diverted north and south around Iran, but after one extension, the closure appeared to have expired and several domestic flights were in the air just after 7 a.m. local time. Earlier Wednesday, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, Irans judiciary chief, said the government must act quickly to punish more than 18,000 people who have been detained through rapid trials and executions. The security force crackdown on the demonstrations has killed at least 2,586, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported. The death toll exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalls the chaos surrounding the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Here is the latest: Airspace closure over Iran appears to have expired An order by Iran closing its airspace to commercial aircraft appeared to have expired and several domestic flights were in the air just after 7 a.m. local time on Thursday. The closure lasted for over four hours, during which time international carriers had diverted north and south around Iran. Iran further extends order closing its airspace to commercial aircraft Iran further extended an order closing its airspace to commercial aircraft without explanation early Thursday as tensions remain high with the United States over Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. A notice to pilot said the closure was estimated to last until 7:30 a.m. local time. A previous order had closed the airspace for just over two hours. The Iranian government offered no explanation of the decision to shut its airspace. US requests emergency meeting of UN Security Council on Iran The United States requested an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Iran on Thursday afternoon, a council diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the meeting has not yet been scheduled. ___ Associated Press writer Edith Lederer at the United Nations contributed. US Embassy in Kuwait orders temporary halt to base movements DUBAI, United Arab Emirates The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait said it had ordered a temporary halt to its personnel from going to multiple military bases in the small Gulf Arab country amid heightened tensions with Iran over a crackdown on nationwide protests there. It said that it was a temporary halt to movement into facilities at Camp Arifjan, Camp Buehring, Ali Al Salem Air Base and Camp Patriot. Kuwait is home to U.S. Army Central, the services Mideast command. US Embassy in Qatar urges increased caution The U.S. Embassy in Qatar issued a notice early Thursday, saying it had advised its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit nonessential travel to Al Udeid Air Base. We recommend U.S. citizens in Qatar do the same, it added. Some personnel at a key U.S. military base in Qatar were advised to evacuate by Wednesday evening, according to a U.S. official and the Gulf country. Execution of protester delayed, family says A 26-year-old protester who was detained last week by Iranian authorities has had his execution postponed but has not been released, according to one of his relatives. Activists said that Erfan Soltani, a clothing shop employee, was among the thousands of Iranians who were rounded up in the last week after nationwide protests sparked by economic distress turned into days of deadly anti-government unrest. Somayeh, a 45-year-old close relative of Soltani who is living abroad and asked to be identified by first name only for fear of government reprisal, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that his family had been told his execution would be set for Wednesday but it was postponed when they got to the prison in Karaj, a city north-west of Tehran. The relative said that his family has spent the last six days in agony over what could happen to him and now are left with even more uncertainty. Iran closes airspace Iran issued an order early Thursday to close its airspace, without explanation. The order came amid heightened tensions over its bloody crackdown on protesters during nationwide protests and the possibility of American strikes in response. The flight-tracking website FlightRadar24.com noted the order closed Irans airspace for a little more than two hours. Iranian foreign minister urges US to choose diplomacy Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with Fox News Channels Special Report that Iran is ready for negotiation and has been for the past 20 years. He urged the U.S. to find a solution through negotiation, and said diplomacy is much better than war. Araghchi blamed terrorist groups for the violence as part of an Israeli plot to drag (Trump) into the conflict. UK shuts Tehran embassy and withdraws diplomats Britain has shut its embassy in Iran and withdrawn its diplomats as tensions spiral over security forces lethal crackdown on protests and speculation about U.S. action in response. The U.K. Foreign Office said Wednesday that we have temporarily closed the British Embassy in Tehran, this will now operate remotely. It said British staff have been withdrawn due to the security situation. The government had already advised British citizens against traveling to Iran. Iranian foreign minister asks UN to condemn terrorism In a letter obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called for the top U.N. official to condemn and reject all acts of terrorism during the unrests regardless of the incentives. Araghchi reiterated Iranian officials claims, without providing evidence, that the U.S. and Israel have been directly involved in the escalation of recent nationwide protests in Iran that have killed more than 2,500 Iranians. Peaceful protests started from Dec. 28, 2025 on economic grounds were sabotaged by terrorist elements who turned them into armed riots, he wrote to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Iranian government holds mass funeral A mass funeral was held in Tehran for some 100 security force members killed in the demonstrations. Tens of thousands of mourners attended, holding Iranian flags and photos of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The caskets, draped in Iranian flags, stood stacked at least three high. Red and white roses and framed photographs of the dead covered them. Iranians describe the governments crackdown We are very frightened because of these sounds (of gunfire) and protests, said a mother of two shopping for fruits and vegetables, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. We have heard many are killed and many are injured. Now peace has been restored, but schools are closed, and Im scared to send my children to school again. Ahmadreza Tavakoli, 36, told The Associated Press he witnessed one demonstration in Tehran and was shocked by the use of firearms by authorities. People were out to express themselves and protest, but quickly it turned into a war zone, Tavakoli said. The people do not have guns. Only the security forces have guns. Iranians and Germans protest in Berlin At a protest march of 900 Iranian exiles and German supporters in Berlin on Wednesday night, Maryam Nejatipur, 32, told The Associated Press how unbearably worried she was about her family back home. Theyre in a complete blackout. We dont have any news, said the former teacher who was forced to leave her home country about two years ago. She said she didnt know how to get through the days since Iran shut down the internet and phones and she could not longer find out if her family was still alive. She sobbed and said really she was not only worried about her immediate family but all Iranians. There are 90 million people inside Iran and they are killing all of them, she said. US met with exiled former crown prince of Iran U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has met with exiled former crown prince of Iran Reza Pahlavi, a White House official confirmed on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity about the private meeting. The official provided no further details. Italy foreign ministry advises Italian citizens to leave Italys Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has been meeting on Wednesday evening with officials from the Italian Ministry of Defense, the Italian Ambassador to Tehran and ambassadors from the main capitals involved in the current crisis in Iran. The ministry reiterated its recommendation that Italian citizens should leave Iran if they are able to do so, a statement said. Irans Revolutionary Guard blames US and Israel for protests Mohammad Pakpour, commander of Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, threatened Wednesday that the country would give a decisive response to the death of Iranian martyrs and security protectors, according to Irans semiofficial Tasnim news agency. Pakpour reiterated Iranian officials claims that U.S. and Israel have instigated these protests and that they are the main killers of the hundreds of casualties. He added that those countries will receive the response in the appropriate time. Pakistan says it will play role in regional peace Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a call Wednesday with Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani that Pakistan would continue to play a positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability, a statement from Sharifs office said. The two leaders discussed recent developments in the Middle East and expressed satisfaction with the current trajectory of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar, according to the statement. Sharif praised Qatars role in promoting peace, dialogue and mediation in the region and acknowledged its efforts to defuse tensions through diplomatic means. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days, the statement said. Protesters rally outside US embassy in Bucharest Scores gathered on Wednesday in a show of support for the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran. Some held posters of Irans exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi and others of U.S. President Donald Trump. One placard read: President Trump! Iranian people deserve freedom Hear their voice. We are here to be the voice of the Iranian people against the Islamic regime in Iran, Esi Fallah told The Associated Press. We are here to ask President Trump for help The regime in Iran fires at its people. Fallah added that he has not been able to contact his family in Iran due to the internet blackout. We dont know anything about them since Friday, he said. Another protester, Mahzad, who only gave his first name, said: For five days, I have no news from my family or my friends. I dont know if they are still alive. US issues another alert advising citizens to leave Iran U.S. citizens should leave Iran now. Consider departing Iran by land to Turkiye or Armenia, if safe to do so, the virtual U.S. embassy in Tehran said in a statement Wednesday. This is the third alert in five days. The embassy also said U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran using their Iranian passports. Some personnel at US base in Qatar advised to evacuate Some personnel at Qatars Al Udeid Air Base have been advised to evacuate by Wednesday evening, a U.S. official said. The decision came as a senior official in Iran brought up an earlier Iranian attack there. The official, who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive plans, described the move at the base as a precautionary measure. The official wouldnt go into any further details about the move, including whether the evacuation was optional or mandatory, if it affected troops or civilian personnel, or the number of those advised to leave, citing the need for operational security. It comes as anti-government protests in nearby Iran continue and U.S. President Donald Trump has said that he is willing to conduct military operations in the country if the government continues to retaliate against the protesters. Why Musks free Starlink access is a game-changer for Iranian protesters SpaceXs Starlink satellite internet service dropped its fees to allow protesters in Iran to send updates of what is happening inside the Islamic Republic following a communication blackout by authorities. Elon Musks SpaceX has not officially announced the decision and did not respond to a request for comment, but activists told The Associated Press that Starlink has been available for free to anyone in Iran with the receivers since Tuesday. Starlink has been crucial, said Mehdi Yahyanejad, an Iranian whose nonprofit Net Freedom Pioneers has helped smuggle units into Iran, pointing to footage that emerged Sunday showing rows of bodies at a forensic medical center near Tehran. Starlink is banned in Iran. Tens of thousands of mourners attend mass funeral in Tehran Tens of thousands of mourners thronged the streets near Tehran University for a mass funeral of security forces and civilians on Wednesday. After Iranian state television reported that 300 coffins would be on display at Tehran University, Associated Press reporters there saw around 100. It wasnt clear why there was a discrepancy. Many held Iranian flags and identical photos of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and their relatives. The caskets, covered in Iranian flags, were stacked at least three high in the backs of trucks and covered with red and white roses and framed photographs of people who were killed. The crowd chanted and beat their chests in response to an emcee speaking from a stage. One man in the crowd held up a photo of U.S. President Donald Trump during the Pennsylvania assassination attempt, emblazoned with: The arrow doesnt always miss! The presenter, his voice booming across the crowd, blamed the U.S. for the unrest. All of our problems are because of America, todays economic problems are because of American sanctions. Death to America! he yelled, prompting the same chant from the tens of thousands of people, dressed mostly in black. India urges nationals to leave Iran Indias Embassy in Tehran urged Wednesday all Indian nationals to leave Iran, citing what it called an evolving situation in the Islamic Republic. The statement, posted on X, also advised Indian citizens to remain highly vigilant and avoid areas where protests are taking place. 2 men climb into the grounds of the Iranian embassy in Berlin to tear down flag German police said Wednesday the two climbed over a fence into embassy grounds and tore down an Iranian flag. Both wanted to hoist two pre-Islamic Republic flags but failed, German news agency dpa reported. They left the grounds when guards used pepper spray and were detained on the sidewalk outside. The incident happened late Tuesday. Middle East governments advise US to avoid Iran conflict, diplomat says Major Middle East governments were discouraging the Trump administration from waging a war with Iran, fearing unprecedented consequences in the volatile region, an Arab Gulf diplomat said Wednesday. The Cairo-based diplomat, who was given anonymity because he wasnt authorized to speak to the media, said major governments in the region, including Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, have been in constant contact with the U.S. administration over a potential American strike on Iran that could explode into a full-blown war. Such a war will certainly have dire repercussions not only on the Middle East but also on the global economy, he said. Iranian mass funeral to include 300 bodies, state media say Iranian state television said Wednesdays mass funeral in Tehran would include 300 bodies of security force members and civilians. The funeral is expected to take place at Tehran University under heavy security. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said 2,417 of the dead were protesters and 147 were government-affiliated. Twelve children were killed, along with 10 civilians it said were not taking part in protests. More than 18,400 people have been detained, the group said. Gauging the demonstrations and the death toll from abroad has grown more difficult. The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the toll, given the communications being disrupted in the country. ___ Melanie Lidman contributed from Jerusalem. US tariffs connected to Iran trade could hurt India Trumps decision to impose a 25% tariff on countries that trade with Iran could impact India, an expert said, as New Delhi already faces existing 50% U.S. trade levies due to its purchases of Russian oil. Abhijit Mukhopadhyay, a senior economist at the Chintan Research Foundation in New Delhi, said the bigger risk is not India-Iran trade, but Indias access to the U.S. market, as its exports to Iran are modest. India mainly exports rice, tea, sugar, pharmaceuticals and electrical machinery to Iran, while importing dry fruits and chemical products. Textiles and garments, gems and jewelry and engineering goods are likely to be the most vulnerable sectors, he said. Trumps latest move also could affect Indias investments in Iran, including the strategically important Chabahar port, which gives India a trade route to Afghanistan, Central Asia and Europe while bypassing Pakistan, Mukhopadhyay said. Irans judiciary chief signals fast trials and executions ahead Irans judiciary chief signals fast trials and executions for those detained in nationwide protests. Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei made the comment in a video shared by Iranian state television on Wednesday. He emphasized the need for swift action, saying delays would lessen the impact. His remarks challenge Trump, who warned Iran about executions in an interview aired Tuesday. Trump stated the U.S. would take strong action if Iran proceeded with executions. The situation highlights escalating tensions between the two countries over the handling of the protests. Dozens of Pakistani students studying in Iran return home Dozens of Pakistani students studying in Iran have returned home through a remote southwestern border crossing, a Pakistani immigration official said Wednesday. Federal Investigation Agency spokesperson in Quetta city, Samina Raisani, said about 60 students crossed into Pakistan on Tuesday through Gabd border in Balochistan province with valid travel documents. More students were expected to return through the same crossing later Wednesday, she said. Mudassir Tipu, Pakistans ambassador to Iran, said Tuesday that Iranian universities had rescheduled exams and permitted international students to leave the country. Satellite internet provider Starlink offers free service inside Iran The satellite internet provider Starlink now offers free service to people in Iran who have access to the companys receivers, activists said Wednesday. Mehdi Yahyanejad, a Los Angeles-based activist who helped get the units into Iran, told The Associated Press that the free service had started. Other activists also confirmed in messages online that the service was free. Starlink has been the only way for Iranians to communicate with the outside world since authorities shut down the internet Thursday night as nationwide protests swelled and they began a bloody crackdown against demonstrators. Starlink did not immediately acknowledge the decision. By The Associated Press BEIJING (AP) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Beijing on Wednesday night, beginning a four-day visit designed to repair foundering relations between the two nations as Canada looks to develop ties with countries other than the United States. Its the first visit of a Canadian leader to China in nearly a decade. Carney will meet with Premier Li Qiang, his counterpart as head of government, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. We will double non-U.S. trade over the next 10 years. That means we are cognizant of that fact that the global economic environment has fundamentally changed and that Canada must diversify its trading partners, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said in Beijing after she arrived with Carney for the visit. Chinas state media has been calling on the Canadian government to set a foreign policy path independent of the United States what it calls strategic autonomy. Canada has long been one of Americas closest allies, geographically and otherwise. But Beijing is hoping that President Donald Trumps economic aggression and, now, military action against other countries will erode that long-standing relationship. Trump has said, among other things, that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state. Carney has focused on trade, describing the trip to China as part of a move to forge new partnerships around the world to end Canadas economic reliance on the American market. Trump has hit Canada with tariffs on its exports to the United States and suggested the vast, resource-rich country could become Americas 51st state. The Chinese government bristled at former U.S. President Joe Bidens efforts to strengthen relations with Europe, Australia, India, Canada and others to confront China. Now it sees an opportunity to try to loosen those ties, though it remains cautious about how far that will go. The downturn in relations started with the arrest of a Chinese tech executive in late 2018 at American request and was fueled more recently by the government of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which decided in 2024 to follow Bidens lead in imposing a 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles. China has retaliated for both that and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum with its own tariffs on Canadian exports including canola, seafood and pork. The conversation has been productive. The negotiations are continuing, Anand said when asked if she was optimistic about a deal to reduce tariffs on canola. Prime Minister Carney is here to recalibrate the Canada-China relationship. Carney met with Xi in October at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea. ____ Gillies reported from Toronto. By TED ANTHONY and ROB GILLIES Associated Press A 23-year-old woman in Bungoma town has embarked on a 74-hour tree-hugging challenge to raise awareness about corruption in public offices. The protest is taking place along the railway line opposite Posta Grounds in Bungoma, where Flora Onyango, a resident of Mbakalo Ward in Tongaren Constituency, has vowed to remain clinging to a tree for three consecutive days. I came here today to start my three-day protest against corruption. I have not trained for the challenge, but I am confident that I will break the record, Onyango said. She explained that the symbolic protest aims to draw public attention to rampant corruption in the country and to urge leaders to take decisive action. I challenge government agencies tasked with combating graft to intensify their efforts, she added. Onyango revealed that she traveled from Nairobi to Bungoma to carry out the challenge in her home county, believing it gives the protest more significance. She also confirmed that she will neither eat nor drink water throughout the 74 hours. My family is aware of my protest and have been informed about my whereabouts and intentions, Onyango said. The challenge began at 1:04 p.m. on Monday and is expected to conclude at the same time on Thursday, with a designated monitor recording the time. Onyango joins a growing number of Kenyans attempting the tree-hugging challenge, which gained popularity after 22-year-old environmentalist Truphena Muthoni set a world record by hugging a tree for 72 hours straight. The record was later surpassed by Muranga-based pastor James Irungu, who hugged a tree for 79 hours, though he collapsed just an hour shy of reaching 80 hours due to exhaustion. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguas allegations that two drug barons are part of the Cabinet, calling the claims political gimmicks. Speaking on Monday evening, January 12, CS Murkomen said the assertions are unfounded and undermined by the rigorous vetting process all Cabinet Secretaries undergo. I cannot take Gachagua seriously when he discusses other people by saying there are cabinet secretaries selling drugs. There was a clear process of vetting all public servants, including all of us who came to the cabinet. If any of them had an iota of those allegations being proven, they would not have held public office. So, these are just political gimmicks out there, Murkomen stated. The Interior CS also accused Gachagua, leader of the DCP party, of tribal bias, claiming it clouds his perspective on national issues. The first and unfortunate thing about the former deputy president is his obsession with tribalism when it comes to the fight against anything, whether it is education or alcohol. He sees everything through the precincts of his personal tribal angle, Murkomen claimed. CS Murkomen reiterated that the government remains committed to fighting drug and alcohol abuse nationwide, emphasizing that the effort spans all regions. We are fighting drugs and alcohol abuse in every part of the country, he added. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has directed all roadside development owners, advertisers, and operators along the A8/B10 Highway, stretching from James Gichuru Road Junction to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), to remove their structures within 14 days. The directive covers billboards, directional and advertisement signs, tree nursery beds, and all temporary installations occupying the road reserve. KeNHA Acting Director General Luka Kimeli said the move will create space for capacity expansion, landscaping, and beautification works along one of Nairobis most critical transport corridors. All roadside developments (billboards, direction and advertisement signs, tree nursery beds and temporary structures) within the said road reserve should be removed within 14 days from the date of this Notice to pave way for implementation of the project works, he said. Kimeli warned that KeNHA will demolish any non-compliant structures after the deadline without further notice, adding that owners will also bear the cost of removal. Upgrade Targets Traffic Flow, Safety and City Image KeNHA said the highway upgrade will ease traffic congestion, improve safety, and enhance the visual appeal of the busy route linking central Nairobi to JKIA, Kenyas main international gateway. The authority urged advertisers, billboard owners, and signage operators to comply immediately to avoid financial penalties and disruption. The latest directive aligns with President William Rutos announcement in December 2025 that the government would begin reconstruction and beautification of Mombasa Road, from JKIA to ABC Place. Speaking on December 12, 2025, Ruto said the project would boost road safety, improve traffic flow, and give Nairobi a modern, world-class look. Kwa sababu barabara ya Expressway imekamilika na wananchi wanatumia pale juu, barabara ya chini iko na matatizo na ndiyo sababu kuanzia hii Disemba mkienda krisimasi tutajenga upya na tuifanyie beautification ndiyo Nairobi ionekane kama city ya taifa letu, he said. Loosely translated: (Now that the Expressway is complete and people are using the upper lanes, the lower road has experienced problems. That is why, starting this December, as we approach Christmas, we will reconstruct and beautify it so that Nairobi can truly reflect the status of our nation.) KeNHA Begins Construction Works On December 19, KeNHA officially launched the project following the presidential directive. Arising from the presidential directive on the modernisation of infrastructure around the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), KeNHA has initiated a transformative infrastructure project aimed at strengthening Kenyas gateway to the world, it said. KeNHA confirmed that a team led by Eng. Ezekiel Fukwo, the authoritys Director of Maintenance, conducted a site visit and formally handed over the project to the contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The team, led by Eng. Ezekiel Fukwo, KeNHAs Director of Maintenance, commenced the project with a site visit and formal site handover to the contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). A Modern Gateway to Kenya Once complete, KeNHA said the JKIA highway upgrade will significantly improve the areas appearance, support environmental sustainability, and raise infrastructure and safety standards around Kenyas main aviation hub. The authority added that clearing the road reserve will allow the contractor to work efficiently and deliver a modern, safe, and visually appealing corridor that reflects Kenyas status as a regional economic and tourism hub. A trip to Disneyland Resort is meant to be wall-to-wall magic - but one unlucky visitor's fairy dust ran out at the gates thanks to a not-so-magical T-shirt. Man has to walk around Disneyland with T-shirt inside out due to 'mouse-approved' rule TikTok user Faith Boyd shared a now-viral clip of her husband trudging through a Disneyland park in Anaheim, California, wearing his T-shirt inside out, complete with labels and seams on full display. Faith explained that Disney staff told her husband he wouldnt be allowed into the park wearing the shirt he arrived in. With no spare top to hand, he was given a choice - flip it inside out or flip back to the hotel. She captioned the video: "When Disney doesnt like your shirt, so you have to awkwardly walk around with it inside out for the rest of the day." The follow-up sting? "The shirt was not mouse-approved." Commenters were quick to uncover the reason behind the fashion fail. The shirt reportedly showed a classic black-and-white Mickey Mouse wearing an army helmet and holding a gun, with the slogan Full Metal Mouse printed underneath. Disneys rules are pretty clear. According to the parks website, guests may be dress-coded for "clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics." Plenty of viewers sided with Disney. One wrote: "Lets normalise not wearing shirts with guns on them in a place filled with children." Another added: "After seeing the shirt, Im on their side, to be honest." A third piled on: "What made you think that was appropriate for Disney?" Disneys official guidance urges guests to use "discretion and common sense" to keep the parks family-friendly. The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned Kenyans to brace for hot, sunny, and mostly dry weather across large parts of the country this week, as its latest January 1319, 2026 weather forecast signals rising temperatures and limited rainfall. According to Kenya Met, most regions will experience clear skies and dry conditions throughout the week, although a few areas may see occasional showers. These include the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Coastal region, and the southeastern lowlands, where intermittent rainfall is expected. Despite the possibility of showers, temperatures are set to soar in many parts of the country. Daytime temperatures are expected to rise above 30C in the Coast, North-eastern, and North-western Kenya. Parts of the South-eastern lowlands, the Rift Valley, and Western Kenya will also experience hot conditions, the department noted. Cold Nights to Hit Highlands and Rift Valley While daytime heat will dominate, some areas will experience chilly nights, especially in elevated regions. Kenya Met projects that minimum temperatures will drop below 10C in the Central Highlands, North and Central Rift Valley, Western Kenya, and areas near Mount Kilimanjaro, bringing sharp temperature contrasts between day and night. In its broader January 2026 climate outlook, the meteorological department confirmed that sunny and dry conditions will persist across most of Kenya for the rest of the month. However, occasional rainfall may still affect western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Southern Rift Valley, parts of the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley including Nairobi County, the southeastern lowlands, and southern coastal areas. Kenya Met urged residents, travelers, and businesses to factor these conditions into their daily plans, especially in regions facing extreme heat during the day and cold temperatures at night. Farmers Warned as Localised Showers Loom The department also cautioned farmers to prepare for localized rainfall, which could affect planting, harvesting, and livestock activities in some areas. Farmers in regions expecting rain should remain alert and adjust their agricultural schedules accordingly. Kenya Met warned that the prolonged dry spell is already taking a toll on vulnerable regions and could soon worsen the countrys food security situation. The current dry conditions being experienced over the northern and parts of the eastern sectors of the country are expected to exacerbate. The limited pasture and water over the ASAL areas may lead to resource-based conflicts among pastoral and farming communities, the department said. The agency warned that declining water and pasture levels could trigger tensions between herders and farmers, particularly in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). It also flagged the risk of rising malnutrition-related illnesses, especially in northern Kenya, where vulnerable populations already face severe pressure. Kenya Met urged authorities to activate emergency measures to ensure food aid and nutritional supplements reach at-risk communities on time. Wildfire Risk Grows as Water Levels Fall The meteorological department also warned that declining water levels in reservoirs, lakes, and ponds could create favorable conditions for wildfires, especially in forests, national parks, and wildlife reserves. To reduce the risk, Kenya Met advised authorities to supply fodder and establish watering points for wildlife, helping prevent animals from competing with communities for scarce resources. Kenyans Urged to Protect Themselves From Heat Stress With high temperatures expected across many regions, Kenya Met warned of heat stress and related discomforts such as headaches, fatigue, and dehydration. The department advised the public to drink plenty of water, limit exposure to direct sunlight, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities, particularly during the afternoon hours when temperatures peak. Kenya Met also urged the public to stay informed through official weather updates and advisories, especially in areas prone to sudden rainfall, extreme heat, or temperature fluctuations. The agency called on national and county governments, humanitarian agencies, and disaster response teams to take early action to protect lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems as Kenya navigates another challenging dry season. Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has warned Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiangi against leaning on established political parties, stating that powerful figures who once worked with him could derail Matiangis political ambitions. Speaking in an interview on Kameme FM on Monday, January 13, 2026, Gachagua said Matiangi risks losing direction unless he forms his own political party to consolidate his base and maintain discipline among his supporters. For me, I dont know because I had given him advice, and it is not a must that he does what I tell him. I had told him to make a political party so that he could consolidate his political base. A way to bring discipline to any region is by making a political party, or else people will disrespect you. For instance, ODM is saying they cant support him because he is using a Kikuyu party (Jubilee), Gachagua explained. The DCP leader clarified that his comments are not a criticism of Jubilee or any other political party, but rather a caution about relying on structures he cannot control. I want to state that Riggy G is not hating any political party. It is because I cannot market others political parties. Let them hold their parties. Nobody will ask them. If it is the Jubilee Party, let them market their party, he said. Gachagua also raised concerns about certain political actors within Jubilee, linking them to President William Rutos camp and accusing them of staying silent during attacks on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. There is no cold war between DCP and other parties, including Jubilee. What is happening is that there are Rutos men hiding in the Jubilee Party. For instance, when Uhuru Kenyatta got attacks from Rutos men in ODM, these men in the Jubilee Party were in loud silence. Nobody spoke until I spoke myself, he stated. He reaffirmed his loyalty to Uhuru Kenyatta, insisting he will continue defending the retired president against attacks. My work is to defend Uhuru from external attacks. For instance, I cant be saying I am protecting the community and watch and see Uhuru getting vilified by those close to Ruto when I am quiet. I will continue to defend him because Uhuru retired, he is a good man and not a single day I will sit and watch, and people continue to disrespect our son, Gachagua said. Gachagua concluded with a direct warning to Matiangi, urging him to rethink the people he is working with if he hopes to succeed politically. Let me tell Matiangi, those people were in my camp. If he wants to go far, he should think about them. I know them, and if he continues with them, he will go nowhere, he warned. President William Ruto has lambasted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for urging young Kenyans to escort and protect him during public appearances, saying the comments are reckless and demean the role of the youth. Speaking in Samburu, Ruto questioned why a former senior government official would ask civilians to take up security roles, warning that such rhetoric risks dragging young people into political conflict. Nimesikia mwingine juzi anawaambia vijana ati nyinyi nikienda mahali mchukue rungu na panga mkuje mniprotect, Ruto said. Unaambia Kenyans wakuje wakulinde kwani ni watchmen wako? The President said leaders should invest in creating jobs and opportunities for young people, not turn them into political foot soldiers. Yaani sasa unafanya vijana wa Kenya wakuwe watchmen wako wakati unajivinjari, he added. Gachagua had earlier asked his youthful supporters to accompany him for protection during public engagements. The remarks quickly sparked outrage from civil society groups, who warned that such language could fuel political tension and instability. Speaking Monday during an interview, Gachagua claimed his life was in danger after the government withdrew his security. He argued that the decision to withdraw his security detail was unjustified and dangerous, insisting that his influence and public standing still warrant state protection. I want to tell the people of Kenya that Rigathi Gachagua is not safe. The government withdrew security from him despite his senior status in the country, Gachagua claimed. He insisted that even though he no longer holds office, he remains a high-profile political figure with significant public support, which makes him vulnerable without official security. Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah has expressed concern over the declining momentum of Kenyas Gen Z, calling on young people to channel their energy into voter registration. Speaking in an interview with K24 TV on Tuesday, January 13, 2025, Wajackoyah, who unsuccessfully contested the 2022 general elections, noted that the Gen Zs had once shown significant influence during the 2024 Finance Bill protests, which temporarily paralyzed the country and forced President William Ruto to respond to their demands. For the first time, I will say something against Gen Z. They came up with proper momentum, but they have lost it. I am not seeing them going to register as voters. Their legitimacy can only be manifested through votes. I ask them to register because they are the only ones who can bring change, Wajackoyah said. Wajackoyah criticized young people for failing to transform their protest energy into political action through voter registration, emphasizing that real change comes at the ballot box. He also revealed a key policy he intends to implement if elected president: linking voter registration to the issuance of IDs and driving licences. This is what I will do if I become the president in the first year; I will make voter registration compulsory, he said. I will make sure that legislation is passed that if you reach the age of maturity, before you get your ID or driving licence, you must also apply to register as a voter. But if you get your ID or driving licence, they cannot be functional unless you register as a voter, Wajackoyah added. Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential elections, Wajackoyah stated that securing support from the diaspora and Gen Z voters would be critical to defeating President Ruto. Individuals named Bryanne are often characterized by their ambitious nature and strong sense of purpose, living up to the name's meaning of 'ascending.' They typically possess a natural leadership quality combined with emotional intelligence, making them effective in both professional and personal relationships. Bryannes tend to be determined yet compassionate, balancing drive with empathy. Their personality often reflects a blend of traditional values and modern thinking, showing adaptability while maintaining core principles. Many Bryannes demonstrate remarkable resilience in facing challenges, often emerging stronger from difficulties. They typically value deep, meaningful connections with others and are known for their loyalty and supportive nature in friendships and family relationships. The combination of strength and sensitivity in their character makes them particularly effective in caregiving roles, education, and leadership positions where both compassion and determination are required. Their inherent nobility of character, as suggested by the name's meaning, often manifests as integrity, honesty, and a strong moral compass that guides their decisions and interactions. People named Egerton are typically associated with traditional values, reliability, and a strong sense of personal integrity. The name's meaning 'from the town on the ridge' suggests someone who maintains perspective and doesn't get swept up in fleeting trends or popular opinions. They are often perceived as grounded individuals with deep roots in their principles and heritage. Egertons tend to be methodical thinkers who approach life with careful consideration, valuing stability and long-term planning over immediate gratification. Their personality often reflects the name's aristocratic origins through natural leadership qualities, though this leadership tends to be more about responsibility and service than dominance. They typically possess quiet confidence rather than overt ambition, and their strength lies in their consistency and dependability rather than flashy achievements. Women named Elbertina are typically characterized by their dignified presence, strong moral compass, and intellectual depth. They often exhibit natural leadership qualities tempered with genuine empathy, making them both respected and beloved in their social circles. Their noble bearing is not merely superficial but reflects an inner integrity and commitment to principles that guide their decisions and relationships. Elbertinas tend to be lifelong learners with curious minds and appreciation for culture and tradition. They balance respect for established ways with openness to new ideas, creating a unique synthesis of conservatism and progressiveness. In relationships, they are loyal and supportive, often serving as pillars of strength for their families and communities. Their combination of intelligence, grace, and determination makes them effective in various roles, from professional leadership to personal mentorship, always maintaining their characteristic poise and ethical standards. Individuals named Gwenevieve are often characterized by a unique blend of strength and sensitivity that mirrors the name's meaning of 'white wave.' They typically possess deep emotional intelligence and intuition, allowing them to navigate complex social situations with grace and wisdom. Their personality often combines creative expression with practical problem-solving skills, making them both dreamers and doers. Gwenevieve's tend to be natural caregivers and communicators, drawn to professions that allow them to help others or express their artistic talents. They embody resilience and adaptability, much like ocean waves that can be both gentle and powerful, capable of weathering life's storms while maintaining their essential character and compassion for others. Women named Kadian are typically characterized by their creative spirit and compassionate nature. They possess a natural ability to understand others' emotions and often serve as peacemakers in their social circles. Their intuitive understanding of people makes them excellent friends and confidantes, while their artistic sensibilities often lead them to creative pursuits or helping professions. The melodic quality of their name seems to reflect in their generally harmonious approach to life and relationships. Kadian's often demonstrate remarkable resilience and inner strength, qualities that may be nurtured by their Christian upbringing. They tend to be deeply principled individuals who value honesty and integrity, making them trustworthy and reliable. While they can be somewhat reserved when first meeting people, their warmth and genuine interest in others quickly becomes apparent. Their combination of creativity and strong moral compass makes them particularly effective in roles that require both empathy and decisive action, often excelling in fields like education, counseling, or community leadership. In contemporary naming practices, Waren occupies an interesting position as a traditional German name that has maintained consistent but modest popularity. While the English spelling 'Warren' is more widely recognized internationally, the German spelling 'Waren' continues to be used predominantly in German-speaking countries and among families with strong Germanic heritage. The name experienced a slight resurgence in the 2010s as part of the broader trend toward vintage and meaningful names, though it remains outside the top 100 names in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Current usage patterns show Waren being particularly popular in northern German regions like Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, where traditional Germanic names maintain stronger cultural relevance. The name's association with successful figures in business and politics has helped maintain its perception as a 'serious' name suited for leadership roles. Interestingly, while many traditional names have declined in popularity, Waren's stability suggests enduring appeal for parents seeking names with historical depth and meaningful etymology rather than fleeting fashion trends. Paul Hardcastle's son has died in a motorcycle accident. Paul Hardcastle's son has died in a motorcycle accident The 68-year-old musician whose track 19 topped the UK Singles Chart for five weeks in 1985 revealed the tragic news as he paid tribute to his "super talented son" Paul Jr, 35, in an Instagram post. Hardcastle wrote on the social media platform: "Just to let you know that my super talented son Paul Hardcastle Jnr was in a fatal motorcycle accident earlier and has sadly died. RIP son love Dad." Paul Jr followed his father into music and was known for playing the saxophone and DJing. He featured on his dad's 2008 album Hardcastle 5 and performed the record's final track Take 1. Former The Only Way Is Essex star James Argent led tributes to Paul Jr. He wrote: "I'm so sorry mate, thinking of you all. Heartbreaking." Presenter Hayley Palmer penned: "Paul, I don't even have the words I am so so sorry to hear this. Heartbreaking. Am thinking of you Paul xx." Sophie Dunne, a photographer and studio owner who worked with Hardcastle Jr at several events, said she was "trying to process the utterly heartbreaking news of the loss of one of the most talented, kind and energetic people I've ever had the privilege of working alongside". She added: "Every event we shared was electric never a person on a seat, just joy, energy, and smiling faces in every moment I captured." Paul Jr's father rose to fame during the 1980s when his breakthrough hit 19 a reference to the average age of US soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War went to the top of the charts in 13 countries. The musician also wrote The Wizard the theme tune for the BBC music show Top Of The Pops in 1986 before he switched to production. Hardcastle previously revealed how he had wanted to be a motorbike racer before turning his attention to music after being hospitalised for almost four months following a serious accident. The star told Virgin Radio's My 80s Playlist in 2024: "I came out, I had compound fractures on my femur, my tibia, and fibula. Half of it was my fault, because I was going too fast, but someone pulled out as well. "I was in (hospital) for four months, I had nothing to do. I was just listening to the radio. "I had done music with my dad, when I was about eight years old, I went around Berlin. We lived everywhere, anywhere that he was getting gigs. "I was sort of a novelty because I could play the drums and do a little bit of sort of singing and play a little bit of guitar." The start of each spring semester is marked by Emorys annual King Week celebration a program designed to inspire reflection and honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. While the national week of observance begins on Jan. 13, Emorys programs kick off on Thursday, Jan. 15 and continue through Saturday, Jan. 24. The week is a collaborative effort of units across the university, supported by the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, and events take place across Emory schools and campuses. This years theme, selected by the King Center, is Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way. It builds on the 2025 theme, also dubbed Mission Possible and focused on nonviolence. The Rev. Gregory McGonigle, university chaplain and dean of religious life, says Emorys offerings will explore that theme and much more. This King Week provides deep opportunities to reflect, learn, remember, grow and serve, especially as we think about democracy, caring for one another and doing what is right, he says. This year, Im especially reflecting on what it means to be part of what King called the world house, where we expand our consciousness and compassion to work for the wellbeing of all, McGonigle says. And this year Emory is celebrating a Year of Compassion which is another great invitation to recommit to compassion in the form of the beloved community to which King called us. Below are some of the many inspiring King Week events at Emory. For a full list, check the universitys King Week website. Worship services Emorys weekly Beloved Community worship service is named in honor of Kings vision, and each year it hosts a guest speaker for King Week. This years service is on Sunday, Jan. 18, at 11 a.m. in Cannon Chapel, followed by a free lunch. The Rev. Cassandra Henderson will deliver the keynote sermon, open to the public. Henderson is the executive director of the Interfaith Childrens Movement, which champions childhood well-being throughout Georgia. She is also a Candler School of Theology alumna. Her sermon, McGonigle says, will explore how we can apply Kings teachings of justice to caring for children today. Oxford College will host its own King Week service and celebration on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 7:30 p.m. at Old Church just down the road from the historic campus in the city of Oxford. The Rev. Robert Franklin, James T. and Berta R. Laney Chair in Moral Leadership at Candler and former president of Morehouse College, will deliver the keynote address. The event is free and open to the public. On Thursday, Jan. 22, Candler will host a commemorative service at 11 a.m. in Cannon Chapel, featuring the Rev. Dr. Jack L. Bomar, presiding bishop at Atlantas Hillside International Truth Center. The service is open to all and will be livestreamed on Candlers website. These events remind us why the dean of American preaching Gardner C. Taylor once called King the most authentic spiritual genius in the land, says Nichole R. Phillips, associate professor in the practice of religion and society and director of the Black Church Studies Program at Candler. Kings brilliance did not come from strategy alone but from a spirit and heart continually bowed in prayer, seeking wisdom for action. Days of service Service is always an important component of King Week, and the annual Emory Day On event is a perfect example. This years Day On takes place Saturday, Jan. 24, and is planned by Volunteer Emory and the Center for Civic and Community Engagement. It offers more than a dozen opportunities for Emory students to get involved on and off campus. Emory Day On has become one of the most beloved parts of King Week because it turns Dr. Kings values into action, service, equity and collective responsibility lived out side by side, says Byron Brown, director of student-led community engagement at the center. Im especially looking forward to seeing how this years projects bring people together across differences and create moments of connection that last well beyond the day itself. Volunteer locations include the American Cancer Society Atlanta Hope Lodge, the Emory Center for Student Wellbeing, Metro Atlanta Urban Farm and many more. Theres even an opportunity to care for cats while volunteering with Furkids ATL, a local no-kill animal shelter. Students, who should register for Day On through the Emory Hub, will check in at the Math and Science Center at 10 a.m. before proceeding to their service assignments. Registration is required, and space is limited. Oxfords Day of Service will take place a few days prior on Monday, Jan. 19 with a variety of local projects, from volunteering at Salvation Army to cleaning up local trails. Students, who can sign up for projects via OpenEmory, will meet at the Oxford Student Center at 9 a.m. to check in before dispersing. Afterwards, there will be time for reflection and a free lunch. Discussions, gatherings and screenings The first official event of Emorys King Week celebration is Emory Laws keynote address on Thursday, Jan. 15, in Tull Auditorium at 12:15 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. This years speaker is Jasmine Burton, the CEO, executive director and founder of Wish for WASH an organization that addresses global water, sanitation and hygiene issues. Her talk is titled Beyond Service Hours: From Transactional to Transformative Engagement. After Burtons speech, Ifeoma Ajunwa, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Law and founding director of Emory Laws AI and the Future of Work program, will lead a panel featuring: James Roland, Sr., director of the Center for Civic and Community Engagement and executive director of Atlanta Urban Debate League; and Careisha Moore, attorney and former president and CEO of musician Usher Raymond's New Look Foundation. On Friday, Jan. 16, Kylie Smith, Emory associate professor and director of the Center for Healthcare History and Policy, will discuss her new book Jim Crow in the Asylum at Charis Books and More in Decatur. The talk begins at 7 p.m. and will feature panelists Jennifer Grant, assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Emory School of Medicine, and Vanessa Jackson, a social worker, doula and owner of a local healing practice. Emory MLK Scholars past and present will come together for a breakfast reception on Sunday, Jan. 18. The event is open to current scholars and alumni who participated in the program. The MLK scholarship, now part of the Woodruff Scholars program, has a rich history of supporting service-minded students. Recognizing a commitment to service is a common theme throughout the week. The MLK Service Awards which honor those in Atlanta who live by Kings motto, the time is always ripe to do what is right will be presented on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 4 p.m. at Goizueta Business School, Room W525. The theme for this years ceremony is The Work Continues: Honoring the Past, Serving the Present, Shaping the Future. It is sponsored by Goizueta, the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Rollins School of Public Health and Emory School of Medicine. Registration is required. Also on Jan. 22, the Emory Department of African American Studies will host a free, public screening of the documentary Selma at 60. The movie will begin at 5 p.m. in Convocation Hall. The screening will be followed by a panel featuring students in conversation with Carol Anderson Robert W. Woodruff Professor of African American Studies and Bernard Fraga, Ann and Michael Hankin Distinguished Professor of Political Science. That same evening, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta will host a fireside chat featuring Clint Fluker senior director of culture, community, and partner engagement at Michael C. Carlos Museum and Emory Libraries and Andra Gillespie, professor of political science and director of the James Weldon Johnson Institute for Race and Difference. The pair will discuss Fluker's work curating and creating art that is expressive, thought-provoking, and socially relevant. Tickets are $30 and the event starts at 6:30 p.m. King in the archives Engaging with the King Centers theme, the Woodruff Health Sciences Center Library has launched a new digital exhibition titled Mission Possible 2: Building Community Through Health Fairness Atlantas Co-Authored Research Legacy. Featuring selections co-authored by researchers from Emory and Morehouse School of Medicine, the exhibit explores how Emory and various Atlanta partners translate Kings vision into public health action. The Woodruff Library has also curated a special selection of resources that explores Kings life and legacy. The works selected by Erica Bruchko, African American Studies and U.S. history librarian, and James Steffen, humanities team leader at Woodruff Library can be accessed through the library. Earlier this month, Bruchko published a blog post covering documentaries about King. In honor of King Week at Emory, Emory students, faculty, staff and alumni can purchase discounted tickets to visit Atlantas newly reopened and expanded National Center for Civil and Human Rights, from Jan. 1323 (not including Friday, Jan. 17). Tickets can be purchased online. Read more about King Week offerings at Emory libraries. Getting involved The Emory Staff Council is sponsoring the first chance to get involved with a sandwich making party to support the Emory Community Fridge and Pantry on Friday, Jan. 16, at noon. Volunteers will meet at Campus Services Building B, Training Room B, and can bring shelf-stable items for the pantry. Registration is required. Off campus, Emory students, faculty and staff can volunteer to serve as a judge at the Atlanta Urban Debate Leagues King Week high school debate tournament. The tournament takes place on Saturday, Jan. 17, at Sutton Middle Schools sixth grade campus, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The league, which is part of Emorys Center for Civic and Community Engagement, will provide training the morning of the tournament; no previous experience is required. Volunteers can sign up via the OpenEmory portal. On the last day of King Week, the Barkley Forum will host a World Cafe Dialogue on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 11 a.m. Held at the Emory Center for Ethics, the dialogue will explore the oral, reflective and communal nature of Kings sermons. Kings famous 1963 sermon Strength to Love inspired the theme for the event, which will include 100 high school speech and debate participants. Participation is open to those enrolled in high school programs partnered with the Barkley Forum. Kings inner life shaped his outer vision, giving him the courage to confront the worlds deepest wounds with clarity and compassion, Phillips says. Emorys King Week programming from the service projects and celebration at Oxford College to the Beloved Community and Candler worship services, from the documentary Selma at 60 to the arts and activism gathering at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights echoes that legacy. Ariana Grande says Mac Miller "encouraged her to be herself" as she moved into music. Ariana Grande has paid tribute to her late ex Mac Miller The Wicked actress has recalled her experiences leaving Nickelodeon sitcom Sam and Cat as she started working on her 2013 debut album Yours Truly, and her late ex-boyfriend - who she dated from 2016 to 2018 - encouraged her to "shed that character" and move on. Speaking on The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast, she said: "Ive never talked about this, but actually Malcolm, whom you might know as Mac, encouraged me to be myself. And that it was OK to kind of shed that character, and embrace my brown hair, and make R B-influenced pop music and separate and do the brave thing. "I never said that. But it was a great influence, Im so very grateful for that. She featured Miller on her lead single The Way, as a nod to the influence he had on her music. She added: Not only because he was so perfect for the song, but I also felt like I had him to thank for finding my sound. Ariana and Miller split just six months before he died in an accidental overdose aged 26 in September 2018, and she has paid tribute to him over the years. In 2020, she told Apple Music: "I think that nothing mattered more to him than music ever. "And he was the kind of person who woke up and rolled into the studio, tumbled out of bed, into the studio next door. "Nothing was more important. Talk about losing track of time and forgetting to eat, remind yourself to take care of yourself and be a person. "He was a person who gave literally every single second of his thought and time and life to his music." Ariana also pointed to the "many incredible and different bodies of work" he left behind. She had previously reflected on the grief she felt when he passed, acknowledging that while their relationship wasn't "perfect", she still thought he was "the best person ever". She told Vogue magazine in 2019: "By no means was what we had perfect, but, like, f***. He was the best person ever, and he didn't deserve the demons he had. "I was the glue for such a long time, and I found myself becoming... less and less sticky. The pieces just started to float away." NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 14: Orange Health Labs, India's No. 1-rated diagnostic brand, has launched Orange One, which offers a new way to manage your health. The product flips the current approach to health management by eliminating the pay-per-test business model of the industry. Orange One customers can get a complete view of their health risks with a comprehensive full-body check-up that covers 114+ blood markers, including advanced parameters like Apo A1 / Apo B, Troponin I for cardiac risk, HOMA-IR to check insulin resistance and a detailed hormonal and vitamin profile. Consumers can then track their health progress throughout the year by ordering any of the 100 essential tests, including thyroid function tests, lipid and cholesterol markers and diabetic tests like HbA1c, free of cost. Designed to help consumers start 2026 with a renewed commitment to their health, this product solves for the current reality that proactive preventive testing or chronic health condition management isn't effective by testing just once a year. It requires monitoring throughout the year. However, paying for tests every time creates friction for consumers. Priced at just 4999/- paid once, this product is designed to change the way India thinks about managing their health by making routine tests on-demand, accessible, and hassle-free. With lifestyle-related health concerns such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes on the rise in India, many conditions can be effectively managed through proactive health choices. The Orange One Health Plan empowers consumers to take full charge of their health. Speaking on its new initiative, Dhruv Gupta, Co-founder of Orange Health Labs, says, "We are seeing that customers today are keen to take proactive action to protect their health and are keen to get comprehensive checkups. Additionally, actively tracking their parameters which are out of range. By introducing Orange One, we are empowering consumers to embrace routine health tests as an integral part of their lives, making it easier for people to experience the life-changing benefits of regular health monitoring." Adding to this, Tarun Bhambra, Co-founder of Orange Health Labs, says, "One of our core values at Orange Health Labs is #Build4Family - where we innovate to create solutions we would want for our family members. With this product, we solve a critical confusion for our consumers - which package to buy? Orange ONE is the one package anyone needs to get a full view of their health, but more importantly, it's a health monitoring solution that lasts a full year. We believe this is how health management should be - not episodic, but continuous. And you should pay for managing your health through the year only once." The Orange one is available for limited time can be purchased here www.orangehealth.in/one. About Orange Health Labs Orange Health Labs, a pioneer in on-demand diagnostics, positions itself as India's fastest diagnostic lab. The organisation commits to providing patients with reports within 6 hours for over 1,000+ tests and health packages from 6 AM to 10 PM every day. The organisation was recognised by Voice of Healthcare as the Diagnostics Startup of the Year 2025, named Pathology Lab of the Year in South India 2025 by Economic Times and was covered by Forbes India for its pioneering work in healthcare. Customers are offered the choice between on-demand doorstep sample collection within 30 minutes or walk-in diagnostics at its 70 collection centres. Orange Health Labs operates six NABL-accredited and ICMR-certified laboratories. A workforce of over 500 phlebotomists, known as eMedics, ensure a highly professional sample collection experience across Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida. Furthermore, a national reference laboratory situated in Bangalore manages advanced diagnostic testing. Website - www.orangehealth.inDownload the app: bit.ly/48IcIMe Follow us at - Instagram: www.instagram.com/orangehealth.in/ Twitter: x.com/OrangeHealth_ LinkedIn: in.linkedin.com/company/orange-health (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 14: NeoNiche Integrated Solutions, a leader in full-service experiential marketing, has grown to become a prominent player in the industry, known for blending innovative technology with creative brand experiences for prominent technology and B2C brands globally. NeoNiche has appointed Sheraz Hasan, former Head of Marketing for AWS across Asia Pacific & Japan, to its Leadership Board. Sheraz brings a wealth of expertise in global marketing, GTM strategy, and scaling businesses in high-growth markets from his leadership role at Amazon Web Services (AWS). During his decade at AWS, Sheraz was instrumental in building and leading the marketing engine that propelled growth across the APJ and India regions. His appointment underscores the critical importance of the Asia-Pacific region, with Singapore and ASEAN serving as a vital strategic hub and gateway for global brands seeking to connect with diverse, digitally-advanced audiences. "Sheraz has a rare combination of large-scale platform marketing experience and deep expertise in the APJ and India markets. His insights on Account based marketing (ABM), ecosystem coverage and scaling into new regions will be invaluable as we enter our next phase of growth," said Prateek N. Kumar, Founder & CEO of NeoNiche. Sheraz agrees, "NeoNiche is poised to redefine its category. I am excited to contribute my experience in building global marketing engines to help capture this opportunity and achieve hyper-growth. Success in today's landscape requires a nuanced understanding of both global scalability and key regional dynamics, particularly in high-potential markets like ASEAN." His appointment reaffirms NeoNiche's commitment to strategic growth and the scaling of its innovative capabilities. NeoNiche Integrated Solutions is a rapidly growing, technology-driven agency that is setting benchmarks in experiential marketing by prioritizing creative engagement and global expansion by catering to a global audience. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) NewsVoir Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], January 14: The Hindu Lit For Life, India's sharpest literature festival, returns for its 13th edition on January 17 and 18, 2026, at the Lady Andal School premises, Chennai. The festival celebrates the many ways literature permeates everyday life shaping ideas, culture, creativity, and conversations far beyond the written page. This year, over 100 acclaimed voices from India and across the world will come together in more than 50 sessions, conversations, and workshops, offering audiences a rich and immersive literary experience. The 2026 line-up features an exceptional mix of writers, thinkers, journalists, economists, historians, and cultural commentators. From Perumal Murugan and Banu Mushtaq's deeply human narratives and Shobhaa De's sharp cultural observations to Kiran Desai and Satoshi Yagisawa's intimate, borderless storytelling, the festival showcases literature in all its lived forms. Thought leaders such as A.C. Grayling, Shashi Tharoor, and Arvind Subramanian explore ideas around philosophy, democracy, and economics, while Laura Spinney bridges science, history, and narrative. Lit For Life 2026 has already begun its journey beyond the main festival dates. In November and December 2025, Lit For Life Dialogues and Lit For Life Unplugged have taken the spirit of the festival into cities and communities, extending conversations beyond traditional auditoriums. Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad witnessed engaging discussions led by voices such as Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Sanjaya Baru, Devina Mehra, Manu Joseph, Manu Pillai, Neha Dixit, and Arundhati Ghosh, spanning themes of health, wealth, power, history, identity, and contemporary relationships. Lit For Life Unplugged brought literature into intimate, vibrant spaces ranging from bookstores to pubs. Nirmala Lakshman, Curator, The Hindu Lit For Life and Chairperson, The Hindu Group, said, "The festival continues to reiterate that literature can go beyond the pages to light up one's life. As always, we have a scintillating line-up of speakers, whose writing and thoughts have inspired many. The festival offers everyone - speakers and the audience - a change to engage and exchange ideas and experiences not just through the sessions and workshops but also through direct engagement." The festival's on-ground engagement continues in the weeks leading up to January, with initiatives such as: - A mobile library travelling across Chennai - Storytelling sessions in government and private schools in Chennai - Interactive formats including treasure hunts, quizzes, and contests Speaking about the vision behind Lit For Life 2026, Suresh Balakrishna, Chief Revenue Officer, The Hindu Group, said, "Lit For Life has always been more than a festival; it is a cultural platform that brings together ideas, audiences, and partners in meaningful ways. The theme 'Love Every Bit of Lit' reflects our belief that literature lives everywhere-in culture, public discourse, and everyday life. We are delighted to see Lit For Life grow beyond two days into a year-round engagement that creates value for communities, partners, and the larger ecosystem." The Hindu Lit For Life 2026 continues to strengthen its position as a platform where literature meets society, culture, and commerce offering brands, institutions, and communities a unique opportunity to engage with informed, discerning audiences. The Hindu Lit For Life is presented by The all-new Kia Seltos. In association with: Christ University, NITTE, Associate Partners: Orchids- The International School, Hindustan Group of Institutions, State Bank of India, IndianOil, Indian Overseas Bank, New India Assurance, Akshayakalpa, United India, ICFAI Group, Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited, Vajiram & Sons, Life Insurance Corporation of India, Mahindra University, Realty Partner: Casagrand, Education Partner: SSVM Institutions, State Partner: Government of Sikkim, Official Timekeeping Partner: Citizen, Regional Partner: DBS Bank India Ltd, Tourism Partner: Bihar Tourism, Bookstore Partner: Crossword and Water Partner: Repute. For the detailed agenda, speaker line-up and registration, visit www.thehindu.com/lit-for-life. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) India has received foreign direct investment (FDI) worth USD 51 billion in the last six months, reflecting sustained global confidence in the country's growth story, Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), said on Wednesday. While speaking with media persons, he said, "As part of its startup push, DPIIT will organise National Startup Day on January 16, during which 75 Grand Challenges will be launched to foster innovation and problem-solving across sectors." The DPIIT Secretary said the response to the event has been overwhelming, with more than 3,000 requests already received to participate in National Startup Day. To recognise excellence in entrepreneurship, 20 National Startup Awards will also be presented on the occasion, celebrating outstanding contributions to India's startup ecosystem, he said. On startups and FDI, Bhatia said the government is strongly focused on boosting manufacturing in the country, with innovation-driven production gaining momentum. "New products are being manufactured, and significant investments are flowing into the manufacturing sector," he noted. He highlighted the government's efforts to encourage deeper engagement between corporates and startups, noting that large companies are increasingly interested in collaborating with startups to drive innovation and scale. On Tuesday, while speaking at the final session of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the combination of Digital India, startup growth, and youth participation is reshaping the country's future. The Prime Minister said the country is witnessing rapid growth across creative and technology-driven sectors, powered largely by young innovators and entrepreneurs. He said, Digital India has created a whole new community of creators and is driving the unprecedented rise of the 'Orange Economy', covering culture, content and creativity. (ANI) NewsVoir Gurugram (Haryana) [India], January 14: In the final days of 2025, when many factories begin winding down and skeleton crews take over, the VinFast manufacturing complex in Hai Phong showed no signs of easing up. Robotic arms kept time with one another. Conveyors rolled steadily forward. Lights stayed on long after dark, as electric vehicles continued to come off the line at full pace. If this was a year ending, it did not feel like one slowing down. That sense of continuity turned into a milestone on December 31, when VinFast rolled its 200,000th electric vehicle of 2025 out of the Hai Phong plant. The number capped a year in which the company had already spent more than twelve months as the best-selling car brand in Vietnam, steadily widening a gap between itself and long-established rivals. The factory itself helps explain how that pace has been sustained. With more than 1,200 ABB robots and a production process nearing 90 percent automation, the Hai Phong plant runs with the discipline and rhythm of a mature global manufacturer. December alone saw nearly 26,000 vehicles completed. On its busiest day, the plant produced more than a thousand cars in 24 hours, a level of output that puts it firmly in gigafactory territory. The identity of the 200,000th vehicle mattered as much as the number itself. It was the Limo Green, a fully electric seven-seat MPV that has become one of VinFast's standout successes. In November 2025, the model posted monthly sales of 9,642 units, the highest single-month figure ever recorded by any car in Vietnam. The appeal is straightforward and deliberate: space, features, and practicality, wrapped into an electric MPV designed for families and fleet buyers alike. VinFast plans to bring the Limo Green to India and Indonesia next, markets where affordable electric people movers have big growth potential. While celebrations were underway in Hai Phong, another piece of good news arrived from more than 5,000 kilometers away. On that same December 31st, India's VAHAN data showed VinFast had recorded 321 new electric vehicle registrations for the month, overtaking both Hyundai and Kia. The result placed VinFast fourth in India's EV market in December, a notable showing for a brand still learning its way around the country. The ranking deserves attention. Although VinFast officially launched its brand in January 2025, sales only began in September, and with just two models, the VF 6 and VF 7, both assembled locally at its Tamil Nadu plant. Four months later, the company had already expanded to 35 showrooms nationwide. "VinFast's entry is raising the bar for design, features, and performance in the EV segment," wrote one industry observer. Taken together, these developments suggest a company stepping into 2026 with its footing secure. Beyond Hai Phong, VinFast brought three new factories online over the past year, in Ha Tinh in Vietnam, Tamil Nadu in India, and Subang in Indonesia. The footprint reflects a strategy built around local production, tighter supply chains, and a long view of global growth. Looking ahead, change is coming, but the direction remains consistent. VinFast is continuing to build out its EV ecosystem, expanding dealerships and service centers while tackling charging access head-on. In December, its strategic charging partner V-Green signed agreements with HPCL to install EV chargers at fuel stations across India, addressing one of the most persistent concerns among Indian EV buyers. In 2026, the company's three core pillars will continue to bring tangible benefits to consumers. Vehicles are designed to meet high-quality standards. Pricing is structured to stay inclusive. Exceptional after-sales policies are meant to reduce uncertainty. Indian customers are offered warranties of up to ten years/200,000 km on vehicles and batteries, along with benefits such as three years of free maintenance, incentives that aim to make the transition to electric feel less like a leap of faith. For a new brand, the strategy signals patience. VinFast is spending early to earn trust later, betting that consistency will matter more than quick wins. As one Indian auto industry analyst observed, the next phase will come down to execution. If manufacturing strength continues to show up in everyday ownership and charging access improves at the same pace, VinFast's early momentum could carry well beyond 2026. For customers already behind the wheel, the shift feels personal. "I didn't buy it just because it looks good and new, though that helps," said Rahul, a first-time EV owner in Pune. "I bought it because the VinFast team at the showroom made me feel supported, and because they've actually built a factory here. That tells me they're serious about staying for the long term." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) The incident took place late at night near Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue in Hollywood. According to the outlet, the 59-year-old actor was arrested shortly after midnight on January 12 when officers received a call about an alleged assault. Shortly after the call, officers from the Los Angeles Police Department arrived at the location and began an investigation. Sharing details of the incident, LAPD officer Kevin Terzes spoke about the police response and said officers acted after receiving a call about an "assault." He told PEOPLE, "On January 12, around 12:15 a.m., officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a radio call regarding an assault involving a rideshare driver near Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue." Police later identified the suspect as the actor and said he had entered the vehicle before the situation escalated. Terzes further added that the investigation found that Sutherland had "physically assaulted" the driver and also made threats. He said, "The investigation determined that the suspect, later identified as Kiefer Sutherland, entered a rideshare vehicle, physically assaulted the driver (the victim), and made criminal threats toward the victim." After the inquiry at the scene, officers arrested Sutherland for making "criminal threats" in violation of California Penal Code section 422," Terzes told PEOPLE. Regarding the victim's condition, Terzes added that the driver "did not sustain any injuries requiring medical treatment at the scene." Jail records seen by PEOPLE show that Sutherland was booked into jail and later released on a $50,000 bond the same day. He is expected to appear in court on February 2 at the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The case is now being investigated by detectives from the LAPD's Hollywood Division. (ANI) A die-hard fan of Rajinikanth from Madurai marked the Pongal festival in a special way by offering prayers at a temple built for the superstar inside his own home. Karthik, who considers himself as a huge fan of 'Thalaivar,' has been celebrating the harvest festival at this shrine with his family to show his love and respect for the actor. The temple was set up a few years ago and houses a 300-kg idol of Rajinikanth. For Karthik, the actor is not just a film star but someone he worships like a god. During Pongal, the family observed traditional rituals and offered prayers at the temple, as in village celebrations. Speaking to ANI, Karthik said the temple successfully celebrated Pongal for the third consecutive year. He also added that the festival is meant to honour farmers and village life. "On behalf of the Arulmigu Sri Rajini Temple, we have been celebrating Pongal successfully for the third consecutive year. Pongal is a festival dedicated to farmers and is observed to honor and uplift them. Today, many of us have shifted to an urban lifestyle. With the intention of showcasing how Pongal is traditionally celebrated in villages, we recreated a scene inspired by the film Muthu, depicting Rajini seated on a bullock cart, similar to his iconic horse-cart sequence in the movie," he said. Karthik went on to share details about how the idol was decorated for the festival, using food items linked to Pongal. Talking about the decorated idol and the special display, he explained, "The idol of Rajini has been decorated with vegetables such as carrots and beans. We also created an image of Padayappa Rajini using nine varieties of grains (navadhanyam). Both the main idol and the processional idol have been adorned with garlands made of tomatoes and dried dates." Pongal, one of the most significant festivals for Tamils worldwide, marks thanksgiving to nature, the sun, farm animals, and farmers. It is traditionally celebrated as a family festival symbolising prosperity, gratitude, and togetherness. To facilitate the celebrations, the Tamil Nadu government had earlier announced a Pongal gift package comprising one kilogram of raw rice, one kilogram of sugar, and one full-length sugarcane for all eligible beneficiaries. (ANI) Venezuelan actor Edgar Ramirez has described a mix of "relief, fear and exhaustion" following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces early this month, saying the country now faces only "bad or worse" options for its future. Since January 3, when Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured by the US forces and transported to New York to face federal drug and weapons charges, dgar Ramirez has been in a state of emotional whiplash. "Right now I feel relieved, but also excited and fearful and exhausted," the Emmy-nominated Venezuelan actor tells The Hollywood Reporter. "There is a sense of relief that this terrible dictator has been taken out. But there is a lot of uncertainty. What people have to understand is there are no good, viable options for Venezuela. It's a choice of bad or worse," he added. The developments have added urgency to Ramirez's latest project, 'It Would Be Night in Caracas', his first feature film as a producer. The film, which recently received an Ibero-American Special Mention at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, is set during the 2017 anti-government protests that resulted in nearly 200 deaths. Directed by Mariana Rondon and Marite Ugas, the film is based on a novel of the same name by Karina Sainz Borgo. It follows "Adelaida (played by Natalia Reyes), a Venezuelan woman grappling with the death of her mother against the backdrop of a society in collapse. Adelaida returns from the cemetery to discover her apartment has been taken over by a woman aligned with the regime. Hiding in the apartment next door, she begins to realise if she is to survive, she has to leave everything, her country and her identity, behind and escape," according to The Hollywood Reporter. "The movie is showing us what it is like to wake up in a country you don't recognise anymore," says Ramirez. "There is no food, no medicine, no future. That has been the reality of Venezuela for the last 25 years. One of every four Venezuelans have left the country. This is unprecedented. The film shows what people, ordinary people, do when they are pushed into an impossible situation and forced to make an impossible choice. It is the tragedy of totalitarianism, where the entire social tissue is torn apart." 'It Would Be Night in Caracas' premiered at the Venice Film Festival and had its North American debut in Toronto. "As an artist, I'm not interested in that, in sending a political message. I hope it's political only in the sense that it makes people aware and makes them care about what has been happening in Venezuela," said the actor, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI) On Wednesday, Netflix confirmed an upcoming project titled 'The Dealer' - a Korean casino crime drama set to be produced by Hwang Dong-hyuk, further also revealing its principal cast, as per Variety. Production is currently underway for the series, which features a high-profile cast led by Jung So-min, Ryoo Seung-bum, and Lee Soo-hyuk. The casino crime drama will mark the directorial debut of acclaimed cinematographer Choi Young-hwan, with major Korean films like 'Smugglers', 'Veteran', 'Tazza: The High Rollers', and 'The Thieves' to his credit. Hwang is producing the show through his Firstman Studio banner, the company behind 'Squid Game'. According to Variety, 'The Dealer' will follow the character of Geonhwa, a skilled casino dealer whose marriage preparations unravel after falling victim to a housing fraud scheme. After getting drawn back into a realm which she previously chose to escape, Geonhwa enters the gambling's treacherous underworld where she must deploy long-concealed abilities to reclaim control over her circumstances. The show's screenplay has been penned by Ohnooy and Lee Tae-young. Jung So-min will take over the lead of Geonhwa as a dealer who has spent years repressing the capabilities that provide her with an extraordinary advantage at gaming tables. Ryoo Seung-bum will be seen as Hwang Chisu, a financially struggling gambler surviving through precarious wagers, who is also seen getting drawn into Geonhwa's perilous scheme, reported Variety. Lee Soo-hyuk will portray Jo Jun, a formidable casino competitor with keen instincts and an inscrutable demeanour. Ryu Kyung-soo will be seen as Geonhwa's finance. Further details on the show's release date are yet to be released. (ANI) Ben Affleck wants his children to follow their own passions in life. Ben Affleck won't put pressure on his kids The 53-year-old star - who has Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, or Samuel, 13, with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner - has insisted he won't push his kids towards careers in the film industry. Ben - who was married to Jennifer Garner between 2005 and 2018 - told E! News: "You put something on your children when you have a public life and that's complicated. We really want to give them room to figure out what they want to do. "I wouldn't push them into that. They're brilliant and lovely and wonderful and we love them and we're proud of them, and hope that they don't waste their life acting." Ben didn't grow up with the same level of privilege as his children - but he actually thinks that it's helped him in the long run. The actor said: "In some way, it was kind of a blessing to anonymity, to struggle, to where we started, which was just in the middle of nowhere." Meanwhile, Ben previously claimed that movies will be "one of the last things" to be replaced by AI. The actor believes AI technology can replicate the "more laborious, less creative" aspects of filmmaking - but Ben insists he isn't worried about AI taking over Hollywood. Speaking at CNBC's Delivering Alpha 2024 investor summit, Ben explained: "AI can write you excellent imitative verse that sounds Elizabethan. It cannot write you Shakespeare. "The function of having two actors or three or four actors in a room and the taste to discern and construct that is something that currently entirely alludes AIs capability and I think will for a meaningful period of time. "What AI is going to do is dis-intermediate the more laborious, less creative, and more costly aspects of filmmaking that will allow costs to be brought down, that will lower the barrier to entry, that will allow more voices to be heard, that will make it easier for the people want to make Good Will Huntings to go out and make it." Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah on Tuesday said that the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was travelling to Gudalur to attend a program and met him on the way. He clarified that no political discussion took place with the Congress leader. Responding to media queries regarding alleged confusion over power-sharing in the state, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that there is no such discord within the party, labelling the speculation an 'entirely media-driven creation.' Addressing recent remarks made by certain party MLAs on the matter, he stated that they were not fully aware of the situation. He emphasised that only he or Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is authorised to speak on the issue, noting that the media has been discussing the topic far more than the legislators themselves. Ultimately, the Chief Minister maintained that the party high command's decision is final and will be followed by all. Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said that any decision on the state's Chief Ministership rests solely with the Congress high command, even as speculation and internal party dynamics continue to fuel debate over a possible leadership change. Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Parameshwara clarified that he has neither formed any group nor issued instructions to supporters demanding that he be made the next Chief Minister. "There is no 'my team'. Some people, friends or well-wishers, may express their views on their own. Even when I visit districts, some people say such things. It is their interest, but ultimately, the high command will make a decision," he said. These developments come in the wake of the speculation about a change in the state's Chief Minister, after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. As a result, it allegedly triggered an ongoing power struggle within the Karnataka Congress, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and Home Minister G. Parameshwara seen as key figures in the unfolding political churn. (ANI) Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme with Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act. During his visit to Gujarat, the agriculture minister alleged irregularities in the implementation of the MGNREGA law, noting that under this law, work was done by machines and contractors instead of labour, and claimed that the new VB-G RAM G Act would stop these irregularities. The Union Minister further described MGNREGA as an 'ocean of corruption' and said it will no longer be implemented, declaring that the public will no longer listen to the Congress on this matter. "There were irregularities in it (MGNREGA). There was corruption, work was done by machines and contractors instead of labourers...In VB-G RAM G, by stopping all those irregularities, instead of 100 days, 125 days of employment, through a huge amount of Rs 1 lakh 51 thousand 282 crore, to build developed villages for a developed India, interest will be given on delayed wage payments... No one is going to listen to Congress, this (MGNREGA) was an ocean of corruption which has been ended," Chouhan told reporters. Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar criticised the BJP for allegedly killing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which guaranteed 100 days of unskilled wage work per financial year to rural households to enhance livelihood security. Speaking at a preparatory meeting for the 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' at Palace Grounds, the State Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President stated that the new 60:40 fund-sharing pattern between the Centre and the states would impose a significant burden on state governments. He asserted that the BJP would find it impossible to implement this new project effectively, even in states where they are currently in power. "Each panchayat was getting about Rs 1-2 crore a year but that is being jeopardised by the new scheme of the Centre. Under this scheme, the panchayats can't decide where the work should happen. The 90:10 ratio has also been changed to 60:40, this puts more pressure on the states. The BJP will not be able to implement the new project in states ruled by it," said Shivakumar. The Deputy Chief Minister also mentioned that the Karnataka government will soon decide on organising a two-day special Assembly session to discuss the reinstatement of the MGNREGA scheme. On December 18, the Parliament passed the VB-G RAM G Bill, which received the President's assent on December 21. The law guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household, up from the existing 100 days, for adult members willing to undertake unskilled manual work. The Law has undergone a full name change from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act. As per Section 22 of the law, the fund-sharing pattern between the Central Government and the State Governments will be 60:40, while for the North Eastern States, Himalayan States, and Union Territories, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir it will be 90:10. Section 6 of the law allows state governments to notify in advance a period aggregating to sixty days in a financial year, covering the peak agricultural seasons of sowing and harvesting. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured justice to the family of late Sukhwant Singh, a farmer from Kashipur, who allegedly shot himself in a Haldwani hotel room, adding that "no negligence will be tolerated at any level". Dhami reaffirmed the state government's commitment to a fair and thorough probe into the matter. "They (the family) will receive justice in the case of his death, and no negligence will be tolerated at any level during the investigation. The government stands with the affected family with full sensitivity, and no one responsible for this tragic incident will be spared," Dhami said, according to the release. On Tuesday, the Chief Minister spoke over the phone with the deceased's brother, Parvinder Singh, expressing his heartfelt condolences and offering comfort to the family. In the presence of Sukhwant Singh's father and other family members, the Chief Minister said, "While it is not possible to compensate for such a tragic loss, the government is fully committed to ensuring the strictest legal punishment for those found guilty." Chief Minister, upon receiving information about the incident, immediately directed senior officials to take action and ordered the Kumaon Commissioner to conduct a magisterial inquiry. He also assured the family that justice would be delivered at all costs. "Whenever any such incident occurs in the state, the government acts promptly and with full commitment to ensure justice for the victims," the Chief Minister said, adding that, "he will meet the affected family in person soon." Earlier on Monday, Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and Senior Congress leader Harish Rawat expressed his concerns over the suicide of Sukhwant Singh, and urged for government to take action on the matter. Singh alleged harassment and extortion by Udham Singh Nagar police in a Facebook Live video before his death, citing a Rs 4 crore land fraud case and pressure from police and property dealers. Addressing this, Rawat, in an exclusive conversation with ANI, raised questions over law and order in the state, saying, "It is a shameful and eye-opening incident. From what Sukhwant said in the video, it seems to be a matter of declining effective security efforts in the state. The way the police provided protection to the perpetrators instead of the victim is concerning." Rawat further urged the state government to provide justice to Singh. "The government should help him and his family and provide justice to the farmer. A lawful action must also be taken against the perpetrators," he stated. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the auspicious occasions of Makar Sankranti and the Uttarayani festival. In his message, the Chief Minister prayed for the "happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health" of all citizens of the state. He said, "The festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different parts of the country under various names and traditions, reflecting the diversity and unity of Indian culture." The Chief Minister further stated that the festival conveys "the message of worship of the Sun God, the change of seasons, and harmony with nature." "Makar Sankranti inspires people to move forward on the path of continuous action with a positive mindset. This sacred festival is also associated with the auspicious beginning of new endeavours," he added. He further said that the Uttarayani festival is an important part of Uttarakhand's cultural identity, strengthening social harmony, folk traditions, and cultural heritage. The Chief Minister expressed his hope that this sacred occasion of worshipping the Sun God brings new energy, enthusiasm, and positivity into everyone's lives, and that "the state continues to move rapidly forward on the path of progress and prosperity." Earlier on Tuesday, Dhami visited Harshu Enclave on Nagla Tarai Road in his hometown, Khatima, and participated in a public Lohri celebration at the residence of Sumit Gumber, joining people from the Sikh and other communities who danced joyfully to the beat of the dhol. The Chief Minister also extended warm greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Lohri, wishing them happiness, prosperity, good health, and renewed energy. In a post on X, CM Dhami wrote, "Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the residents of the state on the auspicious festival of Lohri, filled with joy and enthusiasm. May this festival bring happiness, prosperity, good health, and renewed energy into your lives. This is our heartfelt wish." Magh Bihu, a major harvest festival of Assam, marks the end of the harvest season in Magh and is celebrated with community feasts. Along with Lohri, Pongal, Sankranti, and Uttarayan, it represents the diverse ways harvest festivals are celebrated across India. (ANI) CPI leaders staged a protest on Wednesday against the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) policy for medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh. The demonstration was organised by CPI State Secretary G Eswarayya, CPI City Secretary G Koteswara Rao, and other party leaders, during which Government Orders (GOs) Nos. 847 and 590 were set on fire symbolically. Eswarayya highlighted that the YSRCP government had previously introduced GOs No. 107 and 108 on the privatisation of medical colleges, which were opposed by TDP leaders. He said the new orders, GOs No. 847 and 590, implement the PPP policy, which the party views as detrimental to students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minority communities who cannot afford medical education. Speaking to the reporters, Eswarayya said, "Earlier, the YSRCP Government released GO No 107 and 108, on Privatisation of Medical Colleges, but the TDP leaders fought against the same, with GO No. 847 and 590, the PPP policy is carried out. We oppose the decision of the Government, which is harmful for the SC, ST, and minorities, who cannot afford medical education, and the Government Medical Hospital also charges for the treatment of poor people in the State of Andhra Pradesh." On January 12, YSR Congress Party leaders Vellampalli Srinivas and Malladi Vishnu demanded the immediate cancellation of GO No.15, stating that it was deliberately brought to facilitate the plunder of temple lands worth thousands of crores under the pretext of leasing them to religious institutions. They stated that the government has no respect for God or Hindu traditions and is interested only in temple assets, asserting that Hindu dharma is being systematically undermined under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's rule. They said devotees are losing faith and footfall is declining due to the repeated incidents, and demanded a special law to protect archakas, who are increasingly facing attacks, threats, and humiliation. (ANI) Kerala political youth organisations, including the BJP's Yuva Morcha and the CPM's Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), staged protests in Pathanamthitta on Tuesday. The demonstrators demanded that Rahul Mamkootathil should not be released unless he resigns from his position as an MLA. The protest came after the Thiruvalla First Class Magistrate Court remanded expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil to the custody of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for three days in connection with the third rape case registered against him. Meanwhile, Kerala Leader of the Opposition (LoP) VD Satheeshan defended the Congress party's handling of the case. He said the party had acted decisively even before formal complaints were filed, first suspending and later expelling Mamkootathil once a complaint reached the KPCC president. Satheeshan stressed that the Congress had taken stronger action than most parties and maintained that it had no authority to force an MLA's resignation once he was expelled from the party. "Let law take its own course," he said, adding that the party's stand against crimes against women was clear and consistent. Mamkootathil was earlier remanded to 14 days' judicial custody following his arrest in Palakkad based on a fresh sexual assault complaint received via email. The third complaint includes allegations of physical assault, financial exploitation and forced abortion. The probe into the first rape case has been transferred to the Kerala Police Crime Branch under Assistant Inspector General G Poonguzhali to ensure a consolidated investigation. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said more serious revelations could emerge, as several survivors may still be reluctant to come forward. The cases include charges of rape, repeated sexual assault, rape on the pretext of marriage, forced abortion and transmission of offensive digital content under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, carrying penalties ranging from ten years to life imprisonment. (ANI) Severe fog and poor visibility affected operations at Chennai International Airport early Wednesday, leading to the implementation of Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) and the cancellation of several flights. According to airport weather data, visibility remained stable at around 4,000 metres from midnight until 1:00 am, before gradually deteriorating. By 4:00 am, visibility had dropped to 2,000 metres, prompting airport authorities to declare a visibility standby. Safeguarding procedures were initiated shortly afterwards at 4:45 am as conditions continued to worsen. By 5:30 am, visibility had reduced to 1,000 metres, and Runway Visual Range (RVR) for Runway 07 fell to 1,200 metres. Conditions deteriorated further by 6:00 am, when visibility dropped to 800 metres and RVR to 900 metres. As a result, Low Visibility Procedures were officially implemented at 6:00 am. The situation became most severe between 7:00 am and 8:00 am, when visibility plunged to just 300 metres, with RVR at 400 metres. Despite these challenging conditions, airport authorities stated that flight operations continued under LVP and were reported as being under control.However, the bad weather forced the cancellation of several flights scheduled for later in the day. Among the arrivals, three IndiGo A321neo aircraft were cancelled due to bad weather at Chennai. These include: Flight 6E0571 from Kochi, scheduled to arrive at 4:05 pm; Flight 6E6096 from Mumbai, scheduled to arrive at 6:05 pm; Flight 6E6017 from Bengaluru, scheduled to arrive at 7:40 pm. In addition, three outgoing IndiGo flights were also cancelled. These include: Flight 6E6058 to Mumbai, scheduled to depart at 12:55 pm; Flight 6E0447 to Kochi, scheduled to depart at 1:05 pm; Flight 6E0847 to Bengaluru, scheduled to depart at 4:45 pm. Airport officials confirmed that all cancellations were due to the poor weather and low visibility conditions at Chennai. Passengers have been advised to check with their airlines for updates, as fog-related disruptions may continue if weather conditions do not improve. (ANI) President and Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, Droupadi Murmu, on Wednesday lauded the courage and dedication of India's ex-servicemen on the 10th Armed Forces Veterans' Day, expressing confidence that they will continue to serve the nation with unwavering commitment. In a post shared on X, President Murmu said, "On Veterans' Day, I salute the valour, dedication, and sacrifice of our ex-servicemen. Their unwavering courage continues to inspire every Indian. Occasions such as Veterans' Day and Armed Forces Flag Day are not only opportunities to pay tribute to our brave soldiers, but also to extend meaningful support to them. I am confident that our veterans will continue to remain deeply committed to the cause of the nation." https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/2011285456575746117 Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid homage, expressing deep gratitude to both serving personnel and veterans. "On Armed Forces Veterans Day, I bow in deep gratitude to our veterans and serving personnel whose lives are devoted to courage, honour and service before self. Their sacrifices borne with quiet resolve and unshakable faith form the living shield of our borders, preserve the soul of our Republic and embody the enduring spirit of India. The nation's gratitude to its soldiers is eternal and our commitment to the dignity, welfare and well-being of veterans, serving personnel and their families will remain absolute, unwavering and resolute," Singh tweeted. https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/2011281104955981876 Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, also extended warm greetings to veterans and their families. He highlighted the enduring symbols of courage, professionalism, and selfless service represented by retired personnel. "On the occasion of Veterans Day, I extend my warm greetings and deep respect to all our veterans and their families. Our veterans are the enduring symbols of courage, professionalism, and selfless service, who stood vigilant through calm seas and stormy waters to safeguard India's national interests. This Veterans Day is not merely a commemorative event. It is a tribute to a lifetime of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the nation. The values we live by, discipline, integrity, and devotion to duty, continue to inspire our service personnel and will guide future generations of the defence services," Tripathi said in a video. Chief of Naval Staff further assured India's veterans that the Navy and sister services remain fully committed to their welfare, well-being, and dignity, emphasising that their bond with the armed forces continues even after retirement. "I wish to assure all our veterans that the Indian Navy and our sister services remain steadfastly committed to your welfare, well-being and dignity. Your bond with us does not and did not end with your retirement. You remain an integral part of our defence services. On behalf of the Indian Navy and other services, I express our deep gratitude for your service to the nation. We are proud to carry your legacy forward. I wish all veterans a happy and memorable Veterans Day," he further said. The Indian Army also paid tribute, with Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi extending best wishes to ex-servicemen and their families. "Veterans, Unparalleled Contributions" General Upendra Dwivedi, #ChiefOfArmyStaff and all ranks, extends best wishes to all ex-servicemen and their families on Armed Forces Veterans' Day 2026," the Indian Army's post read. The Indian Army also hailed ex-servicemen for their invaluable contributions to nation-building. "Ex-servicemen have made invaluable contributions to nation-building. Their unwavering loyalty, discipline, and selfless service inspire future generations, Ex-servicemen are a pillar of strength for India's development. They are contributing immensely to promoting national unity, guiding the youth, and building a strong and developed India. Ex-servicemen are an inspiration to the nation, and the entire country takes pride in them," the post further said. https://x.com/adgpi/status/2011245105840296163 Armed Forces Veterans' Day is celebrated on January 14 every year, marking the birth anniversary of the Late Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. A towering figure in India's military history, Field Marshal Cariappa, the First Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army, led the forces to victory in the 1947 war and laid the foundation for an enduring legacy of service, discipline, and patriotism, a release from the Ministry of Defence said. (ANI) In two separate posts on X, the Prime Minister wished the citizens on the auspicious festivals. Sharing a greeting post for Uttarayan, PM Modi wrote, "Wishing everyone a happy Uttarayan!" in the caption. In the post, PM wished happiness, good health and well-being to everyone. "Heartfelt greetings on the auspicious occasion of Uttarayan! May this sacred festival of Makar Sankranti fill your life with happiness, and may everyone be blessed with good health and well-being. May this joyful celebration also strengthen bonds of togetherness and usher in prosperity and positivity for all," the post read. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister expressed hope that on the festival of Magh Bihu, "the spirit of gratitude and harmony continues to guide all," captioning the post, "Happy Magh Bihu to everyone!" "Warm greetings on the auspicious occasion of MAGH BIHU. Magh Bihu celebrates the joy of harvest, abundance and togetherness. May this festival bring prosperity, good health and happiness to every home. May the spirit of gratitude and harmony continue to guide us towards a brighter and more prosperous future," the post read. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, reposted the Prime Minister's Magh Bihu post, thanking him for his warm greetings. He also stated that people are "awaiting the Prime Minister's arrival on the 17th." "Thank you Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji for your #MaghBihu wishes. The people of Assam are joyfully celebrating this harvest festival and are eagerly awaiting your arrival to Assam on the 17th," the Chief Minister wrote in the post. Magh Bihu, a major harvest festival of Assam, marks the end of the harvest season in Magh and is celebrated with community feasts. Along with Lohri, Pongal, Sankranti, and Uttarayan, it represents the diverse ways harvest festivals are celebrated across India. (ANI) According to the Delhi Fire Department, three fire engines along with Delhi Forensics Team arrived at the incident spot, following which the blaze was brought under control. No damage has been reported and cause of fire is yet to be revealed. Further details are awaited. Last week, a massive fire broke out in a plastic and polythene warehouse near the Kapashera Rajokri border in the national capital, which also affected nearby slum areas. The fire department received the information about the incident at around 4:30 AM and immediately dispatched teams to the site.According to officials, 24 fire tenders were engaged in extinguishing the blaze, which authorities saying was brought under control. (ANI) Melissa Gilbert "stands with" her husband Timothy Busfield following his arrest in coonection with child sexual abuse allegations. Melissa Gilbert supports Timothy Busfield The 61-year-old actress has broken her silence via her representative after the West Wing star turned himself into police after a warrant was issued over two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse and has appealed for privacy for herself and her family. Melissa's spokesperson, Ame Van Iden, said: "She is honouring the request of Tims lawyers not to speak publicly while the legal process unfolds. "During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment. Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected. Melissa's lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie, have distanced themselves from the scandal. A statement shared on Modern Prairie's Instagram account read: Modern Prairie is aware of recent media reports regarding serious allegations involving a family member of our brand muse, Melissa Gilbert. "These allegations do not involve Modern Prairie, our operations, nor our community. Modern Prairie unequivocally condemns abuse in all forms and remains committed to values of safety, integrity, and respect. "While these matters are personal and do not directly involve Melissa or the brand, we are respecting the privacy of the family as they navigate a difficult and personal situation. Our focus remains on supporting our community and continuing our work with care, responsibility, and intention." Shortly before his arrest, the 68-year-old star insisted he "did not do anything wrong." He said in a video obtained by TMZ: "I got the call Friday night, I had to get a lawyer. Saturday I got in the car, drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque. I'm gonna confront these lies. They're horrible. "They're all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys and I'm gonna fight it. I'm gonna fight it with a great team, and I'm gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies." And his attorney also branded the claims "false and deeply troubling". Stanton 'Larry' Stein said in a statement: "Tim voluntarily appeared before New Mexico authorities after traveling across the country to confront these false and deeply troubling allegations." The allegations relate to two 11-year-old siblings, who met Busfield on the set of The Cleaning Lady, on which he is a director. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday wrote to citizens across the country, extending his warm greetings on Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, and Pongal, festivals that mark the harvest season in different parts of India. In a letter, the Prime Minister said the festival symbolises hope and positivity. He said that Sankranti is celebrated in various forms across the country, but with the same spirit and enthusiasm. Highlighting its importance for farmers, he said the festival is an occasion to express gratitude to those who nourish the nation through their hard work. Extending wishes on Magh Bihu, PM Modi described the festival as a reflection of Assamese culture and a celebration of joy, warmth and brotherhood. He said Magh Bihu marks the completion of the harvest season and encourages gratitude and contentment. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contribution of farmers and wished peace, good health and success for everyone. On the occasion of Pongal, the Prime Minister greeted people with a "Vanakkam" and said the festival highlights the close bond between humans and nature. He said Pongal celebrates agriculture, rural life and the dignity of labour, bringing families together and strengthening social bonds. Calling Pongal a symbol of the richness of Tamil traditions, he said India takes pride in being home to the Tamil language, one of the oldest in the world. Magh Bihu, a major harvest festival of Assam, marks the end of the harvest season in Magh and is celebrated with community feasts. Along with Lohri, Pongal, Sankranti, and Uttarayan, it represents the diverse ways harvest festivals are celebrated across India. Lohri celebrations, particularly in northern India, are marked by bonfires, traditional foods, and folk songs, adding warmth and joy to the festive season. Prime Minister will attend the Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister L Murugan in the national capital today. (ANI) Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar launched a sharp attack on West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, slamming her over the lack of coordination with the Centre for organising the Gangasagar Mela. Majumdar said that national events are organised in coordination with both the Centre and the state government, such as the Kumbh Mela. "For a national project like this, you have to sit down with the national government. Just like the state and central governments collaborate to organise the Kumbh Mela, you have to organise this fair in collaboration with the central government; only then will it become a national event," Sukanta Majumdar told ANI. The Union Minister further termed the state government's promise to construct the Gangasagar bridge as false and stated that these promises would disappear after the election. He stated that the project will become a reality under the BJP government. "There are elections coming. The elections will be over, and nothing will happen. The BJP will build this bridge and will inaugurate it. It will be built with Nitin Gadkari's money," he added. Meanwhile, the South 24 Parganas administration on Monday said it expects a large crowd, noting that the event's main attraction is the Ganga aarti. South 24 Parganas DM Arvind Mina said the administration is closely monitoring all arrangements, and that a bridge connecting Sagar Island to the mainland will also be built, as announced by the West Bengal government. "We are expecting a larger crowd this year compared to last year. Gangasagar Aarti is a major attraction of this Mela... We are alert to every arrangement. A few days ago, the Government of West Bengal announced a bridge connecting Sagar Island to the mainland," Mina told ANI. Mina said the state government has made extensive arrangements for the fairs, including installing 1,200 CCTV cameras, and noted that the transportation system at the mela is also being monitored from 16 buffer zones established by the administration. "The Government of West Bengal makes extensive preparations for the Gangasagar Mela. A few days ago, the Chief Minister visited and reviewed all the preparations... More than 1,200 CCTV cameras have been installed. Drones have been deployed at appropriate locations... The transportation system is entirely monitored from the buffer zones we have established. Around sixteen buffer zones have been created," he said. (ANI) Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Upendra Dwivedi visited the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp (RDC) 2026 at the Cariappa Parade Camp in Delhi Cantonment on Wednesday. During his visit, the COAS interacted with the cadets selected for the national event. In addition to the camp visit, General Dwivedi, President of AWWA, and Sunita Dwivedi welcomed the cadets at the Army House. Interacting with the cadets, the Army Chief lauded the NCC's pivotal role in fostering national unity and social cohesion, emphasised discipline, perseverance, hard work and leadership as the cornerstones of character and excellence. https://x.com/adgpi/status/2011295511333285991 General Dwivedi facilitated selected achiever cadets and shared insights from his own journey, urging them to imbibe India's timeless values. The interaction also gave cadets the opportunity to meet gallantry award winners and sportspeople, including Subedar Major and Honorary Lieutenant Sanjay Kumar, Olympian Hokato Sema and Olympian Jasminie, said the Indian Army in a post on X. The month-long National Cadet Corps Republic Day Camp commenced on December 30 at the Cariappa Parade Camp with the traditional "Sarv Dham Pooja". According to the Ministry of Defence, the camp features several inter-directorate competitions and events like Best Cadet Competition, Small Arms Firing, Flag Area Designing and selections of marching contingent during the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path. This year's RDC has recorded the highest-ever participation, with 2,406 cadets, including 898 girl cadets, drawn from 28 states and eight Union Territories. Adding an international dimension, cadets and officers from 25 Friendly Foreign Countries are also taking part under the Youth Exchange Programme. Earlier on December 30, Director General NCC and Lieutenant General Virendra Vats addressed the cadets and congratulated them on their selection for the prestigious Republic Day Camp. He urged the cadets to display the highest qualities of character, integrity, selfless service, comradeship and teamwork, transcending barriers of religion, language, and caste in the true spirit of 'Nation First.' Upholding its motto 'Unity and Discipline,' the Republic Day Camp brings together NCC cadets from all across the country and provides them with opportunities for training and cultural exchange, while instilling a deep sense of patriotism, discipline, and leadership in cadets. (ANI) Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that she is shielding illegal Bangladeshis and wants to turn the state into Bangladesh. Speaking to ANI in Patna, Singh said, "Mamata Banerjee should first explain whose black bag it was that she didn't want to give to the ED. She wants to turn Bengal into Bangladesh by relying on Bangladeshis. All the Bangladeshis in the entire country enter from Bengal. All their Aadhaar cards are made in Bengal." A day earlier, Mamata Banerjee accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of deleting voters' names from the electoral roll using artificial intelligence on the behest of the BJP. Addressing a press conference in Howrah, Banerjee held the BJP responsible for the alleged deaths during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of the voter lists in the state. The Chief Minister said, "84 people died till this morning; 4 died by suicide, 17 lost their lives due to brain stroke or heart stroke after getting SIR notice. The Election Commission should take responsibility for all these deaths. BJP should take responsibility for all these deaths; even Duryodhana and Dushasana should take responsibility for these deaths. Names are deleted through AI on the BJP's instructions. As per our knowledge, there is a plan that people from Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha are entering here and voting in Bengal." Further, the TMC leader called the ECI's 'logical discrepancies' claim a "dubious category", forcing 1.36 crore voters to face hearings. "Acting at the behest of the BJP, ECI carried out SIR in Bengal in a reckless and ill-planned manner, resulting in the deletion of nearly 58 lakh names from the electoral rolls. When even this massive purge failed to satisfy the BJP's political objectives, a new and dubious category called 'logical discrepancies' was invented, forcing 1.36 crore voters to face hearings without the Commission even disclosing the complete list of names. Still unsatiated, the BJP has now escalated this assault on democracy by ferrying in people from other states, loading vehicles with thousands of Form 7, and coercively submitting them to engineer the mass deletion of genuine voters," Mamata told reporters. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday paid tribute to veterans on the 10th Armed Forces Veterans' Day, saying the nation bows in respect to soldiers in India and around the world, and honours those who sacrificed their lives. Addressing the 10th Armed Forces Veterans' Day at Manekshaw Centre in the national capital, Singh called veterans a symbol of national pride and an inspiration for future generations. "On the occasion of Veterans Day, we bow our heads in respect to our veterans living in India and around the world. Our tribute also goes to the soldiers who attained martyrdom and to the grateful nation. Today, I have the opportunity to celebrate Makar Sankranti with this larger family," Singh said. "You are the symbol of our national consciousness and an inspiration for future generations. For you, this is not just a profession; it is a vow in which you have placed the nation above yourself. For any society, there can be no greater sacrifice than this. It cannot be expressed in words," he said. Singh said that serving as Defence Minister has been the most fulfilling role of his career. He praised soldiers for their dedication, saying that their spirit remains strong even after retirement and that they continue to contribute to nation-building in every way. "Working with you as Defence Minister has been one of the most joyful moments of my life. I have served as Chief Minister and as Agriculture and Home Minister, but the greatest satisfaction has come from serving as Defence Minister. I consider it my privilege to have had the opportunity to address the challenges in the lives of soldiers," he said. "Soldiers are taught that no matter how adverse the conditions, one must never step back. Whether it is Siachen or the heat of Rajasthan, these experiences shape a soldier's character. A soldier never truly retires; the colour of your uniform may change, but your spirit remains. You contribute to nation-building on every front," Singh added. Armed Forces Veterans' Day is celebrated on January 14 every year, marking the birth anniversary of the Late Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. A towering figure in India's military history, Field Marshal Cariappa, the First Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army, led the forces to victory in the 1947 war and laid the foundation for an enduring legacy of service, discipline, and patriotism, a release from the Ministry of Defence said. (ANI) Congress MLA Ashok Pattan on Wednesday said that senior party leader Rahul Gandhi has asked Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to visit Delhi, adding that the date for the meeting is yet to be finalised. Speaking to ANI in Bengaluru, Pattan said that Rahul Gandhi conveyed the message to both leaders a day earlier. "Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi told both of them (CM Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar) to go to Delhi. The date has not been fixed yet. After fixing the date, both of them will go there," he said. They can go to Delhi after Sankranti, he added, stating that "everything will be fine after CM DCM's visit to Delhi." Shedding light on the possibilty of any cabinet reshuffle here, Pattan asserted, "There is a desire for a cabinet reshuffle. We all demand a cabinet reshuffle. I am also an aspirant for the ministerial post." Pattan further dismissed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) criticism of CM Siddaramaiah and DCM Shivakumar not receiving the German Chancellor at the airport, calling it a "small issue" that the opposition was deliberately blowing out of proportion. "Our leader is very important to us; that is why we went there to receive Rahul Gandhi. We wanted to go there and receive him (German Chancellor), but due to an unexpected program, they could not go there. BJP does not have anything in their hand. They turn these small issues into big ones. First, they must solve their internal quarrel," he told reporters. Earlier today, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah said that the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was travelling to Gudalur to attend a program and that he met him on the way. He clarified that no political discussion took place with the Congress leader. Responding to media queries regarding alleged confusion over power-sharing in the state, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that there is no such discord within the party, labelling the speculation an 'entirely media-driven creation.' Addressing recent remarks by certain party MLAs on the matter, he said they were not fully aware of the situation. He emphasised that only he or Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is authorised to speak on the issue, noting that the media has been discussing the topic far more than the legislators themselves. These developments follow speculation about a change in the state's Chief Minister, after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. As a result, it allegedly triggered an ongoing power struggle within the Karnataka Congress, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and Home Minister G. Parameshwara seen as key figures in the unfolding political churn. (ANI) Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over reports of his possible visit to the Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying that he hopes that he seeks blessings and reflects on his statements made abroad. Speaking to the reporters in Patna, Singh said, "If he is going to the temple, is he doing a favour to Lord Ram? Hope he gets the good sense to take the blessings of Lord Ram. If he goes, he might realise not to speak against the country when travelling abroad." A day earlier, Congress MP from Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh, Tanuj Poonia, said that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi would soon visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Earlier in the day, Giriraj Singh launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that she is shielding illegal Bangladeshis and wants to turn the state into Bangladesh. Speaking to ANI in Patna, Singh said, "Mamata Banerjee should first explain whose black bag it was that she didn't want to give to the ED. She wants to turn Bengal into Bangladesh by relying on Bangladeshis. All the Bangladeshis in the entire country enter from Bengal. All their Aadhaar cards are made in Bengal." Banerjee accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of deleting voters' names from the electoral roll using artificial intelligence on the behest of the BJP. Addressing a press conference in Howrah, Banerjee held the BJP responsible for the alleged deaths during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of the voter lists in the state. The Chief Minister said, "84 people died till this morning; 4 died by suicide, 17 lost their lives due to brain stroke or heart stroke after getting SIR notice. The Election Commission should take responsibility for all these deaths. BJP should take responsibility for all these deaths; even Duryodhana and Dushasana should take responsibility for these deaths. Names are deleted through AI on the BJP's instructions. As per our knowledge, there is a plan that people from Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha are entering here and voting in Bengal." (ANI) Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Wednesday called the meeting between the Chief Minister Siddarmaiah and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, held on Tuesday, "a normal courtesy call." Without revealing many details, the Home Minister said, "The Chief Minister and the party president have spoken about it. How would we know what exactly they discussed? It doesn't seem like they had any detailed discussion there; they may have just exchanged pleasantries." "It is a normal courtesy call for the CM and PCC President to receive and send him off," he added. Moreover, on the Bharatiya Janata Party's criticism that the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister did not welcome the German Federal Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, the Home Minister accused the Central government of now informing the state, saying that "it's like he came secretly and left secretly." "When the German Federal Chancellor came to the country, the Centre should have informed us as well. If he were visiting our state, the Centre should have informed us as well. No one from the state government was invited to the programme he attended. It's like he came secretly and left secretly," he said. "We also have a responsibility--when someone visits our state, we would show respect. But when no information is given to us about the visit, what can we do?" he added. The Karnataka Home Minister said that a special cabinet meeting was called against the BJP-led Central government's repeal of the MGNREGA Act. Speaking to ANI, he said that the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the reformed act has "sparked controversy." "A special meeting of the Cabinet today to discuss how the government has repealed the MGNREGA Act, which was brought in by the Dr Manmohan Singh government. A controversy has arisen over removing Mahatma Gandhi's name and many provisions from the earlier act," the Home Minister stated. Speaking on the submission of the Jail Reforms Committee report, the Minister said that action will be taken after the recommendations are considered. Speaking to the media, Parmeshawara said he would review the report and inform Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. "We had formed the committee under the leadership of Vijayendra. I need to review that report and must also inform the Chief Minister. If necessary, we will place it before the Cabinet. We will look at all the recommendations. After that, we will focus on taking action on them," he said. (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar on Wednesday clarified that there were no discussions regarding a change in the Chief Ministership during the visit of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to the state. Speaking to the reporters, DK Shivakumar said,"I am Karnataka's Congress President, and he is the leader of the opposition. These meetings and talks are as per protocol; all this cannot be discussed in public... There are no such discussions (CM change). Rahul Gandhi has asked us to continue the good work, and we will work accordingly." He added that the meeting also covered developmental issues, including the progress of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), and deliberated on the political scenario in Karnataka. "We also spoke about what kind of progress is taking place as far as NREGA is concerned. We also discussed the BJP politics in the state," he added. While responding to the Delhi visit, DCM Shivakumar said, "On 16th January, I will be going to Delhi." Earlier today, Congress MLA Ashok Pattan said that senior party leader Rahul Gandhi has asked Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to visit Delhi, adding that the date for the meeting is yet to be finalised. Speaking to ANI in Bengaluru, Pattan said that Rahul Gandhi conveyed the message to both leaders a day earlier. "Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi told both of them (CM Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar) to go to Delhi. The date has not been fixed yet. After fixing the date, both of them will go there," he said. They can go to Delhi after Sankranti, he added, stating that "everything will be fine after CM DCM's visit to Delhi." Shedding light on the possibilty of any cabinet reshuffle here, Pattan asserted, "There is a desire for a cabinet reshuffle. We all demand a cabinet reshuffle. I am also an aspirant for the ministerial post." Earlier today, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah said that the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was travelling to Gudalur to attend a program and that he met him on the way. He clarified that no political discussion took place with the Congress leader. Responding to media queries regarding alleged confusion over power-sharing in the state, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that there is no such discord within the party, labelling the speculation an 'entirely media-driven creation.' Addressing recent remarks by certain party MLAs on the matter, he said they were not fully aware of the situation. He emphasised that only he or Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is authorised to speak on the issue, noting that the media has been discussing the topic far more than the legislators themselves. These developments follow speculation about a change in the state's Chief Minister, after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. As a result, it allegedly triggered an ongoing power struggle within the Karnataka Congress, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and Home Minister G. Parameshwara seen as key figures in the unfolding political churn. (ANI) Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday extended his greetings on the occasion of the 10th Veterans Day and paid tribute to ex-servicemen and their families, highlighting their continued contribution to the nation. Attending Army Veterans'' Day 2026 celebrations in Jaipur, COAS General Dwivedi, in his speech, said, "My best wishes to all of you on the occasion of the 10th Veterans Day. First and foremost, I express my respect to all our ex-servicemen. I salute the families of our brave women soldiers. Every soldier will one day become an ex-serviceman; we are all part of the same ecosystem. He underlined the critical role veterans have played whenever the country has called, particularly commending their efforts during Operation Sindoor. "I am proud to say that we have received a response far exceeding our expectations. You all provided invaluable assistance during Operation Sindoor, and the nation salutes your spirit," Gen Dwivedi added. The COAS also spoke about the growing involvement of ex-servicemen in private security and the National Cadet Corps (NCC), emphasising their contribution to nation-building. "On one hand, our veterans are providing private security, and on the other hand, veterans are also making a distinct mark in the NCC. I can proudly say that our ex-servicemen are playing a crucial role in laying the foundation of a developed India," he said. "AWPO is taking significant steps for the resettlement of soldiers after their retirement," he added. He further talked about the VSK+ project, saying, "Through VSK+, a single-window facility has been provided for veterans and Veer Naris (wives of martyrs). By reviewing 700-800 cases every day, they are resolving 97% of the complaints in the shortest possible time. In 2025, approximately ?32 crore was disbursed to veterans through this system. Through the welfare scheme, more than 6,000 new recruits have been disbursed a new amount of approximately ?43 crore," he said. Armed Forces Veterans'' Day is celebrated on January 14 every year, marking the birth anniversary of the Late Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. A towering figure in India''s military history, Field Marshal Cariappa, the First Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army, led the forces to victory in the 1947 war and laid the foundation for an enduring legacy of service, discipline, and patriotism, a release from the Ministry of Defence said. (ANI) Portuguese president says willing to promote greater development of China-Portugal relations Xinhua) 09:48, January 14, 2026 LISBON, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said on Monday that Portugal is willing to work together with China to promote greater development of bilateral relations. De Sousa made the remarks while receiving the credentials of Yang Yirui, China's newly appointed ambassador to Portugal. He welcomed Yang on his assumption of office and spoke positively of the development of China-Portugal relations. Yang said that China has always viewed its relations with Portugal from a strategic and long-term perspective. In recent years, President Xi Jinping and President De Sousa have successfully paid state visits to each other, charting the course for the development of bilateral relations. Political mutual trust between the two countries has continued to deepen, practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results, and people-to-people exchanges have grown increasingly close, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries. China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Portugal to further advance bilateral relations, Yang said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Teyana Taylor has likened divorce to "grieving the death of a living being". Teyana Taylor has reflected on her divorce The 35-year-old star finalised her divorce from Iman Shumpert in 2024, and even though she found it to be a heart-breaking experience, Teyana and her ex-husband are determined to be good co-parents for their children. The Hollywood star - who has daughters Junie, 10, and Rue, five, with Iman - told Vanity Fair magazine: "Divorce, to me, is youre grieving the death of a living being. "I think once children are involved, you understand the importance of really still having to show up for each other. At least for the next 18 years, and being the best coparents that we can be." Despite this, Teyana insisted that she doesn't "want people to start feeling scared of marriage, because marriage is a beautiful thing". Teyana actually announced her split from Iman via a social media post back in 2023. The actress - who has also enjoyed significant success in the music business - wrote on Instagram at the time: "AHT AHT! Not too much on my bestie! In all fairness, Iman and I are separated and have been for a while. To be 1000 percent clear, infidelity aint one of the reasons for our departure. We are still the best of friends, great business partners and are one hell of a team when it comes to coparenting our 2 beautiful children. (sic)" Teyana insisted that her separation was "peaceful" and the actress reiterated her determination to keep her family life out of the spotlight. Teyana - who filed for a divorce in January 2023 - said: "Most importantly we are FAMILY and in the 10yrs together, 7yrs married we aint ever played with or about THAT. We just keep yall a**** out the group chat lol, which is the reason weve been able to successfully and peacefully separate without all of the outside noise. (sic)" Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad along with his family and offered prayers on the occasion of Uttarayan. After the temple visit, Shah marked the harvest festival by participating in traditional kite flying. Visuals from the event showed the Home Minister engaging with the festive spirit as he flew a kite surrounded by his family. Earlier on Tuesday, Shah laid the foundation stone of Gujarat's first state-of-the-art Bio-Containment Facility "Bio Safety Level-4" lab as well as the "Animal Bio-Safety Level" facility in Gandhinagar, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. On this occasion, the Minister for Science and Technology, Arjun Modhwadia, was also present. During the ceremony, the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, granted a Letter of Intent (LoI) to the Gujarat Science and Technology Department to designate the "Bio Safety Level-4" facility of the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) as the 'National Centre for High Containment Pathogen Research Facility' under the Government of India's "BioE3 Policy". The Union Home Minister stated that a new era has begun in Gujarat for the development of India's health security and biosafety sector. After Pune, this is only the second such high-level lab in the country; however, due to the state government's special initiative, it will become the country's first state government-operated BSL-4 lab, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 362 crore. In the future, this lab will prove to be India's impregnable security shield and a strong fortress of bio-facilities to combat deadly viruses. Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision that 'science and technology should be the foundation pillar of national development', he said, "This international-standard lab will open many avenues of opportunity for researchers and youth. Especially, this lab will accelerate the "One Health Mission" initiated by the Prime Minister to prevent diseases transmitted from animals to humans." In the face of recent challenges such as Chandipura and Lumpy Skin Disease in Gujarat, a research-based, permanent security arrangement was essential." (ANI) Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Wednesday stressed that West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is scared and has lost her hold on the state. Majumdar claimed that more votes were cast than the margin by which the Trinamool Congress won on 109 seats, raising concerns for Mamata Banerjee. "Industrialisation in West Bengal has finished. We will bring back industrialisation in the state... Mamata Banerjee is scared, and it is very natural... On 109 seats, more votes than the number of votes by which TMC had won have been deleted. Mamata Banerjee is just scared that she will lose her hold on the state," Majumdar told ANI. Earlier in the day, Union Minister Giriraj Singh launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that she is shielding illegal Bangladeshis and wants to turn the state into Bangladesh. Speaking to ANI in Patna, Singh said, "Mamata Banerjee should first explain whose black bag it was that she didn't want to give to the ED. She wants to turn Bengal into Bangladesh by relying on Bangladeshis. All the Bangladeshis in the entire country enter from Bengal. All their Aadhaar cards are made in Bengal." A day earlier, Mamata Banerjee accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of deleting voters' names from the electoral roll using artificial intelligence on the behest of the BJP. Addressing a press conference in Howrah, Banerjee held the BJP responsible for the alleged deaths during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of the voter lists in the state. The Chief Minister said, "84 people died till this morning; 4 died by suicide, 17 lost their lives due to brain stroke or heart stroke after getting SIR notice. The Election Commission should take responsibility for all these deaths. BJP should take responsibility for all these deaths; even Duryodhana and Dushasana should take responsibility for these deaths. Names are deleted through AI on the BJP's instructions. As per our knowledge, there is a plan that people from Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha are entering here and voting in Bengal." (ANI) State BJP President BY Vijayendra on Wednesday announced a state-wide protest, led by BJP leaders Sriramulu and Janardhana Reddy and slammed Congress over their protest against the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgaar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM-G) Act Speaking to the media, Vijayendra said the party has organised a struggle in Bellary on 17th January against the "deterioration of law and order" in the state. "Sriramulu and Janardhana Reddy are coming on the 17th. There is a state-level struggle. The party has decided to take up all the issues of the state government's failures and corruption and fight across the state. Law and order have deteriorated, so a struggle has been organised in Bellary on the 17th," he stated. "The BJP has come to the opinion that it is good to march, and today or tomorrow, Delhi leaders will give the green signal," the state president said. On Congress's protest against the VB-G RAM-G Act, he alleged that there have been scams and corruption in the MGNREGA, accusing Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of "spreading misinformation." "The Prime Minister is bringing in the VB Ji Ram Ji scheme with good intentions. He is going to make Mahatma Gandhi's dream come true. But since 2006, there have been scams and corruption in the Congress MNREGA. But the Congress party, Rahul Gandhi, and CM Siddaramaiah are spreading misinformation," he accused. Vijayendra further asserted that people have lost trust in the Congress. "But the people's trust in Congress has gone in the state. The Congress is making public statements for the CM's internal quarrel. People who are tired of this are cursing the whole thing," he stated. Speaking on the German Chancellor's visit to the state, left unattended by the CM and DCM, the president stated that, "the German Chancellor said that he will discuss the retention of the CM and DCM chairs on the helipad in Bandra." German Chancellor Merz had visited the Indian headquarters of German tech major Bosch and the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science. On the other hand, DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah met Congress MP Rahul Gandhi at Mysuru airport. (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday asserted that his party has never sought votes by "flaunting Hindutva," describing the ideology as its very "soul." Speaking to ANI, Fadnavis said Hindutva is deeply ingrained in Marathi society and that his party respects the traditions and beliefs of every community. "Hindutva is our soul. We have never asked for votes by 'flaunting' Hindutva. We have simply worshipped Hindutva. Does the Marathi person not believe in Hindutva? We respect and worship the Hindutva of every caste according to their own traditions," Devendra Fadnavis said. Taking an indirect swipe at AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi over his recent remarks regarding a woman wearing a hijab becoming the mayor, Fadnavis said that making claims about installing a mayor in hijab after forming an alliance with "Marathi Muslims" misleads the identity (asmita) of the Marathi people. "But when someone forms an alliance with 'Marathi Muslims' and claims they will install a mayor wearing a hijab, and misleads the identity (Asmita) of the Marathi people, at that time, we have to explain what Hindutva really is. That is when we place the talk of Hindutva before the people," Fadnavis said. Fadnavis also targeted Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of abandoning Hindutva to appease a particular community for electoral gains. Addressing the issue of loudspeakers outside worship places, the Chief Minister claimed that his government had fulfilled Balasaheb Thackeray's long-standing demand by ensuring their removal in accordance with the law and Supreme Court guidelines. "To distance oneself from Hindutva just for votes and to attract a particular community... Uddhav Thackeray truly needs to answer for this. Removing loudspeakers was Balasaheb's dream. We used the law and the Supreme Court to get loudspeakers removed. It is now clear that regardless of whose government comes to power in the future, loudspeakers cannot be reinstalled. But those who claimed they would reinstall loudspeakers after coming to power are now 'licking boots' (acting as sycophants). They should be ashamed," he said. The political exchange comes ahead of elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, 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) BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, calling her the "biggest coal smuggler" while accusing misusing her official position. Jaiswal called Mamata Banerjee the "biggest coal smuggler", citing her handling of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation and alleging misuse of her official position. "Her scams are being exposed. The way she dealt with the ED clearly shows that Mamata Banerjee is the biggest coal smuggler. That's why, misusing her position as Chief Minister, she fled with computer hard disks and documents. The ED has taken this matter to the Supreme Court, and action should definitely be taken against her," he said to ANI. "Obviously, if a Bangladeshi is found at the Bangladesh border, the BSF can intervene in this matter. The problem with Mamata Banerjee is that she didn't contest the elections relying on the Bengalis of India, but rather on Bangladeshi and Rohingya minorities. She feels that if the votes of Rohingya and Bangladeshi Muslims are affected, her vote bank will be damaged, which is why she is worried," Jaiswal added. Regarding Mani Shankar Aiyar's statement that India should immediately stop Operation Sindoor, Jaiswal added that Mani Shankar Aiyar has always been the "so-called unofficial ambassador of Pakistan in India". "Whenever Pakistan has carried out any cowardly terrorist act against India, Mani Shankar Aiyar's language has always been against India's interests. This country and its army will decide when to put a complete stop to Operation Sindoor. The Prime Minister will make that decision. The work of the Prime Minister and the army should be limited to them; no one else should interfere," he said. Furthermore, Jaiswal praised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's forthcoming development tour of West Champaran district. "We welcome Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the 16th. We are all happy that, as always, the Chief Minister is starting his tour from the West Champaran district. This tour will certainly be transformative in terms of industrialisation. We want new industries to come to the large industrial unit in Kumarbagh, West Champaran district, and for new businesses to open. The Chief Minister's visit will be very beneficial in this regard," Jaiswal said. (ANI) In a detailed 134-page order dated January 13, 2026, the Lokpal of India has dismissed a complaint filed by activist Amitabh Thakur alleging acquisition of disproportionate assets by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey from Jharkhand's Godda. The bench, headed by Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, concluded that the allegations were devoid of merit, frivolous, and vexatious, primarily targeting Dubey's wife rather than the MP himself, who is the public servant under Lokpal's jurisdiction. The complaint relied on Dubey's election affidavits from 2009 to 2024, claiming unexplained surges in his spouse's assets. However, the Lokpal found no substantial evidence of disproportionate assets attributable to Dubey, noting only marginal changes in his own holdings. The order criticised Thakur for filing unverified claims based on public domain information, pursuing the matter with apparent political or personal vendetta, and breaching confidentiality by publicising the complaint on social media. A show-cause notice issued to Thakur for violating Lokpal rules was discharged, but Dubey was granted liberty to pursue legal action against Thakur for privacy breaches and reputational harm. The Lokpal emphasised the need to protect public servants' integrity during proceedings and disapproved of Thakur's recalcitrant approach, including accusations of bias against the institution. In his reaction the BJP MP said, " I cannot be silenced. I am an ordinary worker of the BJP. I am fortunate that during the time of the Honorable Prime Minister Modi Ji, BJP made me a Member of Parliament. It is my duty to present the dark deeds of the Congress before the public. Today, the Honorable Lokpal has given a decision on the false allegations made against me and my family. The Honorable Lokpal has ordered that, on the basis of these false allegations, to tarnish the honor of my family, I should file a case of harassment against these people in the judiciary or the Lok Sabha. Satyameva Jayate," Earlier, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate had launched an attack against Nishikant Dubey, alleging a disproportionate increase in his wife's assets. Shrinate had cited the alleged Lokpal complaint against Dubey, to claim that his wife's assets have gone up while there has been no significant rise in the BJP MP's income. (ANI) Ex-servicemen rallies, wreath-laying ceremonies, grievance redressal counters and facilitation help desks were organised across the country on Tuesday to mark the 10th Defence Forces Veterans' Day. The main celebrations were held at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantt, where Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh attended, and around 2,500 veterans from the Delhi-NCR region attended. In his address, Raksha Mantri paid glowing tributes to the valour, sacrifices and dedicated service of the veterans, describing them as the living pillars of national consciousness, symbols of collective courage, and an inspiration to the future generations. He urged them to guide the youth through their experiences; provide right direction to Agniveers and young soldiers; stand by civil administration in emergency situations; promote social harmony; and further strengthen the spirit of patriotism at the grassroots level, thereby laying a foundation of a strong India for the future, according to the Ministry of Defence release. "Today, India is rapidly moving towards becoming a strong, self-reliant, and developed nation. At such a time, the experience, leadership, and values of veterans are invaluable assets to the country. Our society, especially the youth, need to learn from you. Whether it is education, skill development, disaster management, community leadership or the path of innovation, your participation can leave a positive and lasting impact on future generations," Rajnath Singh told the veterans in attendance. Raksha Mantri remembered the brave ex-servicemen who were part of Operation Pawan, launched in Sri Lanka for peacekeeping purposes as part of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) almost 40 years ago. "During the operation, the Indian forces displayed extraordinary courage. Many soldiers laid down their lives. Their valour, sacrifices, and struggles did not receive the respect they deserved. Today, under the leadership of PM Modi, our government is not only openly acknowledging the contributions of the peacekeeping soldiers who participated in Operation Pawan, but is also in the process of recognising their contributions at every level. When PM Modi visited Sri Lanka in 2015, he paid his respects to the Indian soldiers at the IPKF Memorial. Now, we are also recognising the contributions of the IPKF soldiers at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and giving them the respect they deserve," he said. Rajnath Singh hailed the veterans for their selfless service towards national security, contribution to nation-building by guiding the society with qualities of discipline, leadership & courage, while shaping the younger generation in various fields. "You spend the golden years of your lives on mountain peaks, in the scorching sands, and in humid forests. You could have chosen any other field; probably wouldn't have faced so many challenges; and could have spent more time with your families. But despite all this, you stand firm in every situation, fulfilling the duty of protecting the nation. In reality, a soldier never truly retires. The color of the uniform may change, the workplace may change, the people around may change, but the spirit of patriotism and service remains the same. Your welfare and well-being are our moral and emotional responsibility," he said. Raksha Mantri reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government's resolve of veterans' welfare, enumerating the concrete steps taken in this direction, including fulfilling the long-pending demand of One Rank One Pension (OROP) and strengthening the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). "The implementation of OROP not only brought financial stability to the lives of veterans but also bolstered their belief that the country treats them fairly. Our stance is very clear that there should be no compromise on the health of those who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding national interests. Our effort is to ensure that health facilities are not limited to cities but reach villages and remote areas. The facility of consulting doctors remotely through telemedicine is being expanded, so that age or distance do not become a barrier for the treatment of those in need," said Rajnath Singh. Raksha Mantri voiced the Government's endeavor to ensure that the new chapter of veterans' lives that begins post-retirement is filled with dignity and self-reliance. Highlighting the special attention being paid to the rehabilitation and employment of veterans, He said: "The ex-servicemen are being taught new skills and given priority in public enterprises. Their discipline, leadership, and integrity are being recognised in the private sector. We're encouraging veterans who want to start their own businesses. Whether it is housing schemes, loan facilities, or other welfare schemes, all of these are being tailored to the needs of veterans". The Government pays due respect to the soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation, said Rajnath Singh, adding that iconic monuments such as the National War Memorial have been built to remind every citizen of the bravehearts who lay down their lives in the service of the motherland. "In different parts of the country, such memorials are being promoted at the local level, so that a sense of respect and gratitude remains in the hearts and minds of future generations," he said. Raksha Mantri stressed that the true strength of any nation is not measured solely by schemes, but is reflected in the social consciousness with which it views its soldiers and veterans. "The respect that our society gives to veterans is a great social capital for us that connects generations and strengthens the soul of the nation. It is a matter of pride for us that in India, the respect for soldiers does not come from any directive, but is a natural extension of our values. Our bond with the soldiers is one of the heart, trust, respect, and dreams of a shared future," he added. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary (Ex-servicemen Welfare) Smt Sukriti Likhi saluted the indomitable spirit of the veterans and their families, and described Veterans' Day as not merely a ceremonial event, but a day to rekindle the collective consciousness of the nation. "The day reminds us that even after the completion of service, a bond remains between the nation and its soldiers that endures forever," she said. The Secretary (Ex-servicemen Welfare) pointed out that approx. 60,000 soldiers retire every year, resulting in about 3.5 million veterans, which indicates that the welfare of ex-servicemen is a huge responsibility that the nation must fulfill. She emphasised that the veterans bring with them vast experience, leadership qualities, and a deep sense of duty, and it is the nation's collective responsibility to ensure that the ex-servicemen live their lives with dignity and self-respect. Sukriti Likhi voiced the Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare's commitment towards providing timely services to the veterans, adding that their service, sacrifice, and dignity form the basis of the policies. "Our department plays a crucial role in supporting the ex-servicemen and their dependents. In the last few years, several concrete steps have been taken to provide better facilities, including improvements in timely delivery of pension, increased grants from Kendriya Sainik Board, expansion of DGR's resettlement and training courses, while the ECHS now provides medicare services to 64 lakh beneficiaries," she added. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, former Chiefs and other veterans attended the event. Yearly magazines SAMMAAN published by the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans, SAGAR SAMVAD by the Directorate of Naval Veterans and VAYU SAMVEDNA by the Directorate of Air Veterans were released on the occasion. Veterans' rallies and wreath laying ceremonies were also organised at a number of places across the country, including Rajouri, Amritsar, Lucknow, Ranchi, Guwahati, Pune, Goa and Kochi to pay respects to the ex-servicemen for their selfless devotion to duty, service to the nation and sacrifice. The thirty-four (34) Rajya Sainik Boards in States and Union Territories and the 434 Zila Sainik Boards are conducting various events to mark the day. Help desks and stalls have been put up by the three services, Defence and Government Welfare Organisations, Banks and Employment Agencies for in-situ grievance redressal, facilitation and awareness at all the venues across the nation. The day is observed on 14th January every year to honour the legacy and yeoman service of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, OBE, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, who retired on this day in 1953. (ANI) The Court held that the framing and scope of such schemes are matters of policy and rest within the executive domain. It also underlined the principle of autonomy to contract between two parties, including the State, noting that courts cannot rewrite eligibility conditions through judicial directions. The petition had assailed the exclusion of dependent parents from the definition of "family" under the scheme, which presently provides medical insurance and allied benefits to practising advocates, their spouses and dependent children. It was argued that the exclusion failed to reflect the realities faced by many lawyers, particularly first-generation practitioners who financially support their parents. During the hearing, the petitioner sought permission to withdraw the plea, stating that a representation would first be made to the competent authorities seeking reconsideration of the policy. Taking note of this submission, the High Court permitted the withdrawal of the PIL. The Court clarified that while the judiciary cannot direct the expansion of the scheme, the government remains free to examine such requests at the administrative level in accordance with the law. (ANI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in New Delhi on Wednesday convicted Kashmiri separatist Aasiya Andrabi and two of her associates, Sofi Fehmida and Nahida Nasreen, in a terror case registered by the agency. Andrabi is the alleged chief of the women's separatist outfit Dukhtaran-e-Millat. Andrabi was arrested in 2018. The NIA had invoked charges against her under sections related to waging war against the State, promoting enmity between communities, and terror conspiracy under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh convicted Andrabi and the co-accused. The court will hear arguments on sentencing on January 17. The case was heard at Patiala House Court by ASJ Singh, and judgment was reserved. Thereafter, she was transferred to Karkardooma Court. On December 21, 2020, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Monday ordered framing of charges against Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi and her two associates for allegedly waging war against India, sedition and conspiracy to commit terror acts in the country. ASJ Parveen Singh had ordered framing of charges against Andrabi, Founder of Dukhtaran-e-Milat (DEM), and her two associates -- Sofi Fahmeeda and Naheeda Nasreen, arrested for allegedly waging war against India, sedition and conspiracy to commit terror acts in the country. The court had ordered the framing of charges against them under Section 120B, Sections 121, 121A, Section 124 A, Section 153 B and 505 of the Indian Penal Code and others and various provisions of the IPC and relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Andrabi is a Kashmiri and the founding leader of Dukhtaran-e-Millat. This group is allegedly part of the separatist organisation 'All Parties Hurriyat Conference' in the Kashmir valley, and the Government of India has declared it as a "banned terrorist organisation". DEM, a banned outfit under the First Schedule to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, was allegedly involved in anti-India activities by inciting the general populace of Kashmir for an armed rebellion against the Government of India with aid and assistance from various terrorist organisations based in Pakistan. According to the NIA chargesheet, Asiya and two other accused were allegedly using various media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and TV channels, including channels in Pakistan, to spread "insurrectionary imputations and hateful messages and speeches against India." (ANI) Karnataka Assembly Leader of Opposition R Ashok on Wednesday condemned the Shidlaghatta incident, claiming that the Congress leader Rajeev Gowda has allegedly threatened the Municipal Commissioner Amruta Gowda with beating her with a slipper and setting her body on fire over the alleged removal of an illegal flex banner. While addressing a press conference, LoP R Ashok slammed the Congress party, saying that the officers have had no peace ever since the party came into power. "After the Congress came to power, officers have had no peace; it's either harassment or death. An SP was slapped, there was a death in the Valmiki case, a librarian committed suicide, and another officer died after money was allegedly extorted from him for a transfer." Speaking on the Shidlaghatta incident, he asked why no action has been initiated against the controversial remarks of the Congress leader. "In Shidlaghatta, Rajeev Gowda has allegedly threatened Municipal Commissioner Amruta Gowda, saying he would set her on fire and beat her with a slipper. In Shidlaghatta, 80% of those working are Dalits, and Rajeev Gowda said he would beat them with a slipper. He is a defeated candidate and a Congress leader. He issued threats because an illegal flex banner was removed. He insulted a female officer. The Chairperson of the Women's Commission rushed to the Kogilu Layout earlier. Why has no action been taken now?" he firmly questioned. Earlier, on Tuesday, Lop R Ashok criticised the state government's top leadership for "prioritising" party leader Rahul Gandhi's transit at Mysuru airport over German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit. Questioning Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for missing Merz's visit, the BJP leader alleged that they prioritised "high command pleasing" over the state's global standing. R Ashoka further termed their actions as a "missed opportunity" for investment, industry, employment and long-term growth for Karnataka. Highlighting the significance of the German Chancellor's visit, he said, "Any other responsible Chief Minister would have personally ensured that such a visit was accorded the seriousness it deserved - as an opportunity for investment, industry, employment and long-term growth for Karnataka." "While the German Chancellor landed in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar chose to be in Mysuru to receive Rahul Gandhi, who was merely transiting to Ooty," he added in a post on X. His reaction came after Congress had raised strong objections when Rahul Gandhi was not invited to a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit last month. (ANI) Timothy Busfield has insisted the child sexual abuse allegations against him are "all lies". Timothy Busfield has insisted he is innocent The former West Wing actor has turned himself into police after a warrant was issued for his arrest over two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse after it was alleged he engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with two 11-year-old siblings. Gilbert Gallegos, Director of Communications for Albuquerque Police Department confirmed in a statement: "Timothy Busfield has turned himself in at the Metro Detention Center. He will be booked on his warrant." Shortly before his arrest, the 68-year-old star - who is married to Melissa Gilbert - insisted he "did not do anything wrong." He said in a video obtained by TMZ: "I got the call Friday night, I had to get a lawyer. Saturday I got in the car, drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque. I'm gonna confront these lies. They're horrible. "They're all lies and I did not do anything to those little boys and I'm gonna fight it. I'm gonna fight it with a great team, and I'm gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies." And his attorney also branded the claims "false and deeply troubling". Stanton 'Larry' Stein said in a statement: "Tim voluntarily appeared before New Mexico authorities after traveling across the country to confront these false and deeply troubling allegations." An investigation opened on 1 November, 2024, after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) alerted police, and the victims' parents told officer Marvin Kirk Brown, who issued the arrest warrant, that the children had met the actor on the set of The Cleaning Lady, where Busfield was a director. The children's parents claimed Busfield "grew closer to the boys" when he joined the FOX series, which ran from January 2022 until June last year. The warrant stated: It was reported that Timothy would tell his children to call him Uncle Tim.' " The parents told police that "they both discovered that there were allegations against Timothy of sexual assault against both women and minors. After the father was told there had been multiple rumours that Timothy had been handsy with women, the siblings' mother quizzed her sons as to whether anyone had ever touched them in a manner that made them feel uncomfortable." The warrant continued: "The children allegedly responded by asking, You mean like Uncle Tim? " An attorney advised the couple to take the children to UNMH, where professionals suggested the boys had been "groomed", and while they hadn't disclosed any sexual contact at that time, both claimed Busfield would tickle them on the stomach and legs. It was determined at that time that the case didn't meet their acceptance criteria, but on 3 October, 2025, the mother filed a police report and told Child Protective Services her children both disclosed that there was sexual abuse by Timothy from around November 2022 to Spring 2024." However, the warrant stated she was told that because physical abuse had not occurred, nothing could be done. Busfield allegedly told police the parents were upset their sons had been replaced by a younger actor and shortly afterwards, he received a call informing him Warner Bros. were investigating a complaint. He also claimed an actress on the show that the mother "wanted revenge". Asked by cops if he had ever picked up or tickled the boys, Busfield allegedly admitted it was highly likely that he would have because he wanted a playful environment. He added of touching on set: "It's not allowed at all. There is no, there's no protocol. I mean, I'm always around people, right? It would be, you know, in front of the parents. Twenty-nine municipal corporations across Maharashtra will go to the polls on Thursday as a high-voltage campaign comes to an end on Tuesday, setting the stage for a decisive political contest in key urban centres including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena are contesting the civic elections as allies under the Mahayuti banner, except in Pune, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has chosen to fight independently in most corporations. However, in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, both NCP factions have come together under a joint manifesto. The main political battle remains centred on Mumbai and Pune, where the BJP-led Mahayuti will face the united Thackeray camp, as just ahead of the Civic poll, both parties' Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray joined hands on the issue of Marathi Manus in a high-stakes fight for control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the country's richest civic body. The last BMC elections were held in 2017. In Pune, in a major political realignment, both factions of the NCP came together just before the civic polls for the PMC, following a split in 2023. Ajit Pawar joined hands with Sharad Pawar again and contested againstthe NDA partner BJP in Pune, whereas Shivsena, led by Eknath Shidne opted to go solo in PMC after failing to set up an acceptable seat-sharing formula with BJP. According to the State Election Commission, a total of 3.48 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots to decide the fate of 15,908 candidates contesting 2,869 seats across 893 wards in 29 municipal corporations. A total of 39092 Polling centre has been set up across the state. Polling will be held on January 15 from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, with vote counting scheduled to begin on Friday, January 16. The Maharashtra government has declared January 15 a public holiday in areas covered by the 29 poll-bound municipal corporations. Employers have been directed to allow their employees two to three hours to vote, and schools in all cities are to remain shut. The civic elections this time witnessed significant political realignments in recent months after loksabha and Vidhansabha election in 2024, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has reunited with his cousin and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray after nearly two decades in a move aimed at consolidating Marathi votes and both NCP led by Ajit Pawar decided to go with Sharad Pawar NCP to avoid division of votes in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Corporation's justification with Several other unexpected alliances and defections have also reshaped the political landscape ahead of polling. (ANI) Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary on Wednesday said that the Delhi government has an innovative policy to encourage startups and such a policy will help empower the entire country. Speaking to reporters, he said that the Delhi government is placing strong focus on skill development to ensure that youth are adequately prepared to meet the demands of emerging industries. "An innovative policy of the Delhi government is to encourage startups. If startups are encouraged in Delhi, it will empower the entire country. The Delhi government is focused on skills. This program is under Prime Minister Modi's vision," he said. Chaudhary added that such initiatives would help build a robust and future-ready workforce, contributing significantly to India's growth and self-reliance. The Centre follows a lifecycle-based approach to support the startup ecosystem. The startups are supported across the entire journey - from idea and proof of concept to prototype development, product development and testing. As part of this approach, Government of India started the "Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs 2.0 (TIDE 2.0)" Scheme in the year 2019. It promotes technology-based entrepreneurship by providing financial & technical support to incubators. Startups are supported through 51 selected incubators located in the Institutes of Higher Learning and premier R&D organizations across the country. A total outlay of Rs. 264.62 crore is approved over a period of 5 years, to support approximately 2000 tech start-ups. These incubators provide startups with requisite expertise, industry linkages and ecosystem partnerships etc. Under the scheme, 1,706 startups have been supported till now, and these startups continue to progress well. As startups eventually operate in a competitive market, their engagement with incubators also evolve based on business realities. These include, inter alia, achieving product-market fit, specialised laboratory requirements, technological challenges, fundraising needs, strategic pivots by founders, and overall financial sustainability. In many cases, incubators have facilitated quick idea validation and effective pivoting for the startups, helping entrepreneurs shift to more viable ideas. The overall performance of the supported startups remains encouraging, with many startups demonstrating revenue growth, increased valuations, raised external funding and IP filings. (ANI) BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Wednesday welcomed the Calcutta High Court's decision to dispose of the TMC's plea seeking protection of the "political data" in connection with the recent ED raids on the Indian Political Action Committee's (I-PAC) premises and the residence of its Director, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata. The Calcutta High Court today disposed of TMC's plea after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said that "nothing was seized" from the I-PAC premises. The court adjourned the matter until the Supreme Court disposes of the Special Leave Petition. The BJP leader slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly obstructing the January 8 ED raid and "defending a private firm" (I-PAC). Launching a scathing attack, Trivedi claimed that "the Constitution is in danger" in the INDIA bloc-ruled states. He further mocked the TMC for outsourcing strategic consultancy, saying the party leadership is "incompetent" in formulating strategy. Sudhanshu Trivedi said, "The way the High Court in West Bengal dismissed the Trinamool Congress's claim today has made it constitutionally clear that the Trinamool Congress's claim was entirely unjustified from both a moral and constitutional standpoint. However, this process also raises several political questions. This is the first time in India's history that a political party has come forward to defend a private institution. If your claim is true that all of your party's strategy was with a private institution, it means that the top leadership of the Trinamool Congress believes that all its senior leaders and workers are incompetent and completely incapable of formulating a strategy." Further, he claimed that the TMC chief, Mamata Banerjee, does not trust West Bengal police or her party members, as she herself arrived at the I-PAC office during the raids. "Secondly, even after that, if they felt that the institution held sensitive information, Mamata ji did not even trust her own police. This means that the West Bengal government believes that its own police force is not trustworthy. That is why Mamata ji herself went there. The third point is that Mamata ji did not even trust any of her personal staff to retrieve the files from there and went and took the files herself. These actions are not only morally and politically wrong but also unconstitutional. The people of the country should understand very well that wherever the INDIA bloc and its constituent parties are in power, the Constitution is in danger," the BJP MP said. Meanwhile, TMC leader Kunal Ghosh hit out at the BJP, accusing the Centre of "misusing" the ED as the probe agency raided I-PAC in a 2021 case. He added that Mamata Banerjee opposed the raids to "protect the TMC's information repository." The TMC leader said, "This is a long legal process. Our stand remains the same, that this case was registered in 2021, so was the ED asleep all this time? Now that there are elections in Bengal, they're conducting raids here. The BJP is misusing the ED. Our leader, Mamata Banerjee, opposed it to protect the information repository of our party. If this was such an important investigation, then after five years of sleep, did the ED wake up just before the elections? The public is watching everything." Earlier today, during the hearing of the matter, the TMC told the High Court, "Our petition is limited to the point that our personal political data be protected. It is inappropriate to bully a political party when it has filed a petition, believing that its data could be taken from its political consultant of six years." The ED stated that "nothing was seized" and demanded that the TMC's plea be disposed of. "Nothing has been seized. Whatever was taken was taken away by Mamata Banerjee," ED said. The ED also told the court that the search operation had "nothing to do with Trinamool Congress." ED told the High Court, "The raid had nothing to do with the Trinamool Congress, and the person who was raided by the ED has not come before you." "The search was conducted somewhere else, but another party is coming and saying that my data was with them. This is not how it works," the probe agency added. The ED, in its petition, has accused the West Bengal Police, allegedly acting in collusion with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, of obstructing its officials and failing to discharge their public duty and taking away what the agency described as "key evidence", including physical documents and electronic devices. (ANI) Spiritual leader and Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev on Wednesday shared a special message on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. He explained that the festival is a time to honour everything that supports agriculture and human life on Earth. Emphasising the need for unity, the spiritual leader offered his guidance for the festival and said, "This is an inclusive festival; everything involved in the agricultural process is part of this festival, and they are celebrated on equal terms with human beings. So let's create an inclusive world. This is what Makar Sankranti means: it's a sport of life. It's my wish and my blessing, every one of you should make a new beginning." Meanwhile, as part of the Sankranti festivities, a thrilling bullock cart race organised by the Raithamitra Balaga at Huduguru village in Gauribidanur, Chikkaballapur district, left spectators on the edge of their seats. Not only farmers from across Karnataka, but also hundreds from the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh arrived with their bullocks to take part in the competition, making it a truly inter-state spectacle. The high-octane event was held continuously for three days at Huduguru village, with more than 50 pairs of bullocks competing. As the bullocks sprinted across the track at breathtaking speed, the skill and bravery of the drivers steering the carts drew loud cheers and applause from the crowd. Thousands of spectators from Gauribidanur and distant villages gathered to witness the event, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere. Speaking at the inauguration, one of the organisers said, "In an era of rapid mechanisation, the use of bullocks is declining. Organising an inter-state level competition like this gives new life to our traditional rural sports. Preserving indigenous breeds such as the Hallikar is the collective responsibility of all of us." Organised as part of the Sankranti celebrations, the sporting event infused new enthusiasm among farmers. The organisers encouraged participants by awarding attractive prizes to the owners of the winning bullock pairs. Earlier this week, Gujarat celebrated the International Kite Festival, a major highlight of the state's Uttarayan celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. The two leaders participated in the festival as part of Chancellor Merz's first official visit to India, highlighting the blend of cultural celebration and diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The International Kite Festival was celebrated for three days till today, with participation from 135 international kite enthusiasts representing 50 countries. Alongside them, 65 flyers from across India and 871 local participants from Gujarat will also take part in the event. (ANI) Taking suo motu cognisance of the plight of homeless persons and hospital attendants exposed to freezing conditions, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday passed far-reaching interim directions requiring immediate, coordinated action by civic agencies, hospitals and law enforcement authorities across the capital. The court underscored that failure to provide adequate night shelter during the severe cold wave strikes at the core of the fundamental right to life and dignity and cannot be justified on grounds of administrative constraints or lack of resources . A division bench headed by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, with Justice Tejas Karia, ordered the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) to forthwith take over subways located around major hospitals and convert them into temporary night shelters with beds and basic facilities. The bench further directed that tents or pandals be erected in available open spaces near hospitals to accommodate patients and their attendants, making it clear that all land-owning agencies, municipal corporations, hospitals, the Delhi Police and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation must extend full cooperation, failing which strict action could follow against responsible officials. The court recorded submissions highlighting serious gaps between official claims and on-ground realities, including lack of beds, overcrowding, inadequate facilities and unsafe conditions at shelter homes. It noted that photographs and site inspection notes placed on record painted a grim picture, contrary to assurances given by authorities. Stressing that people visiting government hospitals do so under compulsion and not by choice, the bench held that the State and its instrumentalities cannot "shirk away" from their constitutional obligations in such circumstances. During the hearing, senior advocate Avi Singh appeared for the applicant/intervenor and assisted the court on issues relating to the implementation of the winter action plan and deficiencies in shelter facilities. The Union of India was represented by Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, while Central Government Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit, who personally inspected several shelter sites, placed a detailed note and suggestions before the bench. Sameer Vashisht, standing counsel for the GNCTD, and Manu Chaturvedi, standing counsel for the MCD, along with other counsel representing AIIMS, NDMC, DUSIB, DJB and hospital authorities, were also heard. To ensure swift execution, the High Court directed that a high-level meeting be convened at 10 a.m. on Thursday under the chairmanship of the Principal District Judge (South District), with senior decision-making officers from all concerned agencies in attendance. A short-term action plan is to be finalised and implemented immediately, and a compliance report placed before the court on the next date of hearing, January 16, when the matter will be listed high on the board. (ANI) The Indian Army celebrated Veterans' Day across its military stations and establishments with full fervour and enthusiasm, organising a wide array of welfare events for Veterans, Veer Naris and their families at stations including New Delhi, Jaipur, Amritsar, Lucknow, Ranchi and Rajouri, among others. According to a release from the Ministry of Defence, at Jaipur Military Station, under the aegis of South Western Command, the commemorations were presided over by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi. Later in the day, the COAS also conferred gallantry awards, COAS citations and commendations to brave soldiers and units during a separate Investiture Ceremony. The Chief of the Army Staff attended the Army Veteran's Day Lunch at Polo Ground, Jaipur Military Station, where he interacted with Veterans and Veer Naris, acknowledging their immense contribution to the Army's legacy and the nation's security. General Dwivedi also felicitated officials of the Zila Sainik Boards who have worked tirelessly to resolve veterans' issues, and released 'Samman' magazine prepared by the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans. Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Women's Welfare Association (AWWA), felicitated Veer Naris and Veer Matas on the occasion. In his address, COAS conveyed warm greetings to Veterans, Veer Naris and their families and paid tribute to the Bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. He reaffirmed that the welfare of Veterans and the families of the fallen remains a priority and an enduring obligation of the Indian Army. Highlighting the evolving character of warfare, he underlined the Army's continued focus on modernisation, technology infusion and operational readiness, while retaining its core values of honour, courage and duty. The COAS lauded Veterans as role models and lifelong ambassadors of the Army's ethos and urged continued engagement with the youth and community to strengthen national unity, discipline and resilience. He also expressed gratitude to the civil administration and all stakeholders for their support in strengthening Veteran outreach and welfare initiatives. At the Army Investiture Ceremony, the COAS presented awards. Highlights included 10 Sena Medals (Gallantry) and 49 COAS Unit Citations, along with COAS Certificates of Appreciation awarded to 60 units (including 26 for Operation Sindoor), recognising the outstanding efforts of units across all Commands. These accolades honoured the courage, dedication and exemplary service of personnel who continue to serve the nation with distinction. Further recognising service beyond the battlefield, six Veteran Achievers and three civilians were also felicitated for their distinguished contributions in support of the Indian Army, as per the release. The celebrations will continue on January 15 with the Army Day Parade scheduled to be held at Mahal Road, Jaipur, followed by Shaurya Sandhya at Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur, showcasing the Indian Army's professionalism, operational preparedness and close bond with the people. (ANI) The Haryana government has called for strict compliance with the Central government's instructions and asked its officials, who were using terms "Harijan" and "Girijan" in all official correspondence, to discontinue it. The letter issued to all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Sub-Divisional Officers (Civil), Registrars of universities, and heads of boards, corporations, and public sector undertakings, pointed to the directions issued by the central government in August 1990. "It has been observed that the terms 'Harijan' and 'Girijan'are still being used by certain state authorities in official correspondence and related matters," the letter said. The letter said the Constitution does not use these expressions for denoting the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. "The matter has been reviewed by the Government, and it has come to notice that several departments have not adhered to the instructions dated August 16, 1990. All departments are therefore directed to strictly comply with the Central Government instructions contained in the letter and to discontinue the use of the terms 'Harijan' and 'Girijan in all official matters," the letter said. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Monday the State Government remains firmly committed to strengthening education and advancing women empowerment. Aligned with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 Haryana is moving forward with renewed resolve to actively contribute to the nation's progress. The Chief Minister was addressing a pre-Budget consultation meeting with educationists and women representatives in Gurugram. Industries and Commerce Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, Women and Child Development Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry, and Gurugram MLA, Sh. Mukesh Sharma were present on the occasion. Paying tributes to Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary, the Chief Minister also extended greetings to the participants on the festivals of Lohri and Makar Sankranti. Nayab Singh Saini, the confluence of the power of knowledge and women power is guiding focused initiatives in the forthcoming Budget aimed at bringing positive social transformation. He emphasised that education is the soul of society and the foundation of character, skills, confidence, and the spirit of nation-building among future generations. Strengthening educational reforms, he said, will give a lasting shape to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The Chief Minister recalled that in the previous Budget, the State Government allocated Rs. 21,893 crore for the education sector by incorporating 63 key suggestions received during pre-Budget consultations. These included the concept of modern Model Sanskriti Schools, running schools in two shifts, establishment of STEM labs, and linking students with premier national institutions such as ISRO and DRDO. Initiatives such as programmes to strengthen foundational education, the Haryana State Research Fund, the Kalpana Chawla Scholarship Scheme, and enhanced industry-academia collaboration were also outcomes of this participatory approach. (ANI) Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth highlighted the Centre's initiatives for ex-servicemen on the 10th Defence Forces Veterans' Day, including the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP), and urged the Jharkhand government to introduce a 4-5% reservation for veterans, saying such steps are crucial for boosting their morale and recognising their lifelong service to the nation. "Ex-servicemen and brave mothers who have dedicated their entire lives to the country--it has been my privilege today to honour them... I spoke with ex-servicemen who serve the nation selflessly in any situation... The Prime Minister implemented One Rank One Pension (OROP), a long-sought reform. Many states in the country provide 4-5% reservation to ex-servicemen, but this is not implemented in Jharkhand. We have spoken to the Chief Minister about this. I will urge the Chief Minister to implement it. This boosts morale... For ex-servicemen, Prime Minister Modi has provided various facilities across the country. A very large convention was also held in Ranchi today, and it has been my privilege to honour them," MoS Seth told the media. Meanwhile, Air Force Station Pune hosted the 10th edition of Defence Forces Veterans Day on Wednesday to honour the legacy of Late Field Marshal KM Cariappa, India's first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, who retired on this day in 1953. The event brought together approximately 5,000 veterans of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, along with serving personnel and family members, for a collective tribute to the nation's armed forces. A wreath-laying ceremony was held to honour soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation, marking a solemn and respectful start to the commemorations. A major focus of the Veterans Day celebration was to raise awareness among veterans and their dependents about pensions, grievance redressal, financial assistance, the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and other welfare programmes. Veterans were encouraged to raise their concerns and suggestions during interactive sessions. Officials from the Directorate of Air Veterans (DAV), Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA) and Zila Sainik Kalyan Board conducted detailed briefings. The Indian Army's Southern Command highlighted its tri-service efforts to improve veteran welfare through healthcare access, grievance resolution and documentation facilitation, including ECHS outreach, welfare camps, assisted life certificate renewal and support for widows and elderly veterans. The celebration concluded with a reaffirmation of the authorities' commitment to strengthening outreach, improving grievance redressal mechanisms and ensuring that veterans and their families receive the respect, care and support they deserve. (ANI) Karnataka Minister MC Sudhakar on Wednesday strongly condemned the alleged incident involving Congress leader Rajeev Gowda, who is accused of threatening the Shidlaghatta City Municipal Commissioner, and said strict action would be taken as per law. Speaking to reporters, Sudhakar said he does not support or endorse such behaviour, even if it involves a member of his own party. "This is an incident that I strongly condemn. Whether it is a person from our party or someone else, strict action needs to be taken, and we are doing that," he said. "And as far as the statement of the opposition party leader is concerned, obviously, they will try to take advantage of such a situation... Just because one person has made a mistake, it's his personal conduct; we will also try to discipline such people, but our first responsibility is to take action, to initiate action. They filed a complaint in the afternoon. I have not seen the contents of the complaint. So, whatever complaint they have given, I have instructed the SP to initiate action according to the law", Sudhakar told ANI. Earlier, Karnataka Assembly Leader of Opposition R Ashok on Wednesday condemned the Shidlaghatta incident, claiming that the Congress leader Rajeev Gowda has allegedly threatened the Municipal Commissioner Amruta Gowda with beating her with a slipper and setting her body on fire over the alleged removal of an illegal flex banner. While addressing a press conference, LoP R Ashok slammed the Congress party, saying that the officers have had no peace ever since the party came into power. "After the Congress came to power, officers have had no peace; it's either harassment or death. An SP was slapped, there was a death in the Valmiki case, a librarian committed suicide, and another officer died after money was allegedly extorted from him for a transfer," he said. Speaking on the Shidlaghatta incident, he asked why no action has been initiated against the controversial remarks of the Congress leader."In Shidlaghatta, Rajeev Gowda has allegedly threatened Municipal Commissioner Amruta Gowda, saying he would set her on fire and beat her with a slipper." "In Shidlaghatta, 80% of those working are Dalits, and Rajeev Gowda said he would beat them with a slipper. He is a defeated candidate and a Congress leader. He issued threats because an illegal flex banner was removed. He insulted a female officer. The Chairperson of the Women's Commission rushed to the Kogilu Layout earlier. Why has no action been taken now?" he firmly questioned. (ANI) Ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BJP) elections, BJP leader Poonam Mahajan took a swipe at the Thackeray cousins, alleging that MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray have come together solely for political survival, rather than the city's development. The BJP leader also addressed concerns over an alleged threat to the Marathi identity in the wake of Raj Thackeray's statement, which made a strong pitch for Marathi unity and warned that the state's language, land, and identity are under threat. Reacting to these developments, Mahajan accused opposition parties of playing a game of divide and rule. She highlighted that it was under PM Modi that Marathi was finally granted the status of a classical language. "It is good if a family comes together, but they have not come together for a wedding. They have come together for their survival. They have not come together over development issues...They raise issues which are beyond understanding...They raise the issue of 'Marathi manus'. Who gave it the status of Classical Language? PM Narendra Modi...Where did the 'Marathi manus' of Lalbaug and Girgaon go? You removed them...Everyone is doing divide and rule. We don't want to get into that. We want to do development. Maharashtra will be the most important in India's stride ahead..." Mahajan told ANI. She further asserted that the Mahayuti alliance would contest the BMC elections on development issues and accused opposition parties of diverting attention from the city's development toward Hindutva and Marathi identity politics. "...BJP, Shiv Sena and Mahayuti do not want to divert their focus. When the Opposition wants to divert our attention, we say that only someone who thinks for Marathi and Hindutva would be our Mayor. To those who want to have a 'burqa waali' (as Mayor), as said by those coming from Hyderabad as well as the local leaders here, I would like to say - have one such Corporator in your village first. They might feel good to indulge in Hindu-Muslim but the people of Maharashtra and the country are clever. They are intelligent. They want development...We do not want to get diverted. We will contest on the issues of development and make our cities better," said Mahajan. Mahajan also declared that she clearly sees a 'winning wave' in favour of the Mahayuti alliance. She emphasised that the public is eager to support them and reaffirmed the alliance's commitment to working responsibly for the people of Mumbai. "Civic body elections are taking place across 29 places in Maharashtra. We have made separate development models for every city...We are getting good support across Maharashtra. As far as BMC and 9 municipal corporation in Mumbai Metropolitan Region are concerned, CM Fadnavis had made masterplan from 2014-2019 that the more we develop MMR, the better it will be for the development of Maharashtra as well as country. You must have seen in past few years that be it metro, connectivity, infrastructure projects, houses of people and water supply to every house, every tiny thing which was not done by the earlier ruling parties in civic bodies is something we have taken care of. This is not just on paper but it can be seen as ground reality. So, I can see winning prospect of Mahayuti. People want to support us and we also want to work responsibly for people," added Mahajan. Meanwhile, Maharashtra is gearing up for massive civic polls across 29 municipal corporations, including the prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The stakes are high for the Thackeray brothers, as well as the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, following the ruling Mahayuti's resounding victory in last year's assembly elections. The voting for these corporations will be held on January 15, and the votes will be counted on January 16. In the capital city, Mumbai, voting will take place in 227 wards, with approximately 1,700 candidates in the fray. A total of 1,03,44,315 citizens are eligible to vote in the BMC polls. Of these, 55,16,707 are male voters, 48,26,509 are female voters, and the number of other voters is 1,099. The undivided Shiv Sena was a strong force in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. It won 84 seats contesting in alliance with the BJP, which won 82 seats. However, the tables have turned this time following Shiv Sena's split in 2022. For the Thackeray brothers, Raj and Uddhav, these local body polls are a fight for regaining lost prestige. It will also test if the Thackeray surname still carries as much weight as it once did in the city and the state. (ANI) HOLLYWOOD FAVOURITE Alicia Silverstone returns to our screens in gripping new mystery series Irish Blood, as a cut-throat LA divorce lawyer who gets entangled in a web of family secrets, deception and danger. Irish Blood Competition Drawing comparisons to hit shows The Split and Mare of Easttown, on its US premiere on Acorn TV, the acclaimed drama became their most successful series launch of all-time. Now this captivating show, that unravels a mind-blowing mystery, will have audiences glued to their screens, when it arrives on DVD 12 January 2026, courtesy of Acorn Media International, following its UK debut on Sky Witness. The full series will be available to buy and keep on digital from 29 December 2025. With a second series on the way, now is the perfect time to check out this hit thriller. The series features a stellar cast including Jason OMara, Wendy Crewson, Dearbhla Molloy, Simone Kirby, Ruth Codd and Leonardo Taiwo. Abandoned by her father as a child, ruthless divorce lawyer Fiona Sharpe (Silverstone) spends her life channelling her childhood trauma into her work. When she receives a mysterious package from her estranged father (OMara), she jumps at the opportunity to travel to Ireland and confront him face to face. However, all is not as it seems, when she arrives on the Irish coast, Fiona is met with a huge secret... A family who wasnt aware of her existence. She soon discovers that the story of abandonment that has shaped her entire life, has been a lie made up for her own protection. As her fathers secretive past comes to light, Fiona is left with more questions than answers and when her stubborn curiosity gets the better of her, she gets swept up in a shocking mystery involving gangsters, dark secrets and unimaginable dangers. With a sensational lead, shocking twists and turns, stunning scenery and gut-wrenching family drama, unravel a thrilling new mystery this winter with Irish Blood. COMPETITION PRIZE PROVIDER Aim Publicity To be in with a chance to win thes great prize all you need to do is answer the question below, then complete and submit the attached entry sheet. Question: What is Fiona Sharpe's occupation? A. Homicide Detective B. Divorce lawyer C. Child Minder GOOD LUCK by Matt Shine for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on Tagged in Competition DVD Closing Date : 28th January 2026 The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation through enhanced trade, capacity building, startup exchanges, joint R&D, best-practice sharing, and collaboration in mariculture and allied sectors. Following the discussions, India's Union Minister of Fisheries and his Israeli counterpart signed a Joint Ministerial Declaration of Intent on cooperation in Fisheries & aquaculture, affirming a mutual commitment to collaborate on technology and innovation, sustainable fishing, capacity building, and trade. "Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon'ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying & Panchayati Raj signed a Joint Ministerial Declaration of Intent on cooperation in the field of Fisheries & aquaculture today along with Mr. Avi Dichter, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Israel. During the discussion, the Ministers affirmed mutual commitment to collaborate on technology and innovation, sustainable fishing, capacity building, and trade, etc" said the Ministry of Fisheries. Union Minister Lalan Singh is on an official visit to Israel to participate in the Second Global Summit on 'Blue Food Security: Sea the Future 2026.' The summit, being held from January 13 to 15 in Eilat, aims to reinforce strategic cooperation between India and Israel in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. In a post on X, the Union Minister shared that his delegation visited the National Centre for Mariculture (NCM) in Eilat. During the visit, Singh was briefed on NCM's research programs, including broodstock development, hatchery technologies, Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) models, and innovative disease management strategies. "I commenced my official visit to Israel to participate in the Second Global Summit "Blue Food Security: Sea the Future 2026" being held in Eilat, strengthening India-Israel cooperation in the fisheries and aquaculture sector," said Singh. "During the visit to the National Centre for Mariculture (NCM), Eilat, I was briefed on cutting-edge research and facilities related to broodstock development, hatchery technologies, IMTA models, and innovative disease management practices," said Singh. (ANI) Sisters of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, along with party workers, staged a sit-in at Rawalpindi's Factory Naka on Tuesday after being prevented once again from meeting Khan, who is lodged at Adiala jail, Dawn reported. According to Dawn, sit-ins at Factory Naka, located a short distance from Adiala Jail, have become routine on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with PTI supporters and Imran Khan's sisters repeatedly protesting restrictions on meetings with the former over the past several weeks. The protests continue despite a March 24, 2025, court order from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) directing that Imran Khan be allowed to meet visitors twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Dawn reported. However, Imran's sisters Aleema Khan, Uzma Khan and Noreen Khan Niazi, along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, have been unable to meet him so far. On Tuesday, security forces blocked multiple routes leading to Adiala jail, including Factory Naka and Dahgal Naka, amid a heavy police deployment. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was stopped at Dahgal Naka, while several others, including Imran Khan's sisters, were halted at Factory Naka and barred from proceeding further, as per the Dawn. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said in a post on social media platform X around 3 pm that he was stopped at a police checkpoint shortly after crossing Bahria Town. Later, in a video shared by the PTI on X around 8 pm, Raja said he was again stopped near Chakri before eventually reaching the vicinity of Adiala jail. "I was again stopped around two to three miles away from Chakri, now we have finally reached here (near the Adiala jail)," he said. In another video posted by the PTI on X, Aleema Khan said, "We had to recite and finish the Quran here, but they are afraid of it. What kind of people are they? They have strictly blocked all the routes to Adiala." On Monday, Aleema had appealed to PTI supporters to gather outside Adiala jail for a Khatam-i-Quran, Dawn reported. "We will sit here," she asserted, adding that "the oppressors are afraid." "Why have they arrested him (Imran)? Why are they denying meetings with him? Why is he kept in solitary confinement?" she asked. Aleema further said that jail authorities had assured her last week that a meeting would be arranged, which led the party to temporarily call off its sit-in. Imran Khan does not have access to the internet while in custody, and it remains unclear who operates his X account. However, the account has continued to post statements described as his messages from jail following meetings with family members and party leaders, Dawn reported. (ANI) As the protests continue to rise in Iran, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) warned the country of "consequences" if it continues violent actions against its own citizens, saying Tehran "better behave". Trump said that the United States would "review the situation" in regard of reports of killings and alleged executions during unrest in the country. Speaking to reporters after an event in Detroit, Trump said he was returning to Washington to assess developments related to Iran. "We had a wonderful speech in front of great people in Detroit. I'm going back to the White House now, and we're going to look at the whole situation that's going on in Iran. We'll get some accurate numbers as to what's happening with regard to the killing," the US President told reporters. On being asked if he wants to see democracy in Iran, Trump added that he would want to see a "little bit of freedom" for the Iranian people. "Ideally, we would like to see it. We don't want to see people killed, and we want to see a little bit of freedom for these people. These people have been living in hell for a long time. I have friends who used to invest in Iran, and they did well with their investments. It was a great place. The people were great. Even the leadership was good. And now it is living in hell," he said. When asked by a reporter about Iran's warning of retaliation in the event of US strikes, Trump responded, "Yeah, Iran said that the last time I blew them up with the nuclear capability, which they don't have any longer, so. they better behave." When asked whether he had a message for Iran's leadership amid reports of violence against protesters, Trump said, "The message is they've got to show humanity. They've got a big problem, and I hope they're not going to be killing people. It would seem to me that they have been badly misbehaving, but that is not confirmed." While responding to a question from CBS News reporter Emily Schrader during his tour of Ford Motor Company's historic River Rouge Complex in Michigan about reports of executions, Trump responded, "When they start killing thousands of people and now you're telling me about hanging [protesters], we'll see how that works out for them. It's not going to work out good." Trump's remarks came amid heightened US messaging about the situation with Iran and a series of White House statements indicating that "many options" remain under review. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told journalists yesterday that airstrikes are among the "many, many options" under consideration, while stressing that diplomacy remains the administration's "first option." Her comments followed a fresh directive from Trump aimed at countries doing business with Iran. Trump announced that any country doing business with the Islamic Republic would face a 25 per cent tariff on all trade conducted with the United States. In a statement, Trump said, "Effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America. This order is final and conclusive." The developments come as Iran has been witnessing sustained nationwide protests since late December, drawing divided reactions internationally, with some governments expressing concern over what they describe as foreign-instigated riots, while others have accused Iranian authorities of responding violently to demonstrators, Al Jazeera reported. The death toll includes 505 protesters, among them nine children, as well as 133 members of Iran's military and security forces, one prosecutor, and seven civilians who were not involved in the demonstrations. The current protest, in its 17th day, has spread nationwide, with 606 gatherings across 187 cities, according to HRANA. (ANI) Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh's Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, on Tuesday sought support from the United Nations human rights office to counter a surge of misinformation targeting the February 12 elections. The X account of the Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh flagged the flooding of misinformation surrounding the elections. "There has been a flood of misinformation surrounding the elections. It is coming from both foreign media and local sources," Yunus said during a phone conversation with Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. https://x.com/ChiefAdviserGoB/status/2011115652627808762 "They have flooded social media with fake news, rumours and speculation. We are concerned about the impact this may have on the elections," the Chief Adviser added. High Commissioner Turk said he was aware of the problem and offered the support of the UN human rights office to address what he described as a growing misinformation challenge, as per the X post. "There is a lot of misinformation. We will do whatever is needed," Turk said, adding that the UN rights agency would work closely with Bangladesh to tackle the issue. During the conversation, the two leaders also discussed the upcoming referendum, the importance of institutional reforms, the work of the Enforced Disappearance Commission, the formation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the global geopolitical situation. High Commissioner Turk stressed the importance of establishing "a truly independent" National Human Rights Commission to carry forward the work related to enforced disappearances. In response, Yunus said the NHRC ordinance has already been promulgated and that a new commission would be reconstituted ahead of the February 12 elections. "We will do it before we leave," he said. The Chief Adviser said he had shared the final report of the Enforced Disappearance Commission with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, describing it as a crucial document that would go a long way toward ensuring accountability and justice for the victims of enforced disappearances during the autocratic regime from 2009 to 2024. (ANI) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said on Wednesday that it recorded the presence of 20 sorties of PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels operating around its territory. The Ministry of National Defence also added that 17 out of 20 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) . In a post on X, the MND wrote, "20 sorties of PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 17 out of 20 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2011241860673519810 Earlier on Tuesday, the Ministry of National Defence reported the presence of 10 PLA aircraft sorties and 5 PLAN vessels operating in its territory. The Ministry of National Defence also added that 3 out of 10 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone. In a post on X, the MND wrote, "10 sorties of PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 out of 10 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." Earlier on Monday, Taiwan's MND reported the presence of 5 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating in its territorial waters. The Ministry of National Defence also added that 4 PRC balloons were detected during the timeframe. Earlier, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said he would continue safeguarding Taiwan and would not allow China to interfere, Focus Taiwan reported. It stated that President Lai, as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, pledged to protect the country and safeguard the lives and property of all citizens."I will certainly safeguard the nation and absolutely not allow Chinese pressure or China's hand to reach into Taiwan," President Lai said. He also said on Thursday that China's "cross-border pressure" against the people of Taiwan proves that Beijing's authority does not extend to Taiwan and confirms that Taiwan is not part of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Focus Taiwan reported Lai cited the recent visit to Taiwan by China-born Japanese lawmaker Hei Seki, who has been sanctioned by China and barred from entering PRC, saying that the visit demonstrated how the Republic of China (ROC) -- Taiwan's official name -- and the PRC are not subordinate to each other. (ANI) Denmark Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said that they informed Iran's charge d'affaires that the brutal crackdown of protesters is unacceptable. Rasmussen further said that the EU has already imposed several sanctions against Iran and Denmark would take further steps if deemed necessary. In a post on X, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark said, "FM Lars Lokke Rasmussen: "Iran's brutal crackdown on the people's protests is unacceptable. We made this crystal clear to the Iranian charge d'affaires today. The EU has already imposed comprehensive sanctions against Iran, and Denmark is ready to take further steps"." https://x.com/DanishMFA/status/2011076255966511565?s=20 Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump Iran's significant killing of protesters is on his mind. "We're going to look at the whole situation that's going on in Iran. Really bad stuff. But the Iran is on my mind when I see the kind of death that is happening over there. We're going to get some accurate numbers as to what's happening with regard to the killing," he said during his gaggle with Press at Joint Base Andrews. "The killing looks like it's significant, but we don't know yet for certain. And we'll act accordingly," he added. Trump did not elaborate much when asked if air strikes are on US radar. "Well, you never know, do you? You never know. You think so far, my track record's been excellent, but you never know," he said. When asked if Iran might retaliate against the possible air strikes, he said that it could not do anything when the US obliterated their nuclear capability. "Iran said that the last time I blew them up with the nuclear capability which they don't have any longer. So Iran said that the last time they better behave," he said. Iran has been witnessing sustained nationwide protests since late December, drawing divided reactions internationally, with some governments expressing concern over what they describe as foreign-instigated riots, while others have accused Iranian authorities of responding violently to demonstrators, Al Jazeera reported. The death toll includes 505 protesters, among them nine children, as well as 133 members of Iran's military and security forces, one prosecutor, and seven civilians who were not involved in the demonstrations. The current protest, in its 17th day, has spread nationwide, with 606 gatherings across 187 cities, according to HRANA. (ANI) Bangladesh suspended Visa on Arrival (VoA) from January 15 to February 15 ahead of general elections and referendum. Citizens of neighboring countries like Bhutan and Nepal used to receive on-arrival visa facilities from Bangladesh. However, the decision to suspend that arrangement has now been officially communicated to those countries' governments. A senior official of the Bangladesh government has stated that from January 15 to February 15, Bangladesh will suspend the issuance of on-arrival visas for one month. This applies to all countries that normally receive on-arrival visa facilities from Bangladesh. Although he did not explicitly state the reason for this decision, it is widely assumed that it has been taken with the upcoming national parliamentary elections in mind. Since the election campaign will begin on January 22 and major party leaders will travel across the country to hold rallies, the government is likely taking this step to enhance security in border areas and prevent any potential violence during the election period. This kind of measure has reportedly been taken in the past during elections as well. In addition, Bangladesh has also suspended the issuance of visas from its key missions located in India. Officials have stated that there is no likelihood of resuming these visa services until the election is over. The national parliamentary elections and a public referendum on certain reforms are scheduled to be held in Bangladesh on February 12. In the lead-up to the general election and the referendum, Bangladesh has intensified its internal security measures. The military has been deployed across the country, and army personnel are setting up security checkpoints in various locations. The interim government has already granted the military magisterial powers. In addition to the army, the police force has also been instructed to remain extremely vigilant in carrying out their duties. (ANI) Finland has summoned Iran's Charge d'Affaires over the escalating violence against protesters by Iranian authorities. Aggression must stop and all unjustly detained demonstrators released. The right of access to information, including access to the internet, must be ensured. Finland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a tweet. Iranians have been protesting since December 28, 2025, and the protests have garnered the attention of international leaders and media. Around 2,000 people have been killed in protests against Iran's regime, The Times of Israel reported, citing Reuters and quoting an Iranian official who blamed "terrorists" for the deaths of civilians and security personnel. The report said this is the highest official death toll confirmed so far in the unrest that has rocked the Islamic Republic and threatened the country's stability. Addressing protesters directly, Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi in a video message on X said, "My compatriots, as I told you in my previous message, the world not only saw and heard your courage and voice but is taking action. By now, you have undoubtedly heard the message from the President of the United States. Help is on the way." Further, Pahlavi called on demonstrators to remain steadfast and requested them not to let the Khamenei regime "portray the situation as normal." "Continue the struggle. Do not let this regime portray the situation as normal," he said, adding that the scale of violence had permanently altered the relationship between the people and the ruling system. "After all this killing, there is an ocean of blood between us and this regime," he said. The exiled Crown Prince urged citizens to document alleged abuses committed during the protests. "Write down the names of these criminals. One day, they will face justice for their actions," he said. In a direct appeal to Iran's security forces and military personnel, Pahlavi sought to distinguish the nation from its current rulers. "And I have a special message for the military personnel: You are the national army of Iran, not the army of the Islamic Republic," he said. He called on them to refuse orders that harm civilians and to side with protesters. "It is your duty to protect the lives of your fellow compatriots. You do not have much time left. Join the people as soon as possible," Pahlavi added. The US is also closely monitoring the situation and mulling action over Iran. Speaking to reporters after an event in Detroit, US President Donald Trump said he was returning to Washington to assess developments related to Iran. "We had a wonderful speech in front of great people in Detroit. I'm going back to the White House now, and we're going to look at the whole situation that's going on in Iran. We'll get some accurate numbers as to what's happening with regard to the killing," the US President told reporters. On being asked if he wants to see democracy in Iran, Trump added that he would want to see a "little bit of freedom" for the Iranian people. "Ideally, we would like to see it. We don't want to see people killed, and we want to see a little bit of freedom for these people. These people have been living in hell for a long time. I have friends who used to invest in Iran, and they did well with their investments. It was a great place. The people were great. Even the leadership was good. And now it is living in hell," he said. When asked by a reporter about Iran's warning of retaliation in the event of US strikes, Trump responded, "Yeah, Iran said that the last time I blew them up with the nuclear capability, which they don't have any longer, so. they better behave." When asked whether he had a message for Iran's leadership amid reports of violence against protesters, Trump said, "The message is they've got to show humanity. They've got a big problem, and I hope they're not going to be killing people. It would seem to me that they have been badly misbehaving, but that is not confirmed." US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) called on protesters in Iran to continue demonstrating, saying that assistance would arrive soon, without sharing further details. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP." Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday stated that the European Union will move quickly to propose additional sanctions against those linked to the crackdown on demonstrations in Iran. In a post on X, von der Leyen said, "The rising number of casualties in Iran is horrifying. I unequivocally condemn the excessive use of force and continued restriction of freedom." (ANI) High Commissioner of India to Kenya Adarsh Swaika met Kenya's National Security Advisor Monica Juma on Tuesday (local time). "HC @AdarshSwaika1 called on the National Security Adviser of Kenya @AmbMonicaJuma. Discussions focussed on existing strategic and security-related areas of cooperation and identification of new areas of bilateral strategic interest." The High Commission of India in Kenya said in a post on X. Both sides agreed to convene the Kenya-India Joint Commission for Cooperation in New Delhi as part of efforts to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. Earlier, the Indian High Commissioner met Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia W Mudavadi on Monday. The meeting focused on recent and upcoming high-level exchanges between India and Kenya, reflecting what it described as the depth and dynamism of the bilateral partnership. The two leaders also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in key areas, including digital public infrastructure, trade and investment, development partnerships, and people-to-people ties, rooted in the historic and enduring relationship between the two countries. Mudavadi, in a post on X, said Kenya and India share a century-long bond anchored in brotherhood, shared values, and mutual interests. He noted that his discussions with High Commissioner Swaika aimed to advance the long-term partnership between the two nations, particularly in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. He also said the two sides aligned on India's upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, to which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto. In addition, they discussed the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship forum shaping global conversations on geopolitics and geoeconomics. Highlighting the decision to convene the Kenya-India Joint Commission for Cooperation in Delhi, Mudavadi said the meeting would set a clear, results-driven agenda to deliver tangible outcomes for both countries. "Kenya and India share a century-long bond anchored in brotherhood, shared values, and mutual interests. I met with H.E. Dr. Adarsh Swaika, High Commissioner of India to Kenya, to drive forward our long-term partnership in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. We aligned on India's upcoming AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited President William Samoei Ruto, as well as the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship platform shaping global conversations on geopolitics and geoeconomics," the Prime Cabinet Secretary said. "We also agreed to convene the Kenya-India Joint Commission for Cooperation in Delhi, setting a clear, results-driven agenda focused on delivering tangible outcomes for both countries," he added. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Kenya are maritime neighbours, and their modern relationship has developed into a strong and wide-ranging partnership, characterised by frequent high-level engagements, growing trade and investment, and deepening people-to-people connections. (ANI) Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Lin Jian, said on Wednesday that China supports Iran in maintaining its stability, adding that Beijing has always opposed the interference in other countries' internal affairs and the use of force in international relations. Chinese spokesperson also commented on the latest sanctions issued by US President Donald Trump on countries that do business with Iran. "China's position on the tariffs issue is very clear. Tariff wars have no winners. China will firmly protect its legitimate and lawful rights and interests," he said. In a post on X, it said, "China hopes Iran will maintain stability and supports Iran in doing so. We always oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs and the use or threat of force in international relations." https://x.com/SpoxCHN_LinJian/status/2011285196101075440?s=20 Meanwhile, Iran has formally appealed to the United Nations Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, accusing the United States of inciting violence, interfering in Iran's internal affairs, and threatening military action, according to an official letter circulated by Iran's Permanent Mission to the UN. In the letter, Iran's Permanent Representative, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, expressed grave concern about recent remarks by the President of the United States regarding protests in Iran. Tehran claims the comments encouraged unrest and suggested external support for attempts to seize state institutions, which Iranian officials argue amounts to an explicit threat against the country's sovereignty and national security. Iran maintains that the US statements violate core principles of international law, including provisions of the UN Charter that prohibit the threat or use of force and forbid intervention in the domestic affairs of sovereign states. The letter asserts that such rhetoric contributes to political destabilisation and could inflame violence, with serious consequences for regional and international peace and security. The Iranian mission further situates the remarks within what it calls a broader pattern of escalating pressure from Washington, alleging repeated threats of force in recent weeks. It references earlier diplomatic communications sent to the United Nations in late December 2025 and early January 2026, which, according to Tehran, documented similar concerns. Iranian officials argue that these actions are part of a long-standing strategy aimed at weakening the country through sanctions, economic pressure, and political agitation. (ANI) Timing can be everything when it comes to digital assets. For UK investors, understanding how prices fluctuate in real time is no longer a luxuryits a crucial part of building confidence, reducing risk, and making informed decisions. Gone are the days when investors relied solely on end-of-day charts or weekly reports. Today, real-time market tracking tools are transforming how individuals monitor, assess, and interact with cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Bitcoin, and emerging altcoins. This guide explores how live market data is reshaping the approach of UK investors, highlighting the benefits, risks, and practical strategies for using these tools effectively. Why Real-Time Market Data Matters Cryptocurrencies are famously volatile. A single news event, regulatory announcement, or social media post can send prices swinging within minutes. For UK investors, this means that relying on delayed data can lead to missed opportunities or unexpected losses. Instant Awareness of Market Movements Real-time tracking allows investors to see price changes as they happen, enabling them to react to market shifts immediately. This is particularly important for highly liquid assets like Ethereum, where price swings of several percentage points within an hour are not uncommon. Better Decision-Making Access to live data helps investors distinguish between short-term noise and meaningful trends. By monitoring metrics such as trading volume, order book depth, and bid-ask spreads in real time, investors can make more informed entry and exit decisions. Supporting Advanced Strategies For UK investors interested in strategies beyond buy-and-holdlike day trading, scalping, or swing tradingreal-time data is essential. These approaches rely on precise timing and market awareness, which static charts or end-of-day summaries simply cannot provide. Tools and Platforms for Real-Time Tracking A variety of platforms now offer live market tracking for cryptocurrencies. The best solutions combine accuracy, speed, and accessibility, helping UK investors interact with the market confidently. Exchange Platforms Most regulated UK-friendly exchanges provide live charts and dashboards that display prices, volume, and trading activity in real time. Features to look for include: Clear visualisations of price changes Customisable alerts for price movements Integration with wallets and portfolio trackers Independent Tracking Services Beyond exchanges, dedicated market tracking services aggregate data across multiple exchanges to provide a more comprehensive view. These tools often include historical data, market sentiment indicators, and alerts for significant movements. Mobile and Desktop Applications Real-time monitoring doesnt have to be confined to a desktop. Mobile apps allow UK investors to track markets on the go, ensuring they never miss key movements and can act promptly when needed. For example, users can easily track the ETH price live in the UK through popular apps that update every second. Practical Benefits for UK Investors Incorporating real-time tracking into your investment approach offers several tangible advantages, especially in a fast-moving asset class like cryptocurrency. Improved Risk Management By keeping a constant eye on market activity, investors can set stop-loss orders or exit positions before losses escalate. Real-time data also helps in assessing liquidity, preventing the risk of getting stuck in illiquid trades. Enhanced Portfolio Monitoring Investors can track multiple assets simultaneously, making it easier to maintain a balanced portfolio. Real-time alerts can notify users when assets hit target prices, helping to automate parts of their investment strategy. Staying Ahead of Market Sentiment Cryptocurrency markets are often influenced by sentiment-driven events. By monitoring prices live, UK investors gain insights into how markets react to news, enabling them to anticipate potential trends or reversals. Integrating Real-Time Tracking Into Your Strategy While live market data is powerful, it works best when combined with a well-thought-out investment strategy. Combine With Fundamental Analysis Real-time price movements are important, but they should be interpreted in the context of broader market trends, project fundamentals, and regulatory developments. For instance, Ethereums price may spike due to network upgrades or changes in institutional adoptionunderstanding the reasons behind the movement helps investors make smarter decisions. Avoid Overreacting to Volatility A common pitfall is reacting to every fluctuation. Experienced investors use real-time data to identify meaningful trends rather than chasing every short-term swing. Patience and perspective remain key. Use Alerts Strategically Setting price alerts or notifications can reduce the need to constantly monitor charts. UK investors can configure alerts for critical thresholds, such as when ETH breaks a resistance level, ensuring they are informed without becoming overwhelmed. Security and Reliability Considerations With the rise of live market data, its essential to prioritise security and accuracy. Choose reputable platforms: Data should come from FCA-compliant exchanges or verified tracking services. Verify data sources: Some aggregators may experience delays or inconsistencies; cross-checking critical information can prevent costly errors. Secure your accounts: Enable two-factor authentication and avoid accessing accounts on unsecured networks. Looking Ahead: The Future of Real-Time Tracking The trend toward instant data is likely to accelerate. Machine learning algorithms, AI-driven analytics, and blockchain integration are making it possible to monitor markets with unprecedented precision. For UK investors, this means even greater opportunities to act on insights, manage risk, and understand market dynamics in real time. As tools improve, investors can expect more sophisticated dashboards, predictive analytics, and automated alerts tailored to their individual portfolios, making informed crypto investing increasingly accessible and reliable. Real-time market tracking has fundamentally changed the way UK investors approach digital assets. By providing instant insights, enhancing risk management, and supporting advanced strategies, these tools empower investors to act with confidence and clarity. Whether you are exploring Ethereum, Bitcoin, or a diversified crypto portfolio, integrating live tracking into your investment routine is no longer optionalits essential. With the right tools, strategy, and mindset, UK investors can navigate the dynamic crypto landscape with precision, reducing uncertainty while seizing opportunities as they arise. by Matt Shine for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on At the 16th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting- Plus Experts Working Group on counter terrorism co-chaired by India and Malaysia, Muhammad Ammir Haron, Head of Delegation from Malaysia, said that they expected to carry forward their agenda on counter terrorism. He said, "We have full participation from ADMM plus and ASEAN countries, and we hope to move forward our agenda on counter terrorism. We work across the globe to help ensure peace and stability across the region, not towards any particular country." The meeting of 16th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter Terrorism (CT) and Final Planning Conference for Table Top Exercise is scheduled from January 14 to 16, as per a statement by the Ministry of Defence. India and Malaysia will co-chair the 16th EWG on CT meeting. Delegations from 11 ASEAN members (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste) and 07 dialogue partners (Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Japan, China, USA and Russia) along with ASEAN Secretariat representatives will participate in the EWG on CT. This will be the third meeting for the ongoing cycle from 2024-2027. The meeting will provide an important platform to review progress since the previous session, deliberate on the ongoing and planned activities under the three-year work plan to further strengthen India's multilateral cooperation on Counter-Terrorism with the ADMM-Plus framework. The Final Planning Conference for Table Top Exercise will be conducted on 14 January. Malaysia will host Table Top Exercise during the next edition of EWG meeting in 2026. India will subsequently hold Field Training Exercise in 2027. The ADMM-Plus serves as a platform for practical cooperation among the participating countries' defence establishments. It currently focuses on seven areas of practical cooperation namely maritime security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping operations, military medicine, humanitarian mine action and cyber security. The EWGs have been established to facilitate cooperation in these seven areas, the statement added. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday met Ambassador Sanjiv Ranjan, Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), in New Delhi to review priority areas of cooperation among member states, with a focus on strengthening engagement across governments, businesses and academia. Sharing details of the interaction on X, Jaishankar said, "Glad to meet Amb Sanjiv Ranjan, Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, today in Delhi. Discussed priority areas for cooperation with the governments, businesses & academia of @IORAofficial member states." The discussions centred on advancing collaborative efforts within the IORA framework and deepening partnerships that support sustainable and inclusive growth in the Indian Ocean region. The meeting comes amid renewed emphasis on regional cooperation to address shared economic, developmental and security challenges. IORA is a key multilateral platform that brings together countries bordering the Indian Ocean to promote regional cooperation and sustainable development. Its agenda spans a range of areas including trade and investment facilitation, maritime safety and security, fisheries management, disaster risk reduction, tourism and academic exchanges. India has been an active participant in the association and has consistently advocated for a more action-oriented and results-driven approach. During the meeting, Jaishankar underscored the importance of closer coordination among IORA member states to unlock the economic potential of the region while ensuring stability and resilience. He highlighted the role of businesses in driving trade and investment linkages, as well as the contribution of academic and research institutions in fostering innovation, capacity building and evidence-based policymaking. The interaction also reflected India's broader vision for the Indian Ocean, which emphasises cooperation, connectivity and respect for international law. New Delhi has positioned itself as a net security provider and a development partner in the region, promoting initiatives that enhance maritime domain awareness, infrastructure development and people-to-people ties. Ambassador Sanjiv Ranjan, who took over as IORA Secretary General recently, briefed the External Affairs Minister on the association's ongoing programmes and future priorities. Both sides are understood to have agreed on the need to translate dialogue into tangible outcomes that benefit member states and reinforce the relevance of IORA in a rapidly evolving geopolitical and economic environment. The meeting signals India's continued commitment to multilateral engagement in the Indian Ocean and its intent to work closely with IORA to advance shared regional objectives through inclusive and practical cooperation. (ANI) Bangladesh Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed his government's commitment to hold the general elections and the referendum as scheduled on February 12, a statement said on Wednesday. The Chief Adviser made the remarks when two former senior United States diplomats--Albert Gombis and Morse Tan, both of whom served during the Donald Trump administration--called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on late Tuesday night. https://x.com/ChiefAdviserGoB/status/2011326664832397332?s=20 Yunus said there had been a flood of fake news and deliberately spread confusion surrounding the elections, but stressed that the Interim Government remained firm in its commitment to hold the polls on February 12 and to hand over power to a democratically elected government once the results are announced. "No matter who says what, elections will be held on February 12--not a day before, not a day after," the Chief Adviser said, adding that the vote would be free, fair and peaceful, and held in a festive atmosphere. He said the Interim Government would remain completely neutral during the elections, ensuring an unbiased administration and a level playing field for all political parties, the statement said. Albert Gombis, a former Acting Under Secretary of State, and Morse Tan, a former Ambassador-at-Large, are visiting Bangladesh ahead of the crucial elections. During the hour-long meeting, the Chief Adviser and the visiting diplomats discussed a wide range of issues, including the forthcoming elections, the July Revolution and its aftermath, the rise of young protesters, the July Charter and the referendum, fake news and misinformation targeting the vote, the Rohingya crisis, and the prospects for truth and reconciliation in a post-July Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser said his government was campaigning for "Yes" votes in the referendum, noting that the July Charter--set to be endorsed by the people--would usher in a new era of democratic governance and leave no room for future autocracy. Yunus said supporters of the former autocratic regime were spreading fake news and misinformation in an attempt to create confusion about the elections. "But people are alert. Increasingly, they can detect AI-generated misinformation videos," he said. Former Under Secretary Gombis agreed that fake news had emerged as "one of the main enemies" of democracy worldwide and stressed the need for greater efforts to combat the threat, as per the statement. Both diplomats praised the Chief Adviser for his crucial role in steering the country over the past one and a half years. They asked whether a truth and reconciliation initiative--similar to post-apartheid South Africa--was possible in Bangladesh. Yunus said that as a friend of the late Nelson Mandela, he closely followed South Africa's truth and reconciliation process, but he saw no possibility of a similar move in Bangladesh right at this moment due to the continued denial by the former regime of its crimes. "Time is not right. Where do you start? Truth and reconciliation come when you admit that you were wrong, when you repent and show remorse for your crimes, and when you create the right atmosphere," he said. "But so far, there is no remorse, no repentance. Instead, they claim that the young people killed during the July uprising were killed by terrorists. There are stacks and stacks of evidence of their crimes--absolutely barbaric crimes--yet they remain in complete denial." SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed was also present at the meeting. (ANI) Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon on Wednesday welcomed the decision of the UN to convene an emergency debate of the Security Council amid colossal anti-regime protests in Iran. Danon affirmed his support to the protesters. In a post on X, he said, "After long days of massacre, violent suppression and thousands of killed and wounded, the UN is planning to convene an emergency debate of the Security Council. While the Ayatollahs regime shoots at protesters and hangs opponents, the international community is dragging its feet. To the Iranian people I say, you are not alone! Your struggle for freedom is stronger than any oppressive regime." https://x.com/dannydanon/status/2011303752121418060?s=20 Meanwhile, Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas on Wednesday lauded the anti-regime protests led by Iranians. Kallas denounced the use of force against the protesters and threatened to put additional sanctions. In a post on X, she said, "The courage of the Iranian people is humbling. The brutal response by the security forces is unacceptable and exposes a regime afraid of its own people. The EU already has sweeping sanctions in place on Iran. We are now discussing putting additional sanctions." https://x.com/kajakallas/status/2011106923571986638?s=20 Earlier, Finland summoned Iran's Charge d'Affaires over the escalating violence against protesters by Iranian authorities. Aggression must stop and all unjustly detained demonstrators released. The right of access to information, including access to the internet, must be ensured. Finland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a tweet. Denmark Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said that they informed Iran's charge d'affaires that the brutal crackdown of protesters is unacceptable. Rasmussen further said that the EU has already imposed several sanctions against Iran and Denmark would take further steps if deemed necessary. In a post on X, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark said, "FM Lars Lokke Rasmussen: "Iran's brutal crackdown on the people's protests is unacceptable. We made this crystal clear to the Iranian charge d'affaires today. The EU has already imposed comprehensive sanctions against Iran, and Denmark is ready to take further steps"." https://x.com/DanishMFA/status/2011076255966511565?s=20 Iranians have been protesting since December 28, 2025, and the protests have garnered the attention of international leaders and media. Meanwhile, Iran is set to witness more brutality as the administration has decided to execute its first protester on Wednesday amid mass arrests of anti-regime protesters, New York Post reported, citing human rights groups. (ANI) Federal Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz lauded the cooperation between Germany and India in the form of people-to-people ties. Merz said that around 250,000 people in India are learning German. He said, "Around 250,000 people in India are learning German. There is no place in the world where Germany issues more visas than here in Bangalore. Language, work, and exchange connect people -- an opportunity that benefits both our economies and serves the interests of our countries." https://x.com/bundeskanzler/status/2011038978666086797?s=20 Germany is facing a severe shortage of workers, especially in blue collar occupations. India places a high priority on facilitating movement of students, apprentices and workers aiming to take up employment in Germany, collaboration to provide dual vocational training to Indian students as per German standards with the aim of accelerating mobility of skilled workers, and taking other measures to promote fair migration for employment purposes, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said. Bilateral cooperation in this area has been expanding at several fronts- between Central Governments, agencies of Central/State governments and among private enablers, as per the MEA. Meanwhile, Merz concluded his two-day official visit to India on Tuesday, following a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening India-Germany ties. According to a press release from the Gujarat CMO, Chancellor Merz participated in several cultural and strategic programmes alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat and attended the India-German CEO Forum, which focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and innovation. Following his engagements, Chancellor Merz departed from Ahmedabad Airport for Germany, where he received a warm farewell from Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and other senior dignitaries. Several top officials were present at the airport, including Chief Secretary MK Das, Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department Anju Sharma, Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner GS Malik, Chief Protocol Officer Jwalant Trivedi, District Collector Sujeet Kumar, and senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the release stated. (ANI) In Bangladesh, the upcoming parliamentary general election and public voting campaign is set to start on January 22, an official statement said. Before this campaign begins, security measures have been intensified across Bangladesh, and the army has set up security checkpoints in various locations. Additionally, the police are on special alert, heightened security measures have been implemented in border areas, and on-arrival visas to Bangladesh have been suspended. Earlier in the day, Bangladesh Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed his government's commitment to hold the general elections and the referendum as scheduled on February 12, a statement said on Wednesday. The Chief Adviser made the remarks when two former senior United States diplomats--Albert Gombis and Morse Tan, both of whom served during the Donald Trump administration--called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on late Tuesday night. https://x.com/ChiefAdviserGoB/status/2011326664832397332?s=20 Yunus said there had been a flood of fake news and deliberately spread confusion surrounding the elections, but stressed that the Interim Government remained firm in its commitment to hold the polls on February 12 and to hand over power to a democratically elected government once the results are announced. "No matter who says what, elections will be held on February 12--not a day before, not a day after," the Chief Adviser said, adding that the vote would be free, fair and peaceful, and held in a festive atmosphere. Bangladesh suspended Visa on Arrival (VoA) from January 15 to February 15 ahead of general elections and referendum. Citizens of neighboring countries like Bhutan and Nepal used to receive on-arrival visa facilities from Bangladesh. However, the decision to suspend that arrangement has now been officially communicated to those countries' governments. A senior official of the Bangladesh government has stated that from January 15 to February 15, Bangladesh will suspend the issuance of on-arrival visas for one month. This applies to all countries that normally receive on-arrival visa facilities from Bangladesh. (ANI) Ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's official visit to China, several leading human rights organisations and civil society groups in Canada have urged Ottawa to place human rights on par with trade and diplomatic engagement during talks with Beijing. The visit will be the first by a Canadian prime minister since 2017 and is seen as an effort to reset strained bilateral ties while expanding Canada's economic engagement beyond its reliance on the United States, according to Phayul. Rights groups have warned that renewed economic engagement should not come at the cost of ignoring what they describe as serious human rights violations by Chinese authorities, both within China and against dissidents and minority communities abroad. In a statement issued ahead of Carney's departure, the Tibet Action Institute (TAI) called on the Canadian Prime Minister to raise concerns directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping over China's state-run residential boarding school system in Tibet. TAI said the system separates Tibetan children from their families, culture, religion and language, which it described as an act of cultural erasure. According to the institute, nearly one million Tibetan children, about 78 per cent of those aged six to 18, along with tens of thousands of pre-school children, have been placed in these schools. TAI said this poses "an existential threat" to Tibetan identity. Referring to Canada's own history with residential schools, TAI said the country has a moral responsibility to challenge similar policies elsewhere. The institute said Canada must ensure that principled diplomacy remains inseparable from economic cooperation. Separately, at least nine Canadian rights groups, including Amnesty International Canada, the Canada Tibet Committee and the Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China, issued an open letter urging Carney to raise a wider range of concerns during the visit. These include the prosecution of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the continued detention of Uyghur-Canadian activist Huseyin Celil, and increased repression of Uyghurs, Tibetans, Christians and Falun Gong practitioners, as reported by Phayul. The coalition also accused China-linked actors of targeting Canadian civil society groups and diaspora communities through intimidation and interference. It said Ottawa must respond firmly to such actions. The groups said Canada should send a clear message that Chinese officials involved in such activities must face expulsion, according to Phayul.(ANI) Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi is set to visit India from January 15 to 17, as per the media advisory shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). As per the Ministry of External Affairs, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Toshimitsu Motegi, will arrive in New Delhi on January 15. On January 16, he will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House. On January 17, he will lay a wreath at Raj Ghat and later visit the Delhi Metro, after which he will emplane from Delhi. The meeting comes after PM Modi and Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi met in Johannesburg earlier this year on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in South Africa. The MEA noted in its statement that the two leaders reaffirmed the importance of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which is based on civilisational connection, shared values, mutual goodwill, and a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The leaders underscored their commitment to deepening the India-Japan partnership for regional and global peace, prosperity and stability. They acknowledged the steady progress made in bilateral ties during the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit and called for expeditious implementation of the outcomes agreed upon in a wide range of areas such as defence and security, trade and investment, SMEs, Artificial Intelligence, critical minerals, semiconductors, infrastructure development, technology and innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed collaborative opportunities in strategic sectors between India and Japan and exchanged views on regional and global issues. Prime Minister Takaichi expressed strong support for the AI Summit to be hosted by India in February 2026. MEA said that both leaders emphasised that India and Japan remain valued partners and trusted friends. Strong ties between the two countries are indispensable for regional and global peace, prosperity, and stability. The leaders agreed to stay in touch and meet again at the earliest opportunity. (ANI) Sharing the details of the meeting in a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that both sides reviewed the positive momentum in bilateral relations. They also discussed ways to further advance ties by enhancing people-to-people exchanges and addressing concerns on sensitive issues. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2011401663593230780?s=20 On January 13, Leaders of China's Communist Party (CCP) met Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale at the RSS headquarters. The meeting lasted for approximately half an hour, according to sources. According to the organisation's sources, the meeting was purely a courtesy call, initiated after the CCP delegation expressed its desire to interact with the RSS leadership. No formal agenda was discussed during the interaction, the sources added. The CCP leaders had also visited the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters, where they held a meeting with the party's General Secretary Arun Singh and the party's Foreign Affairs Department Convener Vijay Chauthaiwale. That interaction was also described as part of a 'routine exchange'. Sources indicated that both meetings were courtesy interactions and should not be viewed as formal or policy-level engagements. Further details regarding the meetings are awaited. "A delegation of Communist Party of China under the leadership of HE Sun Haiyan, (Vice Minister, IDCPC) visited BJP head office today. During the discussion, a BJP delegation headed by party Gen Sec Arun Singh discussed at length the means to advance inter party communications between BJP and CPC. Chinese Ambassador to India HE Xu Feihong also joined the delegation," Chauthaiwale posted on X. In August last year, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit (SCO) in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Cai Qi, the Secretary of the Secretariat of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and held talks focusing on strengthening India-China cooperation and deepening bilateral political engagement. During his bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Modi emphasised his commitment of taking the India-China ties forward, based on mutual trust, respect and sensitivity. (ANI) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday again pushed for control of Greenland, calling it necessary for "national security" and arguing it would also bolster NATO's strength. In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote that "anything less" than US control of Greenland is "unacceptable," adding, "NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES." He said that "NATO should be leading the way for us to get it," and "if we don't, Russia or China will, and that is not going to happen!" https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115893255826342514 Trump also repeated his claim that acquiring Greenland is essential for US national security and "vital for the Golden Dome that we are building," referring to the missile defence system being developed by the Pentagon. Emphasising the strategic and military dimension of the issue, Trump further asserted that NATO leaders should actively support the move, writing, "NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DON'T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! Militarily, without the vast power of the United States, much of which I built during my first term, and am now bringing to a new and even higher level, NATO would not be an effective force or deterrent - not even close! They know that, and so do I". Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark. Earlier, Trump on Tuesday dismissed remarks made by Greenland's Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who said at a news conference in Copenhagen, "Greenland does not want to be owned by the USA. Greenland does not want to be governed by the USA. Greenland will not be part of the USA. We choose the Greenland we know today, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark." Responding to Nielsen's comments, Trump said, "That's their problem. I disagree with him. I don't know who he is. I don't know anything about him, but that's going to be a big problem for him." Amid the renewed attention on Trump's remarks, European leaders have also pushed back against his calls for control over Greenland, with French President Emmanuel Macron warning on Wednesday that any attempt by Washington to seize the territory from Denmark would have "unprecedented" consequences. Macron, speaking through his government's spokesperson, said, "We do not underestimate the statements regarding Greenland. If the sovereignty of a European and allied country were to be affected, the knock-on consequences would be unprecedented." Macron added that France is monitoring developments closely and "will conduct its actions in full solidarity with Denmark and its sovereignty." Earlier on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated that Greenland belongs to its people and that the issue must be decided by Denmark and Greenland. "For me, it is important Greenlanders know ... that we respect (their) wishes and they, they can count on us," she added. Denmark's public broadcaster DR reported that Danish military reinforcements were sent to Greenland in preparation for a potential larger deployment. The Danish Defence Command in Copenhagen did not comment directly on the report but said that it has "increased (its) level of activity in the Arctic over the past year." "The Danish Defence, among other things, continuously train the deployment of capabilities in the Arctic and maintain a presence as part of routine task execution as well as in preparation for upcoming activities," said Louise Hedegaard from the Danish Defence Command. (ANI) The all-new Toyota Hilux is making its European debut at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show, taking place from 9-18 January at the Brussels Expo. Visitors will have the first opportunity to take a close-up look at the ninth generation of Toyotas legendary pick-up, a model that will break new ground with a range that includes its first battery electric powertrain. All new BEV Hilux or 2.8-litre diesel engine supported by a 48V battery debuts at Brussels Motor Show The all-new Hiluxs introduction builds on a heritage established over more than half a century and more than 27 million global sales. Throughout its history, Hiluxs success has been founded on its core Quality, Durability and Reliability, qualities that remain central to its latest evolution. True to its customer-centred approach, Toyota is not offering a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, the all-new Hilux aligns with the companys multipath philosophy to provide a choice of powertrains suited to different customer requirements and preferences, and operation in different driving conditions. Thus, the new model will be offered with two powertrains: a 2.8-litre diesel engine supported by a 48V battery the option that will be the volume seller in the UK and Europe and a battery electric version, both of which are on display in Brussels. In line with customer preference, the all-new Hilux will be offered exclusively in double-cab format, providing a convenient combination of practical load-carrying and performance capabilities for business and a comfortable, well-equipped cabin, together with an extensive Toyota Safety Sense active safety and driving assistance provisions. The sharp new exterior design, developed on a Tough and Agile theme, projects fundamental strength and a powerful, contemporary look. Under the skin, the pick-up retains the body-on-frame construction concept that has underpinned its exceptional off-road performance across successive generations. The all-new Hilux will be introduced in the UK from June. Further details of performance, equipment features, and local pricing will be announced in due course. 2.8-litre diesel engine is supported by a 48V lithium-ion battery All-new Hilux with 48V powertrain The all-new Hilux adopts the Diesel 48V system which was introduced in the current model in 2025. The 2.8-litre diesel engine is supported by a 48V lithium-ion battery, giving quieter, smoother and more refined performance qualities that are particularly noticeable when starting off and under acceleration. There are further benefits in fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions compared to the non-hybrid diesel powertrain. The Hiluxs load-carrying capabilities are maintained: maximum payload is one tonne, and towing capacity is 3.5 tonnes. Likewise, the design and positioning of the hybrid components do not compromise the models go-anywhere ruggedness; Hilux can wade through water up to 700mm deep. The driver is further supported in off-road conditions by the availability of a Multi-Terrain Select system that optimises vehicle performance when driving over different terrains, as well as a Multi-Terrain Monitor and Panoramic View Monitor for precise manoeuvring on challenging surfaces. Battery electric version (BEV) All-new Hilux BEV The introduction of the first battery electric Hilux creates a new proposition: a version of the unbreakable pick-up with zero tailpipe emissions. In introducing full electric power, Toyota has ensured the qualities that define Hilux and underpin its enduring success are retained, equipping it to meet the demands of business customers who require Quality, Durability and Reliability, together with serious off-road capability, but need to operate with zero CO2. The Hilux BEV uses a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery and front and rear eAxles to secure permanent all-wheel drive. The system develops 205Nm of torque at the front axle and 268Nm at the rear. Final WLTP homologation data show up to 160 miles of driving range in the combined cycle, and up to 236 miles in the city cycle. The Hilux BEV offers 715 kg payload and 1.6-tonne towing capacity. The model shares the same practical body-on-frame construction as other Hilux versions, with its BEV system providing smooth, effortless and silent power delivery. Optimal weight balance, electric power steering (to be standard across all Hilux models) and suspension engineering contribute to stable, secure and comfortable performance, while unique to BEV variant shift by wire technology allows for smooth gear changing. The electric powertrain, including the battery unit, has been packaged and installed so that superior off-road performance is maintained: ground clearance is 212mm and maximum wading depth matches other Hilux versions at 700mm. A Multi-Terrain Select system has been developed specifically for use in a BEV, adapting braking and torque to provide enhanced control in challenging conditions. Highlights from the 'Toyota All New Hilux' First European appearance of the all-new ninth generation of Toyotas legendary pick-up New model is faithful to Hiluxs famous Quality, Durability and Reliability, with body-on-frame construction and exceptional off-road capabilities Toyota multipath philosophy offers customers a choice of powertrains to suit personal preferences, business requirements and local operating conditions Hilux 48V to be the volume-selling model in the UK and Europe Hilux to adopt a battery electric system for the first time, offering fundamental strength with smooth, silent power and zero tailpipe emissions by Matt Shine for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on Tel Aviv [Israel], January 14 (ANI/TPS): Israel this week kicked off the "Sea the Future 2026" international conference on food security and aquaculture, bringing to Eilat some 400 researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry figures to discuss sustainable marine food production amid climate change and population growth. The three-day conference, jointly led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Ministry of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience, drew delegations from countries seeking research and technological cooperation, including the ministers of agriculture and fisheries of Ghana, India, and Azerbaijan, the deputy agriculture minister of Georgia, and professional teams from Romania and Morocco. Negev, Galilee and National Resilience Minister Yitzhak Vassaroff described the conference as part of a vision beyond Israel. "There is a shared vision here, not just for Israel but for the whole world," he said. "What may look like a desolate desert becomes a competitive advantage. This region is a living laboratory, and Eilat is transforming from a tourism city into a hub of information and knowledge." Agriculture and Food Security Minister Avi Dichter said Eilat's unique geography underscored the importance of innovation. "Here in the city of Eilat, where the desert meets the sea, innovation in aquaculture and desert agriculture is the key to strengthening food security in Israel and around the world," Dichter said. "Our strategy is to increase local production several times over, while maintaining environmental sustainability and farmer welfare." The conference focuses on aquaculture as a rapidly growing source of sustainable protein, at a time when natural fishing resources face mounting pressure. Around 90 percent of the world's fish stocks are fully exploited or overfished, while aquaculture supplies more than half of global fish consumption and grows about 8 percent annually. Sessions feature Israeli startup technologies, applied research, and panels on marine agriculture, seafood policy, and sustainable marine food systems. Yuval Lipkin, head of the Food Security Directorate, presented Israel's National Food Security Program 2050, formulated with ministries, research institutions, and civil society. Oren Lavie, director general of the Agriculture Ministry, said the international turnout reflected a shared understanding of the challenges. "Delegations from around the world came here with the understanding that the world needs high-quality, sustainable protein, and protein from the sea is a central part of the solution," Lavie said. "Israel leads in knowledge, research, and startups in aquaculture, combining scientific innovation with practical application. This is the true face of Israel." Eilat Mayor Eli Lankari said the city's location made it an ideal platform. "In an era of climate change and population growth, food security is a central component of global resilience," he said. "Eilat, at the meeting point between sea and desert, provides an exceptional platform for developing advanced solutions in aquaculture, biotechnology, and renewable energy. The conference strengthens regional and international cooperation to deliver practical solutions to global food security challenges." (ANI/TPS) During the event, Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reviewed the One Billion Readiness Initiative, launched from Dubai a year ago, which has reached 500 million people across 64 cities through 68 awareness campaigns delivered in more than 25 languages, contributing to fire prevention, faster emergency response and the protection of lives and property. Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also honoured the recipients of the Global Impact Award for Community Safety, namely the International Association of Fire and Rescue Services (CTIF), Fire Aid and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). He reaffirmed Dubai's commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance global safety and strengthen community preparedness. Commenting on the event, Lieutenant General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi said the World Safety Summit reflects Dubai Civil Defence's commitment to leadership directives aimed at strengthening Dubai's global standing through international partnerships and innovation. He described the One Billion Readiness Initiative as "a pioneering model for international preventive awareness that enhances global safety culture and community readiness." Participants commended Dubai's effectiveness in delivering initiatives that promote public safety and set international benchmarks for best practice. (ANI/WAM) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday met Sri Lanka Parliament Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC). They discussed close parliamentary cooperation and recalled the time-tested bonds of friendship, mutual support, and shared democratic traditions between India and Sri Lanka. The two leaders also discussed deeper engagement in technology-driven parliamentary innovation. "Recalled our earlier interactions and the strong, time-tested bonds between India and Sri Lanka, rooted in close friendship, mutual support, and shared democratic traditions. Our discussions highlighted close Parliament-to-Parliament cooperation, including regular exchanges, formation of friendship groups, and collaboration in policy and programme design," Om Birla said in a post on X. "We discussed deeper engagement in technology-driven parliamentary innovation, including AI-enabled systems, real-time multilingual translation, and capacity building through PRIDE. Hoped that the strong people-to-people connect, cultural linkages including Bodh Gaya as a shared pilgrimage centre, and continued parliamentary dialogue will further strengthen India-Sri Lanka relations in the years ahead," he added. Om Birla also met Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia. He congratulated her on her historic role as the first woman Speaker of Zambia and appreciated her leadership in parliamentary reforms. The two leaders exchanged views on leveraging digital technologies and AI for transparent and citizen-centric parliamentary functioning. "Pleasant meeting with Ms. Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, on the sidelines of the 28th CSPOC. Congratulated her on her historic role as the first woman Speaker of Zambia and appreciated her leadership in parliamentary reforms and women's empowerment," Birla said in a post on X. "On the background of the historic and cordial ties between India and Zambia, we exchanged views on strengthening Parliament-to-Parliament cooperation, regular parliamentary exchanges, and leveraging digital technologies and AI for transparent and citizen-centric parliamentary functioning. Happy to note that both of us were on same platform on development-oriented partnership, youth participation, capacity building, and people-to-people linkages. I am hopeful that the dialogue will impart renewed momentum to our bilateral ties," he added Earlier, Om Birla met Jagdeo Singh, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Trinidad and Tobago. The two leaders discussed strengthening parliamentary cooperation and expanding the partnership in the pharmaceutical sector, including opening new markets. "Glad to interact with Mr. Jagdeo Singh, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Trinidad and Tobago, on the sidelines of the 28th CSPOC. Recalled the long-standing and historical connection between our two countries, including the visit of the Prime Minister of India and earlier high-level exchanges that have strengthened friendly ties over the years," Birla said in a post on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) on January 15. The conference will be chaired by Om Birla. It will deliberate on a wide range of contemporary parliamentary issues, including the role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in maintaining strong democratic institutions, the use of Artificial Intelligence in parliamentary functioning, the impact of social media on Members of Parliament, innovative strategies to enhance public understanding of Parliament, and civic engagement beyond voting. CSPOC is being hosted by the Parliament of India from January 14 to 16, and it will be the largest in terms of participation. (ANI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC). He congratulated her on her historic role as the first woman Speaker of Zambia and appreciated her leadership in parliamentary reforms. The two leaders exchanged views on leveraging digital technologies and AI for transparent and citizen-centric parliamentary functioning. "Pleasant meeting with Ms. Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, on the sidelines of the 28th CSPOC. Congratulated her on her historic role as the first woman Speaker of Zambia and appreciated her leadership in parliamentary reforms and women's empowerment," Birla said in a post on X. "On the background of the historic and cordial ties between India and Zambia, we exchanged views on strengthening Parliament-to-Parliament cooperation, regular parliamentary exchanges, and leveraging digital technologies and AI for transparent and citizen-centric parliamentary functioning. Happy to note that both of us were on same platform on development-oriented partnership, youth participation, capacity building, and people-to-people linkages. I am hopeful that the dialogue will impart renewed momentum to our bilateral ties," he added Earlier, Om Birla met Jagdeo Singh, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Trinidad and Tobago. The two leaders discussed strengthening parliamentary cooperation and expanding the partnership in the pharmaceutical sector, including opening new markets. "Glad to interact with Mr. Jagdeo Singh, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Trinidad and Tobago, on the sidelines of the 28th CSPOC. Recalled the long-standing and historical connection between our two countries, including the visit of the Prime Minister of India and earlier high-level exchanges that have strengthened friendly ties over the years," Birla said in a post on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) on January 15. The conference will be chaired by Om Birla. It will deliberate on a wide range of contemporary parliamentary issues, including the role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in maintaining strong democratic institutions, the use of Artificial Intelligence in parliamentary functioning, the impact of social media on Members of Parliament, innovative strategies to enhance public understanding of Parliament, and civic engagement beyond voting. CSPOC is being hosted by the Parliament of India from January 14 to 16, and it will be the largest in terms of participation. (ANI) In a post on X, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, "Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorge represented India at the National Day reception of the Slovak Republic hosted by the Embassy of Slovakia in New Delhi." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2011487507737931945 During the event, Ambassador George underscored the positive momentum in relations across diverse areas, including political engagement, trade & investment, technology & innovation and culture & education. "He reaffirmed India's commitment to deepening our partnership and exploring newer avenues of cooperation," Jaiswal posted. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Vice Minister Sun Haiyan of the International Department of the Communist Party of China on Wednesday. Sharing the details of the meeting in a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that both sides reviewed the positive momentum in bilateral relations. They also discussed ways to further advance ties by enhancing people-to-people exchanges and addressing concerns on sensitive issues. On January 13, Leaders of China's Communist Party (CCP) met Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale at the RSS headquarters. The meeting lasted for approximately half an hour, according to sources. According to the organisation's sources, the meeting was purely a courtesy call, initiated after the CCP delegation expressed interest in meeting with the RSS leadership. No formal agenda was discussed during the interaction, the sources added. (ANI) US President Donald Trump's foreign envoy, Steve Witkoff, has announced the launch of Phase Two of the President's 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, marking a shift from a ceasefire arrangement to "demilitarisation", "technocratic governance" and large-scale "reconstruction in Gaza". In a post on X on Wednesday, Witkoff said Phase Two provides for the creation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which will oversee governance during the transitional period. "Today, on behalf of President Trump, we are announcing the launch of Phase Two of the President's 20-Point Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, moving from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction," he wrote. https://x.com/SEPeaceMissions/status/2011478211075391845 "Phase Two establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), and begins the full demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorized personnel," Witkoff said in his post. He underlined that the United States expects Hamas to fully comply with its obligations, including the immediate return of the final deceased hostage. "Failure to do so will bring serious consequences," the US envoy wrote. Witkoff also highlighted the achievements of the earlier stage and said Phase One had delivered "historic humanitarian aid," ensuring the continuation of the ceasefire. "Importantly, Phase One delivered historic humanitarian aid, maintained the ceasefire, returned all living hostages and the remains of twenty-seven of the twenty-eight deceased hostages," he wrote. Witkoff also expressed gratitude to regional mediators for their role in advancing the process. "We are deeply grateful to Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar for their indispensable mediation efforts that made all progress to date possible," he said. Earlier in October 2025, Israel and Hamas accepted the initial stage of Trump's 20-point framework, which includes a ceasefire in their two-year conflict and a deal on the release of Israeli hostages. (ANI) NARA, Jan 14 (News On Japan) - A JapanSouth Korea summit held in Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis home region of Nara concluded after a series of events that highlighted both countries strategic calculations and a deliberate display of goodwill. On January 14th, Takaichi toured the UNESCO World Heritage site Horyu-ji temple with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, personally guiding him through local landmarks in her hometown to deepen personal ties. Greeting her guest, Takaichi said, "Welcome. I am delighted to have you here in my hometown of Nara," to which Lee responded, "Thank you very much. This warm welcome is more than I deserve." Takaichi also addressed Lees wife during the visit, saying she was pleased to finally meet her in person after seeing her often on television. It was the first time Takaichi had hosted a foreign leader in her home region. The visit followed a request conveyed by Lee during talks held in South Korea in October last year, after which arrangements were quietly coordinated between the two governments. The cordial atmosphere continued at a dinner reception held on the evening of January 13th. According to government officials, the menu featured agricultural products from Nara Prefecture combined with Korean culinary flavors, symbolizing cooperation between the two countries. At a joint press conference following the summit, Takaichi said Japan and South Korea shared an understanding of the strategic importance of their bilateral relationship and confirmed that both countries should work together to play a role in maintaining regional stability. The leaders also reaffirmed the importance of JapanSouth Korea ties and cooperation among Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Lee, for his part, stressed the need for broader regional cooperation, saying that Japan, China, and South Korea should identify as much common ground as possible, maintain close communication, and work together. With relations between Japan and China remaining strained, Takaichi appeared keen to underscore strong ties with South Korea. Attention is also focused on domestic politics, as Takaichi is scheduled later on January 14th to meet ruling party leaders, including Hirofumi Yoshimura of the Japan Innovation Party, to discuss the possibility of dissolving the House of Representatives. Source: FNN Institutional volume indicators act as a crucial lens into the behavior of large market players, providing a window into potential price tendencies and underlying sentiment. These signals, when interpreted correctly, can help traders distinguish between retail-driven noise and meaningful shifts initiated by entities with significant capital. As noted by Agast Mishra, institutional trades often shape liquidity, momentum, and direction in equity markets, particularly during pivotal events or within less liquid assets. However, due to regional nuances, regulatory differences, and varying levels of transparency, decoding these signals requires a nuanced understanding of market structure. Institutional Volume Signals in Equity Markets Institutional volume signals refer to patterns in trading activity that suggest the presence of large market participants such as hedge funds, pension funds, and mutual funds. These trades often occur in high volume and can impact price direction, especially in less liquid stocks. Unlike retail traders who typically execute smaller trades, institutions move substantial capital, often using algorithms or staged orders to avoid detection. Their activity leaves footprints in the market, such as sudden surges in volume or sustained buying pressure. In some cases, these footprints can become more visible during periods of low volatility, when institutional trades stand out more distinctly. A surge in trading volume accompanied by steady upward price movement may indicate accumulation by an institution. Spotting these signals can provide insight into potential future price trends, especially when aligned with broader market behavior. Traders often watch for this alignment as a precursor to breakouts or trend reversals. Role of Institutional Investors in Market Activity Institutional investorssuch as asset managers, sovereign wealth funds, and insurance companiesare key drivers of equity market trends due to the scale at which they operate. When these entities initiate or exit large positions, they can influence price movements and set short-term market direction. A single fund reallocating a portion of its portfolio can generate enough volume to shift a stock's trading pattern for days. This is why their trades are closely monitored by market participants looking to understand shifts in sentiment and capital flow. Traders often refer to this behavior as "smart money" because of the analytical resources and insider access institutions typically possess. These shifts can be subtle or aggressive, depending on market liquidity and the urgency of the trade. Their influence is particularly notable during earnings seasons or macroeconomic events, when large positions are adjusted in anticipation of or in response to new information. This kind of activity often sets the tone for broader market reactions, especially in sectors with concentrated ownership. Identifying Key Volume-Based Indicators Certain patterns in trade execution can hint at institutional involvement. Large block trades executed outside normal market hours, or repeated high-volume transactions that occur without significant price change, can indicate quiet accumulation or distribution by sophisticated investors. These patterns are often more pronounced in mid-cap or thinly traded stocks, where interest becomes more impactful. Platforms that track dark pool activity or Level II order books are often used to spot these signals. A rising stock price accompanied by increasing volume over several sessions may point to institutional buying, particularly if the movement happens without any major news catalyst. This behavior may precede a larger breakout, especially when supported by sector-wide momentum. The relationship between price and volume is essential in interpreting these patterns. When volume rises sharply, but prices remain flat or decline, it can suggest that sellers are offloading shares into buying pressure, which may precede a reversal. Recognizing such nuances helps traders and analysts anticipate potential breakouts or breakdowns with more confidence. Regional Differences in Volume Patterns Trading behaviors and volume signals can vary widely depending on the region. In the U.S., activity is often easier to detect due to transparent reporting standards and high liquidity. Scheduled disclosures, such as 13F filings, also provide insight into institutional positioning, reinforcing volume-based analysis. Additionally, consistent trading hours and centralized exchanges further support signal clarity. In contrast, Asian markets tend to exhibit more fragmented volume signals. The combination of shorter trading sessions, lower average liquidity, and differing regulatory frameworks can obscure large trades. Some markets, like Japan or Hong Kong, show increased institutional footprints at the open and close, aligning with global fund flows. Cultural trading norms and local investor behavior also influence how moves appear in volume data. European exchanges present their own complexities. With multiple trading venues and delayed reporting in certain regions, identifying institutional signals requires more context. Cross-border trading and the influence of MiFID II regulations also affect how and when volume data becomes actionable. Institutional investors in Europe may also use OTC transactions, further complicating transparency. Applying Institutional Signals to Trading Strategies Volume signals tied to institutional activity can be used to refine entry and exit points. A trader spotting a spike in volume during a breakout may interpret it as validation that institutions are backing the move, making the trade setup more reliable. This added layer of confirmation can help reduce false positives in technical patterns. Some investors combine these insights with earnings analysis or macro indicators to build multi-factor strategies. When institutional volume aligns with a strong catalyst, it often strengthens the conviction of a trade. In swing trading, identifying accumulation over several sessions can help position ahead of a major move. This approach is particularly useful in sectors where ownership dominates price action. Challenges in Volume Interpretation Relying solely on volume can lead to misleading conclusions, especially in thinly traded stocks or during periods of low volatility. Not all volume spikes are tied to institutional activity; some may result from retail speculation or algorithmic noise. Misinterpretation can lead to premature entries or exits, especially in choppy markets. Understanding the broader contextsuch as sector trends, economic news, or earnings reportsis vital when interpreting these signals. Without that, there's a risk of mistaking short-term fluctuations for meaningful institutional moves. Traders must also be cautious of false signals during market openings, where volume naturally spikes due to overnight orders and news reactions. Bahrain has reiterated its unwavering support for the Moroccan Sahara and the autonomy initiative offering a realistic, feasible and lasting solution to the five-decade Sahara regional conflict. The supportive stand was expressed by chairman of Bahrains Shura Council Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh during a meeting he held Tuesday in Manama with Speaker of the House of Councilors Mohamed Ould Rachid. Bahrain has also welcomed the historic UN Security Council Resolution 2797 describing as it as an important step towards reaching a realistic political solution to the Sahara issue. Talks between the two parties focused on parliamentary cooperation between of the two countries sharing long-standing fraternal relations based on solidarity, mutual respect and continuous coordination on various issues of common interest. The Chairman of the Bahraini Shura Council hailed the strong historical ties and partnership set between the two Kingdoms, praising Moroccos efforts engaged to advance joint parliamentary coordination between Arab and African countries. For his part, Mohamed Ould Rachid lauded the role played by Manama in Asia as Bahrain takes over the rotating presidency of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly starting January 2026, saying he is confident that Mr. Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh will enhance further joint parliamentary action and cooperation between Asian parliaments. The Speaker of the House of Councilors also stressed the importance of building bridges of cooperation between Africa and Asia and voiced readiness to contribute to strengthening inter-regional parliamentary partnerships and supporting South-South dialogue for shared peace, development and prosperity. Bilateral trade between Morocco and the United Kingdom has experienced remarkable growth since the Association Agreements 2021 implementation, confirming the post-Brexit partnerships success. During a recent parliamentary session, UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant delivered figures demonstrating what he termed a genuine surge in economic relations between the two kingdoms. Official British government data reveals bilateral exchanges reached 4.6 billion (approximately 58 billion dirhams) in the twelve months ending June 2025. This represents an 18.8% increase compared to the previous year, injecting an additional 730 million into commercial flows. The progression confirms Moroccos central role in Londons diversification strategy while Rabat consolidates its positioning as a regional energy and logistics hub. Bryant emphasized a crucial point: the Association Agreement extends beyond tariff elimination to encompass political, economic, and social cooperation, serving as the foundation for a significantly deepened relationship. The third Association Council meeting held November 12 reaffirmed major strategic commitments including strengthened investment, accelerated educational cooperation, renewable energy project development, and enhanced security collaboration. These initiatives follow June 2025s strategic dialogue, which London characterizes as a genuine step-change in bilateral relations. While trade remains this alliances visible engine, Londons stated priorities now cover strategically valuable sectors. The UK views Morocco as a key partner for securing future clean energy supplies through major wind and solar projects. British influence is establishing itself durably through university exchanges and growing presence of educational institutions on Moroccan soil. Security cooperationcounterterrorism efforts, criminal network dismantling, and intelligence sharingremains an unwavering confidence axis. Bryants response confirms a geopolitical reality: both countries have built common ground transcending classic diplomatic spheres. For Rabat, the UK represents a significant alternative partner to the European Union. For London, Morocco is no longer merely an agricultural or textile supplier but rather a premier strategic ally in the Mediterranean basin and gateway to Africa. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on Tuesday launched the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for South Sudan, warning that more than 10 million people may require assistance this year. The one-billion-dollar plan prioritizes around four million people facing the most acute risks, amid escalating violence, economic decline and the spillover from the Sudan conflict. UN humanitarian coordinator Anita Kiki Gbeho said that despite receiving only 43 per cent of requested funding in 2025, partners reached about four million people with lifesaving support. The plan projects that 7.5 million people could face acute food insecurity in 2026, including 28,000 already in catastrophic conditions. South Sudans humanitarian affairs minister, Albino Akol Atak, said the 2026 plan represents a humanitarian reset, targeting 4.3 million of the most vulnerable people, down from 5.4 million in 2025, as the government confronts conflict, climate shocks and the influx of more than 1.3 million people fleeing the Sudan crisis. Morocco and Ethiopia have reviewed an action plan for military and defense cooperation between the two countries. This came during first meeting of the Joint Military Commission held on Tuesday and Wednesday in Addis Ababa. The meeting was dedicated to reviewing an action plan for military and defense cooperation between the two parties. The creation of this joint military commission was stipulated in the Military Cooperation Agreement signed last June in Rabat between the two countries. In addition to establishing the commission, the agreement covers cooperation in the fields of training, drills and exercises, scientific research, military health, as well as the exchange of experiences and expertise in various areas of common interest. The joint military commission, which is tasked with defining the main areas of cooperation, will meet alternately in Rabat and Addis Ababa. Kiefer (right) was a nepobaby before it was cool. He's best known for 24 but also played a creepy scientist in the underrated film Dark City. The OP only knows his late father Donald Sutherland as President Snow in the Hunger Games movies but I hear he was quite prolific. Kiefer Sutherland was arrested in Hollywood yesterday (Monday) for alleged assault according to the LA Police Department.A rideshare driver accused the actor of physically assaulting and threatening them in the rideshare vehicle. The driver called the police around midnight. The LAPD arrested Kiefer who posted bail overnight. The rideshare driver is reportedly uninjured. Rystad Energy recently estimated that restoring Venezuela's oil production to its previous peak of 3 million barrels per day (bpd) would require a total investment of $183 billion over 15 years. American Petroleum Institute (API) CEO, Mike Sommers, alongside other industry leaders like TotalEnergies' (NYSE:TTE) Patrick Pouyanne, have warned that reviving Venezuela's oil industry will be a long, costly, multi-billion dollar process requiring clear legal frameworks, strong investment security, and significant infrastructure amid political pushes for quick returns. While small production increases (100k-200k bpd) might happen sooner, especially from areas like Lake Maracaibo where Chevron (NYSE:CVX) operates, the energy leaders have emphasized that a significant boost requires massive, long-term investment. Companies will need stable, legally defined frameworks, security for investments (including protection from expropriation), and clear commercial terms before committing major capital. President Trump has urged U.S. oil majors to invest up to $100 billion to revitalize Venezuela's vast reserves, seeing it as a way to lower global energy prices. Rystad Energy, a Norwegian energy research firm, recently estimated that restoring Venezuela's oil production to its previous peak of 3 million barrels per day (bpd) would require a total investment of $183 billion over 15 years. This massive investment is needed because the country's oil infrastructure is in severe disrepair due to years of neglect, underinvestment, and sanctions. Rystad views a gradual recovery as the most likely scenario, with a full return to peak production dependent on long-term stable market conditions and a secure investment climate. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods recently termed Venezuela as "uninvestable" due to deep legal, commercial, and political risks, despite U.S. President Trump's push for investment to rebuild its oil sector after the Maduro regime's removal. Other major oil companies, like ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) and Chevron, have echoed this sentiment, citing complex issues such as asset seizures, lack of clear frameworks, corruption, and political instability as major barriers to committing billions in investment. ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips lost assets worth billions of dollars in Venezuela after former President Hugo Chavez undertook a nationalization drive in 2007, where he forced foreign oil companies to cede majority control to the state oil company (PDVSA) in lucrative Orinoco Belt projects. Venezuela expropriated their operations after the two companies refused to accept minority stakes and renegotiated terms, leading them to exit the country and pursue lengthy, largely unresolved international arbitration for billions in compensation. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Oil prices havent had a breather since the year started as one geopolitical crisis has moved to another. Just a week after the U.S. intervention in Venezuela captured Nicolas Maduro, U.S. President Donald Trump has turned his sights to Iran, threatening a U.S. response to the deadly suppression of mass protests against the Islamic Republics regime. Oil settled on Monday at a one-month high amid concerns about a potential supply disruption in the Middle East if Iranian protests further escalate and a U.S. intervention of some kind draws a response from Iran. Brent Crude prices hit $64 per barrel for the first time this high in 2026. The U.S. benchmark, WTI Crude, topped $59 a barrel and moved in early Asian trade on Tuesday very close to $60, which is considered the safe breakeven for most U.S. shale producers. Prices could move further up as protests in Iran escalate and the U.S. President signals he could be weighing a response to the killings of hundreds of protesters by the Iranian regime. Concerns about Strait of Hormuz Closure Return The ongoing unrest raises the possibility of oil supply disruptions in the Middle East. The mother of all disruptions, an Iranian attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz, the worlds most critical oil transit chokepoint, is also back on traders minds, although it is not the base-case scenario of any forecaster or investment bank. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is the oil markets biggest fear. It could cause double-digit-dollar hikes in oil prices as the narrow lane between Iran and Oman is the key export route of all major oil producers in the Gulf, and very few alternatives exist to move oil out of the strait if it is closed. Related: Norway Awards 57 New Licenses to Maintain Oil and Gas Production The strait is the main export route of Middle Eastern oil to Asia and the key artery of exports of all major producers in the region, including Iran itself. But only Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have operating pipelines that can circumvent the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has the Goreh-Jask pipeline and the Jask export terminal on the Gulf of Oman to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, but it hasnt used this route much over the past years, EIA data show. In 2024, oil flow through the strait averaged 20 million barrels per day (bpd), or the equivalent of about 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption, the EIA estimates. If the worst comes to the worst, the impact will be highnot only on oil prices, but on natural gas markets, too, because Qatars massive LNG exports are also passing through the lane. The Strait of Hormuz has never been closed. This goes to show that Iran hasnt followed through on any of its threats throughout the years. But it also signals that the market has never seen a disruption on such a massive scale, and the price response could only be guesstimated. The fear of a closure will cause the price of oil to rise a few dollars per barrel, but it is the complete closure of the Strait that can result in a $10 to $20 per barrel spike, Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, told CNBC earlier this week. Iran Scenarios To be sure, analysts think a complete closure of the Strait would be near-impossible, due to the U.S. naval presence in the region. Some see a high probability of limited U.S. strikes on Iran, probably similar to the June 2025 hits on the Iranian nuclear sites. Earlier this week, President Trump said Iran wants to negotiate, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, a former commander of the Revolutionary Guard in Iran, an elite military force, warned the U.S., 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. Late on Monday, President Trump deployed his favorite tool in diplomacy in his second term in office, saying that Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America. China, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Brazil are major economies doing business with Iran. China, in particular, imports nearly all of Irans oil exports, at discounts, and could be heavily affected by the new tariff, just as the U.S. and China are in a trade truce. The President has been briefed on a range of military and covert tools that the U.S. could potentially use against Iran, two anonymous Defense Department officials told CBS News late on Monday. Some of these options go well beyond limited airstrikes and could include cyber operations and psychological campaigns to disrupt Iranian command structures, communications, and state-run media, the officials added. It is uncertain if the U.S. would intervene. Its also unclear how desperate the Iranian rulers are and if they would attempt to disrupt oil supply in the Middle East with attacks on regional infrastructure or posturing in the Strait of Hormuz, while cracking down on protests with even more brutal force. At any event, the oil market isnt pricing in the mother of all disruptions, and it likely shouldnt. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com A couple of years ago, Venezuelas government decided to revive a territorial claim over much of its neighbor, Guyana. The tiny country was emerging as a major oil producer, and Venezuela wanted a piece. Then came Trump and removed the head of that government. Essequibo lies between Guyana and Venezuela, with both claiming sovereignty, while Venezuela is planning a referendum on Sunday to determine the territorys ownership future. The 61,000+ square mile territory represents about two-thirds of Guyanas territory and is also the site of a string of huge offshore oil discoveries by Exxon. Those discoveries, the first of which was announced in 2015, were what reinvigorated Venezuelas claim on the territory. Over the ten years since then, Exxon and its partners in the Stabroek Block have tapped reserves estimated at over 11 billion barrels of crude, and Guyanas production is rising in leaps and bounds. Last year, Exxon reported output of over 660,000 barrels daily in mid-2025, rising further to 900,000 barrels daily, eyeing production capacity of as much as 1.7 million barrels daily by 2030. But Nicolas Maduros ambitions in Essequibo were threatening that. Now, with the Venezuelan president ousted by the United States, analysts believe oil production in Guyana will go more smoothly, without the risk of the country ceding two-thirds of its territory to its larger neighbor. Related: Markets Price Chaos as Oil Finds Its Footing Sighs of relief will have been exhaled in some offices, particularly on the ground, because thats a constant threat whether youre trying to manage logistics and so on, or making sure that ships are getting around safely, Verisk Maplecroft analyst Eileen Gavin told CNBC this week. These are all offshore facilities and highly expensive ones at that. So, having the U.S. armada, as they are calling it, is certainly helpful, she added. Some noted that an actual incursion by Venezuela into Essequibo was unlikely to begin with, because it would have triggered an immediate U.S. response to protect business interests in oil. With Venezuela already in the USs crosshairs and Exxon the largest operator in Guyana, any aggression would likely have elicited a US response, Morningstar director of equity research Allen Good told CNBC. Now, with the USs intent to control the country, any action by Venezuela becomes even more remote, removing a nuisance for Exxon and Guyana, Good noted. That would be most welcome news to Exxon, which has turned Guyanas Stabroek Block into a prominent jewel in its crown. Low breakeven costs, massive reserves to recover, and a friendly government determined to make the best of its resources without succumbing to the so-called oil curseGuyana was a jackpot for Exxon. It may well be this fact that made chief executive Darren Woods tell President Trump Venezuela was uninvestable without some serious reforms, prompting, in turn, a threat to lock the company out of Venezuela. Would Exxon care? No, it would not because it is the operator of Guyanas only commercial oil project to date and is reaping all the benefits of that position. Were in a depletion business for a product that is in great demand and will be in demand for many, many, many decades to come, Darren Woods told President Trump at last weeks meeting with the industry. And as a depletion business, the biggest challenge we have is finding resources, Exxons top executive also said. Woods was speaking about Venezuela and the potential opportunitiesand challenges there, but at the same time, his speech highlighted all the points that made Guyana a much better bet. It certainly has the resources, it has the investment-friendly legal framework, and, not least, it has no crippling U.S. sanctions to interfere with oil production. Now, with the removal of a Venezuelan incursion, all will be going even better for Exxon in Guyana. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Hezbollah's deep criminal nexus in Colombia, bolstered by Iranian ties and a weak security apparatus, increases its capacity to conduct hybrid warfare and carry out asymmetric attacks against U.S. and Israeli interests. Lebanons brutal civil war triggered waves of emigration to South America, with large diasporas settling in Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Colombia. Hezbollah initially built networks in those communities to buttress recruitment and finances. The U.S.-designated terrorist group then expanded into South Americas illicit economies, building relationships with transnational criminal syndicates and illegal armed structures to boost its finances. This increased Hezbollahs capability to wage asymmetric warfare against the United States and Israel, but at the same time destabilized South Americas volatile southern cone and northern Andes. As early as the 1980s, Hezbollah was taking advantage of the chaos created by Colombias long-running multiparty civil war to establish a presence in the country. The militants formed cells along Colombias Caribbean coast where a large Lebanese diaspora had settled after fleeing that countrys savage civil war. The first known Hezbollah cell in Colombia emerged in Maicao, home to a large Shia diaspora and South Americas third-largest mosque, a city which is only 8 miles (13 kilometers) from Venezuela. Maicao was designated a free trade zone in 1992, and, along with its proximity to Venezuela and the Caribbean coast, this designation made it a trade and smuggling hub. Initially, Hezbollah concentrated on fundraising and recruitment in Colombia, with the large Shia diaspora providing a ready pool of recruits and donors. Over time, those cells evolved into a transnational criminal network, a transformation which accelerated after Hugo Chavez became Venezuelas president and initiated his anti-imperialist Bolivarian revolution. Hezbollahs operational presence expanded after Nicolas Maduro succeeded Chavez because the authoritarian leader was intent on building closer ties with Iran, Hezbollahs primary sponsor, as strict U.S. sanctions and a failing economy hit hard. From the 1980s onwards, Hezbollah forged close ties with various illegal armed groups, politicians, bureaucrats and business leaders. By the 2000s, Hezbollah had expanded into cocaine trafficking, arms smuggling and money laundering in Colombia. This was confirmed by Operation Titan, a 2004 joint DEA and Colombian National Police Investigation, which uncovered the Lebanese militants role in the international drug trade and relationships with illegal armed groups. That inquiry formed part of the DEAs broader Project Cassandra, which probed the nexus between Hezbollah and international criminal syndicates. The investigations found Hezbollah was trafficking cocaine shipments brokered by the Medellin-based Oficina de Envigado, a powerful criminal syndicate that was the successor to Pablo Escobars Medellin Cartel. In exchange for cocaine, Hezbollah was smuggling arms to Colombias illegal armed groups while using the Andean countrys Lebanese diaspora to launder vast cocaine profits. This further contributed to the chaos and violence engulfing Colombia as well-funded and armed illegal structures battled for control of terrain, ports, population centers, smuggling routes and ultimately the immensely profitable cocaine trade. The considerable importance of cocaine revenues drove Hezbollah to significantly expand operations in South America. As of the 2000s, the terror group was trafficking large volumes of cocaine from South Americas southern cone and northern Andes regions to the U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. By 2016, U.S. investigators estimated Hezbollah earned at least $400 million annually from trafficking narcotics. Following the DEAs 2016 crackdown on Hezbollahs tri-border network in South Americas southern cone, the group significantly expanded its operations in Colombia and Venezuela. Set OilPrice.com as a preferred source in Google here Caracas accelerated efforts to build relations with Teheran, Hezbollahs primary backer, as U.S. sanctions and a sharp economic collapse hit Venezuela hard. This emboldened Hezbollah, as Irans proxy, to strengthen networks within Venezuela's government and the Lebanese as well as Syrian diasporas along the Caribbean coast. By the mid-2010s, Venezuela had emerged as a key South American hub for Hezbollah, with the group even establishing training camps in the pariah state. This inevitably spilled over into neighboring Colombia, which as the worlds largest producer, is key to Hezbollahs narcotics trafficking operations. Over the last two decades, a criminal nexus between Hezbollah and what was Colombias largest illegal armed structure, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), evolved. The two designated terrorist groups shared ideological dogma derived from anti-U.S. and anti-imperialist Cold War doctrine, although the relationship was primarily transactional. The FARC was an important source of cocaine for Hezbollah, which supplied the leftist guerrillas with arms, training and money laundering facilities in exchange for the narcotic. This only further destabilized a chaotic Colombia, and the crucial oil industry, weakened by decades of civil conflict. During the complex peace talks between the FARC and Colombias government, which began in September 2012, Hezbollah, at Irans beckoning, stepped up activities in FARC-controlled territory. The terrorist s took this as an opportunity to build closer links with the criminal bands involved in coca cultivation and cocaine production. Hezbollah leveraged shared ideological ties with the FARC to drive greater cooperation and to gain control of remote regions once under the guerrillas' sway. Hezbollah formed alliances with dissident FARC groups who rejected the peace deal, allowing it to secure cocaine supplies while bolstering the ability to carry out asymmetric attacks targeting U.S. and Israeli interests in Colombia. By 2019, FARC dissidents were ramping up participation in cocaine trafficking and other illicit economies to fund an aggressive expansion through recruitment and weapons acquisitions. President Ivan Duques failure to implement the peace deal, secured by his predecessor Juan Manuel Santos, provoked those groups to rearm and expand. During this time, FARC dissidents, many of whom were coalescing under a centralized leadership, emerged as key suppliers of cocaine to Hezbollah in exchange for military grade arms. Soaring cocaine profits allowed FARC dissidents to bolster recruitment, swelling ranks by at least 1,000 combatants between 2017 and 2019. The growing strength of FARC dissident bands operating along Colombias border with Venezuela even worried the authoritarian Maduro regime, which had allowed them to operate in the country unimpeded. By early 2021, there were clashes between the dissident FARC 10th Front and Venezuelas army in the border state of Apure. Those heavily armed dissidents used military grade weapons and hit-and-run guerrilla tactics to defeat a more numerous and powerful Venezuelan military. Those events demonstrate how the criminal nexus between Hezbollah and FARC dissidents is a significant destabilizing force in the northern Andes. Hezbollah has effectively leveraged the chaos and confusion created by Colombias ongoing internal conflict and inadequate security apparatus to build a sizeable presence in the strife-torn country. This is centered on the cities of Barranquilla and Maicao, key trade hubs on the Caribbean coast close to the border with Venezuela. French newspaper Le Point alleged Hezbollah had also established a sizable footprint in Colombias capital, Bogota. The investigation, along with other sources, alleged that Hezbollah, aside from building ties with criminal syndicates, had infiltrated influential family clans in the Lebanese diaspora, including those led by prominent politicians and business figures. Related: Top Global Firms Could Mobilize $1.3 Trillion in Climate Investments That allowed Hezbollah to not only secure access to large volumes of cocaine, which is an important source of revenue providing some financial autonomy from Tehran, but also furnished the ability to conduct operations within Colombia. This bolsters Hezbollahs capacity to conduct hybrid warfare against U.S. as well as Israeli interests in Colombia and surrounding nations. Indeed, during September 2021, Colombias Defense Minister, Diego Molano, confirmed Hezbollahs attempts to assassinate Israeli and U.S. nationals on Colombian soil. There were suspicions that Hezbollah was involved in the May 2022 murder of Paraguayan organized crime prosecutor Marcelo Pecci on Colombias Caribbean coast. Following Hamass October 7, 2003, attack on Israel, the IDF struck Hezbollah with a series of devastating blows. These decapitated the terror groups leadership and destroyed key operational networks along with half of its arsenal. Consequently, Hezbollahs operational and military capabilities were immensely reduced, diminishing its effectiveness and ability to act as a credible proxy for Iran. Despite this immense damage, Hezbollah was not destroyed, providing it with the opportunity to rebuild, a process necessitating access to immense financial resources. Cocaine trafficking is one of the few ways of generating vast sums of cash in a short period. For this reason, a cash-strapped Hezbollah dramatically ramped up cocaine smuggling and other illicit activities in Colombia. This enables Hezbollah to quickly earn the tremendous funds required to rebuild, recruit and rearm. Such an event will stimulate the flow of weapons and financial resources to Colombias illegal armed groups, further destabilizing South Americas northern Andes region. Soaring cocaine output is already financing the expansion of recruitment, along with the acquisition of arms and equipment by criminal structures in Colombia. By June 2025, it was estimated that there were nearly 22,000 members, including armed combatants and auxiliaries, of illegal armed groups in Colombia. This represents a roughly 45% increase over mid-June 2022, when Colombias current President, Gustavo Petro, took office. This is behind a sharp uptick in violence in recent years, mainly in Colombias remote southern regions and along the border with Venezuela. Concerns are growing that Hezbollah will use its presence in Colombia to take advantage of a weak security apparatus and ongoing chaos to wage hybrid warfare on soft U.S. and Israeli targets in the strife-torn country. There is a clear motivation to engage in asymmetric warfare with Hezbollah seeking revenge for Israel's attacks on the terror group, southern Lebanon, Hamas, and Gaza. The potential for terror attacks on civilian targets was magnified by U.S. strikes on Hezbollahs sponsor, Iran, and Washingtons capture of Venezuelas illegitimate president, Nicolas Maduro. For these reasons, Colombias government must start taking the threat posed by Hezbollah seriously. By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com By threatening to coerce a NATO ally into ceding territory, the US risks defaulting on the "Rules-Based International Order" and losing the moral leverage to condemn Russian or Chinese expansionism. The supposed "win" of accessing Greenland's vast potential rare-earth mineral wealth is undermined by the atrocious unit economics and massive infrastructure gap, which would require a significant subsidy from Europe to make mining commercially viable. The U.S. demand for control of Greenland is framed as an obligation of the NATO alliance, leading European diplomats to scramble for a deal that reaffirms Danish sovereignty while satisfying American political demands. The United States will officially begin negotiations to dismantle the Western world's operating system in just about 30 minutes or so...and oil prices are up just over 1% in anticipation. The meeting, which will take place at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, will include Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland. The official agenda serves up standard diplomatic fare: "Arctic security," "strategic partnership," and "resource development." But the reality in the room is far more brittle... President Trump has made his position clear, stating on Air Force One that anything shy of U.S. control of Greenland is "unacceptable." He has suggested that NATO "should be leading the way for us to get it," framing the acquisition not as a request, but as an obligation of the alliance. Whatever the diplomats call it, the pricing model of the partnership has fundamentally changed. For decades, the Atlantic alliance operated on a fixed-cost basis. Member states provided political alignment and base access in exchange for a predictable security guarantee. That fixed rate has now effectively floated. The new cost of doing business with Washington includes a premium to hedge against the unpredictability of the executive branch. It's a volatility tax, effectively. A Variable Rate on Article 5 To understand the urgency in Brussels, you have to look at the mechanics of the security guarantee. NATO was designed as a binary instrument: you are either protected, or you are not. Article 5 is the bedrock. But recent signals from Washington, specifically the refusal to rule out unilateral action regarding Greenland, have introduced a variable into that equation. The "strategic patience" that characterized European responses for the last few years has evaporated. Following the capture of Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro by the U.S. military on Jan. 3, the theoretical risk of American kinetic action has been repriced as a tangible one. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has been unequivocal, warning that a military move on Greenland would mean "everything stops," signaling the effective end of the alliance. Her concerns were echoed by EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, who warned that such an event is "unprecedented in the history of NATO." "The normal rulebook doesnt work anymore," a former Danish MP noted regarding the discussions. This has forced European capitals into a defensive crouch. When a German Defense Minister is compelled to discuss "options at Europes disposal" regarding a close ally, the alliance is no longer operating on a foundation of implicit trust. It is operating on a transactional basis. Mining the Ice: The Myth of "Turnkey" Riches The deal likely to emerge today relies on two pillars: security spending and resources. The resource component, specifically the promise of critical minerals, is being framed as the "win" that could de-escalate tensions. The narrative suggests that by cutting the U.S. in on Greenlands mineral wealth, the strategic hunger for rare earth elements can be sated. However, from an industrial standpoint, this narrative hits a literal wall of ice. GooglePreferredSource] Greenland possesses vast potential reserves. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates the island holds the world's second-largest deposit of rare-earth oxides, including significant amounts of neodymium and dysprosium, which are critical for EV motors and F-35 fighter jets. But potential is not production. To date, there are zero active rare earth mines in Greenland. The barrier isn't just bureaucratic; it is thermodynamic. Greenland spans 2.17 million square kilometers, 80% of which is covered by ice. The "unit economics" of mining here are atrocious compared to competitors in Australia or Brazil. The Infrastructure Gap: There are no roads connecting Greenlands towns. Every piece of heavy machinery must be shipped in by sea or flown in by helicopter. Industry analysis suggests that developing a mine in the Arctic incurs capital costs (CapEx) 150% to 300% higher than in temperate regions. 150% to 300% higher than in temperate regions. The Power Problem: There is no grid to plug into. A mine requires a dedicated power plant, likely importing diesel in a zone where fuel freezes, or building renewables in a place with three months of darkness. Ian Lange, an economist at the Colorado School of Mines, put it bluntly: "Everybody's just been running to get to this endpoint [of production]. And if you go to Greenland, it's like you're going back to the beginning." If the EU plans to double its investment in these projects to satisfy U.S. demands, it represents a massive subsidy. It is a transfer of public funds to make a project commercially viable, not because the market demands it, but because the politics require it. We are essentially watching Europe offer to build a money-losing mine to buy geopolitical stability. Access vs. Ownership: The Strategic Paradox The second pillar of the proposed deal is a ramp-up in Arctic security infrastructure. Secretary General Mark Rutte has laid the groundwork, stating that the alliance is discussing ways to "bolster Arctic security." This aligns with the long-standing U.S. demand for Europe to shoulder a greater share of the defense burden. But a closer look reveals a paradox in the U.S. position. If the goal is purely strategic access, denying space to Russia and China, the United States already has it. The U.S. military operates the Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule), a cornerstone of North American missile defense. The 1951 Defense of Greenland Agreement grants the U.S. substantial rights to operate on the island. The U.S. can already project power, monitor the GIUK gap (Greenland-Iceland-UK), and deter adversaries. The demand for "title" or "ownership," rather than "access," suggests that the driver here is not purely strategic utility. It is about formalizing a sphere of influence on a map. Inheriting a Frozen Liability Beyond the bad math of the mines, there is a practical question of stewardship largely absent from American political discourse. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory with a distinct culture and a complex social safety net underpinned by Danish subsidies. If the island's status were to change, the financial burden of that stewardship would shift to Washington. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed this view, stating firmly that "Greenland belongs to its people," and insisting that any decision rests with them, not foreign capitals. Historically, the U.S. has a poor track record of managing its territories. Places like Puerto Rico or Guam have struggled with chronic underinvestment in infrastructure and poverty rates far higher than the mainland average. For the U.S. taxpayer, the acquisition would mean inheriting a massive, frozen liability. We would acquire a territory that requires significant annual subsidies to maintain basic services, with a return on investment that might be decades away. Ripping Up the 1945 Contract But the most dangerous line item on this ledger isn't financial. It is structural. If the United States were to coerce a NATO ally into ceding territory, whether through economic arm-twisting or the implicit threat of force, it would trigger a default on the post-war security order. We often talk about the "Rules-Based International Order" as an abstract concept. In practice, it is a contract. The United States drafted the contract in 1945, and the core clause was simple: borders are not to be changed by force, and the sovereignty of allies is inviolable. By threatening to seize Greenland, Washington is effectively ripping up that contract. French President Emmanuel Macron has been one of the few leaders to speak plainly on the stakes, warning that "the law of the strongest cannot rule the world" and noting the "unprecedented consequences" if an ally's sovereignty is violated. Even the UK, often the bridge between Europe and Washington, has drawn a line. Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly told Trump to keep his "hands off Greenland," aligning London firmly with Copenhagen. The immediate casualty would be moral leverage. For years, the United States has rallied the world to condemn Russian expansionism in Ukraine and Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. If the U.S. annexes Greenland, that moral argument evaporates. The Solvency of the West As the foreign ministers sit down in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building today, they are attempting to price a transaction that was never meant to be sold. The U.S. will likely push for guaranteed mineral rights and a "security premium" funded by Europe. Denmark and the EU will offer these concessions in a desperate bid to buy another year of sovereignty. But as the ink dries on whatever joint statement emerges, the real story is what happens next. The fixed-rate mortgage of the Atlantic Alliance is gone. We are now in a variable-rate world, and the market is volatile. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) The human rights record of 13 States is scheduled to be examined during the 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Councils Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group to be held in Geneva from 19 to 30 January 2026 Greenlands long-dormant oil story has resurfaced, once again with US interests at the forefront. Greenland Energy and 80 Mile PLC plan to drill two onshore wells in eastern Greenlands Jameson Land basin by the summer of 2026, the islands first hydrocarbon drilling in more than a decade. Independent estimates put unrisked recoverable resources at around 4 billion barrels, with much larger oil-in-place figures cited by project partners. The return of American companies also coincides with renewed US geopolitical interest in Greenland, even as the islands government maintains an anti-oil stance while honouring pre-2021 licences. Greenlands hydrocarbons history has been marked by interchanging waves of optimism followed by frustration and retreat. The first licences, awarded in 1975 to US majors including Amoco, Chevron, ARCO and Mobil, were relinquished within a decade after disappointing results. Later licensing efforts in the 1980s and 1990s also failed to ultimately reach the exploration drilling stage. Interest resurfaced between 2006 and 2014, when offshore rounds drew international oil companies, often alongside Greenlands state firm NunaGreen, before fading again as oil prices collapsed. No new licences have been awarded since 2018. In July 2021 Greenlands government Naalakkersuisut announced a ban on all new oil and gas licensing, citing climate objectives and environmental risk. With international oil companies losing their faith in any basins offshore Greenland, the onshore Jameson Land basin has been front and centre to the islands promised oil bounty. After all, Jameson Land is the only area on the island ever licensed for onshore oil exploration. Covering 7,027 km2, the licences were awarded in 2014 to the UK-based exploration company White Flame Energy through an international tender process. Greenlands 2021 moratorium on new oil and gas licensing did not revoke permits that were already in force, allowing Jameson Lands exploration and exploitation licences to continue under their original contractual terms. Ownership of the project has since shifted without altering its legal status. In 2024, 80 Mile PLC (UK) acquired White Flame Energy and its Jameson Land licences. As part of the transaction, the Greenland authorities approved a 4-year extension to the first licence sub-periods, effectively resetting the clock and reaffirming their legal validity. Momentum has started to build in 2025. In March, 80 Mile struck a financing deal with March GL, a privately held Texas-based firm, under which March GL agreed to fund 100% of the costs for two exploration wells planned to reach depths of about 3,500 metres. That arrangement was later embedded in a broader corporate restructuring. In September, March GL agreed to merge with Greenland Exploration and Pelican Acquisition Corporation to form Greenland Energy, a US-listed vehicle that will hold a 70% economic interest in Jameson Land, leaving 80 Mile with 30%. The transaction implies a combined project valuation of about $337 million. According to a 2025 assessment by independent oil advisory Sproule ERCE, the basin could contain around 4 billion barrels of unrisked recoverable oil. The purely Greenland-focused driller will spud its exploration well (OPW-1) over the summer months, with the second wildcat following immediately thereafter, jointly targeting a prospective resource of roughly 1.2 billion barrels. This would mark Greenlands first exploration drilling since 2011. Operational preparations are progressing cautiously. Greenlands authorities have allowed the transport of heavy drilling equipment to the licence area, but approvals for permanent infrastructure such as ports or base camps have not yet been granted. Greenland Energy has contracted Halliburton for logistical and drilling services, with Stampede Drilling (US) and IPT Solutions (US) supporting rig operations and project management. The growing role of US-based companies adds an unavoidable geopolitical undertone. Texas-based March GL entered the Jameson Land project in March 2025, a move that coincided with a renewed surge of US political interest in Greenland under President Trumps administration, who has repeatedly framed the island as strategically vital to US economic and security interests. While the timing may be coincidental, it is difficult to ignore that American capital moved into Greenlands only active oil project just as Washingtons attention returned to the Arctic. 80 Miles chief executive Roderick McIllree has been explicit in distancing the project from US state involvement, stressing that the participation of American firms reflects technical capability rather than political backing and that all regulatory engagement remains strictly between the licence holders and Naalakkersuisut. Many obstacles facing the project remain challenging to the extent of being deal breakers. First, Greenlands oil exploration is a complete greenfield project with no previous history of successful wells. The island has no oil infrastructure, barely has any domestic hydrocarbon demand and minimal transport capacity. All refined fuels are imported, primarily from Denmark and Norway, meaning any commercial production would be export-dependent and require Arctic-specific export facilities. Secondly, geography compounds the challenge. Jameson Land lies within the Arctic Circle, where seismic and drilling operations are limited to a short summer window. Sliding glaciers and harsh weather conditions add logistical and safety risks for onshore operations, compounded by drifting sea ice that complicates project logistics. Exploration data coverage is sparse: only around 15 offshore and 6 onshore wells have ever been drilled across Greenland, and none since 2011. Thirdly, economics are equally fragile. Greenland exploration peaked when oil prices exceeded $100/bbl, and interest evaporated after the 20142016 price collapse as capital shifted toward lower-cost shale and deepwater developments elsewhere. Similar retreats followed periods of low prices in the 1990s. Even a sizable discovery would face high breakeven thresholds, long development timelines and uncertain access to financing in a world increasingly hostile to frontier oil. Finally, politics and social risk weigh heavily. Greenlands economy is strongly reliant on fishing, while oil spills in Arctic conditions are notoriously difficult to contain and clean up. Public concern over environmental damage and threats to livelihoods was central to the 2021 moratorium. The government now requires multi-billion-dollar financial guarantees from licence holders to cover potential spill cleanup costs, a further deterrent for insurers and lenders. While licences remain legally enforceable, Greenlands policy stance is openly anti-oil, creating a governance paradox that additionally cools down the optimism among potential investors. Should president Trump make a move on Greenland, the only realistic path to reviving (and potentially commercialising) its oil industry would be a fundamental shift in the legal and regulatory framework of the island toward US standards. Under the current regime, policy barriers and financial security requirements create red flags large enough to shy away from investment even before geological risks are considered. Jameson Lands sole advantage lies in its onshore nature, which makes it cheaper and potentially safer than offshore Arctic projects. Climate change is extending drilling seasons and easing logistics, though that same reality sharpens political and environmental scrutiny. What turns the project from a niche greenfield project into a geopolitical signal is the timing: US-based companies moved in just as Washington renewed its interest in Greenlands strategic value. Whether that alignment proves incidental or consequential, 2026 will test not only the basins geology and economics, but also how far Greenlands oil ambitions can advance in an era of climate politics and rising Arctic competition when the story finally moves from paper to drilling. By Natalia Katona for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Data centre planning applications hit an all-time high in the UK in 2025, City AM can reveal, as investors rushed to gain a foothold in the burgeoning AI market. More than 60 separate planning applications for the construction of new data centres were filed in England and Wales over the course of the year, according to a City AM analysis of more than 300 local authority planning databases, representing an increase of 63 per cent compared to 2024. The analysis excluded extensions to existing data centre sites, revisions to past applications and applications for other developments which included a data centre as part of the plans, meaning the true figure for the number of data centres seeking planning approval is likely to be significantly higher. The surge in applications lays bare the scale of the demand for compute by the nascent AI industry, with large language models requiring more and more power to operate, and property businesses racing to re-invent themselves as data centre developers to cash in on investor appetite. Dame Dawn Childs, chief executive of Pure Data Centres, told City AM: With this AI bubble that everyones talking aboutbecause of the increased valuations for powered land, everyones trying to get a piece of the pie, and that creates a bunch of fizziness. Were seeing lots of people who are sending out on a daily basis: weve got this significant plot of land with all of these megawatts of power in the middle of nowhere, itll be an AI gigafactory, buy it for a gazillion pounds theyre absolutely trying to get increased valuations for scrappy industrial land. The lions share of the demand came from AI applications by Magnificent 7 firms, Childs said, but added that even without AI, there would likely have been a significant increase in applications due to increased cloud computing adoption across the British economy. The analysis found that around half of the planning applications were situated in London and the South East, regions known as a European hotspot for data centres, though there were also signs of a growing number of data centres being constructed across different parts of the UK. Seven different applications were submitted in Wales during the year, along with another seven in the East Midlands, four in the North West and four in Yorkshire. The analysis also found property firms becoming more and more creative over the sites chosen to redevelop into data centres in a scramble to gain planning approval. In Watford, developers picked the site of an abandoned Mercure hotel to build a data centre, while in Hackney, the old Truman brewery has been earmarked for conversion. In Nottinghamshire, a shuttered coal mine could be turned into a data centre, while in Chesterfield, a former landfill site could find a new lease of life churning out AI content. These more ambitious developments were being led by technological advances by data centre hyperscalers, Childs said. Previously they needed their cloud regions to be within a certain geography, driven by the cost of power, the availability of power and the price of land, Childs said. Theyve extended that margin now and for some of them theyve actually doubled the circumference within which theyd be happy to have a child data centre site linked back to their central hub in a cloud region. The surge in data centre planning applications is also thought to have been propelled by the launch of the governments AI Opportunities Action Plan just under a year ago, in which it called for the creation of AI Growth Zones areas designed to build AI infrastructure and attract outside investment and expertise. To date more than 200 submissions for AI Growth Zones have been made by local authorities across the UK. Planning and power challenges But the total number of AI data centres ultimately built is likely to be substantially lower than the number of planning applications filed, amid competition for investment and a scarcity of power supplies. Googles first UK owned and operated data centre, which opened last year, suffered a series of setbacks before it was ultimately completed. When the first planning application for the site was submitted in 2018, Thames Water warned it had identified an inability of the existing water network infrastructure to accommodate the needs of this development proposal, while a utilities report found the local power supply was inadequate and a new 6km-long cable would have to be dug underground (including drilling under the M25) to connect up to a second National Grid substation. As a result of power constraints, the bring your own power model is also being seen more and more across Europe, in which data centre developers partner with energy specialists to ensure power demands can be met, Childs said. Investors are either cautious and savvy and really understand the market or they are new entrants who are just throwing their hat in the ring to jump on the bandwagon. By CityAM More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Saudi Arabias sudden enthusiasm for developing its vast shale resources -- led by the giant Jafurah basin -- is rooted in a hard?nosed mix of energy security, export optimisation, and geopolitical positioning. Riyadh wants to slash the crude it still burns for power, free up more barrels for export at a time of tight OPEC+ management, and secure new feedstock for its expanding petrochemicals and industrial base. At the same time, the Kingdom is acutely aware that the U.S. shale boom reshaped global energy markets and eroded OPECs pricing power, and it is determined not to be left behind in the next phase of unconventional development. With Jafurah holding one of the worlds largest unconventional gas endowments, Saudi Arabia is presenting the field as the cornerstone of a new era of domestic supply growth and future export potential, with a recent announcement that it will export its first condensate from Jafurah gas plant in February. That said, there is often a vast difference between Saudi Arabias projections of key numbers, including oil reserves and production, and the reality, and a thorough analysis of the Jafurah project reveals deep shortcomings in is projections here too. With around 229 trillion standard cubic feet (Tscf) of natural gas and 75 billion barrels of condensate, the US$100 ?billion Jafurah project is expected to produce 200 million standard cubic feet per day (Mscfd) of gas in Phase 1, with the figure set to rise to 2 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bscfd) by 2030. The projected numbers would mark around a 60% increase in Aramcos gas output capacity, while the companys ultimate goal is to boost its gas output by 80% by 2030. In large part, this will go to meeting domestic power demand, which is increasing by around 3-4% annually, with projections that it could reach at least 2.5 times todays level by 2050. It may well be higher, in line with forecasts that artificial intelligence, cloud, and heatwave-driven power needs will drive 40-50% of incremental global gas demand to end-2040 at a minimum. Moreover, according to industry projections, by that point data centre-related demand could add 150200 billion cubic metres a year globally, a 3.6-4.9% increase over current global gas demand projections. Saudi Arabia intends to position itself as a key Middle Eastern player in this high?growth, geopolitically critical segment. Overall, Aramco has said its unconventional ?gas programme at peak production is expected to generate electricity equivalent to displacing 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil. Another positive for Saudi Arabia in this equation is that because Jafurah is primarily a gas project, it should not be counted in Saudi Arabias OPEC output quota. Related: Markets Price Chaos as Oil Finds Its Footing This all looks great on paper, as do all of Saudi Arabias key forecasts related to its oil and gas sector. But, as ever, the reality is somewhat different. The overriding reason for this is Saudi Arabias influence in the world rests almost entirely on its oil and gas reserves and associated production numbers -- the larger these appear, the greater its geopolitical weight. Consequently, it has never been more in any countrys interest to talk up anything than it is in Saudi Arabias to overinflate these key figures, as analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order. For example and starting from the very beginning, 1989 saw Saudi Arabia claim proven oil reserves of 170 billion barrels. But only a year later -- without the discovery of any major new oil fields or major verified reappraisals of reserves at existing fields -- the official estimate somehow grew by 51.2%, to 257 billion barrels. Shortly after that, and again without any major new discoveries, Saudi Arabias proven reserves increased to just over 266 billion barrels, and they rose once more in 2017 to 268.5 billion barrels. Over the period in which these increases were announced, the country was extracting an average of 8.162 million bpd. Therefore, from 1990 (the year in which Saudi Arabias claimed proven oil reserves jumped from 170 billion barrels to 257 billion barrels), to 2017 (the year when Saudi Arabia was claiming proven oil reserves of 268.5 billion barrels), the Kingdom had physically removed from the ground forever an average of just over 2.979 billion barrels of crude oil every year. The total amount of crude oil permanently removed from the beginning of 1990 to the beginning of 2017 was, therefore, 80.43 billion barrels. In short, from 1990 to 2017, Saudi Arabias official crude oil reserves number had gone up 98.5 billion barrels, despite there being no new oil finds and it physically removing 80.43 billion barrels forever. Equally questionable are the Kingdoms stated production numbers and, by extension, its claims about spare capacity. A representative case in point came after the 14 September 2019 attacks on the Abqaiq and Khurais facilities, when Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman stated that the Kingdom plans to restore its production capacity to 11 million bpd by the end of September and recover its full capacity of 12 million bpd two months later. Neither figure was remotely accurate. In reality, Saudi Arabia averaged crude oil production of just 8.151 million barrels per day (bpd) from 1973 to 14 September 2019. It had never produced anywhere near 12 million bpd at that point and had only briefly averaged 11 million bpd once -- in November 2018, at 11.093 million bpd.. Little has changed since then. Average Saudi Arabian crude oil production from 1973 to the close of business yesterday was 8,297,440 bpd. As an adjunct to this, despite its often-repeated comments about a maximum sustainable crude oil capacity of 12 million bpd, again, it has achieved this figure only once (in April 2020) and it was unable to sustain it. Crucially as well is that the Energy Information Administration (EIA) defines spare capacity as the volume of production that can be brought on within 30 days and sustained for at least 90 days. After the 14 September 2019 attacks, it became clear that Saudi Arabia had quietly redefined spare capacity to include not only what met the EIA definition but also crude held in storage, crude it could buy from elsewhere, and crude it could withhold from contracts and redirect into storage. This pattern of strategic grandiosity appears to be at play in its Jafurah numbers as well -- unsurprisingly, as it is a key part of the Kingdoms flagship shale energy drive, and thus subject to the same motivation as its other two key sectors. In early 2024, an additional 15 Tscf of gas deposits was suddenly declared proven, bringing the official total to 229 Tscf. Even assuming this is accurate, the question remains: is it enough to reduce crude burn to the levels forecast by the Saudis and simultaneously allow the Kingdom to become a significant gas exporter by 2030? EIA data shows the country burned well over 500,000 bpd of crude oil in the second half of 2024 and industry estimates suggest it burned about 470,000 bpd in 2025. Two billion standard cubic feet per day of gas -- Jafurahs targeted production by 2030 -- equals 0.3340 million barrels of oil equivalent, or 334,000 barrels (as one billion cubic feet of gas equals 0.167 million barrels of oil equivalent). Therefore, the total projected new amount of gas to come from Jafurah by 2030 is around 334,000 bpd -- not even enough to cover the current amount of crude being burned for power generation, let alone any increase in demand between now and 2030. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Chinas coal imports booked a decline last year, at 9.6% from 2024 to a total of 490 million tons. The sizable decline was driven by higher domestic production and a rare decline in thermal power generation, Bloomberg reported, citing official import data. The publication noted that the coal import decline was the steepest among all the major commodities that the country buys from abroad and that it was the sharpest annual decline in a decade. Gas imports declined by 2.8% last year, to a total of 127.87 million tons, Reuters said in a report citing the statistics data released today by Beijing, noting that in December, on the other hand, gas imports surged by 16.3% to 13.45 million tons. That hike was prompted by seasonal demand growth. That same demand growth drove coal imports higher in December, with the total hitting 58.59 million tons, up by 12% on the year. Oil imports also strengthened in December, to 12 million bpd. Coal-powered generation in China, meanwhile, declined last year, albeit modestly, and was on track to record its first overall annual decline since 2015. Over the first 11 months of the year, electricity generated from coal and gas plants ticked down by a modest 0.7%, Bloomberg reported in December, citing government data. In November alone, thermal power output dipped by 4.2%. Indeed, this week, transition advocacy outlet Carbon Brief reported that coal-powered generation in China had shrunk by 1.6%, with India also seeing a decline in coal-powered generation by 3%. This was the first time for both countries to book a decline in coal generation since 1973, Carbon Brief noted. The outlet attributed the decline to record additions of wind and solar in both India and China. It bears noting, however, that the surge in coal imports in December suggests that wind and solar still have a long way to go before they replace coal, if ever. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com China is expected to see a plunge in imports of oil from Venezuela in February as the now month-long U.S. blockade has prevented many China-bound cargoes from leaving Venezuelan waters. The deliveries of crude and fuel oil from Venezuela to China in February are estimated at just 166,000 barrels per day, as just 5 million barrels of Venezuelan crude and fuel oil have managed to leave the South American country in recent weeks, analysts and traders tell Reuters. To compare, Venezuelas exports of combined crude and fuel oil to China averaged about 642,000 bpd in 2025, as per internal documents of Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA seen by Reuters. U.S. forces have seized at least five tankers from Venezuela since the middle of December, while many vessels that have departed from the South American country have returned to Venezuelan waters to avoid the U.S. blockade. Around the January 3 capture of Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, PDVSA was unable to ship oil cargoes to Asia, as the U.S. oil quarantine of Venezuela continues. Chevron is the only Western oil company currently authorized by the U.S. Treasury to operate in Venezuela. Chevron ships the crude to the U.S. Gulf Coast. Venezuelan shipments to Asia, however, were at a standstill, and China, the top oil customer of Venezuela, is getting lower volumes of crude. In fact, Chinese oil buyers have reduced their intake of Venezuelan oil as the discount between Brent and the countrys flagship Merey crude shrank from $15 per barrel last month to $13 per barrel now, Bloomberg reported last week, citing unnamed sources. At the request of the US government, Trafigura and Vitol are providing logistical and marketing services to facilitate the sale of Venezuelan oil, Trafigura said on Friday, following a meeting of oil industry executives with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Vitol and Trafigura are offering Venezuelan crude to refiners in China and India for March delivery, trade sources told Reuters on Monday. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Indias largest state-owned refiner, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), has bought its first-ever crude from Ecuador as it seeks to replace part of its Russian crude deliveries with supplies from as far as South America. IOC has purchased in a tender its first cargo from Ecuador 2 million barrels of the medium-heavy sour Oriente crude, for delivery at the end of March, trade sources told Reuters on Wednesday. The biggest state refiner in India and all other Indian firms are scouring the globe for favorably priced crude to replace the Russian supply they have lost following the U.S. sanctions on Russias top producers Rosneft and Lukoil. Set OilPrice.com as a preferred source in Google here IOC has pledged full compliance with the U.S. sanctions and has tapped the market to buy non-sanctioned Russian crude oil for delivery early this year. In October, following the U.S. sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, IOC reportedly bought five cargoes of Russian crude from non-sanctioned entities for arrival in December. Non-sanctioned Russian supply is not enough, apparently, to meet Indian Oil Corps needs, so the refiner is purchasing crude from as far as Ecuador. In December, IOC bought its first crude from Colombia, as part of an optional supply deal with Colombias state oil firm Ecopetrol, trade sources told Reuters. India is estimated to have imported $168 billion worth of Russian crude oil since Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022. But after U.S. sanctions and amid difficult trade negotiations with the Trump Administration, Indian refiners have turned to various producers in the Americas and West Africa to replace part of the Russian volumes. India is also asking domestic refiners to provide timely and accurate data on a weekly basis of imports of Russian and U.S. crude, as New Delhi plans to show the data to the U.S. Administration as it seeks a trade deal, sources with knowledge of the efforts told Reuters earlier this month. India has been trying to seal a trade deal with the United States for months, but the Trump Administration has singled out India as the key financier of Russias war spending as the buyer of large volumes of Russian crude oil. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Kazakhstan cut oil production in December by more than 200 Kb/d, with output averaging 1.522 million barrels per day in the final month down from 1.759 mb/d in November. December production was also significantly lower than the full-year average of 1.776 mb/d for 2025. The lower production was attributed to the forced suspension of Single Point Mooring (SPM-3) following a drone attack coupled with adverse weather conditions that hit the Black Sea. Unidentified drones struck two oil tankers in the Black Sea, including one chartered by Chevron (NYSE:CVX), enroute to a terminal on the Russian coast. Kazakhstan authorities have urged U.S. and Europe to help secure the Black Sea route, which handles ~1% of global supply. "The increasing frequency of such incidents highlights the growing risks to the functioning of international energy infrastructure," the ministry said in a statement. "We therefore call upon our partners to engage in close cooperation to develop joint measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future," it added. Kazakhstan could see its oil production decline further after the country pledged massive compensation cuts. Kazakhstan has pledged to to significantly deepen itsOPEC+ oil output cuts to 669,000 barrels per day (bpd) by June 2026, up from its previous pledge of 131,000 bpd as part of a broader effort by four key producers to balance an oversupplied market and improve compliance with quotas. This commitment accounts for the largest share of the collective 829,000 bpd reduction, aiming to offset previous overproduction and stabilize oil prices through the first half of 2026. Iraq pledged to maintain its cuts at 100,000 bpd; the UAE pledged to increase its cuts to 55,000 bpd from just 10,000 bpd while Oman will cut ~5,700 bpd through June. Last month, OPEC+ paused the planned gradual return to the market of 2.9 million barrels per day (bpd) in oil output, keeping that volume off the market for the first quarter of 2026 (January, February, and March). The pause comes amid concerns of a potential global supply surplus and seasonal low demand in the winter. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com More than two dozen sanctioned tankers have switched to a Russian flag since the start of December as a means of avoiding seizure by U.S. forces, Bloomberg has reported, citing data from Starboard Maritime Intelligence. As many as 26 tankers are currently sailing under a Russian flag, compared to only six in November and 14 for the five months to November, the data showed. The switches accelerated after the United States seized the tanker Skipper off the Venezuelan coast in early December, Bloomberg noted in its report. There are 1,500 tankers that are used to ship Russian, Iranian, and Venezuelan crude, Bloomberg said, and of them 13% are now Russian-flagged. This may offer a new potential solution for the illicit dark-fleet networks, but it also raises the stakes, Charlie Brown, an adviser for an advocacy group dubbed United Against Nuclear Iran, told Bloomberg. The group tracks sanctioned tankers. Because it underscores that sanctions evasion is no longer just a maritime compliance problem, but a strategic challenge involving state protection and geopolitical risks, Brown said. The flag-switching is taking place even after U.S. forces seized a tanker sailing under the Russian flag earlier this month, after a weeks-long chase across the ocean. The Bella 1 was seized for sanction violations, the U.S. said. The tanker has been under sanctions since 2024 for allegedly shipping crude on behalf of an organization linked to Hezbollah. To date, the United States has seized a total of five tankers but companies involved in trade with sanctioned oil appear to believe that affiliation with Russia by putting up its flag could grant them political protection, Charlie Brown also told Bloomberg. According to an analyst from Starboard Maritime Intelligence, The story is really a persistent, global reflagging of dark-fleet tankers. Its unlikely to stop at this number, Mark Douglas told Bloomberg. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com ExxonMobil and Shell have decided not to proceed with a planned sale of their joint assets in the southern UK North Sea to Viaro Energy. Despite months of work to complete the transaction, completion conditions have not been met and the deal has been subject of a lengthy review by the UKs regulator, the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA). Last year, Viaro Energy signed an agreement to take over Shell and Exxons UK Southern North Sea assets, which are one of the largest and longest producing gas asset portfolios in the UKCS, including high-quality, well-maintained production facilities and the Bacton gas receiving terminal. The Shell-operated onshore Bacton Gas Processing Terminal is an asset of critical importance to the UKs gas supply as it is the sole entry point for gas from Belgium and the Netherlands. Bacton-processed gas accounts for about a third of Britains total gas supply. However, the deal has met hurdles and has now been canceled, and Shell will continue to operate the assets until Shell and Exxon consider what to do with these next. The parties have worked hard and in close alignment to try and complete this transaction over many months, but despite this being a fully funded opportunity, the completion conditions were not met as commercial and market conditions evolved and we mutually agreed not to proceed, Viaro Energys CEO Francesco Mazzagatti said in a statement carried by Bloomberg. In recent years, Mazzagatti has been in legal troubles more than once. In 2024, he was sued by a former company he headed for embezzling funds from sales from an Iranian petrochemicals company designated by the United States. Mazzagatti also faces criminal charges in Italy and civil forgery and fraud allegations in the UK, and he denies any wrongdoing. Since the now-defunct deal was announced, Shell has completed a transaction with Equinor to combine their offshore UK oil and gas operations in a 50/50 joint venture, Adura, which has become one of the UKs largest independent North Sea producers. The JV does not include the Bacton terminal and multiple assets in the Southern North Sea, and Shell retained ownership of its interests and projects that are part of the UK SEGAL system, namely Fife NGL Plant, St Fergus Gas Terminal and the Braefoot Bay facility. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com This article has been corrected to show that AET does not currently have activities related to Venezuelan cargoes. Oil traders and shipping companies are scrambling to expand tanker operations to move Venezuelan crude as Washington prepares to take delivery of sanctioned oil following the ouster of President Nicolas Maduro, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. Trading houses and oil majors including Chevron, Vitol, and Trafigura are competing for U.S. government-backed export deals after President Donald Trump said Venezuela could hand over up to 50 million barrels of crude to the United States. Trafigura told U.S. officials last week that its first vessel could load within days, sources said. The logistical challenges are significant. Years of sanctions have left Venezuela storing crude in aging, poorly maintained tankers and nearly full onshore tanks. Many of the vessels holding the oil are under sanctions and cannot be directly accessed by other ships due to insurance and liability restrictions, even with U.S. licenses in place. Onshore storage facilities are also in disrepair, raising safety and operational risks. Shipping firms, including Maersk Tankers and American Eagle Tankers, are examining ways to expand ship-to-ship transfer operations off Venezuela, sources said. One option under consideration is replicating logistics previously used in Amuay Bay, involving transfers between storage vessels, piers, and export tankers. However, these operations face constraints, including limited availability of smaller feeder ships, competition for loading slots, and poorly maintained port equipment. Transfers through nearby waters such as Aruba and Curacao remain possible but are costlier than direct loadings, sources noted. AET, which had previously supported Chevrons Venezuelan crude exports, was approached by potential clients seeking to expand transfer capacity, according to people familiar with the discussions. AET said in a statement to Reuters that it "is not currently working with any party to call, tranship, load, or discharge, Venezuelan cargo, either directly or indirectly." Maersk Tankers and Chevron did not immediately respond to requests for comment. While exports could eventually approach the roughly 500,000 barrels per day Venezuela shipped to the U.S. before sanctions, sources cautioned that draining accumulated inventories could take three to four months and will depend on resolving bottlenecks at the Jose terminal, where capacity is limited. To support exports, oil companies are also sourcing naphtha from the United States to blend with Venezuelas heavy crude, reducing viscosity and making the oil transportable and refinery-ready. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk will visit Sudan from 14-18 January, a press release by the UN rights Commission has announced The UK on Wednesday awarded a record-breaking 8.4 gigawatts (GW) capacity of offshore wind in its latest auction round, which puts Britain firmly on track to achieve its clean power mission by 2030, the government said. The Contracts for Difference AR7 auction secured offshore wind capacity capable of generating enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of 12 million UK homes. The results deliver the biggest single procurement of offshore wind energy in British and European history - confounding the global challenges facing the industry - a major vote of confidence in the UKs new era of energy sovereignty and abundance, the UK government said in a statement. Projects in all parts of the UK, including Scotland and the first Welsh project to win a contract in more than a decade, won in the offshore wind tender. The government also noted that offshore wind is cheaper to build and operate than new gas-fired power generation. In new figures published on Wednesday using the LCOE industry metric, the cost of building and operating a new gas fired power station is 147, or $198, per megawatt hour (MWh). By contrast, the results for fixed offshore wind in todays auction were 90.91, or $122, per MWh on average. Thats 40% cheaper than the cost of building and operating new gas-fired generation, the UK government said. With the latest record-breaking auction, Britain is taking back control of its energy, and lowering bills for good, the cabinet noted. The UK aims to have at least 43 GW of offshore wind by 2030 to meet its clean power target. To compare, current offshore wind capacity is 16.6 GW while another 11.7 GW is under construction. Despite the offshore wind auctions returning back on track, the UK will find it very challenging to connect all these projects to the grid and have it running 95% on clean energy, including renewables and nuclear, analysts say. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com In response to China's leverage, countries like Japan and the United States are accelerating efforts to develop alternative supply chains, including deep-sea mining trials and increased resource diplomacy in emerging economies. China maintains a near-monopoly on the refining of rare earth minerals, supplying 8595 percent of the world's refined supply, a position it has used as a geopolitical bargaining chip. A race for critical minerals is redefining global geopolitics as world powers rush to shore up supply chains of the finite materials that power the energy and tech sectors. Demand for rare earth metals and other critical minerals has seen a meteoric rise in recent years as the world increasingly electrifies and the tech sector becomes ever more robust and omnipresent. Due to the central role of these ingredients in global and national economies, competition for these supply chains is far more than just a commercial concern its become a central platform for national security for many countries. According to Lexology, this shift from private to public went into overdrive in 2025, and shows no signs of slowing down. Governments are stepping directly into project development, deploying public capital, tightening investment controls and forming new alliances to secure access to key minerals, reports the law business research and information platform. These developments are reshaping how projects are financed, regulated and progressed and are creating a more complex landscape for developers, investors and advisers navigating critical minerals markets, the brief goes on to say. Set OilPrice.com as a preferred source in Google here These projects are being prioritized on a global scale because the current critical minerals landscape is characterized by an extreme level of concentration. China alone has dominated the global market since the late 1990s, and now supplies about 8595 percent of the worlds refined rare earth minerals thanks to a near-monopoly on refining capacities. At a global level, Chinese refineries supply 68 percent of cobalt, 65 percent of nickel, and 60 percent of EV-battery-grade lithium. A handful of other countries are also sitting on significant reserves of critical minerals, but lack infrastructure to process them in an efficient or cost-effective manner. And China is not afraid to weaponize this geopolitical leverage for political gain. Beijing has used its critical minerals trade as a bargaining chip throughout the ebbs and flows of Donald Trumps trade war with Xi Jinping, and is now threatening to cut off supplies to Japan due to the latter countrys support for a free Taiwan a hot-button issue for China, which seeks to annex the independent island nation. In response, Japan is looking for innovative ways to ease its dependence on Chinese supply chains. This month, Japan launched the worlds first deep-sea mining trial to extract rare earth minerals from 6 kilometers below sea level. This ambitious project has been a long time in the making, but couldnt be setting sail at a more critical time. "After seven years of steady preparation, we can finally begin the confirmation tests. It's deeply moving," Shoichi Ishii, the head of the government-backed project, recently told Reuters. "If this project succeeds, it will be of great significance in diversifying Japan's rare earth resource procurement," he added. Japan is not the only country trying to reduce its dependence on Chinese supply chains. China has also threatened to cut off supplies to the United States amid an ongoing trade dispute, and the United States is expected to retaliate. Semafor reports that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to apply pressure to other G7 nations together representing 60% of global rare earths demand to ramp up their own efforts to wean themselves off of Chinese imports. However, reducing reliance on Chinese supply chains is far easier said than done. Until alternative supply chains are developed, Chinese rare earths are essentially the only (affordable) game in town. Plus, these minerals are only available in certain geographies, and establishing access can be a political minefield. While Japan is endeavoring to find new ways of producing these materials domestically, China and the United States are focusing on working their ways into emerging economies that have rich deposits of these increasingly valuable materials. China, for its part, has spent decades building up relationships and industries across the globe through its expansive Belt and Road program. The United States, by comparison, lags far behind in such traditional trade relations and economic diplomacy, leading to Trumps current takeover approach to catching up, as seen in the case of Greenland and Venezuela. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com By Jason Williams, Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com It was historic. It blew everyone away. A quarter million referendum signatures raised in just 38 days. It stumped Governor Kotek, it dumbfounded lawmakers, it shocked the media, and it may have a gigantic impact on the 2026 Election. This is the inside story on how the campaign pulled off an against-the-odds miracle with their referendum petition to stop Koteks $4.3 billion gas tax by forcing it to the ballot for a public right to vote. #1. They said it was impossible. At the start of the campaign, many top donors and businesses declined to help. They said it simply could not be done. We were barely funded. There was no money for paid signature gatherers. Yet the campaign did it anyway with mostly volunteers and won. The impossible was achieved. It is time to believe in Oregon again. #2. Unity at the beginning. The Chief Petitioners for the campaign were Oregon State Senator Bruce Starr, State Representative Ed Diehl, and Jason Williams, Founder of the Taxpayers Association of Oregon. Having both a Senator and Representative sent a powerful message of Legislative unity right from day one of the campaign. Both chambers do not always talk to each other. Yet 2025 was different because both chambers worked together on many projects with then-Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham and then-House Republican Leader Christine Drazan. Senator Starr and Representative Diehl built on this working-together model and took it to the next level. Seeing both chambers work together in a rare show of unity did much to rally the extremely divided Republican factions in Oregon from the very beginning. This factor is more important than people think since Gallup this week revealed that people leaving political parties has reached record levels. Chief Petitioner Senator Starr was a legacy statesman, having been involved in Oregon politics since the 1980s helped model unity for the campaign. Chief Petitioner Representative Diehl is a lawmaker who had a unique and strong bond with the public. Our in-house internet tools (OregonWatchdog and OregonCatalyst) cite his articles and floor speeches as the most clicked and re-posted of any Oregon elected official. Simply put, the data showed Rep. Diehl as the most effective political communicator among any elected official in Oregon, which helped super-size the referendum campaign from the start. Oregon has a new voice with Rep. Diehl, and it is going to open up new doors of opportunity for our movement stay tuned. Lest there be too many politicians at the top, a third and final Chief Petitioner was added with Jason Williams and his Taxpayers Association of Oregon of 25 years, which provided a streetwise grassroots face to the campaign. #3. Unrivaled grassroots unity. Once the Legislature approved the tax, everyone rallied behind an existing website called No Tax Oregon. The website was created earlier in the year by a newly formed organization called Oregon Freedom Coalition an organization that everyone will hear a lot more about in the coming months. Political groups (Taxpayers Association of Oregon, Oregon Liberty Coalition, Oregon Freedom Coalition), political parties (Republican, Libertarian), and media voices (Lars Larson, Angela Todd, Rick Dancer) began sending everyone to the website in droves. By the time Governor Kotek finally signed the tax bill on November 13th, nearly 5,000 people had registered online to request a petition. To put that in perspective, on day one, we had enough people that, if only the people who registered online had circulated a petition, we could have nearly made the ballot if everyone had just filled out two petition sheets. #4. Social media titans forever changed the face of Oregon media. Podcasters, YouTubers, and X influencers like Rick Dancer, Angela Todds PDX Real Media, Jeff Eagers Oregon Roundup, David Medina, Oregon DOGE, Oregon Citizen, and OntheVirg! have amassed huge audience followings and spread the word like lightning. PDX Real and David Medina have national followings, having become national correspondents reporting live from the Oregon culture war zone. David Medina has 77,000 followers on X. PDX Real is a Fox News favorite. Jeff Eager is a full-blown investigative reporter who breaks all kinds of stories as if he were a one-man Statesman Journal. When Rick Dancer speaks on YouTube, thousands tune in. When these influencers above spoke about the gas tax referendum, we could see in real time people visiting the campaign website and clicking the button to request a petition. This is powerful. This is the face of new media in Oregon. It is quickly breaking new ground, empowering citizens, and is here to stay. Take, for instance, the national example of Charlie Kirk, who, by one measure, had a 94% recognition rate among young people. Before his death, Kirk became one of the most recognizable political figures in America by mastering his reach on TikTok and YouTube, reaching hundreds of millions. Many credit Charlie Kirks national mobilization as a key factor in the 2024 Presidential election. Oregonians need to rally behind our growing social media entrepreneurs with their views, Likes, posts, and emails. #5. The Lars effect. As traditional newspapers decline (many have closed) in Oregon, the role of television news and radio has only increased online. Nothing compares to Lars Larson and his show, which is on 18 affiliate stations in the Northwest. Whenever I would speak on the Lars Larson program, it would generate comments from my non-political family and friends. A recent Taxpayers Association Foundation survey asked politically involved Oregonians where they get their local political news. Among early results, Lars Larson not only scored highly but was also #1 among respondents who had only one source of local political news. This is critically important. This is because radio reaches people like few other media sources. Radio plays at work, in the warehouse, in the office, and in the waiting room, where everyone hears it. The radio is in our car when we drive and in our house when we wash the dishes. Oregonians who are working on projects need to get on the Lars show he is both our Rush Limbaugh and Joe Rogan. Lars Larsons contribution to the campaign was immeasurable and incredible. Kudo also to Jeff Kropfs Political Coffee radio program. #6. The volunteer machine. Representative Ed Diehl and grassroots veteran Jodie Fleck devised a network to mobilize petitions. It created petition captains in every county and in every major city in Oregon. This helped centralize the flow of petitions and information. This helped reduce petition mistakes and eliminate duplication errors (like having two booths at the same farmers market on the same day). This network also pushed hard to have every petition leader train their people to properly petition, requiring them to complete online training courses. Petition errors are extremely problematic. Petition error rates can hit 40% in some cases. Every effort was made to reduce errors. During the waiting period, Jodie Fleck and Nick Stark of No Tax Oregon held valuable petition training webinars. The Taxpayers Association of Oregon mailed postcards to 10,000 potential petitioners, featuring a graphic guide to the dos and donts of collecting signatures. People saw an endless stream of how-to-petition articles on OregonWatchdog, OregonCatalyst, and Ed Diehls social media accounts. Nothing in all of recent Oregon political history had witnessed this level of safeguarding and preparation. The end result was low error rates. The first round of petition verification by the Oregon Elections Office yielded error rates of 2-3%. The system worked. This system was also extremely effective in getting petitions into peoples hands at record speed. For the people not reached by volunteers, there were tens of thousands of petitions mailed directly into peoples homes. Many non-political homes were targeted, helping to bring new people into the process. This is one way the campaign is changing the face of Oregon politics. #7. The people behind the petition machine: The system worked because of the hard work of Representative Ed Diehl, Jodie Fleck, John Swanson, and Nick Stark. Rep. Diehl is a mechanical engineering graduate. He is Oregons version of Elon Musk (but without the money) as he zeroes down on a problem and then comes up with solutions that no one else considered. The success of the volunteer machine started with Rep. Diehl. Nick Stark is the Executive Director of Oregon Freedom Coalition, who helped make the No Tax Oregon website work like magic. Nick Stark is Oregons idea man, and you will be seeing more of him very soon. John Swanson is the Chief of Staff for Senator Starr and a fierce defender of taxpayers. He helped pull the dream team together and kept it together. He is now running for Polk County Commissioner. As for Jodie Fleck, she was a pure veteran of grassroots activism. She also completely dedicated her life to this campaign petition effort, working nearly 40 days straight, 12 hours a day, from her home. Her beloved husband cooked all the meals for a month, as this campaign was so demanding because our window to collect signatures was so short. Jodie was like a human sacrifice for this effort. Jodie was also famous for not budging and not backing down in the face of intense backlash (and at times cruelty) from people who disagreed with the process. Having worked with her, I can say she is one of the greatest achievers and patriots in our state, having changed the direction of Oregon for the better. Oregon owes her a lot of bouquets of thanks and gratitude from all of us. #8. Clueless Kotek: While the petition team was doing everything correctly, our opponents were doing everything wrong. Oregon Governor Kotek forced lawmakers to cancel their Labor Day weekend plans with family to come to the State Capitol to pass her terrible tax bill, yet she herself didnt bother to go to the Capitol to speak at the hearing for her own bill. Kotek was too busy vacationing on the coast to participate in the Session she forced others to attend. The Special Session was so bad that The Oregonian ran this quote: Democrat lawmakers in Oregon began a special session Friday and immediately failed spectacularly. This quote was so damning and true that The Oregonian removed it 10 hours later. Governor Kotek then delayed signing the bill as a tactic to cheat our petition effort of the time we had to gather signatures. This drew criticism from the mainstream media and even two letters from Democratic lawmakers begging her to stop the delay. Then Kotek still refused to sign the bill and instead went on a $200,000 junket trip to Asia at taxpayers expense. The Taxpayers Association of Oregon sent a copy of the gas tax bill to Japan and South Korea, asking our ambassadors there if they had seen our Governor vacationing, and to please forward the bill for her to sign. The embassies apparently did not see her, nor did anyone else, as we found no media coverage of her nearly two-week-long trip. Then, when Governor Kotek returned, she decided to secretly sign the bill on a Friday night, turning off her phone so no one would know until Monday morning. That was petty, foolish, and clueless. The whole year of negative stories on Kotek, combined with an oversized tax, drew people to our side. Union members often spoke to petitioners, expressing their anger over the gas tax and how people were being shafted in the process. Kotek tried to sell the public on ODOT budget scare tactics but this time we had a secret weapon with Senator Bruce Starr who spent 30 years as Oregons transportation expert and who could easily dismantle her arguments before the media. #9. Unity among a state of disunity. We continue to emphasize the importance of unity during the campaign because the state is painfully divided. There have been fierce civil wars erupting within the Republican, Libertarian, and Constitutional Parties. People have enacted litmus tests to exclude others based on political theories (as opposed to political beliefs). Even during the petition campaign, some would not turn in their petitions to their local petition captain because of political differences. The referendum petition state coordinator for the campaign, Jodie Fleck, said it best when she said, We have in Oregon lost the art of agreeing to disagree. The more Oregons tax revolt can work together across party and political lines, the more power we have. The power of unity is not conformity it is when people who do not agree decide to work together on what they agree upon. Unity is our most powerful tool. Even in the campaign there were disagreements and differences but it got worked out quickly. Interestingly, at the start of 2025, long before there was a gas tax, Rep. Diehl was building the Oregon Freedom Coalition and was seeking the web domain name OregonFreedom.com which just happened to be in reserve by the Taxpayers Association of Oregon and used for past tax campaigns. The Taxpayers Association freely passed it on to Freedom Coalition and pledged to help anyway they could because it is not about competition but coalition building. Who knew then that seven months later, Rep. Diehl would return the favor a hundred times over with the campaign effort. Welcoming Freedom Coalition as a partner was not how people welcomed the Taxpayers Association of Oregon 27 years ago as other conservative groups worked to block and undermine their involvement. Remember, unity works. If we can do it, you can do it. Bonus reasons a changing Oregon: A wave of change is in the air in Oregon. It is coming from different directions. First, Oregon is rapidly falling behind as other states move forward in prosperity and progress. Oregonians can feel the pain of economic trouble like never before since the 2008 Great Recession. The data shows that the people who are moving out of Oregon are of higher income. They are moving because they can, while those left behind are trapped by the higher taxes that are raised even higher to pay for the lost revenue from the people leaving. In Portland, there are many famous office buildings that are selling at 80% of their value. Everyone feels the pain. When taxes begin to bite even harder, the more activated voters become. We feel that activation right now. This is why even Governor Kotek has spoken out against new taxes in Portland and against a local Salem tax measure in 2024 but not against her own state taxes, of course. Governor Kotek sees the poll numbers and knows there is tax fatigue right now. This is why one of Governor Koteks top campaign issues in her 2026 re-election campaign is her touting that she stopped tolling. This is not true, by the way. When Charlie Kirk was shot, it really hit Oregonians hard. Spontaneous candlelight vigils began sprouting up across the state. People began sending photos to our office to post on Oregon Catalyst. People said they have never experienced anything like it. Huge crowds showed up beyond capacity, with people spilling onto the streets, young people in large numbers, and an overwhelming sense of warmth and harmony that they seldom see at events. Some vigils were so successful that they kept hosting them. In Newport, they prayed for Kirks shooter (this was before the funeral) while rude people driving by screamed vile obscenities at the women and children who were mourning. To me, that was a perfect symbol of the cultural battle we are in and the enduring goodness of our beliefs. An astonishing one thousand people showed up for a Charlie Kirk vigil in Eugene. It was so overwhelming that a local Anarchist website warned their members that such conservative outpourings were winning the hearts of the public and must be stopped! At some level, something changed in Oregon after Kirks shootings, where Oregonians were tired of being silent and tired of being afraid, and felt compelled to show up. At the exact same time, there were other signs of change in Oregon. As rioters protested outside the Portland ICE building, one young Oregon mom decided to show up to livestream the chaos online. The rioters cruelly harassed her. A few young Oregon students saw what was happening live on the internet and simply could not stand back and watch this young woman being preyed upon by a mob of criminal rioters. So, they grabbed an American flag and drove right to the riot protest in real time. They came to her defense and waved American flags. Other people joined in, and suddenly a counter-protest movement was born. Because the Taxpayers Association of Oregon has monitored the Portland riots for five years, we can attest that we have rarely seen anything like this from unorganized citizens standing up to hostile Portland rioters. From this, a steady stream of counter-protestors emerged. It spoiled the atmosphere of the rioters. This was another small sign that Oregonians were tired of the chaos and wanted to speak their minds. Things were changing in Oregon in 2025. This article is my attempt to inspire you that we can do the impossible. There is real power in unity and coalition building. This little miracle happened because we were blessed by an amazing team that gave everything they had to make it happen. Oregon needs to hear this inspiring and insightful message. Please email it, Like it, post it, print it and share it. By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Both Oregon Congresswoman Maxine Dexter and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum have made dehumanizing statements about Federal law enforcement. The media asked them to explain themselves. NEW: I caught up w/ progressive Congresswoman Maxine Dexter (D-OR) today & asked her why she didnt wait for any facts before putting out an inflammatory statement about the Border Patrol shooting in Portland last week, in which she said ICE only brings terror and cruelty, is pic.twitter.com/i1DnWwQ8gc Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) January 13, 2026 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 4-metre-tall black coral found in Fiordland. Credit: James Bell Marine researchers have been wowed by the size of a centuries-old black coral found in Fiordland. A massive black coral, measuring 4 meters high and 4.5 meters wide, has been found by researchers exploring the underwater depths of Fiordland. The coral, a protected species, is likely to be 300400 years old and thought to be among the largest ever seen in the waters around Aotearoa New Zealand. Professor James Bell, a marine biologist at Te Herenga WakaVictoria University of Wellington, described the coral as "absolutely huge." "It's by far the largest black coral I've seen in my 25 years as a marine biologist. Most black corals we come across when we're diving are small, with the bigger ones usually less than two to three meters tall so finding this one was really cool," he said. The discovery is important as large corals provide vital breeding stock for the species, which is slow to grow. Credit: Victoria University of Wellington "Pinpointing where large corals occur means we can better protect them by letting people know where not to anchor their boats or drop pots," Professor Bell said. Richard Kinsey, senior biodiversity ranger at the Department of Conservation, was also on the dive when the coral was discovered. "To see such a large coral looming out of the darkness was pretty special. I've been a marine ranger in Fiordland for nearly 20 years and it's rare to see a coral so big. It's easily the largest one I can remember seeing," he said. Victoria University researchers are working with the Department of Conservation and the Fiordland Marine Guardians to study and map the distribution of protected coral species in the fiords. "We'd love to receive reports from anyone who knows of particularly large black corals that are greater than 4 m so we can map their distribution and find out how common such large coral colonies are throughout Fiordland," said Professor Bell. Despite its name, the black coral appears white in color and only its skeleton is black. The coral is listed as a protected species under the Wildlife Act and it's illegal to deliberately collect or damage it. Key concepts Coral Reefs 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: Tilted sedimentary strata in the Tian Shan, driven by the ongoing indentation of India into Asia. Credit: Stijn Glorie New research from Adelaide University suggests the power of the ancient Tethys Ocean might have shaped Central Asia's topography during the Cretaceous period. Researchers made the discovery using a big-data approach that involved hundreds of thermal history models that have been published for Central Asia throughout three decades of research. Creation of the landmass's landscape is often attributed to the interplay between tectonic, climatic and mantle-related processes over the last 250 million years. "We found that climate change and mantle processes had only little influence on the Central Asian landscape, which persisted in an arid climate for much of the last 250 million years," said Dr. Sam Boone, who was a post-doctoral researcher at Adelaide University when the research was conducted. "Instead, the dynamics of the distant Tethys Ocean can directly be correlated with short-lived periods of mountain building in Central Asia." The once mighty Tethys Ocean closed during the Meso-Cenozoic period, which spans the last 250 million years. All that remains of it today is the Mediterranean Sea. How tectonic shifts shaped the region "The present-day relief of Central Asia was largely built by the India-Eurasia collision and ongoing convergence," said co-author Associate Professor Stijn Glorie, from Adelaide University's School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences. "However, during the Cretaceous periods, dinosaurs would have seen a mountainous landscape as well, similar to the present-day Basin-and-Range Province in the western U.S. "It is thought that the extension in the Tethys, due to rollback of subducting slabs of ocean crust, reactivated old suture zones into a series of roughly parallel ridges in Central Asia, up to thousands of kilometers away from the Himalaya collision zone." Using thermal models to reveal history The thermal history models that underpin this research allowed the researchers to reveal previously untold histories of how Earth has formed. "These models were constructed using thermochronology methods and reveal how rocks cooled down when they are brought towards the surface during mountain uplift and subsequent erosion," Associate Professor Glorie said. "We analyzed a compilation of thermal history models in function of plate-tectonic models for the Tethys Ocean evolution, as well as deep-time precipitation and mantle-convection models." Applying the approach to other regions Associate Professor Glorie, whose study was published in Communications Earth & Environment, said the same approach could be applied to other areas of the globe. "There are many parts on the planet where the drivers and timing for mountain building and/or rifting are poorly understood. For example, closer to home, the break-up history of Australia from Antarctica is somewhat enigmatic," he said. "Australia drifted away about 80 million years ago, but there is no obvious imprint of this in the thermal history record of either the Antarctic or Australian plate margins. Instead, they record much older cooling histories. "We are applying the same approach as used in Central Asia to advance understanding of the Australia-Antarctica break-up." Publication details Samuel C. Boone et al, Deciphering mantle, tectonic and climatic drivers of exhumation, Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-03005-6 Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment Key concepts paleoceanographypaleogeography 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: FAST observations used in this study. Data from FAST Data Releases 123 were selected. Credit: arXiv (2026). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2601.01912 Astronomers from Nanjing University in China have analyzed the archival data from the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), searching for new pulsars. As a result, they detected 19 such objects that were missed by previous studies. The findings were presented January 5 on the pre-print server arXiv. Pulsars are highly magnetized, rotating neutron stars emitting a beam of electromagnetic radiation. They are usually identified in the form of short bursts of radio emission; however, some of them are also observed via optical, X-ray and gamma-ray telescopes. Most sensitive pulsar finder China FAST is currently the largest and most sensitive single-dish telescope in the world, enabling the detection of extremely faint pulsars. Since its first light in 2016, it has discovered more than one thousand pulsars. However, many FAST accessible sky regions remain underexplored, particularly those at low galactic latitudes and southern declinations. A team of astronomers led by Nanjing University's Shi-Jie Gao decided to explore such an area, hoping to find new pulsars that remained undetected by previous observations. "We selected data from FAST Data Releases 1 through 23. Motivated by the expected galactic pulsar distribution, in which pulsars are concentrated toward the galactic plane, we restricted our sample to observations with declination Decl. < 5 and galactic latitudes |b| < 5. No FAST observations are available at Decl.< 14 due to the telescope's zenith limit," the researchers explained. New detections After careful inspection of the FAST data, Gao's team identified 19 pulsars, which have not been previously reported, located between 5,500 and 54,700 light years away from Earth. The newfound pulsars have spin periods ranging from 0.03 to 5.54 seconds. Only two of them, designated PSR J18320901t and PSR J18430524t, have periods shorter than 0.1 seconds, which indicates that they are either young, non-recycled pulsars or mildly recycled binary pulsars. The pulsars reported in the study have dispersion measures between 59.8 and 1,271 pc/cm3. Four pulsars have dispersion measures exceeding 1,000 pc/cm3, and the one with 1,271 pc/cm3, which received designation PSR J18390558t, is the second most highly dispersed pulsar discovered by FAST. The astronomers note that two of the newly detected pulsars, PSR J18360552t and PSR J18470624t, showcase sporadic emission and strong nulling behavior, with nulling fractions of about 86% and 97%, respectively. This suggests that they may be rotating radio transients (RRATs). In general, RRATs are a subclass of pulsars characterized by sporadic emission and the first objects of this type were identified in 2006 as sporadically appearing dispersed pulses, with frequencies varying from several minutes to several hours. More timing observations required Summing up the results, the researchers underscore the need for further timing observations of the reported pulsars in order to obtain phase-connected solutions for all these objects. "This will reveal whether J18320901t and J18430524t are binary or isolated, and will better characterize the sporadic emission of J18360552t and J18470624t," the scientists conclude. Written for you by our author Tomasz Nowakowski, 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 Shi-Jie Gao et al, Pulsar Gleaners: Discovery of 19 Pulsars in FAST Archival Data at |b| < 5 and Decl.< 5, arXiv (2026). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2601.01912 Journal information: arXiv Key concepts Radio telescopes 2026 Science X Network Bereaved parents in the United Kingdom will gain immediate rights to paternity leave and up to 52 weeks off work starting Apr. 6, 2026, under new provisions of the Employment Rights Act 2025. The reforms eliminate the previous 26-week qualifying period that forced bereaved fathers and partners to rely on employer goodwill when their partner died during or shortly after childbirth. Under the old system, surviving parents who had not worked for their employer for at least nine months had no legal right to take time off to grieve and care for their newborn. Addressing a Critical Gap in Parental Rights The new Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave provides up to 52 weeks of leave for fathers and partners who lose their partner before their child's first birthday. This represents a significant expansion from the standard two weeks of paternity leave available to other new parents, according to The Guardian. The changes were driven in part by campaigning from individuals like Aaron Horsey from Nottinghamshire, who faced an impossible situation when he lost his partner shortly after childbirth, but had not worked long enough at his job to qualify for leave. Horsey launched a two-year campaign after his wife Berndette died in childbirth in 2022, bringing his concerns to Labour MP Chris Elmore, who introduced a Private Member's Bill that eventually received Royal Assent as the Paternity Leave (Bereavement) Act 2024. The legislation addresses a critical issue affecting approximately 180 mothers who die annually in the United Kingdom within a year of their child's birth, Sky News reported. Recent figures show maternal deaths have increased significantly, with 252 deaths recorded between 2022 and 2024, representing a 20 percent rise compared to rates from 2009 to 2011. Broader Family-Friendly Reforms Beyond bereavement, the act introduces day-one rights to paternity leave and unpaid parental leave for all new parents, removing barriers that previously prevented workers from changing jobs without losing their leave entitlements. This means employees will no longer need 26 weeks of service for paternity leave or 12 months for unpaid parental leave. However, statutory paternity pay still requires 26 weeks of prior service and will be paid at 194.32 ($261.80) per week from April 2026, up from the current 187.18 ($252.20). Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the reforms will ensure "every new parent can properly take time off when they have a child, and no one is forced to work while ill just to make ends meet." Simon Kelleher from Working Families noted the changes mean "parents can change jobs without losing essential leave entitlements." To help families access their entitlements quickly, the government has shortened the notice period for newly eligible parents to 28 days, allowing them to give notice starting Feb. 18, 2026. The reforms will affect more than 18 million workers across the country, with particular benefits for those in insecure or lower-paid positions, as per the Grand Pinnacle Tribune. 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: Svalbard is experiencing major challenges with erosion. New research may help repair the damage. Credit: Ida Beate verjordet/SINTEF In the icy reaches of the Svalbard archipelago, a quiet revolution in marine restoration is underway. Researchers are building a digital twin of the regionan interactive, data-rich simulation designed to help researchers and restoration teams understand how climate change is affecting Arctic coastlines and how its impacts might be reduced. The project brings together real environmental data, computer models, and storytelling in a user-friendly service that lets users explore erosion, sea ice loss, and changes in marine life. An associated paper appears in the International Journal of Data Science and Analytics, with additional research available here. Understanding digital twins A digital twin is a virtual copy of a real-world systemin this case, the vulnerable coastal systems in Svalbard. Digital twins used in environmental science are very different from earlier versions built for structures like wind turbines or oil platforms. Because ecosystems are complex and not fully understood, digital twins in ecology combine observations, computer models, expert knowledge, and "what if"' scenarios that users can explore by interacting with simulations. Understanding and defining these "what if" scenarios form a central part of building a digital twin. They can include climate models that show how global climate change may affect natural systems. Open data is another important part of environmental digital twins. Compared to other sciences, environmental science has been slower to make data widely available. "The Svalbard twin is a way to bring together complex datasets and make them accessible to people who need them mostrestoration practitioners," says Lara Veylit, a researcher at SINTEF. "We're not just visualizing data. We're guiding users to use the best available science, and hopefully allowing for data-driven decision making that could shape the future of the Arctic," she says. A toolbox for restoration The Svalbard digital twin is part of a larger marine restoration toolbox developed through the EU project Climarest. The toolbox includes five regional digital twins. Each one focuses on a different restoration challengeranging from seagrass meadows in Ireland to oyster bed reefs in France. The Arctic twin is especially urgent. Svalbard is warming faster than most places on Earth, and its coastlines are threatened by both natural forces and human activity. The digital twin brings together: Wave models to simulate erosion patterns Drone images of vulnerable coastlines Sea ice and ocean warming data from CMEMS Tourism pressure data from Statistics Norway Biodiversity data from the Norwegian Polar Institute All of this is shown in an interactive format, using sliders, drop-down menus, and maps that let users explore different scenarios and datasets. The service includes a Jupyter notebook, openly available, where users can experiment with code and data using free computing power. The service will also include a dashboard designed for non-technical users, making it easy to view data, models, and the outcomes of "what if" scenarios. 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. Science meets storytelling What makes the Svalbard twin unique is how it uses storytelling. "We wanted to move beyond static graphs and charts," says Ida B. verjordet, researcher and project coordinator. "Each twin tells a storyabout the place, the people, and the pressures it faces. It's a way to make the science more relatable and actionable." Users start with an overview of erosion challenges in Svalbard. From there, they can explore maps showing settlements, drone footage of coastlines being considered for nature-based solutions, and timeline data on population and tourist trends. They can also look at past biodiversity surveys, visualize wave heights and ice coverage, and even test future climate scenarios using data from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. Ensuring data transparency The digital twin also embodies modern data ethics. It follows the FAIR principles (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable), meaning that data can be easily found, shared, and reused. This includes less traditional data, such as drone images at different stages of processing. "We're making datathat was once locked away in hard drives or local serversavailable to the world," Veylit notes. "That's a huge step forward for transparency and collaboration." Built to last The EU's recent Nature Restoration Law presents an opportunity for the growth of the marine restoration community. To ensure its longevity, the Svalbard twin will be hosted on two major EU data platforms: Blue-Cloud 2026 and EDITO infra. Hosting it in two places reduces the risk of future funding gaps and ensures that restoration teams can keep using the tool long after the Climarest project ends in November 2025. The goal of the digital twin is to make science accessible to more people by keeping data, models, and expert knowledge openly available over time. "We're building tools not just for today's challenges, but for tomorrow's solutions," says Veylit. The Arctic may be remote, but digital twins like the one in Svalbard are helping turn the restoration of its coastlines into a shared, global effortpowered by data, driven by science, and guided by stories. More information Lara Veylit et al, Democratizing marine restoration best practices in a digital toolbox, International Journal of Data Science and Analytics (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s41060-025-00926-5 Lara Veylit et al, Developing regional digital twins for marine restoration in the CLIMAREST project, (2025). DOI: 10.13140/rg.2.2.32829.37606 Key concepts Sustainability This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain The detail of the European Union's long-awaited accession to the European Convention on Human Rights is like a "three-dimensional puzzle" because of the several vital and interlocking elements which need to be agreed, a new study suggests. The Treaty of Lisbon created an obligation for the EU to accede to the ECHR, closing any remaining gaps in rights protection. Although all EU member states are parties to the ECHR, they have obligations to comply both with EU law and with the ECHR. In the past there have been cases where this has appeared impossible and though the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has thus far found a (not uncontroversial) solution, it is envisaged that rights protections would be far tighter after EU accession. The study, by Dr. Christine Bicknell, from the University of Exeter Law School, says the Draft Accession Agreement of 2023 provides solutions and "vision and hope." It also suggests an appropriate solution to avoid proceedings before the ECtHR would be for the EU to undertake a wholesale review of its laws and approaches pre-accession, looking specifically to their ECHR compliance. The paper examines the burden of proof in proceedings involving EU law in the European Court of Human Rights post-EU accession and in doing so offers an academic "stress test" of the DAA 2023. Dr. Bicknell said, "The EU should be attentive to aspects within its laws and legal agreements, and subsequent protections at EU level, which might be vulnerable to challenge for non-compliance with the ECHR. "There are differences in approach to proof between the two systems. There are aspects within EU laws that are vulnerable to challenge for ECHR compliance and to which the EU should look pre-accession. This may include, for example, the regulation and restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence. "With proceedings involving co-respondents, it would be naive to assume that member states and the EU will provide a united front as co-respondents. The challenges are not insurmountable, but they are present and identified [within the study]." Accession negotiators since 2020 have had the unenviable task of accommodating certain core (rigid) features of EU law, such as the need to respect EU autonomy, mutual trust, and fixing and reshaping further aspects according to those requirements, such as joint responsibility and the co-respondent mechanism. Under the DAA 2023, co-respondents would hold joint responsibility for any ECHR breach. This covers situations where EU law may be the problematic point within a case and situations in which the EU and a member state might be working together in joint operations. In post-accession proceedings involving EU law, the burden of proof will mostlyif not alwaysrequire the applicant to provide either proof of fact or persuasive evidence that the relevant Convention right has indeed been breached. Dr. Bicknell said, "The context is both complicated and delicate and the challenges are considerable. Nevertheless, with a mindset on both sides oriented to cooperation and full and meaningful protection of rights, of which the DAA 2023 itself offers some reassurance, there is both vision and hope. With the right commitment, none of the points raised [within the study] should be insurmountable." More information Christine Bicknell, The Burden of Proof in European Court of Human Rights Proceedings in EU Law After the EU's Accession to the ECHR (2025) This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Donald Trump is clearly in a hurry to dominate the political narrative in his second term of office. He began 2026 with strikes in Syria against Islamic State groups, the kidnapping of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, threats to intervene in Iran and the declaration that the US would take control of Greenlandby hook or by crook. Of all these, the plan to add Greenland to the US either by negotiation or by force is easily the most controversial, as it could lead to the break-up of the NATO alliance. Greenland, the world's largest island and a part of the kingdom of Denmark, has an abundance of critical minerals offering wealth and business opportunities. But the US president is also making a big deal out of the need to secure Greenland for US national security. He has repeatedly stated the danger from Russia and China, whose ships, he says, stalk the island's waters. Publicly, at least, Russia has no problems with Trump's ambitions in Greenland. Vladimir Putin has declined to criticize the Trump administration's acquisitive comments, saying that the US has long had plans to incorporate Greenland and that the island's future has "nothing to do with us." Russia's vision doesn't rule out the possibility of economic cooperation with America in the Arctic. After Putin and Trump met in August 2025 in Alaska, Russia proposed the idea of a "PutinTrump tunnel" across the Bering Sea, a vision to which Trump responded favorably. The Chinese, meanwhile, are not happy about Trump's designs on Greenland. They tend to see the Arctic as a global commons in which non-Arctic states have an equal stake. So they are unhappy at the notion of any sort of arrangement that involves US or Russian spheres of influence in the Arctic. The US has been trying to acquire Greenland since 1867, whenfresh from buying Alaska from Russiasecretary of state William Seward unsuccessfully raised the idea of purchasing Greenland and Iceland from Denmark. Harry Truman offered US $100 million (74 million) for Greenland in 1946, but Denmark refused. Instead, the two countries agreed a treaty in 1951, giving the US considerable latitude to deploy thousands of US troops and install the weather stations and early warning systems that characterized cold war politics. But when the Soviet Union collapsed, heralding an end to the cold war, Greenland was relegated in importance. The US presence in Greenland went from more than 10,000 personnel on 50 bases to a single settlement at Pituffik space base (formerly Thule air base) with about 150200 people. But the Ukraine war, increased assertiveness from Russia and China in the region and the steady melt caused by climate change have reinvigorated US interest in the Arctic region. And in the US president's view, Greenland is a strategic vulnerability. 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. Russia's threat Greenland sits at the western perimeter of what is called the GIUK (GreenlandIcelandUnited Kingdom) gap, which is vital to NATO defense of Europe. From here, submarines from Russia's Northern Fleet in Murmansk can traverse into the North Atlantic, threatening targets on America's east coast. In a crisis, Russian naval forces would move into both the GIUK gap and Norwegian waters, deterring American vessels from pushing north and effectively isolating NATO allies in the region. Many of Russia's missile sites and nuclear air bases in the region are sited on the Kola peninsula, on the eastern edge of Scandinavia, which is also home to its Northern Fleet navy and submarines. From the Kola peninsula, the shortest direct flight route from Russia to targets on the American East Coast lies across Greenland. Russia's Arctic facilities have been significantly upgraded over the past decade, even as the bulk of its defense budget has been directed towards its war in Ukraine. Seasonal air bases have been converted for all-year-round operations and extended to allow the use of even the heaviest of its nuclear bomber fleet at locations in the far north, such as Nagurskoye in Alexandra Land (which is part of the Franz Josef Land) and Temp on Kotelny Island in the New Siberian Islands. At present, Russian combat aircraft and strategic bombers, such as the Mikoyan Mig-31, Sukhoi Su-35, and the Tupolev Tu-95, can operate from these bases and potentially neutralize Pituffik. The space base is at present the key US defense establishment in the region, able to detect enemy ballistic missiles as soon as they take off. Joint Russian and Chinese air patrols now regularly operate in the region, raising concerns about the defense readiness of Alaska. Many of their weapons are what is called stand-off, which means they can operate out of the range of the defensive weapons arrayed against them. If Russia (or for that matter, China) did occupy parts of Greenland, it could mean foreign stand-off weapons sitting just 1,300 miles from the US. Regardless of who is in the White House, this would be considered as unthinkable for US security. US response In June 2025, US Northern Command took over responsibility for Greenland, integrating it into homeland defense. This, said Sean Parnell, chief spokesperson for the Pentagon, would be contributing to a "more robust defense of the western hemisphere and deepening relationships with Arctic allies and partners." Trump has derided the existing European defense effort in Greenland, insisting that only the US can defend the US. His perspective can only have been emboldened by the success of the recent Operation Absolute Resolve, the raid that snatched Maduro from Caracas. US combined forces demonstrated effective suppression of enemy air defenses, knocking out both the Chinese JY-27A radar system and the Russian S-300 and Buk-M2 air defense systems. Whether or not Trump gets his wish to actually acquire Greenland for the US, there seems little doubt that Greenland will once again play host to a strong American presence on the island and that the Arctic in general will become a showcase for the latest military technology they have in their armories. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 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) and B) Flapper skate tail injury from roped tail release method used by fishing fleet, C) flapper skate with no tail. Images taken by recreational anglers. Credit: NatureScot A ground-breaking study reinforces that flapper skates are beginning to recover in Scotland. The studyled by Rosie Ashworth, a Research Assistant at The Lyell Center for Earth and marine sciencesinvolved interviews with commercial fishers about their interactions with flapper skate and their perceptions of changes in numbers in recent years. Fishers reported a significant increase in flapper skate bycatch over the past four years, with over half of those interviewed seeing them daily. Flapper skate bycatch was most frequently reported along the west coast of Scotland, particularly around the Isles of Rum and Skye and in the western waters of Shetland. A previous study conducted by the Marine Directorate of Science, Evidence, Data and Digital and published in April 2024, found that the number of flapper skates in the Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura Marine Protected Area (MPA) are increasing faster than outside the MPA, as a result of higher survival rates for young flapper skates. Both studies show that the measures to protect and restore flapper skate inside and outside MPAs are working. These changes started in 2009 when it became illegal to land flapper and common blue skates commercially anywhere in Scotland, with fishers required to return these species to the water unharmed as soon as possible. More recently, the designation and management of Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura and Red Rocks and Longay Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) has increased protection of flapper skate and their eggs. The critically endangered flapper skate is Europe's largest skate. It is a long-lived species which matures at around 15 years of age, producing eggs that incubate for over a year, making flapper skate and their egg cases particularly vulnerable to fishing mortality. Jane Dodd, NatureScot's elasmobranch specialist, said, "This is exciting and promising news, with the current evidence showing a trend for flapper skate recovery. It's also been really rewarding to hear the experiences of the fishers, who have a unique position in their daily lives of seeing how flapper skate are faring where they fish. Their views have been invaluable, adding to the growing body of information on flapper skate. "The research is a bright point, but flapper skate are just beginning their recoverythey may now be common again in some areas, but they are far from restored to their historical range. We are committed to continuing to work with fishers to develop best practice to reduce flapper skate bycatch and maximize survival following release. "Collaboration is essential to deliver the release of particularly large flapper skate while maintaining the safety of fishers, especially as continued skate recovery could lead to even more encounters over a wider area." Professor Michel Kaiser, Co-Director of the Lyell Center, Heriot-Watt University added, "This is certainly a good news story. We were delighted with the engagement we received from the fishing industry, with the evidence consistently pointing towards a recovery trajectory for flapper skate. Looking ahead, we hope to convene an industry-focused workshop to get the benefit of fishermen's practical insights and ideas about how we can better handle such large fish that are often twice the weight of an average person." Members of the public can help conserve flapper skate too; anyone who sees a flapper skate in Scotland can take a photo and upload it the Skatespotter app, which helps track how well flapper skates are doing. More information NatureScot Research Report 1390Local ecological knowledge from the Scottish fishing fleet on the critically endangered flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius). www.nature.scot/doc/naturescot ing-fleet-critically Key concepts commercial fishery resources 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: The mandibular dentition and postcranial elements that comprise KNM-ER 64060 and KNM-ER 64061, respectively. Credit: Adapted from Grine, F. E. et al., 2026 An international research team has unveiled a significant discovery in human paleontology: an exceptionally well-preserved Homo habilis skeleton dating back more than 2 million years. The fossil, designated KNM-ER 64061, was recovered from East Turkana in northern Kenya, and constitutes the most complete postcranial evidence of Homo habilis known to date. This find, published in The Anatomical Record, was made possible through collaboration among leading institutions, including the Institut Catala de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont (ICP-CERCA), and provides crucial evidence for understanding early human biology and evolution. Background on Homo habilis and the find Homo habilis is a species of fossil human (a hominin) that was probably ancestral to Homo erectus. It is known primarily from cranial elements, and it existed between ~2.5 to 1.4 million years ago. The newly-reported Homo habilis skeleton (KNM-ER 64061) dates to between 2.02 and 2.06 million years ago and includes both clavicles (collarbones), scapular fragments (shoulder blade pieces), both upper arm bones (humeri), both forearm bones (radii and ulnae), fragments of the pelvis (ossa coxae), and part of the sacrum. Representation of the postcranial elements preserved by KNM-ER 64061 in anterior (left) and posterior (right) views. Credit: Adapted from Grine, F. E. et al., 2026 Remarkably, this collection of bones is associated with a nearly complete set of mandibular teeth, allowing researchers to confidently assign all the bones to the same individual and to the species Homo habilis. Prior to this find, scientists had identified only a handful of Homo habilis individuals where bones were definitively linked to diagnostic dental remains. "Indeed, there are only three other very fragmentary and incomplete partial skeletons known for this important species," explained Prof. Fred Grine, the lead author of the study from Stony Brook University. Discovery process and research collaboration The bones comprising KNM-ER 64061 were initially discovered in 2012 during fieldwork led by Meave Leakey (Turkana Basin Institute) in East Turkana. Subsequent screening and excavations of the surrounding area revealed additional postcranial bone fragments, which had to be re-assembled like a puzzle before morphological analyses could commence. "I was invited to join the study in 2014 by Meave Leakey, but our morphological work on this skeleton would take another decade to complete," noted Ashley S. Hammond, ICREA Researcher at the Institut Catala de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont (ICP-CERCA) and one of the contributors to the study. Photo of co-authors Bill Jungers and Meave Leakey examining the remains of KNM-ER 64061 at the Turkana Basin Institute in 2014. Credit: Ashley S. Hammond Significance of the skeleton's anatomy Major adaptive changes happened between earlier hominins and the appearance of Homo erectus, making Homo habilis key to understanding the nature and timing of these changes. Analyses of KNM-ER 64061 found that many details of the anatomy of the limb bones resemble those of Homo erectus and later species of Homo, but also that KNM-ER 64061 was shorter, less heavy, and had proportionally longer and stronger arms relative to its size than Homo erectus. The individual stood approximately 160 centimeters tall and weighed between 30.7 and 32.7 kilograms. The forearm relative to the upper arm was proportionally longer than in Homo erectus, a characteristic that connects early Homo to earlier human relatives like Australopithecus afarensis that lived over a million years earlier. The shoulder and arm bones also display unusually thick cortices, or outer layers of bone, similar to australopiths and other early Homo fossils. 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. The features of the KNM-ER 64061 upper limb may reflect adaptations to a lifestyle that differed from that of later Homo erectus. "Homo habilis upper limbs have been coming more and more into focus, and KNM-ER 64061 confirms that the arms were fairly long and strong. What remains elusive is the lower limb build and proportions. Going forward, we need lower limb fossils of Homo habilis, which may further change our perspective on this key species," said Hammond. The analyses of this exceptionally complete Homo habilis skeleton were originally led by Bill Jungers, whose pioneering work greatly advanced our understanding of early human anatomy. Dr. Jungers tragically passed away during the project, but his contributions remain central to the study of this fossil. More information Frederick E. Grine et al, New partial skeleton of Homo habilis from the upper Burgi Member, Koobi Fora Formation, Ileret, Kenya, The Anatomical Record (2026). DOI: 10.1002/ar.70100 Key concepts vertebrate paleontology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain In the fishing villages along Lake Kariba in northern Zimbabwe, near the border with Zambia, everyday routines that should be ordinarylike collecting water, walking to the fields or casting a fishing netnow carry a quiet, ever-present fear. A new national analysis shows that humanwildlife conflict in rural Zimbabwe has intensified to the point where it has become a public safety crisis, rather than simply an environmental challenge. Between 2016 and 2022, 322 people died in wildlife encounters. Annual fatalities climbed from 17 to 67: a fourfold increase in just seven years. These fatal encounters are concentrated in communities that live closest to protected areas and water bodies. Here, people and wildlife compete for space and survival. Protected areas and rivers provide water, forage and shelter for wildlife. Rural households rely on the same landscapes for farming, fishing and domestic water. The study shows that this overlap between human activity and wildlife movement sharply increases the risk of fatal encounters. Historically, humanwildlife conflict research and policy in southern Africa focused on economic losses such as destroyed crops, livestock predation and damaged infrastructure. Fatal attacks on people were often treated as rare or incidental. This study shifts that perspective by showing that human deaths are not isolated events, but a growing and measurable pattern that demands urgent attention. I am a US-based Zimbabwean scientist working with Zimbabwean conservationists. We analyzed national wildlife-related fatality records from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. The central questions were: How many people are dying from wildlife encounters, where are these deaths occurring, and which species are responsible? The findings were stark. Fatal encounters are rising rapidly, are geographically clustered in the north and western districts, and are driven primarily by two species: crocodiles and elephants (not lions, as people might expect). The implications extend beyond conservation to include trauma, fear, retaliatory killings of wildlife and the need for targeted, locally specific interventions. Patterns in the data The study reveals that more than 80% of recorded deaths involved only two species, elephants and crocodiles. Crocodiles alone were responsible for slightly more than half of all fatalities. Many of these incidents happened during activities people cannot avoid: fishing, crossing rivers, bathing, or washing clothes in rivers and lakes. These encounters are sudden and often impossible to anticipate, especially in places where visibility is poor and safe water access is limited. Elephants were responsible for nearly a third of the deaths. These happened mainly during crop-raiding incidents or when communities attempted to chase elephants from fields and homesteads, or when people were walking to school and work. These confrontations often occur at night or in the early morning when visibility is low. Lions, hyenas, hippos and buffalo contributed only 17% of fatal incidents during the study period. The rise in lethal encounters appears to be driven by several overlapping forces. Zimbabwe still holds one of Africa's largest elephant populations, estimated at over 80,000 animals. This is second only to Botswana. In dry years, elephants move over long distances in search of water and forage, increasing their presence in communal lands. Shrinking natural habitats and growing rural populations mean that human populations are expanding into wildlife corridors. Climate change, especially recurring droughts, intensifies the competition for water and space. The geography of the fatalities reveals a clear pattern. Most deaths occurred in Kariba, Binga and Hwange. These are districts along the country's northern and western frontier, with a combined population of about 343,264 people. They have large water bodies that support abundant crocodile populations; they are close to protected areas with high elephant numbers; and people there depend heavily on farming, fishing and natural resource use. 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. How people feel These encounters leave people with fear. Parents become anxious about children walking to school, farmers worry about tending crops at dawn and communities may avoid crossing rivers. But people aren't getting mental health support. So grief and fear can turn into anger, often resulting in killings of wildlife. A destructive cycle undermines conservation and damages trust between communities and authorities. What to do about it Different places face different dangers, and solutions should reflect that. Areas near crocodile-prone rivers need safe water access and crossing points and redesigned community washing areas. Districts where elephants are responsible for most fatalities require better early-warning systems, community-based monitoring networks and low-cost methods to deter elephants from crop fields. These measures must be paired with community education and consistent follow-up support. The findings highlight that coexistence will not be possible without recognizing the emotional and psychological dimensions of living alongside wildlife. The responsibility lies with government agencies working with communities. These must be supported by conservation organizations and health services. Counseling, community healing processes and long-term engagement can help break the retaliatory cycle. Research from other African settings shows that targeted solutions grounded in community involvement and local risk patterns are key to reducing conflicts. In northern Kenya, community-based early warning systems that alert villagers to elephant movements have significantly reduced fatal encounters. Beehive fences and chili-based barriers have helped protect crops without harming wildlife. In Uganda's Murchison Falls area, surveys found that local people preferred physical exclusion measures and the relocation of specific crocodiles as ways to lower the risk of attacks. In South Sudan's Sudd wetlands, communities identified crocodile sanctuaries as one way to reduce dangerous interactions. In Zambia's lower Zambezi valley, villagers highlighted the need for more alternative water access points (such as boreholes). These examples show that fatal encounters are not inevitable. When interventions are matched to the species involved and the daily realities of local communities, both human deaths and retaliatory killings of wildlife can be reduced. Zimbabwe's wildlife remains a source of national pride and a cornerstone of tourism. But conservation cannot succeed if the people who live closest to wildlife feel unprotected or unheard. A future where people and wildlife thrive together depends on acknowledging that human well-being is inseparable from the well-being of the ecosystems they share. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 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: The command module of the Apollo 1 spacecraft after a fire killed all three crew members during a ground-based test. When fire breaks out in the low-gravity, high-stakes conditions inside spacecraft or space stations, it behaves very differently than back here on Earth. So, as humans aim to set foot on Mars in the coming decades, researchers are seeking to learn how flames spark and spread in spaceand how best to stamp them out. The deadly threat fire poses in space goes all the way back to the first mission of NASA's Apollo program, which would go on to put the first humans on the moon. Just days before the Apollo 1 mission was scheduled to launch in January 1967, its three crew members were killed by a fire that broke out in the spacecraft's cabin during a training exercise on the ground. "At that time, the capsules were filled with 100% pure oxygen at low pressure, instead of atmospheric pressure, so the astronauts could breathe," explained Serge Bourbigot, a researcher at France's Centrale Lille institute. Edward White was one of three US astronauts who died during the Apollo 1 test. "However the more oxygen you have, the more it burns," he told AFP. Since the Apollo 1 disaster, the oxygen levels in spacecraft carrying astronauts have been set to 21%the same amount as here on Earth. But fire still acts differently in these cramped conditions hurtling through the vastness of space. A spherical flame When you light a candle on Earth, the heat rises because hot air is less dense than cold air. However if you lit that candle inside a spacecraft or a station orbiting our planet, the heat would stay put because of the lack of gravity. So instead of seeing a feather-shaped plume rise from the candle's wick, "you get a ball of flame," Bourbigot said. "This ball will create and radiate heat, sending heat into the local environmentthe fire will spread that way," expanding in every direction, he added. To find out more, Bourbigot and three other scientists have been awarded a grant from the European Research Council. Their work has proved particularly timely because NASA recently recommended that oxygen levels be increased to 35% in new spacecraft and space stations, mainly to cut costs. "With 35% oxygen, less pressure is needed inside the spacecraft, so the structure can be lighter," Bourbigot explained. Heavier spacecraft require bigger rockets to launch them into space, making them more expensive. But when oxygen levels rise, so does the risk of fire. So the grantees are investigating different ways to track and stamp out any space blazes in the future. Lighting a fire on a rocket Guillaume Legros of France's Sorbonne University is trying to use acoustic waves to smother the flames. Tests have already been carried out on parabolic flights, which simulate the weightless conditions of space for 22 seconds. Bourbigot is meanwhile looking into flame retardants. While these chemicals work well here on Earth, low gravity again throws up new hurdles. Because smoke does not rise in the same way, it is more dense and "poses an opacity problem," Bourbigot said. Florian Meyer from Germany's University of Bremen is developing sensors to closely monitor temperatures and track how fires would spread in space. And fire safety researcher Bart Merci from Belgium's Ghent University is planning to digitally simulate how flames behave in low gravity. To test their theories, a rocket is planned to launch within the next four years that will provide six minutes of microgravity to investigate how fire behaves in these conditions. European aerospace manufacturer Airbus will build the rocket, which is set to launch from northern Sweden. For their research, which is grouped under the Firespace program, the four scientists have received 14 million euros ($16 million)enough to fund their work for the next six years. Key concepts fires 2026 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Increased exposure to indoor carbonyls was significantly associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Credit: ACS ES&T Air (2026). DOI: 10.1021/acsestair.5c00369 Ozone that protects us from the sun's harmful UV rays, when in an indoor space, reacts with oils present on skin, wall paint, or even cooking oil to produce chemicals that negatively impact cardiovascular health. As an outdoor pollutant, ozone has long been recognized as an irritant to the lungs, throat, and nose, and now it has emerged as a major global public health issue. The 2021 Global Burden of Disease study estimated that exposure to ozone was responsible for 8.8 million disability-adjusted life-years worldwide due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, most people's exposure to ozone does not happen outdoors but mostly indoors, as we spend nearly 90% of our day in indoor spaces. The chemistry triggered by ozone in indoor environments has health outcomes that extend beyond COPD. In a panel study, researchers tracked the indoor air and health biomarkers of 110 healthy Tibetan college students living in dormitories in Lhasa, China. They measured concentrations of seven specific chemicals, called carbonylsorganic molecules with a functional group containing a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atomand assessed cardiovascular health markers during their medical visits. They found that the build-up of carbonyls like decanal was up to 15 times higher indoors than outdoors. Breathing in these indoor pollutants was associated with increases in red blood cell parameters such as hemoglobin and hematocrit, changes that make the blood thicker and difficult for the heart to pump. The findings were published in ACS ES&T Air. Indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) ratio of seven carbonyls measured in dormitories.Credit: ACS ES&T Air (2026). DOI: 10.1021/acsestair.5c00369 When ozone meets oils Our skin constantly releases an oily substance called sebum, produced by sebaceous glands. This oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, squalene, and cholesterol. Ozone, a highly reactive gas, upon contact with these skin oils initiates ozonolysis, in which it specifically targets carboncarbon double bonds in the oils. This reaction breaks down chemical bonds and initiates a chain of reactions that produce carbonyl compounds like aldehyde and ketones. Studies have found that, unlike ozone, whose high reactivity stops it in its tracks when inhaled and lingers in the upper airways, these carbonyls can travel deeper into the lungs and potentially enter the circulatory system. Despite their ability to harm, there is a lack of epidemiological studies that have directly assessed the effects of ozone-derived carbonyls. To better understand ozone's impact, the researchers conducted the study in Lhasa, a region with high outdoor ozone but low levels of other pollutants. This unique setting allowed them to study the effects of ozone-derived chemicals clearly, without interference from other components. To measure the carbonyl levels, the researchers hung special tubes for collecting seven types of carbonyls at about 5 feet high above the students' bunk beds. Air was sampled for approximately one week before each student's medical check-up, which was conducted four times across two seasons, summer and fall. The results showed that these chemical reactions increased red blood cell counts, which can thicken the blood and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Among Tibetans, who are adapted to a low-oxygen, high-altitude environment, this overproduction of red blood cells may contribute to chronic mountain sickness. These findings are a wake-up call that indoor air chemistry, not just outdoor pollutants, must be considered in health risk assessments. Written for you by our author Sanjukta Mondal, 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 Ruohong Qiao et al, Indoor Exposure to Ozone-Derived Carbonyls: Association with Indicators of Blood and Cardiovascular Physiology among Healthy Young Adults, ACS ES&T Air (2026). DOI: 10.1021/acsestair.5c00369 Journal information: ACS ES&T Air 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: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Texas A&M University told philosophy professor Martin Peterson in early January 2026 that he could not teach some of Greek philosopher Plato's writings that touch on "race and gender ideology." The university's local chapter of the American Association of University Professors, an organization of professors and academics in the U.S., quickly denounced this requirement. Peterson, in response to his university's direction, replaced the Plato readings with material on free speech and academic freedom. Silencing a professor from teaching a certain subject fits within what experts have long recognized as encroaching on academic freedom. In another high-profile incident at Texas A&M in September 2025, a student filmed an exchange with an English literature professor, Melissa McCoul, who was talking about gender identity. The student said that McCoul was violating President Donald Trump's January 2025 executive order that recognized "women are biologically female, and men are biologically male." As a result, the student told her professor, as seen in her video, "I've already been in touch with the president of A&M, and I have a meeting with him in person to show all of my documentation tomorrow." Her video went viral. This represents a growing threat to academic freedom: Students who act as informants and police their classes and professors for signs of political incorrectness. A 2023 study found that 75% of college students feel free to report their professors if they say something objectionable. Self-identified liberal students were more likely than conservative students to report their professors to the administration. As someone who teaches politically charged subjects, I am very much aware of the need to teach in inclusive ways and respect the diversity of student views. I have also written about how academic freedom is changing, given new external threats and political realities. I recognize that students will play an important role in determining the future of academic freedom. Academic freedom is not the same as free speech Academic freedom is a complex concept that is often confused with freedom of speech. 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. The American Association of University Professors offers one definition: Academic freedom is focused on ensuring that professors can speak, teach, discuss and write about any issue within their field, without "interference from administrators, boards of trustees, political figures, donors, or other entities." As law professor Stanley Fish has argued, freedom of speechmeaning the right to express oneself without restrainthas no place in college classrooms. As Fish notes, college classrooms are about the pursuit of truth. In Fish's view, this is true in both public and private colleges and universities, even though the Supreme Court has held that free speech applies in any public higher education institution. I believe that Christopher Eisgruber, president of Princeton University, made a mistake when he said in November 2025, "Colleges get free speech right through millions of conversations that take place in dorm rooms or dining hall tables or at public events or classrooms in colleges and universities across the U.S. every year." Dorms, dining halls, public events, yes. Classrooms, no. As the American Association of University Professors' preamble says, higher education institutions depend "upon the free search for truth and its free exposition." It goes on to say, "Academic freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research." While that statement is not legally binding, it establishes a set of standards that are widely endorsed throughout higher education. The September 2025 incident at Texas A&M is so worrisome because it suggests that faculty are being required to adhere to a political ideology, rather than allowed to pursue the truth as they see it. Self-censorship on the rise Despite most colleges and universities embracing academic freedom, a rising number of college professors are today censoring themselves in their classrooms. Approximately 58% of faculty interviewed in a national survey in 2024 reported "regularly self-censoring in conversations with students outside of class and in classroom conversations." In addition, a 2024 study done at Harvard University found that "Many Harvard faculty members and instructors reported reluctance to discuss controversial subjects inside and outside the classroom." Such pervasive fear has a clear chilling effect in controlling what professors teach and say. Meanwhile, a 2024 report from American Enterprise, a conservative think tank, explains that faculty self-censorship "increases when faculty engage with students who could record and circulate words, in or out of context, to the world in a matter of seconds." Students' rights to record classroom discussions The legal landscape concerning the rights of students to record what happens in a college classroom is complex. In some states, like Alabama and Maine, people can record someone without their consent, if they are directly part of the conversation being documented. In other states, like California and Massachusetts, all people part of the conversation need to consent to being recorded. Many universities have their own rules regarding recording. Some limit it in classes, except as necessary to accommodate students with particular disabilities. Harvard, for example, prohibits any member of a course from posting identifiable classroom statements on social media without people's written consent. Protecting academic freedom The September Texas A&M controversy resulted in the university firing McCoul. Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III also stepped down from his position in September. In November, a faculty committee then determined that the university did not have good reason to fire McCoulthough she has not been reinstated to her position. I believe that colleges, universities and groups like the American Association for University Professors need to think about academic freedom differently than they did in 1940, when the association first adopted its academic freedom statement. This will require colleges and universities to take steps to protect faculty from direct attempts by the government, or outside groups, to punish them for saying something that the government or others deem controversial. But protecting faculty is also about establishing new norms to govern the classroom. Adopting the think tank Chatham House's rules, which say that people during meetings cannot attribute anything said to a specific speaker without their consent, is a possible path. I have gone one step further. I now begin my classes by discussing my own classroom compact that covers academic freedom, academic integrity and the values that will inform and guide the work we will do. Students are also required to pledge that they will not post anything about my class, or anything said in it, on social media with or without attribution. And I remind them that Massachusetts legally requires the consent of all people taking part in a conversation when it comes to recording. Helping students understand the meaning and value of academic freedom and enlisting them to help protect it is not an easy task. However, the future of that value may depend on it. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 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: Thriving dwarf birch planted at Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve. Credit: University of Stirling Lost mountain woodlands in the Scottish Highlands will return if deer densities are reduced, according to new University of Stirling research. A six-year study, led by Ph.D. researcher Sarah Watts of the University's Faculty of Natural Sciences, looked at the impact of deer management on mountain woodland. Mountain woodland provides a range of benefits including slope stabilization, protection from extreme events such as landslides and rockfalls, and a reduction in downstream flooding. The study focused on dwarf birch, an upland species that, in Britain, is largely confined to blanket bogsareas not normally associated with trees. Elsewhere in Europe, it can be found across a much broader range of locations, including grasslands, heaths, and mountain woodlands. With red deer densities above three per km, the research found dwarf birch planted in grassland and heath habitats suffered increased mortality linked to substantially more browsingwhere deer feed on woody vegetation such as leaves, twigs, and buds. In contrast, the trees in blanket bogs were browsed less and experienced far higher survival rates. However, at lower deer densities, without the pressure of overgrazing, dwarf birch survival was similar across all three habitatswith some growth measurements better in the grass and heath than in bogs. Lead author Sarah Watts now hopes that the study's findings will help to restore lost woodlands in Scottish mountainsand shape future woodland creation strategies. She said, "These findings show that blanket bog is a refuge where populations of dwarf birch have escaped overgrazing, rather than providing the ideal conditions for planting and restoration action. This means that Scotland's lost mountain woodlands can return more widely if deer densities are reduced. "Instead of being an unspoiled wilderness, the Highlands have been influenced by people for thousands of years. Scotland has some of the highest deer densities in Europe, due to management for sport shooting and the removal of top predators such as wolves and lynx. "National deer density targets are currently set at 10 per km across open range areas of the Highlands, but numbers vary locally from below one to over 64 per km. These figures are too high for the restoration of sensitive upland habitats such as woodlands and scrub. "Deer are an essential, celebrated part of our natural and cultural heritage. But action to address this imbalance would promote more sustainable, healthy deer populations, facilitate the recovery of other iconic woodland habitats, such as Caledonian Pinewoods and Atlantic Rainforests, and boost the general condition and diversity of our uplands." The research involved a six-year long high-altitude tree planting experiment repeated at three upland sites in the Scottish Highlands that are managed for nature restoration: Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve (National Trust for Scotland), Corrour Estate, and Glen Finglas (Woodland Trust Scotland). 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. In total, 750 Dwarf Birch trees were planted in three different habitat types: blanket bog, upland grassland and heathland, and in different grazing management treatments ranging from total exclusion of large herbivores, to low deer densities (between 13 per km), and higher deer densities of seven per km. Study co-author Dr. Nadia Barsoum, senior biodiversity scientist at Forest Research, explained: "Our native shrub and tree species have evolved and adapted to specific environmental conditions over millennia, making many of them specialist survivors able to thrive where other species cannot. Uniquely placed then are these species to deliver ecological and ecosystem benefits in these contexts like no other. Giving "space for nature" in the case of dwarf birch has a tangible remedy, as this study demonstrates. "Deer management will allow this native tree species to escape the confines of their final refugia and reclaim large areas of the Highland uplands, bringing back all the evolved benefits that have been lost." Refugia are areas that enable species to survive long-term during large-scale environmental changes, while refuges are places offering short-term protection from more immediate threats. Measurements of survival, browsing and growth were recorded twice a year at each site, amounting to over 40,000 individual measurements, all made by Watts during her Ph.D. studies. Watts added, "Tree planting is best targeted in suitable habitats when seed sources for natural regeneration are lacking. However, it is necessary to address the original causes of habitat loss, particularly overgrazing, with landscape-scale management for a lower density red deer population (below three per km) being key to facilitating the recovery of mountain woodland. We therefore need to increase rural employment and promote the value of jobs such as deer stalking for supporting nature recovery. "Dwarf birch regenerates particularly well in heathlands without the pressure of overgrazing, but such mountain woodlands are exceptionally rare in our Highland landscapes shaped by centuries of land-use and grazing management. These habitat mosaics are not typically recognized in protected areas or conservation policy. "Our research illustrates the value of an outside the box, or in the case of dwarf birch, thinking outside the bog, approach to conservation managementencouraging us to work outside of habitat refugia, small tree planting projects constrained within fences, and static vegetation categorizations which omit mountain woodland mosaics. "Reviving mountain woodland mosaics will tackle biodiversity loss and help mitigate climate change impacts on a national scale." The study, "Thinking outside the bog: Planting Dwarf Birch (Betula nana) for mountain woodland restoration beyond habitat refugia constrained by overgrazing," was published in the journal Forest Ecology and Management. Publication details Sarah H. Watts et al, Thinking outside the bog: Planting dwarf birch (Betula nana) for mountain woodland restoration beyond habitat refugia constrained by overgrazing, Forest Ecology and Management (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2025.123430 Journal information: Forest Ecology and Management Key concepts overgrazinggame management WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the nation's largest suicide prevention organization, is deeply alarmed by the Administration's decision to terminate federal grants that fund critical suicide prevention and behavioral health services, potentially eliminating up to $2 billion in critical federal investments, including the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Suicide Prevention Program, Zero Suicide, Project Aware, and more. Yesterday, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued hundreds of termination letters, citing a shift in agency priorities. These letters abruptly end funding for programs effective immediately, leaving countless front-line providers unable to deliver life-saving care in their communities. While early reports indicate that the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers, and the mental health and substance use block grants are not impacted, terminating other effective, congressionally supported programs that reflect years of bipartisan consensus, is a disastrous stance. This decision comes at an unprecedented time of need for Americans' access to live-saving care. Suicide is a serious public health threat in the United States. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that in 2023, 49,316 lives were lost to suicide in the United States. In addition, 12.8 million adults seriously considered suicide, 3.7 million adults planned a suicide attempt, and 1.5 million adults attempted suicide. AFSP calls on the Administration to immediately reverse this decision and reinstate funding for these vital programs, and to work collaboratively with Congress to sustain essential suicide prevention and mental and behavioral health programming. About The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss . AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with its Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , LinkedIn and TikTok . SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain President Donald Trump's insistence that the U.S. will acquire Greenland "whether they like it or not" is just the latest chapter in a co-dependent and often complicated relationship between America and the Arctic's largest islandone that stretches back more than a century. Americans have long pursued policies in Greenland that U.S. leaders considered strategic and economic imperatives. As I recounted in my 2024 book, "When the Ice is Gone," about Greenland's environmental, military and scientific history, some of these ideas were little more than engineering fantasies, while others reflected unfettered military bravado. But today's world isn't the same as when the United States last had a significant presence in Greenland, decades ago during the Cold War. Before charging headlong into this icy island again, the U.S. would be remiss not to learn from past failures and consider how Earth's rapidly changing climate is fundamentally altering the region. Early US plundering of Greenland's metals In 1909, Robert Peary, a U.S. Navy officer, announced that he had won the race to the North Polea spectacular claim debated fiercely at the time. Before that, Peary had spent years exploring Greenland by dogsled, often taking what he found. In 1894, he convinced six Greenlanders to come with him to New York, reportedly promising them tools and weapons in return. Within a few months, all but two of the Inuit had died from diseases. Peary also took three huge fragments of the Cape York iron meteorite, known to Greenlanders as Saviksoah. It was a unique source of metal that Greenlandic Inuit had used for centuries to make tools. The largest piece of the meteorite, Ahnighito, weighed 34 tons. Today, it sits in the American Museum of Natural History, which reportedly paid Peary US $40,000 for the space rocks. 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. World War II: Strategic location and minerals World War II put Greenland on the map strategically for the U.S. military. In spring 1941, Denmark's ambassador signed a treaty giving the U.S. military access to Greenland to help protect the island from Nazi Germany and contribute to the war effort in Europe. That treaty remains in effect today. New American bases in western and southern Greenland became crucial refueling stops for planes flying from America to Europe. Hundreds of American soldiers were garrisoned at Ivittuut, a remote town on the southern Greenland coast where they protected the world's largest cryolite mine. The rare mineral was used for smelting aluminum, critical for building airplanes during the war. And because Greenland is upwind from Europe, weather data collected on the island proved essential for battlefield forecasts as officers planned their moves during World War II. Both the Americans and Germans built weather stations on Greenland, starting what historians refer to as the weather war. There was little combat, though allied patrols routinely scoured the east coast of the island for Nazi encampments. The weather war ended in 1944 when the U.S. Coast Guard, and its East Greenland dogsled patrol, found the last of four German weather stations and captured their meteorologists. Cold War: Fanciful engineering ideas vs. the ice The heyday of U.S. military engineering dreams in Greenland arrived during the Cold War in the 1950s. To counter the risk of Soviet missiles and bombers coming over the Arctic, the U.S. military transported about 5,000 men, 280,000 tons of supplies, 500 trucks and 129 bulldozers, according to The New York Times, to a barren, northwest Greenland beach930 miles (1,500 kilometers) from the North Pole and 2,752 miles (4,430 kilometers) from Moscow. There, in one top-secret summer, they built the sprawling American air base at Thule. It housed bombers, fighters, nuclear missiles and more than 10,000 soldiers. The whole operation was revealed to the world the following year, on a September 1952 cover of LIFE magazine and by the U.S. Army in its weekly television show, "The Big Picture." But in the realm of ideas born out of paranoia, Camp Century and Project Iceworm were the pinnacle. The U.S. Army built Camp Century, a nuclear-powered base, inside the ice sheet by digging deep trenches and then covering them with snow. The base held 200 men in bunkrooms heated to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). It was the center of U.S. Army research on snow and ice, and became a reminder to the USSR that the American military could operate at will in the Arctic. The Army also imagined hundreds of miles of rail lines buried inside Greenland's ice sheet. On Project Iceworm's tracks, atomic-powered trains would move nuclear-tipped missiles in snow tunnels between hidden launch stationsa shell game covering an area about the size of Alabama. In the end, Project Iceworm never got beyond a 1,300-foot (400-meter) tunnel the Army excavated at Camp Century. The soft snow and ice, constantly moving, buckled that track as the tunnel walls closed in. In the early 1960s, first the White House, and then NATO, rejected Project Iceworm. In 1966, the Army abandoned Camp Century, leaving hundreds of tons of waste inside the ice sheet. Today, the crushed and abandoned camp lies more than 100 feet (30 meters) below the ice sheet surface. But as the climate warms and the ice melts, that waste will resurface: millions of gallons of frozen sewage, asbestos-wrapped pipes, toxic lead paint and carcinogenic PCBs. Who will clean up the mess and at what cost is an open question. Greenland remains a tough place to turn a profit In the past, the American focus in Greenland was on short-term gains with little regard for the future. Abandoned bases, scattered around the island today and in need of cleanup, are one example. Peary's disregard of the lives of local Greenlanders is another. History shows that many of the fanciful ideas for Greenland failed because they showed little consideration of the island's isolation, harsh climate and dynamic ice sheet. Trump's demands for American control of the island as a source of wealth and U.S. security are similarly shortsighted. In today's rapidly warming climate, disregarding the dramatic effects of climate change in Greenland can doom projects to failure as Arctic temperatures climb. Recent floods, fed by Greenland's melting ice sheet, have swept away bridges that had stood for half a century. The permafrost that underlies the island is rapidly thawing and destabilizing infrastructure, including the critical radar installation and runway at Thule, renamed Pituffik Space Base in 2022. The island's mountain sides are crashing into the sea as the ice holding them together melts. The U.S. and Denmark have conducted geological surveys in Greenland and pinpointed deposits of critical minerals along the rocky, exposed coasts. However, most of the mining so far has been limited to cryolite and some small-scale extraction of lead, iron, copper and zinc. Today, only one small mine extracting the mineral anorthosite, which is useful for its aluminum and silica, is running. It's the ice that matters The greatest value of Greenland for humanity is not its strategic location or potential mineral resources, but its ice. If human activities continue to heat the planet, melting Greenland's ice sheet, the sea level will rise until the ice is gone. Losing even part of the ice sheet, which holds enough water to raise global sea level 24 feet in all, would have disastrous effects for coastal cities and island nations around the world. That's big-time global insecurity. The most forward-looking strategy is to protect Greenland's ice sheet rather than plundering a remote Arctic island, ramping up fossil fuel production and accelerating climate change around the world. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 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: Global temperatures soared in 2025, but a NASA statement published Wednesday alongside its latest benchmark annual report makes no reference to climate change. Don't say the c-word. Global temperatures soared in 2025, but a NASA statement published Wednesday alongside its latest benchmark annual report makes no reference to climate change, in line with President Donald Trump's push to deny the reality of planetary heating as a result of human activities. That marks a sharp break from last year's communications, issued under the administration of Democrat Joe Biden, which stated plainly: "This global warming has been caused by human activities" and has led to intensifying "heat waves, wildfires, intense rainfall and coastal flooding." Last year's materials also featured lengthy quotes from the then-NASA chief and a senior scientist and included graphics and a video. By contrast, this year's release only runs through a few key facts and figures, and totals six paragraphs. "The press release and publicly available data provide the official agency analysis," the US space agency said in response to a request for comment about the shift in tone. According to NASA, Earth's global surface temperature in 2025 was slightly warmer than in 2023albeit within a margin of errormaking it effectively tied as the second-hottest year on record after 2024. Other global agencies, including the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service and the United States' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which use different methodologies and modeling, say 2025 ranked as the third-hottest. "The US government is now, like Russia and Saudi Arabia, a petrostate under Trump and Republican rule, and the actions of all of its agencies and departments can be understood in terms of the agenda of the polluters that are running the show," University of Pennsylvania climatologist Michael Mann told AFP. "It is therefore entirely unsurprising that NASA administrators are attempting to bury findings of its own agency that conflict with its climate denial agenda." Zeke Hausfather, a research scientist at Berkeley Earth, added, "I'm just happy they were allowed to put out a press release." "Pretty much all federal scientists working on climate in the US have had to self-censor and leave out reference to human influences on climate change, unfortunately," he told AFP. "Thankfully much of the underlying science is still occurring, even if they cannot talk about it." NASA's analysis found that average temperatures for 2025 were 2.14 degrees Fahrenheit (1.19 degrees Celsius) above the 19511980 average. It was based on data from more than 25,000 meteorological stations worldwide, ship- and buoy-based instruments measuring sea surface temperatures, and Antarctic research stations, with the data analyzed and corrected for changing distributions of temperature stations and urban heating effects that could skew the results. 2026 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A study in Economic Inquiry reveals how changes in immigration attitudes in an area spread to other localities and highlights the role of media language and social networks in shaping political attitudes. The work draws on the Associated Press's switch in 2013 from recommending the term "illegal immigrant" to outright banning it. The Associated Press is a collaboration of thousands of newspapers, and the ban was not politically motivated but instead came as part of a broader language policy change that prohibited labeling people. Different newspapers across the United States rely on Associated Press material to varying degrees, and researchers found that people living in areas socially connected via Facebook to those most affected by the ban held less restrictive immigration policy preferences. The results highlight the role of media language and social networks in shaping political attitudes. "The study findings indicate that media language influences immigration attitudes beyond direct exposure, extending to individuals' social networks," said corresponding author Oleg Firsin, Ph.D., of the University of Maryland. More information Social Networks and Spread of Immigration Attitudes, Economic Inquiry (2026). DOI: 10.1111/ecin.70042 Provided by Wiley This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pexels It's no secret New Zealand is facing a literacy crisis. Education Minister Erica Stanford has voiced serious concerns about the reading and writing abilities of our tamariki, noting many are not meeting expected benchmarks and lack the literacy skills needed to succeed at high school. To address the problem, approaches such as structured literacy have been prioritized. Although ensuring children can decode written text and read proficiently is fundamental, equally important is fostering a genuine love of reading to sustain and strengthen their skills and engagement. In short, as well as teaching children how to read, we need to make sure they want to read. However, in all the government announcements on actions to address the decline in literacy, the role of reading for pleasure has been overlooked. There has been no talk about how reading contributes to literacy development or how fostering a love of reading supports broader educational outcomes. This silence is concerning because if children don't enjoy reading, they won't keep doing it. Reading for pleasure is not a "nice to have," taking second place to literacy instruction. Research shows that when children are encouraged to read for enjoyment, their literacy skills strengthen and their chances of success, throughout school and beyond, improve. Large-scale studies repeatedly find that children who enjoy reading and read daily tend to have higher reading scores and better long-term educational and life outcomes. By focusing solely on decoding text and the mechanics of reading, we risk draining the joy from books and missing out on all the benefits that come when children read because they want to, not because they have to. This is where school libraries can help. A well-stocked, welcoming library, staffed by a trained librarian, can open the door to reading for even the most reluctant reader. For many tamariki, especially those with few or no books at home, the library provides a doorway to choice and identity, turning reading into a pleasure rather than a classroom task. A good library provides the opportunity for students to explore stories and ideas, and discover books that spark their interest and curiosity and ignite a lifelong love of reading. But here's the rub: schools in New Zealand are not required to provide a library or employ a librarian. Investment in a library is at the discretion of each board and principal. Funding has to come from the school's operations grantand is easily cut or diverted in times of financial pressure. Recent research found many principals value libraries but cannot provide one because of a lack of funding and competing priorities. As a result, thousands of students miss out on access to quality reading materials and the expertise of trained librariansfactors shown to increase literacy, as well as broader learning and well-being outcomes. 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. Given the part they play, school libraries and librarians should not be viewed as optional extras but as essential for learning. They can be invaluable allies in the government's efforts to lift literacy levels, although this will require a clear understanding and recognition of their role and some serious investment. New Zealand could take a leaf out of the UK's book. The UK government has recently pledged to ensure every primary school in England has a school library by the end of the parliamentary term in 2029. The move will create 1,700 new libraries in schools that do not currently have one. The message this sends is clear: school libraries are important and play a vital role in supporting children's literacy and learning. A lively library can also turn reading from a solitary activity into a shared experience, building communities of confident and engaged readers. Just as important is the expertise of librarians, who are at the heart of a good library. They develop collections that reflect the needs of their student communities and guide them in discovering books. With their deep knowledge of books, librarians know how to match a child with the right book. The UK government's announcement should prompt us in Aotearoa to ask what we are doing to ensure our tamariki have the resources and spaces they need to become confident, fluent, and engaged readers. If we want skilled readers, we need a strong library in every school. 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: Combining direct measurements with artificial intelligence methods, a new map estimates groundwater depth across the continental United States at a resolution of around 30 meters (98 feet). Credit: Yueling Ma et al./Princeton University How much fresh water is in the United States? It's a tough question, since most of the water is underground, accessible at varying depths. In previous decades, it's been answered indirectly from data on rainfall and evaporation. Knowing how much groundwater is available at specific locations is critical to meeting the challenges of water scarcity and contamination. Now, researchers at Princeton University and the University of Arizona have answered this question in unprecedented breadth and detail. Combining direct measurements with artificial intelligence methods, their new map estimates groundwater depth across the continental United States at a resolution of around 30 meters (98 feet). Their results are published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment. These detailed estimates led to a new answer: a total of 306,000 cubic kilometers of water, or more than 13 times the volume of all the Great Lakes combined. While this data-driven method shows an amount of water that's in line with earlier studies, it does reveal supplies of shallow groundwater that were previously unknown. The work provides a foundation for further research as well as local and regional decision-making around irrigation, conservation and water infrastructure. "Given all the things we do know about the planet, we don't actually know how much water we have," said senior study author Reed Maxwell, the William and Edna Macaleer Professor of Engineering and Applied Science at Princeton University. "And since most of it's in groundwater, knowing how much surface water we have is only about 1% of the total. That's where this becomes a hard problem. That's where it becomes an interesting science problem." Despite groundwater's crucial role in ecosystems and as a resource for drinking water, agriculture and industry, direct measurements of groundwater depth are sparse across many regions of the United States and the world. To create the map, Maxwell and his co-authors combined more than a million direct measurements of groundwater depth with regional climate and geological data. They used this data to train AI algorithms that estimated groundwater depth at sites where measurements were not available. In addition to calculating the overall volume of groundwater, they estimated the depth of the water table, or the depth below ground at which groundwater is available. They divided the continental United States into a grid of more than 8 billion squares, each measuring 30 meters on each side, and estimated groundwater depth for each square. Combining this depth information with estimates of rock and sediment porosity allowed the team to calculate groundwater volume. The groundwater depth estimates relied on data from United States Geological Survey groundwater monitoring wells and from previous studies, with measurements ranging from the years 1895 to 2023. This broad time span was necessary because more than half of the sites used in the study were only measured at a single time point. Most of the data was collected after 1970, said Maxwell. "We had to [combine data from different time periods] to have enough to use a purely data-driven approach. These problems need big data, and we needed a lot of observations to be able to have a reliable model," said Maxwell, who is also a professor of civil and environmental engineering and the High Meadows Environmental Institute. 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. "We call it a modern estimate," rather than an estimate at a specific point in time, he explained. The map hints at impacts of groundwater pumping in agricultural regions, but more data would paint a clearer picture of this trend. It's counterintuitive, said Maxwell, but this is the first large-scale, hyper-resolution groundwater model that uses actual observations of groundwater. Previous models have been mainly physics-based, meaning they rely on equations that represent the flow of groundwater under different conditions, and have mapped water table depth at a resolution of about 1 kilometer. The team's data-driven, AI-based model achieves a spatial resolution more than 1,000 times greater than physics-based models. The new approach also uses far less computing power, said lead author Yueling Ma, a former postdoctoral researcher in Maxwell's group who is now a research fellow at Forschungszentrum Julich in Germany. Notably, the new model calculates the uncertainty of the groundwater depth estimate at a given location. This calculation relies on a machine-learning method called a random forest. Co-author Peter Melchior, assistant professor of astrophysical sciences and the Center for Statistics and Machine Learning at Princeton, explains, "For each location, the method uses 300 decision trees. Each of these trees is trained slightly differently and is trying to solve the same problem. So, they find different solutions to it. If you have a full forest of them, you can use the variation between them as an estimate of the underlying uncertainty." Overall, the model's uncertainty is higher in the western United States than in the East, which has important implications because the West generally has deeper water tables and is more dependent on groundwater for irrigation and drinking water, said Melchior. Since 2020, Melchior and Maxwell have helped lead the development of the HydroGEN (Hydrologic Scenario Generation) platform, a suite of digital tools for understanding U.S. hydrology, along with University of Arizona researchers Nirav Merchant and Laura Condon, the project's lead investigator. On the HydroGEN team, "we have hydrologists, we have machine-learning experts, we have software developers," said Condon, a co-author of the study and a professor of hydrology and atmospheric sciences at the University of Arizona. This collaboration "allows us to go from hydrology ideas to really building something that other people can access and see and use. A lot of the work we did through the Convergence Accelerator has been focused on user experience and software development." The model's outputs are publicly available on the team's HydroFrame platform, which makes hydrology data and simulations broadly accessible to researchers and decision-makers alike. "There's a wide range of people who need to understand how much [groundwater] there is, how deep it is, how accessible it is," said Maxwell. "And those are just the immediate management needs that'll be met by this." Lead author Ma said that researchers focusing on geochemistry and water quality have approached her about using the team's data to guide their own modeling experiments. On a practical level, said Maxwell, the new map's high resolution could be valuable for farmers or other local and regional decision-makers. Much of our agriculture depends on center-pivot irrigation, in which a large sprinkler attached to a single well provides water to crops over an area of up to 130 acres (about 53 hectares) per pivot. There are more than 14 million center pivots in the Ogallala Aquifer of the Great Plains, for example. "It's this local decision [of how to irrigate] that is made millions of times," said Maxwell. And his team's new model accounts for the shallow groundwater that's critical to agriculture in a way that previous models overlooked. "Because we use machine learning, these new techniques, and high-resolution big data products, we can get at that piece that's never been never been able to be calculated or estimated before," he said. In collaboration with local experts, the team is beginning to expand its method globally. Ma, now in Germany, and co-author Julian Koch of the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland are focusing on areas of Europe. Maxwell recently returned to Princeton from a sabbatical in Australia, where he is working with hydrologists to build both physics-based and machine-learning groundwater models for the continent. "The idea is to build this community globally, with the hope that as the model gets more generalized and more robust, it becomes a foundational machine-learning model for groundwater," he said. Publication details Reed Maxwell, et al. High resolution US water table depth estimates reveal quantity of accessible groundwater, Communications Earth & Environment (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-03094-3 Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment Key concepts water budgethydrogeology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Ice Cave Ice Memory Sanctuary. Credit: R. Ascione ENEA PRNA IPEV The storing of the very first heritage cores in Antarctica marks a pivotal moment for the Ice Memory project launched in 2015 by CNRS, IRD, the University of Grenoble-Alpes (France), CNR, Ca' Foscari University of Venice (Italy) and the Paul Scherrer Institute (Switzerland). After a journey of more than 50 days aboard the Laura Bassi R/SV that began in Trieste (Italy), two first precious ice cores from the endangered Alpine glaciers collected with the support of the Ice Memory Foundation have successfully arrived at the French-Italian Concordia Station, in the heart of the Antarctic Plateau. The transport was handled by OGS in the framework of the Italian National Antarctic Research Program (PNRA). Upon arrival, the cores were stored inside the Ice Memory Sanctuary, an ice cave excavated specifically to serve as a natural, long-term repository of ice archives, officially inaugurated today. Within the framework of the UN Decade of Action for the Cryospheric Sciences, it clearly demonstrates the full feasibility of this effort to safeguard our planet's icy climate and environmental archives. Trusting that advances in science and technology will unlock new scientific discoverieseven if the glaciers have disappearedthese ice cores represent a priceless legacy for future generations. They will provide a long-term resource for science and for evidence-based decision-making. As a time capsule, these ice cores contain the atmosphere and life of the past. They are now safeguarded for the decades and centuries to come, protected from any risk of loss. From Europe to Antarctica: A landmark journey to preserve climate archives The two Alpine ice cores extracted from the Mont Blanc (Col du Dome, France, 2016) and Grand Combin (Switzerland, 2025), departed in mid-October aboard the Italian research icebreaker Laura Bassi as part of the 41st Italian National Antarctic Research Program (PNRA) campaign. Operated by the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS), the shipment (1.7 metric tons of ice) was stored at a constant -20C/-4F throughout the entire route. The samples crossed the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, the Pacific, then the Southern Ocean and the Ross Sea before reaching Mario Zucchelli Station on the 7th December 2025. From there, a special flight enabled by the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) in the framework of PNRAoperated without heating in the cargo cabinto ensure that the temperature remains at 20C, an essential condition for preserving the integrity of the samplestransported the ice cores over the Antarctic interior to French-Italian Concordia Station at 3,200 meters of altitude. The Ice Memory Sanctuary: A natural infrastructure built in the heart of Antarctica The Ice Memory Sanctuary35 meters long and 5 meters high and wideis dug entirely into the compact snow layers about 5 meters below the surface, for a total of 9 meters depth. Under the technical coordination and design of the Antarctic Technical Unit of ENEA and with the collaboration of the French Polar Institute (IPEV), several tests were processed (from the 20182019 summer campaign) in order to provide the longest possible lifetime to the sanctuary, while limiting the impact of the construction on the Antarctic environment, in accordance with the Madrid Protocol. It required no construction materials, foundations or mechanical refrigeration. Its stability is ensured by the extreme and naturally constant Antarctic temperatures, which remain close to -52C/-61F year-round. The conditioning of the ice cores will ensure that the samples are protected from environmental fluctuations and contamination. The initial environmental evaluation for this natural and low-impact ice cave received the approval of the Antarctic Treaty System in 2024 (ATCM46) makes the sanctuary one of the most innovative and remote scientific conservation facilities ever built. 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. A unique legacy as a response to the loss of the world's glacier heritage Mountain glaciers are retreating at unprecedented speed. Since 2000, glaciers have lost between 2% and 39% of their ice regionally and about 5% globally, threatening to erase centuriesand in some cases millenniaof irreplaceable and crucial scientific information, allowing scientists to observe and understand past trends and anticipate future ones. In response to the irreversible melting of the world's glaciers, the Ice Memory Foundation has been identifying glaciers threatened with extinction and significant sites and has already coordinated, implemented, or supported 10 ice-core drillings worldwide since 2015, engaging scientific teams from over 13 nations in this scientifically and globally significant initiative. "By safeguarding physical samples of atmospheric gases, aerosols, pollutants and dust trapped in ice layers, the Ice Memory Foundation ensures that future generations of researchers will be able to study past climate conditions using technologies that may not yet exist," explains Carlo Barbante, vice chair of the Ice Memory Foundation, Professor at Ca' Foscari University of Venice and senior associate member of CNR-ISP. An international heritage under future global governance Dozens of other Ice Memory heritage ice cores from all over the worldAndes, Pamir, Caucasus, Svalbardare expected to join these first two cores in their new home in the coming years. Over the coming decadedesignated as the UN Decade of Action for the Cryospheric Sciencesan international governance framework will be established to ensure that the heritage samples with their unique information remain accessible as a common lasting legacy for humanity. This governance will have to ensure transparent access to archived cores, based on scientific criteria only, managed on an ethical and equitable foundation. "For these cores to serve science in a century's time, they must be managed as a global common. The creation of such a governance model would be a major achievement of the United Nations Decade of Action for the Cryospheric Sciences," said Thomas Stocker, University of Bern, Chair of the Ice Memory Foundation. An urgent international call to action to the diplomatic and scientific communities The Ice Memory Foundation and its partners are accelerating efforts to expand the collection and define an international governance framework. To achieve its ambitious roadmap (sampling 20 glaciers in 20 years), the Ice Memory Foundation calls upon the nations, global scientific community, research institutions, decision makers and funding partners to act urgently to: organize and support new drilling campaigns on endangered glaciers, contribute to expanding the world's long-term ice archive before these records disappear. "We are the last generation who can act," said Anne-Catherine Ohlmann, Director of the Ice Memory Foundation. "It's a responsibility we all share. Saving these ice archives is not only a scientific responsibilityit is a legacy for humanity." Key concepts core analysisglaciology Provided by CNRS 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: American evolutionary biologist Toby Kiers has been awarded the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement -- sometimes called the "Nobel for the environment" -- for her work that shines a light on the hidden undergound world of fungal webs. Beneath the surface of forests, grasslands and farms across the world, vast fungal webs form underground trading systems to exchange nutrients with plant roots, acting as critical climate regulators as they draw down 13 billion tons of carbon annually. Yet until recently, these "mycorrhizal networks" were greatly underestimated: seen as merely helpful companions to plants rather than one of Earth's vital circulatory systems. American evolutionary biologist Toby Kiers has now been awarded the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievementsometimes called the "Nobel for the environment"for her work bringing this underground world into focus. By charting the global distribution of mycorrhizal fungi in a worldwide Underground Atlas launched last year, Kiers and her colleagues have helped illuminate below-ground biodiversityinsights that can guide conservation efforts to protect these vast carbon stores. Plants send their excess carbon below ground where mycorrhizal fungi draw down 13.12 billion tons of carbon dioxidearound a third of total emissions from fossil fuels. "I just think about all the ways that soil is used in a negative wayyou know, terms like 'dirtbag,'" the 49-year-old University Research Chair at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam told AFP in an interview. "Whereas a bag of dirt contains a galaxy!" A microscopic image of network formed by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Biological marketplace Kiers began studying fungi at 19, after writing a grant proposal that won her a place on a scientific expedition to Panama's rainforests, "and I started asking questions about what was happening under these massive trees in this very diverse jungle." She still vividly recalls the first time she peered through a microscope and saw an arbusculethe mycorrhizal fungi's tiny tree-like structure that penetrates plant cells and serves as the site of nutrient exchangewhich she described as "so beautiful." In 2011, Kiers published a landmark paper in Science showing that mycorrhizal fungi behave like shrewd traders in a "biological marketplace," making decisions based on supply and demand. With filaments thinner than hair, fungi deliver phosphorus and nitrogen to plants in exchange for sugars and fats derived from carbon. Using lab experiments her team demonstrated that fungi actively move phosphorus from areas of abundance to areas of scarcityand secure more carbon in return by exploiting those imbalances. Plants, in other words, are willing to pay a higher "price" for what they lack. The fungi can even hoard resources to drive up demand, displaying behavior that echoes the tactics of Wall Street traders. The fact that all this happens without a brain or central nervous system raises a deeper question: how fungi process information at alland whether electrical signals moving through their networks hold the answer. 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. Debt of gratitude More recently, Kiers and her colleagues have pushed the field further with two Nature papers that make this hidden world newly visible. One unveiled a robotic imaging system that lets scientists watch fungal networks grow, branch and redirect resources in real time; the other mapped where different species are found across the globe. That global analysis delivered a sobering result: most hotspots of underground fungal diversity lie outside ecologically protected areas. With fungi largely overlooked by conservation frameworks, Kiers co-founded the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN) to map fungal biodiversityand argue for its protection. To coincide with the prize, which comes with a $250,000 award, SPUN is this week launching an "Underground Advocates" program to train scientists in the legal tools they need to protect fungal biodiversity. Her aim, she says, is to get people to flip how people think about life on Earthfrom the surface down. "Life as we know it exists because of fungi," she said, explaining that the algal ancestors of modern land plants lacked complex roots, and that a partnership with fungi enabled them to colonize terrestrial environments. 2026 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Silke Buhler-Paschen (left), Diego Zocco and Diana Kirschbaum. Credit: TU Wien At TU Wien, researchers have discovered a state in a quantum material that had previously been considered impossible. The definition of topological states should be generalized. The work is published in Nature Physics. Quantum physics tells us that particles behave like waves and, therefore, their position in space is unknown. Yet in many situations, it still works remarkably well to think of particles in a classical wayas tiny objects that move from place to place with a certain velocity. When physicists describe how electric current flows through metals, for example, they imagine electrons racing through the material and being accelerated or deflected by electromagnetic fields. Even more modern approaches are based on this particle picturesuch as the concept of topological states, whose discovery was honored with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2016. However, there are materials in which the particle picture completely breaks down (see publication below). In such cases, it no longer makes sense to think of electrons as small particles with a well-defined position or a unique velocity. Now, a research team at TU Wien has shown that such materials can nevertheless exhibit topological propertieseven though these have so far been explained using particle-like behavior. This demonstrates that topological states are more general than previously thought: two seemingly contradictory concepts turn out to be compatible. When the particle picture no longer makes sense "The classical picture of electrons as small particles that suffer collisions as they flow through a material as an electric current is surprisingly robust," says Prof. Silke Buhler-Paschen from the Institute of Solid State Physics at TU Wien. "With certain refinements, it works even in complex materials where electrons interact strongly with one another." However, there are also situations in which this picture appears to break down completely and the charge carriers lose their particle-like character. This seems to happen in the material composed of cerium, ruthenium and tin (CeRuSn), which has now been investigated at TU Wien at extremely low temperatures. "Near absolute zero, it exhibits a specific type of quantum-critical behavior," says Diana Kirschbaum, first author of the current publication. "The material fluctuates between two different states, as if it cannot decide which one it wants to adopt. In this fluctuating regime, the quasiparticle picture is thought to lose its meaning." Overview and characterization of CeRu 4 Sn 6 . Credit: Nature Physics (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-025-03135-w Topology: Rolls and donuts Independently of this discovery, the material was also investigated theoretically, leading to the conclusion that it should host topological states. "The term topology comes from mathematics, where it is used to distinguish certain geometric structures," explains Silke Buhler-Paschen. "For example, an apple is topologically equivalent to a bread roll, because the roll can be continuously deformed into the shape of an apple. A roll is topologically different from a donut, however, because the donut has a hole that cannot be created by continuous deformation." In a similar way, states of matter can be described: the velocities and energies of particlesand even the orientation of their spin relative to their direction of motioncan follow specific geometric rules. This is particularly exciting because it makes topological properties very robust. Small disturbances, such as defects in the material, do not change these propertiesjust as small deformations cannot turn a donut into an apple. This is why topological effects are of great interest for storing quantum information, in novel types of sensors, and in steering electric currents without magnetic fields. As abstract and unfamiliar as it may seem to describe the behavior of particles using topology, such descriptions have traditionally still relied indirectly on the classical particle picture. "These theories assume that one is describing something with well-defined velocities and energies," explains Diana Kirschbaum. "But such well-defined velocities and energies do not seem to exist in our material, because it exhibits a form of quantum-critical behavior that is considered to be incompatible with a particle picture. Nevertheless, simple theoretical approaches that ignore these non-particle-like properties had previously predicted that the material should show topological characteristics." 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. Curiosity pays off This presented a clear contradiction. For this reason, Buhler-Paschen's team initially hesitated to take the theoretical prediction of topology seriously and investigate it further. Eventually, however, curiosity prevailed, and Diana Kirschbaum began searching for experimental evidence of topological states. Indeed, at extremely low temperaturesless than one degree above absolute zeroshe observed behavior that clearly indicates the presence of topological states: a spontaneous (anomalous) Hall effect. In the Hall effect, charge carriers are normally deflected by a magnetic field. However, this deflection can also arise from topological effects, even in the absence of any external magnetic field. What is particularly remarkable is that the charge carriers behave as if they were particles, even though the particle picture seems to fail in this material. "This was the key insight that allowed us to demonstrate beyond doubt that the prevailing view must be revised," says Silke Buhler-Paschen. "And there is more," adds Diana Kirschbaum. "The topological effect is strongest precisely where the material exhibits the largest fluctuations. When these fluctuations are suppressed by pressure or magnetic fields, the topological properties disappear." Topological states are more general than previously thought "This was a huge surprise," says Silke Buhler-Paschen. "It shows that topological states should be defined in generalized terms." The team refers to the newly discovered state as an emergent topological semimetal and collaborated with Rice University in Texas, where Lei Chen (cofirst author of the publication), working in the group of Prof. Qimiao Si, developed a new theoretical model capable of combining the phenomena of quantum criticality and topology. "In fact, it turns out that a particle picture is not required to generate topological properties," says Buhler-Paschen. "The concept can indeed be generalizedthe topological distinctions then emerge in a more abstract, mathematical way. And more than that: our experiments suggest that topological properties can even arise because particle-like states are absent." The discovery has important practical implications, as it points to a new strategy for identifying topological materials. "We now know that it is worthwhileperhaps even particularly worthwhileto search for topological properties in quantum-critical materials," Buhler-Paschen says. "Because quantum-critical behavior occurs in many classes of materials and can be reliably identified, this connection may allow many new 'emergent' topological materials to be discovered." Publication details Kirschbaum, D.M., et al. Emergent topological semimetal from quantum criticality, Nature Physics (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-025-03135-w, www.nature.com/articles/s41567-025-03135-w Journal information: Nature Physics This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Which feels further back in time: the year 2016, or 10 years ago? And which feels closer: 2036, or 10 years from now? According to new research from the UBC Sauder School of Business, the way time is expressedas a calendar year or as a length of timecan change how people experience the past and the future, and influence real consumer decisions. The study is published in the Journal of Marketing Research. That matters because time-based language is everywhere and could affect how much people are willing to pay. For example, which whiskey would consumers be willing to pay more for: one that is "10-year-old" or the one that was distilled in 2015 and bottled in 2025? There are five-year mortgages, 2020 model cars, used items described as "purchased two years ago," vintage wines and "don't pay until" furniture ads. While these phrases may seem interchangeable, the research shows they can create different impressions. The study found that when time is described as a lengtha 10-year-old whiskeypeople tend to perceive it as longer than when the same age is described using a year, such as a whiskey from 2016. The researchers call this phenomenon the "year-length effect." When age is valued, consumers have more favorable perceptions when time is framed by length. On the other hand, when age reduces valueas with used goodsframing by year is preferable. "If the goal is to signal longevity, history or oldness, then you should use the number of years," said Dr. Deepak Sirwani, an associate professor in the marketing and behavioral science division and co-author of the study. "If the goal is to signal something new, then you should use the boundary years. The same logic applies to the future." To explore the impact of time framing, the researchers analyzed real-world auction data and conducted controlled experiments. Participants evaluated products and scenarios where time was expressed either as a span or as specific years, revealing consistent differences in perception. These differences translated into measurable outcomes. In whiskey auctions, bottles described by length of time commanded about 9% higher prices. For used goods, the pattern reversed: sellers on Craigslist earned roughly 17% more when they stated the purchase year rather than the item's age. The impacts can be even further-reaching, added Dr. Sirwani, and have implications for policymakers. "There is no right answer," he said. "But these perceptions can be important when it comes to things like saving for retirement, or the impacts of climate change, or life-saving surgeryand a simple change in framing can influence those decisions." So what's driving this effect? According to Dr. Sirwani, people perceive the jump from a large number to another large number as smaller than a leap between two smaller numbers. "Our mental number line is logarithmic, meaning the difference between numbers feels smaller as they increase," he explains. "The difference between 11 and 12 feels smaller than the difference between two and three. And the difference between 2020 and 2021 feels much smaller than the difference between one and two." The bottom line is that marketers need to be mindful of how they express time, as subtle differences in language can shape how people think and decide. "There is no one framing that is better than the other," said Dr. Sirwani. "It boils down to whether you would benefit from time feeling near or far." Publication details Deepak Sirwani et al, EXPRESS: When 'Year' Feels near: How Year versus Length Framing Alters Time Perception and Consumer Decisions, Journal of Marketing Research (2025). DOI: 10.1177/00222437251399115 Journal information: Journal of Marketing Research This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles a year ago were among the worst in California's history. They were exacerbated by persistent drought, a buildup of vegetation and Santa Ana winds which, at times, exceeded 80 mph. The most damaging fires, which reduced Altadena and Pacific Palisades to ashes, were finally extinguished on January 31, 2025. A year later, what have we learned about the wildfires and their aftermath? Approximately 59 square miles burned. An estimated 440 people died31 as a result of direct contact with the fires; others as a result of heart and lung conditions aggravated by the smoke and stress, or breakdowns in the health care and mental health care systems. More than 200,000 people were forced from their homes and as of October, about 70% of residents remained displaced. Over 17,000 homes were destroyed, seriously damaged or rendered uninhabitable. The tons of ash and debris left behind were laden with toxic material because many homes were built before 1975 and constructed with lead paint and toxic asbestos, both of which are now banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Hazardous material, like asbestos, batteries and propane tanks, was initially removed by the EPA , and by September, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had cleared 2.6 million tons of ash, debris and contaminated soil from the area. While drinking water and outdoor air quality have returned to normal and stabilized, some volatile organic compounds remain in smoke-damaged homes. And some houses that survived and have been cleaned still show levels of lead and asbestos that exceed EPA safety levels. Although many people vowed to rebuild their communities, less than 12 homes have been rebuilt in L.A. County so far, mainly by wealthy property owners. The majority of residents have not applied to rebuild. In the area of the Eaton Canyon fire, which devastated Altadena, 511 homes are being built, and in the Palisades, 370. Many people cannot afford to rebuild because they were uninsured, under insured, or received payouts that were simply insufficient to rebuild. Some who cannot rebuild are trying to recoup the investment in their homes by selling to real estate investors or corporations. But because there are so many lots for sale, property values are falling. Analysts calculate that the fires resulted in a loss of $8.3 billion in home values across Altadena and the Palisades. 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. "Rebuilding is chronically slow in the areas affected by the fires, with only a small fraction of the homes destroyed under construction a year later," said Jeff Schlegelmilch, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia Climate School. "This leaves communities in limbo while the world moves on." It is unlikely these communities will receive additional federal funds for rebuilding as we have seen in past disasters, he added, and organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and associated funding for disaster prevention and recovery continue to exist in "a state of persistent uncertainty." "The insurance industry also continues to reel from this and other disasters without a clear pathway towards solvency, and the political complexities at all levels of government makes for a process that is loud, toxic and perpetually unable to get out of its way," said Schlegelmilch. L.A. will be better off in some ways after rebuilding, he noted. "California has some of the most robust fire codes [Zone Zero] for areas exposed to wildfire hazards, and many of these have been expanded in the wake of the wildfires," Schlegelmilch said. Meeting the current standards will help ensure resilience in the face of future hazards, but it will not eliminate the vulnerability completely, he said. Schlegelmilch believes we "have the lessons we need to do better and recover better, but there is a stubbornness to learning and applying them." For example, the NY Times reported that homeowners in Brentwood, an upscale west LA neighborhood that almost burned last year, are fighting back against new home-hardening rules requiring them to cut back vegetation around their properties because they don't want to lose their trees. And the local officials are reluctant to challenge their constituent-homeowners. Protecting neighborhoods from fire will require everyone's collaboration. "Community-based organizations and nonprofits are doing what they can, but the task is monumental and requires a whole-of-society approach," said Schlegelmilch. "The history of disasters generally takes us down a path of loss until we reach a breaking point and decide what we are doing is no longer working, and then transformative innovation follows." "Whether the LA wildfires will be that breaking point or whether we have further to go remains to be seen," according to Schlegelmilch. "But it speaks to the importance of our work at the Columbia Climate School, and our interdisciplinary approach to preparing the next generation of leaders to tackle these challenges, and to carry forward the transformations in climate adaptation that we need now more than ever." This story is republished courtesy of Earth Institute, Columbia University http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu. Smart tech empowers guardians of east China's biodiversity hotspot Xinhua) 10:13, January 14, 2026 HANGZHOU, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Wang Shulong, a former logger, never imagined he would one day become a guardian of mountain forests. Every morning, he treks up to an altitude of about 1,200 meters in a protected area to monitor the local flora and fauna. "We have transitioned from loggers and hunters to forest rangers and scientific research assistants. The tools in our hands have also changed from axes to GPS devices and patrol recorders," Wang said. Qianjiangyuan, the area Wang patrols, is located at the juncture of Zhejiang, Anhui and Jiangxi provinces in eastern China. Covering 252 square kilometers, it forms part of the Qianjiangyuan-Baishanzu national park candidate site. Globally, regions between 23 and 33 degrees north latitude are predominantly covered by deserts or sparse grasslands. However, Qianjiangyuan stands out as a lush oasis in this belt, boasting a vast expanse of rare subtropical low-altitude evergreen broad-leaved forests. The latest surveys show the area is home to 2,244 plant species, 535 macrofungi species and 2,427 animal species. "As a key biological gene pool in eastern China, its landscape and ecosystems hold significant conservation value," said Yu Shunhai, director of a monitoring center in the Qianjiangyuan area. Monitoring and managing such a vast and complex forest may seem like a daunting task, but technology has stepped in to save the day. The Zhejiang Qianjiangyuan Forest Biodiversity National Observation and Research Station has established an integrated "air-space-ground" monitoring system, which combines technologies such as satellite remote sensing, forest canopy cranes and ground-level sensors. Deep in the forest, a huge canopy crane works like a robotic arm for scientists, lifting tools up to the treetops so they can observe the biodiversity from above. On the ground, technology is paired with local expertise. "I grew up in these mountains. I know where muntjacs drink and where wild boars make their dens," said Wang. His experience makes him a great fit for managing the network of hidden infrared cameras in the woods. "Each time I retrieve a memory card, there is a new surprise," he said, noting that in recent years the cameras have captured a growing number of rare animal activities. He said the cameras once recorded a heartwarming scene of a mother black bear with two cubs, indicating a stable population of the animal in Qianjiangyuan. "It is always thrilling to see rare animals captured on camera," he added. Wang is not alone in this endeavor. As experts and students from research institutes and universities across China come to the region to conduct research, they are supported by a hardworking group of local residents. These locals pitch in with field surveys, collecting specimens and recording data, making the research possible. Beyond daily monitoring, systematic large-scale surveys form another pillar of the research. Last year, a 134-day forest census was conducted on the 24-hectare Gutianshan monitoring plot in the Qianjiangyuan area. Technology played a central role in this massive undertaking. Chen Lei, director of the Zhejiang Qianjiangyuan Forest Biodiversity National Observation and Research Station, noted that, for the first time, the survey fully implemented a paperless data-collection system via a monitoring app, marking a significant technological leap for field observation. "It marks the further standardization and modernization of our data acquisition and management processes," Chen said. A diverse team of 76 participants, including scientists, university students, and local villagers, conducted the survey. They teamed up on everything from tagging trees to identifying different species. The survey collected over 330,000 valid data entries, giving solid scientific evidence to help analyze the ecosystem and guide future conservation decisions, Chen added. For Wang, the data, photos and footage are just the beginning. "What the infrared cameras capture is only the tip of the iceberg," he said. As a guardian of these mountains, he believes that deep within the dense forests, many more species are thriving under his smart watch. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Bus Drivers at Zum Transportation Join Teamsters Local 186 GOLETA, Calif., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A group of 30 bus workers at Zum Transportation in California overwhelmingly voted to join Teamsters Local 186 and are preparing to fight for a strong Teamsters contract that guarantees better working conditions and gives workers a powerful voice on the job. "These brave workers came to the Teamsters to improve their livelihoods, and we are so happy to welcome them," said Abel Garcia, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 186. "Now it is time to negotiate a fair and timely first contract that will guarantee these hardworking men and women better wages, benefits, and improved working conditions. We're grateful to the Teamsters organizers who made this victory possible." The Teamsters Union has organized workers at Zum Transportation across the country and is committed to continuing to raise the standards in the passenger transportation industry nationwide. "I am so happy to call myself a Teamster," said Sandra Meshinko, a Zum bus driver and member of Local 186. "We stood together and won a collective voice when it comes to wages, health care, and working conditions." Teamsters Local 186 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties in California. For more information, go to teamsterslocal186.org. Contact: Lena Melentijevic, (347) 208-2279 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Local 186 Community educators protest their lack of pay and institutional recognition Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Q.R. Educators from the National Council for Educational Development (CONAFE) protested Tuesday. The large group of community teachers protested to demand institutional recognition and better working conditions. The group arrived with signs denouncing the neglect of their educational work in communities where the Ministry of Public Education (SEP) does not offer its services. The protest, part of a national strike, involved 117 educators who provide academic support to nearly 2,900 children in 33 rural communities in the municipalities of Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Jose Maria Morelos. The protesters stated that despite performing duties comparable to those of a primary school teacher, such as planning, pedagogical monitoring, and goal achievement, they lack social security and job security, as they only sign monthly contracts for basic fees. Those protesting say that while a beneficiary of the Jovenes Construyendo el Futuro (Youth Building the Future) program receives 9,582 pesos per month, community educators with the National Council for Educational Development (CONAFE) earn between 2,600 and 5,000 pesos. Community educators say their January 13 protest will last until they are heard. They also said they have been paid those wages without a raise in over four years, despite increased responsibilities and the increase in the cost of living. In addition to covering transportation, food, lodging, and materials expenses, the educators reported that many work in high-risk areas, where they have faced attacks and kidnappings without institutional support. The protesting group Tuesday demanded that their work cease to be considered a mere social service and be recognized as an essential educational function for historically marginalized communities. They said their strike will continue until they are heard and their demands are met by the relevant authorities. Among their main demands is equal pay between the federal program Jovenes Construyendo el Futuro and Consejo Nacional de Fomento Educativo (Conafe). Riviera Maya News bringing you headline news for Felipe Carrillo Puerto since 2014 Your official online newspaper CRT requires mandatory registration of all cell numbers in Mexico: Heres how to do it Riviera Maya, Q.R. As of June 29, 2026, all mobile phone numbers in Mexico will be required to be registered to a real person. Whether on a plan or prepaid, the phones will need to be registered to a physical person with identification and a Unique Population Registry Code or CURP number. The requirement was announced in December of 2025 by the Government of Mexico who is working with the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT) to have the countrys mobile phone system properly registered. The government says the registration is mandatory, ensuring each number is associated to a legal person or company to eliminate the anonymity of this service used to commit crimes such as fraud and extortion. The CRT (Comision Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones) says the new mobile phone registry includes all users who have a rental plan or a prepaid line with which they can make calls, send SMS text messages and/or make calls via the Internet in Mexico. Mobile phone numbers not successfully registered by June 29, 2026 will be suspended as of July 1, 2026. Users with mobile numbers not registered will be limited to using their device to contact their service provider or make emergency calls only. If a cell number is linked to a mobile plan, not registering the number does not cancel the responsibility of continuing to pay for the plan. In the event of a suspended cell number, the suspension is not permanent. To recover the cell number, users will need to contact the company and register. The process is free, even after the deadline. On January 8, 2026, phone companies in Mexico with unregistered users sent text messages to those numbers, alerting the user of the mandatory registration. As of January 9, 2026, residents of Mexico with unregistered mobile phone numbers were able to do so. Ricardo Castaneda, the Director of Regulatory Policy at the CRT, said that the process will take place throughout the first half of the year by visiting a mobile operators customer service centre in person or doing it remotely online. He says the goal is to remove the layer of anonymity that exists on the vast majority of cell phone lines. Around 85% of mobile phone lines are prepaid. There are no requirements or restrictions preventing anyone from acquiring a phone line. This has often been exploited to commit crimes such as fraud or extortion through the use of these services. He explained that the database will not be managed by the government but by the mobile telephone company. It is a database that will not be managed or operated by the government but rather managed, operated and safeguarded by the operators. These operators, in turn, are subject to various regulations, primarily those concerning the protection of personal data held by private entities. This is all perfectly regulated. There are already regulations under which the government, meaning the security and justice authorities, can request, with a prior court order, very specific or particular data from operators related to an investigation. However, this does not constitute unrestricted access, nor will it allow for the tracking of calls. These measures, this database, do not technically allow for everyone to be monitored or tracked; it is a registry, a database. The mandatory mobile number registration procedure applies to all phone companies operating in Mexico such as Telcel, AT&T, Movistar, Unefon and Bait, among others. Anyone needing to register their mobile number in person can go to a customer serives office of their respective carrier with a valid passport for non-Mexicans and CURP number, which can be found online (https://www.gob.mx/curp/) through the governments website. The CRT had the new law passed December 8, 2025. The registration process can also be done online through the mobile carriers website. The online process varies by company but generally consists of selecting the registration option, entering your 10-digit cell phone number, uploading an image of your official document then verifying that the information is correct. If completed successfully, the user will receive a registration number which will serve as proof of the date and time of registration. For online registration, cell number uers will have up to three attempts to register. If a user cannot successfully register online, they will need to go in person to customer service. For Movistar users, they require a photo of your ID and a selfie. Mobile cell uers in Mexico can access the online registration for varoius cell companies by visiting: Register your Telcel number Register your AT&T line (using a mobile phone only) Register your Movistar number Register your Bait number Register your Unefon number Starting February 7, 2026, a Consultation Portal will be made available so cell phone users can look up their number to check if it has been registered. There, users will also be able to see if any other cell numbers have been registered using your identification. Riviera Maya News serving Quintana Roo Mexico since 2014 Your official online newspaper Death toll climbs: More arrests made in Tulum cenote shooting that killed two Tulum, Q.R. Two more people have been arrested in the shooting at a Tulum cenote that killed two people. According to police, three people were shot in the parking lot of the cenote on January 9, two of whom, died. One person was reported treated for non-life-threatening injures, while the other two were rushed to Playa del Carmen hospital. Both of those men have since died. On Monday, police announced the arrests of two Fernando Jonathan N and Adan Osvaldo N who they said, were involved in the death of an Argentina man. Since Monday, the second shooting victim died. The first two men arrested for the Tulum cenote shooting of three people that left two dead. Police now say a total of four men have been arrested in relation to the cenote shooting that left two people dead. On Tuesday, the State Attorney General (FGE) reported on the most recent arrests of Hugo Daniel N, alias El Maniaco and Cristian Eduardo N, who they say probably participated in the attack that took the life, by gunshot wound, of two people and injured a third, in Tulum. In their report, the FGE said the aforementioned events occurred near the parking lot of a recreational cenote located on the TulumCarrillo Puerto federal highway. As a result, two more subjects were arrested. They are Hugo Daniel N and Cristian Eduardo N. Both men were picked up on narcotics charges from a street in Playa del Carmen. To date, all four are facing charges of aggravated homicide of two men and the attempted homicide of a third. While police say the fatal shooting was not related to the recent electronic music festival, they did say it was drug-sales related. Riviera Maya News bringing you headline news for Tulum since 2014 Your official online newspaper Yes, AI will compromise your information security posture. No, not through some mythical self-aware galaxy-brain entity magically cracking your passwords in seconds or autonomously exploiting new vulnerabilities. Its way more mundane. When immensely complex, poorly-understood systems get hurriedly integrated into your toolset and workflow, or deployed in your infrastructure, what inevitably follows is leaks, compromises, downtime, and a whole lot of grief. Complexity means cost and risk LLM-based systems are insanely complex, both on the conceptual level, and on the implementation level. Complexity has real cost and introduces very real risk. These costs and these risks are enormous, poorly understood and usually just hand-waved away. As Suha Hussain puts it in a video Ill discuss a bit later: Machine learning is not a quick add-on, but something that will fundamentally change your system security posture. The amount of risk companies and organizations take on by using, integrating, or implementing LLM-based or more broadly, machine learning-based systems is massive. And they have to eat all of that risk themselves: suppliers of these systems simply refuse to take any real responsibility for the tools they provide and problems they cause. After all, taking responsibility is bad for the hype. And the hype is what makes the line go up. The Hype An important part of pushing that hype is inflating expectations and generating fear of missing out, one way or another. What better way to generate it than by using actual fear? What if spicy autocomplete is in fact all that it is cracked up to be, and more? What if some kid somewhere with access to some AI-chatbot can break all your passwords or automagically exploit vulnerabilities, and just waltz into your internal systems? What if some AI agent can indeed autonomously break through your defenses and wreak havoc on your internal infrastructure? You cant prove thats not the case! And your data and cybersecurity is on the line! Be afraid! Buy our AI-based security thingamajig to protect yourself!.. It doesnt matter if you do actually buy that product, by the way. What matters is that investors believe you might. This whole theater is not for you, its for VCs, angel investors, and whoever has spare cash to buy some stock. The hype itself is the product. Allow me to demonstrate what I mean by this. Cracking 51% of popular passwords in seconds Over two years ago AI supposedly could crack our passwords in seconds. Spoiler: it couldnt, and today our passwords are no worse for wear. The source of a sudden deluge of breathless headlines about AI-cracked passwords and boy were there quite a few! was a website of a particular project called PassGAN. It had it all: scary charts, scary statistics, scary design, and social media integrations to generate scary buzz. What it lacked was technical details. What hardware and infrastructure was used to crack 51% popular passwords in seconds? The difference between doing that on a single laptop GPU versus running it on a large compute cluster is pretty relevant. What does cracking a password actually mean here presumably reversing a hash? What hashing function, then, was used to hash them in the first place? How does it compare against John the Ripper and other non-AI tools that had been out there for ages? And so on. Dan Goodin of Ars Technica did a fantastic teardown of PassGAN. The long and short of it is: As with so many things involving AI, the claims are served with a generous portion of smoke and mirrors. PassGAN, as the tool is dubbed, performs no better than more conventional cracking methods. In short, anything PassGAN can do, these more tried and true tools do as well or better. If anyone was actually trying to crack any passwords, PassGAN was not a tool theyd use, simply because it wasnt actually effective. In no way was PassGAN a real threat to your information security. Exploiting 87% of one-day vulnerabilities Another example: over a year ago GPT-4 was supposedly able to autonomously exploit one-day vulnerabilities just based on CVEs. Specifically, 87% of them. Even more specifically, thats 87% of exactly 15 (yes, fifteen) vulnerabilities, hand-picked by the researchers for that study. For those keeping score at home, that comes out to thirteen exploited vulnerabilities. And even that only when the CVE included example exploit code. In other words, code regurgitation machine was able to regurgitate code when example code was provided to it. Again, in no way is this an actual, real threat to you, your infrastructure, or your data. A fresh example of generating hype through inflated claims and fear comes from Anthropic. The company behind an LLM-based programming-focused chatbot Claude pumps the hype by claiming their chatbot was used in a first reported AI-orchestrated cyber-espionage campaign. Anthropic who has vested interest in convincing everyone that their coding automation product is the next best thing since sliced bread makes pretty bombastic claims, using sciencey-sounding language; for example: Overall, the threat actor was able to use AI to perform 80-90% of the campaign, with human intervention required only sporadically (perhaps 4-6 critical decision points per hacking campaign). () At the peak of its attack, the AI made thousands of requests, often multiple per secondan attack speed that would have been, for human hackers, simply impossible to match. Thing is, that just describes automation. Thats what computers were invented for. A small script, say in Bash or Python, that repeats certain tedious actions during an attack (for example, generates a list of API endpoints based on a pattern to try a known exploit against) can easily perform 80-90% of a campaign that employs it. It can make thousands of requests, often multiple per second with curl and a for loop. And 4-6 critical decision points can just as easily mean a few simple questions asked by that script, for instance: what API endpoint to hit when a given target does not seem to expose the attacked service on the expected one. And while LLM chatbots somewhat expand the scope of what can be automated, so did scripting languages and other decidedly non-magic technologies at the time they were introduced. Anyone making a huge deal out of a cyberattack being orchestrated using Bash or Python would be treated like a clown, and so should Anthropic for making grandiose claims just because somebody actually managed to use Claude for something. There is, however, one very important point that Anthropic buries in their write-up: At this point [the attackers] had to convince Claudewhich is extensively trained to avoid harmful behaviorsto engage in the attack. They did so by jailbreaking it, effectively tricking it to bypass its guardrails. They broke down their attacks into small, seemingly innocent tasks that Claude would execute without being provided the full context of their malicious purpose. They also told Claude that it was an employee of a legitimate cybersecurity firm, and was being used in defensive testing. The real story here is not that an LLM-based chatbot is somehow orchestrating a cyber-espionage campaign by itself. The real story is that a tech company, whose valuation is at around $180 billion-with-a-b, put out a product extensively trained to avoid harmful behaviors that is so hilariously unsafe that its guardrails can be subverted by a tactic a 13-year-old uses when they want to prank-call someone. And that Anthropic refuses to take responsibility for that unsafe product. Consider this: if Anthropic actually believed their own hype about Claude being so extremely powerful, dangerous, and able to autonomously orchestrate attacks, they should be terrified about how trivial it is to subvert it, and would take it offline until they fix that. I am not holding my breath, though. The boring reality The way to secure your infrastructure and data remains the same regardless of whether a given attack is automated using Bash, Python, or an LLM chatbot: solid threat modelling, good security engineering, regular updates, backups, training, and so on. If there is nothing that can be exploited, no amount of automation will make it exploitable. The way AI is going to compromise your cybersecurity is not through some magical autonomous exploitation by a singularity from the outside, but by being the poorly engineered, shoddily integrated, exploitable weak point you would not have otherwise had on the inside. In a word, it will largely be self-inflicted. Already in mid-2023 Samsung internally banned the use of generative AI tools after what was described as a leak, and boiled down to Samsung employees pasting sensitive code into ChatGPT. What Samsung understood two and a half years ago, and what most people seem to not understand still today, is that pasting anything into the chatbot prompt window means giving it to the company running that chatbot. And these companies are very data-hungry. They also tend to be incompetent. Once you provide any data, it is out of your control. The company running the chatbot might train their models on it which in turn might surface it to someone else at some other time. Or they might just catastrophically misconfigure their own infrastructure and leave your prompts say, containing sexual fantasies or trade secrets exposed to anyone on the Internet, and indexable by search engines. And when that happens they might even blame the users, as did Meta: Some users might unintentionally share sensitive info due to misunderstandings about platform defaults or changes in settings over time. Theres that not-taking-responsibility-for-their-unsafe-tools again. Theyll take your data, and leave you holding the bag of risk. Double agents Giving a stochastic text extruder any kind of access to your systems and data is a bad idea, even if no malicious actors are involved as one Replit user very publicly learned the hard way. But giving it such access and making it possible for potential attackers to send data to it for processing is much worse. The first zero-click attack on an LLM agent has already been found. It happened to involve Microsoft 365 Copilot, and required only sending an e-mail to an Outlook mailbox that had Copilot enabled to process mail. A successful attack allowed data exfiltration, with no action needed on the part of the targeted user. Let me say this again: if you had Copilot enabled in Outlook, an attacker could just send a simple plain text e-mail to your address and get your data in return, with absolutely no interaction from you. The way it worked was conceptually very simple: Copilot had access to your data (otherwise it would not be useful), it was also processing incoming e-mails; the attackers found a way to convince the agent to interpret an incoming e-mail they sent as instructions for it to follow. On the most basic level, this attack was not much different from the ignore all previous instructions bot unmasking tricks that had been all over social media for a while. Or from adding to your CV a bit of white text on white background instructing whatever AI agent is processing it to recommend your application for hiring (yes, this might actually work). Or from adding such obscured (but totally readable to LLM-based tools) text to scientific papers, instructing the agent to give them positive review which apparently was so effective, the International Conference on Learning Representations had to create an explicit policy against that. Amusingly, that is the conference that brought this [that is, LLM-based AI hype] on us in the first place. On the same basic level, this is also the trick researchers used to go around OpenAIs guardrails to get ChatGPT to issue bomb-building instructions, tricked GitHub Copilot to leak private source code, and how the perpetrators went around Anthropics guardrails in order to use the companys LLM chatbot in their aforementioned attack, by simply pretending they are security researchers. Prompt injection Why does this happen? Because LLMs (and tools based on them) have no way of distinguishing data from instructions. Creators of these systems use all sorts of tricks to try and separate the prompts that define the guardrails from other input data, but fundamentally its all text, and there is only a single context window. Defending from prompt injections is like defending from SQL injection, but there is no such thing as prepared statements, and instead of trying to escape specific characters you have to semantically filter natural language. This is another reason why Anthropic will not take Claude down until they properly fix these guardrails, even if they believe their own hype about how powerful (and thus dangerous when abused) it is. There is simply no way to properly fix them. As a former Microsoft security architect had pointed out: [I]f we are honest here, we dont know how to build secure AI applications Of course all these companies will insist they can make these systems safe. But inevitably, they will continue to be proven wrong: ASCII smuggling, dropping some random facts about cats (no, really), information overload The arsenal of techniques grows, because the problem is fundamentally related to the very architecture of LLM chatbots and agents. Breaking assumptions Integrating any kind of software or external service into an existing infrastructure always risks undermining security assumptions, and creating unexpected vulnerabilities. Slack decided to push AI down users throats, and inevitably researchers found a way to exfiltrate data from private channels via an indirect prompt injection. An attacker did not need to be in the private channel they were trying to exfiltrate data from, and the victim did not have to be in the public channel the attacker used to execute the attack. Gemini integration within Google Drive apparently had a feature where it would scan PDFs without explicit permission from the owner of these PDFs. Google claims that was not the case and the settings making the files inaccessible to Gemini were not enabled. The person in question claims they were. Whether or not we trust Google here, its hard to deny settings related to disabling LLM agents access to documents in Google Workplace are hard to find, unreliable, and constantly shifting. That in and of itself is an information security issue (not to mention it being a compliance issue as well). And Googles interface decisions are to blame for this confusion. This alone undermines your cybersecurity stance, if you happen to be stuck with Googles office productivity suite. Microsoft had its own, way better documented problem, where a user who did not have access to a particular file in SharePoint could just ask Copilot to provide them with its contents. Completely ignoring access controls. You might think you can defend from that just by making certain files private, or (in larger organizations) unavailable to certain users. But as the Gemini example above shows, it might not be as simple because relevant settings might be confusing or hidden. Or they might just not work at all. Bugs. So many bugs. Microsoft made it possible to set a policy ( NoUsersCanAccessAgent ) in Microsoft 365 that would disable LLM agents (plural, there are dozens of them) for specific users. Unfortunately it seems to have been implemented with the level of competence and attention to detail we have grown to expect from the company which is to say, it did not work: Shortly after the May 2025 rollout of 107 Copilot Agents in Microsoft 365 tenants, security specialists discovered that the Data Access restriction meant to block agent availability is being ignored. () Despite administrators configuring the Copilot Agent Access Policy to disable user access, certain Microsoft-published and third-party agents remain readily installable, potentially exposing sensitive corporate data and workflows to unauthorized use. This, of course, underlines the importance of an audit trail. Even if access controls were ignored, and even when agents turned out to be available to users whom they should not be available to, at least there are logs that can be used to investigate any unauthorized access, right? After all, these are serious tools, built by serious companies and used by serious institutions (banks, governments, and the like). Legal compliance is key in a lot of such places, and compliance requires auditability. It would be pretty bad if it was possible for a malicious insider, who used these agents to access something they shouldnt have, to simply ask for that fact not to be included in the audit log. Which, of course, turned out to be exactly the case: On July 4th, I came across a problem in M365 Copilot: Sometimes it would access a file and return the information, but the audit log would not reflect that. Upon testing further, I discovered that I could simply ask Copilot to behave in that manner, and it would. That made it possible to access a file without leaving a trace. In June 2024 Microsofts president, Brad Smith, promised in US Congress that security will be the top priority, more important even than the companys work on artificial intelligence. No wonder, then, that the company treated this as an important vulnerability. So important, in fact, that it decided not to inform anyone about it, even after the problem got fixed. If you work in compliance and your company uses Microsoft 365, I cannot imagine how thrilled you must be about that! Can you trust your audit logs from the last year or two? Who knows! Code quality Even if you are not giving these LLMs access to any of your data and just use them to generate some code, if youre planning to use that code anywhere near a production system, you should probably think twice: Businesses using artificial intelligence to generate code are experiencing downtime and security issues. The team at Sonar, a provider of code quality and security products, has heard first-hand stories of consistent outages at even major financial institutions where the developers responsible for the code blame the AI. This is probably a good time for a reminder that availability is also a part of what information security is about. But it gets worse. It will come as no surprise to anyone at this stage that LLM chatbots hallucinate. Consider what might happen if somewhere in thousands of lines of AI-generated code there is a hallucinated dependency? That seems to happen quite often: [R]esearchers () found that AI models hallucinated software package names at surprisingly high rates of frequency and repetitiveness with Gemini, the AI service from Google, referencing at least one hallucinated package in response to nearly two-thirds of all prompts issued by the researchers. The code referencing a hallucinated dependency might of course not run; but thats the less-bad scenario. You see, those hallucinated dependency names are predictable. What if an attacker creates a malicious package with such a name and pushes it out to a public package repository? [T]he researchers also uploaded a dummy package with one of the hallucinated names to a public repository and found that it was downloaded more than 30,000 times in a matter of weeks. Congratulations, you just got slopsquatted. Roll your own? If you are not interested in using the clumsily integrated, inherently prompt-injectable Big Tech LLMs, and instead youre thinking of rolling your own more specialized machine learning model for some reason, youre not in the clear either. I quoted Suha Hussain at the beginning of this piece. Her work on vulnerability of machine learning pipelines is as important as it is chilling. If youre thinking of training your own models, her 2024 talk on incubated machine learning exploits is a must-see: Machine learning (ML) pipelines are vulnerable to model backdoors that compromise the integrity of the underlying system. Although many backdoor attacks limit the attack surface to the model, ML models are not standalone objects. Instead, they are artifacts built using a wide range of tools and embedded into pipelines with many interacting components. In this talk, we introduce incubated ML exploits in which attackers inject model backdoors into ML pipelines using input-handling bugs in ML tools. Using a language-theoretic security (LangSec) framework, we systematically exploited ML model serialization bugs in popular tools to construct backdoors. Danger ahead In a way, people and companies fear-hyping generative AI are right that their chatbots and related tools pose a clear and present danger to your cybersecurity. But instead of being some nebulous, omnipotent malicious entities, they are dangerous because of their complexity, the recklessness with which they are promoted, and the break-neck speed at which they are being integrated into existing systems and workflows without proper threat modelling, testing, and security analysis. If you are considering implementing or using any such tool, consider carefully the cost and risk associated with that decision. And if youre worried about AI-powered attacks, dont and focus on the fundamentals instead. New OpenLine Clearance Assistant 3.0 Leverages Breakthrough Technology to Maintain Uninterrupted Production Flow NEWTOWN, Pa., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With production bottlenecks costing life sciences manufacturers millions in lost productivity, Catalyx today unveiled OpenLine LineClearance Assistant 3.0, a breakthrough AI-powered solution addressing this issue. The new solution transforms line clearance into a fully automated digital process, accelerating product changeover time, minimizing downtime, and maximizing operational efficiency. A technician operates Catalyx's new OpenLine LineClearance Assistant 3.0, digitally monitoring and verifying line clearance procedures in real-time "With our new solution, Catalyx removes line clearance as a manufacturing obstacle, providing faster line turnover, improved accuracy, and a compliance-enabled solution for modern life sciences environments," said Mario L. Rocci, Jr., CEO, Catalyx. "We designed the system with intelligence that learns, adapts, and improves every day through guided operator feedback and review." Breakthrough Technology OpenLine LineClearance Assistant 3.0 introduces advanced AI training and machine vision technology, combining automated intelligence with structured human oversight to make digital processes easier to deploy and operate during line clearance, an essential quality assurance process that ensures production equipment is properly cleaned and configured between product runs. Key innovations include: Revolutionary self-healing inspection intelligence that automatically creates and proposes performance adjustments based on real world outcomes, with changes guided, reviewed, and approved by qualified personnel to continuously improve inspection accuracy Advanced AI-powered machine vision to verify production lines are free of residual materials and rogue components between production runs, completing inspections in milliseconds with a complete digital inspection record Streamlined in-application model training and enhanced image management that enable faster inspection review and improved handling of complex production environments Addressing Industrywide Pain Points The launch comes following Catalyx's 2025 Life Sciences Line Clearance Benchmark Report revealing that 70% of life sciences organizations experienced at least one clearance failure in the past 12 months. Nearly a third (30%) reported six or more failure annually. With more than half of respondents (63%) still relying on traditional paper-based processes for critical production line changeovers, Catalyx's new solution provides manufacturers with the ability to smoothly transition to a fully digital approach. OpenLine LineClearance Assistant 3.0 is available immediately for global deployment. The solution supports GMP and global regulatory requirements and emerging EU AI Act requirements. Every inspection and system update is automatically documented to support traceability, transparency, and explainability. See It Live Catalyx will demonstrate OpenLine LineClearance Assistant 3.0 at Pharmapack Europe in Paris, January 21-22, 2026, at Stand 4K50 and at INTERPHEX New York, April 21-23, 2026, at Stand 3663. For more information about OpenLine LineClearance Assistant 3.0 or to schedule a demonstration, visit www.catalyx.ai or contact [email protected]. About Catalyx Catalyx specializes in optimizing operations for life sciences and other highly regulated industries. With over 30 years of experience, the company operates a global team of 550+ engineers and technology specialists. Catalyx has delivered more than 3,000 projects across the life sciences sector, providing automation, machine vision, and professional services that drive operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and enhance performance and safety. For more information about Catalyx, visit www.catalyx.ai. Media Contact Rachel O'Sullivan Global Head of Marketing [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2861237/Catalyx_LineClearance.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2202321/Catalyx_Logo_Primary_RGB_Logo.jpg African manufacturers on Wednesday welcomed US lawmakers' approval for renewing their duty-free access but called for urgency in finalising the deal. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been a cornerstone of trade relations for 25 years, allowing the United States to buy billions of dollars of duty-free cars, clothes and other items from select African countries each year. But the deal, which operates in 32 African nations, expired last September, putting thousands of jobs at risk and forcing exporters to absorb high tariff duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, the US Congress passed a bill to revive AGOA for at least three years, but it must still be approved by the Senate. The Congress vote was "a very positive sign", said Pankaj Bedi, CEO of United Aryan factory in Nairobi, which exports Wrangler and Levi's jeans under the deal and employs around 10,000 Kenyans. "But we need to keep the pressure up," he told AFP. "It is our desperate need as the sector continues to slow down and suffer due to cash flows and many other external challenges." Bedi said his company has been absorbing the increased import duties -- which went up by 33 percent for Kenya after AGOA expired -- so as not to lose customers, but said this is not "sustainable". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kenya's trade minister Lee Kinyanjui welcomed the approval by the US House of Representatives, calling it a "critical milestone" in US-Africa trade relations. "The uncertainty that had previously engulfed the sector will now give way to renewed confidence and expansion," Kinyanjui said in a statement. The African Union chair also welcomed the approval and appealed to the Senate "to give favourable and timely consideration to the extension, in a spirit that upholds partnership, and shared strategic interests". - US eyes China, Russia - South Africa, which has been at loggerheads with the US in recent months, also hailed the approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its trade minister Parks Tau said the country "values its longstanding trade and investment relationship with the US". South Africa was the primary beneficiary of the preferential agreement before it expired. The automotive sector accounted for 64 percent of trade under AGOA, totalling $1.6 billion in 2024, and is the sector most affected by US President Donald Trump's measures. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in December told a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing that if Congress pushes for it, he is open to consider separating South Africa from AGOA. The Republican chairman of the House's powerful Ways and Means Committee, Jason Smith, also called to urgently finalise the final deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "An extended lapse in AGOA would create a void that malign actors like China and Russia will seek to fill," he said. "Africa is home to approximately 30 percent of the world's critical mineral resources and China has invested $8 to $10 billion in Africa to try to monopolize these essential supply chains." Trump has criticised free-trade deals, and slapped swingeing tariffs on many countries. Kenya, which has been a close political and military ally, received the lowest rate of 10 percent, but others saw far higher, such as the tiny kingdom of Lesotho, which saw an initial rate of 50 percent before it was lowered to 15 percent in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, Lesotho's textile industry witnessed massive job cuts, prompting protests by workers. Fako Hakane, head of the Lesotho Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed relief at signs of AGOA being renewed, saying the tariffs were "cruel" for the small, landlocked country of around 2.3 million people. "If it comes back, it is a critical economic lifeline for Lesotho," Hakane told AFP. mnk/er/jhb Indranee Rajah on 14 Jan debated the issue of Pritam Singh lying. (PHOTO: Facebook/Indranee Rajah) Workers Party secretary-general Pritam Singh failed to show leadership by instructing former MP Raeesah Khan to persist with a lie and by not taking responsibility once the truth emerged, Leader of the House Indranee Rajah said on 14 Jan. Speaking during a parliamentary debate on a motion expressing regret over Singhs conduct, Indranee said the situation would have unfolded very differently if he had told Khan to correct the record when she first admitted the falsehood to him. Khan had lied in Parliament in 2021 about witnessing the polices handling of a sexual assault case. Indranee recounted that Khan confessed the lie to Singh in a phone call on 7 Aug 2021, and again the following day during a meeting with Singh, Workers Party chair Sylvia Lim and vice-chair Faisal Manap. Indranee said the decision taken at that point set the course for what followed. "Yes, it would have been inconvenient and uncomfortable to disclose the truth then," Indranee said, noting that the WP had just secured its second GRC in Sengkang at the 2020 General Election and that Khan was part of the team. "But the consequences would have been nowhere as grave as what followed Mr Singhs telling Ms Khan to take the untruth 'to the grave'." "It is precisely at such moments where leaders are tested, and where leadership matters," she added. Indranee also referred to Singhs earlier testimony before Parliaments Committee of Privileges (COP), where he strongly denied Khans account that she had been told to maintain the lie, and said Lim and Faisal had done the same. Instead, the three WP leaders claimed they had not discussed what Khan should do about the untruth and that Singh had merely advised her to speak to her parents. "With the benefit of the court judgments, we now know that it was in fact Mr Singh and the other two WP leaders who had lied about what was said at this meeting," Indranee said. "The court found that their attitude had been clear and simple: They believed that there was no need to tell the truth because they did not think the matter would surface again they thought it would be buried forever." For more on Indranee Rajah's motion on Pritam Singh, read here. AFP: Argentinas President Javier Milei said he will travel to China this year in 2026. Can you confirm that? Is China open to a visit from the Argentine President? Mao Ning: On the visit you mentioned, I have no information to share at the moment. What I can tell you is that China attaches importance to developing relations with Argentina, and stands ready to enhance exchanges at various levels with Argentina to deepen political mutual trust and promote practical cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of both countries. Xinhua News Agency: China broke into the top 10 for the first time last year in the Global Innovation Index ranking, and the new year has seen several more innovation outcomes in China. Weve noted that the rapid development of science and technology is widening the technology gap facing developing countries. How does China see its role in global sci-tech innovation? Mao Ning: The past year has witnessed deep integration between technology and industries and rapid emergence of innovation outcomes in China. Looking into the future, innovation will become the main impetus driving Chinas high-quality development. The recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan mentioned innovation 61 times and put sci-tech innovation at the core of the nations overall development. While boosting its own development through innovation, China always shares innovation outcomes with the rest of the world and is committed to bringing the benefit of science and technology to the whole humanity. Chinas large-scale scientific facilities, such as FAST, are open to the whole world; we are committed to international cooperation in deep-sea and deep-space exploration; and our livelihood technologies, such as hybrid rice, aquaculture and juncao technology, have helped developing countries get rid of poverty. Weve also launched the Global AI Governance Initiative, which advocates fostering an open, fair and non-discriminatory international environment for innovation. China will continue to act in the spirit of openness and cooperation, oppose technological barriers, narrow the sci-tech gap, and promote the sharing of innovation outcomes by all for global development and prosperity. China News Service: Weve learned that ambassador Yan Wenbin was appointed as the special representative of the Chinese government on Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) affairs and SCO national coordinator of China. Can you confirm that? Mao Ning: The Chinese government has appointed ambassador Yan Wenbin as the special representative of the Chinese government on SCO affairs and SCO national coordinator of China. The SCO is the worlds largest regional organization. Since the establishment of the organization in 2001, SCO member states have always upheld the Shanghai Spirit and explored a new path for the development of international organizations. China, as the rotating chair of the SCO last year, successfully hosted the SCO Tianjin Summit. President Xi Jinping together with participating leaders reached important common understandings on deepening multilateral cooperation, improving SCO operation mechanisms, and building a more just and equitable global governance system. They have led the SCO into a new stage of high-quality development. The special representative of the Chinese government on SCO affairs and SCO national coordinator of China is an important post China set up to deepen exchanges and cooperation with SCO countries. Ambassador Yan Wenbin is a seasoned diplomat versed in SCO affairs. We believe he will actively fulfill his duties and maintain close working relations with the national coordinators of other SCO member states to deliver on the common understandings of leaders, work for development and cooperation of the organization, jointly contribute to regional security, stability, development and prosperity and promote the building of an even closer SCO community with a shared future. China-Arab TV: Trump is telling the whole world that to him, international law does not matter and the only important thing is his own morality. What is Chinas comment? Mao Ning: The international law based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter is the cornerstone of the existing international order, and an important basis for settling international disputes. Upholding international law is key to defending international fairness and justice and preventing a return to the law of the jungle. Major countries need to take the lead in respecting the authority of international law and fulfilling their obligations under international law. AFP: Another question on Trump, he said overnight that the U.S. could take very strong action against Iran if Iran executes more protesters. What is Chinas position on the latest remarks by Donald Trump? Mao Ning: On the situation in Iran, weve made clear our position more than once. We hope the Iranian government and people will overcome the current difficulties and uphold stability in the country. We oppose external interference in other countries internal affairs, object to the use or threat of force in international relations, and hope parties will act in ways conducive to peace and stability in the Middle East. AFP: A question on Thailand, at least 22 people were killed today after a train collided with a construction crane. The crane was apparently located on a construction site for a high-speed railway intended to link China and Thailand. I believe China is a partner in this project. So first, whats your reaction to this accident? Do you have any more details about what happened at this China-Thailand construction site? Mao Ning: We noted the reports on the accident and our thoughts are with those who lost their lives or got injured in the accident. The Chinese government attaches high importance to the safety of projects. The Chinese side is gathering detailed information about the accident. Current information indicates that the construction of relevant railway section is undertaken by a Thai company. Investigation is still going on to ascertain the cause of the accident. Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here. Dear Care and Feeding, I separated from my husband about 18 months ago, and we have a 13 year-old and a 15-year-old. In the early stages, we agreed to continue to spend time together as a family to make things easier for the kids, which has included twice-weekly dinners, and holidays spent together. Its worked in one critical way: the kids are doing OK and, although theyre not happy about the situation overall, they have adjusted well to the changes in our lifestyle. The problem is, beneath this cordial surface, my ex is being awful about the divorce in ways I never imagined when this began. Were not in litigation, so hes able to delay discussions for weeks or months at a time. He has booked vacations over my custodial time. He often suggests a plan during my parenting time in front of the kids, putting me in an impossible situation when they get excited. Worst of all, hes threatening to sue my parents to compel them to pay for all college costs. In the meantime, I am paying for everyones healthcare expenses, including his, and covering all of our kids activity costs. I feel deeply stuck, because my kids mental and emotional health is the most important thing in the world to me, and they love their father. But I cant stand spending so much time in the company of someone who has been so cruel and manipulative to me and my family. How do I unset this precedent? Not Uncoupled Enough Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Not Uncoupled Enough, What a question! This is a tremendous mix between parenting advice, financial advice and marriage advice. Financial advice first: Dont listen to him on this college tuition stuff. Im not a lawyer and this is not legal advice, but I dont think its even possible for him to sue your parents to compel them to pay for college costs. I know this is America, but we cant just sue people with more money than we have to get them to pay for things we want. At least not yet. Onto marriage advice: Sounds like you should turn this separation into a divorce that has some real structure around it, including legally scheduled custodial time. You can use the divorce process as an excuse to halt the twice-weekly dinners until its finalized. Divorces can be expensive, but it sounds like hes taking advantage of the separation, and youre getting the short end of the stick. Advertisement And then of course, the parenting advice: At 13 and 15, your kids are old enough to see what hes doing is unfair and puts you in a bad position. It wont help their emotional or mental health to pretend that everything is fine all the time. Life is not fine all the time! Your husband is taking advantage of your love for your kids and using it against you. You dont need to spend time with him for their benefit. Later in life, theyll learn about all of this. Stand up to him now. Make them proud. Greg More Parenting Advice From Slate I am looking for some advice on what to do with my 2-year-old. A few weeks ago, my husband asked my kiddo a question, to which he replied, I dont know. My husband praised my son for admitting when he didnt know the answer to something and said that it was OK not to know the answer all the time. The problem is that now my son says I dont know to absolutely everything we ask him. 2026 is going to be a chance to answer a pretty strange question: What if one of the most powerful and theoretically coveted jobs in the world was actually one that very few wanted to keep? The job is that of a senator or a member of Congress. NPR is tracking the number of lawmakers who have decided to throw in the towel this year. Its a record: By last count, weve got 11 senators headed for the exit and 47 House members doing the same. Some are running for a different office. Others have gotten sick. Still others, like Georgias Marjorie Taylor Greene, have just decided to leave without even finishing out their terms. Political scientist David Faris has been tracking all this too. Theres a sense that you cant achieve anything in the American Congress right now, Faris says. Its too broken. You have standard retirements compounded by a greater sense of the institutions dysfunction and weakness vis-a-vis the executive branch. The congressional chaos is an opportunity for Democrats that will come mainly in November, when all 435 members of the House and a third of the Senate face their constituents in the 2026 midterms. One of the things thats helpful if youre trying to predict whats going to happen in these midterms is that weve been here before. Meaning: Weve had a congressional election like this one, in 2018, two years after President Donald Trump was first sworn into office. Back then, Democrats gained 40 seats in the Houseenough to retake the lower chamber of Congress. Members like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, and Ilhan Omar were sent to Washington. According to Faris, the conditions leading up to that election were in some ways less favorable to Democrats than they are now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things are looking up for the partys chances of retaking the House, and the Senate is in play in a way it wasnt a year ago. But, he cautions, its all taking place against this backdrop of very deep and persistent abnormality. Advertisement On a recent episode of What Next, host Mary Harris spoke to Faris about the case for a blue wave, and how to manage expectations for the midterms. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity. Mary Harris: Polling is an interesting and important part of your case for why a blue wave is imaginable in 2026. You look at Democrats own internal polling for the past decade or so and see how it matches up with how the election actually went. And you say theres been a shift. Can you explain that? David Faris: Sure. In the off-year elections in 2025, which seem like 7,000 years ago but were actually two months ago, Democrats overperformed the public polling across the board in a way that they have never done in the Trump era. [These included the gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, Zohran Mamdani in New York, and smaller local contests.] These are races where we didnt have good public polling but where Democrats clearly blew out the expectations in a pretty significant way. How does this compare to 2017 and 2018? Even in 2017, when Democrats won these same gubernatorial elections and we were all feeling good in roughly the same way, the candidate in Virginia did beat his polling, but the candidate in New Jersey did not. And you didnt have a blowout victory in, say, the Virginia House of Delegates in the way that you did in 2025. Advertisement So the results just werent as definitive. In 2017 they were pretty much across-the-board good. But whats different is that Democrats beat their polling here, so theres some evidence that if the electorate is composed roughly the same way in 2025 and 2026, it might actually be underestimating Democrats. Advertisement Right before the holiday break, there were a couple of prominent stories that have been on my mind, and I wanted to talk to you about them. One was in Politico, and the other was in New York magazine. They basically made opposite cases about this whole blue-wave notion. The Politico article looked at the prospects for Democrats to take the House and be competitive in the Senate, and it asserted that those prospects are a far cry from 2018 because a gerrymandered map is a tighter map for Democrats. They could get a lot of votes, but those votes are going to be diluted and its possible they wont translate to seatsor at least not enough seats for what they call a comfortable majority. What do you make of this argument? Advertisement I dont care how comfortable the victory is. Its like if youre running for a flight and you just slip in right as the door is closing at the gate, and theyre like, Were going to stick you in the back by the toilets. I dont care. Advertisement Advertisement A five-seat majority is a five-seat majority. The reality is, if we have the gavel, we can do things that we wouldnt otherwise be able to do. Politico is not wrong about the obstacles to a truly historic wave happening here. I will note that if you go back to the past few cycles, these predictive analyses about what size margin the parties need to do X, Y, and Z have been very wrong. For example, there was a Brennan Center analysis in 2018 that said something like, Democrats could win the national popular vote by 7 or 8 points and still not retake the House. And that turned out not to be true. Advertisement Advertisement One thing Republicans are really worried about right now actually does relate to the results in the Virginia House of Delegates. The way that Democrats were able to flip 13 seats in that chamber was by flipping a bunch of Trumpy districts. If Democrats could win double-digit Trump districtsin places where the president won by 10 points or moreand be competitive in those districts, then none of these gerrymanders are safe. I mentioned that there were two articles. The other, in New York magazine, basically makes your case: The Democrats dont need to do much to retake the House. They need to win a handful of seats. What I took away was that even if the party does well this cycle, it may still feel tight in Congress, and so the question becomes: How comfortable with acting aggressively in a tight environment are Democrats? Because, historically, they have not been comfortable in that situation, acting aggressively, right? Advertisement Advertisement I think that this is a bigger problem in 2029 than in 2027. Say we have a new Democratic president with, like, a 10-seat majority in the House and a one-seat minority in the Senate. Thats when I would be worried about this narrative of Wow, we didnt do as well as we had hoped or This isnt really that big of a repudiation of Trump, and maybe we better move to the center. For taking one or both chambers of Congress as the opposition party, Im not sure that those dynamics are as important for the next couple of years. Can we look at the math here? If this blue wave is going to happen, Democrats need to flip three seats to claim a majority in the House, and four seats to win control of the Senate. That doesnt seem like a lot when I say it out loud, but it can be, and I know that in the Senate its harder than in the House. Can you explain that a little bit? Advertisement Advertisement The Senate is tricky because it is elected in three classes. Every two years, a third of the Senate is up for reelection. Advertisement Advertisement And sometimes there are more Republican seats, and sometimes there are more Democratic seats, right? Yes. So its an artifact of the map and the partisanship of the states at any given time, how good or bad your Senate map is for you. In 2018, when Republicans gained seats in the U.S. Senate, even in a Democratic-wave year, that was a famously horrific map for Democrats. Is the map horrific this year? Its not as horrific as 2018, but its not great. Theres Maine, where Susan Collins is like a zombie who keeps surviving election after election after election in a pretty blue-leaning state. In 2020 she beat her polls by, like, 9 points to hold that seat. I mean, it was unbelievable. Advertisement But its where Democrats are focusing. It seems as if theres some navigability here. Where else are they focusing? Thom Tillis is retiring in North Carolina. Does that seem like a place Democrats are eyeing? Yeahevery cycle were within 2 points of winning North Carolina, and every cycle we lose it by 2 points. But North Carolina was very close in 2024. And Democrats are playing defense in a bunch of Trump-voting states. Michigan and Georgia are probably the most important ones. Those are going to be tough races. And in Minnesota, Democratic Sen. Tina Smith is retiring. If we lose any of those seats, were not taking the U.S. Senate. The optimistic case is that we hold those seats. Advertisement And then we get some kind of fantasy wish-cast Barbie Dream House candidates. Yes, and this is the same position we were in in 2024, when we had to hold all the tough races, then we had to get a win in a couple of places where we havent won in a long time. And there was a brief moment in the summer of 2024 when it looked as if that might be possible. And then things ended up turning out very badly, including Bob Casey losing his seat in Pennsylvania. It complicates the math for Democrats in the Senate for the next six years, right? That was one of the worst outcomes of the night, in my mind, aside from, of course, that we elected a fascist whos destroying the country. Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate Gen Z Is More Progressive Than Millennials, Except in One Crucial Way Read More Is there anything Im leaving out here that we need to consider? I do think that all the pieces of the optimism case tied togetherlike the big shift among Latino voterswill come into play in a really serious way. And young people. They did not drift right in the same way that the popular imagination says they did. But to the extent that they did, they flipped way back to 2018 levels of support for Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Gen Z men have never been as far right as people say they are. Theyre still far more liberal than their elder counterparts. Its just that whats happening is that the young men who are on the right are, like, psychotic. The young men who vote Republican tend to be part of this shitposting internet culturebut the numbers arent there for them. Gen Z is still a far more liberal generation than Gen Xers or boomers. But the people who are on the right are significantly more to the right than we would maybe like them to be. Advertisement This conversation feels less like Get ready for a blue wave and more Get ready to feel the pain in some way. Whether youre a Democrat, Republican, whatever, pain is coming. Our whole politics is painful right now. I sometimes feel embarrassed to walk into my political science classrooms. The students that Im talking to, this is their whole conscious adult life. College freshmen right now were 8 years old when Trump walked down the escalator. And so their whole conscious experience of politics as a sentient, quasi-adult human is this nightmare politics that never ends. People dont necessarily want to study politics under those conditions, and I cant blame them. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chorus Intelligence, a leading provider of global digital intelligence and investigation software solutions, announced the appointment of Marque Teegardin as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). Teegardin joins the company at a pivotal moment in its growth and evolution, as Chorus Intelligence continues to expand its footprint across the public safety sector. With decades of executive leadership experience as a Chief Revenue Officer, President, Advisor, and Board Member, Teegardin brings a proven track record of building high-performing teams and executing go-to-market strategies that drive sustained, scalable growth. In his new role, he will own the entire revenue function for Chorus Intelligence leading revenue strategy across the organization. "Marque's leadership, strategic vision, and deep understanding of the public safety technology landscape make him an exceptional addition to the Chorus team," said Neil Chivers, CEO at Chorus Intelligence. "He joins us at a critical inflection point, and his experience scaling organizations will be instrumental as we continue to deliver meaningful impact for agencies globally." Prior to joining Chorus Intelligence, Teegardin served as President of the Americas region at Cellebrite, where he led a five-year growth strategy that more than doubled annual recurring revenue. His leadership played a key role in positioning the company for a successful initial public offering in 2021. Earlier in his career, Teegardin held senior leadership roles at PTC and NICE Systems and spent over a decade working with high-growth startups, including StoredIQ and Sapho. His experience spans enterprise software, SaaS, and mission-critical solutions supporting complex operational environments. "I'm thrilled to join Chorus Intelligence at this pivotal moment in its journey," said Teegardin. "The company's mission, innovative technology, and unwavering support for public safety professionals resonate deeply with me. I'm ready to collaborate with the team to accelerate growth and deliver even greater value to our outstanding customers." About Chorus Intelligence Chorus Intelligence is a trusted supplier of data cleansing, analysis, search and entity enrichment software for law enforcement, government agencies, financial and corporate institutions across the globe. Made up of one platform and a single user interface, the Chorus Intelligence Suite (CIS) can be used by all, no matter your role, to get answers from your data. Chorus is used by many North American agencies at the Federal, State, and local levels. chorusintel.com SOURCE Chorus Intelligence - North America Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. In April 2010, a state-of-the-art offshore oil rig operated by BP exploded in the Gulf of Mexico. The blast killed 11 and ignited a fireball so large it could be seen from 40 miles away. For nearly three months, Americans watched as BP (formerly British Petroleum) tried desperately to cap the Macondo well 5,000 feet below the surface. More than 134 million gallons of oil blackened the Gulf from Florida to Texas. The Deepwater Horizon spill remains one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history. More than 15 years later, coastal communities in the Gulf are still recovering from the devastation of their economies and ecosystems. But the passage of time naturally dulls the horror for people farther away. BP and the Trump administration appear to be counting on that. As the world fixates on Venezuelas oil reserves, industry and regulators are quietly paving the way for reckless projects much closer to U.S. shores. Indeed, the company responsible for Deepwater Horizon is trying to open its next chapter in the Gulf: a massive new hub for offshore drilling that could give it access to 10 billion barrels of crude oil. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is currently reviewing BPs proposal for Kaskida, among the first of several planned ultra-deep-water oil projects. Although BOEM sent back BPs initial proposal in August, the company has since resubmitted what the agency has characterized as minor modifications. BOEM now has until March to issue its decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal itself is riddled with red flags, demonstrating that BP has not learned from the worst oil spill in U.S. history. It utterly fails to prove that the project could operate safely under the high temperatures and pressures of ultra-deep-water drilling. Instead, it seems the London-based company is hoping that Donald Trumps obsession with fossil fuels will push it over the finish line. Advertisement I helped document the lessons of the Deepwater Horizon disaster as the lead investigator for the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill commission. President Barack Obama convened our bipartisan group of science, policy, and industry experts a month after the Macondo blowout beganand a good two months before the industry was able to cap it. As millions of gallons of oil were pumping daily into waters owned by the American public, the president gave us a simple but important job: Figure out what happened so that the oil industry, the federal government, and Gulf communities could ensure it would never happen again. We wrote an entire book to document our technical findings, but its easy to sum up our broader observations: In the decades leading up to the disaster, oil companies had been undertaking riskier and riskier projects even as government safety standards grew increasingly outdated. Industry executives were trusting themselves to the point of willful ignorance. Ambition and shareholder pressure created a culture of complacency in which oil and gas executives convinced themselves that they could do no wrong, despite incidents that should have warned them otherwise. Advertisement Advertisement Executives at BP and every other oil company all told me they never thought that something like the Deepwater blowout could happen. With billions of dollars at stake, they just couldnt overcome the temptation to drink their own Kool-Aid. Protecting people, private property, and our public lands from this kind of industry complacency is supposed to be the job of expert, nonpartisan regulators. But in the years leading up to Deepwater Horizon, fossil-friendly politicians of both parties had steadily starved regulatory agencies of resources, authority, and independence. Advertisement Scientists and engineers who were supposed to supervise the industry got captured by it instead. They knew that risks were increasing as the wells were getting deeper and more dangerous, but they trusted the oil companies assurances. Our report found that by the time of the Deepwater Horizon calamity, federal regulators had been routinely rubber-stamping new ventures into deep water. Advertisement The underwater volcano of oil from the Macondo well blew apart BPs complacencyfor a time. The company was forced to reckon with the reality that no one knew how to stop a blowout from a well as big and as deep as Macondo. BPs drilling proposal for the well should have provided a viable plan for a worst-case scenario, but it didnt. And overwhelmed and underresourced regulators didnt respond to that gigantic red flag. Advertisement Advertisement We had a major opportunity to learn from Deepwater Horizon. But other industry players distanced themselves from BP rather than internalize the lessons. When I talked to them, they appeared to be in denial. While I wasnt entirely shocked when BP executives told me that they never thought a blowout like Macondo could happen on one of their projects, I was stunned when other industry execs insisted that it would not have happened on any of their projects. Advertisement None of them recognized that their companys hubris was just one instance of an industrywide culture of complacency. The public should expect our government to address this complacency through expert oversight. But 15 years on, and despite the dedicated advocacy of the bipartisan Deepwater Horizon commission and others, Congress has done nothing to address the budgetary and structural problems that plague the agencies tasked with providing it. Congress hasnt touched the liability limits that enable the industry to gamble with public health. The Department of the Interior did issue modest improvements to drilling regulations in 2016, but it rolled them back during the first Trump administration in what the American Petroleum Institute hailed as a modernization effort. Advertisement The second Trump administration has been even friendlier to industry. Executive orders have reversed a number of Biden-era offshore restrictions to fast-track permitting and weaken technical requirements (e.g., adjusting various technical constraints to allow drilling under higher pressures and enable more output). The Elon Muskled DOGE project also shuttered regional offices and fired regulators. Advertisement Advertisement The administrations quest to accelerate drilling with inadequate regulations and fewer regulators is a recipe for disaster that leaves the industry largely to its own devices. And judging by its half-baked proposals, BP has either forgotten the lessons of what it termed a catastrophe or decided that catastrophe is an acceptable risk. After all, the companys shareholders can still count on the American taxpayer and the communities of the Gulf to bear most of the costs of a spill, just as they did last time. The proposed Kaskida project is even riskier than Macondo was. It is over 1,000 feet deeper, and drilling overall is becoming more challenging as ever-stronger storms rip across a heating Gulf with ever-increasing regularity. Yet BPs proposal reveals that the company is not meaningfully better prepared to cap a deep-water well than it was 15 years ago. It took 87 days to cap Deepwater Horizon; according to the BP proposal, it would take 90 to 100 days to stop a spill from Kaskida. Advertisement Members of Congress have found even that dismal figure optimistic, concluding that the company underestimates the magnitude of a worst-case scenario at Kaskida by using a questionable methodology. In a scathing letter to BOEM in August, lawmakers urged Acting Director Matthew Giacona to reject the project. They correctly noted that BPs proposal fails to meet basic regulatory standards, including neglecting to show that the company possesses the necessary equipment to contain a high-pressure spill. Under the law, the fact that BP hasnt met current regulatory standards should be sufficient to deny the application. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet it seems that federal agencies have gone from merely failing to regulate the oil industry to actively advocating for it. The first Trump administration saw oil companies as its partners. The second Trump administration treats them as its customers. Fossil-fuel giants have, of course, exploited the White Houses customer service stance to demand accelerated approval of new oil and gas pipelines and export terminals. Theyre scrambling to secure long-term leases to some of the more than 1 billion acres of our public waters that the administration is offering up for drilling. They aim to lock in lengthy property rights and economic advantages that will insulate them from the reality of the inevitable clean-energy transition. That includes a new era of ultra-deep and high-risk drilling in the Gulf. Advertisement Related From Slate Sonia Sotomayor Just Vindicated the Rights of the Incarcerated to Seek Appeals Read More Kaskida is very much part of this pattern. And its just the beginning: BP has already submitted an additional production proposal for another ultra-deep-water project called Tiber, and companies like Chevron and Beacon Offshore Energy have proposed a slew of multibillion-dollar ultra-deep-water projects in the Gulf. Even as the administration is bending over backward to green-light risky offshore oil projects, it is doing all it can to stop renewable-energy projects that create jobs and deliver gigawatts with far less pollution and climate impact. If BP were proposing to build wind towers instead of drill wells at Kaskida, it wouldnt have a chance. Advertisement The Trump administration and BP are trying to carry on as if nothing has changed since Deepwater Horizon. In some ways, theyre right. The regulations still are not strong enough, the companies arent any wiser, and theres even more oil money in politics. Advertisement But some things have changed. Renewable energy has become cheaper and increasingly more reliable than fossil energy, and it is getting more so every day. At the same time, the risks of fossil-fuel extraction are a lot less hypothetical. Every American adult can summon up searing images from the Deepwater Horizon spill. We know that the oil industry has not operated in good faith, that our regulators arent protecting us, and that the American public, particularly Gulf communities, will bear the costs of the next disaster. If we witness another Deepwater Horizon, no one will be in a position to plead ignorance. Massive Desire kicked off his four-year-old season with a victory, taking the $30,556 conditioned claiming feature at Miami Valley Raceway on Tuesday, Jan. 13 in 1:54.4. Starting from post three, driver Brett Miller eased him off the gate to settle into fourth along the rail. The favourite, Hilltop Sonar (Chris Page), led the field through a :27.3 opening quarter and continued to command a strung-out group through a :55.3 half. As the field moved to the backstretch, Massive Desire launched a first-over bid from six lengths back. He quickly cleared Ketel One Up (Trevor Smith) and briefly tucked back to the rail while closing in on pocket-sitter Whiskey Peddler (Austin Hanners). As Hilltop Sonar passed the three-quarter pole in 1:24.1, Miller moved Massive Desire back to the outside. Finding another gear, Massive Desire drew alongside Whiskey Peddler as they both pursued a tiring Hilltop Sonar turning for home. Massive Desire continued to grind through the stretch, eventually wearing down the leader to secure a 1-1/4-length victory. Hilltop Sonar held on for second, while a hard-charging Sure Did (Jeremy Smith) finished third. Massive Desire, a son of Muscle Massive-Swan Lady, rebounded from a break in his final start of 2025 to secure his fourth win in his last eight starts. The Stacey Van Huizen trainee, owned by FAC Racing LLC, Joe Di Scala Jr., and Yannick Gingras, is now nine-for-43 lifetime. He paid $11.60 to win. Driver Chris Page secured three victories on the 14-race card, while David Miller, Jeremy Smith, and Marvin Luna each had a double. The victories gave Page a one-win advantage in the early drivers' standings, 12-11 over David Miller. Anette Lorentzon recorded a training double. Miami Valley returns to action on Wednesday at 4 p.m. (With files from Miami Valley) Data-Driven Report Identifies Four Key Themes Shaping U.S. Frozen Food Market in the New Year CHICAGO, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Protein-packed meals, restaurant-inspired favorites, family-style solutions, and all-day breakfast are among the key forces driving growth in the U.S. frozen food aisle, according to Conagra Brands' third annual Future of Frozen Food 2026 report. This data-driven report reveals how consumer behaviors, generational preferences, and innovations are reshaping the $93.5 billion U.S. frozen food market1. Conagra's Demand Science team developed this year's report using insights from Circana, NielsenIQ's Label Insight technology, social media trends from Tastewise, and search data from Similarweb. Together, these sources highlight four transformative trends shaping the future of the frozen food department, along with broader insights into how and when consumers are eating frozen foods. "Frozen food is no longer just about convenience, it's about meeting consumers wherever and however they're eating," said Bob Nolan, senior vice president of demand science at Conagra Brands. "As households grow more complex and budgets stay top of mind, frozen food delivers on quality, nutrition and affordability in a big way." 2026 Emerging Trends: While Conagra Brands is a leader in the U.S. frozen food marketplace, the data and trends identified reflect the broader U.S. frozen food industry: The Power of Protein: Protein remains the most influential nutrition attribute across the store, and frozen food leads the way2. High-protein frozen foods generate $12 billion annually and are growing at double-digit volume rates3. From chicken and turkey-based meals to plant-based proteins like edamame and protein-forward desserts, frozen delivers across meals, snacks and indulgent occasions. With frozen meals averaging high levels of protein per serving in the store, consumers increasingly rely on the freezer to meet daily protein needs with ease4. Restaurant Cravings, Frozen Convenience: As the cost of dining out continues to climb, consumers are recreating restaurant experiences at home. "Takeout-style" frozen foods now total $14.3 billion in annual sales, driven by iconic chicken formats, global flavors and shareable snacks5. Younger generations and families are leading this shift, turning to frozen for restaurant-quality taste, convenience and value, especially during social moments like game days and gatherings6. Serving Up Connection: Together at the Table: With more meals being shared at home, frozen food is fueling a return to family-style dining. Multi-serve meals, pizzas, and frozen sides represent roughly $12 billion in sales and continue to grow as multigenerational households and families seek affordable ways to feed everyone7. Value-size frozen products now account for more than 40% of frozen aisle sales, helping consumers stretch budgets while supporting shared meals and crowd-pleasing occasions8. Rise and Dine: The Breakfast Evolution: Breakfast is no longer confined to the morning, and frozen is driving its expansion. Frozen breakfast occasions are growing faster than the total category, as consumers enjoy breakfast items throughout the day as meals or snacks9. High-protein, ready-to-heat formats like handhelds, bowls and breakfast sausage are gaining momentum, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials, who prioritize convenience, nutrition and flexibility at any hour10. The full report can be viewed here: Conagra Brands' Future of Frozen Food 2026 Report About Conagra Brands Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), is one of North America's leading branded food companies. We combine a 100-year history of making quality food with agility and a relentless focus on collaboration and innovation. The company's portfolio is continuously evolving to satisfy consumers' ever-changing food preferences. Conagra's brands include Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, Slim Jim, Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, and many more. As a corporate citizen, we aim to do what's right for our business, our employees, our communities and the world. Headquartered in Chicago, Conagra Brands generated fiscal 2025 net sales of nearly $12 billion. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com. About the Future of Frozen Food 2026 Report: Conagra Brands, a leading maker of frozen foods including brands such as Birds Eye, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's, Banquet, P.F. Chang's Home Menu, Gardein and more, proudly shares the third edition of the Future of Frozen Food report. This report is not based on traditional consumer surveys, and instead leverages Conagra's cutting edge demand science and insights expertise. In addition, we partnered with Circana, LLC to provide robust sales data and in-home consumption behaviors from its National Eating Trends report. NielsenIQ's Label Insight technology was used to classify and code on-pack claims at the UPC level, enabling accurate sizing of attribute-driven sales across the aisle. The latest social media trends are also layered in from Tastewise, as are Google Search Trends from Similarweb. This report provides a comprehensive, data-driven look at the future of the $93.5 billion U.S. frozen food industry, as defined by Circana, LLC. Media Inquiries: [email protected] Sources: 1: Circana, LLC, Total US - MULO+ with Conv, Total Frozen Department, Dollar Sales, 52WE September 21, 2025 2: Circana, National Eating Trends, Sourced from Home/Retail, % of Respondents Trying to Get More, YE August 2025, not including "Vegetables" or "Hydration" as nutrients 3: Circana, LLC, Total US - MULO+ with Conv, Total Frozen Department, 52WE October 19, 2025 NIQ Product Explorer, Powered by Label Insight Contains High Protein attribute 4: Circana, LLC, Total US - MULO+ with Conv, Total Frozen department and Shelf Stable & Refrigerated categories. Dollar Sales Weighted Average Grams of Protein per Serving, 52WE September 21, 2025 5: Circana, LLC, Total US - MULO+ with Conv, Frozen Department, Dollar Sales, 52WE October 19, 2025 6: Circana, LLC, Scan Panel, Total US - All Outlets, HH Generations and HH Life Stage, % Change Dollar Sales vs Dollar Sales Year Ago, 52WE October 5, 2025 7: Circana, LLC, Total US - MULO+ with Conv, Frozen Subcategories as defined as "Shareable Mains" (including Fz Pizza, Multi Serve Fz Dinners/Entrees, Fz Side Dishes, Fz Pot Pies), Dollar Sales, CAGR % Change Dollar Sales vs Dollar Sales 3 Years Ago, Share of Dollars within Total Frozen Department, 52WE September 21, 2025 8: Circana, LLC, Total US - MULO+ with Conv, Total Frozen Multi Pack / Multi Serve, Frozen Large Format Dollar Sales, Share of Total Frozen Dollar Sales, 52WE September 21, 2025 9: Circana, National Eating Trends, Sourced from Home/Retail, Frozen Food Summary x Occasions, YE August 2025 10: Circana, National Eating Trends, Sourced from Home/Retail, Trended Frozen Breakfast Food Occasions, YE September 2025 SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc. Tymal Riggs went from sixth to first in the last eighth of a mile to land an 11-1 upset in the $11,000 Preferred Handicap Trot over a track rated "good" at The Raceway at Western Fair District on Tuesday, Jan. 13. The Mark Etsell trainee slid back to sixth from his outside post seven for Travis Henry, while one slot to his inside, Insanity (Samuel Fillion) shot to the lead. Insanity had his way through early fractions of :28.1 and :58.1, with Cotton Candy Cutie (Brady Galliers) joining him first-over to three-quarters in 1:27.3. Tymal Riggs, third-over in sixth on the final turn, swept four-wide at the top of the stretch and closed alongside the second-over Amigo Mio (Austin Sorrie). Both surged past a tiring Insanity, and Tymal Riggs out-kicked Amigo Mio by a length to score in 1:58.4. Insanity finished third. Coming off a pair of sixth-place finishes at Woodbine Mohawk Park, Tymal Riggs won at the Preferred level for the first time since September 2024. The nine-year-old Kadabra-All Filled Up stallion, owned by Etsell of Rockwood, Ont., now has 30 wins in 150 career starts and has earned $331,380. He returned $25.90 at the windows. Lightly raced four-year-old Jakes Panther extended his win streak to five to kick off his 2026 campaign, winning a $7,000 conditioned event. Fifth entering the first turn, Fillion pushed the son of Panther Hanover-Bluejean Jaba to the lead at the quarter, and the stallion went all the way from there to score in 1:59.3 for trainer Larry Jewitt and owner/breeder Dennis Jewitt of Wingham, Ont. Jakes Panther is now six-for-seven and has earned $21,212. He paid $2.20 to win. To view Tuesdays harness racing results, click the following link: Tuesday Results - Western Fair Raceway. (Standardbred Canada; photo of Tymal Riggs winning on June 17, 2024) David Heffering, Manager of the Cattlewash Syndicate, announced on Tuesday, Jan. 13 that the syndicate is donating three breedings to Cattlewash to three worthy non-profits. The donations were made to the Harness Horse Youth Foundation (HHYF), New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program and the Standardbred Breeders of Ontario (SBOA). From just two crops to race, Cattlewash has sired the superstar colt and major Horse of the Year contender, Beau Jangles. His first crop dominated the New Jersey Sire Stakes and after moving to Ontario, his second crop simply overwhelmed the Sires Stakes competition there, earning more purse monies than the two-year-old foals of all other Ontario pacing stallions combined. Cattlewashs 2026 book was opened in November and within days was pronounced as full and closed. He stands at Tara Hills Stud in Port Perry, Ont., for an advertised fee of $10,000 USD. Those breeders who were shut out now have an opportunity to secure a breeding from one of the three donated bookings. HHYF's mission is to provide young people and their families information and experiences with harness horses in order to foster the next generation of fans and participants. Their initiatives include hands-on summer programs as well as educational literature/video development and distribution. In addition, HHYF offers racing-related scholarships. Since 1976 (thus celebrating its golden anniversary this year), HHYF has been building the future of harness racing -- connecting talent to opportunity and passion to purpose. The breeding donated to HHYF will be sold compliments of Preferred Equine Online at its auction website on Jan. 26, 2026. Further information is available at preferredequineonline.com. New Vocations has grown from a single horse farm in Ohio to become the oldest and largest racehorse adoption program in the United States. New Vocations is dedicated to rehabilitating, retraining and rehoming racehorses. The program has served more than 9,000 Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses since 1992 and currently helps find new careers and homes for 600+ horses each year. The programs mission is to serve the racing industry by providing retired racehorses a quality life and career after racing. Each year, through the generosity of onGait.com, New Vocations offers an auction for donated stallion breedings. The donated breeding for Cattlewash will be sold online on Tuesday Feb. 3, 2026. The listing will be posted soon at ongait.com. The SBOA is an organization dedicated to supporting the growth of a sustainable breeding industry for Standardbred horses in Ontario. Its mission includes advocating for breeders interests, providing resources for communication and education, and representing the breeders position on major issues facing the industry. The SBOA provides a leadership role as an advocate of breeders priorities and interests with the government, regulators and other industry participants. Annually, the SBOA sponsors an auction for donated stud services by Ontario stallions. Once again, Preferred Equine Online graciously accommodates the sale of these breedings on its online website. In 2026, the auction will be held on Feb. 9 at preferredequineonline.com. (With files from Cattlewash Syndicate) Eileen Connors, wife of U.S. Communicators Hall of Famer Jerry Connors and office manager for U.S. Hall of Famer Max C. Hempt at Hempt Farms, passed away on Jan. 13, 2026 of the inevitable ongoing complications of dementia. She was 74. Eileen first saw harness racing when her mother Mary Jane took her and her brother David to their hometown York (PA) County Fair (both predeceased her, as did her father, World War II veteran Richard Gay). After graduating from York Suburban High School (where she played the flute in the school band), Eileen primarily worked in retail in the York-Harrisburg area, then took a job at Harrisburg's Telegraph Press, printer of the Harness Horse magazine and other industry publications, where she worked for U.S. Hall of Famers Bowman Brown and Les Ford. She was then recommended to Hempt at Hempt Farms, "the home of the Keystones," where her knowledge of the farm's horses and the industry, combined with her inherent intelligence, helpfulness and friendliness, contributed to keeping the farm running efficiently under the direction of Hempt. Her final job combined many of these same qualities: in administration, especially as switchboard operator, for the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, part of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and located across the street from her husband when he worked for the State Harness Racing Commission. Eileen specialized in finding correct information and delivering it quickly and clearly to a customer or a co-worker. Eileen was an unofficial member of the Chamber Of Commerce of Las Vegas, her favourite city; she was well-travelled. She enjoyed antiques, flea markets (a trait which she inherited from her parents), and police procedurals, whether in print or video form. Eileen also enjoyed all things Disney, and marvelled at the great season posted by champion Miki And Minnie. Eileen has no blood survivors. Missing her will be her husband, his family and the many friends who enjoyed her laughter and perspective. Her sister-in-law Theresa Connors, a teacher of anatomy at Philadelphia's Drexel University, persuaded Eileen to donate her body to science, so she will be giving to the world even after her passing, helping to instruct the doctors of tomorrow. There will be no memorial service. Those who might want to honour her memory could donate to Capitol Rehabilitation, 4100 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg PA 17112, the nursing home where Eileen spent her two+ years and where she spread much joy into her fellow residents lives. At her instruction, please include a note for Capitol to use any gift to staff more workers on weekends, especially people to talk to residents along with their medical treatment. The photo on the last cover of the Harness Horse magazine, of racing at Holly Hurst Training Center (PA), was taken by Eileen Connors. The cover had one word: "Adios." Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Eileen Connors. Standardbred Canada would like to inform its members that the main office in Mississauga, Ont. will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 15 due to inclement weather conditions. A weather system is expected to bring significant snowfall overnight in the Mississauga area, with 15 to 25 centimetres of accumulation in the forecast. For SC members needing to contact SC staff, the best method of communication would be email. Please use the staff directory or general feedback form to contact us. Our Member Services team can also be reached by phone 905-858-3060 ext. 3. Members can also use eShop (available in the menu bar at the top of the page) for online transactions. Notices for the SC website can be sent to the news team through the Send Us Your News form submission page. Standardbred Canada would like to apologize for any inconvenience that the closure has caused. (Standardbred Canada Press Release) This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain In March 1976, Apple cofounders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak both signed a $500 check weeks before the official creation of a California company that would transform personal computing and become a global powerhouse. Now that historic Wells Fargo check could be sold for $500,000 at an auction that ends on Jan. 29. The sale, run by RR Auction, includes some of Apple's early items and childhood belongings of Jobs, Apple's cofounder and chief executive, who died in 2011 at 56, after battling pancreatic cancer. Since its founding, the Cupertino tech giant has attracted millions of fans who buy its laptops, smartphones, headphones and smart watches. The auction gives the adoring public a chance to own part of the company's history ahead of Apple's 50th anniversary in April. "Without a doubt, check number one is the most important piece of paper in Apple's history," said Corey Cohen, a computer historian and Apple-1 expert, in a video about the item. At the time, Apple's cofounders, he added, were "putting everything on the line." Cohen said he's known of a governor, entrepreneurs, award-winning filmmakers and musicians who own rare Apple collectibles. Jobs is a "cult of personality," and people collect items tied to the tech mogul. "This is a very important collection that's being sold because there are a lot of personal items, a lot of things that weren't generally available to the public before, because these things are coming right out of Jobs' home," he said in an interview. RR Auction said it couldn't share the names of the consignors on the check and some of the other auction items. As of Jan. 12, bids on the check surpassed $200,000. Jobs typically didn't sign autographs, so owning a document bearing his signature is rare. Other items up for auction include Apple's March 1976 Wells Fargo account statementthe company's first financial documentand an Apple-1 computer prototype board used to validate Apple's first computer. The auction features a variety of memorabilia, including vintage Apple posters, Apple rainbow glasses, letters, magazines, older Apple computers, and other historic items. Apple didn't respond to a request for comment. Some of Jobs' personal items came from his stepbrother, John Chovanec, who had preserved them for decades. The items provide "a rare view" into Jobs' "private world and formative years outside Apple's corporate narrative," a news release about the auction said. Jobs' bedroom desk from his family's Los Altos home, which housed a garage where Apple-1 computers were put together, is also up for sale. Papers from Jobs' years before Apple are inside the desk and the highest bid on that item has surpassed $44,000. Bids on an Apple business card on which Jobs writes "Hi, I'm back" in black ink to his father reached more than $22,200. The card features Apple's colorful logo alongside Jobs' title as chairman, a role he returned to in 2011, according to the auction site. Other items include 8-track tapes that featured music from artists such as Bob Dylan. Bids on a 1977 vintage poster featuring a red Apple that hung in the Jobs family's living room top $16,600, the auction site shows. While Jobs is known for donning a black turtleneck, he also wore bow ties during high school and at Apple's early events. Some of Jobs' bow ties have sold for thousands of dollars at other auctions. Last year, a pink-and-green striped bow tie he wore when introducing the Macintosh computer in 1984 sold for more than $35,000 at a Julien's Auctions event that highlighted technology and history. The items on RR Auction feature colorful clip-on bow ties from Jobs' bedroom closet. "This brief fashion phase contrasted sharply with the minimalist black turtleneck and jeans that would later define his public image," a description of the item states. "The shift reflected Jobs' evolution from an ambitious young innovator to a visionary with a distinct and enduring personal brand." 2026 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Providing a generative model can expose providerse.g., developers, researchers, and company representativesto legal risk; targeted actions can mitigate it. Credit: arXiv (2026). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2601.03788 A short, seemingly harmless command is all it takes to use Elon Musk's chatbot Grok to turn public photos into revealing imageswithout the consent of the people depicted. For weeks, users have been flooding the platform X with such deepfakes, some of which show minors. Who is liable when AI is misused to create child sexual abuse material (CSAM)? A research team from the University of Passau, led by computer scientist Professor Steffen Herbold, holder of the Chair of AI Engineering, has investigated this question. "We wanted to know what measures developers and operators need to take to minimize the risk of prosecution and act responsibly," explains Professor Herbold. The key finding: the main perpetrators are the users themselves when they use AI to create such images. However, those responsible for the AI can also be held accountablefor example, if they intentionally aid and abet. "Anyone who makes AI publicly available must be aware that it can also be misused," says lead author Anamaria Mojica Hanke, research assistant at the Chair of AI Engineering. "If the operator knowingly allows users to create CSAM, for example, and no appropriate countermeasures are taken, this may be relevant under criminal law." When are developers liable?Intent is crucial According to the study, intent is the key factor. Both users and those responsible for AI must act with knowledge and intent with regard to illegal content and its distribution. The circumstances of each individual case are decisive here. It becomes particularly risky when AI can generate realistic nude images. "If an AI model explicitly allows the creation of revealing content, this can be considered evidence of aiding and abetting," says Professor Brian Valerius, holder of the Chair of Artificial Intelligence in Criminal Law. An extreme case would be specialized models from the darknet that are specifically trained to create depictions of abuse. "But even if a provider prohibits use for illegal purposes in its general terms and conditions, this civil law provision does not exempt them from criminal liability," adds legal scholar Svenja Wolfel, a research assistant at Professor Valerius's chair. "On the contrary, the prohibition may even show that the developer was aware of the risk and thus indicate the necessary intent." Even foreign hosting does not protect In the study, the researchers also examined how the publication context of AI influences legal responsibility. Whether the AI runs on German servers or not is not decisive. German authorities could still investigate if a German citizen uses the AI or if a German developer was involved. Even purely foreign cases fall under German law if international crimes such as child pornography are involved. What does this mean in terms of the initial example? For Professor Herbold, it is at least questionable whether a line has been crossed in the current Grok case: "The protective mechanisms must be effective and state of the art. Given how easy it is to circumvent these mechanisms in Grok at present, it is questionable whether allowing only paying users to access the model is a sufficient response." Lead author Mojica Hanke sums up the study as follows: "There is no guarantee of immunity from prosecution. Anyone who develops AI must implement clear protective mechanismsboth technical and legal." In addition to the Passau researchers, Thomas Goger, Chief Public Prosecutor at the Bavarian Cybercrime Unit, was also involved in the study. The paper, entitled "Criminal Liability of Generative Artificial Intelligence Providers for User-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material," was recently published as a preprint on arXivi.e., in a preliminary version so that the scientific community can discuss it. The team is particularly pleased that the study has already undergone a peer review process and has been accepted for the International Conference on AI Engineering, which will take place in Rio de Janeiro in April 2026. More information: Anamaria Mojica-Hanke et al, Criminal Liability of Generative Artificial Intelligence Providers for User-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material, arXiv (2026). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2601.03788 Journal information: arXiv Hi-Res Image Here MIAMI, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Delia Osegueda has joined AIC Hotel Group as its new Vice President of Global Partnerships. The AIC portfolio spans a number of leading owned and managed hotel brands, including Nobu Hotels, Hard Rock Hotels, AVA Resort and Spa, and the UNICO Collection, among others. Delia Osegueda, VP of Global Partnership for AIC Hotel Group A seasoned executive with more than a decade of leadership in hospitality, Osegueda will spearhead the company's efforts to drive international growth and amplify the brand's presence with partners in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia. In this role, she will oversee the development and execution of comprehensive strategies with tour operators across multiple regions and source markets. Her responsibilities will include nurturing existing relationships to foster growth as well as identifying potential partners, negotiating agreements, and leading cross-functional teams to increase revenue as the business enters new markets, such as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic with the launches of UNICO and DOMA, and other renowned brands. Prior to joining AIC, Osegueda was in a senior leadership role at a major hotel company with all-inclusive properties in the Caribbean and Mexico. While there, her vision and strategic acumen were instrumental in navigating complex business environments as well as generating results that delivered significant value to the company. In 2024, she was recognized for her sales leadership, receiving two distinguished awards - the Marriott International Elite CALA Above Property Sales Leader of the Year and the Elite Global Above Property Sales Leader. "Delia has a proven track record cultivating high-impact strategic partnerships," said Kevin Hernandez, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and E-Commerce. "She has worked with a diverse range of clients and partners, and her expertise with global markets will be instrumental in supporting the company's continued growth. Having worked with her in the past, I am excited to have her join the team." Osegueda will report to Kevin Hernandez. Reporting to Osegueda will be Roberto Medero, Sales Director for Europe and Asia, as well as Haley Zidik, Account Manager for U.S. and Canada. About AIC Hotel Group AIC Hotel Group is exclusively contracted by RCD Hotels to lead the sales, marketing and communications efforts for luxury hotel properties in the U.S., as well as throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. Their portfolio includes iconic properties such as Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana (the world's first all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel), Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, the UNICO Hotel Collection a groundbreaking luxury all-inclusive concept which debuted in 2024 and includes the award winning UNICO 2087 Hotel Riviera Maya and recently opened UNICO 20105 Riviera Nayarit. AIC Hotel Group also proudly welcomed the opening of Ava Resort Cancun, a premier luxury destination in 2024. For additional information, visit http://www.aichotelgroup.com. SOURCE AIC Hotel Group 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: Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang has advocated for selling some advanced chips in China, arguing global AI systems should be built on US technology. The US Commerce Department on Tuesday opened the door for Nvidia to sell advanced artificial intelligence chips in China with restrictions, following through on a policy shift announced last month by President Donald Trump. The change would permit Nvidia to sell its powerful H200 chip to Chinese buyers if certain conditions are metincluding proof of "sufficient" US supplywhile sales of its most advanced processors would still be blocked. However, uncertainty has grown over how much demand there will be from Chinese companies, as Beijing has reportedly been encouraging tech companies to use homegrown chips. Chinese officials have informed some firms they would only approve buying H200 chips under special circumstances, such as development labs or university research, news website The Information reported Tuesday, citing people with knowledge of the situation. The Information had previously reported that Chinese officials were calling on companies there to pause H200 purchases while they deliberated requiring them to buy a certain ratio of AI chips made by Nvidia rivals in China. In its official update on Tuesday, the US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security said it had changed the licensing review policy for H200 and similar chips from a presumption of denial to handling applications case-by-case. Trump announced in December an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping to allow Nvidia to export its H200 chips to China, with the US government getting a 25% cut of sales. The move marked a significant shift in US export policy for advanced AI chips, which Joe Biden's administration had heavily restricted over national security concerns about Chinese military applications. Democrats in Congress have criticized the move as a huge mistake that will help China's military and economy. Chinese chips Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang has advocated for the company to be allowed to sell some of its more advanced chips in China, arguing the importance of AI systems around the world being built on US technology. The chipsgraphic processing units or GPUsare used to train the AI models that are the bedrock of the generative AI revolution launched with the release of ChatGPT in 2022. The GPU sector is dominated by Nvidia, now the world's most valuable company thanks to frenzied global demand and optimism for AI. H200s are roughly 18 months behind the US company's most state-of-the-art offerings, which will still be off-limits to China. Nvidia's Huang has repeatedly warned that China is just "nanoseconds behind" the United States as it accelerates the development of domestically produced advanced chips. On Wednesday, leading Chinese AI startup Zhipu said it had used homegrown Huawei chips to train its new image generator. Zhipu AI described its tool as "the first state-of-the-art multimodal model to complete the entire training process on a domestically produced chip". The startup went public in Hong Kong last week and its shares have since soared 75%one of several dazzling recent initial public offerings by Chinese chip and generative AI companies, as high hopes for the sector outweigh concerns of a potential market crash. 2026 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Datasets used to train AI algorithms may underrepresent older people. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The global outcry over the sexualization and nudification of photographsincluding of childrenby Grok, the chatbot developed by Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company xAI, has led to urgent discussions about how such technology should be more strictly regulated. But to what extent can technology also be used to prevent this explosion in the generation and sharing of deepfake content of real people, without their knowledge or consent? On January 10, Indonesia became the first country to announce it was temporarily blocking access to Grok, followed soon after by Malaysia. Other governments, including the UK's, have promised to take action against the chatbot and its related social media site X (formerly Twitter), on which the sexualized images have been shared. But while outright national bans can limit casual use of the chatbot, such bans are easily bypassed using virtual private networks (VPNs) or alternative routing services. These mask the user's real location and make it appear they originate from a location that allows access to the service. As a result, country-level bans tend to reduce visibility rather than eliminate access. Their primary impact is symbolic and regulatory, placing pressure on companies such as xAI rather than preventing determined misuse. And content generated elsewhere can still circulate freely across borders via encrypted social media platforms and on the dark web. In response to the controversy, X moved Grok's image-generation features behind a paywall, making them only available to subscribers. X subsequently posted that it takes "action against illegal content on X, including child sexual abuse material, by removing it, permanently suspending accounts, and working with local governments and law enforcement as necessary." Grok itself apologized for "the incident," describing it as a "serious lapse." How the technology works While not all chatbots have image generation capabilities, most of the mainstream providers, including OpenAI, xAI, Meta and Google, provide this service. Modern AI image generators are typically built using diffusion models, which are trained by taking real images and gradually adding random visual distortion, known as noise, until the original image is no longer recognizable. The model then learns how to reverse this process, step by step, reconstructing an image by removing noise. Over time, it will learn statistical patterns representing faces, bodies, clothing, lighting and other visual features. These patterns are organized within the model so that visually similar concepts sit close together. Because clothed and unclothed human bodies share very similar shapes and structures, the changes required to move between them can be relatively small. So, when an existing image is used as the starting point and identity-preserving features are retained, transforming a clothed photograph into an unclothed one becomes technically straightforward. Of course, the AI model itself has no understanding of identity, consent or harm. It simply produces images that resemble what it has learned, in response to user requests. However, after the core model has been trained, companies can apply "retrospective alignment"rules, filters and policies that are layered on top of the trained system to block certain outputs and align its behavior with the company's ethical, legal and commercial principles. But retrospective alignment does not remove capability; it simply limits what the AI image generator is allowed to output. Those limits are primarily a design and policy choice made by the company operating the chatbot, although these may also be shaped by legal or regulatory requirements imposed by governmentsfor example, requiring companies to disable or restrict certain features such as identity-preserving image generation. Large, centrally hosted social media platforms could also play an important role here. All have the power to restrict the sharing of sexual imagery involving real people, and to require explicit consent mechanisms from those featured in images. But to date, the big tech companies have tended to drag their feet when it comes to labor-intensive moderation of their users' content. 'Jailbreaking' Research by Nana Nwachukwu, a Ph.D. candidate at Trinity College Dublin's Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, highlighted the frequency of requests for sexualized images on Grok. Other research has estimated that before the service went behind a paywall, up to 6,700 undressed images were being produced every hour. This has prompted regulatory scrutiny in Europe and beyond. French officials described some outputs as manifestly illegal and referred them to prosecutors. The UK's communications watchdog, Ofcom, has launched an investigation into X and xAI over the issue. But this problem is not limited to one platform. In early 2024, non-consensual AI-generated sexual images of Taylor Swift, produced using publicly available tools, spread widely on X before being removed because of a combination of legal risk, platform policy enforcement and reputational pressure. Some platforms explicitly market minimal or no content restrictions as a feature rather than a risk. It is simple enough to find websites promoting "unrestricted" image generation and privacy focused use, relying largely on open-source models and offering far fewer moderation controls than mainstream providers. Furthermore, there is an even larger number of self-hosted image and video generation tools where safeguards can be removed entirely. While precise figures are unavailable, independent estimates suggest tens of millions of AI generated images are created daily across platforms, with video generation rapidly accelerating. Another potential issue is that some AI chatbots, including Meta's Llama and Google's Gemma, can be downloaded onto computers (even those with relatively light processing power), after which these models are completely free of oversight or moderation when run offline. Even tightly controlled systems can be bypassed through "jailbreaking"a way of constructing prompts to fool the generative AI system into breaking its own ethics filters. Jailbreaking exploits the fact that retrospective alignment systems depend on contextual judgment, rather than absolute rules. Rather than directly asking for prohibited content, users reframe their prompts so the same underlying action appears to fall within an allowed category such as fiction, education, journalism or hypothetical analysis. An early example was known as the "grandma hack," because it involved a recently deceased grandmother recounting experiences from her technical profession in chemical engineering, leading the model to generate step-by-step descriptions of prohibited activities. Speed and scale The internet already contains an enormous quantity of illegal and non-consensual sexual imagery, far beyond the capacity of authorities to remove. What generative AI systems change is the speed and scale at which new material can be produced. Law enforcement agencies have warned that this could lead to a dramatic increase in volume, overwhelming moderation and investigative resources. Laws that may apply in one country can be ambiguous or unenforceable when services are hosted elsewhere. This mirrors longstanding challenges in policing child sexual abuse material and other illegal pornography, where content is frequently hosted offshore and rapidly redistributed. Once images spread, attribution and removal are slow and often ineffective. By making countless millions more people aware of the possibility of sexualizing and nudifying images, high-profile AI chatbots make it possible for large numbers of users to generate illegal and abusive sexual imagery through simple plain English prompts. Estimates suggest Grok alone currently has anywhere from 35 million to 64 million monthly active users. If companies can build systems capable of generating such imagery, they can also stop it being generatedin theory, at least. In practice, however, the technology exists and there is a demand for itso this capability can never now be eliminated. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. TSX.V: DME U.S. OTC: DMEHF Frankfurt: QM01 VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY CORP. (the "Company") (TSXV: DME) (U.S. OTC: DMEHF) (Frankfurt: QM01) from the President of the Company. DME announces that it is proceeding with a non-brokered private placement offering to raise up to C$275,000. Under the terms of the private placement, the Company will offer for sale up to 1.1 million units (the "Units") at C$0.25 per Unit. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company and one share purchase warrant (the "Warrants"), with each whole Warrant allowing the subscriber to purchase one additional share of the Company for a period of one year from the date of the closing at a price of C$0.35 per share. Finder's fees are payable of up to 8% in cash and 8% in finder warrants, with the finder warrants having an exercise price of C$0.25 per share. The Units will be subject to a 4-month hold period. The private placement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. ABOUT DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY Desert Mountain Energy Corp. is a publicly traded resource company primarily focused on the exploration, development and production of helium, hydrogen and natural gas. The Company is focused on helium extraction from different raw gas sources in an environmental and economic manner, supplying elements deemed critical to the renewable energy and high technology industries. We seek safe harbor "Robert Rohlfing" Robert Rohlfing Exec Chairman & CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in polices of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The statements made in this press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding the Company's anticipated performance in the future the planned exploration activities, receipt of positive results from drilling, the completion of further drilling and exploration work, and the timing and results of various activities. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company and its operations to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, changes in national and local governments, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and the United States; financial risks due to helium prices, operating or technical difficulties in exploration and development activities; risks and hazards and the speculative nature of resource exploration and related development; risks in obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and challenges to the Company's title to properties. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the continued operation of the Company's exploration operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not intend to, and nor does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. SOURCE Desert Mountain Energy Corp. The World Bank Group has officially opened its new, energy-efficient offices here, which will serve as the hub for its Caribbean operations. The building brings the Banks Caribbean team together in one physical space, which will strengthen the institutions presence and support in Jamaica and the wider region. HOUSTON, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FBFK Law is pleased to announce that Solomon Wisenberg has joined the firm's Litigation Practice as a shareholder in the Houston office. Wisenberg is a nationally respected white-collar defense attorney with more than four decades of experience in federal investigations and jury trials. He will also maintain a satellite office in Washington, D.C., continuing his long-standing presence in the nation's capital. Wisenberg advises individuals and businesses facing federal white-collar criminal, regulatory, and civil exposure, guiding clients through government investigations and parallel proceedings and helping them avoid indictment. He has first chaired approximately 30 federal criminal jury trials. Solomon Wisenberg Before entering private practice in 1999, Wisenberg served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of North Carolina and the Western District of Texas, where he was Chief of the Financial Institution Fraud Unit and Health Care Fraud Coordinator. He later served as Deputy Independent Counsel in the WhitewaterLewinsky investigation, participating in grand jury proceedings involving former President Bill Clinton. "Sol's depth of federal experience and judgment in high-stakes matters is exceptional," said Mark Zeidman, Head of the Houston office and a Shareholder at FBFK Law. "He brings a calm, strategic approach to some of the most challenging situations our clients face, and his presence further strengthens our Houston white-collar platform while expanding our reach in Washington, DC." Wisenberg is the author of White Collar Crime: Securities Fraud (West, Thomson Reuters) and is a Fox News contributor on constitutional and criminal law issues. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers, Chambers and Partners, and Super Lawyers for his work in white-collar criminal defense. He is licensed in Texas, Washington, D.C., Illinois, and North Carolina and maintains a nationwide practice. A Houston native, Wisenberg returned to the city in 2022 after nearly two decades practicing in the Washington, D.C., metro area. About FBFK Law With more than 20 years of legal expertise and success across Texas and the United States, Dallas-based FBFK Law is an entrepreneurial-minded, full-service business law firm with offices in Plano, Houston, and Austin, Texas, as well as Orange County, California. Driven by a commitment to creating lasting client relationships grounded in high-quality representation and client service, FBFK Law represents clients nationwide across 40 practice areas related to business structures and transactions, intellectual property protection, and dispute resolution. www.fbfk.law. Media Contact: Maria Aronson [email protected] 215-340-0480 SOURCE FBFK Law If I asked you (the reader): do you think most people can be trusted? Would you answer yes o World-Renowned Facial Plastic Surgeon Presents Deep Plane Facelift Demonstration During 60th Anniversary of the Esteemed Educational Event MIAMI, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Facial plastic surgeon Sam Rizk, MD, FACS, will return as faculty at the Baker Gordon Educational Symposium in Miami from February 57, 2026, during the meeting's 60th and final year. The Baker Gordon Symposium is the longest-running aesthetic surgery conference in the United States. On February 6, Dr. Rizk will present a video demonstration of a deep plane facelift, addressing an international audience of surgeons and aesthetic professionals. The demonstration will focus on surgical technique and procedural considerations relevant to modern facial rejuvenation. "Returning for the final Baker Gordon Symposium is meaningful," Dr. Rizk said. "Educational demonstrations allow surgeons to exchange techniques, evaluate evolving approaches, and continue advancing patient care." Dr. Rizk's approach to the vertical deep plane facelift involves repositioning deeper facial tissues vertically rather than relying solely on horizontal skin tightening. The technique is intended to support natural facial contours while addressing age-related changes in the face and neck. During the demonstration, Dr. Rizk will also discuss the use of Artiss tissue glue as part of surgical closure. In addition to the demonstration, Dr. Rizk will participate in panel discussions and interactive sessions focused on contemporary surgical techniques, technical refinements, and the evolving role of technology in aesthetic surgery. Established in 1967, the Baker Gordon Educational Symposium has served as a forum for live surgical demonstrations, lectures, and professional collaboration in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. The 2026 meeting marks the conclusion of the symposium's six-decade history. About Dr. Sam Rizk Sam Rizk, MD, FACS, is a New York Citybased facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in facial rejuvenation procedures, including facelifts, rhinoplasty, and neck surgery. He is a frequent lecturer at national and international medical meetings and a contributor to media discussions on facial plastic surgery. According to his practice, he has performed more than 7,500 rhinoplasties and 4,000 facelifts. For more information, visit www.drsamrizk.com and follow @drsamrizk. About the Baker Gordon Educational Symposium The Baker Gordon Educational Symposium is the longest-running aesthetic surgery meeting in the United States. The symposium is recognized for its emphasis on surgical education through live demonstrations, expert lectures, and collaborative learning. For more information, visit www.bakergordonsymposium.com. SOURCE Sam Rizk, MD, FACS Bushfires throw TV off the air in Central Victoria Updated: Damage to broadcasting towers in Mt Alexander is likely to take some time, and sees all broadcasters working together to resolve a fix as soon as possible. Fires in Central Victoria damaged a Mount Alexander transmission site near Bendigo which is owned and operated by BAI Communications formerly Broadcast Australia. While this impacts broadcasting for ABC, SBS, Seven, 10 and WIN -plus radio- the scale of the problem has become clearer in recent days. According to broadcasters, the damage and extent of the problem is significant and will take some time to be fully restored. It is understood the fire damaged both antennas and power systems, and that redundancy plans, including backup generators, were unable to continue powering the stations. Its a very significant loss, BAI Communications operations manager Chris Howe has told ABC. The service from Mount Alexander would reach all the way up to the River Murray and down to the northern suburbs of Melbourne. Temporary services are days to weeks away, thats for certain. The permanent recovery or the more long-term recovery will happen over the course of months. ABC OUTAGES: Some ABC radio and TV services are currently off air in Bendigo. These services will take some time to be fully restored. ABC Emergency Broadcasting continues for the Bendigo region. The Mount Alexander transmission site in Central Victoria has been significantly damaged by fire and remains off air. The site normally provides radio and TV services to communities around Bendigo, Castlemaine and nearby towns. It is expected to take some time for services to be fully restored. ABC transmission partner BAI is working to restore services as soon as it can and we will keep people advised as this work progresses. For people in the immediate Bendigo area, ABC Local Radio Central Victoria is back on air on 91.1 FM. Listeners outside Bendigo can stay informed by tuning to ABC Wimmera on 594 AM. Audiences can also listen to radio services on the ABC Listen app and watch TV via ABC iview where internet is available. The ABC TV service for the Bendigo region (located on Mt Alexander) was damaged by the recent bushfires and is OFF. Service restoration is expected to take some time given the extent of damage. If you have lost access to ABC TV since 9 January, it is likely that your antenna is pointed towards the ABC Bendigo TV service at Mt Alexander. If you live in an area that also has access to other ABC TV services (coloured blue on the attached map), you may be able to have an antenna installer re-point your antenna towards the other location. We do not recommend repointing your antenna without the assistance of a professional given the complexity of the task. Further updates will continue at ABC Audience Help & Support. SBS Fires have damaged the Mt Alexander transmission site which broadcasts TV and radio services to the region, including SBS services. It may take some time for broadcast services to be restored. SBS services remain accessible through the SBS website, as well as the SBS News, SBS On Demand and the SBS Audio app. Seven By Olena Harmash and Yuliia Dysa KYIV, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Ukraine's parliament appointed young technocrat Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister on Wednesday as the government seeks to drive innovation to strengthen the military during a difficult phase of the nearly four-year war. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he had ordered Fedorov, 34, to implement fast decisions to protect Ukraine's skies, strengthen supplies to the front line and introduce other technological solutions to stop Russian advances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We immediately identified the first priorities for the ministry of defence. The main one is air defence," Zelenskiy said in a post on X after meeting Fedorov. The exhausted Ukrainian army is outmanned and outgunned on the battlefield after Russia's invasion in February 2022. Russian forces are steadily grinding forward in the eastern Donetsk region and trying to punch through defence lines in the south and northeast. With diplomatic efforts to end the war failing to produce tangible results, Kyiv needs to strengthen its armed forces, which total around 1 million personnel. Zelenskiy said "much broader changes" were needed in the system for mobilising troops for the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Decisions have already been made to ensure a more equitable distribution of personnel among combat brigades," he said. Parliament voted to extend martial law and mobilisation until May, the 18th time since Russia's full-scale invasion. NEW DEFENCE CHIEF TO DRIVE INNOVATION Fedorov has already played an important role in shaping Ukraine's high-tech response to Russia's invasion in previous roles as the first deputy prime minister and digital transformation minister. "Today, it is impossible to fight with new technologies using an old organisational structure," Fedorov told lawmakers before the vote, promising sweeping changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our goal is to change the system: to reform the army, improve infrastructure on the front lines, eradicate lies and corruption, and make leadership and trust a new culture." Fedorov was instrumental in creating a "drone line" a defensive line of drones meant to inflict maximum damage on Russian troops. He also helped improve connectivity for Ukraine's forces at the front line by deploying Starlink terminals. Along with strengthening its defence efforts, Ukraine needs to implement big changes to stabilise the battered energy sector. Parliament appointed Denys Shmyhal, a former prime minister, as the new energy minister. Shmyhal, one of the country's most experienced government officials, faces the dual challenge of keeping Ukraine's lights on despite heavy Russian attacks while also cleaning up the energy sector. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His predecessor was dismissed in November after anti-corruption agencies uncovered a scheme to skim $100 million from Ukraine's state nuclear energy company. Both new ministers take up their positions weeks after a corruption scandal in the energy sector that caused Ukraine's biggest wartime political crisis and led to widespread public anger at Zelenskiy's government. Following that, Zelenskiy replaced several security officials and placed a popular spy chief at the centre of his administration as his chief of staff. (Reporting by Yuliia Dysa, Olena Harmash; Editing by Daniel Flynn, Rod Nickel) As Tet approaches, a unique specialty from An Giang is stirring up excitement among food lovers. Known as kho nhai - or more affectionately, vu nu chan dai (dancing legged beauties) - this sun-dried frog dish is being eagerly sought after for gifting and festive feasts. Despite its price tag of over USD 20 per kilogram, many producers cant keep up with demand. Vo Be Hoang demonstrates his handmade frog-catching tools used during nightly hunts. On these early Tet evenings, as city lights begin to glow, Vo Be Hoang, 49, from Vinh Lap hamlet in An Cu commune, An Giang province, gears up for another night of work. After a quick dinner, he dons a raincoat, grabs a flashlight, a bamboo catcher, and a mesh bag, then sets out on a motorbike with fellow lamp hunters, heading nearly 70 km to the rice fields of Ha Tien. By 7 p.m., under the blanket of darkness across freshly plowed paddies, the hunters fan out, each taking a separate path. The croaks of frogs echo in the quiet night. In the pitch black, only the flickers of their flashlights cut through the fields, swiftly sweeping across the surface to detect hidden frogs. The frog-catching tool is simple: a two-meter-long bamboo pole with a funnel-shaped trap at the tip. When a frog is spotted, the hunter quickly lowers the trap, capturing it in the funnel, where it slides into a netted pouch and cannot escape. The job requires speed, sharp eyes, and endurance, as hunters wade through cold water for hours. Freshly caught frogs are sold to drying workshops in the Nui Cam area for overnight processing. There are fewer frogs this season, but the price is better, said Hoang. During peak times, frogs sell for 45,00050,000 VND/kg, but now fetch 60,00070,000 VND (about USD 2.503) per kg. On an average night, he catches 34 kg of frogs; during peak season, up to 10 kg. The frogs are sold to households in the Nui Cam area, which has been known for frog jerky for over 15 years. Once caught, the frogs are immediately transported to processing facilities overnight or early the next morning. Lai Thi Diem, 48, owner of Bay Hoang frog jerky workshop, emphasized that maintaining freshness is the most critical step. Throughout the cleaning and marinating process, the frogs must be kept on ice. If the frogs even begin to spoil, the entire batch is wasted - no amount of seasoning can save them, Diem explained. Dancing legged beauties are sun-dried naturally to retain their signature crisp texture and flavor. Prepping the frogs is labor-intensive. Wild frogs feed indiscriminately and may carry parasites, so each one must be skinned, gutted, and thoroughly washed multiple times to ensure hygiene and preserve their natural sweetness. After cleaning, the frogs are marinated. Ingredients are simple - salt or fish sauce, chili, sugar - but each workshop has its own signature formula. Instead of salt, I use fermented freshwater fish sauce, which costs about 40,000 VND per liter. A liter is only enough to marinate 40 kg of frogs, less than salt would allow, but the flavor is sweeter and more aromatic, Diem revealed. The marinated frogs are neatly arranged on racks and sun-dried - never machine-dried. According to veteran producers, frog jerky only achieves its signature crunch and flavor when dried naturally in the sun. Machine drying dulls the aroma and robs the meat of its signature richness. On average, 10 kg of fresh frog yields just 1.71.8 kg of finished jerky. Frog jerky prices are expected to rise sharply as Tet approaches due to limited supply. While frog jerky is made year-round, the peak season runs from May to October - during the rainy season, when frogs breed abundantly. In recent years, however, natural frog populations have dwindled, reducing supply and driving up prices. Today, frog jerky sells for 350,000600,000 VND/kg (roughly USD 1425), depending on quality and season. Weve already received orders for more than 200 kg. Supply cant keep up. As Tet nears, the price might hit 700,000 VND/kg (nearly USD 30) - the highest in years, Diem shared. The name dancing legged beauties comes from the frogs elegant, elongated limbs after drying. The name vu nu chan dai (literally, long-legged dancing girls) comes from the frogs slender, outstretched limbs once dried, which resemble elegant dance poses. Beyond the catchy name, the jerky has won over food lovers with its crunchy texture, rich aroma, and natural sweetness. Grilled or deep-fried, the entire frog - including bones - can be eaten, delivering a rustic yet addictive flavor. Though humble in origin, frog jerky has become a prized holiday treat, cherished in gift baskets and family tables alike as Tet draws near. Tran Tuyen Luu Quoc Viet, an investor in Hanoi, is considering buying an apartment for investment purposes. He currently has VND4 billion and wants to allocate this capital into real estate as an investment channel. He is facing two common options. The first is to buy an off-plan apartment under a payment schedule, betting on price growth once the project is completed. Projects within this budget range are mostly located in suburban areas of Hanoi, with expected handover timelines of one to two years. The advantage of this option is a lower entry price and staggered payments over time. However, the trade-off is that rental cash flow cannot be generated immediately and returns depend heavily on construction progress, the developers credibility, and future market conditions. The second option is to buy a completed apartment to rent out right away. With the same level of capital, feasible choices are mostly apartments that have been in use for many years. Although the building quality and infrastructure are no longer new, this asset group has the advantage of an established resident community, clear rental demand, and the ability to generate cash flow immediately after the transaction is completed. This helps investors reduce waiting time and short-term market risks. Nguyen Tuan Anh, founder of FinPeace and co-author of Financial Peace, said the question of whether to buy a completed home or an off-plan project is a common concern. According to him, once someone starts hesitating between these two options, it shows they no longer see real estate simply as a place to live, but as a financial and investment decision. The core issue is not which type to choose, but what the investor prioritizes: stable cash flow or capital appreciation. For those prioritizing price growth, off-plan projects are often the preferred choice. Buying at an early stage allows access to lower prices compared to the general market, while staggered payment schedules ease initial capital pressure. If a project has a good location and is developed by a reputable developer, investors can benefit from a lower entry price. As a result, medium- and long-term profit margins are expected to be more attractive. However, Tuan Anh noted that profit potential always comes with risks. Issues such as construction delays, incomplete legal status, or actual quality falling short of expectations can significantly affect investment performance. In particular, for inexperienced investors or those without stable cash flow, the risk of being unable to keep up with mid-term payment schedules is a serious concern. On the other hand, if the goal is immediate cash flow and safety, completed properties are often a more suitable choice. These assets typically have stable resident communities, clearly observable rental prices, and can be leased almost immediately after purchase. Investors do not need to wait, and cash flow can return sooner. Moreover, if the property is located in an area benefiting from infrastructure investment, there may still be room for price appreciation over time. Regardless of the option chosen, Nguyen Tuan Anh emphasized that legal status is a factor that cannot be overlooked. A property with clear legal documentation not only gives investors peace of mind during ownership but also determines future liquidity. Conversely, deals with unclear legal status can trap investors for many years, tying up capital while creating psychological pressure and prolonged dispute risks. If stable immediate income is the priority, completed properties are worth considering. If one is willing to accept controlled risk in exchange for higher expected returns, off-plan real estate may be more suitable. There is no universally correct choice, only what best fits each persons goals and financial capacity at a given time. According to Tuan Anh, only by placing real estate within the broader picture of cash flow, assets, and risk appetite can investors make appropriate decisions, rather than chasing short-term market trends. Nguyen Le Acquisition accelerates European expansion and adds equity crowdfunding to the Goparity group's investment offering LISBON, Portugal, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Goparity, a Lisbon-based impact investment platform, announces the acquisition of Bolsa Social, Spain's first impact crowdfunding platform to be authorised by the Spanish regulator CNMV (Comision Nacional del Mercado de Valores). This acquisition, led by the Portuguese fintech, represents a significant milestone for the Iberian and European impact investment ecosystem, accelerating Goparity's expansion and strengthening its position as a leading reference in sustainable crowdfunding. Nuno Brito Jorge and Jose Moncada Durruti With offices in Portugal, Spain and Canada, Goparity has already launched more than 420 lending-based crowdfunding campaigns, raising over 55 million for impact projects across three continents. This strategic move transforms the company into a more comprehensive investment platform, with a global impact, and adds equity investment (share acquisition) to its portfolio. In an initial phase, new equity investment opportunities will continue to be offered through the Bolsa Social platform. The integration of Bolsa Social, with over 13,000 users and around 15 million invested in impact projects, represents a major step for Goparity, incorporating a pioneering equity crowdfunding platform in Spain. In addition to diversifying its financial services with the introduction of a new investment product, the Portuguese fintech also accelerates its growth in Spain, a strategic market. Goparity and Bolsa Social have worked side by side for several years within the European impact ecosystem. Over the past year, a closer collaboration confirmed strong synergies between the two platforms and a clear alignment between their investor communities. This acquisition therefore represents the natural evolution of that collaboration. "This acquisition marks a historic moment for Goparity and for impact investing in Europe", explains Nuno Brito Jorge, CEO and co-founder of Goparity. "With the introduction of equity crowdfunding, we aim to become the financing partner for impact-driven companies and entrepreneurs throughout their entire life cycle, from moments when they are looking for new shareholders to phases where debt financing makes sense, depending on their needs", concludes. Jose Moncada Durruti, founder and CEO of Bolsa Social, adds that "thanks to this union, Bolsa Social investors will be able to access new impact investment opportunities, both within and beyond Spain. We are very pleased to take this step, as the Bolsa Social community of investors and companies will benefit from Goparity's reach and professional strength". With this acquisition, the combined investor community surpasses 72,000 people, consolidating Goparity as one of Europe's leading platforms in sustainable investment. About Goparity Founded in 2017, Goparity's main mission is to democratise access to sustainable finance by connecting companies and individuals who want to invest in projects with a positive impact on people and the planet. Since its inception, the platform's more than 59,000 users have financed over 420 impact projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals across three continents, totalling more than 55 million invested. The projects financed have positively supported over 100,000 people, created more than 4,000 jobs, and help avoid the emission of over 30,000 tonnes of CO into the atmosphere every year. About Bolsa Social Founded in 2014, Bolsa Social was the first Spanish platform authorised by the CNMV to provide participatory financing for impact-driven projects and companies. With a community of more than 13,000 users, it has mobilised around 15 million for over 50 Spanish companies through equity crowdfunding and sustainable loans. It is backed by specialised impact investors such as Phitrust, Triodos Ventures, Helenos and the Impact Innovation Fund (3xP). Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2858359/Contract_Signature.jpg Hanoi is forecast to experience a severe cold spell in the coming days. Illustrative photo: Hoang Minh. According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, this cold spell is expected to begin affecting the region from the afternoon of January 2021, 2026. The update was released on January 13 as part of national weather guidance to support preparations for the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. For the northern region, weather will remain dry from January 1819, with light morning fog and sunshine during the day. Temperatures will be cold at night and in the early morning. However, starting late January 20 and into January 21, a strong cold front is expected to bring rain and a sharp temperature drop. From January 2125, widespread severe cold is likely to set in, with frost possible in high mountainous areas. In Hanoi, weather will be mostly dry and sunny during the day from January 1820, with chilly conditions at night and early morning. However, from the evening of January 20 into January 21, the city is forecast to experience rain due to a strong northeast monsoon. Between January 21 and 25, the capital is expected to see severe cold, with nighttime and early morning lows ranging from 1012C, and daytime highs only reaching 1517C. Across north-central Vietnam, from Thanh Hoa to Hue, skies will also remain clear and sunny through January 20, with cold mornings and evenings. From January 2123, provinces from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai are forecast to receive rain due to strong monsoonal winds. By January 2425, the weather is expected to stabilize, with limited rain. However, the north of this region could also experience deep cold. The Central Highlands and southern Vietnam will continue to enjoy mostly dry and sunny conditions from January 1825. Light morning fog is expected, and in the Central Highlands, it will remain chilly at night and early morning. This forecast serves as a timely advisory for the upcoming 14th National Party Congress, with officials urging proactive response measures to ensure public safety and event readiness during the anticipated cold snap. Bao Anh Vietnam exported over 246,000 tons of pepper in 2025, earning $1.66 billion as both domestic and global prices surged. Photo: Tam An According to data from the General Department of Customs, Vietnam exported 246,132 tons of various types of pepper last year, with the average price nearing $6,750 per ton - an increase of 28.3% compared to the previous year. This surge in unit price led to a 26.3% jump in export earnings, despite a slight 1.5% drop in export volume. This marks the first time Vietnams pepper export revenue has surpassed the previous all-time high of nearly $1.43 billion set in 2016. The United States, Germany, and India were Vietnams three largest pepper markets in 2025, accounting for 25.1%, 7.5%, and 4.8% of the total export value respectively. In detail, Vietnam shipped 56,182 tons of pepper to the US, generating around $416.4 million in revenue. Notably, despite ongoing challenges related to countervailing duties, exports to this market still rose by 2.2% year-on-year, reaffirming the US as Vietnams top buyer. Germany ranked second, importing 16,167 tons of pepper worth approximately $123.8 million - an impressive 31.2% increase in value over 2024. India followed with 11,349 tons imported, bringing in $79.9 million, marking a remarkable 54.5% year-on-year increase. Currently, domestic pepper prices in Vietnam remain at their peak, ranging from 150,000 to 152,000 VND per kilogram. Prices are highest in Dak Lak and Lam Dong at 152,500 VND/kg, followed by Ho Chi Minh City at 151,500 VND/kg. In Gia Lai and Dong Nai, farmers are selling pepper at 151,000 VND/kg and 150,000 VND/kg, respectively. On the international market, export prices for black pepper are holding steady between $6,600 and $6,800 per ton for the 500g/l and 550g/l varieties. White pepper is commanding even higher prices, currently at around $9,350 per ton. Vietnam remains the world's leading pepper exporter. In December 2025, pepper-growing regions across the country began the new harvest season. However, the 20252026 crop is forecast to decline slightly due to adverse weather and storm-related disruptions. Both domestic and export pepper prices are expected to rise further as global supply tightens. Tam An NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Gotham Goods, the in-house luxury home and body brand from New Yorkbased retailer Gotham, today announces the relaunch of its signature home and body collection. The upgraded line introduces two new signature scents On the Bowery and Electric Flowers alongside new product categories including hand-dipped incense and reed diffusers. Next Evolution of Gotham Goods Just as Gotham has evolved, so has Gotham Goods. The refresh reflects a thoughtful refinement of the original collection, with upgrades across scent, packaging, and sustainability. Products now feature glass bottles with metal pumps in custom colorways designed to align with Gotham's design-forward aesthetic. "Gotham Goods was created for New Yorkers the early mornings before the city wakes and the chaotic evenings when you finally exhale," said Joanne Wilson, Founder & CEO of Gotham. "These products are meant to become part of your routine, bringing a sense of calm and quiet opulence into everyday moments." What's New? Two new signature scents: On the Bowery and Electric Flowers On the Bowery and Electric Flowers Expanded product categories: Hand-dipped incense sticks and reed diffusers Hand-dipped incense sticks and reed diffusers Upgraded design: Sustainable glass packaging with metal pumps in custom colorways Sustainable glass packaging with metal pumps in custom colorways Relaunched best-sellers: Scented candles, CBD lotions, hand + body washes, and the brand's fan-favorite CBD menthol salve The new scents join Gotham Goods originals including Because of the Night, My Sweet Jane, and A Thousand Kisses, now available across expanded product formats designed to support self-care morning, noon, and night. Available now, the new Gotham Goods collection can be purchased online at gotham.nyc and in-store at all four Gotham retail locations. For wholesale inquiries, please visit gothamgoods.nyc. Gotham Goods Celebration To celebrate, Gotham will host an intimate launch event on Tuesday, January 27 at its Chelsea location. The evening will illuminate the new collection through scent discovery, product sampling, and immersive ritual moments inside Gotham Galleryincluding light bites, drinks, and a first look at the new signature fragrances and elevated packaging. Event Details: Gotham Chelsea 150 10th Ave, New York, NY Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:008:00 PM Media, creators, and industry guests can RSVP here: https://luma.com/ky39xxqt About Gotham Gotham, the world's first cannabis concept store, is a female-founded, mission-driven brand pioneering a new era of retail. Curating premium cannabis alongside art, fashion, home goods, and beauty, Gotham transforms dispensaries into destinations for discovery and connection. Since opening its flagship in the East Village in 2023, the brand has expanded to Hudson, Williamsburg, and most recently Chelsea - where they operate a first-of-its-kind art gallery, called Gotham Gallery, within the legal cannabis store. Working to revolutionize the narrative around cannabis consumption, Gotham creates a sense of welcome for their local communities and has solidified their place within the cultural zeitgeist of New York. Learn more at www.gotham.nyc and follow @gotham.ny for the latest products and events. Media Contact Trailblaze for Gotham [email protected] Correction: An earlier version of this release included a quote attributed to Rachel Berks, which has been removed. SOURCE Gotham 2 Nipah virus cases found in India's West Bengal Xinhua) 10:36, January 14, 2026 NEW DELHI, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Two cases of Nipah virus were detected among healthcare workers in India's eastern state of West Bengal, confirmed a local official on Tuesday. Both the victims, a male and a female, were in critical condition, and the local hospitals were gearing up to tackle any surge in cases in the coming days, according to an online report by the Indian Express. The West Bengal government has sounded an alert across all the state's healthcare facilities as officials are tracing everyone the infected nurses came in contact with, according to the report. This was after nearly two decades when the Nipah virus had returned to the state, said other local media reports. Meanwhile, West Bengal's Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam reassured the public that the state was fully prepared with a robust protocol already in place. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Over the years, global food manufacturers are increasingly adjusting their portfolios to include plant-based alternatives, and ingredient suppliers are seeing year-over-year increases in demand for starches, syrups, proteins, fibers, and oils that support this transition. Green Boy's decade of success reflects this momentum, demonstrating how closely aligned the company's mission is with the larger shifts happening in the global food system. "Ten years ago, we were one of the first that were solely plant-based and. Exclusively non-GMO and organic. Now, 10 years later, we are recognized as one of the market leaders in the plant-based space across the US, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia," says Frederik Otten, Co-Founder of Green Boy. Green Boy's full-service model remains central to its growth. With teams managing ingredient sourcing at origin, product processing, global warehousing, logistics coordination, and formulation support, the company offers food manufacturers a seamless way to incorporate plant-based alternatives into their portfolios. This operational breadth, paired with increased consumer interest in more sustainable food choices, has helped Green Boy scale rapidly over the last decade. "As a member of the larger supply chain of the whole food industry, Green Boy offering plant-based ingredients to food manufacturers so they can build food products that are either hybrid or completely plant-based is how we are leading the Plant-Based Food Reformation day after day," adds Peter van Dijken, Co-Founder of Green Boy. "We are providing consumers everywhere with a viable alternative offer that helps both people and planet." Since its founding, Green Boy has grown to five global offices in Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Chicago, Hong Kong, and Sydney, supported by more than 25+ warehouses and over 60 ingredient suppliers spanning 35+ countries. As the company enters its second decade, Green Boy Group remains focused on accelerating the Plant-Based Food Reformation and supporting the world's transition toward a more sustainable and equitable food system. LEARN MORE bit.ly/greenboy10years SOURCE Green Boy Group 15,000 missing women at risk of breast cancer in Wales, campaigners warn A petition signed by more than 4,000 people has thrust Wales breast cancer screening programme into the spotlight amid low take-up and massive disparities across the country. Senedd members considered the 4,254-signature petition on improving the national Breast Test Wales screening programme run by Public Health Wales. The Senedds petitions committee heard only 69% of women invited for screening attended their appointment in 2022/23, below a 70% minimum standard and an 80% target. The petitioners wrote: If the 80% target was met, 15,871 more women would have been screened and an estimated 154 more breast cancers detected. Breast Cancer Now, which organised the petition, pointed to latest uptake data for the UK showing England at 70%, Northern Ireland at 74% and Scotland at 75%. National concern Highlighting an awareness campaign launched in England in 2025, the charity urged the Welsh Government to similarly promote potentially life-saving breast screening. Plaid Cymrus Lindsay Whittle was taken aback: I would say this is certainly the most alarming statistic I have read in possibly the past 35-40 years Ive been involved in politics. To think that 15,000 women are walking around Wales not being screened and 154 of those women probably have early signs of breast cancer is alarming. And we have to send out a 999 message to women in all corners of Wales: please use this facility, it is absolutely vital. If this facility was taken away, we would probably have demonstrators outside this building and rightly so. Calling for a communications campaign to save lives, Mr Whittle added: The low take-up in many areas of Wales is a matter of national concern. Early detection is vital He urged colleagues on the cross-party petitions committee to write to health secretary Jeremy Miles, seeking answers on breast cancer screening. The politician questioned: What is England doing differently to Wales because they seem to be more successful? Well, that shouldnt be right obviously. Mr Whittle stressed: We have to ensure that womens lives are protected and theyre given this help as fast as possible. Early detection is vital. Vaughan Gething, the former first minister and health secretary, supported calls to ask the Welsh Government for an update on plans for a new wider screening equity strategy. Labours Carolyn Thomas, who chairs the committee, explained people continue to go every three years if they attend their first screening, so its getting them there in the first place. Massive outlier Ms Thomas, who had to rearrange her own appointment last week due to a family medical emergency, said early detection could save the NHS as much as 100m. A Public Health Wales report showed significant disparities, with uptake ranging from more than 70% in Carmarthenshire to 40% on Anglesey in 2021/22. Rhys ab Owen, who sits as an independent, suggested a debate in the main chamber but recognised the clock was ticking on the Senedd term with an election in May. He said: I was unaware of this issue before the petition and Id be very interested to know the reason behind the difference between different local authorities. There must be a reason: why is Ynys Mon so low at 40%? Its a massive outlier. The committee agreed to write to health secretary Jeremy Miles about the forthcoming screening equity strategy and the use of 11 mobile centres in Wales. Barriers Breast Cancer Now also expressed concerns about delays in data reporting, with a 2023/24 annual report set to be published a year after the equivalent English data. The charity stressed: Timely annual statistical reporting, in line with the timescale of other UK nations, increases transparency and accountability within Wales breast screening programme, and supports evidence-based decision making and long-term planning. In an earlier letter to the committee, Mr Miles told the committee uptake rates can vary across regions, age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds. He wrote: The reasons women choose not to take up the offer are complex. Factors may include lack of awareness, fear or anxiety about the screening process and results, cultural and language barriers, access issues, and the impact of misinformation. We are committed to maximising breast screening uptake across all communities, recognising its vital role in early cancer detection and improved outcomes. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Controversial Glyndwr National Park proposal moves to Welsh Government review Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has agreed to make the Glyndwr National Park Designation Order, marking a key step towards creating Wales first new national park in nearly seven decades. The decision was made by the NRW Board on Monday 12 January 2026, following a review of evidence and feedback from the 2025 statutory consultation. The Welsh Government will now consider the proposal, based on the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, after a Public Notice period running from 16 January to 15 February 2026. During this period, members of the public will be able to formally respond to the proposed designation. All evidence and representations will then be submitted to the Welsh Government before ministers make a final decision. NRWs assessment examined whether the proposed area met the statutory tests for national park status, including natural beauty, geographical features, and opportunities for open-air recreation. The work also involved defining boundaries and reviewing how the park would be managed. Neil Sachdev, Chair of Natural Resources Wales, said: We have assessed the evidence and opinions as part of the consultation and applied statutory tests relating to natural beauty and geographical features of the area and opportunities for more sustainable tourism. Our Board was satisfied that the proposed Glyndwr National Park, and its boundary, meet the statutory requirement for designation. We recognise the range of feedback expressed to date and want to reassure communities that all representations, including support and objections, together with evidence, will be provided to the Welsh Government at the end of the Public Notice period to assist with their final decision. The proposed national park would cover parts of Flintshire, Denbighshire, Wrexham and Powys, based around the Clwydian Range, Dee Valley and adjoining upland and coastal areas. However, councils across north east Wales have raised a series of concerns about the potential economic, housing and governance impacts of the proposal. In December 2025 Wrexham Council formally objected to plans to create the new national park. Councillors warned the scheme risked overwhelming fragile rural communities, placing new financial burdens on the council and accelerating pressure on housing, roads, services and the Welsh language. Speaking last month Lead Member for strategic planning and public protection, Hugh Jones, said the council had been left in the dark over fundamental issues. Natural Resources Wales have failed to provide the necessary information, the necessary clarity, with regard to the governance, regard to planning, and regard to financial arrangements and housing,said Cllr Jones. Following previous consultation rounds, NRW made several changes to the proposed boundaries, including reinstating the Gronant and Talacre Dunes area, refining the focus on upland and coastal landscapes, and removing sections of settled lowlands in Powys. Despite these adjustments, concerns remain among Flintshire councillors and residents over the potential costs, planning restrictions and cultural impacts, including the effect on Welsh-speaking communities. The Welsh Government will make the final decision on the proposal once the public notice period closes and all evidence and consultation responses have been considered. If approved, the Glyndwr National Park would become Wales fourth national park and the first to be designated since the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) in 1957. North Wales Tesco shoppers donate 26,000 meals in winter drive Tesco has thanked customers across North Wales for their generosity after more than 26,000 meals worth of food were donated during its 2025 Winter Food Collection. Between 24 and 29 November, shoppers across the region gave 26,406 meals worth of long-life food items at Tescos large and Express stores. Conwy customers donated over 16,000 meals, while shoppers in Flintshire contributed more than 5,000. 1.48 million meals were collected across the UK with more than 2,000 volunteers helping store colleagues gather donations for food redistribution charities FareShare and Trussell. Customers also donated more than 300,000 by rounding up their bills and giving online during the campaign. Combined with Tescos own financial contribution, this equated to more than 2 million in support for both charities in 2025. According to Trussell, more than 14 million people in the UK are now facing hunger, including 3.8 million children. Its network of food banks expects to distribute an emergency food parcel every ten seconds this winter. FareShare said that demand remains high, with over a third of its partners now supporting families with children. Research by network partner The Felix Project found that almost a quarter of working parents in the UK have turned to food support services in the past year. Donations to Trussell help food banks provide emergency parcels to those unable to afford essentials, while FareShare redistributes surplus food to thousands of local charities. Tesco UK CEO Ashwin Prasad said: As ever, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Tesco customers who have shown how much they value the hard work of our partners Trussell and FareShare in their local communities. I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated and made this such a special event in stores across the UK. Every single item donated really helps to make a huge impact in communities across the UK supported by Trussell and FareShare. FareShare Chief Executive Kris Gibbon-Walsh said: Once again, the generosity of Tesco customers at the Winter Food Collection has been humbling. The long-life items collected will go to 8,000 charities across the UK, helping to support people during the winter months. At a time when many people are forced to choose between keeping warm and eating, demand for these local charities services is higher than ever. Matthew van Duyvenbode, Co-Chief Executive of Trussell, added: We are so grateful to Tesco for supporting our community of food banks through the coldest season by organising the annual Winter Food Collection. Crucially, its thanks to you Tesco customers who donate food and money so generously. By doing this, youre ensuring food banks can continue to help people in your local community who are facing hunger and hardship. Tesco customers can continue to donate at permanent collection points in stores or online until the end of February. Donations can also be made directly at fareshare.donr.com/tesco Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo gave remarks on Tuesday on Iran's deadly crackdown on protestors. The Governor says the state of Nevada stands with all people who seek to live in safety, dignity, and freedom. He went on to say, "I am deeply concerned by reports of violence and loss of life affecting innocent civilians and young people in Iran. My heart is with the families -- here in Nevada and abroad -- who are grieving loved ones or fearing for their safety. As Nevadans, we believe in the fundamental value of human life and the universal right to live free from violence and oppression." Authorities inspected a suspicious package near Battle Born Way and Galletti Way on Wednesday morning. Nevada State Capitol Police responded to the area of the Lakes Crossing Building in Reno, around 9:30 a.m. As a precaution, roadways were temporarily closed while law enforcement investigated. NHP says the Capitol Police K-9 Unit assessed the item and determined it did not contain any hazardous materials and that there was no threat to public safety. The area was cleared, and roadways reopened to traffic at approximately 10:35 a.m. Agencies assisting with the investigation included the Nevada State Capitol Police Division, Nevada State Police Parole and Probation Division, and the Sparks Police Department. (Nevada State Police contributed to this report.) The Supreme Court of Nevada is looking for people to join its Juvenile Dependency Mediation Program, which trains mediators to guide conversations in cases involving childrens safety. Juvenile dependency cases address situations where children may be at risk, focusing on protection and support rather than punishment. These cases occur during some of the most challenging moments a family can face, and the process is designed to provide guidance and support while ensuring childrens safety. Mediation offers an alternative to traditional court proceedings by encouraging collaborative discussions, where compassion, clear communication, and thoughtful problem-solving are essential to helping families navigate difficult decisions and work toward positive outcomes for children. Founded in 2017, the program aims to engage families more effectively and shorten the time needed to reach permanency or decide parental rights. The program offers a different approach to traditional court proceedings, using mediation to foster cooperative, child-centered discussions in protection cases. Mediators do not make legal decisions or provide advice, but help facilitate child-focused discussions. Mediators work as paid contractors through the Supreme Court, earning a base of $700 per mediation. The program offers flexible schedules, and people do not need prior certification. A 40-hour training is provided, and all who complete it receive certification. Experience in mediation, alternative dispute resolution, child welfare, or dependency court is strongly preferred. Were looking for individuals who can navigate high-emotion situations with empathy and a commitment to helping families, said Jae Barrick, JDMP Administrator. This work gives parents a real voice in the dependency court process while keeping children at the center of every conversation. While the program is recruiting across Nevada, mediators are especially needed in Washoe County and rural areas such as Nye and Esmeralda Counties. Mediations may take place virtually or in person, depending on location. Applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and brief statement explaining why they are a good fit to JDMP Administrator Jae Barrick at jdmpnevada@gmail.com. Selected applicants will attend a five-day training in Carson City, with final selections made after the course. CALGARY, AB, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- (TSX.V: GRDOTCQB: GRDAF) - Grounded Lithium Corp. ("GLC", "Grounded", or the "Company") announces we have entered into a definitive agreement dated December 30, 2025 (the "Purchase Agreement") to acquire (the "Acquisition") a minority interest in oil and gas mineral rights in Saskatchewan with the strategic rationale to supplement cash flow and working capital reserves as the Kindersley Lithium Project ("KLP") continues to advance with our partner, Denison Mines Corp ("Denison"). Under the Purchase Agreement, Grounded will remit approximately $25,000 in cash consideration to a related company and will receive a 30% mineral interest in approximately four sections located in south-central Saskatchewan near Lloydminster, an area with a history of low-risk, conventional, shallow, medium to heavy oil targets (the "Lands"). The related company, Analogy Capital Advisors Inc. ("Analogy Capital") is an entity co-owned and controlled by Mr. John D. Wright, Chairman of GLC. As such, the Acquisition is a non-arm's length transaction. Analogy Capital controls a 70% working interest in these sections, therefore, post-Acquisition, Analogy Capital will retain a 40% working interest in the Lands. The remaining 30% is owned by an unrelated third-party corporate entity (the "Third Party"). No finders fees were paid on the Acquisition. Figure 1: Deal Structure Map (CNW Group/Grounded Lithium Corp.) As a second and immediate step, Grounded and the Third Party will farm-out (the "Farmout") their combined 60% interest to a newly created Limited Partnership, the Saskatchewan Renewal Drilling Limited Partnership #1 ("SRDLP"), which successfully raised $900,000 from various subscribers to invest in oil and gas opportunities. Key terms of the Farmout involve the recovery of capital by SRDLP through a share of net operating income ("NOI"). Until SRDLP has recovered its eligible capital and operating costs associated with various drilling activities, described in greater detail below, from its share of NOI ("Payout"), SRDLP will retain 95% of the 60% share of NOI. Post-Payout, this percentage will drop to 55% of NOI. From a Grounded perspective, we receive 1.5% of NOI pre-Payout and 13.5% of NOI post-Payout. Grounded will provide the operatorship of the drilling and production activities associated with the Lands. Time and effort spent managing oil and gas activities as the operator will be formalized through standard joint operating agreements and charged back to the SRDLP and Analogy Capital. under such agreements. The combined group, comprised of Grounded, Analogy Capital and the Third Party has collectively agreed to drill up to two exploratory/development wells into a multiple zone Mannville sequence on the Lands. Wells drilled will be to a shallow depth of less than 700 meters, minimizing capital expenditures. The wells to be drilled offset older legacy wells which never produced but provide evidence supporting future success. It is anticipated that we may encounter up to three separate zones with oil potential. At these shallow depths and current commodity pricing, it is possible to drill, complete, equip and commence production from these wells, which could generate payback periods of less than one year. We believe the Lands can support wells beyond the two wells initially contemplated. Pending government well licensing approval, we anticipate operations to commence early in 2026. The Acquisition constitutes a "related party transaction" as such term is defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). In completing the Acquisition, Grounded is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements set out in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, as neither the fair market value of the interests acquired, nor the fair market value of the consideration therefore, exceeds 25% of Grounded's market capitalization. "Grounded is opportunistically leveraging off our internal oil and gas technical expertise to diversify the resource portfolio of the Company and in doing so, provide a supplemental source of NOI to advance our interests in the KLP," stated Gregg Smith, President & CEO. "We see this low-risk oil and gas venture as complimentary to our lithium business. Post-Payout, we expect noteworthy cash flows which will be used to satisfy future working capital requirements, and, should this venture continue and grow, proceeds from it have the potential to fund, in part, our share of future joint venture commitments for the KLP. We fully appreciate our primary public purpose is to provide exposure to critical minerals, and that has not changed this transaction however provides more certainty that Grounded will have a material seat at the table as the KLP continues to advance through the various project execution states." The Acquisition and the Farmout has been conditionally approved by the TSX Venture Exchange. Closing of the transaction is expected to occur pending minor filing requirements. About Grounded Lithium Corp. GLC is a publicly traded lithium brine exploration and development company that controls approximately 1.0 million metric tonnes of Measured & Indicated lithium carbonate equivalent mineral resource and approximately 3.2 million metric tonnes of Inferred lithium carbonate equivalent resource over our focused land holdings in Southwest Saskatchewan as per the Company's updated PEA. The updated PEA, titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report: Preliminary Economic Assessment Kindersley Lithium Project Phase 1 Update" dated November 7, 2023 and effective as of June 30, 2023, reports a Phase 1 NPV 8 after-tax of US$1.0 billion with an after-tax IRR of 48.5%. GLC's multi-faceted business model involves the consolidation, delineation, exploitation and ultimately development of our opportunity base to fulfill our vision to build a best-in-class, environmentally responsible, Canadian lithium producer supporting the global energy transition shift. U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the Company on https://www.otcmarkets.com/. Qualified Person Scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Doug Ashton, P.Eng., Alexey Romanov, P. Geo., Meghan Klein, P. Eng., Dean Quirk, P.Eng., Jeffrey Weiss, P.Eng., Chad Hitchings., P.L. Eng., and Michael Munteanu, P.Eng., each of whom is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101 and independent consultants to the Company. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements or information typically contain statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements. Forward-looking statements or information in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the anticipated outcomes and benefits of the Acquisition and the Farmout; the entry into joint operating agreements and the terms thereof; the timing, number, specifications and success of planned exploratory/development wells; the potential to encounter multiple oil-bearing zones; the ability to drill, complete, equip, and commence production quickly and at minimized capital expenditures; anticipated payback periods and rates of return; the belief that the Lands can support numerous additional wells; the expectation that operations will commence late in 2025 or early 2026; the anticipated benefits of diversifying the Company's resource portfolio; the expectation that the transactions described in this press release will provide a supplemental source of NOI to advance Grounded's interests in the KLP; the expectation of future cash flows and their potential use for working capital and future joint venture commitments for the KLP; Grounded having a material seat at the table with respect to the advancement of the KLP; Grounded's continued focus on critical minerals; Grounded's mineral resources and the value thereof; and Grounded's vision of becoming a best-in-class, environmentally responsible, Canadian lithium producer supporting the global energy transition. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements in this press release are based on a number of assumptions, including, but not limited to: the ability of Grounded to fund, advance, and develop its projects; the presence and recoverability of commercially viable oil reserves/resources from the acquired interests; the ability to obtain necessary regulatory, environmental, and partner approvals and permits; the availability and cost of capital, equipment, and personnel; anticipated commodity prices; the ability to successfully drill, complete, and produce from the planned wells; the ability to realize anticipated payback periods, rates of return, and cash flows; the demand for Grounded's products; and the ability to execute the Company's business plan as described. Although Grounded believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements and information because Grounded can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements due to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, but not limited to: technical and operational difficulties; the ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and permits; the availability and cost of equipment and personnel; fluctuations in commodity prices and market conditions; the failure to achieve anticipated drilling results or commercial production; delays or changes in project execution; the ability to raise sufficient capital on reasonable terms; health, safety, and environmental risks; and the other risk factors detailed in Grounded's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the periods ended December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2025, and in other documents Grounded files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities in Canada (available on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca). The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and except where required by law, Grounded undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The fact that this press release remains available does not constitute a representation by Grounded that the Company believes these forward-looking statements continue to be true as of any subsequent date. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. SOURCE Grounded Lithium Corp. Authorities have released the name of the passenger who died after a crash on I-80 east near University Way late last month. Nevada Highway Patrol says 79-year-old Carolyn Newton of Sparks died four days after the crash. NHP says she was in a Mustang when it struck a raised curb and hit the right side of a semi-truck trailer and went across three lanes, hitting a guardrail. DECEMBER 30, 2025 Lanes and an on-ramp on I-80 eastbound have reopened after being significantly affected for a few hours by a two-vehicle crash between Center and Virginia Streets on Tuesday morning. The Nevada State Police Highway Patrol Division reported the crash involved a Mustang and a semi-truck. Two people from the Mustang were transported to the hospital, including one with life-threatening injuries. No injuries were reported from the semi-truck. The cause of the crash is still unknown. NHP says all lanes and on-ramps have reopened on I-80 after eastbound traffic was reduced to a single lane at Virginia Street, and the I-80 eastbound on-ramp from University was closed as crews investigated and cleared the crash. This is a developing story; updates will be provided as more information becomes available. (NDOT and Nevada State Police contributed to this report.) Marjan Farid, M.D. brings world renown anterior segment clinical expertise and established the first Center of Excellence expansion site at the University of California, Irvine James Mazzo brings over four decades of executive leadership experience building organizations that define industry standards in eyecare CINCINNATI, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration, the only foundation in the world created to address a critical unmet medical need of corneal transplantation for patients with blinding Severe Ocular Surface Disease (OSD), today announced the appointment of Marjan Farid, M.D., and James Mazzo to the Board of Directors for the Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration effective immediately. Marjan Farid, MD James Mazzo The Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to transforming the lives of individuals affected by Severe OSD. The Foundation has established four Centers of Excellence at Cincinnati Eye Institute/St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Edgewood, KY, University of California Irvine, Virginia Eye Consultants in Norfolk, and Mass Eye and Ear in Boston, each actively delivering advanced care to patients with Severe Ocular Surface Disease. The Centers of Excellence are led by corneal specialists trained in and utilizing The Cincinnati Protocol established by Dr. Holland. "I am excited to announce the appointment of two exceptional leaders, Marjan Farid, M.D. and Jim Mazzo, to the Board of the Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration (HFSR). Dr. Farid, a distinguished corneal surgeon and lead ophthalmic surgeon at HFSR's Center of Excellence at UC Irvine, strengthens our board's medical expertise and will help advance our surgeon education initiatives in the diagnosis and treatment of blinding corneal disease. Jim Mazzo is one of the ophthalmic industry's most respected business leaders and brings invaluable strategic insight and relationships to our organization," stated Stephen Lane, M.D., Executive Chairman and President of the Foundation. "Their collective experience and leadership will meaningfully advance our mission, and we are pleased to welcome them to the HFSR Board." About Marjan Farid, M.D. Marjan Farid, M.D. is the Director of Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Surgery at the UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California-Irvine. Her clinical practice is divided between patient care, teaching and research focusing on corneal surgery and leading advancements in the application of the femtosecond laser for corneal transplantation as well as surgical innovations in Severe OSD. Her clinical focus includes refractive cataract and corneal surgery, complex intraocular lens surgery, and all types of corneal and ocular surface transplantation. Dr. Farid is as a leading international key opinion leader (KOL) advancing anterior segment sight-restoring surgical procedures informed by her experience treating the most complex and challenging patients in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery. Through board service and advisory work, she advances anterior segment innovation with strategics and early-stage companies. Dr. Farid established the Severe Ocular Surface Disease Program at UCI, the first Center of Excellence as an extension of the Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration, to deliver advanced care to patients and shape the future of this specialized field. About James Mazzo Jim Mazzo is one of the ophthalmic industry's best known and most respected business leaders with more than four decades of history of building and leading organizations that set industry standards. Jim currently serves as Executive Chair of Neurotech Pharmaceuticals, President of the Ophthalmology Foundation and Board Chair of the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and holds several board positions. His global reputation for building and running world-class organizations is based on twenty-two years of leading Allergan's North America and European eye care organizations; Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Advanced Medical Optics (AMO); Executive Vice President (EVP) of Abbott's global ophthalmology business; Executive Chair and CEO of AcuFocus; and Global President of Ophthalmic Devices for Carl Zeiss Meditec. His accomplishments are underscored by numerous leadership awards recognizing excellence across healthcare, business, and education. About the Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration The Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals affected by Severe Ocular Surface Disease (OSD), including limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a rare and devastating condition that can result in chronic pain, profound vision loss, and blindness. The Holland Foundation was co-founded by Robert J. Dempsey and Edward J. Holland, M.D., and is the only foundation of its kind in the world. The foundation was created to address a critical unmet need in corneal transplantation for patients with blinding Severe Ocular Surface Disease. Additionally, it supports standardizing the medical and surgical care for these patients and providing education to implement The Cincinnati Protocol as well as supporting the infrastructure needed to create Centers of Excellence worldwide. About Light After Darkness Fundraising Campaign Light After Darkness is a 5-year $5M fundraising campaign to support the Holland Foundation's mission to address the profound unmet need faced by patients with corneal blindness resulting from Severe OSD. The campaign aims to empower surgeons, advance care, and drive research innovation. To donate or learn more about the Light After Darkness Campaign, a critical advancement in our mission to restore sight to more patients suffering from Severe OSD, please visit our website. Media Contact: Kila Hanrahan Executive Director [email protected] (859) 409-0009 SOURCE Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration loading......... Malibu, CA, Jan 14, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Ellis Martin of the Ellis Martin Report recently spoke with Sid Rajeev, Head of Research at Fundamental Research Corp., regarding the firm's $1.74 BUY rating on Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. ( CVE:BLLG ) ( BLAGF:OTCMKTS ). Blue Lagoon Resources has reached a key inflection point with the transition to revenue-generating gold production at its 100%-owned Dome Mountain Gold Project in British Columbia. The company recently completed its first gold and silver sale under a toll-milling agreement with Nicola Mining, marking the beginning of commercial operations. During the interview, Rajeev discusses the significance of producer status for junior mining companies, valuation re-rating potential, and how Blue Lagoon compares to peer producers trading at materially higher multiples. The conversation also covers expected production levels, margin sensitivity to gold prices, and the company's high-grade underground resource, which averages approximately 9 grams per tonne gold. Rajeev highlights that Blue Lagoon trades at a discount to comparable junior producers on EV/Revenue and EV/EBITDA metrics, despite having near-term production visibility and operating cash flow. The discussion further addresses exploration upside, noting that the majority of the company's land package remains underexplored, providing potential for future resource growth. This interview provides a fundamentals-based overview of Blue Lagoon Resources' production ramp-up, valuation framework, and potential catalysts over the coming 6-12 months. To Listen to the Interview, please visit: https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/9U4N5L92 About Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (CNSX:BLLG) (FRA:7BL) (OTCMKTS:BLAGF) is a Canadian-based, well-funded, growth-oriented mining company focused on advancing its 100% owned Dome Mountain Gold Project in British Columbia. Led by a team with deep mining and finance experience, the Company operates in one of the world's most attractive mining jurisdictions. In February 2025, Blue Lagoon achieved a major milestone with the granting of a full mining permit - one of only nine issued in British Columbia since 2015 - and has since commenced underground mining operations. Mineralized material from Dome Mountain will be processed under a long-term toll milling agreement with Nicola Mining. Beginning in H1 2026, the Company plans to reinvest internally generated cash flow into near-mine and regional exploration to further expand its resource base. With a strong commitment to sustainability, community, and First Nation engagement, Blue Lagoon's objective is to become a profitable, cash-flowing gold producer while creating lasting value for shareholders and stakeholders alike. The Company is not basing its production decision at Dome Mountain on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. The production decision is based on having existing mining infrastructure, past bulk sampling and processing activity, and the established mineral resource. About The Ellis Martin Report The Ellis Martin Report (TEMR) and Money Talk Radio feature interviews with industry leaders in mining, biotech, energy, and technology. The program is globally syndicated through multiple financial platforms and streaming services. Related Companies Catalina Advances Beasley Creek with Formal Heritage Engagement Beasley Creek Formal Heritage Engagement Perth, Jan 15, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Catalina Resources Limited ( ASX:CTN ) advises that it has commenced formal engagement processes in relation to heritage matters associated with Exploration Licence E47/3490 at its Beasley Creek Project in Western Australia. Highlights - Formal heritage engagement commenced at Catalina's 100% owned Beasley Creek Project, supporting progression toward future exploration activities - Specialist advisers appointed and engagement initiated with the relevant Aboriginal representative body - Beasley Creek is located in a proven gold district and remains underexplored, with several priority targets already identified - The Flamingo Target continues to stand out as the key focus area, supported by multiple geological, geochemical and geophysical datasets previously disclosed - Heritge engagement and exploration planning are being progressed in parallel to maintain momentum and position the Company to advance exploration, subject to approvals Catalina Executive Director, Ross Cotton, commented: "Commencing formal engagement on heritage matters is an important step in progressing the Beasley Creek Project in a disciplined and responsible manner. Our focus at this stage is on clarifying the existing heritage framework and establishing an appropriate pathway that supports future exploration planning, consistent with Catalina's governance standards and previously disclosed objectives." The Company has appointed specialist heritage legal advisers and initiated correspondence with the relevant Aboriginal representative body to seek confirmation of the status of the existing Heritage Protection Agreement (HPA). This engagement is intended to clarify the current heritage framework applying to the tenement and to support an orderly pathway for future exploration activities. In parallel, Catalina has provided a high-level overview of its corporate background and exploration intentions, consistent with previously disclosed information, to assist with initial discussions and to support constructive engagement with Traditional Owner representatives. These steps form part of Catalina's standard approach to heritage due diligence and stakeholder engagement and are aimed at ensuring that any future on-ground activities are planned and conducted in a manner consistent with applicable heritage legislation and industry practice. ABOUT BEASLEY CREEK The Beasley Creek Project is 100% owned by Catalina and is located within a proven gold district in Western Australia that includes the former Paulsens Gold Operation (figure 1*). The project covers a geologically prospective and underexplored area, where historical work has been limited and several priority exploration targets have been identified. The Flamingo Target (figure 2*) has been defined by an independent review as a key focus area based on the convergence of geological, geochemical and geophysical datasets previously disclosed to the market. These studies indicate a structurally controlled mineralised system consistent with gold systems recognised elsewhere in the district and provide a clear framework for future exploration planning as heritage engagement progresses. Next Steps Subject to the progression of heritage engagement and receipt of relevant approvals, Catalina intends to continue advancing exploration planning at Beasley Creek in line with previously disclosed work programs. This includes further surface geochemical sampling to refine priority targets, early-stage reconnaissance across additional tenure as it is granted, and preparatory work to support potential future drilling activities. In parallel, the Company expects to progress heritage engagement, access planning and operational readiness to ensure it is well positioned to advance exploration activities in an orderly and responsible manner. *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/J8EYJRQN About Catalina Resources Ltd Catalina Resources Ltd (ASX:CTN) is a mineral exploration company focused on discovering and advancing gold and multi-commodity projects in tier-one jurisdictions. Backed by a technically experienced team with deep industry knowledge, Catalina is committed to creating value through focused exploration across highly prospective and underexplored regions in Western Australia. The company's core assets are located in the Central Yilgarn and Laverton regions, two of the most historically productive and geologically endowed gold provinces in the country. Both projects have demonstrated the potential to host significant mineralisation, with early-stage drilling already delivering promising results. Related Companies SPECTACULAR RESULTS UP TO 34.3% ANTIMONY AT OAKY CREEK NSW Spectacular Results Up To 34.3% Antimony at Oaky Creek NSW Perth, Jan 15, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Red Mountain Mining Limited ( ASX:RMX ) ( RMXFF:OTCMKTS ), a Critical Minerals exploration and development company with an established and growing portfolio in Tier-1 Mining Districts in the United States and Australia, announced a further tranche of outstanding antimony rock chip geochemistry results from the Oaky Creek prospect within the Company's 100% owned Armidale antimony-gold project in the Southern New England Orogen of northeast New South Wales. HIGHLIGHTS: - High grade Antimony (Sb) mineralisation returned from rock chip samples from Oaky Creek Prospect in the New England Oregon, NSW. Highlights include: o 34.3% Sb (AAR239) - (Figure 1*, Figure 3*) o 23.1% Sb (AAR237) - (Figure 2*) o 19.1% Sb (AAR240) - The Oaky Creek prospect continues to return exceptional Antimony assay results with 11 of 13 samples collected from the Oaky Creek North soil anomaly returning in excess of 1.9% Tungsten. - Strongly Antimony mineralised rock-chip samples highlight a 1.6km strike extent, NNW-trend of at Oaky Creek North, providing indications of the presence of a large-scale orogenic antimony-gold vein system, analogous to Larvotto Resources' Hillgrove project, at surface. - Assay results for the December 2025 auger program at Oaky Creek North and South are expected to be received this month and additional field work is planned to complete the auger sampling program at both Oaky Creek prospects. - Red Mountain anticipates that the auger sampling will define multiple orogenic Antimonygold targets for drill testing at Oaky Creek during the first half of 2026. - The Company plans a high-resolution airborne magnetic-radiometric survey to better define additional orogenic Antimony and or Gold targets. - - The Australian Government has prioritised Antimony in its A$1.2B Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve and Strategy, providing strong policy validation for Red Mountains's Antimony projects. Eleven of thirteen grab samples collected across the southern half of the 1.2km-long Oaky Creek North soil anomaly returned antimony values of greater than 1.9% Sb (Table 1*), with the highest recorded value of 34.3% Sb for sample AAR239 (Figure 3*). Samples were analysed for Antimony, Silver, Arsenic and Tungsten using sodium peroxide fusion and ICP-MS finish, and for Gold using a 50g fire assay charge and ICP-OES finish. All analytical results are listed in Table 1*. The majority of samples also contain anomalous arsenic (>100ppm As), with a peak value of 467ppm As; and all contain detectable gold, with anomalous values of over 100ppb Au (0.1g/t Au) recorded for two samples (Table 1*). The antimony-arsenic-gold association present in the samples is consistent with the Company's primary exploration target of a vein-style orogenic antimony-gold deposit, which is considered analogous to Larvotto Resources' ( ASX:LRV ) (Market Cap $610M) Hillgrove project, Australia's largest Antimony deposit, which lies east of Red Mountain's Armidale Project. Soil and rock chip sampling at Oaky Creek define a 3km long orogenic Sb-Au system The Oaky Creek prospect features quartz-carbonate-stibnite veins and breccias hosted within a tightly folded and faulted sequence of metamorphosed Carboniferous mudstone, siltstone and fine sandstone The mineralisation has been targeted by two groups of small, shallow historical pits and shafts at Oaky Creek North and Oaky Creek South, which are thought to date from the late 19th Century. Since acquiring the project in December 2024, Red Mountain has completed three field campaigns at the Oaky Creek prospect. The Company's initial sampling program at Oaky Creek comprised a 50 x 100m spaced grid soil sampling program centered on a major splay of the Namoi Fault, accompanied by rock chip sampling. As initially reported in June 2025, the soil sampling defines a coherent, ~1.5km long, 100-200m wide, NNW-trending >2ppm Sb in soil anomaly extending both north and south of the historical workings at Oaky Creek North and a similarly-oriented ~1km long >2ppm Sb in soil anomaly extending north from the Oaky Creek South workings (Figure 4*), indicating a significant orogenic antimony mineral system with a strike extent of 3km. The broader Armidale Antimony-Gold project remains highly prospective and unexplored with a series of further programs planned at additional sites across the extensive claim area of up to 400 km2. Initial rock chip sampling, reported in June2 and July 2025, returned values of up to 28.3% Sb and 0.54 g/t Au, with mineralised and anomalous rock chip samples showing a strong spatial correlation to the antimony soil anomaly (Figure 4*), and high grade (>25% Sb) mineralisation found to be outcropping in a creek exposure 500m NNW of the historical workings at Oaky Creek North. A second sampling program was undertaken in August and September 2025, with the collection of additional rock chip samples at Oaky Creek South and Oaky Creek North, returning even stronger results of up to 39.3% Sb and 1.09g/t Au and confirming the presence of a high-grade antimony mineralisation with associated gold ~500m northwest of the Oaky Creek South workings. As reported in late November 2025, initial soil auger sampling by Red Mountain over the mineralisation to the northwest of Oaky Creek South defined a coherent northeast-trending Sb-As anomaly, up to approximately 30m in width and 200m in length, which parallels and overlaps the extent of mapped quartz-carbonate-sulfide veins, suggesting that the auger soil sampling is able to directly mapping near-surface mineralisation. The core of the anomaly is defined by nine samples containing >100ppm Sb, with a peak value of 1201ppm Sb; and 27 samples containing >100ppm As, with a maximum value of 1040ppm As. The receipt of the most recent high grade antimony results over the southern end of the soil anomaly at Oaky Creek North means that strongly antimony mineralised rock-chip samples have now been collected along a NNW-trending strike extent of 1.6km at Oaky Creek North (Figure 4*), indicating the presence of a large-scale orogenic antimony-gold vein system at surface that provides a compelling target for drill testing. Comprehensive auger soil sampling in progress to define priority targets for drilling The new Oaky Creek North samples were collected in December 2025 during the first phase of a 50m x 20m spaced auger soil sampling designed to tighten Red Mountain's existing 100m x 50m spaced soil grid to better constrain individual high priority drill targets. The samples collected in December represent the first batch of a comprehensive hand auger soil sampling program (Figure 5*) that is designed to: - Cover the full 1.2km strike extent conventional soil antimony that was the Company's primary initial target at the Oaky Creek prospect. - Test the extension of the strong 200m-long antimony-arsenic auger soil anomaly at Oaky Creek South, which is open to the northeast; and - Sample across the area between the previous auger sampling and the historical workings at Oaky Creek South, where conventional soils define a weak but coherent antimony anomaly and the previous auger sampling showed increasing arsenic towards the edge of coverage, a potential vector towards antimony-gold mineralisation. Assay results for the December 2025 auger samples are expected to be received early this quarter with follow up field work to commence shortly thereafter to complete the full auger sampling program at Oaky Creek North and Oaky Creek South. Red Mountain anticipates that the auger sampling program at Oaky Creek will be completed, including receipt of all analytical results, before the end of Q1 2026 and that the results will define multiple orogenic antimony-gold targets for drill testing at Oaky Creek during the first half of 2026. Next steps for the Armidale Antimony-Gold Project Oaky Creek is the company's highest priority prospect within the project and is one of several known orogenic gold and antimony mineral occurrences within the tenement that have strong structural, lithological and mineralogical similarities to Larvotto's Hillgrove deposit, 100km to the East, which is Australia's largest antimony-gold deposit. The Company is prioritising the advancement of the Oaky Creek prospect, which will be drill tested during 2026, while concurrently commissioning a high resolution airborne magnetic-radiometric survey over the tenement to improve data resolution and better map the structural architecture, to define additional orogenic antimony and/or gold targets. The plan for the survey is currently being prepared, with the dataset expected to be acquired during this quarter. The Company expects that the improved resolution magnetic and radiometric data will allow Red Mountain to better identify locations for initial soil sampling at the Horsley Station and Horsley North gold targets and possible follow up work at the East Hils antimony-gold prospect, which has returned initial rock chip results of up to 9.9% Sb and soil results of up to 109ppm Sb and 304ppm Sb. The locations of these targets are shown on Figure 6*. Armidale Antimony-Gold Project Background Red Mountain's 100%-owned Armidale antimony-gold project (EL9372) lies west of Australia's largest known antimony deposit, Larvotto's ( ASX:LRV ) Hillgrove deposit, which is also the 8th largest antimony deposit globally. The Southern New England Orogen is recognised as Australia's premier Antimony province (Figure 7*). Antimony occurs in hydrothermal quartz veins, breccias and stockworks, often with associated gold and/or tungsten mineralisation. The Armidale Antimony-Gold Project extends for 85km along the western side of the Peel Fault. The geology of the project area is dominated by isoclinally folded Carboniferous metasediments of the Tamworth Belt, which is a forearc basinal package related to west-dipping subduction of oceanic crust beneath the Lachlan Orogen. Ultramafic melanges of the Great Serpentinite Belt, which outcrop along the Peel Fault, are considered to be remnants of this oceanic crust. The Peel Fault System has recognised world-class mineral potential, with over 400 known orogenic gold and base metal mineral occurrences along its over 400km strike extent, but is underexplored, with less than 200 mostly shallow drillholes over its length, the majority of which are focused on discrete prospects. *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/68SG223B About Red Mountain Mining Limited Red Mountain Mining Limited (ASX:RMX) is a mineral exploration and development company. Red Mountain has a portfolio of US, Canada and Australia projects in Critical Minerals and Gold. Red Mountain is advancing its Armidale Antimony-Gold Project in NSW, Utah Antimony Project in the Antimony Mining District of Utah, US, Fry Lake Gold Project and US Lithium projects. Related Companies LAS VEGAS, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), an artificial intelligence ("AI") data center company anchored by Bitcoin ("Hyperscale Data" or the "Company"), today announced that it has successfully paid 43 consecutive monthly cash dividends on its 13.00% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (the "Series D Preferred Stock"). Dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock are cumulative and are payable out of amounts legally available therefor at a rate equal to 13.00% per annum per $25.00 of stated liquidation preference per share, or $0.2708333 per share of Series D Preferred Stock per month. Milton "Todd" Ault III, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Company, stated, "As we start the new year, I wanted to acknowledge how proud I am of the Company and its commitment to the long-term nature of this dividend. We made significant progress throughout 2025 and are excited to continue executing on our plans and focusing on delivering value for our stockholders." For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data's public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov. About Hyperscale Data, Inc. Through its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Inc., Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging AI ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Data's other wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. ("ACG"), is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact. Hyperscale Data currently expects the divestiture of ACG (the "Divestiture") to occur in the third quarter of 2026. Upon the occurrence of the Divestiture, the Company would be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services, as well as a holder of the digital assets. Until the Divestiture occurs, the Company will continue to provide, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an AI software platform, social gaming platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data's headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89141. On December 23, 2024, the Company issued one million (1,000,000) shares of a newly designated Series F Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Series F Preferred Stock") to all common stockholders and holders of the Series C Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. The Divestiture will occur through the voluntary exchange of the Series F Preferred Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of ACG (collectively, the "ACG Shares"). The Company reminds its stockholders that only those holders of the Series F Preferred Stock who agree to surrender such shares, and do not properly withdraw such surrender, in the exchange offer through which the Divestiture will occur, will be entitled to receive the ACG Shares and consequently be shareholders of ACG upon the occurrence of the Divestiture. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "may," "will," "should," "could," "potential," or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company's business and financial results are included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company's Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company's website at hyperscaledata.com. SOURCE Hyperscale Data Inc. AceShowbiz - Chris Noth recently sparked controversy with his comments regarding Sarah Jessica Parker as she received the prestigious 2026 Carol Burnett Award from the Golden Globes. Noth, known for his role as Mr. Big in *Sex and the City* and its reboot *And Just Like That...*, took to Instagram last Friday to share a motivational gym photo captioned, F&@k new years LETS GO!!!! This caption caught the attention of social media users, leading one commenter to insinuate that Noth's words were directed at Parker, writing, You mean fcuk [sic] sjp & her award right? lol. To this, Noth replied, Right, adding fuel to the fire of speculation about his feelings towards his former co-star. The Golden Globes event, where Parker was honored, has become a focal point for conversation surrounding past relationships and controversies in Hollywood. As the spotlight shone brightly on Parker, Noth's remarks were seen as an attempt to undermine her achievement, drawing both support and criticism from fans and observers alike. In light of Noth's recent comments, queries have been raised regarding Parker's reaction. The Hollywood Reporter attempted to reach out to her representatives for a statement, but there was no immediate response. This silence has only intensified the public's curiosity about the ongoing dynamics between the former co-stars. It's worth noting that Noth's past has been marred by serious allegations. He was removed from the *Sex and the City* franchise after accusations of sexual assault surfaced in a 2021 report by *The Hollywood Reporter*. These allegations became public shortly after the release of *And Just Like That...*, where his character met a dramatic end in the series premiere. In response to the allegations, Noth issued a statement vehemently denying the claims. He stated, The accusations against me made by individuals I met years, even decades, ago are categorically false. These stories couldve been from 30 years ago or 30 days ago no always means no that is a line I did not cross. The encounters were consensual. He expressed disbelief over the timing of these allegations, asserting that he did not assault any women. After the allegations emerged, Parker, along with her co-stars Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis, released a joint statement expressing their support for the women who came forward with their stories. They stated, We are deeply saddened to hear the allegations against Chris Noth. We support the women who have come forward and shared their painful experiences. We know it must be a very difficult thing to do and we commend them for it. Due to the fallout from the allegations, a planned cameo featuring Noth's character was ultimately cut from the show's first season finale. As the Golden Globes continue to serve as a platform for honoring achievements in television and film, the interactions and past relationships of its attendees remain under scrutiny. Indore Water Crisis: Audit Flags 15 Deaths Linked to Diarrhoea Outbreak in Bhagirathpura 2 An audit report submitted to the district administration has indicated that at least 15 of the 21 deaths recorded in Bhagirathpura may be linked to the recent outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea caused by contaminated drinking water in Indore, sources said on Tuesday. Fresh cases continue to surface in the locality, with five new diarrhoea patients detected on Tuesday. A Madhya Pradesh health department official said all five patients reported to outpatient departments at local health centres and were treated. Indore Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Madhav Prasad Hasani said the outbreak, which began after contaminated water was supplied to the area on December 29, has so far led to the hospitalisation of 436 patients. Of these, 403 have been discharged after recovery, while 33 remain admitted, including eight patients undergoing treatment in intensive care units. The local administration has officially confirmed six deaths due to vomiting and diarrhoea linked to contaminated water. However, residents of Bhagirathpura have claimed that the toll is much higher, alleging that at least 23 people, including a six-month-old child, have died since the outbreak. The audit report was prepared by a committee of senior doctors from the government-run Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and submitted to the administration earlier this week. District Magistrate Shivam Verma confirmed the submission of the report but did not disclose detailed findings. Some deaths in Bhagirathpura appear to be linked to vomiting and diarrhoea caused by unclean drinking water, while others are not connected to the outbreak, Verma said, adding that the committee could not determine the exact cause of death in certain cases. He said the district administration has so far provided financial assistance of 2 lakh each to 18 affected families. All the deaths in Bhagirathpura are tragic, irrespective of the cause. We are consoling the families and extending financial help, Verma added. The situation has put the spotlight on water safety in Indore, often cited as the countrys cleanest city, as authorities continue to monitor the health situation and work to prevent further contamination. Iran Protest Crackdown Death Toll Crosses 2,500, Rights Group Reports 2 The death toll from Irans ongoing crackdown on anti-government protests has risen to at least 2,571, according to figures released early Wednesday by the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The rights group said that of the total deaths recorded so far, 2,403 were protesters, while 147 were government-affiliated individuals. The toll also includes 12 children and nine civilians who were reportedly not participating in the demonstrations. More than 18,100 people have been detained since the unrest began, the group added. With internet services largely shut down across Iran, verifying developments on the ground has become increasingly difficult. International media outlets, including the Associated Press, said they have been unable to independently confirm the figures. Iranian authorities have not released any comprehensive data on casualties linked to the protests. Activists said the scale of the deaths far exceeds that of any previous wave of unrest in Iran in recent decades, drawing comparisons with the turmoil surrounding the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Protests have continued despite the crackdown, even as access to information remains restricted and uncertainty surrounds the true extent of the violence. The release of the ITRC Annual Data Breach Report supports the Data Privacy Week 2026 initiative to educate businesses on data collection best practices that respect data privacy and promote transparency SAN DIEGO, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), a nationally recognized nonprofit organization established to support victims of identity crime, announced its commitment to Data Privacy Week 2026. The ITRC recognizes and supports the principle that all organizations share the responsibility of being conscientious stewards of personal information. For Data Privacy Week 2026, the ITRC will release its Data Breach Report at the Identity, Authentication and the Road Ahead Forum. As part of Data Privacy Week 2026, the ITRC will issue the 20th edition of our Annual Data Breach Report on Thursday, January 29, at the Identity, Authentication and the Road Ahead Identity Policy Forum, presented by the Better Identity Coalition, the FIDO Alliance and the ITRC. The 2025 Annual Data Breach Report will explore the number of reported data compromises and the underlying trends behind them. For more information on the Forum, visit www.idtheftcenter.org/events or click here. "The ITRC is pleased to, once again, be a Champion of Data Privacy Week," said Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center. "As we release our 20th Annual Data Breach Report in conjunction with Data Privacy Week 2026, we believe it will reinforce that consumers have the power to manage their personal information and why organizations should respect their customers' data. We have never seen the volume of data compromises as we did in 2025, and we must continue to provide consumer education that helps people understand the importance of data protection." Data Privacy Week is an annual expanded effort from Data Privacy Day taking place from January 26 - 30, 2026. The goal of Data Privacy Week is to spread awareness about online privacy among individuals and organizations. The goal is twofold: to help citizens understand that they have the power to manage their data and to help organizations understand why it is important that they respect their users' data. For more information about Data Privacy Week and how to get involved, visit https://www.staysafeonline.org/data-privacy-week. For more information on the ITRC's 2025 Annual Data Breach Report, email [email protected]. About the Identity Theft Resource Center Founded in 1999, the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is a national nonprofit organization established to empower and guide consumers, victims, business and government to minimize risk and mitigate the impact of identity compromise and crime. Through public and private support, the ITRC provides no-cost victim assistance and consumer education through its website live chat, idtheftcenter.org, and toll-free phone number 888.400.5530. The ITRC also equips consumers and businesses with information about recent data breaches through its data breach tracking tool. The ITRC offers help to specific populations, including the deaf/hard of hearing and blind/low vision communities. About Data Privacy Week Data Privacy Week began as Data Privacy Day in the United States and Canada in January 2008 as an extension of the Data Protection Day celebration in Europe. Data Protection Day commemorates the Jan. 28, 1981, signing of Convention 108, the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection. NCA, the nation's leading nonprofit, public-private partnership promoting cybersecurity and privacy education and awareness, leads the effort in North America each year. For more information, visit https://staysafeonline.org/data-privacy-week/. About the National Cybersecurity Alliance The National Cybersecurity Alliance is a non-profit organization on a mission to create a more secure, interconnected world. We advocate for the safe use of all technology and educate everyone on how best to protect ourselves, our families, and our organizations from cybercrime. We create strong partnerships between governments and corporations to amplify our message and to foster a greater "digital" good. For more information, please visit https://staysafeonline.org. SOURCE Identity Theft Resource Center Students and educators to celebrate educational options during School Choice Week BOISE, Idaho, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of students, parents, and teachers will rally at the Capitol in Boise on Tuesday, Jan. 27 with a common goal: to highlight the success of school choice for Idaho families. The event, organized in collaboration by the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families in collaboration with the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation, is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week. It will take place from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Tuesday, Jan. 27 in the Rotunda on the 2nd Floor of the Idaho Capitol (700 W Jefferson St, Boise, ID 83702). The event provides the public with an opportunity to hear from students about how school choice has impacted their lives and what it means to communities across the state. "This event demonstrates how students feel seen, supported, and excited about learning," said China Gum, Event Lead at the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families. "It highlights the growing success of online learners while celebrating all schools of choiceboth online and in personshowing that learning can happen anywhere, and that students from every model are just as capable and prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities." National School Choice Week runs Jan. 2531 and includes 28,000 events across America. The goal of the week is to raise awareness about the various education options available to families, empower parents to find the learning environment that best suits their child's needs, and help them feel confident in navigating those choices. For more information, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/events/idaho-state-capitol-celebration. The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We show parents how K12 school choice can change their children's lives, and then guide them through the process of finding schools that best meet their children's needs. Our three charitable programsNational School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolaresraise equal awareness of the public, charter, magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional education options available for families. We are nonpolitical and do not advocate for or against legislation at any level of government. SOURCE National School Choice Week Lets pretend you are a liberal living in a red state. If you feel aggrieved about the condition of the world and believe that conservatives are to blame, you can find a few like-minded souls, print up some signs covered in half-clever phrases, and go protest. In most cases, unless you chain yourself to a railing on the courthouse steps or attack the police, you will usually be ignored. Advertisement On the flip side, lets pretend you are a conservative living in a deep blue state. If you dont like the school policy, E.V. mandates, high electricity prices, or restrictive gun laws, and you dare to complain, not only will you not be ignored, but you might be harassed, shunned, or canceled. Your solution to the hard blue insanity is a four-letter word: move. Now lets pretend you live in a state with a blue megalopolis somewhere over the horizon, but you dont want to move. Lets also pretend you have lived in your community all of your life and have roots there a job or a farm or a business that would be difficult to replicate somewhere else. Why should you suffer because once upon a midnight dreary, councilors to a long dead king or a few drunk senators drew a line on a map that ignored rational boundaries? Advertisement Generally speaking, I dont have a problem with people living the way they want to. That is called freedom. However, I object to some of our more right-leaning or left-leaning citizens forcing their ideas on everyone else, then treating those who disagree with them as second-class citizens. In some cases, this has prompted states to heavily gerrymander congressional districts, which disenfranchises both liberal and conservative voters. One solution is to adjust state boundaries to more adequately reflect local political values. Ever since the founding of the republic, various groups and political movements have sought to redraw state boundaries. Some have been successful. Maine was originally part of Massachusetts, and the states of Kentucky and West Virginia were created from land originally part of Virginia. Other partitions to existing boundaries have been suggested, but none has been adopted. The reason is that the Constitution requires both the blessings of the partitioned state and the U.S. Congress. Advertisement Ask yourself a simple question. Why would any state governor or legislature willingly give up territory if it is not forced to? The serfs excuse me, taxpayers there help balance the state budget. How they feel about their lives or the number of potholes in their roads is secondary to ensuring that state budgets are met and the state programs, even those for non-citizens, continue. Despite the obstacles, secession movements continue. Lets look at three of the more recent secession ideas. Advertisement In 2014, residents of western Maryland, reportedly unhappy with taxes and gun control policy, started signing petitions to secede from Maryland and form a new state. Later in 2021, Republican lawmakers in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties in Maryland sent a letter to the West Virginia legislature asking if the Mountain State would be willing to annex them. The Maryland panhandle, an artifact of English colonial land grants, is a mountainous area more similar to West Virginia than the rest of Maryland. The three counties have a combined population of just over a quarter of a quarter million. That is probably not enough to take a congressional seat from Maryland or give one to West Virginia. Will it change the U.S. political structure if these counties are allowed to switch states? Not really. Advertisement The state of Oregon is divided almost in half by the Cascade Mountain Range. The majority of the population lives on the western or Pacific Coast side of the mountains, either in the city of Portland or towns in the Willamette Valley. In 2021, five counties in eastern Oregon, unhappy with the liberal state government, voted to take steps to secede from Oregon and join Idaho. By 2024, a total of thirteen Oregon counties had voted to join Idaho. The population in these counties is roughly 240,000, or about 5.5% of Oregons population again, probably not enough to change the number of congressional seats between the states. Advertisement A third secession movement is active in Illinois. Since 2011, more than one attempt has been made to separate the city of Chicago from the rest of Illinois or individual counties from the state. The issue here is the dominance of Chicago and Chicago politics over the rest of Illinois. As of 2024, 33 counties had voted to secede, about a third of the states counties. In 2025, lawmakers in Indiana discussed annexing those counties, although only twenty-seven of them are contiguous with the Indiana border. The others are on the western side of Illinois and would be a better fit with Missouri. The twenty-seven counties represent nearly half a million residents. This would almost certainly take a congressional seat from Illinois and add one to Indiana. Besides liberal political values, another reason people are moving from blue states or seeking to join red states is that blue states typically have higher tax burdens than red states. Call it an issue of affordability. There is an easy way to check this. Lets take the median income in the U.S., which was roughly $84,000 in 2024, multiply it by the average tax burden in the blue state of origin, do the same for the red state destination, and then subtract the two numbers. The following results are based on a combination of income taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes. If the Oregon counties join Idaho, residents earning $84,000 would save about $250 per year, or about 0.3 percent of their income. If the Illinois counties join Indiana, their residents would save over $750 per year or about 0.9 percent of their income. And if the three Maryland counties joined West Virginia, residents there would save about $924 per year or about 1.1 percent of their income. Remember, these are ballpark numbers and will change depending on income and other individual circumstances. As the country approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, perhaps it is time to consider a constitutional amendment to facilitate changes to state boundaries. After all, most of our state boundaries were arbitrary to begin with. Counties wishing to become a separate state would have to follow the rules for statehood. Imagine Chicago as the 51st state, along with New York City plus Long Island as the 52nd. Upstate New York and downstate Illinois could then breathe a sigh of relief. Until then, you can still move. On a similar note, I hear the Canadian province of Alberta is thinking about leaving Canada. Maybe Trump can talk the Canadians into a straight-up swap of Alberta for Minnesota. It couldnt hurt to try. Image: Don Hankins via Flickr, CC BY 2.0 (cropped). Students and educators to celebrate educational options during School Choice Week COLUMBIA, S.C., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 1000 students, parents, and teachers will rally at the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia on Wednesday, Jan. 28 with a common goal: to highlight the success of school choice for South Carolina families. Organized by the Charleston RISE in collaboration with the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the event is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week and will begin with a student showcase featuring 15 student groups from across the state from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at the USC Alumni Center (900 Senate St., Columbia, SC 29201). Following the showcase, students, families, and educators will march together to the South Carolina Statehouse (100 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29208) for pep-rally celebration on the Statehouse steps, featuring live student-led band and choir performances, a performance of the National School Choice Week dance, and remarks from education and state leaders. This event offers the public an opportunity to hear from parents, students, educators and legislators about the impact of school choice on their lives and the broader community. "The main goal of South Carolina's National School Choice Week Celebration is to highlight the power of knowing when children are not getting the quality education they deserve. Real choice begins with that awareness," said Cheryl Cromwell, Executive Director of Charleston RISE. "This event underscores that families do have options and when parents understand those options, it can be life-changing for their children and their communities." National School Choice Week runs Jan. 2531 and includes 28,000 events across America. The goal of the week is to raise awareness about the various education options available to families, empower parents to find the learning environment that best suits their child's needs, and help them feel confident in navigating those choices. For more information, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/events/south-carolina-capitol-celebration The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We show parents how K12 school choice can change their children's lives, and then guide them through the process of finding schools that best meet their children's needs. Our three charitable programsNational School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolaresraise equal awareness of the public, charter, magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional education options available for families. We are nonpolitical and do not advocate for or against legislation at any level of government. SOURCE National School Choice Week The difference between red and blue states is not just a matter of degree; it is a qualitative difference based on the loss of freedom in blue states and an entirely different attitude in the red states. The best example is the contrast between what now exists in New York and Florida. Whereas New York, especially New York City, is slipping into a socialist nightmare, Floridians are living the dream. In New York, freedom is constrained by high taxes and regulations, and things are only getting worse. In Florida, taxes are low and getting lower, and the sun almost always shines. Advertisement Florida voters understand the importance of limited government, and they have created a well governed, fiscally sound state. Eliminating the state income tax in its entirety was only the beginning: Now there is movement toward lowering property taxes or eliminating them altogether, which would benefit nearly everyone in the state. Gov. Ron DeSantis is perhaps the biggest supporter of property tax reform. The governor proposed eliminating property taxes for all Floridians in his 2025 State of the State address, in which he said forcing citizens to pay property taxes for life is like renting ones property from the government. The governors proposal would apply to all property, including commercial and rental property. There is widespread support for some form of property tax relief, but the devil is in the details. Advertisement An interim plan to rebate approximately $1,000 to owners of primary residences was proposed in March 2025. In response, Senate Bill 7034 was introduced to create a legislative commission to study the feasibility of eliminating all or part of the states property taxes and with the likelihood of a state constitutional amendment to appear on the 2026 ballot. Other legislative proposals include an increase in the states homestead exemption (currently totaling $50,000 for the primary residence), a tax exemption of $100,000 on all types of property, or a reduction in the states sales tax. Republican lawmakers generally support some form of tax relief, whereas Democrats oppose it, but since Republicans outnumber Democrats by 84 to 33 in the state House and 27 to 11 in the Senate, it seems likely that some form of tax reform will become law. Meanwhile, states like California and New York are moving the opposite direction. The marginal income tax rate in California is 12.3%, and this on top of state property taxes, sales taxes of 7.25%, and numerous other local taxes and fees. Advertisement As for New York, the statewide income tax is a marginal 10.9% (14.78% for high earners in New York City), with state and local sales taxes as high as 8.875%, property tax rates averaging more than twice those in California, and numerous other state and local taxes and fees (including a ludicrous $9 congestion zone fee for entering lower Manhattan). On top of this, New York is one of a handful of states that still charges a death tax, with a marginal rate of 16% on qualifying estates, and this on top of the marginal federal estate tax of 45%. Mayor Mamdani has vowed to raise corporate taxes from 8.85% to 11.5% and to impose a 2% surcharge on those earning over one million, on top of existing taxes. According to the Cato Institute, the income-tax increase would tempt high earning New Yorkers to relocate to Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley, where they can still be close to the city, if not out of state altogether. Advertisement To recap, Floridians pay a total of 6% in state taxes and average property tax rates that are already half of what they are in New York and may be further lowered in 2026 or 2027. Adding it up, affluent New Yorkers pay marginal rates of at least 36% (including the estate tax) or nearly 40% in New York City and all of this on top of federal income and estate taxes. There is not much left for individuals, and this level of taxation is an assault on personal liberty. Theres not much difference between communism, where the state owns everything, and an American city where government takes 80%. One should also note that the public debt ratio in New York is already 442%, while California has twice as much debt in absolute terms ($500 billion). Under Gov. DeSantis, Floridas debt ratio is 2.6%, a 25-year low. Advertisement Clearly, New York and California are moving in the wrong direction, whereas Florida is moving very much in the right direction, and this because Florida is a well run conservative state filled with well informed voters. What will be the effect of these continuing high and potentially higher taxes in blue states? Migration of wealthy and middle-class residents, and its already happening. Affluent citizens are leaving New York in a steady stream. Between 2019 and 2020 alone, nearly 10% of high earners left New York City. More recently, the exodus has continued. California is experiencing its own outward migration of wealthy and middle-class residents, and not merely for tax reasons. California ranks 6th in the nation for high violent crime and 8th for property crime. The cost of living is the third highest in the U.S. Homelessness is at a record high, with 24% of the nations homeless living in California. And Californias public schools, once near the top, now come out well below average. Advertisement One could cite many other blue states, including Illinois, as evidence of liberal mismanagement, and other red states like Texas and Tennessee for proof of sound conservative governance. The fact is that all human beings want much the same thing: safety, security, prosperity, and freedom (including freedom from government restrictions and high taxes). Today in America, Florida offers that freedom. New York and California do not. In America, the red states are keeping the American Dream alive. Personal liberty includes freedom from government confiscation of wealth, whether that confiscation takes the form of Soviet-style direct confiscation or seizure through taxation. Voters in New York and California have not learned the lesson that high taxes and regulation lower the quality of life and infringe on freedom. Fortunately, we live in a country, unlike communist China or North Korea, where one can relocate freely to another state. Freedom may be dying in New York, but the sun is still shining in Florida. Jeffrey Folks is the author of many books and articles on American culture, most recently Heartland of the Imagination (2011). Image: Donkey Hotey via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. Rachel Maddow likes to play armchair political scientist. Asked by Jimmy Kimmel if she thinks the peaceful protests she highlights on her show do any good, Maddow enthusiastically replies, Yes! and explains: Advertisement In political science terms, theres whats called the 3.5% rule which is that if you look at authoritarian regimes of various kinds all over the world over the last like century, once you have 3.5% of a population protesting nonviolently against a dictator or an authoritarian, that is essentially an unstoppable force that they cant oppose. And that precludes them from consolidating dictatorial power.Its not that much larger a number than what we are already seeing in the streets against Trump. NEW: Rachel Maddow Calls for More Protests Against President Trump Once you have 3.5% of a population protesting nonviolently against a dictator or an authoritarian, that is essentially an unstoppable force that they can't oppose. pic.twitter.com/wfIVwkO2Ja Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) January 9, 2026 Where did Maddow come up with this 3.5% theory? In April 2025, MoveOn.org sent out an email glorifying their nationwide success with the Hands off! protests against oligarchs Trump and Elon Musk. As Maddow made clear, their goal then wasnt and isnt now, just to express outrage over the actual issuesoligarchy, Musk, ICE, George Floyd, Women, Jan 6but was instead to mobilize 3.5% of the population to resist Trump and sow chaos with the long-term goal being his ouster. Advertisement Image created using AI. Advertisement MoveOns claim as repeated by Maddow in her conversation with Kimmel, is that no government has withstood a challenge of 3.5% of their population mobilized against it during a peak event, a theory taken from Erica Chenoweths 2020 discussion paper at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at...wait for it... the Harvard Kennedy School. As Chenoweth says, its more a tendency or rule of thumb than an actual law, and a quick read of the paper generates more questions than actual answers. Maddow should have actually read it before promoting Chenoweths theory as fact. Two of the uprisings cited in Chenoweths paper failed, even with protest participants significantly exceeding the 3.5%, but that is admittedly a small number compared to the other post-WWII uprisings she cites, and its a long list: Hungarian anti-communist, East German uprising, Euromaidan, South Korean anti-military, Serbian anti-Milosevic, Anti-Gayoom Campaign, Tongan pro-democracy movement, Madagascar pro-democracy movement, Royalists, Active Voices, First Palestinian Intifada, Libyan Civil War, Philippines People Power, Djibouti Arab Spring, Brunei Revolt, Rose Revolution, Velvet Revolution, Iranian Revolution, Chile anti-Pinochet campaign, Anti-King Hamad Campaign, Lithuanian pro-democracy movement, Sudanese anti-Jaafar, Albanian anti-communist, Latvian pro-dem movement, Anti-Morsi Protests, Anti-Islamist Government Protests, Singing Revolution, Lebanon Political Crisis, Cedar Revolution, Zambian independence movement, Argentina pro-democracy movement, and Slovenian Independence. Advertisement You dont have to be an award-winning political scientist to see that most of these uprisings involved majority populations seeking seismic change to oust tyrannical, authoritarian, communist, or post-USSR regimes that had a stranglehold on their economies and freedoms. Notably absent are Western European and Anglosphere nations, countries with a robust history of freedom and democracy in which the rule of law and free and fair elections thrive. Americas communists are trying to lump America in with Sudan, Chile, and Zambia, but it doesnt wash. They are forcing this comparison to mobilize the most radical among them to wreak havoc not only upon the Trump Administration, but against any Republican or conservative in power. For leftists, MAGA, as a kind of practical ideology that has unified a party used to divisions, must be stopped at all costs before it further infects the body politic. Advertisement And, yes, todays Democrats are true believers, indistinguishable from progressives, socialists, Marxists, and communists. Its time we stopped calling them Democrats when they collectively fall so far from the mark and just call them what they are: damn communists! Or Commiecrats, if you will. Maddows fantasy of the 3.5% forcing Trumps ouster falls short on several levels. Its not a political science term, whatever Maddow thinks that means, but a working theory with many moving parts and variables, with no two revolts being exact replicas. How organized is the resistance? How non-violent is it? How well funded? Do they have arms? What kind of regime is in place? How strong is it, and what are its vulnerabilities? How heavily militarized is it? Is there outside support? Have there been other uprisings? What percentage of the overall population supports or opposes the governing regime? Advertisement That last question is key, especially in evaluating whether the 3.5% holds in America, where an overwhelming majority would need to protest. Otherwise, its just a small group speaking the loudest and carrying the biggest stick, trying to impose its will on the remaining population as it seeks to control the reins of power. This raises a key question: Is it the 3.5% that drives this, or does it occur only when that 3.5% is backed by large majorities who oppose an existing government or leader? For example, Irans population is about 80 million. If the uprisings in Iran are successful and the millions of participants represent 3.5% of the population, will success actually result because the 3.5% is backed by these numbers: 92% of Iranians oppose the regime; only 20% want the regime to remain in power; 70% oppose continuation of the Islamic Republic; and 80% want the Ayatollah to go. Those numbers are likely even higher in a country where its dangerous to respond to polls. In the US, we dont have anywhere near that kind of opposition to Trump, even using Rasmussens current poll finding Trumps approval among likely voters at 45% and his disapproval at 54%. Theres a significant difference between slightly half of the population opposing a leader versus 80%. We may be a country divided and deeply polarized, but I doubt we are ready for an insurgency by 11-12 million people (3.5%) to oust the MAGA regime and install a communist alternative. While that 3.5% might be the most radical among us, if we ever reached that point, I believe an overwhelming majority of Americans would oppose them, even if they didnt support President Trump. Most Americans are satisfied with voting and, provided they can trust the electoral system, they would rather wait four years for a legitimate change in governance than have a violent coup oust a duly-elected leader. In her report, Chenoweth echoes my concerns: If a movement can mobilize 3.5% of the population to participate, there are likely much larger proportions of the population that sympathize with and support the movement. [Emphasis added.] I contend that 3.5% supported by 50% of the population is very different from 3.5% supported by 80%. MoveOn claims 3.5% is easily achieved because Democrats would only have to double the 1.6% of participants at the Womens March (four million). Echoing MoveOn, Maddow giddily tells Kimmel they arent that far away! Maddow suffers from the delusion that if Democrats can reach that magical 3.5% therell be a much larger number behind it. Its more likely that the full support will be 3.5%, if that much. Call it hubris, delusion, wishful thinking, or just plain propaganda, but its astounding that Maddow, Kimmel, and MoveOn can say with straight faces that turning 3.5% of the population against the existing democratically-elected government, is a legitimate democratic aim when it is clearly turning democracy on its headignoring the defining principles of democracy majority rule, coupled with individual and minority rights...while respecting the will of the majority, zealously protect[ing] the fundamental rights of individuals and minority groups. If 3.5% of the population can overthrow a duly elected administration and assume power, that is the definition of government by a small group; here, elite progressives who are really communists. An oligarchy by any other name... Oligarchy for me, but not for thee. Communists like Maddow and Kimmel can dream of the pussy-hatted 3.5% with their self-righteous claims about democracy and ousting oligarchs, but in America today, its still just a pipe dream. Advertisement From Wikimedia Commons: Execution of Louis XVI (Charles Monnet, 1794) History is replete with revolutionary figures who transformed society through vision, vanity, and violencea vicious triad covering the strategy of being ideologically uncompromising, outmaneuvering rivals, and eliminating political opposition, respectively. Advertisement Maximilien Robespierre and Vladimir Lenin stand out as architects of radical political transformation. Bridging the cultural divide, their leadership styles and psychological profiles show striking similarities. Both men were pedantic ideologues driven by an unshakable belief in their own moral and intellectual superiority. A comprehensive personality profiling of Robespierre and Lenin requires an analytical framework that transcends ideological taxonomy and historical contingency. While both men operated under conditions of revolutionary crisis, their responses to this strain were neither inevitable nor merely situational. Rather, the extremes of savagery that they authorized, rationalized, and sustained reflect enduring psychological structures that shaped their political conduct. Revolutionary atrocity, in this sense, is best understood, not as an accidental excess of upheaval but as an expressive manifestation of personality under pressure. Advertisement At the center of both profiles lies a distinctive form of narcissism, albeit one that diverges from popular caricature. Neither Robespierre nor Lenin cultivated flamboyance or sensual excess. Instead, they embodied a restrained and severe narcissism, grounded in ascetic discipline and intellectual or moral exclusivity. This austere narcissism is particularly insidious, as it disguises grandiosity beneath the rhetoric of sacrifice and historical necessity. Both men perceived themselves as uniquely attuned to the demands of history, endowed with a clarity unavailable to others. This conviction constituted the psychological foundation of their authority and simultaneously foreclosed the possibility of self-doubt. Robespierres personality was organized primarily around moral absolutism. His self-conception as lIncorruptible was not a mere political posture but a deeply internalized identity. Personal frugality, emotional restraint, and rhetorical solemnity served as symbolic reinforcements of moral superiority. From a psychological standpoint, this configuration suggests a rigid superego structure in which ethical norms were internalized as categorical imperatives rather than negotiable principles. Moral conflict could not be accommodated; it had to be eradicated. Advertisement This psychic architecture is indispensable for understanding Robespierres embrace of terror during 179394. The Law of Suspects, enacted on September 17, 1793, dramatically expanded the definition of counter-revolutionary guilt to include vague categories such as enemies of liberty and those lacking civic virtue. In practice, this legislation enabled the arrest of tens of thousands on the basis of suspicion alone. The resulting mass incarcerations and executions were not only tactical responses to military threats but also expressions of Robespierres moralized worldview. Political ambiguity itself became criminal. The Revolutionary Tribunal exemplified this moral reductionism. Legal safeguards were progressively dismantled, culminating in the Law of the Great Terror, enacted on June 10, 1794, which eliminated defense counsel and limited verdicts to acquittal or death. The acceleration of executionsover 1,300 in Paris alone within six weeksreflected not panic but moral certainty. Violence functioned as ethical enforcement. The guillotine, with its mechanical regularity, transformed killing into procedure, allowing Robespierre to experience mass death as impersonal justice rather than cruelty. Psychologically, such depersonalization constitutes a dissociative defense: suffering is abstracted, responsibility displaced, and violence reclassified as virtue. Advertisement Robespierres increasing hostility towards former allies further reveals the fragility underlying his moral absolutism. The executions of Georges Danton and Camille Desmoulinslongstanding revolutionaries accused of indulgenceillustrate how moral rigidity devolved into paranoid purification. Dissent was no longer external but internal. The purges thus served not only political consolidation but also psychic stabilization. Each execution reaffirmed Robespierres self-image as guardian of revolutionary purity against an ever-expanding field of corruption. Lenins psychological profile, though equally absolutist, was structured along a different axis. His narcissism was intellectual rather than moral. Lenin did not portray himself as virtuous but as scientifically correct. Authority derived from his conviction that he alone grasped the objective laws of historical development. This intellectual narcissism produced profound disdain for spontaneity, pluralism, and moral hesitation. Advertisement Lenins approach to violence during and after the October Revolution exemplifies this orientation. The establishment of the Cheka in December 1917 marked the institutionalization of terror as a permanent instrument of governance. Unlike the revolutionary tribunals of 1793, the Cheka operated extrajudicially from the outset. Its remit included summary execution, hostage-taking, and mass repression. Lenin explicitly endorsed these measures. In correspondence from 1918, he called for merciless mass terror against class enemies, insisting that hesitation would doom the revolution. The Red Terror of 191822 provides stark illustration. Following the attempted assassination of Lenin in August 1918, the regime launched widespread reprisals. Thousands were executed without trial, often selected, not for actions but for social origin. Former nobles, priests, merchants, and officers were targeted as categories rather than individuals. The mass shootings at Petrograd and Moscow, as well as the use of concentration campsprecursors to the Gulag systemdemonstrate how violence was bureaucratized and de-personalized. Psychologically, this categorical annihilation reflects cognitive reductionism: human beings were reduced to structural obstacles to be removed. The suppression of the Tambov peasant uprising (192022) further illustrates Lenins instrumental rationality. When peasants resisted grain requisitioning, the Red Army deployed poison gas, mass deportations, and hostage executions. Lenin personally authorized these measures, framing them as necessary to break kulak resistance. The scale and severity of the repressiontens of thousands killed or internedunderscore his willingness to annihilate entire populations in pursuit of economic and ideological objectives. Emotional detachment was not incidental but functional: empathy would have impeded efficiency. Similarly revealing was the crushing of the Kronstadt rebellion in 1921. The sailors, once celebrated as heroes of the revolution, demanded free elections and an end to Bolshevik repression. Lenin and Trotsky responded with overwhelming force. Thousands were executed or sent to labor camps. The psychological significance lies in the readiness to destroy former allies once they ceased to serve the ideological script. Dissent, regardless of origin, was pathologized as counter-revolution. Despite stylistic differences, Robespierre and Lenin shared a fundamental incapacity to recognize others as autonomous moral agents. From a developmental psychology perspective, this suggests impaired mentalization. Opposition was interpreted, not as disagreement but as moral corruption or structural deviance. Consequently, violence acquired an air of inevitability. Both leaders also exhibited marked emotional austerity and social withdrawal. Their reluctance to engage in ordinary social life reinforced authority but deepened isolation. Isolation intensified suspicion. Deprived of corrective feedback, both increasingly relied on internal narratives of betrayal. Terror became self-reinforcing: fear confirmed paranoia, paranoia justified repression, and repression entrenched power. This dynamic accords with established models of authoritarian personality, which emphasize the interplay between dominance and insecurity. Such leaders are not psychologically secure. Their need for absolute control compensates for internal fragility. Power functions as an external stabilizer, imposing order upon both society and the self. The handling of failure further illuminates these personalities. Neither Robespierre nor Lenin demonstrated genuine self-criticism. Military setbacks, economic collapse, or popular resistance were invariably attributed to insufficient repression. Violence thus substituted for reflection. Rather than revising assumptions, both escalated coercion. The persistence of terror beyond immediate necessity underscores its expressive function. Once institutionalized, violence became ritualized, reaffirming alignment with virtue or history. Each execution symbolized inevitability and correctness. Atrocity communicated omnipotence. The contrast between Robespierres moralized terror and Lenins instrumental terror reflects divergent emotional economies within a shared absolutist framework. Robespierres violence was theatrical and ethical; Lenins procedural and technical. Yet both converged in their effect: the annihilation of individuality and the normalization of death as a political tool. Ultimately, the personality profiling of Robespierre and Lenin demonstrates how revolutionary leadership magnifies latent psychological traits. Ideology supplied justification; crisis provided opportunity; personality determined execution. Their atrocities were not historical aberrations but behavioral culminations of rigid cognition, narcissistic self-identification, emotional detachment, and intolerance of uncertainty. The broader implication is sobering. Extreme political violence need not arise from overt sadism. It often emerges from moral certainty, intellectual arrogance, and the refusal to acknowledge human complexity. Robespierre and Lenin exemplify how revolutionary ideals, when filtered through psychologically brittle leadership, can transmute aspirations of emancipation into systems of terror. Their legacies endure as warnings of what occurs when conviction eclipses conscience and abstraction supplants humanity. Without any mitigating self-irony, Robespierre and Lenin embodied an unlimited commitment to ideology, indifferent to the concerns of ordinary people, their lives and freedoms. Peacefully protesting and airing grievances is in American DNA, so too is respecting law enforcement in a law-abiding country. Many ICE protesters do neither. Advertisement By all means, protest peacefully, including obtaining the necessary permits to march down Main Street. However, ICE protesters who interfere in law enforcement operations are not above the law. Perhaps we need more creative ways to deal with those who cross the thin blue line, literally. At that point they have become insurrectionist militants who insinuate themselves into constitutionally legitimate ICE operations; fomenting chaos, they no longer deserve the moniker of conscientious protester. They no longer deserve to be mollycoddled by protections provided by the country they despise. They need to be dispersed indignantly (at a minimum). Advertisement Goldfinger is a classic James Bond flick from the early 1960s. Theres a rip-roaring scene wherein would-be Fort Knox robbers disperse gas canisters to put the guarding soldiers to sleep. One wishes such techniques could be deployed against the anti-ICE militants -- put them out of their misery, at least temporarily, while we legitimately seize illegal-illegal aliens (i.e., those who commit crimes while here illegally). What about an ear-piercing sonic boom? Sonic weapons were very effective in rendering narco-terrorist Nicolas Maduros guards useless when our elite military men nabbed him. Exposing them to the sonic boom would surely shut up those hysterical leftist women with their obnoxious bullhorns. Lets see how brave the little women really are when not being pampered by patient and indulgent agents. Advertisement Presuming secrecy has already been compromised, and ungodly obstructionist noise reverberates all over, heres another potential method to disperse the illegal alien-loving, American-hating, militants: blare out some patriotic tunes. Have you ever been stuck in an elevator that plays unwelcome music, like the song Feelings (which should never have seen the light of day)? Its torture! Well, imagine how quickly the anti-ICE cockroaches would scamper away if some of these tunes were put on shuffle mode: God Bless the USA, America the Beautiful, My Country, Tis of Thee, etc. For those who dare remain in ICEs presence, then crank up YMCA. For the piece de resistance, theres always the bouncy rap song Ice Ice Baby. Thatd sure drown out their ghastly screams and honking as our agents apprehend aliens who are doubly illegal. Advertisement Thanks to the brave men and woman of ICE. Now is the time to up the ante, and that includes intolerance of anti-American militants who eagerly avail themselves of American values, despite detesting us. Their interfering methods constitute unlawful aiding and abetting (even insurrectionist) protests. Those who cant be dispersed should be given due process as they are removed from civil society. After all, they are uncivil in the extreme, and dont deserve Americas beneficence. Next up: The Soros clan. Both the gnarly, grotesque Dad (who should focus on his homelands problems, rather than the country that afforded him wealth), and his weak son who succumbed to the dark side. What are they even doing here if they hate us so much? Talk about the enemy within. Give Soros and his henchmen the Goldfinger: No, Mr. Soros, I expect you to [leave] Few deserve sleeping gas more, or even a resounding, incapacitating sonic boom to put the fear of God into them. Advertisement Image: Pax Ahimsa Gethen Its bad enough when we recognize that the protests and riots taking place against ICE officers are being organized by anti-American sources, but when international groups get involved in organizing and funding, someone has to take action. Advertisement Last week, after an ICE agent shot Renee Good when she struck him with her car, FBI Director Kash Patel responded quickly and announced investigations into the money behind the protests: FBI Director Kash Patel told Just the News on Thursday that his agents are investigating the organizers and funders of anti-immigration enforcement protests for impeding law enforcement activities and endangering public safety. Advertisement The FBI is investigating paid protest campaigns throughout the country including organizers, protesters and funding sources that drive illicit activities, Patel said. Congress followed suit: Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) teamed with Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) and wrote to multiple organizations, including CHIRLA, to inquire about their alleged involvement in the anti-ICE protests: Advertisement Who is funding the LA riots? This violence isnt spontaneous. As chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime & Terrorism, Im launching an investigation to find out - pic.twitter.com/B4qaN8qbZP Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) June 11, 2025 Kiley had this to say: Advertisement The NGO known as CHIRLA was centrally involved in the LA riots. The organization, which has previously sponsored a campaign to abolish ICE, alerted the rioters to where ICE operations were occurring in real time. The agitators would then show up and disrupt ICE activities, including through the use of violence. Although it may be challenging to uncover CHIRLAs role, since they have ways of re-routing funds through other organizations, the inquiry will continue. Advertisement Now, this is where things go international. One bad actor, the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), allegedly has ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) the PSL has been notably active in the protests against ICE agents, as well as the pro-Hamas demonstrations on college campuses last year: One group involved with the protests last week that eventually evolved into riots over the weekend is the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) a Marxist group with reported ties to the Chinese Communist Party. That group has also helped organize the anti-Israel protests recently ravaging college campuses. Advertisement PSL said that the demonstrators have taken a courageous stand against Trumps reign of terror targeting immigrant families and that those taking to the streets are being falsely labeled as rioters. [snip] The PSL is part of a larger network of protest and organizing groups which have connections to the Singham Network, a collective of nonprofits, fiscal sponsors, and alternative news sources tied to pro-CCP businessman Neville Roy Singham, Just the News previously reported. And, with Soros dollars propping up many organizations, money is abundant: Far left radical groups, including one that garnered a whopping $7.8 million from liberal billionaire George Soros, are behind the Minnesota ICE protests, according to a New York Post report. Indivisible Twin Cities, which describes itself as a grassroots group of volunteers, has led many of the protests against ICE raids in Minnesota. [snip] Minneapolis ICE protests are being driven by activist networks that organize demonstrations, legal assistance, and unified messaging as federal immigration enforcement activities continue to draw scrutiny. Among the groups involved is Indivisible Twin Cities, which does not list its leadership on its website. Other prominent organizers include the Council on American-Islamic Relations, whose Minnesota chapter executive director Jaylani Hussein has taken a visible role at recent demonstrations opposing ICE operations. It will be a challenge for Congress, the FBI, and other law enforcement agencies to find ways to connect these unlawful activities and those funding them. The Left will protest that their First Amendment rights are being violated. But the spigot must be closed if we are ever to stop our communities from devolving into chaos. Image generated by ChatGPT. On October 7, 2023, a day that will forever live in infamy, Israel was blamed for the atrocity before the IDF had fired a single defensive shot. Thirty-one student organizations at Harvard infamously made this charge, with numerous other groups piling on in support of this perverse accusation. Advertisement Hours later, when the Israeli military did begin its defensive operations, the outrage intensified exponentially. Critics excoriated Israel for responding to the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, even though every action was taken in self-defense to ensure that never again would such a calamity befall the Jewish state. Israel was determined to cease being the punching bag of its neighbors in the Middle East. The list of pundits, editorialists, journalists, and commentators who castigated Israel for defending itself grew a mile long. The mainstream press (the New York Times, The Washington Post, NBC, CBS, and the rest) dismissed the few dissenting voices as being in the pay of Zionists or, perhaps even worse, being themselves actual Zionists and fellow travelers. Advertisement The Executions the Media Ignored More recently, Hamas has been killing Palestinians. This is not a typographical error. According to Donald Trumps 20-point peace proposal, Hamas was supposed to disarm, though nothing of the sort has occurred. Several Palestinian family clans, believing that Hamas was receding from power, attempted to take over policing functions and serve as an interim government. This was a fatal miscalculation. Hamas would tolerate no such challenge to its authority. Members of these Palestinian clans were forced to kneel in the street and shot execution-style in the back of the head. The message was clear: Any Palestinian who dared disrespect Hamas would suffer the same fate. As of mid-October 2025, multiple sources report that at least 33 men have been killed in these public executions. Advertisement Wait a moment. Werent we told that killing Palestinians is unconscionable? Didnt virtually all news media proclaim this? Where, then, was the outrage at this wanton slaughter? Where were the 31 Harvard student groups? Where were the New York Times editorials decrying genocide against Palestinians? Where was the massive international outcry? Nowhere. The outrage was reserved exclusively for the IDF when it killed Palestinians in defensive military operations. The anti-Zionist Jewish organizations (American Council for Judaism, IfNotNow, Jewish Voice for Peace) that relentlessly accused the IDF of killing Palestinians disproportionately? Not a peep from them about Hamas executing Palestinians in cold blood. Advertisement A Pattern of Selective Outrage This is hardly the first time Palestinians have been killed without provoking global protests. When King Hussein of Jordan invited large numbers of Palestinians into his kingdom, they repaid his hospitality by attempting to topple him from his throne in what became known as Black September. In September 1970, the Jordanian Armed Forces launched a massive assault on Palestinian refugee camps and strongholds. Thousands of Palestinians were killed in the resulting conflict. Estimates vary widely: Jordans official count was around 3,000, whereas PLO leader Yasser Arafat claimed that 25,000 Palestinians were killed. Most historians place the number between 2,000 and 3,400. Was there worldwide outrage? There was not. The event became notorious among Palestinians and led to the formation of the terrorist Black September Organization, but the international community largely remained silent about the Jordanian killing of Palestinians. Advertisement The pattern is unmistakable: When Jews defend themselves against those who would annihilate them, the world erupts in condemnation. When anyone else kills Palestinians, silence reigns. The Moral Chasm Consider the stark contrast in methods. When the IDF operates in Gaza, it strives mightily to limit targets to actual terrorists and minimize civilian casualties. Israel expends enormous effort limiting collateral damage, an almost unavoidable aspect of warfare made exponentially more difficult because Hamas deliberately uses Gazan civilians as human shields by placing military installations in schools, hospitals, and residential areas. Advertisement Hamas, in sharp contrast, has been killing Gazan civilians in two distinct ways since October 8, 2023, and hardly a word of condemnation has been uttered by Israels critics. First, indirectly, by using civilians as shields (a tactic even the Nazis found abhorrent). In these cases, IDF bullets and bombs may be the proximate cause of death, but the moral responsibility rests entirely with Hamas. Second, directly, as in the recent executions of clan members. Here it was Hamas guns, not those of the IDF, that murdered these Palestinians in cold blood. Video footage verified by Reuters and other international media showed masked Hamas gunmen forcing men to their knees and shooting them in the back of the head in public squares. The Inescapable Conclusion The world (at least its antisemitic portions) continues its silence. We are thus entitled to infer that it is entirely legitimate for Hamas to murder Palestinians, but woe betide Israel when it engages in defensive military action to protect its citizens from those committed to its destruction. This double-standard is not merely hypocritical. It reveals something far darker: a worldview in which Jewish self-defense is uniquely illegitimate, in which Jewish blood is cheap, and in which those who slaughter Jews bear no moral responsibility for the consequences of their actions. When the criterion for condemning the killing of Palestinians is not the act itself, but rather the identity of those doing the killing, we are no longer discussing legitimate criticism of military tactics or concern for civilian casualties. We are witnessing naked antisemitism dressed in the language of human rights. The silence that greets Hamass execution of Palestinians speaks louder than any protest ever could. It confirms what many have long suspected: For much of the world, the only unforgivable act is Jewish self-defense. Image via Pxbarn. Rafael Andres Rubio Bohorquez was detained by ICE on Jan. 12th following a routine immigration hearing. He had been employed by New York City as a data analyst for approximately a year, and the new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is outraged, stating this: Advertisement I am outraged to hear a New York City Council employee was detained in Nassau County by federal immigration officials at a routine immigration appointment. This is an assault on our democracy, on our city, and our values. I am calling for his immediate release and will continue Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) January 12, 2026 A NYC official declared the arrest of the 53-year-old Venezuelan national as egregious government overreach during a press conference, and Letitia James called it an attack against the city. Advertisement According to the Department of Homeland Security, Rubio Bohorquez entered the U.S. legally at some point in 2017 on a B2 tourist visa. That same NYC official stated he had been cleared to remain in the U.S. until October 2026, though ICE/DHS claims he should have departed in Oct. 2017; in other words, he overstayed his visa by over eight years. The latter also claims he had an arrest for assault, not further specified. I am likely one of the relatively few Americans who has overstayed a visa in another country. In 2007, my wife and I opened our charity program in Honduras, an educational and nutritional center for kidssimply a fun and safe place to bealong with vocational training for adults and a number of other projects. These were run in roughly six month intervals, i.e. half a year in Honduras and half a year in the U.S. In all, Ive spent about five years in Honduras, but never sought residency because its a huge, time-consuming, and expensive undertaking. Instead, I would enter typically on a three-month tourist visa knowing it would expire prior to the end of a project session. The process for overstaying the visa was, when ready to depart, go to their version of an immigration office, express a mea culpa, pay a not insignificant fine, and be told to get the heck out of their country within three days. The other option was to travel to another country that did not share a border with Honduras for a few days, then return to a new three-month visa, but that was an expensive hassle. Advertisement A B2 tourist visa can be issued for up to 10 years, but can only be used for up to six months at a time, i.e. remaining over six months consecutively means the tourist has overstayed. To obtain a B2 the applicant has to prove he or she has significant ties to their home country, independent financial wherewithal, and no intention of remaining in the U.S. on a long-term basis. The B2 is a very generous visa that allows, for example, someone to periodically visit a relative legally in the U.S. without reapplying for each trip. None of the news reporting I saw discussed whether Rubio Bohorquez honored the recurring six-month departure requirement. One absolute condition of a B2 is that its holder can never obtain employment in the U.S., and doing so automatically violates the terms of the visa. It is almost certain Rubio Bohorquez knew he could not legally work in the U.S., let alone in a government job. Similarly, unless there was gross incompetence involved in his hiring by NYC, hiring Rubio Bohorquez was done so with the full knowledge it was illegal. Im guessing he was hired under the immigration practices of the Biden administration, when it was understood immigration law did not apply. Regardless of the outrage and histrionics, having a job alone violates his visa, and it would be perfectly appropriate to repatriate Mr. Rubio Bohorquez. Advertisement Image generated by ChatGPT. On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the uprising of the Iranian people entered its seventeenth day. Through the night and into the morning, several cities across the country witnessed continued street protests and clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Despite a heavy security presence, protests persist, reflecting widespread public dissatisfaction with the government. Advertisement Ongoing Nationwide Internet Outages Alongside continued demonstrations, a widespread internet shutdown across Iran remains in effect. Independent monitoring indicates that these disruptions have now lasted several consecutive days and are aimed at hindering the dissemination of news and images of the uprising. This situation has significantly restricted independent reporting and citizens free access to information. Advertisement X screen grab. Advertisement Widespread Solidarity Abroad Outside Iran, large gatherings and demonstrations have been held in solidarity with Iranian protesters. Participants in these rallies have emphasized their support for the movement and called for an end to repression and for the authorities to be held accountable for their actions. These actions have attracted international public attention. Advertisement U.S. Warns Its Citizens on Iran Travel The U.S. government has issued a security advisory urging its citizens to leave Iran immediately due to expanding protests and unstable conditions. The advisory reflects serious concern in Washington over ongoing developments and the potential escalation of the crisis. Advertisement Blood Donation Appeal Amid Crackdowns Irans state broadcaster, IRIB, reported that the National Blood Transfusion Organization has called on citizens to volunteer to donate blood. This appeal comes amid intensified clashes and growing numbers of injured people, drawing public attention. Advertisement Increased European Political Pressure In global reactions, Iranian diplomats were barred from entering the European Parliament building, a move seen as part of mounting political pressure from Europe in response to the suppression of domestic protests. German Chancellors Comments on the Future of Irans Leadership German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Irans leadership may be in its final days and weeks, commenting that a government that relies primarily on violence to maintain power is effectively at its end and that the people are revolting against it. Spain Summons Iranian Ambassador The Spanish government summoned Irans ambassador in Madrid and strongly condemned the crackdown on protesters, urging Iranian authorities to respect the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and communication access. Human Rights Watch Warns of Emergency Situation The Executive Director of Human Rights Watch described the situation in Iran as an emergency, expressing deep concern over reports of lethal force against protesters and the fate of thousands of detainees. He called on the UN Security Council and Human Rights Council to take immediate action and hold Iranian authorities accountable. Imminent Fall of the Mullahs Bernard Guetta, a member of the European Parliament, in an analysis published in Liberation on Monday, January 12, 2026, predicted that the Islamic Republic has reached a stage where it has no effective tools left to maintain power other than force and repression, and that the fall of this government soon is inevitable. Guetta, recalling Talleyrands phrase With the bayonet one can do anything, except sit on it, wrote, In the coming days or months, the Iranian regime will collapse. This French analyst and MEP added that threatening protesters with bullets, tanks, and drones may instill fear, but weapons wear out, and without financial resources and at least minimal social consent, the government cannot endure. He pointed out that the nuclear program, international sanctions, and the high costs of supporting regional allies have drained Irans treasury, eliminating any possibility of granting economic or social concessions domestically Hassan Mahmoudi is an Iran & Middle East political and Economic researcher. O.K., so maybe I was a little late picking a Person of the Year for 2025, but it is always such a subjective matter. There are more than 8 billion of us on the planet today, so narrowing it down to one is not always easy. Advertisement There were great folks who achieved extraordinary accomplishments, such as Charlie Kirk, Elon Musk, and President Trump. On the other hand, Charlie Kirk was assassinated, President Trump lives with constant threats, and Elon Musk had his cars keyed. Many took to social media to celebrate Kirks death. Could Satan be a Person of the Year contender, in a, well, Satanic way? Advertisement Moreover, it seemed like the more disgusting and hate-filled a candidate, the more likely they were to get elected. Look no further than Virginia Democrat Jay Jones, who is now the states attorney general, even though texts surfaced prior to the election in which he wished for the death of his political opponent, Todd Gilbert and fantasized about Gilberts children dying, as well. Then there is the burgeoning and almost unbelievable -- Somali fraud scandal, in which untold billions of American citizens tax dollars have been handed over to fraudulent Somali shell companies. Hell, it seems like nearly every NGO, charitable organization, and government program is riddled with fraud. In truth, it seems like most governments are entirely corrupt and fraudulent, the bigger the more so. Could/should Beelzubub get the honor? I know its a stretch to call the Antichrist a person, but many of us refer to Rashida Tlaib, Adam Schiff, and Tim Walz as persons, so Advertisement But, no. My Person of the Year for 2025 is one we hear so much about but have never encountered. Leftist politicians and their media sycophants rant and rave about them, implying that they may be a majority, but their existence is apocryphal at best, as far as I can tell. I am talking about the Islamophobe. Muslims are everywhere where I live, yet everyone I know smiles and says hi when they pass by one in the hall or on the street. People cater to them and are, in fact, loath to criticize their behavior or even report fraudulent activity involving them for fear of being called racist. Advertisement Which has led to the staggering and poorly disguised fraud being uncovered in Minnesota. And Ohio. And Maine. And well, you get the picture. It does not make one an Islamophobe if one gets upset at 9/11 or a mass shooting in which the perpetrator shouted Allahu Akhbar! Or many such shootings. It just shows one isnt a heartless monster. Advertisement I have encountered many antisemites in the U.S., some quite open about it, but no true Islamophobes. Therefore, if there is one, that person is astonishingly gifted at concealing his or her whereabouts. So, congratulations, Islamophobe, you are my Person of the Year. Advertisement Image: Pixabay // Pixabay License Hollywood has mastered the art of moral performance. Award shows have become political stages where actors speak with the confidence of prophets and the certainty of philosophers. But beneath the applause lines and emotional crescendos lies a contradiction that becomes impossible to ignore: the courage they demand from others is courage they themselves will never have to summon. Advertisement This contradiction was unmistakable at the recent Golden Globe Awards. The ceremony quickly transformed into a coordinated tribute to Renee Nicole Goode, who was shot and killed by an ICE agent. Mark Ruffalo dedicated his award by saying, This is for Renee Nicole Goode, who was murdered, adding, I dont know how I can be quiet. Wanda Sykes echoed the sentiment on the red carpet, declaring, Of course, this is for the mother who was murdered by an ICE agent, and its really sad. She went further, urging confrontation: We need to be out there and shut this rogue government down, because its just awful what theyre doing to people. Celebrities wore coordinated pins reading BE GOOD and ICE OUT, signaling solidarity and moral urgency. The messaging was unified, emotional, and unmistakably political. The narrative was clear: this was a moment to resist, to rise up, to confront injustice. Advertisement But what was equally clear and far more revealing was what they chose not to say. While the Golden Globes stage was filled with speeches about ICE, not a single celebrity mentioned the mass slaughter, imprisonment, and torture taking place in Iran at that very moment. Hundreds of protesters have been killed by the Iranian regime. Thousands have been dragged into prisons. Torture, rape, and forced confessions have been documented by human rights groups. The government has imposed sweeping internet blackouts to hide the brutality from the world. Advertisement And yet, on one of the most visible cultural platforms in America, the silence was absolute. No speeches. No pins. No hashtags. No calls to shut down the Iranian government. Nothing. The contrast is staggering. When the villain is a U.S. agency, outrage is immediate, coordinated, and emotionally charged. When the villain is a foreign authoritarian regime slaughtering its own people, the outrage evaporates. The issue is not the moral weight of the cause. The issue is whether the cause is useful to the narrative they want to tell. Advertisement But the hypocrisy runs even deeper. It extends to the way Hollywood reacts to domestic events that do not fit its preferred storyline. When Ashli Babbitt was shot and killed inside the Capitol, there were no celebrity tributes. No emotional speeches. No coordinated pins. No calls for accountability. Instead, the officer who shot her was widely described as a hero. The shooting was framed as necessary, justified, even praiseworthy. Whether one agrees with either shooting is not the point. The difference in reaction reveals the deeper truth: Hollywoods activism is not driven by universal moral principles. It is driven by selective outrage, selective empathy, and selective courage. Advertisement This brings us to the heart of the matter: the asymmetry of risk. Celebrities routinely encourage ordinary people to stand up, fight back, or put your body on the line. Sykess call to shut this rogue government down is a perfect example. These are not metaphorical suggestions. They imply confrontation, danger, and the possibility of violence. Yet the people delivering these messages do so from behind layers of insulation that ordinary Americans do not have. They live in gated communities. They travel with private security. Their homes are protected by surveillance systems, controlled access, and armed guards. They are not wrong for wanting safety everyone wants safety but they are wrong for preaching danger for others while choosing safety for themselves. Advertisement A workingclass person who confronts ICE or police in the street faces real, immediate, physical danger. A celebrity who posts a hashtag or makes a speech faces none. Their activism is symbolic, not sacrificial. It costs them nothing. And yet they speak as though they are shouldertoshoulder with the people they are urging into the streets. This is where the phrase Were in it together collapses. When celebrities use it, they rarely mean shared sacrifice. They mean shared sentiment. They mean shared optics. But they do not mean shared risk. Their version of solidarity is digital, not physical. The deeper civic insight is this: selective outrage and selective courage are symptoms of a broader cultural problem. We have built a society where moral authority is often claimed by those who bear none of the consequences of their own prescriptions. Hollywoods activism is not dangerous to Hollywood. It is dangerous to the people they encourage to act on their behalf. True solidarity requires more than a speech, a pin, or a social media post. It requires standing in the same place, facing the same risks, and sharing the same consequences. Anything less is performance. And performance, no matter how passionate, is not courage. Image generated by ChatGPT. CHICAGO, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 675 students from across Illinois will gather at the Merle Reskin Theater on Wednesday, Jan. 28 with a simple message: they love their schools and they are grateful for school choice. The event, which includes student speakers, dance performances, STEM projects and Trades presentations, is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week. At the event, students will share personal stories about how school choice has shaped their lives. Over the past decade, the Prairie State has significantly expanded K12 education options, broadening access to public, public charter, magnet, private, online, home, and non-traditional learning environments. Organized by the Brown House Experience in collaboration with National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the event will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at the Merle Reskin Theater (60 E. Balbo Dr., Chicago, IL 60604) and is open to families, educators, and community members. "Students thrive when families can choose among many learning environments," said Tia Brown, Executive Director of the Brown House Experience. "Our Student Innovation Showcase celebrates students citywide as they present innovative projects in STEM, Arts, and Trades, showcasing the cutting-edge learning happening at their schools." National School Choice Week runs Jan. 2531 and includes 28,000 events across America. The goal of the week is to raise awareness about the various education options available to families, empower parents to find the learning environment that best suits their child's needs, and help them feel confident in navigating those choices. For more information, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/events/student-innovation-showcase. The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We show parents how K12 school choice can change their children's lives, and then guide them through the process of finding schools that best meet their children's needs. Our three charitable programsNational School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolaresraise equal awareness of the public, charter, magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional education options available for families. We are nonpolitical and do not advocate for or against legislation at any level of government. SOURCE National School Choice Week Minnesota is getting crazier by the minute. Perhaps I should say Minneapolis, because the land of 10,000 lakes almost voted for President Trump in 2016, and within a few points in 2024, despite Governor Walz on the ticket. My point is that all of this talk about Minnesota changing is really Minneapolis gone mad. Advertisement This week, Minnesota is suing the federal government: The state of Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security to end the unlawful, unprecedented surge of the federal law enforcement agents into Minnesota, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said at a news conference on Monday. Advertisement Because this has to stop, Ellison said, standing alongside Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Saint Paul Mayor Kaohly Her. We allege that the obvious targeting of Minnesota for our diversity, for our democracy and our differences of opinion with the federal government, is a violation of the Constitution and federal law. The suit claims the surge amounts to a federal invasion to conduct unconstitutional stops and arrests at sensitive locations, including schools and hospitals, all under the guise of lawful immigration enforcement. Advertisement So Minnesota does not want the federal government to enforce federal laws? I guess not. There are two things going on here: Advertisement First, Minnesota, like California and Illinois, have decided that they can pick and choose what federal law they will respect. Imagine a red state announcing that they will no longer enforce federal taxes. Put your company in my county and you dont have to pay federal corporate taxes or withhold employee taxes. What about labor laws? Or Social Security deductions? Think of the chaos that we would see from coast to coast. Talk about blowing up the Union. Second, what we see in Minneapolis or Los Angeles is a local political class more interested in a TV fight with President Trump than working with ICE. So they force ICE to go into neighborhood or shopping centers and look for the criminal hiding in the sanctuary city. In contrast, ICE conducted operations in the Dallas area recently, arresting many. Why didnt that operation make the news? It was carried out by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas, with support from state and local law enforcement. Advertisement So let Minnesota play the invaders card, but thats not their domain. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Advertisement Image: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr, unaltered. Incredibly, reports indicate that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has withdrawn state funding for students studying at British universities, citing increasing concerns about the risk of Islamist radicalization on U.K. campuses. They don't want their young people radicalized at those schools and bringing it back home. Advertisement British officials, apparently nonplussed, sought clarification from the Land of the Emirates, and were told that the funding decision wasnt a mistake. Apparently, the United Arab Emirates, which, it should be noted, is 90% Muslim, no longer considers U.K. university campuses to be safe -- and increasingly regards them to be hubs for Islamist radicalization. Or so it says. Islam is the official religion of the UAE. And its leaders think British schools are too biased, radical, and besotted with Islamophilia? Advertisement This is as if China's Premier Xi Jinping withdrew state funding from American universities due to concerns about the high risk of communist radicalization. (To be sure, there is that risk, too, but Xi would never withdraw funding.) This is insane on the part of the U.K. The UAE is acting as the intelligent, pragmatic, and rational party here instead of formerly Jolly Olde England or its vaunted educational system. England is no longer jolly, just old. The United Kingdom is tragically afflicted with stage 4 self-loathing. The prognosis is terminal. Only divine intervention can save it now. Advertisement It is ironic that the country that gave the world parliamentary democracy and common law legal systems, among many other gifts, is now dying of self-hatred and suicidal empathy. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License Google listened, well, sort of. Aparently Google is bringing back separate WiFi and Data toggles in Android 17. This is fixing an annoyance that users have had for years. And now, its finally being reversed. But its not all good news, as Google is also incorporating a feature that has become pretty popular with the Chinese brands, which is essentially copying iOS. Basically, the Quick Settings and Notifications are going to be split up. This is what Xiaomi, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Vivo, and others already do. However, most do offer an option to keep them together (Xiaomi doesnt). It sounds like this will be an option on Android phones running Android 17, foldables, and tablets with the larger screens will be stuck using the Separate option. Where Quick Settings are Separate from Notifications. While this is still in beta, and Android 17 hasnt even launched yet as a developer preview, theres still time for this to change. Separate WiFi and Data toggles finally! The separate Quick Settings and Notifications is something weve been hearing about for a while, in fact it was first noticed back in 2024. But bringing back separate toggles for WiFi and Data is a huge deal. Currently, they are combined into a single toggle, which adds extra steps for disabling either one. Now, in Android 17, you should be able to just tap to turn either WiFi or Data off or on. Which is going to make life a whole lot easier. Android 17s developer preview should be launching very soon. In fact, Google is already behind schedule compared to Android 16. Where the first developer preview was launched in November, and the first public beta was launched in January. Perhaps Google is looking to ditch the developer preview this year and jump straight into the public beta. Recently, Counterpoint Research revealed that Apple became the worlds top smartphone marker, as it trumped Samsung in 2025. Well, now IDC has released its own report for Q4 2025 and the year as a whole. Apple trumped Samsung in terms of smartphone sales in Q4 2025 and 2025 as a whole In Q4 2025, Apple managed to sell 81.3 million smartphones, compared to Samsungs 61.2 million. The companys sales grew 4.9% YoY (Year-over-Year), while Samsungs grew 18.3% YoY. Even though Samsungs sales grew more since last year, Apple still managed to grab that first spot, comfortably. It claimed 24.2% of the market compared to Samsungs 18.2%. The third-placed company is Xiaomi, who sold 37.8 millino phones, and claimed 11.2% of the market. Xiaomi marked a drop in sales of 11.4% compared to the same period last year. ITs comfortable in third place, but far below Samsung. Vivo is fourth-placed with 27 million devices sold, as the company claimed 8% of the market. Vivos sales dropped 0.4% compared to Q4 2024. OPPO is fifth-placed with 26.9 million devices sold, as the company also grabbed 8% of the market. OPPOs sales grew 7.6% compared to the same period last year. IDC also released a report for the entire year 2025. The list is identical to the Q4 in terms of the order of the companies, but the numbers are different, of course. Apple sold 247.8 million phones in 2025, Samsung 241.2 million In 2025, Apple managed to sell 247.8 million phones and claim 19.7% of the market. Samsung sold 241.2 million devices, as it claimed 19.1% of the market. Apples sales grew 6.3% YoY, while Samsungs grew 7.9% YoY. Xiaomi is third-placed with 165.3 million devices sold, and 13.1% of the market claimed. Its sales dropped 1.9% in 2025. Vivo sold 103.9 million devices, as it claimed 8.2% of the market. Vivos sales grew by 2.7% YoY. OPPO is fifth-placed, as the company managed to sell 102 million devices, and claimed 8.1% of the market in 2025. OPPOs sales dropped by 1.3% YoY. All the other smartphone manufacturers combined sold 400 million smartphones in 2025. They claimed the remaining 31.7% of the market, as their sales dropped by 1.3%. 1,260,300 phones were sold in 2025, altogether, 1.9% more than in 2024. AYANEO, a well-known Android handheld brand, teased its entry to the smartphone market late last year with its new gaming smartphone, the Pocket PLAY. The gaming smartphone, unarguably, looks cool, thanks to its sliding design that opens up a full setup, featuring a physical D-pad, start and select buttons, ABXY buttons, and triggers. Think of it as your console controller wrapped within a smartphone body. The company said that it would launch the gaming smartphone today, January 13, 2026. Well, the bad news is that AYANEO has delayed the launch of its gaming smartphone, alongside plenty of information for customers. AYANEO delays its first Android gaming smartphone to fix shipping and other concerns In a quite lengthy update shared earlier today, AYANEOs CEO, Arthur Zhang, detailed the plan to focus on improving its shipping and support services. The company now promises that it will focus less on Indiegogo campaigns and instead focus on speeding up shipping to make sure buyers get the Android gaming smartphone on time. This has resulted in AYANEO selling its products on its own website, and not just Indiegogo. Thats one of the reasons the AYANEO delayed its Pocket PLAY gaming smartphone. In the post, Zhang also noted that the company is looking to include strict shipping timelines and update more often on crowdfunding plans later down the line. If you were hoping to get your hands on AYANEOs gaming smartphone, you will have to wait a little longer. Zhang further adds that the company is rapidly working on its development. The gaming smartphone could now launch sometime in January or early February. As the company announced the delay, it has now bought itself some time to clear out its previously preordered units. No wonder the news may have disappointed many. But now, AYANEO is looking to get everything in place. Meaning, you can expect timely launches, faster shipping, and a better overall experience when you shop with them. For now, THE AYANEO Pocket PLAY is delayed, not canceled. Thats a big relief for existing AYANEO customers, or those looking to buy the much-anticipated gaming smartphone. The company wants to keep everything checked Last but not least, AYANEO is also looking to standardize its lemon policy, warranty-related improvements, and support channels. While all this is necessary, AYANEO wants to keep things tight so it delivers products on time, as promised. Now that portable handheld gaming is gradually booming, its understandable why the company is prioritizing it immediately. Just to be clear, there is a lot going on in the blog post. Interestingly, those arent related to AYANEOs gaming smartphone. So, if you are a longtime admirer of what AYANEO is doing in the handheld segment, check it out. Google is rolling out a major update for Google Wallet app that brings a unified transaction history. The tweak solves a long-standing frustration for users who rely on multiple devices. For years, the app operated in silos: if you paid for a meal with your phone and later used your smartwatch for a train ticket, neither device would show the full picture. This update finally offers a unified view of your spending across the entire Google ecosystem. The highlight of this update is the option to see transactions made across all your linked devices. Whether you use your Android phone, a Wear OS smartwatch, or even virtual card numbers for online shopping, the data will finally sync into a single list. This brings the mobile app closer to the experience already available on the web version of Google Wallet. For many users, visiting the website was previously the only way to get a complete picture of their financial activity. By moving this feature to the app, Google is making it much easier to manage your budget. Now you can say goodbye to having to switch between devices or log into a browser. New search bar for Google Wallet In addition to a better history view, the Google Wallet app is also preparing to introduce a search bar. Currently, finding a specific payment requires quite a bit of scrolling. After all, the app only prominently displays your ten most recent activities. Evidence found in recent versions of the app suggests that users will soon be able to search for transactions by date, merchant name, or the specific amount spent. This is a standard feature in most banking apps. So, its arrival in Google Wallet is a welcome, if slightly overdue, addition. As spotted by 9to5Google, these features appeared in the Google Play Services v26.01 release notes. However, Google hasnt flipped the switch for everyone. The company often tests these updates in waves, meaning it could take a few weeks or even months before the new history page and search bar appear on your specific device. Once live, these changes should make Google Wallet feel like a much more complete tool. Govee, a popular smart home device brand, debuted the Sky Ceiling Light and Ceiling Light Ultra for rooms earlier at CES 2026. Now, the company has quietly teased a new product called the Govee Outdoor Filament String Lights on its website. The brands new smart lighting solution comes with transparent, globe-shaped bulbs, each featuring a four-color filament. In addition, Govee is also planning to launch the new Outdoor Pathway Lights solution soon. Key features of Govees Outdoor Filament String Lights solution Theres a Coming Soon page for Govees Outdoor Filament String Lights solution on the brands website. A teaser image of the product shows a round, clear glass bulb, featuring a black plastic cap and matching wires. Reports suggest that each bulb will flaunt a four-color filament for an elegant glow. The brand has stated that the product is capable of generating up to 120 lumens of brightness for the white light. Similar to some of the brands other devices, users will be able to remotely control the upcoming smart lights using the Govee smartphone application. The brand confirms that these lights have an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. Govee hasnt yet revealed other specifications of the upcoming product. The Govee Outdoor Pathway Lights are coming soon Govee has also added the Outdoor Cylinder Pathway Lights to the Coming Soon section of its website in the US. The brands new offering in this segment features a cylindrical light sat on top of a black stem, which has a spike to fix the lights into the ground. In the teaser images, the light source seems to be much larger than the one used on the Outdoor Pathway Lights 2. The product will offer white and colored lighting effects, apart from more than 60 scene modes via the Govee home app. Govee hasnt yet revealed anything about the pricing and availability of the Outdoor Filament String Lights and Outdoor Pathway Lights. Interested consumers in the US can sign up on the brands website to get a launch update over email. Huawei is reportedly working on its next flagship smartphone, the Pura 90 Ultra, and the new leak reveals that it will feature a 200MP SmartSens camera. Apart from upgraded hardware, the device is also expected to bring a notable leap in overall photography and videography performance. Recent information also suggests that the tech giant has finalized a key sensor partner. Huawei Pura 90 Ultra to feature a 200MP SmartSens telephoto A known tipster has claimed that Huawei is planning to use a 200MP super telephoto camera with SmartSens sensor on its flagship Pura 90 Ultra device. Yes, the lens is not supplied by popular Sony and Samsung, but rather a lesser-known brand. The actual sensor is supposed to be SCC80XS, a periscope unit built on a 22nm process. The newer model will represent a significant upgrade over the previous generation, especially in terms of long-range zoom photography and stabilized telephoto performance. SmartSens, the supplier of the sensor, describes SCC80XS as a high-performance CMOS image sensor designed for advanced smartphones. It uses a 1/1.28 inch format with 0.61 micrometer pixels and achieves around 80 percent quantum efficiency. Interestingly, the sensor is capable of recording up to 4K 120FPS videos while also maintaining low-noise levels. One-inch main lens and other notable upgrades are on the way Apart from the telephoto, the Huawei Pura 90 Ultra is said to feature a 50MP main lens with a 1-inch sensor. It may feature variable aperture support as well, though the supplier has not confirmed these details yet. The company is also exploring multiple sensor brands before finalizing the best one. This reflects the firms cautious approach to flagship imaging decisions ahead of mass production. In the coming months, many Chinese smartphone manufacturers are going to release their top-of-the-line flagship. Most of which will feature a 200MP high-resolution periscope lens. Now, since Huawei is also joining the race, it would be interesting to see which brand rules the segment with its computational photography and overall image quality. A 200MP SmartSense solution paired with a large main sensor may help Huawei compete more aggressively at the top end. Meta Compute is the companys latest and most strategic move to expand its AI infrastructure. Last year, the tech giant announced its plan to spend heavily on future AI products. Now, the firm has explained how power, data centers, and custom systems will make that possible. This move shows how serious Meta is when it comes to the future of its AI services. Why Meta Compute matters in the growing AI power race Chief executive Mark Zuckerberg announced Meta Compute, the companys project aimed at boosting its AI infrastructure. The official reveals that the firm plans to build tens of gigawatts of capacity this decade and much more later. To give you an idea, a gigawatt equals one billion watts of power. That scale shows how modern data centers are starting to look like industrial sites. As AI use grows, the electricity demand may rise sharply in the United States. This might as well change how companies plan their long-term investments. The CEO also says that owning more computing systems gives them better control and efficiency. Meta doesnt want to depend on others for cloud and other services; instead, it wants to design its own chips, software, and networks. This can also lower the costs over time and improve the performance of its AI services. Meta plans to avoid supply shortages by developing its own AI infrastructure By developing its very own infrastructure, Meta believes that it can move faster and support new products without waiting for outside capacity. The move also reduces the risk of supply shortages as AI models get larger. The strategic move further benefits the firm by allowing it to plan the future better and with much precision. Zuckerberg also named three leaders for the project. Santosh Janardhan will manage technical design, software systems, chips, and global data centers. Daniel Gross will focus on long-term capacity planning and supplier partnerships. Last but not least, Dina Powell McCormick will work with the government and related organizations on permits, funding, and partnerships. There has reportedly been a delay in the launch target of NVIDIAs RTX 50 Super GPUs, which is going to leave gamers with fewer options come time for what might have been the official launch window. While theres no official launch window thats been confirmed yet, NVIDIA has been releasing its latest GPUs around the same time for the past few generations. So it was expected that the RTX 50 Super GPUs would be dropping as a mid-generation refresh halfway through the lifecycle of the RTX 50 series cards. But that doesnt seem to be happening. A new report suggests that NVIDIA has delayed the launch target. The rumor comes from a post on the Board Channels forum. The post claims that NVIDIA has informed its board partners that the refresh was delayed. NVIDIAs board partners are brands like GIGABYTE, ASRock, Zotac, ASUS, and several other brands that make GPUs. NVIDIA RTX 50 Super delay is a result of supply chain issues and rising component costs Right now, theres no confirmation as to why there has been a delay with NVIDIAs RTX 50 series refresh. Nor is there a confirmation that a delay has even happened. However, the discussion surrounding the reasons for the delay in the post at Board Channels all lines up with whats currently happening. According to the post, NVIDIA has delayed the launch due to several factors. These include supply chain issues, the rising cost of components (RAM has gone up by exorbitant amounts since the shortage started), and, of course, high demand for the GPUs as AI data centers gobble up as much stock as they can. All of these factors have contributed to shortages in the GPU supply, in addition to causing an increase in cost for some models. If a delay is actually happening, then gamers and PC enthusiasts should expect costs to rise further for currently available stock. A delay in the RTX 50 Super cards could mean less available stock for the current models. NVIDIA was also already reported to be cutting back on the production of certain models in the RTX 50 series. EASTMAN, Ga., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ingrained Recovery announces the expansion of its equine-assisted therapy program specifically designed to serve military veterans struggling with substance use disorders, trauma, and related mental health challenges. The expanded program integrates traditional clinical treatment with equine-assisted psychotherapy, a modality that has shown particular promise in addressing the unique needs of the veteran population. Ingrained Recovery is located on a secluded 50-acre campus in Middle Georgia Ingrained Recovery offers equine therapy for veterans as a core feature of its medical detox and residential treatment programs Through structured interactions with horses under professional guidance, veterans develop emotional regulation skills, rebuild trust, and process traumatic experiences in a non-threatening environment that often proves more accessible than conventional talk therapy alone. Ingrained Recovery's approach recognizes that many veterans seeking equine programs face challenges in finging this form of mental health treatment due to lack of integration with many traditional healthcare systems. And yet these programs are highly valued in terms of their efficacy in treating service members and veterans with substance use disorders and dual diagnoses. For many clients from this population, the presence of horses creates a bridge to healing that transcends words. These animals respond to human emotion and behavior with immediate, honest feedback that helps veterans develop self-awareness and interpersonal skills critical to long-term recovery. "Many veterans carry stressors that can be difficult to put into words," said Steven Neft, a spokesperson for Ingrained Recovery. "Equine-assisted therapy creates a unique environment where clients can work on awareness, boundaries, and connection in real time. By expanding this program and accepting many forms of TRICARE coverage, we are aiming to reduce barriers and deliver care that respects veterans' experiences and needs." Located in Eastman, Georgia, Ingrained Recovery's position near twelve military installations, including Fort Gordon, Robbins Air Force Base, Moody Air Force Base, and Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), makes the facility uniquely accessible to active duty personnel, veterans, and military families throughout the region. The rural setting offers veterans a peaceful environment removed from the stressors and triggers that often complicate urban treatment environments. The facility's clinical team includes professionals trained in both addiction treatment and trauma-informed care, with specialized understanding of military culture and the transition challenges veterans face. Their equine-assisted therapeutic programming complements individual therapy, group counseling, and other evidence-based treatment modalities already offered at Ingrained Recovery. Veterans participating in the program work alongside trained equine specialists and licensed mental health professionals who guide therapeutic activities designed to address specific treatment goals. Ingrained Recovery serves veterans from across Georgia and the United States. The facility maintains a commitment to honoring those who have served by providing dignified, effective treatment that addresses the whole person rather than simply managing symptoms. The encourage direct, confidential outreach by phone for more details. Contact Information: Steven Neft Ingrained Recovery Eastman, Georgia (844) 450-1700 Email: [email protected] Website: https://ingrainedrecovery.com/ SOURCE Ingrained Recovery It looks like OnePlus founder Pete Lau is in a spot of trouble as Taiwanese law enforcement officials have issued an arrest warrant for him. Together with two other executives, Lau has been accused of illegally hiring employees in Taiwan. Arrest warrant issued for OnePlus founder According to the Shilin District Prosecutors Office, they claim that OnePlus had set up a shell company based in Hong Kong under the OnePlus name back in 2014. They then registered a Taiwan branch in 2015, with the names eventually changing from OnePlus to Sonar. The prosecutors are also alleging that between August 2015 and January 2021, OnePlus funneled more than NT$2.3 billion (~US$72.93 million) to its Taiwan branch through a Hong Kong trading company. That money was then used to hire staff in Taiwan, pay salaries, and purchase equipment. According to witnesses, the software developed in the Taiwan branch was then used in both OnePlus and OPPO phones (both are under the same BBK parent company). As a result, two Taiwanese citizens who worked for Lau have been indicted. The Shilin District Prosecutors Office also issued an arrest warrant for the OnePlus founder. One of the executives, surnamed Lin claimed he was appointed by Lau as R&D director. He was responsible for interviewing and leading the team. He also said that all operational decisions were made by Lau. The other individual, surnamed Cheng claimed to be a nominal legal representative who handled tax planning. She claimed to have no knowledge about the companys operations and did not receive a salary. But why is this a problem? Now, setting up shop in multiple countries and hiring local staff generally isnt a problem. We see many companies do that all over the world. Google, Apple, Microsoft, you name it. However, in this instance, its a bit trickier. This is due to the current relationship between China and Taiwan. This comes in the form of the Cross-Strait Act, which helps serve as a guide for relations between both countries. Part of the acts provisions include Chinese companies obtaining permission from the Taiwanese government when hiring locally. In this case, it appears that OnePlus failed to get the necessary approval, with prosecutors concluding that Lau along with Cheng and Lin had violated the act in the process. The Pentagon is preparing for a significant technological shift as it integrates Elon Musks AI tool, Grok, into its military networks. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the move this week. He noted that the integration will go live by the end of January 2026 across both unclassified and classified systems. Grok joins Gemini: Inside the Pentagons multi-model AI strategy for military Adding Grok is part of the so-called AI acceleration strategy. The goal of the plan is to bring the Department of Defenses processes up to date and make them work better. Hegseth emphasized that the goal is to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and ensure the United States maintains a dominant lead in military AI. Its noteworthy that Grok will not be the exclusive artificial intelligence platform for the entity. The Pentagon wants to create a robust, multi-model AI environment. In addition to Elon Musks AI, Googles Gemini is also present. Data is the cornerstone of this plan. Hegseth pointed out that AI effectiveness relies entirely on the quality of the information it processes. To support this, the military will make decades of operational and intelligence data available for these systems, aiming to turn raw information into actionable military insights. Grok facing scrutiny The decision comes at a tough time for xAI, the company that makes Grok. The tool has been under a lot of international scrutiny lately. The UK and EU regulators are looking into the platform after reports of deepfakes and the creation of inappropriate images. Some countries, like Indonesia and Malaysia, have even temporarily blocked it. Despite these challenges, the Pentagon seems committed to its chainsaw approach to innovation. The $200 million contract awarded to companies like xAI, Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI suggests that the military sees agentic AImodels that can perform complex workflowsas essential to national security. Hegseth has promised to pursue responsible AI systems while ensuring that adversaries cannot use similar technology to threaten American interests. Googles Pixel 10a has a new leak, this time suggesting what the price for the phone will be in Europe. This new leak comes just hours after two additional leaks about the device. Earlier this morning, we had an exclusive leak surface that contained an official render of the phone. A few hours later, a new leak then popped up mentioning the colors and what Google would be offering for storage size. In addition to that, the phones suspected release date was mentioned. According to that second leak, the phone will come in two storage size options: A 128GB model and a 256GB model. Its also going to come in four total colors. The 128GB model will come in Obsidian, Fog, Berry, and Lavender. Meanwhile, the 256GB will come in Obsidian only, at least based on what the leaks are saying. Google Pixel 10 leak suggests the price of the phone will start at 500 While this pricing is in euros, US consumers can expect the price of the phone in USD to start at $500. More likely itll be $499. According to the leak that mentions price, which comes from Arsene Lupin on X, the 128GB model of the Pixel 10a will be 500, while the 256GB model is 600. With those prices in mind, the 256GB model of the Pixel 10a in the US should be $599. These would reflect the prices of the Pixel 9a in the US when that phone launched last year. If these prices are accurate, then Google is sticking to its pricing strategy for its less expensive Pixel lineup. Arsene Lupin also mentions the colors, storage, and the potential release date of February 17, just like the previous leak from this morning. This provides further evidence of these details as the leaks come from different sources, which makes them seem more believable. What seems to be new information from the leak with price details is the included price of at least one case option for the phone, which is 20. Arsene also mentions that the case colors match the phone lineup, so its par for the course here with Googles new A phone for the Pixel 10 series. Xiaomis sub-brand Redmi is reportedly working on a premium mid-ranger, the Redmi Turbo 5 Pro. This will succeed the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro from last year and bring some notable upgrades to the table. The phone is rumored to house a MediaTek chip and a whopping 9,000mAh battery, putting it right up there with the current trend. While we wait for the debut, the alleged Redmi Turbo 5 Pro has appeared on Geekbench, cluing us in on some hardware specs. Redmi Turbo 5 Pro stops by at Geekbench The alleged Redmi Turbo 5 Pro stretches its wings on Geekbench with the model number 2602BRT18C. This is the same model number that previously appeared on Chinas 3C platform. The phone scores 2,658 in the single-core round and 8,456 in the multi-core segment. These benchmark scores are quite competitive, but not in the ultra-flagship-level, though. The listing confirms the Redmi Turbo 5 Pro will boot Android 16 OS, which could be based on HyperOS 3. The phone will pack 16GB RAM (14.91GB to be precise), but there could be other RAM options at launch. New MediaTek Dimensity 9500e chip at the helm The Redmi handset will reportedly feature the MediaTek Dimensity 9500e. On Geekbench, the motherboard is listed as dash. It (the CPU) has eight cores, with a single core clocking at 3.73GHz, 3 cores at 3.30GHz, and 4 cores at 2.40GHz. The Geekbench source code section reveals Immortalis-G925 MC12 GPU. Interestingly, the CPU clock speeds and GPU match the Dimensity 9400+. This makes sense, considering the Dimensity 9400e was a rebadged Dimensity 9300+, so the Dimensity 9500e should be based on the 9400+. The Redmi Turbo 5 Pro could arrive with 100W fast charging support and a 1.5K LTPS OLED display. It may feature an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and stereo speakers. The phone will also be quite durable, thanks to a metal frame. The phone may debut globally as POCO F8 and join the other POCO F8 series models, the F8 Pro and F8 Ultra. Well know more details soon. Signal creator Moxie Marlinspike has launched a new open-source AI assistant called Confer. Like its messaging platform, this too has privacy at its core. What this means is that no one can read your conversations with Confer, not even server administrators, let alone hackers or law enforcement. Encryption is on by default, and data and conversations originating from users and the responses are encrypted in a trusted execution environment (TEE) that prevents anyone from accessing or tampering with them. Conversations on Confer AI stay private Signal uses encryption to make messages readable only to parties participating in a conversation. Confer AI protects user prompts, AI responses, and all data included in them. Much like Signal, its not possible to tie individual users to their real-world identity through email address, IP address, or other details. Confer AI will not use the data to train itself, nor will it sell the data to a third party. This is quite a bold move considering data is the value addition that keeps the AI chatbot free. The company says that data encryption is on before it even reaches the server, using passkeys. The industry-wide standard generates a 32-byte encryption keypair thats unique to each service a user logs into. The public key is sent to the server, while the private key is only on the user device, inside protected storage hardware that even hackers cant access. Passkeys provide two-factor authentication, and you can configure them with a face scan, fingerprint, or a device unlock PIN or passcode. Syncs chats between devices Confer also supports syncing chats between devices the user owns. Thanks to cryptographic design, not even Confers creators can unlock them. Confer offers a remote attestation feature, which allows any user to verify exactly what code is running on Confers servers. The platform will also reportedly publish the software stack in full and digitally sign every release. ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI all offer opt-out toggles for options like chat history, allowing data for training, or outright removing data. But then these are on by default, and opting out is your responsibility. Confer is different, as it makes the most private setup the default. Native support for Confer is available in the recent versions of macOS, iOS, and Android. However, on Windows, users must install a third-party authenticator. Theres no Linux support, but an extension bridges that gap. Microsoft is pushing its cloud services more strongly in the latest Windows 11 update. Many users are already feeling its impact. In version 25H2, OneDrive Backup turns on automatically when you sign in with a Microsoft account. Common folders like Documents and Downloads are automatically moved into OneDrive without any prior warning. This change has confused many, prompting them to turn off OneDrive backup. Microsoft tightens the link between Windows and OneDrive In the latest update, Microsoft has made OneDrive a default part of the Windows 11 setup. This means that when a user signs in with their Microsoft account, important folders are automatically backed up to OneDrive without any notice or warning. Files are not deleted, but are rather moved to a new folder within the OneDrive folder. A lot of users are unaware of the change until they try to open a familiar folder and see nothing there. This sudden change has attracted online criticism, as many users are feeling frustrated and confused. The users voice seems to have reached Microsoft, as theyve quietly adjusted the feature to reduce confusion. Users now get an option to transfer the files to their original location once they try to turn off OneDrive backup. Though the tech giant has again created a state of confusion by not properly explaining the changes. Heres how you can turn off OneDrive backup to get files back to the original location Turning off OneDrive backup is pretty straightforward, though it needs some extra attention. To turn it off, you must go to OneDrive settings or go to Windows Backup in system settings. From here, each folder, such as Documents and Pictures, must be turned off one at a time. When asked, choose the option to keep files only on your PC. This ensures your data returns to its normal local folders. Once you move back all the files, do a quick re-check to make sure that nothings left. Once confirmed, open the OneDrive folder and make sure the backed-up folders are empty. If files remain, copy them back manually. You can also remove backup reminders in File Explorer. Once you turn off OneDrive Backup completely, your files will now be stored locally in the originally intended location. This marks the first live procedure at AAHS, as well as a first for Keenova. Treatment takes place over two days of annual meetinginjection on Wednesday and finger extension on Friday. Audience of hand specialists will see firsthand the treatment procedure, as well as the patient's reaction, response, and results. DUBLIN, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Keenova Therapeutics plc announced today that it will present a live treatment procedure with XIAFLEX (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) for Dupuytren's contracture (DC) during the American Association for Hand Surgery (AAHS) Annual Meeting, taking place now through January 17, 2026. XIAFLEX is the only FDA-approved nonsurgical treatment for Dupuytren's contracture when a cord can be felt. Do not receive XIAFLEX if you have had an allergic reaction to collagenase clostridium histolyticum or any of the ingredients in XIAFLEX, or to any other collagenase product. Please note that receiving an injection of XIAFLEX may cause damage to a tendon or ligament in your hand and cause it to break or weaken. Why it matters: The two-day demonstration brings the treatment live in front of hundreds of hand specialists, marking a "first" for both the company and the professional association. First live procedure for Keenova and the XIAFLEX brand for Keenova and the XIAFLEX brand First live procedure at the AAHS annual meeting "Seeing a real procedure with XIAFLEX is one of the most impactful ways to convey to healthcare providers both the product treatment and authentic patient response," said Stephanie Wenstrup, Executive Director, Marketing, Orthopedics at Keenova. "This event gives us the opportunity to demonstrate the power of offering Dupuytren's contracture patients a nonsurgical treatment option for their hand condition." Two-day demonstration: Dr. Mark Elzik will treat DC patient James Renzas with XIAFLEX in front of a live audience of healthcare providers. Treatment with XIAFLEX includes both the injection and the follow-up finger extension. The injection of XIAFLEX will take place today, January 14. The demonstration will include an explanation from Dr. Elzik about why the patient is an appropriate candidate for XIAFLEX and insight into the doctor's injection technique. The finger extension will occur on Friday, January 16. Mr. Renzas has been treated previously for his DC with both XIAFLEX and surgery. Dr. Elzik will treat the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint in the patient's pinky finger. More in store: Meeting attendees can get their own hands-on experience with XIAFLEX during the meeting. The Mixed Reality Injection Simulator provides an immersive learning environment for hand specialists, who interact with both physical and digital objectsa physical hand model and digital content via an Apple Vision Pro appto help refine their injection technique. provides an immersive learning environment for hand specialists, who interact with both physical and digital objectsa physical hand model and digital content via an Apple Vision Pro appto help refine their injection technique. New injector training invites hand specialists to receive expert guidance on administering XIAFLEX. About Dupuytren's Contracture Dupuytren's contracture is a lifelong condition that may get worse over time. It's caused by a buildup of collagen in the hand, which forms a rope-like cord that pulls fingers toward the palm so they can't be straightened. As Dupuytren's contracture progresses, it may become difficult for individuals to use their hand(s) for daily tasks and activities.1,2 It affects an estimated 13 million Americans.3,4* INDICATION XIAFLEX is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Dupuytren's contracture with a palpable cord. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR XIAFLEX XIAFLEX is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to XIAFLEX or to collagenase used in any other therapeutic application or application method In the controlled and uncontrolled portions of clinical trials in Dupuytren's contracture, flexor tendon ruptures occurred after XIAFLEX injection. Injection of XIAFLEX into collagen-containing structures such as tendons or ligaments of the hand may result in damage to those structures and possible permanent injury such as tendon rupture or ligament damage. Therefore, XIAFLEX should be injected only into the collagen cord with a metacarpophalangeal (MP) or proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contracture, and care should be taken to avoid injecting into tendons, nerves, blood vessels, or other collagen-containing structures of the hand. When injecting a cord affecting a PIP joint of the fifth finger, the needle insertion should not be more than 2 to 3 mm in depth and avoid injecting more than 4 mm distal to the palmar digital crease Other XIAFLEX-associated serious local adverse reactions in the controlled and uncontrolled portions of the clinical studies included pulley rupture, ligament injury, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), sensory abnormality of the hand, and skin laceration (tear). In a historically controlled post-marketing trial, the incidence of skin laceration (22%) was higher for subjects treated with two concurrent injections of XIAFLEX compared with subjects treated with up to three single injections in the placebo-controlled premarketing trials (9%). Post-marketing cases of skin laceration requiring skin graft after finger extension procedures and local skin and soft-tissue necrosis, some requiring skin grafting, or other surgical interventions including finger amputation have been reported. Signs or symptoms that may reflect serious injury to the injected finger/hand should be promptly evaluated because surgical intervention may be required Cases of syncope and presyncope have been reported in the post-marketing period in patients treated with XIAFLEX. In most cases in patients with Dupuytren's contracture, the injection procedure, finger extension procedure, or pain following the procedures were reported as potential triggers for the events, suggesting a vasovagal mechanism. Most, but not all, cases occurred in the immediate treatment period (injection or finger extension procedure) or within 1 to 2 days following the injection or finger extension procedure. If presyncopal symptoms occur, patients should remain recumbent until symptoms resolve. Syncope may be associated with bodily injuries, including concussion, head abrasion, and other accidental injuries In the controlled portions of the clinical trials in Dupuytren's contracture, a greater proportion of XIAFLEX-treated patients (15%) compared to placebo-treated patients (1%) had mild allergic reactions (pruritus) after up to 3 injections. The incidence of XIAFLEX-associated pruritus increased after more XIAFLEX injections in patients with Dupuytren's contracture Because XIAFLEX contains foreign proteins, severe allergic reactions to XIAFLEX can occur. Anaphylaxis was reported in a post-marketing clinical trial in one patient who had previous exposure to XIAFLEX for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. Healthcare providers should be prepared to address severe allergic reactions following XIAFLEX injections In the XIAFLEX trials in Dupuytren's contracture, 70% and 38% of XIAFLEX-treated patients developed an ecchymosis/contusion or an injection site hemorrhage, respectively. Patients with abnormal coagulation (except for patients taking low-dose aspirin, eg, up to 150 mg per day) were excluded from participating in these studies. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of XIAFLEX in patients receiving anticoagulant medications (other than low-dose aspirin, eg, up to 150 mg per day) within 7 days prior to XIAFLEX administration is not known. In addition, it is recommended to avoid use of XIAFLEX in patients with coagulation disorders, including patients receiving concomitant anticoagulants (except for low-dose aspirin) In the XIAFLEX clinical trials for Dupuytren's contracture, the most common adverse reactions reported in 25% of patients treated with XIAFLEX and at an incidence greater than placebo were edema peripheral (eg, swelling of the injected hand), contusion, injection site hemorrhage, injection site reaction, and pain in the injected extremity. Post-marketing experience Syncope and presyncope have been reported in patients treated with XIAFLEX. Most, but not all, cases occurred in the immediate treatment period or within 1 to 2 days following injection. Bodily injuries associated with the syncopal events have been reported Click for full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide. About Keenova Keenova Therapeutics is a leading global developer and manufacturer of branded therapeutics that strives to help patients with rare or unaddressed conditions live happier and healthier lives. The Company's diversified brands portfolio is focused across a wide range of therapeutic areas of significant unmet need, including endocrinology, gastroenterology, hepatology, immunology, neonatal respiratory critical care, nephrology, neurology, pulmonology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, rheumatology and urology. Globally headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Keenova benefits from a strong U.S. manufacturing footprint with facilities in Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. To learn more, please visit www.keenova.com. Keenova uses its website as a channel of distribution of important company information, such as press releases, investor presentations and other financial information. It also uses its website to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the Company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a press release or a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to the Investor Relations page of the website for important and time-critical information. Visitors to the website can also register to receive automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is made available on the Investor Relations page of the website. Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those suggested or indicated by such forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. These factors include risks and uncertainties related to, among other things: the expected benefits and synergies of the business combination with Endo ("Business Combination") may not be fully realized in a timely manner, or at all; the Company's increased indebtedness as a result of the Business Combination and significant transaction costs related to the Business Combination; the expected growth opportunities, profit improvements, cost savings and other benefits as a result of the spin-off of Par Health may not be fully realized in a timely manner, or at all; unanticipated costs, litigation and/or regulatory inquiries and investigations as a result of the spin-off of Par Health; risks associated with being a smaller, less diversified company as a result of the spin-off of Par Health; potential changes in the Company's business strategy and performance; exposure to global economic conditions and market uncertainty; governmental investigations and inquiries, regulatory actions, and lawsuits, in each case related to the Company's or its officers; the Company's contractual and court-ordered compliance obligations that, if violated, could result in penalties; compliance with and restrictions under the global settlement to resolve all opioid-related claims; matters related to Acthar Gel, including the settlement with governmental parties to resolve certain disputes and compliance with and restrictions under the related corporate integrity agreement; the ability to maintain relationships with the Company's suppliers, customers, employees and other third parties; scrutiny from governments, legislative bodies and enforcement agencies related to sales, marketing and pricing practices; pricing pressure on certain of the Company's products due to legal changes or changes in insurers' or other payers' reimbursement practices resulting from recent increased public scrutiny of healthcare and pharmaceutical costs; the reimbursement practices of governmental health administration authorities, private health coverage insurers and other third-party payers; complex reporting and payment obligations under the Medicare and Medicaid rebate programs and other governmental purchasing and rebate programs; cost containment efforts of customers, purchasing groups, third-party payers and governmental organizations; changes in or failure to comply with relevant laws and regulations; any undesirable side effects caused by the Company's approved and investigational products, which could limit their commercial profile or result in other negative consequences; the Company's and its partners' ability to successfully develop, commercialize or launch new products or expand commercial opportunities of existing products, including Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) SelfJect, the INOmax Evolve DS delivery system, and XIAFLEX; the Company's ability to successfully identify or discover additional products or product candidates; the Company's ability to navigate price fluctuations and pressures, including the ability to achieve anticipated benefits of price increases of its products; competition; the Company's and its partners' ability to protect intellectual property rights, including in relation to ongoing and future litigation; limited clinical trial data for Acthar Gel; the timing, expense and uncertainty associated with clinical studies and related regulatory processes; product liability losses and other litigation liability; material health, safety and environmental laws and related liabilities; business development activities or other strategic transactions; attraction and retention of key personnel; the effectiveness of information technology infrastructure, including risks of external attacks or failures; customer concentration; the Company's reliance on certain individual products that are material to its financial performance; the Company's ability to receive sufficient procurement and production quotas granted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; complex manufacturing processes; reliance on third-party manufacturers and supply chain providers and related market disruptions; conducting business internationally; the Company's significant levels of intangible assets and related impairment testing; natural disasters or other catastrophic events; the Company's substantial indebtedness and settlement obligation, its ability to generate sufficient cash to reduce its indebtedness and its potential need and ability to incur further indebtedness; restrictions contained in the agreements governing the Company's indebtedness and settlement obligation on the Company's operations, future financings and use of proceeds; the Company's variable rate indebtedness; the Company's tax treatment by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 7874 and Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; future changes to applicable tax laws or the impact of disputes with governmental tax authorities; the impact of Irish laws; the comparability of the Company's post-emergence financial results and the projections filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware and the lack of comparability of the Company's historical financial statements and information contained in its financial statements after the adoption of fresh-start accounting following emergence from Mallinckrodt's and Endo's respective bankruptcy proceedings. The "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2024, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 28, 2025, its Quarterly Report for the quarterly period ended June 27, 2025, its Quarterly Report for the quarterly period ended September 26, 2025 its Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended, filed with the SEC, and other filings with the SEC, all of which are on file with the SEC and available from the SEC's website (www.sec.gov) and the Company's website (www.keenova.com), identify and describe in more detail the risks and uncertainties to which the Company's businesses are subject. There may be other risks and uncertainties that we are unable to predict at this time or that we currently do not expect to have a material adverse effect on our business. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law. Given these uncertainties, one should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. * Dupuytren's contracture prevalence estimation calculation in the U.S.: Average Dupuytren's contracture prevalence in the U.S. (5%) multiplied by U.S. adult population (~258 million adults per 2020 U.S. Census data) = ~13 million. References 1. Hurst LC, Badalamente MA, Hentz VR, et al. Injectable collagenase clostridium histolyticum for Dupuytren's contracture. N Engl J Med. 2009;361(10),968-979. 2. Bayat A, McGrouther DA. Management of Dupuytren's disease--clear advice for an elusive condition. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2006;88(1):3-8. 3. MedlinePlus Genetics. Dupuytren contracture. National Library of Medicine. Accessed August 14, 2025. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/dupuytren-contracture/#frequency 4. Ogunwole SU, Rabe MA, Roberts AW, Caplan Z. Adult population grew faster than total population from 2010 to 2020. U.S. Census Bureau. Published August 12, 2021. Accessed August 14, 2025. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/08/united-states-adult-population-grew-faster-than-nations-total-population-from-2010-to-2020.html Contacts: SOURCE Keenova Therapeutics Actor Kiefer Sutherland has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a ride-share driver in Los Angeles, police said. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said the London-born Canadian actor entered a ride-share vehicle just after midnight on Monday in Hollywood, where he allegedly physically assaulted the driver (the victim), and made criminal threats. Sutherland was later released after posting a 50,000 dollar (37,300) bond and is due to appear in court on February 2. Police said the driver was not injured in the alleged incident at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. The LAPDs Hollywood Division is investigating. Sutherland, an Emmy Award winner, is best known for his role as Jack Bauer in the Fox drama series 24, and as President Tom Kirkman in the political drama Designated Survivor. In 2007, the actor was sentenced to 48 days in jail for driving under the influence after failing a field sobriety test. He is the son of the celebrated Canadian actor Donald Sutherland. Multiple American citizens detained in Venezuela have been released, the U.S. State Department confirmed on Tuesday. "We welcome the release of detained Americans in Venezuela," the department said, adding: "This is an important step in the right direction by the interim authorities." The development follows a stunning nighttime raid earlier this month, during which the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Last week, Venezuelas national assembly head, Jorge Rodriguez, indicated that a "significant number" of both Venezuelan and foreign prisoners would be freed. He described the move as a gesture to "seek peace" following the military operation that deposed Maduro. In July, Venezuela released 10 jailed U.S. citizens and permanent residents in exchange for getting home scores of migrants deported by the United States to El Salvador. (AP Foto/Matias Delacroix) As of Tuesday evening, the Venezuela human rights group Foro Penal had confirmed 56 prisoners it said were detained for political reasons had been freed. The group criticized the lack of government transparency over the releases. Venezuelas government negated the organizations count, and reported a far higher figure of 400 Tuesday afternoon. But the government did not provide evidence of the releases or a time range in which they were carried out, nor did it identify those freed, making it impossible to determine whether those freed were behind bars for political or other reasons. In July, Venezuela released 10 jailed U.S. citizens and permanent residents in exchange for getting home scores of migrants deported by the United States to El Salvador under the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. Kenneth Johnson shows a security camera recording of a large black bear under his home in Altadena, California, on 3 December 2025. Photograph: Juliana Yamada/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images (Photograph: Juliana Yamada/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Last week, it appeared the the saga of a black bear that had captivated the Los Angeles community of Altadena for months had come to an end: the Bear League, a Lake Tahoe-based non-profit, was able to successfully remove a 550lb black bear that had been living in a crawlspace under Ken Johnsons home in Altadena since late November. This week, however, reports emerged of bears appearing under other homes. Johnsons travails started in November, when the giant bear took up residence in his crawlspace. For weeks, Californias department of fish and wildlife (DFW) unsuccessfully sought to trap the bear. Members of the Bear League, a volunteer organization that aims to help humans live in harmony with the animals, were able to force the bear out with paintball guns. Related: Boom, hes out: bear living rent-free under California home has been removed But on Monday KTLA reported that a resident half a mile Johnsons home had provided photos of a bear under their house. By Tuesday the outlet reported that a bear, which it had described as the animal that was under Johnsons home, sought shelter under yet another Altadena home. Its unclear whether the bear from Johnsons home, which the DFW has tagged as Yellow 2120, was the bear seen at the other houses. Its such a prevalent area for bear activity that this very well could be a different bear, so we cant say that its the same, Cort Klopping, a DFW information officer, told the Los Angeles Times. The Bear League has provided assistance to residents in Altadena, including installing electrical mats to deter the animal from the area. We are grateful to have been able to help the bear and the residents and hope we can continue to do so, the organization said in a statement. The Bear League gets several calls a day from people in the Lake Tahoe region with bears under their homes, the non-profit said. Bears roam the Tahoe area and can frequently be spotted, with some breaking into homes or cars in search of food. Residents and visitors there are urged to keep food locked away and secure trash cans and homes. There are an estimated 49,000 to 71,000 black bears, the only species in California, living in the state, primarily between the north coast and Cascade regions and the Sierra Nevada. The animals are generally non-confrontational, and are known to have killed just one person in the state in recorded history. Britain is intensifying its focus on Arctic security, the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said as she tours Scandinavia. Her visit comes amid ongoing concerns regarding US threats to annex Greenland, highlighting the strategic importance of the region. Ms Cooper is also poised to advocate for enhanced Nato efforts to safeguard the High North from Russian aggression. During her visit to Finland and Norway on Wednesday, she is scheduled to meet Finnish border guards and British Royal Marines at Norway's Camp Viking base. Ms Cooper said the government is "reinforcing our diplomatic and security commitment to the region." Ahead of the trip, she said: Britain is stepping up on Arctic security. With our allies we are working to strengthen Arctic defences and deter any attempts from the likes of Vladimir Putin to threaten our interests and our infrastructure. Ms Cooper said the government is reinforcing our diplomatic and security commitment to the region (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA) She added: We see it as our responsibility and our duty to tackle these challenges head on, making us all safer in the process. Arctic security is a critical transatlantic partnership issue for the security of Britain and Nato. Coming together as an alliance allows us to unify and tackle this emerging threat. But while Ms Coopers visit has been billed as focusing on Arctic security, it comes under the shadow of Donald Trumps repeated insistence that the US needs to take over Greenland to prevent Russia or China getting hold of the territory. Mr Trumps administration has even threatened to use force to annex Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Nato ally Denmark, prompting concern about the future of the transatlantic alliance. On Tuesday, Greenlands energy minister Naaja Nathanielsen told a press conference in Westminster the territory had no intention of becoming American and felt betrayed by the US. But while she warned that we would all be under attack if the US invaded Greenland, she maintained that Greenland wanted a peaceful solution and was open to greater security monitoring or an expanded Nato deployment. Since the US began talking more loudly about annexing Greenland at the start of 2026, the UK appears to have increased discussions of Arctic security, with Sir Keir Starmer mentioning the issue in calls with Mr Trump, the Danish prime minister and the Nato secretary-general last week. President Donald Trumps plans to acquire Greenland could reportedly cost $700 billion, despite it being deeply unpopular with Americans. Trump has vowed that he would take over the Danish territory one way or the other, a statement officials from Denmark and Greenland have vehemently rejected. The $700 billion price tag is an estimate crunched by scholars and former U.S. officials for planning purposes, and is more than half the Defense Departments annual budget, according to NBC News. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been tasked with developing a proposal to purchase Greenland that will be put to the president in the coming weeks, a senior White House official told the outlet. Rubio and Vice President JD Vance are due to meet with officials from Denmark and Greenland in Washington, D.C. Wednesday. The Trump administration continues to push forward on its plan to add Greenland to the U.S. despite outrage from European leaders. Now, a new poll also shows that Trumps plan is unpopular with Americans - with nearly 75 percent saying using military force to take the island was a bad idea. President Donald Trumps plans to acquire Greenland could reportedly cost $700 billion, despite the acquisition being deeply unpopular with Americans (AFP via Getty Images) In response to the poll, Anna Kelly, deputy White House press secretary, said that Trump is always generating creative ideas to bolster national security and echoed Trumps claim that Greenland faces threats from Russia and China. Many of this Presidents predecessors recognized the strategic logic of acquiring Greenland, but only President Trump has had the courage to pursue this idea seriously, Kelly said in a statement to The Independent. As the President said, NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the United States, and Greenlanders would be better served if protected by the United States from modern threats in the Arctic region. Trump warned in a Wednesday Truth Social post that if America doesnt acquire Greenland, Russia or China will. The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building, Trump said. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DONT, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! The move is not a popular one with Americans, with just 17 percent approving of Trumps efforts to acquire the mineral-rich island, according to polling published Wednesday by Reuters/Ipsos. Some 47 percent of Americans disapproved, while 35 percent were unsure. And 71 percent of Americans including nine in 10 Democrats and six in 10 Republicans said using military force to achieve Trumps goal was a bad idea, compared to 4 percent who said it would be a good idea. Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, pictured in Greenland last year, are due to meet with officials from Denmark and Greenland in Washington, D.C. Wednesday (POOL/AFP via Getty Images) The polling found 66 percent of Americans said they were worried the plans to take over Greenland would damage the NATO alliance and the U.S. alliance with Europe. Officials from Greenland and Denmark have held firm that the territory is not available to buy. We are not for sale and that we will not be annexed, Jess Berthelsen, chair of Greenlands national trade union confederation SIK, told The Guardian. Berthelsen said the people of Greenland cant recognize claims made by Trump that the territory is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. His claims about our waters being full of Russian and Chinese ships, we cannot see that at all, the union leader told the outlet. A sleeper train that connects London to the Scottish Highlands will stop at Birmingham International station from today (15 January). The Caledonian Sleeper currently runs every night apart from Saturday, with guests being transported from London Euston to some of Scotlands largest cities, including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, and more rural locations, such as Fort William. Connections between the West Midlands and the Scottish Highlands have been underserved by existing transport options, so the sleeper train intends to bridge this travel gap. Operator Caledonian Sleeper said it is the most significant change to its network in more than three decades. The Caledonian Sleeper operates on two separate routes, with Birmingham International joining the Highlander, the first stop after London, before it heads to Crewe, Preston and then up to the Highlands. Club en-suite room on the Caledonian Sleeper (Caledonian Sleeper) The Lowlander route stops at Watford Junction, Carlisle, Carstairs, and either Glasgow Central via Motherwell or Edinburgh. Simon Calder, travel correspondent of The Independent, said: "For the first time this century, the West Midlands will have a rail connection with the West Highlands. Airline passengers using Birmingham airport will be able to connect direct with either end of the Caledonian Canal Fort William and Inverness as well as Aviemore, Dundee and Gleneagles. And all without extending the journey time between London and Scotland. However, he also warns that fares are challengingly high. Graham Kelly, managing director of Caledonian Sleeper, told The Independent's daily travel podcast: We are very mindful of price. It is a travel-transport element, and also overnight accommodation, all wrapped and rolled into one. Seated coach on the Caledonian Sleeper (Caledonian Sleeper) Passengers can book tickets with access to reclining chairs, bunk and single beds in private rooms or double en-suite rooms. The most basic seating options range in price from 54 to 100. A bed on a journey to Fort William, however, can cost between 210 and 405. The train also features a Club Car where passengers staying in rooms can order dishes made with Scottish produce or enjoy a late-night drink. Steven Marshall, Caledonian Sleepers head of sales and marketing, said ahead of the inaugural journey: "We're very excited to welcome the Caledonian Sleeper to Birmingham International for the first time on Thursday. "The route will link the West Midlands to Aberdeen, Fort William and Inverness, opening up a brand-new cross-border journey and totally unique travel experience for guests. "It's a great way to start off another big year for the Caledonian Sleeper. We can't wait to welcome our new guests on board for the inaugural journey." Tianjin University team explores how ancient buildings withstand earthquakes People's Daily Online) 10:58, January 14, 2026 A picture of the Guanyin Pavilion at the Dule Temple in Jizhou district, north China's Tianjin Municipality, drawn by Ma Ruishan. The Guanyin Pavilion at the Dule Temple in Jizhou district, north China's Tianjin Municipality, continues to draw visitors eager to witness a marvel of ancient Chinese engineering. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the temple's main structures the main gate and the Guanyin Pavilion were reconstructed in 984. The pavilion ranks among China's oldest surviving multi-story wooden structures. What makes it even more remarkable is that over the past millennium, the pavilion has survived more than 20 earthquakes. "Ancient buildings are frozen moments in time, embodying the essence of traditional Chinese culture," said Ding Yao, head of the Architectural History and Heritage Conservation Research Team at Tianjin University. For years, the team has been dedicated to protecting ancient architecture. Their work focuses on studying the seismic resistance of ancient buildings and exploring how to preserve these structures while keeping them accessible to the public. Students from Tianjin University's School of Architecture conduct a field survey of ancient buildings. (Photo courtesy of Tianjin University) When the devastating 1976 Tangshan earthquake struck, the seven-story Guanyin Pavilion emerged virtually unscathed. But according to Ding, that was not even the pavilion's greatest test. Local records document a Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) earthquake that researchers now estimate may have reached magnitude 8.0. Through on-site measurements and structural analysis, the research team discovered that the pavilion's overall design endows it with exceptional seismic resilience. Zhang Fengwu, a team member and professor, explained that the pavilion conceals numerous diagonal braces within its walls, transforming unstable quadrilateral frames between columns into stable triangular structures. This reinforces the integrity and stability of the column network. The load-bearing columns are arranged not in a single row but as 18 outer columns and 10 inner columns, creating a double-layer grid resembling concentric squares. Beams, rafters and bracket sets connect these columns, preventing the tops and capitals from shifting. These columns are not perfectly vertical either. They tilt slightly inward toward the building's center, a deliberate design that allows controlled movement without immediate collapse, better absorbing seismic shocks, according to Ding. Other design features further strengthen the pavilion's seismic resistance. For example, wooden components joined through mortise-and-tenon joinery enhance the structure's stability. These components allow appropriate gaps and tolerance for deformation, creating natural "shock absorbers," Ding said. During earthquakes, slight movements between components generate friction that dissipates seismic energy, reducing the impact on the overall structure. With modern technology, researchers can now precisely measure and analyze how ancient wooden structures resist earthquakes. In recent years, the team has incorporated 3D laser scanning, low-altitude remote sensing and other technologies into the surveying of ancient buildings. "Modern technology allows us to better understand and verify ancient construction concepts, quantify the seismic performance of ancient wooden structures, and provide systematic technical support for preventive conservation," Zhang said. Photo shows the Guanyin Pavilion at the Dule Temple in Jizhou district, north China's Tianjin Municipality. (People's Daily/Wu Shaomin) In recent years, the team has employed total stations, 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, ground-penetrating radar and non-destructive testing equipment to conduct systematic investigations of numerous wooden structures from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties. They have performed material, mechanical, and structural analyses to identify defects that threaten the building's safety, providing a basis for targeted conservation measures. The team's interdisciplinary research has been applied to multiple conservation projects. For instance, their "Ming Great Wall Image and 3D Database" combines 3D modeling, AI recognition, and regular image comparison to help safeguard more than 8,800 kilometers of the ancient fortification. Since 2007, the team has participated in restoration projects involving wooden structures, gradually developing complete workflows and a four-stage technical framework: detection, modeling, assessment and intervention. "We need to understand not only the historical value of ancient buildings, but also apply modern scientific methods to decode how they work and implement precise monitoring and early warning systems," Ding said. "Only then can we truly achieve minimum intervention and maximum protection." (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Paige DeSorbo Appears in Bold New Creative Concept That Turns "No Bueno" into "Yes Bueno" Moments PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kinder Bueno is flipping the script on everyday letdowns with the launch of its "Yes Bueno" campaign, debuting during the brand's first-ever Big Game appearance. The new campaign proves that one bite of Kinder Bueno's crispy, creamy chocolate bar can provide a delightful distraction from any "No Bueno" moment. In celebration of this "Yes Bueno" launch, the brand released a teaser today offering the first taste of what's coming ahead of the biggest game of the year. Kinder Bueno Debuts Teaser, Marking the Brand's First-Ever Big Game Campaign Speed Speed Paige DeSorbo Appears in Bold New Creative Concept That Turns "No Bueno" into "Yes Bueno" Moments Speed Speed Kinder Bueno's new "Yes Bueno" campaign was born from a simple observation: people use the phrase "No Bueno" all the time. So why not have a little fun with it? Kinder Bueno is positioning itself as the antidote to life's minor disasters the chocolate bar that instantly helps override disappointment with irresistibility in every bite. As Ferrero makes this historic leap into Big Game advertising, the brand is inviting fans along for the ride with an integrated campaign spanning from today's teaser through game day and beyond. Style expert, Daphne founder, and co-host of Giggly Squad, Paige DeSorbo, brings her signature wit and candor as she makes her Big Game commercial debut alongside Kinder Bueno. She is also joined by another fellow co-star that Kinder Bueno plans to reveal closer to the Big Game to encourage fan speculation and excitement. Together, they're on a mission to help fans transform life's "No Bueno" moments into irresistible chocolate cravings. "I love that we're turning life's 'No Bueno' moments into 'Yes Bueno' ones," said DeSorbo. "It's such a relatable concept because we all have those little disappointments that need a delicious distraction, like Kinder Bueno. I can't wait for fans to see who else appears alongside me in the full commercial...let's just say, we make quite the unexpected, yet iconic, duo." Kinder Bueno's debut extends far beyond the 30-second spot. The brand is activating a comprehensive campaign that includes special retail displays and packaging, limited-edition white and dark chocolate flavors, and consumer promotions in retailers nationwide designed to bring the "Yes Bueno" experience to life nationwide. "Making our big game debut represents a transformative moment for Kinder Bueno as we accelerate our growth in the U.S. market," said Chad Stubbs, Chief Marketing Officer, Ferrero North America. "We've identified a simple cultural insight, and by owning this phrase and playing with its meaning, we're not just launching a campaign, we're creating a new brand language that positions Kinder Bueno as the go-to irresistible treat to lighten life's everyday frustrations." The full 30-second ad spot - "Yes Bueno" - will air during the Big Game on February 8, 2026 broadcasted on NBC. You can see the just-released teaser here, and follow Kinder Bueno on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X to ensure you don't miss what else is coming. ABOUT KINDER BUENO Kinder Bueno is a crispy, creamy chocolate bar that comes with a creamy hazelnut filling in a crispy wafer, enrobed in milk chocolate and a dark chocolate drizzle. The limited-edition Kinder Bueno White Chocolate is a delicious take on the classic favorite, containing real white chocolate, creamy hazelnut filling, crispy wafer and finely decorated cocoa bits. Since launching in the U.S., Kinder Bueno has reached more than 15 million households and is ranked in the Top 10 of 2020 Food and Beverage New Product Pacesetters by IRI1. Kinder Bueno is available nationwide at retail, grocery, drug and convenience stores. ABOUT FERRERO Ferrero began in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world's largest sweet-packaged food companies, with over 35 iconic brands sold in more than 170 countries. The Ferrero Group brings joy to people around the world with much-loved treats and snacks including Nutella, Kinder, Tic Tac, and Ferrero Rocher. More than 47,000 employees are passionate about helping people celebrate life's special moments. The Ferrero Group's family culture, now in its third generation, is based on dedication to quality and excellence, heritage and a commitment to the planet and communities in which we operate. Ferrero entered the North American market in 1969 and has grown to more than 5,400 employees in 15 plants and warehouses, and eight offices in North America across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. It has expanded its presence and portfolio with the addition of iconic brands such as Butterfinger, CRUNCH, Keebler, Famous Amos, Mother's Cookies, and other distinctive cookie and chocolate brands. Follow @FerreroNACorp on X and Instagram. www.ferreronorthamerica.com Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Ferrero North America Hinchingbrooke School has decided that it will no longer name one of its houses after alumnus Samuel Pepys - Culture Club/Getty Images There are two reasons why, whatever school you might wish to send your children to, it should not be Hinchingbrooke in Cambridgeshire. The first is that the schools leadership believes it acceptable to send an email to parents in which it refers to something called these behaviours. The second, and more serious, is that the school so deplores the behaviours of one of its old boys, Samuel Pepys, that it has decided that one of its houses can no longer be named after him. Pepys, as hardly needs to be said, is one of the greatest figures in English letters. His diaries, covering the 1660s, would have been invaluable historical documents whatever decade they covered: but his accounts of the Restoration in 1660, the plague of 1665, the Great Fire of London of 1666 and the Anglo-Dutch War of 1667 remain of inestimable importance to this day. Hinchingbrooke should be intensely proud of Pepyss achievement. Yet it has made a mistake all too common these days, of judging him by the standards not of 1666, but of 2026. The school has belatedly realised that Pepys behaved badly towards women: he abused his wife, servants and others in what a 21st-century jury might consider sexual assault. Therefore, 323 years after his death, he is to be punished by being posthumously disgraced. The stupidity of this is bad enough. (The school first prompted parents on whether to bring Pepys down, then passed the responsibility to the children themselves, who held a vote.) But the smugness with which the decision has been presented is nauseating. It attributes the news to recent research, though Pepyss deeds have been well known during the half-century that the unexpurgated diaries have been in print. His personal behaviour, Hinchingbrooke goes on, includes actions that were harmful, abusive and exploitative, especially in his relations with women These behaviours [sic] do not align with the values we hold as a school. It defines these values as respect, equality, kindness and high standards. Do these imbeciles have any conception of what life was actually like in mid-17th-century England? Only nine years before Pepys began his diaries, Thomas Hobbes characterised the existence of his fellow English as nasty, brutish and short. Is there anyone from that era, or indeed from the 300 years after it, whose personal conduct was sufficiently exemplary by todays standards that precious Hinchingbrooke could have him as a role model? For what conception does the school think the mid-17th century (or 18th, or 19th) had of equality, never mind its other values? Ill treatment of women is, without question, appalling. But Hinchingbrookes decision to cancel Pepys goes beyond virtue signalling. It is steeped in breathtaking historical and philosophical ignorance. Another house at the school is named Montagu, the family name of the Earls of Sandwich, the courtesy title of whose heir is Viscount Hinchingbrooke. The first Earl was a cousin of Pepys, and figures in the latters diaries. Being products of the same class and generation, were Montagu and Pepys really so different? What exploration of Montagus attitudes has the school made? Was Pepyss only crime being caught, incriminated by his own pen? Another house is named after Oliver Cromwell, himself hardly an uncontroversial figure. Some of us happen to regard Cromwell as just about the greatest Englishman ever to draw breath, but how do the sensitive souls of Hinchingbrooke justify having another of their houses named after him? Perhaps, in their belief in equality, there is a strain of republicanism that admires him for being a regicide. Yet its hard to square their values with Cromwells active detestation of the Roman Catholic Church, his wholesale slaughter of large numbers of Irish (and Scots and, of course, English), and his dismissal of Parliament. The Lord Protector must be next for the chop. If the school can dispel the fog of self-righteousness, it might realise not only that it has behaved stupidly, but that the logical consequences of that stupidity entail wiping out history altogether. Sensible types accept that people behaved differently in the 17th century from how they do now; idiots regard themselves as having some sort of solemn duty to right the wrongs of 360 years ago. Hinchingbrooke has the misfortune, it seems, to be run by the latter. The children affected by this madness will one day grow up. If only one could say the same of those responsible for them. Chris Noth has seemingly gone after his former Sex and the City co-star, Sarah Jessica Parker. Days after Parker was honored by the Golden Globe Foundation with the Carol Burnett award, Noth shared a photo on Instagram of himself working out in the gym, sitting on a bench press while holding two dumbbell weights. F&@k new years - LETS GO!!!! he captioned the post. Underneath, one fan commented, You mean f*** SJP & her award right? Lol, referencing the And Just Like Thatactors honor for outstanding contributions to television on or off the screen. Noth simply responded, Right. The Independent has contacted a representative for Parker for comment. Chris Noth replied to an Instagram comment addressing his former co-stars recent Carol Burnett award win (Getty Images) Noth had briefly appeared in And Just Like That... before he was killed off following sexual assault allegations (Getty Images) Over the years, Parker and Noth played love interests, Carrie Bradshaw and John James Preston commonly known as Mr. Big or just Big in both Sex and the City and its respective reboots, including the films Sex and the City and Sex and the City 2. Big was also briefly brought back for the HBO sequel series, And Just Like That However, in December 2021, Noth was accused of sexual assault by two women. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred in 2004 and 2015, respectively, and were made public after the actor returned to the spotlight with And Just Like That. In response to the claims, Noth told The Independent at the time: The accusations against me made by individuals I met years, even decades, ago are categorically false. These stories couldve been from 30 years ago or 30 days ago no always means no that is a line I did not cross. The encounters were consensual. Its difficult not to question the timing of these stories coming out. I dont know for certain why they are surfacing now, but I do know this: I did not assault these women. After Noths character was killed off in the first episode of the sequel, Parker and the rest of the cast released a statement, claiming they stood by the women and their claims against Noth. We are deeply saddened to hear the allegations against Chris Noth, read the statement posted to Instagram and signed by Parker and her co-stars Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis. We support the women who have come forward and shared their painful experiences. We know it must be a very difficult thing to do and we commend them for it. Parker was then asked by The Hollywood Reporter in May 2022 what her reaction to the allegations was as a producer of the series. She replied by saying: I dont even know if Im ready to talk about it, but I dont think I wasnt reacting as a producer. Acknowledging how hard it was to speak about the subject, she added: I should have worked on this because Im just its just... Parker, asked if she had spoken to Noth since the allegations surfaced, replied: No. The circumcision kits advertised for sale on Amazon. The items have since been removed from the site. Photograph: Amazon (Photograph: Amazon) Circumcision kits have been found on sale on Amazon UK, highlighting lax regulation as concerns grow about deaths and serious harm to baby boys. In December, a UK coroner issued warnings about insufficient circumcision regulation after the death in 2023 of a six-month-old boy, Mohamed Abdisamad, from a streptococcus infection. In a prevention of future deaths report, Dr Anton van Dellen, assistant coroner for west London, highlighted how any individual may conduct a non-therapeutic male circumcision (NTMC) without any prior training, with no requirement for any infection control measures [and] no requirements for any aftercare, adding that action should be taken to prevent future deaths. The Department of Health and Social Care has until the end of February to respond. The Guardian found Plastibell kits, in various sizes, on sale for 200 on Amazon in January. A listing on the site promised a circumcision procedure which requires no special post-operative care or dressing [which] means a significant saving in both time and money. It added: The disposable PlastiBell circumcision device eliminates the need for the repetitive and costly sterilisation required for stainless steel clamps No special dressings required. Similar devices were on sale on eBay. Non-therapeutic male circumcision is customary in African, Jewish and Muslim traditions and legal in the UK. Religious or cultural circumcision can be funded by the NHS in Scotland as long as doctors are satisfied the operation is in the childs best interests and carried out between six and nine months old, in hospital, by trained paediatric surgeons under general anaesthesia. In the rest of the UK, non-therapeutic male circumcision is generally a private procedure, raising concerns children can be put at risk by rogue operators. The African and Caribbean Health Network, Progressive Judaism and the British Muslim Council have supported the coroners call for tougher regulation. However, the reproductive rights campaigner Dr Rebecca Steinfeld says that since female genital mutilation is banned, boys should receive the same safeguarding protection. Since 2001, there have been seven deaths of boys under 18 where circumcision was a factor. On Saturday, the Guardian reported that draft guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) classes circumcision as a potential crime. The CPS said while circumcision was legal and for many, a safe and celebrated tradition, it had recently prosecuted cases of significant harm and that rigorous scrutiny and extensive consultation with different communities was being carried out before the guidance was finalised and brought into force. Lord Scriven, the Liberal Democrat peer who has repeatedly raised concerns in parliament about lax regulation, said: Parliament needs to think about how it can defend a system where a tattooist requires a licence and a sterilised studio to carry out a tattoo, but a person carrying out genital surgery on a baby boy doesnt. A cross-departmental government taskforce is required to create a unified national safeguarding standard and the definition of a regulated activity under the Health and Social Care Act needs to include all forms of genital cutting. Legislation is required to make it an offence for a non-registered healthcare professional to perform surgical circumcision. The fact you can buy these kits readily online shows why the law is an ass. Amazon, which removed circumcision training kits from sale in 2017, said it was taking action again. A spokesperson said: We require all products offered in our store to comply with applicable laws, regulations and Amazon policies. We have strict policies and guidelines for the sale of medical devices and we prohibit the sale of professional-use-only medical devices. The items in question have been removed. eBay was approached for comment. Signed: Conor Gallagher (Tottenham Hotspur) Conor Gallagher has revealed that he wanted to become a Tottenham player after he became the clubs first signing of the January transfer window. The England midfielder completed a 34.6million move Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, bolstering Thomas Franks midfield at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It had been previously reported that Aston Villa were interested in signing Gallagher, but Spurs have beaten their rivals to his signature. The former Chelsea man left the Premier League for Spain in 2024, and after a year and a half in Madrid, he has returned to his homeland. Spurs moved quickly to secure his signature, having lost Rodrigo Bentancur to a serious hamstring injury in a huge blow. I'm so happy and excited to be here, taking the next step in my career at an amazing club, Gallagher told the Spurs club website. I wanted to be a Spurs player and thankfully the club felt the same. It was very easy, it happened very quickly and I'm ready to get on the pitch. I know how great the fans are, Im really happy to be a part of it here and want to create special moments and memories together. Gallagher played 77 games for Atleti, scoring seven goals in his time at the Wanda Metropolitano. He burst onto the Premier League scene on loan at Crystal Palace in 2021-22, playing 39 games and scoring eight goals for the Eagles. He then forced his way into Chelseas first-team picture, going on to make 95 appearances for the Blues, adding 10 goals and 10 assists. Tottenham manager Thomas Frank hailed Gallaghers huge experience, and highlighted numerous traits that he feels can improve the north Londoners engine room. Conor is a top midfielder, who we have worked tirelessly to add to our squad, Frank said. He is still young, so has plenty of room for improvement, but also has huge experience across the Premier League, La Liga and with the England national team. Conor has captained teams so will bring leadership, maturity, character and personality to our dressing room, while his running power, pressing ability and eye for goal will strengthen us in a key area of the pitch. Im excited about working with him every day and I know the fans will love what he will bring to the team. Gallagher could make his Tottenham debut this weekend against West Ham, and he will wear the No22 shirt in north London. Eric Adams, the former New York mayor, at an event in June last year. Photograph: Michael M Santiago/Getty Images (Photograph: Michael M Santiago/Getty Images) The cryptocurrency launched by New York Citys former mayor Eric Adams is already in hot water, and now the company behind it is being forced to defend itself from accusations that it scammed people. Investors and cryptocurrency watchers say the asset, dubbed NYC Token, surged to about $580m shortly after it hit the market on Monday and then rapidly plummeted in value. Observers speculated that someone behind the scene may have carried out whats known in the crypto world as a rug pull when the creators of the asset quickly sell their investments. The company behind the coin has denied any wrongdoing. In a statement posted on X, NYC Token said it was aware of the allegations but rejected claims of a rug pull. Given the overwhelming support and demand for the token at launch, our partners had to rebalance the liquidity, the company said. Adams has not commented publicly about the accusations and could not be reached for comment. His exact role at the company is unclear. The former mayor is a longtime cryptocurrency fan and debuted NYC Token, which has no affiliation with New York City or a government agency, at an appearance in Times Square on Monday. He said the asset was built to fight the rapid spread of antisemitism and anti-Americanism and urged people to buy it. The website for NYC Token calls it a community currency and the digital heartbeat of the city. It says that total supply of the token is 1bn, but does not list any of the people behind the project and how such a cryptocurrency would fight antisemitism. In an ad Adams posted to X, he hyped the coin, exclaiming: This thing is about to take off like crazy. Cryptocurrency is known for being highly speculative, with drastic swings from high to low. Even NYC Tokens website includes a disclaimer saying: The value of NYCTOKEN may fluctuate significantly and could result in total loss of your investment. Such fluctuations were on full display on Monday when the value of the asset rose to nearly $600m and then tumbled to less than $100m in a matter of hours, according to the analytics platform Bubblemaps. In its analysis, Bubblemaps said NYC Tokens liquidity was seeded and withdrawn in unusual patterns right after launch. Several wallets purchased large amounts of $NYC early, then moved funds into and out of pools rapidly, Bubblemaps said. Timing and size of these movements suggest some level of pre-planned activity. NYC Token told Bloomberg the liquidity movements were adjustments to keep trading running smoothly. It added: The team has not sold any tokens and is subject to lockups and transfer restrictions The team has not withdrawn any money from the account. David Hockney, one of the UKs greatest painters, has made a dramatic intervention to try to stop a plan to bring the Bayeux Tapestry to the UK, over fears it could be irreparably damaged. The priceless 11th-century work, which depicts the Norman conquest in 1066, is set to be transported from Bayeux in Normandy, France, where it has been on display for many centuries, to be shown at the British Museum as part of a nine-month exhibition set to attract millions of visitors. The 70-metre-long medieval relic, which is said to be insured for 800m by the UK government during the loan, was hailed as a unique treasure by prime minister Sir Keir Starmer. The fragile cloth depicts 58 scenes of the battle in which William the Conqueror took the English throne from Harold Godwinson and became the first Norman king of England. Artist David Hockney has said plans to move the fragile tapestry are too much of a risk (Getty) But writing exclusively in The Independent, Hockney has lambasted the plan, describing the proposal to move the fragile, 1,000-year-old artefact as madness and too big a risk to take. The 58 narrative scenes have been observed in Bayeux for nearly a millennium, he wrote, adding the tapestry had survived political upheaval and wars but now faces an unnecessary conservation ordeal. While moving the Bayeux Tapestry to the UK might have vanity and symbolic educational value, the physical and environmental risks are substantial, Hockney continued. He hit out at the reckless nature of moving what he called a historic and important work, branding the British Museums plan as carrying significant risk. Why does a London museum which prides itself on conserving and preserving great art want to gamble on the survival of the most important art image of scale in Europe? he asked. It is madness. I am not afraid to speak up for art. It is something that has defined my life for more than eight decades. The Bayeux Tapestry is due to go on display at the British Museum this year (PA) Mr Hockney said the world-renowned tapestry, which is one of nearly 600 items on Unescos Memory of the World register, is at risk of damage as soon as it leaves the tightly controlled conditions of Bayeux. He listed risks from sudden changes in temperature, humidity or light exposure, which can lead to fibre contraction or expansion or colour fading. Backed on fragile linen, any movement of the relics wool embroidery threads puts it in danger of tearing, stitch loss and distortion of the fabric. A section of the Bayeux Tapestry showing the death of Harold Godwinson (Hulton Archive/Getty) Increased exposure while it is exhibited in the UK could also lead the precious tapestry to fade and become vulnerable, according to Mr Hockney. He questioned why experts are considering moving the work, accusing the British Museum of wanting to boast of numbers of visitors. Is it really worth it? he asked. I think not. I suggest it stays, and there is a proper debate about it being moved. Hockney said movement of the tapestry could cause irreversible damage (Getty) Hockneys warning comes as controversy over foreign ownership of ancient and significant artworks grows. The British Museum has faced frequent criticism for its right to hold treasures taken from other countries in the colonial heyday of the British Empire, including the Elgin Marbles from Greece and the Rosetta Stone from Egypt. The artwork, which has not been on British soil since it was created in the years after the Battle of Hastings, has been described by British Museum director Nicholas Cullinan as one of the most important and unique cultural artefacts in the world. There have been three previous British requests for the historic treasure to be loaned to the UK, none of which has been successful. But as the tapestrys purpose-built home, the Bayeux Museum in northern France, undergoes renovation, a loan has been agreed in a historic first. The Bayeux Tapestry loan comes as part of a wider cultural exchange (AP) It comes as part of a cultural exchange in which the British Museum will lend the Sutton Hoo collection, the Lewis Chessmen and other items to France in return. But the loan of the artefact has raised alarm from heritage experts over the ancient embroiderys already fragile state. More than 40,000 people signed a petition in August to prevent it coming to the UK, with art historian Didier Rykner expressing concerns that the tapestry could be damaged. At the time, the British Museum said its conservation and collections management team was experienced at handling and caring for this type of material and was working with colleagues in France on the tapestrys display. Trump administration officials have said that Jonathan Ross the ICE agent who shot and killed mother-of-three Renee Good in Minnesota suffered from internal bleeding following the fatal incident, according to a new report. Two unnamed officials informed of Rosss medical condition told CBS News that he suffered internal bleeding in his torso. A DHS official confirmed this account to The Independent. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem previously said Ross was taken to a hospital after the shooting and released the same day. Vice President JD Vance said he nearly had his life ended, while President Donald Trump stated: It is hard to believe he is alive. Vance also told reporters at a White House briefing last week that Ross was a little bit sensitive because he was dragged by a fleeing suspect during a separate immigration enforcement operation around seven months earlier. The shooting took place last Wednesday on a residential street in Minneapolis, where ICE had intensified its operations as part of Trumps immigration crackdown. Bystander footage of the incident shows Ross and other ICE agents approaching Good, 37, in her SUV, which was stopped in the middle of the icy road. Ross positioned himself near the front of the vehicle; Good then drove forward and he fired three shots at her. The Department of Homeland said that Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who shot Renee Good in Minneapolis, suffered internal bleeding after the incident. Ross is pictured walking away after the fatal shooting (Screengrab) Video footage shows Ross walking away after the incident. Federal authorities labeled Good's actions as "domestic terrorism" and alleged she tried to ram the ICE agent. State and local officials, in contrast, stated that Ross acted recklessly with no genuine threat to his life. Some Democratic lawmakers accused him of murder. The shooting has triggered anti-ICE protests not only in Minneapolis, but in cities across the nation, leading to tense stand-offs with law enforcement and multiple arrests. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, called on ICE to get the f**** out of our city. Minnesotas attorney general filed a lawsuit seeking to bar ICE operations in the state, which he described as an unconstitutional federal invasion. The Trump administration, however, has pledged to redouble its immigration enforcement efforts, deploying hundreds of additional agents to Minnesota in recent days. Last weeks fatal shooting is being investigated by the FBI without the assistance of state officials, who said they were blocked from accessing evidence. It feels now that Minnesota has been taken out of the investigation, it feels very, very difficult that we will get a fair outcome, Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, said during a press conference last week. Good was inside her car when an ICE agent fatally shot her in Minneapolis on January 7, 2025 (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Meanwhile, Goods former father-in-law has weighed in on her death, saying it's been really hard on his family. Tim Macklin Sr., the father of Goods ex-husband, told NBC News that Good was a great person who was always gentle with her six-year-old, Macklins grandson. I dont even know what to do. Im praying every day, he said. We just want everybody to pray for that little dude. Hes just a child. Macklin said that, while he mourned the loss of life, he believed that Good had indeed hit Ross with her SUV. I did see the video, where the agent, you know, he was being hit, he told the outlet. When youre worried about your life, youll do things suddenly and without thinking. Its just bad for everybody. I hate that Renee lost her life. I mean, like I said, I love ReneeIts just a bad situation. Renee Good (pictured) was shot dead in her car by an ICE agent last week in Minneapolis. Her wife defended her actions in a statement, saying, We had whistles. They had guns (Facebook) Goods wife, Rebecca Good, issued a statement last week, telling Minnesota Public Radio that her deceased spouse leaves behind a legacy of kindness. She also defended Goods actions, saying, We had whistles. They had guns. Goods family has retained attorneys from the same law firm that represented George Floyds family, whose murder by a police officer occurred just blocks from where Good was shot, and sparked racial justice protests across the country in 2020. The firm, Romanucci and Blandin, won a court settlement for Floyds family five years ago, according to The Minnesota Star Tribune. Shortly after Good was killed, the firm issued a statement saying: Unless this woman was a wanted criminal sought by agents for deportation, this confrontation and loss of life is utterly senseless. Editor's Note: The article has been updated with DHS's response. Disney+ has announced it has signed a deal with Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters production company to release new series on the streaming platform. The two-year deal between Disney+ and the couples Matriarch Productions will see the streamer release original scripted and unscripted series made by the company. The Adolescence stars said in a joint statement: We are beyond thrilled to be working with Disney+ and through this creative partnership will strive to produce inspiring, entertaining and thought-provoking storytelling. Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters at a special screening of Adolescence (Ian West/PA) (Ian West) Matriarch Productions, which is best known for producing Netflix hit Adolescence, and was also behind Hulu Original series A Thousand Blows along with The Story Collective and Water And Power Productions, which has its second season available to stream on Disney+. Angela Jain, head of content at Disney+ EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa), added: Stephen and Hannah have proven they know how to tell bold, impactful stories and our vision also aligns with them around providing a platform for underrepresented voices in the UK. Distinctive, local stories that entertain and resonate with audiences are what Disney+ are committed to championing, making Matriarch the perfect partners as we look to evolve our production slate in the UK. This is a dream, and were thrilled to continue working with them. The company produced Adolescence, co-written by Graham (Ian West/PA) (Ian West) Matriarch Productions saw its first feature film, Boiling Point, premiere at the London Film Festival (LFF) in 2021, earning four Bafta Film nominations, it was adapted into a six-part BBC television series of the same name in 2022. The companys best known work, Adolescence, features This Is England star Graham as Eddie Miller, the father of 13-year-old Jamie, played by Owen Cooper, when armed police burst into his home to arrest his son. Eddie is then chosen as Jamies appropriate adult, accompanying him at the police interview and learning the extent of what his son is accused of doing. The programme, co-written by Graham and Jack Thorne, has prompted a national conversation around online safety, examining so-called incel (involuntary celibate) culture, which has led to misogyny online and bullying using social media. Last year, Graham and Thorne were invited to a parliamentary meeting on the subject by Labour MP Josh MacAlister, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also praised the show, urging Parliament and schools to watch it, and saying he had watched the show with his own children. The Department of Justice sued Minnesota Wednesday, alleging the illegal use of affirmative action in government hiring, in the latest ratcheting up of tensions between the Trump administration and the state. The suit, filed in Minnesota federal court, comes amid an ongoing immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and after the fatal shooting of a mother-of-three by an ICE agent. The filing alleges that the states hiring policies, seeking to recruit people from under-represented groups, violate the Civil Rights Acts prohibitions on discrimination. This is discriminatory DEI codified into bad state policy, and the Trump Administration will not stand for it, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on X, announcing the legal action. The DOJ alleges that Minnesota directs agencies to base hiring decisions in part based on how they match demographics in the larger community, and orders agencies not meeting diversity goals to justify non-affirmative action hires. The Trump administration has been cracking down on Minnesota since December, a widening crisis that has involved the fatal shooting of Renee Good, allegations of mass fraud, frozen federal funds, and a number of lawsuits (AFP/Getty) Bondi has marked the case as high-priority, meaning it is eligible for fast-track appeal to the Supreme Court. The Independent has contacted the governor and attorney general of Minnesota for comment. The lawsuit is the latest salvo in a rapidly-escalating standoff between the Trump administration and Minnesota, which sued the administration Monday to stop the ongoing mass immigration operation in the state. Last week, an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good, 37, who had stopped her vehicle on a street where community members were protesting an immigration operation. The shooting set off protests nationwide and has provoked a sharply partisan response. Trump administration officials and their allies have claimed Good as a domestic terrorist who tried to kill the officer. Democrats and Minneapolis officials say there isnt any evidence of this and that video of the incident suggests Good was trying to leave the scene when she was shot in the head by agent Jonathan Ross. State officials have accused the federal government of blocking their ability to investigate the shooting alongside the FBI. A group of top federal prosecutors in Minnesota resigned this week, reportedly over what they said was Justice Department pressure to investigate Goods widow. (The Trump administration says the departures are unrelated to the shooting.) The state of Minnesota and the Trump administration have been locked in an escalating standoff since December, and the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent set off widespread protests (Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images) Goods killing is the latest chapter in a political crisis that has engulfed the state since late last year. President Donald Trump frequently speaks in degrading terms about Minnesotas large Somali immigrant population, and ICE launched an operation in December that involved raids in a heavily Somali neighborhood in Minneapolis. The crackdown picked up momentum when a viral video claimed widespread fraud was taking place at Somali-owned daycare centers in the city. Soon, roughly 2,000 immigration agents from ICE, Border Patrol, and Homeland Security descended on the Twin Cities, a number that has since increased. Local officials have said many claims in the video arent accurate, but the Trump administration cited the clip as part of its decision to surge more immigration agents to the state and to freeze federal childcare funds to a series of Democratic-led jurisdictions, including Minnesota. Earlier this month, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was the Democrats nominee for vice president against the Trump 2024 ticket, announced that he would not seek a third term for governor. Nicolas Maduro's initial appearance to face US federal charges, in New York, New York on 5 January 2026. Photograph: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters (Photograph: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters) The Trump administration received approval from the justice department to use the military to seize Nicolas Maduro even as it declined to address whether the operation would violate international law, according to its legal memo released on Tuesday. Related: Venezuelan regime touts mass release of political prisoners but many say repression continues The dark-of-night raid to capture Venezuelas president has raised a host of legal issues concerning the US presidents power to start an armed conflict without congressional approval and possible breaches of international law. In a 22-page memo, T Elliot Gaiser, the top lawyer at the office of legal counsel (OLC) briefly discussed international law and the UN charter, which says a nation cannot use force inside another country without its consent, a self-defense rationale or the permission from the UN security council. But Gaiser stopped short of deciding whether the operation violated international law, arguing it did not matter as long as Donald Trump had the authority under domestic law to authorize the operation. To be clear, we have not reached a definitive conclusion about how international law would apply to Absolute Resolve, Gaiser wrote, using the codename for the operation. We do not reach the question because it is unnecessary to address the issue. In doing so, Gaiser effectively doubled down on the determinations of another controversial OLC memo from 1989 that decided a president could blow through the UN charter to direct the FBI to carry out forcible abductions in foreign territories. That memo argued a president had inherent authority under the US constitution to override an international treaty like the UN charter, and was used by George HW Bush to legally justify the capture and arrest of Panamas strongman, Manuel Noriega, on drug-trafficking charges. The memo was signed by William Barr, then the assistant attorney general, who later served as attorney general in Trumps first term and is known for pushing an expansive view of executive power. After the memo came to light, experts criticized it as being legally defective. Among other contentions, since the UN charter is a multilateral treaty ratified by the US Senate, it technically has the same force as any other domestic law, which the president has a constitutional obligation to uphold. Still, the circumstances of Maduros arrest are not expected to complicate the criminal case or offer him a possible legal defense at trial. Federal district courts have long held that the manner in which a defendant is brought to court has no bearing on the underlying case. The OLC memo was released publicly after the administration started to make it available to lawmakers last week and ahead of a vote in the US Senate on a war powers resolution forcing Trump to seek congressional approval for further military action in Venezuela. Trump faced no such constraints for the Maduro operation, in large part because the memo satisfied OLCs two-part test: whether it served a national interest, and whether it would not be of a nature, scope and duration that rose to the level of a war in the constitutional sense. Seizing Maduro served several national interests, Gaiser wrote, including that Maduro was under criminal indictment since 2020 for drug trafficking charges, while his 2024 election win being seen as fraudulent threatened instability in the region. Gaiser warned Trump that using the military to help capture Maduro would mean the start of an armed conflict under international law, and that it was the kind of boots on the ground operation which was most likely to require authorization from lawmakers on Capitol Hill. But because the administration assured him there was no plan to engage in a sustained military operation in Venezuela beyond capturing Maduro, or US troops occupying the country, Gaiser said Trump would not have to seek congressional approval. The memo also cited several precedents for the military helping the FBI carry out arrests in a foreign territory: the arrest of an al-Qaida member tied to the 1998 Africa embassy bombings, and a Libyan militant accused of helping plan the 2012 Benghazi consulate attack. The memo is the second major legal interpretation that the justice department has offered Trump in his expansive campaign on Venezuela. The Guardian first reported last year that OLC had given the Trump administration approval in a classified memo dated 5 September to carry out strikes on boats identified as trafficking cocaine on behalf of drug cartels in international waters. That memo argued drug cartels were waging armed violence against US allies through profits generated from cocaine shipments so targeting the cocaine amounted to destroying the cartels war sustaining operations. LAS VEGAS, Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- From January 6th to 9th, 2026, Leadshine made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2026) in Las Vegas. As a "full-stack solution provider for humanoid robot core components," Leadshine captured worldwide attention in the North Hall's humanoid robot core exhibition area, showcasing its comprehensive family of core components, from the "heart" (motors) to the "skeleton" (joints) and the "fingertips" (dexterous hands). With its innovative solutions featuring high density, high responsiveness, and high integration, Leadshine's booth quickly became the focus of attention for the global industry chain, investors, and tech media. During this event, international industry giants such as Tesla and Boston Dynamics visited for exchanges, marking a key leap for Leadshine, from being a leading player in China to becoming an integral part of the global core supply chain. Executives of Tesla Optimus had an in-depth discussion with Dr. Li about the strategic cooperation between coreless motors and joints Three Key Achievements Highlight Global Competitiveness 1.Phenomenal Popularity: Igniting Global Attention from Professionals to International Media Leadshine booth attracted tens of thousands of professional visitors and industry partners from around the world, while authoritative international tech media such as CES official channels and CISION provided extensive coverage. The dynamic demonstration area for dexterous hands remained exceptionally popular, allowing visitors to experience its anthropomorphic movement and precise grasping capabilities, showcasing Leadshine's global influence in the actuator field. 2.Robust Product Strength: Dexterous Hands and Frameless Motors Win Global Customer Favor Dexterous Hands: With their high precision, high flexibility, and highly integrated design, the dexterous hands were pre-ordered by customers in North America, Europe, and Asia on the first day of the exhibition, highlighting the high recognition of Leadshine products in the international market. Frameless Motors and Joint Modules: Leveraging leading power density and dynamic performance, these products are not only suitable for humanoid and quadruped robots but have also attracted customers in the fields of electric-assist bicycles, exoskeletons, and high-end medical equipment to discuss cooperation, propelling the technology into the global high-growth market. 3.Top-tier Collaboration Launched: Co-shaping the Future with Global Tech Giants Executives from Tesla, Boston Dynamics, Amazon, Neura (Germany), and other companies visited the booth, engaging in multiple rounds of strategic discussions on core components for humanoid robots. Leadshine's coreless motors, high-dynamic frameless motors, dexterous hands, and integrated joint modules received high praise. Several companies expressed clear intentions to collaborate on joint R&D and customized supply, marking Leadshine's official entry into the core collaborative ecosystem of the global robotics industry. Looking Ahead: Collaborating with Global Partners to Shape the Future of Robotics This participation at CES was not only a demonstration of technological strengths but also a key milestone in Leadshine's globalization journey. Moving forward, we will continue to deepen our expertise in motion control technology, providing the global robotics industry with more efficient and reliable "hearts, bones, and fingertips", and jointly usher in the new era of intelligent robotics. SOURCE Leadshine Top officials at the Department of Justice fired off a hostile response to a federal judge who questioned why Lindsey Halligan is still identifying herself as a U.S. attorney in Virginia after she was found to be unlawfully serving in the role. In their response, Justice Department officials accused the judge of making rudimentary legal errors and flouting elementary legal principles in a gross abuse of power for daring to suggest that Halligan could be misleading the courts. The document was signed by Halligan and submitted by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, among others. Trump nominated his one-time personal lawyer as interim U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia after the president boasted of firing her predecessor, who had resisted pressure from the administration to prosecute former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Halligan brought indictments against them days after taking office. A federal judge dismissed both cases and determined that Halligan was serving unlawfully in the role. Lindsey Halligan defended her title as US attorney in a pugnacious court filing that accused a judge who questioned her of a gross abuse of power (AFP via Getty Images) Last week, Trump-appointed District Judge David Novak issued a three-page order giving Halligan seven days to explain why she is still representing herself as U.S. attorney despite Novembers order from District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie. Because Halligan remained in office past the 120-period for interim U.S. attorney, all actions flowing from Ms. Halligans defective appointment, including the cases against Comey and James, were unlawful exercises of executive power and are hereby set aside, according to Curries order. Novak demanded to know the basis for her title and to further explain why her identification does not constitute a false or misleading statement. But according to the Justice Department, Ms. Halligan is the United States Attorney, and Judge Curries ruling did not and could not require the United States to acquiesce to her contrary (and erroneous) legal reasoning outside of those cases. The bottom line is that Ms. Halligan has not misrepresented anything and the Court is flat wrong to suggest that any change to the Governments signature block is warranted in this or any other case, officials wrote Tuesday. Top Justice Department officials are backing Trumps appointment of Halligan despite a federal judge finding that she is unlawfully serving as US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, where she failed to prosecute Letitia James and James Comey under pressure from the White House (REUTERS) Halligan is meanwhile making another push to serve as a top federal prosecutor in Virginia with support from the White House. She submitted a questionnaire to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will consider her nomination before a full Senate vote. Shes the Presidents nominee, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to The Independent last month. It is our hope that she is confirmed and submitting her questionnaire is part of that process. Several other judges have similarly questioned why Halligan has continued to represent herself as the top prosecutor in the Eastern District despite Curries ruling. Last week, Virginia District Judge Leonie M. Brinkeman struck Halligans name from a case, saying that she should resign from the position at this point. Halligan is among at least five U.S. attorneys who were determined to be serving unlawfully after they were appointed by the president. Alina Habba, another former Trump attorney, stepped down from her role as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey after several judges similarly determined she was unlawfully serving as the states top federal prosecutor. Habba, who represented Trump during a blockbuster fraud case in New York and against defamation and sexual abuse claims from E. Jean Carroll, said she is now serving as a senior adviser to Bondi. And last week, a federal judge determined that John Sarcone, the top federal prosecutor in the Northern District of New York, had similarly served unlawfully after the Trump administration tried to outmaneuver deadlines despite the 120-day limit on U.S. attorneys whose nominations had not been confirmed by the Senate. Judges reached similar decisions in cases challenging the appointments of Trump-backed U.S. attorneys in Nevada and Los Angeles. Several U.S. Attorneys have resigned over political interference from the Trump administration, which has been accused of pushing out dozens of career prosecutors and law enforcement officials across the country over refusals to drop cases or bring politically charged prosecutions against the presidents perceived enemies and longtime foes. Millions of households will soon be able to benefit from cash payments, rent support, food vouchers and more under a new scheme set to be launched by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). From April, councils will be able to administer Labours new Crisis and Resilience Fund, designed to support low-income households at times when affording the essentials becomes a struggle. This is a scenario many are facing, with recent research by the Trussell Trust finding that 14 million adults are going without food because they cannot afford it. At the same time, stubbornly high household bills mean many are finding it difficult to balance their finances. The government has pledged 1 billion a year for at least three years to local authorities through the new fund. It will replace the Household Support Fund, which has previously had its continuation and exact funding confirmed yearly. Millions of households will soon be able to benefit from cash payments and help with rent (Getty Images) Responding to the funding, the Local Government Association welcomed the long-term commitment, but told The Independent in October that many councils do not feel it will meet local needs. While nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) surveyed said it would help to at least a small extent, just two per cent said that it will to a great extent. On Tuesday, the DWP revealed more information about the scheme in guidance to councils, confirming what households across the UK can expect come April. Alongside provision to bolster local support services, two new payments will be introduced under the fund: the crisis payment and the housing payment. These both serve different purposes, and will have different eligibility. Crisis payment The new crisis payment as it will be known across the UK is designed to offer payments to individuals in crisis, the DWP said. Like the Household Support Fund, councils will continue to have discretion over the exact eligibility criteria. However, the governments guidance says it should not be limited just to those in receipt of benefits. Authorities will use the crisis payment to support low-income households that have experienced a financial shock, or are at risk of entering crisis. On Tuesday, the DWP revealed more information about the crisis and resilience fund (Getty) This could include people going without essentials like food, shelter or heating, or items like furniture and appliances. It covers the many reasons this could occur, such as disasters, health issues, theft, leaving an abusive relationship, or a gap in regular income. The DWP has asked that councils take a cash-first approach to the crisis payment, meaning cash payments should be awarded unless there is a fair reason not to do so. This could be in the form of food vouchers, or directly provided the required items. A crisis payment is designed to meet occasional or short-term need, the department adds, and not become a supplement to regular income. Some local authorities will also use the funding to provide parents of children eligible for free school meals with food vouchers over the summer. Barnardos chief executive Lynn Perry said: We welcome the publication of the governments guidance on the new Crisis and Resilience Fund. For too many families, a sudden crisis can push them to the brink, leaving children at risk of going without food, warmth or other essentials. This guidance sets out how crisis support can be delivered in a way that protects dignity, offers real choice and reaches those who need it most. It has the potential to make a meaningful difference to children growing up in poverty. Housing payment A new housing payment will also be introduced across the UK, aimed at providing financial support towards housing costs for those in need. It will replace the discretionary housing payment for claimants from April. This will usually be related to rent, such as needing rent in advance, a rental deposit, or shortfall. It could also cover a lump sum associated with housing, like the cost of moving. Unlike the crisis payment, the housing payment will be restricted to those in receipt of certain benefits. These are either housing benefit, or universal credit with the housing element for rental costs. However, DWP says those who do not qualify but are still in need could be considered for a crisis payment instead. It will also have the scope to be longer-term, and paid more regularly. For instance, someone seeking work and currently facing a rental shortfall could apply for a regular housing payment until they are able to increase their income or find somewhere else to live. A Government spokesperson said: We're committed to tackling poverty and delivering more security and opportunity for families across the UK. The 1bn multi-year Crisis and Resilience fund will help prevent households from falling into crisis by giving local authorities the certainty they need to provide emergency financial support. Ministers have initiated yet another screeching policy U-turn by abandoning plans to make digital ID cards mandatory for workers. Announcing the bold move last September, Sir Keir Starmer told a conference in London that you will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID. But on Tuesday night, Government officials would only say that ministers remained "committed to mandatory digital right-to-work checks", with details of the digital ID policy being set out only after a consultation. Workers will reportedly be allowed to use other digital documents to prove they have the right to work in the UK. It is the 13th climbdown Labour has been forced to take following a backlash against a policy since the party came to power. Before winning the 2024 general election, Sir Keir also controversially threw out several major policies, including a 28 billion green investment pledge and plans to reintroduce a bankers' bonus cap. Labour promises to nationalise industries such as energy firms, Royal Mail and water companies were also dropped. Below we look at all the major government U-turns since Labour came to power. Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves have had to throw out a number of policies (PA Wire) Pub Tax Plans to impose large increases in business rates and the end of 40% relief put in place during the pandemic lockdowns was set to hit hospitality businesses hard. From April, the average tax bill for a pub was expected to rise by more than 11,000, or 37% from 30,375 to 41,560 based on measures announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her Budget. The Night Time Industries Association estimated that a medium-sized restaurant with a rateable value of 60,000 will see its bill jump by around 50% from 17,280 to 25,800, while a major city centre nightclub would be hit by a 76% rise from 187,200 to 330,200. But the Treasury this week said it would be preparing a support package for the pub industry, due to be announced in the coming days, following an outcry over the impact of the major hike in business rates. Sir Keir Starmer (PA Wire) So far, the government has said the package will only be for pubs, meaning hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and music venues could still be on the hook for tax increases. However, on Friday the Prime Ministers spokesman refused to rule out further measures to help other hospitality businesses. Anna Turley, chairwoman of the Labour Party, said she did not buy this is a U-turn. and it was actually about listening. "I think it's a sign of a Government that is actually in touch with people, that is listening to people, and that is responding, she told Sky News. Tractors were driven through London by protesting farmers (PA Wire) The Tractor Tax Just before Christmas, ministers announced they would be watering down plans to tax inherited farmland, increasing the threshold to 2.5 million. It followed months of pressure and furious tractor protests outside Downing Street after a 20% tax on inherited agricultural assets worth more than 1 million was announced in the 2024 Budget. The policy was due to come in from April 2026, ending the 100% tax relief that had been in place since the 1980s. But in an announcement put out after MPs had left Parliament for the Christmas recess, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: "We have listened closely to farmers across the country and we are making changes today to protect more ordinary family farms. It's only right that larger estates contribute more, while we back the farms and trading businesses that are the backbone of Britain's rural communities. Income Tax Hike In the lead up to her November Budget, Ms Reeves heavily indicated that she would be hiking income tax to help plug the hole in Britains public finances. She gave clear signals in speeches that this was her plan, and she was poised to break Labours manifesto pledge not to increase taxes on working people. Two weeks before the Chancellors fiscal statement, markets were spooked by reports of a sudden U-turn published in the Financial Times. Government borrowing costs spiked, with 10-year government bonds up 12 basis points at 4.56%. Treasury sources said the reversal was taken because of better-than-expected economic data. However, others blamed interference from Downing Street in a bid to protect the Prime Minister from a potential leadership challenge amid suggestions breaking the manifesto pledge would hurt the party with voters. National Insurance In Labours pre-election manifesto, the party stated it would not increase taxes on working people, which is why we will not increase national insurance, the basic, higher, or additional rates of income tax, or VAT. But in the first Budget after Sir Keirs landslide election victory, Ms Reeves used the ambiguity around whether the party meant employer or employee national insurance contributions to steamroll the pledge. The Chancellor argued it meant only that they would protect employee contributions, keeping them frozen. Instead, companies were landed with a 2% hike to employer national insurance contributions. Waspi (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaigners stage a protest on College Green in Westminster (PA Archive) Day-one workers' right In November, ministers axed the proposal to cut the "qualifying period" for workers to make an unfair dismissal claim from 24 months to the first day in a new job, in a bid to get the legislation through Parliament. The Government now intends to introduce the right after six months of service instead, while other day-one rights to parental leave and sick pay will still go ahead, coming into effect in April 2026. The concession came after some businesses voiced concerns about potential costs and recruitment challenges. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced backbench anger, with some ministers claiming the U-turn breached the Labour manifesto. Labour's manifesto explicitly promised to "consult fully with businesses, workers, and civil society on how to put our plans into practice before legislation is passed". "This will include banning exploitative zero-hours contracts; ending fire and rehire; and introducing basic rights from day one to parental leave, sick pay, and protection from unfair dismissal," it said. Waspi Women The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaign was told last year that they would not be getting any compensation. The group of women born in the 1950s has been fighting for compensation after the government accelerated the increase of their State Pension Age to match men without, what they claim, was adequate notice and leaving them facing financial hardship when they retired. In a 2022 interview, Sir Keir had described their case as a real injustice and his denial of their compensation claim was seen as a betrayal by some. However, in November the government said it would review its decision to deny the Waspi women payouts and said they could get compensation of up to 2,950 per person. It followed findings of "maladministration" by the Ombudsman and the discovery of new evidence regarding communication failures. Winter Fuel June was a big month for government U-turns, starting with a major policy climbdown on winter fuel benefits for the elderly. Payments worth up to 300 were reinstated after being cut for more than nine million pensioners the previous year. The winter fuel payment had previously been paid to all pensioners - around 11 million people - to help with energy costs during the coldest months. But in July 2024, ministers announced that in England and Wales it would only go to those on low incomes who received specified benefits such as pension credit. This cut the benefit for all but about 1.3 million people. What followed was widespread anger and backlash from some Labour MPs who blamed the cut on poor results for the party at the local elections in May. This prompted a partial reversal from Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Pensioners with an annual income of 35,000 or less are now eligible for the payment, meaning nine million people now receive it. Benefits Cuts Planned welfare reforms were largely abandoned by ministers in June following a backlash by backbench Labour MPs. Proposals to significantly cut Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to save 5 billion were scrapped amid warnings they had been rushed and would hurt vulnerable people. The government wanted to make it harder to claim PIP - a benefit paid to 3.7 million people with long-term health conditions. A dramatic late-night U-turn was announced to avoid a House of Commons defeat after more than 120 Labour MPs threatened to vote down the plans. Concessions included exempting existing PIP claimants from the stricter new criteria, while the universal credit health top-up would only be cut for new applications. Two-child Benefit Cap In the autumn Budget, the Government announced that the two-child cap was being scrapped from this April. But seven Labour MPs had previously suspended from the Labour Party for voting against the Government in backing motions to lift it. The cap has prevented parents from claiming universal credit or tax credits for more than their first two children. It was introduced by the Conservative government in 2017, and has been widely criticised by Labour MPs and anti-poverty advocate groups. But polls of the public have shown voters broadly support keeping it, with roughly six in 10 in favour of retaining the cap. It is estimated the move will cost 3 billion by 2029-30, according to the OBR. Grooming Gangs Also in June, Sir Keir Starmer reversed his decision not to hold a national inquiry into grooming gangs. The Prime Minister had spent months brushing off calls for a national investigation with statutory powers. He had accused those loudly making the case for one of jumping on the bandwagon of the far-right. But when billionaire Elon Musk began campaigning on the issue using his social media platform X, the government finally relented and accepted the recommendation of Baroness Casey to hold an inquiry into the scandal. Trans Rights Following the Supreme Court's ruling on the legal definition of a woman in April last year, Sir Keir seemed to backtrack on his previous stance on trans rights. In March 2022 he had said a woman is a female adult, and in addition to that trans women are women, and that is not just my view, that is actually the law. However, after the court decision on April 16, he said: "A woman is an adult female, and the court has made that absolutely clear." Measuring Debt The Chancellor changed her iron clad fiscal rules on how the Government measures debt. At her Budget in October 2024, Ms Reeves announced she would be allowing up to 50billion of extra borrowing. This was welcomed by many, but it was not in Labour's election manifesto. Eurostar carried a record 20 million passengers last year despite a post-Olympic slowdown in its ability to attract customers. The international train operator reported an increase of 500,000 passengers on 2024 with a total of 12.2m journeys on its core London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord route. But the annual increase in passenger numbers of 2.5 per cent was half of the five per cent uplift an extra 850,000 passengers - recorded between 2023 and 2024, which a Eurostar spokesman attributed to the exceptional impact of the Paris Olympics. However it means that the firms target of achieving 30m journeys a year by 2030 may be unachievable with Eurostar now saying is on track to achieve this once its new fleet of Celestia double-deck trains enters service in the next decade. But by then it is expected to face competition from Virgin Trains, which last year won approval to share the Eurostar train depot at Temple Mills in Leyton paving the way from rival services from St Pancras. Announcing its annual passenger figures on Wednesday, Eurostar said 400m passengers had travelled on its trains since it began operating in 1994. 400m and counting: the number of Eurostar passengers since 1994 (PA) Its 400 millionth passenger Amy Gallagher, who was travelling from London to Amsterdam with her partner Elliot Lipley, was given a free upgrade and a bottle of Champagne. Eurostar said it had seen sustained demand from leisure and business travellers in 2025. Its network now includes five countries the UK, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany. However the year came to a chaotic end when a broken-down Le Shuttle train and power supply failures blocked the Channel Tunnel leaving thousands of Eurostar passengers unable to travel. A Government inquiry has been launched into the disruption. Eurostar said it had seen an 18.3 per cent increase in passengers on its London to Amsterdam route, which it is targeting for further growth. Last month it launched a fifth daily direct service between London, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Its trains have linked St Pancras and Amsterdam since 2018. Last year there was a 5.8 per cent increase in Eurostar trips between London to Brussels, a five per cent increase between London and Paris and a 10 per cent increase in travel between London and Germany via Brussels. Gwendoline Cazenave, Eurostar chief executive, said: To have welcomed 400 million people on board Eurostar is an incredible moment in our long history of connecting people across Europe. A major fleet of double-decker trains will operate in the UK for the first time, Eurostar has announced ((Eurostar/PA)) Last October, Eurostar announced a 2 billion investment in a new fleet of up to 50 Eurostar Celestia trains from Alstom. An initial order of 30 new double-decker trains, with options for a further 20, has been placed. These will will be the first double-decker trains to operate through the Channel Tunnel and on the UK network. Each train will offer around 20 per cent more capacity, with first services expected to enter operation from 2031. The new trains will be used on new direct routes including London-Frankfurt, London-Geneva and Amsterdam-Brussels to Geneva. Emma Marshall protesting in Redditch as councillors voted to delay local elections - Andrew Fox Four million people are to be denied the vote in Mays local elections in a disgraceful attack on democracy by Labour. The Government is expected to cancel at least 27 council elections, meaning hundreds of councillors will avoid the risk of being voted out. The Tories and Reform UK accused Sir Keir Starmer of running scared of the electorate at a time when polls show a collapse in support for Labour. Nigel Farages party will launch a judicial review on Thursday in an attempt to make the elections go ahead. The Prime Minister is relying on an obscure clause in the 2000 Local Government Act which gives his ministers the power to delay votes if there are exceptional circumstances. Protesters at a Redditch Borough Council meeting on whether to postpone local council elections until 2027 - Andrew Fox The Telegraph launches a Campaign for Democracy on Thursday calling for the rule to be scrapped and forcing ministers to seek a full vote in Parliament for any delay to votes. Opposition leaders have backed our campaign for a change in the law to prevent ministers being able to cancel local elections at the stroke of a pen. Leading constitutional experts also backed calls for a law change, saying there was a clear conflict of interest in giving politicians the power to decide whether voters should have a chance to vote them out. More than 20 councils have confirmed delays three quarters of which are Labour-run. Seven more Labour councils are expected to join them, leaving a total of 3.7 million people disenfranchised. Some councils will cancel elections for the second year running, meaning councillors will have been in office for seven years without having to be re-elected. The Government claims that it needs to give some councils the option of delaying elections because they are facing major restructuring under a programme to abolish some district councils and introduce mayoralties. But the independent watchdog, the Electoral Commission, has suggested this does not constitute the sort of exceptional circumstance that would justify postponement. Sir James Cleverly, the shadow local government secretary, said: It cannot be right that some elected representatives will now be serving seven-year terms. Residents have a right to choose who represents them, and the Government must respect that right. Labour are denying democracy and running scared of voters verdict on their appalling leadership. Having promised elections would go ahead, they have U-turned again. We voted against delaying elections last year and we will do so again. Democracy must prevail and voters must be able to make their voices heard. Sir Keir Starmer is relying on an obscure clause in the 2000 Local Government Act, which gives his ministers the power to delay votes - Getty Mr Farage, the Reform UK leader, was among those who backed a law change, and his party will launch a judicial review to force the Government to go ahead with elections. His partys lawyers will accuse Steve Reed, the Communities Secretary, of an abuse of power and say the 2000 act does not give him the power to change the years of elections owing to reorganisations. Mr Farage said: We will use every means possible, starting with our judicial review. The Government asked 63 councils if they wanted to delay elections this year in light of a local authority reorganisation that ministers suggested might drain their resources and make running a poll too onerous. A total of 20 have confirmed they will delay, 15 of which are Labour. The decision means 2.8 million people will be denied a vote in May. Nigel Farages Reform UK will on Thursday launch a judicial review in an attempt to make the elections go ahead - Getty Nine councils were still to decide as Thursdays deadline for a decision approached. Seven of these were Labour-run and expected to delay elections, bringing the total to at least 27, with around 3.7 million voters disenfranchised. One of the nine was Tory run and the other had no overall control. The remaining 34 of the 63 councils will go ahead with elections. Sir Ed Davey, the Lib Dem leader, said: We must never allow this to happen again. The law should be changed so that ministers cannot simply delay elections at the stroke of a pen. MPs should also be given a vote over future election delays and a chance to properly hold the Government to account. The decision to cancel elections has triggered widespread unease in Sir Keirs party. Last month, Jim McMahon, the former local government minister, criticised plans to delay mayoral elections, saying his own government needed to be better. Corina Gander, leader of Broxbourne council one of those that turned down the opportunity to delay its election said Labour was afraid of the ballot box. She said: The Government, in my opinion, wants Mays elections cancelled because they know its unlikely they are going to win or retain many seats. Rather than saying we are cancelling them, they have tried to make us a scapegoat so that we turn around and say we dont want elections to go ahead. My message has been clear since day one. I believe in democracy and that we should go to a vote. Kim Taylor, a Labour councillor on Tory-run Hampshire county council, which has rejected a delay, said she was angry at the Government for putting councillors in the position of having to decide on delaying elections. She said: I found myself frequently torn and plagued by guilt when thinking about having to choose between democracy and the potentially horrific outcomes if the local government review transition did not go smoothly. Lawyers acting for Reform UK will accuse Steve Reed, the Communities Secretary, of an abuse of power - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images The Governments ability to delay elections hinges on section 87 of the 2000 Local Government Act, which allows the Communities Secretary to change the year in which elections will be held. The Electoral Commission has made it clear that it should only be used in exceptional circumstances, as happened during the Covid pandemic, and has questioned whether the reasons the Government is citing for the delays can be described as that. The minister can lay a statutory instrument in Parliament to order the delay, but this is subjected to very limited scrutiny, and no vote is required unless opposition parties force the issue. Before the 2000 act was introduced, delays were only possible through an act of Parliament with full scrutiny, including during the two world wars. Sir Vernon Bogdanor, professor of government at Kings College London, said: It cannot be right to give local councils themselves the right to decide whether to hold elections or not. Presumably many of those in power, if they feel that they are unpopular, would like to postpone elections. Colin Copus, emeritus professor of local politics at De Montfort University, said: Allowing the centre to take away the democratic right of local voters because it might be inconvenient for the centre to hold elections is simply incompatible with any notion of democracy, so that power needs to be taken away. A Lib Dem peer will attempt to ensure elections can only be deferred after a parliamentary vote. Lord Pack, former president and acting leader of the Lib Dems, has laid an amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, and it will be debated in the next few weeks. He said: The right to vote is one of the fundamental rights that people in this country have. No elections should be cancelled without full parliamentary scrutiny and a vote ... We need to safeguard elections as the Government seems to be slipping into bad habits on this. Disgraceful attack on democracy Darwin Friend, research director at the TaxPayers Alliance, said: Cancelling local elections is a disgraceful attack on democracy that leaves millions of voters trapped with failing services and ever-rising council tax without any way to hold their councillors to account. Councils may talk about reorganisations and pressures, but the reality is that scrapping elections conveniently spares councillors from facing the public over their record. The law must be changed so elections cant be cancelled for political convenience. A source close to Mr Reed said: This is sensible stuff councils are being reorganised to free up money for things that people really care about, like social care or fixing potholes. They may need to delay elections where old councils are being abolished so we can move faster on elections to the new councils that will replace them. If opposition parties want to use this to score political points the only people that will suffer are taxpayers whose money will be spent on unnecessary elections rather than front-line services. Ten members of a British far-right group have been prohibited from entering France, after being accused of destroying small boats used by migrants attempting to reach the UK. The French Interior Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that the prohibition, enacted on Tuesday, prevents activists from the Raise the Colours group from entering or remaining in French territory. Members of the Raise the Colours group have been accused of destroying small boats used by migrants attempting to reach the UK (PA) The ministry stated that the anti-migrant organisations militants have been actively seeking out and destroying vessels utilised on the cross-Channel migration route from France to Britain. Additionally, the groups members have engaged in propaganda activities along the northern French coastline. These efforts were reportedly aimed at the British public, which was called upon to strengthen the movements ranks in order to put an end to the migration phenomenon. Last week a major supplier of small boats and engines believed to be used in thousands of Channel crossings to the UK was jailed for 11 years and fined 400,000 (AP) The ministry did not name the 10 British nationals but said they had been identified as militants within the movement who carried out actions on French territory. Cross-Channel migration has become a thorn in relations between Britain and France in recent years and is a particularly divisive political issue in the UK. More than 41,000 people crossed the Channel to the UK in small boats last year, an increase on 2024 but fewer than the 2022 record, when more than 45,000 people made the crossing, according to the Home Office. On 7 January, a major supplier of small boats and engines believed to be used in thousands of Channel crossings to the UK was jailed for 11 years and fined 400,000 (346,590). Turkish national Adem Savas, 45, was sentenced at a Belgian court on Wednesday after a joint operation between the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Belgian authorities. The NCA believe in 2023 Savas will have supplied equipment used in around half of all Channel crossings, making him the agencys most wanted man as a key player in European people smuggling circles. Frankie Dettori has been unable to pay over 765,000 owed to HMRC following the liquidation of his companies. The 55-year-old filed for bankruptcy last March due to unpaid tax resulting from his involvement in a tax avoidance scheme, saying he was saddened and embarrassed to have to take the measure after being left to unravel the mess in which he was left by a previous financial adviser. Dettori had lost a challenge over his anonymity in proceedings at a specialist tax tribunal in December 2024, allowing him to be named. In an update to the liquidation of Frankie Dettori Limited and Newmarket Activities Limited published on Companies House on Tuesday, it was outlined that there were no funds to repay the debts, with 765,542 owed to HMRC as of October last year. The report said: Assuming that realisations and expenses are as anticipated, it is not expected that there will be a return to unsecured creditors due to insufficient funds. This is subject to change based on the final outcome of our investigations. A further 115,429 is owed in liquidators fees, the report showed. The report also added that HMRC had raised significant concerns that the companies had been utilised for the purpose of tax avoidance and that this is currently being investigated by liquidators, although no realisations have been made and their inquiries are in their infancy. Dettori is currently awaiting the final leg of his retirement tour in South America, with his last rides scheduled for next month in Brazil, after recently riding winners in Argentina and Uruguay. Labour council leaders in London have blocked a proposed review of the Freedom Pass that could have restricted the free travel benefits currently enjoyed by 1.2m older Londoners. The sensational development comes a week after The Standard revealed that a review of the scheme had been requested by councillors concerned at its soaring cost - set to reach 372m in the year from April. In a statement issued on Wednesday evening that was backed by London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, the Labour council leaders effectively detonated a bomb under the plans to limit access to, or the benefits provided by, the Freedom Pass. Cllr Claire Holland, leader of London Councils Labour Group, said: The previous Conservative government slashed funding for the Freedom Pass scheme, leaving councils to foot the bill. Its clear that we need to ensure the Freedom Pass is funded sustainably, but this cannot be done at the expense of older Londoners. We know the Freedom Pass is a vital lifeline for our older residents and we must defend it. Labour councils will oppose any changes that would see restrictions placed on who can use it and which modes of transport it applies to. Sir Sadiq said: The Freedom Pass is crucial for older Londoners, enabling them to travel around the city and stay connected to friends and family. While I have no control over the 66+ pass, Labour councils have my full support in committing to keep it. As Mayor, I am ensuring hundreds of thousands of older Londoners are also able to enjoy free travel by continuing to provide the 60+ Oyster card alongside other concessions for Londoners. The previous Tory government wanted to get rid of the 60+ Oyster card. Its clear that only Labour can be trusted to protect concessionary travel for Londoners. The Standard first revealed the threat to the Freedom Pass last week. Councillors on London Councils transport committee asked for officials to establish the impact on Londoners of changing the rules on who qualifies for a Freedom Pass - currently all London residents aged 66 or older and disabled Londoners. There was also a plan to consider whether the Freedom Pass could be limited to providing only free bus travel, rather than also Tube and train travel (other than during the morning peak) across Greater London. On Tuesday The Standard revealed that more than 50,000 people had signed a petition opposing the review. The threat to the Freedom pass threatened to become a massive issue on the doorsteps in the run up to the May borough elections. Some Labour sources felt they had been bounced into authorising the proposed review by officials after some Lib-Dem councillors raised concerns at the bill having to be picked up by town halls at a time many council finances are in dire straits. Goldsmiths, University of London is set to open a new campus in south east London, transforming a former council town hall into a new hub for students. The move follows a landmark partnership agreement with Lewisham Council, under which the university is expected to sign a 10-year lease on the building. More than 600 Goldsmiths students are expected to be based at the site, subject to formal approval by the Councils Mayor and Cabinet. It is hoped the move will bring increased energy, business and footfall to the boroughs town centre, helping to secure Lewishams future. Professor David Oswell, Vice-Chancellor (Interim) of Goldsmiths, said: We are deeply proud to call Lewisham home and it is fitting that in our 120th year we are extending our civic commitment. With the theatre and existing makers Catford already has a creative heart and our students will both contribute to and benefit from being part of this community. We look forward to seeing what this new space unlocks for our students and for Catford. More than 600 students will be based at the new campus (Supplied) Based in New Cross, Goldsmiths, University of London was founded in 1891 and has a global reputation for its arts, design, and creative disciplines. Work to prepare the Old Town Hall for the university will begin later this year, with services currently based there moving to alternative locations. Mayor of Lewisham Brenda Dacres OBE, said: This is a powerful example of what long-term partnership can achieve. Bringing Goldsmiths into the heart of Catford is not just about a new campus its about anchoring creativity, learning and opportunity in our town centre. By working together, were creating the conditions for Catford to thrive: supporting local businesses, attracting new visitors, and opening up opportunities for residents to connect with one of the UKs leading creative universities. This is a major step forward in our vision for Catford as a vibrant place to live, work, study and spend time. Councillor James-J Walsh, Lewisham Councils Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, said: The new Goldsmiths campus in Catford shows that our work to regenerate the town centre is truly delivering results. "Having an institution like Goldsmiths choose the Old Town Hall in Catford for its new campus will bring more people into the town centre, boost local businesses and strengthening our high street both economically and socially. The agreement is set to be formally approved by the Councils Mayor and Cabinet on Wednesday, January 21. Final declarations for the Randox Grand National will be made 72 hours before the race, starting with this years renewal. Since the advent of 48-hour declarations in 2006, the field for the race has been known on the Thursday morning before the race but the final line-up will now known on the Wednesday, before the three-day meeting begins. The Derby at Epsom is the only other race in the UK calendar subject to 72-hour declarations. Aintree clerk of the course Sulekha Varma said: Were really pleased to be able to make the Randox Grand National a 72-hour declaration race from 2026, providing greater clarity for not only participants and racing stakeholders but also fans. The Jockey Club successfully introduced 72-hour declarations for the Betfred Derby at Epsom last year and, while the Grand National is now the only UK jumps race to implement this, it also brings us in line with other global races such as the Melbourne Cup and Kentucky Derby. Were extremely grateful to the British Horseracing Authority for their support in helping us make this change. As the move increases the likelihood of non-runners, the number of reserve runners increases from four to six. Reserves will be able to be brought into the race up until 1pm the day before it is run. The Grand National will retain its 4pm start slot in 2026, but the first race on the card will be run at 12.45pm as opposed to 1.20pm last year. Varma said: Our annual review following the 2023 Grand National resulted in the start time for the race moving forward to 4pm in order to reduce the time between any irrigation taking place and the race being run, and also to shorten the build-up to the race for participants. While this move has been well-received for the Grand National itself, feedback we have received pointed to it not being ideal having a race of the stature of the Grade One Maghull Novices Chase following immediately afterwards. We have therefore decided to make a small change to the running order, with the first race now taking place at 12.45pm rather than 1.20pm, with both Grade One races on the day being staged prior to the Grand National. As has been the case in previous years, moving forward the only race following the Grand National will be the Grade Two Bumper, which starts at 5pm. Premier PR Agency for Category-Defining Brands Marks a Decade of Growth With a Bold New Brand Identity and Redesigned Website LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Startr Co., a strategic communications agency that specializes in scaling next-generation brands, celebrates its 10-year anniversary with the launch of a renewed brand identity and redesigned website. The milestone marks a decade of shaping visibility for disruptive startups, cult-favorite emerging brands, and established category leaders across food and beverage, lifestyle, family, pet, and franchise sectors. Startr Co. Founded in 2016, Startr Co. is on a mission to scale bold brands through strategic communications so they leadnot follow. The boutique PR agency supports companies' pivotal moments of growth through intentional PR services, including media relations, influencer marketing PR, affiliate marketing PR, crisis communications, and reputation management. Delivering big-agency results with boutique precision, Startr Co. develops custom strategies that look, feel, and sound uniquely like its clients while driving measurable impact. Over the past ten years, Startr Co. has earned its reputation as an innovative PR agency, leading headline-grabbing, culture-forward campaigns including Pop Secret's Spill Everything campaign featuring Melissa Joan Hart, Learning Resources and hand2mind's 2025 Supreme Court case, NerdWallet's Smartest NIL Deal Ever, GHOST's acquisition by Keurig Dr Pepper, the launch of David Beckham and Shaun Neff's BEEUP snack line, Loacker's 100 Years campaign with Giada De Laurentiis, GOODLES' Deluxe Mac and Cheese launch, Popchips x The Garfield Movie partnership, Brightkins' AutoCamp collaboration, Flame Broiler's Korean Spicy Chicken debut, and Muddy Bites' World's Largest Ice Cream Cone activation, to name a few. From new product launches to long-term brand awareness, Startr Co.'s work is rooted in brand storytelling for new companies and established brands alikedelivering first impressions that last and results that propel clients ahead of the competition. "Ten years in, our energy has never been higher," said Monica Guzman Escobar, CEO of Startr Co. "This milestone reflects the trust our clients place in us, the talent of our team, and the ideas that have shaped our work over the past decade. Our new brand and website represent who we are today and where we're headed. We are deeply connected, relentlessly strategic, and built to help brands lead with confidence and speed." The rebrand introduces a modern, dynamic visual identity that mirrors the agency's evolution and growing role as a strategic advisor. The redesigned website brings this evolution to life, offering a sharper lens into Startr Co.'s capabilities, portfolio, and approach to building thoughtful, results-driven communications programs. Today, Startr Co. operates as a top public relations agency trusted by brands navigating growth, transformation, and increased visibility. As the agency enters its next chapter, it remains focused on delivering intentional, impactful work built for where brands are going next. Explore Startr Co.'s new website and a decade of defining work at www.startrco.com. About Startr Co. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Los Angeles and New York City, Startr Co. is a strategic communications agency that specializes in scaling next-generation brands. With big-brand experience and deep industry connections, the agency's approach is collaborative, transparent, and grounded in where a client's business is today, so it can lead and shape tomorrow. Over the past decade, Startr Co. has partnered with innovative and recognizable brands including Seven Sundays, GHOST, Our Home (Popchips, Pop Secret, Good Health), GOODLES, SmartSweets, Solely, Walker's Shortbread, La Terra Fina, Learning Resources Brands (Learning Resources, Educational Insights, hand2mind, Brightkins), Fera Pets, Flame Broiler, The Little Gym, and Flight Adventure Park, delivering campaigns that combine creativity, strategy, and measurable impact. MEDIA CONTACT Jessica Fischberg | Kim Le Layon 201-841-7908 [email protected] www.startrco.com SOURCE Startr Co. Activists allege that Iran has aired at least 97 coerced confessions from protesters, some following torture. In the clips, broadcast on Iranian state media, people are shown wearing handcuffs and with their faces blurred. The confessions are interspersed with clips that appear to show protesters attacking security forces, setting fires or destroying property. Iran alleges that these confessions which often include references to the US or Israel are proof of foreign plots behind the protests that have gripped the nation in recent weeks. Follow latest updates on Iran protests here Activists say that they are coerced confessions, long a staple of Iran's hard-line state television. And they are coming at an unprecedentd pace. Iranian state media has aired nearly 100 confessions from protesters, many expressing remorse for their actions, since the protests began on 28 December, according to a rights group that is tracking the videos. Iranians attend an anti-government protest in Tehran The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says that based on testimony from prior detainees, the confessions often come after psychological or physical torture, and can have serious consequences, including the death penalty. These rights violations compound on top of each other and lead to horrible outcomes. This is a pattern thats been implemented by the regime time and time again, said Skylar Thompson, the group's deputy director. Irans mission to the United Nations did not return a request for comment. Iranian officials have described the protests as riots orchestrated by the United States and Israel. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the violence must be foreign-influenced because Iranians would never set mosques on fire. An unprecedented number of confessions over two weeks The nearly 100 confessions broadcast over just two weeks is unprecedented for Iran, Ms Thompson said. By comparison, from 2010 to 2020 there were around 350 forced confessions broadcast on state media, according to the activist groups Justice for Iran and the International Federation for Human Rights, the last major study compiled by activists. The rights group Together Against the Death Penalty said there were 40 to 60 confessions aired in 2025. Additionally, Iran Human Rights and Together Against the Death Penalty reported at least 37 televised confessions of people facing the death penalty in the weeks following the 2022 protests over the death of Mahsa Amini after her arrest by the countrys morality police for allegedly not wearing her hijab to the liking of authorities. More than 500 people were killed and over 22,000 detained during the monthslong protests and security crackdown, the last major protests in Iran. A 2014 UN Special Rapporteur human rights report on Iran found that among interviews with previously detained individuals, 70 per cent said coerced information or confessions were used in their hearings. In nearly half the cases, the trial lasted just a few minutes. After the Amini protests, the European Parliament adopted a resolution in January 2023 strongly condemning the Islamic Republics policy of forcing confessions using torture, intimidation, threats against family members or other forms of duress, and the use of these forced confessions to convict and sentence protesters. UN says Iran executed 975 people in one year In 2024, Iran executed 975 people, the highest number since 2015, according to a report by the United Nations. Four of the executions were carried out publicly. Iran carries out executions by hanging. According to the UN report, most people in Iran are executed for drug-related offences or murder. In 2024, security-related offences, such as espionage, accounted for just 3 per cent of the executions. Anti-Iranian regime protesters hold pre-1979 Islamic Revolution Iranian flags, US flags and light their cellphones during a gathering outside the US Consulate in Milan, on 13 January 2026 (AFP via Getty Images) Ms Thompson said she is gravely concerned over a surge in executions connected to the latest protests, adding that many of the video confessions are serious security-related offenses that carry the death penalty. Tehran is known to have executed 12 people for espionage since the 12-day war in June between Israel and Iran. The most recent execution for espionage was last week, when Iran said it executed a man who was accused of spying for Israels Mossad spy agency in exchange for cryptocurrency. The state-run IRNA news agency said the man confessed to the spying charges. A long history of coerced confessions The use of televised, coerced confessions dates to the chaotic years after Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution. State TV aired confessions by suspected members of communist groups, insurgents and others. Even Mehdi Bazargan, Irans first prime minister after the revolution, warned at one point he could be detained and put on television, repeating things like a parrot. Among coerced confessions that gained international attention was in 2009 by then-Newsweek correspondent Maziari Bahari, who was also imprisoned for several months. He directed a documentary, Forced Confessions, and wrote a memoir about his ordeal. Iranians attend an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran, Friday, 9 January 2026. Photograph: AP (Photograph: AP) Escalating protests have swept through Iran in recent weeks, sparked by an economic crisis that has evolved into a widespread anti-government movement, and one of the most destabilising episodes of unrest the Iranian regime has faced in years. Despite the internet blackout, reports have emerged that at least 2,000 people have been killed during the demonstrations, with hundreds of protesters sustaining gun shot wounds to the head and eyes. The Iranian government has accused the US of seeking to manufacture a pretext for military intervention, as US president Donald Trump has pledged that help is on its way. Here is what we know so far: The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is sponsored by Kim Leadbeater, a backbench Labour MP - David Parry Media Assignments/PA Wire Labour has given peers more time to debate the assisted dying Bill in an attempt to prevent it collapsing. The House of Lords will sit until 6pm on Fridays from next week to allow 25 hours of further time for consideration of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Critics have claimed the move shows Labour is working behind the scenes to push the Bill through. Concerns have also been raised that it will make it more difficult for peers who travel long distances to attend, or those who cannot stay late on Fridays for religious reasons. Last year, MPs voted to allow adults in England and Wales with less than six months to live to apply for assistance to end their lives. The legislation is in the form of a Private Members Bill, and not one from the Government, which has declared it is neutral on the issue. This means peers have not been able to debate the legislation in government time, so time allocated to the Bill has been restricted to between 10am and 3pm on Friday. If the Bill does not get through all its stages before the summer recess, it will collapse and not become law. The assisted dying Bill will collapse if the Lords run out of time to debate it - House of Lords/UK Parliament But peers voted last week to back a motion from Lord Falconer, the Bills sponsor in the upper chamber, calling for extra time for debate to get the legislation through. In response, an additional three hours of debate, a 60 per cent increase, will take place each week to try to get through the rest of the Lords debate. However, no government time in the House of Lords will be given to debating assisted dying. Lord Kennedy of Southwark, the Lords whip, told peers: As Fridays are the only opportunity to scrutinise the Bill, and noting the motion passed, I intend to no longer draw proceedings to a close around 3pm. To meet the will of the House, I will instead seek to adjourn proceedings around 5.30pm this week, and 6pm on future Fridays. In an email to all peers, he said that the decision for additional hours was ultimately a matter for the House, so peers could object. Supporters of the Bill gather in Parliament Square - Sopa Images Lord Falconer told peers: On Thursday, the House strongly expressed the view that it would be wrong and would significantly damage the reputation of this House if we failed to reach conclusions on the Bill, and that we may need more time in this session to do so. Following the passing of my motion, the chief whip has indicated to me that, the view of the House permitting, we can sit until 5.30pm on this Friday and 6pm on remaining Fridays in order to finish debate on the remaining groupings. This may not be necessary if we make sufficient progress before then, which we can do so by working together and exercising self-restraint. Lord Shinkwin, a Conservative peer who is severely disabled, told The Telegraph: Before I entered the Lords in 2015, I spent much of my career working in the charity sector, where I was scrupulously neutral and had the privilege of working with parliamentarians of all parties. I came to respect Labour for their commitment to disability rights. So I feel really sad that a Labour prime minister should be trashing his partys reputation and treating disabled people as simply unfortunate collateral damage in his personal, fanatical quest for assisted dying. We should be absolutely clear: the decision to sit later on a Friday in order to allocate more time, which will also have the effect of limiting contributions from those who have to travel far to get home or cannot stay for religious reasons, would not be happening without the backing of the Prime Minister. Lord Shinkwin added that other countries where assisted dying is legal showed the writing is on the wall for disabled people if this Bill becomes law. Sources dismissed that the decision for an extension of the debate was in any way to do with Sir Keir Starmer, a backer of legalising assisted dying. They pointed to the motion passed by peers last week asking for more time, and that the latest move by the chief whip was to reflect the will of the House. Bill supporters have expressed concern that peers will not debate all the amendments in time for the legislation to pass. More than 1,000 have been tabled. They have accused some peers of trying to sabotage the passage of the Bill with an excessive number of amendments. Critics have said they are needed to adequately scrutinise the significant piece of legislation, which they argue is flawed. Under-18s could be banned from buying non-alcoholic drinks in pubs under plans being explored by the Government. Ministers have said that they will consider making it illegal to sell no-alcohol products, such as 0 per cent beers, to 16 and 17-year olds. Critics branded the move utterly bonkers, saying it would turn young people away from sensible, zero-alcohol choices. Concerns have also been raised about the impact of the ban on pubs, at a time where the sector is struggling under Rachel Reevess tax raid. Alcohol alternatives, sometimes known as NoLo drinks, are split into two categories, non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages. Low-alcohol drinks are under 1.2 per cent alcohol by volume (ABV), while alcohol-free drinks have less than 0.05 per cent, according to British guidelines. Heineken 0.0 per cent, for example, has less than 0.03 per cent alcohol and is advertised as safe for drivers, pregnant women and those on medical treatments that mean they cannot drink. Ashley Dalton, a health minister, said that non-alcoholic products were different to soft drinks as it is a beverage intentionally crafted to mimic traditional alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, or spirits. Ashley Dalton claims alcohol-free drinks can normalise drinking the real thing - Jas Lehal/PA She added: This is a newly emerging area, but there is some evidence to suggest that exposure to alcohol-like products, even if low or zero alcohol, can normalise drinking, and become a gateway to alcohol consumption. Earlier alcohol use initiation is linked to a higher risk of harmful drinking patterns later in life. In response to a written question last week, she said: The Government will explore measures to regulate access to no and low-alcohol products in line with other alcoholic beverages, including prohibiting sales to individuals under the age of 18 years old. It is illegal to sell alcohol to under-18s. A teenager aged 16 or 17 can drink beer, wine or cider with a meal if accompanied by an adult, but cannot make the purchase. But there are no specific rules surrounding alcohol-free drinks, which have boomed in recent years as more brands offer alternatives to well-known alcoholic beverages. Utterly bonkers Labour announced at the beginning of this year that it plans to reduce the drink-drive limit to 50mg of blood alcohol content, which Nigel Farage warned represented a death knell to rural pubs. Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary, said: This is utterly bonkers. Ministers are banning sensible, zero-alcohol choices for 16 and 17-year-olds while claiming they want safer drinking and lower drink-drive limits. A pint of 0 per cent Guinness is not a gateway drug. For many people, it is a responsible alternative to drinking alcohol, especially when young people can legally buy alcohol the moment they turn 18. This is yet another attack on our pubs at a time when they are already struggling under this Governments anti-business red tape and punitive hikes in business rates. Under business rates reforms announced by the Chancellor in her November Budget, pubs are facing additional annual costs of 150m over the next three years. This stems from the removal of Covid relief measures and property revaluations. Ms Reeves last week signalled that she is preparing a climbdown on the policy following a campaign by The Telegraph demanding support for Britains pubs. She has yet to outline the changes that will be made to help pubs. Analysis from UKHospitality warned that 540 pubs would be forced to close without urgent action from the Government to ease the burden of business rates. The trade body said the average pubs business rates bill would rise by 1,400 next year a 15 per cent increase and on average by 12,900 over a three-year period, equivalent to a 76 per cent increase. The prospective ban represents a fresh health crackdown by Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, who has overseen plans for a radical smoking ban. The Government wants to stop everyone born after Jan 1 2009 from ever being able to buy cigarettes by raising the legal smoking age by one year, every year. b' ' Half of young adults are choosing no and low alcohol drinks, almost double the level since 2018, to moderate their drinking. Research from Drinkaware in October found motivations ranged from a focus on improved health and a desire to reduce alcohol intake to a wider range and better availability of no and low options. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: This Government supports further growth in the no and low-alcohol market for adults, given the potential to help tackle harmful levels of consumption if the switch is made to lower-alcohol alternatives. Finance Secretary Shona Robison delivers the Budget at Scottish Parliament - Getty Images Its not the hardest job in the political world to tell people how you plan to spend a whopping 68 billion war chest. And it becomes even easier when one of your main competitors stays out of the argument and refuses to oppose your plans. Thats what Scottish Labour has just done in giving the SNP a free ride with their annual Budget. And thats the situation that faced the SNPs finance supremo, Shona Robison, in delivering much the same bash the rich stuff weve got used to from the nationalists. This was their 19th successive Budget, most of the others having been delivered by John Swinney, now First Minister, and sitting beside Ms Robison. He had got there by being not particularly brilliant but not especially hopeless, either, and his successor has delivered another of the same. However, what was different this time was that one of the parties which is supposed to oppose the SNP government after all thats why its there in Holyrood appears to have thrown in the towel. Or given the Nats a free pass choose which insult you prefer. For the second year running, Scottish Labour have decided not to oppose the SNP and abstain when it comes to a vote. The upshot was that when one of Labours brighter front benchers, Michael Marra, got to his feet after listening to Ms Robisons Budget speech, he didnt really have much to say or if he did there wasnt much point in his saying anything at all. Still, I daresay we could say that at least he went through the motions in again highlighting the plight in Scotlands hospitals where there were, he said, 100,000 would-be patients in pain thanks to the SNPs failures regarding the National Health Service. But I cant have been the only onlooker who thought the whole episode totally bizarre. Why was he not challenging the government in a proper manner? In case he and his Scottish Labour colleagues have forgotten, that involves them expressing their opposition by voting against what they were hearing. Thats how the political world goes round. And nobody in the Peoples Partys ranks could complain that in her response, the minister had a definite look of glee on her face, nor the tone of a sort of savage irony in her voice, in her answer to Mr Marra. She told him that if opponents wanted something in a Budget, they had to ask for it but because of Labours decision not to oppose her measure they didnt get what they wanted. And then looking over at her non-tormentor she told Mr Marra, with yet another grin, that, after two Budgets where Labour found excuses not to oppose, that it would be third time lucky next year. Ouch. However, doing what hes supposed to do, thus earning his corn, was the Tory spokesman Craig Hoy who claimed the Budget was a predictable and cynical attack on hardworking Scots who would have to live with taxes that would be higher under the SNP than in any other part of the United Kingdom. Its difficult to understand the logic of Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar in deciding on this non opposition tactic. Of course, all the best political leaders must be able to adapt to ever-changing circumstances. In this case he believed that opposing the SNP budget would be a waste of time when his party should be concentrating on their campaign for Scottish Parliament election in four months time. And furthermore, he reckoned that the SNP would always be able to get their Budget through with the help of Scottish Greens votes. He just couldnt find a way to make the Budget fall. Perhaps not, but wouldnt it have been better for his partys supporters to see their heroes fighting their corner even if they did lose? He may think that his was a slick move. I thought it looked more like a surrender. Pub owners have expressed concern that the Irish stout will soon be unaffordable (Getty) Pub landlords are warning that Guinness risks becoming the first 10 pint after its maker revealed an incoming price hike. Guinness draught prices are set to surge by 5.2 per cent in April, parent company Diageo revealed, as operational costs continue to rise for the business after the company upped the price last year by 4.2 per cent. A spokesperson confirmed the change to The Independent, insisting that it allowed Diageo to continue investing in its brands. Like all businesses, Diageo must carefully manage the rising cost of doing business through regular pricing review of our products, they said. We have kept todays cost price increase to a minimum, reflecting the rising costs in our supply chain. This increase allows Diageo to continue investing in our brands to bring high-quality stout and spirits to market, and to support investment in initiatives to drive mutual growth for our customers across the hospitality sector. As the alcohol company appears set to raise the price by an equivalent of 4p per pint, pub owners have expressed concern that the Irish stout will soon be unaffordable and undrinkable. Former Tesco boss Sir Dave Lewis has been appointed as chief executive of Diageo as the drinks giant looks to boost its flagging performance (PA Media) Pub boss Mark Edgell, director of the Dog and Partridge pub in Yateley, Hampshire, told trade publication the Morning Advertiser that Diageo seemed hell-bent on having the first 10 a pint beer. Already, a pint of Guinness in his pub has increased from 5.50 to 6.50 in the past three years; he said it would soon rise to 6.90. Pubs are being forced to add huge increases to the price of a pint beyond what the public will find acceptable, he said. With rising energy costs, two recent rounds of national minimum and living wage increases, rises in national insurance contributions beer duty increases and high VAT rates, along with a recent business rates valuation increase, this price hike from Diageo is just another slap in the face. Rob Barr, owner of Barr and Barr Hospitality, which runs three pubs in West Sussex and Dorset, described the price hike as extreme and warned Diageo was making its pints unaffordable for pub goers. Diageo said that Guinness 0.0, Guinness Microdraught, Guinness Draught in Can 440ml four packs would not be impacted by the price increase. The passenger train was travelling from Bangkok to Thailands Nakhon Ratchasima province - ViralPress A crane has collapsed onto a moving train in Thailand, killing at least 32 people. The passenger train derailed on Wednesday morning when the crane, used for a Chinese-backed high-speed rail project, fell in the northern province of Nakhon Ratchasima. Some 80 of the 195 passengers were injured as the derailed vehicle then caught fire, approximately 140 miles north-east of Bangkok. Emergency services were dispatched to extinguish the fire and rescue trapped passengers at around 9am local time (2am GMT). The three-carriage train was travelling at 75mph towards the eastern Ubon Ratchathani province, which borders Laos. Crews search for people trapped inside the train - State Railway of Thailand Video captured by the State Railway of Thailand showed smoke billowing from the train as rescue workers tried to extinguish the flames. Local media reported that the fire had trapped passengers inside. Footage captured later showed the train carriage on its side, with emergency workers sifting through debris on the side of the tracks. The search was temporarily paused when a loud noise from the crane caused a panic. Around 80 of the 195 passengers onboard were injured - ViralPress Thatchapon Chinnawong, the police chief of Sikhio district where the accident occurred, told AFP that there had been a risk of a chemical leakage but the situation appeared to have been resolved. Thailands public health ministry confirmed at 11:45am local time that all the passengers had been evacuated from the scene and the injured were being treated in hospital. A resident of Sikhio told AFP that he heard a loud noise followed by two explosions, and so raced to the scene. Credit: Reuters / Public Relations Centre of the State Railway of Thailand When I went to see what had happened, I found the crane sitting on a passenger train with three carriages, said Mitr Intrpanya, 54. The metal from the crane appeared to strike the middle of the second carriage, slicing it in half, he added. The crane was being used in a $5.4bn (4.27bn) Thai-Chinese project to connect Bangkok to Chinas southwestern Kunming city via Laos. Work began in 2017 and was expected to be completed by 2028. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Thailands deputy prime minister and transport minister, ordered an investigation into the cause of the collapse. The incident took place at around 9am local time (2am GMT) - ViralPress Rescue workers at the scene of the crash - AFP Construction accidents are common in Thailand because of a lack of enforcement of safety regulations. In September, a 50m sinkhole appeared in front of a hospital in Bangkok. It was later connected to the construction of a subway line. A few months earlier, five people were killed in the capital when a concrete beam from a bridge under construction collapsed. A London council is embroiled in a heated secrecy row with Nigel Farages Reform UK over redacted documents for contracts. The partys Deputy Leader Richard Tice named three boroughs, Ealing, Croydon and Newham, which he suggested had not been fully open about the details of their expenditure. However, Ealing hit back, stressing that it was entirely wrong to suggest redactions are used to conceal the councils finances. The bust-up erupted when Mr Tice made the allegations at a Reform rally in London which the party was using as part of moves to recruit 1800 candidates in London for the May local elections. He said: We are already, before these elections, making a difference here in London. Our good friends in Croydon, we discovered that the council had redacted 50% of all its expenditure so that we could not see who the contracts were being made and given to. We highlighted it at the beginning of the week....and by today we have already secured change and influence. Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice (PA Wire) The Mayor of Croydon has accepted it is wrong and is going to release the names...and bring it down to the average. Turning to west London, he added: Which takes me over to sunny Ealing where they redacted about 40% of their expenditure. So we are asking the leaders of Ealing, could you tell us who actually these suppliers are. The average should be about four or five per cent. Thats Ealing. Focusing more centrally on the city, he then stressed: Then, our good friends in Newham. My word, what a terrible job they are doing running Newham. Ealing Council has paid over 213 MILLION in redacted payments in just 8 months. Thats 34% of all payments made by the council. For context: The average London council redacts around 8% of payments worth roughly 40m, so Ealings figures are questionable. Ealing is also pic.twitter.com/4HqRuTqDdm Lee Nallalingham (@LNallalingham) January 10, 2026 They have redacted about 35%. You have to ask yourselves what have you got to hide? Why are you embarrassed about it? So, hopefully the good folk of Newham, the leaders there will also confirm where all those suppliers, where those contracts are placed. Reform UK has claimed to have saved over 330million since the party took charge of 10 English councils in May last year, but has not provided evidence of this. All Reform-led local authorities have admitted they will have to increase council tax in April, but the party has insisted the rises will be smaller than those made in other areas. Ealing Council flatly rejected the claims being made against it by Mr Tice. A spokesman said: The source of those figures is not clear and it is entirely wrong to suggest redactions are used to conceal the councils finances. Newham council was named in the row over spending transparency (LDRS) The vast majority of redactions of transactions in our published expenditure data relate to individuals not organisations. He stressed that the borough was legally required under data protection law to withhold names where publishing them would reveal personal information, for example payments to foster carers, housing benefit recipients, local welfare assistance and other support to residents. Entries relating to schools, academies and nurseries were also redacted. The spokesman added: Where a supplier is a company with no personal information in its name, we do not redact it. Any suggestion these legally required redactions imply wrongdoing or concealment is completely incorrect. Ealing, which like all councils publishes a statement of its accounts scrutinised by an independent auditor at the end of every year, has said it is facing significant financial pressures and reported long-term debt to fund capital expenditure at over 860million. Leader Peter Mason this month said the town halls finances are in a good position, unlike other boroughs but has not ruled out increasing council tax in this years budget. A council spokesman stressed that it publishes extensive financial information and undertakes regular, established reviews to meet, and where possible exceed, transparency requirements, including publication of expenditure and the councils contracts register, while fulfilling its statutory duty to protect residents personal data. Croydon council, which was forced to effectively declare bankruptcy three times between 2020 and 2023, has accepted it could have been more open about details of expenditure and changes have been made. The boroughs Executive Mayor Jason Perry said: We have reviewed the way payments data is published. What we found is that our redaction processes have been overly sensitive. Some redactions are appropriate, such as where payments relate directly to residents receiving social care. Croydon Mayor Jason Perry (Instagram) However, the system was also redacting a wider set of non-commercial suppliers than necessary, which inflated the headline figures. He explained that in November around 41% of Croydons payment data appeared redacted, when the figure should have been closer to 8%, broadly in line with other councils. He added: We have now tightened the approach going forward and will correct the previously published 2025/26 data. I remain fully committed to being transparent on the Councils spending, which is subject to rigorous governance and procurement processes. There has been no unexplained spending, this is simply about improving how the data is presented. Newham council had yet to respond. Reform is seeking to win a string of councils in London in the May elections, and has unveiled former Tory Westminster councillor Laila Cunningham as its candidate for Mayor of London. A recent More in Common poll suggested Mr Farages party could gain eight seats at the next general election, expected in 2029. Former London's Burning actor John Alford has been jailed for eight and a half years after being found guilty of sexually assaulting two teenage girls during a party at a friend's home. The actor, 54, was convicted of four counts of sexual activity with a 14-year-old and charges of sexual assault and assault by penetration of a girl aged 15 at a property in Hertfordshire on April 9 2022. Jurors heard during the trial that the defendant, charged under his real name John Shannon, sexually assaulted the girls while they were drunk following a night out at the pub. All of the offences took place at the home of a third girl, whose father was friends with Alford. Alford bought some 250 worth of food, alcohol and cigarettes from a nearby petrol station in the early hours of the morning, including a bottle of vodka which the victims subsequently drank, the court previously heard. Alford outside court (PA Wire) Alford then had sexual intercourse with the 14-year-old girl in the garden of the home and later in a downstairs toilet, and inappropriately touched the 15-year-old girl as she lay half asleep on the living room sofa, jurors heard. Police received a third-party report from the 15-year-old girl's mother outlining the allegations two days later, before the defendant was arrested. The 15-year-old girl said in her evidence she had felt "absolutely sick" following the assault and had planned to keep the incident secret before having a "mental breakdown" to her friend's mother on April 11. Alford told jurors during the trial that all the allegations were "scandalous" and a "set-up", and that there was no DNA evidence to support the assaults. He said he had told police that the girls were "going to extort money" from him, and that he suffered from mental health issues including anxiety, depression and paranoia. The younger girl said in a statement read to St Albans Crown Court during sentencing on Wednesday that being sexually assaulted has "affected me and my family in every way". The older girl said in her impact statement "this man destroyed my mental wellbeing". Mohammed Bashir, defending, said the defendant "is a man with no similar type of offences in his conviction history". John Alford starred in the fire brigade drama Londons Burning (John Stillwell/PA) (PA Archive) He added: "The impact upon the girls has been great but it's important to note that in that time Mr Shannon has not committed any further offences." Recorder Caroline Overton said the victim impact statements told of the "significant and ongoing impact of your offending on their lives". Alford shook his head from the dock as Ms Overton outlined the offences before sentencing. She told the defendant his focus "has remained throughout on the impact to you and to your family". Ms Overton sentenced Alford to eight and a half years in custody, and told him he will serve up to two thirds in custody and serve the remainder on licence. She also told the defendant he will be subject to a restraining order and she made a sexual harm prevention order. Alford was previously convicted of supplying illicit drugs to former News of the World journalist Mazher Mahmood, who was known as the "fake sheikh", following a trial in 1999, and was jailed for nine months. Jurors heard he also received a payment of 500,000 from the news organisation in relation to allegations that his phone had been hacked. Alford was convinced by Mahmood to meet a fake Arabian prince at London's Savoy hotel in 1997 on the promise of receiving new acting roles and lucrative public appearances, before later being asked to source cocaine for the individual. He later filed lawsuits against the News Of The World and its editors with claims that he was subjected to landline wire-taps, voicemail hacking and the wide-ranging theft of his personal data for use in their headline stories. Mahmood was jailed in 2016 for tampering with evidence in the collapsed drugs trial of pop star Tulisa Contostavlos, which led to Alford's conviction being examined by the Criminal Cases Review Commission. Lawyer Chris White, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "John Shannon was fully aware of the girl's ages, yet he chose to exploit them - giving them alcohol and then committing sexual offences against them. "We commend the victims for reporting what happened. They were supported to give evidence against Shannon: their statements were recorded and played to the jury during the trial, and we arranged for screens to be provided so they did not have to face the defendant during cross examination. "Shannon's sentence today sends a clear message - we will pursue those who target young people for their own gratification." Campaigners are accusing the government of a draconian crackdown by taking away the fundamental right to protest peacefully after it made non-violent demonstrations at animal-testing facilities a criminal offence. Advocates for free speech and animal rights warned the move by home secretary Shabana Mahmood set a dangerous precedent towards clamping down on basic freedoms. And activists staging round-the-clock vigils at a Cambridgeshire site breeding beagles for laboratory tests vowed to risk arrest to continue protesting. Campaigners say the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental principle of democracy (Animal Rising) In a change to the law that was not part of a Bill before Parliament, Labour has amended the Public Order Act to categorise animal-testing facilities, including universities and laboratories, as key infrastructure, alongside airports, power stations and motorways. Police will have stronger powers to stop protests, with penalties of up to a year in jail or an unlimited fine. It means Camp Beagle demonstrators holding up placards outside a centre near Huntingdon that breeds dogs for laboratory testing could be prosecuted. Anyone breaching the new ban may now face prison or an unlimited fine. Cruelty Free International, which campaigns to end animal testing, branded the move illiberal, draconian, unnecessary and almost certainly unlawful and called on the Lords to reject it. This measure is an unjustified attack on democratic rights, and risks setting a dangerous precedent towards an ever-growing restriction of peaceful protest, a spokesman said. John Curtin, an organiser at Camp Beagle, told The Independent he and fellow members were prepared to be arrested. Im not going to change my my actions one little bit, and well just wait for the police to come along, he said. Theyre changing the law because we operate legally and peacefully. Weve said the camps not going until this place is shut down. Its business as usual. This is a disgusting act by the Labour Party who promised to get rid of animal testing. Theyll never live this down. Tens of thousands of people wrote to their MPs and members of the House of Lords to express their anger at the proposal before the vote. But the government managed to pass the amendment by 301 votes to 110 after the Tories appeared to abstain on the issue, having previously tried to introduce the same measure before the election. Nevertheless, 26 Labour MPs rebelled in another challenge to prime minister Sir Keir Starmers leadership. One rebel MP pointed out: We voted against this as the Labour Party when the Tories tried to do this in government; now our leadership is doing the same as the Tories. Rob Pownall said peaceful protest had a long and legitimate history in driving ethical and scientific progress (Animal Rising) Celebrities including actor Amanda Abbington and television presenters Chris Packham and Kirsty Gallagher had spoken out against the crackdown. Lush Cosmetics and several law firms had also opposed the idea. Many said the ban made a mockery of democratic principles. Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan warned of a slide against the right to free assembly that began under the last government. Shielding the powerful from dissent only strengthens our opponents. By curtailing the right to protest, we risk laying the foundations for a more authoritarian and less democratic state. Thats not the job of the Labour Party, he wrote. The government has argued that interference with the life sciences sector risks weakening the UKs ability to act swiftly in a medical crisis such as another pandemic. Nathan McGovern, of the Animal Rising activism organisation, said smuggling the legislation through without proper scrutiny or debate was un-British. Today is a dark day for democracy, says founder of the Protect the Wild campaign organisation (Animal Rising) The home secretarys actions are a mockery of the principles of honesty and integrity upon which our parliament was founded. Individuals have the right to oppose and speak out against industries such as life sciences without the fear of prison time. Rob Pownall, founder of the Protect the Wild campaign organisation, said: Today is a dark day for democracy. This amendment stretches the definition of key national infrastructure beyond recognition and does so for one reason only: to shield a controversial industry from scrutiny. Public opposition to animal testing is substantial, and peaceful protest has a long and legitimate history in driving ethical and scientific progress. This effectively removes peoples right to express moral, scientific, or ethical objections without fear of criminalisation. Stretch the definition this far and it becomes meaningless and opens the door to abuse. Which industry will be next? Kate Salmon, of animal-welfare charity Naturewatch, branded the change an assault on democracy, saying: This vote result is a kick in the teeth, but we thank the 110 MPs who stood up for freedom of speech and for what is right, which at the very least is democracy. Animal testing is not vital for this country's day-to-day running, and to try to define it as such is an attack on democracy. But Chris Magee, of the Understanding Animal Research organisation, which defends animal research, said: The supposed right of individuals to express their opinion in a way that hampers scientific research does not trump everybody elses right to national health and defence. Just weeks ago, ministers published a strategy to phase out animal testing. Members of Camp Beagle have maintained a 24-hour-a-day presence outside the MBR Acres beagle breeding facility near Huntingdon since June 2021 to draw attention to animal testing. Thousands of people wrote to their MPs to object to the change (Animal Rising) Four defendants who broke into MBR Acres and took 18 beagle puppies were unanimously acquitted of burglary on Monday at Cambridge Crown Court. A jury cleared Louisa Hillwood, Thomas Cusick, Kat Chan and Alan Guthrie after a seven-day trial in what campaigners dubbed a landmark case. A Home Office spokesperson said: Peaceful protest is a fundamental part of our democratic society; people in this country will always be able to freely express their views. This change is about providing police with powers to respond proportionately to disruptive protest activity that undermines our nations health. Revenue Guidance for FY 26 revised to 3.0%-3.5% BENGALURU, India, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY), (BSE: INFY), (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, delivered $5,099 million in Q3 revenues, year on year growth of 1.7% and sequential growth of 0.6% in constant currency. Reported IFRS operating margin was at 18.4%. Adjusted1 operating margin increased 0.2% sequentially to 21.2%. Free cash flow generation was robust at $915 million. Adjusted free cash flow generation was $965 million, 112.8% of adjusted net profit. TCV of large deal wins was $4.8 billion, with net new of 57%. Headcount increased by 5,043. Revenues for YTD Dec'25 grew at 2.8% year on year in constant currency. Reported IFRS operating margin was at 20.0%. Adjusted operating margin was at 21.0%. "Infosys delivered a strong Q3 performance demonstrating how our differentiated value propositions in enterprise AI, through Infosys Topaz, are consistently driving higher market share. Clients increasingly view Infosys as their AI partner with demonstrated expertise, innovation capabilities and strong delivery credentials. This has helped them unlock business potential and enhanced value realization," said Salil Parekh, CEO and MD. "Central to this journey is our commitment to reskill, transform and empower our dedicated human resource pool to drive success in an AI augmented world," he added. 0.6% QoQ 1.7% YoY CC Growth 18.4% Reported 21.2% Adjusted Operating Margin 6.6% Reported 11.5% Adjusted YTD EPS Increase ( terms) $4.8 Bn Large Deal TCV (57% Net New) $0.9 Bn $1 Bn Adjusted Free cash flow (FCF) Guidance for FY26: Revenue growth of 3.0%-3.5% in constant currency Operating margin of 20%-22%2 Key highlights: For the quarter ended December 31, 2025 Revenues in CC terms grew by 1.7% YoY and 0.6% QoQ Reported IFRS revenues at $5,099 million, growth of 3.2% YoY Reported IFRS operating margin at 18.4%; Adjusted operating margin at 21.2% Reported IFRS Basic EPS at $0.18; adjusted Basic EPS at $0.21 FCF at $915 million; adjusted FCF at $965 million; Adjusted FCF conversion at 112.8% of adjusted net profit For nine months ended December 31, 2025 Revenues in CC terms grew by 2.8% YoY Reported IFRS revenues at $15,117 million, growth of 3.9% YoY Reported IFRS operating margin at 20.0%; Adjusted operating margin at 21.0% Reported IFRS Basic EPS at $0.58; adjusted Basic EPS at $0.60 FCF at $2,900 million; adjusted FCF at $2,950 million; Adjusted FCF conversion at 117.8% of adjusted net profit 1. 'Adjusted' financial measures presented in this release are non-IFRS financial measures that exclude the impact of the provisions arising from the notifications by Government of India on Labour Codes for quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025 and are further described in this release. 2. Operating margin guidance for FY26 excludes the adjustment with respect to Labour Codes of $143 million in the current quarter. "Our performance was broad-based in Q3 with 0.6% sequential revenue growth, 0.2% adjusted operating margin expansion, stellar large deal wins at $4.8 billion and robust adjusted free cash generation at $965 million in a seasonally weak quarter," said Jayesh Sanghrajka, CFO. "In line with our capital allocation policy, we successfully completed the largest ever buyback of `18,000 crore and paid out interim dividend to shareholders," he added. Client Wins & Testimonials Infosys extended its strategic collaboration with Metro Bank to transform the bank's finance operations with a suite of Workday solutions. Marc Page, Chief Financial Officer, Metro Bank, said, "We're continuing to transform our platforms through our partnership with Infosys, helping our digital advancement. This collaboration with Infosys and Workday will help to unify our core finance operations, providing colleagues with self-service tools and simplifying daily operations. This supports our long-term growth strategy and will help us to scale and evolve in the future." said, "We're continuing to transform our platforms through our partnership with Infosys, helping our digital advancement. This collaboration with Infosys and Workday will help to unify our core finance operations, providing colleagues with self-service tools and simplifying daily operations. This supports our long-term growth strategy and will help us to scale and evolve in the future." Infosys unveiled its AI-first GCC model to accelerate the setup and transformation of global capability centers (GCCs) into AI-powered hubs for innovation and growth. Stefanie Neumann, CEO, Lufthansa Systems, said, "Our collaboration with Infosys to establish a dedicated Global Capability Center has been a pivotal step in digital transformation journey of Lufthansa Systems. By leveraging their strong GCC and AI capabilities, we are building a future-ready innovation hub that enables our customers to enhance aviation safety, drive operational efficiency, and improve customer experience. This partnership empowers us to accelerate our vision for sustainable and intelligent aviation." said, "Our collaboration with Infosys to establish a dedicated Global Capability Center has been a pivotal step in digital transformation journey of Lufthansa Systems. By leveraging their strong GCC and AI capabilities, we are building a future-ready innovation hub that enables our customers to enhance aviation safety, drive operational efficiency, and improve customer experience. This partnership empowers us to accelerate our vision for sustainable and intelligent aviation." Infosys announced its collaboration with NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) to deliver a new workforce management solution for NHS in England and Wales. Michael Brodie, Chief Executive, NHSBSA, said, "Delivering the Future NHS Workforce Solution is a critical step in supporting the ambitions of the 10-Year Health Plan. The solution will go far beyond simply replacing ESR - it will be a strategic enabler for building a workforce that is fit for the future. By working with Infosys, we're creating a modern, data-driven solution that will help the NHS better attract, retain and support its people." said, "Delivering the Future NHS Workforce Solution is a critical step in supporting the ambitions of the 10-Year Health Plan. The solution will go far beyond simply replacing ESR - it will be a strategic enabler for building a workforce that is fit for the future. By working with Infosys, we're creating a modern, data-driven solution that will help the NHS better attract, retain and support its people." Infosys collaborated with Telenor Shared Services to modernize its HR operations with a new Oracle Fusion Cloud Human Capital Management (HCM) solution. Morten Dean Dunham, CEO, Telenor Shared Services, said, "Modernizing our HR operations is crucial to improve efficiencies and employee experience. By collaborating with Infosys to implement Oracle Cloud HCM, we are confident we will get a solution that meets our future needs. This change will further streamline our processes, provide a unified view of critical data, and ultimately enhance the experience of our employees." said, "Modernizing our HR operations is crucial to improve efficiencies and employee experience. By collaborating with Infosys to implement Oracle Cloud HCM, we are confident we will get a solution that meets our future needs. This change will further streamline our processes, provide a unified view of critical data, and ultimately enhance the experience of our employees." Infosys announced the launch of Infosys Topaz Fabric, a purpose-built agentic services suite a multi-layer AI fabric that unifies infrastructure, models, data, applications, and workflows into a composable, agent-ready ecosystem. Laxmi Srinivas Samayamantri, Vice President, Global Engineering, Data & Architecture, Nu Skin, said, "We are collaborating with Infosys to enrich beauty and wellness commerce IT operations through the power of Agentic AI. Together, we are expanding this further with Infosys Topaz Fabric by enabling Agent Assist features, which we anticipate will increase automation for application and infrastructure support, enhance resilience, and elevate the user experience." said, "We are collaborating with Infosys to enrich beauty and wellness commerce IT operations through the power of Agentic AI. Together, we are expanding this further with Infosys Topaz Fabric by enabling Agent Assist features, which we anticipate will increase automation for application and infrastructure support, enhance resilience, and elevate the user experience." Infosys announced the launch of the Infosys Customer Experience Suite for Salesforce to help enterprises navigate their agentic transformation and scale their digital workforce. Marko Koistila, EVP Commercial Operations, VTT , said, "Our sales team previously spent too much time on low-value tasks like lead grooming instead of fostering client relationships. Agentforce automated the lead process, including contextual emails and meeting setups, allowing our team to focus on collaboration and delivering superior customer experiences. Having Infosys, along with Fluido as our expert partners, VTT became one of the first organizations outside Salesforce to implement a live SDR Agentforce agent. Building on the success of this initial implementation, we are collaborating together to develop two additional Agentforce agents for other areas of organizational support." , said, "Our sales team previously spent too much time on low-value tasks like lead grooming instead of fostering client relationships. Agentforce automated the lead process, including contextual emails and meeting setups, allowing our team to focus on collaboration and delivering superior customer experiences. Having Infosys, along with Fluido as our expert partners, VTT became one of the first organizations outside Salesforce to implement a live SDR Agentforce agent. Building on the success of this initial implementation, we are collaborating together to develop two additional Agentforce agents for other areas of organizational support." Infosys collaborated with Barry Callebaut to drive a multi-year, AI-powered digital transformation aimed at creating an agile, tech-enabled enterprise that enhances customer experiences, operational efficiency, and innovation. Amr Arafa, Chief Digital Officer, Barry Callebaut Group, said, "Our collaboration with Infosys will play a key role in advancing Barry Callebaut's Business Led digital transformation (BC Next Level) journey. As part of our BC Next Level strategic investment program, we are focused on building a tech-enabled, agile enterprise that delivers superior customer experiences and operational excellence. Infosys, with its AI-first approach and suite of generative AI platforms, will empower us to unlock efficiencies at scale, build connected ecosystems, and accelerate innovation. Infosys' deep domain expertise and commitment to co-innovation make them a trusted partner in shaping our transformation roadmap." said, "Our collaboration with Infosys will play a key role in advancing Barry Callebaut's Business Led digital transformation (BC Next Level) journey. As part of our BC Next Level strategic investment program, we are focused on building a tech-enabled, agile enterprise that delivers superior customer experiences and operational excellence. Infosys, with its AI-first approach and suite of generative AI platforms, will empower us to unlock efficiencies at scale, build connected ecosystems, and accelerate innovation. Infosys' deep domain expertise and commitment to co-innovation make them a trusted partner in shaping our transformation roadmap." Infosys collaborated with Fresenius on a project called ELEVATE, a business transformation initiative aimed at unifying and modernizing the company's global business processes and IT systems through SAP S/4HANA. Florent Durup, Business Transformation Lead for the ELEVATE Program, Fresenius, said, "ELEVATE is the most critical business transformation program for Fresenius and an important milestone of our journey. We have selected Infosys as the SI partner after a rigorous and exhaustive process and are now moving forward with confidence to deliver the ambitious goals of the transformation program together. Through this collaboration, Fresenius and Infosys will work closely to deliver a robust, future-ready platform that enhances agility, standardizes processes, and enables data-driven decision-making across the organization." Recognitions & Awards Brand & Corporate Recognized as a Silver Employer in the India Workplace Equality Index (IWEI) 2025 for championing inclusion and being a strong ally of the LGBTQIA+ community Recognized for its people-first approach at the SHRM India HR Excellence Awards 2025 Recognized among the Most Inclusive Organizations for Women in Tech in the IT Service category at the Wequity Award Infosys China recognized as one of the Best Workplaces in Greater China 2025 by Great Place To Work AI and Cloud Services Recognized as a leader in The Forrester Wave: AI Technical Services, Q4 2025 Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: Data and Analytics (D&A) Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Rated as a leader in NelsonHall: GenAI and Process Automation in Banking 2025 Recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific Professional and Managed Services for Microsoft Azure 2025 Vendor Assessment Key Digital Services Positioned as a leader in Gartner Magic Quadrant for Custom Software Development Services Recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific Application Modernization Services to AWS 2025 Vendor Assessment Recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape: European Human First Digital Workplace Services 2025 Vendor Assessment Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: Adobe Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: IT Service Management (ITSM) and Service Integration and Management (SIAM) Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: Enterprise Quality Engineering (QE) Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: Global Capability Center (GCC) Setup Capabilities in India PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: ServiceNow Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Recognized as a leader in HFS Horizons: Legacy Application Modernization Services, 2025 Recognized as a leader in HFS Horizons: Enterprise Blockchain Services, 2025 Rated as a leader in NelsonHall: Advanced Digital Workplace Services 2025 Rated as a leader in NelsonHall: Quality Engineering 2025 Infosys BPM received the 2025 ISG Star of Excellence award for BPO Services Excellence Industry & Solutions Recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Supply Chain Blue Yonder Ecosystem Services 20252026 Vendor Assessment Recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Supply Chain Overall Ecosystem Services 20252026 Vendor Assessment Recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Manufacturing Intelligence Transformation Strategic Consulting 2025 Vendor Assessment Recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Supply Chain SAP Ecosystem Services 2025-2026 Vendor Assessment Recognized as a leader in IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Supply Chain Oracle Ecosystem Services 2025-2026 Vendor Assessment Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance IT Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: Payments IT Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Positioned as a leader in Everest Group: Banking IT Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025 Recognized as a leader in HFS Semiconductor Horizons: The Best of Service Providers across the Value Chain, 2025 Recognized as a leader in HFS Horizons: Life Sciences Service Providers 2025 Recognized as a leader in HFS Horizons: Intelligent Supply Chain Services, 2025 Recognized as a leader in HFS Horizons: Travel and Hospitality Service Provider Ecosystem, 2025 Infosys Finacle positioned as a leader in Everest Group's Banking Customer Experience Orchestration Products (CXOP) PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025. Infosys Finacle along with its customers received four awards at the Global Banking and Finance Awards 2025 Innovation Awards for Excellence in Margin Finance Innovation India with HDFC Bank; Most Innovative Payments Channel Modernization in Colombia with Bancolombia; Technology Award for Best Core Banking Transformation with Real-Time Eventing with Emirates NBD Bank; and Award for Best Customer Journey Initiative in Australia with Australian Military Bank Infosys Finacle recognized as The World's Best Software Provider for Virtual Accounts 2025 and The World's Best Software Provider for Liquidity Management 2025 by Euromoney Transaction Banking Awards Read more about our Awards & Recognitions here. About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 330,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in 63 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, our future financial or operating performance, the McCamish cybersecurity incident, and the United States H-1B visa program are forward looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid working model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, the outcome of pending litigation, the amount of any additional costs resulting directly or indirectly from the McCamish cybersecurity incident, the outcome of the US government investigation, the timing, implementation, duration and effect of the September 19, 2025 proclamation signed by the president of the United States related to the H-1B visa program, and the effect of current and any future tariffs. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. Infosys Limited and Subsidiaries Extracted from the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet under IFRS as at: (in $ million) Particulars December 31, 2025 March 31, 2025 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 2,216 2,861 Current investments 769 1,460 Trade receivables 4,020 3,645 Unbilled revenue 1,477 1,503 Other current assets 1,583 1,890 Total current assets 10,065 11,359 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment and Right-of-use assets 2,128 2,235 Goodwill and other Intangible assets 1,636 1,505 Non-current investments 990 1,294 Unbilled revenue 224 261 Other non-current assets 910 765 Total non-current assets 5,888 6,060 Total assets 15,953 17,419 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Trade payables 537 487 Unearned revenue 1,235 994 Employee benefit obligations 384 340 Other current liabilities and provisions 3,399 3,191 Total current liabilities 5,555 5,012 Non-current liabilities Lease liabilities 646 675 Other non-current liabilities 465 477 Total non-current liabilities 1,111 1,152 Total liabilities 6,666 6,164 Total equity attributable to equity holders of the company 9,233 11,205 Non-controlling interests 54 50 Total equity 9,287 11,255 Total liabilities and equity 15,953 17,419 Extracted from the Condensed Consolidated statement of Comprehensive Income under IFRS for: (In $ million except per equity share data) Particulars 3 months ended December 31, 2025 3 months ended December 31, 2024 9 months ended December 31, 2025 9 months ended December 31, 2024 Revenues 5,099 4,939 15,117 14,547 Cost of sales 3,660 3,444 10,593 10,103 Gross profit 1,439 1,495 4,524 4,444 Operating expenses: Selling and marketing expenses 257 218 769 671 Administrative expenses 245 224 725 693 Total operating expenses 502 442 1,494 1,364 Operating profit 937 1,053 3,030 3,080 Other income, net of finance cost 98 90 308 249 Profit before income taxes 1,035 1,143 3,338 3,329 Income tax expense 287 337 942 981 Net profit (before non-controlling interest) 748 806 2,396 2,348 Net profit (after non-controlling interest) 747 804 2,393 2,345 Basic EPS ($) 0.18 0.19 0.58 0.57 Diluted EPS ($) 0.18 0.19 0.58 0.56 NOTES : a) The above information is extracted from the audited condensed consolidated Balance sheet and Statement of Comprehensive Income for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025, which have been taken on record at the Board meeting held on January 14, 2026. b) As the quarter and nine months ended figures are taken from the source and rounded to the nearest digits, the quarter figures in this statement added up to the figures reported for the previous quarters might not always add up to the nine months ended figures reported in this statement. Reconciliation of Reported IFRS financial measures to Adjusted non-IFRS financial measures for 3 months ended (in $ million except per equity share data) December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Reported IFRS Adjustment for Labour Codes1 Adjusted non- IFRS Reported IFRS Operating profit 937 143 1,080 1,053 Operating margin (%) 18.4 2.8 21.2 21.3 Profit before income taxes 1,035 143 1,178 1,143 Income tax expense 287 35 322 337 Net profit (after non-controlling interest) 747 108 855 804 Basic EPS ($) 0.18 0.03 0.21 0.19 Reconciliation of additional financial measures to Adjusted financial measures for 3 months ended (in $ million) December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Reported Adjustment for Labour Codes Adjusted Reported Operating cash flow 962 50 1,012 1,325 Capital expenditure 47 - 47 62 FCF non-IFRS 915 50 965 1,263 FCF as a % of Net profit 122.5 112.8 156.6 Reconciliation of Reported IFRS financial measures to Adjusted non-IFRS financial measures for 9 months ended (in $ million except per equity share data) December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Reported IFRS Adjustment for Labour Codes1 Adjusted non- IFRS Reported IFRS Operating profit 3,030 143 3,173 3,080 Operating margin (%) 20.0 1.0 21.0 21.2 Profit before income taxes 3,338 143 3,481 3,329 Income tax expense 942 35 977 981 Net profit (after non-controlling interest) 2,393 108 2,501 2,345 Basic EPS ($) 0.58 0.02 0.60 0.57 Reconciliation of additional financial measures to Adjusted financial measures for 9 months ended (in $ million) December 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 Reported Adjustment for Labour Codes Adjusted Reported Operating cash flow 3,102 50 3,152 3,375 Capital expenditure 202 - 202 179 FCF non-IFRS 2,900 50 2,950 3,196 FCF as a % of Net profit 121.0 117.8 136.1 NOTE: On November 21, 2025 the Government of India notified provisions of The Labour Codes. These Labour Codes consolidate twenty-nine existing labour laws into a unified framework governing employee benefits during employment and post-employment and amongst other things introduce changes, including a uniform definition of wages and enhanced benefits relating to leave. The adjustments for Labour Codes represent an increase in gratuity liability arising out of past service cost and increase in leave liability together by $143 million which is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Revenue growth in reported currency includes the impact of currency fluctuations. Additionally, we calculate constant currency (CC) growth by comparing current period revenues in respective local currencies converted to US$ using prior period exchange rates and comparing the same to our prior period reported revenues. A Fact Sheet providing the operating metrics of the Company can be downloaded from www.infosys.com. IFRS-INR Press Release: https://www.infosys.com/investors/reports-filings/quarterly-results/2025-2026/q3/documents/ifrs-inr-press-release.pdf Fact sheet: https://www.infosys.com/investors/reports-filings/quarterly-results/2025-2026/q3/documents/fact-sheet.pdf Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/5460444/Infosys_Logo.jpg SOURCE Infosys Willy Twiston-Davies is convinced the step back up in trip has seen Matata take his game to another level ahead of a possible trip to Windsor at the weekend. The eight-year-old tackled two and a half miles and won impressively by nine and a half lengths in the Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on New Years Day to throw himself into the reckoning for the Ryanair Chase at the Festival. But before that he could again go up in trip to two miles and six furlongs in the Fitzdares Fleur de Lys Chase at the Berkshire circuit on Sunday. Twiston-Davies, who trains in partnership with his father Nigel, said: Hes in very good order. Hes a law unto himself, he tanks away up the gallop, he looks in fine fettle. Hes remarkable and looks like hes come out of his race very well. I think the step up in trip has made a massive improvement. I dare say he might even get three miles next year, going up in trip has brought out a lot of improvement. Well work back from the Ryanair with him. Not sure (if hell run again before then). Well speak to Simon (Munir) and Isaac (Souede, owners) and Anthony (Bromley, racing manager) and see if everythings all right on Friday if we even go on Sunday. Well make sure everything is 100 per cent. Spectacularsunrise is also heading to Windsor for Fridays Fitzdares Sovereign Handicap Hurdle before an assignment at Kelso at the end of next month in the Morebattle Hurdle. The son of Passing Glance was beaten into second by Supreme Novices Hurdle hope Mossy Fen Road at Chepstow last time out but that followed two routine victories at Bangor and Kelso. Twiston-Davies added: Hes had a really good season, hes going to run on Friday and then it looks very likely that, and the plan has been for a while, to plan back from the Morebattle. (Owner) Geoff Bruce is a very good family friend, hes from Scotland and the horse is a course and distance winner there and usually it looks quite a winnable race for a lot of prize money. So I imagine what well do is go on Friday and then on to the Morebattle. The (Chepstow) winners now a short price for the Supreme. I think Spectacularsunrise is very talented. He jumps brilliantly, hes very slick the faster they go the better. Hell eventually get two and a half, two miles is no problem for him. Researchers have unearthed strong evidence of thousands of Black Death victims in a first-of-its-kind mass grave at a medieval village outside Germany. The find marks the first systematically identified burial site associated with plague victims in Europe. Between 1346 and 1353, the Black Death plague pandemic wiped out nearly half the population in some parts of the continent. Written records had indicated that about 12,000 people were buried in large pits outside the city of Erfurt, but their exact locations had remained unknown. Now, an interdisciplinary research team assessed historical sources, land measurements, and sediment cores to identify a burial structure corresponding to the plague pits described in 14th-century written records. Our results strongly suggest that we have pinpointed one of the plague mass graves described in the Erfurt chronicles, geographer Michael Hein from Leipzig University said. Definitive confirmation, however, will only be possible through planned archaeological excavation, said Dr Hein, author of the study published in the journal PLOS One. Study co-authors Nik Usmar (left) and Dr Michael Hein (right) carry out sediment coring to locate a medieval plague mass grave near Erfurt (Miriam Posselt via Leipzig University) The analysis of scientists, who tried to reconstruct the medieval land surface, revealed a large subsurface structure near the deserted medieval village of Neuses, outside Erfurt. Excavations revealed that the structure contained fragments of human remains clearly dating back to the 14th century. A major achievement of this study is that the find was made through an interdisciplinary prospection approach combining historical research with natural science methods, rather than through accidental discovery, said Ulrike Werban, another author of the study from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research. In medieval times, this mass burial was likely made at the villages drier chernozem zone or black soil rich in carbonates and humus along the valley edge of the River Gera, researchers say. Wetter floodplain soils were generally avoided for burials at the time, as bodies decomposed more slowly in such conditions. This aligns with the miasma theory that people believed in medieval times, which held that diseases spread through bad air and vapours from decaying organic matter. By linking historical, geophysical, and pedological methods, we were able to read the landscape as an archive, Dr Hein said. Soil sediment core sequences (PLOS One (2026)) The finding is significant as confirmed and precisely dated Black Death mass graves remain exceedingly rare, with fewer than ten known across Europe. Further research at the site could shed light on the evolution of the plague pathogen, Yersinia pestis, the causes of the high mortality in the mid-14th century, and how societies coped with epidemics. ...our systematic discovery of a possible plague pit may help to advance the research on the origin, spread and evolution of the Yersinia pestis pathogen (that causes plague), scientists wrote. Researchers hope the study could help systematically discover more such medieval burial sites. "This discovery is not only of archaeological and historical importance," says Christoph Zielhofer, another author of the study from Leipzig University. "It helps us to understand how societies deal with mass mortality and how modern interdisciplinary science can contribute to locating mass graves, topics that remain relevant even in the 21st century, Dr Zielhofer said. NASA commits to nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030 after Trump admin pushed for expedited timeline The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the U.S. Department of Energy have announced a commitment to develop a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030. The lunar surface reactor relies on nuclear fission to power the space agencys upcoming Artemis campaign and future missions to Mars. The agencies signed a memorandum of understanding that also aims to deploy nuclear reactors in orbit, according to NASA. The president issued an executive order in December that called for a renewed focus on the reactors and American space superiority. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said he believes it will one of the greatest technical achievements in the history of nuclear energy and space exploration. NASA and the Department of Energy have committed to develop a lunar nuclear reactor in just under four years (NASA) Under President Trumps national space policy, America is committed to returning to the moon, building the infrastructure to stay and making the investments required for the next giant leap to Mars and beyond, newly-confirmed NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, a SpaceX astronaut and friend of SpaceX founder Elon Musk, said in a statement. Achieving this future requires harnessing nuclear power. A faster timeline Former Acting Administrator Sean Duffy pushed to expedite the timeline for the reactor last summer after China and Russia announced a plan to build a nuclear reactor for a lunar base by 2035. The first country to do so could potentially declare a keep-out zone which would significantly inhibit the United States from establishing a planned Artemis presence if not there first, Duffy warned. NASA first announced that it would put a reactor on the moon within a decade in 2021. By 2024, the agency said the target date for delivering a reactor to a launchpad was in the early 2030s. Nuclear space reactors were first developed in the U.S. in the 1950s. Fly me to the moon Like nuclear reactors on Earth, the lunar reactors fission surface power works by splitting uranium atoms inside a reactor to generate heat that is then converted to electricity, according to the Department of Energy. The idea is that the reactor will be able to provide consistent power regardless of available sunlight or weather. It will have to be able to operate for years without the need to refuel. The reactors will need to be lightweight and relatively small, too, providing at least 40 kilowatts of power: which is enough to run 30 households for a decade, NASA says. An artists concept shows a fission power system on the lunar surface (NASA) A moonshot? The feasibility of putting a reactor on the moon within even decades has been questioned by some experts. NASA would need a working launch vehicle to send the reactor up on and the ability to land on the moon. It was in the last Trump administration that NASA had put out a press release, they had a YouTube video, they had these announcements about how theyre going to develop these small, modular nuclear reactors for use on the moon, and it was going to be ready by 2026, national security analyst, nuclear expert and author Joseph Cirincione told The Independent in August. Oh, really? So, where is it? Still, others are more bullish about the idea. Its possible, but it will require serious commitment, Dr. Bhavya Lal, a former associate administrator for technology, policy, and strategy at NASA, told The Independent. Sebastian Corbisiero, a senior program manager at Idaho National Laboratory who leads the Energy Departments space reactor program, told The Independent that a nuclear reactor on the moon is doable by 2030. The International Space Station is viewed from the SpaceX Dragon during its approach carrying four Nasa SpaceX Crew-11 members (Nasa) Four crew members of the International Space Station (ISS) are preparing for a medical evacuation on Wednesday after one of the astronauts suffered an undisclosed health issue. Nasas SpaceX Crew-11 mission will return to Earth aboard a Dragon capsule at 5.05pm EST (10.05pm in the UK), several weeks ahead of schedule. The US space agency did not reveal more details about which crew member is affected, citing medical privacy. It marks the first time that astronaut has been evacuated from the ISS in the 25 years that it has been continuously inhabited. The four members of the Crew-11 mission are Zena Cardman and Michael Fincke from Nasa, Oleg Patonov from Russias Roscosmos and Kimiya Yyui from Japans JAXA space agency. The homebound quartet representing Nasas SpaceX Crew-11 mission spent Tuesday packing cargo, reviewing return to Earth procedures, and transferring hardware aboard the International Space Station, Nasa said in its latest mission update. Mission managers have given the go for the return to Earth... Weather is looking excellent for Dragons parachute-assisted splashdown off the coast of California at 3.41am on Thursday. Only three crew members will remain aboard the orbital outpost following the evacuation, with control handed from Nasa commander Finke to Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov. Nasa first revealed a medical concern with one of the crew members on Thursday after cancelling the first spacewalk of the year. Nasa Administrator Jared Isaacman said in a press conference later that day that the Crew-11 mission would end early, though stressed that it was not an emergency deorbit. The unnamed astronaut was said to be in a stable condition. The capability to diagnose and treat this properly does not live on the International Space Station, he said. Were always going to do the right thing for our astronauts, but its recognising its the end of the Crew-11 mission right now. The return mission will be live streamed on Nasa+, Amazon Prime and the space agencys YouTube channel. A train crosses a bridge over a waterway in Manchester. Work on a new line connecting the city to Birmingham is not expected to start until the 2040s. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian (Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian) Like a long-promised train that finally trundles into view, the green light for Northern Powerhouse Rail was better late than never. It arrived to relief rather than rejoicing from Labour mayors. They were happy, at last, to get moving. A brief recap: the worlds most expensive and long-delayed rail line, HS2, was originally due to speed passengers from London to Birmingham and north on two separate legs to Manchester and Leeds. The northern legs were lopped off in 2023 by Rishi Sunak, the then prime minister, to widespread indignation from Labour leaders. That left Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), a new east-west network originally designed to replace the regions Victorian-era tracks with a fully electrified high-speed line. But that too was significantly scaled back under successive Conservative governments. And now, 11 years and six prime ministers since it was first conceived, a new version of NPR is on the horizon. So too is a Birmingham-Manchester line, albeit in about 20 years. Hailed by the government as the biggest transformation to travel in the north in a generation, the proposals were warmly welcomed by Labour mayors and business groups. But big questions remain. Whitehall officials haunted by the ghost of HS2 have committed only 1.1bn to the project up to 2029, imposing a cap of 45bn on spending thereafter. Any costs over that will have to be funded by northern leaders, most likely through increasing business rates (like the Crossrail levy in London), an as yet nonexistent tourist tax, or borrowing. How much the likes of Greater Manchester and Liverpool will need to stump up is unclear it depends on the scope, design and nature of the plans but it is expected to be in the billions. Would highly-taxed businesses swallow another overhead? The timing is also vague. The first phase an upgrade of the lines connecting Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford and York, with a new station for Bradford is expected to be completed in the 2030s. The following two phases (or three, depending how you count it) would follow after that. The Birmingham-Manchester line is not expected to even start until the 2040s, so unblocking the Midlands bottleneck is a distant prospect. Labour mayors have given their backing to the plans. Yet arriving at this stage took months of behind-the-scenes arm wrestling with Whitehall. One mayor said Treasury mandarins kept presenting the cheapest options, which is why NPR was not announced around the time of Labour party conference in September. The starting point was all wrong [but] weve ended up with something thats workable. Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, held out until the last minute over concerns about the funding and a perceived lack of commitment to his vision for an underground terminal at Piccadilly, the citys bustling main station. They are expected to present a united front beside Rachel Reeves when the chancellor speaks at a rail depot in Yorkshire on Wednesday but whether that fragile peace will hold is doubtful. Burnham is not the only mayor who did not get everything what he wanted; Tracy Brabin, the West Yorkshire mayor, has been irritated by the governments dithering over a tram network for Leeds, Europes biggest city without a mass-transit system. Four years ago, Labour accused the Conservative government of the great train robbery when Boris Johnson abandoned plans for a new high-speed line between Manchester and Leeds and HS2 from Birmingham to the latter. Instead, the then transport secretary, Grant Shapps, announced a new fast line between Warrington, Manchester and the edge of West Yorkshire, with upgrades across the Pennines. Liverpool and Hull losing out. The latest proposals look similar to those Labour described as a betrayal at the time. There will be a partly new line between Liverpool and Manchester and a new station in Bradford but the rest of the 70-mile route is already being upgraded as part of an 11bn programme announced in 2015. Again, Hull misses out. Its Lib Dem council leader, Mike Ross, decried it as an absolutely shocking failure by Labour. A long-anticipated plan to reopen the Leamside line, running from Gateshead to County Durham, has been backed by the government, although government officials have yet to sign off the business proposal so this once-in-a-generation project as the Labour mayor of the North East, Kim McGuinness, has called it is still at the early stages. Ambitions for the new services to be high speed appear to have been shelved. The phrase does not appear once in Labours landmark announcement, although ministers say the improvements will cut outrageously-long journey times. Anyone travelling the 29 miles between Liverpool and Manchester airport will have wondered why it can take just short of an hour and half, when the longer journey between London Paddington and Reading takes just 22 minutes. In Whitehall, officials previously sceptical of upgrading northern trains now see the benefits. They believe poor transport is to blame for the norths cities lagging behind other major European countries on productivity. Getting the norths biggest combined authorities Greater Manchester, Liverpool city region, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and the North East to UK average productivity levels would add 15bn a year to Treasury coffers, according to government estimates. In a sluggish economy, many of these areas are already going in the right direction: Greater Manchester is growing four times as fast as the UK average, Sheffield and Newcastle are growing twice as fast. Liverpool, Leeds, York and Hull are all growing faster than London on economic value per person. Yet everywhere except London and the south-east remain less productive than the UK average in terms of output per hours worked significantly so in the Midlands, Yorkshire, Humberside and the north-east. All of this, of course, is contingent on Labour winning the next election and potentially the one after that. Having finally got moving, mayors will hope that this time they will eventually reach their destination. Some older people are taking drastic measures such as using less electricity, having baths or showers less often or skipping meals this winter to make ends meet financially, Age UK is warning. Research for the charity indicates that a third (33%) of over-65s are using less electricity this winter to make ends meet, while 35% said they are turning their heating down to do this. Around one in seven (15%) will have baths or showers less often this winter to get by financially. One in 20 (5%) said they would be skipping meals this winter to help make ends meet. Age UKs crisis hiding in plain sight campaign is urging older people to check if they are entitled to extra financial support. The charity said there is no room for complacency when it comes to reducing poverty among the growing older population. Age UK said it is concerned that as many as two million pensioners could be living in poverty in the next few years. The charity said it is strongly encouraging new and existing pensioners in 2026 to check what financial support they may be eligible for, including pension credit which tops up peoples incomes to a minimum level and acts as a gateway to other financial help in later life. It said many older people miss out on financial support simply because they assume they will not qualify, or find it daunting and difficult to complete applications without help. This year, Age UK is urging every new and existing pensioner to check their eligibility for pension credit and other pensioner benefits, make applications early, and encourage others to check their eligibility too. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: As a country we need to do a lot more to tackle poverty among older people, a social ill set to worsen as our population ages we fear, unless something changes and soon. She added: In 2025, Age UKs national advice line helped 6,006 older people with benefit checks and applying for benefits, identifying more than 36 million of support averaging at 5,900 per person. This year our ambition is to exceed that if we can, because we know its one of the most important contributions we can make as a charity. For any older person trying to live on a small retirement income, every single pound counts and even a small weekly top-up could make a tangible difference. Yonder carried out a survey of more than 2,600 people across the UK aged 65-plus in October and November as part of the research, as well as a survey of more than 6,200 people aged 18 to 64. Ofgem has information on its website to help people who are struggling with energy bills. The Ofgem website says people should contact their supplier as soon as they can if they are worried about paying your bills. Ofgems rules mean that suppliers must work with customers to agree on a payment plan they can afford. Over 300 Olympic and Paralympic athletes, including Nadia Comaneci, Apolo Ohno, Bart Conner, and Cullen Jones, gathered Tuesday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the site for the 2028 Summer Games opening. To promote Wednesday's ticket registration launch for the Los Angeles Games, athletes from 28 Olympics since 1960 joined Janet Evans in a countdown to light the Olympic Cauldron under a clear blue winter sky. Janet Evans, the Olympic champion swimmer and chief athlete officer for the LA28 organising committee, said: LA is committed to delivering an athlete-centered games and that can only happen if athletes are actually at the center of our planning. The gathering felt like a homecoming to Ohno, the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian ever. He holds eight short track speedskating medals. I walked in and I literally saw like 50 of my friends that I'd grown up in the Olympic training center with for many years, he said. I haven't seen some of these people for 10 years or more. Former Olympian Jane Evans, LA28 Chief Athlete Officer, center right, stands next to Casey Wasserman, LA28 Chairperson and President, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum ahead of the launch for ticket registration to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games (AP) The athletes met with LA28 officials beforehand, with several offering suggestions on how to improve the athlete experience. We have the athlete voice in the areas that really need to be heard, said Jones, who joined the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee last summer as associate director of athlete marketing. I'm really excited to see what LA28 looks like. Conner noted that with the majority of venues already built in Los Angeles and Oklahoma City, which will host softball and canoe slalom, organizers can focus on the competitors. The Olympic cauldron is lit at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (AP) The three-time Olympic gymnast capped his career at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. The athletes know that they're the center of every decision, he said. It's not just like, let's call the athletes and see what they think about it. The athletes are already in all the board meetings. I understood today that there's more athletes involved in leadership here in the Olympic organizing committee than there are at the IOC. Registration opens at 10 a.m. EST on Wednesday at Tickets.LA28.org. It's the first step for a chance to secure a time slot to buy tickets starting in April. After registering, fans will be randomly assigned time slots to buy tickets throughout future ticket releases. Individual tickets, hospitality packages including tickets and packages involving travel and accommodations will also go on sale later this year. One of the most exciting (and adorable) parts of traveling is seeing the local wildlife. Wild animals can be as entertaining as any show or as breathtaking as any scenic view, whether they're massive predators or minuscule insects. But if you asked traveler and van life enthusiast @jamespuente_ about the tiny animals he saw on January 8, he'd say they were both! James got the sweetest close-up view of one of the smallest fox species in the world while visiting one of California's most underrated National Parks. These foxes are found only on a small chain of eight islands off the coast of California, and even though they weigh just a few pounds, their presence is larger than life. Even when curling up for a nap, these foxes could put anyone under their spell! It doesn't get any cuter than that! This unique little fox could've been mistaken for a puppy while napping so sweetly, but it's actually an island fox. As James shared, even though these are among the smallest fox species in the world, they're actually the largest land mammals on the Channel Islands. "Oh, to be a little fox sleeping all cozy with the sun as a blanket," commented @princess0kitty. Doesn't it look so comfy? Watching this adorable wild animal settle down for a nap may seem mundane, but it could put almost anyone at ease. Related: Pet Fox Couldn't Be More Curious While Meeting a Newborn Baby for the First Time @Matchaalerts agreed that this wildlife encounter is "So cool." They asked, "Are they habituated to being near humans, or was this taken with a really long zoom lens?" It turns out it's a bit of both! James confirmed that even though the foxes seemed to mind their own business, they were more than comfortable being close to the people in the campground. Even though others have likely fed them before, which led to them becoming so comfortable, feeding wild animals is never ideal. California's Island Fox Island foxes may be everywhere on six of the eight Channel Islands, located off the Los Angeles coast, but they can't be found anywhere else in the world. That being said, the islands are filled with these curious critters! "OMG, the foxes on the Channel Islands were one of my favorite parts," agreed @jupiterscompass. "Theyre so cute!" The National Park Service explains that because the island fox can't be found anywhere else, this population is technically considered a subspecies of the gray fox. In the 1990s, the number of island foxes began to decline dramatically due to the presence of golden eagles, and by 2004, they were considered an endangered species. Today, however, the population has recovered beautifully, and foxes can be seen all over the Channel Islands. SIGN UP to get pawsitivity delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Jan 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Only Trump can stop Putin from threatening Europe, says Polish president Donald Trump is the only person who can stop Vladimir Putin from remaining a threat to the whole of Europe, Polands president has said. Karol Nawrocki urged European leaders to assist the Trump administration in its efforts to end Russias war in Ukraine. Russia is still a threat for Europe, he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme on Wednesday. And Donald Trump, nowadays, is [the only] leader who can solve this problem and we have to support him in this process. At least 20 drones violated Polish airspace from Belarus and Ukraine last year, prompting a response from Nato in the form of Operation Eastern Sentry. Mr Nawrocki called the incident an extraordinary situation and added that until that time, no Nato member state had experienced a drone attack on that scale. He believes Putin sought to test Polish and Nato defences and demanded a no-fly zone at the time. We in Poland, we dont know a different Russia than aggressive Russia, he continued. Its always the threat for Poland, for Europe and for central Europe. In history, we know only the Russia who is the threat. Even nowadays in the 21st century, after Russias aggression on Ukraine. Donald Trump was a supporter of Karol Nawrocki in his election campaign last year (AFP via Getty) Mr Nawrocki, a Eurosceptic nationalist, was backed by Mr Trump in his election run last year and has remained loyal to him publicly ever since, visiting the White House in September 2025. He appeared to dodge questions about Mr Trumps controversial threat to take over Greenland, insisting that it is an issue that should be discussed between Denmarks prime minister and the president. Europe had been involved in not so important things, in ideological issues such as green deal for instance, climate policy, migration issues, he claimed. Mr Nawrocki landed in Britain on Tuesday for a series of meetings with prime minister Keir Starmer and thanked the UK for sending RAF Typhoon jets to help fortify its borders. Putin has been accused of inflicting hybrid warfare across Europe, with at least 20 drones violating Polish airspace last year (AP) I would like to express my very deep appreciation for the British soldiers who are stationed in Poland... taking responsibility for Natos eastern flank, he said. The government said that the leaders reflected on the strength of the relationship between the countries in a statement released on Tuesday. They agreed that both countries would deepen that relationship even further, from defence and security, to trade, commerce and education, it continued. Increasingly close cooperation on defence projects was good for both the bilateral relationship and European security, the prime minister added. They agreed on the importance of securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. (Nigel Howard / Evening Standard) I was initially resistant to wearing a baby on board badge. I worried it would scream, Look at me, VIP coming through. But as the hormone migraines kicked in, my muscles began to ache and my feet began to swell, I no longer fretted about so audaciously demanding special attention. I neednt have worried: no one on the Tube could care less whether youre pregnant or not. Well, thats not strictly true. In my experience, its men who couldnt care less if youre pregnant and I wasnt surprised to read this story about Tabitha Willett, a Made in Chelsea star, who has used social media to criticise male commuters for not giving up their seats. I too have been dismayed at the lack of compassion from the opposite sex. Im still confused how he could genuinely think his testicles were more important than the cantaloupe-sized baby I had wriggling around in my stomach I have been crushed in busy Tubes, thrown around as trains hurtle along the track and had my stomach squashed as people refused to move to let me off. I can count on three fingers the men who have given up their seat for me. One particular charmer was manspreading so aggressively that I couldnt fit in the seat next to him. When I asked him if he would mind moving his legs, he replied with, No, Im not going to crush my balls for you. Im still confused why he thought his testicles were bigger and more important than the cantaloupe-sized baby I had wriggling around in my stomach. I shant repeat what I said to him here, but Im sure it gave him something to talk about on whatever incel forum he spends his time on. I have found women, on the other hand, almost tribal in their desire to protect. They have asked people to move on my behalf and cleared paths when I couldnt get out. I see them checking along the carriage preemptively making sure theyll be somewhere for me to sit. At the very least, most women will give a warm, encouraging smile. The solidarity is deeply reassuring at the end of a long day as the soles of your feet burn and your back begins to throb. Sadly, its not just pregnant women who can often be dismissed. I was talking to a woman who, on the way back from a particularly gruelling chemotherapy session, explaining her situation asked someone for a seat on the bus so she could rest. They refused. Come on London, do better. Suzannah Ramsdale is lifestyle director for the Evening Standard LA JOLLA, Calif., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Technosylva, the industry leader in advanced wildfire science and operational decision-support technology for utilities and fire agencies, today announced the appointment of Tony Callini as the company's new Chief Financial Officer. Callini brings more than two decades of global financial leadership, capital markets experience, and strategic operational expertise, with a distinguished track record of helping technology and mission-driven companies scale profitably and sustainably. Tony Callini Callini's background spans executive finance roles in both publicly traded and private-equitybacked organizations, where he led initiatives across financial strategy, operational efficiency, and M&A execution. His experience guiding companies through periods of rapid growth and market expansionwhile building strong financial systems, discipline, and transparencypositions him to play a critical role as Technosylva continues to expand its presence as a global leader in wildfire modeling and climate-resilience technology. "Larger and more destructive wildfires and other extreme weather events increase the complexity of demands on our customers. Technosylva is scaling rapidly to help them stay ahead of the risk," said Bryan Spear, Chief Executive Officer of Technosylva. "Tony brings exactly the kind of seasoned financial leadership that fuels sustainable, durable growth. His expertise in driving operational excellence, building high-performing teams, and executing thoughtful M&A will help us strengthen our leadership position and continue delivering exceptional value to our stakeholders. We're thrilled to welcome him to the team." Strengthening a Trusted Platform for Customers For utilities, government agencies, and private organizations who rely on Technosylva's technology to support high-consequence operational decisions, the expanded executive team underscores the company's commitment to stability, responsibility, and long-term partnership. Callini's experience in building scalable financial and operational frameworks supports Technosylva's ongoing investments in innovation, reliability, and customer successhelping ensure that agencies and utility operators can depend on the company as a trusted, well-resourced partner in their critical risk areas. "I'm excited to join a company whose mission is more essential than ever and am impressed by the unique market opportunity," said Tony Callini. "Technosylva's combination of cutting-edge science, proven impact, and customer-focused execution creates an extraordinary foundation for growth. I look forward to supporting our team as we scale to meet global demand and deepen our commitment to innovation and operational excellence." Callini will oversee all aspects of Technosylva's financial strategy, planning, and operations, partnering closely with the executive team to support the company's global expansion and long-term strategic roadmap. About Technosylva Technosylva is the global leader in wildfire science and technology, operationalizing wildfire science to provide actionable risk analysis and mitigation solutions. Founded in 1997, Technosylva has offices in La Jolla, CA and Leon, Spain. Contact: Glynnis Harvey Mahoney Communications Group 212.220.6045 [email protected] Lucian Deaton Senior Digital Marketing Manager [email protected] SOURCE Technosylva Details of thousands of alleged ICE agents and Border Patrol employees have reportedly been leaked to an online watchdog group following the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis. The identities of around 4,500 federal agents were shared with the ICE List website by a Department of Homeland Security whistleblower, according to The Daily Beast. The data includes information on around 2,000 agents and 150 supervisors, according to Dominick Skinner, who launched ICE List. Early analysis from the volunteer-led organization suggests that around 80 per cent of those identified are still employed by the DHS. It is a sign that people arent happy within the U.S. government, clearly. The shooting was the last straw for many people, Skinner told the outlet. Protests have erupted across the country following the killing of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot three times through the windshield of her car by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, sparking outrage. In the aftermath of the shooting, Trump said the ICE agent killed Good in 'self-defense,' claiming Good 'ran over' the officer (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Skinner said individual reports about DHS personnel from the public have also spiked since Goods shooting. Ive had hotel staff sending post-it notes, bar staff sending DHS IDs, and loads of people saying their neighbour is an agent, he told The Beast. As well as information on agents and leadership personnel, the website also has information on incidents, including deportations, deaths in custody and other abuses. Site users can contribute to the online library, which contains pictures, descriptions and previous employment history for those listed. The database is also broken down by state. Mondays alleged leak to the ICE List is believed to be the largest ever breach of department staff data. As well as agents, other high-profile people listed are Laura Loomer, Fox News host Jesse Watters, and DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, who is described as an ICE propagandist. In a statement to The Independent, McLaughlin said that the alleged leak would constitute 4,500 felonies. (AFP via Getty Images) The disgusting doxxing of our officers put their lives and their families in serious danger, the statement read. Our law enforcement officers are on the frontlines arresting terrorists, gang members, murderers, pedophiles, and rapists. Now, thanks to the malicious rhetoric of sanctuary politicians, they are under constant threat from violent agitators. McLaughlin added that law enforcement is currently facing a 1,300 percent increase in assaults against them, a 3,200 percent increase in vehicular attacks against them, and an 8,000 percent increase in death threats against them. Their families are being threatened. We will not back down. Anyone who doxxes our officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, she said. Immigration Enforcement Minnesota (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Before the alleged leak, the ICE List had the details of only around 2,000 immigration staff and was also in possession of names that it had not made public. The database now has information on around 6,500 people. The website is hosted in the Netherlands, where Skinner lives, so it cannot be taken down by the U.S. government. More than half of Republicans believe the fatal shooting of Renee Good was justified, a new poll has found (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Skinner said ICE List will release the majority of names from the leak that the project can verify because ICE and CBP are in clear need of reform, and I believe working for either is a bad move on a moral level. We will make exceptions on a case-by-case basis, the best examples of which will be those who work in childcare within the agency, and nurses, he told The Beast. There will be more exceptions, but we will have a discussion once the team flags a position as something we need to think twice about. More than 90 per cent of medicines have never been tested in pregnancy (PA) When Emma* decided to try for a baby, she began to come off some of the medicines she relied on to manage her Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The complex condition affecting connective tissues has left the 35-year-old without a bladder and being fed via a tube into her small bowel. But there were some drugs she couldnt safely go without. Thats when Emma realised no one could tell her for sure whether those drugs could harm her baby. The vast majority of the information thats available is like, To be used if theres no other options, no research done. And without the medication, I will end up in hospital, so I dont really have an option but to take it, Emma says. The lack of information left her feeling guilt and anxiety. More than 90 per cent of medicines have never been tested in pregnancy, leaving millions of women around the world making this impossible choice: go without treatment or take it without full-throated reassurance from doctors that its safe. This year, in the biggest step change in a generation since the Thalidomide scandal of the 1950s and 1960s the World Health Organisation (WHO) will begin to work with scientists, doctors and drug developers to change this. That tragedy is where the origins of this situation lie. In the 1950s, a drug that had never been tested in pregnant women was given as a treatment for morning sickness. At the time, scientists didnt know that drugs could pass from mother to foetus through the placenta. It took years to realise that it was causing serious birth defects, including shortened or missing limbs. The Thalidomide scandal led to the creation of the drug safety monitoring system that still exists today in the UK, as well as the passing of the Medicines Act 1968. This law set out strict rules around how medicines had to be tested before they could be given to patients. But pregnant women whose experiences led to the creation of these safety nets were systematically excluded from trials. Not out of malice but out of fear, explains Mariana Widmer, a maternal health scientist at WHO. People have been scared to treat pregnant women since the thalidomide tragedy, Widmer says, and pregnant women are scared to be treated. Theres no one single organisation or one individual that can make this change. This change is huge. This takes time, she adds. We need collaboration and we need partnerships. And this is what we at WHO would like to do ... bring together all these players at the table and work together to make this change, thats the only way to do it. Randomised drug trials give the best information about a medicines safety (Getty/iStock) While the spectre of causing life-long disabilities in babies led to an attitude that it was better not to take the risk at all, what was neglected was the risk of leaving pregnant people out. They will have illnesses that need treatment like any other part of the population. At the moment, its often left to midwives and doctors to have a difficult conversation with them that they might need medicine to keep them and their babies well, but they need to know that this medicine has never been tested in pregnant women, Widmer says, meaning we cant be certain of their effects. After deadly bleeding, the next most common category of maternal deaths around the world is from chronic illnesses, including heart conditions, diabetes and epilepsy. Pregnant women are still dying from conditions that are otherwise preventable in others, she says. Emma is all too aware of this catch-22. One of her medications, nabilone, is a synthetic version of the compound THC found in cannabis. She takes it for relentless nausea and vomiting. Before I had the [nabilone], I was in hospital every few weeks needing IV replacements and electrolyte replacements. So its all being deemed safer that I stay on them because we know whats going to happen if I dont. And thats probably more dangerous. Because of a lack of randomised trials, much of the evidence on THC-use during pregnancy comes from recreational cannabis users who are also more likely to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol known risks to a foetus making the data meaningless, Emma was told. Similarly, coming off opiate painkillers could allow her pain to spiral to levels that could put her at risk of losing the pregnancy, she was told. Its this constant weighing up of what is more dangerous, whats not more dangerous, and its really, really difficult to make that judgement, she says. The WHO team plans to work through a list of essential medicines for the most common chronic diseases. They will produce information for people testing drugs, guiding them on how to include pregnant women safely. The next step is to incentivise drug developers to prioritise this work, partly by talking to regulators about fast-tracking the medicines once tested. We are not in the same place as we were some 70 years ago when Thalidomide started to be offered for morning sickness, Widmer explains. Scientists have a much better understanding of how to safely and thoroughly test drugs, and trials are closely regulated. We have the means to know how to do it properly in order to ensure that the woman is safe and that the baby is safe, she says. That involves testing drugs first in cells in a petri dish and in animals, then in healthy non-pregnant people, followed by non-pregnant people with health conditions. Its step by step. Its not that we will go directly to pregnant women to be included in clinical trials, Widmer says. Drug trials are particularly controlled and closely monitored environments, making it easier to pick up any problems than it is in the general population. Dr Teesta Dey worked delivering babies in the NHS for a decade and now consults on global health, but it was becoming a new mum herself that led her to do this work. While going through a complicated pregnancy with her now 15-month-old, she was taken by surprise by how difficult it was to understand what medication she could and couldnt take. Labels were unclear or contradictory. That left me in a real quandary because I didnt know: could I use it? Is it safe for me? Is it safe for my baby? And that put a huge burden on me to make that decision as a mother. When Dr Dey recently spoke at a Birth Trauma Association conference chaired by womens health minister, Baroness Gillian Merron, she heard countless stories from women who had been left not knowing whether they could take treatments for everything from extreme pregnancy sickness to heart conditions. So the reality of what happens is that people will take it off-label, which puts that onus on the women making that choice while health providers are forced to say I dont know. During the Covid pandemic, 75 per cent of vaccine studies didnt include pregnant and lactating women (AP) Were extrapolating it from male [and non-pregnant] models that have shown that its safe and effective, she says. But we know that the pregnancy state is very different. Even your circulating blood volume is increased by 40 per cent. Testing a medicine on all groups who might use it, on the other hand, would give us more reliable information about how to safely treat people. I think sometimes we focus on the risk a lot ... but we dont ever think about what are the benefits here, Dr Dey adds. Shifting our mindset is really important. A good example, she says, is what happened during the Covid pandemic, when 75 per cent of vaccine studies didnt include pregnant and lactating women. We also know from the data that this was the population of women who had the poorest outcomes, who were in hospital the most, who were burdened with this disease the most. Yet they didnt include them in the study, Dr Dey says. Because so many people received the vaccine in a short space of time including those who may not have known they were pregnant it soon became clear that the vaccine was indeed safe. But the lack of early information sowed mistrust. Its not that I want all pregnant women, regardless of the condition, to participate, Widmer stresses, but that the potential effects on pregnant women should be considered from point zero when someone decides to develop a drug that could benefit a woman during her pregnancy. A sea-change like this has happened before, in medicines for children. Until roughly 20 years ago, children were generally excluded from trials, and if they needed to be given medicines, they were treated as small adults for the purposes of dosing despite being physiologically different. In 2007, a regulation passed by the European Union said that if drug companies wanted their products to be licensed for children, they must test them on children. Now, its routine that this is done where safe. This is something that I would love to do with pregnancy, Widmer says. A WHO toolkit of information for scientists and patients is set to be launched in the spring. Dr Agnes Saint-Raymond, who was instrumental in the passing of the new rule for trials in children, says she wants to see more than just guidelines, though, calling on the WHO to make sure they commission testing of essential medicines quickly where necessary, and make public any data that already exists. Were not starting from zero information, she says, pointing to the example of paracetamol. Donald Trump caused controversy when he suggested pregnant women should tough it out and avoid the painkiller which he falsely claimed was behind a rise in autism diagnoses. But since it is an old and commonly-used medicine, we have data from millions of patients which has failed to prove a link between the two. Untreated severe pain and fever, on the other hand, do have known risks for a pregnancy. Better information on a wider range of medicines could stop people falling into this trap - but Dr Saint-Raymond acknowledges that all of this needs funding which is in short supply these days. The funding has been cut, for WHO she says and, if you dont have money, you cant do anything. Its not just an issue of safety, Dr Dey believes, but one of choice. She is critical of the paternalistic model that has fallen where women are actively excluded without even being given the opportunity to participate in a trial. Pregnant women are capable of understanding the risks and making the decision whether to take part in a trial for themselves, she says something Emma says she would consider if given the chance. Instead, Dr Dey says: Weve taken that autonomy and that control away. *Name has been changed Police have released images of a man they would like to speak to (BTP) Police have released an image of a man they would like to speak to after a woman was sexually assaulted on a London tram in broad daylight. The assault happened at around 3.40pm on Wednesday October 22 on a tram from West Croydon to Blackhorse Lane. A man sitting next to a woman during the journey assaulted her around this time, according to British Transport Police. CCTV images have now been released of an individual police think could have information that may assist their investigation. BTP said in a statement: Do you recognise this man? Detectives investigating a sexual assault on board a tram from West Croydon to Blackhorse Lane tram stop have released these CCTV images in connection. On Wednesday 22 October 2025 at around 3.40pm a man sexually assaulted a woman sat next to him on the tram. Detectives believe the man in these CCTV images may have information that could help with their investigation. Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016, or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 476 of 22 October. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. John Prescott talked of empowering local people; Angela Rayner chose to depower them When the late John Prescott introduced the Local Government Act, he promised to bring decision-making closer to the people. A quarter of a century on, his Labour successors have used it to deny the people any chance of making decisions at all. An obscure clause within the 2000 act, intended for use in extreme circumstances, gave secretaries of state the power to delay local elections. It was deployed, for example, when the Covid pandemic swept through Britain at the start of this decade. But what Prescott may not have envisioned was that a future Labour government would weaponise his act to put off elections they feared they were going to lose. First Angela Rayner then Steve Reed who succeeded her as Local Government Secretary took away the democratic right of voters to choose who governs them at a local level. Those are the words of Colin Copus, emeritus professor of local politics at De Montfort University. Steve Reed gave 63 areas the opportunity to postpone local elections due this May until 2027 - Shutterstock Prof Copus said: People in Iran are dying on the streets for the right to choose their government and we are postponing elections. We are in a very dangerous world where local elections are seen as so unimportant by the central government in this country that they can simply cancel them. For the second year in a row, Labour is using the fig leaf of local government reorganisation to put off elections that the polls suggest they will lose. Sir Keir Starmer fears he will face a leadership challenge if Labour is wiped out at the local elections in May, but postponing many of those elections will limit the damage. Reform UK, which was predicted to be the biggest winner in the elections, is trying to challenge the delays in court, arguing that the act is being wrongly interpreted and that the delays are, therefore, unlawful. Meanwhile, The Telegraph has launched a campaign to scrap it completely. Before 2000, postponement of elections required an act of parliament, as happened in 1915 and 1939 when world wars got in the way of the normal process. Even so, the 1945 general election went ahead with war still raging, and with millions of service personnel stationed abroad being able to take part. When Tony Blair became prime minister, Labour promised to devolve more power to the regions, and used the Local Government Act to give councils greater scope to decide how money was spent. Prescott, who as deputy prime minister introduced the bill that later became law, talked of empowering local people and strengthening accountability. But when Ms Rayner became deputy prime minister and local government secretary, she used the act as a means to disenfranchise local people and weaken accountability. John Prescott and Tony Blair campaigning in 2001 - Eddie Mulholland Under the guise of local council restructuring, which involved the creation of extra mayoralties and the abolition of many district councils, Ms Rayner told councils that they could postpone elections. It would be permitted if they did not have the capacity to organise them at a time when they were going through major structural changes. She claimed that holding elections for councils that were due to be abolished would be an expensive and irresponsible waste of taxpayers money, and borrowed from the Prescott playbook by saying the postponements would enable a generational power shift from Whitehall to the town hall. Prof Copus and others argue that councillors could simply be transferred across to the new authorities, and that democracy delayed is democracy denied. The head of the Electoral Commission, which is the independent watchdog for elections, has expressed serious concerns about what Labour is up to. We are concerned Vijay Rangarajan, the commissions chief executive, said last month: Scheduled elections should as a rule go ahead as planned and only be postponed in exceptional circumstances. We are concerned by the possibility of some council elections in May being postponed and even more by any further postponement to those which already had been deferred from 2025. Mr Rangarajan said that he did not regard the reason given for the postponements to be a legitimate reason for delaying long planned elections, adding: There is a clear conflict of interest in asking existing councils to decide how long it will be before they are answerable to voters. Tony Travers, associate dean of the London School of Economics School of Public Policy, said: Local elections have been postponed in the past, but what is different here is the scale of it and the fact that in some places elections have been put off twice. We have ended up with a rolling programme of election postponement and cancellation and this is going to carry on into the future. Its hard to see how this wont happen again. Prof Travers suggested that the decision on postponing elections should be taken out of the Governments hands, for example by giving the Electoral Commission the final say on whether to postpone. Prof Copus said: The problem is the ludicrously short space of time the Government has given councils to organise these changes. The answer is not to postpone the elections, but to postpone the restructuring. The Government has secured record amounts of offshore wind power in an auction that officials insisted is good for consumers and investment in the UK. The latest round of contracts under flagship renewable energy auctions is delivering 8.4 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind the amount experts have said was needed this year to keep the Government on track to meet its clean power by 2030 pledge. They comprise six new wind farm projects around the country, which will be paid 91 per megawatt hour on average for the power they generate, including Berwick Bank, in the North Sea the first new Scottish scheme since 2022, and the largest planned offshore wind project in the world. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband (PA) (Temilade Adelaja) Two others are at Dogger Bank South, off the coast of Yorkshire, and Norfolk Vanguard, off the East Anglian coast two of the largest offshore wind farms in the world. Awel Y Mor in the Irish Sea is the first Welsh project to win a contract in more than a decade. The auction round has also backed two much more expensive schemes to develop floating offshore wind technologies, which see turbines mounted on floating platforms rather than fixed foundations. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said the new projects would generate enough electricity to power 12 million homes, deliver around 22 billion in private investment, support 7,000 jobs and help the UK tackle the climate crisis. The Conservatives claimed the contracts would not lower bills, but leading analysts Aurora Energy Research said the prices would deliver a net benefit to bills over the next decade. And the price for offshore wind was agreed at 40% lower than the cost of building and operating a new gas power plant, according to a key industry metric. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: With these results, Britain is taking back control of our energy sovereignty. This is a historic win for those who want Britain to stand on our own two feet, controlling our own energy rather than depending on markets controlled by petrostates and dictators. Mr Miliband said hitting 8.4GW marked a monumental step towards Labours 2030 goal to remove almost all fossil fuels from the UKs electricity supply Under the auctions, developers bid to secure a guaranteed rate or a strike price they can charge for each megawatt hour (MWh) of power they generate. If the market price of electricity falls below that, companies receive top-up payments, but if the price is higher, companies have to pay back the difference, with consumers paying the top-up and receiving the benefits back on bills. The cost of offshore wind, seen as a key part of delivering the 2030 target, has risen in the last few years after years of falling prices and booming development. 1/ Weve secured a record-breaking 8.4GW of offshore wind, enough to power the equivalent of over 12 million homes. This is the largest amount of offshore wind procured in any auction ever in Britain or indeed Europe. Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) January 14, 2026 With this latest auction, the Government has secured a strike price of 91 per MWh on average or just over 65 in the commonly used benchmark of 2012 prices. That is significantly higher than the record low price of 37.35 in 2012 prices secured in the 2022 auction, although projects later faltered because of rising costs and no contracts were secured the following year as offered prices were too low to attract bids. The Government pointed to analysis it published on Wednesday, using the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) industry metric, putting the cost of building and operating a new gas-fired power station at 147 per megawatt hour. Head of the Energy Departments mission control to deliver the clean power pledge, Chris Stark said the UK was seeing power demand grow, after decades of it falling, as the economy grows and increasingly switches to technology such as electric vehicles. More power generation was needed, and the latest strike price was a stellar result when compared to the price of new gas plants, he said. Mr Stark said Government was confident that once the latest auction results for cheaper technologies including onshore wind and solar were announced in a few weeks, analysis would show it would lead to lower bills in the future. And he said: It gives us basically an insurance against the next price spike in the cost of fossil fuel, whenever that comes, as inevitably it will. Thats an immense insurance that we bought today: every megawatt of offshore wind that were bringing on is a few more metric tons of LNG that we dont need to import in that moment, he said. He also criticised Reform UK for threatening to rip up clean power contracts if it won power as pretty reckless by adding in extra risk, though added it did not appear to have manifested in higher prices in bids from industry. Dhara Vyas, Energy UKs chief executive, said: Todays auction results will deliver critical national infrastructure that will strengthen our energy security and deliver lower bills, as well as provide jobs, investment, and economic growth right across Great Britain. But Anne McCall, director of RSPB Scotland, warned the proposed Berwick Bank offshore wind farm is a crushing blow for marine wildlife. When 62% of seabird species are in decline across the UK, it is an absolute disgrace that public money will be used to support what is predicted to be one of the worlds most damaging windfarms for birds, she said. Andy Prendergast, GMB national secretary, said: This is a golden opportunity to on-shore supply chains and create genuine employment opportunities across the UK. Its imperative that we take it. Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho said: These are the highest prices for offshore wind in a decade and higher than the current cost of electricity. If you think your bills are too high, this wont make them any lower, she warned. Bills are now almost 200 higher than when Labour came to power and Ed Miliband is cementing our uncompetitive electricity prices for even longer at a time when the world is becoming more unstable and we need cheap, reliable energy to compete, she said. But Nick Civetta, project leader at Aurora Energy Research, said the Government has kept consumer interests in mind with our total system cost analysis indicating that at clearing prices below 94/MWh, buying offshore wind will be a net benefit to bills over the next decade. Research by Aurora has found that the Government can achieve its offshore wind target of 43GW at no additional cost to the billpayer at an auction strike price up to 94 per MWh. He added that 83% of the capacity connected in areas of high power demand and greater network capacity, lowering the cost of managing the system. The planet experienced its third warmest year on record in 2025, scientists have confirmed, underscoring an "unmistakable trend" towards a hotter climate driven by human activity. Data released by global researchers, including the UKs Met Office, the University of East Anglia, and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, revealed that 2025 marked the third consecutive year where temperatures exceeded 1.4C above pre-industrial levels. Specifically, the Hadcrut5 dataset, compiled by the Met Office, UEA, and Ncas, showed last year was 1.41C above 19th-century temperatures, placing it behind the record heat of 2024 and 2023. Europes Copernicus Era5 analysis presented an even higher figure, with temperatures reaching 1.47C above pre-industrial benchmarks. The Hadcrut5 dataset puts the average temperature over the past three years at 1.47C above 1850 to 1900, while the Copernicus monitoring found they averaged more than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. Professor Tim Osborn, director of UEAs Climate Research Unit, said the previous two years had been made even hotter by a natural climate variation in the Pacific Ocean, the El Nino pattern, which added around 0.1C to global temperatures. The Los Angeles wildfires, which began in January 2025, devastated the Palisades area (AP) That weakened in 2025 revealing a clearer picture of underlying, human-driven warming, he said. Sharp and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions would slow, and eventually stop, further human-caused changes in the worlds climate, he said. Climate scientist Colin Morice, of the Met Office, said: The long-term increase in global annual average temperature is driven by the human-induced rise in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Fluctuations in the year-to-year temperature largely result from natural variation in the climate system. Scientists confirmed the primary driver of global warming is human activity, mostly burning fossil fuels. Fossil fuels and human activity are the primary reason behind the increase in global temperatures (AFP via Getty Images) With analyses putting long-term temperatures 1.37C and 1.4C above pre-industrial levels, experts warned the world was approaching the 1.5C limit agreed by countries in the Paris climate agreement, to avoid the worst impacts of droughts, floods, extreme heat, wildfires and nature collapse. The scientists from Copernicus also said the past 11 years were the warmest on record. Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, said: The fact that the last 11 years were the warmest on record provides further evidence of the unmistakable trend towards a hotter climate. The world is rapidly approaching the long-term temperature limit set by the Paris agreement. We are bound to pass it; the choice we now have is how to best manage the inevitable overshoot and its consequences on societies and natural systems. Commenting on the findings, Prof Richard Allan, climate scientist at the University of Reading, said: The sustained warmth into 2025, without the natural warming influence of El Nino, underscores the urgency of halting the heating of planet Earth and growing climate impacts by rapidly cutting greenhouse gases across all sectors of society. John Marsham, Professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of Leeds, said: Impacts on ecosystems, and human food and water systems are rapidly escalating and we are risking a climate that, in my kids lifetimes, is almost as different from our natural climate as the last ice-age was, only hotter instead of colder. This will be catastrophic for ecosystems, human health, and our food and water systems. He said: At the recent National Emergency Briefing on Climate and Nature, MPs heard that the UK taking action can be profit making, even if other countries dont act with renewables lowering costs, creating jobs and providing energy security, adding people needed to call for urgent action. Captain Vladimir Motin, 59, who has gone on trial over the entirely avoidable death of one of his crew in a collision with an oil tanker anchored near the Humber Estuary (Crown Prosecution Service/PA) A container ship captain is facing accusations after a fatal collision, with a court hearing he spotted an oil tanker on his radar but waited until it was just one nautical mile away before attempting to avert disaster. Russian national Vladimir Motin, 59, was on sole watch duty when his vessel, the Solong, collided with the anchored Stena Immaculate near the Humber Estuary last March. The Old Bailey heard that Filipino Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, who was working at the front of the Solong, died as both ships were engulfed in flames, though his body has never been found. On Wednesday, Motins defence barrister, James Leonard KC, conceded there was no dispute his client failed to avoid the collision, but stated the extent of his fault would be a central issue. The defendant had accepted he was the officer navigating the Solong alone on the bridge from 8am on the morning of the collision. CCTV from the US registered oil tanker Stena Immaculate after the Solong collided with it, causing a huge fire (Department for Transport/PA) He was aware of the Stena Immaculate via radar at least nine nautical miles away and that it was directly in the path of the Solong, Mr Leonard said. The defendants ship had been on autopilot travelling at a speed of around 16 knots. When the Solong was around three nautical miles away, Motin had visual sight of the Stena Immaculate, Mr Leonard said. He told jurors: The defendant will say that when he was approximately one nautical mile away from the Stena Immaculates position, he tried to take the Solong out of autopilot so as to attempt to change course to starboard manually, passing to the Stena Immaculates stern. There is no dispute that had he changed course in the way he intended, there would have been no collision. That attempt was not successful and the Solong did not change course at all. The barrister invited jurors to consider whether it was reasonable to wait until the Solong was one nautical away from the Stena Immaculate before attempting to steer away, and why he waited until that point. Handout photo of Mark Angelo Pernia, in a boiler suit on a ship Other issues were what if anything Motin should have done after he became aware of the Stena Immaculate when the Solong was at least nine nautical miles away but before he had actual visual sight of it around three nautical miles away. Jurors were also invited to consider what Motin should have done when the Stena Immaculate was three nautical miles away and before it reached a distance of one nautical mile. Detective Constance Richard Bayley was called to present prosecution evidence, including audio recordings from the Solong before and after the crash. Jurors then viewed graphic video footage of the moment the Solong smashed into the side of the Stena Immaculate sending plumes of flame and smoke into the air. A minute went by before Motin could be heard on audio saying: Stena Immaculate, Stena Immaculate. In a recording from the Stena Immaculate, a loud crash was heard followed by American crew members shouting: Holy shit..what just hit usa container shipthis is no drill, this is no drill, fire fire fire, we have had a collision. In the background, multiple alarm bells could be heard ringing out and a ships horn was repeatedly sounded. In another piece of video footage from the Solong, a male voice was heard saying: Lord help us. Lord help us. Lord help us. Previously, prosecutor Tom Little KC asserted the death of Mr Pernia was entirely avoidable. At the time of the crash at 9.47am last March 10, the US registered Stena Immaculate was carrying large quantities of aviation fuel which leaked out, causing both ships to be engulfed in a huge blaze when the Solong crashed into it. Members of the Solong crew tried to search for Mr Pernia but could not access parts of the ship because of the fire. Motin left the bridge via an outside ladder and abandoned ship. The remaining crew left on a lifeboat before being brought to shore on a rescue boat. The Solong, which was 130 metres long and weighed 7,852 gross tonnes, had departed Grangemouth in Scotland at 9.05pm on March 9 bound for the port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The vessel, with a 14-strong crew, was carrying mainly alcoholic spirits and some hazardous substances, including empty but unclean sodium cyanide containers, the court was told. The Stena Immaculate, with a crew of 23, was 183.2 metres long and was transporting more than 220,000 barrels of JetA1 high grade aviation fuel from Greece to the UK. Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Justice Baker discharged a juror, saying he had been observed distracting himself and not focusing himself on the evidence in the trial on Wednesday morning. After lunch, the judge explained to the remaining 11 jurors that he had demonstrated an unfitness to serve on the jury. Motin, from Primorsky, St Petersburg, has denied manslaughter and the Old Bailey trial continues. Sir Keir Starmer has said he wont back down in his fight with Elon Musk over the creation of deepfakes using Xs AI tool Grok amid claims the social media platform has now restricted the chatbot from creating sexualised images. The use of Grok to create sexually explicit content, including child sexual abuse, has prompted a wave of concern among ministers, with the regulator Ofcom announcing an investigation into claims the tool was being used to digitally undress people. Sir Keir piled pressure on the tech billionaire to take action after he initially only restricted access to the creation of images to Xs premium subscribers following the backlash describing the move as horrific and suggesting X could be banned in the UK if it failed to act to stop it completely. Now, Mr Musk, who initially claimed any plans to ban the platform were fascist and accused the UK of trying to curb free speech, has reportedly removed the function. Speaking at PMQs on Wednesday, Sir Keir said: The actions of Grok and X are disgusting and theyre shameful, and frankly, the decision to then turn this into a premium service is horrific, and were absolutely determined to take action here. Weve made it clear that X has to act, but if not, Ofcom has our full backing and will introduce, and are introducing, legislation. I have been informed this morning that X is acting to ensure full compliance with UK law. If so, that is welcome, but were not going to back down. They must act. Starmer: The actions of Grok and X are disgusting and theyre shameful (Parliament TV) The PM was responding to Emily Darlington, Labour MP for Milton Keynes Central, who said: If reports are correct, Elon Musk has climbed down today under pressure from this government. And lets be clear, stripping women naked without consent in real life or online is abuse. But we dont know whether to trust what X is saying today, and this isnt just happening on X. Ms Darlington then revealed to The Independent that in the minutes after her question to the prime minister, people had put in requests to Grok asking for AI-generated pictures of her in a bikini or stripped naked. She said: Fortunately, Grok does not seem to have responded to them, so hopefully a change has been made. The MP added: What I think is really important about whats happening is, really clearly, we can enforce UK law. We can stand up to these tech giants, yeah, and they will change. She argued that the UKs position as one of the two centres of the English language, along with the US, gives it much more power in dealing with social media giants. Labour MP Emily Darlington was the target of online trolls moments after asking her question on X (House of Commons) Ms Darlington added: The next battle is over elections and dealing with deep fakes and algorithms which favour certain political parties. A climbdown by Elon Musk and X would mark a rare victory for Sir Keir after the government also said it would bring into force a law making the creation of non-consensual sexual images illegal after the row. Technology secretary Liz Kendall said the criminal offence would be brought into force this week under the Data (Use and Access) Act passed by Parliament last year. However, a spokesperson for the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology said while the legal steps to introduce the offence were being made this week, it would not come into force until February. Ms Kendall also condemned the platforms decision to limit some use of Groks image-generating function to Xs paying subscribers, saying the platform was monetising abuse. Downing Street and X have been contacted for comment. Another person has come forward with sexual abuse allegations against actor Timothy Busfield, who remains in jail after turning himself in on multiple child sexual abuse charges. The West Wing star, 68, surrendered to Albuquerque police Tuesday, four days after an arrest warrant charged him with two counts of criminal sexual contact and child abuse in connection with alleged incidents that occurred while working on the set of Fox series The Cleaning Lady. The actor, who is married to Melissa Gilbert, declared in a video before his arrest, I did not do anything to those little boys. Busfields lawyer, Larry Stein, said in a statement shared with The Independent: Tim Busfield denies the allegations in the criminal complaint and maintains they are completely false. As a voluntary step, he submitted to an independent polygraph examination regarding those allegations and passed. Hours after he turned himself in to police, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bergman and Deputy DA Savannah Brandenburg-Koch filed paperwork Wednesday morning to keep Busfield behind bars while he awaits trial, saying that no conditions of release will reasonably protect the safety of any other person or the community. To emphasize the prosecutors concerns, the pretrial detention motion brought to light claims alleging that Busfield groped a 16-year-old girl. According to the court filing obtained by Deadline, the father of the newest alleged victim came forward Tuesday and told police that several years ago, his teen daughter alleged that Busfield kissed her and put his hands down her pants and touched her privates while she auditioned at the Sacramento theatre he founded, B Street Theatre. Actor Timothy Busfield surrendered to Albuquerque police Tuesday on charges of child sexual abuse (Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center) A new sexual abuse allegation has emerged against Timothy Busfield, who is married to actor Melissa Gilbert (Getty) Busfield allegedly begged the family to not report to law enforcement if he received therapy, the filing said. The alleged victims dad, who is a therapist himself, said he thought at the time that was the best thing to do. The motion stated: The Defendant poses an ongoing and serious danger to children and the community. His conduct reflects a calculated pattern of grooming, lack of boundaries, and exploitation of professional authority to gain access to minors. Prosecutors also said that witnesses to the Emmy winners alleged inappropriate behavior told investigators they were afraid Busfield would retaliate and hurt their careers in the wake of the allegations against him. Busfields representatives did not immediately return The Independents request for comment about the new allegations. The actor, wearing an orange jumpsuit, did not enter a plea during his first court appearance Wednesday. He will remain jailed until his next court appearance, set to occur within the next week, to argue against the pretrial detention motion. He potentially faces decades in prison if he is found guilty. Known for his roles in The West Wing and Field of Dreams, Busfield was working on season two of The Cleaning Lady as a director and executive producer when he met the two young boys who accused him of inappropriately touching them. One of the boys alleged that the incidents started when he was seven years old, according to the arrest warrant. The Fox show was cancelled last year. Stein said in a statement that the allegations against him are an attempt by the boys mother to get revenge after the actors were not cast in the final season of the show. The director has maintained his innocence and said he is determined to clear his name with the support of Gilbert, who also released a statement defending him and asking for privacy after his arrest. Warner Brothers conducted a probe into complaints against Busfield in February 2025 after an anonymous witness claimed they saw the actor kiss a six-year-old boy on the face while he was getting a haircut. The companys third-party investigator did not find any evidence of inappropriate behavior, but police noted in the arrest warrant that she was not able to talk with anyone who would support evidence that Timothy Busfield engaged in this behavior. Busfield has faced two other accusations of sexual assault reported in 1994 and 2012, according to the pretrial detention motion. In the first instance, a 17-year-old extra on Little Big League sued Busfield and accused him of serving her alcohol and attempting to have sex with her in his trailer. Busfield denied the claims and countersued for extortion, leading him to pay $150,000 in costs after the parties settled privately. The incident in 2012 occurred after a 28-year-old woman accused Busfield of sexually assaulting her at a movie theater in Los Angeles. The case was closed due to lack of evidence. New details have emerged about the relationship between Tommy Lee Jones and his daughter, Victoria, in the years before her death aged 34. Victoria was found unresponsive at the Fairmont Hotel in the early hours of New Years Day. Her cause of death has not been confirmed, but police said no foul play is suspected. In the weeks since, it has emerged that Jones sought a temporary conservatorship to protect his adult daughter from her own life-threatening conduct two years before her death, according to court documents. A conservatorship is a legal agreement where the government appoints someone to make decisions for a person who is unable to take care of themself. The Oscar-winning actor successfully filed a petition to put Victoria under a conservatorship in August 2023, arguing that she needed drug rehabilitation. At the time, Victoria was under a 14-day involuntary hold at a hospital for posing a danger to herself or others, according to court records obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle. Jones petition stated that Victoria, who was 31 at the time, had appealed her hold at the hospital and instead asked to move to a rehabilitation facility. Tommy Lee Jones sought temporary conservatorship for his daughter, Victoria Jones, years before her death (Getty) The proposed conservatee needs to recover and work towards sobriety. For these reasons, the proposed conservatee will suffer irreparable harm if her residence is not changed from a hospital to a rehab facility, the petition said. Jones asked in the petition that the request for conservatorship be kept from his daughter as well as other family members out of concern that if Victoria found out, she would disappear once again. He said that, at the time, his daughter could not appreciate the consequences of her actions. The judge granted the request within days of the filing, and a woman named Margaret Caron Schmierer was named as her temporary conservator, according to the Chronicle. The conservatorship was later extended on a short-term basis before Jones asked the court to dismiss the conservatorship in December of that year. Victoria was the second child of Jones and his second wife, Kimberlea Cloughley, whom he was married to from 1981 to 1966. The former couples first-born son, Austin, is 43. Growing up, Victoria followed in her actor fathers footsteps, appearing in Men in Black II and on a 2005 episode of One Tree Hill. In the last years of her life, she did not continue acting but appeared alongside Jones on red carpets. Victorias family requested privacy in a statement after her death, saying: We appreciate all of the kind words, thoughts and prayers. Please respect our privacy during this difficult time. ASHBURN, Va., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (JCP), the flagship journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology (ACCP), proudly celebrates its 65th anniversary, marking more than six decades of leadership in advancing the science and practice of clinical pharmacology, enhancing research, drug development and patient care on a global scale. Since its founding, JCP has served as a premier, peer-reviewed forum for high-quality research that informs drug development, regulation, and patient care worldwide. To commemorate this milestone, JCP is recognizing its rich history, scientific impact, and continued role in shaping the future of the discipline of clinical pharmacology. Over 65 years, the journal has published foundational and practice-changing research spanning the full continuum of clinical pharmacology, from early translational science to regulatory and patient-focused applications. A central element of the anniversary is a series of special virtual issues curated under the leadership of Editor-in-Chief John van den Anker, MD, PhD. These include a commemorative issue highlighting the most highly cited papers published since the journal's inception, underscoring JCP's enduring influence on the field, as well as the McKeen Cattell Memorial Awards recognizing outstanding research paper published in the journal. Additional issues will present state-of-the-art reviews across major areas of clinical pharmacology, reflecting both the evolution of the discipline and emerging directions in research and practice. The anniversary will also be recognized through special acknowledgments at the ACCP Annual Meeting and prominent anniversary branding across JCP publications. Together, these efforts honor the journal's legacy while emphasizing its continued commitment to scientific rigor, innovation, and clinical relevance. As JCP marks this milestone, ACCP recognizes the authors, reviewers, editors, and readers whose dedication has sustained the journal's excellence for more than six decades. The 65th anniversary is both a celebration of past achievements and a reaffirmation of the mission of both the journal and the society to advance clinical pharmacology in service of better therapies and improved patient outcomes around the globe. About ACCP ACCP is a non-profit association providing accredited Continuing Education, publications and career-enhancing opportunities to clinical pharmacology healthcare professionals. SOURCE American College of Clinical Pharmacology A top chef has defended his Michelin-star Welsh restaurant after it was given a one-star hygiene rating by health inspectors. Gareth Ward insisted he is not embarrassed over the assessment of Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms, near Machynlleth in Ceredigion, which charges almost 500-per-head for dinner. Waless only two-Michelin-star restaurant was awarded the one-out-of-five score, meaning major improvement necessary, following an inspection by food safety officers last November. But Mr Ward, the chef behind the restaurant, who previously featured on MasterChef: The Professionals, told the BBC that Ynyshir is working at the highest standard in the world, arguing that it is merely doing something different in its approach to raw ingredients and techniques. The Michelin Guide describes the restaurant as a truly unique experience. The Michelin Guide describes the restaurant as a truly unique experience (Ynyshir) But the inspection results, published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), declare that the management of food safety in Ynyshir requires major improvement, while the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building also need to be improved. Hygienic food handling was rated as generally satisfactory. Mr Ward claimed that the inspectors had questioned the restaurants use of raw as well as aged ingredients among the points they raised. But he told the BBC: We buy in the best ingredients from around the world, and a lot of it I serve raw. Im buying sashimi-grade fish from Japan, and theyre questioning, Well, we dont know the water, so how do we know its sashimi grade? Well, it is sashimi grade, this stuffs eaten raw all over the world, and just because our rules dont fit their rules, theyre questioning it. Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms, near Machynlleth in Ceredigion, charges almost 500 per person for dinner (Supplied) He added: Ive got a salt chamber for ageing fish, but they obviously dont like the idea of ageing stuff. However, the chef insisted he remains confident. He told the broadcaster: Im not embarrassed by it, Im not upset by it. The people in life that push the hardest and think outside the box and do something different will always have to deal with this kind of stuff. My standards never drop below 100 per cent. Im not at all ashamed, but I am disappointed. Im not sat here thinking, Oh my god, Im embarrassed, Ive done something wrong, because we havent. What we have done is something different. Ceredigion County Council, which led the inspection, said: The council stands by the professional judgement of our staff in applying UK food hygiene standards and will not be commenting further. The FSA said that urgent or major improvements to hygiene standards must be made if a low rating is given. The Independent has approached Ynyshir for further comment. Trump gives middle finger and mouths f*** you to Ford plant heckler who called him a pedophile protector Donald Trump appeared to mouth an expletive and stick up his middle finger after being heckled at an automotive plant in Michigan. In a video obtained Tuesday by TMZ, the president was accosted by the off-camera heckler at the Ford factory in Dearborn, who can be heard calling him a pedophile protector in apparent reference to the administrations handling of the Epstein files. Trump seemingly mouths f*** you back at the worker before walking off, waving and smiling. The heckler has been identified by The Washington Post as TJ Sabula, a 40-year-old line worker at the factory. He is a member of the United Auto Workers Local 600 in Dearborn. Donald Trump mouthed an expletive and stuck up his middle finger after being heckled at an automotive plant in Michigan (AFP/Getty) Sabula told the publication, As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever, even though he said hes been suspended from his job pending an investigation into the matter. The worker claims he has been targeted for political retribution for embarrassing Trump in front of his friends. White House director of communications Steven Cheung said the presidents reaction was appropriate. A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response, Cheung told The Independent in a statement. At the time of the incident the president was taking a tour of the Ford F-150 plant (AFP/Getty) The Independent has also contacted Ford for comment. At the time of the incident, the president was taking a tour of the Ford F-150 plant, for which he was joined by Bill Ford, the companys executive chairman and grandson of Henry Ford, and Jim Farley, the companys president and CEO. Despite the heckling, elsewhere on the tour, workers were seen cheering and taking selfies with the president, according to The Washington Post. Trump later gave a speech at the Detroit Economic Club. The heckler has been identified by The Washington Post as TJ Sabula, a 40-year-old line worker at the factory (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty) The criticism of Trump as a pedophile protector comes after the administration and the Department of Justice continue to deal with the fallout from the presidents alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein the disgraced financier. Trump has consistently denied having ties to Epstein and has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing, but the subject has dogged the first year of his second presidency and caused a schism among his MAGA supporters. The likes of Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie defied the White House to force a November House vote compelling the Department of Justice to release all unclassified files connected to Epstein. Donald Trump at a Ford production center in Dearborn, Michigan, on Tuesday. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters (Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters) Donald Trump gave someone the middle finger on Tuesday, reportedly responding to shouts admonishing him as a pedophile protector as he toured a Michigan Ford plant. The celebrity news and gossip site TMZ shared a short video featuring the US presidents flustered response to someone heckling off-screen, during which he appears to issue the hand gesture. Trump spent Tuesday afternoon touring Fords River Rouge complex in Dearborn before giving a speech at the Detroit Economic Club. Related: Trump claims victory on US economy despite many Americans cost of living concerns White House communications director, Steven Cheung, didnt confirm whether Trump flashed his middle finger, but said in a statement issued to the Guardian that he gave an appropriate and unambiguous response when a lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage. In the roughly 15-second clip, a person can be heard yelling from the floor of the Ford plant while Trump looks down from a railing. TMZ claims Trump yelled obscenities before giving the finger. A spokesperson for Ford told TMZ they were generally proud of how their employees represented the company and that it was a great event. But, they added, they dont condone anyone saying anything inappropriate in their facilities. When that happens, we have a process to deal with it but we dont get into specific personnel matters, they said. The yelling, and Trumps reaction to it, comes as the Trump administration faces increasing pressure to release the so-called Epstein files, documents expected to expose the dealings of the disgraced financier and sex trafficker in greater detail. The Department of Justice has released less than 1% of the files, according to court filings in the first week of January, even after a federal law required they be released in full in mid-December. Last week, two US representatives, California Democrat Ro Khanna and Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie, pushed a US district judge to release the files in full. The US attorney general Pam Bondi, who is overseeing the process, claims it has been slowed to protect the identities of Epsteins victims. The documents that have been shared are heavily redacted and reveal little, inciting sharp questions from top Democrats about whats not being disclosed. Trump, who had been photographed with Epstein and had a long association with him, initially resisted the release of the files. He president has also tried to dismiss the files as a hoax. Donald Trump speaks at the Detroit Economic Club on 13 January 2026 in Detroit. Photograph: Ryan Sun/AP (Photograph: Ryan Sun/AP) Donald Trump has revived his stalled push to cut federal funding for a number of Democratic-run states, announcing that any with a perceived sanctuary city status will not receive payments after 1 February. The president made the statement during a freewheeling address at the Detroit Economic Club on Tuesday night, shortly after he gave the middle finger to a heckler at a Ford plant in the city. Starting February 1, we are not making any payments to sanctuary cities or states having sanctuary cities because they do everything possible to protect criminals at the expense of American citizens, he said. Critics immediately called the move unconstitutional and immoral. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), meanwhile, in a post on X, sought to justify Trumps pronouncement by complaining that sanctuary jurisdictions wont let us in their jails to arrest the violent criminal illegal aliens in their custody. The post said: As a result, DHS officers are forced to find the released criminal illegal aliens on the streets WITHOUT the support of local law enforcement Sanctuary politicians are fighting for criminal illegal aliens. President Trump and [DHS] Secretary Noem are fighting for the victims of illegal alien crime. Related: Trump administration ends temporary protected status for Somalis in US Trumps previous efforts to use sanctuary cities, a loosely defined term for local jurisdictions that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities, as a tool to withhold money to political rivals have run into trouble. In August, a district judge in San Francisco called the Trump administrations push to deny funding to more than 30 cities a coercive threat and issued a preliminary injunction blocking it from doing so. A federal appeals court is currently weighing Judge William Orricks ruling. Trumps comments in Detroit indicate a renewed approach to the policy by denying money not only to sanctuary cities themselves, but any state that contains one. A justice department list identifies 11 states and the District of Columbia, all under Democratic control, as places that materially impede enforcement of federal immigration statutes and regulations, as well as 18 cities and three counties. It breeds fraud and crime and all of the other problems that come, so were not making any payment to anybody that supports sanctuary cities, Trump said. Brandon Johnson, the Democratic mayor of Chicago, promised he would take legal action to fight the edict. President Trumps announcement that he will attempt to cut off federal funds from Chicago for political reasons is blatantly unconstitutional and immoral, he said in a statement. Those are funds that belong to the people of Chicago, not the president. Instead of investing in healthcare, education and jobs, this president is spending taxpayer dollars building up his personal militarized force in [Customs and Border Protection] and [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and enriching his corporate donors. Chicago will never back down from a fight. To the president, our message is simple: Well see you in court. Trump has escalated his financial assault on blue states in recent days and months, last week freezing more than $10bn in federal childcare and family assistance funds to California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York, all of which have Democratic governors. The order by the Department of Health and Human Services, which cited alleged fraud for its decision, was blocked temporarily by a district court judge over the weekend. In October, the Trump administration moved to cancel $7.6bn in grants to support clean energy in 16 states, all of which voted for the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. The terminations, district court judge Amit Mehta said on Monday in a 17-page order blocking the action, were primarily if not exclusively based on whether the awardee resided in a state whose citizens voted for President Trump in 2024. Trumps Detroit speech was intended to address the affordability crisis that threatens to weaken support for Republicans in a midterm election year. But as often happens when the president takes the podium, he veered off into numerous unrelated subjects. He spent a portion of his remarks assailing the Somali community in the US, particularly in Minnesota, where a federal immigration shot and killed an unarmed US citizen last week, and where the FBI has spent weeks investigating alleged fraud in accessing federal programs. Without expanding on details, Trump said he would reverse [the] citizenship of any naturalized immigrant from Somalia or anywhere else who is convicted of defrauding our citizens, an action legal experts say can only be taken against naturalized citizens for committing fraud during the naturalization process. Earlier on Tuesday, the White House announced it was ending temporary protected status (TPS) for Somalis living in the US. According to government figures, only 705 Somali nationals were covered by TPS as of March 2025. Demonstrators in Tehran. Donald Trump warned of very strong action if Iran went ahead with threatened hangings of protesters. Photograph: AP (Photograph: AP) The US and UK have evacuated some personnel from a military base in Qatar amid concerns Washington might soon launch military action against Iran, although tensions between the two countries appeared to lessen on Wednesday night. A US official told Reuters and the Associated Press on Wednesday that the withdrawal was a precaution, while diplomats said some forces had been advised to leave al-Udeid base in Qatar. The UK is also withdrawing staff from the base, the Guardian understands. In the early hours of Thursday, reports emerged that Iran had closed its airspace to all flights except international flights to and from Iran that had been given permission. The flight-tracking website Flightradar24 said the advisory was valid for a little more than two hours. Hours earlier, Lufthansa said its flights would avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice. The group, which includes Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Eurowings, Swiss and ITA Airways, said in a statement that it was bypassing the airspace due to the current situation in the Middle East and that some flights could be cancelled. Lufthansa said it would operate its routes to Israel and Jordan as daytime flights from Thursday to Monday next week. In June, Iran struck al-Udeid after the US hit nuclear enrichment facilities in Iran, though the strike was telegraphed and largely symbolic. In contrast to indications of an imminent US strike, however, Donald Trump said he had been told on good authority that plans for executions in Iran had stopped, despite evidence to the contrary in Iran. Weve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping its stopped its stopping, said Trump. And theres no plan for executions, or an execution, or executions so Ive been told that on good authority. He said military action was still on the table and that he would wait for next steps from Iran. The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, insisted the situation in control was under control, and urged the US to engage in diplomacy. Now theres calm. We have everything under control, and lets hope that wisdom prevails and we dont end up in a situation of high tension that would be catastrophic for everyone, Araghchi told Fox News. Iranian officials previously warned the US not to intervene in nationwide protests as Trump reviews options for a strike on the country. The US president had promised to rescue protesters if Iranian authorities carried on killing them. A senior Iranian official said Iran had told regional countries that host US bases, such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey, that it would attack those bases in the event of a US strike. Israeli assessments, according to Reuters, indicate Trump has decided to intervene in Iran, but it is unclear what form or scale military action could take. Defying Trumps threat, the Iranian government has signalled that detained protesters will face speedy trials and executions. Irans judicial chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, told state media: If we want to do a job, we should do it now. If we want to do something, we have to do it quickly. If it becomes late, two months, three months later, it doesnt have the same effect. If we want to do something, we have to do that fast. Human rights groups have warned that executions of protesters could take place soon. A 26-year-old protester, Erfan Soltani, was slated to face execution on Wednesday, the first anti-government demonstrator to be given a death sentence. Soltanis family said prison authorities had informed them that his execution had been postponed, without giving any further details. Trump warned on Tuesday that the US would take very strong action if executions of protesters began. If they do such a thing, we will take very strong action, Trump said in an interview broadcast on Tuesday. Neighbouring countries to Iran, including Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, have reportedly discouraged the US from intervening in Iran, warning that doing so could ignite a full-scale war. Such a war would certainly have severe consequences not only on the Middle East but on the global economy, a Cairo-based diplomat told the Associated Press, pointing to a potential response by Iranian-backed militias across the region. A western official also told Reuters that while the unrest in Iran was happening on an unprecedented scale, the government did not seem likely to collapse and Irans security apparatus seemed firmly in control. The death toll in Iran has soared as authorities have carried out a brutal crackdown: 2,571 people have been killed and more than 18,100 arrested, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists news agency (HRANA). The death toll from the two-week protest movement dwarfs any other in Iran since its 1979 revolution. Protesters said there was a heavy security force on Wednesday as authorities carried out a mass funeral for 100 security forces killed in demonstrations. Tens of thousands of government supporters attended the funeral near Tehran University carrying pictures of the Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and waving the Iranian flag. A presenter chanted as mourners gathered by trucks laden with Iranian-flag draped caskets, stacked three rows high. All of our problems are because of America, todays economic problems are because of American sanctions. Death to America! the presenter yelled. Related: Hundreds of gunshot eye injuries found in one Iranian hospital amid brutal crackdown on protests Iranian state television has offered the first official acknowledgment of the deaths, quoting an official saying the country had a lot of martyrs. On Tuesday evening, the US state department warned American citizens to leave Iran immediately. Other western countries issued similar travel warnings. Earlier, Trump had posted a message of support to protesters on Truth Social. Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! he wrote. Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. In response, Irans UN mission said Washingtons playbook would fail again. The statement posted on X said: US fantasies and policy toward Iran are rooted in regime change, with sanctions, threats, engineered unrest, and chaos serving as the modus operandi to manufacture a pretext for military intervention. Related: Why Trumps options are limited when it comes to using force against Iran Iranian authorities claimed they had regained control of the country after successive nights of mass protests nationwide since Thursday, relaying messages to foreign counterparts that protests had been quelled. After authorities severed communications during the crackdown, Iranians were on Tuesday able to make phone calls abroad for the first time in days. Security service personnel have apparently been searching for Starlink satellite internet terminals, as people in northern Tehran reported authorities raiding apartment buildings with satellite dishes. While satellite television dishes are illegal, many in the capital have them in homes, and officials had broadly given up on enforcing the law in recent years. Activists said on Wednesday that Starlink was offering free service in Iran. Iranian state media have aired at least 97 confessions from protesters since 28 December, according to HRANA. The group said testimony it had collected from those released showed these confessions were coerced, often after torture. The group says such coerced confessions can lead to severe consequences, including state executions. With Associated Press and Reuters Gareth Ward's Ynyshir restaurant has been praised as one of the best in the world. Photograph: Francesca Jones/The Guardian (Photograph: Francesca Jones/The Guardian) The chef behind a Welsh restaurant with two Michelin stars says it has the highest standards in the world, despite being given a one-star hygiene rating in a recent inspection. Ynyshir, a restaurant with rooms near Machynlleth on the southern edge of the Eryri national park, has been praised as one of the best in the world. It opened in 2013 and gained its first Michelin star a year later. It received another in 2022, making it the first site in Wales to win two stars. Prices start at 468 per person. The restaurant scored one out of five from a visit by Food Standards Agency officers on 5 November, meaning major improvement is necessary. Chef patron Gareth Ward told the BBC on Wednesday he was not embarrassed by the rating, which he said was due to inspectors concerns about the use of raw and aged ingredients. Im buying sashimi-grade fish from Japan and theyre questioning, Well, we dont know the water, so how do we know its sashimi grade? Well, it is sashimi grade, this stuffs eaten raw all over the world and just because our rules dont fit their rules, theyre questioning it Ive got a salt chamber for ageing fish but they obviously dont like the idea of ageing stuff. Im not at all ashamed but I am disappointed. Im not sat here thinking, Oh my God, Im embarrassed, Ive done something wrong, because we havent. What we have done is something different. Ward, a former contestant on MasterChef: The Professionals, said Ynyshir employs a specialist compliance company to address food safety and has a 50,000 freezer capable of reaching temperatures of -80C (-112F). After the inspection, the restaurants fish was sent away for independent laboratory testing, which found no concerns. Ward acknowledged that the food safety officers were not 100% wrong, and has since installed an additional hand-washing station in the fish preparation area. He also said paperwork problems contributed to the poor score. Some of our paperwork wasnt right, and thats our fault, he said. Sometimes you miss stuff or sometimes you write stuff down wrong or forget Id need a full-time office worker doing the paperwork to get it perfect every time. In Wales and Northern Ireland, all food establishments are legally required to display their hygiene rating in a prominent place. In a statement, a spokesperson for Ynyshir said the business had requested a reinspection but no date had been set. The Government has secured a record 8.4 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power in its flagship auction for green energy schemes. The latest round of contracts comprises six new projects located off the coast in different areas of the country. While last year hit a record number of projects at nine, this year marks a record in the capacity of power bought. The projects include Berwick Bank in the North Sea the first new Scottish project since 2022, and the largest planned offshore wind project in the world. Two others are at Dogger Bank South, off the coast of Yorkshire, and Norfolk Vanguard, off the East Anglian coast two of the largest offshore wind farms in the world. Awel Y Mor in the Irish Sea is the first Welsh project to win a contract in more than a decade. The auction round is also supporting UK efforts to develop floating offshore wind technologies, which see turbines mounted on floating platforms rather than fixed foundations. The new contracts include two such projects: Erebus, off the Pembrokeshire coast in the Celtic Sea, and Pentland, off the coast of Dounreay in Scotland, which are backed by investment from Great British Energy and the National Wealth Fund. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the new projects would generate enough electricity to power 12 million homes, deliver around 22 billion in private investment, support 7,000 jobs and help the UK tackle the climate crisis. The price for offshore wind was agreed at 40% lower than the cost of building and operating a new gas power plant, according to a key industry metric. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: With these results, Britain is taking back control of our energy sovereignty. 4/ Clean, homegrown power is the right choice to bring down bills for good, and this auction will create thousands of jobs throughout Britain. Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) January 14, 2026 This is a historic win for those who want Britain to stand on our own two feet, controlling our own energy rather than depending on markets controlled by petrostates and dictators. Experts had said he would need to commission 8.4GW of new offshore wind capacity during the auction round to stay on track to meet the Governments target of removing almost all fossil fuels from the UKs electricity supply by 2030. Matching this figure on Wednesday, Mr Miliband said the auction marked a monumental step towards Labours wider goal. Because renewable projects can be expensive, developers bid to secure a guaranteed rate or a strike price they can charge for each megawatt hour (MWh) of power they generate in the coming years. If the price of electricity on the open market dips below that, subsidies will top up payments to companies. If the price is higher, companies have to pay back the difference. The Government has secured a strike price of 91 per MWh on average or just over 65 in the commonly used benchmark of 2012 prices. In contrast, the Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE) industry metric on Wednesday showed the cost of building and operating a new gas-fired power station at 147 per megawatt hour. Mr Miliband wrote on X that the 40% lower strike price has disproved claims by right-wing detractors of clean power. 5/ In the past 18 months, a well-funded right-wing network has waged a relentless war against clean power. When we set out our mission, they said it couldnt be done, or even if it could, it was the wrong choice. Todays historic auction has proved them wrong. Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) January 14, 2026 Clean, homegrown power is the right choice to bring down bills for good, and this auction will create thousands of jobs throughout Britain, he said. Since the auctions started in 2015, offshore wind has boomed, with the price of developing projects falling and output soaring. In 2015s auction, 1GW of offshore wind contracts were agreed. By the fourth round in 2022 it was 7GW. Over that period, the strike price dropped by almost 70% thanks to market confidence generated by government help and economies of scale. The fifth round in 2023 saw no new offshore wind development contracts agreed after no companies submitted bids because the strike price was too low. This marked a setback for the previous government, which had committed to having 50GW of offshore wind by 2050. Previous auctions had announced secured capacity for various renewable technologies including offshore and onshore wind, solar and tidal but this year the process has been split up with only the results for offshore wind announced on Wednesday. The Government secured a record 11GW of winning bids for various technologies in the 2022 auction, and 9.6GW last year. A protestor waves a Greenlandic flag during a demonstration outside the US embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark. Photograph: Kristian Tuxen Ladegaard Berg/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (Photograph: Kristian Tuxen Ladegaard Berg/NurPhoto/Shutterstock) Donald Trump reiterated on Wednesday that the US needs Greenland and that Denmark cannot be relied upon to protect the island, even as he said that something will work out with respect to the future governance of the Danish overseas territory. The remarks, which came after a high-stakes meeting between US, Danish and Greenlandic officials, indicate that fundamental differences remain between how Washington, Copenhagen and Nuuk see the political future of the island. Greenland is very important for the national security, including of Denmark, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. And the problem is theres not a thing that Denmark can do about it if Russia or China wants to occupy Greenland, but theres everything we can do. You found that out last week with Venezuela, he added. The Danish foreign minster said earlier on Wednesday that Trump remains intent on conquering Greenland as the talks with US officials failed to solve a fundamental disagreement that has led to unprecedented tensions between Washington and a Nato ally. It was absolutely not necessary for the US to seize Greenland, a largely self-governing part of the Danish kingdom, the Danish foreign minster, Lars Lkke Rasmussen, said late on Wednesday. We didnt manage to change the American position. Its clear that the president has this wish of conquering Greenland. And we made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the kingdom. Rasmussen urged Washington to engage in respectful cooperation over the Arctic island that is controlled by Copenhagen. In a signal of European support, France, Germany and Norway have all said they would contribute troops to a multinational force led by Denmark that would lead to an increased military presence in and around Greenland, comprising aircraft, vessels and soldiers, including from Nato allies, the Danish defence ministry has said in a statement. The two sides did agree to create a working group to discuss ways to work through differences as Trump continues to call for a US takeover of the semi-autonomous territory of Nato ally Denmark. The group, in our view, should focus on how to address the American security concerns, while at the same time respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark, Rasmussen told reporters after joining Greenlands foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, for the talks. The closely watched talks on Trumps demands to take over Greenland ended in Washington after nearly an hour. The vice-president, JD Vance, and secretary of state, Marco Rubio, hosted the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland on Wednesday in what observers worried could be an ambush meant to pressure the Danes into ceding the territory under US economic and military pressure. Earlier, Trump said it would be unacceptable for Greenland to be in the hands of any country other than the US, reiterating his demand to take over the island hours before the high-stakes talks on its future. The US needs Greenland for the purpose of national security. Nato should be leading the way for us to get it, the US president said on social media. The alliance would become far more formidable and effective with the territory under US control, he claimed. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building, he said, referring to a proposed missile defence system. Expert reports suggested it could cost the US as much as $700bn (520bn) to take over the territory, according to US media, and European officials have played down the likelihood of a direct American attack to take control of the island. As the two sides met, the Danish defence minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, said the country would establish a more permanent and larger military presence in Greenland and that it was highly hypothetical the US would launch an attack to take the territory. During the talks, the White House continued its social media offensive against its Nato ally, depicting two dogsleds headed toward either the US or Russia and China, with the caption: Which way, Greenland man? Trump had previously said Denmarks defence of the territory was composed of two dogsleds. Trump first raised the idea of a takeover of Greenland in 2019, during his first term, but has ramped up his rhetoric significantly since returning to the White House last year, saying the US would take it one way or the other. He has jolted the EU and Nato by refusing to rule out military force to seize the strategically important, mineral-rich island, which is covered by many of the protections offered by the two organisations because Denmark belongs to both. Rasmussen and Motzfeldt initially sought the talks with Rubio but the meeting took place at the White House after Vance asked to attend and then to host the talks. Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly pointed out that a 1951 bilateral agreement already allowed the US to vastly expand its military presence on the island. Several EU leaders have backed Denmark, pledging their support for its territorial integrity and right to self-determination. The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said on Wednesday that the island belongs to its people. For me, its important that the Greenlanders know and they know this by the deeds, not only by the words, that we respect the wishes of the Greenlanders and their interests and that they can count on us, she said in Brussels. Frances president, Emmanuel Macron, said that if the sovereignty of an EU country and ally were to be affected, the knock-on effects would be unprecedented. France would act in full solidarity with Denmark and its sovereignty, he said. Greenlands prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, told a joint press conference with his Danish counterpart, Mette Frederiksen, on Tuesday that the island would not be owned or governed by Washington. If we have to choose between the US and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark, Nato and the EU, Nielsen said, adding that Greenlands goal and desire is peaceful dialogue, with a focus on cooperation. Frederiksen said it had not been easy for Denmark to stand up to completely unacceptable pressure from our closest ally but the fact was that borders cannot be changed by force, and that small countries should not fear large countries. A Reuters/Ipsos poll on Wednesday found just 17% of Americans approved of Trumps efforts to take over Greenland and that substantial majorities of both Democrats and Republicans opposed using military force to annex the island. Only 4%, including just one in 10 Republicans and almost no Democrats, said military force would be a good idea. Eight people were arrested outside a federal building in Minneapolis on Tuesday, according to the Department of Homeland Security, as the Trump administration doubled down on threats to protesters and city and state officials who might try to impede their mass deportation agenda. Throughout the afternoon, crowds of people who gathered in protest against the continued presence and violent tactics of federal immigration officers in the city were hit with teargas, pepper balls and flash bangs. Demonstrators have amassed in the city and across the country after the Minneapolis woman Renee Nicole Good was killed by a federal immigration agent. Administration officials have responded to the protests by issuing dire warnings. [The] Department of Justice has made clear that if officials cross that line into obstruction, into criminal conspiracy against the United States, or against ICE officers they will face justice, said Stephen Miller, Trumps deputy chief of staff, on Fox News, after repeating the administrations claim that ICE officers have federal immunity. The clashes came as the DHS prepared to deploy more officers to the Minneapolis area, amid what the administration called its largest operation in DHS history. A DHS official told CBS News that there were 800 Customs and Border Protection agents and 2,000 ICE officials in the Minneapolis area as tensions have risen in recent days. The Pentagon is also poised to dispatch military lawyers to the area to aid in an expected surge in federal prosecutions, CNN reported. Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St Paul have sued the Trump administration seeking an end to the surge, and what local officials have characterized as a federal invasion according to the suit filed on Monday. The lawsuit says the Department of Homeland Security is violating the first amendment and other constitutional protections by focusing on a progressive state that favors Democrats and welcomes immigrants. This is, in essence, a federal invasion of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, and it must stop, Keith Ellison, the state attorney general, said. Minneapoliss mayor, Jacob Frey, said: What we are seeing is thousands plural thousands of federal agents coming into our city. And, yeah, theyre having a tremendous impact on day-to-day life. The city of Chicago and Illinois separately filed a suit over the DHSs organized bombardment. Several federal prosecutors resigned in protest, meanwhile, over the justice departments decision not to hold a civil rights investigation into the killing of Good by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis. Hundreds of people continued to protest on Tuesday, despite legal and physical threats from the federal government. Gas clouds filled a Minneapolis street near where Good was fatally shot in the head by an immigration agent last week. A man scrubbed his eyes with snow and screamed for help while agents in an unmarked Jeep sprayed an orange irritant and drove away. Its common for people to boo, taunt and blow orange whistles when they spot heavily armed agents passing through in unmarked vehicles or walking the streets, all part of a grassroots effort to warn the neighborhood and remind the government that they are watching. Who doesnt have a whistle? a man with a bag of them yelled. Brita Anderson, who lives nearby and came to support neighborhood friends, said she was incensed to see agents in tactical gear and gas masks, and wondered about their purpose. It felt like the only reason theyd come here is to harass people, Anderson said. In Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, students protesting against the immigration enforcement operation walked out of school, as students in other communities have done this week. Homeland security claims it has made more than 2,000 arrests in the state since early December and is vowing to not back down. Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, responding to the lawsuit, accused Minnesota officials of ignoring public safety. President Trumps job is to protect the American people and enforce the law no matter who your mayor, governor, or state attorney general is, McLaughlin said. The Trump administration has repeatedly defended the immigration agent who shot Good, saying he acted in self-defense. But that explanation has been widely panned by Frey, the Minnesota governor, Tim Walz, and others based on videos of the confrontation. Donald Trump speaks to the press at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on 13 January 2026. Photograph: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images) A bipartisan group of lawmakers is calling on Donald Trump to allow the US government to help open up internet access in Iran, which the countrys Islamic regime has blocked in an effort to suppress an eruption of unrest. With deaths soaring into thousands after days of protests across Iran, Democrats and Republicans from the House of Representatives have written to Trump asking him to authorize the state department to collaborate with the Open Technology Fund, a congressionally funded non-profit dedicated to supporting technologies designed to overcome censorship. The move would effectively implement legislation known as the feasibility review of emerging equipment for digital open media (Freedom) act that was introduced in Congress last month to address Irans internet-censoring practices but which has not yet been passed. Members of Congress say the dire urgency of the situation in Iran calls for emergency measures to circumvent the legislative process. Related: Michigan senator says she is being investigated for imploring US troops to refuse illegal orders They write: The scale and intensity of these demonstrations, coupled with the regimes use of force to violently quell peaceful protests and isolate the Iranian people from the outside world, warrant immediate attention. While Congress works to advance legislation like this through regular order, we are confident that the executive branch has the ability and responsibility to immediately begin interagency coordination, resume and leverage the Department of States collaboration with the Open Technology Fund, harness existing technologies like virtual private networks (VPNs), and fully assess emerging technologies such as direct-to-cell networks. Your strong support for measures like these are critical to helping the Iranian people bypass regime-controlled terrestrial communications infrastructure and providing them with a lifeline to the outside world at a time when the regime is cutting off access to traditional communication channels. The Freedom act was initially introduced last month by two House members, Dave Min, a California Democrat, and Claudia Tenney, a Republican from New York, and two senators, the Pennsylvania Republican Dave McCormick, and Jacky Rosen, a Democrat from Nevada. It received the support of the National Union for Democracy in Iran, which said the regime was regularly using internet blackouts to silence dissent. But calls for the legislations provisions have been given fresh impetus by a crackdown that has closed off communications networks at a time when demonstrators have been clashing with heavily armed security forces in towns and cities throughout Iran. Min and Tenney head a bipartisan group of 17 Congress members who have signed the letter to Trump which has also been sent to Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state. Human rights groups say about 2,500 people have been killed in confrontations that began on 28 December. Unconfirmed reports from inside Iran have estimated the death toll at 12,000. Trump has vowed that help is on its way to Iranian protesters but has not been specific. He has also promised to take very strong action against the regime if it executes protesters. The authorities have responded to previous outbreaks of unrest by resorting to waves of executions. Groups including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International estimate that between 1,000 and 1,500 executions were carried out during 2025 the highest figure in decades with a surge coming after last Junes 12-day war with Israel and the bombing of three nuclear installations on Trumps orders by the US. Acetaminophen Is New to Both Dog and Cat Lists This Year MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Every day, the toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline deal with potentially thousands of different pet toxins, but certain substances seem to rise to the top of the list every year. Pet lovers of North America, we give you the Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2025 for both dogs and cats. "While these are not necessarily the most toxic poisons, they are the most frequently encountered by pets." Post this Paige, who wiped out a 90-ounce bag of mini candy bars from Costco on Halloween, illustrates why chocolate is consistently at the top of the toxin list for dogs. "Each year, we gather a list of the most common reasons pet parents and veterinary professionals call Pet Poison Helpline," said Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist and director of Veterinary Medicine at Pet Poison Helpline. "While these are not necessarily the most toxic poisons, they are the most frequently encountered by pets. Although the Top 10 dog poisons remain mostly the same from last year, a few items have shifted up and down on the list, and apparently animals are sneaking into their family's cold and flu medicine." The Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2025 for dogs were: "The biggest shift was onion exposures, which shot from number 10 in 2024 to number five this past year," Dr. Schmid explained. "Acetaminophen also made the list at number 10 and carprofen fell off the list." Carprofen was the first veterinary-specific drug that made it on Pet Poison Helpline's Top 10 list due to overdoses and ingestions by pets that were not prescribed the medication. The Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2025 for cats were: "Cats have very different tastes than dogs, so the list of Top 10 Pet Poisons for cats is significantly different than for dogs," Dr. Schmid said. "The biggest difference is that specific lilies are extremely enticing to cats, while chocolate is the biggest temptation for dogs, based on the calls received to our call center. Lilium sp lilies pose a great risk for causing kidney failure in cats and can be deadly if ingested. For cats, garlic fell off the list, which had taken the fourth spot, and grapes and acetaminophen were added." According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2025's influenza activity was the most intense since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, with more than 80 million estimated illnesses. Experts cite reduced immunity post-COVID, vaccine mismatches and severe viral strains. Children are especially vulnerable. "With more cold and flu medicine available in households, it makes sense that curious pets would find it and ingest it," explained Dr. Schmid. "Many of those cold and flu medications contain acetaminophen. Common signs to watch for with acetaminophen poisoning include lethargy, swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, brown or blue gums, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite and jaundice." For more information on how Pet Poison Helpline helped save pets' lives last year, visit our 2025 Annual Report Card for a roundup of our outreach. About Pet Poison Helpline Pet Poison Helpline, your trusted source for toxicology and pet health advice in times of potential emergency, is available 24 hours, seven days a week for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. Per incident and subscription service options are available. We are an independent, nationally recognized animal poison control center triple licensed by the Boards of Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Pharmacy providing unmatched professional leadership and expertise. Our veterinarians and board-certified toxicologists provide treatment advice for all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline's fee of $89 per incident includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the case. The company also offers pethelpline(SM) and pethelplinePRO(SM) subscription services directly to pet lovers. Based in Minneapolis, Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information, including a chat feature for pet owners, can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com. Contact: Curtis Steinhoff Pet Poison Helpline (602) 300-8466 [email protected] SOURCE Pet Poison Helpline (PA) A US military strike on Iran could be imminent as tensions escalate, officials have warned. It comes as some American and British military personnel have been withdrawn from the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar as a precautionary measure amid the rising tensions with Iran, while the British embassy in Tehran has temporarily closed. "We have temporarily closed the British Embassy in Tehran, this will now operate remotely. Foreign Office travel advice has now been updated to reflect this consular change," a government spokesperson said today. Britain's ambassador and all consular staff were evacuated based on a security assessment and a decision to prioritise staff safety, a British official said. A statement by the Qatar government said the step was being taken "in response to the current regional tensions". A US official also confirmed the move to the Reuters news agency. It comes after Donald Trump said the US would take "very strong action" against Iran if the authorities execute anti-government protesters. Erfan Soltani, 26, was expected to be hanged on Wednesday following his arrest in connection with demonstrations in the city of Karaj, human rights groups have said. But in an update on Thursday, a cousin of Mr Soltani told The Guardian that she had received a call from his family telling her that the execution had been postponed. The Iranian authorities would reportedly not give any further details. The family told the cousin that they have neither heard from Erfan nor seen him to confirm the claim, she added. Iran has said it will retaliate if attacked by the US and bases in the region could be targeted. READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the Iran protests The Al-Udeid base, which hosts thousands of US service members, was targeted by Iran in June in retaliation for US strikes on its nuclear facilities. Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamene, wrote on X amid the recent rising tensions with US: The US President, who repeatedly talks about the futile aggression against Iran's nuclear facilities, would do well to also mention the destruction of the US base in Al-Udeid by Iranian missiles." "It would certainly help create a real understanding of Iran's will and ability to respond to any aggression," The Pentagon declined to comment on questions about the personnel being evacuated from the base south of Doha. "The State of Qatar continues to implement all necessary measures to safeguard the security and safety of its citizens and residents as a top priority, including actions related to the protection of critical infrastructure and military facilities," Qatar's media office said in a post on X. According to rights groups, more than 2,400 anti-government demonstrators have been killed in a violent crackdown by the Iranian authorities on protests against the regime. Mr Soltanis family have urged US President Trump to intervene to spare his life. Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday: "Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. "I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY". An anti-Zionist protest outside an Israeli-owned restaurant in Notting Hill has been strongly condemned in Parliament. Peers urged the Metropolitan Police to take stronger action against demonstrations close to the Miznon restaurant in west London. One parliamentarian said that the area outside the restaurant, where there have previously been a number of protests, had seen the vilest form of antisemitism. In the latest demonstration, a group of anti-Zionist protesters gathered outside the restaurant on Elgin Crescent on Friday evening, with video showing one man being physically restrained by officers during tense scenes. Some 50 people stood under a banner proclaiming themselves as the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, according to video footage. Miznon restaurant (Google) At one point a chant broke out of From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. Speaking in the Upper Chamber, Conservative peer Lord Leigh of Hurley highlighted the protest. He said: There were some very aggressive and intimidating protesters and the police simply stood there. There may have been one arrest, but that was it. So innocent employees, eaters, diners and members of the public faced a very unpleasant situation. Baroness Cash (UK Parliament) Fellow Tory parliamentarian Baroness Cash stressed: I am very grateful to the noble Lord for raising the issue of Miznon and Erev (which are next door to each other) in Notting Hill. There have been a number of protests outside that restaurant, which is actually on my street. The owners of the restaurant and the residents who use it, including me, have been subjected to the vilest form of antisemitism, and the police have done nothing. She called for much clearer principles and rules...around what is and is not acceptable, if the police are evidently, based on recent events, not capable of exercising that judgment themselves. The Miznon restaurant chain was founded by Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani in 2011. Shani, who also serves as a judge on MasterChef Israel, has expanded the contemporary casual dining concept into an international chain with locations across Paris, Vienna, Melbourne, Las Vegas, Singapore, London and New York. Home Office minister Lord Hanson (PA Archive) Home Office minister Lord Hanson said that potential offences of harassment or inciting violence may or may not have been applicable to conduct at the protest outside the restaurant. But it is for the police on the ground to make a judgment about the action they wish to invoke in that circumstance, he stressed. He added: I do not wish to second-guess the police on those issues at this point, but the potential is there for complaints to be made to the police if any of those offences took place. However, Crossbench peer Lord Pannick criticised the minister for saying that this is a matter for the police. He added: Have the Government no position on whether it is acceptable for people who are dining in an Israeli-owned restaurant to be subject to abuse and intimidation of the sort that we have seen on London streets? Lord Hanson suggested he had been misunderstood. He emphasised: It is completely unacceptable for individuals to have their lives disrupted by that level of protest, but it is for the police on site to determine. A Met Police spokesperson said: A protest by the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network took place outside a restaurant in Elgin Crescent, Notting Hill on Friday, 9 January. Officers were present as part of a policing plan to ensure people could exercise their right to protest, while ensuring that those in the wider community could go about their lives without serious disruption. He stressed that protestors had to stay in an area not immediately outside the restaurant and officers were present to enforce this decision. He added: A 35-year-old man was arrested during the protest on suspicion of chants that constituted acts intended to stir up religious hatred and the remaining protesters dispersed shortly after the arrest was made. The arrested individual has since been bailed. After the Bondi Beach killings in Sydney, Scotland Yard stepped up action to protect Jewish communities in London and warned that people who chant globalise the intifada at protests in the city would face arrest. The iconic queues beneath IM Peis glass pyramid, a familiar sight at the Louvre, are set to become significantly more expensive for many international visitors as the worlds most visited museum introduces a new two-tier ticketing system. The move comes as the Parisian landmark grapples with funding renovations and enhanced security measures, following a series of strikes, persistent overcrowding, and Octobers high-profile French Crown Jewels heist. The museum was forced to close its doors again on Monday due to a staff walkout. From Wednesday, the Louvre will implement a new pricing structure that sees admission for most non-Europeans rise to 32 euros (27), a substantial increase from the previous 22 euros (19) marking a 45 per cent hike overnight. This change primarily impacts tourists from non-European Union countries, including the United States, whose citizens typically constitute the largest proportion of foreign visitors to the museum. People queue to enter Le Louvre museum (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) French labour unions have swiftly condemned the decision, arguing that it fundamentally undermines the museums universal mission. Under the revised system, visitors who are neither citizens nor residents of European Union countries, nor Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway, will be subject to the higher rate. The museum has long contended with the pressures of immense visitor numbers, an ageing infrastructure, intermittent strikes, and escalating security and maintenance costs challenges common among Frances major cultural institutions. The CGT Culture union has vociferously denounced the differentiated pricing, asserting that it transforms access to culture into a "commercial product" and fosters unequal access to national heritage. While the Louvre maintains that certain categories, such as visitors under 18 and some younger residents of European countries, will still qualify for free admission, the last price increase occurred as recently as January 2024, when the standard entry fee rose from 17 euros to 22. Discussions around higher fees for non-European visitors were already underway before the 19 October theft of French Crown Jewels from the Louvre, an incident valued by investigators at approximately 88 million euros (75 million). This daylight robbery, executed in minutes, intensified scrutiny over the protection of invaluable national heritage and fuelled debate on how major cultural institutions should finance upgrades, and whether visitors should bear a greater share of the cost. The Louvre has not directly linked the price change to the heist. People wait for the Louvre museum to open as employees at the Louvre Museum vote to extend a strike that has disrupted operations at the world's most visited museum (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The museum has repeatedly faced public scrutiny over its internal stresses. A wildcat strike in June by gallery attendants, ticket agents, and security staff delayed daily opening, leaving thousands of visitors stranded. Workers cited the museum buckling under mass tourism, unmanageable crowds, chronic understaffing, and deteriorating working conditions. By December, unions declared that the heist and the buildings condition had elevated their long-standing grievances into a national reckoning, with workers voting to continue striking until "real change" is brought to the historic former royal palace. Credit: X / @thejtlewis Donald Trump said f--- you and gave the middle finger to a heckler who called him a paedophile protector. Footage showed the US president pointing at someone and mouthing the insult during a visit to a Ford factory in Michigan on Tuesday. He was standing on a balcony dressed in a long black coat when a factory worker shouted at him, receiving cheers of approval. Mr Trump repeated the insult twice as he began walking away. He then gave the Ford worker the middle finger before waving at other members of the crowd. In response, Steven Cheung, the White House communications chief, said: A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the president gave an appropriate and unambiguous response. The heckler was suspended by Ford after the confrontation, the United Auto Workers Union told various US news outlets, saying they were a member but not providing a name. Mr Trumps reply was praised by his supports online. Nick Sortor, a conservative influencer, wrote on X: THATS the President Trump I know and love. Another commenter added: I voted for this. PROUDLY. US president has bristled at references to his past friendship with Epstein - Reuters Mr Trump has faced criticism throughout his second term over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted paedophile. He has consistently dismissed attacks as a Democrat hoax, but signed a law ordering the release of all remaining Epstein files in November following pressure from Republican members of Congress. The Department of Justice has since released thousands of emails and pictures of the late financier and his associates. Last week, the department said more than two million files were still under review. Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump pictured together at Mar-a-Lago on February 22, 1997 - Davidoff Studios/Getty Images Mr Trump was friends with Epstein throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, but expelled him from his Mar-a-Lago resort for being a creep. Despite not being accused of any wrongdoing, the US president has repeatedly bristled at references to their past association. In November, he told a female reporter quiet, piggy on board Air Force One after she asked why he was reluctant to release the remaining files. Days later, Mr Trump lost his temper at a reporter for raising the subject, accusing her of being a terrible person and part of the radical Left. Website that leaked thousands of ICE agents personal information is down after huge Russian cyberattack, founder says A website dedicated to leaking personal information about Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Border Patrol agents was reportedly subject to a cyberattack that its founder believes may have originated in Russia. Dominick Skinner, a Netherlands-based immigration activist, told The Daily Beast that his website, ICE List, came under cyberattack Tuesday evening after the publication reported Skinner planned to release personal information, obtained through a whistleblower, about thousands of employees. The attack, known as a Direct Denial of Service, is when a perpetrator seeks to disrupt access to a network or service by flooding it with superfluous requests in an attempt to overload the system. Skinner told The Daily Beast that a massive number of IPs began accessing the website, and a large amount of the traffic appeared to come from Russia leading the founder to speculate the attack originated there. The IPs would be run through proxies before hitting our servers, meaning its just impossible to track the source, Skinner told the publication. An attack lasting this long is sophisticated, though. A website based in the Netherlands is doxxing ICE and Border Patrol personnel to combat the Trump administrations aggressive immigration enforcement agenda (AFP via Getty Images) The attack, Skinner said, occurred as he prepared to publicly identify the names of immigration law enforcement officers that were obtained in a dataset from the whistleblower. The ICE List founder had previously told The Daily Beast that a Department of Homeland Security whistleblower provided a dataset of approximately 4,500 immigration personnel after the shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good in Minneapolis. Some of the information in the dataset included names, email addresses, phone numbers, job titles, and other background information. Skinner said he planned to make a majority of the names public but would provide exceptions for those working in childcare or serving as nurses. DHS has criticized Skinners website calling it disgusting doxxing of our officers that puts their lives and their families in serious danger. Homeland Security Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin has said law enforcement are facing a 1,300 percent increase in assaults and an 8,000 percent increase in death threats against them. Their families are being threatened. We will not back down. Anyone who doxxes our officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, McLaughlin has warned. ICE List is hosted in the Netherlands, so it cannot be taken down by the U.S. government. Skinner said whoever is attacking the website doesnt want others to access the site. But it just makes us more determined, because it is clear some people out there do not want the names of ICE and Border Patrol agents made public, Skinner told The Daily Beast. Given their behavior lately, and how they are increasingly viewed negatively by the public, thats no surprise. The ICE List founder said he and his team have Direct Denial of Service protections in place, but that attacks of this kind are difficult to prevent and likely to happen again. Some things are too precious to take a risk with. Moving the Bayeux Tapestry is one of them. It is nearly a thousand years old, the most complete narrative work of art in Europe, and remember it is very long, more than 70 metres in length. It is fragile, which makes it madness to think of moving it. It is too big a risk. I first saw the tapestry in 1967 and have seen it more than 20 times in the last three years. And it is beautiful as well as historically important. Backed on linen, the colours and the marvellous needlework make it not just vulnerable, but it will be put in jeopardy if it is moved to London, as the British Museum plans an exhibition there. I think it should not be uprooted from where it has been kept safe for so many centuries, and I will explain why. I have been a risk-taker in most things I have done, but I never see any advantage in being reckless. First, a history lesson. It is fundamental to our island story. The tapestry was created in the 1070s after the Norman Conquest and was commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, who was the half-brother of William the Conqueror. Made in Canterbury, it is a display of events leading up to and including the Battle of Hastings. It illustrated King Edward the Confessor and William of Normandys claim to the English throne and the Norman invasion, and Harolds death. The 58 narrative scenes have been observed in Bayeux for nearly a millennium, and it has survived political upheaval and wars, and now faces an unnecessary conservation ordeal with the British Museum. The tapestry will return to the UK for the first time in more than 900 years this September as part of a landmark loan agreement (Getty/iStock) I note that this beautiful work, which is more an embroidery than a tapestry, has no shadows and no reflections, which is the same as traditional art from India, Persia, China and Japan. It was not until the camera came in as an artists aid that these things emerged. Use both eyes, not just one ie a camera. The tapestry has a natural and timeless way of observing in art. That is what I suggest the British Museum does, literally. Look at what it plans to do, as history is in its hands. The British Museum sent someone to see me to explain why they want to bring the tapestry to London. I am not sure they had worked out how to transport it. The person who came had not read my book Secret Knowledge, which explains the development of art and perspective, and the Bayeux Tapestry is a key part of that; it is historic and important. Moving the Bayeux Tapestry across the Channel for an exhibition would involve significant risk. I have looked into this. The linen backing is weakened by age, and the wool embroidery threads are vulnerable to stress. Rolling, unrolling, or hanging it in a new way can cause tearing, stitch loss and distortion of the fabric. Uneven tension is causing structural strain. Even minor mishandling could cause irreversible damage. It has survived so far like a miracle, being hidden away for 300 years until it was displayed permanently in the 1800s. David Hockney first saw the tapestry in 1967 (Getty) The tapestry is acclimatised to tightly controlled conditions in Bayeux. Sudden changes in temperature, humidity or light exposure can lead to fibre contraction or expansion or colour fading. Wool dyes are highly light-sensitive. Increased exposure during exhibition and transit accelerates fading and fibre degradation. Conservation ethics generally favour minimal display time for such textiles. Each stage packing, unpacking, mounting introduces new handling. The more unlikely risks are theft, fire, accident or activist protests. Even with high security, risk is never zero. Modern museum practice is meant to prioritise preservation over access. While moving the Bayeux Tapestry to the UK might have vanity and symbolic educational value, the physical and environmental risks are substantial. Any damage would be irreversible, and even successful transport could shorten the tapestrys lifespan. British Museum chair George Osborne says the Bayeux Tapestry will be the blockbuster show of our generation (Reuters) Rolling up something that has been hanging in the same place for hundreds of years could, in seconds, lead to damage. This is not like the Mona Lisa, which is easy to move and which once went to America on a ship (but it is not 70m long and can be packed in a simple case). To what end? The vanity of a museum which wants to boast of the number of visitors. Is it really worth it? I think not. I suggest it stays, and there is a proper debate about it being moved. Make an identical copy. It is not difficult. It would look fantastic. It is also not as if the tapestry is inaccessible to anyone in London. It is just six hours away by car. But if it is moved, it should take a lot longer as it would have to go by lorry and train and at a snail's pace to stop potential vibrations and jolting. I have been told it is insured for 80m. That is meaningless. It is priceless. And it is now safe and open to anyone to see it. Why does a London museum, which prides itself on conserving and preserving great art, want to gamble on the survival of the most important art image of scale in Europe? It is madness. I am not afraid to speak up for art. It is something that has defined my life for more than eight decades. Love life. Use two eyes. 2025's 28 Years Later ended on a shocking note with the introduction of Jack O'Connell's Sir Jimmy Crystal and his gang of bloodthirsty followers, so the cast and director Nia DaCosta knew they had to up the ante in follow-up The Bone Temple. Luckily, they had the perfect opportunity to do so, with a fiery fever-dream of a performance from Ralph Fiennes to the tune of Iron Maiden's Number of the Beast. It's visceral and exciting, and exactly the kind of wild, reckless abandon the universe of the film franchise called for. "That's the thing everyone read in the script and thought, 'Well, that could be really bad. It could be cool. It could be really bad,'" director Nia DaCosta tells Yahoo UK. "And I read that, and I thought, 'Oof, that's going to be the end of my career!' "But then we figured it out, and I just have the best collaborators, the best crew, the best cast, and it was fantastic." Ralph Fiennes gets unhinged in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. (Sony Pictures/Alamy) (TCD/Prod.DB, TCD/Prod.DB) Fiennes, whose character Dr Kelson is pretending to be the devil in the aforementioned number, was beside himself at being given the opportunity to sing and dance with abandon: "I loved it! No one's asked me to do that stuff. "The last time I was asked to do something close to that was [in] Luca Guadagnino's A Bigger Splash, where I got to dance to Emotional Rescue. But, this is on another level of craziness. I'm often asked to play some more thinky parts, but it was great. I loved it." 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple has a few exquisite moments, but one stands out from the rest. (Sony) It's a performance that will amaze audiences with its audaciousness, but it also surprised the cast. Erin Kellyman, who plays Jimmy Crystal's follower Jimmima, said of the scene: "I just thought it was amazing to watch, honestly. Ralph's stamina, physically, but also just emotionally, it's impeccable, and it was just so... I think our reactions to that in the film are probably just real." Who is the real monster? 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple begs the question: Are the Infected actually monstrous? (Sony) The Bone Temple has a different tone to its predecessor, asking the question: what if the infection could be reversed? And, if so, how? That's what Fiennes' character hopes to achieve by getting close to the infected 'Alpha', Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry). Their scenes, therefore, take a much gentler tone with Dr Kelson and Samson, which both actors appreciated navigating because of how it subverts expectations of what a zombie movie should be. Lewis-Parry explains: "It was the best direction, I think, that Samson could have gone in. Being physical and doing all of the expected stuff is great. But to find the inner depth, to find the person behind the monster, was a challenge, but I loved every moment of it. It was amazing to just watch him develop." The film explores the 'inner depth' of Alpha Infected Samson, played by Chi Lewis-Parry. (Sony) He had the perfect partner in this wild ride, he adds: "There's only one scene partner, and it's Ralph. I'm kind of spoiled now because anywhere I go, it's like, 'Okay, is Ralph coming?' I love the guy; he's done so much for me, just as a soul, and his spirit and the energy that he shares. "And I think it's evident I will never hold back from singing this man's praises... We love Ralph. It's nice to have this. To me, this is more important: the human connection, and that's also a theme appropriate to the Bone Temple." DaCosta was excited at the prospect of putting her own stamp on the universe, and while Alex Garland wrote the script she knew she wanted to bring the vision to life in her own way: "I've known Alex for a few years, but for this in particular the thing that was great about them was I came in, and I said, 'this is what I see. This is how I want to do it.' And they said, 'Go for it.'" Ralph Fiennes, Chi Lewis-Parry and Danny Boyle arriving at the 28 Years Later world premiere in 2025. (Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images) (Ian West - PA Images via Getty Images) "I wasn't surprised," Fiennes adds. "I mean, I love the way that Nia shot is, and allows that gentleness or stillness; she allows scenes to play out and doesn't hurry them along. I like that for this there's still, obviously, moments of kinetic action and stuff that are great [but] I liked how she shows that there's a kind of stillness." "The real monster, of course, is not really Samson or any of the infected. It's someone else." Jack O'Connell emerges as the real villain of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. (Sony) That person is, perhaps unsurprisingly, O'Connell's Sir Jimmy, who proves to be a brutally megalomaniacal leader in The Bone Temple. Fiennes calls him "an absolutely brilliant actor" while Lewis-Parry describes him as "somebody who really commits when he becomes the character." DaCosta shares: "I love working with Jack. He's great. I think he's such a generous actor, and he's so... he wants everyone to be great. But also, he's so specific about his character. So even though there was a lot of room to play and experiment, if anything ever felt like off, he'd be like, 'Oh, I don't know about that,' and we'd have a discussion about it. But he's just a joy to work with, really." "I think it's similar to Ralph," Kellyman adds. "But he's just so interesting to watch, and you never quite know what direction he's going to take the scene. I think that's exciting for me as an actor to see what he's going to do, and then whatever he does, I'm then going to react differently. "There were a couple of scenes where he really tried to freak me out. And it worked. That's a testament to him as a person and as an actor." The return of Cillian Murphy in 28 Years Later Cillian Murphy became a household name thanks to Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later. (Fox Searchlight) While O'Connell is the star of the show, there's another actor who viewers will be delighted to see step back into the world created by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland: Cillian Murphy. That's right, Murphy is back in his iconic role as Jim (and will return for a now greenlighted third film), and it was a delight for DaCosta to be the one to reintroduce him to audiences: "It was so great. He's so lovely. He really wants to be good, and there's no ego at all. "He's just lovely, low-key, and then he gets in front of the camera, and you're like, 'Whoa, a movie star!' And it's so interesting when you meet actors like that. It was wonderful. Like, fully, fully positive." Luckily for Kellyman, the prospect of a third movie means that she may have the chance to work with Murphy closely, though she is reticent to confirm anything: "I am excited. I have no idea where it could possibly go. But luckily, that's not my job!" If it's anything like The Bone Temple, though, or its predecessor 28 Years Later, then it will be an exciting adventure, and completely unexpected. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is in UK cinemas now. Workers and volunteers prepare to pack the Bayeux tapestry for transfer to the British Museum - Lou Benoist/AFP David Hockney has rebuked the British Museum for undertaking a vanity project which he fears could destroy the Bayeux Tapestry. The English painter decried plans to transport the 11th century work from Normandy as madness, accusing the museum of putting visitor numbers ahead of conservation concerns. Preparations are being made for the 70m depiction of the 1066 Norman Conquest to be shipped from Bayeux in France. The journey will mark the first time the tapestry has crossed the Channel in 900 years. But Mr Hockney, who once called Normandy home, has launched a last-ditch intervention in an effort to stop the nine-month loan. Writing in The Independent, the artist said: While moving the Bayeux Tapestry to the UK might have vanity and symbolic educational value, the physical and environmental risks are substantial. Any damage would be irreversible, and even successful transport could shorten the tapestrys lifespan. David Hockney once called Normandy home and fears that moving the Bayeux Tapestry could shorten its lifespan - David Parry The fragile cloth, which is said to be insured for 800m as part of the terms of the agreement, charts William the Conquerors journey to becoming the first Norman king of England. The 58 scenes depicted include Harold Godwinson, the Anglo-Saxon king, taking an arrow to the eye during the Battle of Hastings. Mr Hockney said it was a miracle that the tapestry had survived political upheaval and wars, and expressed incredulity that the artwork should now face an unnecessary conservation ordeal to appease the vanity of a museum which wants to boast of the number of visitors. The artist questioned why a museum that prides itself on conserving and preserving art should gamble on the survival of such an important artwork, adding: It is madness. I am not afraid to speak up for art. It is something that has defined my life for more than eight decades. Mr Hockney has warned that the tapestry could be damaged should it be removed from the tightly controlled conditions of Bayeux to which it has acclimatised. The artist said the linen backing has weakened with age and the wool embroidery threads would be vulnerable to the stress of packing, unpacking or mounting the work in a new way. Even minor mishandling could cause irreversible damage, he said, citing the effect on colour from sudden changes in temperature, humidity or light exposure. Emmanuel Macron has personally sought assurances that the tapestry will not be damaged during the transfer amid mounting opposition to the deal in France. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, announced the loan agreement for the Bayeux Tapestry alongside Sir Keir Starmer in July last year - Carlos Jasso/Bloomberg The French president agreed the historic loan earlier this year to symbolise an entente amicale with Britain, stating that lobbying from the King behind the scenes had pushed the deal over the line. Last month, Nicholas Cullinan, director of the British Museum, said: We are working through the details of how it gets to us. So much thought and care is being put into it. We had a meeting at the Elysee on Wednesday (Dec 10), and rightly everyone is scrutinising everything about this, as its a major event. The fragile tapestry, which holds a place on Unescos Memory of the World register, is already riddled with fabric tears and potential weaknesses, leading France to reject previous approaches for the artwork. However, the renovation of the tapestrys purpose-built home in northern France has presented a window of opportunity for the British Museum. The tapestry is thought to have been created in Britain, commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, William the Conquerors half-brother. The loan comes as part of a cultural exchange in which the British Museum will lend the Anglo-Saxon treasures of the Sutton Hoo ship burial, the 12th century Lewis chessmen and other items to France. The risks involved in the tapestrys travels have prompted the two countries to sign an administrative agreement, which obliges the British Museum to conduct a dry run of its transportation plans that will need to reduce potentially damaging vibrations to less than 2 millimetres a second. Mr Hockney, who said he first visited the tapestry in 1967 and has seen it more than 20 times in the past three years, has encouraged the British public to visit Normandy instead. It should not be uprooted from where it has been kept safe for so many centuries, he said. It is also not as if the tapestry is inaccessible to anyone in London. It is just six hours away by car. Dr Cullinan said: While we understand these concerns, the museum has a world-leading conservation and collections team who are experts at handling and caring for this type of material. We send and receive thousands of loans each year including ancient frescoes and textiles which are older than the Bayeux tapestry and their condition and safety is always of paramount importance. The troubled Ajax family of machines has proved a nightmare for the Army - Heathcliff O'Malley Britains former weapons tsar must hand back 325,000 in performance bonuses over the Armys catastrophic Ajax programme, MPs have demanded. Andy Start was handed the six-figure sum over two years during his time as the UKs national armaments director, on top of his 275,000 salary. During this time, the high-flying civil servant oversaw the UKs 6.3bn Ajax armoured vehicle project, which has been suspended over safety fears after dozens of soldiers fell ill riding in the noisy 10-ton reconnaissance transporter. The future of the scheme is now unclear while a series of safety investigations are carried out, with ministers insisting all options are on the table which includes axing the project. During a parliamentary debate on the scandal on Monday, Mark Francois, the shadow armed forces minister, urged Mr Start to hand back his two bonus pay packets. Andy Start was paid a performance bonus in 2023-24 of 165,000 and another one in 2024-25 of 160,000 while this was going wrong on his watch, the Tory MP said. Does he agree with me that if Ajax is unfortunately finally scrapped, Mr Start should pay that money back? Andy Start stepped down as the UKs national armaments director in October last year - Ben Whitley/PA Wire Mr Start, who is the chief executive of Defence Equipment & Support, was replaced by Rupert Pearce as the nations new armaments chief in October last year. The Ajax, which costs nearly 10m and weighs more than 40 tons, is touted as the next generation of fighting machine by the Ministry of Defence. Made up of six different variants, it will be the backbone of the Armys future armoured and deep reconnaissance strike brigades for the next 30 years. But the world-beating vehicle scheme has proved a nightmare for the Army. Early trials had to be suspended after troops suffered hearing damage, with 310 soldiers needing to have hearing assessments after riding in the vehicles. Luke Pollard, a defence minister, declared Ajax was safe in November last year and insisted the previous issues which had blighted the project were firmly in the past. However, he was forced to order the suspension of Ajaxs use two weeks later after 33 troops taking part in the Exercise Titan Storm war game on Salisbury Plain fell ill. A total of 23 of the 60 Ajax variants used were affected during the Nov 26 war game. Then, on Dec 12, a soldier fell ill while using another vehicle during a safety trial in Bovington, leading to all vehicles, tests and trials being halted. Fix it or fail it Ministers now have one of two stark options over Ajax: either they must fix it or fail it once and for all, Mr Francois said. If it emerges that Ajax is somehow fundamentally flawed and cant be fixed, then the other option is to end the cycle of denial, rip off the plaster, and fail it. A series of separate investigations are being carried out into Ajax, which are expected to conclude later this year. James McCleary, the Liberal Democrat defence spokesman, told MPs on Monday that Ajax stood as the starkest illustration of everything thats gone wrong with defence procurement in the UK and said its possible collapse was deeply alarming. He added: Our allies are watching. Our adversaries are watching. And what they see is chaos. Ajax fighting vehicles have been plagued with problems - Cpl Tim Hammond Ben Obese-Jecty, a Tory MP and former Army officer who called for Mondays parliamentary debate, said Ajax could not be scrapped as the Army had no Plan B. He said: In [Homers] Iliad, Ajax loses a competition to Odysseus and distraught by the result, and conquered by his own grief, plunges his sword into his own chest, killing himself out of shame at his own failure. The irony shouldnt be lost on any of us. Fix Ajax and fix it quickly. There is a war coming. Al Carns, the armed forces minister, said discussions over the future of the project were ongoing between ministers and General Dynamics, the US firm building Ajax. The former Royal Marine officer said four rigorous safety probes were being carried out and that it was important each was concluded before any decision was taken. But he added: I want to be clear: there is no predetermined outcome. Ministers will be led by the facts and all options are absolutely on the table. As the Defence Secretary has said, when it comes to this programme, we must either back it or scrap it. Its the evidence that will allow us to make that decision. Luke Pollard, a defence minister, said Ajax was safe last year - Jack Eckersley Mr Carns added that of the 33 soldiers who fell ill during Exercise Titan Storm, nine had returned to their duties, while 24 remained under observation for noise and vibration symptoms. Mr Pollard and Gen Sir Roly Walker, the Armys chief of general staff, are expected to meet troops affected by Ajax during the Titan Storm exercise later this week. The Ministry of Defence said bonuses were subject to a rigorous review of performance. A spokesman added: Remuneration packages competitive with the defence industry are necessary to attract personnel with the high levels of experience required. Without properly qualified leaders we will not do our Armed Forces justice. The Telegraph approached Defence Equipment & Support for a comment from Mr Start. Lawrence of Arabia was given the tribal dress by the Arab ruler Emir Faisal - National Portrait Gallery Lawrence of Arabias portraits have been given trigger warnings for the cultural appropriation of Arab clothing. The National Portrait Gallery has flagged as sensitive artworks depicting the First World War hero in tribal dress. Portraits of TE Lawrence in his thobe and keffiyeh now come with a warning stating that the images may clash with todays attitudes. The caution was put in place despite the fact that Lawrence, who fought alongside the Arabs against the Ottoman Empire, was presented with the robes as a gift by the Arab ruler Emir Faisal. Paintings depicting Lord Byron and other Europeans in the traditional dress of predominantly Muslim cultures have also been marked as sensitive. Peter OToole played Lawrence in David Leans acclaimed film, Lawrence of Arabia - Getty Images The warning has emerged amid debate over cultural appropriation, the potentially insensitive adoption of a cultures unique symbols and practices by outsiders. Some activists have previously questioned the appropriateness of certain Halloween costumes, such as Native American-inspired headdresses, as well as white peoples right to wear their hair in dreadlocks. The National Portrait Gallerys online warning alongside a series of images, including the Lawrence portraits, stated: This is a historical work of art which reflects the attitudes and viewpoints of the time in which it was made. Whilst these may differ from todays attitudes, this image is an important historical document. This warning appeared beneath two portraits of Lawrence in Arab clothing one a 1917 photograph and the other a 1918 sketch by Augustus John, a prominent artist of the era. Images of the British officer without his Arab attire do not carry the warning. This sketch of Lawrence by Augustus John is one of the works to have a trigger warning - National Portrait Gallery The disclaimer also appeared alongside other images showing outdated racial imagery, including 18th-century cartoons. Lawrences involvement in the Arab revolt against Ottoman rule during the First World War, immortalised by Peter OToole in the 1962 David Lean film Lawrence of Arabia, led to him becoming a key advocate of an independent Arab state as the Western powers carved up the Middle East. It was during the Arab revolt that Lawrence was encouraged by Emir Faisal, the future King of Iraq, to adopt the clothing of an Arab sherif, or royalty. In The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, his 1926 autobiographical book, Lawrence recalled: [Faisal] asked me if I would wear Arab clothes like his own while in the camp. I should find it better for my own part, since it was a comfortable dress in which to live Arab-fashion as we must do. Besides, the tribesmen would then understand how to take me... If I wore Meccan clothes, they would behave to me as though I were really one of the leaders. Other adventurers who adopted foreign attire have been given the same online warning, including Byron, who posed for a portrait in the folk dress of Albania in 1813. The gallerys version of this image has been flagged. Byron acquired his costume on a visit to Albania, which he greatly admired, going on to include depictions of its landscape and people in his poem Childe Harolds Pilgrimage. The painting of Lord Byron wearing Albanian dress has also been marked as sensitive - Getty Images An 1828 sculpture depicting Edward William Lane, an orientalist and Arabic translator, in traditional Egyptian clothing was also flagged as potentially offensive to viewers. Lane dressed in non-Western clothing as he immersed himself in Egyptian culture and studied Arabic with the locals of Alexandria. He put this to use by translating the Koran, One Thousand and One Nights, and producing an English-Arabic dictionary. An 1850 portrait of British officer Sir Herbert Benjamin Edwardes dressed as an Indian nobleman was also given a warning. Another image flagged as sensitive is the 1820 portrait of Giovanni Belzoni, the Italian explorer who was depicted dressed in an Egyptian turban. The adventurer took to wearing traditional dress while overseeing archaeological projects in Egypt, during which time he acquired several monuments for the British Museum. This 1820 portrait of Giovanni Belzoni depicts the Italian explorer wearing an Egyptian turban - Getty Images The only shared feature of these images is their depiction of European figures in the traditional clothing of other cultures. Unease about the adoption of traditional dress has led to several controversies. In 2024, Dulwich Prep School in south London dropped its traditional house names, which took their titles from Native American tribes. The school decided to change house names such as Mohican because societys understanding of history evolves. In the US, the wearing of Native American-inspired costumes for Halloween has become controversial, and various student associations have issued guides to help young people avoid donning offensive attire. Debate over propriety led to a 2016 BBC article titled Is it OK for white people to have dreadlocks? The National Portrait Gallery was approached for comment. We use cookies to improve your experience on our site and to show you relevant advertising. To find our more, read our privacy policy and cookie policy Accept and continue Craig Guildford, the head of West Midlands Police, previously denied to MPs that his force had used AI - NCA/UNPIXS A Corbynite policing chief has refused to sack the chief constable at the centre of the Maccabi fan ban row despite Shabana Mahmood declaring she has lost confidence in him. The Home Secretary indicated that Craig Guildford should leave his post as head of West Midlands Police after what she described as a damning report on his forces handling of the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans travelling to a match against Aston Villa in November. However, Simon Foster, who as the West Midlands police and crime commissioner (PCC) is the only person who can sack Mr Guildford, refused to take any decision until he had given the findings careful and detailed consideration. His move threatens a split between Ms Mahmood, who represents the Blairite Labour Right, and Mr Foster, a former chairman of a local Momentum branch, who backed Jeremy Corbyn as the party leader. In the wake of the row, Ms Mahmood announced on Wednesday that she was introducing new powers to give the Home Secretary the authority to sack police bosses, who can currently only be fired by police and crime commissioners. The chief constable has so far rebuffed mounting calls to resign, including from his own mayor and council leader, with sources close to him suggesting he was lawyering up and would fight any attempt to remove him. The interim report by Sir Andy Cooke, chief inspector of constabulary, found the force fabricated and retrofitted exaggerated and untrue evidence to justify the ban on the Israeli fans, made misleading public statements and failed to engage with the Jewish community. Simon Foster, the West Midlands police and crime commissioner, backed Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader - Anthony Devlin/Getty Images Mr Guildfords force has been accused of basing the ban on political motivations rather than genuine safety concerns and misleading Parliament with his version of events. The Home Secretary told MPs: The ultimate responsibility for the forces failure to discharge its duties on a matter of such national importance rests with the chief constable, and it is for that reason that I must declare today that the chief constable of West Midlands Police no longer has my confidence. Ms Mahmood said she expected Mr Foster to follow all due process as he considered Mr Guildfords future. However, Mr Foster suggested no decision would be taken until the chief constable had been questioned at a board meeting on Jan 27 in order to act in accordance with due process and the law at all times. He said that the Home Affairs Committee had yet to conclude its investigation and it was his statutory duty to account for the totality of policing in the West Midlands. Mr Foster added that the final report was still being drafted and could develop or change. Credit: Reuters A staunch Corbynista, Mr Foster regularly posted #JC4PM during the general election campaign of 2019, and when Sir Keir Starmer took over as Labour leader in 2020, he wrote on social media: Thank you Jeremy Corbyn for all you have done for our party. Courage, fortitude, principle and resilience. Let us all continue to campaign together for economic and social justice. Mr Foster was previously chairman of the South Birmingham Momentum Group, a local branch of the socialist organisation which supported his campaign to be elected West Midlands PCC. His refusal to sack the chief constable has prompted demands for Ms Mahmood to force him to take action. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, said: This has already taken far too long. If the Labour police and crime commissioner wont fire the chief constable, Shabana Mahmood needs to order him to do so. Saying shes lost confidence isnt enough. Its time to show the Labour Government actually takes this seriously. Sir Grant Shapps, the former home secretary, said Mr Foster should realise the game is up and it will reflect badly on him if he doesnt act, while Dame Priti Patel, another former home secretary, said if he wont resign, he must be swiftly sacked. Their interventions came hours after Ms Mahmood declared that a failure of leadership had harmed the reputation and eroded public confidence in West Midlands Police and policing more broadly. The interim report into the West Midlands Police ban of Maccabi fans found that the force conducted little engagement with the Jewish community and was guilty of confirmation bias, seeking only evidence to support its desire for a ban rather than following the evidence. This saw the force focus on a Dutch game where there had been violence, but not more peaceful matches in Greece, Ukraine and Denmark. Ms Mahmood said the most disquieting elements of the report were exaggerated or simply untrue claims by West Midlands Police about alleged violence by Maccabi fans in Holland. b' ' Inaccurate claims included links between fans and the Israeli Defense Forces, the targeting of Muslim communities, the mass tearing down of Palestinian flags, and attacks on police officers and on taxi drivers. Sir Andy also found that the force made a series of misleading public statements which overstated the threat posed by Maccabi fans while understating the risk posed to the Israeli fans. Ms Mahmood also expressed frustration that she was not able to sack Mr Guildford herself, a power she said was removed from the home secretarys remit during the coalition governments reforms, which introduced police and crime commissioners in 2011. Damaging failure of leadership She pledged to introduce new statutory powers allowing a home secretary to force the resignation of chief constables on the grounds of their performance. Home secretaries should, in future, have this power restored to them, she said. When a chief constable is responsible for a damaging failure of leadership, the public rightly expect the home secretary to act, and I intend to restore their ability to do so. She added: I can announce today that this Government will soon reintroduce the home secretarys power to dismiss chief constables in light of significant or persistent failings and that this will be part of the Governments upcoming white paper on wider police reform with legislation to follow. Sir Andy Cookes report found West Midlands Police fabricated evidence to justify the ban on the Israeli fans - Heathcliff O'Malley I do not expect this power to be used often, but I think it must be available at those rare moments when it is warranted. In the wake of the statement, Mr Guildford faced demands from both his own town and across the political spectrum to quit. Richard Parker, the Labour mayor of the West Midlands, said Mr Guildford should quit. The explanation has shifted over time, evidence has been pulled back and the report adds to my own concerns, he said. Public confidence in policing rests on openness and accountability, and that confidence has taken a serious knock. At this stage, its difficult to see how trust can be restored under the current leadership. I dont believe the chief constable can continue in post. Laurence Turner, the Birmingham Northfield MP, said: It is clear the chief constables position is untenable. He also called for measures to be put in place to ensure the highest operational standards for policing in the city. Antonia Bance, Labour MP for Birminghams neighbouring Tipton and Wednesbury constituency, said: It is clearly time for the chief constable to go. It is right that we expect a high standard of community engagement across all of our senior public servants and this has clearly not been met in this case. John Cotton, the Labour leader of Birmingham city council, said: For the sake of the city and region, confidence needs to be restored in the leadership of West Midlands Police, so that lessons can be learnt and implemented. I believe that the chief constable should stand down so that this vital work can begin at once. On the other hand, Ayoub Khan, the independent pro-Gaza MP for Birmingham Perry Barr constituency, which covers Villa Park, claimed Mr Guildford was the victim of a witch hunt. He told the Commons: Despite all the rhetoric we have heard in this House, Brummies know the truth: that this is nothing but a witch hunt, and the chief constable is being thrown under the bus. Protests took place ahead of the match between Maccabi and Aston Villa - Clive Mason/Getty Images The Home Secretary knows all too well that West Midlands Police have a reputation for working with all communities. They have never caved into community pressure. The Campaign Against Antisemitism also called for the West Midlands Police chief constable to resign, or be sacked if he refuses to stand down. Gideon Falter, its chief executive, said that clearly the chief constable and, I emphasise, also other police chiefs in the force must be fired if they do not resign. He called for action against Islamist intimidation of the police, adding: What has happened in Birmingham is a test case for the British state. It is no exaggeration to say that what happens next could well determine the future health of British society if we do not stand up to blatant radicalism like this. Meanwhile, Nadhim Zahawi, the former Tory chancellor who defected to Reform on Monday, added that Mr Guildford must resign today. Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Guildford admitted that the force had used artificial intelligence to find evidence of previous trouble with the Israeli team. The AI search found social media posts about a non-existent match between Maccabi and West Ham United, which the force used as part of its justification for banning Israeli fans from travelling to the Aston Villa game. Mr Guildford previously denied to MPs on the Home Affairs Committee that his force had used the AI system to search the internet at a hearing in December. In a letter to Dame Karen Bradley, the committee chairman, Mr Guildford said he became aware on Friday that the fictional match had been inaccurately included in an intelligence report. No intention to mislead The report incorrectly stated that Maccabi last played a match in the UK as part of the Europa Conference League on Nov 9 2023, despite the fact they were playing another game on that date. Mr Guildford wrote: In preparation for the force response to the [HM Inspectorate] inquiry into this matter, on Friday afternoon, I became aware that the erroneous result concerning the West Ham v Maccabi Tel Aviv match arose as a result of the use of Microsoft Copilot. He continued: I would like to offer my profound apology to the committee for this error, both on behalf of myself and that of [assistant chief constable Mike] OHara. I had understood and been advised that the match had been identified by way of a Google search in preparation for attending [the Home Affairs Committee]. My belief that this was the case was honestly held and there was no intention to mislead the committee. Copilot is a Microsoft AI system that can be used to answer questions, analyse documents, and help draft reports and emails. In 2024, Microsoft announced a five-year deal with the Government, which it claimed would improve civil servants productivity. Mr Guildford had been questioned about the West Ham claim by MPs on the select committee on Dec 1. West Midlands Police recommended banning Maccabi fans after receiving intelligence from Amsterdam, claimed Mr Guildford - Getty Images Paul Kohler, a Liberal Democrat MP, put it to Mr Guildford that his force did an AI search, got something about West Ham and just whacked it into the...?. He replied: No, not at all. We do a very comprehensive assessment. Nick Timothy, the Tory MP who has led calls for Mr Guildford to quit, said on X: Another day, another confession from West Midlands Police. Despite denials at two separate hearings, it turns out they did use AI to produce their dodgy intelligence dossier. Their account of their conduct in getting Israeli fans banned from Villa Park continues to unravel. The AI admission came weeks after The Telegraph revealed that Dutch officials had accused Mr Guildford of talking nonsense in his justification for banning Israeli fans. Mr Guildford had claimed West Midlands Police recommended banning Maccabi fans after receiving intelligence from Amsterdam about their behaviour at a previous game. However, Femke Halsema, the mayor of Amsterdam, has since told MPs that the claims were nonsensical and did not match the published accounts of the fixture in 2024, casting doubt on the police version of events. Documents published last week revealed that the West Midlands force was warned about residents in the predominantly Muslim community planning to arm themselves if Maccabi fans attended. West Midlands Police said it would take immediate action to rectify the problems raised in the report but made no mention of Mr Guildfords future. The statement from the force said: We have received a copy of the preliminary review today and acknowledge that this recognises the unintentional nature of our errors. We are extremely sorry for the impact these have had on individuals and their communities. We are taking immediate action to address the matters raised in these preliminary findings. We know that mistakes were made but reiterate the findings that none of this was done with an intent of deliberate distortion or discrimination. Credit: Humberside Police Video footage of an oil tanker bursting into flames after it was hit by a container ship has been played to a jury. Vladimir Motin, 59, was on sole watch duty when his vessel, the Solong, collided with the stationary Stena Immaculate, which was anchored near the Humber Estuary in the North Sea last March. Filipino Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, had been working at the front of the Solong and died as both vessels were engulfed in flames, although his body has never been found, a court heard. On Wednesday, jurors at the Russian captains Old Bailey manslaughter trial were shown a series of video and audio clips by Det Con Richard Bayley. Smoke rises from the Solong cargo ship after the collision - Paul Ellis/Getty The Stena Immaculate was carrying large quantities of aviation fuel, which leaked out, causing both ships to be engulfed in a huge blaze. A minute went by before Capt Motin could be heard on audio saying: Stena Immaculate, Stena Immaculate. In a recording from the Stena Immaculate, a loud crash was heard followed by American crew members shouting: Holy sh-t... what just hit us... a container ship... this is no drill, this is no drill, fire fire fire, we have had a collision. In the background, multiple alarm bells could be heard ringing out and a ships foghorn was repeatedly sounded. In another piece of video footage from the Solong, a male voice was heard saying: Lord help us. Lord help us. Lord help us. The death of Filipino Mark Angelo Pernia was entirely avoidable - CPS/PA Members of the Solong crew tried to search for Pernia but could not access parts of the ship because of the fire. Capt Motin gave the order to abandon ship and the remaining crew boarded a lifeboat. Previously, Tom Little KC, prosecuting, has told jurors that the death of Pernia was entirely avoidable. James Leonard KC, Capt Motins defence barrister, said the defendant had accepted he was the officer navigating the Solong alone on the bridge from 8am on the day of the collision. He was aware of the Stena Immaculate via radar at least nine nautical miles away and that it was directly in the path of the Solong. The defendants ship had been on autopilot, travelling at a speed of about 16 knots in the lead-up to the crash. Capt Vladimir Motin was sole watch duty when the Solong hit the Stena Immaculate - CPS/PA When the Solong was around three nautical miles away, Capt Motin had visual sight of the Stena Immaculate, Mr Leonard said. He told jurors: The defendant will say that when he was approximately one nautical mile away from the Stena Immaculates position, he tried to take the Solong out of autopilot so as to attempt to change course to starboard manually, passing to the Stena Immaculates stern. There is no dispute that had he changed course in the way he intended, there would have been no collision. That attempt was not successful and the Solong did not change course at all. The barrister invited jurors to consider whether it was reasonable to wait until the Solong was one nautical away from the Stena Immaculate before attempting to steer away and why he waited until that point. b' ' The vessel, with a 14-strong crew, was carrying mainly alcoholic spirits and some hazardous substances, including empty but unclean sodium cyanide containers, the court was told. The Stena Immaculate, with a crew of 23, was 183.2 metres long and was transporting more than 220,000 barrels of JetA1 high grade aviation fuel from Greece to the UK. Earlier, Mr Justice Baker discharged a juror, saying he had been observed distracting himself and not focusing himself on the evidence in the trial on Wednesday morning. After lunch, the judge explained to the remaining 11 jurors that he had demonstrated an unfitness to serve on the jury. Capt Motin, from Primorsky, St Petersburg, has denied manslaughter. The trial continues. Peter Hill in The Mermaid in St Albans, Hertfordshire, his 4,500th pub on the crawl - James Linsell Clark / SWNS A pensioner has visited his 4,500th pub in his bid to see all of Britains best pubs. Peter Hill, 69, has spent six years and 66,000 on a challenge to drink his way through every pub in the beer drinkers bible the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) Good Beer Guide. He ticked off his 4,500th pub after he visited The Mermaid in St Albans, Hertfordshire, on Jan 9. He has spent 11,000 of his pension savings annually since 2019, travelling the length and breadth of the country, working his way through Britains best pubs. Mr Hill, from West Bromwich in the West Midlands, has clocked up more than a staggering 130,000 miles on his journey. It was all completely self-financed, I pretty much spent my pension on it, he said. I have been to the likes of the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Isles of Scilly crossing off pubs it has taken some doing. Mr Hills love for pubs has seen him visit over 24,000 in the past 40 years. The mammoth pub crawl has also seen him travel 400,000 miles and sink a staggering 60,000 pints. When he started out back in 1984, a pint cost 64p. Peter Hill having a drink with Roger Protz, the former editor of Camras Good Beer Guide - James Linsell Clark / SWNS The Mermaid became his 24,460th pub in that time frame and he said he was treated like a celebrity upon arrival. He added: It was a cracking day and night, absolutely fantastic, I was treated like a celebrity. Even the local MP turned out and the chairman of the local CAMRA branch, they all took me on a pub crawl and I was presented with a plaque. We dont drink to excess. We used to get a little drunk in the early days. Its more of a mature hobby now. I mainly stick to the real ales but well try the odd stout and mild too. I can be a bit more picky these days. His favourite pubs are The Mermaid in Hertfordshire; the Flying Duck in Ilkey, West Yorks; the Falkland Arms in Dorking, Surrey and the Queens Head in Allens Green, Hertfordshire, amongst others. Mr Hill added: Ive managed to raise 7,150 for the Midlands Air Ambulance just by doing the Camra pubs so its all for a good cause too. Network Rail to cut workforce in preparation of its merger with Great British Railways - Monty Rakusen/Digital Vision Thousands of rail workers are to be made redundant as part of Labours plan to nationalise the railways. Network Rail is making cuts to its workforce as it faces a budget shortfall potentially as high as 1.8bn, insiders said. An estimated 2,000 employees out of the organisations total headcount of 41,000 could be laid off in the coming months. Network Rail bosses told staff the proposed job cuts were needed as part of preparations for the track maintenance company to be absorbed into Great British Railways (GBR). Earlier, Rachel Reeves revealed Labour could spend up to 45bn of taxpayers money on the Northern Powerhouse Rail project, including a possible extension of the controversial HS2 railway line to Manchester. Rachel Reeves announced plans to improve links for cities as Labour races to begin 45bn Northern rail upgrade - Kirsty O'Connor / Treasury An all-staff message issued by Clive Berrington, Network Rails group director of route services, suggested the cuts were necessary to cope with increased demands and in preparation for the companys merger with GBR. He said: We are facing increased demands that require additional resources, particularly in areas such as cyber security, new telecoms services, and lifts and escalators. We are also evaluating what needs to be done to get Route Services ready for GBR. Dave Hooper, Network Rails managing director for its southern region, said in a separate bulletin that there was a 350m gap in funding for his area alone between now and the year 2029. The bulletin, seen by The Telegraph, said: Weve explained the demands on our funding and that theres no additional money available. In fact, our [funding] settlement assumes we deliver significant efficiencies, which increase every year of the Control Period. Cuts to affect junior managerial grades GBR is at the heart of Labours flagship plan to take passenger trains into full state ownership and control, ending rail privatisation reforms introduced by John Major in the mid-1990s. The redundancies will affect staff in Bands 1 to 4, which are understood to be junior managerial grades. Affected staff will be formally placed at risk of redundancy from next Tuesday, The Telegraph understands. Network Rails taxpayer funding is allocated in five-year control periods. The current period, known as CP7, ends in 2029, which is the latest year in which a general election could be held. Speaking to the BBC on Tuesday morning, Ms Reeves claimed Labours promised increase in public spending on the railways in the 2030s is actually going to happen. She said: Were doing this properly, doing this right. Because I want to give confidence to people that this is actually going to happen. Its going to improve your train links, whether you live in Pudsey or Rotherham, or Newcastle or Darlington, or in the centres of Manchester and Liverpool, and Bradford and Sheffield. Youre going to see benefits from this. Although Labour has said the total budget for Northern Powerhouse Rail is capped at 45bn, just 1.1bn of taxpayers money has been allocated to design and feasibility studies so far. Michael Dnes, a transport consultant, suggested this week that Labours announcement about using the former HS2 route between Manchester and Birmingham for a new, standard-speed railway line had only come about because legal powers authorising land purchase and track construction are due to expire soon. In case youre unclear, yes, this is HS2 coming back at least in the sense that its the HS2 rail line, he said, adding that the line is not being built at any measurable point in the future. A rail industry source who requested to be anonymous said: Its all linked to the creation of GBR and resizing the organisation for that. Regarding the redundancies at Network Rail, a spokesperson said: Were committed to delivering a safe, reliable railway while reducing costs for taxpayers and meeting our 3.9bn efficiency target for this control period. To achieve this, weve reviewed how we operate across the business, including management structures, to ensure were as efficient as possible. Our review is now concluding, and well be sharing proposals with colleagues and trade unions for discussion over the coming weeks before any final decisions are made. The RMT trade union confirmed it was aware of the redundancy plan but said it would not affect the trade unions members, who are frontline workers rather than managerial staff. Network Rail later denied claims that its redundancies were linked to Labours rail nationalisation plans. A spokesman said: GBR has not yet been created. The work ongoing at Network Rail is about delivering our efficiency commitments for CP7 it is not part of the planning for GBR, nor linked to nationalisation or Government decisions. The Transport Salaried Staffs Association, which represents affected managers, did not respond to a request for comment. The DfT declined to comment. [Getty Images] 2025 was the deadliest year for civilians in Ukraine since 2022, according to the United Nations (UN). Conflict-related violence killed at least 2,514 civilians last year, the UN's Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said, compared with 2,088 in 2024 and 1,974 in 2023. The number of injured civilians also increased sharply each year. The year's deadliest attack killed at least 38 civilians in the western city of Ternopil in November, it reported, including eight children. On Tuesday President Volodymyr Zelensky said overnight Russian strikes had killed four people in Kharkiv and left "several hundred thousand households" without power in and around Kyiv amid freezing temperatures. The total number of civilians killed and injured in 2025 represented a 31% increase on 2024, and 70% on 2023, according to the UN mission. It previously said at least 8,006 civilians were killed and 13,287 injured in the first 12 months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. In November, it reported more than 14,534 civilians had been killed since the war began. The mission's chief Danielle Bell said 2025's figures represented "a marked deterioration in the protection of civilians". "Our monitoring shows that this rise was driven not only by intensified hostilities along the frontline, but also by the expanded use of long-range weapons, which exposed civilians across the country to heightened risk." Separately, Zelensky said almost 300 drones, 18 ballistic missiles and seven cruise missiles had targeted cities across the country overnight, causing a major power outage in the Kyiv region. The city's mayor Vitali Klitschko said air defences were in operation during what the military said had been a missile attack. The CEO of energy company Yasno said the whole city had gone into "emergency shutdowns" as a result, while emergency workers sought to put out fires and reconnect supplies in sub-zero temperatures. The country's foreign minister accused Russia of deliberately targeting energy infrastructure to "deprive people of power, water and heating" and heating as they woke up to temperatures below -15C. Parts of the capital had already faced days without heating and electricity in freezing temperatures due to strikes last week. Zelensky said four people were killed in a missile strike "without any military purpose whatsoever" on a postal terminal in Korotych, Kharkiv. The north-eastern region's governor said 10 people had been injured, while Ukraine's foreign ministry said 30 people had been evacuated. Elsewhere, the governor of Donetsk Vadym Filashkin said two were killed in strikes across the eastern region, while officials in Odesa in southern Ukraine said six people were injured by strikes which damaged homes, energy facilities, a hospital and a kindergarten. Kyiv said it had also launched its own attack overnight on a drone manufacturing plant in Russia's western Rostov region. The army's general staff said explosions and a fire were recorded in the area. The latest attacks came two days after Russia's full-scale invasion hit its 1,418th day - the same length of the Soviet army's participation in World War Two. The EU's ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Matheronva wrote on social media: "Back then, the USSR was attacked, fought back, and - thanks to massive Western support - ended the war victorious... Today, Putin chose this war. Planned it. Launched it. Owns it." Linn County Correctional Center A photo of Mario Nikprelaj NEED TO KNOW Mario Nikprelaj, 24, was sentenced on Jan. 13 after pleading guilty to one count of interfering with flight crew members and attendants He was arrested and charged after attempting to open an airplane exit door on a flight from Omaha to Detroit in July 2025 His behavior caused the flight to divert and make an emergency landing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa The man who attempted to open an exit door mid-flight from Omaha to Detroit in July forcing the plane to divert and make an emergency landing has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison. Mario Nikprelaj, 24, also received two years of supervised release during his sentencing on Tuesday, Jan. 13, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Iowa. The sentencing comes several months after Nikprelaj pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with flight crew members and attendants in September 2025. The incident on the flight took place on July 17, 2025. The U.S. Attorney's Office said in its release that Nikprelaj began making disruptive and rude statements to passengers and flight crew prior to the Omaha flight taking off. He refused to put his seatbelt on, but a flight attendant eventually convinced him to do so and the plane took off. Linn County Correctional Center A photo of Mario Nikprelaj via the Linn County Correctional Center Subsequently, Nikprelaj repeatedly took off his seat belt and had to be told to put it back on and stood up repeatedly while the plane was ascending. He even flipped off a flight attendant who told him to put his seat belt on and poked the flight attendant in the chest. When a flight attendant told him that he would be reported to law enforcement, Nikprelaj threatened to kill the flight attendant, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Alamy Stock Photo A photo of a SkyWest Airlines Bombardier CRJ-200 at the Los Angeles airport After that, several passengers pressed their emergency call buttons after noticing that Nikprelaj began manipulating the emergency exit door near his seat. They told authorities that they had believed that he was trying to open the door. The flight attendant Nikprelaj had threatened, who was 80 years old, approached him again to stop him. Nikprelaj pushed the flight attendant away, swore at the flight attendant, and continued to threaten to kill him, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in its release. The incident was reported to the pilot, who made an emergency landing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. As this was happening, Nikprelaj stood up, took his shirt off, and began walking up and down the aisle, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. He also took a swing at passengers who approached him and returned to his seat only to continue to flip off the flight attendant and other passengers. Officers with the Cedar Rapids Police Department took him into custody after the plane landed. When officers searched him, they found a prescription bottle containing 41 pills of purported Xanax, which had not been in his name, per the release. Google Maps A photo of the Eastern Iowa Airport Cedar Rapids 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. Following his arrest, Nikprelaj was taken to the Linn County Correctional Center and charged with disorderly conduct, assault, possession of prescription medication, tax stamp and harassment in the first degree, the Cedar Rapids Police Department said in a press release shared on Facebook at the time. The U.S. Attorneys office noted in its recent release that Nikprelaj has a criminal history and was previously convicted of assaulting, resisting, or obstructing a police officer. He also had previous convictions of domestic violence, disorderly conduct, breaking and entering, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Read the original article on People A security guard stands outside Bank Master (Banco Master), following the arrest of the controlling shareholder of lender Banco Master, businessman Daniel Vorcaro, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, November 18, 2025. REUTERS/ Amanda Perobelli By Ricardo Brito BRASILIA, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Brazil's federal police served search and seizure warrants against businessmen Daniel Vorcaro and Nelson Tanure on Wednesday as part of an investigation into alleged fraud at Banco Master, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The raids are part of the second phase of a police operation launched in November, which at the time led to Vorcaro's arrest on the same day the Brazilian central bank ordered Banco Master's liquidation. Vorcaro was later released, but had to wear an ankle monitor. Vorcaro's lawyers said in a statement on Wednesday they were aware of the warrants and the businessman was fully cooperating with authorities and available to provide clarification "of the facts and a swift conclusion of the inquiry." Tanure, an investor in distressed companies and a major shareholder in power firm Light and oil company Prio, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. SECOND PHASE OF POLICE PROBE OF SUSPECTED CRIMES Federal police said in a statement the second phase of the operation investigates suspected crimes including criminal organization, fraudulent management of a financial institution, market manipulation, and money laundering. Authorities executed 42 warrants authorized by the Supreme Court and seized cash, watches, cars, phones, documents and a firearm, images released by the police showed. Police are also seeking to freeze assets totaling more than 5.7 billion reais ($1.1 billion). GOVERNMENT SUGGESTS LARGE-SCALE BANKING FRAUD The operation comes one day after Finance Minister Fernando Haddad warned the case could represent "the largest banking fraud in the country's history." While Banco Master accounts for less than 1% of total banking assets in Brazil, its collapse has drawn scrutiny due to its heavy reliance on high-yield debt, guaranteed by the country's private guarantee fund, FGC. Investors are now awaiting potential payouts from the FGC amounting to 41 billion reais ($7.64 billion). ($1 = 5.3721 reais) (Reporting by Ricardo Brito in Brasilia; Additional reporting by Luciana Magalhaes in Sao Paulo and Marcela Ayres in Brasilia; Writing by Isabel Teles; Editing by Gabriel Araujo, Alexander Smith and Bernadette Baum) Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney walks to board a plane to depart for China, in the first visit by a Canadian prime minister since 2017, at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, January 13, 2026. REUTERS/Carlos Osorio By Ryan Woo BEIJING, Jan 14 (Reuters) - China bought fewer goods from Canada last year for the first time since 2020, according to Chinese data released hours before a visit by the Canadian prime minister, in a stark reminder of the economic leverage Beijing has over Ottawa. Chinese imports from Canada tumbled 10.4% in 2025 to $41.7 billion from an all-time high a year earlier, a scheduled monthly statistics release by China's customs authority showed on Wednesday. The last time inbound shipments fell was in 2020 when the pandemic knocked down imports by a staggering 22.3%. Mark Carney is due to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday in the first visit to China by a Canadian prime minister since 2017. The trip is expected to focus on narrowing a years-long rift that widened in 2024 when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau followed in the footsteps of the Biden administration and slapped 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. "I'm headed to Beijing," Carney posted on social media as he boarded his plane bound for China. "China is our second-largest trading partner, and the world's second largest economy. A pragmatic and constructive relationship between our nations will create greater stability, security, and prosperity on both sides of the Pacific." The decision to visit China followed a positive encounter with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea in October. While the meeting produced no breakthroughs, with Chinese tariffs still shutting out Canadian canola from its biggest market, both leaders agreed to advance bilateral ties. Xi invited Carney to visit, which he accepted. Re-engagement with China has also been driven by a desire to diversify export markets after U.S. President Donald Trump rained tariffs on Canada last year and suggested that the longtime U.S. ally could become the 51st U.S. state. Ahead of Carney's visit, Chinese state media has been quick to remind Carney on Canada's "strategic autonomy" from its southern neighbour. "If the Canadian side reflects on the root causes of the setbacks in bilateral relations over the past few years - the previous Justin Trudeau government's policies to contain China in lock step with the United States - it will realise that it can avoid the same outcome by upholding its strategic autonomy in handling China-related issues," state-run China Daily wrote in an editorial on Monday. "By working with Beijing to manage their differences appropriately, Ottawa can have Canada's interests better served." Chinese imports from the United States in 2025 also slumped, down 14.6% from a year earlier, according to the Chinese customs data released on Wednesday. (Reporting by Ryan Woo; additional reporting by Xiuhao Chen; Editing by Michael Perry) FILE PHOTO: Nvidia logo and Chinese flag are seen in this illustration taken August 27, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Jan 14 (Reuters) - Chinese customs authorities told customs agents this week that Nvidia's H200 artificial intelligence chips are not permitted to enter China, according to three people briefed on the matter. Chinese government officials also summoned domestic technology companies to meetings on Tuesday where they were explicitly instructed not to purchase the chips unless necessary, two of the people and a third source said. "The wording from the officials is so severe that it is basically a ban for now, though this might change in the future should things evolve," one of the people said. BEIJING'S MOTIVES UNCLEAR The H200, Nvidia's second most powerful AI chip, is one of the biggest flashpoints in current U.S.-Sino relations. Though there is strong demand from Chinese firms, it remains unclear whether Beijing wants to ban it outright so that domestic chip companies can flourish, or is still chewing over restrictions, or whether these measures could be used as a bargaining tactic in talks with Washington. The chip, formally approved by the Trump administration for export to China this week with some conditions, is also a hot-button issue in the U.S., with many China hawks concerned that the chips could supercharge the Chinese military and erode the U.S. advantage in AI. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said authorities had not provided any reasons for their directives and had not given any indication whether this constitutes a formal ban or a temporary measure. Reuters was not immediately able to ascertain whether the directives applied to existing orders for H200 chips or only to new orders. China's General Administration of Customs, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the National Development and Reform Commission had not responded to Reuters requests for comment at the time of publication. Nvidia also did not reply to Reuters queries. HUGE ORDERS PLACED The Information on Tuesday reported that the Chinese government this week told some tech companies it would only approve their H200 purchases under special circumstances, such as for research and development conducted in partnerships at universities. Exemptions are being discussed for R&D purposes and universities, said one of the sources. Keen to stifle China's AI and technological development, the U.S. has since 2022 placed restrictions on exports to China of high-end chips. Last year, Trump banned and then allowed exports of a much weaker chip, the H20. But then Beijing de facto blocked those sales from around August, prompting Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to say the company's share of the AI chip market in the world's second-largest economy had shrunk to zero. The H200, however, delivers roughly six times the performance of the H20, making it a highly attractive product. While Chinese chipmakers have developed AI processors like Huawei's Ascend 910C, the H200 is considered far more efficient for the large-scale training of advanced AI models. Chinese technology companies have placed orders for more than two million H200 chips priced at around $27,000 each, far exceeding Nvidia's inventory of 700,000 chips, sources said last month. Conditions placed by the U.S. on the H200 exports include a cap limiting China to no more than 50% of the total chips sold to U.S. customers. (Reporting by Reuters staff; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) Claudette Colvin, whose refusal to move to the back of a Montgomery, Alabama, bus as a teenager preceded the better-known efforts of Rosa Parks by less than a year, has died. She was 86. "It is with profound sadness that the Claudette Colvin Foundation and family announce the passing of Claudette Colvin, a beloved mother, grandmother, and civil rights pioneer," the foundation and family said in a statement posted on Facebook. "She leaves behind a legacy of courage that helped change the course of American history." Colvin died of natural causes in southeast Texas near Houston, said Ashley Roseboro of Roseboro Holdings, a Washington, DC-based management and community engagement firm that represents the Colvin family. Rosa Parks and Helen Keller statues unveiled at Alabama Capitol The Rosa Parks statue is dedicated on the state Capitol grounds in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday October 24, 2025. Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed said Colvin's life "reminds us that movements are built not only by those whose names are most familiar, but by those whose courage comes early, quietly, and at great personal cost." A 15-year-old takes a stand It was on March 2, 1955, that Colvin, then a 15-year-old, bespectacled honors student at Montgomerys Booker T. Washington High, stepped onto a City Lines bus in Montgomery. She recalled wearing a light blue sweater and a navy blue skirt. Later, her mother would say that on any other day, events might have played out differently, but that, as it turned out, fate picked the wrong day to test her daughter. Colvin would explain that she'd just spent February studying Black history and learning about injustices throughout the South in school, and that those thoughts played in her head as she boarded the bus that day. Montgomerys segregation laws dictated that White people sat in front and Black people in back, with a "no mans land" of seats between the two groups. Colvin was seated in the "no mans land" when a group of White passengers boarded. Claudette Colvin is pictured at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School in Montgomery, Alabama, on Feb. 3, 2005 The teen refused to comply when the driver asked her to move to the rear. "I felt as though Harriet Tubman was pushing me down on one shoulder and Sojourner Truth was pushing me down on the other," she said. "So, therefore, history had me glued to the seat. That was the reason I could not move." Eventually, several police officers boarded the bus too, but Colvin still refused to budge. Colvin was dragged off the bus, handcuffed, and charged with assault and battery, disorderly conduct, and violating city segregation laws. Most of the charges were dismissed, but a juvenile court judge found Colvin guilty of assault, and she was made a ward of the state and placed on indefinite probation. The months that followed were harsh and isolating, with the teenager shunned by friends and left out of social events. "It was difficult because people looked at me differently," Colvin said. "The people who didnt know me said that I was crazy. Some of the parents didnt want their children to be associated with me." Fred Gray, the young civil rights lawyer who would ultimately take the fight against Montgomerys segregation laws to the United States Supreme Court, lauded the teen's courage in the growing fight for civil rights. "[You had] a 15-year-old girl who did what she did, and was willing to take whatever consequences, not knowing what was going to happen," he said. "Claudette had a lot more courage than many of us involved." Gray and others hoped to challenge Montgomerys segregation laws in court, but with Colvin's segregation violation charge dismissed, the choice was made to wait until a stronger case emerged. "We knew there would be another opportunity and we would be ready," he wrote. Nine months later, Parks was arrested. Legacy and long-awaited relief In 1956, Colvin was one of four Black women who were plaintiffs in Browder v. Gayle, which successfully challenged Montgomery's segregated bus seating as unconstitutional, transforming public transportation of all types across the country. Colvin would leave the South after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., moving to New York, where she spent years as a nursing aide. Laws changed; so did society, and in 2019, the Montgomery street where she once lived was renamed Claudette Colvin Drive. But the "indefinite probation" to which shed been sentenced hung over her head like a cloud. Claudette Colvin is pictured as lawyers filed papers to have her name cleared at the family court in Montgomery, Alabama, on Oct. 26, 2021. Finally, in November 2021, after efforts by legal volunteers and researchers, a Montgomery Juvenile Court judge expunged Colvin's 1955 arrest, calling it "a measure of statutory right and fairness" for "what has since been recognized as a courageous act on her behalf and on behalf of a community of affected people." It had been a long wait. "Im no longer, at 82, a juvenile delinquent," she joked. Two years earlier, as her home city recognized her with the street name change, Colvin would say that she hadnt gone out looking for trouble. No one had asked her to take action, and she had no idea whether support would follow. "I just went out on my own, and I knew I had to take care of myself," she said. "Im a self-made woman. You have to have strong courage, strong faith, and belief in yourself." But to her family, Colvin remains more than a historical figure. "She was the heart of our family, wise, resilient, and grounded in faith," they said in their statement. "We will remember her laughter, her sharp wit, and her unwavering belief in justice and human dignity. Contributing: Shannon Heupel, Melissa Brown, and Brian Lyman, USA TODAY Network . This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Civil rights pioneer Claudette Colvin dies at 86 Having an agent who understands the intricacies of flight times, airport transfers, cruise ports, accommodation expectations, and day tours saves you the arduous effort of booking each element yourself. Instead of spending hours online working out how to get from an airport to a hotel or port, your agent has done the research and knows the cheapest and quickest route every time. Travel agents also know how to book the best multi-day layovers in exciting destinations as part of a long-haul trip. Want to eat dim sum in Hong Kong or fit in a yoga retreat in Thailand before a river cruise in Europe? Going to a conference in Italy but want a side trip to the Greek Islands? 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Bangkok A construction crane fell onto a moving passenger train, causing a fiery derailment that killed at least 30 people Wednesday in northeastern Thailand, authorities said. Another 64 people were injured and rescuers were still searching the wreckage and giving first aid. The derailment occurred on part of an ambitious planned high-speed rail project that will eventually connect China with much of Southeast Asia. Anuphong Suksomnit, the governor of Nakhon Ratchasima province, where the accident took place, said four passengers among the 171 believed to have been on board the train were still missing. Searchers were still looking through the wreckage about eight hours after the morning crash. The crane, which was being used to build an elevated part of the railway, fell as the train was traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province, according to the public relations office for Nakhon Ratchasima province, where the accident occurred some 143 miles northeast of Bangkok. Photos published in Thai media showed plumes of white, then dark smoke above the scene and construction equipment hanging down from between two concrete support pillars. This photo released by Thailand's Ministry of Transport shows the scene after a construction crane fell onto a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand on Jan. 14, 2026. / Credit: Ministry of Transport via AP Rescue workers stood on top of overturned railway carriages, some of them with gaping holes torn on their sides, video from public broadcaster ThaiPBS showed. What appeared to be sections of the crane were scattered along the track. Thai media reported the train had three carriages, the last two being the most heavily damaged. The wreckage after a construction crane fell into a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, on Jan. 14, 2026. / Credit: Nathathida Adireksarn / AP (Nathathida Adireksarn / AP) Transport Minister Piphat Ratchakitprakan said 195 people were on board the train. He said he ordered an investigation. Area resident Mitr Intrpanya, 54, told French news agency AFP she "heard a loud noise, like something sliding down from above, followed by two explosions. When I went to see what had happened, I found the crane sitting on a passenger train with three carriages. The metal from the crane appeared to strike the middle of the second carriage, slicing it in half." Aid workers at the scene after a construction crane fell onto a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, on Jan. 14, 2026. / Credit: Nathathida Adireksarn / AP In August 2024, a railway tunnel on the planned route, also in Nakhon Ratchasima, collapsed, killing three workers. Days of heavy rainfall were believed to have been a factor in the collapse. The elevated segment that collapsed is a part of the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project linking Bangkok, Thailand's capital to the northeastern province of Nong Khai, bordering Laos. The two-stage rail project has a total cost of more than 520 billion baht ($16.8 billion) and is associated with an ambitious plan to connect China with Southeast Asia under Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative. Anan Phonimdaeng, acting governor of the State Railway of Thailand, said the project's contractor is Italian-Thai Development, with a Chinese company responsible for design and construction supervision. He said authorities will examine the responsibilities of both parties, and the Railway Department plans to take legal action against the contractor as a first step. Damage to the train was estimated to be more than 100 million baht ($3.2 million), while construction equipment suffered limited damage, said Anan. A statement posted on the company's website expressed condolences to the victims and said the company would take responsibility for paying compensation to the families of the dead and hospitalization expenses for the injured. Anger intensifying The new accident sparked outrage in Thailand because the main contractor for the route's first stage between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, Italian-Thai Development, was also directly responsible for construction on the stretch where the accident occurred. The company, also known as Italthai, was also the co-lead contractor for the State Audit Building in the Thai capital Bangkok, which collapsed during the construction stage in March during an earthquake in neighboring Myanmar. About 100 people were killed in the collapse, which was the only major structure in Thailand to suffer such serious damage. Dozens of executives were indicted in connection with the disaster but none have yet been tried. The involvement of Chinese companies in both projects has also drawn attention, as has Italthai's and Chinese companies' involvement in the construction of several expressway extensions in and around Bangkok where several accidents, some fatal, had occurred. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who was interior minister when the State Audit Building collapsed, said the Comptroller General's Department and Transport Ministry are responsible for blacklisting contractors, and the laws couldn't be amended in the brief time he was interior minister to expedite the matter. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the government was aware of the reports about the accident and had expressed condolences. "The Chinese government attaches great importance to the safety of projects and personnel, and we are also learning about the situation," he said. "At present, it appears that the relevant section is being constructed by a Thai company, and the cause of the accident is still under investigation." Sneak peek: The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis Civil Rights icon Claudette Colvin dies at 86 Trump says U.S. was told "the killing in Iran is stopping" Senator Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, addresses demonstrators outside the US Customs and Border Protection headquarters in Washington, DC, on Jan. 13, 2026. Credit - Kent NishimuraBloomberg via Getty Images This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIMEs politics newsletter. Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox. Sen. Chris Murphy is one of those lawmakers who picks his words carefully. He is not the type to blindly rush into a slogan of the hour. So when the Connecticut Democrat navigated the crowd of hundreds gathered outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in downtown D.C. Tuesday evening to mark the one-week anniversary of an ICE officer shooting and killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis, Murphy stuck to the thoughtfully crafted policy package he felt properly met the moment. This is a nation that is defined by our immigrant present and our immigrant future, said Murphy, whose laundry list of reforms include keeping Border Patrol on the border, banning agents from wearing masks during operations and requiring them to wear identification, obtain warrants for arrests, and holster guns while on civil matters. They were the kind of pragmatic steps that might actually get to the Presidents desk by the Jan. 30 funding deadline. You should demand that we make sure that this appropriations process is used to make ICE comply with the law, said Murphy, who is the top Democrat on an appropriations subcommittee that handles the Department of Homeland Securitys piggybank. He added: And I see a lot of signs out therenot one additional dime for ICE in this budget. Almost immediately, the crowd erupted in a chant that was not at all what Murphy was pitching: Defund ICE came the cry. Thus illustrates Democrats challenge at this charged moment: responding to their base while not allowing themselves to get pulled further left than they deem prudent. There is a good reason for Democrats to want their party leaders to focus on this issue. The latest YouGov/ Economist poll finds that efforts by Trump and his allies to dismiss Goods death are not working. A full 50% of Americans say the killing by ICE was not justified, compared to just 30% who said it was. But that doesnt mean Abolish ICE is suddenly a winning election strategy. The view of the agency is more of a mixed bag, with 43% saying they want to abolish the agency and 46% saying they want to keep itmeaning Democrats lingering calls to scrap it are far less popular than self-selecting social media would suggest. And when asked if they would support a generic Democratic candidate or a Republican one, Democrats enjoyed just a 6-point advantage, 39% to 33%, in the YouGov survey. (A separate Gallup survey shows Democrats in a stronger positionperhaps even better than they were at this point heading into the 2018 midterms.) At the rally Tuesday evening, Murphys multipronged proposal was one of many policy remedies offered to a crowd itching to rein in ICE. Sen. Alex Padilla of California pitched a measure that would hold officers accountable and deny their immunity claims that they were just doing their jobs. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland promoted a budget that gives not one more dime for Donald Trumps ICE operations. Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida said he was already a firm no on any Homeland Security spending bill. We dont want ICE just out of Minneapolis, but we want ICE out of all of our communities. We must ensure that we use every tool in our toolbox, which includes voting no on the DHS appropriations bill. No more funding for terrorizing our communities. No more funding for killing our people, Frost said. Its a range, for sure, reaching from Murphys reforms for ICE to the easier-to-distill promise just to scrap the operation altogether. The problem here for Democrats is one that has plagued them since Barack Obama left office in 2017: there is no unifying leader who defines the party. Nancy Pelosi, Hakeem Jeffries, and Chuck Schumer are skilled at leading on Capitol Hill but not nationally. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took the role because they were unifying against Trump. Dynamos like Elizabeth Warren and Ro Khanna have mastered the ability to whip up the progressive wing of the partyand draw backlash immediately from the middle, as was the case this week when centrist think tank Third Way got into a quick skirmish with Warren over a policy speech she delivered that it described negatively as supersized Bidenism 2.0. Soon after, Third Way also told Democrats to ditch any mentions of abolish ICE. So as protesters lined up on the sidewalk and eventually spilled into a closed city street late Tuesday in a show of peaceful opposition to ICE, they did so without much more than a collective need to see something happen. At their core, though, there was zero agreement about what that should look like. Democrats may find itself spending much of the midterms debating how much their voters want them to try and limit ICE, while Republicans try to paint them all as Abolish ICE anarchists. After all, Democrats did themselves no favors with promises to Defund the Police, yet they seem to be preparing a sequel. Make sense of what matters in Washington. Sign up for the D.C. Brief newsletter. Write to Philip Elliott at philip.elliott@time.com. Schoedinger Funeral & Cremation Service; WIFR News/Pool Photo via AP Spencer and Monique Tepe, Michael McKee NEED TO KNOW Michael McKee is accused of medical malpractice in an amended complaint filed by a man in Las Vegas on Sept. 29, 2025 but he could not be served papers because he allegedly "just disappeared," per an affidavit Three months after that complaint was filed, McKee's ex-wife Monique Tepe and her husband Spencer were killed inside their Columbus, Ohio home as their two young children slept McKee, 39, is now in an Illinois jail awaiting extradition to Ohio after being accused of murdering the couple more than 8 years after he and Monique divorced Three months before the deaths of Monique and Spencer Tepe, the man accused of murdering the couple was sued for medical malpractice. Michael McKee allegedly oversaw a botched surgery at Las Vegas Surgical Associates during which an 8.6-inch catheter shard broke off in a patient's leg, according to a copy of an amended complaint filed in Clark County Court and obtained by PEOPLE. That amended complaint was filed on Sept. 29, 2025, and the patient's lawyer spent over a month trying to track McKee down with no luck. At one point, the process server tasked with delivering the complaint to McKee spoke with one of his co-workers about his whereabouts, according to a declaration of due diligence filed in the case, and was told: "[He] just disappeared." McKee's location is no longer a secret. On Jan. 10, 2026, he was booked into the Winnebago County Jail to await extradition to Ohio where he is expected to be charged with two counts of aggravated murder with premeditation in the deaths of his ex-wife Monique, 39, and her dentist husband Spencer, 37. WBNS 10TV/YouTube Michael McKee in an Illinois courtroom on Jan. 12 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. McKee was arrested almost two weeks after the Tepes were killed inside their Columbus home on Dec. 30 just days after their fifth wedding anniversary and as their two children, ages 4 and 1, were asleep in their bedrooms. An arrest warrant filed in Franklin County Court on the day of McKee's arrest claimed that detectives were "able to identify a suspect through neighborhood video surveillance" and then track that person to a vehicle "which arrived just prior to the homicides and left shortly after the homicides." They tracked McKee to Rockford, a city in Illinois located 450 miles away from Columbus. McKee was working at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, a job he took after leaving Las Vegas and moving to Chicago. That move happened sometime after May 2024, which is when the malpractice lawsuit was first filed against McKee's Las Vegas employer. Illinois state medical records show that McKee had been licensed to practice in the state starting in October 2024, and just this past July he purchased a penthouse apartment in Chicago for $400,00. Then, in September, McKee was named in the amended complaint. Courtesy of Rob Misleh Monique and Spencer Tepe. The complaint alleges that the "failure of ... Michael David McKee, M.D. to properly train or supervise [his co-worker] ... caused the catheter or device to shear or fracture, leaving an 8.6-inch portion of the device in the plaintiff's body." It goes on to claim that the plaintiff suffered "numerous adverse sequelae" because McKee allegedly "breached the standard of care," including "lower extremity bleeding, edema, pain, discoloration, disfigurement, and other injuries." On Oct. 9, McKee's co-worker told the process server that the vascular surgeon had "just disappeared" and on Nov. 10, the plaintiff's lawyer filed a motion asking the judge that he be able to serve McKee via publication. The judge delayed hearing arguments on that motion which would allow the plaintiff to identify McKee as being a defendant in the complaint in a legal journal in lieu of physically serving him the legal document multiple times before finally approving the motion on Jan. 6, 2026, just four days before McKee's arrest. As of now, the case is set to go to trial in July 2027 with McKee as one of the defendants. The plaintiff is seeking damages totaling over $50,000, and because neither Nevada or Illinois require doctors to be insured for medical malpractice, it is unclear if McKee would be covered if convicted or be forced to pay out of pocket. He will next appear in Franklin County Court though as early as this week, where he is expected to be arraigned on two counts of murder. Why prosecutors allege McKee killed his ex-wife more than eight years after their divorce is still a mystery, but more details are expected to be revealed once he makes that first appearance in an Ohio courtroom. Read the original article on People WASHINGTON After laying off virtually all remaining members of a key "peacemaking" unit that had defused police-protester conflicts, the Department of Justice has quietly reversed course and rescinded the terminations of 12 of them, USA TODAY has learned. The members of DOJs Community Relations Service, who were given "reduction in force" letters Sept. 29, received another letter late the night of Jan. 9 telling them they have the option to return. The employees cant return to CRS, though, because the entire 57-person unit was dismantled by the Trump administration last fall after it concluded that CRS' "mission does not comport" with its "law enforcement and litigating priorities," as USA TODAY reported on Jan. 10. See ICE protests around country sparked after Minnesota shooting death People take part in a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York on Jan. 7, 2026 after an ICE officer shot dead a woman in Minneapolis. The recission letter was sent after 9 p.m. Jan. 9, seven hours after USA TODAY began asking the Justice Department about the layoffs, and whether it had contingency plans to send experts to defuse protests that erupted after two shootings by federal immigration enforcement agents. The Justice Department confirmed the callbacks in a legal filing Jan. 13 in federal court in Boston, in a court case in which civil rights groups allege the firings were part of an unlawful effort by the Trump administration to dismantle the historic conflict resolution organization. In the filing, Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate said DOJ had decided to reinstate the employees "as a matter of administrative discretion" but did not address whether the administration has any plans to reestablish the unit. Before it was shut down in October, CRS had about 20 employees at Justice Department headquarters, and the rest spread across 30 DOJ field offices. Many of the employees took "fork in the road" buyouts offered by the Trump administration. Of the remaining 13 employees who received layoff notices and left in October, all but one received letters reversing their termination on Jan. 9. The "RIF Recission" letters began arriving in email inboxes after 9:30 p.m., according Julius Nam, the former senior Justice Department official who led the unit. The letter said the former employees "separation" was being rescinded and that they could get back salary and benefits for the pay period starting last Nov. 2. They would also get their old "title, series and grade" if they notified the Justice Department by Jan. 16. And they'd have to agree to start Feb. 9, according to the letter, a copy of which was shared with USA TODAY. In its letter Friday, DOJ said that returning employees would start work at the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys "pending leadership guidance." The EOUSA provides support for the 93 U.S. attorneys located throughout the country. More: Trump killed DOJ 'peacemaker' unit used to defuse tense protests A DOJ award in 2025 for 'outstanding work and skills in de-escalating tensions' Since its 1964 inception, CRS deployed professional mediators to some of the most potentially explosive conflicts between police and protesters in the modern era, from the Civil Rights marches of the 1960s to the anti-Arab sentiment following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to the wave of street clashes following a Minneapolis police officer's murder of George Floyd in 2020. Members of CRS teams have won prestigious Justice Department awards over the decades, including one for defusing tensions and protests at the 2024 Republican and Democratic National conventions, where protesters clashed with police over a range of issues including President Donald Trumps anti-immigration campaign platform. As head of the unit, Nam was on the ground and working closely with the Milwaukee and Chicago police departments and Secret Service to help ease tensions between protesters and law enforcement. "I was at the law enforcement command center 12-plus hours each day of the conventions coordinating responses," said Nam, who left DOJ voluntarily in October. The U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service (CRS) is given a DOJ award for Outstanding External Contribution at the 72nd Attorney Generals Awards for its team that deployed to the large protests that took place during the Republican National Convention and Democratic National Convention. Nam said CRS would have used a similar approach to recent protests in Minneapolis and hundreds of other U.S. cities in response to an ICE agents fatal shooting of Renee Good. 'Why are we receiving emails from DOJ so late at night?' The Justice Department did not respond to requests for comment on the recission letter, including on what prompted it. But Nam, a former Civil Rights prosecutor at DOJ, said he believes the USA TODAY inquiry played a role, as well as a recent court ruling ordering some other government workers to be reinstated. "The media inquiry certainly had an effect," said Nam, who is helping lead efforts to support a lawsuit against DOJ and for additional congressional funding for the restoration of CRS. One of the laid off employees, administrative support specialist Chez Chez Jackson, told USA TODAY she had heard nothing from the Justice Department about the possibility of returning prior to Jan. 9, and had gotten a job as a flight attendant. "I received my letter Friday night, close to 10 oclock, and my thought was, 'Why are we receiving emails from DOJ so late at night?'" said Jackson. "I think they wanted to get those [letters] issued before the article came out to cover their behind, for lack of a better word." Now Jackson is weighing whether to return to the Justice Department or start flight training school. "In my mind, I had probably moved on to a new career," she said. She may ask the airline to push back her start date, though, because she was laid off from DOJ with just six months to go before hitting her 20-year service mark and the retirement benefits that come with that. The CRS was established by Congress as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which technically means only Congress can shut it down, not the administration. Thats one reason why Nam is assisting the 11 civil rights groups that are suing. In a response to the lawsuit, the DOJ said it hasnt technically shut down the CRS because it kept on one CRS employee, who is now working within EOUSA "to ensure a smooth transition of CRS functions." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DOJ laid off its peacemakers. Now it wants some to return US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents stand guard at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 8, 2026. Credit - Charly TriballeauAFP via Getty Images In the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis last week, Trump Administration officials jumped into a whole-hearted defense of the ICE agent responsible. The Department of Homeland Security maintained that Agent Jonathan Ross dutifully acted in self-defense, and promised to send hundreds more agents into the city despite widespread protests against the agencys operations. But behind the scenes, current and former ICE agents have expressed concerns about the agents conduct, about the agencys operations in Minneapolis, and about a broader push by the Trump administration to aggressively recruit more agents. Read more: Fatal ICE Shooting Sparks Scrutiny of Killings in Trumps Immigration Crackdown Im embarrassed, one former ICE agent with more than 25 years of experience told TIME. The majority of my colleagues feel the same way. Its an insult to us, because we did it the right way to see what theyre doing now. 'Problematic' When asked about the deadly shooting that sparked mass protests in Minneapolis and across the country, both the current and the former ICE agent expressed their reservations about Agent Ross opening fire three times. If you fear for your life and you're in imminent danger, policy says you could fire at that vehicle if there's no other recourse, said a current ICE agent with more than 20 years of experience in the agency. If someone is able to make the argument that she was trying to hit him, he feared for his life, and all he could do was shootthen sure, he can justify it that way. But I think when you look at it a little bit more, it's very problematic for him, the agent said. The current and former agents spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak on the record on behalf of the agency. The DHS told TIME that Good had weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill theman act of domestic terrorism. But videos of the incident contradict that account. They appear to show Ross positioned to the side of Goods vehicle when he fired three shots that killed her, with her wheels turned away from him. Both the former agent and the current agent also questioned why Ross was assigned to this operation in the first place, given a previous injury involving a driver at the wheel of a vehicle just a few months before the confrontation with Good. That, to me, has red flags all over it, the former ICE agent said. So when this person took off, I'm sure that prior incident came to mind, because he's an experienced officer. And then he just reacted, in my opinion, not in the correct way, the former agent added. Last Monday, the Trump administration deployed roughly 2,000 agents from ICE to the Twin Cities area amid a growing fraud scandal at day care centers run by Somali residents. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on social media that the agents are there to conduct a massive investigation on childcare and other rampant fraud. The current ICE agent pointed out that while the pretense of the immigration operation in Minneapolis is to investigate welfare fraud, neither border patrol officers nor ICE agents in charge of deportation, also known as Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers, are trained to investigate financial fraud. None of those skills were asked for when they sought out volunteers, or when they pulled people, it was just we just need people to go out there and flood the area, the current ICE agent said. You would bring in a team of HSI special agents who have done that before, who have investigated that type of fraud, he added, referring to Homeland Security Investigations, an agency within DHS. The surge in Minneapolis is part of a broad nationwide push by the Trump Administration to meet President Donald Trumps aim to carry out the largest deportation operation in American history. To meet that goal, ICE has doubled its manpower from 10,000 to 22,000 in less than a year, thanks to its aggressive hiring campaign. To respond to the massive surge of new officers, ICE has shortened the training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia from 13 weeks to six weeks, NBC first reported. The former agent called that a recipe for disaster. You can't train someone to do all the basic law enforcement stuff, let alone the law. Immigration law used to be a five or six-month course at the academy. How do you know that people are here legally unless you know the law? You use Google? the current ICE agent said. The former ICE agent also said that this rushed training could lead to a domino effect as more senior ICE agents plan for retirement, and the new recruits, who didnt have as much legal and enforcement training as previous generations, fill the gap. Some retired agents have also been invited by ICE to rejoin the force, but according to the former ICE agent, the risk of going back outweighs staying retired. The biggest concern is jeopardizing your pension. And then, of course, violating the law. If you're ordered and you know that you're violating the law and you say no, then you stand a chance of being terminated. And then you jeopardize your pension, the former agent said, adding that some officers are asked to work for 16-hour shifts six to seven days a week. For most of us, it's not worth it. Even before Goods shooting, public support for the agency has been dropping sharply. A YouGov poll conducted the same day as the shooting killing found that 52% of respondents now either somewhat or strongly disapproved of how ICE was handling its job, compared to 39% who somewhat or strongly approved. For the first time, more people now support abolishing the agency than oppose it. Asked about the publics biggest misconception about ICE, both the current and former agent said that ICE, like all government agencies, is at the mercy of the Administration. Where was all this energy when the election was happening? Everyone knew this was what the Administration was going to do, the agent said, adding that for the most part, the agents conducting deportations and arrests are not breaking the law. You're putting people in a position where they have to quit and try to find work in a really bad job market. So they justify themselves, and they say, hey, it's legal, and as long as I'm not violating rights or doing something immoral or illegal, I'm going to do it because this is what the American voters voted for. Contact us at letters@time.com. Gavin Newsom, governor of California, during a State of the State address on the Assembly Floor at the California State Capitol in Sacramento, California, on Jan. 8, 2026. Credit - Jason HenryBloomberg/Getty Images A proposed measure in California seeks to tax billionaires wealth. But the effort may cause the state to lose billions in future tax revenue before it even reaches the ballot. The proposed ballot measure, called the 2026 Billionaire Tax Act, would impose a one-time 5% tax on billionaires assets. The measure is still in the process of gathering the 90,000 signatures necessary to put it before voters in November. But it is already receiving fierce backlash from several of the states wealthiest residentsand from its Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. This will be defeated. Theres no question in my mind, Newsom told The New York Times on Monday, following a speech in which he called the proposal really damaging and bad economics. Ill do what I have to do to protect the state, he added. Newsom said that a wealth tax that takes from billionaires assets instead of their incomes is something very, very different than the states progressive income tax, which already taxes high earners at the highest tax rate in the country. He added that he would be more open to a similar proposal carried out on the federal level. Its one thing to have a prism of the nation, and you can talk about 50 states. Its another when youre competing against 49 other states, he said. The push for the ballot measure is being led by a health care workers union, SEIU-UHW, that is calling for the hike to compensate for federal cuts to healthcare, education, and food assistance in the state under President Donald Trumps sweeping Big, Beautiful Bill. Were calling on Californias billionaires to step up and pay a one-time, emergency 5% tax to prevent the collapse of California healthcare and help fund California public K-14 education and state food assistance programs, the unions website states. It notes that the bill would only affect roughly 200 people who have a combined net worth of $2 trillion. California is home to more billionaires than any other state. But in the face of the proposed tax, a handful are already starting to cut ties with California and shift their assets elsewhere, including Google co-founder Larry Page, Paypal co-founder Peter Thiel, Craft Ventures co-founder David Sacks, and Oracle CEO Larry Ellison. And more have threatened to depart. Several made major moves before the residency cut-off date for the ballot measure. Page purchased $173 million worth of property in Miami while moving assets out of California. Thiel also targeted Miami as a destination, with his investment firm, Thiel Capital, announcing on the last day of 2025 that it had opened an office in the city. Earlier in the month, Sacks similarly announced that his firm had opened an office in Austin, Texas, and that he had relocated to the city from San Francisco. This is my fear, Newsom said to Politico. Its just what I warned against. Its happening. In December, attorney Alex Spiro, whose elite clientele includes billionaires like Tesla CEO Elon Musk, wrote a letter to Newsom warning him that the proposed ballot measure would trigger an exodus of capital and innovation from California" and stressing, Our clients have made clear they will permanently relocate if subjected to this tax." This is not the first time a wealth tax has been proposed in California. A proposal in 2024 introduced by Assemblymember Alex Lee sought to apply a 1% annual tax on those with more than $50 million, and 1.5% for billionaires. Newsom has rejected such previous proposals as well. Some billionaires are not opposed to the 2026 Billionaire Tax Act, however, including Nvidia CEO and President Jensen Huang, who said he was perfectly fine with the proposal in an interview on Bloomberg Television. We chose to live in Silicon Valley, and whatever taxes they would like to apply, so be it, he said. Contact us at letters@time.com. An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Midori Valdvia at a press conference, Image 2 shows Mourners stand amidst rows of black body bags at a coroner's office, Image 3 shows A crowd of people gathered around an open fire during a night protest in Pounak Square, Tehran Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the Iranian regime over its deadly handling of anti-government protests after a startling period of silence on the growing crisis in the Middle East that caught the attention of critics. I absolutely do not support the way the Iranian government has responded to that, Mamdani said while taking off-topic questions during a Thursday evening press conference. I think that the Iranian government and every government should respect the right of people to express their political opinions and for people to be able to do so safely, Mamdani told reporters. Mamdani speaks at a press conference Tuesday night at Laguardia airport. William Miller Many Mamdani naysayers questioned his tardy response to the protests in Iran, pointing out that the mayor has been notoriously vocal in his support for Palestinians affected by the Israel-Hamas war. In December, he vowed to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he sets foot in New York City, which falls in line with a warrant out for his arrest as issued by the International Criminal Court. Has Mamdani said anything in support for the people of Iran? How about any of his advisors? Just asking, one user wrote on X. Is Mamdani monitoring the situation in Iran? another mocked. Mamdani condemned the Iranian regimes garish abuse of protesters. MEK/The Media Express/SIPA/Shutterstock Is anyone really surprised by his lack of comments to date? He will reluctantly make statements like this only when it is absolutely necessary to keep the mast from fully coming off, another user added. Iranian civil rights groups claim that upwards of 2,000 people have been killed in the anti-government unrest that flared up over the countrys ailing economy. President Trump has warned the US would intervene in Iran if the regime started to execute protesters and has promised the Iranian people that help is on its way. Trump didnt specify what exactly the help he alluded to would look like and told reporters youre going to have to figure that one out. Iranian civil rights groups claim that nearly 2,000 people have been killed as a result of the demonstrations that have flared up across the country. UGC/AFP via Getty Images On Monday, Trump declared a trade embargo on Iran and a 25% tariff on any country that fails to sever economic ties with the regime. The current protests in Iran are matching levels of violence not seen since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, where the people overthrew pro-American Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and ushered Ayatollah Khomeini to power. A German chancellor eerily predicted that the regime is nearing its final days and weeks. GoFundMe NEED TO KNOW Madeline Daly allegedly fled Wyoming with 11-month-old Basil Stoner after a custody ruling, then fatally shot the baby rather than surrender him Authorities found Daly in New Mexico weeks after Jake Stoner reported his son missing Daly faces first-degree murder and child abuse charges and is being held without bond A months-long custody fight over a baby boy ended in horror just days before Christmas, after a Wyoming mother allegedly shot her 11-month-old son in the face rather than surrender him to his father. Madeline Daly, 35, is accused of killing her son, Basil Stoner, on Dec. 23 after fleeing Wyoming with the child in defiance of a court order granting custody to the boys father, Jake Stoner. Daly has been charged in New Mexico with an open count of first-degree murder, a capital offense, and child abuse resulting in death, according to a press release from the Grant County Sheriffs Office. Sheriff's deputies were alerted late that morning that Daly who was wanted on a felony kidnapping warrant out of Wyoming might be in the Mimbres, N.M., area, according to the press release. As deputies searched the area, they spotted a woman carrying a child and rushing into a nearby RV. Deputies tried repeatedly to reach Daly before eventually speaking with her by phone, according to the press release. She refused to come out of the RV, and deputies called in a SWAT team after learning she might be armed with a handgun. Grant County Sheriff's Office Before officers could intervene, a gunshot rang out, and deputies rushed inside the RV, according to the press release. Inside, they found Daly with a handgun pointed at her head and her infant son suffering from a gunshot wound. Life-saving measures were immediately taken, and the child was transported to be flown to a hospital, but he died before he could be airlifted. Daly was arrested at the scene and taken to the Grant County Detention Center, where she remains behind bars as her case moves through the court system, per the press release. During a subsequent court hearing, prosecutors alleged Daly shot the baby in the face rather than allow him to be placed in his fathers custody, a detail described in court and reported by Cowboy State Daily. The killing followed a bitter custody dispute in Wyoming, where Stoner had gone to court seeking access to his son after Daly allegedly cut off contact. When Daly failed to appear at a scheduled hearing, a judge granted Stoner emergency temporary custody, and Daly allegedly fled the state with the child, according to Cowboy State Daily, KRQE, and KOAT. Stoner reported his son missing on Nov. 19, prompting a felony kidnapping warrant and a weekslong manhunt until a tip led deputies to New Mexico, the outlets reported. In a GoFundMe created in Basils memory, organizers described Stoners long fight to be part of his sons life, writing that after his first court-ordered visits, he was finally able to enjoy what he had dreamed of for the better part of his adult life: to be a father. All he ever wanted to do was be a father, the GoFundMe states. Daly has not entered a plea. If convicted, she faces the possibility of life in prison. Read the original article on People Getty Images Oprah Winfrey attends the American Ballet Theatre 2025 Fall Gala at David Geffen Hall on October 22, 2025 in New York City The Gist Oprah Winfrey, 71, made a bodycon style statement in winter whites on Tuesday. The media mogul celebrated the launch of her new book with Dr. Ania M. Jastreboff, Enough: Your Health, Your Weight, and What Its Like to Be Free. Winfrey spoke about her health and weight-loss journey with Jastreboff and Gayle King during the New York City event. Its a new year, but same little white dress era for Oprah Winfrey. The 71-year-old media magnate made a case for winter whites as she celebrated the launch of her new book on Tuesday, January 13, turning heads in a skintight LWD with a curve-hugging silhouette and a bold mermaid accent in New York City. Fresh off the release of her new book with Dr. Ania M. Jastreboff, Enough: Your Health, Your Weight, and What Its Like to Be Free, Oprah took style cues from Cameron Diazs The Holiday wardrobe in a timeless white bodycon turtleneck dress that was equal parts elegant and warm. The frosty, floor-length style featured long sleeves and a form-fitting design that flared out at her knees, showing off just a glimpse of the TV personalitys pointy-toed cream stiletto booties underneath. Chatting about her book at 92Y with Jastreboff and Gayle King, Winfrey paired her bodycon little white dress with large diamond-encrusted hoop earrings, silver cocktail rings, and her signature pair of round wire-rimmed glasses. Getty Images Oprah Winfrey poses before an In Conversation with Dr. Ania M. Jastreboff and Gayle King on Winfrey's and Jastreboff's book Enough at 92Y on January 13, 2026 The Oprah Winfrey Show mogul styled her auburn-highlighted black lob in a voluminous blowout with bombshell curls, framing her purple-hued smoky eyeshadow, bold lashes, a mulberry flush on her cheekbones, and a shiny berry-colored lipstick. Getty Images Oprah Winfrey poses before an In Conversation with Dr. Ania M. Jastreboff and Gayle King on Winfrey's and Jastreboff's book Enough at 92Y on January 13, 2026 Winfrey has been making a case for post-summer whitesand turning her signature style on its headwhile promoting her book, which delves into her health and weight-loss journey. Case in point: During a 10-day speaking tour in Australia and New Zealand in December, the star landed Down Under in a Zimmermann midriff-baring white cropped blouse with bishop sleeves. She contrasted the flirty poplin top with a matching pair of Gen Z-approved white cargo pants, which had buttons running all the way down the sides. Getty Images Oprah Winfrey greets the audience during the opening show of Oprah 'In Conversation' Australia 2025 tour at ICC Sydney Theatre on December Meanwhile, during the opening of her In Conversation Australia 2025 tour on December 4, the multi-hyphenate made a bold sartorial statement in a floor-length white cotton shirtdress with dramatic trumpet sleeves and a second miniskirt overlay that covered her stomach and her upper thighs. Read the original article on InStyle Federal agents including ICE and US Border Patrol stand with weapons along Portland Ave. near the scene where federal agents shot and killed a woman earlier in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 7. - Alex Kormann/The Minnesota Star Tribune/Getty Images The Pentagon is working to surge dozens of military lawyers to Minneapolis to assist in federal prosecutions amid an immigration enforcement crackdown there, according to two officials familiar with the matter and a written request that has circulated inside the Defense Department. The emailed request, reviewed by CNN, says that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has directed the military services to identify 40 judge advocate general officers, from which 25 will be selected to serve as special assistant United States attorneys in Minneapolis. Ideally have significant experience in criminal prosecution, civil litigation, administrative law, immigration law, general litigation, or other related fields, the request says. Around 1,000 additional US Customs and Border Protection agents are expected to deploy to Minneapolis soon, as tensions between federal and local law enforcement have flared after the fatal, ICE-involved shooting last week of mother of three Renee Nicole Good sparked protests nationwide. One of the officials and another person familiar with the JAG Corps told CNN that 25 JAGs is a huge number to send to one city. But its increasingly being done in cities the Trump administration is targeting with increased federal crackdowns on crime and immigration. Asked for comment, a Pentagon official told CNN that the department is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement and Department of Justice partners, adding that the military lawyers are assigned to assist the US attorneys office in their prosecutorial mission. As (Special Assistant US Attorneys), Department JAGs regularly provide crucial legal support nationwide and bring their unique skills and dedication of our Americas service members supporting our interagency partners as they deliver justice, restore order, and protect the American people. Last August, the Pentagon planned to detail 20 JAGs to Washington, DC, in what DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said was aimed at fighting and reducing crime in the district. And just last week, the Pentagon detailed 20 JAGs to Memphis to support a White House directive to restore order to the city, the US attorney for the western district of Tennessee said in a statement. The Pentagon in September also authorized up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges around the country, in phases of 150 at a time as needed, CNN has reported. One of the officials said the increased detailing of JAGs to the Justice Department is taking valuable resources away from the Defense Department. We dont have enough attorneys to fill regular jobs in the JAG Corps because so many are exiting, this person said. This continued demand for SAUSAs is bleeding legal resources from the military. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON (AP) Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video urging members of the military to resist illegal orders confirmed Wednesday that they are under investigation from the Trump administration, a remarkable step by the Justice Department that comes after the president accused the lawmakers of sedition for their words. The four House members and two senators all previously served in the military or at intelligence agencies. The FBI contacted them for interviews late last year, after their 90-second video was released, and now say they have been contacted by the U.S. attorneys office for the District of Columbia, a significant escalation in the investigation. Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, a former CIA analyst, first revealed the outreach from prosecutors in an interview with The New York Times. On Wednesday she posted a video on her X account saying the office of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the chief federal prosecutor in the nations capital, reached out last week asking to interview her. This is the presidents playbook. Truth doesnt matter. Facts dont matter. And anyone who disagrees with him becomes an enemy, Slotkin said. And he then weaponizes the federal government against them. Its legal intimidation and physical intimidation meant to get you to shut up. Pirros office said it would neither confirm nor deny whether an investigation is taking place. Democrats stand their ground Democratic Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire also confirmed Wednesday that they have been contacted by Pirro's office. They would like to sit down with us, Houlahan told reporters. "And to my knowledge, each one of us have received the same email and outreach. The House members remained defiant, with Crow saying the Trump administration "picked the wrong people. It is downright dangerous that the Justice Department is targeting me for doing my job, Goodlander said in a statement. These threats will not deter, distract, intimidate, or silence me. The lawmakers attracted President Donald Trump's wrath with a video that he and his aides have labeled as seditious an offense Trump said on his social media account was punishable by death. It is not clear what laws could have been violated in the video message. In it, the lawmakers tell troops to follow established military protocols by not following commands that violate the law. They said the administration is pitting our uniformed military against American citizens and they called for service members to stand up for our laws. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Wednesday that these members of Congress did not violate the law and that Democrats stand firmly behind them. Pentagon vs. Mark Kelly The Pentagon swiftly went after Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, a former Navy pilot who represents Arizona, for his participation in the video. In November, the Pentagon opened an investigation into him, citing a federal law that allows retired service members to be recalled to active duty on orders of the defense secretary for possible court-martial or other punishment. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has censured Kelly for participating. Hegseth is attempting to retroactively demote Kelly from his retired rank of captain. The senator is suing Hegseth to block those proceedings, calling them an unconstitutional act of retribution. The First Amendment forbids the government and its officials from punishing disfavored expression or retaliating against protected speech, his lawsuit says. ___ Associated Press reporters Bill Barrow in Atlanta, Michael Casey in Boston and Kevin Freking and Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed to this report. ___ This story has been corrected to reflect that Slotkin gave the Democratic response to Trump's congressional address in 2025, not 2024. A series of storms will travel from central Canada to the Midwest and Northeast into early next week. Each storm will bring areas of steady snow, while repeated surges of cold air will produce rounds of lake-effect snow and create the risk of rapid freeze-ups. As many as three clipper storms with trailing cold fronts are expected to pivot through the region into early next week. The first storm was producing areas of rain and thunder in the Southeast and areas of rain in the Northeast Wednesday. The storm was also producing snow from northern Illinois to Michigan, which will spread across the Ohio Valley, Appalachians and part of the coastal Northeast through Thursday morning. "More than half a foot of snow is expected in some areas downwind of the Great Lakes in Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New York. A few spots could receive a foot or more of snow through Thursday night," AccuWeather Meteorologist Elizabeth Danco said. The AccuWeather Local StormMax snowfall is 24 inches. AccuWeather.com While most of the snow around the Great Lakes will fall as lake-effect snow, colder air behind the storm's cold front will bring 1-6 inches of snow as far south as the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina and as far east as the Catskills in New York and the Green and White Mountains of New England. Closer to the Interstate 95 corridor in the mid-Atlantic and New England, rain will mix with wet snow or change to a period of wet snow through Thursday morning. Conditions will vary by location, but enough snow could fall to coat roads, especially from areas just north and west of Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia, New York City and Boston, where temperatures may drop below freezing. AccuWeather.com The next clipper storm will waste no time rolling southeastward. Snow is forecast to spread from Duluth, Minnesota, midday Thursday, reaching Chicago and central Michigan Thursday night, then Cleveland during the midday hours Friday. The round of steady snow from the second clipper storm will generally range from 1 to 3 inches, with higher amounts of 3-6 inches in northern Minnesota, northern and western Michigan and northwestern Wisconsin. AccuWeather.com As this storm moves across the interior Northeast during the weekend, lake-effect snow will accumulate. Some snow will still reach as far south as the southern Appalachians and as far east as the Poconos, Catskills and Berkshires Saturday and Saturday night. AccuWeather.com A third clipper storm will drop into the Upper Midwest over the weekend with areas of steady snow from northern Minnesota to northern Michigan. Meanwhile, a developing storm along the Gulf Coast over the weekend could spread a zone of snow, sleet and rain from southern Georgia to southern Delaware Sunday. There is the potential that the storm could track farther inland over the Southeast and farther north into the coastal Northeast. There is also the chance the storm will remain weak and head out to sea and bypass the I-95 Northeast. A word of caution as colder air and snow follow recent warmth When colder weather and snow follow a period of warmth, some slushy or wet roads can still freeze quickly, creating hazardous travel conditions. "These conditions can occur in areas that receive a thin coating as well as a foot of snow," Danco said. "Drivers should be prepared for slick spots and rapidly changing visibility." GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP In many cases, recent rain has washed away salt and other snow-melting compounds from the roads. Higher temperatures in recent days have allowed road surfaces, parking lots and sidewalks to warm, which may cause snow to melt at first before refreezing. However, as temperatures quickly dip, untreated areas may be subject to a flash freeze. These conditions can occur at any time of day, just as well as at night, this time of year. 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. Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne speaks with attendees at the Heritage Dinner in Phoenix, Dec. 11, 2025. (The Center Square) - Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne applauded a recent ruling by the Arizona Court of Appeals that allows a parent to sue Mesa Public Schools after the district did not inform a parent that their child sought to change their gender. In Walden v. Mesa Unified School District, Jane Doe, a parent, and Rachel Walden, a Mesa County School Board member, sued the district over its policy that hides childrens gender transition from parents. Doe alleged that Mesa County Public Schools violated the states Parents Bill of Rights by concealing information about her daughter's use of a male name and identity at school. School policy prevented teachers and officials from hiding information from parents when students make a transition to another gender, the ruling noted. Arizonas Parental Bill of Rights reserves exclusive rights to parents of children under 18, giving them authority over their children and restricting when the government can interfere in their rights. Some of these rights include right to direct the education of the minor child, right to direct the upbringing of the minor child and right to direct the moral or religious training of the minor child. The court ruled last month that these parental rights outlined in Arizona law allow Doe to move forward in her lawsuit against Arizonas largest school district. Maricopa County Superior Court initially dismissed the lawsuit. Horne said schools cant act as substitutes for parents, and they have zero right to withhold information that parents are entitled to know. I am very pleased that the court made the correct ruling to defend parental rights and remind schools they should follow the law or risk legal action, said the superintendent, who talked to The Center Square this week. James Rogers, senior counsel at America First Legal, who represented the plaintiffs, said, Arizona law puts parents, not school bureaucrats, in charge of their childrens upbringing, education, and mental health, and districts must answer when they cross that line. Parents have the God-given right and responsibility to raise and nurture their children. Government schools should never try to secretly usurp that role, he added. Teachers and administrators should not deceive parents or hide critical information about their childrens welfare. According to Horne, parents have a right to know whats happening with their children. Imagine being a parent and finding out that your child had changed genders without telling you and that the school had helped and kept it secret, Horne told The Center Square. Youd be outraged, and youd be very hurt, he said. Children are the most important thing in the world to their parents. Horne noted it is hard to say how often kids make a transition in genders in Arizona public schools and their parents arent notified. However, he did say that when this situation comes to his attention, Horne will call the school and threaten to publicize it if the school doesnt stop. After these conversations, schools comply, he said. Horne said he has made some, but not a lot of those phone calls. On top of this, if the superintendent finds out that teachers are helping kids change their gender, he said he would propose to the state of Arizona that the teachers should lose their teaching license. He said that hasn't happened yet in Arizona when teachers help students make a gender transition. Ricardo Funari/Getty Images Rua do Senado in downtown Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Whats cool is always subjectivebut when it comes to travel, a few tastemakers tend to get it right. Enter travel editors and local experts. Each year, Time Out ranks the coolest streets in the world by surveying its global network of editors and in-the-know locals, asking them to nominate the street that best captures the spirit of their city. Those picks are then evaluated across criteria like food, drink, culture, nightlife, and community. And this year, Travel + Leisure and Time Out are aligned on one thing in particular: Brazil is legalPortuguese slang for cool. In November, Time Out named Rua do Senado in Rio de Janeiro as its coolest street in the world for 2026. As the team explained, it won out thanks to its "excellent food and drink scene, fascinating art and culture, and for generally being a whole lot of fun." Time Out Rio de Janeiro editor Livia Breves pointed to must-visit cool spots like chef Lucio Vieiras restaurant Lilia and its sister bar, Labuta, as spots to enjoy a taste of this neighborhood, along with a little shopping at Atelie Bonifacio or dancing at Solar dos Abacaxis, and even some Saturday samba sessions at the Armazem Senado. There's also Mercado Central, which will soon open, featuring more than 40 food, beverage, and shopping options. Of course, if you're an avid T+L reader, you know we feel the same about Brazil as a whole. After all, in early November, we named it our Destination of the Year for 2026. "Brazilthe worlds fifth-largest country by area, with 213 million people inhabiting its vast and varied terrainis our destination of the year. Im eager for you to explore every corner and experience every texture, sight, smell, and vibe," T+L's Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Gifford shared. "The restaurant world is on fire, particularly in dynamic cities like Sao Paulo and in under-the-radar Belem, where Indigenous traditions are shaping the scene. The Amazon Basin is one of the earths most untamed and precious places. The beaches are spectacular in spots such as Itacare, where the surf culture feels real, raw, unpretentious. Isnt that what many of us are craving from a vacation these days?" And if you need a little more help on planning a trip specifically to Rio, we've got you covered. Check out Aaron Randolph's locals guide to Rio and Time Out's guide to Rua do Senado to ensure you've got the cool factor down on your next vacation. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure An image collage containing 4 images, Image 1 shows Stephen Spencer Pittman in a hospital bed with a burned hand, Image 2 shows The interior of Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi shows fire damage, with charred walls and debris scattered across a wet, sooty floor, Image 3 shows The charred interior of a synagogue after an arson attack, with burned books and shelves, Image 4 shows Surveillance video of Stephen Pittman pouring gasoline in the Beth Israel Congregation lobby The man accused of torching a Mississippi synagogue posted a graphic selfie hours after the antisemitic attack, showing off his nasty burns. Stephen Pittman, 19, shared the grisly shot on Snapchat Saturday the same day Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson was gutted by a pre-dawn inferno, the Clarion Ledger reported. Pittman raised his swollen and severely burned left hand in the photo while his bemused face was covered in pink scorch marks. Stephen Pittman, 19, posted the photo of the synagogue fire. Snapchat/Spencer Pittman It remains unclear whether he was in custody when the selfie was posted, but Pittman was arrested Saturday after his father found him covered in burns and he allegedly confessed to the crime. Beth Israel was left severely damaged after the fire, which was set by a masked individual caught on security footage dumping a can of gasoline across its lobby and halls. The blaze destroyed the synagogues library and administrative offices along with several valuable Torahs, but the rest of the building was mercifully spared and there were no casualties. Pittman was turned in to police by his father, and the teen allegedly confessed once he was in custody. The damage sustained during a fire at Beth Israel Congregation, in Jackson, Miss. AP Beth Israels library was destroyed, along with its administrative offices. Several valuable Torahs were also lost. Beth Israel Congregation The alleged hateful arsonist called Beth Israel a synagogue of Satan when investigators questioned him, according to an FBI affidavit. He also allegedly owned up to burning the synagogue for its Jewish ties, and sent his father photos from the crime scene. Pittman allegedly confessed to the arson attack, telling investigators he targeted the building for its Jewish ties. X/Spencer Pittman Pittman laughed as he told his father what he did and said he finally got them, the federal affidavit read. A phone belonging to Pittman was also found at the scene. This was just the latest attack on Beth Israel. The synagogue was founded in 1860, and moved to its current location just over 100 years later in 1967 the same year local Ku Klux Klansmen bombed the building for its rabbis staunchly pro-Civil Rights views. Pittman was charged with maliciously damaging a building by means of fire. President Donald Trump departs the White House on Tuesday. - Win McNamee/Getty Images President Donald Trump on Tuesday seemed to hint at his latest foray into potential military action in Iran, again. In an interview with CBS News, he threatened very strong action if Iran hangs detained protesters. That followed a social media missive earlier in the day in which Trump said he was canceling any meetings with Irans leaders until the killing of protesters ends and told those protesters that HELP IS ON ITS WAY. Asked later what that means, he told reporters: Youre going to have to figure that one out. The president has previously pledged that the United States would come to the rescue of protesters if the Iranian regime killed them and that, if protesters were harmed, were going to hit them very hard. A US-based human rights group now says more than 2,400 people people have been killed. Trump also said Tuesday that US citizens and those of US allies should evacuate Iran. But should the president again opt for a military option in Iran after striking its nuclear facilities over the summer hell really be pressing his political luck. Even as hes launched a more aggressive foreign policy in recent months, his interventions have quite notably been characterized by their brevity. His bombing of Irans nuclear facilities last June was limited to one day, as was his ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month. And that truncated overseas involvement seems to have held off a major political reckoning from an American public that has appeared quite skeptical of foreign interventions for a long time. But as Trump continues to threaten interventions not just in Iran and Venezuela but elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere its not so clear hell always be able to avoid being bogged down. And hes at risk of further alienating the American people, as he has on a slate of other issues. Fires are lit as anti-government protesters rally in Tehran on January 8. - Getty Images Neither the initial strikes on Iran nor the ouster of Maduro in Venezuela appeared particularly popular or unpopular. Both appeared to about evenly split the American public when the polls are taken as a whole. But those surveys included a series of warning signs for Trump. They practically screamed: Patience is limited. After both events, even the support that existed was rather weak. A CNN poll from June showed 44% of Americans said they approved of the Iran strikes, but just 20% did so strongly. Not even a majority of Republicans strongly supported Trumps strikes (44%). And the picture was remarkably similar earlier this month in a Washington Post poll on the US sending in the military to remove Maduro. While 40% of Americans approved of the strike, just 21% did so strongly. And again, only a plurality of Republicans (45%) were strongly on-board. Three-quarters of Republicans more generally supported the strikes in both cases. But the fact that not even a majority of Republicans supported them strongly would seem telling. Thats unusual in todays Trump-dominated GOP. But thats hardly the only evidence that Americans are skeptical of Trumps growing interventionism. Polls last year repeatedly showed Americans were quite concerned about further involvement in conflicts with both Iran and Venezuela. A June Reuters-Ipsos poll conducted shortly after the Iran strikes showed they were modestly unpopular, with 36% supporting them and 45% opposing them. This satellite image shows the Fordow nuclear facility in Iran on June 24, 2025, a day after US strikes on the facility. - Maxar Technologies But one thing united Americans back then: being done with it all. Asked whether they wanted to immediately end US involvement in Iran, Americans leapt at that option by 30 points, 55%-25%. Republicans were about evenly split, with 42% wanting to end it immediately and 40% opposing that. Polls around the same time showed lots of Americans were skeptical about Trumps aims and worried about blowback: 84% were concerned about the conflict between the US and Iran growing including 51% who were very concerned according to the Reuters poll. 79% worried at least somewhat about Iran targeting US civilians in response to US airstrikes. And 60% said they didnt think the strikes made America safer. And again, public opinion after the Venezuela strike has been a similar story: 72% of Americans were concerned the United States would become too involved in Venezuela, according to a Reuters-Ipsos poll this month, including more than half of Republicans. The poll showed just 29% of Americans wanted to take control of Venezuelas oil fields, as Trump has moved to do. Just 35% in a CBS News-YouGov poll expected the Venezuela strikes to decrease the flow of drugs to the United States, despite Trumps focus on the issue. And just 38% favored further military action if the government of Venezuela didnt cooperate with the United States, per the CBS poll. And then there is all the polling showing Americans have said over and over again in recent years that they dont want to get involved overseas unless its absolutely necessary. In fact, the percentage who want the US to stay out of world affairs is hovering around a decades-high, and about 6 in 10 have said its better for the nation if the U.S. stays out of the affairs of other nations. If Trump is intent on striking Iran again, perhaps he can convince Americans that its just that important that this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help topple a brutal regime and free the oppressed. Perhaps the strikes would again be limited. But with every move toward involving the US military overseas, Trump is testing Americans patience. And they dont seem to have a ton in reserve. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Donald Trump reiterated his position that the U.S. "needs" Greenland for national security purposes in a social media post ahead of Vice President JD Vance meeting with Danish officials about the issue. Trump's comments about Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, have alarmed leaders in Copenhagen and other European capitals. The president said during a meeting with oil executive last week that "We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not." "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," Trump added. Denmark requested the meeting with the Trump administration amid the president's continued focus on acquiring its territory. It was originally supposed to be with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but Vance asked to join, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen said on Jan. 12. Rubio will still be in attendance at the Jan. 14 meeting, he said. Vance visited a U.S. military base in Greenland last year. Ahead of the meeting, Trump wrote on social media that "The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security." "NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DONT, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!" Trump added. The threat of seizing Greenland by force has prompted questions about what that could mean for NATO, which both the U.S. and Denmark are part of and which requires members to come to each other's aid when attacked. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters, on his return from Detroit, Michigan, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., January 13, 2026. Trump said in the Jan. 14 post that "NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES." "Anything less than that is unacceptable," he added. Frank Rose, an assistant secretary of state in the Obama administration, helped negotiate the last defense agreement between the U.S. and Denmark and Greenland's local government in 2003-2004. That agreement was an update to a 1951 U.S.-Denmark defense deal that gave the Pentagon extremely wide latitude to build military bases on the Arctic territory. Rose said in an interview that the Trump administration is right to reassess the American presence in Greenland in light of encroaching and evolving threats from China and Russia. However, he said it was a "red herring" to suggest that Denmark does not have, as Trump has said, the capabilities to defend Greenland because it's the U.S., per the defense agreement, that has largely been responsible for the island's defense for the last 75 years. Rose also noted that the Danes have been willing to let the U.S. build a missile-defense system in Greenland that does not protect Denmark. "They did that because they are a good ally. The Danes are probably one of our best allies," he said. Contributing: Francesca Chambers (This story was updated to add a video.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump says US 'needs' Greenland ahead of meeting with Denmark Spencer and Monique Tepe were found dead from gunshot wounds in their home in Columbus, Ohio. (Rob Misleh) (Rob Misleh) A weapon linked to the deaths of an Ohio dentist and his wife was found at the property of the woman's ex-husband, an Illinois surgeon charged in the fatal shootings, police said Wednesday. After his arrest, multiple firearms were seized from the property of Michael McKee, one of which police think is the murder weapon, Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant told NBC News. McKee is the ex-husband of Monique Tepe, 39, who was found dead with her 37-year-old husband, Spencer Tepe, last month at their Columbus home. He was arrested 400 miles from the crime scene Saturday and charged with two counts of aggravated murder. He appeared in an Illinois courtroom Monday and was represented by a public defender who said he plans to plead not guilty. Bryant said she could not comment on a motive. What we can say, this was a targeted attack," Bryant said. "This was a domestic violence-related attack." Columbus police did not have previous reports or calls involving the ex-husband at the Tepes' home, which the couple moved into in 2020, Bryant said. McKee, 39, and Monique Tepe married in 2015 and divorced because of "incompatibility" two years later, after they were already living separately, records show. Family members said they lived together for only seven months and alleged that McKee was emotionally abusive. "It was so impactful that she had to leave the relationship so abruptly and get out because she was so worried," said Rob Misleh, Spencer Tepes brother-in-law. Bryant said McKee's vehicle was seen on security video near the Tepes home "just before the murders." Police have said there were no signs of forced entry at the house. Officials have not provided details about how McKee entered his ex-wife's home. "This being such an ongoing and very fluid investigation, it's really important for us to make sure that we share the things that aren't going to compromise the case," Bryant told NBC News. The couple were discovered dead at their Columbus home on Dec. 30 after worried friends and colleagues called authorities. A friend of Spencer Tepes called 911 after he stopped by the Tepes' home to check on him and found him lying next to his bed in a puddle of blood. The couple's otherwise unharmed children could be heard crying in the background, according to a transcript of the call. "We have two little children who have lost their parents, a family that will never be the same," Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther told NBC News on Wednesday. "Im going to ask the people of Columbus to continue to lift up and pray for this family." McKee was arrested by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Rockford, Illinois, about 90 miles west of Chicago, where he is listed as a vascular surgeon at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. As of Wednesday, McKee was being held in the Winnebago County Jail in Illinois, police said. Ginther said he would be extradited to Columbus but did not provide an exact date. McKee is expected to be formally charged when he arrives in Columbus. A B-1B bomber is seen at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in 2018. Bombers deployed to the base at that time used the Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER), in combat for the first time in strikes on sites in Syria. - Master Stg. Phil Speck/AP The Trump administration touted last years bombing of Iranian nuclear sites as one of its great military successes. US Air Force B-2 bombers dropped 14 of the worlds biggest bombs, hitting two Iranian nuclear installations without any US casualties or loss of aircraft, including the dozens of fighter jets, tankers and support aircraft that helped execute the mission. Now President Donald Trump is threatening to attack Iran again, this time in solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of ordinary Iranians who have taken to the streets to oppose the hardline regime in Tehran. But any new US attack on the Islamic Republic is unlikely to mirror the one-time strikes that hit three nuclear targets last summer, analysts say. An attack in support of the protesters would need to focus on a range of command centers and other targets related to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), its affiliated Basij forces and the Iranian police force, which are the main organizations carrying out the bloody crackdown on dissent. But those command centers are located within populated areas, meaning theres a substantial risk of US raids killing the very civilians Trump is trying to support, the analysts say. And killing civilians could backfire, invalidating what the US is trying to achieve and handing Irans regime both a propaganda win and a rallying cry, especially to those citizens who may want reform, but equally have no desire to be bombed by the US once more. Whatever (the US) does, it has to be very precise with no non-IRGC casualties, said Hawaii-based analyst Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain. Any attack that harmed civilians even if inadvertently risks alienating the dissidents who are united only in their hatred of the regime. Losses makes us a foreign power trying to suppress, dominate Iran, not a liberating influence, Schuster said. What could the US target? Peter Layton, a visiting fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute in Australia, echoed the caution regarding possible civilian casualties, but said there is a diverse target set available to Washington. First, Irans top leadership might be vulnerable, most likely indirectly because Iran has learned from Israeli attacks that targeted and killed senior members of Irans military and nuclear scientists last year, Layton said. A view of northern Tehran, Iran, and the Milad telecommunication tower on November 22, 2025. - NurPhoto/Morteza Nikoubazl/Getty Images Schuster agreed. Irans leaders have seen the need to disperse and hide what is important to them. We have shown we can hit what we can find, Schuster said. Still, hitting the homes and offices of regime leaders would send a message, according to Layton. The military value is small, but it is really theater in doing something for the protesters, he said. Washington could also hit Iranian leaders in their wallets, analysts said. The leadership and the IRGC have a range of commercial businesses and money-making enterprises across the country. Attack the specific facilities that are financially important to them as individuals and their families, Layton said. Iranian missiles are displayed at the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps(IRGC) Aerospace Force Museum in Tehran, Iran, November 12, 2025. - Majid Asgaripour/Wana News Agency/Reuters There are a lot of those, he said, citing Australian government estimates that one to two thirds of Irans gross domestic product is controlled by the IRGC. Weak spots could be found on the list of IRGC enterprises, Layton added. Schuster noted that there is some space between the IRGC and Irans top leadership. The goal is to make the IRGC leadership and rank and file worry more about their own survival than that of the regime, he said, adding, the IRGC itself has never been suicidal. What weapons might the US use? While the B-2 bombers were the sharp end of last summers US attack on the nuclear sites, the diverse target set now in the mix might be more suitable for other US assets, analysts said. Regional IRGC HQs and bases can be hit by (Tomahawk) cruise missiles, Schuster said. The guided-missile destroyer USS Barry launches a Tomahawk cruise missile from the ship's bow in the Mediterranean Sea in this US Navy handout photo dated March 29, 2011. - Ho New/Reuters The highly accurate Tomahawks can be fired from US Navy submarines and surface ships well off Iranian shores, minimizing the risk of US casualties. Another cruise missile option is the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). Carrying a 1,000-pound penetrating warhead and with a range of up to 620 miles (1,000 kilometers), the JASSM can also be fired well off Iranian shores from a range of US Air Force jets, including F-15, F-16 and F-35 fighters and B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers, as well as US Navy F/A-18 fighters. A pair of US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles fly over northern Iraq after conducting airstrikes in Syria, in this U.S. Air Force handout photo taken early in the morning of September 23, 2014. - US Air Force/Reuters Drones could also be used, analysts said. Its unlikely to see crewed aircraft dropping short-range ordnance or free fall bombs as (it is) likely to be assessed as too risky, Layton said. While the US usually has an aircraft carrier in the Mideast, as of Monday the nearest flattop, the USS Abraham Lincoln, was thousands of miles away in the South China Sea. Carriers travel with a cluster of ships that can also deliver missiles and other support for operations. In the fall the Trump administration moved a carrier group along with a slew of other ships, aircraft and thousands of troops to the Caribbean as part of its pressure campaign against the leadership of Venezuela. While some of those assets have begun to filter back out of the region, it has reduced the options available to military planners for immediate action on Iran. That means any imminent air strikes would come from a range of airbases in the Persian Gulf region, or from farther afield. During last summers B-2 strikes, the stealth bombers flew nonstop from their base in Missouri to Iran with aerial refueling along the way. Any of the US Air Force jets mentioned above can be refueled in the air. The analysts said watching for movement of the tanker aircraft could be one sign US action is coming soon, as well as if strike aircraft like the B-1 bomber or F-15 Strike Eagle are moved closer to Iran. Military theater Whatever method the Trump administration might choose to strike Iran this time, expect it to be dramatic, Layton said. The administration is attracted to theater. This means dramatic, media-attracting, head-turning events, he said. And expect it to be quick, he said, just like last years one-time strike on the nuclear facilities. The administration likes short-duration raids that involve the lowest risk to the US forces involved. Layton said one way to do that might be to strike oil facilities in the Persian Gulf. The easiest and safest target set, he said. It would damage Iran economically for the medium to long term. Some drama in big plumes of smoke and easy for external media to cover, Layton said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Tina Peters, the former Mesa County Clerk, reacts to early election returns during a primary night watch party for her campaign for Colorado secretary of state in Sedalia, Colorado, on June 28, 2022. - Marc Piscotty/Getty Images/File Former election clerk Tina Peters prison sentence has long been a rallying cry for President Donald Trump and other 2020 election deniers. Her lawyers returned to court Wednesday to appeal her conviction as Colorados Democratic governor has signaled a new openness to letting her out of prison early. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis recently said hes considering clemency for the 70-year-old Peters who was convicted in a 2020 election-related data breach scheme because she is elderly and got a harsh punishment. While Trumps symbolic federal pardon of Peters last month has no effect on her state charges, Polis recent comments are the strongest indication that he might commute the remainder of her 9-year sentence. Were looking at this across a number of people people in their 70s and 80s in our system, how much of a threat to society are they? Polis, who is in his final year in office, told CBS Colorado last week. We balance that in a way that makes sure that they can spend their last few years at home. Colorado officials have faced an intense pressure campaign from the White House over Trumps demands that they release Peters from prison, with Trump taking several actions against the state in his first year back in office. Both Democratic and Republican election clerks in Colorado have raised concerns about Polis comments, arguing that releasing Peters would undermine confidence in elections. Ms. Peters sentence was not harsh by any reasonable standard, said Matt Crane, a former GOP clerk who now runs the Colorado County Clerks Association. Granting clemency to an unrepentant convicted criminal who deliberately sought to undermine our democratic system would be deeply concerning and risks further eroding public trust in the institutions Americans rely on for free and fair elections. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis looks on during the opening plenary session at the 2024 summer meeting of the National Governors Association, Thursday, July 11, 2024, in Salt Lake City. - Rick Bowmer/AP Peters was convicted in 2024. Shes serving her sentence at a womens prison in Pueblo and is the only Trump ally currently behind bars for 2020-related crimes. Peters denies wrongdoing, and a hearing in her appeal was held Wednesday afternoon in Denver. The judges on the appeals panel, all of whom were appointed by a Democratic governor, pressed both sides with tough questions. They might not announce their decision for months. Peters is listed as having a parole hearing expected in September 2028, according to the Colorado Department of Corrections website. But with Colorados parole eligibility rules, and if Peters earns time off for good behavior, she could become eligible to move into a halfway house or a similar arrangement this November, according to Alondra Gonzalez, communications director for the corrections department. The Governor takes the responsibility of clemency very seriously, and his team reviews all applications submitted, Polis spokesperson Shelby Wieman told CNN in an email Tuesday evening. He will review this inmates application just like he would any other. One of Peters lawyers, Patrick McSweeney, told CNN on Tuesday that Peters was overjoyed by Trumps symbolic federal pardon, which he believes will help overturn her guilty verdicts even though the president cant erase state charges. He also said he wasnt involved in Trumps other moves against Colorado. They could be helpful, or they could antagonize Colorado officials, I just dont want to weigh in on that, McSweeney said. Were content that she has the better legal arguments, and she will prevail in the Colorado Court of Appeals. He said Polis public comments seemed positive for Peters, but time will tell. I dont tend to get caught up with statements from governors and politicians until they happen, especially when youre in litigation, McSweeney said. Polis has the power Polis has described himself as supporting pro-freedom policies and has a history of bucking the Democratic Party on some national issues. Freeing Peters from prison would be one of Polis sharpest breaks yet from his party during Trumps second term. The governor has drawn attention for celebrating Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s appointment to lead the Department of Health and Human Services and more recently praising Trumps ouster of Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro as other Democrats in the state questioned the legality of the military operation. A person active in Democratic politics in the state said some of Polis fellow Democrats were confounded by the governors recent statements that appear to support leniency for Peters. The person said they fear that releasing the former clerk from prison would embolden the 2020 election denier movement that continues to rage around the country. Trump recently called Polis a Scumbag who should rot in Hell for not bending to his demands on Peters. And he has also targeted Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, a Democrat who opposes clemency for Peters and spoke out against Polis recent comments. These posts from Trump usually led to an uptick in threats against the Colorado officials, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity. Accusations of a revenge campaign that the White House denies Weiser, who is seeking the Democratic nomination in this years governor race, has accused Trump of carrying out a revenge campaign and filed a federal lawsuit asking a judge to stop the administration from continuing to unlawfully punish the State of Colorado over Peters continued imprisonment. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser pauses during an interview with The Associated Press on November 21, 2024, in Philadelphia. - Matt Slocum/AP/File In an updated federal lawsuit filed last week, Weiser pointed to a string of recent actions by the administration that he cast as linked to the administrations ire over Peters continued incarceration. They include closing a Colorado-based climate lab, denying federal disaster assistance requests from the state, yanking federal transportation funds and threatening to withhold federal money for low-income families. Trump also vetoed a bill for a Colorado water project and moved US Space Command from Colorado Springs to Alabama. Polis in a statement alleged that Trumps actions are making life more difficult for the people of our state. In an email to CNN, the White House sought to refute the lawsuits individual claims, arguing, for instance, that there is no politicization in Trumps decision-making on disaster relief and that Trump was restoring US Space Command to a location he had chosen during his first term. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson described Trump as exercising his lawful and discretionary authority to ensure federal dollars are being spent in a way that aligns with the agenda endorsed by the American people when they resoundingly reelected the President. Weisers new allegations amend a lawsuit that he first filed in October, that seeks to overturn Trumps decision relocating the US Space Command to Huntsville, Alabama. In announcing that move, Trump cited Colorados use of mail-in voting as a factor in his decision. In the lawsuit, Weiser said Colorado has sovereign authority over how it administers elections and criminal justice within its borders. A major hearing Wednesday As the drama builds outside of court, Peters lawyers faced off Wednesday at the Colorado Court of Appeals against Weisers team. The case originates from Peters involvement in an effort by fellow pro-Trump election deniers to breach voting systems in Mesa County, where she was the clerk, in 2021. She was found guilty in 2024 by a jury in her ruby-red county of multiple felonies, including first-degree official misconduct and attempting to influence a public servant. The state trial judge who sentenced Peters called her a charlatan who was as defiant as any defendant this court has ever seen. Even from behind bars, Peters has continued through allies to post debunked conspiracy theories on her X account about supposed vote-rigging tied to Venezuela during the 2020 election. Peters lawyers maintain that she didnt break the law but rather was trying to uphold the law. In their view, the data breach was not a breach at all it was a good-faith attempt to follow federal laws requiring that election officials preserve records of federal elections. The law is well-settled, McSweeney told CNN. Anyone acting pursuant to a federal law, if theyre acting within the scope of their authority, and doing what is necessary and proper, then they enjoy immunity from any state prosecution. But at least two judges at Wednesdays hearing questioned whether Peters would be protected by that sweeping federal immunity. Judge Craig Welling said, Just because she can do certain things, that doesnt necessarily come within the scope of the immunity. Lisa Michaels, arguing on behalf of Colorados attorney general, said Peters engaged in a plot of deception to bring a pro-Trump conspiracy theorist into her office so he could improperly access county servers and make copies of 2020 election data. Tina Peters was not a federal official, Michaels said. She was a state official who was prosecuted by the state for deceiving state and local officials. But the appellate panel also repeatedly challenged Michaels. One judge said a legal argument she put forward was baffling. And two of the judges expressed strong concerns with how the trial judge linked Peters election-denying rhetoric to the lengthy prison term she received, which her lawyers claimed violated her First Amendment rights. The prosecution was initiated by a Republican prosecutor, but the attorney generals office, led by Weiser, is responsible for defending the guilty verdicts during the appeals process. The attorney generals team also recently defeated a longshot effort by Peters to convince a federal judge to release her from prison while her state-level appeals play out. Attorney General Weiser believes the sentence for Tina Peters is appropriate, it is important for her to be held accountable for her crimes, and it would be a grave injustice to reduce her sentence, Weiser spokesman Lawrence Pacheco said in a statement. This story has been updated with additional details. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com